ON OPENING AN OLD SCHOOL VOLUME OF HORACE

I had forgot how, in my day

The Sabine fields around me lay

In amaranth and asphodel,

With many a cold Bandusian well

Bright-bubbling by the mountain-way.

In forest dells of Faun and Fay

How, lounging in the fountain's spray,

I talked with Horace; felt his spell,

I had forgot.

With Pyrrha and with Lydia

How oft I sat, while Lalaga

Sang, and the fine Falerian fell,

Sparkling, and heard the poet tell

Of loves whose beauty lasts for aye,

I had forgot.