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(Translated by Christopher Marlowe)
Ad annulum, quem dono amicæ dedit.
THOU ring that shalt my fair girl’s finger bind, | |
| Wherein is seen the giver’s loving mind: | |
| Be welcome to her, gladly let her take thee, | |
| And, her small joints encircling, round hoop make thee. | |
| Fit her so well, as she is fit for me, | 5 |
| And of just compass for her knuckles be. | |
| Blest ring, thou in my mistress’ hand shall lie, | |
| Myself, poor wretch, mine own gifts now envỳ. | |
| O would that suddenly into my gift, | |
| I could myself by secret magic shift! | 10 |
| Then would I wish thee touch my mistress’ pap, | |
| And hide thy left hand underneath her lap, | |
| I would get off, though strait and sticking fast, | |
| And in her bosom strangely fall at last. | |
| Then I, that I may seal her privy leaves, | 15 |
| Lest to the wax the hold-fast dry gem cleaves, | |
| Would first my beauteous wench’s moist lips touch; | |
| Only I’ll sign naught that may grieve me much. | |
| I would not out, might I in one place hit: | |
| But in less compass her small fingers knit. | 20 |
| My life! that I will shame thee never fear, | |
| Or be a load thou should’st refuse to bear. | |
| Wear me, when warmest showers thy members wash, | |
| And through the gem let thy lost waters pash, | |
| But seeing thee, I think my thing will swell, | 25 |
| And even the ring perform a man’s part well. | |
| Vain things why wish I? go small gift, from hand; | |
| Let her my faith, with thee given, understand. | |
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