Ars Amatoria
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Original / primary: Perseus Eng2
2.1.1
Now Io Paean sing! now wreaths prepare!
2.1.2
And with repeated Ios fill the air:
2.1.3
The prey is fall'n in my successful toils,
2.1.4
My artful nets inclose the lovely spoils.
2.1.5
My numbers now, ye smiling lovers, crown,
2.1.6
And make your poet deathless in renown:
2.1.7
With lasting fame my verse shall be enroll'd,
2.1.8
And I preferr'd to all the bards of old.
2.1.9
Thus Paris from the warlike Spartans bore
2.1.10
Their ravish'd bride to Ida's distant shore.
2.1.11
Victorious Pelops thus in triumph drove
2.1.12
The vanquish'd maid, and thus enjoy'd his love.
2.1.13
Stay, eager youth! your bark's but under sail;
2.1.14
The distant port requires a prosp'rous gale.
2.1.15
'Tis not enough the yielding beauty's found,
2.1.16
And with my aid your artful passion crown'd;
2.1.17
The conquests our successful conduct gain'd,
2.1.18
With art must be secur'd, by arts maintain'd.
2.1.19
The glory's more to guard than win the prize,
2.1.20
There all the toil and threatening danger lies.
2.1.21
If ever, Cupid, now indulgent prove;
2.1.22
O Venus! aid, thou charming queen of love!
2.1.23
Kind Erato, let thy auspicious name
2.1.24
Inspire the work, and raise my gen'rous flame.
2.1.25
The labour's great! a method I design
2.1.26
For love, and will the fetter'd god confine;
2.1.27
The god that roves the spacious world around,
2.1.28
In ev'ry clime, and distant region found;
2.1.29
Active and light, his wings elude our guard,
2.1.30
And to confine a deity is hard.
2.21.31
His guest from flight Minos inclos'd around,
2.21.32
Yet he with wings a daring passage found.
2.21.33
Thus Daedalus her offspring first confin'd;
2.21.34
Who, with a bull, in lewd embraces join'd:
2.21.35
Her teeming womb the horrid crime confess'd;
2.21.36
Big with a human bull, half man half beast.
2.21.37
Said he, " Just Minos, best of human kind,
2.21.38
Thy mercy let a prostrate exile find:
2.21.39
By fates compell'd my native shores to fly,
2.21.40
Permit me, where I durst not live, to die,
2.21.41
Enlarge my son, if you neglect my tears,
2.21.42
And show compassion to his blooming years:
2.21.43
Let not the youth a long confinement mourn,
2.21.44
Oh, free the son, or let his sire return!"
2.21.45
Thus he implor'd, but still implor'd in vain,
2.21.46
Nor could the freedom that he sought, obtain.
2.21.47
Convinc'd at length; " Now, Daedalus," he cried,
2.21.48
"Here's subject for thy art that's yet untried.
2.21.49
Minos the earth commands, and guards the sea,
2.21.50
No pass the land affords, the deep no way:
2.21.51
Heav'n's only free, we'll heav'n's auspicious height
2.21.52
Attempt to pass, where kinder fates invite;
2.21.53
Favor, ye powers above, my daring flight!"
2.21.54
Misfortunes oft prove to inventions kind,
2.21.55
Instruct our wit, and aid the lab'ring mind:
2.21.56
For who can credit men, in wild despair,
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Should force a passage thro' the yielding air?
2.21.58
Feathers for wings design'd the artists chose,
2.21.59
And bound with thread his forming pinions close;
2.21.60
With temper'd wax the pointed end he wrought,
2.21.61
And to perfection his new labors brought.
2.21.62
The finish'd wings his smiling offspring views,
2.21.63
Admires the work, not conscious of their use:
2.21.64
To whom the father said, "Observe aright,
2.21.65
Observe, my son, these instruments of flight.
2.21.66
In vain the tyrant our escape retards,
2.21.67
The heavens he cannot, all but heav'n he guards:
2.21.68
Tho' earth and seas elude a father's care,
2.21.69
These wings shall waft us through the spacious air.
2.21.70
Nor shall my son celestial signs survey,
2.21.71
Far from the radient virgin take your way;
2.21.72
Or where Bootes the chill'd north commands,
2.21.73
And with his fau chion dread Orion stands:
2.21.74
I'll go before, me still retain in sight,
2.21.75
Where'er I lead securely make your flight.
2.21.76
For should we upward soar too near the sun,
2.21.77
Dissolv'd with heat the liquid wax will run;
2.21.78
Or near the seas an humbler flight maintain,
2.21.79
Our plumes will suffer by the streaming main.
2.21.80
A medium keep, the winds observe aright;
2.21.81
The winds will aid your advantageous flight."
2.21.82
He caution'd thus, and thus inform'd him long,
2.21.83
As careful birds instruct their tender young;
2.21.84
The spreading wings then to his shoulders bound,
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His body pois'd, and rais'd him from the ground.
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Prepar'd for flight, his aged arms embrace
2.21.87
The tender youth, whilst tears o'erflow his face.
2.21.88
A hill there was, from whence the anxious pair
2.21.89
Essay'd their wings, and forth they launch'd air;
2.21.90
Now his expanded plumes the artist plies,
2.21.91
Regards his son, and leads along the skies;
2.21.92
Pleas'd with the novelty of flight, the boy
2.21.93
Bounds in the air, and upward springs with joy.
2.21.94
The angler views them from the distant strand,
2.21.95
And quits the labors of his trembling hand;
2.21.96
Samos they past, and Naxos in their flight,
2.21.97
And Delos, with Apollo's presence bright.
2.21.98
Now on their right Lebintho's shores they found,
2.21.99
For fruitful lakes and shady groves renown'd.
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When the aspiring boy forgot his fears,
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Rash with hot youth and unexperienc'd years;
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Upwards he soar'd, maintain'd a lofty stroke,
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And his directing father's way forsook.
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The wax, of heat impatient, melted run,
2.21.105
Nor could his wings sustain the blaze of sun.
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From heaven he views the fatal depths below,
2.21.107
Whilst killing fears prevent the distant blow.
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His struggling arms now no resistance find,
2.21.109
Nor poise the body nor receive the wind.
2.21.110
Falling, his father he implores in vain,
2.21.111
To aid his flight, and sinking limbs sustain;
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His name invokes, till the expiring sound
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Far in the floods with Icarus was drown'd.
2.21.114
The parent mourns, a parent now no more,
2.21.115
And seeks the absent youth on ev'ry shore;
2.21.116
"Where's my lov'd son, my Icarus?" he cries,
2.21.117
"Say in what distant region of the skies,
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Or faithless clime the youthful wand'rer flies;"
2.21.119
Then view'd his pinions scatter'd o'er the stream.
