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text-align: left; text-indent: 0;} + .figcenter {margin: auto;} + .figright {float: right;} + .figleft {float: left;} + img.middle { border: none; vertical-align: middle } + + // --> + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus, by +Caius Valerius Catullus + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus + +Author: Caius Valerius Catullus + +Translator: Richard Burton + Leonard Smithers + +Release Date: March 3, 2007 [EBook #20732] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAIUS VALERIUS CATULLUS *** + + + + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Keith Edkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h4>The</h4> + +<h1>Carmina</h1> + +<h4>of</h4> + +<h2>Caius Valerius Catullus</h2> + +<h4>Now first completely Englished into Verse<br /> +and Prose, the Metrical Part by Capt.<br /> +Sir Richard F. Burton, R.C.M.G.,<br /> +F.R.G.S., etc., etc., etc., and the<br /> +Prose Portion, Introduction,<br /> +and Notes Explanatory<br /> +and Illustrative by<br /> +Leonard C.<br /> +Smithers</h4> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:30%;"> + <a href="images/mark.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/mark.png" + alt="Printers Mark" title="Printers Mark" /></a> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>LONDON: MDCCCXCIIII: PRINTED FOR THE TRANSLATORS:<br /> +IN ONE VOLUME: FOR PRIVATE SUBSCRIBERS ONLY</i></p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/frontis.jpg"><img style="width:100%" src="images/frontis.jpg" + alt="Frontispiece" title="Frontispiece" /></a> + </div> +<p><!-- Page v --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagev"></a>[v]</span></p> + +<hr class="full" > + + <p><span class="sc">Dear Mr. Smithers,</span></p> + + <p>By every right I ought to choose you to edit and bring out Sir Richard + Burton's translation of Catullus, because you collaborated with him on + this work by a correspondence of many months before he died. If I have + hesitated so long as to its production, it was because his notes, which + are mostly like pencilled cobwebs, strewn all over his Latin edition, + were headed, "<span class="scac">NEVER SHEW HALF-FINISHED WORK TO WOMEN + OR FOOLS</span>." The reason of this remark was, that in all his + writings, his first copy, his first thought, was always the best and the + most powerful. Like many a painter who will go on improving and touching + up his picture till he has destroyed the likeness, and the startling + realistic nature of his subject, so would Sir Richard go on weakening his + first copy by improvements, and then appeal to me to say which was the + best. I was almost invariably obliged, in conscience, to induce him to + stick to the first thought, which had grasped the whole meaning like a + flash. These notes were made in a most curious way. He used to bring his + Latin Catullus down to <i>table d'hôte</i> with him, and he used to come + and sit by me, but the moment he got a person on the other side, who did + not interest him, he used to whisper to me, "Talk, <!-- Page vi --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="pagevi"></a>[vi]</span>that I may do my + Catullus," and between the courses he wrote what I now give you. The + public school-boy is taught that the Atys was unique in subject and + metre, that it was the greatest and most remarkable poem in Latin + literature, famous for the fiery vehemence of the Greek dithyramb, that + it was the only specimen in Latin of the Galliambic measure, so called, + because sung by the Gallæ—and I suspect that the school-boy now + learns that there are half a dozen others, which you can doubtless name. + To <i>my</i> mind the gems of the whole translation are the Epithalamium + or Epos of the marriage of Vinia and Manlius, and the Parcae in that of + Peleus and Thetis. Sir Richard laid great stress on the following in his + notes, headed "Compare with Catullus, the sweet and tender little + Villanelle, by Mr. Edmund Gosse," for the Viol and Flute—the XIX + cent. with the I<sup>st.</sup></p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Little mistress mine, good-bye!</p> + <p class="i2">I have been your sparrow true;</p> + <p>Dig my grave, for I must die.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Waste no tear, and heave no sigh;</p> + <p class="i2">Life should still be blithe for you,</p> + <p>Little mistress mine, good-bye!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>In your garden let me lie</p> + <p class="i2">Underneath the pointed yew,</p> + <p>Dig my grave, for I must die.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We have loved the quiet sky</p> + <p class="i2">With its tender arch of blue;</p> + <p>Little mistress mine, good-bye!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page vii --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagevii"></a>[vii]</span> + <p>That I still may feel you nigh,</p> + <p class="i2">In your virgin bosom, too,</p> + <p>Dig my grave, for I must die.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Let our garden friends that fly</p> + <p class="i2">Be the mourners, fit and few.</p> + <p>Little mistress mine, good-bye!</p> + <p class="i2">Dig my grave, for I must die."</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Sir Richard seriously began his Catullus on Feb. 18th, 1890, at Hamman + R'irha, in North Africa. He had finished the first rough copy on March + 31st, 1890, at Trieste. He made a second copy beginning May 23rd, 1890, + at Trieste, which was finished July 21st, 1890, at Zurich. He then writes + a margin. "Work incomplete, but as soon as I receive Mr. Smithers' prose, + I will fill in the words I now leave in stars, in order that we may not + use the same expressions, and I will then make a third, fair, and + complete copy." But, alas! then he was surprised by Death.</p> + + <p>I am afraid that Sir Richard's readers may be disappointed to find + that, unlike Mr. Grant Allen, there is no excursus on the origin of + Tree-worship, and therefore that, perhaps, through ignorance, I have + omitted something. Sir Richard did write in the sixties and seventies on + Tree-alphabets, the Ogham Runes and El Mushajjar, the Arabic + Tree-alphabet,—and had theories and opinions as to its origin; but + he did not, I know, connect them in any way, however remote, with + Catullus. I therefore venture to think you will quite agree with me, <!-- + Page viii --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="pageviii"></a>[viii]</span>that they have no business here, but + should appear in connection with my future work, "Labours and Wisdom of + Sir Richard Burton."</p> + + <p>All these three and a half years, I have hesitated what to do, but + after seeing other men's translations, his <i>incomplete</i> work is, in + my humble estimation, too good to be consigned to oblivion, so that I + will no longer defer to send you a type-written copy, and to ask you to + bring it through the press, supplying the Latin text, and adding thereto + your own prose, which we never saw.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">Yours truly,</p> + + <p class="author"><span class="sc">Isabel Burton.</span> + + <p><i>July 11th, 1894.</i></p> + +<p><!-- Page ix --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pageix"></a>[ix]</span></p> + +<hr class="full" > + +<h3>FOREWORD</h3> + + <p>A scholar lively, remembered to me, that <i>Catullus</i> translated + word for word, is an anachronism, and that a literal English rendering in + the nineteenth century could be true to the poet's letter, but false to + his spirit. I was compelled to admit that something of this is true; but + it is not the whole truth. "Consulting modern taste" means really a mere + imitation, a re-cast of the ancient past in modern material. It is + presenting the toga'd citizen, rough, haughty, and careless of any + approbation not his own, in the costume of to-day,—boiled shirt, + dove-tailed coat, black-cloth clothes, white pocket-handkerchief, and + diamond ring. Moreover, of these transmogrifications we have already + enough and to spare. But we have not, as far as I know, any version of + Catullus which can transport the English reader from the teachings of our + century to that preceding the Christian Era. As discovery is mostly my + mania, I have hit upon a bastard-urging to indulge it, by a presenting to + the public of certain classics in the nude Roman poetry, like the Arab, + and of the same date....</p> + + <p class="author"><span class="sc">Richard F. Burton.</span> + + <p class="address"><i>Trieste, 1890.</i> + +<p><!-- Page x --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagex"></a>[x]</span></p> + +<blockquote class="b1n"> + + <p>[The Foreword just given is an unfinished pencilling on the margin of + Sir Richard's Latin text of Catullus. I reproduce below, a portion of his + Foreword to a previous translation from the Latin on which we + collaborated and which was issued in the summer of 1890.—L. C. + S.]</p> + +</blockquote> + + <p>A 'cute French publisher lately remarked to me that, as a rule, + versions in verse are as enjoyable to the writer as they are unenjoyed by + the reader, who vehemently doubts their truth and trustworthiness. These + pages hold in view one object sole and simple, namely, to prove that a + translation, metrical and literal, may be true and may be + trustworthy.</p> + + <p>As I told the public (Camoens: Life and Lusiads ii. 185-198), it has + ever been my ambition to reverse the late Mr. Matthew Arnold's peremptory + dictum:—"In a verse translation no original work is any longer + recognisable." And here I may be allowed to borrow from my Supplemental + Arabian Nights (Vol. vi., Appendix pp. 411-412, a book known to few and + never to be reprinted) my vision of the ideal translation which should + not be relegated to the Limbus of Intentions.</p> + + <p>"My estimate of a translator's office has never been of the low level + generally assigned to it even in the days when Englishmen were in the + habit of translating every work, interesting or important, published out + of England, and of thus giving a continental and cosmopolitan flavour to + their literature. We cannot at this period expect much from a 'man of + letters' who must produce a monthly volume for a pittance of £20: of him + we need not speak. But the translator at his best, works, when + reproducing the matter and the manner of his original, upon two distinct + lines. His prime and primary object is to please his reader, edifying him + and gratifying his <!-- Page xi --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="pagexi"></a>[xi]</span>taste; the second is to produce an honest + and faithful copy, adding naught to the sense or abating aught of its + especial <i>cachet</i>. He has, however, or should have, another aim + wherein is displayed the acme of hermeneutic art. Every language can + profitably lend something to and take somewhat from its + neighbours—an epithet, a metaphor, a naïf idiom, a turn of phrase. + And the translator of original mind who notes the innumerable shades of + tone, manner and complexion will not neglect the frequent opportunities + of enriching his mother-tongue with novel and alien ornaments which shall + justly be accounted barbarisms until formally naturalized and adopted. + Nor will any modern versionist relegate to a foot-note, as is the + malpractice of his banal brotherhood, the striking and often startling + phases of the foreign author's phraseology and dull the text with + well-worn and commonplace English equivalents, thus doing the clean + reverse of what he should do. It was this <i>beau idéal</i> of a + translator's success which made Eustache Deschamps write of his + contemporary and brother bard,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><i>Grand Translateur, noble Geoffroy Chaucier.</i></p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Here</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>'The firste finder of our fair langage'</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>is styled 'a Socrates in philosophy, a Seneca in morals, an Angel in + conduct and a great Translator,'—a seeming anti-climax which has + scandalized not a little sundry inditers of 'Lives' and 'Memoirs.' The + title is no bathos: it is given simply because Chaucer <i>translated</i> + (using the term in its best and highest sense) into his pure, simple and + strong English tongue with all its linguistic peculiarities, the thoughts + and fancies of his foreign models, the very letter and spirit of Petrarch + and Boccaccio."</p> + + <p>For the humble literary status of translation in modern England and + for the short-comings of the <!-- Page xii --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="pagexii"></a>[xii]</span>average English translator, public taste + or rather caprice is mainly to be blamed. The "general reader," the man + not in the street but the man who makes up the educated mass, greatly + relishes a novelty in the way of "plot" or story or catastrophe while he + has a natural dislike to novelties of style and diction, demanding a + certain dilution of the unfamiliar with the familiar. Hence our + translations in verse, especially when rhymed, become for the most part + deflorations or excerpts, adaptations or periphrases more or less + meritorious and the "translator" was justly enough dubbed "traitor" by + critics of the severer sort. And he amply deserves the injurious name + when ignorance of his original's language perforce makes him pander to + popular prescription.</p> + + <p>But the good time which has long been coming seems now to have come. + The home reader will no longer put up with the careless caricatures of + classical chefs d'œuvre which satisfied his old-fashioned + predecessor. Our youngers, in most points our seniors, now expect the + translation not only to interpret the sense of the original but also, + when the text lends itself to such treatment, to render it <i>verbatim et + literatim</i>, nothing being increased or diminished, curtailed or + expanded. Moreover, in the choicer passages, they so far require an echo + of the original music that its melody and harmony should be suggested to + their mind. Welcomed also are the mannerisms of the translator's model as + far as these aid in preserving, under the disguise of another dialect, + the individuality of the foreigner and his peculiar costume.</p> + + <p>That this high ideal of translation is at length becoming popular now + appears in our literature. The "Villon Society," when advertizing the + novels of Matteo Bandello, Bishop of Agen, justly remarks of the + translator, Mr. John Payne, that his previous works have proved him to + possess special qualifications for "the delicate and difficult task of + transferring into his own <!-- Page xiii --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="pagexiii"></a>[xiii]</span>language at once the savour and the + substance, the matter and the manner of works of the highest + individuality, conceived and executed in a foreign language."</p> + + <p>In my version of hexameters and pentameters I have not shirked the + metre although it is strangely out of favour in English literature while + we read it and enjoy it in German. There is little valid reason for our + aversion; the rhythm has been made familiar to our ears by long courses + of Greek and Latin and the rarity of spondaic feet is assuredly to be + supplied by art and artifice.</p> + + <p>And now it is time for farewelling my friends:—we may no longer + (alas!) address them, with the ingenuous Ancient in the imperative</p> + +<p class="cenhead">Vos Plaudite.</p> + + <p class="author"><span class="sc">Richard F. Burton.</span> + + <p class="address"><i>July, 1890.</i> + +<p><!-- Page xiv --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagexiv"></a>[xiv]</span></p> + +<p><!-- Page xv --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagexv"></a>[xv]</span></p> + +<hr class="full" > + +<h3>INTRODUCTION</h3> + + <p>The present translation was jointly undertaken by the late Sir Richard + Burton and myself in 1890, some months before his sudden and lamented + death. We had previously put into English, and privately printed, a body + of verse from the Latin, and our aim was to follow it with literal and + unexpurgated renderings of Catullus, Juvenal, and Ausonius, from the same + tongue. Sir Richard laid great stress on the necessity of thoroughly + annotating each translation from an erotic (and especially a paederastic) + point of view, but subsequent circumstances caused me to abandon that + intention.</p> + + <p>The Latin text of Catullus printed in this volume is that of Mueller + (<span class="scac">A.D.</span> 1885), which Sir Richard Burton chose as + the basis for our translation, and to that text I have mainly adhered. On + some few occasions, however, I have slightly deviated from it, and, + although I have consulted Owen and Postgate, in such cases I have usually + followed Robinson Ellis.</p> + + <p>Bearing in mind my duty to the reader as well as to the author, I have + aimed at producing a readable translation, and yet as literal a version + (castrating no passages) as the dissimilarity in idiom of the two <!-- + Page xvi --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="pagexvi"></a>[xvi]</span>languages, Latin and English, permit; and + I claim for this volume that it is the first literal and complete English + translation as yet issued of Catullus. The translations into English + verse which I have consulted are <i>The Adventures of Catullus, and the + History of his Amours with Lesbia</i> (done from the French, 1707), Nott, + Lamb, Fleay, (privately printed, 1864), Hart-Davies, Shaw, Cranstoun, + Martin, Grant Allen, and Ellis. Of these, none has been helpful to me + save Professor Robinson Ellis's <i>Poems and Fragments of Catullus + translated in the metres of the original</i>,—a most excellent and + scholarly version, to which I owe great indebtedness for many a + felicitous expression. I have also used Dr. Nott freely in my + annotations. The only English prose translation of which I have any + knowledge is the one in Bohn's edition of Catullus, and this, in addition + to being bowdlerized, is in a host of passages more a paraphrase than a + literal translation.</p> + + <p>I have not thought it needful in any case to point out my deviations + from Mueller's text, and I have cleared the volume of all the load of + mythological and historical notes which are usually appended to a + translation of a classic, contenting myself with referring the + non-classical reader to Bohn's edition of the poet.</p> + + <p>Of the boldness of Sir Richard Burton's experiment of a metrical and + linear translation there can be no question; and on the whole he has + succeeded <!-- Page xvii --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="pagexvii"></a>[xvii]</span>in proving his contention as to its + possibility, though it must be confessed that it is at times at the cost + of obscurity, or of inversions of sentences which certainly are compelled + to lay claim to a poet's license. It must, however, be borne in mind that + in a letter to me just before his death, he expressed his intention of + going entirely through the work afresh, on receiving my prose, adding + that it needed "a power of polishing."</p> + + <p>To me has fallen the task of editing Sir Richard's share in this + volume from a type-written copy literally swarming with copyist's errors. + With respect to the occasional lacunae which appear, I can merely state + that Lady Burton has repeatedly assured me that she has furnished me with + a faithful copy of her husband's translation, and that the words omitted + (which are here indicated by full points, not asterisks) were <i>not</i> + filled in by him, because he was first awaiting my translation with the + view of our not using similar expressions. However, Lady Burton has + without any reason consistently refused me even a glance at his MS.; and + in our previous work from the Latin I did not find Sir Richard trouble + himself in the least concerning our using like expressions.</p> + + <p>The frontispiece to this volume is reproduced from the statue which + stands over the Palazzo di Consiglio, the Council House at Verona, which + is the only representation of Catullus extant.</p> + + <p class="author"><span class="sc">Leonard C. Smithers.</span> + + <p class="address"><i>July 11th, 1894.</i> + +<p><!-- Page xviii --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagexviii"></a>[xviii]</span></p> + +<p><!-- Page xix --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagexix"></a>[xix]</span></p> + +<hr class="full" > + +<h3>CONTENTS</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I.—DEDICATION TO CORNELIUS NEPOS ... <a href="#page1">1</a></p> + <p>II.—LESBIA'S SPARROW ... <a href="#page3">3</a></p> + <p>III.—ON THE DEATH OF LESBIA'S SPARROW ... <a href="#page4">4</a></p> + <p>IIII.—ON HIS PINNACE ... <a href="#page7">7</a></p> + <p>V.—TO LESBIA, (OF LESBOS—CLODIA?) ... <a href="#page9">9</a></p> + <p>VI.—TO FLAVIUS: MIS-SPEAKING HIS MISTRESS ... <a href="#page10">10</a></p> + <p>VII.—TO LESBIA STILL BELOVED ... <a href="#page12">12</a></p> + <p>VIII.—TO HIMSELF, RECOUNTING LESBIA'S INCONSTANCY ... <a href="#page14">14</a></p> + <p>VIIII.—TO VERANIUS RETURNED FROM TRAVEL ... <a href="#page15">15</a></p> + <p>X.—HE MEETS VARUS AND MISTRESS ... <a href="#page17">17</a></p> + <p>XI.—A PARTING INSULT TO LESBIA ... <a href="#page20">20</a></p> + <p>XII.—TO M. ASINIUS WHO STOLE NAPERY ... <a href="#page23">23</a></p> + <p>XIII.—FABULLUS IS INVITED TO A POET'S SUPPER ... <a href="#page24">24</a></p> + <p>XIIII.—TO CALVUS, ACKNOWLEDGING HIS POEMS ... <a href="#page26">26</a></p> + <p>XV.—TO AURELIUS—HANDS OFF THE BOY! ... <a href="#page29">29</a></p> + <p>XVI.—TO AURELIUS AND FURIUS, IN DEFENCE OF HIS MUSE'S HONESTY ... <a href="#page31">31</a></p> + <p>XVII.—OF A "PREDESTINED" HUSBAND ... <a href="#page33">33</a></p> + <p>XVIII.—TO PRIAPUS, THE GARDEN-GOD ... <a href="#page36">36</a></p> + <p>XVIIII.—TO PRIAPUS ... <a href="#page37">37</a></p> + <p>XX.—TO PRIAPUS ... <a href="#page40">40</a></p> + <p>XXI.—TO AURELIUS THE SKINFLINT ... <a href="#page42">42</a></p> + <p>XXII.—TO VARUS, ABUSING SUFFENUS ... <a href="#page44">44</a></p> +<!-- Page xx --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagexx"></a>[xx]</span> + <p>XXIII.—TO FURIUS, SATIRICALLY PRAISING HIS POVERTY ... <a href="#page46">46</a></p> + <p>XXIIII.—TO JUVENTIUS CONCERNING THE CHOICE OF A FRIEND ... <a href="#page48">48</a></p> + <p>XXV.—ADDRESS TO THALLUS, THE NAPERY-THIEF ... <a href="#page50">50</a></p> + <p>XXVI.—CATULLUS CONCERNING HIS VILLA ... <a href="#page51">51</a></p> + <p>XXVII.—TO HIS CUP-BOY ... <a href="#page52">52</a></p> + <p>XXVIII.—TO FRIENDS ON RETURN FROM TRAVEL ... <a href="#page53">53</a></p> + <p>XXVIIII.—TO CÆSAR, OF MAMURRA—CALLED MENTULA ... <a href="#page54">54</a></p> + <p>XXX.—TO ALFENUS THE PERJURER ... <a href="#page57">57</a></p> + <p>XXXI.—ON RETURN TO SIRMIO AND HIS VILLA ... <a href="#page59">59</a></p> + <p>XXXII.—CRAVING IPSITHILLA'S LAST FAVOURS ... <a href="#page60">60</a></p> + <p>XXXIII.—ON THE VIBENII—BATH-THIEVES ... <a href="#page61">61</a></p> + <p>XXXIIII.—HYMN TO DIANA ... <a href="#page63">63</a></p> + <p>XXXV.—AN INVITATION TO POET CECILIUS ... <a href="#page65">65</a></p> + <p>XXXVI.—ON "THE ANNALS"—A SO-CALLED POEM OF VOLUSIUS ... <a href="#page67">67</a></p> + <p>XXXVII.—TO THE FREQUENTERS OF A LOW TAVERN ... <a href="#page69">69</a></p> + <p>XXXVIII.—A COMPLAINT TO CORNIFICIUS ... <a href="#page71">71</a></p> + <p>XXXVIIII.—ON EGNATIUS OF THE WHITE TEETH ... <a href="#page72">72</a></p> + <p>XXXX.—THREATENING RAVIDUS WHO STOLE HIS MISTRESS ... <a href="#page74">74</a></p> + <p>XXXXI.—ON MAMURRA'S MISTRESS ... <a href="#page75">75</a></p> + <p>XXXXII.—ON A STRUMPET WHO STOLE HIS TABLETS ... <a href="#page77">77</a></p> + <p>XXXXIII.—TO MAMURRA'S MISTRESS ... <a href="#page79">79</a></p> + <p>XXXXIIII.—CATULLUS TO HIS OWN FARM ... <a href="#page80">80</a></p> + <p>XXXXV.—ON ACME AND SEPTUMIUS ... <a href="#page82">82</a></p> + <p>XXXXVI.—HIS ADIEUX TO BITHYNIA ... <a href="#page85">85</a></p> + <p>XXXXVII.—TO PORCIUS AND SOCRATION ... <a href="#page86">86</a></p> + <p>XXXXVIII.—TO JUVENTIUS ... <a href="#page87">87</a></p> + <p>XXXXVIIII.—TO MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO ... <a href="#page87">87</a></p> + <p>L.—TO HIS FRIEND LICINIUS ... <a href="#page89">89</a></p> +<!-- Page xxi --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagexxi"></a>[xxi]</span> + <p>LI.—TO LESBIA ... <a href="#page91">91</a></p> + <p>LII.—CATULLUS TO HIMSELF ... <a href="#page92">92</a></p> + <p>LIII.—A JEST CONCERNING CALVUS ... <a href="#page93">93</a></p> + <p>LIIII.—TO JULIUS CÆSAR (?) ... <a href="#page94">94</a></p> + <p>LV.—-OF HIS FRIEND CAMERIUS ... <a href="#page96">96</a></p> + <p>LVI.—TO CATO, DESCRIBING A "BLACK JOKER" ... <a href="#page98">98</a></p> + <p>LVII.—ON MAMURRA AND JULIUS CÆSAR ... <a href="#page99">99</a></p> + <p>LVIII.—ON LESBIA WHO ENDED BADLY ... <a href="#page100">100</a></p> + <p>LVIIII.—ON RUFA ... <a href="#page101">101</a></p> + <p>LX.—TO A CRUEL CHARMER ... <a href="#page101">101</a></p> + <p>LXI.—EPITHALAMIUM ON VINIA AND MANLIUS ... <a href="#page110">110</a></p> + <p>LXII.—NUPTIAL SONG BY YOUTHS AND DAMSELS (EPITHALAMIUM) ... <a href="#page127">127</a></p> + <p>LXIII.—THE ADVENTURES OF ATYS ... <a href="#page138">138</a></p> + <p>LXIIII.—MARRIAGE OF PELEUS AND THETIS (FRAGMENT OF AN EPOS) ... <a href="#page162">162</a></p> + <p>LXV.—TO HORTALUS LAMENTING A LOST BROTHER ... <a href="#page204">204</a></p> + <p>LXVI.—(LOQUITUR) BERENICE'S LOCK ... <a href="#page210">210</a></p> + <p>LXVII.—DIALOGUE CONCERNING CATULLUS AT A HARLOT'S DOOR ... <a href="#page221">221</a></p> + <p>LXVIII.—TO MANIUS ON VARIOUS MATTERS ... <a href="#page232">232</a></p> + <p>LXVIIII.—TO RUFUS THE FETID ... <a href="#page248">248</a></p> + <p>LXX.—ON WOMAN'S INCONSTANCY ... <a href="#page249">249</a></p> + <p>LXXI.—TO VERRO ... <a href="#page250">250</a></p> + <p>LXXII.—TO LESBIA THE FALSE ... <a href="#page251">251</a></p> + <p>LXXIII.—OF AN INGRATE ... <a href="#page252">252</a></p> + <p>LXXIIII.—OF GELLIUS ... <a href="#page253">253</a></p> + <p>LXXVII.—TO RUFUS, THE TRAITOR FRIEND ... <a href="#page254">254</a></p> + <p>LXXVIII.—OF GALLUS ... <a href="#page255">255</a></p> + <p>LXXVIIII.—OF LESBIUS ... <a href="#page256">256</a></p> + <p>LXXX.—TO GELLIUS ... <a href="#page257">257</a></p> + <p>LXXXI.—TO JUVENTIUS ... <a href="#page258">258</a></p> +<!-- Page xxii --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagexxii"></a>[xxii]</span> + <p>LXXXII.—TO QUINTIUS ... <a href="#page259">259</a></p> + <p>LXXXIII.—OF LESBIA'S HUSBAND ... <a href="#page260">260</a></p> + <p>LXXXIIII.—OF ARRIUS, A ROMAN 'ARRY ... <a href="#page261">261</a></p> + <p>LXXXV.—HOW THE POET LOVES ... <a href="#page262">262</a></p> + <p>LXXXVI.—OF QUINTIA ... <a href="#page263">263</a></p> + <p>LXXXVII., LXXV.—TO LESBIA ... <a href="#page264">264</a></p> + <p>LXXVI.—IN SELF-GRATULATION ... <a href="#page266">266</a></p> + <p>LXXXVIII.—TO GELLIUS ... <a href="#page269">269</a></p> + <p>LXXXVIIII.—ON GELLIUS ... <a href="#page270">270</a></p> + <p>LXXXX.—ON GELLIUS ... <a href="#page271">271</a></p> + <p>LXXXXI.—TO GELLIUS ... <a href="#page272">272</a></p> + <p>LXXXXII.—ON LESBIA ... <a href="#page273">273</a></p> + <p>LXXXXIII.—ON JULIUS CÆSAR ... <a href="#page274">274</a></p> + <p>LXXXXIIII.—AGAINST MENTULA (MAMURRA) ... <a href="#page275">275</a></p> + <p>LXXXXV.—ON THE "ZMYRNA" OF THE POET CINNA ... <a href="#page275">275</a></p> + <p>LXXXXVI.—TO CALVUS, ANENT THE DEAD QUARTILLA ... <a href="#page277">277</a></p> + <p>LXXXXVII.—ON ÆMILIUS THE FOUL ... <a href="#page278">278</a></p> + <p>LXXXXVIII.—TO VICTIUS THE STINKARD ... <a href="#page279">279</a></p> + <p>LXXXXVIIII.—TO JUVENTIUS ... <a href="#page281">281</a></p> + <p>C.—ON CÆLIUS AND QUINTIUS ... <a href="#page283">283</a></p> + <p>CI.—ON THE BURIAL OF HIS BROTHER ... <a href="#page284">284</a></p> + <p>CII.—TO CORNELIUS ... <a href="#page285">285</a></p> + <p>CIII.—TO SILO ... <a href="#page286">286</a></p> + <p>CIIII.—CONCERNING LESBIA ... <a href="#page287">287</a></p> + <p>CV.—ON MAMURRA ... <a href="#page287">287</a></p> + <p>CVI.—THE AUCTIONEER AND THE FAIR BOY ... <a href="#page288">288</a></p> + <p>CVII.—TO LESBIA RECONCILED ... <a href="#page288">288</a></p> + <p>CVIII.—ON COMINIUS ... <a href="#page290">290</a></p> + <p>CVIIII.—TO LESBIA ON HER VOW OF CONSTANCY ... <a href="#page291">291</a></p> + <p>CX.—TO AUFILENA ... <a href="#page292">292</a></p> + <p>CXI.—TO THE SAME ... <a href="#page293">293</a></p> +<!-- Page xxiii --><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagexxiii"></a>[xxiii]</span> + <p>CXII.—ON NASO ... <a href="#page293">293</a></p> + <p>CXIII.—TO CINNA ... <a href="#page294">294</a></p> + <p>CXIIII.—ON MAMURRA'S SQUANDERING ... <a href="#page295">295</a></p> + <p>CXV.—OF THE SAME ... <a href="#page296">296</a></p> + <p>CXVI.—TO GELLIUS THE CRITIC ... <a href="#page297">297</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>NOTES ILLUSTRATIVE AND EXPLANATORY ... <a href="#page299">299</a></p> + </div> + </div> +<hr class="full" > + +<p><!-- Page 1 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page1"></a>[1]</span></p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:40%;"> + <a href="images/heading.png"><img style="width:100%" src="images/heading.png" + alt="Decorative Heading" title="Decorative Heading" /></a> + </div> +<h2>The Carmina</h2> + +<p class="cenhead">OF</p> + +<h2>Caius Valerius Catullus</h2> + +<hr class="short" > + +<h3>C. VALERII CATVLLI</h3> + +<p class="cenhead">LIBER.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">I.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quoi dono lepidum novom libellum</p> + <p>Arida modo pumice expolitum?</p> + <p>Corneli, tibi: namque tu solebas</p> + <p>Meas esse aliquid putare nugas,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Iam tum cum ausus es unus Italorum</p> + <p>Omne aevum tribus explicare chartis</p> + <p>Doctis, Iuppiter, et laboriosis.</p> + <p>Quare habe tibi quidquid hoc libelli,</p> + <p>Qualecumque, quod o patrona virgo,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Plus uno maneat perenne saeclo.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">I.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Dedication to Cornelius Nepos.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Now smooth'd to polish due with pumice dry</p> + <p>Whereto this lively booklet new give I?</p> +<!-- Page 2 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page2"></a>[2]</span> + <p>To thee (Cornelius!); for wast ever fain</p> + <p>To deem my trifles somewhat boon contain;</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>E'en when thou single 'mongst Italians found</p> + <p>Daredst all periods in three Scripts expound</p> + <p>Learned (by Jupiter!) elaborately.</p> + <p>Then take thee whatso in this booklet be,</p> + <p>Such as it is, whereto O Patron Maid</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>To live down Ages lend thou lasting aid!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>To whom inscribe my dainty tome—just out and with ashen pumice + polished? Cornelius, to thee! for thou wert wont to deem my triflings of + account, and at a time when thou alone of Italians didst dare unfold the + ages' abstract in three chronicles—learned, by Jupiter!—and + most laboriously writ. Wherefore take thou this booklet, such as 'tis, + and O Virgin Patroness, may it outlive generations more than one.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">II.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Passer, deliciae meae puellae,</p> + <p>Quicum ludere, quem in sinu tenere,</p> + <p>Quoi primum digitum dare adpetenti</p> + <p>Et acris solet incitare morsus,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Cum desiderio meo nitenti</p> + <p>Carum nescioquid libet iocari</p> + <p>Vt solaciolum sui doloris,</p> + <p>Credo ut iam gravis acquiescat ardor:</p> + <p>Tecum ludere sicut ipsa possem</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Et tristis animi levare curas!</p> + <p> * * * *</p> +<!-- Page 3 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page3"></a>[3]</span> + <p>Tam gratumst mihi quam ferunt puellae</p> + <p>Pernici aureolum fuisse malum,</p> + <p>Quod zonam soluit diu ligatam.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">II.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Lesbia's Sparrow.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Sparrow! my pet's delicious joy,</p> + <p>Wherewith in bosom nurst to toy</p> + <p>She loves, and gives her finger-tip</p> + <p>For sharp-nib'd greeding neb to nip,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Were she who my desire withstood</p> + <p>To seek some pet of merry mood,</p> + <p>As crumb o' comfort for her grief,</p> + <p>Methinks her burning lowe's relief:</p> + <p>Could I, as plays she, play with thee,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>That mind might win from misery free!</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>To me t'were grateful (as they say),</p> + <p>Gold codling was to fleet-foot May,</p> + <p>Whose long-bound zone it loosed for aye.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Sparrow, petling of my girl, with which she wantons, which she presses + to her bosom, and whose eager peckings is accustomed to incite by + stretching forth her forefinger, when my bright-hued beautiful one is + pleased to jest in manner light as (perchance) a solace for her heart + ache, thus methinks she allays love's pressing heats! Would that in + manner like, I were able with thee to sport and sad cares of mind to + lighten!</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> * * * *</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 4 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page4"></a>[4]</span></p> + + <p>This were gracious to me as in story old to the maiden fleet of foot + was the apple golden-fashioned which unloosed her girdle long-time + girt.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">III.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lugete, o Veneres Cupidinesque,</p> + <p>Et quantumst hominum venustiorum.</p> + <p>Passer mortuus est meae puellae,</p> + <p>Passer, deliciae meae puellae,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Quem plus illa oculis suis amabat:</p> + <p>Nam mellitus erat suamque norat</p> + <p>Ipsa tam bene quam puella matrem</p> + <p>Nec sese a gremio illius movebat,</p> + <p>Sed circumsiliens modo huc modo illuc</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Ad solam dominam usque pipiabat.</p> + <p>Qui nunc it per iter tenebricosum</p> + <p>Illuc, unde negant redire quemquam.</p> + <p>At vobis male sit, malae tenebrae</p> + <p>Orci, quae omnia bella devoratis:</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Tam bellum mihi passerem abstulistis.</p> + <p>O factum male! io miselle passer!</p> + <p>Tua nunc opera meae puellae</p> + <p>Flendo turgiduli rubent ocelli.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">III.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On the Death of Lesbia's Sparrow.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Weep every Venus, and all Cupids wail,</p> + <p>And men whose gentler spirits still prevail.</p> + <p>Dead is the Sparrow of my girl, the joy,</p> +<!-- Page 5 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page5"></a>[5]</span> + <p>Sparrow, my sweeting's most delicious toy,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Whom loved she dearer than her very eyes;</p> + <p>For he was honeyed-pet and anywise</p> + <p>Knew her, as even she her mother knew;</p> + <p>Ne'er from her bosom's harbourage he flew</p> + <p>But 'round her hopping here, there, everywhere,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Piped he to none but her his lady fair.</p> + <p>Now must he wander o'er the darkling way</p> + <p>Thither, whence life-return the Fates denay.</p> + <p>But ah! beshrew you, evil Shadows low'ring</p> + <p>In Orcus ever loveliest things devouring:</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Who bore so pretty a Sparrow fro' her ta'en.</p> + <p>(Oh hapless birdie and Oh deed of bane!)</p> + <p>Now by your wanton work my girl appears</p> + <p>With turgid eyelids tinted rose by tears.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Mourn ye, O ye Loves and Cupids and all men of gracious mind. Dead is + the sparrow of my girl, sparrow, sweetling of my girl. Which more than + her eyes she loved; for sweet as honey was it and its mistress knew, as + well as damsel knoweth her own mother nor from her bosom did it rove, but + hopping round first one side then the other, to its mistress alone it + evermore did chirp. Now does it fare along that path of shadows whence + naught may e'er return. Ill be to ye, savage glooms of Orcus, which + swallow up all things of fairness: which have snatched away from me the + comely sparrow. O deed of bale! O sparrow sad of plight! Now on thy + account my girl's sweet eyes, swollen, do redden with tear-drops. <!-- + Page 6 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page6"></a>[6]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">IIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Phaselus ille, quem videtis, hospites,</p> + <p>Ait fuisse navium celerrimus,</p> + <p>Neque ullius natantis impetum trabis</p> + <p>Nequisse praeter ire, sive palmulis</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Opus foret volare sive linteo.</p> + <p>Et hoc negat minacis Adriatici</p> + <p>Negare litus insulasve Cycladas</p> + <p>Rhodumque nobilem horridamque Thraciam</p> + <p>Propontida trucemve Ponticum sinum,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Vbi iste post phaselus antea fuit</p> + <p>Comata silva: nam Cytorio in iugo</p> + <p>Loquente saepe sibilum edidit coma.</p> + <p>Amastri Pontica et Cytore buxifer,</p> + <p>Tibi haec fuisse et esse cognitissima</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Ait phaselus: ultima ex origine</p> + <p>Tuo stetisse dicit in cacumine,</p> + <p>Tuo imbuisse palmulas in aequore,</p> + <p>Et inde tot per inpotentia freta</p> + <p>Erum tulisse, laeva sive dextera</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Vocaret aura, sive utrumque Iuppiter</p> + <p>Simul secundus incidisset in pedem;</p> + <p>Neque ulla vota litoralibus deis</p> + <p>Sibi esse facta, cum veniret a marei</p> + <p>Novissime hunc ad usque limpidum lacum.</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Sed haec prius fuere: nunc recondita</p> + <p>Senet quiete seque dedicat tibi,</p> + <p>Gemelle Castor et gemelle Castoris.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 7 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page7"></a>[7]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">IIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On his Pinnace.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Yonder Pinnace ye (my guests!) behold</p> + <p>Saith she was erstwhile fleetest-fleet of crafts,</p> + <p>Nor could by swiftness of aught plank that swims,</p> + <p>Be she outstripped, whether paddle plied,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Or fared she scudding under canvas-sail.</p> + <p>Eke she defieth threat'ning Adrian shore,</p> + <p>Dare not denay her, insular Cyclades,</p> + <p>And noble Rhodos and ferocious Thrace,</p> + <p>Propontis too and blustering Pontic bight.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Where she (my Pinnace now) in times before,</p> + <p>Was leafy woodling on Cytórean Chine</p> + <p>For ever loquent lisping with her leaves.</p> + <p>Pontic Amastris! Box-tree-clad Cytórus!</p> + <p>Cognisant were ye, and you weet full well</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>(So saith my Pinnace) how from earliest age</p> + <p>Upon your highmost-spiring peak she stood,</p> + <p>How in your waters first her sculls were dipt,</p> + <p>And thence thro' many and many an important strait</p> + <p>She bore her owner whether left or right,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Where breezes bade her fare, or Jupiter deigned</p> + <p>At once propitious strike the sail full square;</p> + <p>Nor to the sea-shore gods was aught of vow</p> + <p>By her deemed needful, when from Ocean's bourne</p> + <p>Extreme she voyaged for this limpid lake.</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Yet were such things whilome: now she retired</p> + <p>In quiet age devotes herself to thee</p> + <p>(O twin-born Castor) twain with Castor's twin.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 8 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page8"></a>[8]</span></p> + + <p>That pinnace which ye see, my friends, says that it was the speediest + of boats, nor any craft the surface skimming but it could gain the lead, + whether the course were gone o'er with plashing oars or bended sail. And + this the menacing Adriatic shores may not deny, nor may the Island + Cyclades, nor noble Rhodes and bristling Thrace, Propontis nor the gusty + Pontic gulf, where itself (afterwards a pinnace to become) erstwhile was + a foliaged clump; and oft on Cytorus' ridge hath this foliage announced + itself in vocal rustling. And to thee, Pontic Amastris, and to + box-screened Cytorus, the pinnace vows that this was alway and yet is of + common knowledge most notorious; states that from its primal being it + stood upon thy topmost peak, dipped its oars in thy waters, and bore its + master thence through surly seas of number frequent, whether the wind + whistled 'gainst the starboard quarter or the lee or whether Jove + propitious fell on both the sheets at once; nor any vows [from stress of + storm] to shore-gods were ever made by it when coming from the uttermost + seas unto this glassy lake. But these things were of time gone by: now + laid away, it rusts in peace and dedicates its age to thee, twin Castor, + and to Castor's twin.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">V.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Vivamus, mea Lesbia, atque amemus,</p> + <p>Rumoresque senum severiorum</p> + <p>Omnes unius aestimemus assis.</p> + <p>Soles occidere et redire possunt:</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Nobis cum semel occidit brevis lux,</p> +<!-- Page 9 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page9"></a>[9]</span> + <p>Nox est perpetua una dormienda.</p> + <p>Da mi basia mille, deinde centum,</p> + <p>Dein mille altera, dein secunda centum,</p> + <p>Deinde usque altera mille, deinde centum.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Dein, cum milia multa fecerimus,</p> + <p>Conturbabimus illa, ne sciamus,</p> + <p>Aut nequis malus invidere possit,</p> + <p>Cum tantum sciet esse basiorum.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">V.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Lesbia, (of Lesbos—Clodia?)</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Love we (my Lesbia!) and live we our day,</p> + <p>While all stern sayings crabbed sages say,</p> + <p>At one doit's value let us price and prize!</p> + <p>The Suns can westward sink again to rise</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>But we, extinguished once our tiny light,</p> + <p>Perforce shall slumber through one lasting night!</p> + <p>Kiss me a thousand times, then hundred more,</p> + <p>Then thousand others, then a new five-score,</p> + <p>Still other thousand other hundred store.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Last when the sums to many thousands grow,</p> + <p>The tale let's trouble till no more we know,</p> + <p>Nor envious wight despiteful shall misween us</p> + <p>Knowing how many kisses have been kissed between us.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Let us live, my Lesbia, and let us love, and count all the mumblings + of sour age at a penny's fee. Suns set can rise again: we when once our + brief light has set must sleep through a perpetual night. Give me of + kisses a thousand, and then a hundred, <!-- Page 10 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page10"></a>[10]</span>then another thousand, + then a second hundred, then another thousand without resting, then a + hundred. Then, when we have made many thousands, we will confuse the + count lest we know the numbering, so that no wretch may be able to envy + us through knowledge of our kisses' number.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">VI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Flavi, delicias tuas Catullo,</p> + <p>Nei sint inlepidae atque inelegantes,</p> + <p>Velles dicere, nec tacere posses.</p> + <p>Verum nescioquid febriculosi</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Scorti diligis: hoc pudet fateri.</p> + <p>Nam te non viduas iacere noctes</p> + <p>Nequiquam tacitum cubile clamat</p> + <p>Sertis ac Syrio fragrans olivo,</p> + <p>Pulvinusque peraeque et hic et ille</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Attritus, tremulique quassa lecti</p> + <p>Argutatio inambulatioque.</p> + <p>Nam nil stupra valet, nihil, tacere.</p> + <p>Cur? non tam latera ecfututa pandas,</p> + <p>Nei tu quid facias ineptiarum.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Quare quidquid habes boni malique,</p> + <p>Dic nobis. volo te ac tuos amores</p> + <p>Ad caelum lepido vocare versu.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">VI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Flavius: Mis-speaking his Mistress.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thy Charmer (Flavius!) to Catullus' ear</p> + <p>Were she not manner'd mean and worst in wit</p> +<!-- Page 11 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page11"></a>[11]</span> + <p>Perforce thou hadst praised nor couldst silence keep.</p> + <p>But some enfevered jade, I wot-not-what,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Some piece thou lovest, blushing this to own.</p> + <p>For, nowise 'customed widower nights to lie</p> + <p>Thou 'rt ever summoned by no silent bed</p> + <p>With flow'r-wreaths fragrant and with Syrian oil,</p> + <p>By mattress, bolsters, here, there, everywhere</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Deep-dinted, and by quaking, shaking couch</p> + <p>All crepitation and mobility.</p> + <p>Explain! none whoredoms (no!) shall close my lips.</p> + <p>Why? such outfuttered flank thou ne'er wouldst show</p> + <p>Had not some fulsome work by thee been wrought.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Then what thou holdest, boon or bane be pleased</p> + <p>Disclose! For thee and thy beloved fain would I</p> + <p>Upraise to Heaven with my liveliest lay.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>O Flavius, of thy sweetheart to Catullus thou would'st speak, nor + could'st thou keep silent, were she not both ill-mannered and ungraceful. + In truth thou affectest I know not what hot-blooded whore: this thou art + ashamed to own. For that thou dost not lie alone a-nights thy couch, + fragrant with garlands and Syrian unguent, in no way mute cries out, and + eke the pillow and bolsters indented here and there, and the creakings + and joggings of the quivering bed: unless thou canst silence these, + nothing and again nothing avails thee to hide thy whoredoms. And why? + Thou wouldst not display such drainèd flanks unless occupied in some + tomfoolery. Wherefore, whatsoever thou hast, be it good or ill, tell us! + I wish to laud thee and thy loves to the sky in joyous verse. <!-- Page + 12 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page12"></a>[12]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">VII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quaeris, quot mihi basiationes</p> + <p>Tuae, Lesbia, sint satis superque.</p> + <p>Quam magnus numerus Libyssae arenae</p> + <p>Lasarpiciferis iacet Cyrenis,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Oraclum Iovis inter aestuosi</p> + <p>Et Batti veteris sacrum sepulcrum,</p> + <p>Aut quam sidera multa, cum tacet nox,</p> + <p>Furtivos hominum vident amores,</p> + <p>Tam te basia multa basiare</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Vesano satis et super Catullost,</p> + <p>Quae nec pernumerare curiosi</p> + <p>Possint nec mala fascinare lingua.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">VII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Lesbia still Beloved.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou ask'st How many kissing bouts I bore</p> + <p>From thee (my Lesbia!) or be enough or more?</p> + <p>I say what mighty sum of Lybian-sands</p> + <p>Confine Cyrene's Laserpitium-lands</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>'Twixt Oracle of Jove the Swelterer</p> + <p>And olden Battus' holy Sepulchre,</p> + <p>Or stars innumerate through night-stillness ken</p> + <p>The stolen Love-delights of mortal men,</p> + <p>For that to kiss thee with unending kisses</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>For mad Catullus enough and more be this,</p> + <p>Kisses nor curious wight shall count their tale,</p> + <p>Nor to bewitch us evil tongue avail.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 13 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page13"></a>[13]</span></p> + + <p>Thou askest, how many kisses of thine, Lesbia, may be enough and to + spare for me. As the countless Libyan sands which strew the spicy strand + of Cyrene 'twixt the oracle of swelt'ring Jove and the sacred sepulchre + of ancient Battus, or as the thronging stars which in the hush of + darkness witness the furtive loves of mortals, to kiss thee with kisses + of so great a number is enough and to spare for passion-driven Catullus: + so many that prying eyes may not avail to number, nor ill tongues to + ensorcel.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">VIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Miser Catulle, desinas ineptire,</p> + <p>Et quod vides perisse perditum ducas.</p> + <p>Fulsere quondam candidi tibi soles,</p> + <p>Cum ventitabas quo puella ducebat</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Amata nobis quantum amabitur nulla.</p> + <p>Ibi illa multa tum iocosa fiebant,</p> + <p>Quae tu volebas nec puella nolebat.</p> + <p>Fulsere vere candidi tibi soles.</p> + <p>Nunc iam illa non vult: tu quoque, inpotens, noli</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Nec quae fugit sectare, nec miser vive,</p> + <p>Sed obstinata mente perfer, obdura.</p> + <p>Vale, puella. iam Catullus obdurat,</p> + <p>Nec te requiret nec rogabit invitam:</p> + <p>At tu dolebis, cum rogaberis nulla.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Scelesta, vae te! quae tibi manet vita!</p> + <p>Quis nunc te adibit? cui videberis bella?</p> + <p>Quem nunc amabis? cuius esse diceris?</p> + <p>Quem basiabis? cui labella mordebis?</p> + <p>At tu, Catulle, destinatus obdura.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 14 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page14"></a>[14]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">VIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Himself recounting Lesbia's Inconstancy.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Woe-full Catullus! cease to play the fool</p> + <p>And what thou seest dead as dead regard!</p> + <p>Whilòme the sheeniest suns for thee did shine</p> + <p>When oft-a-tripping whither led the girl</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>By us belovèd, as shall none be loved.</p> + <p>There all so merry doings then were done</p> + <p>After thy liking, nor the girl was loath.</p> + <p>Then certès sheeniest suns for thee did shine.</p> + <p>Now she's unwilling: thou too (hapless!) will</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Her flight to follow, and sad life to live:</p> + <p>Endure with stubborn soul and still obdure.</p> + <p>Damsel, adieu! Catullus obdurate grown</p> + <p>Nor seeks thee, neither asks of thine unwill;</p> + <p>Yet shalt thou sorrow when none woos thee more;</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Reprobate! Woe to thee! What life remains?</p> + <p>Who now shall love thee? Who'll think thee fair?</p> + <p>Whom now shalt ever love? Whose wilt be called?</p> + <p>To whom shalt kisses give? whose liplets nip?</p> + <p>But thou (Catullus!) destiny-doomed obdure.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Unhappy Catullus, cease thy trifling and what thou seest lost know to + be lost. Once bright days used to shine on thee when thou wert wont to + haste whither thy girl didst lead thee, loved by us as never girl will + e'er be loved. There those many joys were joyed which thou didst wish, + nor was the girl unwilling. In truth bright days used once to shine on + thee. Now she no longer wishes: thou too, <!-- Page 15 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page15"></a>[15]</span>powerless to avail, must + be unwilling, nor pursue the retreating one, nor live unhappy, but with + firm-set mind endure, steel thyself. Farewell, girl, now Catullus steels + himself, seeks thee not, nor entreats thy acquiescence. But thou wilt + pine, when thou hast no entreaty proffered. Faithless, go thy way! what + manner of life remaineth to thee? who now will visit thee? who find thee + beautiful? whom wilt thou love now? whose girl wilt thou be called? whom + wilt thou kiss? whose lips wilt thou bite? But thou, Catullus, remain + hardened as steel.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">VIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Verani, omnibus e meis amicis</p> + <p>Antistans mihi milibus trecentis,</p> + <p>Venistine domum ad tuos Penates</p> + <p>Fratresque unanimos anumque matrem?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Venisti. o mihi nuntii beati!</p> + <p>Visam te incolumem audiamque Hiberum</p> + <p>Narrantem loca, facta, nationes,</p> + <p>Vt mos est tuus, adplicansque collum</p> + <p>Iocundum os oculosque suaviabor.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>O quantumst hominum beatiorum,</p> + <p>Quid me laetius est beatiusve?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">VIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Veranius returned from Travel.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Veranius! over every friend of me</p> + <p>Forestanding, owned I hundred thousands three,</p> + <p>Home to Penates and to single-soul'd</p> + <p>Brethren, returned art thou and mother old?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Yes, thou art come. Oh, winsome news come well!</p> +<!-- Page 16 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page16"></a>[16]</span> + <p>Now shall I see thee, safely hear thee tell</p> + <p>Of sites Iberian, deeds and nations 'spied,</p> + <p>(As be thy wont) and neck-a-neck applied</p> + <p>I'll greet with kisses thy glad lips and eyne.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Oh! Of all mortal men beatified</p> + <p>Whose joy and gladness greater be than mine?</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Veranius, of all my friends standing in the front, owned I three + hundred thousands of them, hast thou come home to thy Penates, thy + longing brothers and thine aged mother? Thou hast come back. O joyful + news to me! I may see thee safe and sound, and may hear thee speak of + regions, deeds, and peoples Iberian, as is thy manner; and reclining o'er + thy neck shall kiss thy jocund mouth and eyes. O all ye blissfullest of + men, who more gladsome or more blissful is than I am?</p> + +<p class="cenhead">X.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Varus me meus ad suos amores</p> + <p>Visum duxerat e foro otiosum,</p> + <p>Scortillum, ut mihi tum repente visumst,</p> + <p>Non sane inlepidum neque invenustum.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Huc ut venimus, incidere nobis</p> + <p>Sermones varii, in quibus, quid esset</p> + <p>Iam Bithynia, quo modo se haberet,</p> + <p>Ecquonam mihi profuisset aere.</p> + <p>Respondi id quod erat, nihil neque ipsis</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Nec praetoribus esse nec cohorti,</p> + <p>Cur quisquam caput unctius referret,</p> + <p>Praesertim quibus esset inrumator</p> + <p>Praetor, non faciens pili cohortem.</p> +<!-- Page 17 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page17"></a>[17]</span> + <p>'At certe tamen, inquiunt, quod illic</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Natum dicitur esse, conparasti</p> + <p>Ad lecticam homines.' ego, ut puellae</p> + <p>Vnum me facerem beatiorem,</p> + <p>'Non' inquam 'mihi tam fuit maligne,</p> + <p>Vt, provincia quod mala incidisset,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Non possem octo homines parare rectos.'</p> + <p>At mi nullus erat nec hic neque illic,</p> + <p>Fractum qui veteris pedem grabati</p> + <p>In collo sibi collocare posset.</p> + <p>Hic illa, ut decuit cinaediorem,</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>'Quaeso' inquit 'mihi, mi Catulle, paulum</p> + <p>Istos. commode enim volo ad Sarapim</p> + <p>Deferri.' 'minime' inquii puellae;</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>'Istud quod modo dixeram me habere,</p> + <p>Fugit me ratio: meus sodalis</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p>Cinnast Gaius, is sibi paravit.</p> + <p>Verum, utrum illius an mei, quid ad me?</p> + <p>Vtor tam bene quam mihi pararim.</p> + <p>Sed tu insulsa male ac molesta vivis,</p> + <p>Per quam non licet esse negligentem.'</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">X.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">He meets Varus and Mistress.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Led me my Varus to his flame,</p> + <p>As I from Forum idling came.</p> + <p>Forthright some whorelet judged I it</p> + <p>Nor lacking looks nor wanting wit,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>When hied we thither, mid us three</p> +<!-- Page 18 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page18"></a>[18]</span> + <p>Fell various talk, as how might be</p> + <p>Bithynia now, and how it fared,</p> + <p>And if some coin I made or spared.</p> + <p>"There was no cause" (I soothly said)</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>"The Prætors or the Cohort made</p> + <p>Thence to return with oilier head;</p> + <p>The more when ruled by ——</p> + <p>Prætor, as pile the Cohort rating."</p> + <p>Quoth they, "But certès as 'twas there</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>The custom rose, some men to bear</p> + <p>Litter thou boughtest?" I to her</p> + <p>To seem but richer, wealthier,</p> + <p>Cry, "Nay, with me 'twas not so ill</p> + <p>That, given the Province suffered, still</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Eight stiff-backed loons I could not buy.'</p> + <p>(Withal none here nor there owned I</p> + <p>Who broken leg of Couch outworn</p> + <p>On nape of neck had ever borne!)</p> + <p>Then she, as pathic piece became,</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>"Prithee Catullus mine, those same</p> + <p>Lend me, Serapis-wards I'd hie."</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>"Easy, on no-wise, no," quoth I,</p> + <p>"Whate'er was mine, I lately said</p> + <p>Is some mistake, my camarade</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p>One Cinna—Gaius—bought the lot,</p> + <p>But his or mine, it matters what?</p> + <p>I use it freely as though bought,</p> + <p>Yet thou, pert troubler, most absurd,</p> + <p>None suffer'st speak an idle word."</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 19 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page19"></a>[19]</span></p> + + <p>Varus drew me off to see his mistress as I was strolling from the + Forum: a little whore, as it seemed to me at the first glance, neither + inelegant nor lacking good looks. When we came in, we fell to discussing + various subjects, amongst which, how was Bithynia now, how things had + gone there, and whether I had made any money there. I replied, what was + true, that neither ourselves nor the praetors nor their suite had brought + away anything whereby to flaunt a better-scented poll, especially as our + praetor, the irrumating beast, cared not a single hair for his suite. + "But surely," she said, "you got some men to bear your litter, for they + are said to grow there?" I, to make myself appear to the girl as one of + the fortunate, "Nay," I say, "it did not go that badly with me, ill as + the province turned out, that I could not procure eight strapping knaves + to bear me." (But not a single one was mine either here or there who the + fractured foot of my old bedstead could hoist on his neck.) And she, like + a pathic girl, "I pray thee," says she, "lend me, my Catullus, those + bearers for a short time, for I wish to be borne to the shrine of + Serapis." "Stay," quoth I to the girl, "when I said I had this, my tongue + slipped; my friend, Cinna Gaius, he provided himself with these. In + truth, whether his or mine—what do I trouble? I use them as though + I had paid for them. But thou, in ill manner with foolish teasing dost + not allow me to be heedless." <!-- Page 20 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page20"></a>[20]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Furi et Aureli, comites Catulli,</p> + <p>Sive in extremos penetrabit Indos,</p> + <p>Litus ut longe resonante Eoa</p> + <p class="i10">Tunditur unda,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Sive in Hyrcanos Arabesve molles,</p> + <p>Seu Sacas sagittiferosve Parthos,</p> + <p>Sive qua septemgeminus colorat</p> + <p class="i10">Aequora Nilus,</p> + <p>Sive trans altas gradietur Alpes,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Caesaris visens monimenta magni,</p> + <p>Gallicum Rhenum, horribile aequor ulti-</p> + <p class="i10">mosque Britannos,</p> + <p>Omnia haec, quaecumque feret voluntas</p> + <p>Caelitum, temptare simul parati,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Pauca nuntiate meae puellae</p> + <p class="i10">Non bona dicta.</p> + <p>Cum suis vivat valeatque moechis,</p> + <p>Quos simul conplexa tenet trecentos,</p> + <p>Nullum amans vere, sed identidem omnium</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i10">Ilia rumpens:</p> + <p>Nec meum respectet, ut ante, amorem,</p> + <p>Qui illius culpa cecidit velut prati</p> + <p>Vltimi flos, praeter eunte postquam</p> + <p class="i10">Tactus aratrost.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">A Parting Insult to Lesbia.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Furius and Aurelius, Catullus' friends,</p> + <p class="i2">Whether extremest Indian shore he brave,</p> +<!-- Page 21 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page21"></a>[21]</span> + <p>Strands where far-resounding billow rends</p> + <p class="i24">The shattered wave,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Or 'mid Hyrcanians dwell he, Arabs soft and wild,</p> + <p class="i2">Sacæ and Parthians of the arrow fain,</p> + <p>Or where the Seven-mouth'd Nilus mud-defiled</p> + <p class="i24">Tinges the Main,</p> + <p>Or climb he lofty Alpine Crest and note</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Works monumental, Cæsar's grandeur telling,</p> + <p>Rhine Gallic, horrid Ocean and remote</p> + <p class="i24">Britons low-dwelling;</p> + <p>All these (whatever shall the will design</p> + <p class="i2">Of Heaven-homed Gods) Oh ye prepared to tempt;</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Announce your briefest to that damsel mine</p> + <p class="i24">In words unkempt:—</p> + <p>Live she and love she wenchers several,</p> + <p class="i2">Embrace three hundred wi' the like requitals,</p> + <p>None truly loving and withal of all</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i24">Bursting the vitals:</p> + <p>My love regard she not, my love of yore,</p> + <p class="i2">Which fell through fault of her, as falls the fair</p> + <p>Last meadow-floret whenas passed it o'er</p> + <p class="i24">Touch of the share.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Furius and Aurelius, comrades of Catullus, whether he penetrate to + furthest Ind where the strand is lashed by the far-echoing Eoan surge, or + whether 'midst the Hyrcans or soft Arabs, or whether the Sacians or + quiver-bearing Parthians, or where the seven-mouthed Nile encolours the + sea, or whether he traverse the lofty Alps, gazing at the monuments of + mighty Caesar, the gallic Rhine, the dismal and <!-- Page 22 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page22"></a>[22]</span>remotest Britons, all + these, whatever the Heavens' Will may bear, prepared at once to + attempt,—bear ye to my girl this brief message of no fair speech. + May she live and flourish with her swivers, of whom may she hold at once + embraced the full three hundred, loving not one in real truth, but + bursting again and again the flanks of all: nor may she look upon my love + as before, she whose own guile slew it, e'en as a flower on the + greensward's verge, after the touch of the passing plough.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Marrucine Asini, manu sinistra</p> + <p>Non belle uteris in ioco atque vino:</p> + <p>Tollis lintea neglegentiorum.</p> + <p>Hoc salsum esse putas? fugit te, inepte:</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Quamvis sordida res et invenustast.</p> + <p>Non credis mihi? crede Polioni</p> + <p>Fratri, qui tua furta vel talento</p> + <p>Mutari velit: est enim leporum</p> + <p>Disertus puer ac facetiarum.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Quare aut hendecasyllabos trecentos</p> + <p>Expecta aut mihi linteum remitte,</p> + <p>Quod me non movet aestimatione,</p> + <p>Verumst mnemosynum mei sodalis.</p> + <p>Nam sudaria Saetaba ex Hibereis</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Miserunt mihi muneri Fabullus</p> + <p>Et Veranius: haec amem necessest</p> + <p>Vt Veraniolum meum et Fabullum.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 23 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page23"></a>[23]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To M. Asinius who Stole Napery.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Marrúcinus Asinius! ill thou usest</p> + <p>That hand sinistral in thy wit and wine</p> + <p>Filching the napkins of more heedless hosts.</p> + <p>Dost find this funny? Fool it passeth thee</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>How 'tis a sordid deed, a sorry jest.</p> + <p>Dost misbelieve me? Trust to Pollio,</p> + <p>Thy brother, ready to compound such thefts</p> + <p>E'en at a talent's cost; for he's a youth</p> + <p>In speech past master and in fair pleasantries.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Of hendecasyllabics hundreds three</p> + <p>Therefore expect thou, or return forthright</p> + <p>Linens whose loss affects me not for worth</p> + <p>But as mementoes of a comrade mine.</p> + <p>For napkins Sætaban from Ebro-land</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Fabúllus sent me a free-giftie given</p> + <p>Also Veránius: these perforce I love</p> + <p>E'en as my Veraniólus and Fabúllus.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Marrucinius Asinius, thou dost use thy left hand in no fair fashion + 'midst the jests and wine: thou dost filch away the napkins of the + heedless. Dost thou think this a joke? it flies thee, stupid fool, how + coarse a thing and unbecoming 'tis! Dost not credit me? credit thy + brother Pollio who would willingly give a talent to divert thee from thy + thefts: for he is a lad skilled in pleasantries and facetiousness. + Wherefore, either expect hendecasyllables <!