In Other Words/The Beefing of S. Propertius, Esq.
The Beefing of S. Propertius, Esq.
AD TULLUM
Book I, Elegy 1.
“Cynthia prima suis miserum me cepitocellis—”
Book I, Elegy 1.
“Cynthia prima suis miserum me cepitocellis—”
Cynthia first and the wonderful eyes of her Taught me the meaning of Love and Romance;Now I have sung to the stars and the skies of her— Love has diluted the pride of my glance.
Ah! ’tis a year, yet the madness diminishes Never a fraction, a tittle, or jot,Though I anticipate well what the finish is, Though I bewail my unfortunate lot.
Tullus, Milanion traveled the universe Till Atalanta was thrall to his heart,Futile my pleading and vain is my tuny verse, Zero’s the sum of my amorous art.
Witches that lure by some sorcery-ritual Luna right down from the regular sky,I shall concede that your power is habitual An ye make Cynthia paler than I!
And, O my friends who have warned me too tardily, Let me but utter the truth in my mind,I’ll endure iron and suffer foolhardily . . . Luck, wedded friends I am leaving behind!
No luck for me . . . Here is counsel gratuitous: Cleave to your true love forever plus aye;Else, if your path be a trifle circuitous, How you’ll remember my words of to-day!