A65118 ---- The destruction of Troy, an essay upon the second book of Virgils Æneis. Written in the year, 1636. Aeneis. Liber 2. English Virgil. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A65118 of text R796 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing V624). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 36 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 19 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A65118 Wing V624 ESTC R796 12880498 ocm 12880498 94923 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A65118) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 94923) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 902:35 or 2211:1) The destruction of Troy, an essay upon the second book of Virgils Æneis. Written in the year, 1636. Aeneis. Liber 2. English Virgil. Denham, John, Sir, 1615-1669. [8], 28 p. Printed for Humphrey Moseley ..., London : 1656. Translated by Sir John Denham; published also in his Poems and translations. London, 1668. Item at reel 2211:1 identified as Wing L933A (number cancelled). Reproduction of original in Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery and Bodleian Library. eng A65118 R796 (Wing V624). civilwar no The destruction of Troy, an essay upon the second book of Virgils Æneis. Written in the year, 1636. Virgil 1656 6000 4 0 0 0 0 0 7 B The rate of 7 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2006-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-09 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-10 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2006-10 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE DESTRUCTION OF TROY , AN ESSAY UPON THE SECOND BOOK OF VIRGILS AENEIS . Written in the year , 1636. LONDON : Printed for Humphrey Moseley , at his shop at the sign of the Princes Arms in S. Pauls Church-yard , 1656. THE PREFACE . THere are so few Translations which deserve praise , that I scarce ever saw any which deserv'd pardon ; those who travel in that kinde , being for the most part so unhappy , as to rob others , without enriching themselves , pulling down the fame of good Authors , without raising their own : Neither hath any Author been more hardly dealt withal then this our Master ; and the reason is evident , for , what is most excellent , is most inimitable ; And if even the worst Authors are yet made worse by their Translators , how impossible is it not to do great injury to the best ? And therefore I have not the vanity to think my Copy equal to the Original , nor ( consequently ) my self altogether guiltless of what I accuse others ; but if I can do Virgil less injury then others have done , it will be , in some degree to do him right ; and indeed , the hope of doing him more right , is the onely scope of this Essay , by opening this new way of translating this Author , to those whom youth , leisure , and better fortune makes fitter for such undertakings . I conceive it a vulgar error in translating Poets , to affect being Fidus Interpres ; let that care be with them who deal in matters of Fact , or matters of Faith : but whosoever aims at it in Poetry , as he attempts what is not required , so he shall never perform what he attempts ; for it is not his business alone to translate Language into Language , but Poesie into Poesie ; and Poesie is of so subtle a spirit , that in pouring out of one Language into another , it will all evaporate ; and if a new spirit be not added in the transfusion , there will remain nothing but a Caput mortuum , there being certain Graces and Happinesses peculiar to every Language , which gives life and energy to the words ; and whosoever offers at Verbal Translation , shall have the misfortune of that young Traveller , who lost his own language abroad , and brought home no other instead of it ; for the grace of the Latine will be lost by being turned into English words ; and the grace of the English , by being turned into the Latine Phrase . And as speech is the apparel of our thoughts , so are there certain Garbs & Modes of speaking , wch vary with the times ; the fashion of our clothes being not more subject to alteration , then that of our speech : and this I think Tacitus means , by that wch he cals Sermonem temporis istius auribus accommodatum ; the delight of change being as due to the curiosity of the ear , as of the eye ; and therefore if Virgil must needs speak English , it were fit he should speak not onely as a man of this Nation , but as a man of this age ; and if this disguise I have put upon him ( I wish I could give it a better name ) sit not naturally and easily on so grave a person , yet it may become him better then that Fools-Coat wherein the French and Italian have of late presented him ; at least , I hope , it will not make him appear deformed , by making any part enormously bigger or less then the life , ( I having made it my principal care to follow him , as he made it his to follow Nature in all his proportions ) Neither have I anywhere offered such violence to his sense , as to make it seem mine , and not his . Where my expressions are not so full as his , either our language , or my Art were defective ( but I rather suspect my self ; ) but where mine are fuller then his , they are but the impressions which the often reading of him , hath left upon my thoughts ; so that if they are not his own conceptions , they are at least the results of them ; and if ( being conscious of making him speak worse then he did almost in every line ) I erre in endeavoring sometimes to make him speak better ; I hope it will be judged an error on the right hand , and such an one as may deserve pardon , if not imitation . ARGUMENT . THe first Book speaking of Aeneas his voyage by Sea , and how being cast by tempest upon the coast of Carthage , he was received by Queen Dido , who after the Feast , desires him to make the relation of the destruction of Troy , which is the Argument of this Book . THE DESTRUCTION OF TROY , An Essay on the second BOOK of Virgil's Aeneis . WHile all with silence and attention wait , Thus speaks Aeneas from the bed of State . Madam , when you command us to review Our Fate , you make our old wounds bleed anew , And all those sorrows to my sence restore , Whereof none saw so much , none suffer'd more , Not the most cruel of Our conqu'ering Foes So unconcern'dly can relate our woes , As not to lend a tear , Then how can I Repress the horror of my thoughts , which flie The sad remembrance . Now th' expiring night And the declining Stars to rest invite ; Yet since 't is your command , what you , so well Are pleas'd to hear , I cannot grieve to tell . By Fate repell'd , and with repulses tyr'd The Greeks , so many Lives and years expir'd , A Fabrick like a moving Mountain frame , Pretending vows for their return ; This , Fame Divulges , then within the beasts vast womb The choice and flower of all their Troops intomb , In view the Isle of Tenedos , once high In fame and wealth , while Troy remain'd , doth lie , ( Now but an unsecure and open Bay ) Thither by stealth the Greeks their Fleet convey , We gave them gone , and to Mycenae saild , And Troy reviv'd , her mourning face unvaild ; All through th' unguarded Gates with joy resort To see the slighted Camp , the vacant Port , Here lay Ulysses , there Achilles , here The Battels joyn'd , the Grecian Fleet rode there ; But the vast Pile th'amazed vulgar views Till they their Reason in their wonder lose , And first Tymaete moves , ( urg'd by the Power Of Fate , or Fraud ) to place it in the Tower , But Capis and the graver sort thought fit , The Greeks suspected Present to commit To Seas or Flames , at least to search and bore The sides , and what that space contains to ' explore ; Th'uncertain Multitude with both engag'd , Divided stands , till from the Tower , enrag'd , Laocoon ran , whom all the crowd attends , Crying , what desperate Frenzy 's this ? ( oh Friends ) To think them gone ? Judge rather their retreat But a design , their gifts but a deceit , For our Destrction 't was contriv'd no doubt , Or from within by fraud , or from without By force ; yet know ye not Ulysses shifts ? Their swords less danger carry then their gifts ▪ ( This said ) against the Horses side , his spear He throws , which trembles with inclosed fear , Whilst from the hollows of his womb proceed Groans , not his own ; And had not Fate decreed Our Ruine , We had fill'd with Grecian blood The Place , Then Troy and Priam's Throne had stood ; Mean while a fetter'd pris'ner to the King With joyful shouts the Dardan Shepherds bring , Who to betray us did himself betray , At once the Taker , and at once the Prey , Firmly prepar'd , of one Event secur'd , Or of his Death or his Design assur'd . The Trojan Youth about the Captive flock , To wonder , or to pitty , or to mock . Now hear the Grecian fraud , and from this one Conjecture all the rest . Disarm'd , disorder'd , casting round his eyes On all the Troops that guarded him , he cryes , What Land , what Sea , for me what Fate attends ? Caught by my Foes , condemned by my Friends , Incensed Troy a wretched Captive seeks To sacrifice , a Fugitive , the Greeks , To Pitty , This Complaint our former Rage , Converts , we now enquire his Parentage , What of their Councels , or affairs he knew , Then fearless ' , he replies , Great King to you All truth I shall relate : Nor first can I My self to be of Grecian Birth deny , And though my outward state , misfortune hath Deprest thus low , it cannot reach my Faith . You may by chance have heard the famous name Of Palimede , who from old Belus came , Whom , but for voting Peace , The Greeks pursue , Accus'd unjustly , then unjustly slew , Yet mourn'd his death . My Father was his friend , And Me to his commands did recommend , While Laws and Councels did his Throne support , I but a youth , yet some Esteem and Port We then did bear , till by Ulysses craft ( Things known I speak ) he was of life bereft , Since in dark sorrow I my days did spend , Till now disdaining his unworthy end I could not silence my Complaints , but vow'd Revenge , if ever fate or chance allow'd My wisht return to Greece ; From hence his hate , From thence my crimes , and all my ills bear date , Old guilt fresh malice gives ; The peoples ears He fills with rumors , and their hearts with fears , And then the Prophet to his party drew . But why do I these thankless truths pursue ? Or why defer your Rage ? on me , for all The Greeks , let your revenging fury fall . Ulysses this , th' Atridae this desire At any rate . We streight are set on fire ( Unpractis'd in such Mysteries ) to enquire The manner and the cause , Which thus he told With gestures humble , as his Tale was bold . Oft have the Greeks ( the siege detesting ) tyr'd With tedious war a stoln retreat desir'd , And would to heaven they'had gone : But still dismay'd By Seas or Skies , unwillingly they stayd , Chiefly when this stupendious Pile was rais'd Strange noises fill'd the Air , we all amaz'd Dispatch Eurypilus to enquire our Fates Who thus the sentence of the Gods relates , A Virgins slaughter did the storm appease When first towards Troy the Grecians took the Seas , Their safe retreat another Grecians blood Must purchase ; All , at this confounded stood . Each thinks himself the Man , the fear on all Of what , the mischief , but on one can fall : Then Chalcas ( by Ulysses first inspir'd ) Was urg'd to name whom th' angry Gods requir'd , Yet was I warn'd ( for many were as well Inspir'd as he ) and did my fate foretel . Ten days the Prophet in suspence remain'd , Would no mans fate pronounce ; at last constrain'd By Ithacus , he solemnly design'd Me for the Sacrifice ; the people joyn'd In glad consent , and all their common fear Determine in my fate , the day drew neer ; The sacred Rites prepar'd , my Temples crown'd With holy wreaths , Then I confess I found The means to my escape , my bonds I brake , Fled from my Guards , and in a muddy Lake Amongst the Sedges all the night lay hid , Till they their Sails had hoist ( if so they did ) And now alas no hope remains for me My home , my father and my sons to see , Whom , They enrag'd will kill for my Offence , And punish for my guilt their Innocence . Those Gods who know the Truths I now relate , That faith which yet remains inviolate By mortal Men , By these I beg , redress My causless wrongs , and pitty such distress . And now true Pitty in exchange he finds For his false Tears , his Tongue , his hands unbinds . Then spake the King , be Ours who ere thou art , Forget the Greeks . But first the truth impart . Why did they raise , or to what use intend This Pile ? to'a Warlike , or Religious end ? Skilfull in fraud , ( his native Art ) his hands Towards heaven he rais'd , deliver'd now from bands . Ye pure Aethereal flames , ye Powers ador'd By mortal men , ye Altars , and the sword I scap'd ; ye sacred Fillets that involv'd My destin'd head , grant I may stand absolv'd From all their Laws and Rites , renounce all name Of faith or love , their secret thoughts proclaim ; Only O Troy , preserve thy faith to me , If what I shall relate preserveth thee . From Pallas favour , all our hopes , and all Counsels , and Actions took Original , Till Diomed ( for such attempts made fit By dire conjunction with Ulysses wit ) Assails the sacred Tower , the Guards they slay , Defile with bloody hands , and thence convey The fatal Image ; straight with our success Our hopes fell back , whilst prodigies express Her just disdain , her flaming eyes did throw Flashes of lightning , from each part did flow A briny sweat , thrice brandishing her spear , Her Statue from the ground it self did rear ; Then , that we should our Sacriledge restore And reconveigh their gods from Argos shore , Chalcas perswades , till then we urge in vain The fate of Troy . To measure back the Main They all consent , but to return agen , When re inforc'd with aids of Gods and men . Thus Chalcas , then instead of that , this Pile To Pallas was design'd ; to reconcile Th' offended Power , and expiate our guilt , To this vast height and monstrous stature built , Least through your gates receiv'd , it might renew Your vows to her , and her Defence to you . But if this sacred gift you dis-esteem , Then cruel Plagues ( which heaven divert on them ) Shall fall on Priams State : But if the horse Your walls ascend , assisted by your force , A League 'gainst Greece all Asia shall contract ; Our Sons then suffering what their Sires would act . Thus by his fraud and our own faith o'recome , A feined tear destroys us , against whom Tydides nor Achilles could prevail , Nor ten years conflict , nor a thousand sail . This seconded by a most sad Portent Which credit to the first imposture lent ; Laocoon , Neptunes Priest , upon the day Devoted to that God , a Bull did slay , When two prodigious Serpents were descride , Whose circling stroaks the Seas smooth face divide , Above the deep they raise their scaly Crests , And stemme the flood with their erected breasts , Their winding tails advance and steer their course , And 'gainst the shore the breaking Billow force . Now landing , from their brandisht tongues there came A dreadful hiss , and from their eyes a flame : Amaz'd we flie , directly in a line Laocoon they pursue , and first intwine ( Each preying upon one ) his tender sons , Then him , who armed to their rescue runs , They seiz'd , and with intangling folds imbrac'd His neck twice compassing , and twice his wast , Their poys'nous knots he strives to break , and tear , Whilst slime and blood his sacred wreaths besmear , Then loudly roars , as when th'enraged Bull From th'Altar flies , and from his wounded skull Shakes the huge Ax ; the conqu'ring serpents flie To cruel Pallas Altar , and there lie Under her feet , within her shields extent ; We in our fears conclude this fate was sent Justly on him , who strook the Sacred Oak With his accursed Lance . Then to invoke The Goddess , and let in the fatal horse We all consent : A spacious breach we make , and Troys proud wall Built by the gods , by our own hands doth fall ; Thus , all their help to their own ruin give , Some draw with cords , and some the Monster drive With Rolls and Leavers , thus our works it climbs , Big with our fate , the youth with Songs and Rhimes , Some dance , some hale the Rope ; at last let down It enters with a thundering noise the Town . Oh Troy the seat of gods , in war renown'd ; Three times it stuck , as oft the clashing sound Of Arms was heard , yet blinded by the Power Of Fate , we place it in the sacred Tower . Cassandra then foretels th'event , but she Finds no belief ( such was the Gods decree . ) The Altars with fresh flowers we crown , and wast In Feasts , that day , which was ( alas ) our last . Now by the revolution of the Skies , Nights sable shadows from the Ocean rise , Which heaven and earth , and the Greek frauds involv'd , The City in secure repose dissolv'd , When from the Admirals high Poop appears A light , by which the Argive Squadron Steers Their silent course to Iliums well known shore , When Synon ( sav'd by the Gods partial power ) Opens the horse , and through the unlockt doors To the free Ayr the armed fraight restores : Ulysses , Stenelus , Tysander slide Down by a Rope , Machaon was their guide ; Atrides , Pyrrhus , Thoas , Athamas , And Epeus who the frauds contriver was , The Gates they seize , the Guards with sleep and wine Opprest , surprize , and then their forces joyn . 'T was then , when the first sweets of sleep repair Our bodies spent with toil , our minds with care ( The Gods best gift ) When bath'd in tears and blood Before my face lamenting Hector stood , Such his aspect when soyld with bloody dust Dragg'd by the cords which through his feet were thrust By his insulting Foe ; O how transform'd ? How much unlike that Hector , who return'd Clad in Achilles spoyls ; when he , among A thousand ships ( like Jove ) his Lightning flung ; His horrid Beard and knotted Tresses stood Stiff with his gore , and all his wounds ran blood , Intranc'd I lay , then ( weeping ) said , The Joy , The hope and stay of thy declining Troy ; What Region held thee , whence , so much desir'd , Art thou restor'd to us consum'd and tyr'd With toyls and deaths ; but what sad cause confounds Thy once fair looks , or why appear those wounds ? Regardless of my words , he no reply Returns , but with a dreadfull groan doth cry , Fly from the Flame , O Goddess-born , our walls The Greeks possess , and Troy confounded falls From all her glories ; if it might have stood By any Power , by this right hand it should . What Man could do , by me for Troy was don , Take here her Reliques and her Gods , to run With them thy fate , with them new Walls expect , Which , tost on Seas , thou shalt at last erect ; Then brings old Vesta from her sacred Quire , Her holy Wreaths , and her eternall Fire . Mean while the Walls with doubtfull cries resound From far ( for shady coverts did surround My Fathers house ) approaching still more near The clash of Armes , and voice of Men we hear ▪ Rowz'd from my Bed , I speedily ascend The house's top , and listning there attend , As flames rowl'd by the winds conspiring force , Ore full-eard Corn , or Torrents raging course Bears down tho'opposing Oaks ; the fields destroys And mocks the Plough-mans toil , th'unlookt for noise From neighb'ring hills , th'amazed Shepherd hears ; Such my surprise , and such their rage appears . First fell thy house Ucalegon , then thine Deiphobus , Sigaan Seas did shine Bright with Troys flames , the Trumpets dreadful sound , The louder groans of dying men confound . Give me my arms I cryed , resolv'd to throw My self mongst any that oppos'd the Fo : Rage , Anger and Despair at once suggest That of all deaths , to die in Arms was best . The first I met was Panthus , Phoebus Priest , Who scaping with his Gods and Reliques fled And towards the shore his little grandchilde led ; Panthus , what hope remains ? what force ? what place Made good ? but sighing he replies ( alas ) Trojans we were , and mighty Ilium was , But the last period and the fatal hour Of Troy is come , Our glory and Our Power Incensed Jove transfers to Grecian hands , The foe within , the burning Town commands , And ( like a smother'd fire ) an unseen force Breaks from the bowels of the fatal Horse , Insulting Synon flings about the flame , And thousands more then e're from Argos came Possess the Gates , the Passes and the Streets , And these the sword oretakes , and those it meets , The guard nor fights nor flies , Their fate so near At once suspends their Courage and their fear . Thus by the Gods , and by Otrides words Inspir'd , I make my way through fire , through swords , Where Noises , Tumults , Outcries and Alarms I heard , first Iphitus renownd for Arms We meet , who knew us ( for the Moon did shine ) Then Ripheus , Hippanis and Dymas joyn Their force , and young Choraebus Mygdons son , Who , by the Love of fair Cassandra , won , Arriv'd but lately in her fathers Ayd Unhappy , whom the Threates could not disswade Of his Prophetique Spouse , Whom , when I saw , yet daring to maintain The fight , I said , Brave Spirits ( but in vain ) Are you resolv'd to follow one who dares Tempt all extreams , The state of Our affairs You see , The Gods have left us by whose aid Our Empire stood , nor can the flame be staid , Then let us fall amidst Our Foes ; this one Relief the vanquisht have , to hope for none . Then re-inforc'd , as in a stormy night Wolves urged by their raging appetite Forrage for prey , which their neglected young With greedy jaws expect , ev'en so among Foes , Fire and Swords , to'assured death we pass , Darkness our Guide , Despaire our Leader was . Who can relate that Evenings woes and spoils , Or can his tears proportion to our Toils ! The City , which so long had flourisht , falls , Death triumphs o're the Houses , Temples , Walls , Nor onely on the Trojans fell this doom , Their hearts at last the vanquish'd re-assume , And now the Victors fall , on all sides , fears , Groans and pale Death in all her shapes appears , Androgeus first with his whole Troop was cast Upon us with civility misplac't , Thus greeting us you lose by your delay , Your share both of the honor and the prey , Others the spoils of burning Troy convey Back to those ships , which you but now forsake ; We making no return , his sad mistake Too late he findes ; As when an unseen Snake A Travellers unwary foot hath prest , Who trembling starts , when the Snakes azure Crest , Swoln with his rising Anger , he espies , So from our view surpriz'd Androgeus flies . But here an easie victory we meet : Fear binds their hands , and ignorance their feet , Whilst Fortune , our first Enterprize , did aid , Encourag'd with success , Choraebus said , O Friends , we now by better Fates are led , And the fair Path , they lead us , let us dread . First change your Arms , and their distinctions beare ; The same , in foes , Deceit and Vertue are . Then of his Arms , Androgeus he divests , His Sword , his shield he takes , and plumed Crests , Then Ripheus , Dymas , and the rest , All glad Of the occasion , in fresh spoils are clad . Thus mixt , with Greeks , as if their Fortune still Follow'd their swords , we fight , pursue , and kill . Some re-ascend the Horse , and he , whose sides Let forth the valiant , now , the Coward , hides . Some to their safer guard their ships retire , But vain 's that hope , 'gainst which the Gods conspire : Behold the Royal Virgin , The Divine Cassandra , from Minerva's fatal shrine Dragg'd by the hair , casting tow'ards heaven , in vain , Her Eyes ; for Cords , her tender hands , did strain : Choraebus , at the spectacle enrag'd Flyes in amidst the foes : we thus engag'd , To second him , amongst the thickest ran , Here first our ruine from our friends began , Who from the Temples Battlements , a showr Of Darts and Arrows , on our heads did powr : They , us for Greeks , and now the Greeks ( who knew Cassandra's rescue ) us for Trojans slew . Then from all parts Ulysses , Ajax , then , And then th'Atridae rally all their men ; As winds , that meet from several Coasts , contest , Their prisons being broke , The South and West , And Eurus on his winged Coursers born Triumphing in their speed , the woods are torn , And chafing Nereus with his Trident throws The Billows from their bottom ; Then all those Who in the dark Our fury did escape , Returning , know our borrowed Arms and shape . And diff'ring Dialect , Then their numbers swell And grow upon us , first Choraebus fell Before Minerva's Altar , next did bleed Just Ripheus , whom no Trojan did exceed In virtue , yet the Gods his fate decreed . Then Hippanis and Dymas wounded by Their friends : nor thee Panthus thy Piety , Nor consecrared Mitre , from the same Ill fate could save ; My Countreys funeral flame And Troys cold ashes I attest , and call To witness for my self , That in their fall No Foes , no Death , nor Danger I declin'd , Did , and deserv'd no less , my Fate to find . Now Iphitus with me , and Pelias Slowly retire , the one retarded was By feeble Age , the other by a wound , To Court the Cry directs us , where We found Th'Assault so hot , as if 't were onely there , And all the rest secure from foes or feare , The Greeks the Gates approach'd , their Targets cast Over their heads , some scaling ladders plac't Against the walls , the rest the steps ascend , And with their shields on their left Arms defend Arrows and darts , and with their right hold fast The Battlement ; on them the Trojans cast Stones , Rafters , Pillars , Beams , such Arms as these , Now hopeless , for their last defence they seize . The gilded Roofs , the marks of ancient state They tumble down , and now against the Gate Of th'Inner Court their growing force they bring , Now was Our last effort to save the King , Relieve the fainting , and succeed the dead . A Private Gallery 'twixt th'appartments led , Not to the Foe yet known , or not observ'd , ( The way for Hectors hapless wife reserv'd , When to the aged King , her little son She would present ) Through this We pass , and run Up to the highest Battlement , from whence The Trojans threw their darts without Offence . A Tower so high , it seem'd to reach the sky , Stood on the roof , from whence we could descry All Ilium — both the Camps , the Grecian Fleet ; This , where the Beams upon the Columnes meet , We loosen , which like Thunder from the Cloud Breaks on their heads , as sudden and as loud . But others still succeed : mean time , nor stones Nor any kinde of weapons cease . Before the Gate in gilded Armour , shone Young Pyrrhus , like a Snake his skin new grown , Who fed on poys'nous herbs , all winter lay Under the ground , and now reviews the day Fresh in his new apparel , proud and yong , Rowls up his Back , and brandishes his tongue , And lifts his scaly breast against the Sun , With him his Fathers Squire , Automedon And Periphas who drove his winged steeds , Enter the Court ; whom all the youth succeeds Of Scyros Isle , who flaming firebrands flung Up to the roof , Pyrrhus himself among The formost with an Ax an entrance hews Through Beams of solid Oak , then freely views The Chambers , Galleries , and Rooms of State , Where Priam and the Ancient Monarchs sate . At the first Gate an Armed Guard appears ; But th'Inner Court with horror , noise and tears Confus'dly fill'd , The womens shrieks and cryes , The Arched Vaults re-eccho to the skyes , Sad Matrons wandring through the spacious Rooms Embrace and kiss the Posts , Then Pyrrhus comes Full of his Father , neither men nor Walls His force sustain , the torn Port-cullis falls , Then from the hinge , their strokes the Gates divorce , And where the way they cannot finde , they force ▪ Not with such rage a Swelling Torrent flows Above his banks , th'opposing Dams orethrows , Depopulates the Fields , the Cattel , Sheep , Shepherds , and folds the foaming Surges sweep . And now between two sad extreams I stood , Here Pyrrhus and th' Atridae drunk with blood , There th'hapless Queen amongst an hundred Dames , And Priam quenching from his wounds those flames Which his own hands had on the altar laid : Then they the secret Cabinets invade , Where stood the Fifty Nuptial Beds , the hopes Of that great Race , The Golden Posts whose tops Old hostile spoils adorn'd , demolisht lay , Or to the foe , or to the fire a Prey . Now , Priams fate perhaps you may enquire , Seeing his Empire lost , his Troy on fire , And his own Palace by the Greeks possest , Arms , long disus'd , his trembling limbs invest , Thus on his foes he threw himself alone Not for their Fate , but to provoke his owne , There stood an Altar open to the view Of Heaven , neer which an aged Lawrel grew , Whose shady arms the houshold Gods embrac'd , Before whose feet the Queen her self had cast With all her daughters , and the Trojan wives , As Doves whom an approaching tempest drives And frights into one flock ; But having spy'd Old Priam clad in youthful Arms , she cry'd , Alas my wretched husband , what pretence To bear those Arms , and in them what defence ? Such aid such times require not , when again If Hector were alive , he liv'd in vain ; Or here We shall a Sanctuary find , Or as in life , we shall in death be joyn'd . Then weeping , with kinde force held and embrac'd , And on the sacred seat the King she plac'd ; Mean while Polites one of Priams sons Flying the rage of bloody Pyrrhus , runs Through Foes and Swords , and ranges all the Court And empty Galleries amaz'd and hurt , Pyrrhus pursues him , now oretakes , now kills , And his last blood in Priams presence spills . The King ( though him so many deaths inclose ) Nor fear nor grief , but Indignation shows , The Gods requite thee ( if within the care Of those alone th'affairs of mortals are ) Whose fury on the son but lost had been , Had not his Parents Eyes his murder seen , Not That Achilles ( whom thou feignst to be Thy Father ) so inhumane was to me , He blusht , when I the rights of Arms implor'd ; To me my Hector , me to Troy restor'd ▪ This said , His feeble Arm a Javelin flung , Which on the sounding shield , scarce entring , rung . Then Pyrrhus ; go a messenger to Hell Of my black deeds , and to my Father tell The Acts of his degenerate Race . So through The Sons warm blood , the Trembling King he drew To th'Altar : in his hair one hand he wreathes ; His sword , the other , in his Bosom sheathes . Thus fell the King , who yet surviv'd the State , With such a signal and peculiar Fate , Under so vast a ruine not a Grave , Nor in such flames a funeral fire to have : He , whom such Titles sweld , such Power made proud , To whom the Scepters of all Asia bow'd , On the cold earth lyes this neglected King , A headless Carkass , and a nameless Thing . FINIS . A65123 ---- The passion of Dido for Æneas As it is incomparably exprest in the fourth book of Virgil. Translated by Edmund Waller & Sidney Godolphin, Esqrs. Aeneis. Book 4. English. Virgil. 1679 Approx. 40 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 42 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A65123 Wing V634 ESTC R219245 99830740 99830740 35194 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A65123) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 35194) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1877:17) The passion of Dido for Æneas As it is incomparably exprest in the fourth book of Virgil. Translated by Edmund Waller & Sidney Godolphin, Esqrs. Aeneis. Book 4. English. Virgil. Waller, Edmund, 1606-1687. Godolphin, Sidney Godolphin, Earl of, 1645-1712. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng 2002-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-10 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-11 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2002-11 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE PASSION OF DIDO FOR AENEAS . As it is Incomparably exprest in the Fourth Book of Virgil. TRANSLATED By Edmund Waller & Sidney Godolphin . Esq rs . — Ubi quid datur otî Illudo chartis : hoc est mediocribus illis Ex vitiis unum — Horat. l. Sat. 4 ● . LONDON , Printed , and are to be sold by Peter Parker , at the Leg and Star over against the Royal Exchange in Cornhil , 1679. The Argument . DIdo was espous'd a virgin to Sichaeus ; and both liv'd happy in their mutuall love , untill her brother Pigmalion , who was then King of Tyre , the place of their abode , by some close treachery slew Sichaeus in hopes to possesse his great wealth , and to dispose of his Wife ; All which , her husbands ghost appearing in her sleep , discovered ; telling her also where hee had hid a considerable treasure , of which Pigmalion knew not . This she took , and , in the company of such friends she could best trust , and most hated the Tyrant ; fled from thence to seeke her fortune in some safer place . At length arriving on the shore of Lybia , partly for mony , partly by the favour of some neighbour-Princes , affected with her beauty , and the hope to obtaine her in marriage , shee got possesion of that ground where the famous Citty of Carthage was afterwards built ; whose foundation she had not only laid , but made some good progresse in the structure ; when the wandring Trojan Aeneas was by Tempest Shipwrackt on some part of her dominion . His great Fame , good mine , and well relating of his story , prevailed so with her that shee not only repair'd his Ships , and feasted him and his Company with great magnificence ; but let him so far into her affection , That she esteemed him , ( at least did not doubt but to make him ) her husband . When his necessary pursuit of other designes occasioned his sudden Departure , and her Tragedy . This fourth book describing only hir passion , deep sense of his ingratitude , and hir death , has been alwayes esteemed the best piece of the best of Poets ; has been translated into all Languages , and in our days at least ten times by severall Pens , into English. It is freely left to the Reader ; which he will preferre . This was done ( all but a very little ) by that incomparable person as well for virtue as wit , Mr. Sidney Godolphin only for his own divertion , and with lesse care , then so exact a judgment as his would have used , if he had intended it should have ever been made publick . THE PASSION OF DIDO FOR AENEAS . Translated out of the fourth Book Of VIRGIL . MEan while the Queen fanning a secret fire , In her own breast revolves her deepe Desire she oft reflects upon the princely grace Of great Aeneas , and that noble race From whence he springs ; her wounded fancy feeds On his discourse , his high Heroick deeds , His words his looks , her waking thoughts imploy , And when she sleepes , she sees him with more joy , But seldome sleeps : For when the shades of night Had left their Empire to the rising Light , Folding her Sister in her armes , she sayes , What unacquainted thoughts , what dreams are these ▪ How great a Guest within our walls we hold , How wise in Counsell , and in Armes how bold ? The mortall seed of man acknowledge feare But this brave Prince his equall mind doth beare Above all Chance . Did not my changelesse vow And mine owne will engage me to allow No other Love ; my first Affection dead And with the Soul of my Sichaeus fled : Were not all joyes growne tastlesse , and the name Of Love offensive , since I lost that flame ; I might perhaps indulge this one desire . For , Anna , I confesse since funerall fire Embrac'd Sichaeus , this first beame of Light Hath offered comfort to so dark a night , Unwonted motions in my thoughts retriv'd , I find and feel the brand of care reviv'd . But may the earth , while yet alive , devoure This haplesse frame , and Jove his thunder poure Upon my head , and sink me to that shade That silent deep , whence no returne is made ▪ Before I doe those sacred Knots unty , Which bind me to so deare a memory . He first unto my soul this ardor gave , And may he hold it in his quiet grave , This said , she weeps afresh . Anna replyes , O Chiefly Lov'd and Dearer then mine eyes , Sad and alone for ever wil you wast Your verdant youth , nor natures bounties taste In their due-season ? think you that the dead In their cold urns welcome the tears we shead ? What though no prayrs have yet had power to move Your thoughts to entertain a second love ; Yet vvill you now with your own heart contest ? Nor give admittance to a pleasing guest ? Consider where this new Plantation lyes , And amidst whom these wall● of Carthage rise : Here the Getulians , fierce Numidians there , On either side engage your watchfull fear . Propitious Heaven● it seems , and Juno lead These Trojans here with so desir'd an aid : This match will mixe your fortunes and advance The Tyrian State above all force or chance . Invoke the powers above , with so●t delay Engage the Dardan Prince to longer s●ay : Till the swoln Seas and winds their fury spend , And Calmer Gales his purposes attend . This speech revives the Courage of the Dame And through her burning veines dilates the flame . First to the holy temple they repaire And seek indulgence from above by praire : Law-giving Ceres , Phoebus they invoke , But above all do Venus Altars smoke Propitious to the bands of Love ; the Queen With her own hands , the Heifer's horns between , Poures the full bowls , or midst the sacrifice Intentive walkes , as the rich Odours rise Fresh gifts she brings , and with a thought full brain Surveyes the panting Livers of the slain ; Blind prophesies , Vain Altars , bootlesse Prayer How little help they ? while so neer a care Presses the Queen and mingled with her bloud Spreads secret poyson through the purple ●●oud . The Haplesse Dido is enrag'd by love , And with uncertain thoughts doth wildly move . So when a Shepheards roving Arrows find And pierce ( to him unknown ) some careless Hind She flyes through woods and seeks the streames opprest The deadly Arrow rankles in her breast . Now to the Walls she leads her Trojan Chief , And with this food she entertain'd her grief Shevvs the Sidonian-vvealth , and , as she speaks , Her ovvn discourse by care diverred breaks ; The evening closes vvith another ●east And there again sh'invites the princely Guest To tell his dangers past , and there again She drinks together deeper Love and Pain . But vvhen the Prince ( night's darker ensign spread And sleepy dew upon all Mortails shed ) Doth bid farewell , she waking there alone Deserted mourns that her Dear Guest is gone ▪ Or keeps Ascanius in her Armes , to prove If likenesse can delude her restlesse Love. Mean while her stately structures slowly rise , Halfe-finisht Carthage rude and broken lyes . That high design , to heaven exalted frame , Confus'd appears , and li●e a ruine lame . Which when survey'd by Juno from above And that the Queen neglects her fame for love ▪ Approaching Venus , thus Saturnia sayes : What ample Trophies , never-dying prayse , To you and to your Cupid will be paid ? That two such Gods one woman have betray'd . I know with what designe you us'd this Art Planting Aeneas thus in Dido's heart , Suspecting least these walls of Ours might prove Faithlesse to him if not secur'd by Love ▪ But shall this partiall quarrell never cease ? May we not now ●ixe on eternall peace ? Fair Dido loves and feels your golden Dart ; Give but like ardour to Aeneas Heart , And we wil rule this State with equall power , And give the Trojan Carthage for a Dower . Venus replyes ( seeing the wife of Jove To crosse the height of Roman greatnesse strove With this deceit ) , What madnesse can refuse Friendship with you where you a friendship chuse ? But whether Jove will favour this designe And the great people in one Empire joyn ; This in your prayers , who are his wife , doth lye . Juno returns ; Impose this taske on me , For what is now in hand let this suffice . The Trojan Prince with his unhappy prize The wounded Queen , to chase the flying Dear Soon as the beams of Morning-light appeare Hyes to the Fields ; there , on the goodly traine A darkning shower I 'le pour of hayl and raine , Shake heaven with thunder , while the pale troop rid● Disperst with fear and lo●t without a guide : One Cave in her dark bosome shall afford Shelter to Dido and the Trojan Lord , And if , as I , propitious to their love You shine ; this shall their Hymeneall prove ; All rites shall here be done . Venus with smiles Consents , but laughs within , at Juno's wiles . The morning come , early at light 's first ray The gallant youth rise with the chearfull day : ●harp Javelins in their hands , their Coursers by They walke amidst the hound's impatient Cry : Neerer the gates the Tyrian Peers artend , And waite the Queen now ready to descend . Her prouder Steed as fill'd with high disdain ●tamps the dull Earth , & Chavves the frothy Reine . Mounted at last , her golden Quiver on ●y'd up with gold , her Hair which gold-like shone Her purple garment , claspt with gold , in head Of her fair troop , the brighter Queen doth lead With these the Trojans , and their great Chief close As one fair stream into another flows . He like Apollo in his light and heat When he returnes unto his Native ●ear Of Delos , and fresh verdure doth restore Forsaking Xanthus and the Lycian shore Thus he on Cynthus tops , his own retreat Securely walkes , thus welcome and thus great ●he Dryop●ans and the Cretans by , ●o doth his quiver clash ; not lesse then he Aeneas shines , like beauty's in his face And in his motions like attractive grace . While thus they climb the pathless hills , the cry ●ursuesthe fearfull heards which headlong fly ●own to the vales , and on the boundlesse plain 〈◊〉 longer chase in view of all maintain . But glad Ascanius spurrs his willing horse ●ow these , now those , out-passing in the Course . He wishes some incensed Bore his prey , Or Lyon from the Hills would Cross his way . Mean while the gathering Clouds obscure th● Po●● They flash out lightning and in Thunder roule : A bitter storme succeeds , the troops divide And ore the Hills disperst to Coverts ride . One Cave in her dark bosome doth afford Shelter to Dido and the Trojan Lord. Heaven shines with fire , earth shakes at this success The Conscious air is fill'd with Prodigies . This was the hour , which gave the fatall blow , The pregnant spring of all succeeding woe . Tender respects no more have power to move The haplesse Queen , no more she hides her love , But doth hir Crime express with Hymens name , And lives expos'd a Theame to various fame . Fame the most swift of ills , which in her course And motion spreads , and flying gathers force Sprung from a scarce discerned seed , doth tread On the Low ground , but lifts to heaven her head . She ( as 't is said ) was of that monstrous birth The latest Sister , which the teeming earth Brought forth , to war with heaven it self alone ; Surviving all her brothers overthrown . Thousands of plumes advance her easie flight , As many eyes enlarge her piercing sight , As many eares to catch reports , and then As many tongues to spread those tales agen , The silent night cannot the voyce allay Of this ill boading Dame , in the bright day She sits upon the Citty walls a spy And takes delight all fears to multiply : She now through Lybia's Empire doth diffuse Talk of Aeneas , and th' unwelcome news Of Dido's love , that he late fled from Troy Such envi'd power and greatness doth enjoy . This the leight Dame proclames in every Ear And to Iarbas doth the message bear ; Iarbas who had felt fair Didos scorne , Joves Son of ravisht Garamant is born , Who hallowed had to his great father's name An hundred altars , which together flame With ceaseless incense to the powers above , Eternall fires pledges of humble love . Mad with the news , the Lybian Monarch layes Prostrate himself before the Throne , and sayes ; All powerfull Jove , propitious to the Moors Whom Lybia more then any Land adores Beholdst thou this ? or doth in vain our fear Ascribe just vengeance to the Thunderer ? She , who a stranger with out leave have gain'd Possession here , from us the power obtain'd To plant a Town , hath thought her self above The prize and merit of our Ardent Love ; Yet now with joy receives into our Land The flying Trojan and his Conquered band , Resignes to him her beauty , fame , and power , Prefers the Phrygian to the scorned Moore . Is this our pay , our recompence , while we Consume our flocks in sacrifice to thee ? While thus he pours his grief before the shrines And Sacred Altars ; mighty Jove inclines , Looking on Carthage and the amorous paire Who in their pleasure quench all nobler care . He thus bespeaks his swift Ambassadour ; Go , Son , and hie thee to the Tyrian shore And to the Dardan Prince ( whose generous fire Is now betrayed by Love , and low desire ) This message bear , 'T was not this destiny His fairest Mother promis'd us when she Preserv'd him from the powerfull Arms of Grece ; She gave us then far other hopes then these , That he from conquer'd Alba should extend His Empire to the Worlds remotest end , And spread the fame of Teucer's mighty race . If in his thoughts these honours have no place , If he have lost all sense of high renown ; Ah can he yet envy the Towers of Rome To his Ascanius and fair Latium's sway ? This message to the Phrygian Prince convay , And bid him hoise his sayles ▪ Swift Mercury Takes the command , and through the Ayr doth fly His shining wings of Gold , and in his hand The Ensigne , of his power , his sacred wand ; That wand which long-clos'd eyes doth blesse with light And seals up others in erernall night . With this he cuts the Ayr , and yielding Clouds ; At length sees Atlas top , Atlas which shrouds His pine-Crown'd head in Heaven , and doth sustain Incessant stormes of new form'd wind and rain . Here first he stoops low as the earth , and then Imployes his wings with all their speed agen : Till the vast seas orepast and Lybia's sands He slacks his Course at Carthage , and there Lands . Where when arriv'd he finds the Trojan King Viewing the Walls , intent in ordering The strength and beauty of the new-rais'd Town To whom the wing'd Cyllenius thus begun : Ah , too , too mindlesse of your own affairs , Your thoughts immerst in lesse concerning cares , Can you in Tyrian wealth and greatness joy ? And Carthage build , forgetfull of your Troy ? Great Jove , who rules and fills the spacious All The evermoving Spheers , the fixed Ball , Sends me to aske , With what unblest design You do the hopes of better fates resigne , And glory due to Teucer's mighty race : If in your thoughts these honours have no place , If you have lost all sense of high renown ; Ah , can you yet envy the towers of Rome To your Ascanius , and fair Latium's sway ? Hermes ( this said ) returns the ayery way He came ; but cold Amazement doth surprize Aeneas speechlesse tongue and fixed Eyes : His pious fears urge him in haste to fly The too Lov'd Land and dear captivity . But this resolv'd , what way is left t'infuse Th' unhappy Queen with this unwelcome news ? A thousand counsells wander in his mind Now here , now there , successively inclin'd This he prefers , he calls Eurilochus The bold Cloanthus , trusted Mnestheus , Gives them in charge that they the fleet prepare Gather their troops but yet disguise their care That he mean while will to the Queen impart At some fit time his much divided heart : Or when his Canvas-wings are spread to fly Impute to heaven the sad Necessity . Thus he resolves and thus commands these Peers But nothing can escape the wakefull fears Of the enamour'd Queen , whose tender breast Presages all , by the first change imprest Before the ill arrives : already Fame ( Which lately did the Lybian Prince inflame ) Now takes delight to spred this ill report , That the glad Phygians ●o their ships resort Preparing flight . The Jealous Queen pursues Through every part the much amazing news . The more she hears , the more inrag'd with grief Shee thus at last invades the Trojan Chief . Could thy dissembling heart consent to fly This Hated Land in cruell secrecy ? Perfidious man , canst thou so soon remove The bands of vows , and dearer bands of Love ? Nor spare one word ? nor shed one tear to save My Life descending to the cruell grave ? Why yet in Winter to the storming Maine Dost thou expose thy wandring slcet again ? Cruell and false ! didst thou not seek a land Unknown ? did now the Antient Ilium stand , Were this a time through hazards such as these To seek thy Troy through Winter winds and Seas ? VVhom dost thou flye ? By these unfained tears I do adjure thee , by these loving fears , By my own life , or ( what is more ) by thine , By all that hath oblig'd Thee yet of mine , Pitty my fall , and shew at least some grace To these my prayrs , if prayrs may yet have place , For thee , the hate and envy I support Of the Numidians and the Lybian Court ; For thee I have displeas'd my Own , and lost That modesty , which I alone could boast ; That better fame , by which I had surviv'd My funerall fire and after death had liv'd . What have I left , or whither shall I fly ? Shall I attend Pigmalion's cruelty ? Or till Iarbus do in fetters Lead The proud despiser of his love and bed ? I never could have thought my self undone , Had but kind Heaven indulg'd me with a Son Resembling thee , in whose ( though Childish ) face I might retrive thy Look and princely grace . Sad Dido pauses here . The Trojan Chief Restrains within the motions of his grief , Then thus replyes ; You never can repeat , Great Queen , the sum of my unquestion'd Debt . Nor while my active Soul informes this frame , Ever shall I forget Eliza's Name . I urge no more , Let it suffice that I In thanklesse silence never meant to fly ; Nor did I ever to those bonds pretend Which now you charge me as a faithlesse friend ; Had I bin trusted to design my fate , When Troy betrayed fell by the Grecians hate , I from the ashes of that dear-lov'd Town Had there restor'd another Ilium . But now the Lycian Oracle commands , A pollo now assignes th' Ausonian Lands , And thither bids us send our thoughts and care And only fix our expectation there , Fair Carthage you and your own work survay A stranger born a forrain Scepter sway . And shall it be a crime ( ah lass ! ) if we Desire at last to rest in Italy ? No night doth pass in which I do not see The old Anchises image beckning me ; Nor is there day in which I not reflect On my Ascanius , and that lov'd aspect To whom by fate th' Hesperian Town is due . Hither of late Joves winged Herald flew Nor did he in delusive Dreams appear ; A wake , I did the angry message hear . Then fairest Queen do not this fate withstand , Unwillingly I leave your Happy Land. While thus he talks , the much distempered Dame Incenst within , breaks forth into this flame . Nor wer 't thou of the gentle Goddesse breed , Nor art thou sprung from great Anchises seed , Perfidious man ! but from some savage stock Hewn from the Marble of some Mountain Rock For why should I disguise this height of ill And still deceiv'd expect new favour still ? Did he let fall one pittying word , one tear ? Or did he with one sigh my passion hear ? What shall I do ? for now alasse , I see That neither Juno daignes to favour me , Nor Jove himself looks down with equall eyes , The earth is faithlesse , faithlesse are the skies . Shipwrackt and cast upon the barren shore , Pursu'd by cruell fates , forsaken , poor , I gave thee harbour in my simple breast Ah ill-advis'd , ah too-unmindfull guest I sav'd thy fleet , thy friends , and faithlesse Thee ; But now ( for sooth ) Apollo's Augury The Oracles are urged to incite , And angry Jove commands thy sudden flight , Is Heaven concern'd ? doth care of humane fate Disturb the calmenesse of th' Immortall State ? Thou hearst me not , regardlesse of my cry , Go then and through the Seas seek Italy , Through the deaf Seas and through the angry Wind , And such compassion as thou usest find : There mayst thou call on Dido's name in vain , I le follow thee , be present in thy paine . And when cold death shall this mixt-frame divide , My Ghost shall lacquey by thy frighted side , Thou dearly shalt repent ; the news of this Shall overtake my soul , and give it blisse . Nor waiting answer from the Prince she flyes , And wishes she had power to shun all eyes But fainting soon and to her chamber led She threw her self upon her Ivory bed . Pious Aeneas , though his noble breast Softned by love was with much grief opprest , Though faine he would with gentle words asswage The Queens high passion and divert hir rage , Suspends not yet his Heaven-inspired care But does his fleet without delay prepare . The Trojans ply the work , the busie Maine Is fill'd with noise , the Ships now float again : On every side are seen descending down Long troops which bring provision from the Town . So when the winter-fearing Ants invade Some heaps of Corn the Husbandman had made ; The Sable Army marches , and with prey Laden return , pressing the Leafy way , Some help the weaker , and their shoulders lend , Others the order of the march attend , Bring up the troops , and punish all delay . What were thy thoughts , sad Dido , on that day ? How deep thy sighs ? when from thy Tower above Thou seest the Phrygians in such order move And hear'st the Tumult of the Clamorous Sea. All-conquering Love ! who can resist thy sway ? Once more the Queen to humble tears descends , And Language to her grief once more she lends , That she might leave no remedy untry'd Nor Counsell unexplor'd , before she dy'd . Anna , she said , thou seest the peopled Sea , The Phrygians now their fatall Anchors weigh Ready to loose ; I feel their great Chief's scorn Which if foreseen I might perhaps have born . But now I make this one , this last request , You in this faithlesse man have interest You know his gentlest times , and best can find What wayes are left to mollify his mind . Go then and use all Pitty-moving Art And if you can soften his harder heart . Not I at Aulis , did with Greece conspire Nor did I bring one brand to Troy's last fire I never rent Anchises Honour'd Tomb , Why should he then my sad entreaty shun ? I do not urge ( as once ) our marriage tyes Those sacred bonds which now he does despise , Nor that he would fair Italy resigne I only aske respite , and breathing time , Till my dejected mind learne to comply ( Taught by degrees ) with so great misery . ¶ All this her weeping Sister does repeat To the sterne man , whom nothing could intreat . Lost here her prayrs and fruit lesse were her tears , Fate and great Jove had stop't his gentle Eares . As when loud winds a well-grown Oak would rend Up by the roots , this way and that they bend His reeling Trunk , and with a boisterous sound Scatter his leaves and strew them on the ground : He fixed stands , as deep his root dothly Down to the Center as his top is high . No lesse on every side the Hero prest Feels Love and pitty shake his noble brest . And down his Cheeks though fruitlesse tears do roul , Unmov'd remaines the purpose of his soul. Then Dido urged with approaching fate Begins the light of cruell Heaven to hate ; Her resolution to dispatch and dye Confirm'd by many a horrid prodigy . The water consecrate for sacrifice Appears all black to her amazed eyes The wine to putrid bloud converted flows Which from her , none , not her own sister knows . Besides there stood as sacred to her Lord A marble Temple which she much ador'd , With snowy fleeces and fresh garlands Crown'd , Hence every night proceeds a dreadfull sound . Her husbands voyce invites her to his Tomb And dismall Owls presage the ills to come , Besides , the prophefies of Wizards old Increast her terrour and her fall foretold , Scorn'd and deserted to her self she seems And finds Aeneas cruell in her dreames , So , to mad Pentheus , double Thebes appears , And furies howle in his distempered eares . Orestes so with like Distraction tost Is made to fly his Mothers angry ghost . Now grief and fury at their height arrive , Death she decrees , and thus does it contrive . Her grieved Sister with a cheerfull grace ( Hope well-dissembled shining in her face ) She thus deceives . ( Dear Sister ) let us prove The cure I have invented for my love . Beyond the Land of Aethiopia lyes The place where Atlas doth support the skies ; Hence came an old Magician that did keep Th' Hesperian fruit , and made the Dragon sleep . Her potent charmes do troubled souls relieve And where she lists , makes calmest minds to grieve , The course of Rivers or of Heaven can stop , And call trees down from th'ayry mountains top . Witnesse the Gods , and thou my dearest part , How loath am I to tempt this guilty Art. Erect a pile , and on it let us place That bed where I my ruine did imbrace . With all the reliques of our impious guest , Armes , spoyles , and presents ; Let the Pile be drest , ( The knowing-woman thus prescribes ) that we May rouz the man out of our memory ; Thus speaks the Queen , but hides the fatall end For which she doth those sacred rites pretend . Nor worse effects of grief her Sister thought Would follow , than Sychaeus murder wrought , Therefore obeys her ; and now heaped high The Cloven Oaks and lofty Pines do ly , Hung all with wreaths and flowry Garlands round ; So by her self was her own funerall Crown'd . Upon the top , the Trojan image lyes , And his sharp Sword wherewith anon she dyes . They by the altar stand , while with loose hair The Magick Prophetess begins her prayr On Chao's , Erebus , and all the Gods , Which in th' infernall shades , have their aboads She loudly calls besprinkling all the room With drops suppos'd from Lethes lake to come . She seeks the knot which on the forehead grows Of newfoal'd Colts , and herbs by moon-light mowes . A Cake of Leven in her pious hands Holds the devoted Queen and barefoot stands , One tender foot was bare , the other shod , Her robe ungirt , invoking every God And every power , if any be above Which takes regard of ill-requited love . Now was the time when weary mortalls steep Their carefull temples in the dew of sleep . On seas on earth , and all that in them dwell A deathlike quiet , and deep silence fell , But not on Dido , whose untamed mind Refus'd to be by sacred night confin'd . A double passion in her breast does move Love and fierce anger for neglected Love , Thus she afflicts her soul , What shall I doo With fate inverted , shall I humbly woo ? And some proud Prince in wild Numidia born Pray to a●cept me and forget my scorn ? Or shall I with th' ungratefull Trojan goe , Quit all my state , and waite upon my Foe ? Is not enough by sad experience known , The perjur'd race of false Laomedon ? With my Sidonians shall I give them chase ? Bands hardly forced from their native place ? No , dy , and let this sword thy fury tame , Nought but thy bloud can quench thy guilty flame . Ah Sister ! vanquisht with my passion thou Betraidst me first , dispensing with my vow . Had I bin constant to Sycheus still And single-liv'd , I had not known this ill . Such thoughts torment the Queen's inraged breast , While the Dardanian does securely rest In his tall ship for sudden flight prepar'd , To whom once more the Son of Jove appear'd : Thus seem'd to speak the youthfull Diety , Voice , Hair , and Col●ur all like Mercury . Fair Venus seed ! Canst thou indulge thy sleep ? Nor better guard in such great danger keep , Mad by neglect to lose so fair a wind ? If here thy ships the purple morning find , Thou shalt behold this hostile harbour shine With a new fleet , and fire , to ruine thine . She meditates revenge resolv'd to dy , Weigh anchor quickly , and her fury fly . This said , the God in shades of Night retir'd Amaz'd Aeneas with the warning fir'd Shakes off dull sleep , and rouzing up his men , Behold ! the Gods command our flight agen , Fall to your oars , and all your Canvas spread , What God soe'er that thus vouchsaf'st to lead We follow gladly and thy will obey , Assist us stil smoothing our happy way , And make the rest propitious . With that word He cuts the Cable with his shining sword ; Through all the Navy doth like ardour raign They quit the shore and rush into the Main Plac't on their banks , the lusty Trojan sweep Nuptunes smooth face , and cleave the yielding deep . Aurora now leaving her watry bed , Colours the East with a presaging Red ; Soon as the Dawn began to cleer the sky , Down to the shore the sad Queen cast her Ey ; Where when she doth the empty port survay , And now the fleet with wings display'd at Sea , Her hands held up , her golden tresses torne , Must we , saies she , of force indure this scorn ? Can we not have recourse to arms ? not meet This fraud with fraud ? not burn this wicked fleet ? Hast fly , pursue , row , and let every hand Snatch up with speed some swift revenging brand . Where am I now ? alass what words are these How late this hope ? see how they plow the seas , Unhappy Dido ! cruell fate devoures Thy wretched Life , thou feel'st the angry powers , This rage had once bin f●tter then thy love , See how he doth his far-fam'd faith approve ! He who through burning Ilium ( as they say ) Did bear his Country gods untoucht away , Who through the flames the old Anchises led , Why saw I not the perjur'd Villain dead ? Why did I not on slaine Iulus feast And at that banquet make the Father guest ? Suppose there had bin doubt in the successe What could I fear of all left comfortless ? I should have ruin'd all , Father and Son , And the whole stock , and then my self among . Thou Sun who with thy light dost all survay , And Juno , witnesse to that fatall day , Which seal'd our loves , revengefull Hecat● , And all ye powers that see Eliza dy Receive these prayrs , if , all sea-dangers past , The Trojan needs must reach some shore at last ; If nothing can withstand this fixt decree , A peacefull land yet may he never see . War entertain him and a haughty foe And may he never one calme slumber know . Hatred pursue him , furies give him chase And rend Iülus from his dear imbrace ; Himself at last without a grave expos'd A prey to Vultures in no urne inclos'd . I forme my latest breath into this prayer : And ò ye Tyrians be it then your care T' afflict with war this race in time to come , And send such bloudy offerings to my Tomb. Our seas their seas , our shores their shores oppose , Our armes their armes , and be our Children foes : Here sighing deep revolving in her mind , What way she might the freeest passage find From hated life . Bercea standing by Nurse to Sycheus ; Dearest nurse , saies she , Go call my Sister , tell her I prepare The magick rites , ordain'd to heal my care . But be she first with water sprinkled thrice And with her bring th'appoynted sacrifice . And you , with pious wreaths your temples bound , Enter the circle of the holy ground : I le give the Trojans Image to the fire , As that consumes so shall my grief expire . The aged Nurse obeys with trembling hast And now the Queen all bounds of sorrow past Her heart opprest , her Visage wan and pale And her whole mind bent on her funerall , Goes to the place , where stood the sacred Pile ; And here diverted by her grief a while Melted in tears , at first she doth behold The Trojans Image , sword , and robes of gold . Dear reliques , saies she , while the powers above Were so content , the objects of my love , But now my sad reproaches ; at that word She mounts the Pile , and draws the shining sword . What 't is to live , enough saies she I know ; And to the wil of fate I nothing ow. Nor shall I now a worthlesse Ghost descend , Having with honour first reveng'd my friend , Built him a stately Town , happy and more Had the false Trojan never toucht this shore . Then lifting up her hands to strike , shall I Dye unreveng'd she saies , however dy . Forsaken thus , thus to the shades I hast , And blot out all remembrance of the past . May the false Trojan see these flames from far And in his thoughts the fatal omen bare ! With this the bloud came rushing from her side Deep in her breast the reeking sword was dy'd . Her frighted Servants in distraction run And with their Cries they fill th' amazed Town . Such is the noise when the prevailing foes Enter a breach and slaughter over-flowes . Her frantick Sister with a furious pace Pierc't to the heart comes running to the place . Ah Dearest ! saies she , was this fraud for me These altars drest , for such a tragedy ? Why was I not invited to thy fate , Nor made thy Partner in thy worst estate ? Ah! you have slain your self and me and all People and Nobles in one funerall . O give me leave , if yet you not resign Your latest breath , to suck that soul with mine . With that she doth the high rais'd Pile ascend And weeping doth imbrace her dying friend , Thrice on her armes the Queen supports her head And thrice again falls grovelling on her bed . Thrice with disclos'd eyes she seeks the light And thrice with sighing folds again her sight . Then Juno looking with a pittying ey Upon so sad and lasting misery Since deepest wounds can no free passage give To self-destroyers who refuse to live Sent Iris down to cut the fatall hayr Which done , her whole life vanisht into Ayr ; FINIS . A68848 ---- The destruction of Troy, or The acts of Aeneas. Translated out of the second booke of the Æneads of Virgill, that peerelesse prince of Latine poets. With the Latine verse on the one side, and the English verse on the other, that the congruence of the translation with the originall may the better appeare. As also a centurie of epigrams, and a motto vpon the Creede, thereunto annexed. By Sr Thomas Wrothe, Knight Aeneis. Liber 2. English and Latin Virgil. 1620 Approx. 44 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 15 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A68848 STC 24810 ESTC S119258 99854465 99854465 19887 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A68848) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 19887) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 981:1, 1043:11) The destruction of Troy, or The acts of Aeneas. Translated out of the second booke of the Æneads of Virgill, that peerelesse prince of Latine poets. With the Latine verse on the one side, and the English verse on the other, that the congruence of the translation with the originall may the better appeare. As also a centurie of epigrams, and a motto vpon the Creede, thereunto annexed. By Sr Thomas Wrothe, Knight Aeneis. Liber 2. English and Latin Virgil. Wroth, Thomas, Sir, 1584-1672. [52], 4, 4-11, 13-23, [5] p. Printed by T[homas] D[awson] and are to be sold by Nicholas Bourne, at the Royall Exchange, London : 1620. In verse. Signatures: A-K⁴. "The abortiue of an idle houre: or A centurie of epigrams" has separate dated title page; register is continuous. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng 2007-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-02 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-03 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2007-03 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE ABORTIVE OF AN IDLE HOVRE : OR A CENTVRIE OF EPIGRAMS . AND A MOTTO VPON THE CREEDE . By Sr T. VV. Scribimus indocti , doctique poemata passim . LONDON Imprinted by T. D. 1620. Vinum , & Vinegrum . I Neither hang out Bush nor Signe , t' inuite The commers by to taste , what VVine I sell : T' is new , but hard , the pallat to delight : Yet I haue often heard some others tell , That I haue VVine , some much more sweete then other : Beleeue them not , for they may be deceau'd , T' were better taste thy selfe , then trust an other : I passe not if thou taste , or taste not , so I leau't : It 's that I made my selfe , t' was neuer bought , Many pay deare , for that 's exceeding nought ▪ THE Abortiue of an idle Houre . Ad Lectorem . Epigr. 1. Apologia pro Libello . THe Epigrams which you shall read Are some good , most part nought , Indifferent some ; or else indeed A booke , no booke is thought . In Hermaphroditos Anglicanos . Ep. 2. THe * Tyrian maides in shooting tooke great pride , And always wore their quiuer by their fide ; Our Brittaine brutes , or rather Monster-dames , Whose necks are compass'd with hells yellowe flames , I must tell troth , though I be shent for blabbing , They were Steeletto's , for their prid 's in stabbing . In Drusum . Ep. 3. VVHen Drusus waits vpon St. George his day , He prays his friends not to molest him then , For then hee 's not his owne man , doth he say , He 's so imployd , as other Lordings men ; The man 's so farre for being then his owne , That Drusus and his clothes alike are knowne . In Leuem . Ep. 4. LEuis through much experience vnderstands ▪ Women haue cause to fancie falling — bands . In Monoculum . Ep. 5. VVE deem them craftie , which with one eye look ; But I dare take my oath vpon — no booke , Monoculus did nere deceiue his brother , Hee 'd see with two eyes , if he had another . In Lenonem . Ep. 6. LEno protests it is not past foure yeares , Since shoe-tie-roses were in estimation ; And he was one that had the first he swears , T' is like ; for he loues still to be in fashion . But for his credit and the time , I 'le add , He eight years since a paire of * Roses had . In Leuem . Ep. 7. I Will not , * no , and that 's as much as I , This phrase cost Leuis hir Virginitie . In Littletonicos . Ep. 8. AN auncient tenure Cornage is ye know , And heretofore hath bin of more esteeme : Now horns in euery place so common grow , That men ridiculous this Tenure deeme ; But Inns-of-Court-men should not Cornage scorne , For they are much behoulding to the Horne . In Thrasonem . Ep. 9. THraso is loath , that his well-wishing friends Should see his courses , or know what he spends ; But when to borrow neede doth vrge him , then He stands not on 't , Bee 't knowne vnto all men . In Allum . Ep. 19. ALLus protests , that he can drinke no wine , He loues it not , t' will make his headpeece light ; With ale or beere ( sayth he ) I 'le rather dine , Than hurt my stomacke , or my wits afright . At wine his lipps shall not so much as smacke , But you may dayly make him drunke with sacke . In Quercium . Ep. 11. QVercius turns ouer many Physicke bookes , But doth not practice , yet on water lookes ; I haue not heard his physicke ere sau'd any , But once I heard , he would haue poysond many . In Lucifugum . Ep. 12. LVcifugus was with a Ghost so haunted , That he thought euery place to be enchaunted ; He could no soner moue him to one place , But still his Ghost had got before his face . Lucifugus ow'd mony to his host This was his night and day molesting G. De simulachro Thomae Bodlei equitis aurati , Bibliothecae Oxoniensi dicato . Ep. 13. HEre may you see though Bodley but in part , Apollo's image and Lysippus art . To wishe for more then part of him were vaine , For all the earth cannot the * whole containe . In Orbicularem figuram mundi . Ep. 14. THe world is round , we know , that liue therein , T' is round in compasse , and t' is round in sinne . In Magnasum . Ep. 15. MAgnasus is a man of worthy race , His nose stands like a Screene before his face ; Much worship did he lose of the last Queene , Because he could not for his nose be seene . I heare he hath of late receiu'd some grace , His Nose it seemes , was in some other place . In Thrasonem . Ep. 16. THraso looks big , and mak's his cheeks seeme ten , As if he would out-face an host of men : The flesh , the deuill , and the world , I know He cannot conquer , though he puffeth so . In Dronum . Ep. 17. VVHere euer Dronus sups , or dines , or walks , He thinks on Dolon , and on Dolon talks ; He 's much indebted vnto him , he saies ; And so thinke I , but debt is ta'ne two wayes . In debt to him sayth he ? I know he 's bound , Not for his loue , but t' is for many a pound . In Hergusum . Ep , 18. DRunken Hergusus is knowne euery where , Al spendthrifts know him , such as loue good beere Cuckolds , Pandars , and periur'd drabs can tell , Hee 's strange to none , not scant to them in hell ; Who knowes him not ? if he be strange to one , T' is to himselfe , himselfe he ne're hath knowne . In Litorem . Ep. 19. LItoris holds him for a simple swaine , That get's not forty pounds a yeare by 's wits ; But he ( me thinks ) makes small vse of his braine , His shifts are bad , nor dainty are his bits ; Yet those , to whom the man is better knowne , Affirme he vseth all he hath , that 's — . In Hergusum . Ep. 20. HErgusus , I had almost quite forgot To aske thee why of late thou art so hot ; I will not blame thy liuer , nor thy heart , Thy heate proceeds from some inferiour part . In Thrasonem . Ep. 21. THraso protests his neighbours goods to couet , Is sinne so vile , no crime may be aboue it ; To wish his wife , he sweares , mauger the Deuill Can be no sinne ; for , shee 's his greatest euill . In Biberium . Ep. 22. BEcause I sayd Biberius was discreete , In that he vs'd few words when we did meete , One fell a laughing , and this ieast did breake , Biberius drinks vntill he cannot speake . De Insignibus Oxoniensium . Ep. 23. I Neuer did behold since I was borne , An Oxe or Bull whose head had not one horne : The Citizens of Oxforde had of yore A Bull that scant had halfe a horne , before The learned Tribe , which indecorum scorns , Out of their loue gaue them a paire of HORNS . In Britannicas Amazones . Ep. 24. THey say a new Plantation is intended , Neare or about the Amazonian riuer , But sure that mannish race is now quite ended ; O that great Ioue of all good gifts the giuer , Wold moue King Iames once more to store that clyme , With the Mall-cut-purses of our bad time . De Corde & Lingua . Ep. 25. THe tongue was once a seruant to the heart , And what it gaue she freely did impart ; But now Hypocrisie is growne so strong , She makes the heart a seruant to the tongue . To his worthy friend Captaine Butler , Gouernour of Bermuda , or the Summer Ilands . Ep. 26. I Marueil I , what mischiefes or what euils Hath made men call your Iles the Iles of Deuils , Is 't for the perillous * Rockes , or for the * Swine , In whom our Lord the Legion did confine ? What ere it be , let 's heare no more complaints ▪ So gouerne you , they may be Iles of Saints . In Thrasonem . Ep. 27. THinke not amisse of Thraso in your hearts , Because he brags , and sets forth his good parts , For I haue knowne some backward to reueale That which they lost , because they did conceale . In Leuem . Ep. 28. LEuis was troubled with a iealous man , Which long perplex't the silly womans mind , But taking heart , she studies all she can For 's iealous humor remedy to find : She so contriu'd , that through a little chinke He saw that done , which earst he did but thinke . In Mortem . Ep. 29. DEath , wher 's thy sting ? I hope th' art taken downe , I feare thee not in Citie , Court , nor Towne ; Thou need'st not boast thou rob'st men of their breath , For he that conquer'd Hell did conquer Death . In Quercium . Ep. 30. QVercius queasie stomack feeds on muttons , Great eaters sin ( saith he ) and termes them glutons ; To thrust himselfe out of the count of sinners , One legg of mutton serues him minc't ten dinners . De Luna . Ep. 31. VVOmen from Luna's custome much doe stray , She makes hornes monthly , but they e'ry day . In Lenam . Ep. 32. LEna was once of gallants much esteem'd , But now she is as one vnworthy deem'd , By those of whom she hath bin often vs'd , She is contemned , scoft at , and abus'd ; The reason 's this ; All men affect and wish To haue the youngest flesh and ouldest fish , In Tergusum . Ep. 33. HOmer did drink , and Homer could not see , But Homer drunke not out his eyes , like — In Littletonicum quendam . Ep. 34. THe morrow next after an Ember Fast , Litoris brags of his last nights repast ; Partrich and Pheasant , tut , with him 's no dish ; I thinke so to , wher 's neither flesh nor fish : He alway keepes his bed , when he sups best , But Morpheus still is master of the feast . In Allum . Ep. 35. INe're did wish thee well , thou saidst to day , Now therefore Allus marke what I shall say : I wish thy nose for euer may looke red , For , vvhen t' is pale ( I feare ) thou wilt be dead . In Ebriosum Ep. 36. FIe man , sayth she ; but I tell mistris Ann , Her drunken husband is no drunken man ; For , those whose wits are ouercome with drinke , Are voyd of reason , such are beasts I thinke . In Petraeam . Ep. 37. WHo sayth Petraea hath no abstinence ? Those that say so , haue but a little sense , For most men know , ti 's euident and plaine That none from Church doth more then she abstaine . In Thrasonem . Ep. 38. THraso I thinke doth neare of anger dreame , Although his Coller seems to be extreame . In Lexum . Ep. 39. VVHen Sword and Buckler was in estimation , Lexus sayth , then a man might haue some play ; But since this noble fight grew out of fashion , A boy might kill a man in any fraye : Lexus in honour of this ould defence , Hacks many a * Buckler in an other sense . In Lizam . Ep. 40. LIza doth nothing well , her sister say's But this proceeds from enuie , I can tell , For which I must her sister much disprayse ; Since many know that Liza drinketh well . In Curuum . Ep. 41. VVHen Curuus first Siluanus daughter saw , Her heat of youth his frostie bloud did thaw ; Which so inflamd the aged mans desire , That he ne're stood on portion with her Sire ; Nor was there cause , the match was not so bad , For with his wife enough ( God knowes ) he had . In Ventrosum . Ep. 42. FOr trees an p●nt-houses I doe not care , As long as you ( Ventrosus ) presentare , For in the greatest show're and storms I tell ye , I wish not better shelter then your bellie . In Litorem . Ep. 43. Lye on Litoris , doe , hear's none controules , Thou maist as freely lye here , as in Poules ; But now my small friend , that the lesse men say , The more they write against thee euery day . De Anglis . Ep. 44. IT seems the English men are Caniballs , For they eat Fooles , and fooles we know are men ; Such as eate men haue bitter barbarous galls , The English haue so , it should follow then . Resolutio . BVt I 'le resolue this doubt equiuocall Some men are Fooles , some fooles are men , not * all . In Magnasum . Ep. 45. TH' art vaine Magnasus for to be so proud , Because so many , where thou com'st , giue place , And most of those are of the vulgar croud , Yet were they Lords I think , t' were noe great grace : For one of better vnderstanding knowes , They giue not place to thee , but to thy Nose . In Thomansium Long. Ep. 46. TH' art very fitly nam'd Thomansius Long , For with thy name doth well accorde thy nature ; Long ere thou wilt doe good , or right a wronge , Long in thy lyeing , likewise longe in stature , Th' art long in all , in Nature , stature , Name , But thou com'st short of vertue , and good fame . De Musis . Ep. 47. YE reuerend Poets , now but earth and clay , And ye the gloryes of this present age , Vouchsafe mee leaue with due respect to say , Ye seemd to flatter in your sacred rage , Faining the Muses to be women , when Reason approues them rather to be men ; Those Nine , in men are but a nine-fould skill , Which for the head is the supreamest part Doe there inhabit , as vpon a hill , Well nam'd Parnassus , or the house of Art ; Ther 's scant nine women wise ; men nine times nine , Then reason will , they should be masculine . In Piscatorem quendam . Ep. 48. OStendam piscem , quoth a learned Clarcke , That scornd to vse his mother tongue in schooles ; A right wise scholler forthwith got a Barcke , And out he goes with all his angling tooles ; His guide pointing to Heau'n , ere they went farre , Cry'd Ecce piscem , angle for the starre . De Oto . Ep. 49. Otus a Mayde both farre and neere hath sought , But cannot come , where he dares sweare is one ; I tell him Maydes are common to be bought , If they be common then , sayth he , th' are none . T' is true and false : But I mistooke the dish , Otus ment flesh , and I ment Maydes the fish . In Thrasonem . Ep. 50. THraso giu's out , he 's riding out of towne , Yet still I meet him ietting in his gowne ; Which would haue made me thought it but a brag , Had I not knowne he kept a running Nagg : But if to speake my conscience I were bidden , He rides not halfe so oft , as he is ridden . In Britannicam Amazonem . Ep. 51. GOd saue you Captaine . Oh I haue mistooke , Excuse mee Ladie ; when I first did looke Vpon your broad-brymd hat ▪ and flaunting feather , Those martiall ensignes met in you together , Made mee suppose a Captaine you had beene ; Your sex like men I neare before haue seene . In Lizam . Ep. 52. CRosse mee not Liza , ne'ther be so perte For if thou do'st , I 'le sit vpon thy skerte . Thou know'st I know thy nimble fingers ioynts , Then hold thy tongue , and stand not on thy * points . In Leuem . Ep. 53. TH'Italians say , Giue me your wenches fat , To make them faire , wee 'l quickly finde a meane , They 'l haue them fat and faire ; but wot you what , Thou takst such paines , that thou art carrion leane . In Quosdam Punctualisticos . Ep. 54. I 'Le tell a secret , if you will not mocke it , Some keepe a Kalender worne in their pockit , To note their dayes of buisnes and delights : Others doe beare about a Rowle of knights , So punctuall are they ; Yet to their disgrace , They haue mistaken both their Day , and Place . In quendam Tobacciferum . Ep. 55. VVHen men are dry , they vse to call for drinke , And so they wet their arrid parts , I thinke , My husband bibs , and drinke doth euer cry , Yet his drinke doth not moysten , but doth drye . De * Galaxia siue Lactea via . Ep. 56. PHilosophers and Poets doe agree , A white or milkye way * in heau'n to be : T' is well their iudgements there so much doe marke , For on the earth the wayes of men are darke . In Drusam . Ep. 57. DRusa loues powdring , but she hateth salt ; At first this humour seemeth very strange , Like his who loueth beere , yet hateth mault ; But Drusa's woman-like , constant in chaunge . Which maks mee hope , that in her daintiest fare . She may loue salt , and hate her powdred haire . In Capistra foeminea . Ep. 58. TRadition sayth the Mair's of Oxforde wore , A Rope about their necks * in time of yore But now for decencie of later yeares , In the Rop's place each Mai'r a Ribbin wears ; This fashion women vse , which maks mee doubt , When that came in with them , their Ropes went out . Ad seipsum . Ep. 59. NOr pine , nor pranck , in pouerty or wealth ; Nor curious be , nor carelesse of thy health ; To others doe as they should doe to thee ; Loue th'actiue life , yet not too busie bee . Maturely ponder , eare thou dost propounde , Prepare thy mind to want , and to abound : I giue my selfe this Counsell , to indeere Mee to my selfe , since to my selfe most neere . In Corbum . Ep. 60. COrbus will not , perswade him what I can , The world should take him for a Gentleman ; His reason 's this ; because men should not deeme , That he is such , as he doth neuer seeme . Ad laudem cuiusdam faeminae Ep. 61. virtute praecellentis . — MEn say th' art crooked and exceeding black , My eye obserues not any thing you lack , And I esteeme thee as a precious Iewell , In thee is that giu's my affection fewell ; I loue thee much , what faults so ere men finde , Because I know thou hast a beuteous minde . In Lenonem . Ep. 62. GOod lawes there be , and Proclamations made To force the abstinence from flesh in Lent ; But Leno's appetite is so vnstaide , Flesh he must haue , though after he repent ; I wonder how he keeps worms from his mawe , They say his flesh is leane , and fresh , and rawe . In quendam — Ep. 63. HOnest Sir Iohn doth to his neighbours cry , Forsake the world , and learne the way to dye ; If this be wholesome counsell he doth giue , Why then makes he himselfe such shift to liue ? In Assinium . Ep. 64. ASsinius weeps still , for he feares to dye , As who should say , teares did produce his dayes ; Nay laugh not , till you know his reason why , Perhaps t' is such , that it will merrit prayse ; Singing ( sayth he ) portends death to the Swan ; Why may it not presage the like to man ? Allusio ad praecedens . Ep. 65. THis may be true ; For wer 't for ioy or sorrow , * Singer sung ouer night , and dy'd next morrow . In Mopsam . Ep. 66. VVHen Mopsa mee a Nose-gaye pray's to buye , I doe not gesse her meaning suddainely ; Her Nose so gay is , that I oft suppose , She would not sell her flowers , but her Nose . In Galbum . Ep. 67. GAlbus , when thou wert young , I knew thee fayre , But you are Sun-burnt since that time , you say ; That burnt you are , you shall not neede to sweare , For none that knows thee will the same denaye . But many doubt , though you haue closely hid it , That t' was not Phebus , but t' was Phebe did it . In Cornutum . Ep. 68. VNtill Cornutus gazed in a glasse , He litle thought that he a Monster was : But when he saw the truth , he cry'd out then , Women haue pow'r to metamorphose men . In Assinium . Ep. 69. TEll me Assinius , how it comes to passe , That thou do'st hold in such contempt an Asse ; Knew'st thou as much as I , I 'de vndertake , thou 'dst loue an Asse better for thine owne sake . De Chinensibus . Ep. 70. THe men of China say ( who are so wise ) * We see with one eye , they with double eyes ; Suppose they err not : yet a Christian man Sees more with one eye , then with two they can . Ad Lectorem intelligentem . Ep. 71. REaders too common , and too many be , Hee 's tearm'd a Reader , can reade A.B.C. But I 'le not call for such a Readers ayde , For then poore rymes , you were but ill apayde ; I onely craue protection from his hands , That carps noe more , then what he vnderstands . Apologia pro seipso . Ep. 72. I Pra'y faire Ladyes pard'ne my forward youth , If I haue slaunder'd you in telling truth ; You shall noe more me thus offensiue finde ; But if you mend not , in a worser kind . In Zabidium . Ep. 73. I Loue thee not Zabidius , Nor can I stay so long To tell thee , why I hate thee thus , Thy breath doth smell so strong . In Litorem . Ep. 74. IF I against Litoris ought haue writ , I shall not need to feare his reading it ; My youth hath seldome so much in his slopp To buy my Booke , wer 't in a Brokers shopp . Ad Libellum . Ep. 75. IF Philomusus reade you , my rude Rymes , You may haue hope to outliue present times ; According to the sentence he shall giue , Or looke you must to die , or looke to liue . In Lenonem . Ep. 76. T Is a great signe , that Leno's stomack 's hot , Because hee 's noted to loue Lemons so : But of this reason some approueth not , Who better do his constitution know : For they affirme , his Lemons got by theft , And those are cast-ones * , such as Priests haue left . De quatuor Terminis militaribus . Ep. 77. IF Souldiers may obtaine foure Termes of warre , Muskets shal be the Pleaders , Pikes the Barre ; And since our Termes are rare , get we but one , Mars shall eate flesh , Iustinian picke the bone . In quendam Richardum . Ep. 78 ▪ DIck went to Dunmowe for a * Bacon flitch , And claim'd the custome there : But one replide , Although I know you ( Sir ) exceeding rich , And well may pay ; you shall not be denide , So you will fetch your wife , for then I vow You shall beare hence two sides of a fat Sow . In Rodulphum . Ep. 79. ROdulphus frets , that he is rank't no higher , Because ( sayth he ) his Title is Esquier ; Of the first * magnitude hee 's not , may be Some Pippin-Squire , or one of lowe degree . In Aucipem . Ep. 80. YE harmles birds , the Fowler now doth watch ye , Take heed his charming musicke doth not catch ye ; Happy were ye , and most secure from wronge , If that a * Fistula were in his tounge . In quosdam Panedentes . Ep. 81. YE Rau'nous Eat-breads , had you chaunc't to liue , When Christ the Loafes did to the hung'ry giue ; You eat bread so , that some prophanely thought , That Miracle had then beene neuer wrought . In Lenonem . Ep. 82. THe Doues will dwell in habitations cleane , They thriue not , nor delight in any other : But thou hast got a habit so obsceane ; ( Which thou deriu'st neither from Sire nor mother ) Thou dwell'st in Houses ( and delight'st therein ) , Such as are nastie with the stench of sinne . In Floram. Ep. 83. FLora was sicke ; they say she 's now amended , But wanteth weight her sicknes so impaird her ; That weight she wanteth shall be condiscended , She 's now so light , that honest men discard her . If she be well , iudge those that haue more skill , In my opinion she is verry ill . Ad Dominam Sapientiam . Ep. 84. EVer young Lady , euer glorious faire , T' is strange the sons of men no more doe court thee ▪ Youth , beautie , honour , wealth , vncertaine are A month they vexe , if one day they disport thee ; How talpishe-blind are those , who doe not see , They nothing haue ( Dame Wisdome ) wanting thee ? In quosdam non Ignotos . Ep. 85. TH'antipathy of nature in these men , Deserue an obseruation with my pen : Two things they loue , greene Leeks and tosted Cheese , But Hemp they hate , and when they see 't , they sneese . In non Decimantes . Ep. 86. SOme theeues are * water-Ratts , someway-purs-takers , Some Canters are , and other some House-breakers ; Ther 's many sorts of theft , many of theeues , The greatest * those , keepe that the Church releeues . De Naui submersa . Ep. 87. THe Poast brings newes a Ship is suncke hard by , Laden with goods , worth threescore thousand pounds ; T' were rude in me , to giue the Poast the lye , Yet graunt me leaue to shew , I haue some grounds , He talks of Goods , * if one * Good were therein She had not suncke , but see the weight of sinne ! In Cornutum . Ep. 88. THe time hath been , thou weart a sucking Calfe , And then thy mother daily vs'd to beare thee ; But when thou wert a weanling , halfe in halfe , Thy weight encreas'd , and then thy Sire did reare thee ; But now th' art growne an Oxe , I know not one Can beare thy Horns ; thou art so monstrous growne . Ad Floram. Ep. 89. THe vse of Masks I cannot but commend , To keepe the beautie from the scorching Sun ; But Flora I would know , what you intend , Whether you feare the Moone , when day is done ; For I haue heard , that duly euery night You weare a Maske , to smooth , but not to white . De suffocatione Matricis . Ep. 90. BElla is much afflicted with the Mother , No Physick can her mind 's content restore ; A contrary disease troubles her brother , Of some the Father * tearmd ; which lyes so sore Vpon his heart , and thence not to be driuen Till he may say , the Father is in heauen . In Leuem . Ep. 91. T' Is white and red that most delights the eye , That cheek's ador'd , where those two colours lye ; But thou look'st green as leeks , or greenest glasse , Which hue in thee , confirms all flesh is grasse . Greene cures greene , conceiue me in a word . For thee nought's better then a Green-goose — Ad Senatores Lond. Ep. 92. GRaue Senators , add to your Roy'l Exchange , ( pleasure One * window more , through which your eyes with From thence may see your Feildes , and leuell range Of your young Plants ; oh take not so much leasure For a good worke , which had beene done ( some say ) Longe since , had not a * Stile stood in the way . De quodam iocoso . Ep. 93. A Merry Greeke set vp a Si quis , late , To signifie a stranger come to towne , Who could great Noses , and their heate abate ; His lodging , such an Inne , the day set downe , The hugest Noses thither made repaire , But Leech found none , they made mine host to stare . Of the Trees and Walkes in Moore-Fieldes . Ep. 94. YE vpright Formalists , and grauelld walks , Of you the Spaniard , Dutch , Italian talks ; So talke they of your Citty 's great Infectour , Old More-Ditch and condemne the works directour That More-Ditch is not lesse Ditch , or more water , To cleanse the filth of those , * that catle slaughter . In Vulpinum . Ep. 95. VVlpinus twice was sicke , twice made his will , ( With no intent , that then should be his last ) Gaue all to those , who bore him no good will , Which well he knew , but policie forecast : That hope of gaine did gaine those men respect , Whom all the world would otherwise neglect . In Potatores . Ep. 96. YE gusling drunkards , I do much admire , Your throats weare not , nor that your arms do tyre In swallowing drinke , and lifting double Iuggs , Which fright my senses , as the sight of buggs ; O Guttur-Laine , how many sorts of drinke , Run poast through thee , as water downe a sincke ? In temporis profusores . Ep. 97. THe world is ful of prodigall expenders , The borrowers are more then are the lenders ; Those Prodigalls commit the highest cryme , Who wast their liues in vaine expence of time . In quendam morbum equinum . Ep. 98. THe'rs one disease in country and in London Hath men and horses ye , and women vndon ; There cannot sure a more contagious thing come Then this disease that spreads o're all the Kingdome ; I dare not nam 't least Prides pyes in their passions Chatter against mee . Oh horses ! oh the Fashions ! In quosdam Tubicinatores . Ep. 99. YE roaring beggers , tell mee what you meane , To spend each Christmas so much winde , to gleane Gratuities from men . O come not neere Where I abode , or whisper in my eare ; Be sure your tongues with modestie be tipt , And then I 'le tell you , beggers must be whipt . In Zoilum . Ep. 100. MY Booke is short sayth Zoilus , What then ? I wish it short , and sweet to other men . Or thus . Ep. 77. IF Souldiers may obtayne foure Termes of warre , Muskets shall be the Pleaders , Pikes the Barre , For blacke Bagges , Bandeleers , Iackets for Gownes , Angels our fees , wee 'l take no more crackt Crownes . FINIS . Libellus . IF any aske me now , whose booke I am , I cannot answere without signes of shame ; For he that owns mee , very often saith , I am the worst of all the bookes he hath , And which more grieues me , calls me triuiall rymes , Th' vntimely issue of his idle times . A MOTTO VPON THE CREEDE . KIng Dauids * foole in paths of Athists trod , Denying him whom — I beleeue in God , Nay more ye Athists know ( although it spight ye ) I 'le euer trust in — The Father Almightie : Nor feare I pestilence , nor sword , nor dearth , Confessing him — Maker of Heau'n and earth . I'ts thou O Lord , the hearts of men that tr'yst , Thou know'st my faith in thee — And Iesus Christ , Mediat my sinnes ( or else I am vndone ) Sweet Christ , with God , thou art — His onely Sonne , All men O God , thy mercie must recorde , Who mad'st vs , slaues to sinne , * free by — Our Lord ; Which with a * bitter welcome was receau'd Into this World , O Christ — Who was conceiu'd Not by the Carnall act of man , but most Miraculously — By the Holy Ghost : Nor stayd God here , nor did his mercie vary , Christ was for vs — Borne of the Virgin Marie : When he consummated each worke and wonder , Most innocent , for vs — He suffered vnder Th' accursed Iewes , through Iudas that false mate , And the constrained doome of — Pontius * Pilate : And more for vs was buffited , * enui'd , Reuil'd , disdain'd , and last — Was crucify'd : * Ioseph of Arimathea then ( inured To works of mercy ) beg'd his body — Dead , and buried : The Lord of life ; would all our sinnes had ended , And beene engrau'd with him , when — He descended ( As we beleeue , and this our Creed doth tell ) Into the graue , or pit , or — Into hell : * Captiuitie led captiue , Death in chaine And for vs men — The third day rose againe And by his resurrection from the bed Of soules deceal'd , rays'd mankind — From the dead : And rotten works of sinne , talk't with th' Eleu'n * Gaue them a chardge — Ascended into heau'n : But not as man , who out of sight forgetteth Their suits , and wants are absent , still — Hee setteth Close by our God his heau'nly father , and For sinners interceads — On the right hand Of maiesty incessantly , and rather Then Saints and Angells , begs — Of God the father Forgiu'nesse of all sinnes , t' is he can right ye O sinnefull sonnes of men , eu'n he th' — Almightie : Who then would * greiue him ? who so sottish he To say hee 's not in heau'n — From thence shall be The second time ( till when he will not budge ) Descend from heau'n his Throne , and — Come to iudge With * Ite or Venite such as led Liu's good or ill — Both the quicke and the dead . And though he 's now in heau'n , we must not grieue in , His corp'rall absence ; now doe — I beleeue in The Com'forter his spirit * gainst whom an host Is weake , so pow'rfull is — The holy Ghost : Satan shall neuer leaue mee in the lurch Whilst I am branch of — The Catholicke Church : Let Christians learne to liue in * peace and vnion , In zeale to imitate — The Communion Of heau'ns rich Citizens , wher 's noe complaints Noriarrs of Angells , Cherubs nor — Of Saints : Ther 's loue , and blisse , and * peace with so much eu'nesse , That they ne're one another aske — Forgiuenesse Then let 's not speake , but doe * the deeds that wins The loue of God , and the full pard'ne — Of sinnes : So when we dye , or greiue , ther 's a refection , Life after death , ioy by — The resurrection Nor shall we then , though low doth lie the head , Be ranck't amonge the number — Of the dead : This is a comfort sweete , and neuer wasting , To be assur'd of — The life euerlasting ; * Pray'rs may doe much , therefore let Preist and lay men , For this great blessing knit vp all with — Amen . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A68848-e260 Sunt bona , sunt quaedam mediocria , sunt mala plura , Quae legis hîc : aliter non fit Auite liber : Ep. Mar. * Virginibus Tyrijs mos est gestare pharetram . Virg. * Non Rosae mundae , * Two negatiues make an affirmatiue . It summons them to dinner Nouerint vniuersi . * Anima . Nosce teipsu●… Non loquitur os secundum cor . * By reason of Rocks , the entrance into those Ilands is very dangeous . * In the beginning of that plantation , great store of hoggs were found there . * One end of a Sur-loin of Beife called the buckler peece , by reason of a large flat bone in that part . * A vvhitmeat made of Creame and Rice , called of some a Ricemos , of others a Foole. Tarlton cut off all his skirts because none should sit vpon them . * Poynted round . * Punctuallists * Nihil aliud est , secundum Philosophos , quàm albi coloris apparentia , quae fit ob intetionem astrorum luminis , quae , vbi circulus apparet , densissima sunt & numerosissima . Est via sublimis , caelo manifesta sereno , Lactea nomen habet ▪ candore notabilis ipso : Ouid. * Quaere de hoc . * Ropes on or about the head vvas a signe of submission . 1. Kings 20. 3● * The Player ▪ * That which the eye sees not the heart neuer rues ▪ * Similis similem petit . * And all the world , according to their prouerbe . * Duplexest hîc sensus . * Arsnonhabet inimicum praeter ignorantem . Non amore Zabidi , nec possum dicere quare ; Hoc tantum possum dicere , non amo te ▪ Mart. * Priests Lemons . * The old custome was , that whosoeuer repented not vvithin a yeare after their marriage , they might go to Dunmowe for a flitche of Bacon , and haue it vpon demaund . * Not Esquire by honour of bloud . * Fistula dulce canit , volucres dum decipit Auceps . Aspicis vt veniant ad candida tecta Columbae . * Pirats . * Sacrilegio●● De fures . At north fleete March 1619. goeing out to the East Indies * Christo in nauicula ( quamuis dormiente ) non perierunt . Mar. 4. 38. * Dolor patris * You may call it Northstreete . * Quaere de hoc . Thinke vpon Midletons water . * The Cut-throates of Whitecrosse-street 〈…〉 Notes for div A68848-e7960 Nullum simile est idem . Arist * Psal . 14. 1. * 2 Sam. 24. 13 * Rom. 8. 27. * 1 Corin. 16. 13. 1 Tim. 2. 5. * 1 Tim. 1. 15. * Mat. 1. 16. * Mat. 1. 20. * Mat. 26. 48. * Mat. 26. 48. * Mat. 27. 24. 28. * 67. * 35. * Mat. 27. 58. * Psal . 68. 18. * 〈…〉 * Mat. 27. 63. 28. 6. * Heb 9. 14. Rom. 6. 2. * Mat. 28. 9. Mar. 16. 14. * Mat. 26. 64. * Eph. 4. 30 * Mat. 25. 34. 41. * Iohn 14. 16. * Rom. 8. 2. * 1 Thess . 5. 13 * Heb. 12. 14. * Mat. 34. 46. * Thess . 5. 17. A65116 ---- Aeneas his errours, or, His voyage from Troy into Italy an essay upon the third book of Virgils Aeneis / by John Boys. Aeneis. Liber 3. English. 1661 Virgil. 1661 Approx. 69 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 39 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A65116 Wing V621 ESTC R26490 09484008 ocm 09484008 43250 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A65116) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 43250) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1319:2) Aeneas his errours, or, His voyage from Troy into Italy an essay upon the third book of Virgils Aeneis / by John Boys. Aeneis. Liber 3. English. 1661 Virgil. Boys, John, 1614?-1661. [6], 74, [1] p. Printed by T.M. for Henry Broome, London : 1661. Reproduction of original in the Huntington Library. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng 2003-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-08 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-09 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2003-09 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion AENEAS HIS ERROURS , OR HIS Voyage from Troy into ITALY . An ESSAY Upon the Third Book of Virgils AEneis . By Iohn Boys of Hode Court , Esq — per varios casus , per tot discrimina rerum Tendimus in Latium : — Virg. AEn . 1. London , Printed by T. M. for Henry Broome , at the Gun in Ivy-lain , 1661. TO THE Right Honourable , the Lord Viscount Cornbury , Eldest Sonne to the Right Honourable , the Lord High Chancellour of ENGLAND . My Lord , I Here present your Honour with the fruits ( not so well indeed digested and ripen'd , as I wish they were ) of some few weeks retirement in the Country : the more then merited reception my late Essay upon this great Author found with your greater Father , the Right Honorable , the Lord High Chancellour hath encouraged me to continue my Addresses to the same Family , of which , after himself , your Lordship is the deserving Head. I hasten , my Lord , with my poore Offering , whilest your Lordship hath leasure to cast your eye upon such a trifle as this ; for ( doubtlesse ) you are already in your journey to more weighty employments , for which as well the Example as the Precepts of your most wise and knowing Father daily prepare and adapt you . The truth is , that if you look upon the bulk of the Volume , it is no more then a Pamphlet , and , by consequence , very much beneath the Patronage of so great a Mecenas : but if you consider the credit and weight of the Author , to wit , Virgil , then I hope , that your Lordship will not receive it under so mean and opprobious a qualification ; however defac'd and mangled by the unskilfull hand of so rude an Artist , as my self . Great wits have not blush'd to undertake and publish one single piece of this excellent Author , of whom every book indeed is of it self a compleat Poem : Hence we have Mr. Sandys his Essay upon the first ; Sir Iohn Denhams upon the second , and the united studies of Mr. Waller and Mr. Godolphin upon the fourth of the AEneis : I aspire not to the unequall'd Excellencies , and deserved fame of those worthy Gentlemen ; it is the height of my Ambition to merit your Lordships acceptance , and candid interpretation of this my present addresse , and to beget a belief in you , that there is no person more truly devoted to your Lordships service , and to that of your right Noble Family , then My Lord , Your Lordships most humble and most Obedient Servant , Iohn Boys . AEneas his Errours , or his Voyage from Troy into Italy . The Argument . AEneas having given Queen Dido a full relation of the miseries , and final subversion of the City , and Empire of Troy in the precedent booke , pursues in this the particulars of his Navigation , or Voyage from Asia into Europe , from Troy into Italy : with those severall ranconters , which befell him by the way . WHen 't was by heav'ns decreed that Asia's States , And Priams race by undeserved fates Should fall ; that lofty Ilium , and that frame By Neptune raiz'd , should in a Common flame Expire ; urg'd by the answers of the Gods , From stranger seats we quit our own abodes Under Antandros wee and Ida fit Our Fleet for Sea , and when men furnish it , Uncertain whether we our course should bend , Or where our labours should a period find . Summer was scarce advanc'd , when to resigne Our selves to fates Anchrises did enjoyn : Our ports I weeping leave , and native shore , And fields , which lately Troy's proud turrets bore : With my Companions , son , my Gods , forlorn An Exile I through the vast Deep am born . A vast and warlike land by Thracians till'd ( Whose Scepter fierce Lycurgus once did weild ) In view doth lye ; to us ( by the same ties Of leagues and worship ) ancient Allies ; Whilest fortune smil'd : my course I hither steer , And on the winding shore a town doe reer ; By crosse fates guided ; & from mine own name , The name of the AEneadae doe frame : To Venus I , and to those Deities Offer'd , who did befriend our enterprize : To the great King of Gods upon the strand A white Bull I did slay ; there was at hand A rizing bank , with Cornel twigs beset And with rough myrtle for rude lances fit : This place approaching , I endeavoured To pluck the verdāt boughs , therwith to spread The Altar ; but a horrid prodigie And strang behold : from the first shrub , which I Tore from the ground drops of black blood distill'd Which with corrupted gore the place defil'd : A shiv'ring through my members shot : my blood Through terrour in my veins congealed stood : Another twig I then assay , that I Of things the hidden causes might descry : The like defluxion thence proceeds : in thought Perplext , by pray'r the rural Nymphs I sought , And Father Mars , the Thracians Deity ; That into good they 'd turn this prodigie ; But , when with greater strength a third assay Making , with both my knees I struggling lay Against the earth ( shall I be dumb or speak ? ) A piteous groan did from beneath me break : And a voice doth arrive my frighted ear : Why wretched me , AEneas , do'st thou tear : Stain not thy pious hands ; the Buried spare , One Troy hath caus'd that we no strangers are : Nor , from this root distils this purple gore : Fly bloody coasts , ah , fly this cursed shore : For I am Polydorus , whom they slew With showrs of arrows , which here rooting grew : But , then distracting fear did me surprize : Me my tongue fail'd ; an end my hair did rise : Unhappy Priam ( when he did distrust Dardania's strength , when he the City first Invested saw ) to Thracia's a King , by stealth This Polydorus , and with him much wealth Sent to be kept : but , when the fortune he Of Troy , and our strength did declining see , The Victors arm 's , and Agamemnon's side He follow'd ; and , all laws rejecting , did Slay Polydorus , and possesse his gold ; Dire thirst of pelf what empire dost thou hold In Mortal breasts ? My fear allay'd , then I Told to the Trojan Peers the prodigie , But chiefly to my Sire : their sense I crave , Who jointly those curs'd shors perswade to leave With injur'd friendship ; & our sayl's to spread ; With heap'd-up earth the grave then of the Dead We doe repaire : and to his Ghost erect Altars , with Cypresse , and black garlands deck'd : The Trojan Dames stand round with flowing hair Bowls of new milk and blood we offer there : Then in his grave his soul we do compose , And with a Vale the whole duty close : When winds & seas were still'd , & gentle gales Did us invite to hoise our pregnant sail 's : When first we durst to calmed Surges trust , Filling the strands , our ships to sea we●● thrust : ●s we the Port , so shores and Citi 's seem Is to forsake : a land , in high esteem With Neptune , and the Sea-Nymphs Mother , lies Surrounded with the sea ; Apollo this Floating about all Coasts and Seas did tie With Gyaros , and high-brow'd Myconie : And ( sixt ) made it for Culture fit ; 'gainst wind Secure : here we arriv'd safe harbour find For our tir'd selves and ships : and , now on shore , Apollo's town approaching we adore : King Anius , King of men , and Phoebus Priest , With royall wreaths , and sacred Lawrel drest , Comes forth his friend Anchises to accost , We joyn rights hands , and he becomes our host : I in the ancient temple of that God Make my addresse : Grant us a fixt abode ; Grant wals : a stock ; a lasting State : maintain Troy's second tours , with what there doth remain Left by Achilles , and his Greeks : what guide Have we ? where shall we go ? or where abide ? O Father give a blessed augurie , And gently glide into our breasts : but I Had scarcely done , when all things seem'd to shake , The laurel , porch , the moūtain seem'd to quake ; The very Tripod rung : upon the ground We prostrate fell : and heard this voice resound : Stout Dardans , whence you first your birth derive Thither return , that land shall harbour give : AEneas house , with those , who thence descend , Here far and neer its Empire shall extend : Great joy here at amongst the people rose : What seats they were al ask'd , which Phoebus chose For our retreat : My sir , then old Records Calling to minde , began , yee Trojan Lords Hear ; and whereon your hopes are grounded , know To sea-girt Crete great Iove his birth doth ow : Ther 's Ida's mount : thence we our birth derive ; A hundred City's there doe dwellings give : Hence ( if I speak aright ) to Phrygian shores Our Grandsire Teucrus first advanc'd with oar's : And chose his Empires seat : nor Ilium stood , Or Troy's tour's then : they in the vales abode : Hence Mother Cybel , brazen Cymbals hence , Hence Ida's grove , and silent rites commence : That Goddesse chariot hence yoak'd Lyons drew : Come on ; let us the Gods Commands pursue : The winds appease ; to * Gnossian realms contend ; Not far from hence : if Iupiter befriend , Our fleet in Crete shall in th●● day's arrive : Then to the Altars he due rites did give : A Bull to Neptune ; such was Phoebus right ; To storms a black sheep ; to fair gales a white : a Idomeneus was bruited to be cast Out of his native Throne : Cretes coast laid wast : Houses and towns deserted : we forsake b Ortygias port ; and all sail winged make : We vinie Naxus ; green Donysa , we The Cyclads , through the Main which scater'd lie , Oliarus , white Paros passe , and quit Those seas , which are with frequent Isles beset . A shout the eager sailers raise , and chear Their willing mates , brave hearts , come , let us steer For Crete , our native soile : a friendly gale Blowing a stern fils our distended saile : And now we coast the a Curets shore along Now I the wals raise of my wished town ; And call it Pergamus : joy'd at the name , Our men build houses , and a Castle frame : And now our ships were drawn upon the sands , Our youth employ'd in choosing wives & lands : I dwellings gave : but loe ! a mortal year From the Corruption of the tainted Ayre , A lamentable-languishing disease All living Creatures , trees , and Corn doth seize : Beloved life those either did exhale Or after them their pined bodies drawle ; The barren fields the soultry Dog-star burns ; Grasse drys ; the blasted ear no food returns : My Sire the way to Delos to repeat And Phoebus bids , his pardon to intreat , To know when he would to our toils put end , Our labours ease ; where we our course should bend 'T was night ; and sleep all mortals did possess , Behold my Gods , those sacred Images Which I with me from ' midst Troys flam's did bear To me ( in sleep dissolved ) did appear . In all proportions by that light display'd , Which through the window the bright moon convay'd They thus began ; and thus my cares allay'd . What Phoebus to thee ( leaving Delos ) said , He here repeats ; he us to thee doth send : Troy burnt , thee and thy arms we did attend , With thee have cross'd the swelling waves ; the same Shall to the stars extoll thy Nephews fame , And give thy City rule : great wals prepare For thy great Heirs : nor toile , nor travel spare : From hence remove ; Apollo to this strand Bid not approach , or plant in Cretan land . There is a place , the Greeks Hesperia stile , An antient land , and strong ; a fruitfull soile , Th' Oenotrians held it ; Italie the same Our moderns call , from their first a leaders name : This is our distin'd seat : hence Dardanus And Iasius sprung , the root of Troy and us : Rise , and relate unto thine aged sire These doubtless truths ; then for b Ausonia steer . For Iove forbids this Countrey to possesse : Astonish'd at this sight , and Gods expresse , ( Nor was 't a dream ; their faces , wreathed hair I knew , and did their voices plainly hear , Whilst a cold sweat run all my body o're ) I start up from my bed ; the heav'ns implore With hands extended ; and a Sacrifice Offer : this duly done , I doe advise Anchises of all passages , and tell To him in order what to me befell : Our twofold I Parents and ambiguous race : He did confesse , with the mistaken place Then he ; son , try'd in Trojan fates , this thing Cassandra unto me alone did sing : I now recall ; these fates to us as due , Italian kingdoms she did of 't foreshew , a Hesperia oft ; but , who could e're conceive , That Trojans to Hesperia should arrive : Or whom then did Cassandras Councell sway ? Better adviz'd let us the b God obey . Thus he , and his advice all gladly take , We also do this place forthwith forsake . And leaving some behinde , set sayl : and now We with our hollow keels the Ocean plow. But , when we were advanc'd , nor land could see And rounded were with nought but sea & skye : Loe ! o're my head a black storm-crouded cloud Hung , which the waters did in darkness shro●d . The sea windes furrow : angry waves swell high Toss'd on the Deep we are , and scatter'd lye : Storms intercept the day ; mists veil the skye , Whil'st from rent clouds vollies of thunder flye : Forc'd from our course in darkned salts we stray Ev'n a Po●inure discerns not night from day : Nor doth remember how his Course to steer ; Three days we wander , nor doth sun appear : As many star-lesse Nights ; on the fourth we Land , hills , & smoak in black Curls rizeing see , Furling our sayls we take our Oars : with these We dash the foam ; and cleave the azure seas : Escap'd the Str●phades me first receiv'd , The Str●phades , ( from a Greek name deriv'd ) Are Islands in th' Ionian Main : The place , To which Celoeno , and Harpynian race Retir'd , when they by Phineus banisht were , And their first pension did forsake through fear . Then these no Monster 's worse , no greater curse , No greater plague e're sprung from stygian source The fowl's have Virgins faces , purging still Their filthy paunches , arm'd with talons , ill And ever pale through hunger . But , when we , the port entring , neer did draw , Fat Oxen in the Meads we grazing saw , Goats without keepers : these we did invade ; And of the prey the Gods partakers made . Then on the shore we tables placing , feast , But , from the mountains ( sooner then exprest ) The Harpyes stoop ; snatch , and pollute our meat , And making hideous crys their wings do beat ; Whil'st skreeches ' midst a filthy stench resound : A shadie and a close retreat we found Under a hollow rock ; again we spread Our tables , and fire on the Altars laid : Then from another quarter ( where they lay In ambush ) sallying , they invade our prey With their hook'd talons , and defile the same : Then 'gainst the cursed race I war proclaim : To arms Command ; my men obey , and place Their swords & shields ' midst the aspiring grass ▪ But , when with usual noise upon the ground They stoop't , Misenus then a charge did sound : My men fall on , and a strange fight assay , With swords to wound the noisom foul , but they Nor wounds , or hurt upon their plumes receive : But , nimbly on their wings remounting , leave Lothsome impressions , and the prey half-eat : One ( hight Celaeno ) on a rock did set , An om'nous Prophetesse , and thus declare : Race of Laömedon , will ye wage war Your unjust slaughters to maintain ? And strive The guiltlesse Harpies by rude force to drive Out of their native Kingdome ? now give ear And these my words in your mindes fixed bear ; Which Iove to Phoebus , he to me did shew , I , of the Furies chief , the same to you Pronounce : you now for Italy are bound , And shall arrive safe on Italian ground : But , you shall not with wals your promis'd town Invest , before dire hunger , and the wrong Offerr'd to us , shall force you to devour Your trenchers : she this having said , did sore Aloft ; and her self in the woods conceal'd : But suddain fear my mens cold blood congeal'd Their courage fell ; whether th' are Goddesses , Fiends , or foul birds , not force must make our peace But prayers and vows , they cry : then from the shore Anchises his hands spreading , doth implore The power 's above ; and with due rites appease : Adding , just Deity 's , that you would please To interpose , these evils to prevent , And , reconcil'd , to save the Innocent : Then he commands to launch : a lusty breez Our Canvas swels , on foaming waves we rise : Now woody Zant amidst the waves we see , Dulichium , Same , Neritos descry : From Ith'can rocks , a Laërtes realm , we fled Cursing that soil , which dire Vlysses bred : Anon its head cloud-crowned Leucas reers : And Phoebus opens , whom the sayler fears : Tired we hither steer : we anchor here , And under a small City shelter'd were : Now , when despaired land we did enioy , We promis'd vows on smoaking Altars pay : On Actian shores we Ilian games revive : Where our men , naked and anointed , give Proof of their active strength : we joy that we Have thus escap'd the dreaded enemy ; So many Grecian Citie 's past . The Sun In the mean time his annual course had run ▪ And Northern blasts made the chaff'd billows rore A brazen shield ( which mighty Abans bore ) I here affixing , this verse underwrote : These spoyls from Conqu'ring Greeks AEneas got : Then , I bid lanch , and hand their oars : the Deep To strives they cuff , and the rude billows sweep : The airie tours of the Phaeacians we Forth with doe hide ; and Epires coast passe by : Then , into the Chaonian port we swim , And the high City of Buthrotos climb : Here we a story hear , which did exceed Our faith , that Helenus ( of Priam's seed ) Both Pyrrhus wife and Scepter did enjoy : And that a Andromache to one of Troy Was wedded : I amazed stood : on fire I was , the man to meet , and to enquire Into this strange successe : the shore and fleet I leave ; and do advance with winged feet : Before the City , in a Grove , hard by Feign'd Simois the sad Andromache Pay'd solemn rites to her dead Hectors dust , And at his empty grave invok'd his Ghost , Joyning to which she had two Altars made , Whereon her tributary tears she payd . When me , ' midst Trojan Guards , she did behold Coming , thereat astonish'd , stiff and cold She forthwith grew ; and sinking to the ground , At last her speech a passage hardly found . I' st a true face , a real man I see ? Or com'st thou , Goddesse-born , a Ghost to me ? If so , where 's Hector , pray ? this weeping she Spoke , and the place fill'd with her mournfull crye To her ( through grief distracted ) briefly I Troubled , and faultring in my speech reply I live indeed , though me crosse fates pursue , Doubt not , for thou realities doest view : After the losse ( alas ! ) of thy great a Mate , What is thy hap ? what fortune ( of thy state Worthy ) hath thee befaln ? doth Hectors wife Andromache with Pyrrhus wedded live ? With a soft voice , and a dejected face She then reply's , O b maid , of Priams race , Before all others happy ! who didst die A victime to the cruel enemie Under Troy's wals ; by lot who wert not led A Captive to a Conqu'ring Masters bed : After Troy burnt , and tossed on the main , I , ( a slave ) did the irksome scorn sustain Of that proud youth , Achilles off-spring , who a Hermione and Spartan Nuptials now Hotly pursuing , to my fellow Slave Helenus , me ( a slave ) in Marriage gave : But him Orestes ( whom the flames of love Did burn , and Conscience of past ills did move ) Betray'd , and at his Fathers Altars slew ; Whence by his death this province did accrue To Helenus ; from Trojan Chaon , who Did all this tract Chaonia name : but show What happy fates , what God , what friendly gales Thy ship did hither drive , and fill thy sailes ? How does Ascanius ? doth he live , and breathe ? How doth he , pray , resent his b mothers death ? What ? doth his Uncle Hector , or his Syre AEneas him with noble thoughts inspire ? Whil'st thus she spoke , and did lament in vain , Priamides doth with a princely train Arrive : and ( with words mingling tears ) doth own Us , his old friends : then to the neighbouring town We joyfully advance , where I doe see Of our great Troy a small Epitome : Our Tour's , and shallow Xanthus I behold : And Scaean gate in my embraces fold : The vulgar also the same freedome have , To them the King like entertainment gave . Our costly fare is served up in gold ; Of lusty Bacchus we full goblets hold : Day after day whilest thus we feasting spend , Our sailes are Courted by the gentle winde , a Auster our Canvas swels ; in these words I Then to the a Prophet doe my self apply : O Trojan-born , the Gods Interpreter , Inspir'd by Phoebus , skilled in what e're The Tripods , laurels , or the stars foreshow , What by the tongues of birds , or wings we know . Say , ( for all Oracles to us promise A happy voyage , all the Gods advize To Italie , and far-sequestred seats To saile ; Celaeno onely dreadfull threats , Dire famine breathes ) how we should or eschew Dangers at hand , or toyl's to come subdue : Here Helenus with gratefull sacrifice Having the Gods prepar'd , ( as was the guize ) Untied the fillets of his sacred head , And me ( with awfull rev'rence smitten ) led Into the Temple , where the learned Priest From his divine mouth thus my fates exprest , O Goddesse-born , ( for it is more than plain , That by the heav'nly Conduct through ●he Main Thou dost advance , thus 't is decreed by Iove , Who that great wheele of things doth wisely move ) Of many Cautions take these few , whereby Thou stranger Coasts the saflier may'st descry ; And anchore in Ausonian ports : the rest The fates and Iuno have from me supprest : First Italy ( which you suppose at-hand ) Is a far-scatter'd , a far-distant land : And , before you attain the promis'd shore , You in Sicilian seas must ply the Oar , Your keels must the Ausonian brine divide , Hell you must see , by Circes Isle must glide : Remember ; this to thee a signe shall be : Thou a white sow with thirty Pigs shalt see White as her self , beleaguering her breast , Hard by a shadow'd stream ; here welcome rest Thou from thy toyls shalt finde ; thy town build here Nor the devouring of thy trenchers fear . The fates themselves will best unriddle , and Apollo , when invok'd , will be at hand . But , that a Land there , the Coast of Italie Wash'd by our seas , our neighb'ring Country , flye ▪ By hostile Greeks those places peopled are : Narycian Locrians doe inhabite there And from those tracts , the Salentines late held , Lyctian Idomeneus hath them expell'd : There Melibaean Phyloctetes smal Petilia hath invested with a wall : But , when thy fleet shall in safe harbour be , And on the Altars vows perform'd by thee , Spread o're thy face a purple veil , least , when Thou dost officiate , foes should intervene , And holy rites disturb : let this to thee And thy Descendants still a Custome be : But , when thou shalt Sicilias coast draw neer And the straits of Pelorus shall appear , Steer to the Larbord , fly the Starbord shore ; The left-hand Seas cleave with thy lab'ring oar . It is reported ( so great change doth wait Vpon times darker footsteps ) that this Strait Was once firm land ; and that a mighty force Did it from the old Continent divorce : That the Sea , interposing , did divide Th' Hesperian from the Sicilian side : And rushing in with its still-chaffed Brine , Once neer-allied Plains and towns disjoyn : Scylla the right , the left Charybdis keeps , And sucks thrice to the bottome of her Deeps The toyling floud , as often lifts on high Th' ejected waves , & laves th'approached skie . But , a Scylla lurking in dark caves display's Her face , and ships to crushing rocks betray 's : A Virgin to the twist divinely fram'd : Her nether parts with shape of Monsters sham'd : Which wolves are in their fore-parts , but behind Of Dolphins have the Scalie rudders joyn'd : Better it is to round Pachynus cape , And thy course that way , ( though about ) to shape , Then ugly Scylla in her cave , to see And rocks resounding with her Monsters crye : Further , if Helenus have any skill ; Or truth ; or know at all Apollo's will , One thing I recommend , one above all , Incessantly on Courted Iuno call : Her Deity with vows propitious make , With sacrifice appease ; then thou shalt take Thy journey with assur'd successe : and land From Sicil's coast safe on th' Italian strand . Where when to Cumoe , and Avernus ( plac'd a Midst softly-wisp'ring woods ) thou shalt have pass'd , There thou shalt see the frantick a Prophetesse Sing Destinies in a deep Caves recesse : Which she to leaves commits : what verse soe're She writes , in order plac'd she leaveth there : They firmly keep the place to each assign'd ; But , when the open'd door th' intruding wind Admits , which doth the lighter leaves disperce , She n'ere reorders the disorder'd verse ; Or cares them to rejoyn : unanswear'd they And Sibyls Cell detesting go their way : Nor think time lost , though thou beest here delayd Though thy departure winds and friends perswade , But with all humblenesse Sibylla seek : To thee th' Inspired willingly will speak , Of Italie the people will declare , And thee instruct in the insuing warre , Teach where toward , & teach where to assayl , And ( worshipp'd , ) will supply a favo'ring gale : Loe ! here the sum of what I can advise : Go ; raise our Troy by great deeds to the skyes . Which when the Prophet kindly had exprest , With costly gifts he doth dismisse his Guest : With Iv'ry , silver , gold , with vessels made Of Dodonaean brasse , his ship doth lade : A Coat-of-maile studded with gold : a bright Helmet , with curled plumes , ( once the delight Of Pyrrhus ) he bestows : the a Father had His presents likewise ; he to these doth add Brave Coursers with their Riders : Lastly their crazie Fleet he doth repair , And them supplies with all things useful were . Mean while Anchises bids them to prepare , That they might ready be when winds blew faire ; To whom in courtly terms the Priest thus spake Anchises , whom into her bed to take Venus hath deign'd , the Gods especial care , Twice from Troys ruin's snatch'd : lo ! 'fore thee are Ausonia's shores ; to these thy course direct , And yet from these thou must thy Course deflect : For that part of Ausonia farr doth lye By Phoebus meant ; in thy sons pietye Go happy man : but why do I thus spend Both words and time , when friendly gales attend ? Andromache ( at parting no lesse sad ) Ascanius with rich figur'd vests doth lade : What or the needle could , or loom invent , Rare peeces , she in these words did present , Sweet youth , these , wrought by mine own hands , receive As monuments , with thee to keep alive Of Hectors wife the memory ; of thine The fare-well tokens : thou the very meen Of my Astyanax , the ey 's , the face , And very gesture hast ; and now ( alas ! ) Had he surviv'd , you 'd equall been in years . Then with these parting words I mingle tears Live , and be happy you who setled are , We must be tossed too and fro : your care Is at an end : you have no seas to crosse , Or in your quest to be still at a losse , Catching recoyling shores : you live to see Xanthus in little ; and a Troy , which ye Your selves have built , I hope more happily , And which to Greeks may lesse obnoxious bee : And , if I Tyber and those plains about Possesse , and see those realmes for us laid out , Both Troy's , ( designed kindred towns to be , Neighbours , both boasting the same pedigree , Alike turmoyl'd ) shall leagued be : that care On those shall rest , who our Descendants are : Now we neer the Ceraunian Mountains ride , The shortest cut to the Italian side : The Sun now set , night its black mantle spreads , And on our mother-earth we take our beds ; We for our bodi 's on the shore take care , Where toyled Nature we with sleep repaire : Night was not yet half spent , when from his bed A waken'd Palinurus nimbly fled : The winds observ'd ; to ev'ry blast gave ear , Mark'd all stars gliding in the silent sphear : Arctûrus , and the dripping Hyadae , The two Bears , with golden Orîen he Contemplat's , then , when he a setled skye And clear beheld , he gives the signe to weigh : We goe abord ; we launch ; our sayls we spread ; And now Morn blush'd , & twingling stars were fled ; When obscure hills , and humble Italie We make : Achates Italie doth crie ; With joyfull Clamours Italie our men Resound : a mighty bowl Anchises then ( Surrounding with a Garland ) fills with wine , And standing on the Poup , the powers divine Invokes : Gods , who both seas do rule and land , Who tempests tame , a favouring gale command . The wished breezes rise : as we draw neer ; Minerva's Temple and the Port appear : And now our sayls we furl , and anchor cast : A Haven ( Iland-lock'd , ) opens to the East , Which vast rocks wal , with breaking waves made white And ( it invironning ) hide from the sight : Under whose shelter as our selves we drew , The Temple , lately seen , fled from our view : Four Coursers here , as white as snow could be , Ranging the fields without restraint we see , Anchises then : warr dost thou , land , presage ? Horse are for war ; with Horse we war do wage : And yet they in the Charriot joyned are , And bit and yoke use patiently to bear ; And blessed peace may speak : then we adore Arm-shakeing Pallas , on whose friendly shore We first arriv'd , having our faces veil'd : Nor to obey the a Prophets order fail'd , Whilst we the rites , as he had us enjoyn'd , To Iuno do perform : then 'fore the wind Our sayls we set ; and bid those Coasts farewell , By us suspected , as where Greeks did dwell : Tarentum's bay from hence salutes our ey 's 'Gainst which the Fore-land of Lacinia lye's Neighbouring to this Caulonia's tour's appear , Then Scylacaeum , whose rocks ships do tear . Trinacrian AEtna's our next prospect , where Rocks beaten with loud-roaring seas we hear ; And noises eccho'd to the neighb'ring strands ; Where waves , ( discolour'd with Commixed sands Belch'd-up we see : Anchises then ; behold Charybdis , and those dreadfull rocks foretold By Helenus : bear from the shore , he cryes , And stoutly to your Oars , my Masters , rize They all obey ; and Palinurus now Bears to the Larbord-sea the yeilding prow : With oars and sailes all to the Larbord ply ; Now on the back of swelling Surges we To heaven ascend , then , when they sinking fell , Through yawning waves we do descend to Hel : Thrice we the hollow rocks heard to resound ; Thrice saw the foam to drenched stars rebound : The wind now leaves us with the setting sun , And on the Cyclops Coast ( unskill'd ) we run : The port , though larg , was safe : but thunder-like Neer AEtna's ruins did a terrour strike : A cloud of smoak it sometimes to the skies Ejects , which doth with glowing embers rise : Then bals of fire it casts , as if it meant With strange granads to storm the firmament : Rocks & torn mountains with dissolved stones It belcheth up , thence issuing forth with groans Encelad's body thunder-struct , is said Under this mighty weight to have been laid : And that , when e're his wearied side he turns Imposed AEtna ( flames ejecting ) burns ; That all a Trinacria trembles , whilest a night Of duskie smoke doth intercept the light : Hid in the woods this night we passe in fear , Nor the cause of the noise could see : for there Was neither Stars , or Moon : a gen'ral cloud Did the whole face of heav'n in darknes shroud . Now from the East the Sun began to rise , And day nights mask had plucked from the skies When a strang out-side of a man appears From out the woods , his hands who suppliant rears More then half-starv'd ; most wretched in his dresse We look , and lo ! an uncouth nastinesse : A long untrimmed beard , and ragged cloths With thorns repeec'd ; the rest a Greek disclose : But , when he Trojan arms and habits saw , He frighted stopt , as if he would withdraw : Then hastily he to the shore did run , And thus with tears , & humble prayers begun : I by the stars , the Gods , the common ayre We breath , conjure you me away to bear : To any Coast let me transplanted be ; It shall suffice : I must confesse that I Amongst those of my Nation arms did bear , And against Troy serv'd in the passed war : For which ( if my offence so hainous be ) Me tear , and scatter i th' unfathom'd sea : And if I perish , 't will my grief abate , That I from humane hands receive my fate : Then falling down he did my knees embrace , Whilest we exhort him to declare the race From whence he sprung ; his name ; and what hard fate Had him reduced to this sad estate : Forthwith Anchises his right hand extends , And , by this Pledg declares that we were friends : At last confirm'd he fearelesse doth reply : From Ithaca , Vlysses fortune I Did follow ; Achaemenides by name , Poore Adamastus son , ( I wish the same Fortune had still continued ) to Troy sent : Here , when my friends from this dire region went Through fear they me forgot , and left behind , In the vast den of Polypheme confin'd : A vast and gloomy room it is : the floore With raw flesh strewed is , and putrid gore : Of a stupendious height himself : the skies At ev'ry step he knocks : great Deities Of such a plague , O , ease the earth ; addresse To him none dares to make , or crave accesse : He eats the bloody bowels of the slain : I saw , when he two of our wretched train Seizing with his huge paws with force did throw Against the rock ; the house within did flow With crimson streams : I saw , when he did eat Limbs spurting gore , and when the living meat Under his teeth yet trembled : but our Chief , Brave Ithacus , ever himself , relief In this destresse found out : for lo ! whilest he With wine and food , ore-gorg'd did snoring lie , a Stretch'd in his den ; his neck awry , of blood A stream ejecting , and a mighty flood Of undigested wine , with gobbits raw , The Gods imploring , we about him draw : And his vast eye peirce with a sharpned spear , Which ( single in his forehead ) did appear Like Phoebus setting , or a Grecian sheild : Thus just revenge to our dead friends we yeeld : But fly , Oh wretches , fly this cursed shore ; Your cables cut ; for here are hundreds more , As salvage and as big ; who doe frequent These strands and rocks ; and now the moon it 's spent Lamp hath recruited thrice , its horns thrice fill'd Since I a haplesse life lead in these wilde And desart places : and vast Cyclops see Advancing , whilest I their approaches flie , And dreaded yels : a wretched food to me Berries and Cornels , shrubs and trees supplie : On grasse I feed , and herbs which wild do grow : But , taking from this place my prospect , loe ! Your fleet I saw , the first which did arrive Upon this coast : to you resolv'd to give My self a pris'ner : any death let me Die , so I may these salvage Monsters flye : He scarce had said , when Polyphemus we With his huge bulk ' midst his flocks stalking see , And making to the shore : a dreadfull , vast , And ugly Monster , who his sight had lost : His hand and foot-steps a strip't pine did guide ; His flocks ( his sole joy ) him accompani'd A pipe ( 'bout his neck hung ) his grief did ease : But , when he did approach the swelling seas From his lost eye he wash'd the flowing blood , And , his teeth grinding , stalked through the flood Nor could the waves reach his exalted wast ; The worthy Suppliant then we take ; and hast Away : our cables silently we slip ; And the seas surface with stretch'd oars do sweep He heard and by our noise his steps did guide , But , when he found that to lay hold he tryde In vain ; nor could surmount the deeper flood , Then he his hideous voice extends , so loud , That th' Ocean trembled , Italie did quake , And hollow AEtna a deep groan did make : Now from the hils and woods Cyclopean bands Alarm'd flie to the Port , and man the strands : Whence they in vain pursue with threatning eyes Whilest their proud heads they lodg i' th' neighbouring skies A dire assembly ; like tall Oakes they stood , Or spire-like Cypresse-trees , and seem'd a wood : Fear makes us hastily to sea to thrust , And t' any gale our ready sail 's to trust : And though twixt Scylla and Charybdis we Forbidden were to steere ; yet we decree That course to stand : when from Pelorus strait A Northern breez doth rise , and on us wait : Pantagia's mouth ; the bay of Megara We passe , and Tapsus level with the Sea : Thus Achaemenides , ( known coasts whilest he Repeats ) our course directs : an Isle doth lie 'Fore the a Sicanian bay ; and opposite To rough Plemmyrium , by our Grandsires hight Ortygia ; Alphêus ( as they fame ) Under the Sea through secret channels came , And mingling , Arethusa , with thy spring Doth to the main , with thine , its waters bring : The Gods we here invoke : Helorus leave , Th' adjoyning plains enriching with its wave : Hence weathering Pachynus rocky cape , By unmov'd Camerine our course we shape : To the Geloian plains we bid adieu , And Gelas town : and now we have in view The mighty wals of high-built Agregas , For breeds of gen'rous Steeds which did surpass : Palmie Selinus , now by thee we run , Then the blind rocks of Lelybaeum shun : And lastly in the port of Drepannum , A joylesse port , I to an Anchore come : Here having pass'd so many stormy seas , My Sire ( alas ! ) I lose ; the onely ease Of all my cares and toile : dear Father dost dresse Thou here forsake me , thus turmoil'd and tost ? Nor Helenus , nor dire Celaeno , ( though They many ills foretold ) did this fore-show . Here all my travels , all my toils took end , And hence the Gods me to your coast did send . Thus whilest to him all do attention give , He here concludes his ample Narrative , Of haplesse Troy which did the fates contain , And what himself had suffer'd on the Main . FINIS . Some few hasty Reflections upon the precedent Poem . IT was not , Reader , the ultimate end of our Poet , in this precedent Poem , barely to deliver the story of AEneas his Errours , or Perigrination from Troy into Italy , with those Accidents which befell him therein ; which , ( although there were in it , no further scope then that ) yet is so trim and well contriv'd a Narrative , that it is of it self sufficient to entitle this a most excellent piece : No : our wise Authour had a more covert and mysterious design ; and , in this wel-built fabrick of his gives us the full prospect of a well-order'd Common-wealth , with all the integral parts thereof ; which whilest we endeavour to make out , let not the Reader passe sentence upon us , as guilty of perverting or violating the sense or meaning of our Authour , whose constant manner it is , to have a more remote drift , then what is perceptible to the eye of every vulgar Reader . Wherefore , behold first in the grosse or general , our supposed Common-wealth , to wit , a ship , or Fleet at Sea , between both which the Allegory or Comparison is as natural , as it is familiar , and therefore needs no further illustration . Next we come to the parts integral , which , as members , compleat this whol , or body of our Common-wealth , whereof the first is the Prince , the second , the Council ; the third , the great Minister of State ; and the fourth , the People ; Of which briefly in their order , and according to Virgils method and design . First , Behold in the accomplish'd AEneas , the Prince or supream Magistrate , as the principal member , or rather head of our Common-wealth : and him we will consider in these three Princely Attributes or qualifications , which are here given him : First , in his Piety : secondly , in his Wisdome ; & thirdly , in his Valour : 1 Piety , with the Latines is first taken for that due observance , respect and devotion , which we pay to God ; and secondly for that duty and reverence we give to our parents ; so that pius signifies as well dutifull , as religious ; and he that is truly pious in the one sense , will be so in the other : None was therefore either more Religious , or Dutifull then Virgils AEneas , our imaginary Prince . As a pregnant proof of both which take this story , which I casually light upon the other day in AElian : Var. Hist. l. 3. c. 22. When Troy was taken , and sack'd , ( sayes he ) the Greeks pitying the miserable condition of the subdued Trojans , proclaimed , by sound of trumpet , that it should be lawfull for them , to make choise of any one thing they pleased , and to carry it away with them : AEneas therefore , neglecting all things else , chose his House-hold Gods : The Greeks admiring the Piety of the Man , gave him leave to take any one thing of his Moveables ; who slghting the most pretious of his Iewels , and other goods , took his old decrepit Father upon his shoulders . The Enemy admiring at this second demonstration of Piety , gave him his whole Estate free , with liberty to go whether he pleased : adding , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . that the most implacable enemies ought to shew mercy to those , who were religious to the Gods , and dutifull to their Parents . Hence Virgil introduceth him here flying with his Gods , often praying and Sacrificing to the same ; and , to say truth , Religion , ( were there no other end in it , then a politick ) ought to be the chief care and study of the Prince , as being the very Basis of all Government , and the surest tye of Obedience : whence , it rightly hath its denomination , a religando , which signifies , to binde fast , or to tye . As for his Wisdome ; 2 that appears , as well in his readinesse to ask and follow good Counsel , as in his abilities in giving the same : Hence Virgil makes him frequently consulting with the Gods ; and good Counsellours are indeed as Gods to Princes : often with Prophets , and Interpreters of Oracles : particularly , with his Father Anchises , an experienc'd , and sober old man ; with Sibylla ( a great prophetesse , inspired by Apollo ) that is , a person endued with much wisdome , whereof he was the supposed Deity ; and with Helenus , a knowing and a well-known friend : a person as honest , as he was intelligent : mark what qualifications ought to be in Counsellours of State , Age , Experience , Wisdome and Integrity : The Age and Experience of Anchises ; the wisdome of Sibylla ; and the Integrity of Helenus : As for his abilities in giving good advise , in directing , governing and managing his Affaires , that appeares in the whole Series and course of his life : to enumerate particulars herein , would be infinite . Lastly , for the valour of our AEneas , or Prince , 3 that is also twofold : active or passive , of both which there are such clear and undeniable demonstrations , that we shall not insist long upon this head : the first appears in his several ranconters , often charges , victories , and triumphs : the latter in his sufferings , distresses and afflictions ; in which no one ever shared more plentifully , than himself : How was he tossed up and down ? how often in storms and tempests ? how often driven from place to place ? disappointed in his designes ? Defeated in his attempts ? still persecuted by Iuno , his mortal or rather immortal enemy : yet , behold him ever unshaken , unmoved , undaunted : still constant in the pursuit of his Counsels , till at last , overcoming the malice both of fortune and his enemies , he accomplish what he drives at , and what was by the fates laid out for him ; and setting foot in Italy , there lay the foundation of a never-declining Monarchy . And , now , most gracious Soveraign , it is not that I have wrested this Character , in delivering things otherwise , then they are represented by our Authour in the precedent Poem , that , I might direct this Application to your Royal Self : No , should I therefore compare your Majesty with our AEneas , in those three princely qualifications , above mentioned , none could truly object to me either force or flattery : As for your Piety therefore , whether in the first sense , as it relates to God , that appears sufficiently ; our eyes see it , and our hearts re●oyce thereat : Our Church , that is , the Assembly of the faithfull , and our Churches , that is , the consecrated places , where those Assemblies use to be held , begin now , ( under your Royal Protection ) to resume their prestine beauty , and will ( we hope ) in time , Phaenix-like , rise up more splendid and glorious , out of their own ashes , that is , those deformed ruines and rubbish , wherein they lay lately obscured and oppressed : or , in the second , that is , your AEneas ▪ like reverence to your Royal Father both living and dead : which manifests it self in your Justice Distributive , which consists in Punishment and Reward , the two principal wheels , upon which that great engin of a Common-Wealth makes its rotation ; the first in taking just revenge upon the horrid murderers of your Royal Father , our Gracious Soveraign ; a parentation indeed , considering the unparallel'd hainousnesse and enormity of the fact , not in the least severe : the second , in restoring and rewarding his old Servants , and such as have either acted or suffered for him . As for our second qualification , we require in our Prince , and finde it in our AEneas , a readiness in taking , and an ability in giving good Councel , the first your Majesty hath sufficiently demonstrated as well in the choise of your Councell , and Correspondence all along with your Parliament , as you have the latter in your prudent management of affairs , of which we all see the happy effects , and taste the blessed fruits . But , for your Valour , both Active and Passive ; the footsteps and impressions of them are so fresh and so many , that we should loose our selves in the enumeration of them , should we but once enter upon them : England , Scotland , France , Flanders , all the world rings of them : to be short ; Quae regio in terris vestri non plena laboris : And now at last , after all those strang and multiplied revolutions , we , to our ineffable joy , see your sacred Majesty , ( like another AEneas in his promis'd Italie ) by the undeniable conduct of the divine providence seated & firmly fixed in your paternal Throne , never thence to be removed , till such time as you shall be translated from earth to heaven . — nam te majoribus ire per Altum Auspicijs manifesta fides ; sic fata Deùm Rex Sortitur ; volvitque vices ; is vertitur ordo : — for it is more then plain , That by the heav'nly conduct through the main Thou dost advance : thus 't is decreed by Iove Who that great wheel of things doth wisely move . Here then as the same Poet speaks in the person of Anchises concerning his AEneas in this very book , let us , as prophetically , I hope affirm and conclude , ( changing one word , ) concerning your Sacred Majesty . Hic Carolina domus Cunctis dominabitur ris , Et nati nato●●m , & qui nascentur ab illis : Great Charles his house , with those who thence descend , Here far and near its Empire shall extend . The second part which after the Prince constitutes a Common-Wealth , is his Councel : Here the Poet gives to AEneas as Councellours , Anchises , Sibylla , Helenus : of whom we have already spoken : we shall not therefore insist long upon this point : I shall observe in the advice Helenus gives him , ( which according to the nature of his design , was seasonably-prudent ) these two precepts only : first he adviseth him rather to coast the whole ●sle of Sicily in his voyage to Italie , then to passe the dangerous straits of Pelôrus , now called the Faro , though by much the nerer way , for fear he fall upon the rocks of Scylla , or be suck'd in by the violent gulph or eddy of Charybdis : to shew , that it is better , and more secure , to proceed . leasurably in affairs of moment , then to precipitate , and that a profest States-man , ought rather to chuse the safer then the nearer way : for herein our english proverb takes place , the furthest way about , is the nearest way home : Secondly he recommends to him above all things , by prayers and sacrifice , to reconcile and conquer his implacable enemy Iuno : for ; as Donatus upon this place : Ostendit Poeta majoris potentiae inimicos obsequendo potius , quam resistendo posse superari : 't is wisdome rather to gain a potent enemy by obligeing him , then to run the risk of subduing him by force , the success whereof is uncertain . 3 Nor has AEneas his Councel onely , but , as a third Complement of our Common-Wealth , and a necessary instrument of government ; behold his Palinurus , or great Minister of State , cui Princeps incumbit , & in quem onus imperij reclinat , as Seneca speaks of the younger Marcellus : the person our Prince placeth , at the helm of State , and to whom he intrusts the chief guidance of that great vessel of the Common-Wealth : Now the Qualifications of such a Minister are chiefly two , Vigilance and Dexterity , or experience in matters of State : thus Palinurus , whilest others slept : Haud segnis strato surgit — There 's his Vigilance ; Now for his Dexterity or Experience . — omnes Explorat ventos — But to be a little more particular in Charactizing our great Minister , we will adde a note or two ; Virgil then speaks thus of Palinurus , as we have ( according to our manner , that is , imperfectly ) rendred him . Night was not yet half spent , when from his bed Awaken'd Palinurus nimbly fled : The winds observ'd , to ev'ry blast gave ear , Mark'd all stars gliding in the silent sphear Arcturus , and the dripping Hyadae The two Bears , with golden Orion he Contemplats : From hence we draw two wholsome precepts , and such , as above all others , must diligently be observ'd by our great Minister : First , he is to observe the wind , and listen to every blast ; that is , to hold intelligence in all places ; and to have an ear to all reports , that accordingly as the winde blows , he may trim the sailes of his own ship ; and may not be surpriz'd by a sudden Gust ; which may happily overset both him and it : Next , he is to mark the stars , and accordingly to steer his course ; that is , to understand perfectly the Interests of all neighbouring Kingdomes and States , and to know what Influence or Aspect the affairs of other Princes have in reference to those of his own master . And should I , Reader , say that our gracious Soveraign is blessed in such a Minister , in the Right Honourable , the Earl of Clarendon , the present Lord High Chancellour of England , I should say no more , then what is evident by those daily dispatches , which passe through his hands , and that weight of affairs which presse , but cannot oppresse him : — Sic Hercule quondam Sustentante Polum , melius Librata pependit . Machina , nec dubijs titubavit Signifer astris , Perpetuaque senex subductus mole parumper , Obstupuit proprij spectator ponderis Atlas : Which the excellent Claudian applies to Stilico , the great Minister of State to the Emperour Honorius , and which I hope without offence to his Lordships modesty , or violence to the Poets sense , we may thus render in English : Thus , when great Hercules his shoulders lent To under-prop the Heav'ns , the Firmament Vnmoved hung : Nor did the Zodiac fear To drop a Star , whilst he sustain'd the Sphear : Old Atlas ( from his burthen freed a while ) Stood ; and admir'd the weight he us'd to feel : But for as much as Prince and People , Governour and Governed are Relatives , 4 and therefore not Subsistent one without the other , behold our Poet gives his AEneas a competent number of Subjects , which , he ever calls by the name of Socij : by which word the Latines understand a Companion , Allie , or Confederate : in both which senses the people may most properly be called Socij , First : they are Companions , for they must expect to accompany the Prince in his fortune : if he be opprest , they must be enslav'd ; if he be dethron'd , and murdered , their lives , fortunes , and liberties are all at the mercy of the Usurping Tyrant : We need not go farr for an instance to make good this : the late distractions out of which we are ( by the blessing of God ) now happily deliver'd are a sufficient proof of our assertion : Next they are Allies or Confederates ; now such are bound to take up arm 's for the mutuall defence one of the other , and that Prince that offers an injury to the one , doth it to the other ; thus the people are bound to expose their lives , fortunes and all they call theirs in the defence of the Princes Crown , Dignity , and Estate , for which they in exchange receive his protection , as well against Forreign invaders , as domestick oppressours : And this is that Alliance or Society , which ought to intervene between both parties : and thus are subjects properly stiled Socii . But to draw to a Conclusion : whereas our Author , in the whole , exposeth his AEneas to many difficulties , during his Navigation , making him sometimes to mistake his Port ; sometimes to run upon a rock , and sometimes ready to perish in a storm ; these ( I say ) are to hint to us those many lets , impediments & difficulties that every kinde of Regiment is subject unto , which ( as the learned Mr. Hooker observes ) in publick proceedings are innumerable and inevitable ; and therefore the people ought not to fall out with their Governours , or cavill at the Government , upon every perty miscarriage ; but soberly to consider , and weigh with themselves the forementioned difficulties , and not to object that to the Governour , which , is indeed incident to all humane Affairs ; nor could , by the greatest wisdome and forecast imaginable , be avoided : to judge by successe is irrational ; for many times weak Councels take effect , when the best-digested designes are frustrated , for as much as Chance and Accident have a share in both : I could be copious upon this subject , and plentiful in instances , but I designed onely a few hasty Reflexions , and a running discourse . The End. Pray , Reader , amend these few lapses of the Presse as followeth : PAge the 1. line the 6. for from read for , p. 2. l. 2. for when , with , p. 6. l. 16. for were , we . p. 9. l. 1. for Sir. Sire , p. 10. l. 1. for their , three , l. 9. for Donysor , Donysa . p. 15. l. 12. for shrond shroud . p. 16. l. 4. for Polinure , Palinure . l. 11. for Straphades , Strophades l. 14. for Harpynian , Harpyian , p. 41. l. 10. for Clyclops , Cyclops . p. 61. l. 10 for Port Poet. Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A65116-e830 a Polymnestor , who married Ilione , Priams eldest daughter . * Cretan . a The present King of Crete . b The ancient name of Delos . a The Cretans anciently so called . a To wit , Italus . b Italie . a A name of Italie . b Phoebus . a The Master of AEneas his Ship. a Ulysses his Father . a Hectors wife , who with Helenus Priams son , was carried away captive , by Pyrrhus , Achilles son , and King of Epirus . a Hector . b Polyxena , one of Priams daughters , sacrific'd by Pyrrhus at Achilles tomb . a Menelaus his daughter , betrothed to Pyrrhus , who was slain also by his rival Orestes at Apollo's altar , as Achilles his father was . b Creusa : see the second book . a Helenus son of Priam. a Helenus . a Magna Grecia , the coast of Calabria inhabited by the Greeks : those he mentions here , are such as after the Trojan war , had planted themselves in those parts of Italie . a See our notes upon the 6. Book . a Sibylla ; see our Notes upon the 6 th . Book . a Sibylla ; see our Notes upon the 6 th . Book . a Anchises . a Helenus . a Sicilia a A name of Ulysses . a The bay of Siracruse Notes for div A65116-e12930 The Com-wealth . The foure parts thereof The Prince . 1 His Piety . 2 His Wisdome 3 His valour . AEn . 1 AEn . 3. AEn . 3. The Counsel . 3 The great Minister of State. Sen. de Consol . ad Marcian . 4 the People . The Conclusion . A14498 ---- Virgil's Bucolicks Engished [sic]. VVhereunto is added the translation of the two first satyrs of Iuvenal. By Iohn Bidle Bucolica. English Virgil. 1634 Approx. 102 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 32 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A14498 STC 24821 ESTC S119265 99854472 99854472 19895 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A14498) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 19895) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1044:3) Virgil's Bucolicks Engished [sic]. VVhereunto is added the translation of the two first satyrs of Iuvenal. By Iohn Bidle Bucolica. English Virgil. Biddle, John, 1615-1662. Juvenal. Satura 1-2. English. [62] p. Printed by I[ohn] L[egat], London : 1634. In verse. Printer's name from STC. Signatures: A-D (-D8). 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng 2006-04 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-05 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-05 Taryn Hakala Sampled and proofread 2007-05 Taryn Hakala Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion VIRGIL'S BVCOLICKS ENGISHED . Whereunto is added the Translation of the two first Satyrs of IVVENAL . By IOHN BIDLE . — Baccare frontem Cingite , ne vati noceat mala lingua futuro . LONDON . Printed by I. L. 1634. TO THE WORSHIPFVLL , HIS MOST WORTHY PAtron , Iohn Smith of Nibly Esquier , Mecaenas of the Wottonian Muses . SIth , when you daigned to restore Our Schoole deflowr'd , defac'd before , Your Favorite hee did commence , And hansell your Munificence ; That of his Muse he well may call You the maine Base , and Pedestall ; And a bad Debtor 't is ( they say ) That never can resolve to pay : He , sir , ( for his lanke Fortunes poore Affords him now no better store ) In tender of his Service due , This Moity presents to you , ( The firstlings of his Fruits ) that will Remaine Your gratefull Hench-man still , Iohn Bidle . TO THE READERS . INgenuous Readers , question you may , with what front I ( enlisted ( I confesse ) among the Rable of home-bread versifiers ) dare thrust upon the world this abortive pamphlet : shall I tell you ? I dreamt nothing lesse , but was entasked to undertake this unwilling willing labour . But not to goe about the bush , if you reake not of this Apologie , ( I pray you ) sith every capricious brain-sicke Rimer so pestersthe world with the uncouth Chimaeraes of his owne fancy , why should not I disvellop the flag of my Muse ? which though shee bee home-spun , and savors of Rusticity , yet fearing to rove at random after selfe-plotted and new-fangled trickes ; ( in which respect shee may extort , though not praise yet pardon ) hath chosen to confine her-selfe within the precincts of Translation , and here presents you with these Pastoralls ( which were first coated by the Prince of Latin Poets in a Roman Garb ) now shifted into an English habit . As for the worke it selfe , I could wish I had performed it throughout with such Dexterity , as might have indeered , and ingaged your liking : But sith ( as I mistrust ) I have not in some places , upon just admonition , none shall bee more ready to agnize his errors , and amend them , than my selfe . Iohn Bidle . VIRGIL'S BVCOLICKS . THE FIRST ECLOGVE , OR , TITYRVS . THE ARGVMENT . Blest Tityrus his Fautor God doth stile , Whilst Melibie deplores his hard Exile . MELIBOEVS . TITYRVS . THou , Tityrus , in shroud of Beech , dost play On slender Oaten-pipe a Sylvan lay ; Our Native Confines We abandon : We Our pleasant Granges , & our Country flee : Thou , Tityrus , i' th' shade reposing still , Learn'st the woods to resound faire Amarill . Tit. God is the Source of this our happy Rest , O Melibaeus ! Him I will invest Ay with that Name ; A tender Lambling , ta'n From our Cotes , oft his Altars shall distain . My Neat to freely graze ( thou seest : ) and me On Reed to play my Fill , permitted He. Me. Sure I Envie not , but Admire thy State : Through all our Countrey , ev'ry where , of Late , We by the Souldier are embroiled so . Far-off I , sickly , drive my Goatlings , lo , And , Tityrus , can scarce This lug along ; For earst she eaning , th' Hazels thicke among , Her twins , the Flock's Hope , on a bare Flint letr . Oft this Disaster ( had we not been rest ( Dull Sots ! ) of Sence ! ) the Lightning-blasted Okes By sure Ostents portended , and the Rook's Ill-boading Notes from th' hollow Holmen Tree ! But tell me , Tit'rus , who that God should bee . Ti. With that Vast City , which they Rome doe call , I ( Foole ! ) did parallel our Mantua Small , Where oft We , Shep-heards , sell our tender Lambs . Now I haue known Thus kidlings like their Dams ; Whelps , like their Bitches : Thus compare I did Great things with small : But Her cloud-threatning Head As much 'bove other Cities towreth up , As Cypresses the Dwarfe Shrubs over top . Me. And what such great cause hadst Thou Rome to see ? Ti. Sweet Liberty , which re-saluted mee With Later , but with Better Visits farre , After my downy Beard I first did sheare . She re-saluted Me , and came agen Long after , since that Galataea ( when Me Amarillis had ) deserted me . For ( for I will confesse ) of Libertie No Hope , no Care of my Estate I had ; While I with Rustick Galataea staid . Though many a Victim from my Sheepe folds went , And fat Cheese to that thank-lesse Towne I sent , Yet ne'r my Fist well-monied did returne . Me. I mus'd why Thou the Gods didst call and mourne ; And for whose Sake Thou sufferd'st , Amarill The Ripe Fruit on the Trees to dangle still — 'T was Tityrus went Hence ; The Pine-Trees tall , Thee , Tityrus , the Founts , and Groves did call . Ti. What should I doe ? Me from the servile Yoke I neither could loose , nor , else-where , invoke The like propitious Gods. Here , Melibie , I did that vn-corrivald Stripling see , For whose sole Sake twice sixe dayes ev'ry yeere , Our Altars smoak . He First my Wishes Here Sing'd with these Answerrs ; Boys ( as earst ye did ) Yoke your vn-wilded Buls , your Oxen feed . Me. Blest Old-Man , therefore shall thy Country Grange Remaine , and big enough for Thee to range : " Though It an over-peering Hill doth bound , " And a thick muddy Plash bemoat It round " Tn'vn-wonted Clover shall not hurt thy stocke Of Pregnant Ewes : Nor shall thy Neighbour's Flock Infect Them with the Scab . Old happy Man , Here shalt Thou ' mongst the wel known Rivers than , And sacred springs , be with coole Brieses fand , On this side , th' Hedge , that parts thy Neighbors Land From Thine , ( which for the blooming willow-Trees Is alwaies haunted by Hyblaean Bees ) Thee shall invite , with gentle buzzing Noise To take sweet Naps oft . With exalted voice Sing shall ( on t' other Side ) the Loppers shrill , Downe at the Bases of a lofty Hill. Nor shall hoarse Ring-doves ( thy care ) cease to woo ; Nor Turtle from the airy Elme to coo . Ti. The light Stags therefore shall feed in the Sky , And Seas leave on the shore their Fishes dry : ( Deserting Both their Native Country's Blis ) The exild Parthian shall drinke Araris ; The german , Ty●●is : From his Countenance 'Fore I my min●●ull Hearts eyes will askance . Me. But We , some to the thirsty Africans , Hence quick will poast ; some to the Scythians ; To Cretan swift Oaxis some confin'd ; And Britons quite from the whole World disjoin'd . Lo I shall I ( wretched Exile ) kenning e're My Native Confines , after many a yeare ; And Turf thatcht Contect of my Cottage poore , ( My Petty Kingdome ) It admire therefore ? Shall th' impious Souldier be possest of These So-well tild Earshes ? The Barbarian seaze These Crops ? Lo ! Neighbours to what Miserie Discord hath brought Vs ? Lo ! for Whom have we Sown our manured Acres ! Pear-Trees now Grafe . Melihoeus ; into Ranges bow Thy Vines ! ye bounding Goats , avant , avant Ye ( sometime Happy ) Goats ! Far-off : I sha'n't , ( In a greene Cave imbowl'd ) Hereafter You , From a Thorn-bristled Mountaine hanging view . To You no war bling Ditties shall I sing ; The flowring Cythisse ( I you pasturing ) Nor then the bitter Willowes shall you brouz . Ti. But yet vouchsafe my shed thy Rendez-vouz . This Night , and on green Leaves repose with Me ; We ( for thy Supper ) mellow Apples ; We Fresh-gathered Chest nuts have at Home , and store Of new-made Cheese : And now bemisted o're With dusky Smoake are th' Hamlets Summits all , And greater shadowes from High Mountaines fall . THE SECOND ECLOGVE . OR , ALEXIS . THE ARGVMENT . Thril'd with God Cupid's shafts , ( though in despaire ) Poore Corydon pursues Alexis Faire , THe Shepheard Corydon lov'd Alexis faire , His Masters Darling : but with hope lesse Care. He only to the Glades his course did frame , And ' mongst the tufted Beeches daily came ; There did He to the Woods , and Mountaines vent This moody Ditty , with a vaine Intent . Alexis dire ! Thou sleight ' st all Layes of Mine ! Relent-lesse art ! Mak'st Me to die ( in fine ! ) Now even the Cattell in the shade reside : Now thorn-full Brakes even the greene Lizards hide . Thestylis , for the Mowers tir'd i' th Sun , Now Garlicke , and wild-Bettony deth pun , Strong-senting Hearbs : But with my warbling sound , And Grashopper's hoarse Notes the Groves rebound , As I in Quest of Thee ( while Phoebus glowes ) Do roam . Was it not better Me t' expose To Amaril's sad Ire , and haughty Pride ? Not better was 't Menalcas to abide ? Though he were Blacke , Thou White . Faire , None-such Be not too-confident on Beauty's Blaze . ( Face , Vnsullied Privet-Flowres do fall ( we see ; ) Blacke Violets are cropt . Thou scornest Mee , Nor , who I am , enquit'st ; What store I keepe Of Milke ; How many snow-white fleeced sheepe . My thousand Ewes stray on Sicilian Hils ; When Summer scorches , and when Winter chils , New-milke I have : such quav'ring Airs I sing , As that sweet Hymnist , ( the Heards summoning ) Theban Amphion earst to chant was wont , In Aracinth , that on the shore doth front . Nor am I so deform'd , this Face of mine . I viewd i' th Mirror of the calmed Brine , Late standing on the Beach ; Contend I dare , Thou Iudge , ( If true's my Counterfeit ) for Faire With Daphnis . O , would it might please Thee well , I' th' Countrey ( sor did deem'd of Thee ) to dwell ! And seat thy Mansion in our low-built sheds ; And Stage transfix ; and drive the frisking Kids To the Marsh mallowes , chanting th' woods among , Like Pan , the Diapason of thy song . Pan many Reeds did First together glue With Wax : Pan favours Sheep , and Sheep heards too . Nor e'r repent t' have worn thy Lip with play : How toild Amy 〈…〉 t for skill in Musick 's Lay ? With seven unequall Reeds a Pipe I have Compact , which earst Damatas to Me gave , And dying ( Thou' rt the Second Owner ) said ; He spake : Amyntus envi'd , ill apaid . Besides two Young-Rces , in an vn-safe Vale Late found , I have ; whose yet-py'd Skins are all - Be-spect with white ; They suck dry ev'ry day An Ew's two Teats ; which earst to have away Me Thestylis importun'd , and she shall , Because Thou prizest not our Gifts at all . Faire Boy , come hither ; Lo ! in crowded Maunds The Nymphets bring Thee Lilyes . With her Hands Spruse Nais , cropping Tops of Poppys stammell , And Violets , thy Ghirlands doth enammell Made with Narcissus sweet , and lushious Dill ; Then adding other Hearbs of fragrant smell , The Hyacinth she deftly doth be-frindge With the fine Mary-gold of Saffron I indge . My-selfe I 'l downy Quinces pluck with care , And Chest-nuts , to my Amarillis deare ; Soft Plums I 'l add , and Honour shall accrew To them ; And O ye Laurels , crop-off you , Thee , amarous Myrtle , next ; for placed thus , Perfumes ye mixe most odoriferous . Thou' rt Carydon a Clown : Alexis Fair Thy gifts doth scorne ; Iölas Debonair , ( If Gifts enforce thy Claim ) will Thee out-vy : Alas ! what meant I wretch ? let in have I To th' Flowrs danke Auster , whiffing with his Wings ; Fount-troubling Bores , to the pure christall Springs . From Whom , ah frantick Boy , dost fling so fast ? Even Gods have in the Woods their Mansion plac't , And Paris : In her selfe-rais'd Turrets bright Let Pallas dwell ; Vs the Woods sole delight The Lionesse , the Wolfe : the Wole doth vse The Goat to follow : the blith Goat pursues The Cythisse : Thee , Alexis , Coridon . All Fancys choice delights attend upon . The Bullocks , lo , bring home againe the Plows ; And Sol departing , 'bout Earth's gloomy Brows Night ' gins to spread her Curtaines : yet I glow With love ; For what mean doth fell Cupid know What thus infuriates Thee , Corydon ? A vine Thou hast at home halfe prun'd , upon A leavie Elone ; Go , Rather Osiers take , And pliant Bul-rushes , and quickly make Vtensils needfull . If This prove vn-kind , A Debonair Alexis Thou shalt find . THE THIRD ECLOGVE . OR , PALAEMON . THE ARGVMENT . The Sheep-heards entring Lists with furious Rage , Are stickled by Palaemon's Vmpirage . MENALCAS . DAMOETAS . PALAEMON . Me VVHo owns these Sheepe , Damoetas ? Melibie ? Da. No , AEgon ; AEgon lately took'em Me. Me Still hap-lesse Sheepe ! While AEgon ( courting Her ) Feares lest Neoera Met ' Him-selfe prefer : The Ewes each howre this Hireling milketh twice , That both exhausted is the Cattels Iuice , And the poore Lamblings of their Milke beguild . Da. But , sir , to Men those Feats up-braid more milde . We know where Thou , looking askew , wast tane , And ( out the gentle Nymphs smild ) in what Fane . Me. T was Then , when Mycon's Copse they saw Me top With an ill Cycle , and his new Vines lop . Da. Or , at th' old Beeches , Here , when Daphnis Bow , And shafts Thou brok'st : which when re-given , Thou , Perverse Menalcas , sawst , thy choller sweld , And ( He vn-spited ) spleen thy Life had queld . Me. When such Buffons even theevish Servants bee , Then what shall Masters doe ? did I not see Thee , Varlet , stealing Damons Goat , when I , His Mongrell barking , Holla Thiefe , did cry ? And said ; In one my Flocks drive , Tit'rus , Here ; Then didst Thou skulke behind a sedgy Peere . Out sung by Me , should He the Goat , Before Gaind by my Pipes demerit , not restore ? If Thou knowst not , 't was Mine , confest to Me By Damon , but surrendred could not be . Me. Thou , Him , in singing — hadst a Pipe e'r glude With waxe ? wa st Thou not wont , Thou bungler rude , Tinfest the High-waies with thy yels , and double Thy balefull Ditties with a squeeking stuble . Da. By Turne shalls both our Skills in singing try ? This Heifer I lay down ( Left thou deny , Twice a-day milkt , two sucklings fosters she ) Say for what wager Thou wilt Cope with Me. Me. Nought of the Flocke with Thee ingage I must : A Sire I have at Home , a step-dame curst . Both twice a-day the sheepe ; The Kids she tells Besides . But , what thy selfe shall say excells , ( Sith Thou' rt so peevish ) I will bett a Paire Of Beechen Cups , carv'd by that Artist rare Alcimedon : on which a pliant Vine Most featly turnd , doth amorously combine With berry'd Ivy ; Embost , midst of All , Two Figures are , Conon , and ( what I call ) He , that with 's Iacob-staffe this Mundan Bowle , When Mowers should py'd Tellus Tresses powle , Describ'd what Seasons are for Plow-men fit : Which with my Lips vntoucht I keepe as yet . Da. So two for Vs the same Alcimedon made , Whose Eares soft twining Bears-foot doth o'r shade ; I' th' midst He Orpheus , and th' Woods following set : Which with my Lips vntoucht I keepe as yet . The Heifer view , Thou ' lt not the Cups inhance . Me. Thou shalt ne'r scape to day . I will advance On any Terms : Let 's only put it to Yon' Mans Arbitrement . Palamon lo ! I 'l make ye , Sirra , never dare agen . Let 's to 't ; No stay shall be found in Me then , Nor reake I any . Only this I pray , Neighbour Palaemon peiz it ; 't is no Toy . Pa. Sing , sith We in the tender Grasse repose , And now each Meadow , now each Sapling blowes ; The Woods Now flourish , the yeare 's fairest Now. Begin , Damaetas , first ; Then follow Thou Menalcas . Ye shall both by Turne rehearse : The sacred Muses love Alternate Verse . Da. My Song beginneth from All-filling Jove : He 's Tellus Fautor : He my Verse doth love . Me. And Me Don Phoebus favours : His Gifts ay I have , both sweet red Hyacinth , and Bay. Da. At me an Apple Galataea flings : ( First ey'd by me ) Then to the Willow springs . Me. But Me Amynt , un-woo'd , doth visit so , That our Dogs doe not better Delia know . Da. I for my Minion have got Gifts : for I A Neast of airy Ring-Doues earst did spy . Me. Ten Limmons to the Boy , ( so stored Then ) I sent : I 'l send to-morrow t' other Ten. Da. What Words to Vs did Galataea say ? Some part , ye Winds , to the Gods eares convay ! Me. What boots it though , Amynt , Thou lov'st Me , The Bores Thou chacest , if I keep the Toiles ? ( whiles Da. Iôlas , Phillis send ( my Birth-day 't is : ) Come Thou , when I to Ceres sacrifice . Me. She hath my Heart : My Going she did rue , Saying , fair Jôlas , Long Adieu , Adieu . ( downe ; Da. The Wolfe , the stals ; Ripe Fruits , showrs drizling Trees , boistrous Winds annoy ; Me , phillis Frowne . Me. Withy love teeming Cattell ; Corne , a showr ; Kids , Arbuts ; I , Amynt my Paramour . Da. Our Muse ( though Rustick ) is to Pollio deare ; Ye Muses , for your Reader feed a steare . Me. A Bull feed for Him , ( He the Poet plaies ) Whole Hornes may grow , whose Hooves the sand may raise . Da. Let thy Friend , Polli● , come where thou dost come , Let Hony flow There ; Thornes beare Amomum . Me. Who hates not Bavius Rimes , let him love thine , Ranke Maevius : He-Goates milke , and Foxes ioyne . Da. Ye Boys , that flowers , and Strawb'rys plucke apace , Fly hence ; a cold Snake lurketh in the Grasse . Me. Let not the Sheepe approach the Banke too nigh a Now even the Ram his soaked Fleece doth dry . Da. My Goatlings , Tit'rus , from the River bring : When time shall serve , I 'l rinse'em in the Spring . Me. Lads , shroud the Ewes : If their milke dri'd up be , ( As Lare ) in vaine their Vdders squeez shall We. Da. How lanke my Bull is in a Pasture battle ! The same Love pines the master , and the Cattle . Me. Love 's not the cause These bare-bon'd are , & flender : Some ill eye fascinates my Lamblings tender . Da. Tell ( and Thou shalt be great Appollo ) where Heav'n three Els open ( no more ) doth appeare . Me. Tell where Flowrs grow , upon whose Crowners fine Kings Names are writ , and Phyllis shall be Thine . Pa. No such great mutuall Fewd compose must We , Thou' rt worthy of the Heifer , so is He ; And who-e'r Bitter tryes , or Sweet Loves dreads . Lads shut the Rivers , sated are the Meads . THE FOVRTH ECLOGVE . OR , POLLIO . THE ARGVMENT . Reviving Sibyl's verse , in Golden Rimes , Our Poet Here presageth Golden Times . SIcilian Muses Now some Loftier Strain : Low Tamarisks , and Shrubs do never gain All Fancies Liking . If we caroll forth The Woods , the Woods may suit the Consul's Worth , Laps'd Now 's the Iron Age by Sibyl sung : A-fresh the Old Worlds Renovation's sprung : The Virgin Now returnes , and Saturn's Raigne : Now a New Off-spring's sent of Heavenly strain . This Boy ( the Period of the Iron Age , That doth , Lucina , Golden Times presage ) His Mother's pregnant Womb as thy Hand laies , Favour : The Scepter thy Apollo swayes . This blist-full Age , Thou Consul , shall begin , Drad Pollio , and the Great Moneths Vsher in . Then Civill-Wars surviving Relicks quel'd , From Feare to quit the Earth shall be compel'd . He shall be deifide in blest Abodes , Seeing , and Seen of Heroes mixt with Gods. And with his Father's Martiall Prowes , the Earth Composed , rule . But , Sweet Boy , on thy Birth , Tellus , uncultivated , shall bestow Green Lady-Gloves and crawling Ivy too , As her first Gifts ; and Beares-foot virent still , Mixt with Egyptian-Beans of lushious Smell . Their Vdders stuft with Milk the She-Goats shall Bring Home ; nor Lyon saw the Heards at all . Most odoriferous Flowers shall proceed Even from thy Cradle , and each bain-full Weed Dy , with the Serpent : Sprouting ev'ry where Assyrian Amomum shall appeare . But when thy Sire's Exploits , and Heroes Fame Thou , reading , shalt discerne true Vertues Name , The Field shall yellow grow with Eares of Corn , And red Grapes dangle on th' ncultive Thorn ; And fragrant Hony from hard-Okes shall drain . Yet shall few Seeds of Ancient Fraud remain , Towns causing to immure , and Thetis sweep With Keels , and slice the Earth with surrowes deep . Another famous Typhis shall be Then ; Another Argo , to waft o'r agen Selected Heroes ; other Warres befall ; Again great-sould Achilles Illium scale . When Thou a Man shalt be , to saile the Brine The Marriner shall cease ; No Nauticke Pine Shall barter Wares . All Lands all Things shall beare . The Glebe Then tooth full Harrowes shall not teare , Nor shall the Vine abide the Pruning Hooke : The hardy Plow man shall his Bulls un-yoke . Wooll various colours shall not counterfeit : Their Fleeces Now with Red-mixt Purple sweet , Now dy with Saffron yellow shall the Rams ; Bright Sandix shall invest the feeding Lambs . The Parcae ' greeing by Fates fixt Decree , Said to their Spindles , Rowl such Times of Glee . Vaut ( 't will be Time ) into the Regall Throne , loves great Increase , th' Immortal's dearest Sonne , The World , lo , reels with Sin 's stupendious Fraight ! Earth , Seas , Heavens boundlesse Regiōrs shrink with waight ! See , in the Age-to-come how All reioyce ! May I so long extend my life , and Voyce , Thy Deeds in Strains Heroïck to rehearse ! Not Thracian Orpheus should out-shrill my Verse , Nor Linus : Though Calliope , his Mother , Should second Orpheus : His fire Phoebus , t'other . Arcadia Iudge , strove Pan with Me in Lays , Arcadia Iudge , He should resigne the Bays . 