---
title: "The Art of Love · Ars Amatoria"
author: "Ovid"
translator: "Perseus Digital Library"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 6 of 6
url: https://scriptura.si/works/ovid-ars-amatoria/6/
cite: "Ovid, tr. Perseus Digital Library, The Art of Love · Ars Amatoria, section 6. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/ovid-ars-amatoria/6/"
---

# The Art of Love · Ars Amatoria

*Ovid, tr. Perseus Digital Library*

A mock-serious handbook of seduction in Augustan Rome.

> Latin: ed. Rudolf Ehwald, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0959.phi004, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Perseus Digital Library, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0959.phi004.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

> Rows follow the references the two texts share (line numbers), cut where both reach the end of a sentence.

## 6. Book III · lines 415–812

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/ovid-ars-amatoria/6/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/ovid-ars-amatoria/6/#p-N

[¶0] Who could have been of Danae's charms assur'd,
Had she grown old, within her tow'r immur'd?
This, as a rule, let ev'ry nymph pursue,
That 'tis her int'rest oft' to come in view.
A hungry wolf at all the herd will run,
In hopes, through many, to make sure of one.
So, let the fair the gazing crowd assail,
That over one, at least, she may prevail.
In ev'ry place to please, be all her thought;
Where, sometimes, least we think, the fish is caught.
Sometimes, all day, we hunt the tedious foil,
Anon, the stag himself shall seek the toil.
How could Andromeda once doubt relief,
Whose charms were heighten'd and adorn'd by grief?
The widow'd fair, who sees her lord expire,
While yet she weeps, may kindle new desire,
And Hymen's torch relight the fun'ral fire.
Beware of men who are too sprucely dress'd;
And look, you fly with speed a fop profess'd.
Such tools to you, and to a thousand more,
Will tell the same dull story o'er and o'er.
This way add that, unsteadily they rove,
And never fixed, are fugitives in love.
Such flutt'ring things all women sure should hate,
Light as themselves, and more effeminate.
Believe me, all I say is for your good;
Had Priam been believ'd, Troy still had stood.
Many, with base designs, will passions feign,
Who know no love, but sordid love of gain.
But let not powder'd heads, nor essenc'd hair,
Your well-believing, easy hearts ensnare.
Rich clothes are oft by common sharpers worn,
And diamond rings felonious hands adorn.
So may your lover burn with fierce desire
Your jewels to enjoy, and best attire.
Poor Chloe robb'd, runs crying thro' the streets;
And as she runs," Give me my own," repeats.
How often, Venus, hast thou heard such cries,
And laugh'd amidst thy Appian votaries?
Some, so notorious are their very name,
Must ev'ry nymph whom they frequent defame.
Be warn'd by ills which others have destroy'd,
And faithless men with constant care avoid.
Trust not a Theseus, fair Athenian maid,
Who has so oft th' attesting gods betray'd.
And thou, Demophoon, heir to Theseus' crimes,
Hast lost thy credit to all future times.

> Latin: Quis Danaën nosset, si semper clusa fuisset,
Inque sua turri perlatuisset anus?
Utilis est vobis, formosae, turba, puellae.
Saepe vagos ultra limina ferte pedes.
Ad multas lupa tendit oves, praedetur ut unam,
Et Iovis in multas devolat ales aves.
Se quoque det populo mulier speciosa videndam:
Quem trahat, e multis forsitan unus erit.
Omnibus illa locis maneat studiosa placendi,
Et curam tota mente decoris agat.
Casus ubique valet; semper tibi pendeat hamus:
Quo minime credas gurgite, piscis erit.
Saepe canes frustra nemorosis montibus errant,
Inque plagam nullo cervus agente venit.
Quid minus Andromedae fuerat sperare revinctae,
Quam lacrimas ulli posse placere suas?
Funere saepe viri vir quaeritur; ire solutis
Crinibus et fletus non tenuisse decet.
Sed vitate viros cultum formamque professos,
Quique suas ponunt in statione comas.
Quae vobis dicunt, dixerunt mille puellis:
Errat et in nulla sede moratur amor.
Femina quid faciat, cum sit vir levior ipsa,
Forsitan et plures possit habere viros?
Vix mihi credetis, sed credite: Troia maneret,
Praeceptis Priamo si foret usa satae.
Sunt qui mendaci specie grassentur amoris,
Perque aditus talis lucra pudenda petant.
Nec coma vos fallat liquido nitidissima nardo,
Nec brevis in rugas lingula pressa suas:
Nec toga decipiat filo tenuissima, nec si
Anulus in digitis alter et alter erit.
Forsitan ex horum numero cultissimus ille
Fur sit, et uratur vestis amore tuae.
'Redde meum!' clamant spoliatae saepe puellae,
'Redde meum!' toto voce boante foro.
Has, Venus, e templis multo radiantibus auro
Lenta vides lites Appiadesque tuae.
Sunt quoque non dubia quaedam mala nomina fama:
Deceptae multi crimen amantis habent.
Discite ab alterius vestras timuisse querellis;
Ianua fallaci ne sit aperta viro.
Parcite, Cecropides, iuranti credere Theseo:
Quos faciet testes, fecit et ante, deos.
Et tibi, Demophoon, Theseï criminis heres,
Phyllide decepta nulla relicta fides.

