Ovid : The Art of Love

By Naso, Publius Ovidius (Ovid)

Description
Classic Literature

Excerpt
Excerpt: Should anyone here not know the art of love, read this, and learn by reading how to love. By art the boat?s set gliding, with oar and sail, by art the chariot?s swift: love?s ruled by art. Automedon was skilled with Achilles? chariot reins, Tiphys in Thessaly was steersman of the Argo, Venus appointed me as guide to gentle Love: I?ll be known as Love?s Tiphys, and Automedon. It?s true Love?s wild, and one who often flouts me: but he?s a child of tender years, fit to be ruled. Chiron made the young Achilles perfect at the lyre, and tempered his wild spirits through peaceful art. He, who so terrified his enemies and friends, they say he greatly feared the aged Centaur. That hand that Hector was destined to know, was held out, at his master?s orders, to be flogged. I am Love?s teacher as Chiron was Achilles?, both wild boys, both children of a goddess. Yet the bullock?s neck is bowed beneath the yoke, and the spirited horse?s teeth worn by the bit. And Love will yield to me, though with his bow he wounds my heart, shakes at me his burning torch. The more he pierces me, the more violently he burns me, so much the fitter am I to avenge the wounds. Nor will I falsely say you gave me the art, Apollo, no voice from a heavenly bird gives me advice...

Table of Contents
Contents Book I Part I: His Task .......................................................5 Book I Part II: How to Find Her .........................................6 Book I Part III: Search while you’re out Walking ..............7 Book I Part IV: Or at the Theatre........................................8 Book I Part V: Or at the Races, or the Circus ...................10 Book I Part VI: Triumphs are Good too! ..........................11 Book I Part VII: There’s always the Dinner-Table ...........13 Book I Part VIII: And Finally There’s the Beach.............14 Book I Part IX: How To Win Her.....................................14 Book I Part X: First Secure the Maid................................17 Book I Part XI: Don’t Forget Her Birthday!.....................19 Book I Part XII: Write and Make Promises ......................20 Book I Part XIII: Be Where She Is ...................................22 Book I Part XIV: Look Presentable ..................................23 Book I Part XV: At Dinner Be Bold.................................24 Book I Part XVI: Promise and Deceive............................27 Book I Part XVII: Tears, Kisses, and Take the Lead........28 Book I Part XVIII: Be Pale: Be Wary of Your Friends ....31 Book I Part XIX: Be Flexible ...........................................32 Book II Part I: His Task....................................................34 Book II Part II: You Need Gifts of Mind..........................37 Book II Part III: Be Gentle and Good Tempered..............39 Book II Part IV: Be Patient and Comply...........................40 Book II Part V: Don’t be Faint-Hearted............................42 Book II Part VI: Win Over the Servants ...........................43 Book II Part VII: Give Her Little Tasteful Gifts...............43