'Gin , Little Boy , to know thy Mother's smiles : Ten moneths have brought thy Mother tedious Toiles . Begin : His God ( whose Parents have not laught ) A Board ; A Bed , his Goddesse ne'r vouchaft . THE FIFTH ECLOGVE . OR , DAPHNIS . THE ARGVMENT . Their Daphnis Death in Swan-like Tunes deplor'd , The Swains consorting mutuall Gifts afford . MENALCAS . MOPSVS . Me. VVHy , Mopsus , doe We not ( sith Both skild meet , Thou , to blow light Reeds , I , to caroll sweet ) Amid these Hazel-inchas'd Elms reside ? Mo. You are my Senior ; You t' obey I 'm tide , Beneath uncertaine shades while Zephyr blowes Whether We lie , or in some Cave repose ; Lo how a Wild-Vine doth this Grot bespread , His dangling Clusters thinly scattered ! Me. The sole Amynt shall combat in our Hils . Mo. What if , in Singing , Phoebus He out-shrils ? Me. Sing , Mopsus , first , or Phyllis Loves to raise ; Or scouling Codrus Death ; Or Alcons Praise . Begin ; Thy feeding Kidds shall Tit'rus tend . Mo. Yea ( Late which in a Beeches Rine I pend ) These Verses tun'd by course vnto my Reed , I 'l try ; Then bid Amyntas to succeed . Me. As Pliant Osiars , to Pale Olive Trees ; Low Lavander , to Purple Rosaries ; So much We iudge Amyntas stoops to Thee . Mo. Cease Boy , for We thy Grot are entred , see . The Nymphs condol'd their butcherd Daphnis deare , To them ye streames , and Hazels Record beare : When clipping her dead Son 's Ruth-moving Corse , His Mother blam'd the Gods and stars dire Force . None , Daphnis , drove their full-stuft Near to drinke , Nor any Cattell sipt the River's Brinke , Nor in those dayes once toucht a Blad of grasse . That Punick Lyons did thy Death ( Alas ! ) Bemoan , the Woods and savage Mountaines tell . He harnest First Hyrcanian Tygres fell : He First to Bacchus instituted Dances , And first with soft Leaves wreathed pliant Lances . As Vines do Trees , as Grapes doe Vines adorne , The Heards as Bulls , as fallow Lands the Corne : So Thou Thine crownest . When Thee Fates bereft , Our Fields even Pales , and Apollo left . Where We plump Barly sowd in Furrowes Late , Base Darnell , and Wild-Oates predominate : For the soft Vi'let , purple Daffadill , Our Meadowes prickly Furse , and Thistles fill . Ye Sheepheards strow the Ground with Leaves , & Flowers Your Fountaines seele with enterbroided Bowes , ( For Daphnis so commands ) and Him interr , With this Inscription on his Sepulcher , I Daphnis in the Woods , Hence known to th' Air ; A Fair Flocks Keeper , but my selfe more Fair. Me. Such is thy Verse to Vs , Poet Divine , As , tir'd , in Grasse to sleep , or to incline Our Head to quench ( in scorching Summer's Heat ) Our Thirst , at some sweet capering Rivulet . For Thou not onely with thy Reeds shrill Noise , But equallest thy Master with thy Voyce . O happy Lad , Thou shalt his Second bee ! Yet We However w 〈…〉 l re-chant to Thee . Our Verse , and to the Stars advance thy Peare We 'l Daphnis stellify : He lov'd Vs deare . Mo. Can any Boon endear Vs more ? He , young , Deserv'd to be enhanced with a song . And Stimichon earst prais'd to Vs those Laies . Me. Heaven's Portall deify'd Daphnis doth amaze , And views the clowds , and Stars beneath his Feet . Therefore the frolick Woods , and Countrey sweet , Pan , Swains , and Virgin ▪ Dryads now are rapt With Ioy ; Nor doth the Wolfe ( to prey so apt ) Worry the Sheep , nor guilefull Toiles cisease The fearefull Stags : Good Daphnis loveth Peace . The Wood-crown'd Mountaines make the Welkin ring With Shouts of Glee ; The Rocks , the Groves do sing , Menalcas , He 's a God! Propitious bee To shine : foure Altars lo ! Two recar'd to Thee , God Daphnis : Two up for Apollo set . To Thee two foaming Cups with Milke repleat , With Oyle as Many 〈…〉 alott each yeare : With liberall Bacchus as thy Wakes I chear , I'th'Hearth , if cold ; If Hot , in shady Bowre . I 'l Chian Wine ( as sweet as Nectar ) powre From turn'd up Bowls . While I performe this thing , Damaetas shall with Lyctian Aegon sing . Alphe sibaeus shall trip nimble Rounds , Like to the frisking Satyrs . When our Grounds We expiate , and pay our solemn Vowes Vnto the Nymphs , Thou still shalt have these dues . Whilst the Fish loves the Streams , the Boar the Hill , Bees feed on Thyme ; on Dew Grashoppers shrill : Thy Honour , Name , and Praise shall still remain . To Bacchus , and to Ceres as the Swain Makes yeerely Vowes , He shall to Thee : and Thou Shalt bind Him with a Curse to pay his Vow . Mo. How shall I guerdon Thee for such a Lay ? For neither whilstling Auster's Gale ( I say , ) Nor b●llow-beaten Rocks delight me so ; Nor R●ls that perle through stony Vallyes low ! Me. But We this slender Pipe will give Thee first . This [ Corydon lov'd faire Alexis ] verst ; This taught [ whose sheep , Damaetas ? Melibies ? ] Mo. Take Thou this Sheeps . Crook ( which Antigenes Oft beg'd in vain ▪ and yet a Lovely Friend ) Near for the equall knots , and brazen End. THE SIXTH ECLOGVE , OR , SILENVS , THE ARGVMENT . Dread Varus Prais● . Silenus , Whittled , sings The Earths Beginning , & the Change of Things . TO sport First in a Syracusian Strain , And Woods frequent , did my Thalia daigne . When Kings , and horred Wars I loudly sung , Apollo pluckt my Eare , and checkt my Tongue . A Sheep-heard feed his sheepe must , Tityrus ; Make slender Verses , not Robustious . Now I ( for , Varus , enow will in Verse Desire thy Acts , and sad Wars to rehearse ) Will tune on slender Reed a Rusticke Lay. Infranchiz'd is my Muse . If Any may , If Any These of meere Love read , thy Worth Our Tamarisks , each Grove shall warble forth , Nor e'r a Page more deare to Phoebus came , Than to whose Front prefixt is Varus Name . Sing , Muses . Cromis , and Mnasylus saw Silenus yawn , as in a Cave he lay , Veine-swoln with yersterday's too-liberall Bowls : His flowry Chaplet from his Temples rowls , His eare-worne massy Flagon hangs fast by . Invading Him ( for oft the old Fox sly , With Hope of Verses Them deluded had ) Of his soft Anadems Him Bonds they made . Aegle , as Mate , forth-with accrewes to These ; Aegle , the Fairest of the Naiades : And Now ( Silenus well enough it spys ) His Front , and Temples with red Mulb'ries dyes . He , smiling at the Trick , said , Why d' ye ty Me ? Wags , loose ; It is enough You did espie Me. Lo your so-long wisht-Boon ! You Verses take ; She shall have some Gift else . And so bespake , Then Savages , and Fauns , at his Tunes brave Did dance Levoltoes , and Okes Summits wave , Not his Mount , Phoebus so ; Th' Ismarian spire , Or Rhodope so Orpheus did admire . For , First , how Atoms met , and did give Birth , Conjoin'd in that vast Chaos , unto Earth , To Fire , to Aire , to water : How from all These Firsts proceeded each Originall : And how the World 's unstable Globe complide ; How th' Earth it did consolidate , and divide Salt Nereus from the Fresh , and Things Formes bore , And Sol's bright Rayes amaz'd , unseene before : And how by Praecipies the showrs do fall From elevated Clouds : Th' Originall Of Woods He sung , and how through Mountaines strange The Animals , at First , did thinly range . Then Pyrrha's cast-stones ; Saturn's Monarchy ; Caucasean Fowl ; Prometheus Theevery ; And how the Saylers , fount-drencht Hyle unfound , Cry'd , that the Shore did Hylas , Hylas sound . And ( happy , had there ne'r bin Heards ) doth cheer Pasiphae with the Love of snow-white steer . Ah hap-lesse Maid ! What madnesse Thee doth sease ? The three infuriated Praetides Did with false Lowing fill the spacious Fields , But to such Coiture of Buls None yeilds , Though her Neck feard the Plow , and shee was wont To seeke Horns on her smooth un-horned Front. Ah hap-lesse Maid ! Thou Now on Hils dost stray , He on the Hyacinth his white side doth lay , And halfe digested Grasse again doth chew Beneath a Holy-Oke , or doth purse Some Cow in the great Heard ▪ Shut up your Lawns , Shut up , Dictaean Nymphs , Now : If by chance Some foot-tracks of the Bull ( as 'bout We chase ) Meet our retriving Eys : With verdant Grasse Or ta'n perhaps , or , the Heards following , Him to the Cretan stals some Kine doe bring . Then chants Her that th' Hesperides Fruit of Gold So much admir'd ; Then Mossy Films infold Th' Heliades , who Spine to Aldars tall , With such Dexterity he limns em all . How Gallus , when He at Permessus straid , One Muse into th' Aonian Hils convaid ; And Chants how all the Chore of Phoebus Than Rose up , and did obeysance to the Man. How with Divining Verse ( his Tresse impal'd With flowry Wreathes , and Parsly Bitter call'd ) Sheep-keeping Linus Thus to Him did sing . Thee these Reeds ( take 'em lo ! ) the Muses bring , Th' Ascraean Sheep-heards once , whereon he 'd lay And sturdy Ash●s from their seasures draw . Now the Grynaean Wood's Origen chant With These , that Phoebus more of None may vant . Why shall I Nisus Daughter Seylla name How sung by Him ? or t'other Scylla fame , That , with dire yelping Monsters hemb'd Below , Did tosse Vlisses Carvels to and fro : And in the tumid Main's incensed Billows , With her fierce Sea-Dogs worried all his Fellowes . Or , how He changed Tereus Limbs exprest ? Or for H●m Philomela's Gifts , and Feasts ? How , He , Woods haunting , a Bird's Forme assumes , But flies about his House First rais'd with Plumes ? All which Eurotas ( Phoebus turning earst ) Did hear , and bad his Laurels learne , Rehearst . He sings , with Repercussion of the Sound The vallies ring , and ecchoing do rebound : Till in the Foulds the counted Sheep t'inshrine ( Maugre Olympus ) Vesper did injoine . THE SEVENTH ECLOGVE . or , MELIBOEVS . THE ARGVMENT . Sweet Corydon , out-shrilling Thyrsis well , By Melibaeus Verdict beares the Bell. MELIBOEVS . CORYDON . THYRSIS . Me. BEneath a Whistling Holm-Tree Daphnis sate ; And Corydon , and Thyrsis did of late Drive both their Foocks together into One : Thyrsis , his Seepe ; milke-stuft Goats , Corydon . Both striplings ; Both You 'd thinke of Arcady ; Both matcht to sing , and ready to Reply . While shrouding Myrtles from bleake Winds I staid , The Flock-conducting He-goat Hence had straid : And I see Daphnis : When Me once he spyes , Come hither Melibaeus quick , He cryes : Safe is thy Goat , and Kids , ne'r vex for Those , And , if Thou canst stay , in the Shade repose . Thy Bullocks , of their own accord , to drinke Will Hither come ; Here the greene grassy Brinke Of Gamesome Mince , with quiv'ring Reeds is Crownd , And from the sacred Oke the Swarmes resound . What should I do ? Alcippe , Phyllis I Had not , at Home my Weaned Lambs to try ; And the Swaines did contend in ve'ment sort ; Yet to my worke preferd I their Disport . Then Both strove in Alternate Verses terse ; The Muses crav'd an Amebaean Verse ; These Corydon ; Those Thyrsis 'gan rehearse . Co. Our loy , Lebethrian Nymphs , Me such a Vaine As Codrus ( Phoebus Second ) either daign , Or if All cannot make a Verse Diuine , Hang shall my shrill Pipe on this Sacred Pine. Th. Arcadian Swaines ( that Codrus Guts with Spleen May breake ) your Poet deck with Ivy green : Or if He Praise extort , his Fore-head wreath With Lady-Gloves , ' gainst Cordrus blasting Breath . Co. This Boar's Head Mycon to Thee doth import ; These Antliers , Delia , of a long-liv'd Hart ; But grant this Boon , in polisht Marble Now , Calve-bound with Purple Buskins , stand fhalt Thou . Th A Bowl of Milke , these cakes ( expect no more , ) Priapus , Keeper of our Hort-yard poore . Now doth a Marble Statue Thee infold ; But if our Flocks increase , be All of Gold. Co. O Galataea , sweeter than the Thyme ! More white than Swans ; than Ivy pale more prime , When our Buls fed shall to the stals go home , ( For Corydon if ought Thou carest ) come . Th. More Bitter than Sardinian Hearbs to Thee , Than Broome , or Sea-Weeds Baser let Me be , If longer than a yeere is not this day . For shame , ye full-fed Steers , away , away . Co. Cool mossy Fountaines , Sleep-alluring Grasse , Greene Arbuts , that with thin shades You imbrace , The Cattell from the Sun-sted fence about ; Now on the Tendrell the Buds burgeon out . Th. A Hearth , fat Tapers , still much Fire is Here , And black smoake-collied Posts : as much We care For Boreas , as Wolves for sheeps numerous Ranks , Or Rain-incensed Torrents for their Banks . Co. Our Iunipers , our Chest-nuts rough are full , Thou Apples under each Tree strow'd maist cull : All now laugh ; Let Alexis absent be From these Hils , you should Rivers stream lesse see . Th. Fieldes rive , the sultery Air the Herbage Kils ; Liber the Vine-Leaves envies to the Hils : Woods Phillis Comming shall with Verdure crown , And vegetating love with Showrs bring downe . Co. The Poplar , Herc'les ; Bacchus loves the Vine ; The Laurel , Phoebus ; Myrtle , Venus fine ; The Hazels Phyllis loves : which while she doo , Yeeld shall the Myrtle , Phoebus Laurel too . Th. The Wild-Ash , th' Woods ; The Pine the Hort-yards crowns ; The Poplar Rivers ; The tall Fyrre the downs . Faire Lycidas , but ofter visit Mee , Wild-ash , and Garden-pine shall stoop to Thee . Me. This I record ; Foil'd Thyrsis did put on In vaine : since that Time , for Vs , Corydon . THE EIGHTH ECLOGVE . OR , PHARMACEVTRIA . THE ARGVMENT . False fickle Nisa , Damon infamizes : Alphesibie for Daphnis , Spels devizes . DAMON . ALPHESIBOEVS . VVE 'l Damon's , and Alphesiboeus Laies ; With whose sweet Chants a Heifer stood at gaze , And Rivers , ravisht , did surcease to glide ; And with whose Verses were Lynxes stupifide : We 'l Damons , and Alphesibaeus Laies Relate . Assist Thou , if thou passest 'ore Now great Timovus , or th' Illyrian shore . Lo ! that I may eternize with my Rimes Thy Martiall Feats , will ever be those Times ? That thy Verse may by Me be o'r the World ( Sole suiting Sophoclean Buskin ) hurld ? From Thee my Rise ; To Thee my end I 'l make ; Verses at thy Command composed take ; And suffer this my Wreath of lvie small , Amongst thy conqu'ring Bays , thy Brows t' impale . Now scarce contracted were Nights Curtains sable , ( The Dew to th' Cattell Then most acceptable ) Thus Damon , leaning on an Olive Spray . Da. Rise , Lucifer , and usher in the day ; Whilst I , inveigled with her couz'ning Love , Of Nisa's Lure complaine , and pitty moove : And Now accoast the Gods , in fine , apall'd ; Though I Them oft to Record bootlesse call'd . Begin with Me , my Pipe , Maenalian Layes . Shrill Woods hath Maenalus , and Vocall Pines ; To Shep-heards Love complaining songs inclines He his Eares still ; And Pan , who Reeds , of yore , Taught Tunes to vary , rude compos'd before . Begin with Me , my Pipe , Maenalian Layes . Ill-favour'd Mopsus doth Faire Nisa wed . What is there , that We Lovers may not dread ? The Gryphins , Henceforth , shall with Horses link ; And Stags with Stag-infesting Dogs shall drink ; New Tapers cut , for Thou a Wife dost wed ; Nuts , Mopsus , strow , from Oeta Hesper's fled . Begin with Me , my Pipe , Maenalian Layes . To Worthy Husband ioin'd ! while scorning All My Pipe Thou slight'st , my bounding Goats as small ; My rough-hair'd Ey-brow , and my Dangling Beard ; And ween'st no God doth mortall Things regard . Begin with Me , My Pipe , Maenalian Layes . A Goat-heard , I Thee , with the Mother , view'd , When Little , gath'ring Aples all be-dew'd , Within our Hegde fenc'd Grounds ; Then entred had The second from th' eleventh year Me t' invade . Then under-boughes I could reach o'r my Head : No sooner seen , How undone ! How mislead ! Begin with Me , my Pipe , Maenalian Layes . Now what the Godling Cupid is , I see ; Or craggy Ismarus , or Rhodope , Or Farthest Garamants that Rock-born Brood Produc't , not of our Progeny or Bloud . Begin with Me , my Pipe , Maenalian Layes . Love taught a Mother to distain , for Ire , In her Son's Gore her Hands ; a Mother dire ! A Fiercer Mother , or a Fiercer ●ad ? The Mother Cruell , and the Boy was Bad. Begin with Me , my Pipe , Maenalian Layes . Now let the Wolfe fly from the Sheep's Pursuit : Now let hard Okes be charg'd with Golden Fruit : Let th' Aldar flourish with the Daffadill : Let Tamarisks fat Amber Now distill : Owles cope with Swans : Tit'rus put Orpheus on : Orpheus , in Woods ; ' mongst Delphins , Arion . Begin with Me , my Pipe , Maenalian Layes . Let All now turne to Sea. Adieu , ye Woods . By headlong Praecipies , into the Floods , I 'l from this towring Mountain's summit fall : This Gift , as I expire , take last of all . Leave off , Pipe , Now leave off Maenalian Layes . Thus He. Alphesibaeus Answer too , Ye Muses chant : All cannot all Things doo . Al. Maid , bring Me out some Water quickly quick , Then with soft Anadems , and Ribbands thicke Surround these Altars , and suffumigate Male frankincense , and oil-smear'd Vervain fat ; T' infuriate with Magicks dire Alarms Love-flying Daphnis ▪ Nought Here wants , but Charmes . My Charmes fetch from the City Daphnis Home . Charmes make bright Cynthia from her Orbe decline . Th' Incantresse Circe did transforme to Swine Vlysses Mates by Charmes : The balefull Snake Charms in the Meads to breake asunder make . My Charmes fetch from the City Daphnis Home . I with this triple colour'd three-fold Thred Arround Thee , and thy Feature poutraicted Three times about these sacred Altars hale ; For God loves the odde Number best of all . My Charmes fetch from the City Daphnis Home . In three Knots knit three Thrums of Triple dy ; Quick , Amarillis ; say , Love-Bonds I ty . My Charms fetch from the City Daphnis Home . As this Clay Hard , and this Waxe Soft doth prove With the same Fire : so Daphnis with our Love. Sprinkle the Cake , burne Bay smear'd with Bitume , He frys Me ; I on Him this Bay consume . My Charmes fetch from the City Daphnis Home . Let Daphnis be with such a Love possest , As is a Heifer , when ( tir'd with the Quest Of lust-full steer through Groves , and devious Woods ) She , Loue-consum'd , reposeth on the Floud's Green Marge , nor late at Night doth thence depart ; Such Him surprize : Nor let me cure impart . My Charmes fetch from the City Daphnis Home . As his Love-Pawns , He ( Now of trust bereft ) These cast impoverisht Garments whilom left , Which , Earth , I sacre in the Porch to Thee . These Daphnis must again restore to Mee . My Charmes fetch from the City Daphnis Home . These Hearbs , and Pontick simples earst bestow On Me did Moeris : store in Pontus grow . Vnder a Wolvish Forme by These He 'd hide , And skulking in the vncouth Woods abide . Transplant Crops waving with Mustacho'd Eares , And raise up Ghosts from their deep Sepuchers . My Charmes fetch from the City Daphnis Home . Out , Amaryllis , forth-with Ashes bring , And Them with Head retrait i' th' River fling . I will encounter Daphnis with these . Armes : That reaks not for the Gods , nor Philter-charms . My Charmes fetch from the City Daphnis Home . The Altars , lo ! with quiv'ring Flames have caught ; ( Be it Auspicious ! ) whilst that Fire 's unbrought ! ( I know not what 't is ) and the fierce Curre bawls . Is 't true ? or Phantick are all Cupid's Thrals . Leave off , Charmes , Daphnis from the City coms . THE NINTH ECLOGVE . OR , MOERIS . THE ARGVMENT . Two Rurals Here bewaile , ( Disaster strange ● ) In balefull Notes , Menalcas seased Grange . LYCIDAS . MOERIS . Ly. VVHither , O Moeris ? this Way , to the City ? Moe . We live , O Lycidas , ( alas ! for pitty ! ) To heare a Stranger , of our Lands possest , ( Which We poor Wretches ever feared least ) Say , These are mine ; Avant ye Ancient Pesants . Now we cashier'd , and sad , ( O chance ! ) for presents To Him these Kidlings ( may They choak him ) send . Ly. Certes I heard , where the Hil's Verge doth bend Downe with feasable descent his Bases , To crankling Mincius , that the Meads inchases , And the Old Beeches Now-broke Summit tall , That your Menalcas by his Verse kept all . Moe . You heard ; 'T was bruited so ; But our Verse proves ' Mongst Warrs as powerfull , as Chaonian Doves , Iove's Bird assailing . Which Before if Those Vnwonted Garboils quickly to compose , Did not th' Auspicious Rooke Me warning give , Nor should thy Moeris , nor Menalcas live . Ly. So desperately bent can Any bee ? Ah! were thy solace-giving Layes with Thee Almost , Menalcas ravisht ? who should sing The Nymphs ? or th' Earth imbellisht in the Spring With Flora's Pride ? or drilling Fountaines pure , O'r-shadowed with Arbours Coverture ? Or ( going to our Minion Amaryll ) The Verses Late I stole from Thee by skill ? Tit'rus , while I returne ( short is the Way ) My she-goats feed ; fed , Them to drinke convay , And as Thou driv'st Them to the Rivers fine , The He-Goat ( butting with his Horn ) decline . Moe . Yea these he sung to Varus yet unfil'd , Thy Name ( We not of Mantua dispoil'd . Poore Mantua , to Cremona , ah ! too near ! ) Vp to the twinkling starres the Swans shall beare . Ly. So may thy swarmes Cyrnaean Yews decline ! So may with Milke thy Cythisse-brouzing Kine Their Vdders stuffe ! Begin ( if ought Thou hast ) ' Mongst the Poetick Throng even I am plac't ; Me the Pierian sisters did install , And Me Swaines ( unbeleev'd ) a Poet call : I mate not Varus yet , nor Cinna's strains , But gagle like a Goose ' mongst Vocall swains . Moe . I do 't , and silent , with my selfe I scan ; 'T is a brave strain , if call 't to mind I can . Come , Galataea ; in rough Neptune's Wave What Pleasure is 't ? Here snaking Rillets lave Flowr-motly'd Banks ; Here is a Purple spring ; A sallow Poplar a Grot shadowing ; Here cool Vine-Arbours shroud Vs from the heate . Come : ' gainst the Beach let surly Billows beat . Ly. Nay those I heard Thee singing one cleer Night : The Tune I know , could I the words hit right , Moe Why dost Thou , Daphnis , Ancient starres survay ? Lo , Dionaean Caesar's doth display His clinquant Head , Corn-ears with Grain t'indue , And hil-bred Grapes with their ripe purple Hue ! Imp Pear-Trees , Daphnis , for thy Nephews shall Gather the Peares . Time hurrieth with It All ; Yea my frail Mem'ry . I thinke how ( a Boy ) I spent in singing many a Summers day . Those songs are now in deepe Oblivion drownd . Impeacht is Moeris hoarce obstructed sound . The Wolves saw Moeris First . At his Retreat , Oft shall Menalcas Them to Thee repeat . Ly. Pretending scuses , Thou prolong'st our Loves ; And Now no sea with iustling Surges moves ; The full-mouth'd murmuring Gusts are silent , see ! And halfe-way of our Iourney come are Wee : For you ' Bianor's Tomb his raised Top Begins to shew . Here , where the Rurals lop Their Trees luxurious Boughs , let 's caroll : Here Lay down thy Kids : Or if perchance We feare Lest the Night gather Rain Before , We may Sing as We goe ; Lesse hurt Vs will the Way . That We may do 't , Thee of this Load I 'l ease . Moe . More of Me , Boy , Now to desire surcease : Let 's Rather to an end our Businesse bring ; When He him-selfe shall come We 'l better sing . THE TENTH ECLOGVE . OR , GALLVS . THE ARGVMENT . Scorcht with Idalian Flames ; fond Gallus is Enamour'd on the Strumpet Cytheris . THis last Peece grant Me , O kind Arethuse ; Some Verses to my Gallus must Thou , Muse , ( But such as let Lycoris read ) rehearse ; ( Who unto Gallus would deny a Verse ? ) So under Sicil's Seas when thy Flood raves , May not Salt Doris mixe her briny waves ! Cupid-thrild Gallus , Loves begin to rouz , Whilst that the flat-nos'd Goats the Tendrels brouz . Not to deafe Hearers We our Airs afford , The Ecco-ringing Woods our Words re-word . What Groves imbowr'd You , Virgin - Naiades , While Gallus perisht by such Loves as these ? For neither towring Pindus caus'd your stay , Nor Aganippe in Aonia . Nor yet Parnassus spire . With one accord The Tamariks , the Laurels Him deplord : Beneath a lovely Rocke reposing , thus Condold Lycaeus , Pine-clad Maenalus . The sheepe surround Him priz'd in our Esteem , Nor Thou Them to be vainely slighted deem , O divine Poet : Ev'n Adonis faire His sheepe did pasture at the Rills with Care. The Sheep-heard tardy Cow-heards thither drew ; From gathering Winter Acorns did accrew Menalcas wet ; And Then demand They All This fascinating Love's Originall . Why art thou Frantick , Gallus , cryes Apollo : For now thy Darling doth Another follow Through the Snow-shirted Alpes , and horrid Camps . Next , pranckt with Flowry Wreathes , Sylvanus ramps , And came with flowring Feruls in his hand , And great unsully'd Lillys . Ruddy Pan , The God that swayes Arcadia Then appear'd , With Dane-wort Berries , and Vermillion smeard , And ( quoth He ) will there be no Meane , nor measure ? Such Griefes as these to slight Love takes a Pleasure . Nor Teares dire Love ; Nor Streames that gently float Grasse satiate ; Cythisse , Bees ; Nor leaves , the Goat . Yet thus He said , Arcadians , ye this Thing ( To sing sole skild ) shall in your Mountains sing , What soft Repose shall Then my Bones enjoy , If your Pipe shall my Loves Hereafter play ? And would to God I had bin of your Crew To tend your Flock , or Vintager to You ▪ Were Phyllis , or Amyntas of Renown My Paramour ( what though Amynt be Brown ▪ Blacke is the Hyacinth , and Violet ) Beneath a Willow-married Vine We'd sit : Me Phyllis Chaplets ( while Amynt did sing ) Should gather . Here 's a coole , and pleasant Spring , Here soft enameld Meadowes , Here a Grove , Here my whole Life , I 'de spend with Thee , my Love. Now moody Cupid , ' mongst hard Warres Alarms , And hostile Troopes detaines Me , hemb'd with Armes , Thou , hard Lycoris , from the Country farre ( May I , to give no credence to it , care ) Without Me through the Alpes , and Rhine dost trace . Let no cold hurt Thee , ah no keene yee race Thy tender Feet ! I 'l go , those Layes that earst Compos'd were in Chalcidick Numbers First , I 'l tune on the Sicilian shep-heards Reed . For , rather in the Woods I have decreed My Mansion 'mong the wild Beasts dens to have , And in Trees tender Barks my Loves ingrave : They shall increase : You , my Loves shall increase . 'Bout Nymph-frequented Maenalus I 'l chase , Or Boars intoil . Parthenian Lawns will I Begird ( cold scorching ) with the loud-mouth'd Cry. Through Clifts , and ecchoing Woods ev'n Now to go I seeme : Cydonian Flights from Parthian Bow I 'l twang : As though This may my Fury cure , Or Cupid may to sympathize inure . But now again not Hamadryades , Nor Verses Themselves Vs impatient please , Woods yeeld again ; Our Toils Him cannot change . Though We through Thracian snow i' th winter range , Though Then We drench our Lips in Hebrus Floud : Though when the Barke rives on the Elm We shou'd Feed th' Aethiop's sheepe , under the Crab adust . Love All subdues , and yeeld to Love We must . This that your Poet sung it shall suffice , Ye Muses , whilst He sitting Wickers ties . To Gallus make these Layes , Pierides , Most deare : to Gallus , whose love doth encrease To Me each houre as much , as in the Spring The Aldar sprours . Let 's go , to such as sing The shade's offensive , the Iuniper's shade : And shades are hurtfull , when they Fruits invade . Full-fed , my browzing Goats , go home , goe home , For Night-reducing Hesper Now is come . FINIS . A SATYRICAL ESSAY , OR THE TWO FIRST SATYRS OF IVVENAL ENGLISHED . BY IOHN BIDLE . Est aliquid prodire tenùs , si non datur vltra . LONDON . Printed I. L. 1634. THE EPISTLE . MArvell not , Readers , that I set before you but this Pittance : I was loth to cloy your Appetites at the first , knowing ( on the one side ) that mens quesy and squemish stomacks rellish better the poinant suckets of a Love-Sonnet , or the Iulips of a frothy Epigram , than a Homely ( though holesom ) dish of Satyricall stuffe : And fearing withall ( on t'other side ) lest having cooked a great deale of this hard and sower-Meat ill , I might have so distasted a truely judicious Palat , as to have made it even sicke with Loathing , being not able by Reason of the Quality ( much more the Quantity ) without great annoyance , to concoct it . In this therefore ( in cooking I meane ) if I have greatly failed , I will willingly cry Peccavi , and herein offend no more : if not , ( God helping ) present you with the second and third course . In the mean-time , Gentlemen , rest you consent . Iohn Bidle . D. IVNIVS IVVENAL , HIS FIRST SATYR . THE ARGVMENT . Our Author in his furious Breast Resolves , in like sort , to infest The tyring Poets of his Times , But with sharp-fang'd Satyrick Rimes ; Urg'd in this rough Career to prance , By Rome's debaucht Inhabitan's : As shamelesse lewd Uiragoes First ; Soft Nice-lings , and Informers cur'st ; Pollers of Wards ; Wife-selling Pimps ; Will forgers , and Incestuous Imps ; Chuffs ; Dic●rs , with their Boven Lures ; Excessive Builders ; Epicures . WHat ? shall I be a Hearer onely still ? And ne'r to counter tire 'em try my Quill , With bawling Codrus vext , & pester'd Thus , His Poems , of the Gests of Thescus , So oft rehearsing , till He 's hoarse again ? Scot-free shall One troule out to Me amain , His curious smooth Latin Comedies ? Another his soft amorous Elegies ? And tyred thus on each side , ne'r shall I ? Scot free shall that Long tedious Tragedy Of Telephus , be all-day-long recited ? Or that of mad Orestes , Fury-frighted , The Booke of a huge Bulk ; in Folio Writ ; And ( th' Margin full ) Endorst ; Nor ended yet ? None better knowes his House , than I the Grove Of dantlesse Mars , sprung from the Strain of love ; And thumping Vulcan's Forge , that doth o're-peere The seven AEolian rocky I lets neere . What Pranks the whiffling Winds are wont to play ; What Ghosts sterne wracking AEacus doth pay ; From whence Another steales the Golden Fleece , And beares It , through the surging Brine , to Greece ; What great Wild-ashes Monychus , in Fight , Vp-rives , and darts against the Lapithite , Muse-fostring Fronto's walks his Or-thards round , Seeld with broad-spreading Plane-Trees , still resound . And 's Roof 's ev'n shiverd downe with oft Repeating , And Marble Columnes with the daily Beating Of yelling Poets cryes ev'n broke , record , As if th' had conn'd it over every Word . The Dog-bolt Poet , and the Artist Rare On the same subject Descant every where . And We from th' Fcrule have our Hand with drawne And We , declaiming Fained Theams have ta'ne , And counseld Sylla , his vast Reach confinde , And 's troublesome Dictatorship resignde , Vnto a Private Life to buckle Then , And sleepe secure . 'T is foolish Pitty , when You meet so many Poets every where , A little worth-lesse paper for to spare . But why I Rather list This Race to run , Rak't by Arunca's Noble Foster-son : If you at Leisure be , and like it well ; And of a Reason will admit , I 'l tell . When a soft Eunuch with a Wife shall mix ; When lewd Froes ( such as Maevia ) shall transfix The Tuscan Boar upon the Stage , and Bear , With naked Dugs , a Steel-tipt Hunting-spear ; When one base Scoundrell , Now out-vyes , Himselfe , All the Patricians with his ill got Pelfe , Who whilom oft with snipping Sissers sheard , When I was in my Prime , my cumbrous Beard ; When that AEgyptian Peasant , ( Now so soft ) That Vassall of Canopus , Crispin , oft Cals backe his Purple Cloake , and at It chides , That with the Heft still from his shoulders slides ; And waves his sweating Fingers too and fro , His light , thin-plated , Summer-Rings to show , Nor can ( for sooth ) endure the pond'rous Fraight , Of a Gem , in his Ring , of greater waight ! It is a hard thing not to Satyrize . For who 's so stupid , ( when he casts his Eyes On such Deboistnesse in Rome ev'ry where ) So steely-hearted , that he can forbeare ? When that Guts , Matho , ( of an Advocate , Turnd a Promooter Now ) is growne of Late Lo Rich that He in his New Litter rides , Full with his strouting Panch , and burly sides : And after Him when That Arch-Sycophant , The Poller of the Greatest Peeres , doth flaunt , That soone of precious Life will All deprive , Of the devoured Nobles that survive ; Whom even the base Delator Massa feares ; To whom the Pick-thanke Carus Presents beares ; At whom Latinus shudders , and for Hire , ( To stop his mouth ) even playes the Apple-Squire , And prostitutes to Him his owne deare Wife , Lest He accuse Him should , and take his Life . When They disherit Thee , the Lawfull Heir , Who in the Will invest Them-selves , by their Night Service ; Who soone up to Wealth , and powre , This Way ( the best Now to Promotion ) towre , Even by fulfilling the Obsene delights , Of rich Old Womens Itching Appetites : To Proculeius one twelfth Part 's assign'd , But unto Gillo the eleventh behind ; In the Inheritance every One doth share , As They by prudent Nature furnisht are : Well , much good it Him with his Lot ( for me ) And let Him , all his Blood exhausted , be With such a meager Palenesse still possest , As He that with bare Heels a Snake hath prest ; Or th' Oratour in the strict Solemne Game At the Lugdunian Altar to Declaime . What need I to relate with how great Ire My dry , chaf'd , glooming Liver 's set on Fire ? When that base Termagant doth proudly strout , And prease the People with the mighty Rout Of his Retinue , that his person gards , That rose to this vast Powre by Pilling Wards , Whom Now Ill-tempting Need doth even constrain Their lives by Prostitution to sustain : And Marius , who into Exile went , Condemn'd in vain ( for what 's Disparagement . If a Man's money still remaineth safe ? ) Now eft-soones , after eight of clock , doth quaffe , And 's Genius cheeres more , than Before , by Ods , And makes a Booty of the Angry Gods : But Thou , victorious Province , polled sore , Thy un-reprized Pillage dost deplore . These shall I not think worthy to be jerkt , And with a Venusinian Satyr yerkt , That smels o' th Lamp ? Shall I not Ferret These ? Why Rather should the Toiles of Hercules , Or Diomedes Fowl-transformed Men , Or bellowing Minocaure engrosse my Pen ? The Sea drencht Boy , or that quaint Artizan , That did the Air with selfe-fram'd Pinions fan ? When a base Pimp th' Adult'rer's Goods inherits , ( If his Wife cannot by her Filthy Merits ) That his Crafts-Master is up-right to ly , And rivet on the Seeling still his Ey ; And , faining Him well whitled , to repose , And Then snore soundly with a routing Nose : When he dares canvas for a Regiment , That hath his Goods , in Pampring Horses , spent ; Who wasts his Ancestor's Demeanes away , While with swift Coach he rakes Flaminia : For young Automedon the Palfreyes reand , When as He , vaunting , did Himselfe commend , Vnto his cloak-invellopt Paramour . Why , prithee , should I Now not bend my Powr , And fill large Tables in a four-way Leet ? When a proud Princox Lords it through the street , Pearcht on six Shoulders , to the fleeting Air On each side open , in a naked Chair , Even mating soft Mecaenas Garb ; that came Vnto this gallant Pompe , this Wealth , and Fame , By Little forged Wils , and Testaments , And his wet Signet , that the Wax indents . While further I proceed in Sin 's Survay , A powerfull Matron meets Me in the Way , Who to her thirsty Husband 'bout to skink A Cup of lushious Galene Wine , to drink , It with a Land-Toads banefull Venom blends , And Counsell to her Ruder Neighbours lends , ( Than that Locusta earst b'ing better skild ) Their Husbands with a Poysonous Potion kild , Forth-with to cary their blacke Corses out , Though it be knowne , and bruited by the Rout. If e'r Thou meanest to Thrive , some Fact assaile Short Gyaros deserving , and the Iaile : Prais'd Vertue sits , and blowes her Nailes for Cold. To heinous Crimes they ow , what-e'r they hold , To Them ingaged for their Wealthy State , Their Hort-yards , Manours , Tables Antique Plate , And imbost Goblets , on whose massy Sides Stands Phryxus Emblem that the Goat bestrides . Whom suffers the Ineestuous Leacher vile , That his owne Brothers Daughter doth defile , ( With Money precorrupted ) for to sleep , And 's Pen from writing touchy Satyrs keep ? Whom Male-Brides filthy , and Cupidian Boyes , That learne lewd Courtship , yet their childish Toyes , And Purple garded Coats are laid aside ? If the Ill Genius of a Man denide , Even Indignation would make Verses Than , So , so , as I , or Cluvienus can . Since that Deucalion , ( the Rest drencht in Rain ) Imbarquing on the Showr-incensed Main , Bi-topt Parnassus in a Friggot rought , And Themis Oracle devoutly sought ; And softned Stones , ensould by vitall Heat Gan quicken by Degrees , and Cold defeat ; And Pyrrha shewd her Maids ( enlived Stones ) To the Males likewise sprung from Tellus Bones : Mens Actions whatsoever , Fond desire , Vaine Pleasure , Pannicke Feare , Revengefull Ire , False glozing loyes , and fruitlesse speeches , looke , Are even the hotch-potcht Subject of our Booke . And when had all deboistnesse e'r more Scope ? When lay a greater Receptacle ope To the Prodigious Sin of Avarice , Than in our Times ? when did damn'd cheating Dice E'r raigne o'r Human Beasts with greater Sway ? For Now , not little Bags , to goe to play A Sett at Tables , do our Gamesters take , But a whole Coffer , cram'd with mony , stake . What Bick'rings you 'l see with the Steward There , His Master's Squire ( forsooth , ) that do's prepare His Implements , and Dicing Equipage . Infuriated with a Simple Rage Art Thou , lewd Spend-Thrist , for to loose no Lesse , At Mum-chance , than an hundred Sesterces , And not , for Wretchednesse , to spare a Groat Tow'rd buying of thy quiv'ring Groome a Coat ? Which of our Grandsires did , in Elder dayes , So many costly , sumptuous Mannours raise ? Which , by Himselfe Alone , at one Repast , Did with seven Dishes feast his dainty Tast ? But in the Lobby , Now a little Maund , To be snatcht by the Gowned Rout , doth stand ; Yet First he in thy Face doth stare , and dread Lest Thou , false nam'd , come in Anothers stead . If known , Thou shalt Receive . He summons Then By a shrill Cryer , even the Noble-men , That vaunt Themselves sprung from the Trojan Strain , For They infest the Lobby with our Train . Give to the Praetor , to the Tribune give They yell aloud , and cry . But by your leave , Roome for a Libertine your Better , Here ( Quoth He ) I am , your Better . Should I feare , Or doubt for to defend , and keep my Place , Though great Euphrates Verge my Birth embase , Which the soft Loop-holes in my eare imply , Although I stiffely should the same deny ? But my five Taverns in the Forum Heere , Yeeld Me a Knights Revenues every Yeere , What greater Boon confers the Purple Vest , ( The Badge of Knighthood ) if Corvinus prest By Need , turnes Hireling , and Anothers Sheep Doth in the Champains of Laurentum keep ? With a far richer State endow'd am I , Than wealthy Pallas , and the Lucini ; Now therefore let the Tribunes wait a space : Let Riches beare the Bell ! nor Him give place To sacred Honour , that , priz'd at a Rate , With white chalkt Feet came to this City Late ! Sith Powerfull Riches Now Majestick sit , Amongst Vs deem'd Divine , although , as yet , Thou , banefull Mony , dwelst not in a Fane ; As yet , by Vs un-godded dost remaine , Nor have we any Altars reard to Thee , As unto Peace , Faith , Vertue , Victory , And Concord , on whose Temple , with the Beak The Storks , their Nests saluting , loudly creak . But when , at the yeeres End the States do count , To what the Profit of the * Maund doth mount ; How much it doth to their Revenues add : What shall poore Clients do , that Hence are glad To fetch the shooes They weare , and Hence their Cloak ; Hence Bread , and Wood to make the Chimney smook . The Nobles , clustring , in their Litters stand , And crowd together thick to beg a Maund . The faint Wife , ready to be brought a Bed , Her Husband followes , and about is led . One , Suttle , for his absent Wife a Part Demandeth will , a well knowne tricke of Art , For his Wife showing a close empty Couch ; Then to the Almer doth the same avouch , And quicke dismisse me , 'T is my Galla , cryes ; Why staist thou thus , and dallist ; He replyes ? Lift , Galla , up thy head ; Advance thy Crest : When straight th' Impostor , Peace , She takes her rest Our Roman Gentry with a rare survay , And exact order , can dispose the day ! For , first to crave a Maund betimes they goe ; Then , to Augustus Court of Plea ; And so , Vnto the Lawyers Haunt , Apollo's shrine , Where the Triumphall clinquant statues shine , Mongst which , I know not what AEgyptian slave , And Arch - Arabian durst his Image have , Not onely worthy to be well be-pist , But — The Old weary Clients then , dismist Depart the Lobby , with a Maund content , ( That for a Supper hop't before they went ) And with it ( for they quite despaire againe ) To buy 'em Wood , and Cole worts last are faine , Meane while the choicest Sea fish , at his Boord , The choicest Ven'son that the Woods afford , Their Kingly Patron rich doth gurmandize , And by Himselfe on his Bed empty lyes : For of so many Faire , so Old , and Large , They but one Table still with Viands charge , Their Patrimonies there devouring quite . There will be now no Smell-feast Parasite . But who ' I endure those base Luxurious Chusses ? What 's He , who , when his stanch-lesse Maw he Stuffes , Whole Brawns before him sets ( Prodigious thing ! ) A Creature onely made for Banqueting ? But Thou dost quickly for thy Ravening pay : For when Thou , stripped , downe thy Robes dost lay , And to the Bath within thy strouting Panch ( The which so many Cates before did stanch ) An undigested Peacocks Flesh dost bring , Hence sudden Deaths , and Age Incestate spring . A Now ( nor Balefull ) Fame is bruited , Beast ; Of thy untimely Death at every Feast . And thy last Funerall Solemnitie Is by thy moody Friends performd with Glee . There will be no Offence , no Crime so bad , That After-Age can to our Manners add ! Our Nephewes will the same desire and doo . All Vice is at the Highest Pitch ! Goe too , Launch , Bully , launch , and all thy Sailes display ; Ply nipping Satyrs . Here , per chance you 'l say , Whence , prithee , wilt thou have such Wit , and Art , That 's correspondent to so hard a Part ? Whence th' Ancients Liberty ( their Mindes to write , And , what their Fury prompted , to recite : ) ( I say ) The Ancients down-right Liberty , Whose Name I dare not Now to specifie ? What matterd it at all , if Mutius , Tho , Forgave Lucilius biting Taunts , or No ? But Now debaushed Tigellistus note , And Then , invellopt with a Rozen'd Coate , Thou shalt be kindled for a Taper-Light , Like Them , with transsixt Throats that blaze by Night , And in the middle of the Tragicke sand , A broad Trench dig'em , and there burning stand . Shall He Then , that with banefull Aconite , Three Vncles poison'd , and dispatcht 'em quite , Vpon a Down-stuft Couch be mounted high , And over-looke Vs with a scornfull Ey ? Yes ; If he chance to meet Thee in the Way , Straight with thy Finger stop thy lips , I say : For if it happen but one Word run o're , There will be an Appeacher ; St , no more . Thou safely mayest adventure to rehearse AEneas Stowr with the Rutilian Fierce : Achilles Story , how he got his End , Transsixt by Paris Dart , doth no● offend : Or much-sought Hylas , that so soone was quencht , And with his Pitcher in the Fountaine drencht . As oft as wood Lucilius , as it were , With his drawn Bilbow Thunderd , straight for feare , The Hearer flushes , whose Heart 's cold with Sin ; With Secret Guilt his Fivers sweat within . Hence th' are so testy , and for Anger Whine . Perpend Thou therefore this Advice of mine , Before th' Alarm : Who hath his Murrion hent , Hee too-late of the Duell doth repent . Well Then what 's granted ' gainst Those , I 'l assay , Interr'd i' th' Latin , and Flaminian way . D. IVNIVS IVVENAL HIS SECOND SATYR . THE ARGVMENT . False glozing Stoickes naked Stript ; Their tapess'd sins unmaskt , and whipt . Obscene abused Cat amites . Soft Iudges . Base Hermaphrodites . Face-Farthing Otho quipt ; his Error In too much Gazing on his Mirror . The Gracchi ( that not orious Paire ) Unvizor'd , and well-scourged are : The First , for his Man. Marriage , vext ; For Fencing on the Stage the Next . He shewes the source , from whence arise All such uncouth Impieties , To be , ' cause men beleeve no Hell. Then do's Rome's vast Ambition tell , And jerkes , with It , her soft-growne State That Strangers did effeminate . I Hence from Rome will post , with speedy Motion , Beyond the Sauromates , and frozen Ocean : When Sacred Manners are the Chat of Those , Who , seeming Cury , live like Bacchus Froes . First are your Art-lesse Pedants : though at Home They have Chrysippus Image made of Lome In every Creeke , and Corner . For sole He , Of these Men , the exactest faine will be , That can the Life-like Statues shew to Vs , Of Aristotle , and Sage Pittacus . And ( ●s Megazin of Bookes to guard ) that sets Cleanthes and the Stoicks Counterfeits . The Front 's a cozening Mirror : For what street Is not with Obscene Catoes now repleate ? None more comptrols Effeminacy , than The most notorious soft Socratian . Rough Limbs , and Armes all-bristled o'r with Haire . Are the plaine Badges of a Mind severe : But in thy smooth Posteriors , full of Biles , The smiling Leach doth lance the swelling Piles . These men have seal'd-up Lips , and take great Pride , In silence and demurnesse ; yea , beside Then notted Haire doth not their Ey-brow busse : And therefore debaucht Teribonius Is in a far more tolerable state ; His Nature to Malignant Stars , and Fate I iustly doe impute , whose very colour , And lazy Gate are Symptomes of his Dolour . Such mens simplicity should Vs excite To Sympathy , and Ruth ; Their Passion 's might Doth plead Them Guiltlesse : But far worse are They Who with Herculean Thundring Taunts inveigh ' Gainst these Delinquents , and of Vertue prate Amid their base Venereous Cringes . What ? For feare of thy drad presence shall I thiver , While thy Posteriors do obscenely quiver ? Or , Sext us , am I one jot worse than Thee , Quoth loose Varillus of known Iufamy ? Strait let Him be , that mocks a wry-leg'd Man ; White , that derides an AEthiopian . The Graccbi plaining fore of Garboiles neare , And Innovation , who can brooke to heare ? Who would not , with confusion blending All , Cry out ; Heavens ! Earth , and Seas ! when Verres shall , ( The Archest Land sharke ) be displeas'd with Theeves ; At Homicides when th' Hackster Milo grieves ; The most Notorious leacher Clodius , Empleads Adulterers ; When Cethegus ; ( The Boutefeu ) 's accus'd by Catiline ; When three like bloudy Tyrants shall ( in fine ) Tax Sylla's Table of Proscription ? In which list was Vespasian's Lust-full Sonne , Whos 's Coiture , and late-Adultery , Might be the subject of a Tragedy : Who calling backe the Inlian Law severe , All , nay ( Mars and his Lemman thrild with Feare : From Iulia's fruitfull ( but too son-laid ) wombe , When so many Abortives forth did come ; And from Her issued , ( in lieu of sonne ) ( Right like their Vncle ) shapelesse Embryous . Therefore doe not the most deboist , by right , Yea even the vicious in the Abstract , slight These glozing Sca●r● , Who of sinne complaine . And , bit by thier Invectives , snap againe ? Late one of these Abuse-Comptrolers proud Laronia brookt not , as he yeild aloud , Retreating , where art thou Julian Law ? Falne in a ●ethargy ? with smiling Aw Who thus acoasts Him ; O thrice-happy Age , Whose Manners Grosse are checkt by such a Sage ! Let Rome ( earst Impudent ) Now blush c'offend : A third sowre Cato doth from heaven descend ! But whence , Sir , doe the Iushious Vnguents come ? Whence is this odoris'rous Balsamum ( In thy rough hairy Neck that swels so ) brought ? Tell of what seller of Perfumes 't was bought . But if the sleep-drownd Lawes be rowzed , Than , Above All , ought the sharpe Scantinian . First canvas Men in your strict Scrutinies : More palpable are their Enormities : But their Vast Number doth Them safely shield , And their close Files with Target Fencers stield . Amongst those Rybaulds there is great Consent ; But no such detestable President Shall in our Sex be found : Even Taedia ( That Trull ) doth never Abuse Cluvia : Nor Flora ( that lewd Quean ) Catulla Wrong With th' obscene Actions of her beastly Tong. Hispo's a Pathick , and diseas'd no lesse With Passive , than with Active Filthinesse . Do e'r we Women wrangling causes plead ? Do We the Civill-Lawes peruse , and read ? Or in your strife-full Courts e'r scold , and brawl ? Still at your Tournies , Few ( or None at all ) Virago-like doe combat ; Few doe eat The Doughty Wrastlers sole-allotted Meat . Ye Card Wooll , and re-carry backe in Maunds The well-wrought Webb ; Ye nimbly with your hands Rowl the Thred-swelling Spindle , Quicker yea Than feat Arachne , or Penelope . Like to the Squallid Spinster , by her Dame Doom'd to the Clog for being Tardy ta'ne . Why wealthy Hister made his Denison , In 's Will sole Heir of all his Goods , 't is known ; Why with great Largesses He , in his Life , Rewarded still his untoucht Virgin-Wife . Rais'd shall She be to Wealth , and Dignity , That in a Pathick's Pallet Third doth ly . This way to Thrive I thee will onely teach , Marry but such a One , and ne'r Appeach . Rich Pendants guerdon oft such secresie . On Vs a heavie Doome is past , and We Mean-while do smart it ; The Lawes partiall are , That silly Doves infest , and Crows forbeare . These daunted Stoicks from Laronia slung , While such Apparant Truths She boldly sung : For who can burden her with Forgeries ? What will not others dare to enterprise , When Thou invellopt art , soft Creticus , In Robes of Tassetie Diaphanous And ( though the Rout doth fleere at this thy Vest ) In it to Death Thou Harlots sentencest , As poore Polinea , and Procula . A Whore's Fabulla , and Carfinia , Condemne 'em ( if Thou list ; ) yet ne'r will They , Condemn'd , invest Themselves in such Aray . But Sun-burn't July Sir , most torrid is , And I even swelt with Heat . I grant you This Then plead stark-naked : 'T is a seemlier thing To be a Mad-man , than a Wantonling . A Garb past all compare ! in which Thee clad , And promulgating Lawes ( so Life They had ) Ev'n daign to heare the Ancient Romans might , Returning Victors from some horrid Fight All gasht , and mangled ; And those Mountainers , Their Plowes forsaking , and their Tillage-Cares ! What would you not exclaime , a Iudge to see So trapped ? I demand if A affetie Become a Witnesse ? Thou undaunted art , A Patriot stout : yet ev'ry Limb , and Part May be discerned ( to thy great disgrace ) Through the small crannies of thy pory Case . 'T is other Loose Men's foule Contagion Hath stencht thy Life , and further yet will run ; Like as one Scabbed Sheepe a Flocke infects ; One scurvie Swine a whole Heard's Health rejects ; And from sight of one perisht Grape that 's blue , Another Grape contracts the selfe-same Hue. E'r long thou 'lt Villanies attempt , and dare , Than those soft Vestments more flagitious farre . None forwith e'r extreamely wicked grew . Thee , by degrees , into their filthy crew The throng of Dapper softlings will admit , Who 'bout their Fronts at Home do Bonnets knit , Their Neckes adorning with deft Carquinets ; And ( like the Froes , that with Sow's tender Tears Appease their Bona dea ) screen'd in Night's Black collied Mantle , doe their beastly Rites To the Virago ; but invert the Guise , And Women thence cashier , and chase with Cries , Who dare not to the guarded Lobby venture ? This sacred Temple may Men onely enter ; Hence , Profane Women , Hence , They lowdly bawl ; No Cornets Clangor howleth Here at all ; Such Orgies did those Priests Effeminate , Earst with Night-burning Tapers celebrate , Wont with their Antique Rounds ( obscenely merry ) Cecropian Cotytto even to weary . He with wet Cole-sleck all his eye-brow smears ; Then curls in curious sort the collow'd Haires With a neat Crisping Pin , and lifting up His twinckling Eyes , doth fard'em In a Cup Of Glasse , proportion'd like a Virile Wand , He drinks , and in a Call ( with curious Hand Made all of ductill Gold ) his Head he dresses , Fare't with the Trammels of his braided Tresses ; In Watchet Robes invested , finely wrought With Cob-web-worke , and in a Whitish Coat Smooth-shorn , and thin , his very Groome ( beside ) Swearing by Juno in a wanton Pride . In 's Hand Another carr's a Looking glasse , ( Earst Otho's , born in lieu of Royall Mace ) And It , no lesse triumphing , doth advance , Than Turnus , when he brandisht Actor's Lance. In which He view'd Him-selfe in Harnesse standing , And His the standards to erect commanding . In new-made Registers , and a Fresh story To be recorded is this Mirror 's Glory , Part of the Baggage of the Civil Warre ! Galba to stay , was like a Chiestain Rare , And woman-like ( forsooth ) with curious Art His Skin to Fucusse , was a Heroe's part ! To bicker sharpely , at Brebriacum , For Empire of great Pallace-famed Rome . And spread on 's Face Bread soakt in Asses Milk , To sleek the skin , and make 't as soft as silke ! When Quiver-wearing loose Semramis Did never in Assyria practise This ; Nor Cleopatra , in her base Retreat From fatall Actium , sad for her defeat . All kind of rybauld Talke , and filthy words , Are Here the parly at their very Boards : To speake obscurely Here , and make a Noise With an affected wanton , lisping Voice , Hath the same Liberty , as earst among Base Phrygian Cybele's lascivious Throng ; And the old dotard , with a hoary Head , Their Arch-Priest , Spirit-rapt , and extased , May for his rav'ning panch . ( ne'r cloy'd with meat ) Of Gurmandizers be sole tearm'd the GREAT ; And is well worthy to be hir'd , to be Their Provost with an Ample Salarie . But why yet linger These , and daily thus , Whom ( like those Phrygian Priests Venereous ) It is high time Themselves to evirate , Sith they are Now grown quite Effeminate ? The Pathick Gracchus ( like a Virgin-Bride ) ( As I thinke ) to a Fluter earst affide , A Trumpeter he was else ( I assure ye ) Gave forty Sesterces to him for doury . In short , the Nuptial Tables both were sign'd ; To this great Vollyes of loud shouts were ioyn'd All crying out to Both , God give ye Ioy ! Large dishes , charg'd with Viands , in a Ray Were set upon the Tabler ; This New Bride Lay dandling in her Husband's Lap beside . O Peers ! Of Censours , to Reforme with speed , Or of Sooth-sayers have We greater need T' Attone such foule portentuous Crimes as This ? Wouldst thinke 'em more stupendious Prodigies , And shudder more , to see a Cow to a Lamb , Or to a Calfe a Woman prove a dam ? Long purfled stoles , and Scarfs of Crimson Dy Now habit Him , whose Neck beseemingly With short Round scutcheons was still charg'd of yore , Which Thong-ty'd , nodding with the Waight he bore , And the Morisco danc'd , till ( chaf't with Heat ) He parboild all his Limbs in scalding sweat . O Mars , drad Father of all-crushing Rome ! Whence have the Latian upland shep-heards come To this stupendious Height of Wickednesse ? Whence hath such tickling Lust ( like Netles ) these Thy bastardizing Nephews toucht , and slung ? For lo a Man , whose Fame for Riches rung ; Who was innobled by his royall Line , Doth ( against Nature ) with a Man combine ! And dost not ( for all This ) thy Murrion shake , Nor cause the Earth , struck with thy Lance , to quake And , netled with most horrid Indignation , To thy fire love complaine in furious Fashion ? Avant Then ; leave thy Tilt. yard ( earst severe ) Which Thou neglectest Now , devoid of care . To Morrow , when Sol First shall mount his Carre , And Heaven's Career to Gallop Him prepare , I must unto Quirinus Temple wend , For I 've engag'd my service to a Friend . Pray what 's the cause ( quoth One ) of your Vagary ? When straight Another , Why d' ye make Enquiety , As though You know not ? His Friend married is Vnto a Man , and with a Few , ( for This ) 'T is shuffled up : But , if you live , you 'l see Such Nuptials solemniz'd openlie , And in the Publike Registers inrold . Mean while great Teen these Male-Brides hearts doth hold , Because They cannot ( be They ne'r so fain ) Bring foorth , and so their Husbands still retain . But Nature well provided that our minds Should not our Bodyes change to other Kinds . These cannot be with-childed , therefore They Must barren dy , and ne'r their Bellies lay ; Nor yet no pouting hus pust Lydian Dame With her Receipts can remedy the same : Nor would it profit , though their Palms they had By Pans yare running Priests well ferula'd . But Gracchus in a sleeve-lesse Coat bedight , ( His Gown discarded ) hath outstripped quite This vncouth monster with his Trident , and Turnd Fencer , earst did scoure the spacious Sand , O'r come , and chas'd by his pursuing Fo-man ( I say ) the Scoundrel Gracchus , No● a common Net-casting Fencer , whose high Royall strain Dim'd with it's Lustre all the clinquant traine Of Capitol-preserving Manlius . The stout Marcelli , Great-soul'd Catulus , And life-contemning Paulus doughty Brood ; Th' Heroick Fabies all of Noble Blood And all the Senators , with every Peere Plac't in the Fore-ranke of the Theater ; Though I should ad to These the Praetor too , The Fencing-Nets to cast that hir'd him tho . That there are any grizly , hideous Ghoasts ; Realms vnder ground in Hel's black Ebon Coasts ; And a long shoving Pole ( grim Charon's Oare ; ) And blacke Frogs swimming in the Stygian Moore , And that so many thousand souls do float . And stem that Sable Sound in one small Boat ; Men , nay even Boyes themselves ( vnlesse they be No higher than three Horse-loaves , nor a Fee E'r to the Bath-guide did for Batting pay ) Are so farre from Beleeving Now , that They But Silly Old wives Fables do esteem 'em , And childrens Bugs , and Scare-crows onely deem'em But do Thou count em ' true ; What dost suppose Stern Curius thinks , and the Two Scipio's ? What grave Fabricius , and Camillus Ghoast ? What all the Fabies , that Patrician Hoast , Quite routed at the Verge of Cremera ? And all the Roman Fry , whose Corpses lay So thicke , that Cannae's field was paved quite ? What the soules of so many slaine in Fight , As oft as any such polluted Ghoast As this , descends Hence to their hallowed Coast ? Sure They would eft-soons to be purg'd desire With Sulphur ( might they have 't ) and Sacred Fire ; With fat Pine-Tapers , and a clensing Spray , To sprinkle Holy-water , made of Bay. Alas , We ( Whether we beleeve 't , or no ) To the Infernall Kingdomes needs must go ! We have ( Indeed ) our Guydons born beyond The Late-ta'n Orcads , and Hibernian strond ; And sea-clapt Britans whose light Hemi-sphere Is with Nights sable shrouds scarce curtain'd e're . But the Prodigious sins , which We , at Home , ( Triumphant Victors ) do commit in Rome , Those whom We have surpriz'd , and triumph o're ( Sole Conquerours indeed ) to doe abhorre . But yet One , loose Armenian Zalates , Softer than striplings All , unnerv'd by Ease , Was ( as 't was bruited , and by all men se'd ) The Lust-inflamd Tribune's Ganymed . See what commerce will doe ! he came to Rome As a good , simple Hostage did become . Here they are made Men ! But if longer stay These Forraine Lands make in our City , They Shall ne'r want a corrupting Paramour . Their slops , Knives , Bridles , switches swopt with our Loose Garbles , the Praetext Manners soft away They will beare with them to Artaxata . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A14498-e15580 * * Sportula opposita caenae recta . A14500 ---- Virgil's Georgicks Englished. by Tho: May Esqr Georgica. English Virgil. 1628 Approx. 170 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 81 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-05 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A14500 STC 24823 ESTC S119392 99854599 99854599 20026 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A14500) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 20026) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1159:6) Virgil's Georgicks Englished. by Tho: May Esqr Georgica. English Virgil. May, Thomas, 1595-1650. Vaughan, Robert, engraver. [10], 147, [5] p. Printed [by Humphrey Lownes] for Tho: Walkley in Brittains Burse, Lo: : 1628. In verse. The title page is engraved and signed: R Vaughan fecit. Printer's name from STC. The first leaf and the last two leaves are blank. In this edition the text ends on K2. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng 2002-12 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-01 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-02 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2003-02 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion VIRGIL'S Georgicks Englished . by Tho : May Esq Lo : printed for Tho. Walkley in Brittains Burse R●ughan fecit 1628 To my truely judicious Friend , Christopher Gardiner of Haleng , Esquire . I Cannot make a fitter choise of any Name to stand prefixed before this Worke , than such a friends , who not onely vnderstands but loves endeavours of this nature ; one as far from pride as ignorance ; and such a Reader , as I could wish all , but cannot hope to finde many . It is a Translation of such a Poet as in our age is no lesse admired , than hee was once honoured in his Romane world . To speake how learned the Poem is , how full of heights not improperly raised out of a meane subject , were needlesse to you , who so well vnderstand the originall of it , and the pattern of this originall , the Poem of Hesiod . If there were any thing in my paines , which might either offend an honest eare , or justly suffer a great condemnation from a learned Censurer , I should bee fearefull to commend it to you , whose Religion , Life , and Learning , are so well known vnto me . This Worke may informe some , delight others , it can hurt none ; it is no new thing , ( being a Translation ) but an old Worke of such a Poet , who in the Opinion of his owne times was an honest man , as well as an able writer . Whose Poem if I have truely rendered , I thinke it better than publishing mine owne fancies to the World , especially in an Age so much cloyed with cob-webbe Inventions , and vnprofitoble Poemes . How much I have failed in my vndertaking , ( as missing the sense of Virgil , or not expressing of him highly and plainely enough ) they onely are able Iudges who can conferre it ; and such are you to whose iudgement I leave it , and rest Your true Friend THOMAS MAY. GEORGICON . The first BOOKE . THE ARGVMENT . TIllage , in all her severall parts , is showne , Her favouring gods , her first invention , Her various seasons , the celestiall signes ; And how the Plow-mans providence divines Of future weather : what presages bee From Beasts and Birds by wise antiquity Drawne into rules insallible ; from whence The Plow-man takes despaire , or confidence . It hat tooles th' industrious husband's works a● vaile ▪ Fro whence our Poet sadly doth bewaile That crooked Sickles turn'd to Swords , so late Had drunke the blood of Romes divided State ▪ And in few yeares with her unnaturall wounds Had twice manur'd Aemathiae● fatal grounds . What makes rich crops ; what season most enclines To plowing th' earth , & marrying elms with vines ? What care of Neat , or Sheep is to be h●d ; Of frugall Bees what trials may be made I sing , Mecoena● , here . You lights most cleare , Whose heavenly course directs the sliding yeare ▪ Bacchus , and fostring Ceres , if first you Did for Chaonian Mast rich Corne bestow , And temper'd waters with invented ( b ) wine : You tillage-favouring gods ; ye ( c ) Fauns divine , And virgin Dryades be present now : I sing your bounties : and , great ( d ) Neptune , thou , Whose tridents stroke did first frō th' earth produce A warlike horse : thou that the woods dost use , Whose full three hundred snow-white Bullocks run Grazing rich ( e ) Caeas pasture fields upon , Sheep-ke●ping Pan , with favour present bee ( If thy M●●nalian flocks be deare to thee ) Leaving Lycaeus , and faire Arcady : Minerva foundresse of the Olive tree : Thou ( f ) youth inventer of the crooked plow : And thou that mak'st the tender Cypresse grow Vp from the root , ( g ) Silvanus : all that love Tillage , both gods , and goddesses above , That growing plants can foster without seed , And them from heaven with raine sufficing feed : And thou , great Caesar , whom t is yet not plaine What ranke of gods shall one day entertaine ; Whether the World thy deity shall feare , As Lord of fruits , and seasons of the yeare , Of lands and townes ( with Venus myrtle tree Crowning thy head ) or thou the god wilt bee Of the vast Sea , and Thules farthest shore , And thee alone the Saylors shall adore , As Thetis sonne-in-law with all her Seas Giuen for a Dower ; or else that thou wilt please To adde one signe to the slow moneths , and be Betwixt the ballance , and ( h ) Erig●ne ; The fiery Scorpion will contract his space , And leaue for thee in heauen the greater place . What ere thou 'lt be ( for hell despaires to gaine Thee for her King : nor thirst thou so for reigne , Though Greece so much th' Elysian fields admire , And sought Proserpin● would not retire Thence with her mother ) view with gracious eies , And prosper this my ventrous enterprise . Pity the Plow-mens errours , and mine too , And use thy selfe to be inuoked now . When first the spring dissolues the mountaine snow When th' earth grows soft again , & west winds blow , Then let your Oxen toile in furrowes deepe , Let use from rusting your bright plowshares keep . Those crops , which twice have felt the sun , & twice The cold ; will Plow-mens greediest wish suffice . Harvests from thence the crowded barnes will fill . But least the fields we ignorantly till , To know how different lands and climates are , All windes and seasons , let it be our care ; What every Region can , or cannot beare ; Here corn thrives best : vines best do prosper there ; Some Lands are best for fruit , for pasture some ; From Tmolus see how fragrant saffrons come : 'Mongst the Sabaeans frankincense doth grow ; Iron the naked Chalybes bestow : India sends ivory , Pontus beavers stone , Epire swift horse , that races oft haue wonne ▪ These severall vertues on each land and clime , Nature bestow'd even from the point of time , When stones in th' empti'd world Deu●alion threw , Frō whēce th' hard-harted race of mankind grew . Therefore when first the yeare begins , do thou Thy richest grounds most deep and strongly plow , That Summers piercing Sun may ripen more , And well digest the fallow gle●e ; but poore , And barren grounds about October plow Not deepe ; in one , lest weedes , that rankly grow , Spoile the rich crop : in tother , lest the dry And sandy grounds quite without moisture ly . And let thy ●ield each other yeare remaine Fallow , and ear'd , to gather heart againe . Or else thy corne thou there mayst safely sow Where in full codds last yeare rich pease did grow , Or else where tares , or lupines last were sowne , Lupines that sadnesse cause ; ( for t is well knowne That oates , hempe , flaxe , and poppy causing sleep Do burne the soile ) but best it is to keep The ground one yeare at rest ; forget not than With richest dung to hearten it againe , Or with unsifted ashes ; so t is plaine That changing seedes gives rest unto a field ; And t is no losse to let it lye untill'd . Fires oft are good on barren earshes made With crackling flames to burne the stubble blade . Whether the earth some hidden strength do gaine From thence , or wholesome nourishment obtaine : Or that those fires digest , or purge , or dry All poisonous humours that in th' earth did ly : Or else that heat new pores , and caverns opes , Through which good iuice comes to the following crops ▪ Or else it knits the earths too open veines , And makes them more compact , lest falling raines Soake them too farre , lest Boreas piercing cold , Or Phoebus heat should dry the parched mold . And wholesome husbandry t was euer found Often to breake and harrow barren ground , And well rewarded still at Ceres hand . Nor is 't unwholesome to subdue the Land By often exercise : and where before You broke the earth , againe to plow it ore Crosse to the former . Let the Plow-mens prayer Be for moist sol●●ices , and winters faire . For winters dust doth cheere the land , and draw So great an haruest , that rich Maesia For all her skill obtaines not greater store , Nor Ida's hil● do boast their plenty more . What shall I say to him that sowes his Land Immediately , scattering the barren Sand ? Then brings in watering streames that wil suffice ? And when in scorched fields all Herbage dyes : Lo , he from higher bending hillocks drawes In furrowes wate●s down , which gliding cause Among the pebble stones a murmuring sound , And with their streams refresh the thirsty ground ▪ Or him , that least ranke eares should ouerlade , And lodge the stemme , he in the tender blade , Eates off the rankenes ? Or that draines his ground With thirsty sand , when moisture doth abound ? When in the Spring , or Autume specially ( Vnconstant seasons ) riuers swell'd too high Haue fill'd the drenched fields with slime , and yet The draining trenches with warm moisture sweat . Nor are these things ( though they mens labors be And beasts ) not subiect to the iniurie Of ●●ose , Strymonian Cranes , the shade of Trees , And growing bitter-rooted Suckoryes . For Ioue himselfe , loath that our liues should proue Too easie , first caus'd men the ground to moue , Fill'd mortall hearts with cares , nor sufferd he The world to fall into a Lethargy . Before Ioues reign no Plow-men till'd the ground ▪ Nor was it lawfull then their Lands to bound : They liu'd in common all : and euery thing Did without labour from earths bosome spring . Ioue Venome first infus'd in Serpents fell , Taught Wolues to prey , and stormy Seas to swell : Rob'd leaues of honey , and hid fire from men , And banish'd wine , which run in rivers then , That th' arts by neede might so in time be found ; Corne might be sought by tilling of the ground , And hidden fire from flints hard veines be drawn . Then Aldern boates first plow'd the Ocean : The Sailers number'd then , and nam'd each starre The Pleiads , Hyads , and the Northren carre . Deceiving bird-lime then they learn'd to make : And beasts by hunting , or by toyles to take : Drag-nets were made to fish within the deep : And casting nets did rivers bottomes sweep . Then iron first , and sawes were understood ; For men before with wedges clef● their wood . Then th' arts were found ; for all things conquer'd be By restlesse toyle , and hard necessity . First yellow Ceres taught the world to plow When woods no longer could afford enow Wilde crabs and acorns , and Dodona lent Her mast no more : then miseries were sent To vexe the art of tillage : blastings kill'd The stalks , and fruitlesse thistles in the field Prevailing , spoyl'd the corne : rough weeds did grow , Of burs and br●mbles troubling it , and now Within the fields among the harvest graine Corne-v●xing darnell , and wilde oates did reigne . That now unlesse thou exercise the soile , Fright birds away , and with continuall toile Lop off the shadowing boughes , and pray for raine Devoutly still , thou mayst behold in vaine Thy neighbours heape of corne with envious eies Labouring with mast thy hunger to suffice . The hardy plow-mens tooles must now be shown , Without which corne can nor be reapt nor sown . The flaile , fled , coulter , share , and crooked plow , The iron harrow , Ceres wagons slow , Celeus poor wicker houshold-stuffe , and than Harrowes of wood , with Bacchus misticke Van. All these before hand must be got by thee If fame thou seeke in noble husbandry . Fetch from the woods a fitting elme , and bow The same with skill , till of a crooked plow It take the forme ; to that fasten a beame Eight foot in length , two eares ; not far from them The wood that holds the share ; but tile-tree take , Or lofty beech the Oxens yokes to make , And tailes of plowes , which all the course do guid , When smoke the goodnesse of the wood hath tri'd ▪ Many of the ancients rules I here could show Vnlesse thou scorne to study Arts so low ; Let thy Barns floore be digg'd , and sodder'd than With tuffest Clay , and then rowl'd hard againe , Lest it should turne to dust , or grasse should grow . Many mishaps may fall ; the mouse below Oft makes her house , and garner under ground , And there as oft the blinde-borne moles are found : There Toades , and many earth-bred Monsters ly : There little Weeuills heapes of corne destroy , And frugall Ants , that toyle for times to come . Consider thou , when Nut-trees fully bloome , And with their fragrant blossomes bend the tree , As those nuts thriue , so will thy harvests be , And corne in great abundance gathered . But if those trees in broad leaues only spread , Then ears , though great , but little grain wil yeeld . Some I haue seene , before they sow their field , Their seedes with lees of oyle , and nitre still To macerate , which makes full graines , to fill The flattering huskes ; or else their seedes to boile . Seedes I haue seene chosen , and pick'd with toile , Yet grow ill corne , unlesse the man for feare Cull with his hand the greatest every yeare . So all things of themselues degenerate , And change to worse even by the law of Fate ; No otherwise than when a man doth row Against a violent streame with much adoo , If ere he chance from rowing to refraine , His Boate is hurry'd downe the streame againe . Plow-men had need each starre as well to know The Kids , the Dragon , and Arcturus too As Sailors neede , who in rough stormes are wont To passe the Oyster-breeding Hellespont . When Libra first diuides the world , twixt light And darknesse , equalling the day and night , Then exercise your teames , and barley sow Till winter to extremity do grow . While yet t is dry thy hempe , and poppie sow Before the Winter too tempestuous grow . Sow beans i'th'Spring , Claue grasse in rotten soile , And Willet , that requires a yearely toile , When with his golden hornes bright Taurus opes The year , & downward the crosse Dog-star stoops . But if thou plow to sow more solid graine A wheat or barley harvest to obtaine , First let the morning Pleiades be set , And Ariadnes shining coronet , Ere thou commit thy seed to ground , and there Dare trust the hope of all the following yeare . Some that before the fall o' th' Pleiades Began to sow , deceived in th' increase Have reapt wilde oates for wheat . But if that thou Disdain not Fesels , or poor Vech to sow , Or care to make Aegyptian lentils thrive , Falling Boòtes then to thee will give Signes not obscure . Begin to sow , and till The midst of winter hold on sowing still . And therfore through twelve signes bright Phoebus guides The world , and th' earth in severall climes divides . Five zones divide the heavens , the torrid one Still red , still heated by the burning sun . On either side are two extreamely cold , Which ice , and frosts , and stormes perpetuall hold : Twixt that and these , to comfort mans estate , The gods have plac't two zones more temperate Twixt both these two , a line i' th' midst is put , Which by the Zodiack is obliquoly cut . And as the world is elevated to The Scythian North , it does declining go Down to the Libyan South . The North's still high To us , the South vnder our feet doth lye , Seen by the ghosts , and balefull Styx below . The mighty dragon there windes to and fro , And like a crooked river doth passe through And compasse round the great and lesser Beare , Which to be dipped in the Ocean feare . There ( as they say ) an ever silent night Remaines , and darknesse never pierc'd by light , Or else the morne returnes to them , when gone From us , and brings them day ; when th'Eastern su● Doth in the morne salute our haemisphere , Darke night compels them to light candles ther● . Hence we in doubtfull skies may stormes foresee , When a fit harvest or seed time will bee ; Or when to plow th' uncertain ●eas t is fit With cares , or when to rig an armed fleet , And when pine trees are seasonably fell'd . Nor can this speculation vaine be held , How th' heavenly signes doe rise and fall , and here Into foure seasons do divide the yeare . When storms within doores keep the husbandman They give him leisure to make ready than What they would hasten in faire weather more , To grinde their plowshares dulled edge , to bor● And hollow tree● for boates ; the husbandmen Then measure corne , and marke their cattell then . Some horned forkes prepare , some sharpen stakes , Bonds for the limber vines another makes : Panyers sometimes of Rubean twigs they make , Sometimes they grinde their corne , somtimes they bake : For all diuine and humane Lawes allow On greatest holy-daies some workes to do , To digge a dike , or fence about the corne ; To catch the harmefull birds , brambles to burne : To wash the bleating flocks in riuers cleare By no Religion was forbidden ere . Some driue their Asses to the market towne With oyle and apples , who returne anone Laden with pitch and grinding stones againe . The Moone did not all daies alike ordaine Happy for euery worke . The fift Moone fly , Then hell and furies first began to be . Then did the earth an impious birth produce Typhoeus , Caeus , and Iapetus , That durst conspire the towers of heauen to rase . Thrice they indeavour'd with strong hand to place The mountain Ossa on high Pelion , On that Olympus : thrice great Ioue threw downe Their worke with thunder . But the fourteenth day Is best to plant your vineyards , and assay Your new-tam'd Oxen. Then best spinning thriues ; The ninth is safe to travell , free from Theeues . Some works by night are happiest brought to pass , Or when the morning starre bedeawes the grasse . By night your stubble and dry Meadowes mow , For night faire moisture doth on them bestow . Some sit up late at winter-fires , and fit Their sharp edg'd tools ; the while their wiues do sit Beside them carding Wooll , and there make light With songs the tedious labour of the night . Or boyle new wine from crudities , and skim The bubbling froth off from the Caldrons brim . But reape thy corne in the daies heat and drought , For dry-reap't corne will thresh more cleanly out . In Summer naked plow thy ground , and sow : Cold Winter rest on plowmen doth bestow . Then they enioy what they before did gaine , And with glad feasts each other entertaine . The geniall Winter to free ioy inuites From care . Such are the Mariners delights , When laden ships long absent from their home Now deckt with garlands to the hauen come . Besides the Winter is a season fit To gather ackorns , and ripe berries get Of bayes , of olive trees , and myrtles red . To catch wilde cranes in sprindges , and to spred Toiles for red Deere ; the long-ear'd Hare to start , And fallow Deere with a loop'd Spanish dart Wel thrown to kil , whē with deep snow the ground Is hid , and rivers with strong ice are bound . The stormes of Autumne why should I relate ? When daies grow shorter , and more moderate The heat ? what care good husbands entertaine ? Or when the show●ry spring doth promise raine ? Whē all the fields with green ear'd corn are proud And tender blades the swelling graine do shroud ? ●oft have seen , when corne was ripe to mow , And now in dry , and brittle straw did grow , Windes from all quarters oppositely blow . By whose dire force the full-ear'd blades were torn Vp by the roots , and into th' aire were born : No otherwise than when blacke whirle windes rise , And tosse dry straw and stubble to the skies . Oft fall huge gusts of water from the sky . And all the full-swell'd clouds whirle from on high Black showers & stormes about : the thunders noise Even rends high heaven , & falling raine destroyes All crops , and all that th' Oxens toile has done . Dikes fill : with sound the swelled rivers run ; The seas with troubled agitations move . In midst of that tempestuous night , great Iove From a bright hand his winged thunder throwes : Which shakes the earth ; beasts flye ; sad terror goes Through mortal breasts . His burning dart doth aw Rhodope , Athos , th' high Ceraunia . The showery South windes double now , and round The woods do murmur , and beate shores resound . For fear● of this observe the moneths and signes : Marke to what house Saturns cold star inclines : And with what planet Mercurie doth ioyne . But first give worship to the powers divine : Offer to ( i ) Ceres yearely sacrifice With feasts upon the grasse , when winter is Quite spent , and now the spring doth fresh appear . Then lambs are fat , then wines are purg'd & clear : The shady mountaines then sweet sleeps afford . Let her by all thy plowmen be ador'd : Let honey , milke , and wine be offered To her , and th' happy sacrifice be led About the new corne thrice , whilst every one Followes with ioyfull acclamation , Imploring Ceres favour ; and let none Presume to thrust a sickle into corne , Vnlesse with oaken wreathes he first adorne His head , and dance unartificially With hymnes of praise to Ceres Deity . And that by certain tokens we might know When heat will come , when raine , when winds shal blow , Great Ioue ordained monethly what the Moone Should teach , what signes foretell , when winds go down , That husbandmen , marking what oft befals Know when to keep their cattell in the stals . Iust ere the windes arise , the Sea swels high , Great noise is heard from all the mountaines nigh , Then hollow murmurs through the woods you hear , And all the shoares resounding far and near . Then Seas are ill to Saylers evermore When Cormorants fly crying to the shore From the mid-sea , when Sea fowle pastime make Vpon dry land , when Herns the ponds forsake , And mounted on their wings do flye aloft . You may discerne , when windes are rising , oft The stars in heauen do seeme to fall , and make Through nights dark ayre a long and fiery tracke . Oft straw and wither'd leaues in th' aire fly vp , And feathers swimme upon the waters top . But when it lightens from the boistrous North , And th' East , and Western houses thunder forth , The Lands oreflow'd , the Dikes fill'd every where , And Marriners wet sayles on th' Ocean beare , The storme can nere thee unawares surprise , For from the Vallies , ere it thence arise , The Cranes do fly , the Bullock vpward throwes His head , and snuffs the ayre into his nose ; The subtle Swallow flyes about the brooke , And querulous Frogs in muddy pooles doe croke . Th' industrious Ant through narrow paths doth role Her egges along from out her little hole . The Rain-bow seemes to drink the waues , & home The Crowes in mighty sholes from feeding come , And clap their wings aloud ; Sea-fowles , and those That feed along where faire Cayster flowes Through th' Asian meadowes , you may often see Bathing themselues in water greedily . They oft diue downe , and swimming to and fro A glad , though vaine , desire of washing show . Then with full throats the wicked Rooks call on The raine , and wander on the shores alone , Offring their heads to the approaching showres . As maids in spinning spend the nights late howres , Their burning lamps the storm ensuing show , Th' oile sparkles , theeves about the snuffe do grow . By no lesse true , and certaine signes may we Faire daies and sunshine in a storme foresee . For then the stars aspects are cleare to us , Nor does the moone arise obnoxious Vnto her brothers rayes , nor ore the sky Do little clouds like woolly fleeces fly : The Theus-lov'd Kings-fishers spread not then Their wings against the sun ; nor Hogs uncleane Prepare them heapes of straw to ly upon . But to the lowest vales the clouds fall down . The fatall owle high mounted at sun set Does not the balefull evening song repeat . Nisus his wings in th' ayre aloft displayes , And for his purple lock false Scylla payes . Where ever Scylla through the ayre doth fly , Nisus , her fierce and cruell enemy , With eager flight pursues ; from thence where he Appeares , with fearfull wing doth Scylla flye . The ravens with a loud , and strained throate From their high nest do oft repeat their note , And 'mongst the leaves they croak together all As taken with a ioy unusuall ; It does them good , the storme now spent , to see Their nests of young ones , and dear progeny . I do not think that all these creatures have More wisedome than the fates to mankinde gave ; But thus ; as tempests , as th' unconstant skies Do change their course , as severall windes arise In th' aire , and do condense , or ra●ifie , ●ust so their natures alter instantlie . Their breasts receive impressions different ; As some by calmes , so some by stormes are sent . Hence that consent of ioy or wo doth slow Which croaking ravens , fowle , and cattell show . But if that to the swiftly moving sun Thou look for signes , or to the following moone , The next daies weather thou maist know , nor be Deceiv'd by a faire evenings treacherie . Be sure great stormes by sea and land ensue When first the Moon doth her wan'd light renue , If then her dulled hornes dark ayre embrace . But if a rednesse hide her virgin face It will be windy ; that complexion In her shewes winde . But in the fourth new Moon ( For that 's the certain'st author ) if most cleare , And free from dimnesse her bright horns appeare , That day , and all the following daies shall be Till the moneths end , from rain and tempests free ▪ To Panopaea , Glancu● , Inoe● boy The saued Marriners shall pay with ioy Their vowes upon the shore . But sur'st of all , And best the Sunne , when he doth rise , or fall Into the Ocean , doth those rules bestow , When he or yeelds to night , or morne doth show . When full of spots the rising Sunne doth seeme , Hid in a cloud , and in his middle dimme , Suspect great raine ; the moist Southwinde is nigh To cattell , corne , and trees an enemy . Or when thick clouds the morning Sunne do hide , Yet ●ound about his shining rayes are spi'de , Or when Aurora with a count'nance pale Leaues Tithons rosie bed , then ill from haile , Which leapes into all houses rattling hard , Can thinne vine leaues ( alas ) the clusters guard ▪ These signes more surely may obserued bee About the setting Sunne ; for oft wee see His face with various colours is orespred ; Azu●e betokens raine : a fiery red Shewes winde . But if that rednesse mix'd appeare And full of little spots , then every where Both winde and raine together shall be seen ▪ In such a night , when that sad signe hath been , Shall no perswasions make me venture ore The Seas , or loose my Cables from the shore . But when his Orbe both even and morne is bright , Then let no feare of stormes thy minde a●fright . The woods no windes but dry North windes shall moue . And last of all how all the night shal proue , Frō whēce dry clouds the north●ē wind shal driue , And what moist seasons the south winds shall giue , The Sun shall perfectly declare to thee , And who dares taxe the Sunne of falsitie ? He oft forewarnes us of blinde tumults nigh , Of growing wars , and secret treachery . He pitying Rome , when Caesar murder'd dy'd , In sable darknesse his bright head did hide , And night eternall threaten'd th' impious age . Then besides him did th' earth and seas presage : The Dogs and fatall birds sad signes did yeeld . How often then into the Cyclop● field Did Aetna's burning caverne overflow , And globes of fire , and melted stones did throw ? The trembling Alps did shake ; ore all the sky A noise of arms was heard in Germany . In solitary groves were often heard Affrighting voices , and pale ghosts appear'd When night began ; the beasts 'gainst nature spake ; Hoods stopt their courses ; the cleft earth did make Wide chinks ; on statues , which our temples kept , The brasse did sweat , the mourning ivory wept . Swelling Eriadnus the king of floods ▪ With violence orethrew the lofty woods , And ore the fields both beasts and stals did beare . Beasts entrailes sad , and threatning did appeare . The Wels were fill'd with bloud ; in depth of night The howling Wolves did greatest Towns affright ▪ Nere flew more lightning through a welkin faire , Nor mo portentuous comets fill'd the aire . Therefore with equall ensignes once againe Two Romā hoasts fought on Philippi Plain . The gods were pleas'd that our blood-dropping woūds Should twice ( k ) manure Aemathiaes fatal grounds . Rust eaten piles and swords in time to come , When crooked plows dig up earth's fertile womb ; The husbandman shal oft discover there , And harrowes i●on teeth shall every where Rake helmets up ; plowmen in graves so old Such large-siz'd bones shall wonder to behold . Romulus , Ve●●a , and ye native gods That keep by Tuscan Tyber your abodes , And Romes high pallaces , take not away Young Caesa● , now the only ayde and stay Of this distressed age ; enough have we Already pay'd for Troyes old periury . The court of heaven already envies us Caesar , for thee , that thou vouchsafest thus Poor earthly triumphs to regard below . For when such mischiefes , and dire wars did flow Ore all the world , & right with wrong confound , The plowes neglected lay , the fruitlesse ground Ore-grown with weeds , for want of tillers mournd , And crooked sickles into swords were turnd . Euphrates here , there Germany in arms Was up ; on tother side the loud alarms F●ight neighbouring cities ; all accords are broke , And all the world with impious war is shooke . So when swift charriots from the lists are gone , Their furious hast increases as they run . In vaine the charrioter their course would stay ; Th'ungovern'd horses hurry him away . Finis libri primi . Annotations upon the first BOOKE . IT is not unknowne to any man , who is an able iudge of this worke , that Virgil , though Prince of the Roman Poets ( for that title his own age freely affoorded him , and the judgement or modesty of succeeding times never detracted from him ) did help his inuention by imitation of the Grecian Poets ; & in this work of his Georgicks , ( to speak nothing of his Aeneids , or Bucolicks ) he has taken his subject from Ascraean Hesiod ; as his own verse in the second booke modestly acknowledges . Ascraeuinque cano Romana per oppida carmen . In this subiect ( though the learning of Virgil must needes carry him vpon other matters than Hesiod treated of , and his own intent to honour his natiue Italy , which was then mistresse of the conquer'd world , and to whose climate and properties hee especially proportions this discourse of husbandry ) hee retaines in many things the Grecian way ; bee invokes their gods ( men whose ancient worth had deis●ed them to posterity ) he builds upon many stories , which either the Gre●kes inuented , or the distance of time has made posterity not to credit them as truths , but intitle them poeticall stories . Some of these histories which are shortly mentioned in this Werks , I haue thought fitting to relate here for th● ease or delight of the English reader , ●●treating all Readers to pardon me for striving onely to please them : ( for to mee it can adde nothing , since all men of iudgement can tell how easily , and where I find them . ) I haue not mentioned them all ; nor made a large comment upon the worke to extend it to an unnecessary bulke ; but mentioned such only as I thought fitting . ( b ) Staphylus the son of Sithneus , and chiefe Shepheard to Oeneus king of Aetolia , had obserued that one of his goates did often in feeding separat it selfe from the rest of the flocke , and by that feeding was growne fatter and better in liking than all the rest . He upon a day resolved to watch this goate , and found it feeding on a cluster of grapes : he gathered some of the grapes , & wondring at the noveltie and rarenesse of the fruit , presented it to the King his Master . The King tasted it , and wondrously pleased , and cheared with the juice of it , began to esteeme it of great value ; insomuch as not long after it so happened , that the great Bacchus returning from his Indian conquests , was entertained at the court of this Oeneus ; who presented to Bacchus his new-found fruit . Bacchus , who before had learned the use of it , instructed the king how to continue the race , and the maner how to dresse , and perfect his vines ; and ordained withall that the wine in the Greeke language should be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in honour of Oeneus , and the grape 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , after the name of Staphylus the kings shepheard . ( c ) These Faunt are accounted the country Gods , and are thought alwaies to inhabite in the woods . The first of them was Faunus king of the Aborigines , the son of Picus , & grandchilde of Saturne , who first reduced the inhabitants of Italy to a ciuill life : hee built houses , and consecrated woods ; in honour of so great a merit as this , he was by his thankefull posterity ( as the custome was of those times ) consecrated a god , and his oracle with great devotion kept in Abbunea an Italian wood . Of his name all Temples were afterwards called Fanes ; hee married his sister Fauna , whom the Romans in after times honoured with great deuotion , and called her Bona ; Shee gaue Oracles to the women , as her husband Faunus did unto the men . ( d ) The Fable is thus ; When the famous City of Athens was founded , and Neptune and Minerva were in great contention who should have the honour of naming the place , it pleased the gods to appoint it thus , that the honour should accrew to that deity , who could bestow the greatest benefit upon mankinde . Vpon which sentence Neptune with his trident striking the shore , immediately a furious horse provided , and armed for the war , was created by that stroke : Minerva casting her javelin from her , of that javelin produced an Olive tree ; which being a fruitfull and good plant , and the embleme of peace , was iudged more usefull and profiable to mankinde . The cause why our Author invoketh Neptune in this place , is , because hee intendeth to speake of horses in the third Booke of this Worke. Which had beene else unfit in a discourse concerning affaires of Land to have invoked a god of the Sea. ( c ) Aristaeus , who is here invoked was reported the son of Apollo , and the Nymph Cyrene : This Aristaeus the father of Actaeon , who transformed into a stag ( as Ovid's fable delivers it ) was devoured by his doggs , grieved for his sons death , departed from Thebes to the Iland Caea , which was then destitute of inhabitants by reason of a pestilence which had there happened : This Caea is an Iland in the Aegaean sea ; from whence hee sailed into Arcadia , & there ended the residue of his life . In Arcadia hee was honoured as a god after his death for teaching the people that strange mysterie of making Bees . ( f ) This youth here named the invent●r of the Plow , is by most thought to be Osiris the King , and afterwards god of the Aegyptians . He was the first that ever taught the Aegyptians his country-men the use of Oxen for p●owing of their ground . He was honoured by them as a god after his death for this great benefit ; and worshipped in the forme of an Ox● , which was called Apis , in the City of Memphis . And in memory of this also Isis the wife of that Osiris was honoured as a goddesse , and had solemne sacrifices , in which an care of corne was carryed before the pompe , and all plowmen in harvest time sacrified to her with the straw of wheat . ( g ) The history of the birth , life , and deity of this god Sylvanus is thus reported ; A shepheard , whose name was Cratis , abused to his lust ash●e-Goat of his flocke : and when upon a time Cratis was sleeping by a river● side ; that hee-Goat , which used the company of the shee-Goat , in a jealous fury , assaulted Cratis with his hornes , and tumbled him into the river ; from whose name the flood was afterwards called Cratis . This monstrous issue of he Shepheard and the Goat , when it was brought to light , resembled them both , and was a Goat in the nether parts , but in the upper it carryed the shape of a man. Being afterward brought up and growing in the woods , the Shepheards astonished at so strange a shape , began to honour and adore him for a god , calling him Sylvanus , from the woods wherein he lived . This god Sylvanus was extreamely enamoured on a beauteous youth named Cyparissus , who with great care had brought up a tame Deere ; and when on a time the youth unhappily trying his Bow , had mist the marke , and slaine unawares his beloved Deere , out of extremity and impatience of griefe he dyed . Sylvanus lamenting the death of his minion Cyparissus , fell downe weeping upon the dead body , and vowed never to part from those imbraces : which he continued so long ●ntill the gods in pitie to Sylvanus , transformed the body of Cyparissus into a tree , called , from him , the Cypresse tree , which ever after was a tree of mourning , and garnished great mens houses at funerals , as all the Poets mention ; and Sylvanus is accounted the god protector of that tree . ( h ) Erigone the virgin was the daughter of Icarus an Athenian shepheard , whose pie●ie to her father was much renowned : insomuch as that when her father was slaine ( as shall bee afterwards declared ) shee never parted from the dead body , but dyed with him ; and by the pitie of the gods , as Poets say , was taken up into heaven , and made a signe in the Zodiacke , called Virgo . ( i ) The Husbandmen in ancient time sacrificed to Ceres the goddesse of Corne. They killed a fat Hog as the sacrifice it selfe , a creature whose rooting endamages the corne . About this sacrifice the whole Chorus of the husbandmen danced in a rude inartificiall maner ( for such dances in Religion were accepted ) and sang songs in honour of the goddesse Ceres , who first invented Corne. They wore upon their heads branches of Oaken trees , in a thankefull remembrance of their old food : for before her bounti● to mankinde had taught them the wayes of tilling and harvest , the people lived upon Mast and Acorns . ( k ) For twice in that countrey the Romans fought in civill warre : first Iulius Caesar against Pompey the Great , afterward Octavius Caesar and Marcus Antonius against Marcus Brutus and Caius Cassius . FINIS . GEORGICON . The second BOOKE . THE ARGVMENT . THis Booke the nature of all trees defines , Of fat-rin'd Olives , of heart-cheering Vine● , And other lesse-fam'd plants ; to every tree It s proper climate , growth , and quality Assignes ; and teaches how to propagate , How to engraffe , transplant , enoculate . With what rich fruit some happy lands are blest , Which others want : and here 'bove all the rest Our Poet doth inferre the praises high Of his owne native f●uitfull Italy ; Her meadowes , heards , faire townes , and rivers knowne To all the world ; her nations of renowne , And men of honour'd name . Last , it doth shew The blisse of plowmen , if their blisse they knew . THus much of tillage , and coelestiall signes ; Thee , Bacchus , now I le sing ; & with thy vines Other wilde Plants , and Olives slowly growing . Hither , ô Father ( for thy gifts are flowing Ore all things here ; the vineyards by thy care With rich Autumn all fruit full laden are , And vinetages oreflow ) o● hither daine To come , great Bacchus , and when thou hast tane Thy buskins off , oh then vouchsafe with me In new sweet wine to dip thy bared thigh . Nature on trees doth different births bestow ; Some of themselves without mans aide do grow ; And round the fields , and crooked rivers come , As limber Osiers , Poplars , tender broome , And grey-leav'd Willowes ; some from seed arise ; Such are the lofty Chest nuts , and those trees , Which Iove his greatest holds , th' high Aesculus , And th' Oak by Greekes esteem'd oraculous . Some from their own great roots make young ones rise About them round , as Elmes and Cherry trees ; And young Parnas●ian bayes do often so Vnder their mothers shadow shelter'd grow . These waies of planting nature first did bring : So trees , so herbs , and sacred woods did spring . But other waies experience since hath found . Some plant yong shoots cut off frō trees in groūd , Some graffe young rooted stalks in deeper mould ; And sharp crosse-cloven stakes : some bow their old Vines into ranges , propagating young , Which thence in arches on both sides have sprung . Some need no roots ; the Pruner young slips cuts , And them into the earth securely puts . And ( wondrous to be told ) an Olive tree Out from a dry cut trunke oft springs we see . And often are the branches of one tree Into another grasfed prosperously ; So from an Apple stocke ripe Peares do come , And hard red cornoiles from a stock of Plumme , Therefore be carefull , husbandmen , to know What art belongs to every tree , and how To make wilde trees by dressing better grow . Keep no ground barren : Ismarus will please Bacchus , Taburnus will beare Olive trees . And thou , ( a ) Mecaenas , to whose grace I ow My fame and glory , be propitious now ; Lend thy free favour to this subiect plaine . I dare not hope this Poeme should containe All parts of it , had I an hundred tongues , To them an hundred mouthes , and iron lungs . Wa●t me from shore : the earth's description's plain . Nor will I here , Maecenas , thee detaine With Poets fictions , nor oppresse thine eare With circumstance , and long exordiums here . Those trees , which of thēselves shoot up in th' aire , Do grow unfruitfully , but strong and faire ; For in the soile their nature is ; but these If thou do take , and gra●fe in other trees , Or else transplant them well , they 'le quite forsake Their barren nature , and most aptly take By dressing oft , what forme thou wouldst bestow . The like those trees , that spring from roots , wil do , If them to th' open fields thou do remove ; But now their mothers leaves , and boughes above Oreshadow them and make them barren trees . But all those plants , which do from seedes arise , Grow slow , and shade to our grand-children give . They still degenerate the more they live . Good grapes turne birds meate , grown extreamly bad , And apples lose the first good iuice they had . They must be mended all , well digg'd , and drest , And by much labour tam'd ; the Olive best , And Venus Myrtle set in trunks do live , And Vines the best by propagation thrive . From small slips set do Fil●erts grow , we see , Iove's Oake , and great Alcides ( b ) Poplar tree , The stately Ashes , lofty Palmes , and Firs Employ'd at sea by ventrous Marriners . Rough arbute slips into a hazell bough Are oft ingraffed ; and good Apples grow Out of a Plaine trees stocke : the Chestnut beares Ingraffed Beech : in tall wilde Ashes Peares Do flourish best ; from Elmes Oak-acorns fall To Hogs ; nor are the wayes alike in all How to ingraffe , how to inoculate . For where the tender rinde opening of late Shot forth a bud , iust at that knot they cut A little hole ; into that hole they put A budding shoot ●ane from another tree ; The rinde then closing makes them prosperously Together grow . But if the trunke be free From knots , they cleave the trunke of such a tree With wedges , putting fruitfull slips therein ; Within short time th' ingrafted slips begin To grow to prosperous height ; the tother tree Wonders such stranger fruit , and leaves to see . Nor are the waies alike in all of these , In Willowes , Lotes , Idaean Cypresses , And sturdy Elmes ; nor in one maner do All kindes of Olives , the long Radii grow , Nor Olives orchites , or Pausia nam'd , Nor apples , nor Alcinous fruit so fam'd . Nor must all shootes of peares alike be set , Crustumian , Syrian peares , and wardens great . Nor hang the vines upon our trees as do Those that in Lesbian Methymna grow . The Thasian vines in barren soile abound : The Ma●●otike thrive in richer ground ; The Psithian grapes are best of all to dry . Besides these , strong Lagaean wines there be , Whose strength makes drunkards stagger , & doth tye Their tongues ; ●ath-ripe , & purple grapes there be ; But in what verse shall ● enough commend The Rhetian grape ? yet let it not contend With the Tabernian . Aminean vines There are besides , which beare the firmest wines . Cilician , and Phanaean grapes there are , And white grapes lesse than those ; none may compare With these for store of iuice , and lasting long . Nor will I passe thy vintage in my song O Rhodes , for feasts and sacrifices fam'd ; Nor that great grape from a Cowes udder nam'd . But all the kindes , and names of grapes that are T is numberlesse and needlesse to declare . Which he that seekes to do , as soon may know How many Libyan sands the West winds blow ; Or when fierce Eurus 'gainst the Sailers rores , How many waves rowle to th' Iônian shores . Nor can all grounds bring forth all plants we see ; By rivers Willowes prosper : th' Alder tree O● mo●ish grounds : on rocky mountaines grow Wilde Ashes : Myrtles on the shores below ; Vines love warm open heights ; the Northren cold Makes Yew trees prosper . And again behold The conquer'd worlds farthest inhabitants , Easterne Arabians , painted Scythians . See there all trees their proper countries know ; In India only does black Eben grow : None but Sabaea boasts of Frankincense . Why should I name that fragrant wood , frō whence Sweet Balsam sweats ? the berries or the buds Of Bears-foot ever greene ? those hoary woods Of Aethiopia cloath'd with snowy wooll ? Or how the Seres their rich fleeces pull From leaves of trees ? or those fair woods , w ch grow Neere to the Indian sea , whose highest bough No Arrowes flight can reach ? none shoot so high , Although that Nation no bad Archers be . Slow-tasted Apples Media doth produce , And bitter too , but of a happy use ; Than which no surer Antidote is known , T' expell a poyson-temper'd potion , When cruell step-dames their sad cups have us'd , With cha●ming words , and banefull herbs infus'd . The tree is faire , iust like a Laurell tree , And were indeed a Laurell perfectly , But that their smels far differ ; no winds blast Shakes off her leaves , her blossomes still stick fa●t . With this the Mede short-winded old men eases , And cures the lungs unsavory diseases . But not the richest land , not Median woods , Not golden Hermus , nor faire Ganges sloods May ought for praise contend with ( c ) Italy , Nor faire Panchaia fam'd for spice●y , Bactia , nor India ; no Bulls , that blow Fire from their nostrels , did that Region plow : No Dragons teeth therein were sow'd , to beare A crop of Souldiers arm'd with shield and speare . Besides this land a spring perpetuall sees , Twice breeding Cattell , twice fruit-bea●ing trees . And summers there in moneths unusuall shine ; But no wilde Tigers in that coast are seene , No savage Lions breed , nor in that land Do poisonous ( c ) herbs deceive the gatherers hand . No huge and s●aly snake on those faire grounds Makes fearful tracks , or twines in hideous rounds . Adde to all these so many structures faire Of beauteous Cities , of strong Townes , that are Fenced with rocks impregnable , and how Vnder those Antient walls great Rivers flow . Shall I insist on those two seas that flow 'Bout Italy , above it and below ? Or her great lakes ? thee mighty Larius ? Or thee tempestuous sea-like Benacus ? Or praise her havens ? or the Lucrine lake ? Where the imprison'd Iulian waters make A loud & wrathfull noise , through which the great Sea-tides into Avernus lake are let ? Besides the land abounds with mettals store , With veines of ●ilver , gold and brazen ore ; It nurturs Nations bold , the Marsians , The ●i●●ce Sabellians , dart-arm'd Vol●cians , Hardy Ligurians ; in particular The Decii , Marii , those brave names of war , The great Camilli , valiant Scipio's , And thee , great Caesar , now victorious In Asia's utmost bounds , whose conquering powers From flying Indians guard the Roman towers . Haile Saturns land in riches great , and great In men ; for thee I will presume t' entreat Of th' ancient praised arts , ope sacred springs , And through Romes townes A●crean poems sing . Now all soiles severall natures let us see , Their strengths , their colours , and fertility . First barren hils , and hard unfruitfull ground , Where clay is scarce , and gravell doth abound , Is good for Pallas long-liv'd Olive tree . For in such soiles we by experience see Wilde Olive trees do in abundance grow , And all the fields with their wilde Olives strow . But ground more fertile , with sweet moisture fill'd , Well cloath'd with grasse , and fruitfull to be till'd , ( Such as in valleyes we doe oft espy , Whither the waters flow from hils on high , Leaving a fruitful slime ) where South-winds blow , And Brakes , great hinderers of all plowing , grow , Will yeeld thee spreading vines , and full of iuice , And lusty wines , such as we sacrifice In golden goblets to the gods , as soon As the swoln Tuscan trumpeter has done His sounding at the Altar , which we load With reeking entrailes brought in chargers broad . But if thou rather Heards , or Calves wouldst keep , Or Goats , whose grazing burns the fields , or sheep ; Then seek Tarentums lawnes , and farthest coast , Such fields as happlesse Mantua has lost , Where snowy Swans feed in the meadowes neere The rivers side ; nor grasse , nor water there Thy Heards can want ; what grasse they eat by dayes , The dewy night back to the field repayes . But ground in colour blacke , and fat below , Putrid and loose ( for such we wish to plow ) Is best for co●ne ; for from no ground do come Mo l●den waggons , and tir'd Oxen home . Or where of late the plowman grubb'd up wood , Which quiet there for many yeares had stood , And birds old nests has from the roots orethrown ; They ●est of dwellings now from thence are flown ; The new-made ground once plow'd most fruitfull grows . Course barren sand , & hilly scarce bestows Casia , and ●lowers for Bees to feed upon , Nor chaulk , nor that so soft though rugged stone Eat by black snakes ; no ground on snakes so good Close holes bestowes , nor such delicious food . But that rich land , which doth exhale like smoakes Thin vapors up , that showrs of raine in soakes , And when ●he lists returns them forth againe , Whose mould with ●ust the iron doth not staine , Which cloaths herselfe in her own grassie greene● That Land ( as well in tillage may be seene ) Is good to pasture cattell good to plow , There Vines and Olives prosperously grow . Such Lands by Capua , by Vesuvius high , And Clanius , that o●e●lowes Acerrae , ly . ● How to discerne each soile ●le teach thee now , Which mould is thick and which is loose to know . ( For one ●●aeus , tother Ceres loves : Vines love loose grounds , corne best in thickest proves ) Choose with thine eie that piece that is most plain ; There digge a pit , and then throw in againe The clods and earth , and tread them strongly in ; If they 'le not fill the pit , the soile is thin , And best for Vineyards , and for pasture grasse ; But if the clods do more than fill the place , The earth is thick and solid ; try that soile , And plow it well , though hard and full of toile . That earth that 's salt , or bitter , bad for sowing , ( For that will never be made good by plowing , Nor vines , nor apples planted there , abide In their first generous tast ) may thus be tride ; Take a thick-woven Osiar colander , Through w ch the pressed wines are strained clear , And put a piece of that bad earth into it Well mixt with water , & then strain them through it , You shall perceive the struggling water flow , And in great drops will through the Osiars goe , But by the tast you may discerne it plaine ; The bitternesse will make the taster straine His countenance awry . So you may know By handling , whether ground be fat or no ; Leane earth will crumble into du●t ▪ but thicke Like pitch fat earth will to your fingers sticke . Moist land brings forth tall grasse , and oft is found Too rich ; oh give not me so rank a ground , Nor let it co●ns yong husks too richly raise . Earth that is heavy her own weight betrayes , And so of light ; our eyes do iudge aright The colour of the land or black or white ▪ But to finde out that cursed quality Of cold in grounds , of all , will hardest be ; Yet that the trees , which prosper there , will shew , Pitch trees , black Ivie , and the balefull Yew . These things consider'd well , remember thou Long before hand in furrowes deep to plow And breake the earth ; then let it lye thus broke Expos'd to North-cast-windes and winters shock , Before thou plant thy fruitfull Vines therein , For they thrive best in rotten ground , and thin . The Windes and hoary Frosts , after the toile Of digging ( Husbandmen ) wil rot the soile . But he , that throughly vigilant will be , Must finde a place out for a nurcerie Iust like the place he plants in , left a tree Transplanted do not with the soile agree . And he , to plant it as it was , must marke The Heavens four quarters on the tender ba●ke , To know how every tree did stand , which side Endur'd the South , which did the North abide , And let their former situation stand . Consider then if Plaine or mountaine Land Be best for Vines ; if plain good ground thou choose Then plant them thicke ; the Grapes can nothing loose By their thick standing there ; if on a Hill Thou plant , with measure , and exactest skill , Set them in rowes by equall distance held ; As when an Army 's ranged in the field , And stand● for triall of a mighty day ; In equall squadrons they themselves display Ore the broad field , which seemes with glittering armes To move , before the battel 's fierce alarmes Do ●ound , and Mars to both stands doubtfull yet . So trees at equall distance ranked set , Not only to delight thy prospect there , But cause the ground can no way else conferre To all an equall vigour , nor can they Have roome at large their branches to display . Perchance how deep to digge thy furrowes now thou 'dst learne . Thy Vines in shallow ones , will grow But other trees more deeply digg'd must be ; Chiefly th' Aesculean Oake , who still more high He lifts his branches in the ayre , more low His root doth downward to Avernus go . Therefore no windes , nor winter stormes orethrow Tho●● Trees ; for many yeares unmov'd they grow , And many ages of mankinde outweare , And sp 〈…〉 ing their fair branches here and there , Themselves 〈…〉 do make a stately s●ade . Let not thy Vineyards to the West be made , Nor plant t●ou ●●asels 'mongst thy Vines , nor yet Lop off their highest branches , which are beat With winds , nor prune them with blunt knives , nor yet Wilde Olive trees 'mongst other Olives set . For unawares fire oft is scattered ; Which in the dry fat ●inde conceal'd , and fed Seizes the tree , the leaves and branches takes , And through the aire a crackling noise it makes , Till on the top it reigne with victory Involving all the wood in ●lames , and fly Like a black pitchy cloud up to the sky , Especially if stormy windes do ly Vpon the wood , the ●lames about to beare . When this doth chance , the Olives burned there Spring from the root no more in their first state , But to wilde Olives do degenerate . Let none perswade thee then , how wise so ere , When Boreas blowes , the harden'd earth to stir ; Winter congeales the ground , and suffers not The trees new set in th' earth to spread their root . But when the golden spring doth first appeare , And that white bird is come , whom serpents feare , Is the best time of all to plant thy vines : The next is when the Autumnall cold beginnes ; When now the 〈◊〉 short●ns the daies , and done The Summer is , yet winter not begun . The Spring 's the time that cloaths the woods with leaves ; The earth then swells , and seed with ioy receives . The Iove Almighty down descends , and powers Into the earths glad bosome fruitfull showers , And mixt with her great body , he doth feed All births of hers , and foster every seed . Each bush with loudly chirping birds is grac'd ; Beasts at set times the ioyes of Venus tast : The ground stirr'd up by Zephyres warmer winde Opens her selfe , and brings forth fruit in kinde . Young blooming trees dare trust themselves unto The Sun new mounted ; the vine branches now Feare not the rising Southren windes , nor yet The North-East-winde , that causes tempests great . But shoot their blossoms forth , & spread their leafe . No other daies but such ( t is my beliefe ) When first the world beginning had , were known ▪ Th' earth had no other t●nor ; Spring alone , And that perpetual , the great world enioy'd ; No East-windes winter blasts that age annoy'd , When first all Cattell their beginning had , When of the earth mankindes hard race was made , When wilde Beasts fill'd the woods , & stars the sky . Nor could the tender creatures easily Endure this change ; but heaven to make amends Twixt heat and cold this temper'd season sends . What plants so ere thou setst in th' earth , be sure Cover them well , and with fat dung manure ; Put shells , and sandy stones therein ; twixt them Moisture will flow , and thin exhalings steame ; From whence the plants will gather hart . Some lay Great stones at top , & vessels of thick clay , Which from all stormes will guard and fence them sound , This when the dog-star cleaves the thirsty ground . And when thou plantst thy Vines dig round about To bring good store of earth to every root ; Or exercise thy struggling Steeres , to plow The ground in surrowes deep twixt every row . Then get light reeds , smooth wands , & ashen stakes With horned forkes , whose supportation makes Young Vines contemne the windes , and to the top Of Elmes to clime by broad-spred branches up ▪ But when their leaves do first begin to bee , And new-growne branches from supporting free Shoot loose into the Ayre ; then spare to use Thy pruning knife so soone , and rather choose The leaves superfluous with thy hands to pull . But when embracing Elmes with armes more full And strong , they grow ; then confidently pare Their leaves and branches too ; before they fear● The p●uning knife ; then do not spare the same ; But their superfluous growth with rigour tame . Then make strong hedges to keep cattell out , Young beasts especially , and yet unwrought . Wilde Bulls and greedy Goates more harm will do Than scorching Summers , and cold Winters too . There Sheep will browze , and feeding Heifers go . The Winters hoary Frosts , and falling Snow , And parching Suns that burne the hardest rocks , Endammage Vines lesse than those greedy flock●● Their browzing teeth do venome leave behinde , And killing scars upon the stocke and rinde . No other fault there was , that ( d ) Goates did d●● At Bacchus Altars , and th' old Comaedie Was celebrated , that th' Athenian playes In Villages , and all crosse-meeting wayes Were grac'd ; and men , ore meadowes in their po●● Did dance about th' annointed ( e ) skins of Goat●● Th' Italian Nations also sprung from Troy Singing Saturnian rythms with open ioy And laughter loose , horrid disguises wor● Of hollow'd barks of trees , and did adore With hymnes of mirth , Bacchus , thy power divine , And virgins ( f ) statues on the lofty pine Did hang. Then vineyards fruitfully did beare , All vales , and lawnes were fertile every where , Where ere the god his beauteous head do show . Therefore let us these rites to Bacchus do In our own mother language , offering Full cups , and wafers ; and to th' altar bring A guilty goat led by the hornes , and his Fat entrailes rost on spits of cornoile trees . Besides in dressing vines more paines is showne , To which there never can enough be done ; For every yeare the ground must digged be Three or foure times , and plow'd eternally ; The leaves must oft bee gathered ; all the paine , That husbandmen bestow , returnes againe ; His own steps back the circling yeare doth tread . And when the vines their leaves in Autumn shed , And all the woods of cloathing robbed are By North-east-windes : even then th' industrious care Of th'husbandman unto the following yeare Extends it selfe ; then he begins to pare The vine with Saturn's crooked hooke , and right By skilfull pruning to refashion it . First dig the ground : first burne the shreds cut off : And lay thy rests up dry within thy roofe ; Gather thy vintage last . Leaves twice oreshade The vines , as twice the ranke-grown weeds invade Yong corn . Both which require great toil to mend . Till thou a little farme , though thou commend A great one . And besides sharpe twigs of thorne From woods , and reedes on bankes of rivers born , Thou for thy vines must cut , and carefull be For willow groves , which else neglected ly . Now when the vines are bound , & prun'd , and all : And th' husband sings about the vineyard wall ; Yet there remaines a care , to dust them there , And storms , even when the grapes are ripe , to fear . Contrariwise unto the Olive tree No dressing doth belong , nor needeth shee The crooked hook , nor harrow , when once faire Shee stands in ground , and once has felt the ayre ▪ The earth it selfe , when furrow'd by the plow , Doth food enough on her , and corne bestow . Therefore the fat and fruitfull Olive nourish . So th' Apple tree in a full stock doth flourish , And once full grown up to the sky she towres By her own strength , and needes no helpe of ours So of themselves wilde Woods , and every Bush Beare fruit , and with Vermilion berries blush ; Low shrubs are shorn brāds on high trees do grow , That feede the nightly fire , and light bestow . And doubt men yet to plant , and care bestow ? ( To leave great trees ) Willowes and Broom so low Do cooling shades to Sheep and Shepheards give , Hedges for corne , and food for Bees to live . How pleasantly with Boxe Cytorus stowes ? With her Pitch trees how faire Maricia showes ? Oh how it pleases me those fields to see , That need no plowes , nor humane industrie ! Those barren Woods on Caucasus high hill , Which strong East-windes do wave , and rattle still , Have each their severall use ; Pines for the Seas ; For Houses Cypresse , and tall Cedar trees . From hence the Plowmen Spokes for wheeles doe take● Covers for Waines , & Keeles for Ships they make . Willowes do usefull twigs afford , Elmes shade ; Of Cornoile trees , and Myrtles darts are made : Yew trees , to make strong Parthian Bowes , are bow'd ; Tile trees , & pliant Boxe may be bestow'd Hollow'd , or turn'd , in formes , and uses good ; Light alderne barks do swim the Po's rough floud ; In rotten-holme stocks , and the rindes of trees You oft may finde the hony-combes of Bees . What benefits like these come from the Vine ? That causes guilt . The Centaures fill'd with wine Great Rhaetus , Pholus , and Hylaeus dy'd , When they with pots the Lapithees defi'd . Oh too too happy , if their blisse they knew , Plaine Husbandmen ; to whom the earth with true And bounteous iustice , free from bloody war Returnes an easie food ; who , though they are Not early wak'd in high-roof'd Pallaces When waiting Clients come ; though they possesse No Poasts , which Indian shels adorne in state , No gold embroidred cloaths , Corinthian plate , Nor rich Assyrian scarlet ; nor abuse With sweetest Casia the plaine simple use Of oyle ; yet rest secure , a harmelesse life Enrich'd with severall blessings , free from strife , Coole caves , dark shady groves , & fountains clear , Vntroubled sleeps , and cattells lowing there , And pleasant huntings want not ; there they live By labour and small wealth ; honour they give Vnto their gods and parents ; iustice tooke Her last step there , when she the earth forsooke . But let the sacred Muse , whose priest I am , Me above all with her sweet love inflame ; Teach me each star , each heavenly motion , The oft eclipses of the Sun and Moone , The cause of Earthquakes : why the swelling main Rises , and fals into it selfe againe : Why Winter suns so soone hast to the sea : What makes the Summer nights so short to be . But if dull bloud , which 'bout my heart doth flow , These parts of nature will not let me know ; Then let me ( famelesse ) love the fields and woods , The fruitfull water'd vales , and running floods . Those plains , where clear Sperchius runs , that moūt Where Spartan Virgins to great Bacchus wont To sacrifice , or shady vales that lye Vnder high Haemus , let my dwelling be . Happy is he that knowes the cause of things ! That all his feares to due subiection brings , Yea fare it selfe , and greedy Acheron ! Yea happy sure is he , who ere has known The ●urall gods , Sylvanus , and great ●an , And all the sister Nymphs ! that happy man Nor peoples voices , nor kings purple move : Nor dire ambition sundring brothers love : Nor th' Istrian Dacians fierce conspiracies : Nor Romes estate , nor falling monarchies . He sees no poore , whose miserable state He suffers for ; he envies no mans fate ; He eats such fruits as of their own accord The willing grounds , and laden trees afford ; He sees no wrangling courts , no lawes undone By sword , nor peoples forc'd election . Some search the Seas hid pathes , some rush to war , In Courts of Kings others attendants are . One would his country , and dear gods destroy , That he himselfe might drink in gemmes , and ly On purple beds ; another hoards up gold , And ever wakes his hidden wealth to hold . The pleading bars another doth admire , And high applause from every seat desire Plebeians , and Patritians ; some for goods Their guilty hands embrue in brothers bloods . Some from their houses and dear countries rome In banishment , to seek a forreine home : Whilest the industrious husband plowes the soile , And takes the profit of his yearly toyle . With which his house and country too he serves , And feedes his Heards , & th'Oxe that wel deserves ▪ No fruitlesse time ; young Cattell still are bred , Or Corne is reap'd , or fruits are gathered , Corne that the surrowes lades , and barnes doth fill . When Winter comes , Oyle in the Olive mill They make ; and Porkers fat with Acorns grow ; The Woods yeeld Crabs but Autumne does bestow All kindes of pleasant fruit ; the grapes hang by Hot sunny walls , and ripen perfectly . Meane while his pretty children kissing cull His neck : his house is chast ; with Vdders full His Kine come home ; and in the flowery Meades His frisking Kids do butt with tender heads . He feasts himselfe upon the grassie ground , Whilst 'bout the fire carowling cups are crown'd ; And Bacchus is invok'd in sacrifice ; Then mongst his herdsmen makes a darting prize , And s●ts the mark upon an Elme ; or they Prepar'd for wrastling , their hard lims display . Such lives as this the ancient Sabines led , And so were Romulus and Remus bred ; So grew renowned Tuscany to fame , So Rome the greatest of all lands became , And in one wall did seven great hils containe . And thus before Dictaean love did reigne , And impious nations on slaine cattel fed , His life on earth the golden Saturne led ▪ No classicks sounded then , nor mortall blade Of swords , the Smiths laborious anvile made . But we enough have now produc'd our course , And time it is to ease our wearyed horse . FINIS . Annotations upon the second BOOKE . CAius ( a ) Mecaenas , that famous cherisher of good learning , to whom our Poet in this place acknowledges so much , was a Gentleman of Etruria , in high favour with Augustas Caesar , and in great imployment of State under him . Hee was in his friendship with learned men , not onely bountifull , but judicious in the placing of his bountie , and above all others fortunate in the choise of the men . Among all the Poets , in that wise age wherein he lived , Virgil and Horace were the onely two , which I can finde , whose meane fortunes needed his liberalitie , as well as their vertues deserved his acquaintance : how liberall he was , their often acknowledgements in their Works , have testified to the world : how judicious or fortunate he was in those mens acquaintance , no age of the world hath since beene ignorant ; his name having beene generally used for the love of learning , no lesse than Caesar's for Imperiall dignity ( though there were , both in that and the following ages , as Iuvenal witnesseth in his seventh Satyr , other men of honourable name and esteeme in Rome , who were lovers of such things , as Fabius , Cotta , Proculeius , Lentulus , &c. ) Those Lords eyther fayled in judgement in the choyse of their friends , or the injury of their times affoorded them not wits able enough to raise their fames ; since wee finde not any such manifest honour done to their memories as to this Mecaenas . whose fortune it was , that Virgil and Horace should live in his time ; and in such estates , as to need his bounty for his owne honour : which is not a thing incident to every age , though wittie Martial in an Epigram of his could speake thus , Sint Mecaenates , non deerunt , Flacce , Marones . yet the contrary by experience hath oft been found . Maroes have beene borne when no Mecaenases have lived to cherish them ( as Homer the wonder of posteritie , in his owne time little esteemed ) and Mecaenases have lived and wanted Maroes . What Monarch in the world was ever more desirous of fame in that kinde , and more able to requite than Alexander the Great ? Hee that so much honoured the memory of Homer , and at the sacking of Thebes spared all the posteritie of the Poet Pindarus , found in his owne time no able Poet to celebrate his fame . There were in his time ( as Arianus witnesseth in the life of Alexander ) many Poets , who would have written of him , and stirred up by the greatnesse of his actions , or moved with hopes form his known bounty , had written in the praise of him ; but such and so poore were their inspirations , they neyther deserued the acceptation of Alexander , nor the sight of posterity . ( b ) The Poplar is called the tree of Hercules for this reason , as the Poets faine : When Hercules had entred into Hell , redeemed Theseus from prison there , and returned victorious , leading out Cerberus in triumph after him ; the first tree that he espyed was a Poplar tree , of which he made himselfe a Garland , and crowned himselfe after his new conquest . ( c ) Our Poet , after the description of those severall trees of strange natures , which enrich the severall climates of the earth , takes an occasion , by way of comparison , to extoll in all kinds the fruitfulnesse , and withall the happinesse of his native Italy , the magnificence of the Italian Cities , the multitude and bravery of her people : Of the populousnesse of Italy thus Plinius at one place speaketh . This is that Italy , which , when Lucius Aemilius Paulus and Caius Attilius were Consuls upon the fame of the tumult of Gallia , armed presently of her owne forces , without the aide of any forreyners , and without mustering of any Italians beyond the river of Po , thirty thousand horsemen , and seventy thousand foot : and Diodorus Siculus speaking of Rome before the second Carthaginian warre , sayes that the Senate as it were foreseeing the comming of Annibal with a warre so bloudy , tooke a generall survey of themselves and their tributaries , and found the number of men fit to beare armes , to be ten hundred thousand . And speaking also of the populousnesse of the Iland of Sicily , esteemed then as a part of Italy ( for it was all called magna Graecia ) bids us not wonder at those mighty armies of Ninus , Semiramis , Darius , or Xerxes , since Dionysius the tyrant , out of Syracusae onely , armed an hundred and twenty thousand footmen , with twelve thousand horsemen , and a navy of foure hundred ships out of one haven . ( d ) The sacrifices , which in ancient times were offered to the gods , were alwayes chosen eyther for likenesse or contrariety : for likenesse some were offered , as to Pluto the King of the darke world a blacke sheepe or steere were offered in sacrifice . Others for contrarietie and hatred ; as a Sow , because she rooteth up land and spoyleth corne , was offered unto Ceres : the Goat , because he browzeth the Vines , was offered to Bacchus : the Goat was likewise offered to Aesculapius the god of health , because the Goat is never without a fever . ( e ) In those old playes which the Athenians instituted in the honour of Bacchus , the people danced with wine bottles made of Goat-skinnes , to insult as it were over the Goats after they were dead . Of these Goat-skinnes 〈…〉 in Greeke signifieth a 〈…〉 up first the name of Tragaedies . ( ● ) These playes were instituted to Bacchus by the Athenians for this reason ; Bacchus bestowed a bottle of sweet wine upon Icarus an Athenian Shepheard . This Icarus coming to the company of some other labouring people of the country , set his bottle of wine before them . The plaine labourers not knowing the quality of the liquor , but delighted with the sweetnesse of it , drunke intemperately , and feeling themselves much altered in their braines , and their whole bodies , they killed Icarus , supposing that he had given them poyson . The dog of Icarus returning home to Erigone his daughter , conducted her , who followed the dogge , unto her fathers dead body . Erigone impatient of griefe , hanged her selfe upon a pine tree , and the dogge parting not from the two bodies , starved himselfe : for which piety both Erigone and the dogge were taken and made signes in heaven . But not long after , for these murders unrevenged , the Athenians were visited with a great pestilence , and the virgins of Athens were possessed with a strange frenzie , and in their fits hanged themselves . The Oracle , being asked the cause of this pestilence , returned them answer , that it should cease when they in devotion had interred the bodies of Icarus and Erigone , and revenged their murders : this being done , the plague ceased , and the people in honour of Bacchus celebrated yearely playes , and in remembrance of their former frenzy , upon pines or other trees were hanged up the images of virgins . FINIS . GEORGICON . The third BOOKE . THE ARGVMENT . THe art of grazing , with the different cares Of different cattell , this third book declares ; Of warlike Horses , of the labouring Oxe , Shag-bearded Goats , and snow-white woolly flocks : Their breeding , feeding , profitable use , Last their diseases , and the cures it shewes . But by the way our Poet promising This subiect done , great Caesar's deeds to sing , Makes present mention of them , and declares His glorious triumphs , and late finish'd wars , Which Nile , swift Tigris , and Euphrates saw , And Crassus ensignes fetch'd from Parthia . OF thee , great Pales , and Apollo now Thou fam'd Amphrysian Shepheard , and of you Arcadian woods & streams I le sing . Those known Old strains , that would have pleas'd light minds , are growne Vulgar ; who cannot of Eurysteus fell , Or of Busiris blood-stain'd altars tell ? Who of Latonian Dele , or Hylas now , Or ivory-shoulder'd Pelops does not know For riding fam'd , or his ( a ) Hippodame ? Some new attempted straine must lift up me From ground , and spread my fame to every eare . I first , returning , to my countrey deare Will from th' Aonian mountaine bring with me The Muses ( live● ) and first honour thee Mantua , with Idumaean Palmes of praise ; A marble temple in the field I le raise Neare to the streame where winding Minclus flow , Cloathing his banks with tender reedes , doth flow . In midst shall Caesars altar stand ; whose power Shall guard the Fane ; to him I Conquerer Will on the shore , with Purple cloath'd in state , Circensian Playes in chariots celebrate . All Greece shall gladly celebrate our fames , Leaving th' Olympicke , and Nemaean games , With racing and the whorlebat fight , whilest I Crown'd with a tender branch of Olive tree My offerings bring ; Oh how I long to see The sacrificing pompe in order rang'd To th' Temple come , or how the Scene oft chang'd Varies her face : or how the ( b ) Brittaines raise That purple Curtaine which themselves displaies . About the doores the Indian victory Describ'd in gold and polish'd ivory , With great Quirinus ( c ) armes shall stand , there showing Great Nile with ( d ) Wars , as wel as Waters , flowing ; And navall Triumphs in brasse Pillars cut ; The conquer'd Asian Cities there I le put , Niphates , and the Parthian ( e ) foes , that fight Retiring , and direct their shafts in flight . Two Trophees tane from th' East & Western shore , And both those Nations twice triumphed ore . In Parian marble carv'd with cunning hand , The race of great Assaracus shall stand , And Tros , that from high Iove their birth derive , And Phoebus too , who first did Troy contrive . Those wretches , that shall envie this , shall feare The Furies dire , Cocytus stood severe , And Sisyphus still rowling stone , or feele Ixion's wreathed Snakes , or racking Wheele . Meanewhile let us follow the Woods , and Lands Vntouch'd ; such are , Mecaenas , thy commands . My breast , without thee , no high rapture fils ; Inspire me then without delay ; the hills Cythaeron high , of Dogs Taygeta proud , And Epire fam'd for Horses , call aloud . Whose noise the ecchoing Woods redoubled bring . After of Caesars glorious warres I le sing , And through as many ages spred his praise , As have already past to ●esar's dayes . Who ere in hope to win th' Olympick prize Would keep good Horses , or else exercise Strong Steeres to plow ; best choise from Dams it tooke . That Cow proves best that has the roughest looke , Great head and neck , and downe unto her knee Her dangling dewlaps hang ; sides long and high : All must be great : yea even her feet ; her eare Vnder her crooked hornes must rough appeare . I like the colour spotted , partly white ; Loath to endure the yoke , and apt to fight ; In all most like the Bull ; in stature tall , Her sweeping taile down to the ground doth fall . Best age to go to bull , or calve , we hold , Begins at foure , and ends at ten yeare old . All other ages nor for breeding fit , Nor strong for plow ; but i' th' mean time , whilst yet The flocks have lusty youth , let the males go Without restraint to Venery , and so By timely broodes preserve a perfect kinde . Their first age best all wretched mortals finde ; After diseases , and old age do come , Labour , and deaths inexorable doome . There still will be , whose bodies with thy will Thou wouldst wish chang'd . Therefore repaire thē still ; And lest thy kinde quite lost thou finde too late Prevent the losse , and yearly propagate . And such a choise you must in horses make ; But him , whom you for stallion meane to take , As hope of all the race , elect with care Even from a tender colt ; such colts as are Of generous race , straight , when they first are fol'd , Walke proudly , their sost ioynts scarce knit , & bold Da●e lead the way , into the rivers enter , And dare themselves on unknown seas to venture . Not frighted with vaine noises ; lofty neck'd , Short headed slender belly'd , and broad back'd , Broad and full breasted ; let his colour be Bright bay , or grey ; white proves not commonly Nor flesh-colour . When Wa●s alarumes sound His nostrils gather and breathe fire ; no ground Can hold his shaking ioyn●s ; his care advances , His thick shag'd mane on his right shoulder dāces . His back bones broad & strong , the hollow'd groūd Trampled beneath his hard roūd hoof doth sound . Such was that horse , which Spartan ( f ) Pollux tam'd Fierce Cyllarus , and Mars his horses fam'd By th' old Greek Poets , or those two that drew Achille● chariot ; such a shape and hew At his wives comming , flying ( g ) Saturne tooke , And all high Pelion with shrill neighings shooke . Yet when disease or age have brought to nought This horses spirit , let him at home be wrought , Nor spa●e his base old age . A Horse grown old Though he in vaine attempt it oft ; is cold To Venery , and when he 's brought to try ( Like that great strengthlesse fire in stubble dry ) In vaine he rages ; therefore first t is good To mark his age , his courage and his broode With other arts ; how sad a horse will be When overcome , how proud of victory . Dost thou not see , when through the field in speed Two racing chariots from the lists are fled , The young mens hearts all rise , as forth they start , And fear with ioy confounded strikes each hart ? They give their horse the reines , and lash them on , Their hurryed wheeles enflaming as they run ; Now low they go , now rise as they would flye Through th' empty aire , and mount up to the sky : No resting , no delay ; a sandy cloud Darkens the ayre ; they on through shoutings loud Of standers by , all sweat and some do fly , So great 's their love of praise and victory . First ( h ) Erict●●onius chariots did invent , And by foure horses drawne in triumph went. The ( i ) Peletronian Lapithes first found The use of backing horses , taught them bound , And run the ring ; taught Riders t' exercise In martiall ranks , both equall mysteries : The masters of both these have equall neede To finde out horse of courage , and good speed , Though nere so nobly born , though oft in game They won the prize , and for their country claime Epi●e , or fam'd Mycenae , or else tooke Their birth at first from Neptune tridents stroke . These things observ'd , at covering time , they care To make their Stallion strongly fat and faire The father of their broode ; for him they mow Choise grasse , sweet streames , & corn to him allow , Le●t he should faile his pleasant worke to do , And th' young ones starvelings from his hunger grow . But they of purpose keep the Femals light And leane : and when they have an appetite To Venerie , let them not drink nor eat , And course them oft , and tire them in the heat , When in full Barnes the ripe Corne crowded lyes , And emptie cha●fe before the West winde flyes . And this they do lest too much ranknesse make The breeding soile , and fatted furrowes take Too dull a sense ; but that they should draw in Seed with desire , and lodge it safe within . Now to the Dams our care comes from the Sires : They great , when now their time almost expires , Let no man yoake them then for worke , nor make Them leap a ditch , nor let them swimming take Swift flouds , nor cours'd about the meadowes bee . But let them feed in empty fields , where free The water is ; the banks with mosse are stor'd , And rocky caves a coole sweet shade afford . About Alburnus still with holly greene , And Sila●us high woods great Flies are seene In Roman term'd A●li antiently Oestra in Greek , a fierce loud-buzzing Fly ; Whose terrour makes th' affrighted Cattell fly As chas'd about the woods , and pierce the sky With lowings loud ; which through that country round The woods , & bankes of Tanager resound . With this dire Monster once did Iuno show Her vengefull spite 'gainst lô then a Cow. This ●ly ( for most he stings in heat of day ) From Cattell great with young keep thou away , Or bring them not abroad to feed alone Vnlesse at morne , or after sun is down . After the breeding they use all their care About the young ones ; of what birth they are Their markes discouer ; they designe each one His severall use ; one for a Stallion Is kept , another ●or a Sacrifice , A third for Plowing , from whose toile arise The harvests fruits ; the rest a grazing go Vpon the Verdant fields . But those whom thou Intendst for Husbandry , begin to tame Their courages while they are Calves , and frame Them for the Plow betimes , while yet their rage But tender is , and flexible their age . Loose Collars first of tender branches make For their soft necks ; then , when they freely take The Yoake by custome , yoake a paire , and so Teach them in order and a-breast to goe . And let them first draw empty Wheeles , or rake The ground but sleightly , and smal furrowes make ; Then afterwards under a deep-strook Plow They 'le learne to tug till th' Axeltree do bow . But to thy yet-untamed Calves allow Not only grasse , and sea-grasse , that doth grow In fenny grounds , with willow leaves ; but still Feede them with corne thy selfe : and do not fill Thy milking pailes from th' Vdders , as of yore , But let them freely suck their mothers store . But if thy minde thou more to war do give , Or through Iove's wood wouldst racing chariots drive , And swiftly passe by Pisa's riuer side : The first taske is to make thy horse abide To see the Souldiers armes , heare their loud voices , The Trumpets sound , and rattling chariots noises , And oft within the stable let him heare The clashing whip ; he ' le more and more appeare To be delighted with his masters praise , And when he strokes his necke , his courage raise . When first he 's wean'd from sucking let him hear These things , and trembling be compell'd to wear Soft ●alters oft about his head ; but when His life has seene foure Summers , teach him then To run the round , in order right to beat The ground , and both waies skillfully curvet As if he toil'd ; then let him with his speede Challenge the winde , and from all curbing free'd ▪ Scoure ore the champion fields so swift , that there The sands no print of his light hoof do beare . So when the Scythian gusts and North-east-wind● From their cold quarter fiercely blow , and binde The dry clouds up : all ore the waving field Corn bows with equall blasts ; woods tops do yeeld A murmuring noise : long waves roule to the shore . Forth flyes the winde , sweeps lands and waters ore ▪ Thy Horse thus order'd to the races end All bloody foam'd , victoriously will tend ; Or else his tamed neck will better bow To draw the Belgian chariot ; let him grow Full fed , when once he 's broken well , nor feare His growth ; so fed before he 's broke , he 'll beare Too great a stomack patiently to feele The lashing whip , or chew the curbing steele . But no one care doth more their strēgth improve , Than still to keep them from Venereall love , ( Whether in Horse or Bullocks be thy care ) Therefore their Bulls they send to Pastures farre To graze alone , where Rivers are between Or Hils , or feed them at full Racks within . For the faire Femals sight with secret fire Consumes their strength , and lessens all desire Of feeding in them ; her temptations make Two stubborne Bulls a combate undertake , And with their Hornes to try their utmost deedes . In the great Wood the beauteous Heyfer feedes , Whilst they contending with their utmost spite ; Their wounded bodies lay'd in blood , do fight . Their Hornes with fury meet , their bellowings roūd Olympus great , and all nere woods resound . Nor do they after both together feede , Far into exile goes the vanquished , And there alone in forreine fields bewailes His sad disgrace , how his proud foe prevailes , He unrevenged forc'd to lose his love , And from his native Countrey to remove . Then he with care his strength doth exercise ; Vpon the hardest stones all night he lyes ; On roughest leaves , and sharpest herbs he feedes , Oft tryes himself ; with wrathfull horns proceedes Against the trunks of Trees with furious strokes , And with his strength the winde it selfe provokes . Each place beholds the Prologue to his sight . But when his strength is recollected quite , And well improv'd , he doth with fury go To meete againe his not forgotten ●o . As when a furious foaming billow rose In the mid-sea , and thence with horrour goe● To be at the rocky shore , resounding straight , And falls no lesse than with a mountaines weight . The Seas low'st part mixt with his highest fomes , And belch'd black sand up from the bottom comes . Even so all kindes on earth , led by desire , Men , Beasts , Fish , painted Fowle to this sweet fire With fury run : Love is the same to all . The ●urious Lionesse no time at all Forgetting yong ones , through the fields doth rore And rage so much , nor ougly Beares do more Black slaughters make , nor throgh the woods more wracke Do cruell Bores and furious Tygers make . In Libyan desarts t is ill wandring then . See how the Horses ioynts all tremble , when A Mare 's known sent he through the aire doth feele . No stripes , no strength of men , no bits of steele , No Rocks , nor Dikes , nor Rivers in his way , Which roule whole mountaines , can his fury stay . The sterne Sabellian Bore in love doth whet His tusks , and digge the earth up with his feet : Against a tree he rubs his lusty fide Rowzing his bristles with a martiall pride . What dares the young man do , whom loves strong heat Torments within ? though stormes be nere so great , He ore the seas in midst of night dares swim , Although the heavens showre down their spite on him , And though the sea-beat rocks resound amaine . No ●eeping parents can his course restraine , Nor that faire Maide whose death his death must prove . Why should I speak of spotted ●●nxes love ? Of Dogs , and cruell Wolves ? or shew what warre Faint Deer in love will make ? but strangest farre Is those Mares furious love , which Venus sent , Whē they their Master ( k ) Glaucus peecemeal rent . Love makes them mount ore lofty Gargarus , And swim the streames of swift Ascanius . And when Love's flame their greedy marrowes burnes Most in the spring ( for heat then most returnes To th'bones ) upō high rocks they take their places , And to the Western winde all turn their faces , ●uck in the blasts , and ( wondrous to be said ) Grow great with Fole without the Horses ayd . Then ore the rocks and vallies all they run , Not to the North , nor to the rising Sun , Nor Caurus quarter , nor the South , whence rise Black showres , which darken & disturbe the skies . Hence flows thick poison from the groines of these , Which Shepheards truly call Hippomanes , Hippomanes , which oft bad stepdames use , And charming words , and banefull herbs infuse . But Time irreparable flyes away , While we too much of every thing would say , Let this suffice of Heards : our tother care Shall woolly Sheep , and shaggy Goats declare . This is a taske : hence , Shepheards , hope to get Your praise : nor am I ignorant how great A paine t will be in words to hit it right , And give such lustre to a subiect sleight . But me the sweet desire of fame doth beare Over Parnassus hardest ridges , there , Where never path nor track before I saw Of former Writers to Castalia . Now hallowed Pales in a lofty straine I le sing ; but first I counsell to containe Your Sheep within soft stals to feed at home , Whilst Winter lasts , till flowery Summer come : Bundles of Straw , and B●akes upon the ground Strow under them , lest the cold ice should wound The tender Cattle , and bring scabs and rots . This done , I counsell thee to feed thy Goats With arbute trees and streames that freshly run ; And 'gainst the Winde , toward the Winter sun Directly to th' Meridian build thy Stals , When now the long-chilling Aquarius fals , And lends a moisture to the ending yeare . Let these unto our care be no lesse deare , Nor are they lesse of use ; though nere so high Milesian fleeces with the purple dye Of Tyre be sold. But Goates , if well they thrive , Bring young ones ofter , and more Milk do give . And still the more the milking Pailes are fill'd , The more their swelling Vdders still will yeeld . Besides the Beards , grey Skins , and bristly Haire Of the Cyniphian Goats the owners sheare To make their Tents , and cloath poore Marriners . They feed on Woods & Mountaines tops , on Briers , Brambles , and Bushes of the greatest height . And of their owne accords come home at night , Scarce able their swell'd Vdders to get ore The Threshold then . For this do thou the more Guard them from Ice , and Winter winde ( the lesse Themselves perceive mortalities distresse ) Bring them for food sweet Boughes & Osyars cut , Nor all the Winter long thy hay-ricke shut . But when faire Summer comes , when West windes blow Let both thy ●locks to field a grazing goe . When first bright Lucifer appeares , along The yet coole pastures lead thē forth , whilst yong The Morning is , whilst all the Grasse is grey , And mingled with sweet Dew ; that Dew away Ta●● by the fourth houres thirsty Sun , when roūd The fields with noise of Grashoppers resound , Lead down thy flocks unto the Rivers brink , Or else in woodden Channels make them drink ; In th' heat of day for shady Vallies looke , On which some stately , and far spreading Oke Sacred to ●ove , or Holly grove do grow , Which darke , but sacred Shadowes do bestow ; Then sleightly water them againe , and let Them feed abroad againe about Sun-set , When night to th' ayre a cooler temper yeelds , And dew refreshing on the Pasture fields The Moone bestowes , Kings-fishers play on shore , And thistles tops are fill'd with Linnets store . What need I sing of Libyan Shepheards , and Their feeding countries , where few houses stand ? There oft the flocks whole moneths , both night & day Do without stals along the desarts stray . The Libyan Shepheard carryes with him ever His armes , his Spartan Dog , his Cretan Quiver , His House , and Victuals too ; provided so To Wars far off the Roman Souldiers go , When they too heavie laden march , and yet Before the Fo expect , encamped get . But neere Maeotis in cold Scythian lands , Where Ister tumbles up his yellow sands , Where Rhodope's extended to the North , From Stals they never bring their Cattell forth . No Herbage cloaths those fields , no leaves appear● Vpon their naked trees , but farre and neer , The hidden ground with hard frosts evermore , And snow seven cubites deep is cover'd ore . Cold North-west-winds stil freezing blow , nor ere Do ●hoe●us beames their pallid darknesse cleare , Not whan he rises to his height , nor whan His ruddy chariot falls in th' Ocean . The running streames so hard are freezed there The waters back will Cart-wheeles iron'd beare ; In stead of Ships there Horse , and Wagons run ; Brasse cleaves with cold asunder ; Cloaths put on Freeze hard ; whole Ponds by Frosts , which never thaw , Are turn'd to solid Ice ; they do not draw But cut their Wine with Hatchets , and upon Their Beards hang Isicl●s congealed downe . Meane time perpetuall snowing fils the ayre ; The Cattell dy , the Beeves most great and faire Are starv'd in drifts of Snow ; whole Heards of Deer So far are hid that scarce their hornes appeare . For these they spread no toiles , nor hunt they there With Dogs , but kill them with a sword or speare , While they in vaine strive to remove away Those hils of Snow , and pitifully bray ; And home with ioyful shouts they bear them then ; For under ground in deep-digg'd Caves the men Secure , and warmly dwell ; the night they turne To mirth , and sport , and at one fire do burne Whole oakes and elmes ; and in full bowles they please Their tasts with fresh sowre iuice of services In stead of wine ; a people rough and bold Like these , beneath the Northren Wagons cold Do live , which beasts skins warmest furs do weare . Bleake Eastern windes still beat upon them there . If thou regard their Wooll , let them not go Where bushes are , where burs and thistles grow , Nor in a grasse too rich . Be sure to choose Thy flocks with white soft fleeces , but refuse That Ram ( although the fleece upon his backe Be nere so white ) whose only tongue is blacke , Lest he do staine the fleeces of his Lambs With spots , but chuse another 'mongst the Rams . So with a Snowy fleeced Ram ( if we Trust fame ) did Pa● the god of Arcady Deceive thee 〈◊〉 , nor didst thou disdaine Within the Woods to ease a Lovers paine . But who so loves their Milke , to them must hee store With his own hands bring Claver , Trifoly , And ●a●test grasse , which makes them drink more Than else they would , & swells their Vdders more , And tasts of salt do in their milke remaine . Some from their Dams the tender Kids restraine , And with sharpe muzzles bar their sucking quite . Their morning meale of milk they presse at night : That which they milk at night as Sun goes down , The Shepheard carries to his market town Next morne in Panyers , or with salt bestowes , And layes it up till Winter colder growes . Nor let thy Dogs be thy last care , but feede With fattest Whey , as well as Dogs of speede Which Spa●ta sends , thy Mastives fierce , for nere Whilst they do guard thy folds , needst thou to fear The Wolves invasion , nor the Thiefe by night , Nor Mountainers that do in stealth delight . Thou oft with Dogs mayst ore the Plaines apace Wilde Asses , Deere , or Hares for pleasure chace , Or ●ow●e with their loud yelps the chafed Bore From out his rough , and desart Den , or ore The lofty Mountaines in delightfull view A lusty Stag into thy toiles pursue . But learn to burne within thy sheltering rooms Sweet Iuniper , and with Galbanean gums Drive Adders thence ; for Vipers , that do fly The light , oft under unmov'd Stals do ly , Or Snakes , that use within the house for shade , Securely lu●k , and like a plague invade Thy Cattell with their venom ; Shepheard take A staffe or stones with thee , and kill the Snake Swellling , and hissing from his threatning throte . For though his head into a hole be got , His middle twines , his taile , and parts behinde Lye ope , and slowly after tother winde . As bad 's that snake , which in Calabrian Lawns Doth live , and his proud neck aloft advance , And rowling makes a long , and winding track . His belly 's spotted , sealed is his back . Whom the spring , when showery Southwindes blow , When grounds are moist , and rivers overflow Lives upon ponds , and banks , and ravening still With Frogs , and Fishes his black maw doth fill . But when all grounds , yea fens themselves are dry And cleft with chinks , upon dry ground is he , And rowling then his fiery eyes doth threat The fields , and rages , vex'd with drought & heat . Oh let not me then take sweet sleepes abroade , Nor lye secure under the shady wood , When he , his skin new cast , his youth renewing : Lifts up his head , his tongue threeforked shewing In heat of day , and through the field doth rome His egges or young ones having left at home . He teach thee now the signes and causes all Of each diseases ; On sheep the scab will fall When cold raw humours pierce them to the quick , Or searching frosts , or sweat unwash'd off stick Vpon their new-shorne skins , or brambles teare Their flesh ; for that wise Shepheards every where Do in sweet Rivers wash their new-shorn flocks : The drenched Ram down the streame swimming sokes His Fleece , & Skin Or else with oiles fat lees They ' noint their new-shorn Sheep , & mix with these ●daean pitch , quick Sulphur , silvers spume , Sea Onyon , Hellebore , and black Bitume . No kinde of cure 's more full of present hope Than with a knife to cut the Vl●●r ope . For else the hidden venome let alone Both lives , and growes ; whilst making of his mone Vnto the gods , the idle Shepheard stands , And to the wound denies his lancing hands . But when a Fever dry shall seize upon Their loynts , and pierce into the inmost Bone , ●Tis best to keep them then from heat , and cut That fall swell●d Veine at bottome of the foot . As the Bisaltian Macedonians do , And fierce Gelonians , when they ●ly unto High Rodope , or the Getes farthest wood , And drink their milk mingled with horses blood . But where thou seest one Sheep too often ly In shade at rest , and crop too lazily The tops of grasse , or keep aloofe from all , Or ly along , to feed , or to the stall Returne home late alone , straight kill that sheep Before th infection through th' whole flocke doe creep . No seas are subiect to mo tempests still Than sheep , are to diseases , which do kil Not single ones , but the whole hopefull flocke , And at one blow rob thee of all they stocke . Then who has known the Alpes , th' Illyrian high Castles , and Fields , that by Timavus lye , May yet behold after so long , the land Lye wast , and Shepheards dwellings empty stand . Here by corruption of the ayre so strong A plague arose , and rag'd all Autumn long , That all wilde Beasts , all Cattell perished , All pasture fields , and ponds were poisoned . Nor single was the way to death , but when A thirsty fire burnt up their flesh , even then Moist humours flow'd againe , and not at once , But by degrees did melt away the bones . An Oxe that is for the gods service prest In all his trimmings , and white garlands drest Before the Altar dyes , as there he stands Preventing the slow sacrificers hands . Or if that slaine by the Priests hand ●e fall . His entrailes fired yeeld no flame at all , Nor can the Prophets thence give answers good ; The Knives themselves are scarce distain'd with blood ; The sand below with black-filth darkned is . Hence the young Calfe in richest pasture dyes , And at full racks his sweetest breath forsakes . Kinde fawning Dogs grow mad ; strong coughing shakes The sick short-winded , pursie Hogs , & pains Their stubborn iawes ; the conquering Horse disdaine● The pleasāt streams , & sick forgetteth quite His food , and th' honour of a race or fight . Oft with his hoofes he beates the earth , his eares Hang downe , his sweat uncertainly appeares : But cold before his death , his skin is dry , And to the touch resisting ruggedly . These signes of death you at the first may know : But if by time the plague more cruell grow , Their eyes are fiery then , their far-drawn breath Is with a groane exprest ; their flanks beneath Stretch'd with oft sobbing ; a black blood doth flow Frō out their nostrels ; their tongues rugged grow ; Their iawes grow close & hard ; which help'd hath bin By drenching thē thorough a horn with wine That drench sometimes has wrought a care alone . Sometimes has brought a worse destruction . For they refresh'd , more fiercely mad have grown , And with impatient furie torne their own Flesh from their bared bones ( so of their foes , Of good men better , let the gods dispose ) The labouring Oxe now sweating at the Plow Fals downe , and dyes , & from his mouth doth flow Blood mix'd with foame , yeelding his latest grone . The weeping Plowman tother Oxe alone Vnyokes , which wailes his fellowes death , and now Abroad in Field lyes the forsaken Plow . His mourning minde up shade of lofty woods . No flowery meadowes , nor clear Chrystall floods Which ore the rocks , and through green fields do glide , Can comfort now ; his bowels on each side Consume ; his settled eyes unmov'd are grown , And his unweildy necke hangs bending down . What now availes his ●o●mer fruitfull toyle ? That he so often plow'd the fertile soile ? Besides , no riotous , no costly feast , No rich Campanian wine brought his unrest . Greene leaves and simple herbage was his food , His drink cleare water from the running flood . No cares disturb'd his sleep . That time ( l ) they say Within those Regions Oxen wanted they For Iuno's sacrifice ; her chariots than By beasts unlike were to the temple drawn . Therfore they digg'd their ground with much ado , And with their hāds thrust down the seed they sow . And ore the lofry mountaines not disdaine , For want of beasts themselves to draw the waine . No wolves do now about the sheepfold spy How to a●●ault the flock by treachery ; A greater sorrow tames the wolves ; the Deer● And fearfull Harts do wander every where Amidst the Dogs , about the houses round . The scaly Nation of the sea profound , The Fishes , that all ponds and rivers store , Float dead , like shipwrack'd bodies , to the shore : Sea-calves unwonted to fresh rivers fly : The water-snakes , with scales up-standing , dy : The Viper vainly fenced by his hole Dyes there : the aire to every sort of Fowle Vngentle grows , who , whilst their flights they take High in the aire both flight and life forsake . Nor does it boore them now to change their food ; All arts are hurtfull , leaches do no good ; Not learned Chiron , nor Melampus sage . The pale Tisiphone with all her rage Is to the light from Stygian darknesse sent ; Before her feares , and pale diseases went ; Her murderous head higher , and higher still She daily lifts ; each river , banke , and hill , The blea●s of sheep , and bullocks lowings fill . Now in whole flocks they fall , and heap'd on high , Even in the stals the carrion'd bodies lye , Till men had learn'd t'interre them under ground In dikes ; for of their hides no use was found ; Nor could they roast their flesh , nor wash it clear , Nor their disease-corrupted fleeces shear , Nor touch the tainted webb ; for who so ere Durst once attempt those hated cloaths to weare , Hot Carbuncles did on their bodies grow , And Lice-engendring sweat did overflow ; And ere long time in this infection past , A red * hot swelling all their limmes did wast , Finis libri tertij . Annotations upon the third BOOKE . HIppodamia ( a ) was daughter to Oenoma●s King of the cities of Elis and Pisa. This Oenomaus had horses of wondrous speed ( as being begotten by the winds ) and admitted suiters to his daughter Hippodamia , upon this condition , that they should run a race in chariots with him : upon him that conquered , hee would bestow his daughter ; but whom hee vanquished , hee would kill . When by this cruell meanes hee had killed many that came as suiters to her , and she at last was falne in love with Pelops , she corrupted Myrtilus her fathers charioter to let Pelops win , promising him for that favour hee should first enjoy her and have her maydenhead . Myrtilus upon this promise put on false wheels upon the chariot of Oenomaus ; and when Pelops was conqueror , and obtained the Lady , Myrtilus de●●●ding her promise from her , was by Pelops her husband tumbled downe headlong into the sea , which sea from his name hath beene since called mare Myrtaeum . ( ● ) Augustus Caesar , after Brittany was vanquished , employed many of the captiv● Brittains in servile offices about the Theater : he bestowed also upon those Theaters diverse flags of rich price , in which were woven his victories and triumphs . These flags were carried by the captive Brittaines , bearing the history of their owne conquest : but sure it is , the Poet in this place names Brittaine for any other barbarous nation ; for Augustus , though he had many triumphs over severall barbarous nations , yet never conquer'd nor triumphed over Brittaine . ( c ) By the name of Quirinus in this place the Poet meaneth Augustus Caesar , and that not farre fetch'd , nor farre from reason , but more for the Emperours true honour ; for Suetonius Tranquillus in the life of Augustus , speaketh thus : Three parties of the people by the Senats consent offered on a time three names to Octavius ; the names of Quirinus , Augustus and Caesar : hee fearing lest if he should choose one , he should displease the other two parties , accepted them all : He was first called Quirinus , afterward Caesar , and last of all Augustus ; in which name he ever remamed ; and Virgil gives him all those names . ( d ) This great flow of warre from Nil● 〈◊〉 Poet meanes when Marcus Antonius , and Cleopatra came downe from thence to encounter Augustus Caesar at Actium ; 〈◊〉 which warre they brought wonderfull power : for Marcus Antonius besides the ayde of ten Kings , which served him at that time , and all the strength of Cleopatra , had nineteene whole Roman legions , and twelve thousand horsemen : his strength at sea was five hundred sayle of fighting ships . In this battell they were vanquished by Augustus Caesar. ( e ) After the victory of Actium , Augustus Caesar marcht with a great strength towards divers nations ; who easily yeelded unto him . The Indians & Scythians ( saith Suetonius Tranquillus ) hearing of his name onely begged his favour . The Parthians themselves yeelded without resistance , and their king Phraartes did homage to Augustus , gave him hostages , and delivered backe all those Romane ensignes which they before had taken in warre from Marcus Crassus , and Marcus Antonius the Triumvir . ( f ) The horses here mentioned , and so famed in Poetry , were these : the horses of Castor and Pollux called Xanthus and Cyllarus : the horses of Mars called Dimos and Phobos : and the horses of Achilles , called Xanthus and Aethon . ( g ) The fable is thus : Saturne was in love with Philyra the daughter of Oceanus and Thetis : shee , to avoide the rape , was transformed by her parents into a Mare ; upon which Saturne turned himselfe into a stately Courser , and so enjoyed the Nymph : in which shape also hee deceived his wife Ops , who came thither of purpose to finde him out , and discover the fact ▪ of which con●●ction of Saturne and Phylira , the Poets reported that Chiron the Centaure was borne . ( h ) As the Thessalians were the first of all that ever invented the use of riding on horse-backe ; so Ericthonius was the first that taught posteritie the way of joyning horses together in Chariots . This Ericthonius was the sonne of Vulcan , a man of a goodly personage , but deformed onely in his feete , which were like the feet of a Serpent . Hee to hide this deformity , invented Chariots , wherein hee might ride , and nothing of him but his upper parts exposed to the view . ( i ) Peletronium is a towne in Thessaly , where the use of taming and riding horses was first found : for on a time when Thessalus the king of that countrey was much displeased that his Bullocks ran 〈…〉 ( for it should seeme the horse-fly had stung them ) he commanded his men , which wayted on him , to run after them , and stop their flight : they being not able to overtake the swiftnesse of the Bullocks , took up on the sudden a new invention ; they mounted themselves upon horses backs , and so with ease overtooke and turned them . These men espied by some of the neighbouring people , eyther as they rode swiftly by , or else as their horses bowed downe their heads to drinke of the river Peneus , gave way to that old fable of the Centaures : for the people neere had an opinion that they were halfe men and halfe horses . But the name of Centaure was therefore given them , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because those men , when first they rods 〈◊〉 horses were driving of Bullocks . ( k ) Potnia is the Citie , of which Glaucus was , who ( as the Poets fained ) despised the sacrifices and service of Venus . The goddesse angry with his contempt , sent a madnesse to possesse the Mares which drew his Chariot ; who turning upon their Master , tore him to pieces . The cause of this fiction that Venus should send a madnesse into them , is this : Glaucus to make his Mares the swifter and fuller of mettall , kept them from venery , which made his Mares so furious , that their ungovern'd spirit turned to the destruction of their Master . ( l ) Virgil speaking in this place of the plague among cattell , ingeniously supposeth that this was the same time , wherein that famous history of Herodotus was verified . It was the custome for the Votaresse or Priest of Argos to ride to the Temple of Iuno , drawne by two Oxen upon fest●●all 〈◊〉 But when it so befell upon a solemne day that no Oxen could be found to draw her ( the plague having consumed the cattell in that countrey ) her two sonnes Cleobis and Biton put the yoakes upon their neckes , and drew their mother to the temple . The goddesse Iuno , moved with so great a piety in these two young men , offered their mother that whatsoever shee would pray for in her sonnes behalfe , it should be granted . The mother with a pious answer entreated the godd●sse that whatsoever she knew the most happy for mortall men , shee would be pleased to graunt unto her sonnes : the next morning the two young men were both found dead ; from whence it was generally concluded that nothing was so happy for a man as to dye . FINIS . GEORGICON . The fourth BOOKE . THE ARGVMENT . THis book describes the Bees industrious state ; By what chast wondrous means they propagate Their kind , & breed their cōmon progeny . Their age , their natures and strange industry ; Their wars and furious factions ; & how they By lawes of iustice governe , and obey In their monarchike state . Their maladies , And cures ; and how to make a swarm of Bees When all thy stock is quite consum'd to nough● . Sad Aristaeus by his mother taught Bindes fast shape-changing Proteus ; who alone Tels him what caus'd his Bees destruction . Orpheus bewailes his wife ; his musicks straine Charms hell , and brings Eurydice againe From thence ; againe fond love looses her quite . 