Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/144

16 Rhymer come on, and do the worst you can: I fear not you, nor yet a better Man. With Silence, Neighbour, and Attention wait: For 'tis a business of a high Debate. Sing then; the Shade affords a proper place; The Trees are cloath'd with Leaves, the Fields with Grass; The Blossoms blow; the Birds on bushes sing; And Nature has accomplish'd all the Spring. The Challenge to Damætas shall belong, Menalcas shall sustain his under Song: Each in his turn your tuneful numbers bring; In turns the tuneful Muses love to sing. From the great Father of the Gods above My Muse begins; for all is full of Jove; To Jove the care of Heav'n and Earth belongs; My Flocks he blesses, and he loves my Songs. Me Phœbus loves; for He my Muse inspires; And in her Songs, the warmth he gave, requires. For him, the God of Shepherds and their Sheep, My blushing Hyacinths, and my Bays I keep. My Phillis Me with pelted Apples plyes; Then tripping to the Woods the Wanton hies: And wishes to be seen, before she flies. Rh