He also tells her in line 27 to put on a modest facial expression, vultus. Sulpicia uses the word fama twice in [Tibullus] 3. He mentions her voces , phrases, in line 25 too. And it is the intertextualities, both verbal and thematic similarities, between this poem and the Sulpicia elegies, that render her the most likely candidate for this role.
Sulpicia speaks of her unwillingness to entrust the details of her love affair to sealed tablets, signatis tabellis , at 3. And to much the same effect. Furthermore, at lines , Ovid expresses the hope that his own name will be added to theirs, owing to the erotic value of his Ars Amatoria , Amores and Heroides , letters in elegiac verse from legendary women to their male lovers. First, however, we should consider the context in which he offers these reading recommendations, immediately after his advice, at lines ff.
Since he praises the poetry of Sappho, and later reveals — in Tristia 3. This discussion eventually leads to advice, in lines ff. As we have observed, in Tibullus 3. In he urges a female addressee not to promise promitte yourself as an easy conquest, nor to deny what you lover asks ; in he tells her to use ordinary, accessible language.
For Sulpicia not only promises her lover shared physical joys in 3. If Ovid is again obliquely faulting Sulpicia and her poetry, her absence from his list of recommended readings becomes more comprehensible. His words elsewhere in this poem may furnish a clue. While providing advice about communicating on wooden tablets, Ovid recommends that women disguise the identities of illicit lovers by writing in deceptive ways.
This idea of representing, in writing, a man as a woman warrants emphasis in view of how Ovid portrays Sappho in both Tristia 2 and in Heroides 15, a letter from Sappho to her younger male lover Phaon. It is also of a piece with the ambiguities in his representation of Sappho as a lover and love instructor. At Heroides His advice that women desirous of deceiving represent a male lover as a female casts further light on what he has Sappho declare at Heroides Other details in Heroides 15 similarly allow the inference that he is portraying Sappho as his own, present-day, Roman female alter ego.
Like his words to the young female poet Perilla in Tristi a 3. They may also explain, if not excuse, why he does not have more to say, at least directly, about love poetry by Roman women. Glare, P. Gibson, R. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press. Greene, E. Gordon, P. Hallett and M. Skinner eds. Princeton : Princeton University Press : Hallett, J.
Thus love in theatres did first improve, And theatres are still the scene of love. Nor shun the chariots and the courser's race; The circus is no inconvenient place. No need is there of talking on the hands; Nor nods, nor signs, which lovers understand. Pleas'd or unpleas'd, no matter, crowding sit; For so the laws of public shows permit. Then find occasion to begin discourse; Enquire whose chariot this, and whose that horse? To whatsoever side she is inclin'd, Suit all her inclinations to her mind; Like what she likes, from thence your court begin.
And whom she favours, wish that he may win. But when the statues of the deities In chariots roll'd, appear before the prize; When Venus comes, with deep devotion rise. If dust be on her lap, or grains of sand, Brush both away with your officious hand. If none there be, yet brush that nothing thence, And still to touch her lap make some pretence. Touch any thing of hers, and if her train Sweep on the ground, let it not sweep in vain; But gently take it up and wipe it clean; And while you wipe it, with observing eyes, Who knows but you may see her naked thighs!
Observe who sits behind her, and beware, Lest his encroaching knees should press the fair Light service takes light minds, for some can tell Of favours won by laying cushions well; By fanning faces some their fortunes meet, And some by laying footstools for their feet. These overtures of love the circus gives, Nor at the sword play less the lover thrives; For there the son of Venus fights his prize, And deepest wounds are oft receiv'd from eyes.
One, while the crowd their acclamations make, Or while he bets and puts his ring to stake, Is struck from far and feels the flying dart, And of the spectacle is made a part. Caesar would represent a naval fight, 25 For his own honour and for Rome 's delight. From either sea the youths and maidens come, And all the world was then contain'd in Rome! In this vast concourse, in this choice of game, What Roman heart but felt a foreign flame!
Once more our prince prepares to make us glad, And the remaining east to Rome will add. A youth is sent those trophies to demand, Ard bears his father's thunders in his hand; Doubt not th' imperial boy in wars unseen, In childhood all of Caesar's race are men. Celestial seeds shoot out before their day, Prevent their years, and brook no dull delay.