〈…〉 in endlesse wo , by night 〈…〉 torne in Bacchus sacrifice By Thracian dames , whose beds he did despise , Taught Aristaeus doth to them ordaine A sacrifice , and findes his Bees againe . AEriall Honey next , a gift divine I le sing ; Mecaenas , grace this piece of mine . Admired spectacles of Creatures small , Their valiant Captaines , and in order all Their Nations , Manners , Studies , People , Fight , I will describe ; nor think the Glory slight , Though slight the Subiect be , to him , whom ere Th' invoked gods , and pleas'd Apollo heare . First for your Hives a fitting station finde Shelter'd from windes rough violence , for winde Hinders their carriage ; let no Sheep there play , Nor frisking Kids the flowery meadowes lay , Nor wanton Heifers neare the hiving place Strike off the dew , nor tread the springing grasse . Let speckled Lizzards thence be far away , The Woodpeckers , and other Birds of prey , And Progne marked on her stained breast With bloody hands ; for she to feed her nes● Seizes the flying Bees , and thither 〈…〉 As sweetest food ; but near pure 〈…〉 Green mossie fountaines stil your Bee-hives place , And streames that glide along the Verdant grasse , Shaded with palms , or spreading olive trees : That when new kings draw out their swarming bees , And frō their combes dismiss'd in spring they play , The neighboring banks may then invite their stay , Cooling their heat , and trees so near the hive A green , and shady coverture may give . Into the poole , whether it stand , or flow , Great stones acrosse , and Willow branches throw As bridges for the Bees to stand upon , And spread their wings against the Sūmer sun , When strong Eastwindes by chance have scatter'd thē In cōming home , or drown'd them in the streame , Let beds of Violets , and wilde Betony , Greene Cinnamon , and fragrant savory Grow round about the spring . But whether you To make your hives , trees barkes together sow , Or hives of limber Osyars woven get ; Make the mouth narrow , lest the summers heat Dissolve the honey , or cold winter freeze ; For both extreames alike annoy the Bees . Nor i● in vaine that they with all their powers Daube up each chinck with waxe , & fil with flowers Each breathing hole , and to that end prepare A glew more clammy than all birdlime farre , And Phrygian Ida's pitch ; and under ground ( If fame speak truly ) Bees have oft been found Breeding in digged caves , and oft been known In holes of trees , and hollow p●mice stone . But daube thou vp the chinky hives with clay , To keep them warme , and leaves above them lay . Neere to the hives let no deep waters flow , Nor crabs be drest , nor poisonous yew-trees grow . Or where mud standing stinkes , or eccho's bound From hollow rocks with their reflected sound . But when bright Sol hath banish'd Winter chas'd Vnder the earth , and Summer light hath grac'd The sky againe ; over the fields , and woods They wander straight lightly the brinkes of floods They sip and tast the purple flowers ; from thence ( What sweetnesse ere it be that stir their sence ) Care for their bro●de , and progeny they take ; Thence work their waxe , and hony clammy make . Then when dismiss'd their hives , vp to the sky In Summer ayre thou seest them swarming fly ▪ Wondring to view dark clouds 〈…〉 wind , Then mark thē well , they go sweet streams to 〈◊〉 , And leavie bowers ; upon this place do thou Base honey-●uckles , and beaten mill-●oile strow : And round about let tincking brasse resound ; Th●i● farther progresse this charmd place wilboūd . There they will make their stand , or else desire Back to their own known lodgings to retire . But if they chance to sally out to wars ( As oft two kings have caused mortall iars ) The common Bees affections straight are found , And trembling hearts to fight : that martiall sound Of brasse checks their delay , and then a voice Is heard resembling trūpets winding noise , Then straight they muster , spread their glittering wings , And with their beaks whet their dead-doing stings . Then to the standard royall all repaire About their king , and loudly buzzing dare Their foes t' appeare ; in weather clear , and faire They sally forth : their battels ioyne i' th' ayre . The Welkin 's fill'd with noise ; they grapple all , And grappling so in clusters head long fall ; Haile from the winters sky fals not so fast , Nor shaken oakes so thick do shed their mast . In midst of th' armies with bright glorious wings , And mighty spirits fly the daring kings ( Though bodies small ) resolved not to yeeld , Till one side vanquisht have forsooke the field . Wouldst thou this fight , and furious heate allay ? A little dust thrown up will part the fray . But when both kings drawn home from battel be ▪ Kill him that seemes the worst , lest thriftlesse he Do hurt , and let the other reigne alone . ( For of two sorts they are ) one fairely knowne By glittering specks of gold , and scales of bright But ruddy hue . This fairest to the sight Is best : by floth the other's nasty growne , And hangs his large unweildy belly downe . Different , as are the kings , the subiects are . Some foule and filthy , like the traveller , That comes from dusty waies , and dirt doth spit From his dry throate : the other gold-like bright . With well proportion'd spots his limbes are deckt This is the better broode ; from these expect Honey at certaine seasons of the yeare Most sweet , and yet not sweet alone , but cleare , And such as Bacchus hardnesse will allay . But when in th' aire the swarmes 〈◊〉 randome play Scorning their combes , forsaking their cold hive ; Dost thou from this vaine sport desire to drive Their wādring thoughts ? not toilsome is the pains , Clip but the princes wings ; whilst he remaines Within , no common Bee will dare to make High flight , nor th'ensignes frō the campe to take . Let Saffron gardens odoriferous , Which th' image of Lampsacian Priapus Guards with his hooke of willow to affright Both Theeves , and hurtfull Fowles , the Bees invite . Let him himselfe , which feares his Bees to want , Bring Thyme , & Pines down frō the hils , to plant , Wearing his hands with labour hard , and round Bestow a friendly watering on the ground . And did I not now neer my labours end Strike faile , and hasting to the harbour tend , Perchance how fruitfull gardens may be drest I 'd teach , and sing of twice rose-bearing Pest : How Succory by waters prospers well , On grasse how bending Cucumbers do swell , And bankes of Persley greene : besides to show How the late blooming Daffodils do grow I would not faile , and twigs of Beares-foot slow , Shore loving Myrtles , and pale Ivie too . For where Tarentum's lofty Turrets stand , Where slow Galesus soakes the fallow Land , I saw an old Cilician , who possest Few akers of neglected ground undrest , Not fit to pasture beasts , nor vines to beare : Yet he among the bushes here , and there Gathering few pot-hearbs , vervaine , li lies white , And wholesome poppey , in his mindes delight Equall'd the wealth of Kings , and comming still Late home at night , with meat unbought , did fill His laden board : he gather'd first of all Roses in spring , and apples in the fall . And when sad winter with extreamest cold Crack'd even the stones , & course of flouds did hold With bridling ice , he then pluck'd leaves of soft Beares-foot , and check'd the springs delayings oft , And Zephyres sloath . He therefore first was found With fruitfull Bees , and swarmes still to abound , And froathy hony from the combes could squeeze . He still had fruitfull vines , and linden trees . And for each blossome , which first cloath'd the tree An apple ripe in Autumne gather'd he . He could to order old grown Elmes transpose , Old peare trees hard , & black thorne bearing sloes , The plaine tree too , that drinking shade bestowes . But too much straighten'd , I must now forsake 〈◊〉 This taske for others afterward to take . And now He show those natures , which on Bees Great Iove himselfe bestow'd : for what strange fees Following a tinckling noise , and brazen ring In Cretan caves they nourish'd heavens high King. Bees only live in common-wealths , and Bees Only in common hold their progenies : Live by lawes constant , and their own abodes Certainly know , and certain houshold gods : And mindfull of ensuing winter , they Labour in summer , and in publike lay Vp their provision . Some for gathering foods Are by the states commission sent abroad To labour in the fields : some still at home Lay the foundations of the honey combe Of glue , tree-gumme , and faire Narcissus reare : Then to the top they fasten every where Their clāmy waxe : care for their brood some take ( The nations hope ) : some purest honey make , Till th' honey combe with clearest Nectar swels . Some lot appoints to stand as centinels , And to foresee the showres , and stormes to come They watch by turns : those that come laden home Some case : or ioyning all their strengths in one Far from the hive they chase the lazie Drone . To work they fall : their fragrant honeyes hold A sent of Thyme ; as when the Cyclops mould Iove's thunder frō th' hard-yeelding masse in hast , Some take and pay againe the windy blast From bull-hide bellowes : others in the lakes Do quench the hizzing irons ; Aetna shakes With weight of anviles : whilst their armes so strōge In order strike , and with hard-holding tongs The iron turne ; such inbred thrifty care ( If little things with great we may compare ) Each in his function Bees of Athens take . The elder keep within the townes , and make Daedalian fabrieks to adorne the combe ; But late returne the younger weary home Their thighes laden with Thyme : they feed upon Wildings , greene Willowes , Saffron , Cinnamon , Pale Hyacinths , and fruitfull Linden trees . One time of work , and rest have all the Bees . Forth in the morne they goe , and when late night Bids them leave gathering , home they take their slight , And there refresh their bodies thē a sound , And buzzing's heard about th'hives confines roūd . But when they all are lodg'd in silence deep They rest , their weary senses charm'd by sleep . Nor stray they far when clouds orecast the skyes , Nor trust the weather when Eastwindes arise . But neare their Cities short excursions make , And safely water , or small pebbles take ( As in rough seas with sand the Vessels light Ballast themselves ) to poize their wandering flight . But at that wondrous way you must admire By which Bees breede : they feele nor Venus fire , Nor are dissolv'd in lust , nor yet endure The paines of childing travell : but from pure Sweet flowers , & Herbs their progeny they bring Home in their mouths . They all elect their king , And little nobles ; their wax mansions And courts they build ; & oft 'gainst hardest stones They fret their wings , and spoile them as they fly , And gladly under their sweet burthens dy : So great 's their love of flowers , ambition too They have of making Honey . Therefore though Their lives be short ( as not above the space Of seven yeares ) yet their immortall race Remaines ; the fortunes of their houses hold ; For many yeares are grand-sires grand-sires told . Besides not Aegypt , nor rich Lydia more , Nor Medes , nor Parthians do their kings adore ; Whilst he 's alive , in concord all obey ; But when he dyes , all leagues are broke , and they Themselves destroy their gathered food at home , And rend the fabrick of their hony combe . T is he preserves their workes ; him all admire , And guard his person with a strong desire : They carry him , for him they hazzard death , And think in war they nobly lose their breath . Noting these signes , and tokens , some define The Bees partakers of a soule divine , And heavenly spirit ; for the godhead is Diffus'd through earth , through seas , & lofty skies . From hence all beasts , men , cattle , all that live , All that are borne their subtle soules receive . Hither againe they are restor'd , not dy , But when dissolv'd , returne , and gladly fly Vp to the stars ; in heaven above they live . But when thou wouldst open the stately hive , And rob their hoarded honey treasury , Then first of all throw water silently , And with thine hand send in pursuing smoke . Twice in the yeare for honey harvests look : First when Taygetes beauteous visage makes Earth glad , and th' Oceans scorned floods forsakes : Againe , when she the Southerne fish doth fly , To winter seas descending heavily . But Bees offended wondrous wrath conceive Inspiring venome where they sting , and leave Fixt to the veines their undiscerned speare Within the wound , themseves expiring there . But if thou fear a Winter hard , and make Spare for the future time , or pity take On their deiected spirits , and falne estate : Give them cut waxe , and thyme suffumigate . For oft base Lizzards eate the hony combe , And to the hives night-loving Beetles come ; And Drones , that freely fit at others meate ; Or with unequall strength fierce Hornets b●ate The Bees : or Moths of a dire kind : or close About the door her net-like cobwebs loose The Pallas-hated Spider spins . The more They thus are ruin'd to repaire the store Of their lost nation , all their utmost powers Themselves do use , and fil their hives with flowers . But if their bodies be diseas'd ( as Bees By life are subiect to our meladies ) Which may by signes infallible be known ; The sick straight lose their colour , and are grown Deform'd with leanenesse : they in wofull wise Beare forth their dead with solemne obsequies . Or cloister'd else within their houses they Sadly containe themselves , or lingring stay About the doore , in clusters taking hold , Famish'd , and faint , and feeble by the cold . Then a sad broken sound , and groaning's heard , As windes do murmur in a Forrest stirr'd , As seas do roare , the tide by windes oppos'd , Or raging fire within a furnace clos'd , For this of gums a fumigation use , And into th● hive in pipes of reed infuse Honey , t' inuite them to a well-known food ; With these the tast of beaten galt is good ; Dry'd roses too , and thick decocted wine , With loose hung clusters from the Psythian vine , Cecropian Thyme , strong Centorie ; withall A flower , which Husbandmen Amello call , Most easie to be found , in meadowes growes , For from one roote he spreads a wood of boughes . Whos 's many leaves , although the flower be gold , Black Violets dimme purple colour hold . Whence wreaths have oft the gods hie altars deckt . Sharp-tasted in the mouth ; shepheards collect These flowers beside faire Mella's crooked stream , On plaine unwooded Valleyes . Rootes of them Boile in sweet wine , and set provision store In baskets full before the Bee-hive doore . But if that any his whole broode of Bees Have on the suddain lost , and no way sees To raise another stock , I le now declare Th' Arcadian master's old invention rare , And from fames first beginning make it plaine From blood-corrupted of bruis'd Bullocks slaine , How Bees have oft been born . For where from old The happy people of Canopus hold , Their Countrey cover'd with Niles fruitfull flow , And ore their lands in painted Frigots go , Neer to the bounds of quiver'd Persia , Where Nile returned from black India , With slime makes fruitfull Egypts Verdant plaine , And in seven channels fals into the maine , All that whole region in this art repose A certaine remedy . And first they choose A little house , which to that end they build , Clos'd in strong wals , guttur'd , and strongly til'd . Gainst the foure quarters of the winde they make Four windowes lending oblique light ; then take A tender horned Steere of two yeares old , And stop his breath , his mouth , and nostrils hold , Till struggling so with beating kill'd he fall , Through his whole skin his bowels bruised all . Then in that narrow roome so closely shut They leave the body , and beneath it put Sweet Thyme , fresh Cinnamon , and other bought , When Zephyre first upon the water blowes : Before the spring with flowers the meadows guild , Or twittering Swallowes on the rafters build . Then th' heated moisture in the tender bones Doth boile , and ( wondrous to be seen ) at once So many animals together brings , First without feet , after with feet , and wings , And take th' aire more , and more , til like a showre , Which down frō Sūmer clouds doth fiercely powre , Or like a storme of Shafts , which Parthians shoot Against their Foes , a swarme of Bees break out . What god , O Muse , to us this art hath taught ? What act of man this new experience brought ? When Aristaeus sad from Tempe fled , His Bees by hunger and diseases dead , Beside the sacred spring of Peneus Plaining he stood , and tax'd his mother thus , Mother Cyrene , Mother whose abodes Are in this flood , why from the line of gods ( If Phoebus , as thou sayest , my Father be ) Broughst thou me forth abhorr'd by destinie ? Oh whither now is fled a mothers love ? Why didst thou bid me hope for heaven above ? When lo those ioyes , which mortall life did bring , Which Bees , and Cornes industrious husbanding With all my care could but procure , is gone Though thou my Mother be . Nay , nay , go on , With thine own hand fell off my growing woods , My harvests blast , by fire consume my goods , My barnes , and corn , my spreading vines cut down If thou so envious of my praise be grown . But from her bower his mother heard the sound Vnder the flood ; the Nymphs about her round Spun green Milesian wooll . Dishevell'd haire Adorn'd their ivorie necks , Drym● the faire , X●ntho , Ligaea , and Phyllodoce , Nesae , Spio , and Cymodoce ; Cydippe , and bright Licorias , one a maide , Th' other then first had felt Lucina's aide . Clio , and Berôe sea-borne sisters both , Both guirt with gold , in painted mantles both . Ephyre , Opis , Deiopcia too Of Asia , and Arethusa now At last growne swift since she her quiver left . To these did Climene tell the pleasing theft , And slights of Mars , with Vulcans bootlesse feares , And from the Chaos number'd do their eares The loves of gods . Whilst pleasd with what she told The rocks of wooll they on their spindles rowl'd . Againe the plaints of Arislaeu● pierc't His mothers care ; but Arethusa first Of all the Nymphs above the water show'd Her beauteous head , and far off cry'd aloud Sister , Cyrene , t was no causlesse feare That sound procur'd ; thine Aristaeus dear Weeping beside old Peneus streame remaines , And of thy cruelty by name complaines . Struck with new feares his mother answer'd thus : Bring him ( quoth she ) bring him along to us . He may of right enter the roofe of gods . Then by command she straight divides the floods To make him ●oome to passe : the swelling flood Like a steep mountaine round about him stood : In that vast gulfe receiv'd he was convey'd Down vnder ground , and wondring there suruey'd His mothers watery bower , lakes closely held In cave● , and sounding woods , and there beheld ( Astonished to heare that horrid sound That waters motion made ) how under ground In severall places rivers did commence , ●hasis , and Lycus , and the spring , from whence The deep Enipeus breakes , whence Tyber is , Mysian Caicus , stony Hypanis , And Annio , golden Eridanus With bull-like hornes ; no streame more furious Doth run , nor falls more violent than he Into the purple Adriaticke sea . When to his mothers bower of pumice stone He came , and she perceiu'd his causlesse mone : The Nymphs clear water , and fine towels bring To clense his hands with , some replenishing The cups , while some the feasting tables fill , With frankincense the altars smoking still . Here take these cups of wine ( his mother said ) Let 's sacrifice to th' Ocean ; then she pray'd Vnto Oceanus , father of all things , And Nymphs her sisters , who the woods , & springs By hundreds keep . Thrice on the fire she threw Nectar : to th' roofe the flame thrice upward flew . Confirmed with this Omen thus begun Cyrene ; in Carpathian seas , my sonne , Great Neptune's Prophet ( g ) ●roteus abides , Who ore the Maine in his blew chariot rides By horse-fish drawne ; who now againe resorts To his Pallene , and th' Aemathian ports : Him aged Nereus , and we Nymphs adore ; For he knowes all things , things that heretofore Have been , that are , and shall hereafter be . For so to Neptune it seem'd good , that he His heards of fish might under water guide , And great Sea-calves . He must in chaines be ti'de By thee , my sonne , to shew the cause thy Bees Are dead , and give thee prosp'rous remedies . Without compulsion he will nothing tell , Nor can entreaties move him ; binde him well , And hard , and all his tricks will vanish soone . When ●ol is mounted to his height at noone , When grasse is d●y , and cattell seeke the shade , I le bring thee thither , where thou shalt invade The aged Prophet , when his private sleep He takes , ●etired weary from the deep . But when thou bind'st him , to delude thine eyes , In severall shapes he will himselfe disguise , A scaly Dragon , or fierce Tyger he , Or Bore , or tawny Lionesse will be , Or take the noise , and shew of fire to scape , Or slide away in liquid waters shape . But , sonne , the more in shapes he varyes still , Be sure the harder hold thy cords , untill Chang'd frō those figures , that first shape ( h ) he keep , In which thou saw'●t him lying down to sleep . This said , sh' annoints the body of her sonne , With sweete Ambrosian odours ; whence anone An heavenly ayre exhaled from his head , And able vigour through his limbes was spread . Within an eaten Mountaines hollow side Is a vast cave , where water driven by tide Doth into turning guifes it selfe divide , An harbour safe to storme-tost Marriners : Within blew Pro●eus under stony bars Shut up , and guarded lyes . Here far from sight In a darke nooke averted from the light Cyrene plac'd her sonne ; her selfe away Vanish'd obscur'd in clouds . At noone of day , When now the scorching dog-star from the sky The thirsty ●ndians burn'd , the grasse was dry , And the sun-beames as low as to the ground Boil'd luke-warm rivers , though the most profoūd . Proteus from sea to this accustom'd ground Retires himselfe ; the scaly Nation round Playing about him , fa● salt dew do throw ; The Calves on shore do severally bestow Themselues to sleep , whilst he upon a rock Amidst them fi●s , and numbers all the flock , Like to an Heard , when from the mountains home Vnto their stals his Calves from feeding come , And wolves are whetted with the lambs loud bleats . When Aristaeus this occasion gets , Scarce suffering the old Prophet to compose His weary limbes , in with a shout he goes Vpon him straight , and bindes him as he lyes . He not unmindefull of his old devise All his strange shapes assumes in order ore , A flaming fire , a flood , a tusked bore . But when no cunning could procure his scape , Vanquisht at last , in his owne humane shape He speaks ; Who sent thee hither to my cave Thou bold young man ? or here what wouldst thou have ? Thou knowst my mind , Proteus thou knowst ( quoth he ) Intend it not , thou c●nst not co●sen me . Following the gods command , hither come I For my lost goods to seek a remedie . When thus he spake , the Prophet much compell'd , Scowling with his green eyes , with anger swell'd , And cha●ing thus at last gan prophecie : The wrath of some great god doth follow thee For great misdeeds . To thee this punishment ( Though not so great as thou deseru'st ) is sent From wretched Orpheus , unlesse fares resist , Who still in wrath for his dear wife persists . When from thy lust she fled , the never spy'd A water-snake , by whose fell s●ing she dy'd , Lurking upon the graslie banke : But all The Dryades at her sad funerall Wept on the mountaines , high Pangaea , and The Rodepeian tower● , and warlike land Of Rhaesus , Hebrus , and the Getes for wo Wept , and Athenian Orythia too . But he himselfe his sicke soule solacing , Oft to his warbling instrument would sing Of thee , sweet wife ; thou on the shore alone Morning and night wert subiect his mone ▪ He through the darke , & fearfull wood did venter , 〈◊〉 , lawes , and ●luto's cave to enter , And to the Ghosts , and their grim king he went , Hearts that to humane prayers did nere relent . But from all parts of hell the ghosts , and throng Of livelesse shadowes moved by his song Came forth , as many thousands , as a flight Of little birds into the woods , whom night , Or showres approaching thither drive in sholes , The ghosts of men and women , the great soules Of Heroes , Virgins , and of Boyes were there , And Youths , that tomb'd before their parents were ▪ Whom foule Cocytus reedlesse bankes enclose , And that blacke muddy poole , that never flowes , And Styx nine times about it rowles his waves . But all hels in most vaults , and torturing caves Amazed stood ; th' Eumenides forbeare To menace now with their blew snaky harie : Three-mouthed Cerberus to bark refraines : Ixion's racking wheele unmov'd remaines . Now comming back all dangers past had he , Behinde him follow'd his Eurydice Restor'd to life ( for this condition Proserpina had made ) when lo anon Forgetfull love a suddaine frenzy wrought , Yet to be pardon'd , could Fie●ds pardon ought . Neere to the light ( alas ) forgetfull he Love-sicke , look'd backe on his Eurydice . That action frustrates all the paines he tooke , The ruthlesse tyrant's covenant is broke , And thrice Avernus horrid lake resounds . Orpheus ( quoth she ) what madnesse thus confoūde Thy wretched selfe , and me ? sterne fates surprie Me back againe ; deaths slumbers close mine eyes . Farewell ; thus hurry'd in black night I go ; This saide , her aëry hands she lifts , and so As smoake sleetes into ayre , she vanisht there ( Now his no more ) and left him clasping th' ayre ▪ Offring replyes in vaine : nor more alas Would churlish Charon suffer him to passe . What should he do his wife twice lost ? how move The Fiends with tears , with prayers the gods above● His wife now cold was ferry'd thence away In Charons boate . But he seven moneths ( they say ) Weeping besides forsaken Strymons waves Vnder the cold , and solitary caves To ruthlesse rocks did his mishaps lament , That trees were mov'd , and Tygers did re●ent . As Phi●omel in shady Poplar tree Wailing her young ones losse , whom cruelly A watching Husbandman , ere fledge for flight , Took from her nest . She spends in griefe the night , And from a bough sings forth her sorrow there With sad complaints filling the places neere . No Venus now , nor Hymenaean rites Could move his minde ; wandring in wofull plights Where on Riphaean fields frost ever lyes , Ore Scythian ice , and snowy Tanais , He there complayn'd of Pluto's bootlesse Boone , And how how againe Eurydice was gone ▪ The Thracian Dames , whose beds he did despise , Raging in Bacchus nightly sacrifice , Scatter'd him peece-meale ore the fields abroad . Yet then when swift Ocagrian Hebrus flood Carry'd the head torne from the neck along , Eurydice his cold , and dying tongue , Ah poore Eurydice did still resound . Eurydice the banks did Eccho round . Thus Proteus spake , and leapt into the Maine , And where he leapt , beneath his head againe The foaming waters rose in bubbles round . Fearelesse Cyrene with this cheatfull sound Comforts her sonne ; Banish sad cares , my sonne : This , this did cause thy Bees destruction : For this the Nymphs , which in the woods did play . And dance with her , have tane thy Bees away . Bring thou thy offrings humbly , beg thy peace , And there adore the easie Dryades ; For they will pardon , and their wrath remit . I le teach thee first what way of praying's fit : Choo●e out foure lusty Bulls well shap'd , and fed , Which on thy greene Lycaeus top are bred , As many Heifers , which nere yoake did beare ; To these foure altars in the temple reare ; And from their throats let out the sacred blood , And leave their bodies in the leavie wood When the ninth morning after shall arise , Let●aean poppy t' Orph●us sacrifice , Kill a blacke sheep , and th' wood again go see . With a slaine Calfe appease Eurydice . Without delay he doth what ●he directs , Comes to the temples , th' altars there erects . Foure ●usty Bulls well shap'd , and fed he tooke ; As many as Heyfers , that nere bare the yoke : When the ninth morning after did arise , To Orpheus he perform'd his sacrifice , And came to th' wood , when lo ( strange to be told ) A ●udden wonder they did there behold : Bees buzz'd within the Bullocks putrifi'd Bowels , and issu'd out their broken sides , Making great clouds in th' aire , and taking trees Like grapes in clusters , hung whole swarms of bee● This I of Tillage , Trees , and Cattells care Have sung , whilst mighty Caesar in his warre , Thundring by great Euphrates doth impose Lawes on the conquer'd Parthians , and goes The way to heaven . Then sweet Parthenope Happy in peacefull stydies nourish'd me , Who Shepheards layes , and , Tytirus , thee young Vnder the broade beech covert boldly sung . FINIS . Annotations upon the fourth BOOKE . ( 1 ) VIrgil in this fourth Booke , lest any businesse of a countrey life should be wanting in his Georgicks , beginnes here the discourse of Bees ; a subiect ( though small ) ●et , as one observes , written of by many the ablest Authours , and in different manner . Aristotle first in his booke intituled , De historia animalium , had written with much subtletie , and depth concerning the Bees nature . Amongst the Latines , Varro in a discourse wondrous for the brevity , hath written fully of them . Iunius Higinius with diligence , and walking , as it were , in a spacious field hath at large discoursed of the nature of Bees : he omitteth nothing which the ancient Poets have pleasantly fabled of that subject . Cornelius Celsus in an elegant and facetious stile hath made illustration of it , Columella , moderately , and onely ( as himselfe confesses ) because it is a part of that subject , which he had before began ; with no great ardour hath expressed it . And lest it should only be written in prose , our Poet in this place in most elegant Verse , inferior to none that ever was , entreateth of this small subiect . ( b ) The King of the Bees ( saith one ) it usually spotted more than the rest , and of a forme more faire and beautifull . He is twice as bigge as the common Bees ; his wings are shorter than theirs , but his legs are straighter and longer ; so that his walking up and down she h●●e is more lofty and full of majesty . Vpon his forehead is a bright spot glittering in manner of a d●ad● me . He wants a sting , armed with nothing but majesty , and a wondrous obedi●nce of the other Bees to him . When ever hee goes forth , the whole swarme ●aite about him , guard him , and suffer him not to be seene . When the common Bees are 〈◊〉 their worke , hee walkes to take survey of ●hem , he himselfe only being free from labor . About him still are his guards and officers , those strength hee uses in punishing the idle and sloathfull Bees . But others are of opini●n ( who deny the generation of bees without ●span ) that this great Bee , called the King , 〈◊〉 the onely male in the hive , without whose company there can bee no generation at all : and therefore that all the other bees doe per●etually slocke , and throng about him , not ●ith respect as to a Prince , but desire as to a Male. ( c ) It was , as most know , an ancient fable , that Saturne the husband of Ops , and father of Iupiter was accustomed to devour his owne children when they were brought forth ( the reason of it , was , because Saturne was named the god of time , and all times passing and returning revolve againe into themselves ) which gave occasion to this historie ; when Iupiter was borne , his mother Ops fearing the cruelty of her husband to him , concealed his birth , and the Cretans for feare that Saturne should heare the childery , rung their brazen pans and kettles ; which noise the bees following came to the place where the ●nfant was , and sed him there with honey : Iupiter for so great a benefit , bestowed on his nurses for a reward this admirable g●ft , that they should have young ones , and continue their kinde without wasting themselves in Venery . Others report , that Iupiter being much in love with a faire Nymph called Melissa , turned her into a bee , and for her sake bestowed priviledges upon the bees . ( d ) The place where bees first were , is doubted of ; some report it was Crete , where those were which nourished Iupiter ; others say they were first seen in Thessaly in the time of the reigne of Aristaeus there ; others make Hymetta , a sweet hill neer Athens , the place ; others Hybla an hill in Sicily : all which places are by Poets famed for nourishing of bees . Mane ruunt ( e ) A most admirable discipline , if it may bee credited : as soone as morning appeares , one bee , whose office it is , goes about the hive , and with three or foure loud buzzes , in stead of a bell or trumpet , awakens them from sleep ; upon whose warning , they all arise , and fly abroad unto their labor of gathering honey , or other employments ; when evening returnes again , and they come home laden with honey ; after some short respite , the same bee , or some other in his turn , with the like buzze commandeth them all to rest ( after the manner of Cities ) except such as are appointed to watch and ward . ( f ) This history of Aristaeus the son of Apollo , and the Nymph Cyrene ( before mentioned ) the first finder of the use of bees , was not entended by the Poet to be here inserted ; this part of the booke was all compiled in honour of Cornelius Gallus a Roman Gentleman , the first Governour of Egypt under Augustus Caesar ( when Caesar after the death of Cleopatra had turned the kingdome of Egypt into a Province ) . This Gallus was himselfe a famous Poet ( though only fragments remaine of him ) much beloved of the rest of the Poets , and honoured by Virgil in his Bucolickes . But when afterward he fell into a conspiracie against Augustus , or , as some report it , accused for abusing the Province , which he governed , he was condemned , and put to death ; and Virgil by the command of Caesar , altered the halfe of his fourth booke , and from the praise of Cornelius Gallus turned it to the history of Aristaeus . The story is plaine , as the Poet has here related it ; Aristaeus in lust desiring to ravish Eurydice the wife of Orpheus , and she in her flight from him , being stung with a serpent , and so killed ; Aristaeus for his offence was punished with the losse of all his stock , in which he was richer than any of thosetimes , &c. ( g ) In this fable of Proteus , Virgil imitateth Homer altogether ; or rather borroweth , where in his Odysses Proteus giveth Menelaus instruction : but the historie of Proteus is thus reported by Herodotus in his Euterpe ; Proteus was King of Egypt at that time when Paris having raped Helena , was driven with her by a tempest into Egypt . ( for when Troy was sacked Helena could not be found there ) But Menelaus after the wars of Troy sayled into Egypt , and there being with great courtesie entertained by Proteus , hee received his wife Helena againe . Some report , that Proteus being borne in Egypt fled from the tyranny of cruell Busiris , and came into Thessalia : but others ( of whose opinion it should seeme our Poet is ) say , that he was borne at Pal●ene a City of Thessalia ; and sailing into Egypt lived for a time there ; but afterwards returned againe into Thessalia his native countrey . ( h ) Of this fable that Proteus before he was bound , and barred from all his deluding shapes , could never prophesie , some have made a physicall construction ; for every man has in himselfe lust , folly , cruelty and deceit ; which , as long as they raigne uncontrolled in him , his nobler part , which is nearer to the divinitie , that is his wisedome , doth not appeare , nor cannot exercise her function , untill all those are bound ; that is , till a man be freed from those vices . From whence he concludeth , that this Priest could not prophesie , nor receive the divinitie into him , untill all these , that is , his fiery lust , his brutish cruelty , his wavering lightnesse of minde , ( like fleeting water ) were all bound , and had ceased in him . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A14500-e15340 * Saint Anthonies fire . A14497 ---- Virgils Eclogues translated into English: by W.L. Gent Bucolica. English Virgil. 1628 Approx. 255 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 104 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A14497 STC 24820 ESTC S119264 99854471 99854471 19894 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A14497) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 19894) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1044:2) Virgils Eclogues translated into English: by W.L. Gent Bucolica. English Virgil. Lathum, William. Vives, Juan Luis, 1492-1540. [16], 63, 66-192, [2] p. Printed by William Iones, dwelling in Red-crosse-street, London : 1628. W.L. = William Lathum. Translation wrongly attributed to William Lisle. A translation of: Bucolics. In verse. With a translation of the commentary of Juan Luis Vives. With a final leaf of verses. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. Lacking last leaf. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng 2003-12 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-12 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-01 Olivia Bottum Sampled and proofread 2004-01 Olivia Bottum Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion VIRGILS ECLOGVES TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH : By W. L. Gent. Quis non Virgili● Ingenium admiratur acutum ? Quae ●e suos censura potest reprehendere versus ? ( Delitias Animi , ( miscentes utile dulci : ) Pagina non lasciva sua est : non turpi●● lectu Caermina ( ficta licet , non sunt mendacia : gryphis Mirus inestque lepor , ●iciorum maximus usus : ) P●umbeue est , Callumque sibi non molte palarum , Qui veneres , nequeatque sales gustare Maroms : Vno ( Sylla ait ) Marij sunt Casare mille Vno in Virgilio , sunt centum mille Poetoe : Talia ; tantae Deum fictorum , qualia quanta Qui cecinit cecinisse queat ? ( si nosset Iesum ; ) ( Heu quam me miseret , Christum nescisse Maronem . LONDON , Printed by William Iones , dwelling in Red-crosse-street , 1628. To the worthy Reader . AMongst other things , wherewith the learned Satyre taxeth the times wherein hee liv'd , this was one , that they were desperately farr spent with a sickness which hee calls the Scribendi Cacoethes , or the scribling disease : The Infection whereof ( as may seeme ) was then so strong , that the contagion of it , hath runn all along in a veine , ( like the knotty Farcye in a horses side ) from Age to Age , to this very Age vvherein wee breath ; seeing ( as then ) so now , tenet insanabile multos , Scribendi Cacoethes ; many Crow-Poets , and Pye-Poetesses , Rhimers , and poor versers , ( quales ego , vel Cluvienus , ) such as I , and bauld Cluvienus , as well as those true witts indeed , who can deserve that of Virgil to Varus , ( Sola Sophocleo tua Carmina digna Cothurno , ) even all sorts , learned and unlearned , ( like the cleane , and uncleane Beasts , posting to the Ark , and ( with the Ape ) doating on the whelpes of their own Brayn , and breeding , doe , ( even to the oppressing therof , ) daily throng to the Press , ( every one gasping greedily after the sweet ayre of popular praise : whereof some are so ambitious , that ( rather then lose it ) ( with the Dutchess of Burgundy in Hen. 7. time , ) having no children of their own , to serve their turn ) they will set forth a Child of an others begetting : and ( with the Cuckoe , sucking up the Eggs of an other Birds laying , ) set themselves down in the Nest , and there lay their own name , ( in steed of an Egg ) at the foot of the dedication ; which beeing thus hatcht , and flying abroad , gulls the credulous world , as if the whole Nest had been of their own stuff , and building ; and in steed of beeing an honest Steward to the right Author , ( against all true practise of piety , ) ( with Ziba , ) make themselves Heyres to an other mans paynes and praise : Others also the world hath heard of , who ( beeing no less ambitious of this vulgar applause , though quite bankerupt of all ability , to deserve it , ) are also so envious , that ( with Richard the third , ) they will smother the Royall and learned labours of other men . In this scribling itching Age , wherein for a Man to doe , as the most doe , is to bee least noted , ( with him in the Lottery , ) content to bee a Foole for Company , En ego Musarum rudis , et pauperculus hospes , I , that am not worthy ( gentle Reader ) to hould a Trencher to the Muses , have ( with bouldness inough ) thrust my hand into the dish amongst them , and doe heere presēt thee with some of the dainties which I found at their Table : Take them as the pastime of my pastimes , and the Recreations and Interims , which in my younger time , I reserved from sports & pleasure , ( especially that bewitching Inticement of Hawkes , and hawking , which have flowne away with so much of my most pretious time ; and wherein the greatest and the best part of the young Nobility & Gentry of this Land , ( by an ill received , and worse continued custome ) doe ravl'e out a great part of their goulden dayes , as if the terminus ad quem , the end of all their carefull and chargeable education . at home and abroad , were onely to make them ripe and fit for the slavish service of Hawkes & Hounds , and other poorer sports and pleasures , ( whose rare and seldome use is indeed their greatest commendation . ) Long have these trifles of my paynes lyne imprisoned by mee , and some of them , above treble the time that Horace injoynes , ( ut nonū premantur in Annum : ) yet now at last I have granted them an exeatis into the world : I will not deny , that they had long since adventured abroad , but that I still looked , and as much desired , that some good able Poet would have taken this taske in hand , much wondring , that many of the other Latin Authours , both in prose & poetry , had found so much curtesie amongst sundry of our ingenious Countrimen , to bee taught to expresse their mynds very happily in our English tongue , and that this Author , ( so much honoured in all times , as the Prince and parragon of all Latin poesie , should yet stand still as a noli me tangere , whom no man , either durst or would undertake : onely Master Spencer long since translated the Gnat , ( a little fragment of Virgils excellence , ) giving the world peradventure to conceive , that hee would at one time or other have gone through the rest of this Poets workes : and it is not improbable , that this very cause was it , that made every man els very nice to meddle with any part of the Building which hee had begun , for feare to come short with disgrace , of the pattern which hee had set before them : as none would adventure ( for the same reason , ) to finish the pourtraict of Venus , which Apelles left behind him unperfect , at his death : Wherefore I make no doubt , but this which I doe , wil bee addomed against mee for a bould , and a daring deed : but Epistola non erubescit : and now they are out of my hands , I hope they will quickly learne so much Impudence of the world , into which they are crowding , that a little blushing wil serve their turn : some Readers I make no doubt they wil meet with in these dainty mouth'd times , that will taxe them , for not comming resolved word for word , and line for line with the Author : To whom ( if any such chance to bee ) I onely say : That this small Indeavour of mine beeing at first undertaken onely for my own private delight , my homely Muse drest the whole feast , according as shee knew it would best please my own tast and dyet , ( Coquus enim Domini debet habere gulam : ) & I used the freedome of a Translator , not tying my selfe to the tyranny of a Grammaticall Construction , but breaking the shell into many peeces , was onely carefull to preserve the kernell safe and whole , from the violence of a wrong , or wrested Interpretation ; for as wee cannot chide him for an ill tasker , that beates the Corne clean out of the straw , though yet hee thresh it not Eare by Eare , or sheafe by sheafe , in the same order , as it first grevv in the Field . neither are vvee vvont to discōmend those Hounds , vvho spending their mouths merrily together , trayl the Hare home to her forme , though they hunt not all the while so close within the compass of a sheet , nor hitt every head , or every double in the very direct track , that the Hare prickt it out before them : & as wee doe not condemn that Greyhound to run fowle , that ( with good footmanship courseth the Deer straight vvithout coasting , though his strayns bee more or fevver , shorter or longer then the Deeres , and his turns not all so nimble and round , in the same narrovv compass together with the Hare : Nor doe wee hould that Falcon any bad Hawk , who ( working her selfe into a good Kill-ducks place , & flying jump & round ) stoops frankly , strikes sure , and comes home close to the very blank water , though yet shee come not so close , as to ineau , or goe to plunge together with the Fowle : no more do I conceive heerein my course to be faulty , though I do not affect to follow my Authour so close , as to tread upon his heeles ; if yet I can keep at a neerer distance unto him , then Creusa to her husband , in their going out of Troy , so as neither to loose my self , nor my Guide , in so difficult and dark a journy ; houlding my selfe for a passable Travayler , to have held my Author all the way by the hand ( as Ascanius did Aeneas , in the darke night of their trudging out of the massacre ) howsoever my short-legd Muse , ( not able to take so long strydes ) have walked with him ( as that young stripling with his Father ) non passibus aequis . Every line of this Poet , in his own language , deserves the acceptance of the very best Reader : but the language vvhich I have taught him ; ( not daring to stand upon justification by merit , and therefore needing rather pardon then acceptance , ) appeales unto your curtesies with that limitation vvherevvith the good Theodosius bespake the Romans , on his death-bed , in the behalf of his tvvo young sonns ( si promerebuntur : ) or ( if I should use any other insinuation ) it should bee that which Shemi , as bad a Man , as I can bee a Poet , ) used to K. David , because I am the first , that have met my Countrymen with these dainty Aeclogues , in our English tongue : which ( beeing like Riddles , wrapt up in a Mask , and under a clowd of reserved sense , & a double Meaning , ) I have sent abroad with a Gloss borrow'd from divers learned Authors , as strangers with a guide to direct them in an unknown vvay : not doubting , but some can be very vvell content to delight their tasts vvith the pleasant juice , as their eye vvith the outvvard rhind of these goulden Pastoralls . To tender either the Text or the Gloss , the Garment , or the Imbroydery , ( as they are mine , ) to the learned sort , were to offer to light up a Taper before the Sunn , or to bring Farthings ( though a currant Coyn ) in payment unto the exchequer : but amongst those of my own growth , and last , of knowledge and understanding , perhaps ( formy Authors sake ) the one may bee acceptable , and the other welcome , ( as a hand to draw aside the Curtaynes from delicate Pictures ) that so they may discover the face at least , though not the whole body of the Poets meaning . But least I may draw an imputation of having my wings broader then my nest , or my porch larger then my house , with equall respect to all according to the rank and quality of every severall Reader . I rest . W. L. Quod meus Idortus habet , sum●s impune lic●bit , Si dederis nobis , quod ●uus Hortus habet . Aegloga prima . ARGVMENT . TITYRVS , is a feigned name , and in the Laconian language signifies , a greatgrowne-Ramme , which is wont to leade the Flocke : Vnder this name , VIRGIL co●cheth himselfe , and describes his owne fortune ; and ( by the way ) sets forth the Bountie of CAESAR vnto him ; and testifies his owne Thankefulnesse to OCTAVIAN , by making a commemoration of his happinesse , which by his favour hee did enioy : ( herein performing the two duties of true Gratitude at once : the first part whereof is to acknowledge the good turne ; but the summe of all , is to confesse the person , that is the Author of the benefit . MELIBE , is also a feigned name , so called of the Greeke , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because he hath the care and looking to the Oxen committed vnto him ; Vnder this Person VIRGIL describes an vnfortunate miserable man , exiled and forced out of his owne Country ; but more pertinently and directly , the wofull state of the poore People of Mantua , VIRGILS native Country , where hee was bred and borne . TITYRVS . The Bucolickes of PVBLIVS VIRGILIVS MARO . Aegloga prima . Melibeus . THou , in coole Covert of this broad Beech-tree , ( Tityrus ) at case , doest meditating lie On small Oate Pipe , thy silvan Muse ; But wee Leave our faire Fields , and our deare Country flie : Whilst thou lye'st shaded in security , Teaching the hollow woods , loud to proclaime , And eccho , with the sound of Amaryllis name . Tityrus . Ah ( gentle Melibe ) Providence divine , And God himselfe , hath blest me with this ●ase , Of his meere grace , without desert of mine : 'T is hee ; who ( as thou see'st ) in franker Leaze Let 's my Heards rove , at pleasure , where they please ; Hee giues mee leave , vpon my homely Quill , And rusticke Rheed , to pipe , what songs , & tunes I will. For-thy ; him as my God I will behold , And I his Altar often will imbrew With my young Kids , the fattest of my fold . Me. ( Shepheard ) the happinesse which thou doest shew I not envie ; and yet ( to tell thee trew ) Thy goodly Fortune I admire more In this tempestuous stound , all full of foule vprore . See here my Kids , whom I am forc'd to drive Sick as I am ; and this young Tenderling ( With much adoe , to save it e'ne alive ) A little lacke of dead ( poore weakly thing ) All way , I in my armes , am faine to bring : For'mongst the Trees ere while , on bare flint steane This Goate , two Twins , ( the hope of all my Heard ) did eane . The Oakes I saw , parched with heavens blast , This mischiefe often did prognosticate , ( Had I had wit , or any small forecast : ) On hollow Ilex , ( as shee croaking sate ) The luckie Crow , did oft this intimate . But , thilke same God , whom yet ye herry thus , Of court'sie doe me , t' understand ( good Tityrus . ) Tityrus . Sicker , yee mee to thing doo'n timely tempt , Which erst , I bet , than yee did never ken : Ah fon , ( friend Melibe ) I whilome dempt , That famous Citty , which I now and then In common chat , amongst our Countrimen , Haue heard ycleeped , by the name of Rome , Certes for all the world , sibb , to our homely home . Where we poore shepheards , woont attend our Lamms , And tender younglings weane . So did I dare Kids , liken , to their Goates , Whelpes to their Damms , And Mowle-hills , woont , to Mountaines , to compare , " But sooth , to it all other Citties are " As to huge Firre-trees , the young tender plants ; " ( So high her haughty head she ' boue them doth enhance . ) Melibe . But what so great cause hadst thou Rome to see ? Tityrus . My Liberty ; which ( late though ) yet when all Selfe-helpe , and hope , both faild , respected mee : After my gray Beard did to the Barber fall , It came at last , and pittied mee ( poore thrall : ) When once mee Awaryllis did receiue , Poore Galatea left mee , and I did her leaue . Whom till I left , I fairly must confesse I neither hope had , nor intendement Of libertie , ne care , ne mindfulnesse , Of Flocke , or Heard : though from them often went Many a sweete Sacrifice , and fat Cheese sent To that vngratefull Towne ; which nathemore Not once , fulfill'd my fist , with any golden ore . Melibe . ( Sad Amaryllis ) I did wonder much , Why thou in this mans favour didst prepare , And all the Gods invoke ; suffering none touch The fruite vpon his Trees : yea , with such care , That if once Tityrus , hence absent were Fountaines , and Shrubbs , the loftie Pines , and all Soone Tityrus , can misse , and eachwhere him recall . Tityrus . What should I there doe ? spending my fruitles dayes Hopelesse , of any opportunity , From my blind bondage , my poore selfe to raise Ne meanes haue had to know the clemency Of such , so bounteous Gods ; heere , first mine Eye That young Prince Paragon , ( good Melibe ) ( To whom twelue dayes , each year , mine Altars smoke ) did see . Hee , ( first v●ask'd ) did my Petition grant , And thus himselfe , did answer my request : Feede ( Ladd ) thine Oxen , ( as woont , paravant ) And to the yoake , breake the Bulls stubborne crest . Melibe . Happy old man , and fortunately blest Vnder so mighty Patronage ; for-thy , Thy fields , henceforth to thee , in safety shall abye . And spacious , they shall be , and large enough Albe each pasture , fenced be around , Mounded with stone , and rushie slimy stuffe : Ne shall vnwoonted feede in Neighbours ground , Tempt thy bigg-bellied Crones , out of their bound : Ne shall the murrin , or ought like disease ( Amongst thy Neighbours Cattle ) on thy Cattle seize . " Happy old Man , and more than fairely blest , " Who 'mongst these well knowne streames , and sacred springs , " Maist suck the sweete , coole ayre , into thy breast : " Heere , from the hedge , of thy next Neighbourlings , The buzzing Bees , confused murmurings ( About the sallow bloomes ) shall oft inuade Thy lulled sense , and to sweete slumber thee perswade . Heere , maist thou heare , vnder these hollow Rockes Vnto the ayre , the Lopper , lowdly chant , And sing wilde descant , to his Axes knockes . Here , the hoarse stockdove ( thy delight ) will haunt ; Ne , shall the mourning Turtle , cease to pant In the Elmes thicke tops , ( aspiring to the skies ; ) And grone her dolefull notes , and earnfull Elegies . Tityrus . The light-heel'd Hindes , in th' ayre shall feede therefore , And in the Ocean , all the fishes dye For want of water , on the naked Shore : The wandring Parthian , first shall drinken dry Huge Araris ; and guzzling Germany , Sucke downe their thirsty throates , swift Tygris-tyde ; Ere , his deare lovely face , shall from my bosome slide . Melibe . But we , like Pilgrims must forsake this Rea'me , Wandring amongst the scorched Africans : Some to Oaxes , ( Creta's rapid streame ) And some amongst the frozen Scythians : And some , farre hence , amongst th' unknowne Bryteans , ( A people of another world , and quite From all the world beside , divided in their site . ) God knowes , if ever I , my Country deare , And my poore Cot of turse , againe shall see ; Or ( after many a long and tedious yeare ) Admire my Fields of Corne , as now they bee . " Shall the rude godlesse Souldier haue ( aye me ) " These well-plow'd Tilthes ? or shall some barbarous slave , " Of these rich goodly crops , the bounteous harvests have . Lo , heere by our owne discord and debate , How huge a Sea , of endlesse miserie ( Distressed Citizens ) doth vs awaite : Lo , now , for whom , we all so carefully Have sowne our grounds . Plant now ( poore Melibe ) Thy Peares , and doon , in order dresse thy Vine , And to some thanklesse stranger , leave them trim & fine Goe now ( my once , deare happy heard : ) and yee My tender Kids , farewell : never more , I You ( hanging on the mossy Rockes ) shall see Farre off , whilst I in some greene Cave doe lye ; Ne songs , will I more sing , as formerly , Ne , henceforth ( Kiddies ) whilst I feede , shall you Brouze on the flourie shrubs , and sowre sallowes chew . Tityrus . Here yet with me , a sorry simple Bed Accept , and welcome , on this homely Floore , Such as thou see'st with fresh greene Boughes o'respred : Some mellow apples , yet we haue in store , With Chessnutts smoothe : ilk , we have curds galore : And now ( farre off ) the village-Chimnies tall , Smoake high ; and larger shadowes , from the Mountains fall . The Preface of LODOVICVS VIVES to his Glosse vpon VIRGILS Aeglogues . THE Greeke Poets that lived in former time , were held in more honour , and estimation amongst the favourers of learning in that Nation , than the Latin Poets were amongst the Latins , insomuch that the most exquisite wits of the Greekes did write diverse Comments vpon Homer , as likewise sundry Philosophers amongst them ; and namely Aristotle , ( in my mind , the Prince , and instar omnium , of them all ) wherein our Countrimen the Latins ( I speake not of those , who lived in the age , wherein Poetry had not yet begnn to haue any the least acceptance , ( men which never had leisure to lay the plough , or the lance out of their hands ) but I meane those in these latter ages , who haue applied themselves to Philosophy , and the more graver studies ) have so opposed themselves amongst the gentle Muses , as that they thought it a disparagement once to touch , or come neere them : as if but glancing vpon these milder kindes of studies , had beene the ready way to haue flung them headlong from that heigth of wisdome to which they did aspire : certainly hereby they did defraud themselves of no meane delight vnto their wits , and a great refreshing and rejoycing of their mindes and spirits , in shutting wilfully their eares , against that delectable sweete harmony of the Poets . The blame hereof partly the perverse obstinate natures of those times , and partly the times themselves , and ill received opinions , must beare . As for me , ( having so warrantable an Authour for so weighty a matter , as Aristotle ) I will never make nice to intermixe these so pleasing and sweete remissions , and vnbending of the minde , with the severity of my more serious studies , and to comment vpon the merry Muses , as now of late I haue done vpon Virgils Bucolickes , out of which I haue picked a deeper sense in many places , than the vulgar common Grammarians can conceive . For , did these Aeglogues containe in them no farther hidden matter , than the very bare barke of the words makes shew of , I cannot thinke that the Author had needed to haue taken three yeares time to haue brought them to perfection , especially borrowing the greatest part of the whole subiect out of Theocritus the Sicilian Poet ; Adde hereunto , that he vndertooke this taske to present the greatest wits of Rome withall , namely Cornelius Gallus , Asinius Pollio , Varus , Tucca , yea the Prince himselfe Augustus ; all which ( excellently learned men themselues , and much conversant and accustomed in the best and chiefest writers , both in Greeke and Latin ) would doubtlesse never haue beene so taken , and infinitely delighted , with such kindes of light matter as Pastoralls , had they not affoorded some hidden meaning and sense of a higher nature . Againe , when he once set himselfe to insinuate into their favour and grace by this worke , it is to be thought that Virgil , vnder these sporting passages of pastorall verse , did finely and neatly as it were , inlay , and couch many things tending to their praise and commendation , and sundry other matters , befitting them to take notice of ; which being vnderstood rightly , might affect the Readers mindes , like the elegant and artificiall Pictures , which lay secretly hidden vnder the statue of the Sileni . Hereunto may likewise farther be added , that the matter itselfe and subject of this worke doth plainly witnesse in sundry places , that it is not simply , but figuratively spoken , vnder a shadow : which makes me admire the more at Servius Honoratus , who will in this booke admit of no Allegories , but onely in that passage of Virgils grounds , which were lost : when as many other matters are therein manifestly and meerely allegoricall and darke : wherefore I have thought good , to signifie to the world , that I haue trimmed vp these Allegories for their vse , and behoofe , who are delighted with the reading of Virgil , ( as who is it that it not ? ) to the end that the finest wits might haue a certaine repast , and delicate foode fitting their taste , and might be drawne to mount higher than the simple sense of the very bare letter . Moreover I shall hereby restore the Poet to the true scope and aime of his meaning , and shew , that his purpose was not to consume so much precious time , and exquisite verses in triviall light matters of no moment ; and that those things which Theocritus in a ruder barbarous age , did sing in a Pastorall plaine sense , Virgil here doth apply to the Romans , making them his owne , vnder a mysticall vnderstanding , worthy the cares of the most learned : notwithstanding I make no doubt but I have fitted some of his verses with such an allegory and explication , as the Authour himselfe never dreamed of ; as likewise many other , I have as aptly applyed , according to his scope and meaning in the writing : wherein yet I know I haue done a thing , neither vnacceptable , nor vnprofitable to the Reader : Greeke writers haue done the like before my time , in expounding of Homer ; and Donatus in our language , hath attempted and performed as much in his comment vpon Terence and this Poet , where he vndertakes by his Glosses , to bewray their sense and meaning , &c. TITYRVS . The GLOSSE . BY Amaryllis , he meaneth Rome , or else , Octavian : whose praise he set forth in his pastorall verse , which is meant by his slender oaten pipe . And God himselfe , &c. Octavian was not yet accepted nor worshipped for a God , when Virgil composed these Aeglogues : and therefore he vseth this word Mihi : for had he beene so generally reputed as a God , this emphaticall pronounce ( which the Poet inserts vpon especiall consideration ) had beene superfluous . For he intimates thus much , that howsoever he had behaved himselfe as an enemie to others , yet he had approved himselfe to him , in stead of a God. For as Pliny saith , he by whom a man receiues helpe and comfort , is a God to him ; and therefore antiquity Him as my God hath feigned very brute beasts , ( by whose service they received profit ) for Gods : So the Cat , the Dog , the Oxe , and the Ibis were honoured as gods amongst the Aegyptians . And so the Gracians set them vp for gods , who had found out the first vse of things profitable and necessary for mans life ; as namely Minerva , for the invention of oyle : Bacchus , for finding the making of wine : and Aesculapius , for the vse of medicine and chirurgery . But thou liest shaded in security . Thou art secure and free from the scortching heare of the Sunne ; that is , safe from the furie and violence of the conquering souldier , that harries our Country all over at Mantua . The Oakes I saw blasted with &c. When I saw the Oakes blasted with lightning ; that is , the Bruts , and Cassius , and others the murtherers of Caesar , when I saw them banished , and overthrowne , and all that tooke their part , ( amongst whom they of Cremona were ) I might haue escaped that calamity , if I had departed ; and avoided the contagion of my neighbours , ( that is , their treason and conspiracy ) and had by some meanes made my peace with the Conquerour , and procured him to be my friend . The luckie Crow &c. In the Latin , it is Sinistra Cornix : this word Sinistrum , ( howsoever in humane affaires it signifie vnluckie , ) yet in those kinde of fites and ceremonies , vsed in divination , among the heathen , Sinistrum is taken in the contrary sense , as Avis sinistra , is as much to say , as good lucke : intonuit Laevum , it thundered on the left hand , that is , it thundered luckely , or we shall have good successe : and this word sinistrum , is so named à sinendo , from sufferig and permitting , because the gods doe suffer vs to proceede in our purposed projects : and therefore Cicero , in lib. 1. de Divinatione , saith , A sinistra Cornice , ratum , & firmum Augurium fieri : The prophecy of the Augurs was ratified , and confirmed , from the Crow , which they beheld on their left hand : and in the law of the twelve Tables , it is said , Ave finistra , populi magister esto ; that is , By the bird on the left hand , it is certaine , that thou art the man who must rule the people . And from hence ( in the judgement of Lipsius , in his Lib. 2. Cap. 2. Elect. ) the Graecians haue named the left hand , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , signifying the best . Now the reason , why those things that did appeare to the Augurs , in the time of their diving , on the left hand , were commonly held to be tokens of good lucke , was for that in the giving of a benefit , the givers right hand is opposite , and just against the left hand of the receiver : so that in this Eglogue , and in the ninth , Sinistra Cornix , is to be taken for luckie , or fortunate ; because appearing on the left hand , it forewarned of danger , before it hapned . But thilk same God , &c. Here demanding him of Caesar , ( befitting the rudenesse and ignorance of a Shepheard ) with a long circumstance , and yet wittily and cunningly he tells That famous Citty , &c. him a tale of Rome . For in describing Rome , he magnifies the greatnesse of Caesar , who ruled Rome , and subdued it to his government : and here the Poet ( as in all other passages ) observes an excellent decorū , suitable to Country plain men ) as if they had no more knowledge of Rome , than by a light flying heresay ; ( a thing naturall and vsuall to Shepheards , to know no ne●es of any thing , though of importance and waighty ) if it be but a Furlong beyond their fould ; ( as not being inquisitive and curious of forraine marters . ) Siker : an old Saxon word ; as much as verily , or surely . Bett : a word contracted from better , and vsed in this sense by Chancer , and Mr. Spencer . Sibb to our homely home , &c. Shepheards , as they be rude and ignorant , so they esteeme and measure all things according to their owne meanes . So Tityrus saith , he deemed that pompous goodly Citty ( so full of Nobility , Lords , and Gentry , and the seate of the Empire ) to be like their poore Shepheards Towne , or rather Sheepe-cote ; that is , He thought , that the wit , vnderstanding , eloquence , humanity , civill behaviour , and education of the people of Rome , was like their homely stuffe , and clownish manners at Mantua . Fon : a contraction from fondling : Spencer . Dempt : for deemed , or imagined : Spencer . Ycleeped : named or called : Chaucer . Sibb an old Saxon word , as much as of kinred or alliance : from hence coms our word Gossip ; corruptly so written and spoken ; it being indeede , God-sib : that is , a kinred in God : all such as are Godfathers and Godmothers together at the christning of a child , by the Popes Canons , become Sib to each other , and of a spirituall kindred , so neere allyed , that such Godsibs may not marry together , without speciall dispensation from his Holinesse . But what so great cause dandled thy desire , &c. A rusticall speech , and a question well suiting the sillinesse of the Country ; for shepheards , and home bred people , are woont to stand at gaze , and admire at any thing the cause wherof , and the reason , they know not . My freedome &c. A specious tittle , and a very reasonable pretext , and such as might easily pierse the simple mind of a Shepheard ; it being even imprinted in the disposition of all creatures as well reasonable , as others , naturally to affect freedome : which principle is found most true by daily experience , in such birds , and beasts , as by mans art are reclaimed , how loath th●y are to yeeld vnto bondage ; and being subdued , if never so little left to themselves , how soone they apprehend their first estate and freedome , and how warily they preserve themselves from being enthralled againe . Againe Virgil could not have devised to haue flattered more artificially , than by confessing to have gained liberty by his meanes , who was suspected to have aimed at the destruction and vsurpation of the generall liberty and immunities of Rome : moreover in acknowledging Caesars favour , for restoring him to his estate , and liberty : he yet mentions his libertie in the first place , as the most excellent benefit worthy to be preferred before all other blessings whatsoever , as the most excellent benefit , worthy to bee preferred before all other blessings whatsoever , as a Iewell of most incomparable value ; which caused another Poet to cry out , ( as being rapt with admiration thereof : ) O bona libertas , pretio , pretiosior omni : Deere Liberty , a gemm beyond all price . After my beard grew white , &c. VIRGIL was but young , when hee wrote his Bucolickes about thirty yeares old ; for hee was borne in that yeare , when Pompey and Crassus were Consuls ; from which time to the Triumvirate , were twenty foure yeares : againe , the Triumvirate lasted ten yeares . Therefore this speech of Virgil is hyperbolicall and vsed by him , with great affection ; intimating thereby that hee had lived so long without true liberty , and preferment , in meane estate , and povertie , that he seemed in his owne mind to have growne old in living all this while in this kinde of meane condition . I fairely must confesse , &c. At Mantua , I could neither enjoy libertie nor wealth ; howsoever I did there giue as much testimonie of my wit , and learning , no lesse worthy the acceptance , than I did at Rome : but vertue had there no respect , nor learning any estimation amongst those Mantuan Blockheads ; who as their minds were not capable of arts , and true knowledge , so likewise they did as little regard them . Sad Amaryllis , &c. By Amaryllis , he meaneth Rome ; and he calls it sad , ( though it were the Emperesse of the world ) in respect of the favour and esteeme , which Virgill was in , as being sad , and all the whole Citty out of quiet , if he did but stirr a little from thence ; so gracious was he to all sorts . And all the gods invoke , &c. I did wonder much , why Rome should invoke and intreate all the gods ( that is , Caesar , and all the Nobles ) to shew thee savour , and to be good to thee , and to suffer thy apples to hang safe on the tree , vntouched of any : that is , to giue charge that none should meddle with any of the goods of Virgil. Fountaines and Shrubs , &c. Thou hadst such an interest , in the mindes of all sorts , the highest , the middle sort , and the meanest of the commons , as that thou couldst not bee mist , but all men did seeke thy loue , and acquaintance . Here first mine Eye , &c. This was cause enough ( if there were no other reason ) to have inticed me to goe to Rome ; for there I first saw that goodly young Prince Octavian , for whose prosperitie I doe dedicate twelve dayes euery yeare , to sacrificing and prayer . He names him That young man , by an excellence , as being ( as in degree aboue all other ) so in all vertuous qualities , and behaviour , the non parcille of all the youth of his age ; he being very young at that time , not exceeding five and twenty yeares . He , first vnask'd , &c. He , ( namely Caesar Octavian ) without any second meanes of his Lords , or any intreaty of my owne , of his owne clemency and princely disposition , did prevent me in my request , and granted it vnto me , before I could aske him . Feede ( Ladd ) thine Oxen as woont , &c. Goe forward in thy studies , which thou hast begun , and vnder my Patronage and protection , increase , and finish them . Vnder so mighty Patronage , &c. Vnder so great a Patron and defender , the monuments of thy wit shall remaine for ever ; or else it may be simply vnderstood of his grounds , being spoken in the praise of Caesars bounty and mercy to him . Although each Pasture , &c. This is simply , and without any figure to be taken , as meaning that Virgils grounds were bounded in , on the one side with mountaines , on the other with marsh , and fenn ; neverthelesse it should be sufficient for him , and his stocke , so that neither hee nor they should neede to seeke abroad for more to maintaine himselfe or them : intimating further , the great commodity which he receives by the strong fencing , and mounding of his grounds , whereby his Cattle shall be safe from the injurie of neighbours , which those beasts which are apt to stray and rome abroad , ( such as are bullockes and Bees ) doe often fall into . Ne shall vnwoonted feede , &c. Being backed with these so mighty Patrons , though others lands be taken from them , yet thine shall be saf● ; neither ( having these so gracious pill●rs of learning to countenance thee ) shalt thou feare , that the esteeme of thy wit , and thy M●se , shall ever suffer losse . Amongst these well knowne streames , &c. This is none of the least happinesse of a mans life , for a man to live all his whole time in his owne Country , and to spend his age , where he began his youth , and hath long continued : according to that saying of Claudian , Foelix , qui Patrijs aevum transegit in arvis . Amongst the Brytans , &c. Antiquitie called onely that the world , which was the continent all along the maine Ocean : but as for the Ilands of the Ocean , they counted to bee out of the world ; esteeming no Ilands to be part of the world , but those of the Mediterra●ean ; as Sicilia , Sardinia , the Cyclades , and the rest . Therefore the calamity was wondrous grievous , which could not be repaired by any neere journey at home ; but the Citizens of Mantua , were enforced to seeke habitation out of the Roman protection , as it were in another world , which compared with the Roman , was all barbaros , and senselesse of civility . God knowes , &c. A naturall affection and sympathy in outlawes , and banished persons , which makes them apt to snatch at every little accident , which may suggest the least hope to see once againe the delights , which they were forced to leaue behinde them : at sight wherof they both wonder and rejoyce : the like passion vsually affects travailours , after their long and tedious peregrintation , especially in Countries of courser condition , & for all things fit for pleasure , & true comfort , every way short and inferiour to their owne , 〈◊〉 Shall the rude , &c. This is expressed with great indignation and disdaine , that some ●ude barbarous Raskall should enioy that , which the poore owner hath sweat for , and gotten hardly together . Lo , here ( distressed Citizens ) by your owne : Civill warres , not onely in Rome , the head of the Empire , but also intestine broyles in every hamlet and tributary towne ; And this is a sentence , full of weight , and grave indignation : describing herein the maine reason and ground of the subversion , and alienation of all Kingdomes , to proceede from mutinous and envious distractions , amongst the people of the same Nation , which makes them fit and easie to be over-runne . Loe , now for whom , &c. So it happens in most worldly matters , that such enioy our labours , whom we least desire , and hold most vnworthy thereof : of which vnhappinesse Salomon so much complaines in his booke of the Preacher . Plant now , poore Melibe , &c. All these are most passionate , and pathetical speeches full of commiseration : for the ill which afflicts vs , and the good which we haue lost , doe equally affect vs in the remembrance : he here shewes the vicissitude , and counterchange of all worldly matters , and withall , mans dullnesse , and ignorance , in the apprehension of future things . Goe now , my once , &c. The departing from such delights , as either the eye or the eare were wont to take pleasure in , proves very wofull , and almost intollerable . Citysus , is a shrubbie Plant ; and it is called shrubb Trefoyle , or Tetrafolye : some call it milke-trefoyle : because it increaseth milke in the Cattle , which eate thereof : but we have no proper word for it in England , ( as being a shrub , whole kind grows not amongst vs. ) Here yet with mee , &c. Here the Poet describes true curtesie , which offers all which is in her power to performe ; observing a handsome decorum , in the Shepheards bounty , and rusticke hospitality , inviting his poore Friend to Bed and Boord , and to such dainties , as the Country of it selfe affoords , and is within his meane power , and ability to bestow ; which indeede is right liberality , and the office of true Friendship . Moreover , as he shewes his honest minde towards his afflicted needy friend , so he invites Octavian by this his example vnder a feigned Person , likewise to shew mercy . And whereas he perswades Melibe to stay with him , and take his rest , because it was night , hereby he intimates that the end of all these miseries was not farre off , and therefore wisheth him with hope quietly to expect it . Galore : An Irish word , and signifies plenty , and abundance . THE ARGVMENT OF THE SECOND EGLOGVE . COrnelius Gallus was in his time an excellent Poet , and advanced by Augustus Caesar to chiefe place in government of the Common-weale , as also in his warrs : This mans favour and neere acquaintance above all other , Virgil intirely affected , ( as may appeare by the verses in his tenth Eglogue : ) but ( by his continuall imployments , and the especiall grace wherein he stood with Augustus , who carryed him ever with him , wheresoever he went ) Virgil was still disappointed : An other Rub in his way , may seeme to bee , the small esteeme which Gallus at first did make of Virgil , ( which the Poet in some passages doth seeme to intimate , ) himselfe considered , as the great Generall of the Emperours Provinces and Armies , and Virgil , a homely Country fellow , and a Poet : ( which Art , being in former Ages of no great account , ) in Augustus dayes began to bee accepted , like as versisying in the native Tongue , began vnder Iohn the second , King of Castile , to be esteemed . Concerning this his love and desire , ( which hee could by no meanes enioy ) hee composed this plaintive Eglogue . ALEXIS . Aegloga secunda . THE POET. THe Shepheard Corydon er'st dearely lov'd . His Masters darling , young Alexis faire : But in pursuite thereof he still improov'd , Not having what he hop'd ; but reap'd despaire , Though every day alone he did repaire , And 'mongst the cacuminous thicke Beeches shade , In vaine , this idle stuffe , to hills , and woods bewray'd . CORYDONS Complaint . ( Cruell Alexis ) thou hast no regard Of my sad songs , no pitty of my paine , Yea , thou doest doo me dye with vsage hard : For now the Heards , for shadow leave the plaine , And Lizzards greene close hid in mosse remaine , And Thestilis , Be●ony , and Garlicke beates , ( Ranke hearbes ) for Harvesters , all faint with scorching heates . Whilst I ( sore Sun-burnt , in sad quest of thee , Together with the Grashoppers hoarce cry , ) The very shrubbs make mourne : ( farre bet for me Proud Amaryllis ' sdainfull surquedry , And peevish angry humour to abye ; ) Yea , much'il better were , Menalcas scorne , ( Albe , hee not so faire as yee ) t' have borne . Ah my faire Boy , trust not thy hew too much : Hurtles , though blacke , by every handsome hand Are pluckt ; whilst Dazies , none vouchsafe to touch ; Albe they white , yet shed they as they stand . My Love thou scorn'st , ne dainest to demand Once after mee , or of my state to know , How rich in milke , and Cattell white as snow . My Lambes by thousands in the Mountaines stray , Ne want I milke in Winter , ne in Prime , And with his droves , in Aracynthia , When selfe Amphyon call'd , at any time Did I forbeare to sing my woonted Rime . Nor am I so deform'd ; selfe-saw I , as I stood , On shore right now , when wind-free was the Flood . Ne , but my shadow mee deceive , I wis , Needes mee , ( though thou be Iudge ) selfe Daphnis feare , Oh , mote it please thee , grant mee onely this , With mee , in my poore simple Cottage heere , Living a Country life , to strike the Deere , And chace the Stagg , and my bigg-bellied Goates , With mallowes greene , to gather to their cotes , Amongst these woods , together here with mee , To Pan thou maist in singing thee adapt : Pan first deviz'd , with skilfull symmetry , Of temper'd waxe , a composition apt Of many Rheedes , each one in other lopt ; Yea , Pan , with tender care , regards the sheepe , Ilke , as hee doth , the Shepheards , who them keepe . Ne , e're repent , thy lip to weare away Vpon a Pipe : Herein his skill to breede , What paines tooke not Amyntas night and day ? Selfe-have I a Pipe , of seaven-fold joynted Rheede , Which once Damaetas , left mee by his deede , This Pipe ( quoth hee ) as hee his last did breathe , To thee , ( the second owner ) I bequeathe . Heereat , the Foole Menalcas , much repin'd : Besides two milke-white spotted Kids I haue , Which in a perillous dale , I chanc't to find Two duggs they daily suck , whilst they can crave , And these I purposely for thee doe save : Though Thestilis full faine would have them both , And so shee shall , sith thou my gifts doost loath . Come hither ( my faire Boy ) with Bolles brim-full Of silver Lillyes . See where the Nimphes doe come ; And lovely Nais , violets pale , doth pull , And Poppy tops , and pretiouse Cynnamum , Sweete-savoury Dyll , and Daffodillyes some ; With Hurtles soft , decking the Marigould , And other sweete flowres mingled manifould . And I 'le thee pluck the downe-soft hoarie Quince , Chessnutts , ( which my ' Amaryllis did affect ) And mellow Plums , ( a present for a Prince : ) Yee Laurells also , ( still with verdure deckt ) And next ( yee Myrtles ) I will you collect , And by your leave your bonny Berries take , For pretious perfume , yee together make . But ( Corydon ) thou's but a sorry swaine , Nor doth thy gifts , Alexis ought regard : Ne , thou Iola's free consent canst gaine , Albee thou shouldst him tempt with rich reward : ( Ah ) how have I mine owne faire market mard ! My flowres keeper , I the South have made , And to the Bore my Christall streames betrayde ▪ ( Ah foolish Fon ) whom doost thou seeke to shun ? Why ; Dardan Paeris , ( that same Shepheard Knight ) Yea , e'ne , the gods themselves , the woods did woon : Let Pallas praise her Towres goodly hight , And in her pompous Pallaces delight , Which shee hath builded ; but of all the rest , ( In my conceit ) the Forrest-life is best . The crewell-grim-fac'd Lionesse pursues The bloody Woolfe : the Woolfe , the Kid so free : The wanton capring Kidd , doth chiefly c●use Amongst the flowring Cithysus to bee : And Corydon ( Alexis ) followes thee : So each thing as it likes ; and all affect According as their nature doth direct . But now from plough the yoaked Oxen creepe , And Sol , his eeking shades doth double kest : Yet , Love burnes mee ; ( for Love no meane can keepe : ) ( Ah Corydon , Corydon ) what chance vnblest , Or madnesse , hath ( at mischiefe ) thee possest ? Vnfinisht , thus to leave thy halfe-prun'd Vine , Which on these leavie Elmes , doth heere incline . Whilst , thou doost rather chuse some other way ▪ Of lesser paines , to set on worke thy witt ; ( At least , which may thy present neede defray ) Some homely Haske , of Osyers , woven , fit , With Rushes round , and soft : how ever yet , If still Alexis doe disdaine thy love , Thou shalt some other finde will kinder prove . ALEXIS . The GLOSSE . AND Thestilis doth garlicke beate , &c. This Thestilis was the name of a Country wench , who ( according to the fashion of hot Countries ) did pound leekes , garlicke , and other strong hearbes together , for the workemen to allay their heate , in extreame whote weather : for , as Pliny saith in his Naturall History , Omnis medicina aut à contrario , aut à simili quaeritur : All remedies are fetcht either from contraries , or from things of like quality : whence it comes , that extreame heate is abated , either by cold , which is his direct opposite , or by another heate . According to which Principle the Poet in the last Aeglogue brings in the Lover , resolving to finde remedie to his vehement heate of Love , either by travailing into Scythia , or into Aegypt , two Countries quite different in disposition ; the one extreme colde , the other extreame whote . Farre bet for mee , &c. It had beene much better for mee , to have made choice of some friend of meaner condition , with whom I might have conversed and discoursed , and delighted my mind with his acquaintance , vnto my owne hearts desire : there being in this life nothing more sweete , than a paritie in friendship . Ah my faire Boy , &c : Trust not too much to the gifts of Fortune , whereof the greatest often fall away , and the meanest are preserved . As also , amongst great persons often friendship is dissolved , when amongst meane folke it is charily maintained . For who would willingly affect his acquaintance , which by reason of his greatnesse he can never conveniently enioy ? In friendship there must be every way an equality , that so friends may enjoy each other so much the more freely . Did I forbeare to sing my woonted Rhime , &c. I doe not onely vnderstand , and am skilled in the human arts , but I make verses like the auncient Poets , and so neere imitate them , that there is hardly any difference to bee found betweene them : for amongst the later writers , it is held a great honour to bee compared to these of former ages ; when yet ofttimes the later farr exceede the former . Selfe as I stood ; on shore , &c. For I have conversed with Octavian himselfe , with Mecaenas , with Tuccas , and Varus : so that I learne to set a true value vpon my selfe , by their judgement of mee . When even was the Flood , &c. In the time of the last peace , when in the cessation of warres , every man betooke him to his owne home , laying by their Armes , and all tumults remooved , that so it may appeare , that they were at leisure , to make a true estimate of me ; For as a quiet still water , doth receive the resemblance of the face , and so presents it back againe ; so when the minde is quiet , it gives right judgement , which being troubled , and full of agitation , it is not able to perform ▪ the Poet here very fitly names Italy the Sea , and the Windes the troubles of wars . The Hurtle is a wilde berry , black as Iet . Pan first deviz'd , &c. This Pan by the Poets feigned to bee the Country god ; his shape they have made , as it were the counterfeit of Nature , from whence he hath his denomination of Pan ; which signifies All , as resembling every part and member of nature : For hee hath hornes , in resemblance of the beams of the Sunne , and the hornes of the Moone● his complexion and face is ruddie , in resemblance of the skie ; hee hath in his breast the spotted skinne of a fallow Deere , representing the Starres ; his inferiour members are rough , and shagged , resembling thereby the Trees , Shrubbs , and wilde Beasts ; hee hath Goates feete , signifying thereby the solidity and fast compacture of the earth ; hee hath a pipe of seaven joynts , intimating thereby the Harmony of the heaven ; in which there are seaven severall sounds , seaven distinct ayres , or kindes of voices : lastly , he hath his sheepe-hooke , or staffe with a crooke at one end , resembling the yeare , which runnes his course , till it returne into it selfe where it began : now because hee is the generall god of all nature , the Poets have feigned that on a time he and Love contended together , and that Pan was overcome , according to that principle which the Poet holds : Omnia vincit Amor. Ne , e're repent , &c. Hereby hee plainely showes , that Cornelius Gallus was the first composer of Pastorall verses ; having indeed made tryall of rusticke Rimes , but not of the rusticke life . Cicuta : is properly the space that is between every ioynt in the cane . Heerein his skill to breede , &c. What paines took not Amyntas ? Some Poet as it should seeme , both famous and witty , who did greatly affect this kinde of pastorall veine , but could never attaine any facility therein . Which once Damaetas , &c. Theocritus is this Damaetas ; ( or whosoever else , most skilfull in this kinde of verse ) was Mr. to Virgil. Heereat the foole Menalc as , &c. Amyntas did envie this succession of skill , and excellence in Virgil , worthy therefore to bee taxed with the opprobrious terme of foole , in affecting that , which nature had denied him , or his owne negligence ; and envying those , to whom nature had beene more bountifull therein , ; or who by their owne industry had attained thereunto . Besides two milke white , &c. Two Poems , his Bucolickes , and his Georgickes , which with great studie , and hard labour , hee had composed ; both which hee was minded to dedicate to Cornelius Gallus : with which gift when hee perceived him not much delighted , hee intends to translate the dedication thereof , to Pollio , or Mecaenas , who intreated this curtesie of him . Two Duggs they daily sucke , &c. Heereby hee signifies the elaborate paines of the workes ; as if they did even sucke from their parent , a double studie both of night and day . And lovely Nais , Violets pale , &c. The delight is in the colour and sweete smell of the flowres ; but the fruit is in apples , chessnuts , Plums , and the like : The flowres have relation to his Pastorall Poeme , and the fruit to his Georgickes . Servins Hono. Nuces , generaliter dicuntur omnia tecta corio duriore ; vt Avellanae , Amygdalae , Iuglandes , Castaneae : sicut contrà , Poma dicuntur omnia molliora , vt Malorum omne genus , Pyra , Cerasa , Pruna ; et his similia . Albee thou shouldst him tempt , &c. What canst thou with all thy best indeavor , bring to intice Alexis to thy love ? which hee cannot more plentifully , and of better stuffe furnish himselfe withall at Rome , yea e'ne in Caesars selfe ; yea though thou shouldest set thy selfe to sing of warres , & of the mighty deeds of woorthy men : for Augustus wrote diverse Poems ; amongst the rest , the Tragedy of Aiax . Ah , how have I mine owne market mard ! &c. I labour in vaine , I rehearse my verses , where is no eare open to entertaine them . I strew my flowers before the southerne winde , which scatters them all abroad : I loose my time vnprofitably , and whilst I adapt my selfe to winne him , I omit many faire occasions and opportunities of other acquaintances . Why Dardan Paris , &c. A great Prince , in a manner equall to the gods , beeing the son , ( yea and the most lovely ) of so great a King ; to whose judgement , three goddesses did once submit their tryall : if you cannot imitate the example of the gods , yet let the example of men moove you . The cruell grim-fac't Lyonesse , &c. This is a generall sentence , drawne from examples ; ( which the Logicians terme , Induction : ) and by addition of a gradation , is made so much the more , fitting to the purpose . The meaning is ; ( Cornelius Gallus ) deale with mee as you thinke good ; avoide my company , disdaigne mee ; neverthelesse I know not by what propensitie of inclination , I am ( will I , nill I ) haled on to affect your Love : neither will I alter my desire herein , howsoever you demeane your selfe towards mee : For I must confesse , I am led by the instinct of my nature thereunto , as pronely , as the Woolfe is to the Kid , or the Kid to the bushy shrubs ; and as every thing in the kinde , is drawne by sense , to follow that which they finde to bee agreeing , and most fitting to their natures . So each thing as it likes , &c. Pleasure , in every thing beeing propounded , ( as the end , aymed at , ) doth perswade the minde . For the end , is the impulsive instrument to each action ; and is first in the intent , though last in execution ; for there it rests . But now from Plough , &c. All things have their time of rest , both things living , and without life , yea even the heaven it selfe ; speaking after the capacity of Shepheards , who thinke , that ( like as all other mortall creatures ) so it at night betakes it also to a quiet ease : onely the desire in Love knowes no rest , vntill the full enjoying of the thing desired . Such is mans life , till such time as it bee conjoyned , and made one with God. Ab Corydon , Corydon , &c. Hee calleth the greatnesse of his Love by the name of madnesse , forasmuch as hee did forget , and neglect himselfe , and was as it were out of his owne power , which kinde of posture , is of the Philosophers , termed furie . Vnfinisht thus to leaue thy , &c. Turne thee to thy first begun workes ; and out of these fetch comfort , and ease to thy desire : that is , finish thy Georgickes , and thy Aeneiads ; which workes thou hast commenced , and left vnperfected . Whilst thou doost rather chuse , &c. Thou doost take in hand , some subject of lesse moment , or such matters , as thou knowest , are more acceptable , or gainefull , unto the present time . If still Alexis . &c. You will still persist in your love to Cornelius Gallus , according as your affection vnto him doth perswade you ; but by finishing those two more serious workes , they will draw the love and respect of some other worthy , able friend , though Gallus doe neglect you . THE ARGVMENT OF THE THIRD EGLOGVE . VIRGIL having gained the good will and favour of Augustus , Pollio , Mecaenas , and Gallus , and other the Lords ; was envied by many learned men of Rome for the same . This Eglogue is a contention and bitter brawle , betweene Virgil , vnder the person of Damaetas ) and some other Poet , ( who envied him ) vnder the person of Menalcas , who indeavoured to extenuate Virgils authoritie and acceptance , amongst the Romane Princes , and advance his owne . PALEMON . Aegloga tertia . Men. TEll mee ( Damaetas ) beene these Beasts Meli●e'st . Dam. Nay : but Aegons : Aegon late left them mee . Men ( Poore Sheepe ) ( of all ( ah ) still most fortuneles : ) Whilst hee Neoera courts ; and feares lest Thee Should mee before his worthlesse selfe preferre ; This Hyreling milkes the sheepe , twice every hower , So they , of nourishment are reaved ; ilk , The sucking Lambes quite cousend of their milk . Dan. Yet , ill doth thee beseeme , ( take heede ) to jeere , And taxe men thus : I know , who once saw you , When all the Goates ( ascance ) did at thee leere : And I could tell thee in what Chappell too , But the milde Nymphes , ( thee scorning ) did repine . Men. Yea , so I thought ; 't was when they saw mee shred Ould Mycons Orchards , and new-planted Vine , With pruning hooke , as blunt as any sledd , Dam. Rather , amongst these dotard-Beeches , heere When Daphnis Bow and Shafts , thou brak'st in twaine : Which ( peevish Asse ) seeing they given were Vnto the Ladd , ) thy heart groand with disdaine , And hadst not hurt , or doon him some mischiefe , Thou mot'st neede dye , for very spight , and griefe . Men. What will selfe-masters , dare to doone , and say ? When such lewd Lozells beene so boasting bold ? Saw I not thee ( base Buffon ) th' other day Filch a Goate slily , from out Damons fould ? ( Though lowd the Mungrill barkt : ) and when I cride , Whither runnes hee so fast , and calld , hould , hould , ( Tityru● ) looke to thy heard ; then thou beside The long greene saggs , thy selfe didst ( sculking ) hide . Dam Why should not hee , ( first conquerd by my song ▪ My Pipe , and verses meede ) that Goate resigne ? For , know : that Goate doth vnto mee belong , And Damons selfe , confest him to bee mine , Though ( as hee said ) hee durst him not deliver . Men. Was hee by thee in singing e're outwent ? Or , hadst thou Pipe , with waxe compacted ever ? Wert not thou woont , thy raskall Rhymes to vent ? In each high way , to every Travailer , With poore indeavour on thy squeaking Rheede ? Dam. Wilt then by turnes , wee hand to hand doo trye , What either can , and proove each by our deede ? I le pawne this Heiffer : ( which lest thou denie , ) She twice hath come , already to the paile , And two Twins suckells at this time Now say , What pawne thou 'lt gage , with her to countervaile ? Men. Nought dare I of my flocke with thee to lay , For I , a Syre have , and curst Stepmother , Both who my Goates , doon number twice a day , And one of them still counts my Kiddies over : But ( which thou wilt confesse much better bee , ( Sith , thou wilt needes bee mad ) I 'le pawne thee downe A merry Mazer , fram'd of Beechen tree , Carv'd worke , by hand of divine Alcim'edon : 'T is round impaled , with a scattering traile Of tender Vine , and over all betweene A pale greene Ivie , wherewith ( as a vaile ) The thicke diffused chusters shaded beene . Iust in the midst ▪ Conon is pourtrayd , And ( whosoe're hee been ) an other by , Who with his rodd unto the world bewrayd The whole worlds compasse by Geographye ; And seasons fit prescrib'd for Reapers trade : And for the corbed Ploughmans husbandry . Ne , to my lips , have I once lift this Cup , But charily till now have layd it up ▪ Dam. Why , selfe Alcimedon , mee likewise made Two carved cups : ( their handles trayling trim With soft Acanthus ; in the midst pourtrayd , Orpheus , and all the Forrests following him ) Ne , I these cups , once mooved to my lips , But layd them up , and keepe them fresh and faire ; Yet , canst thou count these cups , no bet than chips , If with my Heiffer , thou doost them compare . Men. Ne're , shalt thou scape , I le meete thee where thou date , If so Palaemon , vs to heare , doe daigne ; See , where hee comes : I le make thee well aware For my sake , how to challenge man againe . Dam. Then leave thy bragging , and at once begin Thou shalt not finde mee slacke , I warrant thee ; I le shun no Iudge ▪ ne , feare I him a pin : Onely , ( of fellowship ) Palaemon bee Intentive as thou may ; ( the cause is great . ) Palae . Say then ; as here wee sitten all around The tender grasse : the fields with kindly heate Now flourish faire : the woods with leaves abound : And now the yeare 's in his chiefe soveraignty . Begin Damaetas ; and ( Menalcas ) thow Follow , by turnes each other to revie , The Muses , these alternates , best allow . Dam. Their first commence from Iove , the Muses take , Iove all fulfills : hee fertile makes the land , And graciously respects the songs I make . Men. And Phabus favours mee : I still at hand ( The sacred things to Phoebus consecrate ) Sweete purple , Hyacynth , and Laurell have . Daem . Mee , with an Apple , that same delicate Wanton ( Galatea ) hitt ; and ( selfe to save ) Fled to the Sallowes ; ( but would first bee seene . ) Men. But my sweete heart Amyntas , of his owne Accord , doth come to mee ; that , Delia ' I weene Not halfe so well vnto our doggs is knowne . Dam. I for my Venus , have a Present found , For I espide , a stock-dove , th' other day , Building her neast , not farre above the ground . Men. And ( all I could ) I pluckt , to send my Boy Fro'a wildling tree , ten goulden Apples round , And more to send , to morrow doon I minde . Daem . How oft to mee , and in what gracious sort Hath Galatea spoke ? I would the winde Some part would to the gods owne eares report . Men. What good is mee ( Amyntas ) though in heart Thou scorne mee not ; if while the Bore thou chace , I , at the Nets , am left behind apart ? Daem . Send mee my Phillis , ( Iolae ) ' of thy grace , Against my birth-day : and when for my corne I sacrifice a Calfe , come thou among . Men. Phillis I love , of all that e're were borne , For shee at parting wept , and cryed , long ( My faire Io●a ) ' adieu , adieu , to thee . Daem . Showres to ripe fruite ; the Woolfe vnto the fould , Wynds to young trees : Amaryllis wrath to mee , Disastrous is , and direfull to behould . Men. Budds ; new-wean'd Kids ; deaw , corne ( but lately sowne ; ) Beasts ; ( great with young , ) soft sallowes , manifould Delights ; and deere Amyntas , mee alone . Dam. Pollio , loves mine , ( allbee't a homely Muse. ) ( Pyerian Ladies ) feede yee every ' each one Far Calfe for him ; ( your learned Readers use . ) Men. Why ; Pollio's selfe new kinde of verse doth make , Feede him a Bull , whose butting hornes can strike , And feete , the sands , abroad allready rake . Dam. Who loves thee ( Pollio ) wheresoe're thou like , Let come : to him let luscious honny flow , And sweete Amomus , from the brambles grow . Men. Who Bavius hates not , M●●vius songs let love ▪ And let sike Lorrell , Foxes yoake together , And to draw milke from Ram-Goates , let him prove . Dam. Yee bonny Boyes , who flowres wont to gather , And sculking Strawberries , hence soone remove : A cold snake , lurking in the grasse doth hide . Men. Drive not your Flockes , too neere the waters side ▪ The banke is dangerous ; the Ra●●me , right now Since hee fell in , his heavie Fleece hath dryde . Dam. Thy feeding Kids , al 's ' ( Tityrus ) doon thou Force from the brooke ; for when I see fit tyde , All in the flood , I le wash them white as snow . Men. ( Yee Shepheard swaines ) now homeward drawe your flock , If heate , ( as erst it did ) their milke forestowe , In vaine , we shall their empty vdders strocke . Dam. Ah , for my Bull , ( albee hee daily fedd With vetches fat ) how megre leane is hee ? Flock , and Flocks-master both , hath love misled . Men. But love 's not cause , that these so evill bee , And poore in plight : I wote not what ill Eye My tender Lambs bewitch vnluckely . Dam. Tell in what Coast , ( and I will herry thee For great Apollo's selfe ) the Welkin large Iust three ells broade , and no more seemes to bee . Men. Tell in what Coast , the Flowres have their marge , With Kings names in their leaves , inscribed plaine , And to thy selfe have Phillis for thy paine . Palemon . So great debate lyes not in my poore power , Betwixt yee to compose : Both thou and hee Deserve the Heifer ; and who ere the sower Shall happ to trye , or fearefull chance to bee Of sweetest Love : ( Boyes ) shut the Rivers out ; Inough , the Meades haue drunke , and quencht their drought . PALEMON . The GLOSSE . TELL mee Damaetas , &c. Heerein the Poet imitates Theocritus so neere , that hee useth e'ne the very same words . The beginning , is an envious obrayding , and uttered ( as it were ) with a contempt of the Person ; as if Menalcas would shew , and prove Dametas , not to be Master of the Flocke , but a meere by hyreling , for wages . VVhose is this Pastorall verse ? ( quoth hee ) is it Melibe's ? some base infamous Rhymester , such as Maevius , or Bavius ; or the like ? No , ( saith hee ) it is Aegons : by whom he meanes some rare excellent Poet , namely Gallus , or Cynna . ( Poore Sheepe . ) ( Vnfortunate Pastoralls , ) to come into vnworthy hands : for whilst Cynna , Pollio , Gallus , and others , ( famous and exquisite in that kinde of verse , excellently able , and ( as it were ) the Masters of that art , ) doe contend with mee for grace , and admiration of the Peeres , and the People ; ) a stragler , and a stranger , hath heere , shuffled into place , and thrust into the study of the Muses , singing Pastoralls , barren , and dry , without any grace at all ; and ( like a Theefe ) hath stolne the true beauty , and comelinesse from this a●t ; venting his owne ex-tempore stuffe , voide of wit and invention . To taxe men thus . The woord Vir , in the Latine , is often vsed , as a woord of honour , and is referred to vertue , and strength of the Minde , or Body . As Cicero in his 2 Philippickes . That cause ( saith hee ) requires a Man , that is , a person of wisdome , and vnderstanding : and therfore Dametas termes himselfe by the title of Man : as though that other were so base , and vilde a Rakeshame , that hee did not deserve to be reckoned amongst the number of reasonable Creatures , in respect of himselfe . I know who once saw you , &c. VVee have seene your foolish ridiculous Poems ; which the scorned and vnworthy vulgars doe reade ; but the gentle crue of Nobles , and true heroick spirits doe deride . And here hee hath most artificially expressed the manner of seeing , and looking at him in contempt , and with disdaigne : namely with the corners of his Eye , or askew , ( as we say : ) So as Pliny reports , the Lyon cannot abide to bee looked on . The Goates did at thee leere , &c. Pliny saith ) that the Goat , ( beeing a most salacious Beast , if hee see any other Creature ingendring together , hee is so inrag'd with lust , at the very sight , that hee runnes at them with all his force ; and from hence the Poet ( expressing heerein ( under the nature of the Goate ) Damons disposition ) may seeme to allude to the disdaign , which the learned sort held his verses in ; ( that manner of looking askance , beeing a posture , betokening contempt and scorne . ) In what Chappell , &c. The Nymphes had sundry Chappell 's in the fields , dedicated to them ; where they vsed to frequent . Saw I not thee ? &c. Hee accuseth him of filching from the Greeke and Latin , so palpably , that other Poets did take him with the manner , and obrayded , and made ( as it were ) hue and cry after him for his theft . Whither runnes hee so fast , &c. Hee well hath expressed the rustick manner of speech in this : and this woord ( hee ) carries with it the force of scorn , & disdain . For know , that Goate doth vnto mee belong , &c. The commendation of this Poem which thou doest obraid mee to have stollen , I would have you well know , is due to mee , purchased by my Ingeny , and Invention . Neither would other Poets deny it mee , were they not hindred by authority of Antiquitie ; which beares so much sway in the opinion of the vulgar , that they attribute smally to new writers , ( though never so woorthy ) esteeming skill and excellency , by yeeres , and age , ( as Horace saith . ) I le pawne this Heifer , &c. I , whom thou obraidest as an hireling to another , will pawne this Heifer : to let thee know that I have a stock of mine owne . Nought dare I of my Flocke , &c. Virgil saith hee will pawne downe of his Cattle ; This hath relation to the excellency of the argument , and subject of his song : Menalcas saith , hee may not gage his Flock ; out hee will lay willingly , two Cups , curiously turned and wrought . This hath relation to the neat artificiall handling of the matter , and the newnesse of the fashion . Selfe Alcimedon , &c. I want not elegance , and delicate fine delivery of my mind : and I can expresse my selfe in the newest manner of phrase , and ornament , which is now of any other affected : and refuse not to set up my rest , and venture my wager , vpon that bett : but this is not woorth the speaking of compared with true , profitable solid matter . For the compt , neate elegancy of woords , is but the flowers ; but the sense , is the fruite . Say then , as heere , &c. Hee setts downe heere , that the fittest time for singing or composing verses , is the Spring , and the mynd beeing not onely quiet , but merry . If so Palemon , &c. Remnius Palemon , was a most excellent Grammarian , and Tutor to Fabius Quintilianus : Such was his pride and arrogance , that hee would vsually vaunt , that Learning had her first beeing at his birth ; and at his death all learning would likewise dye . Hee was woont likewise out of pride and scorne , to tearme Marcus Varro , ( that great learned Roman ) Porcum literatum , the learned Hog . Hee was likewise woont to brag , that it was prophetically ( as it might seeme ) done by Virgil , to vse his name heere in his Bucolickes ; foreseeing that Palemon , in poetry should prove so exquisite , that all Poets and Rhetoricians shall honour and admire him , as their Iudge , and umpire of their learned contentions . Hee further gloryed much to recount how a sort of theeves did once spare him , and dismist him untouched and unrifled , when they once heard his name . Hee was so luxurious , as hee bathed often in a day : at last hee became so poore , that hee was inforced his living to become a vine-dresser . Iove all fulfills , &c. This sentence is taken from the Poet Aratus : that is , Iove fills all things with his bounty and blessings , otherwise it were impossible for them to abide and continue in their beeing ; and therefore with whom can they more proper●y begin , than with his honour , from whom all things have their beginning . And Phabus favours mee , &c. Heerein hee alludes to Augustus , who being yet very young , having performed great services , was thought to bee the sonne of Apollo ; but afterward in processe of time hee was called himselfe by that name of Apollo . And all I could , &c. Menalcas saith that hee had sent also Country gifts , ( to wit , a Co●ntry song , and meant to send another . ) By the ten orenges , or golden apples , some interpret Virgils ten Eglogues : but I leave that indifferent . Send mee my Phillis , &c. I pray thee , ( Augustus ) suffer mee to invite Pollio to this banquet , which I make for my birthday ; that is , my Country feast : suffer mee to dedicate this woorke of my Pastoralls unto him : as for thee ( Augustus ) I will invite thee , when I sacrifice a Calfe for my Corne : that is , I will sing thy name in a verse of a higher straine . Pollio loves mine , &c. Heere without any figure hee names Pollio plainely : and that his Country verses and Pastoralls were well liked of him . Pierian Ladies , &c. Yee Muses , feede a fat Calfe for Pollio ; who so willingly reades your workes , and is therewith delighted : that is , furnish him with delicate invention , and infuse into him elegance of stile , whether it bee in verse , or prose . Why , Pollio's selfe , &c. New kinde of verse doth make , &c. Hee is not onely delighted with Pastoralls , but hee makes verses of a new kinde , and of an extraordinary argument and subject , by which hee will bee able to overthrow all his adversaries ; and with his horne , that is , with the sharpnesse of his verse , hee will gore the envious : And hee will scrape the sand with his feete ; that is , ( to the terrour of his envious foe● ) hee will raise such a dust , that the unlearned sort shall bee afraid of his so great fiercenesse and fury . This Pollio was a great learned man , and of an excellent and acute judgement , but harsh of conversation , and in condition unpleasing and dogged . Hee was Tullies Aemulus ; and did aff●ct ould kinde of elegance ( in his time quite layd aside : ) hee writ many Orations and Tragedies . Who loves thee Pollio , &c. Damaetas , ( to shew how strongly hee stood affected to Pollio ▪ ) he prayes for all his friends , that God would blesse them with all felicity of the goulden age , which should bring plenty of happines in all places . Amom●m : Of some said to bee the Rose of Ierusalem , or our Ladies Rose ; some call it Garden Pepper : They say , it is a little shrub growing in clusters like Grapes , bearing a flower like a white Violet , and a leafe like the white Vine . It growes in Armenia , in Media , Pontus , and Assyria ▪ from whence other Countries fetch it . Yee bonny Boyes , &c. You who apply your selves to the study of the faire arts , avoide this venemous tongued Poet. Drive not your flocks , &c. Arrius the Centurion had Virgils grounds bestowed on him ; but when Virgil returned from Rome to Mantuae , with a warrant from Caesar , to command Arrius to render up his land againe : the Centu●ion , ( like a Bedlem souldier ) drew his sword , and 〈◊〉 at Virgil , to have killed him : who flying , and having no other way to avoide the mischiefe , skipt into the Mincius , & so swimming crosse the River , escaped . Vnder the name of the Ram , Virgil may seeme to meane himselfe , and his owne danger of drowning . Thy feeding flockes al 's ' Tityrus , &c. Hee admonisheth either his owne hired servant , or all those of Mantua , to carry themselves warily , & to avoid danger as well as they may : hee would take a fit opportunity , to procure of Caesar , an effectuall restitution of all their grounds , which should bee good against all men : neither to the effecting heereof should hee neede to make his meanes by the Tribunes , or Embassadours , but hee would goe to the well-head , that is , to Caesar himselfe . Yee Shepheard swaines , &c. Do not promise to your selves great matters , & hope after things which will never bee gained : your safer way wil be to keep your sheep together , & to hold a carefull eye over them , and to preserve that which you haue left ; lest if some mutiny or troublesome storme of wars should arise again ( as of late it fell out ) the whole profit of your Cattle would utterly bee lost . Tell in what Coast , &c. Heere they make an end of their brawling , and fall to puzzle each other with Riddles : that so they may get the victory this way . The Firmament , &c. This Riddle is thus unfoulded : in the bottome of a deepe pitt , whosoever stands there , shall see no more of the heaven , than the very breadth of the mouth of the pitt . This question seemed so unreasonable , that writers report , that Virgil ( beeing asked the meaning of both these Riddles ) answered , that hee had made that gallowes of purpose for the Grammarians to rack themselves upon . Macrob. Sat. lib. 6. Some thinke also , that hereby is meant the silver Mines ; out of whose bottome if a man looke , hee shall perceive the Skie to bee but three ells broade , or no broader than the Mouth of the Mine , at the most . Tell &c. the flowres have the print . On these Mines grow these flowres ; that is , Could and Silver , which being beaten into Coigne , the names of Kings are stamped into them : and indeede , there is nothing in the world more sweete and delightfull unto mankinde in generall , than these flowers , and roses : namely the goulden rose-nobles . And I for great Apollo's selfe , &c. Either are very bitter against other : Menalcas affected nothing more , than glory , and admiration of his witt : therefore , saith Dametas , you shall attaine the scope of your ambition , you shall bee Apollo himselfe to mee . But Virgil was popular in his desire , and gaped at the favour and good will of the people of Rome : Therfore Menalcas saith to him , Enjoy Phillis to thy selfe ; ( whom elswhere he names Amaryllis ) I will yeeld her to thee without any contradiction . By Phillis , and Amaryllis , hee meaneth Rome . To herry , is to worship , or to honour : an ould Saxon word . Who e're the sowre , &c. Hee deserves great reward , and commendation , whosoever doth wisely feare the favour of Princes , and the praise of the common people ; or can stoutly and valiantly beare the scorne , or hatred of either , with an undaunted resolution and neglect . THE ARGVMENT OF THE FOVRTH EGLOGVE . A Sinius Pollio , warred upon the Illyrians , and tooke from them their City Salona : during which time hee had a son born , whom ( after this Citties name ) hee called Saloninus . Virgil having read in the Sybils verses of a rare Childe to bee borne , about those times , who should restore the world , applied this Prophecy of the Sybil , to this young sonne of Pollio , making no doubt , that it could not bee appliable to any other nation , but needes it must happen within the Roman Empire , in respect of the huge extent thereof : But this Childe dyed very young ; and Asinius had another sonne , which was his heire , named Asinius Gallus . In honour of Pollio , Virgil intitles this Eglogue by his name : but Lodovicus Vives affirmeth in his Glosse vpon this Eglogue , that all heerein must of necessity bee spoken of Christ , to whom ( saith hee ) I will apply the interpretation , and restore the possession to the right owner , to whom of right it doth belong . Let prophane men therefore heerein bee silent , for even in the very simple and naturall sense of the words , without any neede of Glosse or Allegory , it cannot bee vnderstood , whatsoever is heere spoken , but onely of Christ. POLLIO . OR THE PROPHECY OF A SECOND GOVLDEN AGE . Aegloga quarta . ( SIcelian Muses ) yet a little higher Let 's sing a while : sith all delight not in Short shrubbs ; ne all lowe Tamariske admire : ( Our ●ong , al●bee't of woods , ) woods worthy been , A Consull them , his best acceptance daigne . Now is fulfill'd the period , and last time Of Cuma's Prophecy ; and now againe All former Ages , in their pretious prime , With blessed order are anew begun . The Virgin , toward us againe is bent , And Saturnes reigne doth back vnto vs run : And a new Progenie from heaven sent . Thou , onely , to this Childe , ( by whose deare birth , The Iron Age , especially shall end . And Age of Gould , begin through all the Earth , ) ( Lucina chast ) with thy best helpe befriend . Now thine Apollo , houlds the Diadem , And Pollio ( thou being Consul ) shall come in This the words glorious ornament and gem , And the grand Months shall their increase begin . If any print or monument remaine Of our inherent sinnes ; thy wondrous grace From endlesse feare , of punishment and paine Shall vs redeeme , and all misdeedes deface . A God-like life he shall receive , and see The heavenly Hero'es , the Gods among ; And hee , of them ylike , shall viewed bee . Al 's ' , shall hee , by his Fathers vertue strong The world , with peacefull governance maintaine . But yet ( faire Child ) the Earth , shall bring to thee Her first fruites , without labour , and hard paine , Selfe-growne , without all helpe of husbandry , Wilde-climbing Ivie , with her Berries black , And Brank ; with cheerefull Hares-foote ; yea the Goates , With full●blowne udders , ( even like to crak ) With creamy Milke , shall come home to their Cotes : Ne , shall the Heards , the ramping Lyon feare . The Cradles-selves , to thee sweete flowres shall yeeld , Dye shall the Serpent , and all hearbes which beare Inchanting venome , wither in the field . Th' Assyrian Rose , in each high way shall grow ; And herewithall , the prayses thou maist reede Of princely Woorthies , and shalt learne to know Thy Fathers vertues , and each doubty deede : The Fields , shall by degrees , full goodly shew Their tender Eares , all yellow as the gould ; The rugged Oake , shall sweate with honny deaw , And the wilde Thornes , ( as full as they can hould , ) With ruddie Grapes shall hang : yet some small track , Of ancient fraud , and lewdnesse shall remaine , Which shall tempt men , at Sea , to venture wrack ; And wall in Towns , and plough the Champian-plaine ▪ Then second Typhis ; and new Argosye Of select Lords , shall beare a princely traine , And Garboyles , and fresh warres abroade shall flye : And great Achilles , sent to Troy againe ; Now , when firme age , to mans state once thee brings , Seamen , in ships shall trucke no more for ware , For every Land , shall yeeld all manner things . No Furrowes in the Land , the Plough shall are : Ne , Vines , shall pruning neede ; the Ploughman shall For ever quit his Oxen from the yoake : Ne , shall the snow-white wooll , in severall Di●couloured waters , more bee taught to soake : But in the meadowes , ( dainty diapred With purple flowres , with red spotts sweetly staind , And saffron Lands , like scarlet couloured ) The Ramme shall change his fleece , al deepe ingraynd ; The feeding Lambes , with Ceruse naturally Shall cloathed beene . Th'agreeing Parcae , to their spindles said , ( By fatall power of stable destiny ) Runne out at length , and let such age bee made . Decre Childe of God , Ioves infinite increase , Oh once begin ; the time now nigheth neere , Great honours , and much glory to possesse , Come see the world , decrepit , now , and seere , E'ne nodding-ripe , with it owne pondrous heape : The Seas , and Earth , and highest heavens view ; How , all things , in them all , doon even leape For joy of this same age now to ensue . Oh , mote I live but long enough to tell Thy woorthy acts ; not Lynus-selfe should mee ; Ne , yet the Thracian Bard , my songs excell , ( Allbee Calliope , Orpheus Mother bee , And Syre to Lynus , bright Apollo , come : ) Yea , should selfe Pan , ( Arcadia beeing Iudg ) Contend with mee , yet by Arcadia's doome Selfe Pan , to mee , the conquest would not grudg . Begin ( young Babe ) with cheerefull smile to knowe Thy Mother , for her ten moneths tedious paine , ( Infant ) begin ; whose Parents wept for woe For thee , at bed , nor boord , Goddesse , nor God did daign . POLLIO . The GLOSSE . SIcelian Muses , &c. Heerein hee hath resp●ct to Theocritus the Sicelian ; whom in this kinde of verse , hee doth especially imitate : and therefore hee termeth the Pastorall verse , by the title of the Muses of Sicely . Yet a little higher , &c. For all men delight not in this low straine of Pastoralls . Of woods albee I sing , &c. Let none wonder , that I sing of great matters , in a homely kinde of verse : For even the woods are oftentimes a fitt subject for a Consul ; that is , worthy they are of a Roman Consuls gravity : as Suetonius writeth ; that the hills , and woods , were apportioned to Iulius Caesar , in his Consulship , for his Province . The Period and last time , &c. Concerning the Sybils , Ludovicus Vives hath spoken largely , upon Austin . The comming of our Lord was a thing of such weight and moment , that it was necessary to have it foretold both to Iewes , and Gentiles , that thereby , who were before his comming , might expect him : these in his time might receive him , and those which came after him might beleeve him : and therefore , as there were Prophets among the Iewes , so were there amongst the Gentiles , Sybils ; that is to say , such as were privy , and conscious of heavenly counsaile . Now Virgil did conjecture , that the time of this Prophecy was neere to accomplishment , because diverse of the Sybils verses were so composed , as that the first or last letters of the verses , did even point out the very time , or the person : as Cicero teacheth in his Divination : & in Eusebius there is a Sybils Prophecy of the last judgmēt of Christ set forth in the same manner : which S. Austin citeth in his 18 book of the Citty of God. Cuma , is a Towne in Ionia the lesse , where one of the Sybils did abide ; of which place shee was called Sybilla Cumaea . The Virgin now returnes , &c. Peradventure the Sybils spake something about the blessed Virgin Mary : which the Poet here applyes to Astraea , the Mayden-Lady Iustice ; or perhaps shee meanes it of the wondrous Iustice of Christ , and of the goulden age : which also the Prophet Esay describes , Chap. 9. And there shall bee in the last times , &c. And Saturnes reigne , &c. In his time men lived in great tranquillity and quiet , with great equality amongst all sorts , without pride , wrath , or envie ; such as the people of God ( who are to adapt themselves to his commandements ) ought to bee indeede . Now a new Progenie , &c. The descent of the Sonne of God from heaven amongst us , could not by a Christian man , bee expressed more exactly , or in more absolute termes . Now thine Apollo , &c. Diana is termed Lucina , of bringing those that are borne into the light : Apollo is her Brother ; hee prayes Diana to bee propitious and favourable to the child in his birth , namely in the Kingdome of her Brother , Apollo : Augustus was thought to bee Apollo's sonne , and in a manner was also called by the name of Apollo . And Pollio , thou beeing Consul , &c. Pollio Asinius was fellow Consul with Cneius Domitius , Calvinus in the Triumvitate : in the yeare of the Citties building , 714 and before our Saviour Christs birth , 37. yeares . Grand Moneths : the Moneths of this Great yeare . Thy wondrous grace , &c. Originall sinne shall bee blotted out by the vertue of Christ ; as in Baptisme is performed by a true faith in him : hee hath with great reason called it the monument or print of sinne ; for originall sinne is a print or Stigma , derived to us from our first parents . From endlesse feare , &c. For Faith in him , who is God , shall exclude all feare of punishment for sinne , whether our owne by actuall commission , or hereditary , from our first parents . And here most fitly , the Poet calleth our feare endlesse , because it never ceaseth to vexe and torment vs : And in this sort and sense Saint Austin in his Citty of God , interpreteth these verses . The world with peacefull governance , &c. All things are given by the Father unto the Sonne : a speech frequent in the booke of the Psalmes , and other mysticall bookes ; and againe , The Father hath subdued all things unto the Sonne . But yet deere Childe , &c. Here is described the course of Christs Church , that is , his Kingdome here on earth . For in the Gospell , the Kingdome of God , amongst other meanings signfies the Church . In the infancy of the Church , without ordinary meanes , or labour , but by the immediate worke of Gods Spirit , there sprung up , Presents yeelding most fragrant sweete smell , and acceptable savour unto the nostrills of God , ( namely so many Apostles , Disciples , and Martyrs , in every place . ) The Goates , &c. Peradventure by Goates may bee meant the Gentiles , who should become in many places ( as afterward it appeared ) very fruitfull in good workes , and repentance : moreover it may bee hereby meant , that the Disciples and Teachers of the Gospell , did never goe forth , to teach and preach , but they returned with great advantage , in winning of soules unto their Master . Ne shall the Heards , &c. The Flocke of Christ shall not stand in feare of the Monarchs and Tyrants of the world , notwithstanding all their rage and furie : yea amongst the Princes of the earth , there shall bee incredible Concord , and Peace , without venome of Pride or Envie . The Cradles-selves , &c. Young children , ( as it were new-weaned ) shall bee inspired by the Spirit of God , to proclaime the prayses of God , as the young children did , when they went singing Hosanna , and cast the branches of trees in the way before our Saviour Christ , riding to Ierusalem . And herewithall the prayses , &c. In the succeeding ages , by the doctrine of God once settled ; by Christs example , and instruction of the Apostles ; Piety shall extend it selfe every where , in all parts of the world , not to the bringing in of smal gifts , or mean matters , but even to the gathering in of a large harvest , of corne , wine , and honny . The Iewes shall enter in to the society of the Church , and multitudes of Gentiles : The greene tender stalk of the Gentiles shall by degrees grow yellow and ripe , and from the thornes of humane obstinacy shall bee gathered a sweete , and pleasing Grape ; and from stubborne , hard and willfull Ignorance , shall spring the sweet honny , and delicate taste of knowledge and understanding . Yet some small track , &c. Christianity could not so bee imprinted in the mindes of men , but still some dreggs of ould errours , infidelity , avarice , envie , cruelty , wares , ambition , and arrogance , would remaine unremooved ; and from hence would afterward arise desire to traffique by Sea to forraine nations , for gaine : from hence it grew , that men , ( not trusting one another , and from mutuall hatred and grudges , ) did devise the walling in of Townes , and Citties : From hence greedy mindes bethought themselves of ploughing and digging the Earth : All which indeavours of men , and all these things ( howsoever in themselves they bee not simply evill ) yet mans depraved affection , in the inordinate desire and use of them , is bad . Then second Typhis , and new Argosie . The ould discommodities and mischiefes , received at Sea by shipping , shall againe returne , and warres , ( from whence such infinite calamity hath overwhelmed all mankind . ) And here these things may seeme to bee spoken by a kinde of revolubilitie of all things , proceeding from the order , and influence of the starres ; and hath relation to the ould storie of the Sea-voyage , which Pelias made to Colchos for the goulden Fleece , which the Ramme bore , that carried Phrixus through the Sea. The Ship wherein Pelias made his voyage , was called Argo , and bare his name , ( as here the Poet calls it : ) and the Master of the ship was named Typhis : In all which severall passages , the Sybil prophecies of the troubles , ( which should creepe up ) by way of allusion : For by Navigation , shee intimates that mens mindes should tempt them to venture to Sea , to get wealth and riches . By walling in of Townes , shee intimates warres : by Ploughing she foretells the feare of famine : And the better to expresse her meaning , shee reckens up some speciall particulars , in stead of the generalls : As by Typhis , wee must understand any shipp-master : by Argo , any Navie of ships : by Achilles , any Generall , or gre●t Commander : and by Troy , any other Citty whatsoever , that might by Enemies bee distressed . Now when firme age , &c. The Sybil heere speakes , either of the blessed estate in heaven , or of the perfection of Christians , in whose mindes is setled unspeakable quiet , and tranquill●ty , and the true goulden age : For their desires shall not be conversant about worldly matters , neither shall they vse the things of this life , for pleasure or delight of their vaine lusts , but meerely for necessities sake : as we reade of Saint Paul , that hee did weave Tents ; and our Forefathers in Aegypt did plough the ground , and applyed themselves to husbandry . Neither shall their affections bee upon these base earthly matters , but their conversation shall bee in heaven , content with any thing , ( how meane and homely soever , ) that may serve their present need : whereby it shall come to passe , that there shall bee plenty of all things in every place , every ones minde beeing so temperately inclined , as to affect nothing out of curiosity , but onely for use and necessity . The accordant Parcae , &c. It may perhaps seeme somewhat too curious , to say , that by these Parcae , ( equall in number to the three persons of the Godhead , ( which Christians beleeve ) agreeing in power , and will of desteny ) the Sybil would understand the three Persons in Divinity . Run out at length , and let such Age bee made . Either the Destenies said this , answrable to what every man wished might bee ; or else they appointed it so to bee : For Christs Kingdome is an everlasting Kingdome without end . Moreoever , Fate , is nothing else , but the absolute will and com●andement of God , and his expresse word ; according to the Etymologie which Palingenius giveth thereof , Fatum , quasi Deus sic fatus , or Deus ita fatur . Deere Childe of God , Ioves infinite increase , &c. Nothing can bee more plainly spoken of Christ , then to say , hee is the begotten of God , and the increase of his Father . For of what mortall man or created creature can it bee said that hee is the increase of Iove ; who can adde any increase to God ? But Christ , beeing God , the Sonne of God , is the Glory of his Father , inasmuch as hee is wisdome and power . Come see , the world , &c. It is now high time to bring remedie into the world , when as now all things were at the last gaspe , and at the worst , and all mankinde in a poore afflicted state . Come view the Seas , Earth , &c. All things , not onely men , but even the Angells , yea , even things without sense , did shew their woonderfull joy at the comming of Christ. For as Saint Paul saith , the whole frame of the world shall bee thereby freed from the bondage of corruption . Oh mote I liue , &c. The workes of Christ are wonderfull , and unspeakable , and the longest life will be too little to recount them : I would I might but live halfe so long as to sing thy praises : Or the Sybil desireth long life , that shee might have the opportunity to write of that worthy subject . Albee Caliope , &c. Though Caliope one of the Muses , helpe her sonne Orpheus , and Phaebus ( the god of Poets , and songs ) inspire his son Lynus with skill . Yea should selfe Pan , &c. Herein Virgil forgets not the decorum fitting Shepheards , who thinke more highly of Pan the Shepheards God , then of Caliope , & Phaebus . And here hee ends his comparisons , & goes no farther , ( as thinking nothing could bee more added , having once vouched the Shepheards God , for authority of his vaunt . Begin young Babe , &c. I make no doubt but these things shal one day infallibly happen , & come to passe : Now yet begin to bring comfort to thy mother with thy comfortable laugh : doe not bee sad or solitary , doe not by thy sadnesse bring sorrow unto her , who hath endured sorrow and pain inough during the ten Moneths , which she bare thee in her womb . But these Months must be taken to be Mēses Luxares , not civiles Nor God , nor Goddes , him at Bed nor Boord , &c. The Grammarians make much adoo about these two verses . Vives upon St. Austin , hath spoken somewhat hereof : But shortly , his opinion is , that ( by God ) here in this place must be meant Genius , to whom a Table was dedicate : from whence this Proverb did arise , Genio indulgere ; when a man was a dainty affecter of curious meats , & made it as it were his whole exercise to eat , he was said to cocker or flatter his Genius , that is his appetite . MoreMoreover , by goddesse is meant Iuno , for whom a Bed was prepared ready , on which the Childe new borne was suckled . Hereby is intimated , that it is a dangerous sign of death when young Infants are sad , and not apt to laugh , shewing thereby that the tutelares Dij , ( the Gods who have the charge of young children ) doe not favour them : ( which so fell out , ) for this young Childe of Pollio's died soone after it was borne ; God himselfe ( as it may seeme ) not suffering him to live , to whom the Poet of so great authority in those times , did apply those precious prayses which the Prophetesse , ( this Sybil ) had foretould of the blessed Sonne of God. And Vives is further of the minde , that Virgil did adde these two last verses of his owne making , after the Childes death : ( a conceit full of probability . ) THE ARGVMENT OF THE FIFTH EGLOGVE . IN the former Eglogue , Virgil ( borrowing his matter out of the Sybils verses , prophecying of the birth of our Savior ) doth apply the prophecy very unworthily to Saloninus . In this Eglogue , out of other of the Sybils verses , hee sings of the death and ascension of the same our blessed Lord ; which as unfitly and unproperly hee attributes to Caius Iulius Caesar. The Poet here mingleth some things of his owne , out of Ignorance of the true sense and meaning of the Prophecie , not knowing how to make it fall fit with the right application , There bee some who hould , that under the name of Daphnis the Poet doth deplore the death of his owne Brother ; but without ground of truth : for from those verses , The Nymphes did Daphnis , &c. And after , Now lovely Daphnis doth admiring sit , &c. They are the very Prophecy of the Sybil , by Virgil translated . DAPHNIS . Aegloga quinta . Menal. MOPSVS , what lets ( both skilld in musick ) met , ) Thee blow thy Pipes , whilst I some ditty sing Amongst these Elmes , and mixed hazels sett ? Mop. To thee ( Menaleas ) as mine Elderling , Befits mee yeeld : whether us list encline Vnder the waving West's uncertaine shade , Or to this Cave : see , how this wilde growne Vine Hath o're this Cave , her tender Impes displayd . Men. In all our mountaines , ( but Amyntas ) none May strive with thee Mop. but what if hee should prove Great Phaebus-selfe , in singing to outgone ? Men. Mopsus , begin : if any of Phillis love , Or Alcons praise , or Codrus brawles thou have : Begin : Tityru● shall keepe our feeding flock : Mop. I le try those verses , which I erst did grave In the greene tender bark of Beechen stock , And scor'd them out in parts by turnes to clay , Then set Amyntas to contend with mee : Men. Much as soft sallow yeelds to th Olive gray , Or homely spike , unto the red-rose-tree , ( If I can judge ) Amyntas yeelds to thee . Mop. But ( Boy ) now peace : whilst in this Cave we sitt : The Nymphes , did Daphnis dreey death bemone , ( Yee Hazells , and yee Floods , can witnesse it ) When the sad mournefull mother , ( woe begone ) Embracing in her Armes full tenderly The lamentable corps of her deere Sonne , Both Gods , and starres appeacht of cruelty : In all the fields , where Heards , and Flockes , did wo●n , Of none , ( as tho ) the fedd Oxe driven was To the coole Rivers : ne , foure-footed Beast Sipt any water , or once touch'd the grass : The Lybian Lyons , e'ne their griefe exprest : The woods , and savage mountaines testifyde Their sorrow for thy death : why Daphnis taught Armenian Tygres , ( in meeke manner tyde ) Them faire submit unto the Chariots draught . Daphnis to Bacchus , Guarlands did devise , And slender speares to wreathe with Ivie-twine : Looke how the Vine , is honour of all Trees , And as the Grape imbellisheth the Vine : Looke how the Bull is honour of the Heard , And Corne the glory of the fertile Field ; Ilk , thine : by thee , been graced and preferd : Soone , as to death , thy fate thee forc'd to yeeld Selfe Pales , and Apollo , left the Earth , The Furrowes , where bigg Barly wee did sowe Vnluckie Lollium , now there hath his birth , And the wilde Oate , doth domineering growe . Steede of the soft-napt , velvet Violet , And Daffodillies sweete , ( in purple dyde , ) Th' ungracious ●histle , now there growes , ( unset ) And the base Bramble , with his prickly side , Bestrew the ground , with leaves ( yee Shepheards all ) And silver Fountaines hide , with shadie gloome , Such , Daphnis wills should bee his funerall , And fixe this pitaph upon his toome . I Daphnis in the woods , known to the stars so high Shepheard of a Flock so fair , but fairer farre am I ( Poet divine . ) Men. So mee thy song , as sleepe on grasse doth queame The Travailer , ( his weary limbs to drench , ) Or as coole water of the gliding streame , In Summers heat , ( his eagre thirst to quench . ) Ne , doost thou onely in piping paralell Thy Master ; but in singing maist compare : ( Oh bonny Boy ) next him thou 'st beare the Bell ; And though my songs unkempt and rugged are , Yet , as they been Ile them by turnes rehearse , And mount thy Daphnis to the skies above , I , to the starres , will Daphnis by my verse Enhance : ( for mee did Daphnis allgates love . ) Mop. What Gift to mee but halfe so pleasing may ? Leefe Ladd was hee , best worthy to bee sung ; Yea , Stimacon to mee , upon a day These verse prais'd , with his praise-worthy tongue . Men. Now lovely Daphnis doth admiring sit , Th'unwoonted Portall of Olympus high , And sees the Cloudes , aud Starres , beneath his feet , The joyous Groves , and pleasant Plaines for-thy . And jolly Pan , each Shepheard , and his Boy , And mayden-crew , of dainty Dryades , Sweete pleasance , and deere joyance shall enjoy , And shall securely live in endlesse ease . The Woolfe , from ravin , on the Flock shall cease , No toiles shall been , th' unwary Stagg to kill : ( For Daphnis ioyes , in sweete accordant peace ; ) The rough-hew'd mountaines all the ayre fulfill With accents of their ioy ; the Rocks likewise Sing rusticke Rhimes , in honour of his name : The very shrubs ( Menalcas ) with loud cryes , A God , a God , hee is , doo still proclame . Oh , bee propitious , and thy servants bless , Behould foure Altars ; whereof two to thou , And two to Phaebus I will heere address , And with new milke , fresh strocked from the Cowe Two Flagons every yeare , I unto thee , And twaine with iuice of Olives , will poure forth : Ne , store of Bacchus fruit shall wanting bee , To cheere the feast ; ( which els is nothing worth . ) And wine at Aruse ( second Nectar ) made : By the fires side , if it in winter chance ; Or if in summer , in the friendly shade , Whilst Alphasibeus , tripp the Satyres dance . And Lictius AEgon , and Damatas sing : These duties I to thee will alwayes pay , Both when my vowes I to the Nymphes doe bring , And when in harvest I my fields survay . Whilst Bores the Mountaines , or Fish love to haunt The Floods , and Bees on Thyme delight to tast , Or Grashoppers on deaw make their provaunt , Thy name , thine honour , and thy praise shall last . And as the Husbandman woont yeere by yeere Their vowes to Bacchus , and to Ceres pay , Ilk , they with offrings , 'fore thee shall appeare , Yea , thou their vowes shalt binde them to defray . Mops. ( Ah my leefe Ladd ) what guerdon peregall , For sike a long as this , can I bestow ? Sith not the bibling streames , which gently fall At weene the gritty valleys here below , Doth adde such pleasure to my lulled minde : Nor working of the waves against the shore , Ne , coole , fresh breathing of the Westerne winde , ( Mee featly fanning ) doth delight mee more . Men. This simple Pipe , I le give thee ( if thou please ; ) On it I learnt the song , how Corydon , The faire Alexis lov'd : on it likewise I learnt the Roundelay , which thus begun , Whose Beasts been these ? or been they Melibes ? Mop. Meane time , ( mine owne Menalcas ) of my hand Accept this Sheepe-hooke , which Antigines Full earnestly of mee did oft demand . Nathless this boon I did to him deny , ( Though of my love , and it , hee worthy was , ) Which as thou seest , is scrude in daintily , With two neate ioynts , and bound about with brass . DAPHNIS . The GLOSSE . BVt what if hee , &c. Mopsus was somewhat moved at the naming of a Rivall : but hee answers mildely to him , as to his elder ; as if hee should say : It is no great commendation to contend , but to overcome , is all the glory : any man may cope with Hercules , but not conquer him . Mopsus begin : if any , &c. Now the senior speakes in good sooth , and shewes unto him , what subject is fittest for his song : either of the impatiency of Love , or of the excellency of art ; or of the zeale to his Country . Phillis love , &c. Phillis was daughter of Siton , ( the Queene of Thrace ; ) who falling in love with Demophoon , King of Athens , the sonne of Theseus , at his returne from the Troian warre , desired to have him to her husband : hee tould her , that hee would first returne home into his owne Kingdome , and settle all things there , and then hee would come backe and marry her : But staying somewhat longer then she had patience to expect , what through love and griefe , ( conceiving that hee h●d cast her off , ) shee hanged her selfe ; and was turned into an Almond tree , without leaves : But afterward , Demophoon returned , and understanding what had hapned , hee embraced the tree , for love of his sweete heart ; which ( beeing affected as it were with joy for the comming of her husband , ) instantly flourished , and became full of leaves . Or Alcons praise , &c. This Alcon was Hercules companion , a famous Archer , and so exquisitely skilled in shooting , that hee never mist the marke : one tryall of his skill , was , that hee would set a Ring on a mans head , and shoote through it , never hurting the party : hee could cleave a Hare when hee list with his shaft ; and setting up a sword , or a speare end-wayes , right against him , hee would shoote a headlesse arrow , and hit the point with the end of his shaft , and cleave it just in the midst . Vpon a time , a serpent fastned upon his young sonne , at whom Alcon drew so steady a draught , that hee struck the serpent through , and never hurt his sonne . Or Codrus brawles , &c. Codrus was Generall of the Athenian Army , who in the beginning of the warre betweene the Athenians , and the Laconians , ( understanding from the Oracle , that that side should win the day , whose Generall was first slaine , ) and finding that the enemie did purposely forbeare to assault him , hee put himselfe into poore clothes , and so went disguised to the enemies Camp , where hee fell to quarrelling and brawling with one , and an other , who ( judgeing him by his homely habit ) slew him ; ( by this meanes hee making way to that Oracle : ) for in that battle the Laconians were discomfited , and lost the field . The Nymphes did Daphnis , &c. Hee brings in the name of Daphnis , either for that hee was some delicate young youth , son of Mercurie ; or else for that hee was some man of esteeme in Sicily , for his wealth in Land and Cattle : to whom some Authors attribute the first invention of Pastorall verse . Therefore hee saith , that nature it selfe generally in all things , did condole the death of our Saviour Christ : first , the Nymphes , ( that is ) the heavenly spirits and powers themselves . Yee Hazells , and yee Woods , &c. The heaven , and the inferiour creatures did testifie by their motion , and perturbation , the great sympathy of the superiour powers , wherewith they were affected . When the sad mournefull Mother , &c. After mention of the Gods , hee presently adds Rome , which is their Mother next to the Gods. Both Gods and starres , &c. This is spoken after the manner of the Heathen : a course with them usuall ; but of Christians to bee abhorred : for when Iupiter their god did not answer them in their desires , to their content ; they would obraid him of cruelty , and savage disposition . But our Iupiter , ( the true Iove indeed ) doth with great resolution , both begin , and end all things at his pleasure , and of them doth most sweetly dispose in his best time and season . Wonn : keepe or abide . As tho , of none the fed Oxe , &c. Heerein hee intimates the great consternation and dismay of the Shepheards , that is , of the Apostles of Christ , and the cessation of the doctrine of the Gospell , by the death of Christ : so that , there neither were any to teach ; nor the auditors that were , would harken to what was taught ; the mindes of all were so perversly alienate from the meanes of savation . As tho : then , or at that time . The Lybian Lyons , &c. Even Lyons , that is , most fierce and salvage Beasts , and farthest from all sense of humanity , did lament the death of Christ : Many ( to weet ) of the Iewes , and Gentiles ; as the Centurion , and Pilate : and others , who returning to Ierusalem , testified their griefe , by smi●ing their breasts . The Woods and Mountaines , &c. Perchance heerein the Prophecy of the Sybil hath allusion to the renting of the stones , the opening of the graves , and the earthquake , at the time of our Saviours giving up the Ghost . Armenian Tygres , &c. Christ was the authour of a new , and everlasting Religion , and thereby did bend the stubborne and untamed neckes of the most fierce Tygres , inforcing them meekely to submit unto the yoake of his lawes and commandements . By Tygres heere is meant , such worldly Tyrants , as live altogether like these brute creatures , rather then men : and yet , Iesus Christ , by the inward working of his grace , can bring this impossible-seeming worke to passe . Daphnis to Bacchus , &c. Servius saith , that these words have relation to the history of Caesar ; because hee first did institute the sacrifice , and feasts to Liber , that is , to Father Bacchus But ( saith Vives ) I doe not remember to have read this in any other authour , neither is it likely , or probable ; forasmuch as there were in Rome feasts to Bacchus , before Caesars time : But I will hould my order in glossing , which I have propounded to my selfe : hee seemes therefore especially to mention the sacrifices to Bacchus , for that antiquity did beleeve that they were available , for the purging of soules ; and for that reason , gave him that title of Liber , which signifies free , because hee doth free the minde from cares and molestations . As the Vine is honour , &c. Christ is the head and glory of all spirituall creatures . Bestrew the ground , &c. After Christs resurrection , did follow a renewing and repaire of all things , and new joy was declared to the Shepheards , namely to the Apostles , whom God appointed as Shepheards of his Flock . Such Daphnis wills , &c. The tombe of Christ is the perpetuall remembrance of his death , which the Church hath evermore in sight : for what is a tombe , but a monument of death ? And fixe this Epitaph , &c. This shall bee the superscription of the death of Christ. Epicedion , is a mournefull song made before the body bee interred . And Epitaphion , a funerall song , after buriall . I Daphnis in the woods , &c. Write not upon him as on other dead mens tombs : Heere hee lyes interred : For Christ now liveth not in earth onely , but is acknowledged above the starres , and deerely loved of men , and Angells . Well knowne unto the starres , &c. The Sonn of God descended from heaven to become man ; after hee beeing man , ascended from earth to heaven : Therefore Christ as hee was man , began first to bee knowne upon earth , and so from thence the knowledge of him reached up into heaven . Of a Flock so faire , &c. Christ beeing most faire , pure , and good , nay beauty , purity , and goodnesse it selfe , doth admit none into his Kingdome , and unto his pasture , but those who are faire , & pure , and good . Iddio fa suoi al suo essempio : God frames his to his owne sample & patterne . And hee makes onely them such , who doe with all readines commit themselves unto him to bee by him reformed and refined . Christ hath chosen out Angels , and holy men : These are the Cattle of the Shepheard , who is incomparably more faire , and beautifull , then any the best creatures , ( in whose lipps grace is diffused . ) Poet divine , &c. If a song upon Caesars death , ( beeing otherwise bitter to the friends of Octavian , and hurtfull to many , to none profitable ) was so acceptable to a Shepheard , how pretious ought the remembrance of Christs death to bee to us , from whence redoundeth everlasting salvation to all mankinde ? Queme : please : a Saxon word : Spencer . For mee did Daphnis allgates love , &c. This cannot bee meant of Virgil ; who ( I verily thinke ) saith Vives ) was never knowne to Iulius Caesar , nor scarce ever seene . For Virgil was but a Childe at the time of Caesars murther : neither did Cicero ever see or heare any of Virgils workes , seeing Cicero outlived Caesar , not above two yeares : and therefore it is a meere fiction , which I know not who writes in the life of Virgil ; as likewise many other things are taken upon report from the hearesay of others , that Cicero protested of him , in these words , , Magnae spes altera Romae . Therefore they are spoken in the person of Menalcas , who was elder then Virgil . Allgates : also . Now lovely Daphnis , &c. The Sybil hitherto sung the death of Christ , here shee prophecies of his ascension , and of the eternity of his kingdome in heaven . Christ in his humanity beeing received up into heaven , doth rejoyce to behould all things subdued unto him : according to that which heerein wee are taught in the holy Scriptures . And sees the clowds , and starres , &c. All things both in heaven and earth . The ioyous Groves , and pleasant , &c. By Christs ascension into heaven , abundant great joy hath flowed downe , upon the Apostles first , ( by the sending of the holy Ghost ; ) then after , upon all men in generall : for by his ascension , hee hath ledd our captivity captive , and given gifts unto men . The Woolfe from ravin , &c. The peace of Christ is hereby meant , which subdues all Tense and motion of the superiour over the inferiour ; of the wilde beast , against the tame ; of the crafty against the simple ; charity making an equality every where , and causing all things to bee safe and secure . For Daphnis ioyes in sweete , &c. Charity is the speciall commandement of Christ ; and Peace his Inheritance . The Mountaines , &c. The holy Ghost , saith Saint Paul , is diffused in our hearts by Iesus Christ ; and beeing fullfilled with this joy , wee come truly to understand Iesus Christ , who he is , and acknowledge him to bee God. For no man saith , that Iesus is the Lord , but by the holy Ghost , and the Gospell . Blessed art thou Simon Bar-tona , because flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto thee , but my Father , which is in heavē . By the Mountaines , is meant the Bishops , and chiefe learned men of the Church , and other where ; by Rockes , is meant , the inferiour sort ; by shrubbs is meant the common people : All doe openly professe and adore the divinity of Christ. A God , a God , hee is , &c. To the afflicted minde , for the sad and lamentable death of Christ , it is said : VVhy doost thou weepe● Bee of good comfort , for hee is a God : why doost thou seek the living amongst the dead● Hee is God that lives for evermore . From hence comes joy into our hearts , and great hope of blessednesse . All which in the next verse is prayed for ; namely that hee would confirme his happinesse , and ratifie that which by his expresse commandement , we● promise to our selves concerning him . Oh bee propitious , and thy servants , &c. VVho trust in thee , who with all their indeavour doe cleave and adhere unto thee , and doe fly to thy patronage , as to a safe Asylum ; and make them absolutely thine , whosoever call upon thee for helpe . Behould foure Altars , &c. Perhaps Virgil adds this after the custome observed of the heathen : and hee very often mentions Apollo , either in respect of the Pastorall verse , or for that hee is the God of all Poets , or els having respect to Augustus Caesar. But if hee tooke these verses out of the Sybil , heereby is meant worship due to the humanity of Christ under the person of Daphnis ; and to his divinity under the person of Apollo . Therefore it is that hee useth this word Arae to Daphnis , and Altaria , to Apollo : forasmuch as Arae , are used , to those who of mortall men were made Gods : Altaria , dedicate to those who were the supreme and chiefe of the heavenly Gods. Moreover Christ is the true Phaebus , that is , the Sunne of Iustice and Righteousnesse . Ne , store of Bacchus , &c. Christs feasts are not after the manner of such as are dead , solemnized with griefe , in silence , and mourning , but with joy and rejoycing , as of one living and reigning , and mediatour of our everlasting peace , and grace with his Father . These duties I will , &c. The remembrance of Christ , & his holy worship in the Church shall never end , so long as man kinde and nature have any beeing . This is , saith St. Paul , the Cup of my new and eternall testament , so oft as yee shall eate of this bread , and drink of this Cup , yee shall shew the Lords death , till hee come . Their vowes to Bacchus , and to Ceres , &c. As to the most usefull Gods for the sustaining of this mortall life ; ( without which man cannot propagate , and preserve their kinde , ) so they shall offer their vowes , and other duties of devotion to thee : and thy power to grant or deny suites made to thee , shall bee no lesse then theirs . Nathlesse : nevertheless , or notwithstanding . THE ARGVMENT OF THE SIXTH EGLOGVE . THis Eglogue intreateth of sundry secrets , namely , of the first beginning of all things ; and of the divinity of the Heathen . Heerein the power and vertue of the Muses is deciphered , whose Knowledge reacheth to all things , They celebrate the Gods , and preserve the memory of the Heroes , and noble Personages , as Gallus , and Varus , &c. They also pierce into the ne●rest secrets and mysteries of nature , ( whereof they have their denomination ) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies to search , or ( by searching ) to know : for asmuch as they have the knowledge of all things . Therefore the opinion of some , ( unskilfull and unlearned ) is ridiculous , who imagine , that onely the skill of songs & verse belongs to the Muses , seeing that a Muse properly is the knowledge and skill of all things , both humane and divine , ( as Virgil declares , lib. 2. Georgie . ) SILENVS . Egloga sexta . FIrst my Thalia daign'd in Siracusian verse To play : ne , 'mongst the woods blusht to converse : ( When Kings , and Arms I sung , ) Cynthius mine eare Twicht : and this Item whisper'd , doost thou heare ? ( Tityrus ) a shepheard , his flock fat must feede , And homely Hornpipes , carroll on his Rheede : Now ( sith great Varus ) many may bee found , That can thy praises , and dread warres resound ; My Muse in tune to my small Pipe I le set : Ne , I ( unbidden ) sing : if any yet These songs delight to reade , my Tamarisk , And euery wood shall Varus sing of thee ; Ne , any lines to Pha●bus gratefull bee , As which beare title of brave Varus name . ( Ph●rian Muses ) now begin the same : The Ladd Muasilus , and young Chromis spyde All in a Cave , Silenus ( gaping wide ) His veines all swell'd , ( as woont ) and fast asleepe , With wine which yesterday hee gusled deepe : ( Slipt from his head ) his Guarland off did lye , And his great tankard ( handle-worn ) hung by : Now ( for the dotard , had with hope of song , Them oft deceivd ) they seize him all among , And with his own-selfe Guarlands , sast him brayld : ( They fearfull standing ) Aegle him assayld ; ( Aegle , mongst all the Naya●des most fayre ) And all his front , and temples doth besmayre With Mulberry-bloody-Iuice : with this hee wakes : And scorning their abuse , why Sirs , what makes You bynd mee thus ( quoth hee ? ) Lads , set mee free , And think you blest , that mee you might but see : Call for what songs yee please : songs , your reward And other guerdon I le this Nymph award . Eftsoones , hee to his songs himselfe addreast : Then mote yee see the Faunes the measures tripp , The Beasts doe leape the rigid Okes doe skipp , Their curled branches , capr'e in the ayre : For , of Parnassus mountain , the sole heyre Phoebus is not ; nor Orpheus th' only hee ; Whom Ismarus , and Rhodope admire : And first hee sings , how seedes of ayre , and fire , Water and earth , from that vast Chaos , were Vnited first : then from these Elements How th'infant world , and all things did commense : How th' Earth woxe firme : and Naereus confin'd Within the Seas : how all things in their kind Received forme , successive by degrees . Then how amaz'd the earth stands , when it sees The new-Suns radiant Beames : and clowdy tovvres ( Exhaled high ) now melting into shovvres : And vvhen the vvoods in green , vvere first arayd , And vvhen strange Beasts , the uncooth mountains strayd The story then of Pyrrha's stones , again , Hee doth recount : and of Saturnus raign : The Fowles of Ca●casus : Prometheus theaft , Of Hyl●● ; and the fatall streame ; ( where leaft ) The woefull Mariners , him lowd deplore ; That Hylas , Hylas , ecchoed all the shore : Then fortunate , ( if heards had never bee ) Hee comforts in his song , Pa●iphae , For loving of the snow-white-Bull , ( alack ) ( Ah haplesse Dame ) what fury did thee rack ? The Pratides , the fields , and forrests streawd With false-forc'd lowings ; yet were not so leaw'd With lust of Beasts , unkindly to bee caught ; ( Though on their neckes they fear'd the yoak , & sought And fealt for horns , in their smooth foreheads oft : ( Poore sowle ) now roming'mongst the Hills aloft ; ) Whilst , all among the Daffod : Ilies soft , ( Streaking his white lithe-limbes , under some tall Black Holm-tree ) hee , or upward doth recall Into his tender Cudd , the pallid hearbs , Or wooes some sweete-heart in the goodly heards . ( Dict●ean Nymphes ) yee Lady Nymphes of woods ) Shut up the Groves ; fense round the Forrest-bracks , Enaunter I espie his stragling tracks : The pleasant Grass , ( I muchil am afeard ) Or some , or other Heyfer of the heard , May to Cortinia this Bull perswade , Then hee pursues the story of the Maid , ( Erst of th' Hesperian fruit inamoured ) Then Phaetons sisters hee invelloped , With bitter Alders-hoary-barke-around , And tall straight Trees , them planted in the ground , Then did hee sing , how Gallus , ( wandring by Permessus streames , ) one of the Sisters nine , Ledd him to those Ao●ian hils divine ; How , Phoebus traine , ( all rising up ) did bow , And lowly-lowted to the Man : and how Good Liuus , ( with his hayre embrav'd so trim With flowres , and bitter Appium ) to him , In divine verse , these lines did dedicate , Hould heere : these Pipes the Muses thee present , Which whilome they to ould Aseraeus lent : Whose charming musick ( from the Hils above ) Tall Ashes from their stations wontremove . These shall deriye the first originall Of the Crynaan wood to thee ; that so Then it , no wood , may please Apollo mo : What should I speake of Nysus-Chyld ? Who , in the Gulfe , the Gracian ships turmoyld , Whilst round about her Belly ( white as snow ) Fowle monsters , ever howling , ( as some show ) Th' amazed Mariners ( alack for feare ) With Sea-dogs ( mercilesse ) in pieces teare : Or how hee tould of Tereus changed shape , The feast which Philomela for him makes , The course which in the wildernesse hee takes , And ( loth to part ) ( poore man ) how hee did sore And long , his owne deere dwelling hoverd o're : And all what ever Phaebus erst did preach In blest Eurota's hearing , and did teach The Laurels for their Lessons , hee did sing : Which did affect the valleyes in such sort , That they his songs unto the starrs report ; So long till Evening - Vesper warning gave , The sheepe to number , and them drive to fould , And ( maugre Olympus ) from the Earth , his course did hould . SILENVS . The GLOSSE . THALIA : One of the three graces , whom the Poets supposed to bee Iupiers daughter , and inspired men with delectable speech , and sweete pronuntiation . In Siracusian verse , &c. The sense of these verses I take to bee this . My Thalia , ( that is the Muse which hath preheminence over the fields ) did first daign to sport in Theocritus his verse , applying it selfe first to sing of Country matters . Cynthius mine eare , &c. That is , Apollo put him in minde of his duty , and very fitly doth the Poet heere mention the Eare to bee touched by Apollo ; because as the forehead is consecrate to Genius , the fingers to Minerva , the knees to Misericordia , so the Eare was consecrate to Apollo . Cynthus : was a Hill , where Apollo and Diana were borne : and thereof hee was named Cynthius , and shee Cynthia . Great Varus , &c. Quintilius Varo , ( Generall of the Romane Army , ) having often overthrowne the mighty Armyes of the Germans , at last lost a famous Battell , against Arminius the German : whereat hee conceived so hearty a grief , & indignation , that hee slew himselfe , not abiding to outlive so great a disgrace , as hee conceived for this overthrow : ( but this hapned after Virgil was dead . My Tamarisk , &c. Thou shalt bee remembred , so long as these my Bucolicks shall bee read in the world . Pyerian : Pieris is a Hill in Thessaly , dedicate to the Muses , of which they are called Pyerides . Mna●lysus , ●nd young Cromis , &c. By these twaine , the Poet meaneth himselfe , and Varu● ; to whose honour hee did compile this Eglogue . They were two Satyres , so named ; to whom hee also joyneth a young Lass : describing thereby the sect of the Epicures , at the full ; which sect teacheth , that perfection consisteth in pleasure , without which nothing can bee absolute , and pleasing . And in this Eglogue Virgil doth purposely treate of the Epicurean sect , and doctrine , which both himselfe and Varus had learned of Syron , and so brings in his Master Syron , speaking under the person of Silenus unto them : and it is said , that Virgil did not devise this of Silenus , as a fiction of his owne , but did onely translate it out of Theopompus ; who reports , that King Mydas his shepheards sound this Silenus on a time lying drunke , and fast asleepe ; in which case they bound him : Afterward ( his bands loosing themselves without helpe ) hee resolved divers questions propounded unto him by the King , in naturall Philosophy , and Antiquities : some say hee was the sonn of Mercury , some of Pan , upon a certaine Nymph , others affirme him to bee born of drops of blood , issuing from heaven . Silenus fast asleepe , &c. Stories make mention of two famous men , and of great antiquity of this name : one was schoole-master and tutor to Bacchus : the other long after him , and a great wise man , in the time of Cyrus ; whose sage saw , that was to Craesus the Lydian King , Optimum non nasci ; proximum citò mori . Bacchus is the Poets god , as well as Apollo : and Parnassus , the Hill of the Muses , hath two tops , one sacred to Apollo , the other to Bacchus . Now Poets are crowned with Guarlands of Laurel leaves , ( which is Phaebus tree , ) and with Ivie leaves , ( which is Bacchus tree . ) Therefore by Silenus , ( Bacchus his Master , ) wee must understand the Muse it selfe , of whom Bacchus ( the Poets god , ) is secretly instructed . And for this it is , that they say , that this Eglogue doth exceede the matter of a Pastorall . His Guarlands , &c. That is , in that age all care and regard of humanity , and honour , and praise by Poetry , was laid aside ; sith no man did esteeme it , or cared to be crowned with the commendation thereof . With hope of songs , &c. VVee must never cease our paines , in attaining of skill and knowledge ; if our first Indeavours succeede not , wee must not give over , but set on againe , and againe , knowing that diligent labour at last brings all to good effect : according to that , si ter pulsanti nemo respondet , abire non licet : urgendum est . With his owne selfe Guarlands , &c. The beauty and delight of learning did so inamour the truly generous mindes , that they did even by violence force the Muses to abide with them , giving them no rest , but even waking them out of their quiet sleepe , to teach and instruct them : some out of an egre desire of glory ; some other more noble , out of an endlesse and covetous longing to attaine knowledge : For Guarlands have relation to the honour due to Learning ; whether it bee the beauty of knowledge , or the desire of excellence . Aegle came to helpe , &c. Soft and effeminate desires doe intermixe themselves with all manly and worthy mindes ; which desires doe seeke for learning , knowledge , and good quality , not for their owne sakes , or for the beauties of their excellent vertues , but for gaine , or some other sinister respect . Nayades , feigned by the Poets to bee the Nymphes of the waters . With Mulberry bloody iuice , &c. The young Ladds binde and hould down Silenus , but the Lass scoffs him , and indeavours to make him ridiculous to others : Noble and generous mindes , by care , and their best industry , doe adorne the Muses , and detaine them with them ; when as base people , and abject mindes doe dishonour and abuse them , aiming at nothing so much , as how to expose them , to the scorne of the vulgar . And wheras the Ladds waken him to heare his melodious voice , the Lass laughs him to scorne ; it teacheth the contrary entertainment , which Learning finds in the world : as beeing received with all manner of grace , and solemnity , amongst the true and ingenious spirits , whereas base , and vile degenerate persons , accept them onely for gaine and pleasure . Bloody iuice , &c. This kinde of tree bare a white fruit at first , and likewise the fruit yeelded a white juice ; but Pyramus and Thisbe , having appointed to meete at this tree , and afterward killing themselves under it , they say , that the Tree , ( beeing tainted with the blood which sprinkled from their wounds , ) hath ever since retained the colour of blood , both in her fruite , and the juice . The like mutation is reported of the Rose , which was also at first white ; but so it hapned , that ( Venus running by the Rose bush , and accidently scratching her tender foote , it bled ; ) for which the Rose hath ever since been redd ; ( as blushing for shame of such her rudenesse . ) Inough is yee , &c. It is enough that yee have found the Muses : They shall not henceforth fly from you any more , but willingly and gently they shall apply themselves to teach you whatsoever you desire . Call for what songs yee list , &c. You men of understanding shall receive knowledge of what kinde soever you shall make choice to bestow your time in . This shall bee the reward of your labours . But the effeminate mindes , shall have money , and sordid gaine , as the recompense of all they seeke after . The Beasts did play , &c. Learning doth tame , and mollifie rude and brutish mindes , making them plyant and subject to order and reason . Fau●es and Satyres were the gods of the woods : a kinde of Monsters , with heads like Men , and bodies like Goates . Ismarus , and Rhodope , &c. Two Mountaines in Thrace , ( the Country where Orpheus was borne . The rigid Oakes , &c. Heere hee seemes to allude to those things which are reported of Orpheus . Cicero in defence of the Poet Archia , saith , the woods and wildernesse doe answere to the voice , and oftentimes the savage beasts are perswaded , and stand at gaze , at the sweetnesse and delight of Musick . For Phaebus is not , &c. Indeed Phaebus and Orpheus sing sweeter ; but there is more learning , and knowledge of matters worthy a mans understanding in Silenus his song , and therefore more delight therein . For why hee sung , &c. Hee taught and opened the causes , and first principles and originall of things ; ( a matter most pleasing and delightfull , ) out of the most abstruse and hidden points of Philosophy ; heere needes no Allegory . Onely it teacheth that such kinde of subject , ( conteining learning and knowledge , and wise Philosophy , ) ought truly and of right to bee the matter of a right Poets pen. The story of Pyrrha , &c. Servius heere moves the question , why the Poet , ( leaving the learned and wise discourse of the worlds originall , and such like things , ) sodainly passeth to the narration of fables . To which hee answers , that either it is , because heerein hee houlds himselfe to the Epicurean manner , ( which sect doth evermore purposely farse the most serious matters , ) with some pretty pleasant passage , or other ; or for that hee did apply himselfe to the nature and disposition of youth , whose mynds are wonderfully inclined and apt to bee made bend , and relent with fables , which affoord matter of admiration : for Fables were first invented , to delight and refresh the hearts of men ; Now the fable heere of was this . Iupiter ( hating the Gyants of the Earth for their cruelty , and so likewise ( for their sakes ) all their posterity , ) drowned all the whole earth , except Pyrrha and Deucalion , who escaped the deluge , upon the huge mountaine Athos . These two ( by Themis instruction ) by casting stones behynd them , did thereof repaire mankynd againe . Some report this fable , and the cause of the deluge otherwise , and that Pyrrha was daughter to Epimetheus , and Deucalion sonne to Prometheus : & that on Parnassus hill , they increased mankynd againe . As also that the meaning of this fiction is , that those few , who escaped to the topp of this hill , ( during the deluge , hiding them amongst the bushes , and rubbish of these rocky places , ) and arising from thence afterward , were said to bee made of the stones , which ( upon the forsaking those strong places ) they left behynd them . Moreover there were two generall deluges , whereof stories report , one in the reigne of Ogiges , King of the Thebans ; the other in the time of Pyrrha , and Deucalion . And by these deluges is morally signified the alteration and mutation of times . The Fowles of Caucasus . That is , the Eagle which fed upon Prometheus his heart , upon the Hill Cancasus . Prometheus theft . The Poets feigne that this man made men ; ( induced thereunto , ) because hee was the first who devised the making of Images : and they feigne that hee went to heaven , and stole fire from thence to inspire his men with life : at which Iupiter beeing sore displeased , bound him to the hill Caucasus , and there set an Eagle to tyre and gnaw continually upon his heart . The meaning of all which , is this : Prometheus ( according to the Etymology of the name ) was a very wise man : for Prometheus is derived 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Providence . Hee was the first ; who taught the Assyrians the art of Astrology . To which knowledge hee attained by observing the starrs on the high Mountain Caucasus ; where with great study , and continuall paines , hee did carefully and diligently frequent . Now this Mountain in Assyria is so high , that it is said to reach almost unto the stars , so neere , that upon it hee did observe , and descry the greater stars , together with the rising and setting of them all , in their severall seasons and times . And whereas an Eagle is said to eate his heart , it hath relation to the curious scrutiny , and deepe contemplation of his studious mynd , ever busie , in beating his braines , for the finding out of the motions of the stars , and celestiall Bodies : ( the same word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying in Greeke , an Eagle , and Carefullnesse . ) And because by wisdome , and wondrous Prudence and understanding , hee effected this by the help of Mercury , who is the God of wisdome and reason among the heathen : therefore hee is said to bee bound , by Mercury , to the Rock Caucasus : alluding to the custome of great students , who sit so close and continually at their bookes , as if they were even tyed to their seates : Hee found out also the reason of the Lightning , and taught it unto men : And thereupon sprang that part of the fable , which saith , hee stole fire from heaven . For by a secret art , which hee taught them , posterity learned how to draw fire from heaven ; which proved very usefull to man , whilst it was used to a right end : But after once men abused it , it turned to their destruction ; as wee reade in Livy , of Tullus Hostilius , who was consumed with all his his whole family , by that kynd of fire : and yet wee reade of Numa Pompilius , that hee used it with very good successe , imploying it onely in the sacrifices of the gods . And this gives occasion to that part of the story , which saith , that the gods beeing angry at the stealing of fire from heaven , sent downe diseases and Plagues upon the earth , in revenge thereof . Thus much Servius . And next of Hylas , &c. This young man was the son of Theodamus , and companion to Hercules ; who in his journey to Colchos , going to land in the woods of Mis●a , and sending Hylas to the River Ascanias , to draw him some water , Hylas ( overreaching himselfe , ) fell into the River , and was drowned : whose losse . Hercules tooke so impatiently , that not knowing of his drowning , till long after , hee travailed all over Misia , in quest of his deere Hylas , ever crying out and calling him by his name , all the way hee went. And fortunate Pasiphae , &c. The sense of this seemes obscure , heere hee brings in Pasiphae comforting , and as it were blessing her selfe from the love of the Bull : So that the words following , ( ah hapless Mayd , ) seeme to bee her owne ; in which words shee comforts her selfe , about the absence of the Bull , taxing her owne furious lust ; yet in the second person , ( which beares more weight , and seemes to bee more passionate , ) the like manner is that where Corydon bewailes his misfortune in the second person , as more forceable to expresse his passion . But presently shee pursues her speech in the first person , in these words , If this Bulls stragling tracks I chance to spy , &c. That is , if he should chance to come hither and attempt mee , I pray let mee intreat you to shut up all passages to prevent his comming : see●●g perchance hee will come , though not purposely , yet casually , as hee followes some beautifull Cow or other of the Heard , whom hee hath undertaken ; or seekes after some more delicate pasture . Therefore restrain him within the woods , that the fury of this filthy Love , may at least by absence bee asswaged , and not bee farther provoked , or inflamed by behoulding . Servius upon this passage glosseth thus : The Poet ( saith hee ) may seeme to excuse her misdeede , as having committed this foule fault , by inforcement rather of Fortune , and desteny , then of her owne disposition : and therefore , ( out of his pitty , and tender commiseration of her , ) hee cries out ( Ah haplesse Mayd ) comforting her herein , and alluding to the cause , that inforced her to this action : For so it hapned , that Venus beeing infinitely angry with Sol , for bewraying to the world , her adulderies , with Anchises , or ( as some say ) with Mars , or rather with both : in revenge possest his daughters mynds with monstrous desires , to abuse their bodies with unhonest and unnaturall lusts : To as did Cyrce , Medea , and this Pasiphae . And in this sense hee calls her unhappy ; and that in this kind of lamentable madnesse ; others were lesse unhappy , in that they thought themselves to bee very Beasts indeede ; whereas shee , though shee knew her selfe to bee still a woman , yet shee doated so through extremity of lust and passion , as ( against her reason , which she still retained , ) to follow a Bull. What madnesse thee bewitcht , &c. In these words hee seemes rather to chide , then to comfort her : perhaps giving it as a rule , that the office of a true Comforter , is to mingle ( as hee sees cause ) sharp reproofes , and as it were , vineger with his oyle , ( allbeeit to a mynd that may seeme halfe overtaken with sorrow . ) But the Poets ground this fable of Pasiphae upon a true story , as they most commonly doe in all the fictions which they have left unto the world . For the truth is , shee was wife to Minos , King of Crete ; and as Servius saith , falling in love with Taurus , Secretary got her with Child of two Twyns , whereof one was like Minos , and the other like Taurus . And this was the cause that gave first occasion to the Poets to fable , that shee was in love wich a Bull , and suffered the Bull to have carnall copulation with her , within a wooden Cow , made by Daedalus , and that shee was thereupon delivered of a Monster , halfe a man , and halfe a Bull , which ( according to the shape partaking of both natures , ) they named Minotaurus ; intimating therein the foule play which shee used therein with the Kings Secretary , by allusion to both their names joyned in one . The Praetides , &c. These were daughters of King Praetus , and the faire Staenobaea ; or as Homer saith Antiope ; who for preferring themselves before Iune in beauty , ( or as some hould , beeing her Maydes of honour , adventuring to take the gould from her rayment , and convert it to their owne use , ) were by the Goddess , ( beeing heereat extremely in censed , ) distracted in their mynds ; so that ( conceiving thēselves to bee Cowes , ) they strayed up and downe , lowing amongst Fields and Forrests , beeing fearefull to come neere any mankinde , least they should bee put to draw in the plough . Now the Coheherence of this example with that which went before is this : That howsoever these distracted poore Ladies were so deprived of their reason , as that they did verily beleeve them to bee Cowes indeede , and in very nature , and their fancies beeing so destroyed , as that their behaviour was now in every thing answerable to that conceit which they had of themselves , yet none of them in these their bestiall imaginations , were so transported , as to long and to lust after the unkindly company of the savage Bulls , as Pasiphae did : And therefore her lust was monstrous , and so much the more monstrous , and foule , because shee still retained both her outward shape of womankind , and knew her selfe to bee still a humane creature , injoyed her right senses , and was in her right mind , all the time that shee was overtaken with this kind of lust : so that her madnesse was beyond expression , and skill of man to conclude , from what ground it might proceede . Dictaean Nymphes , &c. They were so called of Dictis , a Mountaine in Cretae , where they used much to haunt : and heere ( as Servius saith ) Pasiphae did first fall in love with Taurus . E●aunter : least that . Then Phaetons Sisters , &c. Phaeton wa● sonn to Phaebus , begotten of faire Clymene : who instantly intreated his Father to give him leave to rule the charriot of the Sunn for one day , which with much importunity , and great unwillingness Phaebus at last granted . But ( not able to governe the unruly Iades , ) they run away with the Carr , and overthrew it , and set the whole world on fire . Whereat Iupiter beeing sore afraid to bee burnt likewise , and to bee fired out of his Kingdome , struck Phaeton with lightning , and threw him into the River Padus , in Italy now called Po : for which untimely and unfortunate death of their brother , his three sisters , Lampaeti● , Phaethusa , and Lampethusa , grieved so extremely , that the Gods ( in ruth of their incessant weeping and dreriment , ) turned thē into Alder trees , which ever since , delight most and thrive best in moist and wet places . Invelloped : cloathed , or wrapped about . Then did hee sing how Gallus , &c. In all this whole tract , there is nothing spoken more sweetely , or sung with greater influence of the Muses then this , wherein the admirable praise of Gallus is set forth : who was himselfe a renowned Poet , of whom Virgil makes mention in Alexis , and after in Gallus . Lowly lowted : did make obeisance down to the ground . Permessus : a delicate River in Boeotia . I●to the Aonian Mountaines did him leade , &c The study of one science and art , drawes and leades a man by degrees , to the knowledge of others . And how the Attendants all , &c. The very Muses-selves , did admyre Gallus his witt ; which they once perceiving and throughly understanding , they fell in love with him , shewing themselves courteous , affable , and very friendly unto him . In divine verse , &c. Hee calls the verse divine for the excellence thereof , either for that hee was some great Heros the sonn of Calliope , ) or because ( as saith Servius ) hee was a kind of Prophet , and a diviner of things to come . Which erst to ould Ascraeus , &c. Hesyod , the Greeke Poet , borne in Ascra , ( a towne in B●etia , neere to mount Helicon ) was of that townes name , surnamed Ascr●us . These shall derive , &c. Of the Grynaean wood , &c. The wood Gry●nea is in Ionia , dedicate to Phaebus . Of this wood , and of this wood , and of the workes done therein , ( namely of the Prophecy of Mopsus , and Calcas , as also of Apollo's selfe , Euphorion the Grecian , of the Citty of Calcis , ) wrote an excellent Poem : which Gallus , with great dexterity and skill did translate out of Greek into Latin ; following rather in his translation , the argument and manner of his Authors handling , then the very words : which by these meanes hee made his owne , as Virgil did his Bucolicks , and his Aeneiads ; in both which hee did follow Theocritus , and Homer . Hee saith therefore these pipes shall derive the first originall of the prayses , unto thee of the Grynaean wood : ( because that by his translation , hee shall heereafter seeme rather the Author and inventer of that worke , then Euphorion himselfe : ) whereby it shall happen , that by thy commendation , and song of that wood , ( though Phaebus have many other Temples , and sundry other Groves sacred to his service , ) yet hee shall delight in none more , or rather not so much , as in that , as it is set forth by thy excellent witt . What should I speake of Scylla , Nisus child , Ovid in his fourteenth of his Metamorph. saith , that this was daughter to Phorcus , and not to Nisus ; and that ( shee falling in love with Glaucus , ( Circes her sweete-heart : ) Circes out of disdaine , and meere malice , to see her preferred before her selfe , despitefully poysoned the Fountaine with venemous hearbes , where Scylla woont to bathe her selfe ; of which villany the poore soule beeing utterly ignorant , ( as shee was washing for her recreation , ) spyed sodainly all her nether parts turned into snarling and howling dogs : at which deformity shee was so aghasht , that shee threw her selfe presently into the next Sea shee came at : where they say , shee was metamorphosed into a Rock , lying right against Charybdis , which ever since prooves very dangerous to Passengers sayling that way . Of Tereus changed shape , &c. Tereus defloured his wives sister Philomela : his wise Progne to bee revenged kills young Itis , ( his onely sonn , ) and drest his body like meate , and set it before her husband : whereof hee having fedd , shee brought in the head of the dead child , and set it before him ; at sight whereof , Tereus rann after Progne to kill her ; but in flying from him , shee was turned into a Swallow ; Tereus into a Lapwing ; Philomela into a Nightingall , and Itis into a Phesant . Blest Eurotas , &c. A River in Greece , which hee therefore termeth blessed , in injoyning the company of so learned a man , and hearing so excellent songs , as hee sang , by the bankes thereof . Till evening Vesper , &c. It is the west star , which by reason it appeareth first of all the other starrs , after the Sunn is set , is called Vesper , or the Evening starr : and it is also called Hesperus : it is also Lucifer , and is so named , because it is the last of all the starrs , which in the morning , upon the first preparing of the Sun to rise , is last seene , and stayes longest to our discerning , before it vanish ( as it were , ) and set out of our sight . And maugre Olympus , &c. This is a Mountaine in Greece , above which ( by reason of the exceeding height , ) no clowd appeareth : and therefore among Poets , it is taken , and used for the heaven . And yet the Evening starr , ( seeming to rise from the bottome thereof , ) in despite of his heighth , was clamberd up above him . THE ARGVMENT OF THE SEVENTH EGLOGVE . VIrgil heere faignes , that at his beeing at Rome , hee was present at the contention of two Poets : one whereof ( as may bee thought ) was his deere friend , and perchance was either Gallus , Varus , or Asinius : whom hee doth wondrously extoll , of purpose to extenuate the commendation of the other , who happily was one of his rivalls , which envied him , for the grace and acceptance hee found amongst the Nobles of Rome . MELIBAEVS . Egloga septima . ALL underneath a tall straight Holme , whyleere Sate Daphnis : whilst Thyrsis , and Coridon , Their simple sheep , & milk-stuft-Goates , yfeere , ( Their severall flocks ) compelled into one : Arcadians both , and both of equall yeeres , In answers prompt ; and both in singing Peeres . As I from could the tender Myrtl'es save , The Goate ( the husband of the heard ) did stray , I Daphnis spyde : hee mee : and mee did wave , And cryde ; ( Melibae ) thy kidds are well : away Come ; heere 's thy Goate too : if thou maist be staide , ( Of fellowship ) come rest thee in this shade . Heere all the heards doon leave their meadow-feede , To come to drink : heere quiet Mincius bounds The verdant flowrie bankes with tender Rheede , And sacred Oake with buzzing swarmes , resounds . What should I doe ? Not having Phillis , nor Alcippe , whom To send shutup , my weaned lambs at home : And much to doo , was like to bee ( God know , ) Twixt Thyrsis , and Corydon ; yet foolish I , Did for their toyes , my business forslow : Tho , both by turnes , their verses gan to vye , And each with turning songs invoke their Muse , First Corydon ; next Thyrsis his course ensues . Cor. ( Lybethrian Nymphes ) ( my joy , my deere delight , ) Or doon mee helpe sike ditties to endite , As Codrus erst yee taught : ( for none so nie As hee , to Phaebus-selfe can versifie : Or if wee cannot all so happy bee , I le hang my Pipe , on this Pine-sacred tree . Thyr. Crowne your new Poet , ( yee Arcadian Swaines , ) With ramping Ivie : that so , Codrus raines , And very guts may crack , with fell despite : Or if hee praise him more , then is his right , With Berryes bynd his front : that his ill tong Heereafter may not doo your Poet wrong . This Boresrough head , Micon ( my little wagg ) And branched hornes of a long-lyved Stagg , Doth heere present ( fayre Delia ) unto thee : Which if hee find , them faire accepted bee , Of finest marble thou shalt stand upright ( Thy Calves , lapt all , in Punick-Buskins-light . ) Thyr. Thow , but an Orchard-Keeper art , no more ; ( Poore Pryapus : ) inough is thee therefore This bowle of Milke , and wafers every yeere : Now , for the while , allbee I make thee heere , But of course marble ; yet if once my Fould Double my stock , I le carve thee all of gould . Corid . ( Naereus deere daughter ) Galatea myne ) More sweete to mee , then Hybla's pretious Tyme , More ( then white Ivie ) smooth ; then Swans , more fayre , When once the Bulls , from feede returned are Vnto their stalls , if that thy heart be right To thine owne Corydon , come bless him with thy sight . Thyr. Let mee bee held more sowre then Sardian-grass , Rougher then brush-wood ; abject more and base , Then the Seas weedy wrack , if not to mee Long as a yeere , this one day seeme to bee : ( My Bullocks ) having fedd , no farther rome For shame , ( if yee have any shame ) goe high you home . Corid Yee mossy Fountaines , and yee Hearbs which bee Softer then sleepe : And ( oh ) thou Strawberry-Tree , ( Who thy thinn shade doost over all extend , ) From the Solstitium doon my beasts defend : The soultry Summer gins his broyling heate , And the Vine buds , doon burghen broade and greate . Thyr. Wee , Chimnyes heere , and Torches-dropping fat , And Fires ( nose-high ) wee have : and unto that , Posts , with continuall smoake , as black as Iet : Heere , wee by Borras could no more doe set , Then one woolfe feares whole flocks of sheepe : no more Then tumbling Tides , reaken the severall shore . Corid . The Iuniper , and rough-ryn'd Chessnut stand , And under every Tree , each-where on Land , The Apples ready lye : and every thing Doth laugh for joy : but if my deere darling Alexis , from these Mountaines chance to stay , Soone shall you see the Floods quite dride away . Thyr. The Field doth wither , and the dying Grass , By th'ayres distemper doth to nothing pass , The Vine envies the Hills her branched shade : But all the woods full goodly been arayd At my faire Phillis comming , and self - Iove , In pretious showres , descendeth from above . Corid . Most is the Popler , to Alcides leefe , The Vine , to Bacchus ; Venus , myrtles-cheefe Affects : and Phoebus , Laurels most approves : And Phillis , Hazels : which ( whiles Phillis loves , ) Nor Myrtles , can the Hazels paralell , Nor Phaebus-Laurels ever them excell . Thyr. The Ash is glory of all Timber-woods , The Pine , of Orchards ; Popler , in the ●loods : The Firr is beauty of the Hills so high : But ( would my Licidas continually Come visit mee , ) both Firr , and Ash , and Pine , To thee ( my Leefe ) the Guarland must resigne . Meli. These I remember , and that after long Contention vaine ; Thyris was laid along : And ever since that time , is Corydon , My noble Corydon , and Paragon MELI BAEVS . The GLOSSE . AS I from could the tender , &c. Whilst I addicted my selfe to the milder studies of the Muses , I lost the greatest part of my patrimony ; and for that cause I came to Rome . Whileere : a while since . I Daphnis spide , &c. By Daphnis hee meaneth some one of the learned friends of Caesar ; who wished him to feare nothing , notwithstanding the losse of his grounds : and therefore invites him to bee secure , and to lend his time , quietly to the hearing and determining of a great controversie betweene two singers . Yfeere : together . Heere 's thy Goat too &c. Not onely all which thou hast lost , but whatsoever thou houldst at this present , ( and more too , ) shall bee kept safe for thee . If thou canst bee , &c. If thou canst bee spared from thy necessary businesse at home , rest heere in this coole shade , ( that is ) at Rome , heere among us , in tranquillity , and peace of mind , free from all strife , and contentious jangling . All the heards , &c. The tyde of all businesses to bee decided , flowes hither : The Prince himselfe , and the chiefe Commanders of all his Army , will bee heere ; yea , Arius the Centurion , who expelled thee from thy land , will bee heere : so that thou maist bring all thy matters to passe , according to thy hearts desire . Mincius . A River ( rising out of Benacus , ( a Lake in Gallia Cisalpina , neere unto Brixia , ( a Towne of the Venetians ) with his broad waters , makes another Lake neere unto Mantua : from whence , ( sucking in many small streames by the way , ) it empties it selfe into the River of Po , anciently called Padus , of which the Citty of Padua , tooke first the name . ( Lybethrian Nymphes ) So called of a Cave , called Libethra : wherein was a well called Libethros , where the Muses did much frequent . My ioy , my deere delight , &c. As beeing pierced with infinite love ; from whence proceedes , that divine fury , which doth raise the mind above the common strength and scope of nature ; whereof Plato in his Ion , ( beeing a dialogue of poeticall fury , ) doth discourse . As Codrus erst yee taught , &c. Hee adapteth him to the imitation of some noble , and famous Poet. As hee to Phaebus , &c. Phaebus is the God of the Muses . Or if wee cannot all , &c. If wee have not skill given to us from above : for ( as the common saying is , ) Poeta nascitur , non fit , a Poet is so borne , and not made . There must bee a certaine naturall quality , and a kind of ex●taordinary , supernaturall witt , to this faculty : so that oftentimes there are many most excellent Poets , who in all other learning are very meanely qualified . Wherefore study , and all the in●ustry of the world , availe nothing heereunto , unlesse an an bee fitted , and naturally cut out ( as a man may say ) for the purpose . The Pine was dedicate to the Mother of the Gods : the Oke to Iupiter : The Laurel to Phaebus : To Venus the Myrtle : The Popler to Hercules : The Hazell to Phillis . If hee praise him more , &c. Heere hee may seeme to allude to the generall received opinion , that ( as there are some complexions , and some men , of such a coloured hayr , whom antiquity hath branded , for unlucky people , to buy or sell with ; ) so it hath likewise been observed , that there are Persons of so unlucky a Tongue , that if they offer money for a Horse , or any other Beast , ( if they have it not at their owne price , ) it either dayes soone after , or never thrives more . Of this kind Solinus writes , that whole Families , are noted in Africa , People , naturally so fatall and mischievous , that even their very praysing and commendation of any man , woman , or any other creature , is a kind of witchcraft , to forespeak them , to pine , and dwindle away to nothing : and therefore not without great reason , were all men shye of such , and very fearefull to receive a good word , ( against their desire , or desert , ) from such mischievous mouthes . With Berries bind , &c. Antiquity hath conceived that the Bay tree hath a naturall vertue , and priviledge , against blasting by Thunder and Lightning : according to that of the Poet , Missa triumphalem non tangunt fulmina Laurum : and perhaps from thence they have imagined , that the Berries of the Laurell , worne about them , is as a spell , and powerfull charme , against the blasting and injury of an evill tongue . Fayre Delia , &c. Delos was the most famous Iland of all the Cyclades , ( lying in the Aegean Sea : ) Latona was heere brought to bed of Apollo , and Dyana , both at a birth : and of this place , Dyana ever since was called Delia : so sacred was this Ila●d in the opinion of all the world , for the estimatiō of these two dieties , that the Persians , ( who threatned all Greece , and even God and Men with their invincible Army , ) ariving at Delos with a thousand sayle of ships ; yet departed from thence , peaceably , doing no manner of wrong thereunto . ( Poore Prayapus , ) &c. Pryapus was said to bee the sonn of Bacchus and Venus : and by superstitious Antiquity , beleeved to bee the God of Gardens and Orchards . More sowre then Sardian grass . Writers report , that in Sardinia there growes an hearb , ( as Salust faith ) which so soone as a man doth but taste , it contracts , and dilates his mouth to and ●ro , with con●rary convulsions , that with extreme paine , hee dayes , yet ( as it were laughing : ) from the effect of which deadly hearb , wiseth the Proverb , Sardi●ios g●l●s , Sardinian laughter : applyable , when a man sets a good face on it , ( as wee say , ) and feignes a forced kind of myrth ; when yet his heart is all sad , and heavy within . Having fedd , got high you hom● , &c. Country people doo not distinguish the times , by the howres , but by signes and observations to them best known , and most familiar , taken from the Summer and harvest : the noon they know by their cattle sitting downe to rest . Ve●●● Myrtler cheefe , &c. They say that the Myrtle is dedicate to Venus , because when shee went out of the Sea , shee hidd her selfe under the Myrtle , from beeing seene naked : or els , for that it is brittle , like as Love is unconstant ; or els , because the Myrtle yeelds a sweete pleasant savour , as Love is woodrous delightfull to those , who are there wit● affected . Most is the Popler &c. Other of the gods are diversly delighted , some with one thing . some with another , whereby those things are highly esteemed , and had in honour ; but so long as Ol●vian takes pleasure in Poetry , none of all the other arts shall bee so acceptable and lovely , as it : 〈…〉 it may be● understood of 〈◊〉 divers are delighted with severall kinds of verses , but so long as Pollio likes the Pastoralls best , it shall beare away as great commendation as any other kind whatsoever , and howsoever esteemed , of the greatest Gods. Leefe : beloved , or deere . To Alcides leefe , &c. Hercules loved this Tree best , because hee shaded himselfe with a Guarland heereof , in his return from hell : and by a Guarland of this tree , ( whose leaves are of two colours , hee testified his double labours of heaven and hell , as faith Servius : of this tree the Poets have this fable . Leuce , was the most beautifull amongst all the Nymphes , and the daughter of Oceanus . Pluto falls in love with her , carrying her away with him downe to hell : who after a certain time dyed . For whose death , Pluto ( as well to comfort himselfe , as to remember her by some monument , ) planted thee Tree Leuce , in the Elysium of the Saints : of the branches of which Tree , Hercules made him a crown at his returne from hell . These I remember , &c. Corydon adores the Gods ; Thyrsis railes at his Adversary : Corydon begins from piety , Thyrsis from rage : Corydon invokes a chast Goddess ; Thyrsis an obscene God : Corydon sings of pleasant matters ; the other of sad and dolefull things : hee wisheth ; this curseth : Therefore full worthily was the victory adjudged to Corydon . And ever since is Corydon , &c. Maelibe addooming the conquest to Corydon , after a clownish manner , ( the Poet therein observing most excellent decorum , ) imagining more then hee hath words to express , or ability to utter , breakes of abruply , and as it were in admiration and applause of his absolute conquest , and superl●tive woorth so farr beyond the other . THE ARGVMENT OF THE EIGHTH EGLOGVE . HEere two Shepheards sing : The one disdaigneth that all praise , honour , and reward , is bestowed on the woorthless and unworthy , the whilst men of desert are neglected . The other perceiving that favour and acceptance , could not simply , by good and vertuous meanes bee attained , casts about to gaine them by tricks of pollicy and knavery . And in the persons of both these Shepheards , Virgil doth closely act his owne cause : For hee doth herein secretly inveigh , both against th●baseness , and lewdness of the paltry Poets of his time , and withall doth taxe the blockish , and gross Iudgement of the Nobility of Rome . PHARMACEVTRIA . OR THE WITCH . Egloga octava . THE Shepheards Damon , and Alphesibeus Muse , ( Whose strife , the Heards admiring , ) did refuse Their wonted food , and ( harkning ) stood at gaze : Whose songs , the spotted Lynces did amaze , And in their course , inforc'd the Flouds to stay : ) This Damon , and Alpesibeus Muse ( I say ) Befalls mee now , in order to discourse : And thou ( great Lord ) now whether in thy course Over Tymanus Rocks ; ( or sayling o're The mighty mayne , unto th' Illyrian shore , ) Shall I so luckie bee , to see that day , When I thy doubty deedes , may brave pourtray ? Or shall I live , unto the world to tell Thy haughty songs , ( which none may parallell ? ) ( Of Sophocles his buskin worthy best : ) In thee I doo commense , in thee I rest : Vouchsafe these verses of my hand to take , Which I by thy command , did undertake . And this slight Ivie , let thy Temples daign With thy triumphant Laurels , them to strain : Scarce falln from heaven , the Nights coole-shadow was ( What time , the deaw , ( like Pearle , ) on every grass , To beasts most pleasing , ) each-where did relye , When honest Damon , ( leaning carelesly On slender Olive-plant , ) thus sadly said : Damon . ( Luciser ) breake forth , and , comming , doon prevent The blessed lingring day , whilst I lament The cursed cousenage , which I now doo prove By my wife Nisa's , fowle , vnworthy love And whilst , I all the Gods , to witnesse may Invoke , yet once , before my dying day , ( Though thereby little helpe , ( God wot ) I win , With mee Meenalian verse , my Pipe begin . For , Maenalus , hath underwoods , great choice , And lofty Pines , which speake with human voice . Hee Shepheards loves , and selfe Pan heares each day . ( Who first did teach , on painefull Pipe to play . ) With mee , Menalian verse , my Pipe begin . Moisus , and Nysa , wedd together are , What lover ere , heereafter neede despaire ? Gryphons , with Horses , shall now joyned bee . And doubtfull Deere , and doggs , so well agree , That they shall drinke together at one cupp : Torches , new-dight , now ( Mopsus ) doon set upp , For thy new-wedded Bryde : fling ( Bridegroome brave Thy Nuts abroad : now Hesperus leaves the wave , And for thy sake , his Oeta doth forsake . With mee Maenaelian verse , my Pipe begin . Oh , goodly match , and wondrous worthy make , Choice peece ( I wis ) whilst for his proper sake , Thow all els scorn'st , and hould'st in hate my song , And slights my Goats ; & my beard lovely-long . And thick-hayrd browes ; and in thy mynd doost think That all the Gods , at things on Earth , doo wink : With mee Maenalian verse , my Pipe begin . I saw thee once , and then I was thy Guide , When thow wert yet but young , to our backside ; ) Where , 'mongst our hedges , thow and thy Mother , Ripe Queene Apples , into your lapps did gather . I then was twelve yeeres ould and from the grownd The tender boughes could reach , and plucken downe : Soone as I saw thee , I intangled was , And by lewd error , quite misled ( alas : ) With mee Manalian verse , my Pipe begin . Now what this whooresonn Love is , I well wote ; It is a little busie Boy , begote Not of mans seede , ne sibb to one of us , ( But farthest Garamants , and Ismarus , Or rocky Rhodope , ( as it should seeme ) In their rough ragged hills ingendred him . With mee Maenalian verse , my Pipe begin . Lewd love was cause , the Mother first defil'd Her guilty hands , in blood of her owne Child : Crewell Mother , thow the while : but whether Mother crewell more , or Boy wicked ? either ( Both wicked boy , and mother crewell been . With mee , Menalian verse , my Pipe begin . Henceforth let woolves , of their owne nature feare To touch the flock : and boystrous Oakes , let beare Oranges ; and Alders , Daffodillies brisk : Fatt Myrrh , let sweate , from barke of Tamarisk : Henceforthlet Shretch . Owles with the Swans compare , And Tityrus Orpheus been : Orpheus as rare Amongst the woods , as was Aryon deere Vnto the Dolphins , in the sea whyleere , With mee Menalian verse , my Pipe begin . Yea , midst the mayn , let all surrounded lye Yee woods farewell : and let impetuously , On highest topp of airy mountain plac't , My selfe from thence , against the waves bee cast And this last dutie , acted for her sake , By'a dying man , vouchsafeth shee to take . Now cease ( my Pipe ) Menalian verses cease . These words spake Damon , and so held his peace : But now what answer Alph●sibeus made , ( Pyerian Sisters ) bee by you bewrayde ; For none of all , can doo all manner thing . Alphesib . Come bring forth water , and soft Filleting , To guird this holy Altar round about ; And for a Sacrifize , bee poured out Fatt oily Vervin , and male Frankincense ; Wherewith to vvitch my Husbands sounder sense , By sacred magick , where novv nought doth vvant But Charmes , and povverfull vvords him to inchant . Bring home from Towne , my verses Daphnis bring . Why : Charmes , the Moone can from the vvelkin vvring Circe transform'd Vlisses men , this vvay . And Charmes , the could-grass-serpent , can dismay . Bring home from Towne , my verses Daphnis bring . First I about thee vvynd , this threefould Thredd , ( Each trebbly brayded , each discoulored ) And thrice thy Portraicture , ( thus crost , and bound ) About this holy Altar beare I round : ( God still delights in this odd numbring ) Bring home from Towne , my verses Daphnis bring . These Knots discouler'd ( Amaryllis ) ●ay , ( Doon onely tay them ; ) then Amaryllis say , These Knots I tye , in Venus endless string . Bring home from Towne , my verses Daphn●s bring . Like as selfe fire , melts vvaxe , and hardens clay , Ilk , Daphnis , for my love , so suffre may . Sprinkle on meale , and doon vvith brimstone burne This brittle Laurel , till to dust it turne . For , crewell Daphnis , doth mee all inflame , And I in Daphnis steed , will burne the same . bring home from Towne , my verses Daphnis bring . Such love , as takes the Heipher in her pride , When ( tyr'd with seeking , through each Grove & spring Some Bull , her longing to have satisfide , ( Forehayld with last , ) by some greene Rivers side , ) Lyes downe at last , ( forgetfull to depart When night avayles : ) ilk , like salatious tyde Of satelesse Love , mote seize on Daphnis hart : Ne , let mee care ( regardless of his weale , ) With timely helpe , his malady to heale : Bring home from Towne , my verses Daphnis bring . These Relicks , erst this Faictour did mee leave , ( Deere pledges of his love ; ) which I bequ●athe , Oh Earth to thee , within this Portall heere , Daphnis is owner of these pledges deere . Bring home from Towne , my verses Daphnis bring . These hearbes , and poysons , of his gathering . For mee in Pontus , Maris did bestowe . For , these in Pontus , in abundance growe . ) By pow'r of these , I often Maris viewd Into a Woolfe to have himselfe transmewd , And hide him in the woods , from peoples sight : By pow'r of these , hee woonted to excite The quiet Ghosts , from forth their deepest grave , And standing Corne , I al 's ' , have seene him wave , And from their native soyle elswhere traduce , By secret pow'r , and vertue of their juice . Bring home from Towne , my verses Daphnis bring . Bring hither Ashes , ( Amaryllis ) swing And paddle them , in some fayre running streame : Then ( cross thine head ) fling and bescatter them : ( Looke not upon them , I doe thee areade : ) Heerewith my Daphnis I 'le assay to win , Sith Gods nor Charms , hee reaketh not a Pin. Being home from Towne my verses , Daphnis bring : See , how the Ashes , ( whilst I them forslowe To beare unto the Altar , there to blowe ) Gin blaze alone : God sends good luck ; and bark , Al 's ' doth the Hyl●x in the Portall bark . There 's something in 't , ( if I could it areade ; ) Dcon wee beleeve , that things been so indeede , Or is 't trick , from which no lover's free , To feede on hope of things , ne're like to bee , Trusting to dreames , which in their busie braine , And sooth'd Imaginations they doe faigne ? But Charmes now cease : my Dephnis is come home . PHARMACEVTRIA . The GLOSSE . REfus'd their woonted foode , &c. They sung such verses , which like to Orpheus , did affect the very dumb brute Beasts : and yet their song was altogether plaintive , ( as not attaining the end of their desires . The spotted Lynces , &c. The Lynx is a Beast like to the Panther , and is under the protection of Bacchus . And thow great Lord , &c. This hee speakes of Pollio , who had the government of Illyria : to which Countries hee tooke his Iourney through the Territories of Venice , from that part of Gallia , which borders on the River of Po ; from whence hee was sent to that warr in Illyria . The verses are full of delight , and above the usuall neateness of Pastoralls . Tymavu● , is the Gulfe of Venice , or Hystria . Illyrian shore , &c. Dalmatia Of Sophocles , &c. Not onely to celebrate thy renowned deedes , in warr , but thy witt , and excellence in the Muses : For Pollio wrote divers Tragedies . His Buskins , &c. This kind of Buskin , comming but halfe way up the legg , was woont to bee worne by Tragedians , upon the stage , in acting their Tragedies ; and first devised by Sophocles , ( as some writers report ) who was , for his lofty , stately style , esteemed the most excellent Tragick-writer of all other . In thee I doo commence , &c. I began this kind of Pastorall verse , at thy command , and will cease to goe on in this kinde likewise , any farther , when it shall please thee to command . And this slight Ivie , &c. Give leave , that this glory of the Muses , may bee numbred amongst thy Triumphes , and suffer thy selfe to bee praised both as an invincible Captain , and an excellent Poet. With the triumphant Laurels , &c. Victorious Emperors were woont to bee crowned with Bayes , and Poets with Ivie : some give these reasons , why the Tryumpher was crowned with bayes , either for that Iupiter had a branch of Laurel in his hands , when hee over came the Tytans : or because the Generall of the Army under Romulus , ( upon the conquest of the Fidenati , ) was crowned with a Guarland of this Tree . Or els , because this Tree is ever greene , and doth alwayes flourish . As for the Reason why Poets are crowned with Ivie ; some say it is , because Poets are great and profest wine-drinkers , ( for the most part , ) as Horace report , of Ennius ; and all the Lirick Poets in their verses doe testifie . Againe , Ivie is a very could hearbe , and tempers and qualifies the heate of the wine : And thereof grew the custome of setting this kind of Guarland npon the head of the Poet , rather then upon any other part of his Body . And Varro saith , that Bacchus was wont to bee crowned with Ivie , for this very reason ; as also that the Muses themselves were woon●ed to bee crowned heerewithall . Lucifer breake forth , &c. Hee invokes the light against so great darknesse , and obscurity of Iudgements ; and in mentioning of the morning , hee intimates a beginning allready of the alteration of Iudgements . And whilst I all the Gods invoke , &c. That is , all the Peeres and Noblemen of Rome . Though little good , &c. By reason of the grosse wits and poore understanding of these great men . Yet ere my dying day , &c. Out of very indignation , hee falls into despaire of any amendment , and thereby into impatience . Maenalian verse , &c. Maenalus is a Mountain in Arcadia , where the most and best Poets frequented ; and Pan allso , the Shepheards President , and first deviser of Pastorall verse . What Lover neede despaire ? &c. Who neede despaire the obtaining of any thing , when a most elegant Nymph was marched to Mopsus , ( a homely Shepheard of meane quality : ) That is , the honour of learning and favour is conferred upon a Loze●l , having neither knowledge , nor understanding to commend him what may not any person , of what sordid condition soever , either by squint-eyed favour , or power and violence , hope to attain , if but boldly hee will put himselfe forward . Gryphius with Horses , &c. This hee speakes of Impossibilities , alluding to the naturall Antithesis and enmity of the Gryphen , to the Horse . This Beast lives in the Hyperborean Mountaines : The shape of his whole body is like the Lyon , but his face is like an Eagles ; and hee hath wings : and is consecrate to Apollo . Torches new-dight , &c. In these verses hee alludes to certaine ceremonies used in Marriage : For they were woont to beare Torches made of horne , before young Maydes , so soone as they were made sure to their Husbands : And the young Brydes , did use to snatch at them , out of their hands that bare them : The meaning of which ceremony , was to shew , that beeing now to marry , shee did take her husband for her guide and direction , intimated by the light of the Torch : and for her protection , and defence , against all hazards and injuries , that after this might happen to her life , or otherwise : all which was signified by the horne . ( Bridegroome ) fling thy Nutts , &c. This other Ceremony of flinging Nutts about upon the Marriage day was , that all the Boyes might scramble , that so by their continuall noyses and tumults which they make during this their striving for the Nutts , one from an other , the Bryde might heare nothing elsewhere , that might discontent her , or any businesse to disturbe her Marriage day . Some thinke the using of this Ceremony is , for that this kinde of fruite is very potent to stirr up lust . Varro saith , that the reason of this custome was , that so Iupiter might give a blessing to the Marriage , and that the Bryde might proove a Matronlike woman , like Iuno . For Nuts are loves fruit , & under his protection : whence the Latin word Iuglandes , quasi Iovis glandes . Others say , it was the order to fling the Nuts about , that so by the noyse of the Boyes scrambling for them , the Bryde might not bee heard cry out in the lossing her Maydenhead . Now Hesperus his Oeta doth forsake , &c. Oeta ia a Mountain of Thessaly , where Hesperus is said to bee worshipped . Vnder this Mountain the Starrs seeme to set , as they seeme to rise out of the Mount Ida : The Poets faign , that Hesperus ( which is now taken for the Evening Starr , which first appeares before the Sun-setting , ) loved a beautifull Boy , named Hymenaeus ; who ( as they say ) lost his voice with long singing at the Marriage of Aryadne , and Bacchus : from whose name Marriages ever after were called Hymenaei . Oh wondrous worthy make , &c. Oh thow Fame , and rash breath of popular commendation , how worthy art thou like the Rheum , falling on the weakest places , to settle on the unwoorthiest persons , beeing heerein iustly punished , for despising the good , and most woorthy ; and beeing prowd and disdaignfull toward all in generall . For indeede , there is nothing more base , nothing more absurd , and foolish , then publique praise and commendation from the vulgar . And houldst in hate , &c. The common people most commonly pass their verdict for the worst ; that is , such who are disposed like themselves , whilst they hate the good and honest , whose woorth their gross apprehension cannot reach unto , because they baulk wholly from their nature and condition ; as the people of Rome , who ( in bestowing the Praetorship , ) forsooke noble Cato , and gave their voices with factious Vatinius . And slight'st my Goates , &c. Thou despisest the things , which are simply and truly honest , sound and profitable , and followest after the vaine and false ; which have in then● onely a meere shew , and counterfeit shadow of truth . Doost thinke the Gods , &c. Thou doost feeme by thy actions , as if thou hadst no reverence or esteeme of the Gods , or of their divine power ; insomuch that by thy deedes many are seduced to beleeve against Gods providence , when they see thee translate the reward due to the good and just , upon the sordid unwoorthy sort ; and contrarily in a preposterous manner , doest affect innocence , with scorne , punishment , and obloquy . Amongst our hedges , &c. The first love and desire of study , and glory ; which ( as it were the first shootes of a young hedg , ) did begin to sprout in my mynd . The tender Boughes , &c. I began to have now a little smatrering in learning . Now what this love is , &c. By the name of love , wee meane all the desire and lust in the mynd , whether it bee of gould , honour , glory , government , or venery ; and when this racker of the mynd , doth once get the conquest , it enforceth a man , to doo and suffer many fowle , crewell , and base passages , to attaine the scope and end of his desires . Certainly , desire , like a T●rant , doth harry and torment the mynd with great violence and fury . Begot not of mans seede , &c. This strong lustfull and impetuous love , is not naturally proper to man , as hee is civilized , & brought to trew humanity , but fitting rather the savage immanity of brute beasts . Lewd love was cause , &c. Heere by the way hee toucheth the fable of Medea : who ( because shee found her selfe rejected by her husband Iaeson , ) slew her owne children , which shee had by him . Yea , midst the Mayne , &c. Through meere indignation to see , in what a beastly base course , without any order or respect , all things were carryed , hee breakes into despaire , that ever the world could proove better , or amend , and so falls even into a very loathing and hatred of all Mankind ; like Tymon , who was termed Misanthropos , or the Man-hater . Why Charmes the Moone , &c. Carmen in the Latin hath many acceptions , as beeing used both in the better , and worse sense ; sometime it is taken for Incantation , ( which ( some say , ) is verbis solis , vel etiam rebus adiunctis , aliquid supra naturam moliri : either meerely by a set forme of words , ( which wee call a charme , ) or some other ceremonious action , together with the words to assay to bring something to passe above the common course of nature : by power whereof they at-tempt the effecting of some ill , or the helping some ill allready done , or the preventing some ill to bee done . And Iulius Firmicus : lib : 1. Mathes : observes , that there are some Persons , whose Horoscope is under the forepart of Scorpio , who naturally prove Inchanters , or good Witches , ( as wee call them ; ) that with certain powerfull words shall have skill to cure and mitigate paynes , aches , and Agues , and uncharme , and unbewitch things that have been bewitcht , & inchanted by others . Now the Poet heere alludes to the old received opinion of the superstitious Romans , who when they saw the Moon , in the Eclipse , thought that shee suffered great pain , by reason of some mischievous Inchantment that was upon her , and during the time of her absence , in her wane , when they could not see her , as at other times , that some strong witchcraft had wrested her from her place in the firmament down to the Earth : and that by powerfull and skilfull Countercharmes , shee was releeved , and brought forth of her darkness , and painfull passion again : at which ridiculous conceit Iuvenal in his sixth Satyre scoffs notably ( deriding their ringing of pots and pans , blowing of trumpets and horns , and such like confused lowd noyses , as the onely remedy to succour her , and bring her to her selfe again . Circe transform'd Vlisses men , &c. Someime Carmen is taken in th●e ill sense , as heer , wh●re it is sai● , Circe , the famous sorceress , transformed Vlisses his men , into other shapes ; so that by power of words ( metrically disposed , or other wi●e , ) and pronounced against any man or woman , a charme shall worke so strong upon their fancy , and distempered Imagination , and spoile the reason in such sort , that for a time they shall verily conceive themselves to bee Hoggs , or Doggs , or of some other shape and forme , and adapt themselves really to the nature of those things , to which they think themselves turned : such a kind of Inchantment was that also of the Praetides , which thought themselves to bee Cowes : though there is no doubt , but the Poets , in these and the like feigned transformations did aime at some reall truth indeede , alltogether beyond that which the outward vizard of the fable doth seeme to import . Charmes the could Serpent , &c. Sometime Carmen is taken for a ●ong : ( as heere by my Autho● , ) alluding to the custome practised by Antiquity upon the Adder , ( a venemous , and harme●ull kind of Serpent : ) whom by certaine words digested into meeter , and set to some musicall tune , they wrought so vehemently upon his senses , that they cast him into a deadly transe for the while : the powerfull effect of this charme of Musick , may bee seene daily amongst Nurses , who use to lull their wayward Infants asleepe , with the melody of their songs : And that which is reported of Alexander Musitiā Timotheus , declares aboundantly the strength and power thereof : who playing to the King ( new set to supper , ) a Phrigian strayne , ( which is a lusty warlike melody , ) it wrought so upon his courage , that ( forgetting his meate , ) hee in a rage called for his Armes , ( as if hee had had a sodaine alarum from the enemy , ) which his Musitian perceiving , changed his stroke into the Lidyan or Ionique ayre , and presently his mind was also changed , and hee sate him down as still , and peaceably , as if hee had been at his Councell Table . But ( as an instar omnium of all other proofes , for the excellent vertue of Musick , let us imagine wee see David with his melody , charming the evill spirit that so tormented King Saul : and ( if wee beleeve Bodin , ) hee will tell us , that no house is haunted with spirits , where much Musick is used ; and hee tells us the Reason , because it presents still to the Divells memory that blessed Place , where hee had once a happy Interest , where there is Melody and sweete Harmony beyond expression : so that Musick ever since torments his sowle worse then Hell it selfe : And if this fancy be true , the Invention of ringing of Bells to cleere the ayre of bad spirits , may seeme to have some grownd of reason , and probability to defend it ; seeing the Harmony of Bells ( I know ) shall have many to maintaine it , for none of the meanest Musicks in the world . The could Serpent , &c. Hee is said to bee could , because of his poyson , which is of a quality extremely could . Sometime Carmen is a charme , or formall set of words in nature of a Conjuration ; Such was that which the Auncient Romans used at the besieging of Citties : by which they did call foorth the Tutelar Gods and Goddesses of their enemies , lest otherwise they might seem to presume to make warr , and offer violence also unto them . Sometime Carmen was by them used in the nature of a Curse , whereby they were wont to forespeake the Army of their Enemies : such was that perhaps , which Balak intreated Balaam to practise against the Host of Israel : Macrobius sets down the formality of both these , lib. 3. cap. 9. Saturnal . Circe transform'd , &c. Circe was a notorious sorceress , and exquisitely skilfull in that damned art of poysoning ; and one of the arrantest Light-skirts of her time : shee poysoned her husband , King of Sarmatia , and usurped his Kingdome ; but was soon spued out by the people , for her cruelty , and banished the land : shee loved Glaucus , and transformed Scilla ( his sweete-heart ) into a Sea-monster , ( to possess him wholly to her selfe : ) shee changed Vlisses companions into swine : shee suffered Vlisses afterward to get her with child , and for that curtesie restored his people to their former shape : shee turned Picus ( King of the Latins ) into a byrd of his name , for that hee had praised his wife Canens , before her , for worth and excellence : By all which fictions the Poets have painted her out for a noted woman , who may seem to have been some rare and beautifull creature , and used her beauty , and excellent skill in Musick , as baites to intice men , who beeing even bewitched with her delicacy , had no power to forsake her , but spent their whole time in Luxury , and effeminate wantonness and pleasure with her ; ( a life suiting better indeed with swine , then with the divine soul of a reasonable man : ) shee was a prime one amongst those Mulieres quinque literarum , Women of five letters ; who have made the fifth an unfortunate number , in beeing blemished with the names of many infamous and notoriously noted Curtizans , such as Medea , Flora , Elena , Lhais , Trine , Thais , with Iulia , and Livia , ( the daughter , and Neece to Caesar , ) whom hee termed his Vomicas , his two Impostumes , for the uncleannesse of their lives : beside Ioane , ( a Queene of Naples , ) and Ioane , to whose honour that verse was made , Papa , Pater Patrum , peperit Papissa Papillum : and Arden , Ambry , Nubry , and Arlot , ( the Conquerours Concubine , ) whose name ( by the addition of the aspiration , ) ever since ( as some say ) hath increased our English tongue with one Synonima more for a whore then it had before . But yet the learned Catholicks have redeemed the credit of this quinary number in their legends , with divers goodly observations , ( as a number full of oracle , miracle , and mystery , with which God hath made it sacred to the world : ) As by those five words of our Lady to the Angel , fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum , our Saviour pleased to become Man , in the womb of the Virgin. By five words , Hoc est enim Corpus meum , Christ appointed his Body to bee consecrate in the Eucharist . And at the five words , Deus propitius est● mihi peccatori , our Saviour absolved the penitent Publican : but as one saith , qui sanae fidei est , nunquam committet , ut quod Dei est , verbis demurmuratis adscribat : no man sound in faith , will ever dare to ascribe matters of Gods worship or honour to the power of words , superstitiously mumbled over . Male Frankincense , &c. So called , because in modum testiculorum nascantur . This threefold thred , &c. Three white , three red , and three black . God still delights in this odd numbring , &c. Either by God heere , hee meaneth some one of the heavenly Gods , according to the doctrine of the Pythagorians , who ascribe the Ternary number , for perfection , to the high God , from whom the beginning , the middle , and the end of all things doth proceed : or els , hee meaneth Hecate , whose power is said to bee threefould , according to the vers , tria Virginis ora Dianae : ) Though indeed the power of all the Gods may bee manifested , by a triple signe : as Ioves threefold Lightning : Neptunes trident , or three-forked Mace : Pluto's three-headed dogg , Cerberus : Apollo , Sol , and Liber , are three in one : Or hee speakes this , because all things concerning the Gods , or heavenly matters , are contained in the ternary number : As the three Destinyes , three Furies : Hercules begotten in three nights . The Muses also counted by threes : the three Graces , called the Charites : And many other things , if not in this direct number of three , yet in an odd number ; as the seven Chordes , seven Planets , seven dayes dedicate to the names of the Gods ; seven North starrs : and many such like . The odd number is held to be immortall , because it cannot well bee divided . The even number is said to bee mortall , because it may bee divided : though Varro saith , that the Pythagorean should the odd number to bee finite , and the even infinite : and therefore for Physicke , Surgery , and many other such like conclusions , odd numbers are woont to bee kept , and observed by some very curiously , and with a kind of superstition . Like as selfe fire mealts wax , &c. The witch here makes two medalls , one of clay , for her selfe , and another of waxe , for Daphnis : and these words are in the nature of a charm , wishing , and bewitching the heart of Daphnis , to grow as hard ( toward her whom hee loved so deerely , and all others after whom hee stragled , and haunted , ) as clay doth by beeing heated in the fire ; and to relent , and mealt with extreme love and passion in such manner towards her selfe , as waxe is woont to fry , and wast , by the heate of the same fire : as if shee should say , let him grow careless , disrespective , and hard harted to all others , but so affectionate , and passionate toward mee , that hee forsake all other loves , for the love of mee alone . Forehayld , vexed , or distressed , even to tiring out . Oh Earth to thee , &c. Vesta , and Tellus , are the same Goddess under two names . Looke not upon them , &c. It was a Ceremony observed amongst the heathen , not to looke upon the filth and excrement of those things , which had been sacrificed for the expiation of any crime for feare they might draw infection from thence into their Bodyes . I aroade , &c. I warne or charge thee . Reaketh . Careth , or respecteth . See how the Ashes , &c. Her mynd bodes her some good luck , from the sodaine flaming of the Ashes without blowing : and by the dogs barking , shee assures her selfe , some body was comming , and it might bee her husband , ( if good luck served . Hylax , or the Barker , is heere a dogs name , taken from Vlactein , signifying to bark . THE ARGVMENT OF THE NINTH ECLOGVE . AFter Virgil had escaped murthering by Arius the Centurion , hee returned to Rome , giving order to his Baylives to see to his grounds in his absence , and to carry themselves fayrely , in the meane cime to Arius : hereupon Maeris ( Virgils Bay live , ) ( following his Masters direction , ) carryed two Kids to Mantua , as a present from his Master to Arius : In his Iourney another Shepheard and hee fell into discourse of their meseries , and divers other things . This Eclogne is all mysticall , and a meere Allegory throughout . MAERIS . Aecloga nona . VVHither goest ( Meris ) directly to the Towne ? Maer . 〈◊〉 ( ah Lycidas ) 〈◊〉 to see ( What least I send ) a man to 〈◊〉 knowne Possess my land ; saying in scorne to mee , ●how ancient Owner , now thy Right resign , Hence , 〈◊〉 , beegone : for now these fields bee mine . Yeelding , ( though loth , ) yet ( setting how things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Fortune ) unto him I send These Kids , of them the 〈…〉 him good , And all ill 〈◊〉 , together with them w●nd . Lici Certes I heard ( all where the ●●lly C●ag● , 〈◊〉 , and lower , 〈…〉 discend , 〈…〉 and the broken s●●●gs , 〈…〉 ) Menakas , ( thy deere friend ) 〈…〉 , and 〈…〉 defend . Maer . Right hast thou heard , and so reported they : But ( Lycidas ) our songs doon heere prevaile , 'Mongst Martiall bloody Armes , much ( as they say ) Chaonian doves , when eagles them assaile : That but the lucky Crow , ( as on a day On hollow Ilex sitting , ) had bewrayd Newe garboyles , like to happen every way , Neither had Maeris , ( whom thou lov'st so deere , ) Nor self - Menalcas , now been living heere . Licy . Ah , may it bee , that so great villanie , Mote any man befall ? ( ah weladay ) All solace almost , and sweete jollity , With thee Menalcas , would been rapt away : Who then the Nymphes renowned praise should sing ? Or who the Earth should have invelloped With flowrie hearbes ? or who the christall Spring , Should with greene shadowes , have incourtained ? Either who should those verses sing , which erst ( As thow to our deere Amaryllis went'st , I softly reading to my selfe rehearst : Feede my Kids ( Tityrus ) the whilst I goe A little way , and instantly returne : Then water them : and ( driving to and fro , ) Looke to the Goate , ( hee 'le butt ) beware his Horne . Maer . Yea , who should sing , the precious lynes , which hee ( Vnfinisht yet ) to Varus sung whyleere ? ( Varus ) thy name , ( whilst Mantua lives to bee Mantua , too , too , to poore Cremona neere , ) The singing Swans , shall to the starrs indeere . Lyci. So may thy swarmes , escape the Cyrnean-Ewe ; And may thy Cowes , ( on juicy Cloverfedd ) Their strutting Vdders swell : now then ( if you Ought can , ) begin●ilk , mee a Poet , bredd , The Muses han : and I can versifie , The Shepheards al 's ' , ( forsooth ) say I'se a Bard , But deele a bit doon I beleeve their lye : For nought yet woorthy ' of Varus , have I fram'd , Ne learned Cynna's Eare : but make a noice , And muchil●like the gagling Goose have scram'd Amongst melodious Swans , sweete tunefull voice . Maer . I am about it , and I beate my brayne , If I could call 't to mind : and sooth , the song Is worth the hearing , and no common vayne : Come hither ( Galatea ) there among The wastfull waves , what pleasure's to bee found ? Heere is perpetuall spring , all the yeere long , Heere ( round about the pleasant streames , the grownd Hath every way , discolour'd flowers shedd : Eke , the white Popler , and the plyant Vyne , A shadie Canopy , have heere dispredd , And hand in hand , over this Cave inclyne : Come ( my deere Love , ) let bee , the Bedlam floods Against the shore , to dash their surging sudds . Lyci. But where 's the song , which ( sitting all alone ) I heard thee sing , in the cleere-star-bright night , The tune , I wote well , but the words are gone Mar. ( Daphnis ) why doost thou still observe the site , The rise and setting of the antick signes ? Dion●an-Caesars starr-s , now come to light , ( The starr , in open hills which helpes the vynes , In colours new , the tidy Grapes to dye , And glads the Eares of Corne with rich increase : ) Observe it ( Daphnis ) and thy Peares , thereby Graft thow ; and thy Posterity in peace By it , their riper Apples , gather shall : But age reaves all ; mans mettle , mynd and all : Whole Summers dayes ; I oft in singing spent , I well remember , when I was a Ladd , ) Now all 's forgot , both songs , and merriment , And Maeris voice is quite decayd and badd , ( Ere Maeris them , the woolves han Maeris spyde : ) But now inough of this ; Menalcas-selfe , Heereof shall thee relate , some other tyde . Lyci. Ah what delayes and scuses doost thou find , To while my Love : ( though all things now invite : ) Dead-calme the Sea : and now behould the wynd , And all the boystrous blasts , are ceased quite ; Besides , wee'have gone but halfe our Iourney yet : ( For , see , Byanors Monument , in sight : ) Heere ( Maeris ) now wee 'll sing our Carolett , Where the thick bowghs ▪ the Ploughmen , woont to sheare , Heere , leave thy Goats ; wee time inough shall gett Vnto the Towne : but if so bee , wee feare , Enaunter , Night before doo gather rayne , Let 's sing ; ( our way the shorter will appeare ; ) Vntill the Citty wee at last attaine ; And that wee may goe singing all the way , Thy cumbrous loade , my selfe I will defray . Maer . Leave ( Ladd ) of this now , more at all to say : And turne wee to our instant Business , Wee better ( when hee comes , ) shall to our songs address MAERIS . The GLOSSE . ILK mee a Poet bredd , &c. I feele in my selfe a kind of poeticall fury , not so much by institution , and gained by precept and rules , as by divine inspiration . For nought yet woorthy Varus , &c. I esteeme not my selfe a Poet , though the world so esteeme mee , because meethinks I have sung nothing which may seeme worthy the approbation of two so excellent Poets . Cynna : was a Poet , who wrote a Poem intitled Smyrna , which lay concealed , ( as Quintilian affirmes , ) thirty yeeres : but it should seeme , that it was wondrous acceptable to that age : For many noble Grammarians , wrote divers Comments upon it : but Cato Grammaticus excelled them all therein , ( as Suet●niu● reporteth ; ) though , of so famous a worke , there are but onely two verses extant , which Servius citeth in his first booke upon the Georgicks . And all ill lucke , &c. The Divell give him good , &c. This manner of sending presents may seeme to bee drawne from that which is reported of Hector and Aiax ; who beeing profest enemies , sent each other a present , which afterward proved very unlucky and fatall : and therefore might seeme to bee ominously sent : for the sword wherewith Aiax killed himselfe , was sent him by Hector : and Hector had the guirdle on , which Aiax sent him , when hee was thereby dragd up and downe the Towne of Troy , after Achilles had slain him . Menalcas thy deere , &c. By Menalcas , is heere meant Virgil. Even to the water , &c. That is , the River Myncius . Did with his songs defend , &c. This hath relation to Virgil , for whose sake , the people of Maniua had their grounds restored to them again . Come hither Galatea , &c. These words are spoken by Cyclops to Galatea , and are taken out of The●critus : The Allegory is applyable to Augustus ; intreating him to return from the Sea-wars , into Italy : for Virgil often useth Galatea for Augustus , ( as in the 3. Eclogue . Mantua , too , too , to , &c. The reason of this passionate Repetition , depends on the story of Caesar , who having overcome Anthony , and the rest of the murtherers of Iulius Caesar , gave the territory about Cremona , ( which Citty had taken part against him ) for a prey to his souldiers : which beeing not sufficient for the whole multitude every one some , Augustus gave the Fields of the Mantuaus , to be divided amongst them : though not for any fault cōmitted against him , or his Father , but meerely by reason of their vicinity , lying so convenient upon the borders of Cremona . The Cyrnean-Ewe , &c. The Taxus , or Ewe-tree , is held to bee venemous : Corsica is full of this wood , and this Iland in Greeke is called Cyrne , of Cyrnus , the sonn of Hercules : if Bees eate heereof , their hunny prooves extreme bitter ; therefore Lycidas prayes , that Maeris his Bees may not tast of this unwholesome tree . Daphnis , why doost thou , &c. Thou shalt not neede to observe heereafter the ould and traditionary rising , and setting of the starrs namely of the Ram-star , the seven starrs , Aryadnes Crowne , the Canicular , or Dog-star , and the like , in setting , ploughing , sowing , planting , and reaping : Iulius Caesars one star will suffice in steed of all these : neither need wee implore the help of any other Godhead but onely that fortunate and propitious Numen of Caesar , under whose protection all things shall succeed most luckily unto us . And because hee speakes of the rise and setting of the signes , hee observes good decorum , in saying hee sung of the Night , and in a cleere Night : seeing the course of the stars are thē best observed , ( according to the manner , which the Assyrians , and the Aegyptians held , who were the greatest Astronomers . ) Caesar's starr's now come , &c. When Augustus Caesar did celebrate the funerall playes to his dead Father , there appeared a starr at noone day , which hee by a decree commanded to bee called his Fathers starr . And Baebius Macer saith , that Caesar affirmed it to bee his Fathers sowle , and erected a statue thereunto ; upon the head whereof was placed a starr of gould , and at the foote this inscription , Caesari Ematheo . Ere M●ris them the woolves , &c. In these verses hee showes , that hee hath lost his skill in singing , which hee once had : And by an Allegory doth demonstrate , that his mind is opprest with misfortune . Now to shew some reason for the loss of his voice , hee hath relation to an ould received opinion , that if a wolf spy a man , before the man espy him , the man presently loseth the use of his speech for a time : which opinion the naturall Philosophers doe confirm-Whereupon the Proverb , ( Lupus est in fabula , ) doth arise ; & is properly used , whensoever the party , of whom wee talke , comes into our company , and doth by his presence ( as it were , ) take away our power to speake that , which otherwise , ( if hee were away , ) wee would confer of . Now as there are unlucky tōgued people , so are there also men of an unlucky Eye : who by looking earnestly upon any living object , send an insensible wound sodainly thereunto , that causeth it to pine and wast away , ( like a mortling Deere , ) ever eating , never thriving till it consume to death . Such an Eye the Shepheard in the third Eglogue complaines had looked upon his Lambs : this kind of mischievous looking hee calls Fascination : Pliny ( out of Cicero , ) reports , that there are some women born with Eyes , having duplices papillas , the apples or pupills of their eyes double : & that such doe naturally faescinū circumferre , beare about them this kind of Eyewitchcraft , ( as I may terme it . ) There are two sorts of this fascination : the one proper to men and women , and effected onely by them : and this is doon noxio vultu , & fictis laudationibus , by a mischievous looke , and faigned counterfeit praises and commendations mingled together , and is that , which ( as Tully saith of Invidentia , ) doth fortunam alterius nimis intueri , behould an others prosperity too curiously , and with too fixed an Eye , full of envy , with lookes even bewraying an inward indignation , and malicious griefe and repining of the heart at the good which wee see . The other sort is that which is doon meerely by the eye : such is that of the Woolfe , spoken of heere by Virgil , by bereaving a man by his very sight , of the power of speaking for the while . ) Such allso is y● which they write of the Basilisk his sodain killing by his so virulent and piercing sight : and if wee can beleeve that which they report of the bird Icteros , ( so called of curing the yellow Iaundies , onely by beeing looked upon by the sick party , ) wee may easily beleeve the witchcraft , and mischiefe of an evill Eye , to be a most true conclusion . Dead calme the Sea , &c. Hee exhorts him to sing : that is to addict himselfe to the study of the Muses , during the peace wherein Italy now was : For howsoever the Actian warr , which Octavian raised against Anthony , were a civill warr , yet that part of Italy , where Caesar governed , was quiet : Although indeede it was not the warrs , but the taking away of his grounds , which troubled and hindred Virgil. Han. i. Have . Byanors monument , &c. This I take to belong to the trew description of their journy , ( Byanors sepulchre beeing just halfe way , betweene Virgils land , and Mantua , and may seeme to have his name given him , of his great wisedoome and strength both of mind and body : for so it signifies , beeing compounded , apo tes bias , kai anorées , quasi animo & corpore fortissimus : strong both in mind and body . Leave ( Ladd ) of this , &c. Having necessary affaites , and matters of consequence to dispatch , let us apply us to them , and leave our sports , which will befit us better , then when Virgil ( having recovered his grounds againe , ) returnes in peace to his own house ; or when Augustus returneth from the warrs , into Italy , the study of the quiet Muses shall bee restored unto us againe , without interruption . Enaunter : Lest that . THE ARGVMENT OF THE TENTH ECLOGVE . COrnelius Gallus , ( a man of most exquisite and dextrous witt , and an admirable Poet , after hee had been preferd to Augustus and rais'd by him to the government of Aegypt , ) was accus'd to Caesar , to have conspir'd , and to attempt something contrary to his mind ; for griefe of which accusation , hee killd himselfe : This his death Virgil deplores under the title of Love. GALLVS . Aecloga decima . OH Arethu ( a ) lend mee of thy skill , This same last labour , goodly to fullfill ; Some verses , ( yet such as Lycoris may Selfe daign to reade , I must to Gallus say , ( For who few verses , Gallus will deny ? ) So maist thou glide full faire and easily , Vnmixt , with bitter Doris filthy mudd Vnder the Channell of Sycanus flood . Begin ; let 's Galius carefull love bewray , The whilst our Goates , doo brouze the tender spray : Wee doo not to the deafe , our songs partake , For , unto all , the woods doon answer make . ( Yee Mayden Nayaedes ) what Woods or Grove , When Gallus perisht through unwoorthy Love , Did hould yow then , ( against , or with your wills ? ) Sith not Parnassus-tops , nor Pindus hills , Not thee , th - A●nion Aganippe kept : The very shrubbs , and Laurels for him wept : And ( as hee lay under his lonely Rock , ) The Pene-tree Me●●lus , and frozen stones Of chill Ey●●us , him with teares bemones . And all the Rocks , about him flocking were ; Ne , ever they , of mee , neede them repent , Ne , ( divine Bard ) needes thee repent of them : Sith , faire Ad●nis , erst , alongst the streame Woont feede his sheepe : Vpilio , al 's ' among , And the slow Neate-heards , thither eke did throng : Men●as came , with winter-mast bede●●d , And all enquire , whence grew this Love so leawd : And sooth , Apollo-selfe , there came and said : ( Ah Gallus ) been thy wits from home astrayd ? Thy Love Lycoris , thorough frost and snow , And th-horrid Campe , after new Love doth goe : Silvanus , allgates , ( with his head adornd With rurall honour , ) came , and in his hand Fresh Finde waved , and large Lyllies spand : Eke Pan , ( th - Arcadian God ) ( whom bespyde With dangling Danewoorts bloody herries dyde , And vermeil Synople ) and what ( quoth hee ) ( Alack the while ) heereof wil the issue bee ? For sike-like things love careth not a pin ; Nor thirsty grass , with Rivers sated been , Nor Goates with brouce , nor Bees with trifolio , Ne crewell love , can teares e're satisfie : Hee ( sad ) ●●thless , said ; yee 〈◊〉 shall Sing these things , on your hills ; ( Arcadians yee , Who onely skill'd in skillfull singing bee : ) How quiet will my bones henceforth remaine , If your sweete Pipes , my lucklesse love proclaime . And sickerly , I would I had beene seene One amongst you , or your Flocks-keeper been ; Or your ripe tidy clusters set to gather : Sure , whether Phillis I had lov'd , or whether , Black-browd Amyntas , I affected had , Or any other Country-Lass , or Ladd , ( What though Amyntas , browneas berry bee , And Violets sable , so wee likewise see , And shining Hurtl'es , black as Ebony , ) Certes with mee they should together lye : Amongst the Sallowes , underneath the Vine , Shee guarlands gay , should for my head combine , Whilst hee in singing spend the merry time ; Heere been coole springs , heere meadowes in their prime And heere , thick groves , ( Lycoris ) been beside , Where I once meant , with thee t' have liv'd , and dyde Now frantick love detaines mee fast in armes Of awfull Mars , amidst the deadl'alarmes , Of such , as gainst mee , doon contrive mischieve : Thow ( farr from home ) ( which let mee ne're beleeve ) The snowy Alpes , ( without mee ) doost behould , And frozen Rhene doost see : ( ah ) let no could Thy body hurt ; ( ah ) nor the Icie grit Cut the soft soles , of thy nice-tender Feete : I now will goe , and to my selfe reherse Those songs , which erst , I , in Calcidick verse , On the Sicilian Shepheards Pipe , did frame : Much rather chusing , mongst the beasts untame , Henceforth to suffer in this lonely Cave , And there , my love , in barke of Trees ingrave , That as they growe , ( my Love ) thou al 's ' mayst growe : Eft , then on Menalus , I to and fro , Will spend my time , the dainty Nymphes among , Or hunt , to lay the boystrous Bore along ; No could shall let mee make my Ringwalkes , round The thick Parthenian thickets , with my hound . Meethinks I soe , how sometimes I dispase Mee , 'mongst the Rocks , and hollow Woods doo traces Sometime I joy , to dravv , in Parthian bovve , Cydonian arrovves , at the mountaine rovve : ( As if these things mote cure my malady , Or that , that God , mote e're relent thereby , Or pitty learne , the poore to give them ease : ) Againe , sometime , nor th - Hamadriades , Nor songs , delight , nor ought that I can tell ; And ( yee delightfull Woods , ) now fare you vvell : Not all , which vvee can doo , may change his mynd : No , not , allbee in bittrest could , and vvynd , I Hebrus shoulden drinke , or clamber upp The hanging heapes , or headlong mountaines topp , Of candid snovve , or chill Sithonian Rocks ; Ne should I tend the AEthiopian flocks Vnder the Crabstarr , vvhen the dying Vine On th-Elmes provvd topps , doth dvvindle avvay & pine . Love makes all yeeld ; and I to love must yeeld . ( Pycrian Ladies ) now suffice it yee This song , which once your Poet sung , as hee Of small soft twiggs , fate making Baskets feare ; To Gallus , yee can make them seeme-n great : ( Gallus ) whose love eekes in mee every hovvr , Much as ( reviv'd vvith Phoebus blisfull povvr ) Greene Alders vvoont to sprout , in prime of spring : Novv let us rise ; 't is naught in shade to sing ; Shadovves of Iuniper unvvholesome been , And shadovves hurt young fruites , and herbage green : Goe Kiddyes , ( see ) novv Hesperus doth come , Inough yee novv have fedd ; goe high you home . Verbae , non sensum , transtuli . GALLVS . The GLOSSE . OH Arethusa , &c. This was a Fountain in Sicily , dedicate to the Muses ; & heer hee invokes the Fountain , as if the Muses by their presence , had infused vertue , and of ther power and influence thereunto , to helpe the Poets Invention , and to make him facetious , and witty , in the handling of his matter . Arethusa , was a River rising in Peloponesus , and running a long course within the veines of the earth , ( unseen ) as farr as Cicily , ( by Virgil heere called Cicania : ) where neere to that part of the City of Siracusa , named Ortigia , it breakes forth into a goodly broad water : The Poet heere alludeth to the course that this River houlds quite underneath many other Rivers , and by that meanes , never mingles with the salt and brackish water , by the ebbing or flowing of the Sea , ( which is heere meant by Doris . ) Of this River , and of the cause of the course thereof under the ground , the Poets have this fiction : Arethusa was a young dainty Virgin , Companion , and fellow huntress with Dyana : with this Nymph ( they say ) the River Alpheus fell in love ; and thinking to have forced a curtesie from her , which hee could not gain by faire meanes , Dyana , ( pittying the danger , and willing to save her , ) turn'd her into a cleere fountain of her owne name : then Arethusa , ( to bee safe from farther violence of her rude suiter , ) stole away closely from him under the grownd , ( like a modest mayde , shrinking down into the bed , and hiding her head within the cloathes , at the sight of a stranger , ) and never appearing again , till shee came at Siracusa : which when Alpheus knew , & with much ado finding which way she was gone , hee follow'd day and night after , in quest of his sweete heart ; at last hee overtakes and injoyes her . Such a River is that of Gadez in Spaine ; of which a King of Spaine once ( in a merry discourse between himselfe and some other Princes , about the riches and rarities , each one of their own Country , ) boasted of : that hee had a Bridge in his Country , that fedd every yeere ten thousand Cattle upon it : ( thereby meaning the River of Gadez ; which from the spring head , runns seven miles under grownd , and then breakes forth into a fair , and pleasant River . Neere to this River ( as may seeme ) is that little Iland , ( called the lesser Gadiz , ) where the land is so frank and fertile , that the Cowes milk yeelds neither whay nor Cheese ; except they mingle therewith a great deale of water : and so wonderfull rich , and barning is the pasture , that they must let their Cattle blood often , or els in thirty dayes they so overgrow , that they are stifled with fatt . Such as Lycoris , &c. Augustus himselfe so deere to Gallus . For who few verses , &c. To so great a man , to so great a Friend ; or so great a Poet. Doris bitter Flood , &c. Doris is said to bee the daughter of Tethis and Oceanus : and is heere taken for the Sea. Sicanus Flood , &c. That is Sicely . For unto all the woods , &c. That is , the Eccho of the woods will answer us . Yee Mayden Nayades , &c. The Nymphes of the Meadowes . Parnassus-topps , &c. A Mountayn of Greece , having two topps , under which the Muses dwelt . Nor Pindus Hills , &c. A Mountayn in Thessaly . The Aonian Aganippe , &c. A Fountayn in that Country of Greece , which is called Aonia ; dedicate to the Muses : and heereof they were sometime called Aganippides . Menalus , &c. A high Mountayn in Arcadia . What woods , &c. These were the places of Gallus his retrait amongst the Muses , and to the study of sweete Poesie : wherein if hee had still retir'd himselfe , and not addicted him so eagerly to the gaining the acquaintance of the great ones , and had not aspired to the great Imployments , and Business of state , which caus'd his ruin , hee had still liv'd . Sith nor Parnassus , &c. For , by his study Gallus waded so farr , that Greeke was as familiar , as his own language : therefore the knowledge of the Greeke Poets and the other Arts , was no hindrance , but that hee might still have persevered in his study , so happily begun . The Laurels , &c. The Shrubbs , &c. All sorts of people lament Gallus his death : the Laurels , that is , the Poets and students in that kind of Learning : The Shrubbs , that is , the Commons : The Stones , that is , the most inferiour , amongst the vulgar ; ( the most rude , and ignorant sort , had a sense of his loss . The Flocks about him , &c. The Bucolicks , which hee himselfe had made . Ne ever they of mee , &c. That kind of verse , that is , ( Bucolicks , ) is so handled by mee , that it neede hould no shame , to have fallen into my hands . Ne , needes it thee , of them repent , &c. Thow , howsoever thou art so excellent in Poetry , and so admirable in this art , that now thow maist even bee counted for divine , yet needest not repent , or shame to bee known to have addicted thy selfe , and taken paines in this kind of Pastorall verse . Vpilio came , &c. Heere hee describes the woonder , that all , both Lords and Commons were in , about the cause of Gallus his death . For all sorts held it incredible , that hee , ( so great in authority , so wary a wise man , every way , and so deerely inward to Augustus , ) would once bee drawne , so much as to thinke an unworthy thought against Caesar : or that Augustus would deale in any hard manner with such a friend , whom hee favour'd as his right hand . With winter mast bedeawd , &c. The difference betweene the two Synonima's uvidum , and humidum : this is referd to the outward moisture , and that , to the inward : and heereof uva , for a grape ; as much to say , as the fruit full of inward juice . Are thy witts distraught ? &c. The Poet heere brings in Apollo , ( the God of wisedoome ) fore warning , and prophecying alteration of Fortune to Gallus : intimating thereby that Gallus should have had recourse to his wisedoome , and have arm'd himselfe with patience , and constancy , to abide , and withstand , yea and foresee all hazards and accidents before they happend : seeing hee could not chuse but find , ( by comparing matters , and marking the strange carriage of things , ) that Caesars heart was alienated , and his love beginning to grow could , by the secret practise of such as bare him an inward grudge : and this is it which hee meaneth , when hee saith , that his Love Lycoris followed others ; that is , hee was willingly ledd by others Councell , who intended mischiefe against Gallus . What will the issue bee ? &c. There will bee no end of this anxiety , griefe , and sorrow , for Caesars displeasure : For the ambition of Princes , and their love to domination , and ruledome , is blynd : against which if any bee but barely imagined to have attempted , or practised in the least sort , the offence is implacable , and no merit or satisfaction ever held sufficient . Nor thirsty grass , &c. By these similitudes hee doth illustrate his former speech : as dry grounds , and the like , are never satisfide with water , so love of rule and dominion , ( having once taken offence , ) is never reconciled , or satisfied , with teares , and repentance . Hee sad , nathless , &c. Beeing full of heaviness , for the loss of his great Friend , and his deerest life , ( in both which hee was at the point to suffer , ) and beeing now resolved to dye , hee bequeathes the memoriall of himselfe , unto the learned , and great students , ( as a legacy : ) having now nothing els of his mighty Fortune left him or remaining , which hee could truly call his owne . And sickerly I would , &c. I wish now that I had continued my study , amongst my Books , and held mee to my private life , then I had proved learned like others ; at least I might have had the happiness , to have been alwayes in the company of Schollers , and learned men . Whether some Phillis , &c. That kind of life would have affoorded mee some pretty delights , if not so glorious , and goodly , as might bee had in that Sun-shine of dignity , and honour , yet no less sweete , and pleasing . Shee Guarlands gay , &c. I should have had two Guarlands , that is , glory , and commendation of my witt : and songs ; that is , private pleasure , and delight . Now frantick Love , &c. Now in steed of the peace , and tranquillity , wherein I should have lived , by meanes of Augustus his great love , I live amongst my capitall enemies , who have contrived my confusion , and brought this calamity upon mee ; and am forced to keepe amongst the warrs , where my Adversaries doo undermine mine estate , and conspire against my life . Thow farr from home , &c. Thou art quite changed from that inbredd , and woonted humanity , and bounty , wherewith thou didst usually embrace mee : yea thow art quite altered from the Roman civility , and gentleness , which all doo profess . Let mee ne're beleeve , &c. I am loth to beleeve this change in thy sweete nature , but yet , so it is reported . The frozen Alpes , &c. Thy disposition beeing me●amorphosed , into a barbarous hardness of heart , ( not against others , to whom thou art still the same , in curtesie , and noble usage , ) but against mee alone . Of Augustus his clemency , Seneca writes , in his booke , de clementia . The Alpes . Mountaines , which part Italy , and France . And frozen Rhene : A famous River in Germany . Ah let no could , &c. I am not carefull for my selfe , but for thee ; for feare , lest by the change of thy disposition , and sweete manners , thou mightst draw hatred , and envy upon thy head ; whereas now all love , and wish thee well . The Icie Gritt , &c. Gritt , is the small sandy gravill , incorporate and frozen amongst the Ice , which makes it rugged and sharpe . And there to ingrave , &c. And there to commit my love unto writing , and to bewray it in my Poems : which as my verses grow in number , so shall it , grow in fervency and zeale . No could shall let , &c. The venome of de●●action , and malice of my Accusers , shall not hinder my delight in my studies and meditations . As though these things , &c. This is Ironically spoken ; as if hee should say , I flatter my selfe in my owne Imagination , if I think by these meanes to heale my misfortune , or make my love againe acceptable to Augustus . Nor the Hamadryades , &c. Heere is described the inconstancy of a troubled mind : that it hates the things , which erewhile it did long for ; and by and by desires the thing , which even now it contested most against . Hamadryades , Were Nymphes , who were borne together with the first springing of Trees , and dyed again , when they dyed ; their name beeing accordingly significant unto their nature : apo tou ama , kai tes druos : una cum arbore . Such a one was shee , whom Erisicthon slue ; who cutting a Tree unwillingly , there issued from thence , both a voice , and blood ; ( as Ovid testifies . ) Dryades , are Nymphes , whose abode is allwayes amongst the woods and groves ; according to the Etymologie of their name . Oreades , were Nymphes inhabiting the Mountaines , whereof they have their denomination : and indeede the Nymphes had sundry appellations , upon divers respects ; as from sheepe they were named Peribelides from the waters Nayades : from the meadowes , Licmoniades : and from the sockling , and nursing of young Infants , Curotrofae . Not all that wee doe , &c. Let all beware how they touch Kings , and Princes in their ambition ; or indeavour to cross them , in their aspiring to domination , and government , or attempt to lessen their dignity , or authority ; For I say , there is nothing which can mitigate these their thirsty and ambititious desires . Hebrus : A River in Thracia . Sithonian Rocks , &c. Sithonia , is held to bee Thracia : others say , it is that part thereof which from Mount Haemus , reacheth to the Euxine Sea : It is a Country in the North parts of Europe ; neque Coelo , neque solo tractabilis , the soyle and Clymate , very rough and unpleasing , as beeing extreme could and beaten with continuall frosts and snowes : so that except it bee on that side , to the Sea ward ) it is very barren and unfruitfull . As once hee sate , &c. That is , hee was quiet , and conversant amongst his learned studies . Making small Baskets , &c. Exercising his homely Muse , or his humble plaine manner of stile ; ( namely ) his Pastoralls . Seeme-n great , &c. These poore Pastoralls , 〈◊〉 sorry stuff in themselves ; but if yee Muses doo but favour the worke , and adde 〈◊〉 my dull brayne , capacity , invention , 〈◊〉 such matter , as a Booke ( which must 〈◊〉 live acceptably long in the world , ) ought to have , they will bring rare and great praise to Gallus : or , these simple small trifles ( 〈◊〉 your helpe ) will seeme worthy of Gallus his best acceptance , as if they were greater . Whose love eekes , &c. Virgil heere , ( as the pattern of a true friend , and constant , ) doth not dissemble or conceale his Love , to him dead , whom hee profest to love living : and that which is more , hee professeth , that his love and desire of his dead Friend is increased not every day , but every hower . FINIS . A14494 ---- Virgils Eclogues, vvith his booke De apibus, concerning the gouernment and ordering of bees, translated grammatically, and also according to the proprietie of our English tongue, so farre as grammar and the verse will well permit. Written chiefly for the good of schooles, to be vsed according to the directions in the preface to the painfull schoole maister, and more fully in the booke called Ludus literarius, or the grammar-schoole, chap. 8 Bucolica. English Virgil. 1620 Approx. 491 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 88 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A14494 STC 24818 ESTC S104679 99840412 99840412 4914 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A14494) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 4914) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 944:09) Virgils Eclogues, vvith his booke De apibus, concerning the gouernment and ordering of bees, translated grammatically, and also according to the proprietie of our English tongue, so farre as grammar and the verse will well permit. Written chiefly for the good of schooles, to be vsed according to the directions in the preface to the painfull schoole maister, and more fully in the booke called Ludus literarius, or the grammar-schoole, chap. 8 Bucolica. English Virgil. Brinsley, John, fl. 1581-1624. Ludus literarius. Virgil. Georgica. Book 4. English. aut [8], 166, [2] p. Printed by Richard Field, for Thomas Man, dwelling at the signe of the Talbot in Pater-noster row, London : 1620. Translator's dedication signed: Iohn Brinsley. "De apibus" is book 4 of the Georgics. The last leaf is blank. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Bee culture -- Early works to 1800. 2003-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-11 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-11 Andrew Kuster Sampled and proofread 2004-11 Andrew Kuster Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-01 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion 〈…〉 BOOKE 〈…〉 concerning the 〈◊〉 and ordering of 〈◊〉 ▪ Translated Gramatically , and also according to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of our English tongue , so farre as Grammar and the verse will well permit . Written chiefly for the good of Schooles , to be used according to the directions in the Preface to the 〈◊〉 of Schoole 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 in the book called 〈◊〉 Learning or the Grammar schoole , Chap. 8. London , Printed by Richard 〈◊〉 for Thomas Man dwelling at the signe of the 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 16●0 . TO THE RIGHT NOBLE AND WORTHY KNIGHT SIR GEORGE HASTINGS , brother to the right Honorable the Earle of Huntingdon . SIR , BOoks haue euer sought out the fittest Patrons . Thinking seriously with my selfe , who might most iustly challenge the dedication of this labour at my hands , which I trust shall euer bring some light and comfort to our Grammar Schooles , I could finde none to haue thereunto a better title then your self . Sith God hath indeed made you a worthy light , for the sound loue and true aduancement of vertue and good learning , and that euen from your tender yeares . In as much as you ( contrary to the course of the greatest part of the flower of the Nobilitie and Gentrie of our age ) haue addicted your selfe vnto your studies , for the good ( I trust ) both of the Church and Commonwealth , in stead of following the excessiue pleasures of the time ; and haue moreouer in a singular maner manifested your affection towards them both , and towards all good learning to that end . Whenas out of that maintenance , which in regard of your high birth and noble line might seeme farre too little for your selfe ; you haue yet separated and consecrated , as your first fruites , a portion thereof vnto the Lord , towards the maintaining of sundry poore schollers in the Vniuersitie , by whom his glorie may be aduanced , and the good of his people perpetually procured . Concerning which , let me craue pardon of you ( good Sir ) and beare the blame , that ( though contrary to your minde ) I yet still desire , as I ought , that memorable loue of yours to be knowne , for the good ensample and prouoking of many others to the like : wherein one day they should finde a thousand times more comfort , doing it with vpright hearts , then in all that they shall bestow , not onely in the ouerhote pursuite of their vaine pleasures and delights , but euen in sundry other kindes , which make the fairest shew . As my selfe am euer bound in all places to acknowledge those great respects , which I iustly owe vnto your selfe and that right noble house for my selfe and mine , so I hope our God will enable vs to seek euermore to be answerable thereunto , as his Maiesty shall vouchsafe vs fit opportunities . What is wanting in vs , his goodnesse ( I trust ) will fully recompence , that you may be euer honoured , walking with him in this world , and liuing with him in blessednesse for euer in the heauens . And in this earnest desire , with my heartie prayers incessantly for you , that God may make you to increase daily in all true honour , I commend you to his heauenly grace , resting Yours euer most bounden , IOHN BRINSLEY . A plaine Direction to the painfull Schoolemaister and others , for the most profitable vse of this and the like Grammaticall translations . TO the end that all Schollers may find the seuerall benefites of these translations mentioned in my Grammar-schoole , not onely for sound vnderstanding , true construing , parsing , getting without booke , making and prouing the same Latin , speedy turning either into prose or verse , but also for growth in our English tongue together with the Latin ; and principally for causing Schollers to study of themselues , and to prepare their lectures at home , to bring them more perfectly , and keep them more surely ; and all this with very much certaintie , pleasure and ease both to maister and scholler , I finde this course most readie . 1. Cause euery one to be well acquainted with their Grammar rules , and especially to be perfect in the rule of construing , that they may euer follow that direction . 2. Because the greatest part in euery Forme are commonly of the duller sort of wits and more negligent , and also hardlier drawne to take paines at home , vnlesse they euidently see the way how they may do it with some delight ; cause some pregnant scholler of their owne Forme , or of some higher , to reade them their lecture ouernight , onely construing it ouer once or twice , and shewing them the hard words and phrases briefly . 3. Direct them either to trie first how they are able to construe of themselues , and finde out a reason of euery thing , why it must be so construed ; and after to compare and trie that which they haue done , by the translation . On else if they haue not sufficient leisure , and that they would do it speedily , or be not so well able to do it of themselues , direct them to reade ouer the translation once or twice ; first , that they may fully vnderstand the matter whereby all the construing will be made most easie , and then aduise them to examine carefully by themselues the reason of the whole construction . And so for parsing euery thing in the same order as they construe : for these two so depend one vpon another , that they cannot be separated . In a word , cause them so to studie their lectures out of the Latine books and the translation together , that they may be able with their book vnder their arme , to deliuer and pronounce the whole lecture either Latine or English alone , so also to construe and parse without booke to deliuer their lectures either in the plaine Grammar order , or more elegantly , and so to giue varietie of phrase , and whatsoeuer is obserued in the translation . 4. Be carefull that they take not ouermuch at a time , and then so many of them as are apt and painful , wil the next day at any time , within an houres space giuen them to meditate , be able to deliuer their lecture ( so as I said ) viz. pronouncing it without booke both in Latine and English ▪ construe and parse without booke , giue varietie of English phrase , and whatsoeuer can be required for the vnderstanding and knowledge of euery word . Hereby also they will be able to keepe all that they haue learned , not onely to repeate each weekes worke most perfectly vpon the friday , but also their whole quarters worke at each quarters end , if they vse to repeate it now and then , and so to keepe their authors for euery vse , far more perfectly then by any other meanes . For these Eclogues and the booke de Apibus , I haue made choise of them to translate thus , as being the most familiar of all Virgils workes , and fittest for childrens capacities : and in some of them I haue made a plaine Analysis or resolution , for the more easie and full vnderstanding thereof , as namely of the first and last Eclogues , and so of that excellent booke of the gouernment and ordering of Bees , which is able to draw the very wisest into an admiration , for their policie , and the rare workes of God apparent in them . The resolution of the rest I haue omitted , as being for the most part but heardmens talke , or the matter not so fit , and so the translation of the latter part of the sixi Eclogue . In the first Eclogue I haue giuen a litle taste of the Rhetoricke in Tropes and figures : for the rest I referre to M. Butlers Rhetoricke , M. Far●abies tropes and figures , and to R●mus Commentarie . The Eclogues being select Poemes , I would haue pronounced most exactly , as namely the 1. 3. 5. 7. &c. ( like as Tullies Paradoxes , and some choise Orations for patternes of Theames and Orations ) for that they may be most not able helps to an excellent pro●ciation , which is a principall ornament to all learning , and will bring the schollers much estimation with others , and delight in themselues . I haue onely proceeded thus farre in translating , being fully assured vpon certaine experience , that children first entred well in Grammar , and hauing gone through but those parts of the authors which I haue thus translated , will be able by Gods blessing ( if they proceed in a right order ) to take their lectures of themselues , at least with very litle assistance , in all the rest of Virgil and the higher Latin authors ; by the meanes of the worthy Commentaries and other helpes , which the Lord hath in this last age prouided aboue all former times . As for that feare of making truants by these translations , which conceit arose meerly vpon the abuse of other translations , neuer intended for this end ; I hope that happie experience in this kind , will in time driue it , and all like to it , vtterly out of schooles and out of the minds of all . Sith for my selfe , by the meanes hereof I finde the cleane contrary , in causing my schollers to giue a reason of euery thing why it must be so , and also almost double profit to that which I could otherwise . And finally for that I can hereby teach many● then I could without , and cause euery one of them which are any thing diligent and apt , to render an account of that which he learnes from quarter to quarter continually ; and all with much ease and pleasure to my selfe , delight and contention among themselues , and great contentation to their friends . Trie aright , and then giue your sentence . The comforts which my selfe haue found herein , without any of the furnised inconueniences , and the same approued and confirmed by many learned , do make me confident to desire to commend them to all . For all other obiections I haue answered thē at 〈◊〉 in my Grammar schoole . Experience , I trust , will fully satisfie all sorts in time . Though the slips in this as in the rest , be very many , the difficultie of the labour to obserue duly all the directions , both for Grāmar , proprietie , puritie and otherwise , ( as whos●euer makes triall will soone perceiue ) and also my continuall employment may pleade for me , desiring , if the Lord vouchsafe that fauour , to refine them all ; like as I hope that he who hath thus far proceeded , will for his owne glory and the good of his people , perfect the whole worke in his due time . Whereunto crauing thy loue and prayers , I 〈◊〉 thee 〈◊〉 his grace , and rest thi● , in what his goodnes shal v●chsafe vnto me ▪ I. B. THE ‖ BVCOLICKS OF PVBLIVS VIRGILIVS MARO : The first ‖ Eclogue * which is named ‖ Tityrus . ‖ THE ARGVMENT . ‖ MElibeus a sheepheard , * vnder whose name we here vnderstand any sheepheard of Mantua , * being driuen out of his bounds ‖ by an old souldier , * bewaileth ‖ his calamitie in this Eclog : * & aggrauates his miseries by comparing them with the felicitie of Tityrus his neighbour . * Tityrus contrarily , ( who represents the person of Virgil , ) being now ‖ secure , * hauing recouered his possessions , * extols Augustus ‖ the author of his quietnesse with * admirable praises euen vnto heauen . * Towards the end of the Eclogue , * it being now nere night , * he inuites Melibeus to his house * with a kind of rurall curtesie . THE FIRST ECLOGVE , which is called ( 1 ) TITYRVS . [ The speakers are ] ( 2 ) Melibeus and Tityrus . Melibeus . a TItyrus , thou * lying all along vnder the * ( 3 ) couert of * the ( 4 ) broade ( 5 ) beech tree , Doest * ‖ deuise ‖ a wood-land ( 6 ) song * vpon a slender ( 7 ) oaten pipe . b We ‖ leaue the * bounds of our countrey and [ our ] ‖ sweet ( 8 ) fields : We ‖ flie ‖ our countrey : [ but ] * thou ( Tityrus ) lying securely in the * shade , ‖ Teachest the woods ‖ to resound faire ( 9 ) Amaryl . Tit. c Oh Melibeus [ our ] ( 10 ) God hath * wrought this * peace for vs ; For ( 11 ) he shall * alwaies be my god , d a ‖ tender lambe [ fetched ] from our * foulds shall * sprinkle * ‖ his altar oftentimes . e Hee hath ‖ permitted my ( 12 ) kine * ( 13 ) to pasture freely all abroad , as thou seest , and my self to ‖ ( 14 ) play what tunes I please , with my ‖ fielden * ( 15 ) pipe . Melib. * f In truth I do not ‖ enuie [ thy felicitie , ] ‖ I admire it rather . * We [ of Mantua ] ( 16 ) are miserably molested on euery side in * al our grounds . * Lo , I my selfe being ( 17 ) feeble * do driue * my goats ( 18 ) far off , * and moreouer , Tityrus * I can scarsly ( 19 ) * drag after me this weake goate . g For she hauing * eaned euen now ( alasse ) vpon a bare flint stone , hath left ‖ twins the hope of [ my ] flocke , here amongst the thicke hazels . h I remember the ( 20 ) oakes * smitten from ( 21 ) heauen * to haue foretold vs this ‖ mischiefe oftentimes , ‖ if that our mind had not bene * besotted . i ( 23 ) Oft times * the ( 24 ) vnluckie chough foretold it from the hollow holme . k But ‖ notwithstanding Tityrus * tell vs who this god is . Tit. l Oh Melibeus ‖ I foole ‖ though [ that ] city which [ men ] call Rome , to be like to this our [ 25 ) Mātua ] whither [ we ] sheephea● ▪ * are often wont * to driue * our tender lambs . m ( 26 ) So * had I knowne ( 27 ) whelpes like * to the dams , [ and ] thus [ * had known ] ( 28 ) kids like * vnto the ( 29 ) goates : thus was I ( 30 ) wont to compare great things ‖ to small . n But * this ‖ hath lifted vp the head * so high ( 31 ) amongst [ all ] other cities ; * As the cypresse trees are wont among the * weake ‖ wilde vines . Mel. o ( 32 ) And what so great * a cause hadst thou of seeing Rome ? Tit. p ‖ Liberty : which * though it were long first , yet at length * looked backe vnto me , being altogether ‖ * vnprofitable [ before . ] q After that ( 33 ) ‖ a whiter beard fell * from me in trimming . r Notwithstanding ( 34 ) it looked backe vnto [ me ] & came ‖ after a long while . s [ But ] ‖ since that time , that Amaryllis * hath got vs , ‖ Galatea hath left [ vs : ] t * And why ( ‖ for I will confesse ) ‖ whilst Galatea held me , ( 35 ) Neither * had I any hope of freedome , nor care of mine ( 36 ) estate . u Although * many a ( 37 ) sacrifice went out of my ( 38 ) folds . And ‖ fat cheese was * made [ by me ] for that ( 39 ) vnthankfull ( 40 ) citie : Yet * my right hand returned not home loaden with ( 41 ) money at any time . Melib. x Oh ( 42 ) Amaryl , I wondered why thou * so pensiuely * calledst vpon the gods . ‖ For whom thou sufferedst [ his ] apples to hang vpon * their trees : ( 43 ) Tityrus was ‖ absent hence : oh Tityrus the very pinetrees called thee : ‖ The fountaines themselues [ did call ] thee : [ yea ] these same very ( 44 ) groues cald for thee . Tit. y What should I do ? for neither could I get out of * slauerie , Nor know ‖ the gods so present otherwhere . z Oh Melibeus , here I saw ‖ * ( 45 ) that renowned Youth , * for whom ‖ our altars smoake twise sixe dayes euery yeare . ( 46 ) Here he first gaue this answer to me * humbly petitioning : ( 47 ) Ye * seruants feede [ your ] ‖ oxen * as in former time , 48 ) * yoak [ your ] buls [ againe . ] Mel. ( 49 ) ( 50 ) ‖ O a fortunate old man ! * then ‖ shall thy * grounds remaine to thee , And ‖ large enough for thee , ‖ although a bare stone and a fennie ditch * incloseth all [ thy ] pastures with 51 the slimie bulrush . b Al. [ Yet ] ‖ * vnwonted pasturing shall not * annoy thy cattel ( 52 ) great with yong : Nor yet the * contagious diseases of [ thy ] * neighbours cattell shall hurt [ them . ] c O fortunate old man , thou * mayest catch here oft times ( 53 ) the coole aire in the shade , ‖ amongst the knowne riuers & the ( 54 ) sacred fountaines . d * On the one side the hedge which is * on thy neighbours bound , ( 54 ) being fed vpon continually by the bees of ( 55 ) ( 56 ) Hybla , * [ for ] the flower of the * * ( 57 ) sallow groue will * moue thee oftentimes * to fall asleepe with their * pleasant ( 58 ) humming noise . e * On the other side ( 59 ) the tree lopper shall sing * aloud * from the high rocke . * ( 60 ) Ney yet in the meane time the hoarse Stocke-doues * [ which are ] thy delight , Nor the turtle shall ceasse ‖ to mourne from the * ( 61 high elme . Tit. f Therefore ‖ the * swift stags shall feede first in the skie : And ( 62 ) the ‖ narrow seas * shall leaue the fishes * bare vpon the shoare . * ( 63 ) [ And also ] ( 64 ) the Parthian outlaw shall either drink of [ the riuer ] Araris , or the ( 65 ) Germaine shall drinke of [ the riuer ] ( 66 ) Tigris ; * the bounds of both of them gone round about , ‖ before * his countenance shal slide out of our breast . Mel. g But we shall go from hence , * some vnto the thirsty ( 67 ) Africanes : Part [ of vs ] shall ‖ come into ( 68 ) Scythia , and [ part ] vnto ‖ Oaxes the swift [ riuer ] of Creete : And [ we shall come ] * vnto the Britaines being diuided altogether from the whole world . h * Loe , I euer beholding my country bounds after a long time ; And ‖ seeing after * some ( 69 ) Sommers , the top of my poore cottage * thacked with turfe , ‖ being [ now ] ( 70 ) my * kingdome , ( 71 shall I admire [ it ? ] i Shall the * impious souldier haue these so well husbanded ( 72 ) grounds new broken vp ? * Shall the barbarous stranger haue these crops of corne ? ( 73 ) k ‖ Lo whither discord hath brought [ vs ] miserable citizens ! ( 74 ) See for whom we haue sowne our fields ! l O Melibeus , ( 75 ) ‖ greift pearetrees now , * plant vines . m * ( 76 ) Farewell my [ goates ] ( a ‖ happy cattell in time past : ) ( 77 ) farewell my little goates . * ‖ I lying along in a greene * valley , shall not see you hereafter ‖ to hang [ feeding ] a far off vpon the bushie rocke . n I shall sing * no moe songs : Oh my goates ye shall not ‖ crop the flourishing ( 78 ) cithise , and the ( 79 ) ‖ bitter willowes * hauing me to feede you . Tit. ‖ o Yet thou mayest ‖ rest here with me this night , ‖ * Vpon greene ( 80 ) leaues * we haue * mellow apples , * dainty chestnuts , * and good store of cheese . And now ‖ the highest tops of the villages do smoke farre off . And [ likewise ] ‖ greater shadowes fall from the high hils . THE SECOND ECLOGVE * [ CALLED ] ALEXIS . THE ARGVMENT . ‖ COrydon a sheepheard * enamored on a youth called Alexis , * omitteth nothing which may * helpe * to allure his childish mind , and ‖ to get mutuall loue . But when he * perceiueth that he doth not any thing preuaile , neither by complaints , nor by [ his ] * faire words , * nor yet by his gifts ; at length * coming to himselfe , and acknowledging his owne * folly , he determineth * to betake himselfe againe * to the discontinued care * of his priuate businesse at home : that he may ‖ shake off by his accustomed labour , the * ●kesomnesse of his ‖ vnhappie loue , which is wont for most part to * come of idlenesse . * Moreouer * by Corydon ( if we * giue credit to Donate ) we vnderstand Virgil ; * by Alexis , Alexander Pollioes . sonne , * whom he receiued of him after giuen vnto him freely . * THe sheepheard ▪ Corydon * impatiently loued ‖ faire Alexis : Being the * delight of [ his ] maister ; * but yet he could not haue that which he hoped for . Onely he came * daily among the thicke beeches * [ hauing ] shadie tops : there all alone ‖ he tossed these * rude [ meeters ] to the mountaines and woods , * with labour spent in vaine . O cruell Alexis * thou nought regardest my * songs : ‖ Thou takest no pittie of vs : * In a word , * Al. thou causest me to die . Now * euen the cattle * seeke after shades & coole places . Now * do the thorny thickets likewise hide the greene ‖ lizards . And a Thestilis * puns strong smelling hearbs [ as ] garlicke and ‖ wilde betany for the ‖ reapers wearied * in the scorching heate . Al. But the groues * do ring with me ‖ with hoarse grashoppers [ lying ] vnder the burning Sunne , whilst * I spie out ‖ thy footesteps [ on euery side . ] * Had it not bene better [ for me ] to ‖ suffer b * the heauy looks of Amaryl , ] And [ her ] proud * disdaine ? * were it not better to endure Menalcas ? Although he [ be ] ‖ blacke , and albeit thou wert * passing faire . ‖ Oh faire boy , trust not thy * beauty ouermuch ! c * White priuet flowers ‖ fall , ‖ blacke violets are gathered . Alexis , ‖ I am ‖ despised of thee , neither askest thou who I am , Al. ‖ How rich [ I am ] * in cattell white as snow , * what plenty of milke I haue . ‖ My thousand ewe lambes * pasture freely * in the mountaines of Sicily : * I want not new milke in the Sommer , not yet in the cold . ‖ I sing [ the songs ] which Amphion Dirce was wont [ to sing ] * whensoeuer he called [ his ] d heards * vpon the hill Aracinthus butting vpon the shoare . Neither am I so ‖ deformed : e I saw my selfe of late [ * as I stood ] vpon the ‖ shoare : When as the sea ‖ stood calme from winds . I will not feare ‖ Daphnis , thy selfe being iudge , if the ‖ shadow [ in the water ] do neuer ‖ deceiue . * Oh that it might but like [ thee ] ▪ [ to dwell ] with me in the countrey [ though ] base to thee , * and in [ our ] low cottages , * and to pitch downe f forked stakes . And for to driue [ my ] flocke of kids ‖ vnto g the greene * bulrushes . * [ Then ] shouldest thou imitate h Pan , * in singing with me in the woods . ‖ Pan * deuised first to ioyne together ‖ moe reedes with waxe . ‖ Pan cares for sheepe , and for the maisters of the sheepe . Neither can it repent thee ‖ to haue worne * thy lip with a reeden pipe . What did not Amyntas ‖ do , ‖ that he might know * these things ? * I haue a pipe made of seuen different reeds , which Dametas * gaue me long ago : And dying said ; * This hath thee now * the second . [ Thus ] spake Dametas ; foolish Amyntas ‖ enuied [ it . ] * [ I haue ] moreouer two kids which I found in a perillous dale , whose skins are also speckled now with white . * Each of which sucks dry two sheepes dugs euery day , * which I [ also ] keepe for thee . Thestilis * intreated lately * to haue them away from me : And * she shall , because ‖ our gifts * are so basely esteemed of thee . ‖ Oh faire boy come hither . ‖ Behold i the Nymphes bring thee ‖ lillies in full baskets : * beautifull k Nais * gathering for thee pale violets * and poppie flowers , * Tyes together the * white daffodill and the flowers of pleasant smelling * dill : Then * platting them with ‖ cassia and with other sweete hearbes , She * sets in fine order dainty violets ‖ with the yellow marigold . I my selfe will gather * apples hauing cotten coates : And chestnuts which my Amaryllis ‖ loued . * I will [ withall ] bring ‖ plums as yellow as waxe , * and this apple shall be in high esteeme . * Oh lawrels , I will plucke branches euen from you : and * thou mirtle [ which art ] next in [ sweetnesse ‖ I will likewise crop thee . ] Because ye being * so composed * do make sweete smels . Corydon thou art * a clowne , neither doth Alexis regard [ thy ] gifts . * Ney will l Iolas yeeld [ to thee ] if thou contend with gifts . * [ Alasse ] for me poore wretch ! what meant I ▪ [ for ] being * vtterly forlorrie , I haue * let in the South-wind to [ my ] flowers , and the boares into my * liquid springs . A● ‖ mad [ Alexis ] whom doest thou flie ? for euen the gods haue ‖ inhabited the woods , And m Paris descended from Dardanus . * Let Pallas delight in the towers which her selfe hath built : [ but ] let the woods ‖ please vs * aboue all [ other ] things . The ‖ sterne lionesse doth * pursue the wolfe , the wolfe himselfe [ pursues ] the goate , ‖ The wanton goate , seekes after the blooming cythisus : Oh Alexis , Corydon followeth after thee : * euery ones owne pleasure draweth him . See , the bullockes * bring [ home ] the plowes hanged * to their yoakes : And the Sun * going downe doubleth [ his ] ‖ increasing shadowes : ‖ Yet loue doth still burne me for what measure * can there be in loue ? Ah Corydon , Corydon , what madnesse hath * caught thee ? * Thou hast a vine halfe pruned * in a thicke branching elme . But * prepare thou rather at least * to make something , * whereof there is neede : * with oziers and soft bulrushes . Thou shalt find another ‖ [ companion ] if this Alexis * do thinke scorne of thee . THE THIRD ECLOGVE * [ viz. ] PALEMON . THE ARGVMENT . [ IN this Eclogue ] [ two ] sheepheards * Menalcas and Dametas do first contend by taunting one another : * by and by Palemon comming as a iudge between them , * they trie the mastery by the law of a verse ‖ sung by course : where neither [ of them ] is ouercome , but * one of them is equall to the other , by the ‖ sentence of Palemon . [ The speakers are ] Menalcas , Dametas , [ and ] Palemon . Men. * TEll me Dametas , whose a cattell are these ? * Are they Melibees ? Dam. No , * but they are Egons cattell ; Egon lately * cōmitted [ them ] to me . Men. 〈◊〉 . O b sheepe alwayes an vnfortunate cattell ! whilest ‖ he himselfe doth * woo Neera , and is afraid lest she should preferre me * before him . This fellow ‖ being another mans sheepherd , milks his sheepe twise in an houre : And both the c * flesh is plucked off * from the ewes , and the * milke [ is stolen ] from the lambes . Dam. Yet remember * that these things ought to be more sparingly obiected ‖ vnto men . We know both * who [ saw ] you , Al. [ your ] hegoates ‖ looking [ at you ] d asquint , And in what chappel ; but the * gentle Nymphs did [ onely ] smile . Men. Then I beleeue , when they saw me [ ‖ cut ] * Mycons e groue , And to * spoile his * tender yong vines with ‖ a naughtie hooke . Dam. * Or here at the old ‖ beech trees , when thou brakest ‖ the bow and arrowes of Daphnis , which thou * peeuish Menalcas * grudgedst at , euen when thou sawest them giuen to the boy : * And if thou hadst not hurt [ him ] some way , ‖ thou wouldest haue died [ with spite . ] Men. * What shall maisters doe , when ‖ theeues dare be so bold ? O * thou leud fellow , did not I see thee * steale Micons goate , * when his f wolfe-dog barkt ●pace ▪ And when * I cried out , whither now * runs the theefe ? ‖ Tityrus gather [ thy ] cattell : * thou lurked● behind the sedges . Dam. * Should not he , being ouercome ‖ in singing , restore to me [ My ] goate , ‖ which my pipe * had wonne by play ? If thou knowest not , that goate was ‖ mine , and Damon himselfe confessed it to me , but denied * that he had power to restore it me . Menal. * Thou him by play ? * or euer hadst thou a pipe [ but onely ] set together with waxe ? * Oh thou vnskilfull fellow , wast not thou wont * to lauish out [ thy ] * pitifull * musicke * vpon a creaking stubble pipe in the common crosse wayes ? Dam. * Wilt thou therefore that we make triall between our selues ‖ by course , what * each of vs can do ? ‖ * I le lay down this heifer to stake ; ( [ and ] lest peraduenture thou shouldest ‖ refuse , ) ‖ she comes twise [ a day ] to the milking paile , [ and besides ] * she brings vp two calues . * Speake thou , for what wager * thou darest play with me . Men. I dare not * lay * any thing with thee of my flocke , * For I haue a father at home , [ yea ] I haue a cruell stepmother , And both of them * ‖ do tell the cattell twise a day , * and one of them the kids . * But ( because tho● wilt needs be so lustie ) [ I will lay that which thou thy selfe shalt confesse to be * farre greater ▪ [ to wit , two ] beech● cups , ‖ the carued works of [ that ] ‖ diuine ●medon : * In which a 〈◊〉 vine flourished 〈◊〉 with a fine g caruing toole , * Doth decke the berries scattered ouer it here and there , with a pale i●uie branch . In the midst [ of them are ] two * pictures h * Conon ; and who was * th● other ? ‖ [ He ] who hath described the whole world to the nations with [ i his ] * Iacobs staffe . * ‖ The times which * the reaper [ and ] which the k crooked plowman should haue . * Neither haue I l ‖ put my lips to them as yet ▪ but reserue them layd vp safe . Dam. * The same Alcimedon hath made likewise two cups for vs , * And bordered [ them ] about the stouks with * pleasant branke vrsine . * And hath set m Orpheus in the midst , and ●he woods ‖ following him . ] Neither as yet haue I put my lips vnto them , put * reserue [ them ] layd ●p safe . [ But yet ] ‖ if thou ●ookst to [ my ] heifer , * there is no cause that ●hou shouldst ‖ praise [ thy ] cups . Men. * Thou shalt neuer [ so ] escape this day : I will come ‖ whither soeuer thou shalt call [ me : ] ‖ Let [ any ] heare these things , ‖ at least euen he that comes [ yonder , ] lo Palemon . * I will make thee that thou shalt neuer hereafter challenge any man to sing . Dam. * Go to then , if thou hast ‖ any thing , there shall be no * delay in me . Neither * feare I any man : onely , neighbour Palemon , * Weigh these things with thy best thoughts ▪ the ‖ matter is not small ▪ Pal. * Begin then ▪ seeing that we sit together * vpon the 〈◊〉 grasse : And now * all the field [ is beautifull , ] now euery tree , puts forth : Now woods * wa● greene , [ yea ] now * the year 〈◊〉 [ is ] the faire● * Begin Dametas , and then Menalcas thou shalt follow . You shall speake ‖ by [ turnes ] one after another : the n Muses loue [ songs ] * that go by turnes . Dam. ‖ The beginning of my song [ shall be ] from Iupiter : all things are * filled with Ioue . * He preserues the earth : * he respects my songs . Men. And o Apollo loueth me . * Apollos owne gifts are euermore with me , * [ both ] lawrels and the pleasant red p Hyacinthus . Dam. ‖ Galatea that ‖ wanton girle * hits me with apples [ oftentimes . ] And [ then ] * runnes ‖ to the sallow trees , * but she desireth to be seene before . Men. But my loue Amyntas offers ‖ himself to me of his owne accord : * That ‖ Diana is not now better knowne vnto our dogs . Dam. * I haue prepared gifts for my loue : for why , I * my selfe haue marked a place where the q ‖ woodculuers haue made their nests . Men. I haue sent to to the * Youth what * I could [ get ] * ten fine orenges * chosen out of a tree of the wood ; I will send other ten to morrow . Dam. Oh how oft * and what sweete speeches hath Galatea vsed to vs ! * [ Ye ] windes carrie some part [ of them ] to the eares of the Gods. Men. Amyntas , * what good doth it [ me ] that thou doest not ‖ despise me in thy * heart : * If , whilest thou * pursuest the boares in chase , ‖ I [ onely ] keepe the nets ? Dam. q Iolas * send me Phyllis , ‖ it is my r birth day : * When I shall s offer sacrifice with an heifer for my ‖ fruites , then come thou . Men. I loue Phyllis * aboue [ all ] other [ maides , ] for she wept , * ‖ that I should depart ; And said , * Oh faire Iolas , t farewell for euer , u farewell [ Iolas . ] Dam. The wolfe [ is ] a * dreadfull thing to the x foulds , * the showres to the corne [ full ] ripe ; The windes to the trees , the frowning looks of Amaryl to vs. Men. The moisture [ is ] a pleasant thing to the * [ new ] sowne fields , y the * Seruice tree to the * wained kids ; The limber ‖ willow * to the cattell great with yong : onely Amyntas [ ‖ is pleasing ] vnto me . Dam. Pollio loueth our * song , though it be [ but ] ‖ countrey like . Ye z Muses of the hill Pierius , feed a heifer ‖ for your reader . Men. * Pollio also himselfe maketh ‖ new songs : feed ye a bull , Which may * put with his horne , and * scrape abroad the sand with his feete . Dam. Pollio , he that loueth thee , let him ‖ come [ to that honour ] * whereunto he reioyceth [ that thou likewise art come . * Let him haue hony abundantly , and let the ‖ rough ‖ bramble beare him ‖ Amomus . Meuius , let him that * abhorres not Bauius , loue thy verses . * And let the same man * yoke foxes together [ for the plow ] and milke he goates . Dam. Ye * ‖ boyes that gather flowers and strawberries * creeping vpon the ground : * get ye hence , * there is a cold snake lying hid in the grasse . Men. [ * Ye sheepherds ] * suffer not [ * your ] sheepe to go too neare the riuer , it is not good to trust the banke , [ for ] euen the Ram himselfe now drieth [ his ] * fleece . Dam. Tityrus a * driue away [ thy ] grazing goates from the riuer side , * My selfe will wash [ them ] ‖ all in a [ faire ] ‖ fountaine , when time * shall serue . Men. * Lads gather [ your ] sheepe , if ‖ heate * drie vp [ their ] milke , We shall * wring [ their ] teates in vaine , as [ we did ] of late . Dam. * Alas how leane a bull haue I in such a fertile b field ! The same loue is * a spoiling to the cattel * and to their maister [ too . ] Men. * Certainly loue is not the cause * in these , * they scarcely hang together by the bones . * I wot not ‖ what eye * bewitcheth my tender lambes . Dam. c Tell [ me ] in what * countrey the ‖ space of heauen * is three elnes wide and no more , ‖ and thou shalt be [ as ] great d Apollo vnto me . Men. [ And ] tell thou [ me ] in what countrey e flowers grow , * hauing written on them the names of kings , ‖ * and thou alone take Phyllis [ for thy labour . ] Pal. No , * it is our part to end so great a strife . ‖ Both thou [ Menalcas ] art worthy of the heifer , and also he , and whosoeuer * shall either be afraide of pleasant loue , or trie the bitternesse thereof . * Lads , shut vp [ your ] * sluces now , the medowes haue drunke enough . THE FOVRTH ECLOGVE [ named ] Pollio . THE ARGVMENT . * ASinius Pollio Leader of the Germaine armie had a sonne borne the same yeare in which he won Salone a citie of Dalmatia ; which sonne he called Saloninus by the name of the citie which he had taken . a * Vnto this [ Saloninus ] the Poet in this Eclogue singeth a Genethliacum , detorting to that purpose those things which Sibyl had prophecied of the future felicitie of the golden age : yet ‖ by the way , he ‖ mixeth the praises of Pollio [ ‖ his ] father and also * of Augustus then Emperour of Rome . The Poet alone . ‖ YE b Sicilian Muses , * let vs sing of matters somewhat more ‖ high . * Groues and low * heath ‖ do not delight * all sorts . [ Notwithstanding ] if we do sing of woods , ‖ the [ very ] woods * may beseeme a Consull for to reade . c The last * age of Sibyls song * is now alreadie come . d The great order of ages * doth begin anew . e Now * euen f the virgin doth returne , Saturnes * kingdome comes againe . * Now is [ that ] new ‖ of-spring sent downe ‖ from heauen . Oh chaste g Lucina , ‖ fauour thou * the babe that 's now in birth , * by whom the iron * [ age ] shall first haue end , and the golden age * shall begin again in all the world . ‖ Thy [ brother ] h Apollo now reigneth . ‖ And thus ( oh Pollio ) * this glorie of the world ‖ shall enter in , * whilest thou art Consull , [ I say ] in thy Consulship , and i the great moneths shall begin * to take their place . * In thy reigne the * prints ‖ of our wickednesse , if any do remaine , * Being vtterly taken away , shall ‖ free the earth ‖ from perpetuall feare . * He shall ‖ receiue the life of the [ immortall ] Gods , and shall see the ‖ Nobles [ of former ages ] * mixt in company amongst the Gods , * and shall himselfe [ likewise ] be seene of them . k And he shall * gouerne the world being set in peace * by his fathers ‖ valour . l * But vnto thee [ oh child ] the earth shall send forth [ her ] first gifts without any labour , [ to wit ] * spreading ivies , with * Ladies gloues , and Egyptian beanes intermixed with * pleasant branke vrsine . * The litle goates shall returne home , * [ hauing ] their dugs strut out with milk : * the herds of cattel shall not feare the * ‖ fell Lions . * Thy very cradle shal yeeld thee pleasant flowers . * Both the serpent shall * perish , * and the deceitfull * venimous herbe shall die ; the Asfyrian vine shall grow * euery where . m * But so soone as euer thou shalt be able to reade the praises of worthy Nobles , * and the famous acts of thy father ; ‖ and to know what * valour is : n ‖ The field shall wax yellow by little and little * with tender eares of corne : * And the red grape shall hang vpon * the rough bramble : The hard oakes likewise ‖ shall sweate * hony dewes . o * Yet [ some ] few prints of ancient guile shall secretly remaine : * Which can ‖ command to trie the p Sea with * ships , * and compasse townes with walls , [ and ] * which [ will inforce ] to till the ground . * Then shall there be another q Tiphys , and another Argo too , which may carrie the chosen Nobles ; there shall be also ‖ other warres : And * valiant Achilles ‖ shall be sent againe to Troy. But * after this when thou shalt come to mans estate , * Al. The * ship-man himselfe * shall leaue the sea . * The r ship of pine-tree shall not change her merchandize ; * euery countrey shall beare all things . The ground shall not * need * harrowes , * nor the vineyard the * pruning hooke . And now the * sturdie plow man ‖ shall loose the yoakes from his buls . Neither * shall the wooll learne to counterfet diuers colours . But the Ram himselfe in the medowes * shall one while change his fleece with a sweete red s purple , another while with t a yellow saffron colour . ‖ u Sandix shall clothe the lambes feeding , of it owne accord . x * The fatall Ladies agreeing in a stable * decree of destinies , * haue spoken to their spindles [ thus : ] ‖ Runne ye out * such like times . ‖ Oh deare of spring of the Gods , oh great increase of Ioue , * enter vpon thy high renowne , * now the time will be at hand . Behold the world [ now ] * reeling with a bending weight : Both the * earth and * the sea coasts , and also the * high heauen : Behold how all things do reioyce for this [ golden ] ‖ age * to come . ‖ Oh that the last part of [ my ] life may last so long to me : * [ And ] of my breath as may suffice to record thy worthy acts . * Neither y Orpheus of Thracia shal passe me [ then ] in song : * Nor yet z Li● , although the mother of the one were by , and the father of the other . [ To wit , ‖ though ] Calliopeia [ were present ] vnto Orpheus , and faire Apollo to Linus . ‖ [ Yea though ] Pan also * should contend with me , ‖ Archadia being iudge : Yet Pan would acknowledge himself ouercome , euen Archadia being iudge . * Begin [ oh litle boy ] to know thy mother by [ thy ] smiling : ‖ [ For ] ten moneths haue brought long * wearinesse * to her . ‖ Oh litle boy ‖ begin , * at whom [ his ] parents haue not smiled , Neither God [ a Genius [ vouchsafed ] him [ his ] table , nor the Goddesse [ Iuno ] accounted [ him ] worthy of [ her ] bed . THE FIFTH ECLOGVE [ * intituled ] DAPHNIS . THE ARGVMENT . [ IN this Eclogue ] [ two ] sheepheards , Menalcas and Mopfus , * bewaile the death of their friend Daphnis : and one of them sings his ‖ Epitaph ; the other ‖ his canonization . There are * that thinke that by Daphnis , Caesar is vnderstood , who was stabbed in the Senate house with three and twentie wounds , a litle before that the Poet writ these verses . Others do take Quintilius Varus slain in Germanie with ‖ three ‖ legions [ to be here meant . ] Others * thinke it rather of Flaccus Maro Virgils brother , concerning whom there is extant that Distick so commonly vsed , but of an vncertaine author . Oh learned Maro , whilest thou doest bewaile the sorowfull destinies * of thy Flaccus vnder the name of Daphnis , thou equali●est thy brother vnto the immortall Gods. The speakers are Menalcas and Mopsus . Men. a OH Mopsus , * why sit we not downe here among the elmes ‖ mixt with hazels ? seeing we haue met together , both of vs * being skilfull , * thou to blow vp thy light pipes , [ and ] * I to sing in verse . Mop. Menalcas , * thou art mine ancient , * it is meete for me to yeeld to thee . Whether [ we * go into ] the shades being ‖ vncertaine * thorough the wauing West winds : Or rather if we enter into [ ‖ this ] caue : * See how the wilde vine hath ouerspread the caue , * with bunches of grapes dispersed here and there . Men. * Let Amyntas onely trie maisteries with thee in [ these ] our hils . Mops. * What if he * dare trie to go beyond Apollo in singing ? Men. Mopsus * begin thou first , if thou haue either any * loues of b Phillis , or the praises of c Alcon , or else the brawlings of d Codrus . Begin : Tityrus * shall ●end * thy kids , whilst that they feed . Mops. Yea rather I will trie [ to sing ] these * songs , which I wrote of late in the greene bark * of a beech , * and tuning noted them * by course . Then bid thou * Amyntas trie . Men. * As much as the ‖ limber willow * is inferiour ‖ to the pale oliue : [ And ] how much the low ‖ lauender [ giues place ] to the * red rose borders : * Amyntas in our opinion is so farre inferiour vnto thee . But * sirra , ceasse [ to adde ] moe words ; we are come vnto the caue . Mop. f The Nymphs * bewailed Daphnis * perishing * by a cruel death : * ye hazels and ye riuers [ too ] are witnesses vnto the Nymphes . When as [ his ] mother * embracing ‖ the miserable bodie of her sonne , * calls both Gods and starres ‖ cruell . Oh Daphnis , ‖ not any [ heardmen ] draue their * cattell , * hauing graz'd , vnto the * coole streames ‖ in those dayes : neither did any foure-footed beast taste of the riuer , nor touch * a chier of grasse . [ Oh worthy ] Daphnis , both the ‖ wilde mountains & the woods * report , * that euen the African Lions mourned for thy * death . g Daphnis both ‖ ordained [ first ] ‖ to tie the Armenian Tigres to the coach ; [ also he appointed ] ‖ to bring in h dances vnto Bacchus . i And * to bind about the ‖ limber speares with * pleasant leaues . k As the vine is the * honour to the trees , [ and ] as the grapes [ * are ] to the vines ; And the buls [ are ] to the * heards ; as ‖ the standing corne [ * is ] to the * fruitfull fields : [ So ] thou art all the honour ‖ vnto thine . l * Since that the fates haue taken thee away , * Pales her selfe and euen Apollo too hath left the fields : * Mischieuous darnell and ‖ barren oates * do beare the sway ‖ in the furrowes , whereto ‖ we haue ‖ committed great barley oftentimes . * For the pleasant violet , [ and ] for the purple * ‖ Narcissus , The thistle and ‖ white thorne grow ▪ vp with [ their ] sharpe pricks . m [ Yee ] sheepheards ‖ strew the ground with leaues , * make shades about the fountaines , Daphnis commands such things to be done for him . And make ‖ a tombe , * and set this verse vpon the same . * Daphnis I am , known in the woods from hence vnto the starres . A keeper [ loe ] of cattell faire , yet fairer am my selfe . Men. n Oh diuine Poet , thy verse [ is ] * so pleasant vnto vs , * As sleepe to wearie [ men ] [ lying ] in the grasse ; [ and ] as in the heate , To quench [ ones ] thirst with a * bubbling streame of sweete water . Neither doest thou match [ thy ] ‖ maister onely * in thy pipe , but also in thy voice . Oh fortuna● * lad , thou now shalt be * the next to him . * Yet notwithstanding we will tune these songs of ours to thee againe by course , ‖ in some fashion , and we will extoll thy Daphnis to the skies . We will * aduance Daphnis vnto the starres : [ for ] * Daphnis likewise loued vs. Mops. * Can any thing be dearer vnto vs then such a verse ? Both * the youth himselfe was worthy to be sung of : and ‖ Stimichon commended these verses vnto vs , al. now of late . Men. * Glorious Daphnis * wonders at the vnaccustomed * gate of * heauen , and seeth the clouds and * starres vnder his feete . Therefore * pleasure doth possesse the merrie woods , ‖ and other countries , and Pan also & the sheepheards , and ‖ those gir●es [ called ] Dryades . * The wolfe [ deuiseth ] not any hurt vnto the ‖ cattell , nor any ‖ nets intend deceit vnto the stags ; good Daphnis loueth * peace . Oh Menalcas , * the hils vnlopt lift vp their voices with ioy vnto the starres : the very rockes [ do sound out ] verses now , the groues themselues * do ring ; he [ is ] a God , a God [ he is . ] * O be thou good and * gracious to thine . Behold ‖ foure altars . * Loe ( Daphnis ) two for thee , and the [ other ] two o altars for Apollo . ‖ * I will prepare for thee euery yeare two pots ‖ foaming with new milke , and two * great cups of fat oyle . ‖ And making ‖ merry bankets , chiefly * with good store of wine , Before the fire if it shall be cold , * if hot , [ then ] in the * shade , Will powre but * a new and pleasant drinke [ euen ] * malmsey , with sacrificing cups . p Dametas and Egon * of Creete * shall sing me songs : q Alphesibeus shall imitate the dancing ‖ Satyres . r * These [ sacred rites ] * shall euer be [ performed ] to thee , both when we shall * pay our ‖ solemne vowes vnto the Nymphs , and * when we ‖ view the fields . s * Whilest the Boare [ shall loue ] the ridges of the hils , [ and ] whilest the fish shall loue the streames : * And whilest the Bees shall be fed ‖ with thyme , [ and ] the grashoppers with the dew ; [ Thy ] honour and thy name and praises shall euermore remaine . The husbandmen * shal make vowes yearely vnto thee , like as vnto Bacchus and to Ceres . And thou shalt also ‖ charge them with their vowes . Mopsus . t What [ gifts shall I bestow on ] thee ? * what can I requite ‖ for such a song ? * For neither doth the whisling of the South-wind rising , so much [ delight ] me : Nor the shores * beaten on with the waues , do please me [ so , ] * nor yet the streames which do run downe amongst the stonie ‖ valleys . Men. * We will first bestow on thee this brittle pipe : ‖ This [ pipe taught ] vs : Corydon impatiently loued faire Alexis . This same taught vs : Whose cattell [ are these ? ] * are they Melibees ? Mops. But Menalcas , take thou [ ‖ this ] sheephooke , ‖ being very faire , with * equall knots and studs of brasse , which Antigenes * could not obtaine , * though he oft requested it of mee , ‖ and [ yet ] was he then worthy to be loued . THE SIXTH ECLOGVE [ * called ] SILENVS . THE ARGVMENT . IN this Eclogue [ ‖ the Poet ] brings in Silenus drunke , ( as it well became the schoolemaister of Bacchus ) but yet ‖ singing very skilfully according to the opinion of the Epicures , ‖ concerning the beginnings of [ all ] things , and that ‖ in fauour of Quintilius Varus : * who , as Donate saith , gaue himselfe to the studie of this discipline , together with Virgil , vnder Silon the Philosopher . But because these things did not sufficiently * accord ‖ to the low straine * of a pastorall verse , * he presently at his entrance craueth pardon ; and not tarying long in that argument , forthwith passeth vnto certaine fained tales . The Poet himselfe is the onely speaker in this Eclogue . OVr [ Muse ] a Thalia vouchsafed first ‖ to play ‖ in b Syracusian verse , and blushed not * to dwell among the woods . * When as I sang of Kings and ‖ warres , * Apollo * pluckt me by the care , and warned me : Oh Tityrus * it becometh a sheepheard to fat [ his ] sheepe , [ and ] to sing a teased verse . * Now will I play a countrey tune with my slender reeden pipe : ( for Varus thou shalt haue ●now who will desire to speake of thy praises , and * to describe thy dreadfull warres . I do not sing * vnbidden things : yet if any one shall also [ reade ] these [ verses , ] if any one * enamoured with the loue [ of thee ] will reade them . Oh Varus , * our heath shall sing thy praises . Euery ‖ wood ‖ shall sing of thee : * for there is not any * writing more pleasing ‖ to Apollo , then that * which beares the name of Varus . * Yee Muses of the hill Pierius proceede . ‖ The lads Chromis and Mnasilus saw ‖ Silenus lying fast asleepe in a caue , * Hauing his veines blowne vp , * with wine the day before , as alwayes [ hee was wont . ] [ His ] garlands lay * a good way off , ‖ onely slipped * from his head , * And a great ‖ kan hanged by , hauing the eare all worne . [ * They ] setting [ on him ] ( for ‖ the old man had oft times mocked them both ‖ with hope of a song ) ‖ cast bonds vpon him [ made ] of his very garlands . Egle * adioyned her selfe [ as ] a companion , * and came to helpe these timorous youths : [ Euen ] Egle the fairest of the. * water Nymphs , ‖ and painted [ both ] the forehead and the temples of the head [ * of him ] now ‖ seeing [ her , ] with bloudie coloured mulberies . Hee laughing at [ ‖ their ] subtiltie ; to what end knit you these bands ? quoth he . ‖ Yee boyes , loose me : c it is enough * that I could be seene [ of you . ] * Chuse ye what songs you will haue , * you shall haue songs . * She shall haue another reward . * [ And ] so withall doth he begin . ‖ And then indeede you might behold both the ‖ Fawnes and wilde beasts too , * to dance in measure and in time ; then might you see the * sturdie oakes to waue their tops . * So that Parnassus rock * doth not so much reioyce in Phoebus : * Nor d Rhodope and Ismarus do so admire Orpheus . e For he sang how the f seeds * of the earth and of the aire , and also of the water , and likewise of the ‖ liquid fire , were first gathered together * thorough out the great vast space : Al. how all things [ tooke ] their beginnings of the first [ seeds , ] and how the ‖ tender globe it selfe of the round world did grow together : Then [ loe ] the earth began to harden and to separate * the Ocean sea from * Pontus , ‖ and by litle and litle to take the * shapes of things . * And also how the earth is now astonished [ to see ] ‖ the new Sunne to begin to shine . And [ how ] ‖ the showres do fall * from clouds remoued on high [ from th' earth , ] ‖ When first the woods * began * to grow vp , * and at what time the beasts wandered vp and downe throughout the vnknowne mountaines . g * After this [ he sang of ] the stones cast by Pyrrha , and of Saturnes kingdomes . * And withall he sings of the birds of the hill Caucasus and the theft of Prometheus , &c. THE SEVENTH ECLOGVE [ * called ] Meliboeus . THe Argument of this Eclogue is taken from the * Pastorals of Theocritus . And here the Poet brings in * the sheepheard Melibeus reporting * a Pastorall ▪ contention betweene Corydon and Thyrsis , whereat by chance ( as he sought a goate which had * strayed from his flocke ) * hee was present , * being called [ thereto ] by Daphnis the iudge of the * maistery : whom he * intimates to haue giuen sentence with Corydon , whenas he saith at the end of the Eclogue : * These things I remember , ‖ that Thyrsis ouercome , contended all in vaine . The speakers are Meliboeus , Corydon , Thyrsis . Mel. * DAphnis as it fell out , sate downe vnder a * whizzing holme : And both Corydon and Thyrsis * had gathered their flockes into one , * Thyrsis [ his ] sheepe , Corydon his goates bagd with milke . * Both of them flourishing in age , ‖ both Arcadians . * Also matches in singing , and prepared to answer [ one another by turnes . ] * Whilst I was fencing my tender myrtles from the cold : the goate himselfe the leader of the flocke , had strayed from me hither : * and then I spied Daphnis : * who when he saw me ouer against him , * spake quickly [ thus vnto me . ] * Come hither Melibeus , thy goate is safe , and so likewise thy kids . And if thou canst * stay any whit , rest [ with me ] vnder the * shade . * The bullockes will come hither to drinke , thorough the medowes of their owne accord . Al. Here a the greene riuer Mincius hath couered his banks with tender reeds : and the swarmes of bees ‖ resound from the holy oake . What should I do ? for neither had I Alcippe [ my wife ] nor [ my daughter ] Phillis al. at home , which might ‖ shut vp [ my lambes ] * weaned from the milke . And there was * a great match to be tried * b betweene Corydon and Thyrsis . * Yet set I mine owne serious [ businesses ] after ‖ their sport . Then ‖ both of them began * to trie with verses sung ‖ by course . The Muses wold haue [ them ] record c [ their * songs by turnes . ‖ Corydon [ rehearsed ] * these [ first , and ] Thyrsis related in order those [ that follow . ] C. O Nymphs of d Lybethris , * [ who are ] our chiefe delight , either grant vnto me [ such ] a verse as [ yee vouchsafed ] to my Codrus ; ( for he makes [ verses ] ‖ next vnto the verses of * Apollo : ) or if all of vs cannot [ make such , ] My shrill sounding pipe shall ‖ hang here vpon [ this ] ‖ sacred pine . Th. e Yee Arcadian sheepheards , ‖ adorne with ivie ‖ [ your ] Poet growing [ in his skill , ] ‖ * that Codrus guts may burst for enuie : f ‖ Or if he shall praise [ me ] * more then he would willingly , * compasse yee my browes about with ‖ Saint Iohns wort , lest [ his ] ill tongue should hurt [ me ] * now ready to be a Poet. Cor. g * Oh Diana [ thou hunting Goddesse , ] [ my ] little Mycon [ ‖ offers ] vnto thee this head of the bristly h boare , and [ these ] branched hornes i of the long liued Stag. ‖ If this [ wager ] shall be mine owne , ‖ thou shalt stand [ made ] * wholly of smooth marble k * in purple buskins . Thyrs . l Priapus , ‖ it is enough for thee to expect euery yeare a boll of milke and these cakes : thou art [ but ] the keeper ‖ of the poore orchard . * Now we haue made thee of marble ‖ for the time : * but if increase of yong shall store [ our ] flocke , ‖ [ then ] be thou all of gold . Cor. O Nymph Galatea , daughter of Nereus , sweeter to me ‖ then the thyme of Hybla [ to the bees , ] Whiter then the swans , fairer ‖ then white ivie . So soone as ‖ the buls being fed * shall returne vnto their stals , * if thou haue any care of thy Corydon [ then ] come thou . Th. Yea let me seeme to thee more bitter then m the * Sardinian herbes , * more rough to touch then ‖ butchers broome , more ‖ vile * then n wrake cast vp on shore , If that * this day be not * already longer to me then a whole yeare . O bullockes fed [ enough ; ] go home , * if you haue any shame , be gone . Cod. ‖ Oh mossie springs , * and [ thou ] O grasse o most fost to sleep [ vpon , ] ; And that greene * wilding tree , which couereth you ‖ with her thin * shade , * Keepe off p the vehement heate from the cattell : now the ‖ scorching Summer comes , now ‖ the gemmes * break forth in the * pleasant vine branch . Th. Here [ is ] an herth and q fat gummie wood , here [ is ] euer * good store of fire , and the posts blacke with continuall ‖ soote . ‖ Here care we for the * cold of the North-wind so much as either the wolfe cares for the number [ of the sheepe , ] or * the raging streames [ care for ] the bankes . Cor. Both the iuniper trees stand [ full of fruite ] and also * the rough chest-nuts [ ‖ doe abound . ] * The apples lie euery where strewed vnder their trees : * Now all things laugh : but is faire Alexis ‖ depart from these hils , ‖ [ then ] thou mayest * see the very riuers dried vp . Thyrs . The field * is parcht , * the grasse thirsteth , dying through the distemper of the aire . Bacchus ‖ hath enuied * the shades of the vine branches to the hils . [ But ] euery ‖ wood * shal waxe green [ again ▪ ] by the coming of our Phillis . * And good store of r s pleasant aire shall [ then ] descend * with comfortable showres . Cor. The poplar tree [ is ] * most pleasing to t * Hercules , * the vine to * Bacchus , The myrtle tree to * beautifull Venus , his * owne lawrell * vnto * Apollo . [ But ] Phillis loueth the hazels ; whilest Phillis shall loue them : Neither shal the myrtle tree * surpasse the hazels , * nor the lawrell of Apollo . Th. The ash tree is * the fairest in the woods , * the pine tree in the orchards . * The poplar tree * vpon the riuer bankes , the ●ir tree in the high mountaines . But oh faire Lycidas , * if thou oftener visit● me , The ash in the woods * shall stoope to thee , [ and ] the pine tree * in the orchards . Mol. * These things I remember [ well , ] and Thyrsis * ouer-matched to haue contended all in vaine . Since that time * Corydon , Corydon is for vs. THE EIGHTH ECLOGVE [ INtituled ] * Pharmaceutria , [ or the Witch or Sorceresse . ] THE ARGVMENT . THere are two parts of this Eclogue . In the * former , Damon a shepheard being * enamored with the loue of a [ certaine ] girle [ called ] Nisa ; whenas she had preferred ‖ Mopsus before him , * breakes out into diuers complaints * through impatience of loue . The latter part is almost wholly taken out of an ‖ Idyllium : of Theocritus ‖ of the same name : * wherein a certaine Witch al. endeuours * to recall the mind of her husband , of whom she was despised , vnto the loue of her selfe [ againe ] * by medicines and charmes . [ The speakers are ] the Poet , Damon , and Alphesibeus . The Poet. [ * We will record ] a song of [ two ] sheepheards , [ to wit ] of Damon and Alphesibeus ; * whom as they were trying maisteries [ in singing ] ‖ a yong heifer * much wondered at , vnmindfull * of [ her ] grasse ; * at whose song the Lynces stood amaz'd , And * the riuers being ‖ changed * stayed their courses . * We will record the song of Damon and Alphesibey . Thou ▪ [ oh ‖ great Augustus , shalt be ‖ extolled ] of me , whether ‖ thou goest beyond * the rocks of great b Timauus . Or whether ‖ thou sailest [ neare ] the coast of the * Sclauonian sea ; loe , shall there euer be That day , * when I may record thy acts ? Loe , shall there be [ that day ] * when I may * beare throughout the world , ‖ Thy verses * which alone are worthy of c Sophocles buskin ? d The beginning [ ‖ of my song hath bene ] ‖ from thee ; it shall end * of thee : accept [ my ] verses ‖ begun * at thy command , ‖ and suffer thou this e ivie to creepe about the temples of thy head , amongst the triumphant lawrell boughes . ‖ The cold shadow of the night had scarce departed * from the skie , Whenas the dew * vpon the tender grasse , is most pleasing to the cattell , Damon ‖ * leaning vpon his f long smooth oliue staffe , began thus . Dam. ‖ O Lucifer arise , and coming before the * comfortable day , ‖ bring it [ with thee , ] whilest I complaine , being deceiued ‖ with the ‖ vnworthy loue ‖ of Nisa my wife , * and still euen ‖ dying do speake vnto the Gods at my last houre , although I haue not bene any thing helped ‖ by hauing them my witnesses . * My pipe begin [ to sound ] g Menalian tunes with me . ‖ Menalus hath euermore both a shrill sounding wood , and speaking pine trees , it alwayes heares the loues of shepheards : * And Pan himselfe who first of all * endured not the reeds [ ‖ to be ] vnskilfull . My pipe ‖ begin [ to soūd ] Menaliā * tunes with me . ‖ Nisa is giuen to Mopsus . * What may not [ we ] louers i hope for ? ‖ Now k Griffins shall be ioyned [ in loue ] with horses , and in the age * succeeding , * The fearefull Deere ‖ shall come * to drinke with dogs . O Mopsus ‖ cut new l torches : * thou m marriest a wife . Thou married man * cast nuts abroad ; n the euening starre ‖ doth leaue mount o Oeta * for thy sake . My pipe * begin [ to sound ] Menalian * tunes with me . Oh [ Nisa ] * p matcht to a worthy man , whilest thou despisest all [ others . ] And whilest * thou disdain'st my pipe ; * yea whilest my silly goates , and * rough eye-brow , and also * my beardgrowne in length , ‖ [ are all scorned of thee , ] Nor yet beleeuest * that any God regards the things of mortall men . My pipe begin with me [ to sound ] Menalian * tunes . q I saw thee ‖ being a little one gathering * apples wet with dew in our hedges , with [ thy ] mother ( I was your guide . ) * I then began to be about thirteene yeares of age . I could * then ‖ touch the brittle boughes from ground . * So soone as euer I saw thee , how was I vtterly distract ? how did * that mischieuous error carry me quite away ? * Begin my pipe with me Menalian tunes . Now know I ‖ what loue is . r ‖ Ismarus , or Rhodope , or else * ‖ the Garamants who dwell in the vttermost parts of the world , * haue bred that boy * amongst the hard rockes , ‖ being neither of our kinde nor bloud . My pipe begin [ to sound ] Menalian * tunes with me . ‖ Cruell loue taught ‖ the mother * to embrue * her hands in the bloud of her [ owne ] children . ‖ Thou likewise [ wa st ] a cruell mother , Whether [ was ] the mother more cruell , or that boy more * wicked ? ‖ He [ was ] a wicked boy , and thou * likewise a cruell mother . My pipe begin with me [ to sound ] Menalian [ tunes . ] ‖ Now * let euen the wolfe flie from the sheep of his o●ne accord : let the hard oakes beare orenges ; let the alder tree flourish with Narcissus . * Let shrubs ‖ sweate fat amber from [ their ] barks : * And let owles contend [ in song ] with swans , let Tytirus [ now ] be Orpheus . ‖ [ Let him be ] Orpheus in the woods , [ and ] Arion amongst the Dolphins . My pipe begin with me [ to sound ] Menalian * tunes . * Let all things [ now ] be made maine sea ; * farewell ye woods . * ‖ I will be throwne downe ‖ headlong into the waues , from * the top of an * high mountaine . [ Nisa ] * take thou this last gift of me [ now ] ‖ dying . [ My ] pipe leaue off [ to sound ] Menalian * tunes , [ my ] pipe [ at length ] ‖ leau●ff . s ‖ Damon sung these [ songs : ] t ye Muses of Picrius [ now ] * report what Alphesibeus answered . * ‖ All of vs cannot do * euery thing . Alph. u * Bring water , and ‖ compasse these altars with a soft fillet . And also ‖ burne fat vervein , ‖ and male frankincense , ‖ That I may trie ‖ to turne away * the right wits of my husband by magicall * ceremonies . ‖ Nothing but charmes are wanting here . * My charmes bring [ ‖ Daphnis ] home from the citie , bring Daphnis [ home . ] * Charmes can euen ‖ draw downe the Moon from heauen . Circe [ the witch ] * changed the companions x y of Vlysses with [ her ] charmes . The cold snake in the medowes * is burst by charmes . My charmes bring [ Daphnis ] home from th' Citie , bring Daphnis [ home . ] First of all * I twist for thee * these t●e seluedge threeds , * being of three diuers colours , and I draw thy ‖ picture thrise ‖ about these altars : God * delighteth in an odde number . My * charmes bring [ Daphnis ] home from th' citie , bring Daphnis home . z O Amaryl knit three [ diuers ] colours * in three knots . Amaryl Al. knit [ them ] a * by and by , and say , I knit * true-loues knots . My charmes bring Daphnis ▪ home from th' citie , bring Daphnis [ home . ] b As this same ‖ clay * doth harden , and this same waxe doth soften , By one ‖ and self same fire , ‖ * so Daphnis by our loue . * c Cast meale about , and ‖ set on fire these brittle bay boughes with d ‖ brimstone . That * naughtie Daphnis ‖ burneth me ; [ I will burne ] this * lawrell bough * vpon the picture of Daphnis . My * charmes bring [ Daphnis ] home from th' citie , bring Daphnis [ home . ] * Let such a loue possesse Daphnis , ] as when a heifer being weary in seeking a bull , thorough the woods and high groues , * hauing lost her selfe , doth lie downe * neare a riuer side in the greene * sedge , * and doth not remember * to depart away because of the late night . Let such a loue possesse [ ‖ him , ] * and let me not haue any care of his reliefe . My charmes bring [ Daphnis ] home from th' citie , bring Daphnis [ home . ] That * faithlesse [ Daphnis ] * left me these garments long ago , * as deare pledges of him : ‖ which now O earth ‖ I commit to thee * at the very threshold : these pledges ‖ owne Daphnis . My charmes bring [ Daphnis ] home from th' Citie , bring Daphnis [ home . ] ‖ Meris himselfe gaue [ me ] these herbes , and these * inchanting drugs gathered * for me in Pontus : * very many of them do grow in Pontus . I haue oft times [ seen ] Meris * to become a wolfe ‖ by these , * and to hide himself in woods , [ and ] oftentimes * to raise vp e soules out of the deepest graues . And also I haue seene [ him ] * to conuey f the corne new sowne , from one field to another . My charmes bring [ Daphnis ] home from th' citie , bring Daphnis [ home . ] O Amaril , * bring ‖ the ashes forth , Al. and cast [ them ] ‖ ouer [ thy ] head * into the running streame : g * see thou looke not behind thee . ‖ I wil set vpon Daphnis * with these : * he nothing cares for Gods nor charmes . My charmes bring [ Daphnis ] home from th' citie , bring Daphnis [ home . ] See , the very ‖ ashes * haue caught hold vpon the altars with trembling flames , of their owne accord , whilst * I deferre to carry them forth : * good lucke may it be : surely I know not ‖ what it is : * and also [ our ] h dog barkes at the doore . ‖ Do we beleeue [ that he is comming ? ] or ‖ do they that loue faine dreames vnto themselues ? * Ceasse [ my charmes , ] i Daphnis comes from the Citie , ceasse now [ my ] charmes . THE NINTH ECLOGVE [ * called ] Meris . THE ARGVMENT . WHen after the victorie at ‖ Philippi , in the distribution of the lands , which were diuided by the commandement of the ‖ Triumviri , beyond the riuer ‖ Padus ▪ Virgil had likewise lost his ‖ farmes , [ he ] going to Rome , both by the fauour of his wit , and especially * by the helpe of Pollio ‖ gouernour of the country beyond Padus , receiued againe his possessions . But ‖ Arrius , to whom by chance Virgils grounds had fallen for his portion , taking that grieuously , * it wanted but a litle , but that he had bene slaine by the angrie souldier . Therefore being to go againe to Rome , he commanded [ his ] * bayliffe that he should be dutifull vnto Arrius vntill his returne , * with as little damage as he could . * He therefore goeth to Mantua , by the * appointment * ▪ of his maister to offer * some little present of kids to Arrius . Lycidas a shepherd followeth Meris , inquiring the cause of his iourney . There Meris * taking occasion , bewaileth the calamitie of those times . And then going to Mantua , they ease the wearinesse of their iourney by diuers songs . The speakers are Lycidas and Meris . Lyc. * Meris , whither goest thou ? [ Goest thou ] whither [ this ] way ‖ leades , into the citie ? Mer. * O Lycidas , we haue liued vnto this vnhappie day , ‖ that the stranger ( which we neuer feared ) being made the possessor of ‖ our little land , should say : These things are mine , ye ‖ old inhabitants ‖ pack ye hence . * Now quite ouercome , full sad ( sith fortune turnes all things vpside downe ) a we send him these kids ; * which yet we pray that he may haue no great good of . Lyc. ‖ I in very deed had heard * that your Menalcas had preserued all by his verses , * from whence the hils begin to abate their height , and to bow downewards with an easie descent , * Euen vnto the ‖ riuer and the late broken tops of the old beech tree . Mer. * Thou heardedst it , and [ in truth ] the ‖ fame was so : but O Lycidas , our verses do so much auaile ‖ amongst the b Martiall darts , * as men do vse to say that the ‖ pigeons of c Chaonia do , when as the Eagle cometh . d ‖ That vnlesse the chough sitting on my left hand had admonished me before from the hollow holme tree , to cut off new contentions by any meanes whatsoeuer I could , * Neither this thy Meris nor Menalcas himselfe had liued . Lyc. * Alacke , can so great a wickednesse fall on any man ? Alacke , Menalcas thy ‖ solaces [ had bene ] almost * pluckt away perforce from vs together with thy selfe . For , ‖ who should sing of the Nymphes ? who should * strew the ground with pleasant flowers ? or who should couer the fountaines with shade of greene trees ? * Or [ who should sing those ] * songs , which I closely stole from thee of late , When as thou wentest to Amaril our ‖ delight ? ‖ O Tityrus feed * my goates till I returne , ( the way is short , ) * And likewise Tityrus * driue them to the water when they haue fed well : and as thou driuest them , Take heed * of meeting the maister goate , ‖ he striketh with his horne . Meris . Yea [ who should sing ] these [ songs ] ‖ which he did sing * of Varus , * not perfected as yet ? Varus , the singing swans shall beare thy name aloft vnto the starres , so that [ our citie ] Mantua may remaine ‖ to vs. Al. e O Mantua , too neare ( alas ) to miserable Cremon . Lyc. So let thy swarms of bees ‖ flie from * the yeughs of f Cyrne . So let thy kine full fed ‖ with g Cithyse , * strut out their teates . ‖ Begin , if thou haue any thing ; [ for ] * the Muses of Pierius * haue made me a Poet too : * Both I haue verses , and the sheepheards call me * a Poet ; * but I giue no credit to them . For neither do I seeme as yet * to sing any songs worthy the reading of Varus or Cinna , but to gaggle as a goose amongst sweete singing swans . Meris . * I do so indeed : and Lycidas , * I secretly ‖ thinke of it with my selfe : * If I could remember it : neither is it * any base song . * Come hither Galatea ; ‖ for , ‖ what sport is [ here ] in the waues ? Here is ‖ the purple Spring : * the ground ‖ doth here affoord sundrie sorts of flowers round about the riuers : here ‖ the white poplar hangs ouer a caue , and limber vines * make shade● . Come hither , * and let the * raging waues dash against the shores . Lyc. What [ sayest thou of those songs , ] ‖ which I heard thee singing all alone in a faire cleare euening ? I remember * the t●ne , if I could call to mind ‖ the words . Meris . h O Daphnis , why doest thou * behold the ancient risings of the i * staires ? Loe , * the signe * k of Dioneus Caesar * is come abroad . l The signe in which the standing corne * reioyce in [ their ripe ] fruites , and wherein * the grape gathers her colour in the * sunnie hils . Daphnis ‖ graft thou peare-trees , [ ‖ thy ] nephewes * shall gather thy fruite . Age m ‖ taketh away all things , * euen the verie vnderstanding and memorie : * I do remember [ that I haue bene wont ] when I was a boy , oft times n to spend long o dayes in singing . * Now p I haue forgot [ those ] so many * songs : * and euen voice it selfe doth now faile Meris : q the wolfes haue spied Meris * first . But yet Menalcas shall oft enough ‖ rehearse to thee these [ songs . ] Lyc. * Thou increasest our longing , by making excuses ; * And now euery sea being calme , keepes silence for thy cause : * Yea ( see ) [ how ] all the blasts * of th' stormie winds haue fallen . * Moreouer , from hence we haue but halfe the way to go : for why , * ‖ Byanors tombe begins t' appeare . * Here where the husbandmen do coard thick boughes , here Meris let vs sing . Here lay downe [ ‖ thy ] kids , yet we shall come [ ‖ betime ] into the citie . Or if we be afraid , ‖ lest it proue rainie towards night , We may go singing * all along , ‖ the way will hurt [ vs ] lesse . That we may go singing , I will ease thee of this * burden . Meris . * O lad leaue off to vrge me any more ; and now ‖ let vs do that * which we haue in hand . * We shall sing better then , when ‖ he himselfe shall come . THE TENTH ECLOGVE [ intituled ] Gallus . THE ARGVMENT . COrnelius Gallus was * an excellent Poet , and the first ‖ gouernour of Egypt , who when as ‖ he * out of measure affected an harlot called Cytheris , * late seruant of Volumnius , whom the Poet here calls Lycoris : * and she answered not [ his ] mutuall loue , * but despising him followed Anthonie into France ; * is thought to haue taken that repulse most grieuously . ‖ Therefore Virgil comforts him in this Eclogue , but yet so , as that he doth not depart from pastorall persons and ‖ rusticall comparisons . * All this argument likewise is almost taken out of ‖ Thyrsis of Theocritus , where he ‖ prosecutes the like loue of Daphnis . In this Eclogue the Poet himselfe is the onely speaker , though he after seeme to bring in Gallus comforting himselfe that the Arcadians should sing of his loues . a * ONymph of the fountaine ‖ Arethuse , grant me this last labour . * I am to vtter a few verses to my Gallus , but which Lycoris her selfe may reade . Can any one denie verses vnto Gellus ? 