For when his Blood no Youthful Spirits move,Line 155
He languishes and labours in his Love.
And when the sprightly Seed shou'd swiftly come,
Dribling he drudges, and defrauds the Womb.
In vain he burns, like fainty Stubble Fires;
And in himself his former self requires.Line 160
His Age and Courage weigh: Nor those alone,
But note his Father's Virtues with his own;
Observe if he disdains to yield the Prize;
Of Loss impatient, proud of Victories.
Hast thou beheld, when from the Goal they start,Line 165
The Youthful Charioteers with beating Heart,
Rush to the Race; and panting, scarcely bear
Th' extreams of feaverish hope, and chilling Fear;
Stoop to the Reins, and lash with all their force;
The flying Chariot kindles in the Course:Line 170
And now aloft; and now alow they fly,
Now seem to sink in Earth, and now to touch the Sky;
No stop, no stay, but Clouds of Sand arise;
Spurn'd, and cast backward on the Follower's Eyes.
The hindmost blows the foam upon the first:Line 175
Such is the love of Praise, an Honourable Thirst.
Bold Ericthonius was the first, who join'd
Four Horses for the rapid Race design'd;
And o're the dusty Wheels presiding sate;
The Lapythae to Chariots, added StateLine 180
Of Bits and Bridles; taught the Steed to bound;
To run the Ring, and trace the mazy round.
To stop, to fly, the Rules of War to know:
T' obey the Rider; and to dare the Foe.
To chuse a Youthful Steed, with Courage fir'd;Line 185
To breed him, break him, back him, are requir'd
Experienc'd Masters; and in sundry Ways:
Their Labours equal, and alike their Praise.