Kitap 1
Which she may know were all address'd to her.
In liquid purple letters write her name,Spill some wine and write her name. This is not worthy the Roman elegance in all things; and, as a late commentattor observes upon this occasion they could have no tablecloths; for otherwise Ovid's advice is not feasible.
Which she may read, and reading find the flame.
Then may your eyes confess your mutual fires,
640
(For eyes have tongues, and glances tell desires ;)
Whene'er she drinks, be first to take the cup;
And where she laid her lips, the blessing sup.
When she to carving does her hand advance,
Put out thy own, and touch it as by chance.
645
Thy service e'en the husband must attend;This and the verses that follow show that Ovid did not mean very honestly, and the decree of the senate was obtained against him for this crime, as it is pretended, because it was strictly forbidden by the Roman laws to corrupt married women, to prevent the abuses which might happen in succession, and the injuring another man in taking from him what only belongs to himself.
(A husband is a most convenient friend.)
Seat the fool cuckold in the highest place,
And with thy garland his dull temples grace'
Whether below or equal in degree,
650
Let him be lord of all the company,
And what he says be seconded by thee.
Tis common to deceive thro' friendship's name,
But common though it be, 'tis still to blame;
Thus factors frequently their trust betray,
655
And to themselves their masters' gains convey.
