Catullus 64 Translation

Introduction

Carmen 64

1

PELIACO quondam prognatae uertice pinus 

PINE-TREES of old, born on the top of Pelion, 

2

dicuntur liquidas Neptuni nasse per undas 

are said to have swum through the clear waters of Neptune

3

Phasidos ad fluctus et fines Aeetaeos, 

to the waves of Phasis and the realms of Aeetes, 

4

cum lecti iuuenes, Argiuae robora pubis, 

when the chosen youths, the flower of Argive strength, 

5

auratam optantes Colchis auertere pellem 

desiring to bear away from the Colchians the golden fleece, 

6

ausi sunt uada salsa cita decurrere puppi, 

dared to course over the salt seas with swift ship, 

7

caerula uerrentes abiegnis aequora palmis. 

sweeping the blue expse with fir-wood blades; 

8

diua quibus retinens in summis urbibus arces 

for whom the goddess who holds the fortresses of city-tops 

9

ipsa leui fecit uolitantem flamine currum, 

made with her own hands the car flitting with light breeze, 

10

pinea coniungens inflexae texta carinae. 

and bound the piny structure of the bowed keel. 

11

illa rudem cursu prima imbuit Amphitriten; 

That ship first hanselled with voyage Amphitrite untried before.

12

quae simul ac rostro uentosum proscidit aequor 

So when she ploughed with her beak the windy expanse, 

13

tortaque remigio spumis incanuit unda, 

and the wave churned by the oars grew white with foam-flakes, 

14

emersere freti candenti e gurgite uultus 

forth looked from the foaming surge of the sea

15

aequoreae monstrum Nereides admirantes. 

the Nereids of the deep wondering at the strange thing. 

16

illa, atque alia, uiderunt luce marinas 

On that day, if on any other, mortals saw 

17

mortales oculis nudato corpore Nymphas 

with their eyes the sea Nymphs standing forth 

18

nutricum tenus exstantes e gurgite cano. 

from the hoary tide, with bodies naked as far as the paps. 

19

tum Thetidis Peleus incensus fertur amore, 

Then is Peleus said to have caught fire with love of Thetis, 

20

tum Thetis humanos non despexit hymenaeos, 

then did Thetis not disdain mortal espousals, 

21

tum Thetidi pater ipse iugandum Pelea sensit. 

then did the Father himself know that Peleus must be joined to Thetis. 

22

nimis optato saeclorum tempore nati 

O ye, in happiest time of ages born, 

23

heroes, saluete, deum genus! o bona matrum 

hail, heroes, sprung from gods! hail, kindly offspring of your mothers, hail 

23 B

progenies, saluete iter<um, salvete bonarum>

of your mothers, hail

24

uos ego saepe, meo uos carmine compellabo. 

You often in my song, you will I address. 

25

teque adeo eximie taedis felicibus aucte, 

And specially thee, greatly blessed by fortunate marriage torches, 

26

Thessaliae columen Peleu, cui Iuppiter ipse, 

mainstay of Tbessaly, Peleus, to whom Jupiter himself, 

27

ipse suos diuum genitor concessit amores; 

the king of the gods himself granted his own love.

28

tene Thetis tenuit pulcerrima Nereine? 

Thee did fairest Thetis clasp, daughter of Nereus? 

29

tene suam Tethys concessit ducere neptem, 

to thee did Tethys grant to wed her granddaughter, 

30

Oceanusque, mari totum qui amplectitur orbem? 

and Oceanus, who circles all the world with sea?

31

quae simul optatae finito tempore luces 

Now when that longed-for day in time fulfilled 

32

aduenere, domum conuentu tota frequentat 

had come for them, all Thessaly in full assembly crowds the house, 

33

Thessalia, oppletur laetanti regia coetu: 

the palace is thronged with a joyful company. 

34

dona ferunt prae se, declarant gaudia uultu. 

They bring gifts in their hands, they display joy in their looks. 

35

deseritur Cieros, linquunt Pthiotica Tempe 

Cieros is deserted; they leave Phthiotic Tempe 

36

Crannonisque domos ac moenia Larisaea, 

and the houses of Crannon and the walls of Larissa; 

37

Pharsalum coeunt, Pharsalia tecta frequentant. 

at Pharsalus they meet, and flock to the houses of Pharsalus. 

38

rura colit nemo, mollescunt colla iuuencis, 

None now tills the lands; the necks of the steers grow soft; 

39

non humilis curuis purgatur uinea rastris, 

no more is the ground of the vineyard cleared with curved rakes; 

40

non glebam prono conuellit uomere taurus, 

no more does the pruners’ hook thin the shade of the tree; 

41

non falx attenuat frondatorum arboris umbram, 

no more does the ox tear up the soil with downward share; 

42

squalida desertis rubigo infertur aratris. 

rough rust creeps over the deserted ploughs.

43

ipsius at sedes, quacumque opulenta recessit 

But Peleus’ own abodes, so far as inward stretched 

44

regia, fulgenti splendent auro atque argento. 

the wealthy palace, with glittering gold and silver shine. 

45

candet ebur soliis, collucent pocula mensae, 

White gleams the ivory of the thrones, bright are the cups on the table; 

46

tota domus gaudet regali splendida gaza. 

the whole house is gay and gorgeous with royal treasure. 

47

puluinar uero diuae geniale locatur 

But see, the royal marriage bed is being set for the goddess 

48

sedibus in mediis, Indo quod dente politum 

in the midst of the palace, smoothly fashioned of Indian tusk, 

49

tincta tegit roseo conchyli purpura fuco. 

covered with purple tinged with the rosy stain of the shell.

