The Works of Tibullus Containing his Love-Elegies. Translated by Mr Dart. To which is added, The Life of the Author; with Observations on the Original Design of Elegiack Verse; and the Characters of the most Celebrated Greek, Latin and English Elegiack Poets |
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| I. |
Book I.
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
 | II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
 | The Works of Tibullus |  |
Book I.
ELEGY I.
Let the rich Miser gather golden Gain,
And live the large Possessor of the Plain:
Whom Fears perpetual scare with neighb'ring Foes,
And sounding Trumpets wake his soft Repose.
To me the Fates with sparing Hand dispence,
The humbler Sweets of Ease, and Innocence;
Pleas'd in the Pleasures of a still Retreat,
While constant Fires supply the cheerful Seat.
Here I a Countryman, with ready Hand,
When Seasons call, and proper Times demand,
With tender Vines my Vineyard will recruit,
And plant my Orchard with the choicest Fruit;
Nor one ungrateful Produce of the Year
Shall baulk my Labour, or elude my Care,
Whilst bending Boughs their Golden Weight produce,
And frothy Vats o'erflow with purple Juice.
For I revere the Guardian Pow'rs that bound
My shady Limits, and confine my Ground;
To whom an ancient Stock or Stone is plac'd,
With Rites ador'd, and flow'ry Garlands grac'd;
And the first Fruit that mellows on my Boughs,
The Rural God receives for granted Vows.
To thee, bright Ceres, of our Harvest-Store,
Be Wreaths suspended at thy Temple Door.
Ruddy Priapus is my Orchard Guard,
He whirls his Cycle, and the Birds are scar'd.
And you kind Lares whose indulgent Care
Was large, when larger my Possessions were,
Now small receive the little we prefer:
Then for my num'rous Flocks a Heifer dy'd,
A Lamb is all that I can now provide;
A Lamb shall fall, while the surrounding Throng
Of Country Youth shall as they pass along
Repeated Io's sing, Ye Pow'rs assign
A plenteous Store of Corn, and gen'rous Wine.
And live the large Possessor of the Plain:
Whom Fears perpetual scare with neighb'ring Foes,
And sounding Trumpets wake his soft Repose.
To me the Fates with sparing Hand dispence,
The humbler Sweets of Ease, and Innocence;
2
While constant Fires supply the cheerful Seat.
Here I a Countryman, with ready Hand,
When Seasons call, and proper Times demand,
With tender Vines my Vineyard will recruit,
And plant my Orchard with the choicest Fruit;
Nor one ungrateful Produce of the Year
Shall baulk my Labour, or elude my Care,
Whilst bending Boughs their Golden Weight produce,
And frothy Vats o'erflow with purple Juice.
For I revere the Guardian Pow'rs that bound
My shady Limits, and confine my Ground;
To whom an ancient Stock or Stone is plac'd,
With Rites ador'd, and flow'ry Garlands grac'd;
And the first Fruit that mellows on my Boughs,
The Rural God receives for granted Vows.
To thee, bright Ceres, of our Harvest-Store,
Be Wreaths suspended at thy Temple Door.
3
He whirls his Cycle, and the Birds are scar'd.
And you kind Lares whose indulgent Care
Was large, when larger my Possessions were,
Now small receive the little we prefer:
Then for my num'rous Flocks a Heifer dy'd,
A Lamb is all that I can now provide;
A Lamb shall fall, while the surrounding Throng
Of Country Youth shall as they pass along
Repeated Io's sing, Ye Pow'rs assign
A plenteous Store of Corn, and gen'rous Wine.
Now I can live on little, free from Strife,
Nor walk the high fatiguing Road of Life:
But to avoid the Summer Dog-stars Heat,
I seek the Thickwood Shade, and cool Retreat;
There, on the easie Grass extended lie,
While some clear River rolls his Waters by.
Nor shall I think it mean to use the Prong;
Or drive the Cattle with the Goad along;
Or when I find a Kid or bleating Lamb
Lost in the Field, and mourn its absent Dam:
I take it in my Arm, nor blush to bear
The Off-spring home, and house the tender Care.
Ye Wolves and Thieves, my little Flock despise,
A larger Farm will yield a larger Prize.
Here I Lustrations annually prepare
To purge my Swain, and ask kind Pales Care;
Due Pray'rs prefer, and Bowls of Milk I pour,
A glad Libation to the smiling Pow'r.
Hither, ye Gods, nor scorn our homely Board,
Nor Off'rings mean which earthen Plates afford;
The inoffensive Rustick found the Way,
And form'd his Vessels first of yielding Clay.
Nor walk the high fatiguing Road of Life:
But to avoid the Summer Dog-stars Heat,
I seek the Thickwood Shade, and cool Retreat;
There, on the easie Grass extended lie,
While some clear River rolls his Waters by.
Nor shall I think it mean to use the Prong;
Or drive the Cattle with the Goad along;
4
Lost in the Field, and mourn its absent Dam:
I take it in my Arm, nor blush to bear
The Off-spring home, and house the tender Care.
Ye Wolves and Thieves, my little Flock despise,
A larger Farm will yield a larger Prize.
Here I Lustrations annually prepare
To purge my Swain, and ask kind Pales Care;
Due Pray'rs prefer, and Bowls of Milk I pour,
A glad Libation to the smiling Pow'r.
Hither, ye Gods, nor scorn our homely Board,
Nor Off'rings mean which earthen Plates afford;
The inoffensive Rustick found the Way,
And form'd his Vessels first of yielding Clay.
I nor paternal Wealth, nor Fields require,
Nor Harvests, bounteous to my wealthy Sire;
A small Estate has safer Ways to please,
And a small Bed to stretch my Limbs at Ease.
How does it please to hear surrounding Storms,
And clasp my Delia in my folding Arms!
Or when cold Show'rs drive o'er the wint'ry Plain,
Indulge my Sleep lull'd by the rusling Rain!
This be my Fate, let others Wealth injoy,
They merit well the dearly purchas'd Toy;
Who for the Trifle quit their Health and Ease,
Tempting the stormy Show'rs, and angry Seas.
Sooner let Wealth of ev'ry Foreign Shore,
Em'ralds, and Gold, and all the shining Store
Perish, than any Fair of mine should mourn,
Or when I'm absent sigh for my Return.
Nor Harvests, bounteous to my wealthy Sire;
A small Estate has safer Ways to please,
And a small Bed to stretch my Limbs at Ease.
5
And clasp my Delia in my folding Arms!
Or when cold Show'rs drive o'er the wint'ry Plain,
Indulge my Sleep lull'd by the rusling Rain!
This be my Fate, let others Wealth injoy,
They merit well the dearly purchas'd Toy;
Who for the Trifle quit their Health and Ease,
Tempting the stormy Show'rs, and angry Seas.
Sooner let Wealth of ev'ry Foreign Shore,
Em'ralds, and Gold, and all the shining Store
Perish, than any Fair of mine should mourn,
Or when I'm absent sigh for my Return.
Messalla, War is yours, and Hostile Toils,
Through foreign Lands in Quest of foreign Spoils;
To firm your Conquests, and your Palace grace
With Trophies worthy your illustrious Race.
I wear the Chain, and scorning Glory wait
The constant Porter at my Mistress's Gate.
Honour is an indiff'rent Thing to me,
I Sleight it, Delia, while possess'd of thee;
Censure may rail, and call me what she can,
I would be counted an inglorious Man.
Thee let me have for ever in my Eye,
Ev'n when my latest Hour of Life draws nigh,
Gaze o'er thy lovely Form, and as you stand,
I'll dying grasp thee with a feeble Hand.
You'll weep, and when the pale extended Spoil
Lies stretch'd out, ready for the Funeral Pile;
With Flouds of Tears repeated Kisses fix
On my cold Lips, and Tears and Kisses mix:
You'll weep, I know you will; no Iron Chains
Confine thy Heart, thy Breast no Oak retains.
No Youth unmov'd shall leave those Obsequies,
Nor tender Maid return with Tearless Eyes.
But moderate your Grief, nor move my Shade,
Nor with your Hands your lovely Cheeks invade;
That heav'nly Face from Sorrow's Fury spare,
Nor rend the dangling Tresses of your Hair.
Through foreign Lands in Quest of foreign Spoils;
To firm your Conquests, and your Palace grace
With Trophies worthy your illustrious Race.
I wear the Chain, and scorning Glory wait
The constant Porter at my Mistress's Gate.
6
I Sleight it, Delia, while possess'd of thee;
Censure may rail, and call me what she can,
I would be counted an inglorious Man.
Thee let me have for ever in my Eye,
Ev'n when my latest Hour of Life draws nigh,
Gaze o'er thy lovely Form, and as you stand,
I'll dying grasp thee with a feeble Hand.
You'll weep, and when the pale extended Spoil
Lies stretch'd out, ready for the Funeral Pile;
With Flouds of Tears repeated Kisses fix
On my cold Lips, and Tears and Kisses mix:
You'll weep, I know you will; no Iron Chains
Confine thy Heart, thy Breast no Oak retains.
No Youth unmov'd shall leave those Obsequies,
Nor tender Maid return with Tearless Eyes.
But moderate your Grief, nor move my Shade,
Nor with your Hands your lovely Cheeks invade;
That heav'nly Face from Sorrow's Fury spare,
Nor rend the dangling Tresses of your Hair.
7
But now, while Fates allow, let's join our Love,
Enjoy each Day, and ev'ry Hour improve,
For Death, with Darkness veil'd, comes on a-pace;
And helpless Age, when Love is out of Place;
He then no more his tender Things will say,
And the Gray Head forbids the am'rous Play.
Now condescending Venus grants Delight,
While Youth, and Strength, and vig'rous Thoughts invite,
To storm a Door, and hold our Revels all the Night;
These are the Wars and Conquests I pursue,
Here I'm a Captain, and a Soldier too:
But, O! ye Trumpets, and ye Ensigns gay,
With all the Pomp of War be far away;
Your dang'rous Wounds for greedy Men prepare,
And give them Wealth, a Prize below my Care;
For I contented with my little Store,
Nor less expect, nor wish to make it more.
Enjoy each Day, and ev'ry Hour improve,
For Death, with Darkness veil'd, comes on a-pace;
And helpless Age, when Love is out of Place;
He then no more his tender Things will say,
And the Gray Head forbids the am'rous Play.
Now condescending Venus grants Delight,
While Youth, and Strength, and vig'rous Thoughts invite,
To storm a Door, and hold our Revels all the Night;
These are the Wars and Conquests I pursue,
Here I'm a Captain, and a Soldier too:
But, O! ye Trumpets, and ye Ensigns gay,
With all the Pomp of War be far away;
Your dang'rous Wounds for greedy Men prepare,
And give them Wealth, a Prize below my Care;
For I contented with my little Store,
Nor less expect, nor wish to make it more.
8
ELEGY II.
Bring Wine, my present Griefs with Wine compose,
To easy Sleep my weary Eye-lids close;
Whilst thus dissolv'd, may no Intruder press,
To wake my hapless Love, and injure my Recess.
For pond'rous Gates, and unrelenting Spies,
Conceal my Delia from my longing Eyes.
Obdurate Gates, may Show'rs of Rain descend,
May Jove his Rage in blasting Light'ning send,
Your Hinges break, and ev'ry Fast'ning rend.
Ye Gates, be mov'd for once by my Complaint,
O'ercome by my Request and Pray'rs relent;
With easy Turn unfold, without a Noise,
My Passage favour, and conceal my Joys;
And if my Madness any Ill hath said,
On me alone be all the Curses laid.
Nor ought you to forget how often I,
With many a Pray'r, and many a suppliant Cry,
Have to your Posts my Chaplets hung on high.
To easy Sleep my weary Eye-lids close;
Whilst thus dissolv'd, may no Intruder press,
To wake my hapless Love, and injure my Recess.
For pond'rous Gates, and unrelenting Spies,
Conceal my Delia from my longing Eyes.
Obdurate Gates, may Show'rs of Rain descend,
May Jove his Rage in blasting Light'ning send,
Your Hinges break, and ev'ry Fast'ning rend.
Ye Gates, be mov'd for once by my Complaint,
O'ercome by my Request and Pray'rs relent;
With easy Turn unfold, without a Noise,
My Passage favour, and conceal my Joys;
And if my Madness any Ill hath said,
On me alone be all the Curses laid.
Nor ought you to forget how often I,
With many a Pray'r, and many a suppliant Cry,
Have to your Posts my Chaplets hung on high.
