THEECLOGUESOFVIRGIL

    TranslatedbyJ.W.MacKail

    [1934]

    TheEclogues(-Selections-),alsoknowastheBucolics,wereVirgils-firstmajorwork.Thesetenpoemswerewrittenbetween42and39B.C.E.AtthistimeVirgilwasinhisthirties.Thesepoemsareinaparticularformat,thepastoral,whichtheSicilianpoetTheocritus(ca.280B.C.E.)haddevelopedinhisIdyls.Virgilemploysthisformattoexpoundallegoricalthemesusingthelanguageofclassicalmythology,muchlikethebardicpoetryoftheDruids.ThefourthEcloguestandsoutfromthisseries,inwhichVirgilmakessomeenigmaticprophecies,similartothePseudo-SibyllineOracles.DuringthemiddleagesVirgildevelopedareputationasasorceror,anditispossiblethattheesotericmeaningcloakedinthispoemhadsomethingtodowiththis.

    Thistranslationhasbeencross-linkedatthechapterleveltotheoriginalLatintext,whichwasnotincludedintheMacKailversion.

    ECLOGUEI——TITYRUS

    MELIBOEUS——TITYRUS

    M——Tityrus,thouwherethouliestunderthecovertofspreadingbeech,broodestonthyslimpipeovertheMuseofthewoodland:weleaveournativebordersandpleasantfields;weflyournativeland,whilethou,Tityrus,ateaseintheshadeteachestthewoodstoechofairAmaryllis.

    T——OMeliboeus,agodbroughtusthispeace:foragodeverwillhebetome:hisaltaratenderlambfromoursheepfoldsshalloftenstain.Hegrantedthatmyoxenmightstrayasthoudescriest,andmyselfplaywhatIwouldontherusticreed.

    M——Ienvynot,I,ratherIwonder,soisallthecountrysidebeingroutedout.See,Imyselfwearilydriveforthmyshe-goats;andthisone,Tityrus,Ijustdragalong:forhereamongthehazelthicketsshehasbornetwins,thehopeoftheflock,andleftthem,alas!onthenakedflints.Often,hadamindnotinfatuatebeenmine,Irememberhowlightning-scathedoakspresagedthiswoeofours.Butyetvouchsafetous,Tityrus,whoisthisgodofthine.

    T——ThecitytheycallRome,OMeliboeus,Ifanciedinmyfoolishnesslikeourshere,whitherweshepherdsareoftenwonttodrivethetenderweanlingsofthesheep.ThusIknewthelikenessofpuppiestodogs,ofkidstotheirmothers:thuswouldIcomparegreatthingswithsmall.Butshebearsherheadashighamongallothercitiesasanycypresswilldoamongtrailinghedgerowshoots.

    M——AndwhymightnothinglessservetheethanseeingRome?

    T——Forfreedom:sheatlastinspiteofallturnedherfaceuponaslothfulservant,whennowthebeardwassprinkledwithwhitethatfellundertherazor:inspiteofallsheturned

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    herfaceandcameafterlongdelay,sinceAmaryllisholdsusandGalateahasletusgo.ForIwillconfessit,whileGalateakeptme,therewasnohopeoffreedom,nothriftofsavings:thoughmanyavictimwentoutfrommypens,andrichcheesefrommypressesforthethanklesstown,neveroncedidmyhandcomemoney-ladenhome.

    M——Iwondered,Amaryllis,whythoucalledstsadlyonthegods,forwhomthineappleswerelefthangingonthetree:Tityruswasaway.Theverypines,OTityrus,theveryspringsandorchardsherecriedforthee.

    T——WhatwasItodo?NeithermightIfreemyselffromservice,norelsewhereknowgodssopotenttohelp.HereIsawtheprince,OMeliboeus,towhomyearlyfortwicesixdaysthesteamrisesfromouraltars:herehegavepresentreplytomyprayer:Pastureyouroxenasofold,mychildren,rearyourbulls.

    M——Happyinthineoldage!sothyfieldswillremainthine,andampleenoughforthee,althoughallthepasturesbecoveredwithbarestoneormuddyrushofthefen.Nostrangefodderwilltrythebreedingewes,ortouchofevilhurtthemfromanyneighbour-sflock.Happyinthineoldage!here,amidfamiliarstreamsandholyspringsthouwiltwoothecoolnessoftheshade:herethehedgethateverkeepsthyneighbour-sboundary,wherebeesofHyblafeedtheirfillonthewillow-blossom,shalloftenwithlightmurmuringlulltheeintosleep:hereundertheloftyrockshallrisetheleaf-gatherer-ssong:norallthewhileshallthehoarsewood-pigeons,thydelight,ortheturtleontheelm-sarytopceasetomoan.

    T——Thereforesoonershalllightstagsfeedintheskyandthesea-channelsleavethefishesnakedonthebeach;sooner,over-wanderingboththeirboundaries,shalltheexiledParthiandrinkofArar,orGermanyofTigris,thanhiscountenanceshallfadefromourheart.

    M——Butwe!someshallpasshencetothirstyAfrica,somereachScythiaandOaxes-clay-ladentorrent,andtheBritonswhollysunderedfromalltheworld.Lo,shallIever,longin

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    timetocome,againinmynativebordersmarvelasIseemyrealmstinktoapoorcabinwithturf-heapedroofbehindahandfulofcorn?Shallalawlesssoldierpossessthesetrimfallows?abarbarianthesecornfields?lo,towhatwretchedpasshascivildiscordbroughtus!lo,forwhoseprofitwehavesownourfields!Engraftthypeartreesnow,Meliboeus,setthyvinesarow!Go,myshe-goats,go,oncehappyflock:neverhereaftershallI,stretchedinagreencave,seeyouafarhangingfromthetuftedrock:nosongsshallIsing;notinmyherdingshallyou,myshe-goats,cropthefloweringcytisusandbitterwillows.

    T——Yethereforto-nightthoumightstrestwithmeongreenboughs:wehavemellowapplesandsoftchestnuts,andcurdledmilkinabundance;andalreadyafarthefarmroofssmoke,andtheshadowsfalllargerfromthehighhills.

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    ECLOGUEII——ALEXIS

    THEshepherdCorydonburnedforfairAlexis,hismaster-sdarling,andfoundnohope:onlyamongthethickshady-toppedbeecheshewouldcontinuallycome,andtherealoneutterinidlepassiontheseartlesswordstothehillsandwoods.

