Ars Amatoria
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Original / primary: Perseus Eng2
3.1.1
The men are arm'd, and for the fight prepare,
3.1.2
And now we must instruct and arm the fair.
3.1.3
Both sexes, well appointed, take the field,
3.1.4
And mighty love determine which shall yield.
3.1.5
Man were ignoble when thus arm'd to show
3.1.6
Unequal force against a naked foe;
3.1.7
No glory from such conquest can be gain'd,
3.1.8
And odds are always by the brave disdain'd.
3.1.9
"But," some exclaim, " what phrensy rules your mind?
3.1.10
Would you increase the craft of womankind ?
3.1.11
Teach them new wiles and arts? As well you may
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Instruct a snake to bite, or wolf to prey."
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But sure too hard a censure they pursue
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Who charge on all the failings of a few;
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Examine first impartially each fair,
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Then, as she merits, or condemn or spare.
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If Menelaus, and the king of men,Agamemnon and Menelaus, two brothers, married two sisters: both the sisters preferred gallants to their husbands.
3.1.18
With justice of their sister-wives complain;
3.1.19
If false Eriphyle forsook her faith,
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And for reward procur'd her husband's death;
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Penelope was loyalHer chastity is often mentioned to the reputation of the fair. still, and chaste,
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Tho' twenty years her lord in absence pass'd.
3.1.23
Reflect how Laodamia's truth was tried,
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Who, tho' in bloom of youth and beauty's pride,
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To share her husband's fate untimely died.Protesilaus, Laodamia's husband, was the first Greek who was killed in the Trojan War. When his wife heard the news she desired to see his ghost; which being granted by the gods, she embraced it so closely, that she perished in its embraces.
3.1.26
Think how Alceste's piety was prov'd,
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Who lost her life to save the man she lov'd.
3.1.28
Receive me, Capaneus," Evadne cried;
3.1.29
"Nor death itself our nuptials shall divide!
3.1.30
To join thy ashes pleas'd I shall expire;"
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She said, and leap'd amidst the fun'ral fire.
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Virtue herself a goddess we confess,She was represented at Rome in a woman's habit, and a temple and stars were dedicated to her.
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Both female in her name and in her dress;
3.1.34
No wonder then, if to her sex inclin'd,
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She cultivates with care a female mind.
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But these exalted souls exceed the reach
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Of that soft art which I pretend to teach.
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My tender bark requires a gentle gale,
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A little wind will fill a little sail.
3.1.40
Of sportful loves I sing, and shew what ways
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The willing nymph must use her bliss to raise,
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And how to captivate the man she'd please.
3.1.43
Woman is soft, and of a tender heart,
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Apt to receive, and to retain love's dart;
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Man has a breast robust, and more secure,
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It wounds him not so deep, nor hits so sure.
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Men oft are false, and, if you search with care,
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You'll find less fraud imputed to the fair.
3.1.49
The faithless Jason from Medea fled
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And made Creusa partner of his bed.
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Bright Ariadne, on an unknown shore,
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Thy absence, perjur'd Theseus, did deplore.
3.1.53
If then the wild inhabitants of air
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Forbore her tender lovely limbs to tear,
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It was not owing, Theseus, to thy care.
3.1.56
Enquire the cause, and let Demophoon tell
3.1.57
Why Phyllis by a fate untimely fell.Phyllis despairing of the return of Demophoon, to whom she had granted her last favours, was about to hang herself, when, as the fable says. the gods, in compassion to her, turned her to an almond tree without leaves: Demophoon, some time after this. returning, went and embraced his metamorphosed mistress, and the tree afterwards put forth leaves.
3.1.58
Nine times, in vain, upon the promis'd day,
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She sought th' appointed shore, and view'd the sea;
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Her fall the fading trees consent to mourn,
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And shed their leaves round her lamented urn.
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The prince so far for piety renown'd,
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To thee, Eliza, was unfaithful found;
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To thee forlorn, and languishing with grief,
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His sword alone he left, thy last relief.
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Ye ruin'd nymphs, shall I the cause impart
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Of all your woes? 'Twas want of needful art;
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Love, of itself, too quickly will expire,
3.1.69
But powerful art perpetuates desire.
3.43.70
Women had yet their ignorance bewail'd,
3.43.71
Had not this art by Venus been reveal'd.
3.43.72
Before my sight the Cyprian goddess shone
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And thus she said, "What have poor woman done!
3.43.74
Why is that weak, defenceless sex expos'd;
3.43.75
On ev'ry side, by men well arm'd, inclos'd?
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Twice are the men instructed by thy muse,
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Nor must she now to teach the sex refuse.
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The bard who injur'd Helen in his song,
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Recanted after, and redress'd the wrong.
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And you, if on my favour you depend,
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The cause of woman, while you live, defend."
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This said, a myrtle sprig, which berries bore,
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She gave me (for a myrtle wreath she wore.)
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The gift receiv'd, my sense enlighten'd grew,
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And from her presence inspiration drew.
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Attend, ye nymphs, by wedlock unconfin'd,
3.43.87
And hear my precepts, while she prompts my mind.It is certain that none can make too much haste to acquire the good graces of philosophy and fine learning; for which, youth, genius, and the strength of maturity are necessary.
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E'en now, in bloom of youth, and beauty's prime,
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Beware of coming age, nor waste your time;
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Now, while you may, and rip'ning years invite,
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Enjoy the seasonable, sweet delight;
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For rolling years, like stealing waters, glide,
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For hope to stop their ever ebbing tide;
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Think not hereafter will the loss repay;
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For ev'ry morrow will the taste decay,
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And leave less relish than the former day
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I've seen the time, when, on that wither'd thorn,
3.43.98
The blooming rose vied with the blushing morn.Though Ovid has gone very far out of the way for this simile, yet in this place it has a good effect.
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With fragrant wreaths I thence have decked my head,
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And see how leafless now, and how decay'd!
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And you, who now the love-sick youth reject,
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Will prove in age, what pains attend neglect.
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None, then will press upon your midnight hours,
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Nor wake to strew your street with morning flow'rs.
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Then nightly knockings at your doors will cease,
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Whose noiseless hammer, then, may rest in peace.
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Alas, how soon a clear complexion fades!
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How soon a wrinkled skin plump flesh invades!
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And what avails it, tho' the fair one swears
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She from her infancy had some grey hairs ?
3.43.111
She grows all hoary in a few more years,
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And then the venerable truth appears.
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The snake his skin, the deer his horns may cast,
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And both renew their youth and vigor past;
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But no receipt can human-kind relieve,
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Doom'd to decrepit age, without reprieve.
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Then crop the flow'r which yet invites your eye,
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And which, ungather'd, on its stalk must die.
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Besides, the tender sex is form'd to bear,
3.43.120
And frequent births too soon will youth impair;
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Continual harvest wears the fruitful field,
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And earth itself decays, too often till'd.
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Thou didst not, Cynthia, scorn the Latmian swain;
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Nor thou, Aurora, Cephalus disdain;
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The Paphian Queen, who, for Adonis' fate
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So deeply mourn'd, and who laments him yet,
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Has not been found inexorable since;
3.43.128
Witness Harmonia, and the Dardan prince.
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Then take example, mortals, from above,
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And like immortals live, and like 'em love.
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Refuse not those delights, which men require,
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Nor let your lovers languish with desire.
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False tho' they prove, what loss can you sustain?
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Thence let a thousand take, 'twill all remain.
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Tho' constant use, e'en flint and steel impairs,
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What you employ no diminution fears,
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Who would, to light a torch, their torch deny?
