O may I long by your light now behold this Rome. May the Parca

Spin the fine thread of my life slowly, taking great care.

O but come rushing the moment my love designated so sweetly.

Wonderful! Sound already the chimes? --No, but I heard at least three.

Thus, my dear muses, again you've beguiled the monotony for me.

Of this long interval while I was apart from my love.

All of you now, farewell! I'll be going now--don't be offended.

For, though you're proud, you'll concede: Cupid in my heart comes first.


XIX

Why did you fail to appear at the cot in the vineyard today, Love?

As I had promised I would, long I awaited you there.

"Dear, I had almost arrived when I saw, by good fortune, your uncle

Standing right there by the vines, looking now this way, now that.

Stealthily I slipped away." --Alas, what a misapprehension!

You saw the scarecrow, that's all. Nothing else drove you away.