Classic Poem

ODE XXX.— THE DEDICATION OF GLYCERA'S CHAPEL .

O Venus! Queen of Cyprus isle,
Of Paphos and of Gnidus,
Hie from thy favourite haunts awhile,
And make abode amid us;
Glycera's altar for thee smokes,
With frankincense sweet-smelling—
Thee, while the charming maid invokes,
Hie to her lovely dwelling!

Let yon bright Boy, whose hand hath grasped
Love's blazing torch, precede thee,
While gliding on, with zone unclasped,
The sister Graces lead thee:
Nor be thy Nymph-attendants missed:
Nor can it harm thy court, if
Hebe the youthful swell thy list,
With Mercury the sportive.