Book 1
1What makes the cornfield smile; beneath what star Maecenas, it is meet to turn the sod Or marry elm with vine; how tend the steer; What pains for cattle-keeping, or what proof Of patient trial serves for thrifty bees;—
6Such are my themes. O universal lights Most glorious! ye that lead the gliding year Along the sky, Liber and Ceres mild, If by your bounty holpen earth once changed Chaonian acorn for the plump wheat-ear,
11And mingled with the grape, your new-found gift, The draughts of Achelous; and ye Fauns To rustics ever kind, come foot it, Fauns And Dryad-maids together; your gifts I sing. And thou, for whose delight the war-horse first
16Sprang from earth's womb at thy great trident's stroke, Neptune; and haunter of the groves, for whom Three hundred snow-white heifers browse the brakes, The fertile brakes of Ceos; and clothed in power, Thy native forest and Lycean lawns,
21Pan, shepherd-god, forsaking, as the love Of thine own Maenalus constrains thee, hear And help, O lord of Tegea! And thou, too, Minerva, from whose hand the olive sprung; And boy-discoverer of the curved plough;
26And, bearing a young cypress root-uptorn, Silvanus, and Gods all and Goddesses, Who make the fields your care, both ye who nurse The tender unsown increase, and from heaven Shed on man's sowing the riches of your rain:
31And thou, even thou, of whom we know not yet What mansion of the skies shall hold thee soon, Whether to watch o'er cities be thy will, Great Caesar, and to take the earth in charge, That so the mighty world may welcome thee
36Lord of her increase, master of her times, Binding thy mother's myrtle round thy brow, Or as the boundless ocean's God thou come, Sole dread of seamen, till far Thule bow Before thee, and Tethys win thee to her son
41With all her waves for dower; or as a star Lend thy fresh beams our lagging months to cheer, Where 'twixt the Maid and those pursuing Claws A space is opening; see! red Scorpio's self His arms draws in, yea, and hath left thee more
46Than thy full meed of heaven: be what thou wilt— For neither Tartarus hopes to call thee king, Nor may so dire a lust of sovereignty E'er light upon thee, howso Greece admire Elysium's fields, and Proserpine not heed
51Her mother's voice entreating to return— Vouchsafe a prosperous voyage, and smile on this My bold endeavour, and pitying, even as I, These poor way-wildered swains, at once begin, Grow timely used unto the voice of prayer.
56In early spring-tide, when the icy drip Melts from the mountains hoar, and Zephyr's breath Unbinds the crumbling clod, even then 'tis time; Press deep your plough behind the groaning ox, And teach the furrow-burnished share to shine.
61That land the craving farmer's prayer fulfils, Which twice the sunshine, twice the frost has felt; Ay, that's the land whose boundless harvest-crops Burst, see! the barns. But ere our metal cleave An unknown surface, heed we to forelearn
66The winds and varying temper of the sky, The lineal tilth and habits of the spot, What every region yields, and what denies. Here blithelier springs the corn, and here the grape, There earth is green with tender growth of trees
71And grass unbidden. See how from Tmolus comes The saffron's fragrance, ivory from Ind, From Saba's weakling sons their frankincense, Iron from the naked Chalybs, castor rank From Pontus, from Epirus the prize-palms
76O' the mares of Elis. Such the eternal bond And such the laws by Nature's hand imposed On clime and clime, e'er since the primal dawn When old Deucalion on the unpeopled earth Cast stones, whence men, a flinty race, were reared.
81Up then! if fat the soil, let sturdy bulls Upturn it from the year's first opening months, And let the clods lie bare till baked to dust By the ripe suns of summer; but if the earth Less fruitful just ere Arcturus rise
86With shallower trench uptilt it—'twill suffice; There, lest weeds choke the crop's luxuriance, here, Lest the scant moisture fail the barren sand. Then thou shalt suffer in alternate years The new-reaped fields to rest, and on the plain
91A crust of sloth to harden; or, when stars Are changed in heaven, there sow the golden grain Where erst, luxuriant with its quivering pod, Pulse, or the slender vetch-crop, thou hast cleared, And lupin sour, whose brittle stalks arise,
96A hurtling forest. For the plain is parched By flax-crop, parched by oats, by poppies parched In Lethe-slumber drenched. Nathless by change The travailing earth is lightened, but stint not With refuse rich to soak the thirsty soil,
101And shower foul ashes o'er the exhausted fields. Thus by rotation like repose is gained, Nor earth meanwhile uneared and thankless left. Oft, too, 'twill boot to fire the naked fields, And the light stubble burn with crackling flames;
106Whether that earth therefrom some hidden strength And fattening food derives, or that the fire Bakes every blemish out, and sweats away Each useless humour, or that the heat unlocks New passages and secret pores, whereby
111Their life-juice to the tender blades may win; Or that it hardens more and helps to bind The gaping veins, lest penetrating showers, Or fierce sun's ravening might, or searching blast Of the keen north should sear them. Well, I wot,
116He serves the fields who with his harrow breaks The sluggish clods, and hurdles osier-twined Hales o'er them; from the far Olympian height Him golden Ceres not in vain regards; And he, who having ploughed the fallow plain
121And heaved its furrowy ridges, turns once more Cross-wise his shattering share, with stroke on stroke The earth assails, and makes the field his thrall. Pray for wet summers and for winters fine, Ye husbandmen; in winter's dust the crops
126Exceedingly rejoice, the field hath joy; No tilth makes Mysia lift her head so high, Nor Gargarus his own harvests so admire. Why tell of him, who, having launched his seed, Sets on for close encounter, and rakes smooth
131The dry dust hillocks, then on the tender corn Lets in the flood, whose waters follow fain; And when the parched field quivers, and all the blades Are dying, from the brow of its hill-bed, See! see! he lures the runnel; down it falls,
136Waking hoarse murmurs o'er the polished stones, And with its bubblings slakes the thirsty fields? Or why of him, who lest the heavy ears O'erweigh the stalk, while yet in tender blade Feeds down the crop's luxuriance, when its growth
141First tops the furrows? Why of him who drains The marsh-land's gathered ooze through soaking sand, Chiefly what time in treacherous moons a stream Goes out in spate, and with its coat of slime Holds all the country, whence the hollow dykes
146Sweat steaming vapour? But no whit the more For all expedients tried and travail borne By man and beast in turning oft the soil, Do greedy goose and Strymon-haunting cranes
151And succory's bitter fibres cease to harm, Or shade not injure. The great Sire himself No easy road to husbandry assigned, And first was he by human skill to rouse The slumbering glebe, whetting the minds of men
156With care on care, nor suffering realm of his In drowsy sloth to stagnate. Before Jove Fields knew no taming hand of husbandmen; To mark the plain or mete with boundary-line— Even this was impious; for the common stock
161They gathered, and the earth of her own will All things more freely, no man bidding, bore. He to black serpents gave their venom-bane, And bade the wolf go prowl, and ocean toss; Shooed from the leaves their honey, put fire away,
166And curbed the random rivers running wine, That use by gradual dint of thought on thought Might forge the various arts, with furrow's help The corn-blade win, and strike out hidden fire From the flint's heart. Then first the streams were ware
171Of hollowed alder-hulls: the sailor then Their names and numbers gave to star and star, Pleiads and Hyads, and Lycaon's child Bright Arctos; how with nooses then was found To catch wild beasts, and cozen them with lime,
176And hem with hounds the mighty forest-glades. Soon one with hand-net scourges the broad stream, Probing its depths, one drags his dripping toils Along the main; then iron's unbending might, And shrieking saw-blade,—for the men of old
181With wedges wont to cleave the splintering log;— Then divers arts arose; toil conquered all, Remorseless toil, and poverty's shrewd push In times of hardship. Ceres was the first Set mortals on with tools to turn the sod,
186When now the awful groves 'gan fail to bear Acorns and arbutes, and her wonted food Dodona gave no more. Soon, too, the corn Gat sorrow's increase, that an evil blight Ate up the stalks, and thistle reared his spines
191An idler in the fields; the crops die down; Upsprings instead a shaggy growth of burrs And caltrops; and amid the corn-fields trim Unfruitful darnel and wild oats have sway. Wherefore, unless thou shalt with ceaseless rake
196The weeds pursue, with shouting scare the birds, Prune with thy hook the dark field's matted shade, Pray down the showers, all vainly thou shalt eye, Alack! thy neighbour's heaped-up harvest-mow, And in the greenwood from a shaken oak
201Seek solace for thine hunger. Now to tell The sturdy rustics' weapons, what they are, Without which, neither can be sown nor reared The fruits of harvest; first the bent plough's share
206And heavy timber, and slow-lumbering wains Of the Eleusinian mother, threshing-sleighs And drags, and harrows with their crushing weight; Then the cheap wicker-ware of Celeus old, Hurdles of arbute, and thy mystic fan,
211Iacchus; which, full tale, long ere the time Thou must with heed lay by, if thee await Not all unearned the country's crown divine. While yet within the woods, the elm is tamed And bowed with mighty force to form the stock,
216And take the plough's curved shape, then nigh the root A pole eight feet projecting, earth-boards twain, And share-beam with its double back they fix. For yoke is early hewn a linden light, And a tall beech for handle, from behind
221To turn the car at lowest: then o'er the hearth The wood they hang till the smoke knows it well. Many the precepts of the men of old I can recount thee, so thou start not back, And such slight cares to learn not weary thee.
226And this among the first: thy threshing-floor With ponderous roller must be levelled smooth, And wrought by hand, and fixed with binding chalk, Lest weeds arise, or dust a passage win Splitting the surface, then a thousand plagues
231Make sport of it: oft builds the tiny mouse Her home, and plants her granary, underground, Or burrow for their bed the purblind moles, Or toad is found in hollows, and all the swarm Of earth's unsightly creatures; or a huge
236Corn-heap the weevil plunders, and the ant, Fearful of coming age and penury. Mark too, what time the walnut in the woods With ample bloom shall clothe her, and bow down Her odorous branches, if the fruit prevail,
241Like store of grain will follow, and there shall come A mighty winnowing-time with mighty heat; But if the shade with wealth of leaves abound, Vainly your threshing-floor will bruise the stalks Rich but in chaff. Many myself have seen
246Steep, as they sow, their pulse-seeds, drenching them With nitre and black oil-lees, that the fruit Might swell within the treacherous pods, and they Make speed to boil at howso small a fire. Yet, culled with caution, proved with patient toil,
251These have I seen degenerate, did not man Put forth his hand with power, and year by year Choose out the largest. So, by fate impelled, Speed all things to the worse, and backward borne Glide from us; even as who with struggling oars
256Up stream scarce pulls a shallop, if he chance His arms to slacken, lo! with headlong force The current sweeps him down the hurrying tide. Us too behoves Arcturus' sign observe, And the Kids' seasons and the shining Snake,
261No less than those who o'er the windy main Borne homeward tempt the Pontic, and the jaws Of oyster-rife Abydos. When the Scales Now poising fair the hours of sleep and day Give half the world to sunshine, half to shade,
266Then urge your bulls, my masters; sow the plain Even to the verge of tameless winter's showers With barley: then, too, time it is to hide Your flax in earth, and poppy, Ceres' joy, Aye, more than time to bend above the plough,
271While earth, yet dry, forbids not, and the clouds Are buoyant. With the spring comes bean-sowing; Thee, too, Lucerne, the crumbling furrows then Receive, and millet's annual care returns, What time the white bull with his gilded horns
276Opens the year, before whose threatening front, Routed the dog-star sinks. But if it be For wheaten harvest and the hardy spelt, Thou tax the soil, to corn-ears wholly given, Let Atlas' daughters hide them in the dawn,
281The Cretan star, a crown of fire, depart, Or e'er the furrow's claim of seed thou quit, Or haste thee to entrust the whole year's hope To earth that would not. Many have begun Ere Maia's star be setting; these, I trow,
286Their looked-for harvest fools with empty ears. But if the vetch and common kidney-bean Thou'rt fain to sow, nor scorn to make thy care Pelusiac lentil, no uncertain sign Bootes' fall will send thee; then begin,
291Pursue thy sowing till half the frosts be done. Therefore it is the golden sun, his course Into fixed parts dividing, rules his way Through the twelve constellations of the world. Five zones the heavens contain; whereof is one
296Aye red with flashing sunlight, fervent aye From fire; on either side to left and right Are traced the utmost twain, stiff with blue ice, And black with scowling storm-clouds, and betwixt These and the midmost, other twain there lie,
301By the Gods' grace to heart-sick mortals given, And a path cleft between them, where might wheel On sloping plane the system of the Signs. And as toward Scythia and Rhipaean heights The world mounts upward, likewise sinks it down
306Toward Libya and the south, this pole of ours Still towering high, that other, 'neath their feet, By dark Styx frowned on, and the abysmal shades. Here glides the huge Snake forth with sinuous coils 'Twixt the two Bears and round them river-wise—
311The Bears that fear 'neath Ocean's brim to dip. There either, say they, reigns the eternal hush Of night that knows no seasons, her black pall Thick-mantling fold on fold; or thitherward From us returning Dawn brings back the day;
316And when the first breath of his panting steeds On us the Orient flings, that hour with them Red Vesper 'gins to trim his 'lated fires. Hence under doubtful skies forebode we can The coming tempests, hence both harvest-day
321And seed-time, when to smite the treacherous main With driving oars, when launch the fair-rigged fleet, Or in ripe hour to fell the forest-pine. Hence, too, not idly do we watch the stars— Their rising and their setting-and the year,
326Four varying seasons to one law conformed. If chilly showers e'er shut the farmer's door, Much that had soon with sunshine cried for haste, He may forestall; the ploughman batters keen His blunted share's hard tooth, scoops from a tree
331His troughs, or on the cattle stamps a brand, Or numbers on the corn-heaps; some make sharp The stakes and two-pronged forks, and willow-bands Amerian for the bending vine prepare. Now let the pliant basket plaited be
336Of bramble-twigs; now set your corn to parch Before the fire; now bruise it with the stone. Nay even on holy days some tasks to ply Is right and lawful: this no ban forbids, To turn the runnel's course, fence corn-fields in,
341Make springes for the birds, burn up the briars, And plunge in wholesome stream the bleating flock. Oft too with oil or apples plenty-cheap The creeping ass's ribs his driver packs, And home from town returning brings instead
346A dented mill-stone or black lump of pitch. The moon herself in various rank assigns The days for labour lucky: fly the fifth; Then sprang pale Orcus and the Eumenides; Earth then in awful labour brought to light
351Coeus, Iapetus, and Typhoeus fell, And those sworn brethren banded to break down The gates of heaven; thrice, sooth to say, they strove Ossa on Pelion's top to heave and heap, Aye, and on Ossa to up-roll amain
356Leafy Olympus; thrice with thunderbolt Their mountain-stair the Sire asunder smote. Seventh after tenth is lucky both to set The vine in earth, and take and tame the steer, And fix the leashes to the warp; the ninth
361To runagates is kinder, cross to thieves. Many the tasks that lightlier lend themselves In chilly night, or when the sun is young, And Dawn bedews the world. By night 'tis best To reap light stubble, and parched fields by night;
366For nights the suppling moisture never fails. And one will sit the long late watches out By winter fire-light, shaping with keen blade The torches to a point; his wife the while, Her tedious labour soothing with a song,
371Speeds the shrill comb along the warp, or else With Vulcan's aid boils the sweet must-juice down, And skims with leaves the quivering cauldron's wave. But ruddy Ceres in mid heat is mown, And in mid heat the parched ears are bruised
376Upon the floor; to plough strip, strip to sow; Winter's the lazy time for husbandmen. In the cold season farmers wont to taste The increase of their toil, and yield themselves To mutual interchange of festal cheer.
381Boon winter bids them, and unbinds their cares, As laden keels, when now the port they touch, And happy sailors crown the sterns with flowers. Nathless then also time it is to strip Acorns from oaks, and berries from the bay,
386Olives, and bleeding myrtles, then to set Snares for the crane, and meshes for the stag, And hunt the long-eared hares, then pierce the doe With whirl of hempen-thonged Balearic sling, While snow lies deep, and streams are drifting ice.
391What need to tell of autumn's storms and stars, And wherefore men must watch, when now the day Grows shorter, and more soft the summer's heat? When Spring the rain-bringer comes rushing down, Or when the beards of harvest on the plain
396Bristle already, and the milky corn On its green stalk is swelling? Many a time, When now the farmer to his yellow fields The reaping-hind came bringing, even in act To lop the brittle barley stems, have I
401Seen all the windy legions clash in war Together, as to rend up far and wide The heavy corn-crop from its lowest roots, And toss it skyward: so might winter's flaw, Dark-eddying, whirl light stalks and flying straws.
406Oft too comes looming vast along the sky A march of waters; mustering from above, The clouds roll up the tempest, heaped and grim With angry showers: down falls the height of heaven, And with a great rain floods the smiling crops,
411The oxen's labour: now the dikes fill fast, And the void river-beds swell thunderously, And all the panting firths of Ocean boil. The Sire himself in midnight of the clouds Wields with red hand the levin; through all her bulk
416Earth at the hurly quakes; the beasts are fled, And mortal hearts of every kindred sunk In cowering terror; he with flaming brand Athos, or Rhodope, or Ceraunian crags Precipitates: then doubly raves the South
421With shower on blinding shower, and woods and coasts Wail fitfully beneath the mighty blast. This fearing, mark the months and Signs of heaven, Whither retires him Saturn's icy star, And through what heavenly cycles wandereth
426The glowing orb Cyllenian. Before all Worship the Gods, and to great Ceres pay Her yearly dues upon the happy sward With sacrifice, anigh the utmost end Of winter, and when Spring begins to smile.
431Then lambs are fat, and wines are mellowest then; Then sleep is sweet, and dark the shadows fall Upon the mountains. Let your rustic youth To Ceres do obeisance, one and all; And for her pleasure thou mix honeycombs
436With milk and the ripe wine-god; thrice for luck Around the young corn let the victim go, And all the choir, a joyful company, Attend it, and with shouts bid Ceres come To be their house-mate; and let no man dare
441Put sickle to the ripened ears until, With woven oak his temples chapleted, He foot the rugged dance and chant the lay. Aye, and that these things we might win to know By certain tokens, heats, and showers, and winds
446That bring the frost, the Sire of all himself Ordained what warnings in her monthly round The moon should give, what bodes the south wind's fall, What oft-repeated sights the herdsman seeing Should keep his cattle closer to their stalls.
451No sooner are the winds at point to rise, Than either Ocean's firths begin to toss And swell, and a dry crackling sound is heard Upon the heights, or one loud ferment booms The beach afar, and through the forest goes
456A murmur multitudinous. By this Scarce can the billow spare the curved keels, When swift the sea-gulls from the middle main Come winging, and their shrieks are shoreward borne, When ocean-loving cormorants on dry land
461Besport them, and the hern, her marshy haunts Forsaking, mounts above the soaring cloud. Oft, too, when wind is toward, the stars thou'lt see From heaven shoot headlong, and through murky night Long trails of fire white-glistening in their wake,
466Or light chaff flit in air with fallen leaves, Or feathers on the wave-top float and play. But when from regions of the furious North It lightens, and when thunder fills the halls Of Eurus and of Zephyr, all the fields
471With brimming dikes are flooded, and at sea No mariner but furls his dripping sails. Never at unawares did shower annoy: Or, as it rises, the high-soaring cranes Flee to the vales before it, with face
476Upturned to heaven, the heifer snuffs the gale Through gaping nostrils, or about the meres Shrill-twittering flits the swallow, and the frogs Crouch in the mud and chant their dirge of old. Oft, too, the ant from out her inmost cells,
481Fretting the narrow path, her eggs conveys; Or the huge bow sucks moisture; or a host Of rooks from food returning in long line Clamour with jostling wings. Now mayst thou see The various ocean-fowl and those that pry
486Round Asian meads within thy fresher-pools, Cayster, as in eager rivalry, About their shoulders dash the plenteous spray, Now duck their head beneath the wave, now run Into the billows, for sheer idle joy
491Of their mad bathing-revel. Then the crow With full voice, good-for-naught, inviting rain, Stalks on the dry sand mateless and alone. Nor e'en the maids, that card their nightly task, Know not the storm-sign, when in blazing crock
496They see the lamp-oil sputtering with a growth Of mouldy snuff-clots. So too, after rain, Sunshine and open skies thou mayst forecast, And learn by tokens sure, for then nor dimmed
501Appear the stars' keen edges, nor the moon As borrowing of her brother's beams to rise, Nor fleecy films to float along the sky. Not to the sun's warmth then upon the shore Do halcyons dear to Thetis ope their wings,
506Nor filthy swine take thought to toss on high With scattering snout the straw-wisps. But the clouds Seek more the vales, and rest upon the plain, And from the roof-top the night-owl for naught Watching the sunset plies her 'lated song.
511Distinct in clearest air is Nisus seen Towering, and Scylla for the purple lock Pays dear; for whereso, as she flies, her wings The light air winnow, lo! fierce, implacable, Nisus with mighty whirr through heaven pursues;
516Where Nisus heavenward soareth, there her wings Clutch as she flies, the light air winnowing still. Soft then the voice of rooks from indrawn throat Thrice, four times, o'er repeated, and full oft On their high cradles, by some hidden joy
521Gladdened beyond their wont, in bustling throngs Among the leaves they riot; so sweet it is, When showers are spent, their own loved nests again And tender brood to visit. Not, I deem, That heaven some native wit to these assigned,
526Or fate a larger prescience, but that when The storm and shifting moisture of the air Have changed their courses, and the sky-god now, Wet with the south-wind, thickens what was rare, And what was gross releases, then, too, change
531Their spirits' fleeting phases, and their breasts Feel other motions now, than when the wind Was driving up the cloud-rack. Hence proceeds That blending of the feathered choirs afield, The cattle's exultation, and the rooks'
536Deep-throated triumph. But if the headlong sun And moons in order following thou regard, Ne'er will to-morrow's hour deceive thee, ne'er Wilt thou be caught by guile of cloudless night.
541When first the moon recalls her rallying fires, If dark the air clipped by her crescent dim, For folks afield and on the open sea A mighty rain is brewing; but if her face With maiden blush she mantle, 'twill be wind,
546For wind turns Phoebe still to ruddier gold. But if at her fourth rising, for 'tis that Gives surest counsel, clear she ride thro' heaven With horns unblunted, then shall that whole day, And to the month's end those that spring from it,
551Rainless and windless be, while safe ashore Shall sailors pay their vows to Panope, Glaucus, and Melicertes, Ino's child. The sun too, both at rising, and when soon He dives beneath the waves, shall yield thee signs;
556For signs, none trustier, travel with the sun, Both those which in their course with dawn he brings, And those at star-rise. When his springing orb With spots he pranketh, muffled in a cloud, And shrinks mid-circle, then of showers beware;
561For then the South comes driving from the deep, To trees and crops and cattle bringing bane. Or when at day-break through dark clouds his rays Burst and are scattered, or when rising pale Aurora quits Tithonus' saffron bed,
566But sorry shelter then, alack I will yield Vine-leaf to ripening grapes; so thick a hail In spiky showers spins rattling on the roof. And this yet more 'twill boot thee bear in mind, When now, his course upon Olympus run,
571He draws to his decline: for oft we see Upon the sun's own face strange colours stray; Dark tells of rain, of east winds fiery-red; If spots with ruddy fire begin to mix, Then all the heavens convulsed in wrath thou'lt see—
576Storm-clouds and wind together. Me that night Let no man bid fare forth upon the deep, Nor rend the rope from shore. But if, when both He brings again and hides the day's return, Clear-orbed he shineth,idly wilt thou dread
581The storm-clouds, and beneath the lustral North See the woods waving. What late eve in fine Bears in her bosom, whence the wind that brings Fair-weather-clouds, or what the rain South Is meditating, tokens of all these
586The sun will give thee. Who dare charge the sun With leasing? He it is who warneth oft Of hidden broils at hand and treachery, And secret swelling of the waves of war. He too it was, when Caesar's light was quenched,
591For Rome had pity, when his bright head he veiled In iron-hued darkness, till a godless age Trembled for night eternal; at that time Howbeit earth also, and the ocean-plains, And dogs obscene, and birds of evil bode
596Gave tokens. Yea, how often have we seen Etna, her furnace-walls asunder riven, In billowy floods boil o'er the Cyclops' fields, And roll down globes of fire and molten rocks! A clash of arms through all the heaven was heard
601By Germany; strange heavings shook the Alps. Yea, and by many through the breathless groves A voice was heard with power, and wondrous-pale Phantoms were seen upon the dusk of night, And cattle spake, portentous! streams stand still,
606And the earth yawns asunder, ivory weeps For sorrow in the shrines, and bronzes sweat. Up-twirling forests with his eddying tide, Madly he bears them down, that lord of floods, Eridanus, till through all the plain are swept
611Beasts and their stalls together. At that time In gloomy entrails ceased not to appear Dark-threatening fibres, springs to trickle blood, And high-built cities night-long to resound With the wolves' howling. Never more than then
616From skies all cloudless fell the thunderbolts, Nor blazed so oft the comet's fire of bale. Therefore a second time Philippi saw The Roman hosts with kindred weapons rush To battle, nor did the high gods deem it hard
621That twice Emathia and the wide champaign Of Haemus should be fattening with our blood. Ay, and the time will come when there anigh, Heaving the earth up with his curved plough, Some swain will light on javelins by foul rust
626Corroded, or with ponderous harrow strike On empty helmets, while he gapes to see Bones as of giants from the trench untombed. Gods of my country, heroes of the soil, And Romulus, and Mother Vesta, thou
631Who Tuscan Tiber and Rome's Palatine Preservest, this new champion at the least Our fallen generation to repair Forbid not. To the full and long ago Our blood thy Trojan perjuries hath paid,
636Laomedon. Long since the courts of heaven Begrudge us thee, our Caesar, and complain That thou regard'st the triumphs of mankind, Here where the wrong is right, the right is wrong, Where wars abound so many, and myriad-faced
641Is crime; where no meet honour hath the plough; The fields, their husbandmen led far away, Rot in neglect, and curved pruning-hooks Into the sword's stiff blade are fused and forged. Euphrates here, here Germany new strife
646Is stirring; neighbouring cities are in arms, The laws that bound them snapped; and godless war Rages through all the universe; as when The four-horse chariots from the barriers poured Still quicken o'er the course, and, idly now
651Grasping the reins, the driver by his team Is onward borne, nor heeds the car his curb.
Book 2
1Thus far the tilth of fields and stars of heaven; Now will I sing thee, Bacchus, and, with thee, The forest's young plantations and the fruit Of slow-maturing olive. Hither haste, O Father of the wine-press; all things here
6Teem with the bounties of thy hand; for thee With viny autumn laden blooms the field, And foams the vintage high with brimming vats; Hither, O Father of the wine-press, come, And stripped of buskin stain thy bared limbs
11In the new must with me. First, nature's law For generating trees is manifold; For some of their own force spontaneous spring, No hand of man compelling, and possess
16The plains and river-windings far and wide, As pliant osier and the bending broom, Poplar, and willows in wan companies With green leaf glimmering gray; and some there be From chance-dropped seed that rear them, as the tall
21Chestnuts, and, mightiest of the branching wood, Jove's Aesculus, and oaks, oracular Deemed by the Greeks of old. With some sprouts forth A forest of dense suckers from the root, As elms and cherries; so, too, a pigmy plant,
26Beneath its mother's mighty shade upshoots The bay-tree of Parnassus. Such the modes Nature imparted first; hence all the race Of forest-trees and shrubs and sacred groves Springs into verdure. Other means there are,
31Which use by method for itself acquired. One, sliving suckers from the tender frame Of the tree-mother, plants them in the trench; One buries the bare stumps within his field, Truncheons cleft four-wise, or sharp-pointed stakes;
36Some forest-trees the layer's bent arch await, And slips yet quick within the parent-soil; No root need others, nor doth the pruner's hand Shrink to restore the topmost shoot to earth That gave it being. Nay, marvellous to tell,
41Lopped of its limbs, the olive, a mere stock, Still thrusts its root out from the sapless wood, And oft the branches of one kind we see Change to another's with no loss to rue, Pear-tree transformed the ingrafted apple yield,
46And stony cornels on the plum-tree blush. Come then, and learn what tilth to each belongs According to their kinds, ye husbandmen, And tame with culture the wild fruits, lest earth Lie idle. O blithe to make all Ismarus
51One forest of the wine-god, and to clothe With olives huge Tabernus! And be thou At hand, and with me ply the voyage of toil I am bound on, O my glory, O thou that art Justly the chiefest portion of my fame,
56Maecenas, and on this wide ocean launched Spread sail like wings to waft thee. Not that I With my poor verse would comprehend the whole, Nay, though a hundred tongues, a hundred mouths Were mine, a voice of iron; be thou at hand,
61Skirt but the nearer coast-line; see the shore Is in our grasp; not now with feigned song Through winding bouts and tedious preludings Shall I detain thee. Those that lift their head
66Into the realms of light spontaneously, Fruitless indeed, but blithe and strenuous spring, Since Nature lurks within the soil. And yet Even these, should one engraft them, or transplant To well-drilled trenches, will anon put of
71Their woodland temper, and, by frequent tilth, To whatso craft thou summon them, make speed To follow. So likewise will the barren shaft That from the stock-root issueth, if it be Set out with clear space amid open fields:
76Now the tree-mother's towering leaves and boughs Darken, despoil of increase as it grows, And blast it in the bearing. Lastly, that Which from shed seed ariseth, upward wins But slowly, yielding promise of its shade
81To late-born generations; apples wane Forgetful of their former juice, the grape Bears sorry clusters, for the birds a prey. Soothly on all must toil be spent, and all Trained to the trench and at great cost subdued.
86But reared from truncheons olives answer best, As vines from layers, and from the solid wood The Paphian myrtles; while from suckers spring Both hardy hazels and huge ash, the tree That rims with shade the brows of Hercules,
91And acorns dear to the Chaonian sire: So springs the towering palm too, and the fir Destined to spy the dangers of the deep. But the rough arbutus with walnut-fruit Is grafted; so have barren planes ere now
96Stout apples borne, with chestnut-flower the beech, The mountain-ash with pear-bloom whitened o'er, And swine crunched acorns 'neath the boughs of elms. Nor is the method of inserting eyes And grafting one: for where the buds push forth
101Amidst the bark, and burst the membranes thin, Even on the knot a narrow rift is made, Wherein from some strange tree a germ they pen, And to the moist rind bid it cleave and grow. Or, otherwise, in knotless trunks is hewn
106A breach, and deep into the solid grain A path with wedges cloven; then fruitful slips Are set herein, and—no long time—behold! To heaven upshot with teeming boughs, the tree Strange leaves admires and fruitage not its own.
111Nor of one kind alone are sturdy elms, Willow and lotus, nor the cypress-trees Of Ida; nor of self-same fashion spring Fat olives, orchades, and radii And bitter-berried pausians, no, nor yet
116Apples and the forests of Alcinous; Nor from like cuttings are Crustumian pears And Syrian, and the heavy hand-fillers. Not the same vintage from our trees hangs down, Which Lesbos from Methymna's tendril plucks.
121Vines Thasian are there, Mareotids white, These apt for richer soils, for lighter those: Psithian for raisin-wine more useful, thin Lageos, that one day will try the feet And tie the tongue: purples and early-ripes,
126And how, O Rhaetian, shall I hymn thy praise? Yet cope not therefore with Falernian bins. Vines Aminaean too, best-bodied wine, To which the Tmolian bows him, ay, and king Phanaeus too, and, lesser of that name,
131Argitis, wherewith not a grape can vie For gush of wine-juice or for length of years. Nor thee must I pass over, vine of Rhodes, Welcomed by gods and at the second board, Nor thee, Bumastus, with plump clusters swollen.
136But lo! how many kinds, and what their names, There is no telling, nor doth it boot to tell; Who lists to know it, he too would list to learn How many sand-grains are by Zephyr tossed On Libya's plain, or wot, when Eurus falls
141With fury on the ships, how many waves Come rolling shoreward from the Ionian sea. Not that all soils can all things bear alike. Willows by water-courses have their birth, Alders in miry fens; on rocky heights
146The barren mountain-ashes; on the shore Myrtles throng gayest; Bacchus, lastly, loves The bare hillside, and yews the north wind's chill. Mark too the earth by outland tillers tamed, And Eastern homes of Arabs, and tattooed
151Geloni; to all trees their native lands Allotted are; no clime but India bears Black ebony; the branch of frankincense Is Saba's sons' alone; why tell to thee Of balsams oozing from the perfumed wood,
156Or berries of acanthus ever green? Of Aethiop forests hoar with downy wool, Or how the Seres comb from off the leaves Their silky fleece? Of groves which India bears, Ocean's near neighbour, earth's remotest nook,
161Where not an arrow-shot can cleave the air Above their tree-tops? yet no laggards they, When girded with the quiver! Media yields The bitter juices and slow-lingering taste Of the blest citron-fruit, than which no aid
166Comes timelier, when fierce step-dames drug the cup With simples mixed and spells of baneful power, To drive the deadly poison from the limbs. Large the tree's self in semblance like a bay, And, showered it not a different scent abroad,
171A bay it had been; for no wind of heaven Its foliage falls; the flower, none faster, clings; With it the Medes for sweetness lave the lips, And ease the panting breathlessness of age. But no, not Mede-land with its wealth of woods,
176Nor Ganges fair, and Hermus thick with gold, Can match the praise of Italy; nor Ind, Nor Bactria, nor Panchaia, one wide tract Of incense-teeming sand. Here never bulls With nostrils snorting fire upturned the sod
181Sown with the monstrous dragon's teeth, nor crop Of warriors bristled thick with lance and helm; But heavy harvests and the Massic juice Of Bacchus fill its borders, overspread With fruitful flocks and olives. Hence arose
186The war-horse stepping proudly o'er the plain; Hence thy white flocks, Clitumnus, and the bull, Of victims mightiest, which full oft have led, Bathed in thy sacred stream, the triumph-pomp Of Romans to the temples of the gods.
191Here blooms perpetual spring, and summer here In months that are not summer's; twice teem the flocks; Twice doth the tree yield service of her fruit. But ravening tigers come not nigh, nor breed Of savage lion, nor aconite betrays
196Its hapless gatherers, nor with sweep so vast Doth the scaled serpent trail his endless coils Along the ground, or wreathe him into spires. Mark too her cities, so many and so proud, Of mighty toil the achievement, town on town
201Up rugged precipices heaved and reared, And rivers undergliding ancient walls. Or should I celebrate the sea that laves Her upper shores and lower? or those broad lakes? Thee, Larius, greatest and, Benacus, thee
206With billowy uproar surging like the main? Or sing her harbours, and the barrier cast Athwart the Lucrine, and how ocean chafes With mighty bellowings, where the Julian wave Echoes the thunder of his rout, and through
211Avernian inlets pours the Tuscan tide? A land no less that in her veins displays Rivers of silver, mines of copper ore, Ay, and with gold hath flowed abundantly. A land that reared a valiant breed of men,
216The Marsi and Sabellian youth, and, schooled To hardship, the Ligurian, and with these The Volscian javelin-armed, the Decii too, The Marii and Camilli, names of might, The Scipios, stubborn warriors, ay, and thee,
221Great Caesar, who in Asia's utmost bounds With conquering arm e'en now art fending far The unwarlike Indian from the heights of Rome. Hail! land of Saturn, mighty mother thou Of fruits and heroes; 'tis for thee I dare
226Unseal the sacred fountains, and essay Themes of old art and glory, as I sing The song of Ascra through the towns of Rome. Now for the native gifts of various soils, What powers hath each, what hue, what natural bent
231For yielding increase. First your stubborn lands And churlish hill-sides, where are thorny fields Of meagre marl and gravel, these delight In long-lived olive-groves to Pallas dear. Take for a sign the plenteous growth hard by
236Of oleaster, and the fields strewn wide With woodland berries. But a soil that's rich, In moisture sweet exulting, and the plain That teems with grasses on its fruitful breast, Such as full oft in hollow mountain-dell
241We view beneath us—from the craggy heights Streams thither flow with fertilizing mud— A plain which southward rising feeds the fern By curved ploughs detested, this one day Shall yield thee store of vines full strong to gush
246In torrents of the wine-god; this shall be Fruitful of grapes and flowing juice like that We pour to heaven from bowls of gold, what time The sleek Etruscan at the altar blows His ivory pipe, and on the curved dish
251We lay the reeking entrails. If to rear Cattle delight thee rather, steers, or lambs, Or goats that kill the tender plants, then seek Full-fed Tarentum's glades and distant fields, Or such a plain as luckless Mantua lost
256Whose weedy water feeds the snow-white swan: There nor clear springs nor grass the flocks will fail, And all the day-long browsing of thy herds Shall the cool dews of one brief night repair. Land which the burrowing share shows dark and rich,
261With crumbling soil—for this we counterfeit In ploughing—for corn is goodliest; from no field More wains thou'lt see wend home with plodding steers; Or that from which the husbandman in spleen Has cleared the timber, and o'erthrown the copse
266That year on year lay idle, and from the roots Uptorn the immemorial haunt of birds; They banished from their nests have sought the skies; But the rude plain beneath the ploughshare's stroke Starts into sudden brightness. For indeed
271The starved hill-country gravel scarce serves the bees With lowly cassias and with rosemary; Rough tufa and chalk too, by black water-worms Gnawed through and through, proclaim no soils beside So rife with serpent-dainties, or that yield
276Such winding lairs to lurk in. That again, Which vapoury mist and flitting smoke exhales, Drinks moisture up and casts it forth at will, Which, ever in its own green grass arrayed, Mars not the metal with salt scurf of rust—
281That shall thine elms with merry vines enwreathe; That teems with olive; that shall thy tilth prove kind To cattle, and patient of the curved share. Such ploughs rich Capua, such the coast that skirts Thy ridge, Vesuvius, and the Clanian flood,
286Acerrae's desolation and her bane. How each to recognize now hear me tell. Dost ask if loose or passing firm it be— Since one for corn hath liking, one for wine, The firmer sort for Ceres, none too loose
291For thee, Lyaeus?—with scrutinizing eye First choose thy ground, and bid a pit be sunk Deep in the solid earth, then cast the mould All back again, and stamp the surface smooth. If it suffice not, loose will be the land,
296More meet for cattle and for kindly vines; But if, rebellious, to its proper bounds The soil returns not, but fills all the trench And overtops it, then the glebe is gross; Look for stiff ridges and reluctant clods,
301And with strong bullocks cleave the fallow crust. Salt ground again, and bitter, as 'tis called— Barren for fruits, by tilth untamable, Nor grape her kind, nor apples their good name Maintaining—will in this wise yield thee proof:
306Stout osier-baskets from the rafter-smoke, And strainers of the winepress pluck thee down; Hereinto let that evil land, with fresh Spring-water mixed, be trampled to the full; The moisture, mark you, will ooze all away,
311In big drops issuing through the osier-withes, But plainly will its taste the secret tell, And with a harsh twang ruefully distort The mouths of them that try it. Rich soil again We learn on this wise: tossed from hand to hand
316Yet cracks it never, but pitch-like, as we hold, Clings to the fingers. A land with moisture rife Breeds lustier herbage, and is more than meet Prolific. Ah I may never such for me O'er-fertile prove, or make too stout a show
321At the first earing! Heavy land or light The mute self-witness of its weight betrays. A glance will serve to warn thee which is black, Or what the hue of any. But hard it is To track the signs of that pernicious cold:
326Pines only, noxious yews, and ivies dark At times reveal its traces. All these rules Regarding, let your land, ay, long before, Scorch to the quick, and into trenches carve
331The mighty mountains, and their upturned clods Bare to the north wind, ere thou plant therein The vine's prolific kindred. Fields whose soil Is crumbling are the best: winds look to that, And bitter hoar-frosts, and the delver's toil
336Untiring, as he stirs the loosened glebe. But those, whose vigilance no care escapes, Search for a kindred site, where first to rear A nursery for the trees, and eke whereto Soon to translate them, lest the sudden shock
341From their new mother the young plants estrange. Nay, even the quarter of the sky they brand Upon the bark, that each may be restored, As erst it stood, here bore the southern heats, Here turned its shoulder to the northern pole;
346So strong is custom formed in early years. Whether on hill or plain 'tis best to plant Your vineyard first inquire. If on some plain You measure out rich acres, then plant thick; Thick planting makes no niggard of the vine;
351But if on rising mound or sloping bill, Then let the rows have room, so none the less Each line you draw, when all the trees are set, May tally to perfection. Even as oft In mighty war, whenas the legion's length
356Deploys its cohorts, and the column stands In open plain, the ranks of battle set, And far and near with rippling sheen of arms The wide earth flickers, nor yet in grisly strife Foe grapples foe, but dubious 'twixt the hosts
361The war-god wavers; so let all be ranged In equal rows symmetric, not alone To feed an idle fancy with the view, But since not otherwise will earth afford Vigour to all alike, nor yet the boughs
366Have power to stretch them into open space. Shouldst haply of the furrow's depth inquire, Even to a shallow trench I dare commit The vine; but deeper in the ground is fixed The tree that props it, aesculus in chief,
371Which howso far its summit soars toward heaven, So deep strikes root into the vaults of hell. It therefore neither storms, nor blasts, nor showers Wrench from its bed; unshaken it abides, Sees many a generation, many an age
376Of men roll onward, and survives them all, Stretching its titan arms and branches far, Sole central pillar of a world of shade. Nor toward the sunset let thy vineyards slope, Nor midst the vines plant hazel; neither take
381The topmost shoots for cuttings, nor from the top Of the supporting tree your suckers tear; So deep their love of earth; nor wound the plants With blunted blade; nor truncheons intersperse Of the wild olive: for oft from careless swains
386A spark hath fallen, that, 'neath the unctuous rind Hid thief-like first, now grips the tough tree-bole, And mounting to the leaves on high, sends forth A roar to heaven, then coursing through the boughs And airy summits reigns victoriously,
391Wraps all the grove in robes of fire, and gross With pitch-black vapour heaves the murky reek Skyward, but chiefly if a storm has swooped Down on the forest, and a driving wind Rolls up the conflagration. When 'tis so,
396Their root-force fails them, nor, when lopped away, Can they recover, and from the earth beneath Spring to like verdure; thus alone survives The bare wild olive with its bitter leaves. Let none persuade thee, howso weighty-wise,
401To stir the soil when stiff with Boreas' breath. Then ice-bound winter locks the fields, nor lets The young plant fix its frozen root to earth. Best sow your vineyards when in blushing Spring Comes the white bird long-bodied snakes abhor,
406Or on the eve of autumn's earliest frost, Ere the swift sun-steeds touch the wintry Signs, While summer is departing. Spring it is Blesses the fruit-plantation, Spring the groves; In Spring earth swells and claims the fruitful seed.
411Then Aether, sire omnipotent, leaps down With quickening showers to his glad wife's embrace, And, might with might commingling, rears to life All germs that teem within her; then resound With songs of birds the greenwood-wildernesses,
416And in due time the herds their loves renew; Then the boon earth yields increase, and the fields Unlock their bosoms to the warm west winds; Soft moisture spreads o'er all things, and the blades Face the new suns, and safely trust them now;
421The vine-shoot, fearless of the rising south, Or mighty north winds driving rain from heaven, Bursts into bud, and every leaf unfolds. Even so, methinks, when Earth to being sprang, Dawned the first days, and such the course they held;
426'Twas Spring-tide then, ay, Spring, the mighty world Was keeping: Eurus spared his wintry blasts, When first the flocks drank sunlight, and a race Of men like iron from the hard glebe arose, And wild beasts thronged the woods, and stars the heaven.
431Nor could frail creatures bear this heavy strain, Did not so large a respite interpose 'Twixt frost and heat, and heaven's relenting arms Yield earth a welcome. For the rest, whate'er
436The sets thou plantest in thy fields, thereon Strew refuse rich, and with abundant earth Take heed to hide them, and dig in withal Rough shells or porous stone, for therebetween Will water trickle and fine vapour creep,
441And so the plants their drooping spirits raise. Aye, and there have been, who with weight of stone Or heavy potsherd press them from above; This serves for shield in pelting showers, and this When the hot dog-star chaps the fields with drought.
446The slips once planted, yet remains to cleave The earth about their roots persistently, And toss the cumbrous hoes, or task the soil With burrowing plough-share, and ply up and down Your labouring bullocks through the vineyard's midst,
451Then too smooth reeds and shafts of whittled wand, And ashen poles and sturdy forks to shape, Whereby supported they may learn to mount, Laugh at the gales, and through the elm-tops win From story up to story.
456Now while yet The leaves are in their first fresh infant growth, Forbear their frailty, and while yet the bough Shoots joyfully toward heaven, with loosened rein Launched on the void, assail it not as yet
461With keen-edged sickle, but let the leaves alone Be culled with clip of fingers here and there. But when they clasp the elms with sturdy trunks Erect, then strip the leaves off, prune the boughs; Sooner they shrink from steel, but then put forth
466The arm of power, and stem the branchy tide. Hedges too must be woven and all beasts Barred entrance, chiefly while the leaf is young And witless of disaster; for therewith, Beside harsh winters and o'erpowering sun,
471Wild buffaloes and pestering goats for ay Besport them, sheep and heifers glut their greed. Nor cold by hoar-frost curdled, nor the prone Dead weight of summer upon the parched crags, So scathe it, as the flocks with venom-bite
476Of their hard tooth, whose gnawing scars the stem. For no offence but this to Bacchus bleeds The goat at every altar, and old plays Upon the stage find entrance; therefore too The sons of Theseus through the country-side—
481Hamlet and crossway—set the prize of wit, And on the smooth sward over oiled skins Dance in their tipsy frolic. Furthermore The Ausonian swains, a race from Troy derived, Make merry with rough rhymes and boisterous mirth,
486Grim masks of hollowed bark assume, invoke Thee with glad hymns, O Bacchus, and to thee Hang puppet-faces on tall pines to swing. Hence every vineyard teems with mellowing fruit, Till hollow vale o'erflows, and gorge profound,
491Where'er the god hath turned his comely head. Therefore to Bacchus duly will we sing Meet honour with ancestral hymns, and cates And dishes bear him; and the doomed goat Led by the horn shall at the altar stand,
496Whose entrails rich on hazel-spits we'll roast. This further task again, to dress the vine, Hath needs beyond exhausting; the whole soil Thrice, four times, yearly must be cleft, the sod With hoes reversed be crushed continually,
501The whole plantation lightened of its leaves. Round on the labourer spins the wheel of toil, As on its own track rolls the circling year. Soon as the vine her lingering leaves hath shed, And the chill north wind from the forests shook
506Their coronal, even then the careful swain Looks keenly forward to the coming year, With Saturn's curved fang pursues and prunes The vine forlorn, and lops it into shape. Be first to dig the ground up, first to clear
511And burn the refuse-branches, first to house Again your vine-poles, last to gather fruit. Twice doth the thickening shade beset the vine, Twice weeds with stifling briers o'ergrow the crop; And each a toilsome labour. Do thou praise
516Broad acres, farm but few. Rough twigs beside Of butcher's broom among the woods are cut, And reeds upon the river-banks, and still The undressed willow claims thy fostering care. So now the vines are fettered, now the trees
521Let go the sickle, and the last dresser now Sings of his finished rows; but still the ground Must vexed be, the dust be stirred, and heaven Still set thee trembling for the ripened grapes. Not so with olives; small husbandry need they,
526Nor look for sickle bowed or biting rake, When once they have gripped the soil, and borne the breeze. Earth of herself, with hooked fang laid bare, Yields moisture for the plants, and heavy fruit, The ploughshare aiding; therewithal thou'lt rear
531The olive's fatness well-beloved of Peace. Apples, moreover, soon as first they feel Their stems wax lusty, and have found their strength, To heaven climb swiftly, self-impelled, nor crave Our succour. All the grove meanwhile no less
536With fruit is swelling, and the wild haunts of birds Blush with their blood-red berries. Cytisus Is good to browse on, the tall forest yields Pine-torches, and the nightly fires are fed And shoot forth radiance. And shall men be loath
541To plant, nor lavish of their pains? Why trace Things mightier? Willows even and lowly brooms To cattle their green leaves, to shepherds shade, Fences for crops, and food for honey yield. And blithe it is Cytorus to behold
546Waving with box, Narycian groves of pitch; Oh! blithe the sight of fields beholden not To rake or man's endeavour! the barren woods That crown the scalp of Caucasus, even these, Which furious blasts for ever rive and rend,
551Yield various wealth, pine-logs that serve for ships, Cedar and cypress for the homes of men; Hence, too, the farmers shave their wheel-spokes, hence Drums for their wains, and curved boat-keels fit; Willows bear twigs enow, the elm-tree leaves,
556Myrtle stout spear-shafts, war-tried cornel too; Yews into Ituraean bows are bent: Nor do smooth lindens or lathe-polished box Shrink from man's shaping and keen-furrowing steel; Light alder floats upon the boiling flood
561Sped down the Padus, and bees house their swarms In rotten holm-oak's hollow bark and bole. What of like praise can Bacchus' gifts afford? Nay, Bacchus even to crime hath prompted, he The wine-infuriate Centaurs quelled with death,
566Rhoetus and Pholus, and with mighty bowl Hylaeus threatening high the Lapithae. Oh! all too happy tillers of the soil, Could they but know their blessedness, for whom Far from the clash of arms all-equal earth
571Pours from the ground herself their easy fare! What though no lofty palace portal-proud From all its chambers vomits forth a tide Of morning courtiers, nor agape they gaze On pillars with fair tortoise-shell inwrought,
576Gold-purfled robes, and bronze from Ephyre; Nor is the whiteness of their wool distained With drugs Assyrian, nor clear olive's use With cassia tainted; yet untroubled calm, A life that knows no falsehood, rich enow
581With various treasures, yet broad-acred ease, Grottoes and living lakes, yet Tempes cool, Lowing of kine, and sylvan slumbers soft, They lack not; lawns and wild beasts' haunts are there, A youth of labour patient, need-inured,
586Worship, and reverend sires: with them from earth Departing justice her last footprints left. Me before all things may the Muses sweet, Whose rites I bear with mighty passion pierced, Receive, and show the paths and stars of heaven,
591The sun's eclipses and the labouring moons, From whence the earthquake, by what power the seas Swell from their depths, and, every barrier burst, Sink back upon themselves, why winter-suns So haste to dip 'neath ocean, or what check
596The lingering night retards. But if to these High realms of nature the cold curdling blood About my heart bar access, then be fields And stream-washed vales my solace, let me love Rivers and woods, inglorious. Oh for you
601Plains, and Spercheius, and Taygete, By Spartan maids o'er-revelled! Oh, for one, Would set me in deep dells of Haemus cool, And shield me with his boughs' o'ershadowing might! Happy, who had the skill to understand
606Nature's hid causes, and beneath his feet All terrors cast, and death's relentless doom, And the loud roar of greedy Acheron. Blest too is he who knows the rural gods, Pan, old Silvanus, and the sister-nymphs!
611Him nor the rods of public power can bend, Nor kingly purple, nor fierce feud that drives Brother to turn on brother, nor descent Of Dacian from the Danube's leagued flood, Nor Rome's great State, nor kingdoms like to die;
616Nor hath he grieved through pitying of the poor, Nor envied him that hath. What fruit the boughs, And what the fields, of their own bounteous will Have borne, he gathers; nor iron rule of laws, Nor maddened Forum have his eyes beheld,
621Nor archives of the people. Others vex The darksome gulfs of Ocean with their oars, Or rush on steel: they press within the courts And doors of princes; one with havoc falls Upon a city and its hapless hearths,
626From gems to drink, on Tyrian rugs to lie; This hoards his wealth and broods o'er buried gold; One at the rostra stares in blank amaze; One gaping sits transported by the cheers, The answering cheers of plebs and senate rolled
631Along the benches: bathed in brothers' blood Men revel, and, all delights of hearth and home For exile changing, a new country seek Beneath an alien sun. The husbandman With hooked ploughshare turns the soil; from hence
636Springs his year's labour; hence, too, he sustains Country and cottage homestead, and from hence His herds of cattle and deserving steers. No respite! still the year o'erflows with fruit, Or young of kine, or Ceres' wheaten sheaf,
641With crops the furrow loads, and bursts the barns. Winter is come: in olive-mills they bruise The Sicyonian berry; acorn-cheered The swine troop homeward; woods their arbutes yield; So, various fruit sheds Autumn, and high up
646On sunny rocks the mellowing vintage bakes. Meanwhile about his lips sweet children cling; His chaste house keeps its purity; his kine Drop milky udders, and on the lush green grass Fat kids are striving, horn to butting horn.
651Himself keeps holy days; stretched o'er the sward, Where round the fire his comrades crown the bowl, He pours libation, and thy name invokes, Lenaeus, and for the herdsmen on an elm Sets up a mark for the swift javelin; they
656Strip their tough bodies for the rustic sport. Such life of yore the ancient Sabines led, Such Remus and his brother: Etruria thus, Doubt not, to greatness grew, and Rome became The fair world's fairest, and with circling wall
661Clasped to her single breast the sevenfold hills. Ay, ere the reign of Dicte's king, ere men, Waxed godless, banqueted on slaughtered bulls, Such life on earth did golden Saturn lead. Nor ear of man had heard the war-trump's blast,
666Nor clang of sword on stubborn anvil set. But lo! a boundless space we have travelled o'er; 'Tis time our steaming horses to unyoke.