1 * ‖ So let not bitter 2 Doris intermixe her streames with thee , when thou shalt runne vnder the 3 Sicanian waues . b * Begin , let vs record the carefull loues of Gallus . Whilst that the little flat noz'd goates ‖ doe crop the tender sprigs . We sing not to the deafe , the woods * do answer euery thing . c * O Naiades , yee Nymphs , what ‖ woods or what ‖ launds * held you , when Gallus perished ‖ by vnworthy loue ? * For neither any tops of 4 Parnassus , nor yet of 5 Pindus stayed you , no nor 6 Aganippe [ the fountaine ] of Aonia . d * Yea the very lawrell trees [ bewailed ] him , and euen the low shrubs wept for [ him . ] * And in like manner mount Menalus full of pine trees [ made moane for ] him , lying vnder ‖ a louely rocke , yea and the ‖ stones of cold ‖ Lycaeus [ * bemoaned ] him . The sheepe likewise stand round about ; * they are not ashamed of vs. * Ne yet oh diuine Poet , * be thou ashamed of cattell . * For euen that faire ‖ Adonis ‖ grazed sheepe by the riuers sides . There came also * 7 the sheepheards , the slow ‖ Al. neat-heards [ likewise ] came . [ * And ] Menalcas wringing wet , came from gathering Winter acornes ; ‖ All ask , from whence this loue [ should be ? ] e [ and euen ] Apollo came to thee : * Gallus , why art thou mad , quoth he ? * Thy loue Lycoris Follows another [ man ] both ‖ through the snow and through * the dreadfull campes . Syluanus also came ‖ with the country honor of [ his ] head , ‖ Shaking flourishing ‖ ferule branches , and * faire lillies [ in his hand . Pan the God of Arcadia came [ withal , ] whom we our selues saw * [ Coloured ] red , with bloud-red berries of the ebull tree , and with ‖ vermilion . * And will there be no measure , quoth he , [ of this thy heauinesse ? ] ‖ Loue regards not any such things . Neither [ is ] cruell loue [ ‖ satiate ] with teares , * nor grasse * with water streames ; Nor yet the bees are ‖ satisfied * with Cythise flowers , * nor litle goates * with tender sprigs of trees . f * But yet , quoth he , [ though ] very pensiue ▪ ye Arcadians shall sing these [ songs ] in your mountaines ; yee Arcadians [ I say ] * being the onely cunning musitians ; oh how sweetly shall my bones rest then , if that your ‖ pipe ‖ may record my loues * in future times ? ‖ And I do wish I had bene one of you , and either * a tender of your flocke , or * a gatherer of [ your ] ripe grapes . * Certainly whether Phillis were my loue , or else Amyntas , or any furie whasoeuer : ( what then , though Amyntas be blacke ? Both violets are black , and * hurtle berries too [ are ] blacke . ) ‖ He [ yet ] should lie downe with me amongst the willowes , vnder the limber vine . * Phillis should gather me garlands , Amyntas should sing [ me songs . ] * Here , O Lycoris , [ are ] * coole springs ; ‖ here are * pleasant medowes : here [ is ] * a groue : here * I could wish to spend [ euen ] all my dayes with thee . g Now * raging loue * keepes me * in armes of warlicke Mars , amongst the midst of weapons * and enemies bent against [ vs. ] * Thou ( oh hard and vnkind loue ) being farre off from thy countrey ( * which I wish that I could not beleeue ) [ and ] alone without me doest onely see * the Alpine snowes , and the cold of the riuer Rhene . ‖ Ah , let not the cold hurt thee ! * Ah , let not the sharpe ice cut thy tender feete ! h * I will be gone , and will tune * with ‖ a Sicilian pipe , * songs which I haue made ‖ in Calcidian verse . * I am determined rather to endure [ any miserie ] in the woods amongst the dens of wilde beasts , and * to write my loues in tender trees : the [ trees ] will grow , [ and so ye my ] loues shall grow . * In the meane time I wil view the mountaine Menalus , where the Nymphs frequent . Or I will hunt * the fierce wilde boares : * no colds shall hinder me to range about the ‖ Parthenian launds with dogs . ‖ Now I seeme vnto my selfe to go ‖ by th' rockes and sounding groues ; * I take delight to shoote 8 Cydonian arrows with a 9 Parthian bow ; as if this were the medicine of our raging loue . Or else that ‖ that God may learne * to become more gentle by th' mishaps of men . i * [ But ] now againe neither ‖ those Nymphs of the woods , no nor our ‖ verses themselues do giue vs any content : yee very woods * giue place againe . ‖ Our labours cannot change * that God of loue . Neither * if we should both drinke vp the riuer ‖ Heber * in the midst of Winter . * And should vndergo ‖ the Al. Scythian snowes of the watery Winter [ season . ] * No nor yet if we should tend the sheepe of the Blackamoores , when the Sun is in Cancer ; ‖ whenas the barke dying , parcheth in the high elme . Loue ouercometh ‖ all things , ‖ and [ therefore ] let vs [ likewise ] yeeld to loue . k Oh ‖ ye Goddesses , ‖ it shall [ now ] be enough for your Poet to haue sung these [ sonnets . ] * Whilst he sits still , and makes a little basket of small limber twigs . Oh Muses of ‖ Pierius , ye shall make these [ my ] * chiefest [ songs ] [ most acceptable ] vnto Gallus . l To Gallus [ I say ] * whose loue growes so much in mee euerie houre , * As the greene alder tree spreads it selfe abroad in the prime of the Spring . m Let vs arise : the shade is wont to be * noisome vnto them that sing ; The shadow of the iuniper tree is ‖ grieuous : shadowes [ of trees ] do hurt * euen the verie fruites . n [ Oh ye my little goates ] * full fed , go home , * the euening comes , * get you gone [ my ] goates . THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF VIRGILS * Georgicks . THE ARGVMENT . THe * Poet in this fourth booke doth prosecute most fully the ordering of Bees , and the manner of making hony ; which part was the last in the generall proposition of the whole worke . And whereas ‖ this argument * was of so small an extent , that it might be * contained within a few verses , 〈◊〉 ‖ dilates it by diuers ‖ digressions , an● amplifies and adornes it by most pleasant ‖ translations . For he assignes euen to the Bees their certaine Commonwealth , giuing vnto them Kings , campes , * Princes , courts , Cities , people , offices , * exercises , and manners ; and that with so great fitnesse , that he no where * departs from his purpose , as * forgetting * his borrowed speeches [ and comparisons . ] * This booke may also be * diuided into two parts : * fo● in the former part of it , he prosecutes ▪ the care of defending and preseruing Bees : * in the latter he sets downe the way by which Bees may be repaired againe when they shall be * vtterly dead and gone . He makes one Aristaeus a sheepheard the author of this inuention ; * who is thought to haue first repaired his Bees being lost , * by certaine yokes of oxen which he had killed [ to that end . ] Another Argument of Herennius Modestinus * a Lawyer . THe Poet shewes * next after , the fragrant kingdomes * of hony distilling from the aire : * Moreouer the Hyblean Bees , & ‖ the waxen houses of their hiues . And withall what flowers [ are to be * made choise of ] for Bees , and also ‖ what swarmes are to be chosen . And finally * [ he shewes ] the dropping hony combes , Gods heauenly gifts . a * I Will foorthwith dispatch ‖ the heauenly * gifts of hony distilling from the aire : oh [ worthy ] Maecenas , ‖ * looke on this part likewise . * I will declare vnto you * admirable sights of things [ so ] light ; both the ‖ couragious Captains , * and also the manners , * studies , people , and * skirmishes of [ that ] whole nation [ of the Bees ] ‖ in order . The labour ‖ is in a small [ matter , ] but the glorie is not small , if [ I those ] * aduerse powers * will suffer any [ man ] [ to prosper , ] and [ if ] Apollo being called vpon , * will heare . b * First of all a seate and standing is to be sought out for the Bees ; * whereto there neither can be ‖ entrance for the windes : ( for why , the windes * doe hinder [ them ] to carrie home their * sustenance ; ) Nor yet the sheepe nor wanton kids ‖ can often leape vpō the flowers , ‖ or the heifer pasturing in the fields , Can strike downe the dew , and waste the rising herbes . * And let the speckled newts [ hauing ] ‖ vgly backes , be farre away ‖ From [ their ] fat stals , and also * the bee-eaters and other birds : And [ specially ] * the swallow * markt on the breast with bloudie hands . * For they spoile all farre about , and carrie in their mouthes the flying [ bees ] a pleasant meate vnto their ‖ pittilesse nests . But let there be cleare springs and standing ponds greene with ‖ mosse , and ‖ a little * brook running through the grasse . ‖ And let the palme-tree ouershade * the entrance [ of their hiues , ] or the ‖ huge wilde oliue : That when the new kings shall leade [ forth ] their first swarmes : * In their owne spring time , and [ their ] * youth sent out from their hony combes shall sport [ abroad , ] * The banke neareby may inuite them to get [ themselues ] out of the heate , * And that the tree full in their way may entertaine them ‖ with [ her ] branching harborowes . * Whether the water shall stand still , or whether it runne , ‖ cast sallowes ouerthwart , and great stones ‖ into the midst [ of it . ] * That [ the bees ] may rest vpon * bridges layde thicke together , and [ may ] ‖ lay open their wings vnto the Summer Sunne ; if that perhaps * the violent Easterne winde shall scatter them ‖ lingring ouerlong , * or shall plunge them into the water . * About these [ places ] [ let there grow ] greene * Cassia , and * wilde thyme smelling all abroad , and store of ‖ winter sauory * smelling strong ; and let the * banks of violets * drink the moistening water-springs . c And also the hiues themselues , * whether you haue them sewed [ and made ] with hollow barks , or wouen with limber twigs , Let them haue narrow entrances ; for Winter * hardens hony with the cold ; * and heate [ in the Summer ] dissolues and melts the same . * The violence of both these is ‖ to be feared alike to bees : * neither do [ the bees ] themselues in vaine * besmeare with waxe , * most painefully who shall do best the little breathing holes * within their hiues , ‖ and fill vp the * rifts * with mosse and flowers , and * preserue a glue gathered to these same * seruices , more ‖ clammie then birdlime [ or ] then ‖ the pitch of * Ida hill in Phrygia . Oft times also ( if the report be true ) [ the bees ] * haue made their houses in caues digd within the ground ; and they haue bene found * deepe in hollow pumeise stones , and in the * trunke * of an eaten tree . ‖ Yet both * da●be their clifted hiues , * with ‖ mud layd smoothly on , * defending [ them ] round about , ‖ and also cast aloft vpon them , leaues thinly strewd . d * And suffer not the yough tree [ to grow ] * neare vnto [ their ] houses , nor burne ‖ red sea-crabs * on your hearth ; ‖ nor trust the deepe fen [ too much . ] * Or where [ there is ] a noisome smell of mud ; or where the hollow * rockes ‖ do sound with the beating [ of waters , ] and [ where ] * the likenesse of the voice beat backe rebounds . e That which remains [ is this ] [ that ] when the golden Sunne hath chased away the Winter driuen ‖ vnder the earth , and * hath again set open the skie with Summer light , ‖ They forthwith trauell through forrests and woods , And * suck the purple coloured flowers , and also being light [ of bodie ] * do sip the vpmost streames . Hereupon being chearfull , with what * delight I know not , they ‖ cherish [ their ] * brood , and [ maintaine ] [ * their ] hiues . * Yea , hereupon * they fashion out * new waxe by skill , and * make their ‖ clammie hony . f Hence whenas * you shall behold a swarme sent forth euen now out of their hiues vnto the skies , to waue through the cleare Summer aire ; And shall ‖ maruell at ‖ a darke cloud to be ‖ drawne with the wind : * Marke well : they do alwayes seeke sweete waters * and houses among the boughes of trees . To this end sprinkle the ‖ appointed iuyces : * Bruz'd balme-mint , and the * common grasse of hony-suckle . And make * a ringing noise , * and tinkle round about the ‖ cymbals Al. of the mother [ of the Gods. ] The [ bees ] will settle all together * vpon their sprinkled seates : [ yea ] * they will get themselues into the inmost * cabbines ‖ after their manner . g But if they shall go foorth to fight ( for discord oftentimes * hath growne betweene two kings with great adoe , ) [ You may ] both presently [ foreknow ] * the stomackes of the common fort , and also you may * perceiue long before [ ‖ their ] trembling hearts [ prepared ] for warre . For why , that warlike noise * of a brazen trumpet sounding harsh , * doth checke * those which do linger long . And [ after ] a voice is heard * resembling the broken sounds of trumpets . * Then hastily they go together , ‖ and glister with their * wings . * They likewise sharpen [ their ] stings with [ their ] snouts , * and fit [ their ] lims [ to fight . ] And * are gathered thicke about [ their ] king , and * euen vnto the Emperours pauillion , and ‖ call [ forth ] the enemie with ‖ great cries . Therefore when [ they haue ] got * a faire and cleare Spring time , and ‖ open fields , they rush out of [ their ] gates : * they runne violently together , ‖ a sound is made * high in the aire : * they mixt * are gathered into a great round heape , ‖ And fall downe headlong . The haile [ falls ] not more thicke * out of the aire , * Nor yet such , store of acornes raine from th' shaken ‖ oake . [ The kings ] themselues [ flying ] thorough the midst of the armies Al. with gallant wings , * Do exercise braue minds within their narrow breasts : * Endeuouring stoutly with all their power not to yeeld , vntill * the heauie conquerour hath ‖ compelled either these or those * to turne their backs in flight . h ‖ These stirrings vp of their courages , and these so great * skirmishes , * Will ceasse , being ‖ repressed * with the casting vp of a litle dust . But when you haue recall'd both the ‖ leaders * from the battell , * Put him to death that seemes the worst , lest being a spend-all he do hurt : * [ but ] suffer [ him that seemes ] the better , [ that ] he may reigne * in the pallace [ all alone . ] * One [ of the kings ] will be bright burning red with spots shining like gold . ( For there are two kinds of [ kings : ] ) this [ which is ] the better , [ is ] ‖ notable * in countenance , And ‖ bright * with glistering specks : that other [ king ] is * ill fauoured ‖ Through sloth , * and draggeth his ‖ broad belly ‖ without all honour . * As [ there are ] two fashions of [ their ] kings , so the bodies * of the common sort ‖ [ are two , differing each from other . ] For why , some of them * are rough and ill-fauoured , like as when a * thirstie ‖ traueller comes out of the deepe dust , and spits vpō the ground * with [ his ] drie mouth : ‖ others do shine and glister with cleare brightnesse , * Gloring like gold , and [ hauing ] [ their ] bodies * dasht * with equall spots . This is the better brood : ‖ from hence at a certaine time * of the yeare , * You may presse out sweete hony , * and not so sweete as liquid , * and which will amend ‖ the ouer-much hardnesse of wine . i But when ‖ the swarmes flie * astray , and play * in the aire , * And care not for [ their ] hony combes , and leaue [ their ] * coole houses , * You must restraine [ their ] ‖ vnstable minds * from [ that ] vaine sport : Neither [ is it ] any ] great labour * to represse them . * Plucke away the wings from [ their ] kings . [ And then ] ‖ not any one will be bold * to flie so high , or * to remoue the standards from [ their ] campes , * the kings staying behind . * Let your gardens * smelling sweete ‖ with saffron flowers entice them . ‖ And let the guard of ‖ Priapus borne in Hellespont , with his willow hooke , [ who is ] Al. the keeper both of theeues and birds , saue them [ from annoy . ] k Al. [ And ] he himselfe * to whom such things are in regard , bringing thyme & ‖ pine-trees from the high moūtaines , let him ‖ plant [ them ] largely round about * the houses [ of the bees . ] * Let him labour . hard : [ yea ] * let him set fruitfull ‖ plants , and * water them with friendly showres . l And now * indeed , but that I would strike saile , and make haste to turne my foredecke to the land * a little before the last end of my ‖ labours , * I would perhaps declare what care of husbanding [ the ground ] might beautifie both ranke gardens and the rose-borders of Pestum , which beareth roses twise a yeare . * And how endiue delights to grow neare water sides . And also [ how ] ‖ banks greene with ‖ parsly [ delight therein . ] * Yea how the cucumber writhen among * the herbes * might grow to be very big . Neither * would I haue passed ouer in silēce the Narcissus which so * lately flowers , or * the branch of the * crisped ‖ branke vrsine . And the pale ivies , and also the myrtle trees ‖ louing the shoares . * For I remember that I haue seene vnder the loftie towers of ‖ Oebalia , ( where the blacke riuer Galesus ‖ moisteneth the * yellow fields ) an old man ‖ of Corycus , * to whom there befell a few acres of the countrey , that was left [ after the diuision [ of the grounds . ] * The soile whereof was neither fruitfull for feeding bullocks , nor the crop ‖ fit for cattell , * neither yet [ was it ] commodious * for wine . ‖ Yet in this place * he planting * pot-herbes thinly here and there among the bushes , and white lillies round about , and ‖ verveine , and poppie ‖ fit to be eaten : Did match * in conceit the wealth of kings ; and returning home ‖ late at night , * furnished his table with dainties vnbought . * He gathered roses first in the Spring , * and likewise apples in the Autumne . * And euen when the hard Winter did burst the stones * with frost , and stayed the course of waters * with [ her ] ice : * Euen then did he gather fresh leaues of pleasant Acanthus . Oft blaming the ‖ lateward Summer , and the West windes * lingring ouer-long [ before they came . ] Therefore the same [ old man ] [ was wont ] t' abound first [ of all ] * with breeding bees , & with store of swarmes and to gather foaming hony out of the ‖ pressed hony combes . * He had linden trees , and the pine tree ‖ yeelding most abundantly . * And as many apples as [ each ] fruitfull tree had in the fresh blossom , it had so many ripe in the Autumne . * He moreouer set in order lateward elmes . And the * hard peare-tree and sloe trees now bearing ‖ plums . And also the plane-tree * giuing shade to folke drinking [ vnder it . ] But I indeed H passe by these things , * being bard [ from them ] by my vnequall space [ of time , ] and * leaue them to be recorded of others hereafter . m Now go to [ then , ] I will dispatch * the qualities which Iupiter himselfe ‖ hath added vnto bees : [ ‖ to wit ] for what reward , they following the shrill sounds * of Cybeles priests , * and [ their ] tinkling cymbals fed ‖ the king of heauen * in a caue of the hill Dicte in Creete . n ‖ They alone haue [ their ] * yong in common , * and common houses [ also ] of [ their ] citie , * and leade [ their ] liues * vnder worthie lawes . * And they onely know [ their own ] natiue countrey , and their certaine dwelling houses . * And being mindfull of the Winter * that will come , * do take great paines , * and lay vp in store , for the common vse , the things which they haue gotten . * For why , some of them toile for liuing , and * are busied in the fields ‖ by a couenant * made [ amongst themselues . ] ‖ Part [ of them ] lay within the * fences of [ their ] houses , * the iuyce of Narcissus and * clammie gumme [ gathered ] * from the barkes [ of trees , ] ‖ being the first foundations ‖ of [ their ] hony combes . * And afterwards they fasten thereto gluish waxe . * Others bring forth [ their ] yong ones now at perfect growth , the hope * [ all their ] stocke : Others [ of them ] ‖ fill vp the purest hony , and ‖ stretch out [ their ] cels * with the finest life hony . [ And other some ] there are , to whom * the warding at their gates falleth for [ their ] lot . * And they by turnes do watch the raine and clouds of heauen . Or else ‖ they take the ‖ burdens ‖ [ of the bees ] [ then ] comming [ home . ] * Or making an army , driue away from [ their ] * hiues ‖ the drones ‖ a lazie cattell . ‖ Their worke is hote , and ‖ [ their ] fragrant hony * smels sweete with ‖ thyme . o And euen as * the Cyclopians when they * make vp in haste the * thunderbolts [ of Iupiter ] * out of the softned iron lumpes ; * Some [ of them ] blow with [ their ] bellowes made of bull-hides : Others * quench [ their ] hizzing * mettals in the trough . * Etna groaneth * through the stithies * placed thereon . ‖ They among themselues lift vp their armes ‖ in order with great force , and often turne the iron * with [ their ] pinsers holding [ 't ] fast . None otherwise ( * if that I may compare smal things ‖ to great . ) * An inbred loue * of getting [ hony ] * doth euen inforce the bees of * Athens , ‖ and euery [ bee ] in her owne place . p ‖ The townes [ are ] the charge [ giuen ] to the * ancienter [ bees , ] And * to fence their hony combes , [ yea ] * and to make them houses * most cunningly deuised . * But the yonger [ bees ] returne [ home ] wearie late at night , * Loaden on the legs with thyme : ‖ they are fed euery where both [ vpon ] * the crab tree blossomes and * gray sallowes , ‖ and Casia and red saffron , and vpon the * ranke linden trees , and also [ vpon ] * the ironish coloured hyacinth . q [ There is ] one rest * from worke to all [ of them , ] one labour [ is ] vnto [ them ] all . * In the morning they rush out of [ their ] gates : [ there is ] no stay ; againe whenas the euening admonisheth them to depart at length out of the fields ‖ from feeding , then * go they home ; [ and ] * then do they cherish [ their ] weary bodies . ‖ A sound is made , and they ‖ do buz about the * bounds and entrances [ of their hiues . ] Afterwards whenas they haue * reposed themselues [ to rest ] in their chambers , ‖ there is silence * [ all ] the night , & * euery ones owne sleepe possesseth [ all their ] * wearie lims . r ‖ Nor yet indeede do they * depart farre from [ their ] hiues * if it be like to raine ; * or trust vnto the aire when * the Eastwindes will arise . But ‖ they are watered * safely vnder the walls of the citie ‖ round about . * And they aduenture but short courses ; and oft times do they take vp little stones , as * floating boates [ do take vp ] balasse * in a rough water . With these [ same little stones ] * they beare themselues leuell thorough the emptie * cloudie aire . s You wil wonder * that that same manner [ of liuing ] hath so pleased the bees , that they do neither * giue themselues to ingendring ; nor being ‖ slothfull , do let loose their bodies vnto * lust ; * or bring foorth yong with pangs in birth . But they do ‖ gather [ their ] * yong ones with ‖ their mouth from flowers and sweete herbes . They [ hence ] * prouide [ their ] king * and their yong progenie , and * establish [ their ] * courts and [ their ] ‖ waxen kingdomes . t Oft times also * they weare [ their ] wings by * wandring among hard rockes , and of their owne accord * yeeld vp [ their ] liues vnder [ their ] ‖ burden . * They haue so great a loue of flowers , and [ such a ] glory of making hony . u * Therefore although the compasse of a small age entertaines them , ( * for they do not liue aboue seuen yeares , ) Yet [ ‖ their ] stock remaines immortall , and ‖ the fortune of [ their ] house * abides for many yeares ; ‖ and the grandsires of their grandfathers are numbred [ amongst them . ] x Moreouer ‖ Egypt and great Lydia , * or the Parthian , ‖ the Mede , [ * or ] Indian do not so ‖ obserue [ their ] king , [ as bees do theirs . ] ‖ The king being safe , * the same mind [ is ] in them all . * [ But he ] being lost , they breake their faith , and they themselues spoile [ their ] hony made vp [ in their cels ] * burst the frames of [ their ] hony combes . ‖ He [ is ] * the protector of [ their ] workes ; * him they admire , and all of them stand about him * with great humming noise , and guard [ him ] ‖ thicke . And oft times ‖ they lift [ him ] vp with their shoulders , and * hazard [ their ] bodies in warre [ for him , ] and do desire ‖ a glorious death by wounds [ sustained for his sake . ] y * Some by these signes , and following these examples , haue said that there is a part of the diuine vnderstanding and * also heauenly spirits in bees : for why [ they say ] * that God goeth thorow all , both lands and * coasts of the sea , and the high heauen . Hereupon [ they haue affirmed ] [ both ] * the small [ and ] great cattell , men , and euery kind * of wilde beast , [ Yea ] * euery one that is borne , to fetch [ his ] life . ‖ [ from hence , ] * Know this [ that they haue said ] ‖ all things ] to be restored hither * finally , and being ‖ resolued , * to be surrendred again ; * and that there is no place for death , * but that all things [ so dissolued ] do flie aliue into the number of the starres , * and [ so ] succeed [ by course ] in the high heauen . z If at any time you will * emptie their Al. stately seate , * and the hony which they haue preserued in [ their ] treasuries : * first spurt vpon them [ some ] draughts of ‖ water warmed in your mouth , and hold before you in [ your ] hand * smokes following one another . ‖ They gather [ their ] * great increase twise [ in the yeare , ] * they haue two times of haruest : ‖ * So soone as ‖ Taygete hath shewed her honest face vnto the earth , And ‖ Pleias * hath pushed backe with [ her ] foote * the scorned waues of the Ocean sea : ‖ Or whenas the same [ Pleias ] * shunning the signe of waterish Piscis , ‖ Goeth downe more sad from heauen into the Winter waters . a * The bees haue anger aboue measure : and being hurt * they breathe in poison with their biting , and also leaue ‖ blind * stings , hauing fastned them in the veines : * yea and lay downe [ their ] liues in the [ verie ] wound . But if you feare ‖ a hard Winter , and will spare [ ‖ for [ the time ] to come : And shall haue pitie of [ their ] bruised * hearts * and [ their ] decayed estates : * Who then would doubt * to perfume [ their hiues ] with thyme , and * pare away the ‖ * emptie waxe ? for oft times ▪ * the newt * not knowne of , * eates away the hony combes , [ and ] * beds [ are ] made for moathes which flie the light : And also the droane sitting * scotfree ‖ at others meate , Or else * the cruel hornet * thrusts in himselfe with [ his ] vnequall weapons : Or [ that ] * direfull kind * of moath ; or [ finally ] ‖ the spider * odious to Minerua , * hangs [ her ] nets loose * in the entrances [ of the hiues . ] * The emptier the bees shall be , * so much the more * eagerly all of them * wil bestirre [ themselues ] to repaire ‖ the ruines * of [ their ] decayed stocke . And * will fill vp [ their ] * hatches , and ‖ * weaue [ their ] barnes with flowers . b But if [ their ] bodies ‖ shall languish * by [ some ] sore disease , ( because life hath brought [ euen ] our * misfortunes vnto bees . ) ( Which thing * you may presently know by vndoubted signes . ) ‖ There is forthwith another colour ‖ to them when they are sicke : an * vgly leannesse doth ‖ deforme [ their ] * looke : * then carry they foorth the bodies of the dead out of [ their ] hiues , and make dolefull funerals . * Or they hang at the entries of [ their ] hiues ‖ clung by [ their ] feete . Or else ‖ they all abide lingring within ‖ in their houses shut , both sluggish thorough * famishment , and slothfull * by cold which they haue caught . Then [ their ] sound is heard more heauie , and they hum ‖ trailingly . As sometimes ‖ the cold South wind ‖ doth sound in th'woods : [ Or ] as the troubled sea doth make a noise * with [ her ] rebounding waues : [ And ] as the * vehement fire sounds hollowly * in fornaces shut vp . c Here now * I will aduise [ you ] to make sweet smels with the burning of Galbanum . And [ I would counsell you ] * ‖ heartning them of your owne accord , * & recalling them being * faint , * vnto [ their ] acquainted food , to bring in [ for them into their hiues ] hony * in troughes of reed . * It shall likewise do them good to mingle herewith bruised gals and drie roses , or * ‖ new wine ‖ boyled * thicke with good store of fire , * or bunches of raisins of the Sunne ‖ of the Psithian vine . And thyme * ‖ of Athens and strong smelling * centaury . There is also a flower ‖ in the medows , ‖ whereunto the husbandmen haue giuen the name Amellus , an herbe * easie [ to be found ] of them that seeke [ it . ] * For it sends vp * a mightie bush out of one Al. turfe . [ The flower ] it selfe is of a colour like gold ; ‖ * but a purple hue [ as ] of a blacke violet ‖ shines somewhat in the leaues , * which are spread very thicke round about . The altars of the Gods [ * are ] oft times deckt with * garlands made [ thereof . ] The taste [ of it ] is sharpe in the mouth : shepheards do gather it * in valleys vsed to be mowne , and neare vnto the crooked * streames of * Mella . Boyle the rootes hereof * in odoriferous * wine , And set [ the same as ] meate [ vnto the bees ] in full * troughs * at the entrie [ of the hiues . ] d But if all * the brood shall faile any man of a sudden , * That he shall not haue [ some left ] whereof the stocke of a new race may be supplied , [ It is ] time ‖ to lay open also ‖ the memorable inuentions of [ ‖ Aristaeus ] the Arcadian maister , * how corrupt bloud hath oft times brought foorth bees * in bullockes newly killed . I will dispatch * the whole report [ thereof , ] * rehearsing it at large from the first beginning . For all the region [ from that part ] where * the fortunate people of Canopus built by Alexander , * bordereth vpon [ the riuer ] Nilus , ouerflowing as a standing pond with his streames powred out , * and is carried about his grounds in painted boates , And where [ the same ] riuer * turning downeward * all along from ‖ the [ swartie ] coloured Indians , * washeth vpon * the countries neare vnto the Persian * armed with bowes & arrowes , * and maketh greene Egypt fruitfull ‖ with his blacke sand : and rushing downe ‖ doth run abroad into seuen diuers mouthes . [ Euen all that region ] * doth repose her certain ‖ safetie in this art . e * First of all a little ‖ place and * streightned for that same vse is chosen out . * This they make close with narrow roofe tiles and with straite walls . And * they make foure windowes * with the light let in aslope from the foure winds . * Then a bullocke of two yeres old , beginning now to bend his hornes is sought . ‖ His * two nosthrils and the breath of his mouth are stopt , although he struggle exceedingly , and [ his ] * fleshie parts * being bruised * throughout his whole hide * are all dissolued whilst he is killed with bangs . So they do leaue him * lying ‖ in the inclosed place , * and lay peeces of boughes vnderneath his ribs , [ and also ] thyme and Al. greene ‖ Casia . * This feate is done whenas the West winds do first begin to moue the waters ; Before the * medow grounds be red with new colours , [ and ] before that the chattering swallow hangeth vp her neast in the rafters [ of the house . ] f ‖ In the meane time ‖ [ his ] moisture being made warme in [ his ] tender bones waxeth hote ; and liuing creatures to be seene ‖ in maruellous * manner , * Lacking [ their ] feete at first , * and straightway flickering [ as ] with * wings , * Are mingled together , * and take in thinne aire more and more , vntill they haue burst [ out of the hide ] euen as a ‖ shower powred out of Summer clouds , or as the ‖ shafts * out of the bow , * If at any time the Parthians light of foote do giue the first onset . g ‖ Oh [ ye ] Muses , [ tell me ] what God [ ‖ hath beaten out ] this [ art , ] who hath ‖ beat out this * skill for vs. ‖ From whence this new ‖ experience of men hath taken her beginning . The ‖ sheepheard Arist●us * forsaking quite * the pleasant fields of ‖ Thessaly named Tempe neare the riuer Penous , * Hauing lost [ his ] bees ( as the report goeth ) by ‖ sicknesse and by ‖ famishment , Stood * pensiue at the sacred head of the * vtmost part of [ this ] riuer , Complaining * much , and speaking to * [ his ] mother in his sort : Mother Cyrene , * mother [ mine , ] * who dwellest in * the deepest bottomes ‖ of this same ‖ gulfe , why hast thou * bred me [ comming ] of the noble linage of the Gods , ( if so be that ‖ Thymbraeus Apollo be my father as thou sayest , ) * [ to be ] hated of the heauenly destinies ? or whither [ is ] ‖ thy loue of vs ‖ driuen * from thee ? why didst thou bid me ‖ t'hope for heauen ? * Loe also I do leaue ( although * thou be my mother ) this very honour of [ my ] mortall life , which [ my ] * carefull keeping both of fruites & cattell , * had beaten out to me , making triall of all things . But go to , and thou thy selfe plucke vp ‖ my happy woods with [ thine owne ] hand . ‖ Bring mischieuous fire to my stalls [ of cattell ] and * destroy my corne . Burne vp [ my ] plants and * thrust thy strong two edged hooke into [ my ] vines . * If thou be so wearie of my praise . h But [ his ] mother perceiu'd ‖ a [ mournfull ] sound in [ her ] bedchamber vnder [ the bottome ] of the deepe riuer : * the Nymphs about her ‖ toosed * Milesian wooll * died * Al. in a deepe glassie colour . Both [ the Nymph ] * Drymo and also Zantho , and Lygea and Philodoce , * hauing [ their ] ‖ faire haire spred about their white neckes . Nesea [ likewise ] and Spio , and cke Thalia and Cymodoce , And also Cydippo * and yellow haired Lycorias : the one of them a virgin , * The other hauing then first felt the pangs ‖ of bearing child . And Clio and Beroe [ her ] sister , both of them the daughters of Oceanus . Both of them * cloth'd in gold , * and in spotted skins [ of hindes . ] * And in like manner Ephyre and also Opis , * Asia [ and ] Deiopeia , And Arethusa very swift , * hauing at length layed away her shafts . * Amongst which , Clymene * told * the idle care of Vulcan , * the craftie sleights of Mars , and their * pleasant thefts . * And numbred vp the thicke and threefold loues of th' Gods , ‖ [ euen ] from the Chaos . i * With which discourse the Nymphs being * caught * whilst that they spin , * the dolefull moane of Aristeus pierst into his mothers eares , and all the Nymphes were amazed * [ sitting on ] ‖ [ their ] glassie seates ; but Arethusa looking forth before her other sisters , lift vp [ her ] ‖ yellow head * aboue th' top of the * water . * And being farre off [ thus she spake , ] Oh sister Cyrene , * affrighted not without [ iust ] cause , * for so great a wailing : Aristeus himself , thy greatest care , sad * for thy sake , stands weeping at the * waues of Peneus [ thy ] father , and cals thee cruel by name . The mother * ‖ smitten in her mind with a new feare , saith * to her , Go to , bring [ him hither ] bring him vnto vs , [ it may be ] ‖ lawfull for him to touch the thresholds of the Gods : [ and ] withall she commands the deepe riuers ‖ to depart all abroad where the yong man * should enter in . But the * water stood round about ‖ bowed after the manner of a hill . ‖ And entertained [ him ] in her vast bosome , and sent [ him ] vnderneath the ‖ riuer . k And now * admiring his mothers house and her watery * realmes , And also the ‖ lakes shut vp in caues , and the ‖ sounding groues ▪ He went [ forward , ] and being astonied at the ‖ mightie mouing of the waters , * Beheld all the riuers * flowing vnder the ‖ great earth , both Phasis and Lycus , And th● head from whence the deepe E●ipeus first ▪ Al. bursts forth [ and shewes ] it selfe . * From what place ‖ father Tiberine , and from whence the streams of ‖ Anien [ do come . ] And Hipanis * making a great sound amongst the stones , and ‖ Caicus flowing out of Mysia . * And eke Eridanus hauing two golden hornes in a buls face : * then which not any other riuer * flowes more violently thorough the fertile fields into ‖ the ‖ purple sea . l * After that he was come vnder the roofe of the bed-chamber [ of his mother Cyrene ] hanging all with pumish stone , and [ that ] Cyrene knew the * needlesse weeping of [ her ] sonne : * [ her ] sister Nymphes giue in order faire spring water for his hands , ▪ and bring [ him ] towels with * the nap shorne off . Part [ of them ] * furnish the tables with * dainties : * and oft do fill the cups : m * the altars ‖ waxe full sweete with fiers of Panchean wood . And [ then his ] mother [ said , ] Take thou these ‖ cups of * Lydian wine , * Let vs offer to God Oceanus , quoth she . * And herewith she prayes both vnto * Oceanus ‖ the father of all things , and to the Nymphs [ her ] sisters , * A hundred [ of them ] which ‖ [ keepe ] the woods , [ and also ] an hundred which keep the riuers . * Thrise did she sprinkle the burning * fire with pure sweete wine . Thrise the flame being ‖ vnderneath , flasht backe againe to th' top of the house . With which luckie signe ‖ she confirming her mind , began thus . n There is a Prophet * of the sea ‖ in the Carpathian gulfe , [ Called ] ‖ the skie coloured Proteus , who ‖ measures out the great sea * [ borne vpon ] fishes backs , * And in a chariot drawne ‖ by two footed horses . * He is now gone to renew the ports of ‖ Emathia , and [ his ] countrey Palene . * Him do the Nymphs adore , and ancient ‖ Nereus himself , for ‖ [ that ] Prophet * knoweth all things , Which are , which haue bene , [ and ] ‖ which may be protracted to come ere long . Because it hath so seemed good ‖ to Neptune , whose ‖ monstrous heards of cattell , and * huge sea-calues he feeds ‖ vnderneath the gulfe . o * This [ Prophet ] ( [ my ] sonne ) is to be bound of thee before [ thou aske him any thing ] that he may * speedily tell thee * euery cause of the diseases [ of thy bees , ] * and may giue thee good successe . For ‖ he will not giue [ thee ] any precepts without * constraint ; neither shalt thou * moue him * by intreatie . * Lay hard hands and bonds vpon him being caught : ‖ His deceits about these things * will at length be vtterly frustrate . * I my selfe [ about the noone-tide ] ‖ whenas the Sunne hath kindled [ his ] middle heate , When the herbes * are thirstie , and the shadow is more ‖ welcome to the cattell , Will bring thee into the secret [ places ] of th' ‖ old man , * Al. whither he being wearie , * doth retire himselfe from the waues ; that thou mayest easily ‖ set vpon him * lying fast asleepe . p But when thou shalt hold [ him ] * taken with hands and bands , Then diuers ‖ shapes will delude [ thee , ] and * faces of wilde beasts ; * for he will be of a sudden a rough bristled swine , and a ‖ blacke tiger , And also ‖ a scaly dragon ‖ and a lionesse * with a tawnie yellow necke : * Or else he will giue forth a crackling noise of fire : and so he will * escape out of [ thy ] bands ; * or slipping aside [ from thee ] he will go quite away into the thin waters . * But how much more he ‖ turnes himselfe into all * shapes : * So much the more ( my sonne ) tie hard his bands to hold him fast : Vntill he shall be such a one , his bodie being changed [ againe , ] * as thou sawest him , when he * closed [ his ] eyes * beginning first to sleepe . q ‖ These things she * spake , ‖ and * cast abroad * a pure odour of r ‖ Ambrosia , * Wherewith she Al. sok't the bodie of [ her ] sonne throughout : but * a sweete sent blew to him ; hauing his haire neatly drest , And ‖ an able vigour * entred into [ his ] lims . s There is ‖ a huge caue in the side * of a hill eaten all away , whereinto ‖ very much water * is driuen by the wind , * and parts it selfe into reflowing creakes , * [ Which ] sometime [ was ] a most safe harbour for sea-men caught [ by tempest . ] * Within [ it ] doth Proteus * close himselfe with the * couer of a * huge great stone . * Here doth the Nymph [ Cyrene ] place the yong man turned from the light , ‖ within the lurking holes : ‖ [ and ] she her selfe Al. went backe farre off * obscured with clouds . t * Now the wood Dog-starre called ‖ Syrius broyling the thirstie Indians * burned in the skie , and the fierie Sunne * had gone halfe his daily course : herbes withered , and ‖ the sun-beames boyled the hollow riuers warmed to the mud , their * vpper parts being drie . u When Proteus went from the * riuers , * going vnto [ his ] wonted caues ; ‖ the waterish nation of the ‖ vast sea ‖ leaping about him , sprinkled ‖ the bitter dew ‖ all abroad . ‖ The sea-calues * lay themselues asleepe on euery shore . ‖ Himselfe ( euen as the keeper of a heard sometimes in th'mountaines , ‖ when the euening tide brings home [ his ] bullockes from feeding to [ their ] houses ; And [ when ] the lambs * do whet on the wolues ‖ [ their ] bleatings being heard , ‖ ) * Sate downe * full in the midst vpon a rocke and ‖ counts the number of them . x * Of whom because there was so fit an occasion offered to Aristeus , He scarcely * suffering ‖ the old man * to settle his wearie limmes [ to rest , ] * Rusheth [ vpon him ] with a great outcrie , and ties him with manicles lying all along . ‖ He * on the other side , not vnmindfull * of his skill , ‖ Transformes himselfe * into all wonderments of things , ‖ Both into fire , and into a most horrible wild beast , and into a cleare riuer . * But when he could find no meanes to escape by any * shift , being ouercome * he returned into his owne shape again . y And at the length he spake ‖ with the [ very mouth ] of a man. * O boldest of all youths , for who ( quoth he ) * bad thee ‖ to come vnto our * house ? or what doest thou fetch hence ? But * he [ made answer , ] Oh Proteus ‖ thou knowest ; euen thou thy selfe knowest ; neither is it [ * possible ] for any man ‖ to deceiue thee : * But leaue thou off to seeke [ to beguile me . ] * We following the commandements of the gods ‖ haue come hither * to enquire of the Oracles concerning our decayed estate . z * Thus much spake [ Aristeus . ] * At these words at last the Prophet [ Proteus ] with great enforcement * rolled his eyes burning with a ‖ red fierie light , And * gnashing his teeth discōtentedly , ‖ thus opened he his mouth * in oracles . * The wrath of no base power doth trouble thee , * Thou art punished for thy hainous faults : ‖ miserable Orpheus * raiseth vp these stormes , [ and yet ] * nothing according to thy desert , * if the fates did not resist : and rageth grieuously * for villanie offered to his wife . She indeed [ poore ] * wench * being neare vnto her death , * whilst headlong [ she ] fled from thee * by the riuers side , saw not a * fell serpent before her feet , ‖ keeping the bankes in the deepe * grasse . But the companie of Nymphs called Dryades * being of like age , ‖ filled the highest mountaines with [ their ] crie : * the Rhodopeian hils did weepe , * And the high Pangean tops , * yea the warlike countrey of Rhesus , And also ‖ the Getes , and the riuer ‖ Hebrus , * and likewise Orithya the Athenian Nymph . a [ But ] he himselfe * asswaging [ his ] sorowfull loue with [ his ] hollow lute , ( O sweete wife ) ‖ [ did sing of ] thee , [ he sang of ] thee by himselfe [ alone ] in the * desert shore : [ He sang of ] thee * at the comming of the day ; he sang of thee * at the departing of the same : * And entring into the iawes of * Tenarus , the deepe ‖ doores * of Pluto [ the God of hell , ] and into * a groue all blacke with fearfull darknes , he went both to the ‖ spirits , and ‖ to the dreadfull king , And to the hearts * that know not to waxe gentle at the prayers of men . * But yet the slender ghosts being moued with [ his ] song , ‖ went from the lowest seates of * hell , and [ so many ] likenesses * of [ folks ] lacking the light of life , * As thousands of birds hide themselues in woods , * When as the euening or ‖ a Winters shower doth driue [ them ] from the * hils . * [ Both ] mothers and husbands , and the bodies of couragious noble men ‖ discharged of life , ‖ boyes and vnmarried girles , And yong men ‖ put into the fiers * before [ their ] parents faces , [ All ] which the black mud and foule ill fauoured reeds of * Cocytus , and the fenne being * Al. lothsome thorough her continuall standing water compasseth about , * and the [ infernall ] Styx ‖ nine times powred betweene [ the liuing and the departed ] keepeth in [ or includeth , compassing them nine times about . ] Moreouer ‖ the very [ hellish ] houses themselues * were astonied , & also * the deepest dungeons of death , * and the furies of hell hauing their haire all intangled with blackish snakes : and likewise * Cerberus the gaping curre of hell , * stayd his three mouthes . And the wheele * of Ixions torture stood still with the winde [ thereof . ] b And now [ Orpheus ] * returning backe [ from hell ] ‖ had escaped all * dangers , and [ his wife ] Euridice ‖ being restored [ vnto him ] ‖ came into the vpper aire , following behind [ him , ] ( for why ‖ Proserpina [ the Queene of hell ] had giuen this law . ) c Whenas a sudden ‖ madnesse * had caught away the vnwarie louer , ( [ * A folly ] indeed to be ‖ pardoned , if the [ infernall ] spirits knew ‖ to pardon [ any thing . ] [ He ] stood still , and * alas forgetfull [ man , ] and ‖ ouercome in mind , * he looked backe vpon his owne Euridice , now * about the verie entrance into the light . There [ was ] all [ his ] labour * lost , and the * couenants of the * mercilesse tyrant * all made voide , d and thrice ‖ a broken noise [ was ] heard from the Auerne ponds . [ Then ] shee spake [ thus , ] O Orpheus who hath * vndone both * me miserable wretch , & thee [ likewise . ] * What so great a madnesse ! loe ‖ the cruell destinies call me backe againe : and sleepe [ of death ] * doth couer [ my ] dazeling eyes . And now ‖ farewell : [ for ] * I am borne [ away ] compassed about * with a dreadfull darknesse . * And stretching out to thee ( alacke not thine ) ‖ [ my ] feeble hands . [ Thus ] she spake , * and [ vanished ] suddenly out of his sight , euen as the smoake being mixt together flies diuers wayes into the thin aire : neither saw she him * after catching at [ her ] * ghost all in vain , * and desirous to speake many things vnto her , nor yet ‖ the ferriman of hell * Would suffer [ him ] to passe ouer any more ‖ the fen * set betweene [ the liuing and the infernall ghosts . ] e What should he do ? whither should he * betake himselfe , his wife being * violently taken from him twise ? With what * lamenting ‖ should he moue * the fiends , [ or ] with what voice [ might he * intreate ] the Gods ? * But she ‖ now cold , * swims [ back ] in the Stygian ferriboate . f * They say that he [ then ] mourn'd seuen whole moneths * together [ without rest , ] * Vnder a verie loftie rocke in the open aire , * neare vnto the streames of Strymon forsaken [ of all people ] , * and that he oft repeated these same things vnder [ those ] cold caues , * Taming the tigers , and ‖ mouing the okes with [ his ] * song . g * Like as the nightingale mourning vnder the shade of a poplar tree , ‖ complaines for her yong ones being lost : * which the * hard hearted plowman ‖ Obseruing , drew forth out of [ their ] neast * vnfledge ; but she * wailes [ all ] the night , and sitting * on a bough , renews afresh ‖ her miserable * note , and fils the places * farre and neare with [ her ] * dolefull complaints . h * No loue : * no new mariages could moue his mind . * He all alone wandered about the frozen Scythian coasts , and the riuer Tanais * couered with snow , * and eke the fields neuer without the Rhiphean frosts , complaining for ‖ [ his ] Euridice taken [ from him ] violently , and the * grant of Pluto vtterly made voide ; * in regard of which most precious gift , the women of the ‖ Cycones being * scorned , ‖ * dragged and scattered the yong man pluckt all in peeces thorough the broade fields , amongst * the sacrifices of [ their ] Gods , and * the night ceremoniall rites of Bacchus . And then withall whēas the riuer * Hebrus OEagrius [ of Thracia ] carying [ his ] head plucked away from [ his ] white marble necke , * tumbled [ it ] in the midst of the streame , * [ his ] very voice and tongue now cold called Euridice , ‖ ah miserable Euridice , * euen when his soule was flying away . The banks ‖ resounded Euridice * thorough the whole riuer . i * These things [ spake ] Proteus , and cast himselfe * into the depth of the sea . * And where he threw in himselfe , he whirl'd about the * foming waues vnder the round turning of the streame . k But Cyrene [ departed ] not : for why , she of her own accord spake vnto [ her sonne ] ‖ fearing [ much : ] [ My ] sonne , [ quoth shee ] * thou mayest put away sorrowful cares out of thy mind . ‖ Shee [ of whom Proteus spake , is ] ‖ all the cause of the disease : * hereon the Nymphes with whom * she vsed to dance in the high ‖ groues ‖ haue sent [ this ] miserable destruction * on thy bees . * Thou [ therefore ] humbly offer gifts ‖ crauing peace , and ‖ worship ‖ the Nymphes of the woods [ which are ] easie to bee intreated . * For they will grant [ thy ] requests , and qualifie [ their ] wrath . l But I will first tell thee in order , what is the maner of intreating [ them . ] Choose out foure * speciall bulls ‖ of excellent body , * which feed for thee now vpon the tops of green ‖ Lyceus mount , and as many heifers * of necke vntouched . * Make for these also foure altars neare vnto the stately temples ‖ of the Goddesses : ‖ and let out the sacred bloud forth of [ their ] throates . And also leaue the very bodies * of the buls in a groue full of greene leaues . After * whenas the ninth morning shall appeare , Thou shalt send vnto Orpheus [ some ] ghostly sacrifices , [ namely ] * poppies causing forgetfulnesse : And thou shalt [ likewise ] * offer a blacke sheepe , and shalt go see ‖ the groue againe . [ There ] shalt thou ‖ worship Euridice appeased with a heifer slaine . m * There was 〈◊〉 no delay , [ but ] ‖ he ●orth ▪ with * obeyed ‖ the precepts of his mother : Comes vnto the Temples , [ and ] ‖ reareth vp the altars , ‖ shewed [ vnto him . ] [ And ] brings foure * chosen buls of * excellent bodie , and as many heifers * of vntouched necke . Afterwards * whenas the ninth morning did appeare , * Aristeus ] sends to Orpheus the ghostly sacrifices , * and went again vnto the groue . n [ And ] here indeed they do behold a sudden * wonder ▪ and ●aruellous to be spoken , bees ‖ for to make a buzzing noise * throughout the dissolued bowels * of the beasts in their whole * bellies , * and [ as it were ] * with heat to issue boyling out from their bursten ribs . * And mightie clouds [ of bees ] t' be drawne [ in length ] and now ‖ to flow together knitting * in the top of a tree , and ‖ to send downe * a cluster like a grape from the * limber boughes . o * These things I sang ‖ vpon the tillage of the fields , and [ ordering ] of cattell . * And concerning trees , whilst * that great Caesar ‖ thundereth with warre ‖ at the deepe Euphrates , * and [ as ] a victorious conquerour giueth lawes amongst a willing people , and [ thus ] * prepares a way for heauen . Sweete Naples * entertained at that time me Virgil flourishing in the studies * of vnrenowned vacancie . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A14494-e430 ‖ Pastorals or heardmens songs . They are called Bucolica of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bubulcus or armentari● , whereof comes bucolicus , a , um , pertaining to neate or to beasts , or pertaining to heardmen or pastorall : and so Bucolica ( carmina ) neatheards songs or heardmens songs , and by a Synecd . sheepheards songs . ‖ These are also called Eclogs of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 electio , quasi electum poëma , a choyse Poeme : or here signifying , collocutio , because most of them are set downe in manner of Dialogues , viz. in talke betweene two or moe parties . * To which [ or whereto ] the name is Tityrus . ‖ The name Tityrus seemeth to be taken out of the Greeke Poet Theocritus , whom Virgil specially imitates in these Eclogues , where it is the name of a sheepheard most expert in countrey musicke . Thus is this first Eclogue named Tityrus of this fained sheepheard , whose felicitie is here chiefly recorded , and vnder his name Virgil is meant . ‖ The matter of this Eclogue or the substance hereof . ‖ Melibeus a sheepheard & familiar friend of Tityrus . * By the name of whom we vnderstand any Mantuan sheepheard . * Driuen away from his bounds [ viz. his fields or possessions . ] ‖ By an ancient souldier , viz. by one to whom his possessions were giuen for his long seruice . * Deplores [ or laments ] ‖ his misery or mishap : * And exaggerates his owne miseries by collation [ viz. by comparison ] of the felicitie of Tityrus . * Contrarily Tityrus who sustaines the person of Virgil [ viz. vnder whose ame Virgil is meant . ] ‖ Without care of feare . * His farmes [ viz. his lands ] being recouered . * Lifts vp into heauen Augustus [ Casar the Emperour . ] ‖ The principall cause of his peace . * Maruellous or wonderfull . * About the end [ or a little before the end : ] * night now imminent [ viz. approching apace : ] * he inuites Melibeus to [ his ] entertainment [ viz. to giue him entertainement : * with a certaine countrey-like ] or homely curtesie [ or kindnesse . ] 1 Tityrus a fained name of a sheepheard , most expert in countrey musicke ( as was said , ) here signifieth Virgil the famous Poet restored to his possessions by the commandement of Augustus . 2 Melibeus a heardman so called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because he had care of cattell , representing a townsman of Mantua , cast out of his possessions by the Romane souldiers , to whō their lands were giuen . a In this Eclogue ( as was shewed in the Argument ) Melibeus laments his owne calamitie , and the estate of the rest of the townsmen of Mantua , by comparing their misery with the fortunate estate of Tityrus , which he admireth with a secret indignation : That he might lie at his ease vnder the shade , and play his country ditties vpon his pipe . * Lying downe [ viz. lying at thy ease or resting quietly . ] * Cover [ viz. shade or shadow . 3 Tegmen ] q. tegimen à tegend● . Syne●d . ge● . * The beech tree spreading largely , [ viz. with great armes or branches . ] 4 Patul● ] à patendo . 5 Fagi . ] Syn. spec . * Meditate . ‖ Tune . ‖ A song fit to be sung in the woods [ or a rurall or country song , or a heard●ans or sheepheards ditty . 6 Musam ] Metonymia efficientis . * With a small oate . 7 A●ena ] Metalepsis , an oate for a pipe made of oaten straw , Met. materi● & Met. 〈◊〉 , and taken for any pipe , Syn. spec . b When they contrarily were enforced to leaue their countrey and pleasant fields : ‖ Forsake , or are driuē to leaue or forgo . * Ends or coasts . ‖ Pleasant grounds or lands . 8 Arv●m ab arando , such a field properly as is ready to be sowne , now plowed or tilled , Syn. spec . And glad to flie their natiue soyle , ye● he lying at his ease vnder the coole shade , might sing his songs in praise of his loue faire Amaryl , to cause the very woods with their echo to resound the same . ‖ Flie from , or are driuen out and banished from ‖ Our natiue soyle . * Tityrus , thou being sluggish [ viz. secure or lying at thy rest , or idle and carelesse . * Shadow . ‖ Makest . ‖ To found backe ( as the Echo in the woods ) faire Amaryl : viz. thy songs of thy loue faire Amaryl : or to sing songs in praise of Rome and thy fauourers there . 9 Amaryllis a fained loue of Virgils , hauing the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , splendeo , here it may seeme to be taken for Rome , and Virgil hauing friends there ; Metaphora , or being put for songs of Amaryl , it is Meton . subiect . c Tit. ] Tityrus answereth him , reioycing that the Emperour Augustus , whom he called God , had granted him all that happy peace . 10 By God he meaneth the Emperour Augustus who had granted him his lands and liberties , for so the Romans flatteringly made their Emperours gods . Or he meaneth that he would honour him as God , for the greatnesse of the benefit which he receiued . Deus Deus , in the beginning and the end , Epa●lepsis . * Made these rests to vs. * Idlenesse [ viz. quietnesse or securitie and freedome . ] 11 Ille , illius ] polyp●ton . * Be euer a god to merviz . whilst I liue and after my death . d Yea that he would offer vnto him many a sacrifice , as the manner of the Romans was to do to their gods . ‖ Delicate , fat and yong . * Sheepefoulds . * Imbrue , colour , moysten or poure about , viz be offered on his altar . * The altar of him . e For that he had granted him free libertie & safetie for the keeping of his cattell where he would , and of playing and singing at his will. ‖ Suffered my cattell . 12 Kine for any kind of cattell . Syn. spec . * To wander [ viz. to leasow or to go where I will. ] 13 Errare ] Syn. Gen. ‖ Sing . 14 L●dere ] Syn. Gen. ‖ Countrey pipe . * What things or what songs . 15 Ca● ] Syn. spec . & Met. Mat. * Reede or straw , viz. on my countrey oaten pipe . f Melib. Replying , telleth him that he did not enuie him , but rather admireth his felicitie , considering what troubles were at Cremona & Mantua and in all the countrey about , by the Romane souldiers , to whom their lands were giuen : whereby the poore inhabitants were driuen out . And he himselfe become very feeble , yet was faine to driue his goates farre off whither he could , to find pasture for them , hauing nothing else left him ; and had one of them so weake as he could hardly drag her after him . ‖ Grudge at or repine against thy happinesse or prosperitie . ‖ I wonder at it with delight . * It is troubled so very greatly , viz. there are so very great troubles amongst vs by the souldiers . 16 Turbatur [ à militibus , 〈◊〉 turbamur . Enal . * In our whole fields , or throughout all our bounds or lands . * See or behold . 17 AEger , ago . Paran . * Sicke [ viz. sorrowfull ▪ pensiue or heauie . ] * Do. 18 Protenus , [ à porr● & tenus . longè vel procul . Adv. loci . * [ My ] litle goates . * Far [ from our coasts ] or being so farre before me that I cannot ouertake them . 19 Ag● , duco Epanod . * And also . g Then giues the reason thereof , for that she had newly eaned vpon a bare flint stone , in stead of some better place of succour , and had there left two twins the hope of repairing his flocke againe . * I leade scarsly this [ goate . ] ‖ Two yong kids . h Afterwards he complayneth of their foolishnesse , that they could not be warned to pre●ent these mischiefes by so many prodigious signes : As hauing seene the oakes smitten with the lightning , which did portend some great euil to come vnto them by the displeasure of the Emperour , as by the thunderbolt of Iupiter himselfe . 20 The oake which sometime ministreth food● to man by the mast of it , was said to be in the protection of Iupiter ; and therefore by this diuination was signified the displeasure of Caesar , to take away their fields , as of Iupiter smiting the oakes . * Enforced her selfe to bring forth , or brought forth erewhile . 21 Coelum pro aere , 〈◊〉 pro tempestate aeris . Metaleps . * Touched ▪ [ viz. ] scorched , or blasted , or smitten with the lightning or thunderbolt . ‖ Out of the aire . ‖ Euill hap . * To f●retell ●s . If we had not bene vnhappie . * Left , foolish . 22 Pr● . Metaph. i Also the Chough chattring from the hollow holme tree on the left hand , which he accounteth another prodigious signe . 23 S●pe , s●pe . Anaph . * The chough , crow , or daw on the left hand . Al. The chough hath foretold vnhappy tidings frō the hollow holme tree , [ or vnhappie things . ] 24 Sinistra cornix the chough sitting on the left hand , [ viz. sitting North when they looked towards the East or Sunne rising ; which they accounted vnluckie . This verse is omitted by sundry interpreters , as none of Virgils , for that it seemes contrary to the diuinations of those times , wherein they tooke this signe to be luckie : vnlesse it be attributed to the sheepheards rudenesse . k Yet seeing there was now no remedy , ●e desireth to know who this god was . ‖ Neuerthelesse . * Giue vs [ viz. shew vs. ] l Tit. Tityrus in stead of answering directly , beginneth sheepheard ▪ like to extoll the citie where that god dwelt : describing it both by the name , & also the greatnesse and state of it , which he amplifieth by his owne foolishnesse : That he was wont to imagine it to be like their citie Mantua , whither they vsed to driue their lambes to sell , but onely that he thought it somewhat bigger . ‖ I foolish sheepheard ‖ Imagined that , that citie which men call Rome , was like this our citie Mantua . 25 Mantua is a little citie in Gallia Cisalpina , where Virgil was borne ▪ * Ar● wont oft times * To put away [ or to driue away to be sold , or to the market ] * The tender yong ones of our sheepe , [ viz ▪ our lambs wained frō their dams . ] m Euen as he had knowne whelpes like the dams , kids like to the goates , & had bene wont thus to compare the greater thing● with lesse . 26 Sic , si● , Anaph . * I had knowne or seene . 27 Canibus catulos . Pa●sia . * To the bitches . * I had knowne . 28 Catul●s , h●dos . Epa●dos . * To their dams . 29 Matribus . Metaph. 〈◊〉 Syn. spec . 30 Noram , sol●bam . Epanal . ‖ With little . n But now he acknowledgeth he saw indeed , that this citie did so far exceed all others in state and greatnesse , * This [ city Rome . ] ‖ Hath so much aduanced [ or lift vp the head aboue [ all ] other cities . * So much . 31 Alias inter . Anastrophe . As the high cypresse trees do the low shrubs . * How much . * Bending or pl●ant , viz. limber . ‖ Bindeweede or shrubs . o Mel. ] Melibeus replying againe , demandeth of him the cause , which made him so desirous to see Rome . 32 Ecquae pro quaenam , more antiquo . * A cause of seeing Rome hath bene to thee . p Tit. ] Whereunto Tityrus answereth , that desire of freedome was the cause , and also hope of recouering his lands , which he there obtained though long before . ‖ Euen liberty [ viz. a desire of liberty . * [ Though it was ] late [ before it came ] * Respected me ] or behold me fauourably . ‖ Sluggish or slouenlike and vnhansome . * Rude and without art . q And not vntill his beard began to be white , viz. that he was growne well in yeares . The sence is , After that my beard began to be white . 33 A white beard , either as the first downe is whitish in many ; or as some imagine by his yeares ; or rather by cares for the losse of his lands ; for that Melibeus calleth him after , fortunate old man. Which speech may yet respect the time to come : what he was like to be . Vid. infrâ . ‖ Yet neuerthelesse [ liberty ] respected me [ viz. I became a free-man . ] * To ●e p●ling [ or barbing ] viz ▪ as the Barber was cutting my beard . r Yet at length he obtained it after long looking and waiting . 34 Respexit tamen ] Epan . ‖ A long time after . s And then he sheweth that since that time that he came in fauour at Rome , he had left Mantua altogether . ‖ Since that I began to be in esteeme at Rome , I left Mantua . * Hath vs. ‖ Mantua . t And also giueth the reason of it : because whilst he was at Mantua he had neither hope of freedome , nor meanes of recouering or increasing his substance . * For. ‖ I will confesse the truth . ‖ Whilst I abode at Mantua , 35 Nec , nec , Anaph . * Was there to me hope of liberty nor care of my substance of estate . 36 A mans substance or goods was called peculium , because of ancient time it consisted chiefly in ca●ell , pecus . u Although there 〈◊〉 many a sacrifice out 〈◊〉 his foulds . * Much sacrifice [ viz. many a lambe was fetched from my foulds for sacrifice . 37 Victima , is properly sacrifice for victory obtained , à victoria . As hostia pro hostibus superandis , a sacrifice for the ouercoming of enemies , viz. in hope to ouercome . 38 Septum à sepio . Syn. Gen. pro ouili . ‖ I made good fat cheeses . And many a good 〈◊〉 cheese went forth of 〈◊〉 dairie to that ●full Mantua . * Pressed . 39 Ingratae ] vnthankful to the sheepheards by whom it was maintained . 40 Vrbi . Syn. Gen. Met. subi . Yet still his purse came empty home . * [ My ] right hand did not returne to me home at any time loaden with money [ viz. I neuer brought any store of mony home for ●ine owne selfe : or for mine owne vse , but euer returned empty handed , 41 Aere ] because in old time they made money of brasse . Met. Mat. x Melibeus againe applauding his happinesse , telleth him that he wondered why his loue Amaryl , so called vpon the gods in such pensiue manner for him . 42 Amarylli ] Apostrophe ad amicam . * Being pensiue ] or sorrowfull , or heauie , as forelorne , or sad . * Didst call . ‖ For whose sake . That he suffered his apples to hang vpon his trees , not regarding to gather them , but pining away with longing after him . * Their owne tree . 43 Tityrus , Tityre , ipse , ipsi , ipsa . Anaph . Polypt . That the pine trees , fountaines , and euen the very groues did seeme to call for him in mourning wise . ‖ Farre away from . ‖ The very water springs . 44 Arbustum is a groue of trees either for fruite or pleasure , or onely for bearing vp vines , to which the vines are said to be married : but chiefly of such trees as beare fruite . y Tityrus answering , sheweth him the cause of his going to Rome , and of his tarrying there so long . For that he could neuer otherwise haue gotten out of seruitude ; nor haue seene the gods , ( meaning the chiefe States of Rome , whom he flatteringly calleth gods , ) in such manner as he now did being present with them , and to haue them so bountifull vnto him . * Was it lawfull for me to go forth from [ or get out of ] seruice or bondage . ‖ The worthy nobles so fauourable and so ready to helpe . z There he telleth him , that he saw moreouer that renowned Augustus whom he made his god : ‖ We offer sacrifice twelue dayes euery yeare , viz. at the Calends of each moneth * That yong man [ or that yong gallant , viz. Augustus Caesar the Emperour who began his Empire very yong . 45 Augustus Caesar the second Emperour of Rome , sonne to Octa●ius a Senator , and Nephew to Iulius Caesar , a wise and mercifull Prince , in whose reigne Christ was borne . To whom he offered sacrifices twelue times euery yeare : From whom he receiued this comfortable answer , as from an Oracle : * To whom . ‖ Cattell . 46 Hic , hic , Anaph . * Requesting [ or making suite vnto him . That he should follow his cattell and his husbandry , enioying them as he did before . 47 Puer is taken properly for a boy , viz as it is opposite to puella a girle . Secondly , it is taken for the childish age , and thirdly , for a seruant or bo●dman which were commonly boyes or yong men : so it is here vsed . * Boyes or lads [ viz. seruants , slaues or drudges ] ‖ Happy old man that thou shalt be ! * As before ▪ 48 Submittite ta●s , q. sub i●ga mittite . * Put vnder [ your ] buls viz. vnder the yoakes , that is , yoake your oxen as before . 49 Fortunate senex ] Melibeus is thought here ●o call him thus in regard of the time to come , that be might liue to be a happy old man. 50 Fortunate , &c. Exclamatio admirationis . ‖ Thou shalt enioy thy grounds or possessions . a Melibeus hereupon breaking out into an exclamation of wondering , calleth him fortunate old man , because he should enioy his possessions and his grounds which were large enough for him , * Therefore ‖ Pastures sufficient for thy cattell . * Countries . ‖ Although it be fenced in with a stone wall & a fenne ditch , or with stonie hils or rocks or marish grounds , & not very great [ or seeing that it is . &c. Albeit they were compassed about with a stone wall & a fen ditch full of bulrushes , and were not very great . ‖ With slimy bulrushes [ viz. with flags growing in the mud . * Compasseth about [ viz. limiteth . ] 51 Limos● i●nco , Syn. spec . sing . proplural . Epan . b Yet hereby he should receiue this benefit ; that his cattell should not be indangered to receiue hurt , by such grounds as they were not acquainted with ; ‖ Al [ Therefore . ] * Vnaccustomed pastures , [ or f●dder , or feeding . * Tain● . 52 Foetas Metony● . adiuncti . Nor by the contagious diseases of other cattell , but might pasture by themselues . * Ill contagions , [ or catching diseases . * Cattell neare vnto thee [ or of the cattell of thy neighbour . ] c And further also admires his fortunate estate , for the pleasures which he should now enioy : That he might spend all his dayes lying at his ease vnder the coole shade , and amongst the knowne riuers of his owne countrey . * Shalt catch oft times here 53 Frigus opacum . Met. adi●ncti . ‖ Betweene Padu● and Mincius which were dedicated to the Nymphes . 54 Sacros propter Nymphas Naiades quibus s●crisunt . d That on the one side he might heare the sweete hūming of bees , feeding continually vppon the palmes of the sallow trees , in the hedges of his neighbours bounds , which would oft ●ull him on sleepe by their pleasant noise . * The shady cold . * From hence [ 〈◊〉 one part . 54 Hybla is a towne of Sicily , and a mountaine neare vnto it , where was store of thime and sallow trees , and so most excellent for bee● . 55 Depasta florem [ h. e. secundum florem , Syn. membri . 56 Hybleis apibus [ Syn. spec . * From the neare bound , ] viz. on the next meere , or in the next fence , or the hedge betweene thee and thy neighbour . * Eaten vpon [ or eaten vp ] alwaies by the bees of Hybla . * According to [ or in regard of ] the palmes , [ or flowers , or bloomes of the sallow trees . ] 57 Salicetum locus salicibu● consitus , & per Sy●copen salictum . * Perswade [ or cause thee . * To go into sleepe , or to sleepe . * Light sound , [ or humming noise . 58 Susurrus is any soft or still noise , as of leaues or branches of trees ; and here of bees , a word fained per ●nomatopeiam . e On the other side he might heare the loppers of trees singing loud to the skies , so as to make the heauens to ring ; as he lay at his ease vnder the rocks . * Fr● hence the lopper of trees [ or corder of wood lopping and shread ●g of the boughes . 59 Frondator [ qui frondes a●putat . * To the blasts [ viz. aloud piercing the skies . * From vnder the hi● rocke [ viz. lying vnder it . ] * Neither yet . 60 Nec , nec , Anaph . And that he might heare the ringdoues singing after their manner , wherein sheepheards take chiefe delight . * Being thy care , [ viz. thy delight , or that in which thou delightest , ] shall ceasse to sing . And likewise the turtles mourning continually in the high elmes . ‖ To sing after her manner as it were mourning . * Aierie elme , viz. the elme tree mounting vp into the aire 61 Aeria Meton . subj . f Tityr . ] Tityrus answering professeth , that in regard of all this happinesse which he enioyed by Augustus , he would neuer forget him ; which he amplifieth by three comparisons of impossibilities , and from the lesse to the greater . ‖ The Hart so light of foote . * Light. 62 Fretum à feruendo , a narrow sea betweene two lands here put for any sea . Syn. memb . or Syn. spec . ‖ Seas . * Shall be fed before , or shall feede , like a common . * Shall forsake or leaue destitute . 1. That the stags should feede in the skie before . * Naked [ viz. vncouered or drie in the shoare or banke of the sea for lacke of water . 2. That the seas should be dried vp , and the fishes dye for lack of water . * Either the Parthian &c. [ viz. The Parthian outlaw [ remaining in Parthia ] shall drinke of the riuer Sagona in France , & the Germaine , &c. or the Parthian being driuen out of his countrey . 63 Antè , antè , Anaph . 64 The Parthian in the Scythian language is said to signifie an outlaw . 3. That the Parthian remaining in Parthia should drinke of the riuer Ara●is in France , and the Germaine in Germanie should drinke of Tigris in Asia , the one of them running into the other , before he would forget him . Or that they being driuen out of their bounds should wander about the farthest places of the earth . 65 Germania pro Germano . Met. subj . Al. The Parthians shall be driuen into Germanie , and the Germanes into Mesopotamia , Friskiline . 66 Tigris a riuer in Asia passing by Mesopotamia , and so running through Armenia . * The bounds of thē both being wandered through [ viz. hauing trauelled about thē both , that is , the Germaine hauing trauelled through all the coasts of the Parthians , and the Parthian of the Germaines . ‖ Before we shall forget him . * Then his countenance shall , &c. g Melibeus contrarily bewaileth the miserable estate both of himselfe , and of the rest of them who were driuen forth , that they should be enforced to flie into all the quarters of the earth , some to Africa Southward ; others into Scythia Northward , others into Creete which he maketh to be in the East ; others into Britaine remote from all the world Westward . * Some [ of vs shall go or wander ] to the thirsty Africanes , [ viz towards the scorching South where Africa lyeth , which is called thirstie in regard of the heate there . 67 Afro● . Syn. spec . Met. Adi . ‖ Come in our trauels into Scythia [ viz towards the cold North. 68 Scythia put ▪ for the North , Syn. spec . Oaxes is thought to be a swift riuer of Mesopotamia towards the East , put for the East part : named here a riuer of Creete , according to the sheepheards skill : or so called because the earth of it is chalkie , as some thinke . ‖ Oaxes towards the East . * To the Britaine 's [ viz. to the furthest parts of the Wes● separated wholly by the seas from the rest of the world [ viz. from the continent or firme land of Europe and Asia . h Afterwards he breaketh out into a new lamentation for the leauing of his houses and grounds , complaining that when he should see them againe after many yeares he should neuer admire them , reioycing in them as he had bene wont . * Behold I seeing euer after a long time the coasts of my countrey : After many years , or a long time after my leauing of them . ‖ Looking vpon or reuiewing . * Some beards or eares of corne : viz. sommers wherein they are ripe . 69 Arista is properly the beard or the ●e of the corne ; taken here first for the whole eare of corne , then the eare for the haruest , where in it is ripe ; the haruest for the sommer ; the sommer for the whole yeare , which make a Metalepsis , viz. many ●ropes in one , thus passing as by degrees from one to another . See Butlers Rhet. * Heaped vp with turfe , viz. couered with tu●fes heaped one on another . ‖ Which is now or was before to me as my kingdome . ‖ Shall I wonder being in loue with it , as in former time ? 70 Regna ] Metap . * Kingdomes . 71 Mirabor pro admirabor . i Thereupon he also bemoneth their lamentable estate , by an exclamation of commiseration : That now the impious souldier should possesse those the● fields so finely husbanded and prepared fo● seede . And that the barbarous stranger should haue their crops of corne . * The vngodly [ viz. wicked or prophane ] souldier , shall he haue these new broken vp grounds so well ordered or tilled , or dressed , [ viz. these fallow fields so well prepared for seede . 72 Novaie , vbi satum f●it , & antequam secunda satione ren●vetur , qui●scit . * The barbarous [ or rude souldier ] or the rude fellow , or the barbarian [ shall he haue ] these standing corne [ viz. these crops of corne ? 73 En quo ] Exclamat● commiserationis . k Thus he proceedeth complaining of their discord whither it had brought them , and for whom they had sowne their fields . ‖ Behold to what a state , contention [ or warre ] hath brought vs the vnhappy inhabitants of Mantua . 74 En , en . Anaph . l Yet after by turning the speech vnto himselfe , he comforts himselfe herein notwithstanding : That he might plant pea●e trees and vines otherwhere . Or rather complaines of his folly in planting . 75 Insere nunc , ] Apostrophe , viz. a turning of the speech to himselfe . ‖ Plantor set peare-trees . * Set vines in order m And then withall speaking to his goates which had in time past bene his chiefe delight , bids them farewell ; lamenting this , that he might not see them any more to feede ( as it were hanging ) vpon the tops of the rocks , like as sometimes he had done , lying vnder them in the greene valleys farre remote . * Go ye , or get ye gone . 76 Ite ] Apostrophe to the goates . ‖ Sometime my happie cattell . 77 Ite , ite . Epan . * I cast downe . ‖ I shall not hereafter lying all along in a greene valley see you as I haue bene wont . * Den or caue . ‖ To hang [ viz. because the goates seeme to hang vpon the steepe rocks whē they feede on them . n He should sing no moe songs following them , neither should they crop the flourishing trifoly , or bitter willowes , or other such like shrubs , as they had bene wont . * No songs or verses . ‖ Eate or brouze vpon the blooming shrubs . 78 Cythisus is a kind of trifoly called tetrifoly , a plant greatly increasing milke , and good against the rot in cattell , taken here for any such kind of hearbe or shrub , good for goates . Syn. sp● . 79 Amaras hominibus , capris su●es . ‖ Sallowes , which are bitter to our taste , though pleasant vnto goates . * Me feeding [ you ] viz. hauing me to tend you , or to follow you , ‖ Not withstanding . o Tityru● here concludeth the dialogue , in●iting Melibe● to tarrie with him all night , and to rest and refresh himselfe ; and that by sundry reasons . Tit. ‖ Stay , tarrie , or abide with me . ‖ Vpon a bed made of tender boughes of trees , or leaues , or flowers , or vpon the soft greene grasse , as sheepheards in that hot countrey vsed . * Vpon a greene leafe . 80 Fronde ] Syn. spec . * There are to vs mellow apples . 1. For the commodiousnesse of his lodging there vpon the greene leaues . * Soft , ripe , or pleasant . * There are ] soft chestnuts [ viz. fully ripe , or very pleasant . * And plenty of pressed milke , [ viz. turned to cheese , or of curds and creame . 2. Because he had good prouision to giue a sheepheard entertainement , both of mellow apples , ripe chestnuts , & of curds and creame and cheese enough . ‖ The chimneyes of the townes and farmes about do smoke as toward supper time . 3. For that it now 〈◊〉 towards night , which 〈◊〉 setteth out and amplifieth by the smoking of chimneyes , the increasing of the shadowes of the hils both in length and greatnesse , as they are wont to do toward● the euening . ‖ The shadowes waxing bigger do shew it to be neare tonight . For the nearer it is to the Sunne setting , the greater the shadowes are . * To whom the name is [ viz , which hath the name Alexis . ‖ A sheepheard called Corydon . * Being taken or caught with the loue of the lad Alexis [ viz. being exceedingly affectioned to him : * Pretermitteth nothing of those things [ viz. ouerslippeth no oportunitie or meanes . ] * Appertaine or belong . * To stroke softly [ viz. to win by smoothing or flattery , or to intice . ] ‖ To gaine from him mutuall loue [ viz. to cause Alexis to loue him ●gaine . ] * Vnderstandeth himselfe , neither to profit any thing . * Flatteries or alluring words . * Or by his little gifts or presents . * Returning to himselfe [ viz. be thinking himselfe better . * Madnesse . * That he must returne [ viz. to returne . ] * To the intermitted [ or omitted ] care [ viz. the care which for a time he had left off . ] * Of his houshold estate or matters belonging to his family or domesticall businesse . ‖ Cast off or remoue , or put away , or driue away . * Tediousnesse [ viz. wearinesse or griefe . ] ‖ Vnfortunate loue . * Grow or spring . * And [ viz. and indeed or and also . ] * We take [ viz. vnderstand ] Virgil by Corydon . * Beleeue [ viz. may giue credit to . ] * By Alexis [ we vnderstand ] Alexander the boy of Pollio ▪ [ vnder the name of Alexis is meant , &c. ] * Whom he receiued of him [ viz. of Pollio ] after for a gift [ or a reward ] viz. bestowed vpon him freely . * Corydon a sheepheard : * Burned [ viz. was inflamed with the loue of faire Alexis : [ or ●ehemently loued : ‖ Beautifull or well fauoured Alexis : * Delights or dainties [ viz. the onely solace of his maister . * Neither could he haue what he might hope : [ viz. yet he obtained not any thing but onely a vaine hope of him . * Continually [ viz. vsually or very often , or day by day . * Being shadie tops [ viz. broade & spreading , and so making a shade with their tops . ‖ He reuolued , or rolled , or vainely vttered . * [ Verses ] [ viz. rimes or words ] ill set together , or ill composed or disordered . * With a vaine study [ viz. vainely or all in vaine . ] * Thou carest for nothing or not at all [ viz. thou carest not for . * Verses . ‖ Thou hast no compassion of me . * To conclude . * Thou compellest me to die [ viz. thou killest my heart . ] Al. Thou wilt compell [ viz. cause me to die or hasten my death . ] * Also the cattell or the very cattell : * Do endeauour or seeke to take the shades and colds , [ viz. shadie and coole places or the shady cold . * The bushes of thornes , [ viz. thorny places or shrubs ] also do hide ‖ serpents like newtes . a Thestylis a countrey woman , Syn. spec . * Doth stampe [ or pun ] together garlicke and wilde thime being strong smelling hearbes . ‖ Wilde betany smelling like wilde marioram , or wilde thime . ‖ Mowers or haruest men . * With the snatching heate , [ viz. the violent or vehement heate . Al. But [ yet ] the groues [ or thickets ] do resound [ my songs ] with me , [ together ] with hoarse grashoppers , whilst I spie on euery side , thy footsteps vnder the burning Sunne . * Do sound backe as the echo , [ or do giue an echo . ‖ With hoarse singing grashoppers , or grashoppers singing hoarsly vnder the scorching heate . * I go about to seeke or view euery way . ‖ The treadings or prints of thy feete . * Hath it not , &c. ‖ Abide or endure . b Tristes iras , ] Met. Effecti . * The sorrowfull angers , [ viz. the frowning lookes . * Disdaines . * Whether or no Menalcas ? [ viz. were it not better to loue Menalcas , or to endure Menalcas to frowne vppon me , or to disdaine me . ‖ Foule , or at least not so faire , or of a swart colour . * White [ viz. beautifull . ‖ O well fauoured youth . * Colour [ viz. fairenesse . ] c Ligustra [ Met. subj . pro floribus ligustri . * The white priuet or prime-print : ‖ Fall downe and are lost . ‖ Violets of purple colour , near● to blacke , [ or blacke hurtle berries , or bramble berries ] are gathered . ‖ Thou despisest me , and askest not after me . ‖ Scorned . Al. How rich I am in cattle , how plent●us in milke as white as snow . ‖ What my wealth and state 〈◊〉 . * Of snow-white cattell , viz. in sheepe hauing their wooll as white as driuen snow , which he accounts most excellent . * How abounding of milke [ I am . ] ‖ I haue a thousand ewe lambs [ viz. which are most excellent for breede . * Stray or wander , viz. feede at liberty where they will. * In the Sicilian mountaines . * New milke [ ● not wanting to me ] in Sommer , neither is it lacking in the cold [ viz. in Winter . ] ‖ I sing the same songs , &c. * If at any time [ viz. whensoeuer he gathered together his heards or flockes of cattell . d Armenta are heards of greater cattell . * In the hill Aracinthus butting on the shoar● , or being neare to Athens , for so also the word Actctaeus may be taken . ‖ Hard fauoured . e He speaketh after the manner of sheepheards , who in stead of a glasse vse oft times to behold themselues in the water . * In the shoare [ viz. as I stood vpon the sea shoare , I saw my shadow in the water . ] ‖ Banke or side . ‖ Was calme [ viz. quiet , not stirred by the winds . ‖ To compare with Daphnis ‖ for beauty , though thou thy selfe be iudge ‖ Likenesse , or counterfeit , or image . ‖ Beguile vs. * Oh that onely it may like [ or lift ] thee to inhabite the countries base [ or homely ] to thee [ but pleasant vnto me ] with me , [ or to inhabite with me : * And to inhabite [ our ] low cotages . * And to fasten in the ground , [ or to driue do●e ] forked stakes , [ or as some thinke , to s●ite through [ viz. to kill ] stags or harts . f Cer●i are taken for forked props like harts hornes , to hold vp their little sheepheards houses . ‖ To the greene marsh-mallowes or water mallowes , for so some take hibiscus . g Viridi hibisco , for , ad viridem hibiscum . * Bulrush . * Thou shalt imitate Pan , [ that is , euen Pan himselfe . ] h Pan is called the god of sheepheards , because as the Poets say , he ordained first the sheepheards life , & was most excellent in such musicke as the sheepheards vse . * In singing together with me . ‖ Pan deuised piping , or the sheepheards pipe . * Appointed or ordained . ‖ Diuers or sundry reedes . ‖ Pan is the Protector both of sheepe and sheepheards . ‖ To haue put a pipe to thy lip [ or to thy mouth . ] * Thy little lip with a reede . ‖ Trie or assay . ‖ That he might learne this ●kill of piping . * These same things . * There is to me a pipe compact [ or framed ] of seuen vnlike hemlocks , [ viz. hollow stalkes of hemlocks or reeds , whereof each was bigger then other in order , both in greatnesse and in sound . * Gaue me for a gift or for a iewell . * This [ pipe . ] * The second [ maister , viz. thou art the second possess●r of this pipe . ‖ E●ied , [ viz. that I should h● this pipe . * There are to me moreouer two kids [ or yong wilde goates or roes , ] found of me in no safe valley [ or place , or not without some perill ] their skins also being sprinkled with white [ viz. full of little white spots , like stars , or of diuers colours white and blacke . * They drie [ or sucke dry ] either of them two teates of a sheepe [ viz. either of them anewe ] in a day , or sucke twise a day . * Which [ kids . ] * Intreateth [ or desireth ] now of late , [ or a good while ago . ] * To leade [ or haue them ] away , [ viz. that she might haue them . * She shall do it . ‖ Thou esteemest so basely of our gifts . * Are so base to thee [ or with thee . ] ‖ Come hither oh welfauoured youth . ‖ Loe or see . i Nympha is properly a new maried wife , a Nymph : here by the Nymphes are meant goddesses of the medowes or woods . Amongst the heathens they were taken for goddesses haunting riuers , trees , mountaines , medowes , or the like . ‖ Baskets full of lillies . * White or faire Nais . k Nais is taken for one of the Nymphes or Fairies haunting the riuers and fountaines . * Cropping . * The heads [ or tops ] of poppies for thee . * Ioynes [ or knits together ] * Primrose peerelesse , or flower ▪ deluce as some will. * Auisse . * Weauing them in or making garlands of them . ‖ Cassia is commonly taken for Cinamon , here it is taken for a kind of hearbe . * Paints [ or sets pleasantly ] soft violets with the yellow marigold . ‖ With yellow marigolds . * Hoarie apples with a tender downe [ or cotten ] [ meaning quinces being hoary . ] ‖ Especially commended . * I will adde , or adioyne : or put to them . ‖ Plums as soft as waxe , or fine yellow plums . * And honour shall be also to this apple , [ viz. this apple shall be set by for his fairenesse , ] or this quince by Synecd . or plum by a Metamor . * And o● ye lawrels , I will crop [ or plucke ] you . * Thou next mirtle [ viz. next to the lawrell in sweetnesse . ‖ I will plucke branches from thee also . * So put [ or set in order . ] * Do mixe or mingle . * A rusticke or rude fellow . * Neither can Iôlas grant [ viz. suffer himselfe to be ouercome of thee by gifts . ] l Iolas was another ▪ sheepheard which stroue for the 〈◊〉 of Alexis . * What would I to me poore wretch , [ viz. what meant I poore wretch . * Lost [ or vndone , or vtterly cast away or out of hope . * Sent in . * Liquid [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 cleare waters . ‖ Mad youth . ‖ Dwelt in . m Paris the sonne of Pri●mus king of Troy , descended from Dard● the sonne of Iupiter & Electrae , which Dardanus was the first builder of Troy , calling it with the countrey where it stood , Dardania . * Pall●s her selfe let her inhabite , [ viz. delight in the towers or castles which her selfe hath built . ‖ Content vs best . * Before all other things . ‖ Fell , fierce or terrible . * Follow [ in chase . ‖ The lasciui●us or ranke yong goate . * His owne pleasure draweth euery one , [ viz. euery one followes his owne delight . * Bring backe the plowes , [ viz. the ●mes [ or plowes ] come home . * To the yoake . * Departing , [ viz. going downeward . ‖ Increasing longer and bigger . ‖ Although the heate of the Sunne 〈◊〉 , yet the 〈◊〉 of my loue 〈◊〉 increased . * Can be to loue . * Taken , viz. ouertaken thee . * There is to thee a vine . * In an elme tree full of boughes or leaues . * Thou doest prepare rather . * To wea●e or plot something . * Of those things whereof neede requireth . * With twigs and a soft bulrush . ‖ Loue. * Disdaine thee , [ or despise th●e . ] * Which is ●tituled ] Palemon ▪ * Menalcas and Dametas being sheepheards , first do striue by mutuall taunts [ or reproches or scoffes ] betweene themselues . * Forthwith [ or anon ] Palemon coming betweene [ as ] a iudge , * they dispute [ or debate the contention for victorie , ] ‖ A song [ or rime ] answered by turnes , viz. first by one , then the other . * Either [ or both of them ] is made [ or found ] equall . ‖ Iudgement . * Dametas tell me whose cattell [ is it ? ] or are they ? a Pe● , ●men collectinum pro grege . * Whether [ is it , or whether are they the cattell ] of Melibeus ? [ or Melibeus flocke ? ] * But [ they are the cattell ] of Egon . * Deliuered [ them ] to me [ to keep ] or to 〈◊〉 te●ding . b O●is for o●es . Sy●ecd . speci● , sing●l . pro plur . O semper 〈◊〉 ] 〈◊〉 . Al. O the cattell [ or flocke ] of sheepe alwayes vnhappie . ‖ I 〈◊〉 himselfe the maister . * Cherish [ or make much of , or seek● to win the loue of ] Neera . * To himselfe . ‖ Keeping or tending another man● cattell . c Succ● is the naturall moisture that a healthfull bodie receiueth from the meate . * Iuyce or moisture is drawne away , * To [ viz ▪ from the cattell . * Milk [ is drawne away or withdrawne ] to the lambes . * These things to be obiected more sparingly to men . ‖ To such as I am . * Who you . Ellipsis . Al. Al. The corners of your eyes looking awrie [ or ouerthwartly ] viz. when you looked a squint . ‖ Disdaining . d Transuersa pr● transuersim , Adiecti●m pr● Aduerbi● . ‖ Thou hadst the Nymphes f●ourable , which did not straightway be●ray thee , but onely smile at thee . * Easie to be pacified . ‖ Spoile . * The groue of Mycon . e Arbust● is 〈◊〉 such a groue o● ▪ trees , ●s where 〈◊〉 grow vp by trees . * Cut , or cut off ▪ viz. thee●ishly . * Very new or yong . ‖ A bad vinehooke ▪ [ viz. marring the vines , or a hooke thee●ishly vsed . * Or [ who saw thee ] here , [ or they smiled at thee here . ‖ Beeches . ‖ Daphnis bow and arrowes or shafts . * Per●erseor froward Menalcas . * Grieuedst for [ viz. didst repine at with e●ie . * And thou wouldst haue died if thou hadst not hurt him some way . ‖ Thou wouldest haue burst with anger . * What the maisters shall do when theeues dare aduenture such things ? ‖ Theeuish seruants dare be bold to do [ or attempt ] such things , or play such pranks . * Thou worst [ or vile fellow . ] * To catch by craft the he-goate of Micon [ or Micons gelded goate . ] * His wolfe-dog [ or band-dog ] barking much [ or loud . ] f Lycisca a dog bred of a wolfe & a bitch , with which they vsed to keepe their flocks . * I cried . * Doth he snatch away [ viz. get or conuey himselfe so speedily ] or whither trudgeth he ? ‖ Ho Tityrus , looke to thy cattell : thou hid'st thy selfe behind the flags or sheere-grasse . * Thou l●yest hid . * Whether he being ouercome in singing , should not restore [ or giue . ] ‖ In our triall for maistery in singing and piping . * Which my pipe had deserued by [ my verses , [ viz. which I had wonne by piping and singing . ‖ The reward of my victorie . * Himselfe to be able to restore [ him ] viz. the goate . * [ Deseruedst ] thou [ or didst thou win ] him by singing [ viz. thou so vnskilfull , of him so skilfull . * Or was there euer to thee a pipe ioyned [ or set together ] with waxe , [ viz. any pipe that was ought worth ? * Oh vnlearned [ viz. thou rude fellow . ] * To lose altogether for nothing ] viz. to play for nothing , as those do whom none regard . * Miserable [ or sory or silly ] song [ or verse . ] * With a whizzing or hissing stubble . * In places where three wayes meet , [ viz. in the comr●on high wayes , or where country fellowes vse to meete , or sitting by the high way side . * Therefore wilt thou [ that ] we trie by experience . ‖ One after another . * Both [ or both each after other . ‖ I wil play with thee for this heis●r . * I put downe , viz. will stake downe or lay for gage . ‖ Flinch , or despise the wager [ or offer ] any way . ‖ She is milked twise [ in a day . ] * She nourisheth two young ones with her vdder [ or paps , viz. with the milke in her vdder . ] * Say thou , or tell me . * Thou mayest striue , viz. trie for the maistery is playing with me . * Lay downe [ or stake downe , viz. play for ] with thee . * Lay downe [ or stake downe , viz. play for ] with thee . * Any thing of [ my ] flocke , or from my flocke . * And for [ or , and why ] ‖ They straightly count all my cattell that I cannot play for any one , but it will be missed . * For there is a seuere or straight father to me , there is an vniust [ or hard stepmother . * Do number [ or count [ our ] cattell twise in a day . * And one of them [ tels ] the kids . ‖ Which were cunningly carued by that excellent or famous workman Alcimedon . ‖ Excelling or most skilfull . * ( Because [ or sith that ] it l●steth thee to be mad , [ viz. that thou darest thus chalenge me ▪ or thou art disposed to be so lustie . g Tornu● ] is a toole or instrument with which Turners vse to make things round . * Greater then thy heifer by much . * [ To wit ] Conon , [ viz. the picture of Conon . ] * To which a limber vine added aboue [ it ] with an easie [ or fine cutting . ] turning toole . h Conon a famous Egyptiā Mathematiciā . The Poet brings in the shepherd speaking thus rudely , as most 〈◊〉 his ignorāce . * Doth clothe [ or co●er ] the iuie berries spread [ or scattered ] abroad with a pale [ or wa● ] iuie . * The other man. * Signes [ viz. images grauen [ or carued . ‖ The famous Mathematician , who hath po●rtrayed or set out in tables the whole world , to wit , Archimedes , or as some thinke , Hipparchus , or some other . i Radius is here taken for an instrument with which Geometricians vse to measure , as the Iacobs staffe , or the like : so called for the proportion it hath to the Sun beame , which radius signifieth more properly . * Geometricall instrument . * [ Who also hath described [ viz set out to the capacitie of the h●bandman ] ‖ The times both of sowing and haruest . * The reaper or mower should haue . k The plow man is called crooked , because they commonly go crooked or sto●ping in holding the plow. * Neither yet haue I moued [ my ] lips to them but keepe them layed vp . l Put my lips to them , for , put them to my lips ▪ Hypa●age . ‖ Drunke in them [ or so much as put them to my lips . * And the same Alcimedon hath made two cups for vs [ also ▪ ] * And embraced [ or compassed them ] about the stoukes , viz. eares or handles . * Soft bearefoot● . * And hath set Orpheus , &c. m Orpheus a notable Poet cunning on the harpe , whom the Poets faine to haue bene able by his excellent musick to draw wilde beasts , woods and mountaines after him . ‖ Following [ him ] viz. dancing after his musicke . * Keepe [ them ] layed vp . ‖ If thou compare them to my heifer , or in regard of the heifer . * There is nothing , [ viz they are not to be compared to my heifer . ‖ Brag of . * Thou shalt ne●er sti● away to day . ‖ To what place , or to what iudge soeuer . ‖ At least let euen him that comes , heare these things [ viz. our verses . ] ‖ [ Our neighbour ] Palemon who comes . * I will make that thou neuer prouoke any man hereafter in voice [ or by thy voice , [ viz. that thou darest not . * But go to [ or begin . ] ‖ Any thing worth the hearing . * Stay. * Do I flie or shrinke from any man. * [ See that ] thou lay vp these things in thy lowest [ or deepest ] senses , [ viz. marke diligently the skill of it seuerally . ‖ Wager , or matter of our contention . * Say ye [ or speake ye , viz. sing ye . ] * In the soft her be . * Euery field [ bringeth forth ] now euery tree brings forth or buds . * Beare leaues . * The yeare [ viz. time of the yeare , is in the fairest hu● . * Dametas begin thou . ‖ By mutuall courses [ viz. by turnes . n Camoenae the ●ine Muses . * First the one ▪ then the other . ‖ I will begin my song from Iupiter , viz. by calling vpon and honouring Iupiter , that I may haue better successe : or of Iupiter . * Full of Iupiter , [ viz. of Iupiters diuine power . * He inhabites [ or loues to inhabite ] the earths or lands . * My verses [ are ] a care , [ viz. of speciall regard ] to him , o Phoebus a name of Apollo ▪ frō the brightnes of the Sun , which the Poets call Phoebus . * His owne , [ or the proper gifts to Phoebus , [ viz. the gifts peculiar to Apollo ] are alwayes with me . * [ To wit ] bay trees , and Hyacinthus sweetly red . [ Or thus , Lawrels and Hyacynthus pleasantly red ▪ being the proper gifts to Apollo , are euer with me . p Hyacinthus is taken by some for a purple flower which we call Crowtoes , by others for the red lilly . ‖ Galatea my louer . ‖ Nice or toying . * Seekes [ viz. throwes at me ] with an apple . * Flies . ‖ Behind the willowes or sallowes . * And she desireth her seife to be seene before , [ viz. whereby she shew●s her loue to me . ] ‖ Meets me . * That not euen Delia is now better knowne . ‖ Delia a name of Diana , to wit , the hunting Goddesse . * Gifts are gotten [ of me ] for my Venus . * I my selfe haue noted [ viz ▪ obserued ] the place whither the airie stockdoues [ viz. building in the aire or abroad ] haue caried or heaped together [ their nests . ] q Palu●bes seeme to be called aër●ae , because they build and haunt in trees and in the woods ▪ and not in houses as the pigeons . ‖ Ringdoues or stockdoues . * Boy , viz. Amyntas . * I haue bene able [ to get . ] * [ To wit ] ten golden apples [ viz. orenges . * Gathered or picked out of a tree belonging to the wood or wilde . * And what things hath Galatea spoken to vs ? * O ye winds [ I wish ] that ye carry [ or see that you carry . ] or ye may carrie . * What doth it profit [ me ] viz. what am I the better . ‖ Contemne [ or thinke basely of me . * M●nd . * If I keepe the nets whilest , &c. * Followest after in chase , viz. huntest or chasest . ‖ I onely keepe the nets , and enioy thee not further ? q Iolas is said to be a name of Menalcas . * Send Phyllis to me . ‖ I now celebrate my birth day . r Vpon their birth-dayes they vsed yearly to feast for a remembrance thereof . * When I shall make with a yong heifer [ viz. shall sacrifice a heifer . s This sacrifice was called Sacrificium Ambervalle , because it was first led about the fields , and then sacrificed to Ceres . ‖ Corne. * Before other [ loues or maids . * Me to depart , [ viz. ‖ When I departed [ forth of the citie ] or to thinke that I should depart . * Oh faire Iolas , a long farewell [ be to thee ] farewell . t The first Vale is here put as a word of art , and so a Nowne substantiue newter vndeclined . u The last vale hathe short and vncut off by a Grecisme . * Sorrowfull or grieuous , viz. terrible or horrible . x Stabulum a staule or place where beasts stand . The generall name of all places where cattell abide . * The showres [ are a dreadful thing ] to the ripe corne , viz. corne when it is full ripe . The winds [ are horrible ] to the trees : the angers of Amaryllis [ are grieuous ] to vs. [ viz. Amaryllis displeasure or lowring . * Fields sowne , [ viz. lately sowne . y The Seruice is a tree bearing fruite much like to cheries or haw● * Arbute [ is pleasant ] * Kids put from their dams . ‖ Sallow or ozier . * [ Is pleasant ] or delight some . ‖ Pleaseth , or delighteth me . * Muse , [ viz. verse . ‖ Homely or vnpolished . z Picrides ] the Muses were called Pierides for the pleasantnesse and solitarinesse of the h●l Pierius for students . Like as they had sundry other names of other hils and fountains . ‖ For him that shall reade your verses , viz. for Pollio . * And euen Pollio himselfe . ‖ Stately heroicall verses , which were w●nt to haue a bull for their praemium . * S●ake , viz. ●ub or push . * Sprinkle abroad , or cast about , or throw about . ‖ Attaine that dignitie . * Whither he reioyceth [ thee to haue come also . * Let hony flow to him , [ viz. let him haue plentie of all good things , [ or , I wish he may haue . ] ‖ Sharpe or prickie . ‖ ●ush or shrub . ‖ Rose of Ierusalem , or our Ladies gloues . * Hates not . * He that hates not Bauius , let him loue thy verses [ or songs . ] * And let the same man [ that is delighted with thy verses . ] * Ioyne [ or tie ] foxes [ to the plow. [ viz. let him do th●se things which are most absurd . ‖ Children . * Oh ye boyes or lads . * Growing . * Flie ye from hence . * A cold snake lieth hid , [ viz. a venemous snake . The snake is called cold , because he makes the part cold which is bitten or stung by it . * Al. Ye sheepe spare [ viz. be afraid ] to go forward too farre . * Spare . * [ Your ] sheep to go too far [ towards the brinke [ of the riuer ] it is not trusted well to the banke [ viz. it is not safe trusting the banke . * Fleeces . a Rei●ce capellas . Pe● pro celeusmaticu● ex quatuor breuibu● . pro dactylo . or rather by a Syn●resis , reice capellas . * Cast away [ viz driue far away ] thy litle goates seeding [ or pasturing * I my selfe . ‖ Euery one . ‖ Spring . * Shall be . * [ Ye ] boyes . ‖ The scorching heate of the mid day . * Catch before . * Presse hard in vaine [ in milking ] [ their ] paps with the palmes of our bands . * Alas how leane a bull is to me in fat pulse , [ or in a fat field , [ or ranke pasture . b Ar●o , some reade er●o . Er●um is a kind of pulse good to fat cattell in a short space . * A destruction . * To the maister of the cattell . * Neither certainly loue is the cause * To these [ sheepe ] viz. loue is not the cause of their l●nnesse . * [ Their skins ] scarce cleaue to [ their ] bones [ for lacke of flesh . ] * I know not . ‖ What witch with her malicious eie , * Bewitcheth my tender lambes [ to me ] c This is vnderstood of a chimney , and thus propounded to make it more darke . * Earths , or lands , or grounds . ‖ Compasse of heauen , viz. the heauen * Lieth open [ or extends it selfe ] three elnes . ‖ And I will esteeme of thee as of the oracle of Apollo . d Apollo had principally the power of diuining and declaring obscure matters . e By the flowers are thought to be meant Hyacinthus , or the red lilly , so named of Hyacinthus being slaine , & turned into a flower of his name , hauing as it were the first letter of his name written vpon ●t , whereof we may see the fable in the 10. book of Ou●ds Met. For both these riddles see Ramus comment . * Written on [ or intituled [ according ] to the names of kings , [ viz. wherein are written names of kings ] ‖ And then if thou tell me this , take thee Phyllis as thine owne , for whom we contended before . * And thou alone haue Phyllis . * It is not of vs , viz. in our power or abiliti● . Al. Thus some take the speech to be diuided after Non ▪ nostrum inter vos , &c. Al. No , [ it is not your office , but ] it is ours to compose so great controuersies , viz. I to end so great a contentiō . ‖ In my iudgement both of you haue deserued the heifer , [ viz. the wager first offered . ] Palemon speaking of being afraid of sweete loue , seemes to aliude to those verses of Menalcas , Dulce satis humor , &c. and to speake it for Menalcas cause : and of the b●ter loue for Dametas , who had said , Tris●e ●upus stabulis . * Either shall feare sweete loues , or shall trie by experience bitter [ loues . * Ye boyes shut now [ your ] * riuers , &c. viz. we haue had sport enough , now make an end . * A sonne is borne to Asinius Pollio Captaine of the Germaine armie , the same yeare in which he conquered Salone a citie of Dalmatia , whom he called Saloninus , from the name of the citie taken . a Those things which Sibyl prophecied concerning Christ , Virgil turneth and applieth to Saloninus Pollios sonne now borne ; and to the felicitie of Augustus gouernment . * The Poet singeth a Genethliacum to him [ viz. maketh a Poeme of his natiuitie and future hopes , ] in this Eclogue , wresting thither those things which Sibyl had sung of the future felicitie of the golden age . ‖ Incidently or vpon occasion . ‖ Intermingleth or putteth betweene here and there . ‖ Father of Salonicus . * Of Augustus himselfe . ‖ Ye Muses , or ye Goddesses of Sicil● viz. of Theocritus . b Sicelides , casus graecanicus pro Sicilienses . * Let vs sing greater things by a litle , [ viz. let vs handle an argument somewhat more stately or loftie then our Pasiorals , and so writtē in a stile somewhat more loftie , as two other Eclogues are . * Groues of trees , or thickets , or bushe● and shrubs , [ viz. verses of such base matters . * Wilde Tamariske . ‖ All are not delighted in such base matters as our pastorall songs are . * All [ men . ] ‖ Our pastorals . * May be worthy of a Consull [ viz. not vnmeete or vnbeseeming a Consull . c The iron age ▪ wherof Sibyl the Prophetesse of Cuma writ long before , is now come and gone . * Of the Cumean verse [ or song ] viz. wherof Sibyl of Cuma writ in verse ] or foretold . * Hath come now , and is as it were past . d The foure ages of the world ( which Sibyl is said to haue set out by foure kind of mettals , viz the golden , siluer , brazen , and iron age , wherof see Ouid in his Metamorphosis ) are now beginning again . * Is borne from the whole , [ viz. is begun or restored againe anew , as it was from the very first beginning of the world , [ or is renewed . ] e [ Now ] viz. now that Saloninus is borne . * The virgin also doth returne [ to the earth ] to wit , iustice being banished long before and gone to heauē . f Virgo ] by virgo here may seem to be meant the virgin Ma● bearing our Sauior , thogh the Poet take it for Erigone or Astraea , which as the Poets faine , was the last of these , which went to heauen , being placed among the hea uenly signes . * Kingdomes returne . [ viz. the golden age wherin Saturne first reigned . * Now [ that ] new progenie [ viz. whereof Sibyl spake ] is sent downe from the high heauen . ‖ Issue . ‖ From God. g Lucina ] Diana , who is therfore named Lucina , because she and Iuno are said to bring forth the birth into the light . ‖ Preserue . * The child being now in the birth , [ or to be now presently borne . ] * Who [ being safely borne ] [ or , who liuing and being in saf●tie ] * Nation [ or people ] shall end first . * Shall arise in the whole world . ‖ Caesar Augustus the true Apollo of this age . h By Apollo he meaneth Augustus the Emperour , who was as it were the Apollo of that age , hauing then the chiefe Empire of all the world . Or because he was thought to be descended from Apollo . Apollo and Diana being the children of Iupiter by Latona . ‖ And thus . * This renowne [ or honour ] of the age , viz. this golden age . ‖ Shall first begin . * Thee [ being Consull ] I say ] thee being Consull . i By the great moneths are either meant Iuly and August , which before were called Quintilis and Sextilis , and had not yet taken their names of Iulius and Augustus , to maintaine the memorie in their names : or else thereby are vnderstood the moneths of the great yeare , wherein all the starres should returne to their first placing or constitution . * To proceed [ or go forward . * Thee being Captaine or guide . * Footsteps , tracks , or traces , or remainders . ‖ [ Of the ciuill warres by Augustus , viz. ] the punishments and plagues due vnto vs for our former wickednes * Made voide or frustrate [ viz. purged . ‖ Deliuer all nations . ‖ From feare of vengeance , which was continuall before . * He [ viz. Augustus , or Saloninus Pollios sonne . ‖ Liue as a God , or be made a God. ‖ Worthy Nobles of Rome . * Mixed [ or mingled ] with the Gods. * And he himselfe shall be seene to them . k This he vnderstandeth of Augustus Caesar , that he should thus gouerne the world , subdued and quieted by Iulius Caesar his father , by whom he was adopted . * Rule the [ whole ] world being quieted * By his fathers vertues . ‖ Brought to quietnesse by the valour and wisedome of his father . l These things which follow , the Poet meaneth of Saloninus , whose infancie he maketh the infancie of the golden age , wherein all good things should begin to abound of their owne accord . * But , oh child , [ viz. oh Salo●ine ] the earth shall powre out vnto thee her first litle gifts with no tillage [ or dressing ] viz. of her owne accord . * Erring [ or wandring ivies . ] * Some call it Nardus rusticus : others , Sage of Ierusalem , others London buttons . * And [ it shall powre forth ] Egyptian beanes , &c. * Smiling bearefoote . * The litle goate themselues shall be take [ them ] home [ or bring backe [ themselues ] home , referent [ se ] domum . * Or the litle goates shall bring home their vdders [ or dugs or teates ] stret●ed out with milke [ or filled with milke . * Neither shall the heards of cattell feare , &c. ‖ Fierce or cruell Lions . ] * Great Lions , [ viz. * The cradles themselues shall powre out to thee fawning [ or flattering , viz. sweete ] flowers . [ That is , in the time of thy infancie shall be all pleasant delights . * Also . * Die. * And the deceitfull herbe of venim [ or poison ] shall die , viz. all euill shall depart , as venimous herbs & serpents . * The rose of Ierusalem [ or our Ladies Rose , or the Grape of Armenia , [ viz. all kind of most excellent plants shall spring vp in all countries . m Here Saloninus youth and first yeares are decribed by his studies and acts , and in it a second degree of the golden age by the adiuncts of it , viz. abundance of all good things . * Commonly . * But as soone as th● shalt be able now to reade the praises of noble men , [ viz. men noble for the loue of vertue , which were reputed halfe Gods. * And the deeds of thy parent , [ viz. his renowned acts . ‖ To vnderstand true and heauenly vertue . * Vertue . n Campu● pro arisr● campi flaues●ent . Hypallage . ‖ The tender eares of corne shall wax yellow in the fields by litle and litle of their owne accord . * With the soft beard of corne . The beard being put for the eare in the corne , and so for the whole corne , and finally for many cornes . Metalepsis . * And the red grape shall hang vpon the great brambles vnhusbanded [ or vntrimmed , or not cut ] but wilde . * Sen●is is the great blamble or blacke berry bush . ‖ Shall drop . * Dewy hony [ viz hony made of the dew of heauen [ shall hang vpon the oakes ] or hony falling with the dew . o A third degree of the golden age followeth . * Yet a few footsteps of the old deceit [ or fraud , or wickednesse ] shall be vnder [ or continue closely . * Old ] viz. of the former ages . ‖ Inforce men to go to sea through couetousnes , or to vse nauigation again . p Thetys a Goddesse of the sea , wise of Neptune , put for the s●a . Met. 〈◊〉 . * Which [ prints ] * Floatboates or lighters made of peeces of timber pinned together for a shift . * Which [ may command ] to compasse &c. * Which may command to cut in furrowes to the earth , [ viz. to plow or tre●h the earth . q Tiphys was a notable shipwright , and gouernour of the ship which caried the noble Grecians into Colchis . * Then there shall be another Tiphys , &c. [ viz. other notable shipwrights and mariners . Syn. spe . * Argo was a famous ship , wherein Iaso● and 54 chosen nobles of Greece sailed to Colchis , [ here put for other excellent ships . ] ‖ New warres . * Great [ or worthy ] Achilles shall be sent , &c. ‖ There shall be valiant souldiers and renowned warres againe . Syn. spec . * From hence [ or afterwards ] when [ thy ] confirmed age [ or age confirmed , viz thy ●iper àge shall make thee a man. * The very carier [ by sea ] [ or ●e that is car●ed . ] * Shall giue place to the sea . * Neither the pine tree belonging to ships [ or seruing to make ships ] shall change her wares . Al. The conquerour by sea . * Euery earth shall beare [ or bring forth ] all things ▪ viz all things shall grow euery where abundantly . r Na●tiça pinus pro ●aui , nauis pro nautis . Metalepsis . * Suffer or endure . * Harrowes , [ viz. rakes , or any thing wherewith the cl●ds are broken . ] * The vineyard [ shall ] not [ suffer ] the hooke , viz the vinehooke . * Strong or lastie pl●wer [ or husband man. ] * The wooll shall learne to lie [ viz. to make shew of , or be coloured into ] diuers colours , that is , it shall not need to be died . * N●w [ or one while ] shall change his fleeces with [ or into ] a purple colour sweetly red : now [ or another while ] he shall change 〈◊〉 fleeces ] with a saffarnish [ or saffron coloured ] yellow . ‖ Shall vnyoke his buls [ or oxen ] viz shall leaue off his husbandrie , for that there shall be no need thereof . L●tum is an herbe wherewith yellow is died : some take it for the marsh marigold . s Murex is a shel-fish , of the licour whereof purple is made , here put for the purple colour it selfe . t Cro●o luto for luteo ●roco . ‖ A fine red colour shall adorne [ or beautifie ] of it owne accord the feeding lambes , viz. the sheepe shall change their colours of their owne accord . u Sand● is a colour called Pa●se-red or Arsenick , made of Ceruse or white lead and rudd●e , taken here for an herbe . x Parcae are the three Ladies of destinie , Clotho , Lachesis and Atropos , whereof the first is said to beare the distaff ▪ the second to spin the thread of mans life , the third to cut off the same thread , according to that verse ▪ Fert Clotho ipsa colum , Lachesis net , at Atropos occat . Called Parcae , à non parcendo , quia nomini parcant ; or a par●u , qua●i partae , because they conferre good or euill to them that are borne . They are said to be three , as there are three times , viz past , present , to come ; or three principall ages , childhood or youth , middle age , and old age , in which they cut off mans life . * The three Ladies of destinie , or the Goddesses of life . * Diuine power . * Haue said . ‖ Spin ye , or draw ye out . * Such ages . ‖ Oh the renowned sonne of Iupiter . * Vndertake [ or take in hand ] [ thy ] great honours . * The time [ ordained ] will be present now . * Nodding , [ viz. staggering , or inclining as readie to fall ] with a weight bending downeward , [ that is , with the present euils . ] * Earths or lands . * The tracts [ or coasts ] of the sea . * Deepe or profound . ‖ Time. * About to come [ or now comming ] by thee , or with thee . ] ‖ Oh that I might liue so long . * And how much breath , [ viz. so much breath as ] shall be enough [ or suffice ] to tell thy deeds . * Neither the Thracian Orpheus shall ouercome me in verses , [ viz. in setting forth thy praises . y Orpheus an ancient Poet , and very cunning on the harpe : sonne to Apollo and Calliope , who as the Poets report , could by his excellent musick draw the wilde beasts , woods & mountaines after him , meaning that by his eloquence he could perswade all sorts . * Neither Linus , although [ his ] mother [ be present ] to this , viz. to Orpheus , and the father [ be presens ] to this [ viz. to Linus . z Linus a most ancient Thebane Poet , son to Apollo and Vrania . ‖ Though Calliope one of the nine Muses , mother of Orpheus were present to helpe him , and glorious Apollo the father of Linus were present to assist him likewise . ‖ Yea though Pan the God of the sheepheards and first inuenter of the rurall verse . * Should striue with me [ in verse . ] ‖ Archadia [ the country where Pan is worshipped , put for the Archadians who were excellent musicians . * Oh litle boy begin to know [ viz to acknowledge ] thy mother by laughing , [ viz. by smiling at her , [ so to comfort her after her wearinesse and paine . ‖ Thy mother hath endured ten moneths wearinesse in going with child with thee . * Lothsomnesse , as in lothing meate or drinke . * To [ thy ] mother . ‖ Begin to comfort thy parents by smiling at them . * [ For ] neither the God [ Genius ] hath vouchsafed ] him [ his table , nor the Goddesse [ Iuno ] hath accounted [ him ] worthy of [ her ] bed , at whom [ his ] parents haue not laughed [ or smiled . ] a The heathen● ascri bed their pleasures and delights in feasting and belly cheare vnto Genius , whom they made the God thereof : and the preseruation of chil dren in their birth and ●nfancie , vnto Iuno , and likewise the mariage bed . Whence , as the most learned think , by the God here is meant Genius , & by the Goddesse Iuno : That nei ther of thē vouchsafed the childe a●y fauour , because he liued not long after he was born . Whereupon also some thinke that these two verses were added by Virgil after the death of the child : and that God suffred him not to liue , because the Poet , of so great authoritie , had turned and applied that to this child , viz. to Salonin● Pollio's sonne , which Sibyl had proph●d concerning Christ the Son of God. * Which is intituled . * Do bewaile or mourne for . ‖ Verses to be set vpon his graue or tombe , or his funerall song . ‖ His putting into the number of the Gods. * Who thinke Caesar the Dictator stabbed in with three and twentie wounds in the Court , a litle before then that the Poet writ these things , to be vnderstood [ or meant . ] ‖ Three bands of souldiers . ‖ A full legion consisted of 6100 footmen and 730 hors●n . * Will roth●r . * Of thy [ brother ] Flaccus in Daphnis , thou makest equall thy brother [ viz. thou makest thy brother nothing inferiour ] to the immortall Gods , or doest 〈◊〉 him for a God. a Here beginneth first a preparation vnto the songs following . * Why do we not sit downe here , [ viz. why do we not rest vs here a while , to delight our selues in musicke ? ‖ Mingled . * Good , viz. cunning . * Thou being skilful to blow vp , &c. viz. in piping . * I skilfull to speake [ or vtter ] verses , viz. in singing . * Thou art greater , [ viz. elder , or more ancient or worthier , [ or my better . ] * It is equall me to obey thee , [ viz. that I should obey thee , or be ruled by thee . ] * Succeed , [ or go vnder ] the shadowes . ‖ Vnconstant or vnstable . * By the West windes mouing [ or blowing ] lightly . ‖ Yonder caue [ or hollow place . ] * We go vnder . * Behold [ or l● ] how the vine which groweth in the woods hath spread [ or couered ouer ] &c. * With rare clusters of grapes [ viz. with bunches scattered here and there ] or thinly . * What if he may trie to excell [ or surpasse . * Onely Amyntas can striue [ or may trie with thee . ] viz. none but Amyntas [ or I know no sheepheard but Amyntas that ] dare play with thee in our countrey . * Can striue to thee . Graecismus . * Can striue or go beyond Apollo in song [ or singing ] [ viz. in musicke ] * Begin thou the former , or first [ to sing . ] * Fiers [ viz. burning , or raging , or mad loues , that i● , songs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 continent loues ] of Phillis . b Phyllis daughter of 〈◊〉 Ly●rgus , who 〈◊〉 her selfe for● by Demoph●n 〈◊〉 of the king of Athens , hanged her selfe , and was turned into a tree . d Codrus a King of Athens , who in warre against the Laconians ( hauing receiued this answer from the Oracle , that that side should get the victorie whose King was slaine ) changed his attire , and rushed in amongst the enemies , wonderfully pro●oking them , and was killed by them . * Shall keepe . * Thy kids [ now ] pasturing [ or feeding . ] b Alcon an excellent archer of ●reete , who with an arrow slue a serpent wrapped about his sonne , and neuer touched the child . * Verses . * Of a beech tree . * And tuning [ these verses . ] * By course , [ viz. one while tuning , another while noting . * [ That ] Amyntas striue , [ viz. trie what he can do . * How much . ‖ Bending willow or ozier . * Giues place . ‖ To the goodly oliue tree . Of these three stories see Ramus vpon this place more at large . ‖ Spike . * Red rose gard●ns . * Amyntas giues place so much vnto thee in our iudgement . * Oh boy ceasse [ viz. leaue off ] [ to speake ] 〈◊〉 things ▪ we haue succeeded [ viz. we h●ue approched or come vnder ] the ca● . f Here beginneth the Epicedion or funerall song for Daphn● as yet vnburied : whereof are three parts : The first from the mourning of his mother , of the Nymphes , the cattell , and the very Lions . * Wept for . * Extinct , or put out , [ viz. taken away ] * By a cruell funerall . * Ye hazels are witnesses , and ye riuers [ are witnesses ] to the Nymphs . * Hauing embraced . ‖ The wofull corpes . * [ Doth call ] both the gods [ cruell ] and also calls the starres cruell . ‖ Cruell , because they suffered her sonne to be so cruelly murdered . ‖ No heardmen . * Oxen or kine . * Being fed . * Cold riuers . [ viz waters . ] ‖ In those dayes when this slaughter was committed . * An herbe [ viz. a blade or leafe ] of grasse . ‖ Cruell , hard , or desolate . * Do speake or say . * Euen the Carthaginian Lions to haue groned [ or sighed for ] thy death , [ viz. because of thy cruell death . * Destruction . g The second part of the Epicedion of Daphnis , concerning his acts . ‖ Appointed or ordained first at Rome . ‖ To draw the chariot of triumph with Tigres ▪ ‖ To bring in these at Rome : though it appeareth by histories , that the Bacchanalia were vsed in Rome long before Iulius Caesars time . h Thyasus was a most filthy dance vs●d in the 〈◊〉 of Bacchus . i In Bacchus sacrifice they vsed to beare a iauelin wrapped with ivie , called Thy●sis . * To weaue in , or wrap about . ‖ Bending , quiuering , or shiuering speares . * Soft . k The third part of the Epicedion , from the honour and happinesse which the Romanes receiued by Daphnis while he liued , being adorned by foure ●militudes . * Grace or ornament . * Are [ the ornament . ] * Flockes . ‖ The corne now ripe . * [ Are. ] * Fat. ‖ Vnto thy family ▪ or vnto the Romanes , whose Empire Caesar wonderfully enlarged : or else , vnto sheepheards . l And amplified by the contrary euil● that followed after his death . * After that the destinies haue taken thee away [ so cruelly . ] * Pales [ the Godd●sse of shepheards ] her selfe [ hath left the fields , ] and Apollo himselfe hath left the fields [ likewise . ] * Vnhappie or vnluckie darnell [ or tares . ] ‖ Light or vnprofitable oates . * Do rule ouer all [ or almost onely grow and run ouer all ▪ ] ‖ Vpon the tilled land , where we haue sowne the best and greatest , or fullest corne . ‖ Cast or throwne . ‖ Flower de luce , as some thinke . * We haue committed eft . * The thistl● [ doth arise or grow ] and the whit● thorne with sharpe prickes springs vp , for the soft violet , [ and ] for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ‖ The holly tree , or rather 〈◊〉 or g●sce . ‖ Scatt● [ or co●er ] the ground with flowers , [ viz adorne the place of his sepulcher with flowers . m Hitherto his funerall song , whereunto is adioyned his Epitaph , viz. verses concerning his sepulcher , to be set vpon his tombe . ‖ Hitherto his funerall song , whereunto is adioyned his Epitaph , viz. verses concerning his sepulcher , to be set vpon his tombe . * Bring in the shades to the fountaines , [ that is , make gr●es about the fountaines wherein his soule may dwell : [ for they thought that the soules of such worthy nobles dwelt in the woods and about the fountaines . ] ‖ A sepulchre or hearse . * And adde aboue , this verse vnto the tombe . * I am Daphnis knowne in the woods from hence euen vnto the starres or skies . [ I was ] a keeper of faire cattell , I my selfe being fairer [ then they . ] viz. the most renow●d Emperour of the noble Romanes . n Thus farre 〈◊〉 the Epitaph of Daphnis : now followeth the commendation thereof by Menalcas : and then his deifying or canonization , viz his referring of him into the number of the Gods , which Menalcas vndertakes . * Such [ or of such sort . ] * Of what sort sleepe [ is ] to [ men ] being wearie [ lying downe ] in the grasse , [ and ] of what sort it is [ a man ] to quench [ his ] thirst with a bubbling streame of sweete water . * Leaping riuer [ or springing streame . ] ‖ Maister , viz. 〈◊〉 , whom Virgil i●tated . * With [ thy ] reeds , [ viz. thy pip● and playing thereon , ] but with [ thy ] voice , viz. in singing . * Boy [ or youth ▪ ] * Another from him , [ viz. the next vnto 〈◊〉 i● skill of pastorall 〈◊〉 . ] * Howbeit we will say these our [ verses ] to thee by course , after 〈◊〉 manner , and we will lift vp thy Daphnis vnto the signes of heauen [ viz vnto the starres . ] ‖ As well as we can . * Lift vp . * Daphnis loued vs also [ or made much of vs. ] * Whether can any thing be greater to vs. * The boy [ viz. Daphnis ▪ This cannot be vnderstood of Caesar , who was slain in his mans estate . ] ‖ Stimichon the famous Po●t . Al. ‖ A while ago , or not long ago , or of late . * White [ or shining Daphnis . * Admires , or maruels at . * Threshold or entrance 〈◊〉 heauen . * Oly●pus a hill in Greece , so high that of the Poets it is vsed for heauen . * Signes of heauen . * Pleasure doth hold the merria woods . viz. the woods and countries do reioyce . ‖ And the rest of the countries [ viz. all are quiet and plentifull . ] ‖ The Ny●hs of the woods , which solace themselves amongst the 〈◊〉 , whereof in the second Eclogue . * Neither the 〈◊〉 doth 〈◊〉 wiles [ or 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 ] to the cattell , 〈◊〉 any nets deuis● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the stags [ or h●rts . ] * Al. merrie pleasure doth possesse . ‖ Foulds . ‖ Hunters with nets do seeke ●o catch the stags . * Quietnesse , viz. concord and rest . * The very hils vnshorne [ viz. full of greene trees replenished with leaues . ] cast vp [ or send forth ] their voices , viz ▪ do exceedingly reioyce . * Do sound [ he is ] a God , he [ is ] a God. * Oh [ Daphnis . ] * Happie [ or bountifull ] to thine . viz. to them that adore and honour thee n●w made a God. ‖ Foure altars erected . * Daphnis behold two altars for thee . o Altare quod à terrae erectum & exaltatum est . Ara qua in terra sta●itur . Ara etiam 〈◊〉 dei , altare a●then ▪ tici . ‖ I will offer vnto thee yearely sacrifices two pots of milke , &c. * I will appoint . ‖ Foaming full . * Goblets or ka●s . ‖ And feasting merrily . ‖ Pleasant . * With much Bacchus . * If [ it shall be ] harnest . * Shadow . * New Nectar ▪ viz. a pleasant liquor fained to be the drinke of the Gods. * Ar●isian wines , viz. of Aruisia , a place in the Isle Chi● . p Dametas and Egon two notable shepherds * Of Lyctus , which was a towne of Creete , whence he had his name . * Shall sing vnto me , viz. they shall play , and Alphesibeus shall dance . q Alphesibeus a fained name of a shepheard , of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , inuenio , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , bos , velut inuentor boum . ‖ The Satyre is a kind of beast in the furthest parts of Lybia , hauing the face of a man : they are called seruants of Bacchus for their beastly wantonnesse , and named gods of the woods . r The time of his sacrifices , viz. twise solemnly euery yeare . * These [ holy duties ] * Shall be alwayes to thee . * Restore or giue . ‖ Wonted once euery yeare . * When we shall view , [ viz. ‖ Go about the fields with much deuotion , as in the feasts called Amberuallia , spoken of in the second Eclogue . s The perpetuitie of his deitie . * [ Thy ] honour and thy name and praises shall remaine alwayes , whilest the Boare [ shall loue ] the top of a hill , whilest the fish shall loue [ or delight in ] the riuers . * And whilest the Bees shall be fed with thyme , whilest the grashoppers [ shall be fed ] with dew . ‖ Vpon the thyme flowers . * Shall vow . ‖ Condemne them [ or hold them guiltie ] for not performing their vowes : or bind them with their vowes , that they performe them when thou hast granted their petitions , and punish them if they do not . t Mopsus to requite Menalcas , commends his verses of the de●fication of Daphnu , by three comparisons of the lesse . * What [ gifts ] ‖ For this thy song . * For ●either the hizzing [ or whizzing blast ] of the Southwind coming . * S●itten or dashed against with the waue . * Nor the flouds which run downeward . ‖ Dales or bankes . * We will present thee before with this brittle hemlocke , [ viz. pipe made of hemlocke . ] ‖ Vpon this pipe I learned those two songs , viz. the second and the third Eclogue . * Whether are they the cattell of Melibee ? ‖ My shepheards staffe . ‖ Being very fine [ or tri●s . ] * With euen [ or equall knots ] and with brasse , viz. either brazen studs or tacks , in euery knot one , [ or the hoope ●ade of brasse , or with a hoope ●nd pike of brasse . * Tooke not , or bore not away . * When he oft asked me it . ‖ Although he was well worthy to be loued . * To which the name is Silenus . ‖ Virgil in this Eclogue bringeth in Silenus , [ and ] him indeed drunke , as it became a bringer vp of Bacchus , &c. ‖ He bringeth him in singing very skilfully . ‖ Of the beginnings of things , viz. the first forming or framing of things . ‖ To the grace or honour of Quintilius Varus . * Who , Donate being witnesse , together with Virgil , gaue his endeuour to this sect , vnder Silon the Philosopher . * Agree . ‖ To the lownesse , or low pitch of , &c. * Of a Bucolicke verse . * He prayeth for pardon straightway from [ or after ] the beginning : neither hauing taried so much in that argument , be passeth straightway vnto fables . a Thalia is properly one of the three Graces , whose names were Aglaia , Thalia , and Euphrosune , supposed to be the daughters of Iupiter and Venus . ‖ To sing . ‖ In pa●torall verse , in imitation of Theocritus , who dwelt in Syracuse a famous citie in Sicilia . b For Syracusio some write Syracosio , lest it comming of ou , should be contracted . And it is Syracusi for Syracusano after the maner of the 〈◊〉 , as Sicelides for Sicilienses , Eclog . 4. * To inhabite the woods . * When I did sing . ‖ Battels or skirmishes . * Cynthius , [ Apollo is called Cynthius of Cynthus a mountaine in the Isle Delos , where Apollo and Dians were borne . * Puid [ my ] eare , and admonished me . * It behoueth a sheepheard to feed fat sheepa , and to speake [ or sing ] a verse drawne out , [ viz. a pastorall song of a low or meane kind , drawne out small like wooll in spinning . ] * Now will I meditate a fielden Muse , [ viz. a pastorall song ] with my slender reed . ( For , Varus , there shall be aboue to thee , [ viz. there shall remaine enow to thee ] who may desire to vtter thy praises . * To build [ viz. to set out or declare ] thy sorrowfull warres . * Things vncommanded , without the command [ viz. of Pollio or Augustus . ] * Taken with the loue of thee , or ‖ If any one be enamoured , let him reade these things . * Our wilde tamariske [ or ling ] shal sing of thee . ‖ Groue or forrest , most properly a groue for pleasure . ‖ Shall praise thy deeds . * Neither is there . * Page [ or booke . ] A page is properly a side of a leafe in a booke . ‖ To be learned . * Which hath prescribed the name of Varus vnto it selfe , [ viz. which is written in the praises of Varus ] or hath the title of Varus . * Oh ye [ nine ] Muses borne in Pierius in Thessalie , go ye on . ‖ The two youths Chromis & Mnas . ‖ Bacchus schoolemaister , a famous Poet. * Lying [ ouerwhelmed or buried ] in sleepe . * Blowne vp [ in respect of his veins ] with yesterdayes wine , as alwayes . * Bacchus . [ Iachos a name of Bacchus , of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying a crie , groaning or belching , taken from the filthy noises which drunkards make commonly . ‖ Onely fallen downe from his head , viz. otherwise whole , and not broken nor hurt . * A farre off . * To his head . ‖ A pot or iug that held a great deale of wine . * And a great [ viz. a heauie or mightie ] tankard , with the handle [ or stouke all worne ] hanged on his necke or at his girdle , neare vnto him . ‖ This old Silenus . * They inuading or assailing him . ‖ Promising to sing them songs . ‖ Bind him with hands made of the garlands themselues . * Addeth her selfe a fellow . * And came vpon them being fearfull , [ viz. came ( as we say ) in the nicke , or in the very fit oportunitie , to helpe them , being timorous or doubtfull . * Naiades are the Fairies , haunting riuers and fountaines . ‖ And painted [ both ] his browes and temples with bloud red mulberies , she seeing him . * [ To him , viz ▪ to Silenus ] now seeing [ her ] viz. being awaked , and looking on her . ] ‖ Loose me , ye boyes . ‖ The subtill iest . c Silenus makes himselfe a halfe God , which were seene but when they listed ; and thus he speaketh as followeth . * Me to haue bene able to be seene [ of you , ] being seene but when I list . * Know ye what verses you will. * Verses [ shall be ] to you . * Another reward shact be to this [ Egle. ] * He begins withall . ‖ When Silenus began to sing . ‖ The Gods of the woods . * To play [ or skip ] in number , viz. according to the harmony of the tune . * Stiffe oakes to moue oft and shake * Neither the Parnassian rocke , [ viz. the mount Parnassus in Thessalie , consecrated to Apollo ] * Doth so much [ delight and ] ioy in Phoebus , viz. Apollo . * Nor Rhodope doth wonder at so much , nor Ismarus [ so greatly admire ] Orpheus . d Rhodope and Ismarus mountains in Thracia , wherein Orpheus was wont to play . e The argument or subiect matter of Silenus songs . f The Epicures thoght all these to be made of motes and such little bodies concurring . * Of the earths , and of the soule , and also of the sea , and withall of the liquid fire had bene gathered together . ‖ Cleare or pure . * Thorough the great emptinesse . Al. How all beginnings [ growed vp together ] from these first seeds , and the very tender globe of the world growed together . ‖ Yong , pliant delectable , or tender at the first . ‖ Growed fast and strong in euery part . * Nereus [ a god of the sea , the sonne of Oceanus , whereof the Ocean had the name . Here put for the Ocean . * Pontus the sea betweene Meotis and Tenedos , so called of Pontus the sonne of Nercus . ‖ How things began to be formed of the earth . * Formes , viz. diuers shapes . * And now the earths [ or lands ] are amazed at the new Sunne to begin to shine . ‖ The Sunne newly formed with the other heauenly lights . ‖ The raine doth fall . * The clouds being remoued more high [ or very high . ] ‖ How. * Do begin . * To rise [ viz to spring vp . ] * And when the liuing creatures do erre [ or wander ] thorough [ or amongst ] the mountaines , [ viz when the mountaines and valleys began to be replenished with new creatures . ] g Of the framing of the world in the beginning , and of the repairing it after the floud , especially for the repairing of mankind by Pyrrha and Deucalion , and so the other stories , see Ouid in his Metamorphosis . * After this [ he reports or relates ] the stones cast to Pyrrha [ viz. of or by Pyrrha ] [ and also he relates ] Saturnes kingdomes . * Also he reports [ or shewes ] the birds of Caucasus and the theft of Prometheus . For the rest of this Eclogue , I referre the ingenuous Reader to Ramus and other Commenters . * To whom the name i● [ viz. which is intituled or named . ] * B●coliasts . * Melibeus a shepheard , [ or rather a neatheard . ] * A strife [ or triall for maisteries ] of Corydon and Thyrsis , &c. * Wandered away . * He had came betweene by chance . * Sent for of Daphnis . * Contention . * Nods to [ or signifies by the beckning of his head ] to haue pronounced according to Corydon . * I remember these things . ‖ And Thyrsis being outmatched , to haue contended in vaine . * By hap [ or by chance ] Daphnis had ●it downe together . * Shrill by the mouing of the leaues . The holme is a kind of oake . * Had driuen together ▪ [ or had gathered together ] their flockes into one [ flocke . ] * Thyrsis [ had gathered his ] sheepe , [ and ] Corydon [ had gathered his ] litle she goates stretched [ or strouted out ] viz. hauing their vdders full of milke . * Both of them [ were ] flourishing in their ages , viz. flourishing youths . ‖ Both of them borne in Arcadia , and right Arcadians ▪ for their musicke , [ viz. very skilfull musicians . * And equall to sing , and ready to answer [ viz. in verse ] whosoeuer should chalenge them . * The man [ or husband ] of the flocke [ viz. the high goate ] himselfe had wandered away to me [ viz. from me ] hither , whilst I defend [ viz. do fence ] [ my ] myrtle trees from the cold [ viz. my yong myrtles . * And I see [ or behold ] Daphnis . * He ( when he seeth me against [ him ] ) saith quickly [ or very quickly . ] * Or spake , O Melibeus come hither quickly . * O Melibeus come hither [ thy ] goate is safe for thee , [ or the he goate to thee is safe ] and [ thy ] kids [ are safe . ] * Ceasse any thing [ viz. if thou haue any leisure . ] * Shadow . * The very bullocks will come hither , &c. a Mincius is called greene , for green trees & reeds with the sedge growing about it . Al. Here Mincius hath couered his green banks with a tender re●d , [ viz. with yong reeds . ] ‖ Make a humming noise from the oake consecrated to Iupiter . Al. Which might shut vp at home [ my ] lambes weaned from [ their ] milke , [ viz. from their dams . ] ‖ Shut vp [ within the foulds . ] * Driuen away from the milke . * A great contention [ or strife for maisteries . * Corydon [ did striue [ or play for a wager ] with Thyrsis , or to Corydon with Thyrsis . b Prolepsis implicit● . * Neuerthelesse I set after mine own earnest matters to their play , [ viz. I preferred their sport before mine own serious [ or weightie ] businesse [ of seeking my goate . ] ‖ Their contention in musicke . ‖ Corydon and Thyrsis . * To contend . ‖ One after another by turnes . c In this Eclogue they sing by turnes , either of them foure verses , like as in the third by couples , 〈◊〉 two & two , and in the fift by twentie fiue a peece . * Verses by course . ‖ Corydon began , and rehearsed the foure first verses . * These [ verses . ] d Lybethris a fountain where those Nymphs are worshipped . * Being our loue [ or delight . ] ‖ Almost equall to Apollos verses . * Phoebus . ‖ I will hang vp the instruments of my profession , as hauing serued out my time . ‖ The pine tree consecrated to Cybele the mother of the Gods. e Poets were crowned with ivie , either as being consecrated to Liber , and inspired with a furious spirit , as in the feasts of Bacchus ; or else because as ivies are alwayes greene , so verses deserue eternitie , as Seruius thinketh . ‖ Decke ye , viz. crowne , with a pastorall garland of ivie , though not with a lawrell crowne . ‖ [ Me your ] Poet. ‖ That Codrus may burst for enuie , [ viz. that I should be preferred before him for my musicke . * That the small guts may be bursten to Codrus with enuie . f The heathen feared to be praised ouermuch , especially of enemies , thinking that praise to haue the force of witchcraft , against which they accounted the herbe Bacchar to haue speciall vertue . ‖ Or if he shall be inforced to praise me . * Beyond [ his ] liking . * Gird about [ my ] forehead . ‖ Ladies gloues . ‖ Codrus [ or Corydons ] euill tongue . * About to be a Poet , [ viz. which ar● in hope to be a Poet , or , your Poet that shall be . g Corydon to the end that he may obtaine his desire for Poetry , offers vnto Diana the sister of Apollo and Goddesse of hunting , these gifts befitting her th●s set out . * Oh Delia. ‖ My litle sonne Mycon . ‖ Presents or giues . h The Boare and the Stag are amongst the principall beasts of the chase in hunting . i Pli●ie and others report that the Stags liue very long . ‖ If this victorie or praise shall be mine , that I shal be next vnto Codrus in musicke or Poetrie . ‖ I will make thee a picture of marble . * Whole . k E●incta sur●s foe [ vsque ] sur●s , Synecd●che . or , secundum sur●s . * Tied about [ euen vnto ] the calues of the legs with a purple buskin . l Priapus the god of the gardens or orchard ‖ I hope thou wilt be contented with me , if according to my poore estate I offer vnto thee a boll of milke , &c. ‖ Of the simple garden . * We haue made thee a picture of marble . ‖ For the present . * But if bringing forth of yong , shall supply [ or fill ] [ our ] flocke : ‖ Then thou shalt be golden , viz. haue a picture made of gold . ‖ Then the hony of Hybla , of which before in the first Eclogu● . ‖ Then the fairest 〈◊〉 . ‖ The cattel being filled shall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * Shall seeke againe their stals , [ or go againe vnto their stals . ] * Come tho● if any care of thy Corydon ha●e [ or possisse ] th●e . m These herbes of Sardinia are taken for a kind of Crow-foote , which being eaten do take away the vnderstanding , and do shrink vp the sinewes in the face in such sort , that a man shall seeme to die laughing : whereupon came that Adage of the Sardinian laughter . * Sardois pro Sardinijs , Casus Graecus . ‖ The herbes that grow in Sardinia . * More horrible . ‖ Butchers broome is a prickly shrub . ‖ Contemptible . * Then sea weed cast forth [ of the sea . ] n Alga , is called of some Lauer or Sea-girdle , it seemeth to be a sea herb growing on the rocks , hauing leaues like lettice , though here it is taken for whatsoeuer weeds the sea casteth out . * This light . * Now. * Go ye [ home , if there be any shame [ to you . ] ‖ Oh fountaines [ or springs ] greene ouer with mosse . * And oh herbe more soft [ or pleasant ] to sleepe , [ viz. vnto sleepe . o Mollior som no , for ad somnum . * Arbute , or sernice tree , or crab tree . ‖ With the shadow of her branches spred here and there . * Shadow . * Defend ye [ or keepe away ] the solstice to the cattel , viz from the cattel : that is , saue the cattell from the heate of the Sunne in the solstice . Hypallage . Met. Effic . p The solstice in the Sommer , is when the Sun ascends no higher towards vs : of Solis statio , which is about the 11 or 12 of Iune : like as contrary the Winter solstice , when it is at the lowest from vs. ‖ The vine buds . ‖ Burning heate . * Do swell . * Ioyfull [ or rank● ] vine branch . q Teda is taken most properly for the middle or the heart of the pine tree , which ( thorough the licour in it ) being kindled burneth like a torch , and generally for any kinde of fat and gummy wood , and so for a torch , or whatsoeuer the torch is made of . ‖ Fat torches . * Very much fire , a great fire . ‖ Smoke . ‖ Here by reason of our good f●ors . * Colds . * The flouds running violently , [ or vehement , or boisterous . * The rough chest-nut trees [ stand full . ] ‖ Are plenteous , or waxe ripe . * Their owne seuerall apples lie euery where scattered vnder the tree . * All things do laugh now , [ viz. do seeme to reioyce because of the plentie and our prosperitie . ‖ Should depart . ‖ Thou shouldest then see the very riuers drie . * Also the flouds drie . * Is drie [ or is parched with heate , or is very drie . * The herbe [ viz grasse ] dying thorough the felt [ or vnseasonablenesse ] of the aire [ or weather ] thirsteth [ for raine . ] ‖ Hath grudged , or denied , or disdained . * The shadowes made of the vine branches , [ viz. the vines haue lost their leaues through the scorching heate . ‖ Groue [ or all trees . ] * Shall be greene [ againe . ] At the coming of o●r Phillis , [ viz. if she shall come vnto vs. ] * And very much Iupiter , [ viz. sweete and pleasant aire . r Iupiter is put for the 〈◊〉 , by a Meton . Effic . which ●ire being thickned , tur●eth into raine . s Iupeter q. iuuans pa● , or iuuans ac● . * With a merry [ or ioyfull ] shower , viz. with raine making 〈◊〉 ioyfull and merry . * Most acceptable [ or best pleasing , or dedicated . t Alcides put for Hercules . Patronym . ab Alc●o 〈◊〉 . The poplar is dedicated to him , because being crowned with poplar when ●e went downe to hell ( as the Poets faine ) part of the leaues which stucke close to the temples of his head , remained still white , but the outward part of them remained blacke with the soote of hell , which colour still abides in the leaues * Alcides . * The vine [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pleasing ] or most delight s●ms . * Iacchus . * Faire . The lawrell being Apolloos owne tree . * [ Is most pleasing ] to Apollo . * To Ph●bus . * Ouercome , [ viz. go beyond in estimation . ] My loue . The ●ilberd tree . * Nor the bay 〈◊〉 of Apollo [ shall passe them . * The fairest [ tree growing ] to the woods . * The pine tree [ is the fairest tree . ] * The poplar [ is the fairest tree . ] ● Gardens . * In the 〈◊〉 , [ by the ri●ers side . ] * If 〈◊〉 see 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●ft . * Shall yeeld [ viz. shall be inferiour to thee . * In the orchards [ shall yeeld to thee . ] * I remember [ well ] these [ songs . ] * Being ouercome , to contend in vaine . * Corydon is the noble conquerour , ] viz. Corydon is for vs , [ viz. Corydon is for our money , ] or in our iudgement . * Pharmaceutria of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , venenum sine 〈◊〉 , vnde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , veneno inficio , medeor , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , veneficus , 〈◊〉 , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 venefica 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * Former [ part . ] * Taken with the loue . ‖ Mopsus a fained name of a shepheard . * He 〈◊〉 forth . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ‖ Idyllium is a Poets worke consisting of few verses . ‖ Called Pharmace●tria . * In which . * To call back● . Al. Ende● by medicines and incantations to recall . * By drugs [ or remedies ] and incantations or ●antments . * We will speake of , or relate . * Whom stri●ing [ viz. contending in singing . ] ‖ A h●fer forgetting her grasse , [ or lea●ing off to eate ] maruelled at . * Of herbes . * With the vers● [ or song , ] of which [ two ] the Lynces [ were ] amazed . * The flouds or streames . * Rested [ viz. slaked , as inforced to rest . ‖ Turned or hauing changed their courses . * We will speake of . * The st●es . ‖ Al. Renowned Pollio . ‖ Made famous by my verses . ‖ Thou passest o●r . b Timauus a riuer of Venice , or the riuer Brenta neare Aquileia in Italy . ‖ Thou gatherest neare vnto , or passest by the coast . * Illyrian . * When it may be lawfull for me to speake of thy worthy acts [ or deeds . ] * That it may be lawfull for me , * To carry through the whole world , ‖ The verses written of thy renowned acts . * Being alone worthy of Sophocles buskin , viz. to haue bene penned in Sophocles stately style . c Because Sophocles tragedies were acted in buskins , therefore his loftie style is termed by this name , by a Metonvmie of the Adiunct . d He promiseth in all his verses to set foorth the praises of Augustus . ‖ Of these my songs . ‖ Of thee , or by thy command . * To thee , viz. to thy praise . ‖ Vndertaken . * By thy commandements . ‖ Let this garland made of the branches of the ivie and lawrell , be set vpon thy head . e Some apply this to Pollio , because he was an excellent Poet ( to whom the ivie garland appertained ) as well as a worthy gouernour . Ivie in respect of the Poets worke , Lawrell for Augustus famous victories . ‖ The night ( wherein it is ordinarily more cold then in the day , thorough the absence of the Sunne ) was scarcely past , and the day n●w appearing . * From heauen . * In the tender herbe . ‖ Leaning sheepheard-like vpon his staffe . * Leaning vpon [ or against ] a long smooth oliue . f Teres , tereti● , signifieth any thing long , smooth and round . ‖ Oh Day-starre . * Nourishing , because it is most nourishing and comfortable to all creatures . ‖ Bring it forth after thee . ‖ With the loue of Nisa , which she was vnworthy of . ‖ Vnkind loue . ‖ Of Nisa whom I thought sure vnto me to be my wife . * And although I haue profited nothing , they being witnesses , yet I dying speake vnto the Gods in my last houre . ‖ About to die with griefe . ‖ That they are my witnesses that she had so o●t sworne by them that she would be my wife . This he seemeth ●o speake according to the iudgement of the Epicures , who held that the Gods cared not for mortall things . * My pipe begin Menalian verses with me . g By Menalian verses the Poet meaneth excellent verses , such as were sung in Menalus , a hill of Arcadia . So that there is in it a Metalepfis , Menalian for Arcadian , and Arcadian verses for excellent verses . viz. Syn. membri & M●t Subj . ‖ In the hill Menalus sheepheards do alwayes sing of their loues , whereby the woods do ring , and as it were answer to their voice , or Menalus hath euer the trees sounding by their rustling with the winds . * And [ it heares ] Pan , viz. the God of sheepheards , who is said to haue inuented the fielden musicke . * Suffered not , &c. [ viz first inuented pipes of reeds . This verse oft repeated by Damon in his complaint , is called versus intercalaris , a verse oft interlaced , like the foot of a song . ‖ To lie idle . ‖ Began to play Menalian tunes . * Verses . ‖ Nisa that fine 〈◊〉 is gi●en in marriage to that il-favoured lubber Mopsus . * What [ we ] louing may not hope . i Some take here sperem●s for timeamus , by a Catachresis , as in the first of the Eneads , At sperate Deos memores fandi atque nefandi . ‖ Griffins shall now be , &c. k Griffins are like vnto Lions , saue that they seeme to haue the head and wing● of Eagles , being most spitefull against horses , and are dedicated to Apollo . Some thinke them to be meerly fabulous , like as the Pegasi . * Following . * Timerous Bucks or D●es . ‖ Shall associate or sort themselues . * To pots [ viz. to banket , or to drinke at the water . ‖ Prepare or sharpen peeces of gummie wood , that they may better kindle and burne . l Faces were peeces of gummie wood cut like torches , wont to be vsed in stead of torches at weddings solemnized and kept at nights . * A wife is maried to thee [ viz. thou must wed a wife for others ] m Carrying torches & throwing nuts about the house , were amōgst their ceremonies vsed at mariages . * Sprinkle nuts , viz. cast nuts amongst the boyes , [ or scatter walnuts at the thresholds . n The starres do seem to rise from the tops of most high mountaines . ‖ Doth rise ouer Oeta . [ viz. the euening is come , now that the euening starre is risen . o Oeta is a mount of Thessaly , so high that the starres do seeme to rise there . * To thee . * Begin with me . * Verses . * Ioyned [ viz. married to a worthy husband . p All these things are spoken in flouting and scornfull manner . * My pipe is a hate to thee . [ viz odious , or out of fauour . * And whilst my litle goates . * Hairie ‖ eyebrowes . * My long beard . ‖ Are a hate , [ viz. contemned or despised . ] * Any God [ or any of the Gods ] to care for mortall things [ viz. to be auenged for thy periury . ] * Verses or songs . q Damon complaineth of his error in falling in loue with Nisa , which he setteth out by the occasion , time and place , and by his owne age and stature . ‖ When thou wast but a little one . * Bedewed apples [ wet with the dew in the morning , lying vnder the trees in our orchards . ] * The other [ viz. the second ] yeare from eleuen had euen then taken me . * Now [ viz at that time . ] ‖ Reach the boughes of the trees as I stood vpon the ground . * As [ viz after that ] I beheld [ thee ] how perished I ? [ viz. how was I cast away , or vtterly vndone ? * That ill error [ viz. raging loue ] carried me away , [ viz. made me besides myselfe . ] * My pipe begin [ to sound ] Menalian tunes with me . ‖ What a cruell thing loue is . r Damen inueyeth against the sauage nature of loue , by the procreant causes thereof , because of the many mis●ries which it brings . ‖ Ismarus and Rhodope are hils mentioned before in the 6 Eclogue . * The vtmost Garamants . ‖ The Garamants are a sauage people in the vtmost parts of Africa . * Do breed [ or bring forth ] that boy [ viz. Cupid the God of loue . ] * In the hard clifts , [ viz. rockes of stone , of which whet stones are made . ‖ Being of another nature different from vs. * Verses . ‖ Cruell Cupid . ‖ Medea , who being despised by lason , slueher owne children . * To defile [ staine or soyle . ] * Her hands with the bloud , &c. ‖ Thou Medea wast cruell as well as Cupid the blinded boy . * Mischieuous or naughtie . ‖ Cupid was wicked , enforcing thee . * Also . ‖ Now let the whole order of nature be subuerted . * The wolfe also of his owne accord let him flie from the sheepe , the hard oakes let them beare golden apples , the alder tree let it flourish with Narcissus [ or the white Daffadill . ] * The wilde tamariske [ or heath ] let them sweate , &c. ‖ Drop downe gummie amber out of their barkes . * The owles let them contend [ in singing ] with swans , viz. let them excell the swans . ‖ Let Tityrus with his fielden pipe , passe Orpheus with his harpe amongst the wilde beasts , and Arion amongst the Dolphins , [ viz alluring them with their harmonie . * Verses . * All things now let them be made euen midst of the sea , viz. let waters couer me with all other things . * Liue ye . * I will be caried downe . ‖ I will cast my selfe downe headlong into the sea from the top of some high mountaine , to dispatch my selfe . ‖ Ready to die with griefe . * The highest top , from whence men may looke round about . * High in the aire . * Haue thou . ‖ Ceasse [ now . ] * Verses . ‖ Thus farre Damon . s 〈◊〉 . ‖ Each of vs. ] t Of the Muses called Pi●rides , see before Eclogu● 6. * Say ye . * We all , viz. * All things . u Here begin the verses of Alphesibeus , b●nging in a witch seeking by her forceries to allure her louer againe , who had began to forsake her . And that she speaketh to her maide . * Bring out . ‖ Bind about , or gird . ‖ Do sacrifice with burning sweete things , as fat veruein , ‖ And the best frankincense . ‖ That I may make an experiment or essay : ‖ To turne away from others to my selfe : * The sound senses , [ viz. that I may enamour him , or bewitch him with mad loue . ] * Sacred things [ or sacred rites . ] ‖ All other things but charmes are prepared [ or ready ] * My verses . ‖ My husband or louer . * Charmes can draw downe the Moone euen from heauen . ‖ Fetch downe . * Changed the companions of Vlysses [ into swine ] with her inchantments , [ or the companions to Vlysses . x Vlysseus ▪ ei & contractè Vlissi . 2. declin . vel mutauit Vlyssi . 3. declin . y For this story see Ouids Metamorph. with Sab. an●otations in the 14. booke . * Is bursten by singing ▪ [ viz. by charmes or inchantments . ] * I compasse about [ or I tie fast about ] to thee . * These three threeds of the shittle wherewith the sel●edges of the web are made . * Diuers with a threefold colour . ‖ Image or counterfet of waxe or clay . ‖ Round about . * Reioyceth [ or is delighted ] in an vnequall number , [ viz. an odde number ] as three , fiue or seuen . * Verses [ whereby she did charme or inchant . ] z The witch thus speakes vnto her maid . * With [ viz. on three knots . Al. Knit the knots . a Some bookes haue nodos , where , if it be so , ● . must be cut off , by a Grecisme , and no in nodos be short : but it is to be read modò . * Euen now or straightway . * Bonds of Venus , or Venus bonds , [ viz. to procure loue againe . ] b The witch hauing made two pictures of Daphnis , one of clay , the other of waxe , and setting them before the fire , thus she conjures . ‖ Slime or mud . * Doth waxe hard . ‖ The same heate of the fire . ‖ So let Daphnis be hardned against all others , and melt in loue to vs. * So Daphnis [ let him be hardened and sof●ned ] by our loue . * Sprinkle [ or strew about ] meale and salt . c With meale and salt they did vse to sprinkle their sacrifices . ‖ Kindle . d Bitumen is a kind of clay like pitch , & something of the nature of brimstone , burning like it . ‖ Slime . * Euill or wicked . ‖ Tormenteth me with loue of him . * Lawrell or bay . * In Daphnis , [ viz. vpon hi● in●age or counterfet , to be reuenged of him , in making him feele like torment to mine . * Verses . * Such a loue let it hold Daphnis what a one [ is , ] or doth hold a yong heifer ] when the heifer , &c. * Being lost [ or vndone , or cast away with loue . ] * For [ or because of ] a riuer of water . * Reed or sea-grasse . * Nor doth remember , * To giue place to the late night , [ or the darke night . ] ‖ Daphnis . * Neither let there be any care to me to cure [ him . ] * Perfidi● or false of promise . * Left these spoiles [ viz. apparell ] to 〈◊〉 once [ or in time past . ] * Being deare pledges of him [ or remembrances of his loue . ] ‖ Which garments ▪ ‖ I betake or commend to thee , burying them in thee . * In the very threshold , [ viz. at the entrance of my house . ‖ Meris a notable sorcerer . * Do owe Daphnis , [ that is , do make it e●ident that Daphnis is mine , due onely vnto me , and shall bring him backe to me ▪ ] * Poisonfull or venemous herbes seruing for inchantments . * To me . * Very many do grow . ‖ By these herbes or inchantments . * To be made a wolfe [ viz. to seeme to be changed into a wolfe . ] * And [ I haue seene him ] to hide . e Thus they were deluded by diuels appearing , which they tooke to be the soules of the departed . * To call out soules out of the lowest graues , [ viz. the soules of the dead ] or spirits . f Messes , haruests , for the sowne corne , is a Meto● . of the effect , or adiunct . * Carry the ashes without the doores . * To carry ouer [ viz. to remoue ] the sowne haruests other where , [ viz. from one place to another . ‖ The ashes [ of the inchanted fire . ] Al. Carry them to the flowing riuer . ‖ Ouer thy head backward . * To the flowing riuer [ or water . ] g To looke back , [ viz. to behold the Gods , or rather diuels in such kind of working , was thought to be dangerous . See Ramus Com. Or to looke backe , the Gods forbidding or disliking . * Thou shalt not looke behind thee , [ or thou shalt not looke backe . ] ‖ I will assay to bring Daphnis . * By these [ inchantments or means . ] * He cares for the Gods nothing , he cares for verses nothing . [ viz. he thinkes they can do nothing . ‖ Imbers . * Hath taken hold of the altars . * I tarry or delay , [ viz. prolong or protract the time , or linger [ to beare [ them o●t . ] * Let it be good [ lucke . ] ‖ What [ lucke ] viz. whether good or bad . * And also our dog barkes in the threshold , [ viz. at some body coming towards the doore . h Hylax is a fained name of a dog , which wee may call Ring , chanter , or barker , of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , latro . ‖ May we beleeue . ‖ Do they who dote with loue , imagine things which are nothing so , [ viz. as they would haue them . * Spare ye . i The witch supposing that Daphnis was come home , and entring into the house , at whom the dog barked , thus stayes her charmes . * Whereunto the name [ is ] Meris . ‖ Philippi a citie in Thessalie , where Caesar and Pompey fought , and also Augustus with ●rutus and Cassius , as saith Seruius . ‖ Trium viri were magistrates in Rome , which being three together , had equall authoritie . ‖ Padus is now called Po , a riuer in Italy . ‖ Lands and possessions . * Pollio helping him . ‖ President or Lieutenant of the region beyond the riuer Po. ‖ Arrius a Captaine ouer an hundred souldiers . * It was away [ but ] a litle , [ viz. he had bene in danger to be slaine . ] * Him to whom he had committed the charge of all his businesse . * With the very least his detriment he could , [ viz. with as litle hurt to Virgil. * He therefore , viz Meris , Virgils bayliffe or o●erseer of his goods . * Commandement . * Of his patron . * Some little gift . * Hauing goten occasion , laments for the calamitie [ or miserie of those times . ] * Oh Meris , whither [ do ] thy feete [ carry ] thee ? whether whither the way leades , into the citie , [ viz. to Mantua ] ‖ Directs . * O Lycidas , we haue come aliue , that the stranger being the possessor of our litle field ( which we neuer feared ) should say , These [ goods ] are mine : ye old inhabitants flit ye . ‖ That strangers possessing our lands , should driue vs out , [ viz. the Romane souldiers . ‖ Our farmes or fields . ‖ Ancient husbandmen [ or farmers ] ‖ Get ye out . * Now we being ouercome [ and ] sad ( because chance turnes all things vpside downe ) do send these kids vnto him , ( which present ) let not [ God ] turne well , [ viz. God grant he may haue no good of . ] a These kids were sent for a present to Arrius the Captaine , who had their lands . * Which [ gift . ] ‖ In truth [ or certainly ] I had heard reported . * Your Menalcas [ viz. Virgil ] to haue kept all things by his verses . * From what [ part ] the hils begin to withdraw themselues , and to send downeward their top [ viz. to descend ] with a soft [ or easie ] turning banke , [ viz. with an easie descent or going downe . * Vnto the water , and to the tops of the old beech tree now broken [ or decayed . ] ‖ Myncius . * Thou hadst heard [ it , ] and the fame hath bene , [ or it was the fame . ‖ Talke , noise , or report . ‖ Amongst warlike weapons [ or amongst souldiers in warre . ] b Martiall darts for weapons of wa●re , and they put for the souldiers vsing those weapons , and also for the time of warre . Metalep . * How much they say the pigeons of Chaonia [ to preuaile ] the Eagle comming . ‖ Doues . c Chaonia a region of Epeirus . d Of this prediction by the chough on the left hand , see the first Eclogue . The chough at the left hand , and the crow at the right hand , are said to be luckie , forewarning dangers to auoid them . ‖ That vnlesse I had bin admonished by a happy diuination [ or prediction ] by the chough sitting on my left hand , foreshewing some danger towards me , and therefore to cut off all new occasions of contention , &c. * Neither this thy [ old friend ] Meris [ should liue ] nor Menalcas himselfe [ viz. Virgil my maister ] should liue [ could haue escaped the souldiers hands . ] * Alas , doth so great a wickednesse [ or so foule a deed ] fall vpon any man [ viz. that he should intend to kill Virgil , or thinke of such a matter ? ] ‖ Ioyes or comforts . * Snatch away to vs , [ viz. from vs. ] ‖ Who should celebrate [ or extoll ] the Nymphs in song [ or verse . ] * Sprinkle [ viz. set or decke ] the ground with flourishing herbes ? or who should bring in [ viz. couer or inclose ] the fountaines [ or springs ] with a greene shade ? [ viz who should sing of the ground so strewed , and the springs so couered ? * Or [ who should sing those ] * Verses which I stole away being silent [ or holding my peace ] of late , when as thou didst carry thy selfe to Amaryl our dainties , [ viz. our loue , kind to vs both ? ] ‖ Ioy. ‖ O Tityrus ●end [ or keepe ] * My litle goates . * And also ▪ * Driue them to drinke being fed : and betweene to do [ viz. as thou art driuing them , * To meete often the high goate . ‖ He will tub [ or rush ] with his hornes . ‖ Which Menal● as himselfe did sing , &c. * To Varus . * Not as yet perfect , viz. not fully finis●ed . ‖ For vs [ to inhabite . ] e The Poet thus laments Mantua , because it came to be spoiled by meanes of the nearnesse to Cremon . Al. Oh Mantua , too neare to Cremon , alas [ for thee ] poore miserable [ citie . ] ‖ Keepe farre from the yeugh trees which are hurtf●ll to bee● of a venemous nature , and dangerous in some parts to sleepe vnder . * The Cyrnean yeugh trees . f Cyrne is an 〈◊〉 of the Tyr●hene sea , called Corsica : it signifieth also an yeugh tree in Greeke . ‖ With the best grasse , stuffe their vdders [ with milke . ] g Cithysus a kinde of trifoly or three leaued grasse much increasing milke . See before . * Stretch forth their vdders or dugs . ‖ Begin to sing some songs . * The Pierides : see before in the third Eclogue . * Haue made me also a Poet. * There are both verses . * A Prophet . * But I am not credulous , [ viz. easie to beleeue them , or I do not beleeue them . * To speake [ or sing songs ] worthy of Varus , [ or I do not seeme so to Varus , ] nor to speake things worthy of Cinna [ viz. worthy for Cinna to reade , ] but to make a noise [ as ] a goose amongst the shrill swans . * I do that in truth , [ viz. I prepare my selfe to sing . ] * I being silent reuol● it with my selfe , [ viz. am thinking of it in silence . ‖ Meditate [ or am bethinking my selfe of it . ] * If I could call it to mind [ or recall it . ] * An vn●oble song ▪ [ or of no estimation , or meane ] viz. that which he writ concerning Galatea . * Galatea come hither . ‖ See what sport here is in the waters . ‖ The spring flourishing with purple flowers . * The ground doth powre out here diuers flowers about the streames . ‖ Here grow abundantly . ‖ The white poplar tree hangs ouer the caue , couering it . * Weaue litle shadowes , [ viz. make a pleasant shade . * And suffer [ that ] the , &c. * Mad [ viz. outragious or exceeding great ] waues strike the shores . ‖ Which I had heard thee singing alone in a p●re [ viz. a cleare or bright ] night or e●ening . * The n●bers [ viz. the rime or note ] if I could hold the words . ‖ The dittie or song it selfe . h These verses were made in the praise of Iulius Caesar or of Augustus . * Looke vpon [ or so carefully obserue . i The signes consist of many starres , of which sort 47 are obserued in the whole heauen . 20 Northren , 12 of the Zodiack , 15 Southerne . * Signes . * The signe [ consisting of many stars ] * Of Caesar [ descended ] of Dione the mother of Venus , and so of Aeneas , of whom they say Iulius Caesar came . k At the playes made at the funerall of Iulius Caesar , a blazing starre appeared about eleuen a clocke of the day , and continued for 7 whole dayes , being thought by the Romanes to be the soule of Iulius Caesar . * Hath gone forward [ or the moneth of Iuly is now begun ] which was so called of Iulius Caesar. l The signe vnder which the corne and grapes begin to be ripe , meaning in Iuly , hauing the name of Iulius Caesar , or August , hauing the name of Augustus Caesar. * Might ioy [ do make men to reioyce ] in their [ ripe ] fruites . * The grape drawes [ her ] colour , [ viz. the grapes begin to ripen . ] * Lying open to the Sunne , not shadie . ‖ Plant orchards , [ viz. giue thy selfe to planting . ‖ Thy posteritie . * Shall plucke thy apples , [ viz shall gather the fruite of thy planting . ] m Fert pro au●ert . ‖ Depriues vs of . * And also [ it taketh away ] the mind . * I remember my selfe being a boy , to hide oft times long suns with singing , [ viz ▪ to be able to sing all the day vntill after sun-set . ] n Condere pro abscondere . o Soles pro diebus . Met. ●ffic . * Now so many verses [ are ] forgotten of me . p Oblitus is here vsed pasaiuely , as oft in Deponen●s . * Verses . * Also the voice it selfe now doth flie Meris , [ viz. I haue now lost euen my voice by reason of my age , no otherwise thenof the wolfes had spied me first . q This seemeth to haue bin a receiued obseruation , that if the wolfe espied the shepherd first before he spied the wolf , that then his voice was taken away for the present that he could not ●rie against the wolfe ; and contrarily , that if the sheepheard spied him first , then the wolfe was weakened & scared by a certain antipathy : whence came the prouerbe , Lupus est in fabula , which we vse when he comes in , of whom the speech is , & so the speech is cut off . * Being the former . ‖ Relate , or record to thee . * Lyc. Thou drawest on our loues into a long [ time ] by alledging causes [ or making delayes ] by knitting causes , viz. excuses , that thou may est not sing . * Also now all the sea being layed , [ viz. made calme ] is silent to thee , [ viz. to heare thee sing . * And ( behold . ) * Of the windie noise [ viz. the winds making a noise ] haue fallen [ viz. are now layed and downe . * From hence moreouer is the mid way to vs [ viz. we are now in the mid way to Mantua . * The sepulcher [ or graue ] of Byaenor [ who built Mantua , and called it by the name of his mother Mantus . ‖ I see Byanors tombe . * [ Let vs sing ] here where the husbandmen do bind [ or do lop and cut downe ] the thicke boughes , [ viz. do coard wood , or make fagots ] Meris let vs sing here . ‖ The kids which thou bearest . ‖ Time enough , or soone enough . ‖ Lest the night gather raine before . * Continually [ till we come there . ] ‖ The way will be lesse grieuous . * Bundle , [ viz. I will carry thy kids . ] * O lad ceasse [ to say ] any moe things . ‖ Let vs looke to the businesse we haue in hand , [ viz. to deliuer our present in time . * Which is instant . * We shall sing verses better then when [ Menalcas ] himselfe shall come . ‖ Virgil. * A choise Poet. ‖ President or Lieutenant . ‖ He was euen mad with the loue of Cytheris an harlot or where . * Desperately or outragiously loued . * One who was lately a seruant , now set free . * Neither she answered his mutuall loue , [ viz. loued him not againe . * But he being despised ▪ she had followed Anthonie into France , [ viz. Anthonies armie . * He is beleeued , or credibly reported . ‖ Whereupon . ‖ Vplandish , rurall , homely , or taken from matters of the countrey . * And also this whole . ‖ The first Idy●ion of Theocritus called Thyrsis . ‖ Followes or sets out . a The Poet in this last pastoral being to celebrate the memory of another famous Poet called Cornelius Gallus , inuocates the Nymphs of Syracusa to help him * Oh Arethusa . ‖ Arethusa is a fountaine of sweete water of Syracusa , where Theocritus liued . Whereby he meaneth the Muses of Syracusa and of Theocritus , whom he inuocates to helpe him therein . ] * A few verses are to be said [ or sung ] to my Gallus [ or of my Gallus ] [ viz. of the loues of my Gallus towards Cytheris , whom here he calls Lycoris . ] 1 The fountaine Arethuse is numbred among the wonders of waters , that it hauing the head in Peloponnesus is thought to run maruellous farre vnder the sea , and to breake soorth againe at this fountaine . * So bitter Doris [ viz. the bitter or brackie sea ] let her not intermingle [ or mixe ] her waue [ viz her water ] to thee [ viz. with thy sweete water ] whenas thou shalt slide vnder the Sicanian flouds [ or streames ] [ viz. the waues of the sea of Sicily . ‖ As thou shalt fauour and helpe vs , so let thy sweet● waters be kept pure from the salt waters of the sea , which th● ru●st vnder . 2 Doris a Goddesse of the sea , daughter to Oceanus , and wife of Nere● mother of the Nymphs , put for the sea by a Me● . 〈◊〉 . 3 Sicani people of Spaine or Sicily , which came from Spaine , from whom the sea is so-named . b Here first begins the proposition of the Eclogue , wherin the Poet stirres vp himselfe and his Muse to sing some songs of Gallus and his carefull loues . And this from the time and his leisure , and also from the audience which they should haue . * [ O Nymph ] begin , let vs speake of [ or report ] the carefull loues of Gallus . ‖ Do nip or brouze the yong shootes , or twigs , or new sprouts . * Do answer all things [ by their eccho , or by other shepheards . ] c Secondly , he accuseth the Muses that they were so carelesse of Gallus , to let him so to leaue his studies , and to perish in such vnbeseeming loue , that they could not be found to reclaime or pitie him , no not in any hill , nor about any fountaine . * O ye girles [ called ] Naiades , [ viz. ye Nymphs of the fountaines . [ These were Fairies haunting about such places . ] ‖ Groues . ‖ Forrests or parks . * Had you , [ viz. kept you away . ] ‖ By vnbefitting or disdai●full loue . * For neither the ridges of Parnassus [ haue made or caused delay ] to you , for neither any [ ridges ] of the hill Pindus haue made delay to you [ or stayed you , ] nor Aganippe [ the fountaine of Aonia or Boetia . 4 Parnassus is a mount of Phocis . 5 Pindus of Thessaly , both consecrated to Apollo . 6 Aganippe a fountain o● Boetia , dedicated to the Muses . d When all things seemed to mourne for him , both bay trees , shrubs . * Euen the lawrell trees [ haue wept for ] him , and also the tamaruke [ or beath ] haue wept [ viz. bewailed his misfortune . * Also Menalus bearing pine-trees [ bewailed ] him . ‖ A solitary rocke , or a bare rocke , all alone . Hils . And sheepe . ‖ Rockes . ‖ Lycaeus a mountaine of Arcadia , dedicated to Pan. Of which , by an Apostrophe , he professeth himselfe not to be ashamed , like as the sheepe were not ashamed of him . And so moues Gallus not to be abashed of tending sheepe , for that Ado● is did the same . * Haue bewailed him . * Neither doth it repent [ or shame ] them of vs , [ they are not ashamed of ●s to tend them ▪ [ or it repe●ts them not to mourne for our cause ] or by an Hypallage , it repe●ts not vs of them . * Neither . * Let it repent thee of cattell , [ viz. be not ashamed or grieued to tend cattell . ] * Also faire Adonis fed sheepe at the riuers . After he shewes how shepheards came . ‖ Adonis sonne of Cinyra king of Cyprus , beloued of Venus for his beautie . ‖ Tended . * The shepheard . 7 Vpilio pro opilio , & opilio q. ouilio , qui o●es custodit . Neat-heards . ‖ Heardmen . Swineheards , [ or those who looked to ●eed swine ] as Menalcas who came wringing wet . Al. Swineheards or hogheards . * Menalcas being wet [ or all wet ] came from the Winter acorne [ viz. from gathering acornes in the Winter for his swine . All these wondered at this mad loue of Gallus , enquiring whence it was . ‖ All of them aske how Gallus should fall into this franticke loue . e Yea the Gods themselues who had had experience of the power of loue , came to comfort him ; as Apollo , who in rebuking wise askes him , why he did so torment himselfe , seeing Lycoris was runne after another man , viz. after M. Antonius a Captaine into France . * [ And ] said , Gallus , why art thou mad ? * Lycoris [ all ] thy care . ‖ Ouer the Alpes , where snow lieth almost all the yeare long . * The horrible campes [ or tents of 〈◊〉 souldiers . ] Secondly Syluanus the God of the woods , who is described by his Adiuncts , how he came adorned with a garland on his head , and shaking ferule branches and lillies in his hand . ‖ With a garland on his head , which is the pompe [ or honour of the countrey ] ‖ Shaking in his hands branches of ferule . ‖ The ferule is a kind of shrub or big herbe like vnto fennel giant , with the branches whereof schoole-maisters vsed to i●rt children on the hands , whence came the name of the F●rula . Ferulaeque tristes , sceptra paedagogorum . Mart. * Great lillies . Thirdly , Pan the God of shepheards musicke came likewise to comfort him , who is set out also by his Adiuncts : how he was painted all red with elder berries and with vermilion . Who comforts Gallus as Apollo did , rebuking him louingly : That sorrow was no meanes to cure loue , but the more he wept , the more he might . And this he illustrates by three similitudes or arguments à pari . That as grasse cannot be satisfied by riuers running by , nor bees with the flower of Cythisus , nor goates with tender sprigs of trees , so nor loue with teares . * Being red with bloudie berries of the ebull [ or low elder , ] [ it is a tree like the elder tree in leafe and berry , but not so big in growth . ] ‖ Red lead . * And what measure shall there be , quoth he ? ‖ Loue is nothing moued with sorrow or griefe . ‖ Content or satisfied . * Nor the grasse [ is satiate . ] * With riuers watering them . ‖ Filled or satiate , * With Cythisus [ viz. with the flowers of it . ] Of this herb in the first Eclogue . * Nor the little goates [ are satisfied ] * With a bough or tender sprig of a tree . Syn. sp ▪ f Hither to hath Virgil spoken in his owne person : now is Gallus brought in answering , and comforting himselfe . First , that the Arcadians the onely skilfull musitians of the world , should record his loues , and then how sweetly his bones should rest thereby . * But he [ viz. Gallus ] being sad [ or pensiu● ] said , ye Arcadians , &c. * Being alone skilfull to sing [ or in singing : ] ch how softly the bones may rest to me then , [ viz how sweetly shall my bones rest [ in my graue . ] ‖ Song . ‖ May speake of . * In time to come , or hereafter . ‖ I would to God. Secondly , that Gallus detesting his owne estate , wisheth that he had bene a countreyman , either a shepherd or a dresser of vines , for the delights and companie which such haue to sport withall , as of Phillis and Amyntas . That although Amyntas was blacke , yet so are violets and bramble berries also . * A keeper . * A gatherer of your ripe grapes , [ viz. a dresser of your vines . * Certainly [ or surely ] whether Phillis were [ a louer ] to me , or else Amyntas [ were ] [ a louer , ] or whatsoeuer furie [ or raging loue , viz. louer causing raging loue ] ( what then if Amyntas be browne [ viz. swart or blacke ? ] * The berries of the great bramble . And he could delight himselfe with them . ‖ Should rest . Phillis should make him garlands , Amyntas should sing . * Phillis should gather garlands for me , [ viz. flowers to make garlands for me . ] Thirdly , he in a new and sudden passion of loue , turneth his speech to Lycoris , whom he seeketh to call backe by the pleasantuesse of the places where he was . As coole fountaines , sweet medowes and woods . * O Lycoris [ my loue ] here [ are ] cold springs . * Cold as ice . ‖ Here in the countrey . * Soft medowes . * A wood . * Here I could be spent with thee for eternitie [ or for euer ] g Nunc insanus , &c. ] Here Gallus breaks ou● to bewaile the miserie both of himselfe and of Lycoris his loue . That as she was now , so his heart was with her in the midst of the enemies and warres : and thus he falleth into exclamations , commiserating her hard heart and wofull case , by an Apostrophe , turning his speech vnto her . * I could be consumed . * Mad loue . * Detaines [ or holds ] me , [ viz. in affection or my affections . ] * In the weapons [ viz. among the weapons of hard [ viz. cruell ] Mars . * And aduerse enemies , [ viz. violently bent against vs. ] * Thou ( ah hard ) [ Lycoris . ] * Let it not be for me to beleeue . That she was now in France , farre off from her countrey , or about the Alpes , readie to perish by the coldnesse of the countrey , caused both by the snowes and frosts , and riuers , and none to care for her . * The snowes of the Alpes [ viz. of mountaines whereby Italy is diuided from France and Germanie , ] called Alpes , q. albes , because they are almost alwayes white with snow . * Ah [ take heed ] lest the sharpe ice cut the tender soles of the feete to thee . And so perswades her in regard of the cold & sharpnesse of the countries , rather to returne into Italy againe . h In the 12 next verses Gall● propounds vnto himselfe the remedies which he wil vse for the ●uring of his loue , by contrary studies . * I will go , and will tune [ or play ] the songs which are made of me in Calcidian verse , with an oaten pipe of a Sicilian shepheard . * With an oate . ‖ By the Sicilian shepheard , ●e meaneth Theocritus . * Songs which are made to me , [ viz. of me . ] ‖ In the verse of Euphor●on the Poet of Chalchis , whom Gallus translated forth of Greeke into Latin. * It is determined [ of me ] to will rather to suffer [ any miserie . ] As first by giuing his minde to the studie of Poetrie , wherein he propounds to imitate Euphorion and Theocritus . And so to liue solitarie in woods , there to write his songs of loue , and to ca●e them in trees , that they may grow vp with the trees . * To cut in [ or car●e ] my loues , [ viz. songs of my loue ] in tender trees [ viz. barks of trees . ] The second remedie of his loue , should be by his trauelling , and seeking new loues . * In the meane while I will view the hils called Menalus , the Nymphs being mixt , [ or frequent there . ] The third remedie , by giuing himselfe to hunting , and by enduring therein whatsoeuer annoyance ; and this is set out by the places and delights which he seemed to enioy in the very conceit thereof . * The fierce beares . * Not any colds shall forbid me to compasse about the Partheniā launds [ or forrests ] with dogs . ‖ Parthenius is a mountaine of Arcadia , so call'd of the virgins which vsed to hunt there , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ‖ Now me thinks I go , ‖ Through [ or amongst ] the rockes and sounding groues [ viz. sounding with the Eccho . ] As going amongst the rockes and groues , shooting with most excellent bowes and arrowes , that so he may asswage the furie of his raging loue . * It listeth me to whirle [ or shoote forth ] Cydonian darts with a Parthian horne , [ viz a bow tipped with horne : ] as if this may be the medicine of our furie , [ viz. the remedie of our furious [ or ouer passionate ] loue . ] 8 Cydon is a citie of Creete , where are most excellēt reeds to make arrowes . 