May friendly gods grant to both peoples an illustrious lot: and thou O lord and ruler of the sea, husband of Amphitrite of the golden distaff, grant this my friend straight voyage and unharmed, and bless the joyous flower of my song.

The things a man has heard and seen are threads of life, and if he pull them carefully from the confused distaff of memory, any who will can weave them into whatever garments of belief please them best.

The children play Mouse, to and fro, round about the PIPER.The women, some of them, spin on the doorsteps, with little hand distaff's, or stand about, gossiping.