The Sibyl · a new plain-English translation from the original language
to the fruit-bearing Nile, since she who possesses wealth
and the greatness of every good, nurse of many peoples,
will nourish the flock-devouring race of dreadful men.
Ah, to how many beasts you will become slave and prey,
Egypt rich in blessings, giver of laws to peoples --
you who once exulted even in mighty kings,
will serve as a wretched slave to peoples, because of that people
whom once, though pious, you drove into much suffering,
into toils and lamentations, and set the plow upon his neck,
and watered your fields with mortal tears.
Therefore the Lord himself, the undying God who dwells in heaven,
will utterly waste her and cast her down into mourning;
and you will pay for what you once did lawlessly,
and at the last you will know that the wrath of God has come upon you.
But I to Pytho and to well-towered Panopeus
will go; there all will proclaim me a true
prophet by my oracle; yet with a raving spirit
some will call me a mere messenger; but when one comes to my books,
let him not tremble -- for all things that shall be and that have been
he will learn from my words. Then the god-possessed woman
no one will any longer call a raving prophetess driven by necessity.
But now, my lord, put an end to my much-desired voice,
driving away the frenzy and the true, god-given cry,
and the dreadful madness -- and grant instead a lovely song.