Page:Catullus, Tibullus and Propertius.djvu/42

30 whilst he believed her true. Here is his confession of the new phase of his love, the love that's merely a madness:—

He can now condone the past for the mere bribe of a passing favour. He is one moment lifted to ecstasies by the "agreeable surprise" of Lesbia's unexpected kindness, and pours out his soul in transports breathing passionate prayers for a reunion which his secret heart seems to whisper has no elements of continuance. When he sings in C. cix.—

the petition is rendered of none effect by the misgiving implied in his fond hope that Lesbia's professions may be sincere. Full soon must the truth have un-