GetPassage urn:cts:latinLit:phi0959.phi001.perseus-eng2:3.1.77-3.1.96 urn:cts:latinLit:phi0959.phi001.perseus-eng2:3.1.77-3.1.96

Thou to my care those merits must allow,For which my rival would seduce thee now;"They spoke. I answer'd, "Let me both conjureTo spare a mind with terrors unsecure;Nor to my charge, when once pronounc'd, be laidAs crimes, the words my trembling tongue has said.To gain me glory, thy decrees ordainThe regal sceptre and the tragic strain;With painful labour need I toil for fame,When easier tasks already raise my name?Thou mak'st my love immortal; thee I choose:Be thou my queen, and still command my muse.Majestic pow'r, forgive my simple choice,Thy gentle rival has obtain'd my voice.Short is the time in which her palm is won;Ere thine is gain'd, the poet's life is done."I lowly said: she gracious gave assent,And diff'rent ways the parting rivals went.Ye gentle loves, complete the work assign'd,A greater labour seems to press behind.