Yet was the theft nowise scot-free, for more than an hour IClearly remember me fixt hanging from crest of the Cross,Whatwhile I purged my sin unto thee nor with any weepingTittle of cruel despite such as be thine could I 'bate.For that no sooner done thou washed thy liplets with manyDrops which thy fingers did wipe, using their every joint,Lest of our mouths conjoined remain there aught by the contactLike unto slaver foul shed by the butterèd bun. Further, wretchedmost me betrayed to unfriendliest Love-godNever thou ceased'st to pain hurting with every harm,So that my taste be turned and kisses ambrosial erstwhileEven than hellebore-juice bitterest bitterer grow.Seeing such pangs as these prepared for unfortunate lover,After this never again kiss will I venture to snatch.
ON CAELIUS AND QUINTIUS.Caelius Aufilénus and Quintius Aufiléna,Love to the death, both swains bloom of the youth Veronese,This woo'd brother and that sue'd sister: so might the matterClaim to be titled wi' sooth fairest fraternalest tie.Whom shall I favour the first? Thee (Caelius!) for thou hast provèdSingular friendship to us shown by the deeds it has done,