Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. And she refuses at our prayer restore
  2. Our stolen Note-books, an such slights ye bear.
  3. Let us pursue her clamouring our demands.
  4. "Who's she?" ye question: yonder one ye sight
  5. Mincingly pacing mime-like, perfect pest,
  6. With jaws wide grinning like a Gallic pup.
  7. Stand all round her dunning with demands,
  8. "Return (O rotten whore!) our noting books.
  9. Our noting books (O rotten whore!) return!"
  10. No doit thou car'st? O Mire! O Stuff O' stews!
  11. Or if aught fouler filthier dirt there be.
  12. Yet must we never think these words suffice.
  13. But if naught else avail, at least a blush
  14. Forth of that bitch-like brazen brow we'll squeeze.
  15. Cry all together in a higher key
  16. "Restore (O rotten whore!) our noting books,
  17. Our noting books (O rotten whore!) restore !"
  18. Still naught avails us, nothing is she moved.
  19. Now must our measures and our modes be changed
  20. An we would anywise our cause advance.