VI SONG
Mitchell S. (Mitchell Starrett) Buck translation
“TORI-TORTUE, what doest thou amongst us?—I wind the wool and the thread of Milet.—Alas! Alas! Why dost thou not dance?—I am very sorrowful. I am very sorrowful.
“Tori-tortue, what doest thou amongst us?—I cut a reed for a funereal flute.—Alas! Alas! What has befallen him!—I will not tell. I will not tell.
“Tori-tortue, what doest thou amongst us?—I press the olives for oil for the stèle.—Alas! Alas! And who, then, is dead?—Canst thou ask? Canst thou ask?
“Tori-tortue, what doest thou amongst us?—He has fallen into the sea....—Alas! Alas! And how is that?—From the backs of white horses. From the backs of white horses.”