I. Hymn to
Venus.
I
Venus
, favour my Desire!
You the raging Heat inspire.
Hark! a femal Step I hear!
See the bright Corinna near!
See the Nymph whom I admire!
Venus, ever kind, and just,
Goddess, still in you I trust.
II
Hail! Corinna Child of Love,
Sent by Venus from above,
Tender, blooming, full of Charms,
Welcome to a Lover's Arms:
All that's mortal Bliss we'll prove.
Venus, you these Raptures give,
Who can greater taste and live?
III
Venus, subject of my Lays,
Goddess, still I'll sing your Praise,
And, in this dark, silent Grove,
Sacred now to You, and Love,
To your Name a Temple raise:
Ceres with gay Bacchus joyn'd
There their Altar too shall find.
