Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/356

182 Their Arms, their Arts, their Manners I disclose, And how they War, and whence the People rose: Slight is the Subject, but the Praise not small, If Heav'n assist, and Phœbus hear my Call.

First, for thy Bees a quiet Station find, And lodge 'em under Covert of the Wind: For Winds, when homeward they return, will drive The loaded Carriers from their Ev'ning Hive. Far from the Cows and Goats insulting Crew, That trample down the Flow'rs, and brush the Dew: The painted Lizard, and the Birds of Prey, Foes of the frugal Kind, be far away. The Titmouse, and the Peckers hungry Brood, And Progne, with her Bosom stain'd in Blood: These rob the trading Citizens, and bear The trembling Captives thro' the liquid Air; And for their callow young a cruel Feast prepare. But near a living Stream their Mansion place, Edg'd round with Moss, and tufts of matted Grass: And plant (the Winds impetuous rage to stop,) Wild Olive Trees, or Palms, before the buisie Shop: That when the youthful Prince, with loud allarm, Calls out the vent'rous Colony to swarm; When first their way thro' yielding Air they wing, New to the Pleasures of their native Spring; The Banks of Brooks may make a cool retreat For the raw Souldiers from the scalding Heat: