Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/310

148 From whom th' austere Etrurian Virtue rose, And this rude life our homely Fathers chose. Old Rome from such a Race deriv'd her birth, (The Seat of Empire, and the conquer'd Earth:) Which now on sev'n high Hills triumphant reigns, And in that compass all the World contains. E'er Saturn's Rebel Son usurp'd the Skies, When Beasts were only slain for Sacrifice: While peaceful Crete enjoy'd her ancient Lord, E'er sounding Hammers forg'd th' inhumane Sword: E'er hollow Drums were beat, before the Breath Of brazen Trumpets rung the Peals of Death; The good old God his Hunger did asswage With Roots and Herbs, and gave the Golden Age. But over labour'd with so long a Course, Tis time to set at ease the smoaking Horse.