Carmina

Catullus

Catullus, Gaius Valerius. The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus. Burton, Sir Richard Francis, translator. London, Printed for the Translators, 1894.

  1. Then, yea, thou by thy dying hast broke my comfort, 0 brother;
  2. Buried together wi' thee lieth the whole of our house;
  3. Perisht along wi' thyself all gauds and joys of our life-tide,
  4. Douce love fostered by thee during the term of our days.
  5. After thy doom of death fro' mind I banishèd wholly
  6. Studies like these, and all lending a solace to soul;
  7. Wherefore as to thy writ :—"Verona's home for Catullus
  8. Bringeth him shame, for there men of superior mark
  9. Must on a deserted couch fain chafe their refrigerate limbs:"
  10. Such be no shame (Manius!): rather 'tis matter of ruth.
  11. Pardon me, then, wilt thou an gifts bereft me by grieving
  12. These I send not to thee since I avail not present.
  13. For, that I own not here abundant treasure of writings
  14. Has for its cause, in Rome dwell I; and there am I homed,
  15. There be my seat, and there my years are gathered to harvest;
  16. Out of book-cases galore here am I followed by one.
  17. This being thus, nill I thou deem 'tis spirit malignant
  18. Acts in such wise or mind lacking of liberal mood
  19. That to thy prayer both gifts be not in plenty supplièd:
  20. Willingly both had I sent, had I the needed supply.