Virgil, Aeneid VI.258
Melphi speaks
Procul O procul este, profani,
The priest translates
«Away, oh, stay far away, you who are not initiated,»
And interprets
There are moments when you need to close the door. This line tells you that you are about to enter a delicate space: an important decision, an inner journey, a project still fragile, a relationship that needs privacy. Not everyone can come with you there. It is not pride and it is not contempt: it is protection. Gossip, hasty judgments and advice from people who do not know your story can spoil what is being born. Be careful about whom you involve these days. Keep close those who respect what you are living through, and gently keep away those who would walk in with muddy shoes.
The historical translations
Annibal Caro (1581)
Al venir de la Dea. Via, via profani,
Gridò la profetessa, itene lunge
Al venir de la Dea. Via, via profani,
Gridò la profetessa, itene lunge
Theodore C. Williams (1910)
To hail their Queen. “Away, O souls profane!
Stand far away!” the priestess shrieked, “nor dare
To hail their Queen. “Away, O souls profane!
Stand far away!” the priestess shrieked, “nor dare
Source
Publius Vergilius Maro, Aeneis, ed. J. B. Greenough (1900)
Virgil, Aeneid VI.258