-- Page 24 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page24"></a>[24]</span>three hundred, or return + me my napkin which I esteem, not for its value but as a pledge of + remembrance from my comrade. For Fabullus and Veranius sent me as a gift + handkerchiefs from Iberian Saetabis; these must I prize e'en as I do + Veraniolus and Fabullus.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Cenabis bene, mi Fabulle, apud me</p> + <p>Paucis, si tibi di favent, diebus,</p> + <p>Si tecum attuleris bonam atque magnam</p> + <p>Cenam, non sine candida puella</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Et vino et sale et omnibus cachinnis.</p> + <p>Haec si, inquam, attuleris, venuste noster,</p> + <p>Cenabis bene: nam tui Catulli</p> + <p>Plenus sacculus est aranearum.</p> + <p>Sed contra accipies meros amores</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Seu quid suavius elegantiusvest:</p> + <p>Nam unguentum dabo, quod meae puellae</p> + <p>Donarunt Veneres Cupidinesque,</p> + <p>Quod tu cum olfacies, deos rogabis,</p> + <p>Totum ut te faciant, Fabulle, nasum.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Fabullus is Invited to a Poet's Supper.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou'lt sup right well with me, Fabúllus mine,</p> + <p>In days few-numbered an the Gods design,</p> + <p>An great and goodly meal thou bring wi' thee</p> + <p>Nowise forgetting damsel bright o' blee,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>With wine, and salty wit and laughs all-gay.</p> +<!-- Page 25 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page25"></a>[25]</span> + <p>An these my bonny man, thou bring, I say</p> + <p>Thou'lt sup right well, for thy Catullus' purse</p> + <p>Save web of spider nothing does imburse.</p> + <p>But thou in countergift mere loves shalt take</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Or aught of sweeter taste or fairer make:</p> + <p>I'll give thee unguent lent my girl to scent</p> + <p>By every Venus and all Cupids sent,</p> + <p>Which, as thou savour, pray Gods interpose</p> + <p>And thee, Fabúllus, make a Naught-but-nose.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Thou shalt feast well with me, my Fabullus, in a few days, if the gods + favour thee, provided thou dost bear hither with thee a good and great + feast, not forgetting a fair damsel and wine and wit and all kinds of + laughter. Provided, I say, thou dost bear hither these, our charming one, + thou wilt feast well: for thy Catullus' purse is brimful of cobwebs. But + in return thou may'st receive a perfect love, or whatever is sweeter or + more elegant: for I will give thee an unguent which the Loves and Cupids + gave unto my girl, which when thou dost smell it, thou wilt entreat the + gods to make thee, O Fabullus, one total Nose!</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ni te plus oculis meis amarem,</p> + <p>Iocundissime Calve, munere isto</p> + <p>Odissem te odio Vatiniano:</p> + <p>Nam quid feci ego quidve sum locutus,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Cur me tot male perderes poetis?</p> + <p>Isti di mala multa dent clienti,</p> +<!-- Page 26 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page26"></a>[26]</span> + <p>Qui tantum tibi misit inpiorum.</p> + <p>Quod si, ut suspicor, hoc novum ac repertum</p> + <p>Munus dat tibi Sulla litterator,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Non est mi male, sed bene ac beate,</p> + <p>Quod non dispereunt tui labores.</p> + <p>Di magni, horribilem et sacrum libellum</p> + <p>Quem tu scilicet ad tuum Catullum</p> + <p>Misti, continuo ut die periret,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Saturnalibus, optimo dierum!</p> + <p>Non non hoc tibi, salse, sic abibit:</p> + <p>Nam, si luxerit, ad librariorum</p> + <p>Curram scrinia, Caesios, Aquinos,</p> + <p>Suffenum, omnia colligam venena,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Ac te his suppliciis remunerabor.</p> + <p>Vos hinc interea (valete) abite</p> + <p>Illuc, unde malum pedem attulistis,</p> + <p>Saecli incommoda, pessimi poetae.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XIIII<i>b</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Siqui forte mearum ineptiarum</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Lectores eritis manusque vestras</p> + <p>Non horrebitis admovere nobis,</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Calvus, acknowledging his Poems.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Did I not liefer love thee than my eyes</p> + <p>(Winsomest Calvus!), for that gift of thine</p> + <p>Certès I'd hate thee with Vatinian hate.</p> + <p>Say me, how came I, or by word or deed,</p> +<!-- Page 27 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page27"></a>[27]</span> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>To cause thee plague me with so many a bard?</p> + <p>The Gods deal many an ill to such a client,</p> + <p>Who sent of impious wights to thee such crowd.</p> + <p>But if (as guess I) this choice boon new-found</p> + <p>To thee from "Commentator" Sulla come,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>None ill I hold it—well and welcome 'tis,</p> + <p>For that thy labours ne'er to death be doom'd.</p> + <p>Great Gods! What horrid booklet damnable</p> + <p>Unto thine own Catullus thou (perdie!)</p> + <p>Did send, that ever day by day die he</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>In Saturnalia, first of festivals.</p> + <p>No! No! thus shall't not pass wi' thee, sweet wag,</p> + <p>For I at dawning day will scour the booths</p> + <p>Of bibliopoles, Aquinii, Cæsii and</p> + <p>Suffenus, gather all their poison-trash</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>And with such torments pay thee for thy pains.</p> + <p>Now for the present hence, adieu! begone</p> + <p>Thither, whence came ye, brought by luckless feet,</p> + <p>Pests of the Century, ye pernicious Poets.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XIIII<i>b</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>An of my trifles peradventure chance</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>You to be readers, and the hands of you</p> + <p>Without a shudder unto us be offer'd</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Did I not love thee more than mine eyes, O most jocund Calvus, for thy + gift I should abhor thee with Vatinian abhorrence. For what have I done + or what have I said that thou shouldst torment me so vilely with these + poets? May the gods give that client <!-- Page 28 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page28"></a>[28]</span>of thine ills enow, who + sent thee so much trash! Yet if, as I suspect, this new and care-picked + gift, Sulla, the litterateur, gives thee, it is not ill to me, but well + and beatific, that thy labours [in his cause] are not made light of. + Great gods, what a horrible and accurst book which, forsooth, thou hast + sent to thy Catullus that he might die of boredom the livelong day in the + Saturnalia, choicest of days! No, no, my joker, this shall not leave thee + so: for at daydawn I will haste to the booksellers' cases; the Caesii, + the Aquini, Suffenus, every poisonous rubbish will I collect that I may + repay thee with these tortures. Meantime (farewell ye) hence depart ye + from here, whither an ill foot brought ye, pests of the period, puniest + of poetasters.</p> + + <p>If by chance ye ever be readers of my triflings and ye will not quake + to lay your hands upon us,</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> * * * *</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XV.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Commendo tibi me ac meos amores,</p> + <p>Aureli. veniam peto pudentem,</p> + <p>Vt, si quicquam animo tuo cupisti,</p> + <p>Quod castum expeteres et integellum,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Conserves puerum mihi pudice,</p> + <p>Non dico a populo: nihil veremur</p> + <p>Istos, qui in platea modo huc modo illuc</p> + <p>In re praetereunt sua occupati:</p> + <p>Verum a te metuo tuoque pene</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Infesto pueris bonis malisque.</p> + <p>Quem tu qua lubet, ut iubet, moveto,</p> +<!-- Page 29 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page29"></a>[29]</span> + <p>Quantum vis, ubi erit foris, paratum:</p> + <p>Hunc unum excipio, ut puto, pudenter.</p> + <p>Quod si te mala mens furorque vecors</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>In tantam inpulerit, sceleste, culpam,</p> + <p>Vt nostrum insidiis caput lacessas,</p> + <p>A tum te miserum malique fati,</p> + <p>Quem attractis pedibus patente porta</p> + <p>Percurrent raphanique mugilesque.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XV.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Aurelius—Hands off the Boy!</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>To thee I trust my loves and me,</p> + <p>(Aurelius!) craving modesty.</p> + <p>That (if in mind didst ever long</p> + <p>To win aught chaste unknowing wrong)</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Then guard my boy in purest way.</p> + <p>From folk I say not: naught affray</p> + <p>The crowds wont here and there to run</p> + <p>Through street-squares, busied every one;</p> + <p>But thee I dread nor less thy penis</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Fair or foul, younglings' foe I ween is!</p> + <p>Wag it as wish thou, at its will,</p> + <p>When out of doors its hope fulfil;</p> + <p>Him bar I, modestly, methinks.</p> + <p>But should ill-mind or lust's high jinks</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Thee (Sinner!), drive to sin so dread,</p> + <p>That durst ensnare our dearling's head,</p> + <p>Ah! woe's thee (wretch!) and evil fate,</p> + <p>Mullet and radish shall pierce and grate,</p> + <p>When feet-bound, haled through yawning gate.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 30 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page30"></a>[30]</span></p> + + <p>I commend me to thee with my charmer, Aurelius. I come for modest boon + that,—didst thine heart long for aught, which thou desiredst chaste + and untouched,—thou 'lt preserve for me the chastity of my boy. I + do not say from the public: I fear those naught who hurry along the + thoroughfares hither thither occupied on their own business: truth my + fear is from thee and thy penis, pestilent eke to fair and to foul. Set + it in motion where thou dost please, whenever thou biddest, as much as + thou wishest, wherever thou findest the opportunity out of doors: this + one object I except, to my thought a reasonable boon. But if thy evil + mind and senseless rutting push thee forward, scoundrel, to so great a + crime as to assail our head with thy snares, O wretch, calamitous mishap + shall happen thee, when with feet taut bound, through the open entrance + radishes and mullets shall pierce.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XVI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Pedicabo ego vos et inrumabo,</p> + <p>Aureli pathice et cinaede Furi,</p> + <p>Qui me ex versiculis meis putastis,</p> + <p>Quod sunt molliculi, parum pudicum.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Nam castum esse decet pium poetam</p> + <p>Ipsum, versiculos nihil necessest,</p> + <p>Qui tum denique habent salem ac leporem,</p> + <p>Si sunt molliculi ac parum pudici</p> + <p>Et quod pruriat incitare possunt,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Non dico pueris, sed his pilosis,</p> +<!-- Page 31 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page31"></a>[31]</span> + <p>Qui duros nequeunt movere lumbos.</p> + <p>Vos, quom milia multa basiorum</p> + <p>Legistis, male me marem putatis?</p> + <p>Pedicabo ego vos et inrumabo.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XVI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Aurelius and Furius in Defence of His Muse's Honesty.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I'll —— you twain and ——</p> + <p>Pathic Aurélius! Fúrius, libertines!</p> + <p>Who durst determine from my versicles</p> + <p>Which seem o'er softy, that I'm scant of shame.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>For pious poet it behoves be chaste</p> + <p>Himself; no chastity his verses need;</p> + <p>Nay, gain they finally more salt of wit</p> + <p>When over softy and of scanty shame,</p> + <p>Apt for exciting somewhat prurient,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>In boys, I say not, but in bearded men</p> + <p>Who fail of movements in their hardened loins.</p> + <p>Ye who so many thousand kisses sung</p> + <p>Have read, deny male masculant I be?</p> + <p>You twain I'll —— and ——</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>I will paedicate and irrumate you, Aurelius the bardache and Furius + the cinaede, who judge me from my verses rich in love-liesse, to be their + equal in modesty. For it behoves your devout poet to be chaste himself; + his verses—not of necessity. Which verses, in a word, may have a + spice and volupty, may have passion's cling and such like decency, so + that <!-- Page 32 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page32"></a>[32]</span>they can incite with ticklings, I do not say + boys, but bearded ones whose stiffened limbs amort lack pliancy in + movement. You, because of many thousand kisses you have read, think me + womanish. I will paedicate and irrumate you!</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XVII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O Colonia, quae cupis ponte ludere longo,</p> + <p>Et salire paratum habes, sed vereris inepta</p> + <p>Crura ponticuli assulis stantis in redivivis,</p> + <p>Ne supinus eat cavaque in palude recumbat;</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Sic tibi bonus ex tua pons libidine fiat,</p> + <p>In quo vel Salisubsili sacra suscipiantur:</p> + <p>Munus hoc mihi maximi da, Colonia, risus.</p> + <p>Quendam municipem meum de tuo volo ponte</p> + <p>Ire praecipitem in lutum per caputque pedesque,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Verum totius ut lacus putidaeque paludis</p> + <p>Lividissima maximeque est profunda vorago.</p> + <p>Insulsissimus est homo, nec sapit pueri instar</p> + <p>Bimuli tremula patris dormientis in ulna.</p> + <p>Quoi cum sit viridissimo nupta flore puella</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>(Et puella tenellulo delicatior haedo,</p> + <p>Adservanda nigerrimis diligentius uvis),</p> + <p>Ludere hanc sinit ut lubet, nec pili facit uni,</p> + <p>Nec se sublevat ex sua parte, sed velut alnus</p> + <p>In fossa Liguri iacet suppernata securi,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Tantundem omnia sentiens quam si nulla sit usquam,</p> + <p>Talis iste meus stupor nil videt, nihil audit,</p> + <p>Ipse qui sit, utrum sit an non sit, id quoque nescit.</p> +<!-- Page 33 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page33"></a>[33]</span> + <p>Nunc eum volo de tuo ponte mittere pronum,</p> + <p>Si pote stolidum repente excitare veternum</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Et supinum animum in gravi derelinquere caeno,</p> + <p>Ferream ut soleam tenaci in voragine mula.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XVII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Of a "Predestined" Husband.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Colony! fain to display thy games on length of thy town-bridge!</p> + <p>There, too, ready to dance, though fearing the shaking of crazy</p> + <p>Logs of the Bridgelet propt on pier-piles newly renewèd,</p> + <p>Lest supine all sink deep-merged in the marish's hollow,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>So may the bridge hold good when builded after thy pleasure</p> + <p>Where Salisúbulus' rites with solemn function are sacred,</p> + <p>As thou (Colony!) grant me boon of mightiest laughter.</p> + <p>Certain a townsman mine I'd lief see thrown from thy gangway</p> + <p>Hurlèd head over heels precipitous whelmed in the quagmire,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Where the lake and the boglands are most rotten and stinking,</p> + <p>Deepest and lividest lie, the swallow of hollow voracious.</p> + <p>Witless surely the wight whose sense is less than of boy-babe</p> +<!-- Page 34 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page34"></a>[34]</span> + <p>Two-year-old and a-sleep on trembling forearm of father.</p> + <p>He though wedded to girl in greenest bloom of her youth-tide,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>(Bride-wife daintier bred than ever was delicate kidlet,</p> + <p>Worthier diligent watch than grape-bunch blackest and ripest)</p> + <p>Suffers her sport as she please nor rates her even at hair's worth,</p> + <p>Nowise 'stirring himself, but lying log-like as alder</p> + <p>Felled and o'er floating the fosse of safe Ligurian woodsman,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Feeling withal, as though such spouse he never had own'd;</p> + <p>So this marvel o' mine sees naught, and nothing can hear he,</p> + <p>What he himself, an he be or not be, wholly unknowing.</p> + <p>Now would I willingly pitch such wight head first fro' thy bridge,</p> + <p>Better a-sudden t'arouse that numskull's stolid old senses,</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Or in the sluggish mud his soul supine to deposit</p> + <p>Even as she-mule casts iron shoe where quagmire is stiffest.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>O Colonia, that longest to disport thyself on a long bridge and art + prepared for the dance, but that fearest the trembling legs of the + bridgelet builded on re-used shavings, lest supine it may lie stretched + in <!-- Page 35 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page35"></a>[35]</span>the hollow swamp; may a good bridge take its + place designed to thy fancy, on which e'en the Salian dances may be + sustained: for the which grant to me, Colonia, greatest of gifts + glee-exciting. Such an one, townsman of mine, I want from thy bridge to + be pitched in the sludge head over heels, right where the lake of all its + stinking slime is dankest and most superfluent—a deep-sunk abyss. + The man is a gaping gaby! lacking the sense of a two-years-old baby + dozing on its father's cradling arm. Although to him is wedded a girl + flushed with springtide's bloom (and a girl more dainty than a tender + kid, meet to be watched with keener diligence than the lush-black + grape-bunch), he leaves her to sport at her list, cares not a single + hair, nor bestirs himself with marital office, but lies as an alder + felled by Ligurian hatchet in a ditch, as sentient of everything as + though no woman were at his side. Such is my booby! he sees not, he hears + naught. Who himself is, or whether he be or be not, he also knows not. + Now I wish to chuck him head first from thy bridge, so as to suddenly + rouse (if possible) this droning dullard and to leave behind in the + sticky slush his sluggish spirit, as a mule casts its iron shoe in the + tenacious slough.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XVIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hunc lucum tibi dedico, consecroque, Priape,</p> + <p>Qua domus tua Lampsaci est, quaque silva, Priape,</p> + <p>Nam te praecipue in suis urbibus colit ora</p> + <p>Hellespontia, caeteris ostreosior oris.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 36 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page36"></a>[36]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XVIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Priapus, the Garden-God.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>This grove to thee devote I give, Priapus!</p> + <p>Who home be Lampsacus and holt, Priapus!</p> + <p>For thee in cities worship most the shores</p> + <p>Of Hellespont the richest oystery strand.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>This grove I dedicate and consecrate to thee, Priapus, who hast thy + home at Lampsacus, and eke thy woodlands, Priapus; for thee especially in + its cities worships the coast of the Hellespont, richer in oysters than + all other shores.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XVIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hunc ego, juvenes, locum, villulamque palustrem,</p> + <p>Tectam vimine junceo, caricisque maniplis,</p> + <p>Quercus arida, rustica conformata securi,</p> + <p>Nunc tuor: magis, et magis ut beata quotannis.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Hujus nam Domini colunt me, Deumque salutant,</p> + <p>Pauperis tugurii pater, filiusque coloni:</p> + <p>Alter, assidua colens diligentia, ut herba</p> + <p>Dumosa, asperaque a meo sit remota sacello:</p> + <p>Alter, parva ferens manu semper munera larga.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Florido mihi ponitur picta vere corolla</p> + <p>Primitu', et tenera virens spica mollis arista:</p> + <p>Luteae violae mihi, luteumque papaver,</p> + <p>Pallentesque cucurbitae, et suaveolentia mala,</p> + <p>Vva pampinea rubens educata sub umbra.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Sanguine hanc etiam mihi (sed tacebitis) aram</p> +<!-- Page 37 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page37"></a>[37]</span> + <p>Barbatus linit hirculus, cornipesque capella:</p> + <p>Pro queis omnia honoribus haec necesse Priapo</p> + <p>Praestare, et domini hortulum, vineamque tueri.</p> + <p>Quare hinc, o pueri, malas abstinete rapinas.</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Vicinus prope dives est, negligensque Priapus.</p> + <p>Inde sumite: semita haec deinde vos feret ipsa.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XVIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Priapus.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>This place, O youths, I protect, nor less this turf-builded cottage,</p> + <p>Roofed with its osier-twigs and thatched with its bundles of sedges;</p> + <p>I from the dried oak hewn and fashioned with rustical hatchet,</p> + <p>Guarding them year by year while more are they evermore thriving.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>For here be owners twain who greet and worship my Godship,</p> + <p>He of the poor hut lord and his son, the pair of them peasants:</p> + <p>This with assiduous toil aye works the thicketty herbage</p> + <p>And the coarse water-grass to clear afar from my chapel:</p> + <p>That with his open hand ever brings me offerings humble.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Hung up in honour mine are flowery firstlings of spring-tide,</p> +<!-- Page 38 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page38"></a>[38]</span> + <p>Wreaths with their ears still soft the tender stalklets a-crowning;</p> + <p>Violets pale are mine by side of the poppy-head pallid;</p> + <p>With the dull yellow gourd and apples sweetest of savour;</p> + <p>Lastly the blushing grape disposed in shade of the vine-tree.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Anon mine altar (this same) with blood (but you will be silent!)</p> + <p>Bearded kid and anon some horny-hoofed nanny shall sprinkle.</p> + <p>Wherefore Priapus is bound to requite such honours by service,</p> + <p>Doing his duty to guard both vineyard and garth of his lordling.</p> + <p>Here then, O lads, refrain from ill-mannered picking and stealing:</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Rich be the neighbour-hind and negligent eke his Priapus:</p> + <p>Take what be his: this path hence leadeth straight to his ownings.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>This place, youths, and the marshland cot thatched with rushes, + osier-twigs and bundles of sedge, I, carved from a dry oak by a rustic + axe, now protect, so that they thrive more and more every year. For its + owners, the father of the poor hut and his son,—both + husbandmen,—revere me and salute me as a god; the one labouring + with assiduous diligence that the harsh weeds and brambles may be <!-- + Page 39 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page39"></a>[39]</span>kept + away from my sanctuary, the other often bringing me small offerings with + open hand. On me is placed a many-tinted wreath of early spring flowers + and the soft green blade and ear of the tender corn. Saffron-coloured + violets, the orange-hued poppy, wan gourds, sweet-scented apples, and the + purpling grape trained in the shade of the vine, [are offered] to me. + Sometimes, (but keep silent as to this) even the bearded he-goat, and the + horny-footed nanny sprinkle my altar with blood; for which honours + Priapus is bound in return to do everything [which lies in his duty], and + to keep strict guard over the little garden and vineyard of his master. + Wherefore, abstain, O lads, from your evil pilfering here. Our next + neighbour is rich and his Priapus is negligent. Take from him; this path + then will lead you to his grounds.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XX.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ego haec ego arte fabricata rustica,</p> + <p>Ego arida, o viator, ecce populus</p> + <p>Agellulum hunc, sinistra, tute quem vides,</p> + <p>Herique villulam, hortulumque pauperis</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Tuor, malasque furis arceo manus.</p> + <p>Mihi corolla picta vero ponitur:</p> + <p>Mihi rubens arista sole fervido:</p> + <p>Mihi virente dulcis uva pampino:</p> + <p>Mihique glauca duro oliva frigore.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Meis capella delicata pascuis</p> + <p>In urbem adulta lacte portat ubera:</p> + <p>Meisque pinguis agnus ex ovilibus</p> +<!-- Page 40 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page40"></a>[40]</span> + <p>Gravem domum remittit aere dexteram:</p> + <p>Tenerque, matre mugiente, vaccula</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Deum profundit ante templa sanguinem.</p> + <p>Proin', viator, hunc Deum vereberis,</p> + <p>Manumque sorsum habebis hoc tibi expedit.</p> + <p>Parata namque crux, sine arte mentula.</p> + <p>Velim pol, inquis: at pol ecce, villicus</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Venit: valente cui revulsa brachio</p> + <p>Fit ista mentula apta clava dexterae.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XX.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Priapus.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I thuswise fashionèd by rustic art</p> + <p>And from dried poplar-trunk (O traveller!) hewn,</p> + <p>This fieldlet, leftwards as thy glances fall,</p> + <p>And my lord's cottage with his pauper garth</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Protect, repelling thieves' rapacious hands.</p> + <p>In spring with vari-coloured wreaths I'm crown'd,</p> + <p>In fervid summer with the glowing grain,</p> + <p>Then with green vine-shoot and the luscious bunch,</p> + <p>And glaucous olive-tree in bitter cold.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>The dainty she-goat from my pasture bears</p> + <p>Her milk-distended udders to the town:</p> + <p>Out of my sheep-cotes ta'en the fatted lamb</p> + <p>Sends home with silver right-hand heavily charged;</p> + <p>And, while its mother lows, the tender calf</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Before the temples of the Gods must bleed.</p> + <p>Hence of such Godhead, (traveller!) stand in awe,</p> + <p>Best it befits thee off to keep thy hands.</p> + <p>Thy cross is ready, shaped as artless yard;</p> +<!-- Page 41 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page41"></a>[41]</span> + <p>"I'm willing, 'faith" (thou say'st) but 'faith here comes</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>The boor, and plucking forth with bended arm</p> + <p>Makes of this tool a club for doughty hand.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>I, O traveller, shaped with rustic art from a dry poplar, guard this + little field which thou seest on the left, and the cottage and small + garden of its indigent owner, and keep off the greedy hands of the + robber. In spring a many-tinted wreath is placed upon me; in summer's + heat ruddy grain; [in autumn] a luscious grape cluster with vine-shoots, + and in the bitter cold the pale-green olive. The tender she-goat bears + from my pasture to the town milk-distended udders; the well-fattened lamb + from my sheepfolds sends back [its owner] with a heavy handful of money; + and the tender calf, 'midst its mother's lowings, sheds its blood before + the temple of the Gods. Hence, wayfarer, thou shalt be in awe of this + God, and it will be profitable to thee to keep thy hands off. For a + punishment is prepared—a roughly-shaped mentule. "Truly, I am + willing," thou sayest; then, truly, behold the farmer comes, and that + same mentule plucked from my groin will become an apt cudgel in his + strong right hand.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Aureli, pater essuritionum,</p> + <p>Non harum modo, sed quot aut fuerunt</p> + <p>Aut sunt aut aliis erunt in annis,</p> + <p>Pedicare cupis meos amores.</p> +<!-- Page 42 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page42"></a>[42]</span> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Nec clam: nam simul es, iocaris una,</p> + <p>Haeres ad latus omnia experiris.</p> + <p>Frustra: nam insidias mihi instruentem</p> + <p>Tangem te prior inrumatione.</p> + <p>Atque id si faceres satur, tacerem:</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Nunc ipsum id doleo, quod essurire,</p> + <p>A me me, puer et sitire discet.</p> + <p>Quare desine, dum licet pudico,</p> + <p>Ne finem facias, sed inrumatus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Aurelius the Skinflint.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Aurelius, father of the famisht crew,</p> + <p>Not sole of starvelings now, but wretches who</p> + <p>Were, are, or shall be in the years to come,</p> + <p>My love, my dearling, fain art thou to strum.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Nor privately; for nigh thou com'st and jestest</p> + <p>And to his side close-sticking all things questest.</p> + <p>'Tis vain: while lay'st thou snares for me the worst,</p> + <p>By —— I will teach thee first.</p> + <p>An food-full thus do thou, my peace I'd keep:</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>But what (ah me! ah me!) compels me weep</p> + <p>Are thirst and famine to my dearling fated.</p> + <p>Cease thou so doing while as modest rated,</p> + <p>Lest to thy will thou win—but ——</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Aurelius, father of the famished, in ages past in time now present and + in future years yet to come, thou art longing to paedicate my love. Nor + is't done secretly: for thou art with him jesting, closely <!-- Page 43 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page43"></a>[43]</span>sticking at his + side, trying every means. In vain: for, instructed in thy artifice, I'll + strike home beforehand by irrumating thee. Now if thou didst this to work + off the results of full-living I would say naught: but what irks me is + that my boy must learn to starve and thirst with thee. Wherefore, desist, + whilst thou mayst with modesty, lest thou reach the end,—but by + being irrumated.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Suffenus iste, Vare, quem probe nosti,</p> + <p>Homost venustus et dicax et urbanus,</p> + <p>Idemque longe plurimos facit versus.</p> + <p>Puto esse ego illi milia aut decem aut plura</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Perscripta, nec sic ut fit in palimpseston</p> + <p>Relata: chartae regiae, novei libri,</p> + <p>Novei umbilici, lora rubra, membrana</p> + <p>Derecta plumbo, et pumice omnia aequata.</p> + <p>Haec cum legas tu, bellus ille et urbanus</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Suffenus unus caprimulgus aut fossor</p> + <p>Rursus videtur; tantum abhorret ac mutat.</p> + <p>Hoc quid putemus esse? qui modo scurra</p> + <p>Aut siquid hac re scitius videbatur,</p> + <p>Idem infacetost infacetior rure,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Simul poemata attigit, neque idem umquam</p> + <p>Aequest beatus ac poema cum scribit:</p> + <p>Tam gaudet in se tamque se ipse miratur.</p> + <p>Nimirum idem omnes fallimur, nequest quisquam,</p> + <p>Quem non in aliqua re videre Suffenum</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Possis. suus cuique attributus est error:</p> + <p>Sed non videmus, manticae quod in tergost.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 44 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page44"></a>[44]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Varus abusing Suffenus.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Varus, yon wight Suffenus known to thee</p> + <p>Fairly for wit, free talk, urbanity,</p> + <p>The same who scribbles verse in amplest store—</p> + <p>Methinks he fathers thousands ten or more</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Indited not as wont on palimpsest,</p> + <p>But paper-royal, brand-new boards, and best</p> + <p>Fresh bosses, crimson ribbands, sheets with lead</p> + <p>Ruled, and with pumice-powder all well polished.</p> + <p>These as thou readest, seem that fine, urbane</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Suffenus, goat-herd mere, or ditcher-swain</p> + <p>Once more, such horrid change is there, so vile.</p> + <p>What must we wot thereof? a Droll erst while,</p> + <p>Or (if aught) cleverer, he with converse meets,</p> + <p>He now in dullness, dullest villain beats</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Forthright on handling verse, nor is the wight</p> + <p>Ever so happy as when verse he write:</p> + <p>So self admires he with so full delight.</p> + <p>In sooth, we all thus err, nor man there be</p> + <p>But in some matter a Suffenus see</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Thou canst: his lache allotted none shall lack</p> + <p>Yet spy we nothing of our back-borne pack.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>That Suffenus, Varus, whom thou know'st right well, is a man fair + spoken, witty and urbane, and one who makes of verses lengthy store. I + think he has writ at full length ten thousand or more, nor are they set + down, as of custom, on palimpsest: regal paper, new boards, unused + bosses, red ribands, lead-ruled <!-- Page 45 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page45"></a>[45]</span>parchment, and all most evenly pumiced. But + when thou readest these, that refined and urbane Suffenus is seen on the + contrary to be a mere goatherd or ditcher-lout, so great and shocking is + the change. What can we think of this? he who just now was seen a + professed droll, or e'en shrewder than such in gay speech, this same + becomes more boorish than a country boor immediately he touches poesy, + nor is the dolt e'er as self-content as when he writes in verse,—so + greatly is he pleased with himself, so much does he himself admire. + Natheless, we all thus go astray, nor is there any man in whom thou canst + not see a Suffenus in some one point. Each of us has his assigned + delusion: but we see not what's in the wallet on our back.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Furei, quoi neque servos est neque arca</p> + <p>Nec cimex neque araneus neque ignis,</p> + <p>Verumst et pater et noverca, quorum</p> + <p>Dentes vel silicem comesse possunt,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Est pulchre tibi cum tuo parente</p> + <p>Et cum coniuge lignea parentis.</p> + <p>Nec mirum: bene nam valetis omnes,</p> + <p>Pulchre concoquitis, nihil timetis,</p> + <p>Non incendia, non graves ruinas,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Non furta inpia, non dolos veneni,</p> + <p>Non casus alios periculorum.</p> + <p>Atqui corpora sicciora cornu</p> + <p>Aut siquid magis aridumst habetis</p> +<!-- Page 46 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page46"></a>[46]</span> + <p>Sole et frigore et essuritione.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Quare non tibi sit bene ac beate?</p> + <p>A te sudor abest, abest saliva,</p> + <p>Mucusque et mala pituita nasi.</p> + <p>Hanc ad munditiem adde mundiorem,</p> + <p>Quod culus tibi purior salillost,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Nec toto decies cacas in anno,</p> + <p>Atque id durius est faba et lapillis;</p> + <p>Quod tu si manibus teras fricesque,</p> + <p>Non umquam digitum inquinare possis.</p> + <p>Haec tu commoda tam beata, Furi,</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Noli spernere nec putare parvi,</p> + <p>Et sestertia quae soles precari</p> + <p>Centum desine: nam sat es beatus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Furius satirically praising his Poverty.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Furius! Nor chest, nor slaves can claim,</p> + <p>Bug, Spider, nor e'en hearth aflame,</p> + <p>Yet thine a sire and step-dame who</p> + <p>Wi' tooth can ever flint-food chew!</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>So thou, and pleasant happy life</p> + <p>Lead wi' thy parent's wooden wife.</p> + <p>Nor this be marvel: hale are all,</p> + <p>Well ye digest; no fears appal</p> + <p>For household-arsons, heavy ruin,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Plunderings impious, poison-brewin'</p> + <p>Or other parlous case forlorn.</p> + <p>Your frames are hard and dried like horn,</p> + <p>Or if more arid aught ye know,</p> +<!-- Page 47 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page47"></a>[47]</span> + <p>By suns and frosts and hunger-throe.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Then why not happy as thou'rt hale?</p> + <p>Sweat's strange to thee, spit fails, and fail</p> + <p>Phlegm and foul snivel from the nose.</p> + <p>Add cleanness that aye cleanlier shows</p> + <p>A bum than salt-pot cleanlier,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Nor ten times cack'st in total year,</p> + <p>And harder 'tis than pebble or bean</p> + <p>Which rubbed in hand or crumbled, e'en</p> + <p>On finger ne'er shall make unclean.</p> + <p>Such blessings (Furius!) such a prize</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Never belittle nor despise;</p> + <p>Hundred sesterces seek no more</p> + <p>With wonted prayer—enow's thy store!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>O Furius, who neither slaves, nor coffer, nor bug, nor spider, nor + fire hast, but hast both father and step-dame whose teeth can munch up + even flints,—thou livest finely with thy sire, and with thy sire's + wood-carved spouse. Nor need's amaze! for in good health are ye all, + grandly ye digest, naught fear ye, nor arson nor house-fall, thefts + impious nor poison's furtive cunning, nor aught of perilous happenings + whatsoe'er. And ye have bodies drier than horn (or than aught more arid + still, if aught there be), parched by sun, frost, and famine. Wherefore + shouldst thou not be happy with such weal. Sweat is a stranger to thee, + absent also are saliva, phlegm, and evil nose-snivel. Add to this + cleanliness the thing that's still more cleanly, that thy backside is + purer <!-- Page 48 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page48"></a>[48]</span>than a salt-cellar, nor cackst thou ten + times in the total year, and then 'tis harder than beans and pebbles; + nay, 'tis such that if thou dost rub and crumble it in thy hands, not a + finger canst thou ever dirty. These goodly gifts and favours, O Furius, + spurn not nor think lightly of; and cease thy 'customed begging for an + hundred sesterces: for thou'rt blest enough!</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O qui flosculus es Iuventiorum,</p> + <p>Non horum modo, sed quot aut fuerunt</p> + <p>Aut posthac aliis erunt in annis,</p> + <p>Mallem divitias Midae dedisses</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Isti, quoi neque servus est neque arca,</p> + <p>Quam sic te sineres ab illo amari.</p> + <p>'Qui? non est homo bellus?' inquies. est:</p> + <p>Sed bello huic neque servos est neque arca.</p> + <p>Hoc tu quam lubet abice elevaque:</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Nec servom tamen ille habet neque arcam.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Juventius concerning the Choice of a Friend.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O of Juventian youths the flowret fair</p> + <p>Not of these only, but of all that were</p> + <p>Or shall be, coming in the coming years,</p> + <p>Better waste Midas' wealth (to me appears)</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>On him that owns nor slave nor money-chest</p> + <p>Than thou shouldst suffer by his love possest.</p> +<!-- Page 49 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page49"></a>[49]</span> + <p>"What! is he vile or not fair?" "Yes!" I attest,</p> + <p>"Yet owns this man so comely neither slaves nor chest</p> + <p>My words disdain thou or accept at best</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Yet neither slave he owns nor money-chest."</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>O thou who art the floweret of Juventian race, not only of these now + living, but of those that were of yore and eke of those that will be in + the coming years, rather would I that thou hadst given the wealth e'en of + Midas to that fellow who owns neither slave nor store, than that thou + shouldst suffer thyself to be loved by such an one. "What! isn't he a + fine-looking man?" thou askest. He is; but this fine-looking man has + neither slaves nor store. Contemn and slight this as it please thee: + nevertheless, he has neither slave nor store.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXV.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Cinaede Thalle, mollior cuniculi capillo</p> + <p>Vel anseris medullula vel imula oricilla</p> + <p>Vel pene languido senis situque araneoso,</p> + <p>Idemque Thalle turbida rapacior procella,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Cum diva munerarios ostendit oscitantes,</p> + <p>Remitte pallium mihi meum, quod involasti,</p> + <p>Sudariumque Saetabum catagraphosque Thynos,</p> + <p>Inepte, quae palam soles habere tamquam avita.</p> + <p>Quae nunc tuis ab unguibus reglutina et remitte,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Ne laneum latusculum manusque mollicellas</p> + <p>Inusta turpiter tibi flagella conscribillent,</p> + <p>Et insolenter aestues velut minuta magno</p> + <p>Deprensa navis in mari vesaniente vento.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 50 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page50"></a>[50]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXV.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Address to Thallus the Napery-Thief.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou bardache Thallus! more than Coney's robe</p> + <p>Soft, or goose-marrow or ear's lowmost lobe,</p> + <p>Or Age's languid yard and cobweb'd part,</p> + <p>Same Thallus greedier than the gale thou art,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>When the Kite-goddess shows thee Gulls agape,</p> + <p>Return my muffler thou hast dared to rape,</p> + <p>Saetaban napkins, tablets of Thynos, all</p> + <p>Which (Fool!) ancestral heirlooms thou didst call.</p> + <p>These now unglue-ing from thy claws restore,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Lest thy soft hands, and floss-like flanklets score</p> + <p>The burning scourges, basely signed and lined,</p> + <p>And thou unwonted toss like wee barque tyned</p> + <p>'Mid vasty Ocean vexed by madding wind!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>O Thallus the catamite, softer than rabbit's fur, or goose's marrow, + or lowmost ear-lobe, limper than the drooping penis of an oldster, in its + cobwebbed must, greedier than the driving storm, such time as the + Kite-Goddess shews us the gaping Gulls, give me back my mantle which thou + hast pilfered, and the Saetaban napkin and Thynian tablets which, idiot, + thou dost openly parade as though they were heirlooms. These now unglue + from thy nails and return, lest the stinging scourge shall shamefully + score thy downy flanks and delicate hands, and thou unwonted heave and + toss like a tiny boat surprised on the vasty sea by a raging storm.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 51 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page51"></a>[51]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXVI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Furi, villula nostra non ad Austri</p> + <p>Flatus oppositast neque ad Favoni</p> + <p>Nec saevi Boreae aut Apeliotae,</p> + <p>Verum ad milia quindecim et ducentos.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>O ventum horribilem atque pestilentem!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXVI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Catullus concerning his Villa.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Furius! our Villa never Austral force</p> + <p>Broke, neither set thereon Favonius' course,</p> + <p>Nor savage Boreas, nor Epeliot's strain,</p> + <p>But fifteen thousand crowns and hundreds twain</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Wreckt it,—Oh ruinous by-wind, breezy bane!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Furius, our villa not 'gainst the southern breeze is pitted nor the + western wind nor cruel Boreas nor sunny east, but sesterces fifteen + thousand two hundred oppose it. O horrible and baleful draught.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXVII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Minister vetuli puer Falerni</p> + <p>Inger mi calices amariores,</p> + <p>Vt lex Postumiae iubet magistrae,</p> + <p>Ebriosa acina ebriosioris.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>At vos quo lubet hinc abite, lymphae</p> + <p>Vini pernicies, et ad severos</p> + <p>Migrate: hic merus est Thyonianus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 52 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page52"></a>[52]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXVII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To his Cup-Boy.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou youngling drawer of Falernian old</p> + <p>Crown me the goblets with a bitterer wine</p> + <p>As was Postumia's law that rules the feast</p> + <p>Than ebriate grape-stone more inebriate.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>But ye fare whither please ye (water-nymphs!)</p> + <p>To wine pernicious, and to sober folk</p> + <p>Migrate ye: mere Thyonian juice be here!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Boy cupbearer of old Falernian, pour me fiercer cups as bids the laws + of Postumia, mistress of the feast, drunker than a drunken grape. But ye, + hence, as far as ye please, crystal waters, bane of wine, hie ye to the + sober: here the Thyonian juice is pure.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXVIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Pisonis comites, cohors inanis</p> + <p>Aptis sarcinulis et expeditis,</p> + <p>Verani optime tuque mi Fabulle,</p> + <p>Quid rerum geritis? satisne cum isto</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Vappa frigoraque et famem tulistis?</p> + <p>Ecquidnam in tabulis patet lucelli</p> + <p>Expensum, ut mihi, qui meum secutus</p> + <p>Praetorem refero datum lucello</p> + <p>'O Memmi, bene me ac diu supinum</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Tota ista trabe lentus inrumasti.'</p> + <p>Sed, quantum video, pari fuistis</p> + <p>Casu: nam nihilo minore verpa</p> + <p>Farti estis. pete nobiles amicos.</p> + <p>At vobis mala multa di deaeque</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Dent, opprobria Romulei Remique.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 53 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page53"></a>[53]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXVIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Friends on Return from Travel.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Followers of Piso, empty band</p> + <p>With your light budgets packt to hand,</p> + <p>Veránius best! Fabúllus mine!</p> + <p>What do ye? Bore ye enough, in fine</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Of frost and famine with yon sot?</p> + <p>What loss or gain have haply got</p> + <p>Your tablets? so, whenas I ranged</p> + <p>With Praetor, gains for loss were changed.</p> + <p>"O Memmius! thou did'st long and late</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>—— me supine slow and ——"</p> + <p>But (truly see I) in such case</p> + <p>Diddled you were by wight as base</p> + <p>Sans mercy. Noble friends go claim!</p> + <p>Now god and goddess give you grame</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Disgrace of Romulus! Remus' shame!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Piso's Company, a starveling band, with lightweight knapsacks, scantly + packed, most dear Veranius thou, and my Fabullus eke, how fortunes it + with you? have ye borne frost and famine enow with that sot? Which in + your tablets appear—the profits or expenses? So with me, who when I + followed a praetor, inscribed more gifts than gains. "O Memmius, well and + slowly didst thou irrumate me, supine, day by day, with the whole of that + beam." But, from what I see, in like case ye have been; for ye have been + crammed with no smaller a poker. Courting friends of high rank! But may + the gods and goddesses heap ill upon ye, reproach to Romulus and Remus. + <!-- Page 54 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page54"></a>[54]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXVIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quis hoc potest videre, quis potest pati,</p> + <p>Nisi inpudicus et vorax et aleo,</p> + <p>Mamurram habere quod Comata Gallia</p> + <p>Habebat ante et ultima Britannia?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Cinaede Romule, haec videbis et feres?</p> + <div class="linenum">5<i>b</i></div><p><i>Es inpudicus et vorax et aleo.</i></p> + <p>Et ille nunc superbus et superfluens</p> + <p>Perambulabit omnium cubilia</p> + <p>Vt albulus columbus aut Adoneus?</p> + <p>Cinaede Romule, haec videbis et feres?</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Es inpudicus et vorax et aleo.</p> + <p>Eone nomine, imperator unice,</p> + <p>Fuisti in ultima occidentis insula,</p> + <p>Vt ista vostra defututa Mentula</p> + <p>Ducenties comesset aut trecenties?</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Quid est alid sinistra liberalitas?</p> + <p>Parum expatravit an parum eluatus est?</p> + <p>Paterna prima lancinata sunt bona:</p> + <p>Secunda praeda Pontica: inde tertia</p> + <p>Hibera, quam scit amnis aurifer Tagus.</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Timentne Galliae hunc, timent Britanniae?</p> + <p>Quid hunc malum fovetis? aut quid hic potest,</p> + <p>Nisi uncta devorare patrimonia?</p> + <p>Eone nomine urbis, o potissimei</p> + <p>Socer generque, perdidistis omnia?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXVIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Cæsar of Mamurra, called Mentula.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Who e'er could witness this (who could endure</p> + <p>Except the lewdling, dicer, greedy-gut)</p> +<!-- Page 55 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page55"></a>[55]</span> + <p>That should Mamurra get what hairy Gaul</p> + <p>And all that farthest Britons held whilòme?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>(Thou bardache Romulus!) this wilt see and bear?</p> + <div class="linenum">5<i>b</i></div><p>Then art a lewdling, dicer, greedy-gut!</p> + <p>He now superb with pride superfluous</p> + <p>Shall go perambulate the bedrooms all</p> + <p>Like white-robed dovelet or Adonis-love.</p> + <p>Romulus thou bardache! this wilt see and bear?</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Then art a lewdling, dicer, greedy-gut!</p> + <p>Is't for such like name, sole Emperor thou!</p> + <p>Thou soughtest extreme Occidental Isle?</p> + <p>That this your —— Mentula</p> + <p>Millions and Milliards might at will absorb?</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>What is't but Liberality misplaced?</p> + <p>What trifles wasted he, small heirlooms spent?</p> + <p>First his paternal goods were clean dispersed;</p> + <p>Second went Pontus' spoils and for the third,—</p> + <p>Ebro-land,—weets it well gold-rolling Tage.</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Fear him the Gallias? Him the Britons' fear?</p> + <p>Why cherish this ill-wight? what 'vails he do?</p> + <p>Save fat paternal heritage devour?</p> + <p>Lost ye for such a name, O puissant pair</p> + <p>(Father and Son-in-law), our all-in-all?</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Who can witness this, who can brook it, save a whore-monger, a + guzzler, and a gamester, that Mamurra should possess what long-haired + Gaul and remotest Britain erstwhile had. Thou catamite Romulus, this + thou'lt see and bear? Then thou'rt a whore-monger, a guzzler, and a + gamester. And shall he now, superb and o'er replete, saunter o'er each + <!-- Page 56 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page56"></a>[56]</span>one's bed, as though he were a snow-plumed + dove or an Adonis? Thou catamite Romulus, this thou'lt see and hear? Then + thou'rt a whore-monger, a guzzler, and a gamester. For such a name, O + general unique, hast thou been to the furthest island of the west, that + this thy futtered-out Mentula should squander hundreds of hundreds? What + is't but ill-placed munificence? What trifles has he squandered, or what + petty store washed away? First his patrimony was mangled; secondly the + Pontic spoils; then thirdly the Iberian, which the golden Tagus-stream + knoweth. Do not the Gauls fear this man, do not the Britons quake? Why + dost thou foster this scoundrel? What use is he save to devour + well-fattened inheritances? Wast for such a name, O most puissant + father-in-law and son-in-law, that ye have spoiled the entire world.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXX.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Alfene inmemor atque unanimis false sodalibus</p> + <p>Iam te nil miseret, dure, tui dulcis amiculi?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Iam me prodere, iam non dubitas fallere, perfide?</p> + <p>Nec facta inpia fallacum hominum caelicolis placent:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Quod tu neglegis, ac me miserum deseris in malis.</p> + <p>Eheu quid faciant, dic, homines, cuive habeant fidem?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Certe tute iubebas animam tradere, inique, me</p> + <p>Inducens in amorem, quasi tuta omnia mi forent.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Idem nunc retrahis te ac tua dicta omnia factaque</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Ventos inrita ferre ac nebulas aerias sinis.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page 57 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page57"></a>[57]</span> + <p>Si tu oblitus es, at di meminerunt, meminit Fides,</p> + <p>Quae te ut paeniteat postmodo facti faciet tui.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXX.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Alfenus the Perjuror</span>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Alfénus! short of memory, false to comrades dearest-dear,</p> + <p>Now hast no pity (hardened Soul!) for friend and loving fere?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Now to betray me, now to guile thou (traitor!) ne'er dost pause?</p> + <p>Yet impious feats of fraudful men ne'er force the Gods' applause:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>When heed'st thou not deserting me (Sad me!) in sorest scathe,</p> + <p>Ah say whate'er shall humans do? in whom shall man show faith?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For sure thou bad'st me safely yield my spirit (wretch!) to thee,</p> + <p>Lulling my love as though my life were all security.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The same now dost withdraw thyself and every word and deed</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Thou suffer'st winds and airy clouds to sweep from out thy head.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But an forget thou, mindful be the Gods, and Faith in mind</p> + <p>Bears thee, and soon shall gar thee rue the deeds by thee design'd.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 58 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page58"></a>[58]</span></p> + + <p>Alfenus, unmemoried and unfaithful to thy comrades true, is there now + no pity in thee, O hard of heart, for thine sweet loving friend? Dost + thou betray me now, and scruplest not to play me false now, dishonourable + one? Yet the irreverent deeds of traitorous men please not the dwellers + in heaven: this thou takest no heed of, leaving me wretched amongst my + ills. Alas, what may men do, I pray you, in whom put trust? In truth thou + didst bid me entrust my soul to thee, sans love returned, lulling me to + love, as though all [love-returns] were safely mine. Yet now thou dost + withdraw thyself, and all thy purposeless words and deeds thou sufferest + to be wafted away into winds and nebulous clouds. If thou hast forgotten, + yet the gods remember, and in time to come will make thee rue thy + doing.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Paeninsularum, Sirmio, insularumque</p> + <p>Ocelle, quascumque in liquentibus stagnis</p> + <p>Marique vasto fert uterque Neptunus,</p> + <p>Quam te libenter quamque laetus inviso,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Vix mi ipse credens Thyniam atque Bithynos</p> + <p>Liquisse campos et videre te in tuto.</p> + <p>O quid solutis est beatius curis,</p> + <p>Cum mens onus reponit, ac peregrino</p> + <p>Labore fessi venimus larem ad nostrum</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Desideratoque acquiescimus lecto.</p> + <p>Hoc est, quod unumst pro laboribus tantis.</p> +<!-- Page 59 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page59"></a>[59]</span> + <p>Salve, o venusta Sirmio, atque ero gaude:</p> + <p>Gaudete vosque, o Libuae lacus undae:</p> + <p>Ridete, quidquid est domi cachinnorum.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Return to Sirmio and his Villa</span>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Sirmio! of Islands and Peninsulas</p> + <p>Eyelet, and whatsoe'er in limpid meres</p> + <p>And vasty Ocean either Neptune owns,</p> + <p>Thy scenes how willing-glad once more I see,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>At pain believing Thynia and the Fields</p> + <p>Bithynian left, I'm safe to sight thy Site.</p> + <p>Oh what more blessèd be than cares resolved,</p> + <p>When mind casts burthen and by peregrine</p> + <p>Work over wearied, lief we hie us home</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>To lie reposing in the longed-for bed!</p> + <p>This be the single meed for toils so triste.</p> + <p>Hail, O fair Sirmio, in thy lord rejoice:</p> + <p>And ye, O waves of Lybian Lake be glad,</p> + <p>And laugh what laughter pealeth in my home.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Sirmio! Eyebabe of Islands and Peninsulas, which Neptune holds whether + in limpid lakes or on mighty mains, how gladly and how gladsomely do I + re-see thee, scarce crediting that I've left behind Thynia and the + Bithynian champaign, and that safe and sound I gaze on thee. O what's + more blissful than cares released, when the mind casts down its burden, + and when wearied with travel-toils we reach our hearth, and sink on the + craved-for couch. This and only this <!-- Page 60 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page60"></a>[60]</span>repays our labours + numerous. Hail, lovely Sirmio, and gladly greet thy lord; and joy ye, + wavelets of the Lybian lake; laugh ye the laughters echoing from my + home.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Amabo, mea dulcis Ipsithilla,</p> + <p>Meae deliciae, mei lepores,</p> + <p>Iube ad te veniam meridiatum.</p> + <p>Et si iusseris illud, adiuvato,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Nequis liminis obseret tabellam,</p> + <p>Neu tibi lubeat foras abire,</p> + <p>Sed domi maneas paresque nobis</p> + <p>Novem continuas fututiones.</p> + <p>Verum, siquid ages, statim iubeto:</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Nam pransus iaceo et satur supinus</p> + <p>Pertundo tunicamque palliumque.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Craving Ipsithilla's Last Favours.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I'll love my Ipsithilla sweetest,</p> + <p>My desires and my wit the meetest,</p> + <p>So bid me join thy nap o' noon!</p> + <p>Then (after bidding) add the boon</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Undraw thy threshold-bolt none dare,</p> + <p>Lest thou be led afar to fare;</p> + <p>Nay bide at home, for us prepare</p> + <p>Nine-fold continuous love-delights.</p> + <p>But aught do thou to hurry things,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>For dinner-full I lie aback,</p> + <p>And gown and tunic through I crack.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 61 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page61"></a>[61]</span></p> + + <p>I'll love thee, my sweet Ipsithilla, my delight, my pleasure: an thou + bid me come to thee at noontide. And an thou thus biddest, I adjure thee + that none makes fast the outer door [against me], nor be thou minded to + gad forth, but do thou stay at home and prepare for us nine continuous + conjoinings. In truth if thou art minded, give instant summons: for + breakfast o'er, I lie supine and ripe, thrusting through both tunic and + cloak.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O furum optime balneariorum</p> + <p>Vibenni pater, et cinaede fili,</p> + <p>(Nam dextra pater inquinatiore,</p> + <p>Culo filius est voraciore)</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Cur non exilium malasque in oras</p> + <p>Itis, quandoquidem patris rapinae</p> + <p>Notae sunt populo, et natis pilosas,</p> + <p>Fili, non potes asse venditare.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On the Vibenii—Bath-Thieves.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Oh, best of robbers who in Baths delight,</p> + <p>Vibennius, sire and son, the Ingle hight,</p> + <p>(For that the father's hand be fouler one</p> + <p>And with his anus greedier is the Son)</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Why not to banishment and evil hours</p> + <p>Haste ye, when all the parent's plundering powers</p> + <p>Are public knowledge, nor canst gain a Cent</p> + <p>Son! by the vending of thy pilèd vent.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 62 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page62"></a>[62]</span></p> + + <p>O, chiefest of pilferers, baths frequenting, Vibennius the father and + his pathic son (for with the right hand is the sire more in guilt, and + with his backside is the son the greedier), why go ye not to exile and + ill hours, seeing that the father's plunderings are known to all folk, + and that, son, thou can'st not sell thine hairy buttocks for a doit?</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Dianae sumus in fide</p> + <p>Puellae et pueri integri:</p> + <p><i>Dianam pueri integri</i></p> + <p class="i2">Puellaeque canamus.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>O Latonia, maximi</p> + <p>Magna progenies Iovis,</p> + <p>Quam mater prope Deliam</p> + <p class="i2">Deposivit olivam,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Montium domina ut fores</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Silvarumque virentium</p> + <p>Saltuumque reconditorum</p> + <p class="i2">Amniumque sonantum.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Tu Lucina dolentibus</p> + <p>Iuno dicta puerperis,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Tu potens Trivia et notho's</p> + <p class="i2">Dicta lumine Luna.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Tu cursu, dea, menstruo</p> + <p>Metiens iter annuom</p> + <p>Rustica agricolae bonis</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">Tecta frugibus exples.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page 63 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page63"></a>[63]</span> + <p>Sis quocumque tibi placet</p> + <p>Sancta nomine, Romulique,</p> + <p>Antique ut solita's, bona</p> + <p class="i2">Sospites ope gentem.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Hymn to Diana.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Diana's faith inbred we bear</p> + <p>Youths whole of heart and maidens fair,</p> + <p>Let boys no blemishes impair,</p> + <p class="i12">And girls of Dian sing!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>O great Latonian progeny,</p> + <p>Of greatest Jove descendancy,</p> + <p>Whom mother bare 'neath olive-tree,</p> + <p class="i12">Deep in the Delian dell;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>That of the mountains reign thou Queen</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>And forest ranges ever green,</p> + <p>And coppices by man unseen,</p> + <p class="i12">And rivers resonant.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou art Lucína, Juno hight</p> + <p>By mothers lien in painful plight,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Thou puissant Trivia and the Light</p> + <p class="i12">Bastard, yclept the Lune.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou goddess with thy monthly stage,</p> + <p>The yearly march doth mete and guage</p> + <p>And rustic peasant's messuage,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i12">Dost brim with best o' crops,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page 64 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page64"></a>[64]</span> + <p>Be hailed by whatso name of grace,</p> + <p>Please thee and olden Romulus' race,</p> + <p>Thy wonted favour deign embrace,</p> + <p class="i12">And save with choicest aid.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>We, maids and upright youths, are in Diana's care: upright youths and + maids, we sing Diana.</p> + + <p>O Latonia, progeny great of greatest Jove, whom thy mother bare 'neath + Delian olive,</p> + + <p>That thou mightst be Queen of lofty mounts, of foliaged groves, of + remote glens, and of winding streams.</p> + + <p>Thou art called Juno Lucina by the mother in her travail-pangs, thou + art named potent Trivia and Luna with an ill-got light.</p> + + <p>Thou, Goddess, with monthly march measuring the yearly course, dost + glut with produce the rustic roofs of the farmer.</p> + + <p>Be thou hallowed by whatsoe'er name thou dost prefer; and cherish, + with thine good aid, as thou art wont, the ancient race of Romulus.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXV.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Poetae tenero, meo sodali</p> + <p>Velim Caecilio, papyre, dicas,</p> + <p>Veronam veniat, Novi relinquens</p> + <p>Comi moenia Lariumque litus:</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Nam quasdam volo cogitationes</p> + <p>Amici accipiat sui meique.</p> + <p>Quare, si sapiet, viam vorabit,</p> + <p>Quamvis candida milies puella</p> +<!-- Page 65 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page65"></a>[65]</span> + <p>Euntem revocet manusque collo</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Ambas iniciens roget morari,</p> + <p>Quae nunc, si mihi vera nuntiantur,</p> + <p>Illum deperit inpotente amore:</p> + <p>Nam quo tempore legit incohatam</p> + <p>Dindymi dominam, ex eo misellae</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Ignes interiorem edunt medullam.