Book 3
1Thee too, great Pales, will I hymn, and thee, Amphrysian shepherd, worthy to be sung, You, woods and waves Lycaean. All themes beside, Which else had charmed the vacant mind with song, Are now waxed common. Of harsh Eurystheus who
6The story knows not, or that praiseless king Busiris, and his altars? or by whom Hath not the tale been told of Hylas young, Latonian Delos and Hippodame, And Pelops for his ivory shoulder famed,
11Keen charioteer? Needs must a path be tried, By which I too may lift me from the dust, And float triumphant through the mouths of men. Yea, I shall be the first, so life endure, To lead the Muses with me, as I pass
16To mine own country from the Aonian height; I, Mantua, first will bring thee back the palms Of Idumaea, and raise a marble shrine On thy green plain fast by the water-side, Where Mincius winds more vast in lazy coils,
21And rims his margent with the tender reed. Amid my shrine shall Caesar's godhead dwell. To him will I, as victor, bravely dight In Tyrian purple, drive along the bank A hundred four-horse cars. All Greece for me,
26Leaving Alpheus and Molorchus' grove, On foot shall strive, or with the raw-hide glove; Whilst I, my head with stripped green olive crowned, Will offer gifts. Even 'tis present joy To lead the high processions to the fane,
31And view the victims felled; or how the scene Sunders with shifted face, and Britain's sons Inwoven thereon with those proud curtains rise. Of gold and massive ivory on the doors I'll trace the battle of the Gangarides,
36And our Quirinus' conquering arms, and there Surging with war, and hugely flowing, the Nile, And columns heaped on high with naval brass. And Asia's vanquished cities I will add, And quelled Niphates, and the Parthian foe,
41Who trusts in flight and backward-volleying darts, And trophies torn with twice triumphant hand From empires twain on ocean's either shore. And breathing forms of Parian marble there Shall stand, the offspring of Assaracus,
46And great names of the Jove-descended folk, And father Tros, and Troy's first founder, lord Of Cynthus. And accursed Envy there Shall dread the Furies, and thy ruthless flood, Cocytus, and Ixion's twisted snakes,
51And that vast wheel and ever-baffling stone. Meanwhile the Dryad-haunted woods and lawns Unsullied seek we; 'tis thy hard behest, Maecenas. Without thee no lofty task My mind essays. Up! break the sluggish bonds
56Of tarriance; with loud din Cithaeron calls, Steed-taming Epidaurus, and thy hounds, Taygete; and hark! the assenting groves With peal on peal reverberate the roar. Yet must I gird me to rehearse ere long
61The fiery fights of Caesar, speed his name Through ages, countless as to Caesar's self From the first birth-dawn of Tithonus old. If eager for the prized Olympian palm One breed the horse, or bullock strong to plough,
66Be his prime care a shapely dam to choose. Of kine grim-faced is goodliest, with coarse head And burly neck, whose hanging dewlaps reach From chin to knee; of boundless length her flank; Large every way she is, large-footed even,
71With incurved horns and shaggy ears beneath. Nor let mislike me one with spots of white Conspicuous, or that spurns the yoke, whose horn At times hath vice in't: liker bull-faced she, And tall-limbed wholly, and with tip of tail
76Brushing her footsteps as she walks along. The age for Hymen's rites, Lucina's pangs, Ere ten years ended, after four begins; Their residue of days nor apt to teem, Nor strong for ploughing. Meantime, while youth's delight
81Survives within them, loose the males: be first To speed thy herds of cattle to their loves, Breed stock with stock, and keep the race supplied. Ah! life's best hours are ever first to fly From hapless mortals; in their place succeed
86Disease and dolorous eld; till travail sore And death unpitying sweep them from the scene. Still will be some, whose form thou fain wouldst change; Renew them still; with yearly choice of young Preventing losses, lest too late thou rue.
91Nor steeds crave less selection; but on those Thou think'st to rear, the promise of their line, From earliest youth thy chiefest pains bestow. See from the first yon high-bred colt afield, His lofty step, his limbs' elastic tread:
96Dauntless he leads the herd, still first to try The threatening flood, or brave the unknown bridge, By no vain noise affrighted; lofty-necked, With clean-cut head, short belly, and stout back; His sprightly breast exuberant with brawn.
101Chestnut and grey are good; the worst-hued white And sorrel. Then lo! if arms are clashed afar, Bide still he cannot: ears stiffen and limbs quake; His nostrils snort and roll out wreaths of fire. Dense is his mane, that when uplifted falls
106On his right shoulder; betwixt either loin The spine runs double; his earth-dinting hoof Rings with the ponderous beat of solid horn. Even such a horse was Cyllarus, reined and tamed By Pollux of Amyclae; such the pair
111In Grecian song renowned, those steeds of Mars, And famed Achilles' team: in such-like form Great Saturn's self with mane flung loose on neck Sped at his wife's approach, and flying filled The heights of Pelion with his piercing neigh.
116Even him, when sore disease or sluggish eld Now saps his strength, pen fast at home, and spare His not inglorious age. A horse grown old Slow kindling unto love in vain prolongs The fruitless task, and, to the encounter come,
121As fire in stubble blusters without strength, He rages idly. Therefore mark thou first Their age and mettle, other points anon, As breed and lineage, or what pain was theirs To lose the race, what pride the palm to win.
126Seest how the chariots in mad rivalry Poured from the barrier grip the course and go, When youthful hope is highest, and every heart Drained with each wild pulsation? How they ply The circling lash, and reaching forward let
131The reins hang free! Swift spins the glowing wheel; And now they stoop, and now erect in air Seem borne through space and towering to the sky: No stop, no stay; the dun sand whirls aloft; They reek with foam-flakes and pursuing breath;
136So sweet is fame, so prized the victor's palm. 'Twas Ericthonius first took heart to yoke Four horses to his car, and rode above The whirling wheels to victory: but the ring And bridle-reins, mounted on horses' backs,
141The Pelethronian Lapithae bequeathed, And taught the knight in arms to spurn the ground, And arch the upgathered footsteps of his pride. Each task alike is arduous, and for each A horse young, fiery, swift of foot, they seek;
146How oft so-e'er yon rival may have chased The flying foe, or boast his native plain Epirus, or Mycenae's stubborn hold, And trace his lineage back to Neptune's birth. These points regarded, as the time draws nigh,
151With instant zeal they lavish all their care To plump with solid fat the chosen chief And designated husband of the herd: And flowery herbs they cut, and serve him well With corn and running water, that his strength
156Not fail him for that labour of delight, Nor puny colts betray the feeble sire. The herd itself of purpose they reduce To leanness, and when love's sweet longing first Provokes them, they forbid the leafy food,
161And pen them from the springs, and oft beside With running shake, and tire them in the sun, What time the threshing-floor groans heavily With pounding of the corn-ears, and light chaff Is whirled on high to catch the rising west.
166This do they that the soil's prolific powers May not be dulled by surfeiting, nor choke The sluggish furrows, but eagerly absorb Their fill of love, and deeply entertain. To care of sire the mother's care succeeds.
171When great with young they wander nigh their time, Let no man suffer them to drag the yoke In heavy wains, nor leap across the way, Nor scour the meads, nor swim the rushing flood. In lonely lawns they feed them, by the course
176Of brimming streams, where moss is, and the banks With grass are greenest, where are sheltering caves, And far outstretched the rock-flung shadow lies. Round wooded Silarus and the ilex-bowers Of green Alburnus swarms a winged pest—
181Its Roman name Asilus, by the Greeks Termed Oestros—fierce it is, and harshly hums, Driving whole herds in terror through the groves, Till heaven is madded by their bellowing din, And Tanager's dry bed and forest-banks.
186With this same scourge did Juno wreak of old The terrors of her wrath, a plague devised Against the heifer sprung from Inachus. From this too thou, since in the noontide heats 'Tis most persistent, fend thy teeming herds,
191And feed them when the sun is newly risen, Or the first stars are ushering in the night. But, yeaning ended, all their tender care Is to the calves transferred; at once with marks They brand them, both to designate their race,
196And which to rear for breeding, or devote As altar-victims, or to cleave the ground And into ridges tear and turn the sod. The rest along the greensward graze at will. Those that to rustic uses thou wouldst mould,
201As calves encourage and take steps to tame, While pliant wills and plastic youth allow. And first of slender withies round the throat Loose collars hang, then when their free-born necks Are used to service, with the self-same bands
206Yoke them in pairs, and steer by steer compel Keep pace together. And time it is that oft Unfreighted wheels be drawn along the ground Behind them, as to dint the surface-dust; Then let the beechen axle strain and creak
211'Neath some stout burden, whilst a brazen pole Drags on the wheels made fast thereto. Meanwhile For their unbroken youth not grass alone, Nor meagre willow-leaves and marish-sedge, But corn-ears with thy hand pluck from the crops.
216Nor shall the brood-kine, as of yore, for thee Brim high the snowy milking-pail, but spend Their udders' fullness on their own sweet young. But if fierce squadrons and the ranks of war Delight thee rather, or on wheels to glide
221At Pisa, with Alpheus fleeting by, And in the grove of Jupiter urge on The flying chariot, be your steed's first task To face the warrior's armed rage, and brook The trumpet, and long roar of rumbling wheels,
226And clink of chiming bridles in the stall; Then more and more to love his master's voice Caressing, or loud hand that claps his neck. Ay, thus far let him learn to dare, when first Weaned from his mother, and his mouth at times
231Yield to the supple halter, even while yet Weak, tottering-limbed, and ignorant of life. But, three years ended, when the fourth arrives, Now let him tarry not to run the ring With rhythmic hoof-beat echoing, and now learn
236Alternately to curve each bending leg, And be like one that struggleth; then at last Challenge the winds to race him, and at speed Launched through the open, like a reinless thing, Scarce print his footsteps on the surface-sand.
241As when with power from Hyperborean climes The north wind stoops, and scatters from his path Dry clouds and storms of Scythia; the tall corn And rippling plains 'gin shiver with light gusts; A sound is heard among the forest-tops;
246Long waves come racing shoreward: fast he flies, With instant pinion sweeping earth and main. A steed like this or on the mighty course Of Elis at the goal will sweat, and shower Red foam-flakes from his mouth, or, kindlier task,
251With patient neck support the Belgian car. Then, broken at last, let swell their burly frame With fattening corn-mash, for, unbroke, they will With pride wax wanton, and, when caught, refuse Tough lash to brook or jagged curb obey.
256But no device so fortifies their power As love's blind stings of passion to forefend, Whether on steed or steer thy choice be set. Ay, therefore 'tis they banish bulls afar To solitary pastures, or behind
261Some mountain-barrier, or broad streams beyond, Or else in plenteous stalls pen fast at home. For, even through sight of her, the female wastes His strength with smouldering fire, till he forget Both grass and woodland. She indeed full oft
266With her sweet charms can lovers proud compel To battle for the conquest horn to horn. In Sila's forest feeds the heifer fair, While each on each the furious rivals run; Wound follows wound; the black blood laves their limbs;
271Horns push and strive against opposing horns, With mighty groaning; all the forest-side And far Olympus bellow back the roar. Nor wont the champions in one stall to couch; But he that's worsted hies him to strange climes
276Far off, an exile, moaning much the shame, The blows of that proud conqueror, then love's loss Avenged not; with one glance toward the byre, His ancient royalties behind him lie. So with all heed his strength he practiseth,
281And nightlong makes the hard bare stones his bed, And feeds on prickly leaf and pointed rush, And proves himself, and butting at a tree Learns to fling wrath into his horns, with blows Provokes the air, and scattering clouds of sand
286Makes prelude of the battle; afterward, With strength repaired and gathered might breaks camp, And hurls him headlong on the unthinking foe: As in mid ocean when a wave far of Begins to whiten, mustering from the main
291Its rounded breast, and, onward rolled to land Falls with prodigious roar among the rocks, Huge as a very mountain: but the depths Upseethe in swirling eddies, and disgorge The murky sand-lees from their sunken bed.
296Nay, every race on earth of men, and beasts, And ocean-folk, and flocks, and painted birds, Rush to the raging fire: love sways them all. Never than then more fiercely o'er the plain Prowls heedless of her whelps the lioness:
301Nor monstrous bears such wide-spread havoc-doom Deal through the forests; then the boar is fierce, Most deadly then the tigress: then, alack! Ill roaming is it on Libya's lonely plains. Mark you what shivering thrills the horse's frame,
306If but a waft the well-known gust conveys? Nor curb can check them then, nor lash severe, Nor rocks and caverned crags, nor barrier-floods, That rend and whirl and wash the hills away. Then speeds amain the great Sabellian boar,
311His tushes whets, with forefoot tears the ground, Rubs 'gainst a tree his flanks, and to and fro Hardens each wallowing shoulder to the wound. What of the youth, when love's relentless might Stirs the fierce fire within his veins? Behold!
316In blindest midnight how he swims the gulf Convulsed with bursting storm-clouds! Over him Heaven's huge gate thunders; the rock-shattered main Utters a warning cry; nor parents' tears Can backward call him, nor the maid he loves,
321Too soon to die on his untimely pyre. What of the spotted ounce to Bacchus dear, Or warlike wolf-kin or the breed of dogs? Why tell how timorous stags the battle join? O'er all conspicuous is the rage of mares,
326By Venus' self inspired of old, what time The Potnian four with rending jaws devoured The limbs of Glaucus. Love-constrained they roam Past Gargarus, past the loud Ascanian flood; They climb the mountains, and the torrents swim;
331And when their eager marrow first conceives The fire, in Spring-tide chiefly, for with Spring Warmth doth their frames revisit, then they stand All facing westward on the rocky heights, And of the gentle breezes take their fill;
336And oft unmated, marvellous to tell, But of the wind impregnate, far and wide O'er craggy height and lowly vale they scud, Not toward thy rising, Eurus, or the sun's, But westward and north-west, or whence up-springs
341Black Auster, that glooms heaven with rainy cold. Hence from their groin slow drips a poisonous juice, By shepherds truly named hippomanes, Hippomanes, fell stepdames oft have culled, And mixed with herbs and spells of baneful bode.
346Fast flies meanwhile the irreparable hour, As point to point our charmed round we trace. Enough of herds. This second task remains, The wool-clad flocks and shaggy goats to treat. Here lies a labour; hence for glory look,
351Brave husbandmen. Nor doubtfully know How hard it is for words to triumph here, And shed their lustre on a theme so slight: But I am caught by ravishing desire Above the lone Parnassian steep; I love
356To walk the heights, from whence no earlier track Slopes gently downward to Castalia's spring. Now, awful Pales, strike a louder tone. First, for the sheep soft pencotes I decree To browse in, till green summer's swift return;
361And that the hard earth under them with straw And handfuls of the fern be littered deep, Lest chill of ice such tender cattle harm With scab and loathly foot-rot. Passing thence I bid the goats with arbute-leaves be stored,
366And served with fresh spring-water, and their pens Turned southward from the blast, to face the suns Of winter, when Aquarius' icy beam Now sinks in showers upon the parting year. These too no lightlier our protection claim,
371Nor prove of poorer service, howsoe'er Milesian fleeces dipped in Tyrian reds Repay the barterer; these with offspring teem More numerous; these yield plenteous store of milk: The more each dry-wrung udder froths the pail,
376More copious soon the teat-pressed torrents flow. Ay, and on Cinyps' bank the he-goats too Their beards and grizzled chins and bristling hair Let clip for camp-use, or as rugs to wrap Seafaring wretches. But they browse the woods
381And summits of Lycaeus, and rough briers, And brakes that love the highland: of themselves Right heedfully the she-goats homeward troop Before their kids, and with plump udders clogged Scarce cross the threshold. Wherefore rather ye,
386The less they crave man's vigilance, be fain From ice to fend them and from snowy winds; Bring food and feast them with their branchy fare, Nor lock your hay-loft all the winter long. But when glad summer at the west wind's call
391Sends either flock to pasture in the glades, Soon as the day-star shineth, hie we then To the cool meadows, while the dawn is young, The grass yet hoary, and to browsing herds The dew tastes sweetest on the tender sward.
396When heaven's fourth hour draws on the thickening drought, And shrill cicalas pierce the brake with song, Then at the well-springs bid them, or deep pools, From troughs of holm-oak quaff the running wave: But at day's hottest seek a shadowy vale,
401Where some vast ancient-timbered oak of Jove Spreads his huge branches, or where huddling black Ilex on ilex cowers in awful shade. Then once more give them water sparingly, And feed once more, till sunset, when cool eve
406Allays the air, and dewy moonbeams slake The forest glades, with halcyon's song the shore, And every thicket with the goldfinch rings. Of Libya's shepherds why the tale pursue? Why sing their pastures and the scattered huts
411They house in? Oft their cattle day and night Graze the whole month together, and go forth Into far deserts where no shelter is, So flat the plain and boundless. All his goods The Afric swain bears with him, house and home,
416Arms, Cretan quiver, and Amyclaean dog; As some keen Roman in his country's arms Plies the swift march beneath a cruel load; Soon with tents pitched and at his post he stands, Ere looked for by the foe.
421Not thus the tribes Of Scythia by the far Maeotic wave, Where turbid Ister whirls his yellow sands, And Rhodope stretched out beneath the pole Comes trending backward. There the herds they keep
426Close-pent in byres, nor any grass is seen Upon the plain, nor leaves upon the tree: But with snow-ridges and deep frost afar Heaped seven ells high the earth lies featureless: Still winter? still the north wind's icy breath!
431Nay, never sun disparts the shadows pale, Or as he rides the steep of heaven, or dips In ocean's fiery bath his plunging car. Quick ice-crusts curdle on the running stream, And iron-hooped wheels the water's back now bears,
436To broad wains opened, as erewhile to ships; Brass vessels oft asunder burst, and clothes Stiffen upon the wearers; juicy wines They cleave with axes; to one frozen mass Whole pools are turned; and on their untrimmed beards
441Stiff clings the jagged icicle. Meanwhile All heaven no less is filled with falling snow; The cattle perish: oxen's mighty frames Stand island-like amid the frost, and stags In huddling herds, by that strange weight benumbed,
446Scarce top the surface with their antler-points. These with no hounds they hunt, nor net with toils, Nor scare with terror of the crimson plume; But, as in vain they breast the opposing block, Butcher them, knife in hand, and so dispatch
451Loud-bellowing, and with glad shouts hale them home. Themselves in deep-dug caverns underground Dwell free and careless; to their hearths they heave Oak-logs and elm-trees whole, and fire them there, There play the night out, and in festive glee
456With barm and service sour the wine-cup mock. So 'neath the seven-starred Hyperborean wain The folk live tameless, buffeted with blasts Of Eurus from Rhipaean hills, and wrap Their bodies in the tawny fells of beasts.
461If wool delight thee, first, be far removed All prickly boskage, burrs and caltrops; shun Luxuriant pastures; at the outset choose White flocks with downy fleeces. For the ram, How white soe'er himself, be but the tongue
466'Neath his moist palate black, reject him, lest He sully with dark spots his offspring's fleece, And seek some other o'er the teeming plain. Even with such snowy bribe of wool, if ear May trust the tale, Pan, God of Arcady,
471Snared and beguiled thee, Luna, calling thee To the deep woods; nor thou didst spurn his call. But who for milk hath longing, must himself Carry lucerne and lotus-leaves enow With salt herbs to the cote, whence more they love
476The streams, more stretch their udders, and give back A subtle taste of saltness in the milk. Many there be who from their mothers keep The new-born kids, and straightway bind their mouths With iron-tipped muzzles. What they milk at dawn,
481Or in the daylight hours, at night they press; What darkling or at sunset, this ere morn They bear away in baskets—for to town The shepherd hies him—or with dash of salt Just sprinkle, and lay by for winter use.
486Nor be thy dogs last cared for; but alike Swift Spartan hounds and fierce Molossian feed On fattening whey. Never, with these to watch, Dread nightly thief afold and ravening wolves, Or Spanish desperadoes in the rear.
491And oft the shy wild asses thou wilt chase, With hounds, too, hunt the hare, with hounds the doe; Oft from his woodland wallowing-den uprouse The boar, and scare him with their baying, and drive, And o'er the mountains urge into the toils
496Some antlered monster to their chiming cry. Learn also scented cedar-wood to burn Within the stalls, and snakes of noxious smell With fumes of galbanum to drive away. Oft under long-neglected cribs, or lurks
501A viper ill to handle, that hath fled The light in terror, or some snake, that wont 'Neath shade and sheltering roof to creep, and shower Its bane among the cattle, hugs the ground, Fell scourge of kine. Shepherd, seize stakes, seize stones!
506And as he rears defiance, and puffs out A hissing throat, down with him! see how low That cowering crest is vailed in flight, the while, His midmost coils and final sweep of tail Relaxing, the last fold drags lingering spires.
511Then that vile worm that in Calabrian glades Uprears his breast, and wreathes a scaly back, His length of belly pied with mighty spots— While from their founts gush any streams, while yet With showers of Spring and rainy south-winds earth
516Is moistened, lo! he haunts the pools, and here Housed in the banks, with fish and chattering frogs Crams the black void of his insatiate maw. Soon as the fens are parched, and earth with heat Is gaping, forth he darts into the dry,
521Rolls eyes of fire and rages through the fields, Furious from thirst and by the drought dismayed. Me list not then beneath the open heaven To snatch soft slumber, nor on forest-ridge Lie stretched along the grass, when, slipped his slough,
526To glittering youth transformed he winds his spires, And eggs or younglings leaving in his lair, Towers sunward, lightening with three-forked tongue. Of sickness, too, the causes and the signs I'll teach thee. Loathly scab assails the sheep,
531When chilly showers have probed them to the quick, And winter stark with hoar-frost, or when sweat Unpurged cleaves to them after shearing done, And rough thorns rend their bodies. Hence it is Shepherds their whole flock steep in running streams,
536While, plunged beneath the flood, with drenched fell, The ram, launched free, goes drifting down the tide. Else, having shorn, they smear their bodies o'er With acrid oil-lees, and mix silver-scum And native sulphur and Idaean pitch,
541Wax mollified with ointment, and therewith Sea-leek, strong hellebores, bitumen black. Yet ne'er doth kindlier fortune crown his toil, Than if with blade of iron a man dare lance The ulcer's mouth ope: for the taint is fed
546And quickened by confinement; while the swain His hand of healing from the wound withholds, Or sits for happier signs imploring heaven. Aye, and when inward to the bleater's bones The pain hath sunk and rages, and their limbs
551By thirsty fever are consumed, 'tis good To draw the enkindled heat therefrom, and pierce Within the hoof-clefts a blood-bounding vein. Of tribes Bisaltic such the wonted use, And keen Gelonian, when to Rhodope
556He flies, or Getic desert, and quaffs milk With horse-blood curdled. Seest one far afield Oft to the shade's mild covert win, or pull The grass tops listlessly, or hindmost lag, Or, browsing, cast her down amid the plain,
561At night retire belated and alone; With quick knife check the mischief, ere it creep With dire contagion through the unwary herd. Less thick and fast the whirlwind scours the main With tempest in its wake, than swarm the plagues
566Of cattle; nor seize they single lives alone, But sudden clear whole feeding grounds, the flock With all its promise, and extirpate the breed. Well would he trow it who, so long after, still High Alps and Noric hill-forts should behold,
571And Iapydian Timavus' fields, Ay, still behold the shepherds' realms a waste, And far and wide the lawns untenanted. Here from distempered heavens erewhile arose A piteous season, with the full fierce heat
576Of autumn glowed, and cattle-kindreds all And all wild creatures to destruction gave, Tainted the pools, the fodder charged with bane. Nor simple was the way of death, but when Hot thirst through every vein impelled had drawn
581Their wretched limbs together, anon o'erflowed A watery flux, and all their bones piecemeal Sapped by corruption to itself absorbed. Oft in mid sacrifice to heaven—the white Wool-woven fillet half wreathed about his brow—
586Some victim, standing by the altar, there Betwixt the loitering carles a-dying fell: Or, if betimes the slaughtering priest had struck, Nor with its heaped entrails blazed the pile, Nor seer to seeker thence could answer yield;
591Nay, scarce the up-stabbing knife with blood was stained, Scarce sullied with thin gore the surface-sand. Hence die the calves in many a pasture fair, Or at full cribs their lives' sweet breath resign; Hence on the fawning dog comes madness, hence
596Racks the sick swine a gasping cough that chokes With swelling at the jaws: the conquering steed, Uncrowned of effort and heedless of the sward, Faints, turns him from the springs, and paws the earth With ceaseless hoof: low droop his ears, wherefrom
601Bursts fitful sweat, a sweat that waxes cold Upon the dying beast; the skin is dry, And rigidly repels the handler's touch. These earlier signs they give that presage doom. But, if the advancing plague 'gin fiercer grow,
606Then are their eyes all fire, deep-drawn their breath, At times groan-laboured: with long sobbing heave Their lowest flanks; from either nostril streams Black blood; a rough tongue clogs the obstructed jaws. 'Twas helpful through inverted horn to pour
611Draughts of the wine-god down; sole way it seemed To save the dying: soon this too proved their bane, And, reinvigorate but with frenzy's fire, Even at death's pinch—the gods some happier fate Deal to the just, such madness to their foes—
616Each with bared teeth his own limbs mangling tore. See! as he smokes beneath the stubborn share, The bull drops, vomiting foam-dabbled gore, And heaves his latest groans. Sad goes the swain, Unhooks the steer that mourns his fellow's fate,
621And in mid labour leaves the plough-gear fast. Nor tall wood's shadow, nor soft sward may stir That heart's emotion, nor rock-channelled flood, More pure than amber speeding to the plain: But see! his flanks fail under him, his eyes
626Are dulled with deadly torpor, and his neck Sinks to the earth with drooping weight. What now Besteads him toil or service? to have turned The heavy sod with ploughshare? And yet these
631Ne'er knew the Massic wine-god's baneful boon, Nor twice replenished banquets: but on leaves They fare, and virgin grasses, and their cups Are crystal springs and streams with running tired, Their healthful slumbers never broke by care.
636Then only, say they, through that country side For Juno's rites were cattle far to seek, And ill-matched buffaloes the chariots drew To their high fanes. So, painfully with rakes They grub the soil, aye, with their very nails
641Dig in the corn-seeds, and with strained neck O'er the high uplands drag the creaking wains. No wolf for ambush pries about the pen, Nor round the flock prowls nightly; pain more sharp Subdues him: the shy deer and fleet-foot stags
646With hounds now wander by the haunts of men Vast ocean's offspring, and all tribes that swim, On the shore's confine the wave washes up, Like shipwrecked bodies: seals, unwonted there, Flee to the rivers. Now the viper dies,
651For all his den's close winding, and with scales Erect the astonied water-worms. The air Brooks not the very birds, that headlong fall, And leave their life beneath the soaring cloud. Moreover now nor change of fodder serves,
656And subtlest cures but injure; then were foiled The masters, Chiron sprung from Phillyron, And Amythaon's son Melampus. See! From Stygian darkness launched into the light Comes raging pale Tisiphone; she drives
661Disease and fear before her, day by day Still rearing higher that all-devouring head. With bleat of flocks and lowings thick resound Rivers and parched banks and sloping heights. At last in crowds she slaughters them, she chokes
666The very stalls with carrion-heaps that rot In hideous corruption, till men learn With earth to cover them, in pits to hide. For e'en the fells are useless; nor the flesh With water may they purge, or tame with fire,
671Nor shear the fleeces even, gnawed through and through With foul disease, nor touch the putrid webs; But, had one dared the loathly weeds to try, Red blisters and an unclean sweat o'erran His noisome limbs, till, no long tarriance made,
676The fiery curse his tainted frame devoured.
Book 4
1Of air-born honey, gift of heaven, I now Take up the tale. Upon this theme no less Look thou, Maecenas, with indulgent eye. A marvellous display of puny powers, High-hearted chiefs, a nation's history,
6Its traits, its bent, its battles and its clans, All, each, shall pass before you, while I sing. Slight though the poet's theme, not slight the praise, So frown not heaven, and Phoebus hear his call. First find your bees a settled sure abode,
11Where neither winds can enter (winds blow back The foragers with food returning home) Nor sheep and butting kids tread down the flowers, Nor heifer wandering wide upon the plain Dash off the dew, and bruise the springing blades.
16Let the gay lizard too keep far aloof His scale-clad body from their honied stalls, And the bee-eater, and what birds beside, And Procne smirched with blood upon the breast From her own murderous hands. For these roam wide
21Wasting all substance, or the bees themselves Strike flying, and in their beaks bear home, to glut Those savage nestlings with the dainty prey. But let clear springs and moss-green pools be near, And through the grass a streamlet hurrying run,
26Some palm-tree o'er the porch extend its shade, Or huge-grown oleaster, that in Spring, Their own sweet Spring-tide, when the new-made chiefs Lead forth the young swarms, and, escaped their comb, The colony comes forth to sport and play,
31The neighbouring bank may lure them from the heat, Or bough befriend with hospitable shade. O'er the mid-waters, whether swift or still, Cast willow-branches and big stones enow, Bridge after bridge, where they may footing find
36And spread their wide wings to the summer sun, If haply Eurus, swooping as they pause, Have dashed with spray or plunged them in the deep. And let green cassias and far-scented thymes, And savory with its heavy-laden breath
41Bloom round about, and violet-beds hard by Sip sweetness from the fertilizing springs. For the hive's self, or stitched of hollow bark, Or from tough osier woven, let the doors Be strait of entrance; for stiff winter's cold
46Congeals the honey, and heat resolves and thaws, To bees alike disastrous; not for naught So haste they to cement the tiny pores That pierce their walls, and fill the crevices With pollen from the flowers, and glean and keep
51To this same end the glue, that binds more fast Than bird-lime or the pitch from Ida's pines. Oft too in burrowed holes, if fame be true, They make their cosy subterranean home, And deeply lodged in hollow rocks are found,
56Or in the cavern of an age-hewn tree. Thou not the less smear round their crannied cribs With warm smooth mud-coat, and strew leaves above; But near their home let neither yew-tree grow, Nor reddening crabs be roasted, and mistrust
61Deep marish-ground and mire with noisome smell, Or where the hollow rocks sonorous ring, And the word spoken buffets and rebounds. What more? When now the golden sun has put Winter to headlong flight beneath the world,
66And oped the doors of heaven with summer ray, Forthwith they roam the glades and forests o'er, Rifle the painted flowers, or sip the streams, Light-hovering on the surface. Hence it is With some sweet rapture, that we know not of,
71Their little ones they foster, hence with skill Work out new wax or clinging honey mould. So when the cage-escaped hosts you see Float heavenward through the hot clear air, until You marvel at yon dusky cloud that spreads
76And lengthens on the wind, then mark them well; For then 'tis ever the fresh springs they seek And bowery shelter: hither must you bring The savoury sweets I bid, and sprinkle them, Bruised balsam and the wax-flower's lowly weed,
81And wake and shake the tinkling cymbals heard By the great Mother: on the anointed spots Themselves will settle, and in wonted wise Seek of themselves the cradle's inmost depth. But if to battle they have hied them forth—
86For oft 'twixt king and king with uproar dire Fierce feud arises, and at once from far You may discern what passion sways the mob, And how their hearts are throbbing for the strife; Hark! the hoarse brazen note that warriors know
91Chides on the loiterers, and the ear may catch A sound that mocks the war-trump's broken blasts; Then in hot haste they muster, then flash wings, Sharpen their pointed beaks and knit their thews, And round the king, even to his royal tent,
96Throng rallying, and with shouts defy the foe. So, when a dry Spring and clear space is given, Forth from the gates they burst, they clash on high; A din arises; they are heaped and rolled Into one mighty mass, and headlong fall,
101Not denselier hail through heaven, nor pelting so Rains from the shaken oak its acorn-shower. Conspicuous by their wings the chiefs themselves Press through the heart of battle, and display A giant's spirit in each pigmy frame,
106Steadfast no inch to yield till these or those The victor's ponderous arm has turned to flight. Such fiery passions and such fierce assaults A little sprinkled dust controls and quells. And now, both leaders from the field recalled,
111Who hath the worser seeming, do to death, Lest royal waste wax burdensome, but let His better lord it on the empty throne. One with gold-burnished flakes will shine like fire, For twofold are their kinds, the nobler he,
116Of peerless front and lit with flashing scales; That other, from neglect and squalor foul, Drags slow a cumbrous belly. As with kings, So too with people, diverse is their mould, Some rough and loathly, as when the wayfarer
121Scapes from a whirl of dust, and scorched with heat Spits forth the dry grit from his parched mouth: The others shine forth and flash with lightning-gleam, Their backs all blazoned with bright drops of gold Symmetric: this the likelier breed; from these,
126When heaven brings round the season, thou shalt strain Sweet honey, nor yet so sweet as passing clear, And mellowing on the tongue the wine-god's fire. But when the swarms fly aimlessly abroad, Disport themselves in heaven and spurn their cells,
131Leaving the hive unwarmed, from such vain play Must you refrain their volatile desires, Nor hard the task: tear off the monarchs' wings; While these prove loiterers, none beside will dare Mount heaven, or pluck the standards from the camp.
136Let gardens with the breath of saffron flowers Allure them, and the lord of Hellespont, Priapus, wielder of the willow-scythe, Safe in his keeping hold from birds and thieves. And let the man to whom such cares are dear
141Himself bring thyme and pine-trees from the heights, And strew them in broad belts about their home; No hand but his the blistering task should ply, Plant the young slips, or shed the genial showers. And I myself, were I not even now
146Furling my sails, and, nigh the journey's end, Eager to turn my vessel's prow to shore, Perchance would sing what careful husbandry Makes the trim garden smile; of Paestum too, Whose roses bloom and fade and bloom again;
151How endives glory in the streams they drink, And green banks in their parsley, and how the gourd Twists through the grass and rounds him to paunch; Nor of Narcissus had my lips been dumb, That loiterer of the flowers, nor supple-stemmed
156Acanthus, with the praise of ivies pale, And myrtles clinging to the shores they love. For 'neath the shade of tall Oebalia's towers, Where dark Galaesus laves the yellowing fields, An old man once I mind me to have seen—
161From Corycus he came—to whom had fallen Some few poor acres of neglected land, And they nor fruitful' neath the plodding steer, Meet for the grazing herd, nor good for vines. Yet he, the while his meagre garden-herbs
166Among the thorns he planted, and all round White lilies, vervains, and lean poppy set, In pride of spirit matched the wealth of kings, And home returning not till night was late, With unbought plenty heaped his board on high.
171He was the first to cull the rose in spring, He the ripe fruits in autumn; and ere yet Winter had ceased in sullen ire to rive The rocks with frost, and with her icy bit Curb in the running waters, there was he
176Plucking the rathe faint hyacinth, while he chid Summer's slow footsteps and the lagging West. Therefore he too with earliest brooding bees And their full swarms o'erflowed, and first was he To press the bubbling honey from the comb;
181Lime-trees were his, and many a branching pine; And all the fruits wherewith in early bloom The orchard-tree had clothed her, in full tale Hung there, by mellowing autumn perfected. He too transplanted tall-grown elms a-row,
186Time-toughened pear, thorns bursting with the plum And plane now yielding serviceable shade For dry lips to drink under: but these things, Shut off by rigorous limits, I pass by, And leave for others to sing after me.
191Come, then, I will unfold the natural powers Great Jove himself upon the bees bestowed, The boon for which, led by the shrill sweet strains Of the Curetes and their clashing brass, They fed the King of heaven in Dicte's cave.
196Alone of all things they receive and hold Community of offspring, and they house Together in one city, and beneath The shelter of majestic laws they live; And they alone fixed home and country know,
201And in the summer, warned of coming cold, Make proof of toil, and for the general store Hoard up their gathered harvesting. For some Watch o'er the victualling of the hive, and these By settled order ply their tasks afield;
206And some within the confines of their home Plant firm the comb's first layer, Narcissus' tear, And sticky gum oozed from the bark of trees, Then set the clinging wax to hang therefrom. Others the while lead forth the full-grown young,
211Their country's hope, and others press and pack The thrice repured honey, and stretch their cells To bursting with the clear-strained nectar sweet. Some, too, the wardship of the gates befalls, Who watch in turn for showers and cloudy skies,
216Or ease returning labourers of their load, Or form a band and from their precincts drive The drones, a lazy herd. How glows the work! How sweet the honey smells of perfumed thyme Like the Cyclopes, when in haste they forge
221From the slow-yielding ore the thunderbolts, Some from the bull's-hide bellows in and out Let the blasts drive, some dip i' the water-trough The sputtering metal: with the anvil's weight Groans Etna: they alternately in time
226With giant strength uplift their sinewy arms, Or twist the iron with the forceps' grip— Not otherwise, to measure small with great, The love of getting planted in their breasts Goads on the bees, that haunt old Cecrops' heights,
231Each in his sphere to labour. The old have charge To keep the town, and build the walled combs, And mould the cunning chambers; but the youth, Their tired legs packed with thyme, come labouring home Belated, for afar they range to feed
236On arbutes and the grey-green willow-leaves, And cassia and the crocus blushing red, Glue-yielding limes, and hyacinths dusky-eyed. One hour for rest have all, and one for toil: With dawn they hurry from the gates—no room
241For loiterers there: and once again, when even Now bids them quit their pasturing on the plain, Then homeward make they, then refresh their strength: A hum arises: hark! they buzz and buzz About the doors and threshold; till at length
246Safe laid to rest they hush them for the night, And welcome slumber laps their weary limbs. But from the homestead not too far they fare, When showers hang like to fall, nor, east winds nigh, Confide in heaven, but 'neath the city walls
251Safe-circling fetch them water, or essay Brief out-goings, and oft weigh-up tiny stones, As light craft ballast in the tossing tide, Wherewith they poise them through the cloudy vast. This law of life, too, by the bees obeyed,
256Will move thy wonder, that nor sex with sex Yoke they in marriage, nor yield their limbs to love, Nor know the pangs of labour, but alone From leaves and honied herbs, the mothers, each, Gather their offspring in their mouths, alone
261Supply new kings and pigmy commonwealth, And their old court and waxen realm repair. Oft, too, while wandering, against jagged stones Their wings they fray, and 'neath the burden yield Their liberal lives: so deep their love of flowers,
266So glorious deem they honey's proud acquist. Therefore, though each a life of narrow span, Ne'er stretched to summers more than seven, befalls, Yet deathless doth the race endure, and still Perennial stands the fortune of their line,
271From grandsire unto grandsire backward told. Moreover, not Aegyptus, nor the realm Of boundless Lydia, no, nor Parthia's hordes, Nor Median Hydaspes, to their king Do such obeisance: lives the king unscathed,
276One will inspires the million: is he dead, Snapt is the bond of fealty; they themselves Ravage their toil-wrought honey, and rend amain Their own comb's waxen trellis. He is the lord Of all their labour; him with awful eye
281They reverence, and with murmuring throngs surround, In crowds attend, oft shoulder him on high, Or with their bodies shield him in the fight, And seek through showering wounds a glorious death. Led by these tokens, and with such traits to guide,
286Some say that unto bees a share is given Of the Divine Intelligence, and to drink Pure draughts of ether; for God permeates all— Earth, and wide ocean, and the vault of heaven— From whom flocks, herds, men, beasts of every kind,
291Draw each at birth the fine essential flame; Yea, and that all things hence to Him return, Brought back by dissolution, nor can death Find place: but, each into his starry rank, Alive they soar, and mount the heights of heaven.
296If now their narrow home thou wouldst unseal, And broach the treasures of the honey-house, With draught of water first toment thy lips, And spread before thee fumes of trailing smoke. Twice is the teeming produce gathered in,
301Twofold their time of harvest year by year, Once when Taygete the Pleiad uplifts Her comely forehead for the earth to see, With foot of scorn spurning the ocean-streams, Once when in gloom she flies the watery Fish,
306And dips from heaven into the wintry wave. Unbounded then their wrath; if hurt, they breathe Venom into their bite, cleave to the veins And let the sting lie buried, and leave their lives Behind them in the wound. But if you dread
311Too rigorous a winter, and would fain Temper the coming time, and their bruised hearts And broken estate to pity move thy soul, Yet who would fear to fumigate with thyme, Or cut the empty wax away? for oft
316Into their comb the newt has gnawed unseen, And the light-loathing beetles crammed their bed, And he that sits at others' board to feast, The do-naught drone; or 'gainst the unequal foe Swoops the fierce hornet, or the moth's fell tribe;
321Or spider, victim of Minerva's spite, Athwart the doorway hangs her swaying net. The more impoverished they, the keenlier all To mend the fallen fortunes of their race Will nerve them, fill the cells up, tier on tier,
326And weave their granaries from the rifled flowers. Now, seeing that life doth even to bee-folk bring Our human chances, if in dire disease Their bodies' strength should languish—which anon By no uncertain tokens may be told—
331Forthwith the sick change hue; grim leanness mars Their visage; then from out the cells they bear Forms reft of light, and lead the mournful pomp; Or foot to foot about the porch they hang, Or within closed doors loiter, listless all
336From famine, and benumbed with shrivelling cold. Then is a deep note heard, a long-drawn hum, As when the chill South through the forests sighs, As when the troubled ocean hoarsely booms With back-swung billow, as ravening tide of fire
341Surges, shut fast within the furnace-walls. Then do I bid burn scented galbanum, And, honey-streams through reeden troughs instilled, Challenge and cheer their flagging appetite To taste the well-known food; and it shall boot
346To mix therewith the savour bruised from gall, And rose-leaves dried, or must to thickness boiled By a fierce fire, or juice of raisin-grapes From Psithian vine, and with its bitter smell Centaury, and the famed Cecropian thyme.
351There is a meadow-flower by country folk Hight star-wort; 'tis a plant not far to seek; For from one sod an ample growth it rears, Itself all golden, but girt with plenteous leaves, Where glory of purple shines through violet gloom.
356With chaplets woven hereof full oft are decked Heaven's altars: harsh its taste upon the tongue; Shepherds in vales smooth-shorn of nibbling flocks By Mella's winding waters gather it. The roots of this, well seethed in fragrant wine,
361Set in brimmed baskets at their doors for food. But if one's whole stock fail him at a stroke, Nor hath he whence to breed the race anew, 'Tis time the wondrous secret to disclose Taught by the swain of Arcady, even how
366The blood of slaughtered bullocks oft has borne Bees from corruption. I will trace me back To its prime source the story's tangled thread, And thence unravel. For where thy happy folk, Canopus, city of Pellaean fame,
371Dwell by the Nile's lagoon-like overflow, And high o'er furrows they have called their own Skim in their painted wherries; where, hard by, The quivered Persian presses, and that flood Which from the swart-skinned Aethiop bears him down,
376Swift-parted into sevenfold branching mouths With black mud fattens and makes Aegypt green, That whole domain its welfare's hope secure Rests on this art alone. And first is chosen A strait recess, cramped closer to this end,
381Which next with narrow roof of tiles atop 'Twixt prisoning walls they pinch, and add hereto From the four winds four slanting window-slits. Then seek they from the herd a steer, whose horns With two years' growth are curling, and stop fast,
386Plunge madly as he may, the panting mouth And nostrils twain, and done with blows to death, Batter his flesh to pulp i' the hide yet whole, And shut the doors, and leave him there to lie. But 'neath his ribs they scatter broken boughs,
391With thyme and fresh-pulled cassias: this is done When first the west winds bid the waters flow, Ere flush the meadows with new tints, and ere The twittering swallow buildeth from the beams. Meanwhile the juice within his softened bones
396Heats and ferments, and things of wondrous birth, Footless at first, anon with feet and wings, Swarm there and buzz, a marvel to behold; And more and more the fleeting breeze they take, Till, like a shower that pours from summer-clouds,
401Forth burst they, or like shafts from quivering string When Parthia's flying hosts provoke the fray. Say what was he, what God, that fashioned forth This art for us, O Muses? of man's skill Whence came the new adventure? From thy vale,
406Peneian Tempe, turning, bee-bereft, So runs the tale, by famine and disease, Mournful the shepherd Aristaeus stood Fast by the haunted river-head, and thus With many a plaint to her that bare him cried:
411“Mother, Cyrene, mother, who hast thy home Beneath this whirling flood, if he thou sayest, Apollo, lord of Thymbra, be my sire, Sprung from the Gods' high line, why barest thou me With fortune's ban for birthright? Where is now
416Thy love to me-ward banished from thy breast? O! wherefore didst thou bid me hope for heaven? Lo! even the crown of this poor mortal life, Which all my skilful care by field and fold, No art neglected, scarce had fashioned forth,
421Even this falls from me, yet thou call'st me son. Nay, then, arise! With thine own hands pluck up My fruit-plantations: on the homestead fling Pitiless fire; make havoc of my crops; Burn the young plants, and wield the stubborn axe
426Against my vines, if there hath taken the Such loathing of my greatness.” But that cry, Even from her chamber in the river-deeps, His mother heard: around her spun the nymphs
431Milesian wool stained through with hyaline dye, Drymo, Xantho, Ligea, Phyllodoce, Their glossy locks o'er snowy shoulders shed, Cydippe and Lycorias yellow-haired, A maiden one, one newly learned even then
436To bear Lucina's birth-pang. Clio, too, And Beroe, sisters, ocean-children both, Both zoned with gold and girt with dappled fell, Ephyre and Opis, and from Asian meads Deiopea, and, bow at length laid by,
441Fleet-footed Arethusa. But in their midst Fair Clymene was telling o'er the tale Of Vulcan's idle vigilance and the stealth Of Mars' sweet rapine, and from Chaos old Counted the jostling love-joys of the Gods.
446Charmed by whose lay, the while their woolly tasks With spindles down they drew, yet once again Smote on his mother's ears the mournful plaint Of Aristaeus; on their glassy thrones Amazement held them all; but Arethuse
451Before the rest put forth her auburn head, Peering above the wave-top, and from far Exclaimed, “Cyrene, sister, not for naught Scared by a groan so deep, behold! 'tis he, Even Aristaeus, thy heart's fondest care,
456Here by the brink of the Peneian sire Stands woebegone and weeping, and by name Cries out upon thee for thy cruelty.” To whom, strange terror knocking at her heart, “Bring, bring him to our sight,” the mother cried;
461“His feet may tread the threshold even of Gods.” So saying, she bids the flood yawn wide and yield A pathway for his footsteps; but the wave Arched mountain-wise closed round him, and within Its mighty bosom welcomed, and let speed
466To the deep river-bed. And now, with eyes Of wonder gazing on his mother's hall And watery kingdom and cave-prisoned pools And echoing groves, he went, and, stunned by that Stupendous whirl of waters, separate saw
471All streams beneath the mighty earth that glide, Phasis and Lycus, and that fountain-head Whence first the deep Enipeus leaps to light, Whence father Tiber, and whence Anio's flood, And Hypanis that roars amid his rocks,
476And Mysian Caicus, and, bull-browed 'Twixt either gilded horn, Eridanus, Than whom none other through the laughing plains More furious pours into the purple sea. Soon as the chamber's hanging roof of stone
481Was gained, and now Cyrene from her son Had heard his idle weeping, in due course Clear water for his hands the sisters bring, With napkins of shorn pile, while others heap The board with dainties, and set on afresh
486The brimming goblets; with Panchaian fires Upleap the altars; then the mother spake, “Take beakers of Maconian wine,” she said, “Pour we to Ocean.” Ocean, sire of all, She worships, and the sister-nymphs who guard
491The hundred forests and the hundred streams; Thrice Vesta's fire with nectar clear she dashed, Thrice to the roof-top shot the flame and shone: Armed with which omen she essayed to speak: “In Neptune's gulf Carpathian dwells a seer,
496Caerulean Proteus, he who metes the main With fish-drawn chariot of two-footed steeds; Now visits he his native home once more, Pallene and the Emathian ports; to him We nymphs do reverence, ay, and Nereus old;
501For all things knows the seer, both those which are And have been, or which time hath yet to bring; So willed it Neptune, whose portentous flocks, And loathly sea-calves 'neath the surge he feeds. Him first, my son, behoves thee seize and bind
506That he may all the cause of sickness show, And grant a prosperous end. For save by force No rede will he vouchsafe, nor shalt thou bend His soul by praying; whom once made captive, ply With rigorous force and fetters; against these
511His wiles will break and spend themselves in vain. I, when the sun has lit his noontide fires, When the blades thirst, and cattle love the shade, Myself will guide thee to the old man's haunt, Whither he hies him weary from the waves,
516That thou mayst safelier steal upon his sleep. But when thou hast gripped him fast with hand and gyve, Then divers forms and bestial semblances Shall mock thy grasp; for sudden he will change To bristly boar, fell tigress, dragon scaled,
521And tawny-tufted lioness, or send forth A crackling sound of fire, and so shake of The fetters, or in showery drops anon Dissolve and vanish. But the more he shifts His endless transformations, thou, my son,
526More straitlier clench the clinging bands, until His body's shape return to that thou sawest, When with closed eyelids first he sank to sleep.” So saying, an odour of ambrosial dew She sheds around, and all his frame therewith
531Steeps throughly; forth from his trim-combed locks Breathed effluence sweet, and a lithe vigour leapt Into his limbs. There is a cavern vast Scooped in the mountain-side, where wave on wave By the wind's stress is driven, and breaks far up
536Its inmost creeks—safe anchorage from of old For tempest-taken mariners: therewithin, Behind a rock's huge barrier, Proteus hides. Here in close covert out of the sun's eye The youth she places, and herself the while
541Swathed in a shadowy mist stands far aloof. And now the ravening dog-star that burns up The thirsty Indians blazed in heaven; his course The fiery sun had half devoured: the blades Were parched, and the void streams with droughty jaws
546Baked to their mud-beds by the scorching ray, When Proteus seeking his accustomed cave Strode from the billows: round him frolicking The watery folk that people the waste sea Sprinkled the bitter brine-dew far and wide.
551Along the shore in scattered groups to feed The sea-calves stretch them: while the seer himself, Like herdsman on the hills when evening bids The steers from pasture to their stall repair, And the lambs' bleating whets the listening wolves,
556Sits midmost on the rock and tells his tale. But Aristaeus, the foe within his clutch, Scarce suffering him compose his aged limbs, With a great cry leapt on him, and ere he rose Forestalled him with the fetters; he nathless,
561All unforgetful of his ancient craft, Transforms himself to every wondrous thing, Fire and a fearful beast, and flowing stream. But when no trickery found a path for flight, Baffled at length, to his own shape returned,
566With human lips he spake, “Who bade thee, then, So reckless in youth's hardihood, affront Our portals? or what wouldst thou hence?”—But he, “Proteus, thou knowest, of thine own heart thou knowest; For thee there is no cheating, but cease thou
571To practise upon me: at heaven's behest I for my fainting fortunes hither come An oracle to ask thee.” There he ceased. Whereat the seer, by stubborn force constrained, Shot forth the grey light of his gleaming eyes
576Upon him, and with fiercely gnashing teeth Unlocks his lips to spell the fates of heaven: “Doubt not 'tis wrath divine that plagues thee thus, Nor light the debt thou payest; 'tis Orpheus' self, Orpheus unhappy by no fault of his,
581So fates prevent not, fans thy penal fires, Yet madly raging for his ravished bride. She in her haste to shun thy hot pursuit Along the stream, saw not the coming death, Where at her feet kept ward upon the bank
586In the tall grass a monstrous water-snake. But with their cries the Dryad-band her peers Filled up the mountains to their proudest peaks: Wailed for her fate the heights of Rhodope, And tall Pangaea, and, beloved of Mars,
591The land that bowed to Rhesus, Thrace no less With Hebrus' stream; and Orithyia wept, Daughter of Acte old. But Orpheus' self, Soothing his love-pain with the hollow shell, Thee his sweet wife on the lone shore alone,
596Thee when day dawned and when it died he sang. Nay to the jaws of Taenarus too he came, Of Dis the infernal palace, and the grove Grim with a horror of great darkness—came, Entered, and faced the Manes and the King
601Of terrors, the stone heart no prayer can tame. Then from the deepest deeps of Erebus, Wrung by his minstrelsy, the hollow shades Came trooping, ghostly semblances of forms Lost to the light, as birds by myriads hie
606To greenwood boughs for cover, when twilight-hour Or storms of winter chase them from the hills; Matrons and men, and great heroic frames Done with life's service, boys, unwedded girls, Youths placed on pyre before their fathers' eyes.
611Round them, with black slime choked and hideous weed, Cocytus winds; there lies the unlovely swamp Of dull dead water, and, to pen them fast, Styx with her ninefold barrier poured between. Nay, even the deep Tartarean Halls of death
616Stood lost in wonderment, and the Eumenides, Their brows with livid locks of serpents twined; Even Cerberus held his triple jaws agape, And, the wind hushed, Ixion's wheel stood still. And now with homeward footstep he had passed
621All perils scathless, and, at length restored, Eurydice to realms of upper air Had well-nigh won, behind him following— So Proserpine had ruled it—when his heart A sudden mad desire surprised and seized—
626Meet fault to be forgiven, might Hell forgive. For at the very threshold of the day, Heedless, alas! and vanquished of resolve, He stopped, turned, looked upon Eurydice His own once more. But even with the look,
631Poured out was all his labour, broken the bond Of that fell tyrant, and a crash was heard Three times like thunder in the meres of hell. ‘Orpheus! what ruin hath thy frenzy wrought On me, alas! and thee? Lo! once again
636The unpitying fates recall me, and dark sleep Closes my swimming eyes. And now farewell: Girt with enormous night I am borne away, Outstretching toward thee, thine, alas! no more, These helpless hands.’ She spake, and suddenly,
641Like smoke dissolving into empty air, Passed and was sundered from his sight; nor him Clutching vain shadows, yearning sore to speak, Thenceforth beheld she, nor no second time Hell's boatman brooks he pass the watery bar.
646What should he do? fly whither, twice bereaved? Move with what tears the Manes, with what voice The Powers of darkness? She indeed even now Death-cold was floating on the Stygian barge! For seven whole months unceasingly, men say,
651Beneath a skyey crag, by thy lone wave, Strymon, he wept, and in the caverns chill Unrolled his story, melting tigers' hearts, And leading with his lay the oaks along. As in the poplar-shade a nightingale
656Mourns her lost young, which some relentless swain, Spying, from the nest has torn unfledged, but she Wails the long night, and perched upon a spray With sad insistence pipes her dolorous strain, Till all the region with her wrongs o'erflows.
