Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/172

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The Seventh Pastoral.

OR,

MELIBOEUS.

The ARGUMENT.

Melibœus here gives us the Relation of a sharp Poetical Contest between Thyrsis and Corydon; at which he himself and Daphnis were present; who both declar'd for Corydon.

Eneath a Holm, repair'd two jolly Swains;
Their Sheep and Goats together graz'd the Plains.
Both young Arcadians, both alike inspir'd
To sing, and answer as the Song requir'd.
Daphnis, as Umpire, took the middle Seat;5
And Fortune thether led my weary Feet.
For while I fenc'd my Myrtles from the Cold,
The Father of my Flock had wander'd from the Fold.
Of Daphnis I enquir'd; he, smiling, said,
Dismiss your Fear, and pointed where he fed.10
And, if no greater Cares disturb your Mind,
Sit here with us, in covert of the Wind.