Odes by Horace

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THE ODES AND CARMEN SAECULARE OF HORACE

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MATER SAEVA CUPIDINUM


Cupid's mother, cruel dame,

And
Semele's Theban boy, and Licence bold, Bid me kindle into flame

This heart, by waning passion now left cold.

O, the charms of Glycera,

That hue, more dazzling than the Parian stone!

O, that sweet tormenting play,

That too fair face, that blinds when look'd upon!

Venus comes in all her might,

Quits Cyprus for my heart, nor lets me tell

Of the Parthian, hold in flight,

Nor
Scythian hordes, nor aught that breaks her spell. Heap the grassy altar up,

Bring vervain, boys, and sacred frankincense;

Fill the sacrificial cup;

A victim's blood will soothe her vehemence.




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