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The fame and wealth of Troy, the number of its tributary provinces, and the improbability that Paris would have engaged in an attempt so hazardous had he not known that his strength was equal to it, must all, of necessity, appear terrible to her. The sentiments are admirably adapted both to the person and her cir- cumstances. Fear multiplies dangers and begets a thousand foreboding apprehensions. * Small a part.]—Wer. 60. She means to say, that Paris came to Greece attended with a large fleet, and a numerous crowd of followers; and yet these were an inconsiderable part of what his kingdom could furnish. By this she would insinuate to Protesilaüs, that he had engaged in a perilous warfare, of which the success was very doubtful. $5 Of the twins.]—Wer. 61. Pollux and Helen, and Castor and Cly- temnestra, were born of the two eggs produced by Leda, when embraced by Jupiter in the form of a swan. - 86 A certain Hector.]—Wer. 63. We may suppose, that though the Trojan warfare had not yet commenced, Hector had already by his prowess acquired considerable fame, and that this, though obscurely, had reached the ears of Hippodamia. There is great propriety in the Poet thus making her speak as if she knew him only by name. K 13() THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. [E.P. XIII. neath the Argive force; may it fall as well with thee re. ceiving no wound. Let Menelaús fight, and let him march against the opposing foe; that he may take" from Paris, what Paris before took from him. Let him rush on ; and him, whom he conquers in the justice of his cause, may he conquer, too, in arms: from the midst of the foe is the wife to be recovered by her husband. Thy case is a different one : do thou only fight to live, and to be enabled to return to the affectionate bosom of thy spouse. Spare, O descendants” of Dardanus, this one (I be- seech you) out of foes so many : let not my blood flow from that body. He is not one whom it becomes to engage with the naked sword, and to present an undaunted breast to the opposing side. Much more valiantly” is he able to engage, when he engages in the contests of Love. Let others wage the warfare; let Protesilaüs love. Now I own it; I wished to call thee back, and my feelings prompted me; but my tongue stopped short, through fear of a bad omen. When thou didst wish to go forth to Troy from thy father's doors, thy foot, by striking against the threshold,” gave a presage. When I saw $7 He may take.]—Ver, 74. This line and the next are wanting in some few of the MSS.; but Heinsius thinks that they are genuine, as bearing the authentic marks of being composed by Ovid. In each there is a strained attempt at antithesis, which is mºre oratorical than poetical. * O descendants.]—Ver, 79. There is considerable beauty in the manner in which the Poet makes her impulsively address the Trojans. The apprehension of her husband's danger possesses her so strongly, that she fancies herself present on the field of battle ; she sees the hands of his enemies lifted up against him, and, in a transport of passion, she en- treats them to spare a life so dear to her. * Much more valiantly.]—Ver, 83. This is most beautifully expressed; she has been no stranger to the ardour of his love, and as her heart is wholly devoted to him, she can easily think him invincible in that re- spect. But to his abilities as a warrior she is quite a stranger, and is moreover desirous that his inclinations may not lead him to attempt to excel as such, lest he should be prompted too much to expose himself to danger. Contrary to her anticipations, Protesilaüs may be considered, from the event, to have shown more bravery than any man in the Grecian #TIOW. * The threshold.]—Wer. 88. Stumbling, and being called back when setting out on a journey or expedition, were considered to be ill omens; Eaodamia is sensible of this, but she tries to persuade herself, in spite of her forebodings, that it might be ominous of her husband’s safe return. EP. XIII.] LAOLJ AMTA TO PROTESILAU.S. [3] it, how I sighed, and silently in my heart did I say, “May this, I pray, be a presage of my husband being destined to return.” This, now, do I relate to thee, that thou mayst not be too brave in arms; cause all these apprehensions of mine to vanish in the breeze. Fate also" destines some one, I know not whom, for an unhappy lot, who shall be the first” of the Greeks to touch the Trojan soil. Unhappy she, who shall be the first to lament her husband torn away ! May the Gods grant that thou mayst not desire to be thus courageous! Amid the thousand ships, may thy bark be the thousandth, and now may it be ploughing the buffeted waves the last of all. This, too, do I admonish thee; go forth the last from thy ship : it is not thy native soil for thee to hasten to. When thou shalt be returning, urge on thy bark both with oars and sails, and place thy foot with speed upon thy own shore. Whether ‘Phoebus is concealed, or whether more on high he is visible, thou comest to me by day, thou comest to me by might, an anxious care. And yet, by might still more than by day; might is pleasing to the fair, whose neck the arm placed beneath supports. In a forlorn bed am I pursuing empty dreams; while I am deprived of the real ones, false joys are soothing me. But why does thy pallid form present itself to me? Why does many a complaint arise from thy accents? I arouse my- 91 Fate also..]—Ver. 93. The Greeks had been informed by the oracle, that he of their number who should first set foot upon Trojan ground, was doomed to fall. Laodamia, whose fears cause her a thou- sand apprehensions, begs that he will not be too rash, and expose him. self to an unavoidable fate. In the sequel this proved to be the case; for when the Grecian fleet arrived before Troy, all the Greeks, mindful of the prediction of the oracle, scrupled to be the first to land: till, at length, Protesilaüs, full of indignation at such unmanly hesitation, boldly leaped on shore, and soon after fell by the hand of Hector. * Who is the first.]—Wer. 94. The story of Protesilaüs is thus told by Hyginus, Fable 103. ‘It had been foretold to the Greeks that he should perish who should be the first to touch the Trojan shore. When the Greeks had come close to the shore, the rest hesitating, Iolais, the son of Iphiclus and Diomeda, was the first to leap on shore from his ship. He was immediately slaim by Hector, and all called him Protesi- laiis, since he was the first of all to land. When his wife, Laodamia, the daughter of Acastus, heard of his death, she asked of the Gods that she might be allowed to converse with him for three hours. This was granted; and being brought back [from the Shades] by Mercury, she con- versed with him for that space of time. After he had died a second time, Laodamia was unable to bear up against her grief.' R 2. 132 THE EPISTLEs of THE HEROINEs. [EP. XIII. self from my sleep, and I adore the shadows of the night; no altar of Thessaly” is without the smoke of my frankincense. Incense do I present, and on it tears; sprinkled with which the flame burns bright, just as it is wont to arise when wine is poured upon it. When shall I, embracing thee, safe re- tufned, in my longing arms, in my weakness even faint away from my eacess of joy 7 When will it be, that happily united to me” in the same bed, thou shalt relate the splendid achievements of thy warfare? Whilst thou shalt be relating these to me, although I shall be delighted to hear them, still many a kiss” shalt thou receive, many a one wilt thou give. Always, amid these, the words of a narrator are agreably interrupted; the tongue is more fluent that pauses with delays So SWeet. - But when Troy recurs, and the winds and the deep recur to me, flattering hopes, overcome by anxious fears, give way. This, too, alarms me, that the winds hinder” your ships from departing; you are ready to go, while the waves are unwilling. Who could wish to return to his country when the winds are against him " From your country, while the sea forbids, you are setting sail. Neptune himself does not afford a passage to his own city.” Whither are you hurrying? Return, each of * Altar of Thessaly.]—Wer. 112. She means to say that no altar of Thessaly is without the smoke of sacrifices, or of frankincense, supplied at her expense. * United to me..]—Wer. 117. Ulysses, on a similar occasion, narrates to Penelope the tale of his wanderings. See the Odyssey, Book xxiii., com- mencing at line 306. * Many a kiss.]—Wer. 120. It is difficult to conceive any thing more finely depicted than this account of Laodamia. In spite of her appre- hensions, she cannot forbear, in some degree, alleviating her sorrow with the pleasing anticipation of his return and the happy scenes that will then pass between them. Her extreme concern for him will then make her anxious to know all that has happened to him during his absence; and he must gratify her curiosity by relating every particular. As he will have frequent occasion to mention his dangers and his narrow escapes, her joy to find him still safe will repeatedly express itself in fond and endearing caresses. These will cause an agreable interruption of his recital and will make him enter again upon the story with renewed pleasure. * Winds hinder.]—Wer. 125. She alludes to their detention in the port of Aulis. 97 His own city.]—Ver. 129. Because he and Apollo had built titg walls of Troy for king Laomedon. EP. XIII.] LAODAMIA TO PROTESILAijs. 133 you, to your own homes. Whither do you hurry, ye Greeks : Listen to the winds that forbid you; this delay arises not from a sudden accident, but from the Divinity. What is sought in a war so great, but a shameless adulteress? While yet you may, turn back your sails, ye Inachian barks. But why” do I recall them 7 Afar be the omen of one recalling,” and let a propi- tious breeze still the lulled waves. I envy the Trojan dames;" if they behold” the mournful funerals of their relatives, and if the enemy is not far away, still the mew-made bride with her own hands will place the helmet on her valiant husband, and will hand him the barba- rian arms.” She will hand him his arms; and while she shall be handing him his arms, at the same moment will she snatch a * But why..]—Ver. 135. There is an infinity of readings for this line in the various MSS. The suggestion of Heinsius, as to the whole of the line, seems the best :—‘Sed quid ego hos revoco 2 revocaminis omen abesto;’ ‘hos,” referring to the Greeks. * Of one recalling.]—Wer. 135. It has been stated in the Note to line 88, that to be recalled when setting out on a journey was a bad omen. In the First Book of the Fasti, l. 561, however, Hercules thinks the ‘revocamen,” by his oxen, when lowing in the cave of Cacus, to be a good SR 911. s Trojan dames.]—Wer. 137. “Troasin' here is the Greek dative plural. Similarly, Ovid uses ‘Lemmiasin,” and “heroisin;' while Proper- tius has “Dryasim,' and ‘Hamadryasin.” * They behold.]—Ver. 138. This sentiment is beautifully expressed, and is a perfect refinement upon her sorrow, while it fully accords with that strength of passion which Laodamia breathes throughout ºne whole of the Epistle. So impatient is she under the irksomeness of her hus- band's absence, that she is ready to think any condition preferable to her own. The Trojan matrons are far happier than herself, in her estima- tion, although immediate spectators of the danger and the fate of their husbands and children. They can be employed in many pleasing offices about them, can buckle on their armour, give them their last injumc- tions, and be delivered from the tortures of a cruel suspense. On the other hand, it is her sad fate to be distracted between hope and fear while her foreboding mind suggests a thousand dangers, and keeps her in a perpetual state of anxiety and alarm. * Barbarian arms.]—Wer. 140. From Homer we learn that the fol. lowing were the particulars of the armour of the heroes of the Homeric age, and which continued afterwards to be used by the Grecian soldiers. The warrior having a tunic on his body, put on, first, the greaves; secondly, his cuirass, with the belt; thirdly, his sword, which hung from the left side by a belt slung over the right shoulder; fourthly, the large round shield, which was also supported by a belt; fifthly, his helmet ; and lastly, he wielded one or two spears. 134 THE EPISTLEs of THE HEROINEs. [EP. XIII, kiss (that kind of duty will be pleasing to the two). She will detain her husband too, and will give him injunctions to return, and will say, “Take care, and bring back these arms for Jupiter.” He, bearing in his mind the fresh injunctions of his spouse, will fight with due caution, and will have some regard for his home. She will take from him his shield at his return, and will unloose his helmet, and will receive his wearied breast in her bosom. We are full of uncertainty; anxious apprehensions compel us to fancy every thing to be done, that can happen. But while as a warrior thou shalt be wielding arms in a dis- tant region, I have awaxen figure" which represents thy features. To it do I" utter endearing expressions, to it the words that are due to thee; my embraces does it receive. Believe me, the image is more than what it seems to be ; give language to” * Wawen figure.]—Wer. 152. Among the Romans, it was the custom to preserve “cerae,” or ‘imagines,’ portraits made in wax of their an- cestors, which were kept in ‘armaria,’ ‘ cases,’ or ‘cupboards,’ in the ‘atria,’ or ‘halls,” by those who had the ‘jus imaginum.’ These are generally supposed to have been busts; and such may be the meaning of ‘ cera,’ in the present instance, though it may possibly mean only a pro- file in wax on a plane surface. Hyginus says, Fable 104, that after Protesilaüs was removed from Daodamia by a second death—“she made a brazen (aereum) image of her husband, and placing it in her cham- ber, pretended that it was a sacred relic, and began to worship it.’ The word ‘aereum' is supposed by Heinsius to be a corruption for “cereum,” ‘waxen’; and Hyginus may probably refer to the same tradition to which Ovid here alludes, although she is here represented to be in pos- session of the portrait before she has heard of his death. * To it do I.]—Wer. 153. It may be remarked of this Epistle, as has been observed of the poems of Homer, that the Poet, far from showing all his strength at the commencement, grows upon his reader, and in- creases his admiration the further he proceeds. After the endearing ex- pressions of love and tenderness which we meet with in the foregoing parts of the Epistle, and the natural images by which Laodamia so faith- fully depicts her affectionate feelings, we might suppose it impossible for the Poet to pourtray her feelings in a stronger manner. And yet a new feature of her affection is reserved for the close.of her Epistle, Her only consolation, she says, in the absence of Protesilaüs, is a likeness of him, which she often takes a delight in contemplating. To this, by habit, she has transferred that fondness which she feels for the original, and she bestows on it the same caresses that she has been wont to give to her dear Protesilaüs. To such a height is her love carried at last, that she is apt to imagine it more than simply an image. She fancies that it only wants a voice to be Protesilaüs himself, and is in the habit of uttering her complaints to it, as though she expects it to return an answer. EP. XIV.] tº YPERMIN ESTRA TO LYNCEUS. 135 tºe the wax, and it will be Protesilaüs himself. At this do I look, and to my bosom do I press it, in place of my real husband, and, as though it could utter words in answer, do I com- plain. By thy return, and by thy person, Divinities to me, do I swear ; and by the torches of affection and of wedlock, equally glowing; by that head, too, which mayst thou with thyself restore to me, that I may behold it white with its hoary locks; that I am ready to come as thy companion wherever thou shalt summon me; whether — (a thing, alas!" that I dread,) or whether thou shalt be still surviving. The end of my Epistle shall be closed with this short injunc- tion: “If thou hast any care for me, have a care for thyself.” EPISTLE XIV HYPERMNESTRA TO LYNCEUS.7 DANAüs, the son of Belus, had, by several wives, fifty daughters. AEgyptus, his brother, who had the like number of sons, wished them to marry the daughters of Danais, and applied to him for his per- mission. , Danaiis, having been informed, by an oracle, that he should fall by the hands of a son-in-law, and wishful, if possible, to avoid the danger, took ship, and in course of time possessed himself of Argos. Enraged to find himself thus slighted, Ægyptus raised a great army and putting his sons at the head of it, sent it into Greece, with an express command not to return until they should have either slain Danais, or obliged him to consent to receive them as his sons-in-law. On being pressed by a close siege, Danaiis was under the necessity of promising them his daughters; but they, having previously received swords from their father, by his command killed their husbands on the might of the nuptials, while, overcome with wine, they were buried in sleep. Hypermnestra was the only exception, who spared her hus- band Lynceus, and having acquainted him with the treachery of Danaiis, advised him to fly with all speed to his father Ægyptus. Danais, on finding that his commands had been strictly obeyed by all his daughters except Hypermnestra, was so enraged at her disobedience, that he loaded her with chains, and thrust her into prison. On this, she is * 6 A thing, alas !]—Wer. 164. This is a very happy instance of Aposio- pesis; as she fears to mention death, through fear of its proving an ill omen. She proved as good as her word, for she did not long survive her wnfortunate husband. ? Lynceus.]—This name is given as ‘Linus’ in some of the Editions. #3ty THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. {EP. XIV. supposed to have written the following Epistle to her husband, in which she entreats him to come to her assistance, or, if she shall be put to death before he can bring her relief, to bestow upon her the rites of burial. HYPERMNESTRA sends” to the only survivor of so many bro- thers but recently evisting; the rest of that multitude have perished through the crimes of their wives. Shut up, I am con- fined in prison, and am fettered with heavy chains. The cause of my punishment is, that I was dutiful. I am deemed guilty, because my hand trembled at plunging the sword in my hus- band’s throat; had I dared criminality, I should have been applauded. It is better to be deemed guilty, than in this manner to have pleased a parent. I cannot repent of having my hands free from blood. Let my father torture me with the flames" which I have not polluted ; and let him thrust the torches in my face, which were present at the nuptial rites; or let him stab me with that sword which, for no good purpose, he entrusted to me; so that I, the wife, may perish by a death by which my husband perished not; still, he shall not cause my dying lips to say, “I repent;” thou art not one, Hypermnestra, to regret having been dutiful. Let Danais and my cruel sisters repent of their crime; this result is wont to attend upon deeds of guilt. My heart * Hypermnestra sends.]—Wer. 1. Hypermnestra, in her communi- cation with Lynceus, skilfully commences with such a representation of her case, as may most effectually awaken his resentment, and beget in him a desire for revenge. She reminds him that he is the only surviving bro- ther of fifty, all the rest having been cut off by the barbarous con- trivance of her father, and that all her sufferings are occasioned by her tenderness for him. Yet, she says, far from repenting of it, the re- flection always affords her pleasure, nor will all the tortures and miseries in the world be able to make her own the contrary. She then asks how Lynceus can possibly deny his aid to one who has treated him so gene- rously, or avoid attempting to rescue her from that bondage into which she has been reduced for preserving his life. 9 With the flames.]—Wer. 9. She here alludes not only to the flame of the marriage torches, which, as typifying her conjugal duty, she says she will not violate, but, probably, the fire also, which, together with water, on entering her husband's house on the evening of the nuptials, the bride was required to touch. This was either symbolical of perfect purity, or of an expression of welcome, as the interdiction of fire and water was the formula for banishment among the Romans. Hypermnestra then means thereby to say that she has not, like the rest of her sisters, violated the nuptial contract by the murder of her husband. . EP. XIV.] HYPERMNESTRA TO LYINCEUS. 137 shudders at the recollections of that night, defiled with blood; and a sudden trembling enervates the bones of" my right hand. The hand which you might suppose could perpetrate the murder of a husband, dreads to write about a murder not committed by itself. But still I will attempt to describe the dreadful scene. Twilight had” just risen over the earth: it was the closing portion” of the day, and the first of the night. We, the descendants of Inachus, are led into the abode of the great Pelasgus,” and our father-in-law receives his armed daughters-in-law in his house. Lamps edged with gold are shining on every side, and propitious frankincense is offered on the reluctant altars.” The people shout “Hymen!” “Hymenaeus P’ he flies from them as they call. The wife of Jove,” herself, has fled from her own city. - 10 The bones of..]—Ver. 18. ‘Ossa,” signifying ‘the bones' of the fingers and hand with which she is writing, seems a more probable reading than ‘orsa.’ The latter, however, is preferred by Burmann, who thinks that it means ‘what she has commenced’ to write down, which is now inter- rupted by her fears. 11 Twilight had.]—Wer. 21. ‘Crepusculum' was the twilight be- tween evening and night, while ‘diluculum' was the twilight, or dawn, between night and morning. * Closing portion.]—Wer. 22. ‘Ultima pars lucis, primaque noctis erat’ is the usual reading, but Heinsius, upon the authority of some MSS., gives a very different reading: “ultima pars noctis, primaque lucis erat.” * It was the concluding part of the might, and the beginning of the day.” He thinks that the meaning is, that the Supper was prolonged till day- break, and, that on the brides being conducted to the nuptial chamber, they slew their husbands. However, Hypermnestra afterwards speaks of their going to sleep; and she says, that during this, the massacre was committed, while all Argos was in profound quiet, and that at length, the morning approached. She is now describing the ‘deductio,” or taking home of the brides. - 13 Great Pelasgus.]—Ver. 23. Instead of ‘Pelasgi, some of the MSS. have “Tyranni.' If we adopt the first reading, the meaning cannot be * Pelasgian,’ for Damaüs was an Egyptian. The word must consequently allude to Pelasgus, the ameient king of Argos, son of Jupiter and Niobe, who had perhaps built the palace. The Damaïdes are called ‘Inachides,' inasmuch as they were descendants of Inachus; for Imachus was the father of Io, who, by Jupiter, had Epaphus, whose son was Belus, the father of Ægyptus and Damaüs, - 14 Reluctan; altars.]—Wer. 26. ‘Foci,” “the altars,’ implies ‘the Dei- ties,’ to whom sacrinces offered at marriages solemnized with a design so wicked, could not be acceptable, & 15 Wife af Jove.]—Wer. 28, Juno might have heen expected to be 138 THE EPISTIES OF THE EIEROINES. [EP. XIV. Behold I confused with wine, and surrounded with the cla- mour of their attendants, fresh flowers binding" their anointed locks, the joyous husbands are escorted to their nuptial cham- bers, chambers, their sepulchres, alas ! and with their bodies they press the beds more befitting their funeral rites. And now, overpowered with feasting, and wine, and sleep, they lay ; and there was deep silence throughout unsuspecting Argos. Around me did I seem to hear the groans of the dying; and still” I did hear them, and it was what I dreaded, My blood forsook me, the vital heat deserted my senses and my body; and turning cold, I lay upon my bridal couch. Just as the bending heads of corn are shaken by the mild Zephyrs; just as the cold breeze agitates the foliage of the poplars; either so, or even more so, did I tremble. Thou thyself didst lie quiet, and the wine which they had given thee was a sleepy draught. The commands of a violent father banished fear; I started up, and with a trembling hand I seized the weapon. - I will not say what is false; three times did my hand raise the sharp sword; three times did it fall with the sword so guiltily wielded. I aimed it” at thy throat ; permit me to present for a twofold reason. One of her titles was ‘ Pronuba,” “the guardian of marriage ;’ and she was especially venerated at Argos, where her chariot was said to be kept, and where the nuptials were being cele- brated. º * Flowers binding.]—Wer. 30. Among the Greeks, both the bride and bridegroom were dressed in their best attire on the day of the marriage, with chaplets on their heads, and the doors of their houses were hung with festoons of ivy and laurel. 17 And still.]—Wer. 36. The force of the particle “tamen,” in this verse, deserves particular attention. Hypermnestra would denote by it that she was so disturbed by fear, and a consciousness of the baseness of the crime, as to be almost deprived of her senses, and to be doubtful whether she really heard the groans of people dying around her, or was deceived by the suggestions of her fancy. * I aimed it.]—Wer. 47. Instead of this and the following line, as existing in most of the MSS., one of the MSS. has these four lines: ‘Admovijugulo : sine me tibi vera fateri; Mente sequi dirà jussa paterna volens. Tandem victa mei saevå formidine patris, Audeo per jugulum tela movere tuum.’ ‘I applied it to thy throat; permit me to confess the truth to thee; iii- tending, with relentless feelings, tdº obey the commands of my father, At length, overpowered by cruel fears of my father, I dared to aim the EP. XIV.] HYPERMINESTRA TO LYNCEUS. 139 confess the truth to thee; I aimed the weapon of my father at thy throat. But fear and duty opposed the cruel deed; and my pure right hand revolted at the task enjoined. Rending my purple garments, tearing my hair, in faint accents did I utter such words as these : “Hypermnestra, thou hast a cruel father. Perform the commands of thy parent; and let him be the companion in death of his brothers. I am a woman, and a virgin ; merci- ful by nature and by years; gentle hands are not suited to cruel weapons. But come, and while he lies defenceless, imi- tate thy valorous sisters: ’tis to be supposed that their hus- bands have been slain by them all. If this hand could possibly commit any murder, it should be blood-stained through the death of its owner. How have they” deserved death, by possessing their uncle’s realms,” which must still have been given to foreign sons-in-law' Suppose our hus- bands have deserved to die; what have we done ourselves 7 Through what crime am I forbidden to be dutiful? What have I to do with the sword ' What has a maiden to do with the weapons of warfare? The wool and the distaff are more suited to my fingers.” Thus said I; and as I complained, tears followed their own weapon at thy throat.” These lines however are universally considered tº be spurious. Instead of the 47th line, as above translated, which is, “Ad- movi jugulo, sine me tibi vera fateri; some of the MSS. have “At rursus monitis jussuque coacta parentis: “But again impelled by the precepts and the commands of my parent.’ Heinsius thinks that both the 47th and 48th lines ought in any shape to be rejected, as being the inter- polations of some ignorant grammarian, who imagined them necessary to fill up and connect the sense; and the same Commentator observes, that, without them, the connexion is evident, if we merely change the ‘sed,” “but,’ of the next line into “et,’ ‘and.’ * How have they..]—Wer. 61. This speech of Hypermnestra is ad- mirably adapted to the occasion. The Poet, with great skill, puts into her mouth those arguments which are the most suitable for one of her sex, and placed under her circumstances. Her father’s commands, she says, were cruel and unjust ; it was not for a woman to handle deadly weapons. Her husband, too, could be charged with no crime that deserved so severe ... fate; or, even if his guilt should be admitted, hers was not the proper hadd to punish him. * Their uncle's realms.]—Ver, 61. It must be remembered that T)anaiis had not only been compelled by Ægyptus to give his daughters in marriage to his sons, but that he had been also forced to resign his kingdom $º his sons-in-law. | 40 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. [E.P. xIv. language, and fell from my eyes upon thy limbs. While thou. didst seek to embrace me, and didst extend thy arms but half- awake, very nearly was thy hand wounded by the weapon. And now I dreaded my father, and the servants of my father, and the dawn. These words of mine dispelled thy slumbers: “Haste and arise, descendant of Belus, the only survivor of so many brothers who eaſisted so lately; this night, if thou dost not make haste, will be an eternal night”.” Alarmed, thou didst arise; all the sluggishness of sleep vanished. Thou didst behold in my timid hand the daring weapon. When thou didst enquire the cause, I said, “While night permits, escape; while dark night permits, thou dost escape, I remain here.” It was now morning; and Damaüs numbered over his sons- in-law who had been slain in this massacre. For the comple- tion of the crime, thou alone art wanting. He is disap- pointed at missing the death of a kinsman in even one in- stance; and he complains that too little blood has been shed, I seem torn from the feet of my father, and, dragged by my hair, the prison receives me; this reward did my duteous conduct earn. From that time does the wrath of Juno,” forsooth, endure, when a cow was made” out of a human being, a Goddess from a cow. But ’twas enough that the charming maid was turned into the animal that lowed; and that beauteous solately, she could no longer be pleasing to Jove. The new-made heifer stood upon the banks of her flowing parent,” and in the * Eternal night.]—Wer. 74. Catullus also calls death ‘nox perpetua,’ everlasting night.” * Wrath of Juno.]—Wer. 85. The Poet has here followed the same plan which he has adopted in former Epistles; that is, he makes Hy- permnestra, after the manner of others of her sex, trace her misfortunes to very remote events. She considers herself as the object of the vengeance of Juno, who still persecutes her race, because Io had been her rival in the affections of Jupiter. * Cow was made.]—Wer. 86. The story of Io, in the number of whose descendants were Danails and AEgyptus, will be found related in the First Book of the Metamorphoses. * Flowing parent.]—Wer. 89. The “liquidus parens’ was her sire, the river Inachus. The present description of the astonishment of Io, after being changed into a cow, is extremely poetical. Ovid had a great com- mand of ingenuity; indeed, critics have, in some instances, accused him, perhaps not unjustly, of being too lavish of it. He may possibly appear, in the present instance, too diffuse and circumstantial in the EP. XIV ) EHYPERMNESTRA TG LYNCETſS, 141 waters of her sire she beheld horns not her own ; from lips too that endeavoured to complain she sent forth lowings, and she was alarmed by her figure, alarmed by her own voice. , Why, unhappy one, dost thou rage ' Why dost thou wonder at thyself on seeing thy shadow' . Why dost thou number the feet” made for thy new limbs'! Thou, that favourite of great Jove, so dreaded by his sister, dost satisfy thy excessive hunger with leaves and with grass. From the running stream dost thou drink, and in astonishment dost thou look upon thy shape; and thou dost tremble at the arms” which thou dost wear, lest they should strike thyself. Thou too, who of late wast so rich that thou mightst seem worthy even of Jove, naked, art reclining upon the naked ground. Through the sea, over lands, and through kindred streams dost thou run : the sea gives thee, the rivers give thee, the dry land gives thee a path. What is the cause of thy flight? Why, Io,” dost thou cross the spacious main : Thyself, thou canst not fly from thy own features. Taughter of Inachus, whither dost thou hasten ? Thou art the same” who dost pursue and who dost fly. Thou art the leader of thyself as the follower; thou art the follower of thyself as the leader. The Nile,” which flows into the ocean through seven channels, removes the form of the maddened cow from the beloved of Jove. Why shall I mention” things of remote account; and towards the end of it, he degenerates into one of his fre- quent failings, a mere play upon words. This, however, ought not to preclude an acknowledgment of the extreme beauty of the first part of the description. Scaliger, with little taste, would strike out thirty-four lines, beginning at 1.83, on the ground of their being misplaced, and not in connexion with the rest of the Epistle. 25 Number the feet.]—Wer. 94. Because now she has four feet. 26 At the arms.]—Wer. 98. The meaning is, that seeing her horns in the water as she stoops to drink, she is fearful lest they may strike her. 37 Why, Io.]—Wer. 103. The first syllable of the name Io, is usually long. On one occasion, in the “Ibis”, Ovid makes it short. It is doubtful whether he here means to address Io by her name, or whether the word Io' is an interjection, signifying, with the “quid,” which precedes, ‘Oh why P’ . Art the same.]—Wer. 105. This is an instance of that trifling with gords by which Ovid frequently disfigures his poetry. -9 The Nile. }–Wer. 107. It was in Egypf, the country of the Nile, ..at Io recovered her former shape, and was first Worshipped as a Divinity. 30 Shall I awoºſion.] — Wer. 109. Instead of the future, ‘referain,” 142 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. [EP. XIV. times, on which hoary old age has been my informant?” Be- hold ! my own years are affording things for me to complain of My father” and my uncle are at war; and we are ex- pelled from both our kingdom and our home : remotest regions” receive us thus banished. That savage man singly gains possession of the throne and the sceptre; with a needy old man we wander, a destitute set.” Of a multitude of brothers, thou alone, the smallest portion, dost survive: Ilament both those who have been put to death, and those who so put them to death. For, as many sisters” of mine as cousins have perished: let either multitude receive my tears. Lo! I, because thou dost survive, am reserved to be tormented by punishment: what shall become of the guilty, when, meriting praises, I am condemned 7 And, once the hundredth of a kindred throng, must I, wretched woman, perish, while but one brother remains. But thou, Lynceus, if thou hast any regard for thy affec- tionate cousin, and dost worthily enjoy the blessings that I here, Heinsius strongly insists on the present, “refero,” which he thinks to be necessary to the sense, though contrary to the authority of the greater part of the manuscripts. It is, however, difficult to discover upon what he can found such a conjecture, as the sense is quite clear without any alteration. Hypermnestra intimates to her husband that she could relate much more that has happened in time past to her family, did not the present times afford her ample matter for complaint." Although she has related all the story of Io, she has many other subjects to treat of. 31 My informant.] — Wer. 110. By the word “auctor,’ she means the relating of the history of her family traditionally, in which the narratives of the most aged men would be the most likely to prove correct. * My father.]—Wer. 111. She now comes to what has happened in her own time. & Remotest regions.] — Wer. 112. She calls Peloponnesus “ultimus orbis,” either because she fancies it to be a remote quarter of the earth, and at a vast distance from Egypt, her native land; or because, being nearly surrounded by the sea, it seems to be the boundary of that part of earth. 34 Destitute set.]—Ver. 114. According to Apollodorus, Danais, with his daughters, taking ship, fled from Egypt, and landed first at Rhodes, whence they proceeded to the Peloponnesus, where they were honourably and hospitably entertained by Gelanor, king of Argos. Danails afterwards dispossessed him of his throne, and seized the kingdom. 35. As many sisters.] —Wer. 117. Either because she considers her sisters as lost to her, since, by their barbarity they have forfeited that title; or because she feels certain that for their crimes they may be con- sidered as doomed to the punish.nent of death. EP. xv.] SAPPHO TO PHAON. 143 have bestowed upon thee; either bring me aid,” or consign me to death; and Desides, on a stealthy pile place my limbs when bereft of life; and bury my bones” sprinkled with un- feigned tears, and let my tomb be inscribed with this short epitaph—“The exiled Hypermnestra, as an undue reward for her affection, herself received that death, which she averted from her cousin.” I could wish to write more; but my handis wearied with the weight of my chains; and my very fears deprive me of strength. EPISTIE XW. SAPPHO TO PHAON. Accor DING to some writers, there were two celebrated females of the name of Sappho ; the one was a poetess, who flourished in the time of Tarquinius Priscus, and was the inventress of the ‘plectrum’; while the other lived at a later period, and was a native of Mity- lene. According to Ælian, Phaon was a youth of surpassing beauty, who was greatly admired by all the females of Lesbos; while he him. self was deeply enamoured of Sappho, from whom he met with the tenderest return of passion. His affection afterwards decaying, he deserted her, and sailed for Sicily. Unable to bear the loss of her lover, she hearkened to the suggestions of despair, and seeking no other remedy for her present miseries, she resolved to throw her- self into the sea from Leucate, a promontory of Acarnania, in Epirus, which was wont to be done in cases of unrequited love, from which * Bring me aid.]—Wer. 125. According to some authors, Lynceus actually did lead an expedition against Danaiis, and slew him, and then released Hypermnestra. But Pausanias, and Apollodorus in his Second Book, give a different version of the narrative. The former says that Danaiis, being enraged at the conduct of his daughter Hypermnestra, caused her to be brought up for judgment before an assembly of the people, who acquitted her; on which she consecrated a statue to Ve- nus, vulcm(popóg, ‘the giver of victory.’ According to Apollodorus, Lyn- ceus was afterwards reconciled to Danaiis, and had by Hypermnestra a son, whose mame was Abas. *7 Bury my bones.]—Wer. 127. According to one account, the Dana- ides cut off the heads of their husbands, and threw thern into the Lerna, while their bodies were buried outside of the city of Argos; and, by the command of Jupiter, Mercury and Minerva purified them from the guilt of their crime. It was said, however, by many of the ancient poets, that the crime of the Danaides did not pass without due retribution in the In- fernal regions, where they were condemned eternally to draw water in perforated vessels. | 44 T (IÉ EPISTLES OF THE FIEROINES. [EP. xv. circumstance, the place had obtained the name of the Lover's Leap. Before doing so, entertaining some fond hopes that she may be able to reclaim her inconstant lover, she is supposed to write the present Epistle, in which she strongly depicts her misery and distress, occa- sioned by his absence, and endeavours, by artful insinuations and pa- thetic remonstrances, to inspire in him feelings of compassion and regard for her. So soon as” this letter, from my anxious right-hand, has been looked at by thee, is it not at once recognized by thine eyes? Or, if thou hadst not read the name of their writer, Sappho,” wouldst thou have been ignorant whence came these short lines. * So 800n as...]—Wer. 1. This mode of beginning serves to heighten. the compassion of the reader for the sorrows of Sappho. She is full of the tenderest sentiments of love; and yet so far has she been neglected by the object of her passion, that notwithstanding the mutual endear. ments which have often passed between them, he has entirely banished ner from his remembrance, insomuch that probably he will not even know her writing, but by seeing her name subscribed. * Their writer, Sappho.]—Wer. 3. Sappho was a native of the isle of Lesbos, and, as she grew up, discovered a great genius for lyric poetry. She seems not to have had any great reputation for chastity, even in her youngest years, and is even taxed with an improper degree of affection for her own sex. At length an unhappy passion for Phaon engrossed her entire soul, and proved the occasion to her of grievous calamities. At first he returned her affection, but soon afterwards neglected her. Love had, however, taken too deep a root in her heart to be extinguished by this slight. She resolved to find him at all hazards, and made a voyage to Sicily for that purpose. In that island, and on that occasion, she is supposed to have written her hymn to Venus, so justly celebrated and ad- mired. It failed, however, to procure for her the happiness for which she prayed. Phaon still continued obdurate, and Sappho, agitated by her passion, resolved to repair to the Acarnanian promontory, on the summit of which was a temple sacred to Apollo, where it was usual for despairing lovers to make their vows, and to beg the favour and protection of the Di- vinity. This done, it was the custom to throw themselves from the preci- pice into the sea, where they were sometimes taken up alive. Whether it was the shock received from their fall, or some other cause not now to be accounted for, it was said that those who had taken this leap and sur- vived, never relapsed into their former passion. Sappho tried this rash mode of cure, but perished in the attempt. Besides her Hymn to Venus, there is also preserved the fragment of another Ode, not less esteemed by the learned. It seems to have been intended to represent a lover sitting by the side of his mistress, and is generally allowed to be a picture painted in the most natural colours. Plutarch tells us, in the famous story of Antiochus, that being enamoured of his mother-in-law Stratonice, and not daring to discover his passion, he pretended to be confined to his bed by sickness. Stratonice was in the room when the physician Erasis XP. XV.] SAPPELO TO PHAON. ! 45 Perhaps, too, thou mayst enquire why my lines are in al- ternate measure;” since I am better suited for lyric numbers. My blighted love must be mourned ; Elegy is the verse of mourning; my lyre" is not adapted to my tears. I burn, just as, when the untamed East winds are driving the flames, the fertile field blazes, the crops all on fire. Phaon is inhabiting the distant fields of Ætna, placed upon Typhoeus: a heat, not less than the flames of Ætna, is burning me. No verses flow for me to adapt to the harmonizing strings; verses, the work of a mind at ease. Neither the damsels of Pyrrha,” nor those of Methymne, nor the rest of the throng of the Lesbian damsels, have any charms for me. Anactorie” is disregarded, fair Cydno is worthless for me, Atthis is no tratus came to visit him ; and it is probable that his symptoms were the same with those which Sappho describes in the above Ode; as it is said, that the physician discovered the nature of his malady from the symptoms of love which he had found depicted in the writings of Sappho. By some of the ancient authors she is called the tenth Muse, and by Plutarch she is compared to Cacus, the son of Vulcan, who breathed forth nothing but flames. From the voluptuous character that is given of her works, perhaps it is for the benefit of mankind that they are lost. 40 Alternate measure.]—Ver. 5. All the compositions of Sappho were of the Lyric kind, whereas this Epistle is written in the Elegiac measure, consisting of Hexameter and Pentameter lines alternately. From her the Sapphic measure derived its name. * 41 My lyre.]—Ver, 8. ‘Barbitos,” or “barbiton,’ is supposed to have been the name of a musical instrument, somewhat of the nature of the lyre, but perhaps more nearly resembling our harp. Theocritus calls it Toxixopóog, “many stringed’; many of these instruments are supposed to have had a compass of more than two octaves. 4? Of Pyrrha.]—Wer. 15. Some think that the word ‘Pyrrhiades' here refers to the Muses, who are so called from Pyrrha, or Pyrrhaea, an epithet of Thessaly, it being usual for the poets to give them appellations from the names of the places which they inhabited, among which Thes- saly was especially honoured. But the term may, with much more pro- bability, be referred to the young women of Pyrrha, a city of Lesbos : because she immediately after mentions, the ‘Methymniades,” or women of Methymne, which was likewise a celebrated city of that island; and then, in the next verse, she subjoins—‘Lesbiadum caetera turba,” “the rest of the Lesbian females.’ * Anactorie ]—Ver. 17. Suidas gives the name of three females, to- wards whom Sappho was said to have indulged an impure flame, as Te- lesippa, Megara, and Atthis. In place of Cydno, Maximus Tyrius gives the name of Túpavva, which some think ought to be written’Houvva ; for Erinna is supposed to have been a contemporary of Sappho, being a native 34 146 THE EPISTLEs of THE HEROINEs. [EP. xv. longer pleasing to my eyes, as formerly. A hundred other damsels besides, whom I have loved not without censure. Perfidious man “ thou dost possess alone that which be- longed to many. In thee is beauty; years too fitted for dalliance. Ah! beauty so fatal to my eyes | Take up the lyre and the quiver,” and thou wilt clearly be- come Apollo; lethorns be placed upon thy head, thou wilt be Bacchus. Both Phoebus loved Daphne," and Bacchus the Gnossian" maid: neither the one” nor the other was ac- quainted with lyric measures. But the Pegasian maids” dictate to me the sweetest lays; now are my glories sung all over the earth; not even Alcaeus, the partner of "my country and my lyre, has more fame, although he sings in a loftier strain. of the island of Tenos, and one of her favourites. Diphilus, in one of his comedies, introduces Archilochus and Hipponax as admirers of Sappho ; this is, however, generally discredited, as well as the account which makes Anacreon to have been one of her admirers, inasmuch as that poet flourished nearly eighty years after her time. The poet Alcaeus was a contemporary and rival of Sappho. * Perfidious man.]—Wer. 20. Some Commentators suggest that the word ‘improbus' has here the sense of “avidus,’ and that by its use Sappho intends to reproach Phaon as one, who, not content with a moderate share, had engrossed all her affections, and had robbed others of that part which they had in them. There appears, however, to be no ground for such a refinement. ‘Improbus ' is evidently used here for ‘malus’; and she means to accuse Phaon of treachery in abandoning her. * And the quiver.]—Wer. 23. The lyre and the quiver were the two distinguishing insignia of Apollo, as he was remarkable both for his skill in music and his dexterity in managing the bow. * Loved Daphne.]—Wer. 25. The story of Daphne is told at length in the first Book of the Metamorphoses. * The Gnossian.]—Wer. 25. Cnossus, or Gnossus, was the place where Minos, the father of Ariadne, resided. 48 Neither the one.]—Wer. 26. She implies that she is superior to either Daphne or Ariadne, who were beloved by Divinities, although they were unskilled in poetry and music. By putting forward her talents, she hopes to atone for the defects of her person. 49 Pegasian maids.]—Wer. 27. The Muses are so called here from Trnyi), ‘a spring,’ which Pegasus was said to have opened with a blow of his hoof, on Mount Helicon, their favourite retreat. - * The partner of]—Wer. 29. She calls Alcaeus, ‘Consors patriaeque lyraeque,' because he was a lyric poet of Mitylene, in her native Lesbos. He was remarkable for the grandeur and sublimity of his style, for which reason the ancients attributed to him a golden “plectrum.' sp. xv.] SAPPHO TO PHAON, 147 I am of small stature;” but I have a name that fills all lands: I myself have produced this extended renown for my name. If I am not fair, Andromeda, the daughter of Cepheus,” who was swarthy,” through the complexion of her country, was pleasing to Perseus. White pigeons, too, are often mated with spotted ones; and the black turtle dove is often beloved by a bird that is green.” If no woman is to be thine, but one that shall be able to appear worthy of the for beauty, thine no woman will be. But when thou didst read my lines, even beauteous did I appear : constantly didst thou swear that me alone did it be- come to speak. I used to sing, I remember (lovers remem- ber every thing); thou used to ravish kisses from me as I sang. These, too, thou didst praise, and in every respect did I please thee, but especially when amid the transports of love, Then more than usual did my amorous flame delight thee; both my every movement and my expressions fitted for dalli- ance, and that languor which, when the joys of us both were terminated, pervaded our wearied limbs. Now the Sicilian dam- sels fall to thy lot, a fresh prey. What have I to do with Les- bos ?” I would I were a Sicilian damsel.” But you, ye matrons * Small stature.]—Wer, 33. Heinsius, who was one of the most learned of scholars, here travels a little out of his usual province and turns critic in female beauty. “Sappho confesses that she is not beautiful (pulchra), because she is so short of stature. Women of that kind are not beautiful (pulchrae), but pretty, “Venustae:’ for beauty, in the opinion of Aristotle, is only consistent with largeness of stature.” * Daughter of Cepheus.]—Wer. 35. The story of Perseus and Andro- meda, the daughter of Cepheus, is related at length in the Fourth and Fifth Book of the Metamorphoses. * Who was swarthy.] —Wer. 36. Being a native of Æthiopia, she would be swarthy, indeed almost black; some accounts, however, repre- sent her as being a Phoenician. * That is green.]—Wer. 37. She probably means that turtle doves are kept in the same cages with parrots, which are generally supposed to be meant by the green birds here mentioned; though one Commentator seems to think that peacocks are hinted at : it is possible, however, that he may take that to be the meaning of the birds that are called ‘ variae in the preceding line. Ælian mentions the turtle dove as a bird remarkable for its constancy. * With Lesbos.]—Wer. 52. Lesbos, now called Metelin, was an island in the AEgean sea, which received its name from Lesbos, the son of Her- mes the Lapithan. It was famous for its vineyards and the excellency of its wine. * Sicilian damsel.]—Wer. 52. Burmann says, on the authority of the L 2 I4S THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. [EP. xv. of Nisa, and ye Nisian brides,” send back this wanderer of mine from your land. Let not the fictions of his insinuating tongue deceive you; what he says to you he has already said to me. Thou, too, Goddess Erycina,” who dost frequent the moun- tains of Sicily, have a care for thy poetess, for thime I am. Toes cruel Fortune still pursue the track on which she has commenced, and does she ever remain unkind in her on- ward course 7 Six of my birthdays had gone by, when the bones of my father, gathered up before their time, drank in my tears. My needy brother,” captivated with passion for a harlot,” endured losses, and those intermingled with shameful disgrace. Reduced to want, he plied the azure seas with active oars,” and now is basely seeking that wealth which he disgracefully lost. Me, too, because with fidelity I gave him much good advice, he hates; this did candour, this did an affectionate tongue produce for me. And, as though things might be wanting to torment me without ceasing, a little daughter” increases my cares. Thou art added as the last Arundelian marbles, that Sappho left her country, and declared herself an exile, in the archonship of Aristocles. 57 Nisian brides.]—Wer. 54, Nisa was a city of Sicily, not far from Syracuse. It was founded by colonists from Megara in Attica, who called it Nisa, in honour of their former king Nisus. * Erycina.]—Wer. 57. Venus was called Erycina, from mount Eryx, in Sicily, on which she had a temple, said to have been founded by her son Æneas, in her honour. Sicily Was called ‘Sicania,’ from Sicamus, one of its former kings. * My needy brother.] —Wer. 63. Sappho had three brothers, Lary- chus, Eurigius, and Charaxus, who all were in love with the courtezan Rhodope. Sappho here refers to the last, who foolishly squandered away all his substance upon her, and them, as some suppose, betook himself to piracy to repair his losses. * For a harlot.]—Wer. 63. Herodotus, in his Second Book, Chapter 105, says that Rhodope was the fellow slave of AEsop the fabulist, and that she was redeemed from servitude by Charaxus at a very heavy expense. Athenaeus, in his Thirteenth Book, Chapter 7, calls her Dorica, and thinks that Herodotus has confounded her with another person of the name of Rhodope. Aoptic) may, however, possibly have been only an epithet given to Rhodope, from Doria, her native country. * With active oars.]—Ver. 65. Petronius Arbiter seems to hint that Charaxus turned pirate. From the expressions here used, we might con- clude that he adopted the menial occupation of a rower, * A little daughter.]—Wer. 70. The name of this daughter was Cleis; and we learn from Suidas, that she was the daughter of Sappho by EP. XV.] SAPPHO TO PHAON. 149 cause of my complaints; my bark is impelled by no favouring gales. Behold my locks are lying dishevelled, without any order, upon my neck; no shining gem" now presses my fingers. In homely garb am I clad ; in my locks there is no gold;" with no essences of Arabia” is my hair per- fumed. For whom, unhappy wretch, should I adorn myself, or whom should I study to please ? The only prompter of atten- tion to my person is gone. My heart is tender, and is easily hurt by the light shafts of Cupid, and there is ever a cause for me always to love. Whether it is that at my birth the sisters so pronounced my doom, and no threads devoid of feeling were allotted to my life; or whether it is that my pursuits are fashioned to the manners and the skill of their mistress; Thalia causes" my feelings to be susceptible. What wonder if the age of early youth has captivated me, and those years which a male might be enamoured of. I was in fear, Aurora, that thou mightst have taken him for Cephalus,” and this thou wouldsthave done, but that thy former prize en- gages thee. If, Phoebe, thou shouldst look on him, thou who a former husband, of the name of Cercyla, or Cercola, a native of the isle of Andros. 63 No shining gem.]—Wer. 74. During mourning, it was the custom of the ancients to lay aside all ornaments, such as rings and other jewels. * Is no gold.]—Wer. 75. She probably alludes to the ‘crinale,' or golden bodkin, or hair-pin. tº Essences of Arabia.]—Wer. 76. She alludes to myrrh or mard, which was much used in ointments and perfumes for the hair. The unguents or ointments, and soaps used by the ancients were very numerous. Among the oils used for the skin or the hair, were the following: “men- desium,’ ‘megalesium,’ ‘metopium,’ ‘amaracinum,’ ‘cyprinum,’ ‘susinum,’ “nardinum,’ ‘spicatum,’ ‘jasminum,’ ‘rosaceum,’ and crocus oil; which last was considered the most costly. Powders were also used as per- fumes; they were called ‘diapasmata.” The Greeks used these expensive kinds of perfumes from very early times, and both they and the Ro- mans carried them about with them in Small boxes of elegant work- manship. In the luxurious city of Capua, there was one great street, called the ‘Seplasia,’ which consisted entirely of shops in which un- guents and perfumes were sold. 66 Thalia causes.]—Wer. 84. Thalia was one of the nine Muses, so called from the sweetness of her voice. Her name, as used here, typifies the art of poetry. - 67 For Cephalus.]—Wer. 87. The story of Cephalus and Aurora is re. lated in the Seventh Book of the Metamorphoses 150 THE EPISTIES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. xv. lostlook on everything, Phaon would be commanded to prolong his slumbers.” Wenus would have borne him off to heaven in her ivory chariot,” but she sees that he might be pleasing?" to her Mars as well. Oh, thou! not yet a youth, and a boy no longer; delightful age Oh, grace and supreme glory of thy age | Come hither, and, beauteous one, return to my bosom ; I ask thee not to love me, but to permit me" to love thee. I write, and my eyes are bedeved with gushing tears; see how many blots there are in this place. If thou wast so determined to go hence, thou mightst have gone in a kinder way; and at least thou mightst have said, “Lesbian damsel, farewell!” Thou didst not bear away with thyself my tears or my parting kisses. In fact, I did not appre- hend” what I was so soon to bewail. Nothing of thine have I, but ill treatment only; nor hast thou any pledge” of my love to remind thee of me. I gave thee no injunctions; and, * To prolong his slumbers.]—Wer. 90. Sappho is here referring to the story of Endymion, who was said to have been a beautiful shepherd, who having been condemned by Jupiter to a perpetual sleep, or, according to 3ome versions, having been thrown into a trance by Diana herself, was then beloved by her. Pliny says, that the origin of this story was the fact, that he was the first to discover the course of the moon. * Ivory chariot.]—Wer. 91. The poets attribute a silver chariot to JDiana or the moon, and an ivory car to Venus. * Might be pleasing.]—Ver, 92. Venus would be afraid lest Mars should fall in love with him. The story of the intrigues of Mars and We• nus is told in the Fourth Book of the Metamorphoses. 7. To permit me.]—Wer. 96. Pliny the Elder, in his Twenty-second Book, ch. 8, attributes the passion of Sappho to a singular cause: he is speaking of the root of a white plant called ‘centum capita,’ a kind of thistle called by us eringo,’ of which this wonderful story is told by him ; that its roots bear respèctively the resemblance of the two sexes; that it is scarce to be found, and that if the male kind is found by a man, he be- comes an object of female passion; on this account, according to Pliny, Phaon was beloved by Sappho. - 7* Did not apprehend.]—Wer. 102. She reproaches him for not having given her any notice of his intended departure. 78 Any pledge.j—Wer. 104. We have here the reason stated why friends, at parting, gave and took pledges of mutual affection; that they might serve as memorials of each other, and help to recall the memory of the person absent. Crispinus gives another meaning to the words, which he thus paraphrases, ‘Nec pignora, quae habes mei amoris,te admonu- erunt, ut saltem discedens valediceres:’ ‘Not all the tokens which you have received of my affection have moved you so much as to grant me the con- solation of one parting farewell.’ This does not, however, appear to be the meaning of the passage. Ep. xv.] SAPPHO TO PHAON. 15i indeed, no injunctions had I to give thee, except that thou shouldst be loth to be forgetful of me. By the God of Love (and may he never depart afar from me), and by the nine Goddesses, my own Divinities, do I swear to thee, when some one, I know not who, said to me, “Thy joys are fled;” for long I could neither weep” nor speak. Both tears failed my eyes, and my tongue my mouth; my breast was frozen by an icy chill. After my grief had found a vent, I did not hesitate for my breast to be beaten, nor to shriek aloud as I rent my hair; in no other manner than if an affectionate mother is bearing the lifeless body” of her son carried off to the erected pile. - My brother, Charaxus, rejoices and triumphs in my sorrow, and before my eyes he comes and goes;" and that the cause of my grief may appear worthy of reproach, he says, “Why is she grieving; surely her daughter still lives?” Shame and love” unite not in the same object; all the multitude were witnesses; I had my bosom bared” with garments rent. Phaon, thou art my care; thee do my dreams bring before me; dreams more fair than the beauteous day. There do I find thee, though in distant regions thou art away; but sleep has not its joys sufficiently prolonged. Often do I seem to be pressing thy arms with my neck, often to be placing mine beneath thy neck. Sometimes I am caressing thee, and am uttering words exactly resembling the truth, and my lips 74 Could neither weep.]—Wer. 110. This is a true picture of grief; and all the different modes in which it can express itself are here admira- bly delineated. 75 The lifeless body.]—Wer. 115. Witness the burial of Iphis by his mother, in the story of Iphis and Anaxarete, in the Fourteenth Book of the Metamorphoses. - 76 He comes and goes.]—Wer. 118. His frequent intrusions on the privacy of her sorrow, either were, or were supposed to be, so many methods of insulting her misfortunes. - 77 Daughter still lives.]—Wer. 120. Charaxus, in saying this, hints that she could not have shewn more grief had even her daughter died. 18 Shame and love.]—Wer. 121. This is said in order to serve as a reason for what follows. ‘Love and shame,' she says, “are inconsistent: and as I am wholly a slave to the former, the other has no influence upon me.’ 79 Bosom bared.]—Wer. 122. This would, and very justly, be looked upon as a violation of the rules of propriety; and the more especially, when she knew that the eyes of all people were upon her. 152 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. [E.P. xv. keep watch” upon my feelings. I recognize the kisses which thou wast wont to give, and which so pleasing thou wast accustomed to receive, and so delightful to return. Further I am ashamed to relate; but no particular is omitted. It both delights and it pleases me not to be without thee. But when Titan shows himself, and with himself all things besides, I complain that my slumbers have deserted me so soon. The caves and groves do I seek, as though groves and caves could avail me; they were conscious of thy joys. Thither am I borne, bereft of my senses, like one whom the raving Erictho” has infatuated, my locks lying upon my neck. My eyes behold the caverns roofed with the rough pebbles, which to me were equal to Mygdonian marble.” I find the wood that has oft afforded us a couch, and overshadowing, has covered us with its dense foliage; but I find not the master both of the wood and of myself. A worthless spot is the place; he was the recommendation of the spot. I recognised the pressed grass,” of the turf so well known to me; by our weight were the blades bent. I lay me down, and I touched the place on the spot in which thou wast; the grass, once so pleasing, drank in my tears. Moreover, the * Lips keep watch..]—Wer. 130. Whether sleeping or waking, her lips are ever on the watch to express the intensity of her feelings. * Raving Erictho.]—Wer. 139. Erictho was the name of a famous zorceress of Thessaly, whose aid Pompey sought, according to Lucan, in the Sixth Book of his Pharsalia. Ovid here uses the name as signifying any enchantress, species pro genere. * Mygdonian marble.]—Wer. 142. ‘Marble of Phrygia;' because it was considered the best. The poets call Phrygia ‘Mygdonia,' because the latter region adjoined it on the South. - $8 The pressed grass.]—Wer. 147. According to this, Phaon must have forsaken her and left the island at the same moment. The whole of this passage, from the 122nd line, is wrought with extreme beauty. Critics have observed that this Epistle seems to be the most finished of the works of Ovid ; and the present passage certainly appears to cor- roborate that belief. What can be more beautifully painted than her enraptured dreams ? Or how can imagination form a more interesting scene than that of her retiring to the caves and groves which they had formerly, frequented together, and soothing her mind with the remem- brance of past joys 2 Ovid has omitted no circumstance that may possibly serve to heighten the description, or awaken the attention of the reader; and if some portion should perchance seem to be too highly coloured, the impassioned character of Sappho will furnish some excuse for the Poet. EP. xv.] . SAPPHO TO PHAON. 153 branches, their foliage laid aside, appear to mourn, and no birds send forth their sweet complaints. The Daulian bird” alone, that most disconsolate mother, who took so cruel a vengeance on her husband, sings of Ismarian Itys;” the bird sings of Itys, while Sappho sings of her forsaken love. Thus much ; all else is silent as though in the midst of night. There is a sacred spring, limpid, and more pellucid than the glassy stream ; many suppose that this harbours a Divinity; over it the lotus,” delighting in waters, spreads its branches, it- self alone a grove:” the earth is green with the springing turf. When here I was reclining my limbs, wearied with weeping, one of the Naiads stood before my eyes. She stood, and she said, “Since thou art being consumed by an unrequited flame, the Ambracian land” must be sought by thee.” Phoebus, * The Daulian bird.]—Wor. 154. Progne, in the character of the nightingale, is here called ‘Daulias,’ from Daulis, a city of Phocis, where, according to Thucydides, her husband Tereus reigned. It is remarkable that Ovid differs here from the common tradition, in making Progne to have been changed, not into a swallow, but a nightingale; still, there are some authors who agree with him in this statement. * Ismarian Itys.]—Ver, 154. See the story of Tereus and Progne, and the fate of Itys, in the Sixth Book of the Metamorphoses, where Ovid represents Progne as having been changed into a swallow, and Philomela into a nightingale. * The lotus.]—Wer. 159. The ‘lotus' is a tree much spoken of by the ancients. It grew in various parts of Africa, being, according to Diodorus Siculus, not uncommon in Egypt. The fruit of this tree was said to be so pleasing to the taste, that they who had once eaten of it could never be prevailed upon to return to their own country, or abandon the climate in which it grew. Hence the word “Lotophagus' became a common term for a person who had forgotten his native country; and the phrase ‘lotum gustavit,” was a proverb signifying that a man had been long absent from home. Its wood was much used for making ‘tibiae,’ ‘pipes,” or ‘flutes.” 87 Itself a grove..] —Wer. 160. He means to say, that the branches of this tree, by spreading out to a great length, and them bending to- wards the ground, formed a kind of grove. The banyan tree of the East sends forth branches, which bending downwards take root, and thus one tree literally often forms a grove. Perhaps the ‘lotus’ here alluded to may have had a similar quality. The word ‘lotus' is supposed to have been applied to three different kinds of tree, besides the plant which we call ‘trefoil,” or “melilot.’ * Ambracian land.]—Wer. 164. She alludes to Acarnania, situate in the Ambracian gulf. * Sought by thee..] —Wer. 165. Leucadia was an island off the coast of Acarnania, which was formerly said to have joined the shore by an Isthmus. Actium was the more ancient name of the island. 154 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XV. from on high, looks down upon the sea so far as it extends ; the people call it the Actian and the Leucadian sea. Hence did Deucalion,” inflamed with love for Pyrrha, throw himself, and dash the waters with unharmed body. There was no de- lay; love changing, touched the most obdurate breast of Pyrrha; Deucalion was cured of his flame. This result does that place afford. At once repair to lofty Leucas, and fear not to leap" from the rock.” When she had thus advised; with her words, she departed. Chilled with fear, I arose; and my swelling cheeks did not withhold my tears. I will go, O Nymph, and I will repair to the rocks so pointed out; afar be fear, conquered by frenzied pas- sion. Whatever it shall be, my fate shall be better than now it is. Ye breezes, arise ; this body of mine has no great weight. Do thou too, gentle Love, place wings beneath” me as I fall; that I may not, by my death, be the censure of the Leucadian waves. Then will I hang up my lyre” to Phoebus, our common attribute ;” and under it shall be this 99 Deucalion.]—Ver. 167. How Deucalion and Pyrrha repeopled the earth, will be found in the First Book of the Metamorphoses; but the story here told of them is not so generally known. 9| Fear not to leap.]—Wer. 171. The names of many that threw them- selves from this rock, which was called ‘the Lover's Leap,” have been pre- served by ancient writers, Athenaeus, Book xiv. ch. 3, mentions a female, named Calyca, who leaped thence, on being slighted by her lover Emathlus, and was killed. Menander, as quoted by Strabo, Bookx., says that Sappho was the first who took this fatal leap. See the amusing articles in Addison's Spectator, Nos. 223, 227, 229, and 233. * Wings beneath.]—Wer. 179. In the solemnities performed in honour of the Actian Apollo, it was customary to doom some guilty criminal to be thrown from the top of the Promontory. This was supposed to avert the anger of the God, and to render him propitious. It was, how- ever, the merciful custom to furnish the victim with wings which might perhaps, by buoying him up, break his fall, and to have several small boats waiting below, that, if possible, he might be picked up out of the sea; after which he was banished from the territory. It is very possible that in this line Sappho alludes to this custom. * My lyre.]—Ver. 181: “Chelys 'is from the Greek word xs), ūg, or XEAóvn, “a tortoise.' The first lyres, or ‘citharac,' were made by fitting strings on the shell of a tortoise, as we are informed by Homer in his Hymn to Mercury, where he ascribes the invention to that God. ‘Testudo,” or ‘tor- toise,’ is often used, among the Latin poets, to signify a ‘lyre,' or a ‘cithara.’ * Common attribute.]—Wer. 181. The lyre was common, communis,' to Sappho and Apollo, because he invented it, and she was in the habit of compºsing Lyric music to be played upor; it, or to be sung in concert with it. EP. X7.] SAPPHO TO PHAON. 155 line and a second one: “Phoebus, I, the poetess Sappho, have, in gratitude,” offered my lyre to thee; it is suited to me, to thee is it suited.” But why, in my misery, dost thou send me to the Actian coasts, when thou thyself canst trace back thy retreating steps ? Thou canst be more beneficial to me than the Leucadian waves; both in beauty and in merit, thou shalt be Phoebus to me. Canst thou endure, O thou more hard-hearted than the rocks and waves, if I die, to have the discredit of my death' And how much" more becomingly could my bosom be pressed to thine, than to be given to be hurled down from the rocks? This is the breast, Phaon, which thou wert wont to praise, and which so often seemed the seat of genius to thee. I wish that now it was eloquent. Grief checks my skill, and all my genius is impeded” by my woes. My former powers avail me not for my lines; my ‘plectrum’ is silent in grief; in grief my lyre is mute. Ye ocean daughters, Lesbian dames, a progeny both mar- ried and destined to marry; ye Lesbian fair, names celebrated by the Æolian lyre;”ye Lesbian dames, who, beloved by me, have caused my disgrace, cease to come a throng, to my lyre. 95 Have, in gratitude.]—Ver. 183. Grateful for a two-fold reason, be- cause he had preserved her life in the leap, and because he had effectu- ally cured her passion. 96 And how much..]—Wer. 191. This is Sappho’s last attempt to move the obdurate Phaon. She has acquainted him with her resolution to throw herself headlong from Leucate. The despair which has been the result of his neglect, has driven her to make trial of this dangerous remedy, and nothing but a change in his behaviour can now induce her to desist from her purpose; for her passion is so strong as to make life in- supportable without him, and all other attempts to remove it have proved ineffectual. Sappho has omitted no circumstance that may tend to soften the human heart to emotions of pity. sº * Is impeded.]—Wer. 196. It is commonly said that necessity is the mother of invention. Such is often the fact but, as in the case of Sappho, it will sometimes overwhelm the mind with a tide of sorrow, and thereby render it entirely incapable of attending to the means of self preservation. - $. 99 AEolian lyre.]—Ver, 200. According to Strabo, Lesbos was among the chief states of Æolia. Sappho wrote in the AEolic dialect, of which Bacchus was said to be the inventor. i Lesbian dames.]—Ver. 201. Sappho here calls upon the Lesbian maids, whom she had formerly loved and taught. Critics have observed that the repetition here used by the Poet, is not only intended to make the lines more affecting, but is also an imitation of Sappho's manner of R 56 THE EPISTILES OF THE HEROINTES, (EP. xv. Phaon has deprived me of all that before was pleasing to you. (Ah, wretched me! How very nearly had I called him mine !) Make him to return ; your poetess will return as well. He gives the impulse to my genius; he takes it away. And what do I avail by prayers? Is his savage breast moved 7 Or is it still obdurate, and do the Zephyrs waft away my unavailing words' Would that the winds, which bear away my words, would bring back thy sails; that act, wast thou but wise, even thus late, were befitting thee. Or art thou now returning, and are the votive offerings” prepared for thy bark! Why dost thou remd my heart with delays? Unmoor thy ship. Venus, who sprang from the waves, smooths the waves for the lover. The breezes will speed thy course; do thou only unmoor thy ship. Cupid himself, sit- ting at the helm, will be the pilot ; with his tender hand, he himself will open and gather in the sails. Or, if it is thy pleasure that Pelasgian” Sappho should be far away; (yet, thou wilt not find any reason why I am wor- thy of thy aversion);-at least,” let an unkind letter tell me this, in my misery; so that the lot of the Leucadian waves may be tried by me. writing; as she took great delight in this figure, which is called Anaphora and Epanophora. * Votive offerings.]—Wer. 211. It was the custom to send congratu- latory presents to friends who had escaped from tempest or other immi- ment dangers. * Pelasgian.]—Wer. 217. Strabo tells us that the Pelasgi wandered all over Greece, and had left their names in many places. “Pelasgis Sappho’ therefore means ‘Sappho of Lesbos,’ a Greek colony having been established there. * At least.]—Ver, 219. Instead of ‘hoc saltem,' some read here, “O saltem.’ Whatever the reading, Heinsius entirely rejects this distich as not being the production of Ovid, and is not able to conceive what it can mean. Crispinus, however, the Delphin Editor, thinks that the sense is very evident, and he thus paraphrases it: ‘Si velis (inquit) longe a me fugere, moneat saltem epistola, ut huic malo remedium in aquis Ileucadiis quaeram:’ ‘If it is your intention to abandon me, at least let a letter from you tell me so; that, as a remedy for it, I may seek a death in the Ileucadian waves.’ EP. XVI.] PA RIS TO HELEN. 157 EPISTLE XVI. P A R IS TO H E L E N. PARIs, the son of Priam, who is also sometimes called by the name of Alexander, having, in the contest for the Golden Apple, given his de- cision in favour of Venus, received from that Goddess a promise of the possession of Helen, at that time the most beautiful woman in the world; and for that purpose, he sailed for Sparta, where he was kindly received by her husband, Menelaús. After sometime, Menelaús departed for Crete; and when leaving home, he particularly recommended his guest to the care of Helen. Paris, being deeply enamoured of her, considered that this opportunity ought not to be neglected, and en- deavoured by every artifice to gain her. For this purpose he is sup- posed to write the present Epistle, in which he informs her of his passion, and endeavours to insinuate himself into her good graces, by all those engaging qualities and charms which are supposed to recom- mend a lover; while, studying the foibles of the fair sex, and knowing the influence of appearance upon them, he omits nothing which he imagines may engage the affection of Helen, or make her husband appear contemptible. He then urges her to comply with his desires, and endeavours to palliate the guilt by telling her that he wishes to make her his wife; and he concludes with pressing her to fly with him to Troy, where he promises her a life of pleasure and affluence, and assures her that he shall be enabled to defend her against all attempts to recover her. DAUGHTER of Leda, I, the son of Priam, send to thee that health which can be presented to me, thee alone bestowing it. Shall I speak" out 7 Or is there no need to declare a flame well known, and is my love more evident than I could wish it to be 7 I could, indeed, wish it to lie concealed, until a time" should be presented, that would not have apprehensions mingled with joy. But in vain do I dissemble ; for who can conceal a fire, which always betrays itself by its 6wn light ! Still, if thou dost expect me to add language as well to actions, ‘I burn.” Thou here hast words, the interpreters of * Shall I speak.]—Wer. 3. This implies the notion of one debating with himself, and doubting whether he shall speak his mind with plain- mess, or, conscious of the badness of his cause, rather leave her to conjec- ture it from hints and signs. 6 Until a time.]—Wer. 6. That is to say, ‘Till I should understand that I am not disagreable to you, and by the return of a like passion, have a pleasure unmixed with those doubts and anxieties which so much perplex me at present.’ 158 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XVI. my feelings. Pardon the confession, I entreat thee; and read not over the rest with a severe countenance, but With one that well becomes thy beauty. Already" it is a pleasing matter, that, my letter received, gives me hopes that I, as well, may be received in the same manner. May this be fulfilled; and I trust that the mother of Love, who has prompted me to this, may not have promised thee in vain. For, that thou” mayst not offend through ignorance, I am brought hither by a Divine admoni- tion; and no feeble Divinity favours my undertaking. A great prize,” indeed, do I claim, but not other than my due; Cytherea has promised thee for my nuptial chamber. Under her guid- ance have I made my hazardous passage in the ship built by Phereclus," from the Sigaean shore, over the extended seas. She has granted me propitious breezes, and favouring gales; for, sprung from the sea, she has a control over the sea. May she persevere; and as she calms the raging of the * Already..]—Wer. 13. Some Commentators have found a source of difficulty in the use of the word ‘jamdudum.’ But it is obvious that Paris is implying an anticipated pleasure, and is promising himself be- fore-hand that his letter will be well received, which forethought gives him much joy. We may suppose, as he seems to have been a man of some discernment in the affairs of love, that he found that Helen had no aversion to him, and that he thence was able to judge of the suc- cess of his Epistle. So in the ‘Eunuchus' of Terence, Gnatho, speaking to Thraso, says, respecting the courtesan Thais— * Quando illud, quod tu das, expectat atque amat, Jamdudum amat te; jamdudum illi facile fit quod doleat.” “When she is expecting and longing for the presents which you give her, it is a sure sign that she is already in love with you—.’ 8 For that thou.]—Wer. 17. This is an artful insinuation on the part of Paris. He would persuade Helen that he has been prompted by a divine impulse to come in quest of her, and thus prevail upon her, from a principle of religion, to favour his addresses; thus making her believe that a denial, in his case, will be no less than opposition to the will of heaven. - 9 A great prize.]—Wer. 19. He considers her favour his due because, in anticipation of it and in the hope of a full performance of the promise of Venus. he had rejected the glorious offers made him by Juno and Minerva. 10 Built by Phereclus.]—Wer. 22. Phereclus was the builder of the fleet of Paris, ‘the commencement of woe' to Troy, as Homer calls it. He was slain in the Trojan war by Meriones, as Homer says, “because he knew not the decrees of the Gods;’ in allusion to an oracular response which had warned the Trojans not to Ineddle with naval matters. EP. xvi.) PARIS TO HELEN. 159 ocean, so may she calm that of my breast; and may she bring home my desires to their harbour. These flames have I brought,” I have not found them here; these were my cause for so long a voyage. For neither threatening storms nor mistaken course has driven us hither; the Taenarian land was sought by my fleet. And do not suppose that I ploughed the deep in a ship that carried merchandize; may the Gods preserve the wealth.” that I have. Neither do I come as a spectator to the cities of Greece; the towns of my own kingdom are more opulent than they. It is thee that I seek; thee, whom the resplendent Venus has promised for my couch. Thee did I sigh for, before thou wast known to me. I beheld thy features with my mind, before I did with my eyes; fame was the first har- binger of the beauty of thy features. And yet” it is not to be wondered at, if, as is not unlikely, struck from afar by the missile darts from thy bow, I am in love. Thus has it pleased the Destinies,” whom, that thou mayst not strive to resist, hear a narrative” related with strict truthfulness. Still was I retained in the womb of my mother, my birth being impeded; now was her womb pregnant with its le- gitimate burden; she seemed to herself, in a vision of sleep, 11 Have I brought.]—Wer. 27. He tells her that he was enamoured of her by reason of the description he had heard of her charms, before he had ever seen her. N-2 * Preserve the wealth.]—Wer. 32. He means to say, ‘Wealth can be no motive to me for exposing myself to the hazards of storms and tem- pests; I have already abundance of riches, if the Gods will only preserve them to me.' Besides, he is probably afraid that Helen may look down upon him, if she should suppose him to be a mere merchant. * And yet.]—Wer. 39. Most of the Commentators are of opinion that all the lines from 39 to 143 are spurious, and ought to be rejected, as not worthy of the genius of Ovid, and the work of some busy interpo- lator. They are wanting in all the older MSS. Scaliger, however, seems to be content to consider only the four lines, from 1.39 to 1.42 in- clusively, as spurious. * The Destinies.]—Wer. 41. He here puts the strongest complexion on his passion, as he attributes it to the will of the Gods, or the decrees of Fate, in order that he may be the better able to influence Helen. * Hear a narrative.]—Ver. 42. He now makes a long digression to explain the causes and origin of his love. He begins with the circum- stances of his birth; and he states the reason of his being exposed on mount Ida and bred among shepherds, the judgment which he gave relative to the three Goddesses, and the motives which had determined him to visiº Sparta. 6() THE EPISTLES OF THE FIER.O.I.NES. | EP. XVI, to be bearing from her teeming womb a huge flaming torch. Alarmed she arose,” and she related the fearful visions of the dark night to the aged Priam, and he to the soothsayers. A soothsayer prophesies that Ilion shall be burnt through the flames of Paris;” surely that was the torch of my breast” as it now exists. Although,” to appearances, I seemed to be of the lower order,” my beauty and the vigour of my mind were signs of my concealed nobleness of birth. There is a spot in the shady vales of the middle of Ida, retired, and filled with pitch-trees and holm oaks; a spot which is cropped neither by the teeth of the harmless sheep nor of the goat that delights in rocks, nor by the broad mouth of the browsing cow; hence, looking down upon the walls of Dardania,” and the lofty abodes, and the ocean, I was leaning against a tree. Behold ! by the tread of feet” did the ground seem to me * Alarmed, she arose.]—Wer. 47. Spurious though these lines may possibly be, the expression here, “territa consurgit,” savours strongly of Ovidian composition. In the First Book of the Fasti, l. 435, he has the words ‘Territa consurgens Nymphe.’ 17 Flames of Paris.]—Wer. 49. This is a Prolepsis, or anticipation, in applying to himself, by name, what the prophet said about the flames of Troy: he was not then born, and of course could not have been mentioned by name. * Torch of my breast.]—Wer. 50. The flames which were foretold by the seers as destined to threaten Troy, are here interpreted by Paris to mean the flames of love that were then raging in his breast. This is inge- nious, as it was perfectly natural for a mind that could attend to nothing but what concerned its passion, to put this construction on the predic- tions of the soothsayers. - * Although..]—Ver: 51. This and the following line are thought by Heinsius to be misplaced, and properly to come after the ninetieth line; ‘Regius agnoscor per rata signa puer.’ The remark cannot fail to be allowed to be just by all who consider the two passages with any degree of attention. * The lower order.]—Wer. 51. Priam had ordered the child, as soon as born, to be exposed on mount Ida; but the persons whom he had employed for that purpose, being charmed with the beauty of the infant, took care of him, and he long passed for the son of one of the royal shepherds. * Walls of Dardania.]—Wer. 57. Ovid here improperly uses the word ‘Dardania,’ as signifying the city of Troy with its walls, it really meant the region or district in which Troy was situate. Pliny the Elder applies the word to the isle of Samothrace. * Tread of feet.]—Wer. 59. This thundering step, which shook the earth, portended the approach of Divinities, however strongly it might be in contrast to the aethereal nature and the sex of the three beauteor. Goddesses. - EP. xvi.) PARIS TO HETIEN . 161 to be moved; I will speak the truth, though it will scarcely gain credit for the truth. There stood before my eyes, im- pelled by his swift wings, the grandson of the great Atlas and of Pleione;” (it was allowed me to see, may it be allowed me to relate what was seen); and between the fingers of the Divinity was a golden wand. Three Goddesses, too, at the same moment, Venus, and Juno with Pallas, placed their charming feet upon the grass. I was astounded, and a chilling dread” had raised my hair erect, when the winged messenger” said to me, “Lay aside thy fear. Thou art the umpire in a dis- pute on beauty; settle the contest between the Goddesses; which one of them is deserving to surpass the other two in charms.” And that I might not refuse, he gave the injunc- tion in the words of Jupiter; and then straightway” he mounted aloft to the stars by the aethereal track. My mind gathered strength, and on a sudden confidence arose, and I feared not to scrutinize each one of them with my eyes. They were all deserving of the victory; and, the umpire, I was grieved” that all could not have their cause triumphant, But still, of them, one even pleased me more than the others, so that you might know that it was she by whom love is in- spired. And so great” was the desire for superiority, that * And of Pleiome 1–Ver. 62. Maia, the mother of Mercury, by Ju- piter, was the daughter of Pleione and Atlas. Oceanus and Tethys were the parents of Pleione. * A chilling dread.]——Wer. 67. ‘Horror’ must here mean “dread,” or simply “fear'; for there was nothing terrible in the appearance of the T)ivinities, and that alone could have produced horror, in our sense of the word. - - * Winged messenger.]—Ver, 68. The insignia of Mercury were the ‘talaria,’ or wings on his ancles, the ‘petasus,’ or winged cap, and the ‘caduceus,' or wand, which he bore as the herald of the Gods. * Then straightway.]—Wer. 72. Ovid says, that when Mercury had delivered his message, he betook himself to the heavens. The painters, however, frequently represent him as though remaining to assist Paris in the adjudication. * I was grieved.]—Wer. 75. Heinsius suggests “querebar” at the end of this line, instead of ‘verebar'; and this is the more likely to be the true reading, as the next line in its present state is not correct Latin. The suggestion of Heinsius ought no doubt to be adopted, and ‘causā suā’ to be substituted for “causam suam,' the meaning being, ‘and I, the judge, was sorry that they could not be victorious, each in her own cause.’ * And so great.]—Yet 59. The poets were so sensible of the desigg M I62 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XVI. they were eager to canvass for my decision with large pre- Sents. The wife of Jove” offered me a kingdom, his daughter valour. I myself was in doubt whether I would wish to be powerful, or whether to be brave. Venus sweetly smiled, and said, “Paris, let not either offer, full of anxious fears, influence thee; I will give thee an object to love; and the daughter of beautiful Leda, herself still more beauteous, shall rush into thy embrace.” Thus she spoke; and equally pre- ferred for her gift and for her beauty, she turned her victorious steps towards the heavens. In the meantime (the Fates,” I suppose, commencing to be propitious) I was recognised to be the son of the king by undoubted signs. His palace was joyous, his son being recovered after so long a time; and Troy added this day as well to her festive ones. And as I languish for thee, so did the fair ones languish for me; thou alone canst gain what is the wish of so many. And not only have the daughters of kings and of chieftains courted me, but even to the Nymphs” have I been an object of anxiety and affection. But a disdain” of all these came upon me, implanted in the female mind for excelling in beauty, that they have here represented the Goddesses as not exempt from this weakness. The affront given to Pallas and Juno, by the decision of Paris in favour of Venus, was resented by those Goddesses upon the whole Trojan nation ; and so un- forgiving did they prove, that their anger was not appeased before they had overthrown that ancient kingdom. * The wife of Jove.]—Wer. 81. Such is the infirmity of human ma- ture, that as soon as a decision is to be given, it seems to be a matter of course that a bribe should be offered, and an equal, matter of course that it should be accepted. 30 The Fates j-Wer. 89. Hitherto the Fates had proved adverse to Paris: he was an exile from his father's house, deprived of his rights as a prince of the royal blood, and humbly and meanly educated. On his ori- gin becoming known, he was removed into the family of Priam. 3 To the Nymphs.]