VI.

To Flavius: Mis-speaking his Mistress.

Thy Charmer (Flavius!) to Catullus' ear

Were she not manner'd mean and worst in wit

Perforce thou hadst praised nor couldst silence keep.

But some enfevered jade, I wot-not-what,

5

Some piece thou lovest, blushing this to own.

For, nowise 'customed widower nights to lie

Thou 'rt ever summoned by no silent bed