C. Valerius Catullus, Carmina
Sir Richard Francis Burton, Ed.

To ALFENUS THE PERJUROR

Alfénus! short of memory, false to comrades dearest-dear,
Now hast no pity (hardened Soul!) for friend and loving fere?
Now to betray me, now to guile. thou (traitor!) ne'er dost pause?
Yet impious feats of fraudful men ne'er force the Gods' applause:
When heed'st thou not deserting me (Sad me!) in sorest scathe,
Ah say whate'er shall humans do? in whom shall man show faith?
For sure thou bad'st me safely yield my spirit (wretch!) to thee,
Lulling my love as though my life were all security.
The same now dost withdraw thyself and every word and deed
Thou suffer'st winds and airy clouds to sweep from out thy head.
But an forget thou, mindful be the Gods, and Faith in mind
Bears thee, and soon shall gar thee rue the deeds by thee design'd.