Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/164

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Two young Shepherds Chromis and Mnasylus, having been often promis'd a Song by Silenus'', chance to catch him asleep in this Pastoral; where they bind him hand and foot, and then claim his Promise. Silenus finding they wou'd be put off no longer, begins his Song; in which he describes the Formation of the Universe, and the Original of Animals, according to the Epicurean Philosophy; and then runs through the most surprising Transformations which have happen'd in Nature since her Birth. This Pastoral was design'd as a Complement to Syro the Epicurean, who instructed Virgil and Varus in the Principles of that Philosophy. Silenus acts as Tutor, Chromis and Mnasylus as the two Pupils.''

First transferr'd to Rome Sicilian Strains: Nor blush'd the Dorick Muse to dwell on Mantuan Plains. But when I try'd her tender Voice, too young, And fighting Kings, and bloody Battels sung;

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