Thus infant Hercules the snakes did press, And in his cradle did his sire confess. Bacchus a boy, yet like a hero fought, And early spoils from conquer'd India brought. Thus you your father's troops shall lead to fight, And thus shall vanquish in your father's right.
These rudiments you to your lineage owe; Born to increase your titles as you grow. Brethren you had, revenge your brethren slain; You have a father, and his rights maintain.
Arm'd by your country's parent and your own, Redeem your country and restore his throne. Your enemies assert an impious cause; You fight both for divine and human laws. Already in their cause they are o'ercome; Subject them too, by force of arms, to Rome. Great father Mars with greater Caesar join, To give a prosperous omen to your line; One of you is, and one shall be divine.
I prophesy you shall, you shall o'ercome; My verse shall bring you back in triumph home: Speak in my verse, exhort to loud alarms; 0, were my numbers equal to your arms, Then would I sing the Parthians' overthrow; Their shot averse sent from a flying bow The Parthians, who already flying fight, Already give an omen of their flight.
On such a day, if thou, and next to thee, Some beauty sits the spectacle to see; If she enquires the names of conquer'd kings, Of mountains, rivers, and of hidden springs, Answer to all thou know'st; and if need be, Of things unknown seem to speak knowingly: This is Euphrates , crown'd with reeds; and there Flows the swift Tigris , with his sea-green hair.
Invent new names of things unknown before: Call this Armenia , that the Caspian shore; Call this a Mede , and that a Parthian youth; Talk probably,-no matter for the truth. In feasts, as at our shows, new means abound; More pleasure there, than that of wine, is found. The Paphian goddess there her ambush lays; And love, betwixt the horns of Bacchus plays: Desires increase at ev'ry swilling draught; Brisk vapour add new vigour to the thought.
There Cupid's purple wings no flight afford, But wet with wine, he flutters on the board. He shakes his pinions, but he cannot move; Fix'd he remains, and turns a maudlin love. Wine warms the blood, and makes the spirits flow; Care flies, and wrinkles from the forehead go; Exalts the poor, invigorates the weak, Gives mirth and laughter, and a rosy cheek.
Bold truth it speaks; and spoken, dare maintain; And brings our old simplicity again. Love sparkles in the cup and fills it higher; Wine feeds the flames, and fuel adds to fire. But choose no mistress in thy drunken fit; Wine gilds too much their beauties and their wit. Nor trust thy judgment when the tapers dance; 28 But sober, and by day thy suit advance. By daylight Paris judg'd the beauteous three; 29 And for the fairest did the prize decree. Night is a cheat, and all deformities Are hid, or lessen'd, in her dark disguise.
The sun's fair light each error will confess, In face, in shape, in jewels, and in dress. Why name I ev'ry place where youths abound? The Baian baths, where ships at anchor ride, And wholesome streams from sulphur fountains glide; Where wounded youths are by experience taught, The waters are less healthful than they thought, Or Dian's fane, which near the suburb lies; 30 Where priests, for their promotion, fight a prize.
Thus far the sportful muse, with myrtle bound, Has sung where lovely lasses may be found, Now let me sing, how she who wounds your mind, With art, may be to cure your wounds inclined. First then believe, all women may be won; Attempt with confidence, the work is done. The grasshopper shall first forbear to sing In summer season, or the birds in spring; Than women can resist your flatt'ring skill; E'en she will yield who swears she never will. To secret pleasures both the sexes move; But women most, who most dissemble, love; 'Twere best for us, if they would first declare; Avow their passion, and submit to prayer.
The cow by looing tells the bull her flame; The neighing mare invites her stallion to the game. Man is more temp'rate in his lust than they; And more than woman can his passion sway.
Biblis , we know, did first her love declare, And had recourse to death in her despair. Her brother she, her father Myrrha sought; 33 And lov'd; but lov'd not as a daughter ought. Now from a tree she stills her od'rous tears; Which yet the name of her who shed 'em bear.
In Ida's shady vale a bull appeared, 34 White as the snow, the fairest of the herd; A beauty spot of black there only rose, Betwixt his equal horns and ample brows; The love and wish of all the Cretan cows.
The queen beheld him as his head he rear'd; And envied ev'ry leap he gave the herd. A secret fire she nourished in her breast; And hated ev'ry heifer he caress'd. A story known, and known for true, I tell; Nor Crete , though lying, can the truth conceal. She cut him grass so much can love command She strok'd, she fed him with her royal hand; Was pleas'd in pastures with the herd to roam, And Minos by the bull was overcome. Cease, Queen, with gems t'adorn thy beauteous brows, The monarch of thy heart no jewel knows.
