Living
Epigram LVI. — On the Maid whom he loved
Translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White (1919–21) · From Book XIX. — Epigrams of Ausonius on Various Matters
Her I would have who will not, and her, who will, I would not: V Venus would vanquish, not satisfy, the heart. Charms offered me I scorn, depreciate those denied: I would neither sate my heart nor torture it. Neither twice-girt Dian pleases, nor nude Cythere: the one gives no delight, the other overmuch. Be mine a mistress skilfully to display the art of attempered love, who can unite what "I would," "I would not" mean.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Ausonius, Decimus Magnus. “Epigram LVI. — On the Maid whom he loved.” Translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/ausonius/259/.
Chicago
Ausonius, Decimus Magnus. “Epigram LVI. — On the Maid whom he loved.” Translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/ausonius/259/.
Read this poem with the Codex →
More by Decimus Magnus Ausonius
- Professors X. — To the Latin Grammarians, Scholars of Bordeaux, Macrinus, Sucuro, Concordius, Phoebicius Ammonius, and Anastasius, Grammarian of Poictiers
- Eclogue X. — Couplets on the Same Subject
- Caesares: Quatrains XIV. — Trajan
- Epigram XXX. — Lines inscribed under a Picture showing a Lion slain by Gratian with a single Arrow
- Epigram CI. — On Echo grieving for Narcissus' Death