Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. Whence upraising myself he flies through aëry shadows,
  2. And in chaste Venus' breast drops he the present he bears.
  3. Eke Zephyritis had sent, for the purpose trusted, her bondsman,
  4. Settler of Grecian strain on the Canopian strand.
  5. So willed various Gods, lest sole 'mid lights of the Heavens
  6. Should Ariadne's crown taken from temples of her
  7. Glitter in gold, but we not less shine fulgent in splendour,
  8. We the consecrate spoils shed by a blond-hued head,
  9. Even as weeping-wet sought I the fanes of Celestials
  10. Placed me the Goddess a new light amid star-lights of old:
  11. For with Virgo in touch and joining the furious Lion's
  12. Radiance with Callisto, maid of Lyc´on beloved,
  13. Wind I still to the west, conducting tardy Boötes,
  14. Who unwilling and slow must into Ocean merge.
  15. Yet though press me o'night the pacing footprints of Godheads,
  16. Tethys, hoary of hair, ever regains me by day.
  17. (Lend me thy leave to speak such words, Rhamnusian Virgin,
  18. Verities like unto these never in fear will I veil;
  19. Albeit every star asperse me with enemy's censure,
  20. Secrets in soothfast heart hoarded perforce I reveal.)