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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EPIGRAM by DECIMUS MAGNUS AUSONIUS

First Line: SHE WHICH WOULD NOT I WOULD CHOOSE
Last Line: I WILL, AND YET I WILL NOT DO.

SHE which would not I would choose:
She which would I would refuse.
Venus could my mind but tame,
But not satisfy the same.
Enticements offer'd I despise,
And, deni'd, I slightly prize.
I would neither glut my mind,
Nor yet too much torment find.
Twice-girt Diana doth not take me,
Nor Venus naked joyful make me.
The first no pleasure hath to joy me,
And the last enough to cloy me.
But a crafty wench I'd have,
That can sell the act I crave:
And join at once in me these two --
I will, and yet I will not do.



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