9 The Parthians were most notable archers . ‖ Cupid the God of loue . * To waxe milde by the euils of men , [ viz. by our miseries . ] i Here the Poet suddenly disliking the former remedies , setteth out the inconstancie of loue , and that no remedies can cure it , neither the pleasures of the woods , no● the studie of Poetrie , no no● any musicke , no● yet any toyles can asswage the rage thereof ▪ * Now againe neither the Hamadryades [ do please vs , ] nor [ our ] verses themselues do please vs. ‖ Hamadryades are Nymphs breeding and dying with the ●akes . ‖ Songs . * Yeeld ye [ to loue ] [ viz. because ye cannot cure it . ] ‖ All our toyles and trauels cannot change [ or turne ] * Him [ viz. Cupid ] that is , cannot asswage our loue . ] Nor enduring of any hardnesse , set out 1 by drinking vp the coldest riuer . * If we both drinke . ‖ Hebrus the riuer of Thracia . * In the cold , being in the midst [ or in the midst of the cold , or amidst the cold . * And vndergo , [ viz endure to trauell in the snowes of Scythia in the Winter . And secondly by abiding the deepest snows ▪ ‖ Al. Snowes of Sithon a mountaine of Thracia . * Nor if we oft turne about [ viz. do tend ] the sheepe of the Ethiopians vnder the signe of Cancer , [ viz. in the hotest scorching heate . Thirdly , by suffering the most scorching heate in the hottest countries of the world , neare the burning line , and in the patching Sunne , when all things seeme to begin to die with heate . ‖ Whenas the highest trees do seeme to scorch and die with heate . ‖ Euery thing [ viz. euery liuing creature , to make them yeeld to satisfie it . ] Whence Gallus concludeth that loue ouercometh all things , and therfore he must needs yeeld to loue . ‖ Let vs yeeld to loue , [ viz. let vs also suffer our selues to be ouercome by it , or we may also yeeld to loue . k Here Virgil speakes himselfe , and concludeth this Eclogue with an Apostrophe and inuocation of the Muses , that Gallus might accept of his homely verse ; that the Muses themselues wold make these verses meete for Gallus , whilst ●e is still making vp his wicker stuffe , viz. perfecting his other Pastorals . ‖ Ye Muses . ‖ It shall suffice that your Poet [ Virgil ] hath sung these songs [ viz. verses . ] * Whilst he sits and weaues [ or plats ] a little pannier [ or maund ] with a slender bulrush . ‖ Of the Pierides see before in the 3 6. and 8. Eclogues . * Greatest [ verses ] viz. fit and meete for Gallus , [ viz. that he may receiue them with the like affection as I haue written them . ] l And thence he laboureth to expresse his loue to Gallus , how his loue towards him did increase continually ; & this by an argument à pari . That is increased as much each houre , as the alder trees shootes foorth in the prime of the Spring . * The loue of whom increaseth so much to me in houres , [ viz. euerie houre . ] * How much the greene alder tree subiects it selfe [ viz. growes spreading abroad downeward and each way ] in the new spring [ or in the beginning of the spring , or in the flourishing spring . ] m Afterward taketh occasion to end this Eclogue from the danger of the place where he sat , viz. vnder a iuniper tree , the shadow whereof is especially hurtfull , as the shadows of all trees are to things growing vnder them , and therfore he should arise . * Grieuous to [ men ] singing , [ viz. to shepheards when they sing , lying vnder the shadowes of trees . ] ‖ Noisome [ or hurtfull , [ viz. is especially hurtfull . * The fruites also , [ viz. corne or whatsoeuer groweth vnder them . ] n And finally he shuts vp all by turning his speech vnto his goates , that they might now go home , both being full , and the euening starre now shewing it selfe . * Being full . * The euening starre comes , [ viz. doth shew it selfe . ] * Go ye [ my ] little goates . Ite , ●te . Apost● . & Epan . Notes for div A14494-e36780 * There are foure bookes of Virgil called Georgica , meaning Georgica carmina , or documenta georgica , that is , instructions of husbandrie , of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , terra , whereof is made 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , opus , of which comes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , agricola , an husbandman , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ●gri colendi peritus , viz. skilfull in husbandrie . The first of these bookes is concerning corne ; the second of trees , especially of vines ; the third of cattell ; this fourth of Bees . * [ Virgil ] doth prosecute most copiously the care of Bees , and the reason of mellification in this fourth booke . ‖ The subiect matter of this booke . * Was so straight [ or narrow . ] * Consumed or spent . ‖ Enlargeth it . ‖ By matters [ from the point . ] ‖ Borrowed speeches and comparisons . * 〈◊〉 of their chiefe 〈◊〉 , or common halls . * Studies or delights . * Exceeds . * ●dfull of . * His 〈◊〉 translations . * And this booke . * Cut. * For he prosecutes the care of defending , &c. in the former part of it . * He prosecutes [ or accomplisheth ] the reason [ or way ] whereby they may be repaired againe , when they shall die vtterly , in the latter [ part . ] * From the foundation . * Who is beleeued to haue repaired first his lost Bees , [ viz his Bees being dead . ] * Forthwith [ or now afterwards ] the kingdomes smelling againe [ or sweete smelling kingdomes . ] * Of ●iery h●ny [ viz. falling from , or made , or gathered in the aire . * And also the Bees of Hybla , Syn●d . * Chosen . * [ He shewes ] also the moist hony combes , being heauenly gifts . ‖ By the meanes of certaine beasts which he killed , and vsed to that purpose . ● Their hony combes . ‖ What swarmes of Bees . ‖ A Counseller at the Law. a These words contain 〈◊〉 proposition of this fourth booke , according to the distribution in the very entrance of the first booke . Onely the tran●ition is more obscure then in the former bookes ▪ thus in effect . Hauing dispatched my verse concerning cattell , which was my third part , I will now proceed to the ordering of Bees , which is the last . Wherein by an Apostrophe or turning his speech to Maecenas , to whom he dedicated these bookes , he stirres him vp , and so all who shall reade it , to attention , from the admirablenesse of these things whereof he is to speake ( being so smal in shew ) concerning the whole gouernment of Bees , their Captaines , manners , studies , people , skirmishes , and the like . * I will execute [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] forthwith . ‖ Gifts sent from heauen , and of a very heauenly or excellent nature . * Of aierie hony . ‖ Accept fauo●rably this part of my worke of husbandrie concerning bees , like as the former . * Behold also . * I will speake [ or shew ] to thee . * Wonderfull spectacles [ or shewes , as in playes ] of light things , [ viz. things but small , or not so much accounted of . ‖ Valorous leaders [ or guides or kings . ] * And also [ I will shew vnto you . ] * And studies [ viz. endeuours or exercises . ] * And people . ‖ Duly or plainly . ‖ [ Viz. ] in the care about the ordering of bees , yet the glory which comes to the husbandman is not small . I The old Romanes vsed to pray vnto certain Gods to help them , and to others not to hurt them , as to 〈◊〉 , Du● & Robigus , &c. * Battels or warres . * Left [ viz. ouerthwart , vnluckie , noisome , shrewd , or hurting diuine powers . Secondly , that though 〈◊〉 labour be but in a small matter , yet the glorie coming of the skill ▪ is not small , so that the Gods be fauourable , and hinder not . * Do suffer any man. b And that he may proceed in order , he sheweth that first a fit standing is to be sought out for bees ; & 〈◊〉 describes the place meete for them , first by the things which are hurtfull to bees , that they may not be annoyed thereby , but stand remote from them ; as first the winds hindring that they cannot bring home their prouision . * Doth heare , [ viz. do direct and prosper . * In the beginning a seate [ is to be sought ] for the bees , and a standing is to be sought . ‖ Passage . * Whither neither an entrance can be the winds . * Do forbid . * Food , [ viz. nourishment 〈◊〉 maintenance . ‖ May oft bounce on the flowers , and tread them downe . ‖ The wandring heifer , [ viz. cattell going vp and downe . * And the lizzards painted [ in regard of their fo●te backes [ or vpon their foule backes ] let them be away , [ viz. let them not be neare . ‖ May smite the dew from off the herbes , and weare or spoile the herbes which should rise vp . Secondly , cattell , as sheepe , kids , bullockes , or he●fers , eating vp or treading downe the flowers , on which they should labour , or smiting off the hony dew from them . ‖ Filthy or horrible , as with painted circles in their backes . * Meropes , birds haunting bee hiues , and deuouring the bees and their hony , called Wood-peckers or Eate-bees . Thirdly , venemous beasts , as newts , lizards or the like . * Progne . How Progne Pandious daughter was changed into a swallow , see the sixt book of Ouids Metam . with Sabines Com. at large . She was turned into a swallow , as her husband pursued her for the slaughter of her sonne It is , the markes whereof are on her breast . * Signed [ in regard of her ] brest . Syn. Fourthly birds , as bee-eaters , spoyling both bees and hony ▪ and swallowes deuouring them as they flie vp and downe , and also carrying them to their yong . * For they waste all things all abroad , and they carry in [ their ] mouth them [ viz. the bees ] flying , being a pleasant meate to their vngentle nests , [ viz to their yong ones which deuour the bees brought by their dams ▪ ] ‖ From the full hiues fat with hony . Secondly , he set● out the place by the thing● which are good for bees , or by the efficient causes of their prospering , as first cleare springs and fountaines , faire standing ponds greene with mosse , or little streames running through the grasse for the watering of the bees , viz. where they may drinke most conueniently . ‖ Cruell , hard hearted , [ viz nourished with the death of other creatures . ‖ Weeds growing in it , and after a sort couering it . * But liquid sountaines and standing waters greene with mosse , let be present [ viz. let them haue , &c. ] * Riuer flying [ viz. running ] by the grasse [ let it be present . ] ‖ See that there be palme trees [ viz. date trees or the like . * The porch . Secondly , trees , plants or herbes . Trees , as the palme ouershadowing the entrance of their hiues , or the wilde oliue to the same purpose . ‖ Great oliue tree , [ viz. some other great trees which the bees like best . Also banks of herbs or lesse plants to allure the yong ones in the Spring to sport abroad and to get them out of the heate . * In their spring , [ viz. the time meet for their first going out . * Yong bees . * The banke neare may inuite [ viz. allure or entice them ] to depart [ or giue place ] to [ or from ] the heate [ of the Sunne into the shadow . ] * And the tree meeting [ them ] may hold [ or receiue them . ] And great trees in the way to serue them to light and rest vpon . Thirdly , that they should haue boughes of trees , as of ●allowes or the like , to be layed ouerthwart in the water . ‖ With her boughes full of greene leaues , for the yong bees to light vpon . * Whether the mo●sture [ viz. water ] shall stand sluggish , [ viz. still , not mouing , ] or whether it flow [ viz. run ] continually : ‖ Cast into the midst [ thereof ] willowes layed acrosse and big stones . Or great stones to be set therein , for the bee● to saue themselues 〈◊〉 for to rest vpon . ‖ Into the midst of the water for the bees to light vpon . * That [ the bees ] may stand sure vpon . And that they may spread their wings , laying them open against the Sunne , if the windes shall plunge any of them into the water . * Often bridges [ viz. lying thicke together , or many . ‖ Spread abroad . * The headlong East wind . Fourthly , that they should haue store of sweete smelling herbes to be planted round about the waters , and about the hiues , as namely Cassia , wilde marioram , winter sauorie . ‖ Staying long abroad . * Or shall drowne [ viz. dip them ] into Neptune , [ viz shall cast them headlong into the water . * Let greene Cassi ▪ [ flourish ] about these [ places ] or bee-gardens . ] * Of Cassia see before in the second Eclogue . Also bankes of violets , &c. * Wilde bett●nie [ smelling like wilde marjoram , or it may be taken for sauorie . ] ‖ Hysope . * Casting out a sauour grieuously , [ viz. smelling very strong , or being strong of sent . * Beds [ or borders ] of violets . * Drinke the watering [ or maistening ] spring , [ viz. let them be planted neare the water sides , where they may draw moisture . ] c Hitherto the Poet hath described the bee-garden , viz. the place fit for the stāding of bees : now he commeth to a second precept concerning the hiues , to shew what ones they must be , both for the matter and fashion . * Whether [ they shall be ] sowed to them with hollowed barks , [ viz. whether you shall make them of barkes of trees sewed together , ] or whether they shall be wouen with a limber twig [ or ozier ] viz. made of rods . First , for the matter , that they be made of hollow barks sewed together , or of rods or twigs . Secondly , for the entrance● of the hiues , that they be narrow , to keep our both cold and heate : because the Winter cold hardens the hony , and Summer heate dissolues it . * Doth make thick [ or doth thicken ] or make hard ] the honies . * And heate remits [ viz. dissolues ] the same [ honies ] being molten [ viz. made thin , that is , heate ●elts and dissolues them . That the violence and danger of both these is to be feared & prenented alike he proues further , frō the endeuo●rs of the bees themselues against such iniuries of the weather . * Both the violence [ of cold and heate ] is to be feared . ‖ To be feared to bees , [ viz. to be preuented . ] * Neither they do da●be in vaine , or without iust c●se . * Daub● ouer . That they stop close all the little holes and tifts in their hiues with waxe , mosse , flowers , and with a kind of glue more slimie then birdlime or pitch . * Striuingly or by strife . * In the roofes [ or houses ] ‖ And stop . * Vtmost parts [ or skirts , viz. clifts or chinkes . ] * With fucus : some take this to be meant of a counterfet kind of waxe , but more pitchie , gathered of the gums of trees ; others for a kinde of mosse . * Keepe or saue . * Offices or businesses . ‖ Tough or gummie . ‖ The pitch of the pitch trees of Ida [ an hill in Phrygia , ] * The Phrygian Ida. ] And that for more safetie against all such perill , they haue bene found to haue made their houses within the ground . * Haue digged [ their ] house in holes digd out vnder the ground . And in pumeise stones all eaten . And so in trunkes of hollow trees . * Altogether [ or deeply . ] Thirdly , for the better preseruing the hiues from all such violence of weather and other inconueni●ces , to daub them smoothly with mud , & to strew leaues thereon to keepe the hiues moist from chopping . * Caue , [ viz. the hollownesse * Of a tree all eaten with rottennesse . ‖ Howbeit . * Annoint thou [ their ] lodgings full of clifts [ or rifts , or chinkes . ] * With smooth raud , [ viz. smoothed on the outside , or finely tempered . ] ‖ Oxe dung or the like . * Cherishing [ them , ] [ viz. to preserue them from all violence both of heate and cold . ] ‖ And moreouer cast vpon the hiues thus daubed , leaues here and there , [ viz. to keepe the mud or dung moist and from chinking . ] d After he proceedeth to giue warning of such things as are noisome to the hiues , like as he had before for the bee-gardens : as that the good husband should not suffer yough trees to grow too neare them ; nor to burne the shels of sea-crabs neare vnto them : nor to let them stand ouer neare to deepe fens or standing waters . * Neither suffer . * Nearer to [ their ] roofes , [ viz. hiues . ] ‖ Crabs or creuisses , which are red when they are sod or burnt . * In [ thy ] hearth [ or chimney , ] whereby the smell may come to the bees . ‖ Let not your bees stand neare vnto a moore or watery place being deepe . * Or where the smell of mud [ or dirt ] is grieucus . Nor neare vnto any filthy smell of mud , nor any great sounding of waters . Nor where there is a loud ●ccho . * Stones . ‖ Do make a noise . * By beating vpon . e Here now followeth a third precept concerning the worke of the Bees in the Spring and in the Summer time . Where first the Poet describes the Spring by the efficient cause of it , to wit , the Sunne , viz. when the Sunne coming nearer vnto vs , hath with his light chased away the Winter , and begins to bring the Summer ; that then the bees trauell forthwith far and neare thorough forrests and woods , and all other places where they may gather their prouision . ‖ Vnto the Antipodes , where it is Winter when it is Summer with vs. * The image of the voice offended leapes backe [ viz. where there is a great Eccho , which comes by the beating backe of the voice . ‖ The [ bees ] presently passe through vplands or launds . * Hath vnshut [ or opened ] heauen with the Summer light , [ viz. the pleasant Sunne in the spring . ] How they sucke it chitfly from the pleasant flowers . * Reape [ viz. gather the nourishment or the prouision vpon ] the flowers . And being light of body , they sip water whersoeuer they find it . And hauing so done , they returne home chearfully . * Do taste lightly the vpmost flouds , [ viz. the vpmost parts of the waters . libare q. labiare , i. e. primis labris attingere . ‖ Nourish . And both cherish their brood , and maintaine their hiues . * Sweetnesse . * Ofspring or issue . * [ Their ] nest ● ▪ How hereupon they artificially frame their combes of waxe and hony . * From hence they beate out as with a hammer or weild , viz. frame . * Fresh waxe by art . * Frame their . * You shall now see aloft a troupe [ of bees ] sent forth out of [ their ] caues vnto the flarres of heauen , to swimme through the liquid Summer , [ viz. the cleare aire in the Summer . ] ‖ Cleauing , glu●sh , gummie . f Afterwards vpon this occasion of their flying abroad , he cometh to a fourth precept , for the retaining of their swarmes with sweete smels of herbes , and with sounds . * Behold , [ or marke it well : ] for ] they . That when the keepers of them see a great swarme of them gathered like a cloud , and wauing in the skie , they then seeke waters , and a new house amongst the boughes of trees . ‖ Wonder at . ‖ A swarme of bees gathered round together like a darke cloud . ‖ Caried or moued . * And branching roofes , [ viz. to make their abode amongst the greene boughes of trees . * Balme gently bruzed . This is an herbe wherewith bees are delighted . Therefore to the end that they may settle , they are to sprinkle the places with the vsuall iuyces of certain herbs , as of balme , honysuccles , and the like ; or to rub them with those herbes , and withall to ring or tinkle with basons , cimbals , and other such like sounding things , to keepe them from flying quite away . ‖ Wonted or vsuall . * Vnnoble [ or vile , because it growes euery where . ] * A tinkling noise as of basons . * And shake the cymbals of [ Cybele ] mother [ of the Gods ] round about . * To [ or in ] their seates medicined , [ viz. prepared with such iuyces and herbes as are mentioned . ] ‖ The cymbals are tinkling instruments which were vsed in the sacrifices of Cybele . Because by these meanes they will settle vpon the places so sprinkled . Al. Of Mars . * They will hide [ or betake ] themselues . And will easily be gotten into new hiues thus rubbed and prepared . * Cradles [ viz hiues fitted for them . ] ‖ By nature of their owne accord . g And hence he proceedeth to a fifth precept , concerning the battels of the bees , which he setteth out by a principall cause thereof , and by signes . The chiefe cause is discord arising betweene the kings or maister-bees . * Hath gone with a stately pace as in kings [ viz. marched or crept ] to two kings with a great motion [ or stirre , ] for that their kingdome is impatient of any consort , or they cannot endure two kings . * The minds of the common people . The signes whereby any one may foreknow their stomackes , and their trembling hearts prepared for warre , and so their skirmishes are . * Know. ‖ Their hearts stirring [ or rising ] to battle . You shall heare the night before a warlike noise , as of a sounding trumpet , calling all forth to warre , and withall sundry broken sounds , as of trumpets . * Of hoarse sounding brasse . * Doth chide [ viz. rebuke or prouoke and hasten forward . * [ The bees ] lingring long [ or making no haste . ] * Imitating . * Then they go together among themselues trembling , [ viz. quiuering with anger or with violence . And then the next day they go hastily together , glistering with their wings , as souldiers in armour . ‖ And shine as souldiers in armour . * Pens or feathers . * And also they sharpen [ their ] darts with [ their ] bils [ or nibs . ] They will also sharpen their stings with their snouts , and fit themselues to fight . * And make fit [ their ] armes , [ viz. prepare them . * They are mingled thicke about [ their ] king [ for his preseruation . ] Then they gather thick about their king , as the Romanes were wont about the Emperours pauilion , and call forth their enemy with loud cries . * To the very places of their Pretor [ or Emperour . ] It is an allusion to the maner of the Romanes to desire to be nearest to the Emperours tent or pauilion . ‖ Challenge [ or prouoke . ] ‖ Mightie or loud humming . And thus when they haue got a faire calme sunny day in the spring , they rush out of their hiues , and runne violently together as souldiers to battell : * A cleare spring , [ viz. a faire day in the Spring or Summer . ] ‖ Large and wide fields , [ viz roome enough . ] * It is runne together , [ viz. they skirmish . ] Whereby there is a great sound made in the aire ; ‖ A great noise is heard forth of the aire . * In the high skie [ or aire . ] * They being mingled together , And all the bees are gathered thicke into a great round heape . And straightway they fall downe killed or wounded out of the aire , as thicke as haile . * Are w●un round like a clew or ball into a great orbe or circle [ after the manner of an armie . ] ‖ They fall downe as dead . * From the aire . So that the acornes fall not downe so fast from the shaken oake . * Nor so much of the acorne doth raine , [ viz. fall like raine ] from the oake being smitten . ‖ Ilex is taken for a kind of oake . The kings in the meane time flie thorough the midst of their armies with their gallant wings , Al. With wings like ensignes , * Do turne oft great courages in a narrow breast : And shew their braue mindes , encouraging their armies , * Striuing [ or encouraging themselues with all their might ] so verie greatly not to yeeld . Stoutly enforcing themselues with all their power not to yeeld , * The grieuous conquerours [ or heauie , as we say , an heauie enemie . ] ● Vntill the one side being ouercome , be caused violently to turn their backs in flight . ‖ Enforced . * To giue their backes , being turned by flight . h Vpon this occasion the Poet cometh to a sixth precept , concerning the recalling and quieting of the bees in these broyles ; ‖ These their furious rages . * Strifts or battels . * Shall rest [ or be quiet . ] Which is , by casting vp a little dust , viz. by throwing vp a few molds into the aire , which may be felt as raine in the midst amongst them . ‖ Supprest or appeased . * With casting . ‖ Kings , [ viz. king or maister-bees . * From the forefront of the battell . And withall teacheth how to continue their peace after , which is , by killing the worse of the two kings , viz. of those two maister bees , which were the cause of the battell . * Giue him to death , [ viz. kill that of them two ] which [ shall ] seeme the wor●e , lest being prodigall he hurt , [ viz. lest he proue a robber , or liue onely in consuming the hony , and getting nothing . * [ But ] suffer [ that ] the better may reigne . And he giues a reason of it , lest he proue a robber . * In the emptie hall , [ viz. the Emperours pallace free from enemie , as sole king . But to preserue th● better of them , that he may reigne alone , without any other to prouoke him . * One will be burning with spots foule with gold , [ viz. shewing yellow like gold . Catachrefis . And here for more clearenes , he describeth the kings or maister bees . That as there are two kinds of kings , so one of them which is the better , is of a burning red colour bright with gliftering specks , and of a more notable countenance . ‖ 〈◊〉 , or notably knowne . * In mouth . ‖ Cleare or shining . * With red scales [ viz. with golden spots shining as scales in fishes . * Horrible , vgly or lothsome . The other is vgly through his sloth , dragging his broad belly , creeping in a base maner before or about the hiues mouth . ‖ Idlenesse or lazinesse . * And without all glory , [ viz base ] drawing his broade belly [ vpon the hiues mouth . ] ‖ Broade , not round as in the other . ‖ In a base maner . And moreouer sheweth , that as there are such differences in the kings ; so there are two principal differences in the common sort likewise . * As the faces [ or formes ] of [ their ] kings are two , so the bodies of the nation [ or common sort of bees ] [ are different . ] * Of the nation [ of the bees . ] ‖ Are of two sorts , differing one from another , euen as the bodies of the kings . For that some of them are rough and illfauoured , as if they were all dustie ouer ; which he illustrateth by a similitude : That they haue on them a filthinesse like the spittle which the thirstie traueller coming out of the deepe dust spits vpon the ground , and this is the worst kind . * Being filthy [ or foule ] are vgly and lothsome . * Drie with thirst . ‖ Passenger , or wayfaring man. * With his mouth being drie [ with thirst and dust . ] ‖ Others are of a cleare and bright shining colour . The other sort of them shines and glisters with a cleare brightnesse like gold : * Burning with gold . * Smeared or annointed , * With like or euen drops , [ viz. spots of euen bignesse . ] And haue their bodies dasht with equall spot● . This latter he sheweth to be the better brood . ‖ From these bees . * Of heauen , [ viz. at a meete season . ] And that these make the most liquid and excellent 〈◊〉 . * You shall presse out , [ viz. 〈◊〉 or crush out . ] * Nor so much sweete as liquid , [ viz. pure , clarified , or cleare from dregs . * And to 〈◊〉 [ viz. fit to tame the hard taste of Bacchus [ or of wine , Met. effic . ‖ That is , to take away the vnpleasantnesse or sharpnesse of wine or the like : or to make sweete wine called Mulsum , viz. bastard wine or Metheglin , by seething wine and hony together . Which will notably amend the ouermuch hatdnesse of wine , to make it most delicate . i Here he repeats again the fourth precept , concerning the keeping of the swarmes , that they flie not away . ‖ The bees rising together . * Vncertaine [ whither they will flie . * In heauen , or aboue , as in the skie . * And do contemne or neglect . First , that when they begin to sport in the aire , and to leaue their hiues , and so to offer to flie quite away , they be restrained and withdrawne after this manner following : viz. * Cold roofes [ viz hiues . ] * You shall forbid , [ viz. withdraw or stay . ‖ Wauering or vnstayed . * From vaine play or pastime . By plucking off the wings from their kings * To prohibite or stay them from flying away . * Plucke thou off . For that then none of the rest dare be so bold to flie so high , ‖ None of the bees dare be so bold , or aduenture . * To go [ or vndertake ] a high iourney . Or to offer to remoue their standards , viz. to prouoke their fellowes to flie away , so long as the kings stay behind . * To plucke vp [ to stirre yp the rest to flie away . This is a b●rowed speech , a Metaphor taken from souldiers , who by plucking vp and remouing their standards , do shew to their fellowes that they are about to go from that place . * Those , [ viz. the maister bees ] lingring . A second meanes of retaining them , is ▪ by the sweetnesse of trees and flowers growing about or neare vnto the hiues , whereof sundrie kinds are mentioned before and after . * Your orchards or gardens , &c. let them . * Breathing out , or sending out 〈◊〉 . i● 〈◊〉 delight . ‖ With all such flowers as where ▪ ‖ And let Priapus who is the god and preseruer of the gardens , be set at the entry of the bee-garden , with his willow reaping hooke to driue away theeues and birds , and to preserue the bees . A third remedie , is by commending them to the guard of Priapus whom they made the god of their gardens , and placed him at the entrie thereof , with his willow hooke , to keepe away both theeues and birds , and to saue the bees from all annoy . ‖ Priapus , sonne of Bacehus and Venus . Al. The keeper both of theeues and bees , with h● sallow hooke saue them . k But here he returneth again to the second remedie ; that he that hath a due regard of his bees to haue them to prosper , and himselfe to thriue , looke to that chiefly , to plant store of thyme and pine trees round about neare vnto his bees . Al. And let him . * To whom such things are a care , [ viz. who hath a care of bees that they may prosper . ] ‖ Yong pine trees . ‖ Set them . * The roofes , [ viz. the bee gardens or the hiues . ] * Let him weare his hand with hard labour , [ viz. with labouring hard . ] And that he labouring hard , set also other fruitfull trees about his grounds , being carefull in watering them till they take roote . * Let him fasten downe fruitfull plants to [ or in ] the ground . ‖ Sets of fruitfull trees . * Let him water , [ viz. let him powre vpon them ] friendly showers , [ viz. wholesome water like showers , or in stead of showres . l Vpon this occasion the Poet maketh a profitable digression to the pleasantnesse and commoditie of orchards & gardens , which he professeth that he would haue prosecuted more fully , had be not purposed to be very briefe in this treatise , which he expresseth by an allegory taken from mariner● approching neare vnto the ha● . * I indeed but that I may draw [ downe ] [ my ] sailes , and may hasten to turne my prore [ viz. the forepart of my ship ] to the lands : [ that is , but that I desire to draw towards an end , as the weary mariner towards the land . * Vnder [ or about ] the extreme ●nd of my labours . ‖ Toiles or paines . * Perhaps I would sing of , [ viz. would write of in verse after this ma●er ] what care of husbanding might adorne both the fat orchards [ or gardens ] and the r●siers [ or rose-gardens , or rose-beds of Pestū [ a town of Lucania ] bearing twise a yeare , [ viz. where through the temperature of the heauens , the ground beareth abundance of roses twise in the yeare , to wi● , in May and September . That otherwise ●e would haue handled the maner of husbanding of gardens and rose-yards , to make them ranke and fruitfull . * And after what manner endiue , [ viz. the herbes called endiue or suecory . ] might reioyce in the riuers well drunke of . Also the manner of planting endiue and succorie neare water sides . ‖ Greene parsly banks . And how to haue the greene bankes of parsly . ‖ A pium taken for common parsly , and not for garden parsly . * And the cucumber . Likewise how to haue faire great cucumbers . * The herbe [ viz. herbes or weeds . * Might increase into a belly . * Had I held my peace of [ or said nothing of ] ▪ the Narcissus or white daffadill bearing leaues [ or flowering ] late . With store of Narcissus . * Sera pro serò , a Newter Adiectiue for an Aduerbe . * The twig [ viz. of the herbe called branke vrsine . ] * Bowed or bent . Branke vrsine . ‖ Acanthus or beare ▪ breech . See before in the third Eclogue . Ivies . Mi●le trees and the like . ‖ Delighting to grow neare the sea-shores . This he confirmeth by the example of an old man of Corycus neare vnto Tarent . * For I remember me to haue seene [ viz. that I once saw ] an old Corycian fellow vnder the high towers of Oebalia , &c. ‖ By Oebalia he meaneth Tarent built by the Oebalians , viz. the Lacedemonians in the countrey of Calabria . ‖ Watereth . * The tilled [ fields ] waxing yellow [ with ripe c●rne . ] ‖ Of Cilicia : for Corycus is a towne of Cilicia : * To whom there were a few acres of the country left , [ viz after the diuision of the fields of Tarent made by Pompey to the old soldiers , not left & for saken as contemned by the owners . Some thinke it is meant , left by his ancestors , and made fruitfull by his husbandrie . Who hauing but a few acres of ground left after the diuision of the countrey . The soile whereof was neither fruitfull for grasse nor corne , nor yet commodious for vines . * Neither was that [ ground ] fertile for bullockes , [ viz. for pasture , ] nor the corne growing on it [ or puise . ] ‖ Good for other cattell , [ or thuu , nor a fit crop for cattell , viz for sheep . * Neither [ was the ground . ] * To Bacchus , [ viz. fit or good for vines . ] Yet this old man planting herbes in that ground thinly here and there , ‖ Yet this man , &c. * He pressing [ or pricking downe , ] viz. setting . * Pot-herbes [ viz. herbes fit to be eaten , of diuers sorts ] thinne in the bushes . ‖ All herbes vsed about religious c●remonies , or to holy ends . ‖ Meete to be eaten sparingly . Thought himselfe as rich as a king thereby . * In [ his ] minds , [ viz. in conceit ] the wealth of kings [ because it is the mind , not the cheft that maketh rich . And could at any time furnish his table with dainties of his owne growing , without any further cost . ‖ Meates , or pro●ision of his owne . * At late night [ or late in the euening . ] Hauing abundance of roses in the Spring , and 〈◊〉 in Autumne , and those ripe with the first . * He loaded his tables . * [ He begun , or was w●nt ] to plu●ke roses first , [ viz. with the first . Or carpere for carpebat . Enal . * And also [ he plucked ] apples [ first ] [ viz. his were first ripe . And also store of greene herbes in the hardest Winter , when all elsewhere were killed with the frost . * And when the sad [ or terrible ] Winter euen now did burst the stones * with cold , and bridled the co●rses of 〈◊〉 , [ viz. of the ri●ers ] * With ice . Thus he proceeded still , watching his oportunities , waiting on the time , and oft thinking i● long before it came . * Euen now did he sheare the tops of soft branke vrsi●e [ viz. new sprung , ] that is , he had fresh herbes . ‖ Late . * Staying long , [ or making long delayes , ] because the West windes are the first messengers of the Spring . Hereby he was wont to abound with breeding bees and store of swarmes . * With bees full of yong ones , and with many a swarme . And plentie of hony . ‖ Crushed , or strained . Hauing all trees wherein the bees delight , as both linden trees and also pine-trees . * [ There were ] to him linden trees and the most plentifull pine tree , [ or great abundance of pine trees . ] ‖ Most fruitfull [ or profitable ] [ viz. for making their ho●y combes . * And with how many apples [ each fruitfull tree had clothed [ or arayed ] it selfe in the new flower [ viz. at the first knotting ] it held euen so many ripe [ apples ] in Autumne [ viz. at the gathering ] [ that is , they did all prosper . ] And maruellous increase of apples ; so that looke how many yong apples he had set on the trees presently after the blooming , so many ripe ones 〈◊〉 gathered in the Autum●e ; all ●med to prosper . * He also remo●ed [ or translated ] into order , [ viz. into rowes , after the maner of a Quineu●x ] late 〈◊〉 , [ viz. elmes that grow but showly . * Very hard , [ or the 〈◊〉 and strong 〈◊〉 . He moreouer plan●ed 〈◊〉 . And withall peare-trees and pl●m trees , ‖ Plums , or damosi●s , not sloes , because the nature of the trees were changed by the change of the ground through his husbandrie . And al●o pl●ne 〈◊〉 for shade . * Now ministring [ viz. affoording ] a shadow to [ men ] drinking [ vnder the same . ] But he concludeth this digression , that he is enforced to cut off all lōger discourse of these things through lacke of time , & leaues them to be recorded by others . H Ouerpasse or omit . * Being separated [ or excluded ] by vnequall spaces , [ viz. being hindred from hauing the like , or from finishing the worke by the short time of my life , or of my leisure , compared to that old mans . * Leaue them to others to be rehearsed hereafter . And first he toucheth a fable concerning the originall or their first receiuing of their excellent qualities , which they are said to haue had from Iupiter , for a reward of feeding him when he was new born . m Here he cometh to a seuenth precept concerning the nature and qualities of bees ; where their whole work is expressed in diuers parts . * The natures or gifts . ‖ Hath giuen to bees besides what they had before . ‖ What reward the bees had for following , &c. and feeding Iupiter . * Of the Curetes [ viz. of Cybeles priests called Corybantes , or of the people called Curetes , being the first inhabitants of Creet , who vndertooke the nursing of Iupiter , to hide him and his crying , from his father Saturne , in a caue at the foote of the hill Dicte in Candie . That bees following the shrill sound that Cybeles priests made at his birth to the end that his crying should not be heard , found him in a caue of the hill Dicte in Creete , where he was hid from his father Saturne , and fed him there with their hony . Of which fable see Ramus his Com. more at large . * And [ their ] ratling brasses . ‖ Iupiter . * Vnder the Dictean caue . n Then he proceedeth to shew their admirable qualities ; as that they haue their yong ones in common , both bred in cōmon , and all hauing a common care of them : and also that they haue a citie and common halls , & leade their liues vnder worthy lawes . ‖ Onely the bees of all other creatures haue their yong ones bred in common of them all , and haue a common care of them . * Children [ viz. yong brood ] common . * [ They haue also ] roofes [ viz. some houses ] of [ their ] citie common , [ viz. common hals . * Whereof they are alike partakers or partners in . * And oft passe ouer [ their ] time [ or the time of their life , ] viz. liue perpetually * Vnder great lawes . * And [ the bees ] alone have knowne their natiue countrey , and their certaine houshold gods , [ or priuate and severall houses , viz. their owne hiues or cels . * And [ they ] being mindfull of &c. That ▪ they onely of all creatures know their natiue country & their certaine dwelling houses . * About to come . * They trie labour by experience , [ viz. they make experiēce of labours . ] * And lay vp things gotten in the midst . That they are mindfull of Winter before it 〈◊〉 , and take great 〈◊〉 in Summer to prouide and lay vp in store for the common vse against that time . * For some [ bees ] do watch diligantly for liuing [ or food , ] viz. do take all occasions to labour for liuing , and bring in pro●ision . Victu for victui . * Are exercised [ viz occupied . ] After he sheweth how they deuide their workes : ‖ By a certain appointment , or order . * Agreed of , or 〈◊〉 . That some of them are busied in the fields to seeke and fetch in prouision , as by a couenant amongst themselues . ‖ Other some [ of them . ] * Hedges or bounds . * The teare of Narcissus , [ alluding to the fable , because the boy Narcissus was turned into a flower ; whereof before . * Cleauing [ or sticking ] glue . Others worke within their houses ; laying the first foundations of their hony combs with iuyces of herbes and gums of trees . * From the barke . ‖ As , or for the first foundations . ‖ To their hony combes . * And then they hang vpon [ them ] stiffe waxe , [ such as i● stiffe and clammy , called propolis , viz. bee-glue . And so build thereupon , framing and fashioning their combes . * Other [ bees ] bring forth [ out of the huskes or skinnes wherein they are bred ] the yong ones growne to perfection , [ viz. as the hen hatcheth the chickens by sitting on them . ] [ or else do leade them abroad , and accustome them to labour . ] Others breede and bring forth their yong , and leade them out , when they are come to perfect growth ; thus accustoming them to labour . * Of the nation [ viz. of the continuance and increase of their swarmes or hiues . ] ‖ Do fill the cel● or combes with the purest and finest hony . Others of them fill vp their cels with the purest and finest 〈◊〉 hony . ‖ Fill full , or stuffe out . * With liquid [ or pure ] ●ectar , [ viz. the 〈◊〉 and most excellent part of the hony . Others are appointed to ward at their gates . * Custodie , [ viz. keeping or watching ] at the gates , hath fallen to lot , [ viz. as to their lot or by lot , speaking after the maner , as it is in warre , to keepe out the enemie . * And they do behold [ or obserue ] by course the waters [ viz. drops of raine ] and clouds of heauen , [ that is , clouds ouercasting , and all signes of the w●ather , as of showers or stormes . And these by turnes do watch the raine and clouds . ‖ They receiue . Or else take 〈◊〉 burdens of tho e which come loaden home , and work them in their hiues . ‖ Loades ‖ Of such bees as come loaden home , and do helpe them . Or making an army doe driue away the drones . * Or an armie [ of them ] being made [ viz. hauing gathered a troupe of them together . ] * Stalls . Metaph. ‖ The droane bees without stings . ‖ A sluggish or slothfuli beast , onely consuming their hony , and getting none . And generally he declare●h how all of them do bestirte themselues in their worke , cach in their proper place , as sweating at it . ‖ They plie their worke [ viz as men vntill they sweate . ] ‖ Their hiues . * Yeelds a sauour [ or a sweete sent . ] ‖ By the herbs from whence they gather their hony and waxe . o Which diligence and haste of theirs , he illustrateth by a notable similitude taken from the Cyclopians , Vulcans Smiths , framing thunderbolts for Iupiter . * When the Cyclopes [ viz. a people of Sicily hauing but one eie in their forehead , fained to be Vulcan● smiths , and to make thunderbolts for Iupiter . ] * Hasten . * Lightnings . * Out of masses [ or wedges [ of iron or other mettall ] softened [ in the fire , or pliant to worke on . ] That like as they making vp their bolts in haste out of the soft ned iron lumps . * Some [ of them ] take in blasts [ or wind ] and send it forth againe with bellows of bull-hides . Some of them blow the bellowes . * Dip their mettals hizzing , [ viz. coming out of the glowing fier . ] Others quench their mettals hizzing in the troughes . * Brasses , in a lake [ or trough of water as smiths vse . ] * Etna ] a mountaine in Sicily burning with perpetuall fiers , through the abundance of brimstone and other matter in it : fained to be the shop or workhouse of Vulcan and the Cyclops for the often and great thundring and lightning in those parts . Etna in the meane while groaning vnder the stithies that are placed thereon . * With the stithies . * Layed vpon it . Those among them , who weild the hammers , do lift vp their armes to smite in order , and oft with their pinsers turne the iron holding it fast . ‖ Others of them . ‖ Making as it were a musicall harmonie by the order of their strokes vpō the iron , to fashion it on the stithy * With a paire of pinsers holding fast [ the iron . ] Euen so ( to compare small things with great ) * If it be lawfull to compare . A naturall loue of gathering and making hony , enforceth the litle bees to bestirre themselues , and euery bee in her owne place . ‖ With great . * A loue bred in [ them ] [ viz. a naturall loue . ] * Of hauing . * Doth vrge [ viz. vehemently presse or charge . ] * Of Cecropia , [ viz. of the citie Athens , so called of Cecrops builder and king of Athens , where is most excellent hony in abundance , for the store of thyme neare vnto it . ‖ Euery one in her owne office . p Thus still going on in the former distribution of their workes , he she weth , that the elder bees haue the charge of the whole hiues committed to them . ‖ The ancient [ viz. elder bees ] haue the charge of the townes [ viz. of the whole hiues ] committed to them . * A care to the ancient . To fence their hony combes , and to make them houses in a most artificiall and exquisite maner . * To fortifie . * To fashion [ or frame them ] Dedalian roofes [ viz. houses built with admirable art . * Dedalus like [ viz. artificiall , like as if framed by Dedalus that most cunning workman . The yonger labour abroad in the fields , & returne home wearie and loaden late at night . * But the lesser [ bees ] betake themselues [ home ] weary at late night , [ viz. late in the euening . How they seeke and trauell for their prouision euery where both on the blossomes of crab-trees on fallowes which we call palmes . * Full [ in regard of or vpon their ] legs , Syn. [ viz. loaden with hony or waxe made of iuyce suckt out of thyme and other flowers . ] ‖ They feed , or get their liuing or prouision all abroad . So vpon saffron . The linden trees . * The seruice trees [ or crab trees . ] The flower of the red Hyacinthus and all other sweete flowers . * Greenish or gray sallowes , which we call palme trees , on which bees vse to lie very much . ‖ Of Casia , see before . * Fat tilly . * The H●acinth of a blacke red colour , like iron : of the flower so called , or red purple lilly , see before Ecl. 3. q Here he still goeth along , and to declare by the way what a com munitie they haue in labouring and resting together , and so likewise in sleepe and watching : That all of them rest together , and all of them labour together , that there seemes to be but one rest and one worke vnto them all . * Of works to all , [ viz. they all rest from their labour together , and they all worke together . * They rush forth of the gates early in the morning : delay [ is ] no where : againe , when as the euening starre hath admonished , the same [ bees ] depart at length . How in the morning they rush out of their gates all together to worke , and so continue in labouring all the day till the euening admonish them to depart home . ‖ From seeking their prouision . * They seeke their roofes , [ viz. they returne to their ●iues . And then returne , and so refresh their wearie lim● . * Then do they care for [ their ] bodies . How at that time when they are got into the hiue , there is made a great humming noise by one of them flying about the hiue ; who by her sound cōmandeth all to take their rest . ‖ There is made a sound or noise , [ viz. by one of them flying about , by her humming , commanding all to take their rest . ] ‖ Do generally make a great noise . * Vtmost parts [ viz. outsides ] and thresholds , * Composed [ viz betaken themselues to rest . ] So that after when they haue all reposed themselues , there is a great silence among them , that no stirring or noise is heard all the night . ‖ There is no noise [ all ] the night . * Into [ viz. for or through ] the whole night . * The owne sleepe [ of euery bee occupieth & c̄ . [ viz. euery bee refresheth their weary lims by their sleepe . Thus euery one with rest and sleepe doth recreate it selfe . * Wearied ioynts . r Here is repeated their foreknowledge of the weather , and what they do therein . That if it be like to be rainie or windie , they wil not flie farre from their hiues . ‖ But they do not depart or flie abroad farre . * Go backe longer from [ their ] stalls , [ viz. go farre off from home , * Raine hanging ouer , [ viz. if there be any raine presently toward . ] * Or do they trust the heauen , or skie . [ viz they dare not commit themselues vnto the aire to flie abroad . * The Easterne windes approching , or comming neare , [ viz. when it will be wind . But they will seeke water neare them round about . ‖ They drinke or fetch water . * Being safe . ‖ On euery side . And flie no further abroad then they may get home before the storme . * And they trie [ or assay ] short excursions , [ flights , walks or iourneys ] [ viz. to go no further then they may get home before the storme . ] Or if they be ouertaken by the windes , they vse to take vp litle stones to peize and carry themselues euen and steadily : like as floating boates do take vp balasse , [ viz. do l●ade themselues with land or grauell ] in a rough water , to preserue them safe , and to go the better ; euen so do they take vp these litle stones to beare themselues euen through the emptie aire . * Vnstable [ or wauering ] boates [ or barges . ] Saburra , is the lastage or balasse wherewith ships are poized to make them go vpright , as grosse sand , grauell , or the like . * The floud [ viz. tide or surges , tossing , and so putting the ship in danger . * They peise themselues , [ viz. make themselues weightie to go steadily . ] * Clouds or darke weather . s Next hereunto the Poet declareth the maner of the breeding of bees . * That maner to haue pleased , [ viz. that that custome hath so pleased , [ or that they are delighted with such a kind of procreation . ] * Delight in companying together for the cause of generation , [ viz. take delight in ingendring . ] That they are not bred by ingendring , a● most other liuing creatures are . ‖ Idle or sluggish , do loose , &c. or dissol●e , [ viz. spend or weaken their bodies with lust . * Venus . Or haue any lust . * Or do bring foorth [ their ] yong ones with [ painfull ] endeuour or enforcement , as most other creatures . Neither bring forth their yong with paine or inforcement . ‖ Chuse . But that they gather their yong ones with their mouthes , from sweet flowers & herbes as they gather their hony . * Sonnes [ viz. broed . ] ‖ Mouthes . * Suffice [ viz. supply or chuse a new king . ] And that hence they prouide their king , make supply of their stockes , and establish their kingdomes . * And their litle Romanes [ viz yong to succeed in the place of the old . ] * Festen againe or set vp . * [ Common ] hall● . ‖ Hi●es , or combes , made ●hiefly of waxe . t In this place is repeated the painfulnesse & diligence of these bees . * They haue worne , [ viz. rubd or worne away . That , they oft times weare their wings in earnest flying amongst stones & rocks , and oft die vnder their burdes . * Erring farre away , [ or 〈◊〉 ] in hard whetstones [ viz. rockes or clefts , out of which whetstones are made ] amongst which they flie . The cause whereof is brought in by an Epiphonema ; for that they haue so great a loue of flowers , and take such glorie in making hony . * Haue giuen vp their soule , [ viz. haue died , or as we speake of men , haue yeelded vp the ghost . ] ‖ Loade . * [ Their ] loue of flowers [ is ] so great , and their glorie [ or pride ] of making hony i● [ so great , ] [ viz. they take such a delight in it . u Here likewise is interposed the age of bees , and how long they liue . * Therefore albeit the terme of a narrow age receiue them , [ viz. although the age of bees be but short . ] That they liue but a small time , not aboue seuen yeares commonly , ( which is much too , considering their industrie , ) yet their stocke ( if they be well looked to ) and so the prosperous state and honour of their houses remains almost immortall [ viz. for many yeares ] that the owners of them may recken the grandfathers & great grandsires of them . * For neither more then a seuenth Summer is led of them . ‖ Their race and progenie do not decay vtterly . ‖ The state or prosperitie of them being carefully looked into , abides very long . * Stands by many yeares . ‖ A man may number their progeny for many descents . x Vnto the natures of the bees , the Poet addeth here their obseruance and honour towards their kings : which he illustrates by comparisons frō some dissimilitudes and sundrie effects . The dissimilitudes are these : that neither the Egyptians , Lydians , Parthians , Medes , nor Indians , are so obseruant & carefull for their king , as the bees are for theirs . ‖ The people of Egypt and of Lydia . * Nor the people of the Parthians or ‖ the Medes , [ viz. the people of Media . * [ Or ] Hydaspes [ the riuer of India ] ‖ Reuerence and carefully preserue . ‖ So long as their king bee is safe . * One mind is to all , [ viz. they are all of one mind . ] * [ But their king ] being lost , they haue broken their fidelitie , and they themselues haue plucked as under their hony built vp [ viz. layed or hoorded vp in the hony combes . ] For that their king being safe , all is in peace amongst them . * And haue loosed [ or dissolued ] the wattles of [ their ] hony combes : and so hauing destroyed all , they flie away . But if he be lost , they break their faith , spoile their hony , and all their owne work which they haue made . ‖ The king bee . * The keeper [ or preseruer . ] As he is the protector of their workes , so they admire him with all reuerence , guarding him thicke round about . * They admire him , or wonder at him with reuerence . * With a thicke humming noise . They oft lift him vp and carry him on their shoulders , putting their bodies betweene him and all dangers chearefully enduring wounds , and readily aduenturing their liues for his cause . ‖ Being thicke about him . ‖ They bears him on their shoulders . * Obi●ct their bodies in warre [ betweene his bodie and the danger ] viz. when they skirmish with other bees . ‖ A faire death . y Hence the Poet sheweth , that by these obseruations of their gouernment , and these former signes of their wisedome , some haue thought that bees haue reason and some part of diuine vnderstanding . * Certaine men haue said by these signes , and following these examples , there to be a part of the diuine mind and airie breaths in bees . * Draughts from the firmament [ or diuine draughts ] viz. such spirits as they draw from heauen . * God to go through all , [ viz. that God is a spirit , and i● in all the elements , and euery where , as the Poet said before , Iouis omnia plena . For that God is in all things , going thorough all , both earth , and seas , and heauen . * Tracts . * The lesser cattell , heards [ or droues of beasts . ] And so euery creature to fetch their life from him , and so from heauen . * Of wilde beasts . * Euery [ man ] being borne to fetch [ or get ] to himselfe [ his ] thinne lines , [ viz. life or vitall spirits . ] Yea that all things dying , surrender vp their liues backe againe thither . ‖ From God. * To wit. ‖ That all things are restored . * Afterwards [ or in the end . ] ‖ Dissolued by a separation of the soule from the bodie . * To be restored [ hither , ] viz. into the hea●ous , or to God. * Neither [ any ] place to be for death . And that the spirits of all things that are dissolued , do flie vnto the starre● , euery one to his owne fatal starre ▪ and after returne from heauen into new bodies as need is , and thus keepe a continuall succession both in heauen and earth . * But [ all things ] to flie aliue into the number of a signe in heauen , [ viz. into their owne fatall starre , from which they came , ] * To succeed to the high heauen , [ viz. to succeed or follow againe in their place in heauen , whence they came . z And from hence he proceedeth to an eight precept , concerning the time of emptying their hiues . * Vndaube , or vncouer , [ viz. to the end to take forth the hony combes , [ or , if you will take forth of the hiues . * And the hony kept in their treasures . That when the owners of them will take some of their hony forth , they first spurt vpō thē some draughts of water out of their mouthes , as if it rained , to cause them to keepe within their hiues , and smoake them with swampes , to cast them for the present into a kinde of swoone . * Sprinkling before draughts of water , warme [ these draughts ] with [ your ] raouth . or make warme with [ your ] mouth draughts of water sprinkled [ on them , ] [ either sparsus for spargens , or sparsos . ‖ Water sprinkled on them will cause them to keepe in for feare of raine , and smoke wil cast them into a swoon till you haue taken forth the hony . * Fumes of swampe , or galbanum , or the like . ‖ The bees fill their hiues twise in the yeare , or the husbandman gathers the increase of the bees , viz. of hony and waxe twise , &c. This they do twise in the yeare , viz. in the Spring and in the haruest , which two times are described by the rising and setting of the seuen starres . * Heauie [ or loaden with increase . ] * There are two times of haruest , that is , of gathering their hony , viz. in the spring and in the haruest , i. e. twise in the yeare . ‖ First when . * Together . ‖ Taygete and Pleias are two of the seuen starres called Pleiades . By this speech following is meant , that the hony is to be gathered twise in the yeare , viz. at the rising and setting of the seuen starres . The first when the seuen stars called Pleiades rise in the euening : which starres are set out by the names of two of them , Taygete and Pleias . ‖ And also when the same , &c. [ viz. at the setting of the seuen starres . * Hath thrust backe . * The despised riuers of the Ocean sea with [ her ] foote , [ viz. at the rising of the seuen starres . The second time is at the setting of the seuen starres , viz. when they go downe at the arising of Pisces ouer against them . * Flying from the signe of the waterish fish , [ viz. because at the setting of the seuen starres , Piscis riseth ouer against them . ‖ Sets seeming to descend into the Ocean sea , and so more sorrowfull , or more sad by reason of the Winter showers which then begin . a Hitberto the Poet hath set out the nature of bees , by their causes , works , subiects , adiu●cts : now he commeth to the euils and dangers belonging to them . * Anger is to them , [ viz to the bees . ] As first , that they will be angry without measure , and being hurt , they will bite and sting . * They inspire poison into the bitings , [ viz. they send poison into the places which they bite , or they poison the place bitten . And with their biting will breathe in a kinde of poison into the place bitten ; and will also fasten their stings so deepe , that commonly they leaue them behind them , and their liues withall . ‖ Short stings which can hardly be seene to be plucked forth . * Darts . * And putting [ their ] liues in the wound , [ viz leauing oft their stings in the wound , and then they die presently after , because with the sting , if they lose it , they lose some of their entrals . A second euill , is their pouertie , through the lacke of hony in the Winter time , and by reason of robbers , against which he teacheth the remedie : That if you feare a hard Winter , and haue pitie on your bees , and care to preserue them : ‖ Hard , because the bees get nothing that time , but onely spend . ‖ For [ the time ] to come , ] viz. lest the bees d●e through lacke of food , or being discouraged flie away . * Minds or stomackes . * And shall haue pitie of [ their ] broken matters . That you perfume their hiues with the smoke of thyme , and also pare away all the emptie waxe . * But who can doubt . * To smoke [ their hiues ] with the smoke of thyme , with which the bees are much refreshed . And then he giues reasons why he would haue that waxe so taken away . * Cut or take away the emptie wax . ‖ The waxe that hath no hony in it . * Emptie [ viz. voide , superfluous , vnprofitable . * Stellio is taken for the lizard , or a beast like the lizard , hauing spots in the necke like starres . * Vnknowne [ viz. not perceiued . ] Because that otherwise there wi●l new 〈◊〉 breed or get into it , which wil eate away the hony cōbs And likewise moathes . * Eates vnto [ or into . ] * Places to lie in [ or neasts ] are heaped vp to ●thes [ or by ●athes ] viz. ●oathes get into the hi●es and consume all ▪ or beetles . And also idle droanes will get into it , which will consume the prouision of the litle bees . * Free , [ viz. idle , or partaker of no office or worke with the other bees . ‖ Liuing ( as we speake ) at another man ▪ trencher , [ viz. on the labours of the litle bees ] * intermixeth himselfe . * The sharpe [ or stinging ] hornet , so called because nine of them ( as is said ) will kill a man. Or hornets with their cruell stings . * Hath intermixed himselfe with vnequall weapons , [ viz. with hi●sting far bigger then the stings of the bees . And finally spiders will be bred there ▪ which will weaue and spred their nets loose in the mouthes of the hiues , to hang the bees as they enter in . * Vengible [ or cruell . ] * Of worme breeding in hi●es . ‖ The spider is said to be enuied of Minerua , because being a girle of Lydia , she durst challenge Minerua in spinning , and so was changed by her into a spider . * Enuied . * Hath hanged her loose [ or wide ] nets , [ viz. her webs wherein the bees are hanged . ] * In the doores or gates . Lastly he addes this reason for the cleane taking away of all the emptie waxe . Because the emptier the hiues shall be , the more eagerly will the bees bestirre themselues to repaire their decayes , and to fill vp their emptie roomes . * By how much the bees shall be more exhausted , [ viz. drawne emptie of hony , or more emptied . ] * By so much . * Sharply or fiercely . * Will apply [ themselues ] to amend ▪ ‖ The losses or damages * Of their kind , being sliden , [ viz. spent or wasted . ] * Will fill together . * Foros , hatches , [ a metaphor borowed of mariners , who loade their ships with merchādize by the hatches . ‖ And make vp their combes with waxe and like matter gathered from flowers . * Make like wea●ers worke . b Then followeth a third annoyance or euil of bees , which is by disease , for that they vse to be diseased as well a● other cattell . ‖ Shall pi● away ▪ * With a sad ▪ or sorowfull disease . * Chances . * You may know now by signes not doubtfull [ viz. certaine or manifest . ] Whereof he giueth fixe signes , viz. whereby to know that they are sicke . ‖ So soone as they are sicke , they are straight way of another colour [ viz. a bad colour ] As first , that they wil be then of a bad dustie colour . ‖ In them , [ or the sicke bees are of another colour . Secondly , they will be of an vgly leannesse . * Horrible [ viz. ill fauoured . ] ‖ Marre [ their ] * Countenance , or visage . * Then they carry forth out of [ their ] roofes [ or houses ] the bodies of [ the bees ] wanting light , and leade sad [ or sorrowfull ] funerals or burials . Thirdly , by their carying out of dead bees . Fourthly ▪ their hanging together ●unged by their feete at the mouth of their hiues . * Or they do hang , knit together by [ their ] feete at the thresholds of their hiues . ‖ Clustered , or wrapped , or tangled together . Fiftly , their lingring in their hiues , and sloth , thorough famishment or cold . ‖ All of the● linger [ or loyter ] ‖ In their hiues , [ as if it were shut vp . * Famine or hunger . * Through cold contracted or drawne vpon them . Sixtly , by their heauie noise , humming in a trailing maner , as oft drawing their breath . ‖ Drawing out their noise weakly , [ or oft drawing their breath , as in them that are readie to die , or more broken . Which last signe is illustrated by three similitudes : That their noise is then as the noise of the Southwind in the woods . ‖ The South wind being cold or coole , [ viz. because it is cold , as all other winds in their owne nature . ‖ Doth make a low noise in the woods . Or as of the sea being troubled with her rebounding waues . * With [ her ] waues [ or surges ] flowing backe againe . * Fierce [ or scorching ] fire burnes , making a hollow sound . O● finally like a vehement fire sounding hollowly in close fornaces . * The fornaces or ouens being shut vp . c Whereunto ●e adioyneth nine remedies . As first , to perfume or smoke their hiues with sweete smels , as by burning Galbanum , or the like . Secondly to hearten them , by laying hony in troughes of reed for them to feed vpon , in the hiues mouth , or before the hiues . Thirdly , to mingle with the hony the decoction of bruised gals . Fourthly , to mixe therewith drie roses . Fifthly , or to mingle with it new wine boyled thicke in stead of the former . Sixtly , to lay them bunches of raisins of the Sunne of the best vines for the bees to suck vpon , or to make them decoctions thereof . Seuenthly , decoctions made with thyme . Eightly , Decoction of centaury . The ninth and last by the decoction of the flower called Amello , which h●be the Poet describeth 〈◊〉 large by sundry circumstances : As first , that it groweth in medowes . * I will perswade [ or counsell you ] to burne odours of Galbanum [ which is a kind of gu● issuing out of a certaine herbe in the Summer time ] viz. to smoke and perfume their hiues with Galbanum . ] * Exhorting [ viz. encouraging them [ that is ] ‖ To hearten and reuiue your bees by seeding them with hony . * And calling them . * Weary or weake . * Vnto their knowne nourishment or sustenance , [ viz. to encourage them to labour againe . * In reeden chancels or pipes . * It shall profit [ them , ] also to mingle [ with the hony ] the bruised taste of gals , [ viz. the decoction of gals . * New wine boiled to the halfe . ‖ Botled till it be very thicke , or sod to a third part . ‖ Of the best vine or grape , [ viz. to make another decoction ] * Fat with much fire . * Or bunches of grapes layed open [ or dried well in the Sunne ] gathered ] from the Psithian vine . ‖ And a decoction made of thyme and centaury . * Of Cecropia . ‖ In medow grounds . * Of this herbe are two kindes , the great and the small . The Physitians thinke the greater to be here vnderstood . ‖ Which the husbandmen call Amell● , [ as some thinke , of Mella ● riuer in France , neare vnto which much of it groweth , [ or rather a riuer of Lucania , as followeth after . ‖ Which the husbandmen call Amell● , [ as some thinke , of Mella ● riuer in France , neare vnto which much of it groweth , [ or rather a riuer of Lucania , as followeth after . Secondly that the husbandmen call it Amellus . * Easie to [ men ] seeking [ it . ] Thirdly , that it is an herbe easie to be found of them that seeke it . * For i● lifts vp [ or shootes out . ] * A huge wood [ viz. great store of stalks ] and leaues or many branches out of one stalke or roote . In that first it sends foorth many branches out of one roote . And secondly for that the flower is of a golden colour , the leaues of a purple hue , somewhat like a blacke violet spread very thicke round about . ‖ But the leaues are of a purple colour , somewhat like a blacke violet . * But a purple colour . ‖ Shines somewhat duskishly . * Which [ leaues ] are powred out very many round about , [ viz. which grow very thicke about . Thirdly , that the altars of their Gods were wont to be deckt with garlands made thereof . * Are oft adorned . * Collars or chaines [ viz. garlands ] knit [ or tied together with a threed . ] Fourthly , it is set out by the taste , that it is sharpe in the mouth . Fifthly by the place more particularly where sheepheards vse to gather it , viz. in valleys wont to be mown , and specially neare vnto the riuer Mella , where it groweth plentifully . * In mowne valleys [ viz. where no woods grow , or in medowes before they be mowne . ] * Flouds of Mella . * Mella ( as was said ) i● thought to be a riuer of France , or rather of Lucania , which is nearer vnto Naples , where Virgil writ this worke , as M●yen iudgeth . Lastly he teacheth the manner of the decoction of it , to wit , by boyling the rootes thereof in the most odoriferous wine , and then to set it as meane for the weake bees in ●ll ●roughes in the entrie of their hi● . * In wine smelling sweete [ or mixed with spices smelling sweet . ] * Bacch● . * Wicker b●kets or panniers [ or other vessels , a● treys , pipes , or the like . ] * In the doores . d After all this , now towards the end of the worke , he sheweth the maner of the restoring and repairing of bees againe , if all the whole brood shall faile , viz. by the putrified bloud of a beast . * The issue or stocke , &c. [ viz. if any mans bees shall die wholly . * Neither shall he haue from whence the kind of a new stocke [ or brood ] may be recalled . To which purpose he brings in a long fabulous storie concerning the memorable inuention of Aristeus a king of Arcadia , in finding out this deuice of restoring bees , by the bloud of a bullocke newly killed . ‖ To shew in like manner . ‖ The deuice of Aristaeus worth remembring . ‖ Aristaeus is said to haue bene king of Arcadia , and the first finder out of this inuention of repairing bees decayed , and sundrie other concerning bees . * By what meanes foule [ or vncleane , or not pure ] bloud . * Bullocks being new killed . Where he first vseth a short exordium to a very long narration : That he will dispatch the whole report hereof , rehearsing it at large frō the first beginning . * All the fame of it . * Repeating [ viz. fetching it ] more deeply from the first originall . Then he enters into the narration , first by describing the place where this was first inuented , viz. Canopus Pelleus in Egypt , neare the mouthes of Nilus , where the bees being vtterly lost by the ouerflowings of Nilus , were repaired by this deuice . * The fortunate nation [ viz. the wealthy people ] of Canopus Pelleus , a citie of Egypt neare Alexandria , which Canopus , Alexander the great built , and is called Pellaeus , because Alexander who built it , was borne in Pella . vid Mein . * Dwelleth neare vnto Nilus standing as a pond [ his ] streame being powred out [ or let out . ] Ramus and Frischli● do take it that Alexandria built by Alexander , is here meant , being neare vnto Canopus a litle Iland by one of the seuen mouthes of Nilus . Which ouerflowing● of Nilus are thus set out : That they make that part of Egypt neare thereto , for the time of the ouerflowing like a standing pond . So that the people there are for that time faine to be carried about their grounds and countrey in boates . * And [ the people ] is caried about their countreys [ or fields ] in painted brigandines , or galliots , [ viz. for all the time that the countrey is ouerflowed by Nilus , which is for almost fourescore dayes , beginning at the rising of the dog-starre , watering and fatting all their grounds . vid. Mein . & Ram. And whence . And secondly the place is more particularly set out to be ; where Nilus turning downeward from Ethiopia , washeth vpon the countries neare vnto the warlike Persian . * Bending downeward , welnigh from , &c. * Vrgeth [ or pressethon , or cometh neare vnto , or troubleth . ] ‖ The Ethiopians , not the East Indians . See hereof Mein . and 〈◊〉 . * The neare places of Persia , [ viz. the places not farre off from Persia. ] * Wearing a quiuer , [ viz. louing archerie . ] And where by the mud which it leaues behind it , it makes Egypt fruitfull . * And makes fruitfull Egypt being greene , [ viz. more greene then other countries through this ouerflowing of Nilus . * Doth lay her safetie , [ viz. for the preseruing of her bees in this art of the repairing of them . And so rushing downward , deuides it selfe into 7 diuers mouthes , whereby it is emptied into the sea . ‖ With the blacke mud which it leaueth behind it when it hath ouerflowne . ‖ Diuides it selfe into seuen diuers mouthes , whereby it is emptied into the sea . Euen all that region vpon the occasion of this experiment , relies vpon this art for the repairing of their bees . * First a very little place . ‖ Sure experience of this skill or practise of repairing bees . e And so he proceeds vnto a full description of this art it selfe . First for the place where this feate may be wrought : That there must be a place made streight of purpose with walls . * Drawne together [ or made streight or narrow ] for the same vses . ‖ Roome . * They presse this place , [ viz. they make it close ] with a roofe tile of a narrow roofe . * They adde . And couered close with narrow roofe tiles . * With an oblique [ viz. thwart or slope ] light , [ that is , not full outright but descending downewards . Which place must haue foure windowes , whereby to let in the light aslope downward from the foure winds . * Then a calfe now crooking his hornes in his two yeare old forehead is sought for this purpose . Secondly for the matter , that there must be a bullocke of two yeares old , taken for this purpose . ‖ They stop his nosthrils and his breath , though he struggle much , and kill him with bruising his flesh thoroughout his whole hide . * The double nosthrils , [ viz. both the nosthrils ] are stopped ] and the breath of the mouth is stopped to this [ bullocke ] striuing against it [ or struggling ] much . Which bullock must be strangled by stopping his nosthrils and mouth . And all his flesh within his hide must be bruised with blowes & bangs . * Bowels [ viz. all his inward parts . ] * Beaten . Multa pro multum . * Throughout his hide being whole , [ viz remaining whole . ] * Are vnloosed [ to him , ] being killed with strokes or blowes . Thirdly , that he must be left lying in the place so inclosed with peeces of greene boughes , and also store of thyme and casia newly gathered vnderneath him . * Put. ‖ In the place shut vp . * And put vnder his ribs branchie fragments [ viz. peeces of branches or boughes of trees . Fourthly , it is described by the time when it is to be done , viz. in the beginning of the Spring ; which is set out by sundrie other circumstances , as first , when the West winde begins to blow . Al. Fresh , recentes , [ viz. newly gathered . ] ‖ Of Casia see before . * This thing is done [ or effected , ] the West windes first driuing forward , [ viz. thawing or stirring ] the waues , [ that is , in the first beginning of the Spring . * Medowes . Secondly , before the medow grounds be decked with flowers . Thirdly , before the building of the swallow . f After , followeth the euent hereof , that the moisture of the bullocke thus waxing hot and purrifying , by the meanes aforesaid , liuing creatures will appeare in a maruellous multitude and manner , without feete at first like little wormes . ‖ Before the coming , or at least before the building of the swallow . ‖ In the meane while . ‖ The bloud being warmed in the bones all bruised , [ viz. by the meanes of the time and place . ‖ In wonderfull sorts . By and by they will flicker as with wings . * Manners . After receiuing more liuelinesse from the thinne aire , * Cut short [ viz. as it were mai●ed and vnperfect ] of their feete like litle wormes . * And by and by making a noise , as it were , with fins , or wings . They burst out of the hide abundantly ; which bursting out of them in such an admirable number , is illustrated by two similitudes : * Pens or fethers , Al. with fins . * Are mixed . * And catch in thin aire , [ viz. gather vitall spirits or life . ] That they powre out as thicke as drops of raine out of the clouds in a great Summer shower : ‖ A vehement shower powred out of the clouds in the Summer time . Or as the shafts are sent out of the bowes when the Parthians giue the first onset in battell . ‖ Arrowes , * [ are sent out ] * The sinew , [ viz. the bow-string which was wont to be made of sinewes ] driuing [ them . ] * If at any time [ viz. whensoeuer ] the light Parthians enter their first battels , [ viz conflicts or skirmishes with their enemies . ] g Here the Poet to procure more attentiō to that which followeth , turnes his speech vnto the Muses , and inuocates them to helpe him in finding out and relating this great matter ; what God inuented this skill . ‖ Oh ye daughters of Iupiter , who remember all things . ‖ Hath inuented or found out . ‖ Found out this skill or cunning . * Art. ‖ Vpon what occasion . From whence this new experience came . ‖ Practise or triall . Then he proceeds to his long narration concerning Aristeus , and the recouerie of his bees . How he went vnto his mother Cyrene a Nymph for aduice , who sent him to Pro●eus a God of the sea , of whom he learned this art . Where first he describes Aristeus by his calling ; that he was a shepheard , viz a great maister of husbandry , chiefly of bees ; and secondly by his countrey , Tempe , those pleasant fields of Thessaly , neare the riuer Peneis ; and thirdly , in that he hauing lost his bees by sicknesse and by famishment , did quite forsake that his pleasant countrey . ‖ The great husband Aristeus being skilfull about cattell , trees and bees , as followeth after . * Flying from , * The Peneian Tempe , [ viz. Tempe neare the riuer Peneus in Thessaly , running betweene Ossa and Olympus . * [ His ] bees being lost ( as the fame [ is ] ) by , &c. [ or when his bees were lost . ] And went to the head of the riuer Peneis ; where standing verie penfiue at that sacred fountaine , he makes a grieuous complaint vnto his mother Cyrene . ‖ Diseases comming of famishment . Hysteron proteron . ‖ Hunger . * Sad. Speaking in this maner as followeth , in the words of the Poet. * Vtmost riuer , [ viz. at the fountaine of Peneus . Mother Cyrene , &c. Where first he calls his mother by her name ; and secondly describes her by her habitation , that she dwelt in the deepest bottoms of that riuer . * Many things . * [ His ] parent in this voice [ or speech . ] * [ My ] mother . * Which holdest , [ viz. inhabitest . ] Secondly he aggrauates his complaint by the wrong which she had done him ; that she had bred him , and that of the noble linage of the Gods , ( if Apollo was his father , as she said ) yet to liue enuied of the Gods or fates . * The lowest bottomes or places of , &c. ‖ Cyrene was thought to dwell in a caue of Pindus , whence Peneus springs , there to be worshipped as a Nymph or Goddesse . ‖ Riuer . * Begotten me being odius to the fates ‖ Apollo was called Thymbraeus , either of Thymbra a towne of Phrygia , where was great store of the herbe Thymbra , viz. Sauorie ; or of Thymber a riuer of Troas , neare which Apollo had a Temple . And so expostulates with her , asking what was become of her loue towards him , and why she had put him in hope to be receiued into the number of the Gods , or to liue that heauenly life , seeing he could not be permitted the honour of this mortall life , which he had attained by his owne wisdom , industry and experience in his carefull ordering both of cattell and fruites . * Being odious to the fates , [ viz. that I should liue enuied or odious to the Gods. ] ‖ The loue wherewith thou wast wont to loue vs. ‖ Departed . * To thee . ‖ To hope to be receiued into the number of the Gods. * Behold or see also . * Thee being [ my ] mother . * Wittie custodie . And after he wisheth her , if she enuied his prosperous estate , that she should then destroy all the fruites and hopes or his labours , as if pluking them vp with her owne hands . * Had beaten out to me , [ viz. had inuented or prouided for me , ] trying all things . ‖ My fruitfull trees , [ viz. destroy all the fruites and hopes of my labours . That she would consume with fire all his cattell , corne , and store . ‖ Set fire vpon my stalls of cattell , or roomes of store , [ viz. burne vp all my cattell and store . ] Yea that she would burne vp his plants , and destroy his vines if she was weary of his praise . * Kill [ viz. waste ] [ my ] haruests or graine . * Moue [ thy ] strong twibill , axe , or vinehooke vnto my vines . * If so great tediousnesse [ or wearinesse ] of my praise haue taken thee , [ viz. taken hold vpon thee , ] or if it ●rke thee of my praise . h The Poet hauing thus described Aristaeus and his complaint , descends to the Nymph Cyrene the mother of Aristeus , and her answer : wherein first he sheweth how she perceiued a dolefull voice , and then describes her both by the place wher she was , viz. in her bedchamber , vnder the deep riuer Peneus ; and also by her attendants , the Nymphs round about her . Which Nymphs are againe set out by their work , that they toosed Milesian wooll of a deepe glassie colour ; and by their names , to wit , Drymo , Zantho , Ligea , Philodoce : and these like wise commended by their beautie in their haire , viz. hauing their faire haire spred about their white neckes . ‖ A dolefull noise , [ viz. the complaint of her sonne Aristeus . * The Nymphs [ standing ] about her . ‖ Caried . * Milesian fleeces [ viz. of the citie Miletum . ] * Counterfeited . * With a full colour of glasse . Al. A Saturan colour , of Saturum a citie neare Tarent , where such colours were much died . * For the reason of these names set Ramus com on this place . * Being powred out [ or spred ] in regard of [ their ] bright haire [ or locks ] by [ or about ] their white necks . ‖ Gay , or gallant . And with these Nesea , Spio , Thalia , Cymodoce , Cydippe and Lycorias , which two last are noted , that one of them was a virgin : * And yellow Lycorias , [ viz. Lycorias with her golden lockes . The other of them hauing had one onely child . * Th' other then first hauing tried by experience the labours [ or trauels ] of Lucina . By Lucina is vnderstood Iuno or Diana , so called because they two ruled the trauell of women , and helped in bringing the child to light . ‖ Where the Poet counts adulterie theft . Vnto these are added Clio and Beroe , which two are honoured by their descent , that they were the daughters of Oceanus . * Girded in with gold . And also by their attire , that they were clothed in gold , and spotted skins . * And with painted skins , [ viz. garments or girdles made of speckled Deere skins . With these in like manner are numbred others , as Ephyre , Opis , Asia and Deiopeia . * And also . * And Deiopeia of Asia [ or Asia Goddeslike . ] And also Arethusa , who is commended for her swiftnesse , hauing layed away her shafts wherewith she pursued the chase . * Her shafts being layed away at last , [ viz. after that she had layed away her shafts , and left off her hunting . ] * Amongst which [ Nymphs ] [ the Nymph ] Clymene * Shewed [ or related ] viz. sang of , * The vaine [ or needlesse ] care of Vulcan . * The deceits of Mars . Hereof see Ouids Met. And amongst them all Clymene , who told them merrie tales to passe away the time , & make their work more pleasant . Of which tales some few are noted , to giue a ●aste to the rest . * Sweet thefts , [ viz. stolne delights ] betweene Mars and Venus . * And Clymene numbred the thicke loues . ‖ From the beginning of the world . Metam . I. i But here the Poet returns to declare the effect of Aristeus moane , that thogh the Nymphs were caught with much delight , whilest they were spinning , through the pleasantnesse of her discourse and her pretie tales , yet the dolefull moan of Aristeus pierst into his mothers eares . * With which verse . * Catched or taken [ with delight . ] * Whilst they roll downe or twist the soft yarne with their spindles . * The mourning of Aristeus inforced [ or entered violently into ] his mothers eares . And that all the Nymphes sitting on their glassie seates were much amazed therewith . * From [ their ] glassie seates . ‖ Their seates being bright like glasse [ as water which is shining , that it may be discerned thorough . ] And thirdly how Arethusa looking forth before her other sisters to know the noise and what it meant , lift vp her golden head aboue the top of the water . ‖ Shining head , or golden head . * From the vppermost waue , [ viz. the vppermost part of the water . * Waue . * And farre off . And that she perceiuing what it was , thogh standing a far off , spake vnto her sister Cyrene , ( who was exceedingly affrighted at the dolefull moane ) & shewed her the whole matter . * Exceedingly terrified . * By so great a groane , [ viz. pitifull mourning . * To [ or for thee . ] How her son Aristeus who was her greatest care , being very sad for her cause , stood weeping at the riuer side , & called her cruell . * Waue , [ viz. at the side of [ the riuer ] Peneus . * Smitten in regard of her minde . Synech . ‖ Astonished . Wherunto the answer of Cyr●nes his mother is adioyned , and first is set downe a preparatiō to her speech : How she being smitten with a new feare , returned againe this answer vnto Arethusa : That she should go and bring him in vnto her . That it might be lawfull for him to approch and enter within the thresholds of the Gods , sith he was the sonne of a Nymph and of a God. * To this [ Arethusa . ] ‖ For him [ because he was the sonne of a God and of a Nymph . ] And withall how she commanded the waters to depart , and to make way where her sonne should enter in . ‖ To auoide , or giue place , [ viz. to make a way . How thereupon the waters obeyed , stood about him . * Should bring in his steps , [ or the going of the yong man might bring him in . * The waue . ‖ Crooked [ or bowed crooks ] into the face [ viz. after the maner or fashion of a mountaine or hill . And receiued him accordingly , and sent him vnderneath the riuer vnto his mothers house . ‖ And receiued him in her huge chanell . ‖ Streame . k Then the Poet shews his wondering at the things he saw in this his passage amongst the waters . How he admired his mothers house , her watery realmes , the great : standing ponds within ●he ground , frō whence the fountaines and di●ers riuers issued , and also how he wondered at the sounding groues . * Maruelling [ or wondering ] at the house of his mother which had bred him . * Kingdomes . ‖ These are fained to be the Theaters of the Nymphes . ‖ Huge motion or tumbling . ‖ Large or spacious . How he still going forward , was asto●ied at the huge tumbling of the waters , and 〈◊〉 great riuers flowing vnder●e at● the earth . * And [ admiring ] the lakes , [ viz. standing ponds or meeres , the receptacles of the fountains or from whence the heads of diuers riuers issued . * Sliding . * And did behold . ‖ Issues forth . A● Phasis and Lycus . And to behold the heads of diuers great riuers , 〈◊〉 both of the deepe riuer E●ipous , Al Snatcheth forth it selfe . * From whence . And also of the ancient riuer Tiber. ‖ The ancient riuer Tiber [ doth burst forth . ] And so likewise the head of Anien , of Hipanis , Caicus & Eridanus . Which three riuers are set forth by their seuerall circumstances . As Hipanis for making a great sound , running amongst stones : Caicus flowing out of Mysia . ‖ Anio a riuer neare Tibur . * Sounding as amongst stones , [ viz. roughly and vehemently , ] Saxosum pro Saxo● . ‖ Caicus a riuer of Phrygia , coming out of Mysia . Eridanus , that it hath two golden hornes in a buls face . * And Eridanus being golden [ in regard of his ] double hornes in [ or with ] a buls countenance . Synec . It seemeth to be called golden , either in regard of the signe in heauen so called , golden with ●larre : or for the riches of it by the ca●tell feeding on the banks thereof ; or the townes and cities neare vnto it . And it is said to be bull faced , for the roaring or violence thereof . It is now called Padus . And that it floweth most violently into the sea through the fertile fields . * Then which [ riuer . ] * Flowes in [ or runnes ] more violent into the purple sea thorough the fat well tilled fields . ‖ The Adriaticall sea called purple for the blacknesse , in regard of the depth . The sea i● commonly called ●ceruleum , viz. azure , or skie coloured . ‖ And bring him fine towels . l Then followeth a second part of the na●ration of the maner of his receiuing into his mothers house , and entertainment there ; and also his sending vnto Pro● for his entertainment . How after he was entred into his mothers house , ( which is described that it was roofed o●er with hanging pumish stone , ) and after that she knew that the cause of her sons weeping might easily be remedied ▪ the Nymphs which attended vpon her ( each in their order , ) some of them brought him sweet water for his hands , * After that [ it was ] throughly come [ of him ] into the roofes , [ viz. vnder the roofes ] of the bed-chamber hanging with pumish stone , [ viz. being of pumish stone hanging ouer their heads . ] * Vaine [ viz hurtfull to him , and which might be helped . ] * [ Her ] naturall sisters giue liquid fountaines to [ his ] hands in order , [ viz. each in order , or many of them attending in order . ] * The naps shorne . * Loade . And fine towels to wipe withall . * Meate or delicates . Others of them furnish the table with dainties , and oft fill the cups . * And set againe full pots . m For his sending to Proteus , the Poe● sheweth what holy rites were vsed . How the Nymphs first burnt vpon the altars great store of incense made with sweet Panchean wood . * The altars grow great with Panchean fiers , [ viz. with fiers of sweete wood or of frankincense of Panchea a countrey in Arabia where is store thereof . ‖ Are incensed , or haue great store of frankincense burnt on them . ‖ Pots , goblet● , or sacrificing cups . * Meonian wine . ● And then how his mother filling certaine sacrificing cups of Lydian wine , inc●tes him to offer to Oceanus the great God of the sea . * Let vs sacrifice or touch lightly . * Together . And how withall she prayes both vnto that great Oceanus , whom she calls the father of all things , and to the Nymphs her sisters . * Oceanus the great God of the sea , sonne to 〈◊〉 and Vesta . ‖ The Poet followes the opinion of them which thought all things to be made of the water . * A hundred [ whereof there are ] which , &c. ‖ Are Goddesses of the woods , a hundred of the riuers . Which sister Nymphs are described by their number and their charges ; that a hundred of them kept the woods , and another hundred kept the riuers . * She powred [ or all to sprinkled ] about thrise the burning fire with liquid Nectar , [ viz. that excellent drinke of the Gods. * Vesta the Goddesse of the fire , put for fire . And thirdly how she thrise sprinkled the fires vpon the altars with most pure Nectar . ‖ Vnder the wine cast on , it flasht backe to the top of the house . Finally , how the flame thereof flashed vp three times to the top of the house . With which good signe of happy successe she comforting & assuring her selfe , as if she had 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the spirit of 〈◊〉 began to direct her so● Aristeus for his going and seeking vnto Prote●s , as followeth . ‖ She assuring her selfe , as being inspired by Oceanus , began to speake thus . n That there was a Prophet of Neptune in the 〈◊〉 sea , * Of Neptune . ‖ In the gulfe of the Carpathian sea , which is so named of an I le betweene Rhodes and Creete , called Carpathus . ‖ Proteus of the colour of the sea . Whose name was the skie coloured Proteus , which Prophet vsed to be carred ouer the sea on fishes backs . ‖ Swims ouer the huge sea . * By fishes . And in a chariot drawn by two footed horses . * And with a chariot of two footed horses ioyned [ or tied thereunto ] viz. with a chariot tied to the horses . How this Prophet was at this time gone to review the ports of Emathia and his countrey Palene . ‖ The Gods of the sea were fained to be of the forepart horses , fishes of the hinder . * He now hath visited againe the hauens of Emathia . And how for his diuine knowledge the very Nymphs did adore him , and euen Nereus that ancient God of the sea did honour him , for that he foreknew all things both past , present , and to come . ‖ Emathia is taken for Thessaly , wherein Proteus is said to haue reigned first . * Both the Nymphs do worship him , and also the great aged Nereus [ who is the father of the Nymphes ] [ doth worship him . ] ‖ Nereus a God of the sea . ‖ That Proteus . * Hath knowne all things . Then for the confirmatiō hereof , she giues the reason of his diuine knowledge : That it seemed good to Neptune thus to grate him therwith , for his good seruice done vnto him , in tending of his beards of cattell , to wit , both his sea-calues and all other monsters of the sea . ‖ Or which may be drawne on , [ or prolonged ] to come by and by [ or hereafter . ] ‖ To Neptunes grace . ‖ By these monstrous heards , he meanes the huge fishes and sea monsters , as whales and the like . * Filthy , [ viz. ugly , great . ‖ Vnder the gulfe , [ viz. in the depth of the seas . ] o After she shewes him the maner how he must consult with this Proteus : That first he must bind him before he ask any question of him , to the end that he might the more speedily make knowne vnto him the causes of the diseases of his bees . * My sonne , this [ Prophet Proteus ] is to be catched of thee before with bonds , [ viz. thou must bind him first because he will tell thee nothing , but being inforced . * Dispatch readily . * All the cause of the disease . And grant him good successe for the repairing of them . * And may prosper the euents [ or falling out of things . Because he would not teach him any thing but by constraint . ‖ He will not tell thee any thing . For that he could not moue him by any intreatie . * Force . * Bow him . And therfore she aduiseth to catch him of a sudden , and to bind him by force . * Stretch out hard force [ or violence ] to [ him ] taken . ‖ His subtill deuices about , &c. And then howsoeuer he would for a time vse sundry deceits to escape his bonds , yet at length all his shifts would be frustrate , and he should certainly preuaile . * Shall be broken [ as ] vaine at length , [ viz. that he will tell thee ] * I my selfe will leade thee into the secret places [ or walkes ] of the old man , [ viz. Proteus . ] ‖ Whenas the Sun doth parch in the middle of the day . Also to this purpose she promiseth that she her selfe will conduct him to the very place where he may finde Proteus asleepe . That about the noone time of the day , when as the Sunne is most hote , so that the herbs begin to parch , and that the cattell seeke after the shadow to stand vnder , to saue them from the heate , she would guide him to the secret place of this old man. * Do thirst [ or parch , as crying for water . ] ‖ Pleasant or delight some . ‖ Gods of the sea are fained to be old men and gray haired , because of the foame of the sea . * Al. Whither he being wearied of the waues , or with the water . * Doth receiue or betake himselfe . Whither he being wearied by reason of his age & toyling amongst the waues , retires himselfe to rest . ‖ Come vpon him . * Lying in sleepe . p And here she rehearseth againe the maner how her son should inforce him , when he had caught him . That he must hold him fast and binde him sure , because he would change himselfe into diuers shapes , to the end to delude him , or to affright him , so to cause him to let him go . * Catched with . That so he might come vpon him of a sudden , lying fast asleep . ‖ Shewes or likenesses . * Mouthes . * For he will be made suddenly a horrible [ or dreadfull ] swine . ‖ A cruell tiger . That he would be turned of a sudden into a swine , and to a blacke tiger . ‖ A dragon full of scales . ‖ A she lion . Likewise into a scaly dragon . * With a necke of a deepe yellow shining like gold . And into a fierce lionesse . * Or else he will giue a sharpe [ or shrill ] sound of a flame of fire . Or else he would seeme like a flame of fire , making a crackling noise to escape out of his bonds . * Fall out , [ viz. get away . ] * Or sliding away , he will go into the thin waters . Or to slip away into the water . * But by how much more he shall turne himselfe . Against all which she forewarneth him , to looke well to it , that the more he should so change himselfe , he should tie and hold him so much the harder , ‖ Change. * Formes . * My sonne stretch more , by so much the bands holding him fast . Vntill he come vnto his right shape againe , as he was at the first . * What a one thou hast seene him . * Couered . * With sleepe begun , [ or [ his ] sleepe begun ] [ viz. beginning to sleepe . ] q Cyrene hauing thus directed her sonne , she moreouer prouides that he may be liuely & valorous against the time of this his conflict with Proteus , the better to preuaile . And to this purpose she cast vpon him a pure odour of Ambrosia . ‖ Thus she spake . * Sa●d . ‖ And [ withall ] * Powred abroad . * A liquid smell [ or sauour , or iuyce . ] r Ambrosia ab a pri●atiua , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mortalis , because it is ●aid to make them immortall who taste thereof , as Nectar of 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , occido , non occido , Ramus . ‖ By Ambrosia is either meant an herbe commonly called Oke of Ierusalem , or Oke of Paradise ; or else it is taken for the meate of the Gods , as vsually in the Poets , like as Nectar is the drinke of the Gods. * With which she powred [ or wet ] throughout the whole bodie of [ her ] sonne . * A sweete winde [ or blast ] breathed vnto him , his haires being composed , [ viz combed , and neatly set in order . ] ‖ A liuely ablenesse . Al. Throughly annointed , or led thoroughout . * Came. s After all this , doth the Poet describe the place of Proteus re●t , more fully , where Cyrene sets her sonne to catch him in such sort as she had directed . ‖ A mightie great ho●e . * Of a mountaine all eaten away [ with the waters . ] Wherewith she soked his whole bodie thoroughout , & blew vpon with so sweete a sent , that a liuely vigour entred into his lims . ‖ Great store of water . * Is gathered by the wind . * And [ the waue ] doth cut or deuide it selfe into bosomes brought backe , [ viz. hollow turnings of water banks , where the water is beate backe . ] * In time past a most safe standing [ or rode ] to the mariners being catched . * Within Proteus doth couer , [ viz. is wont to couer , or hide himselfe for his retire . ] That there is a huge caue in the side of a hill eaten with the water , where the waues driuen in by the windes are beaten backe . * Barre or shut . * Vaste or mightie . * Here the Nymph [ his mother ] doth place the yong man [ viz. Aristeus ] turned from the light [ that is , aside from the caues mouth , whereby the light came into the caue , that Proteus should not see him . Which place was sometime a most safe harbour for sea-men caught by tempest . ‖ In a secret place . How within this ca●e Proteus vsed to retire & rest himselfe , couering the mouth of it with a very great stone . ‖ She also withdrew her selfe a far off , couered with a cloud . And how within a creake hereof she placed her sonne secretly , that he might stand close ▪ and not be seene . Al. resistit , stands backe , [ viz. stood aside . * Obscure with clouds , [ viz. much hidden . t Then he declares the effect of her aduice , how all things came to passe accordingly ; and first sets out the time of his surprising him in such sort , that it was the beginning of the dog-days , viz when the dog-star burnes in the skie , and about the midtime of the day , which is thus set forth by causes and effects : That the Sunne had gone halfe his daily course , the herbes withered , the hollow riuers waxed warme euen vnto the mud , hauing their banks drie . * Now Syrius vehement [ in burning ] parching or scorching . ‖ Syrius is a starre in the mouth of the signe called the Dog , at the arising whereof are great and intemperate heates . That she withdrew her selfe farre off , obscuted with a cloud . * Did burne in the heauen , [ viz. did cast his fiery influence from heauen . * Had drawne halfe the orbe , [ viz. had past halfe the world , that is , was come to the midst or height of heauen , viz , to the noonesteed . ‖ The scorching sun had warmed the riuers to the mud . * Iawes [ viz. mouthes or tops of the riuers ] viz. their banks drie all about the tops . u Secondly , Proteus his going to sleepe , is amplified by the place whither he went , viz. to his wonted caues ; * Flouds . * Seeking his accustomed holes , [ or priuie lurking places . ] ‖ The fishes of the sea . ‖ Huge great sea . ‖ Bounsing about him , as triumphing for excessiue ioy . ‖ The seawater which is bitter in taste . ‖ Far abroad , like as fishes do when they leape . ‖ The sea monsters . * Strew themselues in sleepe in a diuers shore . And likewise by his attendants , the sea-calues bounsing vp about him as reioycing at his presence , and sprinkling the water all abroad . ‖ Proteus himselfe . ‖ Whenas his cattell go home from feeding . And thirdly by the sea monsters , laying themselues to sleep on euery shoare . Lastly , Proteus reposing himselfe to rest in the midst amongst them . Which the Poet illustrates by a fit similitude taken from a heardman in the mountaines : That as he , when his bullocks returne from feeding in the euening , At what time the lambes by their bleating set the teeth of th ▪ ●olues on edge , doth then sit downe vpon some rocke or some other high place , and counts the number of his cattell : * Do sharpen the wolues [ or set their teeth on edge . ‖ By their bleating in the euening . ‖ Sits downe on a rocke , and tels his cat tell , euen so Proteus * Sate downe together [ in the midst of his great troupes of fishes . ] * Being the middle . Euen so did Proteus set downe himselfe to rest in the midst of his great troupes of fishes . ‖ Rehearseth the number of them , [ or numbers them . ] x Then followeth the aduenturing vpon him by Aristeus , and the whole manner of it for the speedinesse and violence thereof . * Of [ taking ] whom [ viz. which Proteus ] because a facultie [ or libertie ] is offered to Aristeus , * Hauing suffered How he seeing now his fit opportunitie , scarcely suffereth the old man to repose his weary lims to rest , ‖ Proteus , * To compose his wearied lims . * Rusheth with a great crie , and takes before [ or preuents him ] lying downe with manicles [ viz. bonds [ or gives ] for his hands . But rusheth vpon him with a great outcrie , Catcheth him lying all along to sleepe , ties him fast . ‖ Proteus . * Contrarily . How Proteus on the other side remembring his skill , * Of his [ deceitfull ] art . ‖ Disguiseth and changeth himselfe , Transformes himselfe into maruellous shapes . * Into all miracles [ or maruellous likenesses ] of things . As both into fire , ‖ Both into the likenesse of fire , and of fierce wilde beasts , and a liquid floud [ or streame . ] And into the likenesse of a horrible wild beast , and also into a cleare riuer . Finally , when he can finde no meanes to escape by any delusion or deuice , * But when he found flight by no deceit . * Deceit , [ viz. sleight or deuice . Being ouercome he returnes into his owne shape againe . * He returnes into himselfe , [ viz. he came to his owne likenesse . y And then he at length speakes with a mans voice : Demanding of him the causes how he durst be so bold ? ‖ With a man● voice . Who bad him come vnto his house ? or what he fetched thence ? * O thou most confident [ yong man ] of [ all ] yong men . * Commanded thee , ‖ To enter into my dwelling house . Vnto which demands Aristeus makes answer . * Houses . That he knew the causes well enough . * He answered . That it was not possible for any man to go beyond him by decei● . ‖ Thou knowest why I came , and what I would . And therefore wisheth him to leaue off either to seek to beguile him , or to enquire the cause . For that he was come thither , following the command of the gods ; and moreouer that he came to enquire of the Oracles of the Gods , euen of himselfe , ( who at that time gaue their answers ) what he was to do for the repairing of his decayed estate , viz. for the recouerie of his bees . * Granted ] to any man. ‖ To outreach thee by deceit . * But ceasse thou to be willing [ to deceiue me with thy sleights , or to know why I am come . * We hauing followed [ or obeyed . ] ‖ Are come hither . * To seeke the oracles [ of the Gods ] my things being sliden , [ viz. mine estate or stocke being decayed . ] z Aristeus hauing thus spokē , Proteus strangely rapt by a diuine furie , ( as Prophets haue bene wont to be in giuing their answere ) speakes vnto him as an Oracle . But first his fury is described notably . How he rolled his fierie eyes with great enforcement ; * He spake [ or vttered ] thus much , [ viz. Aristeus answered thus . * The Prophet rolled his eyes burning [ or flaming ] with red fiery light , at these words . * Writhed or turned . ‖ Glaucus here seemeth to be taken for a fiery rednesse , a● in the eyes of lions . * Gnashing [ or grinning ] grieu●sly [ being enforced . Gnashed his teeth discontentedly , and then thus began to manifest the oracle , concerning the cause of the losse of his bees . That it was for the death of Euridice , which he had caused ; for which the Nymphs her sisters killed his bees . Which he vtters thus by the contrary more particularly How it was not the displeasure of any meane power , but euen of a God that did him that annoy . That he was punished for his hainous fact : and that Orpheus the famous musitian ( worthy of all commi●eration ) had raised vp all that euill against him , yet nothing so great as his desert , ( as he should find if the fates did not resist ) for villanie offered vnto his tender wise . ‖ Thus he began to shew the destinies of the Gods. * In destinies . * The angers not of no diuine power , [ viz. of none of the meanest Gods , or of no lesse a power then a God ] do exercise thee . * Luis , not lues , [ viz. thou abidest punishment for , [ or thou redeemest or purgest by thy punishment ] thy ] great offe●es committed . ‖ Orpheus the Poet worthy of much commiseration , stirreth vp against thee all these euils . * Raiseth vp to thee those punishments . * Nothing at all for thy merit , [ viz. nothing so much as thou deseruest . ] * Except that [ or but that the destinies resist , ] viz. of Apollo thy father , and Cyrene thy mother . * For his wife being rauished , [ or in danger to be rauished by Aristeus , [ or for his wife being violently taken away [ from him . ] * Yong wench or girle . * Readie to die [ with feare of thee . ] * Whilst she fled from thee all headlong , [ viz. in haste without regard . ] * By the flouds [ or riuers ] * A cruell [ fierce or huge ] water serpent or adder . For that whilst ●he fled away from him , as for her life , and almost dead with feare , running headlong by a riuers side , was stung to death of a sudden by a most fell adder , which there lay watching in the deepe grasse . ‖ Watching . * Herbe , [ herbes or weeds by the riuer side . * Being equall [ in age ] with Orpheus wife ] viz. all the yong Nymphs . ‖ Made the mountaines ring with their crie . Whereupon all the whole company of the yong Nymphs called the Dryades that were of equal age with her , filled the highest mountaines with their crie : in so much as the very mountaines themselues did seeme to mourne and weepe ; * The Rhodopeian towers haue wept , [ viz. the tops of the mountaine Rhodope in Thracia being like towers , lamented ] viz. by reason of the Nymphs there hauing their abode . As both Rhodopey , * And the high mountaines called Pangea [ in Thracia neare Macedonia . ] And Pangea , And the countrey of Rhesus , * And the warlike earth of Rhesus , [ viz. of Thracia where king Rhesus reigned after . And also the Getes , The riues Hebrus in like manner : and so Orythia the Athenian Nymph . ‖ The Scythians called Massagets . ‖ A riuer of Thracia . * And Actias Orithya [ viz. Orithya of Acte or Athens the daughter of Erichthonius king of Athens . a But yet how Orpheus himselfe though exceedingly bewailing his deare wife , yet labored to asswage his sorowful loue with doleful songs & with his hollow Iute . Which harmony of his is set out both by the places and times , and things on which it wrought , and how farre it did auaile . That he sang of his sweete wife , both by himselfe all alone in the desert shore , and also how he sang of her in the morning , at the breaking of the day & in the eurning likewise at the departure of the same , still sounding out E●ridice in most 〈◊〉 sort . * Comforting [ his ] sicke [ or pensiue ] loue with [ his ] hollow lute made of a torteise shell , [ or after the fashion of a torteise shell , for thence was ( as they say ) the first inuention of the lute . ] ‖ He sang of thee continually . * Louely shore . * The day coming . * [ The day ] departing . * And hauing entred into the Tenarian iawes , [ or mouthes , or gaping holes . * Tenarus is a Promont●ry in Laconia , where for the deepe concauities , is thought to be the descent into hell . ‖ Dungeons . * Of Dis. And so entring into the very iawes of hell , and into the deep dungeons of Pluto , and into a groue all blacke with fearfull darknesse , he went to the infernall spirits , and to the dreadfull king , euen vnto Pluto himselfe . * A groue or wood dark with a black feare , [ because there is perpatuall and most dread full darknesse . ‖ Infernall spirits , ghosts , or diuels . ‖ To Pluto . * Not knowing [ or being ignorant how ] to waxe gentle [ or 〈◊〉 ] by humane prayers , [ viz. that 〈◊〉 can be quieted or appeased by any prayers or meanes . This appeasing them by Orpheus was extraordinary and onely for a time , by the sweetnesse of his melodie . And vnto the ghosts which cannot be appeased or quieted by any prayers of men . * But the thinne shadowes moued together . But yet were moued by the sweetnesse of his harmonie . So that they came from the lowest seates of hel to heare him l●te and sing . ‖ Came and flocked to heare Orphe●s to sing and play . * Erebus is properly a certain darknesse , vsed for a riuer of hell , here for hell it selfe . Which comming of theirs , is amplified by their multitudes , and also by their sorts . * Of [ men . ] * How many thousands of birds , [ viz as many or as thicke as birds which flie to the woods , &c. That they came in such numbers , as birds flocking to the woods in the euening time . * When the euening [ doth driue them ] Or when a Winter shower driues them from the hils . ‖ A wet or sharpe storme . And for the sorts of them , that there came both mothers and husbands , couragious nobles , boyes and girles . * Mountaines . * [ These ghosts are ] mothers and husbands . ‖ Departed . Yong men also which had bene burnt to ashes before their parents faces . ‖ Lads . ‖ Burnt to ashes in the fiers made for that purpose . * Before the faces of [ their ] parents . Euen all the ghosts of all sorts whith were within the bounds of hel , came to heare him : which bounds are limited by Cocytus that lothsome riuer of hell , made so noisome , for that the water neuer moueth . * Cocytus is a riuer of hell , flowing out of Styx . * Vnlouely with slow water , [ viz. because the water neuer moueth . Al. Vnfit to be sw●mme in . And by Styx the infernall fen compassing all nine times about . * Styx is said to be a fountaine [ or fen ] of Arcadia , so cold , that it kills whatsoeuer ●rinketh of it : here taken for the fen of hell , à nomine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , tristis . ‖ For the vnderstanding of these words , nou●es Styx interfusa , Seruius saith , that by the nine circles are meant the seuen circles of the seuen plannets and the two circles of fire and aire , which nine circles compasse the earth , intermixt with water , and so this Styx which is said to be in the midst of the earth : but for this I leaue it to better iudgement . This is yet further amplified , that not only thes● , but also the very hel●ish houses théselues were astonied therewith , & the deepest dungeons called Tarta●a . And not they alone , but that euen the hellish furies were wrapt therewith . Which furies are described as hauing their haire all intangled with blackish snakes . ‖ The fiends inhabiting the hellish houses . * Haue bene astonied or amazed . * The inmost [ deep ] dungeons called Tartara . * And the Eumenides [ furies or hags of hell , daughters to Acheron and Nox , ] being intangled [ or hauing intangled or wrapped ] skie coloured snakes with [ their ] haires , stood astonied to heare Orpheus . Yea that Cerberus the gaping curre of hell left off his yolping . And moreouer , that the very wheele of Ixion , whereon he was tormented , stood still ; and euen the wind did stay , whereby it was whi●lde about before . * Cerberus a dog with three heads , which as the Poets fained was porter of hell . * Kept [ viz. left off his yolping . ] * Of Ixions orbe , viz. the round engine whereon he was tormented by Iupiters appointment , because he had sollicited Iuno to adultery ] stood still [ or stayed ] with the wind [ viz. together with the winde of it , by which winde it rolled about before ] to the end that they might heare Orpheus . b And finally the Prophet sheweth , that his musick so farre preuailed , as that he had recouered his Euridice againe , vpon this condition and law , that he looke ●ot behind him vnto her , vntil they were both quite forth of hel : wherunto they had proceeded , which is thus set forth by the Poet. That he was returning back from hell , had escaped al dangers , with his wife restored vnto him , and was coming out of the infernall darknesse into the light of this world ; and yet euen there ouerthrew all his labours and hopes again , onely forgetting that law of Proserpina the Queene of hel , in looking back vnto his Euridice . * Carrying backe [ or plucking backe ] [ his ] foote . ‖ Was past . * Chances 〈◊〉 misfortunes . ‖ Whom he had recouered againe . ‖ Was comming into the vpper aire , [ viz. into the light of the world , out of the darknesse of hell . ‖ Proserpina Plutoes wife had giuen this law , that if Orpheus looked backe vpon his wife vntill she was quite out of hell , and in the vpper light of the world , he should lose her againe , for that she should returne backe into hell . c Which is also further amplified by the causes and manner thereof . That a sudden madnes through the vehemencie of his affection , caught away his vnwarie minde to looke backe vnto his Euridice ( which though it was a great fault against such a law and vpon such a perill , yet was it a fault that in that case might wel haue bin pardoned if the infernall spirits could pardō any thing . Notwithstanding hee onely standing still , and but casting his eye behind him to her at the first glimpse of the light lost all his hope ; the grant of the mercilesse tyrant being vtterly made voide . ‖ Folly of too much loue . * Tooke [ viz had surprised or caught away the minde of Orpheus at vnawares . * [ A madnesse , ] [ viz. a passion of loue to be forgiuen . ‖ To shew any pitie . ‖ Conquered or surprized of minde , [ viz. by the passion of [ his ] mind . * Alacke . ‖ A great noise of many voices together [ was ] heard from the standing waters of Auernus , [ viz. the lake of hell , ] the fiends reioycing at the returns of Euridice . * He looked backe vnto his [ wife ] Euridice . * About the very light , [ viz. somewhat before full light , or so soone as he was come within the glimpse of any light . ] * Powred out [ or spilt . ] * Leagues [ viz. grant . ] * Vngentle [ viz. pitilesse ] tyrant [ Pluto . ] * Burst [ or broken . ] d Then followeth the lamentable moane and woe of both of them thereupon . ‖ The commandement of Pluto calls me backe . * Lost [ or vtterly cast away or destroyed . ] * Wretched woman . That though the fiends did exceedingly reioyce thereat , so that there was heard a great broken noise at of many voices together , of those infernall spirits from the 〈◊〉 ponds , yet they both lament ; and first she poore wretch cries out vnto her husband that he had vndone both her and himselfe , demanding what so great a madnesse in him had vndone them both ? for that the cruel 〈◊〉 now called her backe to hell againe . * What madnesse , [ ah ] so great [ hath vndone vo● ] ‖ The commandement of Pluto calls me backe . * Doth hide my lights [ viz. eyes ] swimming [ in teares . ] And the sleepe of death began to couer her dazeling eyes . ‖ O Orpheus farewell . And so she bids him farewell , for that she perceiued her selfe to be borne away , being compassed about with a dreadfull darknesse . And then stretching out her feeble hands vnto him , which she told him were none of his : * I am caried . * With a huge great night . * And I alas not thy [ wife ] [ as thou imaginedst . ] It is an answer to that before , Euridicem suam respexit . ‖ The weake [ or feeble ] palmes of my hands . Hauing spoken , she vanished suddenly out of his sight , like smoke vanishing into the thin ●ire , so that she saw him not after . * And fled away diuerse [ or asunder from him ] suddenly out of his eyes , euen as the smoke mixt together flieth into the thi● winds or blasts . And he poore man catching at her shadow all in vaine , and desirous to haue spoken many things vnto her , and to haue gone after her , yet could not . * Furthermore [ or further . ] * Shadowes . * Willing . For that the ferriman of hell would not suffer him any more to passe the fen betweene the liuing in this world and the infernall ghosts . ‖ Charon that caried soules oúer the three riuers of hell , Acheron , Cocythus and Styx , as the Poets faine : whence some of the heathen haue bene wont to put a litle peece of mony into the mouthes of the dead to pay for their feriage or fare . * Suffered him . ‖ Styx . * Set against [ them . ] e This wofull distresse of Orpheus , the Prophet 〈◊〉 amplifieth againe , adorning it with this demand , what he should haue done in this case , whither he should haue betaken himselfe , hauing his wife thus violently taken away from him twise ? by what lamentations be could 〈◊〉 possibly either moue the fiends , or intreate the Gods. * Carry himselfe . * Snatched away . * Weeping . ‖ Could he moue , And that she now being cold , swims back in the Stygian ferryboate . * The infernall spirits or diuels . * Moue the [ infernall ] powers . * She indeed . ‖ Being dead , * Did swim [ or was caried backe in the ferry boate of hell . f For Orpheus likewise . Proteus amplifies and sets out his lamentation both by the time , places and effects , and finally by his miserable death . For the time ; that men say that he mourned seuen whole moneths together without euer taking rest . * [ Men ] shew [ or report ] him [ viz. Orpheus ] to haue w●pt . * In order [ without intermission . ] * Vnder an airie rocke , [ viz. high in the aire . ] And for the place , that this he did vnder a high rocke neare vnto the riuer Strymon a place little inhabited through lakes & fens , oft repeating his old song . * At the waue [ viz water ] of Strymon a riuer of Thracia , hauing in some places no people neare vnto it by meanes of fens and lakes by it , and oft ouer flowings . * And to haue oft rolled ouer these things . Also for the effect of his song , that there he tamed the tigers with his 〈◊〉 , and made the very okes to moue . * Asswaging the tigers , [ viz. the fiercenesse of the tigers , or delighting the cruell wilde beasts . ] ‖ Making the very okes to moue . * Verse . g This ●e illustrates by a most apt ●imilitude taken from the nightingale . That like as she mourning vnder the shade of a poplar tree , 〈◊〉 in most dolefull ●ort for the taking away of her yong ones by a hard hearted plow man , who finding them drawes them out of their ●east vnfledgd , euen so did he . * What a one [ or as ] the nightingale sorrowing [ or lamenting ] vnder a poplar shade . ‖ Bewailes her yong ones being lost . * Which [ yong ones . ] * Hard plowman . ‖ Marking . * Fetherlesse , [ viz. before they had fethers . ] And like as she wailes all night long , and sitting vpon some branch euer renewes afresh her wofull note , filling all places farre and neare with her dolefull complaints , so likewise did Orpheus . * Weepes . * In a branch , [ viz. on a bough of that tree from whence her yong were taken ] begins againe . ‖ Her dolefull song . * Verse . * All abroad . * Sorowfull [ mourning or lamentable ] complaints . h Afterwards he enlargeth and sets out yet further , the excesse of his mourning , that it was so great , as no new loue or mariages could moue his mind at all : * No Venus [ or lust . ] * No mariages haue bowed , [ viz. moued or inclined [ his ] mind . But that he wandred pensiue all alone in the most cold countries , both through the frozen Scythiā coasts , and neare the riuer Tanais , which is vsually couered with snow ; and vp and downe the cold Rhiphean mountaines neuer free from frost , alwayes dolefully complaining for his Euridice so taken from him violently , and the grant of Pluto thus vtterly made voide . * He viewed all alone the Hyperborian ice , [ viz. the cold countries of the North towards the North pole . ] * Snowish [ or white with snow , or euer mixed with snow . ] * And also [ he wandered thorough ] the fields neuer depriued of as a widow , [ viz. neuer voide of ] the Rhiphean hoare frosts [ viz. the frosts vpon the Rhiphean hils . ] ‖ His wife Euridice . * Gifts of Dis , [ the God of hell ] all in vaine . * For which gift [ viz. in respect of which Euridice ] the mothers of the Cycones being despised . And finally , that his mourning was so excessiue and so endlesse , that he came to despise all other women in regard of his Euridice . Whereupon followed his miserable death by the women of the Cyconians , who seeing themselues and all other women scorned by him , pluckt him in peeces amongst them , yea they dragd & strewed his quarters through the broade fields , at the time of the sacrifices of their Gods , euen at their Bac-chanalia , when they celebrated their night ceremoniall rites to Bacchus in most odious manner . ‖ The Cycones are a people of Thracia dwelling neare the riuer Hebrus . * Despised [ by Orpheus . ] ‖ Pluckt Orpheus in peeces being then but a youth , and strewed his quarters thorough the broad fields at the time of the sacrifices and night ceremonies which they vsed at their feasts of Bacchus . * Spread [ or scattered . ] * The holy things of the Gods. And which is of all other most memorable , that yet his loue remained such to his Euridice , that when as his head being pluckt off from his white marble neck , was throwne into the riuer Hebrus , as it tumbled vp and downe in the midst of the stream , his voice and tongue , though he was now cold , called still Euridice . * The rites or ceremonies of Bac●hus [ wont to be celebrated in the night at their Bacchanalia or feasts of Bacchus . ] * Hebrus a riuer of Thracia , called OEagrius of OEagrus king of Thracia , and father of Orpheus as i● thought . * Rolled [ it ] in the middle gulfe [ viz. midst of the gulfe [ or streame . ] Ah miserable Euridice ; euen whē his soule was flying away . * The voice it selfe and the cold tongue did call Euridice . So that the bankes throughout the whole riuer resounded still Euridice . ‖ Alacke Euridice p●re wretch . * [ His ] soule flying away [ or departing ] viz. when his ghost vtterly departed . ‖ Resounded with the Eccho . * In the whole floud . i This was the summe of the answer of Proteus . And when he had made an end of his speech , the Poet sheweth how he cast himselfe into the depth of the sea . * Proteus spake [ or answered ] these things , and gaue himselfe by a throw * Into the deepe sea , [ viz. leapt into the depth of the sea , or maine sea . And how where he threw in himselfe , the waters whirld about their foming waues vnder the round turning of the streame . * And which way he gaue [ himselfe . ] * Fr●thing waue [ or water ] vnder the whirlepit [ or vpper crowne of the waters . ] k Yet that his mother Cyrene who had secretly withdrawne her selfe to hearken , and carefully to looke to the comfort of her sonne , departed not from him so as Proteus did ; but seeing him in much perplexed feare , spake vnto him most chearefully : That he might now put away all sorrowfull cares out of his mind , for that he vnderstood the cause of all his woe . ‖ Being very fearfull . * But Cyrene [ the mother of Aristeus [ did ] not [ so , ] [ viz. cast not her selfe likewise into the sea , nor yet feared . ‖ Euridice Orpheus wife . ‖ The whole cause . That all his losses were for that violence offered to Euridice , and for her death ensuing thereupon , for whose sake the Nymphs with whō she vsed to dance in the greene woods , sent all that miserable destruction vpon his bees . * It is lawfull to put away sad cares out of [ thy ] heart . * From hence . ‖ Wood● . ‖ Haue thus destroyed [ thy ] bees . * She practised dances . * To [ thy ] bees . ‖ Seeking reconciliation . ‖ Adore . After also hauing thus manifested vnto him the cause , she shewes him likewise the remedie . ‖ The gentle Nymphs of the woods , [ viz. the Goddesses of herbs and flowers , gentle or easie to be intreated . That he must humbly offer gifts vnto those Nymphs of the woods , ( which as she ●els him were easie to be intreated ) and that he must adore them , crauing peace : because they would easily be appeased so , and grant him his requests . * Thou being suppliant reach [ out ] gifts . * For they will giue leaue vnto [ thy ] vowes or wishes ] and will remit their angers , [ viz. they will be pacified . ] l And withal she directs him in order what the maner of his intreating them must be . * Of praying [ or making supplication ] vnto them . * Ch●ise [ or pickt out . ] ‖ Of body peerlesse or matchlesse . * Which now feed vpon the tops of greene Lyceus for thee . That he must chuse foure principall buls of most excellent bodies of all those which feed vpon mount Lyceus in Arcadia , and as many heifers which neuer had borne yoke . ‖ Lyceus a hill of Arcadia . * With necke vntouched , [ viz. which neuer bare yoke , ] [ because the sacrifices must be whole and vntouched . ] * Appoint to these foure altars at the high temples . Foure , as it may seeme according to the number of the foure windowes and windes mentioned before . And that he must make for these foure altars neare vnto the tēples of the Nymphs , ‖ Of these Nymphs . ‖ And kill these buls . Where he must kill them , so letting out the sacred bloud out of their throates . Also that he must leaue the bodies of these in a groue full of greene leaues . * Of the exen in a leauie groue . And that the ninth morning after he must offer some ghostly sacrifices to Orphe●s , * Whenas the ninth morning shall shew her risings , [ viz. in the morning of the ninth day . ] As namely of poppies , causing forgetfulnesse . Orphei casus Graec. * Deadly poppies , [ viz. causing forgetfulnesse vnto death , if they be verie much . ] And also a blacke sheepe . * Kill [ for a sacrifice ] a black sheep ] [ because the infern●ll spirits are delighted with blacke sacrifices . ] And then go and visite the groue againe where their bodies lie . ‖ The groue where the bodies of the 〈◊〉 are . There to adore Euridice , offering to her a heifer to 〈◊〉 her likewise . ‖ Adore Euridice being appeased , [ viz. seeking to appease her with a heifer offered to her . m All which things the Po● sheweth how Aristeus did according ●y without delay , obeying in all things the precepts of his mother . * [ There was ] not [ any ] delay . ‖ Aristeus . * Dispatcheth [ or puts in execution . ] ‖ The commandements . How he came into the Temple , erected foure such altars as she had directed him . ‖ Erecteth or buildeth the altars . ‖ Directed [ by his mother . And also how he brought foure such choise buls & as many ●heifers of vntouched necke . * Buls pickt out [ viz. singular . * Excelling or notable . * Their necke being vntouched , [ viz. which neuer bare the yoke . ] And after when the ninth morning did appeare , he sacrificed to Orpheus as he was commanded , and went againe vnto the groue . * Whenas the ninth morning had brought in her risings , [ viz early in the morning on the ninth day after . * He sends the infernall sacrifices to Orpheus , [ viz. he sacrificed to Orpheus . ] * And visited againe the groue , [ viz. where the bodies of the beasts were left . ] n Then the Poet relates the effects of all , how euery thing an swered his desire . * Monster . That here they did behold a sudden wonder , and almost vncred●ble to be spoken . ‖ Stridere & effervere tertiae co●iugationis vt olim . * Throughout the molten bowels , [ viz. di●solued by putrefacti● . ] That first bees made a buzzing noise thoroughout all the bodies of the beasts . * Of the oxen . * Wombe [ viz. bodie ] * To boyle out [ viz. to issue out 〈◊〉 it were boyling . ] And then issued as it were boiling out of their bursten ribs and 〈◊〉 * And ●asurable clouds to 〈◊〉 drawne along , [ viz. swar●es lik● clouds . ] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they s● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rudes of them , 〈◊〉 mightie clouds 〈◊〉 out in length , 〈◊〉 in the aire , ●d for to swarme together knitting in the tops of tree● , to h●ng downe like great clusters of grapes from the li●ber boughs . ‖ To swarme and 〈◊〉 . * In a chiefe [ or high tree , ] [ viz. high in a tree . ] ‖ To let downe , * A grape , [ viz. to hang downe in a great cluster like a huge bunch of grapes . * Bowing or bending , &c. o Thus the Poet hauing made an end of his long storie of Aristeus , concerning the recouery of his bees , and for the manner of repairing them when all the stocke is v●terly decayed , comes to the conclusiō of the whole work of his Georgicks , with a briefe rehearfall of all the things contained therein , and also of the time and place in which hee wrote . That these things he had sung of the ●illage of the fields , and of orde●g of cattell , and concerning trees . * I sang these verses , [ viz. I writ these things in verse . ] ‖ Of or concerning the manner of the tillage of the field● , * And vpon trees . * That great [ viz. mightie and most renowned [ Augustus ] Casar . ‖ Fighteth valiantly and terribly like the thunder , against the Parthians , hauing ouercome the Armenians . ‖ Neare the riuer Euphrates . * And being a conquerour ordaines lawes amongst a people willing to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to submit themselues . * 〈◊〉 , a way to heauen , [ viz. 〈◊〉 by v●lorous acts . * 〈◊〉 , [ viz. Naples a most famous citie of Campania , called first Parthenope of one of the Syrenes so named buried there . ] And this at the time whenas Augustus 〈◊〉 thundered 〈◊〉 wa●e ●gainst the 〈◊〉 hauing subdued the 〈◊〉 menians , and was ●daining good 〈◊〉 among● a wicked ●ple ; and so was preparing a way for heauen , or at least for diuine honours in the earth . * Of v●noble idlenesse , [ viz. of Poetrie , which requires a kinde of idlenesse in vacant time from businesse , according to that of the Poet , Caemina secessum scribentis & otia quaerunt . It is also called v●noble , because learning commonly brings so little honour or riches through mens v●thankfulnesse , or lacke of respect , or for that idlenesse brings no honour . * Nourished me . And finally that he wrote these bookes of his Georgicks at Naples , flourishing in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Po●trie , which he calls ignoble vacancie . A95995 ---- Æneas his descent into Hell as it is inimitably described by the prince of poets in the sixth of his Æneis. / Made English by John Boys of Hode-Court, Esq; together with an ample and learned comment upon the same, wherein all passages criticall, mythological, philosophical and historical, are fully and clearly explained. To which are added some certain pieces relating to the publick, written by the author. Aeneis. Liber 6. English Virgil. 1660 Approx. 560 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 126 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A95995 Wing V619 Thomason E1054_3 ESTC R200370 99861161 99861161 113289 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A95995) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 113289) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 248:E1054[3]) Æneas his descent into Hell as it is inimitably described by the prince of poets in the sixth of his Æneis. / Made English by John Boys of Hode-Court, Esq; together with an ample and learned comment upon the same, wherein all passages criticall, mythological, philosophical and historical, are fully and clearly explained. To which are added some certain pieces relating to the publick, written by the author. Aeneis. Liber 6. English Virgil. Boys, John, 1614?-1661. [16], 96, 99-232, [2] p. Printed by R. Hodgkinsonne, living in Thames street over against Banards Castle, London : 1661. A translation, by John Boys, of: Virgil. Aeneis. Book 6. With a final blank leaf. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Virgil. -- Aeneis. -- Liber 6 -- Criticism and interpretation -- Early works to 1800. Latin poetry -- Translations into English -- Early works to 1800. 2007-03 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-03 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-04 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2007-04 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion AENEAS HIS DESCENT INTO HELL : As it is inimitably described by the Prince of Poets in the sixth of his AENEIS . Made English by JOHN BOYS of Hode-Court , Esq Together with an ample and learned Comment upon the same , wherein all passages Criticall , Mythological , Philosophical and Historical , are fully and clearly explained . To which are added some certain Pieces relating to the Publick , written by the Author . Invia virtuti nulla est via . — Ovid. Met. LONDON , Printed by R. Hodgkinsonne , living in Thames street over against Banards Castle , 1661. TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE Sir EDWARD HIDE , Knight , Lord High Chancellor of England , &c. MY LORD , SHould I recount what your Lordship hath both done & suffer'd for your King , it would not only make our present discourse swel beyond the just proportion of an Epistle , but also anticipate the pains of those more able penns , which are design'd to write the Story of our times , to which your particular actions will necessarily contribute ample supply of matter , and in which your single name will ( doubtless ) with high honour to your self be often repeated . That un-envied , because deserved Dignity which your Lordship ( through the grace and favour of your wise and discerning Master ) now stands possest of , is a clear demonstration as well of your great abilities , as untainted loyalty : and from hence we must take the true height and prospect of them both . How happy then is the Prince where so prudent and trusty a Minister hath the chief management of affairs ? and how secure the People where so experienc'd and watchfull a Pilot sits at the helm ? But , MY LORD , whilest I give your Lordship your due Character , I make my self guilty of a too rash presumption , thus to adventure to interpose between your Lordship and your more weighty affairs , and with a discourse of so different and inferiour a mixture , to divert your more material and serious Cogitations : but again , when I consider that your Lordship is the person to whom those , who by the rigour of the Law are opprest , make their appeal , and who , by virtue of your office , mitigate that summum jus , which is indeed summa injuria , I then begin to resume new spirits , and to hope that I shall find , by your candid acceptance of this my Dedication , that you carry a constant Chancery in your breast , as well when out of the Court , as when you sit in Judicature . Had I any thing better I should with all humilty cast it at your Lordships feet ; and did my abilities bear proportion with my desires , I should make you a more suitable present : but since that is denied me , I earnestly beseech you to accept this , ( such as it is ) as a testimony of that unfeigned reverence I have for your virtues , both publick and private , for your accomplishments both Civil and Moral ; whereof the one denominate you a good States-man , and the other a good man : qualifications rarely meeting in one and the same subject . And for this , My Lord , for the contemplation of your inherent worth I mean ( which , with those who make a true judgement of things , is much more attractive then the splendor of your adherent greatness ) be pleas'd to give me leave , though obscure , unknown , and as great a stranger to the world as I am to your Lordships person , to assume the title of MY LOKD , Your Lordships true Admirer and most devoted Servant , JOHN BOYS . THE PREFACE TO THE READER . THis our Master ( the undoubted Prince of all Heroick Writers , whether Greek or Latine ) had , in the compiling of his excellent Aenëis , a double design ; the one was ( in the general ) to represent heroical virtue in the person of his most accomplish'd Aeneas ; which he hath performed with that acute judgement , discreet choice , and constant decorum , that not only those of the following ages , ( when the teeth of envy bite no more ) but even those of his own time and profession ( in whom emulation might have begotten detraction ) did , with a generall consent , give him the precedence , and contented themselves only * Longè sequi , & vestigia adorare ; to follow him at a distance , and to worship his footsteps . The other was ( in particular ) to celebrate the Name and Family of the Emperor Augustus , in extolling his Aeneas , from whom that Caesar , by the Mothers side , deduced his Pedegree ; that Augustus , who , as he was a favourer of the Muses , so was he favour'd by those who were conversant with the Muses , and especially by the incomparable Virgil , in whose divine writings he hath obtained such a monument , — * quod nec Jovis ira , nec ignes , Nec poterit ferrum , vel edax abolere vetustas . A Memento to Princes to cherish men of abilities and parts , from whose pens they may rationally expect a more lasting and commendable fame , then from all their trophies and triumphs whatsoever . And although our most excellent Author never composed any thing but what smelt of the Lamp , and what discovered as much the exactness of his judgement as the variety of his reading , yet the second , fourth , and sixth books of his Aeneis are by the learned preferred to the rest of his elaborate productions , as having been ( as Donatus affirms in his life ) revised and corrected by his own judicious pen , and vouchsaf'd the imperial ear of his great Patron Augustus ; before whom in an honorable Assembly he , with high applause , recited the same . The first of these ( which contains the destruction of Troy ) hath been so happy as to fall into the hands of a Translator inferiour only to the Author himself ; I need not add the Gentlemans name , his own worth rendring him sufficiently conspicuous . The fourth ( whose subject is the passion of Dido for Aeneas ) hath been equally blest , as having been made speak English by the united Studies of two Gentlemen no less eminent then the former . I wish that the whole Aenëis had learn'd our modern di●lect from such excellent Masters . But since the long and pertinacious silence of those Gentlemen , is a sufficient assu●ance to me , that they intend to wade no further in their begun undertaking , I have ( as ill-fitted as I am ) ventur'd upon the traduction of the sixth of the Aeneis , a book as farre transcending whatsoever our Master wrote , as my self ( his Interpreter ) am inferiour to those deserving persons I have now mentioned ; a book which ( as Servius testifies ) is so replete with sublime speculations , that divers learned men of former times judged it worth their pains to write large Commentations upon particular parts and passages thereof . Neither will we here omit the censure of the judicious Nasimboenus , since it is a truth tending so much to the honour of our accomplish'd Author : his words run thus ; Anteponendus est hic liber caeteris sine controversiâ , in quo splendor , &c. This book of Virgil is more excellent then any of his writings , as wherein the very Quintessence of Learning and Knowledge doth most wonderfully appear : if in the rest he shew himself copious and grave in his expressions , in this he is admirable . Nor seven Homers , or all Greece beside , should they summon their whole strength of wit and learning together , were able to match this sixth book of the Aenëis . Thus farre that learned Critick . What can be said more ? I am sure there is more then enough , to have discourag'd me , not only from the publishing of what I have undertaken , but even from the undertaking of what I have published . The more excellent a work is in the Original , the more difficulty it still gives to the Translator . But since I have ventur'd upon it , although the charge of a rash undertaker may ( haply ) be made good against me , yet my weak performance herein may in some measure be excused , because ( as I have said ) the work in it self is so inimitable . However , Reader , I hope that although this illustrious Writer appear not in his native glory and splendour , through that glimmering and imperfect light we have lent him , yet there may be some weak raies and reflexions of him , by which thou mayest discern that it is Virgils : and that although we cannot say , as himself did elsewhere : * Sic oculos , sic ille manus , sic ora ferebat . Yet there is not such a — * tantum mutatus ab illo . But that some glimpses , some lines and features will discover the Original . The truth is , I am a very great admirer of this Author , and therefore my affection may ( haply ) prompt me to attempt what the Mediocrity of my parts was not able to make good : However , Reader , what is wanting herein , I hope thy candour will supply ; in confidence whereof I subscribe my self Thy humble Servant JOHN BOYS To my ever honoured Cousen , JOHN BOYS of Hode-Court , Esq upon his elaborate Translation of the sixth book of Virgils Aeneis ; and learned Annotations upon the same . VIRGIL'S divine ; let him alone for me : Few can a a Waller , or a b Denham be . How should I tire to climb up * Coopers hill ? How desp'rate is the chase of Stags , I will With thanks confesse amongst the learned throng , Those two have done this Poet the least wtong . He 's hard to imitate in any sort : He shoots well that comes neer , though alwayes short . When I peruse the pains that some have spent To shew us what the Poet never meant , How wisely they a constant Art have got There to exspatiate , where there is no knot : I am confirm'd , as Selden sayd of Ben , Virgil is to be known I know not when . But since there are essayes , 't is nobly fixt , Of all the books to undertake the Sixt. Dear Cousen , I applaud thy well-plac'd pains , Of Poetry the fountain , and the veins Thy learned mind contains ; each line I prize ; To Virgil's sense you doe the best arise . But , you 're my kinsman ; nothing must be good ' Cause we doe touch the same degree of blood . Base ! barb'rous ! humour , not to hold them dear , But make them furthest off , who are most near . When I difwaded thee , I was unkind ; In error 't is allow'd to change our mind . Doe it not ; doe , but hold ; well , let it go ; It is not friendly to suspend thee so : Well ; then begin ; for I am much too blame To be thus over-tender of thy fame . Fear not Sibylla's cave , but take the honour To write her rapture when the God's upon her . Thy Stygian Sloven Charon when I view , 'T is an unruly , nasty God ; but you Have postur'd him aright ; what can more please Then your description o th' Eumenides ? How doe you make th' infernal Hags to stare ? Not one Snake's missing in their ugly hair . * Virgil was furnish'd well , with boy and bed , Those Hydra's else had fallen from their head . He that wants means may have a tickling itch To verse , but ne're shall soar Virgilian pitch . Now should some upstart judge thy labours slight , Turnebus , Servius , and the * Jesuit Doe guard thy pen : none may thy sense deny , Each weighty word hath its authority . But all that 's nothing , thine , and ev'ry book Is now , or good , or bad , as it hath luck ; None can confront the world ; to chastise it Requires Ben Johnsons face , at least his wit. He that enough of money hath , or land , Is free ; all are not bound to understand . Charles Fotherby . To his learned Friend John Boys of Hode-Court , Esq upon his Excellent Translation of the Sixth Book of VIRGIL'S AENEIS , and his most exquisite and choice Commentations upon the same . LEt the dull Miser brood upon his Earth So long , untill he hatch it to a Birth Of many Crowns ; yet when this Muckworme dies , And heaps of earth close up his sordid eyes , His memory will wear away and rust , And in one Tombe grow inmate to his dust : But ( Sir ) your lines become the Thread of life Unto your fame , which will decline that knife The fatal Sisters manage , and ev'n be Spun out in length to an Eternity : For you have built a Trophie to your name Shall dull the teeth of time , and from that flame Which burnt in Virgil , you have rais'd a light Both to your self and memory , so bright , And so enameld o're with beams , that we May those dark notions now ev'n naked see , Stript of their Roman dress , that slept so long Behind the Traverse of a foreign tongue . Since you with artfull hand his knots untwine , And with new raies guild o're his cloudy shine , Making your soft and easie numbers meet At ev'ry close with harmony of feet . As for your Notes , your lines oblige the ear As much as doth your sense the mind endear ; For those severer things , which you indite , Doe this instruct , as they do that delight : And though not words , but things are your design , Yet with such artifice you both conjoyn , That strong conceipts you in trim clothing show , And so , in one , teach both to write and know . Thomas Philipott . The ERRATA . Reader , THe escapes of the Press ( which are either verbal , literal , or in pointing ) impute not to the Author , whose shoulders are not broad enough to bear his own faults , much less those of others ; if any such occurre ( as indeed they doe too frequently ) pray doe him that right , as to turn to the Errata , and amend them as followeth . Page 15. line 3. for salace , read solace . p. 22. l. 5. for they Aloides , the Aloides . p. 41. l. 8. for remigum , remigium . ibid. l. 18. for Avus se pennas , Ausus se penn●● . p. 43 l. 23. for hallowed , hollowed . p. 44. l. 10. for Decanus , ●ccanus . p. 55. l. 12. for mediae , media , p. 60. l. 29. for kni●red words , kindred words . p. 73. l. 8. for to the Furies , to the Furies Mother . p. 74. l. 25. for guocunque , quascun●● . p. 73. l. 16. for Alter , Alter . p. 81. l. 16. for repullulave , repullulate . p. 81. l. 16. for kind . bird . p. 87. l. 2. for Beleares , Baleares . p. 89. l. 21. for swage , sway . p. 95. l. 6. for hand , had . p. 116. l. 9. for Noon , Moon . p. 121. l. 21. for Ephialte , Ephialtes . p. 123. l. 20. for Elata ▪ Elara . p. 126. l. 10. for therefull , therefore . p. 157. l. 21. for polices , policy . p. 169. l. 13. for policy , politie . p. 170. l. 19. for trivivial , trivial . p. 171. l. 4. for City , abode . p. 174. l 32. for because , became . p. 176. l. 27. for K. Philip's father , K. Philip , his father . p. 182. l. 22. for unreasonable , unseasonable . p. 204. l. 5. for facesque salignes , fascesque salignis . AENEAS . his DESCENT INTO HELL . The ARGUMENT . Aeneas , ( according to the praediction of Helenus in the third Book , and the Precept of his Father in the fifth , ) having Sibylla for his Guide , descends into Hell , ( both delightfully and learnedly here described ; ) where he is by Anchises instructed concerning his posterity , and the ensuing warres of Italy . THis [ 1 ] weeping said , the sayls * he bids display , And ( now arriv'd in the [ 2 ] Cumaean Bay ) The prow's to sea , the carved poops to shore They turn ; the ships whilst holding anchors * moor : On Latian ground the glad youth footing set : These fire do [ 3 ] strike ; those from the us'd retreat Of salvage beasts , the woods , do fuell bring : A third descries a thirst-allaying spring . But , good [ 4 ] Aeneas to the stately Fane Of high Apollo , and the mighty Den Of dreadfull Sibyl doth repair ; whose great Soul was by Phoebus , with prophetick heat . Inspired : now Diana's sacred groves They enter ; and her gold-enriched roofs : When [ 5 ] Daedalus ( if fame no liar be ) From Minos rage through yielding air did flye , ( An untrac'd path ) his course he Northward bent ; And made at last at Cumae his descent : His wearied wings where , great Apollo , he Did , with this Temple , consecrate to thee : The slain [ 6 ] Androgeos carved on the gate , The yearly tribute on th' Athenian State Impos'd , and fatall urn you might behold ; With Creets fair Isle , which Neptunes arms infold : And here thy beastly love , Pasiphaë , Thy stoln delights , and monstrous progenie , The Minotaur , the * Artist did present , Of filthy lust a lasting Monument . Here you that * pile epitomiz'd might see From whose Meanders none themselves could free . But pitt'ing the * Queens over-pow'rfull flame , The subtle mazes of that winding frame Wise Daedalus discovers , with a clue Guiding the doubtfull steps : in this work thou ( Had grief consented ) Icarus thy part Hadst had Twice thy sad fate , and his own art He strove to shew : the Father twice let fall His hand : thus they soon had surveyed all , Had not Achates with the * Maid appear'd , Who * Trivia's and Apollo's Fane did guard : " Who thus bespeaks Aeneas : on these sights " To gaze 't is now no time ; for holy rites " Prepare : sev'n Steers , yet-never-yoaked chuse " For sacrifice : and sev'n unblemish'd Ewes . This said , she them ( whilst some were busied About the Rites ) into the Temple led . A mighty [ 7 ] vault out of the hollow'd side o th' solid rock was cut : a hundred wide Paths to the same Conduct ; a hundred gates , Whence rush as many voices , Sibyls fates : They now approach ; when thus the * Prophetesse , Behold the God : to him thy self addresse . As she thus spoak nor ● colour , face , nor hair Appear'd the same ; but , discomposed were ; Rage wholly seizing her inspired breast . But , when more fully with the God possest She was , her limbs extended did appear , Nor did her voice , as humane , strike the ear . " Why dost thou , * Trojan , vows , and prayers neglect ? " No answer without vows , and prayers expect . Thus she : but , whilest fear doth the rest surprize , Aeneas to the God himself applies : " Phoebus , who still for suff'ring Troy didst stand : " Who ' gainst Achilles didst direct the hand , " And dart of Paris : often under thy " Protection have I put to sea : oft I " O're dangerous * quicksands sailed have : * remote " And barbarous Nations visited : let not " The Trojan luck us still pursue : at last " Let us repose , where we our selves have plac'd : " And all ye Deities , who ever have " Gainst Troy offended been , now deign to save " Us the remains of Pergamus : Last thou " Blest * Virgin. who things future dost foreshow , " Let ( since the fates conspire with my request ) " Us , with our wandring-gods in Latium rest : " To Phoebus then and Dian ' will I rayse " A stately [ 9 ] Pile , ordaining annual [ 10 ] playes " To his great name ; nor [ 11 ] Virgin unto thee " Shall Temples ( fates befriending ) wanting bee . " My off-spring I shall charge , religiously " Thy answers to observe : for thy Rites I " Shall chosen men appoint : only forbear " Thy fates to [ 12 ] writing to commit : for fear " They doe a sport become to th' rufling wind : " Let thy tongue bear the Message of thy mind . But Sibyl yet unwilling to comply With the impulse of Phoebus , furiously Raves in her Cell , and strives out of her brest The God to cast : who still doth her infest The more ; her foaming mouth , and her inrag'd Heart over pow'ring , till he both asswag'd . And now the hundred Gates doe open fly Of their accord : whence issues this reply . " O thou [ 13 ] who hast great dangers of the Sea " Surmounted now at last ; know , greater thee " On Land attend : On the Italian shore " The Trojans shall arrive ( nor be thou more " For this Sollicitous ) but soone repent " Of their attempt ; Mine eyes to mee present " Warres ; horrid warres . I Tyber swollen see " With human gore : nor Simoïs to thee " Shall wanting be ; Xanthus , nor Graecian Hosts , " Or an Achilles , who as proudly boasts " Of his divine extract ; nor ever shall " Juno let her immortall hatred fall . " What Nations , in thy great extremity " Shalt thou not Court , and to what Cities fly ? " Thou all thy woes again unto a wife " Shalt owe ; from Stranger beds this fatall strife " Shall once more be deriv'd . " Yet stoope not to crosse fates : but still appeare " The more resolv'd ; tbe more adverse they are . " Thy first supplies ( which thou wilt scarce beleeve ) " Thou from a Grecian [ 14 ] City shalt receive . Thus from her Cell th' inspired Prophetesse In darke [ 15 ] ambages did her selfe expresse ; Obscurely hinting truths . Thus Phoebus does Her furie stir , and then the same compose . When ( rage represt ) the silent Virgin ceas'd , The Trojan Heroe from his gen'rous breast These words did powre ▪ No dangers unto mee " Are strange , or , Virgin , shake my Constancie " ' Gainst worst of accidents I am prepar'd : " This boon I only beg ( for I have heard " That here the way to the infernall-king " Doth leade : that here the Acherontick spring " Its Sulph'rous streames doth vent ) that I my deer " Father may visit ; and with him conferre : " Through fire and sword , him on these shoulders I " Did beare : through thickest of the Enemy " Made his retreat : aged , and weake with mee " All dangers on the Land , all storms at Sea " He did sustain : He also did injoyn " That I should humbly to thy sacred Shrine , " And thee repaire ; and thine assistance crave : " Then of the * Sonne and * Father pitty have ; " For in thy pow'r it lies : sure * Hecate " Did not in vaine this Grove intrust to thee , " If [ 16 ] Orpheus could ( relying on his skil ) " Deceas'd Euridice recall from Hell ; " If Pollux could ( by his own death ) release " His Brother ; and so oft between did passe . " If Theseus , and * Alcides did the same , " Why may not I ? from Jove I also came . In these words hee the Altars did [ 17 ] embrace , Whil'st shee replies : sprung of Coelestiall race " Great * Anchisiades : with ease to [ 18 ] Hell " Thou may'st descend ; those Gates are patent still " But , to retreat , and this world to review , " That is a taske : the labour of some few , " To Whom Jove grace indulg'd ; whose fames the praise " Of active Courage to the skies did raise : " Some of-springs o th' immortall Deities : " Such have ( 't is true ) amidst dark woods it lies : " With black Cocytus lazie streame embrac'd . " But , if so longing a desire thou hast " Hell twice to see , and twice that Stygian lake " To ferry o're : if thou wilt undertake " A taske so uncouth ; then thou art to know " What thou , in order to the same , must doe . " Hid in a thick and shadie Tree [ 19 ] a bough " With golden leaves , and golden stem doth grow . " To Hells-Queen * sacred : hardly to be found " ' Midst those dark Coverts which doe it furround . " But none can to those lower parts descend ; " Till from the Tree its golden-fruit they rend . " This to her to be brought , fair Proserpine , " As a most gratefull present doth injoyn : " Nor wants the ravish'd branch a golden heir , " But , is succeeded by a shoot as fair . " Around thee looke , and ( when descry'd ) the bough " With care breake off ; if fates of thee allow , " It , willingly will yeeld ; if not , nor force , " Or sharpest weapon can the same divorce . " Beside [ 20 ] ( unknown to thee ) unburied lies " Thy friends dead body : his last exequies " To him performe : him to his Grave commend , " Who ( whil'st consulting here thou dost attend ) " Thy Fleet pollutes ; this done , black Beeves for thee " Must to Hells powers an expiation bee . " Then thou shalt ro those Stygian Realms descend , " Which , living , none approach : she here doth end . In gesture sad Aeneas leaves the vau't , Th event of things in his perplexed thought Revolving , whilst him his still constant friend Achates [ 21 ] , alike thoughtfull doth attend : They with themselves debated as they went ; For what dead friend these fun'ral Rites were meant , When they no sooner came to the Sea-side , But , they Misenus murdred there espyde . Misenus ; then [ 22 ] whom none more Martial fire , Could into men by Trumpets sound inspire : As Hectors friend he him accompany'd , Fam'd for his Art , as for his valour try'd . When him of life Achilles spoyled had , The valiant * Heroe a neer friendship made With brave Aeneas ? nor in this did hee Joyn in a lesse-deserving amitie , But , him , whilst with shrill notes the Ocean he Alarms ; and does the Gods themselves defie . Triton ( his exc'llence envying ) betrayes ; And drowns amid'st the rock-surrounding Seas . Wherefore around him all lamenting stand : The good Aeneas chiefly : the Command Of Sibyll the whole Company obeys : And a vast pyre of pyled timber rayse : Unto an ancient wood their course they bend , Fat Pitch-trees fall ; redoubled strokes extend The yeelding Holm ; the Ash , the Wedg-riv'd Oake , And Alder feele the weighty axes stroke . Aeneas also ( whom like armes invest ) By his example doth excite the rest : And , as the lofty Forrest he survayes , From his minds sad reflections thus he prayes ; " Oh! That I could this golden bough descry ; " Since too too true it is whatere of thee " The Prophetesse , Misenus , hath fore-told , " Oh that I could that golden-bough behold : Hee scarce had ended when of Doves [ 23 ] a brace Before him light upon the tender grasse : His * Mothers birds he knew ; and , joy'd doth pray ; Be ye my guides , to those groves shew the way ; Where the rich bough doth with its shade invest The fruitfull ground : nor cease thou to assist Mee ( Goddesse-Mother ) in all straits : then Hee , Making a halt , observes the Augury . And marks their course ; who 'fore him [ 24 ] feeding fly , As far as he could follow with his eye . Arriv'd then at Avernus noysome Lake , With nimble wings , through liquid ayr , they make : Untill that tree their wished perch became , Where through the boughs the glit'ring gold did flame . As [ 25 ] Misletoe ( of the tree where it growes No seminal production ) verdant showes In winters cold ; as that its yellow leaves Around its tender branches interweaves . So the rich mettal grew ; the * Gold-foile so Did crackle , when the whisp'ring wind did blow : Then hastily Aeneas at it caught , And , when broke off , it to Sibylla brought . Mean [ 26 ] while the Trojans for Misenus mourn , And , to his ashes the last dues return . First they a mighty Pyre erect , whose base Of rived Oake , and oyly pitch-trees was : They with darke boughs the sides , th' extremities With Cypresse trim : a top , his armour lies . Warm Baths then they prepare ; his cold stiffe joynts Part with the same foments , part them annoints : Then him , as dead bewayling , on a bed They lay , o're which they purple garments spread , The usual Hears-cloths ; these support the Bier , Whilst those ( their faces turn'd ) flames to the Pyre Apply : into the same then others doe Sweets , costly meats , oyle with the vessels throw . Then into ashes , when the hungry fire The Corps had turn'd , and did it selfe expire , The flames remains , and thirsty embers they With Wine ( upon them poured ) do allay : In a brasse-Urn Chorôneus doth inclose Th' assembled bones , thrice with fair water does Th' * Assistants purge , them sprinkling with the same , Then the last words ( lustration done ) doth name . But , good Aeneas a fair [ 27 ] tomb doth reare His armes his Oar , and trumpet carving there , Under [ 28 ] a lofty Mountain , from his name Misenus [ 29 ] call'd , to his aeternall fame . This ended hee proceeds : There was a [ 30 ] Cave , To whose deep womb a vast mouth entrance gave , Surrounded with dark shades , and a black [ 31 ] Lake O're which no birds their flight could safely take . Such noysom vapours were from thence exhal'd , Hence by the Greeks it was Aornos cal'd . To this [ 32 ] Caves mouth * he four black Bullocks led ; Upon whose heads the Priest wine having shed , The haires hee ( as a praevious offering ) Pluck'd from between the victims horns , doth fling Into the sacred flames : on Hecate ( In Heav'n and hell a pow'rfull Deitie ) Hee calls : their yeelded throats these cut , whilst those In Bowles their blood receive : Aeneas does With his own hands , unto the Furies Dam , And her great sister , slay a black-fleec'd Lamb : To Proserpine a barren Cow : then hee Doth nightly Altars , Pluto , raise to thee , On which , of Bulls , a Holocaust he fries , Pouring fat oyle upon the Sacrifice . But , when Sol first his morning rayes did shed , The Ground beneath to groane , the Trees o're-head To shake began : * Goddesse neer Did draw , of fiends they yells and howlings heare " Through the darke shades : Avant , avant , prophane " The * Virgin cries , and from these groves abstain ; But , thou with thy drawn steele advance : behold , It now behooves Aeneas to be bold . This said , into the yawning 〈◊〉 shee leaps . His * Guide he follows with unda●●ted steps : " Gods of dislodged Soules , and silent Ghosts , " Chaos , and Phlegeton , nights dismal coasts : " Let mee relate what I have heard ; reveale " What e're in its dark womb earth doth conceale . Through * Dis [ 33 ] his void & empty Mansions they , In darknesse shrouded , grope their doubtfull way : Under a shadie woods thick coverts so Men by the Moons uncertain glimm'rings goe , When Jove in clouds hath wrap't the darken'd skye , And night with-drawn all colours from the eye . 