Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/309

Geor. II. The yeaning Ewes prevent the springing Year; The laded Boughs their Fruits in Autumn bear, Tis then the Vine her liquid Harvest yields, Bak'd in the Sun-shine of ascending Fields. The Winter comes, and then the falling Mast, For greedy Swine, provides a full repast. Then Olives, ground in Mills, their fatness boast, And Winter Fruits are mellow'd by the Frost. His Cares are eas'd with Intervals of bliss, His little Children climbing for a Kiss, Welcome their Father's late return at Night; His faithful Bed is crown'd with chast delight. His Kine with swelling Udders ready stand, And, lowing for the Pail, invite the Milker's hand. His wanton Kids, with budding Horns prepar'd, Fight harmless Battels in his homely Yard: Himself in Rustick Pomp, on Holy-days, To Rural Pow'rs a just Oblation pays; And on the Green his careless Limbs displays. The Hearth is in the midst; the Herdsmen round The chearful Fire, provoke his health in Goblets crown'd. He calls on Bacchus, and propounds the Prize; The Groom his Fellow Groom at Buts defies; And bends his Bow, and levels with his Eyes. Or stript for Wrestling, smears his Limbs with Oyl, And watches with a trip his Foe to foil. Such was the life the frugal Sabines led; So Remus and his Brother God were bred: Rh