BOOK III. ODE III. _To Venus.

'Tis true, I was a sturdy soldier once, And bravely under Cupid's banners fought: Disbanded now, his service I renounce, My warlike weapons serve for nought.

Here! take my helmet, sword, and shield, My bow, my quiver, my artillery; Chloe has beaten me quite out of th' field, And leads me in captivity.

Great Venus! thou that know'st what I have been, How able, and how true a friend to smocks! 10 Revenge my quarrel on th' imperious quean, And pay her with a pox!