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The shore his bones received, the waves his name.
2.21.121
Minos with walls attempted to detain
2.21.122
His flying guests, but did attempt in vain;
2.21.123
Yet the wing'd god shall to our rules submit,
2.21.124
And Cupid yield to more prevailing wit.
2.99.125
Thessalian arts in vain rash lovers use,
2.99.126
In vain with drugs the scornful maid abuse;
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The skilfull'st potions ineffectual prove.
2.99.128
Useless are magic remedies in love;
2.99.129
Could charms prevail, Circe had prov'd her art,
2.99.130
And fond Medea fix'd her Jason's heart;
2.99.131
Nor tempt with philters the disdainful dame;
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They rage inspire, create a frantic flame:
2.99.133
Abstain from guilt, all vicious arts remove,
2.99.134
And make your passion worthy of her love.
2.99.135
Distrust your empty form and boasted face,
2.99.136
The nymph engage a thousand nobler ways;
2.99.137
To fix her vanquish'd heart entirely thine,
2.99.138
Accomplish'd graces to your native join.
2.99.139
Beauty's but frail, a charm that soon decays,
2.99.140
Its lustre fades as rolling years increase,
2.99.141
And age still triumphs o'er the ruin'd face.
2.99.142
This truth the fair but short liv'd-lily shows,
2.99.143
And prickles that survive the faded rose.
2.99.144
Learn, lovely boy, be with instruction wise!
2.99.145
Beauty and youth misspent are past advice.
2.99.146
Then cultivate thy mind with wit and fame,
2.99.147
Those lasting charms survive the funeral flame.
2.99.148
With arts and sciences your breast improve,
2.99.149
Of high import are languages in love:
2.99.150
The fam'd Ulysses was not fair nor young,
2.99.151
But eloquent and charming with his tongue:
2.99.152
And yet with him contented beauties strove,
2.99.153
And ev'ry sea-nymph sought the hero's love.
2.99.154
Calypso mourn'd when he forsook her shores,
2.99.155
And with fond waves detain'd his hasty oars,
2.99.156
Oft she enquir'd of ruin'd Ilium's fate,
2.99.157
Making him oft the wondrous tale relate;
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Which with such grace his florid tongue could frame,
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The story still was new, tho' still the same.
2.99.160
Now standing on the shores, " Again declare,"
2.99.161
Calypso cried, "your fam'd exploits in war."
2.99.162
lie with a wand, a slender wand he bore,
2.99.163
Delineates ev'ry action on the shore.
2.99.164
"Here's Troy," says he, then draws the walls in sand.
2.99.165
"There Simois flows, here my battalions stand.
2.99.166
A field there was," and then describes the field,
2.99.167
"Where Dolon, with rewards deceiv'd, we kill'd.
2.99.168
Just thus entrench'd imagine Rhesus lies,
2.99.169
And here we make his warlike steeds our prize."
2.99.170
Much he describ'd, when a destructive wave
2.99.171
Wash'd off the slender Troy, and rolling gave
2.99.172
To Rhesus and his tents one common grave.
2.99.173
Long with delight his charming tongue she heard,
2.99.174
The well-rais'd passion in her looks appear'd:
2.99.175
The goddess weeps to view his spreading sails,
2.99.176
So much a soldier with the sex prevails.
2.99.177
Distrust thy form, fond youth, and learn to know,
2.99.178
There's more requir'd in love than empty show.
2.99.179
With just disdain she treats the haughty mind,
2.99.180
'Tis complaisance that makes a beauty kind.
2.99.181
The hawk we hate that always lives in arms,
2.99.182
The raging wolf that ev'ry flock alarms:
2.99.183
But the mild swallow none with toils infest,
2.99.184
And none the soft Chaonian birds molest.The Chaonian bird is a dove. Chaonia is part of Epirus, so called from the fate of Chaon, an Athenian. There wasa temple of Dodonian Jupiter, where doves dispensed the sacred oracles with human voices. In the forest of Dodona, in Epirus, not far from the temple, there were doves thatprophecied. From whence, says Servius, comes the fable that Peliades, in the Thessalian tongue, signifies prophet and dove. Pausanias says that these doves gave answers from the Dodonean oaks. But Herodotus, in his Euterpe, writes, that these doves were prophecying women.
2.99.185
Debates avoid, and rude contention shun;
2.99.186
A woman's with submissive language won.
2.99.187
Let the wife rail, and injur'd husband swear,
2.99.188
Such freedoms are allow'd the married pair;
2.99.189
Discord and strife to nuptial beds belong,
2.99.190
The portion justifies a clam'rous tongue.
2.99.191
With tender vows the yielding maid endear,
2.99.192
And let her only sighs and wishes hear;
2.99.193
Contrive with words and actions to delight,
2.99.194
Still charm her ear, and still oblige her sight.
2.161.195
I no instructions to the rich impart,
2.161.196
He needs not, that presents, my useless art:That is, riches will do all things, and interest easily gains a woman's heart, because the sex is generally covetous.
2.161.197
The giving lover's handsome, valiant, wise,
2.161.198
His happy fortune is above advice.
2.161.199
And, wanting wealth, with melting language move,
2.161.200
His honour storms a stubborn damsel's door;
2.161.201
I'm cautious to affront, because I'm poor.
2.161.202
With pleasing arts I court, with arts possess;
2.161.203
Or if I'm bounteous, 'tis in promises.
2.161.204
Enrag'd, I ruffl'd once Corinna's hair,
2.161.205
Long was I banish'd by the injur'd fair;
2.161.206
Long mournful nights for this consum'd alone,
2.161.207
Nor could my tears the furious maid atone.
2.161.208
Weeping, she vow'd, a suit of point I tore;
2.161.209
Falsely she vow'd, but I must purchase more.
2.161.210
Make not your guilty master's crime your own,
2.161.211
But by my punishment my error shun.
2.161.212
Indecent fury from her sight remove,
2.161.213
No passion let your mistress know, but love.
2.161.214
Yet if the haughty nymph's unkind, and coy,
2.161.215
Or shuns your sight; have patience, and enjoy.
2.161.216
By slow degrees we bend the stubborn bough;
2.161.217
What force resists, with art will pliant grow.
2.161.218
In vain we stem a torrent's rapid force,
2.161.219
But swim with ease, complying with its course.
