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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

IF the gods will, Fabullus mine,

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.

Bring these—you’ll feast on kingly fare;

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,

An unguent I’ll before you lay

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, CATULLUS.