II

HORACE

What time I was your one best bet
And no one passed the wire before me,
Dear Lyddy, I cannot forget
How you would--yes, you would--adore me.
To others you would tie the can;
You thought of me with no aversion.
In those days I was happier than
A Persian.

LYDIA

Correct. As long as you were not
So nuts about this Chloe person,
Your flame for me burned pretty hot--
Mine was the door you pinned your verse on.
Your favourite name began with L,
While I thought you surpassed by no man--
Gladder than Ilia, the well-
Known Roman.

HORACE

On Chloe? Yes, I've got a case;
Her voice is such a sweet soprano;