2.161.220
By gentler arts we savage beasts reclaim,
2.161.221
And lions,It is certain, no creature is so stately and fierce as a lion who, when he is hunted by dogs and huntsmen in the open field, seems to despise his pursuers, and flies slowly from them; but when he is in the woods, and thinks his shame may be saved by flight, he runs with great speed to avoid them. The first that ever tamed a lion, was a noble Carthaginian, whose name was Hanno; and he was condemned for that very reason: the Carthaginians not thinking their liberty could be secure, while a person lived who was able to tame so fierce an animal. bulls, and furious tigers tame.
2.161.222
Fiercely Atlanta o er the forest rov'd,
2.161.223
Cruel and wild, and yet at last she lov'd.
2.161.224
Melanion long deplor'd his hopeless flame,
2.161.225
And weeping, in the woods pursu'd the scornful dame.
2.161.226
On his submissive neck her toils he wore,
2.161.227
And with his mistress chased the dreadful boar.
2.161.228
Arm'd to the woods I bid you not repair,
2.161.229
Nor follow over hills the savage fair:
2.161.230
My soft injunctions less severe you'll find,
2.161.231
Easy to learn, and fram'd to ev'ry mind.
2.161.232
Her wishes never, nor her will withstand;
2.161.233
Submit, you conquer; serve, and you'll command.
2.161.234
Her words approve, deny what she denies,
2.161.235
Like where she likes, and where she scorns, despise.
2.161.236
Laugh when she smiles; when sad, dissolve in tears;
2.161.237
Let ev'ry gesture sympathize with hers.
2.161.238
If she delights, as women will, in play,
2.161.239
Her stakes return, your ready losings pay.
2.161.240
When she's at cards, or rattling dice she throws,
2.161.241
Connive at cheats, and generously lose.
2.161.242
A smiling winner let the nymph remain,
2.161.243
Let your pleas'd mistress every conquest gain.
2.161.244
In heat, with an umbrella ready stand;
2.161.245
When walking, offer your officious hand.
2.161.246
Her trembling hands, tho' you sustain the cold.
2.161.247
Cherish, and to your warmer bosom hold.
2.161.248
Think no inferior office a disgrace,
2.161.249
No action that a mistress gains is base.
2.161.250
The hero that eluded Juno's spite,
2.161.251
And every monster overcame in fight;
2.161.252
That pass'd so many bloody labours o'er,
2.161.253
And well deserv'd that heav'n whose weight he bore;
2.161.254
Amidst Ionian damsels carding stands,
2.161.255
And grasps the distaff in obedient hands;Speaking of Hercules, who for the love of Omphale used the distaff and basket, according to the fashion of the Ionian damsels.
2.161.256
In all commands the haughty dame obeys:
2.161.257
And who disdains to act like Hercules?
2.161.258
If she's at law, be sure commend the laws;
2.161.259
Solicit with the judge, or plead her cause.
2.161.260
With patience at the assignation wait;
2.161.261
Early appear, attend her coming late.
2.161.262
Whene'er she wants a messenger, away,
2.161.263
And her commands with flying feet obey.
2.161.264
When late from supper she's returning home,
2.161.265
And calls her servant, as a servant come.
2.161.266
She for the country's air retires from towns;
2.161.267
You want a coach or horse, why foot it down:
2.161.268
Let not the sultry season of the year,
2.161.269
The falling snows, or constant rains deter.
2.161.270
Love is a warfare, and ignoble sloth
2.161.271
Seems equally contemptible in both:
2.161.272
In both are watchings, duels, anxious cares,
2.161.273
The soldier thus, and thus the lover fares;
2.161.274
With rain he's drench'd, with piercing tempests shakes,
2.161.275
And on the colder earth his lodging takes.
2.161.276
Fame says that Phoebus kept Admetus' herd,
2.161.277
And coarsely in an humble cottage far'd;
2.161.278
No servile offices the god denied:
2.161.279
Learn this ye lovers, and renounce your pride.
2.243.280
When all access is to your mistress hard,
2.243.281
When ev'ry door's secur'd, and window barr'd,
2.243.282
The roof untile, some desp'rate passage find;
2.243.283
You cannot be too bold to make her kind:
2.243.284
Oh, how she'll clasp you when the dangers o'er,
2.243.285
And value your deserving passion more.
2.243.286
Thus thro' the boisterous seas Leander mov'd,This fable of Hero and Leander is as well known as any in Ovid; he treats of it in his epistles: we find it also in Musaeus's poem, and in Martial's epigrams.
2.243.287
Not to possess, but show how much he lov'd.
2.243.288
Nor blushing think how low you condescend
2.243.289
To court her maids, and make each slave your friend;
2.243.290
Each by their names familiarly salute,
2.243.291
And beg them to promote your am'rous suit.
2.243.292
Perhaps a bribe's requir'd; your bounty show,
2.243.293
And from your slender fortunes part below.
2.243.294
A double bribe the chambermaid secures,
2.243.295
And when the fav'rite's gain'd, the fair is yours.
2.243.296
She'll add, to everything you do, a grace,
2.243.297
And watch the wanton hours, and time her praise.
2.243.298
When servants merry make, and feast, and play,This has allusion to a festival celebrated at Rome by the servants, in remembrance of a great piece of service their predecessors had done the Romans, soon after the invasion of the Gauls; the time of celebrating it was in July. It was done in honour of Juno Caprotina according to Macrobius, in his Saturnalia, book i. chap. 2. The free maidens and servants, says the same author, sacrificed on that day to Juno, under a wild fig-tree, called in Latin Caprilicus, in memory of that complaisant virtue which inspired the servant maids to expose themselves to the lust and revenge of the enemy for the preservation of the public honour. For after the Gauls had taken the city, and were driven out again, when things were restored to their former order, the neighbouring nations believing the Romans were very much weakened by the late invasion, siege, and sack, took hold of that opportunity to invade them, choosing Posthumius Livius of Fidenes for their chief, and demanded of the senate, that if they would preserve their city and authority, they should send them their wives and daughters. The senators taking the matter into consideration, could not tell what answer to return. They knew their own weakness and the strength of their enemies; and in this uncertainty a servant-maid called Tutelar, or Philotis. offered to go with some other maids of the same condition to the enemy. This proposal was generally liked, and accordingly the maids were dressed like the wives of the senators, and the daughters of free citizens, and went weeping to put themselves into the hands of the invaders. Livius ordered them to be dispersed into several quarters; and, as they had agreed among themselves, they tempted their new husbands to drink, pretending that day ought to be celebrated as a festival; and when they were almost dead drunk they gave the Romans a signal from the top of a fig-tree to fall on. The latter were encamped not far off; and at this signal they assautled and easily mastered the enemy's camp. putting most of them to the sword. The senate, to reward this important service, ordered that the servants should be made free, that they should have portions paid to them out of the public treasury, and allowed them to wear the ornaments they had taken. The day on which this happy expedition was executed, was called the Caprotine nones, from the wild fig-tree Caprificus, from whence the signa was given to the Romans to sally out and gain so glorious a victory; in remembrance of which action the servants sacrificed every year under this or some other fig-tree. Plutarch relates the same story in the life of Camillus.
