[De duobus amantibus Euryalo et Lucretia]

and in turn, the love of others is taken as an example. I could mention many more, whom it is clear you know. You know the story of Troilus here, whom the son of Priamus, Chryseis the beloved of Troilus, deceived. Helena destroyed Deiphobus. Circe turned her lovers into swine with her drugs, and into the backs of other beasts. But it is unjust to judge the whole crowd by the behavior of a few. For if, because of two or three or even ten bad men, you accuse all and hold them in horror, and because of the same number you determine that all others will be objects of hatred: why do we not rather take other examples, such as the love of Antony and Cleopatra, and others whom the brevity of a letter does not allow me to mention? But you have read Ovid and discovered that, after the destruction of Troy, many Achaeans Greeks, while they feared returning to their foreign lands, were so held by their loves that they never returned to their own patria homeland. For they left their mothers and cared more for their beloveds than for their homes, kingdoms, and other things that are most dear to anyone in their own land. I ask you, my Lucretia, to consider these things, not those which are adverse to our love, which few have done. I seek you with the intent that I may love you forever and be yours forever. Nor should you call me a foreigner, for I am more a citizen than he who is born here. For chance made him a citizen, but choice made me one. There will be no place in the patria homeland where you are not. And although it may sometimes happen that I have to depart from here, the path

nevertheless will be hasty. Nor will I return to Teutonia Germany, for I will yield to what is opportune, so that I may be with you as long as possible; an occasion for staying with you will easily be found. There is much business of the Caesar in these parts. I shall take care that these things be omitted or expedited. Now I exercise the duties of a messenger, now I perform the office. One must hold a vicar of justice for the Caesar; I shall obtain this province. Do not doubt, my sweetness, my heart, my hope. If I can live without my heart, then I can leave you. Come now, at last, to your miserable lover who melts like snow before the sun. Consider my labors and finally put an end to my martyrdoms. Why do you torture me for so long? I wonder how I have been able to endure so many evils; who has endured so many sleepless nights; who has tolerated so many fasts. See how thin I am, how pale. It is a small thing that keeps my spirit bound to my body. If I had killed your parents or children, you could not take a greater punishment from me than this. If you punish me thus because I love you, what then would you do if I had caused you damage or evil? Ah, my Lucretia, my mistress, my salvation, my refuge, take me into your grace. Finally, write back that I am dear to you. I want nothing else; let it be allowed for me to say that I am Lucretia’s. Even kings and Caesars love their own when they know them to be faithful. Nor do the gods disdain