Carmina
Catullus
Catullus, Gaius Valerius. The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus. Burton, Sir Richard Francis, translator. London, Printed for the Translators, 1894.
- Lay in the trusty guard of wickers woven in withies.
- Always a-carding the wool, with clear-toned voices resounding
- Told they such lots as these in song divinely directed,
- Chaunts which none after-time shall 'stablish falsehood-convicted.
- 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.
- 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,
- Under thy neck robust, soft arms dispreading as pillow.
- Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, 0 Spindles.
- Never a house like this such loves as these hath united,
- Never did love conjoin by such-like covenant lovers,
- As th'according tie Thetis deigned in concert wi' Peleus.
- Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, 0 Spindles.
- Born of yon twain shall come Achilles guiltless of fear-sense,