50

haec uestis priscis hominum uariata figuris 

This coverlet, broidered with shapes of ancient men,

51

heroum mira uirtutes indicat arte. 

with wondrous art sets forth the worthy deeds of heroes. 

52

namque fluentisono prospectans litore Diae, 

For there, looking forth from the wavesounding shore of Dia, 

53

Thesea cedentem celeri cum classe tuetur 

Ariadna sees Theseus, as he sails away with swift fleet, 

54

indomitos in corde gerens Ariadna furores, 

Ariadna bearing wild madness in her heart. 

55

necdum etiam sese quae uisit uisere credit, 

Not yet can she believe she beholds what yet she does behold; 

56

utpote fallaci quae tum primum excita somno 

since now, now first wakened from treacherous sleep 

57

desertam in sola miseram se cernat harena. 

she sees herself, poor wretch, deserted on the lonely sand. 

58

immemor at iuuenis fugiens pellit uada remis, 

Meanwhile the youth flies and strikes the waters with his oars, 

59

irrita uentosae linquens promissa procellae. 

leaving unfulfilled his empty pledges to the gusty storm.

60

quem procul ex alga maestis Minois ocellis, 

At whom afar from the weedy beach with streaming eyes the daughter of Minos,

61

saxea ut effigies bacchantis, prospicit, eheu, 

like a marble figure of a bacchanal, looks forth, alas! 

62

prospicit et magnis curarum fluctuat undis, 

looks forth tempest-tost with great tides of passion. 

63

non flauo retinens subtilem uertice mitram, 

Nor does she still keep the delicate headband on her golden head, 

64

non contecta leui uelatum pectus amictu, 

nor has her breast veiled by the covering of her light raiment, 

65

non tereti strophio lactentis uincta papillas, 

nor her milk-white bosom bound with the smooth girdle; 

66

omnia quae toto delapsa e corpore passim 

all these, as they slipt off around her whole body, 

67

ipsius ante pedes fluctus salis alludebant. 

before her very feet the salt waves lapped. 

68

sed neque tum mitrae neque tum fluitantis amictus 

She for her headgear then, she for her floating raiment then, 

69

illa uicem curans toto ex te pectore, Theseu, 

cared not, but on thee, Theseus, with all her thoughts,

70

toto animo, tota pendebat perdita mente. 

with all her soul, with all her mind (lost, ah lost!) was hanging,

71

misera, assiduis quam luctibus externauit 

unhappy maid! whom with unceasing floods of grief 

72

spinosas Erycina serens in pectore curas, 

Erycina maddened, sowing thorny cares in her breast, 

73

illa tempestate, ferox quo ex tempore Theseus 

even at that hour, what time bold Theseus 

74

egressus curuis e litoribus Piraei 

setting forth from the winding shores of Piraeus 

75

attigit iniusti regis Gortynia templa. 

reached the Gortynian palace of the lawless king.

76

nam perhibent olim crudeli peste coactam 

For they tell how of old, driven by a cruel pestilence 

77

Androgeoneae poenas exsoluere caedis 

to pay a penalty for the slaughter of Androgeos, 

78

electos iuuenes simul et decus innuptarum 

Cecropia was wont to give as a feast to the Minotaur 

79

Cecropiam solitam esse dapem dare Minotauro. 

chosen youths, and with them the flower of unwedded maids. 

80

quis angusta malis cum moenia uexarentur, 

Now when his narrow walls were troubled by these evils, 

81

ipse suum Theseus pro caris corpus Athenis 

Theseus himself for his dear Athens chose to offer 

82

proicere optauit potius quam talia Cretam 

his own body, rather than that such deaths, 

83

funera Cecropiae nec funera portarentur. 

living deaths, of Cecropia should be borne to Crete. 

84

atque ita naue leui nitens ac lenibus auris 

Thus then, speeding his course with light bark and gentle gales, 

85

magnanimum ad Minoa uenit sedesque superbas. 

he comes to lordly Minos and his haughty halls. 

86

hunc simul ac cupido conspexit lumine uirgo 

Him when the damsel beheld with eager eye, 

87

regia, quam suauis exspirans castus odores 

the princess, whom her chaste couch breathing sweet odours 

88

lectulus in molli complexu matris alebat, 

still nursed in her mother’s soft embrace, 

89

quales Eurotae praecingunt flumina myrtus 

like myrtles which spring by the streams of Eurotas, 

90

auraue distinctos educit uerna colores, 

or the flowers of varied hue which the breath of spring draws forth, 

91

non prius ex illo flagrantia declinauit 

she turned not her burning eyes away from him, 

92

lumina, quam cuncto concepit corpore flammam 

till she had caught fire in all her heart deep within, 

93

funditus atque imis exarsit tota medullis. 

and glowed all flame in her inmost marrow. 

94

heu misere exagitans immiti corde furores 

Ah! thou that stirrest cruel madness with ruthless heart, 

95

sancte puer, curis hominum qui gaudia misces, 

divine boy, who minglest joys of men with cares, 

96

quaeque regis Golgos quaeque Idalium frondosum, 

and thou, who reignest over Golgi and leafy Idalium, 

97

qualibus incensam iactastis mente puellam 

on what billows did ye toss the burning heart of the maiden, 

98

fluctibus, in flauo saepe hospite suspirantem! 

often sighing for the golden-headed stranger! 

99

quantos illa tulit languenti corde timores! 

what fears did she endure with fainting heart! 

