The Art of Love, Book I (Mozley)

If anyone among this people knows not the art of loving, let him read my poem, and having read be skilled in love. By skill swift ships are sailed and rowed, by skill nimble chariots are driven : by skill must Love be guided. Well fitted for chariots and pliant reins was Automedon, and Tiphys was the helmsman of the Haemonian ship : me hath Venus set over tender Love as master in the art; I shall be called the Tiphys and Automedon of Love. Wild indeed is he, and apt often to fight against me ; but he is a boy, tender his age and easily controlled. The son of Philyra made the boy Achilles accomplished on the lyre, and by his peaceful art subdued those savage passions. He who terrified his friends so often and so often his foes, cowered, We are told, before an aged man. Those hands that Hector was to feel, he held out to the lash obediently, when his master bade. Chiron taught Aeacides, I am Love’s teacher : a fierce lad each, and each born of a goddess. Yet even the bull’s neck is burdened by the plough, and the high-mettled steed champs the bridle with his teeth ; and to me Love shall yield, though he wound my breast with his bow, and Whirl aloft his brandished torch. The more violently Love has pierced and branded me, the better shall I avenge the wound that he has made : I will not falsely claim that my art is thy gift, O Phoebus, nor am I taught by the voice of a bird of the air, neither did Clio and Clio’s sisters appear to me while I kept flocks in thy vale, O Ascra : experience inspires this work : give ear to an experienced bard ; true will be my song : favour my enterprise, O mother of Love. Keep far away, ye slender fillets, emblems of modesty, and the long skirt that hides the feet in its folds. Of safe love-making do I sing, and permitted secrecy, and in my verse shall be no wrong-doing.

First, strive to find an object for your love, you who now for the first time come to fight in warfare new. The next task is, to win the girl that takes your fancy ; the third, to make love long endure. This is my limit, this the field whose bound my chariot shall mark, this the goal my flying wheel shall graze.

While yet you are at liberty and can go at large with loosened rein, choose to whom you will say, “ You alone please me.” She wull not come floating down to you through the tenuous air, she must be sought, the girl whom your glance approves. Well knows the hunter where to spread his nets for the stag, well knows he in what glen the boar with gnashing teeth abides ; familiar are the copses to fowlers, and he who holds the hook is aware in what waters many fish are swimming ; you too, who seek the object of a lasting passion, learn first what places the maidens haunt. I will not bid you in your search set sails before the wind, nor, that you may find, need a long road be travelled. Though Perseus brought Andromeda from the dusky Indians, though the Phrygian lover carried off a Grecian girl, yet Rome will give you so many maidens and so fair that, “ Here,” you will say, “is all the beauty of the world.” As numerous as the crops upon Gargara, as the grape-bunches of Methymna, as the fishes that lurk within the sea, or the birds among the leaves, as many as are the stars of heaven, so many maidens doth thine own Rome contain : the mother of Aeneas still dwells in the city of her son. Are you attracted by early and still ripening years a real maid will come before your eyes. Would you have a full-grown beauty ? a thousand such will please you, and, try as you will, you know not which to choose. Or do you perchance prefer a later and staider age ? still more numerous, believe me, will be their array.

Only walk leisurely beneath the Pompeian shade, when the sun draws nigh to Hercules’ shaggy lion, or where the mother has added her own gifts to her son’s, a work rich with marble coating. Nor should you avoid the Livian colonnade which, scattered o’er with ancient paintings keeps its founder’s name, or where the daughters of Belus dare to plot death for their wretched cousins, and their fierce sire stands with drawn sword. Nor let Adonis bewailed of Venus escape you, nor the seventh day that the Syrian Jew holds sacred. Avoid not the Memphian shrine of the linen-clothed heifer : many a maid does she make what she was herself to Jove. Even the law-courts (who could believe it ?) are suitable to love, often has its flame been found in the shrill-tongued court : where set beneath the marble shrine of Venus, the Appian nymph strikes the air with her upspringing waters, there often is the lawyer cheated by Love, and he who was careful for others is not careful for himself : often there does the glib speaker fail for words : a new case comes on and his own cause must be pleaded. Venus laughs at him from her neighbouring shrine ; he who was of late an advocate would fain be a client now.

But specially do your hunting in the round theatres : more bountifully do these repay your vows. There will you find an object for passion or for dalliance, something to taste but once, or to keep, if so you wish. As crowded ants pass and repass in a long train, bearing in grain-burdened mouth their wonted food, or as bees, having gained their dells and fragrant pastures, flit o’er the blossoms and hover o’er the thyme : so hasten the smartest women to the crowded games ; many a time have their numbers made my judgment falter. They come to see, they come that they may be seen : to chastity that place is fatal. Thou first, Romulus, didst disturb the games, when the rape of Sabine women consoled the widowed men.

