But gently take it up, and wipe it clean; } And while you wipe it, with observing eyes, Who knows but you may see her naked thighs! Observe, who sits behind her; and beware, Lest his encroaching knee should press the fair. Light service takes light minds; for some can tell Of favours won, by laying cushions well: By fanning faces, some their fortune meet; And some by laying footstools for their feet. These overtures of love the circus gives; Nor at the sword-play less the lover thrives; For there the son of Venus fights his prize, And deepest wounds are oft received from eyes. One, while the crowd their acclamations make, Or while he bets, and puts his ring to stake, Is struck from far, and feels the flying dart, And of the spectacle is made a part. Cæsar would represent a naval fight, For his own honour, and for Rome's delight; From either sea the youths and maidens come, And all the world was then contained in Rome. In this vast concourse, in this choice of game, What Roman heart but felt a foreign flame? Once more our prince prepares to make us glad; And the remaining East to Rome will add. Rejoice, ye Roman soldiers, in your urns; } Your ensigns from the Parthians shall return, } And the slain Crassi shall no longer mourn. } A youth is sent those trophies to demand, And bears his father's thunder in his hand; Doubt not the imperial boy in wars unseen, In childhood all of Cæsar's race are men; Celestial seeds shoot out before their day, Prevent their years, and brook no dull delay: Thus infant Hercules the snakes did press, And in his cradle did his sire confess; Bacchus, a boy, yet like a hero fought, And early spoils from conquered India brought. Thus you your father's troops shall lead to fight, And thus shall vanquish in your father's right. These rudiments you to your lineage owe; Born to encrease your titles, as you grow. Brethren you had, revenge your brethren slain; You have a father, and his rights maintain; Armed by your country's parent, and your own, Redeem your country, and restore his throne. Your enemies assert an impious cause; You fight both for divine and human laws. Already in their cause they are o'ercome; Subject them too, by force of arms, to Rome. Great father Mars with greater Cæsar join, } To give a prosperous omen to your line; } One of you is, and one shall be divine. } I prophesy you shall, you shall o'ercome; My verse shall bring you back in triumph home. Speak in my verse, exhort to loud alarms; O were my numbers equal to your arms! Then would I sing the Parthians overthrow; Their shot averse sent from a flying bow: The Parthians, who already flying fight,