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ODE V.

Horace

Not yet is she fit to be broken to the yoke; not yet is she equal to the

duties of a partner, nor can she support the weight of the bull

impetuously rushing to enjoyment. Your heifer's sole inclination is

about verdant fields, one while in running streams soothing the grievous

heat; at another, highly delighted to frisk with the steerlings in the

moist willow ground. Suppress your appetite for the immature grape;

shortly variegated autumn will tinge for thee the lirid clusters with a

purple hue. Shortly she shall follow you; for her impetuous time runs

on, and shall place to her account those years of which it abridges you;

shortly Lalage with a wanton assurance will seek a husband, beloved in a

higher degree than the coy Pholoe, or even Chloris; shining as brightly

with her fair shoulder, as the spotless moon upon the midnight sea, or

even the Gnidian Gyges, whom if you should intermix in a company of

girls, the undiscernible difference occasioned by his flowing locks and

doubtful countenance would wonderfully impose even on sagacious

strangers.

 

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