OUP-LUC.TXT

From the besieged Ardea all in post,
Borne by the trustless wings of false desire,
Lust-breathe\d Tarquin leaves the Roman host
And to Collatium bears the lightless fire
Which, in pale embers hid, lurks to aspire
And girdle with embracing flames the waist
Of Collatine's fair love, Lucrece the chaste.
Haply that name of chaste unhapp'ly set
This bateless edge on his keen appetite,
When Collatine unwisely did not let
To praise the clear unmatche\d red and white
Which triumphed in that sky of his delight,
Where mortal stars as bright as heaven's beauties
With pure aspects did him peculiar duties.
For he the night before in Tarquin's tent
Unlocked the treasure of his happy state,
What priceless wealth the heavens had him lent
In the possession of his beauteous mate,