Priapeia
Priaepia
by divers poets in English verse and prose. Translated by Sir Richard Burton and Leonard C. Smithers
- 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,
- Nor hang a buckle on Priapus' yard.
- The Gods and Goddesses deny thy teeth
- A bait, a whetting, neighbour cunnilinge!
- Thro' whom my girl (once strong and never false,
- But with her swift untiring paces wont
- To visit us), that hapless Labdacé,
- Swears for her ditches she can hardly crawl.