[¶1] Promise for promise equally afford,
But once a contract made, keep well your word.
For she for any act of hell is fit,
And undismayed may sacrilege commit;
With impious hands could quench the vestal fire
Poison her husband in her arms for hire,
Who first to take a lover's gift complies,
And then defrauds him, and his claim denies.
But hold, my muse, check thy unruly horse,
And more in sight pursue th' intended course.
If love epistles tender lines impart,
And billet-doux are sent to sound your heart,
Let all such letters by a faithful maid,
Or confident, be secretly convey'd.
Soon from the words you'll judge, if read with care,
When feign'd a passion is, and when sincere.
Ere in return you write some time require;
Delays, if not too long, increase desire;
Nor let the pressing youth with ease obtain,
Nor yet refuse him with too rude disdain.
Now let his hopes, now let his fears increase,
But by degrees, let fear to hope give place.
Be sure avoid set phrases when you write,
The usual way of speech is more polite.
How have I seen the puzzl'd lover vex'd,
To read a letter with hard words perplex'd;
A style too coarse takes from a handsome face,
And makes us wish an uglier in its place.
But since (tho' chastity be not your care)
You from your husband still would hide th' affair,
Write to no stranger till his truth be tried;
Nor in a foolish messenger confide.
What agonies that woman undergoes,
Whose hand the traitor threatens to expose;
Who rashly trusting, dreads to be deceiv'd,
And lives for ever to that dread enslav'd!
Such treachery can never be surpass'd,
For those discoveries, sure as light'ning, blast.
Might I advise, fraud shou'd with fraud be paid;
Let arms repel all who with arms invade.

> Latin: Si bene promittent, totidem promittite verbis:
Si dederint, et vos gaudia pacta date.
Illa potest vigiles flammas extinguere Vestae,
Et rapere e templis, Inachi, sacra tuis,
Et dare mixta viro tritis aconita cicutis,
Accepto venerem munere siqua negat.
Fert animus propius consistere: supprime habenas,
Musa, nec admissis excutiare rotis.
Verba vadum temptent abiegnis scripta tabellis:
Accipiat missas apta ministra notas.
Inspice: quodque leges, ex ipsis collige verbis,
Fingat, an ex animo sollicitusque roget.
Postque brevem rescribe moram: mora semper amantes
Incitat, exiguum si modo tempus habet.
Sed neque te facilem iuveni promitte roganti,
Nec tamen e duro quod petit ille nega.
Fac timeat speretque simul, quotiensque remittes,
Spesque magis veniat certa minorque metus.
Munda, sed e medio consuetaque verba, puellae,
Scribite: sermonis publica forma placet;
A! quotiens dubius scriptis exarsit amator,
Et nocuit formae barbara lingua bonae!
Sed quoniam, quamvis vittae careatis honore,
Est vobis vestros fallere cura viros,
Ancillae puerique manu perarate tabellas,
Pignora nec iuveni credite vestra novo.
Perfidus ille quidem, qui talia pignora servat,
Sed tamen Aetnaei fulminis instar habent.
Vidi ego pallentes isto terrore puellas
Servitium miseras tempus in omne pati.
Iudice me fraus est concessa repellere fraudem,
Armaque in armatos sumere iura sinunt.

