Breast against breast, to the storm, pouring down rain in the wind

Morning begins to dawn, we expect from these hours approaching

Blossoms that will adorn festive the coming new day.

Quirites, permit me the joy, and may this, of all pleasures on earth the

First and the last, be vouchsafed all of mankind by the god.


XXII

Ah, to uphold one's respectable name is not easy. The Lady

Fame has an ancient foe: Cupid, my master and lord.

Oh, by the way, have you heard of the cause of their mutual hatred?

It's an old story, I think--Let me just tell it again.

Powerful ever the goddess, but nevertheless to her fellows

Overbearing and rude, quite unendurable. She

Had by the gods since time out of mind at their banquets been dreaded,

Yelling with brassiest voice orders to great and to small.