Frederic Manning

DO ye mock me, wantons, that I come among ye

Drunken, bedecked with garlands,

Like a white, sacrificial bull?

Laugh, then!

So Cypris, laughing, shake one petal down

From her rose-braided hair!

Honeyed with kisses, be profuse

The glowing purple that brims up this gold!

Laugh then, and mock, but kiss me: for what man

Would come among ye sober?

Wise, I come,

Borne on Silenus’ ass to praise Eros.