IDYL XXVIII. THE DISTAFF. DISTAFF quick implement of busy thrift, Which housewives ply, blue-eyed Athene's gift! We We go to rich Miletus, where is seen The fane of Cypris 'mid the rushes green : Delighting and delighted by my host, With her thou many various works shalt make ; And she so diligent a housewife is, Own thee with my consent: 'twere shame and pity! The marrow of the whole Sicilian isle. ་ IDYL XXIX. THE CAPRICIOUS FAIR. THEY say, my dear, that wine and truth agree: You do not wholly love me as you ought. Like that of gods, or glooms in thickest night. How is it right to vex one loves you so? In one tree build one nest; so shall not creep Y See how you change about for ever now, And if one chance to praise your lovely face, Him more than friend of three years proof you grace ; To him that loved you first you are as cold, As to a mere acquaintance three days old. But now you breathe of wantonness and pride ; So do, and good renown you shall obtain, Birds, or what else a winged passage make. Take thought, and be more mild: to me, who burn In love for you, a guileless love return, That when your bloom of youthful beauty ends, We may be time-enduring, faithful friends. |