Priapeia

Priaepia

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

  1. And such damage I deem better it were to repel.
  1. While there is life 'tis fitting to hope, O rustical guardian!
  2. Here be thou present and thou aid us, Priapus stiff-nerved.
  1. Bailiff of house whilom, now I of fieldlet the tiller;
  2. Perspectus, these fanes give (O Priapus!) to thee.
  3. So for such offices make I pact (if lawful, O Holy)
  4. Thou of this farm shalt bide ever-assiduous guard.
  5. And if a rogue come rob our field or venture to trespass
  6. Him thou may'st--Hush! for I know whatso shall follow thou know'st.
  1. What news be here? what send those angry gods?
  2. Whenas in silent night that snow-hued boy
  3. To my warm bosom claspèd lay concealed,
  4. Venus was dormant nor in manly guise