Ovid's Elegies: Three Books.  
By C. M.  
Epigrams by I. D.  
At Mid 〈…〉 gh.   

P. Ouidij Nasonis amorum, Liber primus.  

ELEGIA. 1  
Quemadmodum à Cupidine pro bellis amores scribere coactus sit.  
WE which were Ovid's five books now are three  
For these before the rest preferreth he.  
If reading five thou plain'st of tediousness.  
Two ta'en away, thy labour will be less.  
With Muse prepared I meant to sing of Arms▪  
Choosing a subject fit for fierce alarms.  
Both verses were a like till lour (men say)  
Began to smile and took one foot away.  
Rash boy, who gave thee power to change a line▪  
We are the Muse's Prophets, none of thine.  
What if thy mother take Di●nas bow.  
Shall Diana fan, when lone begins to glow.  
In woody groves is't mere that Ceres' reign?  
And quiver-bearing Diana till the plain.  
Who'll set the fair trest sun in battle ray,  
While Mars doth take the Aonian Harp to play.  
Great are thy kingdoms, over strong and large,  
Ambitious imp, why seekest thou further charge?  
Are all things thine? the Muses Temple thine?  
Then scarce can Phoebus say, this Harp is mine.  
When in this works first verse I trod aloft,  
Loue●slackt my Muse, and made my numbers soft.  
I have no mistress, nor no 〈…〉  
Being fittest matter, for 〈…〉  
Thus I complained, but love unlocked his quiver,  
took out the shaft, ordained my heart to shiver:  
And bent his sinewy bow upon his knee,  
Saying Poet, here's a work beseeming thee.  
Oh woe is me, he never shoots but hits,  
I burn▪ love in my idle bosom sits.  
Let my first verse be six, my last five feet,  
Farewell stern war, for blunter Poets meet.  
Elegian Muse, that warblest amorous lays,  
Girt my shine brow with Sea-bank Myrtle praise.   

ELEGIA. 2.  
Quod prime amore correptus, in triumphum duc● so a cupidine patiatur.  
WHat makes my bed seem hard seeing it is soft?  
Or why slips down the coverlet so oft?  
Although the nights be long, I sleep not tho,  
My sides are sore with tumbling to and fro.  
Were love the cause, it's like I should descry him,  
Or lies he close, and shoots where none can spy him.  
'Twas so, he struck me with a slender darr,  
'tis cruel love turmoils my captive heart.  
Yielding or struggling do we give him might,  
Let's yield, a burden easily borne is light.  
I saw a brandished fire increase in strength,  
Which being not slacked, I saw it die at length.  
Young Oxen newly yoked are beaten more,  
Then Oxen which have drawn the plough before.  
And rough jades mouths with stubborn bits are torn,  
But managed horses heads are lightly borne.  
Unwilling lovers, love doth more torment,  
Then such as in their bondage feel content.  
Lo I confess, I am thy captive I,  
And hold my conquered hands for thee to tie.  
What needest thou war, I sue to thee for grace,  
With arms to conquer armless men is base.  
Yoke Venus Doves, put Myrtle on thy hair,  
Vulcan will give thee chariots rich and fair.  
The people thee applauding thou shalt stand,  
Guiding the harmless Pigeons with thy hand.  
Young men, and women shalt thou lead as thrall,  
So will thy triumph seem magnifical.  
I lately caught, will have a new made wound,  
And captive like be manacled and bound.  
Good meaning shame, and such as seek loves wra●●  
Shall follow thee their hands tied at their back.  
Thee all shall fear, and worship as a King,  
Io, triumphing shall thy people sing.  
Smooth speeches, fear, and rage shall by thee ride▪  
Which troops have always been on Cupid's side▪  
Thou with these soul ●iours, conquerest Gods and men●  
Take these away, where is thine honour then?  
Thy mother shall from heaven applaud this show,  
And on their faces heaps of Roses strew.  
With beauty of thy wings thy fair hair guilded,  
Ride golden love in chariots richly builded.  
Unless I err, full many shalt thou burn,  
And give wounds infinite at every turn.  
In spite of thee forth will thine arrows fly,  
A scorching flame burns all the standers by.  
So having coquered Jude was Bacchus' hue,  
The pompous Birds, and him two Tigers drew.  
Then seeing I grace thy show in following thee,  
Forbear to hurt thyself in spoiling me.  
Behold thy kinsman's Caesars prosperous bands,  
Who guards thee conquered, with his conquering hands.   

ELEGIA. 3.  
Ad amicam.  
I Ask but right: let he that caught me late,  
Either love, or cause that I may never hate.  
I ask too much, would she but let me love her,  
jove knows with such like prayers I daily move her.  
Accept him that will serve thee all his youth,  
Accept him that will love with spotelesse truth.  
If lofty titles cannot make me thine,  
That am descended but of Knightly line.  
Soon may you plow the little land I have,  
I gladly grant my parents given, to save.  
Apollo, Bacchus and the Muses may,  
And Cupid who hath marked me for thy prey.  
My spotelesse life, which but to Gods give place,  
Naked simplicity, and modest grace.  
I love but one, and her I love, change never,  
If men have faith, I'll live with thee for ever.  
The years that fatal destiny shall give,  
I'll live with thee, and die, ere thou shalt grieve.  
Be thou the happy subject of my books.  
That I may write things worthy thy fair looks.  
By verses horned Io got her name,  
And she to whom in shape of Swan jove came.  
And she that on a feigned Bull swam to land,  
Griping his false horns with her virgin hand.  
So likewise we will through the world be rung,  
And with my name shall thine be always sung.   

ELEGIA. 4.  
Amicam, qua arte, quibusue nutibus in caena present viro uti debeat, admonet.  
THy husband to a banquet goes with me,  
Pray God it may his latest supper be.  
Shall I sit gazing as a bashful guest,  
While others touch the damsel I love best?  
With lying, under him his bosom clip?  
About thy neck shall he at pleasure skip?  
Marvel not, though the fair Bride did incite,  
The drunken Centaurs to a sudden fight.  
I am no half horse, nor in woods I dwell,  
Yet scarce my hands from thee contain I well.  
But how thou shouldst behave thyself now know  
Nor let the winds away my warn blow.  
Before thy husband come, though I not see,  
What may be done, ●et there before hi● be.  
Lie with him gently, when his limbs he spread,  
Upon the bed, but on my feet first tread.  
View me, my becks, and speaking countenance,  
Take, and receive each secret amorous glance.  
Words without voice shall on my eyebrows sit,  
Lines thou shalt read in wine by my hand writ.  
When our lascivious toys come to thy mind,  
Thy Rosy cheeks be to thy thumb inclined.  
If aught of me thou speakest in inward thought,  
Let thy soft finger to thy ear be brought.  
When I (my light) do or say aught that please thee,  
Turn round thy gold-ring, as it were to ease thee.  
Strike on the board like them that pray for evil,  
When thou dost wish thy husband at the devil.  
What wine he fills thee, wisely will him drink,  
Ask thou the boy, what thou enough dost think.  
When thou hast tasted, I will take the cup,  
And where thou drinkest, on that part I will sup.  
If he gives thee what first himself did taste,  
Even in his face his offered Goblets cast.  
Let not thy neck by his vile arms be priest,  
Nor leave thy soft head on his boisterous breast.  
Thy besoms Roseate buds let him not finger,  
Chiefly on thy lips let not his lips linger.  
If thou givest kisses, I shall all disclose,  
Say they are mine, and hands on thee impose.  
Yet this I'll see, but if thy gown ought cover,  
Suspicious fear in all my veins will hover.  
Mingle not thighs, nor to his leg join thine,  
Nor thy soft foot with his hard foot combine.  
I have been wanton, therefore am perplexed,  
And with mistrust of the like measure vexed.  
I and my wench oft under clothes did lurk,  
When pleasure moved us to our sweetest work.  
Do not thou so, but throw thy mantle hence,  
Lest I should think thee guilty of offence.  
Entreat thy husband drink, but do not kiss,  
And while he drinks, to add more do not miss,  
If he lies down with wine and sleep oppressed,  
The thing and place shall counsel us the rest.  
When to go home● wards we rise all along,  
Have care to walk in middle of the throng.  
There will I find thee or be found by thee,  
There touch what ever thou canst touch of me.  
Ay me I warn what profits some few hours,  
But we must part, when heaven with black night lowers●  
At night thy husband clips, I will weep  
And to the doors sight of thyself keep;  
Then will he kiss thee, and not only kiss,  
But force thee give him my stolen honey bliss.  
Constrained against thy will give it the pezan●s●  
Forbear sweet words, and be your sport unpleasant.  
To him I pray it no delight may bring,  
Or if it do: to thee no joy thence spring.  
But though this night thy fortune be to try it,  
To me to morrow constantly deny it.   

ELEGIA. 5.  
Corinnae Concubitus.  
IN summer's heat and mid-time of the day,  
To rest my limbs upon a bed I lay.  
One window shut, the other open stood,  
Which gave such light, ●s twincles in a wood.  
Like twilight glimpse at setting of the Sun,  
Or night being past, and yet not day begun.  
Such light to shamefast maidens must be shown,  
Where they may sport, and seem to be unknown.  
Then came Corinna in a long loose gown,  
Her white neck hid with tresses hanging down.  
Resembling fair Semiramis going to bed,  
Or Layis of a thousand wooers sped.  
I snatched her gown being thin, the harm was small,  
Yet strived she to be covered there withal.  
And striving thus as one that would be cast,  
Betrayed herself, and yielded at the last.  
Stark naked as she stood before mine eye,  
Not one wen in her body could I spy.  
What arms and shoulders did I touch and see,  
How apt her breasts were to be pr●st by me.  
How smooth a belly under her waist saw I?  
How large a leg, and what a lusty thigh?  
To leave the rest all liked me passin● well,  
I clinged her naked body, down the fell,  
judge you the rest, being t●●de she b●d me kiss,  
Io●e send me more such afternoon's as this.   

ELEGIA. 6.  
Ad janitorem, ut fores sibo aperiat.  
Unworthy porter, bound in chains full sore,  
On moved hooks set open the chur●sh door.  
Little I ask, a little entrance make,  
The gate half open my bend side in will take.  
Long love my body to such use make slender,  
And to get out doth like apt members render.  
He shows me how vn●eard to pass the watch,  
And guides my feet least stumbling falls they catch  
But in times past I feared veins shades, and night,  
Wondering if any walked without light.  
Love hearing it lauged with his tender mother,  
And smiling said, be thou as bold as other.  
Forthwith love came, no dark night flying sprite,  
Nor hands prepared to slaughter, me affright.  
Thee fear I too much: only thee I flatter,  
Thy lightning can my life in pieces batter.  
Why enviest me, this hostile dende unbarre,  
See how the gates with my tears wat'red are.  
When thou stoodst naked ready to be beat,  
For thee I did thy mistress fair entreat.  
But what entreats for thee sometimes took place,  
(O mischief) now for me obtain small grace.  
Gratis thou mayest be free give like for like,  
Night goes away: the doors bar back ward strike.  
Strike, so again hard chains shall bind thee never,  
Nor servile water shalt thou drink for ever,  
Hardhearted Porter dost and wilt not hear,  
With stiff oak propped the gate doth still appear.  
Such rampired gates besieged Cities aid,  
In midst of peace why art of arms afraid?  
Exclud'st a lover, how wouldst use a foe?  
Strike back the bar, night fast away doth go.  
With arms or armed men I come not guarded,  
I am alone, were furious love discarded.  
Although I would, I cannot him cashier,  
Before I be divided from my gear.  
See love with me, wine moderate in my brain,  
And on my hairs a crown of flowers remain.  
Who fears these arms? who will not go to meet them,  
Night runs away, with open entrance gree●te them?  
Art careless? or ist sleep forbids thee hear,  
Giving the winds my words running in thine care.  
Well I remember when I first did hire thee,  
Watching till after midnight did not tyre thee.  
But now perchannce thy wench with thee doth rest,  
Ah how thy lot, is above my lot blest:  
Though it be so, shut me not out therefore,  
Night goes away: I pray thee open the door.  
Err we? or do the turned hinges sound,  
And opening doors with creaking noise abound?  
We err: a strong blast seemed the gates ●o ●ope:  
A●e me how high that gale did lift my hope!  
If Boreas bears Orithyas rape in mind,  
Some break these deaf doors with thy boisterous wind.  
Silent the city is: nights dewy host,  
March fast away: the bar strike from the post.  
Or I more stern than fire or sword will turn,  
And with my brand these gorgeous houses burn.  
Night, love, and wine to all extremes persuade:  
Night, shameless wine, and love are fearless made.  
All have I spent: no threats or prayer move thee,  
O harder than the doors thou gardest I prove thee.  
No pretty wench's keeper may ●st thou be,  
The careful prison is more meet for thee.  
Now forsty night her flight begins to take,  
And crowing Cocks poor souls to work awake.  
But thou my crown from sad hairs ta'en away,  
On this hard threshold till the morning lay.  
That when my mistress there beholds thee cast,  
She may perceive how we the time did waste.  
What ere thou art, farewell, be like me pained,  
Careless farewell, with my fault not distained.  
And farewell cruel posts rough thresholds block,  
And doors conjoined with an hard iron lock.   

ELEGIA 7.  
Ad pacandam amicam, quam verberaverat.  
Bind fast my hands, they have deserved chains,  
While rage is absent, take some friend the pains.  
For rage against my wench moved my rash arm,  
My mistress weeps whom my mad hand did harm.  
I might have then my parents dear misused,  
Or holy Gods with cruel strokes abused.  
Why? Ajax master of the sevenfold shield,  
Butchered the flocks he found in spacious field.  
And he who on his mother venged his fire,  
Against ●●e destinies durst, sharp darts require.  
Could I therefore her comely tresses tear?  
Y●t was she graced with her ruffled hair.  
〈◊〉 she was, Atalanta she resembled,  
〈◊〉 whose bow th' Arcadian wild beasts trembled.  
〈◊〉 Ariadne was, when she bewails,  
●span; Theseus flying vows and sails.  
●span; Minerva did Cassandra fall,  
Deflowered except, within thy Temple wall.  
That I was mad, and barbarous all men cried,  
She nothing said, pale fear her tongue had tied.  
But secretly her looks with checks did trounce me,  
Her tears, she silent, guilty did pronounce me.  
Would of mine arms, my shoulders had been scanted,  
Better I could part of myself have wanted.  
To mine own self have I had strength so furious?  
And to myself could I be so injurious?  
Slaughter and mischiefs instruments, no better,  
Deserved chains these cursed hands shall fetter.  
Punished I am, if I a Roman beat,  
Over my Mistress is my right more great.  
Tydides left worst signs of villainy,  
He first a Goddess struck; another I.  
Yet he harmed less, whom I professed to love,  
I harmed: a so did Diomedes anger move.  
Go now thou Conqueror, glorious triumphs raise,  
Pay vows to jove: engirt thy hairs with b●ies.  
And let the troops which shall thy Chariot follow,  
Io, a strong man conquered this wench, hollow.  
Let the sad captive foremost with locks spread,  
On her white neck but for hurt cheeks ke● led.  
Meeter it were her lips were blue with kissing,  
And on he neck a wanton mark not missing.  
But though I like a swelling fllood was driven,  
And as a pray unto blind anger given.  
Was't not enough the fearful wench to child?  
Nor thunder in rough threatings haughty pride?  
Nor shamefully her coat pull o'er her crown,  
Which to her waste her girdle still kept down,  
But cruelly her tresses having rend,  
My nails to scratch her lovely cheeks I bent.  
Sighing she stood, her bloodless white looks showed,  
Like marble from the Parian Mountains hewed.  
Her half dead joints, and trembling limbs I saw,  
Like Poplar leaves blown with a stormy flaw.  
Or slender ears, with gentle Zephir shaken,  
Or waters tops with the warm southwind taken.  
And down her cheeks, the trickling tears did flow,  
Like water gushing from consuming snow.  
Then first I did perceive I had offended,  
My blood, the tears were that from her descended  
Before her feet thrice prosttate down I fell,  
My feared hands thrice back she did repel.  
But doubt thou not (revenge doth grief appease,)  
With thy sharp nails upon my face to seize.  
Bescrath mine eyes, spare not my locks to break,  
(Anger will help thy hands though near so weak.)  
And lest the sad signs of my crime remain,  
Put in their place thy keembed hairs again.   

