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XXXVIII.
Malest, Cornifici, tuo Catullo, Malest, me hercule, et est laboriose, Et magis magis in dies et horas. Quem tu, quod minimum facillimumquest, Qua solatus es adlocutione? 5 Irascor tibi. sic meos amores? Paulum quid lubet adlocutionis, Maestius lacrimis Simonideis.
XXXVIII.
A COMPLAINT TO CORNIFICIUS.
Cornificius! 'Tis ill with thy Catullus, 'Tis ill (by Hercules) distressfully: Iller and iller every day and hour. Whose soul (as smallest boon and easiest) With what of comfort hast thou deign'd console? 5 Wi' thee I'm angered! Dost so prize my love? Yet some consoling utterance had been well Though sadder 'twere than Simonidean tears.
'Tis ill, Cornificius, with thy Catullus, 'tis ill, by Hercules, and most untoward; and greater, greater ill, each day and hour! And thou, what solace givest thou, e'en the tiniest, the lightest, by thy words? I'm wroth with thee. Is my love but worth this? Yet one little message would cheer me, though more full of sadness than Simonidean tears.
XXXVIIII.
Egnatius, quod candidos habet dentes, Renidet usque quaque. sei ad rei ventumst Subsellium, cum orator excitat fletum, Renidet ille. sei ad pii rogum fili Lugetur, orba cum flet unicum mater, 5 Renidet ille. quidquid est, ubicumquest, Quodcumque agit, renidet. hunc habet morbum, Neque elegantem, ut arbitror, neque urbanum. Quare monendum test mihi, bone Egnati. Si urbanus esses aut Sabinus aut Tiburs 10 Aut fartus Vmber aut obesus Etruscus Aut Lanuinus ater atque dentatus Aut Transpadanus, ut meos quoque attingam, Aut quilubet, qui puriter lavit dentes, Tamen renidere usque quaque te nollem: 15 Nam risu inepto res ineptior nullast. Nunc Celtiber es: Celtiberia in terra, Quod quisque minxit, hoc sibi solet mane Dentem atque russam defricare gingivam, Vt quo iste vester expolitior dens est, 20 Hoc te amplius bibisse praedicet loti.
XXXVIIII.
ON EGNATIUS OF THE WHITE TEETH.
Egnatius for that owns he teeth snow-white, Grins ever, everywhere. When placed a wight In dock, when pleader would draw tears, the while He grins. When pious son at funeral pile Mourns, or lone mother sobs for sole lost son, 5 He grins. Whate'er, whene'er, howe'er is done, Of deed he grins. Such be his malady, Nor kind, nor courteous—so beseemeth me— Then take thou good Egnatius, rede of mine! Wert thou corrupt Sabine or a Tiburtine, 10 Stuffed Umbrian or Tuscan overgrown Swarthy Lanuvian with his teeth-rows shown, Transpadan also, that mine own I touch, Or any washing teeth to shine o'er much, Yet thy incessant grin I would not see, 15 For naught than laughter silly sillier be. Thou Celtiber art, in Celtiberia born, Where man who's urined therewith loves a-morn His teeth and ruddy gums to scour and score; So the more polisht are your teeth, the more 20 Argue they sipping stale in ampler store.
Egnatius, who has milk-white teeth, grins for ever and aye. An he be in court, when counsel excites tears, he grins. An he be at funeral pyre where one mourns a son devoted, where a bereft mother's tears stream for her only one, he grins. Whatever it may be, wherever he is, whate'er may happen, he grins. Such ill habit has he—neither in good taste, well assumed, nor refined. Wherefore do thou take note from me, my good Egnatius. Be thou refined Sabine or Tiburtine, paunch-full Umbrian or obese Tuscan, Lanuvian dusky and large-tusked, or Transpadine (to touch upon mine own folk also), or whom thou wilt of those who cleanly wash their teeth, still I'd wish thee not to grin for ever and aye; for than senseless giggling nothing is more senseless. Now thou'rt a Celtiberian! and in the Celtiberian land each wight who has urined is wont each morn to scrub with it his teeth and pinky gums, so that the higher the polish on thy teeth, the greater fund it notes that thou hast drunk of urine.
XXXX.
Quaenam te mala mens, miselle Ravide, Agit praecipitem in meos iambos? Quis deus tibi non bene advocatus Vecordem parat excitare rixam? An ut pervenias in ora vulgi? 5 Quid vis? qua lubet esse notus optas? Eris, quandoquidem meos amores Cum longa voluisti amare poena.
XXXX.
THREATENING RAVIDUS WHO STOLE HIS MISTRESS.
What thought of folly Ravidus (poor churl!) Upon my iambs thus would headlong hurl? What good or cunning counsellor would fain Urge thee to struggle in such strife insane? Is't that the vulgar mouth thy name by rote? 5 What will'st thou? Wishest on any wise such note? Then shalt be noted since my love so lief For love thou sued'st to thy lasting grief.
What mind ill set, O sorry Ravidus, doth thrust thee rashly on to my iambics? What god, none advocate of good for thee, doth stir thee to a senseless contest? That thou may'st be in the people's mouth? What would'st thou? Dost wish to be famed, no matter in what way? So thou shalt be, since thou hast aspired to our loved one's love, but by our long-drawn vengeance.
XXXXI.
Ametina puella defututa Tota milia me decem poposcit, Ista turpiculo puella naso, Decoctoris amica Formiani. Propinqui, quibus est puella curae, 5 Amicos medicosque convocate: Non est sana puella. nec rogate, Qualis sit: solet esse imaginosa.
XXXXI.
ON MAMURRA'S MISTRESS.
That Ametina, worn-out whore, Me for a myriad oft would bore, That strumpet of th' ignoble nose, To leman, rakehell Formian chose. An ye would guard her (kinsmen folk) 5 Your friends and leaches d'ye convoke: The girl's not sound-sens'd; ask ye naught Of her complaint: she's love-distraught.
Ametina, out-drained maiden, worries me for a whole ten thousand, that damsel with an outspread nose, chere amie of Formianus the wildling. Ye near of kin in whose care the maiden is, summon ye both friends and medicals: for the girl's not sane. Nor ask ye, in what way: she is subject to delusions.
XXXXII.
Adeste, hendecasyllabi, quot estis Omnes undique, quotquot estis omnes. Iocum me putat esse moecha turpis Et negat mihi nostra reddituram Pugillaria, si pati potestis. 5 Persequamur eam, et reflagitemus. Quae sit, quaeritis. illa, quam videtis Turpe incedere, mimice ac moleste Ridentem catuli ore Gallicani. Circumsistite eam, et reflagitate, 10 'Moecha putida, redde codicillos, Redde, putida moecha, codicillos.' Non assis facis? o lutum, lupanar, Aut si perditius potest quid esse. Sed non est tamen hoc satis putandum. 15 Quod si non aliud potest, ruborem Ferreo canis exprimamus ore. Conclamate iterum altiore voce 'Moecha putida, redde codicillos, Redde, putida moecha, codicillos.' 20 Sed nil proficimus, nihil movetur. Mutandast ratio modusque vobis, Siquid proficere amplius potestis, 'Pudica et proba, redde codicillos.'
XXXXII.
ON A STRUMPET WHO STOLE HIS TABLETS.
Come, Hendecasyllabics, many as may All hither, every one that of you be! That fulsome harlot makes me laughing-stock And she refuses at our prayer restore Our stolen Note-books, an such slights ye bear. 5 Let us pursue her clamouring our demands. "Who's she?" ye question: yonder one ye sight Mincingly pacing mime-like, perfect pest, With jaws wide grinning like a Gallic pup. Stand all round her dunning with demands, 10 "Return (O rotten whore!) our noting books. Our noting books (O rotten whore!) return!" No doit thou car'st? O Mire! O Stuff o' stews! Or if aught fouler filthier dirt there be. Yet must we never think these words suffice. 15 But if naught else avail, at least a blush Forth of that bitch-like brazen brow we'll squeeze. Cry all together in a higher key "Restore (O rotten whore!) our noting books, Our noting books (O rotten whore!) restore!" 20 Still naught avails us, nothing is she moved. Now must our measures and our modes be changed An we would anywise our cause advance. "Restore (chaste, honest Maid!) our noting books!"
Hither, all ye hendecasyllables, as many as may be, from every part, all of ye, as many soever as there be! A shameless prostitute deems me fair sport, and denies return to me of our writing tablets, if ye are able to endure this. Let's after her, and claim them back. "Who may she be," ye ask? That one, whom ye see strutting awkwardly, stagily, and stiffly, and with a laugh on her mouth like a Gallic whelp. Throng round her, and claim them back. "O putrid punk, hand back our writing tablets; hand back, O putrid punk, our writing tablets." Not a jot dost heed? O Muck, Brothel-Spawn, or e'en loathsomer if it is possible so to be! Yet think not yet that this is enough. For if naught else we can extort a blush on thy brazened bitch's face. We'll yell again in heightened tones, "O putrid punk, hand back our writing tablets, hand back, O putrid punk, our writing tablets." But naught we profit, naught she budges. Changed must your measure and your manner be, an you would further progress make—"O Virgin pure and spotless, hand back our writing tablets."
XXXXIII.
Salve, nec minimo puella naso Nec bello pede nec nigris ocellis Nec longis digitis nec ore sicco Nec sane nimis elegante lingua, Decoctoris amica Formiani. 5 Ten provincia narrat esse bellam? Tecum Lesbia nostra conparatur? O saeclum insapiens et infacetum!
XXXXIII.
TO MAMURRA'S MISTRESS.
Hail, girl who neither nose of minim size Owns, nor a pretty foot, nor jetty eyes, Nor thin long fingers, nor mouth dry of slaver Nor yet too graceful tongue of pleasant flavour, Leman to Formian that rake-a-hell. 5 What, can the Province boast of thee as belle? Thee with my Lesbia durst it make compare? O Age insipid, of all humour bare!
Hail, O maiden with nose not of the tiniest, with foot lacking shape and eyes lacking darkness, with fingers scant of length, and mouth not dry and tongue scant enough of elegance, chere amie of Formianus the wildling. And thee the province declares to be lovely? With thee our Lesbia is to be compared? O generation witless and unmannerly!
XXXXIIII.
O funde noster seu Sabine seu Tiburs, (Nam te esse Tiburtem autumant, quibus non est Cordi Catullum laedere: at quibus cordist, Quovis Sabinum pignore esse contendunt) Sed seu Sabine sive verius Tiburs, 5 Fui libenter in tua suburbana Villa malamque pectore expuli tussim, Non inmerenti quam mihi meus venter, Dum sumptuosas adpeto, dedit, cenas. Nam, Sestianus dum volo esse conviva, 10 Orationem in Antium petitorem Plenam veneni et pestilentiae legi. Hic me gravido frigida et frequens tussis Quassavit usque dum in tuum sinum fugi Et me recuravi otioque et urtica. 15 Quare refectus maximas tibi grates Ago, meum quod non es ulta peccatum. Nec deprecor iam, si nefaria scripta Sesti recepso, quin gravidinem et tussim Non mi, sed ipsi Sestio ferat frigus, 20 Qui tum vocat me, cum malum librum legi.
