Chapter 4 of 17 · 54 words · ~1 min read

IV.

Of that poor captive, too contemned, I speak,--his doom you might deplore-- In Venus' galliot shell condemned To strain for life the heavy oar. Through thee, no longer as of yore, He tames the unmanageable steed, With curb of gold his pride restrains, Or with pressed spurs and shaken reins Torments him into speed.