Nor in thy glass compose thy looks and eyes; Secure from all thy charms thy lover lies: Yet trust thy mirror, when it tells thee true, Thou art no heifer to allure his view.
Soon wouldst thou quit thy royal diadem To thy fair rivals; to be horned like them. If Minos please, no lover seek to find; If not, at least seek one of human kind. The wretched queen the Cretan court forsakes; In woods and wilds her habitation makes; She curses ev'ry beauteous cow she sees; "Ah, why dost thou my lord and master please! And think'st, ungrateful creature as thou art, With frisking awkardly to gain his heart.
Or feigns some holy rites of sacrifice, And sees her rival's death with joyful eyes; Then when the bloody priest has done his part, Pleas'd, in her hand she holds the beating heart; Nor from a scornful taunt can scarce refrain, Go, fool, and strive to please my love again" Now she would be Europa. Yet she at last her brutal bliss obtain'd, And in a wooden cow the bull sustained; Fill'd with his seed, accomplish'd her desire, Till, by his form, the son betray'd the sire.
If Atreus' wife to incest had not run, 36 But ah, how hard it is to love but one! His coursers Phoebus had not driv'n away, To shun that sight, and interrupt the day.
Thy daughter, Nissus, pull'd thy purple hair; 37 And barking sea-dogs yet her bowels tear. At sea and land Atrides sav'd his life; Yet fell a prey to his adult'rous wife. Thus Phoenix did a woman's love bewail; 39 And thus Hippolytus by Phaedra fell. Hotter their lust, and sharper is their wit. Doubt not from them an easy victory; Scarce of a thousand dames will one deny. All women are content that men should woo; She who complains, and she who will not do. Rest then secure, whate'er thy luck may prove, Not to be hated for declaring love: And yet how canst thou miss, since womankind Is frail and vain; and still to change inclin'd?
Old husbands, and stale gallants, they despise; And more another's than their own they prize. A larger crop adorns our neighbour's field, More milk his kine from swelling udders yield. First gain the maid; by her thou shalt be sure A free access, and easy to procure; Who knows what to her office does belong, Is in the secret, and can hold her tongue, Bribe her with gifts, with promises, and pray'rs; For her good word goes far in love affairs.
The time and fit occasion leave to her, When she most amply can thy suit prefer. The time for maids to fire their lady's blood Is when they find her in a merry mood. When all things at her wish and pleasure move; Her heart is open then, and free to love. Then mirth and wantonness to lust betray, And smooth the passage to the lover's way. Troy stood the siege, when fill'd with anxious care One merry fit concluded all the war.
If some fair rival vex her jealous mind, Offer thy service to revenge in kind. Instruct the damsel, while she combs her hair, To raise the choler of that injur'd fair; And sighing, make her mistress understand She has the means of vengeance in her hand.
Then, naming thee, thy humble suit prefer; And swear thou languishest and diest for her. Then let her lose no time, but push at all; For women soon are rais'd, and soon they fall. Give their first fury leisure to relent, They melt like ice, and suddenly repent. T' enjoy the maid, will that thy suit advance? One maid corrupted, bawds the better for't; Another for herself would keep the sport. He pretends a journey to Lemnos; the lovers come, according to the appointment; entangled in the toils, they both lie naked.
He calls the Gods together; the captives afford a spectacle. People believe that Venus could hardly restrain her tears. They cannot conceal their faces; they cannot, in fact, veil their modesty with their hands. Upon this, one says, laughing, "Transfer to me thy chains, most valiant Mavors, if they are a burden to thee. Mars makes for Thrace, and she for Paphos. Yet often, foolish one, dost thou confess that thou didst act unwisely; and they say that thou hast repented of thy wrath.
This I have already forbidden: lo! Dione forbids you to suffer that detection which she herself endured. And do you arrange no toils for your rival; and intercept no words written by the hand in secret. Let the men seek for those, if, indeed, they think they ought to be sought for whom the fire and water render lawful husbands.
O justly does it happen, that the blabbing Tantalus is thirsting in the midst of the water, the apples on the tree being caught at by him in vain! Cytherea especially bids her rites to be concealed. I recommend no talkative person to approach them. If the mysteries of Venus are not enclosed in chests, and the hollow cymbals do not resound with frantic blows; although among ourselves they are celebrated by universal custom, yet it is in such a manner that among us they demand concealment.
