T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
To Lesbia, on Her Falsehood
By Gaius Valerius Catullus (c. 84–c. 54 B.C.)(Translated by George Lamb) TO me alone, thou said’st, thy love was true, | |
| And true should be, though Jove himself might woo. | |
| I loved thee, Lesbia, not as rakes may prize | |
| The favourite wanton who has pleased their eyes; | |
| Mine was a tender glow, a purer zeal; | 5 |
| ’Twas all the parent for the child can feel. | |
| Thy common falsehood now, thyself I know; | |
| And though my frame with fiercer heat may glow, | |
| Yet Lesbia ’s vile and worthless in my sight, | |
| Compared with Lesbia once my heart’s delight; | 10 |
| Nor wonder passion’s unrestrain’d excess | |
| Makes me desire thee more, but love thee less. | |