Ode

TO THE STUDIOUS

You will write more correctly (believe me) if you grasp
The celebrated fame of a name; and an eternal
Breeze from your studies, O glowing

And learned youth;

When you shall wisely turn the pages of the book, stained
With the wit of refined men:
The world has nothing else worthy,

Similar, or second to this.

This kind pleased the famous Clearchus,
This kind was pleasing also to Suidas,
This kind the offspring of the High-Thundering Father

Followed.

Whoever of the youth esteems this golden little book,
Shall remain safe from the shameful
Vices of writing, let it be loosened

And let it be bound.

Just as a little stone adorns a golden
Ring, gleaming with a truly shining
Light, so this book renders the youth

Clear and decorous.

Therefore, studious ones, consider this elegant little book
A truly great treasure:
Worthy of praises; and the more it is cultivated,

The more worthy it is of love.

W. P. CYCN.