Classic Poem

Among the woods and the shores of the streams, among the still myrtles and the springing laurels, Benacus moves his shining flood. Around the fire the lads and maid-servants sing while the country meal cooks in the swinging pot; crackling flames burn up the great oak logs; grapes hang from the ceiling, apples and chestnuts and an open-bellied pipe (passo fistula ventre). Women, men, and all the children make use of the night. Some are weary with labour; some weave soft baskets from the rushes of Amerius; and an old woman beguiles languid eyes with a foolish tale as she spins the fleece and turns the spindle with trembling hands.