Yet with the Gods mankind 'tis nowise righteous to liken,Rid me of graceless task fit for a tremulous sire. Yet was she never to me by hand paternal committedWhenas she came to my house reeking Assyrian scents;Nay, in the darkness of night her furtive favours she deigned me,Self-willed taking herself from very mate's very breast.Wherefore I hold it enough since given to us and us onlyBoon of that day with Stone whiter than wont she denotes.This to thee—all that I can—this offering couched in verses(Allius!) as my return give I for service galore;So wi' the seabriny rust your name may never be sulliedThis day and that nor yet other and other again. Hereto add may the Gods all good gifts, which Themis erewhilesWont on the pious of old from her full store to bestow:Blest be the times of the twain, thyself and she who thy life is,Also the home wherein dallied we, no less the Dame,Anser to boot who first of mortals brought us together,Whence from beginning all good Fortunes that blest us were born.Lastly than every else one dearer than self and far dearer,