C. Valerius Catullus, Carmina
Sir Richard Francis Burton, Ed.

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.
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 Came n us, wanton baggages!"
Till answered certain one a-baring breasts
"Lo, 'twixt these rosy paps he haply rests!"
But now to find thee were Herculean feat.
Not if I feigned me that guard of Crete,
Not if with Pegasèan wing I sped,
Or Ladas I or Perseus plumiped,
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 (Camérius!) couldst on me bestow.
Tho' were I wearied to each marrow bone
And by many o' languors clean forgone
Yet I to seek thee (friend!) would still assay.
In such proud lodging (friend) wouldst self denay?
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!
But, an it please thee, padlockt palate bear,
So in your friendship I have partner-share.