Page:Metamorphoses (Ovid, 1567).djvu/28

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They lived safe without a Judge, in everie Realme and lande. The loftie Pynetree was not hewen from mountaines where it stood, In seeking straunge and forren landes, to rove upon the flood. Men knew none other countries yet, than where themselves did keepe: There was no towne enclosed yet, with walles and diches deepe. No horne nor trumpet was in use, no sword nor helmet worne, The worlde was such, that souldiers helpe might easly be forborne. The fertile earth as yet was free, untoucht of spade or plough, And yet it yeelded of it selfe of every things inough. And men themselves contented well with plaine and simple foode, That on the earth of natures gift without their travail stoode, Did live by Raspis, heppes and hawes, by cornelles, plummes and cherries, By sloes and apples, nuttes and peares, and lothsome bramble berries, And by the acornes dropt on ground, from Joves brode tree in fielde. The Springtime lasted all the yeare, and Zephyr with his milde And gentle blast did cherish things that grew of owne accorde, The ground untilde, all kinde of fruits did plenteously afforde. No mucke nor tillage was bestowde on leane and barren land, To make the corne of better head, and ranker for to stand. Then streames ran milke, then streames ran wine, and yellow honny flowde From ech greene tree whereon the rayes of firie Phebus glowde. But when that into Lymbo once Saturnus being thrust, The rule and charge of all the worlde was under Ioue unjust, And that the silver age came in, more somewhat base than golde, More precious yet than freckled brasse, immediatly the olde And auncient Spring did Jove abridge, and made therof anon, Foure seasons: Winter, Sommer, Spring, and Autumne off and on: Then first of all began the ayre with fervent heate to swelt. Then Isycles hung roping downe: then for the colde was felt Men gan to shroud themselves in house. Their houses were the thickes, And bushie queaches, hollow caves, or hardels made of stickes. Then first of all were furrowes drawne, and corne was cast in ground. The simple Oxe with sorie sighes, to heavie yoke was bound. Next after this succeded streight, the third and brazen age: More hard of nature, somewhat bent to cruell warres and rage. But yet not wholy past all grace. Of yron is the last In no part good and tractable as former ages past.