Carmina
Catullus
Catullus, Gaius Valerius. The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus. Burton, Sir Richard Francis, translator. London, Printed for the Translators, 1894.
- Sweetest solace of all to the sweltering traveller wayworn,
- Whenas the heavy heat fissures the fiery fields;
- Or, as to seamen lost in night of whirlwind a-glooming
- Gentle of breath there comes fairest and favouring breeze,
- Pollux anon being prayed, nor less vows offered to Castor:—
- Such was the aidance to us Manius pleased to afford.
- He to my narrow domains far wider limits laid open,
- He too gave me the house, also he gave me the dame,
- She upon whom both might exert them, partners in love deeds.
- Thither graceful of gait pacing my goddess white-hued
- Came and with gleaming foot on the worn sole of the threshold
- Stood she and prest its slab creakihg her sandals the while;
- E'enso with love enflamed in olden days to her helpmate,
- Laodamía the home Protesiléan besought,
- Sought, but in vain, for ne'er wi' sacrificial blood shed
- Victims appeased the Lords ruling Celestial seats:
- Never may I so joy in aught (Rhamnusian Virgin!)
- That I engage in deed maugrè the will of the Lords.
- How starved altar can crave for gore in piety poured,
- Laodamia learnt taught by the loss of her man,