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ANCIENT: Propertius Sappho Catullus

Propertius: Propertius Poems

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Book I.10:1-30

EDUCATING GALLUS

Propertius

O sweet dream, when I saw your first love: witness, there, to your tears! O what sweet pleasure for me to remember that night, O the one so often summoned by my longing, when I saw you dying, Gallus, in your girl’s arms, uttering words with long pauses! Though sleep pressed on my weary lids, and the Moon blushed, drawn through mid-heaven, I still could not draw back from your play, there was so much ardour in your exchanges.

But, since you were not afraid to let me, accept your reward for the joy of trust. I’ve not only learnt to be silent about your pain, there is something greater in me, my friend, than loyalty. I can join parted lovers again, and open a mistress’s reluctant door. I can heal someone’s fresh wounds: the power of my words is not slight. Cynthia repeatedly taught me what one should look for or beware of: Love’s not been idle.

Beware of picking a fight with your girl when she’s angry, don’t speak in pride, don’t stay silent for long: and if she requests something, don’t say no with a frown on your face, and don’t let kind words shower on you in vain. She’ll come in a temper when she’s ignored, and wounded she won’t remember to drop her justified threats. But the more you are humble, and subject to love, the more you’ll enjoy a fine performance. He’ll be able to endure one girl gladly, who is never found wanting, or free of feeling.