IDYL XXVIII.

THE DISTAFF.

DISTAFF quick implement of busy thrift, Which housewives ply, blue-eyed Athene's gift! We go to rich Miletus, where is seen

The fane of Cypris 'mid the rushes green :

Praying to mighty Zeus for voyage fair,
Thither to Nicias would I now repair,

Delighting and delighted by my host,
Whom the sweet-speaking Graces love the most
Of all their favourites; thee, distaff bright!
Of ivory wrought with art most exquisite,
A present for his lovely wife I take.

With her thou many various works shalt make;
Garments for men, and such as women wear
Of silk, whose colour is the sea-blue clear.

And she so diligent a housewife is,
That ever for well-ankled Theugenis
Thrice in a year are shorn the willing sheep
Of the fine fleeces which for her they keep.
She loves what love right-minded women all;
For never should a thriftless prodigal

Own thee with my consent: 'twere shame and pity!
Since thou art of that most renowned city,
Built by Corinthian Archias erewhile,

The marrow of the whole Sicilian isle.
But in the house of that physician wise,
Instructed how by wholesome remedies
From human kind diseases to repel,
Thou shalt in future with Ionians dwell,
In beautiful Miletus; that the fame
For the best distaff Theugenis may claim,
And thou may'st ever to her mind suggest
The memory of her song-loving guest.
The worth of offering from friend we prize
Not in the gift but in the giver lies.

IDYL XXIX.

THE CAPRICIOUS FAIR.

THEY say, my dear, that wine and truth agree:
To speak truth in my cups beseemeth me.

And I will tell you all my secret thought;
You do not wholly love me as you ought.
All of my life-the half that is not fled,
Lives only in your form—the rest is dead.
Just as you will, my life is one delight,

Like that of gods, — or glooms in thickest night.
How is it right to vex one loves you so?
Take my advice; you will hereafter know,
That I your elder taught you for the best,
And, to believe me, was your interest.

In one tree build one nest; so shall not creep
Some crawling mischief to disturb your sleep.

Y

See how you change about for ever now,
Never two days together on one bough.

And if one chance to praise your lovely face,
Him more than friend of three years proof you grace;

To him that loved you first you are as cold,
As to a mere acquaintance three days old.
But now you breathe of wantonness and pride;
Like should love like; in love be this your guide;
So do, and good renown you shall obtain,
And Love will never visit you with pain,
Who mortal hearts can easily subdue,
And made me, heart of iron, dote on you.
In all the changes of your fitful will,
Unchanged I live but in your kisses still.

Remember that you were last year, last week,
Younger than now: we grow old while we speak.
Wrinkles soon come; and Youth speeds on amain,
Wings on her shoulders, ne'er to come again :
We, slow-foot mortals, cannot overtake

Birds, or what else a winged passage make.

Take thought, and be more mild: to me, who burn

In love for you, a guileless love return,

That when your bloom of youthful beauty ends,

We may be time-enduring faithful friends.