Publ [sic] Ovid. De tristibus: or Mour nefull [sic] elegies in five bookes: composed in his banishment, part at sea, and part at Tomos, a city of Pontus. Translated into English verse by Zachary Catlin, Mr. of Arts. Suffolke.

ELEGIE 12.

Here Tomos Spring with Romes he doth compare, [Argu.] And shewes the difference of their sports and aire.

THe West winds now blow warme, the yeare is ••un Yet Winter 2 here me thinkes, goes slowly on. The 3 Ramme which carryed Helle once astray, Doth weigh in aequall poyse the night and day. Now 4 wanton Boyes and Girles sweete Violets get, And other Country flowers that grow unset. The Medowes now with various colours spring, And warbling birds their untaught Sonnets sing. The Swallow builds her little house or nest,Line 10 Vnder some Rafter for her younglings rest And Ceres seed, which in the furrowes lay, Her tender blade gins freshly to display. Where Vines doe grow, their swelling buds appeare, Alas, this Geticke soyle no Vine doth beare. Where trees do grow, their buds & bloomes appeare, Alas, this Geticke coast no Tree doth beare. 'Tis now with you vacation: the Law-courts Resigne their wrangling brawles to playes & sports Now borses run the race, now Fencers play, And some with balles and toppes doe spend the day:Line 20 Now Wrastlers doe annoint their limbs with Oyle, And bathe in water, to refresh their toyle. The Stages flourish, loud applauses sound,

The threefold Courts and Theaters rebound, O thrice and fouretimes happy man is he, That may enjoy the City safe and free. As for my selfe, I feele the melting Snow, Which from the frozen Rivers gins to flow. The Sea doth now unthaw, nor dare the swayn Drive over Ister now his creaking wayne,Line 30 If any forraine ship shall here arrive, (Which to our shores but rare occasions drive) Thither Ile hast, and after salutation, Enquire the Masters businesse, name and nation. And 'tis a wonder, if he be not one, That from some neighb'ring coast mightsafely come For an Italian ship comes seldome hither, Where is no harbour from tempestuous weather. If yet his language Greeke or Latin be,Line 40 He shall be farre the welcomer to me. Likewise the wind may bring from happy South One from the Streights, and from Propontis mouth, Who can informe me of the common fame, And knowes all circumstances of the same. I wish he may of Caesars Triumphs tell, And of the vowes to Iove performed well. And how rebellious Germany doth submit Her conquer'd head under our Generalls feete. VVho brings such newes, (which I had rather see) Shall to my house forthwith invited be.Line 50 VVoes me! is Ovids house ith'Scythian strand? And doth my prison for my dwelling stand? Grant O ye gods, Caesar may make this place, No more the house, but Inne of my disgrace,

Notes

• 2

  In Tomos.
• 3

  A••••es makes 〈…〉〈…〉.
• 4

  〈…〉〈…〉
• 〈…〉〈…〉.