No More Learning

Onto this spot they assembled such plunder, in your eye so splendid

All earth's remaining orb scarcely was worthy of note.

You watched a world being born here, watched the same world sink to ruin,

And from those ruins yet arise world again greater, perhaps.

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

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.

Reeds and some discarded garments all hastily cobbled together--

I helped to make it myself: diligent in my own grief.

"Well, now his wish is fulfilled. The old gardner's most dissolute crow has

Left on this day unscathed nice little garden and niece. "




XX

While there is many an unpleasant sound, I hate to hear barking

Worse than anything else. Bellowing dogs split my ears.

Nevertheless I do like to hear, and take pleasure in listening

To the loud howl of the dog raised from a pup next door.

That is the dog that so bayed one time at my girl that he almost

Gave our secret away (when she was visiting me).

Now, when I hear the dog barking I think my beloved is coming--

Or I remember the time, when long awaited she came.




XXI

I can tell not only about a discomfort far greater than others,

But of a horror besides, thinking of which will arouse

Every fiber in me to revulsion. My friends, I confess it:

Great displeasure I take lying alone in my bed.

But it's a horror to fear on the pathways of love you'll discover

Snakes and their venom beneath roses of eager desire--

That at the moment supreme, when I'm yielding to pleasure so fully,

Right at my head as it droops, hissing disease may approach.