Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/348

176 Pois'ning the Standing Lakes; and Pools Impure: Nor was the foodful Grass in Fields secure. Strange Death! For when the thirsty fire had drunk Their vital Blood, and the dry Nerves were shrunk; When the contracted Limbs were cramp'd, ev'n then A wat'rish Humour swell'd and ooz'd agen: Converting into Bane the kindly Juice, Ordain'd by Nature for a better use. The Victim Ox, that was for Altars prest, Trim'd with white Ribbons, and with Garlands drest, Sunk of himself, without the Gods Command: Preventing the slow Sacrificer's Hand. Or, by the holy Butcher, if he fell, Th' inspected Entrails, cou'd no Fates foretel. Nor, laid on Altars, did pure Flames arise; But Clouds of smouldring Smoke, forbad the Sacrifice. Scarcely the Knife was redden'd with his Gore, Or the black Poison stain'd the sandy Floor. The thriven Calves in Meads their Food forsake, And render their sweet Souls before the plenteous Rack. The fawning Dog runs mad; the wheasing Swine With Coughs is choak'd; and labours from the Chine: The Victor Horse, forgetful of his Food, The Palm renounces, and abhors the Flood. He paws the Ground, and on his hanging Ears A doubtful Sweat in clammy drops appears: Parch'd is his Hide, and rugged are his Hairs. Rh