</p> + <p>Ignosco tibi, Sapphica puella</p> + <p>Musa doctior: est enim venuste</p> + <p>Magna Caecilio incohata mater.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXV.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">An Invitation to Poet Cecilius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Now to that tender bard, my Comrade fair,</p> + <p>(Cecilius) say I, "Paper go, declare,</p> + <p>Verona must we make and bid to New</p> + <p>Comum's town-walls and Larian Shores adieu;"</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>For I determined certain fancies he</p> + <p>Accept from mutual friend to him and me.</p> + <p>Wherefore he will, if wise, devour the way,</p> + <p>Though the blonde damsel thousand times essay</p> + <p>Recall his going and with arms a-neck</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>A-winding would e'er seek his course to check;</p> + <p>A girl who (if the truth be truly told)</p> + <p>Dies of a hopeless passion uncontroul'd;</p> + <p>For since the doings of the Díndymus-dame,</p> + <p>By himself storied, she hath read, a flame</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Wasting her inmost marrow-core hath burned.</p> + <p>I pardon thee, than Sapphic Muse more learn'd,</p> + <p>Damsel: for truly sung in sweetest lays</p> + <p>Was by Cecilius Magna Mater's praise.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 66 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page66"></a>[66]</span></p> + + <p>To that sweet poet, my comrade, Caecilius, I bid thee, paper, say: + that he hie him here to Verona, quitting New Comum's city-walls and + Larius' shore; for I wish him to give ear to certain counsels from a + friend of his and mine. Wherefore, an he be wise, he'll devour the way, + although a milk-white maid doth thousand times retard his going, and + flinging both arms around his neck doth supplicate delay—a damsel + who now, if truth be brought me, is undone with immoderate love of him. + For, since what time she first read of the Dindymus Queen, flames devour + the innermost marrow of the wretched one. I grant thee pardon, damsel, + more learned than the Sapphic muse: for charmingly has the Mighty Mother + been sung by Caecilius.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXVI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Annales Volusi, cacata charta,</p> + <p>Votum solvite pro mea puella:</p> + <p>Nam sanctae Veneri Cupidinique</p> + <p>Vovit, si sibi restitutus essem</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Desissemque truces vibrare iambos,</p> + <p>Electissima pessimi poetae</p> + <p>Scripta tardipedi deo daturam</p> + <p>Infelicibus ustulanda lignis.</p> + <p>Et haec pessima se puella vidit</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Iocose lepide vovere divis.</p> + <p>Nunc, o caeruleo creata ponto,</p> + <p>Quae sanctum Idalium Vriosque portus</p> +<!-- Page 67 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page67"></a>[67]</span> + <p>Quaeque Ancona Cnidumque harundinosam</p> + <p>Colis quaeque Amathunta quaeque Golgos</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Quaeque Durrachium Adriae tabernam,</p> + <p>Acceptum face redditumque votum,</p> + <p>Si non inlepidum neque invenustumst.</p> + <p>At vos interea venite in ignem,</p> + <p>Pleni ruris et inficetiarum</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Annales Volusi, cacata charta.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXVI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On "The Annals"—A so-called Poem of Volusius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Volusius' Annals, paper scum-bewrayed!</p> + <p>Fulfil that promise erst my damsel made;</p> + <p>Who vowed to Holy Venus and her son,</p> + <p>Cupid, should I return to her anon</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>And cease to brandish iamb-lines accurst,</p> + <p>The writ selected erst of bards the worst</p> + <p>She to the limping Godhead would devote</p> + <p>With slowly-burning wood of illest note.</p> + <p>This was the vilest which my girl could find</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>With vow facetious to the Gods assigned.</p> + <p>Now, O Creation of the azure sea,</p> + <p>Holy Idalium, Urian havenry</p> + <p>Haunting, Ancona, Cnidos' reedy site,</p> + <p>Amathus, Golgos, and the tavern hight</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Durrachium—thine Adrian abode—</p> + <p>The vow accepting, recognize the vowed</p> + <p>As not unworthy and unhandsome naught.</p> +<!-- Page 68 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page68"></a>[68]</span> + <p>But do ye meanwhile to the fire be brought,</p> + <p>That teem with boorish jest of sorry blade,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Volusius' Annals, paper scum-bewrayed.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Volusius' Annals, merdous paper, fulfil ye a vow for my girl: for she + vowed to sacred Venus and to Cupid that if I were re-united to her and I + desisted hurling savage iambics, she would give the most elect writings + of the pettiest poet to the tardy-footed God to be burned with ill-omened + wood. And <i>this</i> the saucy minx chose, jocosely and drolly to vow to + the gods. Now, O Creation of the cerulean main, who art in sacred + Idalium, and in Urian haven, and who doth foster Ancona and reedy Cnidos, + Amathus and Golgos, and Dyrrhachium, Adriatic tavern, accept and + acknowledge this vow if it lack not grace nor charm. But meantime, hence + with ye to the flames, crammed with boorish speech and vapid, Annals of + Volusius, merdous paper.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXVII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Salax taberna vosque contubernales,</p> + <p>A pileatis nona fratribus pila,</p> + <p>Solis putatis esse mentulas vobis,</p> + <p>Solis licere, quidquid est puellarum,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Confutuere et putare ceteros hircos?</p> + <p>An, continenter quod sedetis insulsi</p> + <p>Centum an ducenti, non putatis ausurum</p> + <p>Me una ducentos inrumare sessores?</p> + <p>Atqui putate: namque totius vobis</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Frontem tabernae scorpionibus scribam.</p> +<!-- Page 69 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page69"></a>[69]</span> + <p>Puella nam mi, quae meo sinu fugit,</p> + <p>Amata tantum quantum amabitur nulla,</p> + <p>Pro qua mihi sunt magna bella pugnata,</p> + <p>Consedit istic. hanc boni beatique</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Omnes amatis, et quidem, quod indignumst,</p> + <p>Omnes pusilli et semitarii moechi;</p> + <p>Tu praeter omnes une de capillatis,</p> + <p>Cuniculosae Celtiberiae fili</p> + <p>Egnati, opaca quem bonum facit barba</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Et dens Hibera defricatus urina.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXVII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To the Frequenters of a low Tavern</span>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Salacious Tavern and ye taverner-host,</p> + <p>From Pileate Brothers the ninth pile-post,</p> + <p>D'ye claim, you only of the mentule boast,</p> + <p>D'ye claim alone what damsels be the best</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>To swive: as he-goats holding all the rest?</p> + <p>Is't when like boobies sit ye incontinent here,</p> + <p>One or two hundred, deem ye that I fear</p> + <p>Two hundred —— at one brunt?</p> + <p>Ay, think so, natheless all your tavern-front</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>With many a scorpion I will over-write.</p> + <p>For that my damsel, fro' my breast took flight,</p> + <p>By me so lovèd, as shall loved be none,</p> + <p>Wherefor so mighty wars were waged and won,</p> + <p>Does sit in public here. Ye fain, rich wights,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>All woo her: thither too (the chief of slights!)</p> + <p>All pitiful knaves and by-street wenchers fare,</p> +<!-- Page 70 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page70"></a>[70]</span> + <p>And thou, (than any worse), with hanging hair,</p> + <p>In coney-breeding Celtiberia bred,</p> + <p>Egnatius! bonnified by beard full-fed,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>And teeth with Spanish urine polishèd.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Tavern of lust and you its tippling crowd, (at ninth pile sign-post + from the Cap-donned Brothers) think ye that ye alone have mentules, that + 'tis allowed to you alone to touzle whatever may be feminine, and to deem + all other men mere goats? But, because ye sit, a row of fools numbering + one hundred or haply two hundred, do ye think I dare not irrumate your + entire two hundred—loungers!—at once! Think it! but I'll + scrawl all over the front of your tavern with scorpion-words. For my + girl, who has fled from my embrace (she whom I loved as ne'er a maid + shall be beloved—for whom I fought fierce fights) has seated + herself here. All ye, both honest men and rich, and also, (O cursed + shame) all ye paltry back-slum fornicators, are making hot love to her; + and thou above all, one of the hairy-visaged sons of coney-caverned + Celtiberia, Egnatius, whose quality is stamped by dense-grown beard, and + teeth with Spanish urine scrubbed.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXVIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Malest, Cornifici, tuo Catullo,</p> + <p>Malest, me hercule, et est laboriose,</p> + <p>Et magis magis in dies et horas.</p> + <p>Quem tu, quod minimum facillimumquest,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Qua solatus es adlocutione?</p> +<!-- Page 71 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page71"></a>[71]</span> + <p>Irascor tibi. sic meos amores?</p> + <p>Paulum quid lubet adlocutionis,</p> + <p>Maestius lacrimis Simonideis.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXVIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">A Complaint to Cornificius</span>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Cornificius! 'Tis ill with thy Catullus,</p> + <p>'Tis ill (by Hercules) distressfully:</p> + <p>Iller and iller every day and hour.</p> + <p>Whose soul (as smallest boon and easiest)</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>With what of comfort hast thou deign'd console?</p> + <p>Wi' thee I'm angered! Dost so prize my love?</p> + <p>Yet some consoling utterance had been well</p> + <p>Though sadder 'twere than Simonídean tears.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>'Tis ill, Cornificius, with thy Catullus, 'tis ill, by Hercules, and + most untoward; and greater, greater ill, each day and hour! And thou, + what solace givest thou, e'en the tiniest, the lightest, by thy words? + I'm wroth with thee. Is my love but worth this? Yet one little message + would cheer me, though more full of sadness than Simonidean tears.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXVIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Egnatius, quod candidos habet dentes,</p> + <p>Renidet usque quaque. sei ad rei ventumst</p> + <p>Subsellium, cum orator excitat fletum,</p> + <p>Renidet ille. sei ad pii rogum fili</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Lugetur, orba cum flet unicum mater,</p> +<!-- Page 72 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page72"></a>[72]</span> + <p>Renidet ille. quidquid est, ubicumquest,</p> + <p>Quodcumque agit, renidet. hunc habet morbum,</p> + <p>Neque elegantem, ut arbitror, neque urbanum.</p> + <p>Quare monendum test mihi, bone Egnati.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Si urbanus esses aut Sabinus aut Tiburs</p> + <p>Aut fartus Vmber aut obesus Etruscus</p> + <p>Aut Lanuinus ater atque dentatus</p> + <p>Aut Transpadanus, ut meos quoque attingam,</p> + <p>Aut quilubet, qui puriter lavit dentes,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Tamen renidere usque quaque te nollem:</p> + <p>Nam risu inepto res ineptior nullast.</p> + <p>Nunc Celtiber es: Celtiberia in terra,</p> + <p>Quod quisque minxit, hoc sibi solet mane</p> + <p>Dentem atque russam defricare gingivam,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Vt quo iste vester expolitior dens est,</p> + <p>Hoc te amplius bibisse praedicet loti.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXVIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Egnatius of the White Teeth</span>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Egnatius for that owns he teeth snow-white,</p> + <p>Grins ever, everywhere. When placed a wight</p> + <p>In dock, when pleader would draw tears, the while</p> + <p>He grins. When pious son at funeral pile</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Mourns, or lone mother sobs for sole lost son,</p> + <p>He grins. Whate'er, whene'er, howe'er is done,</p> + <p>Of deed he grins. Such be his malady,</p> + <p>Nor kind, nor courteous—so beseemeth me—</p> + <p>Then take thou good Egnatius, rede of mine!</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Wert thou corrupt Sabine or a Tiburtine,</p> +<!-- Page 73 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page73"></a>[73]</span> + <p>Stuffed Umbrian or Tuscan overgrown</p> + <p>Swarthy Lanuvian with his teeth-rows shown,</p> + <p>Transpádan also, that mine own I touch,</p> + <p>Or any washing teeth to shine o'er much,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Yet thy incessant grin I would not see,</p> + <p>For naught than laughter silly sillier be.</p> + <p>Thou Celtiber art, in Celtiberia born,</p> + <p>Where man who's urined therewith loves a-morn</p> + <p>His teeth and ruddy gums to scour and score;</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>So the more polisht are your teeth, the more</p> + <p>Argue they sipping stale in ampler store.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Egnatius, who has milk-white teeth, grins for ever and aye. An he be + in court, when counsel excites tears, he grins. An he be at funeral pyre + where one mourns a son devoted, where a bereft mother's tears stream for + her only one, he grins. Whatever it may be, wherever he is, whate'er may + happen, he grins. Such ill habit has he—neither in good taste, well + assumed, nor refined. Wherefore do thou take note from me, my good + Egnatius. Be thou refined Sabine or Tiburtine, paunch-full Umbrian or + obese Tuscan, Lanuvian dusky and large-tusked, or Transpadine (to touch + upon mine own folk also), or whom thou wilt of those who cleanly wash + their teeth, still I'd wish thee not to grin for ever and aye; for than + senseless giggling nothing is more senseless. Now thou'rt a Celtiberian! + and in the Celtiberian land each wight who has urined is wont each morn + to scrub with it his <!-- Page 74 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page74"></a>[74]</span>teeth and pinky gums, so that the higher the + polish on thy teeth, the greater fund it notes that thou hast drunk of + urine.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXX.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quaenam te mala mens, miselle Ravide,</p> + <p>Agit praecipitem in meos iambos?</p> + <p>Quis deus tibi non bene advocatus</p> + <p>Vecordem parat excitare rixam?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>An ut pervenias in ora vulgi?</p> + <p>Quid vis? qua lubet esse notus optas?</p> + <p>Eris, quandoquidem meos amores</p> + <p>Cum longa voluisti amare poena.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXX.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Threatening Ravidus who stole his Mistress.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>What thought of folly Rávidus (poor churl!)</p> + <p>Upon my iambs thus would headlong hurl?</p> + <p>What good or cunning counsellor would fain</p> + <p>Urge thee to struggle in such strife insane?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Is't that the vulgar mouth thy name by rote?</p> + <p>What will'st thou? Wishest on any wise such note?</p> + <p>Then <i>shalt</i> be noted since my love so lief</p> + <p>For love thou sued'st to thy lasting grief.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>What mind ill set, O sorry Ravidus, doth thrust thee rashly on to my + iambics? What god, none advocate of good for thee, doth stir thee to a + senseless contest? That thou may'st be in the people's <!-- Page 75 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page75"></a>[75]</span>mouth? What + would'st thou? Dost wish to be famed, no matter in what way? So thou + shalt be, since thou hast aspired to our loved one's love, but by our + long-drawn vengeance.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ametina puella defututa</p> + <p>Tota milia me decem poposcit,</p> + <p>Ista turpiculo puella naso,</p> + <p>Decoctoris amica Formiani.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Propinqui, quibus est puella curae,</p> + <p>Amicos medicosque convocate:</p> + <p>Non est sana puella. nec rogate,</p> + <p>Qualis sit: solet esse imaginosa.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXXI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Mamurra's Mistress.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>That Ametina, worn-out whore,</p> + <p>Me for a myriad oft would bore,</p> + <p>That strumpet of th' ignoble nose,</p> + <p>To leman, rakehell Formian chose.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>An ye would guard her (kinsmen folk)</p> + <p>Your friends and leaches d'ye convoke:</p> + <p>The girl's not sound-sens'd; ask ye naught</p> + <p>Of her complaint: she's love-distraught.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Ametina, out-drainèd maiden, worries me for a whole ten thousand, that + damsel with an outspread nose, <i>chère amie</i> of Formianus the + wildling. Ye near <!-- Page 76 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page76"></a>[76]</span>of kin in whose care the maiden is, summon + ye both friends and medicals: for the girl's not sane. Nor ask ye, in + what way: she is subject to delusions.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Adeste, hendecasyllabi, quot estis</p> + <p>Omnes undique, quotquot estis omnes.</p> + <p>Iocum me putat esse moecha turpis</p> + <p>Et negat mihi nostra reddituram</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Pugillaria, si pati potestis.</p> + <p>Persequamur eam, et reflagitemus.</p> + <p>Quae sit, quaeritis. illa, quam videtis</p> + <p>Turpe incedere, mimice ac moleste</p> + <p>Ridentem catuli ore Gallicani.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Circumsistite eam, et reflagitate,</p> + <p>'Moecha putida, redde codicillos,</p> + <p>Redde, putida moecha, codicillos.'</p> + <p>Non assis facis? o lutum, lupanar,</p> + <p>Aut si perditius potest quid esse.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Sed non est tamen hoc satis putandum.</p> + <p>Quod si non aliud potest, ruborem</p> + <p>Ferreo canis exprimamus ore.</p> + <p>Conclamate iterum altiore voce</p> + <p>'Moecha putida, redde codicillos,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Redde, putida moecha, codicillos.'</p> + <p>Sed nil proficimus, nihil movetur.</p> + <p>Mutandast ratio modusque vobis,</p> + <p>Siquid proficere amplius potestis,</p> + <p>'Pudica et proba, redde codicillos.'</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 77 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page77"></a>[77]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On a Strumpet who stole his Tablets.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Come, Hendecasyllabics, many as may</p> + <p>All hither, every one that of you be!</p> + <p>That fulsome harlot makes me laughing-stock</p> + <p>And she refuses at our prayer restore</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Our stolen Note-books, an such slights ye bear.</p> + <p>Let us pursue her clamouring our demands.</p> + <p>"Who's she?" ye question: yonder one ye sight</p> + <p>Mincingly pacing mime-like, perfect pest,</p> + <p>With jaws wide grinning like a Gallic pup.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Stand all round her dunning with demands,</p> + <p>"Return (O rotten whore!) our noting books.</p> + <p>Our noting books (O rotten whore!) return!"</p> + <p>No doit thou car'st? O Mire! O Stuff o' stews!</p> + <p>Or if aught fouler filthier dirt there be.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Yet must we never think these words suffice.</p> + <p>But if naught else avail, at least a blush</p> + <p>Forth of that bitch-like brazen brow we'll squeeze.</p> + <p>Cry all together in a higher key</p> + <p>"Restore (O rotten whore!) our noting books,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Our noting books (O rotten whore!) restore!"</p> + <p>Still naught avails us, nothing is she moved.</p> + <p>Now must our measures and our modes be changed</p> + <p>An we would anywise our cause advance.</p> + <p>"Restore (chaste, honest Maid!) our noting books!"</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Hither, all ye hendecasyllables, as many as may be, from every part, + all of ye, as many soever as <!-- Page 78 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page78"></a>[78]</span>there be! A shameless prostitute deems me + fair sport, and denies return to me of our writing tablets, if ye are + able to endure this. Let's after her, and claim them back. "Who may she + be," ye ask? That one, whom ye see strutting awkwardly, stagily, and + stiffly, and with a laugh on her mouth like a Gallic whelp. Throng round + her, and claim them back. "O putrid punk, hand back our writing tablets; + hand back, O putrid punk, our writing tablets." Not a jot dost heed? O + Muck, Brothel-Spawn, or e'en loathsomer if it is possible so to be! Yet + think not yet that this is enough. For if naught else we can extort a + blush on thy brazened bitch's face. We'll yell again in heightened tones, + "O putrid punk, hand back our writing tablets, hand back, O putrid punk, + our writing tablets." But naught we profit, naught she budges. Changed + must your measure and your manner be, an you would further progress + make—"O Virgin pure and spotless, hand back our writing + tablets."</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Salve, nec minimo puella naso</p> + <p>Nec bello pede nec nigris ocellis</p> + <p>Nec longis digitis nec ore sicco</p> + <p>Nec sane nimis elegante lingua,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Decoctoris amica Formiani.</p> + <p>Ten provincia narrat esse bellam?</p> + <p>Tecum Lesbia nostra conparatur?</p> + <p>O saeclum insapiens et infacetum!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 79 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page79"></a>[79]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Mamurra's Mistress.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hail, girl who neither nose of minim size</p> + <p>Owns, nor a pretty foot, nor jetty eyes,</p> + <p>Nor thin long fingers, nor mouth dry of slaver</p> + <p>Nor yet too graceful tongue of pleasant flavour,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Leman to Formian that rake-a-hell.</p> + <p>What, can the Province boast of thee as belle?</p> + <p>Thee with my Lesbia durst it make compare?</p> + <p>O Age insipid, of all humour bare!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Hail, O maiden with nose not of the tiniest, with foot lacking shape + and eyes lacking darkness, with fingers scant of length, and mouth not + dry and tongue scant enough of elegance, <i>chère amie</i> of Formianus + the wildling. And thee the province declares to be lovely? With thee our + Lesbia is to be compared? O generation witless and unmannerly!</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O funde noster seu Sabine seu Tiburs,</p> + <p>(Nam te esse Tiburtem autumant, quibus non est</p> + <p>Cordi Catullum laedere: at quibus cordist,</p> + <p>Quovis Sabinum pignore esse contendunt)</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Sed seu Sabine sive verius Tiburs,</p> + <p>Fui libenter in tua suburbana</p> + <p>Villa malamque pectore expuli tussim,</p> + <p>Non inmerenti quam mihi meus venter,</p> + <p>Dum sumptuosas adpeto, dedit, cenas.</p> +<!-- Page 80 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page80"></a>[80]</span> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Nam, Sestianus dum volo esse conviva,</p> + <p>Orationem in Antium petitorem</p> + <p>Plenam veneni et pestilentiae legi.</p> + <p>Hic me gravido frigida et frequens tussis</p> + <p>Quassavit usque dum in tuum sinum fugi</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Et me recuravi otioque et urtica.</p> + <p>Quare refectus maximas tibi grates</p> + <p>Ago, meum quod non es ulta peccatum.</p> + <p>Nec deprecor iam, si nefaria scripta</p> + <p>Sesti recepso, quin gravidinem et tussim</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Non mi, sed ipsi Sestio ferat frigus,</p> + <p>Qui tum vocat me, cum malum librum legi.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXXIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Catullus to his own Farm.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O Farm our own, Sabine or Tiburtine,</p> + <p>(For style thee "Tiburs" who have not at heart</p> + <p>To hurt Catullus, whereas all that have</p> + <p>Wage any wager thou be Sabine classed)</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>But whether Sabine or of Tiburs truer</p> + <p>To thy suburban Cottage fared I fain</p> + <p>And fro' my bronchials drave that cursèd cough</p> + <p>Which not unmerited on me my maw,</p> + <p>A-seeking sumptuous banquetings, bestowed.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>For I requesting to be Sestius' guest</p> + <p>Read against claimant Antius a speech,</p> + <p>Full-filled with poisonous pestilential trash.</p> + <p>Hence a grave frigid rheum and frequent cough</p> + <p>Shook me till fled I to thy bosom, where</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Repose and nettle-broth healed all my ills.</p> +<!-- Page 81 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page81"></a>[81]</span> + <p>Wherefore recruited now best thanks I give</p> + <p>To thee for nowise punishing my sins:</p> + <p>Nor do I now object if noisome writs</p> + <p>Of Sestius hear I, but that cold and cough</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>And rheum may plague, not me, but Sestius' self</p> + <p>Who asks me only his ill writs to read.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>O, Homestead of ours, whether Sabine or Tiburtine (for that thou'rt + Tiburtine folk concur, in whose heart 'tis not to wound Catullus; but + those in whose heart 'tis, will wager anything thou'rt Sabine) but + whether Sabine or more truly Tiburtine, o'erjoyed was I to be within thy + rural country-home, and to cast off an ill cough from my chest, + which—not unearned—my belly granted me, for grasping after + sumptuous feeds. For, in my wish to be Sestius' guest, his defence + against the plaintiff Antius, crammed with venom and pestilent dulness, + did I read through. Hence a chill heavy rheum and fitful cough shattered + me continually until I fled to thine asylum, and brought me back to + health with rest and nettle-broth. Wherefore, re-manned, I give thee + utmost thanks, that thou hast not avenged my fault. Nor do I pray now for + aught but that, should I re-take Sestius' nefarious script, its frigid + vapidness may bring a cold and cough to Sestius' self; for he but invites + me when I read dull stuff.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXV.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Acmen Septumius suos amores</p> + <p>Tenens in gremio 'mea' inquit 'Acme,</p> +<!-- Page 82 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page82"></a>[82]</span> + <p>Ni te perdite amo atque amare porro</p> + <p>Omnes sum adsidue paratus annos</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Quantum qui pote plurimum perire,</p> + <p>Solus in Libya Indiave tosta</p> + <p>Caesio veniam obvius leoni.'</p> + <p>Hoc ut dixit, Amor, sinistra ut ante,</p> + <p>Dextra sternuit adprobationem.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>At Acme leviter caput reflectens</p> + <p>Et dulcis pueri ebrios ocellos</p> + <p>Illo purpureo ore saviata</p> + <p>'Sic' inquit 'mea vita Septumille,</p> + <p>Huic uni domino usque serviamus,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Vt multo mihi maior acriorque</p> + <p>Ignis mollibus ardet in medullis.'</p> + <p>Hoc ut dixit, Amor, sinistra ut ante,</p> + <p>Dextra sternuit adprobationem.</p> + <p>Nunc ab auspicio bono profecti</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Mutuis animis amant amantur.</p> + <p>Vnam Septumius misellus Acmen</p> + <p>Mavolt quam Syrias Britanniasque:</p> + <p>Vno in Septumio fidelis Acme</p> + <p>Facit delicias libidinesque.</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Quis ullos homines beatiores</p> + <p>Vidit, quis Venerem auspicatiorem?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXXV.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Acme and Septumius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>To Acmé quoth Septumius who his fere</p> + <p>Held on his bosom—"Acmé, mine! next year,</p> + <p>Unless I love thee fondlier than before,</p> +<!-- Page 83 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page83"></a>[83]</span> + <p>And with each twelve month love thee more and more,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>As much as lover's life can slay with yearning,</p> + <p>Alone in Lybia, or Hind's clime a-burning,</p> + <p>Be mine to encounter Lion grisly-eyed!"</p> + <p>While he was speaking Love on leftward side</p> + <p>(As wont) approving sneeze from dextral sped.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>But Acmé backwards gently bending head,</p> + <p>And the love-drunken eyes of her sweet boy</p> + <p>Kissing with yonder rosy mouth, "My joy,"</p> + <p>She murmured, "my life-love Septumillus mine!</p> + <p>Unto one master's hest let's aye incline,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>As burns with fuller and with fiercer fire</p> + <p>In my soft marrow set, this love-desire!"</p> + <p>While she was speaking, Love from leftward side</p> + <p>(As wont) with sneeze approving rightwards hied.</p> + <p>Now with boon omens wafted on their way,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>In mutual fondness, love and loved are they.</p> + <p>Love-sick Septumius holds one Acmé's love,</p> + <p>Of Syrias or either Britains high above,</p> + <p>Acmé to one Septumius full of faith</p> + <p>Her love and love-liesse surrendereth.</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Who e'er saw mortals happier than these two?</p> + <p>Who e'er a better omened Venus knew?</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Septumius clasping Acme his adored to his bosom, "Acme mine," quoth + he, "if thee I love not to perdition, nor am prepared to love through all + the future years moreover without cease, as greatly and distractedly as + man may,—alone in Libya or in torrid India may I oppose a <!-- Page + 84 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page84"></a>[84]</span>steel-eyed + lion." As thus he said, Love, leftwards as before, with approbation + rightwards sneezed. Then Acme slightly bending back her head, and the + swimming eyes of her sweet boy with rose-red lips a-kissing, "So," quoth + she, "my life, Septumillus, this Lord unique let us serve for aye, as + more forceful in me burns the fire greater and keener 'midst my soft + marrow." As thus she said, Love, leftwards as before, with approbation + rightwards sneezed. Now with good auspice urged along, with mutual minds + they love and are beloved. The thrall o' love Septumius his only Acme far + would choose, than Tyrian or Britannian realms: the faithful Acme with + Septumius unique doth work her love delights and wantonings. Whoe'er has + seen folk blissfuller, whoe'er a more propitious union?</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXVI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Iam ver egelidos refert tepores,</p> + <p>Iam caeli furor aequinoctialis</p> + <p>Iocundis Zephyri silescit aureis.</p> + <p>Linquantur Phrygii, Catulle, campi</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Nicaeaeque ager uber aestuosae:</p> + <p>Ad claras Asiae volemus urbes.</p> + <p>Iam mens praetrepidans avet vagari,</p> + <p>Iam laeti studio pedes vigescunt.</p> + <p>O dulces comitum valete coetus,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Longe quos simul a domo profectos</p> + <p>Diversae variae viae reportant.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 85 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page85"></a>[85]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXVI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">His Adieux to Bithynia.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Now Spring his cooly mildness brings us back,</p> + <p>Now th' equinoctial heaven's rage and wrack</p> + <p>Hushes at hest of Zephyr's bonny breeze.</p> + <p>Far left (Catullus!) be the Phrygian leas</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>And summery Nicæa's fertile downs:</p> + <p>Fly we to Asia's fame-illumined towns.</p> + <p>Now lust my fluttering thoughts for wayfare long,</p> + <p>Now my glad eager feet grow steady, strong.</p> + <p>O fare ye well, my comrades, pleasant throng,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Ye who together far from homesteads flying,</p> + <p>By many various ways come homewards hieing.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Now springtide brings back its mild and tepid airs, now the heaven's + fury equinoctial is calmed by Zephyr's benign breath. The Phrygian + meadows are left behind, O Catullus, and the teeming fields of + sun-scorched Nicaea: to the glorious Asian cities let us haste. Now my + palpitating soul craves wander, now my feet grow vigorous with glad zeal. + O charming circlet of comrades, fare ye well, who are together met from + distant homes to which divers sundered ways lead back.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXVII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Porci et Socration, duae sinistrae</p> + <p>Pisonis, scabies famesque mundi</p> + <p>Vos Veraniolo meo et Fabullo</p> +<!-- Page 86 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page86"></a>[86]</span> + <p>Verpus praeposuit Priapus ille?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Vos convivia lauta sumptuose</p> + <p>De die facitis? mei sodales</p> + <p>Quaerunt in trivio vocationes?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXXVII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Porcius and Socration</span>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Porcius and Socration, pair sinister</p> + <p>Of Piso, scabs and starvelings of the world,</p> + <p>You to Fabúllus and my Verianólus,</p> + <p>Hath dared yon snipt Priapus to prefer?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Upon rich banquets sumptuously spread</p> + <p>Still gorge you daily while my comrades must</p> + <p>Go seek invitals where the three roads fork?</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Porcius and Socration, twins in rascality of Piso, scurf and famisht + of the earth, you before my Veraniolus and Fabullus has that + prepuce-lacking Priapus placed? Shall you betimes each day in luxurious + opulence banquet? And must my cronies quest for dinner invitations, + [lounging] where the three cross-roads meet?</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXVIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Mellitos oculos tuos, Iuventi,</p> + <p>Siquis me sinat usque basiare,</p> + <p>Vsque ad milia basiem trecenta,</p> + <p>Nec umquam videar satur futurus,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Non si densior aridis aristis</p> + <p>Sit nostrae seges osculationis.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 87 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page87"></a>[87]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXVIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Juventius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Those honied eyes of thine (Juventius!)</p> + <p>If any suffer me sans stint to buss,</p> + <p>I'd kiss of kisses hundred thousands three,</p> + <p>Nor ever deem I'd reach satiety,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Not albe denser than dried wheat-ears show</p> + <p>The kissing harvests our embraces grow.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Thine honey-sweet eyes, O Juventius, had I the leave to kiss for aye, + for aye I'd kiss e'en to three hundred thousand kisses, nor ever should I + reach to future plenity, not even if thicker than dried wheat sheaves be + the harvest of our kisses.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">XXXXVIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Disertissime Romuli nepotum,</p> + <p>Quot sunt quotque fuere, Marce Tulli,</p> + <p>Quotque post aliis erunt in annis,</p> + <p>Gratias tibi maximas Catullus</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Agit pessimus omnium poeta,</p> + <p>Tanto pessimus omnium poeta</p> + <p>Quanto tu optimus omnium patronus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">XXXXVIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Marcus Tullius Cicero.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Most eloquent 'mid race of Romulus</p> + <p>That is or ever was (Marc Tullius!)</p> + <p>Or in the coming years the light shall see,</p> + <p>His thanks, the warmest, offers unto thee</p> +<!-- Page 88 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page88"></a>[88]</span> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Catullus, poet sorriest that be,</p> + <p>And by such measure poet sorriest,</p> + <p>As thou of pleaders art the bestest best.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Most eloquent of Romulus' descendancy, who are, who have been, O + Marcus Tullius, and who shall later be in after time, to thee doth give + his greatest gratitude Catullus, pettiest of all the poets,—and so + much pettiest of all the poets as thou art peerless 'mongst all + pleaders.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">L.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hesterno, Licini, die otiosi</p> + <p>Multum lusimus in meis tabellis,</p> + <p>Vt convenerat esse delicatos.</p> + <p>Scribens versiculos uterque nostrum</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Ludebat numero modo hoc modo illoc,</p> + <p>Reddens mutua per iocum atque vinum.</p> + <p>Atque illinc abii tuo lepore</p> + <p>Incensus, Licini, facetiisque,</p> + <p>Vt nec me miserum cibus iuvaret,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Nec somnus tegeret quiete ocellos,</p> + <p>Sed toto indomitus furore lecto</p> + <p>Versarer cupiens videre lucem,</p> + <p>Vt tecum loquerer, simulque ut essem.</p> + <p>At defessa labore membra postquam</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Semimortua lectulo iacebant,</p> + <p>Hoc, iocunde, tibi poema feci,</p> + <p>Ex quo perspiceres meum dolorem.</p> + <p>Nunc audax cave sis, precesque nostras,</p> +<!-- Page 89 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page89"></a>[89]</span> + <p>Oramus, cave despuas, ocelle,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Ne poenas Nemesis reposcat a te.</p> + <p>Est vemens dea: laedere hanc caveto.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">L.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To his friend Licinius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Idly (Licinius!) we our yesterday,</p> + <p>Played with my tablets much as pleased us play,</p> + <p>In mode becoming souls of dainty strain.</p> + <p>Inditing verses either of us twain</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Now in one measure then in other line</p> + <p>We rang the changes amid wit and wine.</p> + <p>Then fared I homewards by thy fun so fired</p> + <p>And by thy jests (Licinius!) so inspired,</p> + <p>Nor food my hapless appetite availed</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Nor sleep in quiet rest my eyelids veiled,</p> + <p>But o'er the bedstead wild in furious plight</p> + <p>I tossed a-longing to behold the light,</p> + <p>So I might talk wi' thee, and be wi' thee.</p> + <p>But when these wearied limbs from labour free</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Were on my couchlet strewn half-dead to lie,</p> + <p>For thee (sweet wag!) this poem for thee wrote I,</p> + <p>Whereby thou mete and weet my cark and care.</p> + <p>Now be not over-bold, nor this our prayer</p> + <p>Outspit thou (apple of mine eyes!): we pray</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Lest doom thee Nemesis hard pain repay:—</p> + <p>She's a dire Goddess, 'ware thou cross her way.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Yestreen, Licinius, in restful day, much mirthful verse we flashed + upon my tablets, as became us, men <!-- Page 90 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page90"></a>[90]</span>of fancy. Each jotting + versicles in turn sported first in this metre then in that, exchanging + mutual epigrams 'midst jokes and wine. But I departed thence, afire, + Licinius, with thy wit and drolleries, so that food was useless to my + wretched self; nor could sleep close mine eyes in quiet, but all o'er the + bed in restless fury did I toss, longing to behold daylight that with + thee I might speak, and again we might be together. But afterwards, when + my limbs, weakened by my restless labours, lay stretched in semi-death + upon the bed, this poem, O jocund one, I made for thee, from which thou + mayst perceive my dolour. Now 'ware thee of presumptuousness, and our + pleadings 'ware thee of rejecting, we pray thee, eye-babe of ours, lest + Nemesis exact her dues from thee. She is a forceful Goddess; 'ware her + wrath.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ille mi par esse deo videtur,</p> + <p>Ille, si fas est, superare divos,</p> + <p>Qui sedens adversus identidem te</p> + <p class="i4">Spectat et audit</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Dulce ridentem, misero quod omnis</p> + <p>Eripit sensus mihi: nam simul te,</p> + <p>Lesbia, aspexi, nihil est super mi</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Lingua sed torpet, tenuis sub artus</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Flamma demanat, sonitu suopte</p> + <p>Tintinant aures geminae, teguntur</p> + <p class="i4">Lumina nocte.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 91 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page91"></a>[91]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LI<i>b</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Otium, Catulle, tibi molestumst:</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Otio exultas nimiumque gestis.</p> + <p>Otium et reges prius et beatas</p> + <p class="i2">Perdidit urbes.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Lesbia.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Peer of a God meseemeth he,</p> + <p>Nay passing Gods (and that can be!)</p> + <p>Who all the while sits facing thee</p> + <p class="i4">Sees thee and hears</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Thy low sweet laughs which (ah me!) daze</p> + <p>Mine every sense, and as I gaze</p> + <p>Upon thee (Lesbia!) o'er me strays</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>My tongue is dulled, my limbs adown</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Flows subtle flame; with sound its own</p> + <p>Rings either ear, and o'er are strown</p> + <p class="i4">Mine eyes with night.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LI<i>b</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ease has thy lot, Catullus, crost,</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Ease gladdens thee at heaviest cost,</p> + <p>Ease killed the Kings ere this and lost</p> + <p class="i4">The tallest towns.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>He to me to be peer to a god doth seem, he, if such were lawful, to + o'er-top the gods, who sitting oft a-front of thee doth gaze on thee, and + <!-- Page 92 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page92"></a>[92]</span>doth listen to thine laughter lovely, which + doth snatch away from sombre me mine every sense: for instant falls my + glance on thee, Lesbia, naught is left to me [of voice], but my tongue is + numbed, a keen-edged flame spreads through my limbs, with sound + self-caused my twin ears sing, and mine eyes are enwrapped with + night.</p> + + <p>Sloth, O Catullus, to thee is hurtful: in sloth beyond measure dost + thou exult and pass thy life. Sloth hath erewhile ruined rulers and + gladsome cities.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quid est, Catulle? quid moraris emori?</p> + <p>Sella in curuli struma Nonius sedet,</p> + <p>Per consulatum peierat Vatinius:</p> + <p>Quid est, Catulle? quid moraris emori?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Catullus to Himself.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>What is't, Catullus? Why delay to out die?</p> + <p>That Wen hight Nonius sits in curule chair,</p> + <p>For Consulship Vatinius false doth swear;</p> + <p>What is't, Catullus? Why delay to out die?</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Prithee Catullus, why delay thine death? Nonius the tumour is seated + in the curule chair, Vatinius forswears himself for consul's rank: + prithee Catullus, why delay thine death? <!-- Page 93 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page93"></a>[93]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Risi nescioquem modo e corona,</p> + <p>Qui, cum mirifice Vatiniana</p> + <p>Meus crimina Calvos explicasset,</p> + <p>Admirans ait haec manusque tollens,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>'Di magni, salaputium disertum!'</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">A Jest concerning Calvus.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I laughed at one 'mid Forum-crowd unknown</p> + <p>Who, when Vatinius' crimes in wondrous way</p> + <p>Had by my Calvus been explained, exposed,</p> + <p>His hand upraising high admiring cried</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>"Great Gods! the loquent little Doodle-diddle!"</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>I laughed at I know not whom in the crowded court who, when with + admirable art Vatinius' crimes my Calvus had set forth, with hands + uplifted and admiring mien thus quoth "Great Gods, the fluent little + Larydoodle!"</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Othonis caput oppidost pusillum</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Neri rustica semilauta crura,</p> + <p>Subtile et leve peditum Libonis.</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Si non omnia displicere vellem</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Tibi et Fuficio seni recocte</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 94 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page94"></a>[94]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LIIII<i>b</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Irascere iterum meis iambis</p> + <p>Inmerentibus, unice imperator.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Julius Cæsar. (?)</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The head of Otho, puniest of pates</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>The rustic half-washt shanks of Nerius</p> + <p>And Libo's subtle silent fizzling-farts.</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>I wish that leastwise these should breed disgust</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>In thee and old Fuficius, rogue twice-cookt.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LIIII<i>b</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Again at these mine innocent iamb-lines</p> + <p>Wi' wrath be wrothest; unique Emperor!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Otho's head is paltry past all phrase * * * the uncouth semi-soaped + shanks of Nerius, the slender soundless fizzlings of Libo * * * if not + all things I wish would displease thee and Fuficius, the white-headed and + green-tailed.</p> + + <p>Anew thou shalt be enraged at my harmless iambics, emperor unique.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LV.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Oramus, si forte non molestumst,</p> + <p>Demostres, ubi sint tuae tenebrae.</p> + <p>Te campo quaesivimus minore,</p> +<!-- Page 95 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page95"></a>[95]</span> + <p>Te in circo, te in omnibus libellis,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Te in templo summi Iovis sacrato.</p> + <p>In Magni simul ambulatione</p> + <p>Femellas omnes, amice, prendi,</p> + <p>Quas vultu vidi tamen serenas.</p> + <p>A, vel te sic ipse flagitabam,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>'Camerium mihi, pessimae puellae.'</p> + <p>Quaedam inquit, nudum sinum reducens,</p> + <p>'En heic in roseis latet papillis.'</p> + <div class="linenum">13</div><p>Sed te iam ferre Herculei labos est.</p> + <div class="linenum">23</div><p>Non custos si fingar ille Cretum,</p> + <p>Non si Pegaseo ferar volatu,</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Non Ladas ego pinnipesve Perseus,</p> + <p>Non Rhesi nivea citaque biga:</p> + <p>Adde huc plumipedes volatilesque,</p> + <p>Ventorumque simul require cursum:</p> + <p>Quos cunctos, Cameri, mihi dicares,</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p>Defessus tamen omnibus medullis</p> + <p>Et multis langoribus peresus</p> + <div class="linenum">32</div><p>Essem te mihi, amice, quaeritando.</p> + <div class="linenum">14</div><p>Tanto ten fastu negas, amice?</p> + <p>Dic nobis ubi sis futurus, ede</p> + <p>Audacter, conmitte, crede lucei.</p> + <p>Num te lacteolae tenent puellae?</p> + <p>Si linguam clauso tenes in ore,</p> + <p>Fructus proicies amoris omnes:</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Verbosa gaudet Venus loquella.</p> + <p>Vel si vis, licet obseres palatum,</p> + <p>Dum vostri sim particeps amoris.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 96 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page96"></a>[96]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LV.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Of his friend Camerius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We pray, an' haply irk it not when prayed,</p> + <p>Show us where shadowed hidest thou in shade!</p> + <p>Thee throughout Campus Minor sought we all,</p> + <p>Thee in the Circus, thee in each bookstall,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Thee in Almighty Jove's fane consecrate.</p> + <p>Nor less in promenade titled from The Great</p> + <p>(Friend!) I accosted each and every quean,</p> + <p>But mostly madams showing mien serene,</p> + <p>For thee I pestered all with many pleas—</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>"Give me Camérius, wanton baggages!"</p> + <p>Till answered certain one a-baring breasts</p> + <p>"Lo, 'twixt these rosy paps he haply rests!"</p> + <div class="linenum">13</div><p>But now to find thee were Herculean feat.</p> + <div class="linenum">23</div><p>Not if I feignèd me that guard of Crete,</p> + <p>Not if with Pegasèan wing I sped,</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Or Ladas I or Perseus plumiped,</p> + <p>Or Rhesus borne in swifty car snow-white:</p> + <p>Add the twain foot-bewing'd and fast of flight,</p> + <p>And of the cursive winds require the blow:</p> + <p>All these (Camérius!) couldst on me bestow.</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p>Tho' were I wearied to each marrow bone</p> + <p>And by many o' languors clean forgone</p> + <div class="linenum">32</div><p>Yet I to seek thee (friend!) would still assay.</p> + <div class="linenum">14</div><p>In such proud lodging (friend) wouldst self denay?</p> + <p>Tell us where haply dwell'st thou, speak outright,</p> + <p>Be bold and risk it, trusting truth to light,</p> + <p>Say do these milk-white girls thy steps detain?</p> +<!-- Page 97 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page97"></a>[97]</span> + <p>If aye in tight-sealed lips thy tongue remain,</p> + <p>All Amor's fruitage thou shalt cast away:</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Verbose is Venus, loving verbal play!</p> + <p>But, an it please thee, padlockt palate bear,</p> + <p>So in your friendship I have partner-share.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>We beg, if maybe 'tis not untoward, thou'lt shew us where may be thine + haunt sequestered. Thee did we quest within the Lesser Fields, thee in + the Circus, thee in every bookshop, thee in holy fane of highmost Jove. + In promenade yclept "The Great," the crowd of cocottes straightway did I + stop, O friend, accosting those whose looks I noted were unruffled. And + for thee loudly did I clamour, "Restore to me Camerius, most giddy + girls." Quoth such-an-one, her bosom bare a-shewing, "Look! 'twixt + rose-red paps he shelters him." But labour 'tis of Hercules thee now to + find. Not were I framed the Cretan guard, nor did I move with Pegasean + wing, nor were I Ladas, or Persius with the flying foot, or Rhesus with + swift and snowy team: to these add thou the feathery-footed and winged + ones, ask likewise fleetness of the winds: which all united, O Camerius, + couldst thou me grant, yet exhausted in mine every marrow and with many a + faintness consumed should I be in my quest for thee, O friend. Why + withdraw thyself in so much pride, O friend? Tell us where thou wilt be + found, declare it boldly, give up the secret, trust it to the light. + What, do the milk-white maidens hold thee? If <!-- Page 98 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page98"></a>[98]</span>thou dost hold thy tongue + closed up in mouth, thou squanderest Love's every fruit: for Venus joys + in many-worded babblings. Yet if thou wishest, thou mayst bar thy palate, + if I may be a sharer in thy love.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LVI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Orem ridiculam, Cato, et iocosam</p> + <p>Dignamque auribus et tuo cachinno.</p> + <p>Ride, quidquid amas, Cato, Catullum:</p> + <p>Res est ridicula et nimis iocosa.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Deprendi modo pupulum puellae</p> + <p>Trusantem: hunc ego, si placet Dionae,</p> + <p>Protelo rigida mea cecidi.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LVI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Cato, describing a "Black Joker."</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O risible matter (Cato!) and jocose,</p> + <p>Digne of thy hearing, of thy sneering digne.</p> + <p>Laugh (Cato!) an thou love Catullus thine;</p> + <p>The thing is risible, nay, too jocose.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Erstwhile I came upon a lad who a lass</p> + <p>Was —— and (so please it Dion!) I</p> + <p>Pierced him with stiffest staff and did him die.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>O thing ridiculous, Cato, and facetious, and worthy of thine ears and + of thy laughter. Laugh, Cato, the more thou lovest Catullus: the thing is + ridiculous, and beyond measure facetious. Just now I caught a boy + a-thrusting in a girl: and on him (so please you, Dione) with rigid spear + of mine I fell. <!-- Page 99 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page99"></a>[99]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LVII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Pulcre convenit inprobis cinaedis,</p> + <p>Mamurrae pathicoque Caesarique.</p> + <p>Nec mirum: maculae pares utrisque,</p> + <p>Vrbana altera et illa Formiana,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Inpressae resident nec eluentur:</p> + <p>Morbosi pariter, gemelli utrique</p> + <p>Vno in lectulo, erudituli ambo,</p> + <p>Non hic quam ille magis vorax adulter,</p> + <p>Rivales sociei puellularum.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Pulcre convenit inprobis cinaedis.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LVII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Mamurra and Julius Cæsar.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Right well are paired these Cinaedes sans shame</p> + <p>Mamurra and Cæsar, both of pathic fame.</p> + <p>No wonder! Both are fouled with foulest blight,</p> + <p>One urban being, Formian t'other wight,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>And deeply printed with indelible stain:</p> + <p>Morbose is either, and the twin-like twain</p> + <p>Share single Couchlet; peers in shallow lore,</p> + <p>Nor this nor that for lechery hungers more,</p> + <p>As rival wenchers who the maidens claim</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Right well are paired these Cinaedes sans shame.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>A comely couple of shameless catamites, Mamurra and Caesar, pathics + both. Nor needs amaze: they share like stains—this, Urban, the + other, Formian,—which stay deep-marked nor can they be got rid of. + Both morbidly diseased <!-- Page 100 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page100"></a>[100]</span>through pathic vice, the pair of twins lie + in one bed, alike in erudition, one not more than other the greater + greedier adulterer, allied rivals of the girls. A comely couple of + shameless catamites.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LVIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Caeli, Lesbia nostra, Lesbia illa,</p> + <p>Illa Lesbia, quam Catullus unam</p> + <p>Plus quam se atque suos amavit omnes,</p> + <p>Nunc in quadriviis et angiportis</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Glubit magnanimos Remi nepotes.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LVIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Lesbia who Ended Badly.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Cælius! That Lesbia of ours, that Lesbia,</p> + <p>That only Lesbia by Catullus loved,</p> + <p>Than self, far fondlier, than all his friends,</p> + <p>She now where four roads fork, and wind the wynds</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Husks the high-minded scions Remus-sprung.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>O Caelius, our Lesbia, that Lesbia, the self-same Lesbia whom Catullus + more than himself and all his own did worship, now at cross-roads and in + alleys husks off the mettlesome descendants of Remus.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LVIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Bononiensis Rufa Rufulum fellat,</p> + <p>Vxor Meneni, saepe quam in sepulcretis</p> + <p>Vidistis ipso rapere de rogo cenam,</p> + <p>Cum devolutum ex igne prosequens panem</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Ab semiraso tunderetur ustore.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 101 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page101"></a>[101]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LVIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Rufa.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Rúfa the Bolognese drains Rufule dry,</p> + <p>(Wife to Menenius) she 'mid tombs you'll spy,</p> + <p>The same a-snatching supper from the pyre</p> + <p>Following the bread-loaves rolling forth the fire</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Till frapped by half-shaved body-burner's ire.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Rufa of Bononia lends her lips to Rufulus, she the wife of Menenius, + whom oft among the sepulchres ye have seen clutching her meal from the + funeral pile, when pursuing the bread which has rolled from the fire, + whilst she was being buffeted by a semi-shorn corpse-burner.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LX.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Num te leaena montibus Libystinis</p> + <p>Aut Scylla latrans infima inguinum parte</p> + <p>Tam mente dura procreavit ac taetra,</p> + <p>Vt supplicis vocem in novissimo casu</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Contemptam haberes a! nimis fero corde?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LX.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To a Cruel Charmer.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Bare thee some lioness wild in Lybian wold?</p> + <p>Or Scylla barking from low'st inguinal fold?</p> + <p>With so black spirit, of so dure a mould,</p> + <p>E'en voice of suppliant must thou disregard</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>In latest circumstance ah, heart o'er hard?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 102 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page102"></a>[102]</span></p> + + <p>Did a lioness of the Libyan Hills, or Scylla yelping from her lowmost + groin, thee procreate, with mind so hard and horrid, that thou hast + contempt upon a suppliant's voice in calamity's newest stress? O heart + o'ergreatly cruel.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Collis o Heliconii</p> + <p class="i2">Cultor, Vraniae genus,</p> + <p class="i2">Qui rapis teneram ad virum</p> + <p>Virginem, o Hymenaee Hymen,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Cinge tempora floribus</p> + <p class="i2">Suave olentis amaraci,</p> + <p class="i2">Flammeum cape, laetus huc</p> + <p>Huc veni niveo gerens</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Luteum pede soccum,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Excitusque hilari die</p> + <p class="i2">Nuptialia concinens</p> + <p class="i2">Voce carmina tinnula</p> + <p>Pelle humum pedibus, manu</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p class="i2">Pineam quate taedam.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Namque Vinia Manlio,</p> + <p class="i2">Qualis Idalium colens</p> + <p class="i2">Venit ad Phrygium Venus</p> + <p>Iudicem, bona cum bona</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">Nubet alite virgo,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page 103 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page103"></a>[103]</span> + <p>Floridis velut enitens</p> + <p class="i2">Myrtus Asia ramulis,</p> + <p class="i2">Quos Hamadryades deae</p> + <p>Ludicrum sibi rosido</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p class="i2">Nutriunt umore.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quare age huc aditum ferens</p> + <p class="i2">Perge linquere Thespiae</p> + <p class="i2">Rupis Aonios specus,</p> + <p>Nympha quos super inrigat</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p class="i2">Frigerans Aganippe,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ac domum dominam voca</p> + <p class="i2">Coniugis cupidam novi,</p> + <p class="i2">Mentem amore revinciens,</p> + <p>Vt tenax hedera huc et huc</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p class="i2">Arborem inplicat errans.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Vosque item simul, integrae</p> + <p class="i2">Virgines, quibus advenit</p> + <p class="i2">Par dies, agite in modum</p> + <p>Dicite 'o Hymenaee Hymen,</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee,'</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Vt lubentius, audiens</p> + <p class="i2">Se citarier ad suom</p> + <p class="i2">Munus, huc aditum ferat</p> + <p>Dux bonae Veneris, boni</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p class="i2">Coniugator amoris.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quis deus magis anxiis</p> + <p class="i2">Est petendus amantibus?</p> + <p class="i2">Quem colent homines magis</p> + <p>Caelitum? o Hymenaee Hymen,</p> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page 104 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page104"></a>[104]</span> + <p>Te suis tremulus parens</p> + <p class="i2">Invocat, tibi virgines</p> + <p class="i2">Zonula soluunt sinus,</p> + <p>Te timens cupida novos</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p class="i2">Captat aure maritus.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Tu fero iuveni in manus</p> + <p class="i2">Floridam ipse puellulam</p> + <p class="i2">Dedis a gremio suae</p> + <p>Matris, o Hymenaee Hymen,</p> + <div class="linenum">60</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nil potest sine te Venus,</p> + <p class="i2">Fama quod bona conprobet,</p> + <p class="i2">Commodi capere: at potest</p> + <p>Te volente. quis huic deo</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p class="i2">Conpararier ausit?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nulla quit sine te domus</p> + <p class="i2">Liberos dare, nec parens</p> + <p class="i2">Stirpe cingier: at potest</p> + <p>Te volente. quis huic deo</p> + <div class="linenum">70</div><p class="i2">Conpararier ausit?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quae tuis careat sacris,</p> + <p class="i2">Non queat dare praesides</p> + <p class="i2">Terra finibus: at queat</p> + <p>Te volente. quis huic deo</p> + <div class="linenum">75</div><p class="i2">Conpararier ausit?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Claustra pandite ianuae,</p> + <p class="i2">Virgo ades. viden ut faces</p> + <p class="i2">Splendidas quatiunt comas?</p> + <p>Tardet ingenuos pudor:</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page 105 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page105"></a>[105]</span> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <div class="linenum">80</div><p>Quem tamen magis audiens</p> + <div class="linenum">81</div><p class="i2">Flet, quod ire necesse est.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="linenum">(86)</div><p>Flere desine. non tibi, A-</p> + <p class="i2">runculeia, periculumst,</p> + <p class="i2">Nequa femina pulchrior</p> + <div class="linenum">85</div><p>Clarum ab Oceano diem</p> + <div class="linenum">(90)</div><p class="i2">Viderit venientem.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Talis in vario solet</p> + <p class="i2">Divitis domini hortulo</p> + <p class="i2">Stare flos hyacinthinus.</p> + <div class="linenum">90</div><p>Sed moraris, abit dies:</p> + <p class="i2"><i>Prodeas, nova nupta.</i></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Prodeas, nova nupta, si</p> + <p class="i2">Iam videtur, et audias</p> + <p class="i2">Nostra verba. vide ut faces</p> + <div class="linenum">95</div><p>Aureas quatiunt comas:</p> + <p class="i2">Prodeas, nova nupta.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Non tuos levis in mala</p> + <p class="i2">Deditus vir adultera</p> + <p class="i2">Probra turpia persequens</p> + <div class="linenum">100</div><p>A tuis teneris volet</p> + <p class="i2">Secubare papillis,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lenta quin velut adsitas</p> + <p class="i2">Vitis inplicat arbores,</p> + <p class="i2">Inplicabitur in tuom</p> + <div class="linenum">105</div><p>Conplexum. sed abit dies:</p> + <p class="i2">Prodeas, nova nupta.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page 106 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page106"></a>[106]</span> + <p>O cubile, quod omnibus</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <div class="linenum">110</div><p> * * * *</p> + <p class="i2">Candido pede lecti,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quae tuo veniunt ero,</p> + <p class="i2">Quanta gaudia, quae vaga</p> + <p class="i2">Nocte, quae medio die</p> + <div class="linenum">115</div><p>Gaudeat! sed abit dies:</p> + <p class="i2">Prodeas, nova nupta.