GetPassage urn:cts:latinLit:phi0893.phi001.perseus-eng2:3.16.1-3.16.20 urn:cts:latinLit:phi0893.phi001.perseus-eng2:3.16.1-3.16.20
Full well had Danae been secured, in truth,By oaken portals, and a brazen tower,And savage watch-dogs, from the roving youthThat prowl at midnight's hour:But Jove and Venus mock'd with gay disdainThe jealous warder of that close stronghold:The way, they knew, must soon be smooth and plainWhen gods could change to gold.Gold, gold can pass the tyrant's sentinel,Can shiver rocks with more resistless blowThan is the thunder's. Argos' prophet fell,He and his house laid low,And all for gain. The man of Macedon Cleft gates of cities, rival kings o'erthrewBy force of gifts: their cunning snares have wonRude captains and their crew.As riches grow, care follows: men repineAnd thirst for more. No lofty crest I raise:Wisdom that thought forbids, Maecenas mine,The knightly order's praise.