9
And you, my Delia, strive your Guards to cheat,
And fearless, learn from me the close Deceit;
Nor doubt the kind assisting Venus Aid,
She always favours the advent'rous Maid;
She favours when the eager Lover waits,
And the expecting Girl unlocks the Gates;
Urges the am'rous Theft, and shows the Bed.
The silent Foot directs, and cautious Tread.
She teaches, how before the Husband's Eyes,
By Signs to talk, the Courtship in Disguise;
But 'tis not ev'ry one those Secrets knows,
The Goddess only teaches 'em to those
Whom Ease cou'd ne'er perswade to slight Amours,
Nor Fear of rising, tho' at Mid-night Hours.
Lo! I, when Dark, all round the City stray,
Anxious and thoughtful, and neglect my Way;
Fearless I ev'ry threat'ning Danger slight,
Secur'd by Venus in the darksome Night;
Nor suffers she the Sword to stop my Way,
Nor Mid-night Robbers to attain their Prey;
Whom Love defends is sacred by his Care,
And, free from Ill may travel any where,
Nor ought he apprehensive Dangers fear.
Not me, the Frost of wintry Nights restrains;
Not me, the ratling Show'rs and chilly Rains:
Tis Toil too small, if Delia does but wait
With kind Impatience to unfold the Gate;
Whilst she with tim'rous Silence takes her Stand,
I hear the well-known Signal of her Hand:
May no one passing by afford a Light,
To hide her Thefts close Venus takes Delight;
Nor fright with trampling Feet, nor ask my Name,
Nor glare my Visage with a Candle's Flame.
If any one imprudently should spy,
May he forget it, and the Sight deny.
Love by the Babler ne'er was understood,
His Venus sprung from raging Seas and Blood.
And fearless, learn from me the close Deceit;
Nor doubt the kind assisting Venus Aid,
She always favours the advent'rous Maid;
She favours when the eager Lover waits,
And the expecting Girl unlocks the Gates;
Urges the am'rous Theft, and shows the Bed.
The silent Foot directs, and cautious Tread.
She teaches, how before the Husband's Eyes,
By Signs to talk, the Courtship in Disguise;
But 'tis not ev'ry one those Secrets knows,
The Goddess only teaches 'em to those
Whom Ease cou'd ne'er perswade to slight Amours,
Nor Fear of rising, tho' at Mid-night Hours.
Lo! I, when Dark, all round the City stray,
Anxious and thoughtful, and neglect my Way;
Fearless I ev'ry threat'ning Danger slight,
Secur'd by Venus in the darksome Night;
10
Nor Mid-night Robbers to attain their Prey;
Whom Love defends is sacred by his Care,
And, free from Ill may travel any where,
Nor ought he apprehensive Dangers fear.
Not me, the Frost of wintry Nights restrains;
Not me, the ratling Show'rs and chilly Rains:
Tis Toil too small, if Delia does but wait
With kind Impatience to unfold the Gate;
Whilst she with tim'rous Silence takes her Stand,
I hear the well-known Signal of her Hand:
May no one passing by afford a Light,
To hide her Thefts close Venus takes Delight;
Nor fright with trampling Feet, nor ask my Name,
Nor glare my Visage with a Candle's Flame.
If any one imprudently should spy,
May he forget it, and the Sight deny.
Love by the Babler ne'er was understood,
His Venus sprung from raging Seas and Blood.
11
Nor shall thy Husband th' Assignation guess,
Nor doubtful Fears his jealous Head possess:
An ancient Crone expert in Magick Charms,
Assures a safe Defence from future Harms.
Her have I seen call down the Stars from high,
And force their glowing Orbits from the Sky;
Her Songs oppose the River's rapid Speed,
And roll its Waters backward to their Head;
Can shake the Earth, and rend its lab'ring Womb,
And fetch the shaddowy Manes from the Tomb:
Can from the burning Pile the Body call,
Restore it Life, and stop the Funeral.
In Magick Strains from the Tartarëan Coasts,
Invoke (with Milk appeas'd) the bloodless Ghosts:
She, when she pleases, sweeps the Clouds away,
Relieves the lab'ring Sky, and clears the Face of Day.
She in the Summer Time, by Magick Pow'rs,
Can fill the sultry Day with snowy Show'rs;
To her alone Medea's Herbs are known,
And Hecate's Dogs are tam'd by her alone.
She fram'd for me the all-deceiving Verse,
Spit thrice, and thrice the pow'rful Charm rehearse;
No Tales he'll credit, nay, although he spies
Us both in Bed, he'll not believe his Eyes,
But other Sutors shun, for they'll be known,
The saving Magick serves for me alone.
What can I think? She once affirm'd that she,
With Songs and Herbs, could set my Passion free;
With Torches purg'd me, and in Mid-night Hours
Slew a black Victim to th' Infernal Pow'rs.
I did not ask to have my Flame expire,
But only pray'd a mutual Desire;
Pleas'd with a Passion I shall ne'er remove,
I would not have the Pow'r to change my Love.
Nor doubtful Fears his jealous Head possess:
An ancient Crone expert in Magick Charms,
Assures a safe Defence from future Harms.
Her have I seen call down the Stars from high,
And force their glowing Orbits from the Sky;
Her Songs oppose the River's rapid Speed,
And roll its Waters backward to their Head;
Can shake the Earth, and rend its lab'ring Womb,
And fetch the shaddowy Manes from the Tomb:
Can from the burning Pile the Body call,
Restore it Life, and stop the Funeral.
In Magick Strains from the Tartarëan Coasts,
Invoke (with Milk appeas'd) the bloodless Ghosts:
She, when she pleases, sweeps the Clouds away,
Relieves the lab'ring Sky, and clears the Face of Day.
She in the Summer Time, by Magick Pow'rs,
Can fill the sultry Day with snowy Show'rs;
12
And Hecate's Dogs are tam'd by her alone.
She fram'd for me the all-deceiving Verse,
Spit thrice, and thrice the pow'rful Charm rehearse;
No Tales he'll credit, nay, although he spies
Us both in Bed, he'll not believe his Eyes,
But other Sutors shun, for they'll be known,
The saving Magick serves for me alone.
What can I think? She once affirm'd that she,
With Songs and Herbs, could set my Passion free;
With Torches purg'd me, and in Mid-night Hours
Slew a black Victim to th' Infernal Pow'rs.
I did not ask to have my Flame expire,
But only pray'd a mutual Desire;
Pleas'd with a Passion I shall ne'er remove,
I would not have the Pow'r to change my Love.
That Man is Steel who quits my Delia's Charms,
Strange Fool to tempt the Camp and dang'rous Arms!
Let him his Conquest boast, and gain the Field,
And teach the proud Cilicians how to yield:
His labour'd Vests, with rich Embroid'ry wear,
And press the manag'd Steed conspicuous from afar.
Let me my Life with lovely Delia lead,
And on the quiet Hills my Cattle feed;
There close encircling thee with fond Embrace,
Take Noon-tide Slumbers on the easie Grass.
When Love's averse, what Quiet can afford
The Purple Couch to its distracted Lord?
When Midnight Fears disturb the lonely Hours,
And Tears descend on Tears in constant Show'rs:
Then not the costly Cov'rings of the Bed,
With Studs of Gold, and rough Embroid'ry spread;
Nor drowsy Waterfals can then compose
The watchful Eye-lids to a soft Repose.
Strange Fool to tempt the Camp and dang'rous Arms!
13
And teach the proud Cilicians how to yield:
His labour'd Vests, with rich Embroid'ry wear,
And press the manag'd Steed conspicuous from afar.
Let me my Life with lovely Delia lead,
And on the quiet Hills my Cattle feed;
There close encircling thee with fond Embrace,
Take Noon-tide Slumbers on the easie Grass.
When Love's averse, what Quiet can afford
The Purple Couch to its distracted Lord?
When Midnight Fears disturb the lonely Hours,
And Tears descend on Tears in constant Show'rs:
Then not the costly Cov'rings of the Bed,
With Studs of Gold, and rough Embroid'ry spread;
Nor drowsy Waterfals can then compose
The watchful Eye-lids to a soft Repose.
Have I with daring Insolence profan'd
Great Venus, or her mighty Pow'r disdain'd;
That thus severely she repays the Wrong,
And takes Revenge upon my impious Tongue?
Or madly injur'd any Pow'r Divine,
Rifling the Garlands from the sacred Shrine?
I'd readily appease their Deities,
And wear the Pavement with my suppliant Knees;
With prostrate Veneration press the Floors,
And kiss the hallow'd Marble of the Doors.
Great Venus, or her mighty Pow'r disdain'd;
14
And takes Revenge upon my impious Tongue?
Or madly injur'd any Pow'r Divine,
Rifling the Garlands from the sacred Shrine?
I'd readily appease their Deities,
And wear the Pavement with my suppliant Knees;
With prostrate Veneration press the Floors,
And kiss the hallow'd Marble of the Doors.
But you who laugh at all my Woes beware;
Look to your self, and dread an equal Share:
For the same God his Fury will asswage,
I shall grow cold, when you begin to rage.
Oft have I seen the Man, whose scornful Pride
Did once the suppliant Lover's Woes deride:
When Old, gay Thoughts of Courtship entertain,
And bend his stubborn Neck to Venus Chain.
With wither'd Throat soft tender Talk prepare,
And hide the Gray Discov'ries of his Hair;
With shameless Impudence pursue th' Amour,
Lurking and faunt'ring at the fair One's Door:
Watch for the Servant Maid, and stop her Walk
Before the Gate, to keep her there in Talk;
Whilst round him all the Youth repair and scoff,
Spitting to keep the Fascination off.
Look to your self, and dread an equal Share:
For the same God his Fury will asswage,
I shall grow cold, when you begin to rage.
Oft have I seen the Man, whose scornful Pride
Did once the suppliant Lover's Woes deride:
When Old, gay Thoughts of Courtship entertain,
And bend his stubborn Neck to Venus Chain.
With wither'd Throat soft tender Talk prepare,
And hide the Gray Discov'ries of his Hair;
15
Lurking and faunt'ring at the fair One's Door:
Watch for the Servant Maid, and stop her Walk
Before the Gate, to keep her there in Talk;
Whilst round him all the Youth repair and scoff,
Spitting to keep the Fascination off.
But thou, O Venus, spare! thou Pow'r Divine!
To thee devoted is this Breast of mine;
Why wilt thou burn the Off'ring that is thine?
To thee devoted is this Breast of mine;
Why wilt thou burn the Off'ring that is thine?
ELEGY III.
While you Messala tempt th' Ægean Sea,
I am prevented to attend your Way.
But, O! I wish you still may condescend
To bear a kind Remembrance of your Friend.
I am prevented to attend your Way.
But, O! I wish you still may condescend
To bear a kind Remembrance of your Friend.
Oppress'd with Sickness, weary'd out with Pains,
Phœacia me in unknown Lands detains:
Sick, and a Stranger in a foreign Land,
Black Death withdraw thy dire rapacious Hand;
Black Death keep off I pray, no Mother here
Can gather up my Dust with pious Care.
No Sister here with decent Grief can come
To please my Shade, and off'ring rich Perfume,
With flowing Hair lament before my Tomb.
No Delia who at every Shrine did wait,
Before our Parting, to consult my Fate.
Thrice into Fortune's Chest the Lotts she threw,
And thrice the Boy undoubted Answers drew;
All promis'd a Return, yet the fond Maid
Still wept, and of the Journey still afraid:
Nor Gods could satisfie, nor Fates appease,
'Twas I alone could give the wish'd-for Ease.
When going, I some new Pretence would raise,
To put the Journey off, and frame Delays;
Some inauspicious Bird is seen to fly,
Or some malignant Omen sets it by;
Or else perhaps 'tis Saturn's evil Day,
Or any thing that serves to use Delay.
How often have I stumbl'd at the Gate?
Then said the Voyage was ill-design'd by Fate.
Let none when Love's averse their Journey take,
Or dare proceed when he commands them back.
Phœacia me in unknown Lands detains:
16
Black Death withdraw thy dire rapacious Hand;
Black Death keep off I pray, no Mother here
Can gather up my Dust with pious Care.
No Sister here with decent Grief can come
To please my Shade, and off'ring rich Perfume,
With flowing Hair lament before my Tomb.
No Delia who at every Shrine did wait,
Before our Parting, to consult my Fate.
Thrice into Fortune's Chest the Lotts she threw,
And thrice the Boy undoubted Answers drew;
All promis'd a Return, yet the fond Maid
Still wept, and of the Journey still afraid:
Nor Gods could satisfie, nor Fates appease,
'Twas I alone could give the wish'd-for Ease.