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Tollite, o pueri, faces:</p> + <p class="i2">Flammeum video venire.</p> + <p class="i2">Ite, concinite in modum</p> + <div class="linenum">120</div><p>'O Hymen Hymenaee io,</p> + <p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.'</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ne diu taceat procax</p> + <p class="i2">Fescennina iocatio,</p> + <p class="i2">Nec nuces pueris neget</p> + <div class="linenum">125</div><p>Desertum domini audiens</p> + <p class="i2">Concubinus amorem.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Da nuces pueris, iners</p> + <p class="i2">Concubine: satis diu</p> + <p class="i2">Lusisti nucibus: lubet</p> + <div class="linenum">130</div><p>Iam servire Talasio.</p> + <p class="i2">Concubine, nuces da.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Sordebant tibi vilicae,</p> + <p class="i2">Concubine, hodie atque heri:</p> + <p class="i2">Nunc tuom cinerarius</p> + <div class="linenum">135</div><p>Tondet os. miser a miser</p> + <p class="i2">Concubine, nuces da.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page 107 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page107"></a>[107]</span> + <p>Diceris male te a tuis</p> + <p class="i2">Vnguentate glabris marite</p> + <p class="i2">Abstinere: sed abstine.</p> + <div class="linenum">140</div><p>O Hymen Hymenaee io,</p> + <p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Scimus haec tibi quae licent</p> + <p class="i2">Sola cognita: sed marito</p> + <p class="i2">Ista non eadem licent.</p> + <div class="linenum">145</div><p>O Hymen Hymenaee io,</p> + <p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nupta, tu quoque, quae tuos</p> + <p class="i2">Vir petet, cave ne neges,</p> + <p class="i2">Ni petitum aliunde eat.</p> + <div class="linenum">150</div><p>O Hymen Hymenaee io,</p> + <p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>En tibi domus ut potens</p> + <p class="i2">Et beata viri tui,</p> + <p class="i2">Quae tibi sine fine erit</p> + <div class="linenum">155</div><p>(O Hymen Hymenaee io,</p> + <p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee),</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Vsque dum tremulum movens</p> + <p class="i2">Cana tempus anilitas</p> + <p class="i2">Omnia omnibus adnuit.</p> + <div class="linenum">160</div><p>O Hymen Hymenaee io,</p> + <p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Transfer omine cum bono</p> + <p class="i2">Limen aureolos pedes,</p> + <p class="i2">Rasilemque subi forem.</p> + <div class="linenum">165</div><p>O Hymen Hymenaee io,</p> + <p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page 108 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page108"></a>[108]</span> + <p>Aspice, intus ut accubans</p> + <p class="i2">Vir tuos Tyrio in toro</p> + <p class="i2">Totus inmineat tibi.</p> + <div class="linenum">170</div><p>O Hymen Hymenaee io,</p> + <p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Illi non minus ac tibi</p> + <p class="i2">Pectore uritur intimo</p> + <p class="i2">Flamma, sed penite magis.</p> + <div class="linenum">175</div><p>O Hymen Hymenaee io,</p> + <p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Mitte brachiolum teres,</p> + <p class="i2">Praetextate, puellulae:</p> + <p class="i2">Iam cubile adeat viri.</p> + <div class="linenum">180</div><p>O Hymen Hymenaee io,</p> + <p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Vos bonae senibus viris</p> + <p class="i2">Cognitae bene feminae,</p> + <p class="i2">Collocate puellulam.</p> + <div class="linenum">185</div><p>O Hymen Hymenaee io,</p> + <p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenaee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Iam licet venias, marite:</p> + <p class="i2">Vxor in thalamo tibist</p> + <p class="i2">Ore floridulo nitens,</p> + <div class="linenum">190</div><p>Alba parthenice velut</p> + <p class="i2">Luteumve papaver.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>At, marite, (ita me iuvent</p> + <p class="i2">Caelites) nihilo minus</p> + <p class="i2">Pulcher es, neque te Venus</p> + <div class="linenum">195</div><p>Neglegit. sed abit dies:</p> + <p class="i2">Perge, ne remorare.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page 109 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page109"></a>[109]</span> + <p>Non diu remoratus es,</p> + <p class="i2">Iam venis. bona te Venus</p> + <p class="i2">Iuverit, quoniam palam</p> + <div class="linenum">200</div><p>Quod cupis capis et bonum</p> + <p class="i2">Non abscondis amorem.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ille pulveris Africei</p> + <p class="i2">Siderumque micantium</p> + <p class="i2">Subducat numerum prius,</p> + <div class="linenum">205</div><p>Qui vostri numerare volt</p> + <p class="i2">Multa milia ludei.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ludite ut lubet, et brevi</p> + <p class="i2">Liberos date. non decet</p> + <p class="i2">Tam vetus sine liberis</p> + <div class="linenum">210</div><p>Nomen esse, sed indidem</p> + <p class="i2">Semper ingenerari.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Torquatus volo parvolus</p> + <p class="i2">Matris e gremio suae</p> + <p class="i2">Porrigens teneras manus</p> + <div class="linenum">215</div><p>Dulce rideat ad patrem</p> + <p class="i2">Semhiante labello.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Sit suo similis patri</p> + <p class="i2">Manlio et facile inscieis</p> + <p class="i2">Noscitetur ab omnibus</p> + <div class="linenum">220</div><p>Et pudicitiam suae</p> + <p class="i2">Matris indicet ore.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Talis illius a bona</p> + <p class="i2">Matre laus genus adprobet,</p> + <p class="i2">Qualis unica ab optima</p> + <div class="linenum">225</div><p>Matre Telemacho manet</p> + <p class="i2">Fama Penelopeo.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> +<!-- Page 110 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page110"></a>[110]</span> + <p>Claudite ostia, virgines:</p> + <p class="i2">Lusimus satis. at, bonei</p> + <p class="i2">Coniuges, bene vivite et</p> + <div class="linenum">230</div><p>Munere adsiduo valentem</p> + <p class="i2">Exercete inventam.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Epithalamium on Vinia and Manlius.</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">1.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Of Helicon-hill, O Thou that be</p> + <p>Haunter, Urania's progeny,</p> + <p>Who hurriest soft virginity</p> + <p class="i2">To man, O Hymenæus Hymen,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">2.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>About thy temples bind the bloom,</p> + <p class="i2">Of Marjoram flow'ret scented sweet;</p> + <p>Take flamey veil: glad hither come</p> + <p class="i2">Come hither borne by snow-hue'd feet</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i8">Wearing the saffron'd sock.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">3.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And, roused by day of joyful cheer,</p> + <p class="i2">Carolling nuptial lays and chaunts</p> + <p>With voice as silver-ringing clear,</p> + <p class="i2">Beat ground with feet, while brandisht flaunts</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p class="i8">Thy hand the piney torch.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 111 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page111"></a>[111]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">4.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For Vinia comes by Manlius woo'd,</p> + <p class="i2">As Venus on th' Idalian crest,</p> + <p>Before the Phrygian judge she stood</p> + <p class="i2">And now with blessèd omens blest,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i8">The maid is here to wed.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">5.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A maiden shining bright of blee,</p> + <p class="i2">As Myrtle branchlet Asia bred,</p> + <p>Which Hamadryad deity</p> + <p class="i2">As toy for joyance aye befed</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p class="i8">With humour of the dew.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">6.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then hither come thou, hieing lief,</p> + <p class="i2">Awhile to leave th' Aonian cave,</p> + <p>Where 'neath the rocky Thespian cliff</p> + <p class="i2">Nymph Aganippe loves to lave</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p class="i8">In cooly waves outpoured.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">7.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And call the house-bride, homewards bring</p> + <p class="i2">Maid yearning for new married fere,</p> + <p>Her mind with fondness manacling,</p> + <p class="i2">As the tough ivy here and there</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p class="i8">Errant the tree enwinds.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">8.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And likewise ye, clean virginal</p> + <p>Maidens, to whom shall haps befall</p> + <p>Like day, in measure join ye all</p> + <p class="i2">Singing, O Hymenæus Hymen,</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 112 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page112"></a>[112]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">9.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>That with more will-full will a-hearing</p> + <p class="i2">The call to office due, he would</p> + <p>Turn footsteps hither, here appearing,</p> + <p class="i2">Guide to good Venus, and the good</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p class="i8">Lover conjoining strait.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">10.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>What God than other Godheads more</p> + <p>Must love-sick wights for aid implore?</p> + <p>Whose Godhead foremost shall adore</p> + <p class="i2">Mankind? O Hymenæus Hymen,</p> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">11.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thee for his own the trembling sire</p> + <p class="i2">Invokes, thee Virgins ever sue</p> + <p>Who laps of zone to loose aspire,</p> + <p class="i2">And thee the bashful bridegrooms woo</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p class="i8">With ears that long to hear.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">12.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou to the hand of love-fierce swain</p> + <p>Deliverest maiden fair and fain,</p> + <p>From mother's fondling bosom ta'en</p> + <p class="i2">Perforce, O Hymenæus Hymen</p> + <div class="linenum">60</div><p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">13.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou lacking, Venus ne'er avails—</p> + <p class="i2">While Fame approves for honesty—</p> + <p>Love-joys to lavish: ne'er she fails</p> + <p class="i2">Thou willing:—with such Deity</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p class="i8">Whoe'er shall dare compare?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 113 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page113"></a>[113]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">14.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou wanting, never son and heir</p> + <p class="i2">The Hearth can bear, nor parents be</p> + <p>By issue girt, yet can it bear,</p> + <p class="i2">Thou willing:—with such Deity,</p> + <div class="linenum">70</div><p class="i8">Whoe'er shall dare compare?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">15.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>An lack a land thy sacring rite,</p> + <p class="i2">The perfect rule we ne'er shall see</p> + <p>Reach Earth's far bourne; yet such we sight,</p> + <p class="i2">Thou willing:—with such Deity</p> + <div class="linenum">75</div><p class="i8">Whoe'er shall dare compare?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">16.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Your folds ye gateways wide-ope swing!</p> + <p class="i2">The maiden comes. Seest not the sheen</p> + <p>Of links their splendent tresses fling?</p> + <p class="i2">Let shame retard the modest mien.</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">17.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <div class="linenum">80</div><p class="i2">Who more she hears us weeps the more,</p> + <div class="linenum">81</div><p class="i8">That needs she must advance.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">18.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="linenum">(86)</div><p>Cease raining tear-drops! not for thee,</p> + <p class="i2">Aurunculeia, risk we deem,</p> + <p>That fairer femininety</p> + <div class="linenum">85</div><p class="i2">Clear day outdawned from Ocean stream</p> + <div class="linenum">(90)</div><p class="i8">Shall ever more behold.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 114 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page114"></a>[114]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">19.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Such in the many-tinted bower</p> + <p class="i2">Of rich man's garden passing gay</p> + <p>Upstands the hyacinthine flower.</p> + <div class="linenum">90</div><p class="i2">But thou delayest, wanes the day:</p> + <p class="i8"><i>Prithee, come forth new Bride.</i></p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">20.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Prithee, come forth new Bride! methinks,</p> + <p class="i2">Drawing in sight, the talk we hold</p> + <p>Thou haply hearest. See the Links!</p> + <div class="linenum">95</div><p class="i2">How shake their locks begilt with gold:</p> + <p class="i8">Prithee, new Bride come forth.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">21.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Not lightly given thy mate to ill</p> + <p class="i2">Joys and adulterous delights</p> + <p>Foul fleshly pleasures seeking still</p> + <div class="linenum">100</div><p class="i2">Shall ever choose he lie o' nights</p> + <p class="i8">Far from thy tender paps.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">22.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But as with pliant shoots the vine</p> + <p class="i2">Round nearest tree-trunk winds her way,</p> + <p>He shall be ever twined in thine</p> + <div class="linenum">105</div><p class="i2">Embraces:—yet, lo! wanes the day:</p> + <p class="i8">Prithee, come forth new Bride!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">23.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Couchlet which to me and all</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <div class="linenum">110</div><p> * * * *</p> + <p class="i8">With bright white bedstead foot.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 115 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page115"></a>[115]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">24.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>What joys the lord of thee betide!</p> + <p class="i2">What love-liesse on vaguing way</p> + <p>O' nights! What sweets in morning tide</p> + <div class="linenum">115</div><p class="i2">For thee be stored! Yet wanes the day:</p> + <p class="i8">Prithee, come forth fresh Bride!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">25.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Your lighted links, O boys, wave high:</p> + <p>I see the flamey veil draw nigh:</p> + <p>Hie, sing in merry mode and cry</p> + <div class="linenum">120</div><p class="i2">"O Hymen Hymenæus io,</p> + <p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus!"</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">26.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lest longer mute tongue stays that joys</p> + <p class="i2">In festal jest, from Fescennine,</p> + <p>Nor yet denay their nuts to boys,</p> + <div class="linenum">125</div><p class="i2">He-Concubine! who learns in fine</p> + <p class="i8">His lordling's love is fled.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">27.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Throw nuts to boys thou idle all</p> + <p class="i2">He-Concubine! wast fain full long</p> + <p>With nuts to play: now pleased as thrall</p> + <div class="linenum">130</div><p class="i2">Be thou to swell Talasios' throng:</p> + <p class="i8">He-Concubine throw nuts.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">28.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Wont thou at peasant-girls to jape</p> + <p class="i2">He-whore! Thy Lord's delight the while:</p> + <p>Now shall hair-curling chattel scrape</p> + <div class="linenum">135</div><p class="i2">Thy cheeks: poor wretch, ah! poor and vile:—</p> + <p class="i8">He-Concubine, throw nuts.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 116 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page116"></a>[116]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">29.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>'Tis said from smooth-faced ingle train</p> + <p>(Anointed bridegroom!) hardly fain</p> + <p>Hast e'er refrained; now do refrain!</p> + <div class="linenum">140</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenæus io,</p> + <p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">30.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We know that naught save licit rites</p> + <p>Be known to thee, but wedded wights</p> + <p>No more deem lawful such delights.</p> + <div class="linenum">145</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenæus io,</p> + <p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">31.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou too, O Bride, whatever dare</p> + <p>Thy groom, of coy rebuff beware,</p> + <p>Lest he to find elsewhither fare.</p> + <div class="linenum">150</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenæus io,</p> + <p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">32.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lo! here the house of high degree</p> + <p>Thy husband's puissant home to be,</p> + <p>Which ever shall obey thy gree.</p> + <div class="linenum">155</div><p>O Hymen Hymenæus io,</p> + <p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">33.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Till Time betide when eld the hoar</p> + <p>Thy head and temples trembling o'er</p> + <p>Make nod to all things evermore.</p> + <div class="linenum">160</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenæus io,</p> + <p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 117 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page117"></a>[117]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">34.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O'erstep with omen meetest meet</p> + <p>The threshold-stone thy golden feet</p> + <p>Up, past the polisht panels fleet.</p> + <div class="linenum">165</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenæus io,</p> + <p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">35.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Within bestrewn thy bridegroom see</p> + <p>On couch of Tyrian cramoisy</p> + <p>All imminent awaiting thee.</p> + <div class="linenum">170</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenæus io,</p> + <p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">36.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For in his breast not less than thine</p> + <p>Burn high the flames that deepest shrine,</p> + <p>Yet his the lowe far deeper lien.</p> + <div class="linenum">175</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenæus io,</p> + <p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">37.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Let fall the maid's soft arms, thou fair</p> + <p>Boy purple-hem'd: now be thy care</p> + <p>Her bridegroom's couch she seek and share.</p> + <div class="linenum">180</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenæus io,</p> + <p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">38.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ye wives time-tried to husbands wed,</p> + <p>Well-known for chastity inbred,</p> + <p>Dispose the virginette a-bed.</p> + <div class="linenum">185</div><p class="i2">O Hymen Hymenæus io,</p> + <p class="i8">O Hymen Hymenæus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 118 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page118"></a>[118]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">39.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Groom, now 'tis meet thou hither pace,</p> + <p class="i2">With bride in genial bed to blend,</p> + <p>For sheenly shines her flowery face</p> + <div class="linenum">190</div><p class="i2">Where the white chamomiles contend</p> + <p class="i8">With poppies blushing red.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">40.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Yet bridegroom (So may Godhead deign</p> + <p class="i2">Help me!) nowise in humbler way</p> + <p>Art fair, nor Venus shall disdain</p> + <div class="linenum">195</div><p class="i2">Thy charms, but look! how wanes the day:</p> + <p class="i8">Forward, nor loiter more!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">41.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No longer loitering makest thou,</p> + <p class="i2">Now comest thou. May Venus good</p> + <p>Aid thee when frankly takest thou</p> + <div class="linenum">200</div><p class="i2">Thy wishes won, nor true Love woo'd</p> + <p class="i8">Thou carest to conceal.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">42.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Of Afric's wolds and wilds each grain,</p> + <p class="i2">Or constellations glistening,</p> + <p>First reckon he that of the twain</p> + <div class="linenum">205</div><p class="i2">To count alone were fain to bring</p> + <p class="i8">The many thousand joys.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">43.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Play as ye please: soon prove ye deft</p> + <p class="i2">At babying babes,—'twere ill design'd</p> + <p>A name thus ancient should be left</p> + <div class="linenum">210</div><p class="i2">Heirless, but issue like of kind</p> + <p class="i8">Engendered aye should be.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 119 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page119"></a>[119]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">44.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A wee Torquátus fain I'd see</p> + <p class="i2">Encradled on his mother's breast</p> + <p>Put forth his tender puds while he</p> + <div class="linenum">215</div><p class="i2">Smiles to his sire with sweetest gest</p> + <p class="i8">And liplets half apart.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">45.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Let son like father's semblance show</p> + <p class="i2">(Manlius!) so with easy guess</p> + <p>All know him where his sire they know,</p> + <div class="linenum">220</div><p class="i2">And still his face and form express</p> + <p class="i8">His mother's honest love.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">46.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Approve shall fair approof his birth</p> + <p class="i2">From mother's seed-stock generous,</p> + <p>As rarest fame of mother's worth</p> + <div class="linenum">225</div><p class="i2">Unique exalts Telemachus</p> + <p class="i8">Penelope's own son.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">47.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Fast close the door-leaves, virgin band:</p> + <p class="i2">Enow we've played. But ye the fair</p> + <p>New-wedded twain live happy, and</p> + <div class="linenum">230</div><p class="i2">Functions of lusty married pair</p> + <p class="i8">Exercise sans surcease.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>O Fosterer of the Helicon Hill, sprung from Urania, who beareth the + gentle virgin to her mate, O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus!</p> + + <p>Twine round thy temples sweet-smelling flowerets of marjoram; put on + thy gold-tinted veil; light-hearted, hither, hither haste, bearing on + snowy foot the golden-yellow sandal: <!-- Page 120 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page120"></a>[120]</span></p> + + <p>And a-fire with the joyous day, chanting wedding melodies with ringing + voice, strike the ground with thy feet, with thine hand swing aloft the + pine-link.</p> + + <p>For Vinia—fair as Idalian Venus, when stood before the Phrygian + judge—a virgin fair, weds Manlius 'midst happy auspices.</p> + + <p>She, bright-shining as the Asian myrtle florid in branchlets, which + the Hamadryads nurture for their pleasure with besprinkled dew.</p> + + <p>Wherefore, hither! leaving the Aonian grot in the Thespian Rock, o'er + which flows the chilling stream of Aganippe.</p> + + <p>And summon homewards the mistress, eager for her new yoke, + firm-prisoning her soul in love; as tight-clasping ivy, wandering hither, + thither, enwraps the tree around.</p> + + <p>And also ye, upright virgins, for whom a like day is nearing, chant ye + in cadence, singing "O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus!"</p> + + <p>That more freely, hearing himself to his duty called, will he bear + hither his presence, Lord of true Venus, uniter of true lovers.</p> + + <p>What god is worthier of solicitation by anxious amourists? Whom of the + celestials do men worship more greatly? O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen + Hymenaeus!</p> + + <p>Thee for his young the trembling father beseeches, for thee virgins + unclasp the zone from their breasts, for thee the fear-full bridegroom + harkeneth with eager ear. <!-- Page 121 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page121"></a>[121]</span></p> + + <p>Thou bearest to the youngster's arms that flower-like damsel, taken + from her mother's bosom, O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus!</p> + + <p>Nor lacking thee may Venus take her will with fair Fame's approbation; + but she may, with thy sanction. With such a God who dares compare?</p> + + <p>Lacking thee, no house can yield heirs, nor parent be surrounded by + offspring; but they may, with thy sanction. With such a God who dares + compare?</p> + + <p>Nor lacking thy rites may our land be protected e'en to its + boundaries; but it may, with thy sanction. With such a God who dares + compare?</p> + + <p>Gates open wide: the virgin is here. See how the torch-flakes shake + their gleaming locks? Let shame retard the modest:</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> * * * *</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Yet hearing, greater does she weep, that she must onwards go.</p> + + <p>Cease thy tears. For thee there is no peril, Aurunculeia, that any + woman more beauteous from Ocean springing shall ever see the light of + day.</p> + + <p>Thou art like the hyacinthine flower, wont to stand aloft 'midst + varied riches of its lordling's garden. But thou delayest, day slips by: + advance, new mated one.</p> + + <p>Advance, new mated, now in sight, and listen to our speech. Note how + the torch-flakes shake their glittering tresses: advance, new mated + one.</p> + + <p>Nor given to ill adulteries, nor seeking lawless shames, shall thy + husband ever wish to lie away from thy soft breasts, <!-- Page 122 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page122"></a>[122]</span></p> + + <p>But as the lithe vine amongst neighbouring trees doth cling, so shall + he be enclasped in thine encircled arms. But day slips by: advance, new + mated one.</p> + + <p>O nuptial couch * * * * with feet of ivory white.</p> + + <p>What joys are coming to thy lord, in gloom o' night, in noon of day. + Let him rejoice! but day slips by: advance, new mated one.</p> + + <p>High raise, O boys, the torches: I see the gleaming veil approach. + Come, chant in cadence, "O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus."</p> + + <p>Nor longer silent is lewd Fescinnine jest, nor to the boys the nuts + deny, ingle, hearing thy master's love has flown.</p> + + <p>Give nuts to the boys, O listless ingle; enough of days thou hast + played with nuts: now 'tis meet to serve Talassius. O ingle, give the + nuts!</p> + + <p>The country lasses slighted were by thee, O ingle, till to-day: now + the bride's tiresman shaves thy face. Wretched, wretched ingle, give the + nuts.</p> + + <p>They say that from thy hairless ingles, O sweet-scented bridegroom, + thou canst scarce abstain: but abstain thou! O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O + Hymen Hymenaeus.</p> + + <p>We know that these delights were known to thee only when lawful: but + to the wedded these same no more are lawful. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O + Hymen Hymenaeus! <!-- Page 123 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page123"></a>[123]</span></p> + + <p>Thou also, bride, what thy husband seekest beware of denying, lest he + go elsewhere in its search. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!</p> + + <p>Look, thy husband's home is thine, potent and goodly, and shall be + thine for ever more. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!</p> + + <p>Until with trembling movement thine hoary brow nods ever to + everything. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!</p> + + <p>Lift o'er the threshold with good omen thy glistening feet, and go + through the polished gates. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!</p> + + <p>Look! thy lord within, lying on Tyrian couch, all-expectant waits for + thee. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!</p> + + <p>Not less than in thine, in his breast burns an inmost flame, but more + deeply inward. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!</p> + + <p>Unloose the damsel's slender arm, O purple-bordered youth: now let her + approach her husband's couch. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen + Hymenaeus.</p> + + <p>Ye good dames of fair renown to aged spouses, put ye the damsel a-bed. + O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus.</p> + + <p>Now thou mayst come, O bridegroom: thy wife is in the bridal-bed, with + face brightly blushing as white parthenice 'midst ruddy poppies.</p> + + <p>But, O bridegroom (so help me the heaven-dwellers) in no way less + beautiful art thou, nor doth <!-- Page 124 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page124"></a>[124]</span>Venus slight thee. But the day slips by: + on! nor more delay.</p> + + <p>Nor long hast thou delayed, thou comest now. May kindly Venus help + thee, since what thou dost desire thou takest publicly, and dost not + conceal true love.</p> + + <p>Of Afric's sands and glittering stars the number first let him tell, + who wishes to keep count of your many-thousand sports.</p> + + <p>Sport as ye like, and speedily give heirs. It does not become so old a + name to be sans heirs, but for similar stock always to be generated.</p> + + <p>A little Torquatus I wish, from his mother's bosom reaching out his + dainty hands, and smiling sweetly at his father with lips apart.</p> + + <p>May he be like his sire Manlius, and easily acknowledged by every + stranger, and by his face point out his mother's faithfulness.</p> + + <p>May such praise confirm his birth from true mother, such fame unique + as rests with Telemachus from best of mothers, Penelope.</p> + + <p>Close ye the doors, virgins: enough we've sported. But, fair bride and + groom, live ye well, and diligently fulfil the office of vigorous + youth.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Vesper adest, iuvenes, consurgite: Vesper Olympo</p> + <p>Expectata diu vix tandem lumina tollit.</p> +<!-- Page 125 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page125"></a>[125]</span> + <p>Surgere iam tempus, iam pingues linquere mensas,</p> + <p>Iam veniet virgo, iam dicetur Hymenaeus.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p class="i2">Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Cernitis, innuptae, iuvenes? consurgite contra:</p> + <p>Nimirum Oetaeos ostendit noctifer ignes.</p> + <p>Sic certest; viden ut perniciter exiluere?</p> + <p>Non temere exiluere, canent quod vincere par est.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Non facilis nobis, aequales, palma paratast,</p> + <p>Adspicite, innuptae secum ut meditata requirunt.</p> + <p>Non frustra meditantur, habent memorabile quod sit.</p> + <p>Nec mirum, penitus quae tota mente laborent.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Nos alio mentes, alio divisimus aures:</p> + <p>Iure igitur vincemur, amat victoria curam.</p> + <p>Quare nunc animos saltem convertite vestros,</p> + <p>Dicere iam incipient, iam respondere decebit.</p> + <p class="i2">Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Hespere, qui caelo fertur crudelior ignis?</p> + <p>Qui natam possis conplexu avellere matris,</p> + <p>Conplexu matris retinentem avellere natam</p> + <p>Et iuveni ardenti castam donare puellam.</p> + <p>Quid faciunt hostes capta crudelius urbe?</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p class="i2">Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hespere, qui caelo lucet iocundior ignis?</p> + <p>Qui desponsa tua firmes conubia flamma,</p> + <p>Quae pepigere viri, pepigerunt ante parentes</p> + <p>Nec iunxere prius quam se tuus extulit ardor.</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p>Quid datur a divis felici optatius hora?</p> +<!-- Page 126 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page126"></a>[126]</span> + <p class="i2">Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Hesperus e nobis, aequales, abstulit unam</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p class="i2"><i>Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee</i>!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Namque tuo adventu vigilat custodia semper.</p> + <p>Nocte latent fures, quos idem saepe revertens,</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>Hespere, mutato conprendis nomine Eous.</p> + <p>At libet innuptis ficto te carpere questu.</p> + <p>Quid tum, si carpunt, tacita quem mente requirunt?</p> + <p class="i2">Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Vt flos in saeptis secretus nascitur hortis,</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p>Ignotus pecori, nullo convolsus aratro,</p> + <p>Quem mulcent aurae, firmat sol, educat imber</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Multi illum pueri, multae optavere puellae:</p> + <p>Idem cum tenui carptus defloruit ungui,</p> + <p>Nulli illum pueri, nullae optavere puellae:</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>Sic virgo, dum intacta manet, dum cara suis est;</p> + <p>Cum castum amisit polluto corpore florem,</p> + <p>Nec pueris iocunda manet, nec cara puellis.</p> + <p class="i2">Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Vt vidua in nudo vitis quae nascitur arvo</p> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p>Numquam se extollit, numquam mitem educat uvam,</p> + <p>Sed tenerum prono deflectens pondere corpus</p> +<!-- Page 127 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page127"></a>[127]</span> + <p>Iam iam contingit summum radice flagellum;</p> + <p>Hanc nulli agricolae, nulli coluere bubulci:</p> + <p>At si forte eademst ulmo coniuncta marito,</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p>Multi illam agricolae, multi coluere bubulci:</p> + <p>Sic virgo dum intacta manet, dum inculta senescit;</p> + <p>Cum par conubium maturo tempore adeptast,</p> + <p>Cara viro magis et minus est invisa parenti.</p> + <div class="linenum">58<i>b</i></div><p class="i2"><i>Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee</i>!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>At tu ne pugna cum tali coniuge virgo.</p> + <div class="linenum">60</div><p>Non aequomst pugnare, pater cui tradidit ipse,</p> + <p>Ipse pater cum matre, quibus parere necessest.</p> + <p>Virginitas non tota tuast, ex parte parentumst,</p> + <p>Tertia pars patrist, pars est data tertia matri,</p> + <p>Tertia sola tuast: noli pugnare duobus,</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p>Qui genero sua iura simul cum dote dederunt.</p> + <p class="i2">Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Nuptial Song by Youth And Damsels</span>.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">(Epithalamium.)</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Youths.</i></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Vesper is here, O youths, rise all; for Vesper Olympus</p> + <p>Scales and in fine enfires what lights so long were expected!</p> + <p>Time 'tis now to arise, now leave we tables rich laden,</p> + <p>Now shall the Virgin come; now chaunt we the Hymenæus.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p class="i2">Hymen O Hymenæus: Hymen here, O Hymenæus!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 128 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page128"></a>[128]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Damsels.</i></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>View ye the Youths, O Maids unwed? Then rise to withstand them:</p> + <p>Doubtless the night-fraught Star displays his splendour Œtéän.</p> + <p>Sooth 'tis so; d'ye sight how speedily sprang they to warfare?</p> + <p>Nor for a naught up-sprang: they'll sing what need we to conquer.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Hymen O Hymenæus: Hymen here, O Hymenæus!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Youths.</i></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nowise easy the palm for us (Companions!) be proffer'd,</p> + <p>Lo! now the maidens muse and meditate matter of forethought</p> + <p>Nor meditate they in vain; they muse a humorous something.</p> + <p>Yet naught wonder it is, their sprites be wholly in labour.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>We bear divided thought one way and hearing in other:</p> + <p>Vanquish't by right we must be, since Victory loveth the heedful.</p> + <p>Therefore at least d'ye turn your minds the task to consider,</p> + <p>Soon shall begin their say whose countersay shall befit you.</p> + <p class="i2">Hymen O Hymenæus: Hymen here, O Hymenæus!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 129 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page129"></a>[129]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Damsels.</i></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Hesperus! say what flame more cruel in Heaven be fanned?</p> + <p>Thou who the girl perforce canst tear from a mother's embraces,</p> + <p>Tear from a parent's clasp her child despite of her clinging</p> + <p>And upon love-hot youth bestowest her chastest of maidenhoods!</p> + <p>What shall the foeman deal more cruel to city becaptured?</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p class="i2">Hymen O Hymenæus, Hymen here, O Hymenæus!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Youths.</i></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hesperus! say what flame more gladsome in Heavens be shining?</p> + <p>Thou whose light makes sure long-pledged connubial promise</p> + <p>Plighted erewhile by men and erstwhile plighted by parents.</p> + <p>Yet to be ne'er fulfilled before thy fire's ardours have risen!</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p>What better boon can the gods bestow than hour so desirèd?</p> + <p class="i2">Hymen O Hymenæus, Hymen here, O Hymenæus!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Damsels.</i></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Hesperus! one of ourselves (Companions!) carried elsewhither</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p class="i2"><i>Hymen O Hymenæus, Hymen here, O Hymenæus!</i></p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 130 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page130"></a>[130]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Youths.</i></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>For at thy coming in sight a guard is constantly watching.</p> + <p>Hidden o'nights lurk thieves and these as oft as returnest,</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>Hesper! thou seizest them with title changed to Eöus.</p> + <p>Pleases the bevy unwed with feigned complaints to accuse thee.</p> + <p>What if assail they whom their souls in secrecy cherish?</p> + <p class="i2">Hymen O Hymenæus, Hymen here, O Hymenæus!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Damsels.</i></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>E'en as a flow'ret born secluded in garden enclosèd,</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p>Unto the flock unknown and ne'er uptorn by the ploughshare,</p> + <p>Soothed by the zephyrs and strengthened by suns and nourish't by showers</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Loves her many a youth and longs for her many a maiden:</p> + <p>Yet from her lissome stalk when cropt that flower deflowered,</p> + <p>Loves her never a youth nor longs for her ever a maiden:</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>Thus while the virgin be whole, such while she's the dearling of kinsfolk;</p> + <p>Yet no sooner is lost her bloom from body polluted,</p> + <p>Neither to youths she is joy, nor a dearling she to the maidens.</p> + <p class="i2">Hymen O Hymenæus, Hymen here, O Hymenæus!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 131 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page131"></a>[131]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Youths</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>E'en as an unmated vine which born in field of the barest</p> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p>Never upraises head nor breeds the mellowy grape-bunch,</p> + <p>But under weight prone-bowed that tender body a-bending</p> + <p>Makes she her root anon to touch her topmost of tendrils;</p> + <p>Tends her never a hind nor tends her ever a herdsman:</p> + <p>Yet if haply conjoinèd the same with elm as a husband,</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p>Tends her many a hind and tends her many a herdsman:</p> + <p>Thus is the maid when whole, uncultured waxes she aged;</p> + <p>But whenas union meet she wins her at ripest of seasons,</p> + <p>More to her spouse she is dear and less she's irk to her parents.</p> + <p class="i2"><i>Hymen O Hymenæus, Hymen here, O Hymenæus!</i></p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Youths and Damsels</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But do thou cease to resist (O Maid!) such bridegroom opposing,</p> + <p>Right it is not to resist whereto consigned thee a father,</p> + <p>Father and mother of thee unto whom obedience is owing.</p> +<!-- Page 132 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page132"></a>[132]</span> + <p>Not is that maidenhood all thine own, but partly thy parents!</p> + <p>Owneth thy sire one third, one third is right of thy mother,</p> + <p>Only the third is thine: stint thee to strive with the others,</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p>Who to the stranger son have yielded their dues with a dower!</p> + <p class="i2">Hymen O Hymenæus: Hymen here, O Hymenæus!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Youths.</span></p> + + <p>Vesper is here, arise ye youths: Vesper at last has just borne aloft + in the heavens his long-looked-for light. Now 'tis time to arise, now to + leave the fattened tables, now comes the virgin, now is said the + Hymenaeus. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Maidens</i>.</p> + + <p>Discern ye, O unwedded girls, the youths? Arise in response: forsooth + the Star of Eve displays its Oetaean fires. Thus 'tis; see how fleetly + have they leapt forth? Nor without intent have they leapt forth, they + will sing what 'tis meet we surpass. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O + Hymenaeus!</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Youths</i>.</p> + + <p>Nor easily is for us, O comrades, the palm prepared; see ye how they + talk together in deep thought. Nor in vain do they muse, they have what + may be worthy of memory. Nor be wonder: for inwardly toil they with whole + of their minds. Our <!-- Page 133 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page133"></a>[133]</span>minds one way, our ears another, we have + divided: wherefore by right are we conquered, for victory loveth + solicitude. So now your minds at the least turn ye hither, now their + chant they begin, anon ye will have to respond. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen + hither O Hymenaeus!</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Maidens</i>.</p> + + <p>Hesperus! what crueler light is borne aloft in the heavens? Thou who + canst pluck the maid from her mother's enfolding, pluck from her mother's + enfolding the firm-clinging maid, and canst give the chaste girl to the + burning youngster. What more cruel could victors in vanquished city + contrive? Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Youths</i>.</p> + + <p>Hesperus! what more jocund light is borne aloft in the heavens? Thou + who dost confirm with thy flame the marriage betrothals which the men had + pledged, the parents had pledged of aforetime, nor may they be joined in + completion before thy flame is borne aloft. What can the gods give more + gladsome than that happy hour? Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O + Hymenaeus!</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Maidens</i>.</p> + + <p>* * * * Hesperus from us, O comrades, has stolen one away * * * * + <i>Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!</i></p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Youths</i>.</p> + + <p>* * * * For at thy advent a guard <!-- Page 134 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page134"></a>[134]</span>always keeps watch. + Thieves lie in wait by night, whom often on thy return, O Hesperus, thou + hap'st upon, when with thy changed name Eous. Yet it doth please the + unwedded girls to carp at thee with plaints fictitious. But what if they + carp at that which in close-shut mind they long for? Hymen O Hymenaeus, + Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Maidens</i>.</p> + + <p>As grows the hidden flower in garden closed, to kine unknown, uprooted + by no ploughshare, whilst the winds caress it, the sun makes it sturdy, + and the shower gives it growth * * * * many a boy and many a girl longs + for it: this same when pluckt, deflowered from slender stalklet, never a + boy and never a girl doth long for it: so the virgin, while she stays + untouched, so long is she dear to her folk; when she hath lost her chaste + flower from her body profaned, nor to the boys stays she beauteous, nor + is she dear to the girls. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O + Hymenaeus!</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Youths</i>.</p> + + <p>As the widowed vine which grows in naked field ne'er uplifts itself, + ne'er ripens a mellow grape, but bending prone 'neath the weight of its + tender body now and again its highmost bough touches with its root; this + no husbandmen, no herdsmen will foster: but if this same chance to be + joined with marital elm, it many husbandmen, many herdsmen will foster: + so the virgin, whilst she stays untouched, so long does she age, + unfostered; but when fitting <!-- Page 135 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page135"></a>[135]</span>union she obtain in meet time, dearer is + she to her lord and less of a trouble to parent. <i>Hymen O Hymenaeus, + Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!</i></p> + +<p class="cenhead"> <i>Youths and Maidens</i>.</p> + + <p>But struggle not 'gainst such a mate, O virgin. 'Tis improper to + struggle, thou whose father hath handed thee o'er, that father together + with thy mother to whom obedience is needed. Thy maidenhead is not wholly + thine, in part 'tis thy parents': a third part is thy father's, a third + part is given to thy mother, a third alone is thine: be unwilling to + struggle against two, who to their son-in-law their rights together with + dowry have given. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Super alta vectus Attis celeri rate maria</p> + <p>Phrygium ut nemus citato cupide pede tetigit</p> + <p>Adiitque opaca, silvis redimita loca deae,</p> + <p>Stimulatus ibi furenti rabie, vagus animis,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Devolsit ilei acuto sibi pondera silice.</p> + <p>Itaque ut relicta sensit sibi membra sine viro,</p> + <p>Etiam recente terrae sola sanguine maculans</p> + <p>Niveis citata cepit manibus leve typanum,</p> + <p>Typanum, tuom Cybebe, tua, mater, initia,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Quatiensque terga taurei teneris cava digitis</p> + <p>Canere haec suis adortast tremebunda comitibus.</p> + <p>'Agite ite ad alta, Gallae, Cybeles nemora simul,</p> + <p>Simul ite, Dindymenae dominae vaga pecora,</p> + <p>Aliena quae petentes velut exules loca</p> +<!-- Page 136 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page136"></a>[136]</span> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Sectam meam executae duce me mihi comites</p> + <p>Rabidum salum tulistis truculentaque pelage</p> + <p>Et corpus evirastis Veneris nimio odio,</p> + <p>Hilarate erae citatis erroribus animum.</p> + <p>Mora tarda mente cedat: simul ite, sequimini</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Phrygiam ad domum Cybebes, Phrygia ad nemora deae,</p> + <p>Vbi cymbalum sonat vox, ubi tympana reboant,</p> + <p>Tibicen ubi canit Phryx curvo grave calamo,</p> + <p>Vbi capita Maenades vi iaciunt ederigerae,</p> + <p>Vbi sacra sancta acutis ululatibus agitant,</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Vbi suevit illa divae volitare vaga cohors:</p> + <p>Quo nos decet citatis celerare tripudiis.'</p> + <p>Simul haec comitibus Attis cecinit notha mulier,</p> + <p>Thiasus repente linguis trepidantibus ululat,</p> + <p>Leve tympanum remugit, cava cymbala recrepant,</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p>Viridem citus adit Idam properante pede chorus.</p> + <p>Furibunda simul anhelans vaga vadit, animam agens,</p> + <p>Comitata tympano Attis per opaca nemora dux,</p> + <p>Veluti iuvenca vitans onus indomita iugi:</p> + <p>Rapidae ducem sequuntur Gallae properipedem.</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>Itaque ut domum Cybebes tetigere lassulae,</p> + <p>Nimio e labore somnum capiunt sine Cerere.</p> + <p>Piger his labante langore oculos sopor operit:</p> + <p>Abit in quiete molli rabidus furor animi.</p> + <p>Sed ubi oris aurei Sol radiantibus oculis</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p>Lustravit aethera album, sola dura, mare ferum,</p> + <p>Pepulitque noctis umbras vegetis sonipedibus,</p> + <p>Ibi Somnus excitam Attin fugiens citus abiit:</p> + <p>Trepidante eum recepit dea Pasithea sinu.</p> +<!-- Page 137 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page137"></a>[137]</span> + <p>Ita de quiete molli rapida sine rabie</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>Simul ipsa pectore Attis sua facta recoluit,</p> + <p>Liquidaque mente vidit sine queis ubique foret,</p> + <p>Animo aestuante rusum reditum ad vada tetulit.</p> + <p>Ibi maria vasta visens lacrimantibus oculis,</p> + <p>Patriam allocuta maestast ita voce miseriter.</p> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p>'Patria o mei creatrix, patria o mea genetrix,</p> + <p>Ego quam miser relinquens, dominos ut erifugae</p> + <p>Famuli solent, ad Idae tetuli nemora pedem,</p> + <p>Vt aput nivem et ferarum gelida stabula forem</p> + <p>Et earum operta adirem furibunda latibula?</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p>Vbinam aut quibus locis te positam, patria, reor?</p> + <p>Cupit ipsa pupula ad te sibi dirigere aciem,</p> + <p>Rabie fera carens dum breve tempus animus est.</p> + <p>Egone a mea remota haec ferar in nemora domo?</p> + <p>Patria, bonis, amicis, genitoribus abero?</p> + <div class="linenum">60</div><p>Abero foro, palaestra, stadio et guminasiis?</p> + <p>Miser a miser, querendumst etiam atque etiam, anime.</p> + <p>Quod enim genus figuraest, ego non quod habuerim?</p> + <p>Ego mulier, ego adolescens, ego ephebus, ego puer,</p> + <p>Ego guminasi fui flos, ego eram decus olei:</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p>Mihi ianuae frequentes, mihi limina tepida,</p> + <p>Mihi floridis corollis redimita domus erat,</p> + <p>Linquendum ubi esset orto mihi sole cubiculum.</p> + <p>Ego nunc deum ministra et Cybeles famula ferar?</p> + <p>Ego Maenas, ego mei pars, ego vir sterilis ero?</p> + <div class="linenum">70</div><p>Ego viridis algida Idae nive amicta loca colam?</p> + <p>Ego vitam agam sub altis Phrygiae columinibus,</p> + <p>Vbi cerva silvicultrix, ubi aper nemorivagus?</p> +<!-- Page 138 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page138"></a>[138]</span> + <p>Iam iam dolet quod egi, iam iamque paenitet.'</p> + <p>Roseis ut huic labellis sonitus celer abiit,</p> + <div class="linenum">75</div><p>Geminas deorum ad aures nova nuntia referens,</p> + <p>Ibi iuncta iuga resolvens Cybele leonibus</p> + <p>Laevumque pecoris hostem stimulans ita loquitur.</p> + <p>'Agedum' inquit 'age ferox i, fac ut hunc furor <i>agitet</i>,</p> + <p>Fac uti furoris ictu reditum in nemora ferat,</p> + <div class="linenum">80</div><p>Mea libere nimis qui fugere imperia cupit.</p> + <p>Age caede terga cauda, tua verbera patere,</p> + <p>Fac cuncta mugienti fremitu loca retonent,</p> + <p>Rutilam ferox torosa cervice quate iubam.'</p> + <p>Ait haec minax Cybebe religatque iuga manu.</p> + <div class="linenum">85</div><p>Ferus ipse sese adhortans rapidum incitat animo,</p> + <p>Vadit, fremit, refringit virgulta pede vago.</p> + <p>At ubi umida albicantis loca litoris adiit,</p> + <p>Teneramque vidit Attin prope marmora pelagi,</p> + <p>Facit impetum: illa demens fugit in nemora fera:</p> + <div class="linenum">90</div><p>Ibi semper omne vitae spatium famula fuit.</p> + <p>Dea magna, dea Cybebe, Didymei dea domina,</p> + <p>Procul a mea tuos sit furor omnis, era, domo:</p> + <p>Alios age incitatos, alios age rabidos.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">The Adventures of Atys.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O'er high deep seas in speedy ship his voyage Atys sped</p> + <p>Until he trod the Phrygian grove with hurried eager tread</p> +<!-- Page 139 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page139"></a>[139]</span> + <p>And as the gloomy tree-shorn stead, the she-god's home, he sought</p> + <p>There sorely stung with fiery ire and madman's vaguing thought,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Share he with sharpened flint the freight wherewith his form was fraught.</p> + <p>Then as the she-he sensèd limbs were void of manly strain</p> + <p>And sighted freshly shed a-ground spot of ensanguined stain,</p> + <p>Snatched she the timbrel's legier load with hands as snowdrops white,</p> + <p>Thy timbrel, Mother Cybebé, the firstings of thy rite,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>And as her tender finger-tips on bull-back hollow rang</p> + <p>She rose a-grieving and her song to listening comrades sang.</p> + <p>"Up Gallæ, hie together, haste for Cybebe's deep grove,</p> + <p>Hie to the Dindyménean dame, ye flocks that love to rove;</p> + <p>The which affecting stranger steads as bound in exile's brunt</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>My sect pursuing led by me have nerved you to confront</p> + <p>The raging surge of salty sea and ocean's tyrant hand</p> + <p>As your hate of Venus' hest your manly forms unmann'd,</p> + <p>Gladden your souls, ye mistresses, with sense of error bann'd.</p> +<!-- Page 140 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page140"></a>[140]</span> + <p>Drive from your spirits dull delay, together follow ye</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>To hold of Phrygian goddess, home of Phrygian Cybebe,</p> + <p>Where loud the cymbal's voice resounds with timbrel-echoes blending,</p> + <p>And where the Phrygian piper drones grave bass from reed a-bending,</p> + <p>Where toss their ivy-circled heads with might the Mænades</p> + <p>Where ply mid shrilly lullilooes the holiest mysteries,</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Where to fly here and there be wont the she-god's vaguing train,</p> + <p>Thither behoves us lead the dance in quick-step hasty strain."</p> + <p>Soon as had Atys (bastard-she) this lay to comrades sung</p> + <p>The Chorus sudden lulliloos with quivering, quavering tongue,</p> + <p>Again the nimble timbrel groans, the scooped-out cymbals clash,</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p>And up green Ida flits the Choir, with footsteps hurrying rash.</p> + <p>Then Atys frantic, panting, raves, a-wandering, lost, insane,</p> + <p>And leads with timbrel hent and treads the shades where shadows rain,</p> + <p>Like heifer spurning load of yoke in yet unbroken pride;</p> + <p>And the swift Gallæ follow fain their first and fleetfoot guide.</p> +<!-- Page 141 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page141"></a>[141]</span> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>But when the home of Cybebe they make with toil out-worn</p> + <p>O'er much, they lay them down to sleep and gifts of Ceres scorn;</p> + <p>Till heavy slumbers seal their eyelids langourous, drooping lowly,</p> + <p>And raving phrenzy flies each brain departing softly, slowly.</p> + <p>But when Dan Sol with radiant eyes that fire his face of gold</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p>Surveyed white aether and solid soil and waters uncontrol'd,</p> + <p>And chased with steeds sonorous-hooved the shades of lingering night,</p> + <p>Then sleep from waking Atys fled fleeting with sudden flight,</p> + <p>By Nymph Pásithae welcomèd to palpitating breast.</p> + <p>Thus when his phrenzy raging rash was soothed to gentlest rest,</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>Atys revolved deeds lately done, as thought from breast unfolding,</p> + <p>And what he'd lost and what he was with lucid sprite beholding,</p> + <p>To shallows led by surging soul again the way 'gan take.</p> + <p>There casting glance of weeping eyes where vasty billows brake,</p> + <p>Sad-voiced in pitifullest lay his native land bespake.</p> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p>"Country of me, Creatress mine, O born to thee and bred,</p> +<!-- Page 142 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page142"></a>[142]</span> + <p>By hapless me abandoned as by thrall from lordling fled,</p> + <p>When me to Ida's groves and glades these vaguing footsteps bore</p> + <p>To tarry 'mid the snows and where lurk beasts in antres frore</p> + <p>And seek the deeply hidden lairs where furious ferals meet!</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p>Where, Country! whither placed must I now hold thy site and seat?</p> + <p>Lief would these balls of eyes direct to thee their line of sight,</p> + <p>Which for a while, a little while, would free me from despite.</p> + <p>Must I for ever roam these groves from house and home afar?</p> + <p>Of country, parents, kith and kin (life's boon) myself debar?</p> + <div class="linenum">60</div><p>Fly Forum, fly Palestra, fly the Stadium, the Gymnase?</p> + <p>Wretch, ah poor wretch, I'm doomed (my soul!) to mourn throughout my days,</p> + <p>For what of form or figure is, which I failed to enjoy?</p> + <p>I full-grown man, I blooming youth, I stripling, I a boy,</p> + <p>I of Gymnasium erst the bloom, I too of oil the pride:</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p>Warm was my threshold, ever stood my gateways opening wide,</p> + <p>My house was ever garlanded and hung with flowery freight,</p> +<!-- Page 143 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page143"></a>[143]</span> + <p>And couch to quit with rising sun, has ever been my fate:</p> + <p>Now must I Cybebe's she-slave, priestess of gods, be hight?</p> + <p>I Mænad I, mere bit of self, I neutral barren wight?</p> + <div class="linenum">70</div><p>I spend my life-tide couch't beneath high-towering Phrygian peaks?</p> + <p>I dwell on Ida's verdant slopes mottled with snowy streaks,</p> + <p>Where homes the forest-haunting doe, where roams the wildling boar?</p> + <p>Now, now I rue my deed foredone, now, now it irks me sore!"</p> + <p>Whenas from out those roseate lips these accents rapid flew,</p> + <div class="linenum">75</div><p>Bore them to ears divine consigned a Nuncio true and new;</p> + <p>Then Cybebe her lions twain disjoining from their yoke</p> + <p>The left-hand enemy of the herds a-goading thus bespoke:—</p> + <p>"Up feral fell! up, hie with him, see rage his footsteps urge,</p> + <p>See that his fury smite him till he seek the forest verge,</p> + <div class="linenum">80</div><p>He who with over-freedom fain would fly mine empery.</p> + <p>Go, slash thy flank with lashing tail and sense the strokes of thee,</p> + <p>Make the whole mountain to thy roar sound and resound again,</p> +<!-- Page 144 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page144"></a>[144]</span> + <p>And fiercely toss thy brawny neck that bears the tawny mane!"</p> + <p>So quoth an-angered Cybebe, and yoke with hand untied:</p> + <div class="linenum">85</div><p>The feral rose in fiery wrath and self-inciting hied,</p> + <p>A-charging, roaring through the brake with breaking paws he tore.</p> + <p>But when he reached the humid sands where surges cream the shore,</p> + <p>Spying soft Atys lingering near the marbled pave of sea</p> + <p>He springs: the terror-madded wretch back to the wood doth flee,</p> + <div class="linenum">90</div><p>Where for the remnant of her days a bondmaid's life led she.</p> + <p>Great Goddess, Goddess Cybebe, Dindymus dame divine,</p> + <p>Far from my house and home thy wrath and wrack, dread mistress mine:</p> + <p>Goad others on with Fury's goad, others to Ire consign!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Over the vast main borne by swift-sailing ship, Attis, as with hasty + hurried foot he reached the Phrygian wood and gained the tree-girt gloomy + sanctuary of the Goddess, there roused by rabid rage and mind astray, + with sharp-edged flint downwards wards dashed his burden of virility. + Then as he felt his limbs were left without their manhood, and <!-- Page + 145 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page145"></a>[145]</span>the + fresh-spilt blood staining the soil, with bloodless hand she hastily hent + a tambour light to hold, taborine thine, O Cybebe, thine initiate rite, + and with feeble fingers beating the hollowed bullock's back, she rose up + quivering thus to chant to her companions.</p> + + <p>"Haste ye together, she-priests, to Cybebe's dense woods, together + haste, ye vagrant herd of the dame Dindymene, ye who inclining towards + strange places as exiles, following in my footsteps, led by me, comrades, + ye who have faced the ravening sea and truculent main, and have castrated + your bodies in your utmost hate of Venus, make glad our mistress speedily + with your minds' mad wanderings. Let dull delay depart from your + thoughts, together haste ye, follow to the Phrygian home of Cybebe, to + the Phrygian woods of the Goddess, where sounds the cymbal's voice, where + the tambour resounds, where the Phrygian flautist pipes deep notes on the + curved reed, where the ivy-clad Maenades furiously toss their heads, + where they enact their sacred orgies with shrill-sounding ululations, + where that wandering band of the Goddess is wont to flit about: thither + 'tis meet to hasten with hurried mystic dance."</p> + + <p>When Attis, spurious woman, had thus chanted to her comity, the chorus + straightway shrills with trembling tongues, the light tambour booms, the + concave cymbals clang, and the troop swiftly hastes with rapid feet to + verdurous Ida. Then raging wildly, breathless, wandering, with brain + distraught, <!-- Page 146 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page146"></a>[146]</span>hurrieth Attis with her tambour, their + leader through dense woods, like an untamed heifer shunning the burden of + the yoke: and the swift Gallae press behind their speedy-footed leader. + So when the home of Cybebe they reach, wearied out with excess of toil + and lack of food they fall in slumber. Sluggish sleep shrouds their eyes + drooping with faintness, and raging fury leaves their minds to quiet + ease.</p> + + <p>But when the sun with radiant eyes from face of gold glanced o'er the + white heavens, the firm soil, and the savage sea, and drave away the + glooms of night with his brisk and clamorous team, then sleep fast-flying + quickly sped away from wakening Attis, and goddess Pasithea received + Somnus in her panting bosom. Then when from quiet rest torn, her delirium + over, Attis at once recalled to mind her deed, and with lucid thought saw + what she had lost, and where she stood, with heaving heart she backwards + traced her steps to the landing-place. There, gazing o'er the vast main + with tear-filled eyes, with saddened voice in tristful soliloquy thus did + she lament her land:</p> + + <p>"Mother-land, O my creatress, mother-land, O my begetter, which full + sadly I'm forsaking, as runaway serfs are wont from their lords, to the + woods of Ida I have hasted on foot, to stay 'mongst snow and icy dens of + ferals, and to wander through the hidden lurking-places of ferocious + beasts. Where, or in what part, O mother-land, may I imagine that thou + art? My very eyeball craves to fix its glance towards <!-- Page 147 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page147"></a>[147]</span>thee, whilst + for a brief space my mind is freed from wild ravings. And must I wander + o'er these woods far from mine home? From country, goods, friends, and + parents, must I be parted? Leave the forum, the palaestra, the + race-course, and gymnasium? Wretched, wretched soul, 'tis thine to grieve + for ever and for aye. For whatso shape is there, whose kind I have not + worn? I (now a woman), I a man, a stripling, and a lad; I was the + gymnasium's flower, I was the pride of the oiled wrestlers: my gates, my + friendly threshold, were crowded, my home was decked with floral + coronals, when I was wont to leave my couch at sunrise. Now shall I live + a ministrant of gods and slave to Cybebe? I a Maenad, I a part of me, I a + sterile trunk! Must I range o'er the snow-clad spots of verdurous Ida, + and wear out my life 'neath lofty Phrygian peaks, where stay the + sylvan-seeking stag and woodland-wandering boar? Now, now, I grieve the + deed I've done; now, now, do I repent!"</p> + + <p>As the swift sound left those rosy lips, borne by new messenger to + gods' twinned ears, Cybebe, unloosing her lions from their joined yoke, + and goading the left-hand foe of the herd, thus doth speak: "Come," she + says, "to work, thou fierce one, cause a madness urge him on, let a fury + prick him onwards till he return through our woods, he who over-rashly + seeks to fly from my empire. On! thrash thy flanks with thy tail, endure + thy strokes; make the whole place re-echo with roar of thy <!