T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.

Spring

By Anacreon (582–485 B.C.)

(From the Odes; translated by Thomas Stanley, 1651)

PLEASANT ’tis abroad to stray
Thro’ the meadow deep in hay,
Where soft zephyrs, breathing low,
Odorous sweets round us throw;
Pleasant, where the gadding vine	5
Weaves a safe shade, to recline
With some dainty girl whose breast
Cypris wholly hath possest.