100

quanto saepe magis fulgore expalluit auri, 

how often did she then grow paler than the gleam of gold,

101

cum saeuum cupiens contra contendere monstrum 

when Theseus, eager to contend with the savage monster, 

102

aut mortem appeteret Theseus aut praemia laudis! 

was setting forth to win either death or the meed of valour! 

103

non ingrata tamen frustra munuscula diuis 

Yet not unsweet were the gifts, though vainly promised to the gods, 

104

promittens tacito succepit uota labello. 

which she offered with silent lip. 

105

nam uelut in summo quatientem brachia Tauro 

For as a tree which waves its boughs on Taurus’ top, 

106

quercum aut conigeram sudanti cortice pinum 

an oak or a cone-bearing pine with sweating bark, 

107

indomitus turbo contorquens flamine robur, 

when a vehement storm twists the grain with its blast, 

108

eruit (illa procul radicitus exturbata 

and tears it up (afar, wrenched up by the roots 

109

prona cadit, late quaeuis cumque obuia frangens,) 

it lies prone, breaking away all that meets its fall),

110

sic domito saeuum prostrauit corpore Theseus 

so did Theseus overcome and lay low the bulk of the monster, 

111

nequiquam uanis iactantem cornua uentis. 

vainly tossing his horns to the empty winds. 

112

inde pedem sospes multa cum laude reflexit 

Thence he retraced his way, unharmed and with much glory, 

113

errabunda regens tenui uestigia filo, 

guiding his devious footsteps by the fine clew, 

114

ne labyrintheis e flexibus egredientem 

lest as he came forth from the mazy windings of the labyrinth 

115

tecti frustraretur inobseruabilis error. 

the inextricable entanglement of the building should bewilder him.

116

sed quid ego a primo digressus carmine plura 

But why should I leave the first subject of my song and tell of more; 

117

commemorem, ut linquens genitoris filia uultum, 

how the daughter, flying from her father’s face, 

118

ut consanguineae complexum, ut denique matris, 

the embrace of her sister, then of her mother last, 

119

quae misera in gnata deperdita laeta 

who lamented, lost in grief for her daugbter,

120

omnibus his Thesei dulcem praeoptarit amorem: 

how she chose before all these the sweet love of Theseus; 

121

aut ut uecta rati spumosa ad litora Diae 

or how the ship came borne to the foaming shores of Dia; 

122

aut ut eam deuinctam lumina somno 

or how when her eyes were bound with sleep 

123

liquerit immemori discedens pectore coniunx? 

her spouse left her, departing with forgetful mind? 

124

saepe illam perhibent ardenti corde furentem 

Often in the madness of her burning heart they say that she 

125

clarisonas imo fudisse e pectore uoces, 

uttered piercing cries from her inmost breast; 

126

ac tum praeruptos tristem conscendere montes, 

and now would she sadly climb the rugged mountains, 

127

unde aciem pelagi uastos protenderet aestus, 

thence to strain her eyes over the waste of ocean-tide; 

128

tum tremuli salis aduersas procurrere in undas 

now run out to meet the waters of the rippling brine, 

129

mollia nudatae tollentem tegmina surae, 

lifting the soft vesture of her bared knee. 

130

atque haec extremis maestam dixisse querellis, 

And thus said she mournfully in her last laments,

131

frigidulos udo singultus ore cientem: 

uttering chilly sobs with tearful face:

132

‘sicine me patriis auectam, perfide, ab aris 

“Thus then, having borne me afar from my father’s home, 

133

perfide, deserto liquisti in litore, Theseu? 

thus hast thou left me, faithless, faithless Theseus, on the lonely shore? 

134

sicine discedens neglecto numine diuum, 

thus departing, unmindful of the will of the gods, 

135

immemor a! deuota domum periuria portas? 

forgetful, ah! dost thou carry to thy home the curse of perjury? 

136

nullane res potuit crudelis flectere mentis 

could nothing bend the purpose of thy cruel mind? 

137

consilium? tibi nulla fuit clementia praesto, 

was no mercy present in thy soul, 

138

immite ut nostri uellet miserescere pectus? 

to bid thy ruthless heart incline to pity for me? 

139

at non haec quondam blanda promissa dedisti 

Not such were the promises thou gavest me once 

140

uoce mihi, non haec miserae sperare iubebas, 

with winning voice, not this didst thou bid me hope,

141

sed conubia laeta, sed optatos hymenaeos, 

ah me! no, but a joyful wedlock, but a desired espousal; 

142

quae cuncta aereii discerpunt irrita uenti. 

all which the winds of Heaven now blow abroad in vain. 

143

nunc iam nulla uiro iuranti femina credat, 

Henceforth let no woman believe a man’s oath, 

144

nulla uiri speret sermones esse fideles; 

let none believe that a man’s speeches can be trustworthy. 

145

quis dum aliquid cupiens animus praegestit apisci, 

They, while their mind desires something and longs eagerly to gain it, 

146

nil metuunt iurare, nihil promittere parcunt: 

nothing fear to swear, nothing spare to promise; 

147

sed simul ac cupidae mentis satiata libido est, 

but as soon as the lust of their greedy mind is satisfied, 

148

dicta nihil metuere, nihil periuria curant. 

they fear not then their words, they heed not their perjuries. 

149

certe ego te in medio uersantem turbine leti 

I — thou knowest it — when thou wert tossing in the very whirl of death, 

150

eripui, et potius germanum amittere creui, 

saved thee, and set my heart rather to let my brother go

151

quam tibi fallaci supremo in tempore dessem. 

than to fail thee, now faithless found, in thy utmost need. 