-- Page 148 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page148"></a>[148]</span>bellowings; + wildly toss thy tawny mane about thy nervous neck." Thus ireful Cybebe + spoke and loosed the yoke with her hand. The monster, self-exciting, to + rapid wrath his heart doth spur, he rushes, he roars, he bursts through + the brake with heedless tread. But when he gained the humid verge of the + foam-flecked shore, and spied the womanish Attis near the opal sea, he + made a bound: the witless wretch fled into the wild wold: there + throughout the space of her whole life a bondsmaid did she stay. Great + Goddess, Goddess Cybebe, Goddess Dame of Dindymus, far from my home may + all thine anger be, O mistress: urge others to such actions, to madness + others hound.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Peliaco quondam prognatae vertice pinus</p> + <p>Dicuntur liquidas Neptuni nasse per undas</p> + <p>Phasidos ad fluctus et fines Aeetaeos,</p> + <p>Cum lecti iuvenes, Argivae robora pubis,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Auratam optantes Colchis avertere pellem</p> + <p>Ausi sunt vada salsa cita decurrere puppi,</p> + <p>Caerula verrentes abiegnis aequora palmis.</p> + <p>Diva quibus retinens in summis urbibus arces</p> + <p>Ipsa levi fecit volitantem flamine currum,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Pinea coniungens inflexae texta carinae.</p> + <p>Illa rudem cursu prima imbuit Amphitriten.</p> + <p>Quae simulac rostro ventosum proscidit aequor,</p> + <p>Tortaque remigio spumis incanduit unda,</p> + <p>Emersere freti canenti e gurgite vultus</p> +<!-- Page 149 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page149"></a>[149]</span> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Aequoreae monstrum Nereides admirantes.</p> + <p>Atque illic alma viderunt luce marinas</p> + <p>Mortales oculi nudato corpore Nymphas</p> + <p>Nutricum tenus extantes e gurgite cano.</p> + <p>Tum Thetidis Peleus incensus fertur amore,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Tum Thetis humanos non despexit hymenaeos,</p> + <p>Tum Thetidi pater ipse iugandum Pelea sanxit.</p> + <p>O nimis optato saeclorum tempore nati</p> + <p>Heroes, salvete, deum genus, o bona matrum</p> + <p>Progenies, salvete iterum <i>placidique favete</i>.</p> + <p>Vos ego saepe meo, vos carmine conpellabo,</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Teque adeo eximie taedis felicibus aucte</p> + <p>Thessaliae columen Peleu, cui Iuppiter ipse,</p> + <p>Ipse suos divom genitor concessit amores.</p> + <p>Tene Thetis tenuit pulcherrima Nereine?</p> + <p>Tene suam Tethys concessit ducere neptem,</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p>Oceanusque, mari totum qui amplectitur orbem?</p> + <p>Quoi simul optatae finito tempore luces</p> + <p>Advenere, domum conventu tota frequentat</p> + <p>Thessalia, oppletur laetanti regia coetu:</p> + <p>Dona ferunt prae se, declarant gaudia voltu.</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>Deseritur Cieros, linquunt Phthiotica tempe,</p> + <p>Crannonisque domos ac moenia Larisaea,</p> + <p>Pharsalum coeunt, Pharsalia tecta frequentant.</p> + <p>Rura colit nemo, mollescunt colla iuvencis,</p> + <p>Non humilis curvis purgatur vinea rastris,</p> + <div class="linenum">41</div><p>Non falx attenuat frondatorum arboris umbram,</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p>Non glaebam prono convellit vomere taurus,</p> + <p>Squalida desertis rubigo infertur aratris.</p> + <p>Ipsius at sedes, quacumque opulenta recessit</p> +<!-- Page 150 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page150"></a>[150]</span> + <p>Regia, fulgenti splendent auro atque argento.</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>Candet ebur soliis, collucent pocula mensae,</p> + <p>Tota domus gaudet regali splendida gaza.</p> + <p>Pulvinar vero divae geniale locatur</p> + <p>Sedibus in mediis, Indo quod dente politum</p> + <p>Tincta tegit roseo conchyli purpura fuco.</p> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p class="i2">Haec vestis priscis hominum variata figuris</p> + <p>Heroum mira virtutes indicat arte.</p> + <p>Namque fluentisono prospectans litore Diae</p> + <p>Thesea cedentem celeri cum classe tuetur</p> + <p>Indomitos in corde gerens Ariadna furores,</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p>Necdum etiam sese quae visit visere credit,</p> + <p>Vt pote fallaci quae tum primum excita somno</p> + <p>Desertam in sola miseram se cernat arena.</p> + <p>Inmemor at iuvenis fugiens pellit vada remis,</p> + <p>Inrita ventosae linquens promissa procellae.</p> + <div class="linenum">60</div><p>Quem procul ex alga maestis Minois ocellis,</p> + <p>Saxea ut effigies bacchantis, prospicit, eheu,</p> + <p>Prospicit et magnis curarum fluctuat undis,</p> + <p>Non flavo retinens subtilem vertice mitram,</p> + <p>Non contecta levi † velatum pectus amictu,</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p>Non tereti strophio lactantes vincta papillas,</p> + <p>Omnia quae toto delapsa e corpore passim</p> + <p>Ipsius ante pedes fluctus salis adludebant.</p> + <p>Set neque tum mitrae neque tum fluitantis amictus</p> + <p>Illa vicem curans toto ex te pectore, Theseu,</p> + <div class="linenum">70</div><p>Toto animo, tota pendebat perdita mente.</p> + <p>A misera, adsiduis quam luctibus externavit</p> + <p>Spinosas Erycina serens in pectore curas</p> + <p>Illa tempestate, ferox quom robore Theseus</p> +<!-- Page 151 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page151"></a>[151]</span> + <p>Egressus curvis e litoribus Piraei</p> + <div class="linenum">75</div><p>Attigit iniusti regis Gortynia tecta.</p> + <p>Nam perhibent olim crudeli peste coactam</p> + <p>Androgeoneae poenas exolvere caedis</p> + <p>Electos iuvenes simul et decus innuptarum</p> + <p>Cecropiam solitam esse dapem dare Minotauro.</p> + <div class="linenum">80</div><p>Quis angusta malis cum moenia vexarentur,</p> + <p>Ipse suom Theseus pro caris corpus Athenis</p> + <p>Proicere optavit potius quam talia Cretam</p> + <p>Funera Cecropiae nec funera portarentur,</p> + <p>Atque ita nave levi nitens ac lenibus auris</p> + <div class="linenum">85</div><p>Magnanimum ad Minoa venit sedesque superbas.</p> + <p>Hunc simulac cupido conspexit lumine virgo</p> + <p>Regia, quam suavis expirans castus odores</p> + <p>Lectulus in molli conplexu matris alebat,</p> + <p>Quales Eurotae progignunt flumina myrtus</p> + <div class="linenum">90</div><p>Aurave distinctos educit verna colores,</p> + <p>Non prius ex illo flagrantia declinavit</p> + <p>Lumina, quam cuncto concepit corpore flammam</p> + <p>Funditus atque imis exarsit tota medullis.</p> + <p>Heu misere exagitans inmiti corde furores</p> + <div class="linenum">95</div><p>Sancte puer, curis hominum qui gaudia misces,</p> + <p>Quaeque regis Golgos quaeque Idalium frondosum,</p> + <p>Qualibus incensam iactastis mente puellam</p> + <p>Fluctibus in flavo saepe hospite suspirantem!</p> + <p>Quantos illa tulit languenti corde timores!</p> + <div class="linenum">100</div><p>Quam tum saepe magis † fulgore expalluit auri!</p> + <p>Cum saevom cupiens contra contendere monstrum</p> + <p>Aut mortem oppeteret Theseus aut praemia laudis.</p> + <p>Non ingrata tamen frustra munuscula divis</p> +<!-- Page 152 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page152"></a>[152]</span> + <p>Promittens tacito succepit vota labello.</p> + <div class="linenum">105</div><p>Nam velut in summo quatientem brachia Tauro</p> + <p>Quercum aut conigeram sudanti cortice pinum</p> + <p>Indomitum turben contorquens flamine robur</p> + <p>Eruit (illa procul radicitus exturbata</p> + <p>Prona cadit, late quast impetus obvia frangens),</p> + <div class="linenum">110</div><p>Sic domito saevom prostravit corpore Theseus</p> + <p>Nequiquam vanis iactantem cornua ventis.</p> + <p>Inde pedem sospes multa cum laude reflexit</p> + <p>Errabunda regens tenui vestigia filo,</p> + <p>Ne labyrintheis e flexibus egredientem</p> + <div class="linenum">115</div><p>Tecti frustraretur inobservabilis error.</p> + <p>Sed quid ego a primo digressus carmine plura</p> + <p>Conmemorem, ut linquens genitoris filia voltum,</p> + <p>Vt consanguineae conplexum, ut denique matris,</p> + <p>Quae misera in gnata deperdita laetabatur,</p> + <div class="linenum">120</div><p>Omnibus his Thesei dulcem praeoptarit amorem,</p> + <p>Aut ut vecta rati spumosa ad litora Diae</p> + <p><i>Venerit</i>, aut ut eam devinctam lumina somno</p> + <p>Liquerit inmemori discedens pectore coniunx?</p> + <p>Saepe illam perhibent ardenti corde furentem</p> + <div class="linenum">125</div><p>Clarisonas imo fudisse e pectore voces,</p> + <p>Ac tum praeruptos tristem conscendere montes,</p> + <p>Vnde aciem in pelagi vastos protenderet aestus,</p> + <p>Tum tremuli salis adversas procurrere in undas</p> + <p>Mollia nudatae tollentem tegmina surae,</p> + <div class="linenum">130</div><p>Atque haec extremis maestam dixisse querellis,</p> + <p>Frigidulos udo singultus ore cientem.</p> + <p class="i2">'Sicine me patriis avectam, perfide, ab oris,</p> + <p>Perfide, deserto liquisti in litore, Theseu?</p> +<!-- Page 153 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page153"></a>[153]</span> + <p>Sicine discedens neglecto numine divom</p> + <div class="linenum">135</div><p>Inmemor a, devota domum periuria portas?</p> + <p>Nullane res potuit crudelis flectere mentis</p> + <p>Consilium? tibi nulla fuit clementia praesto,</p> + <p>Inmite ut nostri vellet miserescere pectus?</p> + <p>At non haec quondam nobis promissa dedisti,</p> + <div class="linenum">140</div><p>Vane: mihi non haec miserae sperare iubebas,</p> + <p>Sed conubia laeta, sed optatos hymenaeos:</p> + <p>Quae cuncta aerii discerpunt irrita venti.</p> + <p>Iam iam nulla viro iuranti femina credat,</p> + <p>Nulla viri speret sermones esse fideles;</p> + <div class="linenum">145</div><p>Quis dum aliquid cupiens animus praegestit apisci,</p> + <p>Nil metuunt iurare, nihil promittere parcunt:</p> + <p>Sed simulac cupidae mentis satiata libidost,</p> + <p>Dicta nihil meminere, nihil periuria curant.</p> + <p>Certe ego te in medio versantem turbine leti</p> + <div class="linenum">150</div><p>Eripui, et potius germanum amittere crevi,</p> + <p>Quam tibi fallaci supremo in tempore dessem.</p> + <p>Pro quo dilaceranda feris dabor alitibusque</p> + <p>Praeda, neque iniecta tumulabor mortua terra.</p> + <p>Quaenam te genuit sola sub rupe leaena?</p> + <div class="linenum">155</div><p>Quod mare conceptum spumantibus expuit undis?</p> + <p>Quae Syrtis, quae Scylla rapax, quae vasta Charybdis?</p> + <p>Talia qui reddis pro dulci praemia vita.</p> + <p>Si tibi non cordi fuerant conubia nostra,</p> + <p>Saeva quod horrebas prisci praecepta parentis,</p> + <div class="linenum">160</div><p>At tamen in vostras potuisti ducere sedes,</p> + <p>Quae tibi iocundo famularer serva labore,</p> + <p>Candida permulcens liquidis vestigia lymphis</p> +<!-- Page 154 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page154"></a>[154]</span> + <p>Purpureave tuum consternens veste cubile.</p> + <p>Sed quid ego ignaris nequiquam conqueror auris,</p> + <div class="linenum">165</div><p>Externata malo, quae nullis sensibus auctae</p> + <p>Nec missas audire queunt nec reddere voces?</p> + <p>Ille autem prope iam mediis versatur in undis,</p> + <p>Nec quisquam adparet vacua mortalis in alga.</p> + <p>Sic nimis insultans extremo tempore saeva</p> + <div class="linenum">170</div><p>Fors etiam nostris invidit questibus aures.</p> + <p>Iuppiter omnipotens, utinam ne tempore primo</p> + <p>Gnosia Cecropiae tetigissent litora puppes,</p> + <p>Indomito nec dira ferens stipendia tauro</p> + <p>Perfidus in Creta religasset navita funem,</p> + <div class="linenum">175</div><p>Nec malus hic celans dulci crudelia forma</p> + <p>Consilia in nostris requiesset sedibus hospes!</p> + <p>Nam quo me referam? quali spe perdita nitar?</p> + <p>Idomeneosne petam montes? a, gurgite lato</p> + <p>Discernens ponti truculentum ubi dividit aequor?</p> + <div class="linenum">180</div><p>An patris auxilium sperem? quemne ipsa reliqui,</p> + <p>Respersum iuvenem fraterna caede secuta?</p> + <p>Coniugis an fido consoler memet amore,</p> + <p>Quine fugit lentos incurvans gurgite remos?</p> + <p>Praeterea nullo litus, sola insula, tecto,</p> + <div class="linenum">185</div><p>Nec patet egressus pelagi cingentibus undis:</p> + <p>Nulla fugae ratio, nulla spes: omnia muta,</p> + <p>Omnia sunt deserta, ostentant omnia letum.</p> + <p>Non tamen ante mihi languescent lumina morte,</p> + <p>Nec prius a fesso secedent corpore sensus,</p> + <div class="linenum">190</div><p>Quam iustam a divis exposcam prodita multam,</p> + <p>Caelestumque fidem postrema conprecer hora.</p> + <p>Quare facta virum multantes vindice poena,</p> +<!-- Page 155 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page155"></a>[155]</span> + <p>Eumenides, quibus anguino redimita capillo</p> + <p>Frons expirantis praeportat pectoris iras,</p> + <div class="linenum">195</div><p>Huc huc adventate, meas audite querellas,</p> + <p>Quas ego vae! misera extremis proferre medullis</p> + <p>Cogor inops, ardens, amenti caeca furore.</p> + <p>Quae quoniam verae nascuntur pectore ab imo,</p> + <p>Vos nolite pati nostrum vanescere luctum,</p> + <div class="linenum">200</div><p>Sed quali solam Theseus me mente reliquit,</p> + <p>Tali mente, deae, funestet seque suosque.'</p> + <p class="i2">Has postquam maesto profudit pectore voces,</p> + <p>Supplicium saevis exposcens anxia factis,</p> + <p>Adnuit invicto caelestum numine rector,</p> + <div class="linenum">205</div><p>Quo motu tellus atque horrida contremuerunt</p> + <p>Aequora concussitque micantia sidera mundus.</p> + <p>Ipse autem caeca mentem caligine Theseus</p> + <p>Consitus oblito dimisit pectore cuncta,</p> + <p>Quae mandata prius constanti mente tenebat,</p> + <div class="linenum">210</div><p>Dulcia nec maesto sustollens signa parenti</p> + <p>Sospitem Erechtheum se ostendit visere portum.</p> + <p>Namque ferunt olim, castae cum moenia divae</p> + <p>Linquentem gnatum ventis concrederet Aegeus,</p> + <p>Talia conplexum iuveni mandata dedisse.</p> + <div class="linenum">215</div><p>'Gnate, mihi longa iocundior unice vita,</p> + <div class="linenum">217</div><p>Reddite in extrema nuper mihi fine senectae,</p> + <div class="linenum">216</div><p>Gnate, ego quem in dubios cogor dimittere casus,</p> + <p>Quandoquidem fortuna mea ac tua fervida virtus</p> + <p>Eripit invito mihi te, cui languida nondum</p> + <div class="linenum">220</div><p>Lumina sunt gnati cara saturata figura:</p> + <p>Non ego te gaudens laetanti pectore mittam,</p> + <p>Nec te ferre sinam fortunae signa secundae,</p> +<!-- Page 156 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page156"></a>[156]</span> + <p>Sed primum multas expromam mente querellas,</p> + <p>Canitiem terra atque infuso pulvere foedans,</p> + <div class="linenum">225</div><p>Inde infecta vago suspendam lintea malo,</p> + <p>Nostros ut luctus nostraeque incendia mentis</p> + <p>Carbasus obscurata decet ferrugine Hibera.</p> + <p>Quod tibi si sancti concesserit incola Itoni,</p> + <p>Quae nostrum genus ac sedes defendere Erechthei</p> + <div class="linenum">230</div><p>Adnuit, ut tauri respergas sanguine dextram,</p> + <p>Tum vero facito ut memori tibi condita corde</p> + <p>Haec vigeant mandata, nec ulla oblitteret aetas,</p> + <p>Vt simulac nostros invisent lumina colles,</p> + <p>Funestam antennae deponant undique vestem,</p> + <div class="linenum">235</div><p>Candidaque intorti sustollant vela rudentes,</p> + <div class="linenum">235<i>b</i></div><p>Lucida qua splendent summi carchesia mali,</p> + <p>Quam primum cernens ut laeta gaudia mente</p> + <p>Agnoscam, cum te reducem aetas prospera sistet.'</p> + <p>Haec mandata prius constanti mente tenentem</p> + <p>Thesea ceu pulsae ventorum flamine nubes</p> + <div class="linenum">240</div><p>Aerium nivei montis liquere cacumen.</p> + <p>At pater, ut summa prospectum ex arce petebat,</p> + <p>Anxia in adsiduos absumens lumina fletus,</p> + <p>Cum primum infecti conspexit lintea veli,</p> + <p>Praecipitem sese scopulorum e vertice iecit,</p> + <div class="linenum">245</div><p>Amissum credens inmiti Thesea fato.</p> + <p>Sic funesta domus ingressus tecta paterna</p> + <p>Morte ferox Theseus qualem Minoidi luctum</p> + <p>Obtulerat mente inmemori talem ipse recepit.</p> + <p>Quae tamen aspectans cedentem maesta carinam</p> + <div class="linenum">250</div><p>Multiplices animo volvebat saucia curas.</p> + <p>At parte ex alia florens volitabat Iacchus</p> +<!-- Page 157 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page157"></a>[157]</span> + <p>Cum thiaso Satyrorum et Nysigenis Silenis,</p> + <p>Te quaerens, Ariadna, tuoque incensus amore.</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Quae tum alacres passim lymphata mente furebant</p> + <div class="linenum">255</div><p>Euhoe bacchantes, euhoe capita inflectentes.</p> + <p>Harum pars tecta quatiebant cuspide thyrsos,</p> + <p>Pars e divolso iactabant membra iuvenco,</p> + <p>Pars sese tortis serpentibus incingebant,</p> + <p>Pars obscura cavis celebrabant orgia cistis,</p> + <div class="linenum">260</div><p>Orgia, quae frustra cupiunt audire profani,</p> + <p>Plangebant aliae proceris tympana palmis</p> + <p>Aut tereti tenues tinnitus aere ciebant,</p> + <p>Multis raucisonos efflabant cornua bombos</p> + <p>Barbaraque horribili stridebat tibia cantu.</p> + <div class="linenum">265</div><p class="i2">Talibus amplifice vestis decorata figuris</p> + <p>Pulvinar conplexa suo velabat amictu.</p> + <p>Quae postquam cupide spectando Thessala pubes</p> + <p>Expletast, sanctis coepit decedere divis.</p> + <p>Hic, qualis flatu placidum mare matutino</p> + <div class="linenum">270</div><p>Horrificans Zephyrus proclivas incitat undas</p> + <p>Aurora exoriente vagi sub limina Solis,</p> + <p>Quae tarde primum clementi flamine pulsae</p> + <p>Procedunt (leni resonant plangore cachinni),</p> + <p>Post vento crescente magis magis increbescunt</p> + <div class="linenum">275</div><p>Purpureaque procul nantes a luce refulgent,</p> + <p>Sic ibi vestibuli linquentes regia tecta</p> + <p>Ad se quisque vago passim pede discedebant.</p> + <p>Quorum post abitum princeps e vertice Pelei</p> + <p>Advenit Chiron portans silvestria dona:</p> + <div class="linenum">280</div><p>Nam quoscumque ferunt campi, quos Thessala magnis</p> +<!-- Page 158 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page158"></a>[158]</span> + <p>Montibus ora creat, quos propter fluminis undas</p> + <p>Aura parit flores tepidi fecunda Favoni,</p> + <p>Hos indistinctis plexos tulit ipse corollis,</p> + <p>Quo permulsa domus iocundo risit odore.</p> + <div class="linenum">285</div><p>Confestim Penios adest, viridantia Tempe,</p> + <p>Tempe, quae silvae cingunt super inpendentes,</p> + <p>† Minosim linquens crebris celebranda choreis,</p> + <p>Non vacuos: namque ille tulit radicitus altas</p> + <p>Fagos ac recto proceras stipite laurus,</p> + <div class="linenum">290</div><p>Non sine nutanti platano lentaque sorore</p> + <p>Flammati Phaethontis et aeria cupressu.</p> + <p>Haec circum sedes late contexta locavit,</p> + <p>Vestibulum ut molli velatum fronde vireret.</p> + <p>Post hunc consequitur sollerti corde Prometheus,</p> + <div class="linenum">295</div><p>Extenuata gerens veteris vestigia poenae,</p> + <p>Quam quondam scythicis restrictus membra catena</p> + <p>Persolvit pendens e verticibus praeruptis.</p> + <p>Inde pater divom sancta cum coniuge natisque</p> + <p>Advenit caelo, te solum, Phoebe, relinquens</p> + <div class="linenum">300</div><p>Vnigenamque simul cultricem montibus Idri:</p> + <p>Pelea nam tecum pariter soror aspernatast</p> + <p>Nec Thetidis taedas voluit celebrare iugalis,</p> + <p>Qui postquam niveis flexerunt sedibus artus,</p> + <p>Large multiplici constructae sunt dape mensae,</p> + <div class="linenum">305</div><p>Cum interea infirmo quatientes corpora motu</p> + <p>Veridicos Parcae coeperunt edere cantus.</p> + <p>His corpus tremulum conplectens undique vestis</p> + <p>Candida purpurea talos incinxerat ora,</p> + <p>Annoso niveae residebant vertice vittae,</p> + <div class="linenum">310</div><p>Aeternumque manus carpebant rite laborem.</p> +<!-- Page 159 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page159"></a>[159]</span> + <p>Laeva colum molli lana retinebat amictum,</p> + <p>Dextera tum leviter deducens fila supinis</p> + <p>Formabat digitis, tum prono in pollice torquens</p> + <p>Libratum tereti versabat turbine fusum,</p> + <div class="linenum">315</div><p>Atque ita decerpens aequabat semper opus dens,</p> + <p>Laneaque aridulis haerebant morsa labellis,</p> + <p>Quae prius in levi fuerant extantia filo:</p> + <p>Ante pedes autem candentis mollia lanae</p> + <p>Vellera virgati custodibant calathisci.</p> + <div class="linenum">320</div><p>Haec tum clarisona pectentes vellera voce</p> + <p>Talia divino fuderunt carmine fata,</p> + <p>Carmine, perfidiae quod post nulla arguet aetas.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O decus eximium magnis virtutibus augens,</p> + <p>Emathiae tutamen opis, clarissime nato,</p> + <div class="linenum">325</div><p>Accipe, quod laeta tibi pandunt luce sorores,</p> + <p>Veridicum oraclum. sed vos, quae fata sequuntur,</p> + <p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Adveniet tibi iam portans optata maritis</p> + <p>Hesperus, adveniet fausto cum sidere coniunx,</p> + <div class="linenum">330</div><p>Quae tibi flexanimo mentem perfundat amore</p> + <p>Languidulosque paret tecum coniungere somnos,</p> + <p>Levia substernens robusto brachia collo.</p> + <p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nulla domus tales umquam conexit amores,</p> + <div class="linenum">335</div><p>Nullus amor tali coniunxit foedere amantes,</p> + <p>Qualis adest Thetidi, qualis concordia Peleo.</p> + <p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nascetur vobis expers terroris Achilles,</p> + <p>Hostibus haud tergo, sed forti pectore notus,</p> +<!-- Page 160 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page160"></a>[160]</span> + <div class="linenum">340</div><p>Quae persaepe vago victor certamine cursus</p> + <p>Flammea praevertet celeris vestigia cervae.</p> + <p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Non illi quisquam bello se conferet heros,</p> + <p>Cum Phrygii Teucro manabunt sanguine † tenen,</p> + <div class="linenum">345</div><p>Troicaque obsidens longinquo moenia bello</p> + <p>Periuri Pelopis vastabit tertius heres.</p> + <p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Illius egregias virtutes claraque facta</p> + <p>Saepe fatebuntur gnatorum in funere matres,</p> + <div class="linenum">350</div><p>Cum in cinerem canos solvent a vertice crines</p> + <p>Putridaque infirmis variabunt pectora palmis.</p> + <p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Namque velut densas praecerpens cultor aristas</p> + <p>Sole sub ardenti flaventia demetit arva,</p> + <div class="linenum">355</div><p>Troiugenum infesto prosternet corpora ferro.</p> + <p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Testis erit magnis virtutibus unda Scamandri,</p> + <p>Quae passim rapido diffunditur Hellesponto,</p> + <p>Cuius iter caesis angustans corporum acervis</p> + <div class="linenum">360</div><p>Alta tepefaciet permixta flumina caede.</p> + <p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Denique testis erit morti quoque reddita praeda,</p> + <p>Cum terrae ex celso coacervatum aggere bustum</p> + <p>Excipiet niveos percussae virginis artus.</p> + <div class="linenum">365</div><p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nam simul ac fessis dederit fors copiam Achivis</p> + <p>Vrbis Dardaniae Neptunia solvere vincla,</p> +<!-- Page 161 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page161"></a>[161]</span> + <p>Alta Polyxenia madefient caede sepulcra,</p> + <p>Quae, velut ancipiti succumbens victima ferro,</p> + <div class="linenum">370</div><p>Proiciet truncum submisso poplite corpus.</p> + <p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quare agite optatos animi coniungite amores.</p> + <p>Accipiat coniunx felici foedere divam,</p> + <p>Dedatur cupido iandudum nupta marito.</p> + <div class="linenum">375</div><p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Non illam nutrix orienti luce revisens</p> + <p>Hesterno collum poterit circumdare filo,</p> + <p>[Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi]</p> + <p>Anxia nec mater discordis maesta puellae</p> + <div class="linenum">380</div><p>Secubitu caros mittet sperare nepotes.</p> + <p class="i2">Currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Talia praefantes quondam felicia Pelei</p> + <p>Carmina divino cecinerunt pectore Parcae.</p> + <p>Praesentes namque ante domos invisere castas</p> + <div class="linenum">385</div><p>Heroum et sese mortali ostendere coetu</p> + <p>Caelicolae nondum spreta pietate solebant.</p> + <p>Saepe pater divom templo in fulgente residens,</p> + <p>Annua cum festis venissent sacra diebus,</p> + <p>Conspexit terra centum procumbere tauros.</p> + <div class="linenum">390</div><p>Saepe vagus Liber Parnasi vertice summo</p> + <p>Thyiadas effusis euhantes crinibus egit.</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Cum Delphi tota certatim ex urbe ruentes</p> + <p>Acciperent laeti divom fumantibus aris.</p> + <p>Saepe in letifero belli certamine Mavors</p> + <div class="linenum">395</div><p>Aut rapidi Tritonis era aut Rhamnusia virgo</p> +<!-- Page 162 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page162"></a>[162]</span> + <p>Armatas hominumst praesens hortata catervas.</p> + <p>Sed postquam tellus scelerest imbuta nefando,</p> + <p>Iustitiamque omnes cupida de mente fugarunt,</p> + <p>Perfudere manus fraterno sanguine fratres,</p> + <div class="linenum">400</div><p>Destitit extinctos natus lugere parentes,</p> + <p>Optavit genitor primaevi funera nati,</p> + <p>Liber ut innuptae poteretur flore novercae,</p> + <p>Ignaro mater substernens se inpia nato</p> + <p>Inpia non veritast divos scelerare penates:</p> + <div class="linenum">405</div><p>Omnia fanda nefanda malo permixta furore</p> + <p>Iustificam nobis mentem avertere deorum.</p> + <p>Quare nec tales dignantur visere coetus,</p> + <p>Nec se contingi patiuntur lumine claro.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Marriage of Peleus and Thetis.</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">(Fragment of an Epos.)</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Pine-trees gendered whilòme upon soaring Peliac summit</p> + <p>Swam (as the tale is told) through liquid surges of Neptune</p> + <p>Far as the Phasis-flood and frontier-land Æëtéan;</p> + <p>Whenas the youths elect, of Argive vigour the oak-heart,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Longing the Golden Fleece of the Colchis-region to harry,</p> + <p>Dared in a poop swift-paced to span salt seas and their shallows,</p> + <p>Sweeping the deep blue seas with sweeps a-carven of fir-wood.</p> +<!-- Page 163 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page163"></a>[163]</span> + <p>She, that governing Goddess of citadels crowning the cities,</p> + <p>Builded herself their car fast-flitting with lightest of breezes,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p>Weaving plants of the pine conjoined in curve of the kelson;</p> + <p>Foremost of all to imbue rude Amphitrité with ship-lore.</p> + <p>Soon as her beak had burst through wind-rackt spaces of ocean,</p> + <p>While th'oar-tortured wave with spumy whiteness was blanching,</p> + <p>Surged from the deep abyss and hoar-capped billows the faces</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Seaborn, Nereids eyeing the prodigy wonder-smitten.</p> + <p>There too mortal orbs through softened spendours regarded</p> + <p>Ocean-nymphs who exposed bodies denuded of raiment</p> + <p>Bare to the breast upthrust from hoar froth capping the sea-depths.</p> + <p>Then Thetis Péleus fired (men say) a-sudden with love-lowe,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p>Then Thetis nowise spurned to mate and marry wi' mortal,</p> + <p>Then Thetis' Sire himself her yoke with Peleus sanctioned.</p> + <p>Oh, in those happier days now fondly yearned-for, ye heroes</p> + <p>Born; (all hail!) of the Gods begotten, and excellent issue</p> +<!-- Page 164 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page164"></a>[164]</span> + <p>Bred by your mothers, all hail! and placid deal me your favour.</p> + <p>Oft wi' the sound of me, in strains and spells I'll invoke you;</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Thee too by wedding-torch so happily, highly augmented,</p> + <p>Peleus, Thessaly's ward, whomunto Jupiter's self deigned</p> + <p>Yield of the freest gree his loves though gotten of Godheads.</p> + <p>Thee Thetis, fairest of maids Nereian, vouchsafed to marry?</p> + <p>Thee did Tethys empower to woo and wed with her grandchild;</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p>Nor less Oceanus, with water compassing th' Earth-globe?</p> + <p>But when ended the term, and wisht-for light of the day-tide</p> + <p>Uprose, flocks to the house in concourse mighty convenèd,</p> + <p>Thessaly all, with glad assembly the Palace fulfilling:</p> + <p>Presents afore they bring, and joy in faces declare they.</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>Scyros desert abides: they quit Phthiotican Tempe,</p> + <p>Homesteads of Crannon-town, eke bulwarkt walls of Larissa;</p> + <p>Meeting at Pharsálus, and roof Pharsálian seeking.</p> + <p>None will the fields now till; soft wax all necks of the oxen,</p> +<!-- Page 165 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page165"></a>[165]</span> + <p>Never the humble vine is purged by curve of the rake-tooth,</p> + <div class="linenum">41</div><p>Never a pruner's hook thins out the shade of the tree-tufts,</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p>Never a bull up-plows broad glebe with bend of the coulter,</p> + <p>Over whose point unuse displays the squalor of rust-stain.</p> + <p>But in the homestead's heart, where'er that opulent palace</p> + <p>Hides a retreat, all shines with splendour of gold and of silver.</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>Ivory blanches the seats, bright gleam the flagons a-table,</p> + <p>All of the mansion joys in royal riches and grandeur.</p> + <p>But for the Diva's use bestrewn is the genial bedstead,</p> + <p>Hidden in midmost stead, and its polisht framework of Indian</p> + <p>Tusk underlies its cloth empurpled by juice of the dye-shell.</p> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p class="i2">This be a figured cloth with forms of manhood primeval</p> + <p>Showing by marvel-art the gifts and graces of heroes.</p> + <p>Here upon Dia's strand wave-resonant, ever-regarding</p> + <p>Theseus borne from sight outside by fleet of the fleetest,</p> + <p>Stands Ariadne with heart full-filled with furies unbated,</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p>Nor can her sense as yet believe she 'spies the espied,</p> +<!-- Page 166 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page166"></a>[166]</span> + <p>When like one that awakes new roused from slumber deceptive,</p> + <p>Sees she her hapless self lone left on loneliest sandbank:</p> + <p>While as the mindless youth with oars disturbeth the shallows,</p> + <p>Casts to the windy storms what vows he vainly had vowèd.</p> + <div class="linenum">60</div><p>Him through the sedges afar the sad-eyed maiden of Minos,</p> + <p>Likest a Bacchant-girl stone-carven, (O her sorrow!)</p> + <p>'Spies, a-tossing the while on sorest billows of love-care.</p> + <p>Now no more on her blood-hued hair fine fillets retains she,</p> + <p>No more now light veil conceals her bosom erst hidden,</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p>Now no more smooth zone contains her milky-hued paplets:</p> + <p>All gear dropping adown from every part of her person</p> + <p>Thrown, lie fronting her feet to the briny wavelets a sea-toy.</p> + <p>But at such now no more of her veil or her fillet a-floating</p> + <p>Had she regard: on thee, O Theseus! all of her heart-strength,</p> + <div class="linenum">70</div><p>All of her sprite, her mind, forlorn, were evermore hanging.</p> + <p>Ah, sad soul, by grief and grievance driven beside thee,</p> +<!-- Page 167 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page167"></a>[167]</span> + <p>Sowed Erycína first those brambly cares in thy bosom,</p> + <p>What while issuing fierce with will enstarkenèd, Theseus</p> + <p>Forth from the bow-bent shore Piræan putting a-seawards</p> + <div class="linenum">75</div><p>Reacht the Gortynian roofs where dwelt th' injurious Monarch.</p> + <p>For 'twas told of yore how forced by pestilence cruel,</p> + <p>Eke as a blood rite due for th' Androgéonian murthur,</p> + <p>Many a chosen youth and the bloom of damsels unmarried</p> + <p>Food for the Minotaur, Cecropia was wont to befurnish.</p> + <div class="linenum">80</div><p>Seeing his narrow walls in such wise vexed with evils,</p> + <p>Theseus of freest will for dear-loved Athens his body</p> + <p>Offered a victim so that no more to Crete be deported</p> + <p>Lives by Cecropia doomed to burials burying nowise;</p> + <p>Then with a swifty ship and soft breathed breezes a-stirring,</p> + <div class="linenum">85</div><p>Sought he Minos the Haughty where homed in proudest of Mansions.</p> + <p>Him as with yearning glance forthright espièd the royal</p> + <p>Maiden, whom pure chaste couch aspiring delicate odours</p> + <p>Cherisht, in soft embrace of a mother comforted all-whiles,</p> + <p>(E'en as the myrtles begot by the flowing floods of Eurotas,</p> +<!-- Page 168 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page168"></a>[168]</span> + <div class="linenum">90</div><p>Or as the tincts distinct brought forth by breath of the springtide)</p> + <p>Never the burning lights of her eyes from gazing upon him</p> + <p>Turned she, before fierce flame in all her body conceived she</p> + <p>Down in its deepest depths and burning amiddle her marrow.</p> + <p>Ah, with unmitigate heart exciting wretchedmost furies,</p> + <div class="linenum">95</div><p>Thou, Boy sacrosanct! man's grief and gladness commingling,</p> + <p>Thou too of Golgos Queen and Lady of leafy Idalium,</p> + <p>Whelm'd ye in what manner waves that maiden phantasy-firèd,</p> + <p>All for a blond-haired youth suspiring many a singulf!</p> + <p>Whiles how dire was the dread she dreed in languishing heart-strings;</p> + <div class="linenum">100</div><p>How yet more, ever more, with golden splendour she palèd!</p> + <p>Whenas yearning to mate his might wi' the furious monster</p> + <p>Theseus braved his death or sought the prizes of praises.</p> + <p>Then of her gifts to gods not ingrate, nor profiting naught,</p> + <p>Promise with silent lip, addressed she timidly vowing.</p> + <div class="linenum">105</div><p>For as an oak that shakes on topmost summit of Taurus</p> +<!-- Page 169 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page169"></a>[169]</span> + <p>Its boughs, or cone-growing pine from bole bark resin exuding,</p> + <p>Whirlwind of passing might that twists the stems with its storm-blasts,</p> + <p>Uproots, deracinates, forthright its trunk to the farthest,</p> + <p>Prone falls, shattering wide what lies in line of its downfall,—</p> + <div class="linenum">110</div><p>Thus was that wildling flung by Theseus and vanquisht of body,</p> + <p>Vainly tossing its horns and goring the wind to no purpose.</p> + <p>Thence with abounding praise returned he, guiding his footsteps,</p> + <p>Whiles did a fine drawn thread check steps in wander abounding,</p> + <p>Lest when issuing forth of the winding maze labyrinthine</p> + <div class="linenum">115</div><p>Baffled become his track by inobservable error.</p> + <p>But for what cause should I, from early subject digressing,</p> + <p>Tell of the daughter who the face of her sire unseeing,</p> + <p>Eke her sister's embrace nor less her mother's endearments,</p> + <p>Who in despair bewept her hapless child that so gladly</p> + <div class="linenum">120</div><p>Chose before every and each the lively wooing of Theseus?</p> + <p>Or how borne by the ship to the yeasting shore-line of Dia</p> +<!-- Page 170 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page170"></a>[170]</span> + <p>Came she? or how when bound her eyes in bondage of slumber</p> + <p>Left her that chosen mate with mind unmindful departing?</p> + <p>Often (they tell) with heart inflamed by fiery fury</p> + <div class="linenum">125</div><p>Poured she shrilling of shrieks from deepest depths of her bosom;</p> + <p>Now she would sadly scale the broken faces of mountains,</p> + <p>Whence she might overglance the boundless boiling of billows,</p> + <p>Then she would rush to bestem the salt-plain's quivering wavelet</p> + <p>And from her ankles bare the dainty garment uplifting,</p> + <div class="linenum">130</div><p>Spake she these words ('tis said) from sorrow's deepest abysses,</p> + <p>Whiles from her tear-drencht face outburst cold shivering singulfs.</p> + <p class="i2">"Thus fro' my patrial shore, O traitor, hurried to exile,</p> + <p>Me on a lonely strand hast left, perfidious Theseus?</p> + <p>Thus wise farest, despite the godhead of Deities spurned,</p> + <div class="linenum">135</div><p>(Reckless, alas!) to thy home convoying perjury-curses?</p> + <p>Naught, then, ever availed that mind of cruelest counsel</p> + <p>Alter? No saving grace in thee was evermore ready,</p> + <p>That to have pity on me vouchsafed thy pitiless bosom?</p> +<!-- Page 171 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page171"></a>[171]</span> + <p>Natheless not in past time such were the promises wordy</p> + <div class="linenum">140</div><p>Lavishèd; nor such hopes to me the hapless were bidden;</p> + <p>But the glad married joys, the longed-for pleasures of wedlock.</p> + <p>All now empty and vain, by breath of the breezes bescattered!</p> + <p>Now, let woman no more trust her to man when he sweareth,</p> + <p>Ne'er let her hope to find or truth or faith in his pleadings,</p> + <div class="linenum">145</div><p>Who whenas lustful thought forelooks to somewhat attaining,</p> + <p>Never an oath they fear, shall spare no promise to promise.</p> + <p>Yet no sooner they sate all lewdness and lecherous fancy,</p> + <p>Nothing remember of words and reck they naught of fore-swearing.</p> + <p>Certès, thee did I snatch from midmost whirlpool of ruin</p> + <div class="linenum">150</div><p>Deadly, and held it cheap loss of a brother to suffer</p> + <p>Rather than fail thy need (O false!) at hour the supremest.</p> + <p>Therefor my limbs are doomed to be torn of birds, and of ferals</p> + <p>Prey, nor shall upheapt Earth afford a grave to my body.</p> +<!-- Page 172 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page172"></a>[172]</span> + <p>Say me, what lioness bare thee 'neath lone rock of the desert?</p> + <div class="linenum">155</div><p>What sea spued thee conceived from out the spume of his surges!</p> + <p>What manner Syrt, what ravening Scylla, what vasty Charybdis?</p> + <p>Thou who for sweet life saved such meeds art lief of returning!</p> + <p>If never willed thy breast with me to mate thee in marriage,</p> + <p>Hating the savage law decreed by primitive parent,</p> + <div class="linenum">160</div><p>Still of your competence 'twas within your household to home me,</p> + <p>Where I might serve as slave in gladsome service familiar,</p> + <p>Laving thy snow-white feet in clearest chrystalline waters</p> + <p>Or with its purpling gear thy couch in company strewing.</p> + <p>Yet for what cause should I 'plain in vain to the winds that unknow me,</p> + <div class="linenum">165</div><p>(I so beside me with grief!) which ne'er of senses enduèd</p> + <p>Hear not the words sent forth nor aught avail they to answer?</p> + <p>Now be his course well-nigh engaged in midway of ocean,</p> + <p>Nor any mortal shape appears in barrens of seawrack.</p> + <p>Thus at the latest hour with insults over-sufficient</p> +<!-- Page 173 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page173"></a>[173]</span> + <div class="linenum">170</div><p>E'en to my plaints fere Fate begrudges ears that would hear me.</p> + <p>Jupiter! Lord of All-might, Oh would in days that are bygone</p> + <p>Ne'er had Cecropian poops toucht ground at Gnossian foreshore,</p> + <p>Nor to th' unconquered Bull that tribute direful conveying</p> + <p>Had the false Seaman bound to Cretan island his hawser,</p> + <div class="linenum">175</div><p>Nor had yon evil wight, 'neath shape the softest hard purpose</p> + <p>Hiding, enjoyed repose within our mansion beguested!</p> + <p>Whither can wend I now? What hope lends help to the lost one?</p> + <p>Idomenéan mounts shall I scale? Ah, parted by whirlpools</p> + <p>Widest, yon truculent main where yields it power of passage?</p> + <div class="linenum">180</div><p>Aid of my sire can I crave? Whom I willing abandoned,</p> + <p>Treading in tracks of a youth bewrayed with blood of a brother!</p> + <p>Can I console my soul wi' the helpful love of a helpmate</p> + <p>Who flies me with pliant oars, flies overbounding the sea-depths?</p> + <p>Nay, an this Coast I quit, this lone isle lends me no roof-tree,</p> +<!-- Page 174 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page174"></a>[174]</span> + <div class="linenum">185</div><p>Nor aught issue allows begirt by billows of Ocean:</p> + <p>Nowhere is path for flight: none hope shows: all things are silent:</p> + <p>All be a desolate waste: all makes display of destruction.</p> + <p>Yet never close these eyne in latest languor of dying,</p> + <p>Ne'er from my wearied frame go forth slow-ebbing my senses,</p> + <div class="linenum">190</div><p>Ere from the Gods just doom implore I, treason-betrayed,</p> + <p>And with my breath supreme firm faith of Celestials invoke I.</p> + <p>Therefore, O ye who 'venge man's deed with penalties direful,</p> + <p>Eumenides! aye wont to bind with viperous hair-locks</p> + <p>Foreheads,—Oh, deign outspeak fierce wrath from bosom outbreathing,</p> + <div class="linenum">195</div><p>Hither, Oh hither, speed, and lend ye all ear to my grievance,</p> + <p>Which now sad I (alas!) outpour from innermost vitals</p> + <p>Maugre my will, sans help, blind, fired with furious madness.</p> + <p>And, as indeed all spring from veriest core of my bosom,</p> + <p>Suffer ye not the cause of grief and woe to evanish;</p> + <div class="linenum">200</div><p>But wi' the Will wherewith could Theseus leave me in loneness,</p> +<!-- Page 175 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page175"></a>[175]</span> + <p>Goddesses! bid that Will lead him, lead his, to destruction."</p> + <p class="i2">E'en as she thus poured forth these words from anguish of bosom,</p> + <p>And for this cruel deed, distracted, sued she for vengeance,</p> + <p>Nodded the Ruler of Gods Celestial, matchless of All-might,</p> + <div class="linenum">205</div><p>When at the gest earth-plain and horrid spaces of ocean</p> + <p>Trembled, and every sphere rockt stars and planets resplendent.</p> + <p>Meanwhile Theseus himself, obscured in blindness of darkness</p> + <p>As to his mind, dismiss'd from breast oblivious all things</p> + <p>Erewhile enjoined and held hereto in memory constant,</p> + <div class="linenum">210</div><p>Nor for his saddened sire the gladness-signals uphoisting</p> + <p>Heralded safe return within sight of the Erechthean harbour.</p> + <p>For 'twas told of yore, when from walls of the Virginal Deëss</p> + <p>Ægeus speeding his son, to the care of breezes committed,</p> + <p>Thus with a last embrace to the youth spake words of commandment:</p> + <div class="linenum">215</div><p class="i2">"Son! far nearer my heart (sole thou) than life of the longest,</p> +<!-- Page 176 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page176"></a>[176]</span> + <p>Son, I perforce dismiss to doubtful, dangerous chances,</p> + <p>Lately restored to me when eld draws nearest his ending,</p> + <p>Sithence such fortune in me, and in thee such boiling of valour</p> + <p>Tear thee away from me so loath, whose eyne in their languor</p> + <div class="linenum">220</div><p>Never are sated with sight of my son, all-dearest of figures.</p> + <p>Nor will I send thee forth with joy that gladdens my bosom,</p> + <p>Nor will I suffer thee show boon signs of favouring Fortune,</p> + <p>But fro' my soul I'll first express an issue of sorrow,</p> + <p>Soiling my hoary hairs with dust and ashes commingled;</p> + <div class="linenum">225</div><p>Then will I hang stained sails fast-made to the wavering yard-arms,</p> + <p>So shall our mourning thought and burning torture of spirit</p> + <p>Show by the dark sombre-dye of Iberian canvas spread.</p> + <p>But, an grant me the grace Who dwells in Sacred Itone,</p> + <p>(And our issue to guard and ward the seats of Erechtheus</p> + <div class="linenum">230</div><p>Sware She) that be thy right besprent with blood of the Man-Bull,</p> +<!-- Page 177 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page177"></a>[177]</span> + <p>Then do thou so-wise act, and storèd in memory's heart-core</p> + <p>Dwell these mandates of me, no time their traces untracing.</p> + <p>Dip, when first shall arise our hills to gladden thy eye-glance,</p> + <p>Down from thine every mast th'ill-omened vestments of mourning,</p> + <div class="linenum">235</div><p>Then let the twisten ropes upheave the whitest of canvas,</p> + <div class="linenum">235<i>b</i></div><p>Wherewith splendid shall gleam the tallest spars of the top-mast,</p> + <p>These seeing sans delay with joy exalting my spirit</p> + <p>Well shall I wot boon Time sets thee returning before me."</p> + <p class="i2">Such were the mandates which stored at first in memory constant</p> + <p>Faded from Theseus' mind like mists, compelled by the whirlwind,</p> + <div class="linenum">240</div><p>Fleet from äerial crests of mountains hoary with snow-drifts.</p> + <p>But as the sire had sought the citadel's summit for outlook,</p> + <p>Wasting his anxious eyes with tear-floods evermore flowing,</p> + <p>Forthright e'en as he saw the sail-gear darkened with dye-stain,</p> + <p>Headlong himself flung he from the sea-cliff's pinnacled summit</p> + <div class="linenum">245</div><p>Holding his Theseus lost by doom of pitiless Fortune.</p> +<!-- Page 178 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page178"></a>[178]</span> + <p>Thus as he came to the home funest, his roof-tree paternal,</p> + <p>Theseus (vaunting the death), what dule to the maiden of Minos</p> + <p>Dealt with unminding mind so dree'd he similar dolour.</p> + <p>She too gazing in grief at the kelson vanishing slowly,</p> + <div class="linenum">250</div><p>Self-wrapt, manifold cares revolved, in spirit perturbèd.</p> + </div> + </div> +<hr class="short" > + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Another Part of the Coverlet.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">But fro' the further side came flitting bright-faced Iacchus</p> + <p>Girded by Satyr-crew and Nysa-rearèd Sileni</p> + <p>Burning wi' love unto thee (Ariadne!) and greeting thy presence.</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Who flocking eager to fray did rave with infuriate spirit,</p> + <div class="linenum">255</div><p>"Evoë" phrensying loud, with heads at "Evoë" rolling.</p> + <p>Brandisht some of the maids their thyrsi sheathèd of spear-point,</p> + <p>Some snatcht limbs and joints of sturlings rended to pieces,</p> + <p>These girt necks and waists with writhing bodies of vipers,</p> + <p>Those wi' the gear enwombed in crates dark orgies ordainèd—</p> +<!-- Page 179 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page179"></a>[179]</span> + <div class="linenum">260</div><p>Orgies that ears prophane must vainly lust for o'er hearing—</p> + <p>Others with palms on high smote hurried strokes on the cymbal,</p> + <p>Or from the polisht brass woke thin-toned tinkling music,</p> + <p>While from the many there boomed and blared hoarse blast of the horn-trump,</p> + <p>And with its horrid skirl loud shrilled the barbarous bag-pipe,</p> + <div class="linenum">265</div><p class="i2">Showing such varied forms, that richly-decorate couch-cloth</p> + <p>Folded in strait embrace the bedding drapery-veilèd.</p> + <p>This when the Théssalan youths had eyed with eager inspection</p> + <p>Fulfilled, place they began to provide for venerate Godheads,</p> + <p>Even as Zephyrus' breath, seas couching placid at dawn-tide,</p> + <div class="linenum">270</div><p>Roughens, then stings and spurs the wavelets slantingly fretted—</p> + <p>Rising Aurora the while 'neath Sol the wanderer's threshold—</p> + <p>Tardy at first they flow by the clement breathing of breezes</p> + <p>Urgèd, and echo the shores with soft-toned ripples of laughter,</p> + <p>But as the winds wax high so waves wax higher and higher,</p> +<!-- Page 180 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page180"></a>[180]</span> + <div class="linenum">275</div><p>Flashing and floating afar to outswim morn's purpurine splendours,—</p> + <p>So did the crowd fare forth, the royal vestibule leaving,</p> + <p>And to their house each wight with vaguing paces departed.</p> + <p class="i2">After their wending, the first, foremost from Pelion's summit,</p> + <p>Chiron came to the front with woodland presents surchargèd:</p> + <div class="linenum">280</div><p>Whatso of blooms and flowers bring forth Thessalian uplands</p> + <p>Mighty with mountain crests, whate'er of riverine lea flowers</p> + <p>Reareth Favonius' air, bud-breeding, tepidly breathing,</p> + <p>All in his hands brought he, unseparate in woven garlands,</p> + <p>Whereat laughèd the house as soothed by pleasure of perfume.</p> + <div class="linenum">285</div><p class="i2">Presently Péneus appears, deserting verdurous Tempe—</p> + <p>Tempe girt by her belts of greenwood ever impending,</p> + <p>Left for the Mamonides with frequent dances to worship—</p> + <p>Nor is he empty of hand, for bears he tallest of beeches</p> + <p>Deracinate, and bays with straight boles lofty and stately,</p> +<!-- Page 181 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page181"></a>[181]</span> + <div class="linenum">290</div><p>Not without nodding plane-tree nor less the flexible sister</p> + <p>Fire-slain Phaëton left, and not without cypresses airy.</p> + <p>These in a line wide-broke set he, the Mansion surrounding,</p> + <p>So by the soft leaves screened, the porch might flourish in verdure.</p> + <p class="i2">Follows hard on his track with active spirit Prometheus,</p> + <div class="linenum">295</div><p>Bearing extenuate sign of penalties suffer'd in bygones.</p> + <p>Paid erewhiles what time fast-bound as to every member,</p> + <p>Hung he in carkanet slung from the Scythian rock-tor.</p> + <p class="i2">Last did the Father of Gods with his sacred spouse and his offspring,</p> + <p>Proud from the Heavens proceed, thee leaving (Phœbus) in loneness,</p> + <div class="linenum">300</div><p>Lone wi' thy sister twin who haunteth mountains of Idrus:</p> + <p>For that the Virgin spurned as thou the person of Peleus,</p> + <p>Nor Thetis' nuptial torch would greet by act of her presence.</p> + <p class="i2">When they had leaned their limbs upon snowy benches reposing,</p> + <p>Tables largely arranged with various viands were garnisht.</p> +<!-- Page 182 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page182"></a>[182]</span> + <div class="linenum">305</div><p>But, ere opened the feast, with infirm gesture their semblance</p> + <p>Shaking, the Parcae fell to chaunting veridique verses.</p> + <p>Robed were their tremulous frames all o'er in muffle of garments</p> + <p>Bright-white, purple of hem enfolding heels in its edges;</p> + <p>Snowy the fillets that bound heads agèd by many a year-tide,</p> + <div class="linenum">310</div><p>And, as their wont aye was, their hands plied labour unceasing.</p> + <p>Each in her left upheld with soft fleece clothèd a distaff,</p> + <p>Then did the right that drew forth thread with upturn of fingers</p> + <p>Gently fashion the yarn which deftly twisted by thumb-ball</p> + <p>Speeded the spindle poised by thread-whorl perfect of polish;</p> + <div class="linenum">315</div><p>Thus as the work was wrought, the lengths were trimmed wi' the fore-teeth,</p> + <p>While to their thin, dry lips stuck wool-flecks severed by biting,</p> + <p>Which at the first outstood from yarn-hanks evenly fine-drawn.</p> + <p>Still at their feet in front soft fleece-flecks white as the snow-flake</p> + <p>Lay in the trusty guard of wickers woven in withies.</p> +<!-- Page 183 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page183"></a>[183]</span> + <div class="linenum">320</div><p>Always a-carding the wool, with clear-toned voices resounding</p> + <p>Told they such lots as these in song divinely directed,</p> + <p>Chaunts which none after-time shall 'stablish falsehood-convicted.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">1.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O who by virtues great all highmost honours enhancest,</p> + <p>Guard of Emáthia-land, most famous made by thine offspring,</p> + <div class="linenum">325</div><p>Take what the Sisters deign this gladsome day to disclose thee,</p> + <p>Oracles soothfast told,—And ye, by Destiny followed,</p> + <p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">2.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Soon to thy sight shall rise, their fond hopes bringing to bridegrooms,</p> + <p>Hesperus: soon shall come thy spouse with planet auspicious,</p> + <div class="linenum">330</div><p>Who shall thy mind enbathe with a love that softens the spirit,</p> + <p>And as thyself shall prepare for sinking in languorous slumber,</p> + <p>Under thy neck robust, soft arms dispreading as pillow.</p> + <p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 184 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page184"></a>[184]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">3.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Never a house like this such loves as these hath united,</p> + <div class="linenum">335</div><p>Never did love conjoin by such-like covenant lovers,</p> + <p>As th'according tie Thetis deigned in concert wi' Peleus.</p> + <p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">4.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Born of yon twain shall come Achilles guiltless of fear-sense,</p> + <p>Known by his forceful breast and ne'er by back to the foeman,</p> + <div class="linenum">340</div><p>Who shall at times full oft in doubtful contest of race-course</p> + <p>Conquer the fleet-foot doe with slot-tracks smoking and burning.</p> + <p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">5.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>None shall with him compare, howe'er war-doughty a hero,</p> + <p>Whenas the Phrygian rills flow deep with bloodshed of Teucer,</p> + <div class="linenum">345</div><p>And beleaguering the walls of Troy with longest of warfare</p> + <p>He shall the works lay low, third heir of Pelops the perjured.</p> + <p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 185 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page185"></a>[185]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">6.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>His be the derring-do and deeds of valour egregious,</p> + <p>Often mothers shall own at funeral-rites of their children,</p> + <div class="linenum">350</div><p>What time their hoary hairs from head in ashes are loosened,</p> + <p>And wi' their hands infirm they smite their bosoms loose duggèd.</p> + <p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">7.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For as the toiling hind bestrewing denseness of corn-stalks</p> + <p>Under the broiling sun mows grain-fields yellow to harvest,</p> + <div class="linenum">355</div><p>So shall his baneful brand strew earth with corpses of Troy-born.</p> + <p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">8.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Aye to his valorous worth attest shall wave of Scamander</p> + <p>Which unto Hellé-Sea fast flowing ever dischargeth,</p> + <p>Straiter whose course shall grow by up-heaped barrage of corpses,</p> + <div class="linenum">360</div><p>While in his depths runs warm his stream with slaughter commingled.</p> + <p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 186 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page186"></a>[186]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">9.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Witness in fine shall be the victim rendered to death-stroke,</p> + <p>Whenas the earthern tomb on lofty tumulus builded</p> + <p>Shall of the stricken maid receive limbs white as the snow-flake.</p> + <div class="linenum">365</div><p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">10.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For when at last shall Fors to weary Achaians her fiat</p> + <p>Deal, of Dardanus-town to burst Neptunian fetters,</p> + <p>Then shall the high-reared tomb stand bathed with Polyxena's life-blood,</p> + <p>Who, as the victim doomed to fall by the double-edged falchion,</p> + <div class="linenum">370</div><p>Forward wi' hams relaxt shall smite a body beheaded.</p> + <p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">11.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Wherefore arise, ye pair, conjoin loves ardently longed-for,</p> + <p>Now doth the groom receive with happiest omen his goddess,</p> + <p>Now let the bride at length to her yearning spouse be delivered.</p> + <div class="linenum">375</div><p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 187 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page187"></a>[187]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">12.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Neither the nurse who comes at dawn to visit her nursling</p> + <p>E'er shall avail her neck to begird with yesterday's ribband.</p> + <p class="i2">[Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O spindles.]</p> + <p>Nor shall the mother's soul for ill-matcht daughter a-grieving</p> + <div class="linenum">380</div><p>Lose by a parted couch all hopes of favourite grandsons.</p> + <p class="i2">Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, O Spindles.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thus in the bygone day Peleus' fate foretelling</p> + <p>Chaunted from breasts divine prophetic verse the Parcae.</p> + <p>For that the pure chaste homes of heroes to visit in person</p> + <div class="linenum">385</div><p>Oft-tide the Gods, and themselves to display where mortals were gathered,</p> + <p>Wont were the Heavenlies while none human piety spurned.</p> + <p>Often the Deities' Sire, in fulgent temple a-dwelling,</p> + <p>Whenas in festal days received he his annual worship,</p> + <p>Looked upon hundreds of bulls felled prone on pavement before him.</p> + <div class="linenum">390</div><p>Full oft Liber who roamed from topmost peak of Parnassus</p> + <p>Hunted his howling host, his Thyiads with tresses dishevelled.</p> + <p> * * * *</p> +<!-- Page 188 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page188"></a>[188]</span> + <p>Then with contending troops from all their city outflocking</p> + <p>Gladly the Delphians hailed their God with smoking of altars.</p> + <p>Often in death-full war and bravest of battle, or Mavors</p> + <div class="linenum">395</div><p>Or rapid Triton's Queen or eke the Virgin Rhamnusian,</p> + <p>Bevies of weaponed men exhorting, provèd their presence.</p> + <p>But from the time when earth was stained with unspeakable scandals</p> + <p>And forth fro' greeding breasts of all men justice departed,</p> + <p>Then did the brother drench his hands in brotherly bloodshed,</p> + <div class="linenum">400</div><p>Stinted the son in heart to mourn decease of his parents,</p> + <p>Longèd the sire to sight his first-born's funeral convoy</p> + <p>So more freely the flower of step-dame-maiden to rifle;</p> + <p>After that impious Queen her guiltless son underlying,</p> + <p>Impious, the household gods with crime ne'er dreading to sully—</p> + <div class="linenum">405</div><p>All things fair and nefand being mixt in fury of evil</p> + <p>Turned from ourselves avert the great goodwill of the Godheads.</p> + <p>Wherefor they nowise deign our human assemblies to visit,</p> + <p>Nor do they suffer themselves be met in light of the day-tide.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 189 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page189"></a>[189]</span></p> + + <p>Pines aforetimes sprung from Pelion peak floated, so 'tis said, + through liquid billows of Neptune to the flowing Phasis and the confines + Aeetaean, when the picked youth, the vigour of Argive manhood seeking to + carry away the Golden Fleece from Colchis, dared to skim o'er salt seas + in a swift-sailing ship, sweeping caerulean ocean with paddles shapen + from fir-wood. That Goddess who guards the castles in topmost parts of + the towns herself fashioned the car, scudding with lightest of winds, + uniting the interweaved pines unto the curving keel. That same first + instructed untaught Amphitrite with sailing. Scarce had it split with its + stem the windy waves, and the billow vext with oars had whitened into + foam, when arose from the abyss of the hoary eddies the faces of + sea-dwelling Nereids wondering at the marvel. And then on that propitious + day mortal eyes gazed on sea-nymphs with naked bodies bare to the breasts + outstanding from the foamy abyss. Then 'tis said Peleus burned with + desire for Thetis, then Thetis contemned not mortal hymenaeals, then + Thetis' sire himself sanctioned her joining to Peleus. O born in the time + of joyfuller ages, heroes, hail! sprung from the gods, good progeny of + mothers, hail! and favourably be ye inclined. You oft in my song I'll + address, thee too I'll approach, Peleus, pillar of Thessaly, so increased + in importance by thy fortunate wedding-torches, to whom Jupiter himself, + the sire of the gods himself, yielded up his beloved. Did not Thetis + embrace thee, she most <!-- Page 190 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page190"></a>[190]</span>winsome of Nereids born? Did not Tethys + consent that thou should'st lead home her grandchild, and Oceanus eke, + whose waters girdle the total globe? When in full course of time the + longed-for day had dawned, all Thessaly assembled throngs his home, a + gladsome company o'erspreading the halls: they bear gifts to the fore, + and their joy in their faces they shew. Scyros desert remains, they leave + Phthiotic Tempe, Crannon's homes, and the fortressed walls of Larissa; to + Pharsalia they hie, 'neath Pharsalian roofs they gather. None tills the + soil, the heifers' necks grow softened, the trailing vine is not cleansed + by the curved rake-prongs, nor does the sickle prune the shade of the + spreading tree-branches, nor does the bullock up-tear the glebe with the + prone-bending ploughshare; squalid rust steals o'er the neglected + ploughs.</p> + + <p>But this mansion, throughout its innermost recesses of opulent + royalty, glitters with gleaming gold and with silver. Ivory makes white + the seats; goblets glint on the boards; the whole house delights in the + splendour of royal treasure. Placed in the midst of the mansion is the + bridal bed of the goddess, made glossy with Indian tusks and covered with + purple, tinted with the shell-fish's rosy dye. This tapestry embroidered + with figures of men of ancient time pourtrays with admirable art the + heroes' valour. For looking forth from Dia's beach, resounding with + crashing of breakers, Theseus hasting from sight with swiftest of fleets, + Ariadne watches, her heart <!-- Page 191 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page191"></a>[191]</span>swelling with raging passion, nor scarce + yet credits she sees what she sees, as, newly-awakened from her deceptive + sleep, she perceives herself, deserted and woeful, on the lonely shore. + But the heedless youth, flying away, beats the waves with his oars, + leaving his perjured vows to the gusty gales. In the dim distance from + amidst the sea-weed, the daughter of Minos with sorrowful eyes, like a + stone-carved Bacchante, gazes afar, alas! gazes after him, heaving with + great waves of grief. No longer does the fragile fillet bind her yellow + locks, no more with light veil is her hidden bosom covered, no more with + rounded zone the milky breasts are clasped; down fallen from her body + everything is scattered, hither, thither, and the salt waves toy with + them in front of her very feet. But neither on fillet nor floating veil, + but on thee, Theseus, in their stead, was she musing: on thee she bent + her heart, her thoughts, her love-lorn mind. Ah, woeful one, with sorrows + unending distraught, Erycina sows thorny cares deep in thy bosom, since + that time when Theseus fierce in his vigour set out from the curved bay + of Piraeus, and gained the Gortynian roofs of the iniquitous ruler.</p> + + <p>For of old 'tis narrated, that constrained by plague of the cruelest + to expiate the slaughter of Androgeos, both chosen youths and the pick of + the unmarried maidens Cecropia was wont to give as a feast to the + Minotaur. When thus his strait walls with ills were vexed, Theseus with + free will preferred to yield up his body for adored Athens rather than + <!-- Page 192 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page192"></a>[192]</span>such Cecropian corpses be carried to Crete + unobsequied. And therefore borne in a speedy craft by favouring breezes, + he came to the imperious Minos and his superb seat. Instant the royal + virgin him saw with longing glance, she whom the chaste couch + out-breathing sweetest of scents cradled in her mother's tender + enfoldings, like to the myrtle which the rivers of Eurotas produce, or + the many-tinted blooms opening with the springtide's breezes, she bent + not down away from him her kindling glance, until the flame spread + through her whole body, and burned into her innermost marrow. Ah, hard of + heart, urging with misery to madness, O holy boy, who mingles men's cares + and their joyings, and thou queen of Golgos and of foliaged Idalium, on + what waves did you heave the mind-kindled maid, sighing full oft for the + golden-haired guest! What dreads she bore in her swooning soul! How often + did she grow sallower in sheen than gold! When craving to contend against + the savage monster Theseus faced death or the palm of praise. Then gifts + to the gods not unmeet not idly given, with promise from tight-closed + lips did she address her vows. For as an oak waving its boughs on Taurus' + top, or a coniferous pine with sweating stem, is uprooted by savage + storm, twisting its trunk with its blast (dragged from its roots prone it + falleth afar, breaking all in the line of its fall) so did Theseus fling + down the conquered body of the brute, tossing its horns in vain towards + the skies. Thence <!-- Page 193 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page193"></a>[193]</span>backwards he retraced his steps 'midst + great laud, guiding his errant footsteps by means of a tenuous thread, + lest when outcoming from tortuous labyrinthines his efforts be frustrated + by unobservant wandering. But why, turned aside from my first story, + should I recount more, how the daughter fleeing her father's face, her + sister's embrace, and e'en her mother's, who despairingly bemoaned her + lost daughter, preferred to all these the sweet love of Theseus; or how + borne by their boat to the spumy shores of Dia she came; or how her + yokeman with unmemoried breast forsaking her, left her bound in the + shadows of sleep? And oft, so 'tis said, with her heart burning with fury + she outpoured clarion cries from depths of her bosom, then sadly scaled + the rugged mounts, whence she could cast her glance o'er the vasty + seething ocean, then ran into the opposing billows of the heaving sea, + raising from her bared legs her clinging raiment, and in uttermost plight + of woe with tear-stained face and chilly sobs spake she thus:—</p> + + <p>"Is it thus, O perfidious, when dragged from my motherland's shores, + is it thus, O false Theseus, that thou leavest me on this desolate + strand? thus dost depart unmindful of slighted godheads, bearing home thy + perjured vows? Was no thought able to bend the intent of thy ruthless + mind? hadst thou no clemency there, that thy pitiless bowels might + compassionate me? But these were not the promises thou gavest me idly of + old, this was not what thou didst bid me hope for, but the blithe + bride-bed, <!