Page:Virgil - The Georgics, Thomas Nevile, 1767.djvu/76

 

On his right shoulder floating loose reclines
His bushy mane: along his loins two spines
Extend to view; his deep hoof scoops the ground,
And the hard horn sends forth an heavy sound. 110
Such Cyllarus, reluctant to the rein,
By Pollux broken; and, in Grecian strain
Fam'd, the fierce coursers of the God of war:
And such the steeds, that whirl'd Achilles' car;
Thus look'd great Saturn's self on Pelion's height,
When at his wife's approach he sped his flight;
Down the God's neck a mane devolving hung,
And with shrill neighings all the region rung.

Worn with long years, or by disease deprest,
Keep him from sight, and let his age find rest: 120
Cold to love's joys he drags a dull delight;
And should he venture on the amorous fight,
The frigid stallion, like a stubble fire,
Gives a short flash of impotent desire.
Chief then their age and vigour mark with care, 125
And let their other gifts your notice share,
And parent-stock; how victor in the race
Each feels the praise, how vanquish'd the disgrace.
Seest thou? when from the goal the chariots pour,
And in the rapid strife the plain devour; 130

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