Book IV, Epigram 42 (Ker)

If any could by chance guarantee me the boon at my asking, hear, Flaccus, what kind of boy I would wish to ask for. First of all, let this boy be born on the shores of the Nile; no country knows better how to beget roguish ways. Let him be fairer than snow; for in swarthy Mareotis that hue is more beautiful by its rarity. Let his eyes vie with stars, and his soft locks tumble over his neck; I like not, Flaccus, braided locks. Let his brow be low and his nose slightly aquiline, let his lips rival the red of Paestan roses. And let him oft compel endearments when I am loth, and refuse them when I am fain; may he oft be more free than his lord! And let him shrink from boys, oft exclude girls; man to all else, to me alone let him be a boy. "Now I know him; you do not deceive me; 'tis in my judgment true. Such was," you will say, "my Amazonicus."