Page:White - The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne.djvu/134



rendered it so happily in our language, that without farther excuse I shall add his translation also.

Qualis spelunca subito commota Columba, Cui domus, et dulces latebroso in pumice nidi, Fertur in arva volans, plausumque exterrita pennis Dat tecto ingentem--mox aere lapse quieto, Radit iter liquidum, celeres neque commovet alas.

As when a dove her rocky hold forsakes, Rous'd, in her fright her sounding wings she shakes; The cavern rings with clattering:--out she flies, And leaves her callow care, and cleaves the skies: At first she flutters:--but at length she springs To smoother flight, and shoots upon her wings.

I am, etc.