Book III, Elegy 19: To his Mistress (Postgate)

No woman shall filch thy place of love with me. such our covenant when first the love-tie joined us: Only thou dost please me ; save thee no girl in the city is beauteous to my eyes. And, oh, might I be the only one to think thee fair! Mayst thou be unpleasing to all besides. So shall I be safe. No need for envy here ; far from me be the vaunts of the common herd; let the wise man keep his joy hushed up within his bosom. Thus shall I live happily in forest depths where foot of man has never worn a path. For me thou art repose from cares, light even in night's darkness, a throng amid the solitudes. Now, though a mistress be sent to Tibullus from the skies, she will be sent in vain, and desire be extinguished This I swear to thee by thy Juno's holy power ; for to me is she great above all gods beside. What mad thing am I doing? Alas ! surrendering my hostages. That was an oath of folly. Thy fears were my gain, Now wilt thou take heart, now fan my flames more boldly. This, alas ! is the mischief brought me by my chattering tongue. Now, do what thou wilt, I will remain thine always, nor flee from bondage to a mistress that I know, but will sit in my chains at the altar of holy Venus. She brands law-breakers and befriends the suppliant.