Ode LXXVII

Upon the path of Love, O heart, deceit and risk are great!

And fall upon the way shall he who at swift rate

Shall go.

Inflated by the wind of pride, the bubble's head may shine;

But soon its cap of rule shall fall, and merged in wine

Shall go.

O heart, when thou hast aged grown, show airs of grace no more:

Remember that such ways as these when youth is o'er

Shall go.

Has the black book of black locks closed, the album yet shall stay,

Though many a score the extracts be which day by day

Shall go.