Youll dine well, in a few days, with me,
if the gods are kind to you, my dear Fabullus,
and if you bring lots of good food with you,
and dont come without a pretty girl
and wine and wit and all your laughter.
I say youll dine well, and charmingly,
if you bring all that: since your Catulluss
purse alas is full of cobwebs.
But accept endearments in return for the wine
or whatevers sweeter and finer:
since Ill give you a perfume my girl
was given by the Loves and Cupids,
and when youve smelt it, youll ask the gods
to make you, Fabullus, all nose.
Invitation: to Fabullus
written byGaius Valerius Catullus
© Gaius Valerius Catullus