Amores

Ovid

Ovid. Ovid's Art of Love (in three Books), the Remedy of Love, the Art of Beauty, the Court of Love, the History of Love, and Amours. Dryden, John, et al., translator. New York: Calvin Blanchard, 1855.

  1. How oft, in secret, while the keeper stay'd,
  2. Within her woman's panting bosom laid !
  3. Once sent a birthday gift, the cruel dame
  4. In pieces tore, and gave me to the flame.
  5. I taught thee first to cultivate thy mind;
  6. Thy fancy brightened, and thy wit refin'd;
  7. Thou to my care those merits must allow,
  8. For which my rival would seduce thee now;"
  9. They spoke. I answer'd, "Let me both conjure
  10. To spare a mind with terrors unsecure;
  11. Nor to my charge, when once pronounc'd, be laid
  12. As crimes, the words my trembling tongue has said.
  13. To gain me glory, thy decrees ordain
  14. The regal sceptre and the tragic strain;
  15. With painful labour need I toil for fame,
  16. When easier tasks already raise my name?
  17. Thou mak'st my love immortal; thee I choose:
  18. Be thou my queen, and still command my muse.
  19. Majestic pow'r, forgive my simple choice,
  20. Thy gentle rival has obtain'd my voice.