ELEGIA. 8.  
Exacratur lenam● quae puellam suam meretrici● arte instit●ebat.  
THere is, who ere will know a bawd aright.  
Give ear, there is an old trot Dipsas hight.  
Her name comes from the thing: she being wise,  
Sees not the morn on rosy hoises rise.  
She magic arts and Thessale charms doth know,  
And makes large streams back to their fountains flow,  
She knows with grass, with thirds on wrong wheels spun,  
And what with Mares rank humour may be done.  
When she will, clouds the darkened heaven obscure,  
When she will, day shiner every where most pure.  
(If I have faith) I saw the stars drop blood,  
The purple moon with sanguine visage stood;  
Her I suspect among night's spirits to fly,  
And her old body in birds plumes to lie.  
Fame saith as I suspect, and in her eyes,  
Two eyeballs shine, and double light thence flies.  
Great grandsires from their ancient graves she chides,  
And with long charms the solid earth divides.  
She draws chaste women to incontinence,  
Nor doth her tongue want harmful eloquence.  
By chance I heard her talk, these words she said,  
While closely hid betwixt two doors I laid.  
Mistress thou knowest, thou haft a blessed youth pleased,  
He staider and on thy looks his gazes seized.  
And why should'st not please? none thy face exceeds,  
Aye● m●, thy body hath no worthy weeds.  
As thou art fair, would thou wert fortunate,  
Wert thou rich, poor should not be my state.  
Th'opposed star of. Mars hath done thee harm,  
Now Mars is gone: Venus thy side doth warm,  
And brings good fortune, a rich lover plants,  
His love on thee, and can supply thy wants.  
Such is his form as may with thine compare,  
Would he not buy thee, thou for him shouldst care.  
She blush'tired shame becomes white checks, but this  
If feigned, doth well; if true it doth amiss.  
When on thy lap thine eyes thou dost deject,  
Each one according to his gifts respect.  
Perhaps the Sabines rude, when Tatius reigned,  
To yield their love to more than one disdained.  
Now Mars doth rage abroad without all pity,  
And Venus rules in her Aeneas city.  
Fair women play she's chaste whom none will have,  
Or, but for bashfulness herself would crave.  
Shake off these wrinkles that thy front assault,  
Wrinkles in beauty is a grievous fault.  
Penelope in bows her youth's strength tried,  
Of home the bow was that approved their side.  
Time flying shides hence closely, and deceives us,  
And with swift horses the swift year soon leaves us.  
Brass shines with use; good garments would be worn,  
Houses not dwelled in, are with filch forlorn.  
Beauty not exercised with age is spent,  
Nor one or two men are sufficiant.  
Many to rob is more sure, and l●sse hateful,  
From dog-kept flocks come preys to woolus most grateful.  
Behold what gives the Poet but new verses?  
And thereof many thousand he rehearses.  
The Poet's God arrayed in robes of gold,  
Of his gilt Harp the well tuned strings doth hold.  
Let Homer yield to such as presents bring,  
(Trust me) to give, it is a witty thing.  
Nor, so thou mayst obtain a wealthy prize,  
The vain name of inferior slaves dispize.  
Nor let the arms of ancient lives beguile thee,  
Poor lover with thy grandsires I exile thee.  
Who seeks, for being fair, a night to have,  
What he will give, with greater instance crave.  
Make a small price, while thou thy nets dost lay,  
Lest they should fly, being ta'en, the tyrant play.  
Dissemble so as loved he may be thought,  
And take heed, lest he gets that love for nought,  
Deny him oft; fain now thy head doth ache:  
And Isis now will show what excuse to make.  
Receive him soon, least patient use he gain,  
Or lest his love oft beaten back should wain.  
To beggars shut, to bringers open thy gate,  
Let him within hear; bard out lovers prate.  
And as first wronged the wronged sometimes banish●  
Thy fault with his fault so repulsed will vanish.  
But never give a spacious time to ire,  
Anger delayed doth oft to hate retire.  
And let thine eyes constrained learn to weep,  
That this, or that man may thy chcekes moist keep,  
Nor, if thou coznest one, dread to forswear,  
Venus to mocked men lends a senseless ●are.  
Se●uauts fit for thy purpose thou must hire,  
To teach thy lover, what thy thoughts desire.  
Let them ask somewhat, many ask little,  
Within a while great heaps grow of a little.  
And sister, Nurse, and mother spare him not,  
By many hands great wealth is quickly got.  
What were it for thee to require a gift,  
By keeping of thy birth make but a shift.  
Beware lest he unrivalled loves secure,  
Take strife away, love doth not well endure.  
On all the beds men tumbling let him view,  
And thy neck with lascivions marks made blue.  
Chiefly show him the gifts, which other send:  
If he gives nothing, let him from thee wend.  
When thou hast so much as he gives no more,  
Pray him to lend what thou may'st●●e're restore.  
Let thy tongue flatter, while thy mind harme-workes,  
Under sweet honey deadly poison lurks.  
If this thou dost to me by long use known,  
Nor let my word be with the winds hence blown.  
Oft thou wile, say, live well, thou wilt pray oft,  
That my dead bones may in their grave lie soft,  
As thus she spoke, my shadow me betrayed,  
with much a do my hands I scarcely staid.  
But let ●er blear eyes, bald scalps thine hoary ●lieces,  
And riveled cheeks I would have pulled a pieces.  
The gods send thee no house a poor old age,  
Perpetual thirst, and winter's lasting rage.   

ELEGIA. 9  
Ad Attionm, amantem non oportere desidiosum esse▪ sicuti nec militem.  
ALL lovers war, and Cupid hath his tent,  
Attic, all lovers are to war far sent,  
What age fits Mar●, with Venus doth agree,  
●Tis shame for eld in war or love to be.  
What years in fo●●diours Captains do require,  
Those in their lovers pretty may des desire.  
Both of them watch: each on the hard earth sleeps:  
His Mistress doors this; that his Captains keeps.  
soldiers must travail far: the wench forth send  
Her valiant lover follows without end.  
Mounts, and raine-doubled floods he passeth over,  
And treads the desert snowy heaps to cover.  
Going to sea, East winds he doth not child,  
Nor to hoist sail attends full time and tide.  
Who but a soldier or a lover is bold,  
To suffer storm mixed snows with nights sharp cold?  
One as a spy doth to his enemies go,  
The other eyes his rival as his foe.  
He cities great, this thresholds lies before:  
This breaks town gates, but he his Mistress door.  
Oft to invade the sleeping foe 'tis good,  
And armed to shed unarmed people's blood.  
So the fierce troops of Thracian Rhesus fell,  
And Captive horses bade their Lord farewell.  
Sooth lovers watch till sleep the husband charms,  
Who slumbering, they rise up in swelling arms.  
The keeper's hands and corps-dugard to pass,  
The soldiers, and poor lovers work e●● was.  
Doubtful is war and love, the vanquished rise,  
And who thou never think'st should fall down lies.  
Therefore who ere love sloatthfulnesse doth call,  
Let him surcease: love tries wit best of all.  
Achilles' burned Briseis being ta'en away,  
Trojans destroy the Greek wealth while you may▪  
Hector to arms went from his wives embraces,  
And on Adromache his helmet laces.  
Great Agamemnon was, men say amazed,  
O● Priam's loose-trest daughter when he gazed.  
Mars in the deed the blacksmiths net did stable  
In heaven was never more notorious fable.  
Myself was dull, and ●aint to sloth inclined  
Pleasure, and case had mollifide my mind.  
A fair maids care expelled this sluggishness,  
And to her tents wild me myself address.  
Since mayst thou see me watch & night wars move,  
He that will not grow slothful let him love.   

ELEGIA. 10.  
Ad p●ellam, ne pro amore praemia poseat.  
Such as the cause was of two husband's war, ●  
Whom Trojan ships fetched from● Europa far.  
Such as was Leda, whom the God deluded  
In snowwhite plumes of a false swan included.  
Such as Aminione through the dry fields strayed.  
When on her head a water pitcher laid.  
Such wert thou, and I feared the Bull and Eagle,  
And what ere love made Io●e should thee inveagle  
Now all fear with my minds hot love abates,  
No more this beauty mine eyes captivates.  
Askest why I change? because thou crav'st reward;  
This cause hath thee from pleasing me debarred.  
While thou wert plain I lou'dthy mind and fa●e:  
Now inward faults thy outward form disgrace.  
Love is a naked boy, his years sans stain,  
And hath no clothes, but open doth remain.  
Will you for gain have Cupid sell himself?  
He hath no bosom, where to hide base pelf.  
Love and loves son are with fierce arms to oddes●  
To serve for pay beseems not wanton gods,  
The whore stands to be bought for each man's money,  
And seeks vild wealth by selling of her Coney.  
Yet greedy bawds command she curseth still,  
And doth constrained, what you do of good will.  
Take from irrational beasts a precedent,  
'Tis shame their wits should be more excellent.  
The Mare asks not the horse, the cow the bull,  
Nor the mild ewe gifts from the ram doth pull.  
Only a woman gets spoil from a man  
Farms out herself on nights for what she can.  
And lets what both delight, what both desire,  
Making her joy according to her hire.  
The sport being such, as both alike sweet try it  
Why should one sell it and the other buy it.  
Why should I lose, and thou gain by the pleasure,  
Which man and woman reap in equal measure?  
Knights of the post of perjuries make sail  
The unjust judge for bribes becomes a stale.  
'Tis shame sold tongues the guilty should defend  
Or great wealth from a judgement seat ascend.  
'Tis shame to grow rich by bed merchandise,  
Or prostitute thy beauty for bad prize.  
Thanks worthily are due for things unbought,  
For beds ill hired we are indebted nought.  
The hirer payeth all, his rent discharged  
From further duty he rests then enlarged  
Fair Dames forbear rewards for nights to crave  
Ill gotten goods good end will never have.  
The Sabine gauntlets were too dearly won,  
That unto death did press the holy Nun.  
The son slew her, that forth to meet him went,  
And a rich necklace caused that punishment,  
Yet think no scorn to ask a wealthy churl,  
He wants no gifts into thy lap to hurl.  
Take clustered grapes from an o'erladen vine,  
Many bounteous love Alcinous fruit resign.  
Let poor men show their service; faith and care  
All for their Mistress, what they have, prepare,  
In verse to prepare kind Wenches 'tis my part,  
And whom I like eternize by mine art.  
Garments do wear, jewels and gold do waste,  
The fame that verse gives doth for ever last.  
To give I love, but to be asked disdain,  
Leave ask, and I'll give what I refrain.   

ELEGIA. 11.  
Napen alloquitur, ut paratas tabellas ad Cori●nam perferat.  
IN skilful gathering ruffled hairs in order,  
Nape freeborn whose cunning hath no border,  
Thy service for night's 'scapes is known commodious,  
And to give sighs dull wit is odious▪  
Corinna eclipse me oft by thy persuasion,  
Never to harm me made thy faith suasion.  
Receive these lines, them to my Mistress carry,  
Be sedulous, let no stay cause thee tarry▪  
Nor flint, nor iron, are in thy soft breast,  
But pure simplicity in thee doth rest.  
And 'tis supposed loves bow hath wounded thee,  
Defend the ensigns of thy war in me.  
If what I do, she asks, say hope for night,  
The rest my hand doth in my letters write.  
Time passeth while I speak, give her my writ●  
But see that forthwith she peruseth it.  
I charge thee mark her eyes and front in reading  
By speechless looks we guess at things succeeding.  
Strait being read, will her to write much back,  
I hate fair Paper should writ matter lack.  
Let her make verses, and some blotted letter,  
On the last edge to stay mine eyes the better.  
What need she try her hand to hold the quill  
Let this word, come, alone the tables fill.  
Then with triumphant laurel will I grace them▪  
And in the midst of Venus' temple place them.  
Subscribing that to her I consecreate,  
My faithful tables being vile maple late.   

ELEGIA. 12.  
Tabelias quas miscrat exeoratur quod amica noctem negabat.  
Bewail my chance the sad book is returned,  
This day denial hath my sport adjourned.  
Presages are not vain, when she departed,  
Nape by stumbling on the threshold started.  
Going out again pass forth the door most wisely,  
And somewhat higher bear thy foot precisely.  
Hence luckless tables, funeral wood be flying,  
And thou the wax stufe full with notes denying.  
Which I think gathered from cold hemlocks flower,  
Wherein bad honey Corsic Bees did power.  
Yet as if mixed with red lead thou wert ruddy,  
That colour rightly did appear so bloody.  
As evil wood thrown in the highways lie▪  
Be bro●ke with wheels of chariots passing by.  
And him that hewed you out for needful uses,  
I'll prove had hands impure with all abuses.  
Poor wretches on the tree themselves did strangle  
There sat the hangman for men's necks to angle.  
To hoarse scrich-owles fowl shadows it allows  
Vultures and furies nestled in the boughs.  
To these my love I foolishly committed  
And then with sweet words to my Mistress fitted●  
More fitly had thy wrangling bonds contained  
From barbarous lips of some Attorney strained.  
Among daybooks and bills they had lain better,  
In which the Marchat wails his bankrupt debtor,  
Your name approves you made for such like things  
The number two no good divining brings.  
Angry, I pray that rotten age you wracks  
And sluttish white-mould overgrow the wax.   

ELEGIA. 13.  
Ad Aurorem ne properet.  
NOw o'er the sea from her old Love comes she  
That draws the day from heavens cold axletree.  
Aurora whither ●●dest thou? down again  
And birds from Memnon yearly shall be slain.  
Now in her tender arms I sweetly bide  
If ever, now well lies she by my fide.  
The air is cold, and sleep is sweetest now  
And birds send forth shrill notes from every bough,  
Whether runnest thou, that men, and women love not  
Hold in thy rosy horses that they move not?  
Fire thou rise, stars teach seamen where to sail  
But when thou comest they of their courses fail.  
Poor travailers though tired, rise at thy sight,  
And soldiers make them ready to the fight.  
The painful hind by thee to field is sent,  
Slow Oxen early in the yoke are penned.  
Thou cousenst boys of sleep, and dost betray them  
To Pedants that with cruel lashes pay them.  
Thou mak'st the surety to the Lawyer run,  
That with one word hath night himself undone.  
The Lawyer and the Client hate thy view,  
Both whom thou raisest up to toil anew.  
By thy means women of their rest are bard,  
Thou setst their labouring hands to spin and carded.  
All could I bear, but that the wench should rise,  
Who can endure save him with whom none lies?  
How oft wished I, night would not give thee place,  
Nor morning stars shun thy uprising face.  
How oft that either wind would break thy coach,  
Or steeds might fall forced with thick clouds approach.  
Whether goest thou hateful Nymph? Memnon the el●e  
Received his coal-black colour from thyself.  
Say that thy love with Caephalus were not known,  
Then thinkest thou thy loose life is not shown.  
Would Tithon might but talk of thee a while.  
Not one in heaven should be more base and vile,  
Thou leavest his bed, because he's fain● through age,  
And early mountest thy hateful carriage,  
But heldst thou in thine arms some Caephalus,  
Then wouldst thou cry, stay night and run not thus.  
Dost punish me, because years make him wain,  
I did not bid thee wed an aged swain?  
The Moon sleeps with Endy●●ton every day,  
Thou art as fair as she, than kiss and play.  
jove that thou shouldst not hast but wait his leisure,  
Made two nights one to finish up his pleasure.  
I chide no more, she blushed and therefore heard me,  
Yet lingered not the day, but morning scared me.   

ELEGIA. 14.  
Puellam consolatur cuiprae nimia cura comae desiderant.  
Leave colouring thy tresses I did cry,  
Now hast thou left no hairs at all to die.  
But what had been more fair had they been kept?  
Beyond thy robes thy dangling lacks had swept.  
Feard'st thou to dress them being fine and thin,  
Like to the silk the curious Seres spin.  
Or thirds which spiders slender foot draws out,  
Fastening her light web some old beam about.  
Not black, nor golden were they to our view,  
Yet although either mixed of either's hue.  
Such as in hilly Ida's watery plains,  
The Cedar tall spoiled of his bark retains.  
And they were apt to curl an hundred ways,  
And did to thee no cause of dolour raise.  
Nor hath the needle, or the combs teeth re●t them,  
The maid that combed them ever safely left them.  
Oft was she dressed before mine eyes, yet never,  
Snatching the comb, to bea●e the wench out drive her.  
Oft in the morn her hairs not yet digested,  
Half sleeping on a purple bed she rested.  
Yet seemly like a Thracian Bacchinall,  
That tired doth rashly on the green grass fall.  
When they were slender, and like downy moss,  
They troubled hairs, alas, endured great loss.  
How patiently hot irons they did take,  
In crooked trannells crispy curls to make.  
I cried, 'tis sin, 'tis sin, these hairs to burn,  
They well become thee, then to spare them turn.  
far off be force, no fire to them may reach,  
Thy very hairs will the hot bodkin ●each.  
Lost are the goodly locks, which from their crown,  
Phoebus and Bacchus wished were hanging down.  
Such were they as Dia●a painted stands,  
All naked holding in her wave-moist hands.  
Why dost thy ill combed tresses loss lament?  
Why in thy glass doest●looke being discontent?  
Be not to see with wont eyes inclined,  
To please thyself, thyself put out of mind.  
No charmed herbs of any harlot skathed thee,  
No faithless witch in Thessale waters bathed thee.  
No sickness harmed thee, far be that away,  
No envious tongue wrought thy thick locks decay.  
By thine own hand and fault thy hurt doth grow,  
Thou mad'st thy head with compound poison flow.  
Now Germany shall captive haire-tyers send thee,  
And vanqnisht people curious dress lend thee.  
Which some admiring O thou oft wilt blush,  
And say he likes me for my borrowed bush.  
Praising for me some unknown Gelder dame,  
But I remember when it was my fame.  
Alas she almost weeps, and her white cheeks,  
Died red with shame to hide from shame she seeks.  
She holds, and views her old locks in her lap,  
Ay me rare gifts unworthy such a hap.  
Cheer up thyself, thy loss thou mayest repair,  
And be hereafter seen with native hair.   