[¶2] But since your letters may be brought to light,
What if in sev'ral hands you learn to write?
My curse on him who first the sex betray'd,
And this advice so necessary made.
Nor let your pocket-book two hands contain,
First rub your lover's out, then write again.
Still one contrivance more remains behind,
Which you may use as a convenient blind;
As if to women writ, your letters frame,
And let your friend, to you subscribe a female name.
Now, greater things to tell, my muse prepare,
And clap on all the sail the bark can bear.
Let no rude passions in your looks find place;
For fury will deform the finest face;
It swells the lips, and blackens all the veins,
While in the eye a Gorgon horror reigns.
While on her flute divine Minerva play'd,
And in a fountain saw the change it made,
Swelling her cheek: she flung it quick aside,
"Nor is thy music so much worth," she cried.
Look in your glass when you with anger glow,
And you'll confess, you scarce yourself can know.
Nor with excessive pride insult the sight,
For gentle looks alone to love invite.
Believe it as a truth that's daily tried,
There's nothing more detestable than pride.
How have I seen some airs disgust create,
"Like things which by antipathy we hate!"
Let looks with looks, and smiles with smiles be paid,
And when your lover bows incline your head.
So love preluding plays at first with hearts,
And after wounds with deeper-piercing darts.
Nor me a melancholy mistress charms;
Let sad Tecmessa weep in Ajax' arms.
Let mournful beauties sullen heroes move;
We cheerful men like gaiety in love.
Let Hector in Andromache delight,
Who, in bewailing Troy, wastes all the night.
Had they not both born children (to be plain)
I ne'er could think they'd with their husbands lain.
I no idea in my mind can frame,
That either one or t'other doleful dame,
Could toy, could fondle, or could call their lords
"My life, my soul;" or speak endearing words.
Why from comparisons should I refrain
Or fear small things by greater to explain?
Observe what conduct prudent generals use,
And how their several officers they choose;
To one a charge of infantry commit,
Another for the horse is thought more fit.
So you your sev'ral lovers should select,
And as you find 'em qualified, direct.
The wealthy lover store of gold should send;
The lawyer should, in courts, your case defend.
We, who write verse, with verse alone shouldbribe;
Most apt to love is all the tuneful tribe.
By us, your fame shall thro' the world be blaz'd;
So Nemesis, so Cynthia's name was rais'd.
From east to west Lycoris' praises ring;
Nor are Corinna's silent, whom we sing.
No fraud the poet's sacred breast can bear;
Mild are his manners, and his heart sincere,
Nor wealth he seeks, nor feels ambition's fires,
But shuns the bar; and books and shades requires.
Too faithfully, alas! we know to love,
With ease we fix, but we with pain remove;
Our softer studies with our souls combine,
And both to tenderness our hearts incline.
Be gentle, virgins, to the poets pray'r,
The god that fills him, and the muse revere;
Something divine is in us, and from heav'n
Th' inspiring spirit can alone be given.
'Tis sin a price from poets to exact,
But 'tis a sin no woman fears to act;
Yet hide, howe'er, your avarice from sight,
Lest you too soon your new admirer fright.

> Latin: Ducere consuescat multas manus una figuras,
(A! pereant, per quos ista monenda mihi)
Nec nisi deletis tutum rescribere ceris,
Ne teneat geminas una tabella manus.
Femina dicatur scribenti semper amator:
Illa sit in vestris, qui fuit ille, notis.
Si licet a parvis animum ad maiora referre,
Plenaque curvato pandere vela sinu,
Pertinet ad faciem rabidos compescere mores:
Candida pax homines, trux decet ira feras.
Ora tument ira: nigrescunt sanguine venae:
Lumina Gorgoneo saevius igne micant.
'I procul hinc,' dixit 'non es mihi, tibia, tanti,'
Ut vidit vultus Pallas in amne suos.
Vos quoque si media speculum spectetis in ira,
Cognoscat faciem vix satis ulla suam.
Nec minus in vultu damnosa superbia vestro:
Comibus est oculis alliciendus amor.
Odimus inmodicos (experto credite) fastus:
Saepe tacens odii semina vultus habet.
Spectantem specta, ridenti mollia ride:
Innuet, acceptas tu quoque redde notas.
Sic ubi prolusit, rudibus puer ille relictis
Spicula de pharetra promit acuta sua.
Odimus et maestas: Tecmessam diligat Aiax;
Nos hilarem populum femina laeta capit.
Numquam ego te, Andromache, nec te, Tecmessa, rogarem,
Ut mea de vobis altera amica foret.
Credere vix videor, cum cogar credere partu,
Vos ego cum vestris concubuisse viris.
Scilicet Aiaci mulier maestissima dixit
'Lux mea' quaeque solent verba iuvare viros?
Quis vetat a magnis ad res exempla minores
Sumere, nec nomen pertimuisse ducis?
Dux bonus huic centum commisit vite regendos,
Huic equites, illi signa tuenda dedit:
Vos quoque, de nobis quem quisque erit aptus ad usum,
Inspicite, et certo ponite quemque loco.
Munera det dives: ius qui profitebitur, adsit:
Facundus causam saepe clientis agat:
Carmina qui facimus, mittamus carmina tantum:
Hic chorus ante alios aptus amare sumus.
Nos facimus placitae late praeconia formae:
Nomen habet Nemesis, Cynthia nomen habet:
Vesper et Eoae novere Lycorida terrae:
Et multi, quae sit nostra Corinna, rogant.
Adde, quod insidiae sacris a vatibus absunt,
Et facit ad mores ars quoque nostra suos.
Nec nos ambitio, nec amor nos tangit habendi:
Contempto colitur lectus et umbra foro.
Sed facile haeremus, validoque perurimur aestu,
Et nimium certa scimus amare fide.
Scilicet ingenium placida mollitur ab arte,
Et studio mores convenienter eunt.
Vatibus Aoniis faciles estote, puellae:
Numen inest illis, Pieridesque favent.
Est deus in nobis, et sunt commercia caeli:
Sedibus aetheriis spiritus ille venit.
A doctis pretium scelus est sperare poetis;
Me miserum! scelus hoc nulla puella timet.
Dissimulate tamen, nec prima fronte rapaces
Este: novus viso casse resistet amans.

