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44

Priapus

Velle quid hanc dicas, quamvis sim ligneus, hastam,
   oscula dat medio si qua puella mihi?
augure non opus est: 'in me' mihi credite, dixit
   'aptetur veris usibus hasta rudis'.

What shouldest say this spear (although I'm wooden) be wishing
Whenas a maiden chance me in the middle to kiss?
Here none augur we: need: believe my word she is saying -
'Let the rude spear in me work with its natural wont!'

What dost thou say this spear, although I be wooden, is wishing, if any girl give kisses to my middle? It needs no soothsayer, for, believe me, she has said, 'The rude spear will exercise its true functions on me.'[1]


Next: 45. Whenas the Rigid God espied a wight