Page:Virgil - The Georgics, Thomas Nevile, 1767.djvu/76

 64 On his right shoulder floating loose reclines

His bushy mane: along his loins two spines

Extend to view; his deep hoof scoops the ground,

And the hard horn sends forth an heavy sound.

Such Cyllarus, reluctant to the rein,

By Pollux broken; and, in Grecian strain

Fam'd, the fierce coursers of the God of war:

And such the steeds, that whirl'd Achilles' car;

Thus look'd great Saturn's self on Pelion's height,

When at his wife's approach he sped his flight;

Down the God's neck a mane devolving hung,

And with shrill neighings all the region rung.

Worn with long years, or by disease deprest,

Keep him from sight, and let his age find rest:

Cold to love's joys he drags a dull delight;

And should he venture on the amorous fight,

The frigid stallion, like a stubble fire,

Gives a short flash of impotent desire.

Chief then their age and vigour mark with care,

And let their other gifts your notice share,

And parent-stock; how victor in the race

Each feels the praise, how vanquish'd the disgrace.

Seest thou? when from the goal the chariots pour,

And in the rapid strife the plain devour; Their