[¶3] As skilful riders rein, with diff'rent force,
A new-back'd courser and a well-train'd horse,
Do you by diffrent management engage
The man in years, and youth of greener age.
This, while the wiles of love are yet unknown,
Will gladly cleave to you, and you alone;
With kind caresses oft indulge the boy,
And all the harvest of his heart enjoy.
Alone, thus bless'd, of rivals most beware;
Nor love nor empire can a partner bear.
Men more discreetly love, when more mature,
And many things, which youth disdains, endure;
No windows break, nor houses set on fire,
Nor tear their own, or mistress's attire.
In youth, the boiling blood gives fury vent,
But men in years more calmly wrong resent;
As wood when green, or as a torch when wet,
They slowly burn, but long retain their heat.
More bright is youthful flame, but sooner dies;
Then swiftly seize the joy that swiftly flies.
Thus, all betraying to the beauteous foe,
How surely to enslave ourselves we show.
To trust a traitor you'll no scruple make,
Who is a traitor only for your sake.
Who yields too soon will soon her lover lose;
Would you retain him long? then long refuse.
Oft at your door make him for entrance wait;
There let him lie, and threaten and entreat.
When cloy'd with sweets, bitters the taste restore;
Ships by fair winds are sometimes run ashore;
Hence springs the coldness in a married life;
The husband when he pleases has his wife.
Bar but your gate, and let your porter cry,
"Here's no admittance, sir; I must deny;"
The very husband, — so repuls'd, will find
A growing inclination to be kind.

> Latin: Sed neque vector equum, qui nuper sensit habenas,
Comparibus frenis artificemque reget,
Nec stabiles animos annis viridemque iuventam
Ut capias, idem limes agendus erit.
Hic rudis et castris nunc primum notus Amoris,
Qui tetigit thalamos praeda novella tuos,
Te solam norit, tibi semper inhaereat uni:
Cingenda est altis saepibus ista seges.
Effuge rivalem: vinces, dum sola tenebis;
Non bene cum sociis regna Venusque manent.
Ille vetus miles sensim et sapienter amabit,
Multaque tironi non patienda feret:
Nec franget postes, nec saevis ignibus uret,
Nec dominae teneras adpetet ungue genas,
Nec scindet tunicasve suas tunicasve puellae,
Nec raptus flendi causa capillus erit.
Ista decent pueros aetate et amore calentes;
Hic fera composita vulnera mente feret.
Ignibus heu lentis uretur, ut umida faena,
Ut modo montanis silva recisa iugis.
Certior hic amor est: brevis et fecundior ille;
Quae fugiunt, celeri carpite poma manu.
Omnia tradantur: portas reseravimus hosti;
Et sit in infida proditione fides.
Quod datur ex facili, longum male nutrit amorem:
Miscenda est laetis rara repulsa iocis.
Ante fores iaceat, 'crudelis ianua!' dicat,
Multaque summisse, multa minanter agat.
Dulcia non ferimus: suco renovemur amaro;
Saepe perit ventis obruta cumba suis;
Hoc est, uxores quod non patiatur amari:
Conveniunt illas, cum voluere, viri;
Adde forem, et duro dicat tibi ianitor ore
'Non potes,' exclusum te quoque tanget amor.

[¶4] Thus far with foils you've sought those laid aside;
I now sharp weapons for the sex provide,
Nor doubt not 'gainst myself to see 'em tried.
When first a lover you design to charm,
Beware lest jealousies his soul alarm;
Make him believe with all the skill you can,
That he and only he's the happy man.
Anon, by due degrees, small doubts create,
And let him fear some rival's better fate.
Such little arts make love its vigour hold,
Which else would languish, and too soon grow old.
Then strains the courser to outstrip the wind,
When one before him runs, and one he hears behind.
Love, when extinct, suspicions may revive;
I own when mine's secure 'tis scarce alive.
Yet no precaution to this rule belongs;
Let us at most suspect, not prove our wrongs.
Sometimes your lover, to incite the more,
Pretends your husband's spies beset the door;
Tho' free as Thais, still affect a fright,
For seeming danger heightens the delight.
Oft let the youth in thro' your windows steal,
Tho' he might enter at the door as well;
And sometimes let your maid surprise pretend,
And beg you in some hole to hide your friend:
Yet ever and anon dispel his fear,
And let him taste of happiness sincere;
Lest, quite dishearten'd with too much fatigue,
He should grow weary of the dull intrigue.
But I forgot to tell how you may try
Both to evade the husband and the spy.
That wives should of their husbands stand in awe,
Agrees with justice, modesty, and law;
But that a mistress may be lawful prize,
None but her keeper I am sure denies.
For such fair nymphs these precepts are design'd,
Which ne'er can fail, join'd with a willing mind.
Tho' stuck with Argus' eyes your keeper were,
Advis'd by me you shall elude his care.
When you to wash or bathe retire from eight,
Can he observe what letters then you write?
Or can his caution against such provide,
Which in her breast your confidant may hide!
Can he that note beneath her garter view,
Or that which more conceal'd is in her shoe?
Yet, these perceived, you may her back undress,
And writing on her skin your mind express.
New milk, or pointed spires of flax when green,
Will ink supply, and letters mark unseen.
Fair will the paper, show, nor can be read,
Till all the writing 's with warm ashes spread.
Acresius was with all his care betray'd,
And in his tow'r of brass a grandsire made.

