Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. For that the Virgin spurned as thou the person of Peleus,
  2. Nor Thetis' nuptial torch would greet by act of her presence.
  3. When they had leaned their limbs upon snowy benches reposing,
  4. Tables largely arranged with various viands were garnisht.
  5. But, ere opened the feast, with infirm gesture their semblance
  6. Shaking, the Parcae fell to chaunting veridique verses.
  7. Robed were their tremulous frames all o'er in muffle of garments
  8. Bright-white, purple of hem enfolding heels in its edges;
  9. Snowy the fillets that bound heads aged by many a year-tide,
  10. And, as their wont aye was, their hands plied labour unceasing.
  11. Each in her left upheld with soft fleece clothed a distaff,
  12. Then did the right that drew forth thread with upturn of fingers
  13. Gently fashion the yarn which deftly twisted by thumb-ball
  14. Speeded the spindle poised by thread-whorl perfect of polish;
  15. Thus as the work was wrought, the lengths were trimmed wi' the fore-teeth,
  16. While to their thin, dry lips stuck wool-flecks severed by biting,
  17. Which at the first outstood from yarn-hanks evenly fine-drawn.
  18. Still at their feet in front soft fleece-flecks white as the snow-flake
  19. Lay in the trusty guard of wickers woven in withies.
  20. Always a-carding the wool, with clear-toned voices resounding
  21. Told they such lots as these in song divinely directed,
  22. Chaunts which none after-time shall 'stablish falsehood-convicted.
  1. O who by virtues great all highmost honours enhancest,