of laziness and nettle broth. So now, having recovered, I return you my best thanks because you did not punish my error. And henceforth, if I ever again take in hand the abominable writings of Sestius I freely consent that the chill shall bring catarrh and cough, not upon me, but upon Sestius himself,20 for inviting me just when I have read a stupid book.
XLV
Septimius, holding in his bosom his darling Acme, says, ' My Acme, if I do not love thee to desperation, and if I am not ready to go on loving thee continually through all my years as much as he who can love most5 desperately, may I in Libya or sunburnt India meet a green-eyed lion alone.' As he said this, Love on the left, as before on the right, sneezed goodwill. Then Acme, slightly bending back her head, kissed with IO that rosy mouth her sweet love's swimming eyes, and said, ' So, my life, my darling Septimius, may we ever serve this one master, so surely as (I swear) more *5 strongly and fiercely than ever burns for me the flame in my melting marrow.' As she said this, Love, as before on the left, now on the right sneezed goodwill. And now, setting out from a good omen, heart in heart20 they live, loving and loved. Poor Septimius prefers Acme alone to Syrias and Britains. In Septimius, him alone, his faithful Acme takes her fill of loves and pleasures. Who ever saw human beings more25 blest? Who ever saw a mo re fo rtunate love?
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6—2