Venus herself, as oft as she lays her garments aside, conceals her groin with the left hand, a little bent back. The cattle couple in public and promiscuously; even when this is seen, full oft the fair one turns away her face. Chambers and doors are provided for our stealthy dalliance; and our nakedness lies concealed by garments placed over it. And if we do not require darkness, still we do something of a retired shade, and something less exposed than open day.
In those times, even, when tiles did not as yet keep out the sun and the shower, but the oak was affording both shelter and food; in the groves and caves, and not in the open air, were shared the delights of love. So great was the regard for modesty, even in a savage race. But now-a-days we give praises to the exploits of the night; and nothing beyond the power of talking of it, is purchased at a heavy price.
But I am complaining of trifles; some pretend things, which, if true, they would deny, and not declare that there is not a woman from whom they have not received the last favour.
If they cannot meddle with their persons, so far as they can, they meddle with their names; and, their persons untouched, their reputation bears the blame. Go now, odious keeper, and shut the doors of the fair: and add to the solid door-posts a hundred bars.
What safety is there, while the defiler of character exists, and desires to be thought that he is that which it has not proved his lot to be? Even my real amours I confess but with reserve, and my secret intrigues are concealed with sure fidelity. Especially forbear to censure the blemishes of the fair; to many it has proved of advantage to conceal them. Her complexion was not made an objection against Andromeda by him, on whose two feet were the waving wings.
What you endure with impatience, accustom yourself to; and you will endure it with patience. Length of time makes many things endurable; but a rising passion catches sight of everything. While the young branch is uniting within the green bark, whatever breeze shakes it while now tender, it falls. Soon, hardened in time, the same tree will stoutly resist the winds, and bear the adopted fruit.
Time itself removes all blemishes from the person; and what was a fault, in lapse of time ceases so to be. The nostrils that are unaccustomed to it, are not able to endure the hides of bulls; the odour is not perceived by those that have been rendered used to it in length of time. We may palliate faults by names; let her be called swarthy, whose blood is blacker than the pitch of Illyria.
If she has a cast in the eyes, she is like Venus: if yellow haired, like Minerva. She that is only half alive through her leanness, let her be grace ful. Whatever woman is small, say that she is active; her that is gross, call plump; and let each fault lie concealed in its proximity to some good quality. And don't you enquire what year she is now passing, nor under what Consulship she was born; a privilege which the rigid Censor possesses.
And this, especially, if she has passed the bloom of youth, and her best years are fled, and she now pulls out the whitening hairs. This age, O youths, or even one more advanced, has its advantages; this soil will produce its crops, this is worth the sowing. While strength and years permit, endure labour; soon will bending old age come with silent foot. Either cleave the ocean with the oars, or the earth with the plough; or turn your warlike hands to cruel arms; or devote your strength and your attention to the fair.
This, too, is a kind of warfare; this, too, seeks its advantages. Besides, in these there is a greater acquaintance with their subject; and there is long practice, which alone renders skilful. By attention to dress they repair the ravages of years; and by carefulness they cause themselves not to appear aged. Those advantages has nature given not to early youth, which are wont to spring up soon after seven times five years have passed.
Those who are in a hurry, let them drink of new wine; for me let the cask, stored up in the times of ancient Consuls, pour forth the wine of my ancestors. No plane-tree but a mature one is able to withstand Phoebus; the shooting grass, too, hurts the tender feet.
And could you, forsooth, have preferred Hermione to Helen? And was Gorge more attractive than her mother? Whoever you are that wish to enjoy matured passion, if you only persevere, you will obtain a fitting reward. There is an end now of my task; grant me the palm, ye grateful youths, and present the myrtle garlands to my perfumed locks. Celebrate me as your bard, ye men, to me repeat my praises; let my name be sung throughout all the earth.
Arms have I given to you; to Achilles Vulcan gave arms. With the gifts presented to you, prove victorious, as he proved victorious. But whoever subdues the Amazon with my weapons, let him inscribe upon his spoil —"Naso was my preceptor.
And lo! You then shall be the next care of my song. W ith arms against the Amazons I have furnished the Greeks. Arms remain for me to present, Penthesilea, to thee and to thy squadrons. Go to the combat equally prepared; and may those prove the victors, whom genial Dione favours, and the Boy who flies over the whole world. It was not fair for the females unprotected to engage with the men in arms, and so it would have been disgraceful for you to conquer, ye men.
