Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/252

106 The less and greater, who by Fates Decree Abhor to dive beneath the Southern Sea: There, as they say, perpetual Night is found In silence brooding on th' unhappy ground: Or when Aurora leaves our Northern Sphere, She lights the downward Heav'n, and rises there. And when on us she breaths the living Light, Red Vesper kindles there the Tapers of the Night. From hence uncertain Seasons we may know; And when to reap the Grain, and when to sow: Or when to fell the Furzes, when 'tis meet To spread the flying Canvass for the Fleet. Observe what Stars arise or disappear; And the four Quarters of the rolling Year. But when cold Weather and continu'd Rain, The lab'ring Husband in his House restrain: Let him forecast his Work with timely care, Which else is huddl'd, when the Skies are fair: Then let him mark the Sheep, or whet the shining Share. Or hollow Trees for Boats, or number o'er His Sacks, or measure his increasing Store: Or sharpen Stakes, or head the Forks, or twine The Sallow Twigs to tye the stragling Vine: Or wicker Baskets weave, or aire the Corn, Or grinded Grain betwixt two Marbles turn. No Laws, Divine or Humane, can restrain From necessary Works, the lab'ring Swain.