Ouids elegies :: :: University of Virginia Library

About my temples go triumphant bayes,
Conquer'd Corinna in my bosome layes.
She whom her husband, guard, and gate, as foes,
Least Arte should winne her, firmely did inclose:
That victory doth chiefely triumph merit,
Which without bloud-shed doth the pray inherit.
No little ditched townes, no lowely walls,
But to my share a captiue damsell falls.
When Troy by ten yeares battaile tumbled downe,
With the Atrides many gainde renowne:
But I no partner of my glory brooke,
Nor can another say his helpe I tooke.
I guide and souldier, wonne the field and weare her,
I was both horse-man, foot-man, standard-bearer.
Nor in my act hath fortune mingled chance:
O care-got triumph hitherwards aduance.
Nor is my warres cause new; but for a Queene
Europe, and Asia in firme peace had beene.
The Lapithes, and the Centaures for a woman,
To cruell armes their drunken selues did summon.
A woman forc'd the Troyanes new to enter
Warres, iust Latinus, in thy kingdomes center:

A woman against late-built Rome did send,
The Sabine Fathers, who sharp warres intend,
I saw how Bulls for a white Heifer striue,
Shee looking on them did more courage giue.
And me with many, but yet me without murther,
Cupid commands to moue his ensignes further.