Literal Translation
The fir trees having been cut to pieces, and beams having been split, and fleet having been prepared,
the deep blue waves accepted the ships coated with wax.
Leaving, you wept. Don’t deny that, at least!
Each melancholy, we mixed our tears.
Not unlike how the elm tree is bound by the vine having been placed near,
as your arms are, having been bound around my neck.
Ah, how often, when you were complaining that the wind was holding you
your companions laughed – that was favorable.
Kisses having been sent away, as often as having returned to, you give!
How scarcely the tongue sustained to say “Be strong!”
A light breeze hanging sails on the rigid mast
stirs up, and the water, having been churned up by the oars, became white.
Unhappy, I pursued with my eyes the disappearing sails,
which is allowed, and my tears wet the seashore,
and so that you may quickly return, I beseech the green Nereids –
certainly so that you may return to my injury quickly!
With my prayer, therefore, did you return, returning with another?
For her, on behalf of a detestable mistress, I was flattering!
A natural boulder beholds an immense abyss-
It was a mountain; it opposes the connected seas.
From here I first recognizes the sails of your ships,
and it was a violent mental urge for me to go into the tide.
While I stay behind, the purple-dyed cloth shone for me at the height of the prow-
I became afraid; that was not your style.
It becomes nearer, and the boat having touched the land having been disturbed by the breeze;
I saw with a trembling heart womanly eyes.
For that was not enough- for what, frantic, I delayed?-
The revulsive mistress was clinging to your bosom!
Then truly I destroyed beat my lap and struck my chest
and I carved wet eyes with nails being sharp,
and I filled up sacred Mount Ida with complaining wailing,
to there I carried these tears among my rocks.
Thus may Helen hurt and weep, having been deserted by a spouse,
let her bear that which you first inflicted on us!
Now for you they fit, the kind of women who would pursue you through open
waters and would forsake legitimate men.
the deep blue waves accepted the ships coated with wax.
Leaving, you wept. Don’t deny that, at least!
Each melancholy, we mixed our tears.
Not unlike how the elm tree is bound by the vine having been placed near,
as your arms are, having been bound around my neck.
Ah, how often, when you were complaining that the wind was holding you
your companions laughed – that was favorable.
Kisses having been sent away, as often as having returned to, you give!
How scarcely the tongue sustained to say “Be strong!”
A light breeze hanging sails on the rigid mast
stirs up, and the water, having been churned up by the oars, became white.
Unhappy, I pursued with my eyes the disappearing sails,
which is allowed, and my tears wet the seashore,
and so that you may quickly return, I beseech the green Nereids –
certainly so that you may return to my injury quickly!
With my prayer, therefore, did you return, returning with another?
For her, on behalf of a detestable mistress, I was flattering!
A natural boulder beholds an immense abyss-
It was a mountain; it opposes the connected seas.
From here I first recognizes the sails of your ships,
and it was a violent mental urge for me to go into the tide.
While I stay behind, the purple-dyed cloth shone for me at the height of the prow-
I became afraid; that was not your style.
It becomes nearer, and the boat having touched the land having been disturbed by the breeze;
I saw with a trembling heart womanly eyes.
For that was not enough- for what, frantic, I delayed?-
The revulsive mistress was clinging to your bosom!
Then truly I destroyed beat my lap and struck my chest
and I carved wet eyes with nails being sharp,
and I filled up sacred Mount Ida with complaining wailing,
to there I carried these tears among my rocks.
Thus may Helen hurt and weep, having been deserted by a spouse,
let her bear that which you first inflicted on us!
Now for you they fit, the kind of women who would pursue you through open
waters and would forsake legitimate men.