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, Delighting and delighted by my host, With her thou many various works shalt make; And she so diligent a housewife is, Own thee with my consent: 'twere shame and pity! The marrow of the whole Sicilian isle. IDYL XXIX. THE CAPRICIOUS FAIR. THEY say, my dear, that wine and truth agree: And I will tell you all my secret thought; Like that of gods, — or glooms in thickest night. In one tree build one nest; so shall not creep Y See how you change about for ever now, And if one chance to praise your lovely face, To him that loved you first you are as cold, Remember that you were last year, last week, 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. |