
Petronius was apparently a Roman courtier during the reign of Nero. Here he advises avoiding impulsive desire in order to “keep an endless holiday”.
Entire poem (Translated by Ben Jonson)
Doing, a filthy pleasure is, and short;And done, we straight repent us of the sport:Let us not then rush blindly on unto it,Like lustful beasts, that only know to do it:For lust will languish, and that heat decay.But thus, thus, keeping endless holiday,Let us together closely lie and kiss,There is no labour, nor no shame in this;This hath pleased, doth please, and long will please; neverCan this decay, but is beginning ever.
Gaius Petronius
Latin proverb about conventional sex
Omne animal post coitum triste.
Translation: All animals are sad after sex.