Monday, February 15, 2010



Achilles runs alone

in Sapphic meter

undā per lītus resonante Phthīus
fragōsum et sōlum (procul est tubārum
invidus clangor; strepitūsque dīrī)
currit Achillēs.

iam volant āvēs, minitante vōce
clangōrēs fundunt ut Achillis urget
plūmeae cursus aciē fugatque
Thessala cūpit

lītora et salsum pelagus redīre

Along the strand, the lonely strand,
breaking with the crash of waves
(far is the hated trumpets' call;
far the cry of men) Phthian Achilles
runs.

The terns flit away, hurling threats
as Achilles' swift onset presses near
then causes them to flee; to Thessaly's

shores and seas he longs to go.