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. Unhurt by steel, arose an ancient wood,
  2. A mansion fit for some retiring god;
  3. With craggy stones a secret grot was hung,
  4. And in the midst a sacred fountain sprung;
  5. The courting birds repeating songs of love,
  6. With soft complainings sweetly fill'd the grove:
  7. Here wand'ring thoughtful, and intent to choose
  8. Some theme unsung, to please the busy muse;
  9. Fair elegy came on with gentle pace,
  10. Unforc'd her air and easy was her grace.
  11. Her flaxen hair, in curious tresses wreath'd,
  12. Ambrosial sweets and heav'nly odours breath'd;
  13. A simple dress the careless charmer bore,
  14. And loving looks, and smiles unartful wore.
  15. Next came the goddess of the tragic scene,
  16. With stately tread, and proud majestic mien
  17. Her front severe, with hanging curls was drown'd,
  18. Her length of robe was full, and swept the ground:
  19. Her hand held out, a regal sceptre grac'd,
  20. And Lydian buskins half her legs embrac'd.