5
Now do I ken this toil with vainest purpose was taken,
(Gellius!) nor herein aught have our prayers availèd.
Therefore we'll parry with cloak what shafts thou shootest against us;
And by our bolts transfixt, penalty due thou shalt pay.
Oft with studious mind brought close, enquiring how I might send thee the poems of Battiades for
use, that I might soften thee towards us, nor thou continually attempt to sting my head with troublesome barbs—this I see now to have been trouble and labour in vain, O Gellius, nor were our prayers to this end of any avail. Thy weapons against us we will ward off with our cloak; but, transfixed with ours, thou shalt suffer punishment.