Love
Book XII, 90
Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. IV, 1918)
No longer do I love. I have wrestled with three passions that burn: one for a courtesan, one for a maiden, and one for a lad. And in every way I suffer pain. For I have been sore exercised, seeking to persuade the courtesan’s doors to open, the foes of him who has nothing, and again ever sleepless I make my bed on the girl’s couch, giving the child but one thing and that most desirable, kisses. Alack how shall I tell of the third flame? For from that I have gained naught but glances and empty hopes.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book XII, 90.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/776/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book XII, 90.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/776/.
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