Carmina

Catullus

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

  1. Snowy the fillets that bound heads aged by many a year-tide,
  2. And, as their wont aye was, their hands plied labour unceasing.
  3. Each in her left upheld with soft fleece clothed a distaff,
  4. Then did the right that drew forth thread with upturn of fingers
  5. Gently fashion the yarn which deftly twisted by thumb-ball
  6. Speeded the spindle poised by thread-whorl perfect of polish;
  7. Thus as the work was wrought, the lengths were trimmed wi' the fore-teeth,
  8. While to their thin, dry lips stuck wool-flecks severed by biting,
  9. Which at the first outstood from yarn-hanks evenly fine-drawn.
  10. Still at their feet in front soft fleece-flecks white as the snow-flake
  11. Lay in the trusty guard of wickers woven in withies.
  12. Always a-carding the wool, with clear-toned voices resounding
  13. Told they such lots as these in song divinely directed,
  14. 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,