-- Page 194 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page194"></a>[194]</span>hymenaeal happiness: all empty air, blown + away by the breezes. Now, now, let no woman give credence to man's oath, + let none hope for faithful vows from mankind; for whilst their eager + desire strives for its end, nothing fear they to swear, nothing of + promises stint they: but instant their lusting thoughts are satiate with + lewdness, nothing of speech they remember, nothing of perjuries reck. In + truth I snatched thee from the midst of the whirlpool of death, + preferring to suffer the loss of a brother rather than fail thy need in + the supreme hour, O ingrate. For the which I shall be a gift as prey to + be rent by wild beasts and the carrion-fowl, nor dead shall I be placed + in the earth, covered with funeral mound. What lioness bare thee 'neath + lonely crag? What sea conceived and spued thee from its foamy crest? What + Syrtis, what grasping Scylla, what vast Charybdis? O thou repayer with + such guerdon for thy sweet life! If 'twas not thy heart's wish to yoke + with me, through holding in horror the dread decrees of my stern sire, + yet thou couldst have led me to thy home, where as thine handmaid I might + have served thee with cheerful service, laving thy snowy feet with clear + water, or spreading the purple coverlet o'er thy couch. Yet why, + distraught with woe, do I vainly lament to the unknowing winds, which + unfurnished with sense, can neither hear uttered complaints nor can + return them? For now he has sped away into the midst of the seas, nor + doth any mortal appear along this desolate seaboard. Thus with + o'erweening <!-- Page 195 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page195"></a>[195]</span>scorn doth bitter Fate in my extreme hour + even grudge ears to my plaints. All-powerful Jupiter! would that in old + time the Cecropian poops had not touched at the Gnossian shores, nor that + bearing to the unquelled bull the direful ransom had the false mariner + moored his hawser to Crete, nor that yon wretch hiding ruthless designs + beneath sweet seemings had reposed as a guest in our halls! For whither + may I flee? in what hope, O lost one, take refuge? Shall I climb the + Idomenean crags? but the truculent sea stretching amain with its + whirlings of waters separates us. Can I quest help from my father, whom I + deserted to follow a youth besprinkled with my brother's blood? Can I + crave comfort from the care of a faithful yokeman, who is fleeing with + yielding oars, encurving 'midst whirling waters. If I turn from the beach + there is no roof in this tenantless island, no way sheweth a passage, + circled by waves of the sea; no way of flight, no hope; all denotes + dumbness, desolation, and death. Natheless mine eyes shall not be dimmed + in death, nor my senses secede from my spent frame, until I have besought + from the gods a meet mulct for my betrayal, and implored the faith of the + celestials with my latest breath. Wherefore ye requiters of men's deeds + with avenging pains, O Eumenides, whose front enwreathed with + serpent-locks blazons the wrath exhaled from your bosom, hither, hither + haste, hear ye my plainings, which I, sad wretch, am urged to outpour + from mine innermost marrow, helpless, burning, and blind <!-- Page 196 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page196"></a>[196]</span>with frenzied + fury. And since in truth they spring from the veriest depths of my heart, + be ye unwilling to allow my agony to pass unheeded, but with such mind as + Theseus forsook me, with like mind, O goddesses, may he bring evil on + himself and on his kin."</p> + + <p>After she had poured forth these words from her grief-laden bosom, + distractedly clamouring for requital against his heartless deeds, the + celestial ruler assented with almighty nod, at whose motion the earth and + the awe-full waters quaked, and the world of glittering stars did quiver. + But Theseus, self-blinded with mental mist, let slip from forgetful + breast all those injunctions which until then he had held firmly in mind, + nor bore aloft sweet signals to his sad sire, shewing himself safe when + in sight of Erectheus' haven. For 'tis said that aforetime, when Aegeus + entrusted his son to the winds, on leaving the walls of the chaste + goddess's city, these commands he gave to the youth with his parting + embrace.</p> + + <p>"O mine only son, far dearer to me than long life, lately restored to + me at extreme end of my years, O son whom I must perforce dismiss to a + doubtful hazard, since my ill fate and thine ardent valour snatch thee + from unwilling me, whose dim eyes are not yet sated with my son's dear + form: nor gladly and with joyous breast do I send thee, nor will I suffer + thee to bear signs of helpful fortune, but first from my breast many a + plaint will I express, sullying my grey hairs with dust and ashes, and + then will I hang dusky sails to the swaying mast, so that <!-- Page 197 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page197"></a>[197]</span>our sorrow and + burning lowe are shewn by Iberian canvas, rustily darkened. Yet if the + dweller on holy Itone, who deigns defend our race and Erectheus' + dwellings, grant thee to besprinkle thy right hand in the bull's blood, + then see that in very truth these commandments deep-stored in thine + heart's memory do flourish, nor any time deface them. Instant thine eyes + shall see our cliffs, lower their gloomy clothing from every yard, and + let the twisted cordage bear aloft snowy sails, where splendent shall + shine bright topmast spars, so that, instant discerned, I may know with + gladness and lightness of heart that in prosperous hour thou art returned + to my face."</p> + + <p>These charges, at first held in constant mind, from Theseus slipped + away as clouds are impelled by the breath of the winds from the ethereal + peak of a snow-clad mount. But his father as he betook himself to the + castle's turrets as watchplace, dimming his anxious eyes with continual + weeping, when first he spied the discoloured canvas, flung himself + headlong from the top of the crags, deeming Theseus lost by harsh fate. + Thus as he entered the grief-stricken house, his paternal roof, Theseus + savage with slaughter met with like grief as that which with unmemoried + mind he had dealt to Minos' daughter: while she with grieving gaze at his + disappearing keel, turned over a tumult of cares in her wounded + spirit.</p> + + <p>But on another part [of the tapestry] swift hastened the flushed + Iacchus with his train of Satyrs and Nisa-begot Sileni, thee questing, + Ariadne, <!-- Page 198 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page198"></a>[198]</span>and aflame with love for thee. * * * * + These scattered all around, an inspired band, rushed madly with mind all + distraught, ranting "Euhoe," with tossing of heads "Euhoe." Some with + womanish hands shook thyrsi with wreath-covered points; some tossed limbs + of a rended steer; some engirt themselves with writhed snakes; some + enacted obscure orgies with deep chests, orgies of which the profane + vainly crave a hearing; others beat the tambours with outstretched palms, + or from the burnished brass provoked shrill tinklings, blew + raucous-sounding blasts from many horns, and the barbarous pipe droned + forth horrible song.</p> + + <p>With luxury of such figures was the coverlet adorned, enwrapping the + bed with its mantling embrace. After the Thessalian youthhood with eager + engazing were sated they began to give way to the sacred gods. Hence, as + with his morning's breath brushing the still sea Zephyrus makes the + sloping billows uprise, when Aurora mounts 'neath the threshold of the + wandering sun, which waves heave slowly at first with the breeze's gentle + motion (plashing with the sound as of low laughter) but after, as swells + the wind, more and more frequent they crowd and gleam in the purple light + as they float away,—so quitting the royal vestibule did the folk + hie them away each to his home with steps wandering hither and + thither.</p> + + <p>After they had wended their way, chief from the Pelion vertex Chiron + came, the bearer of sylvan <!-- Page 199 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page199"></a>[199]</span>spoil: for whatsoever the fields bear, + whatso the Thessalian land on its high hills breeds, and what flowers the + fecund air of warm Favonius begets near the running streams, these did he + bear enwreathed into blended garlands wherewith the house rippled with + laughter, caressed by the grateful odour.</p> + + <p>Speedily stands present Penios, for a time his verdant Tempe, Tempe + whose overhanging trees encircle, leaving to the Dorian choirs, damsels + Magnesian, to frequent; nor empty-handed,—for he has borne hither + lofty beeches uprooted and the tall laurel with straight stem, nor lacks + he the nodding plane and the lithe sister of flame-wrapt Phaethon and the + aerial cypress. These wreathed in line did he place around the palace so + that the vestibule might grow green sheltered with soft fronds.</p> + + <p>After him follows Prometheus of inventive mind, bearing diminishing + traces of his punishment of aforetime, which of old he had suffered, with + his limbs confined by chains hanging from the rugged Scythian crags. Then + came the sire of gods from heaven with his holy consort and offspring, + leaving thee alone, Phoebus, with thy twin-sister the fosterer of the + mountains of Idrus: for equally with thyself did thy sister disdain + Peleus nor was she willing to honour the wedding torches of Thetis. After + they had reclined their snow-white forms along the seats, tables were + loaded on high with food of various kinds. <!-- Page 200 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page200"></a>[200]</span></p> + + <p>In the meantime with shaking bodies and infirm gesture the Parcae + began to intone their veridical chant. Their trembling frames were + enwrapped around with white garments, encircled with a purple border at + their heels, snowy fillets bound each aged brow, and their hands pursued + their never-ending toil, as of custom. The left hand bore the distaff + enwrapped in soft wool, the right hand lightly withdrawing the threads + with upturned fingers did shape them, then twisting them with the prone + thumb it turned the balanced spindle with well-polished whirl. And then + with a pluck of their tooth the work was always made even, and the bitten + wool-shreds adhered to their dried lips, which shreds at first had stood + out from the fine thread. And in front of their feet wicker baskets of + osier twigs took charge of the soft white woolly fleece. These, with + clear-sounding voice, as they combed out the wool, outpoured fates of + such kind in sacred song, in song which none age yet to come could tax + with untruth.</p> + + <p>"O with great virtues thine exceeding honour augmenting, stay of + Emathia-land, most famous in thine issue, receive what the sisters make + known to thee on this gladsome day, a weird veridical! But ye whom the + fates do follow:—Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O hasten, ye + spindles.</p> + + <p>"Now Hesperus shall come unto thee bearing what is longed for by + bridegrooms, with that fortunate star shall thy bride come, who ensteeps + thy soul with the sway of softening love, and prepares with thee <!-- + Page 201 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page201"></a>[201]</span>to + conjoin in languorous slumber, making her smooth arms thy pillow round + 'neath thy sinewy neck. Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O hasten, ye + spindles.</p> + + <p>"No house ever yet enclosed such loves, no love bound lovers with such + pact, as abideth with Thetis, as is the concord of Peleus. Haste ye, + a-weaving the woof, O hasten, ye spindles.</p> + + <p>"To ye shall Achilles be born, a stranger to fear, to his foemen not + by his back, but by his broad breast known, who, oft-times the victor in + the uncertain struggle of the foot-race, shall outrun the fire-fleet + footsteps of the speedy doe. Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O hasten, ye + spindles.</p> + + <p>"None in war with him may compare as a hero, when the Phrygian streams + shall trickle with Trojan blood, and when besieging the walls of Troy + with a long-drawn-out warfare perjured Pelops' third heir shall lay that + city waste. Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O hasten, ye spindles.</p> + + <p>"His glorious acts and illustrious deeds often shall mothers attest + o'er funeral-rites of their sons, when the white locks from their heads + are unloosed amid ashes, and they bruise their discoloured breasts with + feeble fists. Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O hasten, ye spindles.</p> + + <p>"For as the husbandman bestrewing the dense wheat-ears mows the + harvest yellowed 'neath ardent sun, so shall he cast prostrate the + corpses of Troy's sons with grim swords. Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O + hasten, ye spindles. <!-- Page 202 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page202"></a>[202]</span></p> + + <p>"His great valour shall be attested by Scamander's wave, which ever + pours itself into the swift Hellespont, narrowing whose course with + slaughtered heaps of corpses he shall make tepid its deep stream by + mingling warm blood with the water. Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O + hasten, ye spindles.</p> + + <p>"And she a witness in fine shall be the captive-maid handed to death, + when the heaped-up tomb of earth built in lofty mound shall receive the + snowy limbs of the stricken virgin. Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O + hasten, ye spindles.</p> + + <p>"For instant fortune shall give the means to the war-worn Greeks to + break Neptune's stone bonds of the Dardanian city, the tall tomb shall be + made dank with Polyxena's blood, who as the victim succumbing 'neath + two-edged sword, with yielding hams shall fall forward a headless corpse. + Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O hasten, ye spindles.</p> + + <p>"Wherefore haste ye to conjoin in the longed-for delights of your + love. Bridegroom thy goddess receive in felicitous compact; let the bride + be given to her eager husband. Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O hasten, ye + spindles.</p> + + <p>"Nor shall the nurse at orient light returning, with yester-e'en's + thread succeed in circling her neck. [Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O + hasten, ye spindles.] Not need her solicitous mother fear sad discord + shall cause a parted bed for her daughter, nor need she cease to hope for + dear grandchildren. Haste ye, a-weaving the woof, O hasten, ye spindles." + <!-- Page 203 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page203"></a>[203]</span></p> + + <p>With such soothsaying songs of yore did the Parcae chant from divine + breast the felicitous fate of Peleus. For of aforetime the + heaven-dwellers were wont to visit the chaste homes of heroes and to shew + themselves in mortal assembly ere yet their worship was scorned. Often + the father of the gods, a-resting in his glorious temple, when on the + festal days his annual rites appeared, gazed on an hundred bulls strewn + prone on the earth. Often wandering Liber on topmost summit of Parnassus + led his yelling Thyiads with loosely tossed locks. * * * * When the + Delphians tumultuously trooping from the whole of their city joyously + acclaimed the god with smoking altars. Often in lethal strife of war + Mavors, or swift Triton's queen, or the Rhamnusian virgin, in person did + exhort armed bodies of men. But after the earth was infected with heinous + crime, and each one banished justice from their grasping mind, and + brothers steeped their hands in fraternal blood, the son ceased grieving + o'er departed parents, the sire craved for the funeral rites of his + first-born that freely he might take of the flower of unwedded step-dame, + the unholy mother, lying under her unknowing son, did not fear to sully + her household gods with dishonour: everything licit and lawless + commingled with mad infamy turned away from us the just-seeing mind of + the gods. Wherefore nor do they deign to appear at such-like assemblies, + nor will they permit themselves to be met in the day-light. <!-- Page 204 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page204"></a>[204]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXV.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Esti me adsiduo confectum cura dolore</p> + <p class="i2">Sevocat a doctis, Ortale, virginibus,</p> + <p>Nec potisest dulces Musarum expromere fetus</p> + <p class="i2">Mens animi, (tantis fluctuat ipsa malis:</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Namque mei nuper Lethaeo gurgite fratris</p> + <p class="i2">Pallidulum manans adluit unda pedem,</p> + <p>Troia Rhoeteo quem subter littore tellus</p> + <p class="i2">Ereptum nostris obterit ex oculis.</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Adloquar, audiero numquam tua <i>facta</i> loquentem,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Numquam ego te, vita frater amabilior,</p> + <p>Aspiciam posthac. at certe semper amabo,</p> + <p class="i2">Semper maesta tua carmina morte canam,</p> + <p>Qualia sub densis ramorum concinit umbris</p> + <p class="i2">Daulias absumpti fata gemens Itylei)—</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Sed tamen in tantis maeroribus, Ortale, mitto</p> + <p class="i2">Haec expressa tibi carmina Battiadae,</p> + <p>Ne tua dicta vagis nequiquam credita ventis</p> + <p class="i2">Effluxisse meo forte putes animo,</p> + <p>Vt missum sponsi furtivo munere malum</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">Procurrit casto virginis e gremio,</p> + <p>Quod miserae oblitae molli sub veste locatum,</p> + <p class="i2">Dum adventu matris prosilit, excutitur:</p> + <p>Atque illud prono praeceps agitur decursu,</p> + <p class="i2">Huic manat tristi conscius ore rubor.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXV.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Hortalus Lamenting a Lost Brother.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Albeit care that consumes, with dule assiduous grieving,</p> +<!-- Page 205 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page205"></a>[205]</span> + <p class="i2">Me from the Learnèd Maids (Hortalus!) ever seclude,</p> + <p>Nor can avail sweet births of the Muses thou to deliver</p> + <p class="i2">Thought o' my mind; (so much floats it on flooding of ills:</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>For that the Lethe-wave upsurging of late from abysses,</p> + <p class="i2">Lavèd my brother's foot, paling with pallor of death,</p> + <p>He whom the Trojan soil, Rhoetean shore underlying,</p> + <p class="i2">Buries for ever and aye, forcibly snatched from our sight.</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>I can address; no more shall I hear thee tell of thy doings,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Say, shall I never again, brother all liefer than life,</p> + <p>Sight thee henceforth? But I will surely love thee for ever</p> + <p class="i2">Ever what songs I sing saddened shall be by thy death;</p> + <p>Such as the Daulian bird 'neath gloom of shadowy frondage</p> + <p class="i2">Warbles, of Itys lost ever bemoaning the lot.)</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Yet amid grief so great to thee, my Hortalus, send I</p> + <p class="i2">These strains sung to a mode borrowed from Battiades;</p> + <p>Lest shouldest weet of me thy words, to wandering wind-gusts</p> +<!-- Page 206 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page206"></a>[206]</span> + <p class="i2">Vainly committed, perchance forth of my memory flowed—</p> + <p>As did that apple sent for a furtive giftie by wooer,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">In the chaste breast of the Maid hidden a-sudden out-sprang;</p> + <p>For did the hapless forget when in loose-girt garment it lurkèd,</p> + <p class="i2">Forth would it leap as she rose, scared by her mother's approach,</p> + <p>And while coursing headlong, it rolls far out of her keeping,</p> + <p class="i2">O'er the triste virgin's brow flushes the conscious blush.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Though outspent with care and unceasing grief, I am withdrawn, + Ortalus, from the learned Virgins, nor is my soul's mind able to bring + forth sweet babes of the Muses (so much does it waver 'midst ills: for + but lately the wave of the Lethean stream doth lave with its flow the + pallid foot of my brother, whom 'neath the Rhoetean seaboard the Trojan + soil doth crush, thrust from our eyesight. * * * Never again may I salute + thee, nor hear thy converse; never again, O brother, more loved than + life, may I see thee in aftertime. But for all time in truth will I love + thee, always will I sing elegies made gloomy by thy death, such as the + Daulian bird pipes 'neath densest shades of foliage, lamenting the lot of + slain Itys.) Yet 'midst sorrows so deep, O Ortalus, I send thee these + verses re-cast from Battiades, lest thou shouldst credit thy words by + <!-- Page 207 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page207"></a>[207]</span>chance have slipt from my mind, given o'er + to the wandering winds, as 'twas with that apple, sent as furtive + love-token by the wooer, which outleapt from the virgin's chaste bosom; + for, placed by the hapless girl 'neath her soft vestment, and + forgotten,—when she starts at her mother's approach, out 'tis + shaken: and down it rolls headlong to the ground, whilst a tell-tale + flush mantles the face of the distressed girl.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXVI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Omnia qui magni dispexit lumina mundi,</p> + <p class="i2">Qui stellarum ortus comperit atque obitus,</p> + <p>Flammeus ut rapidi solis nitor obscuretur,</p> + <p class="i2">Vt cedant certis sidera temporibus,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Vt Triviam furtim sub Latmia saxa relegans</p> + <p class="i2">Dulcis amor gyro devocet aerio,</p> + <p>Idem me ille Conon caelesti in lumine vidit</p> + <p class="i2">E Beroniceo vertice caesariem</p> + <p>Fulgentem clare, quam cunctis illa deorum</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Levia protendens brachia pollicitast,</p> + <p>Qua rex tempestate novo auctus hymenaeo</p> + <p class="i2">Vastatum finis iverat Assyrios,</p> + <p>Dulcia nocturnae portans vestigia rixae,</p> + <p class="i2">Quam de virgineis gesserat exuviis.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Estne novis nuptis odio venus? anne parentum</p> + <p class="i2">Frustrantur falsis gaudia lacrimulis,</p> + <p>Vbertim thalami quas intra lumina fundunt?</p> + <p class="i2">Non, ita me divi, vera gemunt, iuerint.</p> + <p>Id mea me multis docuit regina querellis</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">Invisente novo praelia torva viro.</p> +<!-- Page 208 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page208"></a>[208]</span> + <p>An tu non orbum luxti deserta cubile,</p> + <p class="i2">Sed fratris cari flebile discidium?</p> + <p>Quam penitus maestas excedit cura medullas!</p> + <p class="i2">Vt tibi tum toto pectore sollicitae</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Sensibus ereptis mens excidit! at te ego certe</p> + <p class="i2">Cognoram a parva virgine magnanimam.</p> + <p>Anne bonum oblita's facinus, quo regium adepta's</p> + <p class="i2">Coniugium, quo non fortius ausit alis?</p> + <p>Sed tum maesta virum mittens quae verba locuta's!</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p class="i2">Iuppiter, ut tristi lumina saepe manu!</p> + <p>Quis te mutavit tantus deus? an quod amantes</p> + <p class="i2">Non longe a caro corpore abesse volunt?</p> + <p>Atque ibi me cunctis pro dulci coniuge divis</p> + <p class="i2">Non sine taurino sanguine pollicita's</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>Sei reditum tetullisset. is haut in tempore longo</p> + <p class="i2">Captam Asiam Aegypti finibus addiderat.</p> + <p>Quis ego pro factis caelesti reddita coetu</p> + <p class="i2">Pristina vota novo munere dissoluo.</p> + <p>Invita, o regina, tuo de vertice cessi,</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p class="i2">Invita: adiuro teque tuomque caput,</p> + <p>Digna ferat quod siquis inaniter adiurarit:</p> + <p class="i2">Sed qui se ferro postulet esse parem?</p> + <p>Ille quoque eversus mons est, quem maximum in orbi</p> + <p class="i2">Progenies Thiae clara supervehitur,</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>Cum Medi peperere novom mare, cumque inventus</p> + <p class="i2">Per medium classi barbara navit Athon.</p> + <p>Quid facient crines, cum ferro talia cedant?</p> + <p class="i2">Iuppiter, ut Chalybon omne genus pereat,</p> + <p>Et qui principio sub terra quaerere venas</p> +<!-- Page 209 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page209"></a>[209]</span> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p class="i2">Institit ac ferri frangere duritiem!</p> + <p>Abiunctae paulo ante comae mea fata sorores</p> + <p class="i2">Lugebant, cum se Memnonis Aethiopis</p> + <p>Vnigena inpellens nictantibus aera pennis</p> + <p class="i2">Obtulit Arsinoes Locridos ales equos,</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p>Isque per aetherias me tollens avolat umbras</p> + <p class="i2">Et Veneris casto collocat in gremio.</p> + <p>Ipsa suum Zephyritis eo famulum legarat,</p> + <p class="i2">Graia Canopieis incola litoribus.</p> + <p>† Hi dii ven ibi vario ne solum in lumine caeli</p> + <div class="linenum">60</div><p class="i2">Ex Ariadneis aurea temporibus</p> + <p>Fixa corona foret, sed nos quoque fulgeremus</p> + <p class="i2">Devotae flavi verticis exuviae,</p> + <p>Vvidulam a fletu cedentem ad templa deum me</p> + <p class="i2">Sidus in antiquis diva novom posuit:</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p>Virginis et saevi contingens namque Leonis</p> + <p class="i2">Lumina, Callisto iuncta Lycaoniae,</p> + <p>Vertor in occasum, tardum dux ante Booten,</p> + <p class="i2">Qui vix sero alto mergitur Oceano.</p> + <p>Sed quamquam me nocte premunt vestigia divom,</p> + <div class="linenum">70</div><p class="i2">Lux autem canae Tethyi restituit,</p> + <p>(Pace tua fari hic liceat, Rhamnusia virgo,</p> + <p class="i2">Namque ego non ullo vera timore tegam,</p> + <p>Nec si me infestis discerpent sidera dictis,</p> + <p class="i2">Condita quin verei pectoris evoluam):</p> + <div class="linenum">75</div><p>Non his tam laetor rebus, quam me afore semper,</p> + <p class="i2">Afore me a dominae vertice discrucior,</p> + <p>Quicum ego, dum virgo curis fuit omnibus expers,</p> + <p class="i2">Vnguenti Suriei milia multa bibi.</p> + <p>Nunc vos, optato quom iunxit lumine taeda,</p> +<!-- Page 210 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page210"></a>[210]</span> + <div class="linenum">80</div><p class="i2">Non prius unanimis corpora coniugibus</p> + <p>Tradite nudantes reiecta veste papillas,</p> + <p class="i2">Quam iocunda mihi munera libet onyx,</p> + <p>Voster onyx, casto petitis quae iura cubili.</p> + <p class="i2">Sed quae se inpuro dedit adulterio,</p> + <div class="linenum">85</div><p>Illius a mala dona levis bibat irrita pulvis:</p> + <p class="i2">Namque ego ab indignis praemia nulla peto.</p> + <p>Sed magis, o nuptae, semper concordia vostras</p> + <p class="i2">Semper amor sedes incolat adsiduos.</p> + <p>Tu vero, regina, tuens cum sidera divam</p> + <div class="linenum">90</div><p class="i2">Placabis festis luminibus Venerem,</p> + <p>Vnguinis expertem non siris esse tuam me,</p> + <p class="i2">Sed potius largis adfice muneribus.</p> + <p>Sidera corruerent utinam! coma regia fiam:</p> + <p class="i2">Proximus Hydrochoi fulgeret Oarion!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXVI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">(Loquitur) Berenice's Lock.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He who every light of the sky world's vastness inspected,</p> + <p class="i2">He who mastered in mind risings and settings of stars,</p> + <p>How of the fast rising sun obscured be the fiery splendours,</p> + <p class="i2">How at the seasons assured vanish the planets from view,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>How Diana to lurk thief-like 'neath Latmian stonefields,</p> + <p class="i2">Summoned by sweetness of Love, comes from her aëry gyre;</p> +<!-- Page 211 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page211"></a>[211]</span> + <p>That same Cónon espied among lights Celestial shining</p> + <p class="i2">Me, Berenice's Hair, which, from her glorious head,</p> + <p>Fulgent in brightness afar, to many a host of the Godheads</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Stretching her soft smooth arms she vowed to devoutly bestow,</p> + <p>What time strengthened by joy of new-made wedlock the monarch</p> + <p class="i2">Bounds of Assyrian land hurried to plunder and pill;</p> + <p>Bearing of nightly strife new signs and traces delicious,</p> + <p class="i2">Won in the war he waged virginal trophies to win.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Loathsome is Venus to all new-paired? Else why be the parents'</p> + <p class="i2">Pleasure frustrated aye by the false flow of tears</p> + <p>Poured in profusion amid illuminate genial chamber?</p> + <p class="i2">Nay not real the groans; ever so help me the Gods!</p> + <p>This truth taught me my Queen by force of manifold 'plainings</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">After her new groom hied facing the fierceness of fight.</p> + <p>Yet so thou mournedst not for a bed deserted of husband,</p> + <p class="i2">As for a brother beloved wending on woefullest way?</p> + <p>How was the marrow of thee consumedly wasted by sorrow!</p> +<!-- Page 212 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page212"></a>[212]</span> + <p class="i2">So clean forth of thy breast, rackt with solicitous care,</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Mind fled, sense being reft! But I have known thee for certain</p> + <p class="i2">E'en from young virginal years lofty of spirit to be.</p> + <p>Hast thou forgotten the feat whose greatness won thee a royal</p> + <p class="i2">Marriage—a deed so prow, never a prower was dared?</p> + <p>Yet how sad was the speech thou spakest, thy husband farewelling!</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p class="i2">(Jupiter!) Often thine eyes wiping with sorrowful hand!</p> + <p>What manner God so great thus changed thee? Is it that lovers</p> + <p class="i2">Never will tarry afar parted from person beloved?</p> + <p>Then unto every God on behalf of thy helpmate, thy sweeting,</p> + <p class="i2">Me thou gavest in vow, not without bloodshed of bulls,</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>If he be granted return, and long while nowise delaying,</p> + <p class="i2">Captive Asia he add unto Egyptian bounds.</p> + <p>Now for such causes I, enrolled in host of the Heavens,</p> + <p class="i2">By a new present, discharge promise thou madest of old:</p> + <p>Maugrè my will, O Queen, my place on thy head I relinquished,</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p class="i2">Maugrè my will, I attest, swearing by thee and thy head;</p> +<!-- Page 213 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page213"></a>[213]</span> + <p>Penalty due shall befall whoso makes oath to no purpose.</p> + <p class="i2">Yet who assumes the vaunt forceful as iron to be?</p> + <p>E'en was that mount o'erthrown, though greatest in universe, where through</p> + <p class="i2">Thía's illustrious race speeded its voyage to end,</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>Whenas the Medes brought forth new sea, and barbarous youth-hood</p> + <p class="i2">Urged an Armada to swim traversing middle-Athos.</p> + <p>What can be done by Hair when such things yield them to Iron?</p> + <p class="i2">Jupiter! Grant Chalybon perish the whole of the race,</p> + <p>Eke who in primal times ore seeking under the surface</p> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p class="i2">Showed th' example, and spalled iron however so hard.</p> + <p>Shortly before I was shorn my sister tresses bewailèd</p> + <p class="i2">Lot of me, e'en as the sole brother to Memnon the Black,</p> + <p>Winnowing upper air wi' feathers flashing and quiv'ring,</p> + <p class="i2">Chloris' wing-borne steed, came before Arsinoë,</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p>Whence upraising myself he flies through aëry shadows,</p> + <p class="i2">And in chaste Venus' breast drops he the present he bears.</p> + <p>Eke Zephyritis had sent, for the purpose trusted, her bondsman,</p> +<!-- Page 214 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page214"></a>[214]</span> + <p class="i2">Settler of Grecian strain on the Canopian strand.</p> + <p>So willèd various Gods, lest sole 'mid lights of the Heavens</p> + <div class="linenum">60</div><p class="i2">Should Ariadne's crown taken from temples of her</p> + <p>Glitter in gold, but we not less shine fulgent in splendour,</p> + <p class="i2">We the consecrate spoils shed by a blond-hued head,</p> + <p>Even as weeping-wet sought I the fanes of Celestials,</p> + <p class="i2">Placed me the Goddess a new light amid starlights of old:</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p>For with Virgo in touch and joining the furious Lion's</p> + <p class="i2">Radiance with Callisto, maid of Lycáon beloved,</p> + <p>Wind I still to the west, conducting tardy Boötes,</p> + <p class="i2">Who unwilling and slow must into Ocean merge.</p> + <p>Yet though press me o'night the pacing footprints of Godheads,</p> + <div class="linenum">70</div><p class="i2">Tethys, hoary of hair, ever regains me by day.</p> + <p>(Lend me thy leave to speak such words, Rhamnusian Virgin,</p> + <p class="i2">Verities like unto these never in fear will I veil;</p> + <p>Albeit every star asperse me with enemy's censure,</p> + <p class="i2">Secrets in soothfast heart hoarded perforce I reveal.)</p> + <div class="linenum">75</div><p>Nowise gladdens me so this state as absence torments me,</p> + <p class="i2">Absence doomèd for aye ta'en fro' my mistress's head,</p> + <p>Where I was wont (though she such cares unknew in her girlhood)</p> +<!-- Page 215 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page215"></a>[215]</span> + <p class="i2">Many a thousand scents, Syrian unguents, to sip.</p> + <p>Now do you pair conjoined by the longed-for light of the torches,</p> + <div class="linenum">80</div><p class="i2">Earlier yield not selves unto unanimous wills</p> + <p>Nor wi' the dresses doft your barèd nipples encounter,</p> + <p class="i2">Ere shall yon onyx-vase pour me libations glad,</p> + <p>Onyx yours, ye that seek only rights of virtuous bed-rite.</p> + <p class="i2">But who yieldeth herself unto advowtry impure,</p> + <div class="linenum">85</div><p>Ah! may her loathèd gifts in light dust uselessly soak,</p> + <p class="i2">For of unworthy sprite never a gift I desire.</p> + <p>Rather, O new-mated brides, be concord aye your companion,</p> + <p class="i2">Ever let constant love dwell in the dwellings of you.</p> + <p>Yet when thou sightest, O Queen, the Constellations, I pray thee,</p> + <div class="linenum">90</div><p class="i2">Every festal day Venus the Goddess appease;</p> + <p>Nor of thy unguent-gifts allow myself to be lacking,</p> + <p class="i2">Nay, do thou rather add largeliest increase to boons.</p> + <p>Would but the stars down fall! Could I of my Queen be the hair-lock,</p> + <p class="i2">Neighbour to Hydrochois e'en let Oarion shine.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>He who scanned all the lights of the great firmament, who ascertained + the rising and the setting of the stars, how the flaming splendour of the + swift sun was endarkened, how the planets disappear at certain seasons, + how sweet love with <!-- Page 216 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page216"></a>[216]</span>stealth detaining Trivia beneath the + Latmian crags, draws her away from her airy circuit, that same Conon saw + me amongst celestial light, the hair from Berenice's head, gleaming with + brightness, which she outstretching graceful arms did devote to the whole + of the gods, when the king flushed with the season of new wedlock had + gone to lay waste the Assyrian borders, bearing the sweet traces of + nightly contests, in which he had borne away her virginal spoils. Is + Venus abhorred by new-made brides? Why be the parents' joys turned aside + by feigned tears, which they shed copiously amid the lights of the + nuptial chamber? Untrue are their groans, by the gods I swear! This did + my queen teach me by her many lamentings, when her bridegroom set out for + stern warfare. Yet thou didst not mourn the widowhood of desolate couch, + but the tearful separation from a dear brother? How care made sad inroads + in thy very marrow! In so much that thine whole bosom being agitated, and + thy senses being snatched from thee, thy mind wandered! But in truth I + have known thee great of heart ever since thou wast a little maiden. Hast + thou forgotten that noble deed, by which thou didst gain a regal wedlock, + than which none dared other deeds bolder? Yet what grieving words didst + thou speak when bidding thy bridegroom farewell! Jupiter! as with sad + hand often thine eyes thou didst dry! What mighty god changed thee? Was + it that lovers are unwilling to be long absent from <!-- Page 217 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page217"></a>[217]</span>their dear + one's body? Then didst thou devote me to the whole of the gods on thy + sweet consort's behalf, not without blood of bullocks, should he be + granted safe return. In no long time he added captive Asia to the + Egyptian boundaries. Wherefore for these reasons I, bestowed 'midst the + celestial host, by a new gift fulfil thine ancient promise. With grief, O + queen, did I quit thy brow, with grief: I swear to thee and to thine + head; fit ill befall whosoever shall swear lightly: but who may bear + himself peer with steel? Even that mountain was swept away, the greatest + on earth, over which Thia's illustrious progeny passed, when the Medes + created a new sea, and the barbarian youth sailed its fleet through the + middle of Athos. What can locks of hair do, when such things yield to + iron? Jupiter! may the whole race of the Chalybes perish, and whoever + first questing the veins 'neath the earth harassed its hardness, breaking + it through with iron. Just before severance my sister locks were mourning + my fate, when Ethiop Memnon's brother, the winged steed, beating the air + with fluttering pennons, appeared before Locrian Arsinoe, and this one + bearing me up, flies through aethereal shadows and lays me in the chaste + bosom of Venus. Him Zephyritis herself had dispatched as her servant, a + Grecian settler on the Canopian shores. For 'twas the wish of many gods + that not alone in heaven's light should the golden coronet from Ariadne's + temples stay fixed, but that we also should gleam, <!-- Page 218 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page218"></a>[218]</span>the spoils devote from + thy golden-yellow head; when humid with weeping I entered the temples of + the gods, the Goddess placed me, a new star, amongst the ancient ones. + For a-touching the Virgin's and the fierce Lion's gleams, hard by + Callisto of Lycaon, I turn westwards fore-guiding the slow-moving Bootes + who sinks unwillingly and late into the vasty ocean. But although the + footsteps of the gods o'erpress me in the night-tide, and the daytime + restoreth me to the white-haired Tethys, (grant me thy grace to speak + thus, O Rhamnusian virgin, for I will not hide the truth through any + fear, even if the stars revile me with ill words yet I will unfold the + pent-up feelings from truthful breast) I am not so much rejoiced at these + things as I am tortured by being for ever parted, parted from my lady's + head, with whom I (though whilst a virgin she was free from all such + cares) drank many a thousand of Syrian scents.</p> + + <p>Now do you, whom the gladsome light of the wedding torches hath + joined, yield not your bodies to your desiring husbands nor throw aside + your vestments and bare your bosom's nipples, before your onyx cup brings + me jocund gifts, your onyx, ye who seek the dues of chaste marriage-bed. + But she who giveth herself to foul adultery, may the light-lying dust + responselessly drink her vile gifts, for I seek no offerings from folk + that do ill. But rather, O brides, may concord always be yours, <!-- Page + 219 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page219"></a>[219]</span>and + constant love ever dwell in your homes. But when thou, O queen, whilst + gazing at the stars, shalt propitiate the goddess Venus with festal + torch-lights, let not me, thine own, be left lacking of unguent, but + rather gladden me with large gifts. Stars fall in confusion! So that I + become a royal tress, Orion might gleam in Aquarius' company.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXVII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O dulci iocunda viro, iocunda parenti,</p> + <p class="i2">Salve, teque bona Iuppiter auctet ope,</p> + <p>Ianua, quam Balbo dicunt servisse benigne</p> + <p class="i2">Olim, cum sedes ipse senex tenuit,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Quamque ferunt rursus voto servisse maligno,</p> + <p class="i2">Postquam es porrecto facta marita sene.</p> + <p>Dic agedum nobis, quare mutata feraris</p> + <p class="i2">In dominum veterem deseruisse fidem.</p> + <p>'Non (ita Caecilio placeam, cui tradita nunc sum)</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Culpa meast, quamquam dicitur esse mea,</p> + <p>Nec peccatum a me quisquam pote dicere quicquam:</p> + <p class="i2">Verum istud populi fabula, Quinte, facit,</p> + <p>Qui, quacumque aliquid reperitur non bene factum,</p> + <p class="i2">Ad me omnes clamant: ianua, culpa tuast.'</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Non istuc satis est uno te dicere verbo,</p> + <p class="i2">Sed facere ut quivis sentiat et videat.</p> + <p>'Qui possum? nemo quaerit nec scire laborat.'</p> + <p class="i2">Nos volumus: nobis dicere ne dubita.</p> + <p>'Primum igitur, virgo quod fertur tradita nobis,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">Falsumst. non illam vir prior attigerit,</p> +<!-- Page 220 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page220"></a>[220]</span> + <p>Languidior tenera cui pendens sicula beta</p> + <p class="i2">Numquam se mediam sustulit ad tunicam:</p> + <p>Sed pater illius gnati violasse cubile</p> + <p class="i2">Dicitur et miseram conscelerasse domum,</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Sive quod inpia mens caeco flagrabat amore,</p> + <p class="i2">Seu quod iners sterili semine natus erat,</p> + <p>Et quaerendus is unde foret nervosius illud,</p> + <p class="i2">Quod posset zonam solvere virgineam.'</p> + <p>Egregium narras mira pietate parentem,</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p class="i2">Qui ipse sui gnati minxerit in gremium.</p> + <p>Atqui non solum hoc se dicit cognitum habere</p> + <p class="i2">Brixia Cycneae supposita speculae,</p> + <p>Flavos quam molli percurrit flumine Mella,</p> + <p class="i2">Brixia Veronae mater amata meae.</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>'Et de Postumio et Corneli narrat amore,</p> + <p class="i2">Cum quibus illa malum fecit adulterium.'</p> + <p>Dixerit hic aliquis: qui tu isthaec, ianua, nosti?</p> + <p class="i2">Cui numquam domini limine abesse licet,</p> + <p>Nec populum auscultare, sed heic suffixa tigillo</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p class="i2">Tantum operire soles aut aperire domum?</p> + <p>'Saepe illam audivi furtiva voce loquentem</p> + <p class="i2">Solam cum ancillis haec sua flagitia,</p> + <p>Nomine dicentem quos diximus, ut pote quae mi</p> + <p class="i2">Speraret nec linguam esse nec auriculam.</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>Praeterea addebat quendam, quem dicere nolo</p> + <p class="i2">Nomine, ne tollat rubra supercilia.</p> + <p>Longus homost, magnas quoi lites intulit olim</p> + <p class="i2">Falsum mendaci ventre puerperium.'</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 221 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page221"></a>[221]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXVII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Dialogue concerning Catullus at a Harlot's Door.</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Quintus</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O to the gentle spouse right dear, right dear to his parent,</p> + <p class="i2">Hail, and with increase fair Jupiter lend thee his aid,</p> + <p>Door, 'tis said wast fain kind service render to Balbus</p> + <p class="i2">Erst while, long as the house by her old owner was held;</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Yet wast rumoured again to serve a purpose malignant,</p> + <p class="i2">After the elder was stretched, thou being oped for a bride.</p> + <p>Come, then, tell us the why in thee such change be reported</p> + <p class="i2">That to thy lord hast abjured faithfulness owèd of old?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Door</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Never (so chance I to please Cæcilius owning me now-a-days!)</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Is it my own default, how so they say it be mine;</p> + <p>Nor can any declare aught sin by me was committed.</p> + <p class="i2">Yet it is so declared (Quintus!) by fable of folk;</p> + <p>Who, whenever they find things done no better than should be,</p> + <p class="i2">Come to me outcrying all:—"Door, the default is thine own!"</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 222 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page222"></a>[222]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Quintus</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>This be never enough for thee one-worded to utter,</p> + <p class="i2">But in such way to deal, each and all sense it and see.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Door</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>What shall I do? None asks, while nobody troubles to know.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Quintus</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">Willing are we? unto us stay not thy saying to say.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Door</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>First let me note that the maid to us committed (assert they)</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">Was but a fraud: her mate never a touch of her had,</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>But that a father durst dishonour the bed of his firstborn,</p> + <p class="i2">Folk all swear, and the house hapless with incest bewray;</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Or that his impious mind was blunt with fiery passion</p> + <p class="i2">Or that his impotent son sprang from incapable seed.</p> + <p>And to be sought was one with nerve more nervous endowèd,</p> + <p class="i2">Who could better avail zone of the virgin to loose.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Quintus</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>'Sooth, of egregious sire for piety wondrous, thou tellest,</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p class="i2">Who in the heart of his son lief was ——!</p> +<!-- Page 223 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page223"></a>[223]</span> + <p>Yet professed herself not only this to be knowing,</p> + <p class="i2">Brixia-town that lies under the Cycnean cliff,</p> + <p>Traversed by Mella-stream's soft-flowing yellow-hued current,</p> + <p class="i2">Brixia, Vérona's mother, I love for my home.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Door</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>Eke of Posthumius' loves and Cornelius too there be tattle,</p> + <p class="i2">With whom darèd the dame evil advowtry commit.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Quintus</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Here might somebody ask:—"How, Door, hast mastered such matter?</p> + <p class="i2">Thou that canst never avail threshold of owner to quit,</p> + <p>Neither canst listen to folk since here fast fixt to the side-posts</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p class="i2">Only one office thou hast, shutting or opening the house."</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Door</i>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Oft have I heard our dame in furtive murmurs o'er telling,</p> + <p class="i2">When with her handmaids alone, these her flagitious deeds,</p> + <p>Citing fore-cited names for that she never could fancy</p> + <p class="i2">Ever a Door was endow'd either with earlet or tongue.</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>Further she noted a wight whose name in public to mention</p> +<!-- Page 224 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page224"></a>[224]</span> + <p class="i2">Nill I, lest he upraise eyebrows of carroty hue;</p> + <p>Long is the loon and large the law-suit brought they against him</p> + <p class="i2">Touching a child-bed false, claim of a belly that lied.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead"><i>Catullus</i>.</p> + + <p>O dear in thought to the sweet husband, dear in thought to his sire, + hail! and may Jove augment his good grace to thee, Door! which of old, + men say, didst serve Balbus benignly, whilst the oldster held his home + here; and which contrariwise, so 'tis said, didst serve with grudging + service after the old man was stretched stark, thou doing service to the + bride. Come, tell us why thou art reported to be changed and to have + renounced thine ancient faithfulness to thy lord?</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Door</i>.</p> + + <p>No, (so may I please Caecilius to whom I am now made over!) it is not + my fault, although 'tis said so to be, nor may anyone impute any crime to + me; albeit the fabling tongues of folk make it so, who, whene'er aught is + found not well done, all clamour at me: "Door, thine is the blame!"</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Catullus</i>.</p> + + <p>It is not enough for thee to say this by words merely, but so to act + that everyone may feel it and see it.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Door</i>.</p> + + <p>In what way can I? No one questions or troubles to know.</p> + +<p><!-- Page 225 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page225"></a>[225]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Catullus</i>.</p> + + <p>We are wishful: be not doubtful to tell us.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Door</i>.</p> + + <p>First then, the virgin (so they called her!) who was handed to us was + spurious. Her husband was not the first to touch her, he whose little + dagger, hanging more limply than the tender beet, never raised itself to + the middle of his tunic: but his father is said to have violated his + son's bed and to have polluted the unhappy house, either because his lewd + mind blazed with blind lust, or because his impotent son was sprung from + sterile seed, and therefore one greater of nerve than he was needed, who + could unloose the virgin's zone.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Catullus</i>.</p> + + <p>Thou tellest of an excellent parent marvellous in piety, who himself + urined in the womb of his son!</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Door</i>.</p> + + <p>But not this alone is Brixia said to have knowledge of, placed 'neath + the Cycnean peak, through which the golden-hued Mella flows with its + gentle current, Brixia, beloved mother of my Verona. For it talks of the + loves of Postumius and of Cornelius, with whom she committed foul + adultery.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Catullus</i>.</p> + + <p>Folk might say here: "How knowest thou these things, O door? thou who + art never allowed absence from thy lord's threshold, nor mayst hear <!-- + Page 226 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page226"></a>[226]</span>the + folk's gossip, but fixed to this beam art wont only to open or to shut + the house!"</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><i>Door</i>.</p> + + <p>Often have I heard her talking with hushed voice, when alone with her + handmaids, about her iniquities, quoting by name those whom we have + spoken of, for she did not expect me to be gifted with either tongue or + ear. Moreover she added a certain one whose name I'm unwilling to speak, + lest he uplift his red eyebrows. A lanky fellow, against whom some time + ago was brought a grave law-suit anent the spurious child-birth of a + lying belly.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXVIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quod mihi fortuna casuque oppressus acerbo</p> + <p class="i2">Conscriptum hoc lacrimis mittis epistolium,</p> + <p>Naufragum ut eiectum spumantibus aequoris undis</p> + <p class="i2">Sublevem et a mortis limine restituam,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Quem neque sancta Venus molli requiescere somno</p> + <p class="i2">Desertum in lecto caelibe perpetitur,</p> + <p>Nec veterum dulci scriptorum carmine Musae</p> + <p class="i2">Oblectant, cum mens anxia pervigilat,</p> + <p>Id gratumst mihi, me quoniam tibi dicis amicum,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Muneraque et Musarum hinc petis et Veneris:</p> + <p>Sed tibi ne mea sint ignota incommoda, Mani,</p> + <p class="i2">Neu me odisse putes hospitis officium,</p> + <p>Accipe, quis merser fortunae fluctibus ipse,</p> + <p class="i2">Ne amplius a misero dona beata petas.</p> +<!-- Page 227 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page227"></a>[227]</span> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Tempore quo primum vestis mihi tradita purast,</p> + <p class="i2">Iocundum cum aetas florida ver ageret,</p> + <p>Multa satis lusi: non est dea nescia nostri,</p> + <p class="i2">Quae dulcem curis miscet amaritiem:</p> + <p>Sed totum hoc studium luctu fraterna mihi mors</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">Abstulit. o misero frater adempte mihi,</p> + <p>Tu mea tu moriens fregisti commoda, frater,</p> + <p class="i2">Tecum una totast nostra sepulta domus,</p> + <p>Omnia tecum una perierunt gaudia nostra,</p> + <p class="i2">Quae tuos in vita dulcis alebat amor.</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Cuius ego interitu tota de mente fugavi</p> + <p class="i2">Haec studia atque omnis delicias animi.</p> + <p>Quare, quod scribis Veronae turpe Catullo</p> + <p class="i2">Esse, quod hic quivis de meliore nota</p> + <p>Frigida deserto tepefactet membra cubili,</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p class="i2">Id, Mani, non est turpe, magis miserumst.</p> + <p>Ignosces igitur, si, quae mihi luctus ademit,</p> + <p class="i2">Haec tibi non tribuo munera, cum nequeo.</p> + <p>Nam, quod scriptorum non magnast copia apud me,</p> + <p class="i2">Hoc fit, quod Romae vivimus: illa domus,</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>Illa mihi sedes, illic mea carpitur aetas:</p> + <p class="i2">Huc una ex multis capsula me sequitur.</p> + <p>Quod cum ita sit, nolim statuas nos mente maligna</p> + <p class="i2">Id facere aut animo non satis ingenuo,</p> + <p>Quod tibi non utriusque petenti copia factast:</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p class="i2">Vltro ego deferrem, copia siqua foret.</p> + <p>Non possum reticere, deae, qua me Allius in re</p> + <p class="i2">Iuverit aut quantis iuverit officiis:</p> + <p>Nec fugiens saeclis obliviscentibus aetas</p> + <p class="i2">Illius hoc caeca nocte tegat studium:</p> +<!-- Page 228 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page228"></a>[228]</span> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>Sed dicam vobis, vos porro dicite multis</p> + <p class="i2">Milibus et facite haec charta loquatur anus</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p class="i2">Notescatque magis mortuos atque magis,</p> + <p>Nec tenuem texens sublimis aranea telam</p> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p class="i2">In deserto Alli nomine opus faciat.</p> + <p>Nam, mihi quam dederit duplex Amathusia curam,</p> + <p class="i2">Scitis, et in quo me corruerit genere,</p> + <p>Cum tantum arderem quantum Trinacria rupes</p> + <p class="i2">Lymphaque in Oetaeis Malia Thermopylis,</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p>Maesta neque adsiduo tabescere lumina fletu</p> + <p class="i2">Cessarent tristique imbre madere genae.</p> + <p>Qualis in aerii perlucens vertice montis</p> + <p class="i2">Rivos muscoso prosilit e lapide,</p> + <p>Qui cum de prona praeceps est valle volutus,</p> + <div class="linenum">60</div><p class="i2">Per medium sensim transit iter populi,</p> + <p>Dulci viatori lasso in sudore levamen,</p> + <p class="i2">Cum gravis exustos aestus hiulcat agros:</p> + <p>Hic, velut in nigro iactatis turbine nautis</p> + <p class="i2">Lenius aspirans aura secunda venit</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p>Iam prece Pollucis, iam Castoris inplorata,</p> + <p class="i2">Tale fuit nobis Manius auxilium.</p> + <p>Is clusum lato patefecit limite campum,</p> + <p class="i2">Isque domum nobis isque dedit dominam,</p> + <p>Ad quam communes exerceremus amores.</p> + <div class="linenum">70</div><p class="i2">Quo mea se molli candida diva pede</p> + <p>Intulit et trito fulgentem in limine plantam</p> + <p class="i2">Innixa arguta constituit solea,</p> + <p>Coniugis ut quondam flagrans advenit amore</p> +<!-- Page 229 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page229"></a>[229]</span> + <p class="i2">Protesilaeam Laudamia domum</p> + <div class="linenum">75</div><p>Inceptam frustra, nondum cum sanguine sacro</p> + <p class="i2">Hostia caelestis pacificasset eros.</p> + <p>Nil mihi tam valde placeat, Rhamnusia virgo,</p> + <p class="i2">Quod temere invitis suscipiatur eris.</p> + <p>Quam ieiuna pium desideret ara cruorem,</p> + <div class="linenum">80</div><p class="i2">Doctast amisso Laudamia viro,</p> + <p>Coniugis ante coacta novi dimittere collum,</p> + <p class="i2">Quam veniens una atque altera rursus hiemps</p> + <p>Noctibus in longis avidum saturasset amorem,</p> + <p class="i2">Posset ut abrupto vivere coniugio,</p> + <div class="linenum">85</div><p>Quod scirant Parcae non longo tempore adesse,</p> + <p class="i2">Si miles muros isset ad Iliacos:</p> + <p>Nam tum Helenae raptu primores Argivorum</p> + <p class="i2">Coeperat ad sese Troia ciere viros,</p> + <p>Troia (nefas) commune sepulcrum Asiae Europaeque,</p> + <div class="linenum">90</div><p class="i2">Troia virum et virtutum omnium acerba cinis,</p> + <p>Quaene etiam nostro letum miserabile fratri</p> + <p class="i2">Attulit. ei misero frater adempte mihi,</p> + <p>Ei misero fratri iocundum lumen ademptum,</p> + <p class="i2">Tecum una totast nostra sepulta domus,</p> + <div class="linenum">95</div><p>Omnia tecum una perierunt gaudia nostra,</p> + <p class="i2">Quae tuos in vita dulcis alebat amor.</p> + <p>Quem nunc tam longe non inter nota sepulcra</p> + <p class="i2">Nec prope cognatos conpositum cineres,</p> + <p>Sed Troia obscaena, Troia infelice sepultum</p> + <div class="linenum">100</div><p class="i2">Detinet extremo terra aliena solo.</p> + <p>Ad quam tum properans fertur <i>simul</i> undique pubes</p> + <p class="i2">Graeca penetrales deseruisse focos,</p> +<!-- Page 230 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page230"></a>[230]</span> + <p>Ne Paris abducta gavisus libera moecha</p> + <p class="i2">Otia pacato degeret in thalamo.</p> + <div class="linenum">105</div><p>Quo tibi tum casu, pulcherrima Laudamia,</p> + <p class="i2">Ereptumst vita dulcius atque anima</p> + <p>Coniugium: tanto te absorbens vertice amoris</p> + <p class="i2">Aestus in abruptum detulerat barathrum,</p> + <p>Quale ferunt Grai Pheneum prope Cylleneum</p> + <div class="linenum">110</div><p class="i2">Siccare emulsa pingue palude solum,</p> + <p>Quod quondam caesis montis fodisse medullis</p> + <p class="i2">Audit falsiparens Amphitryoniades,</p> + <p>Tempore quo certa Stymphalia monstra sagitta</p> + <p class="i2">Perculit imperio deterioris eri,</p> + <div class="linenum">115</div><p>Pluribus ut caeli tereretur ianua divis,</p> + <p class="i2">Hebe nec longa virginitate foret.</p> + <p>Sed tuos altus amor barathro fuit altior illo,</p> + <p class="i2">Qui durum domitam ferre iugum docuit:</p> + <p>Nam nec tam carum confecto aetate parenti</p> + <div class="linenum">120</div><p class="i2">Vna caput seri nata nepotis alit,</p> + <p>Qui, cum divitiis vix tandem inventus avitis</p> + <p class="i2">Nomen testatas intulit in tabulas,</p> + <p>Inpia derisi gentilis gaudia tollens</p> + <p class="i2">Suscitat a cano volturium capiti:</p> + <div class="linenum">125</div><p>Nec tantum niveo gavisast ulla columbo</p> + <p class="i2">Conpar, quae multo dicitur inprobius</p> + <p>Oscula mordenti semper decerpere rostro,</p> + <p class="i2">Quam quae praecipue multivolast mulier.</p> + <p>Sed tu horum magnos vicisti sola furores,</p> + <div class="linenum">130</div><p class="i2">Vt semel es flavo conciliata viro.</p> + <p>Aut nihil aut paulo cui tum concedere digna</p> + <p class="i2">Lux mea se nostrum contulit in gremium,</p> +<!-- Page 231 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page231"></a>[231]</span> + <p>Quam circumcursans hinc illinc saepe Cupido</p> + <p class="i2">Fulgebat crocina candidus in tunica.</p> + <div class="linenum">135</div><p>Quae tamen etsi uno non est contenta Catullo,</p> + <p class="i2">Rara verecundae furta feremus erae,</p> + <p>Ne nimium simus stultorum more molesti.</p> + <p class="i2">Saepe etiam Iuno, maxima caelicolum,</p> + <p>Coniugis in culpa flagrantem conquoquit iram,</p> + <div class="linenum">140</div><p class="i2">Noscens omnivoli plurima furta Iovis.</p> + <p>Atquei nec divis homines conponier aequomst,</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p class="i2">Ingratum tremuli tolle parentis onus.</p> + <p>Nec tamen illa mihi dextra deducta paterna</p> + <p class="i2">Fragrantem Assyrio venit odore domum,</p> + <div class="linenum">145</div><p>Sed furtiva dedit muta munuscula nocte,</p> + <p class="i2">Ipsius ex ipso dempta viri gremio.</p> + <p>Quare illud satis est, si nobis is datur unis,</p> + <p class="i2">Quem lapide illa diem candidiore notat.</p> + <p>Hoc tibi, qua potui, confectum carmine munus</p> + <div class="linenum">150</div><p class="i2">Pro multis, Alli, redditur officiis,</p> + <p>Ne vostrum scabra tangat rubigine nomen</p> + <p class="i2">Haec atque illa dies atque alia atque alia.</p> + <p>Huc addent divi quam plurima, quae Themis olim</p> + <p class="i2">Antiquis solitast munera ferre piis:</p> + <div class="linenum">155</div><p>Sitis felices et tu simul et tua vita</p> + <p class="i2">Et domus, ipsi in qua lusimus et domina,</p> + <p>Et qui principio nobis te tradidit Anser,</p> + <p class="i2">A quo sunt primo mi omnia nata bona.</p> + <p>Et longe ante omnes mihi quae me carior ipsost,</p> + <div class="linenum">160</div><p class="i2">Lux mea, qua viva vivere dulce mihist.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 232 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page232"></a>[232]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXVIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Manius on Various Matters</span>.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When to me sore opprest by bitter chance of misfortune</p> + <p class="i2">This thy letter thou send'st written wi' blotting of tears,</p> + <p>So might I save thee flung by spuming billows of ocean,</p> + <p class="i2">Shipwreckt, rescuing life snatcht from the threshold of death;</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Eke neither Venus the Holy to rest in slumber's refreshment</p> + <p class="i2">Grants thee her grace on couch lying deserted and lone,</p> + <p>Nor can the Muses avail with dulcet song of old writers</p> + <p class="i2">Ever delight thy mind sleepless in anxious care;</p> + <p>Grateful be this to my thought since thus thy friend I'm entitled,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Hence of me seekest thou gifts Muses and Venus can give:</p> + <p>But that bide not unknown to thee my sorrows (O Manius!)</p> + <p class="i2">And lest office of host I should be holden to hate,</p> + <p>Learn how in Fortune's deeps I chance myself to be drownèd,</p> + <p class="i2">Nor fro' the poor rich boons furthermore prithee require.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>What while first to myself the pure-white garment was given,</p> +<!-- Page 233 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page233"></a>[233]</span> + <p class="i2">Whenas my flowery years flowed in fruition of spring,</p> + <p>Much I disported enow, nor 'bode I a stranger to Goddess</p> + <p class="i2">Who with our cares is lief sweetness of bitter to mix:</p> + <p>Yet did a brother's death pursuits like these to my sorrow</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">Bid for me cease: Oh, snatcht brother! from wretchedest me.</p> + <p>Then, yea, thou by thy dying hast broke my comfort, O brother;</p> + <p class="i2">Buried together wi' thee lieth the whole of our house;</p> + <p>Perisht along wi' thyself all gauds and joys of our life-tide,</p> + <p class="i2">Douce love fostered by thee during the term of our days.</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>After thy doom of death fro' mind I banishèd wholly</p> + <p class="i2">Studies like these, and all lending a solace to soul;</p> + <p>Wherefore as to thy writ:—"Verona's home for Catullus</p> + <p class="i2">Bringeth him shame, for there men of superior mark</p> + <p>Must on a deserted couch fain chafe their refrigerate limbs:"</p> + <div class="linenum">30</div><p class="i2">Such be no shame (Manius!): rather 'tis matter of ruth.</p> +<!-- Page 234 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page234"></a>[234]</span> + <p>Pardon me, then, wilt thou an gifts bereft me by grieving</p> + <p class="i2">These I send not to thee since I avail not presènt.</p> + <p>For, that I own not here abundant treasure of writings</p> + <p class="i2">Has for its cause, in Rome dwell I; and there am I homed,</p> + <div class="linenum">35</div><p>There be my seat, and there my years are gathered to harvest;</p> + <p class="i2">Out of book-cases galore here am I followed by one.