XIII

You will dine well chez moi, my Fabullus

In a few days, gods willing –

But only if you bring with you a tasty big

Dinner – and don’t forget a sparkling girl

And wine and salt and all the laughter.

If you bring these, as I say, my charmer,

You will dine well. For the wallet

Of your Catullus is full of cobwebs.

In return you will have unadulterated sex

Or whatever is more luscious or refined:

For I will give you the scent that

The Venuses and Cupids gave my girl,

And when you smell it, you will ask the gods

To make you, Fabullus, all nose.