e Trojans new to enter
Wars, just Latinus, in thy kingdom's centre;
A woman against late-built Rome did send
The Sabine fathers, who sharp wars intend.
I saw how bulls for a white heifer strive,
She looking on them did more courage give.
And me with many, but me[302] without murther,
Cupid commands to move his ensigns further.

FOOTNOTES:

[300] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[301] "Cura parte triumphe mea."

[302] Ed. B "but yet me."--Ed. C "but yet without."

ELEGIA XIII.[303]

Ad Isidem, ut parientem Corinnam servet.

While rashly her womb's burden she casts out,
Weary Corinna hath her life in doubt.
She, secretly from[304] me, such harm attempted,
Angry I was, but fear my wrath exempted.
But she conceived of me; or I am sure
I oft have done what might as much procure.
Thou that frequent'st Canopus' pleasant fields,
Memphis, and Pharos that sweet date-trees yields,
And where swift Nile in his large channel skipping,[305]
By seven huge mouths into the sea is slipping. 10
By feared Anubis' visage I thee pray,--
So in thy temples shall Osiris stay,
And the dull snake about thy offerings creep,
And in thy pomp horned Apis with thee keep,--
Turn thy looks hither, and in one spare twain:
Thou givest my mistress life, she mine again.
She oft hath served thee upon certain days,
Where the French[306] rout engirt themselves with bays.
On labouring women thou dost pity take,
Whose bodies with their heavy burdens ache; 20
My wench, Lucina, I entreat thee favour;
Worthy she is, thou should'st in mercy save her.
In white, with incense, I'll thine altars greet,
Myself will bring vowed gifts before thy feet,
Subscribing _Naso with Corinna saved_:
Do but deserve gifts with this title graved.
But, if in so great fear I may advise thee,
To have this skirmish fought let it suffice thee.

FOOTNOTES:

[303] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[304] Old eds. "with," which must be a printer's error. (The original
has "clam me.")

[305] Old eds. "slipping."

[306] "Gallica turma" (_i.e._ the company of _Galli_, the priests of
Isis).

ELEGIA XIV.[307]

In amicam, quod abortivum ipsa fecerit.

What helps it woman to be free from war,
Nor, being armed, fierce troops to follow far,
If without battle self-wrought wounds