Page:The poems of Gaius Valerius Catullus - Francis Warre Cornish.djvu/129



dedicated spoil of her sunny head — me dripping from the wave, and transported to the abodes of the gods, me a new constellation among the ancient stars did the goddess set; for I, touching the fires of the Virgin and the raging Lion, and close by Callisto daughter of Lycaon, move to my setting, while I point the way before slow Bootes, who late in night scarce dips in deep ocean. But though at night the footsteps of the gods press close upon me, whilst by day I am re- stored to gray Tethys: under thy sufferance let me speak this, O Virgin of Rhamnus: — no fear shall make me hide the truth, no, not even though the stars shall rend me with angry words will I refrain from uttering the secrets of a true heart — I do not so much rejoice in this good fortune, as grieve that absent ever, absent must I be from the head of my lady; with whom of old, whilst she was still a virgin, I, who now share no more in any of her perfumes, with her drank many thousands. Now, ye maidens, since the torch has united you with welcome light, yield not your bodies to your loving spouses, baring your breasts with vesture opened, before the onyx jar offers pleasant gifts to me, the jar which is yours, who reverence marriage in chaste wedlock. But as for her who gives herself up to foul adultery, ah! let the light dust drink up her worthless gifts unratified: for I ask no offerings from the unworthy. But rather, O ye brides, may concord evermore dwell in your homes, ever abiding Love. And you, my queen, when gazing on the stars you propitiate Venus with festal lamps,, J let not me your handmaid want perfumes, but rather enrich me with bounteous gifts. Why do the stars keep me here? I would fain be the queen's hair once more; and let Orion blaze next to Aquarius. c. 15