Priapeia

Priaepia

by divers poets in English verse and prose. Translated by Sir Richard Burton and Leonard C. Smithers

  1. Lower awhile yon brow suiting the Latian pride:
  2. Here in this fane dwells not or Phoebus' sister or Vesta,
  3. Neither the deity sprung forth of the patrial poll;
  4. But the red guard of our garths, with organ grosser than rightful
  5. Aye of his privities nude, guiltless of covering gear.
  6. So with thy tunic hide what part is made to be hidden,
  7. Or with what eyes see the parts deign these my lines to peruse.
  1. In play, Priapus (thou canst testify),
  2. Songs, fit for garden not for book-work, I
  3. Wrote and none over-care applied thereto.
  4. No Muses dared I (like the verseful crew)
  5. Invite to visit such unvirginal site.
  6. For heart and senses did forbid me quite
  7. To set the choir Pïérian, chaste and fair,
  8. Before Priapus' tool--such deed to dare.