—Ver, 96. We have seen this in some measure con- firmed in the Epistle written to him by the Nymph (Enone. He was also beloved by Arisba, the daughter of Merops, king of Lesbos. As it is his design to commend himself, and to set a high value on his affection, he falls into the common foible of lovers, of exaggerating when speaking of himself. * But a disdain.]—Wer. 97. Before this line the Palatine and some other ancient MSS. have these two lines : - * Quas super CEnomen facies mutarer in orbem Nec Priamo est ad te dignior ulla nurus.’ Heiusius has no doubt of their having been composed by Ovid, but thinks EF, XVI.] PARIS TO HELEN. 163 after, daughter of Tyndarus, there was a hope given of a union with thee. When awake, I beheld thee with my sight, at night, in my imagination, when my eyes lay overpowered with placid slumbers. What wilt thou effect by thy presence, who, not yet seen, didst thus charm 7 I burned,” although far thence was the flame. Nor could I any longer defer those hopes, in seeking the object of my desires over the azure paths. The Trojan pine groves were hewed down with the Phrygian axe, and each tree that was useful on the waters of the deep ; the lofty Gargarian chain” was despoiled of its towering woods, and steep Ida afforded me numberless planks. The oaks were bent, destined to be the foundation of swift ships; and the curving keel was knit to the ribs. Sail-yards did we add, and sails attached to the masts ; and the bending stern received the painted Gods.” Besides, on the ship in which I was borne, attended by a little Cupid, stood the Goddess” em- blazoned, the promiser of her endearments. After the finish- ing hand was given to the fleet when built, forthwith was I bidden to go on the AEgean waves.” that as the first is extremely corrupt, for that very bad reason, the distich has been rejected by the Copyists. In the second line, instead of ‘ad te,’ “a te’ seems to be the proper reading; and, allowing for the corruptions, the meaning seems to be, “But be you preferred before them, and even, be- fore (Enome, than whom, after yourself, there is no one more deserving to be the daughter-in-law of Priam.’ It is supposed by some Commentators that Helen refers to these lines in the Seventeenth Epistle, 1, 195-6. ‘Tu quoque dilectam multos, infide, per annos Biceris (Enomen destituisse tuam.’ * I burned.]—Wer. 102. Alluding still to the flame of his love as the subject of the vision of Hecuba, he calls Helen his ‘ignis,' or ‘flame,” a mode of expression common with the Latin poets. - * Gargarian chain..] — Ver. 107. Gargara was a part of mount Id where stood a town of the same name, so called from Gargarus, the son of Jupiter and Larissa. 35 Painted Gods.]—Wer. 112. He here alludes to the figures of the Gods that were placed at the stern of the vessel, as its protectors or tutelary Divinities, * Stood the Goddess.]—Ver, 113. He means that Venus and Cupid were represented as the tutelary Deities of his own ship. 37 AEgean waves.]—Wer. 116. If we adopt ‘jubebar' as the reading in this line, his meaning must be, that he was bidden, or ordered, to go to Sparta by the Fates. Heinsius conjectures “lubebat,' or “juvabat,' 'he M 2 164 THE EPISTIES OF THE HEROINEs. [Ep. xvi Both my father and my mother, by their entreaties, opposed my desires, and delayed my proposed voyage with affectionate remonstrances. My sister, Cassandra,” too, just as she was, with dishevelied locks, when now my ships were ready to set sail, exclaimed, “Whither dost thou rush ’ Flames wilt thou bring back with thee; through these waters thou knowest not how vast the flames that are sought.” Truth-telling was the prophetess; the flames she mentioned have I found, and raging love burns in my yielding breast. I went out of har- bour, and employing propitious gales, CEbalian Nymph,” I neared thy shores. Thy husband received me with hos- pitality ; this, too, happened" not without the design and authority of the Divinities. He, indeed, showed me what- ever in all Lacedæmon was worthy to be shown and remark- able. But for me who desired to behold” thy celebrated beauty, there was nothing else by which my eyes could be attracted. When I beheld thee, I was amazed ; and smitten with thy charms, I felt my heart, to its very centre, palpitate with renewed passion. Features like to those, so far as I recollect, had Cytherea,” when she came to submit to my decision. If thou hadst come together with her to that con- test, the victory” of Wenus would have been a matter of dis- chose,” or ‘it pleased him to go.” Although he here says that Priami op- posed his going, some accounts state that he was sent on an embassy from Priam to Menelatis. - - & Sister, Cassandra.]—Wer. 119. The prophecies of Cassandra on this occasion have been already referred to in the Epistle of QEnone. 39 CEbalian Nymph.]—Wer. 126. (Ebalus, the father of Tyndarus, the putative father of Helen, gave to Laconia the name of CEbalia. 40 This too, happened.]—Wer. 127. This is said speciously, to cloak his gross ingratitude towards Menelaús, who had so kindly entertained him. * Desired to behold.]—Wer. 131. It is worthy of remark how skilfully Paris takes the opportunity, from the circumstance of the civility of Menelaús in showing him all the things worthy to be seen in Sparta, to give the matter an ingenious turn, by representing his thoughts as so mucu engaged with the idea of Helen, that he could regard nothing else, and was full of impatience to see her. * Had Cytherea.]—Wer. 136. This is the highest compliment that he can possibly pay her. * The victory.]—Wer. 138. It is well known that those who were victorious in the Olympic games, were crowned with branches of the palm- tree. Hence the word ‘palma' came to be used for the badge of victºry in Bll cases. S.P. XVI.] TA.R.I.S TO HELEN. - }{35 pute. Fame, indeed, has given a wondrous report of thee, and no land is there that is ignorant of thy charms; nor is there anywhere thy equal in Phrygia, nor has any other one among the beauteous, from the rising of the Sun, an equal fame. And dost thou believe me in this ' Thy glory is still inferior to the truth; and fame has almost proved grudging as to thy charms. More do I find here than she has ever promised, and thy glories are eclipsed by their SOUl]'Cé. With good reason, them, was Theseus inflamed,” who knew every thing; and thou didst seem a prey worthy of a hero so great; while, after the custom of thy nation, thou didst contend naked in the ‘palaestra” shining with oil , and thou, a woman, wast mingled with the naked men. I commend him for carrying thee off; i only wonder that he ever restored thee; so valuable a prize should have been firmly held. First should this head have parted with my bleeding neck, before thou shouldst have been torn from my nuptial chamber. And would my hands have ever proved willing to let thee go? And would I, while living, haye permitted thee to depart from my bosom 7 If thou must have been restored, still, first would I have gained some pledge of love ; and my passion should not have proved entirely harmless. Either thy virgin charms should have been tasted of by me, or, at least, that," which, thy virginity safe, could have been snatched from thee. Do but yield thyself, and thou shalt know how great is the con- stancy of Paris. The flame of the funeral pile alone shall put an end to my flame. Thee have I preferred to the kingdom, which once the most 44 Theseus inflamed.]—Wer. 147. Who had carried her off when a girl, as already stated. * The ‘palaestra.’]—Ver. 149. The word ‘palaestra' must be taken here to mean the place for exercise in wrestling, which was much cultivated by the Laconians, with whom the young women mingled with the men in a state of nudity on such occasions; to which circumstance, reference is here made. The ‘palaestrae’ are thought, by some writers, to have been appropriated to the use of the boys and youths, while the “gymnasia' were intended for the men. They were, however, most probably intended as places of exercise for the “athletae,” or persons who contended in the pilblic games. * Or, at least, that..]— Ver. 159. Kisses, to wit. 166 THE EPISTLEs of THE HEROINEs. [EP, XVI. powerful wife and sister of Jove promised to me. And, so long as I could throw my arms around thy neck, the valour that Pallas offered was despised by me. And I regret it not, nor shall I ever seem to have made a foolish choice;" my mind.” continues firm in its resolve. Only, do not thou permit my hopes to be vain; I entreat thee, O thou, who dost deserve to be acquired through labours so great. I do not, of ignoble birth, sigh for an alliance with a noble spouse; and thou wilt not, believe me, be my wife to thy discredit. Thou wilt find, shouldst thou enquire, a Pleiad” and Jupiter, in my pedigree; not to mention my intervening ancestors. My father wields the sceptre of Asia, than which region none is more fertile, hardly to be contained within its boundless limits, Innu- merable cities, and golden roofs,” wilt thou behold; and temples, which thou wilt say are becoming to their Gods. Thou wilt see Ilion, and the walls strengthened with lofty towers, built by the harmony” of the lyre of Phoebus. Why * A foolish choice.]—Ver. 167. ‘Legisse’ is used here in the sense of ‘ eligisse.’ ‘That I chose you in preference.’ * My mind.]—Wer. 168. After this line, in some of the MSS., the following distich is found— “Cum Venus et Juno, Pallasque in vallibus Idae, Corpora judicio supposuere meo.’ “When Venus, and Juno, and Pallas, in the Wales of Ida, submitted their persons to my judgment.’ It is however generally considered as spurious, inasmuch as, Paris having already given a full account of his decision, we cannot well suppose that he would tropible the reader with an unnecessary repetition. 49 A Pleiad.]—Wer. 173. Paris boasts here that he is descended of an ancient race, deducing his pedigree from Jupiter and Electra, the daughter of Pleiome, and one of the seven Pleiades that were said to have been translated into heaven among the stars. By her Jupiter had Dar- danus, of whom Virgil says, “Dardanus Iliacae primus pater urbis et auctor.” From her, Paris derived his descent, through Ericthonius, Tros, Ilus, Laomedon and Priam. 50 And golden roofs.]—Wer. 177. It has been always a custom of Oriental nations, to gild the roofs of their chief buildings. The Romans adopted this practice in several instances, after the fall of the Republic. * By the harmony.]—Wer. 180. When Neptune and Apollo built the walls of Troy for Laomedon, the latter, by the sweetness of his music, was said to have made the stones of themselves come together, and take their places in the walls of the city EP. XVI.] FARIS TO HELEN. - I67 Ary should I speak to thee of the multitude and the number of its men f Hardly can that country contain its inhabitants. In dense crowds will the Trojan matrons” meet thee; and my halls will hardly contain the Phrygian brides. O, how often wilt thou say, “How poor is our Achaia ; one house here will contain the entire riches of a city of ours.” And be it not becoming me to despise thy Sparta;” the land in which thou wast born, is ever dear to me. Still, Sparta is poor :” thou art worthy of the attire of opulence; this place is not suited to such gracefulness. It becomes those charms to employ rich ornaments to an unlimited extent, and to abound in luxurious refinements.” Simce thou beholdest the dress of our race of men, what sort of dress dost thou suppose that the Dardanian dames have 7 Only show thyself kind; and * Trojan matrons.]—Ver. 182. As Paris wishes Helen to abandon her husband and her native land, it is material to let her know that the change will be advantageous to her. This is the reason why he commends the wealth and opulence of Phrygia, and extols it above that of Lacedæmon, He endeavours to tempt her by a prospect of the honours that will be paid to her upon her arrival in her new kingdom, and skilfully dwells on that which he thinks most likely to engage the notice of the fair sex, namely, dress and magnificence. Sparta, and Greece in general, in those days, were far removed from the affluence of Asia. There, the refinements of luxury, even then, were probably carried to a considerable height. * Thy Sparta.]—Wer. 187. Paris adds this the more effectually to win the regard of Helen. He represents his affection for her as being so great, that it induces him to respect every thing in any way connected with her. Even Sparta, however Savage and umpolished, and however much a stranger to the refinements of Asia, is yet dear to him, because it is her country. * Sparta is poor.]—Ver. 189. Some Commentators would force Ovid to be guilty here of a gross anachronism, as referring to the institutions of Lycurgus, the Spartan lawgiver, who flourished long after the death of Paris and the destruction of Troy. As Sparta avowedly came very far short of the Asiatic cities, in wealth and magnificence, it must naturally have appeared to Paris as a poor and inconsiderable place, in comparison with that which he had left ; Troy then being the capital of Asia Minor, and one of the most opulent cities in the world. He merely calls it' parca,’ in comparison with the magnificence of Asia, and not in relation to its peculiar political institutions. * * Luwurious refinements.]—Wer. 192. ‘Novis' may here be properly translated “recherchès; if, indeed, that word may be considered as adopted in the English language. I68 THE EPISTLES OF THIS HEROINES. [EP. XVI, do not despise" a Phrygian for a husband, thyself a damsel born in the Therapnaean territory.” He was of Phrygia,” and born of our blood, who now mingles the water” with the nectar to be drank of by the Gods. The husband of Aurora". was a Phrygian ; still did the Goddess, who terºximates the closing career of might, bear him off. A Phrygiad, too, was Anchises,” with whom the mother of the winged Loves was pleased to associate on the mountain ridges of Ida. And I think that Menelaús, our looks and years compared, will not be worthy to be preferred to me in thy estimation. g At least, I shall not be presenting thee with a father-in-law,” * Do not despise.]—Ver, 195. He alludes, probably, to the well-known fact, that the inhabitants of Greece in general, affected to have a great contempt for the Phrygians. 57 Therapnaan territory.]—Ver, 196. Therapnae was the name of a district of Laconia upon the river Eurotas, not far from Sparta. 58 Of Phrygia.]—Wer. 197. Paris is not satisfied with enlarging upon the wealth and grandeur of his nation; he produces examples to prove the great regard that had been always shewn to the Phrygians, and the success they had met with, in attempts of the kind which he is now meditating. The story which he here refers to is that of Ganymede, the son of Tros and the brother of Ilus, the grandfather of Priam, who was said to have been carried away while hunting on Mount Ida, by Jupiter in the shape of an eagle, who made him the cup-bearer of the Gods, in the place of Hebe, the Goddess of Youth. 39 Mingles the water.]—Ver. 198. It must be remembered that the ancients mixed water with their wine ; generally in the proportion of three parts of water to two of wine. The cup-bearer of the Gods would have to mix their nectar, which they drank in the place of wine, perhaps in the same proportions. - tº Hasband of Aurora.]—Wer. 199. Tithonus was the brother, or, as some writers say, the son of Laomedon. Aurora admired him for his beauty, and conferred upon him the gift of immortality; but not being able to avoid the inconveniences of old age, he at last found life an in- supportable burden, and desired to be changed into a grasshopper. By him, Aurora was the mother of Memnon, who came to the assistance of the Trojans, and was slain by Achilles. 61 Was Anchises.]—Wer. 201. He was the son of Capys. Venus, for his extreme beauty, fell in love with him, and by him was the mother of AEneas, whom she bore on the banks of the Simois. & A father-in-law.]—Ver. 205. Paris here alludes to the shocking revenge of Atreus, the father, or, according to some accounts, the adoptive father of Menelaús. Atreus and Thyestes were brothers, the sons of Pe- lops and Hippodamia, the former of whom had married Ærope. Thyestes being enamoured of her, used all possible means to seduce her, and at last EP, XVI.] PARIS TO HELEN. i 69 who drove away the bright light of day; and who turned away the frightened steeds from his banquet. The father, too,” of Priam, is not one stained with blood by the murder of his father-in-law, and one who names the Myrtóan waves by his crime." No apples are caught at” by my great-grandfather in the Stygian waves, and no moisture is longed for by him in the midst of the stream. And yet, what matters this, if one descended from these possesses thee! And if Jupiter is com- pelled to be a father-in-law" for one of this house. Oh, dread- ful fate whole nights does he unworthily possess thee and enjoy thy embraces. But by myself hardly" art thou seen, the table at length being placed before us ; and that time, as succeeded. Incensed at this injury, Atreus at first banished him; but, resolving on a more barbarous revenge, he recalled him, and inviting him to a banquet, ordered the two children he had by her to be killed, and presented to him as a dish at the feast. The Sun is said to have gone back in his course, being stricken with horror at the sight. Atreus is Sup- posed to have been the first to remark the eclipse of the Sun, whence it is thought that the last part of the story may have had its rise. (3 The father, too.]—Wer. 207. Atreus, the father of Pelops, slew (Enomaus, the king of Pisa, the father of Hippodamia, whom he after- wards married. 64 By his crime.]—Ver. 208. Myrtilus, the charioteer of (Enomaus, betrayed him, at the request of Atreus; and when the latter had won the race, Myrtilus asking for the promised reward, Atreus cruelly flung him into the sea, which thence received the mame of ‘Myrtóan.’ 65 Are caught at..]—Wer. 209. Tantalus was the father of Pelops, and consequently the great-grandfather of Menelais. Entertaining the Gods at a banquet, to make trial of their divinity, he killed his son Pelops, and set him before them baked in a paste. They all abstained from the feast except Ceres, who tasted a part of his shoulder, for which reason, when he was restored to life, he had a shoulder given to him of ivory. As a punishment for his impiety, Tantalus was condemned in hell to perpetual hunger and thirst, and was obliged to stand up to the chim in water, with apples close to his mouth, without being able to touch either. Some however say that his crime was divulging the secrets of the Gods, and his punishment was continual fear of a great stone ever ready to fall upon his head. Ovid, in the Amores, Book iii., represents the latter to have been his crime, but gives the same account of his punishment as above stated, as the penalty of his impious and cruel conduct. 66 A father-in-law.]—Wer. 212. Inasmuch as Jupiter was tºº father of Helen. 67 By myself hardly.]—Wer. 215. From this, it would seem that Menelaiis was somewhat cautious of introducing his wife at first tº Paris; or else that it was not the custom for the ladies to be in the gociety of male friends in the early part of the day 170 THE EPISTIES OF THE HEROINEs. [EP. xvi. well, has many things to give pain. May such feasts fall to the lot of my enemies, as I often meet with when the wine is set on. I am disgusted with" my entertainment, when, as I look on, that barbarian throws his arms around thy neck. I am burst- ing, and I envy him, (and yet why should I thus mention all particulars 7) when he is warming his limbs with thy garments thrown around him. But when thou art giving him kisses, in my presence, with no reluctance,” taking up the cup I place it before my eyes. My glances I cast downwards, when he is holding thee closely locked in his embrace; and the food, but slowly masticated, increases in my mouth." Often have I given sighs; and I have observed thee, wantom one, not suppressing thy smiles at my sighs. Often do I wish with wine to soothe my passion; but it increases, and drinking is flame upon flame. And that I may not see many things, turning my neck, I recline;” but, the same instant, thou dost call back my gaze. I am in doubt what to do : ’tis pain to me to see these things, but it is a still greater pain to be away from thy presence. So far as I can and may, I strive to conceal my frenzied desire; but still my dissembled passion is evident. Nor am I deceiving thee; thou knowest of my wounds, * Am disgusted with..]—Wer. 219. The description given by Paris, of what he has suffered, when forced to witness the mutual endearments of Helen and Menelaús, is finely conceived, and set off with all the embel- fishments that imagination can give. Paris, as a lover, was attentive to . every motion and every look. He could not bear that Helen should show any signs of tenderness even for her own husband; and, on such occa- sions, his uneasiness was so great, that he was scarcely able to conceal it. At the same time, as he found that Helen was not entirely ignorant of what he was enduring for her sake, he has omitted no opportunity of giving her hints of his passion. While he has pretended to be giving only the history of others, he, under borrowed names, has given her a de- Scription of his love, and has made her acquainted with all his tender sen- timents. He sometimes has even counterfeited drunkenness, that he might use greater liberty, without having any particular notice taken of it. * No reluctance.]—Wer. 223. The ideas of etiquette between husbanč and wife before company seem to have undergone a considerable revolution. since those times; indeed, Paris, even had he not been an admirer of Helen, might well put the cup before his eyes. 79. In my mouth.]—Ver, 226. He means to say that he cannot swal- low his food, by reason of his agitated feelings. - 7" I recline.]—Wer. 231. It must be remembered, that he is repre- senting them as following the Roman and later Greek fashion of reclining at meals. - EP. XVI.] PARIS TO HELEN. | 7 | thou knowest of them ; and would that they were known to thee alone! Alas ! how often when the tears have started, have I turned away my face, that he might not enquire the cause of my weeping ! Alas ! how often, warmed with wine, bave I related the passion of youths, addressing each word to thy features | Under a feigned name, too, have I made a discovery of myself. I, if thou knowest it not, was the real lover in those instances. Moreover, that with greater freedom I might employ my discourse, not on one occasion only has in- toxication been feigned by me. Thy breasts, as I remember, were exposed, thy tunic hanging loose ; and bared, they gave access to my eyes; breasts more fair than either the bleached snow or than milk, and than Jove,” when he embraced thy mother. While I was astounded on beholding them (for by chance I was holding a cup), the wreathed handle” slipped from between my fingers. If thou dost give kisses to thy daughter: at once do I joyously snatch them" from the youthful lips of Hermione. And sometimes, lying at my length,” I hum old- fashioned love songs; and sometimes, by nods, I give secret signs. Lately, too, have I ventured with kindly words to address Clymene and Æthra,” the chiefs of thy attendants: they, saying nothing else to me, but that they were afraid, left my entreaties half-finished as I besought them. 78 And than Jove.]—Wer. 250. On which occasion he transformed .himself into a swan, a bird remarkable for its whiteness. 73 The wreathed handle.]—Wer. 252. The ‘pocula,’ or drinking cups, had handles probably on both sides. The wreathed or twisted handle was much in fashion among the Romans. The “pocula’ were filled from the ‘cratera,’ or “bowl,’ with the ‘cyathus,” or “ladle.” 74 Snatch them.]—Wer. 254. This he could easily do, under the mere pretext of carressing so young a child. - 75 At my length l—Ver. 255. Assuming an air of carelessness, he sang his own passion, under the pretext of repeating old-fashioned love SOI) g’S. 75 Clymene and Æthra.]—Wer. 257. According to some authors, this AEthra was the wife of Theseus; but this could not be the fact, as she must thus have been long dead. Some writers again say, that these were two female relatives of Memelaús, left by him to keep watch upon Helen. Dictys the Cretan says that Clymene was the daughter of Æthra, and that they were both carried off by Paris, in company with Helen. He further says, that after the taking of Troy, they fell by lot to Demophoön and Acamas, the sons of Theseus, but that they afterwards fell into the hands of Mnestheus, on the sons of Theseus being banished from Athens. f 72 NHE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. [EP. xvi. O that the Gods would grant thee to be the reward of some great contest, and that the conqueror might have thee for his bed; just as Hippomenes" bore off the daughter of Schoeneus,” the reward of the race, just as Hippodamia” came to the Phrygian breast; just as the stern Alcides broke the horm of Achelous,” while, Deianira, he was a candidate for thy embraces; on those terms,” my valour would have proved more bold; and I should have known thee to be the re- sult of my toils. Now nought remains to me, beauteous one, but to entreat thee, and, if thou wilt permit me, to embrace thy feet. O thou ornament 0 thou glory, here present, of thy two brothers | 0 thou ! worthy of Jove for thy husband, hadst thou not been the daughter of Jovel Either with thee 7 Hippomenes.]—Wer. 263. Paris, the further to convince Helen how deeply he is enamoured of her, assures her that there is no hazard that he will not gladly submit to for her sake. He proceeds so far as to express a wish that she had been designated by the Gods as the reward of some dangerous enterprise, that he might show her how cheerfully he would $ngage in the boldest attempt, when forced by the hope of so glorious a prize. Upon this, he takes the opportunity to mention others who have before engaged in the like attempts, that he may represent them as illustrations of that courage in which he is prepared to excel. * Of Schaeneus.]—Ver. 265. The story of Hippomenes and Atalanta is told in the Ninth Book of the Metamorphoses. * Hippodamia.]—Ver. 264. He alludes to Pelops, the Phrygian, who gained Hippodamia, on conquering her father CEnomais in the chariot race, under the circumstances before mentioned. * Of Acheloits.] — Wer. 265. The contest of Hercules and Achelotis, while contending for the hand of Deianira, is related in the Ninth Book of the Metamorphoses. * On those terms.]—Wer. 267. Paris, after enumerating these in- stances, speaks of his own courage as being in no way inferior, if he can only find a proper field for its exertion. However, like one expert in the art of insinuating himself into the favour of the softer sex, he has recourse to prayers and flattery, and paints the violence of his passion with all the lively strokes that occur to his imagination. But before he comes to the point, that he may by degrees prepare her for the discovery of his inten- tions, he endeavours to make her believe that he has been moved to address her by a heavenly impulse, and that to resist, will be to oppose the will of the Fates. This is well contrived by the Poet; for, as it was not his design to represent Helen, as a vicious character, but as one who, having naturally a tender and amorous complexion, was gained over by an insinuating address, he found it necessary to give this turn to the matter, that Helen might not be too much shocked at the proposal, or reject her !c ver's addresses with indignation and disdain. EP. XVI.] PARIS TO HELEN. | 73 for my wife will I re-enter the Sigaean harbour, or else, an ex- ile, will I be buried in Taenarian ground. In no slight degree has my breast been pierced with the point of the arrow ; the wound has penetrated even to my bones. Truly did my sister prophesy this to me, (for now I call it to mind) that it would come to pass that I should be trans- fixed by a heavenly dart. Refrain then, Helen, from despis- ing a passion sent by the Fates. and then mayst thou have the Gods propitious to thy desires. Many things indeed occur to me; but that in thy presence I may say still more, receive me in thy couch, in the silence of the night. Art thou ashamed, and dost thou dread to defile conjugal love, and to violate the chaste rights of lawful wedlock' Ah, too silly Helen,” not to call thee foolish, dost thou suppose that such beauty can be free from criminality? Either thou must change thy features, or thou must not be cruel; great is the strug- gle” of beauty with chastity. Jupiter takes pleasure in these stealthy caresses, resplendent Venus delights in them ; ’twas these stolen caresses, in fact, that gave thee Jove for thy father. Sº Too silly Helen.] —Ver. 285. We have here a collection of those arguments and deluding speeches, with which men of gallantry in all ages have laid siege to the fair. That shame and reluctañce which she would be likely to feel upon his proposal, he ascribes to simplicity and want of knowledge of the world. Beauty, he tells her, was formed for soft and tender complexions; and the practice even of the Gods might convince her that to listen to him will be no crime. He further urges her, on the ground of the opportunity they have, in consequence of the absence of her husband, whom ha endeavours to depreciate, and to make to appearcontemptible in her eyes. In a word, opportunity and importunity are here, as in too many other instances, wielded as his two most efficient and powerful weapons. * The struggle.]—Wer. 288. The sentiment conveyed in this line is one very commonly to be found among the poets, many of whom do not scruple to take it for a general maxim. For the sake of human nature, it is to be hoped that in this general assertion they have utterly miscarried. It must be remembered, that beauty ever attracts the attention of the world, and that they who are distinguished by it, are more likely to be exposed to attacks and solicitations : besides, a faise step in them is always more noticed, and makes a greater noise than in the case of another. Hence it is, that both history and private observation often furnish more examples of fraity in females of extraordinary beauty, than in those of less dazzling exterior. This has occasioned the multitude, who are never deep thinkers, to throw that reproach upon beauty itself, which is merely imputable to those accidental circumstances which usually accoui. pany it. 174 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. [EP. XVI. Hardly canst thou possibly be chaste, if there is any influ. ence” in the blood of thy ancestors, being the daughter both of Jove and of Leda.” * Still, mayst thou then” be chaste when my Troy shall receive thee; and let me, alone, I pray, prove thy cause for crime. Now, let us commit a fault which the conjugal hour may amend; if only Venus has not promised me in vain. But to this step does even thy husband persuade thee by deeds, and not by words; and, that he may not be an obstacle to the stolen joys of thy guest, he is absent. He had no time more opportune to visit the Cretan realms; O husband of wondrous sagacity He went, and when about to go, he said, “My wife, I recom- mend thee to take careof my Idaean guest in my place.” Thou art neglecting (I aver it) the injunctions of thy absent husband: no care hast thou of thy guest. And canst thou hope, daughter of Tyndarus, that this man, without common discretion, can sufficiently appreciate the value of thy charms? Thou art mistaken ; he is ignorant of them : and, if he thought the blessings he possesses of supreme value, he would not entrust them to a man and a stranger. Should neither my words, nor the ardour of my passion prevail on thee; we are persuaded to make use of the very opportunity” of thy husband’s absence. Ofherwise we should be foolish, so as to surpass even himself, if so safe an occasion should pass by unemployed. Almost with his own hands has he introduced a lower to thee; make use then of the simplicity of thy thoughtless husband. Thou liest alone in thy forlorn chamber, during the night so long; I myself, too, am lying alone on my forlorn couch. Should joys shared in common unite thee to me, and me to thee; that might would be more shining than the mid-day. Then will I * Is any influence.]—Ver. 291. What Ovid here supposes to be effi. cacious in the promotion and propagation of vice, is by another poet much more worthily put forth as the promoter of virtue; ‘Fortes creamtur fortibus et bonis.” * And of Leda.]—Wer. 292. Who, as her parents, were both guilty of adultery. Sº Mayst thou them.]—Wer. 293. He did not show himself to be much of a man of the world, in expecting this to be the case. *7 The very opportunity.]—Wer. 310. ‘Ipsius commoditate’ may mean, either “his obligingness,” or ‘the convenience of his absence.’ Accord. ing to Dictys the Cretan, Menelaús had sailed to Crete to recover the property left by his maternal uncle, a son of Minos. EP. XVI.] PATRIS TO THELEN. - 175 swear to thee by any Divinities whatever ; and by thy own words” will I bind myself to thy hallowed ties; then, if my confidence in myself is not deceiving, I will prevail, by my presence, that thou shalt repair to my realms. If thou art ashamed, and art afraid lest thou shouldst seem to have followed me; I myself, without thee, will take the blame of this crime. For I will imitate the actions of the son of Ægeus, and of thy brothers; thou canst mot be influenced by a nearer example. Theseus carried thee off; they, the twin daughters of Leucip- pus;” the fourth among these instances shall I be reckoned." The Trojan fleet is at hand, well provided with arms and men ; soon shall oars and the breezes procure a speedy passage. As a mighty queen shalt thou go through the Dardanian cities: and the populace shall think that thou art come as a new Goddess:" wherever, too, thou shalt turn thy steps, the flames shall burn cinnamon, and the slain victim shall beat the blood-stained ground. My father and brothers, and, with my mother my sisters, and all the matrons of Ilium, and the whole of Troy, shall present gifts. Ah me ! hardly is any portion of the future told of by me; more shalt thou meet with than what my letter mentions. And do not thou, when carried off, be in dread lest ruthless warfare should ensue, and lest mighty Greece should summon her resources: so many carried off before, tell me which’” one was regained * Thy own words.]—Wer. 329. ‘Verbis tuis’ signifies, ‘in words, the form of which is prescribed by yourself.” - 39 Of Leucippus.]—Wer, 327. Castor and Pollux are said to have carried off by force Phoebe and Elaira, the daughters of Leucippus, who had been betrothed to their cousins, Idas and Lynceus, the sons of Aphareus. Their story is related in the Fifth Book of the Fasti, l. 693, ež seq. - 90 º, be reckoned.]—Wer 328. As the fourth individual; the three pre- vious ravishers having been Theseus, Castor and Pollux. 9. A new Goddess.]—Ver. 332. It absolutely was the custom of some of the vain females of high station, to assume the title of a new-made Goddess. Cleopatra was called, on her coins, “the new-made Goddess,’ and, according to Plutarch, “the new Isis.’ 9° Tell me which..]—Ver. 341. Paris is not satisfied with showing to Helen the possibility of their escaping together safely into Phrygia: he wishes also to remove all apprehensions of his being forced to restore her to her hushand. He foresees that she may possibly be in fear lest Mene- łails should enlist all Greece in his cause, and demand her back at the head of a powerful army. To quiet her apprehensions, he assures her. that all history affords no instance of the kind, and he then proceeds to 176 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. ! EP. xvi. by arms? Believe me, that matter produces groundless ap- prehensions. - The Thracians, under the mame of the North wind,” bore of the daughter of Erectheus; and the Bistonian regions” were secure from war. The Pagasaean”. Jason carried off the Pha- sian damsel in his stranger ship ; and yet the Thessalian land was not injured by the Colchian hand. Theseus, too, who carried thee away, carried off the daughter of Minos; and still Minos summoned no Cretans to arms. The alarm on these occasions is wont to be greater than the danger itself; and she who is pleased to fear, is ashamed that she has been alarmed. Suppose, however, if thou dost choose, that a great war should arise; I, too, have strength; and my weapons inflict wounds. Not less are the resources of Asia, than those of thy country; it is powerful in men, and, in its opulence, it abounds in horses. Menelaús, too, the son of Atreus, will not possess more courage than Paris, nor will he be to be preferred in arms. When almost a boy, slaying the enemy, I regained my flocks carried off: and thence did I derive the occasion of "my name. When almost a boy, I surpassed the youths in the varied contest;" among whom were Ilio- enumerate several who have been safely borne away in the manner in which he proposes to carry her off. * The North wind.]—Ver. 343. Boreas, the North wind, was said to have carried off Orithyia, the daughter of Erectheus, king of Athens. Ovid here attributes the deed to the Thracians, who speciously assumed the name of Boreas. The story is related at the close of the Sixth Book of the Metamorphoses. * Bistonian regions.]—Wer. 344. Thrace is said to have been so called, either from the Bistonian lake there situate, or from Biston, the son of Mars and Calirrhoë, who was said to have built the city of Bis- tonia, upon the coast of Thrace, and to have given his name both to the lake and the country. - - g * The Pagasaean.]—Wer. 345. Jason is called “Pagasaeus' from the city of Pagasae, in Thessaly, near which the ship Argo was built. From this place, the neighbouring bay, whence Jason set sail, was called ‘Sinus Pagasaeus.’ * The occasion of]—Wer. 358. According to Apollodorus, Book iii. ch. 12, Paris received the name of Alexander,’AAáčovápoc, from the Greek verb dAséw, which signifies ‘to help,' by reason of the aid which his strength gave to the shepherds of Ida. 97 Varied contest.]—Wer. 359. The ‘varium certamen' here men- tioned, is thought b some to refer to the “pentathlon. If so, Ovid is EP. XVI.] PARIS TO HELEN. 177 neus” and Deiphobus.” And do not suppose that I am not to be dreaded but in close combat; my arrows are fixed in the required spot. And camst thou ascribe to him these deeds of early youth . Canst thou furnish the son of Atreus with my skill? If thou shouldst give him everything, couldst thou give him Hector for a brother? He, singly, is as good as soldiers innumerable. Thou knowest not what is my power, and my strength is concealed from thee; thou art not aware what kind of man thou art about to marry. Either, then, thou wilt be demanded back in mo tumult of warfare, or the Doric camp will yield to my forces. Nor yet should I think it unbecoming to take up arms for a wife so great ; great prizes provoke the contest. Thou too, if the whole world should contend for thee, wilt acquire a fame from everlasting posterity. Only, with no wavering hopes, going hence with the Gods propitious, de- mand with full assurance the return that I have promised thee. here guilty of an anachronism, as the pentathlon was not practised until the time when the great national games of Greece began to flourish. It consisted of five kinds of games, leaping, the foot-race, the throwing of the discus, the throwing of the spear, and wrestling; all of which ex- ercises were performed in one day, and in a certain order, by the same athletes. The pentathlon was introduced in the Olympic games in the Eighteenth Olympiad. The leaping was accompanied by the music of flutes. It required and developed very great elasticity of all parts of the body, for which reason it was principally performed by young men. * Ilioneus.]—Wer. 360. Iliomeus, the son of the opulent Phorbas, is here referred to, who was killed in the Trojan war. There was another Iliomeus, who accompanied Æneas, and was famous both for his eloquence and his valour. * Deiphoöus.] —Ver. 360. Deiphobus married Helen after the death of Paris, and was betrayed by her to Menelaús. * Thou knowest not.]—Wer. 367. Paris omits nothing that may tend in any manner to quiet Helen's doubts or remove her scruples. After showing, by a variety of examples, that there is little probability of any attempt to recover her, he tells her, that even should this happen, he has strength and power to defend her; and that such an accident, far from bringing any infamy upon herself, will tend highly to her glory. 178 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XVII, EPISTLE XVII, H E L E N T O P A R I S. HELEN, after reading the Epistle sent by Paris, as if offended by his pre- sumption, commences by reprimanding him, and then, with an assumed modesty, seems to reject his proposals, as contrary to virtue and honour; but in such a manner, that she may not be thought entirely insensible to his passion. By degrees she opens her mind more plainly, and at length discloses her inclination to be favourable to him. The whole Epistle is a skilful specimen of the arts of female inconstancy, and pourtrays their seeming reluctance to comply, even when it is their most earnest desire, in the strongest light. The same foible of the sex is admirably depicted by the Poet in the Art of Love, Book i. 1. 483. ‘Forsitan et primo veniet tibi litera tristis, Quæque roget ne se solicitare velis. Quod rogat illa, timet; quod nom rogat optat, ut instes.’ ‘Perhaps, even at first, a discouraging letter will come to you ; and one that entreats you will not molest her. What she entreats you to do, she dreads: what she does not entreat you to do, namely, to persist, she wishes you to do.’ Helen concludes by requesting him to corre- spond with her, not by letter, but through Clymene and Æthra, her confidants. It is conjectured by some Commentators that this Epistle was not written by Ovid, but by Sabinus, who has written the answers to some others of his Epistles. But it bears such evident marks of the skill of Ovid, and is so complete a model of poetic feeling, that it is extremely improbable that any other person was the author. IF, Paris,” it had not been allowed me to read what I have read, I should, as before, have observed the duties of a virtuous woman. When thy Epistle just now shocked my chaste eyes, not small did the glory"of writing theean answerappear. Hast thoudared, * If, Paris.]—The first two lines are— ‘Simihi quae legi, Pari, non legisse liceret, Servarem numeros, sicut et ante, probaº.’ But they are wanting in most of the MSS., and are generally considered to be spurious. The peculiar signification of the word “numeros’ de- serves attention. In the Consolation to Livia Augusta, it has the same signification, ‘Numeros principis implete,’ ‘to fulfil the obligations of a ruler.” In the Palatine MS. this Epistle is attributed to the poet Sabinus. w 3 Did the glory.]—Wer. 2. Some Commentators have observed that this line is capable of a double sense, according as we refer the particle * non’ to “rescribendi,” or “levis.’ The latter, as being more plain and EP. XVII.] HELEN TO PARIS, } 79 a stranger, violating the rites of hospitality," to tempt the due ailegiance of a wife 7 And has, forsooth, for this, the Taena- rian shore received thee in her harbours, carried over the boisterous seasº Our palace, too, did not have its doors closed against thee,” although thou didst come from a foreign nation ; " and was it that injury might be the reward of kind- ness so great? Wast thou a guest or an enemy," who thus didst make thy entrance : And I doubt not, but that, in thy judgment, this complaint of mine, though it is so called for, will be styled the result of coyness. Coy, indeed, let me be, so long as I am not forget- ful of modesty; and so long as the course of my life is with- out a blemish.” If I have not” a countenance sad with dis- expressive, seems to be the right construction. However, ‘the glory of writing in answer seemed not small,' and ‘the glory of not writing in answer seemed small,” amount to nearly the same thing. Helen would here make her very writing to him appear not so much the effect of inclination and Compliance, as of a just indignation and resentment at his presumption. * Qf hospitality.]—Wer. 3. The rites of hospitality were deemed so Sacred among the ancients, that the violation of them was considered to be branded with the most heinous criminality. For this reason, the poets, when they wish to give an idea of an utterly abandoned character, never fail to represent a violation of hospitality as one of its distinguishing features. * Against thee..]—Wer. 7. From Thucydides we learn, that the Spar- tans had a law which forbade strangers to be admitted within their city. * Foreign nation.]—Wer. 7. Meaning, ‘a nation essentially differing from ours in its laws and customs.” Before the reader can fully enter into the meaning of this verse, he must remember that all foreign people were looked down upon by the Greeks as barbarians, and that the Spartans in particular had an extreme aversion to strangers. Paris was therefore bound by a double tie of gratitude to Menelaús, who, among a people of such a disposition, had afforded him a reception so remarkable for its ex- treme hospitality. - " An enemy.]—Wer. 10. In the conjunction of “hospes an hostis,' we see another instance of the fondness of the Poet for alliteration and attempts at punning. * Without a blemish.]—Wer. 14. Her reasoning here is strong and just, and only makes us regret, that before the end of her letter, she de- generates into such base compliances. Mankind err more frequently from want of courage to withstand the passions, than from want of knowing better. * I have not.}—Wer. 15. Helen seems to wonder whence he cau have possibly formed a notion so much to her disadvantage, as to believe that he may hope for success in his attempts on her virtue. He smiling looks, her easy and frank behaviour, she thinks most likely tº N 2 180 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XVII. sembling looks, and do not sit frowning with contracted eyebrows; still is my fame unspotted, and hitherto without a fault have I lived, and through me no paramour receives any glory. The more, therefore, am I astonished at the boldness of thy enterprise; and wonder what cause gave thee hopes of my favours. Is it, because" the hero, descendant of Neptune," offered violence to me, once ravished, that I seem deserving a second time, too, to be ravished? The crime would have beer. my own, if I had been enticed away: but as I was carried away, what part was mine but to be reluctant 7 Still, from his deed he did not reap the desired reward; fear excepted, I returned, having suffered nothing. He only, in his forwardness, snatched a few kisses as I struggled; nothing further did he obtain of me. Such is thy wanton- ness, it had not been satisfied with these. The Gods were more favourable ; he was not like to thee. He restored me unhurt,” and his respectful conduct diminished his crime; and it is evident that the youth repented of his deed. Theseus repented, that Paris might succeed him ; and shall my name at no time cease to be upon busy tongues? And yet I am not displeased;” (for who can be displeased have raised this presumption. She therefore observes that as her fame has hitherto been spotless, this ought to have given him no encouragement, and she seems to imply that those who affect a rigid severity, are sooner won than the free and open. - * Is it because.]—Wer. 21. She here touches upon another ground upon which Paris may possibly have based his hopes. “I have been carried away before, and perhaps you may think partly by my own consent.’ To this she pleads her innocence, and says that when force was used, all she could do was to offer resistance, and that in this she succeeded so well that nothing ensued to her dishonour. - * Descendant of Neptune.]—Ver, 21. Neptune was the grandfather of Theseus. * Restored me unhurt.]—Wer. 31. It was only natural that she should give this account, which has, however, in general, been credited. Pau- sanias, however, and Antoninus Liberalis say that there were reports that Iphigenia was the daughter of Helen, by Theseus. * Not displeased.]—Wer. 35. We now discover that hitherto all Helen's protestations have been merely to save appearances, and the result of an affected modesty. She now begins to discover her real sentiments, but with considerable artifice, for she repeatedly launches forth in commendation of chastity and insinuates her own resolution not to offend against its rules. This she does, with the view of making it EP. XVII.] HELEN TO PARIS. 18] at a lover ?) if only the affection which thou dost profess is not pretended. For about that, too, I am in doubt; not that” trust in thee is wanting, or that my own charms are not well known to myself; but because too easy, faith is wont to be injurious to the fair, and the words of you men are said to be void of truth. But other women sin; and suppose that few matrons are chaste. What forbids that my name should be among those few ' But inasmuch as my mother seemed a fitting subject to thee, by whose example thou dost suppose that I too can be influenced ; deceit was the cause of my mother's fault, who was beguiled under a false form ; beneath fea- thers” was the adulterer concealed. Were I to sin,” of no- thing could I be ignorant, and there would be no mistake to veil the criminality of the act. With reason did she do wrong, and she atomed for her fault by the perpetrator; with what Jove" shall I, in my faultiness, be said to be blessed ? Whereas thou dost boast of thy race, and thy ances- tors, and thy royal names; this house is sufficiently ennobled by its ancestry. Should Jupiter not be named” as the great grandsire of appear that her concessions are purely the result of accident, and have slipped from her quite umperceived. 14 Not that..]—Wer. 37. Some editions have ‘mon quo,' but “non quod' seems preferable. 15 Feathers.]—Ver. 46. She pleads that her mother was imposed upon, and that the bird, which was Jupiter in disguise, she thought to be really 3, SW 8.11. T6 Were I to sin.]—Wer. 47. We here form a motion of the ground on which Helen speaks so resolutely of her determination in favour of chastity. It is more the fear of reproach and infamy, than any detest- ation of vice, that keeps her from giving way to her passion; and ac- cordingly we find in the end, that this restraint is too feeble to retain her in her duty. True virtue is of a very different nature, and derives its value from itself, without any regard to the opinions of others. Horace justly says, “Oderunt peccare boni virtutis amore,’ ‘The good hate to sin, from their love of virtue.’ To the truly virtuous, despair of escaping undiscovered operates as no motive; they justly place their happiness in self-approbation, and dread the reproaches of their own con- science much more than those of the World. 17 With what Jove.]—Wer. 50. She says that her mother was so far fortunate, that she could plead that it was through the agency of a Divinity that she sinned; whereas, if she should listen to his overtures, she would be able to have no such plea in her own favour. is Not be named.]—Wer. 53. Jupiter was the father of Tantalus, by the Nymph Pluto or Plota and was consequently the great-grandfather of 182 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XVII. my father-in-law, and all the honourable line of Pelops, the son of Tantalus, and of Tyndarus; Leda, deceived by the swan, gives me Jove as my parent; she who, unsuspecting, cherished the fictitious bird in her bosom. Go then, and re- late at length the first commencement of thy Phrygian des- cent; and make mention of Priam with his Laomedom ; them do I reverence; but he who, as thy fifth ancestor, is thy great glory, the same is the first” from my own” name. Although I should believe the sceptre of thy Troy to be powerful, still I do not fancy that this is less so than it. If now,” this place is surpassed in riches, and in number of people; still, thy country is at least a barbarian one. Thy bountiful Epistle promises, indeed, gifts so great, that it might be enabled to influence the Goddesses themselves; out if now, I should be inclined to transgress the limits of chastity, thou wouldst be a preferable cause for my faultiness. Either I will for ever keep my honour without a stain, or I will follow thyself rather than thy presents. And not that I despise them; for those gifts are always the most accept- Atreus or Plisthenes, who were brothers, and either of whom may here be deemed the father-in-law of Helen. 19 Is the first.]—Ver, 60. As already stated, the genealogy of Paris, generally given by the ancients, is the following—Priam, Laomedon, Ilus, Tros, Ericthonius, Dardanus, Jupiter. According to this account, Paris is the seventh from Jupiter, whereas Helen here makes him only the fifth. We must therefore conclude either that the text is corrupt, or that the genealogy here referred to by Ovid differs from that which is usually adopted. Perhaps he makes Helen designedly fall into this error, as she may be supposed not to have been very conversant on these points. We meet with several examples of the kind in this Poet. 20 From my own.]—Wer. 60. As Helen was the daughter of Jupiter, it is with some reason that she boasts of her own pedigree as being more illustrious than that of Paris. * If now.]—Ver, 63. Helen allows that Asia is more wealthy and better stocked with inhabitants; but then, as it is a country of bar- barians, it can prove no temptation to her to abandon Sparta. This passage deserves to be particularly remarked. Paris, in his Epistle to Helen, endeavours to prevail on her by great promises, while boasting of his illustrious descent and the wealth and opulence of Phrygia. Helen is equally eager to convince him that none of these things can be of any weight with her. All this is done, however, only with the object of ingra- tiating herself the more with him, by insinuating that to her he himself is the only temptation, and that no other passion but what he himself has inspired can possibly make her Swerve from the paths of virtue. EP. XVII.] HELEN TO PARIS. 183 able, which the giver makes to be of worth. Much more” is it that thou dost love me; that I am the cause of thy care; that thy hopes range over the waves so distant. The things too, which, shocking man, thou art in the habit of doing when the table is placed, i observe, although I try to conceal it. When, for instance, wanton man, thou art eying me sometimes with languishing looks, which, as they solicit me, my eyes can hardly endure; and sometimes thou dost sigh, sometimes thou dost take the cup next after me, and from the side on which I have drunk, thou dost drink as well. O, how often” with thy fingers, how often with thy brow, that almost gave utterance, have I observed the secret signs given | And often bave I dreaded lest my husband should observe them; and have blushed at the hints” not sufficiently concealed. Often did I say, with murmurs either faint or prolonged,” “This * Much more.]—Wer. 72. She still continues the same artifice to gain upon Paris. She has, before, seemingly slighted his gifts; now, she re- tracts, and speaks of them as having been very acceptable to her, but at the same time she is careful to intimate that they have derived their value entirely from the giver. This being deemed a sure sign that love has taken deep root, Paris has reason thence to form sanguine hopes of suc- cess. Terence, in the ‘Eunuchus,” where he introduces the Parasite flat- tering his master that he is greatly in favour with Thaïs, makes him offer as an evidence of it, the value she set upon his present :— ‘–Laeta est, non tam ipso quidem dono, Quam abste datum esse ; id vero serio triumphat.’, “She is pleased, not so much with the present itself, as that it was given by you : it is that in reality that gives her the greatest pleasure.’ * How often.]—This and the following lines are evidently an imitation of two lines of Propertius, Book iii. Ode 7. ‘Tecta superciliis si quando verba remittis, Aut tua cum digitis scripta silenda notas.” “If at any time you utter language concealed in your eye-brows, or trace your silent letters with your fingers.’ * At the hints.]—Wer. 84. Helen does not censure Paris for these freedoms, signs and tokens of his affection ; she only blames him for not having taken care to dissemble better, lest he should excite the suspicions of Menelaús. The whole of these circumstances are cleverly described, and with that luxuriance of imagination which distinguishes the Poet. * Or prolonged.]—Ver. 85. “Longo’ seems here a preferable reading to ‘nullo;’ ‘a long-drawn sigh.’ This reading is preferred by Heinsius; but Burmann prefers “nullo,’ as he says that she would avoid a long- drawn sigh, lest her husband might chance to hear it. 184 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. |EP. XVII. man has no shame ;” and those words of mine were not uns true. On the round surface,” too, of the table, have I read beneath my name, that, which the letters, traced in wine, de- scribed—“I love thee.” Still, with a frowning eye, I de- nied that I believed this. Ah me! now have I learned to be enabled so to speak” as well, With these allurements, if I had been likely to sin, I should have been won; by these could my heart have been enthralled. Thou hast too, I confess, surpassing beauty; and any damsel might desire to rush into thy embrace. Rather let some other woman be made happy without guilt, than that my chastity should fail through the love of a stranger. Learn by my example,” to be enabled to go without the beauteous; there * Has no shame.]—Wer. 86. ‘Nil pudet hanc,” is translated by Davison, more expressively than elegantly, “This man will stick at nothing.’ * The round surface.]—Wer. 87. The tables of the ancients were of various shapes. The round table with three legs was very commonly used, especially among the lower classes. The Grecian tables are thought to have had four legs, from the origin of the word Tpdate&a, the Greek name for a table. Maple-wood was much valued by the Romans, as the material for their tables; the wood also of the ‘citrus’ of Africa, which is thought to have been a kind of cedar, was much for the same purpose. The legs were very tasteful, being sometimes made of ivory, in imitation of lions’ feet. The ‘monopodium,' or round table with one foot, resembling our loo tables, was introduced into Rome, from Asia Minor, by Cn. Manlius. Semicircular tables were also used at meals; the meat was cut on them by the slaves in waiting, and was brought to the guests as they reclined. The Greeks did not use table-cloths, but had their tables cleansed with wet sponges called ‘peniculi' by the Romans, or with fragrant herbs. The Romans used a thick cloth, called ‘gausape,' for the purpose of table-cloths. The tables were considered sacred, and frequently had small statues of the Gods placed upon them. * I love thee..]—Wer. 88. Love is ever fertile in expedients to attract the notice of the object beloved. The ingenuity of Paris, on these occasions, certainly would have deserved commendation in a better cause; the notice taken of it by Helen, is a sure sign that it has not failed of its intended effect. * So to speak.]—Wer. 90. The grammarian Hephæstion represents Helen as having been the discoverer of the art of talking with her fingers. Burmann enquires whether, having learned it of Paris, she may not have taught the art to others ? *" By my ea'ample.]—Ver. 97. Notwithstanding the insinuation of . Helen, that her husband was no beauty, we must, if we are to believe Homer, give him the credit of having been a handsome man. Even Paris himself, in his Epistle to Helen, does not deny him that small merit; he Ep. xv.1I.] - EHELEN TO PARIS. - 185 is a virtue” in abstaining from joys that delight us. How many youths dost thou suppose to long for that which thou dost long, who still are discreet? Or dost thou, Paris, alone possess eyes? Not more dost thou see than others ; but in thy rashness, thou art more daring; not more passion is in thee, but a greater confidence.” Then could I have wished that thou hadst come in thy swift bark, at the time when my virginity was sought by a thousand suitors.” Had I beheld thee,” the first of the thousand shouldst thou have been ; my husband, himself, will grant pardon to my choice. Thou camest too late to joys that are gained and forestalled; thy hopes were of late growth ; what thou dost seek, another possesses. - Still, although I could have wished to become thy Trojan wife, yet Menelaús” does not possess me thus against my in- only thinks that a comparison will not be to his own disadvantage. Helen, indeed, here plainly gives the preference to Paris, and even owns that she löves him, but that she is restrained by virtuous considerations from yielding to his desires, 4. 31 Is a virtue.]—Wer. 98. This, indeed, is a degree of virtue, to which very few are able to attain. It comprehends a perfect mastery over the passions, and a well informed judgment, able to distinguish between what is really profitable and what is hurtful; for virtue does not absolutely . forbid all pleasures and enjoyments, but only such as are injurious to others, or prejudicial to ourselves. Epictetus, one of the most consum- mate of moralists, was in the habit of saying that the perfection of virtue was comprised in those two words, ‘endure’ and ‘abstain.” * Greater confidence.]—Ver. 102. Exactly corresponding to our vul- gar phrase, ‘plus oris’ literally means, “more face.” * Thousand suitors.]—Wer. 104. The number of Helen's suitors was said to have been twenty-nine. Their names are given by Apollodorus in his Third Book. Among them we find those of Ulysses, Diomedes, Ajax Telamon, Ajax Oileus, and Philoctetes. * I beheld thee..]—Wer. 105. While she is seemingly endeavouring to convince Paris of the impossibility of his ever gaining his object, she goes on to give him all the proofs of her affection that he can possibly wish for, and thus artfully encourages his hopes that she may one day be brought to yield to his utmost wishes. “Had you addressed me,’ she says, ‘while I was yet under no engagement, and free to bestow my heart wherever my inclination led me, you would have succeeded in gaining the prize from my thousand suitors, and Menelaús himself must have justified my choice.” * Yet Menelais.]—Ver, 110. Helen still maintains her character of an admirable dissembler, and occasionally drops some expression which seems to bespeak a virtuous and well-regulated mind. If she is not able i86 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. LEP, XVII. climation. Cease, I entreat thee, to move with thy words my sensitive breast, and do not hurt me, whom thou Sayest that thou dost love; but suffer me to enjoy the lot which For- tune has assigned to me, and gain not the dishonourable spoil of my chastity. But Venus promised this reward, and in the vales of lofty Ida, three Goddesses” showed themselves naked to thee; and whereas one offered a kingdom, another the glories of war, the third said, “Thou shalt be the husband of the daughter of Tyndarus.” For my part, I can hardly believe, that heavenly beings have submitted their beauty to thy judgment; and though this were true, at least, the other part is a fiction, in which I am said to have been given as the reward of thy decision. I have not so great confidence” in my own person, that I can suppose that I was the greatest reward, in the opinion of a Goddess. My charms are content to be approved of by the eyes of men; for Venus to be my praiser, is a source of envy against me. But I deny nothing; I even approve of those commendations; for, why should my voice deny that to be which it wishes to be 2 And do not* thou, too slowly believed by me, be dis- entirely to conquer her growing inclination for Paris, she still pretends to struggle against it, and to retain that regard for Menelais, which propriety and her nuptial vows demand. She therefore prays Paris not to urge her to what is so contrary to her honour and her duty, or to take advantage of the strong and seemingly irresistible inclination which she has for him. There is great artifice in this; for she insinuates that it will not be in her power to hold out long against him, if he shall persist in his solicitations; and from what passes in her own mind, she does not believe that her faint entreaties will prevail upon him to desist. 86 Three Goddesses.]—Wer. 116. He does not say in his Epistle that he saw the Goddesses maked. - 37 So great confidence.] —Ver. 123. Helen here speaks of the pro- mise made by Venus to Paris, as a circumstance too much to her honour to be rashly credited. Indeed, her fancy is so full of the imaginary honour done her by the Goddess, in preferring her beauty to that of every other woman, that she does not consider how far it implies infidelity to her husband, and breach of her nuptial vow. - * And do not.]—Ver. 129. It is curious to trace Helen through all the changes of her feelings, and to observe how she gradually rises in her advances to her lover. She owns that she is pleased with the promise made to her by Venus, and wishes that it had been true. She even pro- ceeds so far as to shew an anxiety lest he should be offended with her hesitation to credit his narration; and to soften the matter, she pretends that she has considered it an affair of too great moment to be rashly be- EP. xv.11.] HELEN TO PARIS. 187 pleased; slow belief is wont to be given to things of im- portance. 'Tis then, my chief delight to have been pleasing to Venus; the next, that I was esteemed the greatest reward by thee; that thou didst prefer neither the honours of Pallas nor of Juno to the charms of Helen, of which thou hadst heard. Am I, them,” as good as valour to thee & Am I as good as a noble kingdom to thee? I were made of iron, if I did not esteem this affection. Of iron, believe me, I am not made; but I decline to love that man who I hardly think can become my own. Why do I" strive to turn up the thirsty shore with the crooked plough, and to cherish a hope which lieved, because a disappointment would expose her to the most cruel mortification. * Am I then.]—Wer. 155. Her reasoning is admirably calculated to excuse her weakness, and to quiet the alarms which her own reflections would be apt to give her. She sets forth the merits of Paris, and what he has done for her, in the most engaging light, in order to make her com- pliance appear a point of gratitude. When the mind has once deter- mined on a thing, it is never at a loss to discover excuses and palliating reasons to avoid its own reproaches. What would appear shocking to it when well-disposed and untainted, will now be set off with such allure- . ments, as will disarm it of all its terrors and guilt. This is exempli- fied in Helen in the most lively manner. How different now do her senti- ments appear from what they were at the beginning of the Epistle 2 There she is full of resentment, accuses Paris of violating the sacred rites of hospitality, and wonders at his insolence in offering to make any attempt on her honour. How vastly is the case changed since then She now views everything that he has done with a different eye. His preferring her before valour and a kingdom, his exposing himself to the dangers of the sea for her sake, and his suffering all the anguish of a concealed love, are now placed to the account of merit. She no longer considers him as the enemy of her virtue and honour, and one who intends to rob her of what ought to be most valuable and most dear to her, and to expose her to eternal infamy; but as a suffering lover, one more deserving of pity and compassion than of severity and repulse. By this she is led to think thai gratitude and humanity require her to make some return, and she would, f possible, persuade herself, that her weakness, in not at once rejecting is addresses, has been rather a virtue than a crime. | * Why do I.]—Ver. 139. It is more, we see, from an apprehension of the impossibility of the thing, than from any abhorrence of the crime, that Helen shows such an extreme reluctance. She looks upon it as a vain project to indulge a passion for a stranger, and as likely to yield no more profit than ploughing up the sandy beach. Many obstacles may intervene to obstruct their happiness; busy whispers, the suspicions of her husband, and the necessity of his speedy return to his own country; all of which are represented by her with a happy vein of fancy. 188 THE EPISTIES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XVII. the spot itself denies me? I am a stranger to the artifices of love, and by no artfulness (the Gods are my witnesses) have I deceived a confiding husband. And now that I commit my words to the silent paper, my writing performs an office entirely new. Happy they who have had experience I I, unacquainted with the world, imagine the way to culpability to be a rugged one.” This fear is an evil. Even now am I confused, and I imagine all eyes to be fixed on my features. Nor do I imagine this without reason; I have heard the evil stories among the multitude; and Æthra reported to me some observations. But do thou dissemble, unless thou hadst rather desist. But why shouldst thou desist? thou camst dissemble. Continue thy sport,” but secretly; a greater, but not an absolute, freedom is granted me, because Menelaús is absent. He, indeed, has gone to a distance, business com- pelling him to do so; the cause of his sudden departure was urgent” and reasonable. Or else so it seemed to me; * A rugged one..]—Ver. 146. The Poet's sentiments are just, and are depicted in accordance with truth and nature. Those who have been trained up to the practice of virtue, are much shocked at the first advances to vice. They feel a reluctance which disquiets them and makes. them feel unhappy, and are apt to fancy that everything betrays them. Helen very naturally describes this to be the case with herself. Although no undue familiarities have actually passed between herself and Paris, yet, being conscious of what is likely to happen, she already imagines that it has been discovered. Guilt makes her quick-sighted in observing every nod and whisper; looks and gestures, that at another time would have passed unobserved, are now construed to have a meaning. * Continue thy sport.] —Wer. 153. She is now disposed openly to sanction his passion, and to allow him whatever liberties he can find the opportunity of taking, consistently with prudence. Paris, in his Epistle, has told her, that Menelaiis, by his own behaviour, has urged her to a compliance with his own wishes, as his absence has afforded her the best possible opportunity of indulging in an amorous correspondence. She allows it, but at the same time she thinks that they ought to act with great circumspection, because, notwithstanding her husband's absence, there are still spies upon her conduct, who will not fail to aggravate each possible circumstance. What is this but to tell him that she will with- hold none of her favours from him, when a fair opportunity shall be offered of granting them without danger of a discovery : 43 Was urgent.]—Wer. 156. As we have before observed, according to some, he had gone to claim the property of his uncle Crethaeus; while others say, that he went to Crete to take his share of the property of Atreus, which was there divided. John of Antioch, in a fragment, says, that he had gone to Crete to perform certain sacred rites. EP. XVII.] EELEN TO PARIS. 189 when he was hesitating whether he should go, I said to him, “Take care, and do come back as soon as possible.” Over- Joyed at" the omen, he gave me kisses, and said, “Let my property and my palace and my Trojan guest be objects of thy care.” Hardly did I* refraim from laughter; and while I struggled to restrain it, I could say nothing to him in answer, except “It shall be so.” He, indeed, with favouring winds, set sail for Crete, but do not thou, for that reason, suppose that every thing is per- mitted thee. My husband is in such manner absent from this place, that in his absence he watches me. Dost thou not know that Kings have long hands !“ My fame, too, is an obstacle, for the more constantly I am praised by thy lips, with the greater justice does he fear. The same celebrity which, as it now is, is to my advantage, is an injury to. me;" and better would it have been to have deceived report. And do not,” because he is absent, be surprised * Overjoyed at..]—Ver, 159. At the omen of her parting words being so affectionate ; by which, too, he was disarmed of all suspicion. 45 Hardly did I.]—Wer. 161. We cannot help feeling shocked both at the deceit of the woman, and her impudent manner of confessing it. The concessions she has hitherto made, have been made with some air of modesty and reserve, and she would rather have them ascribed to pity and tenderness, than to any loose inclimation. Here, however, she seems to own that even before her husband's departure, she had not only entertained favourable impressions of Paris, but had determined to yield herself up to him without reserve, and had gone so far as to ridicule Menelaús, and despise him for his easy credulity, Her smiling, on Mene- lais committing the Trojan guest to her care, might also proceed from her own consciousness, that she was more than fully disposed to obey his commands, and a certain pleasure she might take in perceiving that he had no suspicion of her criminal intentions. * Have long hands.]—Wer. 166. This was a Greek proverb; it is quoted by Heredotus, and noticed by other writers. 47 Injury to me..]—Wer. 169. Some of the Commentators give a con- fused and unsatisfactory version of this passage. Helen says that the reputation for beauty which, on many accounts, could not be disagreable to her, was in this case rather a disadvantage, because it made her con- spicuous, and the object of general notice. This has obliged her to ex- ercise a strict attention to her actions, and even to her looks and words, it being almost impossible that the least slip should pass unobserved. She fears, therefore, that her present sentiments for Paris cannot long be a secret, and wishes that her fame had been less, rather than she should be thus exposed to the hazard of a discovery. 48 And do not.]—Wer. 171. Perhaps this passage may shew that we }90 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XVII. that 1 am left here with thee; he trusted my virtue" and my unspotted life. For my beauty he felt apprehen- sions; in my morals he put trust; and my prudence makes him at ease, while my beauty makes him fear. Thou advisest that the opportunity should not be lost, so willingly presented, and that we should enjoy the convenient absence of my unsus- pecting husband. I am willing, and yet I fear; my resolution, too, is not sufficiently fixed ; my feelings hesitate in sus- pense.” Both my husband is absent" from me, and thou dost sleep without a partner; thy beauty, too, pleases me, and mine thee, each in our turn. The nights, too, are long, and now we join in conversation; and thou (ah wretched me!) art pressing, and one house receives us both. And may I die if every thing does not tempt to criminality; but yet I myself am held back by a fear I know not what. I wish that” thou ought not to interpret Helen's smiling at her husband's recommending the Trojan guest to her care, as shewing her contempt for his easy temper and simplicity. She seems here to be so far from viewing it in that light, that, on the contrary, she thinks that he had all the reason in the world to trust her; for that, however much her beauty and fame might expose her to solicitations, her known virtue was sufficient to secure him against all suspicions of her ever proving unfaithful to him. 49 My virtue.]—Wer. 172. Helen, as she more than once tells us, has hitherto lived without reproach; Menelaús, therefore, cannot be charged with imprudence in leaving her in the company of this stranger, whom doubtless he thought well of, and in whose honour and integrity he re- posed an undeserved confidence. 50 In suspense.]—Ver, 178. Heinsius thinks that the true reading here, instead of ‘in dubio,” is ‘in bivio,” “my mind is distracted in oppo- site directions.’ He also suggests that this expression alludes to the two paths of virtue and vice, as mentioned in the ‘Vision of Hercules’ by Pro- dicus, and other Pythagorean philosophers. Burmann, however, thinks that “in dubio' is the proper reading. 51 Is absent.]—Wer. 179. This detail of the combination of circum- stances is very happily put together by the Poet. She collects all the grounds that invite her to a compliance, with a minuteness and strength of fancy, that show distinctly how often her thoughts have been employed upon the subject, and that now, her only concern is, how to attain the gratification of her desires, without ruining her reputation with the world for shocking the delicacy of her admirer. * I wish that..]—Wer. 185. She now entirely throws off the mask, and avows her willingness, if proper care is taken to afford her some excuse for her weakness; for she does not wish the victory to appear to have been too easily gained. , EP. xv.11.] HELEN TO IPATRIS, 19| couldst opportunely use force, for that to which thou dost persuade me to my disgrace | My coyness might have been overcome by violence. Wrongs are” sometimes advantageous to those who have suffered them. Thus, at least, could I have wished to be forced to be happy. While it is still young, let. us rather” struggle with the growing passion; the kindling flame is quenched, when sprinkled with a little water. In strangers there is no lasting love; it wanders just as them- selves; and while you are hoping that nothing can be more lasting, it is gone.” - - Hypsipyle is a witness, the virgin daughter of Minos is a witness; each was deceived in a fidelity that was not re- turned. Thou, too, faithless man, art said to have deserted thy CEnone, beloved for many a year. Nor yet must thou deny it; it has been, if thou knowest it not, my greatest care to make all enquiries about thee. Besides, even shouldst thou wish to remain constant in thy affection, thou canst not; already the Phrygians are preparing thy sails. While thou art conversing with me, while the wished-for might is being appointed, just then wilt thou have a wind to waft thee to thy native land. In the midst of thy career thou wilt leave delights that are full of novelty; together with the winds will thy love depart. Or shall I accompany thee as thou dost persuade 7 And shall I visit Pergamus so be-praised, and shall I become the wife of the grandson of great Laomedon 7 I do not” so despise the reports of winged Fame, that it 58 Wrongs are.]—Wer. 187. Because it is by the seeming injury that they excuse their fault. Ovid has cleverly used all his ingenuity in this Epistle; indeed, in mone of his writings does he so minutely enter into the reasonings of the female mind. ". * Let us rather.]—Wer. 189. This is a strong picture of her inconstancy, and of the irresolution of her wavering mind. By this sudden change, she not only assumes the semblance of modesty and reluctance, but at the same time tends to inflame her lover and to raise his ardour to a greater height. . It is gone..]—Wer. 192. ‘Fuit.” Literally, “it was.” So ‘Troja fuit,” “Troy was,” meaning “Troy is no more.’ 56 I do not.]—Wer. 207. We have here a long detail of the reasons that prevent her from following Paris to Troy. None of them, however, are drawn from the amiableness of virtue, or from the baseness of the crime itself. With her these considerations have no weight; she is only concerned for her reputation, and she particularly wishes to avoid infamy. She foresees too and with good reason, that such a step may bring her 192 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROJNTS. [EP. xvii. should fill the earth with reproaches of me. What shall Sparta say of me? What the whole of Achaia, what the nations of Asia, what thy own Troy 7 What will Priam think of me, what will the wife of Priam think 2 Thy bro- thers, too, so many in number, and the Dardanian matrons? And even thou, how wilt thou be able to hope that I shall be faithful to thee, and not be anxious by reason of thine own example? Every stranger that shall enter the harbours of Ilium, the same will be a cause for anxious apprehension to thee. Enraged at methyself, how often wilt thou say, “Thou adultress I’” forgetting that thy crime was embraced in my own. Thou, the same person, wilt become the reprover and the cause of my guilt. May the earth, I pray, first over- whelm my features. But I shall enjoy the Ilian wealth and rich garments; and I shall receive gifts more abundant than thy promises. Garments of purple, and costly, in fact, shall be given to me; and I shall be rich in heaped-up masses of gold. Grant pardon to me confessing it; thy gifts are not of so much value ; this land has charms for me, I know not to what extent. Should I be insulted, who shall help me on the Phrygian shores? Whence shall I seek the aid of a bro- ther,” whence that of a parent? The deceitful Jason pro- mised every thing to Medea ; was she” any the less expelled from the house of Æson 7 There was no AEetes to whom, into contempt, even with the person in favour of whom it is taken. ‘What security,” she says to Paris, ‘can you afterwards have for my fidelity? Will not my easy consent to your proposal make you suspect me with every stranger that lands upon your coast 2'. This reasoning is unanswerable, inasmuch as no union is at all likely to be lasting, that is not founded upon virtue. t * Thou adultress /]—Wer. 217. This reminds us of the Latin proverb, ‘Clodius accusat machos.’ “Clodius accuses the adulterers.’ The negroes are very much in the habit of calling each other ‘black rascals.’ 58 Aid of a brother.]—Wer. 228. She had at this time only one brother surviving, inasmuch as Castor had been slain by Lyncaeus. * Was she.]—Wer. 230. Paris had made large promises to Helen : but these are usual in Sonciting favours of this kind, and, though given with the greatest air of sincerity, are apt to be but little regarded after- wards. She therefore tells him that his promises have given her but little security, since it has appeared, from numerous instances, that those who trust to them are in the end deceived. She instances Medea in particular and insinuates her fears of a like fate for herself. EP. XVII.] HELEN TO PARIS, I93 when despised, she might return; no mother Ipsea," no sister Chalciope. I apprehend no such thing;" but neither did Medea apprehend; fair expectations are often deceived in their own surmises.” For all the ships, which are now being tossed upon the deep, thou wilt find that the sea was calm when sailing out of harbour. The torch, too,” terrifies me; which, stained with blood, thy mother thought, before the day of her labour, she was bearing. I fear, too, the presages of the prophets, which, they say, forewarns us that Ilion shall be burnt by Pelasgian flames. And as Cytherea favours thee, because she has triumphed, and has by thy decision gained a two-fold trophy,” so do I fear the others, which two, if thy praises are not assumed, lost their cause on thy arbitration. And I have no doubt but that, if I should accompany thee, arms will be resorted to ; our love, ah me! will have through swords to make its way. Did Atracian Hippodamia” compel 00 No mother Ipsea.]—Ver. 232. It is generally supposed that the word ‘Ipsea’ is a corrupt reading for Idyia; as the latter is usually the name given to the mother of Medea, and the former occurs in no other instance. Diodorus Siculus, however, says that Medea and Chalciope were the daughters of Æetes, by Hecate, the daughter of his brother. Apollonius Rhodius says that Absyrtus was the son of Æetes, not by his wife, but by his concubine Asterodaa. Sophocles calls the mother of Medea, Eurylyte. - i 61 No such thing.]—Wer. 233. This reflection is just and well-timed. She would not appear to suspect her lover's honour and fidelity, and therefore is willing to trust him; but she immediately recollects that the same was the case with Medea. She had no distrust of Jason, but con- fided in his promises, and the event testified how far she had been in error. She concludes, then, that she may possibly have some reason to fear a similar fate. * Surmises.]—Wer. 234. She here refers to the lot of Medea, on being abandoned by Jason. According to some accounts, AEetes had been pre- viously slain in a skirmish with the Argonauts, before they left Colchis. Apollodorus, however, assures us that Medea actually did return to Æetes, and was instrumental in restoring him to his kingdom, from which he had some time before been expelled. 63 The torch, too.]—Wer. 237. Her suspicions suggest to her a less accommodating explanation of Hecuba's dream, than the passion of Paris had suggested to him. 64. Two-fold trophy.]—Ver. 242. In having surpassed the other twº Goddesses in beauty. 6; Hippodamia. Ver. 248. Atrax, or Atracia, a town of Thessaly, was built by Atrax, the son of Peneus. Hence the term ‘Atracian’ came O #94 THE EPISTIES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XVII. the men of Haemonia" to proclaim cruel warfare with the Centaurs? And dost thou suppose that Menelais will be tardy in anger so reasonable, and my two brothers," and Tyndarus? Although thou dost boast so highly, and dost talk of thy valiant deeds, those features deprive their words of credit. Thy body is better suited to Venus than to Mars. Let the valiant wage the warfare; do thou, Paris, ever be the lover. Bid Hector, whom thou dost praise, to fight for thee; a different warfare” is deserving of thy pursuits. Of those would I take advantage, if I were wise, and were a little bolder; any woman would take advantage of them, if she were wise. Or else, perhaps, I shall do so, all modesty laid aside; and, in time, overcome, I shall extend my joined hands. As for thy asking, that imprivate we may speak a few words together ; I know what” thou dost aim at, and call a conversa- tion. But thou art too urgent; and still is thy harvest” in the blade ; this delay may, perhaps, prove friendly to thy de- sires. At this point, my fingers now being weary, let my Writing, the confidant of my concealed thoughts, bring to an end its secret task. The rest we may say through my companions,” Clymene and Æthra, which two are both my attendants and my counsellors. to be given generally to a native of Thessaly, like Hippodamia. Some Writers would have her to be the daughter of Atrax, a river of Thessaly, but on what authority is not known. * Hasmonia.]—Wer. 248. The ‘Haemonii viri’ are the Lapithae, who were assisted by Nestor, Theseus, and Hercules. The battle of the Cen- taurs and the Lapithae is vividly described in the Twelfth Book of the Metamorphoses. "7 My two brothers.]—Ver, 250. Ovid is at fault here, in speaking of her “gemini fratres' as being then alive; for, according to his account in the Fasti, Castor was slain in the combat with Lynceus, to which she has previously referred. * Different warfare.]—Wer. 256. . This is in accordance with the spirit of the line in the “Amores,’ ‘Militat omnis amans, et habet sua castra Cupido.” “Every lover is a soldier, and Cupid has his camp.” * I know what..]—Wer. 262. It is pretty clear that all shame and re- serve have now deserted her. * Thy harvest.]—Wer. 263. Helen having given a particular answer to every thing that Paris has said in his letter, in such a manner as if she felt half inclined to reject his suit, concludes with a promise that she will prove favourable to his wishes, but requests him to have patience. * My companions.]—Ver, 267. In addition to the former remarks tº these confidants of Helen, we may here observe, that Hyginus says that Ep. xyTII.] LEANDER TO HERO. #95 EPISTLE XVIII. L E AND E R T O H E R 0,72 THE Hellespont (now the straits of Gallipoli, or the Dardanelles) is a narrow sea, that divides Europe from Asia. Sestos and Abydos were two cities that stood directly opposite to each other; the one on the European side, the native place of Hero ; the other in Asia, where Leander lived. These young persons, being violently enamoured of each other, and fearing to let their passion be known by their parents, Leander can devise no other expedient for obtaining the society of his mistress, than by Swimming over the Hellespont in the night, which he is in the habit of frequently doing. But a storm arising, by which he is detained from Hero for seven days, he writes this Epistle to her, and engages a bold mariner, in spite of the tempest, to cross over with it to Sestos. He endeavours, first, to convince her that his love is unchanged and unalterable, and he then launches forth into com/paints that, by the unrelenting fury of the waves, he has been precluded from an opportunity of visiting her. In conclusion, he promises that he will be with her very soon ; and that, should the sea continue to rage, he will even prefer exposing himself to danger, than continue to be deprived of the pleasure of seeing and conversing with her. HE of Abydos, Sestian fair, sends that health to thee which he would rather bring himself, if the rage” of the sea should abate.” If the Gods” are favourable to me, and are propiti- Helen was accompanied to Troy by her two handmaids, AEthra and Phisais, whom Castor and Pollux had given to her as slaves, and who had once been queens. 72 Leander to Hero.]—Barthius, in his Commentaries on the Thebaid of Statius, Book vi., l. 545, can hardly venture to ascribe this Epistle to Ovid, because he finds that lines 247 and 248 are translations from Mu- sacus, unless, indeed, the author that goes by that name is of much more ancient date than that usually assigned to him by the learned. But this opinion is not in general supported; and the Epistle is, without hesita- tion, assigned to Ovid. ** If the rage.]—Wer. 2. Instead of this and the preceding line, one of the MSS. has - * Quam cuperem solitas, Hero, tibi ferre per undas, Accipe, Leandri, dum verit ipse, manum'— ‘Receive, Hero, until he himself comes, the penmanship of Leander, which I could have wished to bear to thee through the waves as usual.' 78 Should abate.]—Wer. 2. Heinsius conjectures that ‘Sesti,’ and not ‘Sesta,” is a more correct reading, were-not all the MSS. against it. So impatient is Leander of being detained from Hero, that he cannot forbear complaining of it at the very beginning of his letter. 74 f the Gods.]