Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. Pardon me, then, wilt thou an gifts bereft me by grieving
  2. These I send not to thee since I avail not present.
  3. For, that I own not here abundant treasure of writings
  4. Has for its cause, in Rome dwell I; and there am I homed,
  5. There be my seat, and there my years are gathered to harvest;
  6. Out of book-cases galore here am I followed by one.
  7. This being thus, nill I thou deem 'tis spirit malignant
  8. Acts in such wise or mind lacking of liberal mood
  9. That to thy prayer both gifts be not in plenty supplièd:
  10. Willingly both had I sent, had I the needed supply.
  11. Nor can I (Goddesses!) hide in what things Allius sent me
  12. Aid, forbear to declare what was the aidance he deigned:
  13. Neither shall fugitive Time from centuries ever oblivious
  14. Veil in the blinds of night friendship he lavisht on me.
  15. But will I say unto you what you shall say to the many