Remedia Amoris; or, The Remedy of Love: Literally Translated into English Prose, with Copious NotesOvid
General
Remedia Amoris; or, The Remedy of Love: Literally Translated into English Prose, with Copious Notes
Ovid
Latin poetry -- Adaptations; Latin poetry -- Translations into English
And 'tis no hard matter to do this; few women confess the truth to
themselves; and there is no point in which they think that they are
unbecoming. Then, too, I recommend you to open all the windows, and to
remark in full daylight the limbs that are unsightly. But as soon as
your transports have come to a termination, and the body with the mind
lies entirely exhausted; while you are feeling regret, and wishing that
you had formed a connexion with no female, and are seeming to yourself
that for a long time you will have nothing to do with another; then note
in your memory whatever blemishes there are in her person; and keep your
eyes always fixed upon her faulty points.
Perhaps some one will pronounce these matters trivial (for indeed they
are so); but things which, singly, are of no avail, when united are of
benefit. The little viper kills with its sting the bulky bull; by the
dog that is not large, full oft is the boar held fast. Do you only fight
with a number of them, and unite my precepts together; from so many
there will be a large amount. But since there are so many ways and
attitudes, every point is not to be yielded to my recommendations.
Perhaps, in the opinion of another, that will be a fault, by the doing
of which your feelings may not be hurt. Because this person, perchance,
has seen the charms of the naked person exposed, his passion, which was
in mid career, stops short: another, when his mistress has received him,
has been shocked at some sight which creates disgust.
Alas! if these things could influence you, you are trifling; torches
but luke-warm have been influencing your breast. That Boy would more
strongly draw his bended bow: you, ye wounded throng, will need more
a substantial aid. What think you of the man who lies concealed, and
beholds sights that usage itself forbids him to see? May the Gods forbid
that I should advise any one to adopt such a course! Though it should
prove of use, still it should not be tried.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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