XXXXIIII.
CATULLUS TO HIS OWN FARM.
O Farm our own, Sabine or Tiburtine, (For style thee "Tiburs" who have not at heart To hurt Catullus, whereas all that have Wage any wager thou be Sabine classed) But whether Sabine or of Tiburs truer 5 To thy suburban Cottage fared I fain And fro' my bronchials drave that cursed cough Which not unmerited on me my maw, A-seeking sumptuous banquetings, bestowed. For I requesting to be Sestius' guest 10 Read against claimant Antius a speech, Full-filled with poisonous pestilential trash. Hence a grave frigid rheum and frequent cough Shook me till fled I to thy bosom, where Repose and nettle-broth healed all my ills. 15 Wherefore recruited now best thanks I give To thee for nowise punishing my sins: Nor do I now object if noisome writs Of Sestius hear I, but that cold and cough And rheum may plague, not me, but Sestius' self 20 Who asks me only his ill writs to read.
O, Homestead of ours, whether Sabine or Tiburtine (for that thou'rt Tiburtine folk concur, in whose heart 'tis not to wound Catullus; but those in whose heart 'tis, will wager anything thou'rt Sabine) but whether Sabine or more truly Tiburtine, o'erjoyed was I to be within thy rural country-home, and to cast off an ill cough from my chest, which—not unearned—my belly granted me, for grasping after sumptuous feeds. For, in my wish to be Sestius' guest, his defence against the plaintiff Antius, crammed with venom and pestilent dulness, did I read through. Hence a chill heavy rheum and fitful cough shattered me continually until I fled to thine asylum, and brought me back to health with rest and nettle-broth. Wherefore, re-manned, I give thee utmost thanks, that thou hast not avenged my fault. Nor do I pray now for aught but that, should I re-take Sestius' nefarious script, its frigid vapidness may bring a cold and cough to Sestius' self; for he but invites me when I read dull stuff.
XXXXV.
Acmen Septumius suos amores Tenens in gremio 'mea' inquit 'Acme, Ni te perdite amo atque amare porro Omnes sum adsidue paratus annos Quantum qui pote plurimum perire, 5 Solus in Libya Indiave tosta Caesio veniam obvius leoni.' Hoc ut dixit, Amor, sinistra ut ante, Dextra sternuit adprobationem. At Acme leviter caput reflectens 10 Et dulcis pueri ebrios ocellos Illo purpureo ore saviata 'Sic' inquit 'mea vita Septumille, Huic uni domino usque serviamus, Vt multo mihi maior acriorque 15 Ignis mollibus ardet in medullis.' Hoc ut dixit, Amor, sinistra ut ante, Dextra sternuit adprobationem. Nunc ab auspicio bono profecti Mutuis animis amant amantur. 20 Vnam Septumius misellus Acmen Mavolt quam Syrias Britanniasque: Vno in Septumio fidelis Acme Facit delicias libidinesque. Quis ullos homines beatiores 25 Vidit, quis Venerem auspicatiorem?
XXXXV.
ON ACME AND SEPTUMIUS.
To Acme quoth Septumius who his fere Held on his bosom—"Acme, mine! next year, Unless I love thee fondlier than before, And with each twelve month love thee more and more, As much as lover's life can slay with yearning, 5 Alone in Lybia, or Hind's clime a-burning, Be mine to encounter Lion grisly-eyed!" While he was speaking Love on leftward side (As wont) approving sneeze from dextral sped. But Acme backwards gently bending head, 10 And the love-drunken eyes of her sweet boy Kissing with yonder rosy mouth, "My joy," She murmured, "my life-love Septumillus mine! Unto one master's hest let's aye incline, As burns with fuller and with fiercer fire 15 In my soft marrow set, this love-desire!" While she was speaking, Love from leftward side (As wont) with sneeze approving rightwards hied. Now with boon omens wafted on their way, In mutual fondness, love and loved are they. 20 Love-sick Septumius holds one Acme's love, Of Syrias or either Britains high above, Acme to one Septumius full of faith Her love and love-liesse surrendereth. Who e'er saw mortals happier than these two? 25 Who e'er a better omened Venus knew?
Septumius clasping Acme his adored to his bosom, "Acme mine," quoth he, "if thee I love not to perdition, nor am prepared to love through all the future years moreover without cease, as greatly and distractedly as man may,—alone in Libya or in torrid India may I oppose a steel-eyed lion." As thus he said, Love, leftwards as before, with approbation rightwards sneezed. Then Acme slightly bending back her head, and the swimming eyes of her sweet boy with rose-red lips a-kissing, "So," quoth she, "my life, Septumillus, this Lord unique let us serve for aye, as more forceful in me burns the fire greater and keener 'midst my soft marrow." As thus she said, Love, leftwards as before, with approbation rightwards sneezed. Now with good auspice urged along, with mutual minds they love and are beloved. The thrall o' love Septumius his only Acme far would choose, than Tyrian or Britannian realms: the faithful Acme with Septumius unique doth work her love delights and wantonings. Whoe'er has seen folk blissfuller, whoe'er a more propitious union?
XXXXVI.
Iam ver egelidos refert tepores, Iam caeli furor aequinoctialis Iocundis Zephyri silescit aureis. Linquantur Phrygii, Catulle, campi Nicaeaeque ager uber aestuosae: 5 Ad claras Asiae volemus urbes. Iam mens praetrepidans avet vagari, Iam laeti studio pedes vigescunt. O dulces comitum valete coetus, Longe quos simul a domo profectos 10 Diversae variae viae reportant.
XXXXVI.
HIS ADIEUX TO BITHYNIA.
Now Spring his cooly mildness brings us back, Now th' equinoctial heaven's rage and wrack Hushes at hest of Zephyr's bonny breeze. Far left (Catullus!) be the Phrygian leas And summery Nicaea's fertile downs: 5 Fly we to Asia's fame-illumined towns. Now lust my fluttering thoughts for wayfare long, Now my glad eager feet grow steady, strong. O fare ye well, my comrades, pleasant throng, Ye who together far from homesteads flying, 10 By many various ways come homewards hieing.
Now springtide brings back its mild and tepid airs, now the heaven's fury equinoctial is calmed by Zephyr's benign breath. The Phrygian meadows are left behind, O Catullus, and the teeming fields of sun-scorched Nicaea: to the glorious Asian cities let us haste. Now my palpitating soul craves wander, now my feet grow vigorous with glad zeal. O charming circlet of comrades, fare ye well, who are together met from distant homes to which divers sundered ways lead back.
XXXXVII.
Porci et Socration, duae sinistrae Pisonis, scabies famesque mundi Vos Veraniolo meo et Fabullo Verpus praeposuit Priapus ille? Vos convivia lauta sumptuose 5 De die facitis? mei sodales Quaerunt in trivio vocationes?
XXXXVII.
TO PORCIUS AND SOCRATION.
Porcius and Socration, pair sinister Of Piso, scabs and starvelings of the world, You to Fabullus and my Verianolus, Hath dared yon snipt Priapus to prefer? Upon rich banquets sumptuously spread 5 Still gorge you daily while my comrades must Go seek invitals where the three roads fork?
Porcius and Socration, twins in rascality of Piso, scurf and famisht of the earth, you before my Veraniolus and Fabullus has that prepuce-lacking Priapus placed? Shall you betimes each day in luxurious opulence banquet? And must my cronies quest for dinner invitations, [lounging] where the three cross-roads meet?
XXXXVIII.
Mellitos oculos tuos, Iuventi, Siquis me sinat usque basiare, Vsque ad milia basiem trecenta, Nec umquam videar satur futurus, Non si densior aridis aristis 5 Sit nostrae seges osculationis.
XXXXVIII.
TO JUVENTIUS.
Those honied eyes of thine (Juventius!) If any suffer me sans stint to buss, I'd kiss of kisses hundred thousands three, Nor ever deem I'd reach satiety, Not albe denser than dried wheat-ears show 5 The kissing harvests our embraces grow.
Thine honey-sweet eyes, O Juventius, had I the leave to kiss for aye, for aye I'd kiss e'en to three hundred thousand kisses, nor ever should I reach to future plenity, not even if thicker than dried wheat sheaves be the harvest of our kisses.
XXXXVIIII.
Disertissime Romuli nepotum, Quot sunt quotque fuere, Marce Tulli, Quotque post aliis erunt in annis, Gratias tibi maximas Catullus Agit pessimus omnium poeta, 5 Tanto pessimus omnium poeta Quanto tu optimus omnium patronus.
XXXXVIIII.
TO MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO.
Most eloquent 'mid race of Romulus That is or ever was (Marc Tullius!) Or in the coming years the light shall see, His thanks, the warmest, offers unto thee Catullus, poet sorriest that be, 5 And by such measure poet sorriest, As thou of pleaders art the bestest best.
Most eloquent of Romulus' descendancy, who are, who have been, O Marcus Tullius, and who shall later be in after time, to thee doth give his greatest gratitude Catullus, pettiest of all the poets,—and so much pettiest of all the poets as thou art peerless 'mongst all pleaders.
L.
Hesterno, Licini, die otiosi Multum lusimus in meis tabellis, Vt convenerat esse delicatos. Scribens versiculos uterque nostrum Ludebat numero modo hoc modo illoc, 5 Reddens mutua per iocum atque vinum. Atque illinc abii tuo lepore Incensus, Licini, facetiisque, Vt nec me miserum cibus iuvaret, Nec somnus tegeret quiete ocellos, 10 Sed toto indomitus furore lecto Versarer cupiens videre lucem, Vt tecum loquerer, simulque ut essem. At defessa labore membra postquam Semimortua lectulo iacebant, 15 Hoc, iocunde, tibi poema feci, Ex quo perspiceres meum dolorem. Nunc audax cave sis, precesque nostras, Oramus, cave despuas, ocelle, Ne poenas Nemesis reposcat a te. 20 Est vemens dea: laedere hanc caveto.
L.
TO HIS FRIEND LICINIUS.
Idly (Licinius!) we our yesterday, Played with my tablets much as pleased us play, In mode becoming souls of dainty strain. Inditing verses either of us twain Now in one measure then in other line 5 We rang the changes amid wit and wine. Then fared I homewards by thy fun so fired And by thy jests (Licinius!) so inspired, Nor food my hapless appetite availed Nor sleep in quiet rest my eyelids veiled, 10 But o'er the bedstead wild in furious plight I tossed a-longing to behold the light, So I might talk wi' thee, and be wi' thee. But when these wearied limbs from labour free Were on my couchlet strewn half-dead to lie, 15 For thee (sweet wag!) this poem for thee wrote I, Whereby thou mete and weet my cark and care. Now be not over-bold, nor this our prayer Outspit thou (apple of mine eyes!): we pray Lest doom thee Nemesis hard pain repay:— 20 She's a dire Goddess, 'ware thou cross her way.
