PETRONIUS ARBITER

(d. 66 CE)

Doing, a Filthy Pleasure Is, and Short

Doing, a filthy pleasure is, and short;

And done, we straight repent us of the sport:

Let us not rush blindly on unto it;

Like lustful beasts, that only know to do it:

For lust will languish, and that heat decay.

But thus, thus, keeping endless holiday,

Let us together closely lie and kiss,

There is no labour, nor no shame in this;

This hath pleased, doth please, and long will please; never

Can this decay, but is beginning ever.

ยง

(translated by Ben Jonson)