T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
From Elegies: Book II. Elegia XVII.
By Ovid (43 B.C.–18 A.D.)(Translated by Christopher Marlowe) Quod Corinnæ soli sit serviturus. TO serve a wench if any think it shame, | |
| He being judge, I am convinced of blame. | |
| Let me be slandered, while my fire she hides, | |
| That Paphos, and flood-beat Cythera guides. | |
| Would I had been my mistress’ gentle prey, | 5 |
| Since some fair one I should of force obey. | |
| Beauty gives heart; Corinna’s looks excel; | |
| Ah me, why is it known to her so well? | |
| But by her glass disdainful pride she learns, | |
| Nor she herself, but first trimmed up, discerns. | 10 |
| Not though thy face in all things make thee reign, | |
| (O face, most cunning mine eyes to detain!) | |
| Thou ought’st therefore to scorn me for thy mate, | |
| Small things with greater may be copulate. | |
| Love-snared Calypso is supposed to pray | 15 |
| A mortal nymph’s refusing lord to stay. | |
| Who doubts, with Peleus Thetis did consort, | |
| Egeria with just Numa had good sport. | |
| Venus with Vulcan, though, smith’s tools laid by, | |
| With his stump foot he halts ill-favouredly. | 20 |
| This kind of verse is not alike; yet fit, | |
| With shorter numbers the heroic sit. | |
| And thou, my light, accept me howsoever; | |
| Lay in the mid bed, there by my lawgiver. | |
| My stay no crime, my flight no joy shall breed, | 25 |
| Nor of our love, to be ashamed we need. | |
| For great revenues I good verses have, | |
| And many by me to get glory crave. | |
| I know a wench reports herself Corinne; | |
| What would not she give that fair name to win? | 30 |
| But sundry floods in one bank never go, | |
| Eurotas cold, and poplar-bearing Po; | |
| Nor in my books shall one but thou be writ, | |
| Thou dost alone give matter to my wit. | |