Page:Virgil - The Georgics, Thomas Nevile, 1767.djvu/85

 Book III. Soon as in spring they feel the gliding flame,

(In spring a warmth new-thrills thro' all the frame)

Facing the west on some steep's pendent brow

They stand, and catch the breezes, as they blow;

Oft, without rites of Hymen, strange to say!

By Zephyr pregnant, wing their rapid way

O'er rocks, o'er craggy cliffs, and deep low dales,

Not to Sol's rising, nor bleak Eurus' gales,

Caurus, or Boreas, or whence southwinds rise,

And with chill vapours sadden all the skies.

At length a clammy juice is seen to fall,

Which swains Hippomanes correctly call;

By stepdames gathered oft, when, fell of soul,

With charms and temper'd drugs they've mixt the bowl.

But, while love's copious themes our course delay,

Time flits, irrevocably flits away.

For herds let this suffice: the woolly train,

And the rough race of goats, demand the strain:

Labour not light: hence, emulous of fame,

Rise ye, of husbandmen who boast the name!

Hard task! to conquer these low themes by art,

Or grace and grandeur by mere words impart:

But pleasing passion all my soul incites,

Rapt to Parnassus' unfrequented heights: Yes;