ELEGIA. 15.  
Ad●inuidos, quod fama poetarum sit perennis.  
Envy why carpest thou my time is spent so ill,  
And termst my works fruits of an idle quill.  
Or that unlike the line from whence I come,  
wars rusty honours are refused being young.  
Nor that I study not the brawling Laws,  
Nor set my voice to sale in every cause,  
Thy scope is mortal, mine eternal fame,  
That all the World may ever chant thy name.  
Homer shall live while Tenedos stands and Ide,  
Or into Sea swift Simois doth slide.  
Ascraus lives, while grapes with new wine swell,  
Or men with crooked sickles corn down fel.  
The World shall of Callamichus ever speak,  
His Art excelled, although his wit was weak.  
For ever lasts high Sophocles proud vain,  
With Sun and Moon, Aratus shall remain.  
While bondmen cheat, father's hoard, bawds whorish,  
And strumpets flatter, shall Menandor flourish.  
Rude Ennius● and Plautus' full of wit,  
Are both in fames eternal Legend writ.  
What age of Varro's name shall not be told,  
And jasons Argos and the fleece of gold,  
Lofty Luereticus shall live that hour,  
That nature shall dissolve this earthly bower.  
Aeneas war, and Tityrus shall be read,  
While Rome of all the conquered world is head,  
Till Cupid's Bow and fiery Shafts be broken,  
Thy verses sweet Tybullus shall be spoken.  
And Gallus shall be known from East to West,  
So shall Lycoris whom he loved best.  
Therefore when Flint and Iron wear away,  
Verse is immortal, and shall near decay.  
To Verse let Kings give place, and Kingly shows,  
And banks o'er which gold-bearing Tagus flows.  
Let base conceited wits admire wild things,  
Fair Phoebus lead me to the Muse's springs.  
About my head be quivering mi●tle wound,  
And in sad lovers heads let me be found.  
The Living, not the Dead can cavy bite,  
For after Death all men receive their right.  
Then though Death rakes my bones in funeral fire,  
I'll live, and as he pulls me down mount higher.   

The same by B. I.  
Envy, why twit'st thou me, my time's spent ill?  
And call'st my verse fruits of an idle quill?  
Or that (unlike the line from whence I sprung)  
Wars dusty honours I pursue not young?  
Or that I study not the tedious Laws;  
And prostitute my voice in every cause?  
Thy scope is mortal; mine eternal Fame,  
Which through the world shall ever chant my name.  
Homer will live, whilst Tenedos stands, and I'd,  
Or to the Sea, fleet Simois doth slide:  
And so shall Hesiod too, while vines do bear,  
Or crooked sickles crop the ripened care,  
Call●●maehus▪ though in Invention low,  
Shall still be sung, since he in Art doth flow.  
No loss shall come to Sophocles proud vain,  
With Sun and Moon Aratus shall remain.  
Whilst Slaves be false, Father's hard, & Ba●ds be whorish,  
Whilst Harlots flatter, shall Menander flourish.  
En●ius, though rude, and Accius high-reared strain,  
A fresh applause in every age shall gain,  
Of Varro's name, what ear shall not be told?  
Of jasons Argo? and the Fleece of gold?  
Then, shall Lucretius lofty numbers die,  
When Earth, and Seas in fire and flames shall frie.  
Titirus, Tillage, Aeney shall be read,  
Whilst Rome of all the conquered world is head,  
Till Cupid's fires be out, and his bow broken,  
Thy verses (neat Tibullus) shall be spoken.  
Our Gallus shall be known from East to west,  
So shall Licoris, whom he now loves best.  
The suffering Ploughshare or the flint may wear,  
But heavenly Poesy no death can fear.  
King's shall give place to it, and Kingly shows,  
The banks o'er which gold-beating Tagus flows.  
Kneel hinds to trash: me let bright Phoebus swell,  
With cups full flowing from the Muses well.  
The frost-drad myrtle shall empale my head,  
And of sad lovers I'll be often read.  
Envy the living, not the dead doth bite,  
for after death all men receive their right.  
Then when this body falls in funeral fire,  
My name shall live, and my best part aspire.    

P. Ouidij Nasonis Amorum Liber Secundus.  

ELEGIA. 1.  
Quod pro gigantomachia amores scriber● sit coactus.  
I Ovid Poet of thy wantonness,  
Borne at Peligny to write more address.  
So Cupid wills, far hence be the severe,  
You are unapt my loser lines to hear.  
Let Maids whom hot desire to husbands lead,  
And rude boys touched with unknown love me read.  
That some youth hurt as I am with loves bow,  
His own flames best acquainted signs may know.  
And long admitting say by what means learned,  
Hath this same Poet my ●a● chance discerned?  
I durst the great celestial battles tell,  
Hundred-hand Gyges, and had done it well.  
With earth's revenge and how olympus top,  
High Ossa bore mount Peli●● up to prop,  
jove and Ioues thunderbolts I had in hand,  
Which for his heaven fell on the giants band.  
My wench ●●ef-dore shut, loves affares ay left,  
Even jove himself out off my wit was rest.  
Pardon me jove, thy weapons aid me nought,  
Her shut gates greater lightning than thine brought.  
Toys, and light Elegies my darts I took,  
Quickly soft words hard doors wide open struck▪  
Verses reduce the horned bloody moon,  
And call the suns white horses black at noon.  
Snakes leap by verse from caves of broken mountains,  
And turned streams run backward to their fountains.  
Verses open doors, and locks put in the post  
Although of Oak, to yield to verses boast;  
What helps it me of fierce Achilles to sing?  
What good to me will either Ajax bring?  
Or he who warred and wandered twenty year?  
Or woeful Hector whom wild jades did tear?  
But when I praise a pretty wench's face  
She in requital doth me oft embrace.  
A great reward: Heroes oh famous names  
Farewell, your favour nought my mind inflames.  
Wenches apply your fair looks to my verse,  
Which golden love doth unto me rehearse.   

ELEGIA. 2.  
Ad Bagoum, ut custodiam puellae sibi commissa Laxiorem habeat.  
BAgous whose care doth thy Mistress bridle,  
While I speak some few, yet fit words be idle.  
I saw the Damsel walking yesterday  
There where the porch doth Danaus' fact display:  
She pleased me soon, I sent, and did her woe,  
Her trembling hand writ back she might not do.  
And ask why, this answer she redoubied  
Because they care too much thy mistress troubled.  
Keeper if thou be wise cease hate to cherish,  
Believe me, whom we fear, we wish to perish  
Nor is her husband wife, that needs defence  
When un-protested there is no expense  
But furiously he follow his loves fire,  
And think her chaste whom many do desire:  
Stolen liberty she may be thee obtain  
Which giving her, she may give thee again:  
Wilt thou her fault learn, she may make thee tremble  
Fear to be guilty, than thou mayest dissemble.  
Think when she reads, her mother letters sent her  
Let him go forth known, that unknown did enter.  
Let him go see her though she do not languish  
And then report her sick and full of anguish.  
If long she stays to think the time more short  
Lay down thy forehead in thy lap to s●ort.  
Inquire not what with Isis may be done  
Nor fear lest she to th' theatres r●●●e.  
Knowing her 'scapes thine honour shall increase,  
And what less labour then to hold thy peace?  
Let him please, haunt thy house, be kindly used  
Enjoy the wench, let all else be refused.  
Vain causes fain of him, the true to hide  
And what she likes, let both hold ratified.  
When most her husband bends the brows and frowns,  
His ●awning wench with her desire he crowns.  
But yet sometimes to chide thee let her fall  
Counterfeit tears: and thee lewd hangman call.  
Object thou then what she may well excuse.  
To stain all faith in truth, by false crimes use.  
Of wealth and honour so shall grow thy heap,  
Do this and soon thou shalt thy freedom reap.  
On tell-tales necks thou seest the linke-kn●t chains,  
The filthy prison faithless breasts restrains.  
Water in waters, and fruit-flying touch  
Tantal●s feekes, his long tongues gathe is such.  
While juno's watchman I● too much side,  
Him timeless death took, she was deiside  
I saw ones legs with fetters black and blue,  
By whom the husband his wives incest knew,  
More he deserved, to both great harm he framed  
The man did grieve, the woman was defamed.  
Trust me all husbands for such faults are sad  
Nor make they any man that hear them glad.  
If he loves not, deaf ears thou dost importune,  
Or if he loves; thy tale breeds his misfortune.  
Nor is it easily proved though manifest,  
She safe by favour of her judge doth rest.  
though himself see; he'll credit her denial  
Condemn his eyes, and say there is no trial.  
Spying his mistress tears, he will lament  
And say this blab shall suffer punishment.  
Why fighst 'gainst odds? to thee being cast do hap  
Sharp stripes, she sitteth in the judges lap.  
To meet for poison or wild facts we crave not  
My hands an unsheathed shining weapon have not.  
We seek that through thee safely love we may,  
What can be easier than the thing we pray.   

ELEGIA. 3.  
Ad Eunuchum seruantem dominam.  
Ay me an Eunuch keeps my mistress chaste,  
That cannot Venus' mutual pleasure taste.  
Who first deprived young boys of their best part,  
With self same wounds he gave, he ought to smart.  
To kind requests thou wouldst more gentle prove,  
If ever wench had made lukewarm thy love:  
Thou wert not b●●ne to ride, or arms to bear,  
Thy hands agree not with the warlike spear.  
Men handle those, all manly hopes ref●g●ue,  
Thy mistress ensigns must be likewise thine.  
Please her, her hate makes others thee abhor.  
If she discardes thee, what use servest thou for?  
Good form there is, years apt to play together,  
Unmeet is beauty without use to wither.  
She may deceive thee, though thou her protect,  
What two determine never wants effect.  
Our prayers move thee to assist our drift,  
While thou hast time yet to bestow that gift.   

ELEGIA. 4.  
Quod amet● muli●res, cuiuscunque formae sint.  
I Mean not to defend the 'scapes of any,  
Or justify my vices being many.  
For I confess, if that might merit, favout,  
here I display my lewd and loose behaviour.  
I loath, yet after that I loath, I run,  
Oh how the burden irks, that we should shun.  
I cannot rule myself, but where love please,  
Am driven like a ship upon rough seas.  
No one face likes me best, all faces move,  
A hundred reasons make me ever love.  
If any eye me with a modest look,  
I blush, and by that blushfull glance am took.  
And she that's coy I like for being no clown,  
Me thinks she would be nimble when she's down,  
Though her sour looks a Sabines brow resemble,  
I think she'll do, but deeply can dissemble.  
If she be learned then for her skill I crave her.  
If not, because she's simple I would have her.  
Before Callimachus one prefers me far,  
Seeing she likes my books why should we jar?  
Another rails at me and that I write  
Yet would I lie with her if that I might.  
Trips she, it likes me well, plods she, what than?  
She will be nimbler, lying with a man.  
And when one sweetly sings, then straight I long  
To quaver on her lips even in her song.  
Or if one touch the Lute with art and cunning  
Who would not love those hands for their swift running?  
And her I like that with a majesty  
Folds up her arms and makes low courtesy.  
To leave myself, that am in tocue with all  
Some one of these might make the chastest fall.  
If she be tall, she's like an Amazan,  
And therefore fills the bed she lies, upon  
If short, she lies the rounder to say troth;  
Both short and long please me, for I: love both.  
I think what one undeckt would be, being dressed  
Is she attired, then show her grace's best.  
A white wench thralls me, so doth golden yellow  
And nutbrown girls in doing have no fellow.  
If her white neck be shadowed with brown hair,  
Why so was Leda's, yet was Leda fair.  
Amber trest is she, then on the morn think I  
My love alludes to every history:  
A young wench pleaseth, and an old is good  
This for her ●ookes and that for her womanhood.  
Nay what is she that any Roman loves  
But my ambitious ranging mind approves.   

ELEGIA. 5.  
Ad amicam corruptam.  
NO love is so dear (quivered Cupid fly)  
That my chief with should be so oft to die.  
Minding my fault, with death I wish to revel,  
Alas a wench is a perpetual evil.  
No intercepted lines thy deeds display,  
No gifts given secretly thy crime bewray.  
O would my proofs as vain might be withstood,  
Ay me poor soul why is my cause so good.  
He's happy, that his love dares boldly credit,  
To whom his wench can say, I never did it.  
He's cruel, and too much his grief doth favour,  
That seeks the conquest by her loose behaviour.  
Poor wench I saw when thou didst think I slumbered.  
Not drunk, your faults on the spilled wine I numbered.  
I saw your nodding eyebrows much to speak,  
Even from your cheeks, part of a voice did break.  
Not silent were thine eyes, the board with wine,  
Was scribbled, and thy fingers writ a line.  
I knew your speech (what do not lovers see?)  
And words that seemed for certain marks to be.  
Now many guests were gone, the feast being done,  
The youthful sort to divers pastimes run.  
I saw you then unlawful kisses join,  
(Such with my tongue it likes me to purloin)  
None such the sister gives her brother grave,  
But such kind wenches let their lovers have.  
Phoebus' gave not Diana such, 'tis thought,  
But Venus often to her Mars such brought.  
What dost, I cried; transportst thou any delight?  
My lordly hands i'll throw upon my right.  
Such bliss is only common to us two,  
In this sweet good, why hath a third to do?  
This, and what grief enforced me say I said,  
A scarlet blush her guilty face arrayed.  
Even such as by Aurora hath the sky,  
Or maids that their betrothed husbands spy.  
Such as a rose mixed with a lily breeds,  
Or when the Moon travails with charmed steeds.  
Or such, as least long years should rurne the die,  
Arachne stains Assyrian ivory.  
To these, or some of these like was her colour,  
By chance her beauty never shined fuller.  
She viewed the earth: the earth to view, beseemed her,  
She looked sad▪ sad, comely I esteemed her.  
Even kembed as they were, her locks to rend,  
And scratch her fair soft checks I did intend.  
Seeing her face, mine upreard arms descended,  
With her own armour was my wench defended.  
I that erewhile was fierce, now humbly sue,  
Lest with worse kisses she should me endue.  
She laughed, and kissed so sweetly as might make  
Wrath-kindled jove away his thunder shake.  
I grieve lest others should such good perceive,  
And wish hereby them all unknown to leave.  
Also much better were they then I tell,  
And ever seemed as some new sweet befell.  
●Tis ill they pleased so much, for in my lips,  
Lay her whole tongue hid, mine in hers she dips.  
This grieves me not, no joined kisses spent,  
Bewail I only, though I them lament.  
No where can they be taught but in the bed,  
I know no master of so great hire sped.   

ELEGIA. 6.  
In mortem psittaci.  
THE parrot from East- India to me sent,  
Is dead, al-fowles her exequys frequent.  
Go goodly birds, striking your breasts bewail,  
And with rough claws your tender che●kes assail.  
For woeful hairs let piece-torne plumes abound,  
For long shrilled trumpets let your notes resound.  
Why Phylomele dost T●reus lewdness mourn?  
All wasting years have that complaint not worn?  
Thy tunes let this rare birds sad funeral borrow,  
It is as great, but ancient cause of sorrow.  
All you whose pinions in the clear air sore,  
But most thou friendly turtle-dove deplore.  
Full concord all your lives was you betwixt,  
And to the end your constant faith stood fixed.  
What Pylades did to Orestes prove,  
Such to the parrot was the turtle-dove.  
But what availed this faith? her rarest hue?  
Or voice that how to change the wild notes knew?  
What helps it thou wert given to please my wench,  
Birds hapless glory, death thy life doth quench.  
Thou with thy quills mightst make green Emeralds dark,  
And pass our scarlet of red saffrons mark.  
No such voyce-feigning bird was on the ground,  
Thou spokest thy words so well with stammering sound.  
Envy hath rapt thee, no fierce wars thou movedst,  
Vain babbling speech, and pleasant peace thou lovedst.  
Behold how quails among their battles live,  
Which do perchance old age unto them give.  
A little filled thee, and for love of talk,  
Thy mouth to taste of many meats did baulk.  
Nuts were thy food, and Poppy caused thee sleep,  
Pure waters moisture thirst away did keep.  
The ravenous vulture lives, the Puttock hovers  
Around the air, the Gadesse rain discovers.  
And Crows survives armes-bearing Pallas hate,  
Whose life nine ages scarce bring out of date.  
Dead is that speaking image of man's voice,  
The parrot give me, the far words best choice.  
The greedy spirits take the best things first,  
Supplying their void places with the worst.  
Thersites: did Protesilaus survive;  
And Hector died his brothers yet alive.  
My wench's vows for thee what should I show,  
Which stormy Southwindes into sea did blow?  
The seventh day came, none following mightst thou see,  
And the fates distaff empty stood to thee:  
Yet words in thy benumbed palate rung,  
Farewell Corinna cried thy dying tongue.  
Elysium hath a wood of holm trees black,  
Whose earth doth not perpetual greene-grasse lack,  
There good birds rest (if we believe things hidden)  
Whence unclean fowls are said to be forbidden.  
There harmless Swans feed all abroad the river,  
There ●●ues the Phoenix one alone bird ever.  
There juno's bird displays his gorgeous feather:  
And loving Doves kiss eagerly together.  
The Parrot into wood received with these,  
Turns all the goodly birds to what she please,  
A grave her bones hides, on her corpse great grave,  
The little stones these little verses have.  
This ●ombe approves, I pleased my mistress well,  
My mouth in speaking did all birds excel.   