661No love, no new desire, constrained his soul: By snow-bound Tanais and the icy north, Far steppes to frost Rhipaean forever wed, Alone he wandered, lost Eurydice Lamenting, and the gifts of Dis ungiven.
666Scorned by which tribute the Ciconian dames, Amid their awful Bacchanalian rites And midnight revellings, tore him limb from limb, And strewed his fragments over the wide fields. Then too, even then, what time the Hebrus stream,
671Oeagrian Hebrus, down mid-current rolled, Rent from the marble neck, his drifting head, The death-chilled tongue found yet a voice to cry ‘Eurydice! ah! poor Eurydice!’ With parting breath he called her, and the banks
676From the broad stream caught up ‘Eurydice!’” So Proteus ending plunged into the deep, And, where he plunged, beneath the eddying whirl Churned into foam the water, and was gone; But not Cyrene, who unquestioned thus
681Bespake the trembling listener: “Nay, my son, From that sad bosom thou mayst banish care: Hence came that plague of sickness, hence the nymphs, With whom in the tall woods the dance she wove, Wrought on thy bees, alas! this deadly bane.
686Bend thou before the Dell-nymphs, gracious powers: Bring gifts, and sue for pardon: they will grant Peace to thine asking, and an end of wrath. But how to approach them will I first unfold— Four chosen bulls of peerless form and bulk,
691That browse to-day the green Lycaean heights, Pick from thy herds, as many kine to match, Whose necks the yoke pressed never: then for these Build up four altars by the lofty fanes, And from their throats let gush the victims' blood,
696And in the greenwood leave their bodies lone. Then, when the ninth dawn hath displayed its beams, To Orpheus shalt thou send his funeral dues, Poppies of Lethe, and let slay a sheep Coal-black, then seek the grove again, and soon
701For pardon found adore Eurydice With a slain calf for victim.” No delay: The self-same hour he hies him forth to do His mother's bidding: to the shrine he came,
706The appointed altars reared, and thither led Four chosen bulls of peerless form and bulk, With kine to match, that never yoke had known; Then, when the ninth dawn had led in the day, To Orpheus sent his funeral dues, and sought
711The grove once more. But sudden, strange to tell A portent they espy: through the oxen's flesh, Waxed soft in dissolution, hark! there hum Bees from the belly; the rent ribs overboil In endless clouds they spread them, till at last
716On yon tree-top together fused they cling, And drop their cluster from the bending boughs. So sang I of the tilth of furrowed fields, Of flocks and trees, while Caesar's majesty Launched forth the levin-bolts of war by deep
721Euphrates, and bare rule o'er willing folk Though vanquished, and essayed the heights of heaven. I Virgil then, of sweet Parthenope The nursling, wooed the flowery walks of peace Inglorious, who erst trilled for shepherd-wights
726The wanton ditty, and sang in saucy youth Thee, Tityrus, 'neath the spreading beech tree's shade.
Book 1
1Quid faciat laetas segetes, quo sidere terram vertere, Maecenas, ulmisque adiungere vitis conveniat, quae cura boum, qui cultus habendo sit pecori, apibus quanta experientia parcis, hinc canere incipiam. Vos, o clarissima mundi
6lumina, labentem caelo quae ducitis annum, Liber et alma Ceres, vestro si munere tellus Chaoniam pingui glandem mutavit arista, poculaque inventis Acheloia miscuit uvis; et vos, agrestum praesentia numina, Fauni,
11ferte simul Faunique pedem Dryadesque puellae: Munera vestra cano. Tuque o, cui prima frementem fudit equum magno tellus percussa tridenti, Neptune; et cultor nemorum, cui pinguia Ceae ter centum nivei tondent dumeta iuvenci;
16ipse nemus linquens patrium saltusque Lycaei, Pan, ovium custos, tua si tibi Maenala curae, adsis, o Tegeaee, favens, oleaeque Minerva inventrix, uncique puer monstrator aratri, et teneram ab radice ferens, Silvane, cupressum,
21dique deaeque omnes, studium quibus arva tueri, quique novas alitis non ullo semine fruges, quique satis largum caelo demittitis imbrem; tuque adeo, quem mox quae sint habitura deorum concilia, incertum est, urbisne invisere, Caesar,
26terrarumque velis curam et te maximus orbis auctorem frugum tempestatumque potentem accipiat, cingens materna tempora myrto, an deus inmensi venias maris ac tua nautae numina sola colant, tibi serviat ultima Thule
31teque sibi generum Tethys emat omnibus undis, anne novum tardis sidus te mensibus addas, qua locus Erigonen inter Chelasque sequentis panditur—ipse tibi iam bracchia contrahit ardens Scorpius et caeli iusta plus parte reliquit—
36quidquid eris,—nam te nec sperant Tartara regem nec tibi regnandi veniat tam dira cupido, quamvis Elysios miretur Graecia campos nec repetita sequi curet Proserpina matrem— da facilem cursum atque audacibus adnue coeptis
41ignarosque viae mecum miseratus agrestis ingredere et votis iam nunc adsuesce vocari. Vere novo, gelidus canis cum montibus humor liquitur et Zephyro putris se glaeba resolvit, depresso incipiat iam tum mihi taurus aratro
46ingemere et sulco attritus splendescere vomer. Illa seges demum votis respondet avari agricolae, bis quae solem, bis frigora sensit; illius inmensae ruperunt horrea messes. At prius ignotum ferro quam scindimus aequor,
51ventos et varium caeli praediscere morem cura sit ac patrios cultusque habitusque locorum et quid quaeque ferat regio et quid quaeque recuset. Hic segetes, illic veniunt felicius uvae, arborei fetus alibi, atque iniussa virescunt
56gramina. Nonne vides, croceos ut Tmolus odores, India mittit ebur, molles sua tura Sabaei, at Chalybes nudi ferrum, virosaque Pontus castorea, Eliadum palmas Epiros equarum. Continuo has leges aeternaque foedera certis
61inposuit natura locis, quo tempore primum Deucalion vacuum lapides iactavit in orbem, unde homines nati, durum genus. Ergo age, terrae pingue solum primis extemplo a mensibus anni fortes invertant tauri glaebasque iacentis
66pulverulenta coquat maturis solibus aestas; at si non fuerit tellus fecunda, sub ipsum Arcturum tenui sat erit suspendere sulco: illic, officiant laetis ne frugibus herbae, hic, sterilem exiguus ne deserat humor harenam.
71Alternis idem tonsas cessare novalis et segnem patiere situ durescere campum; aut ibi flava seres mutato sidere farra, unde prius laetum siliqua quassante legumen aut tenuis fetus viciae tristisque lupini
76sustuleris fragilis calamos silvamque sonantem. Urit enim lini campum seges, urit avenae, urunt Lethaeo perfusa papavera somno: sed tamen alternis facilis labor, arida tantum ne saturare fimo pingui pudeat sola neve
81effetos cinerem inmundum iactare per agros. Sic quoque mutatis requiescunt fetibus arva; nec nulla interea est inaratae gratia terrae. Saepe etiam sterilis incendere profuit agros atque levem stipulam crepitantibus urere flammis:
86sive inde occultas viris et pabula terrae pinguia concipiunt, sive illis omne per ignem excoquitur vitium atque exsudat inutilis humor, seu pluris calor ille vias et caeca relaxat spiramenta, novas veniat qua sucus in herbas,
91seu durat magis et venas adstringit hiantis, ne tenues pluviae rapidive potentia solis acrior aut Boreae penetrabile frigus adurat. Multum adeo, rastris glaebas qui frangit inertis vimineasque trahit cratis, iuvat arva, neque illum
96flava Ceres alto nequiquam spectat Olympo; et qui, proscisso quae suscitat aequore terga, rursus in obliquum verso perrumpit aratro, exercetque frequens tellurem atque imperat arvis. Humida solstitia atque hiemes orate serenas,
101agricolae; hiberno laetissima pulvere farra, laetus ager: nullo tantum se Mysia cultu iactat et ipsa suas mirantur Gargara messis. Quid dicam, iacto qui semine comminus arva insequitur cumulosque ruit male pinguis harenae
106deinde satis fluvium inducit rivosque sequentis et, cum exustus ager morientibus aestuat herbis, ecce supercilio clivosi tramitis undam elicit. illa cadens raucum per levia murmur saxa ciet, scatebrisque arentia temperat arva.
111Quid qui, ne gravidis procumbat culmus aristis, luxuriem segetum tenera depascit in herba, cum primum sulcos aequant sata. quique paludis collectum humorem bibula deducit harena. Praesertim incertis si mensibus amnis abundans
116exit et obducto late tenet omnia limo, unde cavae tepido sudant humore lacunae. Nec tamen, haec cum sint hominumque boumque labores versando terram experti, nihil inprobus anser Strymoniaeque grues et amaris intiba fibris
121officiunt aut umbra nocet. Pater ipse colendi haud facilem esse viam voluit, primusque per artem movit agros curis acuens mortalia corda nec torpere gravi passus sua regna veterno. Ante Iovem nulli subigebant arva coloni;
126ne signare quidem aut partiri limite campum fas erat: in medium quaerebant ipsaque tellus omnia liberius nullo poscente ferebat. Ille malum virus serpentibus addidit atris praedarique lupos iussit pontumque moveri,
131mellaque decussit foliis ignemque removit et passim rivis currentia vina repressit, ut varias usus meditando extunderet artis paulatim et sulcis frumenti quaereret herbam. Tunc alnos primum fluvii sensere cavatas;
137navita tum stellis numeros et nomina fecit, Pleiadas, Hyadas, claramque Lycaonis Arcton; tum laqueis captare feras et fallere visco inventum et magnos canibus circumdare saltus; atque alius latum funda iam verberat amnem
142alta petens, pelagoque alius trahit humida lina; tum ferri rigor atque argutae lamina serrae,— nam primi cuneis scindebant fissile lignum tum variae venere artes. Labor omnia vicit inprobus et duris urgens in rebus egestas.
147Prima Ceres ferro mortalis vertere terram instituit, cum iam glandes atque arbuta sacrae deficerent silvae et victum Dodona negaret. Mox et frumentis labor additus, ut mala culmos esset robigo segnisque horreret in arvis
152carduus; intereunt segetes, subit aspera silva, lappaeque tribolique, interque nitentia culta infelix lolium et steriles dominantur avenae. Quod nisi et adsiduis herbam insectabere rastris, et sonitu terrebis aves, et ruris opaci
157falce premes umbras votisque vocaveris imbrem, heu magnum alterius frustra spectabis acervum, concussaque famem in silvis solabere quercu. Dicendum et, quae sint duris agrestibus arma, quis sine nec potuere seri nec surgere messes:
162vomis et inflexi primum grave robur aratri tardaque Eleusinae matris volventia plaustra tribulaque traheaeque et iniquo pondere rastri; virgea praeterea Celei vilisque supellex, arbuteae crates et mystica vannus Iacchi.
167Omnia quae multo ante memor provisa repones, si te digna manet divini gloria ruris. Continuo in silvis magna vi flexa domatur in burim et curvi formam accipit ulmus aratri. Huic a stirpe pedes temo protentus in octo,
172binae aures, duplici aptantur dentalia dorso caeditur et tilia ante iugo levis altaque fagus, stivaque, quae currus a tergo torqueat imos, et suspensa focis explorat robora fumus. Possum multa tibi veterum praecepta referre,
177ni refugis tenuisque piget cognoscere curas. Area cum primis ingenti aequanda cylindro et vertenda manu et creta solidanda tenaci, ne subeant herbae neu pulvere victa fatiscat, tum variae inludant pestes: saepe exiguus mus
182sub terris posuitque domos atque horrea fecit, aut oculis capti fodere cubilia talpae, inventusque cavis bufo et quae plurima terrae monstra ferunt, populatque ingentem farris acervum curculio atque inopi metuens formica senectae.
187Contemplator item, cum se nux plurima silvis induet in florem et ramos curvabit olentis. Si superant fetus, pariter frumenta sequentur magnaque cum magno veniet tritura calore; at si luxuria foliorum exuberat umbra,
192nequiquam pinguis palea teret area culmos. Semina vidi equidem multos medicare serentis et nitro prius et nigra perfundere amurca, grandior ut fetus siliquis fallacibus esset, et, quamvis igni exiguo, properata maderent.
197Vidi lecta diu et multo spectata labore degenerare tamen, ni vis humana quot annis maxima quaeque manu legeret. Sic omnia fatis in peius ruere ac retro sublapsa referri, non aliter, quam qui adverso vix flumine lembum
202remigiis subigit, si bracchia forte remisit, atque illum in praeceps prono rapit alveus amni. Praeterea tam sunt Arcturi sidera nobis Haedorumque dies servandi et lucidus Anguis, quam quibus in patriam ventosa per aequora vectis
207pontus et ostriferi fauces temptantur Abydi. Libra die somnique pares ubi fecerit horas et medium luci atque umbris iam dividit orbem, exercete, viri, tauros, serite hordea campis usque sub extremum brumae intractabilis imbrem;
212nec non et lini segetem et Cereale papaver tempus humo tegere et iamdudum incumbere aratris, dum sicca tellure licet, dum nubila pendent. Vere fabis satio; tum te quoque, Medica, putres accipiunt sulci et milio venit annua cura,
217candidus auratis aperit cum cornibus annum Taurus et averso cedens Canis occidit astro. At si triticeam in messem robustaque farra exercebis humum solisque instabis aristis, ante tibi Eoae Atlantides abscondantur
222Gnosiaque ardentis decedat stella Coronae, debita quam sulcis committas semina quamque invitae properes anni spem credere terrae. Multi ante occasum Maiae coepere; sed illos exspectata seges vanis elusit avenis.
227Si vero viciamque seres vilemque phaselum nec Pelusiacae curam aspernabere lentis, haud obscura cadens mittet tibi signa Bootes: incipe et ad medias sementem extende pruinas. Idcirco certis dimensum partibus orbem
232per duodena regit mundi Sol aureus astra. Quinque tenent caelum zonae; quarum una corusco semper sole rubens et torrida semper ab igni; quam circum extremae dextra laevaque trahuntur caeruleae, glacie concretae atque imbribus atris;
237has inter mediamque duae mortalibus aegris munere concessae divom, et via secta per ambas, obliquus qua se signorum verteret ordo. Mundus, ut ad Scythiam Rhipaeasque arduus arces consurgit, premitur Libyae devexus in austros.
242Hic vertex nobis semper sublimis; at illum sub pedibus Styx atra videt Manesque profundi. Maximus hic flexu sinuoso elabitur Anguis circum perque duas in morem fluminis Arctos, Arctos Oceani metuentis aequore tingui.
247Illic, ut perhibent, aut intempesta silet nox, semper et obtenta densentur nocte tenebrae, aut redit a nobis Aurora diemque reducit; nosque ubi primus equis Oriens adflavit anhelis, illic, sera rubens accendit lumina Vesper.
252Hinc tempestates dubio praediscere caelo possumus, hinc messisque diem tempusque serendi, et quando infidum remis inpellere marmor conveniat, quando armatas deducere classis, aut tempestivam silvis evertere pinum.
257Nec frustra signorum obitus speculamur et ortus, temporibusque parem diversis quattuor annum. Frigidus agricolam si quando continet imber, multa, forent quae mox caelo properanda sereno, maturare datur: durum procudit arator
262vomeris obtunsi dentem, cavat arbore lintres, aut pecori signum aut numeros inpressit acervis. Exacuunt alii vallos furcasque bicornis atque Amerina parant lentae retinacula viti. Nunc facilis rubea texatur fiscina virga,
267nunc torrete igni fruges, nunc frangite saxo. Quippe etiam festis quaedam exercere diebus fas et iura sinunt; rivos deducere nulla religio vetuit, segeti praetendere saepem, insidias avibus moliri, incendere vepres,
272balantumque gregem fluvio mersare salubri. Saepe oleo tardi costas agitator aselli vilibus aut onerat pomis, lapidemque revertens incusum aut atrae massam picis urbe reportat. Ipsa dies alios alio dedit ordine Luna
277felicis operum. Quintam fuge: pallidus Orcus Eumenidesque satae; tum partu Terra nefando Coeumque Iapetumque creat saevumque Typhoea et coniuratos caelum rescindere fratres. Ter sunt conati inponere Pelio Ossam
282scilicet, atque Ossae frondosum involvere Olympum; ter pater exstructos disiecit fulmine montis. Septima post decimam felix et ponere vitem et prensos domitare boves et licia telae addere: nona fugae melior, contraria furtis.
287Multa adeo gelida melius se nocte dedere, aut cum sole novo terras inrorat Eous. Nocte leves melius stipulae, nocte arida prata tondentur, noctes lentus non deficit humor. Et quidam seros hiberni ad luminis ignis
292pervigilat ferroque faces inspicat acuto; interea longum cantu solata laborem arguto coniunx percurrit pectine telas, aut dulcis musti Volcano decoquit humorem et foliis undam trepidi despumat aeni.
297At rubicunda Ceres medio succiditur aestu et medio tostas aestu terit area fruges. Nudus ara, sere nudus; hiems ignava colono. Frigoribus parto agricolae plerumque fruuntur mutuaque inter se laeti convivia curant.
302Invitat genialis hiems curasque resolvit, ceu pressae cum iam portum tetigere carinae, puppibus et laeti nautae inposuere coronas. Sed tamen et quernas glandes tum stringere tempus et lauri bacas oleamque cruentaque myrta,
307tum gruibus pedicas et retia ponere cervis auritosque sequi lepores, tum figere dammas, stuppea torquentem Balearis verbera fundae, cum nix alta iacet, glaciem cum flumina trudunt. Quid tempestates autumni et sidera dicam,
312atque, ubi iam breviorque dies et mollior aestas, quae vigilanda viris. vel cum ruit imbriferum ver, spicea iam campis cum messis inhorruit et cum frumenta in viridi stipula lactentia turgent. Saepe ego, cum flavis messorem induceret arvis
317agricola et fragili iam stringeret hordea culmo, omnia ventorum concurrere proelia vidi, quae gravidam late segetem ab radicibus imis sublimem expulsam eruerent; ita turbine nigro ferret hiems culmumque levem stipulasque volantis.
322Saepe etiam inmensum caelo venit agmen aquarum et foedam glomerant tempestatem imbribus atris collectae ex alto nubes; ruit arduus aether et pluvia ingenti sata laeta boumque labores diluit; inplentur fossae et cava flumina crescunt
327cum sonitu fervetque fretis spirantibus aequor. Ipse pater media nimborum in nocte corusca fulmina molitur dextra; quo maxuma motu terra tremit; fugere ferae et mortalia corda per gentis humilis stravit pavor; ille flagranti
332aut Athon aut Rhodopen aut alta Ceraunia telo deicit; ingeminant austri et densissimus imber; nunc nemora ingenti vento, nunc litora plangunt. Hoc metuens caeli menses et sidera serva, frigida Saturni sese quo stella receptet,
337quos ignis caelo Cyllenius erret in orbis. In primis venerare deos atque annua magnae sacra refer Cereri laetis operatus in herbis extremae sub casum hiemis, iam vere sereno. Tum pingues agni et tum mollissima vina,
342tum somni dulces densaeque in montibus umbrae. Cuncta tibi Cererem pubes agrestis adoret; cui tu lacte favos et miti dilue Baccho, terque novas circum felix eat hostia fruges, omnis quam chorus et socii comitentur ovantes,
347et Cererem clamore vocent in tecta; neque ante falcem maturis quisquam supponat aristis, quam Cereri torta redimitus tempora quercu det motus incompositos et carmina dicat. Atque haec ut certis possemus discere signis,
352aestusque pluviasque et agentis frigora ventos, ipse Pater statuit, quid menstrua Luna moneret, quo signo caderent austri, quid saepe videntes agricolae propius stabulis armenta tenerent. Continuo ventis surgentibus aut freta ponti
357incipiunt agitata tumescere et aridus altis montibus audiri fragor aut resonantia longe litora misceri et nemorum increbrescere murmur. Iam sibi tum a curvis male temperat unda carinis, cum medio celeres revolant ex aequore mergi
362clamoremque ferunt ad litora, cumque marinae in sicco ludunt fulicae notasque paludes deserit atque altam supra volat ardea nubem. Saepe etiam stellas vento inpendente videbis praecipitis caelo labi noctisque per umbram
367flammarum longos a tergo albescere tractus; saepe levem paleam et frondes volitare caducas aut summa nantis in aqua colludere plumas. At Boreae de parte trucis cum fulminat et cum Eurique Zephyrique tonat domus: omnia plenis
372rura natant fossis atque omnis navita ponto humida vela legit. Numquam inprudentibus imber obfuit: aut illum surgentem vallibus imis aëriae fugere grues, aut bucula caelum suspiciens patulis captavit naribus auras,
377aut arguta lacus circumvolitavit hirundo et veterem in limo ranae cecinere querelam. Saepius et tectis penetralibus extulit ova angustum formica terens iter et bibit ingens arcus et e pastu decedens agmine magno
382corvorum increpuit densis exercitus alis. Iam variae pelagi volucres et quae Asia circum dulcibus in stagnis rimantur prata Caystri, certatim largos umeris infundere rores: nunc caput obiectare fretis, nunc currere in undas
387et studio incassum videas gestire lavandi. Tum cornix plena pluviam vocat inproba voce et sola in sicca secum spatiatur harena. Ne nocturna quidem carpentes pensa puellae nescivere hiemem, testa cum ardente viderent
392scintillare oleum et putris concrescere fungos. Nec minus ex imbri soles et aperta serena prospicere et certis poteris cognoscere signis: nam neque tum stellis acies obtunsa videtur, nec fratris radiis obnoxia surgere Luna,
397tenuia nec lanae per caelum vellera ferri; non tepidum ad solem pinnas in litore pandunt dilectae Thetidi alcyones, non ore solutos inmundi meminere sues iactare maniplos. At nebulae magis ima petunt campoque recumbunt,
402solis et occasum servans de culmine summo nequiquam seros exercet noctua cantus. Adparet liquido sublimis in aëre Nisus et pro purpureo poenas dat Scylla capillo: quacumque illa levem fugiens secat aethera pinnis,
407ecce inimicus, atrox, magno stridore per auras insequitur Nisus; qua se fert Nisus ad auras, illa levem fugiens raptim secat aethera pinnis Tum liquidas corvi presso ter gutture voces aut quater ingeminant, et saepe cubilibus altis
412nescio qua praeter solitum dulcedine laeti inter se in foliis strepitant; iuvat imbribus actis progeniem parvam dulcisque revisere nidos; haud equidem credo, quia sit divinitus illis ingenium aut rerum fato prudentia maior;
417verum ubi tempestas et caeli mobilis humor mutavere vias et Iuppiter uvidus austris denset, erant quae rara modo, et, quae densa, relaxat, vertuntur species animorum et pectora motus nunc alios, alios, dum nubila ventus agebat,
422concipiunt: hinc ille avium concentus in agris et laetae pecudes et ovantes gutture corvi. Si vero solem ad rapidum lunasque sequentis ordine respicies, numquam te crastina fallet hora neque insidiis noctis capiere serenae.
427Luna, revertentis cum primum colligit ignis, si nigrum obscuro conprenderit aera cornu, maxumus agricolis pelagoque parabitur imber; at si virgineum suffuderit ore ruborem, ventus erit; vento semper rubet aurea Phoebe.
432Sin ortu quarto, namque is certissimus auctor, pura neque obtunsis per caelum cornibus ibit, totus et ille dies et qui nascentur ab illo exactum ad mensem pluvia ventisque carebunt, votaque servati solvent in litore nautae
437Glauco et Panopeae et Inoo Melicertae. Sol quoque et exoriens et cum se condet in undas signa dabit; solem certissima signa sequuntur, et quae mane refert et quae surgentibus astris. Ille ubi nascentem maculis variaverit ortum
442conditus in nubem medioque refugerit orbe, suspecti tibi sint imbres; namque urget ab alto arboribusque satisque Notus pecorique sinister. Aut ubi sub lucem densa inter nubila sese diversi rumpent radii aut ubi pallida surget
447Tithoni croceum linquens Aurora cubile, heu male tum mitis defendet pampinus uvas: tam multa in tectis crepitans salit horrida grando. Hoc etiam, emenso cum iam decedit Olympo, profuerit meminisse magis; nam saepe videmus
452ipsius in voltu varios errare colores: caeruleus pluviam denuntiat, igneus Euros; sin maculae incipient rutilo inmiscerier igni, omnia tum pariter vento nimbisque videbis fervere. Non illa quisquam me nocte per altum
457ire, neque a terra moneat convellere funem. At si, cum referetque diem condetque relatum, lucidus orbis erit, frustra terrebere nimbis et claro silvas cernes Aquilone moveri. Denique quid vesper serus vehat, unde serenas
462ventus agat nubes, quid cogitet humidus Auster, sol tibi signa dabit. Solem quis dicere falsum audeat. Ille etiam caecos instare tumultus saepe monet fraudemque et operta tumescere bella. Ille etiam exstincto miseratus Caesare Romam,
467cum caput obscura nitidum ferrugine texit inpiaque aeternam timuerunt saecula noctem. Tempore quamquam illo tellus quoque et aequora ponti obscenaeque canes inportunaeque volucres signa dabant. Quotiens Cyclopum effervere in agros
472vidimus undantem ruptis fornacibus Aetnam flammarumque globos liquefactaque volvere saxa! Armorum sonitum toto Germania caelo audiit, insolitis tremuerunt motibus Alpes. Vox quoque per lucos volgo exaudita silentis
477ingens et simulacra modis pallentia miris visa sub obscurum noctis, pecudesque locutae, infandum! sistunt amnes terraeque dehiscunt et maestum inlacrimat templis ebur aeraque sudant. Proluit insano contorquens vertice silvas
482fluviorum rex Eridanus camposque per omnis cum stabulis armenta tulit. Nec tempore eodem tristibus aut extis fibrae adparere minaces aut puteis manare cruor cessavit et altae per noctem resonare lupis ululantibus urbes.
487Non alias caelo ceciderunt plura sereno fulgura nec diri totiens arsere cometae. ergo inter sese paribus concurrere telis Romanas acies iterum videre Philippi; nec fuit indignum superis, bis sanguine nostro
492Emathiam et latos Haemi pinguescere campos. Scilicet et tempus veniet, cum finibus illis agricola incurvo terram molitus aratro exesa inveniet scabra robigine pila aut gravibus rastris galeas pulsabit inanis
497grandiaque effossis mirabitur ossa sepulchris. Di patrii, Indigetes, et Romule Vestaque mater, quae Tuscum Tiberim et Romana Palatia servas, hunc saltem everso iuvenem succurrere saeclo ne prohibete! Satis iam pridem sanguine nostro
502Laomedonteae luimus periuria Troiae; iam pridem nobis caeli te regia, Caesar, invidet atque hominum queritur curare triumphos; quippe ubi fas versum atque nefas: tot bella per orbem, tam multae scelerum facies; non ullus aratro
507dignus honos, squalent abductis arva colonis et curvae rigidum falces conflantur in ensem. Hinc movet Euphrates, illinc Germania bellum; vicinae ruptis inter se legibus urbes arma ferunt; saevit toto Mars inpius orbe;
512ut cum carceribus sese effudere quadrigae, addunt in spatia et frustra retinacula tendens fertur equis auriga neque audit currus habenas.
Book 2
1Hactenus arvorum cultus et sidera caeli, nunc te, Bacche, canam, nec non silvestria tecum virgulta et prolem tarde crescentis olivae. Huc, pater o Lenaee—tuis hic omnia plena muneribus, tibi pampineo gravidus autumno
6floret ager, spumat plenis vindemia labris— huc, pater o Lenaee, veni nudataque musto tingue novo mecum direptis crura cothurnis. Principio arboribus varia est natura creandis. namque aliae nullis hominum cogentibus ipsae
11sponte sua veniunt camposque et flumina late curva tenent, ut molle siler lentaeque genestae, populus et glauca canentia fronde salicta; pars autem posito surgunt de semine, ut altae castaneae nemorumque Iovi quae maxima frondet
16aesculus atque habitae Grais oracula quercus. Pullulat ab radice aliis densissima silva, ut cerasis ulmisque; etiam Parnasia laurus parva sub ingenti matris se subicit umbra. Hos natura modos primum dedit, his genus omne
21silvarum fruticumque viret nemorumque sacrorum. Sunt aliae, quas ipse via sibi repperit usus. Hic plantas tenero abscindens de corpore matrum deposuit sulcis, hic stirpes obruit arvo quadrifidasque sudes et acuto robore vallos;
26silvarumque aliae pressos propaginis arcus exspectant et viva sua plantaria terra; nil radicis egent aliae summumque putator haud dubitat terrae referens mandare cacumen. Quin et caudicibus sectis—mirabile dictu—
31truditur e sicco radix oleagina ligno. Et saepe alterius ramos inpune videmus vertere in alterius mutatamque insita mala ferre pirum et prunis lapidosa rubescere corna. Quare agite o proprios generatim discite cultus,
36agricolae, fructusque feros mollite colendo, neu segnes iaceant terrae. Iuvat Ismara Baccho conserere atque olea magnum vestire Taburnum. Tuque ades inceptumque una decurre laborem, O decus, o famae merito pars maxima nostrae,
41Maecenas, pelagoque volans da vela patenti; non ego cuncta meis amplecti versibus opto, non, mihi si linguae centum sint oraque centum, ferrea vox; ades et primi lege litoris oram. In manibus terrae; non hic te carmine ficto
46atque per ambages et longa exorsa tenebo. Sponte sua quae se tollunt in luminis oras, infecunda quidem, sed laeta et fortia surgunt; quippe solo natura subest. Tamen haec quoque, si quis inserat aut scrobibus mandet mutata subactis,
51exuerint silvestrem animum cultuque frequenti in quascumque voles artis haud tarda sequentur. Nec non et sterilis, quae stirpibus exit ab imis, hoc faciat, vacuos si sit digesta per agros; nunc altae frondes et rami matris opacant
56crescentique adimunt fetus uruntque ferentem. Iam quae seminibus iactis se sustulit arbos tarda venit seris factura nepotibus umbram, pomaque degenerant sucos oblita priores et turpis avibus praedam fert uva racemos.
61Scilicet omnibus est labor inpendendus et omnes cogendae in sulcum ac multa mercede domandae. Sed truncis oleae melius, propagine vites respondent, solido Paphiae de robore myrtus; plantis et durae coryli nascuntur et ingens
66fraxinus Herculeaeque arbos umbrosa coronae Chaoniique patris glandes, etiam ardua palma nascitur et casus abies visura marinos. Inseritur vero et fetu nucis arbutus horrida, et steriles platani malos gessere valentis;
71castaneae fagus, ornusque incanuit albo flore piri glandemque sues fregere sub ulmis. Nec modus inserere atque oculos inponere simplex. Nam qua se medio trudunt de cortice gemmae et tenuis rumpunt tunicas, angustus in ipso
76fit nodo sinus: huc aliena ex arbore germen includunt udoque docent inolescere libro. Aut rursum enodes trunci resecantur et alte finditur in solidum cuneis via, deinde feraces plantae inmittuntur: nec longum tempus, et ingens
81exsilit ad caelum ramis felicibus arbos miraturque novas frondes et non sua poma. Praeterea genus haud unum nec fortibus ulmis nec salici lotoque neque Idaeis cyparissis, nec pingues unam in faciem nascuntur olivae,
86orchades et radii et amara pausia baca pomaque et Alcinoi silvae, nec surculus idem Crustumiis Syriisque piris gravibusque volemis. Non eadem arboribus pendet vindemia nostris, quam Methymnaeo carpit de palmite Lesbos;
91sunt Thasiae vites, sunt et Mareotides albae, pinguibus hae terris habiles, levioribus illae, et passo Psithia utilior tenuisque Lageos temptatura pedes olim vincturaque linguam, purpureae preciaeque, et quo te carmine dicam,
96Rhaetica? Nec cellis ideo contende Falernis. Sunt et Amineae vites, firmissima vina, Tmolius adsurgit quibus et rex ipse Phanaeus; Argitisque minor, cui non certaverit ulla aut tantum fluere aut totidem durare per annos.
101Non ego te, Dis et mensis accepta secundis, transierim, Rhodia, et tumidis, Bumaste, racemis. Sed neque quam multae species nec nomina quae sint, est numerus; neque enim numero conprendere refert; quem qui scire velit, Libyci velit aequoris idem
106discere quam multae Zephyro turbentur harenae, aut ubi navigiis violentior incidit Eurus, nosse, quot Ionii veniant ad litora fluctus. Nec vero terrae ferre omnes omnia possunt. fluminibus salices crassisque paludibus alni
111nascuntur, steriles saxosis montibus orni; litora myrtetis laetissima; denique apertos Bacchus amat collis, aquilonem et frigora taxi. Aspice et extremis domitum cultoribus orbem Eoasque domos Arabum pictosque Gelonos:
116divisae arboribus patriae. Sola India nigrum fert ebenum, solis est turea virga Sabaeis. Quid tibi odorato referam sudantia ligno balsamaque et bacas semper frondentis acanthi? Quid nemora Aethiopum molli canentia lana,
121velleraque ut foliis depectant tenuia Seres; aut quos Oceano propior gerit India lucos, extremi sinus orbis, ubi aera vincere summum arboris haud ullae iactu potuere sagittae? Et gens illa quidem sumptis non tarda pharetris.
126Media fert tristis sucos tardumque saporem felicis mali, quo non praesentius ullum, pocula si quando saevae infecere novercae, miscueruntque herbas et non innoxia verba, auxilium venit ac membris agit atra venena.
131Ipsa ingens arbos faciemque simillima lauro; et, si non alium late iactaret odorem, laurus erat; folia haud ullis labentia ventis; flos ad prima tenax; animas et olentia Medi ora fovent illo et senibus medicantur anhelis.
136sed neque Medorum, silvae ditissima, terra, nec pulcher Ganges atque auro turbidus Hermus laudibus Italiae certent, non Bactra neque Indi totaque turiferis Panchaia pinguis harenis. Haec loca non tauri spirantes naribus ignem
141invertere satis inmanis dentibus hydri nec galeis densisque virum seges horruit hastis; sed gravidae fruges et Bacchi Massicus humor inplevere; tenent oleae armentaque laeta. Hinc bellator equus campo sese arduus infert;
146hinc albi, Clitumne, greges et maxima taurus victima, saepe tuo perfusi flumine sacro, Romanos ad templa deum duxere triumphos. Hic ver adsiduum atque alienis mensibus aestas bis gravidae pecudes, bis pomis utilis arbos.
151At rabidae tigres absunt et saeva leonum semina nec miseros fallunt aconita legentis nec rapit inmensos orbis per humum neque tanto squameus in spiram tractu se colligit anguis. Adde tot egregias urbes operumque laborem,
156tot congesta manu praeruptis oppida saxis fluminaque antiquos subter labentia muros. An mare, quod supra, memorem, quodque adluit infra anne lacus tantos? Te, Lari maxume, teque, fluctibus et fremitu adsurgens Benace marino
161an memorem portus Lucrinoque addita claustra atque indignatum magnis stridoribus aequor Iulia qua ponto longe sonat unda refuso Tyrrhenusque fretis inmittitur aestus Avernis? Haec eadem argenti rivos aerisque metalla
166ostendit venis atque auro plurima fluxit. Haec genus acre virum, Marsos pubemque Sabellam adsuetumque malo Ligurem Volscosque verutos extulit, haec Decios, Marios, magnosque Camillos, Scipiadas duros bello et te, maxume Caesar,
171qui nunc extremis Asiae iam victor in oris inbellem avertis Romanis arcibus Indum. Salve, magna parens frugum, Saturnia tellus, magna virum; tibi res antiquae laudis et artem ingredior, sanctos ausus recludere fontis,
176Ascraeumque cano Romana per oppida carmen. Nunc locus arvorum ingeniis: quae robora cuique, quis color et quae sit rebus natura ferendis. Difficiles primum terrae collesque maligni, tenuis ubi argilla et dumosis calculus arvis,
181Palladia gaudent silva vivacis olivae. Indicio est tractu surgens oleaster eodem plurimus et strati bacis silvestribus agri. At quae pinguis humus dulcique uligine laeta, quique frequens herbis et fertilis ubere campus—
186qualem saepe cava montis convalle solemus despicere; huc summis liquuntur rupibus amnes felicemque trahunt limum—quique editus austro et filicem curvis invisam pascit aratris: hic tibi praevalidas olim multoque fluentis
191sufficiet Baccho vitis, hic fertilis uvae, hic laticis, qualem pateris libamus et auro, inflavit cum pinguis ebur Tyrrhenus ad aras, lancibus et pandis fumantia reddimus exta. Sin armenta magis studium vitulosque tueri
196aut ovium fetum aut urentis culta capellas, saltus et saturi petito longinqua Tarenti et qualem infelix amisit Mantua campum, pascentem niveos herboso flumine cycnos; non liquidi gregibus fontes, non gramina deerunt;
201et, quantum longis carpent armenta diebus, exigua tantum gelidus ros nocte reponet. Nigra fere et presso pinguis sub vomere terra et cui putre solum,—namque hoc imitamur arando— optima frumentis; non ullo ex aequore cernes
206plura domum tardis decedere plaustra iuvencis; aut unde iratus silvam devexit arator et nemora evertit multos ignava per annos antiquasque domos avium cum stirpibus imis eruit; illae altum nidis petiere relictis,
211at rudis enituit inpulso vomere campus. Nam ieiuna quidem clivosi glarea ruris vix humilis apibus casias roremque ministrat; et tophus scaber et nigris exesa chelydris creta negant alios aeque serpentibus agros
216dulcem ferre cibum et curvas praebere latebras. Quae tenuem exhalat nebulam fumosque volucris et bibit humorem et, cum volt, ex se ipsa remittit quaeque suo semper viridi se gramine vestit nec scabie et salsa laedit robigine ferrum:
221illa tibi laetis intexet vitibus ulmos, illa ferax oleo est, illam experiere colendo et facilem pecori et patientem vomeris unci. Talem dives arat Capua et vicina Vesevo ora iugo et vacuis Clanius non aequus Acerris.
226Nunc, quo quamque modo possis cognoscere, dicam. Rara sit an supra morem si densa requires— altera frumentis quoniam favet, altera Baccho, densa magis Cereri, rarissima quaeque Lyaeo— ante locum capies oculis alteque iubebis
231in solido puteum demitti omnemque repones rursus humum et pedibus summas aequabis harenas. Si deerunt, rarum pecorique et vitibus almis aptius uber erit; sin in sua posse negabunt ire loca et scrobibus superabit terra repletis,
236spissus ager; glaebas cunctantis crassaque terga exspecta et validis terram proscinde iuvencis. Salsa autem tellus et quae perhibetur amara, frugibus infelix—ea nec mansuescit arando nec Baccho genus aut pomis sua nomina servat—
241tale dabit specimen: tu spisso vimine qualos colaque prelorum fumosis deripe tectis; huc ager ille malus dulcesque a fontibus undae ad plenum calcentur; aqua eluctabitur omnis scilicet, et grandes ibunt per vimina guttae;
246at sapor indicium faciet manifestus et ora tristia temptantum sensu torquebit amaro. Pinguis item quae sit tellus, hoc denique pacto discimus: haud umquam manibus iactata fatiscit, sed picis in morem ad digitos lentescit habendo.
251Humida maiores herbas alit, ipsaque iusto laetior. Ah nimium ne sit mihi fertilis illa nec se praevalidam primis ostendat aristis! Quae gravis est, ipso tacitam se pondere prodit, quaeque levis. Promptum est oculis praediscere nigram,
256et quis cui color. At sceleratum exquirere frigus difficile est: piceae tantum taxique nocentes interdum aut hederae pandunt vestigia nigrae. his animadversis terram multo ante memento excoquere et magnos scrobibus concidere montis,
261ante supinatas aquiloni ostendere glaebas, quam laetum infodias vitis genus. Optima putri arva solo: id venti curant gelidaeque pruinae et labefacta movens robustus iugera fossor. Ac si quos haud ulla viros vigilantia fugit,
266ante locum similem exquirunt, ubi prima paretur arboribus seges et quo mox digesta feratur, mutatam ignorent subito ne semina matrem. Quin etiam caeli regionem in cortice signant, ut, quo quaeque modo steterit, qua parte calores
271Austrinos tulerit, quae terga obverterit axi, restituant: adeo in teneris consuescere multum est. Collibus an plano melius sit ponere vitem, quaere prius. Si pinguis agros metabere campi, densa sere; in denso non segnior ubere Bacchus;
276sin tumulis adclive solum collisque supinos, indulge ordinibus, nec setius omnis in unguem arboribus positis secto via limite quadret. Ut saepe ingenti bello cum longa cohortis explicuit legio et campo stetit agmen aperto,
281directaeque acies, ac late fluctuat omnis aere renidenti tellus, necdum horrida miscent proelia, sed dubius mediis Mars errat in armis: omnia sint paribus numeris dimensa viarum; non animum modo uti pascat prospectus inanem,
286sed quia non aliter viris dabit omnibus aequas terra neque in vacuum poterunt se extendere rami. Forsitan et scrobibus quae sint fastigia quaeras. ausim vel tenui vitem committere sulco. Altior ac penitus terrae defigitur arbos,
291aesculus in primis, quae quantum vertice ad auras aetherias, tantum radice in Tartara tendit. Ergo non hiemes illam, non flabra neque imbres convellunt; inmota manet, multosque nepotes, multa virum volvens durando saecula vincit.
296Tum fortis late ramos et bracchia pandens huc illuc, media ipsa ingentem sustinet umbram. Neve tibi ad solem vergant vineta cadentem, Neve inter vitis corylum sere, neve flagella summa pete aut summa defringe ex arbore plantas
301tantus amor terrae—neu ferro laede retunso semina, neve oleae silvestris insere truncos: nam saepe incautis pastoribus excidit ignis, qui furtim pingui primum sub cortice tectus robora conprendit frondesque elapsus in altas
306ingentem caelo sonitum dedit; inde secutus per ramos victor perque alta cacumina regnat et totum involvit flammis nemus et ruit atram ad caelum picea crassus caligine nubem, praesertim si tempestas a vertice silvis
311incubuit glomeratque ferens incendia ventus. Hoc ubi, non a stirpe valent caesaeque reverti possunt atque ima similes revirescere terra; infelix superat foliis oleaster amaris. Nec tibi tam prudens quisquam persuadeat auctor
316tellurem Borea rigidam spirante movere. Rura gelu tum claudit hiems nec semine iacto concretam patitur radicem adfigere terrae. Optima vinetis satio, cum vere rubenti candida venit avis longis invisa colubris,
321prima vel autumni sub frigora, cum rapidus Sol nondum hiemem contingit equis, iam praeterit aestas. Ver adeo frondi nemorum, ver utile silvis; vere tument terrae et genitalia semina poscunt. Tum pater omnipotens fecundis imbribus Aether
326coniugis in gremium laetae descendit et omnis magnus alit magno commixtus corpore fetus. Avia tum resonant avibus virgulta canoris et Venerem certis repetunt armenta diebus; parturit almus ager Zephyrique tepentibus auris
331laxant arva sinus; superat tener omnibus humor; inque novos soles audent se germina tuto credere, nec metuit surgentis pampinus austros aut actum caelo magnis aquilonibus imbrem, sed trudit gemmas et frondes explicat omnis.
336Non alios prima crescentis origine mundi inluxisse dies aliumve habuisse tenorem crediderim: ver illud erat, ver magnus agebat orbis et hibernis parcebant flatibus Euri, cum primae lucem pecudes hausere virumque
341terrea progenies duris caput extulit arvis, inmissaeque ferae silvis et sidera caelo. Nec res hunc tenerae possent perferre laborem, si non tanta quies iret frigusque caloremque inter, et exciperet caeli indulgentia terras.
346Quod superest, quaecumque premes virgulta per agros, sparge fimo pingui et multa memor occule terra, aut lapidem bibulum aut squalentis infode conchas; inter enim labentur aquae tenuisque subibit halitus atque animos tollent sata; iamque reperti,
351qui saxo super atque ingentis pondere testae urgerent; hoc effusos munimen ad imbris, hoc, ubi hiulca siti findit canis aestifer arva. Seminibus positis superest diducere terram saepius ad capita et duros iactare bidentis,
356aut presso exercere solum sub vomere et ipsa flectere luctantis inter vineta iuvencos; tum levis calamos et rasae hastilia virgae fraxineasque aptare sudes furcasque valentis, viribus eniti quarum et contemnere ventos
361adsuescant summasque sequi tabulata per ulmos. Ac dum prima novis adolescit frondibus aetas, parcendum teneris, et dum se laetus ad auras palmes agit laxis per purum inmissus habenis, ipsa acie nondum falcis temptanda, sed uncis
366carpendae manibus frondes interque legendae. Inde ubi iam validis amplexae stirpibus ulmos exierint, tum stringe comas, tum bracchia tonde— ante reformidant ferrum—tum denique dura exerce imperia et ramos conpesce fluentis.
371Texendae saepes etiam et pecus omne tenendum, praecipue dum frons tenera inprudensque laborum; cui super indignas hiemes solemque potentem silvestres uri adsidue capreaeque sequaces inludunt, pascuntur oves avidaeque iuvencae.
376Frigora nec tantum cana concreta pruina aut gravis incumbens scopulis arentibus aestas, quantum illi nocuere greges durique venenum dentis et admorso signata in stirpe cicatrix. Non aliam ob culpam Baccho caper omnibus aris
381caeditur et veteres ineunt proscaenia ludi praemiaque ingeniis pagos et compita circum thesidae posuere atque inter pocula laeti mollibus in pratis unctos saluere per utres. Nec non Ausonii, Troia gens missa, coloni
386versibus incomptis ludunt risuque soluto oraque corticibus sumunt horrenda cavatis et te, Bacche, vocant per carmina laeta tibique oscilla ex alta suspendunt mollia pinu. Hinc omnis largo pubescit vinea fetu,
391conplentur vallesque cavae saltusque profundi, et quocumque deus circum caput egit honestum. Ergo rite suum Baccho dicemus honorem carminibus patriis lancesque et liba feremus et ductus cornu stabit sacer hircus ad aram
396pinguiaque in veribus torrebimus exta colurnis. Est etiam ille labor curandis vitibus alter, cui numquam exhausti satis est: namque omne quot annis terque quaterque solum scindendum glebaque versis aeternum frangenda bidentibus, omne levandum
401fronde nemus. Redit agricolis labor actus in orbem atque in se sua per vestigia volvitur annus. Ac iam olim, seras posuit cum vinea frondes, frigidus et silvis aquilo decussit honorem, iam tum acer curas venientem extendit in annum
406rusticus et curvo Saturni dente relictam persequitur vitem attondens fingitque putando. Primus humum fodito, primus devecta cremato sarmenta et vallos primus sub tecta referto; postremus metito. Bis vitibus ingruit umbra,
411bis segetem densis obducunt sentibus herbae; durus uterque labor: laudato ingentia rura, exiguum colito. Nec non etiam aspera rusci vimina per silvam et ripis fluvialis arundo caeditur, incultique exercet cura salicti.
416Iam vinctae vites, iam falcem arbusta reponunt, iam canit effectos extremus vinitor antes: sollicitanda tamen tellus pulvisque movendus et iam maturis metuendus Iuppiter uvis. Contra non ulla est oleis cultura; neque illae
421procurvam exspectant falcem rastrosque tenacis, cum semel haeserunt arvis aurasque tulerunt; ipsa satis tellus, cum dente recluditur unco, sufficit humorem et gravidas, cum vomere, fruges. Hoc pinguem et placitam Paci nutritor olivam.
426Poma quoque, ut primum truncos sensere valentis et viris habuere suas, ad sidera raptim vi propria nituntur opisque haud indiga nostrae. Nec minus interea fetu nemus omne gravescit sanguineisque inculta rubent aviaria bacis.
431Tondentur cytisi, taedas silva alta ministrat, pascunturque ignes nocturni et lumina fundunt. Et dubitant homines serere atque inpendere curam quid maiora sequar?—salices humilesque genestae aut illae pecori frondem aut pastoribus umbram
436Sufficiunt saepemque satis et pabula melli— et iuvat undantem buxo spectare Cytorum naryciaeque picis lucos, iuvat arva videre non rastris, hominum non ulli obnoxia curae. Ipsae Caucasio steriles in vertice silvae,
441quas animosi Euri adsidue franguntque feruntque, dant alios aliae fetus, dant utile lignum navigiis pinus, domibus cedrumque cupressosque. Hinc radios trivere rotis, hinc tympana plaustris agricolae et pandas ratibus posuere carinas,
446viminibus salices fecundae, frondibus ulmi, at myrtus validis hastilibus et bona bello cornus, Ituraeos taxi torquentur in arcus. Nec tiliae leves aut torno rasile buxum non formam accipiunt ferroque cavantur acuto.
451Nec non et torrentem undam levis innatat alnus, missa Pado; nec non et apes examina condunt corticibusque cavis vitiosaeque ilicis alvo. Quid memorandum aeque Baccheia dona tulerunt Bacchus et ad culpam causas dedit; ille furentis
456centauros leto domuit, Rhoetumque Pholumque et magno Hylaeum Lapithis cratere minantem. O fortunatos nimium, sua si bona norint, agricolas! quibus ipsa procul discordibus armis fundit humo facilem victum iustissima tellus.
461Si non ingentem foribus domus alta superbis mane salutantum totis vomit aedibus undam, nec varios inhiant pulchra testudine postis inlusasque auro vestes Ephyreiaque aera, alba neque Assyrio fucatur lana veneno
466nec casia liquidi corrumpitur usus olivi: at secura quies et nescia fallere vita, dives opum variarum, at latis otia fundis— speluncae vivique lacus et frigida Tempe mugitusque boum mollesque sub arbore somni—
471non absunt; illic saltus ac lustra ferarum et patiens operum exiguoque adsueta iuventus, sacra deum sanctique patres; extrema per illos iustitia excedens terris vestigia fecit. Me vero primum dulces ante omnia Musae,
476quarum sacra fero ingenti percussus amore, accipiant caelique vias et sidera monstrent, defectus solis varios lunaeque labores; unde tremor terris, qua vi maria alta tumescant obicibus ruptis rursusque in se ipsa residant,
481quid tantum Oceano properent se tinguere soles hiberni, vel quae tardis mora noctibus obstet. Sin, has ne possim naturae accedere partis, frigidus obstiterit circum praecordia sanguis: rura mihi et rigui placeant in vallibus amnes,
486flumina amem silvasque inglorius. O ubi campi Spercheosque et virginibus bacchata Lacaenis Taygeta! O, qui me gelidis convallibus Haemi sistat et ingenti ramorum protegat umbra! Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas,
491atque metus omnis et inexorabile fatum subiecit pedibus strepitumque Acherontis avari. Fortunatus et ille, deos qui novit agrestis, panaque Silvanumque senem Nymphasque sorores: illum non populi fasces, non purpura regum
496flexit et infidos agitans discordia fratres aut coniurato descendens Dacus ab Histro, non res Romanae perituraque regna; neque ille aut doluit miserans inopem aut invidit habenti quos rami fructus, quos ipsa volentia rura
501sponte tulere sua, carpsit; nec ferrea iura insanumque forum aut populi tabularia vidit. sollicitant alii remis freta caeca ruuntque in ferrum, penetrant aulas et limina regum; hic petit excidiis urbem miserosque Penatis,
506ut gemma bibat et Sarrano dormiat ostro; condit opes alius defossoque incubat auro; hic stupet attonitus rostris; hunc plausus hiantem per cuneos—geminatus enim plebisque patrumque— corripuit; gaudent perfusi sanguine fratrum,
511exsilioque domos et dulcia limina mutant atque alio patriam quaerunt sub sole iacentem. Agricola incurvo terram dimovit aratro: hinc anni labor, hinc patriam parvosque nepotes sustinet, hinc armenta boum meritosque iuvencos.
516Nec requies, quin aut pomis exuberet annus aut fetu pecorum aut cerealis mergite culmi, proventuque oneret sulcos atque horrea vincat. Venit hiems: teritur Sicyonia baca trapetis, glande sues laeti redeunt, dant arbuta silvae;
521et varios ponit fetus autumnus et alte mitis in apricis coquitur vindemia saxis. Interea dulces pendent circum oscula nati, casta pudicitiam servat domus, ubera vaccae lactea demittunt pinguesque in gramine laeto
526inter se adversis luctantur cornibus haedi. Ipse dies agitat festos fususque per herbam, ignis ubi in medio et socii cratera coronant, te libans, Lenaee, vocat pecorisque magistris velocis iaculi certamina ponit in ulmo,
531corporaque agresti nudant praedura palaestrae. Hanc olim veteres vitam coluere Sabini, hanc Remus et frater, sic fortis Etruria crevit scilicet et rerum facta est pulcherrima Roma, septemque una sibi muro circumdedit arces.
536Ante etiam sceptrum Dictaei regis et ante inpia quam caesis gens est epulata iuvencis, aureus hanc vitam in terris Saturnus agebat; necdum etiam audierant inflari classica, necdum inpositos duris crepitare incudibus enses.
541Sed nos inmensum spatiis confecimus aequor, et iam tempus equum fumantia solvere colla.
Book 3
1Te quoque, magna Pales, et te memorande canemus pastor ab Amphryso, vos, silvae amnesque Lycaei. Cetera, quae vacuas tenuissent carmine mentes, omnia iam volgata: quis aut Eurysthea durum aut inlaudati nescit Busiridis aras?
6Cui non dictus Hylas puer et Latonia Delos Hippodameque umeroque Pelops insignis eburno, acer equis? Temptanda via est, qua me quoque possim tollere humo victorque virum volitare per ora. Primus ego in patriam mecum, modo vita supersit,
11Aonio rediens deducam vertice Musas; primus Idumaeas referam tibi, Mantua, palmas, et viridi in campo templum de marmore ponam propter aquam. Tardis ingens ubi flexibus errat Mincius et tenera praetexit arundine ripas.