2.243.299
Then give her something to keep holiday.
2.243.300
Retain them ev'ry one, the porter most,
2.243.301
And her who nightly guards the happy coast
2.243.302
I no profuse nor costly gifts commend,
2.243.303
But choose and time it well, whate'er you send.
2.243.304
Provide the product of the early year,
2.243.305
And let your boy the rural present bear;
2.243.306
Tell her 'twas fresh, and from your manor brought,
2.243.307
Tho' stale, and in the suburb market bought:
2.243.308
The first ripe cluster let your mistress eat,
2.243.309
With chesnut, melons, or fair peaches, treat;
2.243.310
Some larger fish, or choicer fowl, present;
2.243.311
They recommend your passion where they're sent.
2.243.312
'Tis with these arts the childless miser's caught,
2.243.313
Thus future legacies are basely bought;
2.243.314
But may his name with infamy be curst,
2.243.315
That practis'd them on love, and women first.
2.243.316
In tender sonnets most your flame rehearse,
2.243.317
But who, alas! of late are mov'd by verse?
2.243.318
Women a wealthy treating fool admire,
2.243.319
Applaud your wit,-but costly gifts require.
2.243.320
This is the golden age, all worship gold;
2.243.321
Honours are purchas'd, love and beauty sold.
2.243.322
Should Homer come with his harmonious train,
2.243.323
And not present, Homer's turn'd out again.
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Some of the sex have sense, their number's small,
2.243.325
Most ignorant, yet vain pretenders all:
2.243.326
Flatter alike, smooth empty stanzas send,
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They seldom sense, but sound and rhyme commend.
2.243.328
Should you with art compose each polish'd line,
2.243.329
And make her, like your numbers, all divine,
2.243.330
Yet she'll a treat or worthless toy prefer
2.243.331
To all the immortal poet's boasted care.
2.287.332
But he that covets to retain her heart,
2.287.333
Let him apply his flattery with art;
2.287.334
With lasting raptures on her beauty gaze,
2.287.335
And make her form the subject of his praise.
2.287.336
Purple commend, when she's in purple dress'd;
2.287.337
In scarlet, swear she looks in scarlet best;
2.287.338
Array'd in gold, her graceful mien adore,
2.287.339
Vowing those eyes transcend the sparkling ore.
2.287.340
With prudence place each compliment aright;
2.287.341
Tho' clad in crape, let homely crape delight.
2.287.342
In sorted colours, praise a varied dress;
2.287.343
In night-clothes or commode let either please.
2.287.344
Or when she combs or when she curls her hair,We may perceive that either ladies were not so nice in managing their hair before their lovers in Ovid's time, or that the ladies he speaks of were not the nicest. They curled their hair with a bodkin, and sometimes with a hot iron, as in our lays; but they showed more of it than is the fashion with the modern ladies.
2.287.345
Commend her curious art and gallant air.
2.287.346
Singing, her voice, dancing, her steps, admire;
2.287.347
Applaud when she desists, and still desire.
2.287.348
Let all her words and actions wonder raise;
2.287.349
View her with raptures, and with raptures praise
2.287.350
Fierce as Medusa though your mistress prove,
2.287.351
These arts will teach the stubborn beauty love.
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Be cautious lest you overact your part,
2.287.353
And temper your hypocrisy with art;
2.287.354
Let no false action give your words the lie,
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For once deceiv'd, she's ever after shy.
2.287.356
In Autumn oft, when the luxurious year
2.287.357
Purples the grape, and shows the vintage near;
2.287.358
When sultry heats, when colder blasts arise,
2.287.359
And bodies languish with inconstant skies;
2.287.360
If vitious heav'n infects her tender veins,
2.287.361
And in her tainted blood some fever reigns;
2.287.362
Then your kind vows, your pious care bestow,
2.287.363
The blessings you expect to reap then sow;
2.287.364
Think nothing nauseous in her loath'd disease,
2.287.365
But with your ready hand contrive to please;
2.287.366
Weep in her sight, then fonder kisses give,
2.287.367
And let her burning lips your tears receive;
2.287.368
Much for her safety vow, but louder speak,
2.287.369
Let the nymph hear the lavish vows you make.
2.287.370
As health returns, so let your joys appear;
2.287.371
Oft smile with hope, and oft confess your fear.
2.287.372
This in her breast remains, these pleasing charms
2.287.373
Secure a passage to her grateful arms.
2.287.374
Reach nothing nauseous to her taste or sight,
2.287.375
Officious only when you most delight.
2.287.376
Nor bitter draughts nor hated med'cines give,
2.287.377
Let her from rivals what she loaths receive.
2.337.378
Those prosperous winds that launch'd our boat from shore,
2.337.379
When out at sea assists its course no more:
2.337.380
Time will your knowledge in our art improve,
2.337.381
Give strength and vigour to your forming love.
2.337.382
The dreadful bull was but a calf when young;This and the following similes are taken from country affairs, which have an agreeable effect on this occasion, when the poet speaks of the tendency of every living thing to love.
2.337.383
The lofty oak but from an acorn sprung;
2.337.384
From narrow springs the noblest currents flow,
2.337.385
But swell their floods, and spread 'em as they go.
2.337.386
Be conversant with love, no toils refuse,
2.337.387
And conquer all fatigues with frequent use:
2.337.388
Still let her hear your sighs, your passion view
2.337.389
And night and day the flying maid pursue.
2.337.390
Then pause awhile; by fallow fields we gain;
2.337.391
A thirsty soil receives the welcome rain.
2.337.392
Phyllis was calm while with Demophoon bless'd,
2.337.393
His absence wounded most her raging breast:
2.337.394
Thus his chaste consort for Ulysses burn'd,
2.337.395
And Laodamia thus her absent husband mourn'd,
2.337.396
With speed return, you're ruined by delays,
2.337.397
Some happy youth may soon supply your place.
2.337.398
When Sparta's prince was from his Helen gone,
2.337.399
Could Helen be content to lie alone?
2.337.400
She in his bed receiv'd her am'rous guest,
2.337.401
And nightly clasp'd him to her panting breast.
2.337.402
Unthinking cuckold, to a proverb blind!
2.337.403
What, trust a beau and a fair wife behind!
