TO SOME ONE, WHO SPREAD RUMOURS CONCERNING HIMSELF AND LESBIA. DID you believe that I had cursed My heart, my life, my cherish'd fair? But whence the tale I well conceive, When with your tavern host at eve, VOL. II. H THE RECONCILIATION. TO LESBIA. WHEN the first wish the bosom knows, How heartfelt is the mind's delight! Thus grateful to my lovesick vow, Yes, thou restor'st thyself, my fair, When high my love, but hope how dark! And this recorded day shall bear Of all my life the happiest mark. I ask the prosperous crowd in vain For one possess'd of greater bliss: Yes, challenge thought itself to feign A boon that blesses more than this. TO COMINIUS If your foul age, which every vice defiles, Cut out, would glut the vulture's hungry maw; The crow's black gorge your torn-out eyes digest; Your entrails dogs devour, and wolves the rest. LESBIA'S VOW OF CONSTANCY. ADDRESSED TO HERSELF. Dost thou, my life, a tender bond propose Thus let their hallow'd vows, their fond career Till both shall end, our lives and loves pursue; And coming time through each succeeding year Find me as fond as now, and her as true. |