Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 2) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/256

234 Then greets her with a Kiss: Th' unpractis'd Dame Admir'd a Grandame kiss'd with such a Flame. Now, seated by her, he beholds a Vine Around an Elm in am'rous Foldings twine. If that fair Elm, he cry'd, alone should stand, No Grapes would glow with Gold, and tempt the Hand; Or if that Vine without her Elm should grow, 'Twould creep a poor neglected Shrub below. Be then, fair Nymph, by these Examples led; Nor shun, for fancy'd Fears, the Nuptial Bed. Not she for whom the Lapithites took Arms, Nor Sparta's Queen could boast such heav'nly Charms. And if you would on Woman's Faith rely, None can your Choice direct so well, as I. Tho' old, so much Pomona I adore, Scarce does the bright Vertumnus love her more. Tis your fair self alone his Breast inspires With softest Wishes, and unsoyl'd Desires. Then fly all vulgar Followers, and prove The God of Seasons only worth your Love. On my Assurance well you may repose; Vertumnus scarce Vertumnus better knows. True to his Choice, all looser Flames he flies; Nor for new Faces fashionably dies. The Charms of Youth, and ev'ry smiling Grace Bloom in his Features, and the God confess. Besides, he puts on ev'ry Shape at Ease; But those the most, that best Pomona please. Still to oblige her is her Lover's Aim; Their Likings and Aversions are the same. Nor the fair Fruit your burthen'd Branches bear; Nor all the youthful Product of the Year, Could bribe his Choice; your self alone can prove A fit Reward for so refin'd a Love. Relent, fair Nymph, and with a kind Regret, Think 'tis Vertumnus weeping at your Feet. A