Hesperus, loved of Venus, rises and shines for the marriage with his Idalian[125] rays. Maiden shame now overcomes the anxious bride; her veil now shows traces of innocent tears. Hesitate not to be close in thine attacks, young lover, e’en though she oppose thee savagely with cruel finger-nail. None can enjoy the scents of spring nor steal the honey of Hybla from its fastnesses if he fears that thorns may scratch his face. Thorns arm the rose and bees find a defence for their honey. The refusals of coyness do but increase the joy; the desire for that which flies us is the more inflamed; sweeter is the kiss snatched through tears. How oft wilt thou say: “Better this than ten victories over the yellow-haired Sarmatae”! [125] Idalian: from Idalium, a mountain in Cyprus, sacred to Venus. * * * * * Page 238 Adspirate novam pectoribus fidem mansuramque facem tradite sensibus. tam iunctis manibus nectite vincula, quam frondens hedera stringitur aesculus, quam lento premitur palmite populus, 20 et murmur querula blandius alite linguis adsiduo reddite mutuis. et labris animum conciliantibus alternum rapiat somnus anhelitum. amplexu caleat purpura regio 25 et vestes Tyrio sanguine fulgidas alter virgineus nobilitet cruor. tum victor madido prosilias toro nocturni referens vulnera proelii. Ducant pervigiles carmina tibiae 30 permissisque iocis turba licentior exultet tetricis libera legibus. passim cum ducibus ludite milites, passim cum pueris ludite virgines. haec vox aetheriis insonet axibus, 35 haec vox per populos, per mare transeat: “formosus Mariam ducit Honorius.” * * * * * Page 239 Breathe a new loyalty into your breasts and let your senses kindle a flame that shall never be extinguished. May your clasped hands form a bond more close than that betwixt ivy and leafy oak tree or poplar and pliant vine. Be the frequent kisses that ye give and receive breathed more softly than those of plaintive doves, and when lips have united soul to soul let sleep still your throbbing breath. Be the purple couch warm with your princely wooing, and a new stain ennoble coverlets ruddy with Tyrian dye. Then leap victorious from the marriage-bed, scarred with the night’s encounter. All night long let the music of the flute resound and the crowd, set free from law’s harsh restraints, with larger licence indulge the permitted jest. Soldiers, make merry with your leaders, girls with boys. Be this the cry that re-echoes from pole to pole, among the peoples, over the seas: “Fair Honorius weds with Maria.” * * * * * Page 240