Priapeia

Priaepia

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

  1. Nor Pear-fruits worthy such a risk to run,
  2. Nor Plum though yellower than wax virginal,
  3. Nor Sorb that stayeth slippery stomach-flux.
  4. My branches bear not best of Mulberries,
  5. Or oval Filbert men 'Avellan' clepe,
  6. Or Almond gleaming with a rosy flame.
  7. I greed not Coleworts or fine greens to grow,
  8. Or Beets of bigness by no garden borne,
  9. Or Scallion ever shooting at the head,
  10. Ne'er deem I any for the seed-full Gourd,
  11. Basil or Cucumbers aground bestrown,
  12. Come to my garth; or sessile Lettuces;
  13. Or that one nightly lustful Rockets rob,
  14. The Mint strong-smelling and the healthful Rue,
  15. The fibrous Garlic and the Onion sharp--
  16. Which all though safely fenced and hedged by us
  17. Not less are cultured in the neighbouring garths.
  18. Yet, these abandoning, to what grounds I worked
  19. (Most villainous of thieves!), you're fain to flock.
  20. Doubtless for open penalty ye come