> Latin: Ponite iam gladios hebetes: pugnetur acutis;
Nec dubito, telis quin petar ipse meis.
Dum cadit in laqueos captus quoque nuper amator,
Solum se thalamos speret habere tuos.
Postmodo rivalem partitaque foedera lecti
Sentiat: has artes tolle, senescet amor.
Tum bene fortis equus reserato carcere currit,
Cum quos praetereat quosque sequatur habet.
Quamlibet extinctos iniuria suscitat ignes:
En, ego (confiteor!) non nisi laesus amo.
Causa tamen nimium non sit manifesta doloris,
Pluraque sollicitus, quam sciet, esse putet.
Incitat et ficti tristis custodia servi,
Et nimium duri cura molesta viri.
Quae venit ex tuto, minus est accepta voluptas:
Ut sis liberior Thaide, finge metus.
Cum melius foribus possis, admitte fenestra,
Inque tuo vultu signa timentis habe.
Callida prosiliat dicatque ancilla 'perimus!'
Tu iuvenem trepidum quolibet abde loco.
Admiscenda tamen venus est secura timori,
Ne tanti noctes non putet esse tuas.
Qua vafer eludi possit ratione maritus,
Quaque vigil custos, praeteriturus eram.
Nupta virum timeat: rata sit custodia nuptae;
Hoc decet, hoc leges iusque pudorque iubent.
Te quoque servari, modo quam vindicta redemit,
Quis ferat? Ut fallas, ad mea sacra veni!
Tot licet observent (adsit modo certa voluntas),
Quot fuerant Argo lumina, verba dabis.
Scilicet obstabit custos, ne scribere possis,
Sumendae detur cum tibi tempus aquae?
Conscia cum possit scriptas portare tabellas,
Quas tegat in tepido fascia lata sinu?
Cum possit sura chartas celare ligatas,
Et vincto blandas sub pede ferre notas?
Caverit haec custos, pro charta conscia tergum
Praebeat, inque suo corpore verba ferat.
Tuta quoque est fallitque oculos e lacte recenti
Littera: carbonis pulvere tange, leges.
Fallet et umiduli quae fiet acumine lini,
Ut ferat occultas pura tabella notas.
Adfuit Acrisio servandae cura puellae:
Hunc tamen illa suo crimine fecit avum.

[¶5] Can spies avail when you to plays resort,
Or in the circus view the noble sport?
Or can you be to Isis' fane pursu'd,
Or Cybele's, whose rights all men exclude?
Tho' watchful servants to the Bagnio come,
They're ne'er admitted to the bathing-room.
Or when some sudden sickness you pretend,
May you not take to your sick bed a friend?
False keys a private passage may procure,
If not, there are more ways besides the door.
Sometimes with wine your watchful follower treat;
When drunk, you may with ease his care defeat:
Or, to prevent too sudden a surprise,
Prepare a sleeping draught to seal his eyes;
Or let your maid, still longer time to gain,
An inclination for his person feign;
With faint resistance let her drill him on,
And, after competent delays, be won.
But what need all these various doubtful wiles,
Since gold the greatest vigilance beguiles?
Believe me, men and gods with gifts are pleas'd,
E'en angry Jove with offerings is appeas'd;
With presents fools and wise alike are caught;
Give but enough, the husband may be bought,
But let we warn you, when you bribe a spy,
That you for ever his connivance buy;
Pay him his price at once, for with such men
You'll know no end of giving now and then.
Once, I remember, I with cause complain'd
Of jealousy occasion'd by a friend.
Believe me, apprehensions of that kind
Are not alone to our false sex confin'd.
Trust not too far your she-companion's truth,
Lest she sometimes should intercept the youth;
The very confidant that lends the bed,
May entertain your lover in your stead.
Nor keep a servant with too fair a face,
For such I've known supply her lady's place.
But whither do I run with heedless rage,
Teaching the foe unequal war to wage?
Did ever bird the fowler's net prepare?
Was ever hound instructed by the hare?
But all self-ends and int'rests set apart,
I'll faithfully proceed to teach my art;
Defenceless and unarm'd expose my life,
And for the Lemnian ladies whet the knife.
Perpetual fondness of your lover feign,
Nor will you find it hard belief to gain;
Full of himself, he your design will aid!
To what we wish 'tis easy to persuade.
With dying eyes his face and form survey,
Then sigh, and wonder he so long could stay;
Now, drop a tear your sorrows to assuage,
Anon, reproach him, and pretend to rage.
Such proofs as these will all distrust remove,
And make him pity your excessive love.
Scarce to himself will he forbear to cry,
"How can I let this poor fond creature die?"
But chiefly one such fond behaviour fires,
Who courts his glass, and his own charms admires.
Proud of the homage to his merit done,
He'll think a goddess might with ease be won.
Light wrongs be sure you still with mildness bear,
Nor straight fly out when you a rival fear.
Let not your passions o'er your sense prevail,
Nor credit lightly ev'ry idle tale.
Let Procris' fate a sad example be
Of what effects attend credulity.

