Book V, Epigram 53: In Posthumum

What thou conferr'st on me I do
Remember, and shall think on too.
Why therefore doe I hold my tongue?
Cause (Posthumus) thou nere hast done.
As often as I go to treat
Of these thy gifts to them I meet,
Tis presently replyd, forbear,
He whisperd it into my eare.
Two men some things cannot doe well,
One person may suffice to tell,
And doe this work: if it may please
That I shall speak, then hold thy peace.
For prethee Posthumus believe
Though that thy gifts are great to give,
'All thanks must perish, and are lost
'When Authors their own actions boast.