Yestreen, Licinius, in restful day, much mirthful verse we flashed upon my tablets, as became us, men of fancy. Each jotting versicles in turn sported first in this metre then in that, exchanging mutual epigrams 'midst jokes and wine. But I departed thence, afire, Licinius, with thy wit and drolleries, so that food was useless to my wretched self; nor could sleep close mine eyes in quiet, but all o'er the bed in restless fury did I toss, longing to behold daylight that with thee I might speak, and again we might be together. But afterwards, when my limbs, weakened by my restless labours, lay stretched in semi-death upon the bed, this poem, O jocund one, I made for thee, from which thou mayst perceive my dolour. Now 'ware thee of presumptuousness, and our pleadings 'ware thee of rejecting, we pray thee, eye-babe of ours, lest Nemesis exact her dues from thee. She is a forceful Goddess; 'ware her wrath.
LI.
Ille mi par esse deo videtur, Ille, si fas est, superare divos, Qui sedens adversus identidem te Spectat et audit Dulce ridentem, misero quod omnis 5 Eripit sensus mihi: nam simul te, Lesbia, aspexi, nihil est super mi * * * * Lingua sed torpet, tenuis sub artus Flamma demanat, sonitu suopte 10 Tintinant aures geminae, teguntur Lumina nocte.
LIb.
Otium, Catulle, tibi molestumst: Otio exultas nimiumque gestis. 15 Otium et reges prius et beatas Perdidit urbes.
LI.
TO LESBIA.
Peer of a God meseemeth he, Nay passing Gods (and that can be!) Who all the while sits facing thee Sees thee and hears Thy low sweet laughs which (ah me!) daze 5 Mine every sense, and as I gaze Upon thee (Lesbia!) o'er me strays * * * * My tongue is dulled, my limbs adown Flows subtle flame; with sound its own 10 Rings either ear, and o'er are strown Mine eyes with night.
LIb.
Ease has thy lot, Catullus, crost, Ease gladdens thee at heaviest cost, 15 Ease killed the Kings ere this and lost The tallest towns.
He to me to be peer to a god doth seem, he, if such were lawful, to o'er-top the gods, who sitting oft a-front of thee doth gaze on thee, and doth listen to thine laughter lovely, which doth snatch away from sombre me mine every sense: for instant falls my glance on thee, Lesbia, naught is left to me [of voice], but my tongue is numbed, a keen-edged flame spreads through my limbs, with sound self-caused my twin ears sing, and mine eyes are enwrapped with night.
Sloth, O Catullus, to thee is hurtful: in sloth beyond measure dost thou exult and pass thy life. Sloth hath erewhile ruined rulers and gladsome cities.
LII.
Quid est, Catulle? quid moraris emori? Sella in curuli struma Nonius sedet, Per consulatum peierat Vatinius: Quid est, Catulle? quid moraris emori?
LII.
CATULLUS TO HIMSELF.
What is't, Catullus? Why delay to out die? That Wen hight Nonius sits in curule chair, For Consulship Vatinius false doth swear; What is't, Catullus? Why delay to out die?
Prithee Catullus, why delay thine death? Nonius the tumour is seated in the curule chair, Vatinius forswears himself for consul's rank: prithee Catullus, why delay thine death?
LIII.
Risi nescioquem modo e corona, Qui, cum mirifice Vatiniana Meus crimina Calvos explicasset, Admirans ait haec manusque tollens, 'Di magni, salaputium disertum!' 5
LIII.
A JEST CONCERNING CALVUS.
I laughed at one 'mid Forum-crowd unknown Who, when Vatinius' crimes in wondrous way Had by my Calvus been explained, exposed, His hand upraising high admiring cried "Great Gods! the loquent little Doodle-diddle!" 5
I laughed at I know not whom in the crowded court who, when with admirable art Vatinius' crimes my Calvus had set forth, with hands uplifted and admiring mien thus quoth "Great Gods, the fluent little Larydoodle!"
LIIII.
Othonis caput oppidost pusillum * * * * Neri rustica semilauta crura, Subtile et leve peditum Libonis. * * * * Si non omnia displicere vellem Tibi et Fuficio seni recocte 5
LIIIIb.
Irascere iterum meis iambis Inmerentibus, unice imperator.
LIIII.
TO JULIUS CAESAR. (?)
The head of Otho, puniest of pates * * * * The rustic half-washt shanks of Nerius And Libo's subtle silent fizzling-farts. * * * * I wish that leastwise these should breed disgust In thee and old Fuficius, rogue twice-cookt. 5
LIIIIb.
Again at these mine innocent iamb-lines Wi' wrath be wrothest; unique Emperor!
Otho's head is paltry past all phrase * * * the uncouth semi-soaped shanks of Nerius, the slender soundless fizzlings of Libo * * * if not all things I wish would displease thee and Fuficius, the white-headed and green-tailed.
Anew thou shalt be enraged at my harmless iambics, emperor unique.
LV.
Oramus, si forte non molestumst, Demostres, ubi sint tuae tenebrae. Te campo quaesivimus minore, Te in circo, te in omnibus libellis, Te in templo summi Iovis sacrato. 5 In Magni simul ambulatione Femellas omnes, amice, prendi, Quas vultu vidi tamen serenas. A, vel te sic ipse flagitabam, 'Camerium mihi, pessimae puellae.' 10 Quaedam inquit, nudum sinum reducens, 'En heic in roseis latet papillis.' Sed te iam ferre Herculei labos est. 13 Non custos si fingar ille Cretum, 23 Non si Pegaseo ferar volatu, Non Ladas ego pinnipesve Perseus, 25 Non Rhesi nivea citaque biga: Adde huc plumipedes volatilesque, Ventorumque simul require cursum: Quos cunctos, Cameri, mihi dicares, Defessus tamen omnibus medullis 30 Et multis langoribus peresus Essem te mihi, amice, quaeritando. 32 Tanto ten fastu negas, amice? 14 Dic nobis ubi sis futurus, ede Audacter, conmitte, crede lucei. Num te lacteolae tenent puellae? Si linguam clauso tenes in ore, Fructus proicies amoris omnes: Verbosa gaudet Venus loquella. 20 Vel si vis, licet obseres palatum, Dum vostri sim particeps amoris.
LV.
OF HIS FRIEND CAMERIUS.
We pray, an' haply irk it not when prayed, Show us where shadowed hidest thou in shade! Thee throughout Campus Minor sought we all, Thee in the Circus, thee in each bookstall, Thee in Almighty Jove's fane consecrate. 5 Nor less in promenade titled from The Great (Friend!) I accosted each and every quean, But mostly madams showing mien serene, For thee I pestered all with many pleas— "Give me Camerius, wanton baggages!" 10 Till answered certain one a-baring breasts "Lo, 'twixt these rosy paps he haply rests!" But now to find thee were Herculean feat. 13 Not if I feigned me that guard of Crete, 23 Not if with Pegasean wing I sped, Or Ladas I or Perseus plumiped, 25 Or Rhesus borne in swifty car snow-white: Add the twain foot-bewing'd and fast of flight, And of the cursive winds require the blow: All these (Camerius!) couldst on me bestow. Tho' were I wearied to each marrow bone 30 And by many o' languors clean forgone Yet I to seek thee (friend!) would still assay. 32 In such proud lodging (friend) wouldst self denay? 14 Tell us where haply dwell'st thou, speak outright, Be bold and risk it, trusting truth to light, Say do these milk-white girls thy steps detain? If aye in tight-sealed lips thy tongue remain, All Amor's fruitage thou shalt cast away: Verbose is Venus, loving verbal play! 20 But, an it please thee, padlockt palate bear, So in your friendship I have partner-share.
We beg, if maybe 'tis not untoward, thou'lt shew us where may be thine haunt sequestered. Thee did we quest within the Lesser Fields, thee in the Circus, thee in every bookshop, thee in holy fane of highmost Jove. In promenade yclept "The Great," the crowd of cocottes straightway did I stop, O friend, accosting those whose looks I noted were unruffled. And for thee loudly did I clamour, "Restore to me Camerius, most giddy girls." Quoth such-an-one, her bosom bare a-shewing, "Look! 'twixt rose-red paps he shelters him." But labour 'tis of Hercules thee now to find. Not were I framed the Cretan guard, nor did I move with Pegasean wing, nor were I Ladas, or Persius with the flying foot, or Rhesus with swift and snowy team: to these add thou the feathery-footed and winged ones, ask likewise fleetness of the winds: which all united, O Camerius, couldst thou me grant, yet exhausted in mine every marrow and with many a faintness consumed should I be in my quest for thee, O friend. Why withdraw thyself in so much pride, O friend? Tell us where thou wilt be found, declare it boldly, give up the secret, trust it to the light. What, do the milk-white maidens hold thee? If thou dost hold thy tongue closed up in mouth, thou squanderest Love's every fruit: for Venus joys in many-worded babblings. Yet if thou wishest, thou mayst bar thy palate, if I may be a sharer in thy love.
LVI.
Orem ridiculam, Cato, et iocosam Dignamque auribus et tuo cachinno. Ride, quidquid amas, Cato, Catullum: Res est ridicula et nimis iocosa. Deprendi modo pupulum puellae 5 Trusantem: hunc ego, si placet Dionae, Protelo rigida mea cecidi.
LVI.
TO CATO, DESCRIBING A "BLACK JOKER."
O risible matter (Cato!) and jocose, Digne of thy hearing, of thy sneering digne. Laugh (Cato!) an thou love Catullus thine; The thing is risible, nay, too jocose. Erstwhile I came upon a lad who a lass 5 Was —— and (so please it Dion!) I Pierced him with stiffest staff and did him die.
O thing ridiculous, Cato, and facetious, and worthy of thine ears and of thy laughter. Laugh, Cato, the more thou lovest Catullus: the thing is ridiculous, and beyond measure facetious. Just now I caught a boy a-thrusting in a girl: and on him (so please you, Dione) with rigid spear of mine I fell.
LVII.
Pulcre convenit inprobis cinaedis, Mamurrae pathicoque Caesarique. Nec mirum: maculae pares utrisque, Vrbana altera et illa Formiana, Inpressae resident nec eluentur: 5 Morbosi pariter, gemelli utrique Vno in lectulo, erudituli ambo, Non hic quam ille magis vorax adulter, Rivales sociei puellularum. Pulcre convenit inprobis cinaedis. 10
LVII.
ON MAMURRA AND JULIUS CAESAR.
Right well are paired these Cinaedes sans shame Mamurra and Caesar, both of pathic fame. No wonder! Both are fouled with foulest blight, One urban being, Formian t'other wight, And deeply printed with indelible stain: 5 Morbose is either, and the twin-like twain Share single Couchlet; peers in shallow lore, Nor this nor that for lechery hungers more, As rival wenchers who the maidens claim Right well are paired these Cinaedes sans shame. 10
A comely couple of shameless catamites, Mamurra and Caesar, pathics both. Nor needs amaze: they share like stains—this, Urban, the other, Formian,—which stay deep-marked nor can they be got rid of. Both morbidly diseased through pathic vice, the pair of twins lie in one bed, alike in erudition, one not more than other the greater greedier adulterer, allied rivals of the girls. A comely couple of shameless catamites.