16In medio mihi Caesar erit templumque tenebit: illi victor ego et Tyrio conspectus in ostro centum quadriiugos agitabo ad flumina currus. Cuncta mihi Alpheum linquens lucosque Molorchi cursibus et crudo decernet Graecia caestu.
21Ipse caput tonsae foliis ornatus olivae dona feram. Iam nunc sollemnis ducere pompas ad delubra iuvat caesosque videre iuvencos, vel scaena ut versis discedat frontibus utque purpurea intexti tollant aulaea Britanni.
26In foribus pugnam ex auro solidoque elephanto Gangaridum faciam victorisque arma Quirini, atque hic undantem bello magnumque fluentem Nilum ac navali surgentis aere columnas. Addam urbes Asiae domitas pulsumque Niphaten
31fidentemque fuga Parthum versisque sagittis, et duo rapta manu diverso ex hoste tropaea bisque triumphatas utroque ab litore gentes. Stabunt et Parii lapides, spirantia signa, Assaraci proles demissaeque ab Iove gentis
36nomina, Trosque parens et Troiae Cynthius auctor. Invidia infelix Furias amnemque severum Cocyti metuet tortosque Ixionis anguis immanemque rotam et non exsuperabile saxum. Interea Dryadum silvas saltusque sequamur
41intactos, tua, Maecenas, haud mollia iussa. Te sine nil altum mens incohat; en age segnis rumpe moras; vocat ingenti clamore Cithaeron Taygetique canes domitrixque Epidaurus equorum et vox adsensu nemorum ingeminata remugit.
46Mox tamen ardentis accingar dicere pugnas Caesaris et nomen fama tot ferre per annos, Tithoni prima quot abest ab origine Caesar. Seu quis Olympiacae miratus praemia palmae pascit equos seu quis fortis ad aratra iuvencos,
51corpora praecipue matrum legat. Optuma torvae forma bovis, cui turpe caput, cui plurima cervix, et crurum tenus a mento palearia pendent; tum longo nullus lateri modus; omnia magna, pes etiam; et camuris hirtae sub cornibus aures.
56Nec mihi displiceat maculis insignis et albo, aut iuga detractans interdumque aspera cornu et faciem tauro propior, quaeque ardua tota, et gradiens ima verrit vestigia cauda, Aetas Lucinam iustosque pati hymenaeos
61desinit ante decem, post quattuor incipit annos; cetera nec feturae habilis nec fortis aratris. Interea, superat gregibus dum laeta iuventas, solve mares; mitte in Venerem pecuaria primus, atque aliam ex alia generando suffice prolem.
66Optuma quaeque dies miseris mortalibus aevi prima fugit; subeunt morbi tristisque senectus et labor, et durae rapit inclementia mortis. Semper erunt, quarum mutari corpora malis: semper enim refice ac, ne post amissa requiras,
71ante veni et subolem armento sortire quotannis. Nec non et pecori est idem dilectus equino. Tu modo, quos in spem statues submittere gentis, praecipuum iam inde a teneris impende laborem. Continuo pecoris generosi pullus in arvis
76altius ingreditur et mollia crura reponit; primus et ire viam et fluvios temptare minaces audet et ignoto sese committere ponti nec vanos horret strepitus. Illi ardua cervix argutumque caput, brevis alvus obesaque terga,
81luxuriatque toris animosum pectus. Honesti spadices glaucique, color deterrimus albis et gilvo. Tum, si qua sonum procul arma dedere stare loco nescit, micat auribus et tremit artus collectumque premens volvit sub naribus ignem.
86Densa iuba, et dextro iactata recumbit in armo; at duplex agitur per lumbos spina, cavatque tellurem et solido graviter sonat ungula cornu. Talis Amyclaei domitus Pollucis habenis Cyllarus et, quorum Grai meminere poetae,
91Martis equi biiuges et magni currus Achilli. Talis et ipse iubam cervice effundit equina coniugis adventu pernix Saturnus et altum Pelion hinnitu fugiens implevit acuto. Hunc quoque, ubi aut morbo gravis aut iam segnior annis
96deficit, abde domo nec turpi ignosce senectae. frigidus in Venerem senior, frustraque laborem ingratum trahit, et, si quando ad proelia ventum est, ut quondam in stipulis magnus sine viribus ignis, incassum furit. Ergo animos aevumque notabis
101praecipue; hinc alias artis prolemque parentum et quis cuique dolor victo, quae gloria palmae. Nonne vides, cum praecipiti certamine campum corripuere ruuntque effusi carcere currus, cum spes arrectae iuvenum, exsultantiaque haurit
106corda pavor pulsans? Illi instant verbere torto et proni dant lora, volat vi fervidus axis; iamque humiles, iamque elati sublime videntur aera per vacuum ferri atque adsurgere in auras; nec mora nec requies; at fulvae nimbus harenae
111tollitur, umescunt spumis flatuque sequentum: tantus amor laudum, tantae est victoria curae. Primus Erichthonius currus et quattuor ausus iungere equos rapidusque rotis insistere victor Frena Pelethronii Lapithae gyrosque dedere
116impositi dorso atque equitem docuere sub armis insultare solo et gressus glomerare superbos. Aequus uterque labor, aeque iuvenemque magistri exquirunt calidumque animis et cursibus acrem, quamvis saepe fuga versos ille egerit hostis
121et patriam Epirum referat fortisque Mycenas Neptunique ipsa deducat origine gentem. His animadversis instant sub tempus et omnis impendunt curas denso distendere pingui, quem legere ducem et pecori dixere maritum;
126florentisque secant herbas fluviosque ministrant farraque, ne blando nequeat superesse labori invalidique patrum referant ieiunia nati. Ipsa autem macie tenuant armenta volentes, atque, ubi concubitus primos iam nota voluptas
131sollicitat, frondesque negant et fontibus arcent. Saepe etiam cursu quatiunt et sole fatigant, cum graviter tunsis gemit area frugibus et cum surgentem ad Zephyrum paleae iactantur inanes. Hoc faciunt, nimio ne luxu obtunsior usus
136sit genitali arvo et sulcos oblimet inertis, sed rapiat sitiens Venerem interiusque recondat. Rursus cura patrum cadere et succedere matrum incipit. Exactis gravidae cum mensibus errant, non illas gravibus quisquam iuga ducere plaustris,
141non saltu superare viam sit passus et acri carpere prata fuga fluviosque innare rapacis. Saltibus in vacuis pascunt et plena secundum flumina, muscus ubi et viridissima gramine ripa, speluncaeque tegant et saxea procubet umbra.
146Est lucos Silari circa ilicibusque; virentem plurimus Alburnum volitans, cui nomen asilo Romanum est, oestrum Grai vertere vocantes, asper, acerba sonans, quo tota exterrita silvis diffugiunt armenta; furit mugitibus aether
151concussus silvaeque et sicci ripa Tanagri. Hoc quondam monstro horribilis exercuit iras Inachiae Iuno pestem meditata iuvencae. Hunc quoque, nam mediis fervoribus acrior instat, arcebis gravido pecori, armentaque pasces
156sole recens orto aut noctem ducentibus astris. Post partum cura in vitulos traducitur omnis, continuoque notas et nomina gentis inurunt et quos aut pecori malint submittere habendo aut aris servare sacros aut scindere terram
161et campum horrentem fractis invertere glaebis. Cetera pascuntur viridis armenta per herbas: Tu quos ad studium atque usum formabis agrestem, iam vitulos hortare viamque insiste domandi, dum faciles animi iuvenum, dum mobilis aetas.
166Ac primum laxos tenui de vimine circlos cervici subnecte; dehinc, ubi libera colla servitio adsuerint, ipsis e torquibus aptos iunge pares et coge gradum conferre iuvencos; atque illis iam saepe rotae ducantur inanes
171per terram et summo vestigia pulvere signent; post valido nitens sub pondere faginus axis instrepat et iunctos temo trahat aereus orbes. Interea pubi indomitae non gramina tantum nec vescas salicum frondes ulvamque palustrem,
176sed frumenta manu carpes sata; nec tibi fetae more patrum nivea implebunt mulctraria vaccae, sed tota in dulcis consument ubera natos. Sin ad bella magis studium turmasque ferocis, aut Alphea rotis praelabi flumina Pisae
181et Iovis in luco currus agitare volantis: primus equi labor est, animos atque arma videre bellantum lituosque pati tractuque gementem ferre rotam et stabulo frenos audire sonantis; tum magis atque magis blandis gaudere magistri
186laudibus et plausae sonitum cervicis amare. Atque haec iam primo depulsus ab ubere matris audeat, inque vicem det mollibus ora capistris invalidus etiamque tremens, etiam inscius aevi. At tribus exactis ubi quarta accesserit aestas,
191carpere mox gyrum incipiat gradibusque sonare compositis sinuetque alterna volumina crurum sitque laboranti similis; tum cursibus auras, tum vocet, ac per aperta volans ceu liber habenis aequora vix summa vestigia ponat harena;
196qualis Hyperboreis Aquilo cum densus ab oris incubuit, Scythiaeque hiemes atque arida differt nubila: tum segetes altae campique natantes lenibus horrescunt flabris summaeque sonorem dant silvae longique urgent ad litora fluctus;
201ille volat simul arva fuga, simul aequora verrens Hinc vel ad Elei metas et maxuma campi sudabit spatia et spumas aget ore cruentas, Belgica vel molli melius feret esseda collo. Tum demum crassa magnum farragine corpus
206crescere iam domitis sinito: namque ante domandum ingentis tollent animos prensique negabunt verbera lenta pati et duris parere lupatis. Sed non ulla magis viris industria firmat, quam Venerem et caeci stimulos avertere amoris,
211sive boum sive est cui gratior usus equorum. Atque ideo tauros procul atque in sola relegant pascua post montem oppositum et trans flumina lata, aut intus clausos satura ad praesepia servant. Carpit enim viris paulatim uritque videndo
216femina nec nemorum patitur meminisse nec herbae dulcibus illa quidem inlecebris, et saepe superbos cornibus inter se subigit decernere amantis. Pascitur in magna Sila formosa iuvenca: illi alternantes multa vi proelia miscent
221volneribus crebris, lavit ater corpora sanguis, versaque in obnixos urguentur cornua vasto cum gemitu, reboant silvaeque et longus Olympus Nec mos bellantis una stabulare, sed alter victus abit longeque ignotis exulat oris,
226multa gemens ignominiam plagasque superbi victoris, tum, quos amisit inultus, amores; et stabula aspectans regnis excessit avitis. Ergo omni cura viris exercet et inter dura iacet pernix instrato saxa cubili
231frondibus hirsutis et carice pastus acuta, et temptat sese atque irasci in cornua discit arboris obnixus trunco ventosque lacessit ictibus et sparsa ad pugnam proludit harena. Post ubi collectum robur viresque refectae
236signa movet praecepsque oblitum fertur in hostem: fluctus uti medio coepit cum albescere ponto longius ex altoque sinum trahit, utque volutus ad terras immane sonat per saxa neque ipso monte minor procumbit, at ima exaestuat unda
241verticibus nigramque alte subiectat harenam. Omne adeo genus in terris hominumque ferarumque, et genus aequoreum, pecudes pictaeque volucres, in furias. ignemque ruunt. Amor omnibus idem. Tempore non alio catulorum oblita leaena
246saevior erravit campis, nec funera volgo tam multa informes ursi stragemque dedere per silvas; tum saevus aper, tum pessima tigris; heu male tum Libyae solis erratur in agris. Nonne vides, ut tota tremor pertemptet equorum
251corpora, si tantum notas odor attulit auras? Ac neque eos iam frena virum neque verbera saeva non scopuli rupesque cavae atque obiecta retardant flumina correptosque unda torquentia montis. Ipse ruit dentesque Sabellicus exacuit sus
256et pede prosubigit terram, fricat arbore costas atque hinc atque illinc umeros ad volnera durat. Quid iuvenis, magnum cui versat in ossibus ignem durus amor? Nempe abruptis turbata procellis nocte natat caeca serus freta; quem super ingens
261porta tonat caeli et scopulis inlisa reclamant aequora; nec miseri possunt revocare parentes nec moritura super crudeli funere virgo. Quid lynces Bacchi variae et genus acre luporum atque canum? Quid, quae imbelles dant proelia cervi?
266Scilicet ante omnis furor est insignis equarum; et mentem Venus ipsa dedit, quo tempore Glauci Potniades malis membra absumpsere quadrigae. Illas ducit amor trans Gargara transque sonantem Ascanium; superant montis et flumina tranant.
271Continuoque avidis ubi subdita flamma medullis, vere magis, quia vere calor redit ossibus: illae ore omnes versae in Zephyrum stant rupibus altis, exceptantque levis auras et saepe sine ullis coniugiis vento gravidae, mirabile dictu,
276saxa per et scopulos et depressas convallis diffugiunt, non, Eure, tuos, neque solis ad ortus, in Borean caurumque, aut unde nigerrimus auster nascitur et pluvio contristat frigore caelum. Hic demum, hippomanes vero quod nomine dicunt
281pastores, lentum destillat ab inguine virus, hippomanes, quod saepe malae legere novercae miscueruntque herbas et non innoxia verba. Sed fugit interea, fugit inreparabile tempus, singula dum capti circumvectamur amore.
286Hoc satis armentis: superat pars altera curae, lanigeros agitare greges hirtasque capellas. Hic labor, hinc laudem fortes sperate coloni. Nec sum animi dubius, verbis ea vincere magnum quam sit, et angustis hunc addere rebus honorem;
291sed me Parnasi deserta per ardua dulcis raptat amor; iuvat ire iugis, qua nulla priorum Castaliam molli devertitur orbita clivo. Nunc, veneranda Pales, magno nunc ore sonandum Incipiens stabulis edico in mollibus herbam
296carpere ovis, dum mox frondosa reducitur aestas, et multa duram stipula filicumque maniplis sternere subter humum, glacies ne frigida laedat molle pecus scabiemque ferat turpisque podagras. Post hinc digressus iubeo frondentia capris
301arbuta sufficere et fluvios praebere recentis et stabula a ventis hiberno opponere soli ad medium conversa diem, cum frigidus olim iam cadit extremoque inrorat Aquarius anno. Haec quoque non cura nobis leviore tuendae,
306nec minor usus erit, quamvis Milesia magno vellera mutentur Tyrios incocta rubores: densior hinc suboles, hinc largi copia lactis; quam magis exhausto spumaverit ubere mulctra, laeta magis pressis manabunt flumina mammis.
311Nec minus interea barbas incanaque menta Cinyphii tondent hirci saetasque comantis usum in castrorum et miseris velamina nautis. Pascuntur vero silvas et summa Lycaei horrentisque rubos et amantis ardua dumos:
316atque ipsae memores redeunt in tecta suosque ducunt et gravido superant vix ubere limen. Ergo omni studio glaciem ventosque nivalis quo minor est illis curae mortalis egestas, avertes victumque feres et virgea laetus
321pabula, nec tota claudes faenilia bruma. At vero Zephyris cum laeta vocantibus aestas in saltus utrumque gregem atque in pascua mittet, Luciferi primo cum sidere frigida rura carpamus, dum mane novum, dum gramina canent,
326et ros in tenera pecori gratissimus herba. Inde ubi quarta sitim caeli collegerit hora et cantu querulae rumpent arbusta cicadae, ad puteos aut alta greges ad stagna iubebo currentem ilignis potare canalibus undam;
331aestibus at mediis umbrosam exquirere vallem, sicubi magna Iovis antiquo robore quercus ingentis tendat ramos, aut sicubi nigrum ilicibus crebris sacra nemus accubet umbra; tum tenuis dare rursus aquas et pascere rursus
336solis ad occasum, cum frigidus aera vesper temperat et saltus reficit iam roscida luna litoraque alcyonem resonant, acalanthida dumi. Quid tibi pastores Libyae, quid pascua versu prosequar et raris habitata mapalia tectis?
341Saepe diem noctemque et totum ex ordine mensem pascitur itque pecus longa in deserta sine ullis hospitiis: tantum campi iacet. Omnia secum armentarius Afer agit, tectumque laremque armaque Amyclaeumque canem Cressamque pharetram;
346non secus ac patriis acer Romanus in armis iniusto sub fasce viam cum carpit et hosti ante expectatum positis stat in agmine castris. At non, qua Scythiae gentes Maeotiaque unda, turbidus et torquens flaventis Hister harenas,
351quaque redit medium Rhodope porrecta sub axem. Illic clausa tenent stabulis armenta, neque ullae aut herbae campo apparent aut arbore frondes; sed iacet aggeribus niveis informis et alto terra gelu late septemque adsurgit in ulnas.
356Semper hiemps, semper spirantes frigora cauri. Tum Sol pallentis haud umquam discutit umbras, nec cum invectus equis altum petit aethera, nec cum praecipitem Oceani rubro lavit aequore currum. Concrescunt subitae currenti in flumine crustae
361undaque iam tergo ferratos sustinet orbis, puppibus illa prius, patulis nunc hospita plaustris; aeraque dissiliunt vulgo vestesque rigescunt indutae caeduntque securibus umida vina et totae solidam in glaciem vertere lacunae
366stiriaque impexis induruit horrida barbis. Interea toto non setius aere ninguit: intereunt pecudes, stant circumfusa pruinis corpora magna boum, confertoque agmine cervi torpent mole nova et summis vix cornibus extant.
371Hos non immissis canibus, non cassibus ullis puniceaeve agitant pavidos formidine pennae, sed frustra oppositum trudentis pectore montem comminus obtruncant ferro graviterque rudentis caedunt et magno laeti clamore reportant.
376Ipsi in defossis specubus secura sub alta otia agunt terra congestaque robora totasque advolvere focis ulmos ignique dedere. Hic noctem ludo ducunt et pocula laeti fermento atque acidis imitantur vitea sorbis.
381Talis Hyperboreo septem subiecta trioni gens effrena virum Rhiphaeo tunditur euro et pecudum fulvis velatur corpora saetis. Si tibi lanitium curae, primum aspera silva, lappaeque tribolique, absint; fuge pabula laeta;
386Continuoque greges villis lege mollibus albos. Illum autem, quamvis aries sit candidus ipse, nigra subest udo tantum cui lingua palato, reice, ne maculis infuscet vellera pullis nascentum, plenoque alium circumspice campo.
391Munere sic niveo lanae, si credere dignum est, Pan deus Arcadiae captam te, Luna, fefellit in nemora alta vocans; nec tu aspernata vocantem. At cui lactis amor, cytisum lotosque frequentis ipse manu salsasque ferat praesepibus herbas.
396Hinc et amant fluvios magis et magis ubera tendunt et salis occultum referunt in lacte saporem. Multi iam excretos prohibent a matribus haedos primaque ferratis praefigunt ora capistris. Quod surgente die mulsere horisque diurnis,
401nocte premunt; quod iam tenebris et sole cadente, sub lucem exportant calathis adit oppida pastor; aut parco sale contingunt hiemique reponunt. Nec tibi cura canum fuerit postrema, sed una velocis Spartae catulos acremque Molossum
406pasce sero pingui. Numquam custodibus illis nocturnum stabulis furem incursusque luporum aut impacatos a tergo horrebis Hiberos. Saepe etiam cursu timidos agitabis onagros et canibus leporem, canibus venabere dammas,
411saepe volutabris pulsos silvestribus apros latratu turbabis agens montisque per altos ingentem clamore premes ad retia cervum. Disce et odoratam stabulis accendere cedrum galbaneoque agitare gravis nidore chelydros.
416saepe sub immotis praesepibus aut mala tactu vipera delituit caelumque exterrita fugit, aut tecto adsuetus coluber succedere et umbrae, pestis acerba boum, pecorique aspergere virus, fovit humum. Cape saxa manu, cape robora, pastor,
421tollentemque minas et sibila colla tumentem deice. Iamque fuga timidum caput abdidit alte, cum medii nexus extremaeque agmina caudae solvuntur, tardosque trahit sinus ultimus orbis. Est etiam ille malus Calabris in saltibus anguis,
426squamea convolvens sublato pectore terga atque notis longam maculosus grandibus alvum qui, dum amnes ulli rumpuntur fontibus et dum vere madent udo terrae ac pluvialibus austris stagna colit, ripisque habitans hic piscibus atram
431improbus ingluviem ranisque loquacibus explet; postquam exusta palus, terraeque ardore dehiscunt, exsilit in siccum et flammantia lumina torquens saevit agris asperque siti atque exterritus aestu. Ne mihi tum mollis sub divo carpere somnos
436neu dorso nemoris libeat iacuisse per herbas, cum positis novus exuviis nitidusque iuventa volvitur, aut catulos tectis aut ova relinquens arduus ad solem et linguis micat ore trisulcis. Morborum quoque te causas et signa docebo.
441Turpis ovis temptat scabies, ubi frigidus imber altius ad vivum persedit et horrida cano bruma gelu, vel cum tonsis inlotus adhaesit sudor et hirsuti secuerunt corpora vepres. Dulcibus idcirco fluviis pecus omne magistri
446perfundunt, udisque aries in gurgite villis mersatur missusque secundo defluit amni; aut tonsum tristi contingunt corpus amurca et spumas miscent argenti et sulfura viva Idaeasque pices et pinguis unguine ceras
451scillamque elleborosque gravis nigrumque bitumen. Non tamen ulla magis praesens fortuna laborum est, quam si quis ferro potuit rescindere summum ulceris os: alitur vitium vivitque tegendo, dum medicas adhibere manus ad volnera pastor
456abnegat et meliora deos sedet omnia poscens. Quin etiam, ima dolor balantum lapsus ad ossa cum furit atque artus depascitur arida febris, profuit incensos aestus avertere et inter ima ferire pedis salientem sanguine venam,
461Bisaltae quo more solent acerque Gelonus; cum fugit in Rhodopen atque in deserta Getarum et lac concretum cum sanguine potat equino. Quam procul aut molli succedere saepius umbrae videris aut summas carpentem ignavius herbas
466extremamque sequi aut medio procumbere campo pascentem et serae solam decedere nocti: continuo culpam ferro compesce, prius quam dira per incautum serpant contagia volgus. Non tam creber agens hiemem ruit aequore turbo,
471quam multae pecudum pestes. Nec singula morbi corpora corripiunt, sed tota aestiva repente, spemque gregemque simul cunctamque ab origine gentem. Tum sciat, aerias Alpis et Norica si quis castella in tumulis et Iapydis arva Timavi
476nunc quoque post tanto videat desertaque regna pastorum et longe saltus lateque vacantis. Hic quondam morbo caeli miseranda coorta est tempestas totoque autumni incanduit aestu et genus omne neci pecudum dedit, omne ferarum,
481corrupitque lacus, infecit pabula tabo. Nec via mortis erat simplex, sed ubi ignea venis omnibus acta sitis miseros adduxerat artus, rursus abundabat fluidus liquor omniaque in se ossa minutatim morbo collapsa trahebat.
486Saepe in honore deum medio stans hostia ad aram lanea dum nivea circumdatur infula vitta, inter cunctantis cecidit moribunda ministros. Aut si quam ferro mactaverat ante sacerdos inde neque impositis ardent altaria fibris
491nec responsa potest consultus reddere vates, ac vix suppositi tinguntur sanguine cultri summaque ieiuna sanie infuscatur harena. Hinc laetis vituli volgo moriuntur in herbis et dulcis animas plena ad praesepia reddunt;
496hinc canibus blandis rabies venit et quatit aegros tussis anhela sues ac faucibus angit obesis. Labitur infelix studiorum atque immemor herbae victor equus fontisque avertitur et pede terram crebra ferit; demissae aures, incertus ibidem
501sudor et ille quidem morituris frigidus, aret pellis et ad tactum tractanti dura resistit. Haec ante exitium primis dant signa diebus; sin in processu coepit crudescere morbus, tum vero ardentes oculi atque attractus ab alto
506spiritus, interdum gemitu gravis, imaque longo ilia singultu tendunt, it naribus ater sanguis et obsessas fauces premit aspera lingua. Profuit inserto latices infundere cornu Lenaeos; ea visa salus morientibus una;
511mox erat hoc ipsum exitio, furiisque refecti ardebant ipsique suos iam morte sub aegra, di meliora piis erroremque hostibus illum, discissos nudis laniabant dentibus artus. Ecce autem duro fumans sub vomere taurus
516concidit et mixtum spumis vomit ore cruorem extremosque ciet gemitus. It tristis arator maerentem abiungens fraterna morte iuvencum, atque opere in medio defixa relinquit aratra. Non umbrae altorum nemorum, non mollia possunt
521prata movere animum, non qui per saxa volutus purior electro campum petit amnis; at ima solvuntur latera atque oculos stupor urguet inertis ad terramque fluit devexo pondere cervix. Quid labor aut benefacta iuvant? Quid vomere terras
526invertisse gravis? Atqui non Massica Bacchi munera, non illis epulae nocuere repostae: frondibus et victu pascuntur simplicis herbae, pocula sunt fontes liquidi atque exercita cursu flumina, nec somnos abrumpit cura salubris.
531Tempore non alio dicunt regionibus illis quaesitas ad sacra boves Iunonis et uris imparibus ductos alta ad donaria currus. Ergo aegre rastris terram rimantur et ipsis unguibus infodiunt fruges montisque per altos
536contenta cervice trahunt stridentia plaustra. Non lupus insidias explorat ovilia circum nec gregibus nocturnus obambulat; acrior illum cura domat; timidi dammae cervique fugaces nunc interque canes et circum tecta vagantur.
541Iam maris immensi prolem et genus omne natantum litore in extremo, ceu naufraga corpora, fluctus proluit; insolitae fugiunt in flumina phocae. Interit et curvis frustra defensa latebris vipera et attoniti squamis adstantibus hydri.
546Ipsis est aer avibus non aequus et illae praecipites alta vitam sub nube relinquunt. Praeterea iam nec mutari pabula refert artes nocent quaesitaeque; cessere magistri Phillyrides Chiron Amythaoniusque Melampus.
551Saevit et in lucem Stygiis emissa tenebris pallida Tisiphone Morbos agit ante Metumque, inque dies avidum surgens caput altius effert: Balatu pecorum et crebris mugitibus amnes arentesque sonant ripae collesque supini:
556Iamque catervatim dat stragem atque aggerat ipsis in stabulis turpi dilapsa cadavera tabo donec humo tegere ac foveis abscondere discunt. Nam neque erat coriis usus nec viscera quisquam aut undis abolere potest aut vincere flamma;
561ne tondere quidem morbo inluvieque peresa vellera nec telas possunt attingere putris; verum etiam invisos si quis temptarat amictus, ardentes papulae atque immundus olentia sudor membra sequebatur nec longo deinde moranti
566tempore contactos artus sacer ignis edebat.
Book 4
1Protinus aerii mellis caelestia dona exsequar: hanc etiam, Maecenas, adspice partem. Admiranda tibi levium spectacula rerum magnanimosque duces totiusque ordine gentis mores et studia et populos et proelia dicam.
6In tenui labor; at tenuis non gloria, si quem numina laeva sinunt auditque vocatus Apollo. Principio sedes apibus statioque petenda, quo neque sit ventis aditus—nam pabula venti ferre domum prohibent—neque oves haedique petulci
11floribus insultent aut errans bucula campo decutiat rorem et surgentes atterat herbas. Absint et picti squalentia terga lacerti pinguibus a stabulis meropesque aliaeque volucres et manibus Procne pectus signata cruentis;
16omnia nam late vastant ipsasque volantes ore ferunt dulcem nidis immitibus escam. At liquidi fontes et stagna virentia musco adsint et tenuis fugiens per gramina rivus, palmaque vestibulum aut ingens oleaster inumbret,
21ut, cum prima novi ducent examina reges vere suo ludetque favis emissa iuventus, vicina invitet decedere ripa calori, obviaque hospitiis teneat frondentibus arbos. In medium, seu stabit iners seu profluet umor,
26transversas salices et grandia conice saxa, pontibus ut crebris possint consistere et alas pandere ad aestivum solem, si forte morantes sparserit aut praeceps Neptuno immerserit Eurus. Haec circum casiae virides et olentia late
31serpylla et graviter spirantis copia thymbrae floreat inriguumque bibant violaria fontem. Ipsa autem, seu corticibus tibi suta cavatis, seu lento fuerint alvaria vimine texta, angustos habeant aditus: nam frigore mella
36cogit hiems, eademque calor liquefacta remittit. Utraque vis apibus pariter metuenda; neque illae nequiquam in tectis certatim tenuia cera spiramenta linunt fucoque et floribus oras explent collectumque haec ipsa ad munera gluten
41et visco et Phrygiae servant pice lentius Idae. Saepe etiam effossis, si vera est fama, latebris sub terra fovere larem, penitusque repertae pumicibusque cavis exesaeque arboris antro. Tu tamen et levi rimosa cubilia limo
46ungue fovens circum et raras superinice frondes. Neu propius tectis taxum sine, neve rubentes ure foco cancros, altae neu crede paludi, aut ubi odor caeni gravis aut ubi concava pulsu saxa sonant vocisque offensa resultat imago.
51Quod superest, ubi pulsam hiemem sol aureus egit sub terras caelumque aestiva luce reclusit, illae continuo saltus silvasque peragrant purpureosque metunt flores et flumina libant summa leves. Hinc nescio qua dulcedine laetae
56progeniem nidosque fovent, hinc arte recentes excudunt ceras et mella tenacia fingunt. Hinc ubi iam emissum caveis ad sidera caeli nare per aestatem liquidam suspexeris agmen obscuramque trahi vento mirabere nubem,
61contemplator: aquas dulces et frondea semper tecta petunt. Huc tu iussos adsperge sapores, trita melisphylla et cerinthae ignobile gramen, tinnitusque cie et Matris quate cymbala circum. ipsae consident medicatis sedibus, ipsae
66intima more suo sese in cunabula condent. Sin autem ad pugnam exierint, nam saepe duobus regibus incessit magno discordia motu, continuoque animos vulgi et trepidantia bello corda licet longe praesciscere; namque morantes
71Martius ille aeris rauci canor increpat et vox auditur fractos sonitus imitata tubarum; tum trepidae inter se coeunt pennisque coruscant spiculaque exacuunt rostris aptantque lacertos et circa regem atque ipsa ad praetoria densae
76miscentur magnisque vocant clamoribus hostem. Ergo ubi ver nactae sudum camposque patentes, erumpunt portis; concurritur, aethere in alto fit sonitus, magnum mixtae glomerantur in orbem praecipitesque cadunt; non densior aere grando,
81nec de concussa tantum pluit ilice glandis. ipsi per medias acies insignibus alis ingentes animos angusto in pectore versant, usque adeo obnixi non cedere, dum gravis aut hos aut hos versa fuga victor dare terga subegit.
86Hi motus animorum atque haec certamina tanta pulveris exigui iactu compressa quiescent. Verum ubi ductores acie revocaveris ambo, deterior qui visus, eum, ne prodigus obsit, dede neci; melior vacua sine regnet in aula.
91Alter erit maculis auro squalentibus ardens; nam duo sunt genera: hic melior, insignis et ore et rutilis clarus squamis, ille horridus alter desidia latamque trahens inglorius alvum. Ut binae regum facies, ita corpora plebis.
96Namque aliae turpes horrent, ceu pulvere ab alto cum venit et sicco terram spuit ore viator aridus; elucent aliae et fulgore coruscant ardentes auro et paribus lita corpora guttis. Haec potior suboles, hinc caeli tempore certo
101dulcia mella premes, nec tantum dulcia, quantum et liquida et durum Bacchi domitura saporem. At cum incerta volant caeloque examina ludunt contemnuntque favos et frigida tecta relinquunt, instabiles animos ludo prohibebis inani.
106Nec magnus prohibere labor: tu regibus alas eripe; non illis quisquam cunctantibus altum ire iter aut castris audebit vellere signa. Invitent croceis halantes floribus horti et custos furum atque avium cum falce saligna
111Hellespontiaci servet tutela Priapi. Ipse thymum pinosque ferens de montibus altis tecta serat late circum, cui talia curae; ipse labore manum duro terat, ipse feraces figat humo plantas et amicos inriget imbres.
116Atque equidem, extremo ni iam sub fine laborum vela traham et terris festinem advertere proram, forsitan et, pingues hortos quae cura colendi ornaret, canerem, biferique rosaria Paesti, quoque modo potis gauderent intiba rivis
121et virides apio ripae, tortusque per herbam cresceret in ventrem cucumis; nec sera comantem narcissum aut flexi tacuissem vimen acanthi pallentesque hederas et amantes litora myrtos. Namque sub Oebaliae memini me turribus arcis,
126qua niger umectat flaventia culta Galaesus, Corycium vidisse senem, cui pauca relicti iugera ruris erant, nec fertilis illa iuvencis nec pecori opportuna seges nec commoda Baccho. Hic rarum tamen in dumis olus albaque circum
131lilia verbenasque premens vescumque papaver regum aequabat opes animis seraque revertens nocte domum dapibus mensas onerabat inemptis. Primus vere rosam atque autumno carpere poma, et cum tristis hiems etiamnum frigore saxa
136rumperet et glacie cursus frenaret aquarum, ille comam mollis iam tondebat hyacinthi aestatem increpitans seram Zephyrosque morantes. Ergo apibus fetis idem atque examine multo primus abundare et spumantia cogere pressis
141mella favis; illi tiliae atque uberrima pinus, quotque in flore novo pomis se fertilis arbos induerat, totidem autumno matura tenebat. Ille etiam seras in versum distulit ulmos eduramque pirum et spinos iam pruna ferentes
146iamque ministrantem platanum potantibus umbras. Verum haec ipse equidem spatiis exclusus iniquis praetereo atque aliis post me memoranda relinquo. Nunc age, naturas apibus quas Iuppiter ipse addidit, expediam, pro qua mercede canoros
151Curetum sonitus crepitantiaque aera secutae Dictaeo caeli regem pavere sub antro. Solae communes natos, consortia tecta urbis habent magnisque agitant sub legibus aevum, et patriam solae et certos novere penates,
156venturaeque hiemis memores aestate laborem experiuntur et in medium quaesita reponunt. Namque aliae victu invigilant et foedere pacto exercentur agris; pars intra saepta domorum Narcissi lacrimam et lentum de cortice gluten
161prima favis ponunt fundamina, deinde tenaces suspendunt ceras: aliae spem gentis adultos educunt fetus, aliae purissima mella stipant et liquido distendunt nectare cellas. Sunt quibus ad portas cecidit custodia sorti,
166inque vicem speculantur aquas et nubila caeli aut onera accipiunt venientum aut agmine facto ignavum fucos pecus a praesepibus arcent. Fervet opus, redolentque thymo fragrantia mella. ac veluti lentis Cyclopes fulmina massis
171cum properant, alii taurinis follibus auras accipiunt redduntque, alii stridentia tingunt aera lacu; gemit impositis incudibus Aetna; illi inter sese magna vi bracchia tollunt in numerum versantque tenaci forcipe ferrum:
176non aliter, si parva licet componere magnis, Cecropias innatus apes amor urget habendi, munere quamque suo. Grandaevis oppida curae et munire favos et daedala fingere tecta. At fessae multa referunt se nocte minores,
181crura thymo plenae; pascuntur et arbuta passim et glaucas salices casiamque crocumque rubentem et pinguem tiliam et ferrugineos hyacinthos. Omnibus una quies operum, labor omnibus unus: mane ruunt portis; nusquam mora; rursus easdem
186vesper ubi e pastu tandem decedere campis admonuit, tum tecta petunt, tum corpora curant; fit sonitus, mussantque oras et limina circum. Post, ubi iam thalamis se composuere, siletur in noctem fessosque sopor suus occupat artus.
191Nec vero a stabulis pluvia impendente recedunt longius aut credunt caelo adventantibus Euris, sed circum tutae sub moenibus urbis aquantur, excursusque breves temptant et saepe lapillos, ut cumbae instabiles fluctu iactante saburram,
196tollunt, his sese per inania nubila librant. Illum adeo placuisse apibus mirabere morem, quod neque concubitu indulgent nec corpora segnes in Venerem solvunt aut fetus nixibus edunt: verum ipsae e foliis natos, e suavibus herbis
201ore legunt, ipsae regem parvosque Quirites sufficiunt aulasque et cerea regna refigunt. saepe etiam duris errando in cotibus alas attrivere ultroque animam sub fasce dedere: tantus amor florum et generandi gloria mellis.
206Ergo ipsas quamvis angusti terminus aevi excipiat, neque enim plus septima ducitur aestas, at genus immortale manet multosque per annos stat fortuna domus et avi numerantur avorum. Praeterea regem non sic Aegyptus et ingens
211Lydia nec populi Parthorum aut Medus Hydaspes observant. Rege incolumi mens omnibus una est; amisso rupere fidem constructaque mella diripuere ipsae et crates solvere favorum. Ille operum custos, illum admiruntur et omnes
216circumstant fremitu denso stipantque frequentes et saepe attollunt umeris et corpora bello obiectant pulchramque petunt per vulnera mortem. His quidam signis atque haec exempla secuti esse apibus partem divinae mentis et haustus
221aetherios dixere; deum namque ire per omnes terrasque tractusque maris caelumque profundum. Hinc pecudes, armenta, viros, genus omne ferarum, quemque sibi tenues nascentem arcessere vitas; scilicet huc reddi deinde ac resoluta referri
226omnia nec morti esse locum, sed viva volare sideris in numerum atque alto succedere caelo. Si quando sedem angustam servataque mella thesauris relines, prius haustu sparsus aquarum ora fove fumosque manu praetende sequaces.
231Bis gravidos cogunt fetus, duo tempora messis, Taygete simul os terris ostendit honestum Pleas et Oceani spretos pede reppulit amnes, aut eadem sidus fugiens ubi Piscis aquosi tristior hibernas caelo descendit in undas.
236Illis ira modum supra est, laesaeque venenum morsibus inspirant et spicula caeca relinquunt adfixae venis animasque in vulnere ponunt. Sin duram metues hiemem parcesque futuro contunsosque animos et res miserabere fractas,
241at suffire thymo cerasque recidere inanes quis dubitet? nam saepe favos ignotus adedit stellio et lucifugis congesta cubilia blattis immunisque sedens aliena ad pabula fucus aut asper crabro imparibus se immiscuit armis,
246aut dirum tiniae genus, aut invisa Minervae laxos in foribus suspendit aranea casses. Quo magis exhaustae fuerint, hoc acrius omnes incumbent generis lapsi sarcire ruinas complebuntque foros et floribus horrea texent.
251Si vero, quoniam casus apibus quoque nostros vita tulit, tristi languebunt corpora morbo— quod iam non dubiis poteris cognoscere signis: continuo est aegris alius color, horrida vultum deformat macies, tum corpora luce carentum
256exportant tectis et tristia funera ducunt; aut illae pedibus conexae ad limina pendent, aut intus clausis cunctantur in aedibus, omnes ignavaeque fame et contracto frigore pigrae. Tum sonus auditur gravior, tractimque susurrant,
261frigidus ut quondam silvis immurmurat Auster, ut mare sollicitum stridit refluentibus undis, aestuat ut clausis rapidus fornacibus ignis: hic iam galbaneos suadebo incendere odores mellaque harundineis inferre canalibus, ultro
266hortantem et fessas ad pabula nota vocantem. Proderit et tunsum gallae admiscere saporem Arentesque rosas aut igni pinguia multo defruta vel psithia passos de vite racemos Cecropiumque thymum et grave olentia centaurea.
271Est etiam flos in pratis, cui nomen amello fecere agricolae, facilis quaerentibus herba; namque uno ingentem tollit de caespite silvam, aureus ipse, sed in foliis, quae plurima circum funduntur, violae sublucet purpura nigrae;
277asper in ore sapor; tonsis in vallibus illum pastores et curva legunt prope flumina Mellae. Huius odorato radices incoque Baccho pabulaque in foribus plenis adpone canistris. Sed siquem proles subito defecerit omnis,
282nec genus unde novae stirpis revocetur habebit, tempus et Arcadii memoranda inventa magistri pandere, quoque modo caesis iam saepe iuvencis insincerus apes tulerit cruor. Altius omnem expediam prima repetens ab origine famam.
287Nam qua Pellaei gens fortunata Canopi accolit effuso stagnantem flumine Nilum et circum pictis vehitur sua rura phaselis, quaque pharetratae vicinia Persidis urget, omnis in hac certam regio iacit arte salutem.
295Exiguus primum atque ipsos contractus in usus eligitur locus; hunc angustique imbrice tecti parietibusque premunt artis et quattuor addunt, quattuor a ventis obliqua luce fenestras. Tum vitulus bima curvans iam cornua fronte
300quaeritur; huic geminae nares et spiritus oris multa reluctanti obstruitur, plagisque perempto tunsa per integram solvuntur viscera pellem. Sic positum in clauso linquunt et ramea costis subiciunt fragmenta, thymum casiasque recentes.
305Hoc geritur Zephyris primum impellentibus undas, ante novis rubeant quam prata coloribus, ante garrula quam tignis nidum suspendat hirundo. Interea teneris tepefactus in ossibus umor aestuat et visenda modis animalia miris,
310trunca pedum primo, mox et stridentia pennis, miscentur tenuemque magis magis aera carpunt, donec, ut aestivis effusus nubibus imber, erupere aut ut nervo pulsante sagittae, prima leves ineunt si quando proelia Parthi.
315Quis deus hanc, Musae, quis nobis extudit artem? Unde nova ingressus hominum experientia cepit? Pastor Aristaeus fugiens Peneia Tempe, amissis, ut fama, apibus morboque fameque, tristis ad extremi sacrum caput adstitit amnis
320multa querens atque hac adfatus voce parentem: “Mater, Cyrene mater, quae gurgitis huius ima tenes, quid me praeclara stirpe deorum, si modo, quem perhibes, pater est Thymbraeus Apollo, invisum fatis genuisti? aut quo tibi nostri
325pulsus amor? quid me caelum sperare iubebas? En etiam hunc ipsum vitae mortalis honorem, quem mihi vix frugum et pecudum custodia sollers omnia temptanti extuderat, te matre relinquo. Quin age et ipsa manu felices erue silvas,
330fer stabulis inimicum ignem atque interfice messes, ure sata et validam in vites molire bipennem, tanta meae si te ceperunt taedia laudis.” At mater sonitum thalamo sub fluminis alti sensit. Eam circum Milesia vellera Nymphae
335carpebant hyali saturo fucata colore, drymoque Xanthoque Ligeaque Phyllodoceque, caesariem effusae nitidam per candida colla, Nesaee Spioque Thaliaque Cymodoceque, Cydippeque et flava Lycorias, altera virgo,
340altera tum primos Lucinae experta labores, Clioque et Beroe soror, Oceanitides ambae, ambae auro, pictis incinctae pellibus ambae, atque Ephyre atque Opis et Asia Deiopea et tandem positis velox Arethusa sagittis.
345Inter quas curam Clymene narrabat inanem Vulcani Martisque dolos et dulcia furta, aque Chao densos divum numerabat amores carmine quo captae dum fusis mollia pensa devolvunt, iterum maternas impulit aures
350luctus Aristaei, vitreisque sedilibus omnes obstipuere; sed ante alias Arethusa sorores prospiciens summa flavum caput extulit unda et procul: “O gemitu non frustra exterrita tanto, Cyrene soror, ipse tibi, tua maxima cura,
355tristis Aristaeus Penei genitoris ad undam stat lacrimans et te crudelem nomine dicit.” Huic percussa nova mentem formidine mater, “duc, age, duc ad nos; fas illi limina divum tangere,” ait. Simul alta iubet discedere late
360flumina, qua iuvenis gressus inferret. At illum curvata in montis faciem circumstetit unda accepitque sinu vasto misitque sub amnem. Iamque domum mirans genetricis et umida regna speluncisque lacus clausos lucosque sonantes
365ibat et ingenti motu stupefactus aquarum omnia sub magna labentia flumina terra spectabat diversa locis, Phasimque Lycumque et caput, unde altus primum se erumpit Enipeus unde pater Tiberinus et unde Aniena fluenta
370saxosusque sonans Hypanis Mysusque Caicus, et gemina auratus taurino cornua vultu Eridanus, quo non alius per pinguia culta in mare purpureum violentior effluit amnis. Postquam est in thalami pendentia pumice tecta
375perventum et nati fletus cognovit inanes Cyrene, manibus liquidos dant ordine fontes germanae tonsisque ferunt mantelia villis; pars epulis onerant mensas et plena reponunt pocula, Panchaeis adolescunt ignibus arae;
380et mater, “Cape Maeonii carchesia Bacchi: Oceano libemus,” ait. Simul ipsa precatur Oceanumque patrem rerum Nymphasque sorores centum quae silvas, centum quae flumina servant. Ter liquido ardentem perfundit nectare Vestam,
385ter flamma ad summum tecti subiecta reluxit. Omine quo firmans animum sic incipit ipsa: “Est in Carphatio Neptuni gurgite vates caeruleus Proteus, magnum qui piscibus aequor et iuncto bipedum curru metitur equorum.
390Hic nunc Emathiae portus patriamque revisit Pallenen, hunc et Nymphae veneramur et ipse grandaevus Nereus; novit namque omnia vates, quae sint, quae fuerint, quae mox ventura trahantur; quippe ita Neptuno visum est, immania cuius
395armenta et turpes pascit sub gurgite phocas. Hic tibi, nate, prius vinclis capiendus, ut omnem expediat morbi causam eventusque secundet. Nam sine vi non ulla dabit praecepta, neque illum orando flectes; vim duram et vincula capto
400tende; doli circum haec demum frangentur inanes. Ipsa ego, te, medios cum sol accenderit aestus, cum sitiunt herbae et pecori iam gratior umbra est, in secreta senis ducam, quo fessus ab undis se recipit, facile ut somno adgrediare iacentem.
405Verum ubi correptum manibus vinclisque tenebis, tum variae eludent species atque ora ferarum Fiet enim subito sus horridus atraque tigris squamosusque draco et fulva cervice leaena, aut acrem flammae sonitum dabit atque ita vinclis
410excidet, aut in aquas tenues dilapsus abibit. Sed quanto ille magis formas se vertet in omnes, tanto, nate, magis contende tenacia vincla, donec talis erit mutato corpore, qualem videris, incepto tegeret cum lumina somno.”
415Haec ait et liquidum ambrosiae defundit odorem, quo totum nati corpus perduxit; at illi dulcis compositis spiravit crinibus aura atque habilis membris venit vigor. Est specus ingens exesi latere in montis, quo plurima vento
420cogitur inque sinus scindit sese unda reductos, deprensis olim statio tutissima nautis; intus se vasti Proteus tegit obice saxi. Hic iuvenem in latebris aversum a lumine Nympha collocat; ipsa procul nebulis obscura resistit.
425Iam rapidus torrens sitientes Sirius Indos ardebat, caelo et medium sol igneus orbem hauserat; arebant herbae et cava flumina siccis faucibus ad limum radii tepefacta coquebant: cum Proteus consueta petens e fluctibus antra
430ibat; eum vasti circum gens umida ponti exsultans rorem late dispergit amarum. Sternunt se somno diversae in litore phocae. Ipse, velut stabuli custos in montibus olim, vesper ubi e pastu vitulos ad tecta reducit,
435auditisque lupos acuunt balatibus agni, considit scopulo medius numerumque recenset. Cuius Aristaeo quoniam est oblata facultas, vix defessa senem passus componere membra cum clamore ruit magno manicisque iacentem
440occupat. Ille suae contra non immemor artis omnia transformat sese in miracula rerum, ignemque horribilemque feram fluviumque liquentem. Verum ubi nulla fugam reperit fallacia, victus in sese redit atque hominis tandem ore locutus:
445“Nam quis te, iuvenum confidentissime, nostras iussit adire domos? Quidve hinc petis?” inquit. At ille: “Scis, Proteu, scis ipse; neque est te fallere quicquam sed tu desine velle. Deum praecepta secuti venimus hinc lapsis quaesitum oracula rebus.”
450Tantum effatus. Ad haec vates vi denique multa ardentes oculos intorsit lumine glauco et graviter frendens sic fatis ora resolvit. “Non te nullius exercent numinis irae; magna luis commissa: tibi has miserabilis Orpheus
455haudquaquam ob meritum poenas, ni fata resistant, suscitat et rapta graviter pro coniuge saevit. Illa quidem, dum te fugeret per flumina praeceps, immanem ante pedes hydrum moritura puella servantem ripas alta non vidit in herba.
460At chorus aequalis Dryadum clamore supremos implerunt montes; flerunt Rhodopeiae arces altaque Pangaea et Rhesi mavortia tellus atque Getae atque Hebrus et Actias Orithyia. Ipse cava solans aegrum testudine amorem
465te, dulcis coniunx, te solo in litore secum, te veniente die, te decedente canebat. Taenarias etiam fauces, alta ostia Ditis, et caligantem nigra formidine lucum ingressus manesque adiit regemque tremendum
470nesciaque humanis precibus mansuescere corda. At cantu commotae Erebi de sedibus imis umbrae ibant tenues simulacraque luce carentum, quam multa in foliis avium se milia condunt vesper ubi aut hibernus agit de montibus imber,
475matres atque viri defunctaque corpora vita magnanimum heroum, pueri innuptaeque puellae, impositique rogis iuvenes ante ora parentum, quos circum limus niger et deformis harundo Cocyti tardaque palus inamabilis unda
480alligat et noviens Styx interfusa coercet. Quin ipsae stupuere domus atque intima Leti tartara caeruleosque implexae crinibus angues Eumenides, tenuitque inhians tria Cerberus ora atque Ixionii vento rota constitit orbis.
485Iamque pedem referens casus evaserat omnes; redditaque Eurydice superas veniebat ad auras, pone sequens, namque hanc dederat Proserpina legem, cum subita incautum dementia cepit amantem, ignoscenda quidem, scirent si ignoscere manes.
490Restitit Eurydicenque suam iam luce sub ipsa immemor heu! victusque animi respexit. Ibi omnis effusus labor atque immitis rupta tyranni foedera, terque fragor stagnis auditus Avernis. Illa, “Quis et me,” inquit, “miseram et te perdidit, Orpheu,
495quis tantus furor? En iterum crudelia retro Fata vocant, conditque natantia lumina somnus. Iamque vale: feror ingenti circumdata nocte invalidasque tibi tendens, heu non tua, palmas!” dixit et ex oculis subito, ceu fumus in auras
500commixtus tenues, fugit diversa, neque illum, prensantem nequiquam umbras et multa volentem dicere, praeterea vidit, nec portitor Orci amplius obiectam passus transire paludem. Quid faceret? Quo se rapta bis coniuge ferret?
505Quo fletu Manis, quae numina voce moveret? Illa quidem Stygia nabat iam frigida cumba. Septem illum totos perhibent ex ordine menses rupe sub aeria deserti ad Strymonis undam flesse sibi et gelidis haec evolvisse sub antris
510mulcentem tigres et agentem carmine quercus; qualis populea maerens philomela sub umbra amissos queritur fetus, quos durus arator observans nido implumes detraxit; at illa flet noctem ramoque sedens miserabile carmen
515integrat et maestis late loca questibus implet. Nulla Venus, non ulli animum flexere hymenaei. Solus Hyperboreas glacies Tanaimque nivalem arvaque Rhipaeis numquam viduata pruinis lustrabat raptam Eurydicen atque inrita Ditis
520dona querens; spretae Ciconum quo munere matres inter sacra deum nocturnique orgia Bacchi discerptum latos iuvenem sparsere per agros. Tum quoque marmorea caput a cervice revulsum gurgite cum medio portans Oeagrius Hebrus
525volveret, Eurydicen vox ipsa et frigida lingua “ah miseram Eurydicen!” anima fugiente vocabat: “Eurydicen” toto referebant flumine ripae.” Haec Proteus, et se iactu dedit aequor in altum, quaque dedit, spumantem undam sub vertice torsit.
530At non Cyrene; namque ultro adfata timentem: “Nate, licet tristes animo deponere curas. Haec omnis morbi causa; hinc miserabile Nymphae, cum quibus illa choros lucis agitabat in altis, exitium misere apibus. Tu munera supplex
535tende petens pacem et faciles venerare Napaeas; namque dabunt veniam votis irasque remittent. Sed modus orandi qui sit, prius ordine dicam. Quattuor eximios praestanti corpore tauros, qui tibi nunc viridis depascunt summa Lycaei,
540delige et intacta totidem cervice iuvencas. Quattuor his aras alta ad delubra dearum constitue et sacrum iugulis demitte cruorem, corporaque ipsa boum frondoso desere luco. Post, ubi nona suos Aurora ostenderit ortus,
545inferias Orphei Lethaea papavera mittes et nigram mactabis ovem lucumque revises: placatam Eurydicen vitula venerabere caesa.” Haud mora; continuo matris praecepta facessit; ad delubra venit, monstratas excitat aras,
550quattuor eximios praestanti corpore tauros ducit et intacta totidem cervice iuvencas. Post, ubi nona suos Aurora induxerat ortus, inferias Orphei mittit lucumque revisit. Hic vero subitum ac dictu mirabile monstrum
555adspiciunt, liquefacta boum per viscera toto stridere apes utero et ruptis effervere costis, immensasque trahi nubes, iamque arbore summa confluere et lentis uvam demittere ramis. Haec super arvorum cultu pecorumque canebam
560et super arboribus, Caesar dum magnus ad altum fulminat Euphraten bello victorque volentes per populos dat iura viamque adfectat Olympo. Illo Vergilium me tempore dulcis alebat Parthenope studiis florentem ignobilis oti,
565carmina qui lusi pastorum audaxque iuventa, Tityre, te patulae cecini sub tegmine fagi.
