Erotica Romana

<p><SPAN name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"></SPAN></p> <h2> IX </h2> <p>How very happy I am here in Rome when I think of the bad days<br/> <br/> Far back there in the north, wrapped in a grayish light.<br/> <br/> Over my head there the heavens weighed down so dismal and gloomy;<br/> <br/> Colorless, formless, that world round this exhausted man lay.<br/> <br/> Seeking myself in myself, an unsatisfied spirit, I brooded,<br/> <br/> Spying out pathways dark, lost in dreary reflection.<br/> <br/> Here in an �ther more clear now a luster encircles my forehead.<br/> <br/> Phoebus the god evokes forms, clear are his colors by day.<br/> <br/> Bright with the stars comes the evening, ringing with songs that are tender,<br/> <br/> And the glow of the moon, brighter than northern sun.<br/> <br/> What blessedness mortals may know! Am I now dreaming? Or welcomes<br/> <br/> Jupiter, Father, as guest&mdash;me, to ambrosial halls?<br/> <br/> See, I lie here extending my arms toward your knees. I am praying:<br/> <br/> Hospitality's god, Jupiter Xenius! Hear:<br/> <br/> How I am come to this place I no longer can say&mdash;I was<br/> <br/> Seized up by Hebe. 'Twas she led to this sacred hill.<br/> <br/> Did you command her a hero to seek and deliver before you?<br/> <br/> May be she erred. Then forgive. Let her mistake profit me!<br/> <br/> Does not Fortuna, your daughter, when strewing her glorious presents,<br/> <br/> After the manner of girls, yield to each passing whim?<br/> <br/> You, O hospitable god, will by no means now banish a stranger<br/> <br/> From your Olympian heights back to the base earth again.<br/> <br/> "Poet, come to your senses!"&mdash;Forgive me, Jupiter, is not<br/> <br/> Rome's Capitoline Hill second Olympus to you?<br/> <br/> Suffer me, Jupiter, here and let Hermes guide me at last then<br/> <br/> Past Cestius' Tomb gently to Orkus below.<br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />