Thou taughtest them of Venus and of Love,

And of the immortal son of Semele,

The Lycian's hair, the glowing majesty

Of deep-browed Jove.

Now, when I strike, comes smiling to my side

The spirit of Flaccus, and through choirs divine

Of laurelled nymphs that radiant round me shine,

Calmly I glide.

O dear to Jove and Phœbus! Sway benignant

Which art chief guardian of our cities' peace,