Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

REPOSIANUScarefully knit together bonds of branches intertwinedto keep the Sun-crod from shedding a floodof light through the foliage. In these woodlands,then, the Paphian used to sport amid a bevy oftender damsels from Byblos, while Mavors pliedsavage warfare, while he wearied the nations withdread alarm. Now she would rehearse in song thechequered amours of the gods " and to the vocalmeasure now joyously, as it befell, made seemlymovements with her body ; now in turn plyingintricate steps, now on light fantastic toe movingalternate feet, she sinks down resting upon gracefullybended haunch. Oft she would bind her hairclose-drawn with pretty blooms, ordering ambrosialtresses with comb divine.While thus sweet ^'enus engages in various sportsand joys, and turns to tears for that her darlingpleasure cometh late, and seeks some solace for herlove deferred, behold in frenzy after warfare comesthe god, after his battles the vanquisher vanquishedby love. Why dost thou wear weapons of steel?I^est Cypris feel alarm, 'tis seemly to come withroses garlanded. Ah, how often did the Paphian'slook feign anger as her averted eye reproached herlover's tardiness ! Oft, piqued, did she threatensweet lashes from festoons of flowers, or, mayhapthe more to please when Mars was afire withpassion, withheld those kisses which she poised ontender lips, alluring in the midst of love by checkinglove's full flood.Down fell his lance or with love-vamjuished handswas laid aside, and, as it happened to fall, hungon a myrtle-bough which caught it. Take, Boy, hissword : let one of the Graces unlace his helmet : yeU M 2