Priapeia

Priaepia

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

  1. Yet from this strangeness and shame could nothing ever avail us
  2. And such damage I deem better it were to repel.
  1. While there is life 'tis fitting to hope, O rustical guardian!
  2. Here be thou present and thou aid us, Priapus stiff-nerved.
  1. Bailiff of house whilom, now I of fieldlet the tiller;
  2. Perspectus, these fanes give (O Priapus!) to thee.
  3. So for such offices make I pact (if lawful, O Holy)
  4. Thou of this farm shalt bide ever-assiduous guard.
  5. And if a rogue come rob our field or venture to trespass
  6. Him thou may'st--Hush! for I know whatso shall follow thou know'st.
  1. What news be here? what send those angry gods?
  2. Whenas in silent night that snow-hued boy
  3. To my warm bosom claspèd lay concealed,
  4. Venus was dormant nor in manly guise