LVIII.
Caeli, Lesbia nostra, Lesbia illa, Illa Lesbia, quam Catullus unam Plus quam se atque suos amavit omnes, Nunc in quadriviis et angiportis Glubit magnanimos Remi nepotes. 5
LVIII.
ON LESBIA WHO ENDED BADLY.
Caelius! That Lesbia of ours, that Lesbia, That only Lesbia by Catullus loved, Than self, far fondlier, than all his friends, She now where four roads fork, and wind the wynds Husks the high-minded scions Remus-sprung. 5
O Caelius, our Lesbia, that Lesbia, the self-same Lesbia whom Catullus more than himself and all his own did worship, now at cross-roads and in alleys husks off the mettlesome descendants of Remus.
LVIIII.
Bononiensis Rufa Rufulum fellat, Vxor Meneni, saepe quam in sepulcretis Vidistis ipso rapere de rogo cenam, Cum devolutum ex igne prosequens panem Ab semiraso tunderetur ustore. 5
LVIIII.
ON RUFA.
Rufa the Bolognese drains Rufule dry, (Wife to Menenius) she 'mid tombs you'll spy, The same a-snatching supper from the pyre Following the bread-loaves rolling forth the fire Till frapped by half-shaved body-burner's ire. 5
Rufa of Bononia lends her lips to Rufulus, she the wife of Menenius, whom oft among the sepulchres ye have seen clutching her meal from the funeral pile, when pursuing the bread which has rolled from the fire, whilst she was being buffeted by a semi-shorn corpse-burner.
LX.
Num te leaena montibus Libystinis Aut Scylla latrans infima inguinum parte Tam mente dura procreavit ac taetra, Vt supplicis vocem in novissimo casu Contemptam haberes a! nimis fero corde? 5
LX.
TO A CRUEL CHARMER.
Bare thee some lioness wild in Lybian wold? Or Scylla barking from low'st inguinal fold? With so black spirit, of so dure a mould, E'en voice of suppliant must thou disregard In latest circumstance ah, heart o'er hard? 5
Did a lioness of the Libyan Hills, or Scylla yelping from her lowmost groin, thee procreate, with mind so hard and horrid, that thou hast contempt upon a suppliant's voice in calamity's newest stress? O heart o'ergreatly cruel.
LXI.
Collis o Heliconii Cultor, Vraniae genus, Qui rapis teneram ad virum Virginem, o Hymenaee Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaee, 5
Cinge tempora floribus Suave olentis amaraci, Flammeum cape, laetus huc Huc veni niveo gerens Luteum pede soccum, 10
Excitusque hilari die Nuptialia concinens Voce carmina tinnula Pelle humum pedibus, manu Pineam quate taedam. 15
Namque Vinia Manlio, Qualis Idalium colens Venit ad Phrygium Venus Iudicem, bona cum bona Nubet alite virgo, 20
Floridis velut enitens Myrtus Asia ramulis, Quos Hamadryades deae Ludicrum sibi rosido Nutriunt umore. 25
Quare age huc aditum ferens Perge linquere Thespiae Rupis Aonios specus, Nympha quos super inrigat Frigerans Aganippe, 30
Ac domum dominam voca Coniugis cupidam novi, Mentem amore revinciens, Vt tenax hedera huc et huc Arborem inplicat errans. 35
Vosque item simul, integrae Virgines, quibus advenit Par dies, agite in modum Dicite 'o Hymenaee Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaee,' 40
Vt lubentius, audiens Se citarier ad suom Munus, huc aditum ferat Dux bonae Veneris, boni Coniugator amoris. 45
Quis deus magis anxiis Est petendus amantibus? Quem colent homines magis Caelitum? o Hymenaee Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaee. 50
Te suis tremulus parens Invocat, tibi virgines Zonula soluunt sinus, Te timens cupida novos Captat aure maritus. 55
Tu fero iuveni in manus Floridam ipse puellulam Dedis a gremio suae Matris, o Hymenaee Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaee. 60
Nil potest sine te Venus, Fama quod bona conprobet, Commodi capere: at potest Te volente. quis huic deo Conpararier ausit? 65
Nulla quit sine te domus Liberos dare, nec parens Stirpe cingier: at potest Te volente. quis huic deo Conpararier ausit? 70
Quae tuis careat sacris, Non queat dare praesides Terra finibus: at queat Te volente. quis huic deo Conpararier ausit? 75
Claustra pandite ianuae, Virgo ades. viden ut faces Splendidas quatiunt comas? Tardet ingenuos pudor: * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * Quem tamen magis audiens 80 Flet, quod ire necesse est. 81
Flere desine. non tibi, A- (86) runculeia, periculumst, Nequa femina pulchrior Clarum ab Oceano diem 85 Viderit venientem. (90)
Talis in vario solet Divitis domini hortulo Stare flos hyacinthinus. Sed moraris, abit dies: 90 Prodeas, nova nupta.
Prodeas, nova nupta, si Iam videtur, et audias Nostra verba. vide ut faces Aureas quatiunt comas: 95 Prodeas, nova nupta.
Non tuos levis in mala Deditus vir adultera Probra turpia persequens A tuis teneris volet 100 Secubare papillis,
Lenta quin velut adsitas Vitis inplicat arbores, Inplicabitur in tuom Conplexum. sed abit dies: 105 Prodeas, nova nupta.
O cubile, quod omnibus * * * * * * * * * * * * 110 Candido pede lecti,
Quae tuo veniunt ero, Quanta gaudia, quae vaga Nocte, quae medio die Gaudeat! sed abit dies: 115 Prodeas, nova nupta.
Tollite, o pueri, faces: Flammeum video venire. Ite, concinite in modum 'O Hymen Hymenaee io, 120 O Hymen Hymenaee.'
Ne diu taceat procax Fescennina iocatio, Nec nuces pueris neget Desertum domini audiens 125 Concubinus amorem.
Da nuces pueris, iners Concubine: satis diu Lusisti nucibus: lubet Iam servire Talasio. 130 Concubine, nuces da.
Sordebant tibi vilicae, Concubine, hodie atque heri: Nunc tuom cinerarius Tondet os. miser a miser 135 Concubine, nuces da.
Diceris male te a tuis Vnguentate glabris marite Abstinere: sed abstine. O Hymen Hymenaee io, 140 O Hymen Hymenaee.
Scimus haec tibi quae licent Sola cognita: sed marito Ista non eadem licent. O Hymen Hymenaee io, 145 O Hymen Hymenaee.
Nupta, tu quoque, quae tuos Vir petet, cave ne neges, Ni petitum aliunde eat. O Hymen Hymenaee io, 150 O Hymen Hymenaee.
En tibi domus ut potens Et beata viri tui, Quae tibi sine fine erit (O Hymen Hymenaee io, 155 O Hymen Hymenaee),
Vsque dum tremulum movens Cana tempus anilitas Omnia omnibus adnuit. O Hymen Hymenaee io, 160 O Hymen Hymenaee.
Transfer omine cum bono Limen aureolos pedes, Rasilemque subi forem. O Hymen Hymenaee io, 165 O Hymen Hymenaee.
Aspice, intus ut accubans Vir tuos Tyrio in toro Totus inmineat tibi. O Hymen Hymenaee io, 170 O Hymen Hymenaee.
Illi non minus ac tibi Pectore uritur intimo Flamma, sed penite magis. O Hymen Hymenaee io, 175 O Hymen Hymenaee.
Mitte brachiolum teres, Praetextate, puellulae: Iam cubile adeat viri. O Hymen Hymenaee io, 180 O Hymen Hymenaee.
Vos bonae senibus viris Cognitae bene feminae, Collocate puellulam. O Hymen Hymenaee io, 185 O Hymen Hymenaee.
Iam licet venias, marite: Vxor in thalamo tibist Ore floridulo nitens, Alba parthenice velut 190 Luteumve papaver.
At, marite, (ita me iuvent Caelites) nihilo minus Pulcher es, neque te Venus Neglegit. sed abit dies: 195 Perge, ne remorare.
Non diu remoratus es, Iam venis. bona te Venus Iuverit, quoniam palam Quod cupis capis et bonum 200 Non abscondis amorem.
Ille pulveris Africei Siderumque micantium Subducat numerum prius, Qui vostri numerare volt 205 Multa milia ludei.
Ludite ut lubet, et brevi Liberos date. non decet Tam vetus sine liberis Nomen esse, sed indidem 210 Semper ingenerari.
Torquatus volo parvolus Matris e gremio suae Porrigens teneras manus Dulce rideat ad patrem 215 Semhiante labello.
Sit suo similis patri Manlio et facile inscieis Noscitetur ab omnibus Et pudicitiam suae 220 Matris indicet ore.
Talis illius a bona Matre laus genus adprobet, Qualis unica ab optima Matre Telemacho manet 225 Fama Penelopeo.
Claudite ostia, virgines: Lusimus satis. at, bonei Coniuges, bene vivite et Munere adsiduo valentem 230 Exercete inventam.
LXI.
EPITHALAMIUM ON VINIA AND MANLIUS.
1.
Of Helicon-hill, O Thou that be Haunter, Urania's progeny, Who hurriest soft virginity To man, O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus. 5
2.
About thy temples bind the bloom, Of Marjoram flow'ret scented sweet; Take flamey veil: glad hither come Come hither borne by snow-hue'd feet Wearing the saffron'd sock. 10
3.
And, roused by day of joyful cheer, Carolling nuptial lays and chaunts With voice as silver-ringing clear, Beat ground with feet, while brandisht flaunts Thy hand the piney torch. 15
4.
For Vinia comes by Manlius woo'd, As Venus on th' Idalian crest, Before the Phrygian judge she stood And now with blessed omens blest, The maid is here to wed. 20
5.
A maiden shining bright of blee, As Myrtle branchlet Asia bred, Which Hamadryad deity As toy for joyance aye befed With humour of the dew. 25
6.
Then hither come thou, hieing lief, Awhile to leave th' Aonian cave, Where 'neath the rocky Thespian cliff Nymph Aganippe loves to lave In cooly waves outpoured. 30
7.
And call the house-bride, homewards bring Maid yearning for new married fere, Her mind with fondness manacling, As the tough ivy here and there Errant the tree enwinds. 35
8.
And likewise ye, clean virginal Maidens, to whom shall haps befall Like day, in measure join ye all Singing, O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus. 40
9.
That with more will-full will a-hearing The call to office due, he would Turn footsteps hither, here appearing, Guide to good Venus, and the good Lover conjoining strait. 45
10.
What God than other Godheads more Must love-sick wights for aid implore? Whose Godhead foremost shall adore Mankind? O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus. 50
11.
Thee for his own the trembling sire Invokes, thee Virgins ever sue Who laps of zone to loose aspire, And thee the bashful bridegrooms woo With ears that long to hear. 55
12.
