No vessel torn to shreds by solid rock
No vessel torn to shreds by solid rock
with more repentance ever reached the shore,
nor bird escaping from the outstretched net
did fly more fearfully into the wood;
a lovely nymph with her uncertain foot
never with such affliction or alarm
fled from green meadow, where, hidden from view,
a serpent basked 'neath nature's verdant hood,
as I, O Love, the haughty temperament,
the yellow tresses and the lovely eyes
run fleeing now, my feet no longer bound,
of my foe, whom I celebrate in vain.
Farewell, cruel nymph; with her may you remain,
hard rock, gold net, and happy meadow's ground.
Translated by Alix Ingber
