University of Virginia Library

The 17th Elegy of the Second Book OF Ovid's AMOURS imitated.

If it be scandalous to Love, I own
My Self the most notorious Rake in Town.
But hang dull Reputation, so I find
My Gentle Mistress fav'rably inclin'd,
Just to her Vows, and to my Wishes kind.
Triumphant Charms Corinna's Face adorn,
And ev'ry Conquest yields new Cause of Scorn;
From hence her Pride, and my Misfortunes grow,
The Nymph is beautiful, and knows She's so;
Her flatt'ring Mirror fresh Disdain supplies,
And gives new Coyness to her killing Eyes.
Yet, Lovely Maid, you ought not to disdain
The Homage paid you by your Humble Swain:
Celestial Nymphs have left Ethereal Charms,
To be more Happy in a Mortal's Arms;
Great Numa thus Egeria's Heart cou'd move,
Religion the Pretence, their Bus'ness Love;
A Sham so Holy favour'd her Desire,
And He enflam'd Her with a Nobler Fire.
Enact, Dear Sov'raign Queen, as you think fit,
To all the Laws you pass, I must submit;
Your Laws can never be too rig'rous made,
If kindly giv'n, and ratify'd in Bed.
My Love will be no Scandal to your Fame,
Nor need you blush to own my Gen'rous Flame;
In Poetry I have a Large Estate,
In Boundless Fancy my Revenue's great;
And there is many a willing Nymph that sues
To raise her Reputation by my Muse.
I hear a Rival Beauty boasts, that She
Is that Corinna sung so well by me;
She fondly strives to rob You of your Fame,
Proud of the borrow'd Lustre of your Name;
But I have vow'd that You alone shall shine,
Like a Rich Gem, in ev'ry Page of Mine.
Then kindly smile on Me, my Fair, and I
Will pay Thee back with Immortality.