One of the multitude may say, "Why add venom to the serpent? And why deliver the sheep-fold to the ravening wolf? Forbear to lay the culpability of the few upon the many; and let each fair one be considered according to her own deserts.
If the younger son of Atreus has Helen, and the elder son of Atreus has the sister of Helen, to charge with criminality, if the son of Oclus, through the wickedness of Eriphyle, daughter of Talaion, alive, and with living steeds, descended to Styx; there is Penelope constant, while her husband was wandering for twice five years, and for as many years engaged in war.
Witness the hero from Phylace, and her who is said to have descended as the companion of her husband, and to have died before her destined years. Virtue, herself, too, is a female, both in dress and name.
But still, 'tis not such dispositions as these that are required by my art. Sails of less magnitude are befitting my skiff. The woman repels neither the flames, nor the cruel bow; those weapons, I see, make less havoc among the men.
Many a time do the men prove false; not often the charming fair; and, if you make inquiry, they have but few charges of fraud against them. Enquire why she is said to have gone on her nine journies, and hear how the woods lamented Phyllis, their foliage laid aside.
And Elissa, she has the credit of affection; and still, that guest of thine, Elissa, afforded both the sword and the cause for thy destruction. Shall I tell what it was that ruined thee? Thou didst not know how to love; thou wast wanting in skill; through skill, love flourishes for ever. Even still would they have been ignorant, but Cytherea commanded me to instruct them, and stood, herself, before my eyes.
Then to me she said, "Why have the unfortunate fair deserved this? An unarmed multitude is handed over to the men in arms. Two treatises have rendered them skilful; this side, as well, must be instructed by thy advice.
If well I know thee, injure not the fair whom thou dost adore; their favour must be sought by thee so long as thou shalt live. Thus she said; and from the myrtle for she was standing with her locks wreathed with myrtle she gave me a leaf and a few berries. Receiving them, I was sensible of the divine influence as well; the sky shone with greater brightness, and all care departed from my breast.
While she inspires my genius; hence receive the precepts, ye fair, which propriety, and the laws, and your own privileges, allow you. Even now, be mindful of old age, that one day will come; then will no time be passed by you in idleness. Disport yourselves, while yet you may, and while even now you confess to your true years; after the manner of the flowing stream, do the years pass by.
Neither shall the water which has past by, be ever recalled; nor can the hour which has past, ever return. You must employ your youthful age; with swift step age is gliding on; and that which follows, is not so pleasing as that which having passed was charming. Those brakes, which are withering, I have beheld as beds of violets; from amid those brambles, has a beauteous chaplet been gathered for myself. The time will be, when you, who are now shutting out a lover, will be lying, an old woman, chilled in the lonely night.
No door of yours will be broken open in the broils of the night; nor will you find in the morning your threshold bestrewed with roses. The grey hairs, too, which you might have sworn that you had had from childhood, will suddenly be sprinkled over all your head.
Old age is thrown off by serpents, together with the light slough; and the shedding of their horns makes the stags not to be old. Our advantages fly irretrievably; pluck the flowers then; if they be not plucked, they will lamentably fade themselves to your sorrow. Besides, child-bearing makes the hours of youth more short-lived; with continual crops the soil waxes old.
Endymion of Latmus, O Moon, causes not thee to blush; nor was Cephalus a prey for the rosy Goddess to be ashamed of. Follow, O race of mortals, the example of the Goddesses; and refuse not your endearments to the eager men. Even should they deceive you, what do you lose? All remains the same. Were a thousand to partake thereof, nothing is wasted thereby. Iron is worn away, stones are consumed by use; your persons are proof against all apprehension of detriment.
Who would forbid light to be taken from another light presented? Or who, on the deep sea, would hoard up the expanse of waters? But while I am in harbour, let a gentle breeze impel me, destined to sail with the blasts of a stronger gale.
I begin with dress: from the well-dressed vine Bacchus has birth; and in the well-dressed field the high corn springs up.
Beauty is the gift of the Divinity; how many a one prides herself on her beauty? Still, a great part of you is wanting in such endowments. Care will confer charms; charms neglected will perish, even though she be like the Idalian Goddess. If the fair of olden times did not pay such attention to their persons; neither had the ancients men so well-dressed. If Andromache was clad in a coarse tunic, what wonder is it? She was the wife of a hardy soldier. And would his companion, forsooth, come bedecked to Ajax, him whose covering was seven hides of oxen.