When going, I some new Pretence would raise,
To put the Journey off, and frame Delays;
Some inauspicious Bird is seen to fly,
Or some malignant Omen sets it by;
17
Or any thing that serves to use Delay.
How often have I stumbl'd at the Gate?
Then said the Voyage was ill-design'd by Fate.
Let none when Love's averse their Journey take,
Or dare proceed when he commands them back.
What now avails thy Isis Pow'r to thee?
Or what Advantage, Delia, reaches me?
From jingling Sistrums you unweary'd shake,
And all the kind religious Care you take.
Or what avail thy purifying Rites,
Thy frequent Bathings, and thy lonely Nights?
Now, Goddess! now assist, for in thy Shrine
Suspended Tablets prove thy Help Divine;
That by my Delia, for thy pow'rful Aid,
Repeated Thanks and grateful Vows be paid;
And all in Linnen veil'd, a Vot'ry wait,
Watching incessantly before thy Gate;
And sing thy mighty Praises twice a-Day,
With Hair unbound in the Egyptian way.
But may I worship at my known Aboads,
Paternal Lares and familiar Gods.
Or what Advantage, Delia, reaches me?
From jingling Sistrums you unweary'd shake,
And all the kind religious Care you take.
Or what avail thy purifying Rites,
Thy frequent Bathings, and thy lonely Nights?
Now, Goddess! now assist, for in thy Shrine
Suspended Tablets prove thy Help Divine;
That by my Delia, for thy pow'rful Aid,
Repeated Thanks and grateful Vows be paid;
And all in Linnen veil'd, a Vot'ry wait,
Watching incessantly before thy Gate;
18
With Hair unbound in the Egyptian way.
But may I worship at my known Aboads,
Paternal Lares and familiar Gods.
How blest the Life in old Saturnian Days,
E'er tiresome Journies mark'd out tedious Ways;
Or Pines descending from the Mountain's Brow,
Disturb'd the Azure-main with brazen Prow;
E'er to assist their Way, they spread their Sails,
And swelling Canvass caught the flying Gales:
No Merchants then their dang'rous Coastings made,
To fill their Vessels with a foreign Trade.
No sturdy Bull had wore the Yoke as yet,
Nor Horse (with Mouth restrain'd) had champ'd the Bitt;
No Doors their Bow'rs secur'd, and in their Grounds
No Landmark stood, to parcel out the Bounds;
Nor Rage was then, nor furious Wars alarms,
Nor Smiths with barb'rous Art had fashion'd Arms.
E'er tiresome Journies mark'd out tedious Ways;
Or Pines descending from the Mountain's Brow,
Disturb'd the Azure-main with brazen Prow;
E'er to assist their Way, they spread their Sails,
And swelling Canvass caught the flying Gales:
No Merchants then their dang'rous Coastings made,
To fill their Vessels with a foreign Trade.
No sturdy Bull had wore the Yoke as yet,
Nor Horse (with Mouth restrain'd) had champ'd the Bitt;
No Doors their Bow'rs secur'd, and in their Grounds
No Landmark stood, to parcel out the Bounds;
Nor Rage was then, nor furious Wars alarms,
Nor Smiths with barb'rous Art had fashion'd Arms.
19
Now, Jove an Age by far unhappier sways,
Now, dang'rous Battles, and tempestuous Seas
Have open'd unto Death a thousand Ways.
Spare Father, spare, for (piously inclin'd)
No conscious Perjuries distract my Mind,
Or evil Words in sacred Fanes design'd.
Now, dang'rous Battles, and tempestuous Seas
Have open'd unto Death a thousand Ways.
Spare Father, spare, for (piously inclin'd)
No conscious Perjuries distract my Mind,
Or evil Words in sacred Fanes design'd.
But if the Fates will lead my Clue no more,
And my unhappy Share of Years are o'er;
Upon the Earth, where my cold Ashes lie,
A Stone erect, and write this Elegy;
Here lies Tibullus , stop'd by Death, while he
Messala follow'd, over Land and Sea.
And my unhappy Share of Years are o'er;
Upon the Earth, where my cold Ashes lie,
A Stone erect, and write this Elegy;
Here lies Tibullus , stop'd by Death, while he
Messala follow'd, over Land and Sea.
But me, since Love was still my tender Vow,
Venus shall lead to happy Meads below;
There Songs perpetual charm the list'ning Ear,
Whilst all the Feather'd Wand'rers of the Air,
To join the Sound, their warbling Throats prepare.
Cassia from ev'ry Hedge unbidden breaths,
And to the Gales its fragrant Sweets bequeaths;
The bounteous Earth its purple Product yields,
And od'rous Roses paint the blushing Fields:
There Trains of blooming Youths, and tender Maids,
Sport on the Green, and wanton in the Shades;
While busie Love attends them all the Way,
Joins in the Conflict, and provokes the Fray:
There ev'ry one by hasty Death betray'd,
The faithful Lover, and the constant Maid,
Above the rest distinguish'd, all repair,
And bind with Myrtle Wreaths their flowing Hair.
Venus shall lead to happy Meads below;
There Songs perpetual charm the list'ning Ear,
Whilst all the Feather'd Wand'rers of the Air,
To join the Sound, their warbling Throats prepare.
20
And to the Gales its fragrant Sweets bequeaths;
The bounteous Earth its purple Product yields,
And od'rous Roses paint the blushing Fields:
There Trains of blooming Youths, and tender Maids,
Sport on the Green, and wanton in the Shades;
While busie Love attends them all the Way,
Joins in the Conflict, and provokes the Fray:
There ev'ry one by hasty Death betray'd,
The faithful Lover, and the constant Maid,
Above the rest distinguish'd, all repair,
And bind with Myrtle Wreaths their flowing Hair.
But impious Souls shall lie in Night profound,
Where muddy Waters flow with sullen Sound;
Snake-hair'd Tisiphone rages about,
And lashes here, and there, the impious Rout;
There Hydra horrid, at the Portal waits,
And barking Cerb'rus guards the brazen Gates:
There Ixion's whirl'd around th' incessant Wheel,
For tempting Juno, and th' intended Ill:
There Tityus lies over nine Acres spread,
While his Black Intrails hung'ry Vultures feed:
Tantalus inclos'd with Streams, yet ever dry,
While from his Lips th' eluding Waters fly;
And Danau's Daughter, impious to profane
Great Venus Rites, are doom'd a fruitless Pain,
To fill with Lethe's Streams a Tun in vain:
There all that wish'd this Journey shall remove,
And every Violater of my Love.
Where muddy Waters flow with sullen Sound;
Snake-hair'd Tisiphone rages about,
And lashes here, and there, the impious Rout;
There Hydra horrid, at the Portal waits,
And barking Cerb'rus guards the brazen Gates:
21
For tempting Juno, and th' intended Ill:
There Tityus lies over nine Acres spread,
While his Black Intrails hung'ry Vultures feed:
Tantalus inclos'd with Streams, yet ever dry,
While from his Lips th' eluding Waters fly;
And Danau's Daughter, impious to profane
Great Venus Rites, are doom'd a fruitless Pain,
To fill with Lethe's Streams a Tun in vain:
There all that wish'd this Journey shall remove,
And every Violater of my Love.
But you continue chast, let Nurse with Care
Secure your Modesty and pious Fear;
By Lamp-light tell thee Tales, and Fleeces cull,
Or from the Distaff lead the twisted Wooll;
Let her the Servant close to Labour keep,
'Till Nature tir'd, requires Supplies of Sleep.
Secure your Modesty and pious Fear;
By Lamp-light tell thee Tales, and Fleeces cull,
Or from the Distaff lead the twisted Wooll;
Let her the Servant close to Labour keep,
'Till Nature tir'd, requires Supplies of Sleep.
22
Then, if the Fates this feeble Life sustain,
And I am blest to see my Dear again:
I unexpected come, nor Slave employ
To speak me near, and moderate your Joy;
You'll think my Visit made as from the Skies,
And I shall see, and Share the dear Surprize;
With naked Feet you'll run to meet my Arms,
Your Hair unbound, in all your native Charms,
O! may Aurora bring this happy Light
With Rosy Steeds, and make the Morning bright.
And I am blest to see my Dear again:
I unexpected come, nor Slave employ
To speak me near, and moderate your Joy;
You'll think my Visit made as from the Skies,
And I shall see, and Share the dear Surprize;
With naked Feet you'll run to meet my Arms,
Your Hair unbound, in all your native Charms,
O! may Aurora bring this happy Light
With Rosy Steeds, and make the Morning bright.
ELEGY IV. To PRIAPUS.
So may the Trees extend their spreading Boughs,
And guard thy Head from Heat and chilly Snows;
As you resolve me, for what Arts acquir'd,
Or for what beauteous Features you're admir'd?
Thy snarly Locks are matted to thy Head,
And o'er thy Face thy shaggy Beard is spread.
Naked, you stand the Cold of wint'ry Days,
And naked, feel the Dog-star's parching Rays.
Thus I; and thus (to Bacchus near ally'd,)
The God that holds the crooked Scyth reply'd;
And guard thy Head from Heat and chilly Snows;
As you resolve me, for what Arts acquir'd,
Or for what beauteous Features you're admir'd?
23
And o'er thy Face thy shaggy Beard is spread.
Naked, you stand the Cold of wint'ry Days,
And naked, feel the Dog-star's parching Rays.
Thus I; and thus (to Bacchus near ally'd,)
The God that holds the crooked Scyth reply'd;
Far from the tender Tribe of Boys remove,
For they've a thousand ways to kindle Love.
This, pleases as he strides the manag'd Horse,
And holds the taughten'd Rein with early Force;
This, as he swims, delights thy Fancy best,
Raising the smiling Wave with snowy Breast:
This, with a comely Look and manly Airs;
And that with Virgin Modesty ensnares.
But if at first you find him not inclin'd
To Love, have Patience, Time will change his Mind.
Twas Time that first instructed Man to tame
The Lyon, and the savage Race reclaim:
Time eats the solid Stone where Rain distills,
And ripens Clusters on the sunny Hills.
The Sun, as he approaches or declines,
Wheels round the Year, and shifts the radiant Signs.
Nor fear to swear, for Venus Perjuries
Throws in the Wind, or scatters o'er the Seas;
Great Thanks to Jove, ev'n he the Cheat allows,
Nor once insists on eager Lovers Vows.
Diana by her Arrows lets us swear,
And Pallas by the Glories of her Hair.
For they've a thousand ways to kindle Love.
This, pleases as he strides the manag'd Horse,
And holds the taughten'd Rein with early Force;
This, as he swims, delights thy Fancy best,
Raising the smiling Wave with snowy Breast:
This, with a comely Look and manly Airs;
And that with Virgin Modesty ensnares.
But if at first you find him not inclin'd
To Love, have Patience, Time will change his Mind.
Twas Time that first instructed Man to tame
The Lyon, and the savage Race reclaim:
24
And ripens Clusters on the sunny Hills.
The Sun, as he approaches or declines,
Wheels round the Year, and shifts the radiant Signs.
Nor fear to swear, for Venus Perjuries
Throws in the Wind, or scatters o'er the Seas;
Great Thanks to Jove, ev'n he the Cheat allows,
Nor once insists on eager Lovers Vows.
Diana by her Arrows lets us swear,
And Pallas by the Glories of her Hair.
But if you wave your Hopes and use Delays
You're wrong, for happy Youth decays a-pace.
Alas, how swiftly flies away the Light!
Nor slowly moves the Day, nor wheels the Night!
How quickly fades the Earth as Seasons slide!
Losing its flow'ry Grace, and purple Pride!
How quickly does the tow'ring Poplar shed
The leafy Honours of its beauteous Head!
Un-nerv'd by Age, how slothful lies the Horse
Which flew when Young in the Olympick Course!
I've seen the Old desire their youthful Prime,
And wail their foolish Hours, and ill-spent Time.
Ye cruel Gods! the Serpent can renew
His speckled Luster, and his shining Hue;
But Beauty lost, our Art and Pow'r is vain
E'er to renew the precious Prize again.
The only Pow'rs whose Youth can ne'er decay,
Are Bacchus, and the God that rules the Day;
Their lasting Beauties Time can ne'er impair,
Nor strip the growing Honours of their Hair.
You're wrong, for happy Youth decays a-pace.
Alas, how swiftly flies away the Light!
Nor slowly moves the Day, nor wheels the Night!
How quickly fades the Earth as Seasons slide!
Losing its flow'ry Grace, and purple Pride!
How quickly does the tow'ring Poplar shed
The leafy Honours of its beauteous Head!
25
Which flew when Young in the Olympick Course!
