Æn. I.
ÆNEIS.
323
Some for their Dwellings chuse a Spot of Ground,
Which, first design'd, with Ditches they surround.
Some Laws ordain, and some attend the Choice
Of holy Senates, and elect by Voice.
Here some design a Mole, while others there
Lay deep Foundations for a Theatre: 595
From Marble Quarries mighty Columns hew,
For Ornaments of Scenes, and future view.
Such is their Toyl, and such their busy Pains,
As exercise the Bees in flow'ry Plains;
When Winter past, and Summer scarce begun, 600
Invites them forth to labour in the Sun:
Some lead their Youth abroad, while some condense
Their liquid Store, and some in Cells dispence.
Some at the Gate stand ready to receive
The Golden burthen, and their Friends relieve. 605
All, with united Force, combine to drive
The lazy Drones from the laborious Hive;
With envy stung, they view each others Deeds;
The fragrant Work with Diligence proceeds.
Thrice happy you, whose Walls already rise; 610
Æneas said; and view'd, with lifted Eyes,
Their lofty Tow'rs; then ent'ring at the Gate,
Conceal'd in Clouds, (prodigious to relate)
He mix'd, unmark'd, among the busy Throng,
Born by the Tide, and pass'd unseen along. 615
Full in the Centre of the Town there stood,
Thick set with Trees, a venerable Wood:
Which, first design'd, with Ditches they surround.
Some Laws ordain, and some attend the Choice
Of holy Senates, and elect by Voice.
Here some design a Mole, while others there
Lay deep Foundations for a Theatre: 595
From Marble Quarries mighty Columns hew,
For Ornaments of Scenes, and future view.
Such is their Toyl, and such their busy Pains,
As exercise the Bees in flow'ry Plains;
When Winter past, and Summer scarce begun, 600
Invites them forth to labour in the Sun:
Some lead their Youth abroad, while some condense
Their liquid Store, and some in Cells dispence.
Some at the Gate stand ready to receive
The Golden burthen, and their Friends relieve. 605
All, with united Force, combine to drive
The lazy Drones from the laborious Hive;
With envy stung, they view each others Deeds;
The fragrant Work with Diligence proceeds.
Thrice happy you, whose Walls already rise; 610
Æneas said; and view'd, with lifted Eyes,
Their lofty Tow'rs; then ent'ring at the Gate,
Conceal'd in Clouds, (prodigious to relate)
He mix'd, unmark'd, among the busy Throng,
Born by the Tide, and pass'd unseen along. 615
Full in the Centre of the Town there stood,
Thick set with Trees, a venerable Wood:
