Sulpicia Elegiae

Books

• 1
  Book 1

  Sulpicia declares her love openly — she does not want to hide it. One of the earliest surviving poems by a Roman woman.

  10 lines
• 2
  Book 2

  Sulpicia is ill on her birthday and laments being kept from her lover Cerinthus.

  8 lines
• 3
  Book 3

  A hunting trip threatens to separate Sulpicia from Cerinthus. She writes with frank desire.

  4 lines
• 4
  Book 4

  Sulpicia reproaches Cerinthus for preferring another woman — a freedwoman with a wool-basket. Her indignation is fierce and witty.

  6 lines
• 5
  Book 5

  Sulpicia reflects on her fever and asks whether Cerinthus shares her concern. She doubts it.

  6 lines
• 6
  Book 6

  Sulpicia celebrates that Cerinthus returns her love. Direct, bold, and unashamed — unlike any other surviving Roman love poetry by a woman.

  6 lines