152

pro quo dilaceranda feris dabor alitibusque 

And for this I shall be given to beasts and birds to tear as a prey; 

153

praeda, neque iniacta tumulabor mortua terra. 

my corpse shall have no sepulture, shall be sprinkled with no earth. 

154

quaenam te genuit sola sub rupe leaena, 

What lioness bore thee under a desert rock? 

155

quod mare conceptum spumantibus exspuit undis, 

what sea conceived thee and vomited thee forth from its foaming waves? 

156

quae Syrtis, quae Scylla rapax, quae uasta Carybdis, 

what Syrtis, what ravening Scylla, what waste Charybdis bore thee, 

157

talia qui reddis pro dulci praemia uita? 

who for sweet life returnest such meed as this? 

158

si tibi non cordi fuerant conubia nostra, 

If thou hadst no mind to wed with me 

159

saeua quod horrebas prisci praecepta parentis, 

for dread of the harsh bidding of thy stern father, 

160

attamen in uestras potuisti ducere sedes, 

yet thou couldst have led me into thy dwellings 

161

quae tibi iucundo famularer serua labore, 

to serve thee as a slave with labour of love, 

162

candida permulcens liquidis uestigia lymphis, 

laving thy white feet with liquid water, 

163

purpureaue tuum consternens ueste cubile. 

or with purple coverlet spreading thy bed.

164

sed quid ego ignaris nequiquam conquerar auris, 

” But why should I, distracted with woe, cry in vain 

165

externata malo, quae nullis sensibus auctae 

to the senseless airs-the airs that are endowed with no feeling, 

166

nec missas audire queunt nec reddere uoces? 

and can neither hear nor return the messages of my voice? 

167

ille autem prope iam mediis uersatur in undis, 

He meanwhile is now tossing almost in mid-sea, 

168

nec quisquam apparet uacua mortalis in alga. 

and no human being is seen on the waste and weedy shore. 

169

sic nimis insultans extremo tempore saeua 

Thus fortune too, full of spite, in this my supreme hour 

170

fors etiam nostris inuidit questibus auris. 

has cruelly grudged all ears to my complaints. 

171

Iuppiter omnipotens, utinam ne tempore primo 

Almighty Jupiter, I would the Attic ships 

172

Gnosia Cecropiae tetigissent litora puppes, 

had never touched Gnosian shores, 

173

indomito nec dira ferens stipendia tauro 

nor ever the faithless voyager, bearing the dreadful tribute 

174

perfidus in Cretam religasset nauita funem, 

to the savage bull, has fastened his cable in Crete, 

175

nec malus hic celans dulci crudelia forma 

nor that this evil man, hiding cruel designs under a fair outside, 

176

consilia in nostris requiesset sedibus hospes! 

had reposed in our dwellings as a guest! 

177

nam quo me referam? quali spe perdita nitor? 

For whither shall I return, lost, ah, lost? on what hope do I lean? 

178

Idaeosne petam montes? at gurgite lato 

shall I seek the mountains of Sidon? how broad the flood, 

179

discernens ponti truculentum diuidit aequor. 

how savage the tract of sea which divides them from me! 

180

an patris auxilium sperem? quemne ipsa reliqui 

Shall I hope for the aid of my father? — whom I deserted of my own will, 

181

respersum iuuenem fraterna caede secuta? 

to follow a lover dabbled with my brother’s blood! 

182

coniugis an fido consoler memet amore? 

Or shall I console myself with the faithful love of my spouse, 

183

quine fugit lentos incuruans gurgite remos? 

who is flying from me, bending his tough oars in the wave? 

184

praeterea nullo colitur sola insula tecto, 

and here too is naught but the shore, with never a house, a desert island; 

185

nec patet egressus pelagi cingentibus undis. 

no way to depart opens for me; about me are the waters of the sea; 

186

nulla fugae ratio, nulla spes: omnia muta, 

no means of flight, no hope; all is dumb, 

187

omnia sunt deserta, ostentant omnia letum. 

all is desolate; all shows me the face of death. 

188

non tamen ante mihi languescent lumina morte, 

Yet my eyes shall not grow faint in death, 

189

nec prius a fesso secedent corpore sensus, 

nor shall the sense fail from my wearied body, 

190

quam iustam a diuis exposcam prodita multam 

before I demand from the gods just vengeance for my betrayal, 

191

caelestumque fidem postrema comprecer hora. 

and call upon the faith of the heavenly ones in my last hour.

192

quare facta uirum multantes uindice poena 

Therefore, O ye that visit the deeds of men with vengeful pains, 

193

Eumenides, quibus anguino redimita capillo 

ye Eumenides, whose foreheads bound with snaky hair 

194

frons exspirantis praeportat pectoris iras, 

announce the wrath which breathes from your breast, 

195

huc huc aduentate, meas audite querellas, 

hither, bither haste, hear my complaints 

196

quas ego, uae misera, extremis proferre medullis 

which I (ah, unhappy!) bring forth from my inmost heart 

197

cogor inops, ardens, amenti caeca furore. 

perforce, helpless, burning, blinded with raging frenzy. 

198

quae quoniam uerae nascuntur pectore ab imo, 

For since my woes come truthfully from the depths of my heart, 

199

uos nolite pati nostrum uanescere luctum, 

suffer not ye my grief to come to nothing: 

200

sed quali solam Theseus me mente reliquit, 

but even as Theseus had the heart to leave me desolate, 

201

tali mente, deae, funestet seque suosque.’ 

with such a heart, ye goddesses, may he bring ruin upon himself and his own!”

