I commend myself and my love to you,
Aurelius. I ask for modest indulgence,
so, if youve ever had a desire in your mind
youve pursued chastely and purely,
keep this boy of mine modestly safe,
I dont speak to the masses nothing to fear
from those who pass to and fro in the streets
occupied with their business
truly the fears of you and your cock
dangerous to both good and bad boys.
Shake it about as you please, and with as much
force as you please, wherever you choose, outside:
I except him from that, with modesty, I think.
But if tempests of mind, and mad passion
impel you to too much sin, you wretch,
so you fill my boys head with deceptions,
then let misery, and evil fate, be yours!
Of him whom, with feet dragged apart, an open door,
radishes and mullets pass through.
A Warning: to Aurelius
written byGaius Valerius Catullus
© Gaius Valerius Catullus