Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. Whatwhile I purged my sin unto thee nor with any weeping
  2. Tittle of cruel despite such as be thine could I 'bate.
  3. For that no sooner done thou washed thy liplets with many
  4. Drops which thy fingers did wipe, using their every joint,
  5. Lest of our mouths conjoined remain there aught by the contact
  6. Like unto slaver foul shed by the butterèd bun.
  7. Further, wretchedmost me betrayed to unfriendliest Love-god
  8. Never thou ceased'st to pain hurting with every harm,
  9. So that my taste be turned and kisses ambrosial erstwhile
  10. Even than hellebore-juice bitterest bitterer grow.
  11. Seeing such pangs as these prepared for unfortunate lover,
  12. After this never again kiss will I venture to snatch.
  1. Caelius Aufilénus and Quintius Aufiléna,
  2. Love to the death, both swains bloom of the youth Veronese,
  3. This woo'd brother and that sue'd sister: so might the matter
  4. Claim to be titled wi' sooth fairest fraternalest tie.
  5. Whom shall I favour the first? Thee (Caelius!) for thou hast provèd
  6. Singular friendship to us shown by the deeds it has done,
  7. Whenas the flames insane had madded me, firing my marrow:
  8. Caelius! happy be thou; ever be lusty in love.