Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/361

Geor. IV. Then Melfoil beat, and Honey-suckles pound, With these alluring Savours strew the Ground; And mix with tinkling Brass, the Cymbals droning Sound. Streight to their ancient Cells, recall'd from Air, The reconcil'd Deserters will repair. But if intestine Broils allarm the Hive, (For two Pretenders oft for Empire strive) The Vulgar in divided Factions jar; And murm'ring Sounds proclaim the Civil War. Inflam'd with Ire, and trembling with Disdain, Scarce can their Limbs, their mighty Souls contain. With Shouts, the Cowards Courage they excite, And martial Clangors call 'em out to fight: With hoarse Allarms the hollow Camp rebounds, That imitates the Trumpets angry Sounds: Then to their common Standard they repair; The nimble Horsemen scour the Fields of Air. In form of Battel drawn, they issue forth, And ev'ry Knight is proud to prove his Worth. Prest for their Country's Honour, and their King's, On their sharp Beaks they whet their pointed Stings; And exercise their Arms, and tremble with their Wings. Full in the midst, the haughty Monarchs ride, The trusty Guards come up, and close the Side; With Shouts the daring Foe to Battel is defy'd. Thus in the Season of unclouded Spring, To War they follow their undaunted King: