T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
A Scene from The Tragedy of Nero
Anonymous(From the anonymous play, 1624; Act II. Scene I.) |
(Enter PETRONIUS) HERE waits Poppæa her Nimphidius’ coming, | |
And hath this garden and green walks chose out | |
To bless them with more pleasures than their own. | |
Not only arras hangings and silk beds | |
Are guilty of the faults we blame them for: | 5 |
Somewhat these arbours and yon trees do know, | |
Whilst your kind shades you to these night sports show. | |
Night sports? Faith, they are done in open day | |
And the sun seeth and envieth their play. | |
Hither have I love-sick Antonius brought | 10 |
And thrust him on occasion so long sought; | |
Showed him the empress in a thicket by, | |
Her love’s approach waiting with greedy eye; | |
And told him, if he ever meant to prove | |
The doubtful issue of his hopeful love, | 15 |
This is the place and time wherein to try it; | |
Women will hear the suit that will deny it. | |
The suit’s not hard that she comes for to take; | |
Who, hot in lust of men, doth difference make? | |
At last forth, willing, to her did he pace: | 20 |
Arm him, Priapus, with thy powerful mace. | |
But see, they coming are; how they agree | |
Here will I harken; shroud me, gentle tree. | |