—Wer. 3. Commentators generally suppose that the • Di’ here mentioned, are Venus and Cupid. There is reason, however, to O 2 | 96 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. EP. xviii. ous to my love, these words of mine thou wilt read with dis- contented eyes.” But they are not favourable; for why do they delay my hopes, and permit me not to pass through the well-known waves 7” Thou thyself dost behold the heavens think that Neptune and the other marine Deities are also included, for in the fifth verse he says ‘Sed non sunt faciles,’ and gives, as a reason, that he is detained from his mistress by the tempestuous Sea. 75 Discontented eyes.]—Ver. 4. Not that his letter will be unaccept- able to her, but because she would rather see him, than barely hear from him. 76 Well-known waves.]—Ver, 6. Relative to the passage of Leander over the Hellespont, we cannot do better than transcribe the following narrative. After Lord Byron had visited the Morea, as we learn from one of his biographers, he embarked for Constantinople on board the frigate, the Salsette, commanded by Captain Bathurst. While the ship was at anchor in the Dardanelles, a discussion arose among the officers on the possibility of swimming across the Hellespont, and thus verifying the narratives of Ovid and Musæus. Lord Byron and Lieutenant Ekenhead determined to try it; and on the 3rd of May, 1810, they accomplished it. A fit of fever was the consequence, in the case of Lord Byron. Some time after this adventure, an Englishman, of the name of Turner, made a similar attempt, but without success; and in an account of his travels, he made some remarks on the narrative which Lord Byron had given of his exploit. The latter, offended at the doubts thrown on his veracity, thus writes to his friend Mr. Murray, from Ravenna, in a letter dated the 21st February, 1821 (vol. v., p. 129, of the Edition in 17 volumes): “In the forty-fourth page, Volume First, of Turner's Travels (which you lately sent me), it is stated that ‘Lord Byron, when he expressed such confidence of its practicability, seems to have forgotten that Leander swam both ways, with and against the tide ; whereas he (Lord Byron) only per- formed the easiest part of the task, by swimming with it from Europe to Asia.’ I certainly could not have forgotten what is known to every school- boy, that Leander crossed in the night, and returned towards the morning My object was, to ascertain that the Hellespont could be crossed at all by swimming, and in this Mr. Ekenhead and myself both succeeded; the one in an hour and ten minutes, the other in an hour and five minutes. The tide was not in our favour; on the contrary, the great difficulty was to bear up against the current, which, so far from helping us unto the Asiatic side, sent us right down towards the Archipelago. Neither Mr. Ekenhead nor myself, nor, I will venture to add, any person on board the frigate -, had any notion of a difference of the current on the Asiatic side, of which Mr. Turner speaks. I never heard of it till this moment, or i would have taken the other course. Lieutenant Eken- head's sole motive, and mine also, for setting out from the European side was, that the little cape above Sestos was a more prominent starting place, and the frigate which lay below, close under the Asiatic castle, formed a better point of view for us to swim towards; and, in fact, we EP. XVIII.] LEANDER TO HERQ, 197 blacker than pitch : the seas, too, swelling with the winds, and hardly to be stemmed by the hollow barks. One mari- landed immediately below it. Mr. Turner says, “Whatever is thrown into the stream on this part of the European bank, must arrive at the Asiatic shore.’ This is so far from being the case, that it must arrive in the Archipelago, if left to the current, although a strong wind in the Asiatic direction might have such an effect occasionally. Mr. Turner attempted the passage from the Asiatic side, and failed; “after five and twenty minutes, in which he did not advance a hundred yards, he gave it up, from complete exhaustion.’ This is very possible, and might have occurred to him just as readily on the European side. He should have set out a couple of miles higher, and could then have come out below the European castle. I particularly stated, and Mr. Hobhouse has done so also, that we were obliged to make the passage of one mile extend to between three and four, owing to the force of the stream. I can assure Mr. Turner that his success would have given me great plea- sure, as it would have added one more instance to the proofs of the pro- bability. It is not quite fair in him to infer that, because he failed, Lean- der could not succeed. There are still four instances on record: a Nea- politan, a young Jew, Mr. Ekenhead, and myself; the two last done in the presence of hundreds of English witnesses. With regard to the difference of the current, I perceived none; it is unfavourable to the swimmer on either side, but may be stemmed by plunging into the sea, a considerable way above the opposite point of the coast which the swimmer wishes to make, but still bearing up against it; it is strong, but if you calculate well, you may reach land. My own experience, and that of others, bids me pro- nounce the passage of Leander perfectly practicable. Any young man, in good and tolerable skill in swimming, might succeed in it from either side. I was three hours in Swimming across the Tagus, which is much more hazardous, being two hours longer than the Hellespont. I crossed the Hellespont in one hour and ten minutes only. I am now ten years older in time, and twenty in constitution, than I was when I crossed the Dardanelles, and yet two years ago I was capable of swimming four hours and twenty minutes: and I am sure that I could have continued two hours longer, though I had on a pair of trowsers, an accoutrement which by no means assists the performance. With this experience in swim- ming at different periods of life, not only upon the spot, but elsewhere of various persons, what is there to make me doubt that Leander's ex- ploit was perfectly practicable 2 If these individuals did more than the passage of the Hellespont, why should he have done less That a young Greek, of the heroic times, in love, and with his limbs in full vigour, might have succeeded in such an attempt, is neither wonderful nor doubtful. Whether he attempted it or not, is another question, be- cause he might have had a small boat to save him the trouble.” With reference to this last remark, we will only add, that there is no proof that Leander had sufficient funds of his own to purchase a small boat ; and in the next place, the use of it must have greatly facilitated that discovery 198 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. [EP. XVIII. ner, and he a bold one, by whom my letter is delivered to thee, has steered his course from the harbour ; I would have em- barked," were it not that all Abydos was on the heights,” when he unfastened the moorings of his prow. I could not have been concealed from my parents, as before ; and that love which we wish to be concealed, could not have been hidden. At once, writing this, I said, “Go, happy Epistle; soon will she be extending her beauteous hand to thee. Perhaps thou wilt be pressed by the lips of my mistress applied to thee; while she shall be attempting to break thy fastenings” with her snow-white teeth.” Such words being spoken by me in a low whisper, the rest has my right hand uttered together with the paper. But how much would I rather that right hand should do its part in swimming, than that it should write, and that, labouring, it should bear me through the accustomed waves' Better fitted, indeed, is it to lash the placid deep : and yet it is the fitting minister of my feelings. The seventh night is now passing, a space to me more tedious than a year, since the troubled sea has raged with its hoarse billows. If on these mights I have experienced sleep that soothes the breast, lasting may prove this delay of the boisterous deep. Seated on some rock, in sadness I look upon thy shores; and in thought I am carried whither I cannot be carried in person. My eyes, too, either behold, or think that they behold, the light” that keeps the watch on the summit of thy tower. Three times have I thrown aside my garments” on the dry sand; thrice, which he was so anxious to avoid, and which precluded him from ventur- ing in the boat which carried his letter, 77 Have embarked.]—Wer. 11. He says this, to satisfy her that his not venturing with the mariner is not from want of courage or inclination, but because the influx of spectators renders it impossible for him to be concealed;’ he having hitherto kept his passion from the knowledge of his arents. - p 78 On the heights.]—Wer. 12. “Specula' frequently means ‘a watch- tower,’ but here it signifies the heights adjoining the town. 79 Thy fastenings.]—Ver. 18. This was the pack-thread with which the tablets were fastened together, and which was sealed with wax. In her impatience she would be likely to break it with her teeth, instead of waiting for knife or Scissars. t 50 Behold the light.]—Ver, 31. He alludes to the torch which she kept burning, as his guide when swimming. * My garments j—Ver, 33. We must suppose that he was in this EP. XVIII.] LEANDER TO HERO. H 99 stripped, have I attempted to proceed ou the perilous way. The swelling sea opposed my youthful attempts,” and over- whelmed my features as I swam in its hostile waves. But thou, most inexorable of the boisterous winds, why, with determined mind, dost thou wage war with me? Against me, Boreas, if thou knowest it not, and not against the ocean, dost thou rage. What wouldst thou do, if love were not known to thee '' So cold as thou art, still, perverse wind, thou dost not deny that thou once wast warm with Actaean fires.” When about to snatch thy joys, if any one had wished to shut against thee the aérial paths, in what manner wouldst thou have submitted to it 2 Pity me, I pray; and more mildly impel the gentle gales: then may the grandson of Hippotas” lay no harsh commands on thee. In vain do I entreat, and against my petitions does he murmur ; the billows, too, which he agitates, in no measure does he restrain. O that Daedalus" would now grant me the daring wings! although the Icarian shore is so near to this. Whatever shall be the event, I will endure it; only let me raise my body into the air, which so oft has poised itself in the uncertain waves. In the meantime, while the the winds and the waves are denying me everything, in my mind, I revolve the first mo- ments of my stolen joys. 'Twas the beginning of night (for there is a delight in remembering it) when, full of love, I de- habit of depositing his clothes in some recess of a rock, or other spot, where they would remain safe until his return. * Youžhful attempts.]—Wer. 35. That is, attempts which more mature years would not have ventured upon. * Actaean fires.]—Ver. 42. It has been already remarked that Boreas was said to have carried off Orithyia, the daughter of Erectheus, king of Athens; the shores of which were called ‘Actaean.” * Of Hippotas.]—Wer. 46. Commentators think that there were two persons of the name of Æolus; the one, the son of Jupiter, by Segesta, Egesta, or Acesta, the daughter of Hippotas, (though the Scholiast on Homer makes him the son of Hippotas) and the other, the son of Hellen, who was the son of Jupiter. The former was the one who was visited by Ulysses, while the latter is supposed to have been the father of Sal- moneus, Sisyphus, Creteus, Athamas, and others. 86 That Daedalus.]—Wer. 49. The story of Daedalus and Icarus is beautifully told in the Eighth Book of the Metamorphoses. Leander al- ludes to the fate of Icarus, to make Hero sensible of the strength of his passion, to which no danger appears considerable, when opposeſ to the hope of conversing with her. 200 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. [EP. xv.III. parted from my father's door. There was no delay; throwing off all fear together with my clothes, I dashed my pliant arms in the yielding sea. The Moon, like a kind attendant upon my path, offered an almost tremulous light as I speeded. Looking up at her, I said, “Favour me, bright Goddess; and let the Latmian cliffs" recur to thy mind. Endymion can- not permit thee to be of unrelenting disposition; turn thy features,” I pray, to these my stolen delights. Thou, God- dess,” descending from heaven, didst go in quest of a mortal; let me be allowed to say the truth; she, whom I pursue, is herself a Goddess. Not to mention her disposition, worthy of a heavenly breast; that beauty is not ranked but among the real Goddesses. After the face of Venus and thine own there is not one superior; and do not trust my words, thou beholdest her thyself. As much as, when thou dost shine with thy pure rays in silvery effulgence, all the stars gave way before thy flames, so much is she more beauteous than all the beau- teous; if thou dost doubt it, Cynthia,” thou hast a darkened light.” Having said these words, or, at least, words not differing from them in meaning, in the night was I borne along the yielding waters. The waves shone with the brightness of the reflected Moon, and there was the brilliancy of day in the silent night; and no voice, no murmur came to my ears, but that of the water moved by my body. The halcyons alone," remembering the once loved Ceyx, seemed to utter I know not what sweet complaints. And now, my * Latmian cliffs.]—Wer. 62. Latmos was a mountain of Caria, near the coast of the AEgean Sea. It was famous for the Amours there of Cynthia, or Diana, and Endymion. $7 Thy features.]—Ver. 64. He rightly uses “vultus,’ ‘features,’ rather than ‘cor,’ ‘feelings,” because at this time he stood in need chiefly of her light, to aid him in Swimming. * Thou, Goddess.]—Wer. 65. Here he enforces his prayer by mention- ing the reason on which he grounds his hope of her favour. Love was so powerful with Cynthia, that she left heaven in quest of a mortal. What wonder, then, if he is so eager in the pursuit of one whom he esteems as a Goddess 2 89 Cynthia.]—Ver. 74. Diana is called “Cynthia,’ from Cynthus, a mountain of the Isle of Delos, the place of her birth. 99 The halcyons alone.]—Wer. 81. This affecting story, so very touch- ingly referred to, is related in the Eleventh Book of the Metamorphoses. EP. xvi II.] IEANDER TO HERO. 201 arms fatigued from below each shoulder,” with an effort, I raised myself” on high, on the surface of the waves. When I beheld a light afar off, I said, “My flame is in that flame, my light” do those shores contain.” And suddenly the strength returned to my wearied shoulders; and the wayes seemed to me more pliant than they had been. The love which warmed in my eager breast caused me not to be able to feel the chill of the cold sea. The more I advanced, and the nearer was the shore and the less the distance that remained, the more was I delighted to proceed. But when I could be seen as well, at once thou as specta- tress,” didst give me spirits, and didst cause me to feel vi- gour. Now, even by my swimming do I strive to please my mistress, and before thy eyes do I throw out my arms. Thy nurse,” with difficulty, hinders thee from descending into the deep. For this did I see also ; and thou wast not de- ceiving me. And yet she did not, although, when proceed- ing, she held thee back, hinder thy foot from becoming wet with the water at the margin. Thou didst receive me in thy embrace, and didst give me delightful kisses; kisses, ye great Gods,” worthy to be sought beyond the seas. And thy garments,” taken from thy shoulders, thou didst hand 91 Below each shoulder.]—Ver. 83. It is just beneath the shoulder that pain and weariness is first felt after long swimming. 92 Raised myself.]—Wer. 84. Probably to catch a glimpse of the light above the billows that were dashing around him. 93 My light.]—Ver. 86. “Lumen,” “light,’ and not ‘ numen,” “divinity,’ would seem to be the proper reading, as a reiteration of the meaning conveyed by the word ‘ignis,’ ‘fire,’ in the preceding line. * As spectatress.]—Wer. 94. Hero, standing as ‘spectatrix’ on the heights of Sestos, can hardly fail to remind us of the equally hapless Eliza of modern times, immortalized by Darwin : ‘Now stood Eliza on the wood-crowned height, O'er Minden's plain, spectatress of the fight.” 95 Thy nurse.]—Wer. 97. We may here remark, that the “nutrices,” or “nurses’ of antiquity, do not seem to have been so relentless to the fair damsels committed to their charge, as the more unaccommodating duennas of modern Spain and Italy. * Ye great Gods.]—Wer. 102. These exclamations are frequent with the Poet, and have considerable beauty in them, when aptly introduced. 97 Thy garments.] — Wer. 103. There is something comical in the motion of Leander wearing Hero's petticoats ; but perhaps they were only 202 THE EPISTLEs of THE HEROINEs. [EP, XVIII. to me; and thou didst wring the water of the sea from my wet hair. The might, ourselves, and the conscious tower, and that light which showed me the way through the deep, know the rest. No more can the joys of that night be reckoned, than can the weeds of the Hellespontic sea. The shorter the time that was afforded for our stolen joys, the greater was our care that it should not be idly spent. And now, the wife of Tithonus about to banish the might, Lucifer, the forerunner of Aurora,” had risen. We mutually snatched repeated kisses without intermission, and we com- plained that too short was the duration of the night. And thus delaying,” at the hateful warning of thy nurse, leaving the tower, I repaired to the cold sea-shore. Weeping, we parted, and I entered again the sea of the Virgin;" always, so long as I could, looking back” on my mistress. If there is any believing the truth, as I went to thee, I seemed to be neally a swimmer;" as I returned, I seemed to myself to be a shipwrecked man.* This too, if thou camst believe it; ient him by the damsel till he could get under shelter, where he may pos- sibly have had a change of garments in readiness. 98 Of Aurora.]—Wer. 112. It may be remarked that the planet which we call Venus, when appearing in the morning before Sunrise, was called by the ancients Lucifer and Phosphorus, and by us is called the Morning Star; when it appeared after sunset, they called it Hesperus, as we call it the Evening Star. 98 Thus delaying.]—Ver, 115. The force of the word ‘cunctatus' cannot be very easily expressed in English : it signifies “having from time to time disregarded the warnings of the nurse, and having delayed giving obedience to them.” As morning draws near, the nurse warns him of the necessity of his departing, but he still insists on prolonging his stay. 1 Of the Virgin.]—Ver, 117. Helle, the sister of Phryxus, who gave her name to the Hellespont, is here alluded to. * Looking back.]—Wer. 118. “Respiciens’ alludes probably to the time when he was going down to the shore; or it may possibly mean, that while he was swimming, he continually looked back on his mistress. * A swimmer.]—Wer. 119. “Natator' here means, ‘a regular swim- mer,’ ‘one that knows how to swim,' in contradistinction to “naufragus;’ as a shipwrecked person is obliged to swim, whether he understands the art or not, if he wishes to escape death. * A shipwrecked man.]—Wer. 120. A critic of the name of Robertus Titius, whose work is mentioned by Burmann, explains this passage, as thinking that Leander means to say, that when he swam to his mistress he swam perpendicularly, but that when he left her he floated on his back, like the body of a shipwrecked person; this he thinks to be the EP. XVIII.] LEANDER TO HERO. 203 towards thee the path seemed a declivity; when I returned from thee, it seemed a steep mountain of sluggish water. Re- luctantly did I repair to my native place; who could have believed it? With reluctance, assuredly, do I now remain in my own city. Ah me! Why, joined in inclination, are we disjoined by the waves? And why does one mind, and not one land, possess us two 7. Either let thy Sestos receive me, or my Abydos thee. Thy land is as pleasing to me as is my own to thee. Why am I troubled myself, so oft as the sea is troubled? Why is the wind, so slight a cause, able to annoy me? - Now are the curving dolphins acquainted with our loves; and to the fishes” I do not think that I am unknown. Now is the beaten path of the well-known waves distinctly marked; no otherwise than a highway, worn" by many a wheel." I used to complain that it was not possible for me to cross in any manner but this; but now I complain, that, through the winds, even this is withdrawn from me. The seas of the daughter of Athamas are white with enormous billows, and more probable, from Leander saying that he kept looking back on his mis- tress, which, according to him, he could not do unless he was floating. But this motion seems to be more ingenious than well founded ; for, when going, Leander says that he felt like one who was a regular swimmer, who knew how to swim and took a delight in it, and that he passed through the water with ease; whereas, on his return, he had to labour, as though he was ascending a hill of water, and his struggles against the waves resembled the convulsive efforts of a shipwrecked person. “Respicere,’ clearly means to look back, by turning the head round. If he had looked on his mistress while floating, ‘adspicere' would have been used. * To the fishes.]—Ver. 132. There is something almost comical in the motion of the fishes having made his acquaintance. * Highway worn.]—Ver. 134. The Romans not understanding the improvement of macadamizing their roads, ruts were soon worn in the streets by the chariots and carts. The imprint of Roman wheels is (or was till lately) discernible in the streets of Pompeii. 7 Many a wheel.]—Wer. 134. The wheels used by the ancients re- volved on the axle, as in the carriages of modern times, and were pre- vented, by pins inserted, from falling off. The wheels consisted of naves, spokes, which varied much in number, the felly, or wooden circumference, made of elastic wood, such as the poplar and wild fig, and composed of several segments united, and the tire, which was of metal. Some of their carts and waggons had wheels made of a solid circle of wood, in shape like a millstone, with the axle running through the middle; similar wheels are used in the South of Europe at the pre- bent day, 304 THE EPISTLEs of THE HEROINEs. [E.P. XVIII. hardly does the bark remain safe in its harbour. I think that this sea, when it first obtained the name from the Virgin that was drowned, which it now retains, was such as now it appears. This place, too, is sufficiently disgraced by the loss of Helle; and though it should spare me, it has a name from its misdeeds. I envy Phryxus, whom the golden sheep, with its woolly fleece, bore in safety over the stormy SéâS. And yet, I require the aid neither of the ram nor of the bark; let only the waters be granted me, for me to cleave with my body. Of no art do I stand in need; let me only have the opportunity of swimming, I, the same individual, will be both ship, mariner, and passenger.” I will neither follow Helice,” nor Arctos, which Tyre observes; my passion has no regard for stars that belong to the public." Let others watch Andromeda, or the bright Crown,” and the Parrhasian Bear,” which glitters in the frozen sky. But the object which Perseus and Liber” loved, together with Jove, does not please me to be the guide” of my uncertain path. There is another light, much more unerring than they ; that the guide, my passion, will not be in the dark. So long as I should keep that in sight, I could go to Colchis,” and to the remotest re- * And passenger.]—Wer. 148. The primary meaning of the word “vector' “is one who carries,’ but here it evidently means, ‘passenger;' though in Davison's translation, ‘pilot,” or “master,’ is suggested as being possibly its signification. - * Follow Helice.]—Wer. 149. For an account of Helice and Arctos, see the Notes on the Fasti, Book iii. 1. 207. * To the public.]—Ver, 150. ‘Publica sidera,’ may be rendered, in the . language of the present day, ‘the stars of the million.’ * Bright Crown.]—Wer. 151. He refers to the crown of Ariadne; see the Fasti, Book iii. 1. 516. * Parrhasian Bear.]—Wer. 152. For an account of the Parrhasian or Arcadian bear, see the Fasti, book ii. l. 153, et seq. * Perseus and Liber.]—Ver, 153. He alludes to the intrigue of Jupiter with Calisto, the love of Bacchus for Ariadne, and of Perseus for Andromeda. See the story of Perseus and Andromeda, in the Meta- morphoses, at the end of the Fourth Book. * To be the guide.]—Wer. 154. He determines that he will have no other guide than his own mistress; he may perhaps intend by the mention of ‘lumen’ in the next line, to refer to the light of her torch. * Go to Colchis.]—Ver. 157. He here alludes to the expedition of the Argonauts, to shew with what security and confidence he would EP. XVIII.] LIEANDER TO HERO. 205 gions of Pontus, and where the Thessalian ship cleaved its path; I could excel even the youthful Palaemon" in swim- ming, and him whom the wondrous grass" suddenly changed into a Divinity. Often do my arms grow weak with the constant movements, and they are moved with difficulty along the boundless waters. When to them I say, “No unworthy reward is there for your labour; soon shall I give you the neck of my mistress to be pressed;” forthwith do they become vigorous, and press on for their prize, just like the swift steed sent forth from the Elean starting-place.” I, myself, therefore, observe” the passion with which I am consumed : and thee do I follow, fair one better deserving of the heavens. Deserving, indeed, of the heavens, but still abide on earth; or say what path there is for me as well to the Gods above. Here on earth art thou, and seldom dost thou fall to the lot of thy unhappy lover ; and, together with my feelings, do the seas become troubled. What avails it me that I am not separated by the vast ocean from thee & Is this strip of water so narrow, any the less an ob- stacle to us? I am in doubt,” whether, removed afar by the trust himself to the direction of his propitious star; and he says that, depending upon this guide, he would even venture upon the most dan- gerous expedition, like that of Jason to Colchis, in quest of the Golden Fleece. 10 Palaemon.]—Ver. 159. Palaemon was the name which Melicerta, the son of Ino, received as a Divinity among the Greeks. The story of Ino and Melicerta is told in the Fourth Book of the Metamorphoses, and is referred to in the Sixth Book of the Fasti. 17 Wondrous grass.]—Ver. 160. He alludes to Glaucus, who was changed into a Sea-God, on tasting a certain plant. The story is told at the end of the Thirteenth Book of the Metamorphoses. 18 Elean starting-place.]—Wer. 166. He alludes to the Olympic games, which were celebrated iu the territory of Elis, in the Peloponnesus. 19 Therefore observe.]—Wer. 167. ‘Servo' means here ‘to watch,’ as the sailors watch the stars; ‘to take observations from.’ It must be remembered that the stars and constellations were the only guides with the mariners of ancient times, by which to steer their course. 20 I am in doubt..]—Ver, 175. Leander here expresses himself in the language of peculiar anxiety and distress. He is almost within sight of his mistress, and yet he is as much deprived of her company as if they were separated from each other by the greatest distance. That nearness has given him hopes of being with her soon; but accidents intervene to prevent it, and his hope changes into impatience and distraction. In this anxiety of mind, he thinks it would be better for him to be at a distance from 206 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINEs. [EP. XVIII, earth’s whole extent, I would not prefer to have my hopes, together with my mistress, so far removed, The nearer thou now art, with the more violent flame am I warmed; and the object is not ever present to me, the hope is. With my hand almost,” (so great is our proximity) do I touch the object that I love; but, oftentimes, alas ! this almost moves me to tears.” What else is this than to attempt to grasp the retreating apples, and with one's lips to pursue the hopes of the receding stream? And shall I then never clasp thee, but when the waves shall choose 7 And shall no storms look upon me in a state of blessedness? And, though there is nothing less constant than the wind and the waves, in the wind and the water shall my hopes be for ever centred' Besides, as yet it is the warm season; what will it be when the Pleiades” shall arouse the waves for me, and Arctophylax,” and the Olenian goat l” Either I do not know to what extent he is venturesome, or else, even then, Love will send me in my rashness into the sea. And do not suppose that I make promises for that time, because it is at a distance; I will give thee no slow proofs of the reality of my promises. Even now let the sea be boisterous for a few her, because in that case he would endeavour quietly to submit to his fate, and he would not feel himself exposed to the mortification of frequent disappointments. w * My hand almost.]—Ver. 179. It must be remembered that only about a mile intervened between them. * Moves me to tears.]—Ver, 180. We have here an admirable picture of a man fluctuating between hope and disappointment. His manner and expressions betray the impatience of his soul, and his comparison of himself to Tantalus is happy in the extreme. There was some resem- blance between their two cases, and it was natural for such gloomy ideas to present themselves to a mind labouring under such peculiar per- plexities. t * The Pleiades.]—Wer, 188. For an account of the Pleiades, see the Fasti, Book iv. l. 169, and Note. * Arctophylax..]—Ver, 188. For the story of Arctophylax, Boötes, or the Bearward, see the Fasti, Book ii. 1. 191. e * Olenian goat.]—Wer, 188. For the history of the Olenian she-goat, see the Fasti, Book v. l. 113, et seq. In addition to what is there stated, we may remark that the epithet ‘Olenian' is by some thought to have been derived from Olenus, a son of Vulcan, the father of Æga and Ælia, Jupiter's nurses; but how Vulcan's grandchildren can possibly have been the nurses of Jupiter, is a mythological anachronism that it would be use. iess to attempt to rectify. *. f EP. XVIII.] LEAN DER TO HERO. 207 mights longer, and I will attempt to pass through the resist- ing waves. Either, in safety, shall my boldness meet with success, or else death shall be the end of my anxious affection. Still I shall wish” to be thrown up on that side; and for my shipwrecked limbs to reach thy harbour. . . But thou wilt weep, and wilt honour my breathless body with thy embrace, and thou wilt say, “I was the cause of his death.” . No doubt thou wilt be hurt at this omen of my death; and my letter in this part is a cause of trouble to thee. I, desist; forbear to complain; but that the seas may put an end to their fury, let thy prayer be added, I pray, to my own. I have need of a short calm, until I am carried over to the other side ; when I shall have reached thy shore, let the storm continue. There is the dock” best suited for my bark; and in no waters does my ship more conveniently stand at anchor. Let Boreas shut me up there, where it is so delightful to abide; then shall I be slow to swim, then shall I be pru- dent. I will neither utter any reproaches to the deaf waves, nor will I complain that the sea is rough for me about to swim. Let both the winds and thy arms as well detain me; and may I be delayed there by a twofold cause. When the storm shall allow of it, I will employ my arms, the oars of my body ; only do thou always hold the torch in sight. In the mean- time, instead of myself, let my letter pass the might with thee; I pray that I may follow it with very little delay. 20 I shall wish.]—Ver, 197. Nothing can be more affecting than this wish of Leander, as it gives a strong picture of the violence of his pas- sion, and shews at the same time the tender and pathetic sentiments with which it has inspired him. As love, when firmly implanted in the heart, is attentive to a thousand little particulars, which a mind not similarly affected would overlook or perhaps despise as trifling, Leander seems here to take a pleasure in the imagination of what may happen, should his body be thrown on shore in the sight of Hero. Her tender complaints and her transports of grief are all foreseen, and he considers them a re- compense for his hard fate. It may be here remarked, that this, in the end, proved to be Leander's fate. After he had often crossed successfully, a storm arising one fatal night, Hero in the morning beheld his body floating near the shore. 37 Is the dock.]—Ver. 207. ‘Navale' was properly a dock where ships were either built, refitted, or laid up. There were ‘navalia at Rome connected with the Tiber. The docks of the Piraeus f Athens cost a thousand talents in their erection. - g()& THE EPISTTES OF THE EIEEOINTES. [EP. XIX. EPISTLE XIX. H E R O TO L E A N D E R. £HERo, on receiving the letter of Leander, returns this answer. Her chief object is to signify her ardent return of his passion, and with this view she sometimes accuses him of neglect, while she asserts her own constancy and unalterable affection. She sometimes gives expres- sion to a fear that ſeander may have transferred his affections to another; but she soon rejects the unkind suspicion, and ascribes all to the well-known anxiety of lovers, who are apt to fancy themselves threatened with every disaster. Alarmed by an omimous dream, she entreats him not to venture till the sea is calm. LEANDER,” that I may in reality enjoy that health which thou hast sent to me in words, come hither. Tedious is every delay for me, that postpones our delights. Pardon the confession ; I love with no ordinary endurance. With equal flames do we burn; but I am not equal to thee in strength; I think that the feelings of men must be more resolute. As . is their body, so, with females, is the mind weak; add the delay of but a short time, and I shall be overpowered. You men,” sometimes by hunting, sometimes by cultivating the prolific earth, dispose of the long hours in various pur- suits. Either the courts of justice” occupy you, or the honours of the amointed ‘palaestra';* or else with the rein 28 Leander.]—Wer. 1. This letter begins, like the preceding one, with an affectionate salutation, and ardent expressions of her desire of meeting Leander once again. 29 You men.]—Wer. 10. Hero proceeds to give some reasons why so long a separation must prove more irksome to her than to himself. Men, as being gifted by nature with more resolution and strength of mind, may justly be supposed to be more capable of enduring distress. They have it, moreover, in their power to dispel anxiety by a variety of amuse- ments. Women, on the contrary, are deprived of these resources; and she, in particular, is able to do nothing but to think and to talk of her Leander. Her whole reasoning is wonderfully adapted not only to prove what she has advanced, but also to win the affections of her lover, by in- sinuating, with the greatest delicacy, how dear he is to her. 30 Courts of justice.]—Wer. il. Pleading the causes of their clients in the courts, was a favourite pursuit with the noble youth of Rome Indeed, it may be said to have been almost universally practised. 3. Anointed Palaestra.]—Ver, 11. The ‘palaestrae’ of the Greeks, where wrestling and other athletic exercises were practised, were public buildings; but among the Romans, they were not public, but were EP. XIX. HERO TO LEANI)]ER. 209 you guide the neck of the swift steed. At one time you are catching the bird with the snare, at another, the fish with the hook; the later hours are drenched in the wine set on table.” To me, removed from these pursuits, nothing is left to do, even if I were inflamed less intensely, but to love. That which is left me, I do ; and thee, O my only happiness! do I love, even more than can possibly be returned to me. Either I am whispering about thee with my dear nurse, and am wondering what cause can be delaying thy passage; or else, looking out on the sea, I reprove the ocean, aroused by the hateful winds, almost in thy own words; or, when the angry waves remit a little of their rage, I complain that thou mightst indeed, but that thou art not desirous to, come. And as I complain, the tears trickle from my loving eyes, which with palsied fingers, the old woman, my confidant, dries up. Often do I search if thy foot-prints are on the shore; as though the sand” would retain the marks once placed there. And that I may enquire about thee, and may write to thee, I enquire if any one has either come from Abydos, or if any one is going to Abydos.” Why should I mention, how often I give kisses to the clothes,” which thou didst put off when about to go into the waters of the Hellespont ? So, when attached to the villas of the wealthy. The ‘palaestra’ is here called ‘uncta, from the “ceroma’ or oil with which the wrestler was anointed. * Set on table.]—Ver. 14. After the business of the day was over, the Romans took their “coena,’ or principal meal. The time for the ‘coena' is supposed to have been from two to three o'clock; after that was over, the rest of the evening was devoted by many to wine and con- versation. The meal often occupied as much as three hours, or even II] OF6, * As though the sand.]—Wer. 28. Nothing can be more natural or better conceived than this. Lovers are ready to believe everything that conduces to soothe their passion; and even impossibilities are by them strongly fancied to be possible. What can be more unlikely than that the sand, constantly washed by the sea, should retain the traces of his foot- steps ? And yet Hero, as if fully persuaded of it, runs to the sea-shore to look for them. * Going to Abydos.]—Ver, 30. Heinsius thinks that this line and the preceding one are in a very corrupt state, and that the distich which follows ought to be placed before them. * To the clothes.]—Wer. 31. This perhaps refers to the change of clothes which Hero was in the habit of keeping for him; or, possibly, to her own garments, which she was accustomed to throw over him when ha had landed. F 210 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XIX, light has been dispelled, and, the day chased away, the more grateful hour of night has shewn the bright stars; straightway do I set the watchful light at the top of the tower, the guide and the mark of thy wonted path. And lengthening the twisted threads with the turning spindle, in feminine employ- ment we beguile the tedious hours. Dost thou enquire what I am saying in the meanwhile, during this period so long? Nothing but the name of Leander is on my lips. “Dost thou think, nurse, that my love has now left his home 7 Or are they all on the watch, and is he afraid of his relations 7 Dost thou think that he is now putting his garments from off his shoulders, and that he is now anointing his limbs with unctuous oil?” Mostly she gives a nod of assent; not that she is alluding to my kisses; but slumber, creeping on, shakes her aged head.” And then, after* a very short delay, I say, “Now for certain, he is swimming, and is moving his pliant arms in the divided waves.” And when I have finished a few threads, they touching the ground,” I enquire whether thou 36 Unctuous oil.]—Wer. 44. “Pallade' is here used instead of ‘oleo,” ‘oil’; as Pallas, or Minerva, is said to have first taught men the use of oil. Such as excelled in swimming, when they were aware that they should have occasion to use all their strength, were accustomed to anoint themselves with this, as being of great service to them; inasmuch as it not only made the joints active and supple, but prevented them from being numbed by the coldness of the water. 87 Her aged head.]—Ver. 46. This description of the nurse nodding in her doze, is extremely natural; it was not likely that she should take as much interest in these lucubrations as her charge did. * And then after.]—Wer. 47. The Poet's ingenuity is here shewn in its perfection. He knew full well that the imagination is never more actively engaged, than when employed about an absent and beloved ob- ject. It is not only apt to run over all the scenes that have passed be- tween them, but also to fancy the manner in which the absent person may be at that moment employed. The wish being ‘father to the thought,' Hero naturally imagines every instant what she earnestly desires, namely, that Leander is preparing to swim across to her. * Touching the ground.]—Ver. 49. ‘Tactä perfeci stamina terrà,” Heinsius rejects the common reading here, and professes that he is not able to understand what the Poet means by “tactà terrá.’ Several copies, he observes, have “tela,’ ‘the thread;’ an emendation which he highly approves. He also conjectures that, by a mistake of the transcribers, tactā' has been put in the place of ‘tractâ;’ for ‘trahere telam,” to ‘draw out the thread,” was as common a phrase as ‘trahere lanam,’ ‘trahere EP. XIX.] E[ERO TO TE ANDER, 21 | camst be in the midst of the sea. And sometimes I look out, sometimés, with faltering voice, I pray that a propitious breeze may give thee an easy passage. Sometimes I catch the noises with my ear, and I believe that every sound is that of thy approach. When thus the greatest part of the beguiled night” has been past by me, sleep insensibly steals upon my wearied eyes. Then, perhaps, unkind one, though unwil- lingly, thou art sleeping together with me; and though thou thyself desirest not to come, thou dost come. For sometimes I seem to behold thee swimming close to me; and now, placing thy dripping arms upon my shoulders; now, as I am wont, I seem to be reaching thee the garments for thy wet limbs, and now to be clasping thy breast close to my bosom. And many a thing besides, not to be mentioned by a modest tongue; which give delight in the doing, but which, when dome, I am ashamed to name. Ah, wretched me!” a short-lived and an unsubstantial plea. sure is this; for with my slumbers thou art ever wont to de- part. O that we’” eager lovers may at length be more closely united, and that our delights may not be deprived of a firm assurance. Why, chilled, have I passed so many forlorn nights? Why, slothful swimmer, art thou so often absent from pensum.' This conjecture has the merit of ingenuity, but the Delphin Editor thinks, and apparently with justice, that there is no necessity for Such an alteration, as the words, according to the common reading, may be very easily understood, as in lengthening out a thread it is usual to let the spindle gradually descend till it touches the ground; after which it is wound up, and the same operation is repeated in constant succession. 49 The beguiled night.]—Wer. 55. “Decipere noctem,” means ‘to be- guile,” or ‘elude the night,’ to get over the tedious hours by means of some employment. It has been suggested that the word ‘deceptae' ought to be referred to Hero herself, as meaning, that having waited all right for her lover, in the morning she found herself deceived or disappointed. The word seems, however, better applied to the night itself, as in the other case it would imply a harshness ill-suited to the affectionate tone of the letter. w * Ah, wretched me!]—Wer. 65. Heinsius says, apparently without any sound reason, that this and the following lines are probably spurious. * O that we.]—Wer. 67. This wish is introduced with great pro- priety. Hero, after recounting her dreams and the short unsatisfactory joys that ensued from them, could not conclude in a more matural way than by expressing her earnest wishes that these fleeting joys might soon be converted into real transports. P 2 212 ºf IE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINESs [EP. XIx. me? The sea (I confess it) is not yet tractable for the swim- mer, but last night more gentle were the gales. ‘Why has that” night passed by ? Why didst thou not dread what might ensue? Why did an opportunity so fair pass away, not seized by thee? Though a like opportunity for passing over should at once be presented thee, that, at least,” was better than it, inasmuch as it was the first. But soon” the face of the troubled deep was changed; often hast thou come over in a less time, when thou hast used speed. If de- tained here," I think thou wouldst have no reason to com- plain; and in my embraces no storms could hurt thee. At least, I could them listen unconcerned to the roaring winds, and I could pray that the waters might never be calm. But why has it happened that thou art more fearful of the waves? And why dost thou now fear the sea, which before * Why has that..]—Ver. 73. Throughout the whole Epistle, Hero fully maintains the character which she has given herself at first, that of an ardent and anxious lover. She sedulously watches times and seasons, and complains if she is disappointed in what she may expect from them. As, the night before, the storm had somewhat abated, she wonders that he did not take the opportunity of coming to her. * That, at least.]—Ver, 76. Although she owns in the next verse that the storm was lulled only for a very short time, still she does not ascribe his staying away to that circumstance, but is rather apt to fear that his concern for her begins to diminish. We have here a faithful picture of the human heart, which, in proportion to the high value it sets on any object, is extremely apprehensive about losing it. The case is still more remarkable with lowers, whom the most trivial circumstances in life often fill with a thousand anxieties and alarms. * But soon.]—Wer. 77. This is to be considered as an objection and excuse offered on the part of Leander; as if Hero had said, ‘I know you will plead that the cessation of the storm was short, and that, dreading this with reason, you were unwilling to venture,” She immediately replies, Allow that you were afraid of the raging sea, yet why did you not come when it was calm ? The interval, though short, continued longer than you usually take to swim across.’ This answer, rejecting Leander's ex- cuse, is happily imagined by the Poet; for, however good his plea might be, yet passion ever pays but little regard to the voice of reason. * Detained here.]—Wer. 79. Deander had already owned this in his letter; but we are to consider it on both sides as only the language of thoughtless passion. Their chief concern was to conceal their passion from their parents; and such an accident as this must of necessity have discovered all. It was not, however, to be expected that, at the height of their disappointment, they would be in such a frame of mind as to think of consequences. NP. XIX.] HERO TO LEANDER. 213 thou didst despise? For I remember, when, on thy arrival, the sea was not less boisterous and threatening, or at least not much less, I exclaimed to thee, “Do thou be bold in such a manner that thy intrepidity may not have to be be- wailed by wretched me.” Whence these” new fears? And whither has that boldness fled? Where is that notable swimmer who despised the waves? Yet mayst thou rather be thus, than as thou wast wont to be before ; and mayst thou in safety make thy way through the becalmed sea; provided only thou dost remain the same; provided I am so loved as thou dost write that I am; and that thy flame proves not cold ashes. Not so much do I dread the winds that disappoint my wishes, as that thy affection, like the wind, should prove inconstant. I fear that I may not be held in such high esteem, and that the dangers may outweigh the occasion ; and that I may seem to be a reward too small for the labour. Sometimes I am afraid that I may be injured through my native place, and that I, a Thracian girl,” may be deemed unequal for an alli- ance in Abydos. * Whence these.]—Wer. 89. Hero still discovers the height of her passion by her anxiety. That anxiety, too, is that of a lover, which magnifies every difficulty, and fills the breast with groundless fears. She knows well enough, that since his first coming, there has been no storm at all equal to the present. There is no cause then to wonder why his courage is abated, as it has never yet been put to a similar trial. Hero, thinking only of his long absence, will not allow herself to reflect upon the danger, but charges him with want of courage in not attempt- ing to do what is quite impossible. * Thracian girl.]—Ver. 100. Heinsius gives his opinion in favour of the reading ‘Thressa,’ instead of ‘Sesta,’ in this line. This is the more probable, inasmuch as we learn from history, that the Thracians were held in general contempt by the Greeks. Thus we learn, from Cornelius Nepos, that it was objected to Themistocles, that he was born of a Thra- cian mother. Athenaeus also remarks, that Timotheus, the celebrated general, had for his mother a Thracian and a courtesan. Hence, too, in the Argonautics of Valerius Flaccus, Book iii., we find that Zethes and Calais are called by Jason, in a contemptuous manner, ‘Thracia proles:’ ‘The Thracian progeny.’ We learn, too, from Diogenes Laertius, that it was made an objection to the philosopher Antisthenes, that he was born of a Thracian mother; and in like manner, Demosthenes was censured as being the offspring of a Scythian female. A great part of the courtesans at Athens, as well as the female domestics, were Thracians by birth. The people of Abydos were likewise despised by the Greeks, and were made the subject of certain proverbs. 2 (4 THE EPISTLES OF THE PIEROINES. [EP, XIX, Yet I am able to endure every thing with more patience, than if thou shouldst be taking thy ease captivated with some rival” I know not whom ; than if the arms of another should come around thy neck; and than if a new love were the termination of thy passion for me. Oh! rather might I perish, than be wounded by such criminality; and may my doom happen before thy guilt. Not that I mention these things because thou hast given me symptoms of future grief; or because I am alarmed by recentrumours. But I ap- prehend every thing; (for who has loved" without anxieties?) and locality compels those at a distance to be most in dread. Happy they, whose presence allows them to know of real faults, and forbids them to apprehend imaginary ones.” As much do unfounded injuries disturb us, as do injuries really committed escape our observation; and each error begets equal affliction. } 0, would that thou wouldst come! that either the winds or thy father, and no female, may be the cause of thy so long” staying away! But should I hear of any rival, believe me, I shall die of grief. Long time already hast thou been guilty, if thou art seeking my destruction. But thou wilt not be guilty, and in vain am I alarmed at these things; and the * Some rival.]—Wer. 102. Jealousy is said to be inseparable from love, especially when, by reason of distance, the lovers are often obliged to be absent from each other. Ovid seldom fails to introduce symptoms of it in his Epistles; but he generally, with some degree of partiality, de- picts it more strongly in those from the females. 50 Who has loved.]—-Wer. HO9. If Hero is unable wholly to hide her suspicions from her lover, yet they are expressed in a manner so delicate, that it is next to impossible for him to take offence. She owns that he has never given her any cause for them, and that they are nothing more than those unavoidable disquiets which ever attend upon love. It would have been inconsistent with the Poet's object to introduce a jealousy fraught with sinister suspicions on either side. * Imaginary ones.]—Wer. 112. There is no state of mind more un- easy than that of uncertainty, especially in cases where it highly concerns us to be resolved, and where, in consequence, there must necessarily be a great degree of impatience. The reflection, therefore, which Hero makes is just ; and as she is herself in a state of great uncertainty, it comes from her with great propriety. . 5%. Of thy so long.]—Wer. 116. ‘Tantae' seems a preferable reading to “certae,’ though the significittion here is much the same. EP. XIX.] . HFIRU) TO LEA.N.D.E.R. 215 envious storm rages, in order that thou mayst not come. All, wretched me ! by what vast billows the shores are beaten and how the day is hidden, obscured by the darkening clouds ! Perhaps the affectionate mother” has come to the sea of Helle, and her daughter, who was drowned, as being bewailed in the streaming torrents. Or does her stepmother,” changed into a Goddess of the ocean, disturb the sea that was called by the hated name of her stepdaughter? This spot, such as it now is, is not favourable for tender maids. In these waves did Helle perish; by these waves am I crossed. But surely, Neptune,” no love ought to have been opposed by the winds through thee, if thou dost remember thy own flames; if neither Amymone,” nor Tyro,” most celebrated for beauty, is a vain pretext for a charge against thee. The bright Halcyone,” too, and the daughter of Circe and * Affectionate mother.]—Ver, 123. Hero supposes that the storm may have been raised by Nephele, the mother of Helle, who had come down to lament the unhappy fate of her daughter. This, perhaps, was suggested by the mention of the clouds in the previous line, as well as the locality, ‘Nephele’ meaning, in Greek, ‘a cloud.’ * Her step-mother.]—Ver. 126. Ino, who was afterwards changed into a sea Goddess, under the name of Leucothoë. * Neptune.]—Wer, 129. Hero now addresses herself to Neptune, and expostulates with him for keeping Leander so long from her. She tells him that this treatment was least of all to have been expected from him, who had himself so often been sensible of the power of love. She then mentions several damsels of whom the poets had represented Neptune as being enamoured. * Amymone.]—Ver. 131. Amymone was one of the fifty daughters of Danaiis, who, with the exception of Hypermnestra, made themselves so notorious by the murder of their husbands. As she was hunting one day in a wood, being closely pursued by a Satyr, she implored the aid of Neptune, who came and rescued her; but he was so enchanted with her beauty, that she soon afterwards proved pregnant by him, and, according to Strabo, became the mother of Nauplius. - 57 Nor Tyro.]—Wer. 132. We learn from Homer that Tyro was the daughter of Salmoneus, and that being in love with the river God Enipeus, Neptune deceived her under that form, on which she became the parent of the twins Neleus and Pelias. * Halcyone.]—Wer. 133. Alcyone, or Halcyone, was one of the Plei- ades, daughters of Atlas and Pleione: by Neptune she was the mother of Lycaon, Hyrieus, and Halcyone, the wife of Ceyx, whose story is told in the Eleventh Book of the Metamorphoses. . 21() THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XIX, * Alymon,” and Medusa,” with her locks not yet wreathed with serpents; the yellow-haired Laodice,” too, and Celaeno, received into the heavens, and others, whose names I remelm- ber to have been read by me. The poets, at least, Neptume, sing how these and many others placed their delicate sides by thy own side. Why, then, dost thou, who hast so often ex- perienced the power of love, obstruct for us, with thy whirl- winds, the wonted path 7 Forbear, stern Deity, and wage thy battles upon the wide ocean. These narrow waves merely divide two lands. It becomes thee either in thy might to buffet the mighty ships, or else to be hostile to whole fleets. It is a disgraceful thing for a God of the sea to alarm a youth that swims; and such glory as that is unworthy of any common pond. Noble, indeed, is he, and illustrious is his birth; but he does not derive his origin from Ulysses, who was suspected” by thee. - 59 Circe and Alymon.]—Wer. 133. For the words “Circeque et Aly. mone mata,’ there are about forty different readings in the various MSS. The common reading is possibly the right one, in which case the daughter of Circe and Alymon, here referred to, will probably be Iphimedia, the wife of Alocus, who is mentioned by Homer in the Odyssey; where he tells us that she was ravished by Neptune, and bore to him the giants Otus and Ephialtes, who grew mine inches in stature every month. ° Medusa.]—Wer, 134. Medusa, the daughter of Phorcus, was re- markable for the beauty of her hair. She was ravished by Neptune, in the temple of Minerva. Provoked at her seeming impiety, the Goddess changed her hair into serpents, and all that looked upon her into stones. * Laodice.]—Wer. 135. There were several Nymphs of this name mentioned by the ancient poets. One was the daughter of Priam and Hecuba, and the wife of Helicaon; another, a daughter of Agamem- non" and Clytemnestra, who was offered in marriage to Achilles; while a third was the daughter of Cygnus. There was another Nymph of this name, the mother of Apis and Niobe. The daughter of Priam is pro- bably the person here alluded to. Celaeno was a daughter of Atlas and Pleione, being one of the Pleiades, who formed the Constellation which the Romans called ‘Vergiliae.’ 6? Who was suspected.]—148. Ulysses was an object of the hatred of Neptune, as some said, because he had contrived the death of his grand- son, Palamedes, before Troy; while, according to others, in consequence of Ulysses having thrust out the eye of his son, Polyphemus, in Sicily, he was retarded by Neptune on his return to his native country. We may here remark, that Ovid evidently intends to represent Hero and Leander as living after the fall of Troy ; Statius, however, makes them to have lived before the Theban war, as he mentions them in the description of EP. XIX.] HERO TO LEANDER. 217 Show mercy, and preserve the two ; he only swims; but on the same waves depend the body of Leander and my hopes. The lamp, too, crackles,” (for with it placed beside me,” I am writing); it crackles, and it gives me a propitious omen. Seel my nurse is pouring wine" upon the flames of favourable omen, and she says, “To-morrow we shall be more;” and then she drinks.” Do make us to be more, gliding through the surmounted waves, O thou that art so thoroughly im- pressed upon my heart. Return to thy camp, thou deserter of social Love. Why are my limbs extended in the middle of my couch ' There is nothing for thee to fear. Venus herself will favour the attempt; and, born of the sea," she will smooth the path over the sea. I myself am often prompted to pass over the boisterous waves, but this sea is wont to be more safe for the male sex." For why, when Phryxus the garment which is given as a prize to Admetus, the games celebrated at the tomb of Archemorus. t * Lamp, too, crackles.]—Wer. 151. The spu 3ring or crackling of the lamp is mentioned as being a good omen, in f.e 177th Ipigram of the Seventh Book of the Grecian Anthology. * Placed beside me.j—Ver. I5l. Before oil lamps were invented, candles made either of wax or tallow were universally used by the Ro- mans. The bulrush, called ‘scirpus,” was used for the wick. At a later period, candles were only used by the poorer classes. The lamps were mostly of an oval form, and flat upon the top, and were made of baked clay, or bronze. There were at the extremity of the lamp as many holes or nozzles as there were wicks in if. They were sometimes suspended by chains, but more frequently stood upon a stand, where statues Sometimes held them. Perfumed oil was sometimes burnt. * Is pouring wine.]—Wer. 154. This was done, perhaps, as a sort of libation, and with the view of making the lamp burn up more cheerfully. * Then she drinks.]—Wer. 154. The nurse does not forget that very essential part of the ceremonial. Similarly with the old woman mentioned in the Fasti, Book II. I. 571, when performing the rites of Tacita. “Wine too she drops on it; whatever of the wine is left, she either drinks it herself, or her attendants, yet she herself takes the greater part.” * Born of the sea.]—Wer. 160. Hero is endeavouring to persuade her lover to shake off all fear, and to venture boldly. To encourage him, she reminds him that Venus is not only the Goddess of Love, and will there. fore be propitious to a chaste flame like theirs, but that also, as sprung from the sea, she may be accounted in some sense a Sea Goddess, and be supposed to have power over that element. 65 The male sea...]—Wer. 162. To make Leander the more sensible of her impatience and anxiety, she tells him that she herself is often ready £18 THE EPISTILES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XIX, and the sister of Phryxus were borne on this sea, did the female alone give a name to these tremendous waves? Perhaps thou art afraid that opportunity may be wanting for thy return, or art unable to endure the weight of a re- doubled toil. Let us then, setting out from the opposite sides, meet in the midst” of the deep ; and let us give kisses on our meeting upon the surface of the waves; and then let us each return again to our respective cities. That would be a small en- joyment, but still, better than none. Either could I wish that this shame, which forces us to love in secret, could give way, or that love, so apprehensive as to character, could yield / Now, passion and propriety, things but badly united, are at variance. Which I should follow is a matter of doubt; the one is proper, the other ministers to pleasure. When once Pagasaean Jason" entered Colchis, he bore off the Phasian damsel placed on board the swift ship. When once the para- mour from Ida had come to Lacedæmon, he forthwith re- turned with his prize. Thou, so often as thou dost obtain the object which thou dost love, dost as often abandon her ; and oft as it is dangerous for ships to proceed, thou dost swim. But still, O youth, the conqueror of the boisterous waters, do thou take care and so despise the sea, as to have due caution. The ships, formed with art, are overpowered with the tem- pest; dost thou suppose that thy arms can effect more than oars? Whereas, Leander, thou dost wish to swim, the mariners dread it :" that is wont to be the catastrophe when the ves- sel is wrecked. Ah wretched me ! I wish not to persuade to rush into the waves, and is only kept back by reflecting how fatal that Sea has been to her sex. 69 In the midst.]—Wer. 167. Nothing could have been more happily imagined than this passage, in order to give us a just idea of the tender affection with which Hero and Leander loved each other, or of the plea- sure that a real meeting must have afforded them. Who, after reading this, can wonder at the impatience which they express under the misfor- tune of separation ? 70 Pagasaean Jason.]—Wer. 175. Weary of her present state of doubt and uncertainty, and reflecting on her lover's danger whenever he visits her, she thinks it would be better for her if she should suffer from Leander the treatment which Medea did from Jason, and Helen from Paris, in being carried away. 7 Mariners dread it.]—Ver, 185. It is a curious fact, that by far the greater part of the seafaring class are unable to swim. EP. XIX.] HERO TO TIFANDER. 219 thee that to do which I entreat thee; and mayst thou thyself, I pray, be bolder than my precepts; only do thou come, and do thou throw thy wearied arms, so oft impelled through the waves, around my shoulders. - But, oft as I turn my view to the azure waves, I know not what chill possesses my heaving breast. Not less am I disturbed by the vision of last might, although it has been expiated by rites performed by me. For, towards dawn, the lamp now flickering, (at the time” when true visions are wont to be seen) the threads fell from my fingers deadened with sleep, and I laid my neck to be supported on a pillow.” Here did I seem to myself, with reality beyond mistake, to see a dolphin swimming over the waves tossed by the winds; after the billows had dashed it on the soaking sands, at the same moment, the waters and its life abandoned it. Whatever that means, I dread it; and do not thou laugh at my visions, nor trust thy arms but to an untroubled sea. If thou art regardless of thyself, be regardful of thy much- loved mistress; who will never be unhurt,” but while thou art uninjured. Still, I have some hope of an ensuing calm for the subdued waves; them, with breast free from peril, cleave the tranquil path. Meantime, since the deep is not to be passed by one swimming, let this letter that is sent soothe the hateful delay: 72 At the time.]—Wer. 196. Apollonius Tyanaeus, in his Life of Phi- lostratus, tells us that the interpreters of dreams made it always their first question, at what hour the vision appeared; for, if it was towards morning, they conjectured that the dream was true, because at that time the soul is quite disengaged from the vapours of wine and food. Horace, in his Tenth Satire, Book i., alludes to the same belief. Theocritus, also, in the Idyll called ‘Europa,’ which some ascribe to Moschus, marks dis- tinctly the time of night when dreams are true. ‘Venus sent an agre- able dream to Europa, when the third watch of the night had almost elapsed, and Aurora was approaching.” A few. verses after, he adds, “About the time that the troop of real visions howers round those who are still in the arms of sleep.’ 78 On a pillow.]—Wer. 198. Davison thus translates this line, “And my neck was gently reclined on the barren ridge.’ ‘Pulvinus’ is cer- tainly sometimes ‘a heap of sand and stones as a foundation for a pillar.” and in one instance it means ‘a sand bank’; but how he came to mistake here what so obviously means ‘a pillow,' it is difficult to conceive. 14 Be unhurt.]—Wer. 206. When she beheld his dead body floating below, she threw herself from the tower, and was drowned. 220 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINTES, [EP. XX. EPISTLE XX. ACONTIUS TO CYDIPPE. DELos was an island in the AEgean sea, the most celebrated of the Cy- clades. The Goddess Diana had a temple there, in which she was worshipped with great pomp. A youth named Acontius, being present at the celebration of these rites, beheld Cydippe there, and became deeply enamoured of her. Not daring to make known his passion to her, and fearing a repulse, he devised a novel stratagem, and taking the most beautiful apple he could procure, he wrote upon it the two following verses : “Juro tibi sane, per mystica sacra Dianae, Me tibi venturum comitem, sponsamque futuram.’ “I swear to thee inviolably, by the mystic rites of Diana, that I will join myself to thee as thy companion and will be thy bride.’ Having done this, he threw it at the foot of the damsel, who not suspecting the de- vice, took it up and read it, and thereby undesignedly devoted herself to Acontius; as there was at that time a law in force at Delos, that whatever any person should swear in the temple of Diana should be performed and inviolably observed. Her father (not knowing what had happened), having some time after promised her to another, she was suddenly seized with a violent fever, at the time when the marriage solemnities were about to be performed. Acontius hearing of this, and still retaining some hopes of success, is supposed to write the present Epistle to Cydippe, in which he endeavours to persuade her that the fever has been sent by Diana, as a punishment for the breach of the vow made in her presence. These representations are enforced by the various arguments that would be likely, on such an occasion, to occur to a lover. RECEIVE, Cydippe,” the name of the despised Acontius; of him who, by means of the apple, deceived thee. Lay aside" * Receive, Cydippe.]—The first two lines are— ‘Accipe, Cydippe, despecti nomen Aconti, Illius, in pomo qui tibi verba dedit.' They are generally considered to be spurious. We may here remark, that in the Tenth Epistle of his First Book, Aristaenetus tells this story in a very pleasing manner. Callimachus also depicted the love of Acontius for Cydippe in one of his poems, which is now lost. Antoninus Liberalis tells a similar story in his first book, respecting Ctesilla and Hermocharus. Bur- mann and Ruhnken think that this and the following Epistle were not written by Ovid. Scaliger attributes the authorship of them to Sabinus. * Lay aside.]—Ver. 1. Heinsius observes of this Epistle, that it has suffered more, perhaps, than any other from the carelessness and incor- rectness of transcribers; and that in many places it is so defaced, that we are at a loss how to gather any consistent sense. d EP. XX.] A CONTIUS TO CYHDIPTPE. : 221 thy fears; nothing shalt thou swear here again” in favour ol thy lover : ’tis enough that thou hast once been promised to me. Read this through; then may thy malady, which, when any part of thee" is in pain, is my pain as well, depart from that body of thine. Why do blushes arise on thy cheeks? For, as in the temple of Diana, Ifancy that thy modest features turn red. I ask for thy alliance and thy plighted faith, and nothing criminal; as thy lawful husband do I love thee, not as an adulterer. Shouldst thou repeat the words, which, the fruit taken from off the tree, when I threw it, bore to thy chaste hands, thou wilt find that thou dost there promise that which I desire” thyself, maiden, rather than the Goddess to bear in mind. Now, too, do I apprehend this latter thing; but still does this latter alternative increase my ardour, and the flame augments by delay; the passion, too, that never was small, is now increased by length of time, and the hopes which thou hadst given me. Hopes didst thou give me; this passion of mine put trust in thee; thou canst not deny that this took place, a Goddess the witness. She was present, and in per- son she marked thy words just as they were ; and shaking her locks, she seemed to approve of thy sayings. Thou mayst be enabled to say that thou wast deceived by my stratagem; so 77 Swear here again.]—Wer. 1. As Acontius has already deceived Cydippe, she may possibly be apprehensive of some new fraud, and, having that motion, refuse to read the letter, Acontius endeavours to prevent this, by assuring her that he has no further intentions of that kind; and that, satisfied with having once obtained her promise, he means no more than to remind her of her engagement, and to give her such advice as may lead to her recovery. 78 Any part of thee..]—Ver, 4. If Acontius has been the cause of any disaster to Cydippe, he wishes to persuade her that he has been so purely from accident. His intention was no more than to secure her to himself; and her own disregard of her vow has occasioned that illness, of which he has suffered all the anguish in the most sensible manner. 79 Which I desire.]—Ver, 11. After ‘quod opto, some of the MSS. insert the two following lines : * Ni tibi cum verbis excidit illa fides. Id metui, ut Diva diffusa est ira; decebat.”— “ Unless that promise of thine has passed away with the words, as soon as read. This did I fear, when the wrath of the Goddess was poured forth. It befitted thee, O maiden, to bear it in mind rather than the Goddess.’ Some editions adopt these lines in the text 222 THE EPISTLES OF THIS HEROINES. [EP. xx. long as love is said to have been the cause of" my stra- tagem. What was the ºject of my artifice, but that I might be united to thee alone? That, of which” thou dost complain, ought to recommend me. I am not so cunning by nature, nor get from long practice; ’tis thou, dear girl, believeme, that didst make me so inventive. 'Twas Love,” fertile in expedients, that bound thee to me, by the words put together by me, if, indeed, I have effected aught. In words dictated by him did I com- pose the marriage contract;” and by the advice of Love did I become skilled in the law. Let fraud be the name of this de- vice, and let me called deceitful, (if indeed” it is deceit, to wish to possess what you love). Lo! a second time” do I write and send the words of entreaty; this is a second fraud, and thou hast reason to complain. If I offend in that I love, 80 Been the cause of..]—Wer. 22. Acontius seems here to accuse him- self, but with considerable cunning and art. He has discovered a method of owning his crime in such a manner as to give it rather the air of a merit. It was excess of love that hurried him on to that bold step. A fault arising from this can plead many circamstances to alleviate it; and the person against whom it is committed is usually the first to forgive it. 8. That of which..]—Wer. 24. Heinsius remarks severely on this line, and is so displeased with it, that he rejects the couplet as utterly um- worthy of Ovid. & 'Twas Love.]—Wer. 28. The reader cannot fail to be struck with the ingenious manner in which Acontius excuses his fraud, by throwing the blame entirely upon love. He asserts that he has neither a natural turn for expedients of this kind, nor an aptness produced by use and practice. This assertion is extremely well calculated to gain on Cydippe, as it speaks a passion strong and lasting, and at the same time insinuates that she has been the first to make an impression on his heart. & Marriage contract.]—Ver. 29. Among the Romans the ‘sponsalia' was a contract made between a man and woman, in such a form as to give each party a right of action in case of non-performance. Instead of the woman, however, the person who betrothed her was a party to the Contract. 84 If indeed.]—Wer. 32. This reflection, thrown out after owning his fraud, quite effaces that idea, and leads us insensibly to excuse a step for which he alleges so plausible an excuse. S5 A second time.]—Wer. 33. It is worth while to observe with how much artifice and ingenuity Acontius blends his former fraud of the in- scription on the apple, with this latter one of writing her a love Epistle, and in each case throws the blame entirely upon the person and attractive charms of Cydippe. By this he means to insinuate, that, as in the latter instance, there is nothing really criminal, so, in like manner, it ought tº inferred, that the former was equally harmless. EP. XX.] A CONTIUS TO CYDIPPE. - 223 I confess, I shall offend without end; and thee shall I seek, even shouldst thou thyself take precautions not to be found. Amid swords have others borne off the maidens that pleased them, and shall a few letters written by me, with design, be a crime ! O that the Gods would grant” that I might be enabled to find many other ties! so that thy plighted troth might remain at liberty in no degree. A thousand stratagems are left: at the bottom of the hill am I perspiring; my pas- sion will allow nothing to be untried. It maybe uncertainwhetherthoucanst be won; assuredly thou shalt be attempted to be won ; the eventis with the Gods; but still shalt thou be won. Though thoushouldstavoid a part, thou shalt not escape the whole of the toils, which Love has extended for thee, more in number than thou dost think for. If arti- fice is of no avail, to force will I* resort; and, carried off, thou shalt be borne in the bosom that is so eager for thee. I am not one who is wont to blame the deeds” of Paris; nor of any one, indeed, who, that he might be enabled to become a husband,” has proved himself a man. I also will — but * Gods would grant.]—Wer. 39. It may at first appear somewhat strange that Acontius, who has just before owned his crime, and endea- voured to alleviate it by reason of the circumstances in which he found him- self, should suddenly so far change his mind as to avow it openly, and pro- fess his readiness to repeat it a thousand-times, did the case admit. But, as we have already remarked, he has by the ingenious turn he gives it, en- deavoured to make it appear rather as a merit. It is therefore well-judged, after this, to boast rather of an action that, as he avers, bespeaks the strength of his passion, and to avow that far from repenting of it, he is ready to repeat it, in order to give a fresh testimony of his continued andunalterable love. He has already bound her by one tie; and so earnest is he to secure her to himself, that were it possible to bind her by a thou- sand more, he would gladly take that method to prevent a possibility of losing her. 87 To force will I.]—Ver, 47. From a remark in the 47th Chapter of Petronius Arbiter, we find that ‘sudare in clivo,' was a common proverb among the Romans, used to describe a difficulty which it required great pains to surmount. * Blame the deeds.]—Wer. 49. Acontius makes this remark, to show that his resolution is fixed and unalterable, and that he is not to be de- terred by any sense of danger. His temper maturally makes him incline to soft and gentle measures; but if these are not successful, he wants not tourage to take an effectual course. His disposition does not lead him. to blame either Paris or Theseus; and even a certainty that death must be the consequence, will not shake his resolution. - * A husband.]—Wer. 50. The word ‘vir' has the two significations of 224 TELE, EPISTLES OF THE HEROLNES. ºp. xx, I am silent. Though death should be the reward of this vio- ence, it will be a less punishment than not to have possessed thee. Or, hadst thou been less beauteous, thou mightst be sought with moderation ; by thy very beauty am I forced to be audacious. This dost thou" effect, and thy eyes, to which the burning stars yield, those eyes, which were the cause of my flames. This do thy yellow locks and thy ivory neck effect; those hands too, which I trust, may meet around my neck. Thy gracefulness too, and thy features, modest without coyness, and thy feet, such” as I can hardly believe Thetis to possess. Were I able to commend the rest, I should be more happy; and I question not but that the whole frame is uniform in itself. Impelled by these charms, ’tis not to be wondered at, if I wished to have a pledge from thy own lips. In fine, since thou art compelled to confess that thou hast been deceived, prove thyself a damsel deceived” by my device. I will endure the obloquy; let his reward be given to him who submits to it. Why is its reward withheld from a crime so great 7 Telamon took Hesiome,” Achilles, the daughter of Brises; each con- quered damsel attended her conqueror. Thou mayst accuse me as much as thou shalt please, and mayst be enraged; only let it be granted me to be able to obtain thee thus enraged. I, the same person who causes this anger, husband,’ and ‘man.' Ovid here plays upon it; the word “vir’ being understood after ‘fuit”; “who, that he might be a husband, has proved himself a man.’ * This dost thou.]—Ver. 55. He studiously softens what he says, by giving it such a turn as is most likely to make it agreable to his mis- tress. Cydippe can scarcely refuse to forgive a fault that took its rise in admiration of her charms. Flattery is one of the methods too often used for promoting our advances with the fair sex, and it is very often crowned with an ill-deserved success. 91 Thy feet such..]—Wer. 60. We may take it for granted that Thetis was noted for the whiteness of her feet, inasmuch as Homer gives her the epithet of dpyvpôtreča, ‘the silver-footed’ Goddess. * A damsel deceived.] —Ver. 66. Ovid here falls into his usual failing of playing upon words, whenever he has the opportunity. “Capta’ may mean either ‘deceived,” or “obligated,’ according to the context. Cydippe would readily own that she had been deceived, and would complain of it as an injury. * Took Hesione.]—Ver. 69. Hercules, after punishing Laomedon for his perfidy, gave his daughter Hesione to his friend Telamon. EP, xX.] ACONTIUS TO ſºy DIIPPE. 225. will appease it when caused ; only let me have a little oppor- tunity of soothing thee. Let me stand weeping before thy face, and let me add words to their appropriate tears; and as slaves are wont, when they dread the cruel lash, allow me to stretch my hands in supplication to thy feet. Thou art ignorant of thyrights;” call me; why, thus absent, am I accused? Com- mand me to come, in the manner of one who has long been my mistress. Though tyrannically thou shouldst tear my locks, and my features should be made livid with thy fingers, all this will I endure; perhaps I shall only be fearful lest those hands of thine should be hurt by my body. But secure me neither with fetters nor with chains; bound by constant affection for thee I shall be retained. When thy wrath shall have quite expended itself, and as much as it shall wish, thou wilt say to thyself, “How patiently does he love º’ When thou shalt see me enduring everything, thou wilt say to thyself, “He who serves so well, still let him serve me.” Now, to my sorrow, I am condemned in my ab- sence; and my cause, though it is most just, fails, no one defending it. And let this” writing of mine, as is proper to be done, be an injury on my part ; thou hast reason then to com- plaim of me alone. The Delian Goddess ought not to be de- ceived,” as well, with me; if thou dost not wish to perform thy promise for me, perform it for the Goddess. She was present, and she saw when thou, deceived, didst blush ; and with te- macious ear, she treasured up thy words. Let omens fail of being realized; nothing is more infuriate than she, when, as I wish she may not, she beholds her divine power set at mought. * Qf thy rights.]—Ver. 79. Acontius professes himself to be her slave, and is willing to submit to all that can oe exacted of one in that position ; but he seems to insinuate at the same time, that she uses him with more rigour than is commonly used, even towards the very lowest of that ill- treated class. He complains that she will not allow him to plead his own cause, but condemns him without a hearing. * And let this.]—Wer. 93. Heinsius is so dissatisfied with the cor- 'rupt state of this and the following line, that he is inclined to reject the distich altogether. - * To be deceived.] —Ver. 95. ‘Fallere Deos,’ ‘to deceive the Gods,' was a common way of speaking among the Romans, when they wished to express the neglect of a vow made to any of the Divinities: Q - 326 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. xx. The boar of Calydon" shall be my witness; for we know how a mother was found more savage than it towards her child.” Actaeon, too,” is a witness, who was once believed to be a wild beast by those hounds with which before he pur- sued the wild beasts to the death. The vain-glorious mother, too, who even now exists, as she weeps in the Mygdonian land,’ the rock growing over her body. Alas! Cydippe! I dread to tell thee the truth, lest I should appear to be admonishing thee falsely for my own sake. Still, speak I must ; it is on this account, believe me, that thus often thou art lying ill at the time for thy nuptials. She herself has a care for thee; she is striving that thou mayst not prove perjured; and she desires thee to be safe, thy oath being unbroken. Thence it arises, that as often as thou dost attempt to prove perfidious, so often does she correct thy guiltiness. Cease to provoke the hostile bow of the implacable Wirgin; still may she become softened, if thou wilt permit her. Forbear, I pray, to enfeeble thy tender limbs with fevers; let that form be preserved to be enjoyed by me; let those features be preserved that were produced for the purpose of inflaming me; those lively blushes, too, that are upon thy snow-white complexion. If any one of my enemies should strive that thou mayst not be mine, then may he be, as, when thou art ill, it is wont to be with me. Whether thou dost wed another, or whether thou art ill, I am equally tortured; nor can I say myself which I would the least desire. Some- times I am distracted, because I am the cause of thy being 97 Boar of Calydon.]—Wer. 101. The story of the Calydonian boar which was sent by Diana, is told in the Eighth Book of the Metamor- hoses. p * Towards her child J–Wer. 102. Heinsius inveighs much against this passage, which he thinks has been inserted by some Scholiast, who, having added the instance of the Calydonian boar to those of Niobe and Actaeon, might perhaps turn it into a distich, and afterwards, in tran- scribing, insert it in the text; Lennep, however, thinks it to be genuine. * Actaeon, too.]—Wer. 103. The sad fate of Actaeon is related in the Third Book of the Metamorphoses. - ! Mygdonian land.]—Wer. 106. Mygdonia was properly a portion of Macedonia, between the rivers Axius and Strymon. Lydia, in Asia Minor, is supposed to have received a colony from Mygdonia, and is here called by the epithet Mygdonia. The story of Niobe, which is here re- ferred to, is related in the Sixth Book of the Metamorphoses, EP. XX.] ACONTIUS TO CYDIPPE. - 22, in pain; and I reflect that through my cunning thou art afflicted. May the perjuries of my mistress, I pray, fall upon this head” of mine; let her be safe from a punishment that is my due. Still, that I may not be ignorant how thou dost fare, many a time, in my anxiety, do I go secretly to thy threshold, to and fro. Stealthily do I follow after some hand- maid or servant, enquiring what sleep or what mourishment has refreshed thee. Ah wretched me ! that I do not administer the prescrip- tions of the physicians, and chafe thy hands,” and press upon thy couch. And again, ah wretched me ! that, myself removed far thence, perhaps another, one whom I could far from wish, is there. He chafes those hands of thine, and sits by thee in thy illness, hated by the Gods above, and, with the Gods above, by myself. And while with his thumb he feels the throbbing pulse," on this pretence he often grasps thy fair arms; and he touches thy bosom, and perhaps gives thee kisses; too ample for his services is that reward. “Who has given thee leave to reap my harvest beforehand 7 Who has granted thee a path to the boundaries of another 7 That bosom is mine; basely dost thou usurp kisses that are mime; keep thy hands off the body that is promised to me. Wretch keep off thy hands; she whom thou art touching is to be mine ; if thou shouldst do this again, thou wilt be an adulterer. Choose from among those disengaged one that another may not claim for himself; if thou knowest it not, this property has its owner. And do not trust me; let the form of her engagement be read over; and that thou mayst not say it is false, make herself repeat it. To thee I say, to thee, depart from the nuptial chamber of another man. What art thou doing here? Begone, this bed is not disengaged. For, although thou, too, hast another form of an engagement sanctioned by man, still thy cause will not for that reason be equal to my own. To me did she bind herself; to thee did her father promise her, the next after herself; but surely she * Upon this head.]—Ver 127. This was an imprecation much in use among the Greeks. * Chafe thy hands.]—Ver. 134. “Effingo’ means ‘to press gently,' pro- bably ‘to chafe.’ * * * Throbbing pulse.]—Ver, 139. The feeling of her pulse and other minute circumstances are very naturally described. - Q 2 228 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XX. herself is one degree nearer to herself than is her father. Her father has promised hers, he has vowed herself to her lover ; he called men to witness, she appealed to the testimony of a Goddess. He fears to be called a deceiver, she, to be called perjured. Canst thou question whether this or that is the more substantial fear ! In fine, that thou mayst be able to compare the dangers of both, look at the results; she keeps her bed, while he is well.” We are entering the lists, too, with unequal feelings; neither have we equal hopes, nor yet equal fears. Thou art wooing without fear for the result ; a repulse is more insupportable than death to me. And that object I am now in love with, which thou, perhaps, wilt love at a future time. If thou hadst any regard for justice, if any for propriety, at least thou thyself wouldst have given way to my passion.” d Now, since he inhumanly contends for an unjust claim, to what, Cydippe, does my letter tend? He is causing thee to lie in sickness, and to be suspected by Diana: if thou wast wise, thou wouldst forbid him to approach thy threshold. While he does this, thou art undergoing so severe a struggle for thy life; and I wish that he who causes it may perish instead of thee. Shouldst thou reject him, and not love one whom the Goddess condemns; instantly thou wouldst recover, and doubtless I should be healed. Banish thy fears, maiden, thou shalt enjoy established health; only take care and Venerate the temple" that was conscious of thy engagement. The powers of heaven re- joice not in the slaughtered ox, but in the faith which even with- out a witness to be kept. Let others endure iron and fire to recover health; to others the bitter potions give an unpleasant relief. Of these thou hast no need; only avoid the guilt of perjury, and preserve at the same moment thyself, and me, and thy plighted vows. The being unaware will give thee pardon for thy past faults; the agreement read by thee may have escaped thy recollection," à He is well.]—Wer. 164. This argument is more specious than good. There was no reason for her father incurring the wrath of the Divinities ; for so far, he had adhered to his promise made in betrothing her. * Venerate the temple.]—Wer. 180. He is chiefly anxious that Cydippe shall not forget her vow. He is therefore very properly represented as admonishing her to repair frequently to the temple, that being the most likely method of reminding her of her obligation. * Escaped thy recollection.]—Ver. 188. This is artfully introduced EP. XX.] A CONTIUS TO CYDIIPPE. 329 Now art thou put in mind by my words, now by these toils;” which, so oft as thou dost endeavour to escape them, thou art wont to carry together with thyself. Even on these being avoided, still, in child-birth thou wilt have to entreat ner to extend to thee the hands that give the light.” She will hearken to thee; and calling to mind what has been heard, she will enquire by what husband thy travail is occasioned. Then wilt thou be making vows; she knows that thou dost make false promises; then wilt thou be swearing; she knows that thou art capable of deceiving the Deities. I am not concerned for myself; by greater cares am I harassed; my breast is anxious on account of thy life. Why now are thy trembling parents lamenting thee in this doubtful state, whom thou dost cause to be in ignorance of thy transgression' And why should they be in ignorance 7 Thou shouldst disclose every thing to thy mother. Thy actions, Cydippe, have nothing for thee to be ashamed of. Take care and state in order how thou wast first known to me, while thou wast" performing the rites of the quivered Goddess; how, on beholding thee, suddenly (if perchance thou didst observe it) I stood with my gaze fixed upon thy by Acontius, who must be aware that a promise of this kind is not likely to slip out of Cydippe's memory. It is however, his interest to suppose it, because, by furnishing her with this excuse, he gives her a fairer opportunity of owning that she has before been in the wrong, in neg- lecting a promise so solemnly made in the presence of the Goddess. * By these toils.]—Ver. 189. The word ‘cassibus' signifies ‘nets' or “toils’; but some of the editions have “casibus,” “misfortunes,’ in its place. The former is, perhaps, the correct reading, as both Ovid and Tibullus use the words ‘cassis’ in subjects relating to love. Heinsius and Bur- mann approve of ‘cassibus,” while Lennep and Amor prefer ‘casibus' The word evidently alludes to the sickness by which Diana had endea. voured to prevent Cydippe from incurring the guilt of perjury. - 9 Give the light.]