Book 1
1Quid faciat laetas segetes, quo sidere terram vertere, Maecenas, ulmisque adiungere vitis conveniat, quae cura boum, qui cultus habendo sit pecori, apibus quanta experientia parcis, hinc canere incipiam. Vos, o clarissima mundi
6lumina, labentem caelo quae ducitis annum, Liber et alma Ceres, vestro si munere tellus Chaoniam pingui glandem mutavit arista, poculaque inventis Acheloia miscuit uvis; et vos, agrestum praesentia numina, Fauni,
11ferte simul Faunique pedem Dryadesque puellae: Munera vestra cano. Tuque o, cui prima frementem fudit equum magno tellus percussa tridenti, Neptune; et cultor nemorum, cui pinguia Ceae ter centum nivei tondent dumeta iuvenci;
16ipse nemus linquens patrium saltusque Lycaei, Pan, ovium custos, tua si tibi Maenala curae, adsis, o Tegeaee, favens, oleaeque Minerva inventrix, uncique puer monstrator aratri, et teneram ab radice ferens, Silvane, cupressum,
21dique deaeque omnes, studium quibus arva tueri, quique novas alitis non ullo semine fruges, quique satis largum caelo demittitis imbrem; tuque adeo, quem mox quae sint habitura deorum concilia, incertum est, urbisne invisere, Caesar,
26terrarumque velis curam et te maximus orbis auctorem frugum tempestatumque potentem accipiat, cingens materna tempora myrto, an deus inmensi venias maris ac tua nautae numina sola colant, tibi serviat ultima Thule
31teque sibi generum Tethys emat omnibus undis, anne novum tardis sidus te mensibus addas, qua locus Erigonen inter Chelasque sequentis panditur—ipse tibi iam bracchia contrahit ardens Scorpius et caeli iusta plus parte reliquit—
36quidquid eris,—nam te nec sperant Tartara regem nec tibi regnandi veniat tam dira cupido, quamvis Elysios miretur Graecia campos nec repetita sequi curet Proserpina matrem— da facilem cursum atque audacibus adnue coeptis
41ignarosque viae mecum miseratus agrestis ingredere et votis iam nunc adsuesce vocari. Vere novo, gelidus canis cum montibus humor liquitur et Zephyro putris se glaeba resolvit, depresso incipiat iam tum mihi taurus aratro
46ingemere et sulco attritus splendescere vomer. Illa seges demum votis respondet avari agricolae, bis quae solem, bis frigora sensit; illius inmensae ruperunt horrea messes. At prius ignotum ferro quam scindimus aequor,
51ventos et varium caeli praediscere morem cura sit ac patrios cultusque habitusque locorum et quid quaeque ferat regio et quid quaeque recuset. Hic segetes, illic veniunt felicius uvae, arborei fetus alibi, atque iniussa virescunt
56gramina. Nonne vides, croceos ut Tmolus odores, India mittit ebur, molles sua tura Sabaei, at Chalybes nudi ferrum, virosaque Pontus castorea, Eliadum palmas Epiros equarum. Continuo has leges aeternaque foedera certis
61inposuit natura locis, quo tempore primum Deucalion vacuum lapides iactavit in orbem, unde homines nati, durum genus. Ergo age, terrae pingue solum primis extemplo a mensibus anni fortes invertant tauri glaebasque iacentis
66pulverulenta coquat maturis solibus aestas; at si non fuerit tellus fecunda, sub ipsum Arcturum tenui sat erit suspendere sulco: illic, officiant laetis ne frugibus herbae, hic, sterilem exiguus ne deserat humor harenam.
71Alternis idem tonsas cessare novalis et segnem patiere situ durescere campum; aut ibi flava seres mutato sidere farra, unde prius laetum siliqua quassante legumen aut tenuis fetus viciae tristisque lupini
76sustuleris fragilis calamos silvamque sonantem. Urit enim lini campum seges, urit avenae, urunt Lethaeo perfusa papavera somno: sed tamen alternis facilis labor, arida tantum ne saturare fimo pingui pudeat sola neve
81effetos cinerem inmundum iactare per agros. Sic quoque mutatis requiescunt fetibus arva; nec nulla interea est inaratae gratia terrae. Saepe etiam sterilis incendere profuit agros atque levem stipulam crepitantibus urere flammis:
86sive inde occultas viris et pabula terrae pinguia concipiunt, sive illis omne per ignem excoquitur vitium atque exsudat inutilis humor, seu pluris calor ille vias et caeca relaxat spiramenta, novas veniat qua sucus in herbas,
91seu durat magis et venas adstringit hiantis, ne tenues pluviae rapidive potentia solis acrior aut Boreae penetrabile frigus adurat. Multum adeo, rastris glaebas qui frangit inertis vimineasque trahit cratis, iuvat arva, neque illum
96flava Ceres alto nequiquam spectat Olympo; et qui, proscisso quae suscitat aequore terga, rursus in obliquum verso perrumpit aratro, exercetque frequens tellurem atque imperat arvis. Humida solstitia atque hiemes orate serenas,
101agricolae; hiberno laetissima pulvere farra, laetus ager: nullo tantum se Mysia cultu iactat et ipsa suas mirantur Gargara messis. Quid dicam, iacto qui semine comminus arva insequitur cumulosque ruit male pinguis harenae
106deinde satis fluvium inducit rivosque sequentis et, cum exustus ager morientibus aestuat herbis, ecce supercilio clivosi tramitis undam elicit. illa cadens raucum per levia murmur saxa ciet, scatebrisque arentia temperat arva.
111Quid qui, ne gravidis procumbat culmus aristis, luxuriem segetum tenera depascit in herba, cum primum sulcos aequant sata. quique paludis collectum humorem bibula deducit harena. Praesertim incertis si mensibus amnis abundans
116exit et obducto late tenet omnia limo, unde cavae tepido sudant humore lacunae. Nec tamen, haec cum sint hominumque boumque labores versando terram experti, nihil inprobus anser Strymoniaeque grues et amaris intiba fibris
121officiunt aut umbra nocet. Pater ipse colendi haud facilem esse viam voluit, primusque per artem movit agros curis acuens mortalia corda nec torpere gravi passus sua regna veterno. Ante Iovem nulli subigebant arva coloni;
126ne signare quidem aut partiri limite campum fas erat: in medium quaerebant ipsaque tellus omnia liberius nullo poscente ferebat. Ille malum virus serpentibus addidit atris praedarique lupos iussit pontumque moveri,
131mellaque decussit foliis ignemque removit et passim rivis currentia vina repressit, ut varias usus meditando extunderet artis paulatim et sulcis frumenti quaereret herbam. Tunc alnos primum fluvii sensere cavatas;
137navita tum stellis numeros et nomina fecit, Pleiadas, Hyadas, claramque Lycaonis Arcton; tum laqueis captare feras et fallere visco inventum et magnos canibus circumdare saltus; atque alius latum funda iam verberat amnem
142alta petens, pelagoque alius trahit humida lina; tum ferri rigor atque argutae lamina serrae,— nam primi cuneis scindebant fissile lignum tum variae venere artes. Labor omnia vicit inprobus et duris urgens in rebus egestas.
147Prima Ceres ferro mortalis vertere terram instituit, cum iam glandes atque arbuta sacrae deficerent silvae et victum Dodona negaret. Mox et frumentis labor additus, ut mala culmos esset robigo segnisque horreret in arvis
152carduus; intereunt segetes, subit aspera silva, lappaeque tribolique, interque nitentia culta infelix lolium et steriles dominantur avenae. Quod nisi et adsiduis herbam insectabere rastris, et sonitu terrebis aves, et ruris opaci
157falce premes umbras votisque vocaveris imbrem, heu magnum alterius frustra spectabis acervum, concussaque famem in silvis solabere quercu. Dicendum et, quae sint duris agrestibus arma, quis sine nec potuere seri nec surgere messes:
162vomis et inflexi primum grave robur aratri tardaque Eleusinae matris volventia plaustra tribulaque traheaeque et iniquo pondere rastri; virgea praeterea Celei vilisque supellex, arbuteae crates et mystica vannus Iacchi.
167Omnia quae multo ante memor provisa repones, si te digna manet divini gloria ruris. Continuo in silvis magna vi flexa domatur in burim et curvi formam accipit ulmus aratri. Huic a stirpe pedes temo protentus in octo,
172binae aures, duplici aptantur dentalia dorso caeditur et tilia ante iugo levis altaque fagus, stivaque, quae currus a tergo torqueat imos, et suspensa focis explorat robora fumus. Possum multa tibi veterum praecepta referre,
177ni refugis tenuisque piget cognoscere curas. Area cum primis ingenti aequanda cylindro et vertenda manu et creta solidanda tenaci, ne subeant herbae neu pulvere victa fatiscat, tum variae inludant pestes: saepe exiguus mus
182sub terris posuitque domos atque horrea fecit, aut oculis capti fodere cubilia talpae, inventusque cavis bufo et quae plurima terrae monstra ferunt, populatque ingentem farris acervum curculio atque inopi metuens formica senectae.
187Contemplator item, cum se nux plurima silvis induet in florem et ramos curvabit olentis. Si superant fetus, pariter frumenta sequentur magnaque cum magno veniet tritura calore; at si luxuria foliorum exuberat umbra,
192nequiquam pinguis palea teret area culmos. Semina vidi equidem multos medicare serentis et nitro prius et nigra perfundere amurca, grandior ut fetus siliquis fallacibus esset, et, quamvis igni exiguo, properata maderent.
197Vidi lecta diu et multo spectata labore degenerare tamen, ni vis humana quot annis maxima quaeque manu legeret. Sic omnia fatis in peius ruere ac retro sublapsa referri, non aliter, quam qui adverso vix flumine lembum
202remigiis subigit, si bracchia forte remisit, atque illum in praeceps prono rapit alveus amni. Praeterea tam sunt Arcturi sidera nobis Haedorumque dies servandi et lucidus Anguis, quam quibus in patriam ventosa per aequora vectis
207pontus et ostriferi fauces temptantur Abydi. Libra die somnique pares ubi fecerit horas et medium luci atque umbris iam dividit orbem, exercete, viri, tauros, serite hordea campis usque sub extremum brumae intractabilis imbrem;
212nec non et lini segetem et Cereale papaver tempus humo tegere et iamdudum incumbere aratris, dum sicca tellure licet, dum nubila pendent. Vere fabis satio; tum te quoque, Medica, putres accipiunt sulci et milio venit annua cura,
217candidus auratis aperit cum cornibus annum Taurus et averso cedens Canis occidit astro. At si triticeam in messem robustaque farra exercebis humum solisque instabis aristis, ante tibi Eoae Atlantides abscondantur
222Gnosiaque ardentis decedat stella Coronae, debita quam sulcis committas semina quamque invitae properes anni spem credere terrae. Multi ante occasum Maiae coepere; sed illos exspectata seges vanis elusit avenis.
227Si vero viciamque seres vilemque phaselum nec Pelusiacae curam aspernabere lentis, haud obscura cadens mittet tibi signa Bootes: incipe et ad medias sementem extende pruinas. Idcirco certis dimensum partibus orbem
232per duodena regit mundi Sol aureus astra. Quinque tenent caelum zonae; quarum una corusco semper sole rubens et torrida semper ab igni; quam circum extremae dextra laevaque trahuntur caeruleae, glacie concretae atque imbribus atris;
237has inter mediamque duae mortalibus aegris munere concessae divom, et via secta per ambas, obliquus qua se signorum verteret ordo. Mundus, ut ad Scythiam Rhipaeasque arduus arces consurgit, premitur Libyae devexus in austros.
242Hic vertex nobis semper sublimis; at illum sub pedibus Styx atra videt Manesque profundi. Maximus hic flexu sinuoso elabitur Anguis circum perque duas in morem fluminis Arctos, Arctos Oceani metuentis aequore tingui.
247Illic, ut perhibent, aut intempesta silet nox, semper et obtenta densentur nocte tenebrae, aut redit a nobis Aurora diemque reducit; nosque ubi primus equis Oriens adflavit anhelis, illic, sera rubens accendit lumina Vesper.
252Hinc tempestates dubio praediscere caelo possumus, hinc messisque diem tempusque serendi, et quando infidum remis inpellere marmor conveniat, quando armatas deducere classis, aut tempestivam silvis evertere pinum.
257Nec frustra signorum obitus speculamur et ortus, temporibusque parem diversis quattuor annum. Frigidus agricolam si quando continet imber, multa, forent quae mox caelo properanda sereno, maturare datur: durum procudit arator
262vomeris obtunsi dentem, cavat arbore lintres, aut pecori signum aut numeros inpressit acervis. Exacuunt alii vallos furcasque bicornis atque Amerina parant lentae retinacula viti. Nunc facilis rubea texatur fiscina virga,
267nunc torrete igni fruges, nunc frangite saxo. Quippe etiam festis quaedam exercere diebus fas et iura sinunt; rivos deducere nulla religio vetuit, segeti praetendere saepem, insidias avibus moliri, incendere vepres,
272balantumque gregem fluvio mersare salubri. Saepe oleo tardi costas agitator aselli vilibus aut onerat pomis, lapidemque revertens incusum aut atrae massam picis urbe reportat. Ipsa dies alios alio dedit ordine Luna
277felicis operum. Quintam fuge: pallidus Orcus Eumenidesque satae; tum partu Terra nefando Coeumque Iapetumque creat saevumque Typhoea et coniuratos caelum rescindere fratres. Ter sunt conati inponere Pelio Ossam
282scilicet, atque Ossae frondosum involvere Olympum; ter pater exstructos disiecit fulmine montis. Septima post decimam felix et ponere vitem et prensos domitare boves et licia telae addere: nona fugae melior, contraria furtis.
287Multa adeo gelida melius se nocte dedere, aut cum sole novo terras inrorat Eous. Nocte leves melius stipulae, nocte arida prata tondentur, noctes lentus non deficit humor. Et quidam seros hiberni ad luminis ignis
292pervigilat ferroque faces inspicat acuto; interea longum cantu solata laborem arguto coniunx percurrit pectine telas, aut dulcis musti Volcano decoquit humorem et foliis undam trepidi despumat aeni.
297At rubicunda Ceres medio succiditur aestu et medio tostas aestu terit area fruges. Nudus ara, sere nudus; hiems ignava colono. Frigoribus parto agricolae plerumque fruuntur mutuaque inter se laeti convivia curant.
302Invitat genialis hiems curasque resolvit, ceu pressae cum iam portum tetigere carinae, puppibus et laeti nautae inposuere coronas. Sed tamen et quernas glandes tum stringere tempus et lauri bacas oleamque cruentaque myrta,
307tum gruibus pedicas et retia ponere cervis auritosque sequi lepores, tum figere dammas, stuppea torquentem Balearis verbera fundae, cum nix alta iacet, glaciem cum flumina trudunt. Quid tempestates autumni et sidera dicam,
312atque, ubi iam breviorque dies et mollior aestas, quae vigilanda viris. vel cum ruit imbriferum ver, spicea iam campis cum messis inhorruit et cum frumenta in viridi stipula lactentia turgent. Saepe ego, cum flavis messorem induceret arvis
317agricola et fragili iam stringeret hordea culmo, omnia ventorum concurrere proelia vidi, quae gravidam late segetem ab radicibus imis sublimem expulsam eruerent; ita turbine nigro ferret hiems culmumque levem stipulasque volantis.
322Saepe etiam inmensum caelo venit agmen aquarum et foedam glomerant tempestatem imbribus atris collectae ex alto nubes; ruit arduus aether et pluvia ingenti sata laeta boumque labores diluit; inplentur fossae et cava flumina crescunt
327cum sonitu fervetque fretis spirantibus aequor. Ipse pater media nimborum in nocte corusca fulmina molitur dextra; quo maxuma motu terra tremit; fugere ferae et mortalia corda per gentis humilis stravit pavor; ille flagranti
332aut Athon aut Rhodopen aut alta Ceraunia telo deicit; ingeminant austri et densissimus imber; nunc nemora ingenti vento, nunc litora plangunt. Hoc metuens caeli menses et sidera serva, frigida Saturni sese quo stella receptet,
337quos ignis caelo Cyllenius erret in orbis. In primis venerare deos atque annua magnae sacra refer Cereri laetis operatus in herbis extremae sub casum hiemis, iam vere sereno. Tum pingues agni et tum mollissima vina,
342tum somni dulces densaeque in montibus umbrae. Cuncta tibi Cererem pubes agrestis adoret; cui tu lacte favos et miti dilue Baccho, terque novas circum felix eat hostia fruges, omnis quam chorus et socii comitentur ovantes,
347et Cererem clamore vocent in tecta; neque ante falcem maturis quisquam supponat aristis, quam Cereri torta redimitus tempora quercu det motus incompositos et carmina dicat. Atque haec ut certis possemus discere signis,
352aestusque pluviasque et agentis frigora ventos, ipse Pater statuit, quid menstrua Luna moneret, quo signo caderent austri, quid saepe videntes agricolae propius stabulis armenta tenerent. Continuo ventis surgentibus aut freta ponti
357incipiunt agitata tumescere et aridus altis montibus audiri fragor aut resonantia longe litora misceri et nemorum increbrescere murmur. Iam sibi tum a curvis male temperat unda carinis, cum medio celeres revolant ex aequore mergi
362clamoremque ferunt ad litora, cumque marinae in sicco ludunt fulicae notasque paludes deserit atque altam supra volat ardea nubem. Saepe etiam stellas vento inpendente videbis praecipitis caelo labi noctisque per umbram
367flammarum longos a tergo albescere tractus; saepe levem paleam et frondes volitare caducas aut summa nantis in aqua colludere plumas. At Boreae de parte trucis cum fulminat et cum Eurique Zephyrique tonat domus: omnia plenis
372rura natant fossis atque omnis navita ponto humida vela legit. Numquam inprudentibus imber obfuit: aut illum surgentem vallibus imis aëriae fugere grues, aut bucula caelum suspiciens patulis captavit naribus auras,
377aut arguta lacus circumvolitavit hirundo et veterem in limo ranae cecinere querelam. Saepius et tectis penetralibus extulit ova angustum formica terens iter et bibit ingens arcus et e pastu decedens agmine magno
382corvorum increpuit densis exercitus alis. Iam variae pelagi volucres et quae Asia circum dulcibus in stagnis rimantur prata Caystri, certatim largos umeris infundere rores: nunc caput obiectare fretis, nunc currere in undas
387et studio incassum videas gestire lavandi. Tum cornix plena pluviam vocat inproba voce et sola in sicca secum spatiatur harena. Ne nocturna quidem carpentes pensa puellae nescivere hiemem, testa cum ardente viderent
392scintillare oleum et putris concrescere fungos. Nec minus ex imbri soles et aperta serena prospicere et certis poteris cognoscere signis: nam neque tum stellis acies obtunsa videtur, nec fratris radiis obnoxia surgere Luna,
397tenuia nec lanae per caelum vellera ferri; non tepidum ad solem pinnas in litore pandunt dilectae Thetidi alcyones, non ore solutos inmundi meminere sues iactare maniplos. At nebulae magis ima petunt campoque recumbunt,
402solis et occasum servans de culmine summo nequiquam seros exercet noctua cantus. Adparet liquido sublimis in aëre Nisus et pro purpureo poenas dat Scylla capillo: quacumque illa levem fugiens secat aethera pinnis,
407ecce inimicus, atrox, magno stridore per auras insequitur Nisus; qua se fert Nisus ad auras, illa levem fugiens raptim secat aethera pinnis Tum liquidas corvi presso ter gutture voces aut quater ingeminant, et saepe cubilibus altis
412nescio qua praeter solitum dulcedine laeti inter se in foliis strepitant; iuvat imbribus actis progeniem parvam dulcisque revisere nidos; haud equidem credo, quia sit divinitus illis ingenium aut rerum fato prudentia maior;
417verum ubi tempestas et caeli mobilis humor mutavere vias et Iuppiter uvidus austris denset, erant quae rara modo, et, quae densa, relaxat, vertuntur species animorum et pectora motus nunc alios, alios, dum nubila ventus agebat,
422concipiunt: hinc ille avium concentus in agris et laetae pecudes et ovantes gutture corvi. Si vero solem ad rapidum lunasque sequentis ordine respicies, numquam te crastina fallet hora neque insidiis noctis capiere serenae.
427Luna, revertentis cum primum colligit ignis, si nigrum obscuro conprenderit aera cornu, maxumus agricolis pelagoque parabitur imber; at si virgineum suffuderit ore ruborem, ventus erit; vento semper rubet aurea Phoebe.
432Sin ortu quarto, namque is certissimus auctor, pura neque obtunsis per caelum cornibus ibit, totus et ille dies et qui nascentur ab illo exactum ad mensem pluvia ventisque carebunt, votaque servati solvent in litore nautae
437Glauco et Panopeae et Inoo Melicertae. Sol quoque et exoriens et cum se condet in undas signa dabit; solem certissima signa sequuntur, et quae mane refert et quae surgentibus astris. Ille ubi nascentem maculis variaverit ortum
442conditus in nubem medioque refugerit orbe, suspecti tibi sint imbres; namque urget ab alto arboribusque satisque Notus pecorique sinister. Aut ubi sub lucem densa inter nubila sese diversi rumpent radii aut ubi pallida surget
447Tithoni croceum linquens Aurora cubile, heu male tum mitis defendet pampinus uvas: tam multa in tectis crepitans salit horrida grando. Hoc etiam, emenso cum iam decedit Olympo, profuerit meminisse magis; nam saepe videmus
452ipsius in voltu varios errare colores: caeruleus pluviam denuntiat, igneus Euros; sin maculae incipient rutilo inmiscerier igni, omnia tum pariter vento nimbisque videbis fervere. Non illa quisquam me nocte per altum
457ire, neque a terra moneat convellere funem. At si, cum referetque diem condetque relatum, lucidus orbis erit, frustra terrebere nimbis et claro silvas cernes Aquilone moveri. Denique quid vesper serus vehat, unde serenas
462ventus agat nubes, quid cogitet humidus Auster, sol tibi signa dabit. Solem quis dicere falsum audeat. Ille etiam caecos instare tumultus saepe monet fraudemque et operta tumescere bella. Ille etiam exstincto miseratus Caesare Romam,
467cum caput obscura nitidum ferrugine texit inpiaque aeternam timuerunt saecula noctem. Tempore quamquam illo tellus quoque et aequora ponti obscenaeque canes inportunaeque volucres signa dabant. Quotiens Cyclopum effervere in agros
472vidimus undantem ruptis fornacibus Aetnam flammarumque globos liquefactaque volvere saxa! Armorum sonitum toto Germania caelo audiit, insolitis tremuerunt motibus Alpes. Vox quoque per lucos volgo exaudita silentis
477ingens et simulacra modis pallentia miris visa sub obscurum noctis, pecudesque locutae, infandum! sistunt amnes terraeque dehiscunt et maestum inlacrimat templis ebur aeraque sudant. Proluit insano contorquens vertice silvas
482fluviorum rex Eridanus camposque per omnis cum stabulis armenta tulit. Nec tempore eodem tristibus aut extis fibrae adparere minaces aut puteis manare cruor cessavit et altae per noctem resonare lupis ululantibus urbes.
487Non alias caelo ceciderunt plura sereno fulgura nec diri totiens arsere cometae. ergo inter sese paribus concurrere telis Romanas acies iterum videre Philippi; nec fuit indignum superis, bis sanguine nostro
492Emathiam et latos Haemi pinguescere campos. Scilicet et tempus veniet, cum finibus illis agricola incurvo terram molitus aratro exesa inveniet scabra robigine pila aut gravibus rastris galeas pulsabit inanis
497grandiaque effossis mirabitur ossa sepulchris. Di patrii, Indigetes, et Romule Vestaque mater, quae Tuscum Tiberim et Romana Palatia servas, hunc saltem everso iuvenem succurrere saeclo ne prohibete! Satis iam pridem sanguine nostro
502Laomedonteae luimus periuria Troiae; iam pridem nobis caeli te regia, Caesar, invidet atque hominum queritur curare triumphos; quippe ubi fas versum atque nefas: tot bella per orbem, tam multae scelerum facies; non ullus aratro
507dignus honos, squalent abductis arva colonis et curvae rigidum falces conflantur in ensem. Hinc movet Euphrates, illinc Germania bellum; vicinae ruptis inter se legibus urbes arma ferunt; saevit toto Mars inpius orbe;
512ut cum carceribus sese effudere quadrigae, addunt in spatia et frustra retinacula tendens fertur equis auriga neque audit currus habenas.
Book 1
1What makes the cornfield smile; beneath what star Maecenas, it is meet to turn the sod Or marry elm with vine; how tend the steer; What pains for cattle-keeping, or what proof Of patient trial serves for thrifty bees;—
6Such are my themes. O universal lights Most glorious! ye that lead the gliding year Along the sky, Liber and Ceres mild, If by your bounty holpen earth once changed Chaonian acorn for the plump wheat-ear,
11And mingled with the grape, your new-found gift, The draughts of Achelous; and ye Fauns To rustics ever kind, come foot it, Fauns And Dryad-maids together; your gifts I sing. And thou, for whose delight the war-horse first
16Sprang from earth's womb at thy great trident's stroke, Neptune; and haunter of the groves, for whom Three hundred snow-white heifers browse the brakes, The fertile brakes of Ceos; and clothed in power, Thy native forest and Lycean lawns,
21Pan, shepherd-god, forsaking, as the love Of thine own Maenalus constrains thee, hear And help, O lord of Tegea! And thou, too, Minerva, from whose hand the olive sprung; And boy-discoverer of the curved plough;
26And, bearing a young cypress root-uptorn, Silvanus, and Gods all and Goddesses, Who make the fields your care, both ye who nurse The tender unsown increase, and from heaven Shed on man's sowing the riches of your rain:
31And thou, even thou, of whom we know not yet What mansion of the skies shall hold thee soon, Whether to watch o'er cities be thy will, Great Caesar, and to take the earth in charge, That so the mighty world may welcome thee
36Lord of her increase, master of her times, Binding thy mother's myrtle round thy brow, Or as the boundless ocean's God thou come, Sole dread of seamen, till far Thule bow Before thee, and Tethys win thee to her son
41With all her waves for dower; or as a star Lend thy fresh beams our lagging months to cheer, Where 'twixt the Maid and those pursuing Claws A space is opening; see! red Scorpio's self His arms draws in, yea, and hath left thee more
46Than thy full meed of heaven: be what thou wilt— For neither Tartarus hopes to call thee king, Nor may so dire a lust of sovereignty E'er light upon thee, howso Greece admire Elysium's fields, and Proserpine not heed
51Her mother's voice entreating to return— Vouchsafe a prosperous voyage, and smile on this My bold endeavour, and pitying, even as I, These poor way-wildered swains, at once begin, Grow timely used unto the voice of prayer.
56In early spring-tide, when the icy drip Melts from the mountains hoar, and Zephyr's breath Unbinds the crumbling clod, even then 'tis time; Press deep your plough behind the groaning ox, And teach the furrow-burnished share to shine.
61That land the craving farmer's prayer fulfils, Which twice the sunshine, twice the frost has felt; Ay, that's the land whose boundless harvest-crops Burst, see! the barns. But ere our metal cleave An unknown surface, heed we to forelearn
66The winds and varying temper of the sky, The lineal tilth and habits of the spot, What every region yields, and what denies. Here blithelier springs the corn, and here the grape, There earth is green with tender growth of trees
71And grass unbidden. See how from Tmolus comes The saffron's fragrance, ivory from Ind, From Saba's weakling sons their frankincense, Iron from the naked Chalybs, castor rank From Pontus, from Epirus the prize-palms
76O' the mares of Elis. Such the eternal bond And such the laws by Nature's hand imposed On clime and clime, e'er since the primal dawn When old Deucalion on the unpeopled earth Cast stones, whence men, a flinty race, were reared.
81Up then! if fat the soil, let sturdy bulls Upturn it from the year's first opening months, And let the clods lie bare till baked to dust By the ripe suns of summer; but if the earth Less fruitful just ere Arcturus rise
86With shallower trench uptilt it—'twill suffice; There, lest weeds choke the crop's luxuriance, here, Lest the scant moisture fail the barren sand. Then thou shalt suffer in alternate years The new-reaped fields to rest, and on the plain
91A crust of sloth to harden; or, when stars Are changed in heaven, there sow the golden grain Where erst, luxuriant with its quivering pod, Pulse, or the slender vetch-crop, thou hast cleared, And lupin sour, whose brittle stalks arise,
96A hurtling forest. For the plain is parched By flax-crop, parched by oats, by poppies parched In Lethe-slumber drenched. Nathless by change The travailing earth is lightened, but stint not With refuse rich to soak the thirsty soil,
101And shower foul ashes o'er the exhausted fields. Thus by rotation like repose is gained, Nor earth meanwhile uneared and thankless left. Oft, too, 'twill boot to fire the naked fields, And the light stubble burn with crackling flames;
106Whether that earth therefrom some hidden strength And fattening food derives, or that the fire Bakes every blemish out, and sweats away Each useless humour, or that the heat unlocks New passages and secret pores, whereby
111Their life-juice to the tender blades may win; Or that it hardens more and helps to bind The gaping veins, lest penetrating showers, Or fierce sun's ravening might, or searching blast Of the keen north should sear them. Well, I wot,
116He serves the fields who with his harrow breaks The sluggish clods, and hurdles osier-twined Hales o'er them; from the far Olympian height Him golden Ceres not in vain regards; And he, who having ploughed the fallow plain
121And heaved its furrowy ridges, turns once more Cross-wise his shattering share, with stroke on stroke The earth assails, and makes the field his thrall. Pray for wet summers and for winters fine, Ye husbandmen; in winter's dust the crops
126Exceedingly rejoice, the field hath joy; No tilth makes Mysia lift her head so high, Nor Gargarus his own harvests so admire. Why tell of him, who, having launched his seed, Sets on for close encounter, and rakes smooth
131The dry dust hillocks, then on the tender corn Lets in the flood, whose waters follow fain; And when the parched field quivers, and all the blades Are dying, from the brow of its hill-bed, See! see! he lures the runnel; down it falls,
136Waking hoarse murmurs o'er the polished stones, And with its bubblings slakes the thirsty fields? Or why of him, who lest the heavy ears O'erweigh the stalk, while yet in tender blade Feeds down the crop's luxuriance, when its growth
141First tops the furrows? Why of him who drains The marsh-land's gathered ooze through soaking sand, Chiefly what time in treacherous moons a stream Goes out in spate, and with its coat of slime Holds all the country, whence the hollow dykes
146Sweat steaming vapour? But no whit the more For all expedients tried and travail borne By man and beast in turning oft the soil, Do greedy goose and Strymon-haunting cranes
151And succory's bitter fibres cease to harm, Or shade not injure. The great Sire himself No easy road to husbandry assigned, And first was he by human skill to rouse The slumbering glebe, whetting the minds of men
156With care on care, nor suffering realm of his In drowsy sloth to stagnate. Before Jove Fields knew no taming hand of husbandmen; To mark the plain or mete with boundary-line— Even this was impious; for the common stock
161They gathered, and the earth of her own will All things more freely, no man bidding, bore. He to black serpents gave their venom-bane, And bade the wolf go prowl, and ocean toss; Shooed from the leaves their honey, put fire away,
166And curbed the random rivers running wine, That use by gradual dint of thought on thought Might forge the various arts, with furrow's help The corn-blade win, and strike out hidden fire From the flint's heart. Then first the streams were ware
171Of hollowed alder-hulls: the sailor then Their names and numbers gave to star and star, Pleiads and Hyads, and Lycaon's child Bright Arctos; how with nooses then was found To catch wild beasts, and cozen them with lime,
176And hem with hounds the mighty forest-glades. Soon one with hand-net scourges the broad stream, Probing its depths, one drags his dripping toils Along the main; then iron's unbending might, And shrieking saw-blade,—for the men of old
181With wedges wont to cleave the splintering log;— Then divers arts arose; toil conquered all, Remorseless toil, and poverty's shrewd push In times of hardship. Ceres was the first Set mortals on with tools to turn the sod,
186When now the awful groves 'gan fail to bear Acorns and arbutes, and her wonted food Dodona gave no more. Soon, too, the corn Gat sorrow's increase, that an evil blight Ate up the stalks, and thistle reared his spines
191An idler in the fields; the crops die down; Upsprings instead a shaggy growth of burrs And caltrops; and amid the corn-fields trim Unfruitful darnel and wild oats have sway. Wherefore, unless thou shalt with ceaseless rake
196The weeds pursue, with shouting scare the birds, Prune with thy hook the dark field's matted shade, Pray down the showers, all vainly thou shalt eye, Alack! thy neighbour's heaped-up harvest-mow, And in the greenwood from a shaken oak
201Seek solace for thine hunger. Now to tell The sturdy rustics' weapons, what they are, Without which, neither can be sown nor reared The fruits of harvest; first the bent plough's share
206And heavy timber, and slow-lumbering wains Of the Eleusinian mother, threshing-sleighs And drags, and harrows with their crushing weight; Then the cheap wicker-ware of Celeus old, Hurdles of arbute, and thy mystic fan,
211Iacchus; which, full tale, long ere the time Thou must with heed lay by, if thee await Not all unearned the country's crown divine. While yet within the woods, the elm is tamed And bowed with mighty force to form the stock,
216And take the plough's curved shape, then nigh the root A pole eight feet projecting, earth-boards twain, And share-beam with its double back they fix. For yoke is early hewn a linden light, And a tall beech for handle, from behind
221To turn the car at lowest: then o'er the hearth The wood they hang till the smoke knows it well. Many the precepts of the men of old I can recount thee, so thou start not back, And such slight cares to learn not weary thee.
226And this among the first: thy threshing-floor With ponderous roller must be levelled smooth, And wrought by hand, and fixed with binding chalk, Lest weeds arise, or dust a passage win Splitting the surface, then a thousand plagues
231Make sport of it: oft builds the tiny mouse Her home, and plants her granary, underground, Or burrow for their bed the purblind moles, Or toad is found in hollows, and all the swarm Of earth's unsightly creatures; or a huge
236Corn-heap the weevil plunders, and the ant, Fearful of coming age and penury. Mark too, what time the walnut in the woods With ample bloom shall clothe her, and bow down Her odorous branches, if the fruit prevail,
241Like store of grain will follow, and there shall come A mighty winnowing-time with mighty heat; But if the shade with wealth of leaves abound, Vainly your threshing-floor will bruise the stalks Rich but in chaff. Many myself have seen
246Steep, as they sow, their pulse-seeds, drenching them With nitre and black oil-lees, that the fruit Might swell within the treacherous pods, and they Make speed to boil at howso small a fire. Yet, culled with caution, proved with patient toil,
251These have I seen degenerate, did not man Put forth his hand with power, and year by year Choose out the largest. So, by fate impelled, Speed all things to the worse, and backward borne Glide from us; even as who with struggling oars
256Up stream scarce pulls a shallop, if he chance His arms to slacken, lo! with headlong force The current sweeps him down the hurrying tide. Us too behoves Arcturus' sign observe, And the Kids' seasons and the shining Snake,
261No less than those who o'er the windy main Borne homeward tempt the Pontic, and the jaws Of oyster-rife Abydos. When the Scales Now poising fair the hours of sleep and day Give half the world to sunshine, half to shade,
266Then urge your bulls, my masters; sow the plain Even to the verge of tameless winter's showers With barley: then, too, time it is to hide Your flax in earth, and poppy, Ceres' joy, Aye, more than time to bend above the plough,
271While earth, yet dry, forbids not, and the clouds Are buoyant. With the spring comes bean-sowing; Thee, too, Lucerne, the crumbling furrows then Receive, and millet's annual care returns, What time the white bull with his gilded horns
276Opens the year, before whose threatening front, Routed the dog-star sinks. But if it be For wheaten harvest and the hardy spelt, Thou tax the soil, to corn-ears wholly given, Let Atlas' daughters hide them in the dawn,
281The Cretan star, a crown of fire, depart, Or e'er the furrow's claim of seed thou quit, Or haste thee to entrust the whole year's hope To earth that would not. Many have begun Ere Maia's star be setting; these, I trow,
286Their looked-for harvest fools with empty ears. But if the vetch and common kidney-bean Thou'rt fain to sow, nor scorn to make thy care Pelusiac lentil, no uncertain sign Bootes' fall will send thee; then begin,
291Pursue thy sowing till half the frosts be done. Therefore it is the golden sun, his course Into fixed parts dividing, rules his way Through the twelve constellations of the world. Five zones the heavens contain; whereof is one
296Aye red with flashing sunlight, fervent aye From fire; on either side to left and right Are traced the utmost twain, stiff with blue ice, And black with scowling storm-clouds, and betwixt These and the midmost, other twain there lie,
301By the Gods' grace to heart-sick mortals given, And a path cleft between them, where might wheel On sloping plane the system of the Signs. And as toward Scythia and Rhipaean heights The world mounts upward, likewise sinks it down
306Toward Libya and the south, this pole of ours Still towering high, that other, 'neath their feet, By dark Styx frowned on, and the abysmal shades. Here glides the huge Snake forth with sinuous coils 'Twixt the two Bears and round them river-wise—
311The Bears that fear 'neath Ocean's brim to dip. There either, say they, reigns the eternal hush Of night that knows no seasons, her black pall Thick-mantling fold on fold; or thitherward From us returning Dawn brings back the day;
316And when the first breath of his panting steeds On us the Orient flings, that hour with them Red Vesper 'gins to trim his 'lated fires. Hence under doubtful skies forebode we can The coming tempests, hence both harvest-day
321And seed-time, when to smite the treacherous main With driving oars, when launch the fair-rigged fleet, Or in ripe hour to fell the forest-pine. Hence, too, not idly do we watch the stars— Their rising and their setting-and the year,
326Four varying seasons to one law conformed. If chilly showers e'er shut the farmer's door, Much that had soon with sunshine cried for haste, He may forestall; the ploughman batters keen His blunted share's hard tooth, scoops from a tree
331His troughs, or on the cattle stamps a brand, Or numbers on the corn-heaps; some make sharp The stakes and two-pronged forks, and willow-bands Amerian for the bending vine prepare. Now let the pliant basket plaited be
336Of bramble-twigs; now set your corn to parch Before the fire; now bruise it with the stone. Nay even on holy days some tasks to ply Is right and lawful: this no ban forbids, To turn the runnel's course, fence corn-fields in,
341Make springes for the birds, burn up the briars, And plunge in wholesome stream the bleating flock. Oft too with oil or apples plenty-cheap The creeping ass's ribs his driver packs, And home from town returning brings instead
346A dented mill-stone or black lump of pitch. The moon herself in various rank assigns The days for labour lucky: fly the fifth; Then sprang pale Orcus and the Eumenides; Earth then in awful labour brought to light
351Coeus, Iapetus, and Typhoeus fell, And those sworn brethren banded to break down The gates of heaven; thrice, sooth to say, they strove Ossa on Pelion's top to heave and heap, Aye, and on Ossa to up-roll amain
356Leafy Olympus; thrice with thunderbolt Their mountain-stair the Sire asunder smote. Seventh after tenth is lucky both to set The vine in earth, and take and tame the steer, And fix the leashes to the warp; the ninth
361To runagates is kinder, cross to thieves. Many the tasks that lightlier lend themselves In chilly night, or when the sun is young, And Dawn bedews the world. By night 'tis best To reap light stubble, and parched fields by night;
366For nights the suppling moisture never fails. And one will sit the long late watches out By winter fire-light, shaping with keen blade The torches to a point; his wife the while, Her tedious labour soothing with a song,
371Speeds the shrill comb along the warp, or else With Vulcan's aid boils the sweet must-juice down, And skims with leaves the quivering cauldron's wave. But ruddy Ceres in mid heat is mown, And in mid heat the parched ears are bruised
376Upon the floor; to plough strip, strip to sow; Winter's the lazy time for husbandmen. In the cold season farmers wont to taste The increase of their toil, and yield themselves To mutual interchange of festal cheer.
381Boon winter bids them, and unbinds their cares, As laden keels, when now the port they touch, And happy sailors crown the sterns with flowers. Nathless then also time it is to strip Acorns from oaks, and berries from the bay,
386Olives, and bleeding myrtles, then to set Snares for the crane, and meshes for the stag, And hunt the long-eared hares, then pierce the doe With whirl of hempen-thonged Balearic sling, While snow lies deep, and streams are drifting ice.
391What need to tell of autumn's storms and stars, And wherefore men must watch, when now the day Grows shorter, and more soft the summer's heat? When Spring the rain-bringer comes rushing down, Or when the beards of harvest on the plain
396Bristle already, and the milky corn On its green stalk is swelling? Many a time, When now the farmer to his yellow fields The reaping-hind came bringing, even in act To lop the brittle barley stems, have I
401Seen all the windy legions clash in war Together, as to rend up far and wide The heavy corn-crop from its lowest roots, And toss it skyward: so might winter's flaw, Dark-eddying, whirl light stalks and flying straws.
406Oft too comes looming vast along the sky A march of waters; mustering from above, The clouds roll up the tempest, heaped and grim With angry showers: down falls the height of heaven, And with a great rain floods the smiling crops,
411The oxen's labour: now the dikes fill fast, And the void river-beds swell thunderously, And all the panting firths of Ocean boil. The Sire himself in midnight of the clouds Wields with red hand the levin; through all her bulk
416Earth at the hurly quakes; the beasts are fled, And mortal hearts of every kindred sunk In cowering terror; he with flaming brand Athos, or Rhodope, or Ceraunian crags Precipitates: then doubly raves the South
421With shower on blinding shower, and woods and coasts Wail fitfully beneath the mighty blast. This fearing, mark the months and Signs of heaven, Whither retires him Saturn's icy star, And through what heavenly cycles wandereth
426The glowing orb Cyllenian. Before all Worship the Gods, and to great Ceres pay Her yearly dues upon the happy sward With sacrifice, anigh the utmost end Of winter, and when Spring begins to smile.
431Then lambs are fat, and wines are mellowest then; Then sleep is sweet, and dark the shadows fall Upon the mountains. Let your rustic youth To Ceres do obeisance, one and all; And for her pleasure thou mix honeycombs
436With milk and the ripe wine-god; thrice for luck Around the young corn let the victim go, And all the choir, a joyful company, Attend it, and with shouts bid Ceres come To be their house-mate; and let no man dare
441Put sickle to the ripened ears until, With woven oak his temples chapleted, He foot the rugged dance and chant the lay. Aye, and that these things we might win to know By certain tokens, heats, and showers, and winds
446That bring the frost, the Sire of all himself Ordained what warnings in her monthly round The moon should give, what bodes the south wind's fall, What oft-repeated sights the herdsman seeing Should keep his cattle closer to their stalls.
451No sooner are the winds at point to rise, Than either Ocean's firths begin to toss And swell, and a dry crackling sound is heard Upon the heights, or one loud ferment booms The beach afar, and through the forest goes
456A murmur multitudinous. By this Scarce can the billow spare the curved keels, When swift the sea-gulls from the middle main Come winging, and their shrieks are shoreward borne, When ocean-loving cormorants on dry land
461Besport them, and the hern, her marshy haunts Forsaking, mounts above the soaring cloud. Oft, too, when wind is toward, the stars thou'lt see From heaven shoot headlong, and through murky night Long trails of fire white-glistening in their wake,
466Or light chaff flit in air with fallen leaves, Or feathers on the wave-top float and play. But when from regions of the furious North It lightens, and when thunder fills the halls Of Eurus and of Zephyr, all the fields
471With brimming dikes are flooded, and at sea No mariner but furls his dripping sails. Never at unawares did shower annoy: Or, as it rises, the high-soaring cranes Flee to the vales before it, with face
476Upturned to heaven, the heifer snuffs the gale Through gaping nostrils, or about the meres Shrill-twittering flits the swallow, and the frogs Crouch in the mud and chant their dirge of old. Oft, too, the ant from out her inmost cells,
481Fretting the narrow path, her eggs conveys; Or the huge bow sucks moisture; or a host Of rooks from food returning in long line Clamour with jostling wings. Now mayst thou see The various ocean-fowl and those that pry
486Round Asian meads within thy fresher-pools, Cayster, as in eager rivalry, About their shoulders dash the plenteous spray, Now duck their head beneath the wave, now run Into the billows, for sheer idle joy
491Of their mad bathing-revel. Then the crow With full voice, good-for-naught, inviting rain, Stalks on the dry sand mateless and alone. Nor e'en the maids, that card their nightly task, Know not the storm-sign, when in blazing crock
496They see the lamp-oil sputtering with a growth Of mouldy snuff-clots. So too, after rain, Sunshine and open skies thou mayst forecast, And learn by tokens sure, for then nor dimmed
501Appear the stars' keen edges, nor the moon As borrowing of her brother's beams to rise, Nor fleecy films to float along the sky. Not to the sun's warmth then upon the shore Do halcyons dear to Thetis ope their wings,
506Nor filthy swine take thought to toss on high With scattering snout the straw-wisps. But the clouds Seek more the vales, and rest upon the plain, And from the roof-top the night-owl for naught Watching the sunset plies her 'lated song.
511Distinct in clearest air is Nisus seen Towering, and Scylla for the purple lock Pays dear; for whereso, as she flies, her wings The light air winnow, lo! fierce, implacable, Nisus with mighty whirr through heaven pursues;
516Where Nisus heavenward soareth, there her wings Clutch as she flies, the light air winnowing still. Soft then the voice of rooks from indrawn throat Thrice, four times, o'er repeated, and full oft On their high cradles, by some hidden joy
521Gladdened beyond their wont, in bustling throngs Among the leaves they riot; so sweet it is, When showers are spent, their own loved nests again And tender brood to visit. Not, I deem, That heaven some native wit to these assigned,
526Or fate a larger prescience, but that when The storm and shifting moisture of the air Have changed their courses, and the sky-god now, Wet with the south-wind, thickens what was rare, And what was gross releases, then, too, change
531Their spirits' fleeting phases, and their breasts Feel other motions now, than when the wind Was driving up the cloud-rack. Hence proceeds That blending of the feathered choirs afield, The cattle's exultation, and the rooks'
536Deep-throated triumph. But if the headlong sun And moons in order following thou regard, Ne'er will to-morrow's hour deceive thee, ne'er Wilt thou be caught by guile of cloudless night.
541When first the moon recalls her rallying fires, If dark the air clipped by her crescent dim, For folks afield and on the open sea A mighty rain is brewing; but if her face With maiden blush she mantle, 'twill be wind,
546For wind turns Phoebe still to ruddier gold. But if at her fourth rising, for 'tis that Gives surest counsel, clear she ride thro' heaven With horns unblunted, then shall that whole day, And to the month's end those that spring from it,
551Rainless and windless be, while safe ashore Shall sailors pay their vows to Panope, Glaucus, and Melicertes, Ino's child. The sun too, both at rising, and when soon He dives beneath the waves, shall yield thee signs;
556For signs, none trustier, travel with the sun, Both those which in their course with dawn he brings, And those at star-rise. When his springing orb With spots he pranketh, muffled in a cloud, And shrinks mid-circle, then of showers beware;
561For then the South comes driving from the deep, To trees and crops and cattle bringing bane. Or when at day-break through dark clouds his rays Burst and are scattered, or when rising pale Aurora quits Tithonus' saffron bed,
566But sorry shelter then, alack I will yield Vine-leaf to ripening grapes; so thick a hail In spiky showers spins rattling on the roof. And this yet more 'twill boot thee bear in mind, When now, his course upon Olympus run,
571He draws to his decline: for oft we see Upon the sun's own face strange colours stray; Dark tells of rain, of east winds fiery-red; If spots with ruddy fire begin to mix, Then all the heavens convulsed in wrath thou'lt see—
576Storm-clouds and wind together. Me that night Let no man bid fare forth upon the deep, Nor rend the rope from shore. But if, when both He brings again and hides the day's return, Clear-orbed he shineth,idly wilt thou dread
581The storm-clouds, and beneath the lustral North See the woods waving. What late eve in fine Bears in her bosom, whence the wind that brings Fair-weather-clouds, or what the rain South Is meditating, tokens of all these
586The sun will give thee. Who dare charge the sun With leasing? He it is who warneth oft Of hidden broils at hand and treachery, And secret swelling of the waves of war. He too it was, when Caesar's light was quenched,
591For Rome had pity, when his bright head he veiled In iron-hued darkness, till a godless age Trembled for night eternal; at that time Howbeit earth also, and the ocean-plains, And dogs obscene, and birds of evil bode
596Gave tokens. Yea, how often have we seen Etna, her furnace-walls asunder riven, In billowy floods boil o'er the Cyclops' fields, And roll down globes of fire and molten rocks! A clash of arms through all the heaven was heard
601By Germany; strange heavings shook the Alps. Yea, and by many through the breathless groves A voice was heard with power, and wondrous-pale Phantoms were seen upon the dusk of night, And cattle spake, portentous! streams stand still,
606And the earth yawns asunder, ivory weeps For sorrow in the shrines, and bronzes sweat. Up-twirling forests with his eddying tide, Madly he bears them down, that lord of floods, Eridanus, till through all the plain are swept
611Beasts and their stalls together. At that time In gloomy entrails ceased not to appear Dark-threatening fibres, springs to trickle blood, And high-built cities night-long to resound With the wolves' howling. Never more than then
616From skies all cloudless fell the thunderbolts, Nor blazed so oft the comet's fire of bale. Therefore a second time Philippi saw The Roman hosts with kindred weapons rush To battle, nor did the high gods deem it hard
621That twice Emathia and the wide champaign Of Haemus should be fattening with our blood. Ay, and the time will come when there anigh, Heaving the earth up with his curved plough, Some swain will light on javelins by foul rust
626Corroded, or with ponderous harrow strike On empty helmets, while he gapes to see Bones as of giants from the trench untombed. Gods of my country, heroes of the soil, And Romulus, and Mother Vesta, thou
631Who Tuscan Tiber and Rome's Palatine Preservest, this new champion at the least Our fallen generation to repair Forbid not. To the full and long ago Our blood thy Trojan perjuries hath paid,
636Laomedon. Long since the courts of heaven Begrudge us thee, our Caesar, and complain That thou regard'st the triumphs of mankind, Here where the wrong is right, the right is wrong, Where wars abound so many, and myriad-faced
641Is crime; where no meet honour hath the plough; The fields, their husbandmen led far away, Rot in neglect, and curved pruning-hooks Into the sword's stiff blade are fused and forged. Euphrates here, here Germany new strife
646Is stirring; neighbouring cities are in arms, The laws that bound them snapped; and godless war Rages through all the universe; as when The four-horse chariots from the barriers poured Still quicken o'er the course, and, idly now
651Grasping the reins, the driver by his team Is onward borne, nor heeds the car his curb.
Book 2
1Hactenus arvorum cultus et sidera caeli, nunc te, Bacche, canam, nec non silvestria tecum virgulta et prolem tarde crescentis olivae. Huc, pater o Lenaee—tuis hic omnia plena muneribus, tibi pampineo gravidus autumno
6floret ager, spumat plenis vindemia labris— huc, pater o Lenaee, veni nudataque musto tingue novo mecum direptis crura cothurnis. Principio arboribus varia est natura creandis. namque aliae nullis hominum cogentibus ipsae
11sponte sua veniunt camposque et flumina late curva tenent, ut molle siler lentaeque genestae, populus et glauca canentia fronde salicta; pars autem posito surgunt de semine, ut altae castaneae nemorumque Iovi quae maxima frondet
16aesculus atque habitae Grais oracula quercus. Pullulat ab radice aliis densissima silva, ut cerasis ulmisque; etiam Parnasia laurus parva sub ingenti matris se subicit umbra. Hos natura modos primum dedit, his genus omne
21silvarum fruticumque viret nemorumque sacrorum. Sunt aliae, quas ipse via sibi repperit usus. Hic plantas tenero abscindens de corpore matrum deposuit sulcis, hic stirpes obruit arvo quadrifidasque sudes et acuto robore vallos;
26silvarumque aliae pressos propaginis arcus exspectant et viva sua plantaria terra; nil radicis egent aliae summumque putator haud dubitat terrae referens mandare cacumen. Quin et caudicibus sectis—mirabile dictu—
31truditur e sicco radix oleagina ligno. Et saepe alterius ramos inpune videmus vertere in alterius mutatamque insita mala ferre pirum et prunis lapidosa rubescere corna. Quare agite o proprios generatim discite cultus,
36agricolae, fructusque feros mollite colendo, neu segnes iaceant terrae. Iuvat Ismara Baccho conserere atque olea magnum vestire Taburnum. Tuque ades inceptumque una decurre laborem, O decus, o famae merito pars maxima nostrae,
41Maecenas, pelagoque volans da vela patenti; non ego cuncta meis amplecti versibus opto, non, mihi si linguae centum sint oraque centum, ferrea vox; ades et primi lege litoris oram. In manibus terrae; non hic te carmine ficto
46atque per ambages et longa exorsa tenebo. Sponte sua quae se tollunt in luminis oras, infecunda quidem, sed laeta et fortia surgunt; quippe solo natura subest. Tamen haec quoque, si quis inserat aut scrobibus mandet mutata subactis,
51exuerint silvestrem animum cultuque frequenti in quascumque voles artis haud tarda sequentur. Nec non et sterilis, quae stirpibus exit ab imis, hoc faciat, vacuos si sit digesta per agros; nunc altae frondes et rami matris opacant
56crescentique adimunt fetus uruntque ferentem. Iam quae seminibus iactis se sustulit arbos tarda venit seris factura nepotibus umbram, pomaque degenerant sucos oblita priores et turpis avibus praedam fert uva racemos.
