Page:Eclogues of Virgil (1908).djvu/37



Now let me tell of the two shepherds' muse,

Damon the first—Alphesibœus next:

The gazing heifers wondered at their strife

Unmindful of rich pasture, while their song

Hushed the fierce lynx; the rivers stayed their course.

Of these two shepherds I will sing the lay.

Will that day ever dawn, Oh, Pollio, when

I may aspire to tell of thy great deeds?

Of broad Timavus dost thou climb the rocks

Or sailest by the shores of the Illyrian sea?

Ah! when may I to the whole world make known

Thy verse, which can with Sophocles compare?

Thou didst inspire me first—with thee I end.

Accept the songs begun at thy command,

And let the ivy round thy brow be twined

Amidst the laurels of thy victories.

Hardly had night's cold shadow left the sky

When the dew-laden grass tempts most the flocks,

Damon began—leaning on olive staff.

Now, Lucifer, arise! Before the dawn!

Be herald to the all-restoring day!