While rashly her womb's burden she casts out, Weary Corinna hath her life in doubt. She, secretly from[304] me, such harm attempted, Angry I was, but fear my wrath exempted. But she conceived of me; or I am sure I oft have done what might as much procure. Thou that frequent'st Canopus' pleasant fields, Memphis, and Pharos that sweet date-trees yields, And where swift Nile in his large channel skipping,[305] By seven huge mouths into the sea is slipping. 10 By feared Anubis' visage I thee pray,-- So in thy temples shall Osiris stay, And the dull snake about thy offerings creep, And in thy pomp horned Apis with thee keep,-- Turn thy looks hither, and in one spare twain: Thou givest my mistress life, she mine again. She oft hath served thee upon certain days, Where the French[306] rout engirt themselves with bays. On labouring women thou dost pity take, Whose bodies with their heavy burdens ache; 20 My wench, Lucina, I entreat thee favour; Worthy she is, thou should'st in mercy save her. In white, with incense, I'll thine altars greet, Myself will bring vowed gifts before thy feet, Subscribing _Naso with Corinna saved_: Do but deserve gifts with this title graved. But, if in so great fear I may advise thee, To have this skirmish fought let it suffice thee. FOOTNOTES: [303] Not in Isham copy or ed. A. [304] Old eds. "with," which must be a printer's error. (The original has "clam me.") [305] Old eds. "slipping." [306] "Gallica turma" (_i.e._ the company of _Galli_, the priests of Isis). ELEGIA XIV.[307] In amicam, quod abortivum ipsa fecerit.