Page:Virgil (Collins).djvu/134

124 Turn hither now your ranging eye:

Behold a glorious family,

Your sons and sons of Rome:

Lo! Cæsar there and all his seed,

Iulus' progeny, decreed

To pass 'neath heaven's high dome.

This, this is he, so oft the theme

Of your prophetic fancy's dream,

Augustus Cæsar, god by birth;

Restorer of the age of gold

In lands where Saturn ruled of old:

O'er Ind and Garamant extreme

Shall stretch his reign, that spans the earth.

Look to that land which lies afar

Beyond the path of sun or star,

Where Atlas on his shoulder rears

The burden of the incumbent spheres.

Egypt e'en now and Caspia hear

The muttered voice of many a seer,

And Nile's seven mouths, disturbed with fear,

Their coming conqueror know."

The future glories of Rome are described in a grand and well-known passage, to the majestic rhythm of which no English translator seems able to do full justice. The poet contrasts the warlike genius of his countrymen with the softer accomplishments of their rivals:—

Others with softer hand may mould the brass,

Or wake to warmer life the marble mass;

Plead at the bar with more prevailing force,

Or trace more justly heaven's revolving course:

Roman! be thine the sovereign arts of sway,

To rule, and make the subject world obey;