Thou to the hand of love-fierce swain Deliverest maiden fair and fain, From mother's fondling bosom ta'en Perforce, O Hymenaeus Hymen O Hymen Hymenaeus. 60
13.
Thou lacking, Venus ne'er avails— While Fame approves for honesty— Love-joys to lavish: ne'er she fails Thou willing:—with such Deity Whoe'er shall dare compare? 65
14.
Thou wanting, never son and heir The Hearth can bear, nor parents be By issue girt, yet can it bear, Thou willing:—with such Deity, Whoe'er shall dare compare? 70
15.
An lack a land thy sacring rite, The perfect rule we ne'er shall see Reach Earth's far bourne; yet such we sight, Thou willing:—with such Deity Whoe'er shall dare compare? 75
16.
Your folds ye gateways wide-ope swing! The maiden comes. Seest not the sheen Of links their splendent tresses fling? Let shame retard the modest mien. * * * *
17.
* * * * * * * * * * * * Who more she hears us weeps the more, 80 That needs she must advance. 81
18.
Cease raining tear-drops! not for thee, (86) Aurunculeia, risk we deem, That fairer femininety Clear day outdawned from Ocean stream 85 Shall ever more behold. (90)
19.
Such in the many-tinted bower Of rich man's garden passing gay Upstands the hyacinthine flower. But thou delayest, wanes the day: 90 Prithee, come forth new Bride.
20.
Prithee, come forth new Bride! methinks, Drawing in sight, the talk we hold Thou haply hearest. See the Links! How shake their locks begilt with gold: 95 Prithee, new Bride come forth.
21.
Not lightly given thy mate to ill Joys and adulterous delights Foul fleshly pleasures seeking still Shall ever choose he lie o' nights 100 Far from thy tender paps.
22.
But as with pliant shoots the vine Round nearest tree-trunk winds her way, He shall be ever twined in thine Embraces:—yet, lo! wanes the day: 105 Prithee, come forth new Bride!
23.
Couchlet which to me and all * * * * * * * * * * * * 110 With bright white bedstead foot.
24.
What joys the lord of thee betide! What love-liesse on vaguing way O' nights! What sweets in morning tide For thee be stored! Yet wanes the day: 115 Prithee, come forth fresh Bride!
25.
Your lighted links, O boys, wave high: I see the flamey veil draw nigh: Hie, sing in merry mode and cry "O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 120 O Hymen Hymenaeus!"
26.
Lest longer mute tongue stays that joys In festal jest, from Fescennine, Nor yet denay their nuts to boys, He-Concubine! who learns in fine 125 His lordling's love is fled.
27.
Throw nuts to boys thou idle all He-Concubine! wast fain full long With nuts to play: now pleased as thrall Be thou to swell Talasios' throng: 130 He-Concubine throw nuts.
28.
Wont thou at peasant-girls to jape He-whore! Thy Lord's delight the while: Now shall hair-curling chattel scrape Thy cheeks: poor wretch, ah! poor and vile:— 135 He-Concubine, throw nuts.
29.
'Tis said from smooth-faced ingle train (Anointed bridegroom!) hardly fain Hast e'er refrained; now do refrain! O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 140 O Hymen Hymenaeus!
30.
We know that naught save licit rites Be known to thee, but wedded wights No more deem lawful such delights. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 145 O Hymen Hymenaeus.
31.
Thou too, O Bride, whatever dare Thy groom, of coy rebuff beware, Lest he to find elsewhither fare. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 150 O Hymen Hymenaeus.
32.
Lo! here the house of high degree Thy husband's puissant home to be, Which ever shall obey thy gree. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 155 O Hymen Hymenaeus!
33.
Till Time betide when eld the hoar Thy head and temples trembling o'er Make nod to all things evermore. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 160 O Hymen Hymenaeus.
34.
O'erstep with omen meetest meet The threshold-stone thy golden feet Up, past the polisht panels fleet. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 165 O Hymen Hymenaeus.
35.
Within bestrewn thy bridegroom see On couch of Tyrian cramoisy All imminent awaiting thee. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 170 O Hymen Hymenaeus.
36.
For in his breast not less than thine Burn high the flames that deepest shrine, Yet his the lowe far deeper lien. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 175 O Hymen Hymenaeus.
37.
Let fall the maid's soft arms, thou fair Boy purple-hem'd: now be thy care Her bridegroom's couch she seek and share. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 180 O Hymen Hymenaeus.
38.
Ye wives time-tried to husbands wed, Well-known for chastity inbred, Dispose the virginette a-bed. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 185 O Hymen Hymenaeus.
39.
Groom, now 'tis meet thou hither pace, With bride in genial bed to blend, For sheenly shines her flowery face Where the white chamomiles contend 190 With poppies blushing red.
40.
Yet bridegroom (So may Godhead deign Help me!) nowise in humbler way Art fair, nor Venus shall disdain Thy charms, but look! how wanes the day: 195 Forward, nor loiter more!
41.
No longer loitering makest thou, Now comest thou. May Venus good Aid thee when frankly takest thou Thy wishes won, nor true Love woo'd 200 Thou carest to conceal.
42.
Of Afric's wolds and wilds each grain, Or constellations glistening, First reckon he that of the twain To count alone were fain to bring 205 The many thousand joys.
43.
Play as ye please: soon prove ye deft At babying babes,—'twere ill design'd A name thus ancient should be left Heirless, but issue like of kind 210 Engendered aye should be.
44.
A wee Torquatus fain I'd see Encradled on his mother's breast Put forth his tender puds while he Smiles to his sire with sweetest gest 215 And liplets half apart.
45.
Let son like father's semblance show (Manlius!) so with easy guess All know him where his sire they know, And still his face and form express 220 His mother's honest love.
46.
Approve shall fair approof his birth From mother's seed-stock generous, As rarest fame of mother's worth Unique exalts Telemachus 225 Penelope's own son.
47.
Fast close the door-leaves, virgin band: Enow we've played. But ye the fair New-wedded twain live happy, and Functions of lusty married pair 230 Exercise sans surcease.
O Fosterer of the Helicon Hill, sprung from Urania, who beareth the gentle virgin to her mate, O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus!
Twine round thy temples sweet-smelling flowerets of marjoram; put on thy gold-tinted veil; light-hearted, hither, hither haste, bearing on snowy foot the golden-yellow sandal:
And a-fire with the joyous day, chanting wedding melodies with ringing voice, strike the ground with thy feet, with thine hand swing aloft the pine-link.
For Vinia—fair as Idalian Venus, when stood before the Phrygian judge—a virgin fair, weds Manlius 'midst happy auspices.
She, bright-shining as the Asian myrtle florid in branchlets, which the Hamadryads nurture for their pleasure with besprinkled dew.
Wherefore, hither! leaving the Aonian grot in the Thespian Rock, o'er which flows the chilling stream of Aganippe.
And summon homewards the mistress, eager for her new yoke, firm-prisoning her soul in love; as tight-clasping ivy, wandering hither, thither, enwraps the tree around.
And also ye, upright virgins, for whom a like day is nearing, chant ye in cadence, singing "O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus!"
That more freely, hearing himself to his duty called, will he bear hither his presence, Lord of true Venus, uniter of true lovers.
What god is worthier of solicitation by anxious amourists? Whom of the celestials do men worship more greatly? O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus!
Thee for his young the trembling father beseeches, for thee virgins unclasp the zone from their breasts, for thee the fear-full bridegroom harkeneth with eager ear.
Thou bearest to the youngster's arms that flower-like damsel, taken from her mother's bosom, O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus!
Nor lacking thee may Venus take her will with fair Fame's approbation; but she may, with thy sanction. With such a God who dares compare?
Lacking thee, no house can yield heirs, nor parent be surrounded by offspring; but they may, with thy sanction. With such a God who dares compare?
Nor lacking thy rites may our land be protected e'en to its boundaries; but it may, with thy sanction. With such a God who dares compare?
Gates open wide: the virgin is here. See how the torch-flakes shake their gleaming locks? Let shame retard the modest:
* * * *
Yet hearing, greater does she weep, that she must onwards go.
Cease thy tears. For thee there is no peril, Aurunculeia, that any woman more beauteous from Ocean springing shall ever see the light of day.
Thou art like the hyacinthine flower, wont to stand aloft 'midst varied riches of its lordling's garden. But thou delayest, day slips by: advance, new mated one.
Advance, new mated, now in sight, and listen to our speech. Note how the torch-flakes shake their glittering tresses: advance, new mated one.
Nor given to ill adulteries, nor seeking lawless shames, shall thy husband ever wish to lie away from thy soft breasts,
But as the lithe vine amongst neighbouring trees doth cling, so shall he be enclasped in thine encircled arms. But day slips by: advance, new mated one.
O nuptial couch * * * * with feet of ivory white.
What joys are coming to thy lord, in gloom o' night, in noon of day. Let him rejoice! but day slips by: advance, new mated one.
High raise, O boys, the torches: I see the gleaming veil approach. Come, chant in cadence, "O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus."
Nor longer silent is lewd Fescinnine jest, nor to the boys the nuts deny, ingle, hearing thy master's love has flown.
Give nuts to the boys, O listless ingle; enough of days thou hast played with nuts: now 'tis meet to serve Talassius. O ingle, give the nuts!
The country lasses slighted were by thee, O ingle, till to-day: now the bride's tiresman shaves thy face. Wretched, wretched ingle, give the nuts.
They say that from thy hairless ingles, O sweet-scented bridegroom, thou canst scarce abstain: but abstain thou! O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus.
We know that these delights were known to thee only when lawful: but to the wedded these same no more are lawful. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!
Thou also, bride, what thy husband seekest beware of denying, lest he go elsewhere in its search. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!
Look, thy husband's home is thine, potent and goodly, and shall be thine for ever more. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!
Until with trembling movement thine hoary brow nods ever to everything. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!
Lift o'er the threshold with good omen thy glistening feet, and go through the polished gates. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!
Look! thy lord within, lying on Tyrian couch, all-expectant waits for thee. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!
Not less than in thine, in his breast burns an inmost flame, but more deeply inward. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus!
Unloose the damsel's slender arm, O purple-bordered youth: now let her approach her husband's couch. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus.
Ye good dames of fair renown to aged spouses, put ye the damsel a-bed. O Hymen Hymenaeus io, O Hymen Hymenaeus.
Now thou mayst come, O bridegroom: thy wife is in the bridal-bed, with face brightly blushing as white parthenice 'midst ruddy poppies.
But, O bridegroom (so help me the heaven-dwellers) in no way less beautiful art thou, nor doth Venus slight thee. But the day slips by: on! nor more delay.
Nor long hast thou delayed, thou comest now. May kindly Venus help thee, since what thou dost desire thou takest publicly, and dost not conceal true love.
Of Afric's sands and glittering stars the number first let him tell, who wishes to keep count of your many-thousand sports.
Sport as ye like, and speedily give heirs. It does not become so old a name to be sans heirs, but for similar stock always to be generated.
A little Torquatus I wish, from his mother's bosom reaching out his dainty hands, and smiling sweetly at his father with lips apart.