    OcruelAlexis,carestthounaughtformysongs?hastnopityonus?thouwiltbemydeathatthelast.Noweventhecattlewootheshadeandcoolness,noweventhegreenlizardshideinthethornbrakes;andThestylisisbruisinggarlicandwildthyme,strong-smellingherbsforthemowersweariedwiththefierceheat:butforallmycompany,asItracethyfootsteps,thecopsesringwithcricketsjarringundertheblazingsun.WasitnotbettertobearAmarylliswithallhersourdispleasuresandhaughtyscorns?orMenalcas,thoughheweredark,thoughthouwertwhite?Ofairboy,trustnotovermuchtocolour;creamyprivet-blossomsfall,darkhyacinthsaregathered.Iamscornedofthee,nordostthouaskwhatIam,Alexis,howrichinflocks,howaboundinginsnowymilk.AthousandlambsofminewanderonSicilianhills:freshmilkfailsmenotatmidsummernorinthefrost.Isingashewaswontwhenbecalledhisoxenhome,AmphionofDirceinActaeanAracynthus.NeitheramIsofoultoview:oflateIsawmyselfontheshore,whentheseastoodinwindlesscalm;IwillnotfearDaphnisinthyjudgment,ifthemirrorcannotlie.Ahthatthouwouldstbutcaretobewithmeintheroughcountry,todwellinlowcots,toshootthedeer,ordriveaflockofkidstothegreenmallowbed.WithmeinthewoodstogetherthoushaltcopyPaninsinging;Panfirsttaughttojoinwithwaxtherowofreeds:Panisguardianifthesheepandoftheshepherds.Norletitrepenttheetorunthytenderlipalongthereeds:toknowthissameartwhatdidAmyntasleaveundone?Ihaveapipejoinedof

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    sevenunequalhemlock-stalks,agiftthatDamoetasoncegaveme,andsaidashedied:Nowhathittheeforsecondmaster.Damoetassaidit:stupidAmyntaswasjealous.Furthermoretwofawns,andinaperilousravineIfoundthem,withskinevenyetwhite-dappled,drainaewe-sudderstwiceaday;andIkeepthemforthee.ThislongtimeThestylisbegsthemtotakeawayfromme,andsheshall,sinceourgiftsaregracelessinthineeyes.Comehither,Ofairboy;fortheelo!theNymphsbringbasketsfulloflilies;fortheethewhiteNaiadpluckspalevioletsandpoppyheads,andaddsthenarcissusandthefragrantanise-flower,andentwiningthemwithcasiaandothersweet-scentedherbs,spanglessofthyacinth-posieswithyellowmarigold.Myselfwillgatherquinceswithdelicatesilverybloom,andthechestnutsthatmyAmaryllisloved,andwaxenplumswithal:thisfruitlikewiseshallhavehishonour:andyouwillIpluck,Olaurels,andthee,borderingmyrtle,sincesosetyoumingleyourfragrantsweets.Thouartacountryboor,OCorydon!nordoesAlexisheedthygifts:norifthecontestbeofgiftsmayIollasyieldtothee.Alas,alas,whathaveIbroughtonmylucklesshead?Ihaveloosedthetempestonmyblossoms,woe-sme,andthewildboarsonmycrystalsprings.Fromwhomfliestthou,ahinfatuate?Godslikewisehavedweltinthewoodland,andParisofDardania.Pallasmaykeepbyherselfthefortressesthatshebuilt:usbeforeallelseletthewoodlandsatisfy.Thegrimlionesspursuesthewolf,thewolfinturntheshe-goat;thewantonshe-goatpursuesthefloweringcytisus;asCorydondoesthee,OAlexis,eachdrawnbyhisowndelight.See,thebullocksreturnwiththeploughstiltedfromtheyoke,andthesinkingsundoublesthelengtheningshadows:yetmeloveburns;forwhatboundmaybesettolove?AhCorydon,Corydon,whatmadnesshascaughtthee?thyvinehangshalfunprunedonherleaf-ladenelm.Naybutratheratleastsomethingofallthatdailyworkneeds,setthoutoweaveofosiersorsoftrushes:ifhedisdainsthee,thouwiltfindanotherAlexis.

    ECLOGUEIII——PALAEMON

    MENALCAS——DAMOETAS——PALAEMON

    M——Tellme,Damoetas,whoistheflock-smaster?Meliboeus?

    D——No,butAegon:Aegongaveitoflatetomykeeping.

    M——Poorsheep,everalucklessflock!whilethemasterclingsbyNeaeraanddreadslestsheprefermebeforehim.thishirelingshepherdmilksthesheeptwiceanhour:thejuiceisstolenfromtheflock,themilkfromthelambs.

    D——Yetremembertobemoresparinginthyjeersatmen.Weknowbywhomthou,whilethehe-goatspeeredsideways-andinwhatshrine,thoughtheeasyNymphslaughed.

    M——Then,Ithink,whentheysawmeslashingMicon-sorchardandnurseryvineswithjealoushedgebill.

    D——Yes,orherebytheoldbeeches,wherethoubrakestDaphnis-bowandreeds:forthoudidstgrieve,wickedMenalcas,whenthousawestthemgiventotheboy,anditwasdeathtotheeifthoucouldstnotsomehowhavedonehimharm.

    M——Whatcanthemastersdo,whentheknavesmakesofree?DidInotseethee,villain,catchingDamon-sgoatfromambushwhilethesheep-dogbarkedaloud?andwhenIcried:Whereisherunningoff-tonow?Tityrus,gathertheflock!thoudidsthidebehindthesedges.

    D——WasnothewhomIconqueredinsingingtoyieldthegoatthatmytunefulpipehadwon?Ifthoumustbetold,thegoatwasmine,asDamonhimselfconfessedtome,butsaidhecouldnotgiveitup.

    M——Thouhiminsinging?orhadstthoueverawaxen-boundpipe?Wertnotwontinthecross-roads,blockhead,tomangleawretchedtuneonagratingstraw?

    P——Wiltthouthenwoeputtoproofbetweenusinturn

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    whateachcando?Istakethisheifer——lesthaplythoudrawback,shecomestwicetothemilkingpailandwithalfeedstwocalvesfromherudder——saythouwhatthouwiltstakewithmeinthestrife.