No awnings then hung o’er a marble theatre nor was the platform ruddy with crocus-spray ; there, artlessly arranged, were garlands which the leafy Palatine had borne ; the stage was unadorned ; the people sat on steps of turf, any chance leaves covering their unkempt hair. They look about them, and each notes with his glance the woman he desires, and they brood much in their secret hearts. And while to the Tuscan flute-player’s rude strains the dancer struck thrice with his foot the levelled floor, in the midst of the applause (the applause then was rough and rude) the king gave to the people the expected sign of rape. Straightway they leap forth, by their shouts betraying their eagerness, and lay lustful hand upon the maidens. As doves, most timorous of birds, flee from the eagles, and the weanling lamb when it spies the wolf, so fled they helter-skelter in panic from the men ; in none remained her former colour. For their fear was one, but not one was the appearance of their fear : some tear their hair, some sit crazed ; one is silent in dismay, one calls in vain upon her mother ; this one bewails, that one is struck dumb ; this one remains, that one flees. The captured women are led off, spoil for the marriage-couch, and to many their very fear had power to lend grace. If any struggled overmuch and resisted her mate, upborne on his eager breast he carried her off himself, saying : Why do you spoil those tender eyes with tears ? What your sire was to your mother that will I be to you.” Ah, Romulus, thou only didst know how to bestow bounty on thy warriors ; so thou but bestow such bounty upon me, I will be a warrior. And, mark you, in accord with that tradition our theatres now too are fraught with danger to the fair.

Nor let the contest of noble steeds escape you ; the spacious Circus holds many opportunities. No need is there of fingers for secret speech, nor need you receive a signal by means of nods. Sit next to your lady, none will prevent you ; sit side by side as close as you can ; and that is easy, for the rows compel closeness, if she be unwilling, and by the rule of the plac you must touch your comrade. Here seek an opening for friendly talk, and begin with words that all may hear. Mind you are zealous in asking whose horses are entering, and quick ! whomsoever she favours be sure to favour too. But when the long procession of competing youths passes by applaud Queen Venus with favouring hand. And if perchance, as will happen, a speck of dust falls on your lady’s lap, flick it off with your fingers ; and if none fall, then flick off — none ; let any pretext serve your turn. If her cloak hangs low and trails upon the ground, gather it up and lift it carefully from the defiling earth ; straightway, a reward for your service, with the girl’s permission your eyes will catch a glimpse of her ankles. Then again look round to see that whoever is sitting behind you is not pressing his knee against her tender back. Frivolous minds are won by trifles : many have found useful the deft arranging of a cushion. It has helped too to stir the air with a light fan, or to set a stool beneath a dainty foot.

Such openings will the Circus afford to a new courtship, and the melancholy sand scattered on the busy Forum. Often has Venus’ Boy fought upon that sand, and he who watched the wounds has himself been wounded. While he is speaking and touching her hand and asking for the book, and inquiring which is winning as he lays his stake, he feels the winged barb and groans with the wound, and is himself part of the show which he is watching.

What when Caesar of late brought on Persian and Cecropian vessels under the fashion of a naval fight Why, youths and maidens came from either sea : the mighty world was in our city. Who found not in that crowd some object for his passion; alas! how many did a foreign love o’erthrow!

