Sol 5.6

  1. O you who knowingly lampooned me,

    though your standing with me remains secure,

  2. and made my honor fair game for satire,

    while your honor rests inviolate with me.

  3. Neither reason he possessed restrained him,

    nor faith—though I knew him well.

  4. Be, then, however you wish; for mine is

    a heart forever devoted to fidelity.

  5. If you preserve our steadfast affection,

    then you are the trusted, faithful one.

  6. Or if you turn from my affection and betray it,

    I shall neither turn away nor betray.

  7. Far be it from one such as you that one like me

    should ever be held cheap in his eyes.

  8. You have surely known my affection,

    and certainty dispels doubt.

  9. So return to speaking graciously,

    for gracious speech is an ornament that beautifies.

  10. And beware the companionship of invective,

    for it is a wretched companion.

  11. How many a poet, masterful in his satire,

    makes eyes smart at the very sight of him.

  12. Take it in a spirit of pure affection,

    as though it were precious pearls.

Sol 5.6