You're liberal now; but when your turn is sped, You'll wish me choked with every crust of bread. DAPHNIS. I'll give thee more, much more than I have told; Would I could coin my very heart to gold! CHLORIS. Forgive thy handmaid, huntress of the wood! I see there's no resisting flesh and blood! DAPHNIS. The noble deed is done!--my herds I'll cull; Cupid, be thine a calf; and Venus, thine a bull. CHLORIS. A maid I came in an unlucky hour, But hence return without my virgin flower. DAPHNIS. A maid is but a barren name at best; If thou canst hold, I bid for twins at least. Thus did this happy pair their love dispense With mutual joys, and gratified their sense; The God of Love was there, a bidden guest, And present at his own mysterious feast. His azure mantle underneath he spread, And scattered roses on the nuptial bed; While folded in each other's arms they lay, } He blew the flames, and furnished out the play, } And from their foreheads wiped the balmy sweat away. } First rose the maid, and with a glowing face, Her downcast eyes beheld her print upon the grass; Thence to her herd she sped herself in haste: } The bridegroom started from his trance at last, } And piping homeward jocundly he past. } TRANSLATIONS FROM LUCRETIUS. THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST BOOK OF LUCRETIUS.