    M——OftheflockIdarenotstakeaughtwiththee:forIhaveafatherathome,andawickedstepmother,andtwiceadaybothcounttheflock,andoneofthemthekids.But,whatthyselfwiltconfessfarexcelsit,sincebemadthouwilt——Iwillstakecupsofbeechwood,carvedworkofthedivineAlcimedon,whereaclingingvineraisedbyhislightgraverenfoldspaleivywithherscatteredberries.Inthemiddlearetwofigures,Conon,andwhowasthatotherwhosecompassmarkedout,onallthepeopledglobe,whatseasonsthereaper,whatthebendingploughmanshouldkeep?noryethaveIputliptothem,butkeepthemlaidby.

    D——AndforustooAlcimedonmadetwocups,andwreathedthehandlesroundwithsoftacanthus;andinthemiddlesetOrpheusandthefollowingwoods:noryethaveIputliptothem,butkeepthemlaidby.Ifthoulookesttotheheiferincomparison,smallpraiseisinthecups.

    M——Notto-dayshaltthouescapeme:Iwillcomeanywheretothychallenge.Letonebuthearusnow——evenhewhoapproaches,lo!Palaemon.Iwillmakethyvoicehenceforthceasefromtroubling.

    D——Naycomewithwhatthouhast,thereshallbenodelaywithme:nordoIshrinkfromanyone:only,neighbourPalaemon,thisisnosmallmatter,layitwelltoheart.

    P——Sayon;sinceweareseatedonsoftgrass,andnowallthefield,nowallthetreeisburgeoning,nowthewoodlandisleafy,nowisthefairestoftheyear.Begin,Damoetas:thoushaltfollowon,Menalcas:youshallsingturnbyturnastheMuseslove.

    D——FromJoveistheMuse-sbeginning:allthingsaxefullofJove.Hekeepstheworld:hegiveseartomysongs.

    Al——AndmePhoebusloves:Phoebus-owngiftsareeverbyme:baysandthesweetflushedhyacinth.

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    D——Galatea,playfulmaid,throwsanappleatme,andrunstothewillows,anddesiresthatshefirstbeseen.

    M——ButmyflameAmyntascomestomeunbidden:insomuchthatnowourdogsknownotDeliabetter.

    D——Giftsaregotformylove:formyselfhavemarkedthespotwherethewood-pigeonshavebuiltaloft.

    M——WhatIcouldIhavesenttotheboy,tengoldenapplespluckedfromthewoodlandtree;to-morrowIwillsendasmanymore.

    D——OthetimesandthewordsthatGalateahasspokentous!carrybutalittlethereof,yewinds,tothegods-ears.

    M——Whatbootsitthatthouscornmenotinthineheart,Amyntas,ifwhilethouhuntesttheboarIamkeeperofthenets?

    D——SendmemyPhyllis:itismybirthday,OIollas:whenIshallmakeofferingofayoungheiferforthecrops,comethyself.

    M——IlovePhyllisbeforeallwomen:forsheweptatmygoing,andcried,Myfairone,good-byeandalonggood-bye,OIollas.

    D——Asadthingisthewolfamongthepens,rainsonripecornfields,thewindsinthetrees,asAmaryllis-angertous.

    M——Asweetthingismoisturetothecrops,arbutustoweanlingkids,thepliantwillowtothebreedingherd,asAmyntasalonetome.

    D——PolliolovesourMuse,rusticthoughshebe:maidsofPierra,feedaheiferforyourreader.

    M——Polliohimselftoomakesnewsongs:feedabull,soontostrikewithhishornandscatterthesandwithhisfeet.

    D——Lethimwholovesthee,Pollio,comewherethoutootakestdelight:lethoneyflowforhim,andtheroughbriaryieldhimspice.

    M——WhohatesnotBavius,lethimlovethysongs,OMaevius,andwithalyokefoxesandmilkbe-goats.

    D——Gatherersofflowersandground-strawberries,flyhence,Ochildren,acoldsnakelurksinthegrass.

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    M——Stay,mysheep,fromtoofaradvance:illisittotrustthebank:thelordlyramevennowdrieshisfleece.

    D——Tityrus,putbackthegrazingkidsfromtheriver:myself,whenthetimecomes,willwashthemallinthespring.

    M——Foldthesheep,children:iftheheatstealsthemilk,asoflate,vainlyshallwesqueezetheuddersinourhands.

    D——Alas,alas,howleanismybullamongthejuicytares:thesameloveisdeathtoherdandtoherdsman.

    M——Theseassuredly(norislovetoblame)hardlykeeptheirbonestogether:someevileyeiscastonmytenderlambs.

    D——Tellinwhatlands(andthoushaltbetomeasgreatApollo)theopenspaceofSkyisthreeyardsandnomore.

    M——Tellinwhatlandsflowersarebornengravenwithnamesofkings,andhavePhyllisforthinealone.

    P:——Usitskillsnottodeterminethisstrifebetweenyou:boththouandheareworthyoftheheifer,andwhosoevershrinksnotfromLove-ssweetnessshallnottastehisbitterness.Shutofftherivuletsnow,mychildren:themeadowshavedrunktheirfill.

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    ECLOGUEIV——POLLIO

    MusesofSicily,singweasomewhatamplerstrain:notallmen-sdelightisincoppicesandlowlytamarisks:ifwesingofthewoods,letthembewoodsworthyofaConsul.

    NowiscomethelastageoftheCumaeanprophecy:thegreatcycleofperiodsisbornanew.NowreturnstheMaid,returnsthereignofSaturn:nowfromhighheavenanewgenerationcomesdown.Yetdothouatthatboy-sbirth,inwhomtheironraceshallbegintocease,andthegoldentoariseoveralltheworld,holyLucina,begracious;nowthineownApolloreigns.Andinthyconsulate,inthine,OPollio,shallthisgloriousageenter,andthegreatmonthsbegintheirmarch:underthyrulewhattracesofourguiltyetremain,vanishingshallfreeearthforeverfromalarm.Heshallgrowinthelifeofgods,andshallseegodsandheroesmingled,andhimselfbeseenbythem,andshallruletheworldthathisfathers-virtueshavesetatpeace.Butonthee,Oboy,untilledshallEarthfirstpourchildishgifts,wanderingivy-tendrilsandfoxglove,andcolocasiamingledwiththelaughingacanthus:untendedshalltheshe-goatsbringhometheirmilk-swolnudders,norshallhugelionsalarmtheherds:unbiddenthycradleshallbreakintowooingblossom.Thesnaketooshalldie,anddiethetreacherouspoison-plant:Assyrianspiceshallgrowallupanddown.Butwhenoncethoushaltbeablenowtoreadthegloriesofheroesandthyfather-sdeeds,andtoknowVirtueassheis,slowlytheplainshallgrowgoldenwiththesoftcorn-spike,andthereddeninggrapetrailfromthewildbriar,andhardoaksshalldripdewofhoney.NeverthelessthereshalllingerIsomefewtracesofancientwrong,tobidshipstempttheseaandtownsbegirtwithwallsandtheearthcloveninfurrows.ThenshallasecondTiphysbe,andasecondArgotosailwithchosen

