Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/302

142 Narycian Woods of Pitch, whose gloomy shade, Seems for retreat of thoughtful Muses made! But much more pleasing are those Fields to see, That need not Ploughs, nor Human Industry. Ev'n cold Caucasean Rocks with Trees are spread, And wear green Forests on their hilly Head. Tho' bending from the blast of Eastern Storms, Tho' shent their Leaves, and shatter'd are their Arms; Yet Heav'n their various Plants for use designs: For Houses Cedars, and for Shipping Pines. Cypress provides for Spokes, and Wheels of Wains: And all for Keels of Ships, that scour the watry Plains. Willows in Twigs are fruitful, Elms in Leaves, The War, from stubborn Myrtle Shafts receives: From Cornels Jav'lins, and the tougher Yeugh Receives the bending Figure of a Bow. Nor Box, nor Limes, without their use are made, Smooth-grain'd, and proper for the Turner's Trade: Which curious Hands may kerve, and Steel with Ease invade. Light Alder stems the Po's impetuous Tide, And Bees in hollow Oaks their Hony hide. Now ballance, with these Gifts, the fumy Joys Of Wine, attended with eternal Noise. Wine urg'd to lawless Lust the Centaurs Train, Thro' Wine they quarrell'd, and thro' Wine were slain. Oh happy, if he knew his happy State! The Swain, who, free from Business and Debate;