And, in a brief preface, he offers an epitome of early Roman history, which is equated succinctly with military prowess and sexual prowess:
Thus Romulus became so popular;
This was the way to thrive in peace and war;
To pay his army, and fresh whores to bring:
Who wou’d not fight for such a gracious king!
Now Ovid dwells on wine as an amatory stimulant, a virtual flaming potion:
But thou, when flowing cups in triumph ride,
And the lov’d nymph is seated by thy side;
Invoke the God, and all the mighty pow’rs,
That wine may not defraud thy genial hours.