XXIV

You are the little flower of the Juventii,

Not only of those who live today,

But of all those who have lived

Or will live in years to come.

I’d sooner you had given the wealth of Midas

To that man who has neither slave nor savings

Than allow yourself to be loved by him as you do.

‘Why? Is he not of noble stock?’ You will say. He is.

But though noble he has neither slave nor savings.

Discard or belittle this advice as you like,

But he has neither slave nor savings.