202

has postquam maesto profudit pectore uoces, 

When she bad poured out these words from her sad breast, 

203

supplicium saeuis exposcens anxia factis, 

earnestly demanding vengeance for cruel deeds; 

204

annuit inuicto caelestum numine rector; 

the Lord of the heavenly ones bowed assent with sovereign nod, 

205

quo motu tellus atque horrida contremuerunt 

and at that movement the earth and stormy seas trembled, 

206

aequora concussitque micantia sidera mundus. 

and the heavens shook the quivering stars. 

207

ipse autem caeca mentem caligine Theseus 

But Theseus himself, darkling in his thoughts with blind dimness, 

208

consitus oblito dimisit pectore cuncta, 

let slip from his forgetful mind all the biddings 

209

quae mandata prius constanti mente tenebat, 

which formerly he had held firm with constant heart, 

210

dulcia nec maesto sustollens signa parenti 

and raised not the welcome sign to his mourning father, 

211

sospitem Erechtheum se ostendit uisere portum. 

nor showed that he was safely sighting the Erechthean harbour. 

212

namque ferunt olim, classi cum moenia diuae 

For they say that erewhile, when Aegeus was trusting his son to the winds, 

213

linquentem gnatum uentis concrederet Aegeus, 

as with his fleet he left the walls of the goddess, 

214

talia complexum iuueni mandata dedisse: 

he embraced the youth and gave him this charge: 

215

‘gnate mihi longa iucundior unice uita, 

“My son, my only son, dearer to me than all my length of days, 

216

gnate, ego quem in dubios cogor dimittere casus, 

restored to me but now in the last end of old age, 

217

reddite in extrema nuper mihi fine senectae, 

my son, whom I perforce let go forth to doubtful hazards,

218

quandoquidem fortuna mea ac tua feruida uirtus 

since my fortune and thy burning valour 

219

eripit inuito mihi te, cui languida nondum 

tear thee from me, unwilling me, whose failing 

220

lumina sunt gnati cara saturata figura, 

eyes are not yet satisfied with the dear image of my son, 

221

non ego te gaudens laetanti pectore mittam, 

I will not let thee go gladly with cheerful heart, 

222

nec te ferre sinam fortunae signa secundae, 

nor sufer thee to bear the tokens of prosperous fortune: 

223

sed primum multas expromam mente querellas, 

but first will bring forth many laments from my heart, 

224

canitiem terra atque infuso puluere foedans, 

soiling my gray hairs with earth and showered dust: 

225

inde infecta uago suspendam lintea malo, 

thereafter will I hang dyed sails on thy roving mast, 

226

nostros ut luctus nostraeque incendia mentis 

that so the tale of my grief and the fire that burns in my heart 

227

carbasus obscurata dicet ferrugine Hibera. 

may be marked by the canvas stained with Iberian azure. 

228

quod tibi si sancti concesserit incola Itoni, 

But if she who dwells in holy Itonus, 

229

quae nostrum genus ac sedes defendere Erecthei 

who vouchsafes to defend our race and the abodes of Erechtheus, 

230

annuit, ut tauri respergas sanguine dextram, 

shall grant thee to sprinkle thy right hand with the bull’s blood, 

231

tum uero facito ut memori tibi condita corde 

then be sure that these my commands live, laid up 

232

haec uigeant mandata, nec ulla oblitteret aetas; 

in thy mindful heart, and that no length of time blur them: 

233

ut simul ac nostros inuisent lumina collis, 

that as soon as thy eyes shall come within sight of our hills, 

234

funestam antennae deponant undique uestem, 

thy yardarms may lay down from them their mourning raiment, 

235

candidaque intorti sustollant uela rudentes, 

and the twisted cordage raise a white sail: 

236

quam primum cernens ut laeta gaudia mente 

that so I may see at once and gladly welcome the signs of joy, 

237

agnoscam, cum te reducem aetas prospera sistet.’ 

when a happy hour shall set thee here in thy home again.”

238

haec mandata prius constanti mente tenentem 

These charges at first did Theseus preserve with constant mind; 

239

Thesea ceu pulsae uentorum flamine nubes 

but then they left him, as clouds driven by the breath of the winds 

240

aereum niuei montis liquere cacumen. 

leave the lofty head of the snowy mountain. 

241

at pater, ut summa prospectum ex arce petebat, 

But the father, as he gazed out from his tower-top, 

242

anxia in assiduos absumens lumina fletus, 

wasting his longing eyes in constant tear-floods, 

243

cum primum infecti conspexit lintea ueli, 

when first he saw the canvas of the bellying sail, 

244

praecipitem sese scopulorum e uertice iecit, 

threw himself headlong from the summit of the rocks, 

245

amissum credens immiti Thesea fato. 

believing Theseus destroyed by ruthless fate. 

246

sic funesta domus ingressus tecta paterna 

Thus bold Theseus, as he entered the chambers of his home, 

247

morte ferox Theseus, qualem Minoidi luctum 

darkened with mourning for his father’s death, himself received such grief 

248

obtulerat mente immemori, talem ipse recepit. 

as by forgetfulness of heart he had caused to the daughter of Minos. 

249

quae tum prospectans cedentem maesta carinam 

And she the while, gazing out tearfully at the receding ship, 

250

multiplices animo uoluebat saucia curas. 

was revolving manifold cares in her wounded heart.

