Or travel (tho' you find your fetter strong);Set out betimes; your journey must be long.You'll weep at thoughts of her you left behind,And halting, to return be oft inclin'd.But how much more unwilling to proceed,Compel your feet to so much greater speed.Advance, let nothing interrupt your way,Nor wind nor weather, nor unlucky day.Nor count the miles you've past, but what remain;For loitering nigh no fond pretences feign.Nor reckon time, nor once look back on Rome,But fly; and, Parthian like, by flight o'ercome.You'll call my precepts hard; I grant they are;But for dear health who would not hardships bear;When sick, the bitter potion I have ta'en;And, for the food I've fancied, begg'd in vain.Both steel and fire you'll patiently endure,And thirst, more scorching, for your body's cure.Can you, who thus your earthly part redeem,For your immortal mind have less esteem?Yet, for my patient's comfort, I must own,When this first stage he manfully has run,The half, the worst half of his task is done.Gall'd with the yoke, at first the heifer draws;The curb's first trial frets the courser's jaws.Perhaps to leave your father's house you'll mourn;Yet go; and think, when tempted to return,Your kindred but the false pretence is made;'Tis absence from your mistress does persuade.When once set out, diversions you will meet,Fair country prospects, and companions sweet.Nor only travel far, but tarry long;Nor once look homewards while your passion's strong.Rebellious love, if he perceives you halt,With greater fury will renew th' assaultHalf-famish'd passion will more fiercely preyAnd all your labor past be thrown away.