But, ere opened the feast, with infirm gesture their semblance
Shaking, the Parcae fell to chaunting veridique verses.
Robed were their tremulous frames all o'er in muffle of garments
Bright-white, purple of hem enfolding heels in its edges;
Snowy the fillets that bound heads agèd by many a year-tide,
310
And, as their wont aye was, their hands plied labour unceasing.
Each in her left upheld with soft fleece clothèd a distaff,
Then did the right that drew forth thread with upturn of fingers
Gently fashion the yarn which deftly twisted by thumb-ball