> Latin: Quid faciat custos, cum sint tot in urbe theatra,
Cum spectet iunctos illa libenter equos,
Cum sedeat Phariae sistris operata iuvencae,
Quoque sui comites ire vetantur, eat,
Cum fuget a templis oculos Bona Diva virorum,
Praeterquam siquos illa venire iubet?
Cum, custode foris tunicas servante puellae,
Celent furtivos balnea multa iocos,
Cum, quotiens opus est, fallax aegrotet amica,
Et cedat lecto quamlibet aegra suo,
Nomine cum doceat, quid agamus, adultera clavis,
Quasque petas non det ianua sola vias?
Fallitur et multo custodis cura Lyaeo,
Illa vel Hispano lecta sit uva iugo;
Sunt quoque, quae faciant altos medicamina somnos,
Victaque Lethaea lumina nocte premant;
Nec male deliciis odiosum conscia tardis
Detinet, et longa iungitur ipsa mora.
Quid iuvat ambages praeceptaque parva movere,
Cum minimo custos munere possit emi?
Munera, crede mihi, capiunt hominesque deosque:
Placatur donis Iuppiter ipse datis.
Quid sapiens faciet, stultus cum munere gaudet?
Ipse quoque accepto munere mutus erit.
Sed semel est custos longum redimendus in aevum:
Saepe dabit, dederit quas semel ille manus.
Questus eram, memini, metuendos esse sodales:
Non tangit solos ista querella viros.
Credula si fueris, aliae tua gaudia carpent,
Et lepus hic aliis exagitatus erit.
Haec quoque, quae praebet lectum studiosa locumque
Crede mihi, mecum non semel illa fuit.
Nec nimium vobis formosa ancilla ministret:
Saepe vicem dominae praebuit illa mihi.
Quo feror insanus? quid aperto pectore in hostem
Mittor, et indicio prodor ab ipse meo?
Non avis aucupibus monstrat, qua parte petatur:
Non docet infestos currere cerva canes.
Viderit utilitas: ego coepta fideliter edam:
Lemniasin gladios in mea fata dabo.
Efficite (et facile est), ut nos credamus amari:
Prona venit cupidis in sua vota fides.
Spectet amabilius iuvenem, suspiret ab imo
Femina, tam sero cur veniatque roget:
Accedant lacrimae, dolor et de paelice fictus,
Et laniet digitis illius ora suis:
Iamdudum persuasus erit; miserebitur ultro,
Et dicet 'cura carpitur ista mei.'
Praecipue si cultus erit speculoque placebit,
Posse suo tangi credet amore deas.
Sed te, quaecumque est, moderate iniuria turbet,
Nec sis audita paelice mentis inops.
Nec cito credideris: quantum cito credere laedat,
Exemplum vobis non leve Procris erit.