Formerly a rustic simplicity existed: now gorgeous Rome possesses the wealth of the subdued earth. See the Capitol, what it now is and what it was, you would declare that they belonged to different Jupiters.
The Senate-house, which is now right worthy of an assemblage so august, when Tatius held the sway, was made of straw. The fields of the Palatine hill, which are now resplendent in honour of Phoebus and our rulers, what were they but pastures for the oxen that ploughed? Let old times delight others: I congratulate myself that I am born thus late; this is the age that is suited to my tastes. Not because the pliable gold is now dug out of the earth, and choice shells come here from foreign shores; nor yet because, the marble cut out, mountains diminish; nor yet because the azure waves are kept out by the moles.
But do not you as well load your ears with precious stones, which the tawny Indian seeks in the green waves. And do not go forth heavily loaded with clothes embroidered with gold: by the wealth through which you seek to attract us, you often drive us away. By neatness we are captivated; let not your hair be without arrangement; the hands applied to it both give beauty and deny it.
The method, too, of adorning is not a single one; let each choose the one that is becoming it to her, and let her first consult her mirror.
An oval face becomes a parting upon the unadorned head: Laodamia had her hair thus arranged. Round features require a little knot to be left for them on the top of the head, so that the ears may be exposed. Let the hair of another he thrown over either shoulder. In such guise art thou, tuneful Phoebus, thy lyre being assumed. Let another Lave her hair tied behind after the manner of well-girt Diana, as she is wont when she hunts the scared wild beasts.
It becomes another to have her floating locks to flow loosely: another must be bound by fillets over her fastened tresses.
Another it delights to be adorned with the figure of the tortoise of the Cyllenian God: let another keep up her curls that resemble the waves. But neither will you count the acorns on the branching native oak, nor how many bees there are in Hybla, nor how many wild beasts on the Alps: nor am I able to comprehend in numbers so many modes; each successive day brings a new fashion. Even neglected locks are becoming to many; often would you suppose that they are lying neglected since yesterday; the very moment before they have been combed afresh.
Let art imitate chance. O how indulgent is nature to your beauty, whose blemishes can be atoned for in fashions so numerous! We men, to our misfortune, become bald; and our hair, carried away by time, falls off, like Boreas shaking down the leaves.
The female stains her grey hair with the herbs from Germany; and by art a colour is sought superior to the genuine one.
The female walks along, thickly covered with purchased hair; and for money she makes that of others—here comes those of fair complexion: black became the laughter of Brises. Nor is she ashamed to buy it openly: we see it being sold before the eyes of Hercules and the Virgin throng. What am I to say on clothing?
Gold flounces, I have no need of you; nor you, the wool which dost blush twice dipt in Tyrian purple. Since so many colours can be procured at a lower price, what folly it is to be carrying a fortune on one's person. That which resembles the waves, has its name, too, from the waves; I could imagine that the Nymphs are clad in vestments of this colour. Another resembles saffron; in saffron-coloured garments is the dewy Goddess dressed,when she yokes her steeds that bear the light of day.
Another resembles the Paphian myrtles; another the purple amethysts, or the white roses, or the Thracian crane. Neither are there wanting, Amaryllis, thy chesnuts, nor yet almonds; and wax has given its own name to woollen textures.
As many as the flowers which the renewed earth produces, when in warm spring the vine puts forth its buds, and sluggish winter retreats; so many, or still more, shades of dye does the wool imbibe. Choose them by rule; for every colour will not be suitable to every complexion.
When she was carried off, then, too, was she clothed in a dark garment. White befits the swarthy; in white, daughter of Cepheus, thou wast charming; by thee, thus clothed, was Seriphos trodden. How nearly was I recommending you that there should be no shocking goat in the armpits, and that your legs should not be rough with harsh hair.
Besides; need I to recommend that idleness should not blacken your teeth, and that your mouth ought to be washed each morning with water used for the purpose. You know, too, how to find whiteness in an application of wax; she who is blushing with no real blood, is blushing by the aid of art.
With skill do you fill up the bared edges of the eye-brows, and the little patch covers your cheeks in all their genuineness. I have a little treatise, but through the care bestowed, a great work, in which I have mentioned the various recipes for your beauty.