ELEGIA. 7.  
Amicae se purgat, quod ancillam non● amet.  
Dost me of new crimes always guilty frame?  
To overcome, so oft to fight I shame,  
If on the Marble Theatre I look,  
One among many is to grieve thee took.  
If some fair wench me secretly behold,  
Thou arguest she doth secret marks unfold  
If I praise any, thy poor hairs thou tearest,  
If blame, dissembling of my fault thou fearest.  
If I look well, thou thinkest thou dost not move,  
If ill, thou sayst I die for others love.  
Would I were culpable of some offence,  
They that deserve pain, bear't with patience.  
Now rash accusing, and thy vain belief,  
Forbid thine anger to procure my grief.  
Lo how the miserable great ●ared Ass,  
Dulled with much beating slowly forth doth pass.  
Behold Cypassis wont to dress thy head,  
Is charged to violate her mistress bed.  
The Gods from this sin rid me of suspicion,  
To like a base wench of despised condition.  
With Venus' game who will a servant grace?  
Or any back made rough with stripes embrace?  
Add she was diligent thy locks to braid,  
And for her skill to thee a grateful maid▪  
Should I solicit her that is so just:  
To take repulse, and cause her show my lust?  
I swear by Venus, and the winged boys bow,  
Myself unguilty of this crime I know.   

ELEGIA. 8.  
Ad Cypassim ancillam Corinna.  
CYpassis that a thousand ways trimst hair,  
Worthy to keembe none but a Goddess fair.  
Our pleasant 'scapes show thee no clown to be,  
Apt to thy mistress, but more apt to me.  
Who that our bodies were compressed bewrayed?  
Whence knows Corinna that with thee I played?  
Yet blushed I not, nor used I any saying,  
That might be urged to witness our false playing.  
What if a man with bondwomen offend,  
To prove him foolish did I ere contend?  
Achilles' burnt with face of captive Briseis,  
Great Agamemnon loved his servant Chriseis.  
Greater than these myself I not esteem:  
What graced Kings, in me no shame I deem.  
But when on thee her angry eyes did rush,  
In both my cheeks she did perceive thee blush.  
But being present, might that work the best,  
By Venus' Deity how did I protest.  
Thou Goddess dost command a warm South-blast,  
Myself oaths in Carpathian seas to cast.  
For which good turn my sweet reward repay,  
Let me lie with thee brown Cypasse to day.  
Ungrate why feign'st new fears? and dost refuse;  
Well mayest thou one thing for thy Mistress use.  
If thou deni'st fool, I'll our deeds express,  
And as a traitor mine own fault confess.  
Telling thy mistress, where I was with thee,  
How oft, and by what means we did agree.   

ELEGIA. 9  
Ad Cupidinem.  
O Cupid that dost never cease my smart,  
O boy that liest so slothful in my heart.  
Why me that always was thy soldier found,  
Dost harm, and in thy tents why dost me wound?  
Why burns thy brand, why strikes thy bow thy friends?  
More glory by thy vanquished foes ascends.  
Did not Pelides whom his Spear did grieve,  
Being required, with speedy help relieve?  
Hunter's leave taken beasts, pursue the chase,  
And then things found do ever further pace.  
We people wholly given thee, feel thine arms,  
Thy dull hand stays thy striving enemies harms.  
Dost joy to have thy hooked Arrows shaked,  
In naked bones? love hath my bones left naked.  
So many men and maidens without love,  
Hence with great laud thou mayest a triumph move.  
Rome if her strength the huge world had not filled,  
With strawie cabins now her courts should build.  
The weary soldier hath the conquered fields,  
His sword laid by, safe, though rude places yields.  
The Dock in harbours ships drawn, from the floods,  
Horse freed from service range abroad the woods.  
And time it was for me to live in quiet,  
That have so oft served pretty wenches diet.  
Yet should I curse a God, if he but said,  
Live without love, so sweet ill is a maid.  
For when my loathing it of heat deprives me,  
I know not whether my minds whirlwind drives me.  
Even as a headstrong courser bears away,  
His rider vainly striving him to stay.  
Or as a sudden gail thrusts into sea,  
The heaven-touching bark now near the lee.  
So wavering Cupid brings me back amain,  
And purple love resumes his darts again.  
Strike boy, I offer thee my naked breast,  
here thou hast strength, here thy right hand doth rest.  
here of themselves thy shafts come, as if shot;  
Better than I their quiver knows them not:  
Hapless is he that all the night lies quiet  
And slumbering, thinks himself much blessed by it.  
Fool, what is sleep but image of cold death,  
Long shalt thou rest when Fates expire thy breath.  
But me let crafty damsels words deceive,  
Great joys by hope I insy shall conceive,  
Now let her flatter me, now chide me hard,  
Let her enjoy me oft, oft be debarred.  
Cupid by thee, Mars in great doubt doth trample,  
And thy stepfather fights by thy example.  
Light art thou, and more windy than thy wings,  
joys with uncertain faith thou takest and brings:  
Yet love, if thou with thy fair mother hear,  
Within my breast no desert empire bear;  
Subdue the wandering wenches to thy reign,  
So of both people shalt thou homage gain.   

ELEGIA. 10.  
Ad Graecinum quod eodem tempore duas amet.  
GRaecinus (well I wot) thou toldst me once,  
I could not be in love with two at once,  
By thee deceived, by thee surprised am I  
For now I love two women equally.  
Both are welfauored, both in rich array,  
Which is the loveliest it is hard to say.  
This seems the fairest, so doth that to me,  
And this doth please me most, and so doth she.  
Even as a Boat, tossed by contrary wind,  
So with this love, and that, wavers my mind.  
Venus, why doublest thou my endless smart?  
Was not one wench enough to grieve my heart?  
Why addst thou stars to heaven, leaves to green woods,  
And to the vast deep sea fresh water stoods?  
Yet this is better far than lie alone,  
Let such as be mine enemies have none.  
Yea let my foes sleep in an empty bed,  
And in the midst their bodies largely spread.  
But may soft love roof up my drowise eyes,  
And from my mistress bosom let me rise.  
Let one wench cloy me with sweet loves delight  
If one can door, if not, two every night.  
Though I am slender, I have store of pith,  
Nor want I strength, but weight to press her with  
Pleasure adds fuel to my lustful fire,  
I pay them horn with that they most desire.  
Oft have I spent the night in wa●●●●esse,  
And in the morn been lively 〈◊〉 the less.  
〈◊〉 happy who loves portuall skirmish lays▪  
And to the Gods for that death Ovid prays.  
Let soldiers chase their enemies amain,  
And with their blood eternal honour gain.  
Let Merchants seek wealth with perjured lips;  
And being wracked carouse the sea tired by their ships.  
But when I die, would I might droop with doing,  
And in the midst thereof set my soul going:  
That at my funerals some may weeping cry,  
Even as he led his life, so did he die.   

ELEGIA. 11.  
Ad amicam navigantem.  
THe lofty Pine from high mount Pelion reached  
Ill ways by rough se as wodring waves first taught  
Which rashly betwixt the sharp rocks in the deep,  
Carried the famous golden-●leeced sheep.  
O would that no Oars might in seas have sunk▪  
The Argos wracked had deadly waters drunk.  
Lo country Gods, and know bed to forsake  
Cortnna means, and dangerous ways to take.  
For thee the East and West winds make me pale.  
With Icy Boreas, and the Southern gale.  
Thou shalt admire no woods or Cities there,  
The unjust seas all bluish do appear.  
The Ocean hath no painted stones or shells,  
The sucking shore with their abundance swells.  
Maids on the shore, with marble white feet tread,  
So far 'tis safe, but to go farther, dread.  
Let others tell how winds fierce battles wage,  
How Scylla's and Charybdis' waters rage.  
And with what rock the feared Cerannia threat,  
In what gulf either Syrteses have their seat.  
Let others tell this, and what each one speaks  
Believe, no tempest the believer wreaks.  
Too late you look back, when with anchor weighed,  
The crooked Bark hath her swift sails displayed.  
The careful shipman now fears angry gufts,  
And with the waters sees death near him thrufts,  
But if that Triton toss the troubled flood,  
In all thy face will be no crimson blood.  
Then wilt thou Leda's noble twinne-starrs pray,  
And he is happy whom the earth holds, say,  
It is more safe to sleep, to read a book,  
The Thracian Harp with cunning to have struck,  
But if my words with winged storms hence slip,  
Yet Galatea favour thou her ship.  
The loss of such a wench much blame will gather,  
Both to the Sea-nymphs and the Sea-nymphs father.  
Go minding to return with prosperous wind,  
Whose blast may hither strongly be inclined,  
Let Ner●● bend the waves unto this shore,  
Hither the winds blow, here the springtide roar,  
Request mild Zepheres help for thy avail,  
And with thy hand assist thy swelling sail,  
I from the shore thy known ship first will see,  
And say it brings her that preserveth me;  
I'll clip and kiss thee with all contentation,  
For thy return shall fall the vowed oblatio▪  
And in the form of beds we'll strew soft sand,  
Each little hill shall for a table stand:  
There wine being filled, thou many things shalt tell,  
How almost wracked thy ship in main seas fell.  
And hasting to me, neither darksome night,  
Nor violent South winds did thee ought affright.  
I'll think all true, though it be feigned matter,  
Mine own desires why should myself not flatter?  
Let the bright day-star cause in heaven this day be,  
To bring that happy time so soon as may be.   

ELEGIA. 12.  
Exultat, quod amica potitus 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 damfell falls.  
When Troy by ten years battle tumbled down,  
With the Acrides many gained renown:  
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 triumph hither wards advance.  
Nor is my wars cause new; but for a Queen  
Europe, and 〈◊〉 in firm, peace had been.  
The Lapiths, and the Centautes for a woman,  
To cruel arms their drunken selves did summon.  
A woman for●● 〈◊〉 the Trojans new to enter  
Wars, 〈◊〉 La●th●s, in thy king sums centre:  
A woman against late-built Rome did send,  
The Sabine Fathers, who sharp wars intent,  
I saw how Bulls for a white Heifer strive,  
She looking on them did more courage give.  
And me with many, but yet me without murder,  
Cupid commands to move his ensigns further.   

ELEGIA. 13.  
Ad Isidem, ut parientem Corinnam iwet.  
WHile rashly her wombs burden she casts out,  
Weary Corinna hath her life in doubt.  
She secretly with me such harm attempted,  
Angry I was, but fear my wrath exempted.  
But sheconceiued of me, or I am sure  
I oft have done, what might as much procure.  
Thou that frequents Canopus' pleasant fields,  
Memphis, and Pharos that sweet date trees yields.  
And where swift Nile in his large channel slipping,  
By seven huge mouths into the sea is slipping.  
By feared Annubis 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 hither, and in one spare twain,  
Thou givest my mistress life, she mine again.  
She oft hath served thee upon certain ●●ies,  
Where the French rout engirt themselves with ●●ies.  
On labouring women thou dost pi●ty take,  
Whose bodies with their heavy burden sake,  
Nigh wench Lucina, li●●creat thee favour,  
Worthy she is, thou shouldst in mercy save her.  
In wives, with incest ●l thine Altars greet,  
Myself will bring vowed gifts before thy feet.  
Subscribing Naso with Corinna saved,  
Do but deserve gifts with this title graved.  
But if in so great fear I may advise thee,  
To have this skirmish fought let it suffice thee.   

ELEGIA. 14.  
In amicam, quod abortivum ipsa fecerit.  
WHat helps it Woman to be free from war?  
Nor being armed fierce troops to follow far?  
If without battle self-wrought wounds annoy them,  
And their own privy weaponed hands destroy them.  
Who unborn infants first to flay invented,  
Deserved thereby with death to be tormented.  
Because thy belly should rough wrinkles lack,  
Wilt thou thy wombe-inclosed offspring wrack?  
Had ancient Mothers this vile custom cherished,  
All human kind by their default had perished.  
On stones, our stocks original should be hurled,  
Again by some in this unpeopled world.  
Who should have Priam's wealthy substance won,  
If watery Thetis had her child fordone?  
In swelling womb her twins had 〈◊〉 killed?  
He had not been that conquering Rome did build.  
Had Venus spoiled her bellies Trojan fruit,  
The earth of Caesars had been destitute.  
Thou also that wert borne fair, hadst decayed,  
If such a work thy mother had assayed.  
Myself that better die with loving may,  
Had seen, my mother killing me, to day.  
Why takest increasing grapes from Vine-trees full?  
With cruel hand why dost green Apples pull?  
Fruits ripe will fall, let springing things increase,  
Life is no ight price of a small surcease.  
Why with hid irons are your bowels torn?  
And why dire poison give you babes unborn?  
At Cholcis stained with children's blood men rail,  
And mother-murtherd● Itis, thee bewail.  
Both unkind parents but for causes sad,  
Their wedlock's pledges venged their husband's bad.  
What Tereus, what Ias●● you provokes,  
To plague your bodies with such harmful strokes?  
Armenian Tigers never did so ill,  
Not dares the Lyone ●●●her young whelps kill.  
But tender Damsels do it, though with pain,  
Oft dies she that her paunch-wrapt child hath slain.  
She dies, and with loose hairs, to grave is sent,  
And who ere●see her, worthily lament.  
But in the air let these words come to nought,  
And my presages of no weight be thought.  
Forgive her gracious Gods this one delict,  
And one the next fau●● punishment inflict.   

ELEGIA. 15.  
Ad annulum, quem dono amicae d●dit.  
THou ring that shalt my fair girls finger bind,  
Wherein is seen the givers loving mind:  
Be welcome to her, gladly let her take thee,  
And her small joints incireling round ho●●e make thee.  
Fit her so well, as she is fit for me,  
And of just compass for her knuckles be.  
Bestring in my mistress arms shall lie,  
Myself, poor wretch mine own gifts now envy.  
O would that suddenly into my gift,  
I could myself by secret Magic shift.  
Then would I wish thee touch my mistress pap,  
And hide thy left hand underneath her lap.  
I would get off though strait, and sticking fast,  
And in her bosom strangely fall at last.  
Then I, that I may seal her privy leaves,  
Lest to the wax the holdfast dry gem cleaves.  
Would first my beauteous wenches moist lips touch,  
Only I'll sign nought, that may grieve me much.  
I would not out, might I in one place hit,  
But in less compass her small fingers knit,  
My life, that I will shame thee never fear,  
Or by a load thou shouldst refuse to bear.  
Wear me, when warmest showers thy members wash,  
And through the gem let thy lost waters pash.  
But seeing thee, I think my thing will swell,  
And even the ring perform a man's part well.  
Vain things why wish I? go small gift from hand,  
Let her my faith with thee given, understand.   

ELEGIA. 16.  
Ad amicant, ut adrura su●veniat.  
SVlmo, Pelignies third part me contains,  
A small, but wholesome soil with watery veins.  
Although the Sun to rive the earth incline,  
And the Icartan froward dog-star shine.  
Pilignian fields which liquid rivers flow,  
And on the soft ground fertile green grass grow.  
With corn the earth abounds, with vines much more,  
And some few pastures Pallas Olives bore.  
And by the rising herbs, where clear springs slide,  
A grassy turf the moistened earth doth hide.  
But absent is my fire, lies i'll tell none,  
My heat is here, what moves my heat is gone.  
Pollux and Castor, might I stand betwixt,  
In heaven without thee would I not be fixed.  
Upon the cold earth pensive let them lay,  
That mean to travail some long irksome way.  
Or else will maidens, yong-menns mates, to go  
If they determine to persevere so.  
Then on the rough Alps should I tread aloft,  
My hard way with my mistress would seem soft,  
With her I durst the Lybian Sirtes break through,  
And raging Seas in boisterous Southwinds plough.  
No barking Dogs, that Sulla's entrails bear,  
Not thy gulfs crooked Malea, would I fear.  
No flowing waves with drowned ships forth powered,  
By cloyed Chartbdis, and again devoured.  
But if stern Neptune's windy power prevail.  
And waters force, force helping Gods to fail,  
With thy white arms upon my shoulders seize,  
So sweet a burden I will bear with ease.  
The youth oft swimming to his Hero kind,  
Had then swum over, but the way was blind,  
But without thee, although vine-planted ground  
Contains me, though the streams in fields surround.  
Though Hinds in brooks the running waters bring,  
And cool gales shake the tall trees levy spring.  
Healthful Peligny I esteem nought worth,  
Nor do I like the country of my birth.  
Sythia, Cilicia, Britain are as good,  
And rocks died crimson with Prometheus' blood.  
Elms love the Vines, the Vines with Elms abide,  
Why doth my mistress from me oft divide?  
Thou swearest, division should not twixt us ●ise,  
By me, and by my stars, thy radiant eyes.  
maids words more vain and light then falling leaves,  
Which as it seems, hence wind and sea bereaves,  
If any godly care of me thou hast,  
Add deeds unto thy promises at last.  
And with swift Naggs drawing thy little Coach,  
(Their reins let loose) right soon my house approach.  
But when she comes, your swelling mounts sink down▪  
And falling valleys be the smooth-wayes crown.   

