Carmen XCII, by Catullus

Lesbia for ever on me rails;

To talk on me she never fails:

Yet, hang me, but for all her Art;

I find that I have gain’d her Heart:

My proof is thus: I plainly see

The Case is just the same with me:

I curse her ev’ry hour sincerely;

Yet, hang me, but I love her dearly.

From “The Roman Poets� edited by Peter Washington (Everyman’s Library: 254 pp., $12.50)