Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/321

Geor. III. Then Water him, and (drinking what he can) Encourage him to thirst again, with Bran. Instructed thus, produce him to the Faire; And join in Wedlock to the longing Mare. For if the Sire be faint, or out of case, He will be copied in his famish'd Race: And sink beneath the pleasing Task assign'd; (For all's too little for the craving Kind.)
 * As for the Females, with industrious care

Take down their Mettle, keep 'em lean and bare; When conscious of their past delight, and keen To take the leap, and prove the sport agen; With scanty measure then supply their food; And, when athirst, restrain 'em from the flood: Their Bodies harrass, sink 'em when they run; And fry their melting Marrow in the Sun. Starve 'em, when Barns beneath their burthen groan; And winnow'd Chaff, by Western Winds is blown. For fear the rankness of the swelling Womb Shou'd scant the passage, and confine the room. Lest the fat Furrows shou'd the sense destroy Of Genial Lust; and dull the Seat of Joy. But let 'em suck the Seed with greedy force; And close involve the Vigour of the Horse.
 * The Male has done; thy care must now proceed

To teeming Females; and the promis'd breed. First let 'em run at large; and never know The taming Yoak, or draw the crooked Plough.