No More Learning

25.

Your lighted links, O boys, wave high:
I see the flamey veil draw nigh:
Hie, sing in merry mode and cry
"O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 120
O Hymen Hymenaeus! "

26.

Lest longer mute tongue stays that joys
In festal jest, from Fescennine,
Nor yet denay their nuts to boys,
He-Concubine! who learns in fine 125
His lordling's love is fled.

27.

Throw nuts to boys thou idle all
He-Concubine! wast fain full long
With nuts to play: now pleased as thrall
Be thou to swell Talasios' throng: 130
He-Concubine throw nuts.

28.

Wont thou at peasant-girls to jape
He-whore! Thy Lord's delight the while:
Now shall hair-curling chattel scrape
Thy cheeks: poor wretch, ah! poor and vile:-- 135
He-Concubine, throw nuts.

29.

'Tis said from smooth-faced ingle train
(Anointed bridegroom! ) hardly fain
Hast e'er refrained; now do refrain!
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 140
O Hymen Hymenaeus!

30.

We know that naught save licit rites
Be known to thee, but wedded wights
No more deem lawful such delights.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 145
O Hymen Hymenaeus.

31.

Thou too, O Bride, whatever dare
Thy groom, of coy rebuff beware,
Lest he to find elsewhither fare.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 150
O Hymen Hymenaeus.

32.

Lo! here the house of high degree
Thy husband's puissant home to be,
Which ever shall obey thy gree.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 155
O Hymen Hymenaeus!

33.

Till Time betide when eld the hoar
Thy head and temples trembling o'er
Make nod to all things evermore.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 160
O Hymen Hymenaeus.

34.

O'erstep with omen meetest meet
The threshold-stone thy golden feet
Up, past the polisht panels fleet.