Amores II.13

Corinna, rashly seeking to rid her heavy bosom of its load, lies languishing in peril of life. Surely for trying without my knowledge a course so filled with danger she merits my anger; but my anger falls before my fear. And yet, either 'twas I that caused her trouble — or so I believe; with me, what might be oft is held for truth.

O Isis, thou that lovest Paraetonium and Canopus' genial fields, Memphis, and Pharos rich in palms, and where swift Nile glides down and from his broad bed comes forth to the waters of the sea through seven mouths, by thy sistrums I beseech, by the face of revered Anubis— SO may loyal Osiris ever love thy rites, and the sluggish serpent glide about thy altar-gifts, and horned Apis be thy comrade in the pomp! — turn hither thy counten-ance, and in one spare us both! For thou wilt give life to my lady, and she to me. Oft has she sat in ministration to thee on the days fixed for thy service, where the Gallic squadron rides near thy laurel-trees."

And thou who hast compassion for women in their pangs, when their heavy bodies are tense with the hidden load, do thou attend in mercy and give ear to my prayers, O Ilithyia! h She is worthy of aid from thee — do thou bid her live! Myself in shining robes will offer incense on thy smoking altars, myself bring votive gifts and lay them at thy feet. I will add the legend : " Naso, for Corinna saved!" Do thou but give occasion for the legend and the gifts.

And you — if it be right amid such fear still to utter warning — see that this battle be the end of such strife for vou!