I've seen the Old desire their youthful Prime,
And wail their foolish Hours, and ill-spent Time.
Ye cruel Gods! the Serpent can renew
His speckled Luster, and his shining Hue;
But Beauty lost, our Art and Pow'r is vain
E'er to renew the precious Prize again.
The only Pow'rs whose Youth can ne'er decay,
Are Bacchus, and the God that rules the Day;
Their lasting Beauties Time can ne'er impair,
Nor strip the growing Honours of their Hair.
And you, whate'er your Fav'rite does, approve,
For Condescension leads the Way to love.
Go with him where he goes, tho' long the Way,
And the fierce Dog-star fires the sultry Day;
Or the gay Rainbow girds the bluish Sky,
And threatens ratling Show'rs of Rain are nigh.
If sailing on the Water be his Will,
Then steer the Wherry with a dext'rous Skill:
Nor think it hard Fatigues and Pains to bear,
But still be ready with a willing Chear.
If he'll inclose the Vales for savage Spoils,
Then on thy Shoulders bear the Notts and Toils
If Fencing be the Fav'rite Sport he'll use,
Take up the Files, and artlesly oppose;
Seem as intent, yet oft expose your Breast,
Neglect your Guard, and let him get the best;
Then he'll be mild, then you a Kiss may seize,
He'll struggle, but at length comply with ease;
Reluctant, tho' at first you'll find him grow
Ev'n fond, when round your Neck his Arms he'll throw.
For Condescension leads the Way to love.
Go with him where he goes, tho' long the Way,
And the fierce Dog-star fires the sultry Day;
Or the gay Rainbow girds the bluish Sky,
And threatens ratling Show'rs of Rain are nigh.
26
Then steer the Wherry with a dext'rous Skill:
Nor think it hard Fatigues and Pains to bear,
But still be ready with a willing Chear.
If he'll inclose the Vales for savage Spoils,
Then on thy Shoulders bear the Notts and Toils
If Fencing be the Fav'rite Sport he'll use,
Take up the Files, and artlesly oppose;
Seem as intent, yet oft expose your Breast,
Neglect your Guard, and let him get the best;
Then he'll be mild, then you a Kiss may seize,
He'll struggle, but at length comply with ease;
Reluctant, tho' at first you'll find him grow
Ev'n fond, when round your Neck his Arms he'll throw.
But ah, these Times pernicious Customs use!
And without Gifts they'll ev'ry one refuse.
Who e'r at first on Presents fix'd his Eye
Upon his Grave, may weighty Ruins lie.
Let Learning and the Muses fav'rite Care,
Who Wealth despise, thy fondest Kindness share;
In Verse the purple Lock of Nisus shines,
And Pelops Iv'ry Shoulder lives in Lines:
Whate'er the Muse recites, while Oaks shall grow
Will last, or Stars shall shine, or Rivers flow.
But who neglects the Muse, and prizes Gain
May he unite himself to Cybel's Train;
And through three hundred scatter'd Cities stray,
Emasculated in the Phrygian Way.
But Venus self will guard the Lover's Cares,
And favour soft Complaints and melting Tears.
And without Gifts they'll ev'ry one refuse.
Who e'r at first on Presents fix'd his Eye
Upon his Grave, may weighty Ruins lie.
27
Who Wealth despise, thy fondest Kindness share;
In Verse the purple Lock of Nisus shines,
And Pelops Iv'ry Shoulder lives in Lines:
Whate'er the Muse recites, while Oaks shall grow
Will last, or Stars shall shine, or Rivers flow.
But who neglects the Muse, and prizes Gain
May he unite himself to Cybel's Train;
And through three hundred scatter'd Cities stray,
Emasculated in the Phrygian Way.
But Venus self will guard the Lover's Cares,
And favour soft Complaints and melting Tears.
These things Priapus said, which I again
To Titius sung, but sung them all in Vain;
His Wife forbids to learn such Rules as these,
Let him be govern'd by her if he please.
To Titius sung, but sung them all in Vain;
His Wife forbids to learn such Rules as these,
Let him be govern'd by her if he please.
Me Honour as your Master who employ
Your Arts to gain some lovely blooming Boy.
Each Man his Praise, let Lovers when despis'd,
Repair to me where they may be advis'd.
The time shall be when I shall teach the Young,
My self grown Old, and all the list'ning throng,
Shall gather Venus Precepts from my Tongue.
Your Arts to gain some lovely blooming Boy.
28
Repair to me where they may be advis'd.
The time shall be when I shall teach the Young,
My self grown Old, and all the list'ning throng,
Shall gather Venus Precepts from my Tongue.
Alas how Marathus a thousand ways,
Distracts my Soul and kills me with Delays;
No Rules or Precepts serve to gain his Love,
Nor Arts avail, nor any means can move:
Indulge my Love, lest I in time shall grow,
A common Town-talk, and a pointed Show;
Scorn'd and derided by the youthful Train,
For teaching Rules myself must own are vain.
Distracts my Soul and kills me with Delays;
No Rules or Precepts serve to gain his Love,
Nor Arts avail, nor any means can move:
Indulge my Love, lest I in time shall grow,
A common Town-talk, and a pointed Show;
Scorn'd and derided by the youthful Train,
For teaching Rules myself must own are vain.
ELEGY V.
To bear our parting I when angry swore,
But now my boasted Courage is no more;
I'm hurry'd like a Top which Boys for Sport,
Lash on the Pavement of some level Court;
Do rage and tame my Proud licentious Tongue,
And teach me patiently to bear my wrong;
Yet spare I beg you, by thy conscious Bed,
By Venus and by our united Head.
I when with Sickness spent, you Fainting lay
Your Beauties to the pale Disease a Prey,
With Pray'rs unweary'd did the Gods appease,
And snatch'd you dying from the dire Disease;
My self with Sulphur purify'd you round,
Whilst the old Woman grov'ling on the Ground,
With Incantations the Lustration bound;
Least in your Sleep pernicious Dreams should steal,
I made the Off'ring of the salted Meal;
In Linnen veil'd my Head with Fillets bound,
And Garments loosly flowing on the Ground;
In Midnight hours when silence reign'd below,
I made to Trivia Three times Thrice my Vow;
All dues I paid, yet now another shares,
The sweet Effects of all my labour'd Pray'rs;
But now my boasted Courage is no more;
I'm hurry'd like a Top which Boys for Sport,
Lash on the Pavement of some level Court;
29
And teach me patiently to bear my wrong;
Yet spare I beg you, by thy conscious Bed,
By Venus and by our united Head.
I when with Sickness spent, you Fainting lay
Your Beauties to the pale Disease a Prey,
With Pray'rs unweary'd did the Gods appease,
And snatch'd you dying from the dire Disease;
My self with Sulphur purify'd you round,
Whilst the old Woman grov'ling on the Ground,
With Incantations the Lustration bound;
Least in your Sleep pernicious Dreams should steal,
I made the Off'ring of the salted Meal;
In Linnen veil'd my Head with Fillets bound,
And Garments loosly flowing on the Ground;
In Midnight hours when silence reign'd below,
I made to Trivia Three times Thrice my Vow;
All dues I paid, yet now another shares,
The sweet Effects of all my labour'd Pray'rs;
30
But I, if you recover'd Health again,
Fancy'd this happy Scheme of Life, in vain.
I'll to the Country and my Delia there,
Will make my Corn and Garden-Fruits her Care;
Or watch the heap'd up clusters of my Vines
Stand by the Vat and see 'em press the Wines;
Tunn'd up with care the frothy Liquor see,
And save the choicest of the Juice for me;
To count my Sheep she will her time employ,
Or dandle on her Knee the pratling Boy;
She'll Offer to the Pow'rs that guard the Fields,
For Vines the Clusters that my Vineyard yields;
For yellow Harvests bearded Sheaves preferr,
And rural Banquets for my fleecy Care;
She shall intirely govern all Affairs,
Whilst I am pleas'd to be excus'd from Cares;
Hither Messala'll come, whom Delia'll please,
With Fruits Selected from my choicest Trees;
Use all the sweetest Carriage that she can
To show Respect to the illustrious Man;
Her self, with busie Hands, prepare the Treat,
Proud to attend him while he sits at Meat:
With such Designs I strove my self to please,
And fill'd my Head with fancy'd Joys like these.
But now, no more alas, those Hopes I mind,
Tost by the Air, and scatter'd in the Wind.
Fancy'd this happy Scheme of Life, in vain.
I'll to the Country and my Delia there,
Will make my Corn and Garden-Fruits her Care;
Or watch the heap'd up clusters of my Vines
Stand by the Vat and see 'em press the Wines;
Tunn'd up with care the frothy Liquor see,
And save the choicest of the Juice for me;
To count my Sheep she will her time employ,
Or dandle on her Knee the pratling Boy;
She'll Offer to the Pow'rs that guard the Fields,
For Vines the Clusters that my Vineyard yields;
For yellow Harvests bearded Sheaves preferr,
And rural Banquets for my fleecy Care;
She shall intirely govern all Affairs,
Whilst I am pleas'd to be excus'd from Cares;
Hither Messala'll come, whom Delia'll please,
With Fruits Selected from my choicest Trees;
31
To show Respect to the illustrious Man;
Her self, with busie Hands, prepare the Treat,
Proud to attend him while he sits at Meat:
With such Designs I strove my self to please,
And fill'd my Head with fancy'd Joys like these.
But now, no more alas, those Hopes I mind,
Tost by the Air, and scatter'd in the Wind.
Oft have I strove with Wine to drown my Cares,
But powerful Grief converts the Juice to Tears:
Oft for another have my Passion nurst,
In hopes to drown the Mem'ry of the first;
But when I'd rais'd my Passion to the height,
Just ready to receive the wish'd delight,
Venus straight Images my Delia's Charms,
And leaves me languid in the Woman's Arms;
Then springing from the Bed the angry Fair
Says I'm devoted by some Woman's Pray'r;
And so I am, but 'tis by Delia's Charms,
Her Neck, her flowing Hair, and winding Arms;
So on rein'd Dolphins thro' the azure Sea,
To mighty Peleus, Thetis took her way.
But powerful Grief converts the Juice to Tears:
Oft for another have my Passion nurst,
In hopes to drown the Mem'ry of the first;
But when I'd rais'd my Passion to the height,
Just ready to receive the wish'd delight,
Venus straight Images my Delia's Charms,
And leaves me languid in the Woman's Arms;
Then springing from the Bed the angry Fair
Says I'm devoted by some Woman's Pray'r;
32
Her Neck, her flowing Hair, and winding Arms;
So on rein'd Dolphins thro' the azure Sea,
To mighty Peleus, Thetis took her way.
But that which chiefly moves me to despair,
Is that a wealthy Fool enjoys my Fair:
While some vile Bawd has brought the Plot to bear.
As for the Bawd, may Carion fill her Board,
And bloody Morsels baneful Meals afford;
May she with gory Lips attempt the Cup
Of Gall, and quaff the bitter Potion up;
May Ghosts surround her with their hollow cries,
And Owls, and Ravens fright her from the Skies;
May she of ev'ry kind of Food bereft,
Rob Graves, and gnaw the Bones that Wolves have left;
May she run Naked, howling up and down,
And barking Hell-hounds course her through the Town;
This be her Fate, this may the Gods approve,
For surely there are Pow'rs that favour Love;
And Venus will espouse her Vot'ry's Cause,
And rage at the Infringement of her Laws.
Is that a wealthy Fool enjoys my Fair:
While some vile Bawd has brought the Plot to bear.
As for the Bawd, may Carion fill her Board,
And bloody Morsels baneful Meals afford;
May she with gory Lips attempt the Cup
Of Gall, and quaff the bitter Potion up;
May Ghosts surround her with their hollow cries,
And Owls, and Ravens fright her from the Skies;
May she of ev'ry kind of Food bereft,
Rob Graves, and gnaw the Bones that Wolves have left;
May she run Naked, howling up and down,
And barking Hell-hounds course her through the Town;
33
For surely there are Pow'rs that favour Love;
And Venus will espouse her Vot'ry's Cause,
And rage at the Infringement of her Laws.
But you, my Dear, the Bawd's Directions hate;
Take care of Gold, 'tis a perswasive Bait.
Let the poor Lover be thy near Ally'd,
Still at thy Hand, and faithful to thy Side;
He'll close your Arm, his cautious Hand display,
And lead you safely through the crouded Way:
Wou'd you another Man's Embraces meet,
He'll bear it, nay untie your sandal'd Feet.
Alas, in vain I sing, my Words are vain,
Nothing will force the Door but pow'rful Gain.
