11. precori

Venus pretends she is more
than some specter of ancient days 
sprung from her father's forehead

that she, and she alone, might grant
the wishes of young men:
heads bowed as today's promise fades
tomorrow is the only hope of salvation

She argues with the messenger who tells
of warm and praises the cricket's song of celibacy

Oh Venus,

my beloved, my very beloved
Apollo has carried you in his fiery chariot
now stand!

Guide me into the cool embrace
of summer evening
where we will snuggle
in the long blades of wet grass

where we will chide Vesta
for the hearth that burns between us

where we visit Somnus
until you rise, oh my morning star

Oh my sweet piety
revealed in love
revelled in love

Holy

Holy

Holy