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Victoria et Vino
Salve bona Victoria
Glorious end, to all struggles
Bought by the blood of brave soldiers
Bought by the tears of families
A battle fierce, has ended war
The tide did turn against the foe
The trumpets pealed, and drums did boom
As legions marched, in triumph grand
And afterwards, encamped, at ease
Rome's warriors, received their pay
Slept through the night, with open gates
Then mustered out, returned to homes
Julius was Pilus Primus
And Marcus was his shieldman stout
Together they had marched for years
Had shed much blood, both theirs and foe's
Neither man had ever wedded
The Legion was, their mistress hard
Through all the years, in peace and war
They stayed close friends, who shared a dream
Twenty years they, had followed Eagles
Both had saved, a goodly sum
As veterans they had earned land grant
And luck was theirs, 'twas close to Rome
Their plans were plain; they'd hashed them out
A tavern fine, would bear their names
They'd found a set of little shops
That would suffice, once remodeled
They let their land, to friend of theirs
Who was a son, of rich farmer
They knew he'd wrest, wealth from the dirt
And pay good rent, freeing their time
So work progressed, and tavern rose
From shabby shops, which were reshaped
From dingy holes, to bright broad space
On well-trod road, near city gate
The two of them, would act as hosts
(And bouncers, too, if need arose)
Their cook was Greek, helped by her son
Her freed husband, would tend the wine
The second hour afternoon
Would see their doors, full open wide
And midnight hour, fully dark
Would see the end of day's labors
So on the Ides of September
Pantry was full and fresh bread baked
And jars of wine, Falernian!
All was ready, to open doors
Under lintel of Eagles' Roost
Many old friends from army days
Would come to drink and remember
Would stay to eat, and be well served
Julius wed, as did Marcus
To city girls, Plebeians both
Raised families, and made good names
As taverners, of finest sort
Then came the day, the Eagles called
Two proud men, went with their sons
To encampment, full of recruits
Who someday would, be swords of Rome
Salve bona Victoria
Glorious end, to all struggles
Bought by the blood of brave soldiers
Bought by the tears of families.
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