251

at parte ex alia florens uolitabat Iacchus 

In another part of the tapestry youthful Bacchus was wandering 

252

cum thiaso Satyrorum et Nysigenis Silenis, 

with the rout of Satyrs and the Nysa-born Sileni, s

253

te quaerens, Ariadna, tuoque incensus amore. 

eeking thee, Ariadna, and fired with thy love;

254

quae tum alacres passim lymphata mente furebant 

who then, busy here and there, were raging with frenzied mind, 

255

euhoe bacchantes, euhoe capita inflectentes. 

while “Evoe!” they cried tumultuously, “Evoe!” shaking their heads.

256

harum pars tecta quatiebant cuspide thyrsos, 

Some of them were waving thyrsi with shrouded points, 

257

pars e diuolso iactabant membra iuuenco, 

some tossing about the limbs of a mangled steer, 

258

pars sese tortis serpentibus incingebant, 

some girding themselves with writhing serpents: 

259

pars obscura cauis celebrabant orgia cistis, 

some bearing in solemn procession dark mysteries enclosed in caskets, 

260

orgia quae frustra cupiunt audire profani; 

mysteries which the profane desire in vain to hear. 

261

plangebant aliae proceris tympana palmis, 

Others beat timbrels with uplifted hands, 

262

aut tereti tenuis tinnitus aere ciebant; 

or raised clear clashings with cymbals of rounded bronze: 

263

multis raucisonos efflabant cornua bombos 

many blew horns with harsh-sounding drone, 

264

barbaraque horribili stridebat tibia cantu. 

and the barbarian pipe shrilled with dreadful din.

265

talibus amplifice uestis decorata figuris 

Such were the figures that richly adorned the tapestry 

266

puluinar complexa suo uelabat amictu. 

which embraced and shrouded with its folds the royal couch. 

267

quae postquam cupide spectando Thessala pubes 

Now when the Thessalian youth had gazed their fill, fixing their eager eyes 

268

expleta est, sanctis coepit decedere diuis. 

on these wonders, they began to give place to the holy gods. 

269

hic, qualis flatu placidum mare matutino 

Hereupon, as the west wind ruffling the quiet sea 

270

horrificans Zephyrus procliuas incitat undas, 

with its breath at morn urges on the sloping waves, 

271

Aurora exoriente uagi sub limina Solis, 

when the Dawn is rising up to the gates of the travelling Sun, 

272

quae tarde primum clementi flamine pulsae 

the waters slowly at first, driven by gentle breeze, 

273

procedunt leuiterque sonant plangore cachinni, 

step on and lightly sound with plash of laughter; 

274

post uento crescente magis magis increbescunt, 

then as the breeze grows fresh they crowd on close and closer,

275

purpureaque procul nantes ab luce refulgent: 

and floating afar reflect a brightness from the crimson light; 

276

sic tum uestibuli linquentes regia tecta 

so now, leaving the royal buildings of the portal, 

277

ad se quisque uago passim pede discedebant. 

hither and thither variously with devious feet the guests passed away.

278

quorum post abitum princeps e uertice Pelei 

After their departure, from the top of Pelion 

279

aduenit Chiron portans siluestria dona: 

came Chiron leading the way, and bearing woodland gifts. 

280

nam quoscumque ferunt campi, quos Thessala magnis 

For all the flowers that the plains bear, all that the Thessalian region

281

montibus ora creat, quos propter fluminis undas 

brings to birth on its mighty mountains, all the flowers that near the river’s streams

282

aura parit flores tepidi fecunda Fauoni, 

the fruitful gale of warm Favonius discloses, 

283

hos indistinctis plexos tulit ipse corollis, 

these he brought himself, woven in mingled garlands, 

284

quo permulsa domus iucundo risit odore. 

cheered with whose grateful odour the house smiled its gladness. 

285

confestim Penios adest, uiridantia Tempe, 

Forthwith Peneüs is there, leaving verdant Tempe, 

286

Tempe, quae siluae cingunt super impendentes, 

Tempe girt with impendent forests 

287

Minosim linquens doris celebranda choreis, 

[…] to be haunted by Dorian dances; 

288

non uacuos: namque ille tulit radicitus altas 

not empty-handed, for he bore, torn up by the roots, 

289

fagos ac recto proceras stipite laurus, 

lofty beeches and tall bay-trees with upright stem, 

290

non sine nutanti platano lentaque sorore 

and with them the nodding plane and the swaying sister 

291

flammati Phaethontis et aerea cupressu. 

of flame-devoured Phaethon, and the tall cypress. 

292

haec circum sedes late contexta locauit, 

All these he wove far and wide around their home, 

293

uestibulum ut molli uelatum fronde uireret. 

that the portal might be greenly embowered with soft foliage. 

294

post hunc consequitur sollerti corde Prometheus, 

Him follows Prometheus wise of heart, 

295

extenuata gerens ueteris uestigia poenae, 

bearing the faded scars of the ancient penalty 

296

quam quondam silici restrictus membra catena 

which whilom, his limbs bound fast to the rock with chains, 

297

persoluit pendens e uerticibus praeruptis. 

he paid, hanging from the craggy summits. 

298

inde pater diuum sancta cum coniuge natisque 

Then came the Father of the gods with his divine wife and his sons, 

299

aduenit caelo, te solum, Phoebe, relinquens 

leaving thee, Phoebus, alone in heaven, 

300

unigenamque simul cultricem montibus Idri: 

and with thee thine own sister who dwells in the heights of Idrus; 

301

Pelea nam tecum pariter soror aspernata est, 

for as thou didst, so did thy sister scorn Peleus, 

302

nec Thetidis taedas uoluit celebrare iugales. 

nor deigned to be present at the nuptial torches of Thetis.