2.337.404
Let furious hawks thy trembling turtles keep,
2.337.405
And to the mountain wolves commit thy sheep:
2.337.406
Helen is guiltless, and the lover's crime
2.337.407
But what yourself would act another time.
2.337.408
The youth was pressing, the dull husband gone;
2.337.409
Let ev'ry woman make the case her own.
2.337.410
Who could a prince, by Venus sent, refuse?
2.337.411
The cuckold's negligence is her excuse.
2.373.412
But not the foaming boar whom spears surround,
2.373.413
Revenging on the dogs his mortal wound;
2.373.414
Nor lioness, whose young receives the breast;
2.373.415
Nor viper by unwary footsteps press'd;
2.373.416
Nor drunkard by th' Aonian god possess'd,Aonia is taken here for Boeotia, of which Thebes was the capital, where Bacchus was born; and the fury that transports people when they are drunk, is very well compared to that of wild beasts and vipers.
2.373.417
Transcend the woman's rage, by fury led,
2.373.418
To find a rival in her injur'd bed.
2.373.419
With fire and sword she flies; the frantic dame
2.373.420
Disdains the thought of tenderness or shame.
2.373.421
Her offspring's blood enrag'd Medea spilt;
2.373.422
A cruel mother, for the father's guilt:
2.373.423
And Progne's unrelenting fury provesProgne, the wife of Tereus, king of Thrace, killed her own daughters and presented them to her husband, because he had ravished her sister Philumela.
2.373.424
That dire revenge pursues neglected loves.
2.373.425
Where sacred ties of honour are destroy'd,
2.373.426
Such errors cautious lovers must avoid.
2.373.427
Think not my precepts constancy enjoin;
2.373.428
Venus avert! far nobler's my design.
2.373.429
At large enjoy, conceal your passion well;
2.373.430
Nor use the modish vanity to tell:
2.373.431
Avoid presenting of suspected toys,
2.373.432
Nor to an hour confine your varied joys;
2.373.433
Desert the shades you did frequent before,
2.373.434
Nor make them conscious to a new amour
2.373.435
The nymph, when she betrays, disdains your guilt,
2.373.436
And by such falsehood taught, she learns to jilt.
2.373.437
While with a wife Atrides liv'd content,
2.373.438
Their loves were mutual, and she innocent;
2.373.439
But when inflam'd with every charming face,
2.373.440
Her lewdness still maintain'd an equal pace.
2.373.441
Chryses, as fame had told her, pray'd in vain,
2.373.442
Nor could by gifts his captive girl obtain;
2.373.443
Mournful Briseis, thy complaints she heard,
2.373.444
And how his lust the tedious war deferr'd.
2.373.445
This tamely heard, but with resentment view'd
2.373.446
The victor by his beauteous slave subdu'd;
2.373.447
With rage she saw her own neglected charms,
2.373.448
And took Aegisthus to her injur'd arms.
2.373.449
To lust and shame by his example led,
2.373.450
Who durst so openly profane her bed.
2.409.451
What you conceal, her more observing eye
2.409.452
Perhaps betrays: with oaths the fact deny,
2.409.453
And boldly give her jealousy the lie.
2.409.454
Not too submissive seem, nor over kind;
2.409.455
These are the symptoms of a guilty mind:
2.409.456
But no caresses, no endearments spare;
2.409.457
Enjoyment pacifies the angry fair.
2.409.458
There are, that strong provoking potions praise,
2.409.459
And nature with pernicious med'cines raise;
2.409.460
Nor drugs, nor herbs, will what you fancy prove,
2.409.461
And I pronounce 'em pois'nous all in love.
2.409.462
Some pepper bruis'd with seeds of nettle join,
2.409.463
And clary steep in bowls of mellow wine:
2.409.464
Venus is most averse to forced delights,
2.409.465
Extorted flames pollute her genial rites.
2.409.466
With fishes' spawn thy feeble nerves recruit,
2.409.467
And with eringo's hot salacious root;
2.409.468
The goddess worshipp'd by th' Erycian swains,
2.409.469
Megara's white shallot, so faint, disdains.
2.409.470
New eggs they take,Especially hens and partridges, which, as Almansor teaches, are wonderfully provocative. Pliny says they are very nourishing if not eaten to excess. and honey's liquid juice,
2.409.471
And leaves and apples of the pine infuse.
2.409.472
Prescribe no more, my muse, nor med'cine give,
2.409.473
Beauty and youth need no provocative.
2.409.474
You that conceal'd your secret crimes before,
2.409.475
Proclaim them now, now publish each amour.
2.409.476
Nor tax me with inconstancy; we find
2.409.477
The driving bark requires a veering wind:
2.409.478
Now northern blasts we court, now southern gales,
2.409.479
And ev'ry point befriends our shifted sails.
2.409.480
Thus chariot drivers with a flowing rein
2.409.481
Direct their steeds, then curb them in again.
2.409.482
Indulgence oft corrupts the faithless dame,
2.409.483
Secure from rivals she neglects your flame;
2.409.484
The mind without variety is cloy'd,
2.409.485
And nauseates pleasures it has long enjoy'd.
2.409.486
But as a fire whose wasted strength declines,
2.409.487
Converts to ashes and but faintly shines,
2.409.488
When sulphur's brought the spreading flames return,
2.409.489
And glowing embers with fresh fury burn:
2.409.490
A rival thus th' ungrateful maid reclaims,
2.409.491
Revives desire, and feeds her dying flames.
2.409.492
Oft make her jealous, give your fondness o'er,
2.409.493
And teaze her often with some new amour.
2.409.494
Happy, thrice happy youth, with pleasure bless'd,
2.409.495
Too great, too exquisite to be express'd,
2.409.496
That view'st the anguish of her jealous breast
2.409.497
Whene'er thy guilt the slighted beauty knows,
2.409.498
She swoons; her voice, and then her colour goes.
2.409.499
Oft would my furious nymph, in burning rage,
2.409.500
Assault my locks, and with her nails engage;
2.409.501
Then now she'd weep, what piercing glances east,
2.409.502
And vow to hate the perjur'd wretch at last.
2.409.503
Let not your mistress long your falsehood mourn;
2.409.504
Neglected fondness sill to fury turn.
2.409.505
But kindly clasp her in your arms again,
2.409.506
And on your breast her drooping head sustain;
2.409.507
Whilst weeping kiss, amidst her tears enjoy,
2.409.508
And with excess of bliss her rage destroy.
2.409.509
Let her a while lament, a while complain,
2.409.510
Then die with pleasure, as she died with pain.
2.409.511
Enjoyment cures her with its powerful charms,
2.409.512
She'll sign a pardon in your active arms.
