Chapter LXIX

Rufus, it is no wonder if yet no woman assenting
Softly to thine embrace tender a delicate arm.
Not tho' a gift should seek, some robe most filmy, to move her;
Not for a cherish'd gem's clarity, lucid of hue.

Deep in a valley, thy arms, such evil story maligns thee, 5
Rufus, a villain goat houses, a grim denizen.
All are afraid of it, all; what wonder? a rascally creature,
Verily! not with such company dally the fair.

Slay, nor pity the brute, our nostril's rueful aversion.
Else admire not if each ravisher angrily fly. 10

LXX.

Saith my lady to me, no man shall wed me, but only
Thou; no other if e'en Jove should approach me to woo;
Yea; but a woman's words, when a lover fondly desireth,
Limn them on ebbing floods, write on a wintery gale.