Carmina

Catullus

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

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