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Or who can dread drinking an ocean dry?
3.43.139
Still women lose, you cry, if men obtain;
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What do they lose, that's worthy to retain?
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Think not this said to prostrate the sex,
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But undeceive whom needless fears perplex.
3.43.143
Thus far the gentle breeze supplies our sail,
3.43.144
Now launch'd to sea we ask a brisker gale.
3.101.145
And, first, we treat of dress. The well-dress'd vine
3.101.146
Produces plumpest grapes, and richest wine;
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And plenteous crops of golden grain are found,
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Alone, to grace uncultivated ground.
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Beauty's the gift of gods, the sex's pride!
3.101.150
Yet to how many is that gift deny'd?
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Art helps a face; a face, tho' heav'nly fair,
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May quickly fade for want of needful care.
3.101.153
In ancient days, if women slighted dress,
3.101.154
Then men were ruder too, and lik'd it less.
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If Hector's spouse was clad in stubborn stuff,
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A soldier's wife became it well enough.
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Ajax, to shield his ample breast, provides
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Seven lusty bulls, and tans their sturdy hides;
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And might not he, d'ye think, be well caress'd,
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And yet his wife not elegantly dress'd?
3.101.161
With rude simplicity Rome first was built,
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Which now we see adorned, and gilt.
3.101.163
This capitol with that of old compare;The capitol was a hill in Rome, so called from a man's head which was found there as the Romans were digging the foundation of the temple of Jupiter. So Livy and Dionysius write. It first went by the name of Saturnian, and afterwards by that of Tarpeian, from the name of the vestal Tarpeia, who was crushed to death by the weight of the arms of the Sabines that were thrown upon her, after she had delivered the place to them on condition those arms should be given to her. Tarquin built a temple there, which was dedicated by the consul Horatius. This edifice being, as Appius writes, destroyed in the civil wars, Scylla rebuilt it, and Catullus dedicated it. Vespasian restored it after he had put an end to the war against the Vitellians, or the party of Vitellius. It was not many years before it was burnt : and Domitian rebuilt it again, as Tacitus reports in his 10th book.
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Some other Jove you'd think was worship'd there.
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That lofty pile where senates dictate law,Varro writes that there were two sorts of courts in the capitol; one for the delivering of sacred matters, and the other for affairs of state. Both the one and the other were called Curia, a cunando, from the care that was taken there: one went by the name of Hostilia. from Hostilius. the fourth king of Rome: and before this were the Rostra; which took their names from the heads of ships that were hung up there, as may be seen by the eighth book of Livy.
3.101.166
When Tatius reign'd, was poorly thatch'd with straw;
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And where Apollo's fane refulgent stands,
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Was heretofore a tract of pasture lands.
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Let ancient manners other men delight;
3.101.170
But me the modern please, as more polite.
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Not that materials now in gold are wrought,
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And distant shores for orient pearls are sought;
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Not for, that hills exhaust their marble veins,
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And structures rise whose bulks the sea retains;
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But that the world is civilis'd of late,
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And polish'd from the rust of former date.
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Let not the nymph with pendants load her ear,
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Nor in embroid'ry, or brocade, appear;
3.101.179
Too rich a dress may sometimes check desire,
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And cleanliness more animate love's fire,
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The hair dispos'd, may gain or lose a grace,
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And much become or misbecome the face.
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What suits your features of your glass enquire;
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For no one rule is fixed for head attire,
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A face too long should part and flat the hair.
3.101.186
Lest upward comb'd, the length too much appear:
3.101.187
So Laodamia dress'd. A face too round
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Should show the ears, and with a tour be crown'd.
3.101.189
On either shoulder, one, her locks displays;
3.101.190
Adorn'd like Phoebus, when he sings his lays;
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Another, all her tresses tie behind;
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So dressed, Diana hunts the fearful hind.
3.101.193
Dishevelled locks most graceful are to some;
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Others, the binding fillets more become:
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Some plait, like spiral shells, their braided hair,
3.101.196
Others, the loose and waving curl prefer.
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But to recount the several dresses worn,By this we perceive the Roman ladies were as fond of fashions as the French, or the English, too much their imitators.
3.101.198
Which artfully each several face adorn,
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Were endless as to tell the leaves on trees,
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The beasts on Alpine hills, or Hybla bees.
3.101.201
Many there are who seem to slight all care,
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And with a pleasing negligence ensnare:
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Whole mornings, oft in such a dress are spent,
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And all is art, that looks like accident.
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With such disorder Iole was grac'd,
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When great Alcides first the nymph embrac'd.
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So Ariadne came to Bacchus' bed,
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When with the conqueror from Crete she fled.
3.159.209
Nature indulgent to the sex, repays
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The losses they sustain by various ways.
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Men ill supply those hairs they shed in age,Women rarely shed their hair; eunuchs not at all. And no animal, with the exception of man, becomes bald about the temples and ears.
3.159.212
Lost like autumnal leaves when north winds rage.
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Women with juice of herbs gray locks disguise,They dyed their hair with the juice of herbs. according to the fashion of the Germans, who make use of certain herbs to darken their hair, or dye it any other colour to disguise their age, and appear young. The Gauls made use of an herb which is called guesde, or woad, as Caesar reports in the third book of his commentaries.
3.159.214
And art gives colour which with nature vies;
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The well-wove tours they wear, their own art thought,
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But only are their own, as what they've bought.
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Nor need they blush to buy heads ready dress'd,
3.159.218
And choose at public shops what suits 'em best.
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Costly apparel let the fair one fly,
3.159.220
Enrich'd with gold, or with the Tyrian dye,The Tyrian scarlet was the finest dye in the world; preferable to that of Amyclea near Sparta, though that was also excellent. This scarlet is often confounded with purple, of which there were two sorts, one of a pomegranate colour, as the African, and the other of a reddish scarlet, as the Tyrian. Tibullus speaks of them distinctly.
3.159.221
What folly must in such expense appear,
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When more becoming colors are less dear!
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One with a die is ting'd of lovely blue,
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Such as through air serene the sky we view,
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With yellow lustre see another spread,
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As if the golden fleece compos'd the thread.The colour like that of Phryxus's ram. He was the son of Athamas king of Thebes, and to avoid the anger of Ino, his mother-in-law, fled with his sister Helle upon a ram with a golden fleece. His sister tumbling into the sea gave it the name of Hellespont, but he arriving at Colchos sacrificed the rain to Mars, who placed it in the zodiac. The golden fleece was hung in a temple, consecrated to Mars, and under the keeping of a dragon.
3.159.227
Some of the sea green wave the cast display;
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With this the nymphs their beauteous forms array;
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And some the saffron hue will well adorn;
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Such is the mantle of the blushing morn.
3.159.231
Of myrtle-berries, one, the tincture shows,
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In this, of amethysts, the purple glows,
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And that more imitates the paler rose.
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Nor Thracian cranes forget, whose silv'ry plumes
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Give patterns which employ the mimic looms.
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Nor almond nor the chesnut dye disclaim,
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Nor others which from wax derive their name.
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As fields you find, with various flowers o'erspread,
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When vineyards bud, and winter's frost is fled;
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So various are the colours you may try,
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Of which the thirsty wool imbibes the dye.
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Try ev'ry one; what best becomes you wear,
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For no complexion all alike can bear.
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If fair the skin, black may become it best,
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In black the lovely fair Briseis dress'd;
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If brown the nymph, let her be cloth'd in white,
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Andromeda so charm'd the wond'ring sight.
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I need not warn you of too powerful smells,
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Which sometimes health or kindly heat expels;
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Nor from your tender legs to pluck with care
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The casual growth of all unseemly hair.
