Priapeia

Priaepia

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

  1. Scornèd departing, stole Priapus' self.
  1. Carved me no rustic boor his artless sickle a-plying:
  2. Here of the bailiff thou see'st noble and notable work;
  3. For that the wealthiest swain who owns the lands Caërétan
  4. (Hilarus) holds these hills sloping in sunniest folds.
  5. See with my well-shaped face how seem I not to be wooden,
  6. Nor do I bear belly-tools fitted for kitchen or fire:
  7. Nay; my perpetual yard of cypress perishing never
  8. Rises for ever and aye worthy the Phidian hand.
  9. You, O ye neighbours, I warn to adore me, holy Priapus,
  10. And to these acres twice seven show ye the highest respect.
  1. An thou would fain go filled thou mayest devour our Priapus;
  2. Even consume his yard--pure thou shalt ever remain.
  1. First a wild-fig-tree trunk was I, not useful as timber,
  2. When the mechanic in doubt anent making me stool or Priapus
  3. Chose me for being a god; so a god to the thieves and the birdies
  4. Direst of dreads I became, my right the robbers restraining,
  5. Eke with a ruddy pole from parts obscenely projected,
  6. While th' importunate fowls affrights a reed on my head-poll
  7. Planted, and hinders their flock from 'lighting in newly made gardens.