Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/303

Geor. II. Receives his easy Food from Nature's Hand, And just Returns of cultivated Land! No Palace, with a lofty Gate, he wants, T' admit the Tydes of early Visitants. With eager Eyes devouring, as they pass, The breathing Figures of Corinthian Brass. No Statues threaten, from high Pedestals; No Persian Arras hides his homely Walls, With Antick Vests; which thro' their shady fold, Betray the Streaks of ill dissembl'd Gold. He boasts no Wool, whose native white is dy'd With Purple Poyson of Assyrian Pride. No costly Drugs of Araby defile, With foreign Scents, the Sweetness of his Oyl. But easie Quiet, a secure Retreat, A harmless Life that knows not how to cheat, With homebred Plenty the rich Owner bless, And rural Pleasures crown his Happiness. Unvex'd with Quarrels, undisturb'd with Noise, The Country King his peaceful Realm enjoys: Cool Grots, and living Lakes, the Flow'ry Pride Of Meads, and Streams that thro' the Valley glide; And shady Groves that easie Sleep invite, And after toilsome Days, a sweet repose at Night. Wild Beasts of Nature in his Woods abound; And Youth, of Labour patient, plow the Ground, Inur'd to Hardship, and to homely Fare. Nor venerable Age is wanting there,