Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/319

In such a Shape, old Saturn did restrain 145
His Heav'nly Limbs, and flow'd with such a Mane.
When, half surpriz'd, and fearing to be seen,
The Leacher gallop'd from his Jealous Queen:
Ran up the ridges of the Rocks amain;
And with shrill Neighings fill'd the Neigbouring Plain.
But worn with Years, when dire Diseases come, 151
Then hide his not Ignoble Age, at Home:
In Peace t'enjoy his former Palms and Pains;
And gratefully be kind to his Remains.
For when his Blood no Youthful Spirits move, 155
He languishes and labours in his Love.
And when the sprightly Seed shou'd swiftly come,
Dribling he drudges, and defrauds the Womb.
In vain he burns, like hasty Stubble Fires;
And in himself his former self requires.160
His Age and Courage weigh: Nor those alone,
But note his Father's Virtues with his own;
Observe if he disdains to yield the Prize;
Of Loss impatient, proud of Victories.
Hast thou beheld, when from the Goal they start,165
The Youthful Charioteers with beating Heart,
Rush to the Race; and panting, scarcely bear
Th' extreams of feaverish Hope, and chilling Fear;
Stoop to the Reins, and lash with all their force;
The flying Chariot kindles in the Course:170
And now a-low; and now aloft they fly,
As born through Air, and seem to touch the Sky.