Book VI, Epigram 58 (Ker)

While it pleased you, Aulus, to survey anear the Northern Bears and the slow-wheeling stars of Getic heavens, oh, how nearly was I snatched away from you to the waves of Styx, and viewed the gloomy clouds of the Elysian plain! Weary as they were, my eyes searched for your face, and on my chill lips oft was Pudens' name. If the wool-working Sisters draw not my threads of sable hue, and this my prayer find not the gods deaf, I shall be safe, and you shall safe return to Latin cities and bring back a chief centurion's honour, an illustrious knight withal.