Page:Eclogues and Georgics (Mackail 1910).djvu/35

ll. 1–38.] essayed at thy commands, and let this ivy curl among the conqueror's laurel around thy brows.

The chill shadow of night had hardly retreated from the sky, when the dew on the tender grass is sweetest to the flock: Damon, leaning on his smooth olive-staff, thus began:

Rise, Morning Star, and herald in the gracious day, while, beguiled by Love's tyranny, I complain over Nisa the bride, and though it has availed me nothing that the gods were witnesses, yet in this utmost hour call on them as I die.

Begin with me, my flute, the verses of Maenalus.

Maenalus ever keeps his vocal forest and talking pines: ever he hears the loves of shepherds, and Pan who of yore would not let the reeds lie idle.

Begin with me, my flute, the verses of Maenalus.

Mopsus gets Nisa: what may we lovers not look for? now will gryphons couple with horses, and in following time shy fallow deer come with the hounds to drink. Mopsus, cut fresh torches: for thee the wife is led home. Scatter nuts, O bridegroom: for thee Oeta lets free the Evening Star.

Begin with me, my flute, the verses of Maenalus.

O wedded to thy mate! while thou scornest all the world, and while my pipe and while my she-goats annoy thee, and my shaggy eyebrows and untrimmed beard, nor fanciest thou that any god cares for human things.

Begin with me, my flute, the verses of Maenalus.

In our orchard-close I saw thee, a little girl with her mother—I guided you both—gathering apples