Kitap 1
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;
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Nor nods, nor signs, which lovers understand.It is plain by this, the ancient Romans used to make love by signs on their fingers like the modern Spaniards and Portuguese; and this talking on the fingers is very common among us ever since Dr. Holder and Dr. Wallis taught by Mr. Popham, who was born deaf and dumb, with whom I have, however, myself held a conversation of many hours, and that many hundred times, by the help of our fingers. But the poet says there was no occasion of this dumb language at the cirque; for there was so much noise, that lovers might entertain one another as they pleased, without fear of being overheard.
But boldly next the fair your seat provide,Young men are apt enough to do this of themselves, and need no advice; yet Juvenal, like Ovid, puts them in mind of it.
Close as ye can to hers-and side by side.
Pleas'd or unpleas'd, no matter, crowding sit;
For so the laws of public shows permit.
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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.
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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,
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Brush both away with your officious hand.
