On Mincio's banks, in Caesar's bounteous reign, If Tityrus found the Golden Age again, Must sleepy bards the flattering dream prolong, Mechanic echoes of the Mantuan song? From Truth and Nature shall we widely stray, Where Virgil, not where Fancy, leads the way?

Thou didst his gracious reign prolong, Even in thy saints' and angels' wrong, His fellow-citizens of immortality: For twelve long years of exile borne, Twice twelve we number'd since his blest return: So strictly wert thou just to pay, Even to the driblet of a day.

Still fear and hope my grief and woe prolongs.

To try to gain men far away Will but your heart's distress prolong.