I ask not now: not all of truthWe seekers find: enough to knowThe wisdom of the princely youthHas taught our erst victorious foeWhat prowess dwells in boyish heartsRear'd in the shrine of a pure home,What strength Augustus' love impartsTo Nero's seed, the hope of Rome.Good sons and brave good sires approve:Strong bullocks, fiery colts, attestTheir fathers' worth, nor weakling doveIs hatch'd in savage eagle's nest.But care draws forth the power within,And cultured minds are strong for good:Let manners fail, the plague of sinTaints e'en the course of gentle blood.How great thy debt to Nero's race,O Rome, let red Metaurus say,Slain Hasdrubal, and victory's graceFirst granted on that glorious day