Lo ! Caesar is preparing to add what was lacking to the conquered world : now, farthest East, shalt thou be ours. Parthian, thou shalt pay penalty ; rejoice, ye buried Crassi, and ye standards that shamefully endured barbarian violence. Your avenger is at hand, and, though his years be few, proclaims his captaincy, and, though a boy, handles wars that no boy should handle. Cease, timid ones, to count the birthdays of the gods ; valour falls early to the lot of Caesars. Heavenly power grows more swiftly than its years, and ill brooks the penalties of slow delay. Small was the Tirynthian when in his hands he crushed two snakes, and already in his cradle he was worthy of Jove. And thou who even now art a youth, how big then wert thou, O Bacchus, when conquered India feared thy wands? With the auspices and courage of thy sire shalt thou, O youth, make war, and with the auspices and courage of thy sire shalt thou conquer : such, bearing so great a name, should be thy earliest exploit, prince now of the youth, but one day of the elders; since thou hast brothers, avenge thy brothers’ wrongs, and since thou hast a sire, guard the rights of thy sire. Thy father and the father of thy country hath girded thee with arms : an enemy snatches a realm from thy unwilling sire ; rightful weapons shalt thou bear, dastardly arrows, he ; right and duty shall stand to defend thy cause. The Parthians are defeated in their cause : let them be defeated in battle also ; let my prince add to Latium the riches of the East. Father Mars and father Caesar, vouchsafe him your presence as he goes ; for one of you is, and one will be, a god. Lo ! I prophesy: victory shall be thine, and I shall duly pay my votive song, and owe thee loud utterance of praise. Thou wilt stand and in my own words exhort thy warriors ; O let not my words fall short of thy valour. I shall tell of Parthian backs and Roman breasts, and of the weapons which the foe shoots from his retreating steed. Thou who dost flee to conquer, what, O Parthian, dost thou leave the conquered ? Already, O Parthian, hath thy warfare an evil omen. Therefore that day shall dawn whereon thou, fairest of beings, shalt ride all golden behind four snow-white steeds. Chieftains shall go before thee, their necks laden with chains, lest they be able to save themselves by the flight they used before. Joyous youths shall look on and maidens with them, and that day shall make all hearts o’er-flow. And when some girl among them asks the names of the monarchs, or what places, what mountains, what rivers are borne along, do you answer everything, nor only if she ask you ; ay, even if you know not, tell her as if you knew it well. That is Euphrates, his forehead fringed with reeds ; he with the dark blue locks down-hanging will be Tigris. These, say, are Armenians, here is Persia, sprung from Danae ; that was a city in the Achaemenian valleys. That one, or that, are chieftains ; and you will have names to give them, correct, if you can, but if not, names that yet are fitting.

Banquets too give openings, when the tables are set ; somewhat beside wine may you find there. Often has bright-hued Love with soft arms drawn to him and embraced the horns of Bacchus as he there reclined : and when wine has sprinkled Cupid’s thirsty wings, he abides and stands o’erburdened, where he has taken his place. He indeed quickly shakes out his dripping plumes, yet does it hurt even to be sprinkled on the breast with love. Wine gives courage and makes men apt for passion ; care flees and is drowned in much wine. Then laughter comes, then even the poor find plenty , then sorrow and care and the wrinkles of the brow depart. Then simplicity, most rare in our age, lays bare the mind, when the god dispels all craftiness. At such time often have women bewitched the minds of men, and Venus in the wine has been fire in fire. Trust not at such a time o’ermuch to the treacherous lamp ; darkness and drink impair your judgment of beauty. It was in heaven’s light unveiled that Paris beheld the goddesses, when he said to Venus, “Venus, thou dost surpass the other two.” By night are blemishes hid, and every fault is forgiven : that hour makes any woman fair. Consult the daylight for jewels, for wool dyed in purple, consult it too for the face and bodily form.

Why should I recount to you all the gatherings of women, fit occasions for hunting ? the sand would yield to my counting. Why tell of Baiae and Baiae’s fringe of shore, and the water that smokes with hot sulphur ? Someone came hence with a wound in his heart, and said : “ Those waters were not, as fame reports them, healthy.” Lo ! hard by the city is Dian’s woodland shrine, and the realm won by the sword and guilty hand : because she is a maid and hates the darts of Cupid, she has given and will give to our people many a wound.

So far Thalia, borne upon unequal wheels, teaches you where to select an object for your love, and where to spread your nets. Now do I essay a task of preeminent skill, to tell you by what arts to catch her whom you have chosen. Ye men, whoever, wherever ye may be, attend with docile minds ; and, common folk, lend favouring presence to my enterprise.

