Priapeia

Priaepia

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

  1. The way is closèd nor prone-fallen thief
  2. Can with his backside expiate his crime.
  3. Thus I who erstwhile ever, ever and aye
  4. Buttocks of plundering wights was wont to cleave,
  5. For many a night and day in idlesse stand.
  6. I also, suffering pains enough and more,
  7. Flow off in semen and a lecher whiles
  8. Unlive my life-tide. Who could ever think
  9. From lute the lutanist should cut him clear?
  10. But you, ereeld's marasmus do me dead,
  11. Desist, I pray you from vain diligence,
  12. Nor hang a buckle on Priapus' yard.
  1. The Gods and Goddesses deny thy teeth
  2. A bait, a whetting, neighbour cunnilinge!