Amores III.14

That you should not err, since you are fail, is not my plea, but that I be not compelled, poor wretch, to know it; no censor am I who demands that you become chaste, but one who asks that you attempt to feign. She does not sin who can deny her sin, and 'tis only the fault avowed that brings dishonour. What madness is this, to confess in the light of day the hidden things of night, and spread abroad your secret deeds? Even the jade that receives some unknown son of Quirinus is careful first to slip the bolt and exclude the crowd; and you — will you expose your faults to the mercy of evil tongues and be the informer to tell of your own misdeeds? Put on a better mind, and imitate, at least, the modest of your sex, and let me think you honest though you are not. What you are doing, continue to do; only deny that you have done, nor be ashamed to use modest speech in public.

There is a spot that calls for wantonness; fill that with all delights, and let blushing be far away. Once you are forth from there, straight lay all lewdness aside, and leave your faults in the couch .... Put on with your dress a face that shrinks from guilt, and let a modest aspect deny the harlot's trade. Cheat the people, cheat me; allow me to mistake through ignorance, to enjoy a fool's belief in you!

Why must I see so often the sending and getting of notes? Why that your couch has been pressed in every place? Why do I gaze on hair disordered by more than sleep, and see the mark of a tooth upon your neck? You all but bring your sin before my very eyes; if you hesitate to spare your name, at least spare me! My mind fails me and I suffer death each time you confess your sin, and through my frame the blood runs cold.

Then do I love you, then try in vain to hate what I love perforce; then would I gladly be dead — but dead with you!

I will make no inquiry, be assured, and will not follow out what you will make ready to hide; to be deceived shall be as a duty. If none the less I shall find you out in the midst of a fault, and my eyes perforce shall have looked upon your shame, see you deny that I clearly saw what was clearly seen — my eyes will yield to your words. 'Twill be an easy palm for you — to be victor over one who is eager to be vanquished; all that you need is a tongue that remembers "I did not do it! " When you may win the day by a mere two words, if you cannot through your cause, be victor through your judge!