Meaning: The quote "Anyone who is an enemy of mine, let him love women, but let he who is my friend rejoice in men" is attributed to Sextus Propertius, a Roman elegiac poet of the Augustan age. This provocative and enigmatic statement has been the subject of much analysis and interpretation over the centuries.

At first glance, the quote appears to express a clear distinction between friends and enemies based on their preferences for romantic or sexual partners. The implication seems to be that those who are enemies of the speaker are characterized by their attraction to women, while those who are friends are characterized by their attraction to men. However, interpreting the quote in this literal sense may oversimplify its meaning and overlook the broader context of ancient Roman culture and Propertius's own poetic style.

Sextus Propertius was known for his passionate and often emotionally charged poetry, which frequently explored themes of love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. As such, it is possible that the quote should be understood within the broader framework of Propertius's poetic oeuvre, rather than as a straightforward declaration of personal preference or enmity.

One interpretation of the quote suggests that it reflects the poet's subversion of societal norms and expectations regarding love and desire. In ancient Rome, traditional gender roles and the societal expectation of heterosexual relationships were deeply ingrained. By juxtaposing the concepts of enmity and friendship with preferences for women and men, Propertius may have been deliberately challenging these norms and asserting the fluidity and complexity of human relationships and desires.

From a literary standpoint, the quote can be seen as an example of Propertius's use of paradox and contradiction to create tension and provoke thought. The juxtaposition of love and enmity, women and men, challenges the reader to consider the complexities of human emotions and relationships. It also highlights the poet's skill in using language to create layers of meaning and ambiguity, inviting interpretation and analysis.

Additionally, the quote may be viewed in the context of the broader themes of love and desire in Propertius's poetry. Throughout his work, the poet grapples with the intensity of romantic passion, the pain of unrequited love, and the shifting dynamics of love and loyalty. The quote may thus be seen as a reflection of the poet's preoccupation with the emotional and often tumultuous nature of human connections.

In conclusion, the quote "Anyone who is an enemy of mine, let him love women, but let he who is my friend rejoice in men" encapsulates the enigmatic and thought-provoking nature of Sextus Propertius's poetry. Its apparent simplicity belies the complexity of its possible meanings, inviting readers to engage with the nuances of love, enmity, and human relationships. Whether interpreted as a subversion of societal norms, a literary device, or a reflection of the poet's thematic concerns, the quote continues to inspire analysis and interpretation, testifying to the enduring power of Propertius's poetry.