Take care of Gold, 'tis a perswasive Bait.
Let the poor Lover be thy near Ally'd,
Still at thy Hand, and faithful to thy Side;
He'll close your Arm, his cautious Hand display,
And lead you safely through the crouded Way:
Wou'd you another Man's Embraces meet,
He'll bear it, nay untie your sandal'd Feet.
Alas, in vain I sing, my Words are vain,
Nothing will force the Door but pow'rful Gain.
But you who now possess the treach'rous Fair,
Suspect your Footing, and by me beware:
For light fantastick Fortune never still,
Nor constant, swiftly drives the rolling Wheel.
Ev'n at this time that busie Fellow waits
With some Design, and lurks before the Gates;
Now this, now that way casts his watchful Eyes.
And if discover'd, in Confusion flies,
And feigns to pass the Door in wond'rous Haste,
And hurries back again as soon as past;
Impatiently expects the close Amour,
And hem's to give the Signal at the Door.
I know not what to think of these Affairs,
But sure inventive Love some Plot prepares;
Endeavour to secure the Time you have,
Your Pinnace floats on an uncertain Wave.
Suspect your Footing, and by me beware:
For light fantastick Fortune never still,
Nor constant, swiftly drives the rolling Wheel.
34
With some Design, and lurks before the Gates;
Now this, now that way casts his watchful Eyes.
And if discover'd, in Confusion flies,
And feigns to pass the Door in wond'rous Haste,
And hurries back again as soon as past;
Impatiently expects the close Amour,
And hem's to give the Signal at the Door.
I know not what to think of these Affairs,
But sure inventive Love some Plot prepares;
Endeavour to secure the Time you have,
Your Pinnace floats on an uncertain Wave.
ELEGY VI.
O Love! When e'er you meditate your Wiles
To draw me in, you show attractive Smiles;
But when intangl'd in the dang'rous Snare,
Frowns cloud your Brow, and I'm no more your Care.
Why all this Rage to me! What Glory can
Arise to Gods who frame Deceits for Man?
For me the Traps and artful Snares are laid,
I know not who, ev'n now, in blissful Bed
Enjoys my treach'rous Delia with Delight,
And fills with stolen Joys the silent Night;
'Tis true, she Ign'rance pleads in those Affairs,
But who can credit her ev'n when she swears?
By the same Rule, she all my Plots denies,
And bears her cred'lous Husband down with Lyes.
To draw me in, you show attractive Smiles;
But when intangl'd in the dang'rous Snare,
Frowns cloud your Brow, and I'm no more your Care.
35
Arise to Gods who frame Deceits for Man?
For me the Traps and artful Snares are laid,
I know not who, ev'n now, in blissful Bed
Enjoys my treach'rous Delia with Delight,
And fills with stolen Joys the silent Night;
'Tis true, she Ign'rance pleads in those Affairs,
But who can credit her ev'n when she swears?
By the same Rule, she all my Plots denies,
And bears her cred'lous Husband down with Lyes.
Wretch that I was! I taught her to betray
Her Guardian's Trust, and first propos'd the Way.
Experienc'd now, she tries those subtle Wiles,
And me (by my own Art oppos'd) beguiles.
By me a thousand Reasons feign'd were shown,
To shun her watchful Spies, and lie alone.
Then taught to clear the Way to silent Joys,
And turn the Hinge without a iarring Noise.
Next, Preparations I of Herbs convey'd,
To heal the livid Marks the eager Tooth had made.
Her Guardian's Trust, and first propos'd the Way.
Experienc'd now, she tries those subtle Wiles,
And me (by my own Art oppos'd) beguiles.
By me a thousand Reasons feign'd were shown,
To shun her watchful Spies, and lie alone.
Then taught to clear the Way to silent Joys,
And turn the Hinge without a iarring Noise.
36
To heal the livid Marks the eager Tooth had made.
But you poor cred'lous Husband of the Fair,
Me too confine, and she shall be my Care;
Lest she in praising Sparks be too profuse,
Or lie with Bosom bare, or Garments loose:
Or with her Finger-talk her Plots disguise,
Or cheat thee with the silent Speech of Eyes;
Or on the Table with the scatter'd Wine,
In liquid Notes convey the close Design:
Suspect her ev'ry time she Visits pays,
Take no Excuses whatsoe'er she says;
Although she goes to the Good-Goddess' Fane,
And Myst'ries sacred unreveal'd to Men.
But if you'll credit me, through ev'ry Street,
Nay to the very Shrine I'll track her Feet:
Fearless I'll watch her at the Mysteries,
Nor fear a Curse on my forbidden Eyes.
Me too confine, and she shall be my Care;
Lest she in praising Sparks be too profuse,
Or lie with Bosom bare, or Garments loose:
Or with her Finger-talk her Plots disguise,
Or cheat thee with the silent Speech of Eyes;
Or on the Table with the scatter'd Wine,
In liquid Notes convey the close Design:
Suspect her ev'ry time she Visits pays,
Take no Excuses whatsoe'er she says;
Although she goes to the Good-Goddess' Fane,
And Myst'ries sacred unreveal'd to Men.
But if you'll credit me, through ev'ry Street,
Nay to the very Shrine I'll track her Feet:
Fearless I'll watch her at the Mysteries,
Nor fear a Curse on my forbidden Eyes.
37
How oft would I desire her Rings to view,
And prais'd the Diamond's Cast, and Ruby's Hue;
And gaily trifling with her Fingers stand,
Intent on nothing but to squeeze her Hand.
Oft under Friendship veiling my Design,
I've dos'd you with repeated Cups of Wine;
Shifted my Glass, and watch'd your sleepy Hour,
Made wakeful by the sober Water's Pow'r.
And prais'd the Diamond's Cast, and Ruby's Hue;
And gaily trifling with her Fingers stand,
Intent on nothing but to squeeze her Hand.
Oft under Friendship veiling my Design,
I've dos'd you with repeated Cups of Wine;
Shifted my Glass, and watch'd your sleepy Hour,
Made wakeful by the sober Water's Pow'r.
I would not vex you, pardon what is said,
'Twas Love, and Love you know will be obey'd.
I'm he at whom the Dog before your Gate
Has bark'd all Night, 'tis true what I relate.
What serves it you to have a Wife so fair,
If ign'rant to secure your precious Ware:
For while she has those Tricks her Ends to gain,
Your Locks and Keys, and all your Bars are vain,
When she embraces you with circling Charms,
Her Thoughts are rambling on some others Arms;
For him she sighs, then studies some Disease,
Her Head's disorder'd, and she's ill at Ease.
'Twas Love, and Love you know will be obey'd.
I'm he at whom the Dog before your Gate
Has bark'd all Night, 'tis true what I relate.
What serves it you to have a Wife so fair,
If ign'rant to secure your precious Ware:
For while she has those Tricks her Ends to gain,
Your Locks and Keys, and all your Bars are vain,
When she embraces you with circling Charms,
Her Thoughts are rambling on some others Arms;
38
Her Head's disorder'd, and she's ill at Ease.
But trust your Charge with me, I'll not disdain
The servile Whip, but wear the willing Chain.
Stand clear then all ye Fops that court the Fair
By means of artful Dress, and powder'd Hair;
Or the loose airy Spark, whose Plaights let down,
The dusty Pavement sweeps with flowing Gown:
Nay should we meet a Stranger as we go,
Who does, nor Plots, nor Assignations know:
I'd call aloud, and by Prevention say,
Stand further off, or go some other Way:
'Tis fierce Bellona's Will her furious Priest,
With Voice Divine, the firm Command confest;
She by the Goddess mov'd with Madness glows,
Nor flaming Firebrands fears, nor tort'ring Blows:
Launcing her Arms, inspir'd with Heat divine,
Unhurt she stains with Blood the Goddess' Shrine:
Dreadful with Knives infixt she stands confest,
And bares her gory Side and bloody Breast;
And by the Goddess fir'd with holy Rage,
Thus speaks the fix'd Event and sure Persage:
“Fear to offend the Fair whom Love defends,
“Lest Vengeance due such rash Designs attends.
“If any one attempts to urge his Way,
“Thus, thus, She cries, may all his Wealth decay:
“As from this Wound you see the flowing Gore,
“And as these thrown-up Ashes are no more.
The servile Whip, but wear the willing Chain.
Stand clear then all ye Fops that court the Fair
By means of artful Dress, and powder'd Hair;
Or the loose airy Spark, whose Plaights let down,
The dusty Pavement sweeps with flowing Gown:
Nay should we meet a Stranger as we go,
Who does, nor Plots, nor Assignations know:
I'd call aloud, and by Prevention say,
Stand further off, or go some other Way:
'Tis fierce Bellona's Will her furious Priest,
With Voice Divine, the firm Command confest;
She by the Goddess mov'd with Madness glows,
Nor flaming Firebrands fears, nor tort'ring Blows:
Launcing her Arms, inspir'd with Heat divine,
Unhurt she stains with Blood the Goddess' Shrine:
39
And bares her gory Side and bloody Breast;
And by the Goddess fir'd with holy Rage,
Thus speaks the fix'd Event and sure Persage:
“Fear to offend the Fair whom Love defends,
“Lest Vengeance due such rash Designs attends.
“If any one attempts to urge his Way,
“Thus, thus, She cries, may all his Wealth decay:
“As from this Wound you see the flowing Gore,
“And as these thrown-up Ashes are no more.
And her prophetick Rage has threaten'd you
With speedy Ill, if you this Course pursue;
But should you, rather than I wish the Pain
She threatens, may her Oracles be vain:
Not for your sake, but Nurses rev'rend Age,
The good old Woman charms my hasty Rage.
When I reflect how often by her Aid
You've been to me at Mid-night Hours convey'd:
She join'd our Hands, trembling with Age and Fright,
Assisted by the Silence of the Night:
Oft when the Ev'ning came, before the Gate,
Fix'd to expect my coming, us'd to wait;
Turning to every Noise with list'ning Ear,
And knew me by my Footsteps from afar.
Long may'st thou live old Woman, and to thine,
If I had Pow'r, I'd add some Years of mine.
Thou, whilst I breath, shalt be esteem'd by me,
As shall my Delia for the sake of thee;
Although she oft attempts a base Design,
I still forgive, and love, because she's thine.
Only instill chast Rules with constant Care,
Chast, tho' no Fillets bind her lovely Hair,
Nor Virgin Stola decorates the Fair.
With speedy Ill, if you this Course pursue;
But should you, rather than I wish the Pain
She threatens, may her Oracles be vain:
Not for your sake, but Nurses rev'rend Age,
The good old Woman charms my hasty Rage.
When I reflect how often by her Aid
You've been to me at Mid-night Hours convey'd:
40
Assisted by the Silence of the Night:
Oft when the Ev'ning came, before the Gate,
Fix'd to expect my coming, us'd to wait;
Turning to every Noise with list'ning Ear,
And knew me by my Footsteps from afar.
Long may'st thou live old Woman, and to thine,
If I had Pow'r, I'd add some Years of mine.
Thou, whilst I breath, shalt be esteem'd by me,
As shall my Delia for the sake of thee;
Although she oft attempts a base Design,
I still forgive, and love, because she's thine.
Only instill chast Rules with constant Care,
Chast, tho' no Fillets bind her lovely Hair,
Nor Virgin Stola decorates the Fair.
And me confine to Laws and Rules severe,
And may my Eyes be fix'd on none but Her:
And if suspected to offend the Fair,
May I be dragg'd o'er Mountains by my Hair.
I would not strike you, but if Rage commands,
I may, some time or other, curse my Hands:
Rather continue chast through Love than Fear,
And in your Faith, though absent, persevere.
And may my Eyes be fix'd on none but Her:
41
May I be dragg'd o'er Mountains by my Hair.
I would not strike you, but if Rage commands,
I may, some time or other, curse my Hands:
Rather continue chast through Love than Fear,
And in your Faith, though absent, persevere.
For the designing faithless Jilt shall be
Reduc'd to wrinkled Age and Poverty;
Constrain'd by mean Employ to gain her Bread,
To spin and draw with Palsy Hand the Thread:
Hir'd to attend the Labours of the Loom,
Or else to Card the Wooll shall be her Doom.
The gay insulting Youth shall come to view
The Wretch, and cry, she meets a Vengeance due.
Venus shall see the Object from the Skies,
While Flouds of Tears o'erflow her fading Eyes;
Raise the Remembrance of her former Ill,
And show the Plagues perfidious Lovers feel.
These Things let others suffer who deserve,
Let us a mutual changeless Faith preserve;
While we, my Delia, both grown Gray shall prove
A noted Pattern of un-alter'd Love.
