Book 3 — 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, 10How able, and how true a friend to smocks! Revenge my quarrel on th' imperious quean, And pay her with a pox!