Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/191

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The Ninth Pastoral.

OR,

LYCIDAS and MOERIS.

The ARGUMENT.

When Virgil, by the Favour of Augustus, had recover'd his Patrimony near Mantua, and went in hope to take Possession, he was in danger to be slain by Arius the Centurian, to whom those Lands were assign'd by the Emperour, in reward of his Service against Brutus and Cassius. This Pastoral therefore is fill'd with Complaints of his hard Usage; and the Persons introduc'd, are the Bayliff of Virgil, Moeris, and his Friend Lycidas.

LYCIDAS.

O Moeris! whether on thy way so fast?

This leads to Town.

MOERIS.

O Lycidas, at last

The Time is come I never thought to see,
(Strange Revolution for my Farm and me)5
When the grim Captain in a surly Tone
Cries out, pack up ye Rascals, and be gone.