Carmina

Catullus

Catullus, Gaius Valerius. The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus. Burton, Sir Richard Francis, translator. London, Printed for the Translators, 1894.

  1. That with his open hand ever brings me offerings humble.
  2. Hung up in honour mine are flowery firstlings of spring-tide,
  3. Wreaths with their ears still soft the tender stalklets a-crowning;
  4. Violets pale are mine by side of the poppy-head pallid;
  5. With the dull yellow gourd and apples sweetest of savour;
  6. Lastly the blushing grape disposed in shade of the vine-tree.
  7. Anon mine altar (this same) with blood (but you will be silent!)
  8. Bearded kid and anon some horny-hoofed nanny shall sprinkle.
  9. Wherefore Priapus is bound to requite such honours by service,
  10. Doing his duty to guard both vineyard and garth of his lordling.
  11. Here then, O lads, refrain from ill-mannered picking and stealing:
  12. Rich be the neighbour-hind and negligent eke his Priapus:
  13. Take what be his: this path hence leadeth straight to his ownings.
  1. I thuswise fashionèd by rustic art