Wind yourselves about my temples, shoots of triumphal laurel: we have conquered! Behold, Corinna nestles into my bosom. Corinna, whom a husband, a doorman, and sturdy gates–so many enemies!–guarded against being taken by any artifice.
This is a victory worthy of the most unrestrained triumph, in which all the loot was gained bloodlessly. Not mere walls, not cities encircled by picayune ditches, but a girl has been captured by my generalship.
When Pergamene Troy fell after a ten-year war, what share of the honor had Agamemnon at whose side so many fought? But my glory was gained apart from any army, nor does any other name share the plaque I will dedicate.
Under my generalship and by my sole service I achieved the consummation of my vow. I was my own cavalry, my own infantry, my own standard-bearer.
Nor did Chance mix herself in my success. You have arrived, my triumph, solely because of my care.
The cause of my campaign was a familiar one. Had it not been for the elopement of Helen, Europe and Asia would have remained at peace. It was a woman who led to disgraceful fighting between the forest-living Lapiths and the race of bi-formed Centaurs when wine was put in their midst. It was a woman again who propelled the Trojans into a new war when they entered your kingdom, honest Latinus. And it was Womanhood which shortly after the founding of Rome drove the Romans into savage war with their Sabine fathers-in-law.
I have seen bulls fighting for a snowy mate; the heifer watches, spurring them on by her presence.
Cupid commanded me to advance my standards, as he has commanded many; but my campaign was free of slaughter.