Page:Virgil - The Georgics, Thomas Nevile, 1767.djvu/75

 Book III. Disease succeeds, and sad-repining Age,

Pain, and of rav'ning Death the ruthless rage.

Some to displace you'll never fail to find;

Then still be watchful to recruit the kind;

And not to feel your fault in time of need,

Prevent your losses by an annual breed.

Nor in the choice of horses less appears

The skilful task: chief from their tend'rest years

Let those engage your pains, on whom you place

The pride and promise of the future race.

Of gen'rous Sire the colt with graceful gait

Shifts his light legs, and treads with step elate;

The first to lead, the river's roar essay,

And o'er the bridge untry'd to tempt his way;

Nor heeds he vain alarms: of sharp short head,

Lofty his neck, his back of sinewy spread;

His paunch contracted; his bold breast displays

Luxuriant swells in many a fleshy maze.

Good steeds a bright bay boast, and blueish gray;

A white and dun the very worst betray.

If from afar the clang of arms he hears,

Restless he starts, erects his quivering ears;

Tremble his limbs; beneath his nostrils wide

Collected circles a pent fiery tide: On