Carmina
Catullus
Catullus, Gaius Valerius. The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus. Burton, Sir Richard Francis, translator. London, Printed for the Translators, 1894.
- Thou who the girl perforce canst tear from a mother's embraces,
- Tear from a parent's clasp her child despite of her clinging
- And upon love-hot youth bestowest her chastest of maidenhoods!
- What shall the foeman deal more cruel to city becaptured?
- Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
- Hesperus! say what flame more gladsome in Heavens be shining?
- Thou whose light makes sure long-pledged connubial promise
- Plighted erewhile by men and erstwhile plighted by parents.
- Yet to be ne'er fulfilled before thy fire's ardours have risen!
- What better boon can the gods bestow than hour so desirèd?
- Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
- Hesperus! one of ourselves (Companions!) carried elsewhither
- --->
- Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
- ---
- For at thy coming in sight a guard is constantly watching.
- Hidden o'nights lurk thieves and these as oft as returnest,
- Hesper! thou seizest them with title changed to Eous.
- Pleases the bevy unwed with feigned complaints to accuse thee.
- What if assail they whom their souls in secrecy cherish?