May he be like his sire Manlius, and easily acknowledged by every stranger, and by his face point out his mother's faithfulness.
May such praise confirm his birth from true mother, such fame unique as rests with Telemachus from best of mothers, Penelope.
Close ye the doors, virgins: enough we've sported. But, fair bride and groom, live ye well, and diligently fulfil the office of vigorous youth.
LXII.
Vesper adest, iuvenes, consurgite: Vesper Olympo Expectata diu vix tandem lumina tollit. Surgere iam tempus, iam pingues linquere mensas, Iam veniet virgo, iam dicetur Hymenaeus. Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee! 5
Cernitis, innuptae, iuvenes? consurgite contra: Nimirum Oetaeos ostendit noctifer ignes. Sic certest; viden ut perniciter exiluere? Non temere exiluere, canent quod vincere par est. Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee! 10
Non facilis nobis, aequales, palma paratast, Adspicite, innuptae secum ut meditata requirunt. Non frustra meditantur, habent memorabile quod sit. Nec mirum, penitus quae tota mente laborent. Nos alio mentes, alio divisimus aures: 15 Iure igitur vincemur, amat victoria curam. Quare nunc animos saltem convertite vestros, Dicere iam incipient, iam respondere decebit. Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!
Hespere, qui caelo fertur crudelior ignis? 20 Qui natam possis conplexu avellere matris, Conplexu matris retinentem avellere natam Et iuveni ardenti castam donare puellam. Quid faciunt hostes capta crudelius urbe? Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee! 25
Hespere, qui caelo lucet iocundior ignis? Qui desponsa tua firmes conubia flamma, Quae pepigere viri, pepigerunt ante parentes Nec iunxere prius quam se tuus extulit ardor. Quid datur a divis felici optatius hora? 30 Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!
* * * * Hesperus e nobis, aequales, abstulit unam * * * * Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!
* * * * Namque tuo adventu vigilat custodia semper. Nocte latent fures, quos idem saepe revertens, Hespere, mutato conprendis nomine Eous. 35 At libet innuptis ficto te carpere questu. Quid tum, si carpunt, tacita quem mente requirunt? Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!
Vt flos in saeptis secretus nascitur hortis, Ignotus pecori, nullo convolsus aratro, 40 Quem mulcent aurae, firmat sol, educat imber * * * * Multi illum pueri, multae optavere puellae: Idem cum tenui carptus defloruit ungui, Nulli illum pueri, nullae optavere puellae: Sic virgo, dum intacta manet, dum cara suis est; 45 Cum castum amisit polluto corpore florem, Nec pueris iocunda manet, nec cara puellis. Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!
Vt vidua in nudo vitis quae nascitur arvo Numquam se extollit, numquam mitem educat uvam, 50 Sed tenerum prono deflectens pondere corpus Iam iam contingit summum radice flagellum; Hanc nulli agricolae, nulli coluere bubulci: At si forte eademst ulmo coniuncta marito, Multi illam agricolae, multi coluere bubulci: 55 Sic virgo dum intacta manet, dum inculta senescit; Cum par conubium maturo tempore adeptast, Cara viro magis et minus est invisa parenti. Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee! 58b
At tu ne pugna cum tali coniuge virgo. Non aequomst pugnare, pater cui tradidit ipse, 60 Ipse pater cum matre, quibus parere necessest. Virginitas non tota tuast, ex parte parentumst, Tertia pars patrist, pars est data tertia matri, Tertia sola tuast: noli pugnare duobus, Qui genero sua iura simul cum dote dederunt. 65 Hymen o Hymenaee, Hymen ades o Hymenaee!
LXII.
NUPTIAL SONG BY YOUTH AND DAMSELS.
(Epithalamium.)
Youths.
Vesper is here, O youths, rise all; for Vesper Olympus Scales and in fine enfires what lights so long were expected! Time 'tis now to arise, now leave we tables rich laden, Now shall the Virgin come; now chaunt we the Hymenaeus. Hymen O Hymenaeus: Hymen here, O Hymenaeus! 5
Damsels.
View ye the Youths, O Maids unwed? Then rise to withstand them: Doubtless the night-fraught Star displays his splendour Oeteaen. Sooth 'tis so; d'ye sight how speedily sprang they to warfare? Nor for a naught up-sprang: they'll sing what need we to conquer. Hymen O Hymenaeus: Hymen here, O Hymenaeus! 10
Youths.
Nowise easy the palm for us (Companions!) be proffer'd, Lo! now the maidens muse and meditate matter of forethought Nor meditate they in vain; they muse a humorous something. Yet naught wonder it is, their sprites be wholly in labour. We bear divided thought one way and hearing in other: 15 Vanquish't by right we must be, since Victory loveth the heedful. Therefore at least d'ye turn your minds the task to consider, Soon shall begin their say whose countersay shall befit you. Hymen O Hymenaeus: Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
Damsels.
Hesperus! say what flame more cruel in Heaven be fanned? 20 Thou who the girl perforce canst tear from a mother's embraces, Tear from a parent's clasp her child despite of her clinging And upon love-hot youth bestowest her chastest of maidenhoods! What shall the foeman deal more cruel to city becaptured? Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus! 25
Youths.
Hesperus! say what flame more gladsome in Heavens be shining? Thou whose light makes sure long-pledged connubial promise Plighted erewhile by men and erstwhile plighted by parents. Yet to be ne'er fulfilled before thy fire's ardours have risen! What better boon can the gods bestow than hour so desired? 30 Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
Damsels.
* * * * Hesperus! one of ourselves (Companions!) carried elsewhither * * * * Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
Youths.
* * * * For at thy coming in sight a guard is constantly watching. Hidden o'nights lurk thieves and these as oft as returnest, Hesper! thou seizest them with title changed to Eoeus. 35 Pleases the bevy unwed with feigned complaints to accuse thee. What if assail they whom their souls in secrecy cherish? Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
Damsels.
E'en as a flow'ret born secluded in garden enclosed, Unto the flock unknown and ne'er uptorn by the ploughshare, 40 Soothed by the zephyrs and strengthened by suns and nourish't by showers * * * * Loves her many a youth and longs for her many a maiden: Yet from her lissome stalk when cropt that flower deflowered, Loves her never a youth nor longs for her ever a maiden: Thus while the virgin be whole, such while she's the dearling of kinsfolk; 45 Yet no sooner is lost her bloom from body polluted, Neither to youths she is joy, nor a dearling she to the maidens. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
Youths.
E'en as an unmated vine which born in field of the barest Never upraises head nor breeds the mellowy grape-bunch, 50 But under weight prone-bowed that tender body a-bending Makes she her root anon to touch her topmost of tendrils; Tends her never a hind nor tends her ever a herdsman: Yet if haply conjoined the same with elm as a husband, Tends her many a hind and tends her many a herdsman: 55 Thus is the maid when whole, uncultured waxes she aged; But whenas union meet she wins her at ripest of seasons, More to her spouse she is dear and less she's irk to her parents. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
Youths and Damsels.
But do thou cease to resist (O Maid!) such bridegroom opposing, Right it is not to resist whereto consigned thee a father, Father and mother of thee unto whom obedience is owing. Not is that maidenhood all thine own, but partly thy parents! Owneth thy sire one third, one third is right of thy mother, Only the third is thine: stint thee to strive with the others, Who to the stranger son have yielded their dues with a dower! 65 Hymen O Hymenaeus: Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!
YOUTHS.
Vesper is here, arise ye youths: Vesper at last has just borne aloft in the heavens his long-looked-for light. Now 'tis time to arise, now to leave the fattened tables, now comes the virgin, now is said the Hymenaeus. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!
Maidens.
Discern ye, O unwedded girls, the youths? Arise in response: forsooth the Star of Eve displays its Oetaean fires. Thus 'tis; see how fleetly have they leapt forth? Nor without intent have they leapt forth, they will sing what 'tis meet we surpass. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!
Youths.
Nor easily is for us, O comrades, the palm prepared; see ye how they talk together in deep thought. Nor in vain do they muse, they have what may be worthy of memory. Nor be wonder: for inwardly toil they with whole of their minds. Our minds one way, our ears another, we have divided: wherefore by right are we conquered, for victory loveth solicitude. So now your minds at the least turn ye hither, now their chant they begin, anon ye will have to respond. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!
Maidens.
Hesperus! what crueler light is borne aloft in the heavens? Thou who canst pluck the maid from her mother's enfolding, pluck from her mother's enfolding the firm-clinging maid, and canst give the chaste girl to the burning youngster. What more cruel could victors in vanquished city contrive? Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!
Youths.
Hesperus! what more jocund light is borne aloft in the heavens? Thou who dost confirm with thy flame the marriage betrothals which the men had pledged, the parents had pledged of aforetime, nor may they be joined in completion before thy flame is borne aloft. What can the gods give more gladsome than that happy hour? Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!
Maidens.
* * * * Hesperus from us, O comrades, has stolen one away * * * * Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!
Youths.
* * * * For at thy advent a guard always keeps watch. Thieves lie in wait by night, whom often on thy return, O Hesperus, thou hap'st upon, when with thy changed name Eous. Yet it doth please the unwedded girls to carp at thee with plaints fictitious. But what if they carp at that which in close-shut mind they long for? Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!
Maidens.
As grows the hidden flower in garden closed, to kine unknown, uprooted by no ploughshare, whilst the winds caress it, the sun makes it sturdy, and the shower gives it growth * * * * many a boy and many a girl longs for it: this same when pluckt, deflowered from slender stalklet, never a boy and never a girl doth long for it: so the virgin, while she stays untouched, so long is she dear to her folk; when she hath lost her chaste flower from her body profaned, nor to the boys stays she beauteous, nor is she dear to the girls. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!
Youths.
As the widowed vine which grows in naked field ne'er uplifts itself, ne'er ripens a mellow grape, but bending prone 'neath the weight of its tender body now and again its highmost bough touches with its root; this no husbandmen, no herdsmen will foster: but if this same chance to be joined with marital elm, it many husbandmen, many herdsmen will foster: so the virgin, whilst she stays untouched, so long does she age, unfostered; but when fitting union she obtain in meet time, dearer is she to her lord and less of a trouble to parent. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!
Youths and Maidens.
But struggle not 'gainst such a mate, O virgin. 'Tis improper to struggle, thou whose father hath handed thee o'er, that father together with thy mother to whom obedience is needed. Thy maidenhead is not wholly thine, in part 'tis thy parents': a third part is thy father's, a third part is given to thy mother, a third alone is thine: be unwilling to struggle against two, who to their son-in-law their rights together with dowry have given. Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen hither O Hymenaeus!
LXIII.
