Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. Whenas my flowery years flowed in fruition of spring,
  2. Much I disported enow, nor 'bode I a stranger to Goddess
  3. Who with our cares is lief sweetness of bitter to mix:
  4. Yet did a brother's death pursuits like these to my sorrow
  5. Bid for me cease: Oh, snatcht brother! from wretchedest me.
  6. Then, yea, thou by thy dying hast broke my comfort, 0 brother;
  7. Buried together wi' thee lieth the whole of our house;
  8. Perisht along wi' thyself all gauds and joys of our life-tide,
  9. Douce love fostered by thee during the term of our days.
  10. After thy doom of death fro' mind I banishèd wholly
  11. Studies like these, and all lending a solace to soul;
  12. Wherefore as to thy writ :—"Verona's home for Catullus
  13. Bringeth him shame, for there men of superior mark
  14. Must on a deserted couch fain chafe their refrigerate limbs:"
  15. Such be no shame (Manius!): rather 'tis matter of ruth.