Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/266

116 What desp'rate Madman then wou'd venture o'er The Frith, or haul his Cables from the Shoar? But if with Purple Rays he brings the Light, And a pure Heav'n resigns to quiet Night; No rising Winds, or falling Storms, are nigh: But Northern Breezes through the Forest fly: And drive the rack, and purge the ruffl'd Sky. Th' unerring Sun by certain Signs declares, What the late Ev'n, or early Morn prepares: And when the South projects a stormy Day, And when the clearing North will puff the Clouds away.
 * The Sun reveals the Secrets of the Sky;

And who dares give the Source of Light the Lye? The change of Empires often he declares, Fierce Tumults, hidden Treasons, open Wars. He first the Fate of Cæsar did foretel, And pity'd Rome, when Rome in Cæsar fell. In Iron Clouds conceal'd the Publick Light: And Impious Mortals fear'd Eternal Night.
 * Nor was the Fact foretold by him alone:

Nature her self stood forth, and seconded the Sun. Earth, Air, and Seas, with Prodigies were sign'd, And Birds obscene, and howling Dogs divin'd. What Rocks did Ætna's bellowing Mouth expire From her torn Entrails! and what Floods of Fire! What Clanks were heard, in German Skies afar, Of Arms and Armies, rushing to the War!