Priapeia

Priaepia

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

  1. Whenas in silent night that snow-hued boy
  2. To my warm bosom claspèd lay concealed,
  3. Venus was dormant nor in manly guise
  4. My sluggard prickle raised his senile head.
  5. Art pleased (Priapus!) under leafy tree
  6. Wont with vine-tendrils sacred sconce to wreathe
  7. And seat thee ruddy with thy ruddled yard?
  8. But, O Triphallus, oft with freshest flowers
  9. Artlessly garlanded thy brow we crowned
  10. And with loud shouting often drove from thee