Page:The Pharsalia of Lucan; (IA cu31924026485809).pdf/68

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44
PHARSALIA
Book II
'Nor leave me here, but take me to the camp,'Thy fond companion: why should Magnus' wife'Be nearer, Cato, to the wars than thine?"Although the times were warlike and the fatesCalled to the fray, he lent a willing ear.Yet must they plight their faith in simple formOf law; their witnesses the gods alone.No festal wreath of flowers crowned the gateNor glittering fillet on each post entwined; 400No flaming torch was there, nor ivory steps,No couch with robes of broidered gold adorned;No comely matron placed upon her browThe bridal garland, or forbad the foot[1]To touch the threshold stone; no saffron veilConcealed the timid blushes of the bride;No jewelled belt confined her flowing robe[2]Nor modest circle bound her neck; no scarfHung lightly on the snowy shoulder's edgeAround the naked arm. Just as she came, 410Wearing the garb of sorrow, while the woolCovered the purple border of her robe,Thus was she wedded. As she greets her sonsSo doth she greet her husband. Festal gamesGraced not their nuptials, nor were friends and kinAs by the Sabines bidden: silent bothThey joined in marriage, yet content, unseenBy any save by Brutus. Sad and stern
  1. ↑ The bride was carried over the threshold of her new home, for to stumble on it would be of evil omen. Plutarch ('Romulus') refers this custom to the rape of the Sabine women, who were 'so lift up and carried away by force.' (North, volume i., p. 88, Edition by Windham.) I have read 'vetuit' in this passage, though 'vitat' appears to be a better variation according to the manuscripts.
  2. ↑ The bride was dressed in a long white robe, bound round the waist with a girdle. She had a veil of bright yellow colour. ('Dict. Antiq.')
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