Priapeia

Priaepia

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

  1. Tho' see you drenchèd wet that part of me
  2. Whereby Priapus I am signified;
  3. Nor dew (believe me!) 'twas nor hoary frost,
  4. But whatso gusheth of its own accord
  5. When I bethink me of a pathic god.
  1. Thou, who art 'customed to view around the walls of our temple
  2. Verse of a strain jocose rather than modest and chaste,
  3. Cease to be hurt by the song obscene, for verily ne'er was
  4. Wont our mentule to wear eyebrow up-drawn in surprise.
  1. A certain person, an thou please (Priapus!),
  2. Plays me, a girl with piles full many piled;
  3. And nor she gives me nor denies her gift,
  4. While for deferring ever finds she cause.
  5. But, if to 'joy her shall our lot befall,
  6. We will (Priapus!) gird thy total yard
  7. With the twin garlands to thy favours due.
  1. What be this pother? For what cause suspects
  2. My mind so many thieves will rob my garth,