Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/143

Past. III. But since you will be mad, and since you may Suspect my Courage, if I should not lay; The Pawn I proffer shall be full as good: Two Bowls I have, well turn'd of Beechen Wood; Both by divine Alcimedon were made; To neither of them yet the Lip is laid. The Lids are Ivy, Grapes in clusters lurk, Beneath the Carving of the curious Work. Two Figures on the sides emboss'd appear; Conon, and what's his Name who made the Sphere, And shew'd the Seasons of the sliding Year, Instructed in his Trade the Lab'ring Swain, And when to reap, and when to sow the Grain? And I have two, to match your pair, at home; The Wood the same, from the same Hand they come: The kimbo Handles seem with Bears-foot carv'd; And never yet to Table have been serv'd: Where Orpheus on his Lyre laments his Love, With Beasts encompass'd, and a dancing Grove: But these, nor all the Proffers you can make, Are worth the Heifar which I set to stake. No more delays, vain Boaster, but begin: I prophecy before-hand I shall win. Palæmon shall be Judge how ill you rhime, I'll teach you how to brag another time.