2.467.513
First nature lay an undigested mass,
2.467.514
Heaven, earth, and ocean, wore one common face;
2.467.515
Then vaulted heav'n was fram'd, waves, earth, inclos'd;
2.467.516
And chaos was in beauteous forms dispos'd;
2.467.517
The beasts inhabit woods, the birds the air,
2.467.518
And to their floods the scaly fry repair.
2.467.519
Mankind alone enjoyed no certain place,
2.467.520
On rapine lived, a rude unpolish'd race;
2.467.521
Caves were their houses, herbs their food and bed,
2.467.522
Whilst each a savage from the other fled.
2.467.523
Love first disarm'd the fierceness of their mind,
2.467.524
And in one bed the men and women join'd.
2.467.525
The youth was eager, but unskill'd in joy,
2.467.526
Nor was the unexperienc'd virgin coy;
2.467.527
They knew no courtship, no instructor found,
2.467.528
Yet they enjoy'd, and bless'd the pleasing wound.
2.467.529
The birds with consorts propagate their kind,
2.467.530
And sporting fish their finny beauties find;
2.467.531
In am'rous fold the wanton serpents twine,
2.467.532
And dogs with their salacious females join.
2.467.533
The lusty bull delights his frisking dames,
2.467.534
And more lascivious goat her male inflames.
2.467.535
Mares furious grow with love, their boundaries force,
2.467.536
Plunging thro' waves to meet the neighing horse.
2.467.537
Go on, brave youth, thy gen'rous vigor try,
2.467.538
To the resenting maid this charm apply;
2.467.539
Love's soft'ning pleasures ev'ry grief remove,
2.467.540
There's nothing that can make your peace like love.
2.467.541
From drugs and philters no redress you'll find,
2.467.542
But nature with your mistress will be kind.
2.467.543
The love that's unconstrain'd will long endure,
2.467.544
Machaon's art was false, but mine is sure.
2.493.545
Whilst thus I sung, inflam'd with nobler fire,
2.493.546
I heard the great Apollo's tuneful lyre;
2.493.547
His hand a branch of spreading laurel bore,
2.493.548
And on his head a laurel wreath he wore;
2.493.549
Around he cast diffusive rays of light,
2.493.550
Confessing all the god to human sight,
2.493.551
" Thou master of lascivious arts," he said,
2.493.552
"To my frequented fane thy pupils lead;
2.493.553
And there inscrib'd in characters of gold,
2.493.554
This celebrated sentence you'll behold.
2.493.555
'First know yourself ;' who to himself is known,
2.493.556
Shall love with conduct, and his wishes crown.
2.493.557
Where nature has a handsome face bestow'd,
2.493.558
Or graceful shape, let both be often show'd:
2.493.559
Let men of wit and humor silence shun,
2.493.560
The artist sing, and soldier bluster on;
2.493.561
Of long harangues ye eloquent take heed,
2.493.562
Nor thy damn'd works thou teazing poet read."
2.493.563
Thus Phoebus spake: ajust obedience give,
2.493.564
And these injunctions from a god receive.
2.493.565
I mysteries unfold; to my advice
2.493.566
Attend, ye vulgar lovers, and grow wise.
2.493.567
The thriving grain in harvest often fails,
2.493.568
Oft prosp'rous winds turn adverse to our sails;
2.493.569
Few are the pleasures, tho' the toils are great;
2.493.570
With patience must submissive lovers wait.
2.493.571
What hares on Athos, bees on Hybla feed,
2.493.572
Or berries on the circling ivy breed?
2.493.573
As shells on sandy shores, as stars above,
2.493.574
So num'rous are the sure fatigues of love.
2.493.575
The lady's gone abroad, you're told; tho' seen,
2.493.576
Distrust your eyes, believe her not within.
2.493.577
Her lodgings on the promis'd night are close,
2.493.578
Resent it not, but on the earth repose.
2.493.579
Her maid will cry with an insulting tone,
2.493.580
"'What makes you saunter here? you sot, begone."
2.493.581
With moving words the cruel nymph entreat,
2.493.582
And place your garland on the bolted gate.
2.535.583
Why do I light and vulgar precepts use?
2.535.584
A nobler subject now inspires my muse;
2.535.585
Approaching joys I sing; ye youths, draw near;
2.535.586
Listen ye happy lovers and give ear;
2.535.587
The labor's great, and daring is my song.
2.535.588
Labors and great attempts to love belong.
2.535.589
As from the sacred oracles of Jove
2.535.590
Receive these grand mysterious truths in love.
2.535.591
Look down when she the ogling spark invites,
2.535.592
Nor touch the conscious tablets when she writes.
2.535.593
Appear not jealous tho' she's much from home,
2.535.594
Let her at pleasure go, unquestion'd come.
2.535.595
This crafty husbands to their wives permit,
2.535.596
And learn, when she's engag'd, to wink at it.
2.535.597
I own my frailties modestly confess;
2.535.598
And blushing, give those precepts I transgress;
2.535.599
Shall I, with patience, the known signal hear,
2.535.600
Retire, and leave a happy rival there!
2.535.601
What, tamely suffer the provoking wrong,
2.535.602
And be afraid to use my hands or tongue!
2.535.603
Corinna's husband kiss'd her in my sight;
2.535.604
I beat the saucy fool, and seiz'd my right.
2.535.605
I, like a fury, for my nymph engage,
2.535.606
And like a madman, when I miss her, rage.
2.535.607
My passion still prevails, convinc'd I yield!
2.535.608
He that submits to this is better skill'd.
2.535.609
Expose not, tho' you find her guilty flame,
2.535.610
Lest she abandon modesty and shame;
2.535.611
Conceal her faults, no secret crimes upbraid;
2.535.612
Nothing's so fond as a suspected maid.
2.535.613
Discover'd love increases with despair,
2.535.614
When both alike the guilt and scandal share:
2.535.615
All sense of modesty they lose in time,
2.535.616
Whilst each encourages the other's crime.
2.561.617
In heav'n this story's fam'd above the rest,
2.561.618
Amongst th' immortal drolls a standing jest.
2.561.619
How, Vulcan two transgressing lovers caught
2.561.620
And ev'ry god a pleas'd spectator brought.
2.561.621
Great Mars for Venus felt a guilty flame,
2.561.622
Neglected war, and own'd a lover's name,
2.561.623
To his desires the queen of love inclin'd;
2.561.624
No nymph in heav'n's so willing, none so kind.