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Tho' not to nymphs of Caucasus I sing,
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Nor such who taste remote the Mysian spring,
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Yet let me warn you that thro' no neglect
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You let your teeth disclose the least defect.
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You know the use of white to make you fair,
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And how with red lost colour to repair;
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Imperfect eyebrows you by art can mend,
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And skin, when wanting, o'er a scar extend;
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Nor need the fair one be asham'd, who tries
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By art to add new lustre to her eyes.
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A little book I've made, but with great care,
3.205.263
How to preserve the face, and how repair.
3.205.264
In that, the nymphs by time or chance annoy'd,
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May see what pains to please 'em I've employ'd,
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But still beware that from your lover's eye
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You keep conceal'd the med'cines you apply:
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Tho' art assists, yet must that art be hid,
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Lest whom it would invite it should forbid.
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Who would not take offence to see a face
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All daub'd and dripping with the melted grease?
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And tho' your unguents bear th' Athenian name,
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The wool's unsav'ry scent is still the same.
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Marrow of stags, nor your pomatums try,
3.205.275
Nor clean your furry teeth when men are by;
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For many things, when done, afford delight,
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Which yet, while doing, may offend the sight.
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E'en Myro's statues, which for art surpass
3.205.279
All others, once were but a shapeless mass;
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Rude was that gold which now in rings is worn,
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As once the robe you wear was wool unshorn;
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Think, how that stone rough in the quarry grew,
3.205.283
Which now a perfect Venus shews to view.It is thought he means that Venus of which Pliny speaks, and which was in Octavia's portico in the temple of Jupiter. She is described as rising out of the sea with her hair still wet; such as Apelles painted her.
3.205.284
While we suppose you sleep, repair your face,
3.205.285
Lock'd from observers, in some secret place;
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Add the last hand before yourselves you show,
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Your need of art why should your lover know?
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For many things when most conceal'd are best,
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And few of strict enquiry bear the test.
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Those figures which in theatres are seen,
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Gilded without, are common wood within.
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But no spectators are allow'd to pry
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Till all is finished which allures the eye.
3.205.294
Yet, I must own, it oft affords delight
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To have the fair one comb her hair in sight;
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To view the flowing honours of her head
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Fall on her neck, and o'er her shoulders spread.
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But let her look that she with care avoid
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All fretful humours while she's so employ'd;
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Let her not still undo, with peevish haste,
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All that her woman does, who does her best.
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I hate a vixen that her maid assails,
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And scratches with her bodkin or her nails;
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While the poor girl in blood and tears must mourn,
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And her heart curses what her hands adorn,
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Let her who has no hair, or has but some,
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Plant sentinels before her dressing-room;
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Or in the fane of the good goddess dress,
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Where all the male kind are debarr'd access.
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'Tis said that I (but 'tis a tale devis'd)
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A lady at her toilet once surpris'd,
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Who starting, snatch'd in haste the tour she wore,
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And in her hurry placed the hinder part before.
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But on our foes fall ev'ry such disgrace,
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Or barb'rous beauties of the Parthian race.
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Ungraceful 'tis to see without a horn
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The lofty hart whom branches best adorn,
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A leafless tree, or an unverdant mead,
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And as ungraceful is a hairless head.
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But think not these instructions are design'd
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For first-rate beauties of the finish'd kind;
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Not to a Semele, or a Leda bright,Semele was daughter of Cadmus, and mother of Bacchus by Jupiter, whom having the curiosity to enjoy in all his celestial majesty, she was burnt by lightning. Leda was the daughter of Thestius and mother of Castor and Pollux, whom she had by Jupiter, who in the shape of a swan enjoyed her as she bathed in the river Eurotas.
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Nor an Europa, these my rules I write;The Sidonian Europa, daughter of Agenor, king of Phoenicia, whom Jupiter fell in love with, and ravished her in the shape of a bull.
3.205.324
Nor the fair HelenThe story of Paris and Helen, and the Trojan war, is so common that we shall say no more of it. do I teach, whose charms
3.205.325
Stirr'd up Atrides and all Greece to arms;
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Thee to regain well was that war begun,
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And Paris well defended what he won:
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What lover or what husband would not fight
3.205.329
In such a cause, where both are in the right?
3.257.330
The crowd I teach, some homely and some fair,
3.257.331
But of the former sort the larger share.
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The handsome least require the help of art,
3.257.333
Rich in themselves, and pleas'd with nature's part.
3.257.334
When calm the sea, at ease the pilot lies,
3.257.335
But all his skill exerts when storms arise.
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Faults in your person or your face correct;
3.257.337
And few are seen that have not some defect.
3.257.338
The nymph too short her seat should seldom quit,
3.257.339
Lest when she stands she may be thought to sit;
3.257.340
And when extended on her couch she lies,
3.257.341
Let length of petticoats conceal her size.
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The lean of thick wrought stuff her clothes should choose,
3.257.343
And fuller made than what the plumper use.
3.257.344
If pale, let her the crimson juice apply;
3.257.345
If swarthy, to the Pharian varnish fly.
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A leg too lank tight garters still must wear,
3.257.347
Nor should an ill-shap'd foot be ever bare.
3.257.348
Round shoulders, bolster'd,Bolsters are yet in use, both for this defect in women, and in calved stockings for the men. And it is satisfactory to the curious to know that this fashion is 1800 years old. will appear the least;
3.257.349
And lacing straight confines too full a breast.
3.257.350
Whose fingers are too fat, and nails too coarse,
3.257.351
Should always shun much gesture in discourse;
3.257.352
And you whose breath is touch'd, this caution take,
3.257.353
Nor fasting, nor too near another, speak.
3.257.354
Let not the nymph with laughter much abound,
3.257.355
Whose teeth are black, uneven, or unsound.
3.257.356
You'd hardly think how much on this depends,
3.257.357
And how a laugh or spoils a face or mends.
3.257.358
Gape not too wide, lest you disclose your gums,
3.257.359
And lose the dimple which the cheek becomes.
3.257.360
Nor let your sides too long concussions shake,
3.257.361
Lest you the softness of the sex forsake:
3.257.362
In some, distortions quite the face disguise;
3.257.363
Another laughs, that you would think she cries.
3.257.364
In one, too hoarse a voice we hear betray'd;
3.257.365
Another's is as harsh as if she bray'd.
3.257.366
What cannot art attain! Many, with ease,
3.257.367
Have learn'd to weep, both when and how they please.
3.257.368
Others thro' affectation lisp; and find
3.257.369
In imperfection charms to catch mankind.
3.257.370
Neglect no means which may promote your end;
3.257.371
Now learn what way of walking recommends.
3.257.372
Too masculine a motion shocks the sight;
3.257.373
But female grace allures with strange delight.
3.257.374
One has an artful swing and jut behind,
3.257.375
Which helps her coats to catch the swelling wind;
3.257.376
Swell'd with the wanton wind, they loosely flow,
3.257.377
And ev'ry step and graceful motion show.
3.257.378
Another, like an Umbrian's sturdy spouse,
3.257.379
Strides all the space her petticoats allows.
3.257.380
Between extremes, in this, a mean adjust,
3.257.381
Nor show too nice a gait, nor too robust.
3.257.382
If snowy white your neck, you still should wear
3.257.383
That, and the shoulder of the left arm bare;
3.257.384
Such sights ne'er fail to fire my am'rous heart,
3.257.385
And make me pant to kiss the naked part.
