Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. Such be no shame (Manius!): rather 'tis matter of ruth.
  2. Pardon me, then, wilt thou an gifts bereft me by grieving
  3. These I send not to thee since I avail not present.
  4. For, that I own not here abundant treasure of writings
  5. Has for its cause, in Rome dwell I; and there am I homed,
  6. There be my seat, and there my years are gathered to harvest;
  7. Out of book-cases galore here am I followed by one.
  8. This being thus, nill I thou deem 'tis spirit malignant
  9. Acts in such wise or mind lacking of liberal mood
  10. That to thy prayer both gifts be not in plenty supplièd:
  11. Willingly both had I sent, had I the needed supply.
  12. Nor can I (Goddesses!) hide in what things Allius sent me
  13. Aid, forbear to declare what was the aidance he deigned:
  14. Neither shall fugitive Time from centuries ever oblivious
  15. Veil in the blinds of night friendship he lavisht on me.
  16. But will I say unto you what you shall say to the many
  17. Thousands in turn, and make paper, old crone, to proclaim
  18. ---
  19. And in his death become noted the more and the more,