From that as well, do you seek aid for your diminished charms: my skill is not idle in behalf of your interests. But let not your lover discover the boxes exposed upon the table; art, by its concealment only, gives aid to beauty. Whom would not the paint disgust, besmeared all over your face, when, through its own weight, it flows and falls upon your heated bosom? Why is the smell of the oesypum so powerful, sent from Athens though it be, an extract drawn from the filthy fleece of the sheep?
Nor would I recommend you in his presence to apply the mixture of the marrow of the deer, nor before him to clean your teeth. These things will give you good looks, but they will be unbecoming to be seen; there are many things, too, which, disgusting while being done, add charms when done.
The statues which now bear the name of the laborious Myron, were once a sluggish weight and a solid mass. That the ring may be made, the gold is first beaten; the clothes, that you are wearing, were once dirty wool. While it was being wrought, it was hard stone; now, as a beautiful statue, naked Venus is wringing the moisture from her dripping locks.
Why is the cause of the fairness of your complexion known to me? Shut the door of your chamber, why expose the work half done? It is proper for the men to be in ignorance of many a thing. The greatest part of things would cause disgust, if you were not to conceal what is within. Examine the gilded statues which hang in the decorated theatre; how thin the tinsel that covers the wood.
But it is not permitted the public to approach them unless completed; neither ought your charms to be heightened unless the men are at a distance.
But I would not forbid you to allow your hair to be combed in their presence, so that it may be flowing along your back. Only take care especially on such occasions not to be cross; and do not many times undo your hair, pulled down, when fastened up. Let your coiffeuse be with a whole skin. I detest her who tears the face of her attendant with her nails, and who, seizing the hair-pin, pierces her arms.
The fair one that has but little hair, let her set a watch on her threshold; or let her always make her toilet in the temple of the Good Goddess. I was unexpectedly announced as having paid a visit to a certain lady; in her confusion, she put on her locks the wrong side before. May a cause of shame so disgraceful fall to the lot of my foes, and may that dishonour happen to the Parthian dames.
A mutilated animal is repulsive, the fields without grass are repulsive; and so is a shrub without foliage, and a head without hair. You have not come to be instructed by me, Semele, or Leda, thou, too, Sidonian fair, who wast borne across the sea upon the fictitious bull; or Helen, whom, Menelaus, not without reason, thou didst demand to be restored to thee, and whom, not without reason, thou Trojan ravisher, didst retain. A multitude comes to be instructed, both pretty and ugly damsels; and the unsightly are ever more in number than the good-looking.
The beauteous care less for the resources and the precepts of art; they have their own endowments, charms that are powerful without art. When the sea is calm, the sailor rests free from care; when it becomes boisterous, he appeals to his own resources. Few, however, are the forms free from defect. Conceal your blemishes; and, so far as you can, hide the imperfections of your person. If you are short, sit down; that, while standing, you may not appear to be sitting; and if of a diminutive size, throw yourself upon your couch.
Here, too, that your measure may not be able to be taken as you lie, take care that your feet are concealed with the clothes thrown over them. She who is too thin, let her wear clothes of thick texture; and let her vestments hang loosely from her shoulders.
Let her who is pale, tint her complexion with purple stripes; do you that are more swarthy, have recourse to the aid of the Pharian fish.
For high shoulders, small pads are suitable; and let the girth encircle the bosom that is too prominent. She whose fingers are dumpy, and whose nails are rough, should mark with but little gesture whatever is said.
She, whose breath is strong smelling, should never talk with an empty stomach; and she should always stand at a distance from her lover's face. If your teeth are black, or large, or not, growing straight, you will suffer very great inconvenience from laughing.
Who could have supposed it? The fair take lessons even in laughing; and even in that respect is gracefulness studied by them. Let your mouth be but moderately open; let the dimples on either side he but small; and let the extremity of the lips cover the upper part of the teeth.
And do not let your sides be shaking with prolonged laughter; but let them utter sounds gentle and feminine, to I know not what degree. Some there are, who distort their face with an unsightly grin; another, when she is joyous in her laughter, you would take to be crying. Another makes a harsh noise, and screams in a disagreeable manner; just as the unsightly she-ass brays by the rough mill-stone. To what point does not art proceed? Some study how to weep with grace, and cry at what time and in what manner they please.
