Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. Learn how in Fortune's deeps I chance myself to be drownèd,
  2. Nor fro' the poor rich boons furthermore prithee require.
  3. What while first to myself the pure-white garment was given,
  4. Whenas my flowery years flowed in fruition of spring,
  5. Much I disported enow, nor 'bode I a stranger to Goddess
  6. Who with our cares is lief sweetness of bitter to mix:
  7. Yet did a brother's death pursuits like these to my sorrow
  8. Bid for me cease: Oh, snatcht brother! from wretchedest me.
  9. Then, yea, thou by thy dying hast broke my comfort, 0 brother;
  10. Buried together wi' thee lieth the whole of our house;
  11. Perisht along wi' thyself all gauds and joys of our life-tide,
  12. Douce love fostered by thee during the term of our days.
  13. After thy doom of death fro' mind I banishèd wholly
  14. Studies like these, and all lending a solace to soul;
  15. Wherefore as to thy writ :—"Verona's home for Catullus
  16. Bringeth him shame, for there men of superior mark
  17. Must on a deserted couch fain chafe their refrigerate limbs:"
  18. Such be no shame (Manius!): rather 'tis matter of ruth.
  19. Pardon me, then, wilt thou an gifts bereft me by grieving
  20. These I send not to thee since I avail not present.
  21. For, that I own not here abundant treasure of writings
  22. Has for its cause, in Rome dwell I; and there am I homed,
  23. There be my seat, and there my years are gathered to harvest;
  24. Out of book-cases galore here am I followed by one.
  25. This being thus, nill I thou deem 'tis spirit malignant
  26. Acts in such wise or mind lacking of liberal mood
  27. That to thy prayer both gifts be not in plenty supplièd:
  28. Willingly both had I sent, had I the needed supply.
  29. Nor can I (Goddesses!) hide in what things Allius sent me
  30. Aid, forbear to declare what was the aidance he deigned:
  31. Neither shall fugitive Time from centuries ever oblivious
  32. Veil in the blinds of night friendship he lavisht on me.
  33. But will I say unto you what you shall say to the many
  34. Thousands in turn, and make paper, old crone, to proclaim
  35. ---