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    heroes:newwarstooshallarise,andagainamightyAchillesbesenttoTroy.Thereafter,whennowstrengtheningagehathwroughttheeintoman,theveryvoyagershallceaseoutofthesea,northesailingpineexchangehermerchandise:alllandsshallbearallthings,thegroundshallnotsufferthemattock,northevinethepruning-hook;nowlikewisethestrongploughmanshallloosehisbullsfromtheyoke.Neithershallwoollearntocounterfeitchanginghues,buttheraminthemeadowhimselfshalldyehisfleecenowwithsoftglowingsea-purple,nowwithyellowsaffron;nativescarletshallclothethelambsattheirpasturage.Runeventhus,Oages,saidtheharmoniousFatestotheirspindles,bythesteadfastordinanceofdoom.Drawnightothyhighhonours(evennowwillthetimebecome)Odearoffspringofgods,mightygermofJove!Beholdtheworldswayingherorbedmass,landsandspacesofseaanddepthofsky;beholdhowallthingsrejoiceintheagetocome.Ahmaythelatterendofalonglifethenyetbemine,andsuchbreathasshallsufficetotellthydeeds!NotOrpheusofThracenorLinusshallsurpassmeinsong,thoughhehavehismotherandbehisfathertoaid,OrpheusCalliope,LinusbeautifulApollo.IfevenPanbeforehisArcadycontendwithme,evenPanbeforehisArcadyshalldeclarehimselfconquered.Begin,Olittleboy,toknowandsmileuponthymother,thymotheronwhomtenmonthshavebroughtwearylongings.Begin,Olittleboy:ofthemwhohavenotsmiledonaparent,neverwasonehonouredatagod-sboardoronagoddess-couch.

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    ECLOGUEV——DAPHNIS

    MENALCAS——MOPSUS

    Me——Whynot,OMopsus,sincewearemetsogoodapair,thoutobreatheintheslimreeds,Itouttertheverses,sitdownhereamongthemingledelmsandhazels?

    Mo——Thouarttheolder:itisfitIshouldobeythee,Menalcas,whetherwherewesternbreezesshifttheflickeringshadowsorratherthecavernbeourresting-place.See,howoverthecavernthewoodlandwildvinescattersherthinclusters.

    Me——OnourhillsAmyntasalonecontendswiththee.

    Mo——WhatifheevencontendtoexcelPhoebusinsong.

    Me——Begin,OMopsus,first,ifthouhastaughtofflamesforPhyllisorpraisesofAlconorfloutsatCodrus.Begin:Tityruswillkeepthegrazingkids.

    Mo——Nay,thesongsIhavenewlywrittendownongreenbeechbarkandmarkedthemusicbetweenthelines,thesewillIessay:thouthereafterbidAmyntasenterthecontest.

    Me——Evenasthepliantosieryieldstothegreyolive,asthelowscentedreedtothecrimsonrose-plots,sofarbyourjudgmentAmyntasyieldstothee.

    Mo——Butceasethoufurther,Oboy:wehavereachedthecavern.

    DeadDaphniscruellyslaintheNymphswept;you,Ohazelsandrivers,weretheNymphs-witnesses;whileclaspingherson-swretchedcorse,hismothercallsongodsandstarsthatpitynot.Noneinthosedays,Daphnis,drovethepasturedoxentocoolstreams;nofour-footedthingtastedtherivernortouchedthegrassysward.Daphnis,thewildbillsandthewoodlandsrepeathowevenPuniclionsbemoanedthydecease.DaphnisorderedtheharnessingofArmeniantigressestothecar;DaphnistheprocessionsofBacchus-revellersand

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    thesoftleafagewoundroundtheirsuppleshafts.Asthevineadornshertree,ashergrapesthevine;asbullstheherds,ascorntherichfields;sothouartalltheornamentofthypeople;sincetheFatesreftthee,PalesandApollothemselveshaveleftthecountrydesolate.Inthefurrowswhereweoftenhavebestowedthelargebarley,fruitlessdarnelandbarrenwildoatsspring:insteadofsoftvioletandshiningnarcissusrisesthethistleandthethornwithhiskeenspines.Strewthegroundwithleaves,trainshadeoverthesprings,Oshepherds:Daphnisbidssuchremembrancebedonetohim;andpileamound,andoverthemoundaddaverse:IamDaphnistheforester,knownfromhereeventotheheavens,keeperofafairflock,myselfmorefairthanthey.

    Me——Suchisthysonguntous,Odivinepoet,assleeptothewearyonthegrass,asquenchingofthirstintheheatfromagushingrivuletofsweetwater.Noronthereedsalone,butwithvoicetoo,thouequallestthymaster:happyboy,thoushaltnowbenexttohim.Yetweinturnwillsingtheethesesongsofoursevenasbestwemay,andraisethyDaphnisintothesky:wewillenskythyDaphnis,forusalsoDaphnisloved.

    Mo——Andmightaughtbehigherinoureyesthansuchagift?Boththeboyhimselfwasworthythesinging,andtheseversesofthineStimiconlongsincecommendedtous.

    Me——Cladinlight,DaphnismarvelsatHeaven-suntroddenfloorandseesthecloudsandthestarsbeneathhisfeet.Thereforegaypleasurereignsintheforestandallthecountryside,amongPanandtheshepherdsandtheDryadmaidens.Neitherdoesthewolfplotambushestotheflocknoranyhunting-netsensnarementofthedeer:gentleDaphnislovespeace.Theunshornmountainsthemselvescastechoesofgladnesstotheskies;theveryrocks,theverycopsesnowresoundinsong:Agod,agodishe,OMenalcas.Ahbegraciousandprosperoustothineown:see,fouraltars,two,lo!Daphnis,tothee,twoforaltarsofofferingtoPhoebus:doublecupsfrothingwithfreshmilkyearly,andtwobowlsofthefatnessoftheolivewillIlaybeforethee;andaboveallmakingthe

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    banquetgladwithmuchwine,beforethehearthinthecoldseason,inharvestbeneaththeshade,IwillpourfromflagonsthefreshnectarofAriusianwine.DamoetasandLyctianAegonshallsingtome:AlphesiboeusshallmimictheleapingSatyrs.Thisshalleverbethine,bothwhenwepaytheNymphsouraccustomedvowsandwhenwepurifyourfields.Whilethewildboarandthefishshallhauntmountain-ridgeandriver,whilebeesshallfeedonthymeandgrasshoppersondew,evershallthinehonour,thynameandpraiseendure.AstotheWine-godandtheCorn-goddess,sototheeshallthehusbandmenmakeyearlyvows;thoulikewiseshaltclaimtheirpayment.

