Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. Ere shall yon onyx-vase pour me libations glad,
  2. Onyx yours, ye that seek only rights of virtuous bed-rite.
  3. But who yieldeth herself unto advowtry impure,
  4. Ah! may her loathed gifts in light dust uselessly soak,
  5. For of unworthy sprite never a gift I desire.
  6. Rather, 0 new-mated brides, be concord aye your companion,
  7. Ever let constant love dwell in the dwellings of you.
  8. Yet when thou sightest, 0 Queen, the Constellations, I pray thee,
  9. Every festal day Venus the Goddess appease;
  10. Nor of thy unguent-gifts allow myself to be lacking,
  11. Nay, do thou rather add largeliest increase to boons.
  12. Would but the stars down fall! Could I of my Queen be the hair-lock,
  13. Neighbour to Hydrochois e'en let Oarion shine.

Quintus.
  1. 0 to the gentle spouse right dear, right dear to his parent,
  2. Hail, and with increase fair Jupiter lend thee his aid,