Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/261

Geor. I. Let all the Choir of Clowns attend the Show, In long Procession, shouting as they go; Invoking her to bless their yearly Stores, Inviting Plenty to their crowded Floors. Thus in the Spring, and thus in Summer's Heat, Before the Sickles touch the ripening Wheat, On Ceres call; and let the lab'ring Hind With Oaken Wreaths his hollow Temples bind: On Ceres let him call, and Ceres praise, With uncouth Dances, and with Country Lays. And that by certain signs we may presage Of Heats and Rains, and Wind's impetuous rage, The Sov'reign of the Heav'ns has set on high The Moon, to mark the Changes of the Sky: When Southern blasts shou'd cease, and when the Swain Shou'd near their Folds his feeding Flocks restrain. For e'er the rising Winds begin to roar, The working Seas advance to wash the Shoar: Soft whispers run along the leavy Woods, And Mountains whistle to the murm'ring Floods: Ev'n then the doubtful Billows scarce abstain From the toss'd Vessel on the troubled Main: When crying Cormorants forsake the Sea, And stretching to the Covert wing their way: When sportful Coots run skimming o'er the Strand; When watchful Herons leave their watry Stand, And mounting upward, with erected flight, Gain on the Skies, and soar above the sight.