    Mo——How,howmayIrepaythegiftofsuchasong?forneitherthewhisperofthegatheringSouthnorthewavebreakingonthebeachsodelightsme,norstreamsthatracedownamidrockydells.

    Me——Firstshallthisbrittlehemlock-pipebeourgifttothee:thepipethattaughtusCorydonburnedforfairAlexis,andwithalWhoistheflock-smaster?Meliboeus?

    Mo——Buttakethouthecrookthat,oftenashebesoughtit,Antigenesgotnotofme,andthenhewasworthloving,beautifulwithrangedstudsofbrass,OMenalcas.

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    ECLOGUEVI——SILENUS

    FIRSTourThaliadeignedtodallywiththeverseofSyracuse,norblushedtodwellinthewoodland.WhenIwassingingofkingsandbattles,theCynthiantwitchedmyearandcounselledme:Ashepherd,Tityrus,shouldfeedfatsheepbututteraslendersong.NowwillI——forthouwilthavemanywholongtoutterthypraises,Varus,andtochronicledreadfulwars——broodonmyslimpipeovertheMuseofthecountry,Yetifone,ifonetherebetoreadthisalsoforloveofit,ofthee,OVarus,ourtamarisks,oftheealltheforestshallsing;norisanypagedearertoPhoebusthanthatwhichwritesinfrontofitVarus-name.

    Proceed,maidensofPieria.TheboysChromisandMnasylossawSilenuslyingasleepinacavern,hisveinsswollenaseverwiththewineofyesterday:justapartlaythegarlandsslidfromhishead,andtheheavywine-jarhungbyitswornhandle.Fallingonhim,foroftentheoldmanhadmockedthembothwithexpectationofasong,theyfetterhiminhisowngarlands.Aeglejoinscompanyandreinforcestheirfaintcourage,AeglefairestoftheNaiads;and,nowhiseyesareopen,stainshisbrowandtempleswithblood-redmulberries.He,laughingattheirwiles,cries,Whytiethesebonds?releaseme,boys:enoughthatyoufanciedyouweresostrong.Markthesongsyoudesire;foryousongs,forhershallbeanotherpayment.Andwiththathebegins.ThenindeedthoumightestseeFaunsandwildcreaturessportinginmeasure,thenmassyoaksswayingtheirtops:norsomuchdoestheParnassiancliffrejoiceinPhoebusnorsomuchRhodopeandIsmarusmarvelatOrpheus.

    Forhesanghowthroughoutthevastvoidweregatheredtogethertheseedsofearthandairandsea,andwithaloffluidfire;howfromtheseoriginalsallthebeginningsof

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    thingsandtheyoungorbedworlditselfgrewtogether;thenbeganto,hardenitsfloorandsetocean-barstoNereusandgraduallytakeshapeinthings:whilenowearthinamazeseesthenew-bornsunriseshininghigher,andtherainsfallasthecloudsuplift;whentheforestsfirstbegintospring,andwhenlivecreaturesroamthinlyovertheunknowinghills.NexthetellsofthestonescastbyPyrrha,oftherealmofSaturn,andthebirdsofCaucasusandthetheftofPrometheus:theretoheaddshowthesailorscalledonHylasleftatthefountaintillHylas!Hylas!echoedfromalltheshore:andconsolesPasipha(happy,hadherdsbutneverbeen!)withtheloveofhersnowysteer.Ahhaplessmaiden,whatfrenzyhathholdofthee?Proetus-daughtersfilledthefieldswithcounterfeitedlowings,butyetnoneofthempursuedsuchinhumanandshamefulunion,thoughherneckhadshudderedasfromtheploughandsheoftenhadsoughtforhornsonhersmoothforehead.Ahhaplessmaiden,thounowwanderestonthehills:he,restinghissnowysideonsofthyacinthblooms,underabackilexmunchesthepalegrass,orfollowsoneamongthevastherd.Bar,ONymphs,NymphsofCrete,barnowtheforestglades,ifhaplythatsteer-swanderingfootprintsmaysomewheremeetoureyes;peradventurehe,eitherluredbygreenherbageorfollowingtheherbs,maycomehomeonthecows-tracktotheyardsofGortyna.Thenhesingsofthemaiden-smarvelattheapplesoftheHesperides:thenenringsPhaethon-ssisterswithmossonbitterbark,andmakesthemspringtallinalderfromtheground.ThenhesingshowasGallusstrayedbythestreamsofPermessus,oneofthesisterhoodledhimtoAonianhills,andhowbeforehimallthechoirofPhoebusroseup;bowLinusthedivineshepherd-singer,withblossomsandbitterparsleytwinedinhishair,spokethustohim:Thesepipes,see,takethem!theMusesgivethee,thesametheyoncegavetheoldmanofAscra;wherewithhewaswont,singing,todrawdownstubbornashtreesfromthehills.OnthesebetoldbytheethebirthoftheGryneanforest,thattherebenogroveinwhichApolloshallpridehimselfmore.WhyshouldItellthistaleeitherofNisus-Scylla,whose

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    afterstoryisthatgirtwithbarkingmonstersroundherwhiteloinssheharriedtheshipsofDulichium,anddeepinherwhirlpool,ah!toretheirshiveringcrewswithhersea-hounds?orofthechangedlimbsofTereus;ofthatfeast,thatgiftPhilomelamadereadyforhim;ofherflighttodesolateplaces,andofthewingsonwhichshewretchedlyhoveredhighinfrontofherhome?

    AllthatlongagohappyEurotasheardfrombroodingPhoebusandbadehislaurelslearnbyheart,hesings:thesmittenvalesechoittothesky:tillbiddinghimgatherthesheeptotheircotesandtelltheirtale,theeveningstarcameoutintheunwillingheaven.

