Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
Youths
  1. Hesperus! say what flame more gladsome in Heavens be shining?
  2. Thou whose light makes sure long-pledged connubial promise
  3. Plighted erewhile by men and erstwhile plighted by parents.
  4. Yet to be ne'er fulfilled before thy fire's ardours have risen!
  5. What better boon can the gods bestow than hour so desirèd?
  6. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
Damsels
  1. Hesperus! one of ourselves (Companions!) carried elsewhither
  2. --->
  3. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
Youths
  1. ---
  2. For at thy coming in sight a guard is constantly watching.
  3. Hidden o'nights lurk thieves and these as oft as returnest,
  4. Hesper! thou seizest them with title changed to Eous.
  5. Pleases the bevy unwed with feigned complaints to accuse thee.
  6. What if assail they whom their souls in secrecy cherish?
  7. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
Damsels
  1. E'en as a flow'ret born secluded in garden enclosed,
  2. Unto the flock unknown and ne'er uptorn by the ploughshare,
  3. Soothed by the zephyrs and strengthened by suns and nourish't by showers