Page:Eclogues of Virgil (1908).djvu/7



Tityrus mine, reclining in the shade

Of spreading beech, thou canst invoke the muse

Of the still forest, with thy slender reed.

But we forsake our dear, our native fields,

We fly our country, Tityrus, whilst thou

In easy shelter, dost inform the woods

Of Amaryllis' charms.

O Melibœus

It was a god that helped us to this ease

Always a god to me; and from my fold

A tender lamb shall often, from this time

Be offered at his shrine; 'tis by his will

That, as thou seest, my cattle wander free,

Whilst I can here indulge in rustic song.

Indeed, I envy not, but wonder more

For in all parts the country is disturbed.

See, I myself, in weary mood, drive forth

My flock of goats—look! scarcely can I drag

This one along—she, just now, hath borne twins.

Hope of my flock! in thickest hazel copse.

But—having brought them forth—she left them then

On the bare rock, deserted. This our grief