Priapeia

Priaepia

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

  1. And the coarse water-grass to clear afar from my chapel:
  2. That with his open hand ever brings me offerings humble.
  3. Hung up in honour mine are flowery firstlings of spring-tide,
  4. Wreaths with their ears still soft the tender stalklets a-crowning;
  5. Violets pale are mine by side of the poppy-head pallid;
  6. With the dull yellow gourd and apples sweetest of savour;
  7. Lastly the blushing grape disposed in shade of the vine-tree.
  8. Anon mine altar (this same) with blood (but you will be silent!)
  9. Bearded kid and anon some horny-hoofed nanny shall sprinkle.
  10. Wherefore Priapus is bound to requite such honours by service,
  11. Doing his duty to guard both vineyard and garth of his lordling.