(Lesbia!) nor to prefer Jupiter's self to myself.Then, too, I loved thee well, not as vulgar wretch his mistressBut as a father his sons loves and his sons by the law.Now have I learnt thee aright; wherefor though burn I the hotter,Lighter and viler by far thou unto me hast become. "How can this be?" dost ask: 'tis that such injury everForces the hotter to love, also the less well to will.
OF AN INGRATE.Cease thou of any to hope desirèd boon of well-willing,Or deem any shall prove pious and true to his dues.Waxes the world ingrate, no deed benevolent profits, Nay full oft it irks even offending the more:Such is my case whom none maltreats more grievously bitter,Than does the man that me held one and only to friend.
OF GELLIUS.Wont was Gellius hear his uncle rich in reproaches, When any ventured aught wanton in word or in deed.Lest to him chance such befall, his uncle's consort seduced he,And of his uncle himself fashioned an Harpocrates.What so he willed did he; and nowdays albe his uncle. . . .he, no word ever that uncle shall speak.
So in devotion to thee lost is the duty self due,Nor can I will thee well if best of women thou prove thee,Nor can I cease to love, do thou what doings thou wilt.
IN SELF-GRATULATION.If to remember deeds whilòme well done be a pleasure Meet for a man who deems all of his dealings be just,Nor Holy Faith ever broke nor in whatever his compact