Priapeia

Priaepia

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

  1. In fervid summer with the glowing grain,
  2. Then with green vine-shoot and the luscious bunch,
  3. And glaucous olive-tree in bitter cold.
  4. The dainty she-goat from my pasture bears
  5. Her milk-distended udders to the town:
  6. Out of my sheep-cotes ta'en the fatted lamb
  7. Sends home with silver right-hand heavily charged;
  8. And, while its mother lows, the tender calf
  9. Before the temples of the Gods must bleed.
  10. Hence of such Godhead (traveller!), stand in awe;
  11. Best it befits thee off to keep thy hands.