Remedia amoris
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Original / primary: Perseus Eng2
291.299
The benefits of travel I have told,
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Which, for sick minds, the best relief I hold.
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But if through business you must still remain
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In town, and near the author of your pain;
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Though 'tis a dangrous neighbourhood, I'll show
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What methods there the lover must pursue.
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He takes the wisest course, who from his heart
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Does by mere force, wrest out the offensive dart:
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Resolv'd severely once for all to smart.
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A master of such courage I'll admire;
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Such patients will no more advice require.
291.310
Who wants this resolution to be freed
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At once, by slower methods must proceed.
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To milder remedies I'll him direct,
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Which yet in time, will have the wish'd effect.
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Think, till the thought your indignation move,
291.315
What damage you've receiv'd by her you love:
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How she has drain'd your purse; nor yet content,
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'Till your estate's in costly presents spent,
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And you have mortgaged your last tenement.
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How she did swear, and how she was forsworn;
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Not only false, but treated you with scorn:
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And, since her avarice has made you poor,
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Forc'd you to take your lodgings at her door:
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Reserv'd to you, but others she'll caress:
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The foreman of a shop shall have access.
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Let these reflections on your reason win;
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From seeds of anger hatred will begin;
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Your rhet'ric on these topics should be spent.
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Oh, that your wrongs could make you eloquent!
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But grieve, and grief will teach you to enlarge,
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And, like an orator, draw up the charge.