—Ver. 192. Women, in childbirth, invoked Diana Lucina, who was supposed peculiarly to have the charge of them, and to assist in bringing the child to light. Hence the Poet gives the title of “luciferas’ to her hands. 10 While thou wast J–Ver, 204. “Dum facit ipsa' seems more likely to be the true reading than “dum facis ipsa.” “While she (your mother) was performing the rites.” For we learn from the Epistle of Cydippe, that she and her nurse were walking about and viewing the remarkable, things in the place, while her mother was performing the sacrifice; and that while she was so walking, the apple fell at her feet. 230 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XX. limbs; how, while I was admiring thee too much, a surg sign of my distraction, my cloak" slipped and fell from off my shoulders. How, afterwards an apple came rolling, whence I know not, bearing in skilful characters the ensnaring words; how, because this was read in the presence of the holy Diana, thy faith was pledged, a Divinity the witness. But that she may not be ignorant what was the meaning of the inscription, repeat now as well the words once read by thee. She will say, I trust, “Marry him to whom the gracious Deities unite thee; let him be my son-in-law who thou hast sworn shall so be. Whoever he is, let him be agreable to me; since he has already proved agreable to Diana. Such will thy mother prove, if only she shall prove a mother. But still do thou bid her, too, enquire who and what I am ; she will find that the Goddess has been considerate for thee. An island, Cea” by name, once very much ennobled by the Corycian” Nymphs, is encircled by the Ægean sea. That is my native land; and if thou hast any esteem for noble names, I am not said to be descended from despicable ancestors. I have also riches; my morals, too, are without reproach; and, 11 My cloak..]—Wer. 208. Though commonly translated by the word * cloak,’ the ‘pallium’ of the ancients differed very materially from that article of dress. It was a square piece of cloth which came direct from the loom in that shape, and did not require any forming or cutting out by the tailor. The ‘pallia” were mostly worn in an undyed state, con- sequently white, brown, and grey were the prevailing colours. They were sometimes dyed of crimson, purple, and Saffron colour. Some- times they were striped, and they then resembled our checks or plaids. Flowers were sometimes interwoven, and occasionally with gold thread. Wool was the most common material. They were not only used for wearing, but also for spreading over beds and couches, and for covering the body during sleep; in fact, the word ‘pallium' as often means a coverlet as a garment. Sometimes they were used as carpets, and sometimes as awnings or curtains. When worn, it was passed over the left shoul- der, then drawn behind the back and under the right arm, leaving it bare, and then thrown again over the left shoulder. For a very full account of the ‘pallium,' see Dr. Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. 12 An island, Cea.]—Ver, 222. Cea, or Ceos, was an island of the Agean Sea, near Euboea, iá Corycian.]—Wer. 221. The Muses are so called from Corycus, the name of a cave on Mount Parnassus. The reading is probably cor- rupt, as it is not known that there was any particular relation between the Muses and the island of Cea, E2. XXI.] CYDIPPE TO A CONTIUS, 23| though there were nothing more, affection unites me to thy- self. Even hadst thou not made the vow, thou mightst have longed for such a husband; such a one had been acceptable, even if thou hadst not made the vow. These words in my sleep did Phoebe, who hurls the javelin, bid me write to thee; these words did Love bid me, while awake, to write to thee. Our welfare is united; have compassion both on me and on thy- self. Why dost thou hesitate to give one relief for us both? And if it should fall to my lot, when now the appointed signal” shall sound, and Delos shall be stained with votive blood; a golden likeness of the lucky apple shall be erected, and the reason shall be inscribed in these two lines; “ Acon- tius declares, by the resemblance of this apple, that what was written upon it was performed.” That too long an Epistle may not harass thy weakened frame, and that it may be closed for thee with the usual con- clusion—Farewell. EPISTLE XXI. C Y DIP P E TO A C O N T I U. S. HAVING received the foregoing Epistle from Acontius, and on perusing it, finding reason to suspect that her present illness has proceeded from the resentment of Diana at her broken vow, Cydippe is inclined to yield to the wishes of Acontius, even against the will of her parents, rather than continue under her present affliction. She begins by pro fessing her unwillingness to be too free in acquainting him with her sen- timents, lest, as before, in the case of the apple, she may insensibly enter into a new engagement. After this, she takes the opportunity of mentioning her first arrival at Delos, and the manner in which she was ensnared by the contrivance of her lover; and her narrative is beautified by its circumstantial relation, and the justice of her re- flections. Towards the conclusion of the Epistle, after inveighing against his treachery, she gradually softens to compliance, and shows concern to remove his suspicions and the jealousy which he entertains against his rival. In conclusion, she gives her consent, and ends with a hope that the nuptials may be celebrated immediately. THY letter” has come as usual, Acontius, and had almost betrayed my eyes. * Appointed signal.]—Wer. 235. People were summoned to the aa- crifice by the sound of the trumpet; it was performed to the music of the pipe and other instruments. 15 Thy letter.]—These two lines, .* {itera pervenit tua, quo consuevit, Aconti, Ét pene est oculis insidiata meis’ 232 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP, XXI. I was much alarmed, and without a murmur" did I read thy writing, lest unconsciously my tongue might swear by some Divinities. And I think thou wouldst again have en- shared me," unless, as thou thyself dost confess, thou didst know that it was enough for me once to have been promised. Nor would I have read it; but, if I had proved obdurate to thee, perhaps the wrath of the cruel Goddess would have been increased. Though I do every thing, though I offer pious frankincense to Diana, still does she favour thee in more than an ordinary degree; and as thou dost wish it to be supposed, she avenges thee with resentful anger. Hardly did she prove such towards her own Hippolytus.” But with more propriety would she, a virgin, have proved kind to the years of a virgin; which, I fear, she wishes to be of but short duration for me.” For my illness continues, while the cause is not perceptible; and, in my exhaustion, I am refreshed by no aid of the physician. Canst thou believe how, thin as I am, I can hardly write this to thee, and how I can hardly rest on my elbow my wearied limbs? To this are added my apprehensions lest any one but my nurse, my confidant, should know that we have an interchange of cor- respondence. Before the door is she seated; and, that I may be enabled to write in safety, to those who enquire what are found in some of the MSS., but are generally considered to be spu- rious. Indeed, the last line seems to contradict the next, which usually commences the Epistle, and in which she says that she has read his letter. * Without a murmur.]—Ver. 1. That is, in perfect silence, without so much as a whisper; as she fears that she may commit another error, and unadvisedly contract some fresh engagement. " Have ensnared me..]—Ver, 3. Cydippe has reason to form this conclusion, from the earnestness which he has shown in his letter to secure her. He even says himself, expressly, that had it been possible to secure her by yet stronger ties, no means would have been left untried by him. 18 Her own Hippolytus.]—Ver. 10. Hippolytus was dear to Liana, by reason of his extreme chastity and his fondness for the chase. 19 For me..]—Ver. 12. We may here remark, that in all the MSS., with the exception of three, there is a deficiency of the rest of this Epistle. Many of the critics are therefore of opinion, that the verses which follow this line are not the composition of Ovid, but have been supplied by some other Poet. This notion possibly receives some weight from the remark of many of the learned, that the whole Epistle falls shor; of the usual spirit and elegance of Ovid. E2. XXI.] CYDIIPPE TO A CONTIUS. 233 I am doing within,” she says, “She is asleep.” Afterwards, when sleep, the best pretext for long privacy, ceases, through the length of time slowly passing, to be a plausible excuse, and when she sees some one coming whom it is a difficult matter not to admit, she coughs,” and by this feigned signal she gives me warning. Just as I am, in haste, I leave the words un- finished, and the concealed letter is hidden in my palpipating bosom. Afterwards, taken out again it wearies my fingers; thou thyself seest” how great a labour it is to me. May I die, to speak the truth, if thou art deserving of this; but I am kinder than thy due, and than what thou dost deserve. And have I, then, on thy account, uncertain of my recovery, so often paid the penalty for thy artifices, and do I still pay it? Is this the reward that falls to me for my extraordinary beauty, thou being my admirer? And is it criminal to have proved agreable? If, which I would have preferred, I had appeared ugly to thee, my body, censured for its imperfections, would have been requiring no assistance. Now, when admired, I am groaning with anguish ; now with your contentions” you are destroying me; and from my own * Am doing within.]—Ver. 19. ‘Intus' is a reading very happily substituted by Heinsius for “inter,’ which was the general reading before, ‘rogantibus inter’ being taken to mean ‘interrogantibus.’ This was one of the passages severely censured by the critics, and pronounced to be un- worthy of the genius of Ovid. They could not imagine it probable that a Poet so distinguished by plainness and evenness of style, would have used the figure Tmesis in this word, and at the end of a line. We may here remark, that the word ‘Trnesis' is derived from the Greek word 7éuva), ‘to divide,’ and that it is a figure by which the parts of a compound word are divided by the interposition of another. * She coughs.]—Wer. 24. ‘Exscreo' seems to imply a combination of coughing and spitting. This inelegant method of giving a signal is elsewhere mentioned by Ovid. She alludes here to the visits of the per- sons of her family, who had a right to enter her chamber. * Thyself seest.]—Wer. 28. Probably in allusion to the unevenness of the writing. We are to suppose that she writes while sitting up in bed; consequently, from her position, the labour of writing would be materi- ally increased. * Your contentions.]—Wer. 37. The word ‘ vestro’ being used, we must understand this censure as being directed against both Acontius and his rival, though, in reality, only the former was in fault. But, as the ad- dresses of the other were an obstruction to her being the wife of Acon- tius, and consequently both brought on her present illness and retarded her recovery, he, too, is complained of as having contributed to her mis- fortune, 234 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. xxi. merits do I receive the wound. While neither dost thou give way, nor does he think himself thy inferior; thou dost prove an obstacle to his desires, he to thine. I myself am tossed to and fro, just like a ship, which the strong Boreas is driving out to the open sea, as the tide and the waves carry it back. And when now the day, wished for by my dear parents, is at hand, just then an extreme fever pervades my body; and at the very moment for my forced marriage stern Persephone” is knocking at my door. I am ashamed now, for some unde- fined reason; and I am in dread, although I am not conscious to myself of guilt, lest I should appear to have deserved the Gods to be angry. One affirms that this happens through chance; and another declares that this husband is not accept- able to the Gods above. And do not suppose that report says nothing against thee as well; a part believe that this happens through thy enchantments. The cause is unknown ; my sufferings are evident; you two, banishing peace, wage hostile warfare; I bear the punishment. Continue still,” and deceive me” in thy usual manner; what wilt thou doin hatred, when in love thou dost thus afflict me? If thou dost injure” what thou dost love, to good purpose wilt thou love thy enemy. * Stern Persephone..]—Wer. 46. When Cydippe says that Persephone is knocking at the door, she means that the fever rages with such violence as to threaten her with death. Tibullus has a similar passage. “At mihi Persephone nigram denunciat horam.” “But Persephone warns me of the gloomy hour.’ * Continue still.]—Wer. 55. The usualreading is “Dicam munc,’ ‘Now I will tell you :’ but Heinsius thinks it should be “I jam nunc.’ This has been adopted, as it renders the sense clear and distinct, which th other reading does not. - * Deceive me..]—Wer. 55. Cydippe hints at her sufferings and the cause of them, which, according to his own account, is his love. If then his love is so fatal to her, what must she not fear from his hatred. This gives rise to her injunction, that he shall still persist in deceiving her ; as she has less reason to apprehend danger from that, than if he should change his mind. 27 Thou dost injure.]—Wer. 57. If, as has been suggested, Ovid really was not the author of this Epistle, it is clear that whoever composed it has copied him very closely in his ingenious turns and wit- ticisms, as they are imitated with the greatest exactness. The present distich is an admirable instance of those argumentative turns which beas auch strong marks of the forensic education of the writer EP. XXI.] ÇYI)IPPE TO ACONTIUS. 235 That thou mayst save me, I pray thee, wish to tº vady” to destroy me. Either thou hast” now no regard for the fair for whom thou didst sigh, whom in thy cruely thou art allowing to perish by an undeserved fate; or else, if in vain the unrelenting Goddess is entreated by thee in my behalf, why boast about thyself to me? Thou hast no influence with her. Choose which” to adopt. If thou dost not choose to propitiate Diana, then thou art forgetful of me ; if thou canst not, then is she forgetful of thee. I could wish either that Delos had never been known by me in the AEgean waves, or, at least, not on that occa- sion. At that moment was my bark launched in an in- auspicious sea, and unlucky was the hour for my intended voyage. With which foot” did I commence my journey : With which foot did I move from the threshold? With which foot did I touch the painted sides of the swift bark? But twice with adverse gales did our canvass bear us back. Alas! in my distraction, I am speaking falsely those * To be ready..]—Wer. 58. Heinsius contends, and with considerable Justice, that there must be some mistake here on the part of the tran- scribers. ‘Welle velis' is a way of speaking, harsh and unpoetical in the extreme. He would therefore substitute for it ‘perdere, dure, velis,’ ‘that, cruel one, thou mayst wish to injure me.’ 29 Either thou hast.]—Wer. 59. This reasoning of Cydippe, with re- ference to the wrath of the offended Goddess, is specious, but still it is fal- lacious. Whatever degree of favour Acontius might enjoy from the God- dess, his prayers could not avail to pacify her resentment, unless Cydippe at the same time should resolve to perform her engagement; for, as the breach of her vow had first provoked her wrath, so there was no way left to remove it, but by removing the offence. Acontius therefore had done all that could be expected from him; he had acquainted Cydippe in what manner she was to hope for relief, and, if she should refuse the terms, the blame would not be his. 30 Choose which.]—Wer. 63. The argument that Cydippe here uses against Acontius is what we commonly term a ‘dilemma,’ in which method of reasoning an adversary is puzzled whichever side he takes. Cydippe tells him, that take which he pleases, there is nothing on either side of the argument in the least favourable to his cause. “Either you do not wish to appease Diana, or you cannot do it. If the former is the case, you are regardless of me; if the latter, Diana is regardless of 'gu.’ 3. With which foot.]—Ver. 69. Among other superstitions, the an- cients were careful not to set out on a journey by moving the left foot first, as that was an omen of ill. 236 THE EPISTLEs of THE HEROINEs. [Ep. xxi. gales were propitious. Propitious were those gales that bore me back as I sped ; and that opposed my ill-fated voyage. And would that they had remained obstinately opposed to my sails but it is ridiculous to complain of the inconstancy of the winds. Attracted by” the fame of the place, I hastened to visit Delos ; and I seemed to be making the voyage in a slow ship. How often did I utter reproaches against the oars, as though tardy; and I complained that too little sail was given to the winds. And now had I passed Myconos, now Tenos and Andros;” and bright Delos was before my eyes. Soon as I beheld it from afar, I said, “Island, why dost thou retreat from me? Art thou floating in the great sea as in former times?” I reached the land, when now, day nearly past, the Sun was preparing to take the harness off his purple steeds. After he had recalled them to their wonted rising, my locks were dressed by the order of my mother. She herself put jewels on my fingers, and gold upon my locks,” and she her- self placed the garments upon my shoulders. At once, going forth, we presented to the Gods above, to whom the island is sacred, saluted by us, yellow frankincense and wine. And while my mother was staining the altars with votive blood, * Attracted by..]—Ver. 77. The descriptions of the Poet are gene- rally consistent with truth and nature. There is nothing more common when any misfortune has happened to us, than to recal to our mind all the little circumstances and particulars that have concurred to produce it. We are apt to imagine a certain fatality in things, and to see ourselves hurried on by a train of circumstances that rendered it unavoidable Thus, Cy- dippe, from a reflection on her misfortune, is led to revert to its origin, and the several steps by which it has been brought about. The narrative is diversified with very apt reflections; and all the particulars that may have conduced to her sorrows are mentioned with great exactness. Delos was an island in the Ægean Sea, the chief of the Cyclades, especially famous for the birth there of Apollo and Diana. It was said to have for- merly floated under the waves. 38 And Andros.]—Wer. 81. Andros was an island in the AEgean sea, opposite the coast of Euboea. Myconos was one of the Cyclades. Tenos was also an island in the AEgean sea. 34 Upon my locks.]—Wer. 89. Burmann would prefer ‘cruribus,” in place of ‘crinibus,' and would take the word ‘aurum,' to refer to leggings or garters embroidered with gold. Ovid seems, however, really to refer to the ‘crinale,' or ‘bodkin,' worn in the hair. The mother's pride in dressing the girl in all her finery is beautifully depicted. EP. XXI.] CYDIPPE TO ACONTIUS. 23; and was heaping up the hallowed entrails on the smoking altars; my attentive nurse led me also to the other temples, and with wandering steps we strayed through the holy spots. And sometimes I sauntered in the porticos, sometimes I admired the gifts of the kings, and the statues that stood in every quarter; I admired, too, the altar built of horns” innu. merable, and the tree” against which the Goddess leaned in her labour; the other things, too, besides, which Delos pos- sesses, (for neither do I remember, nor do I care to mention, whatever I saw there.) Perhaps, Acontius, while beholding these things, I was beheld by thee, and my simplicity seemed to be able to be ensnared. I returned to the temple of Diana, lofty with its steps;” what place ought to have been more secure than that ? An apple is thrown before my feet with an inscription like this—Ah me! now, again, had I almost sworn to thee.— My nurse took this up, and, surprised, she said, “Read it over.” Then, wondrous poet, did I read thy ensmaring words. The name of wedlock mentioned, confused with shame I felt that I was blushing all over my cheeks; my eyes, too, I kept as though fixed on my bosom ; eyes that had been made the accomplices of thy design. Traitorſ why dost thou rejoice 7 Or what glory has been acquired by thee ? Or what renown hast thou, a man, for having deceived a maiden 7 De- fended by a buckler,” I had not taken my stand, wielding the battle-axe ; like Penthesilea” on the Ilian shores. No 35 Built of horns.]—Ver, 99. Callimachus says that this altar was built by Apollo, with the horns of beasts that had been slain by Diana in the chase. An anonymous author adds, that they were all the right horns of beasts that had been slain in One day. 36 And the tree.]—Wer. 100. We are told in the Sixth Book of the Metamorphoses, l. 335, that Latona, when she was delivered of Apollo and Diana, leaned against an olive and a palm tree. 37 With its steps.]—Wer. 105. The ancients, in building their temples to the Gods, generally made choice of an elevated situation. * By a buckler.]—Wer. 117. The ‘pelta' was a small light shield, first introduced among the Greeks by Iphicrates. It was generally made of wood or wicker, covered with skin or leather. It is said by some au- thors to have been quadrangular. A light shield of that character having been part of the national armour of Thrace, it was attributed to the Amazons, in whose hands it is sometimes represented as elliptical, and sometimes with a semi-circular indentation, in shape like a half moon. * Penthesilea.]—Wer. 118, Penthesilea was a queen of the Amazons, 23S THE EIPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP. XXI. belt, embossed with Amazonian gold, was borne off as a booty by thee, as though from Hippolyta." * Why dost thou exult if thy words did” act the deceiver for me; and if I, a thoughtless girl, was caught by thy stratagem 7 An apple beguiled Cydippe, so did an apple deceive the daughter of Schoeneus.” Thou wilt now be a second Hippo. menes, forsooth. But it had" been better (if that boy had pos- session of thee, who, as thou Sayest, carries I know not what torches), after the usual manner with honourable men, not to debase thy hopes by fraudulence; I ought to have been so- licited, not circumvented by thee. Why, since thou didst sigh for me, didst thou not think that those points ought to be urged on account of which thou thyself wast worthy to be desired by me? Why wast thou willing rather to force than to persuade me, if, on learning thy proposal, I could have been won over ? Of what advantage to thee now is the form of the oath, and the tongue that called the Goddess personally to witness : It is the intention” that takes the oath ; in that I have not sworn ; that alone is able to give weight to what we say. Design and the avowed pur- who was said to have invented the battle-axe. Going to the Trojan war to assist Priam, she was slain by Achilles, who afterwards manifested extreme sorrow for her fate. - 49 Hippolyta.]—Wer. 120. She alludes to the task enjoined by Eurys- theus upon Hercules, of obtaining the belt of Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons. Cydippe means that Acontius, in triumphing over her, can acquire no such glory as Hercules did in vanquishing Hippolyta. * Thy words did.]—Wer. 121. As usual on all possible occasions, he puns on the word “verba.’ ‘Verba’ alone means “words,’ but “verba dare,' is a phrase meaning ‘to deceive.’ - - * Daughter of Schaeneus.]—Wer. 123. The story of Atalanta, the daughter of Schoeneus, and how she was vanquished in the race by Hippo- menes, is related in the Tenth Book of the Metamorphoses * But it had.]—Wer. 125. Cydippe here begins to relent, and to betray her affection for Acontius. She could be content to fall to his lot, but, if possible, with less danger and misery to herself. She therefore blames him for not having addressed her in the usual and approved mode. It would have been both a more honorable and a safer way of proceeding. He has now nothing to trust to but the sem- blance of an oath, which, as it was pronounced without the assent of the will or the judgment, cannot, with any appearance of reason, be deemed binding. * The intention.j-—Wer. 135. Here, at least, her argument is quita unanswerable. EP. XXI.] CYDE PPE TO A CONTIUS. 233 pose of the intention form the oath, and no fetters but those of the judgment are binding. If I intended to engage myself to thee in wedlock; then insist upon the due rights of the promised alliance. But if I have given thee nothing except mere words without meaning; thou dost vainly depend upon words destitute of their proper force. I have taken no oath ; I have read the form of an oath. Not in such manner as that wast thou to be chosen for my husband. Deceive others in the same manner; let an epistle come after the apple. If this is binding, carry off the great wealth of the rich man ; make kings to swear” that they will give to thee their realms; and, whatever pleases thee throughout the whole world, let it be thine. By that same (believe me) thou art much greater than Diana herself, if thy writing has a divine power so efficacious in its favour. And yet, when I have said these things, when I have reso- lutely refused myself to thee, when the reason of my promise has been so well discussed ; I confess that I stand in dread of the wrath of the relentless daughter of Latona; and I suspect that from that quarter my body is afflicted. For why, so oft as the nuptial rites are in preparation, do the languidlimbs of the des- tined bride as often fail? Three times has approaching Hyme- naeus now fled at the altars erected for me, and turned his back on the threshold of my nuptial chamber. The lamps, too, so often filled by the wearied hand, with difficulty are lighted up; hardly do the torches keep alight on the flame being waved. Often do the unguents drop from his hair crowned with garlands, and his mantle, beautiful with plenteous crim- son,” is swept along the ground. When he reached our threshold, he perceived my tears” and my apprehensions of 45 Kings to swear.]—Wer. 147. By a ‘reductio ad absurdum,” Cy- dippe endeavours to put Acontius out of conceit with his device, by representing it as contrary to common sense. But as the absurd law then in force at Delos, bound persons by their words and not by the intention, Cydippe was still obliged to make good her vow ; and her reasoning, though just in the abstract, is irrelevant in this particular case. 46 Plenteous crimson.]—Wer. 162. The Romans, with a singular want of perspicuity, were in the habit of calling any yellow, red, or pink colour, by the general name of “croceum,” or ‘crocus,” which originally zmeant ‘saffron colour' alone. *7 My tears.]—Ver, 163. Hymen was always supposed to be received 240 THE EPISTLES OF THE HEROINES. [EP, XXI. death, and many things the reverse of his own rites. He him- self threw down his chaplets torn from his contracted brow, and he wiped the thick amomum from his shining locks. He was ashamed, too, to arise joyous in a sorrowing crowd, and the red that was" on his mantle was transferred to his face. But, ah wretched me ! my limbs are parched with fever; and the coverings” have a weight greater than usual. I behold my parents, too, lamenting over my features; and in- stead of the torch of marriage, the torch of death is prepared for me. Compassionate my sufferings, Goddess, that dost delight in the painted quiver; and grant me now the health- restoring aid of thy brother. It is a reproach to thee, that he does avert the causes of death; and that thou, on the other hand dost have the credit of my destruction. Have I ever, unawares, turned my looks towards thy bath," when thou wast preparing to bathe at the fountain : Have I passed by thy altars alone out of so many inhabitants of heaven? And has thy mother ever been slighted by my mother ?” In nought have I offended, except that I have read the perjured lines; and I have been learned in the matter of the verse so far from fortunate to me. But do thou as well, if thou art not pretending thy affec- tion, offer frankincense in my behalf; those hands which have dome the injury may furnish the relief. Why does the Goddess, who is enraged that the damsel already promised to thee does not become thine, cause her not to be able to be- come thine ! Every thing must be hoped by thee while I am alive; why does the cruel Goddess take away life from me, and the hope of gaining me from thee ? But do not” thou with joy and gladness. Consequently, on entering a house full of tears and apprehensions, he saw nothing that bespoke his usual reception. 48 The red that was...]—Ver, 168. This shows that the colour of his ‘palla’ was not saffron, but pink or crimson. The ‘flammeum’ or veil worn by the bride, was of the colour called ‘croceum;’ probably of a red or fiery hue, if we may judge from “flamma,’ the origin of the word. 49 The coverings.]—Wer. 170. Here the word ‘pallium’ seems to have the meaning of “blanket,' or ‘counterpane.’ 50 Towards thy bath.]—Ver, 178. She alludes to the offence of which Actaeon was guilty, and in the next line to that of GEneus, the king of Calydon. * By my mother.]—Ver, 180. She here alludes to the guilt of Niobe. * But do not.]—Wer. 189. Cydippe now begins to open her mind EP. XXI.] CYDIPPE TO ACONTIUS. g 24l suppose that he, to whom I am destined for a wife, chafes my weakened limbs with his hand laid upon them. He sits by, indeed, so far as is allowed him; but he remembers that mine is the bed of a virgin. Now, too, he seems to have discovered I know not what about me; for, the cause lying concealed, his tears often fall. And he caresses me with less boldness, and seldom snatches a kiss; and he calls me his own with faltering voice. Nor am I surprised that he has dis- covered it, since I am betrayed by manifest signs. When he comes, I turn myself upon my right side;” I do not speak, and closing my eyes, sleep is pretended by me; and I push away his hand as it tries to touch me. He groans and sighs with silent breast; and he finds me averse, although he de- serves it not. Ah me! that thou dost rejoice, and that this pleasure delights thee! Ah me! that I have avowed to thee my feelings | If utterance” were allowed me, then art thou justly de- serving of my anger, who didst lay these toils for me. Thou writest that it may be allowed thee to visit my languishing body; thou art far away from me; and yet from a distance dost thou wound. I used to wonder why thy name was Acontius; thou hast a dart” which inflicts wounds from afar. At least, I have not yet recovered from such a wound; pierced from afar by thy letter, as though by a javelin. But why shouldst thou come here? To behold my wretched body indeed, the more plainly, so as to give Acontius reason to think that he is not alto. gether indifferent to her. She takes pains to remove all his jealousies and fears, and to satisfy him that his rival has had no reason to boast of her indulgence. * My right side.]—Wer. 198. Some suggest that this means that she would be lying at other times on her left side, for the purpose of extend- ing her right hand, that the physician might feel her pulse. But ‘dexter' probably means here, the opposite side to that on which her lover was standing. * If utterance.]—Wer. 205. This and the two preceding lines are generally supposed to be hopelessly corrupt. * Hast a dart.]—Wer. 210. By reason of this pun upon his name. Burmann will not admit this line and the next to have been composed by Ovid; inasmuch as a play upon a name is never found in the better poets. To us it would appear to be particularly Ovidian, as the Poet seldom ap- pears to have resisted such a temptation. ‘Acumen’ means ‘the point of a javelin, or dart'; and she here alludes to his name in its original significa- tion, as ākóvrtov was the Greek for ‘a javelin.’ F. 242 THE EPISTLES OF THE HERO [NES. [EP. XXI. twofold trophy” of thy ingenuity. I am fallen away with thinness; my complexion is bloodless; just as I call to mind that it was on thy apple. My fair features, too, are not tinted with a mixture of red; the appearance of new marble is wont to be such. The colour of silver plate at a feast is such, which turns pale when touched with the chill of coldwater. If thou wast now to see me, thou wouldst deny that thou hadst seen me before, and thou wouldst say, “She is not worthy to be sought after by my artifices;” and thou wouldst release me from the stringency of my promise, that I might not be united to thee; and thou wouldst desire the Goddess not to bear that in mind. Perhaps, too, thou wouldst make me swear over again the contrary, and wouldst be sending other words to me to read. But still I wish that thou couldst see me, as thou hast requested, and couldst perceive the weakened limbs of her who is engaged to thee. Hadst thou a heart, Acontius, even harder than iron, yet thou thyself wouldst entreat pardon in my own words. But that thou mayst not be ignorant by what means I may be restored to health; enquiries have been made at Delphi of the God who predicts futurity. He, too, as a floating report now whispers, complains that some damsel, I know not who, has neglected her oath, he attesting it. This, the God” and the prophetess, this, too, do my own ill-written lines proclaim; but no verses” are wanting for thy wishes. Whence this favour to thee? Unless, perchance, some new characters have been discovered by thee, which, when read, * Two-fold trophy.]—Wer. 214. This is generally supposed to mean, a trophy gained, first, by his deceiving her through the stratagem of the apple, and then by his exciting against her the enmity of Diana. The pas- sage is, however, of very obscure signification; it may possibly mean the alternative of death or marriage. * This, the God.]—Ver. 235. This and the following line are in a very corrupt state. Some would take “vates' to refer to Acontius; it appears rather to mean the Pythia, or priestess of Apollo at Delphi. Cydippe seems to mean that the ‘carmina,’ or ‘ verses,’ had been a cause of woe to her, while they had succeeded so much to his wishes. * No verses.]—Wer. 236. She seems to play upon the word ‘carmina' here in its various significations, of ‘prophecies,’ ‘incantations,’ ‘lines,’ ' poetical composition,’ through the medium of which Acontius had been successful; both as regarded his ‘carmina’ or “line,’ written on the apple, the ‘carmina,’ or “answer,” given by the Pythia, and her own ‘carmina,' or “lines,' which, by the bad writing, testified the wrath of the Goddess. EP. XXI. CYDIPPE TO ACONTIUS. 243 deceive” the great Gods. And thus, thou obtaining the favour of the Gods, I myself submit to the power of the Gods; and I willingly extend my conquered hands in obedience to thy de- sires. I have confessed, too, to my mother, the engagement made by my deceived tongue, while keeping my eyes, full of shame, fixed upon the ground. The rest is thy care; even this that I have done is more than becomes a maiden, in that my paper has not hesitated to hold converse with thee. Now have I sufficiently wearied my weakened limbs with the pen, and my feeble hand refuses its duty any longer. But that I wish now to unite myself with thee, what remains" but that i should write '' Farewell. 59 When read, deceive..] —Ver, 238. Some would render ‘capiat' as signifying “please,” or ‘win over.’ The meaning seems rather to be ‘deceive,' or ‘beguile,' in the same manner as she has been beguiled by his writing. 60 What remains.]—Wer. 247. Some Commentators remark that this conclusion is as inelegant as the Epistle itself: a censure which neither the Epistle nor its conclusion seems to us to deserve. It is worthy of observa- tion, that of these twenty-one Epistles, Ovid, in the Eighteenth Elegy of the Second Book of the “Amores,’ avows himself to be the author of the following nine. Penelope to Ulysses, Phyllis to Demophoön, (Enone to Paris, Phaedra to Hippolytus, Hypsipyle to Jason, Dido to Æneas, Ariadne to Theſeus, Canace to Macareus, and Sappho to Phaon. cº * 3: THE THREE RESPONSIVE EPISTLES OF A U L US S A BIN US, A. PO BT OF THE AU G-U STAN PIE RIO D. EPISTLE I. U L Y S S E S T O P E N E L () PE, FHis Epistle is written in answer to that of Ovid from Penelope to Ulysses. He accounts to his wife for his delay, now that Troy has been levelled with the ground; he informs her of his numerous afflictions, and assures her of his continued affection. CHANCE, Penelope, has brought, at last, thy words, inscribed on the affectionate paper, to the wretched Ulysses. I recog- nized both the dear hand, and the faithful signet;" they proved a consolation amid my protracted woes; thou dost blame me as being slow to return ; perhaps I could even wish I were so; rather than tell thee what I have endured and what I still endure. Greece did not accuse me of that fault;” when feigned madness detained my sails on my native shores; but rather that I was not desirous, and was not able to forego thy society; and thou thyself didst prove the cause of my dissembling as to my sanity. 'Tis thy anxiety that I should write nothing in return,” and * The faithful signet.]—Wer. 3. ‘Gemmasque fideies: literally, ‘and the faithful gems.’ ‘Gemma' is especially used to signify the precious stone that is fixed in the bezel of a ring. ? Of that fault.]—Wer. 7. Of being ‘lentus,’ ‘inert’ or “inactive in my love for you.’ 8 But rather that..]—Ver, 9. He says that the objection made to him was, that he was too fond of his wife, when he feigned madness to avoid parting with her; a stratagem which was discovered by Palamedes. 4 Write nothing in return.]-Ver. II. He alludes to the second line of the Epistle of Penelope, ‘Nil mihi rescribas attamen; ipse veni.’ ER I.] | ULYSSES TO PENELOPE. 245 that I should hastem to come. As I was hastening, the hostile South winds bore back my sails. Troy, so hateful to the Grecian fair, does not detain me; Troy is now only ashes, and a dismal plain. Deiphobus, too, lies prostrate, Asius is prostrate," and Hector is prostrate; and whoever, besides, was the cause of thy apprehensions. I have escaped, too, the onsets of the Thracians, their leader Rhesus slain, being borne back to my tents by his captured steeds; in safety, also, from the midst of the citadel of the Phrygian Tritomis, did I bear off the captured pledge of victory decreed by the Fates." Entrust- ing myself to the horse,' I feared not; although the pro- phetess,” disastrously anxious, cried aloud, “Ye Trojans, burn the horse; burn it; within the deceiving wood Greeks are con- cealed; and they are making their lastattack" upon the wretched Phrygians.” Achilles had gone without the last honours of sepulture, but by my shoulders was he restored to Thetis. And for labours so great, the Greeks did not refuse due praise; as my reward," I received the arms of the body which I had rescued. But what matters that? In the ocean are they sunk.” No fleets, no companions survive for me; the deep has them all. Love only still remains with me, who, patient under mis- fortunes, has hardened me by so many woes. The virgin daughter of Nisus” has not discouraged him with her raven- 5 Asius is prostrate.]—Ver. 15. Asius was a Trojan, the son of Hyr- tacus ; he was killed by Idomeneus. 6 Decreed by the Fates.]—Wer. 20. The several points here referred to by Ulysses will be found detailed and explained in his speech in the Thirteenth Book of the Metamorphoses. 7 To the horse.]—Wer. 21. Ulysses was one of the warriors who were enclosed in the wooden horse, when it was admitted within the walls of Troy. º, lthough the prophetess.]—Wer. 22. This was Cassandra, who advised them to burn the wooden horse : but it was her fate never to be believed. 9 Making their last attack.]—Wer. 24. ‘Ultima bella ferunt,” may mean this, or possibly, “are bringing the warfare home to." 10 As my reward.]—Ver. 28. He contended with Ajax Telamon for the honour of receiving the arms of Achilles. See the narrative in the Thirteenth Book of the Metamorphoses. 11 In the ocean are they sunk.]—Wer. 29. When his vessel was wrecked on his return from Troy. 12 Daughter of Nisus.]—Ver, 33. In common with both Virgil and Ovid, Sabinus falls into the error of supposing that the Scylla, who was changed into the Sicilian whirlpool, was identical with the Scylla who be 246 THE RESPONSIVE EPISTLEs of SABINUs. [EP. I. mg dogs; mor yet Charybdis, whirling with her swelling waves; nor savage Antiphates,” nor Parthenope” partaking of two forms in one body, assiduous with her charming melody. Not because Circe tried her Colchian herbs," not because an- other Goddess” employed her embraces so solemnly pledged.” Both of them used to give hopes that they were able to take away from me my mortal threads,” and both, the Stygian paths. But, despising even this gift, I have sought thyself, doomed to suffer so many evils by land, and so many by sea. But thou, perhaps now influenced by the name of a female, wilt not read the rest of my words free from anxiety. Thou wilt, too, be tormented with apprehensions, before unknown, what Circe had to do with me, and what the cunning Calypso.” Assuredly, when I read of Antinois, and Polybus, and Medom,” alas ! in all my body did no blood remain Amid so many youths, so much streaming wine,” thou dost continue (ah me! on what proof shall I credit it 7) still chaste. Or trayed her father Nisus to Minos, when besieging the city of Megara. The story of the one is to be found in the Eighth, and of the other in the Fourteenth Book of the Metamorphoses. * Antiphates.]—Wer. 35. He was the king of the Laestrygons, who were cannibals. 14 Parthenope.]—Wer. 36. This was one of the Sirens, who, when she was unable to arrest Ulysses in his course by the melody of her voice, precipitated herself from a rock in despair, and was carried by the waves to the spot which was afterwards called by her name, and was the site of the city of Naples. * Colchian herbs.]—Wer. 37. Circe, as being the sister of Medea, was supposed to be a native of Colchis. * Another Goddess.]—Ver, 38. This was Calypso, who was charmed with Ulysses, and strongly opposed his departure from her island. * Solemnly pledged.]—Ver, 38. “Solemnes’ may have this meaning, or perhaps that of “acknowledged,” “avowed,” or “usual,” as a matter of COllrS6. * My mortal threads.]—Wer. 39. That is, “They both declared them- selves able to withdraw my life from the power of the Fates, and to protect me from having to cross the Stygian waves.’ * Cunning Calypso.]—Ver, 45. “Cauta,’ ‘cunning,” or ‘wary, seems better than the usual reading, “causa.’ Heinsius approves of the former. 19 Antinois, and Polybus, and Medon.]—Wer. 47. These were three of the suitors who were pestering Penelope with their addresses, and squander- ing the substance of her husband. * Much streaming wine.]—Wer. 49. ‘Vina liquentia.’ This reading seems preferable to ‘vina licentia,” meaning “wine unrestrained,’ or ‘with- out limit,” though the latter is preferred by Heinsius and Barthius. EP. I.] T.I.YSSES TO PENELOPE. 247 why do thy features please any one if they are in tears,” and why do not those charms of thine decay with weeping? To marriage too, hast thou been pledged, did not the deceiving web detain thee, and didst thou not cummingly always undo the work thou hadst commenced. A duteous contrivance indeed; but how often” wilt thou deceive their eyes with the wool? Will that contrivance ensure thee success as often ? Oh Polyphemus' overwhelmed in thy cavern, I should have finished my days, wretched by reason of calamities” so great! Better had I fallen conquered by the Thracian soldiers,” at the time when” my wandering barks arrived at Ismaros. Or I might have satisfied the cruel Pluto by my destruction at the time when, having delayed my death, I returned from the Stygian waves; where I saw (a thing that thy epistle in vain conceals” from me) her, who, when I departed, was my still surviving mother. She reported the same misfortunes of my house; and she fled from me as I sought to embrace her, thrice gliding away from my embrace. I saw, too, him of Phylace;” despising the prophecy,” he was the first to carry the warfare * They are ºn tears.]—Wer. 51. He hints that she cannot have wept so much as she professes, or else all her beauty would have vanished, and she would have ceased to inflame her hearts of the suitors. Saltonstall renders this line rather quaintly— ‘Could they delight in thy tear-blubbered face º' * But how often.]—Wer. 55. In accordance with the suggestion of Heinsius, a note of interrogation is here read after ‘lana,’ and another after • tibi.” * Of calamities.]—Wer. 58. ‘Ob mala' seems to be a preferable read- ing to ‘ad mala.’ * The Thracian soldiers.] — Ver. 59. On setting out homewards, Ulysses landed in Thrace, in the country of the Ciconians, where his fol. lowers took and burned the town of Ismarus; but while they delayed on the coast, they were attacked by the Ciconians and driven to their ships, with the loss of six men out of each ship. See the Ninth Book of the Odyssey. * At the time when.]—Wer. 62. He refers here to his descent to, and return from, the Infernal regions. 26 In vain conceals.]—Wer. 63. He accuses her of having concealed the fact, that his mother Anticlea had died since he had set out for the Trojan war. - 27 Him of Phylace.]—Ver, 67. He alludes to Protesilaüs, who was of Phylax, or Phylace, in Thessaly. * Despising the prophecy.]—Ver, 67. The prophecy which foretolà death to the first person that should land on the Trojan shores. 248 THE RESPONSIVE EPISTLES OF SABINU.S. [EP. I. into the home of Hector. Blest is he, with his much praised wife "joyous, amid the valiant shades she walks, accom- panying her husband. And yet Lachesis had not numbered for her her allotted years; but she is delighted thus to have perished before her time. I beheld, and my eyes did not withhold the falling tears, the son of Atreus, (ah me!) mangled by his recent murder.” That hero Troy had not injured; he had passed by both the infuriate Nauplius” and the Euboean bays. To what purpose? Through a thousand wounds did he pour forth his soul, now as he was performing his vows due to Jove, the guardian of his return. This penalty had the daughter of Tyndarus prepared for him, on account of his breach of" the nuptial contract; she who her- self consorted with strange men.” ſ Alas! of what use is it to me that (when the wife and the sister of Hector were standing amid the Trojan captives) I rather chose Hecuba,” with her failing years, in order that the love of a rival might not be suspected by thee ? She was the first to give a dreadful omen for my ships; when she was discovered with limbs not her own.” With bark- * Much-praised wife.]—Wer. 69. Laodamia. It is said by some authors, that she had a statue of her husband, to which she paid divine honours, but that her father Acastus caused it to be burned, on which she threw herself into the flames which consumed it. See her Epistle to Protesilaüs. 80 His recent murder.]—Wer, 74. Agamemnon was slain by his wife Clytemnestra, and her paramour, Ægisthus, while he was getting out of the bath. 31 The infuriate Nauplius.]—Wer. 76. Palamedes was treacherously slain by the contrivance of Ulysses. (See the Thirteenth Book of the Metamorphoses.) Upon this, his father Nauplius, the king of Euboea, with the view of avenging the death of his son, caused lighted torches to be exhibited on the promontory of Caphareus, in Euboea, in conse- quence of which many of the Grecian ships suffered shipwreck on the rocks of that island. 3% His breach of]—Wer. 79. This alludes to Cassandra, who fell to the lot of Agamemnon, and about whom the infamous Clytemnestra professed to be jealous. She was afterwards slain by Clytemnestra. 33 With strange men.]—Wer. 80. She intrigued with Ægisthus, the cousin of Agamemnon. 34 Chose Hecuba.]—Wer. 83. The story of the last days of the wretched Hecuba is pathetically told in the Thirteenth Book of the Metamor- hoses. P 35 Not her own.]—Ver, 86 This was when she was turned into EP. I. - UT.YSSES TO PENELOPE, 249 ing diº, the wretched creature put an end to her woful com- plaints; and suddenly” she stood there changed into a raving bitch. Through such a portentous sight Thetis removed the calmness of the ocean, and pouring forth the South winds AEolus brooded over it. Wandering thence, no longer happy, I have been carried over all the earth, and wherever the waves and the breezes call me, thither am I, borne. But if Tiresias” was a soothsayer as prescient of what is fortunate as he was a true prophet with regard to my misfortunes; having, by land and by sea, experienced in travel whatever he prophesied of evil to me, I am now wandering under more propitious auspices. Now, on what shores I know not, Pallas unites herself as a companion to me, and leads me through spots safe with kind entertainers. Now, for the first time since the destruction of ruined Troy, has Pallas been seen by me; in the interven- ing time her anger withdrew her. In whatever the son of Oileus” had offended, one man was guilty for all ; for all the Greeks was her wrath destructive. Not even thee, son of Ty- deus, did she exempt, whose arms she had solately encouraged; thou, too, art returning from Wandering over the world.” Not Teucer sprung from Telamon" by his captured wife; not a bitch, after having wreaked her vengeance on Polymnestor for the murder of Polydorus. 36 And suddenly.]—Ver. 88. Saltonstall thus renders this line— “But she out of her former shape did slip.’ 37 But if Tiresias.]—Wer. 93. The story of Tiresias is related in the Third Book of the Metamorphoses. * The son of Oileus.]—Wer. 101. He alludes to the crime of Ajax Oileus, who had attempted to commit violence on Cassandra; in return for which, Minerva sent a storm that dispersed the ships of the Greeks on their return. $9 Over the world.]—Wer. 104. Diomedes, the son of Tydeus, being expelled from his native country on returning from the Trojan war, led a colony into the South of Italy. See the Fourteenth Book of the Meta- morphoses. - 40 Sprung from Telamon.]—Wer. 105. Teucer was the son of Telamon by Hesione, the captive daughter of Laomedon. After Ajax Telamon had put himself to death on being refused the arms of Achilles, Teucer was requested by his father to avenge the fate of his brother, which, how- ever, he declined to do. On this, he was expelled from Salamis, and flying to Cyprus, he there founded a city which he named Salamis. 250 THE RESPONSIVE EPISTLES OF SABINUs. [EP. I. himself for whose command were the thousand ships.” For- tunate son of Plisthenes,” whatever lot thou didst experience with thy beloved wife, it was not a deadly one. Whether the winds, or whether the ocean caused you delay; by no misfortunes was your love checked. At least, neither did the winds nor the waves forbid thy kisses; and thy arms were ever in readiness for the embrace. Would that I had been thus a wanderer; thou wouldst have made the ocean smooth, my wife; with thee for my com- panion, there would have been nothing sad for me. Even now, when I read that Telemachus is safe and well with thee, all my misfortunes are already lightened to my feelings. Still do I complain that he is going” again over the adverse waves to Sparta, the city of Hercules, and Pylos, the land of Nestor. Displeasing is the affection which so many perils attend ; for to his misfortune, has he been entrusted to the waves. But my labours" are at their close: the prophet has foretold our meeting on the shore; in the embrace that belongs to thee, dear son, shalt thou be clasped. To be recognised by thee alone shall I come; do thou carefully repress thy joy, and conceal thy gladness in thy silent breast. I must not contend by force, nor must I rush into open warfare; thus has Apollo declared that his laurels” forewarm. Perhaps before a banquet, and amid the listlessness of wine, there will be a fitting opportunity for the quivers of the 41 The thousand ships.]—Wer. 106. He alludes to Agamemnon in his capacity of generalissimo of the Greek forces. 42 Son of Plisthenes.]—Ver, 107. He alludes to Menelaús, who was said, with Agamemnon, to have been the son of Plisthenes, and adopted by Atreus. He says that whatever his lot may have been after leaving Troy, still it was not a deadly one. His wife must, indeed, have been truly ‘dilecta' to him, considering all the trouble he took to regain so worth- less a person. 43 That he is going.]—Wer. 117. She has mentioned in her Epistle the fact that he has been sent to those places. 44 But my labours.]—Wer. 120. This had been prophesied to him by Tiresias. It was fulfilled when he met his son Telemachus in the cottage of Eumaeus, situate on the sea-shore of Ithaca. 45 That his laurels.]—Wer. 126. The laurel was sacred to Apollo, and his image was decorated with boughs of it. Persons who went to con- sult the Delphic oracle, were adorned with garlands of laurel. The Roman priests, on certain festivals, wore wreaths of laurel. EP. II.] DEMOPHOöN TO PHYLLIS. 25 l avenger." And then suddenly will they be surprised by Ulysses so lately despised." Alas! I pray that that day may hasten to approach | That joyous day, which shall renew the compact of our marriage in days gone by ; and then, at length, my dear one, mayst thou begin to be blest in thy husband. EPISTLE II. DEMOPHOóN TO PHYLLIS. THIS Epistle is written in answer to that of Ovid from Phyllis to Demo- phoön. In it, he excuses himself, on several grounds, for having failed to perform his promise of immediately returning to her. DEMOPHoöN sends this to thee, Phyllis, from his native city; and he remembers that his native land was thy gift.” With no other flame or wife is Demophoön engaged; but no so happy” is he, as when he was known to thee. A disgraceful thine for me to endure—the ruthless enemy has expelled Thesius from his realms, in whom, Phyllis, thou didst vainly pride thyself as thy father-in-law, (and perhaps he may have even given an impulse" to thy flame); this end did prolonged old age provide” for him. He who so lately routed” the shield-bear- * Quivers of the avenger.]—Wer. 128. He alludes prophetically to the manner in which the suitors were doomed to meet with destruction at his hands. * So lately despised.]—Wer, 129. As having appeared in the garb of a beggar. * Was thy gift.]—Ver. 2. As she gave him a hospitable shelter, and provided him with a ship to return to Athens. 49 But not so happy.]—Wer. 4. ‘Sed tam non felix' seems a par- ticularly awkward expression, and it is probably corrupt; but it does not seem, as Hefnsius thinks it to be, contrary to the sense of the passage; for he is evidently complaining that he is not now so light-hearted as when he was with her, nor so ready to be attracted by a new passion. 99 Given an impulse.]—Ver. 6. This is certainly not very complimen- tary to the disinterestedness of Phyllis. * Old age provide.]—Wer. 8. Demophoön had left Phyllist proceed to Athens, on hearing of the death of Mnestheus, who had succeeded to the throne on the expursion of Theseus. 51* So lately routed.]—Ver, 9 Theseus accompanied Hercules in his expedition against the Amazons, who dwelt on the banks of the Ther- modon; and distinguished himself so much on the occasion, that Her- eules bestowed on him the hand of the vanquished queen, Antiope, or, as £52 THE RESPONSIVE EPISTLES OF SABINUs. EP. II. ing female dwellers in Maeotis” with his arms, the companion of the great Alcides, himself no less. He who formerly made Minos to be his father-in-law” from a vengeful enemy, as he wondered how the horns of his monster were overcome. I am accused (who could have believed it?) of having been the cause of his exile; and my brother” does not allow me to be silent under the accusation. “While,” says he, “thou art pressing for an alliance with thy beloved Phyllis, and thy pas- sion is occupied in love for a stranger, time has sped in the meanwhile gliding on with fleeting foot, and the hour of sorrow has anticipated thy delay. Perhaps thou mightst have been able either to arrive while our affairs were not as yet in a ruinous state, or even if ruined, thou still mightst have been able to be useful. Why have the Rhodopeian realms proved more delightful to thee, and the fair one who has been more dear to thee than kingdoms?” In these words does Acamas” thunder aloud: presently does AEthra" blame me in the same terms; a wretched old woman who has now nearly finished her days. She is always declaring, too, that my delay has been the cause that the hands of her son do not close her dying eyes. For my part I do not deny it; much did they both" call for she is sometimes called, Hippolyta, who became by him the mother of Hippolytus, and whom he afterwards put to death. According to some writers, the Amazons, in revenge, invaded the Attic territory, and were sig- nally defeated by Theseus. & Dwellers in Mayotis.]—Wer. 9. The Palus Maeotis, situate at the north of the Euxine, is now called the sea of Azeph. In its vicinity the Amazons were said to dwell. 58 His father-in-law.]—Wer. 11. This was when he had conquered the Minotaur by the aid of Ariadne, whom he then carried away from Crete. 54 And my brother.]—Wer. 14, This was Acamas, who is afterwards referred to by name. * Does Acamas.] —Wer. 23. Acamas was a son of Theseus, and a brother of Demophoön, whom he accompanied to the Trojan war. Vir- gil mentions him in the number of those who were enclosed in the wooden horse, on which occasion he was, according to Pausanias, accom- panied by his brother Demophoön, though the latter, is not named by Virgil. Lucian, in one passage, seems to hint that it was Acamas who was beloved by Phyllis. He finally obtained the throne at Athens, and gave its maine to the Acamantian tribe. 56 Does Athra.]—Wer. 23. She was the wife of AEgeus, and the mother of Theseus. w 57 Did they both.]—Wer. 27. Acamas and Æthra, namely. EP. II.] DEMOPHOöN TO PHYLLIS, t 253 me, when my ship was standing at anchor in the Thracian waves. “The winds, Demophoön, invite thy sails, why art thou lingering 7 Obdurate Demophoön, have regard for the Gods of thy native land. Have some regard; and take Phyllis, with whom thou art so pleased, as an example. She so loves, as to be unwilling to depart from her native land. And she entreats thee that thou wilt be ready to return, that she may not attend thee when departing; and she prefers her bar- barian realms to thine.” Still, though silent amid these re- proaches, I remember that full oft I offered my prayers to the adverse South winds; and that often, placing my arms about to depart around thy neck, I rejoiced that the seas were heaved up into threatening billows. - Nor should I fear to confess this before my father himself; the power of so doing has been given me by thy kindness; to say, “I left not dear Phyllis with an ungrateful heart, and I have not precipitately given my sails to be borne on by the winds. I wept too, and, full often, consoling her as she wept, I tarried on, when now a certain day had been fixed by me for my departure. At last, I came hither in a Thracian ship ; the bark which Phyllis was so unwilling” to give, she commanded to go at a slow speed. Pardon, too, the con- fession; thou thyself dost bear in mind” the daughter of Mi- nos. That old flame has not yet quitted thy heart; and so often as the stars surround thy eyes, thou dost say,”“She, who now shines in the heavens, was my mistress.’” Bacchus ordered him to yield his dear wife up to himself; but he incurs the charge of having deserted her." After the example of my father, I too, myself, am called forsworn ; and, * Was so unwilling.]—Wer. 46. “Non voluit' seems to be much prefer- abie to ‘non potuit,” which will hardly admit of any meaning. * Thyself dost bear in mind.]—Wer. 47. He is supposing himself to be pleading his own cause before Theseus, and to be recalling to his re- collection his own passion for Ariadne. 60 Surround thy eyes, thou dost say..]—Wer. 49. The common reading “circumdat sidera, dixit,” is evidently corrupt, as he is supposed to be still addressing Theseus in the second person. It is not improbable that the passage was written ‘ circumstant sidera, dixtii' and that reading has been adopted. - - ël Having deserted her.] —Ver. 52. He says that Theseus was un- justly accused of deserting Ariadne, when, in fact, he was ordered by Bacchus to yield her to him ; and that he, in like manner, has been wrong. fully charged with similar perfidy. 254 THE RESPONSIVE EPISTLES OF SABINUs. [EP. II. cruel Sithonian fair, thou dost not inquire the cause of my delaying; and thou dost not think that I give thee a sufficiently large assurance that I will return, if no love for another, no passion whatever is detaining me. And has no report, Phyllis, mentioned to thee the troubled home of Theseus and the for- tunes of his wretched house? Dost thou not hear now I am be- wailing the halter” of my wretched mother? A cause (ah me!) exists, more full of sorrow than that halter. Nor yet of my brother Hippolytus?” Miserably has he perished, drag- ged headlong through the sea by his frightened steeds. Still I am not excusing myself from returning, though the Destinies should accumulate reasons from every quarter ; I ask but for a little time. What is left for me to do, my father Theseus will I first entomb;" let him be becomingly placed in the sepulchre not without honour. Grant me time and pardon, I entreat; I am notabsent through perfidiousness; and now no land is more safe to me than is thy own. Whatever has been pleasing to me since Pergamus was levelled; whatever either warfare or the delays of the ocean have been withhold- ing from me; that is Thrace alone; even in my very country" am I buffeted about ; thou alone dost survive as my aid in my misfortunes. If only thou hast" the same feelings; and if it does not elevate thee so much that thou hast a palace, * Bewailing the halter.]—Wer. 59. He alludes to the fate of his mother Phaedra, who hanged herself on being unsuccessful in her criminal passion for Hippolytus, the son of Theseus, by Hippolyta. He hints in the next line, that the cause of her suicide was a disgraceful one. * Hippolytus.] —Ver, 61. It is clear that a note of interrogation ought to be placed after “Hippolytum,’ though it is wanting in the com- mon reading of the text. His story is related in the Fifteenth Book of the Metamorphoses. * Will I first entomb.]—Ver. 65. Theseus, on being expelled from Athens, fled to the court of Lycomedes, the king of Scyros: where he was treacherously murdered by order of the king, or, as some say, he accident- ally fell from a cliff in the dark. * In my very country.]—Wer. 71. “In ipsā’ is suggested by Heinsius, with good reason, as being preferable to the usual reading, ‘in illà.’ * If only thou hast.]—Wer, 73. The usual reading is evidently cor- rupt, and deficient in sense ; that suggested by Heinsius has been adopted. “Nectam quod sit tibi dives.’ Jam,’ ‘now,' is certainly incorrect, as there had been no change in the fortunes of Phyllis. - EP. II.] DEMOPHoàN TO PHYLLIS. - 255 rich, and not less than the Cecropian citadel; and if the mis- fortunes of my father do not offend thee, nor the criminality of my mother; and if Demophoön is not now of unhappy OYO 162]]. What if, with thee for my wife, I had repaired to Troy, the city of Phoebus, and for ten years had so followed the pur- suits of war ! Thou hast heard of Penelope; over the whole world is she praised; she who has become no slight example of a faithful wife. She, so rumour says, has invented the contrivance of the duteous web, and by her skill has put off the urgent suitors; when by night", she has undone the threads that in their presence were hurried on towards comple- tion, and all the work has returned again to raw wool. But, Phyllis, thou art afraid lest the slighted Thracians should hereafter avoid an alliance with thee; and canst thou, cruel one, marry any one of them & And hast thou the heart to accept the offer” of any one? And do not these apprehensions prove an obstacle to thy perfidiousness? Alas! how great will be thy shame at thy deeds ! Alas! how great thy grief, when thou shalt behold my sails from afar ! Too late, in thy rash- ness, thou wilt condemn thy own complaints “Ah me !” wilt thou say, “after all, Demophoön was faithful to me! Behold ! my Demophoön " and he has returned after having endured the raging East winds and the wintry waves as he ploughed the deep. Wretched me! why, alas ! did I not know the guilty step which I was hastening? I have broken that faith which I complained of as broken towards myself.” And yet thus,” ah! thus, mayst thou rather persist in thy determination, than that any further grief should, Phyllis, afflict 07 When by night.]—Ver. 83. Instead of the usual reading, “nocti,' * noctu,’ which is found in one edition, seems to be preferable. - 68 Accept the offer.]—Ver. 87. “Accedere ta-dae.” Literally, “to ap- proach the nuptial torch.' 69 Behold / my Demophoön ()—Wer. 93. Instead of the common, read- ing, that of the edition of Gryphius seems preferable, and has been adopted ; * En mihi Demophēon 1 et saevos redditur Euros Passus, et hybernas dum freta sulcat, aquas l’ 70 And yet thus.]—Wer. 97. He tells her that he would rather that she should persist in a determination to contract a Thracian alliance, than that she should continue to torment herself on his account, ard thus afford him cause for sorrow. - - 256 THE RESPONSIVE EPISTLES OF SABINUs. [EP. III. my heart on thy account. Ah wretched me ! what haſters, what death, art thou threatening against thyself? How far too" ruthless Deities does that nation worship. Desist, I pray; and do not, cruel fair, impress with a twofold mark” the character of my house, that already incurs the charge of perfidiousness. Let the Gnossian fair,” left to her des. tiny and to become a prey to another, be the accuser of my father. I have not deserved myself to be considered guilty. - * Now let those winds bear my words, which have borne on- ward my sails. It is my intention to return; but a reason of duty is detaining me. EPISTLE III. P A R IS TO OE N O N E. PARIs is supposed to write this Epistle in his own defence, in answer to the one of Ovid, written by (Enone, in which she reproaches him for his inconstancy. - I Conrºss, O Nymph, that my hand is in search of words, sufficiently well-suited for me to write in answer to thee making complaints so just. It seeks them, but they suggest themselves not. It is only sensible of its own criminality. That which it is sensible of, another passion allows it not to atone for. If this confession mitigates thy wrath, then, myself the judge, I am condemned. What matters it? Still, with thy cause the better one, thou art vanquished.” Condemned, too, by thee, Cupid brings me back under his 71 How far too.]—Wer. 100. ‘Ut nimis,’ as suggested by Heinsius, seems better than “et nimis': with either reading, the meaning is ob- scure, and the passage probably corrupt. He, perhaps, means to say, that as the Thracian Gods were of ferocious manners, their worshippers were too apt to imitate them and to seek to gain their favour by precipi- tate and violent conduct, such as Suicide. - 7* A twofold mark.]—Ver. 102. He implores her not to censure him for treachery, as the conduct of Theseus is already open to that charge. * The Gnossian fair.]—Wer. 104. This line seems to be in a corrupº state. The reading of the edition of Gryphius has been here adopted, “Accu- set patrem fatis prædæque relicta,' as approaching the nearest to any de- finite sense. - 74 Thou art vanquished.]—Wer. 6. ‘Cales’ is evidently a corrupt reading. At the suggestion of Burmann, ‘cadis’ has been adºpted. EP. III.] PAIRIS TO OENONE, 257 own subjection: and thus am I the prize of another.” First wast thou engaged for my bed, and my love acknowledged its youthfulness on receiving thee first for a wife. Not as yet was I so great a person. Then could I have been claimed by him as my master, of whom for my father thou dost blame me as being proud. I hoped not for Deiphobus or Hector as a brother, when, thou accompanying me, I drove the flocks to pasture; Hecuba, too, I knew by the name of queen," and not of mother; and worthy wast thou to re- main her daughter-in-law. But Love is not endowed with reason. Nymph, consult thyself.” Thou hast been wronged; but, though wronged, thou writest that thou still dost love. And whereas the Satyrs, whereas the Pans seek thy hand, still art thou ever mindful of thy rejected alliance. Besides, this passion is promoted by the Fates, and long since did my sister,” prescient of the future, see it. Not yet had the name of the daughter of Tyndarus reached my ear, and still she prophesied that a Grecian alliance” would invite me. All this thou seest hast come to pass; my wounds alone survive; and the fact that I am forced suppliantly to entreat thy aid.” In thy power is the decision upon my life and my death; now as the conqueror” hear my confessions. Still, as I remember, thou didst weep at these words as she pro- phesied; and thou didst say, “May these evils, I pray, be afar off. Neither, if the Fates ordain it, nor though other things should ordain it, could I, afflicted GEnone, endure to lose my Paris.” 75 Of another.]—Ver. 8. Of Helen, namely. 76 Name of queen.]—Wer. 15. The usual reading of this line is evi dently corrupt, and void of sense, Heinsius suggests ‘Reginaeque Hecu- ben non matris nomine, noram,’ which reading has been adopted, 77 Consult thyself.]—Wer. 17. As to the truth of the allegation, that love is not ruled by reason. 78 Did my sister.]—Ver. 22. He pleads the decrees of fate, which were long since revealed by his sister Cassandra. 79 A Grecian alliance.]—Wer. 24. Instead of the common reading for this line, which is manifestly corrupt, the following has been adopted : “Me Cecinit Graiosilla vocare toros.’ 80 Entreat thy aid.]—Ver. 26. Because she was prescient of the future. 81 As the conqueror.]—Wer. 28. Heinsius considers this line to be hopelessly corrupt. ‘Victurae,’ as found in the earliest edition of the author, is projably more correct than ‘victuri.’ § 258 THE RESPONSIVE EPISTLES OF SABINUS. [EP. III. The same love which (grant me pardon) compels me to subdue my many apprehensions and not to believe this, is deceiving thee as well. He rules the Deities; when he chooses, he humbles Jove to the horns of a bull,” when me chooses, to the feathers of a bird. There would be no daughter of Tyndarus on the earth wondrous for beauty so great, (a fair, alas! born for my destruction () if Jupiter had not changed his features for those of the swan. Before this, he had flowed as a shower of gold into the bosom of Danaë; as a fictitious bird” he had surveyed the pine-bearing Ida, and he had stood among the cattle of Agenor. Who could have thought that victorious Alcides would hold the task allotted by his mistress?” But it was Love that forced him to spin. He is said, too, to have sat” in the Coan garment” of the damsel; she was covered with the skin of the lion of Cleomae.” I remember, CEnone, (I speak to my own disparagement) that thou didst fly from Phoebus, and didst prefer my embraces. I was not preferable to Phoebus; but Cupid was determined that on these conditions his arrows should be launched against thee. Still, alleviate thy misfortunes in a rival worthy of thyself; the fair whom I have preferred to thee, is the daughter * The horns of a bull.]—Wer. 35. He means the change of Jupiter into a bull, when enamoured of Europa, and into a swan, for the purpose of deceiving Leda. 88 A fictitious bird.]—Ver. 41. He alludes to the ravishment of Gany- mede, which was said to have been effected by Jupiter on Mount Ida, in the form of an eagle. * By his mistress.]—Wer. 44. He alludes either to Omphale or Iole; with both of which amours Dejanira reproaches him in her Epistle ** To have sat.]—Wer. 45. Probably she alludes here to Omphale and the story related in the Second Book of the Fasti. 86 In the Coan garment.]—Wer. 45. The Coam cloth was remarkable for its extreme fineness and transparency, and is mentioned by both Horace, Tibullus, and Propertius. In the Augustan age it was probably only worn by women of light reputation, as every feature of the body could be discerned through it. It was sometimes of a purple colour, and adorned with gold embroidery. It is supposed to have been made of silk, as the island of Cos, in the Ægean sea, was famous for the weaving and spinning of silk at a very early period. “Silk gauze” is probably the proper name for the texture. A female of the name of Pamphila was said to have invented it. $7 The lion of Cleonae.]—Wer. 46. Cleomae was a town on the borders of Argolis in Peloponnesus, near the wood in which Hercules killed the Nemean lion, which is here referred to. EP. III.] PARIS ºy (ENONE, 259 of Jove. But that she is born of Jove, affects me in her the least of all; that there is not any face more beauteous than hers, does the mischief. And I wish that I had been deemed an unskilful judge of beauty, Nymph of the streams, on the heights of Ida | No wrath of Jumo nor yet of Pallas would have persecuted me, be- cause Cytherea was commended by my eyes. For others she divides the flame both rapid and mutually burning; just as she pleases she modifies the fires of her son. And yet she was not able to avoid the weapons of her own house. The bow which’” she wielded against others, unrelenting, she wielded too against herself. Her husband grieved that she was detected with Mars. The Gods being witnesses, to Jove did he complain. And newt does Mars now grieve, and of his own accord he leaves the earth; about to have him” as her own, she has preferred Anchises to him. For the sake of Anchises has she wished to appear beauteous; and twice has she pined,” taking vengeance on the slighted Gods. What wonder that it was possible for Paris to yield to Love, from whom even his own mother was not safe? Her whom injured Menelaús loves, uninjured do I love.” Add the fact, that she was the com- panion of me thus uninjured. Carried off, she prepares (I see) for me vast troubles; and a thousand armed ships are making for Troy. I do not fear that the cause of the war will not be approved of; she has features worthy to arouse the chieftains. If thou believestme not, look at the sons of Atreus in arms. She, whom in such manner they are attempting to recover for themselves, in such manner must be retained” for me. But if thou dost conceive & The bow which.]—Wer. 62. This line appears to be in a corrupt State. 89 About to have him.]—Wer. 66. Of course this must refer to a time long since past; as at this period Anchises was an aged man. 99 Twice has she pined.]—Wer. 68. This line appears as ‘Visaque post- latam jacuit ulta Deam,’ which is evidently corrupt, and makes perfect nonsense. The suggestion of Heinsius has been adopted: ‘Bisque ita post latos marcuit ulta Deos.’ 91 Uninjured do I love.]—Wer. 71. His meaning seems to be, that Me- nelais, though injured, still loves Helen ; how much more then must he, who has received no injury, but, on the contrary, a return of affection from her ? - * Must be retained.]—Wer. 78. The common reading is ‘metuenda,” S 2 260 THE RESPONSIVE EPISTLES OF SABINUs. [EP. III. any hopes of changing this determination, why are thy herbs or thy charms unemployed? For no female is more skilled than thee in the arts of Phoebus; and thou dost behold the true visions of Hecate, the sister of Phoebus. I remember that thou” didst bring down the Moon covered with clouds, together with the stars, and that thou didst withdraw the light of day. I was feeding my bulls; and I was amazed that at thy voice the tamed lions went amid the herds. Why should I add that Xanthus, called back, Simois, called back, did not keep on their course? Thy father Cebren” himself, not in safety #. the words of his daughter, how often has he stood still amid his charmed waves? Now is the opportunity for OEnone, now display her ; whe- ther thou shalt attempt to dispel my passion or thine own. which is clearly objectionable. “Retinenda,’ as suggested by Heinsius, is decidedly preferable * I remember that thou.]—Wer. 83. This line is evidently corrupt. Heinsius suggests “Te cum sideribus tectam deducere lunam,’ which has been adopted. - * Thy father Cebren.]—Wer. 89, GEnone was said to be the daughter of the river Cebren or Cebrenus, who was also the sire of the Nymph Hesperie, beloved by Æsacus, and mentioned in the Eleventh Book of the Metamorphoses, i. 769, THE AM 0 RES; OR, A MOURS. BOOK THE FIRST. *m---s-s-s- AN EPIGRAM ON THE AMOURS. WE who of late were five books' of Naso, are now but three : this work our author has preferred to the former one. Though it should” mow be no pleasure to thee to read us; still, the labour will be less, the two being removed. ELEGY I. HE says that he is compelled by Cupid to write of love instead of battles and that the Divinity insists on making each second Hexameter line into a Pentameter. 1 was preparing to write of arms and impetuous warfare in serious numbers,” the subject-matter being suited to the mea- sure.” The second verse was of equal measure with the first ; but Cupid is said to have smiled, and to have abstracted one foot.” “Who, cruel boy, has given thee this right over my lines? We poets are the choir of the Muses, the Pierian maids, I Were five books.]—Wer. 1. From this it is clear, that the first edi- tion which Ovid gave to the public of his ‘Amores' was in five Books; but that on revising his work, he preferred (praetulit) these three books to the former five. It is supposed that he rejected many of those Elegies which were of too free a nature and were likely to embroil him with the authorities, by reason of their licentiousness. * Though it should..]—Ver. 3. Burmann has rightly observed, that ‘ut jam,” in this line, has exactly the force of “quamvis,’ ‘although.” 8 In serious numbers.] — Wer. 1. By the ‘graves numeri,’ he means Heroic or Hexameter verses. It is supposed that he alludes to the battle of the Giants or the Titans, on which subject he had begun to write an heroic poem. In these lines Ovid seems to have had in view the com- mencement of the first Ode of Anacreon. * Suited to the measure.] — Ver. 2. The subject being of a grave cha- racter, and, as such, suited to Heroic measure. * Abstracted one foot.]—Ver. 4. He says that every second line (as is the case in Heroic verse) had as many feet as the first, namely, six: but that Cupid stole a foot from the Hexameter, and reduced it to a Penta- meter, whereby the Poet was forced to recur to the Elegiac measure. 262 THE AMORES ; [B. I, not thine. What if Venus were to seize the arms of the yellow-haired Minerva, and if the yellow-haired Minerva were to wave the lighted torches of Love & Who would approve of Ceres holding her reign in the woods on the mountain ridges, or of the fields being tilled under the control of the quivered Virgin? Who would arm Phoebus, graceful with his locks, with the sharp spear, while Mars is striking the Aonian lyre 7 Thy sway, O youth, is great, and far too potent; why, in thy ambition, dost thou attempt a new task? Is that which is everywhere, thine? Is Heliconian Tempe thine ! Is even his own lyre hardly safe now for Phoebus 7 When the new page has made a good beginning in the first line, at that moment does he diminish my emergies.” I have no subject fitted for these lighter numbers, whether youth, or girl with her flowing locks arranged.” Thus was I complaining; when, at once, his quiver loosen- ed,” he selected the arrows made for my destruction; and he stoutly bent upon his knee the curving bow, and said, “Poet, receive a subject on which to sing.” Ah Wretched me ! un- erring arrows did that youth possess. I burn; and in my heart, hitherto disengaged, does Love hold sway. Henceforth, in six feet "let my work commence; in five let it close. Fare- well, ye ruthless wars, together with your numbers. My Muse,” to eleven feet destined to be attuned, bind with the myrtle of the sea shore thy temples encircled with their yellow locks. 8 Diminish my energies.]—Wer. 18. See the Note to the fourth line. ° His quiver loosened.]—Ver. 21. The “pharetra,’ or quiver, filled with arrows, was used by most of the nations that excelled in archery, among whom were the Scythians, Persians, Lycians, Thracians, and Cretans. It was made of leather, and was sometimes adorned with gold or paint- ing. It had a lid, and was suspended by a belt from the right shoulder. Its usual position was on the left hip, and it was thus worn by the Scy- thians and Egyptians. The Cretans, however, wore it behind the back, and Diana, in her statues, is represented as So doing. This must have been the method in which Cupid is intended in the present instance to wear it, as he has to unloose the quiver before he takes out the arrow. Some Commentators, however, would have “solutá’ to refer simply to the act of opening the quiver. 10 In sia, feet.]—Wer. 27. He says that he must henceforth write in Hexameters and Pentameters, or, in other words, in the Elegiac measure. Il My Muse.]—Ver, 30. The Muse addressed by him would be Erato, under whose protection were those Poets whose theme was Love. He bids her wreathe her hair with myrtle, because it was sacred to Venus; while, on the other hand, laurels would be better adapted to the Heroic Muse. The myrtle is said to love the moisture and coolness of the sea-shore. E. Iſ..] OR, AMOURS, 2 6 3 ELEGY * HE says, that being taken captive by Love, he allows Cupid to lead him away in triumph. WHY shall I say it is, that my bed appears thus hard to me, and that my clothes rest not upon the couch The night, too, long as it is, have I passed without sleep; and why do the weary bones of my restless body ache? But were I assailed by any flame, I think I should be sensible of it. Or does Love come unawares and cunningly attack in silent ambush ' 'Tis so ; his little arrows have pierced my heart; and cruel Love is tormenting the breast he has seized. Am I to yield : Or by struggling against it, am I to in- crease this sudden flame? I must yield; the burden becomes light which is borne contentedly. I have seen the flames in- crease when agitated by waving the torch; and when no one shook it, I have seen them die away. The galled bulls suffer more blows while at first they refuse the yoke, than those whom experience of the plough avails. The horse which is unbroken bruises his mouth with the hard curb ; the one that is acquainted with arms is less sensible of the bit. Love goads more sharply and much more cruelly those who struggle, than those who agree to endure his servitude. Lo! I confess it; I am thy new-made prey, O Cupid; I am ex- tending my conquered hands for thy commands. No war between us is needed; I entreat for peace and for pardon; and no credit shall I be to thee, unarmed, conquered by thy arms. Bind thy locks with myrtle ; yoke thy mother's doves; thy stepfather" himself will give a chariot which becomes thee. And in the chariot so given thee, thou shalt stand, and with thy skill shalt guide the birds so yoked", while the people shout “Io triumphe.” aloud. The captured youths and the captive fair shall be led in triumph ; this procession shall be a splendid triumph for thee. 14 Thy step-father.]—Wer. 24. He calls Mars the step-father of Cupid, in consequence of his intrigue with Venus. 15 Birds so yoked.]—Wer. 26. These are the doves which were sacred to Venus and Cupid. By yoking them to the chariot of Mars, the Poet wishes to show the skill and power of Cupid. 10 Io triumphe.]—Wer. 25. ‘Clamare triumphum,’ means ‘to shout to triumphe,’ as the procession moves along. Lactantius speaks of a poem called ‘the Triumph of Cupid,” in which Jupiter and the other Gods were represented as following him in the friumphal procession. 264 THE AMORES ; [B. T. I myself, a recent capºre, shall bear my wound so lately made ; and with the feelings of a captive shall I endure thy recent chains. Soundness of Understanding shall be led along with hands bound behind his back, Shame as well, and whatever beside is an enemy to the camp of Love. All things shall stand in awe of thee: towards thee the throng, stretch- ing forth its hands, shall sing “To triumphe ’’ with lºud voice. Caresses shall be thy attendants, Error too, and Mad- ness, a troop that ever follows on thy side. With these for thy soldiers, thou dost overcome both men and Gods; take away from thee these advantages, and thou wilt be help- less. From highest Olympus thy joyous mother will applaud thee in thy triumph, and will sprinkle her roses falling on thy face. While gems bedeck thy wings, and gems thy hair; in thy golden chariot shalt thou go, resplendent thyself with gold." Then too, (if well I know thee) wilt thou influence not a few ; them too, as thou passest by, wilt thou inflict many a wound. Thy arrows (even shouldst thou thyself desire it) cannot be at rest. A glowing flame ever injures by the pro- pinquity of its heat. Just such was Bacchus when the Gan- getic land * was subdued; thou art the burden of the birds; he was that of the tigers. Therefore, since I may be some portion of thy hallowed triumph, forbear, Conqueror, to expend thy strength on me. Look at the prospering arms of thy kinsman Caesar;” with the same hand with which he conquers does he shield the conquered.” ELEGY III. HE entreats his mistress to return his affection, and shows that he is deserving of her favour. I AsK for what is just; let the fair who has so lately captivated 17 Thyself with gold.]—Wer. 42. The poet Moschus represents Cupid as having wings of gold. 18 The Gangetic land.]—Wer. 47. He alludes to the Indian triumphs of Bacchus, which extended to the river Ganges. 19 Thy kinsman Casar.]—Wer. 51. Because Augustus, as the adopted son of Julius Caesar, was said to be descended from Venus, through the line of Æneas. * Shield the conquered.]—Wer. 52. Although Augustus had many faults, it must be admitted that he was, like Julius, a most merciful con- queror, and was generally averse to bloodshed. R. III.] OR, AMOURS. 2 65 (, . me, either love me, or let her give me a cause why I should always love her. Alas! too much have I desired ; only lether allow herself to be loved; and then Cytherea will have listened to my prayers so numerous. Accept one who will be your servant through lengthened years; accept one who knows how to love with constant attachment. If the great names of ancient angestors do not recommend me, or if the Equestrian founder of my family” fails to do so; and if no field of mine is renewed by ploughs innumerable, and each of my parents” with frugal spirit limits my expenditure ; still Phoebus and his nine companions and the discoverer of the vine may do so; and Love besides, who presents me as a gift to you; a fidelity, too that will yield to none, manners above reproach, ingenu- ousness without guile, and modesty ever able to blush. A thousand damsels have no charms for me; I am no rover in affection;” you will for ever be my choice, if you do but believe me. May it prove my lot to live with you for years as many as the threads of the Sister Destinies shall grant me, and to die with you sorrowing for me. Grant me yourself as a delightful theme for my verse; worthy of their matter my lines will flow. Io, frightened by her horns, and she whom the adulterer deceived in the shape of the bird” of the stream have a name in song; she, too, who, borne over the seas upon the fictitious bull, held fast the bending horns with her virgin hand. We, too, together shall be celebrated through- out all the world; and my name shall ever be united with thy OW ſl. * Founder of my family.]—Ver, 8. See the Life of Ovid prefixed to the Fasti; and the Second Book of the Tristia. * Each of my parents.]—Ver, 10. From this it appears that this Elegy was composed during the life-time of both of his parents, and while, probably, he was still dependent on his father. - * No rover in affection.]—Ver. 15. “Desultor,’ literally means ‘one who leaps off.” The figure is derived from those equestrians who rode upon several horses, or guided several chariots, passing from the one to the other. This sport was very frequently exhibited in the Roman Circus. Among the Romans, the ‘desultor' generally wore a ‘pileus,' or cap of felt. The Numidian, Scythian, and Armenian soldiers, were said to have been skilled in the same art. * Qf the bird.]—Wer. 22. He alludes to Leda and Europa. 266 THE AMORES ; ſB. I, ELEGY IV. HE instructs his mistress what conduct to observe in the presence of her husband at a feast to which he has been invited. YoUR husband is about to come to the same banquet” as ourselves: I pray that it may be the last meal” for this husband of yours. And am I then only as a guest to look upon the fair so much beloved 7 And shall there be another, to take pleasure in being touched by you? And will you, conveniently placed below, be keeping warm the bosom of another?” And shall he, when he pleases, be placing his hand upon your neck? Cease to be surprised that the beauteous damsel of Atrax” excited the two-formed men to combat when the wine was placed on table. No wood is my home, and my limbs adhere not to those of a horse; yet I seem to be hardly able to withhold my hands from you. Learn, however, what must be done by you ; and do not give my injunctions to be borne away by the Eastern gales, nor on the warm winds of the South. - * The same banquet.]—Wer. 1. He says that they are about to meet at “coena,’ at the house of a common friend. * The last meal.]—Wer. 2. The “coena' of the Romans is usually translated by the word ‘supper'; but as being the chief meal of the day, and being in general, (at least during the Augustan age) taken at about three o'clock, it really corresponds to our ‘dinner.’ * Warm the bosom of another.]—Wer. 5. As each guest while re- climing on the couch at the entertainment, mostly leaned on his left elbow during the meal, and as two or more persons lay on the same couch, the head of one person reached to the breast of him who lay above him, and the lower person was said to lie on the bosom of the other. Among the Romans, the usual number of persons occupying each couch was three. Sometimes, however, four occupied one couch; while, among the Greeks, only two reclined upon it. In this instance, he describes the lady as oc- cupying the place below her husband, and consequently warming his breast with her head. For a considerable time after the fashion of reclining at meals had been introduced into Rome, the Roman ladies sat at meals while the other sex was recumbent. Indeed, it was generally considered more becoming for females to be seated, especially if it was a party where many persons were present. Juvenal, however, represents a bride as reclining at the marriage supper on the bosom of her husband. On the present occasion, it is not very likely that the ladies were particular about the more rigid rules of etiquette. It must be remembered that before lying down, the shoes or sandals were taken off. * Damsel of Atrax..]