Priapeia

Priaepia

by divers poets in English verse and prose. Translated by Sir Richard Burton and Leonard C. Smithers

  1. Know that this crass coarse yard nor lengthens nor stands as becomes it;
  2. Though an thou handle the same unto fair growth will it grow.
  3. Woe's me! how lustful girls are gulled by its seeming dimensions
  4. Than which bigger of bulk never a prickle was seen.
  5. Usefuller Tydeus was albeit (an trust we to Homer)
  6. In his diminutive frame dwelt a pugnacious soul.
  7. Yet from this strangeness and shame could nothing ever avail us
  8. And such damage I deem better it were to repel.