Book IX, Epigram 56 (Ker)

Spendophorus goes, his master's armour-bearer, to Libyan cities: get ready the shafts, Cupid, to give the boy — those wherewith thou dost pierce youths and soft girls; yet in his tender hand let there be a smooth sj)ear too. Cuirass and shield and helm I leave to thee; that he may plunge amid the war unscathed let him go bare; by no javelin, by no sword or arrow Avas Parthenopueus hurt when he was not disguised by a casque. Whoever shall be pierced by this boy shall perish of love— oh, happy he, over whoever so fair a fate impends! While thou art boy, return, while thy face is perilously bright; and thee let not Libya, but thy Rome, make man!