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    ECLOGUEVII——MELIBOEUS

    MELIBOEUS——CORYDON——THYRSIS

    LIGHTLYhadDaphnissatedownbeneathawhisperingilex,andCorydonandThyrsishaddriventheirflockstogether,Thyrsishissheep,Corydonhismilk-swolnshe-goats;bothintheblossomofage,bothArcadians,readytosingandanswerverseforverse.Hither,whileIcoveredmydelicatemyrtlesfromthefrost,myhe-goat,lordoftheflock,hadwandereddown:andIespyDaphnis:seeingmeinturn,Quick,hecries,comehither,Meliboeus!thygoatandkidsaresafe;and,ifthoucansttakeholiday,restundertheshade:hithercomethebullocksunherdedacrossthemeadowstodrink;hereMinciuslineshisgreenbankswithafringeofsoftrushes,andtheswarmingbeesmurmuroutoftheholyoak.

    WhatwasItodo?IhadnoAlcippe,noPhyllistoshutintheweanlinglambsathome;andCorydonagainstThyrsiswasabravematch.However,Iputasidemybusinessfortheirpleasure.Sobothbegantheircontest,inalternateverses,sincesuchtheMuseswilledthemtoremember.TheseCorydon,thoseThyrsisutteredinhisturn.

    Co——NymphsofLibethrus,ourdelight,eithergrantmesuchasongasmyCodrus-own:hiscomenexttotheversesPhoebusmakes;orifwecannotallofusattain,thisshrillpipeshallhangfromyourholypine.

    Th——ShepherdsofArcady,deckwithivyyourrisingpoet,thatCodrusmaybursthisgallwithenvy;or,ifhepraisebeyondmyneed,bindmybrowswithfoxglove,lestaneviltongueharmthehardtobe.

    Co——Thisbristlingboar-sheadtothee,maidofDelos,andthebranchingantlersofalong-livedstaglittleMiconoffers.Ifthisthygraceabide,allinsmoothmarblethoushaltstand,thecrimsonbuskinlacedroundthineankles.

    Th——Abowlofmilkandthesecakes,OPriapus,yearlyisenoughfortheetoclaim;thouartkeeperofascantygarden.{p.283}Nowwehavefashionedtheeinmarbleforthetime:butdothou,iflambing-timefilluptheflock,bethereingold.

    Co——Sea-NymphGalatea,sweetertomethanthymeofHybla,whiterthantheswan,lovelierthanpaleivy,sosoonasthepasturedbullsseektheyardagain,ifthoucarestaughtatallforthyCorydon,come!

    Th——Nay,butmayIseemtotheebittererthanherbageofSardinia,rougherthanthespikybroom,moreworthlessthanstrandedseaweed,ifto-dayisnotlongeralreadytomethanawholeyear:gohomefrompasture,forveryshamego,mycattle.

    Co——Mossedspringsandgrasssofterthansleep,andgreenarbutusthatcoversyouwiththinshade,shieldedthemidsummerfromtheflock;nowparchingsummeriscoming,nowthebudsswellonthetoughvine-shoot.

    Th——Hereisthehearthandresinousbillets;herethefireeverburnshighandthedoorpostsareblackwithconstantsoot:herewecareasmuchforthefreezingNorthasthewolffortheflock-smultitude,orriversinfloodfortheirbanks.

    Co——Junipersandshaggychestnutstowerup:undereachtreeliestrewnherfallenapples.Allnowsmiles;butiffairAlexisbeabsentfromthehills,thouwiltseeeventheriversdry.

    Th,——Thefieldisparched,thedyinggrassthirstsinthedistemperedair;thewine-goddeniestheslopesthevine-tendrils-shade:atourPhyllis-comingallthewoodlandwillbegreen,andheavendescendingladandabundantshowers.

    Co——Alcidestakesmostdelightinthepoplar,Iacchusinthevine,fairVenusinthemyrtle,Phoebusinhisownbay,tree:Phyllisloveshazels:whilePhyllislovesthemneithershallmyrtleexcelthehazels,norPhoebus-bay.

    Th——Theashismostbeautifulintheforest,thepineinthegarden,thepoplarbytheriver,thefironthemountainheights:butifthoucomebackyetagaintome,OfairLycidas,theforestash,thegardenpineshallyieldtothee.

    ThesesongsIremember,andhowThyrsisstroveforvictoryinvain:henceforthCorydon,Corydonisours.

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    ECLOGUEVIII——THESORCERESS

    DAMON——ALPHESIBOEUS

    THEMuseoftheshepherdsDamonandAlphesiboeus,atwhosestrifethewonderingheiferforgotthegrass,atwhosesongthelynxstoodbreathlessandthestreamschangedtheircurrentandwerestill,theMuseofDamonandAlphesiboeuswewilltell.

    Thou,myfriend,whetherthouclimbestnowgreatTimavus-rocksordostskirtthecoastoftheIllyriansea,ahshalleverthedaycomewhenImaytellofthydeeds?ahshallitcomethatImayblasonoveralltheworldthystrainsthatalonechallengethebuskinofSophocles?FromtheeIbegan;fortheewillIend:takethesongsthatwereessayedatthycommands,andletthisivycurlamongtheconqueror-slaurelaroundthybrows.

    Thechillshadowofnighthadhardlyretreatedfromthesky,whenthedewonthetendergrassissweetesttotheflock:Damon,leaningonhissmootholive-staff,thusbegan:

    Rise,MorningStar,andheraldinthegraciousday,while,beguiledbyLove-styranny,IcomplainoverNisathebride,andthoughithasavailedmenothingthatthegodswerewitnesses,yetinthisutmosthourcallonthemasIdie.

    Beginwithme,myflute,theversesofMaenalus.Maenaluseverkeepshisvocalforestandtalkingpines:everhebearsthelovesofshepherds,andPanwhoofyorewouldnotletthereedslieidle.

    Beginwithme,myflute,theversesofMaenalus.

    MopsusgetsNisa:whatmayweloversnotlookfor?nowwillgryphonscouplewithhorses,andinfollowingtimeshyfallowdeercomewiththehoundstodrink.

    Beginwithme,myflute,theversesofMaenalus.

    Mopsus,cutfreshtorches:fortheeawifeisledhome.Scatter

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    nuts,Obridegroom:fortheetheEveningStarleavesOetaforlorn.

    Beginwithme,myflute,theversesofMaenalus.

    Oweddedtothymate!whilethouscornestalltheworld,andwhilemypipeandwhilemyshe-goatsannoythee,andmyshaggyeyebrowsanduntrimmedbeard,norfanciestthouthatanygodcaresforhumanthings.

    Beginwithme,myflute,theversesofMaenalus.

