Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

Literally translated from Horace, by Miss Seward

In dazzling whiteness, lo! Soracte towers,
As all the mountains were one heap of snow!
Rush from the loaded woods the glittering showers;
The frost bound waters can no longer flow.

Let plenteous billets, on the glowing hearth,
Dissolve the ice-dart ere it reach the veins;
Bring mellow wines to prompt convivial mirth;
Nor heed th' arrested streams, or slippery plains

High heaven, resistless, in his varied way
Speaks! The wild elements contend no more.
Nor then, from raging seas, the foamy spray
Climbs the dark rocks, or bursts upon the shore.

And peaceful then your aged oaks shall stand;
In breathless calm the dusky cypress rise;
To-morrow's destiny the Gods command,
To day is thine; enjoy it and be wise!

Youth's rapid tide too swiftly rolls away;
Now, in its flow, let pleasures round thee bloom;
Join the gay dance, awake the melting lay,
Ere hoary Time blossom for the tomb!

Spear, and the steed, in busy camps impel:
And when the early darkness veils the groves,
Amid the leafless boughs let whispers steal,
While frolic beauty seeks the near alcoves.

Soft as the tiptoe steps the mazes rove,
A laugh, half smother'd, thy pleas'd ear shall meet
And sportive in the charming wiles of love,
Betray the artifice of coy retreat.

And then the Nymph, oft, from her snowy arm,
The promis'd bracelet may thy force employ.
Her feign'd reluctance, height'ning every charm,
Shall add new value to the ravish'd toy.