Page:Eclogues of Virgil (1908).djvu/25



Come, Mopsus, now so happily we meet

And seem so good a pair, why not remain

Resting in shade of elms and hazel copse?

Thou canst breathe music from thy reed, and I

Can harmonize some verses to thy tune.

Nay, thou canst claim, Menalcas, by thine age

The rule o'er me; choose thou (I will obey)

Whether we rest 'neath changeful shadow here

Or in deep shelter stay, in yonder cave—

See how 'tis garnished by the wild vine's sprays!

I know but one whose fame can vie with thine.

Will that one seek to rival Phœbus next?

Well, Mopsus, for thy song! first shall it tell

Of thy warm love for Phyllis—or the praise

Of Alcon, or the scolding Codrus flout?

Begin—while Tityrus doth tend the grazing kids.

Nay, let me try the songs I lately wrote

On a green beech bark, with the notes between.

Next, thou canst call Amyntas to the strife.

Ah, well! we all do judge thee to excel,

Amyntas, as the olive stronger stands

Than bending osier, or as low-grown reeds

Do yield in beauty to the crimson rose.

Enough, my friend, for we have reached the cave.