The Amores; or, Amours
Ovid
Ovid
The Amores, or Amours / Literally Translated into English Prose, with Copious Notes
BOOK THE FIRST
AN EPIGRAM ON THE AMOURS
We who of late were five books 001 (#litres_trial_promo) of Naso, are now but three: this work our author has preferred to the former one. Though it should 002 (#litres_trial_promo) now be no pleasure to thee to read us; still, the labour will be less, the two being removed.
ELEGY I
I was preparing to write of arms and impetuous warfare in serious numbers, 003 (#litres_trial_promo) the subject-matter being suited to the measure. 004 (#litres_trial_promo) The second verse was of equal measure with the first; but Cupid is said to have smiled, and to have abstracted one foot. 005 (#litres_trial_promo) "Who, cruel boy, has given thee this right over my lines? We poets are the choir of the Muses, the Pierian maids, 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? 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? When the new page has made a good beginning in the first line, at that moment does he diminish my energies. 008 (#litres_trial_promo) 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 loosened, 009 (#litres_trial_promo) 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! unerring arrows did that youth possess. I burn; and in my heart, hitherto disengaged, does Love hold sway. Henceforth, in six feet 010 (#litres_trial_promo) let my work commence; in five let it close. Farewell, ye ruthless wars, together with your numbers. My Muse, 011 (#litres_trial_promo) to eleven feet destined to be attuned, bind with the myrtle of the sea shore thy temples encircled with their yellow locks.
ELEGY II
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 increase this sudden flame? I must yield; the burden becomes light which is borne contentedly. I have seen the flames increase 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 extending 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 014 (#litres_trial_promo) 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 015 (#litres_trial_promo), while the people shout "Io triumphe" 016 (#litres_trial_