303

qui postquam niueis flexerunt sedibus artus 

So when they had reclined their limbs on the white couches, 

304

large multiplici constructae sunt dape mensae, 

bountifully were the tables piled with varied dainties: 

305

cum interea infirmo quatientes corpora motu 

whilst in the meantime, swaying their bodies with palsied motion, 

306

ueridicos Parcae coeperunt edere cantus. 

the Parcae began to utter soothtelling chants. 

307

his corpus tremulum complectens undique uestis 

White raiment enfolding their aged limbs 

308

candida purpurea talos incinxerat ora, 

robed their ankles with a crimson border; 

309

at roseae niueo residebant uertice uittae, 

on their snowy heads rested rosy bands,

310

aeternumque manus carpebant rite laborem. 

while their hands duly plied the eternal task. 

311

laeua colum molli lana retinebat amictum, 

The left band held the distaff clothed with soft wool; 

312

dextera tum leuiter deducens fila supinis 

then the right hand lightly drawing out the threads with upturned 

313

formabat digitis, tum prono in pollice torquens 

fingers shaped them, then with downward thumb 

314

libratum tereti uersabat turbine fusum, 

twirled the spindle poised with rounded whorl; 

315

atque ita decerpens aequabat semper opus dens, 

and so with their teeth they still plucked the threads and made the work even. 

316

laneaque aridulis haerebant morsa labellis, 

Bitten ends of wool clung to their dry lips, 

317

quae prius in leui fuerant exstantia filo: 

which had before stood out from the smooth yarn: 

318

ante pedes autem candentis mollia lanae 

and at their feet soft fleeces of white-shining wool 

319

uellera uirgati custodibant calathisci. 

were kept safe in baskets of osier. 

320

haec tum clarisona pellentes uellera uoce 

They then, as they struck the wool, sang with clear voice, 

321

talia diuino fuderunt carmine fata, 

and thus poured forth the Fates in divine chant. 

322

carmine, perfidiae quod post nulla arguet aetas. 

That chant no length of time shall prove untruthful.

323

decus eximium magnis uirtutibus augens, 

“O thou who crownest high renown with great deeds of virtue, 

324

Emathiae tutamen opis, carissime nato, 

bulwark of Emathian power, famed for thy son to be, 

325

accipe, quod laeta tibi pandunt luce sorores, 

receive the truthful oracle which on this happy day 

326

ueridicum oraclum: sed uos, quae fata sequuntur, 

the Sisters reveal to thee; but run ye on, drawing 

327

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

the woof-threads which the fates follow, ye spindles, run.

328

adueniet tibi iam portans optata maritis 

” Soon will Hesperus come to thee, Hesperus, who brings longed-for gifts to the wedded, 

329

Hesperus, adueniet fausto cum sidere coniunx, 

soon will come thy wife with happy star, 

330

quae tibi flexanimo mentem perfundat amore, 

to shed over thy spirit soul-quelling love, 

331

languidulosque paret tecum coniungere somnos, 

and join with thee languorous slumbers, 

332

leuia substernens robusto bracchia collo. 

laying her smooth arms under thy strong neck. 

333

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

Run, drawing the woof-threads, ye spindles, run.

334

nulla domus tales umquam contexit amores, 

” No house ever harboured such loves as these; 

335

nullus amor tali coniunxit foedere amantes, 

no love ever joined lovers in such a bond 

336

qualis adest Thetidi, qualis concordia Peleo. 

as links Thetis with Pelcus, Peleus with Thetis. 

337

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

Run, drawing the woof-threads, ye spindles, run.

338

nascetur uobis expers terroris Achilles, 

” There shall be born to you a son that knows not fear, Achilles, 

339

hostibus haud tergo, sed forti pectore notus, 

known to his enemies not by his back but by his stout breast; 

340

qui persaepe uago uictor certamine cursus 

who right often winner in the contest of the wide-ranging race 

341

flammea praeuertet celeris uestigia ceruae. 

shall outstrip the flame-fleet footsteps of the flying hind. 

342

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

Run, drawing the woof-threads, ye spindles, run.

343

non illi quisquam bello se conferet heros, 

“Against him not a hero shall match himself in war, 

344

cum Phrygii Teucro manabunt sanguine 

when the Phrygian streams shall flow with Teucrian blood, 

345

Troicaque obsidens longinquo moenia bello, 

and the third heir of Pelops shall lay waste 

346

periuri Pelopis uastabit tertius heres. 

the Trojan walls, with tedious war beleaguering. 

347

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

Run, drawing the woof-threads, ye spindles, run.

348

illius egregias uirtutes claraque facta 

“The hero’s surpassing achievements and renowned deeds 

349

saepe fatebuntur gnatorum in funere matres, 

often shall mothers own at the burial of their sons, 

350

cum incultum cano soluent a uertice crinem, 

loosing dishevelled hair from hoary head, 

351

putridaque infirmis uariabunt pectora palmis. 

and marring their withered breasts with weak hands. 

352

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

Run, drawing the woof-threads, ye spindles, run.

353

namque uelut densas praecerpens messor aristas 

“For as the husbandman cropping the thick ears of corn 

354

sole sub ardenti flauentia demetit arua, 

under the burning sun mows down the yellow fields, 

355

Troiugenum infesto prosternet corpora ferro. 

so shall he lay low with foeman’s steel the bodies of the sons of Troy. 