First let assurance come to your minds, that all i women can be caught ; spread but your nets and you will catch them. Sooner would birds be silent in spring, or grasshoppers in summer, or the hound of Maenalus flee before the hare than a woman persuasively wooed resist a lover : nay, even she, whom you will think cruel, will be kind. And as stolen love is pleasant to a man, so is it also to a woman ; the man dissembles badly : she conceals desire better. Did it suit us males not to ask any woman first, the woman, already won, would play the asker. In soft meads the heifer lows to the bull, the mare always whinnies to the horn-footed steed. In us desire is stronger, yet not so frantic ; the manly flame knows a lawful bound. Why should I speak of Byblis, who burnt with a forbidden passion for her brother, and with a rope’s noose bravely atoned her sin ? Myrrha loved her father, but not as a daughter should, and now lies imprisoned in the confining bark : with her tears, poured forth from the fragrant tree, are we anointed : the drops preserve their mistress’ name. Once in the shady vales of woody Ida there was a white bull, the glory of the herd ; marked was he by a spot of black between his horns ; that was the only blemish, the rest was white as milk. Him would the Gnosian and Cydonian heifers fain have borne upon their backs : Pasiphae rejoiced to become the leman of a bull, and regarded with envious hate the comely cows. Well known is that I sing of : Crete, that holds a hundred cities, cannot deny this, liar though she be. Herself she is said to have plucked new leaves and tenderest meadow-grass for the bull with unaccustomed hand. She goes in company with the herds, nor does thought of her lord delay her going, and a bull triumphed over Minos. What gain to thee, Pasiphae, to wear thy purple gowns ? that lover of thine recks not of any splendour. What dost thou with a mirror, seeking the herds upon the mountains ? Why so oft, foolish one, dost thou dress thy braided hair ? Nay, believe thy mirror when it tells thee thou art no heifer. How hadst thou wished that horns grew on thy brow ! If ’’tis Minos pleases thee, seek no adulterer ; or if thou wilt deceive thy man, with a man deceive him ! Leaving her bower the queen hies her to the woods and glens, like a Bacchanal sped by the Aonian god. Ah, how oft did she look askance upon a cow, and say, “ Why does she find favour with my lord ? See how she sports before him on the tender grass : nor doubt I but the foolish thing imagines she is comely.” She spoke, and straightway ordered her to be taken from the mighty herd, and undeserving to be dragged beneath the curving yoke, or forced her to fall before the altar in a feigned sacrifice, and held in exultant hands her rival’s entrails. How oft with her rivals’ bodies did she appease the gods, and say, as she held their entrails, “ Now go and find favour with my lord ! ” And now she craves to be Europa and now to be lo, for the one was a cow, and the other was borne by a cow’s mate. Her none the less did the leader of the herd make pregnant, deceived by a cow of maple-wood, and by her offspring was the sire betrayed. Had the Cretan woman abstained from love for Thyestes (how great a boon to be able to please one man alone !), Phoebus had not broken off in mid-career, and wresting his car about turned round his steeds to face the dawn. From Nisus his daughter stole the purple hairs, and now holds raving hounds within her womb and loins. The son of Atreus, who escaped Mars on land and Neptune on the deep, was the dire victim of his wife. Who has not bewailed the flames of Creusa of Ephyre, and the mother stained with her children’s blood ? Phoenix, son of Amyntor, shed tears from empty eyes ; ye frightened horses, ye tore Hippolytus in pieces. Why piercest thou, O Phineus, the eyes of thine innocent sons. upon thine own head will the punishment fall. All those crimes were prompted by women’s lust ; keener is it than ours, and has more of madness. Come then, doubt not that you may win all women ; scarce one out of many will there be to say you nay. And, grant they or deny, yet are they pleased to have been asked : suppose, say, you are mistaken, your rejection brings no danger. But why should you be mistaken, since ’ ’tis new delights that win welcome, and what is not ours charms more than our own ? In fields not ours the crops are ever more bounteous, and the neighbouring herd has richer udders.

But take care first to know the handmaid of the woman you would win ; she will make your approach easy. See that she be nearest the counsels of her mistress, and one who may be trusted with the secret of your stolen sport. Corrupt her with promises, corrupt her with prayers ; if she be willing, you will gain your end with ease. She will choose a time (physicians also observe times) when her mistress is in an easy mood and apt for winning. Then will her mind be apt for winning when in the fulness of joy she grows wanton like the corn crop in a rich soil. When hearts are glad, and not fast bound by grief, then do they lie open, and Venus steals in with persuasive art. Ilios, when sad, was defended by its hosts ; rejoicing, it received the warrior-burdened horse. Then too may she be tried, when she grieves beneath a rival’s smart ; see then that by your efforts she lack not vengeance. Let her maid incite her, as she combs her tresses in the morning, and add the help of an oarsman to the sail, and let her say, sighing softly to herself, “ But, methinks, you will not be able to pay him back yourself.” Then let her speak of you, then add persuasive words, and swear that you are dying of frantic love. But be speedy, lest the sails sink and the breezes fail : like brittle ice, so perishes anger by delaying. You will ask, whether it profits to seduce the maid herself ; such an enterprise involves much hazard. An intrigue makes one more eager, another more sluggish ; this one wins you for her mistress, that one for herself. It may turn out well or ill ; though the issue favour the hazard, yet my counsel is, abstain. I am not the man to go by precipitous paths and rocky heights ; no youth under my leadership will be captured. Yet while she gives and takes your letters, should her figure and not her services alone find favour, see that you gain the mistress first, and let the servant follow : do not begin your wooing with the maid. This only do I urge (if you but trust my art, and the rapacious breeze blows not my words across the sea) : either make no venture or be successful ; the informer vanishes when once she shares the guilt. The bird cannot make good its escape when once its wings are limed ; the boar issues not easily from the entangling nets. Let the fish be held that is wounded from seizing the hook ; once you assail her, press the attack, nor depart unless victorious. Then, sharing a common guilt, she will not betray you, you will know her mistress’ words and deeds. But keep her secret well ; if the informer’s secret be well kept, she will always gladly foster your intimacy.