'Fore Hells [ 34 ] base-Court , Sadnesse with poynant care , As ever-waking Sentinels appeare : Pale Sicknesse , peevish Age , Death , Labour , Feare , Ill-prompting Hunger , sluttish Want dwell there , ( Forms dreadfull to behold ) Deaths brother Sleep , Self-hugging Sin ; dire Warre next station keep : Last th' iron beds of the * Eumenides , And witlesse Discord neighb'ring were to these : With bloody fillets bound about her head . Within the Court a shadie [ 35 ] Elme did spread Its aged branches ; Here the vulgar tell That vain Dreams ( under each leafe shrouded ) dwell ; Beside , of divers forms there monsters were : Centaurs [ 36 ] stall'd at the Gates : mix'd [ 37 ] Scylla's there , Hundred arm'd [ 38 ] Briareus , with [ 39 ] * Lerna's beast , Whose fearfull hissings the whole place infest : Chimaer ' [ 40 ] with flames inviron'd [ 41 ] Gorgons there , And [ 42 ] Harpyes , with three-bodied-Elves [ 43 ] appear , Aeneas ( whom surprizal made afraid ) As they approach , presents his threatning blade . And , had he not by his wise * Guide been told , That hee but apparitions did behold , Forms without bodies ; them hee charged had , And on the Ghosts a vain impression made . The way hence to infernal [ 44 ] Ach'ron leads , That troubled and unfathom'd gulph here spreads Its inlarg'd bosom , whence it up doth fling Its noysom sands into Cocytus spring . A dreadfull Ferry-man doth guard this passe , Horrid , old , nasty [ 45 ] Charon , on whose face A wood of snarl'd , and grizly hair doth grow : His eyes ( like sawcers ) stare , like fire do glow : Ty'd on his shoulders hung his sordid coat : A Pole did steer , and sayles advance his Boat , Wherein his ayrie fraight he o're did passe : And ( though in yeeres ) the * God yet lusty was , Matrons , and men , with Ghosts of Heroes stout , Boyes , and unmarried Virgins throng about These banks , with youths imposed on the Pyre , Before the face of their lamenting Syre . Trees doe not faster shed their wither'd locks In Autumns cold , nor in more num'rous flocks Doe Birds from Northern-blasts make their retreat To Regions blest with more indulgent heat . They for praecedence striving , prayd ; and did ( Desirous of the Rivers further syde ) Stretch forth their hands : But the grim Boat-man those , Now these receives : but others doth oppose In their desired passage : Here the good Aeneas ( who , at this throng , wondring stood ) " Tell , Maid , doth say ; what means this confluence ? " What would those Soules ? and why this difference ? " That those should from the banks depart , whilst these " With joyfull Oares doe sweep the livid Seas , The aged Priestesse briefly thus replies : " Anchises sonne , of the great Deities " Th' undoubted of-spring , thou dost here survay " Cocytus noysome streames : that Stygian bay , " By which the Gods doe feare an Oath to take ; " But , more that Oath , which they have ta'ne , to break : " Those troops are such , as yet no buriall have : " That Boat-man , Charon : those hee wafts , a Grave " Have found : None may be ferri'd o're this Deep , " Till in the Earth their quiet bones doe sleep . " A [ 46 ] hundred yeeres about these banks they stray : " This term expir'd , the passage then is free : Aeneas stop't , with various thoughts opprest , And for their harder fate much grief exprest : Leucaspes , and Lycian Orontes hee Sad ( as depriv'd fo fun'ral Rites ) did see , Whom stormie-Winds ( both men and ships ) did drown As they fled from their sack'd and flaming * Town . His master [ 47 ] Palinurus here appears , Who ( whilst from Lybia sayling , the bright starres Hee did observe ) into the Deep did fall To him ( whom he to mind could scarce recall . Amidst those shades ) Aeneas doth begin : " By what God hast thou from us ravish'd bin ? " Say Palinurus , who hath drowned thee ? " Phoebus ( who ne're before deluded mee ) " Herein hath mee deceiv'd : Hee made beleeve " That on * Ausonia's shore thou shouldst arrive " Safe from all dangers of the faithlesse flood : " What ? doth the God his promise thus make good ? " But hee , nor Phoebus hath deluded thee " Great Chief , or in the surges drowned mee . " The helm ( by which , as Steers-man I our Course " Did govern ) from the vessel rent by force , " Falling , I with me drew : by Seas I sweare , " That none , mee lost , could be ingreater feare , " For thee then I , least void of guide and helm " The swelling waves thy ship should over whelm : " Three winter nights by sto●my Auster tost , " I floated on the waves : th' ▪ Italiau coast , " ( As I a rowling billow did bestride ) " On the fourth morning hardly I descry'd . " I safe now gain the shore , to which I made , " When wet and tyr'd , a savage route m' invade , " Guided by hopes of prey , as I did climb " And graspe the craggy Rock : now dead I swim , " A sport to winds , and waves rol'd to the shore : " But , by heav'ns blessed light I thee implore , " By thy dead * Sire , and by thy living * Heir , " Mee from these miseries , great Conquerer , " Rescue , or mee interre ; which thou maist , doe " If to the Port of Velia thou wilt goe , " Or if some other way there be , if thy " Fair * Mother it to thee doth shew : ( for I " Beleeve without the Auspice of the Gods , " Thou ventur'st not to passe these dreadfull floods ) " Help wretched mee , me o're these streames convay , " That quietly , in death , repose I may . But , to him thus the Prophetesse replies , " From whence doth this accust desire arise ? " Think'st , Palinure , unburied to sayle o're " The Stygian sound , or to the other shore " Without thy passe-port wilt thou goe ? forbear , " The stubborn Fates mill not be bow'd by Prayr : " Take this for salace of thy sadder chance , " By prodigies compell'd , th' Inhabitants " Both far , and neer , thy * Manes shall appease , " And to thy memory a tomb shall rayse " After thy name to all aeternitie ; " The place shall Palinurus called bee . " This speech , the grief which he conceiv'd , abates : " He 's pleas'd that hee that Coast denominates . Wherefore proceeding they doe now draw nigh , The River , whom when Charon did espy , Tending that way , hee [ 48 ] rudely thus 'gan speak ; " Who e're thou art , who armed to this Lake " Guid'st thy bold steps , what is thine errand here ? " Say man , and further to advance forbeare . " Of Ghosts , sleep , drowzie night thou view'st the place , " No living bodies in our Bark may passe : " Nor [ 49 ] that Perithous , and Hercules " With Theseus came aboard mee , did it please , " Though from the Gods they were descended ; though " For matchlesse valour none could them out-doe : " One Hell 's grim Guardian bound , and trembling drew " From our great Sov'raigns Throne : the other two " From Dis his armes his Queen design'd to force . The [ 50 ] Virgin briefly speaks to this discourse , " Be not offended , wee no treason beare , " No violence ▪ though wee bee armed , feare : " That * Porter may to all a●ternity " Ly barking in his Den , and terrifie " The bloodlesse Ghosts : the Emperesse of Hell , " May unattempted with her Uncle dwell ; " For piety and armes Aeneas great " Doth seeke his father in hells lowest seat : " If so great piety perswade not , see " This bough ; ( the Bough in her vest hidden shee Did then display ) He pacif'd replies , No more ; but viewing with admiring eyes The honour'd Branch , not seen long time before , Hee turns his Boat , and doth approach the shore . Then he ( the Soules which here , there scatter'd sat Displacing ) cleers the Decks ; this done , the great Aeneas hee receives : the cras'd Bark sinks Under the weight ; and the waves ( leaky ) drinks : At last his fraight on th' other side the flood Hee safely lands amidst the sedgie mud . Vast [ 51 ] Cerberus ( who makes those realms resound With his deep yells ) lies couchant on the ground , In a neer Den , whom when the maid did see Rousing his Snakes , a sop in honey she , And sleepy juices steep't , to him did fling : Three mouths at once the Monster opening It snatch'd : now his vast sides he doth display : His whole Den cov'ring , as hee sleeping lay : The * Guard secur'd , the Prince the pass doth gain : And quits those banks , * whence none return again . Voices [ 52 ] forthwith , and lamentable cries , Of deceas'd Infants here his eares surprize : Whom from their mothers breasts , as soon , as born , Untimely death , and hasty fates had torn : Next were [ 53 ] who wrongfully condemn'd had been ; For ev'n in Hell is formall Justice seen : Th' Urn Minos shakes , Of Ghosts a Court he cals , Where hee , as Judge , sits on the Criminals : Bord'ring on [ 54 ] these , a troop of such appears , As had been their own Executioners : How gladly would they ( though they did sustain All wants , all hardships ) see blest light again ? Fates thwart : an unrenavigable sound , And Styx's nine-fold Moat doth them surround . Not far from [ 55 ] hence they on vast plaines arrive , The Mourning fields ; this name to them they give . Here secret walkes , and myrtle groves doe hide , For cruel love who ( languishing ) have di'd . Nor are their flames ( though dead ) asswag'd ; here hee * Phaedra and Procris , Eriphil ' did see . Of her unnat'rall son the wounds who shew'd : Evadne with Pasiphaë here were view'd : Laodomîa these accompani'd , With Coeneus , change of sexe so oft who try'd . Amongst whom Dido ( her wounds bleeding yet ) Wandred in a vast Grove , whom when Troy's great Heroe approaching , through thick darknesse knew , ( In her first quarter , so the Moon doth shew , Veil'd in obscuring clouds ) hee teares did shed , And thus , to her ( through deep resentment ) said " Unhappy Dido ! it was therefore true , " That thou wert dead ; that thine owne hands thee slue : " Alas ! I was the cause , by Stars I sweare , " By th' powr's above , by those who govern here , " Queen , I did thee unwillingly forsake : " But those divine Commands ( by which I take " On mee this journey , through unfathom'd Hell , " These shades , and squalid places ) did compell " Mee to that act : nor could I e're beleeve , " That for my losse thou couldst so deeply grieve . " Ah! stay : thy self withdraw not from my sight : " Whom shun'st thou ? stay : wee never more shall meet . Thus hee with teares , and sweetning words allay'd The Queenes just grief : whilst shee the same bewray'd In scornfull frowns , and lookes from him averse ; As unconcern'd , at what he did rehearse , As hardest flint , or * Parian rock : last shee Away did fling , and in a rage did flie Unto a shadie Grove , where shee repairs To her old Lord , who answers to her cares , Her deere * Sichaeus : nor did her sad fate Lesse pitty in Aenaeas breast create , By trickling teares exprest . Then on his way Hee doth proceed ; and now those regions they Approach , which by fam'd [ 56 ] warriers hanted were : Here Tydeus hee , Parthenopaeus here , That gallant youth , and pale Adrastus Ghost , Here hee those worthy Trojans ( who had lost Their lives in fight ) beheld : here hee did see Thersil'chus , Glaucus , Medon : here the three Antênors , Polybete , Idaeus here , Who in his Chariot armed did appeare : These Ghosts him round , both on the left and right , Nor could be sated with one single sight : They must gaze on , and neerer to him stand ; They must of him his journeys cause demand : But the Greek Peers ; And Agamemnon's men Through heartlesse feare began to tremble , when They him beheld in his bright armour clad : These fled , as when towards their ships they made ; Whilst others rayse a shrill and feeble cry , Which , while they yawning strive to speake , doth dye : And [ 57 ] here Deiphobus of Priams race , All over wounds , with cru'lly mangled face , Face , and both hands , appears ; whose bleeding head Of ears was spoyl'd , and nose disfigured With an unseemly wound : in this disguize Scarce to be known , to him the * Prince applies " Himself in friendly words : Deiphobus , " The valiant seed of Teucer , who hath thus " Cruelly thee abus'd ? who on thee could " Take this advantage ? It to mee was told , " That the last night , with Graecian slaughter tyr'd , " You on a heape of the dead foes expir'd : " Then I did raise on the Rhaetaean shore " For thee an empty Tomb ; thrice did implore " Thy Ghost ; thy name and armes still there abide : " I could no better then for thee provide . " Then here Priamides : not ought by thee " Hath been omitted , friend ; thou hast to mee " All Rites perform'd : but mine owne Fates , and spite " of that Greek * Strumpet mee hath buried quite " In these disasters , and bequeath'd to mee " These sad memento's : for whilst vainly wee " Troy's * finall night in jollity did spend : " ( It too just cause we have to call to minde ) " When th' fatal Horse our lofty walls did scale , " Pregnant with its arm'd birth , a solemn braul " Feigning , as chief th' unhappy dance she led , " The Phrygian Dames did the same measures tread , " Singing wild * Orgies : whilst a blazing light " Holding , shee did her Greeks to th' sack invite . " Then my unhappy bed did mee detain , " Where profound sleep did all my Senses chain : " Mean while my * virtuous wife my armes did hide , " And stole my trusty Sword from my bed-side . " Then Menelaüs calling in , shee op'd " The gates ; this shee a gratefull office hop'd " Would to her * lover prove ; that thereby shee " Of her past crimes the hated memorie " Should quite abolish : why more words ? they forc'd " Into my Chamber : with the rest th' accurst " Aeolides rush'd in : if I aright " Doe pray , just Gods , alike those Greekes requite : " But , likewise tell , what fates have thee alive " Brought hither ? Did the stormy Sea thee drive ? " Or Gods command ? what moved thee , my friend , " To this dark noysom place thy course to bend ? Whilst thus they talk , * Morn with her rosie wain Had more then measur'd the Meridian : And happily thus they more time had spent , But , that the * Maid did these delays prevent : " Thus interposing , Night , brave Prince , doth haste , " And wee in teares our pretious houres doe waste . " Into two paths this way it self doth spread : " The right doth to great Pluto's Palace lead , " Where the Elysium lies : the left directs " To Hell , where torments doe the damned vex : Diephobus in answere then replies : " Let not , great Priestess , anger thee surprize : " Ile goe , in darknesse my set time to spend : " But thee , our * glory , better fates attend . " This [ 57 ] having said , himself he did withdraw . T' his left hand then Aeneas turning , saw Vast buildings , which three tow'red walls inclose , A round which Phleg'tons flaming torrent flows , Rowling huge stones : The Gate ( whose Pillars were Cut of solid adamant ) did bear Th' imposed burden of an iron Tow'r , And was so strong , that it no humane pow'r Nor Gods themselves ( were they turn'd Engineers ) Could force : Here fell * Tisiphone appears , Gyrt with a blood-stain'd coat : shee at this gate , An ever-waking Centinel did wait : Here groans were heard , clashing of whips here sound , Grating of iron , with chains drawl'd on the ground . Aenaeas stop't , and ( frighted ) to the noyse " Listn'd ; what dreadfull sights , say Maid , are these ? " What tortures ? and what hideous yells invade " Mine eares ? Renowned Trojan , then shee said , " No hallow'd person may this cursed place " Approach , but when by * Hecate I was " Intrusted with A●ernus Grove , then shee " In all particulars instructed mee . " [ 59 ] Here Rhadamanth , that stern Inquisiter " Praesides ; compelling to confesse what e're " Crimes cunningly above contriv'd have bin , " And , by him unrepented , who the sin " ( In vain conceal'd ) hath perpetrated : Here " Tisiphone [ 60 ] doth with a whip appear , " Insulting o're the guilty : her foule snakes " With her left hand the * Furie at them shakes , " Her bloody sisters calling to her aid : " The damned Gate gave way , whilst this she said , " Groaning on its hoarse hinges : Didst thou see " ( Shee then proceeds ) what fearfull guards did lie " At Hells first entrance , and that passe did keepe ? " More filthy Monsters crawle within its deep " And ugly womb , which twice as far descends " Beneath the Center , as the heav'n extends " Above the same . In this foul Dungeon I " The [ 61 ] Titans , earths first-born , did wallowing spy : " I also then Aloïdes surveyd , " Whilst they their vast proportions there displayd . " These the high heavens did attempt to rase , " And from his starry throne Jove to displace . " I saw Salmôneus cruell pains sustaine , " Whilst hee Jov's lightning did , and thunder feign . " Drawn by four horses , hee through * Pisa rod " With brandish'd torch , and would be thought a God. " Mad man , who ' inimitable thunder strove " To feign with brasse , and horn-hoof'd steeds : but Jove " At him from Heav'ns high Arcenal let flye " A shot ( with brands and smoking torches hee " Us'd most to sport ) and down to th' lowest Hell " Therewith did in a dismall storm compell . " Moreover earth-born * Tityus there I ' spyde , " Whos 's large dimensions did nine acres hide : " On his immortall liver ( growing still " As 't was devour'd ) a vulture with his bill " Did ever tire , and ( pearch'd upon his breast ) " To his renued bowels gave no rest . " Perithous why should I mention ? Why " Ixion , or the bloody Lapithae ? " O're whom a fearfull stone ( a suddain fall " Menacing ) hangs , whilst they on * genial " Couches with golden frames supported , feast , " But , th' eldest of the Furies ( here a Guest ) " With threatning torch doth rise up from her seat , " And them forbids to touch th' inviting meat . " Those [ 62 ] who their brothers have pursu'd with hate , " Their Clients cheated , or their Parents beat ; " Or for themselves alone , who gold did hord , " ( Whose number 's greatest ) nor a part afford " To their neer friends , whose fates unbridled lust " Hath hasten'd on , who have deceiv'd their trust , " And ' gainst their King and lawfull Soveraign " ( In impious broyles engag'd ) their Swords have drawn , " Their Doom doe here expect ; nor ask what Doom , " Or by what form condemn'd ; how hither come : " Some a huge stone doe * rowle ; some faste●●dare " To a swift * wheele : unhappy Theseus there " Doth sit , and shall to all aeternity . " The wretched Phlegyas aloud doth cry , " And through the shades thus constantly advise , " When warn'd , learn Justice ; nor , the Gods despise : " Of 's Countries freedom this made Merchandise ; " Hee made Lawes , and unmade them at a price : " This his own daughter bedded : * All have bin " As happy in successe , as bold in Sin : " Had I a hundred mouths , a hundred tongues ; " An iron voice , and had I brazen lungs , " I could no way all sorts of Crimes comprize , " Or tortures , wherewith sinners they chastize : The aged [ 63 ] Priestesse having this exprest ; " Goe on ( doth cry ) and perfect now the rest : " With haste proceed : the arched Gates appear , " And walls , which by the Cyclops framed were , " Our golden gift wee here must leave : This said , Through gloomy paths with equal pace they tread ; Their way they soon dispatch ; and now draw neere Great Pluto's Gates : Aeneas entring there , And himself with fair water sprinkling , does Within the Porch the pretious branch depose . These Rites perform'd , to [ 64 ] joyfull places they , Pleasant green-Groves , blest seats themselves convey : The fields with [ 65 ] cheerefull light the freer sky Invests : their own both [ 66 ] Sun and Stars they see : Some in green Meads , contending for the prize , Or on the bright sand their limbs exercise : Some nimbly foot it to a well tun'd song , The Thracian * Poet , clothed in a long Robe , the [ 67 ] seven notes of musick warbling , sings : This hand doth stop ; that strikes the answ'ring strings . Teucers old race , and fair Descendants here , Brave Heroes , born in better times , appeare : Here Dardanus , sad Troys first founder , and Ilus with brave Assaracus did stand : Their empty [ 68 ] Charets , arms , erected Spears , Beholding , at a distance , he admires : Their steeds unbridled range the fields all o're : With what care they their armes , and Charets , 'fore They left the living , kept : with what their sleek And stately Coursers they did keep , the like Continued was by them , when dead : here he On either hand a multitude did see Spending in banqueting their carelesse daies ; Dancing , and singing great * Apollo's prayse In a sweet lawrell Grove , through which the [ 68 ] Pa Doth gently with its liquid Christall flow . Here those , who for their Country wounds , receiv'd In fight , could shew ; those Priests , who , whilst they liv'd , Were chaste ; those * Prophets who religious were , And things of Phoebus worthy did declare . Who had been Authors of some usefull Arts ; Who others had oblig'd by good deserts ; All such in these blest mansions did reside , Having their temples with white fillets ti'd : To whom ( surrounding her ) Sibylla said , But , chiefly to [ 70 ] Musaeus ( by the head Taller then those , who wond'ring him invest ) Say blessed Souls , and thou of * Poets best , Where may we find Anchises , for whose sake We ventur'd have to passe the Stygian Lake ? Then briefly he : None here have constant seats , In shady Groves we have our known retreats : The flowry banks , and stream-vein'd Meadows we Do here , and there frequent ; but ( if so be You it desire ) that hills unforc'd ascent ( Your readiest way ) o'recome . This said , he went Before , as Guide , and from above did show Delightfull plains ; then down the hill they goe . But Ag'd Anchises , in a cheerfull vale Souls , from the rest apart , survay'd , which shall Heav'ns blessed light again review : here hee Numbred his owne renowned progenie : Their Gests , and pow'r , what fates should them betyde : But , when Aeneas coming he espyde , With teares of joy , and hands erected hee Cryes ; Art thou come ? Hath thy known pietie Mastred all hardships ? Sonne , doe I thy face Behold ? and doth discourse between us passe ? Upon compute I did the time foresee , Nor have I erred in mine Augurie . After what stormes both on the Sea and Land , After what hazards , Sonne , by thee sustaind Doe I embrace thee ? Oh! how did I feare Lest thee the Court of Carthage should ensnare ? But he : thy Ghost , Father , thy woefull Ghost , Often appearing , forc'd mee to this coast : Our Fleete rides in the Tyrrhene sea : give me Thine hand , dear Sire , nor my embraces flie : Hee spoke , and wept ; thrice his embraces sought In vain thrice at the fleeting shadow caught ; Like winde which vanish'd , or a winged dream . Mean while Aeneas the Lethaean stream , ( Which by those pleasant seats did softly glide ) And fair inclosures in the vale espyde : About whose banks a multitude did stray , As buzie Bees doe on a Sunn●e day Upon the flowërs brood , and spo●t about The painted Meadowes ; with the murm'ring rout The Plains resound : This unexpected sight To wonder , and enquiry did invite The stranger Prince , who ask'd what streams those were ? What those , who in such numbers did repair Unto the same ? The Father doth reply ; " Those unhous'd [ 78 ] Soules ( for whom by fates Decree " New Mansions are reserv'd ) on Lethes brink " Oblivion , and thought-quelling draughts doe drink : " Long since I these before thee to present " Have wish'd ; and to recount , who their descent " From mee derive , that thou maist thence the more " Rejoyce , when thou shalt touch the wished shore " Of Italie : * Father can it descend " Into our thoughts , that Souls from hence ascend ? " That they shall their dull bodies reinvest ? " Are th' wretches with such love of life possest ? " Anchises then : Sonne , I le not thee delay , " But all things in due order here display : " The [ 72 ] heav'ns , the earth , the watry plains , the bright " And round-fac'd Moon , the Suns unborrow'd light " A Soul within Sustains ; whose virtues passe " Through ev'ry part , and mixe with the whole masse . " Hence Men , beasts , birds take their Original ; " Those Monsters hence , which in the Sea do dwell : " [ 73 ] But , those Souls there , of firie vigour share , " The Principles of them coelestiall are , " Unlesse they from the body clogged bee , " And ill-contrived Organs doe deny " To them their operations , hence Grief , Joy , " Fear , Hope , and all wild passions us annoy : " Nor doe they their Original regard " Whil●st shut up in the bodies darksome ward : " Nor , [ 74 ] ( though they disembodied bee , ) are they " Freed from those stains , which ( whilst inhous'd in clay , ) " They did collect : having so long convers'd , " They with much filth from thence must be aspers'd . " Hence to their crimes their pains proportion'd are : " Some are expos'd to the all-searching Ayre ; " Some are in Waters plung'd , in fire some tryde : " Our Purgatory thus we all abide : " Then through the vast Elysium we are sent : " But few these joyfull Champaigns doe frequent : " Untill the fate-praefixed time have tane " And purg'd away what e're contracted stain : " [ 75 ] Leaving of spots that heavenly * Being cleer , " Of fire a compound , and uninixed Ayr. " A thousand yeers ( the destin'd period ) " Fulfill'd , the * God calls them to Lethes flood : " That all things past forgot , they may review " The upper world , and bodies reindue . [ 76 ] This said : his Sonne together with the Maid Into the thickest of the throng heled : And mounts a hillock , whence he might discern Them march in order , and their faces learn. " * Loe ! now thy future fates to thee I le shew , " What glory shall to Dardan's race accrue , " What Nephews shall from Latian stem be born , " Illustrious Souls , who shall our name adorn . " That youth ( do'st see ? ) supported on his Lance " Shall next to light , by fates Decree , advance , " Sylvius an Alban name thy , posthume Sonne , " ( In whose veins Latium's royall blood shall run ) " Shall next above appear : the same thy dear " * Consort a king , and Sire of kings shall bear " Amidst the woods , from whence our princely line " Derived , shall over long Alba reign . " That next is Prccas , who the Trojan name " Shall aeternize ; then those of no lesse fame , " Capys and Numitor : That fourth , like thee , " Sylvius Aeneas shall sirnamed be : " Alike for piety , and arms extold , " If ever hee the Alban Scepter hold ; " The goodly limbs of these brave youths survey . " But , who with Civiek [ 77 ] wreaths are shadow'd , they " Nomentum , Gabii , and Fidenae shall " Found , and erect Collatia's toured wall ; " Pometii , Castrum , Bola , Cora too , " Shall then be names , though they be namelesse now . " But , * with his [ 78 ] Grandsire martiall Romulus " Shall reigne : whom Ilia ( from Assaracus " Sprung ) shall bring forth : behold ! his double crest : " Him Jove himself doth even now invest " With Deity : Sonne , under his command " Renowned Rome shall to the utmost land " Her Empire stretch , her prowesse to the skies ; " And , blest with a stout race of men , comprize " Sev'n hills within her walls . With towrs thus crownd " Cybel ' doth Phrygias towns in triumph round , " Proud of her divine ofspring , num'rous race , " Which in Olympus all , as Gods , take place . " But [ 79 ] both thine eyes here bend ; thy Romans see " This Caesar is , this the whole progenie " Of thy Iülus , ready now t' ascend : " This , this is hee , whom fates to thee commend , " God-sprung Augustus ; the golden age again " He shall restore , as in old Saturns reign : " Beyond the Garamants , and Indians hee " Shall rule , beyond the Stars a land doth lye , " Beyond the walk both of the Sun and yeer , " Where Atlas doth the spangled axel bear : " Now from all quarters of the Sea-girt earth " The Oracles foretell his dreaded birth : " Both from the Caspian , and Maeotick coast , " And , from whence Nile into the sea doth post : " Nor did * Alcîdes so much ground run o're , " Tbe brasse-hoof'd hinde , and Erymanthian Boar " Although he slew ▪ and Lerna terrifide , " Nor the victorious Bacchus , who doth guide " With vine-bound reigns his Chairet , hurrying down " His Tigers , * Nysa , from thy ayrie crown : " And doubt wee of our valour proofe to give ? " From Italy shall dastard fear us drive ? " But , [ 80 ] who is he , who with the Olive bough . " And off'rings comes ? His hoarie locks him show " To be that Roman King , * who ( to a great " Empire From a small Dorp advanc'd ) the State " On wholsom Law 's did build . Then [ 81 ] Tullus shall " Succeed , and the unpractiz'd people call " To warfare ; hee ( an enemy to peace ) " Disused Triumphs shall revive . Next these " The haughty [ 82 ] Ancus struts : already hee " With pop'lar breath inflated seems to bee . " Would'st [ 83 ] thou the Tarquins , and stout [ 84 ] " The fasces from the kings recover'd ? He " The Cons'lar pow'r , and cruel Rods the first Brutus see ? " Shall exercise ; his rebel Sons ( who durst " New wars excite ) th' unhappy father shall " To punishment for rescu'd freedom call : " What e're Posterity'othe fact shall say , " Him love of fame , and 's Country shall o'resway " But , see the [ 85 ] Decii and the [ 86 ] Drusi there , " With [ 87 ] Torquate who a blood-staind axe doth bear : " With ensignes laden brave [ 88 ] Camillus see : " But , those [ 89 ] two Souls , who alike armed bee , " And friendly now , whilest shrouded in death's night , " What warr 's ( when rais'd to lives more cheerfull light ) " What slaughter shall they cause ? the * Father from " The Alps shall with his northern forces come ; " The Sonne to him oppose the armed East : * " Brave Souls , proceed not in this dire contest , " Arm not your Countrey'gainst your selves ; but thou " My * of-spring , whom heav'ns for their own avow , " Forbear , and first thy self disarm : " [ 90 ] Hee ( Corinth raz'd , and with Greek blood bedi'd ) " Shall to the Capitol in triumph ride : " The same ( having aveng'd our native Troy , " And Pallas prophan'd Temple ) shall destroy " Argi , Mycaenae ( Agamemnon ' s seat ) " And Pyrrhus , proud Achilles race , defeat : " Who [ 61 ] Cato would omit ? or [ 92 ] Cossus thee ? " The [ 93 ] Gracchi who ? who the [ 94 ] Scipiadae ? " Warr's thunderbolts , and Libya's overthrow : " [ 95 ] Fabricius , great in a small fortune ? who " [ 96 ] Serranus , thee tilling thy ground ? but yee " Whether [ 97 ] O Fabii ! doe you hurry mee " All ready spent ? thou art that Maximus , " whose wise delays shall raise declining us . " Some brasse shall cast , that it to breathe shall seem , " Work marble , that you it alive would deem , " Plead better ; better th' heav'nly motions tell , " But , Roman , thou learn th' art of ruling well . " Such be thy craft , in peace thy custome such : " The loyall cherish , the Rebellious Crush . " Thus spake Archîses , and to this subjoyns ; " In royall spoyles see how [ 98 ] Marcellus shines , " See how he marcheth raller then the rest : " The Roman State ( tumultuous rout's supprest ) " Hee shall from falling keep ; he shall inthrawl " The Carthaginian , and the Rebell Gaul , " Father * Quirinus , Hee also to thine " The third spoyls ( ravish'd from the Foe ) shall joyn : And here Aeneas ( for before him there A goodly youth did in bright arms appear But , sad his look , dejected was his face ) " What is hee , Father , who with equall pace " The other doth accompany ? his Son ? " Or some of our Descendants ? how they run , " And round him flock ? * how gracefull is his Meen ? " But , gloomy ●ight doth with a cloudy skreen " His head involve . Tears flowing from his eyes , The good Anchîses thus to him replies . " The griefs of thine , desire not Sonne , to know , " Him to the world the fates shall only show : " The Roman name , O Gods ! too pow'rfull had " Appear'd , had you such blessings lasting made : " With what laments shall great Romes burial place " Resound ? what fun'ral pomps as thou dost passe " By his new grave , sad Tiber , shalt thou see ? " None ever of the Trojan stem shall bee " Of equall hopes with him ; Romes joyfull coast " Of a more worthy birth shall never boast : " His piety , and antique singlenesse , " Or who his matchlesse valour shall expresse ? " Whether on foot , or his brave Courser arm'd , " None ever had encountred him , unharm'd : " Deplored youth ! ( if this sad doom by thee " Can be eschew●d , ) thou shalt * Marcellus bee : " Bring Lilies ; I will purple flowërs strew , " At least let mee return this tribute , due " To the * deceas'd , an empty Monument " Let me erect : thus they together went Through those void ayrie Wasts ; and all survey'd , Which when the * Father had at large displayd , And his sonnes minde with the heroïck thought Of future fame inflamed , him hee taught What warres hee was to wage , with whom to fight , Latinus strength , and did at large recite How he should or incounter , or decline All hazards waiting on his vast designe . [ 99 ] Of Sleep two gates there are : the one of horn . Whence reall dreams to th'upper world are born ; Th' other 's made of polish'd Ivory , From whence deluding fancies mount the sky : His Son thus entertaining and the Maid , Anchises them out at this gate convey'd : Aeneas to his friends and ships repaires , And to Cajeta's Port directly steers . ANNOTATIONS upon the Sixth Book OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS . § . 1 THe coherence of this Book with the precedent depends upon the two last verses thereof , where Aeneas in these words laments the death of his drowned friend Palinurus ; Heu ! nimium coelo & pelago confise sereno , Nudus in ignotâ , Palinure , jacebis arenâ : Sic fatur lacrymans . — O Palinure , trusting fair-seas and sky , Thou naked on some coast unknown mustly : This weaping said . — Which Hemistich our Poet translates out of Homer ▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : nor must we lay any thing of disproportion to our Author , in that he makes his heroïck Aeneas to weep . Homer did the same in the person of Vlysses . Tears are not alwayes the excrement of a moist brain , but many times the exudations of a generous heart , springing from a commendable sensibleness of anothers calamity ; and may become the manly countenance of a Caesar , or an Alexander ▪ whereas ( to the contrary ) cruelty and cowardize are terms convertible , and generally the unhand some inmates of an ignoble breast . § 2 The Poet here speaks pr●leptically ; for Cumae was not then built , but a long time after , viz. in the reign of Latinus Sylvius , the fift in descent from Aeneas : It was founded and planted by the people of Chalchis , the principall City of Euboea , a noted Island in the Aegaean Sea , and not far distant from the Coast of Attica ; now known ( as I take it ) by the name of Negroponte ; whence Virgil gives it the epithetes of Euboïca , and Calchidicae , both expressing its originall : It was called Cumae either from a City of that name in Asia Minor , or ( according to Servius ) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because situated near the sea-side ; or from a woman with childe , which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , found there sleeping by the first Adventurers ; and taken ( as it also proved ) for a good Omen of future fecundity , though at present it survives only in the fame and memory of its past greatness , little or no remains thereof being at this day to be seen . § 3 Virgil has indeed expressed that with more Poeticall pomp , which we have but barely rendred in the English . — quaerit pars semina flammae Abstrusa in venis silicis . — Some think that he speaks here more like a Poet then a Philosopher , ascribing those sparks ( for that he means by those semina flammae , following Homer herein , who calls them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) to the collision of two solid bodies , as the flint and the steel ; and this is Alex. Aphrodisaeus his opinion , denying that there is any latent or secret fire in either of them . But since * all mixt bodies are compounded of the 4. elements , and by consequence have a proportion of fire in them , why may we not more rationably conclude that these semina flammae are potentially in all solid bodies , and brought into act by a violent and often-repeated collision . Hence Mills and Chariot-wheels often fire : nor must we conclude to the contrary , because they are outwardly cold : So is wine , which hath a virtuall heat and spirit in it ; which appears when awaken'd by the naturall heat of the stomach . Again , should fire ( which is a substance ) owe its birth to the collision of two solid bodies only , then an Accident ( for such is that collision ) would produce a substance ; but that is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , against the principles of Philosophie : we shall therefore conclude , that Virgil spake as well like a Philosopher as a Poet , when he said , — quaerit pars semina flammae Abstrusa in venis silicis . — Whose opinion we may strengthen by the Authority of Symposius , in silice , who affirmes , Semper inest intus , sed rarò cernitur ignis ; Intus enim latitat , sed solos prodit ad ictus ; Nec lignis , ut vivat , eget ; nec ut occidat , undis . Though seldome seen , the sparks within remain , There sleeping , till repeated strokes constrain Them to awake ; nor want they fuell there , Or doe from water their extinction fear . § 4 Whilst others were busied about more servile offices ▪ Aentas , ( as it became his person and dignity ) in pursuance of the main design , repairs to the Temple of Apollo , not far distant from Cumae , and situated upon the highest part of the Cumaean rock , ( whence Virgil gives him the epithet of altus , or from a Statue of him there found , which , as Servius observes out of Caelius , was 15 foot long ) and to the Grot of Sibylla , which was in a certain place within the same : she was a Priestesse to the God , and a Prophetess also by him inspired : but we must note that this Temple , with the adjacent Grove , was sacred as well to Diana as to Apollo , whose Deities were here joyntly worshipped ; whence the Poet sayes , Jam subeunt Triviae , lucos , atque aurea tecta . And Sibyl is by him also stiled — Phoebi Triviaeque saccrdos . But because there were many Prophetesses which bore the name of Sibylla ▪ ( for this is a name appellative , denoting any one to whom God pleaseth to communicate his counsels ; and derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which in the Aeolick dialect signifieth God , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Counsell , ) it will not be altogether impertinent to make a short discourse of these inspired women , whereof there were ten more eminently famous , as Lactantius observes out of Varro , in a Treatise of his not now extant . § 5 The first , and eldest of them was Sibylla Antiqua , sirnamed Persica , and Chaldaea , from the place of her bir●h or abode : she was by Suidas supposed to be the Wife of Noah ; but we may more probably conjecture her to be born of some of his Descendants in the parts about Babylon . She lived in the time of Heber and Abraham : with these two as she was contemporary , so she might haply be conversant , and learn of them what she delivered , and left to posterity . The second was Delphica , whose proper name was Artemis , the known Greek name of Diana : She lived before the warrs of Troy , which happened in the time of the Judges . Troy was taken Anno mundi 2820. Ibzan being Judge : 407. before the first Olympiad , and 1179. before our Saviour , who was born Anno Mundi 4001. according to the computation of the learned Jesuit Gordonus : She was said to be the Daughter of Jupiter and Lamia : She prophesied of the rape of Helen , of the warres and sack of Troy. It is said that Homer ( who died 272. after the subversion of that City : Gordon . ) took much out of her verses ; which she foresaw , and foretold that he should doe : She was called Delphica , because she was a Prophetesse to the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi . The third was Cumaea , Daughter of Glaucus , and ( as Virgil sayes ) named Deiphobe . This is she to whom Aeneas in his travels had accesse : she was also called Cimmeria , from the Cimmerians , inhabiting betwixt Baiae and Cumae : She was Contemporary with Elon Judge of Israel ; but of her , her Cell , and manner of prophesying , more anon . The fourth was Erythraea , so denominated from the place of her birth and abode : Erythrae was a City in Asia Minor , a Greek Colony , built by the Athenians in the time of Codrus , who was Contemporary with King David : and this is she whom the primitive Fathers , Justin Martyr , Clem. Alexandrînus , &c. so often cite , and who spake so plainly and demonstratively of our Saviours incarnation , whose Acrostich consisting of so many verses as there be letters in these words , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Josus Christ , Son of God , Saviour , Cicero mentions with much admiration l. 2. de Divinatione : Her proper name was Herophile . The fifth was Samia , properly called Phyto ; she lived ( as Eusebius affirms ) when Numa Pompilius reigned in Rome , and Manasses in Samaria , about 700 years before the incarnation of Jesus Christ . The sixt was Cumâna , who ( although almost the same in name with Cumaea , and therefore confounded by Baronius with her , as the learned Bishop Montague observes , and by Virgil here , as we shall hereafter prove ) was different from her in birth , time , place and predictions : Her name is said to have been Amalthaea , or , as some will have it , Demophile : She flourished Ann. Mundi 3388. and in this very year came to Rome , and presented her books of Prophesie to Tarquinius Priscus , as Gordonus gathers out of Solînus , Varro , Lactantius : though as A. Gellius affirms , it was to Tarquinius Superbus , the others Grandson , to whom she addressed her self ; of which story more anon : And this is she whose Books and Oracles are so often mentioned ly Livie , Halicarnassaeus , and other Roman Writers . The seventh was Hellespontiaca , or Trojana ; for Troy was not far from the Hellespont : Her proper name was Symmachia ; she dwelt at Gergythus , a Town not not far distant from Troy , where in the Temple of Apollo Gergythius she delivered her Oracles : She is said to have flourished in the times of Cyrus and Solon . The eighth was Lesbiaca , or Libyca , remembred by Euripides , the tragick Poet , as Lactantius affirmes : she lived in the reign of Xerxes , about the year 3534. The two last are Phrygia and Tiburtina , of whom there is little or nothing recorded , The first ( as her name imports ) was haply an inhabitant of Phrygia : The latter lived at Tibur in Italy , seated upon the River Anio , or Anien : she was called Albumea , or Leucothea , the white Goddesse . Virgil here relates who was the first Founder of this Temple , and upon what occasion it was founded ; but before he enters into a story , the truth whereof might rationally be questioned , he premised , ut fama est ; and this is solemn with this warie Writer , whensoever he reports any thing strange , or beyond the common assise ; as , fama est Enceladi , &c. observed by Scaliger , and propounded by him , as an example to be followed in the like case : But the story is this ; Pasiphaë , the Daughter of Sol , and Wise of King Minos , fell in love with a Bull , which by the assistance of Daedalus she enjoyed : The witty Artist framed a wooden Cow , covering it with a reall hide , and then shutting the lustfull Queen up in it , left her to the satisfaction of her own filthy desires . The prodigious Domitian acted that to the life which is here but fabled , as appears by that known Epigram in Martial , lib. 1. ep . 6. a Writer no lesse impudent in flattery then excellent in Poetry . Junctam Pasiphaën Dictaeo credite Tauro ; Vidimus ; accepit fabula prisca fidem : Nec se miretur , Caesar , longaeva vetustas , Quicquid fama canit donat arena tibi . Beleeve , Pasiphaë with a Bull did lie ; We saw 't ; that fable's now made historie : Nor , Caesar , let Antiquity be proud , Thy Shews present what fame hath sung so loud . § 6 The Minotaur was the production of this horrid copulation which the Poet calls here — mixtum genus , prolemque bif●rmem , as being partly a man , and partly a Bull. This monster was kept in the Labyrinth , and fed with mans flesh ; but Daedalus being accused and convinced to have been the ingenious Pandor to the Queens lust , was with his Sonne Icarus imprisoned in the Labyrinth , where he ( providing for their mutuall preservation ) with wax and feathers made wings for himself and his beloved Sonne , and flying out of the top of the House , made his escape : Daedalus arrived safe at Cumae , but Icarus ( an emblem of an aspiring mind ) soaring too high , melted the waxen cement of his wings , and was drowned neer to the Island of Icaria , to which , and the circumfluent sea he gave name . Daedalus having thus escaped , built this Temple , consecrating both that and his wings , ( for it was the manner of the Ancients to hang up such things as had been to them either of use or ornament in the Temples of the Gods ) to Apollo , by whose propitious Diety he had been saved . Hic pro nubivago gratus pia templa meatu Instituit Phoebo , atque audaces exuit alas . The * Gratefull did , for his safe-conduct , here To Phoebus a devoted Temple rear , And his bold wings put off . — And this is the story which Virgil premiseth with an ut fama est ; but the History which gave rise to this Fable , is this ; Taurus ( which in the Greek signifies a Bull ) was ( as Servius sayes ) Secretary to King Minos , but ( according to Plutarch in the life of Theseus ) chief Captain or General , a goodly proper young Gentleman , with whom the enamoured Pasiphaë was said to lie in the house of Daedalus , who was privy to the Adultery ; and because she brought forth twins , the one resembling Minos , the other Taurus , she was feigned to have brought forth that double-shaped Monster called the Mino-taure ▪ Daedalus as a Confederate was imprisoned , but corrupting his keepers , escaped , himself in one ship , and his Son Icarus in another ; but the un●appy youth bearing too much sail , was was with his ship overset and drowned , whilest the more warie Father came safe to his intended Port. Hence , because he was the first who invented that kind of sayl , which the Greeks call Dolon , ( by which addition of Canvas he out-stript his pursuers ) he was said to flye . Although the English would not so handsomely bear it , yet in the Latin the Poet hath ingeniously mingled the Fable of flying with the history of sayling : whilst he useth these words of ( Enare ) and ( alarum remigum ) terms more proper for sayling then flying . We will conclude this history with that imitation of it which we find in Sil. Italicus , l. 12. a great emulator of Virgil's Muse : but the truth is , ( as Pliny the younger saith of him ) that he wrote , majore curâ quam ingenio ; the verses are these : — Cum regna teneret Dictei regis , ( sic fama est ) linquere terras Daedalus invenit ; nec toto signa sequenti Orbe dare : aetherias alienâ tollere in auras Avus se pennas ; atque homini monstrare volatus : Suspensum hic librans media inter nubila corpus Enavit : superosque novus conterruit Ales : Natum etiam docuit falsae sub imagine plumae Attentare vias volucrum lapsumque solutis Pennarum remis , & non foelicibus alis Turbida plandentem vidit freta . — His freedom Daedalus ( in Creet detain'd ) By this invention , as fame sings , obtain'd : He , that no tracts by his pursuers might On earth be seen , through the air took his flight On borrow'd wings : He first that Art devis'd , And ( ' midst the clouds his hov'rings body pois'd ) Made his escape . The sight the Gods did scare . His Son he also taught through untrac'd air With feigned plumes to move ; but him alas ! ( His wings dissolv'd ) on Neptunes wrinkled face He flutt'ring saw . — Daedalus , the founder of this Temple , had adorned the Gate , or Porch with admirable Sculpture , representing therein these following stories : First the death of Androgeos , Sonne of King Minos by Pasiphaë this young Prince was an active and gallant Gentleman . and particularly fam'd for his great skill in wrastling , an exercise in those times in great request : He had foyled herein some of the Athenian Youth , who maligning him therefore , treacherously surprized , and slew him , as he was returning home in great pomp and triumph . The Athenians for this were not only infested with a sharp warre from the injur'd Father , but also ( as Plutarch relates ) pursued by the justly angry Gods with plague and famine : And now no longer able to oppose themselves to the assaults both of heaven and earth , they make their addresse to Apollo at Delphi who advised them to appease Minos , and to make an agreement with him , till which time they were not to expect a cessation of the divine judgements . In fine , a peace was treated upon , and concluded ; but upon hard terms ( as it alwayes is ) on the conquer'ds part , who were by their articles to send every year seven of their sonnes , and as many of their Daughters ( upon whom the lot should fall ) Captives into Creet , there to remain in perpetuall bonds . This unnaturall tribute was constantly exacted , and duly paid for certain years : at last the lot ( amongst the rest ) fell upon Theseus , the Son of Aegeus King of Athens : but he behaved himself so gallantly there at all his exercises , especially in his incounters with the valiant Taurus ( whence sprung the Fable of his slayling the Mino-taure ) that at last he became not only Conqueror of those who opposed him , but also of those who opposed him not ; for he wan the heart of the fair Ariadne , the Kings Daughter , by whose help he freed himself and the rest of the captive Children , carrying her also away with him . Here he also had carved the representation of the Island of Crete , with the Labyrinth there built by himself , in imitation of that of Aegypt ; a prodigious piece , containing so many windings & turnings in it , that no man ( once engaged therein ) could ever extricate himself , unless by the help of a clue of thread . But of this in the time of Pliny there remained no foot-steps . That which is now shewed to Travellers for the Labyrinth , is supposed by Mr. Sandys to be only a Quarrey , out of which they digged the stones which built the neighbouring Towns of Gnossus and Gortyna : But Virgil , as great an Artist as Daedalus himself , doth with him break off in the story of Icarus . § 7 Whilst Aeneas amused himself with the contemplation of these pleasing objects , Sibylla brought thither by Achâtes ( which we must understand 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as the Criticks term it , there having been no mention made of Achâtes before ) arrives ; and , whilst some were preparing for the sacrifice , leads him with the rest into the Temple ; which the Poet doth here describe : For the illustration whereof set us hear Justin Martyr , an eye-witness , as we finde him translated by the learned Bishop Montague in his Acts and Monuments , Sect. 3. When I was at Cumae in Campania ( sayes that holy Father ) about six miles from Baiae , I viewed diligently and curiously a certain place there , wherein stood a large and spacious Chappel or Oratory , which was hewn out of the main rock , being all but one stone ; an admirable and strange piece of workmanship it was ; in which Oratory ( as the inhabitants made report to me , and they had it by ancient tradition from their fathers ) Sibylla gave forth her Oracles . In the midst of the Oratory they shewed me three hallowed places , hewn also out of the same rock , in which ( as they related ) she used to bathe and wash her self ; which done she cast her mantle about her , and so retired her self into the inmost Cell , and Revestry of that Chappel . This , as the former , was also cut out of the main rock . There , when she had composed her self upon a high advanced seat , she uttered and gave forth Oracles . Thus Justin Martyr . Hence Virgil not Poetically , but historically sayes , that this Temple was latus rupis Euboicae , id est Cumânae : excisum in antrum , id est , in formam antri : in which also was that , antrum immane , atque horrenda secreta Sibyllae . Sybils Grot , mentioned at the beginning of this book , with both these descriptions , agrees that of Agathias , l. 1. wherein speaking of the siege lai'd to Cumae by Narses that gallant Eunuch , he writes thus : Ad orientalem callis flexum antrum quoddam suberat , ex omni parte tactum , &c. On the East-side of the winding of the hill ( where Cumae stood ) there was a certain Grot or Cave , covered on every side , and so hollow , that it had some naturall ady●a , or secret places , and a bottom vast and deep as hell . In this that great Italian Sibyl was said to dwell , and to deliver her Oracles . She was said also to have foretold to Aeneas , the sonne of Anchises , all what should befall him in the ensuing warres of Italy . Thus far Agathias . Lastly , ( if the Reader will not think that we insist too long upon quotations ) we will , as well for the credit of our Author , as for the farther illustration of this place , give you Gerop. Decanus his words , lib. 4. rer . Hisp . Virgilius , si quis alius mortalium , non in Homero tantum , sed in omnibus , &c. Virgil ( if ever any man were ) exactly read not in Homer only , but in all other Writers , both Poets and Historians , made the descent of his Aeneas ( whom he composed of Achilles and Ulysses , and adorned with the virtues of them both ) about Cumae and Baiae , near Avernus , where my self entred Sibyls Grot , and saw her Chappel ; which , as it was a thing famous even in Ogyges his time , so it is not unworthy of admiration for the length and depth of the Cave cut out of the main Rock , at the inmost parts whereof we found a hot vapour not a little offensive . And this continued to be seen ( as Onuphrius witnesseth ) till the year of Christ 1539. in which year all Campania was terribly shaken , rent and defaced with an earthquake . At Puteoli huge Mountains of gravel , sand and slime were belched forth , and cast up from the bottom of the Sea ; with which Sibyls Cell and Chappell was totally overwhelmed , utterly ruined and abolished . Let us hear the relation of Mr. George Sandys , who had diligently surveyed those parts concerning this prodigious accident . In the year ( saith he ) 1539. on the 29 of Sept. when for certain dayes foregoing the Country was so vexed with perpetuall earthquakes , as no house was left so entire , as not to expect an immediate ruine : After that the sea had retired 200 paces from the shore ( leaving abundance of fish dead , and fresh water rising in the bottom ) a Mountain of a stupendious height , ( called at this day by the Inhabitants the new Mountain ) visibly ascended about the second hour of the night , with hideous roarings , horribly vomiting stones , and such store of cinders , that it overwhelmed all the buildings thereabout , and the salubrious Baths of Tripurgulae , for so many years celebrated ; consumed the Vines to ashes , killing birds and beasts ; the fearfull inhabitants of Putzoli flying in the dark with their Wives and Children , naked , defiled , crying out , and detesting their calamities , &c. § 8 And this is the difference betwixt those who were inspired by God , and those who were acted by the Devill ; the true Prophets of God were not ( as those who were possessed with unclean spirits ) distracted , inraged , violently carried , haled , and distorted in body or mind ; but spake the words of knowledge and understanding , using the gesture of gravity , sobriety , and quiet behaviour . See Bishop Mountague largely and learnedly discoursing of this , Acts and Monuments , Sect. 3. § 9 Aeneas here makes a prayer and a vow to Apollo and Diana , the Deities of this Temple ; the like he does to Sibylla . He vows to consecrate to Apollo a Temple , and certain annuall Playes : and here in the person of Aeneas , and in favour of Augustus ( who was of the Family of Aeneas , and , as it was amongst the vulgar believed , the Sonne of Apollo . See Sueton. in August . c. 94 ) he alludes to that Temple which Augustus , in honour of his putative * Father , built , and dedicated to Apollo , in that part of the Palatium which had been fired with lightning ; from whence Apollo was called Palatinus ; Sueton. in August . cap. 29. and by the way note , that upon this Palatine Hill ( one of the seven hills upon which Rome was built ) stood the Seat of the Roman Emperours , which from thence was called Palatium , from which all stately edifices have their denomination of Palaces : Rosin . lib. 1. c. 4. to which word Ovid speaking of the Assembly of the Gods in Jupiters royall Palace , handsomely alludes , Met. lib. 1. f. 5. Hic locus est , quem si verbis audacia detur , Haud timeam magni dixisse Palatia Coeli . Which Mr. Sandys hath as handsomely translated ; both of them meaning to passe a complement upon their Prince , he on Augustus , the best of Heathen Monarchs ; this on K. Charles the First , the glory of all Christian Kings and Martyrs . This glorious roof I would not doubt to call , Had I but boldnesse lent me , Heav'ns White-Hall . § . 10 Here he also alludes to those Ludi Apollinares , certain Games or Playes which were instituted in the seventh year of the second Punick warre , in honour of Apollo ; the originall of which and manner of celebrating them , you may read in Livie lib. 25. These having been for many years disused , were restored by Augustus . At the first celebration of them ( as it is reported by Macrobius Saturn , lib. 1. c. 17. ) a sudden invasion of the enemy enforced the Roman people to forsake their sports , and to betake themselves to their armes ; in which time of distraction a cloud of arrows was seen to fall upon the unseasonable invadors , so that they presently returned Conquerors to their sports ; where at their return they found C. Pomponius , an old man , dancing to a Minstrel , and being very joyfull that they had been continued without interruption , they cried Salva res est , saltat senex ; which speech afterward became proverbiall , and is fitly used when a sudden evill is seconded with a good event beyond hope and expectation . § 11 We cannot here excuse the Poet from a very grosse Parachronisme ; for these words , which he speaks in the person of Aeneas , are not in the least applicable to this Sibylla Cumaea , to whom they are directed : ( a particular not observed by any of the interpreters of Virgil ) but to her who was called Cumâna , who ( as contemporary with Tarquinius Priscus , or rather Superbus , his Grandson , notwithstanding the Authority which Gordonus alledgeth out of Solinus , Varro , Lactantius ▪ to which I oppose Pliny lib. 13. c. 13. A. Gellius lib. 1. cap. 19. Halicarnassaeus lib. 4. with that inscription , which , if Dela Cerda speak truth , is at this day to be read in the Vatican Library . Tarquinius Superbus libros Sibyllinos tres , aliis a muliere incensis , tandem emit ) was more then 600 years younger then Cumaea : nor can it be imagined that she could live from Aeneas his time ( at which time she was very old , and therefore by Virgil stiled — Phoebi Longaeva sacerdos ) to Tarquinius Superbus his reign ; notwithstanding she was said by Ovid to have obtained of Apollo for her Virginity , to live as many years as she could grasp sands in her hand ; for that is but a Poeticall fiction ; Ovid Met. lib. 14. fab . 4. Therefore what Virgil makes Aeneas speak here ( indeed improperly ) to Sibylla Cumaea , is more properly to be understood of Cumâna , whose prophesies were so religiously observed , and diligently preserved by the Romans . A. Gellius l. 1. c. 19. relates the story thus . A certain old woman presenting her self before King Tarquin , sirnamed the Proud , offered him nine books in three Tomes , wherein , as she affirmed , were contained remedies and redresses , for all evills which should betide the Roman people ; for these she asked 300 Philippines , a golden Coyn then much in esteem . The King prizing his money above her unrequired Merchandize , laughed her to scorn . She before his face casting three of the nine into the fire , burned them , asking the same price for the remaining six ; whereat Tarquin concluding that the old woman was mad or doated , began to be out of patience . Then she having condemned three more to the same flames , asked him , if he would yet give what she demanded for the three which were left ? The King moved at the constancy of this strange Guest , and advised thereunto by his Augures , commanded the money to be given her , who having delivered the books with a strict charge to lay them up safely , suddenly vanished , nor was ever after seen or heard of These books so bought were ( according to her direction ) laid up in the Capitol , under Jupiters Shrine , in a Chest of stone , and committed to the custody of two men first , then of ten , and lastly of fifteen ; thence called the Quindecim-viri ; which number was afterward increased to 60. ( as Servius notes ) but still retained the name of the Quindecim-viri . By the by take this note ; amongst the 10. about the time of the second Punick warre , Cornelius Rufus was one , ( for at that time there were no more ) whom for his great judgement in interpreting Sibylla's , Prophecies , they sirn●med Sibylla , , which afterward by corruption was changed into Sylla , which gave a sirname to a branch of the illustrious family of the Cornelii , from whence that great Sylla , called the Happy ( though to his native soyl no man more unhappy ) deduced his pedegree ; Macrob . Sat. l. 1 c. 17. § 12 Nor were these only the Guardians and Keepers of those Oracles , but the interpreters and expounders of the same ; none other upon pain of death being permitted to peruse them . To these books those Officers used to make their addresse upon intestine seditions , commotions , generall plagues , pestilence , publick calamities , prodigious apparitions , and such like , as you may read in Halicarnassaeus . These books were so preserved untill the Marsick or Social warre , 676 years from the building of Rome : when the Capitol being set on fire , whether casually or purposely it is not known , these Oracles were also burned and consumed ; wherefore those Sibyline Prophecies which we find mentioned by Cicero and the priimitive Fathers , and which now passe under that name , are not the answers of this Sibylla Cumâna , ( for that is impossible ) but such a collection as the Roman Embassadours ( employed by the Senate for that purpose ) got together at Cumae , Erythrae , and at other places , where any of the Sibyls had lived . These Commissioners collected and brought home with them ( as Varro and Plinie report ) a thousand Oracles in verse , which were laid up in the Capitol new built ; under the charge of ten men first , then of fifteen : nor were these the Prophesies of any one Sibyl , but a miscellaneous composition of the answers of sundry of those inspired women . Sibylla used to write her Oracles in the leaves of the Palm-tree ( as Servius out of Varro ) which being left at the mouth or entrance of her Grot , the wind did oftentimes so scatter , that they could never be brought into order again , insomuch , that when we would shew the difficulty of digesting things discomposed into order , we use Politian's words , Laboriosius est quam Sibyllae folia colligere : And this is the reason why Aeneas prayeth her to deliver her Oracles by word of mouth : but Virgil is the best interpreter of himself ; lib. 3. Insanam vatem adspicies , quae rupe sub imâ Fata canit ; foliisque not as & nomina mandat : Quaecunque in foliis descripsit carmina virgo Digerit in numerum ; atque antro seclusa relinquit . Illa manent immota locis , neque ab ordine cedunt , Verum eadem verso tenuis cúm cardine ventus Impulit , & teneras turbavit janua frondes , Nunquam deinde cavo volitantia prendere saxo , Nec revocare situs , aut jungere carmina curat : Inconsulti abeunt , sedemque odere Sibyllae . There shalt thou see the frantick Prophetess Sing destinies in a deep Caves recesse , Which she to leaves commits ; what verse soe're She writes , in order plac'd she leaveth there ; They firmly keep the place to each assign'd : But when the open'd door th'intruding wind Admits , and doth the lighter leaves disperse , She ne're re-orders the disorder'd verse , Or cares them to rejoyn : unanswer'd * they , And Sibyl's Cell detesting , goe their way . § 13 Sibylla in her answer compares the difficulties which Aeneas had sustained in Phrygia , in the late Trojan warres , with those which he was to undergoe in the ensuing warres in Italy , viz. that at Simois and Xanthus ( Rivers of Phrygia ) flowed with the blood of the slain , so should Tiber : that as he had found the Greeks and Achilles descended of the Goddesse Thetis his enemies in the Trojan war , so he should find Turnus , Son of the Goddess Venilia , with his Rutilians ( I will not call them Red-coats ) as restless and implacable enemies here ; with whom Juno should also joyn against him & his weather-beaten Trojans , as she had done with the Greeks formerly . And lastly , that as the Trojan war proceeded from a Wife ; Causa mali tanti Conjux , namely from Helena , the rightfull Wife of Menelaüs , stoln away , and ravished by Paris ; so should this mortal quarrel take birth from Lavinia , Latinus his Daughter , formerly betrothed to Turnus ; and by force of armes ( an uncouth way of wooing ) sought in marriage by Aeneas . And thus is the dark Oracle expounded : § 14 Viz. from Evander of Arcadia , a Province of Peloponesus , a known and famous part of Graecia . The reason of whose quitting his native soil and Kingdome , Servius affirmes to be this : Evander unnaturally slew his aged Mother , by some called Carmentis , by others Nicostrata ; for which fact being expelled by his Subjects , he came into Italy , where warring with , and conquering the native Aborigines , he possest himself of that place where Rome now stands , and there founded a small Town on the Palatine Hill , naming it Pallantêum ; in remembrance of King Pallas his Great-grand-sire : and this is that urbs Graia obscurely hinted by the Oracle , but more plainly specified by the Poet , l. 8. Arcades his oris , genus à Pallante profectum , Qui regem Evandrum comites , qui signa secuti Delegêre locum , & posuêre in montibus urbem , Pallantis proavi de nomine Pallantêum . Arcadian strangers , Pallas mighty race Conducted by Evander , in this place A City chose to build ; and did the same From 's Grandsire Pallas Pallanteum name . § 15 It was the subtilty of the Devill , who could not positively affirm any thing of future contingencies , lest his Prophets and Oracles should by the non-successe of his predictions be had in disrepute , to deliver his answers in dark and obscure riddles , in intricate and involved terms , and such as might be taken two wayes ; that whether they succeeded or not , his credit might not suffer : such were these ; Aio te Aeacida Romanos vincere posse . Pyrrhus , I say , thy force the Romans shall subdue . Croesus Halim penetrans magnam pervertet opum vint . If Croesus Halis pass great wealth he shall o'rethrow . See Cicer. l. 2. de divinat . And such was that wicked riddle ( as our Histories report it ) of Adam d'Orleton , Bishop of Hereford , concerning the murdering of Edward the Second ; Edvardum occidere nolite timere bonum est . All which according to the pointing of the words had a different , nay a contrary meaning and construction ; whence Apollo is sirnamed by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. obliquus , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from his doubtfull and perplexed answers . § 16 Aeneas not only from the opportunity of the place where the descent into those infernall mansions was held to be , urgeth his request , but also from that Topick of example pursues it further : First from Orpheus , whose story , skill in Musick , descent into Hell , with other particulars ascribed to that ancient Heroe , are so well known , that we shall not at all dwell upon them ; we will only give you the mythologie thereof . Orpheus was said to be the sonne of Apollo and Calliope , one of the Muses , first in generall , because all good and gallant men were said to be descended from the Gods , and their souls to be dropt into their bodies from one of the Spheres , especially from that of the Sun ; then in particular for his great skill in Musick and Poetry , as the undoubted sonne of Apollo and Calliope . But that trees and bruit beasts were feigned to be attentive auditors of his harmonious Lyre , is , that by his eloquent tongue and good example he brought the rude and barbarous of that age to a more civil and sociable way of living . Sylvestres homines sacer interpresque Deorum Caedibus & victu foedo deterruit Orpheus : Dictus ab hoc lenire tigres , rapidosque leones : Dictus & Amphion Thebanae conditor arcis Saxa movere sono testudinis ; & prece blandà Ducere quo vellet : fuit haec sapientia quondam Publica privatis secernere , sacra prophanis : Concubitu prohibere vago , dare jura maritis , Oppida moliri , leges incidere ligno . Horat. de art . Poet. ' Cause sacred Orpheus , that interpreter Of the great Gods , did brutish men deterre From their enormous living , it was sam'd That salvage Lions he and Tigers tam'd : Amphion so ( Thebe's founder ) with his Lyre Mov'd stones , and led men to his own desire By sweetning words . It was the sapience Of elder times , to put a difference Betwixt things sacred and prophane , betwixt Publick and private interests : Commixt And rambling lust by marriage to restrain , And by sound Lawes Republicks to maintain . § 17 You see the office of the ancient Poets , and the effects of true Poesie , to which Philosophy both naturall and morall owes its originall . They did not prostitute that excellent faculty in composing flattering Panegyricks , lascivious Epigrams , and saltless Sonnets , as now adayes , but ( according to the true state and grandeur thereof ) imployed it in delivering the mysteries of Philosophy , and principles of humanity ; so that in the infancy of this profession ( and things then are least adulterated ) men repaired to Poets as to Oracles , all knowledge and erudition being ( as we have said ) originally confined to that divine endowment . Neither is any other thing meant then what we have said , by his descent into Hell ; by bringing back Euridice from thence , and working effects , contrary to their nature , on the Devils themselves ; but that he , by civilizing , and sweetly subduing the irregular affections of brutish men ( who render the place where they abide a very Hell ) did bring Euridice ( which signifies Justice , under which notion the whole Systeme of morality is comprehended ) again among them , who till then lived by rapine , the stronger oppressing the lesse able to defend . Secondly , he alledgeth the examples of Castor & Pollux : Jupiter falling , in love with Leda , & not knowing how to gain accesse to her , changed himself into the likeness of a Swan , & caused an Eagle to pursue him , who took Sanctuary in her lap : Pity in her ushered in love : Beauty and the harmony of the tongue ( expressed by the Swan ) were his prevailing solicitors . In conclusion he master'd his design , and lying with her , got her with child ; who that night also was made impregnat by her Husband Tyndarus . At last she was delivered of two eggs ; of the one came Pollux and Helena , both immortall , because the progenie of Jupiter : of the other Castor and Clytemnestra , both mortall , because the Children of Tyndarus . Hence Pollux ( an emblem of fraternall affection ) obtained of his Father Jupiter , that since his Brother Castor could not be altogether immortall , he might be so in part ; and that by participation of his immortality : whence when Castor died , it was granted that they should live by turns , Castor one day , and Pollux another ; wherefore Virgil sayes , Itque reditque viam toties . — The Fables of the ancients ( wherein their wisedom and learning was mystically couched , and purposely , to procure reverence to them and it , concealed from the vulgar ) admit of an interpretation , either Historicall , Morall , or Naturall , and sometimes Theologicall . Thus , because Leda , the Wife of Tyndarus , did prostitute her self to a certain King , and because they joyned there where fortune had joyned them , not in a bed after a royall manner , but upon the alwayes-prepared pallet of nature , the banks of the river Eurôtas , where the Swans used to couple , she was said to be compressed by Jupiter , ( for so the Ancients , as simple as they were , flatteringly styled their Kings ) in the shape of a Swan : and because a great belly riseth in an ovall figure , and the child is wrapped within the womb , in the Chorion or Secundîna , as an egge is within the shell , she was said to be delivered of two eggs . But Castor and Pollux were feigned to live and die by turns , because those two starres which make the constellation of Gemini , and into which they were said to have been changed , never appear together , but rise and set alternately . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . — Homer . Odyss . 11. We shall speak of Theseus and Alcîdes in another place . It was the manner of the Ancients , when they made their addresses to their Gods , to lay hold on and embrace the Altars ; so Virgil l. 4. speaking of Iarbas his prayer to Jupiter , Talibus orantem dictis , arasque tenentem Audiit Omnipotens . — Whilst thus he pray'd , and th' Altars did embrace , Th' Almighty him did hear . — Whence Varro derives Ara , an Altar , from Ansa , a handle , or thing to hold by ; for anciently it was written with an s , Asa , as plusima for plurima , and asêna for arêna , and Fusius for Eurius ; and might easily by the interposition of an n become Ansa : Varro lib. 6. de ling. Lat. § 18 To this place is parallel that of Seneca , in Herc. furent . Nec ire labor est , ipsa deducit via , Vt saepe puppes aestus invitas rapit , Sed pronus aër urget , avidumque Chaos , Gradumque retro flectere haud unquam sinunt Vmbrae tenaces . To Hell to go it is no pains , the way ( As ships the current drives ) will thee convey . A profound pit , and a down-pressing ayre Force to descend ; but homeward to repair Tenacious shades deny . — This place by the Mythologists is thus interpreted : Hell is vice or sinne , to which men are naturally prone , and easily fall into ; facilis descensus : but to shake off evill habits , and customary vices , hic labor , hec opus , few can make a timely retreat , unlesse those to whom God is very mercifull ; quos aequus amavit Jupiter , and are endued with a more particular and especiall grace ; aut ardens evexit ad aethera virtus , or such as are Diis geniti , as it were by a new birth in Christ regenerated : for the truth is , there are so many obstacles , and so many impediments wherewith we are surrounded , and wherein we are intangled , that it is a very difficult matter to disingage our selves when once insnared , as hard as to return from the jaws of Hell , where — tenent mediae omnia sylvae , Cocytusque sinu labens circumfluit atro . But if you will expound this mystically , and according to Plato's Philosophy , the meaning is , that the rationall soul , or that divina animi particula , which is the intellect , is so dull'd and opprest by the earthiness of corporeall matter , that few can raise themselves to the contemplation of divine ver●ties , and dive into the more abstracted knowledge of heavenly things , unlesse by extraordinary endowments of mind , which are granted to none but some few , quos aequus amavit Jupiter . § . 19 Sybylla having told Aeneas what difficulties he was to encounter in his descent into Hell , tells him further , that in case he persist , he must first find out the Golden bough , and that must be his Pass-port to Charon , & a propitiatory to Proserpine . By the Golden Bough , Virtue , Wisdome , and unwearied Constancy are represented to us , by which we subdue and triumph over the greatest difficulties : but forasmuch as such endowments are very rare , and perfections seldome meeting in any one person , therefore this Bough is said catêre arbore opacâ , &c. to be hid in a shady tree , and to be environed with thick and inextricable woods . Servius sayes , that the Poet here alludes to the conceit of Pythagoras Samius , who represents the life of man to the letter Y , made in this form : our infancy , or first age is like the lower part or basis thereof ; and is a meer tabula rasa , as not defaced with vice , so not beautified with virtue : Our youth is where the bivium or partition begins ; at which time we either make choice of a virtuous course of life , which is meant by the right-hand branch , slender and difficult to ascend into ; or decline to vice , which is to be understood by the left , more broad , and easie to climb . Hence this golden Bough , ( by which , as we have said , virtue is recommended to us ) is that which brancheth out os the right side of the Pythagorêan letter Y. of which Virgil writing thus in his Epigrams , is the best expositor of his own sense : Litera Pythagorae ( discrimine secta bicorni ) Humanae vitae speciem praeferre videtur : Nam via virtutis dextrum petit ardua collem , Diffieilemque aditum primum spectantibus offert ; Sed requiem praestat fessis in vertice summo . Molle ostentat iter via lata , sed ultima meta Praecipitat captos , volvitque per ardua saxa . Pythagoras his forked letter does Of humane life a scheme to us propose ; For virtues path on the right hand doth lye , An hard ascent presenting to the eye ; But on the top with rest the wearied are Refresh'd : the broad way easier doth appear ; But from its summit the deluded fall And ( dash'd ' mongst rocks ) finde there a funerall . Others say that Virgil here alludes to this following Custome ; for although the mythologie of this fiction be as abstruse and hard to be found , as the bough it self was said to be , we will do the best we can to interpret it . In the Temple of Diana Taurica which was in Aricia , a Town of Latium , not many miles distant from Alba , there was a tree , whence no man might break off a bough , unlesse a fugitive ; and he on condition to enter into single fight with the fugitive who was Priest there , usually called Rex Nemorensis , because there was a Grove adjoyning to this place , called Nemus Aricinum , consecrated to Diana . The Conqueror presided over this Grove and Temple , untill such time as he was deprived both of his charge and life by the like successe . We will conclude our discourse of the golden bough , with that description which Claudian makes of it , in imitation of the most excellent Maro , lib. 2. de rapt . Proserpinae . Est etiam lucis arbor praedives opacis , Fulgentes viridi ramos curvata metallo , Haec tibi sacra datur ; fortunatumque tenebis Autumnum , & fulvis semper dotabere pomis . Moreo're , a wealthy tree ( whose shining boughs Stoop with green metall ) in our thickets grows : This shall be thine , the crop we give to thee ; Thou with the yellow fruit inrich'd shalt be . § 20 The second thing Aeneas was to doe in order to his enterprize , was to perform the funerall Rites due to the dead body of his friend Misênus . The story of whose death and funerall is not added here by the Poet rashly , and without designe ; For this Sciomancie , or ceremonies which were to be performed to the infernall Gods , could not be completed without the intervention of the dead corps of a man slain . Hence Virgil feigns Misênus to be murdered by Triton in the manner you read , though some say that he was for this purpose murdered by Aeneas himself ; though dissembled by Virgil , beause he would not make . Aeneas guilty of so foul a fact . Homer doth the like in the person of Elpênor , Vlysses his friend , upon the same occasion . And because the interrement of the dead body ( by which the Fleet was polluted ) was the proper expiatory for such pollution , and necessarily previous to his sacrificing to the Manes , and his descent into Hell ; therefore he is feigned to perform these funerall Rites before he puts in execution the third and last precept of Sibylla , contained in this following verse : Duc nigras pecudes ; haec prima piacula sunto . § 21 Achâtes is alwayes introduced by the Poet as Aeneas his constant Companion , and inseparable Associate ; and that not without reason , if we reflect upon the etymologie of the word ; for Achâtes is derived 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies care and thoughtfulness , the individuall adherent to great men and Princes : — qui es fidus Achâtes It comes . — § 22 It is recorded by Donâtus in Virgils life , that he broke off , as his manner often is , at Misenum Aeoliden ; and that whilst he did recite this book before Augustus he did substitute ex tempore this Hemistich , with the following verse ; — quo non praestantior alter Aere ciére viros , Martemque accendere cantu . § 23 By this brace of Doves ( sacred to Venus , Aeneas his Mother , because salacious and fruitfull , and esteemed a very lucky Augurie ) Mythologists understand the two wings of the soul , contemplative , and moral virtue , which serve as guides to go before us to the golden bough of true sapience and verity , and to lead us out of those errors , wherein ( without their assisting conduct ) we are irrecoverably lost : and this is that sylva immensa wherein Aeneas is said to be . Others more Theologically understand by this Wood the World , with those Labyrinths of temptations , and Mazes of allurements , wherewith ( whilst here ) we are involved , and fastly engaged : and by the Doves , the blessed Spirit , and grace of God , which leadeth the pious through all wordly impediments to the fruition of eternall bliss , which is the true golden Bough . § 24 It is the nature of this Bird to peck and feed as it goes along ; and ( according to Interpreters ) our Author alludes here to that kind of Augurie or Divination which they called Augurium pullarium ; the manner whereof was this : There were certain Chickens kept for this purpose in a Coop , before which the Augur , called Pullarius , cast crums of bread ; if the Chicken lept hastily out of the Coop , and eat so greedily of the crums , that some of them falling out of their mouths , rebounded from the ground , which they termed Tripudium , then it was taken for a good Omen ; and those who came to consult , proceeded in their intended designe . But , if to the contrary , the Chicken or Pullets came but slowly out of the Coop , went back again , or flew from the meat , then they took it for an evil sign , and desisted from their enterprise . The Roman History furnisheth us with a pretty tale , and to our purpose : Claudius Pulcher , collegue with L. Junius Pullus , An. Vrb . 504. designing to surprize Adherbal , the Carthaginian Admiral in the Port of Drepanum in Sicilia , before he put to sea , asked counsell ( as the custome was ) of the Pullarius ; and when the Augur told him , that the Chicken would not come out of the Coop , and therefore advised him at present to desist till he might have a more encouraging Augurie , answered , quia esse nolunt bibant , Because they will not eat , let them drink , and so threw them into the sea : but mark the event , the Romans never received a more memorable overthrow at sea ; for the Consul escaping with 30 ships , left 93 in the hands of his victorious enemy . This disaster was generally ascribed to his contempt of religion , and slighting the Augury : so carefull is the Devill , by such examples to assert the credit of his wicked superstition , and to drill on his followers to their own inevitable destruction . This story you may read in Livie l. 19. Val. Max. l. 1. c. 4. Cicer. l. 2. de Nat. Deor. and in Suet. in Tiber . c. 1. § 25 Misletoe ( of which birdlime is made , see the manner in Pliny l. 24. c. 6. ) is an excrescence or exsudation of the tree on which it grows ; not proceeding from any seminall vertue thereof ; whence Virgil sayes — quod non sua seminat arbos ; but is ( according to Scaliger , Exerc. 168. ) produced as horns are in living creatures , from the abundance of excrement , ex vitali arboris excremento . There is a popular and received error that this plant is generated from the dung of the Thrush , which gave birth to this adagie , Turdus sibi cacat malum , or necem ; which is spoken of a man , who is the fond Author of his own mischief : but this is sufficiently refuted by the subtle Scaliger , ib. Of this there are two kinds , the one common , growing in Apple-trees ; the other more rare , shooting out of the Oak , and therefore called viscum quercinum , Misleto of the Oak ; and this is meant here by the Poet. This was esteemed sacred , and much ceremony was used in the gathering of it : Plin. l. 16. c. 44. This s●militude is very apt , both in regard of the colour , for the best sort ( as the same Author writes ) is extra fulvum , intus porraceum , quo nihil est glutinosius . Secondly , in regard of the manner of its growing , for it is an excresence . And lastly , because it was accounted sacred ; all which three properties answer to the nature of the golden Bough . § 26 Virgil ( who was generally learned ) never shews more exactnesse , then when he treats of ancient Rites and Customes ; wherefore I have stuck here , as also in the following description of the sacrifices performed to the infernall Deities , more closely then elsewhere , to the literall sense , and Grammaticall construction of the Author , because every word hath its weight and significancie ; we shall take every thing in the same order it lies here . First , they raised the Pyre , or funerall Pile , which was built of Oak and Pitch-trees , as most combustible materials : — piceae flammis alimenta supremis ; Stat. This ( according to the quality of the person deceased ) was more or lesse large . Virgil sayes here that they did struere ingentem pyram ; and Homer makes Patrôclus his Pyre to be a 100 foot in every dimension : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . It was built in form of an Altar . By the way , we may observe with Scaliger upon Festus , the difference of these knitredwords . The preparation for the interrement was called Funus : 2. the piling up of the wood , Rogus : 3. the applying of the fire , Pyra : 4 the burning of the Corps , Bustum : 5. the place , Vstrîna : 6. the Tomb , Sepulchrum : 7. The Inscription or Epitaph , Monumentum . The sides of the Pyre they did adorn with boughs , atri coloris , of a dark green ; the ends with Cypresse , therefore termed here Feralis , all things appertaining to the Dead being called Feralia . Cypress was therefore used in Funerals , because an embleme of the Dead ; for as the Dead never revive , I mean naturally ; so that tree once lopt , never shoots forth again . Servius , or ( as Varro saies ) to allay the stench of the burning Corps by its more powerfull and gratefull odour . Thus Statius dresseth up the Hearse of Archemorus : Tristibus interea ramis , teneraque Cupresso Damnatus flammis torus , & puerile pheretrum Texitur . — Stat. Theb. l. 4. The ●ittle Bier , and bed to the flames destin'd , With mourning boughs , and Cypresse are intwin'd . § 27 Upon the top of the Pyre they used to place the arms of the Deceased ; for with great men they burnt not only their arms , but their Clothes , Horses , Dogs , with whatsoever they prized in their life time . Ditantur flammae , non unquam opulentior illo Ante cinis , crepitant gemmae , atque immane liquescit Argentum ; & pictis exsudant vestibus aurum . Statius ibid. The flames are pretious made , no dust before Was ere so rich ; gemmes crackle , massie Ore Dissolves , and gold out of th' embroidred Vests Doth sweat . — So Hannibal in the Funerall of Paulus Aemilius . — fulgentia pingui Maurice suspirans inicit velamina , & auro Intextam chlamydem . — 1 He to the flames , having his death condol'd , His purple Vest , and Souldiers Coat with gold Inrich'd , commits : — Silius Ital. L. 10. Nay the Indians did use to burn the best beloved of the Wives of the Dead , mingling their ashes together who in their affections had been more neerly conjoyned , When the Pyre was in readiness , before they carried forth the Dead to the same , they used to foment and bathe the Corps in warm water , and annoint the same with oyl , that if there were any thing of vitality remaining , it might be awakned by those warm applications , warmth being propitious to Nature , and the cause of life as well as the effect . This story is not altogether from the purpose : Pliny is my Author l. 7. c. 52. Aviola , a man of Consular dignity ( after all Ceremonies previous to his burning , as Lotion , Unction , Conclamation , &c. are ended ) being laid upon the Pyre , no sooner felt the warmth of the ascending flames , but that reviving , he raised himself up ; but the fire prevailed before the Assistants could succour him , and so he was burned alive . I will not say that the custome of Lotion sprung from hence , because it was more ancient : Homer mentions it in the Funerall of Patrôclus : — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . But if this story be true , you see the effects of warmth . After Lotion and Vnction ( from whence haply the Roman Church , which derives and retains many Ceremonies observed by the Gentiles , borroweth that which they term extreme Vnction ) followed Conclamation , which Virgil means here by — fit gemitus , they set up a generall cry , a valediction to all hopes : hence we proverbially say , Conclamatum est , when we have done our utmost in a business , and cannot effect it . This done , the Corps was laid up upon a Bed or Herse , called here Torus : over the Body they cast a purple Covering or Herse-cloth ; for velamina nota is not ( as Servius interprets it ) Miseno nota & usitata , his own wearing-clothes , which haply were ( according to the Custome ) burnt with him ; but velamina nota , & communiter in funerib . usitata , Clothes or Coverings known , and commonly used at Funerals , as it is rendred with more reason , and backed with better authority by the learned Jesuit Ludovicus de la Cerda . We could produce many instances out of approved Authors to confirm the use of purple in Funerals , but this one authority out of Suetonius in Caes . c. 84. shall suffice ; Intus lectus eburneus , auro & purpurâ stratùs : J. Caesar was carried to his Funerall on an Ivory Herse covered with purple , inwrought with gold : And now in our dayes Kings and Princes mourn in purple . The corps thus composed , the Herse or bier was carried by the neerest of kin to the Vstrina , or place of burning , and there placed upon the Pyre ; to which some neer friend also gave fire with a torch ( facie aversâ ) turning away his face , as testifying his unwillingnesse and grief to perform that sad and last duty . Assoon as the fire began to burn clear , their custome was to cast into the devouring flames all sorts of rich perfumes , termed here thurea dona : So Statius in the Funeral of Archemorus : Necnon Assyriis pinguescunt robora succis . The Pyre growes with Assyrian juices fat . Plutarch relates that 210 baskets full of odoriferous compositions were consumed at the Funerall of Sylla , Plut. in Syl. beside these they cast in Dapes , which some interpret to be Adeps hostiar . the fat of the sacrifice : but Mysînus more warrantably affirmes , that they were epulae , quib . mortuo parentabatur , the remains of the Funerall Feast or Banquet , which Juvenal Sat. 5. calls coena feralis . Ponitur exiguâ feralis coena patellâ The ferall Supper in a little Dish Is put . — Virgil makes mention also of oyl , which , together with the vessels which contained it , they cast into the flaming Pyre . Servius gives the reason of this custome in these words : Diis superis tantum libabant ; inferis autem sacrificantes vasa etiam in ignem conjiciebant . When they sacrificed to the celestiall Gods , they only poured the oyl or other liquor into the flames ; but when to the infernall ( the same custome being observed in Funerals ) they threw the vessels in also . Beside what Virgil mentions here , Statius in the Funerall of Archemorus , adds Saffron , Wine , Blood , Milk and Hony. The body thus burnt , and turned into ashes , they extinguished the flame with Wine ; so the same Statius lib. 6. Finis erat , lapsusque putres jam Mulciber ibat In cineres , instant flammis , multoque soporant Imbre rogum : Imbre i. e. vino . Now all was done , nor did there ought remain But putrid dust , they busily restrain The flames with wine . — So Homer Iliad . 23. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 — They quench the Pyre with black wine , i. e. a deep dark-coloured wine , as Tent , and the like . But here it may be questioned , how they could possibly separate the ashes of the dead from those of the Pyre , and from such things as were burnt with the Corps . Natalis Comes is of opinion that the Corps was laid in a stone Chest , and burned within the same , which he confirms out of Theophrastus . De la Cerda out of Pliny sayes that the Corps was wrapped up in a sort of linnen , by the Latins called linum vivum , by the Greeks Asbestînum , over which the flames could not in the least prevail : we will give you the place and words of that learned * Author l. 19. c. 1. Inventum jam est etiam linum , quod ignibus non absumeretur ; vivum id vocant , &c. There is now in our dayes found out a certain sort of flax called vivum , i. e. living ( because it lives as it were in , and is not consumed by fire ) I have seen napkins made thereof , red-hot in the flame , by which they are purged and cleansed better then by water . Hence the bodyes of Kings being wrapt therein , were preserved unmixt from the other ashes . It growes in the desarts of India , in places scorched with the Sun , amongst Adders and Serpents , and where there falls no rain : he sayes that it doth , assuescere vivere ardendo , by growing in a hot and sun-burnt soyl , contract ( as it were ) an habit of resisting the flames . It is rare to be found , and very hard to be woven or spun , by reason of its shortnesse . Thus farre Pliny . But this is a thing lost long since : See Pancerol . tit . 4. de reb . perditis . Not unlike to this is that linum Creticum mentioned by Strabo , which hath the same property of resisting the fire : but this was rather a stone then linnen ; for it was made of a certain stone which they beat so long with hammers , till all the terrene or earthy matter was beaten out of it , and there remained nothing but certain threads or strings , which being dress'd and comb'd made a very fine sort of linnen . The like is made of a stone found in the Island of Cyprus , called lapis Amiantus : See Salmuth in Pancirol . rerum deperd . tit . 4. And haply both these were well known to the Ancients , and made use of by them . But although we cannot positively affirm how it was done , we may certainly conclude that they had a way , and were very carefull therein , to separate the remains of the Dead from mingling with other ashes . The ashes thus extinguished , and bathed with wine , were put into certain pitches called urnae , which were made sometimes of stone , sometimes of earth , & sometimes of brass , as here ; Homer made Patrôclus's of gold . The reliques of the Dead being thus gathered up , the Priest cleansed and purified the people ( who were thought polluted and unclean by assisting at the Funerall , as all those who touched or came neer a dead body were ) by bespringling them with water thrice , which number had something of mystery in it , and was by the Ancients accounted sacred . — numero Deus impare gaudet . Virgil useth the word circumferre , which with those of elder times was all one with purgare , which Servius proves out of Plautus ; te pro larvato circumferam , i. e. purgabo ; whence he also derives lustratio , à circumlatione . When this purging or lustration was ended , the Priest with a loud voice pronounced this word , Ilicet , thereby dismissing the company , the word signifying as much as ire licet , which the Poet means here by ( verba novissima ; ) then presently did the company depart , taking their farewell of the Dead in this form of words , Vale , vale , vale , nos te ordine , quo netura permiserit , sequemur . And thus much for the explication of this place . The whole Ceremony ended , Aeneas causeth a stately Tomb to be raised over the interred remains of the dead , under a Promontory near the sea-side , the usuall place where they erected the Monuments of their Heroes , and ( according to the custome ) carves ( for although Virgil useth the word imponere , it cannot be understood of his reall armes , for they were burned with him ) upon the stone his armes as a Souldier , his Trumpet as a Trumpeter , for , Et lituo pugnas insignis obibat & hastâ . Virg. he was Fam'd for his art , as for his valour tri'd . and his Oar , at which he was excellent also ; both which Customes Virgil observes in that of Aeneas to Deiphobus in this very book . Tunc egomet tumulum Rhaetaeo in littore inanem Constitui , et magnâ manes ter voce vocavi ; Nomen & arma locum servant . Then I did raise on the Rhaetaean shore For thee an empty Tomb , thrice did implore Thy Ghost ; thy name and armes still there abide . § 28 Servius will have Aerius to be the proper name of the Promontory or Mountain , before it was called Misênus ; but because Aerius is a proper epithet for any thing which is very high , as Alpes aeriae , we have translated it here as an Appellative . § 29 Misenus is called to this day Monte Misêno , of which Mr. Sandys writes thus : This Promontory is of all others the most famous for the clemency of the air , for the City here once standing , the Manor-houses adjoyning , the Roman Navy here riding , antique Monuments , Grots , Baths , Fish-pools , and other like admirable buildings , surveying all the Sea-coast unto the Promontory of Minerva ( if measured with the winding shore , 54 miles distant ) all which in the time of the Roman Monarchy shewed like one intire City , whereof ( Naples excepted ) there is little to be seen which hath escaped the fury of fire , water , or earthquake . Tantum aevi longinqua valet mutare vetustas , so great a change attends the dark footsteps of Time. § 30 Aeneas here puts in execution the third and last precept of Sibylla , which was to sacrifice to the infernal Deities . Duc nigras pecudes , haec prima piacula sunto . § 31 To which end he first repaires to a certain Cave on the Southeast side of the lake of Avernus , which Virgil here describes . Mr. Sandys , who had entred the same , writes thus of it : On the South-east side of the Lake opens a-to-be-admired Grot , with a ruined Frontispice , but affording a large and high-roof'd passage into the Mountain cut out of the main rock ; agreeing in all particulars with our Author . This although called vulgarly , but erroneously , la Grotta de la Sibylla , was not that Grot whereof we have spoken within the Temple of Apollo , but another adjoyning to the Lake of Avernus , as we have just now said . Here the Ancients dream'd Hells entrance to be : Here Homer made his Vlysses to performe his Necyomancie , in imitation of whom Virgil did the same in the person of his Aeneas . Nay , this present age is so grossely and sottishly ignorant , as to have the same opinion of the place which the more excusable Ancients had , only with this difference ; they beleeved this to be the ingresse or inlet into Hell , and ours the egress or out-let from thence ; for ( as Mr. Sandys reports ) there are many of the Inhabitants at this day , who believe and affirm that Christ from thence made his triumphant Resurrection : nor are the credulous vulgar only of this opinion , but also those who ought to be better versed in the history and geography of the holy Scriptures . He cites one Aleadînus a Poet , as an Assertor of this tradition ; which he delivers in this Distich : Est locus , effregit quo portas Christus Averni , Et Sanctos traxit lucidus inde patres . There Christ Avernus black gates broke in two , And holy Fathers thence victorious drew . Of this Lake of Avernus the same Author makes this relation , viz. That it is circular in form , and invironed with Mountains , and shadowed heretofore with over-grown woods ; a main occasion of those pestilent vapours : for they being cut down by Agrippa , the place became frequently inhabited on every side , as approved both healthfull and delightfull : the water thereof looketh black , so thought heretofore to have been by reason of its unmeasurable profundity ; but later times have found it out a bottom , and that it exceedeth not 253 fathomes : No leaf , or whatsoever falleth therein , is ever after seen , &c. Which description doth in all particulars so agree with that which Aristotle gives of it in his book de Mirabilibus A●scultationibus , that either Mr. Sandys transcribes his verbatim from thence , or so long a tract , and interval of time from that great Philosopher to our great Traveller , hath made no sensible alteration . But the major part thereof is now choaked up by the new Mountain : This Lake was called by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. sine avibus , void of birds , from whence the Latine Avernus , with some small alteration de●ives it self . The Poet gives you the reason of this denomination ; and it is given by Lucretius as a generall name to all places , over which ( by reason of the noysome and sulphureous vapours ) Birds cannot flye : so that Avernus is not confined to Italy only , but may give name to any place where the same properties are found . § 32 Here Virgil describeth most exactly the manner of sacrificing to the infernall Gods , which was as different as Hell from Heaven from that of the supernals , in time , manner , place , and colour of the sacrifice . To these they sacrificed upon an Altar raised above the ground , whence Altare takes its name ab alto ; to those in a Cave under ground , digging there a hole or pit , which they termed scrobs or screbicklus into which they let the blood of the Sacrifice run . Thus Ovid Met. l. 7. speaking of Medea : Haud procul egestâ scrobibus tellure duabus Sacra facit , cultrosque in gutture velleris atri Conjicit , & patulas perfundit sanguine fossas . Not far from thence i th' hollow'd ground two pits Med●a digs , and sacrificing slits The throats of black-fleec'd rams ; with reaking bloud She fils the ditches . — So Homer makes Vlysses dig a hole a cubit in all its dimensions . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Into this they did not only let the blood of the Sacrifice flow , but also together with it poured wine and milk . Tum super invergens liquidi charchesia vini , Alteraque invergens tepidi charchesia lactis , Verba simul fundit . Ovid. Met. 7. Then pouring bolls of liquid wine , commixt With luke-warm milk , she prayes . — Others add hony , eggs , oyl , with an infinite number of the like trash , as the foam of mad dogs , the bowels of a beast called Lynx , eyes of Dragons , &c. To the Superi they offered white victims , and an odd number , as alwaies sacred to the Gods ; to the Inferi black and an even ( as being by the Ancients esteemed unlucky ) were presented . Virgil comprehends all these circumstances in this one verse . Quatuor hic ( id est , ad os hujus speluncae ) primum Nigrantes terga juvencos Constituit . Lastly , these infernall Rites were a●wayes performed in the night-time ; this Law being inviolably observed , viz. to a male Deity or God they still offer'd a male , to a female Numen or Goddesse they constantly presented a female Sacrifice , as well to the Inferi as Superi . The Sacrifice now brought to the place where it was to be offered , the Priest poured wine between the horns , which was a common ceremony used in all Sacrifices , whether to the powers beneath or those above ; but with this difference , to these they did pour the wine with the palm of the hand turned upward , supinâ manu , which the Latines called fundere ; to those with the palm of the hand turned downward towards the ground , pronâ manu , by them termed invergere : Servius his words-are these , Fundere est supinâ manu libare , quod fit in sacris superis : Invergere est conversâ in sinistram partem manu ita fundere , ut patera convertatur . Virgil ( ever studious of propriety ) useth the word invergere : we cannot difference them in the English , but by a long circumlocution ; for fundere and invergere with us are rendred promiscuously to pour . This Ceremony was used as a probation of the Sacrifice ; for if it did stupescere , stand still and unmov'd , it was rejected as sick and diseased , and consequently unfit for sacred uses ; if otherwise , it was approved , and they did proceed to the next ceremony , omitted here by Virgil , which was Immolation , from Mola , which signifies a barley Cake kneaded up with salt , which they crumbled and sprinkled upon the head and back of the Sacrifice , drawing the knife wherewith they jugulated the Sacrifice thwart his temples ; both which are expressed by Virg. Aen. 12. Dant manibus fruges salsas , & tempora ferro Summa notant . — They salted Cakes present , and with a knife His temples markt . — Which done , one cried with a loud voice , Macta est hostia , i. e. magis aucta , more increased , and rendred more pleasing to the Gods ; whence immolare and mactare , though but one part of the ceremony , signify in the generall to sacrifice . The next ceremony to this in order was to pluck off the hairs ( Virgil useth setae here for pili ) which grew between the horns , casting them into the fire , which the Poet here calls libamina prima , the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , primitias : these three latter Customes are comprehended by Homer in these two verses : Odyss . 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Water and Cakes he sprinkling prayes , and does Hairs ( from the temples pluckt ) to th' flames expose . Onely Homer instead of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , wine , useth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies water to wash the hands with : but that maketh no difference , as to the probation of the Sacrifice ; for water will doe that as well as wine . And from hence De la Cerda deduceth the custome of shaving the heads of the Priests in the Roman Church ; his words are these , Quemadmodum evulsio pilorum fuit indicium victimae jam devotae , & separatae à profanis usibus ; ita hoc quidem indicat clericalis tonsura . This done , the Priest using certain mysticall words invoked Hecate , by which Proserpine is meant in this place . But for the fuller understanding of this we must make a more strict and deep research . § 33 Hecate was the Daughter of Perses King of Taurica , and Wife of Aeeta , a neighbouring Prince , and King of Colchis ; Mother to Circe and Medêa , worthy shoots of such a stock : She ( as were her Daughters ) was a famous Sorceresse ; a woman so transcendently cruel , that when at hunting she could finde no other game , she would with her lance or sword kill some of her Attendants . She used to sacrifice all strangers , whose evill starres had unfortunately guided them to those parts : lastly , having poysoned her Father , she usurped his Throne . For which rare endowments and goodly merits she was deified , invoked and sacrificed to by those of her own damnable profession . Thus have I shewed you Hecate in the true mirrour of history ; and now you may behold her through the opticks of poesie , where she appears as foul a Monster in her externals , as you have seen her in her internals : She was said to be half a surlong tall , which is the ●6 . part of a mile , without question the properest of her sex : She had three heads , the right of a horse , the left of a dog , and the middle of a wild sow ; from whence the Poets gave her the epithets of triceps , triformis , and tergemina : instead of hair , serpents and vipers hung hissing , wreathing and curling themselves about her shoulders : She was called Brimo from the ugly howling noise she used to make . I cannot in particular give a reason why they represented her thus ; only in generall , because she was thought to be an infernall Goddesse , and Patronesse of Sorceresses and Witches , they imagined that they could not depaint her with too much horrour and terribleness . But to the purpose : Hecate is a genericall word , applicable to many particulars ; for by it sometimes we are to understand Luna , sometimes Diâna , and sometimes Proserpina : In fine , when it is applied to Heaven , it is taken for Luna , when to Earth for Diâna , when to Hell for Proserpine . So the Sun in heaven is called Sol , in earth Liber Pater , in hell Apollo : hence Virgil sayes that she is Coeloque Ereboque potens , to which he might also have added terrâ . And from these three denominations we may more rationally call her triceps , three-headed , or else from the threefold aspect of the Moon , at the increase , full , and decrease . At the increase she is said to be in heaven , and to borrow light from the Sun , at the full to impart her own to the earth ; and in the wane to decline unto darknesse , and as it were to the infernal Mansions . Mayênus gives this reason why Hecate is said to be Coelo Ereboque potens , i. e. apud inferos & superos potestatem habens , because whilst the Moon is above the Horizon she giveth light to us who are Superi or above in regard of our Antipodes , and whilst she is beneath the Horizon , she giveth light to our Antipodes , who are inferi or beneath in regard of us . After this invocation the Sacrificer ( whom the Latines call Popa , or Victimarius ) slew the sacrifice , using in this also a different ceremony ; ●or when they sacrificed to the celestial Gods , having knocked the beast on the head , they laid him upon his back with his throat upward , and so cut it : but when to the Infernals , they let out his blood , holding his head towards the ground : hence Virgil sayes , supponunt alii cultors : See Turneb . l. 15. c. 12. Cultros supponere does imply in what posture the Victim lay . Nor did the Victimarius alwayes slay the sacrifice ; sometimes those who came to offer slew it themselves , which was , as the same Author observes , heroico ritu , after the manner of the ancient Heroes . Homer makes Agamemnon doe it , Il. 3. as Virgil doth Aeneas here , who did himself slay , and offer a black-fleec'd Lamb to the Furies , which is Nox , or the Night ; and to her Sister , which is Terra , or the Earth : they may well be so neer akin , for the night is nothing but the interposition or shadowing of the earth . To Proserpine ( because she is said never to have been pregnant ) he offered a barren Cow : to Pluto an entire Bull , or Holocaust , who because he was deemed ( as Nat. Comes observes lib. 1. cap. 11. ) that divine minde or spirit , which as the soul thereof was diffused through the whole mass of the earth , and did there preside , order and govern all things , as Neptune in the sea , Juno in the aire , and Jupiter in the celestiall bodies ; I say for this reason there was little or no difference in the Ceremonies used to Pluto , and in those used to the Celestials ; for here , as you see , were Altars , Holocausts , Oyl ; the only difference is , that all infernall sacrifices ought to be performed ( as we have said ) in the night . But for the better elucidation of this place , and the fuller understanding of those Rites and Customes used by the Ancients in their Necyomancy , Necromancie , Sciomancie , and other infernall Ceremonies , read Statius Theb. l. 4. Sil. Ital. l. 13. Ovid. Met. l. 7. f. 2. * Sen. Oedip . Act. 2. Scen. 1. Lucan . Pharsal . l. 6. out of all which thou mayst learn the wicked and ridiculous superstition of deluded Antiquity . Hell is said to be empty and void , either beause Death and the Grave are never satisfied , or because there are none but ghosts and shadows there , which being incorporeall , take up no room , nor fill any place . § 34 The Romans , according to A. Gellius l. 16. c. 5. and after him Macrobius l. 6. c. 8. used in their buildings to leave a spatious vacant place , or base-Court before their Palaces , which divided the same from the street or high-way : this they called Vestibulum , where those who came to salute or speak with the Master of the house remained a while before they had admittance ; whence Vestibulum has its denomination from ve , an augmentative particle , and stare ; as vetus from ve , and aetas ; and vehemens from ve and mens ; ve signifying here as much as valde ; ab illâ ergo grandis loci consistione , & quasi quadam stabulatione vestibulum appellatum est . This they used to adorn with Pictures and Statues , as well to feed the eyes of their expecting friends , and to make their delayed reception seem lesse tedious , as to grace and ennoble the building . To which custome Virgil alluding here , placeth various forms and monsters , as well before the Vestibulum of Hell as within the same . Here Reader thou mayest with Quintilian observe the excellent judgement of the Poet , and great happiness in the choice of his Epithets . Others of the Latins have aspired to imitate Virgil herein , who ( though in their attempt not unhappy ) yet must submit to this true idêa and prototype of poesie . Thus Claudian . l. 1. in Ruffin . in emulation of our Master describes an Assembly or Sessions of the like Monsters in most luculent verses , and is herein inferiour to none , unlesse to him who never found his equall . Let us not seem to deviate from the purpose , if we make good our assertion by these following instances : — glomerantur in unum Innumerae pestes Erebi , quocunque sinistro Nox genuit faetu : nutrix Discordia belli , Imperiosa Fames ; leto vicina Senèctus , Impatiensque sui Morbus , Livorque secundis Anxius , & scisso moerens velamina Luctus , Et Timor , & coeco praeceps Audacia vultu , Et Luxus populator opum , cui semper adhaerens Infaelix humili gressu comitatur Egestas . Foedaque Avaritiae complexae viscera Matris , Insomnes longo veniunt examine curae . Hells numberlesse plagues meet , all the accurst Ofspring of night ; dire Warre by Discord nurst , Imperious Hunger , Age on Death confining , Self-wearied Sickness ; Envy still repining At others good ; Sorrow with garments torn , Fear , hoodwink'd Rashnesse violently born ; Riot wealths bane , which wretched Beggery ( Creeping along ) doth still accompany ; Last , a long train of wakefull Cares ( which hung On their foul Mother Avarice ) doth throng . Neither doe those of Seneca in Herc. furent . seem to flow from a lesse judicious or poeticall strain . Horrent opacâ fronde nigrantes comae Taxo imminente , quam tenet segnis Sopor , Famesque moesta tabido rictu jacens , Pudorque serus conscios vultus tegit ; Metus , Pavorque , Funus , & frendens Dolor , Alterque Luctus sequitur , & Morbus tremens , Et cincta ferro Bella , in extremo abdita Iners Senectus adjuvat baculo gradum . Rough with dark leaves a Yews black head doth nod Over the lake , of lazie Sleep th' abode ; Sad Hunger here with thin jawes yawning lies , And Shame too late shrouding its conscious eyes ; Fear , Dread and Death , and groaning Pain succeeds ; Sicknesse , with Mourning clad in Sable weeds ; Then armed Warre ; and lastly was espi'd Limping Old-age , whose steps a staffe did guide . Nor les us disdain to hear Silius Ital. his Muse l. 13. Quarta cohors omni stabulante per avia monstro Excubat , & manes permisto murmure terret Luctus edax , Maciesque malis comes addita Morbis , Et Moeror pastus fletu , et sine sanguine Pallor : Curaeque Insidiaeque atque hinc queribunda Senectus ; Hinc angens utraque manu sua guttura Livor : Et deforme Malum , & sceleri proclivis Egéstas , Errorque infido gressu ; & Discordia gaudens Permiscere fretum coelo . — A fourth troop with its Monsters quarters there , Self-gnawing Sorrow with its plaints doth-skare The Ghosts ; there Leannesse joyn'd with Sickness , and Grief fed with tears , with bloodless Palenesse stand : There Cares , Ambushments , with repining Age , And Envy which on its own throat doth rage : Want a deformed Curse , and prone to ill , With Error reeling ; Discord , which doth fill All things with dire Confusion . — § 35 Having described what Monsters-lodged without the Court , the Poet now bringing Aeneas within the same , relates what strange apparitions presented themselves there . And first he sayes that there was an old shady and vast Elm , the habitation of vain and ridiculous dreams : Seneca and Silius will have it a Yew-tree : The Poets in generall feigned sleep to reside aloft in a tree , that from thence it might descend upon Mortals : Hence Val. Flaccus , — dulces excussit ab arbore somnos . And Homer Il. 14. makes somnus climb a tree , that from thence he might shed sleep into the eyes of Jupiter . In particular , it was feigned to be an Elm , or Yew-tree , because the green thereof being not fresh and lively , but sad and drawing upon a black , from the very colour seemed to invite to sleep : Whence Ovid in his excellent description of the Palace of Sleep , Metam . lib. 11. At medio torus est Ebeno sublimis in antro Plumeus , Uniculor , Pullo velamine tectus , Quo cubat ipse Deus membris languore solutis , &c. Amid the Eben Cave a downy Bed High mounted slands , with Sable cov'ring spred ; Here lay the lazie God dissolv'd in rest , &c. § 36 Nor doth the Poet give this tree a dark and uniform colour for the reason above alledged , but also expanded and large branches , and a farre-spreading shade , all which conduce to sleep , the sonne of Night and Erebus , and brother of Death , and therefore aptly placed in Hell ; and father of Dreams , which are those Images of things which are formed in our sleep , by the various discursion of the spirits in the brain , which follows concoction , when the blood is least troubled , and the phantasie uninterrupted by ascending vapours . Of these ( according to Ovid ) there are three sorts , all brothers and sonnes of sleep ; the first called Morpheus , which signifies form ; the second by the Gods called Icelos , which is similitude , by Mortals Phobêtor , or a causer of fear , in regard of the terrours arising from fearfull dreams ; and the third Phantasus , or imagination : all which express the nature and originall of dreams , which also are diverse , according to the meat we eat , place where we live , the time , the business and discourse of the precedent day , and lastly the variety of every ones temperament and complexion : Coel. Rodiginus l. 9. c. 10. gives a more mysticall and abstruse interpretation of this place out of the Platonick Philosophy , to whom we shall referre thee , as also to Macrobius in somn . Scipionis l. 1. c. 3. Centaurs were monsters , in their upper part resembling a man , and in their lower a horse : hence the Poet alluding to their equine nature , sayes most properly , Centauri in foribus stabulant , that Centaurs were stalled or stabled at the gates . They are said to have been begotten by Ixion on the cloud which was presented to him by Jupiter instead of Juno , whom he sought to adulterate . They are fam'd for nothing more then their drunken Counter-skuffle with the Lapithae at Perithous his Wedding , excellently described by the ingenious Ovid Met. l. 12. fab . 3. This fiction hath an allusion to this history . The Centaurs were a mountainous people of Thessalie , subject to Ixion , whose regal City was called Nephele , which signifies a cloud ; and because all Kings are , or ought to be fathers of their people , Ixion from hence was said to have begotten them on a cloud . These , because hardy and stout ( as Mountainers generally are ) the King by propounding fair rewards , invited to destroy the wild Bulls which infested part of his Country ; whence they take their name of Centaurs , from the Greek words , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , signifying to gore with a javeling , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Bull. They were the first who ever backed horses , who being seen by the Borderers as they watered their horses at the river Peneus ; were supposed by them ( amazed at so uncouth a sight ) to have been really such as we have represented them : and truly an exquisite horseman ought to place himself in such a posture on horseback , as if ( Centaur-like ) he were one piece with the horse he bestrides . They were indeed a cruell libidinous people , and injurious to strangers , and therefore the Poets invested their beastly minds with such monstrous bodies , imposing also such names upon them as did correspond with their wild and salvage natures . § 37 There were two Scylla's , one the Daughter of Nisus , King of the Megarenses , who betrayed her Father and native soyl to his implacable enemy Minos King of Crete : See Ovid. Met. lib. 8. fab . 1. the other Daughter of Phorcus , begotten on the Nymph Cretheis : she was Circes Rival in the love of Glaucus , and by her incantations changed into a most deformed Monster , for infecting the bay where the beautifull Nymph used to bathe her self with her poysonous juices , Scylla contracted a monstrous form , her upper parts retaining her former shape , but her lower were said to be environed with howling wolves , and barking dogs , attracting and destroying all ships which came neer her : Hence the Poet calls her biformis , thus by him described in his third book : At Scyllam caecis cohibet spelunca latebris , Ora e●●●tantem , et naves in saxa trahentem ; Prima hominis facies , et pulchro pectore virgo Pube tenus , postrema immani corpore Pistris Delphinum caudes utero commissa luporum . But Scylla lurking in dark Caves , displayes Her face , and ships to crushing rocks betrayes ; A Virgin to the twist divinely fram'd , Her nether parts with shape of Monsters sham'd , Deform'd with womb of Wolves , and Dolphins tails . Scylla was a rock under the Promontory of Rhegium on Italy side , over against the Promontory of Pelôrus on the coast of Sicily , under which the adverse and equally dangerous rock of Charybdis did lift up its ragged head : The lower part of this rock was full of holes and concavities ( the dogs which are said to bark , by reason of the noise of the repercussed waters ) frequented by Lamprons and greater Fishes , which devoured the bodies of the drowned passengers . Scylla was said to retain the form and shape of a woman in her upper parts , because this rock appeared to be such to those who beheld it at distance : it took the name of Scylla from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to spoil , or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to vex , whence she is said by Virgil ( who haply alluded to the Greek ) Eccl. 8. Dulichias vexâsse rates . — And from hence sprung this Fable , and her fabulous form ; but both these formerly-perillous rocks of Scylla and Charybdis have ( as Mr. Sandys tells us , who had sayled those seas ) lost their terrours by the changing of the current , expressed by that marble fountain in Messena , where Neptune holds Scylla and Charybdis in chains with these under-written verses : Impia nodofis cohibetur Scylla catenis , Pergite securae per freta nostra rates , Capta est praedatrix , Siculique infamia Ponti , Nec fremit in mediis saeva Charybdis aquis . Fast-binding fetters wicked Scylla hold : Sail safely through our streights ; brave ships be bold ' Th' infamous thief that kept those seas , is tane , And fell Charybdis rageth now in vain . But if you will draw this Fable to a morall sense ; then Scylla represents a Virgin , who as long as chast in thought , and in body unspotted , appears of an excellent beauty , attracting the eyes and hearts of all upon her ; but if once polluted with the sorceries of Circe , id est , having rendred her Maiden honour to be deflowred by bewitching pleasure , she is transformed into an horrid Monster ; and not so only , but endeavors to shipwrack others ( such is the envy of infamous women ) upon those ruining rocks , and to make them share in the same calamities . § 38 Briareus ( which in the Greek signifies strong ) was a monstrous Giant , the sonne of Titan and the Earth ; he was said to have had an hundred arms , and fifty heads , and to belch forth flames of fire out of his mouth ; called by the Gods Aegaeon , as by mortals Briareus , according to that verse of Homer : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . — Thus described by Virgil Aeneid . lib. 10. Aegaeon qualis , centum cui brachia dicunt Centenasque manus , quinquaginta oribus ignem Pectoribusque arsisse ; Jovis cum fulmina contra Tot paribus streperet clypeis , tot stringeret enses . Aegaeon ( whom an hundred armes fame lent , An hundred hands ; from fifty mouths who sent Destroying flames ) when ' gainst Joves power he rose , As many shields did rattle , swords oppose . This Giant conspiring with the rest of his rebellious brethren against Jupiter , was with a thunder-clap struck dead by him , and buried under the weight of imposed Aetna , which is said to tremble and belch forth flames whensoever the wearied Monster changeth his posture . The Giants in generall are an emblem of the tumultuous and rebellious Multitude , which from the ignoble and earthy soul wherewith they are animated , may very truly be styled sons of the earth . But that Briareus in particular is said to cause Aetna to cast up stones and flames of fire , whensover he moves , hath a physicall meaning ; and by him is understood the wind which struggles in the Caverns of the earth , causing it to vomit forth fire , and to cast up stones against Jupiter , by which we are to understand heaven . § 39 This Bellua Lernae , Beast or Monster of Lerna , a famous Lake in the Country of the Argives , was that Hydra ( so called by the Greeks ) or Excetra ( the Latine compellation ) a prodigious kinde of Reptile with 50 heads , which infested the circumjacent Plains , killing and destroying whatsoever man or beast came in its way . Hercules , amongst the rest of his labours , was fam'd for subduing this Monster , whose heads as soon as cut off did repullulare , three succeeding in the place of one , insomuch that Hydra's head in a proverbiall acceptation signifies an endless labour , or a concatenation , and linking of one disaster upon another ; it is also a type of popular sedition , and a National revolt , which is no sooner quelled in one place , but that it breaks out with triplicated rage and fury in another ; whence the Vulgar is significantly denominated Bellua multorum capitum , that many-headed beast , as was this Bellua Lernae . But the historicall sense of this fable ( according to Servius ) is this ; Hydra , which derives it self from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. water , was a certain place whence so great a quantity of water did issue , that it did drown the neighbouring Country ; nor could they sooner stop one eruption , but that the hydroraea or water-flux became multiplied , and over-ran them with greater violence : which Hercules perceiving , he fired those places , by which means he stopped that prodigious dropsie : and that it is possible so to doe , we have the authority of Virgil : — omne per ignem Excoquitur vitium , atque exsudat inutilis humor . Which is the reason he gives why they burn the stubble when the corn is taken off . Thus Hercules , when by multiplication of blows he could not quell this Monster , was said to effect this conquest by the application of fire , burning those heads which no other force could tame . Others say that this Hydra was a terrible water-serpent , and so fruitfull , that they had no way to destroy it , and its ever-multiplying progenie , but by setting fire to the place where it hatched its egges : Meyênus . § 40 Chimaera was a most celebrated Monster amongst the Ancients , Daughter of Typhon and Echidna , whose upper parts ( vomiting fire ) resembled a Lion , the middle a Goat , and nether a Dragon ; according to these verses of Homer , borrowed of him by Hesiod in his Theogonia : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . This Monster was said to have been slain by Bellephoron mounted upon the winged horse Pegasus . Chimaera ( according to Servius ) was a Mountain of Sicilia ; but according to the more generally received opinion , of Lycia , out of whose top there proceeded fearfull eruptions of fire ; which also was frequented by Lions ; the middle part abounded with good herbage , and was stocked with wild Goats : the foot thereof ( which was sedgie and moorish ) was a retreat and receptacle for monstrous Snakes and Serpents . Hence Bellephoron ( who rendred it habitable ) was said to have killed the Chimaera . Others say that this Chimaera was a certain Pyrate of Lycia , a maritime Province in Asia Minor , who had a Lion carved upon the head of his Ship , a Dragon on the stern , and a Goat upon the middle part ; who being overcome and taken by Bellephoron ( whose Ship was called Pegasus , and from its swiftness said to be winged ) gave birth to this Fable . But if we look upon the physicall meaning hereof , Chimaera represents to us the nature of rainswollen rivers or torrents , by the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there being no great dissonance in the words , which , because they are violent , and make a roaring noise , are said to resemble Lions , because they bear all things along with them ; Goats , whose nature it is to crop and catch at whatsoever is in their reach ; and Dragons from their Maeanders , or oblique and serpentine course ; which Monster Bellephoron mounted upon Pegasus is said to kill , because by the heat and vertue of the Sun ( the true Bellephoron ) the abundant humor which lent supply to these torrents is drunk up and exsiccated . But if you will consider it ethically , Chimaera sets before us the life of man , who in his youth is as an untamed Lion ; in his middle age as a wanton and aspiring Goat , still striving to climb upon the steep rocks , and dangerous precipices of honour ; and in his old age becomes as subtile and crafty as a serpent . But because there never was or could be any such thing in Nature as a Chimaera , in our common speech we use by this word to denote any thing that is a meer Ens Rationis , an impossibility , or a fiction . § 41 The Gorgons were 3 Sisters , Medûsa , Stheno and Euriale , Daughters of Phorcus and Ceto , a sea-monster inhabiting the Islands of the Darcades in the Aethiopick sea , over against the Hesperides . They were said to have had heads lïke Dragons , teeth like the tusks of Boars , iron hands , and wings ; and lastly with their aspect to petrifie , or to turn into stone those who beheld them . These Perseus , sonne of Jupiter and Danae slew , being armed with the refulgent shield of Pallas , helmet of Pluto , and with the fauchion and wings of Mercury : they were called Gorgons from their terrible look ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Greeks signifying truculencie , or fiercenesse of aspect . But because none could without assured danger of his life look directly upon them , therefore Perseus beholding them in the Mirrour of his shield cut off their heads . From whose blood Chrysaor and the winged horse Pegasus sprung up : but we must note , that before Perseus went to the conquest of these Monsters , he did divert to the habitation of the Graeae , two Sisters , Peph●edo and Enyo , who ( according to Hesiod in his Theagonia ) were gray-haired from their infancy , and had but one eye betwixt them , which they used in common : This Perseus intercepting as they passed it one from another , made use of it as his guide and Pilot to the Country of the Gorgons , &c. By the Gorgons are meant sensuall delights , which are the assured destruction and ruine of those who behold or pursue them ; and which ( although they may seem to their deluded followers to be full of satisfactory contents ) yet in reality are as dangerous and untractable as Dragons , as fierce and hurtfull as salvage Boars , bruising and destroying with their iron hands ; lastly , for that they are of short continuance , they are said to have wings , and suddenly to flye from those they have flattered and de●uded : Gaudia non remanent , sed fugitiva volant . Perseus on the contrary , the sonne of Jupiter , is Reason ; the image and impress of God , who is the true Jupiter : The hoary-headed Graeae , Experience acquired by long time , and the concomitant of gray hairs : Their eye is the discerning faculty of the Soul : The shield of Pallas , and helmet of Pluto ; are our defensive armes , viz. constant good resolutions , and fixed habits of virtue , whereby we sustain and resist all the batteries and assaults of sensuall allurements : the fauchion of Mercury , our offensive armes , whereby we doe not only resist and repel an invading temptation , but ( in the grapple and encounter , conquering and surmounting the same ) proceed to the highest acts of virtue and true perfection . But forasmuch as pleasure proves sometimes too potent an enemy to deal and contend withall , a wise man is said to put on Mercuries wings , that he may ( by flying from what he dares not encounter ) elude and disappoint the force of his over-powerfull adversary , according to the Spanish Proverb , qui en quita l'occasion , quita el-peccado , he that shuns the occasion shurs the sin . And this is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or whole armour of a wise man ; not unlike to that which is recommended to us by the Apostle Epes . 6. But whereas ▪ Perseus is said not to look upon Medusa and the rest , but in the refulgency of his shield , is to hint to us not too earnestly to behold with our eyes what our hearts are too prone to consent to . Thus , as from the blood of the subdued Monsters the winged Pegasus took his birth ; so from the taming of our wild affections , and conforming to the dictates of right reason , an honest and glorious fame ( the true Pegasus which flies through the mouths of men , and celebrates victorious vertue ) is produced . But the truth is , that these Gorgons were a race of warlike women in the coasts of Libya , as the Amazons were in Asia , whom Perseus warring upon , subdued , and utterly extirpated . § 42 The Harpyes ( according to Hesiod in his Theogonia ) were the Daughters of Thaumas and Electra , and Sisters of Iris : they were three , Aello , Ocypete , and Celoeno . Others say that they were the Daughters of Neptune and Tellus , of old esteemed the Parents of all Monsters and Prodigies . They are called Jupiters dogs ; in hell Furiae , in heaven Dirae , on earth Harpyjae : they were said to have the ears of a Bear , the bodie of a Vulture , the face of a Virgin , humane hands and armes , but withall most dreadfull and monstrous talons : Thus described by the Prince of Poets , Aen. 3. Tristius haud illis monstrum , nec saevior ulla Pestis & ira Deûm Stygiis sese extulit undis : Virginei volucrum vultus , foedissima ventris Proluvies , uncaeque manus , & pallida semper Ora fame . — Then them no Monster 's worse , no greater curse Or wrath of Gods e're sprung from Stygian source . The fowls have Virgins faces , purging still Their filthy paunches , arm'd with talons , ill And ever pale with hunger . — These was said to infest blinde Phineus King of Thrace , to snatch the meat from his Table , and to pollute and defile what they bore not away : they were at last pursued and chased away by Calais and Zetus , the winged issue of Boreas , to the Islands called Strophades , where they , giving over the pursuit , left that name to those Islands 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à conversione , which were formerly known by the name of Plotae . The moderns call them Stivali . And what are these Harpyes , but flatterers , Delators , and the inexplebly covetous , who abuse , devour , and pollute the fame of Princes , blinded in their understandings ? whom Zetus and Calais ( said to be winged from their vigour and expediteness in State-affairs , and the service of their Country ) are fam'd to expell , thereby freeing the Court & Councell of the abused Prince from those pernicious Monsters . But Avarice is the vice more properly depainted and reprehended by these Harpyes , which take their name from Rapine , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and are said to be Virgins , in that barren , because goods ill gotten descend but seldome to posterity ; to flye , in that they are swift in extorting ; to be covered with plumes , from cloaking and concealing ther prey ; to have talons of vultures , from their griping and fast-holding of their unjustly ravished goods . These qualities are also characterized in their names ; Aëllo quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . from taking away what was anothers ; Ocypete from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from celerity and flying ; Celeno , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies black . Thus a covetous man is an Aello or invader of anothers , which like an Ocypete , or kinde of prey , he doth with all violence and greediness , being a Celaeno , or close & dark in his proceedings . You may draw this Fable to a physicall sense in this manner ; by the Harpyes is signified the nature of the wind , and all flatulent Meteors , which are therefore said to be born of Thaumas , the Son of Pontus or the Sea , and Electra the Daughter of Sol or the Sun ; for such is the winde which is generated from the vapors of the sea , drawn up by the Sun-beams , whereof the more gross and thick parts are condensed into rain , the more thin and subtile extenuated into wind . Their names also are agreeable to the nature of the wind ; for what is a greater Harpy , i. e. more violent and rapid then the wind ? what more an Ocypete , or swift-flying ? what more an Aella , i. e. a storm ? for from thence is Aello also derived ; or what more commonly accompanied with Celaeno , i. e. obscurity , then windy and tempestuous weather ? Lastly , as the Harpyes are said to be winged , what is more frequent in our common speech , then the wings of the wind , from its extraordinary swift and rapid motion ? § 43 By forma tricorporis umbrae , which we have expressed by three-body'd Elves , the Poet understands the Ghost or representation of Geryon , the Sonne of Chrysâor and Callirhoë ; said to have three bodies , either from the three Islands ( the 2 Beleares and Ebûsus , now known by the names of Majorca , Minorca and Ivica ) which were under his dominion and Signiory : Or for that ( as Justin testifies l. 44. c. 4. ) there were three Brethren of them , who lived together in such & concord fraternal amity , as if they had had but one soul to actuate their three bodies . And may not this Fable be verified in this our age ? have not we our Geryon ? is not our dread Soveraign Lord of three mighty Kingdomes ? What is Majorca to England ? Minorca to Scotland ? and Ivica to Ireland ? what in extent ? what in fertility ? Why did Antiquity boast so of its Geryon , and shall not we proclaim our unparrallel'd happinesse in our Charles the second ? second indeed to none in all Princely endowments and royall accomplishments , insomuch that his inherent worth alone and noble personage seem to have design'd him for Empire , had he no other title : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . But when we consider in what amity and love , how united and linked together our gracious Soveraign and his two Royal Brethren live , we cannot but affirm that ( according to the mythologie of this Fable ) they seem to have but one soul to actuate their three bodies ; the contemplation whereof strikes fire into my Muse , and forceth me into this short Poeticall rapture : Antiquity , what were the reasons why Thou didst so much ascribe to th' number Three ? What mysteries ( to us yet unreveal'd Through thy dark Counsels ) lye therein conceal'd ? Three Graces why ? and why three Parcae pray ? o th' world * three parts , and * three parts of the day ? The Muses three times three ? the Trinity ( Highest of mysteries ) made up by Three ? Nay , why in hell three Judges didst thou seign ? Three Furies why , t' inflict on mortals pain ? If faith assure us that a Trinity In heav'n doth sway , if by Mythology We are instructed that a tripartite Pow'r doth preside over those Realms of night ; Sense I am sure ( then faith and story both An evidence more clear and certain ) doth Tell us that earth is destin'd now to be Governed by a Royall Trinity . Great Charles , brave York , and sprightly Glocester , The names which to all Nations peace or warre Are destin'd to dispence , where they or frown Or smile , they give or take away a Crown . Three Brethren thus Nature did once obey ; Jove rul'd the Heavens , Neptune the raging Sea , Pluto the parts beneath ; their influence Did to all things or Good or Bad dispence : And thus the little world ( mans body ) is If Aristotles School teach not amisse ) By three soul's rul'd ; we the praeeminence To Reason give , the second place to Sence , The Vegetative claims the third ; and thus You , Princely Triade , the three souls which us And this our Western world doe swage ; 't is you , To whom your friends and enemies both bow , As those for love , so these for fear : I say 'T is you , who hearts as well as Empires sway . This blessed union then let nought divorce , And nothing shall resist your matchlesse force . But I am ingaged in so pleasing and copious a subject , that I can hardly take my self off , or return to our fabulous Geryon , from whom we have so farre digress'd ; wherefore you must know that he was said to be a most merciless Tyrant , and therefore slain by Hercules , who having also killed his two-headed Dog , and seven-headed Dragon , the Guardians of his purple-coloured Oxen , together with Eurition , the instrument and Minister of his cruelty , is said to drive away that precious Drove out of those Islands into Greece . This story is briefly touched by our Author , lib. 8. Aen. — maximus ultor Tergemini nece Geryonis , spoliisque superbus Alcîdes aderat , taurosque hâc victor agebat Ingentes ; vallemque boves amnemque tenebant . Alcîdes , who in Geryon's death did boast And spoils ; that great Avenger to our coast Did come , and did his Cattle hither guide ; His Heards possest the vale and river-side . § 44 Spain was anciently a most fertile Country , abounding in all things necessary , as well for the use and sustenance of man , as serving for superfluous pleasures and luxurie ; and in those daies was esteemed the Granary of Italy and Rome , that insatiable Cormorant and devourer of the riches and plenty of the whole world ; as you may read in Justin . l. 44. c. 1. But of all the parts of Spain , those Islands subject to Geryon were most happy , and so abounding in herbage , that if they did not sometimes take their Cattle off from feeding , they would dye either of fat , or repletion ; so much is the present soil altered and impaired , to what it was in elder times ; whence the Droves of Geryon ( wherein consisted the sole wealth of that Age ) were so famous , that they invited Hercules ( that great Land-looper ) to an expedition out of Asia into Europe . Aeneas having passed through the Vestibulum , or base-Court of Hell , proceeds to the river Acheron , which next receives those who travell into those dark and irremeable Kingdomes : We shall confine our speculations concerning the infernall Rivers to this Section ; they were 5. in number , Acheron , Cocytus , Phlegeton , Styx , and Lethe , all mentioned by Virgil in this Poem . Nor were these fantasticall , but real Rivers , and feigned to be infernall streams , either from the unpleasantness and unwholsomness of their waters , or for that ( losing themselves under ground ) they did disappear , and after a long subterranean course , as if springing from Hell , break forth again . And for these reasons Pausanias in Atticis is of opinion , that Homer confined them to Hell , and imposed on them the names by which they are now known . Thus Acheron , so called , as Servius will have it , quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , joyless , or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it is a River which flows with grief and trouble ; is a River of Epirus , neer the Town of Pandosia , in the Province of the Threspoti , flowing out of the Lake Acherusia , which receiving many smaller streams into its channel , posts along with them into the Bay of Ambracia , and is now known by the name of Velichi . There is another of this name in the Country of the Brutii , a Province of Italy , with a Town so called also , where Alexander King of Epirus , Brother to Olympias , and Uncle to the great Macedonian Alexander , lost his life ; for being forewarned by the Dodonêan Oracle to avoid the River Acheron , and the Town of Pandosia ; and ignorant that there were any other places so called , passed into Italy , where ( partly to shun the danger threatned him , and partly to satisfie his own innate ambition and thirst of Empire ) he joyned with the Tarentines against the Brutii ; but meeting there an Acheron and a Pandosia , he met those fates also which he endeavoured to elude , his life and vain hopes expiring together under the walls of Brutian Pandosia : Justin . l. 12. c. 2. Strabo l. 6. Livie l. 8. But to come to the Mythologie ; Acheron taken , as here it is , for one of the infernall Rivers , was said to be the Son of the earth , because that Auri sacra fames , that accursed covering of riches , which are dug and forced out of the bowels of the earth , creates very great inquietudes and perturbations of mind , signified by this word Acheron , according to the above given etymologie thereof : and because men for the love of wealth often hazard their souls , and pass the River Acheron into eternall damnation , Acheron was said to be thrust down into hell for administring drink to the Titans when they fought against Jupiter : by this are covertly meant the wicked and rebellious togitations , whereby in assisting and cherishing out sinnes , his enemies , we fight against our great Creator ; justly repayed with the worst of punishments , because they have offended the best of Entities . The water thereof is said to be of a most ungratefull and unpleasant taste , because the recordation of our past actions , and the account we are to give , cannot but be very unpleasant and distastefull to us . Lastly , it is the first of all the Rivers which the Deceased are to pass , because when wicked men are upon the point of death , an Acheron , or grief of mind doth thereupon seise them , both in regard of those dearly beloved pleasures they leave behind them , and of those dreaded pains which they expect , as the just guerdon of their former delinquencies . Acheron amongst the Poets is frequently taken for Hell it self . § 45 Cocytus , according to Pausanias , is a River of Epire also , neer the Town of Cichyrus in the Province of the Threspoti , and haply may joyn and mingle with Acheron : Hence Virgil alluding to the true position and topography of these two Rivers , may say that Acheron does eructare omnem arenam in Cocytum , fling up its sand into Cocytus , id est , with its thick and troubled waters , discolour the purer stream of Cocytus . This is also feigned to be a River of Hell , taking its name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies to weep or lament ; this was said to receive a continuall supply of waters from the tears of the Damned ; and is therefore called by Silius , lacrymarum fons : the mythologie of this is coincident with that which we have given of Acheron . Styx is a fountain at the foot of Nonacris , a Mountain of Arcadia , whose water ( by reason of the intense coldnesse thereof ) was deadly to all who tasted it ; dissolving all sorts of metal , insomuch that it could not be kept or contained in any vessel of gold , silver , brass , or iron , or any thing else but an Asses hoof : and was thought to be that poyson which by Antipaters means was administred to Alexander the Great , as you may read in Plut. in his life . This River is mentioned by Herodot . in Erato , by Pausanias in Arcadicis , by Pliny l. 2. c. 103. and l. 31. c. 2. This also for its subterranean passage , and the poysonous quality of its waters , is reckoned amongst the infernall streams , and is called Styx , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. hatefull ; which in a literall sense may be verified of it , in regard of its nature and qualities : in a moral , in regard of that hatred which the penitent dying man hath to sin ; for as by Acheron we are to understand that sorrow and contrition which an expiring man conceives for his past offences ; so by Styx is meant that detestation , loathing and disclaiming which we feel in our souls for the same . Cael. Rhodiginus l. 27. c. 5. alluding to the etymon of Styx from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , hatefull , sayes , that therefore the Gods swore by Styx , or the hatefull River , quia â Diis & hominibus odio habentur qui ad dejurium sunt procliviores , because the perjur'd are hatefull both to God and Man. This was therefore that Stygian floud , Dii cujus jurare timent , & fallere numen . as Virgil sayes of it here , and of which Homer l. 5. Odyss . in the person of Calypso to Vlysses writes thus ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Bear witness earth , and the wide heavens above , Yea Stygian waters which beneath do move ; The highest and most serious oath which ties The blessed Gods , who dwell in starry skies . Nor could the Gods either revoke that promise , or frustrate that oath which they had confirmed by the intervention of that sacred name ; if they did , they were for a penalty of their perjury expelled the Councel and society of the Gods for 10 years , and interdicted the celestiall drink and food of Nectar and Ambrosia , as you may read in Hesiods Theogonia . This honour was conferred upon the River Styx ( as the same Author affirms ) for assisting Jupiter against the rebelling Giants . The learned Lord Verulam in his book de sapientiâ Veterum , says , that by Styx we are to understand Necessity ( which though it hath no law it self , is of all laws the most binding ) and Leagues of Princes , which ( though with all solemnity and formality concluded ) are easily frustrated , unlesse the Deity of Styx , that fatall and irremeable River , be called to witness , and seal to the Conditions , that is , unless there be a firmer tye then either that of oath or bed , a necessity of keeping the Articles of agreement , by some mutuall pledges given , or for fear of some losse , danger , diminution of State or Customes ; and then Leagues are held truly sacred , and strictly observed , and as it were confirmed by the invocation of Styx , when there is a fear of that interdiction , and suspension from the society and banquets of the Gods ; under which name and title the Ancients signified all rights and prerogatives of Empire , with all affluence and felicity , which good Patriots study to procure for their beloved Country . Phlegeton is a fourth River , called by Homer Pyriphlegeton , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , fire , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ to burn : This is meerly fictitious ; and is said to roll rapid and fearfull flames of fire down its soultry channel . As this flowed with fire , so Cocytus ( as we have sayd ) was swoln up with tears , both which ( according to Claudian l. 2. in Ruff. ) embraced the infernal Palace of Rhadamanthus . Phlegeton represents to us the burning wrath of God against sinners , and is a type of those torments which the wicked deservedly suffer in Hell in inextinguishable flames . The fifth and last River of Hell is Lethe , which signifies Oblivion , which whosoever drunk of forgot all fore-passed actions or sufferings . Pythagoras , and from him the Platonists held and maintained the transmigration of souls , which after their solution from the body descended into a certain Purgatory , where after a great many years purgation they were brought to this River Lethe , of which having drunk ▪ they forgot whatsoever miseries or incommodities they had suffered , when they were formerly joyned with the body , and thence reverted without any reluctancy into the same : but we shall examine this fancie more strictly hereafter . Lethe is indeed ( as Stephanus witnesseth ) a River in Africa , flowing by the walls of Berenice , which is swallowed up by a great gulph , and running under ground many miles , breaks forth again ; which gave occasion to the Country-people to think that this River sprung from Hell : All which Rivers are thus described by Sil. Ital. l. 13. Punic . — late exundantibus urit Ripas sa●vus aquis Phlegeton , & turbine an●elo : Parte aliâ torrens Cocytus sanguinis atri Vorticibus furit , & spumanti gurgite fertur ; At magnis semper Divis , regique Deorum Jurari dignata palus , picis horrida rivo , Fumiferum volvit Styx inter Sulphura limum : Tristior his Acheron sanie crassoque veneno Aestuat , & gelidam eructans cum murmure arenam Descendit nigrâ lentus per stagna palude . Rough-swoln Phlegeton its banks doth burn , And in its soultry-streames scortch'd stones doth turn : Cocytus torrent then with putrid blood Doth flow , driving along its foaming flood : But Styx ( by which the great Gods , and the King Of Gods vouchsaf's to sweare ) black with its spring Of molten Pitch , its reaking mud , commixt With Sulphur , tumbles : Acheron the next More sad then this , with poyson swells and gore , And belching up its noysom sand , doth rore , Whil'st , slow with its black waters , through a Lake It into Hell doth fall : — And this is the vulgar and common interpretation of these fictions . Macrobius l. 1. c. 10. in Somnium Scipionis , treading in the steps of the more ancient and primitive Philosophers , ( who were of opinion that Hell was nothing but our very bodies , wherein our souls being included , underwent a nasty , horrid and irksome restraint ) finds all those things in our selves which fabulous Antiquity attributed to Hell , the Region of the Damned . Hence ( according to their assertion ) he affirms that Lethe , or the River of Oblivion , is nothing else but the errors and mistakes of the soul , forgetting the state , majesty , and perfect knowledge wherein it lived before it was confined to the loathsome Dungeon of the body . That Phlegeton , or the River of fire , is nothing else but that preternaturall inflammation and exorbitant fire of lust , concupiscence , anger , and other untamed affections , which put the soul out of that equall temper which is naturall to it . That Styx is whatsoever doth sink the Soul into dislike and hatred of its own actions : Cocytus whatsoever causeth tears and grief : Acheron whatsoever deprives us of the joy and content of our lives . Hence they concluded that the soul was dead so long as it remained in the body , and that then it recovered its pristine life and liberty , when it by death hand emancipated it self from the bonds and servitude of the same : Hi vivunt qui è corporum vinculis evolaverun ; nostra autem quae dicitur vita , mors est : Cicer. in Somn. Scipion. Charon , which signifies joy , was the sonne of Night and Erebus , as Hesiod will have it , who makes all the infernal Monsters the progenie of those Parents : see him here to the life depainted by Virgil , so that nothing can be added to that genuine and lively Prosopopaea which the Poet hath given us of him ; we will only illustrate our description with the like out of Seneca in Herc. furent . Hunc servat amnem cultu & aspectu horridus , Pavidosque manes squallidus gestat senex ; Impexa pendet barba , deformem sinum Nodus coercet , concavae lucent genae ; Regit ipse conto Portitor longo ratem . A foul old man , frightfull in dresse and face , Guarding these streams the fearfull Ghosts doth pass ; His beard untrimmed hangs , and you might see Through his thin hollow cheeks ; a knot doth tye His nasty coat ; himself with a long pole His boat doth steer . — Charon was said to be rough and unpleasant to all his Passengers whatsoever ; for seeing all whom he wasted over naked alike , he thought that no one was better then another , that there was no difference between Kings and Princes , and between the inferior and rascally Multitude ; for death is that great Leveller which takes away all distinctions of place and degrees : Sub tua purpurei venient vestigia Reges , Deposito luxu , turbâ cum paupere mixti ; Omnia Mors aequat . — Claud. 2. de rapt . Before thee purpled Kings ( of their late pride Devested ' mongst the poorer rout espide ) Themselves shall prostrate ; Death doth equall all . Wherefore to win the favour of this rigid and implacable Boatman , superstitious Antiquity put a piece of money ( called by the Latines Naulum , by the Greeks Danace ) into the mouth of the Dead . As by the fore-mentioned Rivers are hinted to us those troubles of mind , confusions and distractions of thoughts , which arise from the consideration of having offended a good and gracious Deity , and from the apprehensions or fear which we have of his displeasure , and the consequence thereof , punishments proportionate to our delinquencies ; so by Charon , which ( as I have said ) signifies Joy , we are to understand , that satisfaction and acquiescence which we find in our selves upon the opinion of our innocence , or , that which is next to it , upon a firm resolution of amendment of life for the future ; all which joyned with an unfeigned repentance begets in us a hope of Gods mercy and goodness , which creates serene thoughts and a real joy within us , the true Charon , which wafts us over those turbulent streams of our late distractions to the Elysian fields of pacified and reconciled thoughts . Before we conclude this Paragraph . we will touch upon a Criticism or two . Virgil sayes of Charon , — Stant lumina flammâ . § 46 The brevity of this expression hath caused the Criticks to vary somewhat in their interpretations of this place : Stant , i. e. horrent , Servius ; sunt rigida , Scaliger ; Plena sunt , Turnebus ; non conniventia , sed patula & irretorta , others ; all which put together Meyenus doth thus interpret the Poet , Oculi Charontis inflexibiles , & semper aperti & intenti stantes , quasi flammas emittebant : we have here , as you see , rendred the full sense of all these , though paraphrastically , and in more words then the Originall ; but ( if I may judge ) our Author hath lost nothing in the traduction : His eyes ( like saucers ) stare , like fire do glow . Virgil sayes of Charon , that he did Corpora subvectare cymbâ , a meer contradiction ; for he says anon , Corpora viva nefas Stygiâ vectare carinâ . We have therefore both mended the sense , and reconciled the contradiction , whil'st we have rendred it thus , Wherein his airy fraight he o're doth pass . The Ancients were of opinion that the unburied could not be passed over by Charon , but that their ghosts wandred an 100 years about the banks of Cocytus ; whence nothing was more solemnly observed amongst them then the interment of the Dead , which was done either by a real , or an imaginary sepulture : This latter they called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , when the rites of buriall were observed for the dead , when absent , as if the Corps had been there present , and was thought as effectuall as to their transfretation by Charon as the other . Hence Deiphobus his Ghost ( as wee shall see anon ) was transported , for whom Aeneas had raised a Cenotaphium , or empty Monument ; which the Poet means also when he speaks in the person of Anchises concerning the young Marcellus ; — fungar inani Munere . — And for this reason the Aegyptian Kings , when they would express an implacable hatred and revenge against their offending and executed Subjects , would not suffer their bodies to be buried , that their punishment might survive their lives . But whereas the Poet sayes , that the Ghosts of the unburied wandring about the banks of Cocytus , were excluded for an 100 years from the Elysium , or place of rest ; this is , I say , drawn out of the mysterious doctrine of the Platonists , by whom the number of 10 was held in great veneration , and termed by them numerus perfectus & universus , the perfect and universall number , as being the first compounded number , and containing in it all the kinds and differences of number , as even , odd , the quadrantal , Cube , long and plain , which are the distinctions of those Schools . Hence , as if by Nature preferred to all numbers , we have ten fingers to count upon ; and hence it was the custome of the Ancients , upon any solemn promise or contract , to joyn their right hands , because thereby they did premise this number , as an inviolable pledge of their sincere and reall intentions : and hence our Author ( a great Platonist ) insinuates this number of an hundred years , because it is an universall number arising from ten , ten times multiplied ; for ten Denaries make a Centenary : for the same reason also he allots a thousand years for the purgation of souls , as we shall see anon , a thousand being an universall number also ; for an hundred ten times multiplied makes a thousand ; both which are therefore thought universall , because they arise from the multiplication of ten , the first universall : but if you desire to wade further into these abstruse speculations of numbers . we shall remit you to Cael. Rhodiginus l. 22. lect . antiq . who hath sifted Antiquity herein . § 47 The story and fate of Palinurus , the Master of Aeneas his Ship , is related by Virgil at the close of the precedent book , which is here again repeated by himself , because Aeneas till now knew nothing of the manner of his drowning . In fine , having made a full and perfect relation thereof , he desires Aeneas to carry him along with him over the River Cocytus , but is reprehended for his unseasonable and illicite request by Sibylla , because he was as yet unburied ; but withall encouraged , for that ere long those inhumane Lucani , who had murdered him , should expiate their barbarous assassination , by appeasing his Ghost , and by raising a Cenotaphium for him on that Promontory , which from him should bear the name of Palinurus , on which also stood the Town of Velia here mentioned . But Jul. Higinus , as A. Gellius relates , l. 10. c. 16. is very severe here against Virgil , accusing him of a very grosse mistake against Chronologie ; for Velia was not then built , but a long time after , viz. in the reign of Servius Tulius , by the Phocians , who were expelled their native soil by Harpalus , King Cyrus his Lieutenant : but this must be salved by the figure called Prolepsis , as we have noted § . 2. concerning Cumae . Turnebus l. 22. c. 1. excuseth the Poet thus , saying , Virgil spake with a reflection upon the notation or etymologie of the word Velinus , which is the same with Palustris : Velia , anciently wrote Helia ( as Servius notes ) coming from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies a fenny place ; so that portus require Velinos , is portus require Palustres . But speculations of this nature are not the principall design of these Annotations , we shall herein referre the Reader to the Grammarians . We shall note one thing before we conclude this § . Palinurus desires Aeneas to bury or inter him , tu mihi terram injice . It was a custome among the Ancients , that whosoever light upon an unburied Corps ( were his haste never so great ) was bound to bury it , or to cast earth upon it . Quanquam festinas ( non est mora longa ) licebit Injecto ter pulvere , curras : Horatius l. 1. Od. 28. Though haste thee press , it is no long delay , Thrice cast on dust , and then hye thee away . Quintilian more positively , Declam . l. 5. Insepultum quodlibet corpus nulla festinatio tam rapida transcurrit , ut non quantulocunque veneretur aggestu : hence whosoever omitted this common act of humanity was looked upon as an execrable person ; neither doe I conceive that they were bound to dig a Grave , unlesse they pleased ; it was enough for the discharge of their duty to cast dust or sand upon the Corps , which they were bound to doe thrice , as Horace witnesseth ; which done the party was taken for buried , although it was not quite covered with the earth or sand they cast upon it : and this is the meanest and slightest sort of sepulture , yet enough to prevent the hundred years wandring in the other world ; for which reason Palinurus desires this last and least kindness of his friend , tu mihi terram injice . § 49 Aeneas and Sibylla approching the banks of the River Cocytus , are saluted by Charon with rude and Boatman-like language ; mark the artifice of the Poet in fitting the speech according to the person and quality of the speaker , imitated herein by Senec. in Herc. furent . — dirus exclamat Charon , Quó pergis audax ? siste properantem gradum . Fell Charon cryes aloud , whither bold man Dost thou advance ? thy hasty course restrain . Charon terrified by the threats of Hercules transported him , but was for that fact ( as Servius notes ) held in chains a whole twelve-moneth ; wherefore he had no reason to be pleased , or to doe the like in the person of Aeneas , who for ought he knew might come upon the same design the other did , who , as the fable sayes , drew Cerberus from Hell ; in a moral sense that is , did subdue and conquer all sensuall pleasures , all low and earthy delights : for by Cerberus we are to understand the earth , which consumes and annihilates bodies , whence Cerberus takes its name from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. Carnivorus , a flesh-eater . But this Fable of Hercules , with that of Theseus and Pirithous , took its rise from this following story , which you may read in Theseus his life , written by Plutarch . Theseus Son of Aegaeus and King of Athens , and Pirithous King of the Lapithae , were very intimate friends , and sworn Brothers in armes ; both persons of exceeding strength of body , and undaunted courage of mind : Pirithous had assisted Theseus in the rape of Helena ; such exploits in those dayes being esteemed acts of gallantry and manhood ; wherefore he desires his friend to doe the same for him in a design of the like nature . A●doneus King of the Molossions had a most accomplish'd and beautifull Lady to his Wife called Ceres , with a Daughter called Proserpina , equally deserving . He had a Dog also of a monstrous size , and Lion-like fierceness , with whom he made those ●ight who came to ask his Daughter in Marriage , promising to give her to them who should overcome his Cerberus ; for so was the Dog called . But understanding that Pirithous came not like a Suitor , to request her in marriage , but as a Ravisher , to steal her away , he surprizing both the Gallants , made him Prisoners ; but for Pirithous , he caused him presently to be torn in pieces by his Dog , and shut Theseus up in a close Prison . In the mean time Hercules ( Theseus his Contemporary and friend , who travelled through the world , seeking adventures ) came also into those parts to combat with this terrible Dog , whom conquering he carried away captive with him , delivering also his friend Theseus out of chains . But for a little variety and diversion , let us see the fight between the imaginary Cerberus and Hercules , as it is lively described by Sen in Herc. furent . — Sensit ut motus pedum , Attollit hirtas angue vibrato comas , Missumque captat aure subrectâ sonum , Sentire & umbras solitus . Vt proprior stetit Jove natus , antro sedet incertus canis , Et uterque timuit : ecce latratu gravi Loca muta terret ; sibilat totos minax Serpens per armos : vocis horrendae fragor Per ora missus terna felices quoque Exterret umbras . Solvit à laevâ ferox Tunc ipse rictus , & Cleonaeum caput Opponit , ac se tegmine ingenti clepit Victrice magnum dexterâ robur gerens ; Huc nunc & illuc verbere assiduo rotat , Ingeminat ictus ; domitus infregit minas , Et cuncta lassus capita submisit Canis , Antroque toto cessit : extimuit sedens Vterque solio Dominus , & duci jubet ; Me quoque petenti munus Alcidae dedit . Tunc gravia Monstri colla permulcens manu Adamante texto vincit ; oblitus sui Custos opaci pervigil regni Canis Componit aures timidus , & patiens trahi , Herumque fassus , ore submisso obsequens Vtrumque caudâ pulsat anguiferâ latus , &c. As soon as he his footing heard , he does His Brisles ( stiffe with brandish'd snakes ) oppose ; With prick'd-up ear ( the Ghosts ev'n wont to hear ) Catching the sound ; but when Joves Sonne more neer Approch'd , the Dog sat doubtfull in his den , And both did seem to apprehend ; loe ! then Those mute abodes with his deep throat he scares : About his shoulders wreath'd his threatning hairs Of Serpents hiss ; his dreadfull voices sound ( Sent through his treble mouth ) doth ev'n confound The blessed shades : Then th' other in a rage His Lions spoil devesting , doth engage , And himself cov'ring with that mighty shield , With his all-conqu'ring hand doth nimbly weild His knotty Oak , his strokes he oft repeats ; And now the vanquish'd Dog his threats abates ; He wearied hangs his Heads , and 's Den doth quit ; His * Patrons both ( spectators of the fight ) Did fear , and him resign ; they also * me At the request of Hercules did free . The Monsters wearied necks then stroaking , he Them with an Adamantine chain doth tie : No more himself , Hel●s watchfull Guardian lay's His ears for fear , he quietly obeys His new Lord , and with a submissive meen His Serpents tayl doth wag . — § 50 Sibylla ( called here Vates Amphrysia , i. e. Apollinea , from Apollo , who kept Admetus his flocks neer the River Amphrysus ) with the same decorum replies to every particular of Charons speech , and answering to all his objections , tells him the true end and intention of Aeneas in this his undertaking . Meyenus doth thus moralize upon this place : By Aeneas his descent into Hell to advise with his Father , is meant the study of Philosophy , or a strict search and diligent , indagation after truth , which is said in abdito latere , to lye in as profound and difficult a place to approch as Hell it self : By the fatall branch is hinted to us the wisedome , will , and conduct of the omnipotent and omniscient God , without which no man can attain to true knowledge ; upon the sight of this bough therefore Aeneas his intentions being known to be just , and approved by the Gods , Charon receives him into his Boat , and ( though with some difficulty ) passeth him over the River Cocytus ; which place is thus imitated by Seneca in Her. fur . speaking of Hercules his transportation . Non passus ullas natus Alcm●na moras Ipso coactum navitam conto domat ; Scanditque puppim : Cymba populorum capax Succubuit uni , sedit , & gravior ratis , Vtrinque Lethen latere titubanti bibit . Alcmena's Sonne impatient of delay The Boatman makes with his own pole t' obey ; He goes aboard : under one the boat sinks , Which thousands could receive , and o'recharg'd drinks Lethe at both its tottr'ng sides . § 51 After Aeneas was landed , the first encounter he had was with Cerberus , the infernall Dog and Porter , whose Den was opposite to his landing : He was said to have three heads , and Serpents instead of hair , to be of an immense proportion , fierce and devouring : thus depainted by Sen in Herc. furent . Híc saevus umbras territat Stygias Canis Qui trina vasto capita concutiens sono Regnum tuetur ; sordidum caput tabo Lambunt colubrae , viperis horrent jubae , Longusque tortâ sibilat caudâ Draco ; Par ira formae . — Here by the Stygian Curre the Ghosts are scar'd , Who shaking his three heads those Realms doth guard With his deep yels ; snakes lick his putrid head , About his main themselves soul vipers spread , A Dragon at his twisted tail doth hisse ; Such as his form , his fright full fierceness is . § 52 But Sibylla laying him with all his Hydra's asleep by casting to him this sop , did with Aeneas proceed without any further interruption from this vigilant and terrible guard . Cerberus signifieth the Earth , or the Grave , which devoureth all flesh , and from thence ( as we have said § . 49. ) receives his denomination : He was said by Hesiod . in Theogon . to flatter all comers , and to fawn upon them , but to assayl with horrible yels all such as endeavoured to return : thereby insinuating , that as the grave is the receptacle of all flesh , so that there is no return from thence . But to moralize more parti●rularly upon this place , by Cerberus here we may undestand Obloquie , the oblatration , barking , or snarling of a detracting tongue , to which even Aeneas himself , that is , the most deserving is ( through mistakes ) many times liable : but the way to break the fury of immerited clamours , is not violently to oppose , that doth more irritate ; but to cast a sop to Cerberus , to use seasonable lenitives and discreet Perswasives ; for malice is never more disappointed , never more out of countenance , then when we either silently neglect it , or by well-doing convince it . Virgil distributes Hell into nine severall quarters or regions ; the first is of Infants ; the second of the unjustly condemned ; the third of self-murderers ; the fourth of Lovers ; the fifth of Warriours ; the sixth of Criminals ; the seventh of Purgatory ; the eighth of those who were to return again into life ; the ninth of the Elysium . And that of Infants is very aptly placed in the entrance of Hell , as who were in the very entrance of their lives snatched away . § 53 Next to these were ranged the falsly condemned , as in innocence the most resembling Infants . But because Virgil alludes to the manner of proceeding used in his age in causes criminall , it will not be impertinent to inlarge a little upon this subject ; you must therefore know that those who were stituted Judges in criminall or publick causes , were by the Romans styled Quaesitores , and by the figure Syncope Quaestore● , from the verb quaerere , to seek or inquire , because they did examine and punish all capitall crimes ; they were also called Praetores Quaesitores , and Judices Quaestionis : They did not pass sentence by word of mouth , but when they absolved the party accused , they wrote upon certain small pieces of wood or table●s , called in Latine tesserellae , toleolae , tabellae , or calculi , the letter A. i. e. Absolvimus : If they judg'd him guilty , then he wrote C. i. e. Condemnamus : if they found the cause difficult and doubtfull , then they inscribed N. L. Non liquet : Not unlike our Ignoramus given in by the grand Inquest , whereby the party accused is delivered from all further prosecution : See Cowels Interpret . And then the Cause was put off , and left undecided for a second hearing , which was termed by the Civilians Ampliatio , or Comperendinatio ; see Calv. lex Jurid . and Turnebus advers . l. 1. c. 3. The tables thus written upon were put into a vessel which they called Vrna , and there being shaken together , were drawn forth : Hence Virgil sayes , Quaesitor Minos urnam movet . — These sentences , because written in tables , were termed sententiae tabulariae , and sortes , because drawn out of the Urn , as lots were out of a Lottery . This does not only give light to this place of the Poet , but to that where he sayes at the beginning , stat ductis sortibus urna : But whereas Minos is made here by the Poet to be chief of Hells grand Inquest , is consonant to the received opinion of those fabulous times : Minos was sonne of Jupiter by Eurôpa , and King of Crete , who from his exact and severe administration of Justice whilst he lived , was feigned to have been made by Pluto one of the infernall Judges , with whom Rhadamanthus and Aeacus were joyned in Commission ; of whom more anon . § 54 In the third place the Poet reckons those who had killed themselves , which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , who out of a irksomness of living , layd violent hands on themselves . This Süicide , or self-murder ( though coloured over and defended from the practise and example of some few otherwise gallant men , as Themistocles , Cato , Vticensis , Brutus , and others , and allowed of by Seneca , and those of the Stoicall School ) was by the wiser sort of Heathens not only not thought a vertue , or act of fortitude , but its contrary , direct Cowardise ; as Aristotle concludes , Ethic. l. 6. c. 7. his words are worthy the inserting : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. To kill a mans self to avoid want , or for love , or other affliction and cross , is not the part of a valiant man , but rather of a Coward ; and proceeds rather from an effeminate and soft nature then otherwise : Nor only so , but it was by Plato , and the Sect of the Acadmicks forbidden as a thing unlawfull , and an high offence against the Gods ; and concluded so to be by Tully in Somn. Scipion. Nisi cum Deus , cujus hoc templum omne quod conspicis , ist is te corporis custodiis liberaverit , huc tibi aditus patere non potest : Vnlesse God , whose Temple this All is which we behold , free thee from these bonds of the Body , canst thou hasten thy journey to the other world : for to that this particle ( Huc ) relates : See Macrob. in Somn. Scip. l. 1. c. 13. And therefore Plato ( as Servius observes ) makes their souls to be grievously punished in Hell , whose late possessors had before the expiration of Natures Lease over-hastily turned them out of doores . But why Styx is said here novies interfusa , nine times incompassed , Interpreters vary : some say that the Poet alludes here to those sacra novendialia , the Ceremonies and Rites observed about the dead , whose body was kept eight dayes , and interred the ninth : others to the nine Regions of Hell above mentioned ; but De la Cerda and Meyenus conclude with Cael. Rhodigin . l. 22. c. 8. that the number of 9. as being a most perfect and absolute number , is taken here indefinitely for any number or multitude , so that novies here is eqvivalent with multoties . § 55 The fourth station is assigned to such as have died or made themselves away for love : and here we may observe these following circumstances ; First , that this place hath the name of the fields of Mourning , from that grief and melancholy which is the individuall companion of impatient Lovers . Secondly , that they spend their time in secret , close , and retired walks , as such who being ashamed of their forepassed commissions , shun the light and all conversation , as Ovid speaks of Nyctimene , — quae conscia culpae Conspectum lucemque fugit , tenebrisque pudorem Celat . — Ovid Met. l. 2. f. 9. — she full of guilt the sight And day did shun , and mask'd her shame in night . Or because Lovers ( for the Poet speaks principally of the unchaste ) out of the nature of this vice commit that sin in secret . Thirdly , that they converse in myrtle Groves , as the Slaves and Satellites of Venus , to whom that tree is sacred . Fourthly , that , though dead , they retain their former love and affection ; for this vice ( we still speak of unlawfull love , that is , lust ) sticks most pertinaciously , is never , or with much difficulty eradicated ; naturall inclination seconded with evil habits , rendring the unchast an irredeemable vassall to his own filthy desires . The examples the Poet presents us with here are all of women , as the sex the most impatient of love , and the most unbridled in their appetite . Of these the first is Phaedra , Daughter to King Minos , and Wife of Theseus King of Athens , who by Antiopa the Amazon , a former Wife , had a Sonne called Hippolitus . He , as well in his vow and love of Chastity , as in that of hunting , shewed himself to be a true Votary of Diana , the Goddesse of both . Phaedra falling in love with her Son in Law , courted him to her bed ; but the more virtuous Youth , refusing to stain his Fathers sheets , disappointed his lustfull Mother ; who impatient of the affront , as also fearing to be her self betrayed , and accused by Hippolytus , took the advantage of anticipation , and told Theseus that his Sonne would have forced her . The over-credulous Father vowing revenge , pursues him with curses , whom ( because fled ) he could no otherwise pursue . The Gods ( who oftentimes yield to unjust Petitions , for a punishment to the Petitioner ) heard his rash vowes , and provided a sad and sudden destruction for the Sonne , whom the Father had so undeservedly cursed , for as Hippolytus took his flight by the sea-side , certain sea-monsters called Phocae ( which lay basking themselves on the shore ) affrighted at the noise of his chariot , and the trampling of his horses , thre● themselves with great violence into the sea ; the horses in like manner affrighted thereat , ran away , and overturning the Chariot , tore the intangled Youth limb from limb ; which when the conscious Phaedra knew , after confession of her own wickedness and false accusation , she expiated her crime by becoming her own executioner : See Sen in Hipp●l . and Ovid. in epist . § 56 The second is Procris , whose story ( related at large by Ovid . Met. l. 7. ) we shall contract in this manner ; Precris was the Daughter of Erectheus , King of Athens , and Wife of Cephalus , who ( though a true lover of his Wife , and a great admirer of her virtues ) upon I know not what suspicion , incident to lovers , coming to her in a disguise , attempted her chastity ; she having made a resistance sufficient to testifie her loyalty , at last by his over-acted importunity , & all-conquering presents , yields ; when he discovering himself , upbra●ds her with her infidelity : Whereupon Procris convinced and ashamed , forsakes her Husband , and hides her self in woods and desert places : but at last peace being made betwixt them , she gave him ( who delighted much in hunting ) an inevitable dart , and a dog exceedingly swift , called Lelaps : Thus provided , Cephalus was much abroad in the woods , and rising before day from his Wife , went often a hunting : wherefore Pr●cris searing that under pretence of going a hunting he quitted her embraces , for those of some beloved Nymph , followed him privately into the woods , and there as a spye hid her self amongst the bushes . Cephalus being tired with heat and toyl , hapned to retire himself into the shade near the place where Procris lay , and there ( according to his custome ) called upon Aura , i. e. the Air , to refresh him ; she thinking that by that name he called upon his expected Mistress ; that she might make the better discovery , raised her self , and by stirring the bushes gave him a suspicion that some wild beast lay there obscured ; wherefore casting his never-missing dart ( his unhappy Consorts fatal present ) he unwittingly slew his dearest Wife . A story invented to deterre from jealouse , the bane of all conjugall content , and from imaginary and groundless suspicions , which are oftentimes the cause of real and fatall tragedies . Eriphyle was ( according to Eustathius ) Daughter of Talaüs , wife of Amphiaraüs and Adrastus his Sister , who corrupted by Polynîces with a chain of gold , betrayed her Husband , who absented himself that he might not accompany Adrastus in the Theban expedi●ion , where he knew he should certainly perish . But Amphiaraüs resenting very highly the perfidiousness of his Wife , left it as his last legacies with his Son Alcmaeon , that as soon as he should receive the certain news of his death he should slay his Mother , which he ( facto pius & sceleratus ●odem ) in revenge of his Father performed ; therefore the Poet sayes of her here , — moestamque Eriphylen Crudelis nati monstrantem vulnera cer●it . The nex was Evadne , the Daughter of Mars by Thebe , the Wife of Asôpus ; she was Wife to Capaneus , one of those Captains who accompanied Adrastus in the Theban Warres ; who loved her Husband so passionately , that when his exequies were solem●ized , she cast her self into the same flames which consumed her beloved Consort . As for the story of Pasiphaë , we have already enlarged upon it § . 