The Reconciliation

HE When you were mine, in auld lang syne, And when none else your charms might ogle, I'll not deny, fair nymph, that I Was happier than a heathen mogul. SHE Before _she_ came, that rival flame (Had ever mater saucier filia?), In those good times, bepraised in rhymes, I was more famed than Mother Ilia. HE Chloe of Thrace! With what a grace Does she at song or harp employ her! I'd gladly die, if only I Could live forever to enjoy her! SHE My Sybaris so noble is That, by the gods, I love him madly! That I might save him from the grave, I'd give my life, and give it gladly! HE What if _ma belle_ from favor fell, And I made up my mind to shake her; Would Lydia then come back again, And to her quondam love betake her? SHE My other beau should surely go, And you alone should find me gracious; For no one slings such odes and things As does the lauriger Horatius!