Tibullus

Far from the tender Tribe of Boys remove, For they’ve a thousand ways to kindle Love. This, pleases as he strides the manag’d Horse, And holds the taughten’d Rein with early Force; This, as he swims, delights thy Fancy best, Raising the smiling Wave with snowy Breast: This, with a comely Look and manly Airs; And that with Virgin Modesty ensnares. But if at first you find him not inclin’d To Love, have Patience, Time will change his Mind. * And you, what’er your Fav’rite does, approve, For Condescension leads the Way to love. Go with him where he goes, tho’ long the Way, And the fierce Dog-star fires the sultry Day; Or the gay Rainbow girds the bluish Sky, And threatens rattling Show’rs of Rain are nigh. If sailing on the Water by his Will, Then steer the Wherry with a dext’rous Skill: Nor think it hard Fatigues and Pains to bear, But still be ready with a willing Cheer. If he’ll inclose the Vales for savage Spoils, Then on thy Shoulders bear the Nets and Toils; If Fencing be the Fav’rite Sport he’ll use, Take up the Files, and artlessly oppose; Seem as intent, yet oft expose your Breast, Neglect your Guard, and let him get the best; Then he’ll be mild, then you a Kiss may seize, He’ll struggle, but at length comply with ease; Reluctant, tho’ at first you’ll find him grow Ev’n fond, when round your Neck his Arms he’ll throw.

Yield prompt compliance to the maid’s desires; A prompt compliance fans the lover’s fires: Go pleas’d where’er she goes, tho’ long the way, Tho’ the fierce Dog-star dart his sultry ray; Tho’ painted Iris gird the bluish sky, And sure portends, that rattling storms are nigh: Or, if the fair one pant for sylvan fame, Gay drag the meshes, and provoke the game: Nay, should she choose to risk the driving gale; Or steer, or row, or agile hand the sail: No toil, tho’ weak, tho’ fearful, thou forbear; No toils should tire you, and no dangers scare: Occasion smiles, then snatch an ardent kiss; The coy may struggle, but will grant the bliss: The bliss obtain’d, the fictious struggle past, Unbid, they’ll clasp you in their arms at last.