    Inourorchard-closeIsawthee,alittlegirlwithhermother——Iguidedyouboth——gatheringappleswetwithdew:thenextyearafterelevenhadjustreceivedme:Icouldjustreachthebrittlebranchesfromtheground.AsIsaw,howIperished,howthefatalcrazesweptmeaway!

    Beginwithme,myflute,theversesofMaenalus.

    NowIknowwhatLoveis:onironflintsofTmarosorRhodopeortheutmostGaramantsisheborn,nochildofourkinorblood.

    Beginwithme,myflute,theversesofMaenalus.

    FierceLovetaughtthemothertodabbleherbandswithherchildren-sblood:cruelthoutoo,Omother!Cruellerthemotherortheboyinsatiate?insatiatetheboy;cruelthoutoo,Omother!

    Beginwithme,myflute,theversesofMaenalus.

    Nowevenletthewolffleeunchasedbeforethesheep;letgnarledoaksbearapplesofgold:letthealderflowerintonarcissus,andrichamberoozefromtamariskbark:yes,letscreech-owlsviewithswans,letTityrusbeOrpheus,Orpheusintheforest,Arionamongthedolphinshoals——

    Beginwithme,myflute,theversesofMaenalus.

    Evenletmid-oceancoverall.Farewell,Owoodlands!frommywatchtoweraloftonthehillIwillplungeheadlongintothewaves:keepthouthismylastgiftasIdie.

    Cease,Oflute,ceasenowtheversesofMaenalus.

    ThusDamon:you,maidensofPieria,tellofAlphesiboeus-reply:wecannotalldoeverything.

    Fetchwaterforth,andtwinethealtarsherewiththesoftfillet,andburnresinoustwigsandmalefrankincense,thatI

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    maytrybymagicritestoturnmylover-ssensefromsanity:nothingiswantingnowbutthesongs.

    Drawfromthecity,mysongs,drawDaphnishome.

    Songshavemighteventodrawdownthemoonfromheaven:withsongsCircetransformedthecrewofUlysses:bysingingthecoldsnakeisburstasunderinthemeadows.

    Drawfromthecity,mysongs,drawDaphnishome.

    ThreefoldfirstItwineabouttheethesediversetriple-huedthreads,andthriceroundthesealtarsIdrawthineimage:anoddnumberisgod-sdelight.

    Drawfromthecity,mysongs,drawDaphnishome.

    Tiethethreefoldcoloursinthreeknots,Amaryllis,tiethemthen:andsay,-ItieVenus-bands-

    Drawfromthecity,mysongs,drawDaphnishome.

    Asthisclaystiffensandasthiswaxsoftensinoneandtheselfsamefire,soletDaphnisdoforloveofme.Sprinklebarley-meal,andkindlethebrittlebay-twigswithbitumen.CruelDaphnisburnsme:IburnthisbayatDaphnis.

    Drawfromthecity,mysongs,drawDaphnishome.

    SomayDaphnislove,aswhentheheifer,wearywithseekingthesteerthroughwoodlandandhighgrove,sinksonthegreensedgebyawaterbrook,inmisery,andrecksnottoretirebeforethefallingnight:somayloveholdhim,normayIcaretoheal.

    Drawfromthecity,mysongs,drawDaphnishome.

    Thisdressheworeofoldthetraitorleftme,dearpledgesofhimself:whichnowIeveninthedoorway,Oearth,committothee:forthesepledgesDaphnisisthedebt.

    Drawfromthecity,mysongs,drawDaphnishome.

    Theseherbs,andthesepoisonsgatheredinPontus,Moerishimselfgaveme;inPontustheygrowthickest.BytheirmightIhaveoftenseenMoerisbecomeawolfandplungeintotheforest,oftenseenhimcallupsoulsfromtheirdeepgraves,andtransplanttheharveststowheretheywerenotsown.

    Drawfromthecity,mysongs,drawDaphnishome.

    Fetchashes,Amaryllis,outofdoors,andflingthemacrossthyheadintotherunningbrook:andlooknotback.With

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    theseIwillassailDaphnis:nothingcaresheforgods,nothingforsongs.

    Drawfromthecity,mysongs,drawDaphnishome.

    See!theembersonthealtarhavecaughtwithaflickeringflame,themselves,oftheirownaccord,whileIdelaytofetchthem.Beitforgood!somethingthereisforsure;andHylaxbarksinthedoorway.Maywebelieve?ordoloversfashiondreamsoftheirown?

    Forbear:fromthecity,forbearnow,mysongs,Daphniscomes.

    ECLOGUEIX——MOERIS

    LYCIDAS——MOERIS

    L——Whitherfootestthou,Moeris?leadsthywaytownward?

    M——OLycidas,welivetohavecometothis,whatweneverfeared,thatanintruderinourlittlefieldsshouldsay,Thesearemine;hencewithyou,oldfreeholders!Nowcrushedandsorrowing,sinceallgoeswithFortune-swheel,thesekids(smalljoymayhehavethereof!)wearesendingtohim.

    L——SurelyIhadheardthat,wherethehillsbegintoretireandlowertheirridgeinasoftslope,eventothewatersideandtheoldbeechesthatnowmoulderatop,yourMenalcashadsavedallthelandbyhissongs.

    M——Youhad;andsorumourran.Butsongsofours,Lycidas,havenomorepoweramongwarringarmsthanChaoniandoves,astheysay,whentheeaglecomes.HadnotaravenfromthehollowilexonmyleftforewarnedmetocutshortmyyoungsuitasbestIcould,neitherthyMoerisnorMenalcashimselfwerealiveandhere.

    L——Alas!cansuchwickednesscomeoveranyone?alasfortheeandourcomfortinthee,Menalcas,sonearlylosttous!Whowouldsingthenymphs?whostrewthegroundwithblossomingplants,ortraingreenshadeoverthesprings?orthosesongsIcaughtoflatefromtheeonthywaytoourdarlingAmaryllis:Tityrus,whileIreturn,(shortistheway,)feedtheshe-goats;anddrivethemfull-fedtodrink,Tityrus;andamidthework,takeheedofcrossingthehe-goat;hestrikeswithhishorn.

    M——Naytheserather,whichyetunfinishedhesangtoVarus:Varus,thyname,ifbutourMantuasurvive,Mantua,ahtoonearaneighbourtounhappyCremona,singingswansshallbearalofttothestars.

    L——SomaythyswarmsshunyewsofCorsica,somay

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    cytisuspastureswelltheuddersofthykine,beginwithwhatthouhast.MealsothemaidensofPieriahavemadeapoet.Ialsohavesongs:evenmetheshepherdscallasinger;butIbelievethemnot.For,Ithink,IutterasyetnothingworthyofVariusorofCinna,acacklinggooseamongtheseswansofsong.