Super alta vectus Attis celeri rate maria Phrygium ut nemus citato cupide pede tetigit Adiitque opaca, silvis redimita loca deae, Stimulatus ibi furenti rabie, vagus animis, Devolsit ilei acuto sibi pondera silice. 5 Itaque ut relicta sensit sibi membra sine viro, Etiam recente terrae sola sanguine maculans Niveis citata cepit manibus leve typanum, Typanum, tuom Cybebe, tua, mater, initia, Quatiensque terga taurei teneris cava digitis 10 Canere haec suis adortast tremebunda comitibus. 'Agite ite ad alta, Gallae, Cybeles nemora simul, Simul ite, Dindymenae dominae vaga pecora, Aliena quae petentes velut exules loca Sectam meam executae duce me mihi comites 15 Rabidum salum tulistis truculentaque pelage Et corpus evirastis Veneris nimio odio, Hilarate erae citatis erroribus animum. Mora tarda mente cedat: simul ite, sequimini Phrygiam ad domum Cybebes, Phrygia ad nemora deae, 20 Vbi cymbalum sonat vox, ubi tympana reboant, Tibicen ubi canit Phryx curvo grave calamo, Vbi capita Maenades vi iaciunt ederigerae, Vbi sacra sancta acutis ululatibus agitant, Vbi suevit illa divae volitare vaga cohors: 25 Quo nos decet citatis celerare tripudiis.' Simul haec comitibus Attis cecinit notha mulier, Thiasus repente linguis trepidantibus ululat, Leve tympanum remugit, cava cymbala recrepant, Viridem citus adit Idam properante pede chorus. 30 Furibunda simul anhelans vaga vadit, animam agens, Comitata tympano Attis per opaca nemora dux, Veluti iuvenca vitans onus indomita iugi: Rapidae ducem sequuntur Gallae properipedem. Itaque ut domum Cybebes tetigere lassulae, 35 Nimio e labore somnum capiunt sine Cerere. Piger his labante langore oculos sopor operit: Abit in quiete molli rabidus furor animi. Sed ubi oris aurei Sol radiantibus oculis Lustravit aethera album, sola dura, mare ferum, 40 Pepulitque noctis umbras vegetis sonipedibus, Ibi Somnus excitam Attin fugiens citus abiit: Trepidante eum recepit dea Pasithea sinu. Ita de quiete molli rapida sine rabie Simul ipsa pectore Attis sua facta recoluit, 45 Liquidaque mente vidit sine queis ubique foret, Animo aestuante rusum reditum ad vada tetulit. Ibi maria vasta visens lacrimantibus oculis, Patriam allocuta maestast ita voce miseriter. 'Patria o mei creatrix, patria o mea genetrix, 50 Ego quam miser relinquens, dominos ut erifugae Famuli solent, ad Idae tetuli nemora pedem, Vt aput nivem et ferarum gelida stabula forem Et earum operta adirem furibunda latibula? Vbinam aut quibus locis te positam, patria, reor? 55 Cupit ipsa pupula ad te sibi dirigere aciem, Rabie fera carens dum breve tempus animus est. Egone a mea remota haec ferar in nemora domo? Patria, bonis, amicis, genitoribus abero? Abero foro, palaestra, stadio et guminasiis? 60 Miser a miser, querendumst etiam atque etiam, anime. Quod enim genus figuraest, ego non quod habuerim? Ego mulier, ego adolescens, ego ephebus, ego puer, Ego guminasi fui flos, ego eram decus olei: Mihi ianuae frequentes, mihi limina tepida, 65 Mihi floridis corollis redimita domus erat, Linquendum ubi esset orto mihi sole cubiculum. Ego nunc deum ministra et Cybeles famula ferar? Ego Maenas, ego mei pars, ego vir sterilis ero? Ego viridis algida Idae nive amicta loca colam? 70 Ego vitam agam sub altis Phrygiae columinibus, Vbi cerva silvicultrix, ubi aper nemorivagus? Iam iam dolet quod egi, iam iamque paenitet.' Roseis ut huic labellis sonitus celer abiit, Geminas deorum ad aures nova nuntia referens, 75 Ibi iuncta iuga resolvens Cybele leonibus Laevumque pecoris hostem stimulans ita loquitur. 'Agedum' inquit 'age ferox i, fac ut hunc furor agitet, Fac uti furoris ictu reditum in nemora ferat, Mea libere nimis qui fugere imperia cupit. 80 Age caede terga cauda, tua verbera patere, Fac cuncta mugienti fremitu loca retonent, Rutilam ferox torosa cervice quate iubam.' Ait haec minax Cybebe religatque iuga manu. Ferus ipse sese adhortans rapidum incitat animo, 85 Vadit, fremit, refringit virgulta pede vago. At ubi umida albicantis loca litoris adiit, Teneramque vidit Attin prope marmora pelagi, Facit impetum: illa demens fugit in nemora fera: Ibi semper omne vitae spatium famula fuit. 90 Dea magna, dea Cybebe, Didymei dea domina, Procul a mea tuos sit furor omnis, era, domo: Alios age incitatos, alios age rabidos.
LXIII.
THE ADVENTURES OF ATYS.
O'er high deep seas in speedy ship his voyage Atys sped Until he trod the Phrygian grove with hurried eager tread And as the gloomy tree-shorn stead, the she-god's home, he sought There sorely stung with fiery ire and madman's vaguing thought, Share he with sharpened flint the freight wherewith his form was fraught. 5 Then as the she-he sensed limbs were void of manly strain And sighted freshly shed a-ground spot of ensanguined stain, Snatched she the timbrel's legier load with hands as snowdrops white, Thy timbrel, Mother Cybebe, the firstings of thy rite, And as her tender finger-tips on bull-back hollow rang 10 She rose a-grieving and her song to listening comrades sang. "Up Gallae, hie together, haste for Cybebe's deep grove, Hie to the Dindymenean dame, ye flocks that love to rove; The which affecting stranger steads as bound in exile's brunt My sect pursuing led by me have nerved you to confront 15 The raging surge of salty sea and ocean's tyrant hand As your hate of Venus' hest your manly forms unmann'd, Gladden your souls, ye mistresses, with sense of error bann'd. Drive from your spirits dull delay, together follow ye To hold of Phrygian goddess, home of Phrygian Cybebe, 20 Where loud the cymbal's voice resounds with timbrel-echoes blending, And where the Phrygian piper drones grave bass from reed a-bending, Where toss their ivy-circled heads with might the Maenades Where ply mid shrilly lullilooes the holiest mysteries, Where to fly here and there be wont the she-god's vaguing train, 25 Thither behoves us lead the dance in quick-step hasty strain." Soon as had Atys (bastard-she) this lay to comrades sung The Chorus sudden lulliloos with quivering, quavering tongue, Again the nimble timbrel groans, the scooped-out cymbals clash, And up green Ida flits the Choir, with footsteps hurrying rash. 30 Then Atys frantic, panting, raves, a-wandering, lost, insane, And leads with timbrel hent and treads the shades where shadows rain, Like heifer spurning load of yoke in yet unbroken pride; And the swift Gallae follow fain their first and fleetfoot guide. But when the home of Cybebe they make with toil out-worn 35 O'er much, they lay them down to sleep and gifts of Ceres scorn; Till heavy slumbers seal their eyelids langourous, drooping lowly, And raving phrenzy flies each brain departing softly, slowly. But when Dan Sol with radiant eyes that fire his face of gold Surveyed white aether and solid soil and waters uncontrol'd, 40 And chased with steeds sonorous-hooved the shades of lingering night, Then sleep from waking Atys fled fleeting with sudden flight, By Nymph Pasithae welcomed to palpitating breast. Thus when his phrenzy raging rash was soothed to gentlest rest, Atys revolved deeds lately done, as thought from breast unfolding, 45 And what he'd lost and what he was with lucid sprite beholding, To shallows led by surging soul again the way 'gan take. There casting glance of weeping eyes where vasty billows brake, Sad-voiced in pitifullest lay his native land bespake. "Country of me, Creatress mine, O born to thee and bred, 50 By hapless me abandoned as by thrall from lordling fled, When me to Ida's groves and glades these vaguing footsteps bore To tarry 'mid the snows and where lurk beasts in antres frore And seek the deeply hidden lairs where furious ferals meet! Where, Country! whither placed must I now hold thy site and seat? 55 Lief would these balls of eyes direct to thee their line of sight, Which for a while, a little while, would free me from despite. Must I for ever roam these groves from house and home afar? Of country, parents, kith and kin (life's boon) myself debar? Fly Forum, fly Palestra, fly the Stadium, the Gymnase? 60 Wretch, ah poor wretch, I'm doomed (my soul!) to mourn throughout my days, For what of form or figure is, which I failed to enjoy? I full-grown man, I blooming youth, I stripling, I a boy, I of Gymnasium erst the bloom, I too of oil the pride: Warm was my threshold, ever stood my gateways opening wide, 65 My house was ever garlanded and hung with flowery freight, And couch to quit with rising sun, has ever been my fate: Now must I Cybebe's she-slave, priestess of gods, be hight? I Maenad I, mere bit of self, I neutral barren wight? I spend my life-tide couch't beneath high-towering Phrygian peaks? 70 I dwell on Ida's verdant slopes mottled with snowy streaks, Where homes the forest-haunting doe, where roams the wildling boar? Now, now I rue my deed foredone, now, now it irks me sore!" Whenas from out those roseate lips these accents rapid flew, Bore them to ears divine consigned a Nuncio true and new; 75 Then Cybebe her lions twain disjoining from their yoke The left-hand enemy of the herds a-goading thus bespoke:— "Up feral fell! up, hie with him, see rage his footsteps urge, See that his fury smite him till he seek the forest verge, He who with over-freedom fain would fly mine empery. 80 Go, slash thy flank with lashing tail and sense the strokes of thee, Make the whole mountain to thy roar sound and resound again, And fiercely toss thy brawny neck that bears the tawny mane!" So quoth an-angered Cybebe, and yoke with hand untied: The feral rose in fiery wrath and self-inciting hied, 85 A-charging, roaring through the brake with breaking paws he tore. But when he reached the humid sands where surges cream the shore, Spying soft Atys lingering near the marbled pave of sea He springs: the terror-madded wretch back to the wood doth flee, Where for the remnant of her days a bondmaid's life led she. 90 Great Goddess, Goddess Cybebe, Dindymus dame divine, Far from my house and home thy wrath and wrack, dread mistress mine: Goad others on with Fury's goad, others to Ire consign!
Over the vast main borne by swift-sailing ship, Attis, as with hasty hurried foot he reached the Phrygian wood and gained the tree-girt gloomy sanctuary of the Goddess, there roused by rabid rage and mind astray, with sharp-edged flint downwards wards dashed his burden of virility. Then as he felt his limbs were left without their manhood, and the fresh-spilt blood staining the soil, with bloodless hand she hastily hent a tambour light to hold, taborine thine, O Cybebe, thine initiate rite, and with feeble fingers beating the hollowed bullock's back, she rose up quivering thus to chant to her companions.
