FOR whom, sweet Muse, this harvest do you ravish Of various song? who lyric wreath composes? This Meleager in remembrance laboured For Diocles renowned, and wove the lavish Lilies of Anyte, with lilies neighboured Of Moiro many; of Sappho few, but roses; Of Melanippides, narcissus big With song; Simonides -- a young vine twig; And in and out the scented orrice weaving Of Nossis (Love himself moulded her waxen tables). Of dulcet Rhianus he wove marjoram; Tender soft crocus to Erinna's name; And poet's bluebell where Alcaeus babbles, With Samius' laurel darkly interleaving. |