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 Love's fantastic storms reduce my heart,
  2. Half rescu'd, and the god resumes his dart.
  3. Strike here, this undefended bosom wound,
  4. And for so brave a conquest be renown'd.
  5. Shafts fly so fast to me from ev'ry part,
  6. You'll scarce discern the quiver from my heart.
  7. What wretch can bear a livelong night's dull rest,
  8. Or think himself in lazy slumbers blest?
  9. Fool-is not sleep the image of pale death?
  10. There's time for rest when fate has stopp'd your breath.
  11. Me may my soft deluding dear deceive,
  12. I'm happy in my hopes, while I believe:
  13. Now let her flatter, then as fondly chide,
  14. Often may I enjoy, oft be denied.
  15. With doubtful steps the god of war does move,
  16. By thy example, in ambiguous love.
  17. Blown to and fro, like down from thy own wing,
  18. Who knows when joy or anguish thou wilt bring?