Page:The poems of Gaius Valerius Catullus - Francis Warre Cornish.djvu/75



What god is more worthy to be invoked by lovers who are loved? whom of the heavenly ones shall men worship more than thee? O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus!

Thee for his children the aged father invokes, for thee the maidens loose their robes from the girdle: for thee the new husband listens fearfully with eager ear.

Thou thyself givest into the hands of the fiery youth the blooming maiden from the bosom of her mother, O Hymenaeus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenaeus! 6o

No pleasure can Venus take without thee, such as honest fame may approve; but can, if thou art willing. What god dare match himself with this god?

No house without thee can give children, no parent rest on his offspring; but can, if thou art willing. What god dare match himself with this god?

A land that should want thy sanctities would not be able to produce guardians for its borders — but could, if thou wert willing. What god dare match himself with this god?

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