Leuconoe, you needs must see That he who by astrology Divines his fate will it await A prey to sad chronology. Forbidden lore like that is more Deceiving than ontology; Is death to joy and sleep, my boy, And nurtures rank pseudology! Take heed that he whom the Chaldee Enthralls by weird horology Gives gold for sooths whose rank untruths Demand more than apology. Be patient, friend, until the end That great Jove has assigned you, And rest assured it can't be cured, Nor needs a guide to find you. If chance your days be brief—why, praise The gods that trouble's spared you! If they be long, then pipe a song For added joys declared you! Be wise and gay, and let each day Be blest, nor fear to-morrow— Strain well your wine, all cares decline And banish time and sorrow! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EXPLICATION OF AN IMAGINARY TEXT by JAMES GALVIN IN A SWEDISH GRAVEYARD by EMMA LAZARUS MATER AMABILIS by EMMA LAZARUS THE HEART'S RETURN by EDWIN MARKHAM DILIGENCE IS TO MAGIC AS PROGRESS IS TO FLIGHT by MARIANNE MOORE |