THE PINE-APPLE AND THE BEE. THE pine-apples, in triple row, Were basking hot, and all in blow; While Cynthio ogles as she passes The nymph between two chariot glasses, The silly unsuccessful bee. The maid, who views with pensive air Like thine, her appetite is keen, Our dear delights are often such, HORACE. BOOK THE 2d. ODE THE 10th. I. RECEIVE, dear friend, the truths I teach, So shalt thou live beyond the reach Of adverse Fortune's pow'r; Not always tempt the distant deep, Nor always timorously creep Along the treach'rous shore. II. He, that holds fast the golden mean, The little and the great, Feels not the wants that pinch the poor, Nor plagues that haunt the rich man's door, III. The tallest pines feel most the pow'r The bolts, that spare the mountain's side, And spread the ruin round. IV. The well-inform'd philosopher And hopes, in spite of pain; If winter bellow from the north, Soon the sweet spring comes dancing forth, And nature laughs again. V. What if thine heav'n be overcast, The god that strings the silver bow VI. If hindrances obstruct thy way, And let thy strength be seen; But oh! if Fortune fill thy sail A REFLECTION ON THE FOREGOING ODE. AND is this all? Can reason do no more Than bid me shun the deep and dread the shore? The Christian has an art unknown to thee: TRANSLATIONS FROM VINCENT BOURNE. I. THE GLOW-WORM. 1. BENEATH the hedge, or near the stream, A worm is known to stray; That shows by night a lucid beam, Which disappears by day. II. Disputes have been, and still prevail, Some give that honour to his tail, III. But this is sure....the hand of might, IV. Perhaps indulgent nature meant, V. Nor crush a worm, whose useful light VI. Whate'er she meant, this truth divine Is legible and plain, 'Tis pow'r almighty bids him shine, Nor bids him shine in vain. VII. Ye proud and wealthy, let this theme Teach humbler thoughts to you, Since such a reptile has its gem, And boasts its splendour too. |