C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
An Invitation to Dinner
By Gaius Valerius Catullus (c. 84–c. 54 B.C.)
Translation of James Cranstoun
I
With me right heartily you’ll dine.
Bring but good cheer—that chance is thine
Some days hereafter;
Mind, a fair girl too, wit, and wine,
And merry laughter.
But bring them—for my purse—I swear
The spiders have been weaving there;
But thee I’ll favor
With a pure love, or what’s more rare,
More sweet of savor,
The Loves and Graces t’other day
Gave to my girl—smell it—you’ll pray
The gods, Fabullus,
To make you turn all nose straightway.
Yours aye, C