61Scilicet omnibus est labor inpendendus et omnes cogendae in sulcum ac multa mercede domandae. Sed truncis oleae melius, propagine vites respondent, solido Paphiae de robore myrtus; plantis et durae coryli nascuntur et ingens
66fraxinus Herculeaeque arbos umbrosa coronae Chaoniique patris glandes, etiam ardua palma nascitur et casus abies visura marinos. Inseritur vero et fetu nucis arbutus horrida, et steriles platani malos gessere valentis;
71castaneae fagus, ornusque incanuit albo flore piri glandemque sues fregere sub ulmis. Nec modus inserere atque oculos inponere simplex. Nam qua se medio trudunt de cortice gemmae et tenuis rumpunt tunicas, angustus in ipso
76fit nodo sinus: huc aliena ex arbore germen includunt udoque docent inolescere libro. Aut rursum enodes trunci resecantur et alte finditur in solidum cuneis via, deinde feraces plantae inmittuntur: nec longum tempus, et ingens
81exsilit ad caelum ramis felicibus arbos miraturque novas frondes et non sua poma. Praeterea genus haud unum nec fortibus ulmis nec salici lotoque neque Idaeis cyparissis, nec pingues unam in faciem nascuntur olivae,
86orchades et radii et amara pausia baca pomaque et Alcinoi silvae, nec surculus idem Crustumiis Syriisque piris gravibusque volemis. Non eadem arboribus pendet vindemia nostris, quam Methymnaeo carpit de palmite Lesbos;
91sunt Thasiae vites, sunt et Mareotides albae, pinguibus hae terris habiles, levioribus illae, et passo Psithia utilior tenuisque Lageos temptatura pedes olim vincturaque linguam, purpureae preciaeque, et quo te carmine dicam,
96Rhaetica? Nec cellis ideo contende Falernis. Sunt et Amineae vites, firmissima vina, Tmolius adsurgit quibus et rex ipse Phanaeus; Argitisque minor, cui non certaverit ulla aut tantum fluere aut totidem durare per annos.
101Non ego te, Dis et mensis accepta secundis, transierim, Rhodia, et tumidis, Bumaste, racemis. Sed neque quam multae species nec nomina quae sint, est numerus; neque enim numero conprendere refert; quem qui scire velit, Libyci velit aequoris idem
106discere quam multae Zephyro turbentur harenae, aut ubi navigiis violentior incidit Eurus, nosse, quot Ionii veniant ad litora fluctus. Nec vero terrae ferre omnes omnia possunt. fluminibus salices crassisque paludibus alni
111nascuntur, steriles saxosis montibus orni; litora myrtetis laetissima; denique apertos Bacchus amat collis, aquilonem et frigora taxi. Aspice et extremis domitum cultoribus orbem Eoasque domos Arabum pictosque Gelonos:
116divisae arboribus patriae. Sola India nigrum fert ebenum, solis est turea virga Sabaeis. Quid tibi odorato referam sudantia ligno balsamaque et bacas semper frondentis acanthi? Quid nemora Aethiopum molli canentia lana,
121velleraque ut foliis depectant tenuia Seres; aut quos Oceano propior gerit India lucos, extremi sinus orbis, ubi aera vincere summum arboris haud ullae iactu potuere sagittae? Et gens illa quidem sumptis non tarda pharetris.
126Media fert tristis sucos tardumque saporem felicis mali, quo non praesentius ullum, pocula si quando saevae infecere novercae, miscueruntque herbas et non innoxia verba, auxilium venit ac membris agit atra venena.
131Ipsa ingens arbos faciemque simillima lauro; et, si non alium late iactaret odorem, laurus erat; folia haud ullis labentia ventis; flos ad prima tenax; animas et olentia Medi ora fovent illo et senibus medicantur anhelis.
136sed neque Medorum, silvae ditissima, terra, nec pulcher Ganges atque auro turbidus Hermus laudibus Italiae certent, non Bactra neque Indi totaque turiferis Panchaia pinguis harenis. Haec loca non tauri spirantes naribus ignem
141invertere satis inmanis dentibus hydri nec galeis densisque virum seges horruit hastis; sed gravidae fruges et Bacchi Massicus humor inplevere; tenent oleae armentaque laeta. Hinc bellator equus campo sese arduus infert;
146hinc albi, Clitumne, greges et maxima taurus victima, saepe tuo perfusi flumine sacro, Romanos ad templa deum duxere triumphos. Hic ver adsiduum atque alienis mensibus aestas bis gravidae pecudes, bis pomis utilis arbos.
151At rabidae tigres absunt et saeva leonum semina nec miseros fallunt aconita legentis nec rapit inmensos orbis per humum neque tanto squameus in spiram tractu se colligit anguis. Adde tot egregias urbes operumque laborem,
156tot congesta manu praeruptis oppida saxis fluminaque antiquos subter labentia muros. An mare, quod supra, memorem, quodque adluit infra anne lacus tantos? Te, Lari maxume, teque, fluctibus et fremitu adsurgens Benace marino
161an memorem portus Lucrinoque addita claustra atque indignatum magnis stridoribus aequor Iulia qua ponto longe sonat unda refuso Tyrrhenusque fretis inmittitur aestus Avernis? Haec eadem argenti rivos aerisque metalla
166ostendit venis atque auro plurima fluxit. Haec genus acre virum, Marsos pubemque Sabellam adsuetumque malo Ligurem Volscosque verutos extulit, haec Decios, Marios, magnosque Camillos, Scipiadas duros bello et te, maxume Caesar,
171qui nunc extremis Asiae iam victor in oris inbellem avertis Romanis arcibus Indum. Salve, magna parens frugum, Saturnia tellus, magna virum; tibi res antiquae laudis et artem ingredior, sanctos ausus recludere fontis,
176Ascraeumque cano Romana per oppida carmen. Nunc locus arvorum ingeniis: quae robora cuique, quis color et quae sit rebus natura ferendis. Difficiles primum terrae collesque maligni, tenuis ubi argilla et dumosis calculus arvis,
181Palladia gaudent silva vivacis olivae. Indicio est tractu surgens oleaster eodem plurimus et strati bacis silvestribus agri. At quae pinguis humus dulcique uligine laeta, quique frequens herbis et fertilis ubere campus—
186qualem saepe cava montis convalle solemus despicere; huc summis liquuntur rupibus amnes felicemque trahunt limum—quique editus austro et filicem curvis invisam pascit aratris: hic tibi praevalidas olim multoque fluentis
191sufficiet Baccho vitis, hic fertilis uvae, hic laticis, qualem pateris libamus et auro, inflavit cum pinguis ebur Tyrrhenus ad aras, lancibus et pandis fumantia reddimus exta. Sin armenta magis studium vitulosque tueri
196aut ovium fetum aut urentis culta capellas, saltus et saturi petito longinqua Tarenti et qualem infelix amisit Mantua campum, pascentem niveos herboso flumine cycnos; non liquidi gregibus fontes, non gramina deerunt;
201et, quantum longis carpent armenta diebus, exigua tantum gelidus ros nocte reponet. Nigra fere et presso pinguis sub vomere terra et cui putre solum,—namque hoc imitamur arando— optima frumentis; non ullo ex aequore cernes
206plura domum tardis decedere plaustra iuvencis; aut unde iratus silvam devexit arator et nemora evertit multos ignava per annos antiquasque domos avium cum stirpibus imis eruit; illae altum nidis petiere relictis,
211at rudis enituit inpulso vomere campus. Nam ieiuna quidem clivosi glarea ruris vix humilis apibus casias roremque ministrat; et tophus scaber et nigris exesa chelydris creta negant alios aeque serpentibus agros
216dulcem ferre cibum et curvas praebere latebras. Quae tenuem exhalat nebulam fumosque volucris et bibit humorem et, cum volt, ex se ipsa remittit quaeque suo semper viridi se gramine vestit nec scabie et salsa laedit robigine ferrum:
221illa tibi laetis intexet vitibus ulmos, illa ferax oleo est, illam experiere colendo et facilem pecori et patientem vomeris unci. Talem dives arat Capua et vicina Vesevo ora iugo et vacuis Clanius non aequus Acerris.
226Nunc, quo quamque modo possis cognoscere, dicam. Rara sit an supra morem si densa requires— altera frumentis quoniam favet, altera Baccho, densa magis Cereri, rarissima quaeque Lyaeo— ante locum capies oculis alteque iubebis
231in solido puteum demitti omnemque repones rursus humum et pedibus summas aequabis harenas. Si deerunt, rarum pecorique et vitibus almis aptius uber erit; sin in sua posse negabunt ire loca et scrobibus superabit terra repletis,
236spissus ager; glaebas cunctantis crassaque terga exspecta et validis terram proscinde iuvencis. Salsa autem tellus et quae perhibetur amara, frugibus infelix—ea nec mansuescit arando nec Baccho genus aut pomis sua nomina servat—
241tale dabit specimen: tu spisso vimine qualos colaque prelorum fumosis deripe tectis; huc ager ille malus dulcesque a fontibus undae ad plenum calcentur; aqua eluctabitur omnis scilicet, et grandes ibunt per vimina guttae;
246at sapor indicium faciet manifestus et ora tristia temptantum sensu torquebit amaro. Pinguis item quae sit tellus, hoc denique pacto discimus: haud umquam manibus iactata fatiscit, sed picis in morem ad digitos lentescit habendo.
251Humida maiores herbas alit, ipsaque iusto laetior. Ah nimium ne sit mihi fertilis illa nec se praevalidam primis ostendat aristis! Quae gravis est, ipso tacitam se pondere prodit, quaeque levis. Promptum est oculis praediscere nigram,
256et quis cui color. At sceleratum exquirere frigus difficile est: piceae tantum taxique nocentes interdum aut hederae pandunt vestigia nigrae. his animadversis terram multo ante memento excoquere et magnos scrobibus concidere montis,
261ante supinatas aquiloni ostendere glaebas, quam laetum infodias vitis genus. Optima putri arva solo: id venti curant gelidaeque pruinae et labefacta movens robustus iugera fossor. Ac si quos haud ulla viros vigilantia fugit,
266ante locum similem exquirunt, ubi prima paretur arboribus seges et quo mox digesta feratur, mutatam ignorent subito ne semina matrem. Quin etiam caeli regionem in cortice signant, ut, quo quaeque modo steterit, qua parte calores
271Austrinos tulerit, quae terga obverterit axi, restituant: adeo in teneris consuescere multum est. Collibus an plano melius sit ponere vitem, quaere prius. Si pinguis agros metabere campi, densa sere; in denso non segnior ubere Bacchus;
276sin tumulis adclive solum collisque supinos, indulge ordinibus, nec setius omnis in unguem arboribus positis secto via limite quadret. Ut saepe ingenti bello cum longa cohortis explicuit legio et campo stetit agmen aperto,
281directaeque acies, ac late fluctuat omnis aere renidenti tellus, necdum horrida miscent proelia, sed dubius mediis Mars errat in armis: omnia sint paribus numeris dimensa viarum; non animum modo uti pascat prospectus inanem,
286sed quia non aliter viris dabit omnibus aequas terra neque in vacuum poterunt se extendere rami. Forsitan et scrobibus quae sint fastigia quaeras. ausim vel tenui vitem committere sulco. Altior ac penitus terrae defigitur arbos,
291aesculus in primis, quae quantum vertice ad auras aetherias, tantum radice in Tartara tendit. Ergo non hiemes illam, non flabra neque imbres convellunt; inmota manet, multosque nepotes, multa virum volvens durando saecula vincit.
296Tum fortis late ramos et bracchia pandens huc illuc, media ipsa ingentem sustinet umbram. Neve tibi ad solem vergant vineta cadentem, Neve inter vitis corylum sere, neve flagella summa pete aut summa defringe ex arbore plantas
301tantus amor terrae—neu ferro laede retunso semina, neve oleae silvestris insere truncos: nam saepe incautis pastoribus excidit ignis, qui furtim pingui primum sub cortice tectus robora conprendit frondesque elapsus in altas
306ingentem caelo sonitum dedit; inde secutus per ramos victor perque alta cacumina regnat et totum involvit flammis nemus et ruit atram ad caelum picea crassus caligine nubem, praesertim si tempestas a vertice silvis
311incubuit glomeratque ferens incendia ventus. Hoc ubi, non a stirpe valent caesaeque reverti possunt atque ima similes revirescere terra; infelix superat foliis oleaster amaris. Nec tibi tam prudens quisquam persuadeat auctor
316tellurem Borea rigidam spirante movere. Rura gelu tum claudit hiems nec semine iacto concretam patitur radicem adfigere terrae. Optima vinetis satio, cum vere rubenti candida venit avis longis invisa colubris,
321prima vel autumni sub frigora, cum rapidus Sol nondum hiemem contingit equis, iam praeterit aestas. Ver adeo frondi nemorum, ver utile silvis; vere tument terrae et genitalia semina poscunt. Tum pater omnipotens fecundis imbribus Aether
326coniugis in gremium laetae descendit et omnis magnus alit magno commixtus corpore fetus. Avia tum resonant avibus virgulta canoris et Venerem certis repetunt armenta diebus; parturit almus ager Zephyrique tepentibus auris
331laxant arva sinus; superat tener omnibus humor; inque novos soles audent se germina tuto credere, nec metuit surgentis pampinus austros aut actum caelo magnis aquilonibus imbrem, sed trudit gemmas et frondes explicat omnis.
336Non alios prima crescentis origine mundi inluxisse dies aliumve habuisse tenorem crediderim: ver illud erat, ver magnus agebat orbis et hibernis parcebant flatibus Euri, cum primae lucem pecudes hausere virumque
341terrea progenies duris caput extulit arvis, inmissaeque ferae silvis et sidera caelo. Nec res hunc tenerae possent perferre laborem, si non tanta quies iret frigusque caloremque inter, et exciperet caeli indulgentia terras.
346Quod superest, quaecumque premes virgulta per agros, sparge fimo pingui et multa memor occule terra, aut lapidem bibulum aut squalentis infode conchas; inter enim labentur aquae tenuisque subibit halitus atque animos tollent sata; iamque reperti,
351qui saxo super atque ingentis pondere testae urgerent; hoc effusos munimen ad imbris, hoc, ubi hiulca siti findit canis aestifer arva. Seminibus positis superest diducere terram saepius ad capita et duros iactare bidentis,
356aut presso exercere solum sub vomere et ipsa flectere luctantis inter vineta iuvencos; tum levis calamos et rasae hastilia virgae fraxineasque aptare sudes furcasque valentis, viribus eniti quarum et contemnere ventos
361adsuescant summasque sequi tabulata per ulmos. Ac dum prima novis adolescit frondibus aetas, parcendum teneris, et dum se laetus ad auras palmes agit laxis per purum inmissus habenis, ipsa acie nondum falcis temptanda, sed uncis
366carpendae manibus frondes interque legendae. Inde ubi iam validis amplexae stirpibus ulmos exierint, tum stringe comas, tum bracchia tonde— ante reformidant ferrum—tum denique dura exerce imperia et ramos conpesce fluentis.
371Texendae saepes etiam et pecus omne tenendum, praecipue dum frons tenera inprudensque laborum; cui super indignas hiemes solemque potentem silvestres uri adsidue capreaeque sequaces inludunt, pascuntur oves avidaeque iuvencae.
376Frigora nec tantum cana concreta pruina aut gravis incumbens scopulis arentibus aestas, quantum illi nocuere greges durique venenum dentis et admorso signata in stirpe cicatrix. Non aliam ob culpam Baccho caper omnibus aris
381caeditur et veteres ineunt proscaenia ludi praemiaque ingeniis pagos et compita circum thesidae posuere atque inter pocula laeti mollibus in pratis unctos saluere per utres. Nec non Ausonii, Troia gens missa, coloni
386versibus incomptis ludunt risuque soluto oraque corticibus sumunt horrenda cavatis et te, Bacche, vocant per carmina laeta tibique oscilla ex alta suspendunt mollia pinu. Hinc omnis largo pubescit vinea fetu,
391conplentur vallesque cavae saltusque profundi, et quocumque deus circum caput egit honestum. Ergo rite suum Baccho dicemus honorem carminibus patriis lancesque et liba feremus et ductus cornu stabit sacer hircus ad aram
396pinguiaque in veribus torrebimus exta colurnis. Est etiam ille labor curandis vitibus alter, cui numquam exhausti satis est: namque omne quot annis terque quaterque solum scindendum glebaque versis aeternum frangenda bidentibus, omne levandum
401fronde nemus. Redit agricolis labor actus in orbem atque in se sua per vestigia volvitur annus. Ac iam olim, seras posuit cum vinea frondes, frigidus et silvis aquilo decussit honorem, iam tum acer curas venientem extendit in annum
406rusticus et curvo Saturni dente relictam persequitur vitem attondens fingitque putando. Primus humum fodito, primus devecta cremato sarmenta et vallos primus sub tecta referto; postremus metito. Bis vitibus ingruit umbra,
411bis segetem densis obducunt sentibus herbae; durus uterque labor: laudato ingentia rura, exiguum colito. Nec non etiam aspera rusci vimina per silvam et ripis fluvialis arundo caeditur, incultique exercet cura salicti.
416Iam vinctae vites, iam falcem arbusta reponunt, iam canit effectos extremus vinitor antes: sollicitanda tamen tellus pulvisque movendus et iam maturis metuendus Iuppiter uvis. Contra non ulla est oleis cultura; neque illae
421procurvam exspectant falcem rastrosque tenacis, cum semel haeserunt arvis aurasque tulerunt; ipsa satis tellus, cum dente recluditur unco, sufficit humorem et gravidas, cum vomere, fruges. Hoc pinguem et placitam Paci nutritor olivam.
426Poma quoque, ut primum truncos sensere valentis et viris habuere suas, ad sidera raptim vi propria nituntur opisque haud indiga nostrae. Nec minus interea fetu nemus omne gravescit sanguineisque inculta rubent aviaria bacis.
431Tondentur cytisi, taedas silva alta ministrat, pascunturque ignes nocturni et lumina fundunt. Et dubitant homines serere atque inpendere curam quid maiora sequar?—salices humilesque genestae aut illae pecori frondem aut pastoribus umbram
436Sufficiunt saepemque satis et pabula melli— et iuvat undantem buxo spectare Cytorum naryciaeque picis lucos, iuvat arva videre non rastris, hominum non ulli obnoxia curae. Ipsae Caucasio steriles in vertice silvae,
441quas animosi Euri adsidue franguntque feruntque, dant alios aliae fetus, dant utile lignum navigiis pinus, domibus cedrumque cupressosque. Hinc radios trivere rotis, hinc tympana plaustris agricolae et pandas ratibus posuere carinas,
446viminibus salices fecundae, frondibus ulmi, at myrtus validis hastilibus et bona bello cornus, Ituraeos taxi torquentur in arcus. Nec tiliae leves aut torno rasile buxum non formam accipiunt ferroque cavantur acuto.
451Nec non et torrentem undam levis innatat alnus, missa Pado; nec non et apes examina condunt corticibusque cavis vitiosaeque ilicis alvo. Quid memorandum aeque Baccheia dona tulerunt Bacchus et ad culpam causas dedit; ille furentis
456centauros leto domuit, Rhoetumque Pholumque et magno Hylaeum Lapithis cratere minantem. O fortunatos nimium, sua si bona norint, agricolas! quibus ipsa procul discordibus armis fundit humo facilem victum iustissima tellus.
461Si non ingentem foribus domus alta superbis mane salutantum totis vomit aedibus undam, nec varios inhiant pulchra testudine postis inlusasque auro vestes Ephyreiaque aera, alba neque Assyrio fucatur lana veneno
466nec casia liquidi corrumpitur usus olivi: at secura quies et nescia fallere vita, dives opum variarum, at latis otia fundis— speluncae vivique lacus et frigida Tempe mugitusque boum mollesque sub arbore somni—
471non absunt; illic saltus ac lustra ferarum et patiens operum exiguoque adsueta iuventus, sacra deum sanctique patres; extrema per illos iustitia excedens terris vestigia fecit. Me vero primum dulces ante omnia Musae,
476quarum sacra fero ingenti percussus amore, accipiant caelique vias et sidera monstrent, defectus solis varios lunaeque labores; unde tremor terris, qua vi maria alta tumescant obicibus ruptis rursusque in se ipsa residant,
481quid tantum Oceano properent se tinguere soles hiberni, vel quae tardis mora noctibus obstet. Sin, has ne possim naturae accedere partis, frigidus obstiterit circum praecordia sanguis: rura mihi et rigui placeant in vallibus amnes,
486flumina amem silvasque inglorius. O ubi campi Spercheosque et virginibus bacchata Lacaenis Taygeta! O, qui me gelidis convallibus Haemi sistat et ingenti ramorum protegat umbra! Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas,
491atque metus omnis et inexorabile fatum subiecit pedibus strepitumque Acherontis avari. Fortunatus et ille, deos qui novit agrestis, panaque Silvanumque senem Nymphasque sorores: illum non populi fasces, non purpura regum
496flexit et infidos agitans discordia fratres aut coniurato descendens Dacus ab Histro, non res Romanae perituraque regna; neque ille aut doluit miserans inopem aut invidit habenti quos rami fructus, quos ipsa volentia rura
501sponte tulere sua, carpsit; nec ferrea iura insanumque forum aut populi tabularia vidit. sollicitant alii remis freta caeca ruuntque in ferrum, penetrant aulas et limina regum; hic petit excidiis urbem miserosque Penatis,
506ut gemma bibat et Sarrano dormiat ostro; condit opes alius defossoque incubat auro; hic stupet attonitus rostris; hunc plausus hiantem per cuneos—geminatus enim plebisque patrumque— corripuit; gaudent perfusi sanguine fratrum,
511exsilioque domos et dulcia limina mutant atque alio patriam quaerunt sub sole iacentem. Agricola incurvo terram dimovit aratro: hinc anni labor, hinc patriam parvosque nepotes sustinet, hinc armenta boum meritosque iuvencos.
516Nec requies, quin aut pomis exuberet annus aut fetu pecorum aut cerealis mergite culmi, proventuque oneret sulcos atque horrea vincat. Venit hiems: teritur Sicyonia baca trapetis, glande sues laeti redeunt, dant arbuta silvae;
521et varios ponit fetus autumnus et alte mitis in apricis coquitur vindemia saxis. Interea dulces pendent circum oscula nati, casta pudicitiam servat domus, ubera vaccae lactea demittunt pinguesque in gramine laeto
526inter se adversis luctantur cornibus haedi. Ipse dies agitat festos fususque per herbam, ignis ubi in medio et socii cratera coronant, te libans, Lenaee, vocat pecorisque magistris velocis iaculi certamina ponit in ulmo,
531corporaque agresti nudant praedura palaestrae. Hanc olim veteres vitam coluere Sabini, hanc Remus et frater, sic fortis Etruria crevit scilicet et rerum facta est pulcherrima Roma, septemque una sibi muro circumdedit arces.
536Ante etiam sceptrum Dictaei regis et ante inpia quam caesis gens est epulata iuvencis, aureus hanc vitam in terris Saturnus agebat; necdum etiam audierant inflari classica, necdum inpositos duris crepitare incudibus enses.
541Sed nos inmensum spatiis confecimus aequor, et iam tempus equum fumantia solvere colla.
Book 2
1Thus far the tilth of fields and stars of heaven; Now will I sing thee, Bacchus, and, with thee, The forest's young plantations and the fruit Of slow-maturing olive. Hither haste, O Father of the wine-press; all things here
6Teem with the bounties of thy hand; for thee With viny autumn laden blooms the field, And foams the vintage high with brimming vats; Hither, O Father of the wine-press, come, And stripped of buskin stain thy bared limbs
11In the new must with me. First, nature's law For generating trees is manifold; For some of their own force spontaneous spring, No hand of man compelling, and possess
16The plains and river-windings far and wide, As pliant osier and the bending broom, Poplar, and willows in wan companies With green leaf glimmering gray; and some there be From chance-dropped seed that rear them, as the tall
21Chestnuts, and, mightiest of the branching wood, Jove's Aesculus, and oaks, oracular Deemed by the Greeks of old. With some sprouts forth A forest of dense suckers from the root, As elms and cherries; so, too, a pigmy plant,
26Beneath its mother's mighty shade upshoots The bay-tree of Parnassus. Such the modes Nature imparted first; hence all the race Of forest-trees and shrubs and sacred groves Springs into verdure. Other means there are,
31Which use by method for itself acquired. One, sliving suckers from the tender frame Of the tree-mother, plants them in the trench; One buries the bare stumps within his field, Truncheons cleft four-wise, or sharp-pointed stakes;
36Some forest-trees the layer's bent arch await, And slips yet quick within the parent-soil; No root need others, nor doth the pruner's hand Shrink to restore the topmost shoot to earth That gave it being. Nay, marvellous to tell,
41Lopped of its limbs, the olive, a mere stock, Still thrusts its root out from the sapless wood, And oft the branches of one kind we see Change to another's with no loss to rue, Pear-tree transformed the ingrafted apple yield,
46And stony cornels on the plum-tree blush. Come then, and learn what tilth to each belongs According to their kinds, ye husbandmen, And tame with culture the wild fruits, lest earth Lie idle. O blithe to make all Ismarus
51One forest of the wine-god, and to clothe With olives huge Tabernus! And be thou At hand, and with me ply the voyage of toil I am bound on, O my glory, O thou that art Justly the chiefest portion of my fame,
56Maecenas, and on this wide ocean launched Spread sail like wings to waft thee. Not that I With my poor verse would comprehend the whole, Nay, though a hundred tongues, a hundred mouths Were mine, a voice of iron; be thou at hand,
61Skirt but the nearer coast-line; see the shore Is in our grasp; not now with feigned song Through winding bouts and tedious preludings Shall I detain thee. Those that lift their head
66Into the realms of light spontaneously, Fruitless indeed, but blithe and strenuous spring, Since Nature lurks within the soil. And yet Even these, should one engraft them, or transplant To well-drilled trenches, will anon put of
71Their woodland temper, and, by frequent tilth, To whatso craft thou summon them, make speed To follow. So likewise will the barren shaft That from the stock-root issueth, if it be Set out with clear space amid open fields:
76Now the tree-mother's towering leaves and boughs Darken, despoil of increase as it grows, And blast it in the bearing. Lastly, that Which from shed seed ariseth, upward wins But slowly, yielding promise of its shade
81To late-born generations; apples wane Forgetful of their former juice, the grape Bears sorry clusters, for the birds a prey. Soothly on all must toil be spent, and all Trained to the trench and at great cost subdued.
86But reared from truncheons olives answer best, As vines from layers, and from the solid wood The Paphian myrtles; while from suckers spring Both hardy hazels and huge ash, the tree That rims with shade the brows of Hercules,
91And acorns dear to the Chaonian sire: So springs the towering palm too, and the fir Destined to spy the dangers of the deep. But the rough arbutus with walnut-fruit Is grafted; so have barren planes ere now
96Stout apples borne, with chestnut-flower the beech, The mountain-ash with pear-bloom whitened o'er, And swine crunched acorns 'neath the boughs of elms. Nor is the method of inserting eyes And grafting one: for where the buds push forth
101Amidst the bark, and burst the membranes thin, Even on the knot a narrow rift is made, Wherein from some strange tree a germ they pen, And to the moist rind bid it cleave and grow. Or, otherwise, in knotless trunks is hewn
106A breach, and deep into the solid grain A path with wedges cloven; then fruitful slips Are set herein, and—no long time—behold! To heaven upshot with teeming boughs, the tree Strange leaves admires and fruitage not its own.
111Nor of one kind alone are sturdy elms, Willow and lotus, nor the cypress-trees Of Ida; nor of self-same fashion spring Fat olives, orchades, and radii And bitter-berried pausians, no, nor yet
116Apples and the forests of Alcinous; Nor from like cuttings are Crustumian pears And Syrian, and the heavy hand-fillers. Not the same vintage from our trees hangs down, Which Lesbos from Methymna's tendril plucks.
121Vines Thasian are there, Mareotids white, These apt for richer soils, for lighter those: Psithian for raisin-wine more useful, thin Lageos, that one day will try the feet And tie the tongue: purples and early-ripes,
126And how, O Rhaetian, shall I hymn thy praise? Yet cope not therefore with Falernian bins. Vines Aminaean too, best-bodied wine, To which the Tmolian bows him, ay, and king Phanaeus too, and, lesser of that name,
131Argitis, wherewith not a grape can vie For gush of wine-juice or for length of years. Nor thee must I pass over, vine of Rhodes, Welcomed by gods and at the second board, Nor thee, Bumastus, with plump clusters swollen.
136But lo! how many kinds, and what their names, There is no telling, nor doth it boot to tell; Who lists to know it, he too would list to learn How many sand-grains are by Zephyr tossed On Libya's plain, or wot, when Eurus falls
141With fury on the ships, how many waves Come rolling shoreward from the Ionian sea. Not that all soils can all things bear alike. Willows by water-courses have their birth, Alders in miry fens; on rocky heights
146The barren mountain-ashes; on the shore Myrtles throng gayest; Bacchus, lastly, loves The bare hillside, and yews the north wind's chill. Mark too the earth by outland tillers tamed, And Eastern homes of Arabs, and tattooed
151Geloni; to all trees their native lands Allotted are; no clime but India bears Black ebony; the branch of frankincense Is Saba's sons' alone; why tell to thee Of balsams oozing from the perfumed wood,
156Or berries of acanthus ever green? Of Aethiop forests hoar with downy wool, Or how the Seres comb from off the leaves Their silky fleece? Of groves which India bears, Ocean's near neighbour, earth's remotest nook,
161Where not an arrow-shot can cleave the air Above their tree-tops? yet no laggards they, When girded with the quiver! Media yields The bitter juices and slow-lingering taste Of the blest citron-fruit, than which no aid
166Comes timelier, when fierce step-dames drug the cup With simples mixed and spells of baneful power, To drive the deadly poison from the limbs. Large the tree's self in semblance like a bay, And, showered it not a different scent abroad,
171A bay it had been; for no wind of heaven Its foliage falls; the flower, none faster, clings; With it the Medes for sweetness lave the lips, And ease the panting breathlessness of age. But no, not Mede-land with its wealth of woods,
176Nor Ganges fair, and Hermus thick with gold, Can match the praise of Italy; nor Ind, Nor Bactria, nor Panchaia, one wide tract Of incense-teeming sand. Here never bulls With nostrils snorting fire upturned the sod
181Sown with the monstrous dragon's teeth, nor crop Of warriors bristled thick with lance and helm; But heavy harvests and the Massic juice Of Bacchus fill its borders, overspread With fruitful flocks and olives. Hence arose
186The war-horse stepping proudly o'er the plain; Hence thy white flocks, Clitumnus, and the bull, Of victims mightiest, which full oft have led, Bathed in thy sacred stream, the triumph-pomp Of Romans to the temples of the gods.
191Here blooms perpetual spring, and summer here In months that are not summer's; twice teem the flocks; Twice doth the tree yield service of her fruit. But ravening tigers come not nigh, nor breed Of savage lion, nor aconite betrays
196Its hapless gatherers, nor with sweep so vast Doth the scaled serpent trail his endless coils Along the ground, or wreathe him into spires. Mark too her cities, so many and so proud, Of mighty toil the achievement, town on town
201Up rugged precipices heaved and reared, And rivers undergliding ancient walls. Or should I celebrate the sea that laves Her upper shores and lower? or those broad lakes? Thee, Larius, greatest and, Benacus, thee
206With billowy uproar surging like the main? Or sing her harbours, and the barrier cast Athwart the Lucrine, and how ocean chafes With mighty bellowings, where the Julian wave Echoes the thunder of his rout, and through
211Avernian inlets pours the Tuscan tide? A land no less that in her veins displays Rivers of silver, mines of copper ore, Ay, and with gold hath flowed abundantly. A land that reared a valiant breed of men,
216The Marsi and Sabellian youth, and, schooled To hardship, the Ligurian, and with these The Volscian javelin-armed, the Decii too, The Marii and Camilli, names of might, The Scipios, stubborn warriors, ay, and thee,
221Great Caesar, who in Asia's utmost bounds With conquering arm e'en now art fending far The unwarlike Indian from the heights of Rome. Hail! land of Saturn, mighty mother thou Of fruits and heroes; 'tis for thee I dare
226Unseal the sacred fountains, and essay Themes of old art and glory, as I sing The song of Ascra through the towns of Rome. Now for the native gifts of various soils, What powers hath each, what hue, what natural bent
231For yielding increase. First your stubborn lands And churlish hill-sides, where are thorny fields Of meagre marl and gravel, these delight In long-lived olive-groves to Pallas dear. Take for a sign the plenteous growth hard by
236Of oleaster, and the fields strewn wide With woodland berries. But a soil that's rich, In moisture sweet exulting, and the plain That teems with grasses on its fruitful breast, Such as full oft in hollow mountain-dell
241We view beneath us—from the craggy heights Streams thither flow with fertilizing mud— A plain which southward rising feeds the fern By curved ploughs detested, this one day Shall yield thee store of vines full strong to gush
246In torrents of the wine-god; this shall be Fruitful of grapes and flowing juice like that We pour to heaven from bowls of gold, what time The sleek Etruscan at the altar blows His ivory pipe, and on the curved dish
251We lay the reeking entrails. If to rear Cattle delight thee rather, steers, or lambs, Or goats that kill the tender plants, then seek Full-fed Tarentum's glades and distant fields, Or such a plain as luckless Mantua lost
256Whose weedy water feeds the snow-white swan: There nor clear springs nor grass the flocks will fail, And all the day-long browsing of thy herds Shall the cool dews of one brief night repair. Land which the burrowing share shows dark and rich,
261With crumbling soil—for this we counterfeit In ploughing—for corn is goodliest; from no field More wains thou'lt see wend home with plodding steers; Or that from which the husbandman in spleen Has cleared the timber, and o'erthrown the copse
266That year on year lay idle, and from the roots Uptorn the immemorial haunt of birds; They banished from their nests have sought the skies; But the rude plain beneath the ploughshare's stroke Starts into sudden brightness. For indeed
271The starved hill-country gravel scarce serves the bees With lowly cassias and with rosemary; Rough tufa and chalk too, by black water-worms Gnawed through and through, proclaim no soils beside So rife with serpent-dainties, or that yield
276Such winding lairs to lurk in. That again, Which vapoury mist and flitting smoke exhales, Drinks moisture up and casts it forth at will, Which, ever in its own green grass arrayed, Mars not the metal with salt scurf of rust—
281That shall thine elms with merry vines enwreathe; That teems with olive; that shall thy tilth prove kind To cattle, and patient of the curved share. Such ploughs rich Capua, such the coast that skirts Thy ridge, Vesuvius, and the Clanian flood,
286Acerrae's desolation and her bane. How each to recognize now hear me tell. Dost ask if loose or passing firm it be— Since one for corn hath liking, one for wine, The firmer sort for Ceres, none too loose
291For thee, Lyaeus?—with scrutinizing eye First choose thy ground, and bid a pit be sunk Deep in the solid earth, then cast the mould All back again, and stamp the surface smooth. If it suffice not, loose will be the land,
296More meet for cattle and for kindly vines; But if, rebellious, to its proper bounds The soil returns not, but fills all the trench And overtops it, then the glebe is gross; Look for stiff ridges and reluctant clods,
301And with strong bullocks cleave the fallow crust. Salt ground again, and bitter, as 'tis called— Barren for fruits, by tilth untamable, Nor grape her kind, nor apples their good name Maintaining—will in this wise yield thee proof:
306Stout osier-baskets from the rafter-smoke, And strainers of the winepress pluck thee down; Hereinto let that evil land, with fresh Spring-water mixed, be trampled to the full; The moisture, mark you, will ooze all away,
311In big drops issuing through the osier-withes, But plainly will its taste the secret tell, And with a harsh twang ruefully distort The mouths of them that try it. Rich soil again We learn on this wise: tossed from hand to hand
316Yet cracks it never, but pitch-like, as we hold, Clings to the fingers. A land with moisture rife Breeds lustier herbage, and is more than meet Prolific. Ah I may never such for me O'er-fertile prove, or make too stout a show
321At the first earing! Heavy land or light The mute self-witness of its weight betrays. A glance will serve to warn thee which is black, Or what the hue of any. But hard it is To track the signs of that pernicious cold:
326Pines only, noxious yews, and ivies dark At times reveal its traces. All these rules Regarding, let your land, ay, long before, Scorch to the quick, and into trenches carve
331The mighty mountains, and their upturned clods Bare to the north wind, ere thou plant therein The vine's prolific kindred. Fields whose soil Is crumbling are the best: winds look to that, And bitter hoar-frosts, and the delver's toil
336Untiring, as he stirs the loosened glebe. But those, whose vigilance no care escapes, Search for a kindred site, where first to rear A nursery for the trees, and eke whereto Soon to translate them, lest the sudden shock
341From their new mother the young plants estrange. Nay, even the quarter of the sky they brand Upon the bark, that each may be restored, As erst it stood, here bore the southern heats, Here turned its shoulder to the northern pole;
346So strong is custom formed in early years. Whether on hill or plain 'tis best to plant Your vineyard first inquire. If on some plain You measure out rich acres, then plant thick; Thick planting makes no niggard of the vine;
351But if on rising mound or sloping bill, Then let the rows have room, so none the less Each line you draw, when all the trees are set, May tally to perfection. Even as oft In mighty war, whenas the legion's length
356Deploys its cohorts, and the column stands In open plain, the ranks of battle set, And far and near with rippling sheen of arms The wide earth flickers, nor yet in grisly strife Foe grapples foe, but dubious 'twixt the hosts
361The war-god wavers; so let all be ranged In equal rows symmetric, not alone To feed an idle fancy with the view, But since not otherwise will earth afford Vigour to all alike, nor yet the boughs
366Have power to stretch them into open space. Shouldst haply of the furrow's depth inquire, Even to a shallow trench I dare commit The vine; but deeper in the ground is fixed The tree that props it, aesculus in chief,
371Which howso far its summit soars toward heaven, So deep strikes root into the vaults of hell. It therefore neither storms, nor blasts, nor showers Wrench from its bed; unshaken it abides, Sees many a generation, many an age
376Of men roll onward, and survives them all, Stretching its titan arms and branches far, Sole central pillar of a world of shade. Nor toward the sunset let thy vineyards slope, Nor midst the vines plant hazel; neither take
381The topmost shoots for cuttings, nor from the top Of the supporting tree your suckers tear; So deep their love of earth; nor wound the plants With blunted blade; nor truncheons intersperse Of the wild olive: for oft from careless swains
386A spark hath fallen, that, 'neath the unctuous rind Hid thief-like first, now grips the tough tree-bole, And mounting to the leaves on high, sends forth A roar to heaven, then coursing through the boughs And airy summits reigns victoriously,
391Wraps all the grove in robes of fire, and gross With pitch-black vapour heaves the murky reek Skyward, but chiefly if a storm has swooped Down on the forest, and a driving wind Rolls up the conflagration. When 'tis so,
396Their root-force fails them, nor, when lopped away, Can they recover, and from the earth beneath Spring to like verdure; thus alone survives The bare wild olive with its bitter leaves. Let none persuade thee, howso weighty-wise,
401To stir the soil when stiff with Boreas' breath. Then ice-bound winter locks the fields, nor lets The young plant fix its frozen root to earth. Best sow your vineyards when in blushing Spring Comes the white bird long-bodied snakes abhor,
406Or on the eve of autumn's earliest frost, Ere the swift sun-steeds touch the wintry Signs, While summer is departing. Spring it is Blesses the fruit-plantation, Spring the groves; In Spring earth swells and claims the fruitful seed.
411Then Aether, sire omnipotent, leaps down With quickening showers to his glad wife's embrace, And, might with might commingling, rears to life All germs that teem within her; then resound With songs of birds the greenwood-wildernesses,
416And in due time the herds their loves renew; Then the boon earth yields increase, and the fields Unlock their bosoms to the warm west winds; Soft moisture spreads o'er all things, and the blades Face the new suns, and safely trust them now;
421The vine-shoot, fearless of the rising south, Or mighty north winds driving rain from heaven, Bursts into bud, and every leaf unfolds. Even so, methinks, when Earth to being sprang, Dawned the first days, and such the course they held;
426'Twas Spring-tide then, ay, Spring, the mighty world Was keeping: Eurus spared his wintry blasts, When first the flocks drank sunlight, and a race Of men like iron from the hard glebe arose, And wild beasts thronged the woods, and stars the heaven.
431Nor could frail creatures bear this heavy strain, Did not so large a respite interpose 'Twixt frost and heat, and heaven's relenting arms Yield earth a welcome. For the rest, whate'er
436The sets thou plantest in thy fields, thereon Strew refuse rich, and with abundant earth Take heed to hide them, and dig in withal Rough shells or porous stone, for therebetween Will water trickle and fine vapour creep,
441And so the plants their drooping spirits raise. Aye, and there have been, who with weight of stone Or heavy potsherd press them from above; This serves for shield in pelting showers, and this When the hot dog-star chaps the fields with drought.
446The slips once planted, yet remains to cleave The earth about their roots persistently, And toss the cumbrous hoes, or task the soil With burrowing plough-share, and ply up and down Your labouring bullocks through the vineyard's midst,
451Then too smooth reeds and shafts of whittled wand, And ashen poles and sturdy forks to shape, Whereby supported they may learn to mount, Laugh at the gales, and through the elm-tops win From story up to story.
456Now while yet The leaves are in their first fresh infant growth, Forbear their frailty, and while yet the bough Shoots joyfully toward heaven, with loosened rein Launched on the void, assail it not as yet
461With keen-edged sickle, but let the leaves alone Be culled with clip of fingers here and there. But when they clasp the elms with sturdy trunks Erect, then strip the leaves off, prune the boughs; Sooner they shrink from steel, but then put forth
466The arm of power, and stem the branchy tide. Hedges too must be woven and all beasts Barred entrance, chiefly while the leaf is young And witless of disaster; for therewith, Beside harsh winters and o'erpowering sun,
471Wild buffaloes and pestering goats for ay Besport them, sheep and heifers glut their greed. Nor cold by hoar-frost curdled, nor the prone Dead weight of summer upon the parched crags, So scathe it, as the flocks with venom-bite
476Of their hard tooth, whose gnawing scars the stem. For no offence but this to Bacchus bleeds The goat at every altar, and old plays Upon the stage find entrance; therefore too The sons of Theseus through the country-side—
481Hamlet and crossway—set the prize of wit, And on the smooth sward over oiled skins Dance in their tipsy frolic. Furthermore The Ausonian swains, a race from Troy derived, Make merry with rough rhymes and boisterous mirth,
486Grim masks of hollowed bark assume, invoke Thee with glad hymns, O Bacchus, and to thee Hang puppet-faces on tall pines to swing. Hence every vineyard teems with mellowing fruit, Till hollow vale o'erflows, and gorge profound,
491Where'er the god hath turned his comely head. Therefore to Bacchus duly will we sing Meet honour with ancestral hymns, and cates And dishes bear him; and the doomed goat Led by the horn shall at the altar stand,
496Whose entrails rich on hazel-spits we'll roast. This further task again, to dress the vine, Hath needs beyond exhausting; the whole soil Thrice, four times, yearly must be cleft, the sod With hoes reversed be crushed continually,
501The whole plantation lightened of its leaves. Round on the labourer spins the wheel of toil, As on its own track rolls the circling year. Soon as the vine her lingering leaves hath shed, And the chill north wind from the forests shook
506Their coronal, even then the careful swain Looks keenly forward to the coming year, With Saturn's curved fang pursues and prunes The vine forlorn, and lops it into shape. Be first to dig the ground up, first to clear
511And burn the refuse-branches, first to house Again your vine-poles, last to gather fruit. Twice doth the thickening shade beset the vine, Twice weeds with stifling briers o'ergrow the crop; And each a toilsome labour. Do thou praise
516Broad acres, farm but few. Rough twigs beside Of butcher's broom among the woods are cut, And reeds upon the river-banks, and still The undressed willow claims thy fostering care. So now the vines are fettered, now the trees
521Let go the sickle, and the last dresser now Sings of his finished rows; but still the ground Must vexed be, the dust be stirred, and heaven Still set thee trembling for the ripened grapes. Not so with olives; small husbandry need they,
526Nor look for sickle bowed or biting rake, When once they have gripped the soil, and borne the breeze. Earth of herself, with hooked fang laid bare, Yields moisture for the plants, and heavy fruit, The ploughshare aiding; therewithal thou'lt rear
531The olive's fatness well-beloved of Peace. Apples, moreover, soon as first they feel Their stems wax lusty, and have found their strength, To heaven climb swiftly, self-impelled, nor crave Our succour. All the grove meanwhile no less
536With fruit is swelling, and the wild haunts of birds Blush with their blood-red berries. Cytisus Is good to browse on, the tall forest yields Pine-torches, and the nightly fires are fed And shoot forth radiance. And shall men be loath
541To plant, nor lavish of their pains? Why trace Things mightier? Willows even and lowly brooms To cattle their green leaves, to shepherds shade, Fences for crops, and food for honey yield. And blithe it is Cytorus to behold
546Waving with box, Narycian groves of pitch; Oh! blithe the sight of fields beholden not To rake or man's endeavour! the barren woods That crown the scalp of Caucasus, even these, Which furious blasts for ever rive and rend,
551Yield various wealth, pine-logs that serve for ships, Cedar and cypress for the homes of men; Hence, too, the farmers shave their wheel-spokes, hence Drums for their wains, and curved boat-keels fit; Willows bear twigs enow, the elm-tree leaves,
556Myrtle stout spear-shafts, war-tried cornel too; Yews into Ituraean bows are bent: Nor do smooth lindens or lathe-polished box Shrink from man's shaping and keen-furrowing steel; Light alder floats upon the boiling flood
561Sped down the Padus, and bees house their swarms In rotten holm-oak's hollow bark and bole. What of like praise can Bacchus' gifts afford? Nay, Bacchus even to crime hath prompted, he The wine-infuriate Centaurs quelled with death,
566Rhoetus and Pholus, and with mighty bowl Hylaeus threatening high the Lapithae. Oh! all too happy tillers of the soil, Could they but know their blessedness, for whom Far from the clash of arms all-equal earth
571Pours from the ground herself their easy fare! What though no lofty palace portal-proud From all its chambers vomits forth a tide Of morning courtiers, nor agape they gaze On pillars with fair tortoise-shell inwrought,
576Gold-purfled robes, and bronze from Ephyre; Nor is the whiteness of their wool distained With drugs Assyrian, nor clear olive's use With cassia tainted; yet untroubled calm, A life that knows no falsehood, rich enow
581With various treasures, yet broad-acred ease, Grottoes and living lakes, yet Tempes cool, Lowing of kine, and sylvan slumbers soft, They lack not; lawns and wild beasts' haunts are there, A youth of labour patient, need-inured,
586Worship, and reverend sires: with them from earth Departing justice her last footprints left. Me before all things may the Muses sweet, Whose rites I bear with mighty passion pierced, Receive, and show the paths and stars of heaven,
591The sun's eclipses and the labouring moons, From whence the earthquake, by what power the seas Swell from their depths, and, every barrier burst, Sink back upon themselves, why winter-suns So haste to dip 'neath ocean, or what check
596The lingering night retards. But if to these High realms of nature the cold curdling blood About my heart bar access, then be fields And stream-washed vales my solace, let me love Rivers and woods, inglorious. Oh for you
601Plains, and Spercheius, and Taygete, By Spartan maids o'er-revelled! Oh, for one, Would set me in deep dells of Haemus cool, And shield me with his boughs' o'ershadowing might! Happy, who had the skill to understand
606Nature's hid causes, and beneath his feet All terrors cast, and death's relentless doom, And the loud roar of greedy Acheron. Blest too is he who knows the rural gods, Pan, old Silvanus, and the sister-nymphs!
611Him nor the rods of public power can bend, Nor kingly purple, nor fierce feud that drives Brother to turn on brother, nor descent Of Dacian from the Danube's leagued flood, Nor Rome's great State, nor kingdoms like to die;
616Nor hath he grieved through pitying of the poor, Nor envied him that hath. What fruit the boughs, And what the fields, of their own bounteous will Have borne, he gathers; nor iron rule of laws, Nor maddened Forum have his eyes beheld,
621Nor archives of the people. Others vex The darksome gulfs of Ocean with their oars, Or rush on steel: they press within the courts And doors of princes; one with havoc falls Upon a city and its hapless hearths,
626From gems to drink, on Tyrian rugs to lie; This hoards his wealth and broods o'er buried gold; One at the rostra stares in blank amaze; One gaping sits transported by the cheers, The answering cheers of plebs and senate rolled
631Along the benches: bathed in brothers' blood Men revel, and, all delights of hearth and home For exile changing, a new country seek Beneath an alien sun. The husbandman With hooked ploughshare turns the soil; from hence
636Springs his year's labour; hence, too, he sustains Country and cottage homestead, and from hence His herds of cattle and deserving steers. No respite! still the year o'erflows with fruit, Or young of kine, or Ceres' wheaten sheaf,
641With crops the furrow loads, and bursts the barns. Winter is come: in olive-mills they bruise The Sicyonian berry; acorn-cheered The swine troop homeward; woods their arbutes yield; So, various fruit sheds Autumn, and high up
646On sunny rocks the mellowing vintage bakes. Meanwhile about his lips sweet children cling; His chaste house keeps its purity; his kine Drop milky udders, and on the lush green grass Fat kids are striving, horn to butting horn.
651Himself keeps holy days; stretched o'er the sward, Where round the fire his comrades crown the bowl, He pours libation, and thy name invokes, Lenaeus, and for the herdsmen on an elm Sets up a mark for the swift javelin; they
656Strip their tough bodies for the rustic sport. Such life of yore the ancient Sabines led, Such Remus and his brother: Etruria thus, Doubt not, to greatness grew, and Rome became The fair world's fairest, and with circling wall
661Clasped to her single breast the sevenfold hills. Ay, ere the reign of Dicte's king, ere men, Waxed godless, banqueted on slaughtered bulls, Such life on earth did golden Saturn lead. Nor ear of man had heard the war-trump's blast,
666Nor clang of sword on stubborn anvil set. But lo! a boundless space we have travelled o'er; 'Tis time our steaming horses to unyoke.
Book 3
1Te quoque, magna Pales, et te memorande canemus pastor ab Amphryso, vos, silvae amnesque Lycaei. Cetera, quae vacuas tenuissent carmine mentes, omnia iam volgata: quis aut Eurysthea durum aut inlaudati nescit Busiridis aras?
6Cui non dictus Hylas puer et Latonia Delos Hippodameque umeroque Pelops insignis eburno, acer equis? Temptanda via est, qua me quoque possim tollere humo victorque virum volitare per ora. Primus ego in patriam mecum, modo vita supersit,
11Aonio rediens deducam vertice Musas; primus Idumaeas referam tibi, Mantua, palmas, et viridi in campo templum de marmore ponam propter aquam. Tardis ingens ubi flexibus errat Mincius et tenera praetexit arundine ripas.
16In medio mihi Caesar erit templumque tenebit: illi victor ego et Tyrio conspectus in ostro centum quadriiugos agitabo ad flumina currus. Cuncta mihi Alpheum linquens lucosque Molorchi cursibus et crudo decernet Graecia caestu.
21Ipse caput tonsae foliis ornatus olivae dona feram. Iam nunc sollemnis ducere pompas ad delubra iuvat caesosque videre iuvencos, vel scaena ut versis discedat frontibus utque purpurea intexti tollant aulaea Britanni.
26In foribus pugnam ex auro solidoque elephanto Gangaridum faciam victorisque arma Quirini, atque hic undantem bello magnumque fluentem Nilum ac navali surgentis aere columnas. Addam urbes Asiae domitas pulsumque Niphaten
31fidentemque fuga Parthum versisque sagittis, et duo rapta manu diverso ex hoste tropaea bisque triumphatas utroque ab litore gentes. Stabunt et Parii lapides, spirantia signa, Assaraci proles demissaeque ab Iove gentis
36nomina, Trosque parens et Troiae Cynthius auctor. Invidia infelix Furias amnemque severum Cocyti metuet tortosque Ixionis anguis immanemque rotam et non exsuperabile saxum. Interea Dryadum silvas saltusque sequamur
41intactos, tua, Maecenas, haud mollia iussa. Te sine nil altum mens incohat; en age segnis rumpe moras; vocat ingenti clamore Cithaeron Taygetique canes domitrixque Epidaurus equorum et vox adsensu nemorum ingeminata remugit.
46Mox tamen ardentis accingar dicere pugnas Caesaris et nomen fama tot ferre per annos, Tithoni prima quot abest ab origine Caesar. Seu quis Olympiacae miratus praemia palmae pascit equos seu quis fortis ad aratra iuvencos,
51corpora praecipue matrum legat. Optuma torvae forma bovis, cui turpe caput, cui plurima cervix, et crurum tenus a mento palearia pendent; tum longo nullus lateri modus; omnia magna, pes etiam; et camuris hirtae sub cornibus aures.
56Nec mihi displiceat maculis insignis et albo, aut iuga detractans interdumque aspera cornu et faciem tauro propior, quaeque ardua tota, et gradiens ima verrit vestigia cauda, Aetas Lucinam iustosque pati hymenaeos
61desinit ante decem, post quattuor incipit annos; cetera nec feturae habilis nec fortis aratris. Interea, superat gregibus dum laeta iuventas, solve mares; mitte in Venerem pecuaria primus, atque aliam ex alia generando suffice prolem.
66Optuma quaeque dies miseris mortalibus aevi prima fugit; subeunt morbi tristisque senectus et labor, et durae rapit inclementia mortis. Semper erunt, quarum mutari corpora malis: semper enim refice ac, ne post amissa requiras,
71ante veni et subolem armento sortire quotannis. Nec non et pecori est idem dilectus equino. Tu modo, quos in spem statues submittere gentis, praecipuum iam inde a teneris impende laborem. Continuo pecoris generosi pullus in arvis
76altius ingreditur et mollia crura reponit; primus et ire viam et fluvios temptare minaces audet et ignoto sese committere ponti nec vanos horret strepitus. Illi ardua cervix argutumque caput, brevis alvus obesaque terga,
81luxuriatque toris animosum pectus. Honesti spadices glaucique, color deterrimus albis et gilvo. Tum, si qua sonum procul arma dedere stare loco nescit, micat auribus et tremit artus collectumque premens volvit sub naribus ignem.