ELEGIA. 17.  
Quod Corinnae soli sit seruturus.  
TO serve a wench if any think it shame,  
He being judge, I am convinced of blame.  
Let me be slandered, while my fire she hides,  
That Paphos, and the floud-beate Cythera guides,  
Would I had been my mistress gentle prey,  
Since some fair one I should of force obey,  
Beauty gives heart, corinna's looks excel,  
Ay me why is it known to her so well?  
But by her glass disdainful pride she learns,  
Nor she herself but first trimmed up discerns.  
Not though thy face in all things make thee reign,  
(O Face most cunning mine eyes to detain)  
Thou ought'st therefore to scorn me for thy mate,  
Small things with greater may be copulate,  
Love-snarde Calypso is supposed to pray,  
A mortal nymphs refusing Lord to stay.  
Who doubts, with Pelius, Thetis did consort,  
Egeria with just Numa had good sport,  
Venus with Vulcan, though smith's tools laid by,  
With his stumpe-foote he halts ill-favouredly.  
This kind of verse is not alike, yet fit,  
With shorter numbers the heroic sit.  
And thou my light accept me how so ever,  
Lay in the mid bed, there be my law giver.  
My stay no crime, my flight no joy shall breed,  
Nor of our love, to be ashamed we need.  
For great revenues I good verses have,  
And many by me to get glory crave.  
I know a wench reports herself Corinue,  
What would not she give that fair name to win?  
But sundry floods in one bank never go,  
Eurotas cold, and poplar-bearing Po.  
Nor in my books shall one but thou be writ,  
Thou dost alone give matter to my wit.   

ELEGIA. 18.  
Ad Macrum, quod de amoribus scribat.  
TO tragic verse while thou Achilles trainest,  
And new sworn soldiers maiden arms retain'st,  
We Macer sit in Venus slothful shade,  
And tender love hath great things hateful made.  
Often at length, my wench depart, I bid,  
She in my lap sits still as erst she did.  
I said it takes me, half to weeping framed,  
Ay me she cries, to love, why art a●●●●ed?  
Then wreaths about my neck her winding arms,  
And thousand kisses gives, that work my harms:  
Iyeeld, and back my wit from battles bring,  
Domestic acts, and mine own wars to sing.  
Yet tragedies, and sceptres filled my lines,  
But though I apt were for such high designs.  
love laughed at my cloak, and buskines painted,  
And rule so soon with private hands acquainted.  
My mistress deity also drew me from it,  
And love triumpheth o'er his busking Poet.  
What lawful is, or we profess loves art.  
(Alas my precepts turn myself to smart)  
We write, or what Penelope sends Ulysses,  
Or Phillis tears that her Demophoon misses.  
What thankless jason, Macareus, and Paris,  
Phedra, and Hipolite may read, my care is,  
And what poor Died, with her drawn sword sharp,  
Doth say, with her that loved the Aonian ha●p.  
As soon as from strange lands Sabinus came,  
And writings did from diverse places frame.  
White-cheekt Penelope knew Ulysses' sign,  
The stepdame read Hippolytus lustless line.  
Aeneas to Elisa answer gives,  
And Phillis hath to read; if now she lives.  
jasons sad letter doth Hipsipile greet,  
Sapph her vowed harp lays at Phoebus' feet.  
Nor of thee Macer that resound'st forth arms,  
Is golden love hid in Mars mid alarms.  
There Paris is, and Helen's crimes record,  
With Laedemeia mate to her dead Lord.  
Unless I err to these thou more incline,  
Then wars, and from thy tents wilt come to mine,   

ELEGIA. 19  
Adrivalem, cui uxor curae non erat.  
Fool if to keep thy wife thou hast no need,  
Keep her from me, my more desire to breed,  
We scorn things lawful, stolen sweets we affect,  
Cruel is he that loves whom none protect.  
Let us both lovers hope, and fear a like,  
And may repulse place for our wishes strike.  
What should I do with fortune that ne'er fails me?  
Nothing I love, that at all times avails me.  
Wily Corinna, saw this blemish in me,  
And craftily knows by what means to win me.  
Ah often, that her haole head ached, she lying,  
Wild me, whose slow feet sought delay by flying,  
Ah oft, how much she might she feigned offence;  
And doing wrong made show of innocence.  
So having vexed she nourished my warm fire,  
And was again most apt to my desire.  
To please me, what fair terms and sweet words ha' ● she  
Great Gods what kisses, and how many gave she?  
Thou also that late tookest mine eyes away,  
Oft cozen me, oft being wooed say nay.  
And on thy threshold let me lie dispred,  
Suffering much cold by hoary night's frost bred.  
So shall my love continue many years,  
This doth delight me, this my courage cheers.  
Fat love, and too much fulsome me annoys,  
Even as sweet meat a glutted stomach cloys.  
In brazen tower had not Danae dwelled,  
A mother's joy by jove she had not felt.  
While juno Io keeps, when horns she wore,  
jove liked her better than he did before.  
Who covets lawful things takes leaves from woods,  
And drinks stolen waters in surrow●ding floods.  
Her lover let her mock, that long will reign,  
Ay me, let not my warn cause my pain.  
What ever haps, by sufferance harm is done,  
What flies, I follow, what follows me I shun.  
But thou of thy fair damsel too secure,  
Begin to shut thy house at evening sure.  
Search at the door who knocks oft in the dark,  
In night's deep silence why the bandogs bark.  
Whether the subtle maid ●●●es brings and carries,  
Why she alone in empty bed oft tarries.  
Let this care sometimes bite thee to the quick,  
That to deceits it may me forward prick.  
To steal sands from the shore he loves alive,  
That can effect a foolish wittols wife.  
Now I forewarn, unless to keep her stronger,  
Thou dost begin, she shall be mine no longer.  
Long have I borne much, hoping time would beat thee,  
To guard her well, that well I might entreat thee.  
Thou sufferest what no husband can endure,  
But of my love it will an end procure.  
Shall I poor soul be never interdicted?  
Nor never with night's sharp revenge afflicted?  
In sleeping shall I fearless draw my breath?  
Wilt nothing do, why I should wish thy death?  
Can I but loath a husband grown a bawd,  
By thy default thou dost our joys defaude.  
Some other seek that may in patience strive with thee,  
To pleasure me, forbidden me to corive with thee.    

P. Ouidij Nasonis amorum, Liber tertius.  

ELEGIA. 1.  
Deliberatio poetae, utrum elegos pergat scribere an potius tragoedias.  
AN old wood, stands uncut of long years space,  
'tis credible some good head haunts the place,  
In midst thereof a stone-paved sacred spring,  
Where round about small birds most sweetly sing.  
Here while I walk hid close in shady grove,  
To find, what work, my muse might move, I strove,  
Elegta came with hairs perfumed sweet,  
And one, I think, was longer, of her feet.  
A decent form, thin rob, a lovers look,  
By her feet blemish greater grace she took,  
Then with huge steps came violent Tragedy,  
Sterne was her front, her look on ground did he.  
Her left hand held abroad a regal sceptre,  
The Lydian buskin fit places kept her.  
And first he said, when will thy love be spent?  
O Poet careless of thy argument.  
Wyne-bibbing banquets tell thy naughtiness,  
Each cross ways corner doth as much express.  
Oft some points at the prophet passing by,  
And this is he whom fierce love burns, they cry,  
A laughing stock thou art to all the city,  
While without shame thou singest thy lewdness ditty.  
ti's time to move grave things in lofty style,  
Long hast thou loyterd, greater works compile.  
The subject hides thy wit, men's acts resound,  
This thou wilt say to be a worthy ground.  
Thy muse hath played what may mild girls content,  
And by those numbers is thy first youth spent,  
Now give the Roman Tragedy a name,  
To fill my laws thy wanton spirit frame,  
This said, she moved her buskins gaily varnished,  
And seven time shook her head with thick locks garnished  
The other smiled, (I wot) with wanton eyes,  
Err I? or mittele in her right hand lies,  
With lofty words stout Tragedy (she said)  
Why treadest me down? art thou aye gravely played?  
Thou dignest unequal lines should thee rehearse,  
Thou fightest against me using mine own verse.  
Thy lofty style with mine I not compare,  
Small doors unfitting for large houses are.  
Light am I, and with thee, my care, light love,  
Not stronger am I, than the things I move.  
Venus without me should be rustical,  
This goddess company doth to me befall.  
What gate thy stately words cannot unlock,  
My flattering speeches soon wide open knock.  
And I deseru●● more than thou canst in verity,  
By suffering much not borne by thy severity.  
By me Corinna learns, cozening her guard,  
To get the door with little noise unbard.  
And slipped from bed, clothed in a loose nightgown  
To move her feet unheard in sitting down.  
Ah how oft on hard doors hung I engraved,  
From no man's reading fearing to be faued.  
But till the keeps went forth, I forget not,  
●he maid to hide me in her bosom let not.  
What gift with me was on her birth day sent,  
But cruelly by her was drowned and rend.  
First of thy mind the happy seeds I knew,  
Thou hast my gift, which she would from thee sue.  
She left; I said, you both I must beseech,  
To empty air may go my fearful speech.  
With sceptres, & high buskins ●h' one would dress me.  
So through the world should bright renown express me.  
The other gives my love a conquering name,  
Come therefore, and to long verse shorter frame.  
Grant Tragedy thy Poet times lest title,  
Thy labour ever lasts, she asks but little.  
She gave me leave, soft loves in time make haste.  
Some greater work will urge me on at last.   

ELEGIA. 2.  
Ad amicam cursum equoru●● spectantem.  
I Sat not here the noble horse to see,  
Yet whom thou favourst, pray may conqueror be.  
To sit, and talk with thee I hither came.  
That thou mayst know with love thou mak'st me flame.  
Thou viewst the course, I thee: let either heed,  
What please them, and their eyes let either feed.  
What horse-driver thou favourst most is best,  
Because on him thy care doth hap to rest.  
Such chance let me have: I would bravely run,  
On swift steeds mounted till the race were done.  
Now would I slack the reins, now lash her hide,  
With wheels bent inward now the ring-turne ride.  
In running if I see thee, I shall stay,  
And from my hands the reins will slip away.  
Ah Pelpos from his coach was almost field,  
Hippodameias looks while he beheld.  
Yet he attained by her support to have her,  
Let us all conquer by our mistress favour.  
In vain why fliest back? force conjoins us now:  
The places laws this benefit allow,  
But spare my wench thou at her right hand seated,  
By thy sides touching ill she is entreated.  
And sit thou rounder, that behind us see,  
For shame press not her back with thy hard knee.  
But on the ground thy clothes too loosely lie,  
Got her them up, or lift them lo will I.  
Envious garments so good legs to hide,  
The more thou look'st, the more the gown envied.  
Swift atalanta's flying legs like these,  
Wish in his hands grasped did Hippomines.  
Coate-tuckt Dianàs legs are painted like them,  
When strong wild beasts, she stronger hunts to strike them,  
Ere these were seen, I burned: what will these do?  
Flames into flame, floods thou powerst seas into.  
By these I judge delight me may the rest,  
Which lie hid under her thin veil suppressed.  
Yet in the mean time wilt small winds bestow,  
That from thy fan, moved by my hand may blow.  
Or if my heat, of mind, not of the sky?  
ist woements love my captive breast doth fry?  
While thus I speak, black dust her white robes ray:  
Fowl dust, from her fair body go away.  
Now comes the pomp; themselves let all men cheer:  
The shout is nigh; the golden pomp comes here.  
First victory is brought with large spread wing,  
Goddess come here, make my love conquering.  
Applaud you Neptune, that dare trust his wave,  
The sea I use not: me my earth must have.  
Soldier applaud thy Mars, no wars we moan,  
Peace pleaseth me, and in mid peace is lone.  
With Augurs Phoebus, Phoebe with hunters stands.  
To thee Minerva turn the craftsmen's hands.  
Ceres and Bacchus Countrymen adore,  
Champions please Poll●●●, Castor loves horsemen more.  
Thee gentle Venus, and the boy that flies,  
We praise, great goddess aid my enterprise.  
Let my new mistress grant to be beloved,  
She becked, and prosperous signs gave as she moved.  
What Venus promised, promise thou we pray  
Greater than her, by her leave thouart, I'll say.  
The Gods, and their rich-pompe witness with me,  
For evermore thou shalt my mistress be.  
Thy legs hang-downe, thou mayest, if that be best,  
Or while thy tiptoes on the footstool rest.  
Now greatest spectacles the Praector sends,  
Fower-chariot horses from the lists even ends,  
I see whom thou affectest: he shall subdue,  
The horses seem, as they desire thy knew.  
Alas he runs too far about the ring,  
What dost? thy waggon in less compass bring.  
What dost unhappy? her good wishes fade,  
Let with strong hand the rain to bend be made.  
One flow we favour, Romans him revoke:  
And each give signs by casting up his cloak.  
They call him back, lest their gowns toss thy hair,  
To hide thee in my bosom straight repair.  
But now again the barriers open lie;  
And forth the gay troops on swift horses fly.  
As last now conquer, and outrun the rest:  
My mistress with confirm with my request.  
My mistress hath her wish, my wish remain:  
He holds the palm: my palm is yet to gain.  
She smiled, and with quicke-eyes behight some grace▪  
Pay it not here, but in an other place.   

ELEGIA. 13.  
De amica, quae periur averat.  
WHat are there Gods? herself she hath forswort,  
And yet remains the face she had before.  
How long her locks were ere her oath she took:  
So long they be, since she her faith forsook.  
Fair white with rose red was before commixed:  
Now shine her looks pure white and red betwixt.  
Her foot was small: her feet form is most fit▪  
Comely tall was she, comely tall she's yet.  
Sharp eyes she had: radiant like stars they be,  
By which she perjured oft hath lied by me.  
Insooth th' eternal powers grant maids society.  
Falsely to swore, their beauty hath some deity.  
By her eyes I remember late she swore,  
And by mine eyes, and mine were pained sore.  
Say Gods: if she unpunished you deceive,  
For others faults why do I loss receive.  
But did you not so envy Cepheus daughter,  
For her ill-beautious mother judged to slaughter.  
'tis not enough, she shakes your record off,  
And unrevenged mocked Gods with me doth scoff.  
But by my pain to purge her perjuries,  
Cozened, I am the couzeners sacrifice.  
God is a name, no substance, feared in vain,  
And doth the world in fond belief detain.  
Or if there be a God, he loves fine wenches,  
And all things too much in their sole power drenches.  
Mars girts his deadly sword on for my harm,  
Pallas lance strikes me with unconquerd arm.  
At me Apollo bends his pliant bow,  
At me Ioues right-hand lightning hath to throw.  
The wronged Gods dread fair ones to offend,  
And fear those, that to fear them least intend.  
Who now will care the Altars to presume?  
Tut, men should not their courage so consume.  
jove throws down woods, and Castles with his fire,  
But bids his darts from perjured girls retire.  
Poor Semele among so many burned.  
Her own request to her own torment turned.  
But when her lover came, had she drawn back,  
The father's thigh should unborn Bacchus' lack,  
Why grieve I? and of heaven reproaches pen?  
The Gods have eyes, and breasts as well as men.  
Were I a God, I should give women leave,  
With lying lips my Godhead to deceive.  
Myself would swear the wenches true did shear,  
And I would be none of the Gods severe.  
But yet their gift more moderately use,  
Or in mine eyes good wench no pain transfuse,   

ELEGIA. 4.  
Ad virum seruantem coniugem.  
RVde man, 'tis vain, thy damsel to commend,  
To keepers trust; their wits should them defend.  
Who, without fear, is chaste: is chaste in sooth:  
Who, because means want, doth not she doth.  
Though thou her body guard, her mind is stained,  
Nor, lest she will, can any be restrained.  
Nor canst by watching keep her mind from sin,  
All being shut out, th'adulterer is within.  
Who may offend, sins least; power to do ill,  
The fainting feeds of naughtiness doth kill.  
Forbear to kindle vice by prohibition,  
Sooner shall kindness gain thy wills fruition.  
I saw a horse against the bit stiffnecked,  
Like lightning go, his struggling mouth being checked.  
When he perceived the rains ler slack, he stayed,  
And on his loose mane the loose bridle laid.  
How to attain, what is denied, we think,  
Even as the sick desire forbidden drink.  
Argus had either way an hundred eyes.  
Yet by deceit love did them all surprise,  
In stone, and iron walls Dana● shut,  
Come forth a mother, though a maid there put.  
Penelope, though no watch looked unto her,  
Was not defiled by any gallant wooer.  
What's kept, we covet more: the care makes theft,  
Few love, what others have unguarded left.  
Nor doth her face please, but her husband's love;  
I know not, what men think should thee so move.  
She is not chaste that keeps away her love.  
Thy fear, is then her body, valued more.  
Although thou chafe, stolen pleasure is sweet play,  
She pleaseth best, I fear, if any say.  
A freeborn wench, no right 'tis up to lock,  
So use we women of strange nations stock.  
Because the keeper may come say, I did it,  
She must be honest to thy servants credit.  
He is too clownish, whom a lewd wife grieves,  
And this towns well known custom not believes.  
Where Mars his sons not without fault did breed,  
Romus and Romulus, Ilias' twine-borne feed.  
Cannot a fair one, if not chaste, please thee?  
Never can these by any means agree.  
Kindly thy mistress use, if thou be wise,  
Look gently, and rough husband's laws despise.  
Honour what friends, thy wife gives, she'll give many,  
Lest labour thou shalt win great grace of any,  
So shalt thou go with youths to feasts together,  
And see at home much, that thou near brought'st thither.   

