Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/373

Geor. IV. That length of Region, and large Tract of Ground, In this one Art a sure relief have found. First, in a place, by Nature close, they build A narrow Flooring, gutter'd, wall'd, and til'd. In this, four Windows are contriv'd, that strike To the four Winds oppos'd, their Beams oblique. A Steer of two Years old they take, whose Head Now first with burnish'd Horns begins to spread: They stop his Nostrils, while he strives in vain To breath free Air, and struggles with his Pain. Knock'd down, he dyes: his Bowels bruis'd within, Betray no Wound on his unbroken Skin. Extended thus, in this obscene Abode, They leave the Beast; but first sweet Flow'rs are strow'd Beneath his Body, broken Boughs and Thyme, And pleasing Cassia just renew'd in prime. This must be done, e'er Spring makes equal Day, When Western Winds on curling Waters play: E'er painted Meads produce their Flow'ry Crops, Or Swallows twitter on the Chimney Tops. The tainted Blood, in this close Prison pent, Begins to boyl and through the Bones ferment. Then, wondrous to behold, new Creatures rise, A moving Mass at first, and short of Thighs; Till shooting out with Legs, and imp'd with Wings, The Grubs proceed to Bees with pointed Stings: And more and more affecting Air, they try Their tender Pinions, and begin to fly: