Upon the Nipples of Julia’s Breast

I thought that would get your attention.

I first saw this attributed to Ovid, but without translator noted. It rhymes, and therefore the translator matters a fair bit. However, it turns out to be a 17th century English poet by the name of Robert Herrick. Somehow I’ve missed this one in my poetic wanderings, and will have to look more closely at him!

Upon the Nipples of Julia’s Breast

Have ye beheld (with much delight)
A red rose peeping through a white?
Or else a cherry (double graced)
Within a lily? Centre placed?
Or ever marked the pretty beam
A strawberry shows half drowned in cream?
Or seen rich rubies blushing through
A pure smooth pearl, and orient too?
So like to this, nay all the rest,
Is each neat niplet of her breast.

 

(Robert Herrick)

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