Roman Elegies XVII

Many sounds annoy me, but still the one I hate most Is the barking of dogs: and their ear-splitting yelps. There’s only one dog whose yelp and bark can fill me With pleasure: the dog my neighbour has reared. He once barked at my sweetheart, when she crept here On the quiet, and he nearly betrayed our secret. Now, hearing him bark, I always think: she’s here! Or remember the time when I waited, and she came.