O Hymen
Hymenaeus
io, 160
O Hymen Hymenaeus.
O Hymen Hymenaeus.
Catullus - Carmina
'Tis said from smooth-faced ingle train
(Anointed bridegroom! ) hardly fain
Hast e'er refrained; now do refrain!
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 140
O Hymen Hymenaeus!
30.
We know that naught save licit rites
Be known to thee, but wedded wights
No more deem lawful such delights.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 145
O Hymen Hymenaeus.
31.
Thou too, O Bride, whatever dare
Thy groom, of coy rebuff beware,
Lest he to find elsewhither fare.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 150
O Hymen Hymenaeus.
32.
Lo! here the house of high degree
Thy husband's puissant home to be,
Which ever shall obey thy gree.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 155
O Hymen Hymenaeus!
33.
Till Time betide when eld the hoar
Thy head and temples trembling o'er
Make nod to all things evermore.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 160
O Hymen Hymenaeus.
34.
O'erstep with omen meetest meet
The threshold-stone thy golden feet
Up, past the polisht panels fleet.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 165
O Hymen Hymenaeus.
35.
Within bestrewn thy bridegroom see
On couch of Tyrian cramoisy
All imminent awaiting thee.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 170
O Hymen Hymenaeus.
36.
For in his breast not less than thine
Burn high the flames that deepest shrine,
Yet his the lowe far deeper lien.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 175
O Hymen Hymenaeus.
37.
Let fall the maid's soft arms, thou fair
Boy purple-hem'd: now be thy care
Her bridegroom's couch she seek and share.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 180
O Hymen Hymenaeus.
38.
Ye wives time-tried to husbands wed,
Well-known for chastity inbred,
Dispose the virginette a-bed.
O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 185
O Hymen Hymenaeus.