Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/351

Geor. III. And mighty Phocæ, never seen before In shallow Streams, are stranded on the Shore. The Viper dead, within her Hole is found: Defenceless was the shelter of the ground. The water-Snake, whom Fish and Paddocks fed, With staring Scales lies poison'd in his Bed: To Birds their Native Heav'ns contagious prove, From Clouds they fall, and leave their Souls above.
 * Besides, to change their Pasture 'tis in vain:

Or trust to Physick; Physick is their Bane. The Learned Leaches in despair depart: And shake their Heads, desponding of their Art. Tisiphone, let loose from under ground, Majestically pale, now treads the round: Before her drives Diseases, and affright; And every moment rises to the sight: Aspiring to the Skies; encroaching on the light. The Rivers and their Banks, and Hills around, With lowings, and with dying Bleats resound. At length, she strikes an Universal Blow; To Death at once whole Herds of Cattle go: Sheep, Oxen, Horses fall; and, heap'd on high, The diff'ring Species in Confusion lye. Till warn'd by frequent ills, the way they found, To lodge their loathsom Carrion under ground. For, useless to the Currier were their Hides: Nor cou'd their tainted Flesh with Ocean Tides Rh