Catullus to His Book
Qvoi Dono Lepidvm Novvm Libellvm
Caius Valerius Catullus. Translated by A. Lang expressly
for this collection.
My little book, that’s neat and new,
Fresh polished with dry pumice stone,
To whom, Cornelius, but to you,
Shall this be sent, for you alone—
(Who used to praise my lines, my own)—
Have dared, in weighty volumes three,
(What labors, Jove, what learning thine!)
To tell the Tale of Italy,
And all the legend of our line.
So take, whate’er its worth may be,
My Book,—but Lady and Queen of Song,
This one kind gift I crave of thee,
That it may live for ages long!