</p> + <p>This being thus, nill I thou deem 'tis spirit malignant</p> + <p class="i2">Acts in such wise or mind lacking of liberal mood</p> + <p>That to thy prayer both gifts be not in plenty supplièd:</p> + <div class="linenum">40</div><p class="i2">Willingly both had I sent, had I the needed supply.</p> + <p>Nor can I (Goddesses!) hide in what things Allius sent me</p> + <p class="i2">Aid, forbear to declare what was the aidance he deigned:</p> + <p>Neither shall fugitive Time from centuries ever oblivious</p> + <p class="i2">Veil in the blinds of night friendship he lavisht on me.</p> + <div class="linenum">45</div><p>But will I say unto you what you shall say to the many</p> + <p class="i2">Thousands in turn, and make paper, old crone, to proclaim</p> + <p> * * * *</p> +<!-- Page 235 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page235"></a>[235]</span> + <p class="i2">And in his death become noted the more and the more,</p> + <p>Nor let spider on high that weaves her delicate webbing</p> + <div class="linenum">50</div><p class="i2">Practise such labours o'er Allius' obsolete name.</p> + <p>For that ye weet right well what care Amathúsia two-faced</p> + <p class="i2">Gave me, and how she dasht every hope to the ground,</p> + <p>Whenas I burnt so hot as burn Trinacria's rocks or</p> + <p class="i2">Mallia stream that feeds Œtéan Thermopylæ;</p> + <div class="linenum">55</div><p>Nor did these saddened eyes to be dimmed by assiduous weeping</p> + <p class="i2">Cease, and my cheeks with showers ever in sadness be wet.</p> + <p>E'en as from aëry heights of mountain springeth a springlet</p> + <p class="i2">Limpidest leaping forth from rocking felted with moss,</p> + <p>Then having headlong rolled the prone-laid valley downpouring,</p> + <div class="linenum">60</div><p class="i2">Populous region amid wendeth his gradual way,</p> + <p>Sweetest solace of all to the sweltering traveller wayworn,</p> + <p class="i2">Whenas the heavy heat fissures the fiery fields;</p> + <p>Or, as to seamen lost in night of whirlwind a-glooming</p> + <p class="i2">Gentle of breath there comes fairest and favouring breeze,</p> + <div class="linenum">65</div><p>Pollux anon being prayed, nor less vows offered to Castor:—</p> +<!-- Page 236 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page236"></a>[236]</span> + <p class="i2">Such was the aidance to us Manius pleased to afford.</p> + <p>He to my narrow domains far wider limits laid open,</p> + <p class="i2">He too gave me the house, also he gave me the dame,</p> + <p>She upon whom both might exert them, partners in love deeds.</p> + <div class="linenum">70</div><p class="i2">Thither graceful of gait pacing my goddess white-hued</p> + <p>Came and with gleaming foot on the worn sole of the threshold</p> + <p class="i2">Stood she and prest its slab creaking her sandals the while;</p> + <p>E'en so with love enflamed in olden days to her helpmate,</p> + <p class="i2">Laodamía the home Protesiléan besought,</p> + <div class="linenum">75</div><p>Sought, but in vain, for ne'er wi' sacrificial bloodshed</p> + <p class="i2">Victims appeasèd the Lords ruling Celestial seats:</p> + <p>Never may I so joy in aught (Rhamnusian Virgin!)</p> + <p class="i2">That I engage in deed maugrè the will of the Lords.</p> + <p>How starved altar can crave for gore in piety pourèd,</p> + <div class="linenum">80</div><p class="i2">Laodamia learnt taught by the loss of her man,</p> + <p>Driven perforce to loose the neck of new-wedded help-mate,</p> +<!-- Page 237 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page237"></a>[237]</span> + <p class="i2">Whenas a winter had gone, nor other winter had come,</p> + <p>Ere in the long dark nights her greeding love was so sated</p> + <p class="i2">That she had power to live maugrè a marriage broke off,</p> + <div class="linenum">85</div><p>Which, as the Parcæ knew, too soon was fated to happen</p> + <p class="i2">Should he a soldier sail bound for those Ilian walls.</p> + <p>For that by Helena's rape, the Champion-leaders of Argives</p> + <p class="i2">Unto herself to incite Troy had already begun,</p> + <p>Troy (ah, curst be the name) common tomb of Asia and Europe,</p> + <div class="linenum">90</div><p class="i2">Troy to sad ashes that turned valour and valorous men!</p> + <p>Eke to our brother beloved, destruction ever lamented</p> + <p class="i2">Brought she: O Brother for aye lost unto wretchedmost me,</p> + <p>Oh, to thy wretchedmost brother lost the light of his life-tide,</p> + <p class="i2">Buried together wi' thee lieth the whole of our house:</p> + <div class="linenum">95</div><p>Perisht along wi' thyself forthright all joys we enjoyèd,</p> + <p class="i2">Douce joys fed by thy love during the term of our days;</p> + <p>Whom now art tombed so far nor 'mid familiar pavestones</p> +<!-- Page 238 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page238"></a>[238]</span> + <p class="i2">Nor wi' thine ashes stored near to thy kith and thy kin,</p> + <p>But in that Troy obscene, that Troy of ill-omen, entombèd</p> + <div class="linenum">100</div><p class="i2">Holds thee, an alien earth-buried in uttermost bourne.</p> + <p>Thither in haste so hot ('tis said) from allwhere the Youth-hood</p> + <p class="i2">Grecian, farèd in hosts forth of their hearths and their homes,</p> + <p>Lest with a stolen punk with fullest of pleasure should Paris</p> + <p class="i2">Fairly at leisure and ease sleep in the pacific bed.</p> + <div class="linenum">105</div><p>Such was the hapless chance, most beautiful Laodamia,</p> + <p class="i2">Tare fro' thee dearer than life, dearer than spirit itself,</p> + <p>Him, that husband, whose love in so mighty a whirlpool of passion</p> + <p class="i2">Whelmed thee absorbèd and plunged deep in its gulfy abyss,</p> + <p>E'en as the Grecians tell hard by Phenéus of Cylléne</p> + <div class="linenum">110</div><p class="i2">Drained was the marish and dried, forming the fattest of soils,</p> + <p>Whenas in days long done to delve through marrow of mountains</p> + <p class="i2">Darèd, falsing his sire, Amphtryóniades;</p> + <p>What time sure of his shafts he smote Stymphalian monsters</p> +<!-- Page 239 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page239"></a>[239]</span> + <p class="i2">Slaying their host at the hest dealt by a lord of less worth,</p> + <div class="linenum">115</div><p>So might the gateway of Heaven be trodden by more of the godheads,</p> + <p class="i2">Nor might Hébé abide longer to maidenhood doomed.</p> + <p>Yet was the depth of thy love far deeper than deepest of marish</p> + <p class="i2">Which the hard mistress's yoke taught him so tamely to bear;</p> + <p>Never was head so dear to a grandsire wasted by life-tide</p> + <div class="linenum">120</div><p class="i2">Whenas one daughter alone a grandson so tardy had reared,</p> + <p>Who being found against hope to inherit riches of forbears</p> + <p class="i2">In the well-witnessed Will haply by name did appear,</p> + <p>And 'spite impious hopes of baffled claimant to kinship</p> + <p class="i2">Startles the Vulturine grip clutching the frost-bitten poll.</p> + <div class="linenum">125</div><p>Nor with such rapture e'er joyed his mate of snowy-hued plumage</p> + <p class="i2">Dove-mate, albeit aye wont in her immoderate heat</p> + <p>Said be the bird to snatch hot kisses with beak ever billing,</p> + <p class="i2">As diddest thou:—yet is Woman multivolent still.</p> + <p>But thou 'vailedest alone all these to conquer in love-lowe,</p> +<!-- Page 240 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page240"></a>[240]</span> + <div class="linenum">130</div><p class="i2">When conjoinèd once more unto thy yellow-haired spouse.</p> + <p>Worthy of yielding to her in naught or ever so little</p> + <p class="i2">Came to the bosom of us she, the fair light of my life,</p> + <p>Round whom fluttering oft the Love-God hither and thither</p> + <p class="i2">Shone with a candid sheen robed in his safflower dress.</p> + <div class="linenum">135</div><p>She though never she bide with one Catullus contented,</p> + <p class="i2">Yet will I bear with the rare thefts of my dame the discreet,</p> + <p>Lest over-irk I give which still of fools is the fashion.</p> + <p class="i2">Often did Juno eke Queen of the Heavenly host</p> + <p>Boil wi' the rabidest rage at dire default of a husband</p> + <div class="linenum">140</div><p class="i2">Learning the manifold thefts of her omnivolent Jove,</p> + <p>Yet with the Gods mankind 'tis nowise righteous to liken,</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p class="i2">Rid me of graceless task fit for a tremulous sire.</p> + <p>Yet was she never to me by hand paternal committed</p> + <p class="i2">Whenas she came to my house reeking Assyrian scents;</p> + <div class="linenum">145</div><p>Nay, in the darkness of night her furtive favours she deigned me,</p> +<!-- Page 241 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page241"></a>[241]</span> + <p class="i2">Self-willed taking herself from very mate's very breast.</p> + <p>Wherefore I hold it enough since given to us and us only</p> + <p class="i2">Boon of that day with Stone whiter than wont she denotes.</p> + <p>This to thee—all that I can—this offering couched in verses</p> + <div class="linenum">150</div><p class="i2">(Allius!) as my return give I for service galore;</p> + <p>So wi' the seabriny rust your name may never be sullied</p> + <p class="i2">This day and that nor yet other and other again.</p> + <p>Hereto add may the Gods all good gifts, which Themis erewhiles</p> + <p class="i2">Wont on the pious of old from her full store to bestow:</p> + <div class="linenum">155</div><p>Blest be the times of the twain, thyself and she who thy life is,</p> + <p class="i2">Also the home wherein dallied we, no less the Dame,</p> + <p>Anser to boot who first of mortals brought us together,</p> + <p class="i2">Whence from beginning all good Fortunes that blest us were born.</p> + <p>Lastly than every else one dearer than self and far dearer,</p> + <div class="linenum">160</div><p class="i2">Light of my life who alive living to me can endear.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 242 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page242"></a>[242]</span></p> + + <p>That when, opprest by fortune and in grievous case, thou didst send me + this epistle o'erwrit with tears, that I might bear up shipwrecked thee + tossed by the foaming waves of the sea, and restore thee from the + threshold of death; thou whom neither sacred Venus suffers to repose in + soft slumber, desolate on a a lonely couch, nor do the Muses divert with + the sweet song of ancient poets, whilst thy anxious mind keeps + vigil:—this is grateful to me, since thou dost call me thy friend, + and dost seek hither the gifts of the Muses and of Venus. But that my + troubles may not be unknown to thee, O Manius, nor thou deem I shun the + office of host, hear how I am whelmed in the waves of that same fortune, + nor further seek joyful gifts from a wretched one. In that time when the + white vestment was first handed to me, and my florid age was passing in + jocund spring, much did I sport enow: nor was the goddess unknown to us + who mixes bitter-sweet with our cares. But my brother's death plunged all + this pursuit into mourning. O brother, taken from my unhappy self; thou + by thy dying hast broken my ease, O brother; all our house is buried with + thee; with thee have perished the whole of our joys, which thy sweet love + nourished in thy lifetime. Thou lost, I have dismissed wholly from mind + these studies and every delight of mind. Wherefore, as to what thou + writest, "'Tis shameful for Catullus to be at Verona, for there anyone of + utmost note must chafe his frigid limbs on a desolate couch;" that, + Manius, is not shameful; rather 'tis a <!-- Page 243 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page243"></a>[243]</span>pity. Therefore, do + thou forgive, if what grief has snatched from me, these gifts, I do not + bestow on thee, because I am unable. For, that there is no great store of + writings with me arises from this, that we live at Rome: there is my + home, there is my hall, thither my time is passed; hither but one of my + book-cases follows me. As 'tis thus, I would not that thou deem we act so + from ill-will or from a mind not sufficiently ingenuous, that ample store + is not forthcoming to either of thy desires: both would I grant, had I + the wherewithal. Nor can I conceal, goddesses, in what way Allius has + aided me, or with how many good offices he has assisted me; nor shall + fleeting time with its forgetful centuries cover with night's blindness + this care of his. But I tell it to you, and do ye declare it to many + thousands, and make this paper, grown old, speak of it * * * * And let + him be more and more noted when dead, nor let the spider aloft, weaving + her thin-drawn web, carry on her work over the neglected name of Allius. + For you know what anxiety of mind wily Amathusia gave me, and in what + manner she overthrew me, when I was burning like the Trinacrian rocks, or + the Malian fount in Oetaean Thermopylae; nor did my piteous eyes cease to + dissolve with continual weeping, nor my cheeks with sad showers to be + bedewed. As the pellucid stream gushes forth from the moss-grown rock on + the aerial crest of the mountain, which when it has rolled headlong prone + down the valley, softly wends its way through the midst of the <!-- Page + 244 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page244"></a>[244]</span>populous + parts, sweet solace to the wayfarer sweating with weariness, when the + oppressive heat cracks the burnt-up fields agape: or, as to sailors + tempest-tossed in black whirlpool, there cometh a favourable and a + gently-moving breeze, Pollux having been prayed anon, and Castor alike + implored: of such kind was Manius' help to us. He with a wider limit laid + open my closed field; he gave us a home and its mistress, on whom we both + might exercise our loves in common. Thither with gracious gait my + bright-hued goddess betook herself, and pressed her shining sole on the + worn threshold with creaking of sandal; as once came Laodamia, flaming + with love for her consort, to the home of Protesilaus,—a beginning + of naught! for not yet with sacred blood had a victim made propitiate the + lords of the heavens. May nothing please me so greatly, Rhamnusian + virgin, that I should act thus heedlessly against the will of those + lords! How the thirsty altar craves for sacrificial blood Laodamia was + taught by the loss of her husband, being compelled to abandon the neck of + her new spouse when one winter was past, before another winter had come, + in whose long nights she might so glut her greedy love, that she could + have lived despite her broken marriage-yoke, which the Parcae knew would + not be long distant, if her husband as soldier should fare to the Ilian + walls. For by Helena's rape Troy had begun to put the Argive Chiefs in + the field; Troy accurst, the common grave of Asia and <!-- Page 245 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page245"></a>[245]</span>of Europe, + Troy, the sad ashes of heroes and of every noble deed, that also + lamentably brought death to our brother. O brother taken from unhappy me! + O jocund light taken from thy unhappy brother! in thy one grave lies all + our house, in thy one grave have perished all our joys, which thy sweet + love did nurture during life. Whom now is laid so far away, not amongst + familiar tombs nor near the ashes of his kindred, but obscene Troy, + malign Troy, an alien earth, holds thee entombed in its remote soil. + Thither, 'tis said, hastening together from all parts, the Grecian + manhood forsook their hearths and homes, lest Paris enjoy his abducted + trollop with freedom and leisure in a peaceful bed. Such then was thy + case, loveliest Laodamia, to be bereft of husband sweeter than life, and + than soul; thou being sucked in so great a whirlpool of love, its eddy + submerged thee in its steep abyss, like (so folk say) to the Graian gulph + near Pheneus of Cyllene with its fat swamp's soil drained and dried, + which aforetime the falsely-born Amphitryoniades dared to hew through the + marrow of cleft mountains, at the time when he smote down the Stymphalian + monsters with sure shafts by the command of his inferior lord, so that + the heavenly portal might be pressed by a greater number of deities, nor + Hebe longer remain in her virginity. But deeper than that abyss was thy + deep love which taught [thy husband] to bear his lady's forceful yoke. + For not so dear to the spent age of the grandsire is the late born <!-- + Page 246 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page246"></a>[246]</span>grandchild an only daughter rears, who, + long-wished-for, at length inherits the ancestral wealth, his name duly + set down in the attested tablets; and casting afar the impious hopes of + the baffled next-of-kin, scares away the vulture from the whitened head; + nor so much does any dove-mate rejoice in her snow-white consort (though, + 'tis averred, more shameless than most in continually plucking kisses + with nibbling beak) as thou dost, though woman is especially inconstant. + But thou alone didst surpass the great frenzies of these, when thou wast + once united to thy yellow-haired husband. Worthy to yield to whom in + naught or in little, my light brought herself to my bosom, round whom + Cupid, often running hither thither, gleamed lustrous-white in + saffron-tinted tunic. Still although she is not content with Catullus + alone, we will suffer the rare frailties of our coy lady, lest we may be + too greatly unbearable, after the manner of fools. Often even Juno, + greatest of heaven-dwellers, boiled with flaring wrath at her husband's + default, wotting the host of frailties of all-wishful Jove. Yet 'tis not + meet to match men with the gods, * * * * bear up the ungrateful burden of + a tremulous parent. Yet she was not handed to me by a father's right hand + when she came to my house fragrant with Assyrian odour, but she gave me + her stealthy favours in the mute night, withdrawing of her own will from + the bosom of her spouse. Wherefore that is enough if to us alone she + gives that day which she <!-- Page 247 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page247"></a>[247]</span>marks with a whiter stone. This gift to + thee, all that I can, of verse completed, is requital, Allius, for many + offices, so that this day and that, and other and other of days may not + tarnish your name with scabrous rust. Hither may the gods add gifts full + many, which Themis aforetimes was wont to bear to the pious of old. May + ye be happy, both thou and thy life's-love together, and thy home in + which we have sported, and its mistress, and Anser who in the beginning + brought thee to us, from whom all my good fortunes were first born, and + lastly she whose very self is dearer to me than all these,—my + light, whom living, 'tis sweet to me to live.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXVIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Noli admirari, quare tibi femina nulla,</p> + <p class="i2">Rufe, velit tenerum supposuisse femur,</p> + <p>Non si illam rarae labefactes munere vestis</p> + <p class="i2">Aut perluciduli deliciis lapidis.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Laedit te quaedam mala fabula, qua tibi fertur</p> + <p class="i2">Valle sub alarum trux habitare caper.</p> + <p>Hunc metuunt omnes. neque mirum: nam mala valdest</p> + <p class="i2">Bestia, nec quicum bella puella cubet.</p> + <p>Quare aut crudelem nasorum interfice pestem,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Aut admirari desine cur fugiunt.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 248 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page248"></a>[248]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXVIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Rufus the Fetid.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Wonder not blatantly why no woman shall ever be willing</p> + <p class="i2">(Rufus!) her tender thigh under thyself to bestow,</p> + <p>Not an thou tempt her full by bribes of the rarest garments,</p> + <p class="i2">Or by the dear delights gems the pellucidest deal.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Harms thee an ugly tale wherein of thee is recorded</p> + <p class="i2">Horrible stench of the goat under thine arm-pits be lodged.</p> + <p>All are in dread thereof; nor wonder this, for 'tis evil</p> + <p class="i2">Beastie, nor damsel fair ever thereto shall succumb.</p> + <p>So do thou either kill that cruel pest o' their noses,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Or at their reason of flight blatantly wondering cease.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Be unwilling to wonder wherefore no woman, O Rufus, is wishful to + place her tender thigh 'neath thee, not even if thou dost tempt her by + the gift of a rare robe or by the delights of a crystal-clear gem. A + certain ill tale injures thee, that thou bearest housed in the valley of + thine armpits a grim goat. Hence everyone's fear. Nor be marvel: for 'tis + an exceeding ill beast, with whom no fair girl will sleep. Wherefore, + either murder that cruel plague of their noses, or cease to marvel why + they fly? <!-- Page 249 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page249"></a>[249]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXX.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nulli se dicit mulier mea nubere malle</p> + <p class="i2">Quam mihi, non si se Iuppiter ipse petat.</p> + <p>Dicit: sed mulier cupido quod dicit amanti,</p> + <p class="i2">In vento et rapida scribere oportet aqua.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXX.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Woman's Inconstancy.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Never, my woman oft says, with any of men will she mate be,</p> + <p class="i2">Save wi' my own very self, ask her though Jupiter deign!</p> + <p>Says she: but womanly words that are spoken to desireful lover</p> + <p class="i2">Ought to be written on wind or upon water that runs.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>No one, saith my lady, would she rather wed than myself, not even if + Jupiter's self crave her. Thus she saith! but what a woman tells an + ardent amourist ought fitly to be graven on the breezes and in running + waters.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Siquoi iure bono sacer alarum obstitit hircus,</p> + <p class="i2">Aut siquem merito tarda podagra secat,</p> + <p>Aemulus iste tuos, qui vostrum exercet amorem,</p> + <p class="i2">Mirificost fato nactus utrumque malum,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Nam quotiens futuit, totiens ulciscitur ambos:</p> + <p class="i2">Illam adfligit odore, ipse perit podagra.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 250 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page250"></a>[250]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Verro.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>An of a goat-stink damned from armpits fusty one suffer,</p> + <p class="i2">Or if a crippling gout worthily any one rack,</p> + <p>'Tis that rival o' thine who lief in loves of you meddles,</p> + <p class="i2">And, by a wondrous fate, gains him the twain of such ills.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>For that, oft as he ——, so oft that penance be two-fold;</p> + <p class="i2">Stifles her stench of goat, he too is kilt by his gout.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>If ever anyone was deservedly cursed with an atrocious goat-stench + from armpits, or if limping gout did justly gnaw one, 'tis thy rival, who + occupies himself with your love, and who has stumbled by the marvel of + fate on both these ills. For as oft as he swives, so oft is he taken + vengeance on by both; she he prostrates by his stink, he is slain by his + gout.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Dicebas quondam solum te nosse Catullum,</p> + <p class="i2">Lesbia, nec prae me velle tenere Iovem.</p> + <p>Dilexi tum te non tantum ut volgus amicam,</p> + <p class="i2">Sed pater ut gnatos diligit et generos.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Nunc te cognovi: quare etsi inpensius uror,</p> + <p class="i2">Multo mi tamen es vilior et levior.</p> + <p>Qui potisest? inquis. quod amantem iniuria talis</p> + <p class="i2">Cogit amare magis, sed bene velle minus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 251 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page251"></a>[251]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Lesbia the False.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Wont thou to vaunt whilòme of knowing only Catullus</p> + <p class="i2">(Lesbia!) nor to prefer Jupiter's self to myself.</p> + <p>Then, too, I loved thee well, not as vulgar wretch his mistress</p> + <p class="i2">But as a father his sons loves and his sons by the law.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Now have I learnt thee aright; wherefor though burn I the hotter,</p> + <p class="i2">Lighter and viler by far thou unto me hast become.</p> + <p>"How can this be?" dost ask: 'tis that such injury ever</p> + <p class="i2">Forces the hotter to love, also the less well to will.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Once thou didst profess to know but Catullus, Lesbia, nor wouldst hold + Jove before me. I loved thee then, not only as a churl his mistress, but + as a father loves his own sons and sons-in-law. Now I do know thee: + wherefore if more strongly I burn, thou art nevertheless to me far viler + and of lighter thought. How may this be? thou askest. Because such wrongs + drive a lover to greater passion, but to less wishes of welfare.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Desine de quoquam quicquam bene velle mereri</p> + <p class="i2">Aut aliquem fieri posse putare pium.</p> + <p>Omnia sunt ingrata, nihil fecisse benigne</p> +<!-- Page 252 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page252"></a>[252]</span> + <p class="i2"><i>Prodest</i>, immo etiam taedet obestque magis</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Vt mihi, quem nemo gravius nec acerbius urget,</p> + <p class="i2">Quam modo qui me unum atque unicum amicum habuit.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Of an Ingrate.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Cease thou of any to hope desirèd boon of well-willing,</p> + <p class="i2">Or deem any shall prove pious and true to his dues.</p> + <p>Waxes the world ingrate, no deed benevolent profits,</p> + <p class="i2">Nay full oft it irks even offending the more:</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Such is my case whom none maltreats more grievously bitter,</p> + <p class="i2">Than does the man that me held one and only to friend.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Cease thou to wish to merit well from anyone in aught, or to think any + can become honourable. All are ingrate, naught benign doth avail to + aught, but rather it doth irk and prove the greater ill: so with me, whom + none doth o'erpress more heavily nor more bitterly than he who a little + while ago held me his one and only friend.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Gellius audierat patruom obiurgare solere,</p> + <p class="i2">Siquis delicias diceret aut faceret.</p> + <p>Hoc ne ipsi accideret, patrui perdepsuit ipsam</p> +<!-- Page 253 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page253"></a>[253]</span> + <p class="i2">Vxorem et patruom reddidit Harpocratem.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Quod voluit fecit: nam, quamvis inrumet ipsum</p> + <p class="i2">Nunc patruom, verbum non faciet patruos.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Of Gellius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Wont was Gellius hear his uncle rich in reproaches,</p> + <p class="i2">When any ventured aught wanton in word or in deed.</p> + <p>Lest to him chance such befall, his uncle's consort seduced he,</p> + <p class="i2">And of his uncle himself fashioned an Harpocrates.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Whatso he willed did he; and nowdays albe his uncle</p> + <p class="i2">—— he, no word ever that uncle shall speak.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Gellius had heard that his uncle was wont to be wroth, if any spake of + or practised love-sportings. That this should not happen to him, he + kneaded up his uncle's wife herself, and made of his uncle a god of + silence. Whatever he wished, he did; for now, even if he irrumate his + uncle's self, not a word will that uncle murmur.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXVII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Rufe mihi frustra ac nequiquam credite amico</p> + <p class="i2">(Frustra? immo magno cum pretio atque malo),</p> + <p>Sicine subrepsti mei, atque intestina perurens</p> + <p class="i2">Ei misero eripuisti omnia nostra bona?</p> +<!-- Page 254 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page254"></a>[254]</span> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Eripuisti, heu heu nostrae crudele venenum</p> + <p class="i2">Vitae, heu heu nostrae pestis amicitiae.</p> + <p>Sed nunc id doleo, quod purae pura puellae</p> + <p class="i2">Savia conminxit spurca saliva tua.</p> + <p>Verum id non inpune feres: nam te omnia saecla</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Noscent, et qui sis fama loquetur anus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXVII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Rufus, the Traitor Friend.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Rufus, trusted as friend by me, so fruitlessly, vainly,</p> + <p class="i2">(Vainly? nay to my bane and at a ruinous price!)</p> + <p>Hast thou cajoled me thus, and enfiring innermost vitals,</p> + <p class="i2">Ravished the whole of our good own'd by wretchedest me?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Ravished; (alas and alas!) of our life thou cruellest cruel</p> + <p class="i2">Venom, (alas and alas!) plague of our friendship and pest.</p> + <p>Yet must I now lament that lips so pure of the purest</p> + <p class="i2">Damsel, thy slaver foul soilèd with filthiest kiss.</p> + <p>But ne'er hope to escape scot free; for thee shall all ages</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Know, and what thing thou be, Fame, the old crone, shall declare.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>O Rufus, credited by me as a friend, wrongly and for naught, (wrongly? + nay, at an ill and grievous price) hast thou thus stolen upon me, and + a-burning <!-- Page 255 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page255"></a>[255]</span>my innermost bowels, snatched from + wretched me all our good? Thou hast snatched it, alas, alas, thou cruel + venom of our life! alas, alas, thou plague of our amity. But now 'tis + grief, that thy swinish slaver has soiled the pure love-kisses of our + pure girl. But in truth thou shalt not come off with impunity; for every + age shall know thee, and Fame the aged, shall denounce what thou art.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXVIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Gallus habet fratres, quorumst lepidissima coniunx</p> + <p class="i2">Alterius, lepidus filius alterius.</p> + <p>Gallus homost bellus: nam dulces iungit amores,</p> + <p class="i2">Cum puero ut bello bella puella cubet.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Gallus homost stultus nec se videt esse maritum,</p> + <p class="i2">Qui patruos patrui monstret adulterium.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXVIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Of Gallus.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Gallus hath brothers in pair, this owning most beautiful consort,</p> + <p class="i2">While unto that is given also a beautiful son.</p> + <p>Gallus is charming as man; for sweet loves ever conjoins he,</p> + <p class="i2">So that the charming lad sleep wi' the charmer his lass.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Gallus is foolish wight, nor self regards he as husband,</p> + <p class="i2">When being uncle how nuncle to cuckold he show.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 256 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page256"></a>[256]</span></p> + + <p>Gallus has brothers, one of whom has a most charming spouse, the other + a charming son. Gallus is a nice fellow! for pandering to their sweet + loves, he beds together the nice lad and the nice aunt. Gallus is a + foolish fellow not to see that he is himself a husband who as an uncle + shews how to cuckold an uncle.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXVIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lesbius est pulcher: quid ni? quem Lesbia malit</p> + <p class="i2">Quam te cum tota gente, Catulle, tua.</p> + <p>Sed tamen hic pulcher vendat cum gente Catullum,</p> + <p class="i2">Si tria notorum savia reppererit.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXVIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Of Lesbius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lesbius is beauty-man: why not? when Lesbia wills him</p> + <p class="i2">Better, Catullus, than thee backed by the whole of thy clan.</p> + <p>Yet may that beauty-man sell all his clan with Catullus,</p> + <p class="i2">An of three noted names greeting salute he can gain.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Lesbius is handsome: why not so? when Lesbia prefers him to thee, + Catullus, and to thy whole tribe. Yet this handsome one may sell Catullus + and his tribe if from three men of note he can gain kisses of salute. + <!-- Page 257 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page257"></a>[257]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXX.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quid dicam, Gelli, quare rosea ista labella</p> + <p class="i2">Hiberna fiant candidiora nive,</p> + <p>Mane domo cum exis et cum te octava quiete</p> + <p class="i2">E molli longo suscitat hora die?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Nescioquid certest: an vere fama susurrat</p> + <p class="i2">Grandia te medii tenta vorare viri?</p> + <p>Sic certest: clamant Victoris rupta miselli</p> + <p class="i2">Ilia, et emulso labra notata sero.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXX.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Gellius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>How shall I (Gellius!) tell what way lips rosy as thine are</p> + <p class="i2">Come to be bleached and blanched whiter than wintry snow,</p> + <p>Whenas thou quittest the house a-morn, and at two after noon-tide</p> + <p class="i2">Rousèd from quiet repose, wakest for length of the day?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Certès sure am I not an Rumour rightfully whisper</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>What shall I say, Gellius, wherefore those lips, erstwhile rosy-red, + have become whiter than wintery snow, thou leaving home at morn and when + the noontide hour arouses thee from soothing slumber <!-- Page 258 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page258"></a>[258]</span>to face the + longsome day? I know not forsure! but is Rumour gone astray with her + whisper that thou devourest the well-grown tenseness of a man's middle? + So forsure it must be! the ruptured guts of wretched Virro cry it aloud, + and thy lips marked with lately-drained <span title="semen" class="grk" + >σεμεν</span> publish the fact.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nemone in tanto potuit populo esse, Iuventi,</p> + <p class="i2">Bellus homo, quem tu diligere inciperes,</p> + <p>Praeterquam iste tuus moribunda a sede Pisauri</p> + <p class="i2">Hospes inaurata pallidior statua,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Qui tibi nunc cordist, quem tu praeponere nobis</p> + <p class="i2">Audes, et nescis quod facinus facias.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Juventius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Could there never be found in folk so thronging (Juventius!)</p> + <p class="i2">Any one charming thee whom thou couldst fancy to love,</p> + <p>Save and except that host from deadliest site of Pisaurum,</p> + <p class="i2">Wight than a statue gilt wanner and yellower-hued,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Whom to thy heart thou takest and whom thou darest before us</p> + <p class="i2">Choose? But villain what deed doest thou little canst wot!</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 259 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page259"></a>[259]</span></p> + + <p>Could there be no one in so great a crowd, Juventius, no gallant whom + thou couldst fall to admiring, beyond him, the guest of thy hearth from + moribund Pisaurum, wanner than a gilded statue? Who now is in thine + heart, whom thou darest to place above us, and knowest not what crime + thou dost commit.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quinti, si tibi vis oculos debere Catullum</p> + <p class="i2">Aut aliud siquid carius est oculis,</p> + <p>Eripere ei noli, multo quod carius illi</p> + <p class="i2">Est oculis seu quid carius est oculis.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Quintius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quintius! an thou wish that Catullus should owe thee his eyes</p> + <p class="i2">Or aught further if aught dearer can be than his eyes,</p> + <p>Thou wilt not ravish from him what deems he dearer and nearer</p> + <p class="i2">E'en than his eyes if aught dearer there be than his eyes.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Quintius, if thou dost wish Catullus to owe his eyes to thee, or + aught, if such may be, dearer than his eyes, be unwilling to snatch from + him what is much dearer to him than his eyes, or than aught which itself + may be dearer to him than his eyes. <!-- Page 260 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page260"></a>[260]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lesbia mi praesente viro mala plurima dicit:</p> + <p class="i2">Haec illi fatuo maxima laetitiast.</p> + <p>Mule, nihil sentis. si nostri oblita taceret,</p> + <p class="i2">Sana esset: nunc quod gannit et obloquitur,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Non solum meminit, sed quae multo acrior est res</p> + <p class="i2">Iratast. Hoc est, uritur et coquitur.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Of Lesbia's Husband.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lesbia heaps upon me foul words her mate being present;</p> + <p class="i2">Which to that simple soul causes the fullest delight.</p> + <p>Mule! naught sensest thou: did she forget us in silence,</p> + <p class="i2">Whole she had been; but now whatso she rails and she snarls,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Not only dwells in her thought, but worse and even more risky,</p> + <p class="i2">Wrathful she bides. Which means, she is afire and she fumes.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Lesbia in her lord's presence says the utmost ill about me: this gives + the greatest pleasure to that ninny. Ass, thou hast no sense! if through + forgetfulness she were silent about us, it would be well: now that she + snarls and scolds, not only does she remember, but what is a far bitterer + thing, she is enraged. That is, she inflames herself and ripens her + passion. <!-- Page 261 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page261"></a>[261]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Chommoda dicebat, si quando commoda vellet</p> + <p class="i2">Dicere, et insidias Arrius hinsidias,</p> + <p>Et tum mirifice sperabat se esse locutum,</p> + <p class="i2">Cum quantum poterat dixerat hinsidias.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Credo, sic mater, sic Liber avonculus eius,</p> + <p class="i2">Sic maternus avos dixerat atque avia.</p> + <p>Hoc misso in Syriam requierant omnibus aures:</p> + <p class="i2">Audibant eadem haec leniter et leviter,</p> + <p>Nec sibi postilla metuebant talia verba,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Cum subito adfertur nuntius horribilis,</p> + <p>Ionios fluctus, postquam illuc Arrius isset,</p> + <p class="i2">Iam non Ionios esse, sed Hionios.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Arrius, a Roman 'Arry.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Wont is Arrius say "Chommodious" whenas "commodious"</p> + <p class="i2">Means he, and "Insidious" aspirate "Hinsidious,"</p> + <p>What time flattering self he speaks with marvellous purity,</p> + <p class="i2">Clamouring "Hinsidious" loudly as ever he can.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Deem I thus did his dame and thus-wise Liber his uncle</p> + <p class="i2">Speak, and on spindle-side grandsire and grandmother too.</p> + <p>Restful reposed all ears when he was sent into Syria,</p> + <p class="i2">Hearing the self-same words softly and smoothly pronouncèd,</p> +<!-- Page 262 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page262"></a>[262]</span> + <p>Nor any feared to hear such harshness uttered thereafter,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Whenas a sudden came message of horrible news,</p> + <p>Namely th' Ionian waves when Arrius thither had wended,</p> + <p class="i2">Were "Ionian" no more—they had "Hionian" become.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><i>Chommodious</i> did Arrius say, whenever he had need to say + commodious, and for insidious <i>hinsidious</i>, and felt confident he + spoke with accent wondrous fine, when aspirating <i>hinsidious</i> to the + full of his lungs. I understand that his mother, his uncle Liber, his + maternal grand-parents all spoke thus. He being sent into Syria, + everyone's ears were rested, hearing these words spoken smoothly and + slightly, nor after that did folk fear such words from him, when on a + sudden is brought the nauseous news that th' Ionian waves, after Arrius' + arrival thither, no longer are Ionian hight, but are now the <i>Hionian + Hocean</i>.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXV.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Odi et amo. quare id faciam, fortasse requiris.</p> + <p class="i2">Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXV.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">How the Poet Loves.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hate I, and love I. Haps thou'lt ask me wherefore I do so.</p> + <p class="i2">Wot I not, yet so I do feeling a torture of pain.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 263 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page263"></a>[263]</span></p> + + <p>I hate and I love. Wherefore do I so, peradventure thou askest. I know + not, but I feel it to be thus and I suffer.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXVI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quintia formosast multis, mihi candida, longa,</p> + <p class="i2">Rectast. haec ego sic singula confiteor,</p> + <p>Totum illud formosa nego: nam nulla venustas,</p> + <p class="i2">Nulla in tam magnost corpore mica salis.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Lesbia formosast, quae cum pulcherrima totast,</p> + <p class="i2">Tum omnibus una omnes surripuit Veneres.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXVI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Of Quintia.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quintia beautiful seems to the crowd; to me, fair, and tall,</p> + <p class="i2">Straight; and merits as these readily thus I confess,</p> + <p>But that she is beauteous all I deny, for nothing of lovesome,</p> + <p class="i2">Never a grain of salt, shows in her person so large.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Lesbia beautiful seems, and when all over she's fairest,</p> + <p class="i2">Any Venus-gift stole she from every one.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Quintia is lovely to many; to me she is fair, tall, and shapely. Each + of these qualities I grant. But that all these make loveliness I deny: + for nothing of beauty nor scintilla of sprightliness is in her body so + massive. Lesbia is lovely, for whilst the whole of her is most beautiful, + she has stolen for herself every love-charm from all her sex. <!-- Page + 264 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page264"></a>[264]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXVII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nulla potest mulier tantum se dicere amatam</p> + <p class="i2">Vere, quantum a me Lesbia amata mea's.</p> + <p>Nulla fides ullo fuit umquam foedere tanta,</p> + <p class="i2">Quanta in amore tuo ex parte reperta meast.</p> + <div class="linenum"><span class="scac">LXXV</span></div><p>Nunc est mens diducta tua, mea Lesbia, culpa,</p> + <p class="i2">Atque ita se officio perdidit ipsa suo,</p> + <p>Vt iam nec bene velle queat tibi, si optima fias,</p> + <p class="i2">Nec desistere amare, omnia si facias.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXVII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Lesbia.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Never a woman could call herself so fondly belovèd</p> + <p class="i2">Truly as Lesbia mine has been beloved of myself.</p> + <p>Never were Truth and Faith so firm in any one compact</p> + <p class="i2">As on the part of me kept I my love to thyself.</p> + <div class="linenum"><span class="scac">LXXV</span></div><p>Now is my mind to a pass, my Lesbia, brought by thy treason,</p> + <p class="i2">So in devotion to thee lost is the duty self due,</p> + <p>Nor can I will thee well if best of women thou prove thee,</p> + <p class="i2">Nor can I cease to love, do thou what doings thou wilt.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>No woman can say with truth that she has been loved as much as thou, + Lesbia, hast been loved by me: no love-troth was ever so greatly observed + as in love of thee on my part has been found.</p> + + <p>Now is my mind so led apart, my Lesbia, by thy fault, and has so lost + itself by its very worship, that <!-- Page 265 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page265"></a>[265]</span>now it can not wish + well to thee, wert thou to become most perfect, nor cease to love thee, + do what thou wilt!</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXVI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Siqua recordanti benefacta priora voluptas</p> + <p class="i2">Est homini, cum se cogitat esse pium,</p> + <p>Nec sanctam violasse fidem, nec foedere in ullo</p> + <p class="i2">Divom ad fallendos numine abusum homines,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Multa parata manent in longa aetate, Catulle,</p> + <p class="i2">Ex hoc ingrato gaudia amore tibi.</p> + <p>Nam quaecumque homines bene cuiquam aut dicere possunt</p> + <p class="i2">Aut facere, haec a te dictaque factaque sunt;</p> + <p>Omniaque ingratae perierunt credita menti.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Quare iam te cur amplius excrucies?</p> + <p>Quin tu animo offirmas atque istinc teque reducis</p> + <p class="i2">Et dis invitis desinis esse miser?</p> + <p>Difficilest longum subito deponere amorem.</p> + <p class="i2">Difficilest, verum hoc quae lubet efficias.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Vna salus haec est, hoc est tibi pervincendum:</p> + <p class="i2">Hoc facias, sive id non pote sive pote.</p> + <p>O di, si vestrumst misereri, aut si quibus umquam</p> + <p class="i2">Extremam iam ipsa morte tulistis opem,</p> + <p>Me miserum aspicite (et, si vitam puriter egi,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">Eripite hanc pestem perniciemque mihi),</p> + <p>Ei mihi surrepens imos ut torpor in artus</p> + <p class="i2">Expulit ex omni pectore laetitias.</p> + <p>Non iam illud quaero, contra me ut diligat illa,</p> + <p class="i2">Aut, quod non potisest, esse pudica velit:</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Ipse valere opto et taetrum hunc deponere morbum.</p> + <p class="i2">O di, reddite mi hoc pro pietate mea.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 266 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page266"></a>[266]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXVI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">In Self-Gratulation.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>If to remember deeds whilòme well done be a pleasure</p> + <p class="i2">Meet for a man who deems all of his dealings be just,</p> + <p>Nor Holy Faith ever broke nor in whatever his compact</p> + <p class="i2">Sanction of Gods abused better to swindle mankind,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Much there remains for thee during length of living, Catullus,</p> + <p class="i2">Out of that Love ingrate further to solace thy soul;</p> + <p>For whatever of good can mortal declare of another</p> + <p class="i2">Or can avail he do, such thou hast said and hast done;</p> + <p>While to a thankless mind entrusted all of them perisht.</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Why, then, crucify self now with a furthering pain?</p> + <p>Why not steady thy thoughts and draw thee back from such purpose,</p> + <p class="i2">Ceasing wretched to be maugrè the will of the Gods?</p> + <p>Difficult 'tis indeed long Love to depose of a sudden,</p> + <p class="i2">Difficult 'tis, yet do e'en as thou deem to be best.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>This be thy safe-guard sole; this conquest needs to be conquered;</p> +<!-- Page 267 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page267"></a>[267]</span> + <p class="i2">This thou must do, thus act, whether thou cannot or can.</p> + <p>If an ye have (O Gods!) aught ruth, or if you for any</p> + <p class="i2">Bring at the moment of death latest assistance to man,</p> + <p>Look upon me (poor me!) and, should I be cleanly of living,</p> + <div class="linenum">20</div><p class="i2">Out of my life deign pluck this my so pestilent plague,</p> + <p>Which as a lethargy o'er mine inmost vitals a-creeping,</p> + <p class="i2">Hath from my bosom expelled all of what joyance it joyed,</p> + <p>Now will I crave no more she love me e'en as I love her,</p> + <p class="i2">Nor (impossible chance!) ever she prove herself chaste:</p> + <div class="linenum">25</div><p>Would I were only healed and shed this fulsome disorder.</p> + <p class="i2">Oh Gods, grant me this boon unto my piety due!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>If to recall good deeds erewhiles performed be pleasure to a man, when + he knows himself to be of probity, nor has violated sacred faith, nor has + abused the holy assent of the gods in any pact, to work ill to men; great + store of joys awaits thee during thy length of years, O Catullus, sprung + from this ingrate love of thine. For whatever of benefit men can say or + can do for anyone, such have been thy sayings and thy doings, and all thy + confidences have been <!-- Page 268 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page268"></a>[268]</span>squandered on an ingrate mind. Wherefore + now dost torture thyself further? Why not make firm thy heart and + withdraw thyself from that [wretchedness], and cease to be unhappy + despite the gods' will? 'Tis difficult quickly to depose a love of long + growth; 'tis difficult, yet it behoves thee to do this. This is thine + only salvation, this is thy great victory; this thou must do, whether it + be possible or impossible. O gods, if 'tis in you to have mercy, or if + ever ye held forth help to men in death's very extremity, look ye on + pitiful me, and if I have acted my life with purity, snatch hence from me + this canker and pest, which as a lethargy creeping through my veins and + vitals, has cast out every gladness from my breast. Now I no longer pray + that she may love me in return, or (what is not possible) that she should + become chaste: I wish but for health and to cast aside this shameful + complaint. O ye gods, vouchsafe me this in return for my probity.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXVIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quid facit is, Gelli, qui cum matre atque sorore</p> + <p class="i2">Prurit et abiectis pervigilat tunicis?</p> + <p>Quid facit is, patruom qui non sinit esse maritum?</p> + <p class="i2">Ecqui scis quantum suscipiat sceleris?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Suscipit, o Gelli, quantum non ultima Tethys</p> + <p class="i2">Nec genitor lympharum abluit Oceanus:</p> +<!-- Page 269 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page269"></a>[269]</span> + <p>Nam nihil est quicquam sceleris, quo prodeat ultra,</p> + <p class="i2">Non si demisso se ipse voret capite.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXVIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Gellius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>What may he (Gellius!) do that ever for mother and sister</p> + <p class="i2">Itches and wakes thro' the nights, working wi' tunic bedoffed?</p> + <p>What may he do who nills his uncle ever be husband?</p> + <p class="i2">Wottest thou how much he ventures of sacrilege-sin?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Ventures he (O Gellius!) what ne'er can ultimate Tethys</p> + <p class="i2">Wash from his soul, nor yet Ocean, watery sire.</p> + <p>For that of sin there's naught wherewith this sin can exceed he</p> + <p class="i2">—— his head on himself.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>What does he, Gellius, who with mother and sister itches and keeps + vigils with tunics cast aside? What does he, who suffers not his uncle to + be a husband? Dost thou know the weight of crime he takes upon himself? + He takes, O Gellius, such store as not furthest Tethys nor Oceanus, + progenitor of waters, can cleanse: for there is nothing of any crime + which can go further, not though with lowered head he swallow himself. + <!-- Page 270 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page270"></a>[270]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXVIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Gellius est tenuis: quid ni? cui tam bona mater</p> + <p class="i2">Tamque valens vivat tamque venusta soror</p> + <p>Tamque bonus patruos tamque omnia plena puellis</p> + <p class="i2">Cognatis, quare is desinat esse macer?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Qui ut nihil attingit, nisi quod fas tangere non est,</p> + <p class="i2">Quantumvis quare sit macer invenies.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXVIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Gellius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Gellius is lean: Why not? For him so easy a mother</p> + <p class="i2">Lives, and a sister so boon, bonny and buxom to boot,</p> + <p>Uncle so kindly good and all things full of his lady-</p> + <p class="i2">Cousins, how can he cease leanest of lankies to be?</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Albeit, touch he naught save that whose touch is a scandal,</p> + <p class="i2">Soon shall thou find wherefor he be as lean as thou like.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Gellius is meagre: why not? He who lives with so good a mother, so + healthy and so beauteous a sister, and who has such a good uncle, and a + world-*full of girl cousins, wherefore should he leave off being lean? + Though he touch naught save what is banned, thou canst find ample reason + wherefore he may stay lean. <!-- Page 271 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page271"></a>[271]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXX.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nascatur magus ex Gelli matrisque nefando</p> + <p class="i2">Coniugio et discat Persicum aruspicium:</p> + <p>Nam magus ex matre et gnato gignatur oportet,</p> + <p class="i2">Si verast Persarum inpia relligio,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Navos ut accepto veneretur carmine divos</p> + <p class="i2">Omentum in flamma pingue liquefaciens.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXX.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Gellius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Born be a Magus, got by Gellius out of his mother</p> + <p class="i2">(Marriage nefand!) who shall Persian augury learn.</p> + <p>Needs it a Magus begot of son upon mother who bare him,</p> + <p class="i2">If that impious faith, Persian religion be fact,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>So may their issue adore busy gods with recognised verses</p> + <p class="i2">Melting in altar-flame fatness contained by the caul.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Let there be born a Magian from the infamous conjoining of Gellius and + his mother, and he shall learn the Persian aruspicy. For a Magian from a + mother and son must needs be begotten, if there be truth in Persia's vile + creed that one may worship with acceptable hymn the assiduous gods, + whilst the caul's fat in the sacred flame is melting. <!-- Page 272 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page272"></a>[272]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Non ideo, Gelli, sperabam te mihi fidum</p> + <p class="i2">In misero hoc nostro, hoc perdito amore fore,</p> + <p>Quod te cognossem bene constantemve putarem</p> + <p class="i2">Aut posse a turpi mentem inhibere probro,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Sed neque quod matrem nec germanam esse videbam</p> + <p class="i2">Hanc tibi, cuius me magnus edebat amor.</p> + <p>Et quamvis tecum multo coniungerer usu,</p> + <p class="i2">Non satis id causae credideram esse tibi.</p> + <p>Tu satis id duxti: tantum tibi gaudium in omni</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Culpast, in quacumque est aliquid sceleris.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Gellius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Not for due cause I hoped to find thee (Gellius!) faithful</p> + <p class="i2">In this saddest our love, love that is lost and forlore,</p> + <p>Or fro' my wotting thee well or ever believing thee constant,</p> + <p class="i2">Or that thy mind could reject villany ever so vile,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>But that because was she to thyself nor mother nor sister,</p> + <p class="i2">This same damsel whose Love me in its greatness devoured.</p> + <p>Yet though I had been joined wi' thee by amplest of usance,</p> +<!-- Page 273 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page273"></a>[273]</span> + <p class="i2">Still could I never believe this was sufficient of cause.</p> + <p>Thou diddest deem it suffice: so great is thy pleasure in every</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Crime wherein may be found somewhat enormous of guilt.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Not for other reason, Gellius, did I hope for thy faith to me in this + our unhappy, this our desperate love (because I knew thee well nor + thought thee constant or able to restrain thy mind from shameless act), + but that I saw this girl was neither thy mother nor thy sister, for whom + my ardent love ate me. And although I have had many mutual dealings with + thee, I did not credit this case to be enough cause for thee. Thou didst + find it enough: so great is thy joy in every kind of guilt in which is + something infamous.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lesbia mi dicit semper male nec tacet umquam</p> + <p class="i2">De me: Lesbia me dispeream nisi amat.</p> + <p>Quo signo? quia sunt † totidem mea: deprecor illam</p> + <p class="i2">Absidue, verum dispeream nisi amo.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Lesbia.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lesbia naggeth at me evermore and ne'er is she silent</p> + <p class="i2">Touching myself: May I die but that by Lesbia I'm loved.</p> +<!-- Page 274 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page274"></a>[274]</span> + <p>What be the proof? I rail and retort like her and revile her</p> + <p class="i2">Carefully, yet may I die but that I love her with love.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Lesbia forever speaks ill of me nor is ever silent anent me: may I + perish if Lesbia do not love me! By what sign? because I am just the + same: I malign her without cease, yet may I die if I do not love her in + sober truth.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nil nimium studeo Caesar tibi belle placere,</p> + <p class="i2">Nec scire utrum sis albus an ater homo.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Julius Cæsar.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Study I not o'ermuch to please thee (Cæsar!) and court thee,</p> + <p class="i2">Nor do I care e'en to know an thou be white or be black.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>I am not over anxious, Caesar, to please thee greatly, nor to know + whether thou art white or black man.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Mentula moechatur. moechatur mentula: certe.</p> + <p class="i2">Hoc est, quod dicunt, ipsa olera olla legit.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 275 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page275"></a>[275]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Against Mentula (Mamurra).</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Mentula wooeth much: much wooeth he, be assured.</p> + <p class="i2">That is, e'en as they say, the Pot gathers leeks for the pot.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Mentula whores. By the mentule he is be-whored: certes. This is as + though they say the oil pot itself gathers the olives.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXV.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Zmyrna mei Cinnae nonam post denique messem</p> + <p class="i2">Quam coeptast nonamque edita post hiemem,</p> + <p>Milia cum interea quingenta Hortensius uno</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Zmyrna cavas Satrachi penitus mittetur ad undas,</p> + <p class="i2">Zmyrnam cana diu saecula pervoluent.</p> + <p>At Volusi annales Paduam morientur ad ipsam</p> + <p class="i2">Et laxas scombris saepe dabunt tunicas.</p> + <p>Parva mei mihi sint cordi monumenta <i>sodalis</i>,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">At populus tumido gaudeat Antimacho.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXV.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On the "Zmyrna" of the Poet Cinna.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Zmyrna" begun erstwhile nine harvests past by my Cinna</p> + <p class="i2">Publisht appears when now nine of his winters be gone;</p> +<!-- Page 276 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page276"></a>[276]</span> + <p>Thousands fifty of lines meanwhile Hortensius in single</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>"Zmyrna" shall travel afar as the hollow breakers of Satrax,</p> + <p class="i2">"Zmyrna" by ages grey lastingly shall be perused.</p> + <p>But upon Padus' brink shall die Volusius his annals</p> + <p class="i2">And to the mackerel oft loose-fitting jacket afford.</p> + <p>Dear to my heart are aye the lightest works of my comrade,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Leave I the mob to enjoy tumidest Antimachus.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>My Cinna's "Zmyrna" at length, after nine harvests from its inception, + is published when nine winters have gone by, whilst in the meantime + Hortensius thousands upon thousands in one * * * * "Zmyrna" shall wander + abroad e'en to the curving surf of Satrachus, hoary ages shall turn the + leaves of "Zmyrna" in distant days. But Volusius' Annals shall perish at + Padua itself, and shall often furnish loose wrappings for mackerel. The + short writings of my comrade are gladsome to my heart; let the populace + rejoice in bombastic Antimachus.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXVI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Si quicquam mutis gratum acceptumve sepulcris</p> + <p class="i2">Accidere a nostro, Calve, dolore potest,</p> + <p>Quo desiderio veteres renovamus amores</p> + <p class="i2">Atque olim missas flemus amicitias,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Certe non tanto mors inmatura dolorist</p> + <p class="i2">Quintiliae, quantum gaudet amore tuo.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 277 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page277"></a>[277]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXVI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Calvus anent Dead Quintilia.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>If to the dumb deaf tomb can aught or grateful or pleasing</p> + <p class="i2">(Calvus!) ever accrue rising from out of our dule,</p> + <p>Wherewith yearning desire renews our loves in the bygone,</p> + <p class="i2">And for long friendships lost many a tear must be shed;</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Certès, never so much for doom of premature death-day</p> + <p class="i2">Must thy Quintilia mourn as she is joyed by thy love.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>If aught grateful or acceptable can penetrate the silent graves from + our dolour, Calvus, when with sweet regret we renew old loves and beweep + the lost friendships of yore, of a surety not so much doth Quintilia + mourn her untimely death as she doth rejoice o'er thy constant love.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXVII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Non (ita me di ament) quicquam referre putavi,</p> + <p class="i2">Vtrumne os an culum olfacerem Aemilio.</p> + <p>Nilo mundius hoc, niloque immundior ille,</p> + <p class="i2">Verum etiam culus mundior et melior:</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Nam sine dentibus est: dentes os sesquipedales,</p> + <p class="i2">Gingivas vero ploxeni habet veteris,</p> + <p>Praeterea rictum qualem diffissus in aestu</p> + <p class="i2">Meientis mulae cunnus habere solet.</p> +<!-- Page 278 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page278"></a>[278]</span> + <p>Hic futuit multas et se facit esse venustum,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Et non pistrino traditur atque asino?</p> + <p>Quem siqua attingit, non illam posse putemus</p> + <p class="i2">Aegroti culum lingere carnificis?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXVII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Æmilius the Foul.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Never (so love me the Gods!) deemed I 'twas preference matter</p> + <p class="i2">Or Æmilius' mouth choose I to smell or his ——</p> + <p>Nothing is this more clean, uncleaner nothing that other,</p> + <p class="i2">Yet I ajudge —— cleaner and nicer to be;</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>For while this one lacks teeth, that one has cubit-long tushes,</p> + <p class="i2">Set in their battered gums favouring a muddy old box,</p> + <p>Not to say aught of gape like wide-cleft gap of a she-mule</p> + <p class="i2">Whenas in summer-heat wont peradventure to stale.</p> + <p>Yet has he many a motte and holds himself to be handsome—</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Why wi' the baker's ass is he not bound to the mill?</p> + <p>Him if a damsel kiss we fain must think she be ready</p> + <p class="i2">With her fair lips ——</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Nay (may the Gods thus love me) have I thought there to be aught of + choice whether I might <!