Page:Satires, Epistles, Art of Poetry of Horace - Coningsby (1874).djvu/150

120 Bidding me act as though I filled the place Of one you honour with your special grace, He sees and knows what I may safely try By way of influence better e'en than I. Believe me, many were the pleas I used In the vain hope to get myself excused: But then there came a natural fear, you know, Lest I should seem to rate my powers too low, To make a snug peculium of my own, And keep my influence for myself alone: So, fearing to incur more serious blame, I bronze my front, step down, and play my game. If then you praise the sacrifice I make In waiving modesty for friendship's sake, Admit him to your circle, when you've read These lines, and trust me for his heart and head.



O Fuscus, lover of the city, I Who love the country, wish prosperity: In this one thing unlike, in all beside We might be twins, so nearly we're allied; Sharing each other's hates, each other's loves, We bill and coo, like two familiar doves. You keep the nest: I love the rural scene,