Remedia amoris
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Original / primary: Perseus Eng2
213.218
Or travel (tho' you find your fetter strong);
213.219
Set out betimes; your journey must be long.
213.220
You'll weep at thoughts of her you left behind,
213.221
And halting, to return be oft inclin'd.
213.222
But how much more unwilling to proceed,
213.223
Compel your feet to so much greater speed.
213.224
Advance, let nothing interrupt your way,
213.225
Nor wind nor weather, nor unlucky day.
213.226
Nor count the miles you've past, but what remain;
213.227
For loitering nigh no fond pretences feign.
213.228
Nor reckon time, nor once look back on Rome,
213.229
But fly; and, Parthian like, by flight o'ercome.
213.230
You'll call my precepts hard; I grant they are;
213.231
But for dear health who would not hardships bear;
213.232
When sick, the bitter potion I have ta'en;
213.233
And, for the food I've fancied, begg'd in vain.
213.234
Both steel and fire you'll patiently endure,
213.235
And thirst, more scorching, for your body's cure.
213.236
Can you, who thus your earthly part redeem,
213.237
For your immortal mind have less esteem?
213.238
Yet, for my patient's comfort, I must own,
213.239
When this first stage he manfully has run,
213.240
The half, the worst half of his task is done.
213.241
Gall'd with the yoke, at first the heifer draws;
213.242
The curb's first trial frets the courser's jaws.
213.243
Perhaps to leave your father's house you'll mourn;
213.244
Yet go; and think, when tempted to return,
213.245
Your kindred but the false pretence is made;
213.246
'Tis absence from your mistress does persuade.
213.247
When once set out, diversions you will meet,
213.248
Fair country prospects, and companions sweet.
213.249
Nor only travel far, but tarry long;
213.250
Nor once look homewards while your passion's strong.
213.251
Rebellious love, if he perceives you halt,
213.252
With greater fury will renew th' assault
213.253
Half-famish'd passion will more fiercely prey
213.254
And all your labor past be thrown away.