Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/151

Past. IV.

The Poet celebrates the Birth-day of Saloninus, the Son of Pollio, born in the Consulship of his Father, after the taking of Salonæ, a City in Dalmatia''. Many of the Verses are translated from one of the Sybils, who prophesie of our Saviour's Birth.''

Icilian Muse begin a loftier strain! Though lowly Shrubs and Trees that shade the Plain, Delight not all; Sicilian Muse, prepare To make the vocal Woods deserve a Consul's care. The last great Age, foretold by sacred Rhymes, Renews its finish'd Course, Saturnian times Rowl round again, and mighty years, begun From their first Orb, in radiant Circles run. The base degenerate Iron-off-spring ends; A golden Progeny from Heav'n descends;