Sæpe exiguus mus.
Omnia sub magnâ labentia flumina terrâ.G. 4.
The last Line is the only Instance, I remember (except one Ecl. 2.) where the Words terminate in the same Vowel, and seem to represent the constant and uniform Sound of a sliding Stream.
Those, that are most conversant in Classick Poetry, must be sensible, that Virgil has been much more solicitous, than Ovid, to keep up his Lines to an easy and a musical Flow; but tho' the Criticks charge the latter with breaking through Prosody and Grammar, allowing himself too often the Licence of Græcisms; I take this Censure to be only an arrogant Pedantry in the Grammarians, and groundless in it self; but tho' it were true, I dare be confident it is full as just upon Virgil,
Curru subjungere Tigres,Ecl. 5. l. 29.
for Currui, according to the Grammarians.
Often Adjectives for Adverbs; and the contrary.
G. I.Pinguia culta; an Adjective, for a Substantive.
Denso distinguere pingui; the same.
Æn. II. l. 69.Seu languentis Hyacinthi; first Foot of the Dactyl short.
