Carmina

Catullus

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

With so black spirit, of so dure a mould,
E'en voice of suppliant must thou disregard
In latest circumstance ah, heart o'er hard?

Of Helicon-hill, O Thou that be

Haunter, Urania's progeny,

Who hurriest soft virginity

To man, 0 Hymenaeus Hymen,

0 Hymen Hymenaeus.

About thy temples bind the bloom,

Of Marjoram flow'ret scented sweet;

Take flamey veil: glad hither come

Come hither borne by snow-hue'd feet

Wearing the saffron'd sock.

And, roused by day of joyful cheer,

Carolling nuptial lays and chaunts

With voice as silver ringing clear,

Beat ground with feet, while brandisht flaunts

Thy hand the piney torch.

For Vinia comes by Manlius woo'd,

As Venus on th' Idalian crest,