Priapeia
Priaepia
by divers poets in English verse and prose. Translated by Sir Richard Burton and Leonard C. Smithers
- Though I be agèd now, though head and chin
- Now show them hoary-hue'd with grizzling hair,
- Still can I perforate those caught by me,
- Tithonus, Priam, Nestor--every one.
- You see how mightily my rage ye rouse
- Who hem me ever with a bullfinch hedge
- Forbidding robbers from approaching me.
- This is to hurt while helping, this is but
- To scare the birdies from the birder's snare.
- The way is closèd nor prone-fallen thief
- Can with his backside expiate his crime.
- Thus I who erstwhile ever, ever and aye
- Buttocks of plundering wights was wont to cleave,
- For many a night and day in idlesse stand.
- I also, suffering pains enough and more,
- Flow off in semen and a lecher whiles
- Unlive my life-tide. Who could ever think
- From lute the lutanist should cut him clear?
- But you, ereeld's marasmus do me dead,
- Desist, I pray you from vain diligence,