52
SCOLIA
She is here, she is here, the swallow!
Fair seasons bringing, fair years to follow!
Her belly is white,
Her back black as night!
From your rich house 5
Roll forth to us
Tarts, wine, and cheese:
Or if not these,
Oatmeal and barley-cake
The swallow deigns to take. 10
What shall we have? or must we hence away?
Thanks, if you give; if not, we'll make you pay!
The house-door hence we '11 carry;
Nor shall the lintel tarry;
From hearth and home your wife we'll rob; 15
She is so small,
To take her off will be an easy job!
Whate'er you give, give largess free!
Up! open, open to the swallow's call!
No grave old men, but merry children we! 20
Translated by John Addington Symonds.
