T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
From Elegies: Book II. Elegia XV.
By Ovid (43 B.C.18 A.D.)(Translated by Christopher Marlowe) Ad annulum, quem dono amicæ dedit. THOU ring that shalt my fair girl’s finger bind, | |
Wherein is seen the giver’s loving mind: | |
Be welcome to her, gladly let her take thee, | |
And, her small joints encircling, round hoop make thee. | |
Fit her so well, as she is fit for me, | 5 |
And of just compass for her knuckles be. | |
Blest ring, thou in my mistress’ hand shall lie, | |
Myself, poor wretch, mine own gifts now envỳ. | |
O would that suddenly into my gift, | |
I could myself by secret magic shift! | 10 |
Then would I wish thee touch my mistress’ pap, | |
And hide thy left hand underneath her lap, | |
I would get off, though strait and sticking fast, | |
And in her bosom strangely fall at last. | |
Then I, that I may seal her privy leaves, | 15 |
Lest to the wax the hold-fast dry gem cleaves, | |
Would first my beauteous wench’s moist lips touch; | |
Only I’ll sign naught that may grieve me much. | |
I would not out, might I in one place hit: | |
But in less compass her small fingers knit. | 20 |
My life! that I will shame thee never fear, | |
Or be a load thou should’st refuse to bear. | |
Wear me, when warmest showers thy members wash, | |
And through the gem let thy lost waters pash, | |
But seeing thee, I think my thing will swell, | 25 |
And even the ring perform a man’s part well. | |
Vain things why wish I? go small gift, from hand; | |
Let her my faith, with thee given, understand. | |