Odes 3.26 (Martin): Vixi Puellis

Of late I've been leading a life of flirtation,
And trophies have won, that I care not to show;
But wooing and winning are only vexation,
I'm heartily sick of the business. Heigho!

My spurs having earn'd, I'll lay down my armour,
And hang up my lyre, ne'er to touch it again,
On this wall by the left hand of Venus the charmer,
Bright Venus Thalassia, that springs from the main.

Quick, quick! pile them here, while the fit is upon me,
The torches, the tabors, the arrows, the pike,
And the crowbar, which oft-time an entrance hath won me
To beauty that only to valour would strike.

O Goddess, o'er Cyprus the sunny who reignest.
Fair queen of soft Memphis, oblige me and touch
With your scourge that minx Chloe — the scorn-fullest, vainest —
Just so as to frighten, but not hurt her — much!