3.311.386
Sirens, tho' monsters of the stormy main,Ovid here advises the ladies to learn to sing, and takes his comparisons from the Sirens. They were three in number, half women and half fish; one made use of her voice, another her lyre. and another her flute. Their haunt was on the coast of Sicily, where they charmed voyagers by their singing, but Ulysses escaped them.
3.311.387
Can ships, when under sail, with songs detain:
3.311.388
Scarce could Ulysses by his friends be bound,
3.311.389
When first he listen'd to the charming sound,
3.311.390
Singing insinuates, learn all ye maids;
3.311.391
Oft when a face forbids, a voice persuades.
3.311.392
Whether on theatres loud strains we hear,
3.311.393
Or in Ruelles some soft Egyptian air.Those airs were a sort of sarabands, in vogue among the Egyptian and Gades. The movement was dissolute and provoked to lust, as one may see by Martial.
3.311.394
Well shall she sing, of whom I make my choice,
3.311.395
And with her lute accompany her voice.
3.311.396
The rocks were stirr'd, the beasts to listen staid
3.311.397
When on his lyre melodious Orpheus play'd,
3.311.398
Even Cerberus and hell that sound obey'd,
3.311.399
And stones officious were thy walls to raise.
3.311.400
0, Thebes, attracted by Amphion's lays.He means the wall of Thebes, built by the sound of Amphion's lyre. He was the son of Jupiter and Antiope. Eusebius writes that Amphion reigned at Thebes, and made rocks move with the sound of his lyre.
3.311.401
The dolphin, dumb itself, thy voice admir'd,
3.311.402
And was, Arion, by thy songs inspir'd.Arion was a celebrated musician of antiquity. of whom Ovid in the second book makes mention. Some say he was a poet and musician of Lesbos. Having got a great deal of money, and returning from his travels home by sea. the sailors robbed and threw him over-board; when a dolphin charmed with his music, conveyed hin safe to Peloponesus; where he procured Periander to put the sailors to death. The poet, by all these instances of the power of music, would persuade the ladies to learn it, as the version tells us.
3.311.403
Of sweet Callimachus the works rehearse,Callimachus was a considerable poet, and, according to Quintilian, the first that wrote elegies in Greek. He was the son of Battus, who built Cyrene.
3.311.404
And real Philetas and Anacreon's verse,Philetas was a native of the island of Cos in the AEgean sea; a celebrated poet and writer of elegies, and flourished under Philip and his son Alexander the Great. Ovid calls Anacreon the old man of Teios, who loved drinking so well. He was a lyric poet, and Pliny tells us he choked himself with a grape-stone as he was drinking.
3.311.405
Terentian plays may much the mind improve;The ancients used to call their servants by the names of the countries from whence they came, as Lydus, Syrus. Dacus; so Geta comes from the country of Getae. The French to this day do the same, and call their footmen Champagne, le Picard, le Gascon, le Bourginon. etc. And Sir George Etheridge, in his Sir Fopling Flutter, the Hampshire, etc., speaking to his valet imitates this custom.
3.311.406
But softest Sappho best instructs to love.Sappho is made famous by almost all the poets of antiquity, as well as by her own writings. She was born at Mytelene in the Isle of Lesbos, and was contemporary with Alceus. She wrote nine books of elegy, and several epigrams and satires. The Sapphic verges took their name from her. There is nothing of her compositions extant, besides a hymn to Venus, and an ode to a young girl whom she loved. According to some authors, she flung herself into the sea because Phaon neglected her. Her sentiments were very tender in her verses, wherefore Ovid advises lovers to read them.
3.311.407
PropertiusSextus Aurelius Propertius was a native of Umbria, that rude part of Italy; so that we find genius and politeness are not confined to places. He was very much esteemed by Maecenas, and his works are still extant., Gallus, and TibullusEvery body who is the least acquainted with antiquity, knows he was one of the first wits of the Augustan age, and a man of gallantry and profusion, wasting his estate, even while he was in his youth, on his extravagancies and pleasures. Horace speaks of him as his friend; and Ovid reckons him amongst the best writers of his time. read,
3.311.408
And let Varronian verse to these succeed.
3.311.409
Then mighty Maro's work with care peruse;
3.311.410
Of all the Latians boards the noblest muse,
3.311.411
Even I, 'tis possible, in after-days,
3.311.412
May 'scape oblivion, and be nam'd with these.
3.311.413
My labour'd lines, some readers may approve,
3.311.414
Since I've instructed either sex in love.
3.311.415
Whatever book you read of this soft art,
3.311.416
Read with a lover's voice and lover's heart.
3.311.417
Tender epistles too, by me are fram'd,
3.311.418
A work before unthought of, and unnam'd.
3.311.419
Such was your sacred will, 0, tuneful nine!
3.311.420
Such thine Apollo, and Lycreus, thine!
3.311.421
Still unaccomplish'd may the maid be thought,
3.311.422
Who gracefully to dance was never taught:
3.311.423
That active dancing may to love engage,
3.311.424
Witness the well-kept dancers of the stage.The Romans were great encouragers of their dancers and mimes; some of them grew very eminent, such as Roscius Amerinus, for whom Cicero pronounced that fine oration; some of them also grew prodligiously rich, as Clodius Aesopus, of whose luxury Pliny makes mention; and Horace in the third satire of his second book, speaks of the son of this Aesopus, who swallowed a pearl of great price in one of his frolics.
3.353.425
Of some odd trifles I'm asham'd to tell,
3.353.426
Tho' it becomes the sex to trifle well;
3.353.427
To raffle prettily, or slur a die,
3.353.428
Implies both cunning and dexterity;
3.353.429
Nor is't amiss at chess to be expert,Latronum praelia ludet, is the same which the version renders chess; but what the Tessara Missa, of which we have spoken, is, none of the critics are clear in; those who come nearest suppose them to be billiard balls. Merula's explanation is very obscure; nor is Mycillus's much clearer. The latronum proelia is with more certainty interpreted to be chess. There is another game mentioned by the poet Reticuloque, etc., which none of the commentators have explained clearly; but the tunos lapillos is by all of them agreed to be what we call merills, a boyish game which Ovid describes so well, there is no doubt but it is the same. The dye spoken of here is supposed to refer to a game like the modern trick-track.
3.353.430
For games most thoughtful, sometimes most divert.
3.353.431
Learn ev'ry game, you'll find it prove of use;
3.353.432
Parties begun at play may love produce:
3.353.433
But easier 'tis to learn how bets to lay,
3.353.434
Than how to keep your temper while you play.
3.353.435
Unguarded then, each breast is open laid,
3.353.436
And while the head's intent, the heart's betray'd.
3.353.437
Then base desire of gain, then rage appears,
3.353.438
Quarrels and brawls arise, and anxious fears;
3.353.439
Then clamours and revilings reach the sky,
3.353.440
While losing gamsters all the gods defy.
3.353.441
They grieve, and curse, and storm, nay weep at last.
3.353.442
Good Jove avert such shameful faults as these,
3.353.443
From ev'ry nymph whose heart's inclin'd to please
3.353.444
Soft recreations fit the female kind;
3.353.445
Nature, for men, has rougher sports design'd:
3.353.446
To wield the sword and hurl the pointed spear;
3.353.447
To stop or turn the steed in full career.
3.353.448
Tho' martial fields ill suit your tender frames,
3.353.449
Nor may you swim in Tiber's rapid streams;
3.353.450
Yet when Sol's burning wheels from Leo drive,The sun is the master planet, and Leo the fifth sign in the zodiac, by astronomers called the House of the Sun, which therein causes the greatest heats.