ELEGIA 5.  
Ad amnem dum iter faceret ad amicam.  
Flood with red-growne slime banks, till I be passed,  
Thy waters stay: I to my mistress haste.  
Thou hast no bridge, nor boat with ropes to throw,  
That may transport me without oars to row.  
Thee I have passed and knew thy stream none such,  
When thy waves brim did scarce my ankles touch.  
With snow thawed from the next hill now thou rushest,  
And in thy fowie deep waters thick thou rush●st.  
What helps my haste: what to have tore small rest?  
What day and night to travail in her quest?  
If standing here I can by no means get,  
My foot upon the further bank to set.  
Now wish I those wings noble Perseus had,  
Bearing the head with dreadful arrows clad,  
Now wish the chariot, whence corn fields were found,  
First to be thrown upon the untilled ground,  
I speak old Poets wonderful inventions,  
Near was, nor shall be, what my verse mentions.  
Rather thou large bank overflowing river,  
Slide in thy bounds, so shalt thou run for ever.  
(Trust me) land-streame thou shalt no envy lack,  
If I a lover be by thee held back.  
Great floods ought to assist young men in love,  
Great floods the force of it do often ptove.  
In mid Bithyma'tis said Inachus,  
Grew pale, and in cold fords not lecherous.  
Troy had not yet been ten years siege out-stander,  
When nymph- Neaera rapt thy looks Scamander.  
What? not Alpheus in strange lands to run,  
Th' Arcadian Virgins constant love hath won?  
And Crusa unto Zanthas first aside,  
They say Peneus near Phithias town did hide.  
What should I name Aesop, that Thebes loved,  
Thebes who mother of five daughters proved.  
If Achelous, I ask where thy horns stand,  
Thou sayest broke with Aloides angry hand.  
Not Calydon, nor Aetolia did please,  
One Deianirae was more worth than these.  
Rich Nile by seven mouths to the west sea flowing,  
Who so well keeps his water's head from knowing.  
Is by Euadne thought to take such flame,  
As his deep whirlpools could not quench the same.  
Dry Enipeus, Tyro to embrace,  
Fly back his shame charged, the stream charged, gave place;  
Nor pass I thee, who hollow rocks down tumbling,  
In Tiburs field with watery some are rumbling.  
Whom Ilia pleased, though in her looks grief reveld,  
Her cheeks were scratched, her goodly ha●es discheveld.  
She wailing Mars sin, and her uncles crime,  
Strayed barefoot through sole places on a time.  
Her, from his swift waves, the bold flood perceived,  
And from the mid ford his hoarse voice upheaved,  
Saying why sadly treadest my banks upon,  
Ilia, sprung from Idaean Laomedon?  
Where's thy attire? why wand'rest here alc●e?  
To stay thy tresses white veil hast thou none?  
Why weep'st? and spoil'st with tears thy watery eyes?  
And fiercely knock'st thy breast that open lies?  
His heart consists of slint, and hardest steel,  
That seeing thy tears can any joy then feel.  
Fear not: to thee our Court stands open wide,  
There shalt be loved; Ilia lay fear aside.  
Thou o'er a hundredth Nymphs, or more shalt reign.  
For sine score Nimpher, or more our floods contain.  
Not Roman stock scorn me so much (I crave,)  
Gifts than my promise greater thou shalt have.  
This said he: she her modest eyes held down,  
Her woeful bosom a warm shower did drown.  
Thrice she prepared to fly, thrice she did stay,  
By sear deprived of strength to run away.  
Yet rending with enraged thumb her tresses,  
Her trembling mouth these unmeet foundes expresses.  
O would in my forefathers tomb deep laid,  
My bones had been, while yet I was a maid,  
Why being a vestal am I wooed to wed,  
Deflowered and stamed in unlawful bed.  
Why stay I? men point at me for a whore,  
Shame, that should make me blush, I have no more.  
This said: her coat, hoodwinked her fearful eyes,  
And into water desperately she flies.  
'tis said the slippery stream held up her breast,  
And kindly gave her, what she liked best.  
And I believe some wench thou hast affected,  
But woods and groves keep your faults undetected.  
While thus I speak, the waters more abounded,  
And from the channel all abroad surrounded.  
Mad stream, why dost our mu●uallioyes defer?  
Clown, from my journey why dost me deter?  
How wouldst thou flow wert thou a noble flood?  
If thy great same in every region stood.  
Thou hast no name, but comest from snowy mountains,  
No certain house thou hast, nor any fountains,  
Thy springs are nought but rain and melted snow,  
Which wealth, cold winter doth on thee beftow.  
Either th'u'rt muddy in mid winter tide,  
Or full of dust dost on the dry earth slide.  
What thirsty traveler ever drunk of thee?  
Who said with grateful voice perpetual be?  
Harmful to beasts, and to the fields thou proves,  
Perchance these, others me mine own loss moves.  
To this I fond loves of floods told plainly,  
I shame so great names to have used so vainly.  
I know not what expecting, I ere while,  
named Achelaus, Inachus, and Ii●,  
But for thy merits I wish thee, white stream,  
Dry winters aye, and suns in hear extreme.   

ELEGIA. 6.  
Quod ah amica receptus, cum ea coire non potuit, conqueritur.  
EIther she was soul, or her attire was bad,  
Or she was not the wench I wish t'have had.  
Idly I lay with her, as if I loved not,  
And like a burden grieved the bed that moved not.  
Though both of us performed our true intent,  
Yet could I not cast anchor where I meant.  
She on my neck her ivory arms did throw,  
Her arms fa●re wither, than the Sythian snow.  
And eagerly she kissed me with her tongue,  
And under mine her wanton thigh she flung.  
Yea, and she soothed me up, and called me fire,  
And used all speech that might provoke and ●●re.  
Yet like as if cold Hemlock I had drunk,  
It mocked me, hung down the head and sunk.  
Like a dull Cipher, or rude block I lay,  
Or shade, or body was I who can say?  
What will my age do? age I cannot shun,  
When in my prime my force is spent and done.  
I blush, that being youthful, hot, and lusty,  
I prove neither youth nor man, but old and rusty.  
Pure rose she, like a Nun to sacrifice,  
Or one that with her tender brother lies.  
Yet boarded I the golden Chie twice,  
And Libas, and the white cheeked Pitho th●i●e.  
Corinna craved it in a summer's night.  
And nine sweet bouts we had before daylight.  
What wast my limbs through some Thessalian charms?  
May spells, and drugs do silly souls such harms?  
With virgin wax hath some imbast my joints?  
And pierced my liver with sharp needless points?  
Charms change corn to grass and make it die,  
By charms are running springs and fountains dry.  
By charms mast drops from oaks, from vines grapes fall,  
And fruit from trees when there's no wind at all.  
Why might not then my sinews be enchanted?  
And I grow faint as with some spirit haunted.  
To this add shame: shame to perform it quailed me,  
And was the second cause why vigour failed me.  
My idle thoughts delighted her no more,  
Then did the rob or garment which she wore.  
Yet might her touch make youthful Pylius fire,  
And Tythou livelier than his years require.  
Even her I had, and she had me in vain,  
What might I crave more, if I ask agaiie?  
I think the great gods grieved they had bestowed,  
The benefit: which lewdly I fore-slowed.  
I wished to be received in, in I get me,  
To kiss, I kiss: to lie with her she let me.  
Why was I blest? why made King to refuse it?  
Chuffe-like had I not gold and could not use it?  
So in a spring thrives he that told so much,  
And looks upon the fruits he cannot touch.  
Hath any rose so from a fresh young maid,  
As she might strait have gone to Church and prayed.  
Well I believe, she kissed not as she should,  
Nor used the sleight and cunning which she could.  
Huge oaks, hard adamants might she have moved,  
And with sweet words cause deaf rocks to have moved,  
Worthy she was to move both gods and men,  
But neither was I man nor lived then.  
Can deaf ear take delight when Phaemius sings?  
Or Thamiris in curious painted things.  
What sweet thought is there but I had the same?  
And one gave place still as an other came.  
Yet notwithstanding like one dead I lay,  
Drooping more like a roof pulled yesterday.  
Now when he should not jest, he bolts upright,  
And craves his task, and seeks to be at fight.  
Lie down with shame and see thou stir no more,  
Seeing thou wouldst deceive me as before.  
Thou cosonest me: by thee surprised am I,  
And bide sore loss with endless infamy.  
Nay more the wench did not disdain a whit,  
To take it in hand, and play with it.  
But when she saw it would by no means stand,  
But still drooped down, regarding not her hand.  
Why mockest thou me she cried? or being ill  
Who bade thee lie down here against thy will?  
Either th' art witched with blood of frogs now dead,  
Or jaded camest thou from some others bed.  
With her loose gown on from me she cast her,  
In skiping out her naked feet much graced her.  
And lest her maid should know of this disgrace,  
To cover it, spilled water in the place.   

ELEGIA. 7.  
Quod ab amica non recipiatur, dolet.  
WHat man will now take liberal arts in hand,  
Or think soft verse in any stead to stand.  
Wit was sometimes more precious than gold,  
Now poverty great barbarism we hold.  
When our books did my mistress fair content,  
I might not go, whether my papers went.  
She praised me, yet the gate shut fast upon her,  
I here and there go witty with dishonour.  
See a rich chuff whose wounds▪ great wealth inferred,  
For bloodshed knighted before me preferred.  
Fool canst thou him in thy whit arms embrace  
Fool canst thou lie in his enfoulding space?  
knowst not this head a helm was wont to bear  
This side that serves thee, a sharp sword did wear  
His left hand whereon gold doth ill alight  
A target bore; blood sprinkled was his right.  
Canst touch that hand wherewith sun one lie dead?  
Ah whether is thy breasts soft nature fled?  
Behold the signs of ancient fight his scars,  
What ere he hath his body gained in wars.  
Perhaps he'll tell how oft he slew a man,  
Confessing this, why dost thou touch him than?  
I the pure priest of Phoebus and the muses,  
At thy deaf doors in verse sing my abuses.  
Not what we slothful knew let wise men learn  
But follow trembling camps, and battles stern.  
And for a good verse draw the first dart forth,  
Homer without this shall be nothing worth.  
jove being admonished gold had sovereign power  
To win the maid came in a golden shower.  
Till then, rough was her father, she severe,  
The posts of brass the walls of iron were,  
But when in gifts the wise adulteres came,  
She held her lap open to receive the same.  
Yet when old Saturn heavens rule possessed,  
All gain in darkness the deep earth suppressed.  
Gold, silver, irons heavey weight, and brass,  
In hell were harboured, here was found no mass.  
But better things it gave, corn without ploughs,  
Apples, and honey in oaks hollow boughs.  
With strong plough shares no man the earth did cleave  
The ditcher no marks on the ground did leave.  
Nor hanging oars the troubled seas did sweep,  
Men kept the shore, and sailed not into deep.  
Against thyself, man's nature, thou wert cunning,  
And to thine own loss was thy wit swift running.  
Why gird'st thy cities with a towered wall,  
Why l●st discordant hands to armoun fall?  
What dost with seas? with th' earth thou wert content,  
Why seekest not heaven the third realm to frequent?  
Heaven thou affects, with Romulus, temples brave,  
Bacchus, Alcides, and now Caesar have.—  
Gold from the earth in stead of fruits we pluck,  
Soldiers by blood to be enriched have luck.  
Courts shut the poor out: wealth gives estimation,  
Thence grows the judge, and knight of reputation.  
All, thee possess: they govern fields, and laws,  
They manage peace, and raw wars bloody jaws.  
Only our loves let not such rich churls gain,  
'tis well, if some wench for the poor remain,  
Now, Sabine-like, though chaste she seems to live,  
One she commands, who many things can give.  
For me, she doth keeper, and husband fear,  
If I should give ' both would the house forbear.  
If of scorned lovers god be venger just,  
O let him change goods so ill got to dust.   

ELEGIA. 8.  
Tibulli mortem deflet.  
IF Thetis, and the morn their sons did wail,  
And envious fates great goddesses assail.  
Sad Eeliga thy woeful hairs unbind:  
Ah now a name too true thou hast, I find.  
Tibullus, thy works Poet, and thy fame,  
Burns his dead body in the funeral flame.  
Lo Cupid brings his quiver spoiled quite,  
His broken bow his firebrand without light.  
How piteously with drooping wings he stands,  
And knocks his bare breast with selfe-angry hands.  
The locks spread on his neck receive his tears,  
And shakeing sobs his mouth for speeches bears.  
So at Aeneas burial men report,  
Fair-faced julius he went forth thy court.  
And Venus grieves, Tiqullus life being spent,  
As when the wild boar Adonus groin had rend.  
The Gods care we are called, and men of piety,  
And some there be that think we have a deity.  
Outrageous death profanes all holy things,  
And one all creatures obscure darkness brings.  
To Thracean Orpheus what did parents good,  
Or songs amazing wild beasts of the wood.  
Where Linus by his father Phoebus laid,  
To sing with his vequall harp is said.  
See Homer from whose fountain ever filled,  
Pierian dew to Poets is dislild.  
Him the last day in black Auorn hath drowned,  
Ve●●ts alone are with continuance crowned.  
The work of Poets lasts Troy's labours fame,  
And that slow web nights falsehood did unframe.  
So Nemesis, so Delia famous are,  
The one his first love, th' other his new care.  
What profit to us hath our pure life bred?  
What to have lain alone in empty bed?  
When bad fates take good men, I am forbade,  
By secret thoughts to think there is a god.  
Live godly thou shalt die though honour heaven  
Yet shall thy life be forcibly, bereaven.  
Trust in good verse, Tibullus feels deaths pains,  
Scarce rests of all what a small v●ne contains,  
Thee sacred Poet could sad flames destroy?  
Nor feared they thy body to annoy?  
The holy gods gilt temples they might fire,  
That durst to so great wickedness aspire.  
Eryx bright Empress turned her looks aside,  
And some, that she refrained rears, have denied.  
Yet better if'ft, then if, Corcyras I'll,  
Had thee unknown interred in ground most vile.  
Thy dying eyes beer did thy mother close,  
Nor did thy ashes her last offerings lose.  
Part of her sorrow here thy sister beating.  
Comes forth her unkeembe looks a sunder rearing.  
Nemesis and thy first wench join their kisses,  
With thine, nor this last fire their presence misses.  
Delia departing happier loved she faith,  
Was I: thou livedst, while thou esteemdst my faith.  
Nemesis answers, what's my loss to thee?  
His fainting hand in death engarsped me.  
If aught remains of us but name, and spirit,  
Tibullus doth Elysium's joy inherit.  
Their youthful brows with ivy girt to meet him,  
With calvus learned Catullus comes and greet him.  
And thou, if falsely charged to wrong thy friend,  
Gallus that carest not blood, and life to spend.  
With these thy soul walks, souls if death release,  
The godly, sweet Tibullus doth increase.  
Thy bones I pray may in the urn safe rest,  
And may th'earth's weight thy ashes nought molest.   

