Carmina
Catullus
Catullus, Gaius Valerius. The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus. Burton, Sir Richard Francis, translator. London, Printed for the Translators, 1894.
- Still of your competence 'twas within your household to home me,
- Where I might serve as slave in gladsome service familiar,
- Laving your snow-white feet in clearest chrystalline waters
- Or with its purpling gear your couch in company strewing.
- Yet for what cause should I complain in vain to the winds that unknow me,
- (I so beside me with grief!) which ne'er of senses endued
- Hear not the words sent forth nor aught avail they to answer?
- Now be his course well-nigh engaged in midway of ocean,
- Nor any mortal shape appears in barrens of sea-wrack.
- Thus at the latest hour with insults over-sufficient
- E'en to my plaints fere Fate begrudges ears that would hear me.
- Jupiter! Lord of All-might, Oh would in days that are bygone
- Ne'er had Cecropian poops toucht ground at Gnossian foreshore,
- Nor to the unconquered Bull that tribute direful conveying
- Had the false Seaman bound to Cretan island his hawser,
- Nor had yon evil wight, 'neath shape the softest hard purpose
- Hiding, enjoyed repose within our mansion beguested!
- Whither can wend I now? What hope lends help to the lost one?
- Idomenean mounts shall I scale? Ah, parted by whirlpools
- Widest, yon truculent main where yields it power of passage?