3.353.451
And at the glowing Virgin's sign arrive,
3.353.452
'Tis both allow'd and fit you should repair,
3.353.453
To pleasant walks, and breathe refreshing air.
3.353.454
To Pompey's gardens,They were the most noted in Rome, and in the Field of Mars. or the shady groves
3.353.455
Which Caesar honours, and which Phoebus loves:
3.353.456
Phoebus, who sunk the proud Egyptian fleet,It is said Phoebus descended at the battle of Actium, and was present on the Roman side when Augustus beat Mark Antony.
3.353.457
And made Augustus' victory complete.
3.353.458
Or seek those shades, where monuments of fame
3.353.459
Are raised to Livia's or Octavia's name;
3.353.460
Or where Agrippa first adorn'd the ground,
3.353.461
When he with naval victory was crown'd.
3.353.462
To Isis' fine, to theatres resort;
3.353.463
And in the circus see the noble sport.
3.353.464
In ev'ry public place, by turns be shown;
3.353.465
In vain you're fair while you remain unknown.
3.353.466
Should you in singing, Thamyras transcend;Thamyras son of Philamon, of whom it is said, that as he returned from the city of Aetolia, he met with the muses by the way, and was so proud of his singing he fancied he could out-do them in that art; at which the daughters of Jupiter were so enraged that, in revenge, they deprived him of the use of his reason; as Homer writes in his second Iliad. Diodorus says they only took away his voice, and his art of playing on the lyre. The Latins say they struck him blind.
3.353.467
Your voice unheard, who will your skill commend!
3.353.468
Had not Appelles drawn the sea-born queen,Every one has heard of Apelles, the famous painter. He was a native of Cos, or, as others write, Ephesus, and born in the 112th Olympiad, about the 422nd year of Rome. For his great skill in his art he was called the prince of painters; and so industrious, that Nulla dies sine linea is his known motto. Alexander forbad any painter but him to draw his portrait. His master-piece was reckoned the Venus rising out of the sea, of which Ovid speaks, and which the Emperor Augustus dedicated in the temple of his father Julius Caesar. This piece was at last ruined by time, and Nero put another in its place, drawn by Dorotheus. Apelles had begun another Venus for the inhabitants of Cos, which would have excelled the first, but he was hindered by death from finishing it; and after him none had the boldness to put the last hand to it, as Pliny informs us.
3.353.469
Her beauties still beneath the waves had been.
3.353.470
Poets inspir'd write only for a name,
3.353.471
And think their labours well repay'd with fame.
3.353.472
In former days, I own, the poets were
3.353.473
Of gods and king the most peculiar care:
3.353.474
Majestic awe was in the name allow'd,
3.353.475
And they with rich possessions were endowed
3.353.476
Ennius with honours was by Scipio grac'd,
3.353.477
And next his own the poets statue plac'd.
3.353.478
But now their ivy crowns bear no esteem,
3.353.479
And all their learning's thought an idle dream.
3.353.480
Still there's a pleasure that proceeds from praise:
3.353.481
What could the high renown of Homer raise,
3.353.482
But that he sung his Iliad's deathless lays?Homer's name, and the contention of seven cities for him, are so well known, that there is no need of saying much about it; he was so called from his blindness. He was the most famous of all the Greek poets, but poor to the extermity of begging. His Iliads and Odyssey are to this day in the first rank of heroic poems, and the Aeneids only dispute with them the pre-eminence.
3.415.483
Who could have been of Danae's charms assur'd,
3.415.484
Had she grown old, within her tow'r immur'd?Danae, daughter of Acrisius king of Argos; who having consulted the oracle, and being told that she should be killed by her son, shut her up in a brazen tower to prevent it. Jupiter transforming himself into a golden shower, bribed her keepers, and got her with child; which. beingborn, was the renowned Perseus. Her father commanded both the babe and the mother to be thrown into the sea; but being unfortunately cast ashore on one of the islands called Cyclades, the king of the island married the mother; and Perseus, when he was grown up, unwittingly killed his grandfather.
3.415.485
This, as a rule, let ev'ry nymph pursue,
3.415.486
That 'tis her int'rest oft' to come in view.
3.415.487
A hungry wolf at all the herd will run,
3.415.488
In hopes, through many, to make sure of one.
3.415.489
So, let the fair the gazing crowd assail,
3.415.490
That over one, at least, she may prevail.
3.415.491
In ev'ry place to please, be all her thought;
3.415.492
Where, sometimes, least we think, the fish is caught.
3.415.493
Sometimes, all day, we hunt the tedious foil,
3.415.494
Anon, the stag himself shall seek the toil.
3.415.495
How could Andromeda once doubt relief,
3.415.496
Whose charms were heighten'd and adorn'd by grief?
3.415.497
The widow'd fair, who sees her lord expire,
3.415.498
While yet she weeps, may kindle new desire,
3.415.499
And Hymen's torch relight the fun'ral fire.
3.415.500
Beware of men who are too sprucely dress'd;
3.415.501
And look, you fly with speed a fop profess'd.
3.415.502
Such tools to you, and to a thousand more,
3.415.503
Will tell the same dull story o'er and o'er.
3.415.504
This way add that, unsteadily they rove,
3.415.505
And never fixed, are fugitives in love.
3.415.506
Such flutt'ring things all women sure should hate,
3.415.507
Light as themselves, and more effeminate.
3.415.508
Believe me, all I say is for your good;
3.415.509
Had Priam been believ'd, Troy still had stood.Priam king of Troy, and father of Paris, who stole Helen, was for restoring her to the Greeks, when they demanded her by their ambassadors; but other courses prevailing, the war ensued, which ended in the destruction of Troy and the death of Priam, who was killed by Pyrrhus, son of Achilles, after forty years' reign.
3.415.510
Many, with base designs, will passions feign,
3.415.511
Who know no love, but sordid love of gain.
3.415.512
But let not powder'd heads, nor essenc'd hair,
3.415.513
Your well-believing, easy hearts ensnare.
3.415.514
Rich clothes are oft by common sharpers worn,
3.415.515
And diamond rings felonious hands adorn.
3.415.516
So may your lover burn with fierce desire
3.415.517
Your jewels to enjoy, and best attire.
3.415.518
Poor Chloe robb'd, runs crying thro' the streets;
3.415.519
And as she runs," Give me my own," repeats.
3.415.520
How often, Venus, hast thou heard such cries,
3.415.521
And laugh'd amidst thy Appian votaries?The temple of Venus stood in the Appian way, and the gallant women used to frequent it to meet their sparks.
3.415.522
Some, so notorious are their very name,
3.415.523
Must ev'ry nymph whom they frequent defame.
3.415.524
Be warn'd by ills which others have destroy'd,
3.415.525
And faithless men with constant care avoid.
3.415.526
Trust not a Theseus, fair Athenian maid,
3.415.527
Who has so oft th' attesting gods betray'd.
3.415.528
And thou, Demophoon, heir to Theseus' crimes,
3.415.529
Hast lost thy credit to all future times.
3.461.530
Promise for promise equally afford,
3.461.531
But once a contract made, keep well your word.
3.461.532
For she for any act of hell is fit,
3.461.533
And undismayed may sacrilege commit;
3.461.534
With impious hands could quench the vestal fire
3.461.535
Poison her husband in her arms for hire,
3.461.536
Who first to take a lover's gift complies,
3.461.537
And then defrauds him, and his claim denies.
3.461.538
But hold, my muse, check thy unruly horse,
3.461.539
And more in sight pursue th' intended course.
3.461.540
If love epistles tender lines impart,
3.461.541
And billet-doux are sent to sound your heart,
3.461.542
Let all such letters by a faithful maid,
3.461.543
Or confident, be secretly convey'd.