2.561.625
Oft the lascivious fair, with scornful pride,
2.561.626
Would Vulcan's foot and sooty hands deride;
2.561.627
Yet both with decency their passion bore,
2.561.628
And modestly conceal'd the close amour,
2.561.629
But by the sun betray'd in their embrace,
2.561.630
(For what escapes the sun's observing rays?The sun sees all things, and nothing can avoid being seen by it, any more than it can dispense with being warmed by it.)
2.561.631
He told th' affronted god of his disgrace.
2.561.632
Ah foolish sun! and much unskill'd in love,
2.561.633
Thou hast an ill example set above!
2.561.634
Never a fair offending nymph betray,
2.561.635
She'll gratefully oblige you ev'ry way:
2.561.636
The crafty spouse around his bed prepares
2.561.637
Nets that deceive the eye, and secret snares:
2.561.638
A journey feigns, the impatient lovers met,
2.561.639
And naked were expos'd in Vulcan's net.
2.561.640
The gods deride the criminals in chains,
2.561.641
And scarce from tears the queen of love refrains;
2.561.642
Nor could her hands conceal her guilty face,
2.561.643
She wants that cover for another place.
2.561.644
To burly Mars a gay spectator said,
2.561.645
" Why so uneasy in that envied bed?
2.561.646
On me transfer your chains; I'll freely come
2.561.647
For your release, and suffer in your room."
2.561.648
At length, kind Neptune, freed by thy desires,
2.561.649
Mars goes for Crete, to Paphos she retires,
2.561.650
Their loves augmented with revengeful fires;
2.561.651
Now conversant with infamy and shame,
2.561.652
They set no bounds to their licentious flame.
2.561.653
But honest Vulcan, what was thy pretence,
2.561.654
To act so much unlike a god of sense?
2.561.655
They sin in public, you the shame repent,
2.561.656
Convinc'd that love increase with punishment.
2.561.657
Tho' in your pow'r, a rival ne'er expose,
2.561.658
Never his intercepted joys disclose:He means intercepting a rival's letter, and discovering the contents. To intercept letters, and divulge a secret, was a crime punishable by the laws, by banishment, or interdiction of fire and water, by which was understood exile.
2.561.659
This I command, Venus commands the same,
2.561.660
Who hates the snares she once sustain'd with shame.
2.601.661
What impious wretch will Ceres' rites expose,This is a simile, and shows us it was not lawful to reveal the mysteries of Ceres. Macrobius in the 11th chapter of his first book upon Scipio's dream, writes that the philosopher Numenius, being too curious to know the secrets of hidden things, incurred the wrath of the gods by divulging the Eleusinian mysteries, which were the same with those of Ceres.
2.601.662
Or Juno's solemn mysteries disclose!
2.601.663
His witty torments Tantalus deserves,He proves by the example of Tantalus, that no man should reveal secrets. Tantalus, so Diodorus tells us, was the son of Jupiter and the nymph Plota, equally rich and renowned. He dwelt in Paphlagonia, and was favoured by the gods for the dignity of his birth ; but having been told some of their secrets, and divulging them to mortals, he was thrown into hell for his crime, where his punishment was what Ovid tells us.
2.601.664
That thirsts in waves and viewing banquets starves.
2.601.665
But Venus most in secresy delights:
2.601.666
Away, ye babblers, from her silent rites!
2.601.667
No pomp her mysteries attend, no noise!
2.601.668
No sounding brass proclaims the latent joys!
2.601.669
With folded arms the happy pair possess,
2.601.670
Nor should the fond betraying tongue confess
2.601.671
Those raptures, which no language can express.
2.601.672
When naked Venus casts her robes aside,
2.601.673
The parts obscene her hands extended hide;
2.601.674
No girl on propagating beasts will gaze,
2.601.675
But hangs her head, and turns away her face.
2.601.676
We darken'd beds and doors for love provide;
2.601.677
What nature cannot, decent habit hide.
2.601.678
Love darkens courts, at most a glimm'ring light,
2.601.679
To raise our joys, and just oblige the sight.
2.601.680
Ere happy men beneath the roof were laid,
2.601.681
When oaks provided them with food and shade,
2.601.682
Some gloomy cave receiv'd the wanton pair;
2.601.683
For light too modest, and unshaded air!
2.601.684
From public view they decently retir'd,
2.601.685
And secretly perform'd what love inspir'd.
2.601.686
Now scarce a modish fop about the town,
2.601.687
But boasts with whom, how oft, and where 'twas done;And who is there so ignorant as not to know that the fops of our age are exactly like those of Ovid's?
2.601.688
They taste no pleasure, relish no delight,
2.601.689
Till they recount what pass'd the happy night.
2.601.690
But men of honour always thought is base,
2.601.691
To prostitute each kinder nymph's embrace:
2.601.692
To blast her fame, and vainly hurt his own,
2.601.693
And furnish scandal for a lewd lampoon.
2.601.694
And here I must some guilty arts excuse,
2.601.695
And disingenuous shifts that lovers use,
2.601.696
To wrong the chaste and innocent abuse.
2.601.697
When long repuls'd they find their courtship vain,
2.601.698
Her character with infamy they stain;
2.601.699
Denied her person they debauch her fame,
2.601.700
And brand her innocence with public shame.
2.601.701
Go, jealous fool, the injur'd beauty guard,
2.601.702
Let ev'ry door be lock'd, and window barr'd!
2.601.703
The suff'ring nymph remains expos'd to wrong,
2.601.704
Her name's a prostitute to ev'ry tongue;
2.601.705
For malice with joy the lie receive,
2.601.706
Report, and what it wishes true, believe.
2.641.707
With care conceal whatever defects you find,
2.641.708
To all her faults seem like a lover blind.
2.641.709
Naked Andromeda when Perseus view'd,
2.641.710
He saw her faults, but yet pronounc'd them good.That is, as this poet elsewhere says, she was swarthy, or had not a good skin and complexion, yet Perseus liked her, delivered her from a sea-monster and married her.
2.641.711
Andromache was tall,The poet means she was very tall; so much so, that it was rather a disadvantage than a beauty, yet Hector thought she was of a moderate height. This princess was the daughtor of Aetion king of Thebes, and Hector's wife. Ovid is not the only author who takes notice of her tallness. Juvenal, in his sixth satire, wherein he rallies a lady of his time, who dressed her head very high, says she affected to have the air of Andromache. yet some report
2.641.712
Her Hector was so blind he thought her short.
2.641.713
At first what's nauseous lessens by degrees;
2.641.714
Young loves are nice, and difficult to please.
