Carmina

Catullus

Catullus, Gaius Valerius. The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus. Burton, Sir Richard Francis, translator. London, Printed for the Translators, 1894.

  1. Lay in the trusty guard of wickers woven in withies.
  2. Always a-carding the wool, with clear-toned voices resounding
  3. Told they such lots as these in song divinely directed,
  4. Chaunts which none after-time shall 'stablish falsehood-convicted.
  1. O who by virtues great all highmost honours enhancest,
  2. Guard of Emáthia-land, most famous made by thine offspring,
  3. Take what the Sisters deign this gladsome day to disclose thee,
  4. Oracles soothfast told,—And ye, by Destiny followed,
  5. Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, 0 Spindles.
  1. Soon to thy sight shall rise, their fond hopes bringing to bridegrooms,
  2. Hesperus: soon shall come thy spouse with planet auspicious,
  3. Who shall thy mind enbathe with a love that softens the spirit,
  4. And as thyself shall prepare for sinking in languorous slumber,
  5. Under thy neck robust, soft arms dispreading as pillow.
  6. Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, 0 Spindles.
  1. Never a house like this such loves as these hath united,
  2. Never did love conjoin by such-like covenant lovers,
  3. As th'according tie Thetis deigned in concert wi' Peleus.
  4. Speed ye, the well-spun woof out-drawing, speed ye, 0 Spindles.
  1. Born of yon twain shall come Achilles guiltless of fear-sense,