Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/294

136 With kindly Moisture then the Plants abound, The Grass securely springs above the Ground; The tender Twig shoots upward to the Skies, And on the Faith of the new Sun relies. The swerving Vines on the tall Elms prevail, Unhurt by Southern Show'rs or Northern Hail. They spread their Gems the genial Warmth to share: And boldly trust their Buds in open Air. In this soft Season (so sweet Poets sing) The World was hatch'd by Heav'ns Imperial King: In prime of all the Year, and Holydays of Spring. Earth knew no Season then, but Spring alone: On the moist Ground the Sun serenely shone: Then Winter Winds their blustring Rage forbear, And in a silent Pomp proceeds the mighty Year. Sheep soon were sent to people flow'ry Fields, And salvage Beasts were banish'd into Wilds. Then Heav'n was lighted up with Stars; and Man, A hard relentless Race, from Stones began. Nor cou'd the tender, new Creation, bear Th' excessive Heats or Coldness of the Year: But chill'd by Winter, or by Summer fir'd, The middle Temper of the Spring requir'd. When Infant Nature was with Quiet crown'd, And Heav'ns Indulgence brooded on the Ground. For what remains, in depth of Earth secure Thy cover'd Plants, and dung with hot Manure;