Little book, starting off to great Rome all alone,
Would you have me commend you to many or one?
One's enough, pray believe me; for he'll love you well,
Dear Julius, of whom you have oft heard me tell.
He lives by the Closed Colonnade, in the flat
Which Daphnis some years ago used to live at.
Though you're covered with dust when before her you stand
His wife will give welcome with heart and with hand.
If you see them together, or him first, or her,
Just say — 'twill suffice — " Marcus" greetings I bear.
A letter to strangers may strangers commend;
There's no need for long talk when you deal with a friend.