Alfie, honest mistresses are lauded; <br />The presents they receive they earn, but you, <br />Who lead me on with lies, leave me defrauded. <br />My anti-mistress, brazen what you do; <br />You keep my gifts but, suddenly demure, <br />Renege on my reward. Either be chaste <br />Before accepting fees or be the whore <br />That you pretend, your total body placed <br />Where just your mouth is. Greed and 'virtue' make <br />Strange bedfellows, each sure the other's fake.<br /><br />David Berman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/catallus-cx-a-translation/
