Friend, I hail'd each lady promenader,
Each, I found, did face me quite sedately.
2.
What? they steal, I loudly cried protesting,
10 My Camerius? out upon the wenches!
Answer'd one and lightly bared a bosom,
'See! what bowery roses; here he hides him.'
Yea 'twould task e'en Hercules to bear you,
You so scornful, friend, in your refusing.
3.
15 Not tho' I were warder of the Cretans,
Not tho' Pegasus on his airy pinion,
Perseus feathery-footed, I a Ladas,
Rhesus' chariot yok'd to snowy coursers,
Add each feathery sandal, every flying
20 Power, ask fleetness of all the winds of heaven,
Mine, Camerius, and to me devoted;
Yet with drudgery sorely spent should I, yet
Worn, outworn with languor unto languor
Faint, O friend, in an empty quest to find you.
4.