Silenus on his ass did next appear, And held upon the mane; (the God was clear) The drunken sire pursues, the dames retire; Sometimes the drunken dames pursue the drunken sire. At last he topples over on the plain; The satyrs laugh, and bid him rise again. And now the God of Wine came driving on, High on his chariot by swift tygers drawn. Her colour, voice, and sense, forsook the fair; } Thrice did her trembling feet for flight prepare, } And thrice, affrighted, did her flight forbear. } She shook, like leaves of corn when tempests blow, Or slender reeds that in the marshes grow. To whom the God:--Compose thy fearful mind; In me a truer husband thou shalt find. With heaven I will endow thee, and thy star } Shall with propitious light be seen afar, } And guide on seas the doubtful mariner. } He said, and from his chariot leaping light, Lest the grim tygers should the nymph affright, His brawny arms around her waist he threw; (For Gods, whate'er they will, with ease can do;) And swiftly bore her thence: the attending throng Shout at the sight, and sing the nuptial song. Now in full bowls her sorrow she may steep; The bridegroom's liquor lays the bride asleep. But thou, when flowing cups in triumph ride, And the loved nymph is seated by thy side, Invoke the God, and all the mighty Powers, That wine may not defraud thy genial hours. Then in ambiguous words thy suit prefer, Which she may know were all addrest to her. In liquid purple letters write her name, Which she may read, and, reading, find the flame. Then may your eyes confess your mutual fires; (For eyes have tongues, and glances tell desires;) Whene'er she drinks, be first to take the cup, And, where she laid her lips, the blessing sup. When she to carving does her hand advance, Put out thy own, and touch it as by chance. Thy service even her husband must attend: (A husband is a most convenient friend.) Seat the fool cuckold in the highest place, And with thy garland his dull temples grace. Whether below or equal in degree, } Let him be lord of all the company, } And what he says, be seconded by thee. } 'Tis common to deceive through friendship's name; But, common though it be, 'tis still to blame: Thus factors frequently their trust betray, And to themselves their masters' gains convey. Drink to a certain pitch, and then give o'er; Thy tongue and feet may stumble, drinking more. Of drunken quarrels in her sight beware; Pot-valour only serves to fright the fair. Eurytion justly fell, by wine opprest, For his rude riot at a wedding-feast. Sing, if you have a voice; and show your parts In dancing, if endued with dancing arts.