—Wer. 8. He alludes to the marriage of Hippo- damia to Piritholis, and the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapithae, described in the Twelfº Book of the Metamorphoses. E. IV.] OR, AMOURS. 267 Come before your husband; and yet, I do not see what can be done, if you do come first; but still, do come first.” When he presses the couch, with modest air you will be going as his companion, to recline by him ; then secretly touch my foot.” Keep your eye on me, and my nods and the expression of my features; apprehend my secret signs,” and yourself re- turn them. Without utterance will I give expression to words by my eyebrows;” you shall read words traced by my fingers, words traced in the wine.” When the delights of our dal- liance recur to your thoughts, press your blooming cheeks” with your beauteous finger. If there shall be anything, of which you may be making complaint about me silently in your mind, let your delicate hand reach from the extremity of your ear. When, my life, I shall either do or say aught which shall give you delight, let your ring be continually twisted on your fingers.” - * Do come first.]—Wer. 14. He hardly knows why he asks her to do so, but still she must come before her husband; perhaps, that he may have the pleasure of gazing upon her without the chance of detection : the more especially as she would not recline till her husband had arrived, and would, till then, probably be seated. * Touch my foot.]—Wer. 16. This would show that she had safely re- ceived his letter. * My secret signs.]—Wer. 18. See the Note in this Volume, to the 90th line of the 17th Epistle. * By my eye-brows.]—Ver, 19. See the 82nd line of the 17th Epistle. * Traced in the wine.]—Ver. 20. See the 88th line of the 17th Epistle. * Your blooming cheeks.]—Ver, 22. Probably by way of check to his want of caution. 87 Twisted on your fingers.]—Ver. 26. The Sabines were the first to in- troduce the practice of wearing rings among the Romans. The Romans generally wore one ring, at least, and mostly upon the fourth finger of the left hand. Down to the latest period of the Republic, the rings were mostly of iron, and answered the 'purpose of a signet. The right of wearing a gold ring remained for several centuries the exclusive privilege of Senators, Magistrates, and Knights. The emperors were not very scrupulous on whom they conferred the privilege of wearing the gold ring, and Severus and Aurelian gave the right to all Roman soldiers. Wain per- sons who had the privilege, literally covered their fingers with rings, so much so, that Quintilian thinks it necessary to warn the orator not to have them above the middle joint of the fingers. The rings and the gems set in them, were often of extreme beauty and value. From Juvenal and Mar- tial we learn that the coxcombs of the day had rings for both winter and summer wear. They were kept in "dactyliothecae,” or ring boxes, where they were ranged in a row. 268 THE AMORES ; [B. I. Take hold of the table with your hand, in the way in which those who are in prayer” take hold of the altar, when you shall be wishing many an evil for your husband, who so well deserves it. The cup which he has mixed for you, if you are discreet,” bid him drink himself; then, in a low voice, do you ask the servant” for what wine you wish. I will at once take the cup which you have put down ;” and where you have sipped, on that side will I drink. If, perchance, he shall give you any morsels, of which he has tasted beforehand, reject them thus touched by his mouth.” And do not allow him to press your neck, by putting his arms around it; nor recline your gentle head on his unsightly breast.* Let not your bosom, or your breasts so close at hand,” admit his fingers; and especially allow him to give you no kisses. If you do give him any kisses, I shall be discovered to be your lover, and I shall Say, “Those are my own,” and shall be laying hands upon him. Still, this I shall be able to see; but what the clothing care- fully conceals, the same will be a cause for me of apprehension full of doubts. Touch not his thigh with yours, and cross not legs with him, and do not unite your delicate foot with his uncouth leg. To my misery, I am apprehensive of many a thing, because many a thing have I done in my wantonmess; and I myself am tormented, through fear of my own precedent. * Who are in prayer.]—Wer. 27. It was the custom to hold the altar while the suppliant was praying to the Deities; he here directs her, while she is mentally uttering imprecations against her husband, to fancy that the table is the altar, and to take hold of it accordingly. * If you are discreet.]—Wer. 29. ‘Sapias’ is put for “si sapias,” “if you are discreet,” “if you would act sensibly.’ 4 * Ask the servant.]—Wer. 30. This would be the slave, whose office it was to mix the wine and water to the taste of the guests. He was called oivóxoog by the Greeks, ‘pincerna' by the Romans. * Which you have put down.]—Wer. 31. That is, which she either puts upon the table, or gives back to the servant, when she has drunk. * Touched by his mouth.]—Wer. 34. This would appear to refer to some choice morsel picked out of the husband's plate, which, as a mark of attention, he might present to her. * On his unsightly breast.]—Wer. 36. This, from her position, if she reclined below her husband, she would be almost obliged to do. * So close at hand.]—Wer. 37. A breach of these injunctions would imply either a very lax state of etiquette at the Roman parties, or, what is more probable, that the present company was not of a very select clan- racter E. Iv.] OR, AMOURS. 269 Oft by joining hands beneath the cloth,” have my mistress and I forestalled our hurried delights. This, I am sure, you will not do for him ; but that you may not even be supposed to do so, take away the conscious covering” from your bosom. Bid your husband drink incessantly, but let there be no kisses with your entreaties; and while he is drinking, if you can, add wine by stealth.” If he shall be soundly laid asleep with dozing and wine, circumstances and opportunity will give us fitting counsel. When you shall rise to go home, we all will rise as well; and remember that you walk in the middle rank of the throng. In that rank you will either find me, or be found by me; and whatever part of me you can there touch, mind and touch. Ah wretched me ! I have given advice to be good for but a few hours; then, at the bidding of night, I am separated from my mistress. At night her husband will lock her in ; I, sad with my gushing tears, will follow her as far as I may, even to her obdurate door. And now will he be smatching a kiss; and now not kisses only will he smatch; you will be com- pelled to grant him that, which by stealth you grant to me. But grant him this (you can do so) with a bad grace, and like one acting by compulsion ; let no caresses be heard; and let Venus prove inauspicious. If my wishes avail, I trust, too, that he will find no satisfaction therein; but if other- wise, still at leastlet it have no delights for you. But, however, whatever luck may attend upon the night, assure me in posi- tive language to-morrow, that you did not dally with him. ELEGY W. The beauties of Corinna. *TWAS summer time,” and the day had passed the hourofmoon; * Beneath the cloth.]—Ver. 48. “Westis' means a covering, or cloth- ing for anything, as for a couch, or for tapestry. Let us charitably sup- pose it here to mean the table cloth; as the passage will not admit of further examination, and has of necessity been somewhat modified in the translation. * The conscious covering.]—Wer. 50. The ‘pallia,' here mentioned, are clearly the coverlets of the couch which he has before mentioned in the 41st line; and from this it is evident, that during the repast the guests were covered with them. - 50 Add wine by stealth.]—Ver. 52. To make him fall asleep the sooner * 'Twas summer time.]—Wer. 1. In all hot climates it is the custom to repose in the middle of the day. This the Spaniards call the ‘siesta.' 270 THE AMORES ; [B. I. when I threw my limbs to be refreshed on the middle of the couch. A part of the window” was thrown open, the other part shut ; the light was such as the woods are wont to have ; just as the twilight glimmers, when Phoebus is re- treating; or as when the might has gone, and still the day is not risen. Such light should be given to the bashful fair, in which coy modesty may hope to have concealment. Behold | Corinna” came, clothed in a tunic” hanging loose, her flowing hair" covering her white neck; just such as the * A part of the window.]—Wer. 3. On the ‘fenestræ,’ or windows of the ancients, see the Notes to the Pontic Epistles, Book iii. Ep. iii. l. 5, and to the Metamorphoses, Book xiv. l. 752. He means that one leaf of the window was open, and one shut. * Corinna.]—Ver. 9. In the Fourth Book of the Tristia, Elegy x. l. 60, he says, “Corinna, (so called by a fictitious name) the subject of song through the whole city, had imparted a stimulus to my genius.’ It has been supposed by some Commentators, that under this name he meant Julia, either the daughter or the grand-daughter of the emperor Augustus, but there seems really to be no ground for such a belief; indeed, the daughter of Augustus had passed middle age, when Ovid was still in boyhood. It is most probable that Corinna was only an ideal personage, existing in the imagination of the Poet; and that he intended the name to apply to his favourite mistress for the time being, as, though he occasionally denies it, still, at other times, he admits that his passion was of the roving kind. There are two females mentioned in history of the name of Corinna. One was a Theban poetess, who excelled in Lyric composition, and was said to have vanquished Pindar himself in a Lyric contest; while the other was a native of Thespiae, in Boeotia. The former, who was famous for both her personal charms and her mental endowments, is supposed to have sug- gested the use of the name to Ovid. * Clothed in a tunic.]—Wer. 9. “Tunica' was the name of the under- garment with both sexes among the Romans. When the wearer was out of doors, or away from home, it was fastened round the waist with a belt or girdle, but when at home and wishing to be entirely at ease, it was, as in the present instance, loose or ungirded. Both sexes usually wore two tunics. In female dress, Varro seems to call the outer tunic “subucula,' and the ‘interior tunica' by the name also of ‘indusium.’ The outer tunic was also called ‘stola,’ and, with the ‘palla' completed the female dress. The “tunica interior,’ or what is here called “tunica,’ was a simple shift, and in early times had no sleeves. According to Nonius, it fitted loosely on the body, and was not girded when the ‘stola' or outer tunic was put on. Poor people, who could not afford to purchase a ‘toga,’ wore the tunic alone; whence we find the lower classes called by the name of ‘tunicati.’ * Her flowing hair.]—Ver, 10. ‘Dividuis,” here means, that her hair was scattered, flowing over her shoulders and not arranged on the head in a knot. E. WI.) ^. OR, AMOURS. 271 beauteous Semiramis" is said to have entered her chamber, and Lais,” beloved by many a hero. I drew aside the tunic; in its thinness” it was but a small impediment; still, to be covered with the tunic did she strive; and, as she struggled as though she was not desirous to conquer, without difficulty was she overcome, through betrayal of herself. When, her clothing laid aside, she stood before my eyes, throughout her whole body nowhere was there a blemish. What shoulders, what arms I both saw and touched . The contour of her breast, how formed was it to be pressed How smooth her stomach beneath her faultless bosom How full and how beauteous her sides How plump with youthfulness the thigh But why enlarge on every point? Nothing did I behold not worthy of praise; and I pressed her person even to my own. The rest, who knows not? Wearied, we both reclined. May such a midday often prove my lot. ELEGY WI. He entreats the porter to open to him the door of his mistress's house. PoRTER, fastened (and how unworthily () with the cruel fet- ter,” throw open the stubborn door with its turning hinge. What I ask, is but a trifle; let the door, half-opened, admit me sideways with its narrow passage. Protracted Love has 57 Semiramis.]—Wer. 11. Semiramis was the wife of Ninus, king of Babylon, and was famous for her extreme beauty, and the talent which she displayed as a ruler. She was also as unscrupulous in her morals as the fair one whom the Poet is now describing. 08 And Lais.]—Ver, 12. There are generally supposed to have been two famous courtesans of the name of Lais. The first was carried captive, when a child, from Sicily, in the second year of the 91st Olym- piad, and being taken to Corinth, became famous throughout Greece for her extreme beauty, and the high price she put upon her favours. Many of the richest and most learned men resorted to her, and became smitten by her charms. The second Lais was the daughter of Alcibiades, by his mistress, Timandra. When Demosthenes applied for a share of her favours, she made the extravagant demand of ten thousand drachmae, upon which, regaining his wisdom (which had certainly forsaken him for a time) he said that he would not purchase repentance at so high a price. * In its thinness.]—Ver. 13. Possibly it was made of Coan cloth, if Corinna was as extravagant as she was vicious. - * * The cruel fetter.]—Wer. 1. Among the Romans, the porter was frequently bound by a chain to his post, that he might not forsake it. 272 THE AMORES ; . [B. I, t made my body thin for such an emergency, and by dimi- nishing my bulk, has rendered my limbs quite supple. 'Tis he who shows me how to go softly amid the watches of the keepers;* 'tis he directs my feet that meet no harm. But, at one time, I used to be afraid of the night and imaginary ghosts; and I used to be surprised if any one was about to go in the dark: Cupid, with his graceful mother, laughed, so that I could hear him, and he softly said, “Thou too wilt become bold.” Without delay, love came upon me; them, I feared not spectres that flit by night,” or hands uplifted for my de- struction. I only fear you, thus too tardy; you alone do I court; you hold the lightning by which you can effect my de- struction. Look (and that you may see, loosen the obdurate bars) how the door has been made wet with my tears. At all events, ’twas I, who, when, your garment laid aside, you stood ready for the whip," spoke in your behalf to your mistress as you were trembling. Does them, (O shocking thought !) the credit which once prevailed in your behalf, now fail to prevail in my own favour? Give a return for my kindness; you may now be grateful. As you wish," the hours of the night pass on ;” from the door-post" strike away the bar. * Watches of the keepers.]—Wer. 7. Properly, the “excubias’ were the military watches that were kept on guard, either by night or day, while the term “vigiliae,’ was only applied to the watch by night. He here alludes to the watch kept by jealous men over their wives. * Spectres that flit by night.]—Ver, 13. The dread of the ghosts of the departed entered largely among the Roman Superstitions. See an account of the Ceremony, in the Fifth Book of the Fasti, 1.422, et seq., for driving the ghosts, or Lemures, from the house. * Ready for the whip J-Wer. 19. See the Note to the 81st line of the Epistle of Deianira to Hercules. Ovid says, that he has often pleaded for him to his mistress; indeed, the Roman ladies often showed more cruelty to the slaves, both male and female, than the men did to the male slaves. * As you wish..]—Ver. 28. Of course it would be the porter's wish that the night should pass quickly on, as he would be relieved in the morning, and was probably forbidden to sleep during the night. * Hours of the night pass on...]—Ver, 24. This is an intercalary line, being repeated after each seventh one. * From the door-post.]—Wer. 24. The fastenings of the Roman doors consisted of a bolt placed at the bottom of each ‘foris,' or wing of the door, which fell into a socket made in the sill. By way of additional pre- caution, at night, the front door was secured by a bar of wood or Iron, here called ‘sera,’ which ran across, and was inserted in sockets on each E. VI.] OR, AMOURS. 273 Strike it away then may you one day be liberated from your long fetters and may the water of the slave” be not for ever drunk of by you. Hard-hearted porter you hear me, as I implore in vain; the door, supported by its hard oaken posts, is still unmoved. Let the protection of a closed gate be of value to cities when besieged ; but why, in the midst of peace are you dreading warfare? What would you do to an enemy, who thus shut out the lover? The hours of the night pass on ; from the door-post strike away the bar. I am not come attended with soldiers and with arms; I should be alone, if ruthless Love were not here. Him, even if I should desire it, I can never send away; first should I be even severed from my limbs. Love then, and a little wine about my temples,” are with me, and the chaplet falling from off my anointed hair. Who is to dread arms such as these? Who may not go out to face them : The hours of the night pass on ; from the door-post strike away the bar. Are you delaying? or does sleep (who but ill befriends the lover) give to the winds my words, as they are repelled from your ear? But, I remember, when formerly I used to avoid you, you were awake, with the stars of the midnight. Perhaps, too, your own mistress is now asleep with you; alas ! how much superior then is your fate to my own And since ’tis so, pass on to me, ye cruel chains. The hours of the night pass on ; from the door-post strike away the bar. Am I mistaken 7 Or did the door-posts creak with the turning hinge, and did the shaken door give the jarring signal ' Yes, I am mistaken; the door was shaken by the boisterous wind. Ah me! how far away has that gust borne side of the doorway. Hence it was necessary to remove or strike away the bar, ‘excutere seram,” before the door could be opened. * Water of the slave.]—Wer. 26. Water was the principal beverage of the Roman slaves, but they were allowed a small quantity of wine, which was increased on the Saturnalia. ‘Far,’ or ‘spelt,’ formed their general sustenance, of which they received one ‘libra’ daily. Salt and oil were also allowed them, and sometimes fruit, but seldom vegetables. Flesh meat seems not to have been given to them. * About my temples.] — Ver. 37. “Circa mea tempora,' literally, around my temples.’ This expression is used, because it was supposed that the vapours of excessive wine affect the brain. He says that he has only taken a moderate quantity of wine, although the chaplet falling from off his hair would seem to bespeak the contrary. T 274 THIE AMORES , [B. I. my hopes | Boreas, if well thou dost keep in mind the ravished Orithyia, come hither, and with thy blast beat open this relentless door. 'Tis silence throughout all the City; damp with the glassy dew, the hours of the night pass on ; from the door-post strike away the bar. Otherwise I, myself,” now better prepared than you, with my sword, and with the fire which I am holding in my torch,” will scale this arrogant abode. Night, and love, and wine,” are persuasive of no moderation ; the first is without shame, Bacchus and Love are without fear. I have expended every method; neither by entreaties nor by threats have I moved you, O man, even more deaf your- Self than your door. It becomes you not to watch the threshold of the beauteous fair; of the anxieties of the prison,” are you more deserving. And now Lucifer is moving his wheels beset with rime; and the bird is arousing 77 wretched mortals to their work. But, chaplet taken from my locks joyous no longer, be you the livelong might upon this obdurate threshold. You, when in the morning she shall see you thus exposed, will be a witness of my time thus thrown away. Porter, whatever your disposition, good bye, and one day experience the pangs of him who is now departing; 7° Otherwise I myself]—Wer. 57. Heinsius thinks that this and the following line are spurious. 74 Holding in my torch.]—Wer. 58. Torches were usually carried by the Romans, for their guidance after sunset, and were generally made of wooden staves or twigs, bound by a rope around them, in a spiral form, or else by circular bands at equal distances. The inside of the torch was filled with flax, tow, or dead vegetable matter, impregnated with pitch, wax, rosin, oil, or other inflammable substances. 75 Love and wine.]—Ver. 59. He seems, by this, to admit that he has taken more than a moderate quantity of wine, ‘modicum vinum,’ as he says above. 7° Anarieties of the prison.]—Wer. 64. He alludes to the ‘ergastulum,” or prison for slaves, that was attached to most of the Roman farms, whither the refractory slaves were sent from the City to work in chains. It was mostly under ground, and, was lighted with narrow windows, too high from the ground to be touched with the hand. Slaves who had displeased their masters were usually sent there for a punishment, and those of un- 20uth habits were kept there. Plutarch says that they were established, on ſhe conquest of Italy, in consequence of the number of foreign slaves im- Jorted for the cultivation of the conquered territory. They were finally abolished by the Emperor Hadrian. 77 Bird is arousing.]—Wer. 66. The cock, whom the poets universally Ponsider as ‘the harbinger of morn.’ E. VII.] OR, AMOUIRS. 275 sluggish one, and worthless in not admitting the lover, fare you well. And you, ye cruel door-posts, with your stubborn threshold; and you, ye doors, equally slaves,” hard-hearted blocks of wood, farewell. tºmºs ºmegºmºsºmºs ELEGY WII. HE has beaten his mistress, and endeavours to regain her favour. PUT my hands in manacles (they are deserving of chains), if any friend of mine is present, until all my frenzy has departed. For frenzy has raised my rash arms against my mistress; hurt by my frantic hand, the fair is weeping. In such case could I have done an injury even to my dear parents, or have given unmerciful blows to even the hal- lowed Gods. Why; did not Ajax, too,” the owner of the sevenfold shield, slaughter the flocks that he had caught along the extended plains 7 And did Orestes, the guilty avenger of his father, the punisher of his mother, dare to ask for weapons against the mystic Goddesses?” And could I them tear her tresses so well arranged; and were not her displaced locks unbecoming to my mistress? Even thus was she beauteous; in such guise they say that the daughter of Schoeneus” pursued the wild beasts of Maenalus 78 Equally slaves.]—Wer. 74. He called the doors, which were bivalve or folding-doors, his ‘conservae, or ‘fellow slaves,’ from the fact of their being obedient to the will of a slave. Plautus, in the Asinaria, act. ii sc. 3, has a similar expression :- Nolo ego fores, conservas meas a te verberarier.” “I won’t have my door, my fellow-slave, thumped by you.’ 80 Did not Ajay too.]—Ver. 7. Ajax Telamon, on being refused the arms of Achilles, became mad, and slaughtered a flock of sheep, fancying that they were the sons of Atreus, and his enemy Ulysses. His shield, formed of seven ox hides, #7ttagóstov, is celebrated by Homer. St Mystic Goddesses.]—Wer. 10, Orestes avenged the death of his father, Agamemnon, by slaying his own mother, Clytemnestra, together with her paramour, Ægistheus. He also attempted to attack the Furies, when they haunted him for the murder of his mother. 83 Daughter of Schoeneus.-Wer. 13. Atalanta, the Arcadian, or Mae- malian, was the daughter of Iasius, and was famous for her skill in the chase. Atalanta, the Boeotian, was the daughter of Schoeneus, and was renowned for her swiftness, and for the race in which she was outstrippéd by Hippomenes. The Poet has here mistaken the one for the other, calling the Arcadian one the daughter of Schoeneus. The story of the Arcadian Atalania is told in the Eighth Book of the Metamorphoses, and that of the daughter of Schoeneus, at the end of the Tenth Book of the same work, º, 2 976 THE AMORES : [B, I, with her bow. In such guise did the Cretan damsel” weep, that the South winds, in their headlong flight, had borne away both the promises and the sails of the forsworn Theseus. Thus, too, chaste Minerva, did Cassandra” fall in thy temple, except that her locks were bound with the fillet. $s Who did not say to me, “You madman P’ who did not say to me, “You barbarian P’ She herself said not a word; her tongue was restrained by timid apprehensions. But still her silent features pronounced my censure; by her tears and by her silent lips did she convict me. First could I wish that my arms had fallen from off my shoulders; to better purpose could I have parted with a por- tion of myself. To my own disadvantage had I the strength of a madman ; and for my own punishment did I stoutly exert my strength. What do I want with you, ye ministers of death and criminality 7 Impious hands, submit to the chains, your due. Should I not have been punished had I struck the humblest Roman” of the multitude 7 And shall I have a greater privilege against my mistress' The son of Tydeus has left the worst instance of crime : he was the first to strike a Goddess,” I, the second. But less guilty was he ; by me, she, whom I asserted to be loved by me, was injured; against an enemy the son of Tydeus was infuriate. Come now, conqueror, prepare your boastful triumphs; bind your locks with laurel, and pay your vows to Jove, and let the multitude, the train, that escorts your chariot, shout aloud, “Io triumphe ' by this valiant man has the fair been conquered l’ Let the captive, in her sadness, go before with dishevelled locks, pale all over, if her hurt cheeks” may allow * The Cretan damsel.]—Wer. 16. Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, when deserted on the island of Naxos or Cea. * Cassandra.]—Wer. 17. Cassandra being a priestess, would wear the sacred fillets, ‘vittae.” She was ravished by Ajax Oileus, in the temple of Minerva. * The humblest Roman.]—Wer. 29. It was not lawful to strike a free- born Roman citizen. See Acts, c. xxii. v. 25. “And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the Centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned” This privi- lege does not seem to have extended to Roman women of free birth. * Strike a Goddess.]—Wer. 32. He alludes to the wound inflicted by Diomedes upon Venus, while protecting her son Æneas. ** Her hurt cheeks.]—Ver. 40. He implies by this, to his disgrace, that he has made her cheeks black and blue by his violence. . t F. VII.] OR, AMOURS. 277 it. 'Twere more fitting for her face to be pale from the impress of kisses, and for her neck to bear the marks of the toying teeth. In short, if, after the manner of a swelling torrent, I was impelled, and if impetuous anger did make me its prey; would it not have been enough to have shouted aloud at the trembling girl, and not to have thundered out my threats far too severe 7. Or else, to my own disgrace, to have torm her tunic from its upper edge down to the middle 7 Her girdle should, at the middle,” have come to its aid. But now, in the hardness of my heart, I could dare, seizing her hair on her forehead, to mark her free-born cheeks” with my nails. There she stood, amazed, with her features pale and bloodless, just as the marble is cut in the Parian mountains.” I saw her fainting limbs, and her palpi- tating members; just as when the breeze waves the foliage of the poplars; just as the slender reed quivers with the gentle Zephyr; or, as when the surface of the waves is skimmed by the warm South wind. Her tears, too, so long repressed, flowed down her face, just as the water flows from the snow when heaped up. Then, for the first time, did I begin to be sensible that I was guilty; the tears which she was shedding were as my own blood. Yet, thrice was I ready, suppliantly to throw myself before her feet; thrice did she repel my dreaded hands. But, dearest, do not you hesitate, (for revenge will lessen your grief) at once to attack my face with your mails. Spare not my eyes, nor yet my hair; let anger merve your hands, weak though they may be. And that tokens so shocking of my criminality may no longer exist, put your locks, arranged anew, in their proper order.” - * At the middle.]—Wer. 48. He says that he ought to have been satis- fied with tearing her tunic down to the waist, where the girdle should have stopped short the rent; whereas, in all probability, he had torn it from the top to the bottom. • * Her free-born cheeks.]—Wer. 50. It was a common practice with . of the Romans, to tear and scratch their slaves on the least provo- Câû].OT1 * The Parian mountains.]—Ver. 52. The marble of Paros was greatly esteemed for its extreme whiteness. Paros was one of the Cyclades, situate about eighteen miles from the island of Delos. * Their proper order.]—Wer 68. ‘In statione,’ was originally a military phrase, signifying “on guard'; from which it came to be applied to any thing in its place or in proper order, 278 - THE AMORES ; {B. I. ELEGY VIII. He curses a certain procuress, whom he overhears instructing his mis- - tress in the arts of a courtesan. - THERE is a certain (whoever wishes to make acquaintance with a procuress, let him listen.)—There is a certain old hag, Dipsas by name. From fact does she derive”, her name; never in a sober state does she behold the mother of the swarthy Memnon with her horses of roseate hue. She knows well the magic arts, and the charms of Æaea,” and by her skill she turns back to its source” the flowing stream. She knows right well what the herbs, what the thrums impelled around the whirling spinning-wheel,” and what the venomous exudation” from the prurient mare can effect. When she * Does she derive.]—Wer. 3. He says that her name, ‘Dipsas,” is derived from reality, meaning thereby that she is so called from the Greek verb Övil/dºw, ‘to thirst’; because she was always thirsty, and never rose sober in the morning. * The charms of Æða.]—Wer. 5. He alludes to the charms of Circe and Medea. According to Eustathius, AEaca was a city of Colchis. 96 Turns back to its source.]—Wer. 6. This the magicians of ancient times generally professed to do. . 97 Spinning wheel.]—Wer. 8. ‘Rhombus,” means a parallelogram with equal sides, but not having right angles, and hence, from the resemblance, a spinning wheel, or winder. The ‘ficia' were the cords or thrums of the old warp, or the threads of the old web to which the threads of the new warp were joined. Here, however, the word seems to mean the threads alone. The spinning-wheel was much used in magical incanta- tions, not only among the Romans, but among the people of Northern and Western Europe. It is not improbable that the practice was founded on the so-called threads of destiny, and it was the province of the wizard, or sorceress, by his or her charms, to lengthen or shorten those threads, according as their customers might desire. Indeed, in some parts of Europe, at the present day, charms, in the shape of forms of words, are said to exist, which have power over the human life at any distance from the spot where they are uttered; a kind of superstition which dispenses with the more cumbrous paraphermalia of the spinning- wheel. Some Commentators think that the use of the ‘licia’ implied that the minds of individuals were to be influenced at the will of the enchanter, in the same way as the old thrums of the warp are caught up and held fast by the new threads; this view, however, seems to dispense with the province of the wheel in the incantation. See the Second Book of the Fasti, l. 572. The old woman there mentioned as performing the rites of the Goddess, Tacita, among her other proceedings, “binds the enchanted threads on the dark-coloured spinning-wheel.” * Venomous exudation.] — Wer. 8. This was the substance called E. VIII.] OR, AMOURS. 2% 9 willsit, the clouds are overspread throughout all the sky; when she wills it, the day is bright with a clear atmosphere. I have beheld (if I may be believed) the stars dripping with blood: the face of the moon was empurpled * with gore. I believe that she, transformed," was flying amid the shades of night, and that her hag's carcase was covered with feathers. This I believe, and such is the report. A double pupil, too,” sparkles in her eyes, and light proceeds from a twofold eye- ball. Forth from the ancient sepulchres she calls our great grandsires, and their grandsires” as well; and with her long incantations she cleaves the solid ground. She has made it her occupation to violate the chaste bed; and besides, her tongue is ‘hippomanes,' which was said to flow from mares when in a prurient state. Hesiod says, that ‘hippomanes’ was a herb which prodiºed madness in the horses that ate of it, Pliny, in his Eighth Book, says that it is a poi- sonous excrescence of the size of a fig, and of a black colour, which grows on the head of the mare, and which the foal at its birth is in the habit of biting off, which, if it neglects to do, it is not allowed by its mother to suck. This fictitious substance was said to be especially used in philtres. 99 Moon was empurpled.]—Ver. 12. If such a thing as a fog ever ex- ists in Italy, he may very possibly have seen the moon of a deep red colour. 3. 1 That she, transformed.]—Wer. 13. ‘Versam,” “transformed,’ seems here to be a preferable reading to “vivam,’ ‘alive.' Burmann, however, thinks that the ‘striges’ were the ghosts of dead sorcerers and wizards, and that the Poet means here, that Dipsas had the power of transforming herself into a “strix' even while living, and that consequently ‘vivam' is the proper reading. The ‘strix’ was a fabulous bird of the owl kind, which was said to suck the blood of children in the cradle. See the Sixti, Book of the Fasti, l, 141, and the Note to the passage. * A double pupil, too.]—Ver. 15. The pupil, or apple of the eye, is that part through which light is conveyed to the optic nerve. Some per- sons, especially females, were said by the ancients to have a double pupil, which constituted what was called ‘the evil eye.” Pliny the Elder says, in his Seventh Book, that “all women injure by their glances, who have a double pupil.’ The grammarian, Haephestion, tells us, in his Fifth Book, that the wife of Candaules; king of Lydia, had a double pupil. Heinsius suggests, that this was possibly the case with the Ialysian Telchines, mentioned in the Seventh Book of the Metamorphoses, l, 365, ‘whose eyes corrupting all things by the very looking upon them, Jupiter, utterly hating, thrust them beneath the waves of his brother.’ 3 And their grandsires.]—Wer. 17. One hypercritical Commentator here makes this remark: “As though it were any more difficult to sum- mon forth from the tomb those who have long been dead, than those who are iust deceased.’ He forgot that Ovid had to make up his line, and that ‘antiquis proavos atavosque' made three good feet, and two-thirds of another. 280 THE AMORES ; iP. I. not wanting in guilty advocacy. Chance made me the witness of her language; in such words was she giving her advice; the twofold doors" concealed me. “You understand, my life, how greatly you yesterday pleased a wealthy young man; for he stopped short, and stood gazing for some time on your face. And whom do you not please ? Your beauty is inferior to no one’s. But woe is me ! your person has not a fitting dress. I only wish you were as well off, as you are distinguished for beauty; if you became rich, I should not be poor. The adverse star of Mars in op- position" was unfortunate for you; Mars has gone; now Venus is befriending you with her planet. See now how favourable she is on her approach; a rich lover is sighing for you, and he makes it his care’ what are your requirements. He has good looks, too, that may compare with your own; if he did not wish to have you at a price, he were worthy himself to be purchased.” On this the damsel blushed :” “Blushing,” said the hag, “suits a fair complexion indeed; but if you only pretend it, 'tis an advantage; if real, it is wont to be injurious. When, your eyes cast down,” you are looking full upon your bosom, 5 The twofold doors.]—Wer. 20. The doors used by the ancients were mostly bivalve, or folding doors. 6 Mars in opposition.]—Wer. 29. She is dabbling here in astrology, and the adverse and favourable aspects of the stars. We are to suppose that she is the agent of the young man who has seen the damsel, and she is telling her that the rising star of Venus is about to bring her good luck. 7 Makes it his care.]—Wer. 32. Burmann thinks that this line, as it stands at present, is not pure Latin; and, indeed, ‘curae habet,” “makes it his care,’ seems a very unusual mode of expression. He suggests another reading—‘et, cultae quod tibi defit, habet,’ ‘and he possesses that which is wanting for your being well-dressed,’ namely, money. § The damsel blushed.]—Wer. 35. He says that his mistress blushed at the remark of the old hag, that the young man was worthy to be purchased by her, if he had not been the first to make an offer. We must suppose that here the Poet peeped through a chink of the door, as he was on the other side, listening to the discourse; or he may have reasonably guessed that she did so, from the remark made in the same line by the old woman. * Your eyes cast down.]—Wer. 37. The old woman seems to be ad- vising her to pretend modesty, by looking down on her lap, so as not to give away even a look, until she has seen what is deposited there, and then only to give gracious glances in proportion to her present. It was the custom for the young simpletons who lavished their money on the Roman courtesans, to place their presents in the lap or bosom. Y. VIII.] -- OR, AMOURS. 281 each man must only be looked at m the proportior, in which he offers. Possibly the sluttish Sabine females," when Tatius was king, were unwilling to be accommodating to more men than one. Now-a-days, Mars employs the bravery of our men in foreign warfare;” but Venus holds sway in the City of her own AEneas. Enjoy yourselves, my pretty ones; she is chaste, whom nobody has courted; or else, if coymess does not pre- vent her, she herself is the wooer. Dispel these frowns” as well, which you are carrying upon your lofty brow; with those frowns will numerous failings be removed. Penelope used to try” the strength of the young men upon the bow ; the bow that tested the strength of their sides, was made of horn. Age glides stealthily on, and beguiles us as it flies; just as the swift river glides onward with its flowing waters. Brass grows bright by use; good clothes require to be worn ; un- inhabited buildings grow white with masty mould. Unless you entertain lovers, beauty soon waxes old, with no one to enjoy it; and even one or two lovers are not sufficiently profitable. From many of them, gain is more sure, and not so difficult to be got. An abundant prey falls to the hoary wolves out of a whole flock. “See now! what does this poet of yours make you a present of besides his last verses 7 You will read many thousands of 11 Sabine females.j—Ver. 39. The Sabines were noted for their do- mestic virtues. The hag hints, that the chastity of the Sabine women was only the result of their want of good breeding. ‘Tatio regnante’ seems to point to the good old times, in the same way as our old songsters have it, “When good king Arthur reigned.’ Tatius reigned jointly at Rome with Romulus. See the Fourteenth Book of the Metamorphoses, l. 804. * In foreign warfare.]—Ver. 41. She says, that they are now in a more civilized state, than when they were fighting just without the walls of Rome; now they are solely engaged in foreign conquests, and Venus reigns in the city of the descendants of her son, Æneas. * Dispel these frowns.]—Ver. 45. The damsel has, probably, frowned here at her last remark, on which she tells her she must learn to dis- pense with these frowns, and that when she dispels them, ‘excutit, so many faults which might otherwise prove to her disadvantage, will be well got rid of. * Penelope used to try.]—Wer. 47. Penelope, in order that she might escape the importunity of the suitors, proposed that they should try to bend the bow of Ulysses, promising her hand to him who should prove successful. The hag, however, says that, with all her pretended chastity, Penelope only wanted to find out who was the most stalwart man among ber lovers, in order that she migh; hoose him for a husband. 282 THE AMORES : |B, C, them by this new lover. The God himself of poets, grace- ful in his mantle" adorned with gold, strikes the harmonious strings of the gilded lyre. He that shall make you presents, let him be to you greater than great Homer; believe me, it is a noble thing to give. And, if there shall be any one redeemed at a price for his person", do not you despise him; the fault of having the foot rubbed with chalk” is a mere trifle. Neither let the old-fashioned wax busts about the halls” take you in ; pack off with your forefathers, you needy lover. Nay more, should” one, because he is good-looking, ask for a night without a present; why, let him first solicit his own admirer for something to present to you. “Be less exacting of presents, while you are laying your nets, for fear lest they should escape you : once caught, tease them at your own pleasure. Pretended affection, too, is not a bad thing; let him fancy he is loved; but have you a care that this affection is not all for nothing. Often refuse your favours; sometimes pretend a head-ache; and sometimes there will be Isis” to afford a pretext. But soon admit him again ; that he may acquire no habits of endurance, and that his love, 16 Graceful in his mantle.]—Wer. 59. The ‘palla’ was especially worn by musicians. She is supposed to refer to the statue of Apollo, which was erected on the Palatine Hill by Augustus; and her design seems to be, to shew that poetry and riches are not so incompatible as the girl may, from her lover's poverty, be led to imagine. 17 At a price for his person.]—Wer. 63. That is to say, some rich slave who has bought his own liberty. As many of the Roman slaves were skilful at various trades and handicrafts, and were probably allowed the profits of their work after certain hours in the day, it would be no uncommon thing for a slave, with his earnings, to purchase his liberty. Some of the slaves practised as physicians, while others followed the occu- pation of literary men. t - 18 Rubbed with chalk.]—Wer. 64. It was the custom to mark with chalk, ‘gypsum,’ the feet of such slaves as were newly imported for sale. 19 Busts about the halls.]—Wer. 65. Instead of “quinquatria,’ which is evidently a corrupt reading, “circum atria' has been adopted. She is advising the girl not to be led away by motions of mobility, founded on the number of “cerae,” or waxen busts of their ancestors, that adorned the “atria,’ or halls of her admirers. See the Fasti, Book i. line 591, and the Note to the passage; also the Epistle of Laodamia to Protesilaus, line 152. * Nay, more, should..]—Wer. 67. “Quin ' seems to be a preferable reading to “quid 2’ * There will be Isis.]—Wer. 74. The Roman women celebrated the fes. tival of Isis for several successive days, and during that period they care- fully abstained from the society of men. E. VIII.] OR, AMOURS. 283 so often repulsed, may not begin to flag. Let your door be deaf to him who entreats, open to him who brings. Let the lover that is admitted, hear the remarks of him who is ex- cluded. And, as though you were the first injured, sometimes get in a passion with him when injured by you. His cen- sure, when counterbalanced by your censure,” may wear away. But do you never afford a long duration for anger ; prolonged anger frequently produces hatred. Moreover, let your eyes learn, at discretion, to shed tears; and let this cause or that cause your cheeks to be wet. And do not, if you deceive any one, hesitate to be guilty of perjury; Venus lends but a deaf hearing” to deceived lovers. “Let a male servant and a crafty handmaid” be trained up to their parts; who may instruct him what may be conveniently purchased for you. And let them ask but little for them- selves; if they ask alittle of many,” very soon, great will be the heap from the gleanings.” Let your sister, and your mother, and your nurse as well, fleece your admirer. A booty is soon made, that is sought by many hands. When occasions for asking for presents shall fail you, call attention with a cake” to your birthday Take care that no one loves you in security, without a rival; love is not very lasting if you remove all rivalry. Let him perceive the traces of another person on the 27 By your censure.]—Wer. 80. When she has offended she is to pre- tend a counter grievance, so as to outweigh her faults. 28 A deaf hearing.]—Wer. 86. Literally, ‘deaf Godhead.’ 29 A crafty handmaid.]—Wer. 87. The comedies of Plautus and Te- rence show the part which the intriguing slaves and handmaids acted on such occasions. 30 A little of many.]—Wer. 89. “Multos,' as suggested by Heinsius, is preferable to “multi,' which does not suit the sense, 31 Heap from the gleanings.]—Ver, 90. ‘Stipula’ here means “glean- ings.” She says, that each of the servants must ask for a little, and those little sums put together will make a decent amount collected from her lovers. No doubt her meaning is, that the mistress should pocket the presents thus made to the slaves. & With a cake.]—Wer. 94. The old woman tells hu-, when she has exhausted all other excuses for getting a present, to have the birth-day cake by her, and to pretend that it is her birth-day; in order that her lover may take the hint, and present her with a gift. The birth-day cake, ac- cording to Servius, was made of flour and honey; and being set on table before the guests, the person whose birth-day it was, ate the first slice, after which the others partook of it, and wished him happiness and pros- perity. Presents, too, were generally made on birth-days. 284 THE AMORES : [B. I. couch; all your neck, too, discoloured by the marks of toy- ing. Especially let him see the presents, which another has sent. If he gives you nothing, the Sacred Street” must be talked about. When you have received many things, but yet he has not given you every thing, be continually asking him to lend you something, for you never to return. Let your tongue aid you, and let it conceal your thoughts;” caress him, and prove his ruin.” Beneath the luscious honey cursed poisons lie concealed. If you observe these precepts, tried by me thoughout a long experience; and if the winds and the breezes do not bear away my words; often will you bless me while I live ; often will you pray, when I am dead, that in quietude my bones may repose.” She was in the middle of her speech, when my shadow be- trayed me; but my hands with difficulty refrained from tearing her grey scanty locks, and her eyes bleared with wine, and her wrinkled cheeks. May the Gods grant you both no home,” and a needy old age; prolonged winters as well, and everlasting thirst.” ELEGY IX. HE tells Atticus that like the soldier, the lover ought to be on his guard and that Love is a species of warfare. EvERY lover is a soldier, and Cupid has a camp of his own; 33. The Sacred Street.]—Wer. 100. The ‘via sacra,’ or “Sacred Street, led from the old Senate house at Rome towards the Amphitheatre, and up the Capitoline hill. For the sale of all kinds of luxuries, it seems to have had the same rank in Rome that Regent Street holds in London. The procuress tells her, that if her admirer makes no presents, she must turn the conversation to the ‘Via Sacra ;’ of course, asking him such questions as, What is to be bought there 2 What is the price of such and such a thing : And then she is to say, that she is in want of this or that, but un- fortunately she has no money, &c. 84 Conceal your thoughts.]—Wer. 103. This expression resembles the famous one attributed to Machiavelli, that “speech was made for the con- cealment of the thoughts.” * Prove his ruin.]—Wer. 103. ‘Let your lips utter kind things, but let it be your intention to ruin him outright by your extravagance.’ * Grant thee both no home]—Wer. 113. The ‘Lares,’ being the house- hold Gods, “nullos Lares,’ implies “no home.’ * 37 Everlasting thirst.]—Ver. 114. In allusion to her thirsty name; see the Note to the second line. - E. IX.] OR, AMOURS. 285 believe me, Atticus,” every lover is a soldier. The age which is fitted for war, is suited to love as well. For an old man to be a soldier, is shocking; amorousness in an old man is shock- ing. The years which’” generals require in the valiant sol- dier, the same does the charming fair require in her husband. Both soldier and lover pass sleepless nights; both rest upon the ground. The one watches at the door of his mistress; but the other at that of his general." Long marches are the duty of the soldier; send the fair far away, and the lover will boldly follow her, without a limit to his endurance. Over opposing mountains will he go, and rivers swollen with rains; the accumulating snows will he pace. - About to plough the waves, he will not reproach the stormy East winds; nor will he watch for Constellations favourable for scudding over the waves. Who, except either the soldier or the lover, will submit to both the chill of the night, and the snows mingled with the heavy showers ? The one is sent as a spy against the hostile foe; the other keeps his eye on his rival, as though upon an enemy. The one lays siege to stubborn cities, the other to the threshold of his obdurate mistress: the one bursts open gates, and the other, doors.” Full oft has it an- swered to attack the enemy when buried in sleep; and to slaughter an unarmed multitude with armed hand. Thus did the fierce troops of the Thracian Rhesus” fall; and you, , captured steeds, forsook your lord. Full oft do lovers take advantage of the sleep of husbands, and brandish their arms against the slumbering foe. To escape the troops of the sen- & Atticus.]—Wer. 2. It is supposed that this Atticus was the same person to whom Ovid addresses the Fourth and Seventh Pontic Epistle in the Second Book. It certainly was not Pomponius Atticus, the friend of Cicero, who died when the Poet was in his eleventh year. 39 The years which.]—Wer. 5. The age for serving in the Roman armies, was from the seventeenth up to the forty-sixth year. 40 Of his general.]—Wer. 8, He alludes to the four might-watches of the Roman army, which succeeded each other every three hours. Each guard, or watch, consisted of four men, of whom one acted as sentry, while the others were in readiness, in case of alarm. 4. The other, doors.]—Ver. 20. From the writings of Terence and Plautus, as well as those of Ovid, we find that the youths of Rome were not very scrupulous about kicking down the door of an obdurate mistress, 43 Thracian Rhesus.] — Wer. 23. See the preceding Epistle of Pene. lope to Ulysses, and the speech of Ulysses in the Thirteenth Book of the Metamorphoses. 286 THE AMORES ; | B. I. timels, and the bands of the patrol, is the part both of the soldier, and of the lover always in misery. Mars is wayward, and Venus is uncertain ; both the conquered rise again, and those fall whom you would say could never possibly be pros- trate. Whoever, then, has pronounced Love mere slothfulness, let him cease to love :* to the discerning mind does Love belong. The mighty Achilles is inflamed by the captive Briseis. Tro- jans, while you may, destroy the Argive resources. Hector used to go to battle fresh from the embraces of Andromache; and it was his wife who placed his helmet on his head. The son of Atreus, the first of all the chiefs, on beholding the daughter of Priam, is said to have been smitten with the dishevelled locks of the raving prophetess.” Mars, too, when caught, was sensible of the chains wrought at the forge;" there was no story better known than his, in all the heavens. I myself was of slothful habit, and born for a lazy inac- tivity;” the couch and the shade” had enervated my mind. Attentions to the charming fair gave a fillip to me, in my in- dolence ; and Love commanded me to serve" in his camp. Hence it is that thou seest me active, and waging the warfare by night. Let him who wishes not to become slothful, fall in love. * Cease to love.]—Wer. 32. It is hard to say whether the word “Desinat’ means ‘Let him leave off saying so,” or ‘Let him cease to love': perhaps the latter is the preferable mode of rendering it. * The raving prophetess.]—Wer. 38. ‘Maenas' literally means ‘a raving female,” from the Grcek word patvopat, “to be mad.’ He alludes to Cassandra when inspired with the prophetic spirit. * At the forge.]—Wer. 39. When he was detected by means of the iron net, as related in the Fourth Book of the Metamorphoses. * A lazy inactivity.]—Wer. 41. When persons wished to be at ease in their leisure moments at home, they were in the habit of loosening the girdle which fastened the tunic; from this circumstance, the term ‘dis- cinctus’ is peculiarly applied to a state of indolence. * Couch and the shade.]—Wer. 42. ‘Lectus et umbra' means ‘lying in bed and reclining in the shade.’ The shade of foliage would have peculiar attractions in the cloudless climate of Italy, especially for persons natu- rally inclined to be idle. * To serve.]—Wer. 44. ‘AEra merere' has the same meaning as “stipendum merere,” “to earn the pay of a soldier,' whence it came to signify “to serve as a soldier.” The ancient accounts differ materially as to the pay which the Roman soldiers received. E. X.] OR, AMOURs. 287 ELEGY X. HE tells his mistress that she ought not to require presents as a return for her love. SUCH as she, who, borne away from the Eurotas,” in the Phrygian ships, was the cause of warfare to her two hus- bands; such as Leda was, whom her crafty paramour, con- cealed in his witite feathers, deceived under the form of a fictitious bird ; such as Amymone” used to wander in the parched fields of Argos, when the urn was pressing the locks on the top of her head; such were you; and I was in dread of both the eagle and the bull with respect to you, and what- ever form besides Love has created of the mighty Jove. Now, all fears are gone, and the disease of my mind is cured; and now no longer does that form of yours rivet my eyes. Do you inquire why I am changed? It is, because you require presents. This reason does not allow of your pleasing me. So long as you were disinterested, I was in love with your mind together with your person; now, in my estimation, your appearance is affected by this blemish on your disposi- tion. Love is both a child and naked ; he has years without sordidness, and he wears no clothes, that he may be with- out concealment, Why do you require the son of Venus to be prostituted at a price? He has no fold in his dress,” in which to conceal that price. Neither Venus is suited for cruel arms, nor yet the son of Venus; it befits not such un- warlike Divinities to serve for pay. The courtesan stands for hire to any one at a certain price ; and with her sub- missive body, she seeks for wretched pelf. Still, she curses the tyranny of the avaricious procurer;” and she does 5. The Eurotas.]—Ver. 1. The Eurotas was the river which flowed past the walls of Sparta. He is alluding to Helen. 52 Amymone..]—Ver. 5. She was one of the Danaides, and was carrying water, when she was attacked by a Satyr, and rescued by Neptune. See the Epistle of Hero to Leander, l. 131, and the Note to the passage. 53 Fold in his dress.]—Wer. 18. The ‘sinhs’ of the ‘toga,’ among the men, and of the ‘palla,’ among the women, which extended in folds across the breast, was used as a pocket, in which they carried money, purses, letters, and other articles. When the party was seated, the ‘sinus’ would almost correspond in meaning with our word ‘lap.’ 34 Avaricious procurer.]—Ver, 23. ‘Leno' was a person who kept a house for the purposes of prostitution, and who generally robbed his 288 THE AMORES : [B. F. by compulsion,” what you are doing of your own free will . Take, as an example, the cattle, devoid of reason; it were a shocking thing for there to be a finer feeling in the brutes. The mare asks no gift of the horse, nor the cow of the bull; the ram does not woo the ewe, induced by presents. Woman alone takes pleasure in spoils torn from the man; she alone lets out her mights; alone is she on sale, to be hired at a price. She sells, too, joys that delight them both, and which both covet; and she makes it a matter of pay, at what price she herself is to be gratified. Those joys, which are so equally sweet to both, why does the one sell, and why the other buy them : Why must that delight prove a loss to me, to you a gain, for which the female and the male combine with kindred impulse? Witnesses hired dishonestly,” sell their perjuries; the chest" of the commissioned judge” is dis- gracefully open for the bribe. 'Tis a dishonourable thing to defend the wretched criminals with a tongue that is purchased ; * 'tis a disgrace for a tri- bunal to make great acquisitions. 'Tis a disgrace for a woman to increase her patrimonial possessions by the profits of her embraces, and to prostitute her beauty for lucre. Thanks are victims of the profits of their unfortunate calling. This was called “le- nocinium,’ and the trade was not forbidden, though the ‘lemones' were considered ‘infames,” or “disgraced,’ and thereby lost certain political rights. * By compulsion.—Wer. 24, Being probably the slave of the ‘leno," he would use force to make her comply with his commands. 50 Hired dishonestly.]—Ver. 37. The evidence of witnesses was taken by the Praetor, and was called ‘jusjurandum in judicio,” whereas the evi- dence of parties themselves was termed ‘jusjurandum in jure.’ It was given on oath by such as the Praetor or other judge chose to call, or as either party might propose for examination. 57 The chest.]—Wer. 38. The ‘arca' here means the strong box, or chest, in which the Romans were accustomed to place their money; they were generally made of, or bound with, iron or other metal. 58 Commissioned judge.]—Wer. 38. The ‘judices selecti’ were the ‘cen- tumviri,’ a body of one hundred and five officers, whose duty it was to assist the Praetor in questions where the right to property was litigated. In the Second Book of the Tristia, l. 93, we are informed that the Poet himself filled the office of a ‘judex selectus.” * That is purchased.]—Wer. 39. Among the Romans, the ‘patroni’ de- fènded their ‘clientes’ gratuitously, and it would have been deemed dis- graceful for them to take a fee or present. F. X.] - OR, AMOURS. 289 justly due for things obtained without purchase; there are no thanks for an intercourse disgracefully bartered. He who hires," pays all his due ; the price once paid, he no longer remains a debtor for your acquiescence. Cease, ye beauties, to bargain for pay for your favours. Sordid gains bring no good results. It was not worth her while to bargain for the Sabine bracelets,” in order that the arms should crush the head of the sacred maiden. The son pierced” with the sword those entrails from which he had sprung, and a simple necklace” was the cause of the punishment. But yet it is not unbecoming for a present to be asked of the wealthy man; he has something to give to her who does ask for a present. Pluck the grapes that hang from the loaded vines; let the fruitful soil of Alcinois” afford the apples. Let the needy man proffer duty, zeal, and fidelity; what each one possesses, let him bestow it all upon his mistress. My en- dowments, too, are in my lines to sing the praises of those fair who deserve them ; she, whom I choose, becomes cele- brated through my skill. Westments will rend, gems and gold will spoil; the fame which poesy confers is everlasting. Still I do not detest giving and revolt at it, but at being asked for a price. Cease to demand it, and I will give you that which I refuse you while you ask. 60 He who hires.]—Wer. 45. The “conductor' was properly the person who hired the services, or the property of another, for a fixed price. The word sometimes means ‘a contractor,’ or the person with whom the bar- gain by the former party is made. See the public contract mentioned in the Fasti, Book v. l. 293. 6. The Sabine bracelets.]—Wer. 49. He alludes to the fate of the Vestal virgin Tarpeia. See the Fasti, Book i. l. 261, and Note; also the Trans- lation of the Metamorphoses, p. 516. * The son pierced.]—Wer. 52. Alcmaeon killed his mother Eriphyle, for having betrayed his father Amphiarais. See the Second Book of the Fasti, 1.43, and the Third Book of the Pontic Epistles, Ep. i. i. 52, and the Notes to the passages. - 64 A simple necklace.]—Wer. 52. See the Epistle of Deianira to Her- cules, and the Tenth Book of the Metamorphoses, l. 113, with the Note to the passage. * Soil of Alcinois.]—Wer. 56. The fertile gardens of Alcinois, king of the Phaeacians, are celebrated by Homer in the Odyssey - 290 THE AMORES : [B. I, ELEGY XI. He begs Napë to deliver his letter to her mistress, and commences by praising her neatness and dexterity, and the interest she has hitherto manifested in his behalf. NAPſ, skilled at binding the straggling locks" and arranging them in order, and not deserving to be reckoned" among the female slaves; known, too, by eaſperience to be successful in the contrivances of the stealthy might, and clever in giving the signals;” you who have so oft entreated Corinna, when hesi- tating, to come to me; who have been found so often faithful by me in my difficulties; take and carry these tablets,” so well-filled," this morning to your mistress; and by your diligence dispel all impeding delay. Neither veins of flint, nor hard iron is in your breast, nor have you a simplicity greater than that of your clever class. There is no doubt that you, too, have experienced the bow of Cupid; in my behalf defend the banner of your service. If Corinna asks what I am doing, you will say that I am living in expectation of the night. The wax inscribed with my persuasive hand is carrying the rest. While I am speaking, time is flying; opportunely give her 86 The straggling locks.]—Wer. 1. The duty of dressing the hair of the Roman ladies was divided among several slaves, who were called by the general terms of ‘cosmetae,’ and ‘ormatrices.’ It was the province of one to curl the hair with a hot iron, called ‘ calamistrum,’ which was hollow, and was heated in wood ashes by a slave who, from “cinis,’ ‘ashes,’ was called ‘ciniflo.’ The duty of the ‘psecas’ came next, whose place it was to anoint the hair. Then came that of the ‘ormatrix,’ who parted the curls with a comb or bodkin ; this seems to have been the province of Napë. ºf To be reckoned.]—Wer. 2. The Nymphs of the groves were called vaqrātat ; and perhaps from them Napë received her name, as it is evi- dently of Greek origin. One of the dogs of Actaeon is called by the same name, in the Metamorphoses, Book iii. 1. 214. 68 Giving the signals.]—Ver. 4. ‘Notis' may mean here, either “hints,’ “signs,’ ‘signals,' or “letters.’ ln Nizard's French translation it is ren- dered ‘missives.” 69 Carry these tablets.]—Wer. 7. On the wax tablets, see the Note to the Pontic Epistles, Book ii, El. 9. l. 69, and the Metamorphoses, Book ix. l. 521, with the Note. 10 So well filled.] —Ver. 7. ‘Peraratas' literally meahs 'ploughed over'; which term is properly applied to the action of the “stylus,’ in ploughing through the wax upon the tablets. Suetonius relates that Julius Caesar, when he was murdered in the Senate House, pierced the arm of the assassin Cassius with his “stylus." E. XI.] AR, AMOURS. 291 my tablets, when she is at leisure; but still, make her read them at once. I bid you watch her eyes and her forehead as she reads; from the silent features we may know the future. And be there no delay; when she has read them through, request her to write a long answer;” I hate it, when the bleached wax is empty, with a margin on every side. Let her write the lines close as they run, and let the letters traced in the extreme margin long detain my eyes. But what need is there for wearying her fingers with hold- ing the pen 7" Let the whole of her letter contain this one word, “Come.” Then, I should not delay to crown my victo- rious tablets with laurel, nor to place them in the midst of the temple of Venus. Beneath them I would inscribe “Naso con- secrates these faithful servants of his to Venus; but lately, you were pieces of worthless maple.” ELEGY XII. HE curses the tablets which he has sent, because his mistress has writ- ten an answer on them, in which she refuses to grant his request. LAMENT my misfortune; my tablets have returned to ºne with sad intelligence. Her unlucky letter announces that she cannot be seen to-day. There is something in omens; just now, when she was preparing to go, Nape stopped short, having struck her foot" against the threshold. When sent out of doors another time, remember to pass the threshold more carefully, and like a sober woman lift your foot high enough. * A long answer.]—Wer. 19. She is to write at once, on having read his letter through. This she could do the more readily, as she could use the same tablets, smoothing the wax with the broad end of the ‘graphium,' or “stylus.’ Tº Holding the pen.] —Ver. 23. ‘Graphium' was the Greek name for the “stylus,” or pen used for writing on the wax tablets. It was generally of iron or copper, but sometimes of gold. The case in which it was kept was called ‘graphiarium,' or ‘graphiaria theca.” 76. Of worthless maple.]—Wer. 28. He calls the wood of the tablets ‘vile,” in comparison with their great services to him : for, according to Pliny, Book xvi. c. 15, maple was the most valued wood for tablets, next to ‘citrus,” cedar, or citron wood. It was also more useful than citron, because it could be cut into leaves, or laminae, of a larger size than citron would admit of. 78 Struck her foot.]—Wer. 4. This is mentioned as a bad omen by Laodamia, in her Epistle to Protesilaüs, l. 88. So in the Tenth Book of the Metamorphoses, in the shocking story of Cinyras and Myrrha; ‘Three times was she recalled by the presage of her foot stumbling.’ U 2 292 THE AMORES ; [B. I. Away with you, obdurate tablets, fatal bits of board; and you wax, as well, crammed with the lines of denial. I doubt the Corsican bee” has sent you collected from the blossom of the tall hemlock, beneath its abominable homey. Besides, you were red, as though you had been thoroughly dyed in vermilion;” such a colour is exactly that of blood. Useless bits of board, thrown out in the street, there may you lie ; and may the weight of the wheel crush you, as it passes along. I could even prove that he who formed you to shape from the tree, had not the hands of innocence. That tree surely has afforded a gibbet for some wretched neck, and has supplied the dreadful crosses” for the executioner. It has given a disgusting shelter to the screeching owls; in its branches it has borne the eggs of the vulture and of the screech-owl.” In my madness, have I entrusted my court- ship to these, and have I given soft words to be thus carried to my mistress? i. These tablets would more becomingly hold the prosy sum- mons,” which some judge” pronounces, with his sour face. 89 The Corsican bee.]—Wer. 10. From Pliny, Book xvi., we learn that the honey of Corsica was of a bitter taste, in consequence of the box- trees and yews, with which the isle abounded, and which latter, according to him, were poisonous. From Diodorus Siculus we learn that there were many turpentine trees on the island; this would not tend to improve the flavour of the honey. - * Dyed in vermilion.] — Wer, 11. ‘Minium,’ ‘red lead,” or ‘ver- milion,’ was discovered by Callias, an Athenian, according to Theophrastus. It was sometimes mixed with the wax used for tablets: probably not the best, but that which was naturally of a bad colour. This censure of the tablets is a good illustration of the grapes being sour. In the last Elegy, before he has received his repulse, he declares the wax to be “splen- dida,’ ‘of brilliant whiteness through bleaching;' now, on the other hand, he finds, most ominously, that it is as red as blood. - * Dreadful crosses.]—Wer. 18. See the First Book of the Pontic Epistles, Ep. vi. l. 38, and the Note to the passage. 83 The screech-owl.]—Wer. 20. “Strix’ here means a screech-owl; and not the fabulous bird referred to under that name, in the Sixth Book of the Fasti, and the thirteenth line of the Eighth Elegy of this Book. * The prosy summons.] — Wer. 23. ‘Vadimonium legere” probably means, ‘to call a man on his bail’ or “recognizances.’ When the Praetor had granted an action, the plaintiff required the defendant to give security for his appearance on the day named. The defendant, on finding a surety, was said “vades dare,” or “wadimonium facere’: and the ‘vas,” or surety, was said “spondere.” The plaintiff, if satisfied with the surety, was said *vadari reum,” “to let the defendant go on his sureties.’ * Some judge.]—Wer, 24. Some Commentators think that the word E. XII.] - OR, AMOURS. 993 Much better would they lie amid diaries and day-books,” over which the avaricious huncks might lament his squandered substance. And have I then in reality as well as in name found you full of duplicity ?” The very number of you was not one of good omen. What, in my anger, ought I to pray, but that an old age of rottenness may consume you, and that your wax may be white with nasty mould 7 ELEGY XIII. He entreats the morning not to hasten on with its usual speed. Now over the Ocean does she come from her aged husband Tithonus, who, with her yellow locks, brings on the day with her frosty chariot. Whither, Aurora, art thou hastening? Stay; and then may the yearly bird, with its wonted death, honour the shades” of thy Memnon, its parent. Now do I delight to recline in the soft arms of my mistress; now, if ever, is she deliciously united to my side. Now, too, slumbers are sound, ‘cognitor’ here means, the attorney, or procurator of the plaintiff, who might, in his absence, carry on the cause for him. In that case they would translate ‘duro,” “shameless,” or ‘impudent.’ But another meaning of the word “cognitor’ is “a judge,” or ‘commissioner,’ and such seems to be the meaning here, in which case ‘durus' will mean ‘severe,' or ‘sour;’ ‘as,’ according to one Commentator, ‘judges are wont to be.’ 86 And day-books.]—Wer. 25. Seneca, at the end of his 19th Epistle, calls a Calendar by the name of “Ephemeris,' while a day-book is meant by the term as used by Ausonius. The word here seems to mean a ‘diary;’ while “tabula' is perhaps a ‘day-book,” in which current expenses are set down, and over which the miser weeps, as the record of past ex- travagance. 87 Full of duplicity.]—Wer. 27. The word “duplex’ means either ‘double,” or ‘deceitful,” according to the context. He plays on this twofold meaning, and says that double though they might be, still truly deceitful they were ; and that the two leaves of the tablets were of no good omen to him. Two-leaved tablets were technically called ‘diptycha.” 89 Honour the shades.]—Wer. 4. ‘Parento' means ‘to celebrate the funeral obsequies of one's parents.” Both the Romans and the Greeks were accustomed to visit the tombs of their relatives at certain times, and to offer sacrifices, called ‘inferia,’ or “parentalia.’ The souls of the departed were regarded by the Romans as Gods, and the oblations to them consisted of milk, wine, victims, or wreaths of flowers. The Poet here refers to the birds which arose from the funeral pile of Memnon, and were said to revisit it annually. See the Thirteenth Book of the Metamorphoses, £94 THE AMORES ; [B. I, and now the moisture is cooling;” the birds, too, are sweetly warbling with their little throats. Whither art thou hastening, hated by the men, detested by the fair? Check thy dewy reins with thy rosy hand. - Before thy rising, the sailor better observes his Constel- lations ; and he wanders not in ignorance, in the midst of the waves. On thy approach, the wayfarer arises, weary though he be; the soldier lays upon his arms the hands used to bear them. Thou art the first to look upon the tillers of the fields laden with the two-pronged fork; thou art the first to summon the lagging oxen to the crooked yoke. 'Tis thou who dost deprive boys of their sleep, and dost hand them over to their masters;” that their tender hands may suffer the cruel stripes.” 'Tis thou, too, who dost send the man before the vestibule of the attorney,” when about to become bail;” that he may submit to the great risks of a single word. * Moisture is cooling.]—Wer. 7. “ Humor' seems to mean the dew, or the dampness of the night, which would tend, in a hot climate, to mo- dify the sultriness of the atmosphere. One Commentator thinks that the word means the humours of the brain. * To their masters.]—Wer. 17. The schools at Rome were mostly kept by manumitted slaves; and we learn from the Fasti, Book iii. l. 829, that people were not very particular about paying them. * The cruel stripes.]—Ver. 18. The punishment here mentioned was generally inflicted on the hands of the Roman school-boys, with a ‘ferula,' or stalk of giant-fennel, as we learn from Juvenal, Satire 1. * The attorney.]—Wer. 19. The business of the ‘jurisconsultus’ was to expound and give opinions on the law, much like the chamber counsel of the present day. They were also known by the name of ‘juris periti,’ or ‘consulti' only. Cicero gives this definition of the duty of a ‘consultus,’ ‘He is a person who has such a knowledge of the laws and customs which prevailin a state, as to be able to advise, and secure a person in his deal- ings.’ They advised their clients gratuitously, either in public places, or at their own houses. They also drew up wills and contracts, as in the present instance. § * To become bail.]—Wer. 19. This passage has given much trouble to the Commentators, but it has been well explained by Burmann, whose ideas on the subject are here adopted. The word ‘sponsum' has been generally looked upon here as a noun substantive, whereas it is the active supine of the verb ‘spondeo,’ ‘to become bail” or ‘security.’ The meaning then is, that some rise early, that they may go and become bail for a friend, and thereby incur risk and inconvenience, through uttering a single word, “spondeo,” “I become security,’ which was the formula used. The obli- gation was contracted orally, and for the purpose of evidencing it, witnesseſ were necessary; for this reason the undertaking was given, as in the pre- sent instance, in the presence of a “jurisconsultus.’ - E. XIII.] OR, AMOURS, 295 Thou art no source of pleasure to the pleader,” nor yet to the counsel; for fresh combats each is forced to rise. Thou, when the labours of the females might have had a pause, dost recal the hand of the worker in wool to its task. All this I could endure; but who could allow the fair to arise thus early, except the man who has no mistress of his own 7 How often have I wished that night would not make way for thee; and that the stars when put to flight would not fly from thy countenance. Many a time have I wished that either the wind would break thy chariot to pieces, or that thy steed would fall, overtaken by some dense cloud. Remorse- less one, whither dost thou hasten? Inasmuch as thy son was black, such was the colour of his mother's heart. What if * she had not once burned with passion for Cephalus? Or does she fancy that her escapade was not known ' I only wish it was allowed Tithonus to tell of thee; there would not be a more coarse tale in all the heavens. While thou art avoiding him, because he is chilled by length of years, thou dost rise early in the morning from the bed of the old man to thy odious chariot. But if thou wast only holding some Cephalus embraced in thy arms; then wouldst thou be crying out, “Run slowly on, ye horses of the night.” Why should I be punished in my affections, if thy husband does decay through length of years' Wast, thou married to the old fellow by my contrivance? See how many hours of sleep the Moon gave to the youth beloved by her ; and yet her beauty is not inferior to thine. The parent of the Gods himself, that he might not see thee so often, joined two nights together” for the attainment of his desires. I had finished my reproaches; you might be sure she heard them ; for she blushed. However, no later than usual did the day arise. 98 To the pleader.]—Ver. 21. ‘Causidicus' was the person who pleaded the cause of his client in court, before the Praetor or other judges. 99 What if..]—Wer. 33. Heinsius and other Commentators think that this line and the next are spurious. The story of Cephalus and Procris is related at the close of the Seventh Book of the Metamorphoses. 1 The Moon gave.]—Wer. 43. Ovid says that Diana sent the sleep upon Endymion, whereas it was Jupiter who did so, as a punishment for his pas- sion for Juno ; he alludes to the youthfulness of the favorite of Diana, anti- thetically to the old age of Tithonus, the husband of Aurora. * Two nights together.]—Ver. 46. When he slept with Alcmena, under the form of her husband Amphion. 296 THE AMORES ; [B. I. ELEGY XIV. His mistress having been in the habit of dyeing her hair with noxious compositions, she has nearly lost it, becoming almost bald. He re- minds her of his former advice, and entreats her to abstain from the practice, on which there may be a chance of her recovering it, I ALWAYs used to say; “Do leave off doctoring your hair.” And now you have no hair left, that you can be dyeing. But, if you had let it alone, what was more plenteous than it? It used to reach down your sides, so far as ever * they extend. And besides: Was it not so fine, that you were afraid to dress" it; just like the veils" which the swarthy Seres use ! Or like the thread which the spider draws out with her slender legs, when she fastens her light work beneath the neglected beam 7 And yet its colour was not black, nor yet was it golden, but though it was neither, it was a mixture of them both. A colour, such as the tall cedar has in the moist vallies of craggy Ida, when its bark is stript off. - Besides, it was quite tractable, and falling into a thousand ringlets; and it was the cause of no trouble to you. Neither the bodkin,” nor the tooth of the comb ever tore it; your tire- 3 Doctoring your hair.]—Ver, 1. Among the ancient Greeks, black hair was the most frequent, but that of a blonde colour was most valued. It was not uncommon with them to dye it when turning grey, so as to make it a black or blonde colour, according to the requirement of the case. Blonde hair was much esteemed by the Romans, and the ladies were in the habit of washing their hair with a composition to make it of this colour. This was called ‘spuma caustica,’ or “caustic soap,' which was first used by the Gauls and Germans; from its name, it was probably the substance which had been used inthe present instance. 4 So far, as ever.]—Wer. 4. By this he means as low as her ancles. * Afraid to dress.]—Ver, 5. He means to say, that it was so fine that she did not dare to curl it, for fear of injuring it. * Just like the veils.] —Wer. 6. Burmann thinks that ‘fila,” “threads,’ is better here than ‘ vela,’ and that it is the correct reading. The swarthy Seres here mentioned, were perhaps the Chinese, who probably began to import their silks into Rome about this period. The mode of producing silk does not seem to have been known to Virgil, who speaks, in the Second Book of the Georgics, of the Seres combing it off the leaves of trees. Pliny also, in his Sixth Book, gives the same account. Ovid, however, seems to refer to silkworms under the name of ‘agrestes tineae,' in the Fifteenth Book of the Metamorphoses, l. 372. * Neither the bodkin.] —Wer. 15. This was the ‘discerniculum,” Gl * bodkin,’ which was used in parting the hair. E, XIV.] OR, AMOURS. 297 woman always had a whole skin. Many a time was it dressed before my eyes; and yet, never did the bodkin " seized make wounds in her arms. Many a time too, in the morning, her locks not yet arranged, was she lying on the purple couch, with her face half upturned. Then even, unadorned, was she beauteous; as when the Thracian Bacchanal, in her weariness, throws herself carelessly upon the green grass. Still, fine as it was, and just like down, what evils, alas ! did her tortured hair endure How patiently did it submit itself to the iron and the fire;” that the curls might become crisp with their twisting circlets. “’Tis a shame,” I used to cry, “’tis a shame, to be burning that hair; naturally it is be- coming; do, cruel one, be merciful to your own head. Away with all violence from it; it is not hair that deserves to be scorched; the very locks instruct” the bodkins when applied.” Those beauteous locks are gone; which Apollo might have longed for, and which Bacchus might have wished to be on his own head. With them I might compare those, which naked Dione is painted” as once baving held up with her dripping hand. Why are you complaining that hair so badly treated is gone 7 Why, silly girl, do you lay down the mirror” with disconsolate hand ' You are not seen to advantage by yourself with eyes accustomed to your former self. For you to please, you ought to be forgetful of your former self. 10 Did the bodkin.]—Ver, 18. The “acus' here mentioned, was proba- bly the “ discerniculum,’ and not the ‘crinale,” or hair-pin that was worn in the hair; as the latter was worm when the hair was bound up at the back of the head; whereas, judging from the length of the hair of his mistress, she most probably wore it in ringlets. He says that he never saw her snatch up the bodkin and stick it in the arm of the * ornatrix.’ - 11 Iron and the fire.] —Ver. 25. He alludes to the unnecessary ap- plication of the curling-iron to hair which naturally curled so well. * The very locks instruct.]—Wer. 30. Because they naturally assume as advantageous an appearance as the bodkin could possibly give them, when arranged with the utmost skill. 13 Diome is painted.] — Ver. 34. Pliny, book XXXV. c. 4, mentions a painting, by Apelles, in which Venus was represented as rising from the sea. It was placed, by Augustus, in the temple of Julius Caesar; and the lower part having become decayed, no one could be found of sufficient ability to repair it. 14 Lay down the mirror.]—Ver. 16. The mirror was usually held by the “ ornatrix,’ while her mistress arranged her hair. - , 298 THE AMORES ; [B. F. No enchanted herbs of a rival” have done you this injury; no treacherous hag has been washing you with Haemonian water. ſº effects, too, of no disease have Injured you ; (far away be all bad omens;*) nor has an envious tongue thinned your abundant locks; ’twas your own self who gave the prepared poison to your head. Now Germany will be sending” for you her capturedlocks; by the favour of a conquered race you will be adorned. Ah! how many a time will you have to blush, as any one admires your hair; and then you will say, “Now I am receiving praise for a bought commodity In place of myself, he is now bepraising some Sygambrian girl” unknown to me; still, I remember the time when that glory was my own.” Wretch that I am with difficulty does she restrain her tears; and she covers her face with her hand, having her delicate cheeks suffused with blushes. She is venturing to look at her former locks, placed in her bosom ; a treasure, alas ! not fitted for that spot.” Calm your feelings with your features; the loss may still be repaired. Before long, you will become beauteous with your natural hair. ELEGY XV. He tells the envious that the fame of Poets is immortal, and that theirs is not a life devoted to idleness. WHY, gnawing Envy, dost thou blame me for years of sloth- fulness; and why dost thou call poesy the employment of an idle mind? Thou sayest that I do not, after the manner of my ancestors, while vigorous years allow me, seek the prizes of lä Herbs of a rival.] —Ver. 39. No person would be more likely than the ‘pellex,” or concubine, to resort to charms and drugs, for the purpose of destroying the good looks of the married woman whose hus- band she wishes to retain. 16 All bad omens.] —Wer. 41. So superstitious were the Romans, that the very mention of death, or disease, was deemed ominous of ill. 17 Germany will be sending.]—Wer 45. Germany having been lately conquered by the arms of Augustus, he says that she must wear false hair, taken from the German captives. It was the custom to cut short the locks of the captives, and the German women were famed for the beauty of their hair. 18 Sygambrian girl.]—Ver. 49. The Sygambri were a people of Ger many, living on the banks of the rivers Lippe and Weser. * For that spot.]—Wer. 53. She carries a lock of the hair, which had fallen off, in her bosom E. XV.] OR, AMOURS. 299 warfare covered with dust; that I do not make myself ac- quainted with the prosy law, and that I have not let my tongue for hire” in the disagreable courts of justice. The pursuits of which thou art speaking, are perishable; by me, everlasting fame is sought; that to all time I may be celebrated throughout the whole world. The Maeonian bard” will live, so long as Tenedos and Ida” shall stand; so long as Simois shall roll down to the sea his rapid waves. The Ascraean, too,” will live, so long as the grape shall swell .25 with its juices;” so long as the corn shall fall, reaped by the curv ng sickle. The son of Battus” will to all time be sung throughout the whole world ; although he is not powerful in genius, in his skill he shows his might. No mischanee will ever come to the tragic buskin” of Sophocles; with the Sun and Moon Aratus” will ever exist. So long as the deceitful * My tongue for hire.]—Wer. 6. Although the ‘patronus pleaded the cause of the ‘cliens,’ without reward, still, by the use of the word ‘pros- tituisse,’ Ovid implies that the services of the advocate were often sold at a price. It must be remembered, that Ovid had been educated for the Roman bar, which he had left in disgust. g * Masonian bard.]—Wer. 9. Strabo says, that Homer was a native of Smyrna, which was a city of Maeonia, a province of Phrygia. But Plutarch says, that he was called “Maeonius,’ from Maeon, a king of Lydia, who adopted him as his son. * Tenedos and Ida.]—Wer. 10. Tenedos, Ida, and Simois, were thé scenes of some portions of the Homeric narrative. The first was near Troy, in sight of it, as Virgil says—‘est in conspectu Tenedos.” * The Ascra’an, too.]—Wer, 11. Hesiod of Ascraea, in Boeotia, wrote chiefly upon agricultural subjects. See the Pontic Epistles, Book iv. ep. xiv. l. 38. * With its juices.]—Wer. 11. The ‘mustum' was the pure juice of the grape before it was boiled down and became “sapa,’ or ‘defrutum.” See the Fasti, Book iv. 1.4779, and the Note to the passage. * The son of Battus.]—Wer. 13. As to the poet Callimachus, the son of Battus, see the Tristia, Book ii. l. 367, and the Ibis, l. 55. 27 To the tragic buskin.]—Wer. 15. On the ‘cothurnus,” or “buskin,' see the Tristia, Bookii. l. 393, and the Note to the passage. Sophocles was one of the most famous of the Athenian Tragedians. He is supposed to have composed more than one hundred and twenty tragedies, of which only seven are remaining. * Aratus.]—Ver. 16. Aratus was a Greek poet, a native of Cilicia, i: Asia Minor. He wrote some astronomical poems, of which one, called ‘Phaenomena,' still exists. His style is condemned by Quintilian, although it is here praised by Ovid. His ‘Phaenomena' was translated into Latin by Cicero; Germanicus Caesar, and Sextus Aviemus. 300 THE AMORES ; {B. I, slave,” the harsh father, the roguish procuress, and the co- Zeming courtesan shall endure, Memander will exist. Ennius,” without any art, and Accius,” with his spirited language, have a name that will perish with no lapse of time. What age is to be forgetful of Varro,” and the first ship that sailed, and of the golden fleece sought by the chief, the son of Æson' Then will the verses perish of the sublime Lu- cretius,” when the same day shall give the world to destruction. Tityrus,” and the harvests, and the arms of Æneas, will be read of, so long as thou, Rome,” shalt be the ruler of the con- quered earth. So long as the flames and the bow shall be the armsof Cupid, thynumbers, polished Tibullus,” will be repeated. Gallus” will be known by the West, and Gallus known by the * The deceitful slave.]—Wer. 17. Although the plays of Menander have perished, we can judge from Terence and Plautus, how well he de- picted the craftiness of the slave, the severity of the father, the dis- honesty of the procuress, and the wheedling ways of the courtesan. Four of the plays of Terence are translations from Menander. See the Tristia, Book ii. l. 369, and the Note to the passage. * Ennius.]—Ver. 19. Quintus Ennius was a Latin poet, a Calabrian by birth. He flourished about 408 years before Christ. The few frag- ments of his works that remain, show the ruggedness and uncouth nature of his style. He wrote the Annals of Italy in heroic verse. * Accius.]—Wer. 19. See the Second Book of the Tristia, l. 359, and the Note to the passage. * Of Varro.]—Ver. 21. He refers to Publius Terentius Varro Atta- cinus, who wrote on the Argonautic expedition. See the Tristia, Book ii. 1. 439, and the Pontic Epistles, Book iv. Ep. xvi. l. 21. - 33 Lucrețius.]—Ver. 23. Titus Lucretius Carus is referred to, whose noble poem on the Epicurean philosophy is still in existence (translated in Bohn's Classical Library). See the Tristia, Book ii. l. 261 and 426, and the Notes to those passages. * Tityrus.]—Wer. 25. Under this name he alludes to Virgil, who introduces himself under the name of Tityrās, in his first Eclogue, See the Pontic Epistles, Book iv. Ep. xvi. l. 33. *5 So long as thou, Rome.]—Wer. 26. His prophecy has been surpassed by the event. Rome is no longer the ‘caput urbis,' but the works of Virgil are still read by all civilized nations. - 36 Polished Tibullus.]—Ver. 28. Albius Tibullus was a Roman poet of Equestrian rank, famous for the beauty of his compositions. He was born in the same year as Ovid, but died at an early age. Ovid mentions him in the Tristia, Book ii. l. 447 and 463, Book iv. Ep. x. l. 52, and Book v. Ep. i. 1. 18. In the Third Book of the Amores, El. 9, will be found his Lament on the death of Tibullus. 4. 87 Gallus J–Wer. 29. Cornelius Gallus was a Roman poet of consi. E xv.] OR, AMOURS. 