Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. When they had leaned their limbs upon snowy benches reposing,
  2. Tables largely arranged with various viands were garnisht.
  3. But, ere opened the feast, with infirm gesture their semblance
  4. Shaking, the Parcae fell to chaunting veridique verses.
  5. Robed were their tremulous frames all o'er in muffle of garments
  6. Bright-white, purple of hem enfolding heels in its edges;
  7. Snowy the fillets that bound heads aged by many a year-tide,
  8. And, as their wont aye was, their hands plied labour unceasing.
  9. Each in her left upheld with soft fleece clothed a distaff,
  10. Then did the right that drew forth thread with upturn of fingers
  11. Gently fashion the yarn which deftly twisted by thumb-ball
  12. Speeded the spindle poised by thread-whorl perfect of polish;
  13. Thus as the work was wrought, the lengths were trimmed wi' the fore-teeth,
  14. While to their thin, dry lips stuck wool-flecks severed by biting,
  15. Which at the first outstood from yarn-hanks evenly fine-drawn.
  16. Still at their feet in front soft fleece-flecks white as the snow-flake
  17. Lay in the trusty guard of wickers woven in withies.
  18. Always a-carding the wool, with clear-toned voices resounding
  19. Told they such lots as these in song divinely directed,
  20. 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.