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. Beats off his briskness, and he moves but slow.
  2. But now I'm lavish of my kind embrace,
  3. And Moll, forsooth, supplies her lady's place!
  4. Kind love, forbid that I should stoop so low;
  5. What! unto mean, ignoble beauties bow ?
  6. A chambermaid ! no faith, my love flies high;
  7. My quarry is a miss of quality.
  8. Fye, who would clasp a slave ? who joy to feel
  9. Her hands of iron and her sides of steel ?
  10. 'Twill damp an eager thought, 'twill check my mind,
  11. To feel those knobs the lash hath left behind.
  12. Besides, she dresses well, with lovely grace
  13. She sets thy tow'r, and does adorn thy face;
  14. Thy nat'ral beauty all her hearts improve,
  15. And make me more enamour'd of my love.
  16. Then why should I tempt her, and why betray
  17. Thy useful slave, and have her turn'd away?
  18. I swear by Venus, by love's darts and bow,
  19. (A desp'rate oath, you must believe me now,)
  20. I am not guilty, I've not broke my vow!