He errs who thinks that seasons are to be marked by sailors only, and by those who till the toilsome fields ; not always must the corn be entrusted to the treacherous fields, nor always the hollow bark to the green main, nor always is it safe to angle for young girls ; the same thing often goes better at the appointed season. Whether it is her birthday, or the Kalends which delight to join Venus to Mars, or whether the Circus is adorned not, as before, by images, but holds the wealth of kings displayed, put off your attempt: the storm is lowering then, and the Pleiads threaten, the tender Kid is merged in the watery waves : then it is wise to stop ; then, if any entrusts him to the deep, scarce has he saved his torn bark’s shattered wreck. You may begin on the day on which woeful Allia flows stained with the blood of Latian wounds, or on that day, less fit for business, whereon returns the seventh-day feast that the Syrian of Palestine observes. But hold in awful dread your lady’s birthday ; let that be a black day whereon a present must be given. Shun it as you may, yet she will carry off the spoil ; a woman knows the way to fleece an eager lover of his wealth. A lewd pedlar will come to your mistress when in buying mood, and will spread his wares before her, while you sit by in misery ; and she, that you may fancy yourself a judge, will ask you to inspect them ; then she will kiss you ; then she will ask you to buy. She will swear that this will satisfy her for many a long year, that she needs it now, that now is a good time to buy it. If you make excuse that you have not the cash at home she will ask for a note of hand — lest you should be glad you ever learned to write. What, when she claims a gift to buy, as she says, a birthday cake, and has a birthday as often as she requires ? What when she weeps for a feigned loss in deepest sorrow, and pretends a jewel has slipped from the shell of her ear ? Many things do they beg to borrow, but, once borrowed, will not give them back ; you have lost them, but gain no credit for your loss. Ten mouths and as many tongues would not suffice me to tell the unholy ruses of the fair.

Let wax, spread on smooth tablets, attempt the crossing ; let wax go first to show your mind. Let that carry your flatteries and words that play the lover ; and, whoever you are, add earnest entreaties. Entreaty moved Achilles to give Hector back to Priam ; a god when angry is moved by the voice of prayer. See that you promise : what harm is there in promises ? In promises anyone can be rich. Hope, once conceived, endures for long ; a treacherous goddess is she, but a timely one. Once you have given, you may be abandoned with good reason ; she will have taken your gift and lost nothing herself.

But what you have not given you may seem always on the point of giving : thus many a time has a barren field deceived its owner ; thus, lest he shall have lost, the gambler ceases not to lose, and often do the dice recall his greedy hands. “ Herein the task, herein the toil ” — to win her favour with no preceding gift ; lest what she has given be given for nothing, she will give yet more. Therefore let a letter speed, traced with persuasive words, and explore her feelings, and be the first to try the path. A letter carried in an apple betrayed Cydippe, and the maid was deceived unawares by her own words.

Learn noble arts, I counsel you, young men of Rome, not only that you may defend trembling clients : a woman, no less than populace, grave judge or chosen senate, will surrender, defeated, to eloquence. But hide your powers, nor put on a learned brow ; let your pleading avoid troublesome words. Who, save an idiot, would declaim to his tender sweetheart ? often has a letter been a potent cause of hate. Your language should inspire trust and your Words be familiar, yet coaxing too, so that you seem to be speaking in her presence. If she does not receive your message and sends it back unread, hope that one day she will read, and hold to your purpose. In time refractory oxen come to the plough, in time horses are taught to bear the pliant reins ; an iron ring is worn by constant use, a curved share wastes by constant ploughing of the ground. What is harder than rock, what softer than water ? yet soft water hollows out hard rock. Only persevere ; you will overcome Penelope herself ; late, as you see, did Pergamus fall, yet fall it did. Suppose she has ready, but will not write back ; compel her not ; only see that she is ever reading your flatteries. She who has consented to read will consent to answer what she has read ; that will come by its own stages and degrees. Perhaps even an angry letter will first come to you, asking you to be pleased not to vex her. what she asks, she fears ; what she does not ask, she desires — that you will continue ; press on, then, and soon you will have gained your wish.

