Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/363

Geor. IV. And ruddy Skales; for Empire he design'd, Is better born, and of a Nobler Kind. That other looks like Nature in disgrace, Gaunt are his sides, and sullen is his face: And like their grizly Prince appears his gloomy Race: Grim, ghastly, rugged, like a thirsty train That long have travell'd through a desart plain, And spet from their dry Chaps the gather'd dust again. The better Brood, unlike the Bastard Crew, Are mark'd with Royal streaks of shining hue; Glitt'ring and ardent, though in Body less: From these at pointed Seasons hope to press Huge heavy Honey-Combs, of Golden Juice, Not only sweet, but pure, and fit for use: T'allay the Strength and Hardness of the Wine, And with old Bacchus, new Metheglin join.
 * But when the Swarms are eager of their play,

And loath their empty Hives, and idly stray, Restrain the wanton Fugitives, and take A timely Care to bring the Truants back. The Task is easie: but to clip the Wings Of their high-flying Arbitrary Kings: At their Command, the People swarm away; Confine the Tyrant, and the Slaves will stay. Sweet Gardens, full of Saffron Flow'rs, invite The wandring Gluttons, and retard their Flight. Besides, the God obscene, who frights away, With his Lath Sword, the Thiefs and Birds of Prey.