Part 13 (2/2)
Claudite ostia, virgines: Lusimus satis. at, bonei Coniuges, bene vivite et Munere adsiduo valentem 230 Exercete inventam.
LXI.
EPITHALAMIUM ON VINIA AND MANLIUS.
1.
Of Helicon-hill, O Thou that be Haunter, Urania's progeny, Who hurriest soft virginity To man, O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus. 5
2.
About thy temples bind the bloom, Of Marjoram flow'ret scented sweet; Take flamey veil: glad hither come Come hither borne by snow-hue'd feet Wearing the saffron'd sock. 10
3.
And, roused by day of joyful cheer, Carolling nuptial lays and chaunts With voice as silver-ringing clear, Beat ground with feet, while brandisht flaunts Thy hand the piney torch. 15
4.
For Vinia comes by Manlius woo'd, As Venus on th' Idalian crest, Before the Phrygian judge she stood And now with blessed omens blest, The maid is here to wed. 20
5.
A maiden s.h.i.+ning bright of blee, As Myrtle branchlet Asia bred, Which Hamadryad deity As toy for joyance aye befed With humour of the dew. 25
6.
Then hither come thou, hieing lief, Awhile to leave th' Aonian cave, Where 'neath the rocky Thespian cliff Nymph Aganippe loves to lave In cooly waves outpoured. 30
7.
And call the house-bride, homewards bring Maid yearning for new married fere, Her mind with fondness manacling, As the tough ivy here and there Errant the tree enwinds. 35
8.
And likewise ye, clean virginal Maidens, to whom shall haps befall Like day, in measure join ye all Singing, O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus. 40
9.
That with more will-full will a-hearing The call to office due, he would Turn footsteps. .h.i.ther, here appearing, Guide to good Venus, and the good Lover conjoining strait. 45
10.
What G.o.d than other G.o.dheads more Must love-sick wights for aid implore?
Whose G.o.dhead foremost shall adore Mankind? O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus. 50
11.
Thee for his own the trembling sire Invokes, thee Virgins ever sue Who laps of zone to loose aspire, And thee the bashful bridegrooms woo With ears that long to hear. 55
12.
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