Meanwhile, whether she be borne reclining on her cushions, approach your mistress’ litter in dissembling fashion, and lest someone intrude hateful ears to your words, hide them, so far as you may, in cunning ambiguities ; or whether the spacious colonnade be trodden by her leisurely feet, do you also make friendly dalliance there ; and contrive now to go before her, now to follow behind, now hurry, now go slowly. Neither hesitate to slip past some of the columns that part you, nor to join your side to hers ; nor let her sit in the round theatre, her fair looks by you unheeded : something worth looking at she will bring on her shoulders. On her you may turn your looks, her you may admire : much let your eyebrows, much let your gestures say. Applaud when an actor portrays some woman in his dance, and favour whoever be the lover that is played. When she rises you will rise ; while she sits you will sit too ; waste time at your mistress’ will.

But take no pleasure in curling your hair with the iron, or in scraping your legs with biting pumice-stone. Bid them do that by whom mother Cybele is sung in howling chorus of Phrygian measures. An uncared-for beauty is becoming to men ; Theseus carried off Minos’ daughter, though no clasp decked his temples. Phaedra loved Hippolytus, nor yet was he a dandy ; Adonis, born to the woodland, was a goddess’ care. Let your person please by cleanliness, and be made swarthy by the Campus ; let your toga fit, and be spotless ; do not let your shoe-strap be wrinkled ; let your teeth be clear of rust, and your foot not float astray in a shoe too large for you ; nor let your stubborn locks be spoilt by bad cutting ; let hair and beard be dressed by a skilled hand. Do not let your nails project, and let them be free of dirt; nor let any hair be in the hollow of your nostrils. Let not the breath of your mouth be sour and unpleasing, nor let the lord and master of the herd offend the nose. All else let wanton women practise; and such men as basely seek to please a man.

Lo ! Liber summons his bard ; he too helps lovers, and favours the flame wherewith he burns himself. The Gnosian maid wandered distractedly on the unknown sand, where little Dia is lashed by the sea waves. Just as she came from sleep, clad in an ungirt tunic, barefoot, with yellow hair unbound, she cried upon Theseus over the deaf waters, while an innocent shower bedewed her tender cheeks. She clamoured and wept together, but both became her ; nor was she made less comely by her tears. Again she beats her soft bosom with her hands, and cries, “He is gone, the faithless one ; what will become of me ” “ What will become of me?” she cries: then o’er all the shore cymbals resounded and drums beaten by frenzied hands.

She fainted for fear and broke off her latest words ; no blood was there in her lifeless frame. Lo ! ‘ Bacchanals with tresses streaming behind them lo ! wanton Satyrs, the god’s forerunning band ; lo ! drunken old Silenus scarce sits his crookbacked ass, and leaning clings to the mane before him. While he pursues the Bacchanals, and the Bacchanals flee and again attack, and while the unskilful horseman urges his beast with a rod, he falls off the long-eared ass and topples head-foremost and the Satyrs cry, “ Come, get up, father, get up ! ” And now on his car, that he had covered with grape-clusters, the god was giving the golden reins to his yoked tigers : voice, colour — and Theseus, all were gone from the girl ; thrice did she essay flight, thrice did fear restrain her. She shuddered, as when dry stalks are shaken by the wind, as when the light rush trembles in the watery marsh. ‘Lo, here am I,” said the god to her, “a more faithful lover; have no fear, Gnosian maid, thou shalt be the spouse of Bacchus. For thy gift take the sky ; as a star in the sky thou shalt be gazed at ; the Cretan Crown shall often guide the doubtful bark. ” He spoke, and lest she should fear the tigers leapt down from the chariot ; the sand gave place to his alighting foot ; and clasping her to his bosom (for she had no strength to fight) he bore her away ; easy is it for a god to be all-powerful. Some chant “ Hail, Hymenaeus ! ” some shout “ Euhoe ! ” to the Euhian ; so do the bride and the god meet on the sacred couch.

