LV METAMORPHOSIS
Mitchell S. (Mitchell Starrett) Buck translation
FORMERLY I was amorous of the beauty of young men, and the remembrance of their words kept me awake.
I remember having graven a name in the bark of a plane-tree. I remember having left a strip of my tunic in a path where someone would pass.
I remember having loved.... O Pannychis, my babe, in what hands have I left thee? how, O unfortunate one, have I abandoned thee?
Today, and forever, Mnasidika alone possesses me. What she receives as a sacrifice is the happiness of those whom I have deserted for her.