Reduc'd to wrinkled Age and Poverty;
Constrain'd by mean Employ to gain her Bread,
To spin and draw with Palsy Hand the Thread:
Hir'd to attend the Labours of the Loom,
Or else to Card the Wooll shall be her Doom.
The gay insulting Youth shall come to view
The Wretch, and cry, she meets a Vengeance due.
Venus shall see the Object from the Skies,
While Flouds of Tears o'erflow her fading Eyes;
Raise the Remembrance of her former Ill,
And show the Plagues perfidious Lovers feel.
42
Let us a mutual changeless Faith preserve;
While we, my Delia, both grown Gray shall prove
A noted Pattern of un-alter'd Love.
ELEGY VII.
The
Sister-Fates on this auspicious Day,
Who rule with uncontroul'd extensive Sway,
In Songs prophetick, future Acts divine,
And Singing, drew thy Length of vital Twine.
Who rule with uncontroul'd extensive Sway,
In Songs prophetick, future Acts divine,
And Singing, drew thy Length of vital Twine.
They sang the Day with future Glories fill'd,
Of Gallick Conquests, and a vanquish'd Field;
Where flowing Atur wanders through the Lands,
And Flies affrighted at the hostile Bands:
This destin'd Day for Triumphs that should come,
When (fir'd with Martial Sights) the Youth of Rome,
Should see the Chiefs of conquer'd Armies led
With fetter'd Arms, and with dejected Head;
And thee, Messala, bearing through the Show,
Fresh Victor Lawrels on thy conqu'ring Brow;
High on an Iv'ry Chariot, aweful Sight,
And drawn by pamper'd Horses, snowy White.
Of Gallick Conquests, and a vanquish'd Field;
Where flowing Atur wanders through the Lands,
And Flies affrighted at the hostile Bands:
This destin'd Day for Triumphs that should come,
When (fir'd with Martial Sights) the Youth of Rome,
43
With fetter'd Arms, and with dejected Head;
And thee, Messala, bearing through the Show,
Fresh Victor Lawrels on thy conqu'ring Brow;
High on an Iv'ry Chariot, aweful Sight,
And drawn by pamper'd Horses, snowy White.
My Name shall in those Honours bear a Share,
Witness Tarballa and the Gallick War:
Witness the Land where Arar's Current goes,
Where the swift Rhone and great Garumna flows;
Where Liger wanders, o'er Carnutus bounds,
And leads his fair Blue Waters through the Grounds.
Witness Tarballa and the Gallick War:
Witness the Land where Arar's Current goes,
Where the swift Rhone and great Garumna flows;
Where Liger wanders, o'er Carnutus bounds,
And leads his fair Blue Waters through the Grounds.
The Time shall be, when for Isauria won,
Thou Cydnus, thou shalt grace my flowing Song;
Whose easie Waves, in silent Currents stray,
And through the Meadows eat their easie Way.
How Taurus in the Clouds his Forehead hides,
And how Cilicians Till his shaggy Sides.
Thou Cydnus, thou shalt grace my flowing Song;
Whose easie Waves, in silent Currents stray,
And through the Meadows eat their easie Way.
How Taurus in the Clouds his Forehead hides,
And how Cilicians Till his shaggy Sides.
44
Or shall I sing, how safely through the Skies
The sacred Dove through Palestina flies:
Or how the Tyrian first disclos'd the Way,
In Ships, to view from sailing Tow'rs the Sea:
Or how when Syrius chaps the scorching Grounds,
The fertile Nile in Summer Flouds abounds.
The sacred Dove through Palestina flies:
Or how the Tyrian first disclos'd the Way,
In Ships, to view from sailing Tow'rs the Sea:
Or how when Syrius chaps the scorching Grounds,
The fertile Nile in Summer Flouds abounds.
Old Father Nile, say whether shall I lead
Thy Course, or where disclose thy hidden Head:
By thee refresh'd, thy Land no Rain requires,
Nor fading Grass descending Jove desires.
The barb'rous Youth their Apis taught to moan,
Shall honour thee, and their Osiris own.
Thy Course, or where disclose thy hidden Head:
By thee refresh'd, thy Land no Rain requires,
Nor fading Grass descending Jove desires.
The barb'rous Youth their Apis taught to moan,
Shall honour thee, and their Osiris own.
Osiris first to frame the Culture found,
And first with Vexing Steel, disturb'd the Ground.
First in th' unpractis'd Earth the Seed he threw,
And first from Trees unknown ripe Apples drew:
First propt the flexile Branches of the Vine,
And taught the clasping Tendrills where to twine;
To prune the shooting Trees with timely Care,
And stop the wild Lxuriance of the Year.
He to express the Wine first taught the Use,
And make the Vat o'erflow with gen'rous Juice.
He taught the Limbs (unpractis'd) to advance
In changing Order, and the figur'd Dance.
And first with Vexing Steel, disturb'd the Ground.
First in th' unpractis'd Earth the Seed he threw,
And first from Trees unknown ripe Apples drew:
45
And taught the clasping Tendrills where to twine;
To prune the shooting Trees with timely Care,
And stop the wild Lxuriance of the Year.
He to express the Wine first taught the Use,
And make the Vat o'erflow with gen'rous Juice.
He taught the Limbs (unpractis'd) to advance
In changing Order, and the figur'd Dance.
Bacchus to Country Swains opprest with Cares,
Gives Courage and dissolves th' invading Fears.
Bacchus gives Respite to the Wretch's Pains,
Although with Fetters gall'd and ratling Chains.
You neither Cares nor Grief, but Mirth approve;
The Song, the sprightly Dance, and laughing Love:
The flow'ry Chaplet, and the Ivy Crown,
And Saffron Mantle loosely flowing down.
The Purple Vest, the Flute's melodious Sound,
And Mystick Rites in sacred Silence bound.
Gives Courage and dissolves th' invading Fears.
Bacchus gives Respite to the Wretch's Pains,
Although with Fetters gall'd and ratling Chains.
You neither Cares nor Grief, but Mirth approve;
The Song, the sprightly Dance, and laughing Love:
The flow'ry Chaplet, and the Ivy Crown,
And Saffron Mantle loosely flowing down.
The Purple Vest, the Flute's melodious Sound,
And Mystick Rites in sacred Silence bound.
46
Come, to the Genius of this happy Day,
Frequent the Games we to his Honour pay;
And sportive Rites; you in the Dances join.
And load thy Rosy Cheek with Purple Wine.
The Genius' lovely Locks with Ointment fill,
Diffusing Odours as the Drops distill;
Soft flow'ry Bandage weave, and gaily deck
With blooming Flow'rs, his Temples and his Neck.
Frequent the Games we to his Honour pay;
And sportive Rites; you in the Dances join.
And load thy Rosy Cheek with Purple Wine.
The Genius' lovely Locks with Ointment fill,
Diffusing Odours as the Drops distill;
Soft flow'ry Bandage weave, and gaily deck
With blooming Flow'rs, his Temples and his Neck.
So may'st thou join us on this happy Day,
As I intend in spicy Fumes to pay,
The grateful Rites I owe, and Off'rings pour
Of luscious Honey, thy invented Store.
As I intend in spicy Fumes to pay,
The grateful Rites I owe, and Off'rings pour
Of luscious Honey, thy invented Store.
On you, Messala, may the Gods bestow
A Son, whose Actions may his Father show,
Bright'ning the Honours of thy ancient Brow.
The publick way shall speak thy great Designs,
Which Tusculum to white-wall'd Alba joins:
For by thy lib'ral Charge the Track of Ground
Is pav'd with level Stones, in Terras bound.
Thou shalt receive the Blessings of the Clown,
When he with easie Footsteps leaves the Town.
A Son, whose Actions may his Father show,
Bright'ning the Honours of thy ancient Brow.
The publick way shall speak thy great Designs,
Which Tusculum to white-wall'd Alba joins:
47
Is pav'd with level Stones, in Terras bound.
Thou shalt receive the Blessings of the Clown,
When he with easie Footsteps leaves the Town.
But thou! Auspicious Day design'd to be,
Tho' many changing Years observ'd by me:
May Glories add to each revolving Day,
And ev'ry Morn a brighter Light display.
Tho' many changing Years observ'd by me:
May Glories add to each revolving Day,
And ev'ry Morn a brighter Light display.
ELEGY VIII.
From my quick Sight the Lover strives in vain
To hide his Passion, and conceal his Pain.
I know when Eyes the secret Thoughts convey,
And what soft whispering Things fond Lovers say.
Not in the secret Fates those Rules I spy,
Nor in the Southsay'rs Art nor Augury;
But bound by Venus in a Magick Noose,
She all those Arts imprest with cruel Blows.
To hide his Passion, and conceal his Pain.
I know when Eyes the secret Thoughts convey,
And what soft whispering Things fond Lovers say.
Not in the secret Fates those Rules I spy,
Nor in the Southsay'rs Art nor Augury;
But bound by Venus in a Magick Noose,
She all those Arts imprest with cruel Blows.
48
Cease to dissemble! Love's a God severe
To those who shun his Laws through Shame or Fear.
What now avails to dress with artful Care,
To force in waving Curls thy silken Hair,
And place the flowing Ringlets here and there.
To pare your Nails, or with Cosmeticks place
And fix an artful Blush upon your Face.
In vain your Cloaths are chang'd to please her Mind,
In vain your Feet in pinching Shoes confin'd:
The Arts of Dress are vain Efforts to move,
'Tis vain to think that those can kindle Love.
You find your Mistress fires you, tho' her Face
Nor Fucus Stains, tho' careless be her Grace.
To those who shun his Laws through Shame or Fear.
What now avails to dress with artful Care,
To force in waving Curls thy silken Hair,
And place the flowing Ringlets here and there.
To pare your Nails, or with Cosmeticks place
And fix an artful Blush upon your Face.
In vain your Cloaths are chang'd to please her Mind,
In vain your Feet in pinching Shoes confin'd:
The Arts of Dress are vain Efforts to move,
'Tis vain to think that those can kindle Love.
You find your Mistress fires you, tho' her Face
Nor Fucus Stains, tho' careless be her Grace.
Has any Beldam, with her Magick Powers,
Devoted thee with Herbs in Mid-night Hours.
Charms can remove the Harvest as it stands,
And bear large Crops of Corn to neighb'ring Lands:
Charms stop the Serpent as he bounds along,
Confine his Rage, and quell his hissing Tongue:
Charms oft attempt to force the lab'ring Moon,
And from her silent Orb would bring her down,
Did not assisting Cymbals interpose,
And Brass kept tink'ling with repeated Blows.
But why must Songs or Herbs perform the Ill?
Beauty, alas, requires no Magick Skill:
Itself can boast the more prevailing Charms,
Of close Embracings in the folding Arms;
Of tender, melting, stifl'ing Kisses fixt,
And winding Limbs in wanton Curlings mixt.
Devoted thee with Herbs in Mid-night Hours.
Charms can remove the Harvest as it stands,
And bear large Crops of Corn to neighb'ring Lands:
49
Confine his Rage, and quell his hissing Tongue:
Charms oft attempt to force the lab'ring Moon,
And from her silent Orb would bring her down,
Did not assisting Cymbals interpose,
And Brass kept tink'ling with repeated Blows.
But why must Songs or Herbs perform the Ill?
Beauty, alas, requires no Magick Skill:
Itself can boast the more prevailing Charms,
Of close Embracings in the folding Arms;
Of tender, melting, stifl'ing Kisses fixt,
And winding Limbs in wanton Curlings mixt.
Nor you, the am'rous Boy unkindly use,
For angry Venus haughty Scorn pursues:
Nor ask a Price; let ancient Leachers pay,
To thaw their Ice, and actuate their Clay:
More dear than Gold's the Boy with blooming Face,
E're the rough Beard disturbs the soft Embrace;
Thy snowy Arms around his Shoulders throw,
And view with Scorn the Riches Kings can show.
But Venus will her subtile Arts employ,
To bring you slily to the am'rous Boy;
Whilst tim'rous he, she works the close Design,
In close Embrace your lovely Breasts to join,
To breathless Lovers gives the strugling Kiss,
And marks the Neck in Extasies of Bliss.
Nor Gems can please, nor shining Pearls delight
The Maid who sighs away the Winter's Night;
Who long desires the Question ask'd, in vain,
Laugh'd at and slighted by the am'rous Train.
For angry Venus haughty Scorn pursues:
Nor ask a Price; let ancient Leachers pay,
To thaw their Ice, and actuate their Clay:
More dear than Gold's the Boy with blooming Face,
E're the rough Beard disturbs the soft Embrace;
50
And view with Scorn the Riches Kings can show.