Therefore when the bounty of Bacchus set before you falls to your lot, and a woman shares your convivial couch, beseech the Nyctelian sire and the spirits of the night that they bid not the wines to hurt your head. Here may you say many things lurking in covered speech, so that she may feel they are said to her, and you may trace light flatteries in thin characters of wine, that on the table she may read herself your mistress ; you may gaze at her eyes with eyes that confess their flame : there are often voice and Words in a silent look. See that you are the first to seize the cup her lips have touched, and drink at that part where she has drunk ; and whatever food she has touched with her fingers see that you ask for, and while you ask contrive to touch her hand. Let it also be your aim to please your lady’s husband ; he is often more useful to you, if made a friend. To him, if you drink by lot, concede the first turn give him the garland tossed from your own head. Whether he be below you or hold an equal place, let him take of all before you ; nor hesitate to yield him place in talk. ’Tis a safe and oft-trodden path, to deceive under the name of friend ; safe and oft-trodden though it be, ’’tis the path of guilt. Thus too an agent pursues his agency too far and looks after more than Was committed to his charge. you have a voice ; if your arms are lithe, dance ; please by whatever gifts you can. As real drunkenness does harm, so will feigned bring profit : make your crafty tongue stumble in stammering talk, so that, whatever you do or say more freely than you should, may be put down to too much wine. And “Here’s luck,” say, “to the lady,” and “Luck to him who sleeps with her ! ” : but in your silent soul let the prayer be “ Deuce take the husband.” But when the tables are removed and the company depart, and the crowd itself gives you chance of access, join the crowd, and gently drawing nigh to her as she goes pull her sleeve with your fingers, and let your foot touch hers. Now is the time for talk with her ; away with you, rustic shame ! Chance and Venus help the brave. Let not your eloquence submit to our poets’ laws ; see but that you make a start : your eloquence will come of itself. You must play the lover, and counterfeit heartache with words : her belief in that you must win by any device. Nor is it hard to be believed : each woman thinks herself lovable ; hideous though she be, there is none her own looks do not please. Yet often the pretender begins to love truly after all, and often becomes what he has feigned to be. Wherefore, you women, be more compliant to pretenders ; one day will the love be true which but now was false. Now be the time to ensnare the mind with crafty flatteries, as the water undermines an overhanging bank. Nor be weary of praising her looks, her hair, her shapely fingers, her small foot : even honest maids love to hear their charms extolled ; even to the chaste their beauty is a care and a delight. For why even now are Juno and Pallas ashamed that they won not the judgment in the Phrygian woods ? When you praise her the bird of Juno displays her plumes : should you gaze in silence she hides away her wealth. Even steeds, amid the contests of the rapid course, delight to have their manes combed and their necks patted.

Nor be timid in your promises ; by promises women are betrayed ; call as witnesses what gods you please. Jupiter from on high laughs at the perjuries of lovers, and bids the winds of Aeolus carry them unfulfilled away. Jupiter was wont to swear falsely by Styx to Juno; now he favours his own example. It is expedient there should be gods, and as it is expedient let us deem that gods exist ; let incense and wine be poured on the ancient hearths ; nor does careless quiet like unto slumber hold them ; live innocently, gods are nigh ; return what is given to your keeping ; let duty keep her covenant ; let fraud be absent ; keep your hands clean of blood. If you are wise, cheat women only, and avoid trouble ; keep faith save for this one deceitfulness. Deceive the deceivers; they are mostly an unrighteous sort; let them fall into the snare which they have laid. Egypt is said to have lacked the rains that bless its fields, and to have been parched for nine years, when Thrasius approached Busiris, and showed that Jove could be propitiated by the outpoured blood of a stranger. To him said Busiris, “ Thou shalt be Jove’s first victim, and as a stranger give water unto Egypt.” Phalaris too roasted in his fierce bull the limbs of Perillus ; its maker first made trial of his ill-omened work. Both were just ; for there is no juster law than that contrivers of death should perish by their own contrivances. Therefore, that perjuries may rightly cheat the perjured, let the woman feel the smart of a wound she first inflicted.

Tears too are useful; with tears you can melt iron; let her see, if possible, your moistened cheeks. If tears fail (for they do not always come at need), touch your eyes with a wet hand. Who that is wise would not mingle kisses with coaxing words? Though she give them not, yet take the kisses she does not give. Perhaps she will struggle at first, and cry “ You villain ! ” yet she will wish to be beaten in the struggle. Only beware lest snatching them rudely you hurt her tender lips, and she be able to complain of your roughness. He who has taken kisses, if he take not the rest beside, will deserve to lose even what was granted. After kisses how much was lacking to your vow’s fulfilment ? ah ! that was awkwardness, not modesty. You may use force ; women like you to use it ; they often wish to give unwillingly what they like to give. She whom a sudden assault has taken by storm is pleased, and counts the audacity as a compliment. But she who, when she might have been compelled, departs untouched, though her looks feign joy, will yet be sad. Phoebe suffered violence, violence was used against her sister : each ravisher found favour with the ravished. Well-known, yet not undeserving of mention, is the tale of the Scyrian maid and her Haemonian lover. Already had the goddess given her own reward for her beauty’s praising, she who won triumph o’er the twain ’neath Ida’s mount; already from distant lands his daughter-in-law had come to Priam, and a Grecian wife was within the walls of Troy; all were swearing allegiance to the injured spouse, for the grief of one became the people’s cause. Basely, had he not so far yielded to his mother’s prayers, Achilles had disguised his manhood in a woman’s robe. What dost thou, Aeacides? wools are not thy business; by another art of Pallas thou seekest fame. What hast thou to do with baskets ? thy arm is fitted to bear a shield.

