Priapeia
Priaepia
by divers poets in English verse and prose. Translated by Sir Richard Burton and Leonard C. Smithers
- Nor do I bear belly-tools fitted for kitchen or fire:
- Nay; my perpetual yard of cypress perishing never
- Rises for ever and aye worthy the Phidian hand.
- You, O ye neighbours, I warn to adore me, holy Priapus,
- And to these acres twice seven show ye the highest respect.
- An thou would fain go filled thou mayest devour our Priapus;
- Even consume his yard--pure thou shalt ever remain.
- First a wild-fig-tree trunk was I, not useful as timber,
- When the mechanic in doubt anent making me stool or Priapus
- Chose me for being a god; so a god to the thieves and the birdies
- Direst of dreads I became, my right the robbers restraining,