O decus Phœbi et dapibus supremi
Grata testudo Jovis, O laborum
Dulce lenimen mihi cunque salve
Rite vocanti.
Juvenis (astounded). Charming, I'm sure!
Senex (beaming). Think so? I fear you flatter.
Juvenis. Not at all. You may say, with your new favourite—
"Quod si me lyricis vatibus inseres,
Sublimi feriam sidera vertice."
Senex (modestly). Very pretty! But I fear the ever-youthful Muses may disdain an Old Man's belated wooing.
Juvenis (slily). Even a Grand Old Man's?
Senex (shuddering). Nay, no more of that, an' you love me. By the way, I wanted to consult you on a little musical matter.
Juvenis (dubiously). Ah! Concerning yon Hibernian Harp, I presume?