But Venus will her subtile Arts employ,
To bring you slily to the am'rous Boy;
Whilst tim'rous he, she works the close Design,
In close Embrace your lovely Breasts to join,
To breathless Lovers gives the strugling Kiss,
And marks the Neck in Extasies of Bliss.
Nor Gems can please, nor shining Pearls delight
The Maid who sighs away the Winter's Night;
Who long desires the Question ask'd, in vain,
Laugh'd at and slighted by the am'rous Train.
Too late we wish for Love, too late require
Our early Spring of Life and young Desire:
When all-deforming Age begins to spread
His snowy Curls upon the hoary Head:
Then all our Study tends to mend the Dress,
And give the Air a youthful Carelesness.
Then to disguise the Hair begins the Use,
With the brown Tincture of the Walnut's Juice;
To strip the grey Discoverers from their Place,
And new repair the Ruins of the Face.
Our early Spring of Life and young Desire:
When all-deforming Age begins to spread
His snowy Curls upon the hoary Head:
Then all our Study tends to mend the Dress,
And give the Air a youthful Carelesness.
51
With the brown Tincture of the Walnut's Juice;
To strip the grey Discoverers from their Place,
And new repair the Ruins of the Face.
But you, while Youth enjoys its happiest Time,
When Thoughts are gay, and Pleasures in their Prime:
Improve the Hours of every happy Day,
For nimble Time walks unobserv'd away.
Nor with Unkindness Marathus destroy.
What Glory rises from a conquer'd Boy?
Rather your haughty Cruelty dispence,
To feeble Lust, and aged Impotence.
Indulge the tender Youth, his Beauties fade
Neither by Sickness, nor by Time decay'd;
But Love has ting'd him with a yellow Hue,
His wan Complexion comes by loving you.
When Thoughts are gay, and Pleasures in their Prime:
Improve the Hours of every happy Day,
For nimble Time walks unobserv'd away.
Nor with Unkindness Marathus destroy.
What Glory rises from a conquer'd Boy?
Rather your haughty Cruelty dispence,
To feeble Lust, and aged Impotence.
Indulge the tender Youth, his Beauties fade
Neither by Sickness, nor by Time decay'd;
But Love has ting'd him with a yellow Hue,
His wan Complexion comes by loving you.
52
Unhappy Wretch! How often when alone,
Unheard, has he repeated all his Moan?
While from his Bosom flew repeated Sighs,
And Flouds of Tears descended from his Eyes.
Do you despise me then? oft wou'd he say,
To cheat your Guards you'll find an easie Way:
Inventive Love assists Designs like these,
And works th' impatient Lover's Plot with Ease.
I know the secret Way to gain the Bliss,
The glowing Whisper, and the silent Kiss;
To steal at Night to the expecting Fair,
And cautious turn the Hinge without a Jarr.
But what avail those Arts if she disdains
Her wretched Lover, and reviles his Pains?
Or if a Promise I by Chance attain,
Treach'rous she makes me wait all Night in Pain;
While I, impatient, listen all around,
And think I hear her Feet in every Sound.
Unheard, has he repeated all his Moan?
While from his Bosom flew repeated Sighs,
And Flouds of Tears descended from his Eyes.
Do you despise me then? oft wou'd he say,
To cheat your Guards you'll find an easie Way:
Inventive Love assists Designs like these,
And works th' impatient Lover's Plot with Ease.
I know the secret Way to gain the Bliss,
The glowing Whisper, and the silent Kiss;
To steal at Night to the expecting Fair,
And cautious turn the Hinge without a Jarr.
But what avail those Arts if she disdains
Her wretched Lover, and reviles his Pains?
Or if a Promise I by Chance attain,
Treach'rous she makes me wait all Night in Pain;
While I, impatient, listen all around,
And think I hear her Feet in every Sound.
53
Fond Youth desist to weep, she heedless hears,
And thy red Eyes are swell'd with frequent Tears.
And thy red Eyes are swell'd with frequent Tears.
Pholoë (trust me) Heaven abhors Disdain,
And all your Pray'rs and Incense giv'n are vain.
This Marathus once mock'd at Misery,
Unthinking that a vengeful Pow'r was nigh:
With laughing Scorn derided Lover's Tears,
And rackt them in Suspence 'twixt Hopes and Fears;
But now he trembles at the Name of Hate,
And changes at the fast'ning of a Gate.
And you an equal Punishment will find,
Unless you shift your Scorn, and change your Mind;
When you with fruitless Pray'rs shall ask in vain,
The Youth to love, and wish the Day again.
And all your Pray'rs and Incense giv'n are vain.
This Marathus once mock'd at Misery,
Unthinking that a vengeful Pow'r was nigh:
With laughing Scorn derided Lover's Tears,
And rackt them in Suspence 'twixt Hopes and Fears;
But now he trembles at the Name of Hate,
And changes at the fast'ning of a Gate.
And you an equal Punishment will find,
Unless you shift your Scorn, and change your Mind;
When you with fruitless Pray'rs shall ask in vain,
The Youth to love, and wish the Day again.
54
ELEGY IX.
Why if design'd by treach'rous Arts to prove
A Violater of our hapless Love,
Did you such solemn Protestations make,
And Vows, which you in Secret meant to break?
Ah, wretch! tho' first you veil a close Deceit,
A late Revenge succeeds with silent Feet.
Pardon ye Pow'rs, can it to you belong
To be profan'd, yet bear th' unpunish'd Wrong!
A Violater of our hapless Love,
Did you such solemn Protestations make,
And Vows, which you in Secret meant to break?
Ah, wretch! tho' first you veil a close Deceit,
A late Revenge succeeds with silent Feet.
Pardon ye Pow'rs, can it to you belong
To be profan'd, yet bear th' unpunish'd Wrong!
In Hopes of Gain they Oxen reconcile,
Experienc'd to the Plow, and urge the Toil;
In Hopes of Wealth the Sailor tempts the Main,
Invoking fav'ring Winds, and all for Gain:
Dares the precarious Sea devoid of Fears,
Guiding th' unstable Bark by well-known Stars:
And 'tis for Guifts my faithless Boy betrays;
Ye Gods disperse those Gifts to Flames and Seas.
Severely shall you pay this Breach of Trust,
With your admir'd Beauties soil'd in Dust;
All rufled by th' insulting wind your Hair
Your Visage Sun-burnt by the scorching Air:
Your lively Graces all on the Decay,
Fatigu'd and tir'd in the laborious Way.
Experienc'd to the Plow, and urge the Toil;
In Hopes of Wealth the Sailor tempts the Main,
Invoking fav'ring Winds, and all for Gain:
Dares the precarious Sea devoid of Fears,
Guiding th' unstable Bark by well-known Stars:
And 'tis for Guifts my faithless Boy betrays;
Ye Gods disperse those Gifts to Flames and Seas.
55
With your admir'd Beauties soil'd in Dust;
All rufled by th' insulting wind your Hair
Your Visage Sun-burnt by the scorching Air:
Your lively Graces all on the Decay,
Fatigu'd and tir'd in the laborious Way.
How oft have I advis'd you, but in vain!
Not to pollute that Form for sordid Gain.
Oft have I said that shining Gold conceals,
Beneath its tempting Luster many Ills.
If Wealth by pow'rful Skill the Youth can move
To break his Vows, and violate his Love,
He'll find, too surely find in little time,
Venus averse, and angry at his Crime.
First, e're I'll be from Honour's Paths misled,
May Flames devour this devoted Head;
The Sword its Blade within my Bosom hide,
And tort'ring Scourges tear my wounded Side.
Nor hope, unseen, to break your Word with ease,
The God forbids concealing Crimes like these.
You'll find the Man where you your Soul enlarge,
Well warm'd with Cups, divulge the secret Charge:
The God will raise his Voice in Sleep opprest,
And force th' unguarded Secrets from his Breast.
All this I said, now glowing Blushes rise,
When I reflect how with o'erflowing Eyes,
How mean, how suppliant, how much like a Slave,
With low Submission, I those Cautions gave.
'Twas then you swore your Faith should ne'er be sold,
For costly Gems, nor wealthy Heaps of Gold:
Not for the Price of rich Campania's Field,
Nor all the fair Falernian Vineyards yield.
Too cred'lous I by Vows like these deceiv'd,
Had any thing, tho' ne'er so wrong, believ'd;
Tho' you had swore, no Stars illum'd the Sky,
Or that 'twas safe to walk a-cross the Sea.
You wept, and I unpractis'd to betray,
Wip'd your wet Cheeks, and dry'd the Tears away.
What could this Treachery in your Bosom move,
Unless the Girl had link'd you to her Love?
Ah! may she, taught by you, unconstant prove.
Least any should o'er hear the Words we said,
My self by Night have light you to the Maid.
Oft through my Means you've seen the admir'd Fair,
When little you expected her so near;
Who with a seeming coy affected Mein,
Conceal'd her self, yet wish'd she might be seen.
Wretch that I am! then was I first undone,
Thinking fond Fool, your Love was mine alone,
For else I could your close Intrigues espy,
And watch your Actions with a nearer Eye.
Then in my stupid Lines I sang your Praise,
Now at my Folly blush, and curse my Lays.
May Vulcane to his Flames the Lines convey,
And Waters wash the hated Words away.
Not to pollute that Form for sordid Gain.
Oft have I said that shining Gold conceals,
Beneath its tempting Luster many Ills.
If Wealth by pow'rful Skill the Youth can move
To break his Vows, and violate his Love,
He'll find, too surely find in little time,
Venus averse, and angry at his Crime.
First, e're I'll be from Honour's Paths misled,
May Flames devour this devoted Head;
The Sword its Blade within my Bosom hide,
And tort'ring Scourges tear my wounded Side.
56
The God forbids concealing Crimes like these.
You'll find the Man where you your Soul enlarge,
Well warm'd with Cups, divulge the secret Charge:
The God will raise his Voice in Sleep opprest,
And force th' unguarded Secrets from his Breast.
All this I said, now glowing Blushes rise,
When I reflect how with o'erflowing Eyes,
How mean, how suppliant, how much like a Slave,
With low Submission, I those Cautions gave.
'Twas then you swore your Faith should ne'er be sold,
For costly Gems, nor wealthy Heaps of Gold:
Not for the Price of rich Campania's Field,
Nor all the fair Falernian Vineyards yield.
Too cred'lous I by Vows like these deceiv'd,
Had any thing, tho' ne'er so wrong, believ'd;
Tho' you had swore, no Stars illum'd the Sky,
Or that 'twas safe to walk a-cross the Sea.
57
Wip'd your wet Cheeks, and dry'd the Tears away.
What could this Treachery in your Bosom move,
Unless the Girl had link'd you to her Love?
Ah! may she, taught by you, unconstant prove.
Least any should o'er hear the Words we said,
My self by Night have light you to the Maid.
Oft through my Means you've seen the admir'd Fair,
When little you expected her so near;
Who with a seeming coy affected Mein,
Conceal'd her self, yet wish'd she might be seen.
Wretch that I am! then was I first undone,
Thinking fond Fool, your Love was mine alone,
For else I could your close Intrigues espy,
And watch your Actions with a nearer Eye.
Then in my stupid Lines I sang your Praise,
Now at my Folly blush, and curse my Lays.
May Vulcane to his Flames the Lines convey,
And Waters wash the hated Words away.
58
Hence ye detested mercenary Train,
Who sell inestimable Love for Gain.
Who sell inestimable Love for Gain.
But you, who all your tempting Wealth employ,
And strive with Presents to seduce the Boy:
May your lascivious Wife elude your Care,
And bring repleated Plots of Lust to bear;
When tir'd with all the Stallions of the Town,
To hide it, Anger feign, and lie alone.
Around your Bed may Strangers Footings be,
And may your House to ev'ry Rake be free.
And strive with Presents to seduce the Boy:
May your lascivious Wife elude your Care,
And bring repleated Plots of Lust to bear;
When tir'd with all the Stallions of the Town,
To hide it, Anger feign, and lie alone.
Around your Bed may Strangers Footings be,
And may your House to ev'ry Rake be free.
And for thy drunken Sister, may the Crowd
In railing Arguments dispute aloud;
Whether she quaffs more Bowls of Liquor down,
Or lies with more rank Bullies of the Town:
Although 'tis said she'll revel all the Night,
Till Phospher's Orb provokes the Morning's Light.
