XXI.
“And by the crowd are gentle courtiers hight,
“Because they imitate the ass and swine:
“When the just Parcæ or (to speak aright)
“Venus and Bacchus cut their master’s twine,
“—These base and sluggish dullards, whom I cite—
“Born but to blow themselves with bread and wine,
“In their vile mouths awhile such names convey,
“Then drop the load, which is Oblivion’s prey.
XXII.
“But as the joyful swans, that, singing sweet,
“Convey the medals safely to the fane,
“So they whose praises poets well repeat,
“Are rescued from oblivion, direr pain
“Than death. O Princes, wary and discreet,
“That wisely tread in Cæsar’s steps, and gain
“Authors for friends! They, doubt it not, shall save
“Your noble names from Lethe’s lazy wave.
XXIII.
“Rare as those gentle swans are poets too,
“That well the poet’s name have merited,
“As well because it is Heaven’s will, that few
“Great rulers should the paths of glory tread,
“As through foul fault of sordid lordlings, who
“Let sacred Genius beg his daily bread;
“Who putting down the Virtues, raise the tribe
“Of Vices, and the liberal arts proscribe.