3.461.544
Soon from the words you'll judge, if read with care,
3.461.545
When feign'd a passion is, and when sincere.The poet, in his advice to the men, has given them the same caution, when they write letters to show their passion, and not their wit, which is a rule that will last as long as truth and reason.
3.461.546
Ere in return you write some time require;
3.461.547
Delays, if not too long, increase desire;
3.461.548
Nor let the pressing youth with ease obtain,
3.461.549
Nor yet refuse him with too rude disdain.
3.461.550
Now let his hopes, now let his fears increase,
3.461.551
But by degrees, let fear to hope give place.
3.461.552
Be sure avoid set phrases when you write,
3.461.553
The usual way of speech is more polite.
3.461.554
How have I seen the puzzl'd lover vex'd,
3.461.555
To read a letter with hard words perplex'd;
3.461.556
A style too coarse takes from a handsome face,This is very delicate, and shows of what importance it is to beauty to be well bred, if it would be victorious.
3.461.557
And makes us wish an uglier in its place.
3.461.558
But since (tho' chastity be not your care)
3.461.559
You from your husband still would hide th' affair,
3.461.560
Write to no stranger till his truth be tried;
3.461.561
Nor in a foolish messenger confide.
3.461.562
What agonies that woman undergoes,
3.461.563
Whose hand the traitor threatens to expose;
3.461.564
Who rashly trusting, dreads to be deceiv'd,
3.461.565
And lives for ever to that dread enslav'd!
3.461.566
Such treachery can never be surpass'd,
3.461.567
For those discoveries, sure as light'ning, blast.
3.461.568
Might I advise, fraud shou'd with fraud be paid;
3.461.569
Let arms repel all who with arms invade.
3.493.570
But since your letters may be brought to light,
3.493.571
What if in sev'ral hands you learn to write?
3.493.572
My curse on him who first the sex betray'd,
3.493.573
And this advice so necessary made.
3.493.574
Nor let your pocket-book two hands contain,
3.493.575
First rub your lover's out, then write again.
3.493.576
Still one contrivance more remains behind,
3.493.577
Which you may use as a convenient blind;
3.493.578
As if to women writ, your letters frame,
3.493.579
And let your friend, to you subscribe a female name.
3.493.580
Now, greater things to tell, my muse prepare,
3.493.581
And clap on all the sail the bark can bear.
3.493.582
Let no rude passions in your looks find place;
3.493.583
For fury will deform the finest face;
3.493.584
It swells the lips, and blackens all the veins,
3.493.585
While in the eye a Gorgon horror reigns.
3.493.586
While on her flute divine Minerva play'd,Minerva playing on her flute by the river side, and seeing in the water what grimaces it obliged her to make, she flung away the instrument in a passion, and cursed it so much that he who made use of it afterwards had cause to repent it.
3.493.587
And in a fountain saw the change it made,
3.493.588
Swelling her cheek: she flung it quick aside,
3.493.589
"Nor is thy music so much worth," she cried.
3.493.590
Look in your glass when you with anger glow,
3.493.591
And you'll confess, you scarce yourself can know.
3.493.592
Nor with excessive pride insult the sight,
3.493.593
For gentle looks alone to love invite.
3.493.594
Believe it as a truth that's daily tried,
3.493.595
There's nothing more detestable than pride.
3.493.596
How have I seen some airs disgust create,
3.493.597
"Like things which by antipathy we hate!"
3.493.598
Let looks with looks, and smiles with smiles be paid,
3.493.599
And when your lover bows incline your head.
3.493.600
So love preluding plays at first with hearts,
3.493.601
And after wounds with deeper-piercing darts.
3.493.602
Nor me a melancholy mistress charms;
3.493.603
Let sad Tecmessa weep in Ajax' arms.
3.493.604
Let mournful beauties sullen heroes move;
3.493.605
We cheerful men like gaiety in love.
3.493.606
Let Hector in Andromache delight,
3.493.607
Who, in bewailing Troy, wastes all the night.
3.493.608
Had they not both born children (to be plain)
3.493.609
I ne'er could think they'd with their husbands lain.
3.493.610
I no idea in my mind can frame,
3.493.611
That either one or t'other doleful dame,
3.493.612
Could toy, could fondle, or could call their lords
3.493.613
"My life, my soul ;" or speak endearing words.
3.493.614
Why from comparisons should I refrain
3.493.615
Or fear small things by greater to explain?
3.493.616
Observe what conduct prudent generals use,
3.493.617
And how their several officers they choose;
3.493.618
To one a charge of infantry commit,
3.493.619
Another for the horse is thought more fit.
3.493.620
So you your sev'ral lovers should select,
3.493.621
And as you find 'em qualified, direct.
3.493.622
The wealthy lover store of gold should send;
3.493.623
The lawyer should, in courts, your case defend.
3.493.624
We, who write verse, with verse alone shouldbribe;
3.493.625
Most apt to love is all the tuneful tribe.
3.493.626
By us, your fame shall thro' the world be blaz'd;
3.493.627
So Nemesis, so Cynthia's name was rais'd.Nemesis was the goddess of justice; Adrastus built the first temple to her. The Romans invoked here before they went to battle, and returned her thanks after victory. But the Nemesis here is the woman whom Tibullus loved and celebrated in his poems, while Cynthia is the woman about whom Propertius wrote.
3.493.628
From east to west Lycoris' praises ring;In the verses of the poet Gallus, who was greatly enamoured of her.
3.493.629
Nor are Corinna's silent, whom we sing.Ovid sung his mistress by that name, which is supposed to be a nom de guerre taken from the Grecian poetess, who, as we are told, won the prize for poetry four or five times from Pindar; however, those who say so, own her beauty contributed much to that advantage. There were two Corinnas, one a Theban, who wrote epigrams and lyric poems, and contended with Pindar; the other was a Thespian, whom some call Corinthia. Ovid gave the name of Corinna to his mistress on account of her beauty and wit.
3.493.630
No fraud the poet's sacred breast can bear;
3.493.631
Mild are his manners, and his heart sincere,
3.493.632
Nor wealth he seeks, nor feels ambition's fires,
3.493.633
But shuns the bar; and books and shades requires.
3.493.634
Too faithfully, alas ! we know to love,
3.493.635
With ease we fix, but we with pain remove;
3.493.636
Our softer studies with our souls combine,
3.493.637
And both to tenderness our hearts incline.
3.493.638
Be gentle, virgins, to the poets pray'r,
3.493.639
The god that fills him, and the muse revere;
3.493.640
Something divine is in us, and from heav'n
3.493.641
Th' inspiring spirit can alone be given.
3.493.642
'Tis sin a price from poets to exact,
3.493.643
But 'tis a sin no woman fears to act;
3.493.644
Yet hide, howe'er, your avarice from sight,
3.493.645
Lest you too soon your new admirer fright.
3.555.646
As skilful riders rein, with diff'rent force,
3.555.647
A new-back'd courser and a well-train'd horse,
3.555.648
Do you by diffrent management engage
3.555.649
The man in years, and youth of greener age.
3.555.650
This, while the wiles of love are yet unknown,
3.555.651
Will gladly cleave to you, and you alone;
3.555.652
With kind caresses oft indulge the boy,
3.555.653
And all the harvest of his heart enjoy.
3.555.654
Alone, thus bless'd, of rivals most beware;
3.555.655
Nor love nor empire can a partner bear.
