Amores

Ovid

Ovid. Ovid's Art of Love (in three Books), the Remedy of Love, the Art of Beauty, the Court of Love, the History of Love, and Amours. Dryden, John, et al., translator. New York: Calvin Blanchard, 1855.

  1. So sweet a hue the lab'ring Cynthia shows,
  2. Or the fair lily damask'd by the rose;
  3. Or iv'ry, which time's yellow taint defies,
  4. When twice enrich'd with proud Assyrian dies:
  5. Such were her looks, and a diviner grace
  6. Had never brighten'd that enchanting face.
  7. She cast her eyes down on the humble ground;
  8. Her eyes, so cast, an unknown sweetness found.
  9. Mournful her looks; her mournful looks became
  10. Shining thro' grief, and beautiful in shame.
  11. I rush'd, resolv'd her golden locks to tear,
  12. And with mad violence disrobe the fair;
  13. But as I viewed her face, th' extended hand
  14. Shrunk back, nor hearken'd to the harsh command.
  15. Others protection seek by dint of arms,
  16. Her only safeguard was—her wondrous charms.
  17. I, who but late look'd insolently brave,
  18. Fell from my height, and couch'd a suppliant slave:
  19. I rav'd no longer at another's bliss,
  20. But begg'd the transport of as sweet a kiss.