Kitap 1
As hollow banks by streams are undermin'd:
Tell her her face is fair, her eyes are sweet;
Her taper fingers praise, and little feet.
Such praises e'en the chaste are pleas'd to hear;
700
Both maids and matrons hold their beauty dear.
Once naked Pallas with Jove's queen appear'd,
And still they grieve that Venus was preferr'd.
Praise the proud peacock, and lie spreads his train:
Be silent, and lie pulls it in again.
705
Pleas'd is the courser in his rapid race;
Applaud his running, and he mends his pace.
But largely promise and devoutly swear,
And, if need be, call ev'ry god to hear.
Jove sits above, forgiving with a smile
710
The perjuries that easy maids beguile.
He swore to Juno by the Stygian lake;
Forsworn, lie dares not an example make,
Or punish falsehood, for his own dear sake.
'Tis for our interest the gods should be;
715
Let us believe them; I believe they see,
