Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/310

From whom th' austere Etrurian Virtue rose,
And this rude life our homely Fathers chose.780
Old Rome from such a Race deriv'd her birth,
(The Seat of Empire, and the conquer'd Earth:)
Which now on sev'n high Hills triumphant reigns,
And in that compass all the World contains.
E'er Saturn's Rebel Son usurp'd the Skies,785
When Beasts were only slain for Sacrifice:
While peaceful Crete enjoy'd her ancient Lord,
E'er sounding Hammers forg'd th' inhumane Sword:
E'er hollow Drums were beat, before the Breath
Of brazen Trumpets rung the Peals of Death;790
The good old God his Hunger did asswage
With Roots and Herbs, and gave the Golden Age.
But over labour'd with so long a Course,
Tis time to set at ease the smoaking Horse.