PETRONIUS to VINICIUS: "Thy case is a bad one, carissime.

It is clear that Venus has disturbed thy mind, deprived thee of reason and memory, as well as the power to think of aught else except love.

Read some time thy answer to my letter, and thou wilt see how indifferent thy mind is to all except Lygia; how exclusively it is occupied with her, how it returns to her always, and circles above her, as a falcon above chosen prey.

By Pollux! find her quickly, or that of thee which fire has not turned into ashes will become an Egyptian sphinx, which, enamored, as 'tis said, of pale Isis, grew deaf and indifferent to all things, waiting only for night, so as to gaze with stony eyes at the loved one.
"Run disguised through the city in the evening, even honor Christian houses of prayer in thy philosopher's company.

Whatever excites hope and kills time is praiseworthy.