    M——SoIdo,Lycidas,andamthinkingoversilentlywithmyselfifImayavailtoremember;anditisnomeansong:

    Comehither,OGalatea:whatsportisamongthewaves?Herespringglows,hereroundthestreamsthegroundbreaksintomanyaflower;herethesilver-whitepoplarleansoverthecavernandtrailingvinesweaveacovertofshade.Comehither;leavethemadbillowstobeatontheshore.

    L——HowofwhatIonceheardtheesingingaloneundertheclearnight?Irememberthenotes,hadIthewordssure:

    Daphnis,whygazeupwardontheancientrisingsofthesigns?lothestarofCaesar,Dione-schild,hasadvanced,thestarwhereunderfieldsshouldrejoiceincornandthegrapegathercolouronsunnyhills.Engraftthypear-trees,Daphnis;thychildren-schildrenshallplucktheirfruit.

    M——Timewastesallthings,themindtoo:oftenIrememberhowinboyhoodIoutworelongsunlitdaysinsinging:nowIhaveforgottensomanyasong:Moerisislosinghisvoicetoo;wolveshavecaughtfirstsightofMoeris;butyetMenalcaswillrepeatthemtotheeoftenough.

    L——Thytalkingprolongsourdesire:andnow,see,allthemereissmoothandstill,andallthewindymurmurofthebreeze,look,issunkaway.justfromthispointishalfourroad,forBianor-stombbeginstoshow:here,whererusticsstripthethick-leavedsprays,here,Moeris,letussing;heresetdownthykids;forallthat,weshallreachthetown.Orifwefearlestnighterethengathertorain,wemaygosingingalltheway;sotheroadweariestheless:thatwemaygosinging,Iwilllightentheeofthisbundle.

    M——Ceasethoufurther,Oboy,andletusdoourpresentbusiness:whenheiscomehimself,wewillsinghissongsbetterthen.

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    ECLOGUEX——GALLUS

    THISlastlabour,Arethusa,granttome:versesmustbesungformyGallus,few,yetsuchasLycoris-selfmayread:whowoulddenyversestoGallus?So,whenthouslidestunderSicilianwaters,maybitterDorisnotmingleherwavewiththine.Begin;letustellofGallus-wearyloves,whiletheflat-nosedshe-goatscropthetenderbushes.Wesingnottodeafears;theforestsrepeatall.

    Whatwoodsorwhatlawnsheldyou,Naiadgirls,whileGalluspinedinlove-styranny?fornotonParnassus,fornotonPindus-slopesdidyoulinger,norbyAonianAganippe.Himevenlaurels,eventamariskswept:him,ashelaybeneathalonelycliff,evenMaenaluswithhiscrownofpineswept,andtherocksofchillLycaeus.Thesheeptoostandround;noraretheyashamedofus,norbethouashamedofthyflock,Odivinepoet:evenfairAdonispasturedsheepbytheriver.Cametoothekeeperofthesheep:slow-pacingcametheswineherds:drippingfromthewinteracornsMenalcascame.Allask,Whencethisloveofthine?-Apollocame:Gallus,whythismadness?hesaid:thyloveLycorisamidthesnowsandamidtheroughcamphasfollowedanother.CametooSilvanuswithrusticbraveryonhishead,shakinghisblossomedfennelsandlargelilies.PangodofArcadycame,whomoureyeshaveseen,redwithblood-stainedelderberriesandvermilion.Shalltherebealimit?hesaid:Loverecksnotaughtofthis.NeitheriscruelLovesatiatedwithtears,northegrasseswiththerills,norbeeswithcytisus,norshe-goatswithleafage.Butsadlyhe:Yetyouwillbesinging,OArcadians.,toyourhillsofthis:aloneArcadiansareskilledtosing.Ahhowsoftlythenmaymyashesrest,ifyourpipeoncemaytellofmyloves.AndwouldGodIhadbeenoneofyou,andyoursbeentheflockIkeptortheripegrapesofmyvintage!surelyPhyllis,wereitso,orAmyntas,orwhosoever

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    weremypassion(whatthen,ifAmyntasbeswarthy?violetstooaredarkanddarkarehyacinths)wouldliewithmeamongtheosiersbeneathatrailingvine:Phylliswouldpluckmecoronals,Amyntaswouldsing.Herearechillsprings,heresoftmeadows,OLycoris:herethewoodland:herewithwastingtimeItooatthysidewouldwasteaway.NowamadpassionholdstheedownamongthehardWar-god-sarms,encircledbyweaponsandconfrontingfoes.Thou,farfromhome(letmenotquitebelieveit!)alone,withoutme,ahcruel,lookestonAlpinesnowsandthefrostsoftheRhine.Ahmaythefrostsnothurtthee!Ahmaytheroughicenotcutthydelicatefeet!Iwillbegone,andthesongsIfashionedinChalcidianverseIwillsettotheSicilianshepherd-sreed:resolvedinthewoodsamongthewildbeasts-dens,toembraceendurance,andtocutmylovesonthetendertrees;withtheirgrowthyou,Oloves,willgrow.MeanwhileIwillrangeMaenalusamidtheroutofNymphs,orhuntthekeenwildboar;norigourofcoldshallforbidmetoencirclePartheniangladeswithmybounds.EvennowIthinkIpassamongrock;andechoinggroves,anddelighttospeedtheCydonianarrowsfromaParthianbow:asifthiscouldbehealingofourmadness,orthatGodcouldlearntosoftenatmortalgriefs!NowneitherHamadryadsoncemorenorsongsthemselvesdelightus:oncemore,Oforests,yourselvesretire.Himtoilsofourscannotchange;neitherifinthemid-frostswedrinkofHebrusandabidetherainywinteramongSithoniansnows;norifwhilethedyingbarkscorchesontheloftyelm,weguideAethiopiansheepbeneaththetropic.Loveconquersall:letustooyieldtoLove.

    Thisshallsuffice,goddessesofPieria,thatyourpoethassungwhilehesateandwoveabasketofslimmallowshoots:youwillmakethispreciousforGallus:forGallus,loveofwhomgrowsinmeasfasteveryhourasthegreenaldershootsupwhenspringisyoung.Letusarise;theshadeiswonttobeheavyonsingers:thejunipershadeisheavy:shadetoohurtsthecorn.Gohomefull-fed,theEveningStarcomes,go,myshe-goats.

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