Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/355

Geor. IV.

Virgil ''has taken care to raise the Subject of each Georgic: In the First he has only dead Matter on which to work. In the second he just steps on the World of Life, and describes that degree of it which is to be found in Vegetables. In the third he advances to Animals. And in the last, singles out the Bee, which may be reckon'd the most sagacious of 'em, for his Subject.''

''In this Georgic he shews us what Station is most proper for the Bees, and when they begin to gather Honey: how to call 'em home when they swarm; and how to part 'em when they are engag'd in Battel. From hence he takes occasion to discover their different Kinds; and, after an Excursion relates their prudent and politick Administration of Affairs and the several Diseases that often rage in their Hives, with the proper Symptoms and Remedies of each Disease. In the last place he lays down a method of repairing their Kind, supposing their whole Breed lost; and gives at large the History of its Invention.'' HE Gifts of Heav'n my foll'wing Song pursues, Aerial Honey, and Ambrosial Dews. Mæcenas, read this other part, that sings Embattel'd Sqadrons and advent'rous Kings: A mighty Pomp, tho' made of little Things.