ELEGIA. 9  
Ad Cererem, conquerens quod eius sacris cum amica concumbere non permittatur.  
COme were the times of Ceres' sacrifice,  
In empty bed alone my mistress lies.  
Golden haired Ceres crowned with ears of corn,  
Why are our pleasures by thy means forborn?  
Thee, goddess, bountiful all nations judge,  
Nor less at man's prosperity any grudge.  
Rude husbandmen baked not their corn before,  
Nor on the earth was known the name of floor,  
On mast of oaks, first oracles, men fed,  
This was their meat, the soft grass was their bed.  
First Ceres taught the seed in fields to swell,  
And ripe-earde corn with sharp-edg-d scythes to fell.  
She first constrained bulls necks to bear the yoke,  
And untiled ground with crooked ploughshares broke.  
Who thinks her to be glad at lovers smart,  
And worshipped by their pain, and lying apart?  
Nor is she, though she loves the fertile fields,  
A clown, nor no love from her warm breast yields;  
Be witness Crete (nor Crete doth all things feign)  
Crete proud that jove her nourcery maintain.  
There, he who rules the world's starspangled towers,  
A little boy drunk teate-distilling showers.  
Faith to the witness Ioues praise doth apply,  
Ceres, I think, no known fault will deny.  
The goddess saw jasion on Candian Ide,  
With strong hand striking wildbeasts brist'led hide.  
She saw, and as her marrow took the flame,  
Was divers ways distract with love and shame.  
love conquered shame, the furrows dry were burned,  
And corn with least part of itself returned.  
When well-tossed mattocks did the ground prepare,  
Being fit broken with the crooked share.  
And seeds were equally in large fields cast,  
The ploughman's hopes were frustrate at the last.  
The graine-rich goddess in high woods did stray,  
Her long hairs eare-wrought garland fell away.  
Only was Crete fruitful that plenteous year,  
Where Ceres went each place was harvest there.  
Ida the seat of groves did sing with corn,  
Which by the wild boar in the woods was shorn.  
Law-giving Minos did such years desire,  
And wished the goddess long might seel loves fire.  
Ceres what sports to thee so gnevous were,  
As in thy sacrifice we them forbear?  
Why am I sad, when Proserpina is found,  
And juno like with This reigns under ground?  
Festival days ask Venus, songs, and wine,  
These gifts are mere to please the powers divine.   

ELEGIA. 10.  
Ad amicam, a cuius amore discedere non potest.  
LOng have I borne much, mad thy faults me make,  
Dishonest love my wearied breast forsake.  
Now have I freed myself, and fled the chain,  
And what I have borne, shame to bear again.  
We vanquish, and tread tamed love under feet,  
Victorious wreaths at length my Temples greet.  
Suffer, and harden: good grows by this grief,  
Oft bitter juice brings to the sick relief.  
I have sustained so oft thrust from the door,  
To lay my body on the hard moist floor.  
I know not whom thou lewdly didst embrace,  
When I to watch supplied a servants place.  
I saw when forth a tired lover went,  
His side past service, and his courage spent.  
Yet this is less, then if he had seen me,  
May that shame fall mine enemies chance to be.  
When have not I fixed to thy side close laid?  
I have thy husband, guard, and fellow played.  
The people by my company she pleased,  
My love was cause that more men's love she seized.  
What should I tell her vain tongues filthy lies,  
And to my loss God-wronging perjuries?  
What secret beeks in banquets with her youths,  
With privy signs, and talk dissembling truths?  
Hearing her to be sick, I thither ran,  
But with my rival sick she was not than,  
These hardened me, with what I keep obscure,  
Some other seek, who will these things endure.  
Now my ship in the wished haven crowned,  
With joy hears Neptune's swelling waters sound.  
Leave thy once powerful words, and flatteries,  
I am not as I was before unwise.  
Now love, and hate my light breast each way move,  
But victory, I think will hap to love.  
I'll hate, it I can; if not, love 'gainst my will,  
Bulls hate the yoke, yet what they hate have still.  
I fly her lust, but follow beauty's creature,  
I loathe her manners, love her body's feature.  
Nor with thee, nor without thee, can I live,  
And doubt to which desire the palm to give.  
Or less fair, or less lewd would thou mightst be,  
Beauty with lewdness doth right ill agree.  
Her deeds gain hate, her face entreateth love,  
Ah she doth more worth than her vices prove.  
Spare me, O by our fellow bed, by all,  
The Gods who by thee to be petiurde fall.  
And by thy face to me a power divine,  
And by thine eyes whose radiance burns out mine.  
What ere thou art mine art thou: choose this course,  
Wilt have me willing, or to love by force.  
Rather I'll hoist up sail, and use the wind,  
That I may love yet, though against my mind.   

ELEGIA. 11.  
Dolet amicam suam ita suis earminibus innotuissae ut rivales multos sibi pararit.  
WHat day was that, which all sad haps to bring,  
White birds to lovers did not always sing.  
Oris I think my wish against the star?  
Or shall I plain some God against me wars?  
Who mine was called, whom I loved more than any,  
I fear with me is common now to many.  
Err I? or by my looks is she so known?  
'tis so: by my wit her abuse is grown.  
And justly: for her praise why did I tell?  
The wench by my fault is set forth to sell.  
The bawd I play, lovers to her I guide:  
Her gate by my hands is set open wide.  
'Tis doubtful whether verse avail, or harm,  
Against my good they were an envious charm.  
When Thebes, when Troy, when Caesar should be writ,  
Alone Corinna moves my wanton wit.  
With Muse opposed would I my lines had done,  
And Phoebus had forsook my work begun.  
Nor, as use will not Poets record hear,  
Would I my words would any credit bear.  
Scylla by us her father's rich hair steals,  
And Scylla's womb mad raging dogs conceals.  
We cause feet fly, we mingle hairs with snakes,  
Victorious Perseus a winged steeds back takes.  
Our verse great Tityus a huge space out-spreads,  
And gives the viper curled Dog three heads.  
We make Enceladus use a thousand arms,  
And men enthralled by Mermaids singing charms.  
The East winds in Ulysses gabs we shut,  
And babbing Tantalus in mid-waters put.  
Niobe flint, Callist we make a Bear,  
Bird-changed Progne doth her Itys tear.  
jone turns himself into a Swan, or gold,  
Or his Bulls horns Europa's hand doth hold.  
Proteus' what should I name? teeth, Thebes first seed?  
Oxen in whose mouths burning flames did breed,  
Heaven star Electra that bewailed her sisters?  
The ships, whose Godhead in the sea now glisters?  
The Sun turned back from Atreus' cursed table?  
And sweet touched harp that to move stones was able?  
Poet's large power is boundless, and immense,  
Nor have their words true histories pretence,  
And my wench ought to have seemed falsely praised,  
Now your credulity harm to me hath raised.   

ELEGIA. 12.  
De junonis festo.  
WHen fruit filled Tuscia should a wife give me,  
We touched the walls, Camillus won by thee.  
The Priests to juno did prepare chaste feasts,  
With famous pageants, and their homebred beasts.  
To know their rites, well recompensed my stay,  
Though thither leads a rough steep hilly way.  
There stands an old wood with thick trees dark clouded,  
Who sees it grants some d●ity there is shrouded.  
An Altar takes men's incense and oblation,  
An Altar made after the ancient fashions.  
Here when the Pipe with solemn tunes doth sound,  
The annual pomp goes on the covered ground.  
White Heifers by glad people forth are led,  
Which with the grass of Tuscan fields are fed.  
And calves from whose feared front no threatening flies,  
And little Pigs base Hog-Sties sacrifice,  
And Rams with horns their hard heads wreathed back,  
Only the Goddess hated Goat did lack.  
By whom disclosed, she in the high woods took,  
Is said to have attempted flight forsook.  
Now is the goat brought through the boys with darts,  
And give to him that the first wound imparts.  
Where juno comes, each youth, and pretty maid,  
Show large ways with their garments there displayed.  
jewels, and gold their Virgin tresses crown.  
And stately robes to their gilt feet hang down.  
As is the use, the Nuns in white veils clad,  
Upon their heads the holy mysteries had.  
When the chief pomp comes, loud the people hollow  
And she her vestal virgin Priests doth follow.  
Such was the Greek pomp, Agamemnon dead,  
Which fact, and country wealth Halesus fled.  
And having wandered now through sea and land,  
Built walls high towered with a prosperous hand.  
He to th' Etrurians, juno's feast commended,  
Let me, and them by it be aye be-friended.   

ELEGIA. 13  
Adamicam, si peccatura est, ut occultè peccet.  
SEEing thou art fair, I bar not thyself playing,  
But let not me poor soul know of thy straying.  
Nor do I give thee counsel to live chaste,  
But that thou wouldst dissemble, when 'tis past.  
She hath not tread awry, that doth deny it.  
Such as confess have lost their good names by it,  
What madness ist to tell nights pranks by day?  
And hidden secrets openly to bewray?  
The strumpet with the stranger will not do.  
Before the room be clear, and door put too.  
Will you make shipwreck of your honest name?  
And let the world be witness of the same.  
Be more advised, walk as a puritan,  
And I shall think you chaste, do what you can.  
Slip still only deny it, when 'tis done,  
And before folk immodest speeches shun.  
The bed is for lascivious toyings meet,  
There use all tricks, and tread shame under feet.  
When y●u are up, and dressed, be sage and grave,  
And in the bed hide all the faults you have.  
Be not ashamed to strip you being there,  
And mingle thighs yours ever mine to bear.  
There in your Rosy lips my tongue entomb,  
Practise a thousand sports when there you come.  
Forbear no wanton words you there would speak,  
And with your pastime let the bedstead creak.  
But with your robes put on an honest face,  
And blush, and seem as you were full of grace.  
Deceive all▪ let me err, and think I am right,  
A●d like a wittal thi●ke thee void of slight.  
Why see I lines so oft received, and given?  
This bed and that by tumbling made uneven?  
Like one start up your hair tossed and dsiplaced,  
And with a wantoness tooth your neck new razed.  
Grant this, that what you do I may not see,  
If you weigh not ill speeches, yet weigh me.  
My soul fleets, when I think what you have done,  
And through every vein doth cold blood run.  
Then thee whom I must love, I hate in vain,  
And would be dead, but dead with thee remain.  
I'll not sift much, but hold thee soon excused,  
Say but thou wert injuriously accused.  
Though while the deed be doing you be took.  
And I see when you open the two leaved book,  
Swear I was blind, deny if you be wise.  
And I will trust your words more than mine eyes,  
From him that yields the palm is quickly got,  
Teach but your tongue to say, I did it not▪  
And being justified by two words think,  
The cause acquits you not, but I that wink.   

ELEGIA. 14.  
Advenerem, quod elegis ●inem imponat.  
TEnder loves Mother a new Poet get,  
This last end to my Elegies is set.  
Which I Pelignis foster-childe have framed.  
(Nor am I by such wanton toys defamed)  
Heir of an ancient house, if help that can,  
Not only by wars rage made Gentleman,  
In Virgil Mantua joys: in Catul Verone,  
Of me Pelignis nation boasts alone,  
Whom liberty to honest arms compelled,  
When careful Rome in doubt their prowess held.  
And some guest viewing watery Sulmoes' walls,  
Where little ground to be enclosed befalls.  
How such a Poet could you bring forth, says,  
How small so ere, I'll you for greatest praise.  
Both lou●s to whom my heart long time did yield,  
Your golden ensigns plucked out of my field,  
Horned Bacchus graver fury doth distill,  
A greater ground with great horse is to till.  
Weak Elegies, delightful Muse farewell;  
A work, that after my death, here shall dwell.  
FINIS.    

EPIGRAMS.  By I. D. 

Ad Musam.  
Fly merry Muse unto that merry town,  
Where thou may'st plays, revels, and triumphs see,  
The house of Fame, and Theatre of renown,  
Where all good wits and spirits love to be.  
Fall in between their hands, that love and praise thee,  
And be to them a laughter and a jest:  
But as for them which scorning shall reprove thee,  
Disdain their wits, and think thine own the best,  
But if thou find any so gross and dull,  
That think I do to private Taxing lean:  
Bid him go hang, for he is but a gull,  
And knows not what an Epigram does mean.  
Which taxeth under a particular name,  
A general vice which merits public blame.   

Of a Gull.  
OFt in my laughing times, I name a gull,  
But this new term will many questions breed,  
Therefore at first I will express at full,  
Who is a true and perfect Gull indeed.  
A Gull is he, who fears a Velvet gown,  
And when a wench is brave, dares not speak to her:  
A Gull is he which trauer●eth the town.  
And is for marriage known a common wooer.  
A Gull is he, which while he proudly wears,  
A silver hilted Rapier by his side:  
Endures the lies, and knocks about the ears,  
Whilst in his sheath, his sleeping sword doth bide.  
A Gull is he which wears good handsome clothes:  
And stands in presence stroking up his hair.  
And fills up his unperfect speech with oaths.  
But speaks not one wise word throughout the year.  
But to define a gull in terms precise,  
A gull is he which seems, and is not wise.   

In Rufum. 3.  
Rufus the Courtier, at the Theatre,  
Leaving the best and most conspicuous place,  
Doth either to the stage himself transfer,  
Or through a grate, doth show his double face.  
For that the clamorous fry of Inns of court,  
Fills up the private rooms of greater price:  
And such a place where all may have resort,  
Hein his singularity doth despise.  
Yet doth not his particular humour shun,  
The common stews and brothelly of the town,  
Though all the world in troops do thither run.  
Clean and unclean, the gentle and the clown.  
Then why should Rufus in his pride abhor,  
A common seat that loves a common whore.   

In Quintum. 4.  
QVintus the dancer useth evermore,  
His feet in measure and in rule to move.  
Yet on a time he called his mistress whore,  
And thought with that sweet word to win her love.  
Oh had his tongue like to his ●eete been taught,  
It never would have uttered such a thought.   

In Plurimos. 5.  
FAustinus, Sextus, Cinna, Ponticus,  
With Gella, Lesbía, Thais, Rhodope:  
Road all to Stanes for no cause serious,  
But for: their mitth, and for their lechery.  
Scarce were they settled in their lodging, when  
Wenches, with wenches; men with men fell out.  
Men with their wenches, wenches with their men,  
Which straight dissolves this ill assembled rout.  
But since the devil brought them thus together,  
To my discoursing thoughts it is a wonder.  
Why presently as soon as they came thither,  
The self same devil did them part a sunder.  
Doubtless it seems it was a foolish devil,  
That thus did part them, ere they did some evil.   

In Titum. 6.  
Titus' the brave and valorous young gallant,  
Three years together in this town hath been,  
Yet my Lord chancellors tomb he hath not seen:  
Nor the New water work, nor the Elephant.  
I can not tell the cause without a smile,  
He hath been in the Counter all this while.   

In Faustum. 7.  
Faustus' not Lord nor knight, nor wise nor old,  
To every place about the town doth ride,  
He tides into the fields, Plays to behold,  
He rides to take boat at the water side.  
He rides to Paul's, he rides to th'ordinary,  
He rides unto the house of bawdry too.  
Thither his horse doth him so often carry,  
That shortly he will quite forget to go.   

In Katum. 8.  
KAte being pleased, wished that her pleasure could,  
Endure as long as a buff jerkin would.  
Content thee Kate, although thy pleasure wasteth,  
Thy pleasures place like a buff jerkin lasteth.  
For no buff jerkin hathbin oftener worn,  
Nor hath more scrape, or more dress borne.   

In Librum. 9  
LIber doth vaunt how chastened he hath lived  
Since he hath been seven years in town and more.  
For that he swears he hath four only swiude,  
A maid, a wife, a widow, and a whore,  
Then Liber thou hast swiude all women kind,  
For a sift sort, I know thou canst not find.   

In Medonem. 10.  
GReat Captain Moedon wears a chain of gold,  
Which at five hundred crowns is valued  
For that it was his graund-fires chain of old,  
When great King Henry Boulogne conquered.  
And wear it Moedon for it may ensue  
That thou by virtue of this Massy chain  
A stronger town than Boulogne may'st subdue  
If wise men's saws be not reputed vain.  
For what said Philip King of Macedon?  
There is no castle so well fortified,  
But if an Ass laden with gold comes on,  
The guard will stoop, and gates fly open wide.   

In Gellam. 11.  
GElla if thou dost love thyself take heed,  
Lest thou my rhymes, unto thy lover read.  
For strait thou grinest, and then thy lover seeth  
Thy canker-eaten-gumes and rotten teeth.   

In Quintum. 12.  
QVintus his wit infused into his brain,  
Mislikes the place, and fled into his feet,  
And there it wanders up and down the streets,  
Dabbled in the dirt, and soaked in the rain,  
Doubtless his wit intends not to aspire,  
Which leaves his head to travel in the mire.   

In Severum. 13.  
THe Puritan Severus oft doth read,  
This text▪ that doth pronounce vain speech a sin,  
That thing defiles a man that doth proceed,  
From out the mouth, not that which enters in.  
Hence is it, that we seldom hear him swear,  
And thereof as a Pharisee he vaunts.  
But he deuour's more Capons in one year,  
Then would suffice an hundred protestants.  
And soothe those sectaries are gluttons all,  
Aswell the thread bare-Cobler as the knight.  
For those poor slaves which have not wherewithal  
Feed on the rich, till they devour them quite.  
And so as Pharaoh's kine, they eat up clean,  
Those that be fat, yet still themselves be lean.   

In Leucam. 14.  
LEuca in presence once a fart did let,  
Some laughed a little, she refused the place,  
And mad with shame, did then her glove forget,  
Which she returned to fetch with bashful grace:  
And when she would have said my glove,  
My fart (qd, she) which did more laughter move.   

In Matrum. 15.  
THou canst not speak, yet Maecer, for to speak,  
Is too distinguish sounds significant  
Thou with harsh noise the air doth rudely break  
But what thou utterest common sense doth want.  
Half English words, with sustian terms among.  
Much like the burden of a Northeme song.   

In Fastum. 16.  
THat youth saith Fanstus, hath a Lion seen,  
Who from a dycing-house comes monie-lesse.  
But when he lost his hair, where had he been,  
I doubt me he had seen a Lioness.   

In Cosmum. 17.  
COsmus hath more discoursing in his head,  
Then love, when Pallas ●ssued from his brain,  
And still he strives to be delivered,  
Of all his thoughts at once, but all in vain.  
For as we see at all the playhouse doors,  
When ended is the play, the dance and song:  
A thousand townsemen gentlemen and whores.  
Porters and serving-men together throng,  
So thoughts of drinking, thriving, wenching, war,  
And borrowing money, raging in his mind.  
To issue all at once so forward are  
As none at all can perfect passage find.   

In Flaccum. 18.  
THe false knave Flaccus once a bribe I gave,  
The more fool I to bribe so false a knave,  
But he gave back my bribe the more fool he,  
That for my folly did not cousin me.   

In Cineam. 19  
THou dogged Cineas hated like a dog,  
For still thou grumblest like a masty dog.  
Comparest thyself to nothing but a dog.  
Thou sayst thou art as weary as a dog  
As angry, sick, and hungry as a dog,  
As dul● and melancholy as a dog.  
As lazy, sleepy, and as idle as a dog.  
But why dost thou compare thee to a dog?  
In that, for which all men despise a dog.  
I will compare thee better to a dog.  
Thou art as Fair and comely as a dog.  
Thou art as true and honest as a dog.  
Thou art as kind and liberal as a dog,  
Thou art as wise and valiant as a dog.  
But Cineas, I oft have heard thee tell,  
Thou art as like thy father as may be.  
'tis like enough, and faith I like it well,  
But I am glad thou art not like to me.   

In Gerontem. 20.  
Gerons' mouldy memory corrects,  
Old Holinshed our famous Chronicler  
With moral rules, and policy collects,  
Out of all actions done these fourscore years.  
Accounts the time of every old event,  
Not from Christ's birth, nor from the Prince's reign.  
But from some other famous accident.  
Which in men's general notice doth remain.  
The siege of Boulogne, and the plaguy sweat,  
The going to Saint Quintines and New-haven  
The rising in the North, the frost so great.  
That cart wheel prints on Thamis face were seen.  
The fall of money, and burning of Paul's sleeple,  
The blazing star and Spaniards overthrow.  
By these events, notorious to the people.  
He measures times, and things forepast doth show.  
But most of all, he chiefly reckons by,  
A private chance, the death of his cursed wife:  
This is to him the dearest memory,  
And the happiest accident of all his life.   

In Marcum. 21.  
WHen Marcus comes from Minnes he still doth ●wear  
By come on seven, that all is lost & gone  
But that's not true, for he hath lost his hair.  
Only for that, he came too much at one.   

In Ciprum. 22.  
THe fine youth Ciprius is more tierse and neat,  
Then the new garden of the old temple is,  
And still the newest fashion he doth get,  
And with the time doth change from that to this,  
He wears a hat now of the flat crown-blocke,  
The treble ruffs, long cloak, and doublet french  
He takes Tobacco, and doth wear a lock.  
And wastes more time in dressing then a wench.  
Yet this new fangled youth, made for these times  
Doth above all, praise old George Gascoines times.   

In Cineam. 23.  
WHen Cineas comes amongst his friends in morning▪  
He slily spies who first his cap doth move  
Him he salutes, the rest so grimly scorning  
As if for ever they had lost his love,  
I seeing how it doth the humour fit.  
Of this fond gull to be saluted first.  
Catch at my cap, but move it not a whit  
Which to perceiving he seems for spite to burst  
But Cineas, why expect you more of me,  
Than I of you? I am as good a man,  
And better too by many a quality.  
For vault, and dance, and sense and time I can.  
You keep a whore at your own charge men tell me,  
Indeed friend (Cineas) therein you excel me.   

In Gallum. 24.  
GAllus hath been this Summer time in Friesland,  
And now returned he speaks such warlike words▪  
As if I could their English understand,  
I fear me they would cut my throat like sword.  
He talks of counter-scar●●es and casomates,  
Of parapets, of curteneys and pallizadois,  
Of flankers, ravelings, gabions he prates,  
And of false baits, and sallies, and scaladoes,  
But to requite such gulling terms as these,  
With words of my profession I reply:  
I tell of fourching vouchers, and counterpleas,  
Of withernames, essoins and champarty.  
So neither of us understanding one an other,  
We part as wise, as when we came together.   

In Decium. 25.  
A Vdacious Painters have nine worthies made,  
But Poet Decius more audacious far  
Making his mistress march with men of war.  
With title of tenth worthy doth her lade.  
Me thinks that gull did use his terms as ●it  
Which termed his love a giant for her wit.   

In Gellam. 26.  
IF Gellas' beauty be examined  
She hath a dull dead eye, a saddle nose,  
An ill shaped face with morphew overspread.  
And rotten teeth which she in laughing shows.  
Briefly she is the filthiest wench in town,  
Of all that do the art of whoring use:  
But when she hath put on her sattin-gowne,  
Her out lawn apron, and her velvet shoes.  
Her green silk stockings, and her petticoat,  
Of taffety, with golden friendge around,  
And is withal perfumed with civet hot,  
Which doth her valiant stinking breath confound,  
Yet she with these additions is no more,  
Then a sweet, filthy, fine ill-favoured whore.   

In Sillam. 27.  
SYlla is often challenged to the field,  
To answer as a Gentleman his foes;  
But than he doth this only answer yield,  
That he hath livings and fair lands to lose.  
Silla, if none but beggars valiant were,  
The King of Spain would put us all in fear.   

In Sillam. 28.  
WHo dares affirm that Silla dare not fight,  
When I dare swear he dares adventure more,  
Then the most brave and all-daring wight,  
That ever arms with resolution bore.  
He that dares touch the most unwholesome whore,  
That ever was retired into the spital.  
And dares court wench's standing at a door,  
(The portion of his wit being passing little)  
He that dares give his dearest friends offences,  
Which other valiant fools do fear to do:  
And when a fever doth confound his senco●,  
Dare eat raw-beefe, and drink strong wine thereto.  
He that dares take Tobacco on the stage,  
Dares man a whore at noonday through the street,  
Dares dance in Pawles, and in this formal age,  
Dares say and do what ever is unmeet,  
Whom fear of shame could never yet affright,  
Who dares affirm that Silla dares not fight.   

In Haywodum. 29.  
HAywood that did in Epigrams excel,  
Is now put down since my light Muse arose.  
As Buckets are put down into a Well,  
Or as a school boy putteth down his hose.   

In Dacum. 30.  
AMongst the Poets Dacus numbered is,  
Yet could he never▪ make an English time,  
But some prose speeches I have heard of his,  
Which have binspoken many a hundred time.  
The man that keeps the Elephant hath one,  
Wherein he tells the wonders of the beast,  
another Bankes● pronounced long agone,  
When he his curtals qualities expressed:  
He first taught him that keeps the monuments,  
At Westminster, his formal tale to say.  
And also him with Puppets represents,  
And also him which with the Ape doth play:  
Though all his Poetry be like to this,  
Amongst the Poets Dacus numbered is,   

In Priscum. 31.  
WHen Priscus raised from low to high estate,  
Rod through the street in pompous jollity,  
Ca●us his poor familiar friend of late,  
Bespoke him thus: Sir now you know not me.  
'Tis likely friend (quoth Priscus) to be so  
For at this time myself I do not know.   

In Brunam. 32.  
BRunus which deems himself a fair sweet youth,  
Is thirty nine years of age at least:  
Yet was he never, to confess the truth,  
But a dry staruling when he was at best.  
This gull was sick to show his Nightcap fine.  
And his wrought pillow overspread with lawn,  
But hath been well since his griefs cause hath line,  
At Trollups by Saint Clement's Church in pawn.   

In Francum. 33.  
WHen Francus comes to solace with his whore  
He sends for rods, & strips himself stark naked;  
For his lust sleeps, and will not rise before,  
By whipping of the wench it be awaked.  
I enuey him not, but wish I had the power,  
To make myself his wench but one half hour.   

In Castorem. 34.  
OF speaking well, why do we learn the skill?  
Hoping thereby honour and wealth to gain.  
Sith railing Castor doth by speaking ill,  
Opinion of much wit and gold obtain.   

In Septimium. 35.  
SEptimus lives, and is like Garlic seen,  
For though▪ his head be white, his blade is green:  
His old mad Colt deserves a Martyrs' praise,  
For he was burned in Queen mary's days.   

Of Tobacco. 36.  
HOmer of Moly, and Nepenthe sings  
Moly the gods most sovereign herb divine,  
Nepenthe Heavens drink most gladness brings,  
Heart's grief expels, and doth the wits refine:  
But this our age another world hath found.  
From whence a herb of Heavenly power is bought,  
Moly is not so sovereign for a wound.  
Nor hath Nepenthe so great wonders wrought.  
It is Tobacco, whose sweet substantial fume,  
The hellish torment of the teeth doth ease,  
By drawing down, and drying up the rheum,  
The Mother and the Nurse of each disease,  
It is Tobacco that doth cold expel,  
And clears the obstructions of the Arteries,  
And surfeits threatening Death in general.  
Decocting all the stomachs crudities,  
It is Tobacco which hath power to clarify,  
The cloudy mists before dim eyes appearing,  
It is Tobacco which hath power to ratify,  
The gross humour which doth stop the hearing,  
The wasting Hectic, and the Quartain fever,  
Which doth of physic make a mockery,  
The gout it cures, and helps ill breaths for ever,  
Whether the cause in Teeth or stomach be,  
And though ill breath, were by it but confounded.  
Yet that Medicine it doth far excel,  
Which by sir Thomas Moor hath been propounded.  
For this is thought a Gentleman like smell,  
O that I were one of these Mountebanks,  
Which praise their Oils, and Powders which they sell,  
My customers would give me coin with thanks,  
I for this ware, forsooth a Tale would tell.  
Yet would I use none of these terms before,  
I would but say, that it the Pox will cure:  
This were enough, without discoursing more,  
All our brave gallants in the town t'allure,   

In Crassum. 37.  
Crassus' his lies are not pernicious lies,  
But pleasant fictious hurtful unto none:  
But to himself, for no man counts him wise,  
To tell for truth, that which for false is known.  
He swears that Gaunt is three score miles about,  
And that the bridge at Paris on the Seyn,  
Is of such thickness, length and breadth throughout,  
That six score Arches can it scarce sustain.  
He swears he saw so great a dead man's skull,  
At Canterbury digged out of the ground:  
That would contain of wheat, three bushels full,  
And that in kent are twenty yeomen found,  
Of which the poorest every year dispends.  
Five thousand pound; these and five thousand more,  
So oft he hath teceited to his friends:  
That now himself, persuades himself 'tis so.  
But why doth Crassus tell his lies so rife,  
Of Bridges, Towns, and things that have no life.  
He is a Lawyer, and doth well espy,  
That for such lies an action will not lie.   

In Philonem. 38.  
PHilo the Lawyer and the Fortune teller,  
The schoolmaster, the midwife and the bawd:  
The conjuror, the buyer, and the seller,  
Of painting which with breathing will be thawd,  
Doth practise Physic, and his credit grows.  
As doth the Ballad singers auditory.  
Which hath at Temple bar his standing chose,  
And to the vulgar sings an Alehouse story.  
First stands a Porter, than an Oyster wife,  
Doth stint her cry, and stay her steps to hear him,  
Then comes a cutpurse ready with a knife,  
And then a country client passeth near him.  
There stands the constable, there stands the whore,  
And listening to the song, heed not each other.  
There by the sergeant stands the debtor,  
And doth no more mistrust him then his brother:  
Thus Orpheus to such giveth Music,  
And Philo to such patients giveth Physic.   

In Puscum. 39  
FVscus is fe●e, and hath the world at will,  
Yet in the course of life that he doth lead:  
He's like a horse which turning round a mill,  
Doth always in the self same circle tread:  
First he doth rise at ten and at eleven  
He goes to Gyls, where he doth eat till one,  
Then sees a play till six, and ●ups at seven,  
And after supper, strait to bed is gone  
And there till ten next day he doth remain,  
And then he dines, then sees a Comedy,  
And then he sups, and goes to bed again:  
Thus round he runs without variety:  
Save that sometimes he comes not to the play  
But falls into a whorehouse by the way.   

In Afrum 40.  
THe smell feast After, travails to the Burse  
Twice every day the newest news to hear  
Which when he hath no money in his purse,  
To rich men's tables he doth often bear:  
He tells how Grenigen is taken in,  
By the brave conduct of illustrious Vere:  
And how the Spanish forces Breast would win,  
But that they do victorious Norris fear.  
No sooner is a ship at sea surprised,  
But strait he learns the news and doth disclose it.  
Fair written in a scroll he hath names,  
Of all the widows which the plague hath made,  
And persons, times and places, still he frames:  
To every tale the better to persuade:  
We call him Fame, for that the wide-mouth slave,  
Will eat as fast as he will utter lies  
For Fame it said an hundr●d mouths to have,  
And he eats more than would five score suffice.   

In Paulam. 41.  
BY lawful mart, and by unlawful stealth,  
Paulus in spite of envy fortunate,  
Derives out of the Ocean so much wealth,  
As he may well maintain a Lords estate,  
But on the land a little gulf there is,  
Wherein he drowneth all the wealth of his.   

In Licum. 42.  
Lyeus' which lately is to Venice gone,  
Shall if he do return, gain three for one:  
But ten to one, his knowledge land his wit,  
Will not be betered or increased a whit.   

In Publium. 43.  
Pvblius' student at the common Law,  
Of● cleaves his books, and for his recreation:  
To Paris-garden doth himself withdraw,  
Where he is ravished with such delectation  
As down amongst the Bears and Dogs he goes  
Where whilst he skiping cries to head, to head.  
His satin doublet and his velvet hose,  
Are all with spittle from above be-spread.  
When he is like his father's country shall,  
Stinking with dogs, and muted all with hawks.  
And rightly too on him this filth doth fall,  
Which for such filthy sports his books for sakes,  
Leaving old Ployden, Dier and Brooke alone,  
To see old Harry Hunkes and Sacarson.   

In Sillam. 44.  
WHen I this proposition had defended,  
A coward cannot be an honest man,  
Thou Silla seemest forthwith to be offended,  
And holds the contrary and swea●es he can.  
But when I tell thee that he will forsake  
His dearest friend, in peril of his life,  
Thou than art changed and saist thou didst mistake,  
And so we end our argument and strife.  
Yet I think oft, and think I think aright,  
Thy argument argues thou wilt not fight.   

In Dacum. 45.  
DAcus with some good colour and pretence,  
Terms his loves beauty silent eloquence:  
For she doth lay more colours on her face,  
Then ever Tully used his speech to grace.   

In Marcum. 46.  
WHy dost thou Marcus in thy misery,  
Rail and blaspheme, and call the heave ●vnkind,  
The heavens do owe no kindness unto thee,  
Thou hast the heavens so little in thy mind,  
For in thy life thou never usest prayer,  
But at primero, to encounter fair,   

Meditations of a Gull. 47.  
SEE yonder melancholy Gentleman,  
Which hoodwinked with his hat, alone doth sit,  
Think what he thinks and tell me if you can,  
What great affairs troubles his little wit.  
He thinks not of the war twixt France and Spain,  
Whether it be for Europs ' good or ill,  
Nor whether the Empire can itself maintain  
Against the Turkish power encroaching still.  
Nor what great town in all the Netherlands,  
The States determine to besiege this spring,  
Nor how the Scottish policy now stands,  
Nor what becomes of the Irish mutining.  
But he doth seriously bethink him whether  
Of the gulled people he the more esteemed,  
For his long cloak, or his great black feather,  
By which each gull is now a gallant deemed,  
Or of a journey he deliberates,  
To Paris-garden cockpit or the play:  
Or how to steal a dog he miditates,  
Or what he shall unto his mistress say:  
Yet with these thoughts he thinks himself most sit,  
To be of Counsel with a King for wit.   

Ad Musam. 48.  
PEace idle Muse, have done, for it is time,  
Since lousy Ponticus envies my fame,  
And swears the better sort are much too blame  
To make me so well known for my ill rhyme;  
Yet Banks his horse is better known than he,  
So are the Camels and the western Hog,  
And so is Lepidus his printed dog:  
Why doth not Pontious their fame's envy.  
Besides this muse of mine, and the black feather  
Grew both together fresh in estimation,  
And both grown stale, were cast away together:  
What fame is this that scarce lasts out a fashion:  
Only this last in credit doth remain,  
That from henceforth, each bastard cast forth rhyme  
Which doth but savour of ● libel vain,  
Shall call me father, and be thought my crime.  
So dull and with so little sense endued,  
Is my gross headed judge the multitude.  
I. D.  
FINIS.