-- Page 279 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page279"></a>[279]</span>smell thy mouth or thy buttocks, O + Aemilius. Nothing could the one be cleaner, nothing the other more + filthy; nay in truth thy backside is the cleaner and better,—for it + is toothless. Thy mouth hath teeth full half a yard in length, gums of a + verity like to an old waggon-box, behind which its gape is such as hath + the vulva of a she-mule cleft apart by the summer's heat, always + a-staling. This object swives girls enow, and fancies himself a handsome + fellow, and is not condemned to the mill as an ass? Whatso girl would + touch thee, we think her capable of licking the breech of a leprous + hangman.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXVIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>In te, si in quemquam, dici pote, putide Victi,</p> + <p class="i2">Id quod verbosis dicitur et fatuis.</p> + <p>Ista cum lingua, si usus veniat tibi, possis</p> + <p class="i2">Culos et crepidas lingere carpatinas.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Si nos omnino vis omnes perdere, Victi,</p> + <p class="i2">Hiscas: omnino quod cupis efficies.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXVIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Victius the Stinkard.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Rightly of thee may be said, an of any, (thou stinkingest Victius!)</p> + <p class="i2">Whatso wont we to say touching the praters and prigs.</p> + <p>Thou wi' that tongue o' thine own, if granted occasion availest</p> + <p class="i2">Brogues of the cowherds to kiss, also their ——</p> +<!-- Page 280 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page280"></a>[280]</span> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Wouldst thou undo us all with a thorough undoing (O Victius!)</p> + <p class="i2">Open thy gape:—thereby all shall be wholly undone.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>To thee, if to anyone, may I say, foul-mouthed Victius, that which is + said to wind bags and fatuities. For with that tongue, if need arrive, + thou couldst lick clodhoppers' shoes, clogs, and buttocks. If thou + wishest to destroy us all entirely, Victius, thou need'st but gape: thou + wilt accomplish what thou wishest entirely.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXVIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Surripui tibi, dum ludis, mellite Iuventi,</p> + <p class="i2">Suaviolum dulci dulcius ambrosia.</p> + <p>Verum id non inpune tuli: namque amplius horam</p> + <p class="i2">Suffixum in summa me memini esse cruce,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Dum tibi me purgo nec possum fletibus ullis</p> + <p class="i2">Tantillum vostrae demere saevitiae.</p> + <p>Nam simul id factumst, multis diluta labella</p> + <p class="i2">Abstersti guttis omnibus articulis,</p> + <p>Ne quicquam nostro contractum ex ore maneret,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Tamquam conmictae spurca saliva lupae.</p> + <p>Praeterea infesto miserum me tradere Amori</p> + <p class="i2">Non cessasti omnique excruciare modo,</p> + <p>Vt mi ex ambrosia mutatum iam foret illud</p> + <p class="i2">Suaviolum tristi tristius helleboro.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Quam quoniam poenam misero proponis amori,</p> + <p class="i2">Numquam iam posthac basia surripiam.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 281 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page281"></a>[281]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">LXXXXVIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Juventius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>E'en as thou played'st, from thee snatched I (O honied Juventius!)</p> + <p class="i2">Kisslet of savour so sweet sweetest Ambrosia unknows.</p> + <p>Yet was the theft nowise scot-free, for more than an hour I</p> + <p class="i2">Clearly remember me fixt hanging from crest of the Cross,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Whatwhile I purged my sin unto thee nor with any weeping</p> + <p class="i2">Tittle of cruel despite such as be thine could I 'bate.</p> + <p>For that no sooner done thou washed thy liplets with many</p> + <p class="i2">Drops which thy fingers did wipe, using their every joint,</p> + <p>Lest of our mouths conjoined remain there aught by the contact</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Like unto slaver foul shed by the butterèd bun.</p> + <p>Further, wretchedmost me betrayed to unfriendliest Love-god</p> + <p class="i2">Never thou ceased'st to pain hurting with every harm,</p> + <p>So that my taste be turned and kisses ambrosial erstwhile</p> + <p class="i2">Even than hellebore-juice bitterest bitterer grow.</p> + <div class="linenum">15</div><p>Seeing such pangs as these prepared for unfortunate lover,</p> + <p class="i2">After this never again kiss will I venture to snatch.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 282 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page282"></a>[282]</span></p> + + <p>I snatched from thee, whilst thou wast sporting, O honied Juventius, a + kiss sweeter than sweet ambrosia. But I bore it off not unpunished; for + more than an hour do I remember myself hung on the summit of the cross, + whilst I purged myself [for my crime] to thee, nor could any tears in the + least remove your anger. For instantly it was done, thou didst bathe thy + lips with many drops, and didst cleanse them with every finger-joint, + lest anything remained from the conjoining of our mouths, as though it + were the obscene slaver of a fetid fricatrice. Nay, more, thou hast + handed wretched me over to despiteful Love, nor hast thou ceased to + agonize me in every way, so that for me that kiss is now changed from + ambrosia to be harsher than harsh hellebore. Since thou dost award such + punishment to wretched amourist, never more after this will I steal + kisses.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">C.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Caelius Aufilenum et Quintius Aufilenam</p> + <p class="i2">Flos Veronensum depereunt iuvenum,</p> + <p>Hic fratrem, ille sororem. hoc est, quod dicitur, illud</p> + <p class="i2">Fraternum vere dulce sodalitium.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Cui faveam potius? Caeli, tibi: nam tua nobis</p> + <p class="i2">Per facta exhibitast unica amicitia,</p> + <p>Cum vesana meas torreret flamma medullas.</p> + <p class="i2">Sis felix, Caeli, sis in amore potens.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 283 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page283"></a>[283]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">C.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Cælius and Quintius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Cælius Aufilénus and Quintius Aufiléna,</p> + <p class="i2">Love to the death, both swains bloom of the youth Veronese,</p> + <p>This woo'd brother and that sue'd sister: so might the matter</p> + <p class="i2">Claim to be titled wi' sooth fairest fraternalest tie.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Whom shall I favour the first? Thee (Cælius!) for thou hast provèd</p> + <p class="i2">Singular friendship to us shown by the deeds it has done,</p> + <p>Whenas the flames insane had madded me, firing my marrow:</p> + <p class="i2">Cælius! happy be thou; ever be lusty in love.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Caelius, Aufilenus; and Quintius, Aufilena;—flower of the + Veronese youth,—love desperately: this, the brother; that, the + sister. This is, as one would say, true brotherhood and sweet friendship. + To whom shall I incline the more? Caelius, to thee; for thy single + devotion to us was shewn by its deeds, when the raging flame scorched my + marrow. Be happy, O Caelius, be potent in love.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Multas per gentes et multa per aequora vectus</p> + <p class="i2">Advenio has miseras, frater, ad inferias,</p> + <p>Vt te postremo donarem munere mortis</p> + <p class="i2">Et mutam nequiquam adloquerer cinerem,</p> +<!-- Page 284 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page284"></a>[284]</span> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Quandoquidem fortuna mihi tete abstulit ipsum,</p> + <p class="i2">Heu miser indigne frater adempte mihi.</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Nunc tamen interea haec prisco quae more parentum</p> + <p class="i2">Tradita sunt tristes munera ad inferias,</p> + <p>Accipe fraterno multum manantia fletu,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">Atque in perpetuom, frater, ave atque vale.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">CI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On the Burial of his Brother.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Faring thro' many a folk and plowing many a sea-plain</p> + <p class="i2">These sad funeral-rites (Brother!) to deal thee I come,</p> + <p>So wi' the latest boons to the dead bestowed I may gift thee,</p> + <p class="i2">And I may vainly address ashes that answer have none,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Sithence of thee, very thee, to deprive me Fortune behested,</p> + <p class="i2">Woe for thee, Brother forlore! Cruelly severed fro' me.</p> + <p> * * * *</p> + <p>Yet in the meanwhile now what olden usage of forbears</p> + <p class="i2">Brings as the boons that befit mournfullest funeral rites,</p> + <p>Thine be these gifts which flow with tear-flood shed by thy brother,</p> + <div class="linenum">10</div><p class="i2">And, for ever and aye (Brother!) all hail and farewell.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 285 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page285"></a>[285]</span></p> + + <p>Through many a folk and through many waters borne, I am come, brother, + to thy sad grave, that I may give the last gifts to the dead, and may + vainly speak to thy mute ashes, since fortune hath borne from me thyself. + Ah, hapless brother, heavily snatched from me. * * * But now these gifts, + which of yore, in manner ancestral handed down, are the sad gifts to the + grave, accept thou, drenched with a brother's tears, and for ever, + brother, hail! for ever, adieu!</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Si quicquam tacito conmissumst fido ab amico,</p> + <p class="i2">Cuius sit penitus nota fides animi,</p> + <p>Meque esse invenies illorum iure sacratum,</p> + <p class="i2">Corneli, et factum me esse puta Harpocratem.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">CII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Cornelius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>If by confiding friend aught e'er be trusted in silence,</p> + <p class="i2">Unto a man whose mind known is for worthiest trust,</p> + <p>Me shalt thou find no less than such to secrecy oathbound,</p> + <p class="i2">(Cornelius!) and now hold me an Harpocrates.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>If aught be committed to secret faith from a friend to one whose inner + faith of soul is known, thou wilt find me to be of that sacred faith, O + Cornelius, and may'st deem me become an Harpocrates. <!-- Page 286 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page286"></a>[286]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">CIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Aut, sodes, mihi redde decem sestertia, Silo,</p> + <p class="i2">Deinde esto quamvis saevus et indomitus:</p> + <p>Aut, si te nummi delectant, desine quaeso</p> + <p class="i2">Leno esse atque idem saevus et indomitus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">CIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Silo.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or, d'ye hear, refund those ten sestertia (Silo!)</p> + <p class="i2">Then be thou e'en at thy will surly and savage o' mood:</p> + <p>Or, an thou love o'er-well those moneys, prithee no longer</p> + <p class="i2">Prove thee a pimp and withal surly and savage o' mood.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Prithee, either return me my ten thousand sesterces, Silo; then be to + thy content surly and boorish: or, if the money allure thee, desist I + pray thee from being a pander and likewise surly and boorish.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Credis me potuisse meae maledicere vitae,</p> + <p class="i2">Ambobus mihi quae carior est oculis?</p> + <p>Non potui, nec si possem tam perdite amarem:</p> + <p class="i2">Sed tu cum Tappone omnia monstra facis.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 287 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page287"></a>[287]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">CIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Concerning Lesbia.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Canst thou credit that I could avail to revile my life-love,</p> + <p class="i2">She who be dearer to me even than either my eyes?</p> + <p>Ne'er could I, nor an I could, should I so losingly love her:</p> + <p class="i2">But with Tappo thou dost design every monstrous deed.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Dost deem me capable of speaking ill of my life, she who is dearer to + me than are both mine eyes? I could not, nor if I could, would my love be + so desperate: but thou with Tappo dost frame everything heinous.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CV.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Mentula conatur Pipleum scandere montem:</p> + <p class="i2">Musae furcillis praecipitem eiciunt.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">CV.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Mamurra.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Mentula fain would ascend Pipléan mountain up-mounting:</p> + <p class="i2">Pitch him the Muses down headlong wi' forklets a-hurled.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Mentula presumes the Pimplean mount to scale: the Muses with their + pitchforks chuck him headlong down. <!-- Page 288 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page288"></a>[288]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">CVI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Cum puero bello praeconem qui videt esse,</p> + <p class="i2">Quid credat, nisi se vendere discupere?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">CVI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">The Auctioneer and the Fair Boy.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When with a pretty-faced boy we see one playing the Crier,</p> + <p class="i2">What can we wot except longs he for selling the same?</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>When with a comely lad a crier is seen to be, what may be thought save + that he longs to sell himself.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CVII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Siquoi quid cupido optantique obtigit umquam</p> + <p class="i2">Insperanti, hoc est gratum animo proprie.</p> + <p>Quare hoc est gratum nobisque est carius auro,</p> + <p class="i2">Quod te restituis, Lesbia, mi cupido,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Restituis cupido atque insperanti ipsa refers te.</p> + <p class="i2">Nobis o lucem candidiore nota!</p> + <p>Quis me uno vivit felicior, aut magis hac res</p> + <p class="i2">Optandas vita dicere quis poterit?</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">CVII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Lesbia Reconciled.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>An to one ever accrue any boon he lusted and longed for</p> + <p class="i2">Any time after despair, grateful it comes to his soul.</p> +<!-- Page 289 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page289"></a>[289]</span> + <p>Thus 'tis grateful to us nor gold was ever so goodly,</p> + <p class="i2">When thou restorest thyself (Lesbia!) to lovingmost me,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Self thou restorest unhoped, and after despair thou returnest.</p> + <p class="i2">Oh the fair light of a Day noted with notabler white!</p> + <p>Where lives a happier man than myself or—this being won me—</p> + <p class="i2">Who shall e'er boast that his life brought him more coveted lot?</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>If what one desires and covets is ever obtained unhoped for, this is + specially grateful to the soul. Wherefore is it grateful to us and far + dearer than gold, that thou com'st again, Lesbia, to longing me; com'st + yet again, long-looked for and unhoped, thou restorest thyself. O day of + whiter note for us! who lives more happily than I, sole I, or who can say + what greater thing than this could be hoped for in life?</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CVIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Si, Comini, populi arbitrio tua cana senectus</p> + <p class="i2">Spurcata inpuris moribus intereat,</p> + <p>Non equidem dubito quin primum inimica bonorum</p> + <p class="i2">Lingua execta avido sit data volturio,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Effossos oculos voret atro gutture corvos,</p> + <p class="i2">Intestina canes, cetera membra lupi.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 290 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page290"></a>[290]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">CVIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Cominius.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>If by the verdict o' folk thy hoary old age (O Cominius!)</p> + <p class="i2">Filthy with fulsomest lust ever be doomed to the death,</p> + <p>Make I no manner of doubt but first thy tongue to the worthy</p> + <p class="i2">Ever a foe, cut out, ravening Vulture shall feed;</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Gulp shall the Crow's black gorge those eye-balls dug from their sockets,</p> + <p class="i2">Guts of thee go to the dogs, all that remains to the wolves.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>If, O Cominius, by the people's vote thy hoary age made filthy by + unclean practices shall perish, forsure I doubt not but that first thy + tongue, hostile to goodness, cut out, shall be given to the greedy + vulture-brood, thine eyes, gouged out, shall the crows gorge down with + sable maw, thine entrails [shall be flung] to the dogs, the members still + remaining to the wolf.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CVIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Iocundum, mea vita, mihi proponis amorem</p> + <p class="i2">Hunc nostrum internos perpetuomque fore.</p> + <p>Di magni, facite ut vere promittere possit,</p> + <p class="i2">Atque id sincere dicat et ex animo,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Vt liceat nobis tota producere vita</p> + <p class="i2">Alternum hoc sanctae foedus amicitae.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 291 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page291"></a>[291]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">CVIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Lesbia on Her Vow of Constancy.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Gladsome to me, O my life, this love whose offer thou deignest</p> + <p class="i2">Between us twain lively and lusty to last soothfast.</p> + <p>(Great Gods!) grant ye the boon that prove her promises loyal,</p> + <p class="i2">Saying her say in truth spoken with spirit sincere;</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>So be it lawful for us to protract through length of our life-tide</p> + <p class="i2">Mutual pact of our love, pledges of holy good will!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>My joy, my life, thou declarest to me that this love of ours shall + last ever between us. Great Gods! grant that she may promise truly, and + say this in sincerity and from her soul, and that through all our lives + we may be allowed to prolong together this bond of holy friendship.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CX.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Aufilena, bonae semper laudantur amicae:</p> + <p class="i2">Accipiunt pretium, quae facere instituunt.</p> + <p>Tu quod promisti, mihi quod mentita inimica's,</p> + <p class="i2">Quod nec das et fers saepe, facis facinus.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Aut facere ingenuaest, aut non promisse pudicae,</p> + <p class="i2">Aufilena, fuit: sed data corripere</p> + <p>Fraudando † efficit plus quom meretricis avarae,</p> + <p class="i2">Quae sese tota corpore prostituit.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 292 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page292"></a>[292]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">CX.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Aufilena.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Aufiléna! for aye good lasses are lauded as loyal:</p> + <p class="i2">Price of themselves they accept when they intend to perform.</p> + <p>All thou promised'st me in belying proves thee unfriendly,</p> + <p class="i2">For never giving and oft taking is deed illy done.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Either as honest to grant, or modest as never to promise,</p> + <p class="i2">Aufiléna! were fair, but at the gifties to clutch</p> + <p>Fraudfully, viler seems than greed of greediest harlot</p> + <p class="i2">Who with her every limb maketh a whore of herself.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Aufilena, honest harlots are always praised: they accept the price of + what they intend to do. Thou didst promise that to me, which, being a + feigned promise, proves thee unfriendly; not giving that, and often + accepting, thou dost wrongfully. Either to do it frankly, or not to + promise from modesty, Aufilena, was becoming thee: but to snatch the gift + and bilk, proves thee worse than the greedy strumpet who prostitutes + herself with every part of her body.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CXI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Aufilena, viro contentam vivere solo,</p> + <p class="i2">Nuptarum laus e laudibus eximiis:</p> + <p>Sed cuivis quamvis potius succumbere par est,</p> + <p class="i2">Quam matrem fratres <i>efficere</i> ex patruo.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 293 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page293"></a>[293]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">CXI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To the Same.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Aufiléna! to live content with only one husband,</p> + <p class="i2">Praise is and truest of praise ever bestowed upon wife.</p> + <p>Yet were it liefer to lie any wise with any for lover,</p> + <p class="i2">Than to be breeder of boys uncle as cousins begat.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Aufilena, to be content to live with single mate, in married dame is + praise of praises most excelling: but 'tis preferable to lie beneath any + lover thou mayest choose, rather than to make thyself mother to thy + cousins out of thy uncle.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CXII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Multus homo es Naso, neque tecum multus homost qui</p> + <p class="i2">Descendit: Naso, multus es et pathicus.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">CXII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Naso.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Great th'art (Naso!) as man, nor like thee many in greatness</p> + <p class="i2">Lower themselves (Naso!): great be thou, pathic to boot.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>A mighty man thou art, Naso, yet is a man not mighty who doth stoop + like thee: Naso thou art mighty—and pathic. <!-- Page 294 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page294"></a>[294]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">CXIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Consule Pompeio primum duo, Cinna, solebant</p> + <p class="i2">Mucillam: facto consule nunc iterum</p> + <p>Manserunt duo, sed creverunt milia in unum</p> + <p class="i2">Singula. fecundum semen adulterio.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">CXIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Cinna.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Pompey first being chosen to Consul, twofold (O Cinna!)</p> + <p class="i2">Men for amours were famed: also when chosen again</p> + <p>Two they remained; but now is each one grown to a thousand</p> + <p class="i2">Gallants:—fecundate aye springeth adultery's seed.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>In the first consulate of Pompey, two, Cinna, were wont to frequent + Mucilla: now again made consul, the two remain, but thousands may be + added to each unit. The seed of adultery is fecund.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CXIIII.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Firmano saltu non falso Mentula dives</p> + <p class="i2">Fertur, qui tot res in se habet egregias,</p> + <p>Aucupium, omne genus piscis, prata, arva ferasque.</p> + <p class="i2">Nequiquam: fructibus sumptibus exuperat.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Quare concedo sit dives, dum omnia desint.</p> + <p class="i2">Saltum laudemus, dum modo <i>eo</i> ipse egeat.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 295 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page295"></a>[295]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">CXIIII.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">On Mamurra's Squandering.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For yon Firmian domain not falsely Mentula hight is</p> + <p class="i2">Richard, owning for self so many excellent things—</p> + <p>Fish, fur, feather, all kinds, with prairie, corn-land, and ferals.</p> + <p class="i2">All no good: for th' outgoing, income immensely exceeds.</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Therefore his grounds be rich own I, while he's but a pauper.</p> + <p class="i2">Laud we thy land while thou lackest joyance thereof.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>With Firmian demesne not falsely is Mentula deemed rich, who has + everything in it of such excellence, game preserves of every kind, fish, + meadows, arable land and ferals. In vain: the yield is o'ercome by the + expense. Wherefore I admit the wealth, whilst everything is wanting. We + may praise the demesne, but its owner is a needy man.</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CXV.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Mentula habes instar triginta iugera prati,</p> + <p class="i2">Quadraginta arvi: cetera sunt maria.</p> + <p>Cur non divitiis Croesum superare potissit</p> + <p class="i2">Vno qui in saltu totmoda possideat,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Prata, arva, ingentes silvas saltusque paludesque</p> + <p class="i2">Vsque ad Hyperboreos et mare ad Oceanum?</p> + <p>Omnia magna haec sunt, tamen ipse's maximus ultro,</p> + <p class="i2">Non homo, sed vero mentula magna minax.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 296 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page296"></a>[296]</span></p> + +<p class="cenhead">CXV.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">Of the Same.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Mentula! masterest thou some thirty acres of grass-land</p> + <p class="i2">Full told, forty of field soil; others are sized as the sea.</p> + <p>Why may he not surpass in his riches any a Crœsus</p> + <p class="i2">Who in his one domain owns such abundance of good,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Grass-lands, arable fields, vast woods and forest and marish</p> + <p class="i2">Yonder to Boreal-bounds trenching on Ocean tide?</p> + <p>Great are indeed all these, but thou by far be the greatest,</p> + <p class="i2">Never a man, but a great Mentula of menacing might.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Mentula has something like thirty acres of meadow land, forty under + cultivation: the rest are as the sea. Why might he not o'erpass Croesus + in wealth, he who in one demesne possesses so much? Meadow, arable land, + immense woods, and demesnes, and morasses, e'en to the uttermost north + and to the ocean's tide! All things great are here, yet is the owner most + great beyond all; not a man, but in truth a Mentule mighty, menacing!</p> + +<p class="cenhead">CXVI.</p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Saepe tibi studioso animo venante requirens</p> + <p class="i2">Carmina uti possem mittere Battiadae,</p> +<!-- Page 297 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page297"></a>[297]</span> + <p>Qui te lenirem nobis, neu conarere</p> + <p class="i2">Telis infestis icere mi usque caput,</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Hunc video mihi nunc frustra sumptus esse laborem,</p> + <p class="i2">Gelli, nec nostras his valuisse preces.</p> + <p>Contra nos tela ista tua evitamus amictu:</p> + <p class="i2">At fixus nostris tu dabi' supplicium.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="cenhead">CXVI.</p> + +<p class="cenhead"><span class="sc">To Gellius the Critic.</span></p> + + <div class="contents"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Seeking often in mind with spirit eager of study</p> + <p class="i2">How I could send thee songs chaunted of Battiadés,</p> + <p>So thou be softened to us, nor any attempting thou venture</p> + <p class="i2">Shot of thy hostile shaft piercing me high as its head,—</p> + <div class="linenum">5</div><p>Now do I ken this toil with vainest purpose was taken,</p> + <p class="i2">(Gellius!) nor herein aught have our prayers availèd.</p> + <p>Therefore we'll parry with cloak what shafts thou shootest against us;</p> + <p class="i2">And by our bolts transfixt, penalty due thou shalt pay.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Oft with studious mind brought close, enquiring how I might send thee + the poems of Battiades for <!-- Page 298 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page298"></a>[298]</span>use, that I might soften thee towards us, + nor thou continually attempt to sting my head with troublesome + barbs—this I see now to have been trouble and labour in vain, O + Gellius, nor were our prayers to this end of any avail. Thy weapons + against us we will ward off with our cloak; but, transfixed with ours, + thou shalt suffer punishment. <!-- Page 299 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page299"></a>[299]</span></p> + +<hr class="full" > + +<h3>NOTES</h3> + +<p class="cenhead">EXPLANATORY AND ILLUSTRATIVE</p> + + <p>Carmen ii. <i>v.</i> 1. Politian, commenting on Catullus, held in + common with Lampridius, Turnebus and Vossius that Lesbia's sparrow was an + indecent allegory, like the "grey duck" in Pope's imitation of Chaucer. + Sannazarius wrote an Epigram smartly castigating Politian, the closing + lines of which were to the effect that the critic would like to devour + the bird:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i12">Meus hic Pulicianus</p> + <p>Tam bellum sibi passerem Catulli</p> + <p>Intra viscera habere concupiscit.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Martial says:</p> + +<blockquote class="b1n"> + + <p>"Kiss me and I will give you Catullus's sparrow,</p> + +</blockquote> + + <p>by which he does not mean a poem.</p> + + <p>And in the Apophoreta:</p> + +<blockquote class="b1n"> + + <p>"If you have such a sparrow as Catullus's Lesbia deplored, it may + lodge here."</p> + +</blockquote> + + <p>Chaulieu has a similar Epigram:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Autant et plus que sa vie</p> + <p>Phyllis aime un passereau;</p> + <p>Ainsi la jeune Lesbie</p> + <p>Jadis aima son moineau.</p> + <p>Mais de celui de Catulle</p> + <p>Se laissant aussi charmer,</p> + <p>Dans sa cage, sans scrupule,</p> + <p>Elle eut soin de l' enfermer.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Héguin de Guerle however sees nothing to justify this opinion, + remarking that Catullus was not the man to use a <!-- Page 300 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page300"></a>[300]</span>veil of allegory in + saying an indecency. "He preferred the bare, and even coarse, word; and + he is too rich in this style of writing to need the loan of equivocal + passages."</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 12. The story of the race between Hippomenes and Atalanta, + and how the crafty lover tricked the damsel into defeat by the three + golden apples is well known. Cf. Ovid. Metam. lib. x. <i>v.</i> 560, et + seq. According to Vossius the gift of an apple was equivalent to a + promise of the last favour. The Emperor Theodosius caused Paulinus to be + murdered for receiving an apple from his Empress. As to this, cf. the + "Tale of the Three Apples," in <i>The Book of the Thousand Nights and a + Night</i> (Sir Richard Burton's Translation, Benares, 1885-8, 16 + volumes), vol. i. p. 191. Cf. also note to C. lxv. <i>v.</i> 19.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 13. Virgins wore a girdle, generally of wool, for wool by + the ancients was supposed to excite love, which the bridegroom the first + night unbound in bed. Both in Greek and in Latin the phrase <i>to undo + the zone</i> was used to signify the loss of virginity.</p> + + <p>C. vi. <i>v.</i> 8. Some say this is the spikenard, and the same with + the Syrian <i>malobathrum</i>. But any rich odour was termed Syrian, by + the Romans, who were extravagantly fond of perfumes; and used them, + according to Vulpius, as provocatives to venery.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 9. <i>Pulvinus</i>, not <i>pulvinar</i>. Cf. carmen lxiiii. + <i>v.</i> 47, post.</p> + + <p>C. vii. <i>v.</i> 6. Battus (in Libyan) Bahatus, a chief, a + ruler.—Halevy Essai, p. 164.—<i>R. F. B.</i></p> + + <p>C. viii. <i>v.</i> 18. Plautus speaks of Teneris labellis molles + morsiunculae. Thus too Horace:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i12">Sive puer furens</p> + <p>Impressit memorem dente labris notam.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or on thy lips the fierce fond boy</p> + <p>Marks with his teeth the furious joy. <i>Francis</i>.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Plutarch tells us that Flora, the mistress of Cn. Pompey, used to say + in commendation of her lover, that she could never quit his arms without + giving him a bite. <!-- Page 301 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page301"></a>[301]</span></p> + + <p>C. xi. <i>v.</i> 5. In the Classics, Arabs always appear as a soft + effeminate race; under primitive Christianity as heretics; and after the + seventh century as conquerors, men of letters, philosophers, mediciners, + magicians and alchemists.—<i>R. F. B.</i></p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 20. <i>Ilia rumpens</i>. More exactly rendered by + Biacca:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i12">E sol di tutti</p> + <p>Tenta l'iniqua ad isnervar i fianchi.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Guarini says of a coquette, that she likes to do with lovers as with + gowns, have plenty of them, use one after another, and change them + often.</p> + + <p>C. xiii. <i>v.</i> 9. I understand this, "Thou shalt depart after + supper carrying with thee all our hearts."—<i>R. F. B.</i></p> + + <p>C. xiiii. <i>v.</i> 15. Whence our Christmas-day, the Winter Solstice + connected with Christianity. There are only four universal + festivals—"Holy days,"—and they are all of solar + origin—The Solstices and the Equinoxes.—<i>R. F. B.</i></p> + + <p>C. xv. <i>v.</i> 7. The Etymology of "platea" shows it to be a street + widening into a kind of <i>place</i>, as we often find in the old country + towns of Southern Europe.—<i>R. F. B.</i></p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 18. <i>Patente porta</i>. This may be read "Your house door + being open so that each passer may see your punishment," or it may be + interpreted as referring to the punishment itself, <i>i.e.</i>, through + the opened buttocks.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 19. This mode of punishing adulterers was first instituted + amongst the Athenians. The victim being securely tied, a mullet was + thrust up his fundament and withdrawn, the sharp gills of the fish + causing excruciating torment to the sufferer during the process of its + withdrawal, and grievously lacerating the bowels. Sometimes an enormous + radish was substituted for the mullet. According to an epigram quoted by + Vossius from the Anthologia, Alcaeus, the comic writer, died under this + very punishment.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lo here Alcaeus sleeps; whom earth's green child,</p> + <p>The broad-leaved radish, lust's avenger, kill'd.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>C. xvi. <i>v.</i> 1. <i>Paedicabo et irrumabo.</i> These detestable + words are used here only as coarse forms of threatening, with no very + definite meaning. It is certain that they were very <!-- Page 302 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page302"></a>[302]</span>commonly + employed in this way, with no more distinct reference to their original + import than the corresponding phrases of the modern Italians, <i>T' ho in + culo</i> and <i>becco fottuto</i>, or certain brutal exclamations common + in the mouths of the English vulgar.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 5. Ovid has a distich to the same effect:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Crede mihi, distant mores a carmine nostri;</p> + <p>Vita verecunda est, musa jocosa mihi.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>"Believe me there is a vast difference between my morals and my song; + my life is decorous, my muse is wanton." And Martial says:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lasciva est nobis pagina, vita proba est.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Which is thus translated by Maynard:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Si ma plume est une putain,</p> + <p class="i2">Ma vie est une sainte.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Pliny quotes this poem of Catullus to excuse the wantonness of his own + verses, which he is sending to his friend Paternus; and Apuleius cites + the passage in his Apology for the same purpose. "Whoever," says Lambe, + "would see the subject fully discussed, should turn to the Essay on the + Literary Character by Mr. Disraeli." He enumerates as instances of free + writers who have led pure lives, La Motte le Vayer, Bayle, la Fontaine, + Smollet, and Cowley. "The imagination," he adds, "may be a volcano, while + the heart is an Alp of ice." It would, however, be difficult to enlarge + this list, while on the other hand, the catalogue of those who really + practised the licentiousness they celebrated, would be very numerous. One + period alone, the reign of Charles the Second, would furnish more than + enough to outnumber the above small phalanx of purity. Muretus, whose + poems clearly gave him every right to knowledge on the subject, but whose + known debauchery would certainly have forbidden any credit to accrue to + himself from establishing the general purity of lascivious poets, at once + rejects the probability of such a contrast, saying:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Quisquis versibus exprimit Catullum</p> + <p>Raro moribus exprimit Catonem.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>"One who is a Catullus in verse, is rarely a Cato in morals." <!-- + Page 303 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page303"></a>[303]</span></p> + + <p>C. xviii. This and the two following poems are found in the Catalecta + of Vergilius, but they are assigned to Catullus by many of the best + critics, chiefly on the authority of Terentianus Maurus.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 2. Cf. <i>Auct. Priapeiorum</i>, Eps. lv. <i>v.</i> 6, and + lxxvii. <i>v.</i> 15.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 3. <i>Ostreosior</i>. This Epithet, peculiarly Catullian, is + appropriate to the coasts most favoured by Priapus; oysters being an + incentive to lust.</p> + + <p>C. xx. <i>v.</i> 19. The traveller mocks at Priapus' threat of sodomy, + regarding it as a pleasure instead of as a punishment. The god, in anger, + retorts that if that punishment has no fears for him, a fustigation by + the farmer with the self-same mentule used as a cudgel may have a more + deterrent effect. Cf. <i>Auct. Priap.</i> Ep. li. <i>v.</i> 27, 28:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nimirum apertam convolatis ad poenam:</p> + <p>Et vos hoc ipsum, quod minamur, invitat.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Without doubt, ye flock to the open punishment [so called because the + natural parts of Priapus were always exposed to view], and the very thing + with which I threaten, allures you.</p> + + <p>And also Ep. lxiv.,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">Quidam mollior anseris medulla,</p> + <p class="i2">Furatum venit hoc amor poenae.</p> + <p class="i2">Furetur licet usque non videbo.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>One than a goose's marrow softer far,</p> + <p>Comes hither stealing for it's penalty sake;</p> + <p>Steal he as please him: I will see him not.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>C. xxiii. <i>v.</i> 6. Dry and meagre as wood; like the woman of whom + Scarron says, that she never snuffed the candle with her fingers for fear + of setting them on fire.</p> + + <p>C. xxv. <i>v.</i> 1. Cf. Auct. Priap. Ep. xlv.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 5. This is a Catullian <i>crux</i>. Mr. Arthur Palmer + (Trinity College, Dublin, Jan. 31, 1890) proposes, and we + adopt—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Cum diva miluorum aves ostendit oscitantes."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>(When the Goddess of Kites shows you birds agape.)</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Diva miluorum is—Diva furum, Goddess of thieves; <i>i.e.</i>, + Laverna Milvus (hawk) being generally used for a rapacious <!-- Page 304 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page304"></a>[304]</span>robber. Mr. + Palmer quotes Plaut. (Poen. 5, 5, 13; Pers. 3, 4, 5; Bacch. 2, 3, 40), + and others.—<i>R. F. B.</i></p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 6. <i>Involasti</i>, thou didst swoop—still metaphor + of the prey-bird.—<i>R. F. B.</i></p> + + <p>C. xxvi. <i>v.</i> 3. Still the "Bora" of the Adriatic, extending, + with intervals, from Trieste to Bari. It is a N.N. Easter of peculiar + electrical properties, causing extreme thirst, wrecking ships, upsetting + mail-trains, and sweeping carriages and horses into the sea. Austral, the + south wind, is represented in these days by the Scirocco, S.S.E. It sets + out from Africa a dry wind, becomes supersaturated in the Mediterranean, + and is the scourge of Southern Italy, exhausting the air of ozone and + depressing the spirits and making man utterly useless and + miserable.—<i>R. F. B.</i></p> + + <p>C. xxviii. <i>v.</i> 10. These expressions, like those in carmen xvi. + ante, are merely terms of realistically gross abuse.</p> + + <p>C. xxviiii. <i>v.</i> 5. <i>Cinaede Romule</i>. The epithet is here + applied in its grossest sense, which again is implied in the allusion to + the spoil of Pontus; for this, as Vossius proves, can only be understood + to mean the wealth obtained by Caesar, when a young man, through his + infamous relations with Nicomedes, king of Pontus—as witness two + lines sung by Caesar's own soldiers on the occasion of his triumph:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ecce Caesar nunc triumphat, qui subegit Galliam;</p> + <p>Nicomedes non triumphat, qui subegit Caesarem.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><i>v.</i> 13. <i>Defututa Mentula</i> = a worn-out voluptuary. Mentula + is a cant term which Catullus frequently uses for a libidinous person, + and particularly for Mamurra.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 24. Pompey married Caesar's daughter, Julia, and is commonly + supposed to be the "son-in-law" here meant; but Vossius argues with some + force, that <i>socer</i> and <i>gener</i> apply, not to Caesar and + Pompey, but to Caesar and Mamurra. Those words, and the corresponding + terms in Greek, were often used in an unnatural sense, as for instance in + an epigram on Noctuinus, attributed to Calvus, in which occurs this very + line, <i>Gener socerque perdidistis omnia</i>. <!-- Page 305 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page305"></a>[305]</span></p> + + <p>C. xxxi. <i>v.</i> 1. As the Venice-Trieste railway runs along the + southern bar of the pyriform narrow, Lago di Garda, with its towering + mountains, whose heads are usually in the storm-clouds, and whose feet + sink into the nearest vineyards, the traveller catches a sight of the + Sirmio Spit, long and sandy. It is a narrow ridge boldly projecting into + the lake (once called Benacus) which was formerly a marsh, but now made + into an island by the simple process of ditch cutting: at the southern + end is the Sermione hill and its picturesque Scottish-German Castle. To + the north are some ruins supposed to be the old Villa of Catullus, but + they seem too extensive to serve for the purpose.—<i>R. F. + B.</i></p> + + <p>C. xxxii. <i>v.</i> 11. Pezay, a French translator, strangely mistakes + the meaning of the passage, as if it amounted to this, "I have gorged + till I am ready to burst;" and he quotes the remark of "une femme + charmante," who said that her only reply to such a billet-doux would have + been to send the writer an emetic. But the lady might have prescribed a + different remedy if she had been acquainted with Martial's line:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O quoties rigidâ pulsabis pallia venâ!</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>or with this quatrain of an old French poet:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ainsi depuis une semaine</p> + <p>La longue roideur de ma veine,</p> + <p>Pour néant rouge et bien en point,</p> + <p>Bat ma chemise et mon pourpoint.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>C. xxxvii. <i>v.</i> 1. Taverns and Wine-shops in Rome were + distinguished by pillars projecting into the streets, the better to catch + the eye of the passenger, as sign-posts of inns do with us now; the + tavern in question was a house of ill-fame, and we are told it was the + ninth column or sign-post from the Temple of Castor and Pollux.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 2. It was customary to display on the fronts of brothels the + names of the inmates, just as shopkeepers' names were inscribed over + places of more reputable trade: this was called <i>inscriptio</i> or + <i>titulus</i>.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 10. <i>Scorpionibus</i>. Indecent inscriptions scribbled on + the walls and door with burnt sticks. <!-- Page 306 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page306"></a>[306]</span></p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 11. Catullus's mistress had, it seems, run away from him to + a common brothel, in front of which it was the custom, not only for women + but even for men, to sit down and offer themselves for prostitution.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 16. <i>Semitarii moechi</i>. Whoremongers who take up with + common women who offer themselves at every corner of the streets for a + mere trifle.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 20. <i>Hibera Urina</i>. We are assured by Strabo, + <i>Lib.</i> 3, that this filthy custom prevailed greatly in Spain: teeth + were not only washed in stale urine, the acid of which must necessarily + render them white, but they were also rubbed with a powder of calcined + human excrement. Persons sometimes even bathed their whole bodies in + urine.</p> + + <p>C. xxxxi. <i>v.</i> 3. <i>Turpiculo naso</i>. The kind of nose alluded + to is such as sheep or goats have. Cf. Lucretius, <i>lib.</i> iv. v. + 1152.</p> + + <p>C. xxxxvii. <i>v.</i> 6. <i>In trivio</i>, i.e., in the most public + places, in hopes of finding some host.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 7. This hunting for invitations does not, according to + modern notions, place the two friends of Catullus in a respectable light; + but it was a common and avowed practice at Rome.</p> + + <p>C. liii. <i>v.</i> 5. <i>Salaputium</i>. A pet name for the male + virile member. This word has been the subject of much debate among the + learned. Some read <i>solopachium</i>, meaning a "mannikin eighteen + inches high"; Saumasius proposes salopygium, a "wagtail"; several editors + have <i>salaputium</i>, an indelicate word nurses used to children when + they fondled them, so that the exclamation would mean, "what a learned + little puppet!" Thus Augustus called Horace <i>purissimum penem</i>.</p> + + <p>C. liiii. I find it an impossibility to make any sense out of this + poem.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 5. <i>Seni recocto</i>. Horace applies this epithet to one + who has served the office of <i>quinquevir</i>, or proconsul's notary, + and who was therefore master of all the arts of chicanery. These are his + words, Sat. v. lib. 2:</p> + +<p><!-- Page 307 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page307"></a>[307]</span></p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i16"><i>Plerumque recoctus</i></p> + <p><i>Scriba ex quinqueviro corvum deludit hiantem.</i></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A seasoned scrivener, bred in office low,</p> + <p>Full often dupes and mocks the gaping crow. <span class="sc">Francis.</span></p> + </div> + </div> + <p>The modern Italians say of a man of this stamp, <i>Egli ha cotto il + culo ne' ceci rossi</i>. The phrase <i>seni recocto</i> may imply one who + enjoys a green and vigorous old age, as if made young again, as the old + woman was by wine, of whom Petronius speaks, <i>Anus recocta vino</i>; or + Æson, who was re-cooked by Medaea. That witch, says Valerius Flaccus, + <i>Recoquit fessos aetate parentes</i>.</p> + + <p>C. lvi. <i>v.</i> 6. <i>Trusantem</i>. Many read <i>crissantem</i>, + which means the movement of the loins in women; <i>ceventem</i> being the + like of a man. As the expression refers to the lad, <i>crissantem</i> + cannot be correct.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 7. <i>Pro telo</i>. Alluding to the custom of punishing + adulterers by transfixing them with darts. The double-entendre of + <i>Telo</i> with <i>Mentula</i> is evident, and makes clear the apology + to Venus. See <i>lib.</i> 9 of Apuleius for a similar passage.</p> + + <p>C. lvii. <i>v.</i> 7. <i>Erudituli</i>. The accomplishments alluded to + are not literary, but Priapeian. It is in this sense Petronius calls Gito + <i>doctissimus puer</i>. Œzema, a grave German jurist, parodied a + part of this piece. His epigram can be read without danger of having + one's stomach turned.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Belle convenit inter elegantes</p> + <p>Dione's famulas, et eruditos</p> + <p>Antiquae Themidis meos sodales.</p> + <p>Nos jus justitiamque profitemur:</p> + <p>Illae semper amant coluntque rectum.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>"There is a charming coincidence of sentiment between the fair + votaries of Venus and my learned brethren: we profess law and justice; + they dearly love the thing that is upright."</p> + + <p>C. lviii. <i>v.</i> 1. <i>Caeli</i>. This is the same with Caelius + Rufus, Catullus's rival in the affections of Lesbia, or Clodia, according + to Achilles Statius; Plutarch calls her Quadrantaria; she was debauched + by her own brother, Publius Clodius; afterwards she became the mistress + of Catullus, and lastly the common strumpet of Rome. <!-- Page 308 + --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page308"></a>[308]</span></p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 4. The meanest trulls frequented the public streets.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 5. <i>Glubit</i>. <i>Glubo</i> = to husk (corn), hence it is + tropically used to denote masturbation. Cf. Ausonius, epigram 71.</p> + + <p>C. lviiii. <i>v.</i> 1. <i>Fellat</i>. This refers to the complacent + use by the female of her lips in the act of connection.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 3. The half-starved women of pleasure attended at funerals + in the hope of picking up parts of the viands which were laid on the pile + and burnt with the body.</p> + + <p>C. lxi. <i>v.</i> 22. <i>Myrtus Asia</i>. The Asia of Catullus was + that marshy tract of land near Mount Tmolus and the River Caystrus. Cf. + Homer (<i>Il.</i> ii. 461) for the "Ancient Meadow." It was said to be as + famous for its myrtles as for its cranes. Proper "Asia Minor" is the + title first used by Oratius (Orazius?) (1. 2.) in the IVth century. See + the "Life and Works of St. Paul," by Dr. Farrar (i. 465).—<i>R. F. + B.</i></p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 54. <i>Timens</i>. Many more obscenely write <i>tumens</i>, + thus changing the "fear-full" bridegroom into the "swollen" + bridegroom.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 123. It was usual for the mirthful friends of the newly + married couple to sing obscene songs called <i>Fescennine</i>, which were + tolerated on this occasion.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 124. <i>Nec nuces pueris</i>. This custom of throwing nuts, + such as walnuts or almonds, is of Athenian origin; some say it was meant + to divert the attention from the raptures of the bride and bridegroom, + when in bed, by the noise they, and the scrambling boys, made on the + floor. For <i>nuces</i>, referring to the use of boys, see Verg. Eclogue + 8.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 125. <i>Concubinus</i>. By the shamelessness of this + passage, it would seem to be quite a usual thing amongst the youthful + Roman aristocracy to possess a bedfellow of their own sex.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 137. "This coarse imitation of the Fescennine poems," says + Dunlop (History of Roman Literature), "leaves on our minds a stronger + impression of the prevalence and extent of Roman vices than any other + passage in the Latin classics. Martial, and Catullus himself elsewhere, + have branded their enemies; and Juvenal, in bursts of satiric <!-- Page + 309 --><span class="pagenum"><a + name="page309"></a>[309]</span>indignation, has reproached his countrymen + with the blackest crimes. But here, in a complimentary poem to a patron + and intimate friend, these are jocularly alluded to as the venial + indulgence of his earliest youth."</p> + + <p>C. lxii. <i>v.</i> 39, <i>et seq.</i> Thus exquisitely rendered by + Spenser, Faery Queen, b. ii. c. 12:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">The whiles some one did chaunt this lovely lay:</p> + <p class="i4">"Ah! see, whoso fayre thing doest faine to see,</p> + <p class="i2">In springing flowre the image of thy day!</p> + <p class="i4">Ah! see the virgin rose, how sweetly she</p> + <p class="i4">Doth first peepe foorth with bashfull modestie,</p> + <p class="i2">That fairer seemes the lesse ye see her may!</p> + <p class="i4">Lo see soone after how more bold and free</p> + <p class="i2">Her bared bosome she doth broad display;</p> + <p>Lo! see soone after how she fades and falls away!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">"So passeth, in the passing of a day,</p> + <p class="i4">Of mortal life the leafe, the bud, the flowre;</p> + <p class="i2">Ne more doth flourish after first decay,</p> + <p class="i4">That erst was sought to deck both bed and bowre</p> + <p class="i4">Of many a lady, and many a paramoure!</p> + <p class="i2">Gather therefore the rose whilest yet is prime,</p> + <p class="i4">For soone comes age that will her pride deflowre;</p> + <p class="i2">Gather the rose of love whilest yet is time,</p> + <p>Whilest loving thou mayst loved be with equal crime."</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>C. lxiii. <i>v.</i> 23. Women devoted to the service of Bacchus or of + Cybele; for many things were common to the rights of both deities. The + name is derived from <span title="mainesthai" class="grk" + >μαινεσθαι</span>, to + rave.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 28. <i>Thiasus</i> is properly a chorus of sacred singers + and dancers, living in a community, like a college of dervishes, who, + indeed, are an exact counterpart of the Galli as regards their howling + and dancing ritual, but have the advantage of their predecessors in one + important particular, <i>i.e.</i>, they are not castrated.</p> + + <p>C. lxiiii. <i>v.</i> 65. The strophium was a band which confined the + breasts and restrained the exuberance of their growth. Martial + apostrophizes it thus:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Fascia, crescentes dominae compesce papillas,</p> + <p>Ut sit quod capiat nostra tegatque manus.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>"Confine the growth of my fair one's breasts, that they may be just + large enough for my hand to enclose them." <!-- Page 310 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page310"></a>[310]</span></p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 377. <i>Circumdare filo</i>. That is, may you to-morrow + prove that you are no longer a virgin; for the ancients had an idea that + the neck swelled after venery; perhaps from the supposed descent of the + procreative fluid which they thought lodged in the brain. See Hippocrates + and Aristotle upon this subject. The swelling of the bride's neck was + therefore ascertained by measurement with a thread on the morning after + the nuptials, and was held to be sufficient proof of their happy + consummation. The ancients, says Pezay, had faith in another equally + absurd test of virginity. They measured the circumference of the neck + with a thread. Then the girl under trial took the two ends of the magic + thread in her teeth, and if it was found to be so long that its bight + could be passed over her head, it was clear she was not a maid. By this + rule all the thin girls might pass for vestals, and all the plump ones + for the reverse.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 403. Semiramis is said to have done thus by her son + Ninus.</p> + + <p>C. lxv. <i>v.</i> 19. The gift of an apple had a very tender meaning; + according to Vossius it was <i>quasi pignus concubitus</i>, that is to + say, it was the climax</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>To all those token flowers that tell</p> + <p>What words can never speak so well.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>In one of the love epistles of Aristaenetus, Phalaris complains to her + friend Petala, how her younger sister, who had accompanied her to dine + with Pamphilus, her lover, attempted to seduce him, and among other + wanton tricks did as follows: "Pamphilus, biting off a piece of an apple, + chucked it dexterously into her bosom; she took it, kissed it, and + thrusting it under her sash, hid it between her breasts." Cf. note to C. + ii. <i>v.</i> 12, <i>ante.</i></p> + + <p>C. lxvii. <i>v.</i> 21. <i>Languidior</i>. This expression, here + obscenely applied, is proverbial, from the flagging of the leaves of the + beet; hence the Latin word <i>batizare</i>, to droop, used by Suetonius, + <i>in Augusto</i>. See Pliny on this plant, Cap. xiii. <i>lib.</i> 9.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 28. <i>Zonam Solvere</i>. See the note to C. ii. <i>v.</i> + 13.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 30. <i>Minxerit in gremium</i>. Horace uses the word + <i>mingere</i> in the same sense:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><i>Dicitur ut formae melioris meïat eodem</i>.</p> + <p class="i16">Hor. Sat. vii. <i>lib.</i> 2.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p><!-- Page 311 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page311"></a>[311]</span></p> + + <p>and in like manner Persius</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><i>Patriciae immeïat vulvae.</i></p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Pliny more than once uses the word <i>urina pro semine</i>.</p> + + <p>C. lxviiii. <i>v.</i> 6. <i>Sub alarum</i>. Many would join these two + words and form one, which, however, is not authorised by any ancient + writer. The Spaniards, it is true, say <i>sobaco</i>, the armpit, but + this does not justify a new Latin coinage of any similar word. The smell + alluded to in this line has often been compared to that of a goat; it is + called <i>capram</i>, <i>caprum</i>, and <i>hircam</i>. Thus Horace, + Epod. 12,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i16"><i>Namque sagacius unus odoror</i></p> + <p><i>Polypus an gravis hirsutis cubet hircus in alis.</i></p> + </div> + </div> + <p>This tetterous complaint is peculiar to warm countries; we know + scarcely anything of it in our northern climate.</p> + + <p>C. lxxiiii. <i>v.</i> 6. The reader will easily guess that one reason + for the uncle's inability to murmur was owing to the occupation which + Gellius had thrust on him.</p> + + <p>C. lxxvii. <i>v.</i> 8. <i>Suavia comminxit</i>. This habit, which the + filthy Rufus adopts, is mentioned by Lucretius:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i16"><i>Jungunt salivas</i></p> + <p><i>Oris, et inspirant pressantes dentibus ora.</i></p> + <p class="i24">Lucret. <i>lib.</i> 4.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>C. lxxx. <i>v.</i> 6. Martial has a similar expression,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><i>Lambebat medios improba lingua viros</i>.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><i>v.</i> 8. <i>Ilia, et emulso</i>. Lucretius uses the word + <i>mulgere</i> in the same sense in lib. 4.</p> + + <p>C. lxxxiiii. <i>v.</i> 2. The first notice in the classics of our + far-famed 'Arry, whose female is 'Arriet.—<i>R. F. B.</i></p> + + <p>C. lxxxviiii. <i>v.</i> 1. The good condition and number of the + relations of Gellius are assigned as the causes of his macilency, Gellius + being an adulterer of the most infamous kind. Thus Propertius, on the + amorous disposition peculiar to those of a spare make,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>What tho' my slender shape enervate seem,</p> + <p>Think not that vigour flies my meagre frame;</p> +<!-- Page 312 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="page312"></a>[312]</span> + <p>At Venus' rites I ne'er was known to fail,</p> + <p>Th' experienc'd fair can this dear truth reveal.</p> + <p class="i24">Proper., <i>Eleg.</i> 22. <i>lib.</i> 2.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>C. lxxxx. <i>v.</i> 6. <i>Omentum</i>. The sages used to draw omens + from the entrails of sacrificed beasts as they were burning; but more + particularly from the <i>omentum</i>, or <i>caul</i>, that apron of fat + which covers the abdominal viscera.</p> + + <p>C. lxxxxiiii. <i>v.</i> 1. There is a double meaning in the original, + and the translator can give but half of it. <i>Mentula</i>, synonymous + with <i>penis</i>, is a nickname applied by Catullus to Mamurra, of whom + he says (cxv.) that he is not a man, but a great thundering + <i>mentula</i>. Mahérault has happily rendered the meaning of the epigram + in French, in which language there is an equivalent for Mentula, that is + to say, a man's name which is also a popular synonym for what + characterizes the god Priapus. "Jean Chouard fornique; eh! sans doute, + c'est bien Jean Chouard. C'est ainsi qu'on peut dire que c'est la marmite + qui cueille les choux." Achilles Statius interprets this <i>distich</i> + thus, "It is the flesh that is guilty, and not I who am guilty; so is it + the pot that robs the garden, and not the thief that robs the + pot-herbs."</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 2. <i>Ipsa olera olla legat</i>. This may have been a cant + proverb of the day containing a meaning which is now unknown to us. + Parthenius interprets it "A libidinous man is apt in adultery, as a + vessel is suited to hold its contents."</p> + + <p>C. lxxxxvii. <i>v.</i> 1. There is in the Greek Anthology a similar + epigram by Nicarchus, which has thus been translated by Grotius:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Non culo, Theodore, minus tibi foetida bucca est</p> + <p class="i2">Noscera discrimen sit sapientis opus.</p> + <p>Scribere debueras hîc podex est meus, hic os;</p> + <p class="i2">Nunc tu cum pedas atque loquare simul,</p> + <p>Discere non valeo, quid venerit inde vel inde;</p> + <p class="i2">Vipera namque infra sibilat atque supra.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><i>v.</i> 7. Few are ignorant of what Scaliger here gravely tells us: + <i>fessi muli strigare solent, ut meiant</i>. Vossius reads + <i>defissus</i>, in a different sense. <!-- Page 313 --><span + class="pagenum"><a name="page313"></a>[313]</span></p> + + <p>C. lxxxxviiii. This poem shews beyond contradiction that Catullus + himself was not free from the vice of paederasty, so universal amongst + the Roman youth.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 10. <i>Lupae</i>. The infamous, fetid harlot is called + <i>lupa</i> (a she-wolf) from the ravenousness of the wolf answering to + the rapacious disposition of the generality of courtezans: but Servius, + <i>Aen.</i> 3, assigns a much more improper and filthy reason.</p> + + <p>C. c. <i>v.</i> 1. Again the Roman paederasty shews itself in + Caelius's affection for Aufilenus.</p> + + <p>C. ciii. It appears that Catullus had given a sum of money to the + pander Silo to procure him a mistress. He did not perform his engagement, + but kept the money, and abused our sinning bard when he reproached him + with the cheat.</p> + + <p>C. cv. There are not wanting commentators who give a very obscene turn + to this epigram against Mamurra.</p> + + <p>C. cx. <i>v.</i> 4. The word <i>dare</i> has here an erotic sense.</p> + + <p><i>v.</i> 8. <i>Tota corpore prostituit</i>. Some commentators think + that this alludes to such women as not only submit to prostitution, but + are in every way subservient to the lascivious caprices of depraved + appetites. Vossius inclines to such an interpretation.</p> + + <p>C. cxii. <i>v.</i> 2. <i>Multus</i>. Some commentators read + <i>moltus</i> in an obscene sense, <i>à molendo</i>. Vossius understands + by <i>descendere in sese</i> the same act as is alluded to in C. + lxxxviii., hence the force of the word <i>multus</i>, meaning <i>cum + feminâ</i>, which he jeeringly applies to Naso as though he would + ironically exclaim: <i>Et tu feminâ! tu solus es, aut sine feminâ</i>. He + writes the epigram thus:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><i>Multus homo est, Naso, neque secum multus homo qui</i></p> + <p><i>Descendit? Naso, multus es et pathicus?</i></p> + </div> + </div> +<h3>THE END</h3> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus, by +Caius Valerius Catullus + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAIUS VALERIUS CATULLUS *** + +***** This file should be named 20732-h.htm or 20732-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/7/3/20732/ + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Keith Edkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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