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. Others protection seek by dint of arms,
  2. Her only safeguard was—her wondrous charms.
  3. I, who but late look'd insolently brave,
  4. Fell from my height, and couch'd a suppliant slave:
  5. I rav'd no longer at another's bliss,
  6. But begg'd the transport of as sweet a kiss.
  7. Smiling she said, " How grateful thy request!
  8. If e'er my kisses please thee, take the best."
  9. Oh, with what gust as from her soul they came!
  10. Such might melt Jove, and stop the vengeful flame;
  11. I fear'd my rival too enjoy'd the same.
  12. These, better than from me she learn'd I thought,
  13. Something taught new, alas! I wish'd untaught;
  14. What most gave pleasure, that now stings the most;
  15. Why were our darting tongues entirely lost?
  16. Nor fret I thou in kissing shouldst excel,
  17. And yet 'tis strange to know to kiss so well;
  18. But ah! such lectures only could be read
  19. By youthful tutors, and imbib'd abed.
  20. That sage who'er these large improvements made,