Page:The poems of Gaius Valerius Catullus - Francis Warre Cornish.djvu/81



In his inmost heart no less than in yours burns the flame, but deeper within. Io Hymen Hymenaeus io, io Hymen Hymenaeus!

Let go, young boy, the smooth arm of the maiden, let her now come to her husband's bed. Io Hymen Hymenaeus io, io Hymen Hymenaeus!

Ye, good women, well wedded to ancient husbands, set the maiden in her place. Io Hymen Hymenaeus io, io Hymen Hymenaeus!

Now you may come, husband: your wife is in the bridechamber, shining with flowery face, like a white '9° daisy or yellow poppy.

But, husband, so help me the gods, you are no less beautiful, nor does Venus neglect you. But the day is passing. Go on then, delay not.

Not long have you delayed. Already you come. May chaste Venus help you, since openly you take °° your desire and do not hide your honest love.