Volume III Part 20 (2/2)

ELEGIA XII.[300]

Exultat, quod amica pot.i.tus sit.

About my temples go, triumphant bays!

Conquered Corinna in my bosom lays.

She whom her husband, guard, and gate, as foes, Lest art should win her, firmly did enclose: That victory doth chiefly triumph merit, Which without bloodshed doth the prey inherit.

No little ditched towns, no lowly walls, But to my share a captive damsel falls.

When Troy by ten years' battle tumbled down, With the Atrides many gained renown: 10 But I no partner of my glory brook, Nor can another say his help I took.

I, guide and soldier, won the field and wear her, I was both horseman, footman, standard-bearer.

Nor in my act hath fortune mingled chance: O care-got[301] triumph hitherwards advance!

Nor is my war's cause new; but for a queen, Europe and Asia in firm peace had been; The Lapiths and the Centaurs, for a woman, To cruel arms their drunken selves did summon; 20 A woman forced the Trojans new to enter Wars, just Latinus, in thy kingdom's centre; A woman against late-built Rome did send The Sabine fathers, who sharp wars intend.

I saw how bulls for a white heifer strive, She looking on them did more courage give.

And me with many, but me[302] without murther, Cupid commands to move his ensigns further.

FOOTNOTES:

[300] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[301] ”Cura parte triumphe mea.”

[302] Ed. B ”but yet me.”--Ed. C ”but yet without.”

ELEGIA XIII.[303]

Ad Isidem, ut parientem Corinnam servet.

While rashly her womb's burden she casts out, Weary Corinna hath her life in doubt.

She, secretly from[304] me, such harm attempted, Angry I was, but fear my wrath exempted.

But she conceived of me; or I am sure I oft have done what might as much procure.

Thou that frequent'st Canopus' pleasant fields, Memphis, and Pharos that sweet date-trees yields, And where swift Nile in his large channel skipping,[305]

By seven huge mouths into the sea is slipping. 10 By feared Anubis' visage I thee pray,-- So in thy temples shall Osiris stay, And the dull snake about thy offerings creep, And in thy pomp horned Apis with thee keep,-- Turn thy looks. .h.i.ther, and in one spare twain: Thou givest my mistress life, she mine again.

She oft hath served thee upon certain days, Where the French[306] rout engirt themselves with bays.

On labouring women thou dost pity take, Whose bodies with their heavy burdens ache; 20 My wench, Lucina, I entreat thee favour; Worthy she is, thou should'st in mercy save her.

In white, with incense, I'll thine altars greet, Myself will bring vowed gifts before thy feet, Subscribing _Naso with Corinna saved_: Do but deserve gifts with this t.i.tle graved.

But, if in so great fear I may advise thee, To have this skirmish fought let it suffice thee.

FOOTNOTES:

[303] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[304] Old eds. ”with,” which must be a printer's error. (The original has ”clam me.”)

[305] Old eds. ”slipping.”

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