Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/301

Geor. II. Quite opposite to these are Olives found, No dressing they require, and dread no wound; Nor Rakes nor Harrows need, but fix'd below, Rejoyce in open Air, and unconcerndly grow. The Soil it self due Nourishment supplies: Plough but the Furrows, and the Fruits arise: Content with small Endeavours, 'till they spring. Soft Peace they figure, and sweet Plenty bring: Then Olives plant, and Hymns to Pallas sing. Thus Apple Trees, whose Trunks are strong to bear Their spreading Boughs, exert themselves in Air: Want no supply, but stand secure alone, Not trusting foreign Forces, but their own: 'Till with the ruddy freight the bending Branches groan. Thus Trees of Nature, and each common Bush, Uncultivated thrive, and with red Berries blush. Vile Shrubs are shorn for Browze: the tow'ring hight Of unctuous Trees, are Torches for the Night. And shall we doubt, (indulging easie Sloath,) To sow, to set, and to reform their growth? To leave the lofty Plants; the lowly kind, Are for the Shepherd, or the Sheep design'd. Ev'n humble Broom and Osiers have their use, And Shade for Sleep, and Food for Flocks produce; Hedges for Corn, and Honey for the Bees: Besides the pleasing Prospect of the Trees. How goodly looks Cytorus, ever green With Boxen Groves, with what delight are seen