WOULDST thou be free? I think it not, indeed;But if thou wouldst, attend this ****** rede:
When quite contented}thou canst dine at home Thou shall be free when }
And drink a small wine of the march of Rome;When thou canst see unmoved thy neighbour's plate, And wear my threadbare toga in the gate;When thou hast learned to love a small abode, And not to choose a mistress A LA MODE:
When thus contained and bridled thou shalt be, Then, Maximus, then first shalt thou be free.
AD OLUM
CALL me not rebel, though { here at every word {in what I sing If I no longer hail thee { King and Lord { Lord and King I have redeemed myself with all I had, And now possess my fortunes poor but glad.
With all I had I have redeemed myself, And escaped at once from slavery and pelf.
The unruly wishes must a ruler take, Our high desires do our low fortunes make:
Those only who desire palatial things Do bear the fetters and the frowns of Kings;Set free thy slave; thou settest free thyself.