3.555.656
Men more discreetly love, when more mature,
3.555.657
And many things, which youth disdains, endure;
3.555.658
No windows break, nor houses set on fire,
3.555.659
Nor tear their own, or mistress's attire.
3.555.660
In youth, the boiling blood gives fury vent,
3.555.661
But men in years more calmly wrong resent;
3.555.662
As wood when green, or as a torch when wet,
3.555.663
They slowly burn, but long retain their heat.
3.555.664
More bright is youthful flame, but sooner dies;
3.555.665
Then swiftly seize the joy that swiftly flies.
3.555.666
Thus, all betraying to the beauteous foe,
3.555.667
How surely to enslave ourselves we show.
3.555.668
To trust a traitor you'll no scruple make,
3.555.669
Who is a traitor only for your sake.
3.555.670
Who yields too soon will soon her lover lose;
3.555.671
Would you retain him long ? then long refuse.
3.555.672
Oft at your door make him for entrance wait;
3.555.673
There let him lie, and threaten and entreat.
3.555.674
When cloy'd with sweets, bitters the taste restore;
3.555.675
Ships by fair winds are sometimes run ashore;
3.555.676
Hence springs the coldness in a married life;
3.555.677
The husband when he pleases has his wife.
3.555.678
Bar but your gate,Ladies must keep out both husbands and lovers to raise their passion, which is apt to be cloyed when admittance is too easy. and let your porter cry,
3.555.679
"Here's no admittance, sir; I must deny;"
3.555.680
The very husband, — so repuls'd, will find
3.555.681
A growing inclination to be kind.
3.589.682
Thus far with foils you've sought those laid aside;
3.589.683
I now sharp weapons for the sex provide,
3.589.684
Nor doubt not 'gainst myself to see 'em tried.
3.589.685
When first a lover you design to charm,
3.589.686
Beware lest jealousies his soul alarm;
3.589.687
Make him believe with all the skill you can,
3.589.688
That he and only he's the happy man.
3.589.689
Anon, by due degrees, small doubts create,
3.589.690
And let him fear some rival's better fate.
3.589.691
Such little arts make love its vigour hold,
3.589.692
Which else would languish, and too soon grow old.
3.589.693
Then strains the courser to outstrip the wind,
3.589.694
When one before him runs, and one he hears behind.
3.589.695
Love, when extinct, suspicions may revive;
3.589.696
I own when mine's secure 'tis scarce alive.
3.589.697
Yet no precaution to this rule belongs;
3.589.698
Let us at most suspect, not prove our wrongs.
3.589.699
Sometimes your lover, to incite the more,
3.589.700
Pretends your husband's spies beset the door;
3.589.701
Tho' free as Thais, still affect a fright,Thais was a name given to all sorts of lewd women who affected discretion.
3.589.702
For seeming danger heightens the delight.
3.589.703
Oft let the youth in thro' your windows steal,
3.589.704
Tho' he might enter at the door as well;
3.589.705
And sometimes let your maid surprise pretend,
3.589.706
And beg you in some hole to hide your friend:
3.589.707
Yet ever and anon dispel his fear,
3.589.708
And let him taste of happiness sincere;
3.589.709
Lest, quite dishearten'd with too much fatigue,
3.589.710
He should grow weary of the dull intrigue.
3.589.711
But I forgot to tell how you may try
3.589.712
Both to evade the husband and the spy.
3.589.713
That wives should of their husbands stand in awe,
3.589.714
Agrees with justice, modesty, and law;
3.589.715
But that a mistress may be lawful prize,
3.589.716
None but her keeper I am sure denies.
3.589.717
For such fair nymphs these precepts are design'd,
3.589.718
Which ne'er can fail, join'd with a willing mind.
3.589.719
Tho' stuck with Argus' eyes your keeper were,The fable of Argus has been spoken of before; he had a hundred eyes, and kept Io from Jupiter by Juno's order; for which Mercury killed him by command of his father Jove. To make him amends Juno turned him into a peacock, and placed his eyes in the tail.
3.589.720
Advis'd by me you shall elude his care.
3.589.721
When you to wash or bathe retire from eight,
3.589.722
Can he observe what letters then you write?
3.589.723
Or can his caution against such provide,
3.589.724
Which in her breast your confidant may hide!
3.589.725
Can he that note beneath her garter view,
3.589.726
Or that which more conceal'd is in her shoe ?
3.589.727
Yet, these perceived, you may her back undress,
3.589.728
And writing on her skin your mind express.
3.589.729
New milk, or pointed spires of flax when green,
3.589.730
Will ink supply, and letters mark unseen.
3.589.731
Fair will the paper, show, nor can be read,
3.589.732
Till all the writing 's with warm ashes spread.
3.589.733
Acresius was with all his care betray'd,
3.589.734
And in his tow'r of brass a grandsire made.
3.633.735
Can spies avail when you to plays resort,
3.633.736
Or in the circus view the noble sport?
3.633.737
Or can you be to Isis' fane pursu'd,
3.633.738
Or Cybele's, whose rights all men exclude?
3.633.739
Tho' watchful servants to the Bagnio come,
3.633.740
They're ne'er admitted to the bathing-room.
3.633.741
Or when some sudden sickness you pretend,
3.633.742
May you not take to your sick bed a friend?
3.633.743
False keys a private passage may procure,
3.633.744
If not, there are more ways besides the door.
3.633.745
Sometimes with wine your watchful follower treat;
3.633.746
When drunk, you may with ease his care defeat:
3.633.747
Or, to prevent too sudden a surprise,
3.633.748
Prepare a sleeping draught to seal his eyes;
3.633.749
Or let your maid, still longer time to gain,
3.633.750
An inclination for his person feign;
3.633.751
With faint resistance let her drill him on,
3.633.752
And, after competent delays, be won.
3.633.753
But what need all these various doubtful wiles,
3.633.754
Since gold the greatest vigilance beguiles?
3.633.755
Believe me, men and gods with gifts are pleas'd,
3.633.756
E'en angry Jove with offerings is appeas'd;
3.633.757
With presents fools and wise alike are caught;
3.633.758
Give but enough, the husband may be bought,
3.633.759
But let we warn you, when you bribe a spy,
3.633.760
That you for ever his connivance buy;
3.633.761
Pay him his price at once, for with such men
3.633.762
You'll know no end of giving now and then.
3.633.763
Once, I remember, I with cause complain'd
3.633.764
Of jealousy occasion'd by a friend.
3.633.765
Believe me, apprehensions of that kind
3.633.766
Are not alone to our false sex confin'd.
3.633.767
Trust not too far your she-companion's truth,
3.633.768
Lest she sometimes should intercept the youth;
3.633.769
The very confidant that lends the bed,
3.633.770
May entertain your lover in your stead.
3.633.771
Nor keep a servant with too fair a face,
3.633.772
For such I've known supply her lady's place.
3.633.773
But whither do I run with heedless rage,
3.633.774
Teaching the foe unequal war to wage?
3.633.775
Did ever bird the fowler's net prepare?
3.633.776
Was ever hound instructed by the hare?
3.633.777
But all self-ends and int'rests set apart,
3.633.778
I'll faithfully proceed to teach my art;
3.633.779
Defenceless and unarm'd expose my life,
3.633.780
And for the Lemnian ladies whet the knife.Alluding to those wicked women who rose against the men, and did not spare their own husbands.
3.633.781
Perpetual fondness of your lover feign,
3.633.782
Nor will you find it hard belief to gain;
3.633.783
Full of himself, he your design will aid!
3.633.784
To what we wish 'tis easy to persuade.