86Densa iuba, et dextro iactata recumbit in armo; at duplex agitur per lumbos spina, cavatque tellurem et solido graviter sonat ungula cornu. Talis Amyclaei domitus Pollucis habenis Cyllarus et, quorum Grai meminere poetae,
91Martis equi biiuges et magni currus Achilli. Talis et ipse iubam cervice effundit equina coniugis adventu pernix Saturnus et altum Pelion hinnitu fugiens implevit acuto. Hunc quoque, ubi aut morbo gravis aut iam segnior annis
96deficit, abde domo nec turpi ignosce senectae. frigidus in Venerem senior, frustraque laborem ingratum trahit, et, si quando ad proelia ventum est, ut quondam in stipulis magnus sine viribus ignis, incassum furit. Ergo animos aevumque notabis
101praecipue; hinc alias artis prolemque parentum et quis cuique dolor victo, quae gloria palmae. Nonne vides, cum praecipiti certamine campum corripuere ruuntque effusi carcere currus, cum spes arrectae iuvenum, exsultantiaque haurit
106corda pavor pulsans? Illi instant verbere torto et proni dant lora, volat vi fervidus axis; iamque humiles, iamque elati sublime videntur aera per vacuum ferri atque adsurgere in auras; nec mora nec requies; at fulvae nimbus harenae
111tollitur, umescunt spumis flatuque sequentum: tantus amor laudum, tantae est victoria curae. Primus Erichthonius currus et quattuor ausus iungere equos rapidusque rotis insistere victor Frena Pelethronii Lapithae gyrosque dedere
116impositi dorso atque equitem docuere sub armis insultare solo et gressus glomerare superbos. Aequus uterque labor, aeque iuvenemque magistri exquirunt calidumque animis et cursibus acrem, quamvis saepe fuga versos ille egerit hostis
121et patriam Epirum referat fortisque Mycenas Neptunique ipsa deducat origine gentem. His animadversis instant sub tempus et omnis impendunt curas denso distendere pingui, quem legere ducem et pecori dixere maritum;
126florentisque secant herbas fluviosque ministrant farraque, ne blando nequeat superesse labori invalidique patrum referant ieiunia nati. Ipsa autem macie tenuant armenta volentes, atque, ubi concubitus primos iam nota voluptas
131sollicitat, frondesque negant et fontibus arcent. Saepe etiam cursu quatiunt et sole fatigant, cum graviter tunsis gemit area frugibus et cum surgentem ad Zephyrum paleae iactantur inanes. Hoc faciunt, nimio ne luxu obtunsior usus
136sit genitali arvo et sulcos oblimet inertis, sed rapiat sitiens Venerem interiusque recondat. Rursus cura patrum cadere et succedere matrum incipit. Exactis gravidae cum mensibus errant, non illas gravibus quisquam iuga ducere plaustris,
141non saltu superare viam sit passus et acri carpere prata fuga fluviosque innare rapacis. Saltibus in vacuis pascunt et plena secundum flumina, muscus ubi et viridissima gramine ripa, speluncaeque tegant et saxea procubet umbra.
146Est lucos Silari circa ilicibusque; virentem plurimus Alburnum volitans, cui nomen asilo Romanum est, oestrum Grai vertere vocantes, asper, acerba sonans, quo tota exterrita silvis diffugiunt armenta; furit mugitibus aether
151concussus silvaeque et sicci ripa Tanagri. Hoc quondam monstro horribilis exercuit iras Inachiae Iuno pestem meditata iuvencae. Hunc quoque, nam mediis fervoribus acrior instat, arcebis gravido pecori, armentaque pasces
156sole recens orto aut noctem ducentibus astris. Post partum cura in vitulos traducitur omnis, continuoque notas et nomina gentis inurunt et quos aut pecori malint submittere habendo aut aris servare sacros aut scindere terram
161et campum horrentem fractis invertere glaebis. Cetera pascuntur viridis armenta per herbas: Tu quos ad studium atque usum formabis agrestem, iam vitulos hortare viamque insiste domandi, dum faciles animi iuvenum, dum mobilis aetas.
166Ac primum laxos tenui de vimine circlos cervici subnecte; dehinc, ubi libera colla servitio adsuerint, ipsis e torquibus aptos iunge pares et coge gradum conferre iuvencos; atque illis iam saepe rotae ducantur inanes
171per terram et summo vestigia pulvere signent; post valido nitens sub pondere faginus axis instrepat et iunctos temo trahat aereus orbes. Interea pubi indomitae non gramina tantum nec vescas salicum frondes ulvamque palustrem,
176sed frumenta manu carpes sata; nec tibi fetae more patrum nivea implebunt mulctraria vaccae, sed tota in dulcis consument ubera natos. Sin ad bella magis studium turmasque ferocis, aut Alphea rotis praelabi flumina Pisae
181et Iovis in luco currus agitare volantis: primus equi labor est, animos atque arma videre bellantum lituosque pati tractuque gementem ferre rotam et stabulo frenos audire sonantis; tum magis atque magis blandis gaudere magistri
186laudibus et plausae sonitum cervicis amare. Atque haec iam primo depulsus ab ubere matris audeat, inque vicem det mollibus ora capistris invalidus etiamque tremens, etiam inscius aevi. At tribus exactis ubi quarta accesserit aestas,
191carpere mox gyrum incipiat gradibusque sonare compositis sinuetque alterna volumina crurum sitque laboranti similis; tum cursibus auras, tum vocet, ac per aperta volans ceu liber habenis aequora vix summa vestigia ponat harena;
196qualis Hyperboreis Aquilo cum densus ab oris incubuit, Scythiaeque hiemes atque arida differt nubila: tum segetes altae campique natantes lenibus horrescunt flabris summaeque sonorem dant silvae longique urgent ad litora fluctus;
201ille volat simul arva fuga, simul aequora verrens Hinc vel ad Elei metas et maxuma campi sudabit spatia et spumas aget ore cruentas, Belgica vel molli melius feret esseda collo. Tum demum crassa magnum farragine corpus
206crescere iam domitis sinito: namque ante domandum ingentis tollent animos prensique negabunt verbera lenta pati et duris parere lupatis. Sed non ulla magis viris industria firmat, quam Venerem et caeci stimulos avertere amoris,
211sive boum sive est cui gratior usus equorum. Atque ideo tauros procul atque in sola relegant pascua post montem oppositum et trans flumina lata, aut intus clausos satura ad praesepia servant. Carpit enim viris paulatim uritque videndo
216femina nec nemorum patitur meminisse nec herbae dulcibus illa quidem inlecebris, et saepe superbos cornibus inter se subigit decernere amantis. Pascitur in magna Sila formosa iuvenca: illi alternantes multa vi proelia miscent
221volneribus crebris, lavit ater corpora sanguis, versaque in obnixos urguentur cornua vasto cum gemitu, reboant silvaeque et longus Olympus Nec mos bellantis una stabulare, sed alter victus abit longeque ignotis exulat oris,
226multa gemens ignominiam plagasque superbi victoris, tum, quos amisit inultus, amores; et stabula aspectans regnis excessit avitis. Ergo omni cura viris exercet et inter dura iacet pernix instrato saxa cubili
231frondibus hirsutis et carice pastus acuta, et temptat sese atque irasci in cornua discit arboris obnixus trunco ventosque lacessit ictibus et sparsa ad pugnam proludit harena. Post ubi collectum robur viresque refectae
236signa movet praecepsque oblitum fertur in hostem: fluctus uti medio coepit cum albescere ponto longius ex altoque sinum trahit, utque volutus ad terras immane sonat per saxa neque ipso monte minor procumbit, at ima exaestuat unda
241verticibus nigramque alte subiectat harenam. Omne adeo genus in terris hominumque ferarumque, et genus aequoreum, pecudes pictaeque volucres, in furias. ignemque ruunt. Amor omnibus idem. Tempore non alio catulorum oblita leaena
246saevior erravit campis, nec funera volgo tam multa informes ursi stragemque dedere per silvas; tum saevus aper, tum pessima tigris; heu male tum Libyae solis erratur in agris. Nonne vides, ut tota tremor pertemptet equorum
251corpora, si tantum notas odor attulit auras? Ac neque eos iam frena virum neque verbera saeva non scopuli rupesque cavae atque obiecta retardant flumina correptosque unda torquentia montis. Ipse ruit dentesque Sabellicus exacuit sus
256et pede prosubigit terram, fricat arbore costas atque hinc atque illinc umeros ad volnera durat. Quid iuvenis, magnum cui versat in ossibus ignem durus amor? Nempe abruptis turbata procellis nocte natat caeca serus freta; quem super ingens
261porta tonat caeli et scopulis inlisa reclamant aequora; nec miseri possunt revocare parentes nec moritura super crudeli funere virgo. Quid lynces Bacchi variae et genus acre luporum atque canum? Quid, quae imbelles dant proelia cervi?
266Scilicet ante omnis furor est insignis equarum; et mentem Venus ipsa dedit, quo tempore Glauci Potniades malis membra absumpsere quadrigae. Illas ducit amor trans Gargara transque sonantem Ascanium; superant montis et flumina tranant.
271Continuoque avidis ubi subdita flamma medullis, vere magis, quia vere calor redit ossibus: illae ore omnes versae in Zephyrum stant rupibus altis, exceptantque levis auras et saepe sine ullis coniugiis vento gravidae, mirabile dictu,
276saxa per et scopulos et depressas convallis diffugiunt, non, Eure, tuos, neque solis ad ortus, in Borean caurumque, aut unde nigerrimus auster nascitur et pluvio contristat frigore caelum. Hic demum, hippomanes vero quod nomine dicunt
281pastores, lentum destillat ab inguine virus, hippomanes, quod saepe malae legere novercae miscueruntque herbas et non innoxia verba. Sed fugit interea, fugit inreparabile tempus, singula dum capti circumvectamur amore.
286Hoc satis armentis: superat pars altera curae, lanigeros agitare greges hirtasque capellas. Hic labor, hinc laudem fortes sperate coloni. Nec sum animi dubius, verbis ea vincere magnum quam sit, et angustis hunc addere rebus honorem;
291sed me Parnasi deserta per ardua dulcis raptat amor; iuvat ire iugis, qua nulla priorum Castaliam molli devertitur orbita clivo. Nunc, veneranda Pales, magno nunc ore sonandum Incipiens stabulis edico in mollibus herbam
296carpere ovis, dum mox frondosa reducitur aestas, et multa duram stipula filicumque maniplis sternere subter humum, glacies ne frigida laedat molle pecus scabiemque ferat turpisque podagras. Post hinc digressus iubeo frondentia capris
301arbuta sufficere et fluvios praebere recentis et stabula a ventis hiberno opponere soli ad medium conversa diem, cum frigidus olim iam cadit extremoque inrorat Aquarius anno. Haec quoque non cura nobis leviore tuendae,
306nec minor usus erit, quamvis Milesia magno vellera mutentur Tyrios incocta rubores: densior hinc suboles, hinc largi copia lactis; quam magis exhausto spumaverit ubere mulctra, laeta magis pressis manabunt flumina mammis.
311Nec minus interea barbas incanaque menta Cinyphii tondent hirci saetasque comantis usum in castrorum et miseris velamina nautis. Pascuntur vero silvas et summa Lycaei horrentisque rubos et amantis ardua dumos:
316atque ipsae memores redeunt in tecta suosque ducunt et gravido superant vix ubere limen. Ergo omni studio glaciem ventosque nivalis quo minor est illis curae mortalis egestas, avertes victumque feres et virgea laetus
321pabula, nec tota claudes faenilia bruma. At vero Zephyris cum laeta vocantibus aestas in saltus utrumque gregem atque in pascua mittet, Luciferi primo cum sidere frigida rura carpamus, dum mane novum, dum gramina canent,
326et ros in tenera pecori gratissimus herba. Inde ubi quarta sitim caeli collegerit hora et cantu querulae rumpent arbusta cicadae, ad puteos aut alta greges ad stagna iubebo currentem ilignis potare canalibus undam;
331aestibus at mediis umbrosam exquirere vallem, sicubi magna Iovis antiquo robore quercus ingentis tendat ramos, aut sicubi nigrum ilicibus crebris sacra nemus accubet umbra; tum tenuis dare rursus aquas et pascere rursus
336solis ad occasum, cum frigidus aera vesper temperat et saltus reficit iam roscida luna litoraque alcyonem resonant, acalanthida dumi. Quid tibi pastores Libyae, quid pascua versu prosequar et raris habitata mapalia tectis?
341Saepe diem noctemque et totum ex ordine mensem pascitur itque pecus longa in deserta sine ullis hospitiis: tantum campi iacet. Omnia secum armentarius Afer agit, tectumque laremque armaque Amyclaeumque canem Cressamque pharetram;
346non secus ac patriis acer Romanus in armis iniusto sub fasce viam cum carpit et hosti ante expectatum positis stat in agmine castris. At non, qua Scythiae gentes Maeotiaque unda, turbidus et torquens flaventis Hister harenas,
351quaque redit medium Rhodope porrecta sub axem. Illic clausa tenent stabulis armenta, neque ullae aut herbae campo apparent aut arbore frondes; sed iacet aggeribus niveis informis et alto terra gelu late septemque adsurgit in ulnas.
356Semper hiemps, semper spirantes frigora cauri. Tum Sol pallentis haud umquam discutit umbras, nec cum invectus equis altum petit aethera, nec cum praecipitem Oceani rubro lavit aequore currum. Concrescunt subitae currenti in flumine crustae
361undaque iam tergo ferratos sustinet orbis, puppibus illa prius, patulis nunc hospita plaustris; aeraque dissiliunt vulgo vestesque rigescunt indutae caeduntque securibus umida vina et totae solidam in glaciem vertere lacunae
366stiriaque impexis induruit horrida barbis. Interea toto non setius aere ninguit: intereunt pecudes, stant circumfusa pruinis corpora magna boum, confertoque agmine cervi torpent mole nova et summis vix cornibus extant.
371Hos non immissis canibus, non cassibus ullis puniceaeve agitant pavidos formidine pennae, sed frustra oppositum trudentis pectore montem comminus obtruncant ferro graviterque rudentis caedunt et magno laeti clamore reportant.
376Ipsi in defossis specubus secura sub alta otia agunt terra congestaque robora totasque advolvere focis ulmos ignique dedere. Hic noctem ludo ducunt et pocula laeti fermento atque acidis imitantur vitea sorbis.
381Talis Hyperboreo septem subiecta trioni gens effrena virum Rhiphaeo tunditur euro et pecudum fulvis velatur corpora saetis. Si tibi lanitium curae, primum aspera silva, lappaeque tribolique, absint; fuge pabula laeta;
386Continuoque greges villis lege mollibus albos. Illum autem, quamvis aries sit candidus ipse, nigra subest udo tantum cui lingua palato, reice, ne maculis infuscet vellera pullis nascentum, plenoque alium circumspice campo.
391Munere sic niveo lanae, si credere dignum est, Pan deus Arcadiae captam te, Luna, fefellit in nemora alta vocans; nec tu aspernata vocantem. At cui lactis amor, cytisum lotosque frequentis ipse manu salsasque ferat praesepibus herbas.
396Hinc et amant fluvios magis et magis ubera tendunt et salis occultum referunt in lacte saporem. Multi iam excretos prohibent a matribus haedos primaque ferratis praefigunt ora capistris. Quod surgente die mulsere horisque diurnis,
401nocte premunt; quod iam tenebris et sole cadente, sub lucem exportant calathis adit oppida pastor; aut parco sale contingunt hiemique reponunt. Nec tibi cura canum fuerit postrema, sed una velocis Spartae catulos acremque Molossum
406pasce sero pingui. Numquam custodibus illis nocturnum stabulis furem incursusque luporum aut impacatos a tergo horrebis Hiberos. Saepe etiam cursu timidos agitabis onagros et canibus leporem, canibus venabere dammas,
411saepe volutabris pulsos silvestribus apros latratu turbabis agens montisque per altos ingentem clamore premes ad retia cervum. Disce et odoratam stabulis accendere cedrum galbaneoque agitare gravis nidore chelydros.
416saepe sub immotis praesepibus aut mala tactu vipera delituit caelumque exterrita fugit, aut tecto adsuetus coluber succedere et umbrae, pestis acerba boum, pecorique aspergere virus, fovit humum. Cape saxa manu, cape robora, pastor,
421tollentemque minas et sibila colla tumentem deice. Iamque fuga timidum caput abdidit alte, cum medii nexus extremaeque agmina caudae solvuntur, tardosque trahit sinus ultimus orbis. Est etiam ille malus Calabris in saltibus anguis,
426squamea convolvens sublato pectore terga atque notis longam maculosus grandibus alvum qui, dum amnes ulli rumpuntur fontibus et dum vere madent udo terrae ac pluvialibus austris stagna colit, ripisque habitans hic piscibus atram
431improbus ingluviem ranisque loquacibus explet; postquam exusta palus, terraeque ardore dehiscunt, exsilit in siccum et flammantia lumina torquens saevit agris asperque siti atque exterritus aestu. Ne mihi tum mollis sub divo carpere somnos
436neu dorso nemoris libeat iacuisse per herbas, cum positis novus exuviis nitidusque iuventa volvitur, aut catulos tectis aut ova relinquens arduus ad solem et linguis micat ore trisulcis. Morborum quoque te causas et signa docebo.
441Turpis ovis temptat scabies, ubi frigidus imber altius ad vivum persedit et horrida cano bruma gelu, vel cum tonsis inlotus adhaesit sudor et hirsuti secuerunt corpora vepres. Dulcibus idcirco fluviis pecus omne magistri
446perfundunt, udisque aries in gurgite villis mersatur missusque secundo defluit amni; aut tonsum tristi contingunt corpus amurca et spumas miscent argenti et sulfura viva Idaeasque pices et pinguis unguine ceras
451scillamque elleborosque gravis nigrumque bitumen. Non tamen ulla magis praesens fortuna laborum est, quam si quis ferro potuit rescindere summum ulceris os: alitur vitium vivitque tegendo, dum medicas adhibere manus ad volnera pastor
456abnegat et meliora deos sedet omnia poscens. Quin etiam, ima dolor balantum lapsus ad ossa cum furit atque artus depascitur arida febris, profuit incensos aestus avertere et inter ima ferire pedis salientem sanguine venam,
461Bisaltae quo more solent acerque Gelonus; cum fugit in Rhodopen atque in deserta Getarum et lac concretum cum sanguine potat equino. Quam procul aut molli succedere saepius umbrae videris aut summas carpentem ignavius herbas
466extremamque sequi aut medio procumbere campo pascentem et serae solam decedere nocti: continuo culpam ferro compesce, prius quam dira per incautum serpant contagia volgus. Non tam creber agens hiemem ruit aequore turbo,
471quam multae pecudum pestes. Nec singula morbi corpora corripiunt, sed tota aestiva repente, spemque gregemque simul cunctamque ab origine gentem. Tum sciat, aerias Alpis et Norica si quis castella in tumulis et Iapydis arva Timavi
476nunc quoque post tanto videat desertaque regna pastorum et longe saltus lateque vacantis. Hic quondam morbo caeli miseranda coorta est tempestas totoque autumni incanduit aestu et genus omne neci pecudum dedit, omne ferarum,
481corrupitque lacus, infecit pabula tabo. Nec via mortis erat simplex, sed ubi ignea venis omnibus acta sitis miseros adduxerat artus, rursus abundabat fluidus liquor omniaque in se ossa minutatim morbo collapsa trahebat.
486Saepe in honore deum medio stans hostia ad aram lanea dum nivea circumdatur infula vitta, inter cunctantis cecidit moribunda ministros. Aut si quam ferro mactaverat ante sacerdos inde neque impositis ardent altaria fibris
491nec responsa potest consultus reddere vates, ac vix suppositi tinguntur sanguine cultri summaque ieiuna sanie infuscatur harena. Hinc laetis vituli volgo moriuntur in herbis et dulcis animas plena ad praesepia reddunt;
496hinc canibus blandis rabies venit et quatit aegros tussis anhela sues ac faucibus angit obesis. Labitur infelix studiorum atque immemor herbae victor equus fontisque avertitur et pede terram crebra ferit; demissae aures, incertus ibidem
501sudor et ille quidem morituris frigidus, aret pellis et ad tactum tractanti dura resistit. Haec ante exitium primis dant signa diebus; sin in processu coepit crudescere morbus, tum vero ardentes oculi atque attractus ab alto
506spiritus, interdum gemitu gravis, imaque longo ilia singultu tendunt, it naribus ater sanguis et obsessas fauces premit aspera lingua. Profuit inserto latices infundere cornu Lenaeos; ea visa salus morientibus una;
511mox erat hoc ipsum exitio, furiisque refecti ardebant ipsique suos iam morte sub aegra, di meliora piis erroremque hostibus illum, discissos nudis laniabant dentibus artus. Ecce autem duro fumans sub vomere taurus
516concidit et mixtum spumis vomit ore cruorem extremosque ciet gemitus. It tristis arator maerentem abiungens fraterna morte iuvencum, atque opere in medio defixa relinquit aratra. Non umbrae altorum nemorum, non mollia possunt
521prata movere animum, non qui per saxa volutus purior electro campum petit amnis; at ima solvuntur latera atque oculos stupor urguet inertis ad terramque fluit devexo pondere cervix. Quid labor aut benefacta iuvant? Quid vomere terras
526invertisse gravis? Atqui non Massica Bacchi munera, non illis epulae nocuere repostae: frondibus et victu pascuntur simplicis herbae, pocula sunt fontes liquidi atque exercita cursu flumina, nec somnos abrumpit cura salubris.
531Tempore non alio dicunt regionibus illis quaesitas ad sacra boves Iunonis et uris imparibus ductos alta ad donaria currus. Ergo aegre rastris terram rimantur et ipsis unguibus infodiunt fruges montisque per altos
536contenta cervice trahunt stridentia plaustra. Non lupus insidias explorat ovilia circum nec gregibus nocturnus obambulat; acrior illum cura domat; timidi dammae cervique fugaces nunc interque canes et circum tecta vagantur.
541Iam maris immensi prolem et genus omne natantum litore in extremo, ceu naufraga corpora, fluctus proluit; insolitae fugiunt in flumina phocae. Interit et curvis frustra defensa latebris vipera et attoniti squamis adstantibus hydri.
546Ipsis est aer avibus non aequus et illae praecipites alta vitam sub nube relinquunt. Praeterea iam nec mutari pabula refert artes nocent quaesitaeque; cessere magistri Phillyrides Chiron Amythaoniusque Melampus.
551Saevit et in lucem Stygiis emissa tenebris pallida Tisiphone Morbos agit ante Metumque, inque dies avidum surgens caput altius effert: Balatu pecorum et crebris mugitibus amnes arentesque sonant ripae collesque supini:
556Iamque catervatim dat stragem atque aggerat ipsis in stabulis turpi dilapsa cadavera tabo donec humo tegere ac foveis abscondere discunt. Nam neque erat coriis usus nec viscera quisquam aut undis abolere potest aut vincere flamma;
561ne tondere quidem morbo inluvieque peresa vellera nec telas possunt attingere putris; verum etiam invisos si quis temptarat amictus, ardentes papulae atque immundus olentia sudor membra sequebatur nec longo deinde moranti
566tempore contactos artus sacer ignis edebat.
Book 3
1Thee too, great Pales, will I hymn, and thee, Amphrysian shepherd, worthy to be sung, You, woods and waves Lycaean. All themes beside, Which else had charmed the vacant mind with song, Are now waxed common. Of harsh Eurystheus who
6The story knows not, or that praiseless king Busiris, and his altars? or by whom Hath not the tale been told of Hylas young, Latonian Delos and Hippodame, And Pelops for his ivory shoulder famed,
11Keen charioteer? Needs must a path be tried, By which I too may lift me from the dust, And float triumphant through the mouths of men. Yea, I shall be the first, so life endure, To lead the Muses with me, as I pass
16To mine own country from the Aonian height; I, Mantua, first will bring thee back the palms Of Idumaea, and raise a marble shrine On thy green plain fast by the water-side, Where Mincius winds more vast in lazy coils,
21And rims his margent with the tender reed. Amid my shrine shall Caesar's godhead dwell. To him will I, as victor, bravely dight In Tyrian purple, drive along the bank A hundred four-horse cars. All Greece for me,
26Leaving Alpheus and Molorchus' grove, On foot shall strive, or with the raw-hide glove; Whilst I, my head with stripped green olive crowned, Will offer gifts. Even 'tis present joy To lead the high processions to the fane,
31And view the victims felled; or how the scene Sunders with shifted face, and Britain's sons Inwoven thereon with those proud curtains rise. Of gold and massive ivory on the doors I'll trace the battle of the Gangarides,
36And our Quirinus' conquering arms, and there Surging with war, and hugely flowing, the Nile, And columns heaped on high with naval brass. And Asia's vanquished cities I will add, And quelled Niphates, and the Parthian foe,
41Who trusts in flight and backward-volleying darts, And trophies torn with twice triumphant hand From empires twain on ocean's either shore. And breathing forms of Parian marble there Shall stand, the offspring of Assaracus,
46And great names of the Jove-descended folk, And father Tros, and Troy's first founder, lord Of Cynthus. And accursed Envy there Shall dread the Furies, and thy ruthless flood, Cocytus, and Ixion's twisted snakes,
51And that vast wheel and ever-baffling stone. Meanwhile the Dryad-haunted woods and lawns Unsullied seek we; 'tis thy hard behest, Maecenas. Without thee no lofty task My mind essays. Up! break the sluggish bonds
56Of tarriance; with loud din Cithaeron calls, Steed-taming Epidaurus, and thy hounds, Taygete; and hark! the assenting groves With peal on peal reverberate the roar. Yet must I gird me to rehearse ere long
61The fiery fights of Caesar, speed his name Through ages, countless as to Caesar's self From the first birth-dawn of Tithonus old. If eager for the prized Olympian palm One breed the horse, or bullock strong to plough,
66Be his prime care a shapely dam to choose. Of kine grim-faced is goodliest, with coarse head And burly neck, whose hanging dewlaps reach From chin to knee; of boundless length her flank; Large every way she is, large-footed even,
71With incurved horns and shaggy ears beneath. Nor let mislike me one with spots of white Conspicuous, or that spurns the yoke, whose horn At times hath vice in't: liker bull-faced she, And tall-limbed wholly, and with tip of tail
76Brushing her footsteps as she walks along. The age for Hymen's rites, Lucina's pangs, Ere ten years ended, after four begins; Their residue of days nor apt to teem, Nor strong for ploughing. Meantime, while youth's delight
81Survives within them, loose the males: be first To speed thy herds of cattle to their loves, Breed stock with stock, and keep the race supplied. Ah! life's best hours are ever first to fly From hapless mortals; in their place succeed
86Disease and dolorous eld; till travail sore And death unpitying sweep them from the scene. Still will be some, whose form thou fain wouldst change; Renew them still; with yearly choice of young Preventing losses, lest too late thou rue.
91Nor steeds crave less selection; but on those Thou think'st to rear, the promise of their line, From earliest youth thy chiefest pains bestow. See from the first yon high-bred colt afield, His lofty step, his limbs' elastic tread:
96Dauntless he leads the herd, still first to try The threatening flood, or brave the unknown bridge, By no vain noise affrighted; lofty-necked, With clean-cut head, short belly, and stout back; His sprightly breast exuberant with brawn.
101Chestnut and grey are good; the worst-hued white And sorrel. Then lo! if arms are clashed afar, Bide still he cannot: ears stiffen and limbs quake; His nostrils snort and roll out wreaths of fire. Dense is his mane, that when uplifted falls
106On his right shoulder; betwixt either loin The spine runs double; his earth-dinting hoof Rings with the ponderous beat of solid horn. Even such a horse was Cyllarus, reined and tamed By Pollux of Amyclae; such the pair
111In Grecian song renowned, those steeds of Mars, And famed Achilles' team: in such-like form Great Saturn's self with mane flung loose on neck Sped at his wife's approach, and flying filled The heights of Pelion with his piercing neigh.
116Even him, when sore disease or sluggish eld Now saps his strength, pen fast at home, and spare His not inglorious age. A horse grown old Slow kindling unto love in vain prolongs The fruitless task, and, to the encounter come,
121As fire in stubble blusters without strength, He rages idly. Therefore mark thou first Their age and mettle, other points anon, As breed and lineage, or what pain was theirs To lose the race, what pride the palm to win.
126Seest how the chariots in mad rivalry Poured from the barrier grip the course and go, When youthful hope is highest, and every heart Drained with each wild pulsation? How they ply The circling lash, and reaching forward let
131The reins hang free! Swift spins the glowing wheel; And now they stoop, and now erect in air Seem borne through space and towering to the sky: No stop, no stay; the dun sand whirls aloft; They reek with foam-flakes and pursuing breath;
136So sweet is fame, so prized the victor's palm. 'Twas Ericthonius first took heart to yoke Four horses to his car, and rode above The whirling wheels to victory: but the ring And bridle-reins, mounted on horses' backs,
141The Pelethronian Lapithae bequeathed, And taught the knight in arms to spurn the ground, And arch the upgathered footsteps of his pride. Each task alike is arduous, and for each A horse young, fiery, swift of foot, they seek;
146How oft so-e'er yon rival may have chased The flying foe, or boast his native plain Epirus, or Mycenae's stubborn hold, And trace his lineage back to Neptune's birth. These points regarded, as the time draws nigh,
151With instant zeal they lavish all their care To plump with solid fat the chosen chief And designated husband of the herd: And flowery herbs they cut, and serve him well With corn and running water, that his strength
156Not fail him for that labour of delight, Nor puny colts betray the feeble sire. The herd itself of purpose they reduce To leanness, and when love's sweet longing first Provokes them, they forbid the leafy food,
161And pen them from the springs, and oft beside With running shake, and tire them in the sun, What time the threshing-floor groans heavily With pounding of the corn-ears, and light chaff Is whirled on high to catch the rising west.
166This do they that the soil's prolific powers May not be dulled by surfeiting, nor choke The sluggish furrows, but eagerly absorb Their fill of love, and deeply entertain. To care of sire the mother's care succeeds.
171When great with young they wander nigh their time, Let no man suffer them to drag the yoke In heavy wains, nor leap across the way, Nor scour the meads, nor swim the rushing flood. In lonely lawns they feed them, by the course
176Of brimming streams, where moss is, and the banks With grass are greenest, where are sheltering caves, And far outstretched the rock-flung shadow lies. Round wooded Silarus and the ilex-bowers Of green Alburnus swarms a winged pest—
181Its Roman name Asilus, by the Greeks Termed Oestros—fierce it is, and harshly hums, Driving whole herds in terror through the groves, Till heaven is madded by their bellowing din, And Tanager's dry bed and forest-banks.
186With this same scourge did Juno wreak of old The terrors of her wrath, a plague devised Against the heifer sprung from Inachus. From this too thou, since in the noontide heats 'Tis most persistent, fend thy teeming herds,
191And feed them when the sun is newly risen, Or the first stars are ushering in the night. But, yeaning ended, all their tender care Is to the calves transferred; at once with marks They brand them, both to designate their race,
196And which to rear for breeding, or devote As altar-victims, or to cleave the ground And into ridges tear and turn the sod. The rest along the greensward graze at will. Those that to rustic uses thou wouldst mould,
201As calves encourage and take steps to tame, While pliant wills and plastic youth allow. And first of slender withies round the throat Loose collars hang, then when their free-born necks Are used to service, with the self-same bands
206Yoke them in pairs, and steer by steer compel Keep pace together. And time it is that oft Unfreighted wheels be drawn along the ground Behind them, as to dint the surface-dust; Then let the beechen axle strain and creak
211'Neath some stout burden, whilst a brazen pole Drags on the wheels made fast thereto. Meanwhile For their unbroken youth not grass alone, Nor meagre willow-leaves and marish-sedge, But corn-ears with thy hand pluck from the crops.
216Nor shall the brood-kine, as of yore, for thee Brim high the snowy milking-pail, but spend Their udders' fullness on their own sweet young. But if fierce squadrons and the ranks of war Delight thee rather, or on wheels to glide
221At Pisa, with Alpheus fleeting by, And in the grove of Jupiter urge on The flying chariot, be your steed's first task To face the warrior's armed rage, and brook The trumpet, and long roar of rumbling wheels,
226And clink of chiming bridles in the stall; Then more and more to love his master's voice Caressing, or loud hand that claps his neck. Ay, thus far let him learn to dare, when first Weaned from his mother, and his mouth at times
231Yield to the supple halter, even while yet Weak, tottering-limbed, and ignorant of life. But, three years ended, when the fourth arrives, Now let him tarry not to run the ring With rhythmic hoof-beat echoing, and now learn
236Alternately to curve each bending leg, And be like one that struggleth; then at last Challenge the winds to race him, and at speed Launched through the open, like a reinless thing, Scarce print his footsteps on the surface-sand.
241As when with power from Hyperborean climes The north wind stoops, and scatters from his path Dry clouds and storms of Scythia; the tall corn And rippling plains 'gin shiver with light gusts; A sound is heard among the forest-tops;
246Long waves come racing shoreward: fast he flies, With instant pinion sweeping earth and main. A steed like this or on the mighty course Of Elis at the goal will sweat, and shower Red foam-flakes from his mouth, or, kindlier task,
251With patient neck support the Belgian car. Then, broken at last, let swell their burly frame With fattening corn-mash, for, unbroke, they will With pride wax wanton, and, when caught, refuse Tough lash to brook or jagged curb obey.
256But no device so fortifies their power As love's blind stings of passion to forefend, Whether on steed or steer thy choice be set. Ay, therefore 'tis they banish bulls afar To solitary pastures, or behind
261Some mountain-barrier, or broad streams beyond, Or else in plenteous stalls pen fast at home. For, even through sight of her, the female wastes His strength with smouldering fire, till he forget Both grass and woodland. She indeed full oft
266With her sweet charms can lovers proud compel To battle for the conquest horn to horn. In Sila's forest feeds the heifer fair, While each on each the furious rivals run; Wound follows wound; the black blood laves their limbs;
271Horns push and strive against opposing horns, With mighty groaning; all the forest-side And far Olympus bellow back the roar. Nor wont the champions in one stall to couch; But he that's worsted hies him to strange climes
276Far off, an exile, moaning much the shame, The blows of that proud conqueror, then love's loss Avenged not; with one glance toward the byre, His ancient royalties behind him lie. So with all heed his strength he practiseth,
281And nightlong makes the hard bare stones his bed, And feeds on prickly leaf and pointed rush, And proves himself, and butting at a tree Learns to fling wrath into his horns, with blows Provokes the air, and scattering clouds of sand
286Makes prelude of the battle; afterward, With strength repaired and gathered might breaks camp, And hurls him headlong on the unthinking foe: As in mid ocean when a wave far of Begins to whiten, mustering from the main
291Its rounded breast, and, onward rolled to land Falls with prodigious roar among the rocks, Huge as a very mountain: but the depths Upseethe in swirling eddies, and disgorge The murky sand-lees from their sunken bed.
296Nay, every race on earth of men, and beasts, And ocean-folk, and flocks, and painted birds, Rush to the raging fire: love sways them all. Never than then more fiercely o'er the plain Prowls heedless of her whelps the lioness:
301Nor monstrous bears such wide-spread havoc-doom Deal through the forests; then the boar is fierce, Most deadly then the tigress: then, alack! Ill roaming is it on Libya's lonely plains. Mark you what shivering thrills the horse's frame,
306If but a waft the well-known gust conveys? Nor curb can check them then, nor lash severe, Nor rocks and caverned crags, nor barrier-floods, That rend and whirl and wash the hills away. Then speeds amain the great Sabellian boar,
311His tushes whets, with forefoot tears the ground, Rubs 'gainst a tree his flanks, and to and fro Hardens each wallowing shoulder to the wound. What of the youth, when love's relentless might Stirs the fierce fire within his veins? Behold!
316In blindest midnight how he swims the gulf Convulsed with bursting storm-clouds! Over him Heaven's huge gate thunders; the rock-shattered main Utters a warning cry; nor parents' tears Can backward call him, nor the maid he loves,
321Too soon to die on his untimely pyre. What of the spotted ounce to Bacchus dear, Or warlike wolf-kin or the breed of dogs? Why tell how timorous stags the battle join? O'er all conspicuous is the rage of mares,
326By Venus' self inspired of old, what time The Potnian four with rending jaws devoured The limbs of Glaucus. Love-constrained they roam Past Gargarus, past the loud Ascanian flood; They climb the mountains, and the torrents swim;
331And when their eager marrow first conceives The fire, in Spring-tide chiefly, for with Spring Warmth doth their frames revisit, then they stand All facing westward on the rocky heights, And of the gentle breezes take their fill;
336And oft unmated, marvellous to tell, But of the wind impregnate, far and wide O'er craggy height and lowly vale they scud, Not toward thy rising, Eurus, or the sun's, But westward and north-west, or whence up-springs
341Black Auster, that glooms heaven with rainy cold. Hence from their groin slow drips a poisonous juice, By shepherds truly named hippomanes, Hippomanes, fell stepdames oft have culled, And mixed with herbs and spells of baneful bode.
346Fast flies meanwhile the irreparable hour, As point to point our charmed round we trace. Enough of herds. This second task remains, The wool-clad flocks and shaggy goats to treat. Here lies a labour; hence for glory look,
351Brave husbandmen. Nor doubtfully know How hard it is for words to triumph here, And shed their lustre on a theme so slight: But I am caught by ravishing desire Above the lone Parnassian steep; I love
356To walk the heights, from whence no earlier track Slopes gently downward to Castalia's spring. Now, awful Pales, strike a louder tone. First, for the sheep soft pencotes I decree To browse in, till green summer's swift return;
361And that the hard earth under them with straw And handfuls of the fern be littered deep, Lest chill of ice such tender cattle harm With scab and loathly foot-rot. Passing thence I bid the goats with arbute-leaves be stored,
366And served with fresh spring-water, and their pens Turned southward from the blast, to face the suns Of winter, when Aquarius' icy beam Now sinks in showers upon the parting year. These too no lightlier our protection claim,
371Nor prove of poorer service, howsoe'er Milesian fleeces dipped in Tyrian reds Repay the barterer; these with offspring teem More numerous; these yield plenteous store of milk: The more each dry-wrung udder froths the pail,
376More copious soon the teat-pressed torrents flow. Ay, and on Cinyps' bank the he-goats too Their beards and grizzled chins and bristling hair Let clip for camp-use, or as rugs to wrap Seafaring wretches. But they browse the woods
381And summits of Lycaeus, and rough briers, And brakes that love the highland: of themselves Right heedfully the she-goats homeward troop Before their kids, and with plump udders clogged Scarce cross the threshold. Wherefore rather ye,
386The less they crave man's vigilance, be fain From ice to fend them and from snowy winds; Bring food and feast them with their branchy fare, Nor lock your hay-loft all the winter long. But when glad summer at the west wind's call
391Sends either flock to pasture in the glades, Soon as the day-star shineth, hie we then To the cool meadows, while the dawn is young, The grass yet hoary, and to browsing herds The dew tastes sweetest on the tender sward.
396When heaven's fourth hour draws on the thickening drought, And shrill cicalas pierce the brake with song, Then at the well-springs bid them, or deep pools, From troughs of holm-oak quaff the running wave: But at day's hottest seek a shadowy vale,
401Where some vast ancient-timbered oak of Jove Spreads his huge branches, or where huddling black Ilex on ilex cowers in awful shade. Then once more give them water sparingly, And feed once more, till sunset, when cool eve
406Allays the air, and dewy moonbeams slake The forest glades, with halcyon's song the shore, And every thicket with the goldfinch rings. Of Libya's shepherds why the tale pursue? Why sing their pastures and the scattered huts
411They house in? Oft their cattle day and night Graze the whole month together, and go forth Into far deserts where no shelter is, So flat the plain and boundless. All his goods The Afric swain bears with him, house and home,
416Arms, Cretan quiver, and Amyclaean dog; As some keen Roman in his country's arms Plies the swift march beneath a cruel load; Soon with tents pitched and at his post he stands, Ere looked for by the foe.
421Not thus the tribes Of Scythia by the far Maeotic wave, Where turbid Ister whirls his yellow sands, And Rhodope stretched out beneath the pole Comes trending backward. There the herds they keep
426Close-pent in byres, nor any grass is seen Upon the plain, nor leaves upon the tree: But with snow-ridges and deep frost afar Heaped seven ells high the earth lies featureless: Still winter? still the north wind's icy breath!
431Nay, never sun disparts the shadows pale, Or as he rides the steep of heaven, or dips In ocean's fiery bath his plunging car. Quick ice-crusts curdle on the running stream, And iron-hooped wheels the water's back now bears,
436To broad wains opened, as erewhile to ships; Brass vessels oft asunder burst, and clothes Stiffen upon the wearers; juicy wines They cleave with axes; to one frozen mass Whole pools are turned; and on their untrimmed beards
441Stiff clings the jagged icicle. Meanwhile All heaven no less is filled with falling snow; The cattle perish: oxen's mighty frames Stand island-like amid the frost, and stags In huddling herds, by that strange weight benumbed,
446Scarce top the surface with their antler-points. These with no hounds they hunt, nor net with toils, Nor scare with terror of the crimson plume; But, as in vain they breast the opposing block, Butcher them, knife in hand, and so dispatch
451Loud-bellowing, and with glad shouts hale them home. Themselves in deep-dug caverns underground Dwell free and careless; to their hearths they heave Oak-logs and elm-trees whole, and fire them there, There play the night out, and in festive glee
456With barm and service sour the wine-cup mock. So 'neath the seven-starred Hyperborean wain The folk live tameless, buffeted with blasts Of Eurus from Rhipaean hills, and wrap Their bodies in the tawny fells of beasts.
461If wool delight thee, first, be far removed All prickly boskage, burrs and caltrops; shun Luxuriant pastures; at the outset choose White flocks with downy fleeces. For the ram, How white soe'er himself, be but the tongue
466'Neath his moist palate black, reject him, lest He sully with dark spots his offspring's fleece, And seek some other o'er the teeming plain. Even with such snowy bribe of wool, if ear May trust the tale, Pan, God of Arcady,
471Snared and beguiled thee, Luna, calling thee To the deep woods; nor thou didst spurn his call. But who for milk hath longing, must himself Carry lucerne and lotus-leaves enow With salt herbs to the cote, whence more they love
476The streams, more stretch their udders, and give back A subtle taste of saltness in the milk. Many there be who from their mothers keep The new-born kids, and straightway bind their mouths With iron-tipped muzzles. What they milk at dawn,
481Or in the daylight hours, at night they press; What darkling or at sunset, this ere morn They bear away in baskets—for to town The shepherd hies him—or with dash of salt Just sprinkle, and lay by for winter use.
486Nor be thy dogs last cared for; but alike Swift Spartan hounds and fierce Molossian feed On fattening whey. Never, with these to watch, Dread nightly thief afold and ravening wolves, Or Spanish desperadoes in the rear.
491And oft the shy wild asses thou wilt chase, With hounds, too, hunt the hare, with hounds the doe; Oft from his woodland wallowing-den uprouse The boar, and scare him with their baying, and drive, And o'er the mountains urge into the toils
496Some antlered monster to their chiming cry. Learn also scented cedar-wood to burn Within the stalls, and snakes of noxious smell With fumes of galbanum to drive away. Oft under long-neglected cribs, or lurks
501A viper ill to handle, that hath fled The light in terror, or some snake, that wont 'Neath shade and sheltering roof to creep, and shower Its bane among the cattle, hugs the ground, Fell scourge of kine. Shepherd, seize stakes, seize stones!
506And as he rears defiance, and puffs out A hissing throat, down with him! see how low That cowering crest is vailed in flight, the while, His midmost coils and final sweep of tail Relaxing, the last fold drags lingering spires.
511Then that vile worm that in Calabrian glades Uprears his breast, and wreathes a scaly back, His length of belly pied with mighty spots— While from their founts gush any streams, while yet With showers of Spring and rainy south-winds earth
516Is moistened, lo! he haunts the pools, and here Housed in the banks, with fish and chattering frogs Crams the black void of his insatiate maw. Soon as the fens are parched, and earth with heat Is gaping, forth he darts into the dry,
521Rolls eyes of fire and rages through the fields, Furious from thirst and by the drought dismayed. Me list not then beneath the open heaven To snatch soft slumber, nor on forest-ridge Lie stretched along the grass, when, slipped his slough,
526To glittering youth transformed he winds his spires, And eggs or younglings leaving in his lair, Towers sunward, lightening with three-forked tongue. Of sickness, too, the causes and the signs I'll teach thee. Loathly scab assails the sheep,
531When chilly showers have probed them to the quick, And winter stark with hoar-frost, or when sweat Unpurged cleaves to them after shearing done, And rough thorns rend their bodies. Hence it is Shepherds their whole flock steep in running streams,
536While, plunged beneath the flood, with drenched fell, The ram, launched free, goes drifting down the tide. Else, having shorn, they smear their bodies o'er With acrid oil-lees, and mix silver-scum And native sulphur and Idaean pitch,
541Wax mollified with ointment, and therewith Sea-leek, strong hellebores, bitumen black. Yet ne'er doth kindlier fortune crown his toil, Than if with blade of iron a man dare lance The ulcer's mouth ope: for the taint is fed
546And quickened by confinement; while the swain His hand of healing from the wound withholds, Or sits for happier signs imploring heaven. Aye, and when inward to the bleater's bones The pain hath sunk and rages, and their limbs
551By thirsty fever are consumed, 'tis good To draw the enkindled heat therefrom, and pierce Within the hoof-clefts a blood-bounding vein. Of tribes Bisaltic such the wonted use, And keen Gelonian, when to Rhodope
556He flies, or Getic desert, and quaffs milk With horse-blood curdled. Seest one far afield Oft to the shade's mild covert win, or pull The grass tops listlessly, or hindmost lag, Or, browsing, cast her down amid the plain,
561At night retire belated and alone; With quick knife check the mischief, ere it creep With dire contagion through the unwary herd. Less thick and fast the whirlwind scours the main With tempest in its wake, than swarm the plagues
566Of cattle; nor seize they single lives alone, But sudden clear whole feeding grounds, the flock With all its promise, and extirpate the breed. Well would he trow it who, so long after, still High Alps and Noric hill-forts should behold,
571And Iapydian Timavus' fields, Ay, still behold the shepherds' realms a waste, And far and wide the lawns untenanted. Here from distempered heavens erewhile arose A piteous season, with the full fierce heat
576Of autumn glowed, and cattle-kindreds all And all wild creatures to destruction gave, Tainted the pools, the fodder charged with bane. Nor simple was the way of death, but when Hot thirst through every vein impelled had drawn
581Their wretched limbs together, anon o'erflowed A watery flux, and all their bones piecemeal Sapped by corruption to itself absorbed. Oft in mid sacrifice to heaven—the white Wool-woven fillet half wreathed about his brow—
586Some victim, standing by the altar, there Betwixt the loitering carles a-dying fell: Or, if betimes the slaughtering priest had struck, Nor with its heaped entrails blazed the pile, Nor seer to seeker thence could answer yield;
591Nay, scarce the up-stabbing knife with blood was stained, Scarce sullied with thin gore the surface-sand. Hence die the calves in many a pasture fair, Or at full cribs their lives' sweet breath resign; Hence on the fawning dog comes madness, hence
596Racks the sick swine a gasping cough that chokes With swelling at the jaws: the conquering steed, Uncrowned of effort and heedless of the sward, Faints, turns him from the springs, and paws the earth With ceaseless hoof: low droop his ears, wherefrom
601Bursts fitful sweat, a sweat that waxes cold Upon the dying beast; the skin is dry, And rigidly repels the handler's touch. These earlier signs they give that presage doom. But, if the advancing plague 'gin fiercer grow,
606Then are their eyes all fire, deep-drawn their breath, At times groan-laboured: with long sobbing heave Their lowest flanks; from either nostril streams Black blood; a rough tongue clogs the obstructed jaws. 'Twas helpful through inverted horn to pour
611Draughts of the wine-god down; sole way it seemed To save the dying: soon this too proved their bane, And, reinvigorate but with frenzy's fire, Even at death's pinch—the gods some happier fate Deal to the just, such madness to their foes—
616Each with bared teeth his own limbs mangling tore. See! as he smokes beneath the stubborn share, The bull drops, vomiting foam-dabbled gore, And heaves his latest groans. Sad goes the swain, Unhooks the steer that mourns his fellow's fate,
621And in mid labour leaves the plough-gear fast. Nor tall wood's shadow, nor soft sward may stir That heart's emotion, nor rock-channelled flood, More pure than amber speeding to the plain: But see! his flanks fail under him, his eyes
626Are dulled with deadly torpor, and his neck Sinks to the earth with drooping weight. What now Besteads him toil or service? to have turned The heavy sod with ploughshare? And yet these
631Ne'er knew the Massic wine-god's baneful boon, Nor twice replenished banquets: but on leaves They fare, and virgin grasses, and their cups Are crystal springs and streams with running tired, Their healthful slumbers never broke by care.
636Then only, say they, through that country side For Juno's rites were cattle far to seek, And ill-matched buffaloes the chariots drew To their high fanes. So, painfully with rakes They grub the soil, aye, with their very nails
641Dig in the corn-seeds, and with strained neck O'er the high uplands drag the creaking wains. No wolf for ambush pries about the pen, Nor round the flock prowls nightly; pain more sharp Subdues him: the shy deer and fleet-foot stags
646With hounds now wander by the haunts of men Vast ocean's offspring, and all tribes that swim, On the shore's confine the wave washes up, Like shipwrecked bodies: seals, unwonted there, Flee to the rivers. Now the viper dies,
651For all his den's close winding, and with scales Erect the astonied water-worms. The air Brooks not the very birds, that headlong fall, And leave their life beneath the soaring cloud. Moreover now nor change of fodder serves,
656And subtlest cures but injure; then were foiled The masters, Chiron sprung from Phillyron, And Amythaon's son Melampus. See! From Stygian darkness launched into the light Comes raging pale Tisiphone; she drives
661Disease and fear before her, day by day Still rearing higher that all-devouring head. With bleat of flocks and lowings thick resound Rivers and parched banks and sloping heights. At last in crowds she slaughters them, she chokes
666The very stalls with carrion-heaps that rot In hideous corruption, till men learn With earth to cover them, in pits to hide. For e'en the fells are useless; nor the flesh With water may they purge, or tame with fire,
671Nor shear the fleeces even, gnawed through and through With foul disease, nor touch the putrid webs; But, had one dared the loathly weeds to try, Red blisters and an unclean sweat o'erran His noisome limbs, till, no long tarriance made,
676The fiery curse his tainted frame devoured.
Book 4
1Protinus aerii mellis caelestia dona exsequar: hanc etiam, Maecenas, adspice partem. Admiranda tibi levium spectacula rerum magnanimosque duces totiusque ordine gentis mores et studia et populos et proelia dicam.
6In tenui labor; at tenuis non gloria, si quem numina laeva sinunt auditque vocatus Apollo. Principio sedes apibus statioque petenda, quo neque sit ventis aditus—nam pabula venti ferre domum prohibent—neque oves haedique petulci
11floribus insultent aut errans bucula campo decutiat rorem et surgentes atterat herbas. Absint et picti squalentia terga lacerti pinguibus a stabulis meropesque aliaeque volucres et manibus Procne pectus signata cruentis;
16omnia nam late vastant ipsasque volantes ore ferunt dulcem nidis immitibus escam. At liquidi fontes et stagna virentia musco adsint et tenuis fugiens per gramina rivus, palmaque vestibulum aut ingens oleaster inumbret,
21ut, cum prima novi ducent examina reges vere suo ludetque favis emissa iuventus, vicina invitet decedere ripa calori, obviaque hospitiis teneat frondentibus arbos. In medium, seu stabit iners seu profluet umor,
26transversas salices et grandia conice saxa, pontibus ut crebris possint consistere et alas pandere ad aestivum solem, si forte morantes sparserit aut praeceps Neptuno immerserit Eurus. Haec circum casiae virides et olentia late
31serpylla et graviter spirantis copia thymbrae floreat inriguumque bibant violaria fontem. Ipsa autem, seu corticibus tibi suta cavatis, seu lento fuerint alvaria vimine texta, angustos habeant aditus: nam frigore mella
36cogit hiems, eademque calor liquefacta remittit. Utraque vis apibus pariter metuenda; neque illae nequiquam in tectis certatim tenuia cera spiramenta linunt fucoque et floribus oras explent collectumque haec ipsa ad munera gluten
41et visco et Phrygiae servant pice lentius Idae. Saepe etiam effossis, si vera est fama, latebris sub terra fovere larem, penitusque repertae pumicibusque cavis exesaeque arboris antro. Tu tamen et levi rimosa cubilia limo
46ungue fovens circum et raras superinice frondes. Neu propius tectis taxum sine, neve rubentes ure foco cancros, altae neu crede paludi, aut ubi odor caeni gravis aut ubi concava pulsu saxa sonant vocisque offensa resultat imago.
