Classic Poem

While in thy heart I held my place,
Nor any youth more dear could cling
To yon fair neck in fond embrace,
More blest was I than Persians' king. Lydia .

While none excelled me in thy love,
Nor after Chloe Lydia came,
I, glorious Lydia, towered above
The height of Roman Ilia's fame. Horace .

Now Thracian Chloe rules my heart,
Sweet lute player and songstress rare.
Fearless for her with life I'll part,
So fate will but my darling spare. Lydia .

I Calais love, and he is mine,
Of Thuriate Ornytus the son.
For him I twice will life resign,
So but my boy from fate be won. Horace .

What if again to thee I turn,
Fast in love's brazen yoke once more,
If bright-haired Chloe forth I spurn,
And wide to Lydia fling the door? Lydia .

Though fairer than a star is he,
Though cork in lightness thou outvie,
In roughness Hadria's gulf, with thee
I'd live, with thee contented die.