3.633.785
With dying eyes his face and form survey,
3.633.786
Then sigh, and wonder he so long could stay;
3.633.787
Now, drop a tear your sorrows to assuage,
3.633.788
Anon, reproach him, and pretend to rage.
3.633.789
Such proofs as these will all distrust remove,
3.633.790
And make him pity your excessive love.
3.633.791
Scarce to himself will he forbear to cry,
3.633.792
"How can I let this poor fond creature die?"
3.633.793
But chiefly one such fond behaviour fires,
3.633.794
Who courts his glass, and his own charms admires.
3.633.795
Proud of the homage to his merit done,
3.633.796
He'll think a goddess might with ease be won.
3.633.797
Light wrongs be sure you still with mildness bear,
3.633.798
Nor straight fly out when you a rival fear.
3.633.799
Let not your passions o'er your sense prevail,
3.633.800
Nor credit lightly ev'ry idle tale.
3.633.801
Let Procris' fate a sad example be
3.633.802
Of what effects attend credulity.
3.687.803
Near where his purple head Hymettus shows,
3.687.804
And flow'ring hills, a sacred fountain flows;
3.687.805
With soft and verdant turf the soil is spread,
3.687.806
And sweetly smelling shrubs the ground o'ershade.
3.687.807
There rosemary and bays their odours join,
3.687.808
And with the fragrant myrtle's scent combine.
3.687.809
There tamarisks with thick-leav'd box are found,
3.687.810
And cytisus and garden pines abound.
3.687.811
While through the boughs soft winds of Zephyr pass,
3.687.812
Tremble the leaves and tender tops of grass.
3.687.813
Hither would Cephalus retreat to rest,
3.687.814
When tir'd with hunting, or with heat oppress'd;
3.687.815
And, thus, to air the panting youth would pray;
3.687.816
Come, gentle Aura, come, this heat allay."
3.687.817
But some tale-bearing too officious friend,
3.687.818
By chance o'erheard him as he thus complain'd;
3.687.819
Who with the news to Procris quick repair'd,
3.687.820
Repeating word for word what she had heard.
3.687.821
Soon as the news of Aura reach'd her ears,
3.687.822
With jealousy surpris'd. and fainting fears,
3.687.823
Her rosy colour fled her lovely face,
3.687.824
And agonies like death supplied the place;
3.687.825
Pale she appear'd as are the falling leaves
3.687.826
When first the vine the winter's blast receives.
3.687.827
Of ripen'd quinces, such the yellow hue,
3.687.828
Or, when unripe, we cornel-berries view.
3.687.829
Reviving from her swoon, her robes she tore,
3.687.830
Nor her own faultless face to wound forbore;
3.687.831
Now all dishevell'd to the woods she flies,
3.687.832
With Bacchanalian fury in her eyes.The priestesses and priests of Bacchus, who celebrated the festival of that god, did it with the noise of shouts, drums, timbrels, and cymbals, were crowned with ivy, vine, etc., and carried a thyrsus or staff wove with it in their hands; they were frantic and outrageous in their actions during the cerremony.
3.687.833
Thither arriv'd, she leaves below her friends,
3.687.834
And all alone the shady hill ascends.
3.687.835
What fully, Procris, o'er thy mind prevail'd?
3.687.836
What rage, thus fatally to lie conceal'd?
3.687.837
"Who'er this Aura be," such was thy thought,
3.687.838
"She now shall in the very fact be caught "
3.687.839
Anon thy heart repents its rash designs,
3.687.840
And now to go, and now to stay, inclines;
3.687.841
Thus love with doubts perplexes still thy mind,
3.687.842
And makes thee seek what thou must dread to find.
3.687.843
But still the rival's name rings in thy ears,
3.687.844
And more suspicious still the place appears;
3.687.845
But more than all, excessive love deceives,
3.687.846
Which all it fears too easily believes.
3.687.847
And now a chillness runs thro' ev'ry vein,
3.687.848
Soon as she saw where Cephalus had lain.
3.687.849
'Twas noon when he again retir'd, to shun
3.687.850
The scorching ardour of the mid-day's sun;
3.687.851
With water first he sprinkled o'er his face
3.687.852
Which glow'd with heat; then sought his usual place.
3.687.853
Procris, with anxious but with silent care,
3.687.854
View'd him extended, with his bosom bare;
3.687.855
And heard him soon th' accustom'd words repeat,
3.687.856
" Come Zephyr, Aura come, allay this heat."
3.687.857
Soon as she found her error, from the word,
3.687.858
Her colour and her temper were restor'd;
3.687.859
With joy she rose to clasp him in her arms,
3.687.860
But Cephalus the rustling noise alarms;
3.687.861
Some beast he thinks he in the bushes hears,
3.687.862
And straight his arrows and his bow prepares.
3.687.863
Hold, hold, unhappy youth!-I call in vain;
3.687.864
With thy own hand thou hast thy Procris slain
3.687.865
" Me, me," she cries, " thou'st wounded with thy dart;
3.687.866
But Cephalus was wont to wound this heart.
3.687.867
Yet lighter on my ashes earth will lie,
3.687.868
Since, tho' untimely, I unrivall'd die!
3.687.869
Come, close with thy dear hand my eyes in death;
3.687.870
Jealous of air, to air I yield my breath."
3.687.871
Close to his heavy heart her cheek he laid,
3.687.872
And wash'd with streaming tears the wound he made;
3.687.873
At length the springs of life their currents leave,
3.687.874
And her last gasp her husband's lips receive.
3.747.875
Now to pursue our voyage we must provide,
3.747.876
Till safe to port our weary bark we guide.
3.747.877
You may expect, perhaps, I now should teach
3.747.878
What rules to treats and entertainments reach.
3.747.879
Come not the first, invited to a feast;
3.747.880
Rather come last, as a more grateful guest,
3.747.881
For that of which we fear to be depriv'd,
3.747.882
Meets with the surest welcome when arriv'd.
3.747.883
Besides, complexions of a coarser kind,
3.747.884
From candle-light no small advantage find.
3.747.885
During the time you eat, observe some grace,
3.747.886
Nor let your unwip'd hands besmear your face;
3.747.887
Nor yet too squeamishly your meat avoid,
3.747.888
Lest we suspect you were in private cloy'd.
3.747.889
Of all extremes in either kind forbear
3.747.890
And still, before your belly's full, beware.
3.747.891
No glutton nymph, however fair, can wound,
3.747.892
Tho' more than Helen she in charms abound.
3.747.893
I own I think of wire the moderate use
3.747.894
More suits the sex, and sooner finds excuse;
3.747.895
It warms the blood, adds lustre to the eyes,
3.747.896
And wine and love have always been allies.
3.747.897
But carefully from all intemperance keep,
3.747.898
Nor drink till you see double, lisp, or sleep;
3.747.899
For in such sleeps brutalities are done,
3.747.900
Which, tho' you loath, you have no pow'r to shun.
3.747.901
And now th' instructed nymph from table led,
3.747.902
Should next be taught how to behave in bed;—
3.747.903
But modesty forbids: nor more my muse
3.747.904
With weary wings the labour'd flight pursues;
3.747.905
Her purple swans unyok'd, the chariot leave,To show that he treats of love affairs, represented by the swans that are said to draw Venus' car sometimes; though doves are more often harnessed on this occasion. As to swans, Ovid observes in his Metamorphoses, that they were put to this use.
3.747.906
And needful rest (their journey done) receive.
3.747.907
Thus, with impartial care, my art I show,
3.747.908
And equal arms on either sex bestow;
3.747.909
White men and maids, who by my rules improve,
3.747.910
Ovid, must own, their master is in love.