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Mythology & Folklore

Book XVI, 260: On a Statue of Priapus

by Anonymous (Greek Anthology) various, 7th c. BC – 10th c. AD

Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. V, 1918)

Mythology & Folklore

If I, Priapus, see you stepping near the kail, you thief, I will uncover your nakedness by the kail-bed itself. You will say that this is a shameful duty for a god to have. I know myself that it is shameful, but I would have you know that for this purpose I was set up.

This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.

Cite this poem

MLA

Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book XVI, 260: On a Statue of Priapus.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/1042/.

Chicago

Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book XVI, 260: On a Statue of Priapus.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/1042/.

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