Erotica Romana

<p><SPAN name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"></SPAN></p> <h2> XXI </h2> <p>I can tell not only about a discomfort far greater than others,<br/> <br/> But of a horror besides, thinking of which will arouse<br/> <br/> Every fiber in me to revulsion. My friends, I confess it:<br/> <br/> Great displeasure I take lying alone in my bed.<br/> <br/> But it's a horror to fear on the pathways of love you'll discover<br/> <br/> Snakes and their venom beneath roses of eager desire&mdash;<br/> <br/> That at the moment supreme, when I'm yielding to pleasure so fully,<br/> <br/> Right at my head as it droops, hissing disease may approach.<br/> <br/> That's why Faustina as my companion in bed makes me happy:<br/> <br/> Loving she always remains faithful, as I am to her.<br/> <br/> Young men are aroused in their passions by obstacles and by excitement;<br/> <br/> I prefer to go slow, savoring pleasures secure.<br/> <br/> Is it not bliss to exchange tender kisses containing no dangers,<br/> <br/> Sucking into our lungs, carefree, our partner's own life?<br/> <br/> That is the way our long nights of enjoyment are passed. We listen,<br/> <br/> Breast against breast, to the storm, pouring down rain in the wind<br/> <br/> Morning begins to dawn, we expect from these hours approaching<br/> <br/> Blossoms that will adorn festive the coming new day.<br/> <br/> Quirites, permit me the joy, and may this, of all pleasures on earth the<br/> <br/> First and the last, be vouchsafed all of mankind by the god.<br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />