Page:Statius (Mozley 1928) v1.djvu/73

train of lictors but seeks that threshold; Senators’ robes are jostled by crowds of common folk; yonder are knights, and women’s gowns that mix and struggle in a throng of youths. Each they call happy, but more among the multitude envy the bridegroom. Long since leaning against the portal hath Hymen sought to utter a new song in honour of their marriage, and to gladden the poet’s heart. Juno brings the holy bonds, and Concord marks the union with twofold torch. Such was that day: of the night let the bridegroom sing! This only may we know: ’twas thus that Ilia, bride of Mars, o’ercome by deceitful slumber, laid her side on the river's bank; less fair was Lavinia when she tinged her snow-white cheeks and blushed ’neath the eyes of Turnus; not so did Claudia^[1] turn to meet the people’s gaze, when the ship moved and her maidenhood was sure.

Now, comrades of the Aonian^[2] sisters and ministers of the tripods, now must we strive in manifold measures: send forth the inspired train, chapleted and ivy-crowned, each bard in the strength of his own exultant lyre. But above all, ye who spoil of its last pace^[3] your noble rhyme, bring songs that are worthy of the marriage feast. Philetas himself with Cos to applaud him and old Callimachus and Propertius in his Umbrian grot would fain have praised this day, and Naso too right gladly e’en in Tomi, and Tibullus by the glowing hearth that was his wealth.

For my part, verily, ’tis no one love, no single