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75

Priapus

Obliquis quid me, pathicae, spectatis ocellis?
   non stat in inguinibus mentula tenta meis.
quae tamen exanimis nunc est et inutile lignum,
   utilis haec, aram si dederitis, erit.

Why, O ye pathic girls, with sidelong oglings observe me?
Never this mentule of mine riseth erect from my groin.
Yet though lifeless now and a pole to no one of service,
Build me an altar and it shall be of service to all.

With sidelong glances, O pathic girls, why look ye on me? My mentule stands not erect from my groin. Although 'tis now vigourless and unserviceable wood, 'twill be of use if ye sacrifice at my altar.[1]


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