Epigram 46: When Archestrata’s charms I first survey’d

When Archestrata’s charms I first survey’d,
By heaven, said he, this is no beauteous maid ;
Nor seem’d she fair, when view’d with careless eye:
But vengeful Nemesis stood listening by,
Cut short my speech, and swift within my heart
Infix’d, like fire from Jove, her fatal dart.
I burn, I burn; shall I the power appease,
Or strive with blandishments the fair to please ?
Could I, my fair, thy blooming charms enjoy,
The dart of Nemesis would prove a joy.