51Quod superest, ubi pulsam hiemem sol aureus egit sub terras caelumque aestiva luce reclusit, illae continuo saltus silvasque peragrant purpureosque metunt flores et flumina libant summa leves. Hinc nescio qua dulcedine laetae
56progeniem nidosque fovent, hinc arte recentes excudunt ceras et mella tenacia fingunt. Hinc ubi iam emissum caveis ad sidera caeli nare per aestatem liquidam suspexeris agmen obscuramque trahi vento mirabere nubem,
61contemplator: aquas dulces et frondea semper tecta petunt. Huc tu iussos adsperge sapores, trita melisphylla et cerinthae ignobile gramen, tinnitusque cie et Matris quate cymbala circum. ipsae consident medicatis sedibus, ipsae
66intima more suo sese in cunabula condent. Sin autem ad pugnam exierint, nam saepe duobus regibus incessit magno discordia motu, continuoque animos vulgi et trepidantia bello corda licet longe praesciscere; namque morantes
71Martius ille aeris rauci canor increpat et vox auditur fractos sonitus imitata tubarum; tum trepidae inter se coeunt pennisque coruscant spiculaque exacuunt rostris aptantque lacertos et circa regem atque ipsa ad praetoria densae
76miscentur magnisque vocant clamoribus hostem. Ergo ubi ver nactae sudum camposque patentes, erumpunt portis; concurritur, aethere in alto fit sonitus, magnum mixtae glomerantur in orbem praecipitesque cadunt; non densior aere grando,
81nec de concussa tantum pluit ilice glandis. ipsi per medias acies insignibus alis ingentes animos angusto in pectore versant, usque adeo obnixi non cedere, dum gravis aut hos aut hos versa fuga victor dare terga subegit.
86Hi motus animorum atque haec certamina tanta pulveris exigui iactu compressa quiescent. Verum ubi ductores acie revocaveris ambo, deterior qui visus, eum, ne prodigus obsit, dede neci; melior vacua sine regnet in aula.
91Alter erit maculis auro squalentibus ardens; nam duo sunt genera: hic melior, insignis et ore et rutilis clarus squamis, ille horridus alter desidia latamque trahens inglorius alvum. Ut binae regum facies, ita corpora plebis.
96Namque aliae turpes horrent, ceu pulvere ab alto cum venit et sicco terram spuit ore viator aridus; elucent aliae et fulgore coruscant ardentes auro et paribus lita corpora guttis. Haec potior suboles, hinc caeli tempore certo
101dulcia mella premes, nec tantum dulcia, quantum et liquida et durum Bacchi domitura saporem. At cum incerta volant caeloque examina ludunt contemnuntque favos et frigida tecta relinquunt, instabiles animos ludo prohibebis inani.
106Nec magnus prohibere labor: tu regibus alas eripe; non illis quisquam cunctantibus altum ire iter aut castris audebit vellere signa. Invitent croceis halantes floribus horti et custos furum atque avium cum falce saligna
111Hellespontiaci servet tutela Priapi. Ipse thymum pinosque ferens de montibus altis tecta serat late circum, cui talia curae; ipse labore manum duro terat, ipse feraces figat humo plantas et amicos inriget imbres.
116Atque equidem, extremo ni iam sub fine laborum vela traham et terris festinem advertere proram, forsitan et, pingues hortos quae cura colendi ornaret, canerem, biferique rosaria Paesti, quoque modo potis gauderent intiba rivis
121et virides apio ripae, tortusque per herbam cresceret in ventrem cucumis; nec sera comantem narcissum aut flexi tacuissem vimen acanthi pallentesque hederas et amantes litora myrtos. Namque sub Oebaliae memini me turribus arcis,
126qua niger umectat flaventia culta Galaesus, Corycium vidisse senem, cui pauca relicti iugera ruris erant, nec fertilis illa iuvencis nec pecori opportuna seges nec commoda Baccho. Hic rarum tamen in dumis olus albaque circum
131lilia verbenasque premens vescumque papaver regum aequabat opes animis seraque revertens nocte domum dapibus mensas onerabat inemptis. Primus vere rosam atque autumno carpere poma, et cum tristis hiems etiamnum frigore saxa
136rumperet et glacie cursus frenaret aquarum, ille comam mollis iam tondebat hyacinthi aestatem increpitans seram Zephyrosque morantes. Ergo apibus fetis idem atque examine multo primus abundare et spumantia cogere pressis
141mella favis; illi tiliae atque uberrima pinus, quotque in flore novo pomis se fertilis arbos induerat, totidem autumno matura tenebat. Ille etiam seras in versum distulit ulmos eduramque pirum et spinos iam pruna ferentes
146iamque ministrantem platanum potantibus umbras. Verum haec ipse equidem spatiis exclusus iniquis praetereo atque aliis post me memoranda relinquo. Nunc age, naturas apibus quas Iuppiter ipse addidit, expediam, pro qua mercede canoros
151Curetum sonitus crepitantiaque aera secutae Dictaeo caeli regem pavere sub antro. Solae communes natos, consortia tecta urbis habent magnisque agitant sub legibus aevum, et patriam solae et certos novere penates,
156venturaeque hiemis memores aestate laborem experiuntur et in medium quaesita reponunt. Namque aliae victu invigilant et foedere pacto exercentur agris; pars intra saepta domorum Narcissi lacrimam et lentum de cortice gluten
161prima favis ponunt fundamina, deinde tenaces suspendunt ceras: aliae spem gentis adultos educunt fetus, aliae purissima mella stipant et liquido distendunt nectare cellas. Sunt quibus ad portas cecidit custodia sorti,
166inque vicem speculantur aquas et nubila caeli aut onera accipiunt venientum aut agmine facto ignavum fucos pecus a praesepibus arcent. Fervet opus, redolentque thymo fragrantia mella. ac veluti lentis Cyclopes fulmina massis
171cum properant, alii taurinis follibus auras accipiunt redduntque, alii stridentia tingunt aera lacu; gemit impositis incudibus Aetna; illi inter sese magna vi bracchia tollunt in numerum versantque tenaci forcipe ferrum:
176non aliter, si parva licet componere magnis, Cecropias innatus apes amor urget habendi, munere quamque suo. Grandaevis oppida curae et munire favos et daedala fingere tecta. At fessae multa referunt se nocte minores,
181crura thymo plenae; pascuntur et arbuta passim et glaucas salices casiamque crocumque rubentem et pinguem tiliam et ferrugineos hyacinthos. Omnibus una quies operum, labor omnibus unus: mane ruunt portis; nusquam mora; rursus easdem
186vesper ubi e pastu tandem decedere campis admonuit, tum tecta petunt, tum corpora curant; fit sonitus, mussantque oras et limina circum. Post, ubi iam thalamis se composuere, siletur in noctem fessosque sopor suus occupat artus.
191Nec vero a stabulis pluvia impendente recedunt longius aut credunt caelo adventantibus Euris, sed circum tutae sub moenibus urbis aquantur, excursusque breves temptant et saepe lapillos, ut cumbae instabiles fluctu iactante saburram,
196tollunt, his sese per inania nubila librant. Illum adeo placuisse apibus mirabere morem, quod neque concubitu indulgent nec corpora segnes in Venerem solvunt aut fetus nixibus edunt: verum ipsae e foliis natos, e suavibus herbis
201ore legunt, ipsae regem parvosque Quirites sufficiunt aulasque et cerea regna refigunt. saepe etiam duris errando in cotibus alas attrivere ultroque animam sub fasce dedere: tantus amor florum et generandi gloria mellis.
206Ergo ipsas quamvis angusti terminus aevi excipiat, neque enim plus septima ducitur aestas, at genus immortale manet multosque per annos stat fortuna domus et avi numerantur avorum. Praeterea regem non sic Aegyptus et ingens
211Lydia nec populi Parthorum aut Medus Hydaspes observant. Rege incolumi mens omnibus una est; amisso rupere fidem constructaque mella diripuere ipsae et crates solvere favorum. Ille operum custos, illum admiruntur et omnes
216circumstant fremitu denso stipantque frequentes et saepe attollunt umeris et corpora bello obiectant pulchramque petunt per vulnera mortem. His quidam signis atque haec exempla secuti esse apibus partem divinae mentis et haustus
221aetherios dixere; deum namque ire per omnes terrasque tractusque maris caelumque profundum. Hinc pecudes, armenta, viros, genus omne ferarum, quemque sibi tenues nascentem arcessere vitas; scilicet huc reddi deinde ac resoluta referri
226omnia nec morti esse locum, sed viva volare sideris in numerum atque alto succedere caelo. Si quando sedem angustam servataque mella thesauris relines, prius haustu sparsus aquarum ora fove fumosque manu praetende sequaces.
231Bis gravidos cogunt fetus, duo tempora messis, Taygete simul os terris ostendit honestum Pleas et Oceani spretos pede reppulit amnes, aut eadem sidus fugiens ubi Piscis aquosi tristior hibernas caelo descendit in undas.
236Illis ira modum supra est, laesaeque venenum morsibus inspirant et spicula caeca relinquunt adfixae venis animasque in vulnere ponunt. Sin duram metues hiemem parcesque futuro contunsosque animos et res miserabere fractas,
241at suffire thymo cerasque recidere inanes quis dubitet? nam saepe favos ignotus adedit stellio et lucifugis congesta cubilia blattis immunisque sedens aliena ad pabula fucus aut asper crabro imparibus se immiscuit armis,
246aut dirum tiniae genus, aut invisa Minervae laxos in foribus suspendit aranea casses. Quo magis exhaustae fuerint, hoc acrius omnes incumbent generis lapsi sarcire ruinas complebuntque foros et floribus horrea texent.
251Si vero, quoniam casus apibus quoque nostros vita tulit, tristi languebunt corpora morbo— quod iam non dubiis poteris cognoscere signis: continuo est aegris alius color, horrida vultum deformat macies, tum corpora luce carentum
256exportant tectis et tristia funera ducunt; aut illae pedibus conexae ad limina pendent, aut intus clausis cunctantur in aedibus, omnes ignavaeque fame et contracto frigore pigrae. Tum sonus auditur gravior, tractimque susurrant,
261frigidus ut quondam silvis immurmurat Auster, ut mare sollicitum stridit refluentibus undis, aestuat ut clausis rapidus fornacibus ignis: hic iam galbaneos suadebo incendere odores mellaque harundineis inferre canalibus, ultro
266hortantem et fessas ad pabula nota vocantem. Proderit et tunsum gallae admiscere saporem Arentesque rosas aut igni pinguia multo defruta vel psithia passos de vite racemos Cecropiumque thymum et grave olentia centaurea.
271Est etiam flos in pratis, cui nomen amello fecere agricolae, facilis quaerentibus herba; namque uno ingentem tollit de caespite silvam, aureus ipse, sed in foliis, quae plurima circum funduntur, violae sublucet purpura nigrae;
277asper in ore sapor; tonsis in vallibus illum pastores et curva legunt prope flumina Mellae. Huius odorato radices incoque Baccho pabulaque in foribus plenis adpone canistris. Sed siquem proles subito defecerit omnis,
282nec genus unde novae stirpis revocetur habebit, tempus et Arcadii memoranda inventa magistri pandere, quoque modo caesis iam saepe iuvencis insincerus apes tulerit cruor. Altius omnem expediam prima repetens ab origine famam.
287Nam qua Pellaei gens fortunata Canopi accolit effuso stagnantem flumine Nilum et circum pictis vehitur sua rura phaselis, quaque pharetratae vicinia Persidis urget, omnis in hac certam regio iacit arte salutem.
295Exiguus primum atque ipsos contractus in usus eligitur locus; hunc angustique imbrice tecti parietibusque premunt artis et quattuor addunt, quattuor a ventis obliqua luce fenestras. Tum vitulus bima curvans iam cornua fronte
300quaeritur; huic geminae nares et spiritus oris multa reluctanti obstruitur, plagisque perempto tunsa per integram solvuntur viscera pellem. Sic positum in clauso linquunt et ramea costis subiciunt fragmenta, thymum casiasque recentes.
305Hoc geritur Zephyris primum impellentibus undas, ante novis rubeant quam prata coloribus, ante garrula quam tignis nidum suspendat hirundo. Interea teneris tepefactus in ossibus umor aestuat et visenda modis animalia miris,
310trunca pedum primo, mox et stridentia pennis, miscentur tenuemque magis magis aera carpunt, donec, ut aestivis effusus nubibus imber, erupere aut ut nervo pulsante sagittae, prima leves ineunt si quando proelia Parthi.
315Quis deus hanc, Musae, quis nobis extudit artem? Unde nova ingressus hominum experientia cepit? Pastor Aristaeus fugiens Peneia Tempe, amissis, ut fama, apibus morboque fameque, tristis ad extremi sacrum caput adstitit amnis
320multa querens atque hac adfatus voce parentem: “Mater, Cyrene mater, quae gurgitis huius ima tenes, quid me praeclara stirpe deorum, si modo, quem perhibes, pater est Thymbraeus Apollo, invisum fatis genuisti? aut quo tibi nostri
325pulsus amor? quid me caelum sperare iubebas? En etiam hunc ipsum vitae mortalis honorem, quem mihi vix frugum et pecudum custodia sollers omnia temptanti extuderat, te matre relinquo. Quin age et ipsa manu felices erue silvas,
330fer stabulis inimicum ignem atque interfice messes, ure sata et validam in vites molire bipennem, tanta meae si te ceperunt taedia laudis.” At mater sonitum thalamo sub fluminis alti sensit. Eam circum Milesia vellera Nymphae
335carpebant hyali saturo fucata colore, drymoque Xanthoque Ligeaque Phyllodoceque, caesariem effusae nitidam per candida colla, Nesaee Spioque Thaliaque Cymodoceque, Cydippeque et flava Lycorias, altera virgo,
340altera tum primos Lucinae experta labores, Clioque et Beroe soror, Oceanitides ambae, ambae auro, pictis incinctae pellibus ambae, atque Ephyre atque Opis et Asia Deiopea et tandem positis velox Arethusa sagittis.
345Inter quas curam Clymene narrabat inanem Vulcani Martisque dolos et dulcia furta, aque Chao densos divum numerabat amores carmine quo captae dum fusis mollia pensa devolvunt, iterum maternas impulit aures
350luctus Aristaei, vitreisque sedilibus omnes obstipuere; sed ante alias Arethusa sorores prospiciens summa flavum caput extulit unda et procul: “O gemitu non frustra exterrita tanto, Cyrene soror, ipse tibi, tua maxima cura,
355tristis Aristaeus Penei genitoris ad undam stat lacrimans et te crudelem nomine dicit.” Huic percussa nova mentem formidine mater, “duc, age, duc ad nos; fas illi limina divum tangere,” ait. Simul alta iubet discedere late
360flumina, qua iuvenis gressus inferret. At illum curvata in montis faciem circumstetit unda accepitque sinu vasto misitque sub amnem. Iamque domum mirans genetricis et umida regna speluncisque lacus clausos lucosque sonantes
365ibat et ingenti motu stupefactus aquarum omnia sub magna labentia flumina terra spectabat diversa locis, Phasimque Lycumque et caput, unde altus primum se erumpit Enipeus unde pater Tiberinus et unde Aniena fluenta
370saxosusque sonans Hypanis Mysusque Caicus, et gemina auratus taurino cornua vultu Eridanus, quo non alius per pinguia culta in mare purpureum violentior effluit amnis. Postquam est in thalami pendentia pumice tecta
375perventum et nati fletus cognovit inanes Cyrene, manibus liquidos dant ordine fontes germanae tonsisque ferunt mantelia villis; pars epulis onerant mensas et plena reponunt pocula, Panchaeis adolescunt ignibus arae;
380et mater, “Cape Maeonii carchesia Bacchi: Oceano libemus,” ait. Simul ipsa precatur Oceanumque patrem rerum Nymphasque sorores centum quae silvas, centum quae flumina servant. Ter liquido ardentem perfundit nectare Vestam,
385ter flamma ad summum tecti subiecta reluxit. Omine quo firmans animum sic incipit ipsa: “Est in Carphatio Neptuni gurgite vates caeruleus Proteus, magnum qui piscibus aequor et iuncto bipedum curru metitur equorum.
390Hic nunc Emathiae portus patriamque revisit Pallenen, hunc et Nymphae veneramur et ipse grandaevus Nereus; novit namque omnia vates, quae sint, quae fuerint, quae mox ventura trahantur; quippe ita Neptuno visum est, immania cuius
395armenta et turpes pascit sub gurgite phocas. Hic tibi, nate, prius vinclis capiendus, ut omnem expediat morbi causam eventusque secundet. Nam sine vi non ulla dabit praecepta, neque illum orando flectes; vim duram et vincula capto
400tende; doli circum haec demum frangentur inanes. Ipsa ego, te, medios cum sol accenderit aestus, cum sitiunt herbae et pecori iam gratior umbra est, in secreta senis ducam, quo fessus ab undis se recipit, facile ut somno adgrediare iacentem.
405Verum ubi correptum manibus vinclisque tenebis, tum variae eludent species atque ora ferarum Fiet enim subito sus horridus atraque tigris squamosusque draco et fulva cervice leaena, aut acrem flammae sonitum dabit atque ita vinclis
410excidet, aut in aquas tenues dilapsus abibit. Sed quanto ille magis formas se vertet in omnes, tanto, nate, magis contende tenacia vincla, donec talis erit mutato corpore, qualem videris, incepto tegeret cum lumina somno.”
415Haec ait et liquidum ambrosiae defundit odorem, quo totum nati corpus perduxit; at illi dulcis compositis spiravit crinibus aura atque habilis membris venit vigor. Est specus ingens exesi latere in montis, quo plurima vento
420cogitur inque sinus scindit sese unda reductos, deprensis olim statio tutissima nautis; intus se vasti Proteus tegit obice saxi. Hic iuvenem in latebris aversum a lumine Nympha collocat; ipsa procul nebulis obscura resistit.
425Iam rapidus torrens sitientes Sirius Indos ardebat, caelo et medium sol igneus orbem hauserat; arebant herbae et cava flumina siccis faucibus ad limum radii tepefacta coquebant: cum Proteus consueta petens e fluctibus antra
430ibat; eum vasti circum gens umida ponti exsultans rorem late dispergit amarum. Sternunt se somno diversae in litore phocae. Ipse, velut stabuli custos in montibus olim, vesper ubi e pastu vitulos ad tecta reducit,
435auditisque lupos acuunt balatibus agni, considit scopulo medius numerumque recenset. Cuius Aristaeo quoniam est oblata facultas, vix defessa senem passus componere membra cum clamore ruit magno manicisque iacentem
440occupat. Ille suae contra non immemor artis omnia transformat sese in miracula rerum, ignemque horribilemque feram fluviumque liquentem. Verum ubi nulla fugam reperit fallacia, victus in sese redit atque hominis tandem ore locutus:
445“Nam quis te, iuvenum confidentissime, nostras iussit adire domos? Quidve hinc petis?” inquit. At ille: “Scis, Proteu, scis ipse; neque est te fallere quicquam sed tu desine velle. Deum praecepta secuti venimus hinc lapsis quaesitum oracula rebus.”
450Tantum effatus. Ad haec vates vi denique multa ardentes oculos intorsit lumine glauco et graviter frendens sic fatis ora resolvit. “Non te nullius exercent numinis irae; magna luis commissa: tibi has miserabilis Orpheus
455haudquaquam ob meritum poenas, ni fata resistant, suscitat et rapta graviter pro coniuge saevit. Illa quidem, dum te fugeret per flumina praeceps, immanem ante pedes hydrum moritura puella servantem ripas alta non vidit in herba.
460At chorus aequalis Dryadum clamore supremos implerunt montes; flerunt Rhodopeiae arces altaque Pangaea et Rhesi mavortia tellus atque Getae atque Hebrus et Actias Orithyia. Ipse cava solans aegrum testudine amorem
465te, dulcis coniunx, te solo in litore secum, te veniente die, te decedente canebat. Taenarias etiam fauces, alta ostia Ditis, et caligantem nigra formidine lucum ingressus manesque adiit regemque tremendum
470nesciaque humanis precibus mansuescere corda. At cantu commotae Erebi de sedibus imis umbrae ibant tenues simulacraque luce carentum, quam multa in foliis avium se milia condunt vesper ubi aut hibernus agit de montibus imber,
475matres atque viri defunctaque corpora vita magnanimum heroum, pueri innuptaeque puellae, impositique rogis iuvenes ante ora parentum, quos circum limus niger et deformis harundo Cocyti tardaque palus inamabilis unda
480alligat et noviens Styx interfusa coercet. Quin ipsae stupuere domus atque intima Leti tartara caeruleosque implexae crinibus angues Eumenides, tenuitque inhians tria Cerberus ora atque Ixionii vento rota constitit orbis.
485Iamque pedem referens casus evaserat omnes; redditaque Eurydice superas veniebat ad auras, pone sequens, namque hanc dederat Proserpina legem, cum subita incautum dementia cepit amantem, ignoscenda quidem, scirent si ignoscere manes.
490Restitit Eurydicenque suam iam luce sub ipsa immemor heu! victusque animi respexit. Ibi omnis effusus labor atque immitis rupta tyranni foedera, terque fragor stagnis auditus Avernis. Illa, “Quis et me,” inquit, “miseram et te perdidit, Orpheu,
495quis tantus furor? En iterum crudelia retro Fata vocant, conditque natantia lumina somnus. Iamque vale: feror ingenti circumdata nocte invalidasque tibi tendens, heu non tua, palmas!” dixit et ex oculis subito, ceu fumus in auras
500commixtus tenues, fugit diversa, neque illum, prensantem nequiquam umbras et multa volentem dicere, praeterea vidit, nec portitor Orci amplius obiectam passus transire paludem. Quid faceret? Quo se rapta bis coniuge ferret?
505Quo fletu Manis, quae numina voce moveret? Illa quidem Stygia nabat iam frigida cumba. Septem illum totos perhibent ex ordine menses rupe sub aeria deserti ad Strymonis undam flesse sibi et gelidis haec evolvisse sub antris
510mulcentem tigres et agentem carmine quercus; qualis populea maerens philomela sub umbra amissos queritur fetus, quos durus arator observans nido implumes detraxit; at illa flet noctem ramoque sedens miserabile carmen
515integrat et maestis late loca questibus implet. Nulla Venus, non ulli animum flexere hymenaei. Solus Hyperboreas glacies Tanaimque nivalem arvaque Rhipaeis numquam viduata pruinis lustrabat raptam Eurydicen atque inrita Ditis
520dona querens; spretae Ciconum quo munere matres inter sacra deum nocturnique orgia Bacchi discerptum latos iuvenem sparsere per agros. Tum quoque marmorea caput a cervice revulsum gurgite cum medio portans Oeagrius Hebrus
525volveret, Eurydicen vox ipsa et frigida lingua “ah miseram Eurydicen!” anima fugiente vocabat: “Eurydicen” toto referebant flumine ripae.” Haec Proteus, et se iactu dedit aequor in altum, quaque dedit, spumantem undam sub vertice torsit.
530At non Cyrene; namque ultro adfata timentem: “Nate, licet tristes animo deponere curas. Haec omnis morbi causa; hinc miserabile Nymphae, cum quibus illa choros lucis agitabat in altis, exitium misere apibus. Tu munera supplex
535tende petens pacem et faciles venerare Napaeas; namque dabunt veniam votis irasque remittent. Sed modus orandi qui sit, prius ordine dicam. Quattuor eximios praestanti corpore tauros, qui tibi nunc viridis depascunt summa Lycaei,
540delige et intacta totidem cervice iuvencas. Quattuor his aras alta ad delubra dearum constitue et sacrum iugulis demitte cruorem, corporaque ipsa boum frondoso desere luco. Post, ubi nona suos Aurora ostenderit ortus,
545inferias Orphei Lethaea papavera mittes et nigram mactabis ovem lucumque revises: placatam Eurydicen vitula venerabere caesa.” Haud mora; continuo matris praecepta facessit; ad delubra venit, monstratas excitat aras,
550quattuor eximios praestanti corpore tauros ducit et intacta totidem cervice iuvencas. Post, ubi nona suos Aurora induxerat ortus, inferias Orphei mittit lucumque revisit. Hic vero subitum ac dictu mirabile monstrum
555adspiciunt, liquefacta boum per viscera toto stridere apes utero et ruptis effervere costis, immensasque trahi nubes, iamque arbore summa confluere et lentis uvam demittere ramis. Haec super arvorum cultu pecorumque canebam
560et super arboribus, Caesar dum magnus ad altum fulminat Euphraten bello victorque volentes per populos dat iura viamque adfectat Olympo. Illo Vergilium me tempore dulcis alebat Parthenope studiis florentem ignobilis oti,
565carmina qui lusi pastorum audaxque iuventa, Tityre, te patulae cecini sub tegmine fagi.
Book 4
1Of air-born honey, gift of heaven, I now Take up the tale. Upon this theme no less Look thou, Maecenas, with indulgent eye. A marvellous display of puny powers, High-hearted chiefs, a nation's history,
6Its traits, its bent, its battles and its clans, All, each, shall pass before you, while I sing. Slight though the poet's theme, not slight the praise, So frown not heaven, and Phoebus hear his call. First find your bees a settled sure abode,
11Where neither winds can enter (winds blow back The foragers with food returning home) Nor sheep and butting kids tread down the flowers, Nor heifer wandering wide upon the plain Dash off the dew, and bruise the springing blades.
16Let the gay lizard too keep far aloof His scale-clad body from their honied stalls, And the bee-eater, and what birds beside, And Procne smirched with blood upon the breast From her own murderous hands. For these roam wide
21Wasting all substance, or the bees themselves Strike flying, and in their beaks bear home, to glut Those savage nestlings with the dainty prey. But let clear springs and moss-green pools be near, And through the grass a streamlet hurrying run,
26Some palm-tree o'er the porch extend its shade, Or huge-grown oleaster, that in Spring, Their own sweet Spring-tide, when the new-made chiefs Lead forth the young swarms, and, escaped their comb, The colony comes forth to sport and play,
31The neighbouring bank may lure them from the heat, Or bough befriend with hospitable shade. O'er the mid-waters, whether swift or still, Cast willow-branches and big stones enow, Bridge after bridge, where they may footing find
36And spread their wide wings to the summer sun, If haply Eurus, swooping as they pause, Have dashed with spray or plunged them in the deep. And let green cassias and far-scented thymes, And savory with its heavy-laden breath
41Bloom round about, and violet-beds hard by Sip sweetness from the fertilizing springs. For the hive's self, or stitched of hollow bark, Or from tough osier woven, let the doors Be strait of entrance; for stiff winter's cold
46Congeals the honey, and heat resolves and thaws, To bees alike disastrous; not for naught So haste they to cement the tiny pores That pierce their walls, and fill the crevices With pollen from the flowers, and glean and keep
51To this same end the glue, that binds more fast Than bird-lime or the pitch from Ida's pines. Oft too in burrowed holes, if fame be true, They make their cosy subterranean home, And deeply lodged in hollow rocks are found,
56Or in the cavern of an age-hewn tree. Thou not the less smear round their crannied cribs With warm smooth mud-coat, and strew leaves above; But near their home let neither yew-tree grow, Nor reddening crabs be roasted, and mistrust
61Deep marish-ground and mire with noisome smell, Or where the hollow rocks sonorous ring, And the word spoken buffets and rebounds. What more? When now the golden sun has put Winter to headlong flight beneath the world,
66And oped the doors of heaven with summer ray, Forthwith they roam the glades and forests o'er, Rifle the painted flowers, or sip the streams, Light-hovering on the surface. Hence it is With some sweet rapture, that we know not of,
71Their little ones they foster, hence with skill Work out new wax or clinging honey mould. So when the cage-escaped hosts you see Float heavenward through the hot clear air, until You marvel at yon dusky cloud that spreads
76And lengthens on the wind, then mark them well; For then 'tis ever the fresh springs they seek And bowery shelter: hither must you bring The savoury sweets I bid, and sprinkle them, Bruised balsam and the wax-flower's lowly weed,
81And wake and shake the tinkling cymbals heard By the great Mother: on the anointed spots Themselves will settle, and in wonted wise Seek of themselves the cradle's inmost depth. But if to battle they have hied them forth—
86For oft 'twixt king and king with uproar dire Fierce feud arises, and at once from far You may discern what passion sways the mob, And how their hearts are throbbing for the strife; Hark! the hoarse brazen note that warriors know
91Chides on the loiterers, and the ear may catch A sound that mocks the war-trump's broken blasts; Then in hot haste they muster, then flash wings, Sharpen their pointed beaks and knit their thews, And round the king, even to his royal tent,
96Throng rallying, and with shouts defy the foe. So, when a dry Spring and clear space is given, Forth from the gates they burst, they clash on high; A din arises; they are heaped and rolled Into one mighty mass, and headlong fall,
101Not denselier hail through heaven, nor pelting so Rains from the shaken oak its acorn-shower. Conspicuous by their wings the chiefs themselves Press through the heart of battle, and display A giant's spirit in each pigmy frame,
106Steadfast no inch to yield till these or those The victor's ponderous arm has turned to flight. Such fiery passions and such fierce assaults A little sprinkled dust controls and quells. And now, both leaders from the field recalled,
111Who hath the worser seeming, do to death, Lest royal waste wax burdensome, but let His better lord it on the empty throne. One with gold-burnished flakes will shine like fire, For twofold are their kinds, the nobler he,
116Of peerless front and lit with flashing scales; That other, from neglect and squalor foul, Drags slow a cumbrous belly. As with kings, So too with people, diverse is their mould, Some rough and loathly, as when the wayfarer
121Scapes from a whirl of dust, and scorched with heat Spits forth the dry grit from his parched mouth: The others shine forth and flash with lightning-gleam, Their backs all blazoned with bright drops of gold Symmetric: this the likelier breed; from these,
126When heaven brings round the season, thou shalt strain Sweet honey, nor yet so sweet as passing clear, And mellowing on the tongue the wine-god's fire. But when the swarms fly aimlessly abroad, Disport themselves in heaven and spurn their cells,
131Leaving the hive unwarmed, from such vain play Must you refrain their volatile desires, Nor hard the task: tear off the monarchs' wings; While these prove loiterers, none beside will dare Mount heaven, or pluck the standards from the camp.
136Let gardens with the breath of saffron flowers Allure them, and the lord of Hellespont, Priapus, wielder of the willow-scythe, Safe in his keeping hold from birds and thieves. And let the man to whom such cares are dear
141Himself bring thyme and pine-trees from the heights, And strew them in broad belts about their home; No hand but his the blistering task should ply, Plant the young slips, or shed the genial showers. And I myself, were I not even now
146Furling my sails, and, nigh the journey's end, Eager to turn my vessel's prow to shore, Perchance would sing what careful husbandry Makes the trim garden smile; of Paestum too, Whose roses bloom and fade and bloom again;
151How endives glory in the streams they drink, And green banks in their parsley, and how the gourd Twists through the grass and rounds him to paunch; Nor of Narcissus had my lips been dumb, That loiterer of the flowers, nor supple-stemmed
156Acanthus, with the praise of ivies pale, And myrtles clinging to the shores they love. For 'neath the shade of tall Oebalia's towers, Where dark Galaesus laves the yellowing fields, An old man once I mind me to have seen—
161From Corycus he came—to whom had fallen Some few poor acres of neglected land, And they nor fruitful' neath the plodding steer, Meet for the grazing herd, nor good for vines. Yet he, the while his meagre garden-herbs
166Among the thorns he planted, and all round White lilies, vervains, and lean poppy set, In pride of spirit matched the wealth of kings, And home returning not till night was late, With unbought plenty heaped his board on high.
171He was the first to cull the rose in spring, He the ripe fruits in autumn; and ere yet Winter had ceased in sullen ire to rive The rocks with frost, and with her icy bit Curb in the running waters, there was he
176Plucking the rathe faint hyacinth, while he chid Summer's slow footsteps and the lagging West. Therefore he too with earliest brooding bees And their full swarms o'erflowed, and first was he To press the bubbling honey from the comb;
181Lime-trees were his, and many a branching pine; And all the fruits wherewith in early bloom The orchard-tree had clothed her, in full tale Hung there, by mellowing autumn perfected. He too transplanted tall-grown elms a-row,
186Time-toughened pear, thorns bursting with the plum And plane now yielding serviceable shade For dry lips to drink under: but these things, Shut off by rigorous limits, I pass by, And leave for others to sing after me.
191Come, then, I will unfold the natural powers Great Jove himself upon the bees bestowed, The boon for which, led by the shrill sweet strains Of the Curetes and their clashing brass, They fed the King of heaven in Dicte's cave.
196Alone of all things they receive and hold Community of offspring, and they house Together in one city, and beneath The shelter of majestic laws they live; And they alone fixed home and country know,
201And in the summer, warned of coming cold, Make proof of toil, and for the general store Hoard up their gathered harvesting. For some Watch o'er the victualling of the hive, and these By settled order ply their tasks afield;
206And some within the confines of their home Plant firm the comb's first layer, Narcissus' tear, And sticky gum oozed from the bark of trees, Then set the clinging wax to hang therefrom. Others the while lead forth the full-grown young,
211Their country's hope, and others press and pack The thrice repured honey, and stretch their cells To bursting with the clear-strained nectar sweet. Some, too, the wardship of the gates befalls, Who watch in turn for showers and cloudy skies,
216Or ease returning labourers of their load, Or form a band and from their precincts drive The drones, a lazy herd. How glows the work! How sweet the honey smells of perfumed thyme Like the Cyclopes, when in haste they forge
221From the slow-yielding ore the thunderbolts, Some from the bull's-hide bellows in and out Let the blasts drive, some dip i' the water-trough The sputtering metal: with the anvil's weight Groans Etna: they alternately in time
226With giant strength uplift their sinewy arms, Or twist the iron with the forceps' grip— Not otherwise, to measure small with great, The love of getting planted in their breasts Goads on the bees, that haunt old Cecrops' heights,
231Each in his sphere to labour. The old have charge To keep the town, and build the walled combs, And mould the cunning chambers; but the youth, Their tired legs packed with thyme, come labouring home Belated, for afar they range to feed
236On arbutes and the grey-green willow-leaves, And cassia and the crocus blushing red, Glue-yielding limes, and hyacinths dusky-eyed. One hour for rest have all, and one for toil: With dawn they hurry from the gates—no room
241For loiterers there: and once again, when even Now bids them quit their pasturing on the plain, Then homeward make they, then refresh their strength: A hum arises: hark! they buzz and buzz About the doors and threshold; till at length
246Safe laid to rest they hush them for the night, And welcome slumber laps their weary limbs. But from the homestead not too far they fare, When showers hang like to fall, nor, east winds nigh, Confide in heaven, but 'neath the city walls
251Safe-circling fetch them water, or essay Brief out-goings, and oft weigh-up tiny stones, As light craft ballast in the tossing tide, Wherewith they poise them through the cloudy vast. This law of life, too, by the bees obeyed,
256Will move thy wonder, that nor sex with sex Yoke they in marriage, nor yield their limbs to love, Nor know the pangs of labour, but alone From leaves and honied herbs, the mothers, each, Gather their offspring in their mouths, alone
261Supply new kings and pigmy commonwealth, And their old court and waxen realm repair. Oft, too, while wandering, against jagged stones Their wings they fray, and 'neath the burden yield Their liberal lives: so deep their love of flowers,
266So glorious deem they honey's proud acquist. Therefore, though each a life of narrow span, Ne'er stretched to summers more than seven, befalls, Yet deathless doth the race endure, and still Perennial stands the fortune of their line,
271From grandsire unto grandsire backward told. Moreover, not Aegyptus, nor the realm Of boundless Lydia, no, nor Parthia's hordes, Nor Median Hydaspes, to their king Do such obeisance: lives the king unscathed,
276One will inspires the million: is he dead, Snapt is the bond of fealty; they themselves Ravage their toil-wrought honey, and rend amain Their own comb's waxen trellis. He is the lord Of all their labour; him with awful eye
281They reverence, and with murmuring throngs surround, In crowds attend, oft shoulder him on high, Or with their bodies shield him in the fight, And seek through showering wounds a glorious death. Led by these tokens, and with such traits to guide,
286Some say that unto bees a share is given Of the Divine Intelligence, and to drink Pure draughts of ether; for God permeates all— Earth, and wide ocean, and the vault of heaven— From whom flocks, herds, men, beasts of every kind,
291Draw each at birth the fine essential flame; Yea, and that all things hence to Him return, Brought back by dissolution, nor can death Find place: but, each into his starry rank, Alive they soar, and mount the heights of heaven.
296If now their narrow home thou wouldst unseal, And broach the treasures of the honey-house, With draught of water first toment thy lips, And spread before thee fumes of trailing smoke. Twice is the teeming produce gathered in,
301Twofold their time of harvest year by year, Once when Taygete the Pleiad uplifts Her comely forehead for the earth to see, With foot of scorn spurning the ocean-streams, Once when in gloom she flies the watery Fish,
306And dips from heaven into the wintry wave. Unbounded then their wrath; if hurt, they breathe Venom into their bite, cleave to the veins And let the sting lie buried, and leave their lives Behind them in the wound. But if you dread
311Too rigorous a winter, and would fain Temper the coming time, and their bruised hearts And broken estate to pity move thy soul, Yet who would fear to fumigate with thyme, Or cut the empty wax away? for oft
316Into their comb the newt has gnawed unseen, And the light-loathing beetles crammed their bed, And he that sits at others' board to feast, The do-naught drone; or 'gainst the unequal foe Swoops the fierce hornet, or the moth's fell tribe;
321Or spider, victim of Minerva's spite, Athwart the doorway hangs her swaying net. The more impoverished they, the keenlier all To mend the fallen fortunes of their race Will nerve them, fill the cells up, tier on tier,
326And weave their granaries from the rifled flowers. Now, seeing that life doth even to bee-folk bring Our human chances, if in dire disease Their bodies' strength should languish—which anon By no uncertain tokens may be told—
331Forthwith the sick change hue; grim leanness mars Their visage; then from out the cells they bear Forms reft of light, and lead the mournful pomp; Or foot to foot about the porch they hang, Or within closed doors loiter, listless all
336From famine, and benumbed with shrivelling cold. Then is a deep note heard, a long-drawn hum, As when the chill South through the forests sighs, As when the troubled ocean hoarsely booms With back-swung billow, as ravening tide of fire
341Surges, shut fast within the furnace-walls. Then do I bid burn scented galbanum, And, honey-streams through reeden troughs instilled, Challenge and cheer their flagging appetite To taste the well-known food; and it shall boot
346To mix therewith the savour bruised from gall, And rose-leaves dried, or must to thickness boiled By a fierce fire, or juice of raisin-grapes From Psithian vine, and with its bitter smell Centaury, and the famed Cecropian thyme.
351There is a meadow-flower by country folk Hight star-wort; 'tis a plant not far to seek; For from one sod an ample growth it rears, Itself all golden, but girt with plenteous leaves, Where glory of purple shines through violet gloom.
356With chaplets woven hereof full oft are decked Heaven's altars: harsh its taste upon the tongue; Shepherds in vales smooth-shorn of nibbling flocks By Mella's winding waters gather it. The roots of this, well seethed in fragrant wine,
361Set in brimmed baskets at their doors for food. But if one's whole stock fail him at a stroke, Nor hath he whence to breed the race anew, 'Tis time the wondrous secret to disclose Taught by the swain of Arcady, even how
366The blood of slaughtered bullocks oft has borne Bees from corruption. I will trace me back To its prime source the story's tangled thread, And thence unravel. For where thy happy folk, Canopus, city of Pellaean fame,
371Dwell by the Nile's lagoon-like overflow, And high o'er furrows they have called their own Skim in their painted wherries; where, hard by, The quivered Persian presses, and that flood Which from the swart-skinned Aethiop bears him down,
376Swift-parted into sevenfold branching mouths With black mud fattens and makes Aegypt green, That whole domain its welfare's hope secure Rests on this art alone. And first is chosen A strait recess, cramped closer to this end,
381Which next with narrow roof of tiles atop 'Twixt prisoning walls they pinch, and add hereto From the four winds four slanting window-slits. Then seek they from the herd a steer, whose horns With two years' growth are curling, and stop fast,
386Plunge madly as he may, the panting mouth And nostrils twain, and done with blows to death, Batter his flesh to pulp i' the hide yet whole, And shut the doors, and leave him there to lie. But 'neath his ribs they scatter broken boughs,
391With thyme and fresh-pulled cassias: this is done When first the west winds bid the waters flow, Ere flush the meadows with new tints, and ere The twittering swallow buildeth from the beams. Meanwhile the juice within his softened bones
396Heats and ferments, and things of wondrous birth, Footless at first, anon with feet and wings, Swarm there and buzz, a marvel to behold; And more and more the fleeting breeze they take, Till, like a shower that pours from summer-clouds,
401Forth burst they, or like shafts from quivering string When Parthia's flying hosts provoke the fray. Say what was he, what God, that fashioned forth This art for us, O Muses? of man's skill Whence came the new adventure? From thy vale,
406Peneian Tempe, turning, bee-bereft, So runs the tale, by famine and disease, Mournful the shepherd Aristaeus stood Fast by the haunted river-head, and thus With many a plaint to her that bare him cried:
411“Mother, Cyrene, mother, who hast thy home Beneath this whirling flood, if he thou sayest, Apollo, lord of Thymbra, be my sire, Sprung from the Gods' high line, why barest thou me With fortune's ban for birthright? Where is now
416Thy love to me-ward banished from thy breast? O! wherefore didst thou bid me hope for heaven? Lo! even the crown of this poor mortal life, Which all my skilful care by field and fold, No art neglected, scarce had fashioned forth,
421Even this falls from me, yet thou call'st me son. Nay, then, arise! With thine own hands pluck up My fruit-plantations: on the homestead fling Pitiless fire; make havoc of my crops; Burn the young plants, and wield the stubborn axe
426Against my vines, if there hath taken the Such loathing of my greatness.” But that cry, Even from her chamber in the river-deeps, His mother heard: around her spun the nymphs
431Milesian wool stained through with hyaline dye, Drymo, Xantho, Ligea, Phyllodoce, Their glossy locks o'er snowy shoulders shed, Cydippe and Lycorias yellow-haired, A maiden one, one newly learned even then
436To bear Lucina's birth-pang. Clio, too, And Beroe, sisters, ocean-children both, Both zoned with gold and girt with dappled fell, Ephyre and Opis, and from Asian meads Deiopea, and, bow at length laid by,
441Fleet-footed Arethusa. But in their midst Fair Clymene was telling o'er the tale Of Vulcan's idle vigilance and the stealth Of Mars' sweet rapine, and from Chaos old Counted the jostling love-joys of the Gods.
446Charmed by whose lay, the while their woolly tasks With spindles down they drew, yet once again Smote on his mother's ears the mournful plaint Of Aristaeus; on their glassy thrones Amazement held them all; but Arethuse
451Before the rest put forth her auburn head, Peering above the wave-top, and from far Exclaimed, “Cyrene, sister, not for naught Scared by a groan so deep, behold! 'tis he, Even Aristaeus, thy heart's fondest care,
456Here by the brink of the Peneian sire Stands woebegone and weeping, and by name Cries out upon thee for thy cruelty.” To whom, strange terror knocking at her heart, “Bring, bring him to our sight,” the mother cried;
461“His feet may tread the threshold even of Gods.” So saying, she bids the flood yawn wide and yield A pathway for his footsteps; but the wave Arched mountain-wise closed round him, and within Its mighty bosom welcomed, and let speed
466To the deep river-bed. And now, with eyes Of wonder gazing on his mother's hall And watery kingdom and cave-prisoned pools And echoing groves, he went, and, stunned by that Stupendous whirl of waters, separate saw
471All streams beneath the mighty earth that glide, Phasis and Lycus, and that fountain-head Whence first the deep Enipeus leaps to light, Whence father Tiber, and whence Anio's flood, And Hypanis that roars amid his rocks,
476And Mysian Caicus, and, bull-browed 'Twixt either gilded horn, Eridanus, Than whom none other through the laughing plains More furious pours into the purple sea. Soon as the chamber's hanging roof of stone
481Was gained, and now Cyrene from her son Had heard his idle weeping, in due course Clear water for his hands the sisters bring, With napkins of shorn pile, while others heap The board with dainties, and set on afresh
486The brimming goblets; with Panchaian fires Upleap the altars; then the mother spake, “Take beakers of Maconian wine,” she said, “Pour we to Ocean.” Ocean, sire of all, She worships, and the sister-nymphs who guard
491The hundred forests and the hundred streams; Thrice Vesta's fire with nectar clear she dashed, Thrice to the roof-top shot the flame and shone: Armed with which omen she essayed to speak: “In Neptune's gulf Carpathian dwells a seer,
496Caerulean Proteus, he who metes the main With fish-drawn chariot of two-footed steeds; Now visits he his native home once more, Pallene and the Emathian ports; to him We nymphs do reverence, ay, and Nereus old;
501For all things knows the seer, both those which are And have been, or which time hath yet to bring; So willed it Neptune, whose portentous flocks, And loathly sea-calves 'neath the surge he feeds. Him first, my son, behoves thee seize and bind
506That he may all the cause of sickness show, And grant a prosperous end. For save by force No rede will he vouchsafe, nor shalt thou bend His soul by praying; whom once made captive, ply With rigorous force and fetters; against these
511His wiles will break and spend themselves in vain. I, when the sun has lit his noontide fires, When the blades thirst, and cattle love the shade, Myself will guide thee to the old man's haunt, Whither he hies him weary from the waves,
516That thou mayst safelier steal upon his sleep. But when thou hast gripped him fast with hand and gyve, Then divers forms and bestial semblances Shall mock thy grasp; for sudden he will change To bristly boar, fell tigress, dragon scaled,
521And tawny-tufted lioness, or send forth A crackling sound of fire, and so shake of The fetters, or in showery drops anon Dissolve and vanish. But the more he shifts His endless transformations, thou, my son,
526More straitlier clench the clinging bands, until His body's shape return to that thou sawest, When with closed eyelids first he sank to sleep.” So saying, an odour of ambrosial dew She sheds around, and all his frame therewith
531Steeps throughly; forth from his trim-combed locks Breathed effluence sweet, and a lithe vigour leapt Into his limbs. There is a cavern vast Scooped in the mountain-side, where wave on wave By the wind's stress is driven, and breaks far up
536Its inmost creeks—safe anchorage from of old For tempest-taken mariners: therewithin, Behind a rock's huge barrier, Proteus hides. Here in close covert out of the sun's eye The youth she places, and herself the while
541Swathed in a shadowy mist stands far aloof. And now the ravening dog-star that burns up The thirsty Indians blazed in heaven; his course The fiery sun had half devoured: the blades Were parched, and the void streams with droughty jaws
546Baked to their mud-beds by the scorching ray, When Proteus seeking his accustomed cave Strode from the billows: round him frolicking The watery folk that people the waste sea Sprinkled the bitter brine-dew far and wide.
551Along the shore in scattered groups to feed The sea-calves stretch them: while the seer himself, Like herdsman on the hills when evening bids The steers from pasture to their stall repair, And the lambs' bleating whets the listening wolves,
556Sits midmost on the rock and tells his tale. But Aristaeus, the foe within his clutch, Scarce suffering him compose his aged limbs, With a great cry leapt on him, and ere he rose Forestalled him with the fetters; he nathless,
561All unforgetful of his ancient craft, Transforms himself to every wondrous thing, Fire and a fearful beast, and flowing stream. But when no trickery found a path for flight, Baffled at length, to his own shape returned,
566With human lips he spake, “Who bade thee, then, So reckless in youth's hardihood, affront Our portals? or what wouldst thou hence?”—But he, “Proteus, thou knowest, of thine own heart thou knowest; For thee there is no cheating, but cease thou
571To practise upon me: at heaven's behest I for my fainting fortunes hither come An oracle to ask thee.” There he ceased. Whereat the seer, by stubborn force constrained, Shot forth the grey light of his gleaming eyes
576Upon him, and with fiercely gnashing teeth Unlocks his lips to spell the fates of heaven: “Doubt not 'tis wrath divine that plagues thee thus, Nor light the debt thou payest; 'tis Orpheus' self, Orpheus unhappy by no fault of his,
581So fates prevent not, fans thy penal fires, Yet madly raging for his ravished bride. She in her haste to shun thy hot pursuit Along the stream, saw not the coming death, Where at her feet kept ward upon the bank
586In the tall grass a monstrous water-snake. But with their cries the Dryad-band her peers Filled up the mountains to their proudest peaks: Wailed for her fate the heights of Rhodope, And tall Pangaea, and, beloved of Mars,
591The land that bowed to Rhesus, Thrace no less With Hebrus' stream; and Orithyia wept, Daughter of Acte old. But Orpheus' self, Soothing his love-pain with the hollow shell, Thee his sweet wife on the lone shore alone,
596Thee when day dawned and when it died he sang. Nay to the jaws of Taenarus too he came, Of Dis the infernal palace, and the grove Grim with a horror of great darkness—came, Entered, and faced the Manes and the King
601Of terrors, the stone heart no prayer can tame. Then from the deepest deeps of Erebus, Wrung by his minstrelsy, the hollow shades Came trooping, ghostly semblances of forms Lost to the light, as birds by myriads hie
606To greenwood boughs for cover, when twilight-hour Or storms of winter chase them from the hills; Matrons and men, and great heroic frames Done with life's service, boys, unwedded girls, Youths placed on pyre before their fathers' eyes.
611Round them, with black slime choked and hideous weed, Cocytus winds; there lies the unlovely swamp Of dull dead water, and, to pen them fast, Styx with her ninefold barrier poured between. Nay, even the deep Tartarean Halls of death
616Stood lost in wonderment, and the Eumenides, Their brows with livid locks of serpents twined; Even Cerberus held his triple jaws agape, And, the wind hushed, Ixion's wheel stood still. And now with homeward footstep he had passed
621All perils scathless, and, at length restored, Eurydice to realms of upper air Had well-nigh won, behind him following— So Proserpine had ruled it—when his heart A sudden mad desire surprised and seized—
626Meet fault to be forgiven, might Hell forgive. For at the very threshold of the day, Heedless, alas! and vanquished of resolve, He stopped, turned, looked upon Eurydice His own once more. But even with the look,
631Poured out was all his labour, broken the bond Of that fell tyrant, and a crash was heard Three times like thunder in the meres of hell. ‘Orpheus! what ruin hath thy frenzy wrought On me, alas! and thee? Lo! once again
636The unpitying fates recall me, and dark sleep Closes my swimming eyes. And now farewell: Girt with enormous night I am borne away, Outstretching toward thee, thine, alas! no more, These helpless hands.’ She spake, and suddenly,
641Like smoke dissolving into empty air, Passed and was sundered from his sight; nor him Clutching vain shadows, yearning sore to speak, Thenceforth beheld she, nor no second time Hell's boatman brooks he pass the watery bar.
646What should he do? fly whither, twice bereaved? Move with what tears the Manes, with what voice The Powers of darkness? She indeed even now Death-cold was floating on the Stygian barge! For seven whole months unceasingly, men say,
651Beneath a skyey crag, by thy lone wave, Strymon, he wept, and in the caverns chill Unrolled his story, melting tigers' hearts, And leading with his lay the oaks along. As in the poplar-shade a nightingale
656Mourns her lost young, which some relentless swain, Spying, from the nest has torn unfledged, but she Wails the long night, and perched upon a spray With sad insistence pipes her dolorous strain, Till all the region with her wrongs o'erflows.
661No love, no new desire, constrained his soul: By snow-bound Tanais and the icy north, Far steppes to frost Rhipaean forever wed, Alone he wandered, lost Eurydice Lamenting, and the gifts of Dis ungiven.
666Scorned by which tribute the Ciconian dames, Amid their awful Bacchanalian rites And midnight revellings, tore him limb from limb, And strewed his fragments over the wide fields. Then too, even then, what time the Hebrus stream,
671Oeagrian Hebrus, down mid-current rolled, Rent from the marble neck, his drifting head, The death-chilled tongue found yet a voice to cry ‘Eurydice! ah! poor Eurydice!’ With parting breath he called her, and the banks
676From the broad stream caught up ‘Eurydice!’” So Proteus ending plunged into the deep, And, where he plunged, beneath the eddying whirl Churned into foam the water, and was gone; But not Cyrene, who unquestioned thus
681Bespake the trembling listener: “Nay, my son, From that sad bosom thou mayst banish care: Hence came that plague of sickness, hence the nymphs, With whom in the tall woods the dance she wove, Wrought on thy bees, alas! this deadly bane.
686Bend thou before the Dell-nymphs, gracious powers: Bring gifts, and sue for pardon: they will grant Peace to thine asking, and an end of wrath. But how to approach them will I first unfold— Four chosen bulls of peerless form and bulk,
691That browse to-day the green Lycaean heights, Pick from thy herds, as many kine to match, Whose necks the yoke pressed never: then for these Build up four altars by the lofty fanes, And from their throats let gush the victims' blood,
696And in the greenwood leave their bodies lone. Then, when the ninth dawn hath displayed its beams, To Orpheus shalt thou send his funeral dues, Poppies of Lethe, and let slay a sheep Coal-black, then seek the grove again, and soon
701For pardon found adore Eurydice With a slain calf for victim.” No delay: The self-same hour he hies him forth to do His mother's bidding: to the shrine he came,
706The appointed altars reared, and thither led Four chosen bulls of peerless form and bulk, With kine to match, that never yoke had known; Then, when the ninth dawn had led in the day, To Orpheus sent his funeral dues, and sought
711The grove once more. But sudden, strange to tell A portent they espy: through the oxen's flesh, Waxed soft in dissolution, hark! there hum Bees from the belly; the rent ribs overboil In endless clouds they spread them, till at last
716On yon tree-top together fused they cling, And drop their cluster from the bending boughs. So sang I of the tilth of furrowed fields, Of flocks and trees, while Caesar's majesty Launched forth the levin-bolts of war by deep
721Euphrates, and bare rule o'er willing folk Though vanquished, and essayed the heights of heaven. I Virgil then, of sweet Parthenope The nursling, wooed the flowery walks of peace Inglorious, who erst trilled for shepherd-wights
726The wanton ditty, and sang in saucy youth Thee, Tityrus, 'neath the spreading beech tree's shade.