uld say, _Lass die Bestie
stehen_.

It would not be difficult to swell this Preface by enlarging on the
novelty of the attempt, and indirectly panegyrising my own undertaking.
I doubt whether any real advantage would thus be gained. If I have
merely produced an elaborate failure, however much I might expatiate on
the principles which guided me, my work would be an elaborate failure
still. I shall therefore say no more, and shall be contented if I please
the, even in this classically trained country, too limited number of
readers who can really hear with their ears--if, to use the borrowed
language of a great poet, I succeed in making myself vocal to the
intelligent alone.

[Footnote A: The translation follows this edition (Oxford, 1867), in the
constitution of the text, as well as in the sectional division of the
poems.]

CATULLUS.

I.

Who shall take thee, the new, the dainty volume,
Purfled glossily, fresh with ashy pumice?

You, Cornelius; you of old did hold them
Something worthy, the petty witty nothings,

While you venture, alone of all Italians, 5
Time's vast chronicle in three books to circle,
Jove! how arduous, how divinely learned!

Therefore welcome it, yours the little outcast,
This slight volume. O yet, supreme awarder,
Virgin, save it in ages on for ever. 10

II.

Sparrow, favourite of my own beloved,
Whom to play with, or in her arms to fondle,
She delighteth, anon with hardy-pointed
Finger angrily doth provoke to bite her:

When my lady, a lovely star to long for, 5
Bends her splendour awhile to tricksy frolic;
Peradventure a careful heart beguiling,
Pardie, heavier ache perhaps to lighten;

Might I, like her, in happy play caressing
Thee, my dolorous heart awhile deliver! 10
. . . . . . . .
I would joy, as of old the maid rejoiced
Racing fleetly, the golden apple eyeing,
Late-won loosener of the wary girdle.

III.

Weep each heavenly Venus, all the Cupids,
Weep all men that have any grace about ye.
Dead the sparrow, in whom my love delighted,
The dear sparrow, in whom my love delighted.

Yea, most precious, above her eyes, she held him, 5
Sweet, all honey: a bird that ever hail