"Haste ye together, she-priests, to Cybebe's dense woods, together haste, ye vagrant herd of the dame Dindymene, ye who inclining towards strange places as exiles, following in my footsteps, led by me, comrades, ye who have faced the ravening sea and truculent main, and have castrated your bodies in your utmost hate of Venus, make glad our mistress speedily with your minds' mad wanderings. Let dull delay depart from your thoughts, together haste ye, follow to the Phrygian home of Cybebe, to the Phrygian woods of the Goddess, where sounds the cymbal's voice, where the tambour resounds, where the Phrygian flautist pipes deep notes on the curved reed, where the ivy-clad Maenades furiously toss their heads, where they enact their sacred orgies with shrill-sounding ululations, where that wandering band of the Goddess is wont to flit about: thither 'tis meet to hasten with hurried mystic dance."
When Attis, spurious woman, had thus chanted to her comity, the chorus straightway shrills with trembling tongues, the light tambour booms, the concave cymbals clang, and the troop swiftly hastes with rapid feet to verdurous Ida. Then raging wildly, breathless, wandering, with brain distraught, hurrieth Attis with her tambour, their leader through dense woods, like an untamed heifer shunning the burden of the yoke: and the swift Gallae press behind their speedy-footed leader. So when the home of Cybebe they reach, wearied out with excess of toil and lack of food they fall in slumber. Sluggish sleep shrouds their eyes drooping with faintness, and raging fury leaves their minds to quiet ease.
But when the sun with radiant eyes from face of gold glanced o'er the white heavens, the firm soil, and the savage sea, and drave away the glooms of night with his brisk and clamorous team, then sleep fast-flying quickly sped away from wakening Attis, and goddess Pasithea received Somnus in her panting bosom. Then when from quiet rest torn, her delirium over, Attis at once recalled to mind her deed, and with lucid thought saw what she had lost, and where she stood, with heaving heart she backwards traced her steps to the landing-place. There, gazing o'er the vast main with tear-filled eyes, with saddened voice in tristful soliloquy thus did she lament her land:
"Mother-land, O my creatress, mother-land, O my begetter, which full sadly I'm forsaking, as runaway serfs are wont from their lords, to the woods of Ida I have hasted on foot, to stay 'mongst snow and icy dens of ferals, and to wander through the hidden lurking-places of ferocious beasts. Where, or in what part, O mother-land, may I imagine that thou art? My very eyeball craves to fix its glance towards thee, whilst for a brief space my mind is freed from wild ravings. And must I wander o'er these woods far from mine home? From country, goods, friends, and parents, must I be parted? Leave the forum, the palaestra, the race-course, and gymnasium? Wretched, wretched soul, 'tis thine to grieve for ever and for aye. For whatso shape is there, whose kind I have not worn? I (now a woman), I a man, a stripling, and a lad; I was the gymnasium's flower, I was the pride of the oiled wrestlers: my gates, my friendly threshold, were crowded, my home was decked with floral coronals, when I was wont to leave my couch at sunrise. Now shall I live a ministrant of gods and slave to Cybebe? I a Maenad, I a part of me, I a sterile trunk! Must I range o'er the snow-clad spots of verdurous Ida, and wear out my life 'neath lofty Phrygian peaks, where stay the sylvan-seeking stag and woodland-wandering boar? Now, now, I grieve the deed I've done; now, now, do I repent!"
As the swift sound left those rosy lips, borne by new messenger to gods' twinned ears, Cybebe, unloosing her lions from their joined yoke, and goading the left-hand foe of the herd, thus doth speak: "Come," she says, "to work, thou fierce one, cause a madness urge him on, let a fury prick him onwards till he return through our woods, he who over-rashly seeks to fly from my empire. On! thrash thy flanks with thy tail, endure thy strokes; make the whole place re-echo with roar of thy bellowings; wildly toss thy tawny mane about thy nervous neck." Thus ireful Cybebe spoke and loosed the yoke with her hand. The monster, self-exciting, to rapid wrath his heart doth spur, he rushes, he roars, he bursts through the brake with heedless tread. But when he gained the humid verge of the foam-flecked shore, and spied the womanish Attis near the opal sea, he made a bound: the witless wretch fled into the wild wold: there throughout the space of her whole life a bondsmaid did she stay. Great Goddess, Goddess Cybebe, Goddess Dame of Dindymus, far from my home may all thine anger be, O mistress: urge others to such actions, to madness others hound.
LXIIII.
Peliaco quondam prognatae vertice pinus Dicuntur liquidas Neptuni nasse per undas Phasidos ad fluctus et fines Aeetaeos, Cum lecti iuvenes, Argivae robora pubis, Auratam optantes Colchis avertere pellem 5 Ausi sunt vada salsa cita decurrere puppi, Caerula verrentes abiegnis aequora palmis. Diva quibus retinens in summis urbibus arces Ipsa levi fecit volitantem flamine currum, Pinea coniungens inflexae texta carinae. 10 Illa rudem cursu prima imbuit Amphitriten. Quae simulac rostro ventosum proscidit aequor, Tortaque remigio spumis incanduit unda, Emersere freti canenti e gurgite vultus Aequoreae monstrum Nereides admirantes. 15 Atque illic alma viderunt luce marinas Mortales oculi nudato corpore Nymphas Nutricum tenus extantes e gurgite cano. Tum Thetidis Peleus incensus fertur amore, Tum Thetis humanos non despexit hymenaeos, 20 Tum Thetidi pater ipse iugandum Pelea sanxit. O nimis optato saeclorum tempore nati Heroes, salvete, deum genus, o bona matrum Progenies, salvete iterum placidique favete. Vos ego saepe meo, vos carmine conpellabo, Teque adeo eximie taedis felicibus aucte 25 Thessaliae columen Peleu, cui Iuppiter ipse, Ipse suos divom genitor concessit amores. Tene Thetis tenuit pulcherrima Nereine? Tene suam Tethys concessit ducere neptem, Oceanusque, mari totum qui amplectitur orbem? 30 Quoi simul optatae finito tempore luces Advenere, domum conventu tota frequentat Thessalia, oppletur laetanti regia coetu: Dona ferunt prae se, declarant gaudia voltu. Deseritur Cieros, linquunt Phthiotica tempe, 35 Crannonisque domos ac moenia Larisaea, Pharsalum coeunt, Pharsalia tecta frequentant. Rura colit nemo, mollescunt colla iuvencis, Non humilis curvis purgatur vinea rastris, Non falx attenuat frondatorum arboris umbram, 41 Non glaebam prono convellit vomere taurus, 40 Squalida desertis rubigo infertur aratris. Ipsius at sedes, quacumque opulenta recessit Regia, fulgenti splendent auro atque argento. Candet ebur soliis, collucent pocula mensae, 45 Tota domus gaudet regali splendida gaza. Pulvinar vero divae geniale locatur Sedibus in mediis, Indo quod dente politum Tincta tegit roseo conchyli purpura fuco. Haec vestis priscis hominum variata figuris 50 Heroum mira virtutes indicat arte. Namque fluentisono prospectans litore Diae Thesea cedentem celeri cum classe tuetur Indomitos in corde gerens Ariadna furores, Necdum etiam sese quae visit visere credit, 55 Vt pote fallaci quae tum primum excita somno Desertam in sola miseram se cernat arena. Inmemor at iuvenis fugiens pellit vada remis, Inrita ventosae linquens promissa procellae. Quem procul ex alga maestis Minois ocellis, 60 Saxea ut effigies bacchantis, prospicit, eheu, Prospicit et magnis curarum fluctuat undis, Non flavo retinens subtilem vertice mitram, Non contecta levi + velatum pectus amictu, Non tereti strophio lactantes vincta papillas, 65 Omnia quae toto delapsa e corpore passim Ipsius ante pedes fluctus salis adludebant. Set neque tum mitrae neque tum fluitantis amictus Illa vicem curans toto ex te pectore, Theseu, Toto animo, tota pendebat perdita mente. 70 A misera, adsiduis quam luctibus externavit Spinosas Erycina serens in pectore curas Illa tempestate, ferox quom robore Theseus Egressus curvis e litoribus Piraei Attigit iniusti regis Gortynia tecta. 75 Nam perhibent olim crudeli peste coactam Androgeoneae poenas exolvere caedis Electos iuvenes simul et decus innuptarum Cecropiam solitam esse dapem dare Minotauro. Quis angusta malis cum moenia vexarentur, 80 Ipse suom Theseus pro caris corpus Athenis Proicere optavit potius quam talia Cretam Funera Cecropiae nec funera portarentur, Atque ita nave levi nitens ac lenibus auris Magnanimum ad Minoa venit sedesque superbas. 85 Hunc simulac cupido conspexit lumine virgo Regia, quam suavis expirans castus odores Lectulus in molli conplexu matris alebat, Quales Eurotae progignunt flumina myrtus Aurave distinctos educit verna colores, 90 Non prius ex illo flagrantia declinavit Lumina, quam cuncto concepit corpore flammam Funditus atque imis exarsit tota medullis. Heu misere exagitans inmiti corde furores Sancte puer, curis hominum qui gaudia misces, 95 Quaeque regis Golgos quaeque Idalium frondosum, Qualibus incensam iactastis mente puellam Fluctibus in flavo saepe hospite suspirantem! Quantos illa tulit languenti corde timores! Quam tum saepe magis + fulgore expalluit auri! 100 Cum saevom cupiens contra contendere monstrum Aut mortem oppeteret Theseus aut praemia laudis. Non ingrata tamen frustra munuscula divis Promittens tacito succepit vota labello. Nam velut in summo quatientem brachia Tauro 105 Quercum aut conigeram sudanti cortice pinum Indomitum turben contorquens flamine robur Eruit (illa procul radicitus exturbata Prona cadit, late quast impetus obvia frangens), Sic domito saevom prostravit corpore Theseus 110 Nequiquam vanis iactantem cornua ventis. Inde pedem sospes multa cum laude reflexit Errabunda regens tenui vestigia filo, Ne labyrintheis e flexibus egredientem Tecti frustraretur inobservabilis error. 115 Sed quid ego a primo digressus carmine plura Conmemorem, ut linquens genitoris filia voltum, Vt consanguineae conplexum, ut denique matris, Quae misera in gnata deperdita laetabatur, Omnibus his Thesei dulcem praeoptarit amorem, 120 Aut ut vecta rati spumosa ad litora Diae Venerit, aut ut eam devinctam lumina somno Liquerit inmemori discedens pectore coniunx? Saepe illam perhibent ardenti corde furentem Clarisonas imo fudisse e pectore voces, 125 Ac tum praeruptos tristem conscendere montes, Vnde aciem in pelagi vastos protenderet aestus, Tum tremuli salis adversas procurrere in undas Mollia nudatae tollentem tegmina surae, Atque haec extremis maestam dixisse querellis, 130 Frigidulos udo singultus ore cientem. 'Sicine me patriis avectam, perfide, ab oris, Perfide, deserto liquisti in litore, Theseu? Sicine discedens neglecto numine divom Inmemor a, devota domum periuria portas? 135 Nullane res potuit crudelis flectere mentis Consilium? tibi nulla fuit clementia praesto, Inmite ut nostri vellet miserescere pectus? At non haec quondam nobis promissa dedisti, Vane: mihi non haec miserae sperare iubebas, 140 Sed conubia laeta, sed optatos hymenaeos: Quae |
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