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. And landing built, with happy hand, the town,
  2. Where first he did this festival revive,
  3. And its Greek rules to the Phaliscans give;
  4. The rites and sacrifices first he show'd,
  5. As practis'd now within this ancient wood.
  6. Ah, may these rites to all propitious be,
  7. No more to those that serv'd them than to me.
  1. I do not ask you would to me prove true,
  2. Since you're a woman, and a fair one too.
  3. Act what you please, yet study to disguise
  4. The wanton scenes from my deluded eyes.
  5. A stiff denial would attenuate
  6. That crime which your confession would make great.
  7. And 'twere unwise to trust the tell-tale light,
  8. With the dark secrets of the silent night.
  9. Tho' bought to be enjoy'd, a common whore
  10. Ere she begins will shut the chamber door:
  11. And will you turn debauch'd, then vainly own
  12. How lewd you are, to this malicious town?
  13. At least seem virtuous, and tho' false you be,