Nay, further; when the letters are deprived of their full sound, and the lisping tongue becomes contracted with an affected pronunciation; then is grace sought in an imperfection; to pronounce certain words badly, they learn to be less able to speak than they really are. To all these points, since they are of consequence, give attention.
Learn how to walk with steps suited to a female. Even in the gait, there are certain points of gracefulness not to be disregarded; this both attracts and repels men who are strange to you. This fair one moves her sides with skill, and with her flowing tunics catches the breeze, and haughtily moves her extended feet. Another walks just like the redfaced spouse of some Umbrian husband, and, straddling, takes huge strides.
But, as in many other things, let there be a medium here as well; one movement is clownish; another movement will be too mincing in its gait. But let the lower part of your shoulders, and the upper part of your arm be bare, to be beheld from your left hand upwards. This is especially becoming to you, ye of fair complexion; when I see this, I have always a longing to give a kiss to the shoulder, where it is exposed.
The Sirens were monsters of the deep, which with their tuneful voices detained the ships, even though in full career. On hearing them, the son of Sisyphus almost released his body from the mast; for the wax was melted in the ears of his companions. The voice is an insinuating quality; let the fair learn how to sing.
In place of beauty, her voice has proved the recommendation of many a woman. And sometimes let them repeat what they have heard in the marble theatres; and sometimes the songs attuned to the measures of the Nile. Orpheus of Rhodope with his lyre moved rocks, and wild beasts, and the lakes of Tartarus, and Cerberus the triple dog.
At thy singing, most righteous avenger of thy mother, the attentive stones built up the walls. The fish, the well-known story of the lyre of Arion, although he was dumb, is supposed to have been moved by his voice.
Learn, too, to sweep the chords of the festive psaltery with your two hands; 'tis an instrument suited to amorous lays. Let the songs of Callimachus be known to you, let those of the poet of Cos, let the Teian Muse too, of the drunken old bard.
Let Sappho, too, be well known; for what is there more exciting than she? Or than him, through whom the father is deceived by the tricks of the crafty Geta? You may, too, have read the poems of the tender Propertius, or something of Gallus, or thy works, Tibullus. No doubt our minds are sweetened by gentle art, and our natures are consistent with our studies. He burns, alas, with slow fires, like wet straw, like new-cut timber on the mountain height. The horse runs swiftly from the starting gate, when he has others to pass, and others follow.
Wrongs relight the dying fires, as you wish: See I confess! Stir him with a dismal watchman, fictitiously set to guard you, and the excessively irksome care of a harsh husband. Still safe loving should be mixed with fright, lest he consider you hardly worth a night.
But for you too be guarded, scarcely released from prison, who could bear it? Adhere to my religion, and deceive! When she can hide papers fastened to her calf, or bear charming notes tied beneath her feet? And those traced out with a point wetted with linseed oil, so that the empty tablet carries secret messages.
Acrisius took care to imprison his daughter, Danae: but she still made him a grandfather by her sin. But let the guard be bought for once and all: who surrenders to it once, will surrender often.
Why show a naked front to the enemy, and betray myself on my own evidence? But you, whatever wrong occurs, be lightly troubled, nor in poor spirits if you hear of a rival.
The many kinds of leaves and grass-heads tremble at the touch of light winds and refreshing breezes. As her breath returned, she tore the thin clothing from her breast, and scratched at her innocent cheeks with her nails: Then she fled quickly, frenzied, down the ways, hair flowing, like a Maenad roused by the thyrsus. As she came near, she left her companions in the valley, bravely herself entered the grove, in secret, on silent feet.
What was in your mind, when you hid there so foolishly, Procris? What ardour, in your terrified heart? Now regretting that you came not wishing to surprise them now pleased: doubting love twists at your heart. The place, the name, the witness, command belief, and the mind always thinks what it fears is true. She saw signs that a body had pressed down the grass, her chest throbbed, quivering with its anxious heart. What are you doing, unhappy man? That part always takes its wound from Cephalus.
I die before my time, but not wounded by a rival: that will ensure you, earth, lie lightly on me. Now my spirit departs into that air with its deceptive name: I pass, I go, dear hand, close my eyes! Let a woman noted for her length of body, press the bed with her knees, arch her neck slightly. She who has youthful thighs, and faultless breasts, the man might stand, she spread, with her body downwards. Woman, feel love, melted to your very bones, and let both delight equally in the thing.
You too whom nature denies sexual feeling, pretend to sweet delight with artful sounds.
0コメント