Imitation of Horace
To His Serving Boy
Persicos odi
Puer, apparatus;
Displicent nexae
Philyrâ coronae:
Mitte sectari,
Rosa qua locorum
Sera moretur.
Simplici myrto
Nihil allabores
Sedulus, curo:
Neque te ministrum
Dedecet myrtus,
Neque me sub arctâ
Vite bibentem.
AD Ministram
Dear LUCY, you know what my wish is,—
I hate all your Frenchified fuss:
Your silly entrées and made dishes
Were never intended for us.
No footman in lace and in ruffles
Need dangle behind my arm-chair;
And never mind seeking for truffles,
Although they be ever so rare.
But a plain leg of mutton, my Lucy,
I prithee get ready at three:
Have it smoking, and tender and juicy,
And what better meat can there be?
And when it has feasted the master,
’Twill amply suffice for the maid;
Meanwhile I will smoke my canaster,
And tipple my ale in the shade.