impression, that their condition, even if it were that of slaves, was nevertheless one of comfort and respectability. Neither their garb, nor their attitude, suggests the idea of anything base or miserable. On the contrary, the countenance of each indicates trust-worthiness, steadiness, and care. That many of the agricultural laborers of ancient Italy had this character may be inferred also from written testimonies.
In reference to this subject, and with a view to illustrate at the same time the habits and employments of the ancient farmer among the Sabine or Apulian mountains, we will here quote some parts of Horace's Second Epode, in which he describes the pleasures of a country life.
Like the first mortals blest is he,
From debts, and usury, and bus'ness free,
With his own team who ploughs the soil,
Which grateful once confess'd his father's toil.
The sounds of war nor break his sleep,
Nor the rough storm, that harrows up the deep;
He shuns the courtier's haughty doors,
And the loud science of the bar abjures.
Either to poplars tall he joins
The marriageable offspring of his vines;
Or lops the useless boughs away,
Inserting happier as the old decay:
Or in a lonely vale surveys
His lowing herds, safe-wand'ring as they graze;
Or stores in jars his liquid gold
Prest from the hive, or shears his tender fold.
And, if a chaste and prudent wife
Perform her part in the sweet cares of life,
Of sun-burnt charms, but honest fame,
Such as the Sabine or Apulian dame;
If, when fatigued he homeward turns,
The sacred fire, built up with faggots, burns;
Or if in hurdles she inclose
The joyful flock, whence ample produce flows;
Though unbought dainties she prepare,
And this year's wines attend the homely fare;
No fish would I from foreign shore
Desire, nor relish Lucrine oysters more.