Why boldest thou a skein in the hand by which Hector shall die ? Cast away the spindle girt about with toilsome windings ! That hand must shake the Pelian spear. It chanced that in the same chamber was the royal maid ; by her rape she found him to be a man. By force indeed was she vanquished, so one must believe ; yet by force did she wish to be vanquished all the same. Often cried she, “Stay,” when already Achilles was hasting from her ; for, the distaff put away, he had taken valiant arms. Where is that violence now ? Why with coaxing words, Deidamia, dost thou make to tarry the author of thy rape ? In truth, just as there is shame sometimes in beginning first, so when another begins it is pleasant to submit. Ah, too confident in his own charms is a lover, if he wait until she ask him first. Let the man take the first step, let the man speak entreating words ; she will listen kindly to coaxing entreaties. That you may gain her, ask : she only wishes to be asked ; provide the cause and starting-point of your desire. Jupiter went a suppliant to the heroines of old ; no woman seduced the mighty Jove. Yet if you find that your prayers cause swollen pride, stop what you have begun, draw back a pace. Many women desire what flees them ; they hate what is too forward ; moderate your advance, and save them from getting tired of you. Nor must the hope of possession be proclaimed in your entreaties ; let love find entrance veiled in friendship’s name.

I have seen an unwilling mistress deluded by this approach ; he who had been an admirer became a lover.

White is a shameful colour in a sailor ; swarthy should he be, both from the sea-waves and from heaven’s beams ; shameful too in a husbandman, who ever beneath the sky turns up the ground with curved ploughshare and heavy harrows. Thou too who seekest the prize of Pallas’ garland art shamed if thy body be white. But let every lover be pale ; this is the lover’s hue. Such looks become him ; from such a countenance let them imagine you to be sick. Pale did Orion wander in Dirce’s glades, pale was Daphnis when the naiad proved unkind. Let leanness also prove your feelings ; nor deem it base to set a hood on your bright locks. Nights of vigil make thin the bodies of lovers, and anxiety and the distress that a great passion brings. That you may gain your desire be pitiable, so that whoso sees you may say, “ You are in love.” Shall I complain, or warn you, that right and wrong are all confounded ? Friendship is but a name, faith is an empty name. \ Alas, it is not safe to praise to a friend the object of your love; so soon as he believes your praises, he slips into your place. But, you will say, the son of Actor stained not Achilles’ couch, and as concerned Pirithous, Phaedra was chaste. Pylades loved Hermione as Phoebus Pallas, and as twin Castor was to thee,

O Tyndaris. If anyone has this hope, let him hope that tamarisks will drop apples, let him seek honey in the middle of a river. Naught pleases but what is shameful, none cares but for his own pleasure, and sweet is that when it springs from another’s pain. Ah, the reproach of it ! no foe need a lover fear ; fly those whom you deem faithful, and you will be safe. Kinsman, brother — beware of them and of thy boon companion ; they will cause you real fears.

I was about to end, but various are the hearts of women ; use a thousand means to waylay as many hearts. The same earth bears not everything ; this soil suits vines, that olives ; in that, wheat thrives. Hearts have as many fashions as the world has shapes ; the wise man will suit himself to countless fashions, and like Proteus will now resolve himself into light waves, and now will be a lion, now a tree, now a shaggy boar. These fish are caught with spears, those with hooks ; these are dragged with taut ropes in hollow nets. Nor let one method suit all ages ; a grown hind will regard the snare from further away. Should you seem learned to the simple, or wanton to the prude, she will straightway feel a pitiful self-distrust. And so comes it that she who has feared to commit herself to an honourable lover degrades herself to the embraces of a mean one.

Part of my enterprise remains, part is now finished. Here let the anchor be thrown, and hold my bark secure.