Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. And lest office of host I should be holden to hate,
  2. Learn how in Fortune's deeps I chance myself to be drownèd,
  3. Nor fro' the poor rich boons furthermore prithee require.
  4. What while first to myself the pure-white garment was given,
  5. Whenas my flowery years flowed in fruition of spring,
  6. Much I disported enow, nor 'bode I a stranger to Goddess
  7. Who with our cares is lief sweetness of bitter to mix:
  8. Yet did a brother's death pursuits like these to my sorrow
  9. Bid for me cease: Oh, snatcht brother! from wretchedest me.
  10. Then, yea, thou by thy dying hast broke my comfort, 0 brother;
  11. Buried together wi' thee lieth the whole of our house;
  12. Perisht along wi' thyself all gauds and joys of our life-tide,
  13. Douce love fostered by thee during the term of our days.
  14. After thy doom of death fro' mind I banishèd wholly
  15. Studies like these, and all lending a solace to soul;
  16. Wherefore as to thy writ :—"Verona's home for Catullus
  17. Bringeth him shame, for there men of superior mark