30] East,” and with Gallus will his Lycoris be known. Though flint-stones, then, and though the share of the enduring plough perish by lapse of time, yet poetry is exempt from death. Let monarchs and the triumphs of monarchs yield to poesy, and let the wealthy shores of the golden Tagus” yield. Let the vulgar throng admire worthless things; let the yellow-haired Apollo supply for me cups filled from the Cas- talian stream ; let me bear, too, on my locks the myrtle that dreads the cold; and let me often be read by the anxious lower. Envy feeds upon the living; after death it is at rest, when his own reward protects each according to his merit. Still then, when the closing fire" shall have consumed me, shall I live on ; and a great portion of myself will ever be surviving. derable merit. See the Tristia, Book ii. 1. 445, and the Note to the passage, and the Amores, Book iii. El. 1. * By the East.]—Wer. 29. Gallus was the Roman governor of Egypt, which was an Eastern province of Rome. * The golden Tagus.]—Ver. 34. Pliny and other authors make men- tion of the golden sands of the Tagus, which flowed through the province of Lusitania, now Portugal. * The closing fire.]—Wer. 41. Pliny says that the ancient Romans buried the dead; but in consequence of the bones being disturbed by con- tinual warfare, they adopted the system of burning them. EOOK THE SECOND * ELEGY I. His says that he is obliged by Cupid to write of Love instead of the Wars of the Giants, upon which subject he had already commenced. THIS work, also, I, Naso, born among the watery Peligmi,” have composed, the Poet of my own failings. This work, too, has Love demanded. Afar hence, be afar hence, ye prudish matrons; you are not a fitting audience for my wanton lines. Let the maiden that is not cold, read me in the pre- sence of her betrothed; the inexperienced boy, too, wounded by a passion hitherto unknown ; and may some youth, now wounded by the bow by which I am, recognise the con- scious symptoms of his flame; and after long wondering, may he exclaim, “Taught by what informant, has this Poet been composing my own story !” I was (I remember) venturing to sing of the battles of the heavens, and Gyges” with his hundred hands; and I had sufficient power of expression; what time the Earth so dis- gracefully avenged herself, and lofty Ossa, heaped upon Olympus, bore Pelion headlong downwards. Having the clouds in my hands, and wielding the lightnings with Jove, which with success he was to hurl in behalf of his realms of the heavens, my mistress shut her door against me; the light- nings together with Jove did I forsake. Jupiter himself dis- appeared from my thoughts. Pardon me, O Jove ; no aid did thy weapons afford me; the shut door was a more potent thunderbolt than thine. I forthwith resumed the language of endearment and trifling Elegies, those weapons of my own; and gentle words prevailed upon the obdurate door. * Verses bring down” the horns of the blood-stained Moon; * The watery Peligni.]—Wer. 1. In the Fourth Book of the Fasti, l. 81, and the Fourth Book of the Tristia, l. x. El. 3, he mentions Sulmo, a town of the Peligmi, as the place of his birth. It was noted for its many streams or rivulets. * And Gyges.]—Ver. 12. This giant was more generally called Gyas. He and his hundred-handed brothers, Briareus and Caeus, were the sons of Coelus and Terra. * Verses bring down.]—Wer. 23. He alludes to the power of magic spells, and attributes their efficacy to their being couched in poetic measures; rom which circumstance they received the name of ‘Carmina.” E. II.] THE AMORES ; OR, AMOURS. 303 and they recall the snow-white steeds of the Sun in his career. Through verses do serpents burst, their jaws rent asunder, and the water turned back flows upward to its source. Through verses have doors given way; and by verses" was the bar, inserted in the door-post, although 'twas made of oak, overcome. Of what use is the swift Achilles celebrated by me? What can this or that son of Atreus do for me ! He, too, who wasted as many of his years in wandering as in war- fare 7 And the wretched Hector, dragged by the Haemonian steeds' But the charms of the beauteous fair being ofttimes sung, she presents herself to the Poet as the reward of his verse. This great recompense is given; farewell, then, ye illustrious names of heroes; your favour is of no use to me. Ye charm- ing fair, turn your eyes to my lines, which blushing Cupid dictates to me. ELEGY II. HR has seen a lady walking in the portico of the temple of Apollo, and has sent to know if he may wait upon her. She has replied that it is quite impossible, as the eunuch Bagotis is set to watch her. Ovid here addresses Bagotis, and endeavours to persuade him to relax his watch over the fair; and shows him how he can do so with safety. BAGotis,” with whom is the duty of watching over your mis- tress, give me your attention, while I say a few but suitable words to you. Yesterday morning I saw a young lady walking in that portico which contains the choir of the daughters of Danaus." At once, as she pleased me, I sent to her, and in * And by verses.]—Wer. 28. He means to say that in the same manner as magic spells have brought down the moon, arrested the sun, and turned back rivers towards their source, so have his Elegiac strains been as wonder- fully successful in softening the obduracy of his mistress. •e, * Bagois.]—Ver. 1. The name Bagoas, or, as it is here Latinized, Bagotis, is said to have signified, in the Persian language, ‘an eunuch.” It was probably of Chaldaean origin, having that meaning. As among the Eastern nations of the present day, the more jealous of the Romans con- fided the care of their wives or mistresses to eunuch slaves, who were pur- chased at a very large price. * Daughters of Danaus.]—Wer. 4. The portico under the temple of Apollo, on the Palatine Hill, was adormed with the statues of Danaus, the son of Belus, and his forty-nine guilty daughters. It was built by Augustus, on a spot adjoining to his palace. Ovid mentions these statues in the Third Elegy of the Third Book of the Tristia, l, 10. 304 THE AMORES , [B. II. my letter I proffered my request; with trembling hand, she an- swered me, “I cannot.” And to my inquiry, why she could not, the cause was announced; namely, that your surveillance over your mistress is too strict. O keeper, if you are wise (believe me now), cease to de- serve my hatred; every one wishes him gone, of whom he stands in dread. Her husband, too, is not in his senses; for who would toil at taking care of that of which no part is lost, even if you do not watch it ! But still, in his madness, let him indulge his passion; and let him believe that the object is chaste which pleases universally. By your favour, liberty may by stealth be given to her; that one day she may return to you what you have given her. Are you ready to be a confidant; the mistress is obedient to the slave. You fear to be an accomplice; you may shut your eyes. Does she read a letter by herself; suppose her mother to have sent it. Does a stranger come; bye and bye let him go,' as though an old acquaintance. Should she go to visit a sick female friend, who is not sick; in your opinion, let her be unwell. If she shall be a long time at the sacrifice,” let not the long waiting tire you; putting your head on your breast, you can snore away. And don’t be enquiring what can be going on at the Žemple of the linen-clad Isis;” nor do you stand in any fear whatever of the curving theatres. An accomplice in the escapade will receive everlasting . honour; and what is less trouble than merely to hold your tongue? He is in favour; he turns the house" upside down at his pleasure, and he feels no stripes; he is omnipotent; the rest, a scrubby lot, are grovelling on. By him, that the real 7 Let him go..]—Wer. 20. ‘Eat' seems here to mean ‘let him go away’ from the house; but Nisard’s translation renders it ‘qu'il entre,’ “let him come in.” * At the sacrifice.]—Wer. 23. It is hard to say what “si faciet tarde’ means: it perhaps applies to the rites of Isis, mentioned in the 25th line. If she shall be slow in her sacrifice.” * ° Linen-clad Isis.]—Ver, 25. See the 74th line of the Eighth Elegy of the preceding Book, and the Note to the passage; and the Pontic Epistles, Book i. line 51, and the Note. The temple of Isis, at Rome, was in the Campus Martius, or Field of Mars, near the sheep market. It was noted for the intrigues and assignations of which it was the scene. * He turns the house.]—Wer. 29. As the Delphin Editor says, “Il peut renverser la maison,’ ‘he can turn the house upside down.” E. III.] OR, AMOURS. 305 circumstances may be concealed, false ones are coined; and both the masters approve” of, what one, and that the mistress, approves of. When the husband has quite contracted his brow, and has pursed up his wrinkles, the caressing fair makes him become just as she pleases. But still, let her sometimes contrive some fault against you even, and let her pretend tears, and call you an executioner.” Do you, on the other hand, making some charge which she may easily ex- plain; by a feigned accusation remove all suspicion of the truth.” In such case, may your honours, then may your limited savings” increase; only do this, and in a short time you shall be a free man. You behold the chains bound around the necks of in- formers;” the loathsome gaol receives the hearts that are unworthy of belief. In the midst of water Tantalus is in want of water, and catches at the apples as they escape him ; ’twas * The masters approve.]—Ver. 30. He means to say that the eunuch and his mistress will be able to do just as they please. * An evecutioner.]—Wer. 36. To blind the husband, by pretending harshness on the part of Bagotis. * Qf the truth.]—Ver. 38 This line is corrupt, and there are about ten various readings. The meaning, however, is clear; he is, by making false charges, to lead the husband away from a suspicion of the truth; and to put him, as we say, in common pariance, on the wrong scent. 14 Your limited savings.]—Wer. 39. “Peculium,' here means the stock of money which a slave, with the consent of his master, laid up for his own, “his savings.’ The slaves of the Romans being not only employed in domestic offices and the labours of the field, but as agents or factors for their masters, in the management of business, and as mechanics and artisans in various trades, great profits were made through them. As they were often entrusted with a large amount of property, and consider- able temptations were presented to their honesty, it became the practice to allow the slave to consider a part of his gains, perhaps a per centage, as his own; this was termed his ‘peculium.’ According to the strict letter of the law, the ‘peculium’ was the property of the master, but, by usage, it was looked upon as the property of the slave. It was sometimes agreed upon between the master and slave, that the latter should purchase his liberty with his ‘peculium,’ when it amounted to a certain sum. If the slave was manumitted by the owner in his lifetime, his ‘peculium ” was considered to be given him, with his liberty, unless it was expressly re- tained. t * Necks of informers.]—Wer. 41. He probably alludes to informers who have given false evidence. He warns Bagotis of their fate, intend. ing to imply that both his mistress and himself will deny all, if he should attempt to criminate thein. Y. 306 THE AMORES ; [B. If, his blabbing tongue caused this.” While the keeper ap- pointed by Juno,” is watching Io too carefully, he dies be- fore his time; she becomes a Goddess. - I have seen him wearing fetters on his bruised legs, through whom a husband was obliged to know of an in- trigue. The punishment was less than his deserts; an unruly tongue was the injury of the two ; the husband was grieved; the female suffered the loss of her character. Believe me; ac- cusations are pleasing to no husband, and no one do they delight, even though he should listen to them. If he is indif. ferent, then you are wasting your information upon ears that care nothing for it; if he dotes on her, by your officiousness is he made wretched. Besides, a faux pas, although discovered, is not so easily proved; she comes before him, protected by the prejudices of her judge. Should even he himself see it, still he himself will believe her as she denies it ; and he will condemn his own eyesight, and will impose upon himself. Let him but see the tears of his spouse, and he himself will weep, and he will say, “That blabbing fellow shall be punished.” How unequal the contest in which you embark! if conquered, stripes are ready for you; while she is reposing in the bosom of the judge. No crime do we meditate; we meet not for mixing poisons; my hand is not glittering with the drawn sword. We ask that through you we may be enabled to love in safety; what can there be more harmless than these our prayers? ELEGY III. HE again addresses Bagotis, who has proved obdurate to his request, and tries to effect his object by sympathising with his unhappy fate. ALAs that,” neither man nor woman, you are Watching your mistress, and that you cannot experience the mutual trans- * Tongue caused this,1–Wer. 44. According to one account, his pun- ishment was inflicted for revealing the secrets of the Gods. * Appointed by Juno.]—Ver, 45. This was Argus, whose fate is re- lated at the end of the First Book of the Metamorphoses. * Alas! that..]—Ver, 1. He is again addressing Bagois, and begins in a strain of sympathy, since his last letter has proved of no avail with the obdurate eunuch. H. rv.] OR, AMOURS. 3()7 ports of love! He who was the first to mutilate boys,” ought himself to have suffered those wounds which he made. You would be ready to accommodate, and obliging to those who entreat you, had your own passion been before inflamed by any fair. You were not born for managing the steed, nor are you skilful in valorous arms; for your right hand the warlike spear is not adapted. With these let males meddle; do you resign all manly aspirations; may the standard be borne” by you in the cause of your mistress. Overwhelm her with your favours; her gratitude may be of use to you. If you should miss that, what good fortune will there be for you ? She has both beauty, and her years are fitted for dalliance; her charms are not deserving to fade in listless neglect. Ever watchful though you are deemed, still she may deceive you; what two persons will, does not fail of accom- plishment. Still, as it is more convenient to try you with our entreaties, we do implore you, while you have still the op- portunity of conferring your favours to advantage.” ELEGY TW. HE confesses that he is an universal admirer of the fair sex. I wouTD not presume to defend my faulty morals, and to wield deceiving arms in behalf of my frailties. I confess them, if there is any use in confessing one’s errors ; and now, having confessed, I am foolishly proceeding to my own accusation. I hate this state ; mor, though I wish, can I be otherwise than what I hate. Alas! how hard it is to bear a lot which you wish to lay aside For strength and self-control fail me for ruling myself; just like a ship carried along the rapid tide, am I hurried away. There is no single style of beauty which inflames my pas- sion; there are a hundred causes for me always to be in love. * Mutilate boys.]—Ver. 3. According to most accounts, Semiramis was the first who put in practice this abominable custom. 29 Standard be borne.]—Wer. 10. He means, that he is bound, with his mistress to follow the standard of Cupid, and not of Mars. 30 Favours to advantage.]—Wer. 13. “Ponere’ here means, literally, “to put out at interest.’ He tells the eunuch that he has now the oppor- tunity of conferring obligations, which will bring him in a good interest by way of return. x 2 3:08 THE AMORES : [B. II. Is there any fair one that casts down her modest eyes? I am on fire; and that very modesty becomes an ambush against me. Is another one forward; then I am enchanted, because she is not coy; and her liveliness raises all my expectations. If another seems to be prudish, and to imitate the repulsive Sabine dames;* I think that she is kindly disposed, but that she conceals it in her stateliness.” Or if you are a learned fair, you please me, thus endowed with rare acquirements; or if ignorant, you are charming for your simplicity. Is there one who says that the lines of Callimachus are un- couth in comparison with mine; at once she, to whom I am so pleasing, pleases me. Is there even one who abuses both myself, the Poet, and my limes; I could wish to have her who so abuses me, upon my knee. Does this one walk leisurely, she enchants me with her gait; is another uncouth, still, she may become more gentle, on being more intimate with the other sex. Because this one sings so sweetly, and modulates her voice” with such extreme ease, I could wish to steal a kiss from her as she sings. Another is running through the complaining strings with active finger; who could not-fall in love with hands so skilled!... And now, one pleases by her gestures, and moves her arms to time,” and moves her graceful sides with languishing art in the dance; to say nothing about myself, * Sabine dames.]—Wer. 15. Juvenal, in his Tenth Satire, l. 293, men- tions the Sabine women as examples of prudence and chastity. * In her stateliness.] — Wer. 16. Burmann would have “ex alto' to mean ‘ex alto pectore,’ ‘from the depths of her breast.’ In such case the phrase will correspond with our expression, “to dissemble deeply,” “to be a deep dissembler.’ * Modulates her voice.] —Ver. 25. Perhaps ‘flectere vocem’ means what we technically call, in the musical art, ‘to quaver.’ * Her arms to time.]—Wer. 29. Dancing was, in general, discouraged among the Romans. That here referred to was probably the pantomimic dance, in which, while all parts of the body were called into action, the gestures of the arms and hands were especially used, whence the expressions ‘manus loquacissimi,” “digiti clamosi,’ ‘ expressive hands,’ or ‘fingers.’ T)uring the Republic, and the earlier periods of the Empire, women never appeared on the stage, but they frequently acted at the parties of the great. As it was deemed disgraceful for a free man to dance, the practice at Roms was probably confined to slaves, and the lowest class of the citizens. See the Fasti, Book iii. l. 536, and the Note to the passage, E. W.] OR, AMOURS. 3{}{} who am excited on every º put Hippolytus” there; he would become a Priapusº? You, because you are so tall, * .# ****** g equal the Heroines of old;" and, of large size, you can fill the entire couch as you lie." Another is active from her short- ness; by both I am enchanted; both tall and short suit my *:::::::: ſº ſº *642. * , º, - § taste. Is one unadorned ; it occurs what addition there might be if she was adorned. Is one decked out; she sets out her endowments to advantage." The blonde will charm me; the brunette* will charm me too; a Venus is pleasing, even of a swarthy colour. Does black hair fall upon a neck of snow; Leda was sightly, with her raven locks. Is the hair flaxen; with her saffron locks, Aurora was charming. To every tra- ditional story does my passion adapt itself. A youthful age charms me; an age more mature captivates me; the former is superior in the charms of person, the latter excels in spirit. In fine, whatever the fair any person approves of in all the City, to all these does my passion aspire. ELEGY W. HE addresses his mistress, whom he has detected acting falsely towards him. AWAY with thee, quivered Cupid : no passion is of a value so great, that it should so often be my extreme wish to die. It is my wish to die, as oft as I call to mind your guilt. Fair one, born, alas ! to be a never-ceasing cause of trouble ! It is notablets rubbed out” that discover your doings; no presents stealthily sent reveal your criminality. Oh! would that I might * Hippolytus.] —Ver, 32. Hippolytus was an example of chastity, while Priapus was the very ideal of lustfulness. - * * Heroines of old.] —Wer. 33. He supposes the women of the Heroic ages to have been of extremely tall stature. Andromache was remarkable for her height. * The brunette.]—Wer. 39. “Flava,’ when coupled with a female name, generally signifies “having the hair of a flaxen,’ or ‘golden colour'; . here, however, it seems to allude to the complexion, though it would be difficult to say what tint is meant. Perhaps an American would have no difficulty in translating it “a yellow girl.’ In the 43rd line, he makes reference to the hair of a “flaxen,’ or ‘golden colour.” * Tableſs rubbed out.]—Ver. 5. If “deletae' is the correct reading here, it must mean ‘no tablets from which in a hurry you have rubbed off the Writing.” “Non interceptae' has been suggested, and it would ^ertainly better suit the sense. “No intercepted tablets have, &c, 3.1Q TELE AMORES : [B. II. so accuse you, that, after all, I could not convict you ! Ab wretched me ! and why is my case so sure ? Happy the man who boldly dares to defend the object which he loves; to whom his mistress is able to say, “I have done nothing wrong.” Hard-hearted is he, and too much does he encourage his own grief, by whom a blood-stained victory is sought in the conviction of the accused. To my sorrow, in my sober moments, with the wine on table,” I myself was witness of your criminality, when you thought I was asleep. I saw you both uttering many an ex- pression by moving your eyebrows;” in your nods there was a considerable amount of language. Your eyes were not silent,” the table, too, traced over with wine;” nor was the lan- guage of the fingers wanting; I understood your discourse,” which treated of that which it did not appear to do; the words, too, preconcerted to stand for certain meanings. || And now, the tables removed, many a guest had gone away; a couple of youths only were there dead drunk. But then I saw you both giving wanton kisses; I am sure that there was billing enough on your part; such, in fact, as no sister gives to a brother of correct conduct, but rather such as some voluptuous mistress gives to the eager lover ; such as we may suppose that Phoebus did not give to Diana, but that Venus many a time gave to her own dear Mars. - “What are you doing?” I cried out; “whither ºre you taking those transports that belong to me? On what belongs to myself, I will lay the hand of a master." These delights must * The wine on table.]—Wer. 14. The wine was probably on this oc- casion placed on the table, after the “coena,’ or dinner, The Poet, his mistress, and his acquaintance, were, probably, reclining on their respective couches; he probably, pretended to fall asleep to watch, their conduct, which may have previously excited his suspicions, * Moving your eyebrows.]—Wer. 15. See the Note to the 19th line of the Fourth Elegy of the preceding Book, * Were not silent.]—Wer. 17. See the Note to the 20th line of the same Elegy. * Traced over with wine.]—Ver. 18. See the 22nd and 26th lines of the same Elegy. * Your discourse.]—Wer. 19. He seems to mean that they were pre- tending to be talking on a different subject from that about which they were really discoursing, but that he understood their hidden meaning. See a similar instance mentioned in the Epistle of Paris to Helen, 1. 241. * Hand of a master.]—Wer. 30. He asserts the same right over her favours, that the master (dominus) does over the services of the slave. g. W.] OR, AMOUR$. - 311 be in common with you and me, and with me and you; but why does any third person take a share in them 7” This did I say; and what, besides, sorrow prompted my ongue to say ; but the red blush of shame rose on her con- kiºs features; just as the sky, streaked by the wife of Titho- nus, is tinted with red, or the maiden when beheld by her new- made husband;” just as the roses are beauteous when mingled among their encircling lilies; or when the Moon is suffering from the enchantment of her steeds;” or the Assyrian ivory” which the Maeonian woman has stained,” that from length of *e it may not turn yellow. That complexion of hers was ex- mely like to these, or to some one of these ; and, as it hap- ned, she never was more beauteous than then. She looked to- rds the ground; to look upon the ground, added a charm; were her features, in her sorrow was she graceful. I had tempted to tear her locks just as they were, (and nicely *d they were) and to make an attack upon her tender ºn I looked on her face, my strong arms fell powerless; As of her own was my mistress defended. I, who the before had been so savage, now, as a suppliant and of accord, entreated that she would give me kisses not $o those given to my rival. She smiled, and with | she gave me her best kisses ; such as might have his three-forked bolts from Jove. To my misery I ormented, lest that other person received them in ſection; and I hope that those were not of this e husband.]—Ver. 36. Perhaps this refers to the moment jdal veil, or “flammeum,’ when she has entered her Ver, 38. When the moon appeared red, probably- ibosed that she was being subjected to the spells of Ver. 40. As Assyria adjoined India, the word by poetical licence, as really meaning ‘Indian.” ==Ver. 40. From this we learn that it was the tº ivory of a pink colour, that it might not iºta,’ here mentioned, is literally the º' or ‘cadi,” the ‘casks of the an- of the wine. Hence the word Éance, ‘sort,' or ‘quality.’ Gur 312 THE AMORES : |B, II, Those kisses, too, were far better than those which I taught her; and she seemed to have learned something new. That they were too delightful, is a bad sign; that so lovingly were your lips joined to mine, and mine to yours. And yet, it is ho at this alone that I am grieved ; I do not only complain that kisses were given; although I do complain as well that they were given; such could never have been taught but on a closer acquaintanceship. I know not who is the master that has received a remuneration so ample. ELEGY WI. HE laments the death of the parrot which he had given to Corinna. THE parrot, the imitative bird” sent from the Indians of t East, is dead; come in flocks to his obsequies, ye birds. Co. affectionate denizens of air, and beat your breasts with y wings; and with your hard claws disfigure your delicate feat Let your rough feathers be torn in place of your sorrº hair; instead of the long trumpet,” let your songs reso Why, Philomela, are you complaining of the cruelty of T the Ismarian tyrant? Surely, that grievance is worn ouſ length of years. Turn your attention to the sad en bird so prized. Itys is a great cause of sorrow, b word “brand’ has a similar meaning. The finer kinds of drawn off from the ‘dolia,’ or large vessels, in which they into the “amphorae,” which were made of earthenware or glas mouth of the vessel was stopped tight by a plug of wood or was made impervious to the atmosphere by being rubbed ove clay, or a composition of gypsum. On the outside, the title was painted, the date of the vintage being denoted º Consuls then in office : and when the vessels were of -called ‘pittacia,’ were suspended from them, stating For a full account of the ancient wines, see Dr. Greek and Roman Antiquities. 53 The imitative bird.]--Wer. 1. Statius, in his parrot “Humanae sollers imitator linguæ,’ ‘the cle voice.’ * The long trumpet.]—Ver. 6. We learn trumpeters at funerals were called “siticing procession, playing mournful strains 0 mentioned. These were probably in 3. whose number was limited to te the Sixth Book of the Fasti, l, 6 Page Missing in Original Volume Page Missing in Original Volume Page Missing in Original Volume Page Missing in Original Volume Page Missing in Original Volume Page Missing in Original Volume E. IX.] OR, AMOURS. 319 the image of cold death? The Fates will give abundance of time for taking rest. Only let the words of my deceiving mistress beguile me; in hoping, at least, great joys shall I experience. And sometimes let her use caresses; sometimes let her find fault; oft may I enjoy the favour of my mistress; often may I be repulsed. That Mars is one so dubious, is through thee, his step-son, Cupid ; and after thy example does thy step-father wield his arms. Thou art fickle, and much more wavering than thy own wings; and thou both dost give and refuse thy joys at thy uncertain caprice. Still if thou dost listen to me, as I en- treat thee, with thy beauteous mother; hold a sway never to be relinquished in my heart. May the damsels, a throng too flighty by far, be added to thy realms; then by two peoples wilt thou be revered. *=s=====st E}_EGY X. HE tells Græcinus how he is in love with two mistresses at the same time. \ Thou wastwont to tell me, Grecimus" (I remember well),’twas * thou, I am sure, that a person cannot be in love with two | females at the same time. Through thee have I been deceived; through thee have I been caught without my arms." Lo! to my shame, I am in love with two at the same moment. Beth ; of them are charming ;...both most attentive to their dress; | in-skill,’tis a matter-of-doubt, whether the one or the other is superior. That one is more beauteous than this ; this one, | too, is more beauteous than that; and this one pleases me the most, and that one the most...] The one passion and the other fluctuate, like the skiff,” impelled by the discordant * Graecinus.]—Wer. 1. He addresses three of his Pontic Epistles, namely, the Sixth of the First Book, the Sixth of the Second Book, and the Ninth of the Fourth Book, to his friend Graecinus. In the latter Epistle, he congratulates him upon his being Consul elect. * Without my arms.] —Ver. 3. ‘Inermis,” may be rendered, ‘off my uard.’ - - g 97 Like the skiff.]—Ver. 10. ‘Phaselos’ is perhaps here used as a general name for a boat or skiff; but the vessel which was particu- larly so called, was long and narrow, and probably received its name from its resemblance to a kidney-bean, which was called “phaselus.” The “phaseli’ were chiefly used by the Egyptians, and were of various * 320 - THE AMORES : [B. Ti, breezes, and keep me distracted. Why, Erycina, dost thou everlastingly double my pangs? Was not one damsel suſ. ficient for my anxiety / Why add leaves to the trees, why stars to the heavens filled with them : Why additional waters to the vast ocean 7 But still this is better, than if I were languishing without a flame; may a life of seriousness be the lot of my foes. May it be the lot of my foes to sleep in the couch of solitude, and to recline their limbs outstretched in the midst of the bed. But, for me, may cruel Love ever disturb my sluggish slumbers; and may I be not the solitary burden of my couch. May my mistress, with no one to hinder it, make me die with love, if one is enough to be able to do so; but if one is not enough, then two. Limbs that are thin,” but not without strength, may suffice; flesh it is, not sinew that my body is in want of. Delight, too, will give resources for vigour to my sides; through me has no fair eyer been deceived. Often, robust through the hours of delicious might, have I proved of stalwart body, even in the morn. Happy the man, who proves the delights of Love? Oh that the Gods would grant that to be the cause of my end Let the soldier arm his breast” that faces the opposing darts, and with his blood let him purchase eternal fame. Let the greedy man seek wealth; and with forsworn mouth, let the shipwrecked man drink of the seas which he has wearied with ploughing them. But may it be my lot to perish in the service of Love: and, when I die, may I depart in the midst of his battles;” and may some one say, when weeping at my funeral rites: “Such was a fitting death for his life.” sizes, from that of a mere boat to a vessel suited for a long voyage. Appian mentions them as being a medium between ships of war and mer- chant vessels. Being built for speed, they were more noted for their swiftness than for their strength. Juvenal, Sat. xv., l. 127, speaks of them as being made of clay; but, of course, that can only refer to ‘pha- seli’ of the smallest kind. * That are thin.]—Wer 23. The Poet was of slender figure. * Arm his breast.]—Ver. 31. He alludes to the ‘lorica,’ or cuirass, which was worn by the soldiers. & Of his battles.]—Wer. 36. He probably was thinking at this moment of the deaths of Cornelius Gallus, and T. Haterius, of the Equestrian order, whose singular end is mentioned by Valerius Maximus, B. ix c. 12, s. 8, and by Pliny the Elder, B. vii., c. 53. E. XI.] OR, AMOURS. 32I ELEGY XI. HE endeavours to dissuade Corinna from her voyage to Baiae. THE pine, cut on the heights of Pelion, was the first to teach the voyage full of danger, as the waves of the ocean won- dered : which, boldly amid the meeting rocks,” bore away the ram remarkable for his yellow fleece. Oh! would that, overwhelmed, the Argo had drunk of the fatal waves, so that no one might plough the wide main with the oar. Lo Corinna flies from both the well-known couch, and the Penates of her home, and prepares to go upon the deceitful paths of the ocean. Ah Wretched me! why, for you, must I dread the Zephyrs, and the Eastern gales, and the cold Boreas, and the warm wind of the South : There no cities will you admire, there no groves ; ever the same is the azure appearance of the perfidious main. The midst of the ocean has no tiny shells, or tinted pebbles;” that is the recreation" of the sandy shore. The shore alone, ye fair, should be pressed with your marble feet. Thus far is it safe ; the rest of that path is full of hazard. And let others tell you of the warfare of the winds: the waves which Scylla infests, or those which Charybdis haunts : from what rocky range the deadly Ceraunia projects: in what gulf the Syrtes, or in what Malea" lies concealed. Of these let others tell: but do you believe what each of them relates: no storm injures the person who credits them. After a length of time only is the land beheld once more, when, the cable loosened, the curving ship runs out upon the boundless main : where the anxious sailor dreads the stormy winds, and sees death as near him, as he sees the waves. What if Triton arouses the agitated waves 7 How parts the colour, then, from all your face | Then you may invoke the gracious * The meeting rocks.]—Wer. 3. See the 121st line of the Epistie of Medea to Jason, and the Note to the passage. * Tinted pebbles.]—Wer. 13. The ‘picti lapilli' are probably carnelians, . which are found on the sea shore, and are of various tints. * The recreation.]—Ver. 14. “Mora,” “delay,” is put here for that which causes the delay. “That is a pleasure which belongs to the shore.’ 7 In what Malea.]—Ver. 20. Propertius and Virgil also couple Ma- 'lea, the dangerous promontory on the South of Laconia, with the Syrtes Sr quicksands of the Libyan coast. Tº 322 THE AMORES : [B. II. stars of the fruitful Leda :" and may say, “Happy she, wholu her own dry land receives! 'Tis far more safe to lie snug in the couch," to read amusing books,” and to sound with one’s fingers the Thracian lyre.” } But if the headlong gales bear away my unavailing words, still may Galatea be propitious to your ship. The loss of such a damsel, both ye Goddesses, daughters of Nereus, and thou, father of the Nereids, would be a reproach to you. Go, mindful of me, on your way, soon to return with favouring breezes: may that, a stronger gale, fill your sails. Then may the mighty Nereus roll the ocean towards this shore: in this direction may the breezes blow : hither may the tide impel the waves. Do you yourself entreat, that the Zephyrs may come full upon your canvass: do you let out the swelling sails with your own hand. I shall be the first, from the shore, to see the well-known ship, and I shall exclaim, “’Tis she that carries my Divinities:* and I will receive you in my arms, and willravish, indiscrimi- mately, many a kiss; the victim, promised for your return, shall fall; the soft sand shall be heaped, too, in the form of a couch ; and some sand-heap shall be as a table” for us. There, with wine placed before us, you shall tell many a story, how your bark was nearly overwhelmed in the midst of the waves; and how, while you were hastening to me, you dreaded neither the hours of the dangerous might, nor yet the stormy * Stars of the fruitful Leda.]—Wer. 29. Commentators are divided upon the exact meaning of this line. Some think that it refers to the Constellations of Castor and Pollux, which were considered to be favour- able to mariners; and which Horace mentions in the first line of his Third Ode, B. i., ‘Sic fratres Helenae, lucida sidera,’ ‘The brothers of Helen, those brilliant stars.” Others think that it refers to the luminous appearances which were seen to settle on the masts of ships, and were called by the name of Castor and Pollux; they were thought to be of good omen when both appeared, but unlucky when seen singly. * In the couch..]—Wer. 31. ‘Torus' most probably means in this place a sofa, on which the ladies would recline while reading. * Amusing books.]—Wer. 31. By using the diminutive ‘ libellus’ here, he probably means some light work, such as a bit of court scandal, or a love poem. * * My Divinities.]—Wer. 44. See the Second Epistle, 1, 126, and the Note to the passage. s 18 As a table.]—Wer. 48. This denotes his impatience to entertain her once again, and to hear the narrative of her adventures E. XII. OR, AMOURS. 323 Southern gales. Though they be fictions," yet all will I be- lieve as truth ; why should I not myself encourage what is my own wish 7 May Lucifer, the most brilliant in the lofty skies, speedily bring me that day, spurring on his steed. ELEGY XII. HE rejoices in the possession of his mistress, having triumphed over every obstacle. COME, triumphant laurels, around my temples; I am victo- rious: lo! in my bosom Corinna is ; she, whom her husband, whom a keeper, whom a door so strong, (so many foes () were watching,” that she might by no stratageñºbé taken. This victory is deserving of an especial triumph : in which the prize, such as it is, is gained without bloodshed. Not lowly walls, not towns surrounded with diminutive trenches, but a fair damsel has been taken by my contrivance. When Pergamus fell, conquered in a war of twice five years:” out of so many, how great was the share of renown for the son of Atreus ' But my glory is undivided, and shared in by no soldier: and no other has the credit of the exploit. Myself the general, myself the troops, I have at- tained this end of my desires: I, myself, have been the cavalry, I the infantry, I, the standard-bearer too. Fortune, too, has mingled no hazard with my feats. Come hither, then, thou Triumph, gained by exertions entirely my own. And the cause" of my warfare is no new one ; had not the daughter of Tyndarus been carried off, there would have been peace between Europe and Asia. A female disgrace- fully set the wild Lapithae and the two-formed race in arms, when the wine circulated. A female again," good Latinus, * Though they be fictions.]—Wer. 53. He gives a sly hit here at the tales of travellers. 15 Twice five years.]—Wer. 9. On the ‘lustrum' of the Romans, see the Fasti, Book iii. l. 166, and the Tristia, Book iv. El. 10. * And the cause.]—Ver, 17. This passage is evidently misunderstood in Nisard’s translation, “Je ne serai pas non plus la caus d’une nouvelle guerre,’ ‘I will never more be the cause of a new war.’ 17 A female again.]—Wer. 22. He alludes to the war in Latium, between AEneas and Turnus, for the hand of Lavinia, the daughter of Latinus and Amata. See the marrative in the Fourteenth Book of the Metamorphoses, Y 2 324 THE AMORES ; [B. II. forced the Trojans to engage in ruthless warfare, in thy realms. 'Twas the females,” when even now the City was but new, that sent against the Romans their fathers-in-law, and gave them cruel arms. I have beheld the bulls fighting for a snow- white mate: the heifer, herself the spectator, afforded fresh courage. Me, too, with many others, but still without blood- shed, has Cupid ordered to bear the standard in his service. ELEGY XIII. HE entreats the aid of Isis and Lucina in behalf of Corinna, in her labour. - WHILE Corinna, in her imprudence, is trying to disengage the burden of her pregnant womb, exhausted, she lies pros- trate in danger of her life. She, in truth, who incurred so great a risk unknown to me, is worthy of my wrath; but anger falls before apprehension. But yet, by me it was that she conceived; or so I think. That is often as a fact to me, which is possible. Isis, thou who dost” inhabit Paraetonium,” and the genial fields of Canopus,” and Memphis,” and palm-bearing Pharos,” 31 'Twas the females.]—Wer. 23. The rape of the Sabines, by the contrivance of Romulus, is here alluded to. The narrative will be found in the Third Book of the Fasti, l, 203, et seq. It has been suggested, but apparently without any good grounds, that Tarpeia is here alluded to. * Thou who dost.]—Wer. 7. Io was said to be worshipped under the name of Isis. ' * Paraetonium.]—Ver. 7. This city was situate at the Canopic mouth of the Nile, at the Western extremity of Egypt, adjoining to Libya. Ac- cording to Strabo, its former name was Ammonia. It still preserves its ancient name in a great degree, as it is called al-Barétoun. * Fields of Canopus.]—Wer. 7. Canopus was a city at one of the mouths of the Nile, now called Aboukir. The epithet “genialis,’ seems to have been well deserved, as it was famous for its voluptuousness. Strabo tells us that there was a temple there dedicated to Serapis, to which multitudes resorted by the canal from Alexandria. He says that the canal was filled, might and day, with men and women dancing and play- ing music on board the vessels, with the greatest licentiousness. The place was situate on an island of the Nile, and was about fifteen miles distant from Alexandria. Ovid gives a similar description of Alexandria, In the Tristia, Book i. El. ii. l. 79. See the Note to the passage. * Memphis.]—Wer. 8. Memphis was a city situate on the North of Egypt, on the banks of the Nile. It was said to have been built by Osiris. * Pharos.]—Wer. 8. See the Metamorphoses, Book ix. l. 772, and Book xv. 1. 287, with the Notes to the passages. | F. XIII.] OR, AMOURS. 325 and where the rapid Nile, discharged from its vast bed, rushes through its seven channels into the ocean waves; by thy ‘sistra” do I entreat thee; by the faces, too, of revered Anubis;” and then may the benignant Osiris" ever love thy rites, and may the sluggish serpent” ever wreath around thy altars, and may the horned Apis" walk in the procession as thy attendant; turn hither thy features,” and in one have mercy upon two ; for to my mistress wilt thou be giving life, she to me. Full many a time in thy honour has she sat on thy appointed days,” on which” the throng of the Galli” wreathe themselves with thy laurels.” ** By thy sistra.]—Wer. 11. For an account of the mystic ‘sistra' of Isis, see the Pontic Epistles, Book i. El. i. 1. 38, and the Note. * Anubis.]—Wer. 11. For an account of Anubis, the Deity with the dogs head, see the Metamorphoses, Book ix. l. 689, and the Note. * Osiris.]—Wer. 12. See the Metamorphoses, Book ix. l. 692, and the Note to the passage. * The sluggish serpent.]—Wer. 13. Macrobius tells us, that the Egyp- tians accompanied the statue of Serapis with that of an animal with three heads, the middle one that of a lion, the one to the right, of a dog, and that to the left, of a ravenous wolf; and that a serpent was represented encircling it in its folds, with its head below the right hand of the statue of the Delty. To this the Poet possibly alludes, or else to the asp, which was common in the North of Egypt, and perhaps, was looked upon as sacred. If so, it is probable that the word “pigra,” “sluggish,” refers to the drowsy effect produced by the sting of the asp, which was generally mortal. This, indeed, seems the more likely, from the fact of the asp being clearly referred to, in company with these Deities, in the Ninth Book of the Metamorphoses, 1.93; which see, with the Note to the §§S3.96, p 32 %, Horned Apis.]—Wer. 14. See the Ninth Book of the Metamor- phoses, 1.691, and the Note to the passage. - 83 Thy features.]—Wer. 15, Isis is here addressed, as being supposed to be the same Deity as Diana Lucina, who was invoked by pregnant and parturient women. Thus Isis appears to Telethusa, a Cretan woman, in her pregnancy, in the Ninth Book of the Metamorphoses, l. 665, et seq. & Thy appointed days.]—Ver. 17. Votaries who were worshipping in the temples of the Deities sat there for a considerable time, especially when they attended for the purpose of sacrifice. . In the First Book of the Pontic Epistles, Ep. i. 1.50, Ovid says, “I have beheld one who confessed that he had offended the Divinity of Isis, clothed in linen, sitting before he altars of Isis.’ 85 On which..]—Wer. 18. ‘Queis’ seems a preferable reading to “qua.” 36 The Galli.j—Ver, 18. Some suppose that Isis and Cybele were the same Divinity, and that the Galli, or priests of Cybele, attended the rites of their Goddess under the name of Isis. It seems clear, from thq 326 THE AMORES ; [B. II. Thou, too, who dost have compassion on the females who are in labour, whose latent burden distends their bodies slowly moving; come, propitious ſlithyia,” and listen to my prayers. She is worthy for thee to command to become indebted to thee. I, myself, in white array, will offer frankincense at thy smoking altars; I, myself, will offer before thy feet the gifts that I have vowed. I will add this inscription too; “Naso, for the preservation of Corinna, offers these.” But if, amid appre- hensions so great, I may be allowed to give you advice, let it suffice for you, Corinna, to have struggled in this one combat. ELEGY XIV. He reproaches his mistress for having attempted to procure abortion. OF what use is it for damsels to live at ease, exempt from war, and not with their bucklers,” to have any inclination to follow the bloodstained troops; if, without warfare, they endure wounds from weapons of their own, and arm their imprudent hands for their own destruction ? She who was the first to teach how to destroy the tender embryo, was deserving to perish by those arms of her own. That the stomach, for- sooth, may be without the reproach of wrinkles, the sand must” be lamentably strewed for this struggle of yours. If the same custom had pleased the matrons of old, through such criminality mankind would have perished; and he present passage, that the priests of Cybele, who were called Galli, did per- form the rites of Isis, but there is abundant proof that these were con- sidered as distinct Deities. In imitation of the Corybantes, the original priests of Cybele, they performed her rites to the sound of pipes and *ambourines, and ran to and fro in a frenzied manner. - 87 With thy laurels.]—Wer. 18. See the Note to the 692nd line of the Ninth Book of the Metamorphoses. While celebrating the search for the limbs of Osiris, the priests uttered lamentations, accompanied with the sound of the ‘sistra’; but when they had found the body, they wore wreaths of laurel, and uttered cries, signifying their joy. * Ilithyia.]—Wer. 21. As to the Goddess Ilithyia, see the Ninth Bouk of the Metamorphoses, l. 283, and the Note to the passage. * With their bucklers.] —Wer. 2. Armed with ‘peltae,” or bucklers, like the Amazons. * The sand must.]—Wer. 8. This figure is derived from the gladia- torial fights of the amphitheatre, where the spot on which they fought was strewed with sand, both for the purpose of giving a firm footing to the gladiators, and of soaking up the blood that was shed. E. xIV.] OR, AMOURS. 327 would be required, who should again throw stones" on the empty earth, for the second time the original of our kind. Who would have destroyed the resources of Priam, if Thetis, the Goddess of the waves, had refused to bear Achilles, her due burden? If Ilia had destroyed” the twins in her swelling womb, the founder of the all-ruling City would have perished. If Venus had laid violent hands on AEneas in her pregnant womb, the earth would have been destitute of its Caesars. You, too, beauteous one, might have died at the moment you might have been born, if your mother had tried the same ex- periment which you have done. I, myself, though destined as I am, to die a more pleasing death by love, should have beheld no days, had my mother slain me. Why do you deprive the loaded vine of its growing grapes? And why pluck the sour apples with relentless hand 7 When ripe, let them fall of their own accord; once put forth, let them grow. Life is no slight reward for a little waiting. Why pierce” your own entrails, by applying instruments, and why give dreadful poisons to the yet unborn ? People blame the Colchian damsel, stained with the blood of her sons; and they grieve for Itys, slaughtered by his own mo- ther. Each mother was cruel; but each, for sad reasons, took vengeance on her husband, by shedding their common blood. Tell me what Tereus, or what Jason excites you to pierce your body with an anxious hand? This neither the tigers do in their Armenian dens,” nor does the lioness dare to destroy an offspring of her own. But delicate females do this, not, however, with impunity; many a time” does she die herself, who kills her offspring in the womb, She dies herself, and, with her loosened hair, is borne upon the bier; and those whoever only catch a sight of her, 4. Again throw stones.]—Wer. 12. He alludes to Deucalion and Pyr- rha. See the First Book of the Metamorphoses. * Ilia had destroyed.] — Wer. 16. Romulus was her son. See her story, related at the beginning of the Third Book of the Fasti. 43 Why pierce.] — Wer. 27. He alludes to the sharp instruments which she had used for the purpose of procuring abortion: a practice which Canace tells Macareus that her nurse had resorted to. Epistle xi. l. 40—43. * Armenian dens.]—Ver, 35. See the Metamorphoses, Book viii. l. 126, and the Note to the passage. - * Many a time.]—Ver. 38. He seems here to speak of this practice as being frequently resorted to. - 328 THE AMORES ; [B. II. cry “She deserved it.” Butlet these words wanish in the air of the heavens, and may there be no weight in these presages of mime. Ye forgiving Deities, allow her this once to do Wrong with safety to herself; that is enough; let a second transgression bring its own punishment. ELEGY XW. HE addresses a ring which he has presented to his mistress, and envies its happy lot. O RING,” about to encircle the finger of the beauteous fair, in which there is nothing of value but the affection of the giver; go as a pleasing gift ; and receiving you with joyous feelings, may she at once place you upon her finger. May you serve her as well as she is constant to me; and nicely fitting, may you embrace her finger in your easy circle. Happy ring, by my mistress will you be handled. To my sorrow, I am now envying my own presents. 0 ! that I could suddenly be changed into my own present, by the arts of her of Æaea, or of the Carpathian old man lº Then could I wish you to touch the bosom of my mistress, and for her to place her left hand within her dress. Though light and fitting well, I would escape from her finger ; and loosened by some wondrous contrivance, into her bosom would I fall. I too, as well, that I might be able to seal.” her secret tablets, and that the seal, neither sticky nor dry, might not drag the wax, should first have to touch the lips" of the charming fair. Only I would not seal a note, the cause of grief to myself. Should I be given, to be put away 46 She deserved it.]—Wer. 40. From this, it would seem that the prac- tice was considered censurable ; but, perhaps it was one of those cases whose heinousness is never fully discovered till it has brought about its own punishment. - * O ring.]—Wer. 1. On the rings in use among the ancients, see the note to the First Book of the Amores, El. iv., 1, 26. See also the subject . of the seventh Elegy of the First Book of the Tristia. 48 Carpathian old man.]—Wer. 10. For some account of Proteus, who is here referred to, see the First Book of the Fasti, l. 363, and the Note. * Be able to seal]—Wer. 15. From this, it appears to have been a signet ring. º 50 Touch the lips.]—Ver, 17. See the Tristia, Book v., El. iv. l 5, and the Note to the passage. E. xv.] OB, AMOURS. 329 in her desk,” I would refuse to depart, sticking fast to your fingers with my contracted circle. To you, my life, I would never be a cause of disgrace, or a burden which your delicate fingers would refuse to carry. Wear me, when you are bathing your limbs in the tepid stream; and put up with the inconvenience of the water getting beneath the stone. But, I doubt, that on seeing you naked, my passion would be aroused; and that, a ring, I should enact the part of the lover. But why wish for impos- sibilities? Go, my little gift; let her understand that my con- stancy is proffered with you. ELEGY XVI. HE enlarges on the beauties of his native place, where he is now stay- ing; but, notwithstanding the delights of the country, he says that he cannot feel happy in the absence of his mistress, whom he invites to visit him. SULMo," the third part of the Pelignian land," now receives me; a little spot, but salubrious with its flowing streams. Though the Sun should cleave the earth with his approaching rays, and though the oppressive Constellation” of the Dog of Icarus should shine, the Pelignian fields are traversed by flowing streams, and the shooting grass is verdant on the soft ground. The earth is fertile in corn, and much more fruitful in the grape; the thin soil" produces, too, the olive, that bears its berries.” The rivers also trickling amid the shooting blades, the grassy turfs cover the moistened ground. * In her desk.]—Wer. 19. ‘Loculi' used in the plural, as in the pre- sent instance, signified a receptacle with compartments, similar, perhaps, to our writing desks; a small box, coffer, casket, or cabinet of wood or ivory, for keeping money or jewels. 60 Sulmo..]—Wer. 1. See the Note to the first line of the First Elegy of this Book. 61 Pelignian land.]—Wer. 1. From Pliny the Elder, we learn that the Peligni were divided into three tribes, the Corfinienses, the Superequani, and the Sulmonenses. * Constellation.]—Wer. 4. He alludes to the heat attending the Dog star, see the Fasti, Book iv., 1.939, and the Note to the passage * The thin soil.]—Wer. 8. “Rarus ager’ means, a ‘thin’ or “loose' soil, which was well suited for the cultivation of the grape. * That bears its berries.]—Wer. 8. In Nisard’s translation, the words ‘bacciferam Pallada,’ which mean the olive, are rendered “L’amande chere 3. Pallas,’ ‘the almond dear to Pallas.” 330 THE AMORES : [B, II, But my flame is far away. In one word, I am mistaken ; she who excites my flame is far off; my flame is here. I would not choose, could I be placed between Pollux and Castor, to be in a portion of the heavens without yourself. Let them lie with their anxious cares, and let them be pressed with the heavy weight of the earth, who have measured out the earth into lengthened tracks." Or else they should have bid the fair to go as the companions of the youths, if the earth must be measured out into lengthened tracks. Then, had I, shivering, had to pace the stormy Alps," the journey would have been pleasant, so that I had been with my love. With my love, I could venture to rush through the Libyan quicksands, and to spread my sails to be borne along by the fitful Southern gales. Then, I would not dread the mon- sters which bark beneath the thigh of the virgin Scylla ; nor winding Malea, thy bays; nor where Charybdis, sated with ships swallowed up, disgorges them, and sucks up again the water which she has discharged. And if the sway of the winds prevails, and the waves bear away the Deities about to come to our aid ; do you throw your snow-white arms around my shoulders; with active body will I support the beauteous burden. The youth who visited Hero, had often swam across the waves; them, too, would he have crossed them, but the way was dark. But without you, although the fields affording employment with their vines detain me; although the meadows be over- flowed by the streams, and though the husbandman invite the obedient stream" into channels, and the cool air refresh the foliage of the trees, I should not seem to be among the healthy Pelignians; I should not seem to be in the place of my birth—my paternal fields; but in Scythia, and among the fierce Cilicians,” and the Britons painted green,” and the rocks which are red with the gore of Prometheus. * * Lengthened tracks.] — Wer. 16. To the Delphin Editor this seems a silly expression. * 66 The stormy Alps.] — Wer. 19. See the Metamorphoses, Book ii. 1. 226, and the Note to the passage. "7 The obedient stream.]—Wer. 35. This was a method of irrigation in agriculture, much resorted to by the ancients. 68 Fierce Cilicians.]—Ver. 39. The people of the interior of Cilicia, in Asia Minor, were of rude and savage manners; while those on the coast E. XVI.] OR, AMOURS. 33 I The elm loves the vine,” the vine forsakes not the elm : why am I so often torn away from my love 7 But you used to swear, both by myself, and by your eyes, my stars, that you would ever be my companion. The winds and the waves carry away, whither they choose, the empty words of the fair, more worth- iess than the falling leaves. Still, if there is any affectionate regard in you for me thus deserted: now commence to add deeds to your promises: and forthwith do you, as the mags” whirl your little chaise” along, shake the reins over their manes at full speed. But you, rugged hills, subside, wherever she shall come; and you paths in the winding Wales, be smooth. ELEGY XVII. He says that he is the slave of Corinna, and complains of the tyranny which she exercises over him. IF there shall be any one who thinks it inglorious to serve a damsel: in his opinion I shall be convicted of such baseness. Let me be disgraced ; if only she, who possesses Paphos, had been engaged in piracy, until it had been effectually suppressed by Pompey. 69 Britons painted green.]—Ver. 39. The Britons may be called ‘viri- des,’ from their island being surrounded by the sea; or, more probably, from the colour with which they were in the habit of staining their bodies. Caesar says, in the Fifth Book of the Gallic war, “The Britons stain them- selves with woad, ‘vitrum,” or “glastum,’ which produces a blue colour: and thus they become of a more dreadful appearance in battle.’ The con- quest of Britain, by Caesar, is alluded to in the Fifteenth Book of the Metamorphoses, l. 752. Tº Loves the vine.]—Wer. 41. The custom of training wines by the side of the elm, has been alluded to in a previous Note. See also the Metamorphoses, Book xiv. l. 663, and the Note to the passage. 7% As the nags.] —Ver, 49. The ‘manni' were used by the Romans for much the same purpose as our coach-horses; and were probably more noted for their fleetness than their strength: They were a small breed, originally imported from Gaul, and the possession of them was supposed to indicate the possession of considerable wealth. As the ‘esseda’ was a small vehicle, and probably of light structure, we must not be surprised at Corinna being in the habit of driving for herself. The distance from Rome to Sulmo was about ninety miles: and the journey, from his ex- pressions in the fifty-first and fifty-second lines, must have been over hill and dale. - - 78 Your little chaise.] — Wer. 49. For an account of the ‘essedum,” or ‘esseda,” see the Pontic Epistles, Book ii. Ep. 10, l. 34, and the Note to the passage. 332 THE AMORES ; [E. Yia and Cythera, beaten by the waves, torments me with less violence. And would that I had been the prize, too, of some indulgent mistress; since I was destined to be the prize of some fair. Beauty begets pride; through her charms Co- rinna is disdainful. Ah wretched me ! why is she so well known to herself? Pride, forsooth, is caught from the re- flection of the mirror: and there she sees not herself, unless she is first adorned. - If your beauty gives you a sway not too great over all things, face born to fascinate my eyes, still, you ought not, on that account, to despise me comparatively with yourself. That which is inferior must be united with what is great. The Nymph Calypso, seized with passion for a mortal, is believed to have detained the hero against his will. It is believed that the ocean-daughter of Nereus was united to the king of Phthia,” and that Egeria was to the just Numa: that Wenus was to Vulcan : although, his anvil” left, he limped with a dis- torted foot. This same kind of verse is unequal; but still the heroic is becomingly united" with the shorter measure. You, too, my life, receive me upon any terms. May it become you to impose conditions in the midst of your caresses, I will be no disgrace to you, nor one for you to rejoice at my removal. This affection will not be one to be disavowed by you." May my cheerful lines be to you in place of great wealth : even many a fair wishes to gain fame through me. I know of one who publishes it that she is Corinna.” What would she not be ready to give to be so 7 But neither do the cool Eurotas, and the poplar-bearing Padus, far asunder, roll along the same banks; nor shall any one but yourself be * King of Phthia.—Wer. 17.] He alludes to the marriage of Thetis, the sea Goddess, to Peleus, the king of Phthia, in Thessaly. * His anvil.]—Wer. 19. It is a somewhat curious fact, that the anvils of the ancients exactly resembled in form and every particular those used at the present day. 7" Becomingly united.]—Wer. 22. He says, that in the Elegiac measure the Pentameter, or line of five feet, is not unhappily matched with the Hexameter, or heroic line of six feet. 77 Disavowed by you.] — Wer. 26. “Wobis' seems more agreable to the sense of the passage, than ‘nobis.’ ‘to be denied by us;’ as, from the context, there was no fear of his declining her affection. 7* That she is Corinna.]—Wer. 29. This clearly proves that Corinna was not a real name; it probably was not given by the Poet to any one of his female acquaintances in particular. % * E. xv.1II.] - OR, AMOURS. 333 celebrated in my poems. You, alone, shall afford subject- matter for my genius. - tººk ELEGY XVIII. HE tells Macer that he ought to write on Love. WHILE thou art tracing thy poem onwards” to the wrath of Achilles, and art giving their first arms to the heroes, after taking the oaths; I, Macer,” am reposing in the shade of Venus, unused to toil; and tender Love attacks me, when about . to attempt a mighty subject. Many a time have I said to my mistress, “At length, away with you:” and forthwith she has seated herself in my lap. Many a time have I said, “I am ashamed of myself:” when, with difficulty, her tears repressed, she has said, “Ah wretched me! Now you are ashamed to love.” And then she has thrown her arms around my neck: and has given me a thousand kisses, which quite overpowered me. I am overcome: and my genius is called away from the arms it has assumed; and I forthwith sing the exploits of my home, and my own warfare. Still did I wield the sceptre; and by my care my Tragedy grew apace;” and for this pursuit I was well prepared. Love smiled both at my tragic pall, and my coloured buskins, and 79 Thy poem onwards.]—Wer. 1. Macer translated the Iliad of Homer into Latin verse, and composed an additional poem, commencing at the beginning of the Trojan war, and coming down to the wrath of Achilles, with which Homer begins. 80 I, Macer.]—Wer. 3. AEmilius Macer is often mentioned by Ovid in his works. In the Tristia, Book iv. Ep. 10, 1.44, he says, “Macer, when stricken in years, many a time repeated to me his poem on birds, and each serpent that is deadly, each herb that is curative.’ The Tenth Epistle of the Second Book of Pontic Epistles is also addressed to him, in which Ovid alludes to his work on the Trojan war, and the time when they visited Asia Minor and Sicily together. He speaks of him in the Sixteenth Epistle of the Fourth Book, as being then dead. Macer was a mative of Verona, and was the intimate friend of Virgil, Ovid, and Tibullus. Some suppose that the poet who wrote on natural history, was not the same with him who wrote on the Trojan war; and, indeed, it does not seem likely, that he who was an old man in the youth of Ovid, should be the same person to whom he writes from Pontus, when about fifty-six years of age. The bard of Ilium died in Asia. ** Tragedy grew apace.]—Ver, 13. He alludes to his tragedy of Medea, which no longer exists. Quintilian thus speaks of it: ‘The Medea of Ovid seems to me to prove how much he was capable of, if he had only preferred to curb his genius, rather than indulge it.’ 334 THE AMORES, [B. II. the sceptre wielded so well by a private hand. . From this pursuit, too, did the influence of my cruel mistress draw me away, and Love triumphed over the Poet with his buskins. As I am allowed to do, either I teach the art of tender love, (alas! by my own precepts am I myself tormented:) or I write what was delivered to Ulysses in the words of Pene- lope, or thy tears, deserted Phyllis. What, too, Paris and Macareus, and the ungrateful Jason, and the parent of Hip- polytus, and Hippolytus himself read: and what the wretched Dido says, brandishing the drawn sword, and what the Lesbian mistress of the Æolian lyre. How swiftly did my friend, Sabinus, return” from all quar- ters of the world, and bring back letters” from different spots! The fair Penelope recognized the seal of Ulysses: the step- mother read what was written by her own Hippolytus. Then did the dutiful AFneas write an answer to the afflicted Elissa ; and Phyllis, if she only survives, has something to read. The sad letter came to Hypsipyle from Jason : the Lesbian damsel, beloved by Apollo, may give the lyre that she has vowed to Phoebus.* Nor, Macer, so far as it is safe for a poet who sings of wars, is beauteous Love unsung of by thee, in the midst of warfare. Both Paris is there, and the adultress, the far-famed cause of guilt ; and Laodamia, who attends her husband in death. If well I know thee; thou singest not of wars with greater pleasure than these ; and from thy own camp thou comest back to mine, * * Sabanus return.]—Wer. 27. He represents his friend, Sabinus, here in the character of a ‘tabellarius,” or “letter carrier,’ going with extreme speed (celer) to the various parts of the earth, and bringing back the answers of Ulysses to Penelope, Hippolytus to Phaedra, AFneas to Dido, Demophoön to Phyllis, Jason to Hypsipyle, and Phaon to Sappho. All these works of Sabinus have perished, except the Epistle of Ulysses to Penelope, and Demophoön to Phyllis. His Epistle from Paris to (Enone, is not here mentioned. See the Pontic Epistles, Book iv. Ep. xvi. l. 13, and the Note to the passage. 88 Bring back letters.]—Wer. 28. As the ancients had no establish- ment corresponding to our posts, they employed special messengers called * tabellarii,' for the conveyance of their letters. * Wowed to Phoebus.]—Wer, 34. Sappho says in her Epistle, that if Phaon should refuse to return, she will dedicate her lyre to Phoebus, and throw herself from the Leucadian rock. This, he tells her, she may now do, as by his answer Phaon declines to return. 2. XIX.] OR, AMOUBS. - 335 ELEGY XIX. He tells a husband who does not care for his wife to watch her a little more carefully. IF, fool, thou dost not need the fair to be well watched; still have her watched for my sake : that I may be pleased with . her the more. What one may have is worthless; what one may not have, gives the more edge to the desires. If a man falls in love with that which another permits him to love, he is a man without feeling. Let us that love, both hope and fear in equal degree; and let an occasional repulse make room for our desires. * Why should I think of Fortune, should she never care to deceive me ! I value nothing that does not sometimes cause me pain. The clever Corinna saw this failing in me; and she cunningly found out the means by which I might be enthralled. Oh, how many a time, feigning a pain in her head” that was quite well, has she ordered me, as I lingered with tardy foot, to take my departure | Oh, how many a time has she feigned a fault, and guilty herself, has made there to be an appearance of innocence, just as she pleased When thus she had tormented me and had rekindled the lan- guid flame, again was she kind and obliging to my wishes. What caresses, what delightful words did she have ready for me! What kisses, ye great Gods, and how many, used she to give me ! You, too, who have so lately ravished my eyes, often stand in dread of treachery, often, when entreated, refuse ; and let me, lying prostrate on the threshold before your door-posts, endure the prolonged cold throughout the frosty might. Thus is my love made lasting, and it grows up in lengthened experi- ence; this is for my advantage, this forms food for my affec- . tion. A surfeit of love,” and facilities too great, become a cause of weariness to me, just as sweet food cloys the appetite. If the brazen tower had never enclosed Danaë,” Danaë had never been made a mother by Jove. While Juno is watching ** Pain ºn her head.]—Wer. 11. She pretended a head-ache, when nothing was the matter with her; in order that too much familiarity, in the end, might not breed contempt. * A surfeit of love.]—Wer. 25. ‘Pinguis amor” seems here to mean a safisfied' or a ‘pampered passion;' one that meets with no repulse. *" Enclosed Danaë.]—Ver. 27. See the Metamorphoses, Book iv., 1,608. sºrºrestrºsar. strº * ń. 336 THE AMORES ; [B. II, Io with her curving horns, she becomes still more pleasing to Jove than she has been before, - Whoever desires what he may have, and what is easily ob- tained, let him pluck leaves from the trees, and take water from the ample stream. If any damsel wishes long to hold her sway, let her play with her lover. Alas! that I, myself, am tormented through my own advice. Let constant indul- gence be the lot of whom it may, it does injury to me: that which pursues, from it I fly; that which flies, I ever pursue. But do thou, too sure of the beauteous fair, begin now at nightfall to close thy house. Begin to enquire who it is that so often stealthily paces thy threshold? Why, too, the dogs bark* in the silent night. Whither the careful handmaid is carrying, or whence bringing back, the tablets : Why so oft she iies in her couch apart 7 Let this anxiety sometimes gnaw into thy very marrow ; and give some scope and some oppor- tunity for my stratagems. If one could fall in love with the wife of a fool, that man could rob the barren sea-shore of its sand. And now I give thee notice; unless thou begin to watch this fair, she shall begin to cease to be a flame of mine. I have put up with much, and that for a long time; I have often hoped that it would come to pass, that I should adroitly deceive thee, when thou hadst watched her well. Thou art careless, and dost endure what should be endured by no husband; but an end there shall be of an amour that is allowed to me. And shall I then, to my sorrow, forsooth, never be forbidden admission ? Will it ever be night for me, with no one for an avenger ? Am I to dread nothing? Shall I heave no sighs in my sleep ' What have I to do with one so easy, what with such a pander of a husband 7 By thy own faultiness thou dost map my joys. Why, them, dost thou not choose some one else, for so great long-suffering to please? If it pleases thee for me to be thy rival, forbid me to be so. * The dogs bark.]—Ver. 40. The women of loose character, among the Romans, were much in the habit of keeping dogs, for the protection of their houses. BOOK THE THIRD. ELEGY I. THE Poet deliberates whether he shall continue to write Elegies, of whether he shall turn to Tragedy, - THERE stands an ancient grove, and one uncut for many a year; ’tis worthy of belief that a Deity inhabits that spot. In the midst there is a holy spring, and a grotto arched with pumice ; and on every side the birds pour forth their sweet complaints. Here, as I was walking, protected by the shade of the trees, I was considering upon what work my Muse should commence. Elegy came up, having her perfumed hair wreathed; and, if I mistake not, one of her feet was longer than the other." Her figure was beauteous; her robe of the humblest texture, her garb that of one in love; the fault of her foot was one cause of her gracefulness. Ruthless Tragedy, too, came with her mighty stride; on her scowling brow were her locks; her pall swept the ground. Her left hand held aloft the royal sceptre; the Lydian bus- kin” was the high sandal for her feet. And first she spoke ; “And when will there be an end of thy loving ! O Poet, so slow at thy subject matter | Drumken revels” tell of thy wanton course of life; the cross roads, as they divide in their many ways, tell of it. Many a time does a person point with his finger at the Poet as he goes along, and say, ‘That, that is the man whom cruel Love torments.’ Thou art talked * Than the other.]—Ver, 8. He alludes to the unequal lines of the Elegiac measure, which consists of Hexameters and Pentameters. In per- sonifying Elegy, he might have omitted this remark, as it does not add to the attractions of a lady, to have one foot longer than the other; he says, however, that it added to her gracefulness. * The Lydian buskin.]—Wer. 14. As Lydia was said to have sent co- lonists to Etruria, some Commentators think that the word ‘Ilydius’ here means ‘Etrurian ;’ and that the first actors at Rome were Etrurians. But, as the Romans derived their motions of tragedy from the Greeks, we may conclude that Lydia in Asia Minor is here referred to ; for we learn from Herodotus and other historians, that the Greeks borrowed largely from the Lydians. g * Drunken revels.]--Ver, 17. He probably alludes to the Fourth Elegy of the First, and the Fifth Elegy of the Second Book of the “Amores.’ 2. 338 THE AMORES ; of as the story of the whole City, and yet thou dost not per. ceive it; while, all shame laid aside, thou art boasting of thy feats. Twere time to be influenced, touched by a more mighty inspiration;” long enough hast thou delayed; com- mence a greater task. By thy subject thou dost cramp thy genius; sing of the exploits of heroes; then thou wilt say, ‘This is the field that is worthy of my genius.’ Thy Muse has sportively indited what the charming fair may sing; and thy early youth has been passed amidst its own numbers. Now may I, Roman Tragedy, gain a celebrity by thy means ; thy conceptions will satisfy my requirements.” Thus far did she speak ; and, supported on her tinted bus- kins, three or four times she shook her head with its flowing locks. The other one, if rightly I remember, smiled with eyes askance. Am I mistaken, or was there a branch of myrtle in her right hand 7 “Why, haughty T ~ *-* said she, “dost thou attack me with high-sounding words : ...ad canst thou never be other than severe? Still, thou thyself hast deigned to be excited in unequal numbers " Against me hast thou strived, making use of my own verse. I should not compare heroic measures with my own ; thy palaces quite overwhelm my humble abodes. I am a trifler; and with my- self, Cupid, my care, is a trifler too : I am no more substan- tial myself than is my subject-matter, Without myself, the mother of wanton Love were coy; of that Goddess do I show myself the patroness" and the confidant. The door which thou with thy rigid buskin camst not unlock, the same is open to my caressing words. And yet I have deserved more * Mighty inspiration.]—Wer. 23. The ‘thyrsus’ was said to have been first used by the troops of Bacchus, in his Indian expedition, when, to deceive the Indians, they concealed the points of their spears amid leaves of the vine and ivy. Similar weapons were used by his devotees when worshipping him, which they brandished to and fro. To be touched with the thyrsus of Bacchus, meant ‘to be inspired with poetic frenzy.” See the Notes to the Metamorphoses, Book iii. 1, 542. * In unequal numbers.]—Ver, 37. Soune have supposed, that allusion is made to the Tragedy of Medea, which Ovid had composed, and that it had been written in Elegiac measure. This, however, does not seem to be the meaning of the passage. Elegy justly asks Tragedy, why, if she has such a dislike to Elegiac verses, she has been talking in them : which she has done, from the 15th line to the 30th. * Myself the patroness.]—Wer. 44. She certainly does not give herself # very high character in giving herself the title of ‘lena.” .* E. I.] OR, AMOURS. . . 339 power than thou, by putting up with many a thing that would not have been endured by thy haughtiness. “Through me Corinna learned how, deceiving her keeper, to shake the constancy of the fastened door,” and to slip away from her couch, clad in a loose tunic,” and in the night to move her feet without a stumble. Or how often, cut in the wood,” have I been hanging up at her obdurate doors, not fearing to be read by the people as they passed I remember besides, how, when sent, I have been concealed in the bosom of the hand- maid, until the strict keeper had taken his departure. Still further—when thou didst send me as a present on her birth- day"—but she tore me to pieces, and barbarously threw me in the water close by. I was the first to cause the prospering germs of thy genius to shoot ; it has, as my gift, that for which she is now asking thee.” They had now ceased; on which I began: “By your own selves, I conjure you both ; let my words, as I tremble, be re- ceived by unprejudiced ears. Thou, the one, dost grace me with the sceptre and the lofty buskin; already, even by thy contact with my lips, have I spoken in mighty accents. Thou, the other, dost offer a lasting fame to my loves; be propitious, then, and with the long lines unite the short. * The fastened door.]—Ver. 50. He alludes, probably, to one of the Elegies which he rejected, when he cut down the five books to three. * In a loose tunic.]—Ver, 51. He may possibly allude to the Fifth Elegy of the First Book, as the words ‘tunicà velata recinctá,’ as applied to Co- rinna, are there found. But there he mentions midday as the time when Corinna came to him, whereas he seems here to allude to the middle of the night. 10 Cut in the wood.]—Wer. 53. He alludes to the custom of lovers carving inscriptions on the doors of their obdurate mistresses; this we learn from Plautus to have been done in Elegiac strains, and sometimes with charcoal. “Implentur mea fores elegiarum carbonibus.’ ‘My doors are filled with the coal-black marks of elegies.’ * On her birthday.]—Ver, 57. She is telling Ovid what she has put up with for his sake; and she reminds him how, when he sent to his mistress some complimentary lines on her birthday, she tore them up, and threw them in the water. Horace mentions ‘the flames, or the Adriatic sea,’ as the end of verses that displeased. Athenaeus, Book xiii. c. 5, relates a somewhat similar story. Diphilus the poet was in the habit of sending his verses to his mistress Gnathana. One day she was mixing him a cup of wine and snow-water, on which he observed, how cold her well must be ; to which she answered, yes, for it was there that she used to throw his compositions. - 2, # $40 THE AMORES ; [B. III, Bo, Tragedy, grant a little respite to the Poet. Thou art an everlasting task; the time which she demands is but short.” Moved by my entreaties, she gave me leave; let tender Love be sketched with hurried hand, while still there is time : from behind” a more weighty undertaking presses on. ELEGY II. To his mistress, in whose company he is present at the chariot races in - the Circus Maximus. He describes the race. I AM not sitting here” an admirer of the spirited steeds;" still I pray that he who is your favourite may win. I have come here to chat with you, and to be seated by you,” that the * From behind.]—Ver. 70. It is not known, for certain, to what he refers in this line. Some think that he refers to the succeeding Elegies in this Book, which are, in general, longer than the former ones, while others suppose that he refers to his Metamorphoses, which he then con- templated writing. Burmann, however, is not satisfied with this expla– nation, and thinks that, in his more mature years, he contemplated the composition of Tragedy, after having devoted his youth to lighter subjects; and that he did not compose, or even contemplate the composition of his Metamorphoses, until many years afterwards, - * I am not sitting here.]—Wer. 1. He is here alluding to the Circen- sian games, which were celebrating in the Circus Maximus, or greatest Circus, at Rome, at different times in the year. Some account is given of the Circus Maximus in the Note to l. 392 of the Second Book of the Easti. The ‘Magni,” or Great Circensian games, took place on the Fourth of the Ides of April. The buildings of the Circus were burnt in the con- flagration of Rome, in Nero's reign ; and it was not restored till the days of Trajan, who rebuilt it with more than its former magnificence, and made it capable, according to some authors, of accommodating 385,000 persons. The Poet says, that he takes no particular interest himself in the race, but hopes that the horse may win which is her favourite. - * The spirited steeds.]—Wer. 2. The usual number of chariots in each race was four. The charioteers were divided into four companies, or ‘fac- tiones,” each distinguished by a colour, representing the season of the year. These colours were green for the spring, red for the summer, azure for the autumn, and white for the winter. Originally, but two chariots started in each race; but Domitian increased the number to six, appointing two new companies of charioteers, the golden and the purple; however the number was still, more usually, restricted to four. The greatest interest was shewn by all classes, and by both sexes, in the race. Lists of the horses were circulated, with their names and colours; the names also of the charioteers were given, and bets were extensively made, (see the Art of Love, Book i. ), 167, 168,) and sometimes disputes and violent contests arose. ** To be seated by you..]—Ver. 3. The men and wornen sat togeths: R. II.] OR, AMOURS. 34 3) i passion which yu a cause may not be unknown to you. You are looking at the race, I am looking at you ; let us each look at what pleases us, and so let us each feast our eyes. O, happy the driver” of the steeds, whoever he is, that is your favourite; it is then his lot to be the object of your care; might such be my lot; with ardent zeal to be borne along would I press over the steeds as they start from the sacred barrier.” And now I would give rein;” now with my whip would I lash their backs; now with my inside wheel would I graze the turning-place.” If you should be seen by me in my course, then I should stop; and the reins, let go, would fall from my hands. Ah! how nearly was Pelops” falling by the lance of him of Pisa, while, Hippodamia, he was gazing on thy face | Still did he prove the conqueror through the favour of his mistress;* let us each prove victor through the favour of his charmer. Why do you shrink away in vain '" The partition forces us to sit when viewing the contests of the Circus, and not in separate parts of the building, as at the theatres. 18 Happy the driver.]—Wer. 7. He addresses the charioteer. 19 The sacred barrier.]—Wer. 9. For an account of the ‘carcer,’ or “starting-place,’ see the Notes to the Tristia, Book v. El. ix. 1. 29. It is called “sacer,’ because the whole of the Circus Maximus was sacred to Consus, who is supposed by some to have been the same Deity as Neptune. The games commenced with sacrifices to the Deities. 30 I would give rein.]—Ver. 11. The charioteer was wont to stand within the reins, having them thrown round his back. Leaning back- wards, he thereby threw his full weight against the horses, when he wished to check them at full speed. This practice, however, was dangerous, and by it the death of Hippolytus was caused. In the Fifteenth Book of the Metamorphoses, l. 524, he says, “I struggled, with unavailing hand, to guide the bridle covered with white foam, and throwing myself backwards, I pulled back the loosened reins.’ To avoid the danger of this practice, the charioteer carried a hooked knife at his waist, for the purpose of cutting the reins on an emergency. 2. The turning-place.]—Ver, 12. For an account of the ‘meta,’ see the Tristia, Book iv. El. viii. l. 35. Of course, those who kept as close to the ‘meta’ as possible, would lose the least distance in turning round it. ?? How nearly was Pelops.]—Ver. 15. In his race with CEnomaiis, king of Pisa, in Arcadia, for the hand of his daughter, Hippodamia, when Pelops conquered his adversary by bribing his charioteer, Myrtilus. 38 Of his mistress.]—Ver. 17. He here seems to imply that it was Hippodamia who bribed Myrtilus. 24 Shrink away in vain j—Ver. 19. She shrinks from him, and seems to think that he is sitting too close, but he tells her that the ‘linea’ forces them to squeeze. This ‘linea’ is supposed to have been either a 342 THE AMORES : [B. III. close ; the Circus has this advantage * in the arrangement of its space. But do you” on the right hand, whoever you are, be accommodating to the fair; she is being hurt by the pressure of your side. And you as well,” who are looking on behind us; draw in your legs, if you have any decency, and don’t press her back with your hard knees. But your mantle, hanging too low, is dragging on the ground; gather it up ; or see, I am taking it up” in my hands. A disobliging garment you are, who are thus concealing ancles so pretty; and the more you gaze upon them, the more disobliging garment you are. Such were the ancles of the fleet Atalanta,” which Milanion longed to touch with his hands. Such are painted the ancles of the swift Diana, when, herself still bolder, she pursues the bold beasts of prey. On not seeing them, I am on fire; what would be the consequence if they were seen £ You are heaping flames upon flames, water upon the sea. From them I suspect that cord, or a groove, drawn across the seats at regular intervals, so as to mark out room for a certain number of spectators between each two ‘lineae.’ * Has this advantage.]—Wer. 20. He congratulates himself on the construction of the place, so aptly giving him an excuse for sitting close to his mistress. * But do you J–Wer. 21. He is pretending to be very anxious for her comfort, and is begging the person on the other side not to squeeze so close against his mistress. * And you as well.]—Wer. 23. As in the theatres, the seats, which were called ‘gradus,’ ‘sedilia,’ or ‘subsellia,’ were arranged round the course of the Circus, in ascending tiers; the lowest being, very probably, almost flush with the ground. There were, perhaps, no backs to the seats, or, at the best, only a slight railing of wood. The knees conse- quently of those in the back row would be level, and in juxta-position with the backs of those in front. He is here telling the person who is sitting behind, to be good enough to keep his knees to himself, and not to hurt the lady's back by pressing against her. * I am taking it up.]—Wer. 26. He is here showing off his polite. mess, and will not give her the trouble of gathering up her dress. Even in those days, the ladies seem to have had no objection, to their dresses doing the work of the scavenger's broom. * The fleet Atalanta.]—Wer. 29. Some suppose that the Arcadian Atalanta, the daughter of Iasius, was beloved by a youth of the name of Milanion. According to Apollodorus, who evidently confounds the Ar- cadian with the Boeotian Atalanta, Milanion was another name of Hippo- menes, who conquered the latter in the foot race, as mentioned in the Tenth Book of the Metamorphoses. See the Translation of the Meta- morphoses, p. 375. From this and another passage of Ovid, we have reason to suppose that Atalanta was, by tradition, famous for the beauty of her ancles. E. II.] OR, AMOURS. 343 the rest may prove charming, which is so well hidden, con. cealed beneath the thin dress. But, meanwhile, should you like to receive the gentle breeze which the fan may cause,” when waved by my hand 7 Or is the heat I feel, rather that of my own passion, and not of the weather, and is the love of the fair burning my inflamed breast ! While I am talking, your white clothes are sprinkled with the black dust; masty dust, away from a body like the Snow. But now the procession” is approaching; give good omens both in words and feelings. The time is come to applaud; the procession approaches, glistening with gold. First in place is Victory borne* with expanded wings;* come hither, Goddess, and grant that this passion of mine may prove victorious. * The fan may cause.]—Ver, 38. Instead of the word “tabella,' ‘flabella' has been suggested here; but as the first syllable is long, such a reading would occasion a violation of the laws of metre, and “tabella' is probably correct. It has, however, the same meaning here as ‘flabella;’ it signifying what we should call “a fan'; in fact, the ‘flabellum' was a * tabella,’ or thin board, edged with peacocks’ feathers, or those of other birds, and sometimes with variegated pieces of cloth. These were gene- rally waved by female slaves, who were called ‘flabelliferae'; or else by eunuchs or young boys. They were used to cool the atmosphere, to drive away gnats and flies, and to promote sleep. We here see a gentle- man offering to fan a lady, as a compliment; and it must have been espe- cially grateful amid the dust and heat of the Roman Circus. That which was especially intended for the purpose of driving away flies, was called ‘muscarium.” The use of fans was not confined to females; as we learn from Suetonius, that the Emperor Augustus had a slave to fan him during his sleep. The fan was also sometimes made of linen, extended upon a light frame, and sometimes of the two wings of a bird, joined back to back, and attached to a handle. * Now the procession.]—Wer. 34 All this time they have been waiting for the ceremony to commence. The ‘Pompa,” or procession, now opens the performance. In this all those who were about to exhibit in the race took a part. The statues of the Gods were borne on wooden platforms . on the shoulders of men, or on wheels, according as they were light or heavy. The procession moved from the Capitol, through the Forum, to the . Circus Maximus, and was also attended by the officers of state. Musicians and dancers preceded the statues of the Gods. See the Fasti, Book iv. l. 391, and the Note to the passage. 32 Victory borne.] — Wer. 45. On the wooden platform, which was called ‘ferculum,” or ‘thensa,’ according as it was small or large. 33 With expanded wings.]