Ovid's Epistles Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1801 Excerpt: ... disdain rejected them all. This letter, therefore, is written by Briseis to tmov him that he would receive her, and return to the Grecian camp. C-aptive Briseis In a foreign tongue, More by her blots than words sets forth herwrong. And yet these blots which by my tears are made, Above all words or writing should persuade. Subjects (I know) must not their lords accuse; Yet pray'rsand teaTS we lawfully may use. When ravish'd from your arms I was the prey Of Agamemnon's arbitrary sway, I grant you must at last have left the field; But for a lover you too soon did yield; 10 A warrior's glory it must needs disgrace, At the first summons to yield up the place. The enemies themselves, no less than I, Stood wond'ring at their easy victory: I saw their lips in whispers softly move, Is this the man so fam'd for arms and love? Alas Achilles'tis not so we part From what we love, and what is near our heart: No healing kisses to my grief you gave, You tum'd me off an unregarded slave. 20 Was it your rage that did your love suppress Ah, love Briseis more and hate Atrides less He is not born of a true hero's race, Who lets his fury of his love take place. Tigers and wolves can fight, love is the test," Distinguishing the hero from the beast. Alas, when I was from your boso'm forc'd, I felt my body from my soul divorc'd; A deadly paleness overspread my face; Sleep left my eyes, and to my tears gave place: 30 I tore my hair and did mydeath decree; Ah learn to part with what you love, from me. A bold escape I often did essay, liut Greeks and Trojans tooblock'd up the way: Yetthd' a tender maid could not break ihro', Melhinks Achilles should not be so slow: Achilles once the thunderbolt of war, The hope of conqu'ring Greece and Troy's despair, Me in his rival's arms ...