Robed were their tremulous frames all o'er in muffle of garmentsBright-white, purple of hem enfolding heels in its edges;Snowy the fillets that bound heads aged by many a year-tide,And, as their wont aye was, their hands plied labour unceasing.Each in her left upheld with soft fleece clothed a distaff,Then did the right that drew forth thread with upturn of fingersGently fashion the yarn which deftly twisted by thumb-ballSpeeded the spindle poised by thread-whorl perfect of polish;Thus as the work was wrought, the lengths were trimmed wi' the fore-teeth,While to their thin, dry lips stuck wool-flecks severed by biting,Which at the first outstood from yarn-hanks evenly fine-drawn.Still at their feet in front soft fleece-flecks white as the snow-flakeLay in the trusty guard of wickers woven in withies.Always a-carding the wool, with clear-toned voices resoundingTold they such lots as these in song divinely directed,Chaunts which none after-time shall 'stablish falsehood-convicted.
1.O who by virtues great all highmost honours enhancest,Guard of Emáthia-land, most famous made by thine offspring,Take what the Sisters deign this gladsome day to disclose thee,Oracles soothfast told,—And ye, by Destiny followed,Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, 0 Spindles.
2.
Soon to thy sight shall rise, their fond hopes bringing to bridegrooms,Hesperus: soon shall come thy spouse with planet auspicious,Who shall thy mind enbathe with a love that softens the spirit,And as thyself shall prepare for sinking in languorous slumber,