—Wer. 45. Victory was always represente; with expanded wings, on account of her inconstancy and volatility, , 344 THE AMORES ; [B. III. Salute Neptume,” you who put too much confidence in the waves; I have nought to do with the sea; my own dry land engages me. Soldier, salute thy own Mars; arms I detest;" Peace delights me, and Love found in the midst of Peace. Let Phoebus be propitious to the augurs, Phoebe to the huntsmen; turn, Minerva, towards thyself the hands of the artisan.” Ye husbandmen, arise in honour of Ceres and the youthful Bac- chus; let the boxers" render Pollux, the horseman Castor pro- pitious. Thee, genial Venus, and the Loves, the boys so potent with the bow, do I salute; be propitious, Goddess, to my as- pirations. Inspire, too, kindly feelings in my new mistress; let her permit herself to be loved.” She has assented; and with her mod she has given a favourable sign. What the Goddess has promised, I entreat yourself to promise. With the leave of Venus I will say it, you shall be the greater Goddess. By these many witnesses do I swear to you, and by this array of the Gods, that for all time you have been sighed for by me. But your legs have no support; you can, if perchance you like, rest the extremities of your feet in the lattice work.” * Salute Neptune.]—Wer. 47. ‘Plaudite Neptuno' is equivalent, in out common parlance, to ‘Give a cheer for Neptume.’ He is addressing the sailors who may be present: but he declines to have anything to do with the sea himself. * Arms I detest.]—Wer. 49. Iike his contemporary, Horace, Ovid was no lover of war. * Qf the artisan.]—Wer. 52. We learn from the Fasti, Book iii. 1.815, that Minerva was especially venerated as the patroness of handicrafts. * Let the bowers.]—Wer. 54. Boxing was one of the earliest athletic games practised by the Greeks. Apollo and Hercules, as well as Pollux, are celebrated by the poets for excelling in this exercise. It formed a portion of the Olympic contests; while boys fought in the Nemean and Isthmian games. Concerning the ‘caestus’ used by pugilists, see the Fasti, Book ii. 1, 367, and the Note to the passage. The method in fighting most practised was to remain on the defensive, and thus to wear out the opponent by continual efforts. To inflict blows, without receiving any in return on the body, was the great point of merit. The right arm was chiefly used for attack, while the office of the left was to protect the body. Teeth were often knocked out, and the ears were much disfigured. The boxers, by the rules of the game, were not allowed to take hold of each other, nor to trip up their antagonist. In Italy boxing seems to have been practised from early times by the people of Etruria. It continued to be one of the popular games during the period of the Republic as well as of the Empire. * In the lattice work.] —Ver. 64. The ‘cancelli’ were lattice work, which probably skirted the outer edge of each wide ‘praecinctio, or pas, E. II.] OR, AMOUR.S. 345 Now the Praetor,” the Circus emptied, has sent from the even barriers" the chariots with their four steeds, the greatest sight of all. I see who is your favourite; whoever you wish well to, he will prove the conqueror. The very horses appear to understand what it is you wish for. Oh shockingſ around the turning-place he goes with a circuit far too wide.” What art thou about ! The next is overtaking thee with his wheel in contact. What, wretched man, art thou about 7 Thou art wasting the good wishes of the fair; pull in the reins, I en- treat, to the left,” with a strong hand. We have been inte- sage, that ran along in front of the seats, at certain intervals. As the knees would not there be so cramped, these seats would be considered the most desirable. It is clear that Ovid and the lady have had the good fortune to secure front seats, with the feet resting either on the lowest ‘praecinctio, or the ‘praecinctio’ of a set of seats higher up. Stools, of course, could not be used, as they would be in the way of passers-by. He perceives, as the seat is high, that she has some difficulty in touching the ground with her feet, and naturally concludes that her legs must ache; on which he tells her, if it will give her ease, to rest the tips of her feet on the lattice work railing which was opposite, and which, if they were on an upper ‘praecinctio,' ran along the edge of it: or if they were on the very lowest tier, skirted the edge of the ‘podium ” which formed the basis of that tier. This she might do, if the ‘praecinctio’ was not more than a yard wide, and if the ‘cancelli’ were as much as a foot in height. * Now the Praetor.]—Ver. 65. The course is now clear of the pro- cession, and the Praetor gives the signal for the start, the ‘carceres’ being first opened. This was sometimes given by sound of trumpet, or more frequently by letting fall a napkin ; at least, after the time of Nero, who is said, on one occasion, while taking a meal, to have heard the shouts of the people who were impatient for the race to begin, on which he threw down his napkin as the signal. * The even barriers.] —Ver. 66. From this description we should be apt to think that the start was effected at the instant when the ‘carceres' were opened. This was not the case ; for after coming out of the ‘car- ceres,’ the chariots were ranged abreast before a white line, which was held by men whose office it was to do, and who were called ‘moratores.’ When all were ready, and the signal had been given, the white line was thrown down, and the race commenced, which was seven times round the course. The ‘carcer’ is called ‘aequum,' because they were in a straight line, and each chariot was ranged in front of the door of its ‘carcer.’ * Circuit far too wide.] — Ver, 69. The charioteer, whom the lady favours, is going too wide of the ‘meta,’ or turning-place, and so loses ground, while the next overtakes him. * To the left.]—Ver, 72. He tells him to guide the horses to the left, so as to keep closer to the ‘meta,’ and not to lose so much ground by Şoing wide of it, $ 346 THE AMORES ; [B. III, resting ourselves in a blockhead; but still, Romans, call him back again,” and by waving the garments,” give the signal on every side. See they are calling him back; but that the waving of the garments may not disarrange your hair,” you may hide yourself quite down in my bosom. And now, the barrier" unbarred once more, the side posts are open wide; with the horses at full speed the variegated throng" bursts forth. This time, at all events,” do prove wic- torious, and bound over the wide expanse; let my wishes, let those of my mistress, meet with success. The wishes of my mistress are fulfilled; my wishes still exist. He bears away the palm;” the palm is yet to be sought by me. She smiles, and she gives me a promise of something with her expressive eye. That is enough for this spot; grant the rest in another place. - 48 Call him back again.]—Wer. 73. He, by accident, lets drop the ob- servation, that they have been interesting themselves for a blockhead. But he immediately checks himself, and, anxious that the favourite may yet distinguish himself, trusts that the spectators will call him back. Crispinus, the Delphin Editor, thinks, that by the calling back, it is meant that it was a false start, and that the race was to be run over again. Bur- mann, however, is not of that opinion ; but supposes, that if any chariot did not go well, or the horses seemed jaded, it was the custom to call the driver back from the present race, that with new horses he might join in the next race. This, from the sequel, seems the most rational mode of explanation here. 44 Waving the garments.]—Ver, 74. The signal for stopping was given by the men rising and shaking and waving their outer garments, or togae,’ and probably calling the charioteer by name. 45 Disarrange your hair.]—Wer, 75. He is afraid lest her neighbours, in their vehemence should discommode her hair, and tells her, in joke, that she may creep into the bosom of his own “toga.’ 46 And now the barrier.]—Yer. 77. The first race we are to suppose finished, and the second begins similarly to the first, There were gene- rally twenty-five of these ‘missus,' or races in a day. 47 The variegated throng.]—Wer. 78. See the Note to the second line. 4S At all events.] — Wer. 79. He addresses the favourite, who has again started in this race. 49 Bears away the palm.]—Wer. 82. The favourite charioteer is now victorious, and the Poet hopes that he himself may gain the palm in like manner. The victor descended from his car at the end of the race, and ascended the ‘spina,' where he received his reward, which was generally a considerable sum of money. For an account of the ‘spina,' see the Metamorphoses, Book x. l. 106, and the Note to the passage. E. III.] OR, AMOURS. 3:47 ELEGY III. He complains of his mistress, whom he has found to be forsworn. Go to, believe that the Gods exist; she who had sworn has broken her faith, and still her beauty remains" just as it was before. Not yet forsworn, flowing locks had she ; after she has deceived the Gods, she has them just as long. Be- fore, she was pale, having her fair complexion suffused with the blush of the rose; the blush is still beauteous on her complexion of snow. Her foot was small; still most dimi- nutive is the size of that foot. Tall was she, and graceful; tall and graceful does she still remain. Expressive eyes had she, which shone like stars; many a time through them has the treacherous fair proved false to me.” Even the Gods, forsooth, for ever permit the fair to be forsworn, and beauty has its divine sway.” I remember that of late she swore both by her own eyes and by mine, and mine felt pain.” Tell me, ye Gods, if with impunity she has proved false to you, why have I suffered punishment for the de- serts of another ? But the virgin daughter of Cepheus is no reproach, forsooth, to you,” who was commanded to die for her mother, so inopportunely beauteous. 'Tis not enough that I had you for witnesses to no purpose; unpunished, she laughs at even the Gods together with myself; that by my punishment she may atone for her perjuries, am I, the de- ceived, to be the victim of the deceiver? Either a Divinity 50 Her beauty remains.]—Wer. 2. She has not been punished with ugliness, as a judgment for her treachery. - 5i Proved false to me..]—Wer. 10. Tibullus has a similar passage, ‘Et si perque suos fallax juravit ocellos:’ ‘and if with her eyes the deceitful damsel is forsworn.” * Its divine sway.]—Wer. 12. ‘Numen' here means a power equal to that of the Divinities, and which puts it on a level with them. 53 Mine felt pain.]—Wer. 14. When the damsel swore by them, his eyes smarted, as though conscious of her perjury. 54 Forsooth to you.]—Wer. 17. He says that surely it was enough for the Gods to punish Andromeda, the daughter of Cepheus, for the sins of her mother, without making him to suffer misery for the perjury of his mistress. Cassiope, the mother of Andromeda, having dared to compare her own beauty with that of the Nereids, her daughter was, by the com- mand of Jupiter, exposed to a sea-monster, which was afterwards slain by Perseus. See the Metamorphoses, Book iv. l. 670. 348 * THE AMORES : (B. II. is a name without reality, and he is revered in vain, and in- fluences people with a silly credulity; or else, if there is any God, he is fond of the charming fair, and gives them alone too much licence to be able to do any thing. Against us Mavors is girded with the fatal sword; against us the lance is directed by the invincible hand of Pallas; against us the flexible bow of Apollo is bent; against us the lofty right hand of Jove wields the lightnings. The offended Gods of heaven fear to hurt the fair; and they spontaneously dread those who dread them not. And who, then, would take care to place the frankincense in his devotion upon the altars' At least, there ought to be more spirit in men. Jupiter, with his fires, hurls at the groves” and the towers, and yet he forbids his weapons, thus darted, to strike the perjured female. Many a one has deserved to be struck. The unfortunate Semele” perished by the flames; that punishment was found for her by her own compliant disposition. But if she had betaken herself off, on the approach of her lover, his father would not have had for Bacchus the duties of a mother to perform. Why do I complain, and why blame all the heavens ! The Gods have eyes as well as we; the Gods have hearts as well. Were I a Divinity myself, I would allow a woman with im- punity to swear falsely by my Godhead. I myself would swear that the fair ever swear the truth; and I would not be pronounced one of the morose Divinities. Still, do you, fair one, use their favour with more moderation, or, at least, do have some regard" for my eyes. * Hurls at the groves.]—Ver. 35. A place which had been struck by lightning was called ‘bidental,' and was held sacred ever afterwards. The same veneration was also paid to a place where any person who had been killed by lightning was buried. Priests collected the earth that had been torn up by lightning, and everything that had been scorched, and buried it in the ground with lamentations. The spot was then con- secrated by sacrificing a two-year-old sheep, which being called ‘bidens,’ gave its name to the place. An altar was also erected there, and it was not allowable thenceforth to tread on the spot, or to touch it, or even look at it. When the altar had fallen to decay, it might be renovated, but . to remove its boundaries was deemed sacrilege. Madness was supposed to ensue on committing such an offence; and Seneca mentions a belief, that wine which had been struck by lightning, would produce death or mad. mess in those who drank it. - * Unfortunate Semele, 1–Ver. 37. See the fate of Semele, related in the Third Book of the Metamorphoses. $ 57 Have some regard.]—Wer. 48. Or, in other words, “Don’t swear any more by my eyes.’ E. 17.] OR, AMOUR.S. 349 . ELEGY IW. HE tells a jealous husband, who watches his wife, that the greater his precautions, the greater are the temptations to sin. CRUEL husband, by setting a guard over the charming fair, thou dost avail nothing; by her own feelings must each be kept. If, all apprehensions removed, any woman is chaste, she, in fact, is chaste; she who sins not, because she cannot, still sins.” However well you may have guarded the person, the mind is still unchaste; and, unless it chooses, it cannot be constrained. You cannot confine the mind, should you lock up every thing; when all is closed, the unchaste one will be within. The one who can sin, errs less frequently; the very opportunity makes the impulse to wantonness to be the less powerful. Be persuaded by me, and leave off instigating to criminality by constraint; by indulgence thou mayst restrain it much more effectually. I have sometimes seen the horse, struggling against his reins, rush on like lightning with his resisting mouth. Soon as ever he felt that rein was given, he stopped, and the loosened , bridle lay upon his flowing mane. We are ever striving for what is forbidden, and are desiring what is denied us; even so does the sick man hanker after the water that is forbidden him. Argus used to carry a hundred eyes in his forehead, a hundred in his neck;” and these Hove alone many a time evaded. Danaë, who, a maid, had been placed in the chamber which was to last for ever with its stone and its iron," became a mother. Penelope, although she was without a keeper, amid so many youthful suitors, remained undefiled. Whatever is hoarded up, we long for it the more, and the very pains invite the thief; few care for what another grants. * Because she cannot, still sins.]—Ver, 4. It is not a little singular that a heathen poet should enunciate the moral doctrine of the New Testa- ment, that it is the thought, and not the action, that of necessity consti- tutes the sin. * A hundred in his neck.]—Ver, 18. In the First Book of the Meta- morphoses, he assigns to Argus only one hundred eyes; here, however, he uses a poet’s license, probably for the sake of filling up the line. * Its stone and its iron.]—Ver. 21. From Pausanias and Lucian we learn that the chamber of Danaë was under ground, and was lined with copper and iron. 350 THE AMORES ; [B. III. Not through her beauty is she captivating, but through the fondness of her husband; people suppose it to be something unusual which has so captivated thee. Suppose she is not chaste whom her husband is guarding, but faithless; she is beloved ; but this apprehension itself causes her value, rather than her beauty. Be indignant if thou dost please; forbidden pleasures delight me: if any woman can only say, “I am afraid,” that woman alone pleases me. Nor yet is it legal" to confine a free-born woman; let these fears harass the bodies of those from foreign parts. That the keeper, forsooth, may be able to say, “I caused it;” she must be chaste for the credit of thy slave. He is too much of a churl whom a faithless wife injures, and is not sufficiently acquainted with the ways of the City; in which Romulus, the son of Ilia, and Remus, the son of Ilia, both begotten by Mars, were not born without a crime being committed. Why didst thou choose a beauty for thyself, if she was not pleasing unless chaste? Those two qualities” cannot by any means be united. If thou, art wise, show indulgence to thy spouse, and lay aside thy morose looks; and assert not the rights of a severe husband. Show courtesy, too, to the friends thy wife shall find thee, and many a one will she find. 'Tis thus that great credit accrues at a very small outlay of labour. Thus wilt thou be able always to take part in the festivities of the young men, and to see many a thing at home,” which you have not presented to her. ELEGY W. A vision, and its explanation. 'Twas might, and sleep weighed down my wearied eyes. Such a vision as this terrified my mind. Beneath a sunny hill, a grove was standing, thick set with holm oaks; and in its branches lurked full many a bird. A level "l Nor yet is it legal.]—Ver. 33. He tells him that he ought not to inflict loss of liberty on a free-born woman, a punishment that was only suited to a slave. * Those two qualities.]—Wer. 42. He says, the wish being probably the father to the thought, that beauty and chastity cannot possibly exist together. * Many a thing at home.]—Wer. 48. He tells him that he will grow quite rich with the presents which his wife will then receive from her admirers. E. W.] OR, AMOURs. 35i. spot there was beneath, most verdant with the grassy mead, moistened with the drops of thegently trickling stream. Beneath the foliage of the trees, I was seeking shelter from the heat; still, under the foliage of the trees it was hot. Lo! seeking for the grass mingled with the variegated flowers, a white cow was standing before my eyes; more white than the snows at the moment when they have just fallen, which, time has not yet turned into flowing water. More white than the milk which is white with its bubbling foam,” and at that moment leaves the ewe when milked.” A bull there was, her companion, he, in his happiness, was her mate; and with his own one he pressed the tender grass. While he was lying, and slowly ruminating upon the grass chewed once again; and once again was feeding on the food eaten by him before; he seemed, as sleep took away his strength, to lay his hormed head upon the ground that supported it. Hither came a crow, gliding through the air on light wings; and chattering, took her seat upon the green sward; and thrice with her annoying beak did she peck at the breast of the snow-white cow ; and with her bill she took away the white hair. Having remained awhile, she left the spot and the bull; but black envy was in the breast of the cow. And when she saw the bulls afar browsing upon the pastures (bulls were browsing afar upon the verdant pas- tures), thither did she betake herself, and she mingled among those herds, and sought out a spot of more fertile grass. “Come, tell me, whoever thou art, thou interpreter of the dreams of the night, what (if it has any truth) this vision means.” Thus said I: thus spoke the interpreter of the dreams of the night, as he weighed in his mind each particular that was seem ; “The heat which thou didst wish to avoid beneath the rustling leaves, but didst but poorly avoid, was that of Love. The cow is thy mistress; that complexion is suited to the fair. Thou wast the male, and the bull with the fitting mate. Inasmuch as the crow pecked at her breast with her sharp beak; an old hag of a procuress" will tempt the * Its bubbling foam.]—Ver, 13. He alludes to the noise which the milk makes at the moment when it touches that in the pail. * Euſe when milked.]—Wer. 14. Probably the milk of ewes was used for making cheese, as is sometimes the case in this country. * Hag of a procuress.]—Ver. 40. We have been already introduced º: amiable specimen of this class in the Eighth Elegy of the First ook. .” 352 THE AMORES ; n [B. Irſ. affections of thy mistress. In that, after hesitating long, his heifer left the bull, thou wilt be left to be chilled in a deserted couch. Envy and the black spots below the front of her breast, show that she is not free from the reproach of incoli- stancy.” & Thus spoke the interpreter; the blood retreated from my chilled face; and profound might stood before my eyes. ELEGY WI. HE addresses a river which has obstructed his passage while he is goin * * e p g to his mistress. RIVER that hast" thy slimy banks planted with reeds, to my mistress I am hastening; stay thy waters for a moment. No bridges hast thou, nor yet a hollow boat” to carry one over without the stroke of the oar, by means of the rope thrown across. Thou wast a small stream, I recollect; and I did not hesitate to pass across thee; and the surface of thy waves then hardly reached to my ancles. Now, from the opposite moun- tain” thou dost rush, the snows being melted, and in thy tur- bid stream thou dost pour thy muddied waters. What avails it me thus to have hastened ' What to have given so little time to rest? What to have made the might all one with the day !” 97 River that hast.]—Ver. 1. Ciofanus has this interesting Note:– * This river is that which flows near the walls of Suimo, and, which, at the present day we call ‘Wella.’ In the early spring, when the snows melt, and sometimes, at the beginning of autumn, it swells to a wonderful degree with the rains, so that it becomes quite impassable. Ovid lived not far from the Fountain of Love, at the foot of the Moronian hill, and had a house there, of which considerable vestiges still remain, and are called “la botteghe d'Ovidio.' Wishing to go thence to the town of Sulmo, where his mistress was living, this river was an obstruction to his passage.” * A hollow boat.]—Ver, 4. ‘Cymba' was a name given to small boats used on rivers or lakes. . He here alludes to a ferry-boat, which was not rowed over; but a chain or rope extending from one side of the stream to the other, the boatman passed across by running his hands along the rope. * The opposite mountain.]—Ver, 7. The mountain of Soracte was near the Flaminian way, in the territory of the Falisci, and may possibly be the one here alluded to. Ciofanus says that its name is now “Majella,” and that it is equal in height to the loftiest mountains of Italy, and capped with eternal snow. 69* All one with the day.]—Wer. 10. He means to say that he has risen . early in the morning for the purpose of proceeding on his journey E. VI.] Oh, AMOURS. 353 If still I must be standing here; if, by no contrivance, thy op. posite banks are granted to be trodden by my foot. Now do I long for the wings which the hero, the son of Danaë," possessed, when he bore away the head, thickset with the dreadful serpents; now do I wish for the chariot," from which the seed of Ceres first came, thrown upon the ungul- tivated ground. Of the wondrous fictions of the ancient poets do I speak; no time has produced, nor does produce, nor will produce these wonders. Rather, do thou, stream that dost overflow thy wide banks, flow within thy limits, then for ever mayst thou run on. Torrent, thou wilt not, believe me, be able to endure the reproaches, if perchance I should be mentioned as detained by thee in my love. Rivers ought rather to aid youths in their loves; rivers themselves have experienced what love is. Inachus” is said to have flowed pale with love for Melie,” the Bithynian Nymph, and to have warmed throughout his cold fords. Not yet was Troy besieged for twice five years, when, Xanthus, Neaera at- tracted thy eyes. Besides; did not enduring love for the Arcadian maid force Alpheus” to run through various lands ! They say, too, that thou, Peneus, didst conceal, in the lands of the Phthiotians, Creüsa," already betrothed to Xan- thus. Why should I mention Asopus, whom Thebe, beloved by Mars," received, Thebe, destined to be the parent of five 70 The son qf Danaë.]—Wer. 13. Mercury was said to have lent to Perseus his winged shoes, “talaria,’ when he slew Medusa with her viperous locks. - 71 Wish for the chariot.]—Wer. 15. Ceres was said to have sent Trip- tolemus in her chariot, drawn by winged dragons, to introduce agriculture among mankind. See the Fourth Book of the Fasti, l, 558. 7% Inachus.]—Wer. 25. Inachus was a river of Argolis, in Peloponnesus. 78 Love for Melie.]—Wer. 25. Melie was a Nymph beloved by Nep- tune, to whom she bore Amyeus, king of Bebrycia, or Bithynia, in Asia Minor, whence her present appellation. 74 Alpheus.]-—Wer 29. See the story of Alpheus and Arethusa, in the Fifth Book of the Metamorphoses, l. 576. 75 Creüsa.]—Wer. 31. Creüsa was a Naiad, the mother of Hypseas, king of the Lapithae, by Peneus, a river of Thessaly. Xanthus was a rivulet near Troy. Of Creüsa being promised to Xanthus nothing what- ever is known. 76. Thebe beloved by Mars.]—Ver. 33. Pindar, in his Sixth Olympic Ode, says that Metope, the daughter of Ladon, was the mother of five daughters, by Asopus, a river of Boeotia. Their names were Corcyra, A. A. 35.; THE AMORES ; . [B. III. daughters? Should I ask of Achelois, “Where now are thy horns?” thou wouldst complain that they were broken away by the wrathful hand of Hercules.” Not of such value was Caly- dom,” nor of such value was the whole of Ætolia; still, of such value was Deianira alone. The enriching Nile, that flows through his seven mouths, who so well conceals the native. spot” of waters so vast, is said not to have been able to over- power by his stream the flame that was kindled by Evadne, the daughter of Asopus.” Enipeus, dried up,” that he might be enabled to embrace the daughter of Salmoneus, bade his waters to depart; his waters, so ordered, did depart. Nor do I pass thee by, who as thou dost roll amid the hol- low rocks, foaming, dost water the fields of Argive Tibur:” whom Ilia” captivated, although she was unsightly in her AEgina, Salamis, Thebe, and Harpinna. Ovid, in calling her Thebe, pro- bably follows some other writer. She is called ‘Martia,’ because she was beloved by Mars, to whom she bore Evadne. 77 Hand of Hercules.]—Ver. 36. For the contest of Hercules and Achelotis for the hand of Deianira, see the beginning of the Ninth Book of the Metamorphoses. 78 Calydon.]—Wer. 37. (Emeus, the father of Meleager and Deianira, reigned over Ætolia, of which Calydon was the chief city. 79 The native spot.]—Wer. 40. He alludes to the fact of the source or native country of the Nile being then, as it probably still is, quite un- known. 80 Daughter of Asopus.]—Wer. 41. Evadne is called ‘Asopide,' from her mother being the wife of Asopus. See the Note on line 33 above. 31 Enipeus dried up.]—Ver. £3. Probably the true reading here is * fictus,’ ‘the false Enipeus.’ Tyro was the daughter of Salmoneus, king of Pisa, in Elis. She being much enamoured of the river Enipeus, Nep- tune is said to have assumed his form, and to have been, by her, the father of Pelias and Neleus. * Argive Tibur.]—Wer, 46. Tibur was a town beautifully situate in the neighbourhood of Rome; it was said to have been founded by three Argive brothers, Tyburtus, Catillus, and Coras. * Whom Ilia.]—Wer. 47. Ilia was said to have been buried alive, by the orders of Amulius, on the banks of the river Tiber; or, according to some, to have been thrown into that river, on which she is said to have become the wife of the river, and was deified. Acron, an ancient his- torian, wrote to the effect that her ashes were interred on the banks of the Anio ; and that river overflowing, carried them to the bed of the Tiber, whence arose the story of her nuptials with the latter. Accord- ing to one account, she was not put to death, but was imprisoned, (having been spared by Amulius at the entreaty of his daughter, who was of the same age as herself.3 and at length regained her liberty. E. W.] OR, AMOURS. 355 garb, bearing the marks of her nails on her locks, the marks of her nails on her cheeks. Bewailing both the crimes of her uncle, and the fault of Mars, she was wandering along the solitary spots with naked feet. Her the impetuous stream beheld from his rapid waves, and raised his hoarse mouth from the midst of his fords, and thus he said: “Why, in sor- row, art thou pacing my banks, Ilia, the descendant of Lao- medon” of Ida? Whither have gone thy vestments? Why wandering thus alone? And why does no white fillet” bind thy hair tied up ! Why weepest thou, and why spoil thy eyes wet with tears' And why beat thy open breast with frenzied hand? That man has both flints and ore of iron in his breast, who, unconcerned, beholds the tears on thy delicate face. Ilia, lay aside thy fears; my palace shall be opened unto thee; the streams, too, shall obey thee; Ilia, lay aside thy fears. Among a hundred Nymphs or more, thou shalt hold the sway; for a hundred or more does my stream con- tain. Only, descendant of Troy, despise me not, I pray; gifts more abundant than my promises shalt thou receive.” Thus he said; she casting on the ground her modest eyes, as she wept, besprinkled her warm breast with her tears. Thrice did she attempt to fly; thrice did she stop short at the deep waves, as fear deprived her of the power of running. Still, at last, as with hostile fingers she tore her hair, with quivering lips she uttered these bitter words; “Oh would that my bones had been gathered up, and hidden in the tomb of my fathers, while yet they could be gathered, belonging to me a virgin Why now, am I courted” for any nuptials, a Westal disgraced, and to be driven from the altars of Ilium ? Why do I hesitate 7 See by the fingers of the multitude am I pointed at as unchaste. Let this disgrace be ended, which marks my features. Thus far did she speak, and before her swollen eyes she ex- 84 Descendant of Laomedon.]—Wer. 54. She was supposed to be descended from Laomedon, through Ascanius, the son of Creüsa, the granddaughter of Laomedon. * No white fillet.]—Wer. 56. The fillet with which the Vestals bound their hair. * Am I courted.]—Wer. 75. The Westals were released from their duties, and were allowed to marry if they chose, after they had served for thirty years. The first ten years were passed in learning their duties, the next ten in performing them, and the last ten in instructing the novices, A A 2 356 THE AMORES ; - iB. III, tended her robe; and so, in her despair, did she throw her- self” into the rapid waters. The flowing stream is said to have placed his hands beneath her breast, and to have con- ferred on her the privilege of his nuptial couch. 'Tis worthy of belief, too, that thou hast been inflamed with love for some maiden; but the groves and woods conceal thy failings. While I have been talking, it has become more swollen with its extending waves, and the deep channel contains not the rushing waters. What, furious torrent, hast thou against me? Why thus delay our mutual transports? Why, churlish river, interrupt the journey once commenced ' What if thou didst flow according to some fixed rule,” a river of some note : What if thy fame was mighty throughout the earth? But no name hast thou collected from the exhausted rivulets; thou hast no springs, no certain abode hast thou. In place of spring, thou hast rain and melted snow ; resources which the sluggish winter supplies to thee. Either in muddy guise, in winter time, thou dost speed onward in thy course; or filled with dust, thou dost pass over the parched ground. What thirsty traveller has been able to drink of thee then 7 Who has said, with grateful lips, “Mayst thou flow on for ever ?” Onward thou dost run, injurious to the flocks,” still more injurious to the fields. Perhaps these mischiefs may move others; my own evils move me. And, oh shocking! did I in my madness relate to this stream the loves of the rivers ? I am ashamed unworthily to have pronounced names so great. Gazing on I know mot what, could I speak of the rivers” Achelotis and Inachus, and could I, Nile, talk of thy name 7 But for thy deserts, torrent far from clear, I wish that for thee there may be scorching heat, and winter always dry. * Did she throw herself.]—Wer. 80. The Poet follows the account which represented her as drowning herself. * To some fixed rule.]—Wer. 89. ‘Legitimum’ means ‘according to fixed laws; so that it might be depended upon, ‘in a steady manner.” 89 Injurious to the flocks.]—Wer. 99. It would be ‘damnosus' in many ways, especially from its sweeping away the cattle and the producc of the land. . Its waters, too, being turbid, would be unpalatable to the wairsty traveller, and unwholesome from the melted snow, which would be likely to produce goitre, or swellings in the throat. 90 Could I speak of the rivers.]—Ver. 103. He apologizes to the Ache- lotis, Inachus, and Nile, for presuming to mention their names, in address- ing such a turbid, contemptible stream. m º, wri.; or, AMOURs. 3 5 7 ELEGY WII. AT mon formosa est, at non bene culta puella; At, puto, non votis Saepe petita meis. - Hanc tamen in nullos tenui male languidus usus, Sed jacui pigro crimen onusque toro. Nec potui cupiens, pariter cupiente puella, Inguinis effoeti parte juvante frui. - Illa quidem mostro subjecit eburnea collo Brachia, Sithonia candidiora nive; Osculaque inseruit cupidae lactantia linguæ ; Lascivum femori supposuitgue femur ; Et mihi blanditias dixit, Dominumque vocavit, Et quae praeterea publica verba juvant. Tacta tamen veluti gelida mea membra cicutá, Segnia propositum destituere suum. - Truncus iners jacui, species, et inutile pondus : Nec satis exactum est, corpus an umbra forem, Quae mihi ventura est, (siquidem ventura), senectus, Cum desit numeris ipsa juventa suis' Ah pudet annorum ! quo me juvenemque virumque, Nec juvenem, nec me sensit amica virum. Sic flammas aditura pias aeterna sacerdos Surgit, et a caro fratre werenda soror. At nuper bis flava Chlide, ter candida Pitho, Ter Libas officio continuata meo. Exigere a nobis angustá nocte Corinnam, Me memini numeros sustinuisse movem. Num mea Thessalico languent devota Veneno Corpora? num misero carmen et herba nocent f Sagave Pumiceå defixit nomina cerá, Et medium tenues in jecur egit acus' Carmine lacsa Ceres sterilem vanescit in herbam : Deficiunt laesae carmine fontis aquae : Ilicibus glandes, cantataque vitibus uva Decidit; et nullo poma movente fluunt. Quid wetat et nervos magicas torpere per artes ? Forsitan impatiens sit latus inde meum. Huc pudor accessit: facti pudor ipse mocebat: Ille fuit vitii causa secunda mei. At qualem widi tantum tetigique puellam, Sic etiam tunică tangitur ipsa suá. Illius ad tactum Pylius juvenescere possit, Tithonusqué annis fortior esse suis. 358 THE AMORES ; {B. III, Haec mihi contigerat; sed vir non contigit illi. Quas nunc concipiam per nova Vota preces? Credo etiam magnos, quo sum tam turpiter usus, Muneris oblati poemituisse Deos. Optabam certe recipi; sum nempe receptus: Oscula ferre; tuli: proximus esse; fui. Quo mihi fortunae tantúm'ſ quo regna sine usu ? Quid, misi possedi dives avarus opes 7 Sic aret mediis tacitivulgator in undis; Pomaque, quae nullo tempore tangat, habet. A tenerá quisquam sic surgit mane puellá, Protimus ut sanctos possit adire Deos. Sed non blanda, puto, non optima perdidit in me Oscula, non omni solicitavit ope. Illa graves potuit quercus, adamantaque durum, Surdaque blanditiis saxa movere suis. Digna movere fuit certe vivosque virosque; Sed neque tum vixi, nec vir, ut ante, fui. Quid juvet, ad surdas si cantet Phemius aures? Quid miserum Thamyran picta tabella juvet? At quae non tacitā formavi gaudia mente Quos ego nom finxi disposuique modos Nostra tamen jacuere, velut praemortua, membra Turpiter, hesternå languidiora rosá. Quae nunc ecce rigent intempestiva, Valent(ſue; Nunc opus exposcunt, militiamgue suam. Quin istic pudibunda jaces, pars pessima nostrif Sic sum pollicitis captus et ante tuis. Tu dominam-fallis; per te deprensus inermis Tristia cum magno damna pudore tuli. Hanc etiam non est mea dedigmata puella Molliter admotá solicitare manu. Sed postguam mullas consurgere posse per artes, Immemoremgue sui procubuisse videt; Quid me ludis 7 ait; quis te, male same, jubebat Invitum nostro pomere membra toro ! Autte trajectis AFaea venefica lanis Devovet, aut alio lassus amore venis. Nec mora; desiluit tunicà velata recinctà: Et decuit nudos proripuisse pedes. Neve suae possent intactam scire ministrae, Dedecus hoc sumtà dissimulawit aquà. x. VIII.3 OR, AMOURs. 359 ELEGY WIII. He laments that he is not received by his mistress, and complains that she gives the preference to a wealthy rival. AND does any one still venerate the liberal arts, or suppose that soft verses have any merit 7 Genius once was more pre- cious than gold; but now, to be possessed of nought is the height of ignorance. After my poems” have proved very pleasing to my mistress, it is not allowed me to go where it has been allowed my books. When she has much bepraised me, her door is shut on him who is praised; talented though I be, I disgracefully wander up and down. Behold a Knight gorged with blood, lately enriched, his wealth acquired” through his wounds,” is preferred before myself. And can you, my life, enfold him in your charming arms ? Can you, my life, rush into his embrace? If you know it not, that head used to wear a helmet; that side which is so at your service, was girded with a sword. That left hand, which thus late” the golden ring so badly suits, used to bear the shield; touch his right, it has been stained with blood. And can you touch that right hand, by which some person has met his death 7 Alas! where is that tenderness of heart of yours ? Look at his scars, the traces of his former fights; whatever he possesses, by that body was it acquired.” Per- haps, too, he will tell how often he has stabbed a man ; covetous one, will you touch the hand that confesses this 7 I, unstained, the priest of the Muses and of Phoebus, am he * After my poems.]—Wer. 5. He refers to his lighter works; such, perhaps, as the previous books of his Amores. This explains the nature of the “libelli,” which he refers to in his address to his mistress, in the Second Book of the Amores, El. xi, l. 31. * His wealth acquired.]—Wer. 9. ‘Censu.' For the explanation of this word, see the Fasti, B. i. 1. 217, and the Note to the passage. * Through his wounds.j—Ver. 9. In battle, either by giving wounds. or receiving them. * Which thus late.]—Ver. 15. By ‘serum,” he means that his posi- tion, as a man of respectable station, has only been recently acquired, and has not descended to him through a long line of ancestors. * iFas it acquired.]—Ver. 20. This was really much to the merit of his rival; but most of the higher classes of the Romans affected to des. pise anything like gain by means of bodily exertion ; and the Poet has extended this feeling even to the rewards of merit as ā soldier. # | 360 THE AMORES : [B. III, who is singing his bootless song before your obdurate doors. Learn, you who are wise, not what we idlers know, but how to follow the anxious troops, and the ruthless camp; instead of good verses hold sway over" the first rank; through this, Homer, hadst thou wished it, she might have proved kind to thee. Jupiter, well aware that nothing is more potent than gold, was himself the reward of the ravished damsel.” Solon as the bribe was wanting, the father was obdurate, she herself prudish, the door-posts bound with brass, the tower made of iron; but after the knowing seducer resorted to presents,” she herself opened her lap; and, requested to surrender, she did surrender. But when the aged Saturn held the realms of the heavens, the ground kept all money deep in its recesses. To the shades below had he removed brass and silver, and, together with gold, the weight of iron; and no ingots were there in those times. But she used to give what was better, corn without the crooked plough-share, apples too, and honey found in the hollow oak. And no one used with sturdy plough to cleave the soil; with no boundaries” did the surveyor mark out the ground. The oars dipped down did not skim the up- 96 Hold sway over.]—Wer. 27. He here plays upon the two meanings of the word ‘deducere.’ ‘Deducere carmen’ is ‘to compose poetry'; ‘ deducere primum pilum ' means ‘to form ' or ‘command the first troop of the Triarii.” These were the veteran soldiers of the Roman army, and the ‘Primipilus' (which office is here alluded to) being the first Centurion of the first maniple of them, was the chief Centurion of the legion, holding an office somewhat similar to our senior captains. Under the Empire this office was very lucrative. See the Note to the 49th line of the Seventh Epistle, in the Fourth Book of the Pontic Epistles. 97 The ravished damsel.]—Ver. 30. He alludes to Danaë. 98 Resorted to presents.]—Wer. 33. He seems to allude to the real meaning of the story of Danaë, which, no doubt, had reference to the corrupting influence of money, 99 With no boundaries.]—Wer. 42. The ‘limes’ was a line or bound- ary, between pieces of land belonging to different persons, and consisted of a path, or ditch, or a row of stones. The ‘ager limitatus' was the public land marked out by ‘limites,’ for the purposes of allotment to the citizens. On apportioning the land, a line, which was called “limes,’ was drawn through a given point from East to West, which was called ‘ decumanus,” and another line was drawn from North to South. The dis- tance at which the “limites' were to be drawn depended on the magnitude of the squares or ‘centuriae,’ as they were called, into which it was pur posed to divide the tract. . . I. VIII.] OR, AMOURS. 35i turned waves; then was the shore' the limit of the paths of men. Human nature, against thyself hast thou been so clever; and for thy own destruction too ingenious. To what purpose surround cities with turreted fortifications?” To what purpose turn hostile hands to arms ' What hast thou to do with the sea? With the earth thou mightst have been content. Why not seek the heavens” as well, for a third realm ? To the heavens, too, dost thou aspire, so far as thou mayst. Quirinus, Liber, and Alcides, and Caesar but recently,” have their temples. Instead of corn, we dig the solid gold from the earth; the soldier possesses riches acquired by blood. To the poor is the Senate-house" shut; wealth alone confers honours;” hence, the judge so grave; hence the knight so proud. Let them possess it all; let the field of Mars" and the Forum” 1 Then was the shore.]—Wer. 44. Because they had not as yet learnt the art of navigation. t * Turreted fortifications.]—Ver, 47. Among the ancients the fortifica- tions of cities were strengthened by towers, which were placed at intervals on the walls; they were also generally used at the gates of towns. * Why not seek the heavens.—Wer. 50. With what indignation would he not have spoken of a balloon, as being nothing less than a downright attempt to scale the ‘tertia regna!’ * Caesar but recently.]—Ver, 52. See the end of the Fifteenth Book of the Metamorphoses, and the Fasti, Book iii. l. 704. * The Senate-house.—Wer. 55. “Curia’ was the name of the place where the Senate held its meetings, such as the ‘curia Hostilia,’ ‘Julia,” Marcelli,’ and others. Hence arose the custom of calling the Senate itself, in the various Roman towns, by the name of ‘curia,’ but not the Senate of Rome. He here means to say, that poverty excluded a man from the Senate-house, and that wealth alone was the qualification for the honours of the state. * Wealth alone confers honours l—Ver, 55. The same expression occurs in the Fasti, Book i. 1, 217, where a similar complaint is made on the worldly-mindedness of the age. " The Field of Mars.]—Ver, 57. The ‘comitia,’ or meetings for the elections of the magistrates, were held on the ‘Campus Martius’ or field of Mars. See the Notes to the Fasti, Book i. l. 53. * And the Forum.]—Wer. 57. The ‘Fora' were of two kinds at Rome; some being market-places, where all kinds of goods were exposed for sale, while others were solely courts of justice. Among the latter is the one here mentioned, which was simply called “Forum,' so long as it was the only one of its kind existing at Rome, and, indeed, after that period, as in the present instance. At a later period of the Republic, and under $he Empire, when other “fora,’ for judicial purposes, were erected, this . Forum’ was distinguished by the epithets (vetus,’ ‘old,” or ‘magnum, 362 THE AMORES ; {B. III. | obey them; let these administer peace and cruel warfare. Only, in their greediness, let them not tear away my mistress; and ’tis enough, so they but allow something to belong to the poor. But now-a-days, he that is able to give away plenty, rules it over a woman like a slave, even should she equal the prudish Sabine dames. The keeper is in my way; with re- gard to me," she dreads her husband. If I were to make pre- sents, both of them would entirely disappear from the house. Oh! if any God is the avenger of the neglected lover, may he change riches, so ill-gotten, into dust. ELEGY IX. He laments the death of the Poet Tibullus. IF his mother has lamented Memnon, his mother Achilles, and if sad deaths influence the great Goddesses; plaintive Elegy, unbind thy sorrowing tresses; alas ! too nearly will thy name be derived from fact! The Poet of thy own inspiration," Tibullus, thy glory, is burning, a lifeless body, on the erected pile.” Lo! the son of Venus bears both his quiver inverted, “great.’ It was situate between the Capitoline and Palatine hills, and was originally a swamp or marsh, which was filled up by Romulus or Tatius. It was chiefly used for judicial proceedings, and is supposed to have been surrounded with the bankers’ shops or offices, “argentaria.” Gladiatorial games were occasionally held there, and sometimes prisoners of war, and faithless legionary soldiers, were there put to death. A second ‘Forum,' for judicial purposes, was erected by Julius Caesar, and was called by his name. It was adorned with a splendid temple of Venus Genitrix. A third was built by Augustus, and was called “Forum Au- gusti.” It was adorned with a temple of Mars, and the statues of the most distinguished men of the republic. Having suffered severely from fire, this Forum was restored by the Emperor Hadrian. It is mentioned in the Fourth Book of the Pontic Epistles, Ep. xv. 1, 16. See the Fasti, Book iii. l. 704. * With regard to me..]—Wer. 63. He says that because he is poor she makes excuses, and pretends that she is afraid of her husband and those whom he has set to watch her. * Of thy own inspiration.]—Wer. 5. Burmann remarks, that the word ‘opus’ is especially applied to the sacred rites of the Gods; literally ‘the priest of thy rites.’ * The erected pile.]—Wer. 6. Among the Romans the corpse was burnt on a pile of wood, which was called ‘pyra,’ or ‘rogus.’ According to Servius, it was called by the former name before, and by the latter after, E. IX.] OR, AMOURS. 363 and his bow broken, and his torch without a flame; behold how wretched with drooping wings he goes: and how he beats his naked breast with cruel hand. His locks dishevelled about his neck receive his tears, and his mouth resounds with sobs that convulse his body. 'Twas thus, beauteous Iülus, they say that thou didst go forth from thy abode, at the funeral of his brother Æneas. Not less was Venus afflicted when Tibullus died, than when the cruel boar” tore the groin of the youth. # And yet we Poets are called ‘hallowed, and the care of the *ś, sy...:...ºr -º Deities; there are some, too, who believe that we possess in- spiration.” Inexorable Death, forsooth, profanes all that is hallowed; upon all she lays her” dusky hands. What availed his father, what, his mother, for Israarian Orpheus 7" What, with his songs to have lulled the astounded wild beasts' The same father is said, in the lofty woods, to have sung ‘Linus ! Alas! Linus ! Alas!” to his reluctant lyre. Add the son of it was lighted, but this distinction is not observed by the Latin writers. It was in the form of an altar with four equal sides, but it varied in height and the mode of decoration, according to the circumstances of the de- ceased. On the pile the body was placed with the couch on which it had been carried ; and frankincense, ointments, locks of hair, and garlands, were thrown upon it. Even ornaments, clothes, and dishes of food were sometimes used for the same purpose. This was done not only by the family of the deceased, but by such persons as joined the funeral pro- C&SSIOIl. * * The cruel boar.] — Wer. 16. He alludes to the death of Adonis, by the tusk of a boar, which pierced his thigh. See the Tenth Book of the Metamorphoses, l. 716. * We possess inspiration.]—Wer. 17. In the Sixth Book of the Fasti, l. 6, he says. “There is a Deity within us (Poets): under his guidance we glow with inspiration; this poetic fervour contains the impregnating particles of the mind of the Divinity.’ 14 She lays her.]—Wer. 20. It must be remembered that, whereas we personify Death as of the masculine gender; the Romans represented the grim tyrant as being a female. It is a curious fact that we find Death very rarely represented as a skeleton on the Roman monuments. The skeleton of a child has, in one instance, been found represented on one of the tombs of Pompeii. The head of a horse was one of the most common modes of representing death, as it signified departure. 15 Ismarian Orpheus.]—Wer. 21. Apollo and the Muse Calliope were the parents of Orpheus, who met with a cruel death. See the beginning of the Eleventh Book of the Metamorphoses. 16 Linus / Alas !]—Wer. 23. ‘AElinon' was said to have been the ex- clamation of Apollo, on the death of his son, the poet Linus. The Word 364 THE AMORES ; [B. III, Maeon,” too, by whom, as though an everlasting stream, the mouths of the poets are refreshed by the waters of Piëria: him, too, has his last day overwhelmed in black Avernus; his verse alone escapes the all-consuming pile, The fame of the Trojan toils, the work of the Poets is lasting, and the slow web woven” again through the stratagem of the night. So shall. Nemesis, so Delia,” have a lasting name; the one, his recent choice, the other his first love. - What does sacrifice avail thee '* Of what use are now the ‘sistra’ of Egypt? What, lying apart” in a forsaken bed? When the cruel Destinies snatch away the good, (pardon the confession) I am tempted to think that there are no Deities. Live piously; pious though you be, you shall die; attend the sacred worship ; still ruthless Death shall drag the worshipper from the temples to the yawning tomb.” Put your trust in the excellence of your verse; see Tibullus lies prostrate; of so much, there hardly remains enough for a little urn to receive. And, hallowed Poet, have the flames of the pile consumed thee, and have they not been afraid to feed upon that heart of thine ! They could have burned the golden temples of the is derived from the Greek, ‘āi Alvög,’ ‘Alas! Linus.’ A certain poetic measure was called by this name; but we learn from Athenaeus, that it was not always confined to pathetic subjects. There appear to have been two persons of the name of Linus. One was a Theban, the son of Apollo, and the instructor of Orpheus and Hercules, while the other was the son of an Argive princess, by Apollo, who, according to Statius, was torn to pieces in his infancy by dogs. 17 The son of Maeon.]—Wer. 25. See the Note to the ninth line of the Fifteenth Elegy of the First Book of the Amores. * Slow web woven.]—Wer. 30. The web of Penelope. * Nemesis, so Delia.] — Wer. 31. Nemesis and Delia were the names of damsels whose charms were celebrated by Tibullus. * Sacrifice avail thee..] — Wer. 33. He alludes to two lines in the First Elegy of Tibullus. ‘Quid tua nunc Isis mihi Delia 2 quid mihi prosunt Illa tuá toties apra repulsa manu.’ “What have I now to do, Delia, with your Isis 2 what avail me those sistra so often shaken by your hand 2’ - * What lying apart.]—Wer. 34. During the festival of Isis, all inter- course with men was forbidden to the female devotees. * The yawning tomb.]—Wer. 38. The place where a person was burnt was called “bustum,' if he was afterwards buried on the sama spot, and ‘ustrina,’ or “ustrinum,' if he was buried at a different placc. See the Notes to the Fasti, B. ii. 1. 534. E. IX.] OR, AMOURS. 365 holy Gods, that have dared a crime so great. She turned away her face, who holds the towers of Eryx;” there are some, too, who affirm that she did not withhold her tears. But still, this is better than if the Phaeacian land” had buried him a stranger, in an ignoble spot. Here,” at least, a mother pressed his tearful eyes” as he fled, and presented the last gifts” to his ashes; here a sister came to share the grief with her wretched mother, tearing her unadorned locks. And with thy relatives, both Nemesis and thy first love” joined their * The towers of Erya..]—Ver, 45. He alludes to Venus, who had a splendid temple on Mount Eryx, in Sicily. * The Phaeacian land.]—Wer. 47. The Phaeacians were the ancient people of Corcyra, now the isle of Corfu. Tibullus had attended Messala. thither, and falling ill, was unable to accompany his patron on his return to Rome, on which he addressed to him the First Elegy of his Third Book, in which he expressed a hope that he might not die among the Phaeacians. To this Elegy Ovid here refers. Tibullus afterwards recovered, and died at Rome. When he penned this line, Ovid little thought that his own bones would one day rest in a much more ignoble spot than Corcyra, and one much more repulsive to the habits of civilization. * Here.]—Wer. 49. ‘Hic' here seems to be the preferable reading; alluding to Rome, in contradistinction to Corcyra. * His tearful eyes.]—Ver. 49. He alludes to the custom of the nearest relative closing the eyes of the dying person. * The last gifts.]—Ver. 50. The perfumes and other offerings which were thrown on the burning pile, are here alluded to. Tibullus says, in the same Elegy— *Non soror Assyrios cineri quae dedat odores, Et fleat effusis ante sepulchra comis' “No sister have I here to present to my ashes the Assyrian perfumes, and to weep before my tomb with dishevelled locks.’ To this passage Ovid makes reference in the next two limes. * Thy first love.]—Ver. 53. ‘Prior;’ his former love was Delia, who was forsaken by him for Nemesis. They are both represented here as attending his obsequies. Tibullus says, in the First Elegy of the First Book, addressing Delia:— ‘Te spectem, suprema mihi cum venerit hora, Te teneam moriens, deficiente manu. Flebis et arsuro positum me, Delia, lecto, Tristibus et lacrymis oscula mista dabis.’ ‘May I look upon you when my last hour comes, when dying, may I hold you with my failing hand. Delia, you will lament me, too, when placed on my bier, doomed to the pile, and will give me kisses mingled with the tears of grief.” To these lines Ovid evidently here refers. It would appear from the present passage, that it was the custom to give the last kiss when the body was laid on the funeral pile. 366 THE AMORES ; ſB. III. kisses; and they left not the pile in solitude. Delia, as she departed, said, “More fortunately was I beloved by thee; so long as I was thy flame, thou didst live.” To her said Nemesis: “What dost thou say? Are my sufferings a pain to thee? When dying, he grasped me with his failing hand.” If, however, aught of us remains, but name and spirit, Ti- bullus will exist in the Elysian vales. Go to meet him, learned Catullus,” with thy Calvus, having thy youthful temples bound with ivy. Thou too, Gallus, (if the accusation of the injury of thy friend is false) prodigal of thy blood” and of thy life. Of these, thy shade is the companion; if only there is any shade of the body, polished Tibullus; thou hast swelled the blessed throng. Rest, bones, I pray, in quiet, in the un- touched urn; and may the earth prove not heavy for thy ashes. * * With his failing hand.]—Wer. 58. Nemesis here alludes to the above line, and tells Delia, that she, herself, alone engaged his affection, as it was she alone who held his hand when he died. 30 Learned Catullus.]—Wer. 62. Catullus was a Roman poet, a native of Verona. Calvus was also a Roman poet of great merit. The poems of Catullus and Calvus were set to music by Hermogenes, Tigellius, and Demetrius, who were famous composers. See the Tristia, Book ii. lines 427 and 431, and the Notes to the passäges. 3. Prodigal of thy blood.]—Wer. 64. He alludes to the fact of Gallus having killed himself, and to his having been suspected of treason against Augustus, from whom he had received many marks of kindness. Ovid seems to hint, in the Tristia, Book ii. 1. 446, that the fault of Gallus was his having divulged the secrets of Augustus, when he was in a state of inebriety. Some writers say, that when Governor of Egypt, he caused his name and exploits to be inscribed on the Pyramids, and th t this constituted his crime. Others again, suppose that he was guilty of extortion in Egypt, and that he especially harassed the people of Thebes with his exactions, Some of the Commentators think that under the name “amicus,” Augustus is not here referred to, inasmuch as it would seem to bespeak a familiar acquaintanceship, which is not known to have existed. Scaliger thinks that it must refer to some misunderstanding which had taken place between Gallus and Tibullus, in which the former was accused of having decoived his friend. *-********** E. x.] JR, AMOURS. 367 EITEGY X. HE cºmplains to Ceres that during her rites he is separated from his mistress, THE yearly season of the rites of Ceres” is come: my mistress lies apart on a solitary couch. Yellow Ceres, having thy floating locks crowned with ears of corn, why dost thou inter- fere with my pleasures by thy rites? Thee, Goddess, nations speak of as bounteous everywhere : and no one is less unfa- vorable to the blessings of mankind. In former times the uncouth peasants did not parch the corn; and the threshing floor was a name unknown on earth. But the oaks, the early oracles,” used to bear acorns; these, and the grass of the shooting sod, were the food of men. Ceres was the first to teach the seed to swell in the fields, and with the sickle did she cut her coloured locks; she first forced the bulls to place their necks beneath the yoke; and she with crooked tooth turned up the fallow ground. Can any one believe that she takes delight in the tears of lovers, and is duly propitiated with misery and single-blessedness 7 Nor yet (although she loves the fruitful fields) is she a coy one ; nor has she a breast devoid of love. The Cretans shall be my witnesses; and the Cretans do not feign everything; the Cretans, a nation proud of having nurtured Jove.” There, he who rules the starry citadel of the world, a little child, drank milk with tender lips. There is full confidence i the witness; by its foster-child the witness is recommended I think that Ceres will confess her frailties, so well known. The Goddess had beheld Iasius” at the foot of Cretan Ida, * The rites of Ceres.]—Wer, 1. This festival of Ceres occurred on the Fifth of the Ides of April, being the 12th day of that month. See the Fasti, Book iv. l. 393. White garments were worn at this festival, and woollen robes of dark colour were prohibited. The worship was conducted solely by females, and all intercourse with men was forbidden, who were not allowed to approach the altars of the Goddess. * The oaks, the early oracles.]—Wer. 9. On the oaks, the oracles of Dodona, see the Translation of the Metamorphoses, pages 253 and 467. * Having nurtured Jove.]—Ver. 20. See an account of the educa- tion of Jupiter, by the Curetes, in Crete, in the Fourth Book of the Fasti, }. 499, et seq. * Beheld fasius.j—Ver. 25. Iasius, or Iasion, was, according to most 368 THE AMORES ; [B. Iri. as he pierced the backs of the wild beasts with unerring hand. She beheld, and when her tender marrow caught the flame; on the one side Shame, on the other Love, inflamed her. Shanne was conquered by Love; you might see the furrows lying dry, and the crops coming up with a very small proportion of their wheat.” When the mattocks stoutly wielded had turned up the land, and the crooked plough had broken the hard earth, and the seed had fallen equally scattered over the wide fields; the hopes of the deceived husbandman were vain. The Goddess, the guardian of corn, was lingering in the lofty woods; the wreaths of corm had fallen from her flowing locks. Crete alone was fertile in its fruitful year; all places, whither the Goddess had betaken herself, were one continued harvest. Ida, the locality itself for groves, grew white with corn, and the wild boar cropped the ears in the woods. The law-giving Minos" wished for himself many like years; he wished that the love of Ceres might prove lasting. Whereas, yellow-haired Goddess, single-blessedness would have been sad to thee; this am I now compelled by thy rites to endure. Why should I be sad, when thy daughter has been found again by thee, and rules over realms, only less than Juno in rank? This festive day calls for both Venus, and songs, and wine. These gifts is it fitting to bear to the ruling Gods. accounts, the son of Jupiter and Electra, and enjoyed the favour of Ceres, by whom he was the father of Plutus. According to the Scholiast on Theocritus, he was the son of Minos, and the Nymph Phronia. According to Apollodorus, he was struck dead by the bolts of Jupiter, for offering vio- lence to Ceres. He was also said by some to be the husband of Cybele. He is supposed to have been a successful husbandman when agriculture was but little known; which circumstance is thought to have given rise to the story of his familiarity with Ceres. Ovid repeats this charge against the chastity of Ceres, in the Tristia, Book ii. 1.300. See the Note to the passage. * Proportion of their wheat.]—Wer. 30. With less corn than had been originally sown. * The law-giving Minos.]—Ver. 41. Minos is said to have been the first who gave laws to the Cretans. E. XX.] OR, AMOURS. 369 FLEGY XI. He tells his mistress that he cannot help loving her. MUCH and long time have I suffered; by your faults is my patience overcome. Depart from my wearied breast, disgrace- ful Love. In truth I have now liberated myself, and I have burst my chains; and I am ashamed to have borne what it shamed me not to endure. I have conquered; and Love sub- dued I have trodden under foot; late have the horns” come upon my head. Have patience, and endure,” this pain will one day avail thee; often has the bitter potion given refresh- ment to the sick. And could I then endure, repulsed so oft from thy doors, to lay a free-born body upon the hard ground !" And did I them, like a slave, keep watch before thy street door, for some stranger I know not whom, that you were holding in your,em- brace 7 And did I behold it, when the wearied paramour came out of your door, carrying off his jaded and exhausted sides 7 Still, this is more endurable than the fact that I was beheld by him ;" may that disgrace be the lot of my foes. When have I not kept close fastened to your side as you walked,” myself your keeper, myself your husband, myself your companion ? And, celebrated by me forsooth, did you please the public: my passion was the cause of passion in many. Why mention the base perjuries of your perfidious tongue? 43 4' and why the Gods forsworn” for my destruction ? Why the silent 38 Late have the horns.]—Wer. 6. This figure is derived from the horns, the weapons of the bull. “At length I have assumed the weapons of defence.’ It is rendered in a singular manner in Nisard’s Translation, “Trop tard, helas ! J'ai connu l'outrage fait a mon front.’ ‘Too late, alas ! I have known the outrage done to my forehead.’ I l l * Have patience and endure.]—Wer. 7. He addresses himself, recom- mending fortitude as his only cure. * The hard ground.]—Wer. 10. At the door of his mistress; a prac. tice which seems to have been very prevalent with the Roman lowers. * I was beheld by him.]—Ver, 15. As, of course, his rival would only laugh at him for his folly, and very deservedly. * As you walked.]—Wer. 17. By the use of the word ‘spatiantis,” he alludes to her walks under the Porticos of Rome, which were much fre- quented as places for exercise, sheltered from the beat. * The Gods forsworn.] —Ver. 22. This forms the subject of the Third Elegy of the present Book. & B B 37C THE AMORES ; [B. I. mods of young men at banquets,” and words concealed in signs arranged beforehand 2 She was reported to me to be ill; headlong and distracted I ran; I arrived; and, to my rival she was not ill.” Bearing these things, and others on which I am silent, I have oftendured them; find anotherin my stead, who could put up with these things. Now my ship, crowned with the votive chaplet, listens in safety to the swelling waves of the ocean. Cease to lavish your blandishments and the words which once | availed; I am not a fool, as once I was. Love on this side, Hatred on that, are struggling, and are dragging my tender heart in opposite directions; but Love, I think, still gets the better. I will hate,” if I can ; if not, reluctantly will I love; the bull loves not his yoke; still, that which he hates he bears. I fly from treachery; your beauty, as I fly, brings me back; I abhor the failings of your morals; your person I love. Thus, Tº I can neither live without you, nor yet with you ; and I ap- pear to be unacquainted with my own wishes. I wish that either you were less handsome, or less unprincipled. So beauteous a form does not suit morals so bad. Your actions excite hatred; your beauty demands love. Ah wretched me ! she is more potent than her frailties. O pardon me, by the common rites of our bed, by all the Gods who so often allow themselves to be deceived by you, and by your beauty, equal to a great Divinity with me, and by your eyes, which have captivated my own; whatever you shall be, ever shall you be mine; only do you make choice whether you will wish me to wish as well to love you, or whether I am to love you by compulsion. I would rather spread my sails and use propitious gales; since, though I should refuse, I shall still be forced to love. * Young men at banquets.]—Wer. 23. See the Fifth Elegy of the Second Book of the Amores. * She was not ill.]—Wer. 26. When he arrived, he found his rival in her company. * I will hate.]—Wer. 35. This and the next line are considered by Heinsius and other Commentators to be spurious. 2. XII.] OR, AMOURS. 37] ELEGY XII. He complains that he has rendered his mistress so celebrated by his verses, as to have thereby raised for himself many rivals. WHAT day was that, on which, ye birds of no white hue, you sent forth your ominous notes, ever sad to me in my loves 7 Or what star must I consider to be the enemy of my destiny? Or what Deities am I to complain of, as waging war against me? She, who but lately" was called my own, whom I com- menced alone to love, I fear that with many she must be shared by me. Am I mistaken 7 Or has she gained fame by my poems ? 'Tis so; by my genius has she been made public. And justly ; for why have I made proclamation” of her charms? Through my fault has the fair been put up for sale. She pleases, and I the procurer; by my guidance is the lover in- troduced; by my hands has her door been opened. Whe- ther verses are of any use, is matter of doubt; at all events, they have injured me; they have been envious of my happi- mess. While Thebes,” while Troy, while the exploits of * She who but lately.]—Wer. 5. Commentators are at a loss to know whether he is here referring to Corinna, or to his other mistress, to whom he alludes in the Tenth Elegy of the Second Book, when he confesses that he is in love with two mistresses. If Corinna was anything more than an ideal personage, it is probable that she is not meant here, as he made it a point not to discover to the world who was meant under that name; whereas, the mistress here mentioned has been recommended to the notice of the Roman youths by his poems. * Made proclamation.]—Wer. 9. He says that, unconsciously, he has becn doing the duties of the ‘praeco' or ‘crier,’ in recommending his mistress to the public. The ‘praeco,” among the Romans, was employed in sales by auction, to advertise the time, place, and conditions of sale, and very probably to recommend and praise the property offered for sale. These officers also did the duty of the auctioneer, so far as calling out the biddings, but the property was knocked down by the “magister auctionum.’ The ‘praecomes’ were also employed to keep silence in the public assemblies, to pronounce the votes of the centuries, to summon the plaintiff and de- fendant upon trials, to proclaim the victors in the public games, to invite the people to attend public funerals, to recite the laws that were enacted, and, when goods were lost, to cry them and search for them. The office of a ‘praeco' was, in the time of Cicero, looked upon as rather disreputable. 49 Thebes.]—Wer. 15. He speaks of the Theban war, the Trojan war, and the exploits of Caesar, as being good subjects for Epic poetry; but he says B B 2 372 THE AMORES ; | B. III. Caesar existed ; Corinna alone warmed my genius. Would that J had meddled with verses against the will of the Muses; and that Phoebus had deserted the work commenced And yet, it is not the custom to listen to Poets as witnesses;* I would have preferred all weight to be wanting to my words. Through us, Scylla, who robbed her father of his white hair, bears the raging dogs” beneath her thigh and loins. We have given wings to the feet, serpents to the hair; the victorious descendant of Abas” is borne upon the winged steed. We, too, have extended Tityus” over the vast space, and have formed the three mouths for the dog bristling with snakes. We have described Enceladus," hurling with his thousand arms; and the heroes captivated by the voice of the two-shaped damsels.” In the Ithacan bags" have we en- that he had neglected them, and had wasted his time in singing in praise of Corinna. This, however, may he said in reproof of his general habits of indolence, and not as necessarily implying that Corinna is the cause of his present complaint. The Roman poet Statius afterwards chose the Theban war as his subject. * Poets as witnesses.]—Wer. 19, That is, “to rely implicitly on the testimony of poets.” The word “poetas’ requires a semicolon after it, and not a COmma. * The raging dogs.]—Wer. 21. He here falls into his usual mistake of confounding Scylla, the daughter of Nisus, with Scylla, the Nymph, the rival of Circe, in the affections of Glaucus. See the Note to l. 33 of the First Epistle of Sabinus, and the Eighth and Fourteenth Books of the Metamorphoses. * Descendant of Abas.]—Wer. 24. In the Fourth Book of the Meta- morphoses he relates the rescue of Andromeda from the sea monster, by Perseus, the descendant of Abas, and clearly implies that he used the services of the winged horse Pegasus on that occasion. It has been sug- gested by some Commentators, that he here refers to Bellerophon; but that hero was not a descendant of Abas, and, singularly enough, he is not on any occasion mentioned or referred to by Ovid. * Eartended Tityus j—Ver. 25. Tityus was a giant, the son of Jupiter and Elana. Offering violence to Latona, he was pierced by the darts of Apollo and hurled to the Infernal Regions, where his liver was doomed to feed a vulture, without being consumed. * Enceladus.]—Wer. 27. He was the son of Titan and Terra, and joining in the war against the Gods, he was struck by lightning, and thrown beneath Mount Aºtna. See the Pontic Epistles, Bookii. Ep. ii. l. li. 55. The two-shaped damsels.]—Wer. 28. He evidently alludes to the Sirens, with their two shapes, and not to Circe, as some have imagined. * The Ithacan bags.]—Wer. 29. Aiolus gave Ulysses favourable winds sewn up in a leather bag, to aid him in his return to Ithaca. See the Matamorphoses, Book xiv. l. 223 E. XII.] OR, AMOURs. 373 closed the winds of Æolus ; the treacherous. Tantalus thirsts in the middle of the stream. Of Niobe we have made the rock, of the damsel, the she-bear ; the Cecropian” bird sings of Odrysian Itys. Jupiter transforms himself, either into a bird, or into gold;” or, as a bull, with the virgin placed upon him, he cleaves the waves. Why mention Proteus, and the Theban seed,” the teeth ' Why that there were bulls, which vomited flames from their mouths? Why, charioteer, that thy sisters distil amber tears!" Why that they are now Goddesses of the sea, who once were ships ?" Why that the light of day fled from the hellish banquet” of Atreus? And why that the hard stones followed the lyre" as it was struck' The fertile license of the Poets ranges over an immense space; and it ties not its words to the accuracy of history. So, too, ought my mistress to have been deemed to be falsely praised; now is your credulity a mischief to me. ...” ELEGY XIII. HE describes the Festival of Juno, as celebrated at Falisci, the native place of his wife. As my wife was born at Falisci, so fruitful in apples, werepaired 57 The Cecropian bird.]—Wer. 32. He calls Philomela the daughter of Pandion, king of Athens, ‘Cecropis ales;’ Cº crops having been the first king of Athens. Her story is told in the Sixth Book of the Metamor- phoses. - 58 A bird, or into gold.] — Wer. 33. He alludes to the transformation of Jupiter into a swan, a shower of gold, and a bull; in the cases of Leda, Danaë, and Europa. 59 The Theban seed J–Wer. 35. He alludes to the dragon's teeth sown by Cadmus. See the Third Book of the Metamorphoses. 80 Distil amber tears.]—Wer. 37. Reference is made to the transfor- mation of the sisters of Phaëton into poplars that distilled amber. See the Second Book of the Metamorphoses, 1.364. 61 Who once were ships.]—Ver. 38. He alludes to the ships of Æneas, which, when set on fire by Turnus, were changed into sea Nymphs. 32 The hellish banquet.]—Wer. 39. Reference is made to the revenge of Atreus, who killed the children of Thyestes, and set them on table he- fore their father, on which occasion the Sun is said to have hidden his face. 83 Stones followed the lyre.]—Ver, 40. Amphion is said to have raised the walls of Thebes by the sound of his lyre. 374 THE AMORES ; [B. III, to the walls that were conquered, Camillus, by thee." The priestesses were preparing the chaste festival of Juno, with distinguished games, and the heifer of the country. 'Twas a great remuneration for my stay, to be acquainted with the ceremony; although a path, difficult from the ascent, leads the way thither. There stands a grove, ancient, and shaded with numberless trees; look at it, you must confess that a Divinity exists in the spot. An altar receives the prayers, and the votive incense of the pious; an altar made without skill, by ancient hands. When, from this spot, the pipe has given the signal with its usual note, the yearly procession moves along the covered paths.” Snow-white heifers" are led, as the crowd applauds, which the Faliscan grass has fed on its own plains; calves, too, not yet threatening with the forehead to inspire fear; and the pig, a smaller victim, from its lowly sty; the leader too, of the flock, with his horns bending back over his hardy temples; the goat alone is odious to the Goddess queen. By her betrayal, discovered in the lofty woods," she is said to have desisted from the flight she had commenced. Even now, by the boys, is she aimed at as a mark;” and she is given, as a prize, to the author of her wound. Where the Goddess is to come, the youths and bashful girls sweep the * Camillus, by thee..]—Wer. 2. Marcus Furius Camillus, the Roman general, took the city of Falisci. * * The covered paths.]— Ver, 12. The pipers, or flute players, led the procession, while the ground was covered with carpets or tapestry. * Snow-white heifers.] — Wer. 14. Pliny the Elder, in his Second Book, says, “The river Clitumnus, in the state of Falisci, makes those cattle white that drink of its waters.’ 67 In the lofty woods.]—Wer 20. It is not known to what occasion this refers. Juno is stated to have concealed herself on two occasions; once before her marriage, when she fled from the pursuit of Jupiter, who assumed the form of a cuckoo, that he might deceive her; and again, when, through fear of the giants, the Gods took refuge in Egypt and Libya. Perhaps the former occasion is here referred to. & As a mark.]—Wer. 21. This is similar to the alleged origin of the custom of throwing sticks at cocks on Shrove Tuesday. The Saxons being about to rise in rebellion against their Norman oppressors, the conspiracy is said to have been discovered through the inopportune crowing of a cock, in revenge for which the whole race of chanticleers were for cell- turies submitted to this cruel punishment. E. XIII.] OR, AMOURS. 375 roads before her, with garments” as they lie. Their virgin hair is adormed with gold and gems; and the proud mantle conceals their feet, bedecked with gold. After the Grecian manner" of their ancestors, clad in white garments, they bear the sacred vessels entrusted to them on their heads, placed be- meath. The people hold religious silence," at the moment when the resplendent procession comes up ; and she herself follows after her priestesses. Argive is the appearance of the procession; Agamemnon slain, Halesus” fled from both his crime and his father’s wealth. And now, an exile, having wandered over both land and sea, he erected lofty walls with prospering hand. He taught his own Falisci the rites of Juno. May they be ever propitious to myself, may they be ever so to her own people. ELEGY XIV. He entreats his mistress, if she will not be constant, at least, to conceal her intrigues from him. BEAUTEOUs since you are, I do not forbid your being frail; but let it not be a matter of course, that wretched I should know it. Nor does any severity of mine command you to be quite correct; but it only entreats you to try to conceal the truth. She is not culpable, whoever can deny that she has been culpable; and ’tis only the confession of error that makes a woman disgraced. What madness is it to confess in light of day what lies concealed in night ! And what you do in secret, to say openly that it is done 7 The * With garments.] — Wer. 24. As ‘vestis’ was a general name for a covering of any kind, it may refer to the carpets which appear to be mentioned in the twelfth line, or it may mean, that the youths and dam- sels threw their own garments in the path of the procession. 7" After the Grecian manner.] —Ver. 27. Falisci was said to have been a Grecian colony. 71 Hold religious silence.] — Wer. 29. ‘Favere linguis’ seems here to mean, “to keep religious silence:’ as to the general meaning of the term, see the Fasti, Book i. 1. 71. 7” Halesus.]—Ver. 33. Halesus is said to have been the son of Aga- memnon, by a concubine. Alarmed at the tragic death of his father, and of the murderers, AEgisthus and Clytemnestra, he fled to Italy, where he founded the city of Phalesus, which title, with the addition of one letter, w; s given to it after his name. Phalesus afterwards became corrupted, to Faliscus,” or ‘Falisci.’ 376 THE AMORES : ſB. III. strumpet about to entertain some obscure Roman, first keeps out the public by fastening up the bar. And will you make known your frailties to malicious report? And will you make proof of your own criminality 7 May your mind be more sound, or, at least, may you imitate the chaste; and although you are not, let me suppose that you are chaste. What you do, still do the same; only deny that you do so; and be not ashamed in public to speak the language of chastity. There is the occasion which demands wantomness; sate it with every delight; far thence be all modesty. Soon as you take your departure thence; away at once with all lasciviousness, and leave your frailties in your chamber— Illic nec tunicam tibi sit posuisse rubori, Nec femori impositum sustimuisse femur : Illic purpureis condatur lingua labellis : Inque modos Venerem mille figuret amor; Illic mec voces, nec verba juvantia cessent; Spondaque lascivá mobilitate tremat. With your garments put on looks that dread accusation; and let modesty disavow improper pursuits. Deceive the public, deceive me, too ; in my ignorance, let me be mistaken, and allow me to enjoy my silly credulity. Why do I so often espy letters sent and received 7 Why one side and the other” tumbled, of your couch / Why do I see your hair disarranged more than happens in sleep, and your Tneck bearing the marks of teeth? The failing itself alone you do not bring before my eyes; if you hesitate consulting your own reputation, still, spare me. My senses fail me, and I am expiring, oft as you confess your failings; and the drops flow, chilled throughout my limbs. Then do I love you; then, in vain, do I hate what I am forced to love;” then I could wish myself to be dead, but together with you. - No enquiries, for my part, will I make, nor will I try to know what you shall attempt to conceal; and to me it shall be the same as a false charge. If, however, you shall be found detected in the midst of your guilt, and if criminality shall be 78 One side and the other.] — Wer. 32. For the ‘torus exterior' and ‘interior,’ and the construction of the beds of the ancients, see the Note to the Eighth Book of the Metamorphoses, l. 659. • 7* Forced to love.]—Wer. 39. This passage seems to be hopelessly corrupt. E. xv.] OR, AMOURS, 377 beheld by my eyes; what has been plainly seem, do you deny to have been plainly seen ; my own eyes shall give way to your assertions. 'Tis an easy conquest for you to vanquish me, who desire to be vanquished. Let your tongue only be mindful to say—“I did not do it!” since it is your lot to conquer with two words;” although not by the merit of your cause, still conquer through your judge. 4-º-º-º-º: ELEGY XV. H E tells Venus that he now ceases to write Elegies. SEEK a new Poet, mother of the tender Loves; here the ex- treme turning-place is grazed” by my Elegies, which 1, a foster-child of the Pelignian fields, have composed; nor have mysportive lays disgraced me. Me, I say, who, if that is aught, am the heir to my rank,” even through a long line of ances- tors, and not lately made a Knight in the hurly-burly, of warfare. Mantua delights in Virgil, Verona in Catullus; I shall be called the glory of the Pelignian race; which its own liberties summon to glorious arms,” when trembling Rome dreaded” the allied bands. And some stranger will say, as he looks on the walls of the watery Sulmo, which occupy but a few acres of land, “Small as you are, I will call you great, who were able to produce a Poet so great.” Beauteous boy, and thou, Amathusian parent” of the beauteous boy, raise 73% Two words.]—Ver. 49. “Non feci.” “I did not do it.’ 74 Turning-place is grazed.]—Wer. 2. On rounding the ‘meta’ in the chariot race, from which the present figure is derived, see the Note to the 69th line of the Second Elegy of this Book. 75 Heir to my rank.]—Ver. 5. See the Tristia, Book ii. l. 112, where he enlarges upon the rank and circumstances of his family. 76 To glorious arms.]—Ver. 9. He alludes to the Social war which was commenced in the year of the City 659, by the Marsi, the Peligmi, and the Picentes, for the purpose of obtaining equal rights and privileges with the Roman citizens. He calls them ‘arma homesta,' because wielded in defence of their liberties. 77 Rome dreaded.]—Ver, 10. The Romans were so alarmed, that they vowed to celebrate games in honour of Jupiter, if their arms should prove successful. - 78 Amathusian parent.]—Ver. 15. Venus was worshipped especially at Amathus, a city of Cyprus; it is mentioned by Ovid as abounding in metals. See the Metamorphoses, Book X. l. 220 and 531, 378 THE AMORES ; OR, AMOUIRS. [B. III. your golden standard from my fields. The hormed” Lyaeus" has struck me with a thyrsus more potent; with mighty steeds must a more extended plain be paced. Unwarlike Elegies, my sportive” Muse, farewell; a work destined to survive long after I am dead and gone. 7° The horned.]—Wer. 17. In addition to the reasons already men- tioned for Bacchus being represented as horned, it is said by some, that it arose from the fact, of wine being drunk from horns, in the early ages. It has been suggested, that it had a figurative meaning, and im- plied the violence of those who are overtaken with wine. * Lyaeus.]—Ver. 17. For the meaning of the word Lyaeus, see the Metamorphoses, Book iv. l. 11, and the Note to the passage. 31 My sportive.]—Wer. 19. Genialis; the Genii were the Deities of pure, unadorned nature. See the Fasti, Book iii. l. 58, and the Note to the passage, ‘Genialis,' consequently means, ‘voluptuous,' or “pleasing to the impulses of nature.” ARS AMATORIA; 0 R, T H E A R T 0 F L 0 W E. P()()K THE FIRST. SHOULD any one of the people not know the art of loving, let him read me; and taught by me, on reading my lines, ſet him love. By art the ships are onward sped by sails and oars; by art are the light chariots, by art is Love, to be guided. In the chariot and in the flowing reins was Automedon skilled : in the Haemonian ship of Jason Tiphys was the pilot, Me, too, skilled in my craft, has Venus made the guardian of Love. Of Cupid the Tiphys and the Automedon shall Ibe styled. Unruly indeed he is, and one who oft rebels against me; but he is a child; his age is tender and easy to be governed. The son of Phillyra made the boy Achilles skilled at the lyre; and with his sooth- ing art he subdued his ferocious disposition. He who so oft alarmed his own companions, so oft the foe, is believed to have stood in dread of an aged man full of years. Those hands which Hector was doomed to feel, at the request of his master he held out for stripes" as commanded. Chiron was the pre- ceptor of the grandson of Æacus, I of Love. Both of the boys were wild; both of a Goddess born. But yet the neck of even the bull is laden with the plough ; and the reins are champed by the teeth of the spirited steed. To me, too, will Love yield; though, with his bow, he should wound my breast, and should brandish his torches hurled against me. The more that Love has pierced me, the more has he relentlessly inflamed me; so much the fitter avenger shall I be of the wounds so made. Phoebus, I pretend not that these arts were bestowed on me , * For stripes.]—Ver. 16. Statius, in the Thebaid, mentions the strict. mess of the discipline of Chiron. See the Amores, Boyki. El. xiii. 1, 18. 380 ARS AMATORIA ; [B. I. 25–56. by thee; nor by the notes of the birds of the air am I inspired. Neither Clio nor the sisters of Clio have been beheld by me, while watching, Ascra, in thy vales, my flocks. To this work experience gives rise ; listem to a Poet well-versed. The truth will I sing; Mother of Love, favour my design. Beye afar,” ye with the thin fillets on your hair, the mark of chastity; and thou, long flounce, which dost conceal the middle of the foot. We will sing of guiltless delights, and of thefts allowed; and in my song there shall be nought that is criminal. In the first place, endeavour to find out an object which you may desire to love, you who are now coming for the first time to engage as a soldier in a new service. The next task after that, is to prevail on the fair by pleasing her. The third is, for her love to prove of long duration. This is my plan ; this space shall be marked out by my chariot; this the turning-place to be grazed by my wheels in their full career. While you may, and while you are able to proceed with flow- ing reins; choose one to whom you may say, “You alone are pleasing to me.” She will not come to you gliding through the yielding air; the fair one that suits must be sought with your eyes. The hunter knows full well where to extend the toils for the deer ; full well he knows in what Vale dwells the boar gnashing with his teeth. The shrubberies are known to the fowlers. He who holds out the hooks, knows what waters are swam in by many a fish. You, too, who seek a subject for enduring love, first learm in what spot the fair are to be met with. In your search, I will not bid you give your sails to the wind, nor is a long path to be trodden by you, that you may find her. Let Perseus bear away his Andromeda from the tawny In- dians,” and let the Grecian fair be ravished by Paris, the Phry- gian hero. Rome will present you damsels as many, and full as fair; so that you will declare, that whatever has been on the * Be ye afar..]—Wer. 31. He quotes this and the following line in the Tristia, Book ii. 1. 248, to show that it was not his intention, by his pre- cepts, to inculcate breaches of chastity among the Roman matrons. See the Note to the passage, and to the Fasti, Book ii. I. 30. The ‘vitta,’ or “fillet,’ was worn solely by women of pure character, * The tawny Indians.]—Ver, 53. Herodotus considers the Æthiopians to be Indians. According to some, the father of Andromeda was king of Ağ, hiopia; but she is more frequently represented as a native of Joppa, on the coast of Syria. B. I. 56—72.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 3.81 earth, she possesses. As many ears of corn as Gargara has, as many clusters as Methymna; as many fishes as are concealed in the seas, birds in the boughs; as many stars as heaven has, so many fair ones does your own Rome contain ; and in her own City does the mother of Æneas hold her reign. Are you charmed by early and still dawning years, the maidem in all her genuineness will come before your eyes; or do you wish a riper fair,” a thousand riper will please you; you will be forced not to know which is your own choice. Or does an age mature and more staid delight you; this throng too, believe me, will be even greater. Do you only saunter at your leisure in the shade of Pom- pey’s Portico," when the sun approaches the back of the Lion of Hercules;" or where the mother” has added her own gifts to those of her son, a work rich in its foreign marble. And let not the Portico of Livia” be shunned by you, which, here and there adorned with ancient paintings, bears the name * As many stars as...]-—Wer. 59. Heinsius considers this and the next line to be spurious. - * Wish a riper fair.]—Wer. 63. ‘Juvenis,' applied to a female, would mean something more than a mere girl. “Juventus’ was that age in which a person was in his best years, from about twenty to forty. 6 Pompey's Portico.]