BOOK 3, ELEGY 14
Ad Venerem, quod elegis finem imponat (To Venus, that he is bringing the elegies to an end)
Tender Love's mother, a new poet get, This last end to my elegies is set, Which I Peligny's foster-child have fram'd, (Nor am I by such wanton toys defam'd) Heir of an ancient house, if help that can, Not only by war's rage made gentleman. In Virgil Mantua joys: in Catul Verone, Of me Peligny's nation boasts alone, Whom liberty to honest arms compell'd, When careful Rome in doubt their prowess held. And some guest viewing wat'ry Sulmo's walls, Where little ground to be enclos'd befalls, 'How such a poet could you bring forth', says, 'How small soe'er, I'll you for greatest praise'. Both loves to whom my heart long time did yield, Your golden ensigns pluck out of my field, Horn'd Bacchus' graver fury doth distil, A greater ground with great horse is to till. Weak elegies, delightful Muse, farewell; A work, that after my death, here shall dwell.
FINIS