Carmen 45

Septimius, holding his love Acme
in his arms, said: "My dearest Acme,
unless I can love you entirely, and
am prepared to love you continually throughout the years,

as much as one possibly can love another,
may I alone in Libya meet a tawny fire-eyed lion."
As he said this, Cupid nodded his approval on
the left as before on the right.
And Acme, gently bending back her head,

having kissed the eyes of the sweet boy with those rosy lips, intoxicated with love
said: "In this way, my dear Septimius,
my dear life, let us serve forever this one master, Love,
whilst a flame much greater and keener
burns in my tender limbs."
As she said this, Cupid nodded approval
on the left as before on the right.
Now having set out with good omens they
love one another and are loved by each other

with mutual feelings.

Love struck Septimius prefers his one Acme
to all the wealth in Britain :
the faithful Acme takes delight
and pleasure only in her one Septimius.

Who has seen any more blessed men,
who a more auspicious Cupid?

Acmen Septimius suos amores
tenens in gremio 'mea' inquit 'Acme,
ni te perdite amo atque amare porro
omnes sum assidue paratus annos,
quantum qui pote plurimum perire,
solus in Libya Indiaque tosta
caesio veniam obvius leoni.'
Hoc ut dixit, Amor sinistra ut ante
dextra sternuit approbationem.
At Acme leviter caput reflectens
et dulcis pueri ebrios ocellos
illo purpureo ore suaviata,
'sic' inquit 'mea vita Septimille,
huic uni domino usque serviamus,
ut multo mihi maior acriorque
ignis mollibus ardet in medullis.'
Hoc ut dixit, Amor sinistra ut ante
dextra sternuit approbationem.
Nunc ab auspicio bono profecti
mutuis animis amant amantur.
Unam Septimius misellus Acmen
mavult quam Syrias Britanniasque:
uno in Septimio fidelis Acme
facit delicias libidinisque.
Wquis ullos homines beatiores
vidit, quis Venerem auspicatiorem?