Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. What while first to myself the pure-white garment was given,
  2. Whenas my flowery years flowed in fruition of spring,
  3. Much I disported enow, nor 'bode I a stranger to Goddess
  4. Who with our cares is lief sweetness of bitter to mix:
  5. Yet did a brother's death pursuits like these to my sorrow
  6. Bid for me cease: Oh, snatcht brother! from wretchedest me.
  7. Then, yea, thou by thy dying hast broke my comfort, 0 brother;
  8. Buried together wi' thee lieth the whole of our house;
  9. Perisht along wi' thyself all gauds and joys of our life-tide,
  10. Douce love fostered by thee during the term of our days.
  11. After thy doom of death fro' mind I banishèd wholly
  12. Studies like these, and all lending a solace to soul;
  13. Wherefore as to thy writ :—"Verona's home for Catullus
  14. Bringeth him shame, for there men of superior mark
  15. Must on a deserted couch fain chafe their refrigerate limbs:"
  16. Such be no shame (Manius!): rather 'tis matter of ruth.
  17. Pardon me, then, wilt thou an gifts bereft me by grieving
  18. These I send not to thee since I avail not present.
  19. For, that I own not here abundant treasure of writings
  20. Has for its cause, in Rome dwell I; and there am I homed,