Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
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Virginity.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Virginity.
By many Suitors sought, she mocks their Pains,And still her vow'd Virginity maintains.
Impatient of a Yoke, the Name of Bride
She shuns, and hates the Joys she never try'd.
On Wilds, and Woods, she fixes her Desire,
Nor knows what Youth, and kindly Love inspire.
Her Father chides her oft: Thou ow'st, says he,
A Husband to thy self, a Son to me.
She, like a Crime, abhors the Nuptial Bed,
She glows with Blushes, and she hangs her Head:
Then casting round his Neck her tender Arms,
Sooths him with Blandishments, and filial Charms
Give me, my Lord, she said, to live, and die,
A spotless Maid, without the Marriage Tye:
'Tis but a small Request: I beg no more
Then what Diana's Father gave before.
The good old Sire was soften'd to consent,
But said, her Wish would prove her Punishment:
For so much Youth and so much Beauty join'd,
Oppos'd the State, which her Desires design'd.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |