Classic Poem

ODE XXVI.— FRIENDSHIP AND POETRY THE BEST
ANTIDOTES TO SORROW .

Sadness—I who live
Devoted to the Muses,
To the wild wind give,
To waft where'er it chooses;
Deigning not to care
What savage chief be chosen
To reign beneath “the Bear,”
O'er the fields for ever frozen.

Let Tiridates rue
The march of Roman legions,
While I my path pursue
Through poesy's caim regions—
Bidding the Muse, who drinks
From the fountains unpolluted,
To weave with flowery links
A wreath, to Friendship suited,
For gentle Lamia's brow.—
O Muse melodious! sweetly
Echo his praise; for thou
Alone canst praise him fitly.
For him thy Lesbian shell
With strings refurnish newly,
And let thy sisters swell
The jocund chorus duly.
Sadness—I who live devoted, &c.