356

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

Run, drawing the woofthreads, ye spindles, run.

357

testis erit magnis uirtutibus unda Scamandri, 

“Witness of his great deeds of valour shall be the wave of Scamander 

358

quae passim rapido diffunditur Hellesponto, 

which pours itself forth abroad in the current of Hellespont, 

359

cuius iter caesis angustans corporum aceruis 

whose channel he shall choke with heaps of slain corpses, 

360

alta tepefaciet permixta flumina caede. 

and make the deep streams warm with mingled blood. 

361

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

Run, drawing the woof-threads, ye spindles, run.

362

denique testis erit morti quoque reddita praeda, 

“Lastly, witness too shall be the prize assigned to him in death, 

363

cum teres excelso coaceruatum aggere bustum 

when the rounded barrow heaped up with lofty mound 

364

excipiet niueos perculsae uirginis artus. 

shall receive the snowy limbs of the slaughtered maiden. 

365

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

Run, drawing tbe woof-threads, ye spindles, run.

366

nam simul ac fessis dederit fors copiam Achiuis 

“For so soon as Fortune shall give to the weary Acbaeans power 

367

urbis Dardaniae Neptunia soluere uincla, 

to loose the Neptune-forged circlet of the Dardanian town, 

368

alta Polyxenia madefient caede sepulcra; 

the high tomb shall be wetted with Polyxena’s blood, 

369

quae, uelut ancipiti succumbens uictima ferro, 

who like a victim falling under the two-edged steel, 

370

proiciet truncum summisso poplite corpus. 

shall bend her knee and bow her headless trunk. 

371

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

Run, drawing the woof-threads, ye spindles, run.

372

quare agite optatos animi coniungite amores. 

“Come then, unite the loves which your souls desire: 

373

accipiat coniunx felici foedere diuam, 

let the husband receive in happy bonds the goddess, 

374

dedatur cupido iam dudum nupta marito. 

let the bride be given up — nay now! — to her eager spouse. 

375

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

Run, drawing the woof-threads, ye spindles, run.

376

non illam nutrix orienti luce reuisens 

“When her nurse visits her again with the morning light, 

377

hesterno collum poterit circumdare filo, 

she will not be able to circle her neck with yesterday’s riband; 

378

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi.

[Run, drawing the woof-threads, ye spindles, run.]

379

anxia nec mater discordis maesta puellae 

nor shall her anxious mother, saddened by lone-lying of an unkindly bride, 

380

secubitu caros mittet sperare nepotes. 

give up the hope of dear descendants. 

381

currite ducentes subtegmina, currite, fusi. 

Run, drawing the woof-threads, ye spindles, run.”

382

talia praefantes quondam felicia Pelei 

Such strains of divination, foreboding happiness to Peleus, 

383

carmina diuino cecinerunt pectore Parcae. 

sang the Fates from prophetic breast in days of yore. 

384

praesentes namque ante domos inuisere castas 

For in bodily presence of old, before religion was despised, 

385

heroum, et sese mortali ostendere coetu, 

the heavenly ones were wont to visit pious homes of heroes, 

386

caelicolae nondum spreta pietate solebant. 

and show themselves to mortal company. 

387

saepe pater diuum templo in fulgente reuisens, 

Often the Father of the gods coming down again, in his bright temple, 

388

annua cum festis uenissent sacra diebus, 

when yearly feasts had come on his holy days, 

389

conspexit terra centum procumbere tauros. 

saw a hundred bulls fall to the ground. 

390

saepe uagus Liber Parnasi uertice summo 

Often Liber roving on the topmost height of Parnassus 

391

Thyiadas effusis euantis crinibus egit, 

drove the Thyades crying “Evoe!” with flying hair, 

392

cum Delphi tota certatim ex urbe ruentes 

when the Delphians, racing eagerly from all the town, 

393

acciperent laeti diuum fumantibus aris. 

joyfully received the god with smoking altars. 

394

saepe in letifero belli certamine Mauors 

Often in the death-bearing strife of war Mavors 

395

aut rapidi Tritonis era aut Amarunsia uirgo 

or the Lady of swift Triton or the Rhamnusian Virgin 

396

armatas hominum est praesens hortata cateruas. 

by their presence stirred up the courage of armed bands of men. 

397

sed postquam tellus scelere est imbuta nefando 

But when the earth was dyed with hideous crime, 

398

iustitiamque omnes cupida de mente fugarunt, 

and all men banished justice from their greedy souls, a

399

perfudere manus fraterno sanguine fratres, 

nd brothers sprinkled their hands with brothers’ blood, 

400

destitit extinctos gnatus lugere parentes, 

the son left off to mourn his parents’ death, 

401

optauit genitor primaeui funera nati, 

the father wished for the death of his young son, 

402

liber ut innuptae poteretur flore nouercae, 

that he might without hindrance enjoy the flower of a young bride,

403

ignaro mater substernens se impia nato 

the unnatural mother impiously coupling with her unconscious son 

404

impia non uerita est diuos scelerare penates. 

did not fear to sin against parental gods:

405

omnia fanda nefanda malo permixta furore 

then all right and wrong, confounded in impious madness, 

406

iustificam nobis mentem auertere deorum. 

turned from us the righteous will of the gods. 

407

quare nec talis dignantur uisere coetus, 

Wherefore they deign not to visit such companies, 

408

nec se contingi patiuntur lumine claro.

nor endure the touch of clear daylight.

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