—Wer. 67. He alludes to the Portico which had been erected by Pompey at Rome, and was shaded by plane trees and re- fresh º by fountains. The Porticos were walks covered with roofs, sup- por' ºff by columns. They were sometimes attached to other buildings, an gometimes were independent of any other edifice. They were much resolved to by those who wished to take exercise without exposure to the heat of the sun. The Porticos of the temples were originally intended for the resort of persons who took part in the rites performed there. Law- suits were sometimes conducted in the Porticos of Rome, and goods were sold there. 7 The lion of Hercules.]—Wer. 68. The Nemean lion; which formed the Constellation Leo in the Zodiac. * 8 Where the mother.]—Wer. 69. He alludes to the Theatre and Portico which Augustus built ; the former of which received the name of his ne- phew Marcellus, the latter of his sister Octavia, the mother of Marcellus. After the death of Marcellus, Octavia added a public library to this Portico at her own expense. Here there were valuable paintings of Minerva, Philip and Alexander, and Hercules on Mount CEta. Some suppose that the temple of Concord, built by Livia, and mentiomed in the Fasti, is here referred to. ° The Portico of Livia.]—Ver. 72. The Portico of Livia was near the street called Suburra. This Portico is also mentioned in the Fast. We learn from Strabo that it was near the Via Sacra, or Sacred Street. 382 ARS AMATORIA ; [B. 1. 72–83. of its founder. Where, too, are the grand-daughters of Be- lus,” who dared to plot death for their wretched cousins, and where their enraged father stands with his drawn sword. Nor let Adonis, bewailed by Venus,” escape you; and the seventh holy-day observed by the Jew of Syria.” Nor fly from the Memphian temples of Isis the linem-wearing heifer; she has made many a woman” that which she was herself to Jove. Even the Courts, (who would have believed it?) are favourable to Love; and oft in the noisy Forum has the flame been found. Where the erection” of Appius,” adjoining the temple of Venus, built of marble, beats the air with its shooting stream ;" in * Granddaughters of Belus.]—Ver, 73. This was the Portico of the Danaides, in the temple of Apollo. It is referred to in the Second Elegy of the Second Book of the Amores. * Bewailed by Venus.]—Wer. 75. He alludes to the temple of Venus, at Rome, which, according to Juvenal, was notorious as the scene of in- trigues and disgraceful irregularities. It was a custom of the Romans, borrowed from the Assyrians, to lament Adonis in the temple of Venus. See the Tenth Book of the Metamorphoses. This worship of the Assyrians is mentioned by the Prophet Ezekiel, chap. viii. ver, 13, “women weeping for Thammuz.” * The Jew of Syria.]—Wer. 76. He alludes to the rites performed in the Synagogues of the Jews of Rome, on the Sabbath, to which numbers of females were attracted, probably by the music. There were great num- bers of Jews at Rome in the reign of Augustus, who were allowed to fol- low their own worship, according to the law of Moses. The Roman females visiting the Synagogues, assignations and gross irregularities be- came the consequence. Tiberius withdrew this privilege from the Jews, and ordered the priests' vestments and ornaments to be burnt. This line is thus rendered in Dryden's version : “Nor shun the Jewish walk, where the foul drove, On Sabbaths rest from everything but love.’ This wretched paraphrase is excused by the following very illiberal note, * If this version seems to bear a little hard on the ancient Jews, it does not at all wrong the modern.” * Many a woman.]—Wer. 78. Io, or Isis, was debauched by Jupiter. Martial and Juvenal speak of the irregularities practised on these occasions. 14 Where the erection.]—Wer. 81. He refers to the Forum of Caesar and the temple of Venus, which was built by Julius Caesar after the battle of Pharsalia. * Of Appius.]—Wer. 82. He alludes to the aqueduct which had been constructed by the Censor Appius. This passed into the City, through the Latin gate, and discharged itself near the spot where the temple of Venus was built. * Shooting stream.]—Ver. 82. He alludes to the violence with which the water was discharged by the pipes of the aqueduct into the reservoir. H. i. 83–111.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 3S3 that spot full oft is the pleader seized by Love; and he that has defended others, the same does not defend himself. Oft in that spot are their words found wanting to the eloquent man; and new cares arise, and his own cause has to be pleaded. From her temple, which is adjoining," Wenus laughs at him. He who so lately was a patron, now wishes to become a client. But especially at the curving Theatres do you hunt for prey: these places are even yet more fruitful for your desires. There you will find what you may love, what you may trifle with, both what you may once touch, and what you may wish to keep. As the numberless ants come and go in lengthened train, when they are carrying their wonted food in the mouth that bears the grains; or as the bees, when they have found both their own pastures and the balmy meads, hover around the flowers and the tops of the thyme ; so rush the best-dressed women to the thronged spectacles; a multitude that oft has kept my judgment in suspense. They come to see, they come that they themselves may be seen ; to modest chastity these spots are detrimental. Romulus, ’twas thou didst first institute the exciting games; at the time when the ravished Sabine fair” came to the aid of the solitary men. Then, neither did curtains” hang over the mar- ble theatre,” nor was the stage” blushing with liquid saffron. There, the branches were simply arranged which the woody Palatium bore; the scene was void of art. On the steps made of turf sit the people; the branches promiscuously overshadow- ing their shaggy locks. They look about them, and they mark with their eyes, each for himself, the damsel which to choose; and in their silent minds they devise full many a plan. And 47 Which is adjoining.]—Wer. 87. The temple of Venus was near the Forum. 18 Ravished Sabine fair.]—Ver. 102. See the Fasti, Book iii. 1, 199. * Neither did curtains.]—Wer. 103. The ‘ vela,’ here referred to, may mean either the ‘siparia,’ or curtains of the theatres, or the awnings which were hung over them. See the Note on the ‘siparia' of the theatres, . referred to in the Third Book of the Metamorphoses, l. 111. The ‘ vela- ria,’ or ‘awnings,’ were stretched over the whole space of the theatres, to protect the spectators from the sun and rain. * Marble theatre.]—Wer. 103. The Theatres of Pompey and Scaurus were of marble. * * Nor was the stage.]—Ver. 104. The “pulpita' was that part of the stage where the actors stood who spoke. It was elevated above the or- chestra, where the Chorus, and dancers and musicians were placed. 384 ARS AMATORIA ; [B. I, 111-145 while, as the Etrurian piper sends forth his harsh notes, the actor with his foot thrice beats the levelled ground; in the midst of the applause, (in those days applause was void of guile,) the King gives to his people the signal to be awaited for the spoil. At once, they start up, and, disclosing their intentions with a shout, lay their greedy hands upon the maidens.” As the doves, a startled throng, fly from the eagles, and as the young iamb flies from the wolves when seen; in such manner do they dread the men indiscriminately rushing on ; the com- plexion remains in none, which existed there before. For their fear is the same ; the symptoms of their fear not the Same. Some tear their hair; some sit without conscious- ness; one is silent in her grief; another vainly calls upon her mother; this one laments; this one is astounded; this one tarries; that one takes to flight. The ravished fair ones are carried off, a matrimonial spoil; and shame itself may have been becoming to many a one. If one struggled excessively, and repelled her companion ; borne off, the man himself lifted her into his eager bosom. And thus he spoke : “Why spoil your charming eyes with tears? What to your mother your father was, the same will I be to you.” Romulus, ’twas thou alone didst understand how to give rewards to thy sol- diers. Give such a reward to me, and I will be a soldier. In good truth, from that Uransaction, the festive Theatres, even to this day, continue to be treacherous to the handsome. And let not the contest of the noble steeds escape you; the roomy Circus of the people has many advantages. There is no need there of fingers, with which to talk over your se- crets; nor must à hint be taken by you through mods. Be seated next to your mistress, there being no one to preventit; press your side to her side as close as ever you can ; and conveniently enough, because the partition” compels you to sit close, even if she be unwilling; and because, by the custom of the place, the fair one must be touched by you. Here let the occasion be sought by you for some friendly chat, and let the usual subjects” lead to the first words. Take care, and enquire, * Upon the maidens.]—Wer. 116. Some writers say that only thirty women were carried off. Valerius Antius made the number 427, and Plutarch mentions a statement that it was 600 * The partition.]—Wer. 141. See the Amores, Book iii. El. ii. 1, 19. * Let the usual subjects.]—Wer. 144. ‘Publica verba’ means the ‘compliments of the day,’ and the “topics suited to the occasion.’ B. I. i45–167.] OR, THE ART OF LOWE. 385 with an air of anxiety, whose horses those are, coming; and without delay, whoever it is to whom she wishes well, to him do you also wish well. But when the thronged procession shall walk with the holy statues of ivory,” do you applaud your mistress Wenus with zealous hand. And, as often happens, if perchance a little dust should fall on the bosom of the fair, it must be brushed off with your fingers;” and if there should be no dust, still brush off that mone ; let any excuse be a prelude to your attentions. If her mantle, hanging too low, shall be trailing on the earth, gather it up, and carefully raise it from the dirty ground.” At once, as the reward of your attention, the fair permitting it, her ancles will chance to be seen by your eyes. Look, too, behind, who shall be sitting behind you, that he may not press her tender back with his knee against it.” Trifles attract trifling minds. It has proved to the advantage of many a one, to make a cushion with his ready hand.” It has been of use, too, to waft a breeze with the graceful fan, and to place the hollow footstool beneath her delicate feet. Both the Circus, and the sand spread for its sad duties” in the bustling Forum, will afford these overtures to a dawning passion. On that sand, oft has the son of Venus fought ; and he who has come to be a spectator of wounds, himself receives a wound.” While he is talking, and is touching her hand, and is * Statues of ivory.]—Ver. 149. For an account of this procession, see the Amores, Book iii. El. ii. 1. 43. * Your fingers.]—Wer. 150. See 1. 42, of the same Elegy. * Darty ground.]—Wer. 154. See 1. 26, of the same Elegy. * Knee against it.]—Wer. 158. See 1. 24, of the same Elegy. * With his ready hand.]—Wer. 160. As the seats of the Circus were hard, the women often made use of a cushion to sit upon. Those who were not so fortunate as to get a front seat, and so rest their feet in the railings opposite (see the Second Elegy of the Third Book of the Amores, l. 64, and the Note), used a footstool, ‘scamnum,’ (which is mentioned here in the 162nd line,) on which they rested their feet. * Its sad duties.]—Ver. 164. Juvenal tells us that gladiatorial spec- tacles were sometimes exhibited in the Forum. &l Himself receives a wound.]—Wer. 166. The word ‘habet,' here used, is borrowed from the usage at the gladiatorial games. When a gladiator was wounded, the people called aloud ‘habet,' or ‘hoc habet;’ and the one who was vanquished lowered his arms, in token of submission. If the people chose that he should be saved, they pressed down their thumbs; but they turned them up, if they desired that he should be killel. c G 386 ARS AMATORIA ; [B. I. 167–181. asking for the racing list;” and, having deposited the stake,” is enquiring which has conquered, wounded, he'sighs, and feels the flying dart, and, himself, becomes a portion of the spec- tacle so viewed. t Besides; when, of late,” Caesar, on the representation of a rival fight, introduced” the Persian and Athenian ships; in truth, from both seas came youths, from both came the fair; and in the City was the whole of the great world. Who, in that throng, did not find an object for him to love? How many, alas ! did a foreign flame torment 7 See Caesar prepares” to add what was wanting to the world subdued; now, re- mote East, our own shalt thou be Parthian, thou shalt give satisfaction ; entombed Crassi, rejoice;” ye standards, too, that disgracefully submitted to barbarian hands. Your avenger is at hand, and proves himself a general in his earlies' * Asking for the racing list.]—Wer. 167. The “libellus,' here men- tioned, was the list of the horses, with their names and colours, and those of the drivers. It served the same purpose as the race-cards on our COUITSČS. * Having deposited the stake.]—Wer 168. When a bet was made, the parties betting gave to each other a pledge, ‘pignus,” in the shape of some trinket, such as a ring. When the bet was completed, they touched hands. 34 When of late.]—Ver. 171. He speaks of a ‘Naumachia,’ or mimic sea-fight, which had been lately exhibited at Rome by Augustus, in com- memoration of the battle of Actium. As Antony had collected his forces from the East and all parts of Greece, his ships are alluded to as the Persian and Cecropian, or Athenian ships. The term, ‘Naumachia,’ was applied both to the representation of a sea-fight, and to the place where it was given. They were sometimes exhibited in the Circus or Amphitheatre, the water being introduced under-ground, but more generally in spots constructed for the purpose. The first was shown by Julius Caesar, who caused a lake to be dug for the purpose in a part of the Campus Martius, which Sueto- nius calls ‘the lesser Codeta.’ This was filled up by Augustus, who dug a lake near the Tiber for the same purpose; to which, probably, reference is here made. * Introduced.]—Wer. 172. ‘Induxit.' By the use of this word, it would seem that Augustus Caesar introduced the ships, probably, from the river Tiber into the lake. * See/ Casar prepares.]—Wer. 177. Augustus sent his grandson, Caius, the son of his daughter Julia and Agrippa, to head an expedition against Phraates, the king of the Parthians, the conquerors of Crassus; front this expedition he did not live to return, but perished in battle. *7 Crassi, rejoice.]—Ver. 180. See the Fasti, Book v. l. 583-8, with the Note to the Lasst-2. Also Book vi. 1, 465 p. 1. 181—209.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 387 arms; and, while a boy, is conducting a war not fitted to be waged by a boy. Cease, in your fears, to count the birth-days of the Gods:* valour is the lot of the Caesars, in advance of their years. The divine genius rises more rapidly than its years, and brooks not the evils of slow delay. The Tirynthian hero was a baby, and he crushed two serpents in his hands; even in his cradle he was already worthy of Jove. Bacchus, who even now art a boy, how mighty wast thou then, when conquered India dreaded thy thyrsi With the auspices and the courage of thy sire, thou, Youth, shalt wield arms; and with the courage and the auspices of thy sire shalt thou con- quer. Such first lessons are thy due, under a name so great; now the first of the youths,” at a future day to be the first of the mem. Since thou hast brothers," avenge thy brethren slain; and since thou hast a sire," vindicate the rights of thy sire. He, the father of thy country and thine own, hath put thee in arms; the enemy is tearing realms away from thy reluctant sire. Thou wilt wield the weapons of duty, the foe arrows accursed; before thy standard, Justice and Duty will take their post. By the badness of their cause, the Parthians are conquered; in arms, too, may they be overcome ; may m hero add to Latium the wealth of the East. Both thou, father Mars, and thou, father Caesar, grant your divine favour as he sets out; for the one of you is now a Deity, thou, the other, wilt so be. Lo I utter a prophecy; thou wilt conquer, and I shall offer the lines which I have vowed; and with a loud voice wilt thou have to be celebrated by me. Thou wilt there be taking thy stand, and in my words thou wilt be animating thy troops. O that my words may not prove unworthy of thy spirit ! I will celebrate both the backs of the Parthiams as they fly, and the valour of the Romans, and the darts which * Of the Gods.]—Wer. 183. In a spirit of adulation, he deifies Caius Caesar, and his brother Lucius. * First of the youths.]—Wer. 194. The ‘princeps juvenum' had the honour of riding first, in the review of the Equestrian ranks by the Em- peror. See the Tristia, Book ii. 1.90. Caius did not live to fulfil this prophecy, as he was slain through the perfidy of the Parthian general. * Since thou hast brothers.]—Wer. 195. He alludes, probably, to Lucius Caesar, the other grandson of Augustus, and Marcus Agrippa, the husband of Julia, the daughter of Augustus. * Hast a sire.j –Wer. 196. He had been adopted by Augustus. C G 2 388 ARS AMATORIA ; [b. 1. 209–237 the foeman hurls from his flying steed. What, Parthian, dost thou leave to the conquered, who dost fly that thou mayst overcome? Parthian, even now has thy mode of warfare an unhappy omen. And will that day then come, on which thou, the most graceful of all objects, glittering with gold, shalt go, drawn by the four snow-white steeds' Before thee shallwalk the chiefs, their necks laden with chains; that they may no longer, as formerly, be secure in flight. The joyous youths, and the mingled fair, shall be looking on ; and that day shall gladden the minds of all. And when some one of the fair shall enquire the names of the Monarchs, what places, what mountains, or what rivers are borne" in the procession ; answer to it all; and not only if she shall make any inquiry; even what you know not, relate, as though known perfectly well.41% This is the Euphrates,” with his forehead encircled with reeds; the one whose” azure hair is streaming down, will be the Tigris. Make these to be the Armenians; this is Persia, sprung from Danaë ;” that was a city in the vales of Achae- menes. This one or that will be the leaders; and there will be names for you to call them by ; correctly, if you can ; if not, still by such as suggest themselves. Banquets, too, with the tables arranged, afford an introduc- tion; there is something there besides wine for you to look for. Full oft does blushing Cupid, with his delicate arms, press the soothed horns of Bacchus there present. And when the wine has besprinkled the soaking wings of Cupid, there he re- mains and stands overpowered on the spot of his capture. He, indeed, quickly flaps his moistened wings; but still it is fatal” for the breast to be sprinkled by Love. Wine composes * What rivers are borne.]—Ver, 220. See the twentieth line of the Second Elegy, Book iv. of the Tristia. * Perfectly well.]—Wer. 222. See a similar passage in the Tristia, Book iv. El. ii. 1. 24. * The Euphrates.]—Wer. 223. The rivers were generally personified by the ancients as being crowned with reeds. * The one whose.]—Wer. 224. The young man is supposed to be axl- dressing the damsel in these words. 4. From Danaë.]—Wer, 225. He means, that Persia was so called from Perses, the son of Andromeda, by Perseus, the son of Danaë. It is more generally thought to have been so called from a word signifying ‘a horse.’ Achaemenes was one of the ancient kings of Persia. 45 Still it is fatal.]—Ver, 236. “Solet,’ ‘is wont,' is certainly a pre: fºravie reading here to “mocet.’ B. i. 237–264.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 333 the feelings, and makes them ready to be inflamed; care flies, and is drenched with plenteous wine. Then come smiles; then the poor man resumes his confidence then grief and cares and the wrinkles of the forehead depart. Then candour, most uncommon in our age, reveals the feelings, the God ex- pelling all guile. On such occasions, full oft have the fair captivated the hearts of the youths; and Venus amid wine, has proved flames in flame. Here do not you trust too much to the deceiving lamp;" both might and wine are unsuited to a judg- ment upon beauty. In daylight, and under a clear sky, did Paris view the Goddesses, when he said to Venus: “Thou, Venus, dost excel them both.” By might, blemishes are con- cealed, and pardon is granted to every imperfection; and that hour renders every woman beauteous. Consult the daylight about jewels, about wool steeped in purple; consult the day- light about the figure and the proportion. Why enumerate the resorts of fair ones suited for your search 7 The sands would yield to my number. Why mention Baiae,” and the shores covered with sails, and the waters which send forth the smoke from the warm sulphur ! Many a one carrying thence a wound in his breast, has ex- claimed ; “This water was not so wholesome as it was said to be.” See, too, the temple in the grove of suburban Diana, and the realms acquired with the sword by hostile hand.” Because she is a virgin, because she hates the darts of Cupid, she has given many a wound to the public, and will give many still. - Thus far, Thalia borne upon unequal wheels,” teaches where * Deceiving lamp.]—Wer. 245. This is as much as to remind him of the adage that women and linen look best by candle-light. 47 Why mention Baiae..]—Ver. 255. Baiae was a town on the sea-shore, near Naples, famous for its hot baths. It was delightfully situate, and here Pompey, Caesar, and many of the wealthy Romans, had country seats. Seneca and Propertius refer to it as famous for its debaucheries, and it was much frequented by persons of loose character. It was the custom at Baiae, in the summer-time, for both sexes to cruise about the shore in boats of various colours, both in the day-time and at night, with sumptuous feasts and bands of music on board. 48 Hostile hand.]—Wer. 260. See Whe Fasti, Book iii. 1. 263. He means that the Arician grove was much resorted to by those engaged in courtship and intrigues. - * Borne upon unequal wheels.]—Wer. 264. He alludes to Thalia, the Muse who inspires him, preferring the unequal or Hexameter and Penta. meter measure of Flegiac verse. 39() y. ARS AMATORLA ; , [B. l. 264—298. to choose an object for you to love, where to lay your nets, Now, I attempt to teach you, by what arts she must be captured who has pleased you, a work of especial skill. Ye men, whoever you are, and in every spot, give attention eager to be informed ; and give, all people, a favourable ear to the realization of my promises. First of all, let a confidence enter your mind, that all women may be won; you will win them ; do you only lay your toils. Sooner would the birds be silent in spring, the grasshoppers in summer, sooner would the Maenalian dog turn its back upon the hare, than the fair, attentively courted, would resist the youth, She, however, will wish you to believe, so far as you can, that she is re- luctant. - As stealthy courtship is pleasing to the man, so, too, is it to the fair. The man but unsuccessfully conceals his passion; with more concealment does she desire. Were it agreed among the males not to be the first to entreat any female, the conquered fair would soon act the part of the suppliant. Jn the balmy meads, the female lows after the bull; the female is always neighing after the horny-hoofed horse. Passion in us is more enduring, and not so violent; among men the flame has reasonable bounds. Why mention Byblis, who burned with a forbidden passion for her brother, and who resolutely atoned with the halter for her crimes? Myrrha loved her fººther, but not as a daughter ought; and she now lies hid, overwhelmed by the bark" that grew over her. With her tears too, which she distils from the odoriferous tree, are we perfumed; and the drops still retain the name of their mistress. By chance, in the shady vales of the woody Ida, there was a white bull, the glory of the herd, marked with a little black in the middle between his horns; there was but one spot; the rest was of the complexion of milk. The heifers of Gnossus and of Cydon” sighed to mate with him. Pasiphaë delighted to become the paramour of the bull; in her jealousy she hated the beauteous cows. I sing of facts well known : Crete, which contains its hundred cities, untruthful as it is,” cannot * By the bark.]—Wer. 286. See the Metamorphoses, Book x. * Qf Cydon.]—Wer. 293. This was a city of Crete. * Untruthful as it is...]—Wer. 298. The Cretans were universally noted in ancient times for their disregard for truth. St. Paul, in his Epistle to Titus, ch. i. ver, 12, says, quoting from the Cretan poet Epimenides tº. i. 298–330.] OR, THE ARE OF LOVE. 391 gainsay them. She herself is said to have cut down fresh leaves and the tenderest grass with hand unused to such employ- ment. She goes as the companion of the herds; so going, no regard for her husband restrains her; and by a bull” is Minos conquered. “Of what use, Pasiphaë, is it to put on those costly garments? This love of thine understands nothing about wealth. What hast thou to do with a mirror, when ac- companying the herds of the mountain ' Why, foolish one, art thou so often arranging thy smoothed locks? Still, do thou believe that mirror, that denies that thou art a heifer. How much couldst thou wish for horns to spring up upon thy forehead ' If Minos still pleases thee, let no paramour be sought; but if thou wouldst rather deceive thy husband, de- ceive him through a being that is human.” Her chamber abandoned, the queen is borne over the groves and the forests, just as a Bacchanal impelled by the Aonian God. Alas! how oft with jealous look does she eye a cow, and say, “Why is she thus pleasing to my love? See how she skips before him on the tender grass 1 I make no doubt that the fool thinks that it is becoming to her.” Thus she spoke, and at once ordered her to be withdrawn from the vast herd, and, in her innocence, to be dragged beneath the bend- ing yoke; or else she forced her to fall before the altars, and rites feigned for the purpose; and, with joyous hand, she held the entrails of her rival. How often did she propitiate the Deities with her slain rivals, and say, as she held the en- trails, “Now go and charm my love /* And sometimes she begged that she might become Europa, sometimes To ; be- cause the one was a cow, the other borne upon a bull. Still, deceived by a cow made of maple-wood, the leader of the herd impregnated her; and by the offspring was the sire" betrayed. If the Cretan dame" had withheld from love for Thyestes (alas ! how hard it is for a woman possibly to be pleasing to one man only!) Phoebus would not have interrupted his career “One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, ‘The Cretans are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.’ This witness is true.” * By a bull.]—Wer. 302. See this story explained in the Translation of the Metamorphoses, p. 70. * The sire.]—Wer. 326. This was the Minotaur. See the Metamor- phoses, Book viii. ** If the Cretan dame.]—Wer. 327. This was Ærope, the wife of. Atreus, who slew the children of his brother Thyestes, and set them on table before their father. 392 AHS AMATORIA ; [B. I. 330–353 in the midst, and, his chariot turned back, retreated, with his returningsteeds, to themorn. The daughter, whospoiled"Nisus of his purple locks, presses beneath her thigh and groin the raving dogs. The son of Atreus, who escaped from Mars by land, and Neptune on the waves, was the mournful victim of his wife. By whom have not been lamented the flames" of the Ephyrean Creusa 7 Medea, the parent, too, stained with the blood of her children : Phoenix, the son of Amyntor,” wept with his blinded eyes; you, startled steeds, tore Hippolytus in pieces. Why, Phineus, dost thou tear out the eyes of thy guilt- less sons'" That punishment will revert to thy own head. All these things have been caused by the passion of females. It is more violent than ours, and has more frenzy in it. Come then, and doubt not that you can conquer all the fair: out of so many, there will be hardly one to deny you. What they yield, and what they refuse, still are they glad to be asked for. Even if you are deceived, your repulse is without danger. But why should you be deceived, since new pleasures are de- lightful, and since what is strange attracts the feelings more than what is one’s own 7" The crop" of corn is always more fertile in the fields of other people ; and the herds of our neighbours have their udders more distended. But first, be it your care to make acquaintance with the handmaid of the fair one to be courted ; she can render your access easy.” Take care that she is deep in the secrets of her * Who spoiled.]—Wer. 331. He falls into his usual mistake of con- founding Scylla, the daughter of Nisus, with the daughter of Phorcys. ºf The flames.]—Wer, 335. See the Metamorphoses, Book vii. 1. 391, and the Epistle of Medea to Jason. * The son of Amyntor.]—Wer. 337. Phoenix, the son of Amyntor, according to Homer, became blind in his latter years. See the Note to the 307th line of the Eighth Book of the Metamorphoses. * Q) thy guiltless sons.]—Wer. 339. Phineus was a king of Arcadia, or, according to some, of Thrace or Paphlagonia. His wife, Cleopatra, being dead or divorced, he married a Scythian, named Harpalice, at whose suggestion he put out the eyes of his sons by Cleopatra. He was perse- cuted by the Harpies, as a punishment. 80 What is one's own.]—Wer. 348. “Suis’ seems preferable here to suos.’ 6. The crop.]—Ver. 349. These lines are referred to by Juvenal in the Fourteenth Satire, l. 143. * Your access easy.]—Wer. 352. See his address to Napê, in the Amores, Book i. El. ii. Cypassis seems to have been a choice specimen of this class. See the Amores, Book ii. El. viii. B. r. 353 -–386.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 393 mistress, and not too little entrusted with her secret frolics. Her do you bribe with promises, her with entreaties ; you will obtain what you ask with little trouble, if she shall be willing. Let her choose the time (physicians, even, Watch their time) when the feelings of her mistress are pliant, and easy to be influenced. Then will her feelings be easily in- fluenced, when, in the best humour in the world, she shall be smiling, just as the corn on the rich soil. While hearts are joyous, and not closed by sadness, then are they assailable ; them with soothing arts does Venus steal on apace. At the time when Troy was in sorrow, she was defended by arms; when joyous, she admitted the horse pregnant with its soldiers. Then, too, must she be assailed, when she shall be fretting on being offended by a rival; then effect it by your means that she go not unrevenged. Let her handmaid, as she combs her hair in the morning, urge her on ; and to the sail let her add the resources of the oar. And, sighing to herself, let her say, in gentle murmurs : “In my idea, you yourself can- not pay him in return.” Then let her talk about you; then let her add persuasive expressions; and let her swear that you are perishing with frantic passion. But speed on, let not the sails fall, and the breezes lull: like brittle ice, anger dis- appears in lapse of time. You inquire if it is of use" to win the handmaid her- self? In such attempts there is a great risk. This one be- comes more zealous after an intrigue; that one more tardy; the one procures you as a gift for her mistress, the other for her own self. The result is doubtful; although she should favour your advances, still it is my advice, to refraim from so doing, I shall not go over headlong tracks, and over sharp crags; and, under my guidance, no youth shall be deceived. Even if she pleases you, while she gives and receives the letters, by her person, and not only by her zealousness alone ; take care and gain her mistress first ; let the other follow as her companion; your courtship must not be commenced with a 63 Pay him in return.]—Ver, 370. This seems to mean, ‘I do not think you can make sufficient return for his ardent affection,” referring to the lover. Some of the Commentators think that it signifies a hint from the servant, that as her mistress's husband has offended her by his infi- delities, she ought to repay him in his own coin. * Is of use.]—Ver. 375. This abominable notion seems to have been acted upon by the Poet himself. See the Amores, B jok ii. El. viii. 394 ARS AMATORIA ; [B. I, 386–413, servant-maid. This one thing I advise you (if you only put some trustim my skill, and if the boisterous wind does not bear my words over the seas): either do not attempt, or else do you persist ; the informer is removed, when once she herself has shared in the criminality. The bird does not easily escape when its wings are bird-limed ; the boar does not readily get away from the loose nets: the wounded fish can be held b the hook it has seized. Once tried, press her hard, and do liot retreat, but as the conqueror. Then, guilty of a fault that is common to you both, she will not betray you ; and the sayings and doings of her mistress will be well known to you. But let this be well concealed ; if your informant shall be well concealed, your mistress will ever be under your eye. He is mistaken who supposes that time is the object of those only who till the fields, and is to be observed by mariners alone. Neither must the corn be always trusted to the treacherous soil; nor the hollow ships at all times to the green waves; nor is it safe to be ever angling for the charming fair. The same thing may often be better done when an opportunity offers. Whether it is her birthday" that comes, or whether the Calends,” which Venus delights to have as the successor of the month of Mars; or whether the Circus shall be adorned, not with statues, as it was before, but shall be containing the wealth of kings" exposed to view; delay your project; then the storm is boisterous, then the Pleiades prevail;" them, the tender Kid is sinking in the ocean wave. Then, 'tis well to desist; them, if one trusts the deep, with difficulty he grasps the shipwrecked fragments of his dismantled bark. You may make a beginning on the day on which tear- 65 Her birthday.]—Wer. 405. See the Amores, Book i. El. viii. 1, 94. % Whether the Calends.]—Wer. 405. The Matronalia were celebrated wn the first day of the Calends of March. It was usual on that day, for husbands to make presents to their wives, and lovers to the objects of their affection. The Calends of March preceded April, which month was sacred to Venus. See the Fasti, Book iii. l. 170. £7 The wealth of kings.]—Wer. 408. It was the custom to bring the tpoils of the enemy, or the most curious portions of it, to Rome, where it was exposed to view in the Circus and the Theatres. Ovid tells his readers that they must not think that the ladies can give them any of their leisure on such occasions, as, being so much engaged with the sights, they wiłł nave no time for love-making. * Pleiades prevail.]—Wer. 409. This is said figuratively. B. 1. 413–431.] OR, THE ART OF LOWE. 395 ful Allia” was s.ained with the blood of the Latian wounds; on the day, too, when the festival recurs, observed each seventh day by the Syrian of Palestine, a day not suited for?" the transaction of business. Great must be” your dread of the birthday of your mistress, and unlucky be that day on which any present must be made. Though you should cleverly avoid her, still she will spoil you; a woman finds contrivances, by means of which to plunder the riches of the eager lover. The loosely-clad pedlar” will be coming to your mistress, so fond of buying, and while you are by, will be exposing his wares. She will ask you to exa- mine them, only that you may appear to be knowing ; then she will give you a kiss, and then entreat you to purchase. She will swear that she will be content with this for many a year; she will say that now she has need of it, now it may be bought a bargain. If you shall make the excuse that you have not the money at home to give; a promissory note” will be asked for; it would then profit you not to have learned” to write. Besides, too ; when she asks for a present, as though for the birth-day cake,” and is born for her own pleasure as often as she pleases. And further; when, full of tears, she laments 69 Tearful Allia.]—Wer 413. The 16th of July, the day on which the Romans were defeated by the Gauls at the Allia, was deemed unlucky, and no business was transacted on it. 70 A day not suited for..]—Wer. 415. The Jews are here alluded to, and he refers to their Sabbath. How some Commentators can have dreamed that the feast of the Saturnalia is referred to, it is hard to say. 71 Great must be..]—Wer. 417. The meaning is, ‘Be careful not to make your first advances on the birthday of your mistress, as that is the time for making presents, and you will certainly be out of pocket.’ See the Amores, Book i. El, viii. 1.94, and the Note. 72 The loosely-clad pedlar.]—Wer. 421. “Institor’ was properly a per- son who sold wares, and kept a ‘taberna' or ‘shop’ on account of another. Sometimes free persons, but more frequently slaves, were “institores.’ 78 A promissory note.]—Wer. 428. “Syngraphus,” or ‘syngrapha,’ was a “bill’ “bond,' or ‘promissory note,” which was most probably the kind of writing that the pedlar would here require. It may possibly mean a cheque upon his bankers, the “argentarii’ of Rome. 74 Not to have learned.]—Wer. 428. The reading here seems to be “non didicisse juvat.” “It is not to your advantage that you have learned (to write).’ The other reading, ‘ne didicisse juvet,” may be rendered, * (perhaps) it may be no advantage that you have learned (to write).” * Birth day cake.]—Wer. 429. See the Amores, Book i, El. viii. l. 94, $396 ARS AAIATORIA ; [B. 1 431–462. her pretended loss, and the jewel" is feigned to have fallen from her pierced ear. They ask for many a sum to be lent them; so lent, they have no inclination to return them. You lose the whole; and no thanks are there for your loss. Had I ten mouths, with tongues as many, they would not suffice for me to recount the abominable contrivances of courtesans. Let the wax that is poured upon the polished tablets first try the ford; let the wax first go as the messenger of your feelings. Let it carry your compliments; and whoever you are, add expressions that feign you to be in love, and entreaties not a few. Achilles, moved with his entreaties, granted Hector to Priam ; an angered Divinity is moved by the voice of en- treaty. Take care to make promises : for what harm is there in promising? Any person whatever can be rich in promises. Hope, if she is only once cherished, holds out for a long time; she is, indeed, adeceitful Goddess, but still a convenient one. Should you give her" anything, you may for that reason be abandoned by her : she will bear off the gift by-gone, and will have lost nothing in return. But that which you have not given, you may always seem as though about to give; thus has the sterile field full oft deceived its owner. So the gambler, in order that he may not lose, does not cease to lose; and the alluring dice ever recall the anxious hand. Thus is the task, this the labour; to gain her without even the first pre- sent. What she has once given, she will always give, that she may not have granted to no purpose. Let the letter go the n, and let it be couched in tender expressions; and let it ascer- tain her feelings, and be the first to feel its way. A letter borne upon an apple” deceived Cydippe ; and by her own words the fair was unconsciously caught. Youths of Rome, learn, I recommend you, the liberal arts; and not only that you may defend the trembling accused. Both the public, and the grave judge, and the silent Senate, as well as 7" The jewel..]—Wer. 432. For an account of the earrings of the an- cients, see the Notes to the Metamorphoses, Book x. l. 116. 77 Should you give her.]—Wer. 447. The meaning of this and the fol. lowing line is very obscure; so much so. that Burmann is in doubt on the subject. It, however, seems to be, that it is not discreet, on hirst acquaint- ance, to give presents, as the damsel may then have areason for peremptorily giving you up ; she carries off your gift, and gives no favour in return. 7° Upon an apple..] --Ver. 457. See the twentieth and twenty-first Epistles in the present volum; B. 1.462—496. OR, THE ART OF LOWE. 397 the fair, conquered by your eloquence, shall extend their hands.” But let your power lie concealed : and do not be eloquent at the first. Let your letters avoid difficult words. Who, but one bereft of sense, would declaim before a charming mis- tress? Full oft has a letter proved a powerful cause for hatred. Let your language beintelligibie, and your words the usual ones; but pleasing, so that you may seem to be speaking in person. Should she not accept your letter, and send it back unread, hope that she will read it, and persist in your design. In time the stubborn oxen come beneath the ploughs: in time the steeds are taught to submit to the flowing reins: by con- tinued use the ring of iron” is consumed: by being in the ground continually, the crooked plough is worn out. What is there harder than stone 7 What more yielding than water ' Yet hard stones are hollowed out by yielding water. Only persist, and in time you will overcome Penelope herself. You see that Pergamus was taken after a long time; still, it was taken. If she reads it, andwill not write in answer, do not attemptto compel her. Do you only make her to be continually reading your flattering lines. What she has been pleased to read, she will be pleased to answer when read. All these things will come in their turn, and by degrees. Perhaps even, at first, a discouraging letter will come to you; and one that entreats you not to wish to molest her. What she entreats you to do, she dreads; what she does not entreat you to do, namely, to persist, she wishes you to do. Press on; and soon you will be the gainer of your desires. In the meantime, if she shall be carried lying along upon her couch, do you, as though quite by acci- dent, approach the litter of your mistress; and that no cme may give a mischievous ear to your words, cunningly conceal them so far as you can in doubtful signs. If, with saunter- ing foot, the spacious Portico is paced by her; here, too, do you bestow your leisure in her attendance. And sometimes do you take care to go before; sometimes follow behind; and some- times bein a hurry, and sometimes walk leisurely. And be not ashamed to pass from the throng under some of the columns," * Evtend their hands.j—Ver, 462. This figure is taken from the gla- diatorial games, where the conquered extended their hands in token of submission. * Ring of iron.]—Wer. 473. The rings worn by the lower classes were of iron. - * Under some of the columns.]—-Wer. 495. The learned Heinsius ab- 398 ARS AMATORIA ; [B. 1 496—516. or to walk with her, side by side. And let her not be seated long without you in the curving Theatre; in her shoulders she will bring something for you to be spectator of Her you may gaze upon, her you may admire ; much may you say by your brows, much by your gestures. Clap too, when the actor is dancing” in the part of some damsel; and whatever lover is represented, him applaud. Rise when she rises; sit as long as she is seated ; employ your time at the caprice of your mistress. But let it not please you to curl your hair with the irons:* and rub not your legs with the rough pumice.* Bid those do this,” in whose Phrygian notes the Cybeleian Mother is cele- brated by their yells. A neglect of beauty becomes men, Theseus bore off the daughter of Mimos, though his temples were bedecked by no crisping-pin. Phaedra loved Hippolytus,” and he was not finely trimmed. Adonis, habituated to the woods, was the care of a Goddess. But let neatness please you ; let your body be bronzed on the Plain of Mars:" let your robe be well-fitting, and without a spot. Let your tongue, too, not be clammy ;* your teeth free from yellowness; and let not solutely thinks that “columnas’ here means ‘mile-stones’ It is pretty clear that Ovid alludes to the columns of the Portico; and he seems to say, that the attentive lover, when he sees the damsel at some distance before him, is not to hesitate to escape the crowd by going into the open space outside of the columns, and then running on, for the purpose of over- taking her. See the Tristia, Book iii. El. iii, where he makes mention of the columns in the Portico of the Danaides. * Actor is dancing.]—Wer. 501. See the Tristia, Book ii. 1. 497. * With the irons.]—Ver. 505. See the Amores, Book i. El. xiv. i. 25, and the Note. The effeminate among the Romans were very fond of having their hair in curls. 84 With the rough pumice.]—Wer. 506. Pliny the Elder mentions pumice stone as “a substance used by women in washing their bodies, and now by men as well.” Persius, in his Fourth Satire, inveighs against this effeminate practice. 85 Bid those do this.]—Wer. 507. He alludes to the Galli, the eunuch priests of Cybele. 80 Hippolytus.]—Wer. 511. Phaedra, in her Epistle, alludes to his meg. lect of dress, as one of the merits of Hippolytus. 4 87 Plain of Mars.]—Wer. 513. The Roman youth practised wrestling, and other athletic exercises, on the Campus Martius. Being often stripped naked, or nearly so, the oil, combined with the heat, would tend to bronze the skin. * Not be clammy.]—Ver. 515. Probably this is the meaning of ‘lin. B. I. 516– 541.] OR, THE ART OF LOWE. 399 your foot wallop about, losing itself in the shoe down at heel. Let not the cutting shockingly disfigure your hair bolt upright; let your locks, let your beard be trimmed by a skilful hand. Let your nails, too, not be jagged, and let them be without dirt; and let no hairs project from the cavities of your nostrils. And let not the breath of your ill-smelling mouth be offensive ; and let not the husband and the father of the flock” offend the nostrils. The rest, allow the luxurious fair to do ; and any man that perchance disgracefully seeks to attract another. Lo! Bacchus calls his own Poet : he, too, aids those who love; and he encourages the flame with which he burns him- self. The Gnossian fair was wandering distractedly on the un- known sands, where little Dia is beaten by the ocean waves. And, just as she was on awaking from her sleep,” clothed in a loose tunic, with bare feet, and having her yellow hair loose, she was exclaiming to the deaf waves that Theseus was cruel, while the piteous shower of tears was moistening her tender cheeks. She exclaimed, and at the same moment she wept ; but both became her, nor was she rendered unsightly by her tears. And now again beating her most beauteous bosom with her hands, she cried—“That perfidious man has gone; what will become of me?” “What will become of me?” she said ; when cymbals resounded over all the shore, and tam- bourines were beaten with frantic hand. She dropped down with alarm, and stopped shortin her closing words; and no blood was there in her lifeless body. Seel the Mimallonian females,” gua merigeat,’ although Nisard's French translation has it, “let your tongue have no roughness.’ Dryden's translation is, of course, of no assistance, as it carefully avoids all the difficult passages. . * The father of the flock.]—Wer. 522. He alludes to the rank smell to the arm-pits, which the Romans called by the name ‘hircus,’ ‘a goat,’ from a supposed similarity to the strong smell of that animal. * Awaking from her sleep.]—Wer. 529. See the Epistle of Ariadne to Theseus. * Mimallonian females.]—Wer. 541. It is a matter of doubt why the Bacchanalian women were called Mimallonides. According to some, they are so called from Mimas, a mountain of Asia Minor, where the rites of Bacchus were celebrated. Suidas says that they are so called, from putpungic, “imitation,’ because they imitated the actions of men. Bochart thinks that the word is of Hebrew origin, and that they receive their name from ‘memelleran,’ ‘garrulous” or ‘noisy”; or else from * Inamal,” a “wine-press.’ 400 ARS AMATORIA ; [B. I, 541–572, with their locks flowing on their backs; see the nimble Satyrs, the throng preceding the God; see Silenus, the drunken old man,” on his bending ass, sits there with diffi- culty, and holds fast by the mane that he presses. While he follows the Bacchanals, the Bacchanals both fly and return : while the unskilful rider is goading on his ami- mal with his stick, slipping from the long-eared ass, he tumbles upon his head. The Satyrs cry aloud, “Come, rise up; rise, father P’ Now, the God, from his chariot, the top of which he had wreathed with grapes, loosened the golden reins for the tigers yoked to it. Both her complexion, and Theseus, and her voice forsook the fair one; and thrice she attempted flight, and thrice was she detained by fear. She shuddered, just as the barren ears of corn, which the wind shakes ; just as the slender reed quivers in the swampy marsh. To her the Divinity said, “Lo ! I come to thee a more con- stant lover; damsel of Gnossus, lay aside thy fear, the wife of Bacchus shalt thou be. Receive heaven as my gift: a con- spicuous Constellation in the heavens, full oft, Cretan Diadem,” shalt thou direct the veering bark.” Thus he said; and he leapt from the chariot, that she might not be in dread of the tigers; the sand yielded to his foot placed upon it. And folding her in his bosom he bore her off; for to struggle she was unable : how easy 'tis for a God to be able to do anything. Some sing “Hymenaeus,” some cry “Evie, Evoé !”* Thus are the God and his bride united in holy wedlock. Therefore, when the gifts of Bacchus placed before you fall to your lot, and the fair one shall be a sharer in the convivial couch ; pray both to father Nyctelius, and his nocturnal rites, that they will bid the wine not to take effect on your head. Here, in secret discourse, you may say to her many a free word, which she may understand is addressed to her; and you may trace out short compliments with a little wine, so * Drunken old man.]—Wer. 543. See the adventure of Silenus, in the beginning of Book xi. of the Metamorphoses; and in the Fasti, Book iii. l. 742. He seems to have been always getting into trouble. 93 Cretan Diadem.] —Wer. 558. See the Fasti, Book iii. 1, 516. 9| Evie, Evoë!j—Wer. 563. In the combat with the Giants, Jupiter is said, when one of them was slain by Bacchus, to have exclaimed Šv iné, * Well done; som;’ whence the exclamation “Evie l’ was said to have ori- ginated. See the Metamorphoses, Book iv. l. 11 and 15, and the Note, B, 1, 572–590.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 46 | that she may read on the table” that she is your favorite; and look on her eyes with eyes that confess your flame; the silent features often have both words and expression. Take care to be the next to seize the cup that has been touched by her lips; and drink from the side" that the fair drinks from. And whatever food she shall have touched with her fingers,” do you reach for it; and while you are reaching, her hand may be touched by you. Let it also be your object to please the husband of the fair; once made a friend, he will be more serviceable for your designs. If you are drinking by lot,” grant him the first turn : let the chaplet, taken from your own head, be presented to him. Whether he is below you, or whether your neighbour, let him help himself to every thing first; and do not hesitate to speak only after he has spoken. Secure and much frequented is the path, for deceiving through thename of friendship. Secure and much fre- quented though that path be ; still it is to be condemned. For this cause ’tis that the agent attends even too much” to his agency, and thinks that more things ought to be looked after by him than those entrusted to him. A sure rule for drinking shall be given you by me : let * On the table.] —Ver. 572. See the Epistle of Paris to Helen; and the Amores, Book i El. iv. l. 20, and Book ii. El. v. l. 17, and the Notes. * From the side.]—Ver, 576. See the Amores, Book i. El. iv. 1. 32. 97 Touched with her fingers.]—Wer. 577. The ancients are supposed not to have used at meals any implement such as a knife or fork, but merely to have used the fingers only, except in eating soups or other liquids, or jellies, when they employed spoons, which were denoted by the names ‘cochlear’ and “ligula.’ At meals the Greeks wiped their fingers on pieces of bread; the Romans washed them with water, and dried them on napkins handed round by the slaves. * Are drinking by lot.]—Wer. 581. The ‘modimperator,” or “master of the banquet,' was often chosen by lot by the guests, and it was his province to prescribe how much each person should drink. Lots were also thrown, by means of the dice, to show in what order each person was to drink. This passage will show the falsity of his plea in the Second Book of the Tristia, addressed to Augustus, where he says that it was not his intention to address the married women of Rome, but only those who did not wear the ‘vittae' and the ‘instita,” the badges of chastity. * Agent attends even too much..]—Wer. 587. His meaning seems to be. that in the same way as the agent does more than attend to the injunctions of his principal, and puts himself in a position to profit by his office, so is the imamorato, through the confidence of the husband reposed in him, to imaše a prºfit that has never been anticipated. Bº Đ 4ſ)2 ARS AMATORIA ; [B. I. 590–625, both your mind and your feet ever observe their duty. Es- pecially avoid quarrels stimulated by wine, and hands too ready for savage warfare. Eurytion" met his death from foolishly quaffing the wine set before him. Banquets and wine are rather suited for pleasant mirth. If you have a voice, sing; if pliant arms, dance; and by whatever talent you can amuse, amuse. As real drunkenness offends, so feigned inebriety will prove of service. Let your deceiving tongue stutter with lisping accents; so that whatever you shall do or say with more freedom than usual, it may be supposed that excess of wine is the cause. And express all good wishes for your mistress; all good wishes for him who shares her couch ; but in your silent thoughts pray for curses on her husband. But when, the tables removed, the guests shall be going, (the very crowd will afford you access and room) mix in the throng : and quietly stealing up” to her as she walks, twitch her side with your fingers; and touch her foot with your foot. Now is the time come for some conversation : fly afar hence, coy bashfulness, let Chance and Venus befriend the daring. Let your eloquence not be subject to any laws of mine; only make a beginning, of your own accord you will prove fluent. You must act the lover, and wounds must be feigned in your words. Hence let confidence be sought by you, by means of any contrivances whatever. And ’tis no hard matter to be believed; each woman seems to herself worthy to be loved. Though she be ugly in the extreme, to no one are her own looks displeasing. Yet often, he that pretends to love, begins in reality: full oft he becomes that which in the beginning he feigned to be. For this cause, the rather, O ye fair, be pro- pitious to those who pretend. That passion will become real, which so lately was feigned. Now be it your part stealthily to captivate her affection by attentions; just as the shelving bank is encroached on by the flowing stream. Be not tired of praising either her face or her hair; her taper fingers too, and her small foot. The praise of their beauty pleases even the chaste; their charms are the care and the pleasure of even maidens. For, why, even now, are 1 Eurytion.]—Wer. 593. At the nuptials of Piritholis and Hippoda- mia. See the Metamorphoses, Book xii. 1. 220, where he is called Eurytus. * Stealing up.]—Wer. 605. This piece of impudence he professes to practise in the Amores, Book i. El. iv. l. 56. B. i. 625–654.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 403. Juno and Pallas ashamed at not having gained the decision in the Phrygian groves? The bird of Juno" exposes her feathers, when praised; if you look at them in silence, she conceals her treasures. Amid the contests of the rapid course, their trimmed manes, and their patted necks, delight the steeds. Promise, too, without hesitation: promises attract the fair : make any Gods you please to be witnesses of what you pro- mise. Jupiter, from on high, smiles at the perjuries of lovers, and commands the Æolian South winds to sweep them away as worthless. Jupiter was accustomed to swear falsely to Juno by the Styx: now is he himself indulgent to his own pre- cedent. 'Tis expedient that there should be Gods;" and as it is expedient, let us believe them to exist. Let frankincense and wine be presented on their ancient altars. No repose, free from care and similar to sleep, possesses them; live in inmo- cence, for a Divinity is ever present. Restore the pledge; let piety observe her duties; be there no fraud; keep your hands free from bloodshed. Deceive, if you are wise, the fair alone with impunity; for this one piece of deceit only is good faith to be disregarded. Deceive the deceivers; in a great measure they are all a guilty race; let them fall into the toils which they have spread. Egypt is said to have been without showers that refresh the fields: and to have been parched during nine years. When Thrasius went to Busiris,” and showed that Jupiter could be propitiated by shedding the blood of strangers; to him Busiris said, “Thou shalt become the first sacrifice to Jove, and, a stranger, thou shalt produce rain for Egypt.” Phalaris, too, burnt in the bull the limbs of the cruel Perillus; the unhappy inventor was the first to make proof of his work. 3 Bird of Juno.j—Ver. 627. This fact, in natural history, was probably known only to Ovid, or the peacocks of the present day may be less vain than the Roman ones. ‘See the Metamorphoses, Book i. 1. 723." 4 That there should be Gods.]—Wer. 637. This was the avowed opi- nion of some of the philosophers and atheists of antiquity. We learn from Tertullian that Diogenes, being asked if the Gods exist, answered that he did not know anything about it, but that they ought to exist. The doc- trime of the Epicureans was, that the Gods lived a happy and easy life, were not susceptible of anger, and did not trouble themselves about men. 5 Went to Busiris.]—Ver. 649. See the Tristia, Book iii. El. xi. l. 39, where the story of Phalaris is also referred to. Thrasius was the brother of Pygmalion, and was justly punished by Busiris for his cruel suggestion, D D 2 43%.4 ARS AMATORIA ; [B. I. 655–69i Each of them was just ; and, indeed, no law is there more righteous, than that the contrivers of death should perish by their own contrivances. Therefore, since perjuries with justice impose upon the perjured, let woman grieve, deceived through a precedent her own. . Tears, too, are of utility: by tears you will move adamant. Make her, if you can, to see your moistened cheeks. If tears shall fail you, for indeed they do not always come in time, touch your eyes with your wet hand. What discreet person would not mingle kisses with tender words ' Though she should not grant them ; still take them ungranted. Perhaps she will struggle at first, and will say, “You naughty man!” still, in her struggling, she will wish to be overcome. Only, let them not, rudely snatched, hurt her tender lips, and take care that she may not be able to complain that they have proved a cause of pain. He who has gained kisses, if he cannot gain the rest as well, will deserve to lose even that which has been granted him. How much is there wanting for unlimited enjoyment after a kiss Oh shocking! 'twere downright clownishness, and not modesty. Callit violence, if you like; such violence is pleasing to the fair; they often wish, through compulsion, to grant what they are delighted to grant. Whatever fair one has been de- spoiled by the sudden violence of passion, she is delighted at it ; and the chief is as good as a godsend. But she, who, when she might have been carried by storm, has escaped untouched, though, in her features, she should pretend gladness, will really be sorry. Phoebe suffered" violence; to her sister was violence offered; and pleasing was either ravisher to the ravished. The damsel of Scyros being united to the Haemonian hero, is a well-known story indeed, but not unworthy to be related. Now, the Goddess, worthy to conquer the other two at the foot of mount Ida, had given her reward of the approval of her beauty. Now, from a distant region, had a daughter- in-law come to Priam : and within Ilian walls there was a Grecian wife. All swore in the words of the affronted hus- hand; for the grief of one was the common cause. A dis- graceful thing, had he not yielded in this to the entreaties of his mother, Achilles had concealed his manhood by the long garments. What art thou doing, descendant of Æacus' The * Phoebe suffered.]—Ver, 679. See the story of the rape of Phoebe rºa rºtatra, by Castor and Pollux, in the Fasti, Book v. 1, 699. E. ſ. 691–728.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 405 wool is no task of thine. Do thou seek glory by other arts of Pallas. What hast thou to do with work-baskets?' Thy hand is fitted for holding the shield. Why hold the allotted flax in thy right hand, by which Hector shall fall! Spurn those spindles enwrapped in the laborious warp; the lance from Pelion is to be brandished by that hand. By chance in the same chamber there was a royal maiden; in her own undoing she found that he was a male. By force, indeed, was she overcome, so we must believe : but still, by force was she willing to be overcome. Many a time did she say, “Stay,” when now Achilles was hastening to depart ; for, the distaff laid aside, he had assumed valiant arms. Where now is this violence / Why, with gentle voice, Deidamia, dost thou de- tain the perpetrator of thy disgrace? As, forsooth, there is shame in first beginning at any time, so 'tis pleasing to the Jair to submit, when the other takes the initiative. Alas ! too great is the confidence of any youth in his own good looks, if he awaits for her to be the first to ask him. Let the man make the first approaches; let the man use words of entreaty; she will kindly receive his soft entreaties. To gain Myour wish, ask ; she only wishes to be asked. Tell her the cause and the origin of your desires. Jupiter came as a sup- pliant to the Heroines of olden times;* no fair one found fault with great Jove. But if you perceive puffed-up vanity to be the result of your prayers, desist from your design, and withhold your advances. Many desire that which flies from them, and hate that which is close at hand. By pressing on less eagerly, remove all weariness of yourself. Nor must A your hope of enjoyment be always confessed by you as you entreat ; let Love make his entrance concealed beneath the name of friendship. By this introduction, I have seen the prudish fair deceived ; he who was the friend, became the lover. A fair complexion is unbecoming in a sailor; he ought to be swarthy, from the spray of the sea and the rays of the sun. It is unbecoming, too, to the husbandman, who, with his crooked plough and his heavy harrows, is al- ways turning up the ground in the open air. And if your body 7 Work-baskets.]—Wer. 693. See the Note to the seventy-third line of the Ninth Epistle. * Heroines of olden times.] — Wei. 713. Such as Danaë, Europa Semele, Alcmena, Io, Calisto, Antiope, Maia, Electra, and others. 406 ARS AMATORIA ; {B. 1. 728—,757 is fair, you, by whom the glory of the chaplet of Pallas” is sought, you will be unsightly. Let every one that is in love be pale ; that is the proper complexion for one in love. That is becoming; from your fea- tures, let the fair think that you are not in good health. Pale with love for Lyrice,” did Orion wander in the woods; pale for the Naiād, in her indifference, was Daphnis.” Thin- ness, too, shows the feelings; and think it no disgrace to put a hood over your shining looks. Let sleepless nights atten- uate the bodies of the youths; care, too, and the grief that proceeds from violent love. That you may gain your desires, be wretched, that he who sees you may be able to say, “You are in love.” # Shall I complain, or only remind you how all right and wrong is confused? Friendship is but a name, constancy an empty title. Alas! alas! it is not safe to praise the object that you love to your friend. When he has credited your praises, he supplants you. But the descendant of Actor did not defile the couch of Achilles; so far as Piritholis was con- cerned, Phaedra was chaste. Pylades” loved Hermione, with the affection with which Phoebus loved Pallas; and he was such, daughter of Tyndarus, as thy twin brother Castor was towards thee. If any one expects the same, let him expect that the tamarisks will bear apples, and let him look for honey in the middle of the stream. Nothing pleases but what is base; his own gratification is the object of each. This, too, becomes pleasant from the sorrow of another. Oh disgraceful conduct no enemy is to be dreaded by the lover. Shun those whom you think trustworthy; then you will be safe. , Shun your kinsman, and your brother, and your dear friend; this class will cause you real alarm. I was here about to conclude; but there are various dis- positions in the fair; treat these thousand dispositions in a thousand different ways. The same soil does not produce * Chaplet of Pallas.]—Wer. 727. A crown of olive was presented to the victors in the athletic exercises at the Olympic games. 19 Love for Lyrice ]—Ver. 731. If Lyrice here is a female name, it is not known who she was. * Daphnis.j —Ver. 732. He was a Sicilian, the son of Mercury, and ſhe inventor of Bucolic poetry. * Pylades.]—Ver. 743. Hermione was the wife of Orestes, the friend of Pylades. R. I. 757—772.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 407 everything; one suits the vine, another the olive; in this, corn springs up vigorously. There are as many characters in these various dispositions, as there are forms in the world; the man that is wise, will adapt himself to these innumerable characters. And as at one moment Proteus will make him- self flow in running water; and now will be a lion, now a tree, now a shaggy goat. These fish are taken with a dart,” those with hooks; these the encircling nets draw up, the rope being extended. And let no one method be adopted by you for all years. The aged hindwill espy from a greater distance your contrivances. Should you seem learned to the ignorant, or forward to the bashful, she will at once distrust herself, now apprehensive. Thence it happens, that she who has dreaded to trust herself to the well-bred man, often falls into the embrace of some worthless inferior. 4. A part remains of the task which I have undertaken, a part is completed; here let the anchor, thrown out, hold fast my bark. * With a dart.]—Wer. 763. It appears by this, that it was the custom to take fish by striking them with a javelin. Salmon are sometimes caught in a similar manner at the present day. - - BOOK THE SECONI). SING, “Io Paean;” and “Io Paean” twice sing; the prey that was sought has fallen into our toils. Let the joyous lover present my lines with the verdant palm; to Hesiod the Ascraean and to Homer the Maeonian old man shall I be preferred. Such did the stranger son of Priam set his whitening sails from the armed Amyclac,” together with the ravished wife. Such was he who bore thee, Hippodamia, in his victorious chariot, carried by the wheels of the stranger. Why hasten then, young man? Thy ship is sailing in the midst of the waves; and far distant is the harbour for which I make. It is not enough, me your Poet, for the fair to be gained by you. Through my skill has she been acquired; through my skill must she be retained. 'Tis no less merit to keep what is acquired, than to gain it. In the former there is some chance: in the latter will be a work of art. Now, if ever, Boy Cupid and Cytherea, be propitious to me: now, Erato;” for thou hast a name from Love. Great attempts do I contemplate ; to tell by what means Love can be arrested, the Boy that wanders over the world so wide. He is both in- constant, and he has two wings with which to fly. 'Tis an arduous task to impose laws on these. Mimos had obstructed all means of escape to the stranger. He discovered a bold path" with his wings. When Daedalus i Sing, ‘Io Pearl.’l–Wer. 1. This was the usual cry of the hunters, who thus addressed Apollo, the God of the chase, when the prey had been captured in the toils. See the Metamorphoses, Book iv. l. 513. * Amyclab.j—Wer. 5. A town of Laconia. See the Metamorphoses, Book x. 1. 219, and the Note. 3 Erato.]—Ver. 16. He addresses himself to this Muse, as her name was derived from the Greek Spøg, “love.’ It has been suggested that he had another reason for addressing her, as she was thought to take pleasure in warfare, a state which sometimes, by way of variety, exists between lovers. * A bold path.j —Ver. 22. This story is again related in the Eighth Book of the Metamorphoses. º B. ii. 24–58.] ARS AMATOR1A ; OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 409 had enclosed the man half-bull, and the bull half-man, that was conceived in the criminality of his mother ; he said, “Most just Minos, let there be a termination of my exile; and let my paternal land receive my ashes. And since, harassed by the cruel Destinies, I cannot live in my country, let me be enabled to die. If the merits of an old man are but small, grant a return to this boy; if thou art unwilling to favour the boy, then favour the old man.” This he said: but both this and many more things he might have said; the other did not permit a return to the hero. Soon as he saw this, he said, “Now, O now, Daedalus, thou hast a subject, upon which thou mayst prove ingenious. Lo! Minos pos- sesses the land, and he possesses the ocean; neither earth nor wateris open for our escape; there remains a path through the heavens; through the heavens will we attempt to go. Jupiter on high, grant pardon to my design. I do not aim to reach the starry abodes; there is no way but this one, by which I may escape the tyrant. Should a road through Styx be granted ; then we will swim through the Stygian waves; let the laws of mature be changed by me.” Misfortunes often sharpen the genius; who could have ever believed, that a mortal could attempt the paths of the air 7 He arranges swift feathers in order, like oars,” and connects the light work with fastenings of thread; the lower part, too, is bound together with wax, melted by the fire; and now the work of the new contrivance is finished. The smiling boy handles both the wax and the feathers, not knowing that these instruments are prepared for his own shoulders. To him his father says: “With these ships must we reach our native land; by these means must we escape from Mimos. The air Minos could not, all else he has, shut against us. Cleave the air, which still thou mayst, with these my inven- tions. But neither the virgin of Tegeaea, nor the sword- bearing Orion,” the companion of Boötes, will have to be be- held by thee. Follow me with the wings given to thee : I will go before on the way. Be it thy care to follow ; me thy * Like oars.]—Wer. 45. He aptly compares the arrangement of the main feathers of a wing to a row of oars. 6 Orion.] —Ver. 56, So in the Metamorphoses, Book v. 1. 206, he says to his son Icarus, ‘Fly between both ; and I bid thee neither to look at Boötes, nor Helice, 3 or the drawn sword of Orion.’ 410 ARS AMATORIA ; [B. II. 58–90. leader, thou wilt be safe. But if we shall go through the air of the heavens, the sun close to us, the wax will not be able to endure the heat. If we shall wave our wings below, the sea near to us, the fluttering feathers will be wet with the ocean spray. Fly between them both; dread, too, the winds, my son; and whichever way the breezes shall blow, set thy prospering sails.” While he thus advises; he fits his work on to the boy, and shows how it is to be moved; just as their mother teaches the helpless birds. Then he places upon his shoulders the wings made for himself; and with timidity he poises his body along this new track. And now about to fly, he gives kisses to his little son ; and the cheeks of the father do not withhold their tears. There is a hill, less than a mountain, more lofty than the level plaim ; hence are their two bodies entrusted to their mournful flight. Daedalus both moves his own wings himself, and looks back on those of his son; and he ever keeps on his . own course. And now this unusual path delights him, and, fear laid aside, Icarus flies more courageously with emboldened skill. A person sees them, while he is angling’ for fish with his quivering rod, and his right hand desists from the work he has commenced. Now Samos and Naxos had been left be. hind, on the left hand, and Paros, and Delos beloved by the Clarian God.” Lebynthos was to the right, and Calymne” shaded with its woods, and Astypalaea," surrounded with its fishy shallows; when the boy, too venturesome in his incon- siderate daring, took a higher flight, and forsook his guide. The fastenings give way; and the wax melts, the Divinity being so near ; and his arms, when moved, no longer catch the light breeze. Alarmed, he looks down upon the sea from the lofty heavens; darkness, arising from trembling appre- hension, comes over his eyes. The wax has now melted; he waves his bare arms, and he trembles, and has no means * Is angling.]—Wer. 77. There is a similar passage in the Metamor- phoses, l. 216. * The Clarian God.]—Wer. 80. See the Fasti, Book i. 1. 20, and the Note. 9 And Calymne.]—Wer. 81. These places are mentioned in the cor- responding passage in the Metamorphoses, Book viii. 1. 222. - 10 Astypalaea.]—Wer. 82. This was an isle in the group of the Spo- rades, between Crete and the Cyclades. It contained but one city, and was long and narrow, and of rugged appearance. R. 11, 90–119.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 411 whereby to be supported. Downward he falls; and as he falls, he cries, “Father O father | I am undone P’ As he spoke, the azure waves closed his mouth. But the unhappy father, a father now no longer, cried aloud, “Icarus, where art thou? Or under what part of the sky dost thou fly?” “Icarus,” again he cried aloud; his feathers he beheld in the waves. The dry land covers his bones; the sea retains his name. Minos could not restrain the wings of a mortal; I myself am attempting to arrest a winged Divinity. If any one has recourse to the Haemonian arts, and gives that which he has torn from the forehead of the young horse,” he is mistaken. The herbs of Medea will not cause love to endure; nor yet the Marsian spells” mingled with the magic notes. The Phasian damselwould have retained the son of Æson, Circe Ulysses, if love could only have been preserved through incantations. Phil- tres, too, causing paleness,” are of no use when administered to the fair. Philtres injure the intellect, and have a maddening effect. Afar be all criminal attempts; to be loved, be worthy to beloved; a property which comeliness, or beauty alone, will not confer upon you. Though you should be Nireus,” bepraised by al:cient Homer, and the charming Hylas,” carried off by the cri- minality of the Naiãds; that you may retain your mistress, and not have to wonder that you are deserted, add the endowments of the mind to the advantages of the person. Beauty is a fleet- ing advantage; and the more it increases in years, the less it becomes, and, itself, is consumed by length of time. Neither the violets nor the opening lilies bloom for ever : and, the roses lost, the thorny bush is prickly left behind. And, handsome man, soon shall come to you the hoary locks; soon shall come the wrinkles, to furrow your body over. Now form a disposition which may be lasting, and add it to your li The young horse.]—Ver. 100. See the Amores, Book i. El. viii l. 8, and the Note. 12 The Marsian spells.]—Ver, 102. The ‘naemia' was a mournful dirge or chaunt uttered by the sorcerer in his incantations. On the Marsi, see the Sixth Book of the Fasti, l, 142, and the Note to the passage. 13 Causing paleness.]—Wer. 105. Philtres were noxious potions, made of venomous or stimulating ingredients, prescribed as a means of gaining the affections of the person to whom they were administered. 14 Nirews.]—Ver. 109. See the Pontic Epistles, Book iv. Ep. xiii. l. 16, and the Note to the passage. 18 Charming Hylas.]—Wer. 110. See the Tristia, Book ii. 1. 406 412 ARS AMATORIA ; [B. II. 119—150. beauty; that alone endures to the closing pile. And be it no light care to cultivate the mind with the liberal arts, and to learn thoroughly the two languages, the Latin and the Greek. Ulysses was not handsome, but he was fluent; and yet with love he racked the ocean Goddesses.” Ah! how oft did Calypso grieve at his hastening to depart, and declare that the waves were not favorable to his oars! Again and again did she en- quire into the catastrophe of Troy. Often in another manner was he wont to repeat the same thing. On the shore they were standing; even there did the beauteous Calypso enquire about the blood-stained death of the Odrysian chief. With a little stick, for by chance he was holding a stick, he depicted on the firm shore the subject on which she was en- quiring. “This is Troy,” said he ; and the walls he drew on the shore; “This must be Simois for thee, and suppose these to be my tents. There was a plain,” and here he drew the plain, “which we moistened with the blood of Dolon,” while, as a spy, he was longing for the Haemonian horses.” There were the tents of the Sithonian Rhesus; in this direction was I borne back again by the captured steeds.” And many other things was he depicting, when the waves suddenly carried off both Pergamus and the tents of Rhesus together with their chief. Then the Goddess said, “ Dost thou behold how famous names these waves have swept away, which thou dost trust will be favorable to thee about to depart 7” Come then, with hesitation, feel confidence in beauty so deceiving, whoever you are ; or else possess something of more value than comeliness. A beseeming courtesy especially enlists the feelings; rudeness and harsh language promote hatred. We dislike the hawk, because it is always living in warfare; the wolves too, that are wont to rush upon the startled flocks. But the swallow, because it is gentle, is exempt from the snares of men; and the Chaonian bird” has the turrets for it to inhabit. 16 Ocean Goddesses.]—Ver. 124. Calypso was really the only sea Goddess that was enamoured of Ulysses. Circe was not a sea Goddess. 17 Blood of Dolon.]—Wer. 135. See the Metamorphoses, Book xiii. line 244. 18 Haemonian horses.]—Wer. 136. The steeds of Achilles. 19 The Chaonian bird.]—Wer. 150. Chaonia was a district of Epirus, said to have been so called from Chaon, a Trojan. Dodona was in Epirus, and in its forests were said to be doves that had the gift of prophecy. See the Translation of the Metamorphoses, pp. 467-8. 2. It. 151—185.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 4 : 3 Afar be all strife and contentions of the abusive tongue; with sweet words inust gentle love be cherished. With strife let both wives persecute their husbands, and husbands their wives; and, each in their turn, let them ever be thinking that they must resort to law.” This is the part of wives; strife is the dowry of the wife. Let the mistress ever hear the accents that she longs for. At the bidding of no law have you come to live together; in your case’tis love that performs the duties of the law, Bring soft caresses, and words that delight the ear, that she may ever be joyous at your approach. I do not come as the instructor of the wealthy in Love; he who makes presents has no need of my experience. He who says, whenever he pleases, “Accept this,” has a genius of his own. To him do I yield: he has greater attractions than have any discoveries of mine. I am the instructor of the poor, because, as a poor man, I have been in love. When I could not give presents, I gave verses.” Let the poor man love with caution, let the poor man stand in fear of bad language, and let him put up with many a thing, not to be endured by the rich. I remember that once, when in a rage, I disarranged the hair of my mistress; of how many a day did that anger deprive me ! I do not think I did, and I did not see that I had, torn her tunic, but she said so, and at my cost it was replaced. But you who are wise, avoid the errors of your instructor; and stand in awe of the punishment of my transgressions. Let battles be with the Parthians, but be there peace with your refined mistress; mirth too, and whatever besides contains a reason for love. If she is not sufficiently kind or affable to you her lover ; have patience, and bear it; after a time she will be softened. By giving way the supple branch is bent from the tree; if you make trial of your strength, you break it. By giving way the waves are swam across; but you cannot overcome the stream if you swim against the flood which the tide carries down. 'Tis yielding that subdues the tigers and the Numidian lions. By degrees only does the bull submit to the rustic plough. What was there more coy 20 Resort to law.]—Wer. 151. He means to say ‘let man and wife be always thinking about resorting to law to procure a divorce.” 2) I gave verses.]—Wer. 166. He intends a pun here. ‘Verba dare' is “to deceive,’ but literally it means ‘to give words.’ See the Amores, Book i. Fl. viii. 1, 57. 41 iſ ARS AMATOIRIA ; [B. 11, 185- -205, than Atalanta of Nomacris?” Yet, untamed as she was, she yielded to the deserving qualities of a man. They say that many a time, beneath the trees, Milanion wept at his mishaps, and the unkind conduct of the fair one. Full oft on his neck, as ordered, did he bear the treacherous toils; full oft with his cruel spear did he transfix the savage boars. Wounded, too, he experienced the stretched bow of Hylaeus;* but yet there was another bow still more felt than this. I do not bid you, in arms, to climb the woods of Maenalus, and I do not bid you to carry the toils upon your neck. Nor yet do I bid you to expose your breast to the discharged arrows. The requirements of my skill will be but light to the careful man. Yield to her when opposing; by yielding, you will come off victorious. Only take care to perform the part which she shall bid you. What she blames, do you blame; whatever she approves, do you approve; what she says, do you say; what she denies, do you deny. Does she smile, do you smile ; if she weeps, do you remember to weep. Let her prescribe the law for the regulation of your features. If she plays, and throws the ivory cubes” with her hand, do you throw unsuc- cessfully, do you make bad moves” to the throws; or if you are throwing” the dice, let not the penalty attend upon her losing; * Atalanta of Nonacris.]—Wer. 185. See the Amores, Book iii. El. ii. l. 29, and the Note. * Bow of Hylaeus.]—Ver. 191. Hylaeus and Rhaecus were Centaurs, who were pierced by Atalanta with her arrows, for making an attempt on her chastity. He alludes to the bow of Cupid in the next line. 24 The ivory cubes.]—Ver. 203. He alludes to throws of the “tali’ and ‘tesserae,” which were different kinds of dice. See the Note to 1. 471 of the Second Book of the Tristia. In this line he seems to mean the “tes- serae,' which were similar to our dice, while the “tali,' which he next mentions, had only four flat surfaces, being made in imitation of the knuckle-bones of animals, and having two sides uneven and rounded. The dice were thrown on a table, made for the purpose, with an elevated rim. Some throws, like our doublets, are supposed to have counted for more than the number turned up. The most fortunate throw was called ‘Venus.’ or ‘Wenereus jactus'; it is thought to have consisted of a combination, making fourteen, the dice presenting different numbers. Games with dice were only sanctioned by law as a pastime during mgals. - 25 Make bad moves.]—Wer. 204. “Dare jacta' means “to move the throws,' in allusion to the game of ‘duodecim scripta,’ or “twelve points,’ which was played with counters moved according to the throws of the dice, probably in a manner not unlike our game of backgammon. The board was marked with twelve lines, on which the pieces moved. 26 or if you are throwing.]—Ver. 205. By the use of the word ‘seu, b. ii. 206—217.] OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 415 take care that losing throws often befall yourself. If your piece is moving at the game that imitates", the tactics of war, take care that your man falls before his enemy of glass. Do you yourself hold the screen” stretched out by its ribs; do you make room in the crowd the way that she is going. And do not delay to place the footstool before the tasteful couch;” and take off or put on the sandals for her delicate feet. Often, too, must the hand of your mistress, when cold, be made warm in your bosom, though you yourself should shiver in consequence. And think it no disgrace (although it should be a disgrace to you, still it will give pleasure), to hold the looking-glass” with the hand of a free-born man, He who, by killing the monsters of his wearied step-mother, or,’ we must suppose that he has, under the word “numeri,’ alluded to the game with the ‘tesserae,” or six-sided dice. * The game that imitates.]—Wer. 207. He here alludes to the ‘ludus latrunculorum,’ literally ‘the game of theft,’ which is supposed to have been somewhat similar to our chess. He refers to its name in the words, ‘latrocinii sub imagine.’ The game was supposed to imitate the furtive stratagenas of warfare : hence the men, which were usually styled ‘ calculi,” were also called by the name of ‘latrones,’ ‘latrunculi,’ ‘milites,’ ‘bella- tores,” “thieves,’ ‘little thieves,’ ‘soldiers,” “warriors.” As we see by the next line, they were usually made of glass, though sometimes more costly materials were employed. The skill of this game consisted either in tak- ing the pieces of the adversary, or rendering them unable to move. The first was done when the adversary’s piece was brought by the other be- tween two of his own. See the Tristia, Book ii. 1.477. The second took place when the pieces were “ligati,” or ‘ad incitas redacti,” brought upon the last line and unable to move. White and red are supposed to have been the colour of the men. This game was much played by the Roman ladies and nobles. * Hośd the screen.]—Wer. 209. The ancients used “umbracula,' or screens against the weather (resembling our umbrellas), which the Greeks called a któðua. They were used generally for the same purposes as our parasols, a protection against the heat of the Sun, They seem not to have been in general carried by the ladies themselves, but by female slaves, who held them over their mistresses. See the Fasti, Book ii. l. 209. These screens, or umbrellas, were much used by the Roman ladies in the amphitheatre, to protect them from sun and rain, when the ‘ velarium,' or awning, was not extended. * Tasteful couch..]—Wer. 211. This was probably the ‘triclinium' on which they reposed at meals. The shoes were taken off before reclining on it. Female slaves did this office for the ladies, and males for the men, * Looking-glass.]—Wer. 216. These were generally held by female slaves, when used by their mistresses. See the Metamorphoses, Book iv. t, 349, and the Note. 4:16 ARs AMATORIA ; [B. R. 218–245 earned those heavens which before he had supported, is be: lieved, amid the Ionian girls, to have held the work-basket,” and to have wrought the rough wool. The Tirynthian hero was obedient to the commands of his mistress. Go then, and hesitate to endure what he submitted to. When bidden to come to the Forum, take care always to be there before the appointed time; and do not go away until a late hour. Does she appoint to meet you at any place; put off everything else : run quickly, and let not the crowd stop your purposed route. Is she returning home at night, after having been at a feast : then, too, if she calls, come to her as though a servant.” If you are in the country and she says, “Come,” (love hates the tardy) if a vehicle * is not at hand, go your journey on foot. Let neither bad weather nor the parching Dog-star detain you, nor the road made white with the snow that lies there. Love is a kind of warfare ; cowards, avaunt These are not the standards to be defended by timid men. In this ten- der warfare, night, and wintry storms, and long journies, and cruel pain, and every kind of toil, have their part. Many a time will you have to endure the rain pouring from the clouds of heaven; cold and on the bare ground full oft will you lie. Cynthius” is said to have fed the cows of Admetus of Pherae, and to have lived in an humble cottage. What was becoming to Phoebus, to whom is it not becoming? Away with all con- ceit, whoever you are, who have a care for a lasting passion. If access is denied you by a safe and smooth path; and if her door shall be fastened by the bar put up ; then, do you slip straight down through the open roof:” let the high win- 31 Held the work-basket.]—Wer. 219. Hercules, who killed the ser- pents sent by Juno, is reproached for doing this, by Dejanira in her Epistle. * As though a servant.]—Wer. 228. He is to be ready, if his mistress goes to a party, to act the part of the slave, who was called ‘adversitor,' whose duty it was to escort his master home in the evening, if it was dark, with a lighted torch. * A vehicle.]—Wer. 230. “Rota,’ a wheel, is, by Synecdoche, used to signify “a vehicle.’ * Cynthius.]—Wer. 240. See the Note to line 51, of the Epistle from (Enone to Paris. * Through the open roof.]—Wer. 245. He gives a somewhat hazardous piece of advice here; as he instructs him to obtain admission by climbing up the wall, and getting in at the skylight, which extended over the 5. ii. 246—263.j OR, THE ART OF LOVE. 417 dow,” too, present a secret passage. She will be pleased when she knows that she has proved the cause of risk to you. This will be to your mistress a pledge of your unvarying love. Full oft, Leander, couldst thou have done without thy mistress ; that she might know thy passion, thou didst swim across. And be not ashamed to make her handmaids, as each one is superior in rank, nor yet her male servants, entirely your own. Salute them each by name, there will be nothing thrown away : press their humble hands, proud lover, with your own. More- over, (the expense is but trifling) give to the servant who asks, some little present from your means. Make a present, too, to the handmaid, on the day on which" the Gallic army, de- ceived by the garments of the matrons, received retribu- tion. Follow my advice, and make the lower classes” your own; in that number let there always be the porter, and him ****** **~~~~~<