The Ten Books on Architecture, 9.4.5

Vitruvius  Parallel editions

‹‹‹ Vitr. 9.4.4 | Table of Contents | Vitr. 9.4.6 ›››

Gwilt translation

5The foot of the Kneeler is placed on the temple of the Serpent, which is entwined between the two northern bears, called Septentriones. The Dolphin is a short distance from them. Opposite the bill of the Swan is the Lyre. The Crown lies between the shoulders of the Keeper and the Kneeler. In the northern circle are two Bears, with their shoulders and breasts in opposite directions; of these the Less is called κυνοσούρα, and the Larger ἑλίκη by the Greeks. Their heads are turned downwards, and each of their tails is towards the other’s head, for both their tails are raised,

Morgan translation

5The foot of the Kneeler rests on the temple of that Serpent which is entwined between the She-Bears (called Septentriones). The little Dolphin moves in front of the Horse. Opposite the bill of the Bird is the Lyre. The Crown is arranged between the shoulders of the Warden and the Kneeler. In the northern circle are the two She-Bears with their shoulder-blades confronting and their breasts turned away from one another. The Greeks call the Lesser Bear κυνὁσουρα, and the Greater ἑλικη. Their heads face different ways, and their tails are shaped so that each is in front of the head of the other Bear; for the tails of both stick up over them.