T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
From Elegies: Book II. Elegia III.
By Ovid (43 B.C.18 A.D.)(Translated by Christopher Marlowe) Ad Eunuchum servantem dominam. AY me, an eunuch keeps my mistress chaste, | |
That cannot Venus’ mutual pleasure taste. | |
Who first deprived young boys of their best part, | |
With self-same wounds he gave, he ought to smart. | |
To kind requests thou would’st more gentle prove, | 5 |
If ever wench had made lukewarm thy love; | |
Thou wert not born to ride, or arms to bear, | |
Thy hands agree not with the warlike spear. | |
Men handle those; all manly hopes resign, | |
Thy mistress’ ensigns must be likewise thine. | 10 |
Please her—her hate makes others thee abhor; | |
If she discards thee, what use serv’st thou for? | |
Good form there is, years apt to play together: | |
Unmeet is beauty without use to wither. | |
She may deceive thee, though thou her protect; | 15 |
What two determine never wants effect. | |
Our prayers move thee to assist our drift, | |
While thou hast time yet to bestow that gift. | |