Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/322

158 Let 'em not leap the Ditch, or swim the Flood; Or lumber o'er the Meads; or cross the Wood. But range the Forrest, by the silver side Of some cool Stream, where Nature shall provide Green Grass and fat'ning Clover for their fare! And Mossy Caverns for their Evening lare: With Rocks above to shield the sharp Nocturnal air. About th' Alburnian Groves, with Holly green, Of winged Insects mighty swarms are seen: This flying Plague (to mark its quality;) Oestros the Grecians call: Asylus, we: A fierce loud buzzing Breez; their stings draw blood; And drive the Cattel gadding through the Wood. Seiz'd with unusual pains, they loudly cry; Tanagrus hastens thence; and leaves his Channel dry. This Curse the jealous Juno did invent; And first imploy'd for Io's Punishment. To shun this Ill, the cunning Leach ordains In Summer's Sultry Heats (for then it reigns) To feed the Females, e'er the Sun arise, Or late at Night, when Stars adorn the Skies. When she has calv'd, then set the Dam aside; And for the tender Progeny provide. Distinguish all betimes, with branding Fire; To note the Tribe, the Lineage, and the Sire. Whom to reserve for Husband of the Herd; Or who shall be to Sacrifice preferr'd;