2.641.715
The infant plant that bears a tender rind,
2.641.716
Reels to and fro with ev'ry breath of wind;
2.641.717
But shooting upward to a tree at last,
2.641.718
It stems the storm, and braves the strongest blast
2.641.719
Time will defects and blemishes endear,
2.641.720
And make them lovely to your eyes appear:
2.641.721
Unusual scents at first may give offence;
2.641.722
Time reconciles them to the vanquish'd sense.
2.641.723
Her vices soften with some kinder phrase;
2.641.724
If she is swarthy as the negro's face,Blacker than Illyrian pitch, says Ovid. by which we find Illyria was famous for it. The Greeks called the people who lived above Macedonia and Thrace, as far as Chaonia and Thesprotus to the Danube, Illyrians, according to Appian.
2.641.725
Call it a graceful brown, and that complexion praise.
2.641.726
The ruddy lass must be like Venus fair,
2.641.727
Or like Minerva that has yellow hair.
2.641.728
If pale and meagre, praise her shape and youth,
2.641.729
Active when small, when gross she's plump and smooth.
2.641.730
Ev'ry excess by soft'ning terms disguise,
2.641.731
And in some neighb'ring virtue hide each vibe.
2.641.732
Nor ask her age, consult no register,
2.641.733
Under whose reign she's born, or what's the year!
2.641.734
If fading youth chequers her hair with white,
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Experience makes her perfect in delight;
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In her embrace sublimer joys are found,
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A fruitful soil, and cultivated ground!
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The hours enjoy whilst youth and pleasures last,
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Age hurries on, and death pursues too fast.
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Or plough the seas, or cultivate the land,
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Or wield the sword in thy advent'rous hand;
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Or much in love thy nervous strength employ,
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Embrace the fair, the grateful maid enjoy;
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Pleasure and wealth reward thy pleasing pains,
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The labour's great, but greater far the gains.
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Add their experience in affairs of love,
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For years and practice do alike improve,
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Their arts repair the injuries of time,
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And still preserve them in their charming prime;
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In varied ways they act the pleasure o'er,
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Not pictur'd postures can instruct you more.He speaks of obscene pictures representing nudities, and different postures, such as Carraccio's and Aretin's in latter days. For there was as bad in old times composed by Elephantis, from which Tiberius took the figures that were painted in his bed-chamber and closet.
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They want no courtship to provoke delight,
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But meet your warmth with eager appetite;
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Give me enjoyment, when the willing dame
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Glows with desires, and burns with equal flame.From this we may perceive our poet abhorred the gallantry too much practiced among the Romans then, and Italians now, as well as in the eastern countries. Indeed, we can find nothing like it in all his writings, which can hardly be said of any of his contemporary poets, or scarcely in one of their authors at all, before or after him, until the Romans embraced Christianity. He says it is true, he is only less touched with that beastly passion; and by that is to be understood he was not touched at all.
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I love to hear the soft transporting joys,
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The frequent sighs, the tender murm'ring voice;
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To see her eyes with varied pleasures move,
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And all the nymph confess the pow'r of love.
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Nature's not thus indulgent to the young,
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These joys alone to riper years belong;
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Who youth enjoys, drinks crude unready wine,
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Let age your girl and sprightly juice refine,
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Mellow their sweets, and make the taste divide.
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To Helen who'd Hermione prefer,
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Or Gorge think beyond her mother fair;
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But he that covets the experienc'd dame,
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Shall crown his joys and triumph in his flame.
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One conscious bed receives the happy pair;
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Retire, my muse; the door demands thy care.Ovid, who was advanced a little too far, checks his muse, and bids her give back. It is certain, he ought to have stopped here: but he could not forbear telling what he had in his head. He, however, says but a little, and it is not necessary to explain it: the subject is too well known already. If our moralizing was convenient at any time, it must be now, for fear our imagination should out-run the poet's. As Ovid tells his muse here, so every man should tell himself, even in the most excellent things: when we are arrived at a certain point, we should abstain from saying any more, we should enioy the charms of philosophy retired. and by ourselves : for as the way of the world is now. it is scandalous in some companies to talk of it: and there are men even so stupid, as a ways to turn it in into ridicule. I shall be glad if my author's arguments have the effect he pretends to on this occasion.
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What charming words, what tender things are said,
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What language flows without the useless aid!
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There shall the roving hand employment find,
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Inspire new flames, and make e'en virgins kind.
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Thus Hector did Andromache delight,
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Hector in love victorious, as in fight.
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When weary from the field Achilles came,
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Thus with delays he rais'd Briseis' flame;
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Ah, could those arms, those fatal hands, delight!
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Inspire kind thoughts, and raise thy appetite!
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Coulds't thou, fond maid, be charm'd with his embrace,
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Stain'd with the blood of half thy royal race.
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Nor yet with speed the fleeting pleasures waste,
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Still moderate your love's impetuous haste;
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The bashful virgin, tho' appearing coy,
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Detains your hand, and hugs the proffer'd joy.
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Then view her eyes, with humid lustre bright,
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Sparkling with rage, and trembling with delight;
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Her kind complaints, her melting accents hear,
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The eye she charms, and wounds the list'ning ear.
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Defer not then the clasping nymphs embrace,
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But with her love maintain an equal pace;
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Raise to her heights the transports of your soul,
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And fly united to the happy goal.
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Observe these precepts when with leisure bless'd
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No threatening fears your private hours molest.
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When danger's near, your active force employ,
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And urge with eager speed the hasty joy.
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Then ply your oars, then practise this advice,
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And strain with whip and spur to gain the prize.
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The work's complete, triumphant palms prepare
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With flow'ry deaths adorn my flowing hair.
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As to the Greeks was Poldalirius' art,
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To heal with med'cines the afflicted part;
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Nestor's advice, Achilles' arms in field,
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Automedon for chariot-driving skill'd;
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As Calchas could explain the mystic bird,As he could observe the flights of birds, or the entrails of beasts. Calchas was the son of Thestor, as Homer writes in his lst Iliad, famous for his skill in the art of divination, which he learnt of Apollo.
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And Telemon could wield the brandish'd sword;
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Such to the town my fam'd instructions prove,
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So much am I renown'd for arts of love.
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Me ev'ry youth shall praise, extol my name,
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And o'er the globe diffuse my lasting fame.
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I arms provide against the scornful fair;
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Thus Vulcan arm'd Achilles for the war.
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Whatever youth shall with my aid o'ercome,
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And lead his Amazon in triumph home;This he speaks by way of metaphor for some lady hard overcome, as if all lovers were warriors.
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Let him that conquers and enjoys the dame,
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In gratitude for his instructed flame,
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Inscribe the spoils with my auspicious name.
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The tender girls my precepts next demand,
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Them I commit to a more skilful hand.