Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. Hence of me seekest thou gifts Muses and Venus can give:
  2. But that bide not unknown to thee my sorrows (0 Manius!)
  3. And lest office of host I should be holden to hate,
  4. Learn how in Fortune's deeps I chance myself to be drownèd,
  5. Nor fro' the poor rich boons furthermore prithee require.
  6. What while first to myself the pure-white garment was given,
  7. Whenas my flowery years flowed in fruition of spring,
  8. Much I disported enow, nor 'bode I a stranger to Goddess
  9. Who with our cares is lief sweetness of bitter to mix:
  10. Yet did a brother's death pursuits like these to my sorrow
  11. Bid for me cease: Oh, snatcht brother! from wretchedest me.
  12. Then, yea, thou by thy dying hast broke my comfort, 0 brother;
  13. Buried together wi' thee lieth the whole of our house;
  14. Perisht along wi' thyself all gauds and joys of our life-tide,
  15. Douce love fostered by thee during the term of our days.
  16. After thy doom of death fro' mind I banishèd wholly
  17. Studies like these, and all lending a solace to soul;
  18. Wherefore as to thy writ :—"Verona's home for Catullus
  19. Bringeth him shame, for there men of superior mark
  20. Must on a deserted couch fain chafe their refrigerate limbs:"
  21. Such be no shame (Manius!): rather 'tis matter of ruth.
  22. Pardon me, then, wilt thou an gifts bereft me by grieving
  23. These I send not to thee since I avail not present.
  24. For, that I own not here abundant treasure of writings
  25. Has for its cause, in Rome dwell I; and there am I homed,
  26. There be my seat, and there my years are gathered to harvest;
  27. Out of book-cases galore here am I followed by one.
  28. This being thus, nill I thou deem 'tis spirit malignant
  29. Acts in such wise or mind lacking of liberal mood
  30. That to thy prayer both gifts be not in plenty supplièd:
  31. Willingly both had I sent, had I the needed supply.