[¶6] Near where his purple head Hymettus shows,
And flow'ring hills, a sacred fountain flows;
With soft and verdant turf the soil is spread,
And sweetly smelling shrubs the ground o'ershade.
There rosemary and bays their odours join,
And with the fragrant myrtle's scent combine.
There tamarisks with thick-leav'd box are found,
And cytisus and garden pines abound.
While through the boughs soft winds of Zephyr pass,
Tremble the leaves and tender tops of grass.
Hither would Cephalus retreat to rest,
When tir'd with hunting, or with heat oppress'd;
And, thus, to air the panting youth would pray;
Come, gentle Aura, come, this heat allay."
But some tale-bearing too officious friend,
By chance o'erheard him as he thus complain'd;
Who with the news to Procris quick repair'd,
Repeating word for word what she had heard.
Soon as the news of Aura reach'd her ears,
With jealousy surpris'd. and fainting fears,
Her rosy colour fled her lovely face,
And agonies like death supplied the place;
Pale she appear'd as are the falling leaves
When first the vine the winter's blast receives.
Of ripen'd quinces, such the yellow hue,
Or, when unripe, we cornel-berries view.
Reviving from her swoon, her robes she tore,
Nor her own faultless face to wound forbore;
Now all dishevell'd to the woods she flies,
With Bacchanalian fury in her eyes.
Thither arriv'd, she leaves below her friends,
And all alone the shady hill ascends.
What fully, Procris, o'er thy mind prevail'd?
What rage, thus fatally to lie conceal'd?
"Who'er this Aura be," such was thy thought,
"She now shall in the very fact be caught "
Anon thy heart repents its rash designs,
And now to go, and now to stay, inclines;
Thus love with doubts perplexes still thy mind,
And makes thee seek what thou must dread to find.
But still the rival's name rings in thy ears,
And more suspicious still the place appears;
But more than all, excessive love deceives,
Which all it fears too easily believes.
And now a chillness runs thro' ev'ry vein,
Soon as she saw where Cephalus had lain.
'Twas noon when he again retir'd, to shun
The scorching ardour of the mid-day's sun;
With water first he sprinkled o'er his face
Which glow'd with heat; then sought his usual place.
Procris, with anxious but with silent care,
View'd him extended, with his bosom bare;
And heard him soon th' accustom'd words repeat,
" Come Zephyr, Aura come, allay this heat."
Soon as she found her error, from the word,
Her colour and her temper were restor'd;
With joy she rose to clasp him in her arms,
But Cephalus the rustling noise alarms;
Some beast he thinks he in the bushes hears,
And straight his arrows and his bow prepares.
Hold, hold, unhappy youth!-I call in vain;
With thy own hand thou hast thy Procris slain
" Me, me," she cries, " thou'st wounded with thy dart;
But Cephalus was wont to wound this heart.
Yet lighter on my ashes earth will lie,
Since, tho' untimely, I unrivall'd die!
Come, close with thy dear hand my eyes in death;
Jealous of air, to air I yield my breath."
Close to his heavy heart her cheek he laid,
And wash'd with streaming tears the wound he made;
At length the springs of life their currents leave,
And her last gasp her husband's lips receive.

> Latin: Est prope purpureos colles florentis Hymetti
Fons sacer et viridi caespite mollis humus:
Silva nemus non alta facit; tegit arbutus herbam,
Ros maris et lauri nigraque myrtus olent:
Nec densum foliis buxum fragilesque myricae,
Nec tenues cytisi cultaque pinus abest.
Lenibus inpulsae zephyris auraque salubri
Tot generum frondes herbaque summa tremit.
Grata quies Cephalo: famulis canibusque relictis
Lassus in hac iuvenis saepe resedit humo,
'Quae' que 'meos releves aestus,' cantare solebat
'Accipienda sinu, mobilis aura, veni.'
Coniugis ad timidas aliquis male sedulus aures
Auditos memori detulit ore sonos;
Procris ut accepit nomen, quasi paelicis, Aurae,
Excidit, et subito muta dolore fuit;
Palluit, ut serae lectis de vite racemis
Pallescunt frondes, quas nova laesit hiemps,
Quaeque suos curvant matura cydonia ramos,
Cornaque adhuc nostris non satis apta cibis.
Ut rediit animus, tenues a pectore vestes
Rumpit, et indignas sauciat ungue genas;
Nec mora, per medias passis furibunda capillis
Evolat, ut thyrso concita Baccha, vias.
Ut prope perventum, comites in valle relinquit,
Ipsa nemus tacito clam pede fortis init.
Quid tibi mentis erat, cum sic male sana lateres,
Procri? quis adtoniti pectoris ardor erat?
Iam iam venturam, quaecumque erat Aura, putabas
Scilicet, atque oculis probra videnda tuis.
Nunc venisse piget (neque enim deprendere velles),
Nunc iuvat: incertus pectora versat amor.
Credere quae iubeant, locus est et nomen et index,
Et quia mens semper quod timet, esse putat.
Vidit ut oppressa vestigia corporis herba,
Pulsantur trepidi corde micante sinus.
Iamque dies medius tenues contraxerat umbras,
Inque pari spatio vesper et ortus erant:
Ecce, redit Cephalus silvis, Cyllenia proles,
Oraque fontana fervida pulsat aqua.
Anxia, Procri, lates: solitas iacet ille per herbas,
Et 'zephyri molles auraque' dixit 'ades!'
Ut patuit miserae iucundus nominis error,
Et mens et rediit verus in ora color.
Surgit, et oppositas agitato corpore frondes
Movit, in amplexus uxor itura viri:
Ille feram movisse ratus, iuvenaliter artus
Corripit, in dextra tela fuere manu.
Quid facis, infelix? non est fera, supprime tela!
Me miserum! iaculo fixa puella tuo est.
'Ei mihi!' conclamat 'fixisti pectus amicum.
Hic locus a Cephalo vulnera semper habet.
Ante diem morior, sed nulla paelice laesa:
Hoc faciet positae te mihi, terra, levem.
Nomine suspectas iam spiritus exit in auras:
Labor, eo, cara lumina conde manu!'
Ille sinu dominae morientia corpora maesto
Sustinet, et lacrimis vulnera saeva lavat:
Exit, et incauto paulatim pectore lapsus
Excipitur miseri spiritus ore viri.

