Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A WATER MILL by ANTIPATER OF THESSALONICA

First Line: CEASE FROM GRINDING, O YE TOILERS; WOMEN, SLUMBER STILL
Last Line: TAUGHT TO EAT THE FRUITS OF MOTHER EARTH IN IDLE EASE.
Subject(s): MILLS & MILLERS;
CEASE from grinding, O ye toilers; women, slumber still,
Even if the crowing roosters call the morning star;
For Demeter has appointed Nymphs to turn your mill,
And upon the water-wheel alighting here they are.
See, how quick they twirl the axle whose revolving rays
Spin the heavy hollow rollers quarried overseas;
So again we savour the delights of ancient days,
Taught to eat the fruits of Mother Earth in idle ease.



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