Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/316

The Pains of famisht Tantalus shall feel;$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$
And Sisyphus that labours up the Hill65
The rowling Rock in vain; and curst Ixion's Wheel.
Mean time we must pursue the Sylvan Lands;$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$
(Th' abode of Nymphs,) untouch'd by former Hands:
For such, Mecænas, are thy hard Commands.
Without thee nothing lofty can I sing;70
Come then, and with thy self thy Genius bring:
With which inspir'd, I brook no dull delay.$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$
Cytheron loudly calls me to my way;
Thy Hounds, Taygetus, open and pursue their Prey.
High Epidaurus urges on my speed,75
Fam'd for his Hills, and for his Horses breed:
From Hills and Dales the chearful Cries rebound:
For Echo hunts along; and propagates the sound.
A time will come, when my maturer Muse,
In Cæsar's Wars, a Nobler Theme shall chuse.80
And through more Ages bear my Soveraign's Praise;
Than have from Tithon past to Cæsar's Days.
The Generous Youth, who studious of the Prize,
The Race of running Coursers multiplies;
Or to the Plough the sturdy Bullock breeds,85
May know that from the Dam the worth of each proceeds:
The Mother Cow must wear a low'ring look,
Sour headed, strongly neck'd, to bear the Yoke.
Her double Dew-lap from her Chin descends:
And at her Thighs the pondrous burthen ends.90