To this alone does all her Fancy tend,
She knows no other way the Night to spend:
But your experienc'd Wife with Cunning steals
Her lustful Hours, and dark Designs conceals;
While you unthinking Fool can never guess,
When she Love's Rites performs with Carlesness.
Can you suppose for you she decks her Head?
Or that for you the shining Locks are spread?
Is it alone to you she has Respect
When dress'd in Scarlet, and with Bracelets deck't!
Not for your sake those dressing Arts she tries,
But to oblige some other Fav'rite's Eyes;
To whom she prostitutes your injur'd Fame,
Her self, your House, and all that you can name;
Nor does she practise this for Letchery,
But from a strong Aversion toward thee;
She shuns thy Limbs with swelling Cout unsound,
With Ointments stinking, and in Swathings bound,
She flies the Touch of thy decaying Face,
And all the Terrors of thy foul Embrace.
Yet vile however, my Boy does this approve,
And I believe can savage Monsters love.
In railing Arguments dispute aloud;
Whether she quaffs more Bowls of Liquor down,
Or lies with more rank Bullies of the Town:
Although 'tis said she'll revel all the Night,
Till Phospher's Orb provokes the Morning's Light.
59
She knows no other way the Night to spend:
But your experienc'd Wife with Cunning steals
Her lustful Hours, and dark Designs conceals;
While you unthinking Fool can never guess,
When she Love's Rites performs with Carlesness.
Can you suppose for you she decks her Head?
Or that for you the shining Locks are spread?
Is it alone to you she has Respect
When dress'd in Scarlet, and with Bracelets deck't!
Not for your sake those dressing Arts she tries,
But to oblige some other Fav'rite's Eyes;
To whom she prostitutes your injur'd Fame,
Her self, your House, and all that you can name;
Nor does she practise this for Letchery,
But from a strong Aversion toward thee;
She shuns thy Limbs with swelling Cout unsound,
With Ointments stinking, and in Swathings bound,
She flies the Touch of thy decaying Face,
And all the Terrors of thy foul Embrace.
60
And I believe can savage Monsters love.
Durst you on others all my Love confer?
Durst you to others all my Kisses bear?
Then how you'll weep when you another see
Reign o'er that Bosom once possess'd by thee:
Then I shall please my self at thy unrest,
And on a Golden Shield these Lines imprest;
Shall hang an Off'ring in the publick View,
To well-deserving Venus justly due.
Tibullus from the treach'rous Boy set free,
Suspends this votive Tablet unto thee,
And begs, O Goddess! your indulgent Care,
And that you'll be propitious to his Pray'r.
Durst you to others all my Kisses bear?
Then how you'll weep when you another see
Reign o'er that Bosom once possess'd by thee:
Then I shall please my self at thy unrest,
And on a Golden Shield these Lines imprest;
Shall hang an Off'ring in the publick View,
To well-deserving Venus justly due.
Tibullus from the treach'rous Boy set free,
Suspends this votive Tablet unto thee,
And begs, O Goddess! your indulgent Care,
And that you'll be propitious to his Pray'r.
61
ELEGY X.
Who was it first began the dang'rous Trade,
To work the Sword, and whet the shining Blade?
How savage must he be to learn such Ill!
And sure his very Soul it self was Steel.
Then Wars began, then rose the murd'ring Trade,
Then for fierce Death a shorter Way was made.
But he! unthinking Wretch, no Harm design'd,
We took the cursed Hint to Ills inclin'd;
And what he made to tame the savage Beast,
We basely turn against each other's Breast.
This Vice proceeds from greedy Thirst of Gold,
For Wars and Tumults were unknown of Old,
When cheerful Draughts were quaff'd from common Wood,
And Beechen Bowls on homely Tables stood.
No need was then of Tow'rs their Wealth to keep,
The Shepherd slept secure amidst his Sheep.
Had I liv'd then, I ne'er had us'd the Dart,
Nor heard the Trumpets sound with trembling Heart.
But now Im forc'd to War, perhaps ev'n now
Some dang'rous Man amongst the num'rous Foe,
The Jav'lin gripes that must my Breast invade,
And in my Bosom hide its pointed Head.
But you paternal Lares still be near,
My Infant Years confest your fost'ring Care.
Nor let your Deities be once asham'd,
Because of Wood and common Timber fram'd;
Mean as you are, my Ancestors thought fit
To place you in their Hall and ancient Seat.
Then better was religious Truth maintain'd,
And Piety a larger Footing gain'd;
When Gods were meanly carv'd from common Wood,
And unadorn'd the Temples where they stood;
When clust'ring Grapes, if giv'n, or round their Hair
A Wreath of Corn, engag'd their fav'ring Care:
And if the Swain in hopes of being heard,
Himself the humble Rural Gifts preferr'd;
With him his little Daughter brought from home
The luscious Off'ring of the Honey Comb.
But you kind Lares, turn the Dart away,
And from the Herd a Victim Swine I'll pay;
And I my self will in Procession go,
Rob'd in pure Vestments to attend the Show;
And Canisters entwin'd with Myrtle bear,
And round my Temples Myrtle Foliage wear.
So let me pleasure you, let others boast
Success in Arms, and a defeated Host.
To me may Souldiers talk o'er Cups of Wine,
And on the Table draw the Wars design.
To work the Sword, and whet the shining Blade?
How savage must he be to learn such Ill!
And sure his very Soul it self was Steel.
Then Wars began, then rose the murd'ring Trade,
Then for fierce Death a shorter Way was made.
But he! unthinking Wretch, no Harm design'd,
We took the cursed Hint to Ills inclin'd;
And what he made to tame the savage Beast,
We basely turn against each other's Breast.
This Vice proceeds from greedy Thirst of Gold,
For Wars and Tumults were unknown of Old,
When cheerful Draughts were quaff'd from common Wood,
And Beechen Bowls on homely Tables stood.
No need was then of Tow'rs their Wealth to keep,
The Shepherd slept secure amidst his Sheep.
62
Nor heard the Trumpets sound with trembling Heart.
But now Im forc'd to War, perhaps ev'n now
Some dang'rous Man amongst the num'rous Foe,
The Jav'lin gripes that must my Breast invade,
And in my Bosom hide its pointed Head.
But you paternal Lares still be near,
My Infant Years confest your fost'ring Care.
Nor let your Deities be once asham'd,
Because of Wood and common Timber fram'd;
Mean as you are, my Ancestors thought fit
To place you in their Hall and ancient Seat.
Then better was religious Truth maintain'd,
And Piety a larger Footing gain'd;
When Gods were meanly carv'd from common Wood,
And unadorn'd the Temples where they stood;
When clust'ring Grapes, if giv'n, or round their Hair
A Wreath of Corn, engag'd their fav'ring Care:
63
Himself the humble Rural Gifts preferr'd;
With him his little Daughter brought from home
The luscious Off'ring of the Honey Comb.
But you kind Lares, turn the Dart away,
And from the Herd a Victim Swine I'll pay;
And I my self will in Procession go,
Rob'd in pure Vestments to attend the Show;
And Canisters entwin'd with Myrtle bear,
And round my Temples Myrtle Foliage wear.
So let me pleasure you, let others boast
Success in Arms, and a defeated Host.
To me may Souldiers talk o'er Cups of Wine,
And on the Table draw the Wars design.
What Madness is it in distracted Broils
To end our happy Days by Martial Toils!
Or gain fierce Death with seeking high Renown,
Uncall'd with silent Pace he comes too soon.
No cheerful Corn the Fields below produce,
Nor clust'ring Vines, nor brisk enliv'ning Juice:
But daring Cerb'rus with his tripple Roar,
And the old Wherry on the Stygian Shore;
There the pale Crowd to dreary Lakes repair,
With blasted Cheeks, and scorch'd disorder'd Hair.
To end our happy Days by Martial Toils!
Or gain fierce Death with seeking high Renown,
Uncall'd with silent Pace he comes too soon.
64
Nor clust'ring Vines, nor brisk enliv'ning Juice:
But daring Cerb'rus with his tripple Roar,
And the old Wherry on the Stygian Shore;
There the pale Crowd to dreary Lakes repair,
With blasted Cheeks, and scorch'd disorder'd Hair.
How much more wise the Man who spends his Days
In some still Country Cottage, blest with Ease!
Himself the Sheep, his Son the Lambs attends,
At Home his busie Wife industrious spends
Her Time, to gather Herbs, and Water heat,
To bath his Limbs, and ease his weary Feet.
Such may I be, and when old Age had spread
His snowy Honours on my hoary Head,
May I secure with pleasing View declare
Strange Revolutions in the Times that were.
In some still Country Cottage, blest with Ease!
Himself the Sheep, his Son the Lambs attends,
At Home his busie Wife industrious spends
Her Time, to gather Herbs, and Water heat,
To bath his Limbs, and ease his weary Feet.
Such may I be, and when old Age had spread
His snowy Honours on my hoary Head,
May I secure with pleasing View declare
Strange Revolutions in the Times that were.
65
Mean while fair Peace secures the quiet Plain.
Fair Peace, in whose auspicious easie Reign,
They first instructed stubborn Steers to bow
Their Necks, to wear the Yoak, and draw the Plow,
Peace glads the Vines to yield a large Produce;
And swells the rip'ning Grape with kindly Juice;
That the pleas'd Peasant from paternal Bowl,
May pour large Flouds of Wine to chear his Soul.
Peace plies the Prong, and brights the shining Share,
Let eating Rust destroy the Tools of War.
The Farmer warm'd with Wine, when Rites are paid
In the thick Grove, and consecrated Shade;
And all the brisk religious Sports are done,
Home in his Cart conveys his Wife and Son:
Then Love his Battles tries, and sportive War,
Then Maids lament for their disorder'd Hair:
For beat-up Lodgings, and assaulted Doors,
And gay Distractions of the Mid-night Hours;
While from the Eyes the Tears descend a-pace,
And moist'ning Dew o'erspreads the lovely Face;
That ev'n the Victor weeps to see her moan,
And blames the mad Extravagancies done:
But wanton Love in little Wrang'lings tries
Their Rage, and urging Words to both supplies;
In secret Smiles to think when Anger's o'er,
They love with greater Ardour than before.
But sure that Man of Steel or Flint is made,
Who angry, durst with Blows the Fair invade;
And impious Hands in raging Madness stretch,
May all the Gods confound th' inhumane Wretch:
Let it suffice him to undress the Fair,
And eagerly th' opposing Vestments tear;
With rifling Hand the ruffled Tresses spread,
And discompose the Dressings of the Head.
But he, whose Hands with Cruelty are fill'd,
Let him the Jav'lin gripe, and heave the Shield;
And far from Venus' softer Rites remove,
And all the moving Tenderness of Love.
Fair Peace, in whose auspicious easie Reign,
They first instructed stubborn Steers to bow
Their Necks, to wear the Yoak, and draw the Plow,
Peace glads the Vines to yield a large Produce;
And swells the rip'ning Grape with kindly Juice;
That the pleas'd Peasant from paternal Bowl,
May pour large Flouds of Wine to chear his Soul.
Peace plies the Prong, and brights the shining Share,
Let eating Rust destroy the Tools of War.
The Farmer warm'd with Wine, when Rites are paid
In the thick Grove, and consecrated Shade;
And all the brisk religious Sports are done,
Home in his Cart conveys his Wife and Son:
Then Love his Battles tries, and sportive War,
Then Maids lament for their disorder'd Hair:
66
And gay Distractions of the Mid-night Hours;
While from the Eyes the Tears descend a-pace,
And moist'ning Dew o'erspreads the lovely Face;
That ev'n the Victor weeps to see her moan,
And blames the mad Extravagancies done:
But wanton Love in little Wrang'lings tries
Their Rage, and urging Words to both supplies;
In secret Smiles to think when Anger's o'er,
They love with greater Ardour than before.
But sure that Man of Steel or Flint is made,
Who angry, durst with Blows the Fair invade;
And impious Hands in raging Madness stretch,
May all the Gods confound th' inhumane Wretch:
Let it suffice him to undress the Fair,
And eagerly th' opposing Vestments tear;
With rifling Hand the ruffled Tresses spread,
And discompose the Dressings of the Head.
67
Let him the Jav'lin gripe, and heave the Shield;
And far from Venus' softer Rites remove,
And all the moving Tenderness of Love.
But you kind fost'ring Peace attend, and bear
In thy fair Hand the Harvest' weighty Ear:
And from thy Lap with lavish Plenty pour
Ripe Apples, and the Garden's bounteous Store.
In thy fair Hand the Harvest' weighty Ear:
And from thy Lap with lavish Plenty pour
Ripe Apples, and the Garden's bounteous Store.
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