[¶7] Now to pursue our voyage we must provide,
Till safe to port our weary bark we guide.
You may expect, perhaps, I now should teach
What rules to treats and entertainments reach.
Come not the first, invited to a feast;
Rather come last, as a more grateful guest,
For that of which we fear to be depriv'd,
Meets with the surest welcome when arriv'd.
Besides, complexions of a coarser kind,
From candle-light no small advantage find.
During the time you eat, observe some grace,
Nor let your unwip'd hands besmear your face;
Nor yet too squeamishly your meat avoid,
Lest we suspect you were in private cloy'd.
Of all extremes in either kind forbear
And still, before your belly's full, beware.
No glutton nymph, however fair, can wound,
Tho' more than Helen she in charms abound.
I own I think of wire the moderate use
More suits the sex, and sooner finds excuse;
It warms the blood, adds lustre to the eyes,
And wine and love have always been allies.
But carefully from all intemperance keep,
Nor drink till you see double, lisp, or sleep;
For in such sleeps brutalities are done,
Which, tho' you loath, you have no pow'r to shun.
And now th' instructed nymph from table led,
Should next be taught how to behave in bed;—
But modesty forbids: nor more my muse
With weary wings the labour'd flight pursues;
Her purple swans unyok'd, the chariot leave,
And needful rest (their journey done) receive.
Thus, with impartial care, my art I show,
And equal arms on either sex bestow;
White men and maids, who by my rules improve,
Ovid, must own, their master is in love.

> Latin: Sed repetamus opus: mihi nudis rebus eundum est,
Ut tangat portus fessa carina suos.
Sollicite expectas, dum te in convivia ducam,
Et quaeris monitus hac quoque parte meos.
Sera veni, positaque decens incede lucerna:
Grata mora venies; maxima lena mora est.
Etsi turpis eris, formosa videbere potis,
Et latebras vitiis nox dabit ipsa tuis.
Carpe cibos digitis: est quiddam gestus edendi:
Ora nec immunda tota perungue manu.
Neve domi praesume dapes, sed desine citra
Quam capis; es paulo quam potes esse minus;
Priamides Helenen avide si spectet edentem,
Oderit, et dicat 'stulta rapina mea est.'
Aptius est, deceatque magis potare puellas:
Cum Veneris puero non male, Bacche, facis.
Hoc quoque, qua patiens caput est, animusque pedesque
Constant: nec, quae sunt singula, bina vide.
Turpe iacens mulier multo madefacta Lyaeo:
Digna est concubitus quoslibet illa pati.
Nec somnis posita tutum succumbere mensa:
Per somnos fieri multa pudenda solent.
Ulteriora pudet docuisse: sed alma Dione
'Praecipue nostrum est, quod pudet' inquit 'opus.'
Nota sibi sit quaeque: modos a corpore certos
Sumite: non omnes una figura decet.
Quae facie praesignis erit, resupina iaceto:
Spectentur tergo, quis sua terga placent.
Milanion umeris Atalantes crura ferebat:
Si bona sunt, hoc sunt accipienda modo.
Parva vehatur equo: quod erat longissima, numquam
Thebaïs Hectoreo nupta resedit equo.
Strata premat genibus, paulum cervice reflexa,
Femina per longum conspicienda latus.
Cui femur est iuvenale, carent quoque pectora menda,
Stet vir, in obliquo fusa sit ipsa toro.
Nec tibi turpe puta crinem, ut Phylleïa mater,
Solvere, et effusis colla reflecte comis.
Tu quoque, cui rugis uterum Lucina notavit,
Ut celer aversis utere Parthus equis.
Mille modi veneris; simplex minimique laboris,
Cum iacet in dextrum semisupina latus.
Sed neque Phoebei tripodes nec corniger Ammon
Vera magis vobis, quam mea Musa, canet:
Siqua fides arti, quam longo fecimus usu,
Credite: praestabunt carmina nostra fidem.
Sentiat ex imis venerem resoluta medullis
Femina, et ex aequo res iuvet illa duos.
Nec blandae voces iucundaque murmura cessent,
Nec taceant mediis improba verba iocis.
Tu quoque, cui veneris sensum natura negavit,
Dulcia mendaci gaudia finge sono.
Infelix, cui torpet hebes locus ille, puella,
Quo pariter debent femina virque frui.
Tantum, cum finges, ne sis manifesta, caveto:
Effice per motum luminaque ipsa fidem.
Quam iuvet, et voces et anhelitus arguat oris;
A! pudet, arcanas pars habet ista notas.
Gaudia post Veneris quae poscet munus amantem,
Illa suas nolet pondus habere preces....
Nec lucem in thalamos totis admitte fenestris;
Aptius in vestro corpore multa latent.
Lusus habet finem: cygnis descendere tempus,
Duxerunt collo qui iuga nostra suo.
Ut quondam iuvenes, ita nunc, mea turba, puellae
Inscribant spoliis "Naso magister erat."