4. we shall therefore proceed to Laodamîa , the most affectionate Consort of the undaunted Protesilaüs , who notwithstanding that it was foretold him by the Oracle , that whosoever of the Greeks should land first upon Phrygian ground , should for his forwardness pay the price of his life , first lept on the shore , where encountring Hector , he was by him slain . His Wife receiving the sad news of her Husbands death , conceived such invicible grief thereat , that she resolved not to survive him ; yet desired , that before her death she might see his Ghost , which seen she immediately expired . That last of this Catalogue was Caenis , once a beautifull Virgin , who obtained of Neptune , that for her surrendred Virginity she might be changed into a man , and become invulnerable : this was granted her by the gratefull God , and so from Caenis , a woman , she became Caeneus , a man , changing her name with her sex : but at last in the fight between the Centaurs and the Lapithae , when he could be wounded by no weapon , he was over-whelmed with an heap of wood , and so dyed : he ( as Virgil testifies here ) after his death was turned into his primary sex , and therefore is here ranged amongst the women . Amongst these the Poet very appositely introduceth the lately deceased Dido , describing with all circumstances , apt to raise passion , the interview betwixt her & Aeneas ; we shall not insist at all upon her story , but recommending the Reader to the fourth of the Aeneis ( where it is inimitably expressed by our divine Author ) proceed to the next region or partition of Hell. Where we are presented with a survey or generall muster of some of the most eminent Warriours and Chieftairs of their times ; whereof the first he mentions are such as died in the Theban Warres : Of these none was more renowned then the valiant Tydeus , the Sonne of Oeneus , King of the Aetolians , and Father of Diomedes , a person as high in courage as he was low in statute ; of whom Statius thus , Celsior ille gradu procera in membra , simulque Integer annorum , sed non & viribus infra Tydea fert animus , totosque infusa per artus Major in exiguo regnabat corpore virtus . Which Mr. Stephens renders thus ; The Theban was the taller , and had told More suns then he ; but Tydeus was as bold And equall'd him in courage ; give him 's merit , In a lesse room there reign'd a greater spirit . § 57 He having unhappily kill'd his Brother Menalippus , fled from his incensed Father to Adrastus , King of the Argives , where meeting Polynêces , a fugitive also , after sharp conflict between them , they were reconciled , and became Brothers , Tydeus marrying Deiphile , and Polynîces Argîa , Adrastus his two Daughters . He having his native Aetolians under his command , was one of the seaven Princes of Greece , who followed Adrastus to the Warres of Thebes , where having given great and frequent proofs of his valour , he was at last slain by one Menalippus a Theban . Parthenopaeus was one of those seven Princes also , Son of Atalanta and Meleager , and King of Arcadia ; he went very young to those Wars , whence returning with ill success , he did after accompany the Grecian Princes to the Warres of Troy , where having shewed himself as bold in fight as he was skillfull in conduct , was slain . He was noted as well for his beauty and swiftness of foot , as for his valour : Of him Statius thus lib 4. Pulchrior haud ulli triste ad discrimen ituro Vultus , & egregiae tanta indulgentia formae ; Nec desunt animi , veniat modò fortior aetas . None of those who did venture to the place Of danger , had so sweet a beauteous face ; Nor is true courage wanting , if his age Did lend him strength and power to ingage . The third was Adrastus King of the Argives , and chief of the league against the Thebans : He after the losse of all his great officers but Parthenopaeus returned home , where he died ingloriously . Before we proceed , you may observe by the by , that there were three most noted Epoch's or computations of time amongst the Ancients , higher then which prophane Story gives us no light . The first was from the expedition of the Argonautes to Colchis for the golden Fleece , which ( according to our learned Country-man , and most diligent Chronologer , Dr. Simpson ) hapned in the fifteenth year of Gideon , of the world 2743. and before our Saviour 1260. The second was from the Theban warre , which ( as the same Author testifies ) fell out in the fifteenth year of Thola , Judge of Israel , in the year of the world 2785. forty two years after the former , and before our Saviour 1218. Lastly , from the Trojan War , which was undertaken by the Greeks in the 19. of Judge Jair , of the world 2812. before Christ 1191. These three memorable expeditions administred matter to the Heroick Muses of divers famous witts ; the gests of the Argonauts were celebrated by the Greek Muse of Apollonius Rhodius , and by the Latine of Valerius Flaccus , two Authors esteemed by the learned , though not usually conversed with in our common Schools : The Theban Warre was sung by the sublime Papinius Statius . Lastly , the Trojan was the Theme of the great Homer , and the greater Virgil , the two glorious Luminaries of heroick poesie , and inexhaustible treasuries of all Phiolosophy & humane literature . But pardon this digression , and we shall return . From the Grecian Worthies the Poet makes a transition to the Trojan , where he makes the interview betwixt them and Aeneas to be with more then ordinary passion . He sighs to behold his Country-men and acquaintance , whilst they express very great content in seeing a person so deserving , and for his deserts so worthily renowned . The Trojans ' which Virgil names here were Glaucus , sone of Antênor , slain by Agamemnon : who Medon was it is uncertain : Thensilocus was killed by Achilles , Il. 21. who the Antenoridae were it is not decided by Interpreters , as likewise who Polybaetes was ; but for Idaeus he was Priam's Charioter ; whence the Poet makes mention here of his Chariot and Armes . Aeneas passeth from his Trojan friends to the Greeks , his enemies , where our Author ( whose design it was to magnifie his Aeneas , and to undervalue the Greeks ) makes them for feare to flye from him in the lower world , whom they so much dreaded in the upper : See , and learn hereby to observe that decorum which is required in writing . The Poet , with much delight to the Reader , doth amplifie in the story of Deiphobus , one of Priams Sons , who after Paris his death , married his relict , the fair , but to her Husbands the ever-fatal Helena . Virgils narrative of the cruel massacring and dismembring of Deiphobus , agrees with that which Dictys Cretensis the Historian gives of it in his fist book : There is nothing of difficulty in this whole relation , we shall therefore pass it over with a brief note or two . Aeneas hearing of the death of Deiphobus , raised ( according to the custome of those times ) a Cenotaphium , or empty Monument for him ; which was not only to express the duty of a friend , but because such ceremonies were thought efficacious as to the prevention of the hundred years wandring about the banks of Cocytus , as we have already hinted § . 46. of which the chief and most material was to call on the dead thrice , which was done by repeating the word vale three times ; which were the verba novissima , of which we also have already spoken . The next was to write the name of the Dead , with some brief Epitaph , upon the stone , and there to carve his armes as a monument of his profession : all which are expressed here by Virgil ; Tunc egomet tumulum Rhaetaeo in littore inanem Constitui , & magnâ manes ter voce vocavi Nomen , & arma locum servant . — The next thing we note is the interpreting of these verses of Virgil , Hac vice sermonum roseis Aurôra quadrigis Jam medium aethereo cursu trajecerat axem . Whilst thus they talk , morn with her rosie wain Had more then measur'd the Meridian . This place hath much perplexed Interpreters ; we shall pass by others , and adhere herein to the exposition of our Country-man , the learned Mr. Farnaby ; you must therefore know , that these magicall Rites were necessarily to be finished within the space of 24 hours : the sacrifices were begun in the night-time , about sun-rising they begun their journey , the forenoon was spent in passing the River Styx , in surveying the Regions of Hell , and in discoursing with Dido and Deiphobus ; and now it was supposed to be past noon : How then Virgil should make mention of Aurôra , or the morning , which determines at the appearing of the sun , or say that the morning had passed the Meridian , there is that nodus & crux interpretum , which is thus untied ; by Aurôra here we are to understand the Sun , because Virgil puts four horses in her Chariot , whereas both Aurôra and Luna , the Morning and the Noon , are by the Poets allowed no more then two ; which indeed is Donat's interpretation , Aurôra cum quadrigis solem significat ; so that the meaning of Sibylla's speech is this : The Sun hath passed the Meridîan , and is now declining towards the West , the night draws on ; let us therefore hasten that we may employ our remaining hours with Anchises , the chief end of our present undertaking . Thus Mr. Farnaby : See Servius , De la Cerda , Meyênus upon this place , who every one expound it variously . § 58 The last place we shall touch upon is this : Discedam , explebo numerum , reddarque tenebris . I 'le goe in darkness my set time to spend . Some goe along with Macrob. l. 1. in Somn. Scip. c. 13. who in my judgement seems to expound this place more subtilely then soundly : we shall follow Mr. Farnaby in this also , who sayes , that Virgil means by number that set time which is allotted for the purgation of souls ( of which anon ) before they can return into this world , and reassume new bodies . The Purgatory torments ( according to Plato's doctrine ) were compleated after the expiration of 10 , an 100 , or a 1000 years , according as the soul to be purged was more or lesse stained ; so that the sense of Deiphobus his words is this , Be not angry , I will depart to finish in darkness , or those places of darkness , that number of years which is set or appointed for my purgatory or expiation . Aeneas having passed that Region where the Warriours resided , came to a certain Bivium , or place which divided it self into two paths ; that on the right led to the Elysium and Pluto's Palace , that on the left to Hell , the place of torments ; and this is that which the Ancients call Tartarus , with which our English word , Tortu●e , although not really from thence derived , for it comes from Torqueo , bears some proportion in the sound . This is depainted by Virgil so much to the life , that the very reading strikes a terrour and aprrehension in any one who does diligently and in all circumstances consider the same ; all things here are so plain and obvious , that we need not vex the Reader with glosses and interpretations where there is no knot . That description which Claudian l. 2. in Rufin . gives of Pluto's Palace , may serve to illustrate this place : Est locus infaustis quo conciliantur in unum Cocytus Phlegetonque vadis , inamaenus uterque Alveus ; hic volvit lacrymas , hic igne redundat . Turris per geminos flammis vicinior amnes Porrigitur , solidoque rigens adamante sinistrum Proluit igne latus ; dextra Cocytia fundit Aequora , triste gemens , & fletu concita plangit : Huc post emeritam mortalia secula v●tam Deveniunt , ubi nulla manent discrimina fati , Nullus honor , vanoque exûtum nomine Regem Proturbat Plebeius egens . — With direfull Phlegeton Cocytus here Its waters joyns , both streams unpleasant are ; With tears this swells , that doth o'reflow with fire , A towr inviron'd with both these ( more neer The flames ) doth stand ; the left side Phleg'ton laves , Made strong with Adamant ; Cocytus waves Doe dash against the right ; this wailing glides , And drives laments down its tear-swollen tydes : Here Mortals ( when life's glass is run ) descend , Where no distinctions doe the great attend , No honour : here the poorest Commoner The unking'd King doth justle . — § 59 Sibylla here makes a relation of a punishments which the Damned sustain in Hell , where ( following the Poets method ) we shall observe this order ; first , who were the infernall Judges ; secondly , who the Executioners ; thirdly , what persons and crimes were here punished ; fourthly , what the infernall punishments were . There were therefore three Judges of Hell , viz. Minos , Rhadamanthus , and Aeacus ; Of Minos we have already spoken § . 53 : Rhadamanthus was a Cretan born , therefore intituled here Gnossius , from Gnossus , the capital City of Crete ; he was a person of a very austere life , & very rigid in distributing justice ; wherefore he was by Minos ( who was also a very severe and just Prince ) constituted supreme Judge of the Nation ; and for this reason after their deaths they were both said to have been ordained Judges of Hell. This Rhadamanthus was Author of the Law which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Latines lex talionis , conceived ( as Aristotle witnesseth Eth. l. 5. c. 5. ) in these words ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : 'T is just that one should suffer as h' has done . Which therefor● the Philosopher styles 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; and haply from him it was translated into the Laws of the 12. Tables , as you may read in A. Gellius lib. 20. c. 1. where he introduceth Favorinus the Philosopher , and Sex ▪ Caecilius the great Lawyer , discoursing concerning the reason and equity of this Law. Aeacus was the Son of Jupiter and Aegina , King of Oenopia , an Island of the Aegaean sea ; which he afterward called from his Mother Aegina , Met. l. 7. f. 25. he also for his justice was feigned to be one of this infernal Triumvirate : Of these thus Sen●in Herc. furent . Non unus altâ sede Quaesitor sedens Judicia trepidis sera sortitur reis ; Auditur illo Gnossius Minos foro ; Rhadamanthus illo ; * Thetidis hoc audit socer , Quod quisque fecit patitur ; authorem scelus Repetit ; suoque premitur exemplo noncens . Not one Judge from his lofty throne doth pass Upon the trembling Nocent death ; alas ! In that Court Gnossian Minos doth preside ; Here Rhadamanthus ; in a third th' are tri'd By Aeacus ; all suffer , as th' have done Their pains bear with their crimes proportion . § 60 When these Judges had examined and sentenced the guilty , then they delivered them to the Furies , the hellish Executioners , to be tormented ; which , as the Judges were , so were they in number , three , Tisiphone , Alecto , and Megaera , three Sisters , the Daughters of Erebus and the Night , or of Pluto and Proserpine , the Devil and his Dam ; known to the Latines by the names of Furiae , because of the terrours and distractions wherewith they afflicted the Guilty ; and Dirae , quasi Dei irae , because such distractions arise from the just anger of God upon offenders , or because they are Executioners of Gods wrath : To the Greeks by those of Erynnyes , quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : for the same reason the Latines call them Furiae ; and Eumenides , per antiphrasin , or by the contrary , for Dysmenides , quasi minime mites , from their hostile and implacable severity : Servius and Eustath . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Greek signifies benevolent ●nd gentle , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the contrary . They were said to be lean , tall , to have hollow and blood-shotten eyes , tresses of Serpents instead of hair , and a girdle of the same incompassing their wastes ; a torch in one hand , and a whip in the other , as you may read in the Poets , to pursue whose descriptions of this kind would be infinite : but the end and drift of them all , was to depaint and set forth horror and ugliness in its genuine colours in the person of the Furies , thereby to deterre men from committing such crimes as should render them obnoxious to the evil treatment of such merciless and dreadfull tormentors . But what indeed are these Furies , what their torches , snakes and whips , but the girds and prickings of an evil conscience , but the inward accusations of a guilty mind , and those throws and pangs which accompany evil commissions ? — nec vulnera membris Vlla ferunt , mens est quae diros sentiat ictus . Now would upon their bodies could be found ; It was the mind that felt the direfull wound : Ovid. Met. l. 4. speaking of Athamas . And why are they said to be three , but to signifie those three praedominant affections , viz. anger , lust , and covetousness , which precipitate men , and carry them on to such unlawfull undertakings as doe certainly beget the persecutions and torments of a bad conscience ? Tres furiae significant tres animi adfectus , qui homines in omnia facinora praecipites agunt ; quarum ira ultionem , cupiditas opes , libido voluptates desiderat : Cicer. They are said to be Virgins , because no ways to be corrupted from taking due revenge upon the malefactor : an evil conscience can by no artifice be so quieted and allayed , but that it will still rise up against and check the evil-doer ; it will still confront him , accuse him , and condemn him . But to proceed ; after these Furies had terrified with their snakes , and torn the bodies of the Damned with their whips , then they were ( as you may gather out of our Author here ) tumbled headlong into the abysse of Hell , called Tartarus , where they were for ever vexed with most exquisite torments . Thus Rhadamanthus ( Claudian in Rufin . l. 2. ) passeth this terrible sentence upon that monster of men , Rufinus ; which though a Fiction , I cannot read without an inward dread and apprêhension . Tollite de mediis animarum dedecus umbris , Adspexisse sat est ; oculis jam parcite nostris , Et Ditis purgate domos ; agitate flagellis Trans Styga , trans Erebum ; vacuo mandate Barathro : Infra Titanum tenebras , infraque recessus Tartarëos ; nostrumque Chaos , quo Ditis opaci Fundamenta jacent ; praeceps ubi mersus anhelet Dum rotat astra Polus , feriant dum litora venti . From ' midst the Ghost remove of souls that slain , One sight 's enough , our eyes no more prophane : Purge Dis his house , with whips drive him away , Beyond Styx , beyond Erebus ; convey Him to the unfathom'd Gulf , which lies beneath The Titans dungeon , and the dreadfull depth Of Tart'rus and our Chaos , where are layd Black Hels foundations ; be he there convey'd Where headlong tumbled , he may panting lie Whilst winds strike shores , and starres adorn the skie . § 61 According to our division we now come to the persons tormented in Hell , who they were , and for what offences ; which the Poet first pursues in these following particulars , and then concludes in divers generals . The first of these were the Titans , the sonnes of Titan and the Earth , the common Parent of all monstrous and obscure productions , and therefore such are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , earth-born : these were said to have warred against Jupiter , pretending right from their Father Titan ( elder Brother to Saturn , Jupiters Father ) to the celestiall Kingdome ; but failing in their rebellious attempt , they were cast into the bottomless pit of Hell , there to suffer never-ending torments . § 62 The next were the Aloïdes , Othus and Ephialte , twins , the putative sonnes of Aloëus and Iphimedia , but indeed of her and Neptune , who were said to grow every moneth nine inches ; so that in nine years they became nine ells long , and nine cubits broad : these relying on their vast proportions , casting the Mountain Ossa upon Olympus , and then Pelion upon them both , endeavour'd to scale the heavens , and to force Jupiter out of his native Kingdome ; but being slain by Apollo , they were precipitated into this place also . Both these are emblems of rebellion which ( being hatched by wiser heads ) is set on foot by the Titans , the sonnes of the earth , that is , the common rout , and which , like the Aloïdes , increasing to a great strength in a short time , if not suppressed , heaps Pelion upon Ossa , that is , subverts the fundamentals of government ; which though moddel'd , and put together with the greatest policy and prudence that may be , and as firmly rooted as a moutain , is often-times shaken , removed , and overthrown by the convulsions and earthquakes of popular sedition : But mark its reward , it seldome is successefull , but carries its punishment with it , not only in this world , where it usually expires upon a gibbet , but as the blackest of transgressions is punished ( as by these examples is clear ) in the other , with the worst of punishments , viz. eternal damnation . These Fables were invented to keep Subjects in their due obedience . The third was Salmôneus , sonne of Aeolus ( according to Servius ) and King of Elis , who not content with regall Majesty and honour , impiously aspired to divine ; and that he might imitate Jupiter , he caused a brazen bridge to be built , over which he drove his Chariot , to counterfeit thunder , and darted fire-brands and torches in imitation of lightning , causing those to be killed at whom he flung his imaginary thunderbolt : but himself was at last slain by Jupiter ( as you see ) & thrust into Hell : as in the former examples rebellious Subjects are reproved , so in this ambitious , proud and tyrannicall Princes are reprehended . The fourth was Tityus , the sonne of Jupiter by Elâta , Daughter of Orchomerus , or ( as Virgil sayes ) of the Omni-parent Earth , so large that when extended , he was sayd to cover nine acres of ground : He for attempting Latona's chastity , Mother of Apollo , was by him for his insolence killed , and being thrust into Hell , suffered that cruel and endless torture which you see here expressed . Here you see how lust , and all inordinate desires are rewarded . The truth is , that by Tityus we are to understand filthy Concupiscence , which ( according to the opinion of Physitians ) resideth in the liver , as laughter in the spleen , anger in the gall ; whence his liver is said to reincrease and grow as it is devoured , because beastly desires are no sooner satisfied , but that they return again ; and for this reason also he was said to cover nine acres , because lust does latè patére , is very extensive , unbridled and ranging . But most worthily is Tityus punished in his liver , as the seat of lust . The divine justice is oftentimes so precise and notorious as to afflict the very partts which have offended . Thus the very hand which Jeroboam stretched out against the man of God , and no other part , shrunk up and withered . The fifth was Pirithous , who was therefore damned because he attempted Proserpine , as we have already said : The sixth was Ixion , Father of Pirithous , and King of the Lapithae , who for the attempt upon June was punished in the same manner . The story of Ixion in short is this : Ixion ( King of the Lapithae , a barbarous people of Thessalie , and sonne of Phlegyas ) having treacherously slain his Wifes Father Deioneus , and for that fact , and other misdemeanours dethroned , and expelled his Kingdome by his own Subjects , was by Jupiter ( pitying his disconsolate and sad condition ) received into heaven , and made a Privado to the King of the Gods. But ( as Favorites often doe ) abusing his Princes friendship , he endeavoured to stain Jupiters bed , and to that end made great Court to Juno , who ( as naturally honest , as she was a curst Shrew and ugly ) discovered it to her Husband : he ( hardly crediting that a person so obliged could prove so ungratefull ) would not at first entertain any prejudiciall opinion against his friend , unless he had some more evincing evidence : wherefore transforming a cloud into the shape of Juno ( now by compact consenting ) he by this experiment found out the falshood of the designing Adulterer , who for his desired Mistress embraced a cloud : and indeed that contentation and satisfaction which the unchast promise themselves in their illicit and beastly enjoyments , proves but a cloud , a meer nothing ; neither answering the pleasure expected , or countervailing the sin committed ; turpis est & brevis in coitu voluptas . For this fact Ixion was cast out of heaven , who not ceasing to boast of the affront he had put upon Jupiter , was for this second piece of insolence thrust into Hell , where he was said to be tied to an ever-turning wheel ; though Maro hath invented another kind of punishment . But the History which gave rise to this tale is this ; Ixion ( banished by his own Subjects ) fled to a certain neighbouring King ( for every King was anciently by his Parasites styled Jupiter ) where he was courteously entertained by that Prince : but endeavouring to corrupt the Queen , was by her discovered to her Husband , who purposely put a trick upon him , by deceiving him with a servant called Nephele , which signifies a cloud ; after which being expelled the Court , he was said to wander up and down as unquiet and restless in mind as one who is turned on a wheel is in body . This Fable is invented against the ungratefull and treacherous , who repay kindness and desert with injury and falshood , with which no punishment but that of Hell can bear proportion . As for the Lapithae , they were a bloody , barbarous , and inhospitable people , as were their Conterraneans the Centaurs , and might therefore as well as they deserve to be confined to those infernall Mansions . But whereas the Poet mentions here the hanging stone , &c. it is to set before us the life of a Tyrant , which though in shew glorious and splendid , yet in reality is very miserable and sad , being as obnoxious to inquietudes and disturbances of mind , as it is to personall hazards and dangers ; as is manifested by the Story of Democles , Dionysius his Parasite , who admiring and magnifying the happiness of that exquisite Tyrant , was by him clothed in royall robes , and set at a magnificent and richly-furnished Table ; but a naked sword hanging over his head by a slender thread took away his appetite , & made him desire to be disrob'd , and divested of that honour and state which was accompanied with so much peril and anxiety : See Val. Maxim. and Tully l. 5. Tusc . quaest : and to this particular Story the Poet may haply allude . The Poet having alledg'd divers particulars , lest he should cloy the Reader with too many instances of the same kind , doth as it were sum up his discourse in these following generals , placing such as are found guilty of these or the like crimes in Hell ; whereof the first are such as hate their own Brethren , whom by the Law of Nature they are tied to prosecute with all kindnesses and good offices ; therefore if hatred be thus severely punished , and hereby forbidden , whatsoever is greater , as fratricide , is much more detestable . Secondly , those who have lifted up their hands against , or struck their Parents , whom by the same Law of Nature they are bound to reverence , honour and obey : The Law was , that whosoever struck his Father , should lose that hand which had been guilty of that intolerable offence : Si quis patrem pulsaverit , manus ei praecidatur : Senec. Controvers . l. 4. If this be forbidden , and so severely punished , much more is Parricide or Patricide ; for which the Ancients ( imagining that no man could be so prostitutely wicked as to be guilty of so enormous a crime ) appointed no punishment : the after-times ( less innocent ) punished the Parricide in this manner ; they sowed him up in a Sack with a Dog , a Cock , a Viper & an Ape , and so cast him into the sea . Pompey was Author of this law , which was therefore called lex Pompeia de parricidiis : Inst . tit de publicis Judiciis § . 5. one L. Ostius ( as Mynsinger observes upon that place ) was the first who was found guilty of , and suffered for this abominable crime . The third were such Patrons as had cheated , abused , or deserted their Clients . It was a Custome amongst the Romans for the poorer sort , which were called Plebei , to make choice of some one of the richer , which were termed Patricii , to be their protectors in their lives and fortunes , to defend and rescue them from the unjust oppressions and persecutions of their more powerfull adversaries ; and these were called Patroni ; for which protection or patronage the others ( called Clientes ) were bound to return all observance and respect , to credit them with their attendance in publick Assemblies , to disburse out of their own purses toward the bestowing of their Daughters , the paying of publick Mulcts , the giving of Largesses in suing for Offices , &c. Neither was it lawfull for either of them , to inform , depose , to give their voices , or to side with adversaries one against another without the guilt of treason , for which they were Diis inferis devoti , cursed to Hell , and the Law gave liberty for any man to kill them : so sacred and inviolable a thing was faith amongst the Ancients ; nay , so great was the reciprocall bond and tie of the Patron towards the Client , that ( as A. Gellius testifies l. 20. c. 1. ) they preferred their Client to the nearest of their relations , and did defend them though it were against their own Brother . The fourth were the Covetous , who preferring their filthy , sordid , and illegal gain to all other respects whatsoever , were so far from making others sharers with them in their great wealth and riches , that they denied that support and assistance ( which by all Laws both natural and civil they were oblig'd unto ) to their nearest and dearest relations . The fift were adulterous persons , such ( sayes he ) as have been slain in that filthy and unlawfull act ; for by the Law the Husband might kill the Adulterer and his Wife , if he took them together . Lastly , he puts all Rebels in this damned List , who take up armes against their natural Prince , their politick Father , and tear out the bowels of their native soyl , their dearest Mother : such arms the Poet there full justly calls impia , and as justly damns them who take them up , to Tartarus , or the nethermost Hell. But whereas the Poet sayes of Theseus , sedet , aeternumque sedebit , that he sits , and shall for ever sit in Hell , hath given much trouble to Interpreters to reconcile ; and is excepted against by Jul. Higinus , A. Gell. lib. 10. c. 16. for he is reckoned by our Author a little above amongst those who both descended to , and returned from Hell ; and therefore how can it be said that he sat here for ever ? The learned De la Cerda salves it thus : Virgil speaks here of Theseus , not when he descended alive into Hell to ravish Proserpine , but of Theseus , who after his death was said to sit for ever upon a hot burning stone : Cael. Rhodig . l. 4. c. 8. Although I see no reason why Theseus should be condemned to so cruel a torment , who for his heroick deeds deserved so well of mankind , that after his death he was thought worthy of divine honours , of altars and Sacrifices , as you may read in his life written by Plutarch ; wherefore some read it Thereus , as Meyênus observes . But for Phlegyas , he was said to be the sonne of Mars , King of the Lapithae , Father of Ixîon , and the Nymph Corônis , who being ravished by Apollo , he in revenge fired that Gods Temple at Delphi , for which impiety he was slain by Apollo , and thrust into Hell. He was certainly a very wicked Tyrant , and therefore worthily damned : his own guilt he openly professeth , whilst he bids others by his example beware of committing the like offences of injustice against men , and impiety against the Gods : Dicite justitiam moniti , & non temnere Divos . Learn justice , nor when warn'd the Gods despise . § 63 Not unlike the Story of the rich Glutton in the Gospel , who desired that his Brethren should be forewarned by his example from coming into that place of torments . After these two particulars ( see how artificially the Poet , to avoid nauseating his Reader , interweaves his discourse with variety ) he subjoyns a few generals , viz. of those who for gold had betrayed their Country's liberty to an usurping oppressor . Interpreters say , that either Lasthenes , who sold Olynthus to Philip of Macedon , or Curio , who sold Rome to Jul. Caesar , is here glanced at : of the latter thus Lucan . l. 4. Momentumque fuit mutatus Curio rerum , Gallorum captus spoliis , & Caesaris auro . Chang'd Curio to that side much weight did add , By Caesars gold and spoils a Traytor made . Secondly , of those who having the legislative power , have both made & abrogated Laws for mony : in the Latin the Poet alludes to the Roman Custome , who when they had enacted a Law , used to engrave the same in brazen Tables , and then to affixe them to a pillar in some publick place , there to be exposed to the general view ; and then when they did null the same to take them down from that Pillar ; whence legem figere & refigere , is to make or null a Law. Thirdly and lastly , of those who had been guilty of incest , a filthiness which nature abhors . Donatus ( whom Servius for this reprehends ) sayes that the Poet obliquely toucheth Cicero ; which unhandsome censure of his he grounds upon that defamatory declamation against Tully , which goes vulgarly under Salustius his name , whose words are these , Filia , matris pellex , tibi jucundior atque observantior quam parenti par est : Thine own Daughter ( sayes that uncivil Declaimour ) received into her Mothers bed , was more delightfull to , and observant of thee , then became either her o● thee . And now the Poet having enlarg'd upon the description of Hell , of the Damned , and of the torments they sustain , shuts up his excellent discourse with this imitation of Homer , Il. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . We have here in the translation ta●● in Homers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , not only as necessary to the filling up of the English Rythm , but as an addition and complement to the sense . Thus you see Hell most naturally depainted by the excellent pencill of our great Artist , with all imaginable circumstances of Horror ; invented on purpose , to the end that those-whom humane Lawes , and temporary punishments could not bridle and restrain from evil doing , might ( for fear of those more severe and lasting torments of the other world ) abstain from those enormous sins for which they are sure to be called to a very strict account hereafter . And now Sibylla , the person speaking , having satisfied Aeneas his curiosity concerning Hell , bids him proceed ; for they made a halt during this discourse , partes ubi se via findit in ambas , as you may read a little above : and now leaving Tartarus , or Hell , on the left hand , they take to the right , which led to Pluto's Palace , and the Elysian fields : we have therefore translated this of Virgil , Corripiunt spatium medium , as you see , not as Virgils late translatour has done , they take the middle way ; for Pluto's Palace stood not in the mid'st betwixt Hell and the Elysium , but on the right hand . Hence corripiunt spatium medium is ( according to Turnebus l. 9. c. 27. ) expounded carptim faciunt , citò peragunt spatium intermedium , vel positum inter illos & Plutonis regiam : Corripere Gradum , Viam , Spatium , are phrases frequently used by this Poet , and signifie the same . § 64 The Poet having described Hell , the irksome abode of the Damned , now comes to the description of the Elysium , where the souls of good men were entertained with all pleasures imaginable , as green Medows , shady Groves , delightfull odours , clear and gentle streams , pleasant fruits , harmonious Musick , dancing , feasting , mirth , peace and security ; a rare Heaven for Epicures . But hereby the Ancients propounded rewards for virtue , which ( although sensuall , and such as bear no proportion with those more spirituall delights and contentations which the faithfull expect hereafter ) yet were such as they thought would best suit with vulgar capacities , and be most prevalent with them to excite them to well-doing . And here the Poet proceeding after the same method he used in his discourse concerning Hell ; ( for , contraria juxta se posita magis elucescunt ) presents us with a list of some particular persons who were Inhabitants of these blessed Mansions , and those for the honour of Aeneas and his family he makes to be Trojans , as Teucer and Dardanus , the first founders of the Trojan Nation ; whence the Trojans were called Teucri and Dardanidae : Dardanus begot Ericthonius , Ericthonius Tros , and Tros Ilus and Assaracus , in whom the royall family was branched into two Houses : From the eldest of these sprung Laomedon , Father of Priam , with whose life the Kingdome of Troy expired ; nor although he begot many sonnes , did any of them survive the fate of their native soil : From the younger , viz. Assaracus , were lineally descended Capys , Anchises and Aeneas , from whence the Julian Family derive themselves : See Messala Corvinus de Augusti progenie . On the contrary , in Hell you find the Titans , Aloides , Salmôneus , Tityus , &c. here you see such as have hazarded their own lives for their Countries safety ; the Chast , the Pious , Inventers of usefull Arts and Sciences , and such as have deserved well of other men , in opposition to those who have betrayed their Country , the Adulterours , Despisers of the Gods , Disobedient to Parents , subtle Circumventers , and those who impart nothing of their affluence and abundance to others . Note the different reward of the Good and the Bad , and learn hence , that virtue is to be embraced , which leads to bliss , and vice to be eschewed , whose end is everlasting torments . And this in brief is the Moral , and design of the Poet in the two precedent discourses . § 65 But to speak more particularly of the Elysium , it ( according to Servius ) hath its denomination 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from the dissolution of the soul from the body : it was placed by some in the fortunate Islands , now called the Canaries , as you may read in Plutarch in the life of Sertorius , who ( upon the description which certain Mariners returned from thence gave of their unparallel'd pleasantness , fertility and security ) designed to retire himself thither , there to spend the remainder of his life ( which had been alwayes turmoyled in warre ) in a more desirable and pleasing repose : but whereas Plutarch sayes that they were but two in number , he erres ; for Pliny l. 6. c. 32. makes them six ; the moderns add two or three more : See them at large described by Plutarch , ib. and more largely by Nat. Comes l. 3. c. 19. and you will easily confess that the Ancients had reason to place the Elysium there . Others will have it in Hispania Baetica , which is now comprised in the Kingdome of Granado , and the fertile Province of Andalusia , the most happy and blessed tract of all Spain , if not of any part of the habitable world : others about the circle of the Moon : others for the honour of our climate place it in the Western part of our Britannia , betwixt that and Thule ; the Ancients in the Center of Hell ; and those of the Middle age ( pleased neither with its Western situation in the Fortunate Islands , its Northern in our Britannia , its exaltation in the Moon , or depression in Hell ) confine it to the East-Indies . But the truth is , that as the precise site and position of Paradise from whence the Ancients borrowed their fancie of the Elysium ) is variously disputed by the learned , so is the topographie of this latter as differently set down and designed by the Ancients . Virgil gives the epithet of purpureum to Lumen , purple light ; but in this signification purple can no way agree with light ; for in purple there is a great mixture of opacity , then which nothing is more contrary to light ; therefore purpureum is not to be rendred here according to the common acceptation of the word , but is ( according to Interpreters ) consignificant with the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is beautifull , white , shining , in the same sense that Ovid sayes nix purpurea , and Horace , Olores purpurei : we have translated it Cheerfull : Mr. Ogilby retains the common English of it in his translation . § 66 The Ancients were so fond as to believe that there was a Sun and starres distinct from ours , nay more bright and glorious , in their phantastick Elysium , as you may read in Plato's Phaedon , out of which it is probable , that Virgil here , a close Sectator of Plato , and Claudian l. 2● . de rapt . Proserp . borrowed their assertion . Claudian , in the person of Pluto speaks thus : Amissum ne crede diem , sunt altera nobis Sydera ; sunt orbes alii , lumenque videbis Purius . — Think not day lost ; for we have other starres With other orbes , and purer light appears . § 67 This place has not a little puzled Interpreters ; all are of opinion that , whilst the Poet makes mention of the septem discrimina vocum , he alludes to the Lyre , which was a seven-stringed Instrument , according to the number of the 7 Planets , invented by Mercury : some ascribe the invention of it to Amphion , others to Linus , and some to Orpheus : See Plinie l. 7. c. 56. but I should rather conclude , that Virgil ( who was skilled in all the liberal Sciences ) was exactly read in Musick , and did here design the Gamut , the foundation of all Musick , both vocal and instrumental ; which consists of seven Cliffs , Claves , or Keys distinguished by Guid● Aretinus ( the composer of the Gamut ) by seven letters , as g. a. b. c. d. e. f. and these doe rise and fall in Septenaries , even to the utmost extent of instrument or voice : to be short , Nature it self ( so excellent and perfect is the number of seven : See A. Gellius l. 3. c. 10. and Cael. Rhodigin . l. 22. c. 12. ) directed the first Inventors of Musick to this number , which hath continued unalterable , and so will doe so long as Musick lasts . So that the sense of the Poet here is this ; Orpheus ( who was a Thracian born , sonne of Apollo and Calliope , a fam'd Musician , Poet and Divine ) did sweetly warble forth all the seven notes of Musick ; so that it appears more probable that Virgils Septem relates to Numeris , and they are these 7. Notes , wherein Musick hath its foundation , whilst his Discrimina vocum may be taken for those various Descants and endless changes of Concords , and agreeable sounds that arise from the repetition of the first Septenarie . But whereas Virgil sayes that he did nunc digitis , nunc pectine pulsare , is that which Musicians call intus & foris canere , with the left hand to observe the stops , and with the right to strike or touch the strings , as those doe who play upon a Cittern , or the like Instrument . In fine , we are to understand , that Orpheus did both sing and play at the same time : See Turneb . upon this place l. 28. c. 46. § 68 Mark the security of this place , where free from the fear of an invading enemy , their Chariots are unman'd , their arms lye scattered , and their spears as uselesse are stuck down in the ground : See Turneb . de hastis praepilatis l. 13. c. 16. withall note the fond opinion of the Ancients , who held that those desires and affections which were in the soul , when joyned with the body , remained the same in it , when it was disjoyned and separated from the same : See Cael. Rhodigin . l. 10. c. 9. and Macrob. in Somn. Scip. l. 1. c. 9. against both the nature of the soul , which ( being in it self spirituall ) is not ( when disembodied ) either capable of , or affected with corporeal or pains or pleasures ; and against the nature of the other life , where the delights of the blessed are more refined , elevated , and transcendent then what this life in its greatest flatteries and indulgencies could ever afford , as where ( when we have truly balanced our accounts ) we shall conclude with Solomon , that there is nothing now under the Sun , but that all is vanity and vexation of spirit . § 69 The ●ô ( so called by the Moderns , Eridanus by the Greeks , and Padus by the Latins ) is a famous River of Italy , and the largest of all Europe , excepting the Danubius : it riseth out of the Mountain Vesulus in the Province of the Ligurians or Genoëses , and receiving 30 large rivers ( those on the left hand descending from the Alpes , and those on the right from the Apennine ) besides divers great Lakes into its channel , it bears them with its self into the Adriatick or Venetian Gulf , where at seven out-lets or mouths , called the septem maria , it gives up its tributary waters to that generall receiver of all streams , the Sea : See Plin. l. 3. c. 16. It is seigned by the Poet to be an Elysian River , because ( as Dela Cerda and our Farnaby affirm out of Gerop. Origin l. 9. ) a great part of this River is swallowed up in the earth , and never breaks forth again ; though herein that Author agrees not with Plinie , who sayes indeed that it does hide it self in a passage under ground , but riseth again in a place not far distant , viz. in agro Forovibienst : others make this an infernal River , in regard of the course it runs ; for rising out of Vesulus , which is near the Ligustick Sea , called Mare inferum , it directs its course to the Adriatick , which was known by the name of Mare superum . Servius seems to be of opinion that Eridanus is put here pro quolibet fluvio , a proper name for an appellative , which is frequent amongst the Poets ; as pocula Achelcia , pro fluvialia , and Adria for any sea . Though for my part I am apt to believe , that it is for no other reason mentioned here by Virgil , but for that he had a mind to celebrate a River not only in it self so famous , and hence by himself else-where styled Fluviorum rex Eridanus : but also because it was not far distant from his native Town of Mantua . But haply we obtund ; we will therefore conclude our discourse concerning the pleasure of the Elysium , with those verses of the gentle and terse Tibullus l. 1. where he sweetly and briefly describes the same . Sed me , quòd facilis tenero sum semper amori , Ipsa Venus campos ducet in Elysios : Hic choreae , cantusque vigent , passimque vagantes Dulce sonant tenui gutture carmen aves : Fert Casiam non culta seges , totosque per agros Floret odoratis terra benigna rosis ; Ac juvenum series teneris immixta puellis Ludit , & assiduè praelia miscet Amor. But Venus me ( because to sove inclin'd ) Shall lead into Elysium , where refin'd Musick , and Balls please , where the winged Quire Of chirping birds doe entertain the ear . Where Casia springs unsown , where the kind earth Doth to sweet roses give an unforc'd birth ; Where Youths with Virgins sporting mingled are , And Love doth alwayes wage an harmless warre . § 70 Musaeus ( according to our most exact observer of time , Dr. Simpson ) was the Sonne of Antiophémus , born at Eleusine a Town of Attica , and bred up at Athens , Disciple of Orpheus , as he was of Linus . He flourished in the age before the Trojan warre , about the 22 of Gideon , in the year of the world , 2750. before our Saviour 1253. He was above 200 years elder then Homer , who flourished in Solomons time , after the subversion of Troy 188 years : See Herodot . de vita Homeri , and A. Gellius l. 17. c. 21. He was a Prophet , and a most excellent Poet , as appears by that most polite and trim remain of his , touching the loves of Hero and Leander ; though I am not ignorant that some deny that Poem to be Musaeus's , as being too corrected a piece for the style of so remote and illiterate an age , ascribing it to some other of that name , who wrote in a more refined and learned Centurie . Yet since the great Scaliger Poet. l. 5. c. 2 gives it to Musaeus , we shall concur with him , and excuse Virgil from that aspersion of envy and partiality which some object to him for his pretermission of Homer , to whose writings he was so much beholding , affirming that what he did herein , was out of a well-weighing and rightly-distinguishing judgement ; Musaeus being the farre more acute and judicious Writer , and in that more worthy to be made President of the Elysian Hierarchy : See Scaliger ibid. § 71 The Poet taking his rise from Aeneas his inquiry concerning the River Lethe , and the great confluence of souls about the same , gives us matter for these following discourses ; whereof the first shall be concerning the Transmigration of souls ; the second of the Creation of things ; the third of the nature of the soul ; the fourth of Purgatory : all which are in order to the chief design of this present Poem , viz. the celebrating of Augustus and his Family , together with the names of some of the more noble and illustrious Romans : of these briefly in their order . § 72 Virgil in the person of Anchises tels us , that those souls which Aeneas saw flocking about the banks of the River Lethe , having drunk thereof , should then reascend into this world , and enter into other bodies ; and this is that which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Latines Transanimatio , or the passing of one soul out of one body into another ; nay , out of one species into another . Pythagoras of Samos ( a man deeply learned in the Aegyptia● and Chaldaean Philosophy ) was the first Author of this opinion ; he flourished about 535 years before our Saviour , and was Contemporary with , and Scholar of Thales Milesian . He was herein followed by Socrates and Plato , as you may read in his Phaed. and Philaebus ; from whence our Platonick Poet hath borrowed the same . A fond and ridiculous opinion , and rejected not only by the following pro●essors of Christianism , but exploded , as absurd , by the sounder sort of Ethnick Philosophers themselves ; as you may read in Aristot . l. 1. de Anima , c. 3. who terms the transmigration of souls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Pythagorean Fable . Pythagoras flying the tyranny of Polycrates , the invader of his Countryes liberty , came to Crotôna in Italy , Tarquinius Superbus lording it then at Rome : A. Gell. l. 17. c. 21. where setting open his School , he published , and by this device ( as Meyênus takes it from Hermippus ) got credit to his new doctrine . Pythagoras ( sayes he ) at his first arrival in Italy made himself an habitation under ground , where hiding himself he charged his Mother to record carefully all memorable passages during his absence : she ( observant of her sonnes injunction ) compiled a perfect diurnal of all things ; in the mean time , he ( having lived thus a whole year ) at last came forth out of his subterranean mansion , lean , pale , squalid , and gastly , as if he had risen from the dead ; then assembling the multitude , he told them that he returned from Hell , and ( that he might the better perswade what he intended to instill ) he repeated to them all what had hapened in that part of Italy during his absence so punctually , that the people ( thinking that there was more than an ordinary spirit in the man ) without further dispute or examination embraced his doctrine ; which in Pythagoras his own person is thus delivered by Ovid. Met. l. 15. f. 3. O genus attonitum gelidae formidine mortis , Quid Styga , quid tenebras , & nomina vana timetis , Materiem Vatum , falsique pericula Mundi ? Corpora , sive rogus flammâ , seu tabe vetustas Abstulerit , mala posse pati non ulla putetis ; Morte carent animae , semperque priore relictâ Sede , novis domibus vivunt , habitantque receptae : Ipse ego ( nam nemini ) Trojani tempore belli Panthoides Euphorbus eram , cui pectore quondam Haesit in adverso gravis hasta minoris Atridae ; Cognovi clypeum laevae gestamina nostrae Nuper Abantëis templo Junonis in Argis . Omnia mutantur , nihil interit ; errat , & illinc Huc venit , hinc illuc , & quoslibet occupat artus Spiritus ; eque feris humana in corpora transit , Inque feras noster , nec tempore deperit ullo ; Vtque novis facilis signatur cera figuris , Nec manet ut fuerat , nec formam servat eandem , Sed tamen ipsa eadem est ; animam sic semper eandem Esse , sed in varias doceo migrare figuras . We will not so farre injure the Poet , as to express him otherwise then what his ingenuous * Translatour hath done , who renders him thus ; O you whom horrours of cold death affright , Why fear you Styx , vain names , and endless night , The dreams of Poets , and feign'd miseries Of forged hell ? whether last flames surprize , Or age devour your bodyes , they nor grieve Or suffer pains : Our souls for ever live , Yet evermore their ancient houses leave To live in new , which them , as Guests receive . In Trojan warres I ( I remember well ) Euphorbus was , Panthous sonne , and fell By Menalaüs lance : my shield again At Argos late I saw in Juno's Fane . All alter , nothing finally decayes : Hither and thither still the spirit strayes , Guest to all bodies ; out of beasts it flies To men , from men to beasts , and never dies : As pliant wax each new impression takes , Fixt to no form , but still the old forsakes , Yet it the same ; so souls the same abide , Though various figures their reception hide . This doctrine being easily imbibed by his Auditors , so farre dispersed it self , that even the Gauls , a people farre sequestred from those parts of Italy , were taught the same by their Druides , as you may read in Lucan : — * vobis Authoribus umbrae Non tacitas Erebi sedes , noctisque profundae Pallida regna petunt ; regit idem spiritus artus Orbe alio ; longae ( canitis si cognita ) vitae Mors media est . Certè , populi quos despicet Arctos Faelices errore suo , quos ille timorum Maximus , haud urget lethi metus ; inde ruendi In ferrum mens prona viris ; animaeque capaces Mortis , & ignavum est periturae parcere vitae . Dislodged souls ( if you conceive aright ) To hell descend not , and those realms of night ; The body in another world is by The same spir't ruld ; in your Philosophy , Death to another life the way doth show . In your mistake , O happiest of those , who Are to the North-starre subject , whom the fear Of death ( of fears the greatest ) doth not skare . Hence on drawn steel you rush ; your great souls hence Disdain to stick at your vile blood's expence . Herod , it seems , was a Pythagorean in this also , whilst he said that the soul of St. John the Baptist ( by him wickedly murdered ) was entred into the body of our blessed Saviour . Josephus l. 2. c. 7. de bell . Judaic . affirms , that the Pharisees were tainted with the same erroneous belief , who held that the souls of good men did pass into other bodies , but that those of the wicked were for ever tormented in hell . But haply we wade too farre in these speculations , we shall therefore proceed to the next head , which is concerning the creation of things . The Poets sense and meaning here is briefly this , that there is a certain spirit or soul which doth inform , actuate , complete , cherish , and sustain all Beings , whether elementary , viz. the Fire , Air ( comprehended in the word Coelum , or the heaven ) Earth and Water ( periphrastically expressed in the words Campos liquentes , the liquid or watrie plains ) or celestial , exemplified in the Sun and Moon , as the two most glorious , operative and powerfull Planets in generation . Astra Titania , put here by an Enallage , for Astrum Titanium , signifies the Sun , from Titan , who was so skilfull an Astrologue , that he was feigned to be Brother to the Sun ; as Cael. Rhodig . observes out of Pausan . in Corinthiacis , lect . antiq . l. 24. c. 17. and Titan is often taken for the Sun it self : hence Astrum Titanium is only a circumlocution of Titan or the Sun. But to proceed ; from the operation of this soul or spirit , not only simple bodies , as the Elements and Heavens , took their being , and are by the propitious influx thereof preserved therein ; but mixt bodies also , as he instances in men , beasts , birds and fishes . The sum of all is this , viz. that there is a certain spirit or soul , to whose operations and powerfull insinuations the world and all therein contained owes both its existence and subsistence . If we by the spirit or soul here mentioned understand God himself , or his omnipotent Spirit , and the powerfull emanations thereof , nothing is more consonant , not only to reason , but also to the analogie of the holy Scriptures , then the assertion of our Poet : For God is truly that Spirit , which being present every where , is without extension of it self diffused through all things , and doth intus alere , cherish and sustain all things . This is that soul which actuates the vast Machine of this world , which upholds , preserves , and governs the great fabrick of the Universe , which otherwise would fall into disorder , confusion , and into that primitive Chaos out of which it was at first educed , for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; In him we live , move , and have our being . If we give tbis interpretation to the Poet , these few verses seem to be an epitome , or brief comprehension of the first chapter of Genesis touching the Creation ; for as Moses sayes there ; In principio Deus creavit coelum & terram ; so Virgil here , Principio coelum & terras , &c. Spiritus intus alit : and whereas Moses sayes , that Spiritus Dei movebat , vel incubabat supra faciem aquarum , that the Spirit of God did move or brood upon the face of the waters ; so Virgil here tels us of a Spiritus , or Mens , which magno se corpore miscet : as mention is made there of the Creation of those two great Luminaries , the Sun and the Moon ; the like is here also . Lastly , as the Creation of Beasts , Birds , Fish , and then of Man , is there specified , so Virgil sayes here , Inde ( i. e. à Deo operante ) hominum pecudumque genus , vitaeque volantum ; Et quae marmoreo fert monstra sub aequore pontus . But others ( and with them I am apt to concurre ) are of opinion , that Virgil here speaks according to the mind and sense of his Master Plato ( who followed Trismegistus and Pythagoras herein , the first founders and fautors of the Academick Philosophy ) as he did in his opinion concerning the transmigration of souls . Plato in his Timaeus , and elsewhere ( as Wendilinus cites him , Phys . contempl . sect . 2. c. 6. ) endeavours to prove , that this World or Universe is informed by a soul distinct from the World it self , which doing the office which other souls doe in the particular beings they inform , doth preserve , move and govern this All , and all its parts , making the world hereby an Animal , rul'd and govern'd by its own peculiar soul : nor is God meant hereby , but some other entity , different from that ens entium , and by them styled Anima , vel Spiritus Mundi . But this is throughly winnowed and refuted by the learned Wendilinus in the place above mentioned , and the arguments of its assertors fully answered ; to whom for more ample satisfaction herein , as also to the subtile Scaliger , Exerc. 6. sect . 2. we shall referre the Reader , and proceed . § 73 Anchises pointing to those souls before him , which stood upon the brink of the river Lethe ( for the Antecedent to illis , which the Ancients used for illis , is Animae ) sayes that they are of a fierie nature , and that their principles ( which he here calls semina ) are of heavenly extraction or composition ; which is not to be understood onely of those souls there , but of the humane soul in general ; for ( according to the Theologie of some Gentils ) the soul was not judged , as it really is , a simple and spiritual essence , but an elementary compound of Fire and Air ; the two more pure , desecated , and active elements ; as the body was thought to be of Water and Earth , the two more gross , material , and inactive principles . We shall easily elucidate this dark place , if we reduce the Authors sense into this single Theoreme , viz. the humane soul is a most excellent being , as consisting of the two more excellent principles , viz. Fire and Air : From the first there is in it igneus vigor ; from the second it is coelestis originis ; for coelum is taken here ( as often it is ) pro aëre , or the air . Hence it is plain what the Poet means by Igneus est ollis vigor , & coelestis origo Seminibus . — Thus paraphrased , But those souls there of fiery vigour share ; The principles of them celestiall are . That the soul consists of fire , was the opinion of Hipparchus ; that of air , of Anaximenes ; that of both , of Boethos , and our Virgil here . Epicurus added to these two a third ingredient , whilst he held that it was a speceies igne , aëre & spiritu mixta , as you may read in Macrob. l. 1. c. 14. in Somn. Scip. who there delivers the various opinions of the Ancients concerning the nature of the Soul : Hence , according to Homers doctrine ( who held with Hipparchus , that the soul was originated from fire , ) the Heroes abhorred nothing more then drowning , as most contrary to the fierie nature of the Soul , which they thought would thereby be extinguished . See how apprehensive Virgil makes Aeneas of drowning , l. 1. Aen. Extempló Aeneae solvuntur frigore membra , Ingemit , & duplices tendens ad sidera palmas , Talia voce refert , &c. — A cold sweat doth Aeneas limbs surprize ; He sighs , and his hands stretching to the skies , He thus begins , &c. — Whereas otherwise he makes him a person of a most undaunted and unshaken constancy ; 〈◊〉 l. 6. — Non ulla laborum , O virgo , nova mî facies inopináve surgit . — no dangers unto me Are strange , or , Virgin , shake my constancie . Doubtless Virgil herein concurred with Homer in his opinion : And from hence the Stoicks opin'd , that the soul as soon as freed from the body , presently took its flight to the Concave of the Moon , the place or region of the element of fire . But of these dreams more then enough : let us now return to our Author . Virgil from these premisses inferres , that the Soul is of an active , piercing , and subtile nature , as are the principles whereof it consists , that it is of it self free from all passions and perturbations , — quantum non noxia corpora tardant . Unless by the commixtion and conjunction with the body it abate of its naturall vigour , and become , as that is , heavy and drossie . All souls are equally intelligent , and alike impassionate ; But , according to the variety of complexions , the abundance of humors , the pureness of the spirits , the disposition of the organs , especially of the brain , they are more intense or remiss . § 74 Hence the Poet sayes , that as to the intellectual part thereof it becomes heavy , dull and inapprehensive , so to the appetitive or will , it becomes subject to sundry irregularities and passions ; which he specifies here in four , whereof two have for their object an Evil , and two a Good : The first is Fear , which is a passion of the soul touching a future evil , as Grief . The second is touching an evil present , and now upon us . The third is Desire , or Concupiscence , which is a passion of the soul about a good absent , as Joy. The fourth is about a good present , and in fruition , or the acquiescence of the Soul in the possession of its desired object . Three of these , viz. Desire , Joy and Grief , are placed in the Concupiscible Appetite , and one , viz. Fear , in the irascible . He inferres further , that the soul is not only subject to error and passion , whilst united to the body , but that it doth absolutely for●● it s own nature , nor is at all sensible of its originall , which is of fire and air ; which he means here whilst he saies — nec auras respiciunt ; the body is therefore called by him animae carcer , the prison of the soul ; reflecting haply upon that of Plato , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the body is the souls grave or sepulchre : For as those who are shut up in a dark prison have all objects intercepted from their eyes , so the soul incarcerated in the body is utterly blinded , nor can auras respicere , have the free prospect of the air whereof it is compounded . The Poet here occurres to a tacite objection : the soul ( it is true ) loseth of its original purity by conjunction with the body , but when freed from thence it may recover its pristine state of purity and perfection : no , it retains still after its separation much of that pollution which it contracted whilst it was immers'd in the body . And hence he layes the foundation of his imaginary Purgatory , which as necessarily previous to that Transmigration , we have already discoursed of , he makes of three sorts , either by ventilation , by air , purgation by fire , or rinsing by water ; all according to the doctrine of Plato ; purging , as Physicians doe , by contraries ; for fire , which is hot and dry ; air , which is hot and moist ; water , which is cold and moist , are the most proper purgatives for earthy contagions , i. e. for those stains the soul hath contracted from the commerce with the body , which is earthy ; Earth being both the coldest of the 4. elements , and in that most contrary to Fire , which is the hottest and the driest , and in that most opposite to Water , which is the moistest ; in both to Air , which is both hot and moist : this is St. Austins conceit , l. 21. de Civit. Dei. c. 13. we will not say that the Roman Cath●lick hath no better authority for his Purgatory then that of a Roman Poet. This we may safely affirm , that it was an opinion received amongst the Heathens many centuries before it was introduced into the Church of Rome , with this only difference ; they held that after death the souls went into Purgatory , and from thence ascended not into eternall bliss , but into this world , where they were reinvested with new bodies ; these , that after their purgatory they ascended into hea●●n : they both allow of a Purgatory , and a subsequent resurrection , and differ only in the terminus adquem , the place to which that resurrection tends . § 75 There is no one passage in this book more obscure then this ; in the literal construction you shall find more sound of words then soundness of sense ; for what can you understand by leaving the etherial sense pure , and a fire of simple breath or air ? for so it runs , if verbally translated : We have therefore paraphrased upon this place , as we have done elsewhere , where the sense required it ; therefore by sensus aethereus we are to understand the Soul , a heavenly or aethereal Being ; and therefore said by Virgil a little above to be coelestis originis , as here to be aethereus sensus , and to be ignis & aër simplex ; for he sayes here auraï , i. e. aurae simplicis ignem , for auram simplicem & ignem , according to the opinion of those who held the soul to be compounded of air and fire ; therefore the sense of Igneus est ollis vigor & coelestis orgio Seminibus . — is here expressed in other words , whilst he sayes ; — purumque reliquit Aetherum sensum , atque auraï simplicis ignem . which I think according to the sense both of the Author and the Context , may not unaptly be paraphrased in these words : Leaving of spots that heavenly Being clear , Of Fire a compound , and unmixed Air. But to summe up our precedent discourse , and to shew the connexion thereof , you must know that there is a certain soul or spirit which actuateth and presideth over this Universe , and from whence all things derive their birth and original ; amongst the rest , men , whose souls ( we have , and doe still speak according to the principles of Virgil , and the Gentiles ) are compounded of fire and air , as their bodies are of water and earth ; whence they ( resembling their principles ) are active and pure , these drossie and dull : they from the long commerce with the body contract stains from thence , which adhere to them even after their separation : Hence they are to be purged in the other world , after which , when purified , they are brought by Mercury to the River Lethe , the River of Forgetfulness , and having drunk thereof , they then return into this world , and are received into other bodies . We have insisted much upon the exposition of the Author in these precedent Paragraphs ; Interpreters have laboured much herein , as upon a place knotty and obscure , though full of much learning and abstruse speculations : if we have either in our Translation or notes conferred any thing to the explication of the Author , and the Readers satisfaction , we shall think our pains in the one , and our collections in the other , not altogether misemployed . § 76 We come now to the primarie scope and design of the Poet , and which indeed , as the end is , was primus in intentione , though ultimus in executione . Virgil composed this Poem on purpose to celebrate the Family of Augustus , and to consecrate the names of some of the most deserving and illustrious Houses of Rome to following Ages . And to this only tends Aeneas his descent into Hell , with all the precedent descriptions . We shall here exhibit a Summary of the Roman History , from the Alban Kings to Augustus his time , following the series and method of our Author , who presents them not according to the order of time wherein they were born or lived , but as he fancies them to stand before Anchises , the person here speaking . § 77 The first therefore who appeared , and was to ascend , was Sylvius , Aeneas his Sonne by Lavinia , Latinus his Daughter , and half-Brother to Ascanius , sirnamed Iülus , Aeneas his Sonne by Creüsa ; he is here called an Alban name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , by way of excellence , because from him all the Alban Kings were denominated Sylvii ; Aeneas his posthume sonne , because born after his Fathers death ; and Sylvius , because born in the Woods . The Story is briefly this ; Lavinia being left with child by Aeneas , fled for fear of her sonne in law Ascanius , to Tyrrhus the Master of her Father Latinus his flocks ; but was delivered by the way of a son in the woods , whom from thence she called Sylvius , i. e. Du Bois , or Wood ; and from him the succeeding Alban Kings were styled Sylvii : but being freed from her ill-grounded jealousie , she was at last brought back to Ascanius , who looking upon her as the dear Relict of his honored Father , did not only receive her with all demonstrations of love , but leaving Lavinium ( built by Aeneas , and so called from Lavinia , his beloved Consort ) to her , he founded Alba , or the white City , so called from the white * Sow the Trojans found at their first landing ; and Longa , from its figure , it being extended in length : See Aur. Victor . de orig . gent. Rom. And this became the royal residence of the Alban Kings , who reigned here , according to Virgil , 300 years ; but according to a more exact computation , we may add one Centurie more ; for from the foundation of Alba by Ascanius , to the foundation of Rome by Romulus ( during which time Alba was the capital City of Latium ) were full 400 years wanting one . The first , viz. Alba , being built An. Mund. 2852. and the latter , viz. Rome , 3251. as Dr. Simpson proves Chron. Cathol . part . 2. & 3. The succession of the Alban Kings is thus delivered by Livie , 1. Ascanius , 2. Sylvius Posthumus , elected by the people to the Kingdome ( who preferred the sonne of Aeneas to the grandson ) before Iülus , sonne to Ascanius ; 3. Sylv. Aeneas , 4. Latinus , 5. Alba , 6. Atis , 7. Capys , 8. Capêtus , 9. Tiberinus , who passing the River Tiber , and in his passage drowned , gave it its name of Tiberis , whereas it was originally called Albula ; 10. Agrippa , 11. Romulus or Aremulus , 12. Aventinus , from whom the Aventine Hill took its name ; 13. Procas , 14. Numitor , deposed by his younger Brother Amulius , but restored to his hereditary rights by his Grandsons Romulus and Remus , born of Rhaea Sylvia his Daughter . The male line of the Sylvii expired in Numitor , and Rome , founded by Romulus , soon eclipsed the State of Alba , which from that time was governed by certain Magistrates styled Dictators ; and being finally subdued and razed by Tul. Hostilius , the third from Romulus , as an emulous and dangerous neighbour , was displanted , and incorporated into the City of Rome . But to return to our Author , who more like a Poet then an Historian , doth but cursorily run over the Alban Kings , reciting but some few of them , and those not in their due order of succession , but as they there appeared before Anchises ; for Procas was not the next to Posthumus , but the twelfth from him , Capys the sixth , Numitor the thirteenth ; but Syl. Aeneas was the second , who by the fraud of his Tutor was for a long time kept from the Crown ; which at last recovering , he reigned 30 years . There is very little registred of the Alban Kings save only their names . The Roman Generals ( as you may read in A. Gell. l. 5. c. 6. and in Salmuth upon Pancirol . rer . deperd . tit . 55. ) for the encouragement & reward of the good service and valour of their Souldiers amongst other gifts bestowed upon them several sorts of Crowns , which were these , i. e. muralis corona , made of gold , and bestowed on them who first scaled the walls , and entred the City or Castle of the enemy . Secondly , Castrensis or Vallaris , of gold also , & given to him who made the first impression into the enemies Camp. Thirdly , Navalis , or Rostrata , which was his right who in a naval or sea-fight first boarded the enemy's ship . Fourthly and lastly , Civica , ( for which word Virgil useth Civilis ) which although not so valuable in regard of its materials , for it was only a Wreath made of an oaken bough , yet was esteemed more honorable then the rest ; and was bestowed on him , who , rescuing a Roman Citizen from his prevailing enemy , had saved his life , and slain the invader . This was therefore made of oak , because anciently , before the use of corn , acorns , the fruit of that tree , was the sustenance and preserver of the life of man ; or because the Oak was sacred to Jupiter , under whose peculiar protection Cities were said to be ; and therefore it was proper that he who had saved a Citizen , should be crowned with a bough of that tree which was dedicated to the tutelar Deity of all Cities . And to this Custome the Poet alludes here , whilst he saies that the Founders & Builders of Cities were crowned with an oakenbough : for those who build and fortifie Cities , seem as it were to save the lives of the Citizens , whilst by that means they save them from the incursions and surprisals of a watchfull enemy . The Cities here particularized , were most of them belonging to the Prisci Latini , as they styled themselves , and planted by the Alban Kings . Nomentum was an in-land Town belonging to the Latines and not far distant from Rome ; now called Lamentana . Gabii was a Town of the Volsci , a very opulent and wealthy City , about an hundred furlongs , which is some twelve miles , distant from Rome towards the East in the way to Praeneste ; it was made tributary to the Romans by the fraud of Sext. Tarquinius , sonne to Superbus ; you may read the story at large in Livie l. 1. Fidenae was a Town of the Sabines , five miles from Rome ; now called Castel Jubeleo : Collatia , a Town of the Sabines also , at four miles distance from the City in the Tiburtine way , fam'd for the rape and death of the chast Lucretia : Pometii , called also Suessa Pometia , now Sessa , was a Town of the Volsci , beyond the River Liris ; it was taken and plundered by Superbus , who made of the spoils ( as Livie testifies ) forty talents , which according to our modern computation amounts to twenty one thousand & sixty French crowns , an immense summe for those dayes . Castrum Inuï , the Castle or Town of Inuus , i. e. Pan ; for whom the Gree●s called Pan the Latines termed Inuus , ab ineundo passim cum omnibus animalibus : Servius ; which is the same with the Greek Ephialtes , and the Latine Incubus : this was a Town of the Volsci , and is now called Cornetto . Bola , a Town of the Aequi , bordering upon the Latines , long since demolish'd . Cora , a Town of the Volsci , yet in being , and retaining its originall name . But concerning these Towns , if you desire more ample satifaction , you may consult with Cluverius , a most diligent surveyor of ancient Italie , l. 3. c. 8. § 78 Anchises having passed over the Alban Kings , comes now to Romulus , the Founder of the Roman both City and Empire , the son of Rhaea Sylvia , or Ilia , daughter to Numitor , & made ( as it was given out ) impregnate by Mars : and hence the Poet gives him the epithete of Mavortius , or Martius . He having reigned some time with his Grandsire Numitor in Alba Longa , thinking that Dominion too straight for them both , resigned the whole to him ; and building Rome ( the future Emperess of the world ) reigned there . The story of Romulus his actions military and civil , his death , apotheosis , or dei●ying , together with all the particulars here instanced in by the Poet to the magnifying of Rome , are so easily parable out of Livie , Dionyfius , Plutarch in vit . Rom. that we shall rather chuse to referre the Reader to them , then to insist too long upon things so obvious ; we shall only note the aptness of the comparison here used by the Poet , assimilating Rome , the Mother and Nurse of so many brave Heroes , to Cybele , or Cybelle ( periphras'd here by Mater Berecynthia ) the Mother of the Gods. This similitude Mr. Denham speaking of Windsore Castle , hath borrowed of Virgil , and as handsomely applied : we shall for his credit , though known to us only by a well-deserved fame , subjoyn the verses : A Crown of such Majestick towrs doth grace The Gods great Mother , when her heav'nly race Doe homage to her ; yet she cannot boast Amongst that num'rous and celest'al host More Heroes then can Windsore ; nor doth Fames Immortal book record more noble names . But to return , Cybele is so called from the hill Cybella in Phrygia , where ( when an Infant ) she was exposed , and ( being there found by a Shepheards wife ) taken and bred up by her , as her own child , and called after the name of the place where she was first found ; or , according to Servius , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from shaking the head , a gesticulation peculiar to her Priests . She was ( if we consult with fabulous story ) said to be the Daughter of heaven and earth , and Wife of Saturn , known by these following names of Ops , Rhea , Vesta , Magna Mater , Dindymene ; and lastly Berecynthia ; as here , from Berecynthus , a Town of Phrygia , near the River Sangarius , where she was most religiously worshipped . Her Priests ( called Corybantes ) were injoyned to be gelt : should the Romish Church , as it forbids marriage , injoyn Castration to their Clergie , I doubt that the Cloisters and religious Houses would not be so well furnished , as now they are . She was said to be Turrîta , crowned with towers ; and so indeed she is alwayes painted , either because ( according to Arnobius l. 5. ) when the City of Midas was shut up , she undermined and razed the tower-bearing walls with her head , and so entred ; or , as Ovid will have it , Quod primis turres urbibus illa dedit . She was the first who taught to fortifie Towns with Towers and Castles : or lastly , because ( as Servius is of opinion ) by her is meant the earth , the proper basis and support of all edifices . § 79 After Romulus , he comes per saltum to Augustus , both as the second founder of Rome , and the principal scope of the whole Poem ; whom he magnifies here with most exquisite Elogies ; and he truly was ( as Messala Corvinus styles him ) sui seculi perenne & immortale decus , the lasting and immortal ornameut of his age ; deserving no less then a Virgil to give him his just and suteable Character . We shall briefly examine the particulars : First he saith that he was Divûm genus , sprung from the Gods , both in regard of Jul. Caesar his adoptive Father , who was ( after his death ) made a Divus , or sainted , as for that he was descended from Aeneas , the Son of Venus , the Daughter of Jupiter . Secondly , that he should again restore the golden age , as it was in Saturns time ; For having overcome all his enemies both domestick and forein , there was such peace and tranquillity during his reign , that it was deservedly called the golden age . The Temple of Janus Quirinus , ( which from the foundation of Rome had been but twice shut , the first time in Numa's reign ; the second Ann , V. C. 518. Tit. Manlius Torquatus , & C. Atilius Bulbus being Consuls , after the first Punick warre ) was in his time thrice locked up , which was never done but when the tumults and tempests of warre , were laid asleep by the welcome security of a general peace : at other times they stood open . And to this purpose our Poet speaks of Augustus lib. 1. Aspera tum positis mitescent saecula bellis , Cana Fides , & Vesta , Remo cum fratre Quirinus Jura dabunt ; dirae ferro & compagibus arctis Claudentur Belli portae : Furor impius intus Saeva sedens super arma , & centum vinctus ahenis Post tergum nodis , fremet horridus ore cruento . Insuing times shall sacred peace install : Faith ; Vesta , Romulus with Remus , shall Just lawes enact : The doors of horrid Warre Huge links of brass , and iron bolts shall barre : Dire Furie , breathing blood , within shall sit On heaps of armes , his hands behind him knit . Wherefore in his pacifique reign Christ our Saviour , the Prince of peace , vouchsafed to take our nature upon him , to shew that nothing is more acceptable to him then peace , that bond of love and perfect character of his sincere disciples ; which ( although through the ambition and emulation of Princes it hath been for many years banished Christendome ) is now like to return again by the happy & long-desired redintegration of amity betwixt those two great Luminaries of this our Western world , Spain & France : I cannot but add my prayers for the speedy consummation of so wish'd-for a Good. None can pray otherwise , but such as having agrandiz'd themselves by warre , fear to lose their unjust acquests by a to-them-unwelcome pacification , and to be made to regorge by law what they have swallowed down by rapine . I could not but add this , writing at this time . § 80 Thirdly , that he should extend the limits of the Roman Empire beyond the Garamantes , a People in the heart of Africa , Southward ; and the Indians , a Nation in the extremity of Asia , Eastward , The truth is , that these were never conquered by the Romans , for Euphrâtes was the bound to their Empire on the East ; but the Garamantes , with other African Nations , were subdued by Cornelius Balbus : Meyênus . Further he sayes that he should subdue a Country which lies beyond the Starres , and the course of the Sun , that is , beyond the Zodiac , or the Starres , and constellations thereunto belonging . In brief , the Poet speaks hypothetically , that if there were any Country habitable beyond the Zodiac and the Tropick of Capricorn ( of which the Ancients doubted ) it should be added to the Dominions of Augustus . But how mount Atlas , which lies on this side the Aequator , should be said to be , ultra anni solisque vias ; on the other side the Zodiac , and Tropick of Capricorn I cannot understand . We must pardon hyperboles in a Poet. Virgil thought he might lawfully extend Nature , and exceed the usual Boundaries of Geography , whilst he strove to extoll the greatness of his munificent Patron Augustus . Fourthly , he saith that all the ●racles of the world , viz. from the Caspian sea , or Asia , to the East ; from the Lake of Maeôtis , or Europe , to the North ; and from Nile , or Africa , to the South , should foretell the birth of the great Augustus . Sueton. in his life , c. 94. saith , that a few moneths before his birth it was prophecied that Nature should bring forth a King to the Roman People , whereupon it was decreed by the Senate , that no male born that year should be suffered to live ; but those ( whose Wives were with child ) hoping that the Prophesie might be fulfilled in their Family , hindred the execution of the Senates Decree . The like wicked policy was not only in deliberation , but effected by Herod upon the innocent Infants of Bethleem . At the same time all Oracles forecold that there should be a great Prince born , who should subdue the world ; which was truly and really meant of the incarnation of our blessed Saviour , but erroneously and impudently by his Parasites applied to Augustus . Fifthly and lastly , he compares the expeditions and conquests of Augustus , to those of Alcides or Hercules , and Bacchus , two noted Land-lopers ; for the first travelled all over the world seeking adventures ; and the second made an impression into , and subdued the farre-remote parts of India : Nay , he preferres the victories of Augustus to those either of Hercules or Bacchus . The 12. labours of the first are so well known , that we need not insist long upon these which are here mentioned . The Hinde , called Cerenítis ; feigned to be brazen hoof'd , was slain by him neer to the Town of Parrhasia ; he also took a terrible Boar , called the Boar of Erymanthus , a Mountain of Arcadia , alive , and brought it to Eurystheus , who , by Juno's command , was his Tax-master , and imposed all those hazardous labours upon that invincible Heroe . Of the Beast of Lerna , i. e. the Hydra , we have descoursed at large Paragraph 39. From Augustus , after a desultorious manner , he returns to the successors of Romulus , in whom the royal line of Aeneas did determine . The first of these was aged and hoary-headed Numa , whom Anchises seems not to know , because a stranger , and none of his posterity , born at ●●ures , a small Dorp or Village of the Sabines , on the very day the foundation of Rome was laid . The character the Poet gives him , and the rest , is agreeable to the testimony of History : For Numa Pompilius , a person fam'd for his justice and religion , was by the general vote of the people ( though a stranger ) chosen King ; who ( when placed in the regal Throne ) having made peace with all his neighbours , applied himself solely to the reforming of the Lawes , Manners and Discipline both Civil and Religious , introducing all Rites and Ceremonies into their Church ; whence he is here said to be , ramis insignis Olivae , and sacra ferens ; the first denoting his studious love of peace , of which the Olive is an embleme ; the second his great care of Religion , and the worship of the Gods ; whereby , as Florus observes , populum ferocem eó redegit , ut quod vi , & injuriâ occupaverat imperium , religione , & justitiâ gubernâret : He taught them to govern by religion and justice that Empire which they had atchieved by injury and force . Hence the very names of these two precedent Kings seem to speak their natures , and to have designed them ( as it were ) for this different manner of proceeding in the management of affairs ; for Romulus comes from the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. strength , and hardiness ; and Numa 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from his inventing and ordaining of laws ; for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Law , is written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the Dores ; from whence Numa comes : and hence his character is truly given us by Livie : Numa regno potitus , urbem novam , conditam vi & armis ( a Romulo scilicet ) jure eam ; legibusque ac moribus de integro condere parat : Numa founded that City by wholsome laws , which Romulus had founded by force and arms . He reigned 43 years . § 81 Tullus Hostilius , the third from Romulus , succeeded to Numa , Grandson to Hostus Hostilius , who died fighting against the Sabines under the Tower of Rome . He was chosen for his great valour and known conduct : He subdued the Albans , razed their City , and transplanted the Inhabitants to Rome . In the direption , and sack of this forlorn Town , this is chiefly to be noted , that when they had equalled all the edifices , whether private or publick , with the ground , the triumphing enemy ( out of an awe and reverence to religion ) spared the Temples of the Gods : Templis tamen Deûm ( ita enim edictum ab rege fuit ) temperatum est : Livie : a reproach to the impious and intemperate zeal of this worst of ages , wherein the Temples of the true God have born the greatest marks of the irreligious furie , not of foreign enemies ( as here ) but of the once-children of the same Mother , and professors of the same faith . This King was the restorer of their military discipline , as here characterised , and inlarger of the City , by taking in the Mount Caelius : He reigned , according to Livies Compute 32. years . § 82 Ancus Martius , Grandson to Numa Pompilius by his Daughter , the fourth from Romulus , was elected after Tullus : He is described here as haughty and popular , because born of royall blood . He was of a disposition and temper much like to that of his Grandsire Numa , as to his justice , regard of religion , and government in peace , though in time of warre he equalled any of his Predecessors ; whence Livie sayes of him , Medium erat in Anco ingenium , & Numae & Romuli memor . In Ancus there was a mixture of Numa and Romulus ; the one appeared in his reviving the laws of Numa , concerning religious Rites and Ceremonies ; in walling the City , in building a bridge over Tiber , in planting a Colony at Ostia , a Town situated upon the mouth of Tiber , which became a famous Mart in after ages : The other in his warres with the Latines , Fidenâtes , Vejentes , Sabines , and Volscians : He sat upon the Throne 24 years . § 83 The fifth from Romulus was Lucius Tarquinius , sirnamed Priscus , or the elder , in regard of L. Tarquinius Superbus , his sonne , or ( as Florus writes him ) his Grandson . He though not only not a Roman , but also not so much as an Italian , was named King , propter industriam & elegantiam , for his industrie and handsome deportment . He ( as Livie tells the story ) was the sonne of Damarâtus , a rich Merchant of Corinth , who forced out of his own Country , came with his family into Italy , and planted himself at Tarquinii , a Town of Etruria , or Tuscanie . He had two sonnes , Aruns and Lucumo : Lucumo after the death both of his Father and Brother came to Rome , where for his wealth & prudence he was elected into the Senatorian order by Ancus Martius , and instead of Lucumo called Lucius , and Tarquinius , from Tarquinii , the Town of his birth : And after Ancus his death ( notwithstanding the left two sons ) was thought worthy to be his Successor . He conquering the rebelling Sabines ; Latines , and the twelve Tuscan Nations , was the first who triumphed in Rome . From these last he borrowed , and introduced all the ornaments and ensigns of Soveraignty , with all the habits and fashions which were afterwards used by the Roman people . He reigned thirty eight years , and was treacherously murdered by two Villains , suborned by the two Sonnes of Ancus Martius . As you may read the story at large in Livie l. 1. he left two sonnes , Aruns and Lucius , called afterward Superbus . But neither of these succeeded immediately to their Father ; but Servius Tullius , a Slave by birth , as born of Ocrisia , a Lady taken in the Corniculan warre . Ocrisia , as being of the best quality of the Captiv●s , was presented to Tanaquil , Wife to Tarquinius ; and being left with child by her Husband , was delivered of a boy , which from the servile condition of his Mother was called Servius , and from his Father , Tullius . He from a hopefull and towardly child , became a deserving and gallant man , insomuch , that K. Tarquin thought him worthy of his Daughter , and the people of Rome of the Crown : For he married the one , and after the death of the murdered Tarquin was elected to the other , his predecessors issue being pretermitted . He held the reins of goverment 44. years , and was as deserving a Prince as any , although omitted here by our Author , who treats of things not Historically , but Poetically , and after a grosser manner . § 83 The seventh and last of the Kings was Tarquinius Superbus , Sonne to Tarquinius Priscus , and Sonne-in-law to Servius Tullius , who bestowed his Daughter Tullia on him : A woman of a violent , unquiet , and ambitious spirit ; who incited her Husband , L. Tarquinius , a man of the like temper with her self , to murder the King her own Father , and by force to invest himself in the regal power ; which he as boldly as wickedly effected : but administring that government as impotently , as he had obtained it wickedly ; as also for the rape of Lucretia by his Son Sextus ; He , with his whole family was expelled Rome , which from that time , of a Monarchy , became a free State. Tarquin tyrannized 25. years : so that Rome from Romulus to him was governed by Kings 244. years , as Livie computes it . And this was the infancy of the Roman State under the regal power ; and indeed , as an Infant , it ( being no more then able to crawl ) had made but a small advance in order to that greatness which it afterward atchieved : For that people ( which in process of time , when it arrived to its virile estate or manhood , did bound its Empire with the rising and setting Sun , and carried its victorious Eagles from the Northern to the Southern world ) had not in 250. years gained above fifteen miles in circuit from their Cities walls , nor after so many battels , conquests , and triumphs extended their Territories further then a nimble Footman could run in two hours . As if it were in States as it is in nature , wherein we see that those things which are designed for strength and duration , do soberly , and by degrees arrive to perfection ; but that those which are soon in their wane and decadence , do suddenly , and as it were per saltum attain to their increment and consistence . How often have we seen the power of a State terminate in one man , and the glory of a Nation breath out its last , when he expired ? so circumscribed a thing is greatness , and so transitory is that gaudy pomp which the world admires : but to return . § 84 Lucius Junius , the sonne of Marcus Junius and Tarquinia , Sister to Superbus , was the first who brought the sirname of Brutus into the Junian Family : For he ( seeing by the sad examples of his own Father and Brother , lately murdered by the jealous Tyrant , that to deserve highly was the highest treason , and that vertue was the most compendious way to ruine and destruction ) counter●eited himself a fool , wherein he acted his part so to the life , that he purchased to himself and his Descendants the contemptible , but secure , nickname of Brutus , or the Brute : And in all appearance he continued such , till a fair opportunity incouraged him to lay aside the fool coat , and to appear in the more becomming dress of a man of wisdome and courage : For he was the first , who having rescued the oppressed people from the impotent rule of the Tarquins , changed the form of government from a Monarchy to a State , from Regal to Consular ; and was the first , who ( together with his Collegue Collatinus ) was invested in this new Magistracy ; which was annual , and to be administred by two , on purpose to defeat and disappoint those advantages , which a single and continued power might take upon the people who instrusted them . They were called Consules , à consulendo Reipublicae , from the care they took of the common good ; ( as Cicero will have it ) or ( as Varro ) quòd consulere populum , & Senatum deberent , because they ought to advise with the Senate and the People in all affairs and designs . This office ( as annual , and in the person of two ) differed only from the Kingly government : otherwise they had the same ensigns and marks of soveraignty which the Kings had ; for they had their twelve Lictors carrying the Fasces , or bundle of rods before them , with the Secures , or Axes , as before the late Kings : wherefore Virgil calls them here , fasces receptos , viz. à regibus , the Fasces or soveraign power wrested out of the hands of the Kings . But to proceed ; and I hope that the Reader will not think that I doe impertinently seek matter of discourse , if I inlarge something upon this Story ; he shall find many particulars coincident with passages of our own times , and agreeing with the sinister policies of our modern Innovators . Brutus , therefore ( the principal vindicator of the peoples liberty ) knowing that there was as much virtue required in maintaining what he had got , as in the primarie acquisition , endeavours by all means possible to confirm and knit the as-yet-feeble joynts of his infant Republick : and to this end in the first place he causeth the people to ingage themselves by oath against the government of a single person ; jure-jurando populum adegit , neminem Romae passuros regnare : Livie . Secondly , he was very industrious in ruining and dis●abling the royal party , which indeed ( by reason of Tarquins demerits ) were but few , and those either green-headed Courtiers , or such of the Nobility , qu●rum in regno libido solutior fuerat , whose looseness under a Kingly government were lesse remarkable ; all the friends ( I say ) of the ejected King were suddenly suppressed , amongst the rest Collatinus , the Husband of the ravished Lucretia , and Brutus his Coadjutor in the regifuge , and now Companion with him in office , was by his means ( because of Tarquins Family ) both turned out of his place , and banished his Country : nay , to strike the greater terrour into others , who should attempt the restitution of the Tarquins , he did not only pronounce sentence upon his own sonnes , Titus and Tiberius , with others of the Nobility neerly allied to him , who were convinced to have held correspondence with the Common enemy , but appeared an unmoved and irrelenting overseer and exactor of their punishment ; & qui spectator erat amovendus , eum ipsum exactorem supplicii fortuna dedit : Livie . Thirdly , he caused all the estate , both real and personal of the ejected Family , to be dissipated and divided amongst the people ; knowing full well , that those who had swallowed such fair morsels , would be very hardly perswaded to regorge them . Bona regia diripienda plebi sunt data , ut contactâ regiâ praedâ , spem in perpetuum cum his pacis amitteret . On the other side the Tarquins were not idle ; but finding by the disappointment of the late plot , that it was in vain to hope to compass any thing by the assistance of disarmed , suppressed , and discouraged friends at home , they ( as in their case any would doe ) implore forain aid , and flie first to the Veientes and Tarquinienses , a people of Etruria , and implacable enemies to the Roman name . These arme in the quarrel of the exiled Princes ; and in this battel fell their great Brutus ; but most remarkably ; Aruns the sonne of Tarquin , who commanded the enemies horse , espying Brutus at the head of the Roman horse , which he also commanded , crying , Dii regum ultores adeste , ye Gods , avengers of Kings , be present and assist me , set spurs to his horse and ran furiously upon Brutus , who as gallantly received his charge ; to be short , they pierced one the other with their sances , and fell down dead together . But after a long contest between the two Armies , and the loss of 13000. men on each side , the Romans remained superiours . Tarquin failing here , addresseth himself to Porsena K. of Clusium , a potent Prince in those dayes . Methinks Livie makes Tarquin recommend his case very pathetically , and to the purpose , to his brother King : it is a passage that I have often taken notice of , nor unworthy the transcribing . He hints to Porsena thus ; Ne orientem morem pellendi reges inultum sineret ; satis libertatem ipsam habere dulcedinis , nisi quantâ vi civitates eam expetant , tantâ regna reges defendant . Aequa●i summa infimis , nihil excelsum , nihil quod supra caetera emineat ; in civitatibus fore . Adesse finem regnis , rei inter Deos hominesque ; pulcherrimae . A discourse most pregnant and proper in this case , and which we may thus english . He adviseth Porsena as a King not to permit this new fashion of deposing and expelling Kings to goe unpunished ; for that liberty in it self was so sweet and inviting , that unlesse Kings did defend their crowns as vigorously as the people sought their freedome , all things being reduced to an equality , there would be no distinction of degrees remaining in Cities or Common-wealths : and that in conclusion there would be an end of Monarchie , a government the most approved both by Gods and men . These arguments , and the consideration of his own case , ingaged Porsena in Tarquins quarrel ; but after a vigorous attempt , and almost a victory , there was a sudden pacification made between the Romans and Porsena , and Tarquins interest quite left out in the agreement , who ( as restless as he was unfortunate ) makes new applications to other friends ; and by the intervention of Mamilius Tusculanus ( a person of chief note amongst the Latines ; and to whom Tarquin in his prosperity had married his Daughter ) stirres up all the people of Latinum against the Romans , whose greatness began to be suspected and dreaded by all their neighbours ; but after a long , doubtfull , and bloody fight , the victory remained still with the Romans ; wherefore Tarquinius ( having lost both his sons in the warres , now grown old , and destitute of friends ) gave over all further hopes of recovering his right , and retired himself to Cumae , to Aristodémus the then Tyrant of that City , where the fourteenth year after his expulsion he by death put a period , as well to the fears and jealousies of his late Subjects , as to his own miserable , harrased , and unpleasant life . All Historians doe highly celebrate this action of Brutus ; and it was once my fortune to be in company where I heard it very ●agerly defended , and propounded as a commendable president , and fair copy for Subjects to draw by . I shall not make a formal dispute upon the case , but only propound these following Quaeries . § 85 1 Whether Tarquin was so insupportable a Tyrant as Histories deliver him to be , or whether those who rebelled against him , rendred him not such in story the better to palliate their own unjustifiable proceedings . 2. Whether , if he were such , Brutus were to be justified , and his example to be followed . 3. Whether Brutus did what he did purely for the publick good , and not rather to avenge the injuries done to his private family . 4. Whether Brutus did what he did purely for the publick good , and not rather to get into the seat of him whom he had dismounted . 5. If it were not so , why did he not , after the work was done , continue a private man ? 6. Whether it be not probable , that he who could dissemble so well , that he deceived the crafty Tarquin himself , and passed for a fool , till he got an opportunity to oppress him and his Family , might not as well dissemble with the people , and pretend to be a great assertor of their liberties , till such time as he could securely fool them out of them . 7. Whether the character Livie gives of him , viz. that he was , juvenis longè alius ingenio , quam cujus simulationem induerat , a man of a farre different disposition and temper then what he seemed to be , doe not render him as a great cheat and dissembler , and to be suspected as to this our last Quaere . 8. Whether his deposing Collatinus , and his putting his sons to death , were not for the better colour of his designs , and to beget a greater belief of his integrity , that he might be trusted with the greater power . 9. Whether Liberty be a just pretence . 10. Whether all innovating Rebels must not of necessity , if they invade the regall power , destroy the liberty they pretended to assert . 11. Whether experience doth not tell us , that this saying of Tacitus is an irrefragable truth ; ut imperium evertant , libertatem praeferunt , quam si everterint , ipsam aggredientur ur libertatem : those who design a change of government , inveagle the people with a pretence of liberty , which if they effect , themselves , invade that liberty , they lately seemed to patronize . 12. Whether this saying of Tacitus hath not been verified in the flagitious proceedings of the Fanaticks of our age , &c. Of the Family of the Decii there were three , viz. the Father , Sonne , and Grandsonne , who for their lives lost in their Countries service were deservedly famous : the Father ( who was Consul with T. Manlius Torquatus , an . urbis conditae 415. ) did in the warre against the Latines devove himself , i. e. with strange imprecations and invocations bequeath and vow himself to death . For when it was revealed in a dream to both the Consuls , that that side should be victorious whose General should die in the fight ; and when it was agreed , that of the two Consuls , he whose wing did first give place , should devove himself . Decius seeing the wing which he commanded ready to flie , having pronounced after Valerius the high Priest the solemn words or form of the Devotion , mounted his horse , and with his sword drawn , made an impression into the thickest of the almost-victorious enemies ; wheresoever he came a sudden fear invaded them : quacunque equo invectus est , ibi haud secus , quam pestifero sidere icti pavebant : Livie : at last he fell , and by his death procured victory to his neer-conquered party . See this story in Livie . l. 8. as also in Val. Max. l. 5. c. 6. and Florus l. 1. c. 18. Decius the Son was four times Consul ; in all which so often repeated honours he discharged and acquitted himself much to his own praise , and his Countries advantage . In his fourth Consulate with Q. Fabius Maximus Rullianus , an . urb . 458 , in that warre against the confederated armies of the Gauls , Samnites , Vmbri and Tuscans , following his Fathers example , he devov'd himself also ; and charging into the thickest of the now-prevailing enemy , restored the lost victory to his own party : See Livie l. 10. The form and manner of a military Devotion , as we may collect out of Livie was this : The General of the wavering and declining Army , plucking off his Paludamentum , or Souldiers Coat , put on his Praetexta , or purple-guarded Robe , such as he used to wear in the City ; then covering his head , and holding his erected hands ( which were hidden under his Robe ) out at his chin , and standing upon his lance , he repeated these solemn words after the Pontifex or High-priest : Janus , Jupiter , Father Mars , Quirinus , Bellona ; ye Lares , Novensiles , and Indigetes ; ye Gods who praeside over us and the enemy ; ye Gods infernal , I pray ye , I worship ye , I ask and require ye to give successe to the Roman forces and army , and to pursue the enemies of the Roman people with terrour , fear , and death . As I have solemnly pronounced these words , so I devove , bequeath , and give my self with the legions and auxiliaries of the enemy to the infernal Gods and Mother Tellus , for the State , Army , Legions ; and Auxiliares of the people of Rome . These words pronounced , he girded his Robe with a Cinctus Gabinus , such a girdle as the Gabii used , and mounting his horse with his sword drawn , rushed into the thickest of the enemy . By this means ( by the Devils imposture succeeding , and made effectuall ) they imagined that they bore away with them all the evil fortune which was like to betide their own party into the enemies army , and translated that disanimation and fear which was ready to invade themselves unto the conquering side ; and that they being by the repeating these solemn words , devoted or accursed ( for devotus and execratus are the same ) carried a curse along with them wheresoever they either went , or fell . But this was not often put in practise ; these two only occurre in the Roman History . In the Greek we read of Codrus King of Athens , who did the same . But to proceed ; Decius the Grandson did not ( as some affirm ) devove himself , as his predecessors did , but being Consul with P. Sulpicius Savenius , ann . urb . 474. was slain fighting for his Country in the warre against King Pyrrhus : of these three thus , Cic. l. 1. quaest . Tusc . Si Mors timeretur , non cum Latinis pater Decius dècertans ; cum Etruscis filius , cum Pyrrho Nepos , sese hostium telis objecissent : were death a thing to be feared , Decius the Father fighting with the Latines ; the Son with the Tuscans , and the Grandson with Pyrrhus , had not run upon the enemies weapons . But the glory of this illustrious Family lasted not long , but expired with these three ; after whom we read not of any of the Decii , famous either in peace or warre , or who bore any office of note in the Common-wealth : they were but a plebeian Family , and preferred to those honours and dignities for their virtue and valour . We will add those verses of Juvenal concerning these Decii , as an Epitaph to be inscribed on their Tomb , who in his eighth Satyr gives them this luculent Elogie : Plebeiae Deciorum animae , plebeia fuerunt Nomina ; pro totis legionibus hi tamen , & pro Omnibus auxiliis , atque omni pube Latinâ Sufficiunt Diis infernis , Terraeque parenti : Pluris enim Decii quàm qui servantur ab illis . To the infernal Gods and Mother Earth The Decii ( though of a plebeian birth ) For all our Legions , our Auxiliaries , And youth , were deem'd a worthy sacrifice : For the Heroick Decii then whate're By them was sav'd of greater value were . § . 86 Drusus was a cognomen of the Family of the Livii , which ( according to Ant. Augustinus de fam . Rom. ) were distinguished into the Dentri , Salinatores , Libones , Aemiliani , Claudiani , and Drusi . The first of the Drusi was C. Livius Drusus , who ( according to Suetonius in vit . Tiber. ) took the sirname of Drusus , from Drausus , a General of the enemy by him slain ; transmitting the same to his posterity . His great Grandson , M. Livius Drusus , being Tribune of the people with C. Gracchus , discharged himself so wisely and faithfully in the Senates-behalf , that he got himself the honorable title of Patrónus Senatus : Sueton. in Tib. and Plutarch in Gracch . Tiberius Caesar was by the Mothers side ingrafted into this Family ; for Livia Drusilla was Daughter to Livius Drusus , who took part with Brutus and Cassius ; and after their defeat ( following them in their example , as well as in their Cause ) slew himself . Him Patereulus calls virum fortissimum & nobilissimum , a right noble and valiant person . Lastly , of this branch of the Livii was that hopefull young Prince Drusus Nero , younger Brother to Tiberius , and Father to the excellent Germanicus , for whose sake ( as being Son to Livia Drusilla Augusta , and so intirely beloved by his Father-in-law Augustus ) it is credible that the Poet ( who took all occasions to honour that Family ) hath inserted the name of the Drusi in this illustrious Catalogue . I doe much wonder that Servius , with the rest of Virgils Interpreters , should imagine , that under the name of Drusus , the Poet understands here that Claudius Nero , who being Consul with M. Livius Salinator , an . urb . 546. defeated Asdrubal , the brother of Annibal : when the Nero's were not of the Livian Family ( as were the Drusi ) but of the Claudian ; nor till Tib. Nero ( Father to the Emperour Tiberius ) did ( by marrying Livia ) match into that Family , did any of the Nero's assume the name of Drusus ; whereof Drusus the Father of Germanicus was the first . § . 87 The Manlian Family , not onely as a patrician , but as a sourse and seminarie of deserving Patriots , was one of the most eminent of Rome , and which from the expulsion of the Kings flourished in high repute till Caesar and Pompey's time . These were branched into the Vulsones , Capitolini , the Imperiossi , and the Torquati : Ant. August . The first of the Torquati ( then whom no one of that Family was more famous ) was Titus Manlius , the Son of Lucius , sirnamed Imperiossus ; so called from his haughty and imperious nature ; which appearing in all his proceedings , was yet more eminent in the unnaturall usage of this Titus , his Son , whom for no other reason , then for that he appeared to him to be lesse vigorous than what became the Manlian name , he in a manner cast off , and bred up in the Country amongst his Hinds and Plow-men : For which his unbeseeming deportment M. Pomponius , Tribune of the people , had prepared a publick Indictment and Accusation before the people against him . The young Manlius understanding the intention of the Tribune , goes privily , arm'd only with a knife , to the City , finds out Pomponius , takes him aside , and there draws his knife , threatning immediately to dispatch him , unless he would swear to let fall his accusation against his Father ; which for fear he swore to doe . This undeserved piety of the Sonne procured an absolute remission of the intended prosecution to the Father , and immortall honour to himself ; insomuch that at the next election of Officers for the supply of the Legions , he ( though friendless , obscure , and unknown ) was made a Legionary Colonel . This action of his speaking in him no common soul , was but a prologue to more worthy performances . For when the Romans had drawn out their Army against the Gauls , now within three miles of the City , and divided from them only by the River A●●en , a certain Gaul of a vast stature , terrible aspect , and Giant-like proportion , came forth upon the bridge , and in proud and scornfull words challenged any one of the enemy to fight with him hand to hand ; but when a general silence testified as generall a fear , and every one seemed to preferre his own perfonal safety to the honour of the publick , Titus Manlius coming forth , addressed himself ( as Livie makes him speak ) in this manner to the General : Sir , as a Souldier ( sayes he ) I think it my duty not to fight , were the advantage never so inviting , without my Generals command : If you please to permit , I will make that insolent Barbarian know that I am descended from that * Family which forced the invading Troops of the Gauls from the Capitol . The General embracing him , encouraged him to the Combat ; wherefore his companions having put on his arms , he takes a Foot-mans shield , and a Spanish sword in his hand ( in those dayes short ones were in use amongst those of that Nation ) as a more proper weapon for that close fight which he intended . Thus armed , he advanceth towards the Gaul , foolishly insulting , and ( out of scorn ) often lolling out his tongue . They were very unequally matched , as to the outward appearance ; the one had a personage remarkable for its bulk , glittering in richly-gilt armes , and dressed up in changeable-coloured silks ; the other was of a middle , but Souldier-like stature , not at all regardable either in his habit or presence . He marched on ●oberly , without any noise , exultation , or flourishing his armes , but ( scorning all such vain expressions of courage , reserved himself for the triall of the approaching fight . And now they draw near , when the Gaul like a huge Mountain of flesh over-topping the other , opposed his shield with his left arme to the sword of the invading enemy , and with his right , let fall a weighty blow with a great noise upon him . The Roman bearing the point of his sword upward , ingag'd the lower part of the Gauls shield with his own , and there insinuating and working himself in within the body and the armes of the other , sheltered his whole body from the danger of all blows ; and lying like a small vessel under a high carv'd ship , wounded him with often repeated thrusts in the bottom of his belly , till at last he fell dead at his feet . Nor did he offer any violence to the prostrate body , but onely taking off the gold chain , which he wore about his neck , put it ( all bloody as it was ) about his own : whence from Torques , by which the Latines understand a chain , He , and his posterity after him , were called Torquati . Thus Livie describes this signal Duel . Q. Claudius Quadrigarius ( a far more ancient Author ) differs in many particulars from this narrative , as you may read him cited by a A. Gellius l. 9. c. 13. The event of this fight was so considerable , that the Gaulick Army , utterly dismay'd at the worsting of their Champion , dislodged the next night ; and making a sudden and disorderly retreat , left their Camp , with much spoil and booty behind them . There is a third particular recorded in History touching this Manlius , and such an one as never in my reading occurred in any prophane Story . Twenty two years after this exploit , viz. an urb . 415. Torquatus was chosen Consul with P. Decius Mus. Both the Consuls were in the field with a very powerfull Army ready to ingage the Latines , an enemy very considerable in regard of their numbers , force , armes , and discipline , in all which they equalled the Romans themselves ; insomuch that it was thought requisite to revive the ancient discipline of warre ; to which end divers orders were issued forth ; amongst the rest it was proclaimed , that no person whatsoever should , upon pain of death , fight the enemy without special command from the Generals . It hapned that T. Manlius , Sonne to the Consul , being sent abroad with a small party to view in what posture the enemy lay , came near that quarter where the Tusculan horse lay encamped , under the command of Geminius Metius , a person of high repute for his valour and skill in horsemanship . He espying , and knowing the Consuls Sonne , called out to him , and in reprochfull terms challenged him to the Combat : young Manlius as readily accepts the invitation ; and both setting spurres to their horse , ran furiously at each other ; but in the encounter the Roman slew the Latine , and gathering up the spoils of the slain , returned with his Troop in a triumphant manner to the Tent of his Father , the Consul , where entring , he salutes him in this manner ; That all may know , Sir , that I am the Sonne of so worthy a Father , I present you with these spoils , which when challenged I took from the slain enemy . Which when the Father heard , he presently turned away from his Son ( who expected a more cheerful reception ) and commanded a Councel of war by sound of trumpet forthwith to be assembled . The Councel being met , he thus began ; the words are Livies : Since thou , T. Manlius , regarding neither the Consuls Command , nor the respect due to thy Parent , hast ( against our express order ) ingaged with the enemy , and as much as in thee lay overthrown that military discipline upon which the Roman State hath to this day stood and flourished , and hast reduced me to that sad necessity , that I must either forget the interest of the Common-wealth , or my self , and mine own relations ; I will rather suffer in thy punishment , then that the Common-wealth should be in the least prejudiced by thy misdemeanor : we shall both of us be a sad , but a wholsome president to the ages to come . Truly both that ingenite affection which I have for thee as my child , together with this specimen of worth and gallantry which thou hast now given , move me not a little : But since the Consular authority is either to be established by thy death , or by thy impunity to be for ever abolished , I think that even thou thy self ( if thou hast any of my blood running in thy veins ) wilt not refuse to restore by thy punition that military discipline which by thy default thou hast destroyed . Goe Lictor , do thy office . The sentence was no sooner pronounced then it was put in execution , and a gallant , but unfortunate sonne , by a severe , but wise , Fathers command , brought to an untimely end , being to the great terrour and grief of the beholders publickly beheaded . This action might administer copious matter for a declamation : much might be said for , much against it ; however it argued a greatness of soul in the Father not to be expressed : the effect of it was the establishing of the Roman discipline , not only for the present , but for the future . Manlius his example living fresh in the memory of all military men , so long as the Roman name ●urvived . Thus you see the reason why Virgil sayes — saevumque securi Aspice Torquatum . — § . 88 The Furian Family , a Patrician , was divided into the Fusci , Medullini , Pacili , Purpureones , and the Camilli : of these there were many men of great note and trust in the Common-wealth ; but so great was the merit of M. Furius Camillus , so many and signal his good services done for the State , so high and often-repeated his commands and dignities , that he did not only eclipse those ( otherwise deserving men ) of his own Family , but even all those of the whole age wherein he lived . He was a person ( doubtless ) indued with all moral and political virtue , the best Man , and the best Citizen Rome ever bred . We will make good this our character in some few of his most eminent atchievments ; when he was a private Souldier under the Dictator Postumius Tubertus , in the warre against the Aequi and the Volsci , he was the first who advancing before the Army , gave the charge upon the enemy ; wherein being hurt in the thigh with a lance , he did not withdraw out of the fight , but plucking out the truncheon , with the spear , which was broke in the wound , charged couragiously on , and by his example so animated his own party , and disheartned the enemy , that the victory was chiefly due to his undaunted valour and forwardness . And this was the original of his advancement , and that first step by which he climb'd that high scale of his following preferments . For he was five times chosen Dictator , six times Military Tribune : He triumphed four times ; was made Censor once , and thrice Interrex . By the way we may observe these following mutations in the form of the Roman government under a State ; first , from the Consular government to that of the Decemviri , an . urb , 302. But this lasted not above two years , the Consular rule being re-established ; which was again laid aside , and the administration of affairs put into the hands of a certain number of Military Tribunes , with the full power of the abrogated Coisuls , an urb . 328. they were called Tribuni militum Consulari potestate , to distinguish them from the Tribuni militum , which were only Colonels of the Army . And this form of policy was interrupted by the incroachment of the Tribunes of the people , who for five years held the reins of government without any Curule Magistrate . A Curule Magistrate was such who had the right of riding in a Curule Chair , as Consuls , Praetors , Censors , &c. as we shall shew more largely anon . This power determining , the Militarie Tribunes were again restored , who continued five years in their Magistracy ; and then the Consuls , after so many revolutions , were impowred again ; so that the Consulate was laid aside for the space of 45. years , as Sextus Rufus computes it . And this is the reason why Camillus ( who had been preferred to all dignities in the Common-wealth ) never came to be Consul , because during his time the Consular power was quite exauctorated . In his first Dictatorship he won the City of Veii , which had held out most obstinately against the besieging Romans for the space of ten years ; the most memorable siege , excepting that of Troy and Numantia , that prophane Story presents us with ; for which he triumphed . But his behaviour to the treacherous Schoolmaster is very remarkable , and speaks him to have been a person of high honour . Camillus being Militarie Tribune and General , entred the Country of the Falisci , and laid siege to their principal Town , Faleria . There was in the City a certain Schoolmaster , the general and only Educator of the Youth ; he assembling all his Pupils , with divers of the children of the most wealthy and eminent Citizens , under pretence of taking the aire , trains them all out of the City , and leads them into the enemies Camp , where he offers to betray them all to Camillus ; who so farre disdained the disingenuous dealing of the false Pedant , that after his Lictors ( by his command ) had stript him stark naked , and bound his hands behind him , he caused the Scholars , with whips and rods , to drive their treacherous Master before them to the City , adding , That it became not a person of honour to seek victory by base and indirect means , but to conquer by open valour , and discreet conduct . But mark the success : The Falerians ( whom all the battering rams of the Romans could not make to submit ) were subdued by the handsome deportment of the truly-honorable Camillus ; to whom they forthwith sent Commissioners to treat , and conclude a peace , with the rendition of themselves and their City to the free dispose and mercy of that enemy whom they did but now detest and defie . Yet could not this deserving Patriot avoid the envy and malice of his ill-requiting Citizens , who for divers trivivial piques , and insignificant exceptions against him , never ceased , till they had forced him to forsake his native soyl , and to withdraw himself , as an Exile , to the City of Ardea : yet could not this unworthy usage make Camillus to be less then himself ; nor though his native soyl had shewed her self a Step-mother to him , would he prove an unkind Son to her ; but in the greatest extremity that ever Rome was in , he appeared a seasonable deliverer , whilst he ( being in his absence nominated Dictator by that poor remain of the Roman Commonwealth , which was then , and had been for seven moneths besieged in the Capitol ) rescued the City from Brennus and his Gauls , now triumphing in those ugly ruines they had barbarously made ; and by force expelling them , did soon turn their triumphs into a tragedy , and deprive them of all their late taken spoils and trophies ; whence he is rightly sayd here , Signa referre , to recover ( as he did ) the lost ensigns of the conquered Romans . Rome was sack'd and burnt by the Gauls , an . urb . 365. a sad and memorable Aera . Nor did Rome owe its being to the valour and arms of Camillus more then to his counsel and eloquence ; for when the people were generally bent to quit the desolated and ruined City , and to transplant themselves to Veii , their late conquest , he disswaded them from their intent , and advised them to rebuild their native City ; wherein he at last prevailing , Rome ( being in one year reedified ) Phaenix-like sprung up more beautifull out of its own ashes . And now Camillus having in his third Dictatorship overthrown the Latines and the Volsces combined together ; in his fourth done his utmost endeavour to suppress the sedition of the Commons , who urged to have one of the Consuls to be a plebeian ; in his fift once more vanquished the Gauls , who came with a powerfull army to revenge that total rout they had received some years past ; having ( I say ) to his last been with constant good success imployed in the service of his Country , he ( to the great grief of all good men ) died of the plague : Vir vere unicus in omni fortuna , princeps pace belloque &c. as Livie saies of him ; A man truly the same in all fortune , and who in peace and warre had still the preeminence . § . 89 It was now about 700. years since Romes foundation , wherein partly under Kings , partly under Consuls , Dictators , military Tribunes , and Praetors , it had made the best part of the habitable world stoop to its victorious Eagles ; so that it was now above all fear or danger of a foreign force ; nor could any thing hurt Rome but it self . To be short , the Roman Empire was now arrived to that fatal greatness , which is alwayes antecedent either to a declension , or a change : — laetis hunc numina rebus Crescendi posuere modum . — Lucan . Thus to luxuriant fortune we doe see That heav'n hath set a fatal boundarie . Such ( I say ) was the face of things in the Roman State , when these two Grandees , viz. Caesar and Pompey ( the souls now appearing before Anchises ) push'd on by ambition and emulation , involved their native soil in most bloody warres . Caesar could brook no superior , Pompey no equall : Caesar pretended a righting himself against the Senate , and a party there who opposed his ( as he thought ) but reasonable request , in suing for the Consulship ; Pompey pretended the Senates and Common-wealths cause , which indeed carried more plausibleness with it , though it is more then probable that the Publick was the least thing intended by either of the Captains ; and that whosoever had been victorious , that had fared alike . Pompey having in designe ( had he succeeded ) to have done what Caesar did : But whatsoever their secret aims were , the cause of both parties arming themselves was certainly this ; Caesar ( having done most eminent service for the State in France , Britanny , and Germany ) required , that ( though absent ) he might at the next election of Consuls be chosen ; a request ( considering his merit ) not in the least unreasonable : this was once assented to , Pompey himself appearing for it : but afterward ( upon some suspicions and jealousies ) revoked , and Caesar commanded to quit his Army , and as a private man to come in person , and to preferre his Suit ; which if he refused to doe , he was forthwith to be proclaimed an enemy to the State , and to be proceeded against as a Traitor . Their drift being only to devest him of his power , and then to call him to an account for many things they had to alledge against him . But Caesar perceiving the design of his enemies ( amongst which Pompey now openly declared himself ) did not only not quit his Army , but advancing toward● Rome , filled all places where he came with terrour and consternation ; insomuch that the Consuls with the Senators , and Pompey their General , leaving the City to Caesar's mercy , fled into the furthest part of Italy , where thinking themselves as insecure , they from Brundisium passed into Epirus : Caesar by this means remaining absolute Master of all Italy . Then returning to Rome , He , with P. Servilius Isauricus , was the second time made Consul , an . urb . 706. Having ordered things to his mind in the City , and inriched himself by the direption of the publick treasury , he went into Spain , where having subdued Pompeys Lieutenants there , and secured that Province , he returned to Rome , from whence he marched with his Army to Brundisium , and thence about the Nones of January this very year 706. he transported his Legions to Oricum , the most convenient Port of Epirus ; and about the twentieth of July following fought with , and utterly routed Pompey , near the City of Pharsalus , seated upon the River Enipeus , in Thessalie ; whence the plains adjoyning ( where this fatal quarrel was disputed ) were called the Pharsalian fields . The effect of this victory , with the following successes in Aegypt , Africa and Spain , was the change of the government from a State to a Monarchy , begun in J. Caesar , confirmed & established in Augustus , under the name and title of Imperator ; which word ( although originally it signified a General of an Army only , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and that more strictly , such a General as having obtained some notable victory over the enemy , was by his Souldiers saluted by the name of Imperator ) became afterward equivalent with Princeps , and was the title of the Roman Emperor , with this distinction ( as Lipsius observes upon Tacitus Annal. l. 3. numero 173. ) when by Imperator we understand a General , then it is subjoyned , as an agnomen , or additional name and title , as P. Cornelius Scipio Imperator , or General : but when it signifies the sacred Majesty of the Roman Prince , then it is prefixed as a Praenomen preceding , as our Christian name doth to the Sirname ; as Imperator Caesar Augustus , the Emperor , &c. and thus you shall find it used in ancient Coins , Medals and Inscriptions ; in which sense the Greeks render it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . This is a note not to be omitted . § . 90 And now we come to L. Mummius Nepos , who being Consul with Cn. Cornelius Lentulus , an . urb . 608. subdued the Achaeans , took and razed Corinthus , the capital City of that Province , for which he triumphed , and purchased the agnomination of Achaicus . But to give you a brief survey of the Achaean warre , with the character of L. Mummius , you must know that the Achaeans ( then the most potent people of Peloponesus , and Lords of the better part of that Island ) picking a quarrel with the Lacedaemonians , with design to subdue them , made incursions into their Country : whereupon the injured Spartans make their applications to the Senate and people of Rome , under whose protection they were : a welcome message to the Romans , who desired but a fair pretence to make warre upon the Achaeans , now the only powerfull and unsubdued people of all Greece : wherefore they forthwith dispatch their Embassadours , with commission to take cognizance of , and to decide the difference betwixt these two States . But the Achaeans did not only not give ear to any thing tending to a pacification , but offered new injuries to the Lacedaemonians , and ( against the Law of Nations ) many indignities to the Commissioners themselves , even to the throwing their ordure upon them as they passed the streets : For which affronts war is denounced against them , and an Army under the Command of L. Mummius appears at the very entrance of the Isthmus ; where a battel was fought betwixt them and the Romans , who obtaining a signal victory , marched directly to Corinth ( not farre distant from the place of battel ) which they easily took , raz'd , and burnt , and ( having put all the men to the sword ) sold the women and children for slaves . Corinth was raz'd by Mummius the same year that Carthage was by Scipio Aemilianus 952. years after its foundation by Ales , the sonne of Hyppotes ( as Paterculus computes it . ) Of the Achaean warre see Florus l. 2. c. 16. Justin . l. 34. Liv. epit . l. 52. The Citizens of Corinth were very wealthy in Coin , Plate , Jewels , Statues of Gold , silver and Brass : from the confusion of all which Metals in the conflagration of the City , proceeded that precious compound which from thence was called Aes Corinthium , Corinthian Brass : Vessels made of this mixture were most highly prized by the Ancients . This is now reckoned by Pancirollus amongst those things which are lost : rer . deperd . tit . 34. The whole Peloponesus following the fate of Corinth , because subject to the Romans ; amongst the rest the Cities of Argos , the Metropolis of the Province of Argolis , from whence the Greeks were called Argi , Argivi , and Argolici , and Mycaenae , the seat of Agamemnon , the Greeks General against the Trojans : Both these had furnished forth supplies in that war : see Homer Il. 2. And therefore the Poet in the person of Anchises doth very properly foretell their subversion ; which Prophesie was fulfilled in the person of this L. Mummius , who herein did avenge his Gransires of Troy ( for the Romans were of Trojan extraction ) upon the Greeks , their enemies , for all the injuries by them done , and particularly for the violation of Minerva's Temple , by the taking the Palladium out of it , and by devirginating Cassandra in it : Aeneid . l. 2. Vltus avos Trojae , temerataque templa Minervae . But I cannot but admit of the just exception of Jul. Heginus against Virgil in this place : See A. Gell. l. 10. c. 16. for confounding the warre against K. Pyrrhus ( who derived himself from Achilles , whose known Patronymick was Aeacides , from his Grandfather Aeacus , from whom all his descendants took the name of Aeacides , as Virgil makes Pyrrhus here ) with the Achaean ; a gross parochronism doubtless , both in regard of the time of the warre , as also of the persons who managed it : for the warre against King Pyrrhus ( which was also called the Tarentine warre ) was begun an . urb . 472. and lasted six years ; and was managed by divers Generals , of whom the most famous were C. Fabricius , and Manius Curius : of the first we shall speak anon ; the latter was he who ended this warre , and drove Pyrrhus out of Italy . But the Achaean war was 136 years after this , viz. an . urb . 608. L. Mummius being General ; so that this verse , Ipsumque Aeaciden , genus armipotentis Achillei is by some left out ; as it is thought Virgil would have done upon a more serious review : See A. Gell. ibid. Nor can I in the least assent to the learned Jesuit De la Cerda upon this place , whom our Farnaby also followes : Both these interpret these three last verses , viz. Eruit ille Argos , Agamemnoniasque Mycaenas , &c. of Aemilius Paulus , to whom they say this ( ille ) referres ; and Aeacides of Perseus , whom Aemilius conquering , with him broke and overthrew the Macedonian Monarchy , and made that with Greece a Province to the Roman Empire : the reasons of De la Cerda ( who labours earnestly to make good his assertion in justification of Virgil against the calumnie of Heginus , as he terms it ) are but at the best but conjectures ; there is nothing positively proved out of good Authors . But I desire him to shew me where he finds , first that Aemilius had any thing to doe with Peleponesus , or that after his victory over Perseus he made warre upon the Peloponesians . Plutarch ( who writes his life , and with whom all those who speak of those times agree ) makes no mention of any such thing ; which had been a particular not to be omitted , had it been so . But after the Macedonian victory , and the settlement of affairs there , brings him home through Epirus into Italy . Beside , the Macedonian warre and the Achaean were different , both in respect of time ( that being an . urb . 586. and this 608. twenty two years after ) and of the Generals , Aemilius commanding in that , and Mummius in this . Secondly , to derive Perseus from Achilles , is an assertion as little supported by History as the former . It is probable , that had it been so either really , or had he had the vanity to have assumed it to himself , Historians would not have omitted it , especially the Roman , whose honour ( they being victorious ) would have been the greater , the more illustrious the person had been whom they subdued . By the Mother-side ( which is the surer ) I am certain that he was farre enough from touching Achilles in blood : For ( as Pl●● testifies in Aemil. ) his Mother was but a Taylors Wife of Argos , called Gnathaenia , on whom King Philip's Father begot him . As for his alliance by the Fathers side , the first of this race was Antigonus , one of Alexanders Captains , in whose time there is little or nothing said of him ; who had he been of that illustrious extraction , would doubtless therefore have been more notable , since he was a person otherwise very deserving , and a great Souldier , as in the following warres after Alexanders death he made appear . But , what is most evincing , is , that Plutarch ( a most diligent writer ) who wrote the life of Demetrius , this mans Sonne , makes no mention of his descent from Achilles , but only that he was the Sonne of Antigonus , and no more ; so that it is true that Perseus was born of a royall stem , but the original of his Family was but a private person , viz. Antigonus , who with his Sonne Demetrius called himself King , after the defeat of Ptolemy in the naval fight at Salamina , some seventeen years after Alexanders death . Demetrius was the first of this line , who was King of Macedon : Second , Antigonus Gonâtas his Sonne : Third , Demetrius the second : The fourth , Antigonus Doson , who was indeed but Protector to Philip the Sonne of Demetrius the second , and his Fathers Cousen : The fifth , Philip , Sonne of Demetrius the second : The sixth , Perseus , of whom we now speak : in which Pedegree we find not where Perseus can be termed Aeacides , as descended from Achilles : if we therefore dissent herein from the learned Jesuit , and rather stick to our above-given interpretation of this place . I hope we shall not be thought to have done it without reason : nor let the Reader conclude that we insist too much upon these minutiae , little inconsiderable niceties , whilst we spend so much time and paper in this or the like speculations ; they may haply appear to be such to a vulgar intellect , those that are of a more refin'd and criticall complexion will not ( I hope ) look upon these or the like excursions , as altogether impertinent . § 91 Before we conclude this § . we will add a line or two touching the family and person of L. Mummius , who was not indeed of ancient extraction , or to be reckoned amongst those names which have been in frequent and high employments , but of those whom the Romans called Novi Homines , New men , or Vpstarts ; under which notion is understood such an one as was the first of his name or family who came to be advanced to the Consular dignity , or any Curule Magistracie . By the way we may observe , that amongst other distinctions of degrees , the Romans were divided into Nobiles , or Nobles , who were such as had the Images of their Ancestors ; into Novos , or New-men , who had their own Images only ; and Ignobiles , or Mechanicks , who had neither Images of themselves , or of their Predecessors . Now none could have the right of Images ( which is equivalent with that of bearing Arms with us ) but those to whom the right of riding in a Curule Chair belonged , which was an Ivory Chair , and called Sella Curulis , or Currulis , from Currus , or the Chariot wherein it was carried for the Magistrate to sit upon : Honoris enim gratiâ Senatores , qui Magistratum majorem ceperant , curru in Curiam vehi solebant , in quo sella eburnea esset cui insiderent : Stadius in Flor. l. 1. c. 5. A. Gell. l. 3. c. 18. Thus Magistratus major and Curulis is all one , for none were priviledged to ride in these Curule Chairs but such as had born Magistratum majorem , been one of the great Magistrates , as Consul , Praetor , Dictator , Interrex , Decemvir , Military Tribune , &c. Hence we more particularly may gather , that by Novus Homo is meant the first of a Family who had been dignified with any of the greater Magistracies , who only had the right of riding in a Curule Chair , and by consequence of Images . Hence Paterculus sayes of Mummius , that he was ex novis hominibus prior qui cognomen virtute partum vindicavit ; the first of the New-men who from a conquest obtained had an agnomination or title ( viz. Achaicus ) given him : and as he was the first of his name , so was he the last who ever came to any eminence or preferment in the Common-wealth : we read nothing of himself , or of any of his Family , after the Achaean warre , and his Censorship with Scipio Aemilianus : He was a plain down-right honest man , but withall very ignorant and illiterate , unread in any art but in that of a Souldier ; insomuch that when he sent to Rome some rare Pictures and Statues , the choicest of the Corinthian spoils , & such as could not be imitated but by the hand of the original Artist , he charged those who conveyed them to have a care that they were not lost or defaced , adding , that if they were , themselves should make them good again ; as if they had been ordinary Merchandize , and to be had every where : with this , he did as little admire riches as he understood Pictures ; for although he were the first who made Rome acquainted with that so highly-priz'd mixture , called Corinthian brass , yet there was not found any vessel of it in his house : Livie epit . l. 52. and Aur. Victor . de vir ●ll●st . nay , he died so poor , that having but one Daughter ( in whom haply his name expired ) he had not wherewithall to give her portion : Plinie l. 34. c. 7. Poverty did not in those dayes render a man contemptible , as in our more corrupt and vicious age , but was both commendable , and a mark of high virtue , which consists in nothing more then in contempt of those empty enjoyments which some so highly prize . The Porcian Family ( from whence Cato sprung ) was a plebeian ; and himself not only of those whom they styled Novi Homines , or New-men , the first of his name who ever bore any honorable office in the Common-wealth , but of those whom they called Municipes , i. e. such as were not Natives of Rome , but of some other City , which living according to their own Lawes , and governed by their own Magistrates , had yet the title of Roman Citizens : Such were the Fundani , Formiani , Cumani , Tusculani , our Cato's Countrymen ; and the Arpinâtes , Tullies , and Marius , their Compatriots . They were called Municipes , à munere capiendo , because they had the priviledge of that which the Romans call Munus honorarium , i. e the honour to serve as Citizens in the Roman Legions , and not as the Socii or Allies in the Auxiliaries : See Stad . ad Flor. l. 3. c. 18. and A. Gel. l. 16. c. 13. and those Towns to which these priviledges were indulged were called Municipia . In process of time the Romans inlarged the Charters of some of these Municipal Towns , and for some great service done , gave them the full priviledge of Roman Citizens , making them capable of giving their voices in the election of Magistrates , and of being themselves chosen into office . But then ( according to Stadius ibid. ) they were totally devested of their own Lawes , and became subject to the Roman Constitutions . In conclusion , all Italy ( after the Marsick or Social Warre , which hapned an . urb . 663. L. Martius Philippus , and Sex. J. Caesar being Consuls ) became free alike ; which freedome was extorted from the Romans by the general insurrection of all Italy . But to our purpose ; M. Porcius Cato was a Native of Tusculum , a Municipal Town of Latium , some fifteen miles distant from Rome , once a place of note , but for nothing more then for Cicero's Mannor there , from whence that piece of his , called his Tusculan Questions , took its name : it is now a smal inconsiderable Village known by the name of Frescata . He was the Sonne of M. Porcius ; and sirnamed Cato , from his wisedome , sagacity and experience ; from the Latine word Catus , which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. sagax , callidus , wise and subtile ; whereas his originall agnomination was Priscus , M. Portius Priscus . He was brought first to Rome by Val. Flaccus , who discerning more then ordinary endowments in him , judged that he might in time become a fitting instrument to serve his Country . He made himself first known by his eloquence in pleading Causes ; and doubtless he was the ablest Orator of his time . But thinking this kind of life too lazie and inactive , he cast off his Gown , and girt on his Sword , and leaving the City for the Camp , serv'd first as a Tribune or Colonel ; then when Scipio went upon his African expedition , he went along with him as Quaestor , or Treasurer to the Army : Afterward , being Praetor , he reduced Sardinia , and Consul , Celtiberia in Spain ; for which he triumphed . After this , desiring to serve his Country in any condition , he accompanied M. Acilius Glabrio , as private Colonel in the Warre against Antiochus , where he did eminent service . He was at last chosen Censor with his friend Val. Flaccus , who had been also his Collegue in his Consulship ; and ( although much opposed by divers great ones , who stood in competition with him ) yet he carried it in the election . He behaved himself so remarkably stout , and incorruptibly honest in his Office , that by way of eminence he got himself the name of the Censor . And these are the publick employments which he run through : In general , he was a very severe man in his life and conversation , an enemy to excess and luxury ; very just and upright ; a great lover of the Publick weal , to the advancement whereof he bent his whole studies and endeavours . He was noted indeed to be a person of too free and biting a tongue , of too sowr & severe a complexion , some say litigious and quarrelsome ; little suitable to the corrupt age wherein he lived : all which was yet thought to proceed from the consciousness of his own innocencie , and from a mind altogether untainted with those imputations which he reprehended in others : as for his intellectuals , he was a man of very able parts , quick , witty , apprehensive , eloquent , fitted for any either publick or private employment ! See the ample character Livie gives of him l. 39. In hoc viro tanta vis animi , &c. He wrote much , and upon various subjects , especially in Oratory , though by the injury of time we are deprived of those his Monuments . He had two Wives , his first was of a noble Family , by whom he had M. Cato , who married Tertia , Paulus Aemilius his Daughter , a right Gallant , and deserving person : He died when he was chosen Praetor , before he was invested in his office : He begot M. Cato , who was Consul with Q. Martius Rex . an . urb . 637. and C. Cato , Consul with M. Acilius Balbus , an . urb . 640. Marcus , the elder of these , left another Marcus , who being Praetor died in France : & this is what we can gather concerning Cato's posterity by his first Wife : See A. Gell. l. 13. c. 18. He took for his second choice the Daughter of Salonius , his Client , a woman of mean birth , on whom he begot when he was 80. years of age Cato Salonianus ; who left two Sons , M. and L. Cato : the first died whilst he sued to be Praetor , the second was Consul with Cn. Pompeius Strabo , Father to Pompey the Great . This * Lucius Cato was ( according to Plutarch ) Father to M. Cato , sirnamed the Philosopher , from his wisdome and virtue ; and Vticensis , because he slew himself at Vtica in Africk , rather than to receive his life from the hands of Caesar , his enemy . His life is written at large by Plutarch , and his character thus briefly delivered by Vell. Paterculus l. 2. Marcus Cato , genitus proavo , M. Catone , principe illo familiae Porciae , homo virtuti simillimus , & per omnia ingenio Diis quàm hominibus propior , qui nunquam rectè fecit ut facere videretur , sed quia aliter facere non potuit , cuique id solum visum est rationem habere quod haberet justitiam ; omnibus humanis vitiis immunis , semper fortunam in suâ potestate habuit . Marcus Cato , born of M. Cato , his Great-grand-father , the chief and first of the Poreian Family , was the very image of virtue ; a person in all things more resembling the Gods then men ; who never did any handsome thing that it might be said he did it , but because he could not doe otherwise ; as who thought that only reasonable which was just , and being free from all vice had fortune still in his power . He left a sonne of his own name , who ( although noted for intemperate and loose ) expiated that stain , by dying valiantly on Brutus his side against Augustus , as heir to his Fathers cause as well as name . He had a daughter also called Porcia , the most loving Wife of M. Brutus , and true Inheritrix of her Fathers soul ; who hearing of the death of her beloved Consort , when she could no other way put an end to her loathed life , swallowed down hot-burning coals , and so expired ; which the ingenious Martial hath thus expressed : Conjugis audisset fatum cum Porcia Bruti , Et subtracta sibi quaereret arma dolor ; Nondum scitis , ait , mortem non posse negari ? Credideram satis hoc vos docuisse Patrem : Dixit , & ardentes avido bibit ore favillas , I nunc , & ferrum , turba molesta , nega . When Porcia heard of her dear Brutus fate , And sought wherewith her own t' accelerate ; Know you not death can't be deni'd ? I thought My Father this sufficiently had taught . This said , she greedily drank glowing coals , Now swords deny , unreasonable fools . And this is what we could collect concerning Cato , and the Porcian Family : See Plut. in Cat. Major . & Minor. Liv. l. 39. & epit . l. 114. &c. § 92 The Cossi were Patricians , of the illustrious and numerous Family of the Cornelii , which ( according to Anton. Augustinus ) were branched into the Cossi , which were subdivided into the Maluginenses and the Arvinae . Secondly , into the Scipiones , who were distinguished by the sirnames of the Asinae , Calvi , Nasîcae , and Africani . Thirdly , into the Lentuli , who were differenced by the houses of the Gaudini , Lupi , Surae , Spintheri , and Marcellini . we may add to these the Syllae , Rufini , Dolabellae , Merulae , and the Cethegi . Of the Corn●lio-Cossian Family there were very many who bore the greatest offices in the Common-wealth , i. e. Pontificate , or high Priesthood ; once the honour of winning the Spolia opima , or Royal Spoils , three Dictaetorships , two Censorships , three Triumphs , two Decemvirates , ten Consulates , twenty two Tribunates with Consular power , and four Masterships of the horse rested in this Family , and were with great honour to themselves , and advantage to the State , administred by them ▪ But the glory and honor of the name , and the person more particular to be understood here , is Aulus Cornelius Cossus ; who ( when the Fid●enates , a Colony of the Romans , assisted by the Falisci ▪ and Vejentes , rebelled ) wonne the Spolia opima , or Royal Spoils ( of which more largely anon ) by killing with his own hand Lars Tolumnius , King of the Vejentes : See the manner of it in Livie l. 4. by whom it is left very doubtfull , both in what Command , whether Consul , Consular Tribune , or Master of the horse , Cossus performed this . His character Livie gives in short thus , viz. That he was a most goodly and beautifull personage , of extraordinary strength of body , and courage of mind , and very ambitious to increase the honour of his Family ; which ( being of it self very illustrious ) he by this exploit render'd much more conspicuous . He was the second after Romulus who consecrated the Spolia opima to Jupiter Feretrius : and this is what we find recorded concerning Cossus ; wherefore Quis te , Magne Cato , tacitum , aut● te Cosse relinquet ? Who Cato would omit , or Cossus , thee ? § 93 I wonder very much that that learned and diligent Author , Antonius Augustinus , who wrote purposely of the most illustrious and noble Families of Rome , should omit that of the Sempronii , a Family not of the latest extraction , or meanest credit in its time . We ( according to our slender and often-interrupted reading having trac'd the Roman Story ) find four streams issuing from the same fountain of the Sempronii , viz. that of the Blaesi , that of the Tuditani , that of the Longi , and that of the Gracchi : to these Fulvius Vrsinus adds the Atratini , and the Petitiones ; names he finds stampt upon some ancient coins . C. Sempronius Blaesus was twice Consul ; first with C. Servilius Caepio , an . urb . 500. about the middle of the first Punick warre : He was Consul nine years after with Aul. Manlius Torquatus Atticus : M. Semproniu● Tudit anus was Consul with C. Claudius Cento , an . urb . 517. Pub. Sempronius Tuditanus , his Sonne , was Consul with M. Cornelius Cethegus , an . urb . 549. the fifteenth year of the second Punick warre , when he fought prosperously against Hannibal . M. Sempronius Tuditanus his Sonne was Consul with App. Claudius Pulcher , an . urb . 568. about the time that the Romans warred against Philip King of Macedon . Tib. Sempronius Longus was Consul with Pub. Cornelius Scipio , Father to Scipio the Great , an . urb . 535. at the first breaking out of the second Punick warre : he lost , and was slain at , the fatal battel of Trebia . The two Sonnes of these , viz. Tib. Sempronius Longus , and Pub. Cornelius Scipio Africanus , were Collegues together , an . urb . 559. As for the Gracchi ( to which Family we must principally confine our discourse ) the first we meet with of that name who was of Consular dig●ity , was Tib. Sempron . Gracchus , who was Consul with Publ. Valerius Falco , an . urb . 515. The next was Tib. Sempronius Gracchus , haply his Son who was twice Consul , first with Quint. Fabius Maximus Verrucossus , in the fourth year of the second Punick warre : secondly with Quint ▪ Fabius Maximus , the Sonne of V●rrucossus ; two years after Tib. Sempronius Gracchus , this mans Sonne , was Consul with C. Claudius Pulcher , an . urb . 376. Sardinia fell by lot to be his Province , wherein he did great service : his Consulship expired , he remained there as Proconsul , in which command he quite reduced that Province to its due obedience : See Livie l. 41. He was the second time Consul with M. Juventius Thalva , an . urb . 590. He triumphed twice , and was honoured with the Censorship , together with C. Claudius Pulcher , his Collegue in his first Consulship . He was indeed ( as Paterculus sayes of him ) vir eminentissimus & clarissimus , a right eminent and famous person . But he did by nothing more ennoble the Sempronian name , then by ingrafting it upon a fair stock of the Cornelian Family : for he married Cornelia , the Daughter of Pub. Scipio , that Scipio who subdued Annibal , a Lady of most transcendent worth , by whom he had a numerous progenie , viz. twelve children ; but three of them only survived , Tiberius and Caius , his sonnes ( who made their names as famous by their misdeeds as misfortunes , as their Predecessors had done by their noble atchievements and successfull undertakings ) and Sempronia their Sister , who married Scipio Aemilianus , the Grandson by adoption to Scipio Africanus , and by consequence her own Cousen german , the best accomplished Gentleman Rome ever bred ; of whom more anon : Of this Family also was Madam Sempronia , who was so deeply concerned in Catilines conspiracie : See her character in Salust . Tiberius the elder Brother was a man of great parts , of an undaunted courage , a fluent tongue , and a comely personage ; qualifications of a dangerous consequence , if the person so qualified happen to deviate from what is right . He was first Quaestor or Treasurer to C. Mancinus in the Numantine War , and after his return to Rome was made Tribune of the people ; in which office , whether out of an innate hatred to the Nobility , or out of a turbulent and seditious spirit of his own , I cannot say ▪ he caused a dangerous sedition , and made such a schism or rent betwixt the Patricians and the Plebeians , as could not without a Civil Warte have been pieced and cemented again , had not a sudden and violent death intercepted him . And here we may observe with Florus l. 3. c. 13. how that the Tribunician power ( which was at first intended for the Commons bulwark against the incroachments of the Nobility ) did its self by degrees degenerate into the greatest exorbitancie and tyranny that could be , whilst under that specious and plausible pretence of asserting the peoples liberty , those popular Magistrates did drive on their own sinister and ambitious designes ; and filling all things with faction and sedition , disappoint the end for which they were at the first ordained , that is , did destroy the peoples liberty , which they over-eagerly pretended to patronize , and slacken the very nerves and sinews of all civil polity , by their contentious bandings against the Senate . But to proceed : Tib. Gracchus ( partly to despite the Nobility , but principally to shake the frame , and to subvert the fundamentals of the present power , that he might upon the ruines thereof raise the superstructure of his own greatness ) made it his business to cajole and flatter the people , which ( by virtue of his office ) he did either by reviving old antiquated Laws , or enacting new ; all which tended to the diminution and weakning of the Patricians , either in their private fortunes , or in their power and publick employments ; which pleased the Common people , who naturally hate their Betters , and fool'd them into a belief that every one of them should come to share the estates and dignities of the ruin'd Nobility , little imagining that they were to be used but as brute instruments , & necessary tools , which were to be cast aside when the work was done : Wherefore resolved to prosecute the Nobility , and haply secretly intending , if things hapned right , to change the form of government , he first preferred the Laws called Agrariae , by which he deprived them of their estates ; and those called Judiciariae , by which he clipped the wings of their power . By the first it was formerly enacted , That all lands belonging to the Commonwealth ( which were called the publick lands , and were the accessions of some new Conquest ) should at easie rates be rented out to the poorer sort : these , as Lives were laps'd , or as Leases determined , the Patricians got into their hands , the Commons being by degrees utterly devested of their ancient posse●●ions . This caused g●eat discontents ; and many offers were made in vain by some Tribunes to reform this abuse , and to reduce things to their original wont and manner ; but none proceeded so farre herein as Tib. Gracchus , who caused the Law to pass : and so it was enacted by the Commons , That the publick Lands should be taken from the wealthier , and reinvested ▪ as formerly , in the poor Plebeians . And this had the face and shew of equity , but it was but a face and shew ; for Gracchus did it not so much to doe right to the people , as to spite the Nobility , and to prepare the way for some further and more dangerous designe . After this had passed , he preferred his Judiciary Laws , whereby he took the power of Judicature from the Senate , to whom it only belonged , and transferred it to the Equites or Gentlemen , the intermediate degree betwixt the Patricians and the Plebeians : therein s●ill flattering the people , who looked upon themselves as honoured , and much strengthened herein , the power of Judicature being ( by falling a degree lower ) come a step nearer to themselves . But whilst Graechus was triumphing in his successes in the Capitol ( where he held his popular conventions ) the Senators ( who were reduced to that extremity , that they must suffer the seditious Tribune either to ruine them , and with them the Commonwealth , or make a vigorous attempt to reskue both from imiment danger ) led by Scipio Nasîca ( Grandson to that Nasîca who was called vir optimus , the best of men ) and seconded by a good strong party of friends , repairing to the Capitol , set upon Gracchus , and dissipating his party , slew him ; and by his death put a stop to those desperate innovations which he under colourable pretences had in design . But they did but put a stop to them ; for his Brother Caius , who was chosen Tribune ten years after , did not only insist in his Brothers footsteps , reviving those Lawes which he had preferred , but , as Paterculus affirms , longè majora & atrociora repetens , nihil immotum , nihil tranquillum , nihil quietum in eodem statu relinquebat ; attempting greater and more horrible things , left nothing resting in the same state and condition it was , and ought to be . But as he did pursue the same pernicious projects , so did the same fate in the same place pursue him ; for being forc'd out of the Capitol , where he had fortified himself , and hotly pursued by his enemies , he commanded his Servant ( by some called Philocrates , by others Euporus ) to kill him ; which he did , and afterward slaying himself , fell down dead upon his Masters body ; a notable example of the love and fidelity of a servant : Val. Max. l. 6. c. 8. Hunc Tib. Gracchi liberi , P. Scipionis Africani nepotes , vivâ adhuc matre Corneliâ , Africani filiâ , viri optimis ingeniis malè usi , vit●● habuere exitum , &c. Thus did the Sonnes of Tib. Gracchus , and Grandson of P. Cornelius Scipio Africanus , their Mother Cornelia , Scipio's Daughter , yet living , persons who made ill use of good parts , end their dayes ; who , if they could have contained themselves within the bounds of moderation , might have quietly and plausibly attain'd those honours which indirectly and illegally they aspired to : As Patercules handsomely concludes . The bodies of the slain Brethren ( so hainous had their demerits been in the esteem of their implacable enemies ) were denied the last honour of sepulture , and thrown into the River Tiber. We must not here omit a particular instanced by all Authors , to shew the unworthy return of a false friend , and the prevalent temptation of gold . L. Opimius the Consul made a Proclamation , That whosoever should bring the head of C. Gracchus , should have the weight of it in gold : Septimuleius , his intimate familiar , and much indeared friend , became the ready Executioner of the Consuls command , and brought Gracchus his head in a triumphing manner fixed upon a spear ; which by the deceit of this covetous wretch ( who had taken out his brains , and poured molten lead into his skull ) weighed seventeen pounds and an half . Let the examples of these two unfortunate Brethren serve as a document to the mutinous and seditious , who strive by innovation , and all indirect means to aggrandize themselves : Let them know , that at the best , if they doe succeed , they embroil their native Countrey , which they ought by all means to preserve and cherish ; and if they miscarry , which generally is their fate , they with their wicked designs expire , as they deserve , upon a gibbet , leaving an infamous and hated memorial of themselves to all posterity ; — Dabit Deus his quoque funem . § 94 The Scipio's were ( as we have said § . 92. ) the fairest branch of the Cornelian stem . Scipio in Latine signifies a staffe , and became a familiar name from one of that house ; who serving his decrepit and ●lind Father as his guide , was from thence sirnamed Scipio , or his Fathers Staffe : Macrob. Sat. l. 1. c. 6. Nor did that Scipio from his filial piety deserve more the title of the Staffe of his aged Father , then some of his Descendants ( from their worth and gallantry shewed in the service of the publick ) that of their distressed Mother , the Common-wealth . The first of the Scipio's whom History takes notice of as a publick Minister , was P. Cornelius Scipio , who was made Master of the horse to Furius Camillus , that year that the City of Veii was taken , which happened an . urb . 357. He was the next year chosen military Tribune , and two years after Interrex . To be short , there were eleven of the Scipio's , who were men of eminent note and merit , before the great Scipio , sirnamed Africanus , hy his heroick atchievments adorned and illustrated the Cornelian name . There was one of this branch , viz. Cn. Cornelius Scipio ( the seventh in descent from that first ) who was Consul with C. Duillius , the fifth year of the first Punick Warre , which fell out an . V. C. 493 on whom ( though a person of indubitable worth ) this ●idiculous nick-name of Asina , or the she-Asse , was ( upon this occasion ) imposed , and from him transmitted to his posterity . Macrob. tells the Story , Saturn . l. 1. c. 6. This Scipio ( sayes he ) the head of the Cornelian Family , having contracted for some land , was ( according to the custome of those times ) commanded by the Judge to give responsible security for the future payment of his money ; whereupon be bad his servant lead in the she-Asse , which stood tied , and laden at the door ; and this being brought into the open Court he offered to the Judge for security : which done , he paused a while , to the great admiration of the Judge and the Assistants , who all looked upon this action as an high affront to the Court , and a bold contempt of authority ; having stood silent a while , he commanded his Servant to unlade the Asse , and tell out the money , which , as it appeared , was put up in a sack and so brought upon the Asse ; hereat the people smiled ; but none que●ionless had more reason so to doe , then he who received the money : from this time he was distinguished from the rest of his name by the agnomination of Asina . Pub. Asina , his Sonne , was Consul with Minutius Rufus , an . V. C. 532. he conquered and triumphed over the Istrians . But to come to the persons more particularly design'd by the Poet , as to whom we must limit our dis●ourse ; you must know that these two Scipio's ( which Virgil celebrates here under the titles of duo fulmina belli , and clades Libyae , the two thunderbolts of warre , and the subverters of the Carthaginian State ) were Scipio Africanus , whom for distinction sake they styled Major , the Grand-father , and Scipio Africanus Minor , the Grandson : In whose Story . If we inlarge our selves more then ordinary , the copiousness of matter , which their glorious actions administred to the Writers of those times , must plead our excuse : you must therefore understand that L. Scipio ▪ ( younger Brother to the first Scipio Asina , and Consul the next year after him with C. Aquilius Florus , an . urb . C. 495. a gallant man , as who overthrew Hanno , the Carthaginian General , in the Island of Sardinia , in the first Punick warre : Livie epit . 17. Val. Max. l. 5. c. 1. ) had two Sonnes , Cnaeus and Publius ; the eldest of these was Consul with Claudius Marcellus , an . V. C. 532. the younger , viz. Publius , with Tib. Sempronius Longus , the first year of the second Punick warre , which happened an . V. C. 536. He fought and lost the battel of Ticînus against Hannibal , the earnest and pledge of the Carthaginians future good success in Italy . After this he and his Brother Cnaeus ( having done great service in Spain against Asdrubal the Brother of Hannibal ) died both in the bed of honour , and were slain in fight : they were both of them very valiant men , and experienced Souldiers . From Cnaeus the elder , those Scipio's who bear the name of Nasîca derive themselves : Of whom in the conclusion of this § . from Publius the younger came Pub. Scipio Africanus , and L. Scipio Asiaticus , with their Descendants . Of these two we shall note what was most remarkable in their lives : Publius served his tyrocinium , or was first entred in the warres under his Father at the battel of Ticînus : three years after he commanded a Regiment of Foot at the battel of Cannae : after this , at the age of 24. he was sent as Proconsul to manage the warres of Spain , which in few years he totally reduced . Some years after his return to Rome he was chosen Consul with P. Licinius Crassus , the fifteenth year of the second Punick warre . When his Consulate was expired the African warre was committed to him as Proconsul , which he ended the seventeenth year of that warre , by giving an irrecuperable overthrow to Annibal at the fatal battel of Nadagara : For this victory he obtained a most glorious triumph ▪ and the title of Africanus . He was a second time Consul with Tib. Smpronius Longus , an . V. C. 560. He was twice Censor , and three times Prince , or L. President of the Senate . In fine , he ( as he well deserved ) arrived to the greatest honors , and that with the greatest applause that Rome could conferre upon him ▪ But to take the true prospect of the largeness of the soul of this most excellent person , let us consider him in some particular actions and passages of his life , which do more perfectly pourtraict him then generals can possibly doe . At the battel of Ticînus , being but seventeen years old , he rescued his Father , dangerously wounded , from his prevailing enemy , giving him life by protection from whom by generation he had received the same , Liv. l. 21. Val. Max. c. 4. l. 5. After the overthrow received by the Romans at the fatal battel of Cannae , four thousand , who had escaped the fate of that day , made their retreat to Cannusium , under the conduct of young Scipio , by general consent chosen General ; where , whilst they were consulting about what was to be done , word was brought to Scipio by P. Furiūs Philus ▪ that all was lost ; for that some young Noble-men ( whereof L. Caecilius Metellus was chief ●esolved to provide for their own safety , by deserting Italy , and to that end were now ready to take shipping . Scipio forthwith ( commanding the rest to follow him ) left the Councel , and with his drawn sword rushing in amongst the intended fugitives , made them swear that they would not forsake their Country . See this Story in Livie . l. 22. with the form of the oath : Thus ( as Val. Max. l. 5. c. 5. handsomely concludes ) Pietatem non solum ipse plenissimam patriae exhibuit , sed ex pectoribus aliorum abeuntem revocavit : He did not only himself give a most ample testimony of his love to his Country , but arrested it when it was flying out of the breasts of others . L. Scipio and C. Laelius being chosen Consuls , an . V. C. 564. there fell out a great contention betwixt them about the choice of their Provinces , both desiring Greece and Asia , with the management of the warre against K. Antiochus ; insomuch that the business was referred to the Senate ; whom when Pub. Scipio perceived to be more propense to favour Laelius then his Brother , he stood up and declared , that he would goe in person as his Brothers Lieutenant-General , provided that the Senate would declare in favour of him ; which was forthwith done ; and the war against Antiochus ( for the respect the Fathers bore to Publius ) committed to Lucius : The effect of it was the memorable field sought and wonne at Magnesia , the accession of new dominions to the Roman Empire , together with a new title to the Cornelian Name ; for from the Conquest of all Asia Minor on this side the Mountain Taurus , L. Scipio was styled Asiaticus . In these three instances behold the piety of a Sonne , the loyalty of a Subject , and the tenderness of a Brother . We must not here omit two notable particulars of this great man , which this precedent story leads us to ; omitting other Roman Writers , we shall adhere to the Authority of A. Gellius l. 4. c. 18. Scipio was accused by M. Naevius , one of the Tribunes , as having received a great summe of money from Antiochus , to conclude a peace upon favourable and easie terms ; with other crimes very much beneath so worthy a person . Scipio coming to speak for himself , and having briefly touched upon some of his former glorious action without any regard to the impeachment of the Tribune , spake thus ; Memoriâ , Quirîtes , repeto diem esse hodiernum quo Annibalem Poenum imperio nostro inimicissimum magno praelio vici , in terrâ Africâ , pacemq , & victoriam vobis peperi insperabilem : Non igitur simus adversus Deos ingrati , & censeo relinquamus nebulonem hunc eamusque nunc protinus Jovi Opt. Max. gratulatum . I have transcribed the words , because they are the very same which ( as our Author affirms ) Scipio used : and indeed the plaineness of the style pleads Antiquity , and speaks an age or two above Tully : In English they run thus ; I remember , Romans , that this is the very day wherein , in a signal battel , I overcame Annibal the Carthaginian , a sworn enemy to our Empire , in the land of Africa , and obtained for you an unhoped-for both peace and victory : Let us not therefore be ungratefull to the Gods , but rather leave this Knave here , and goe and give thanks to the great and good Jupiter : Whereupon the whole Assembly leaving the Tribune with his Clerk , and a few Attendants , followed Scipio to the Capit●l , and from thence accompanied him with great joy and acclamations to his own house . In like manner , when by the instigation of Cato ( his bitter enemy ) he was required in open Senate by one Paetilius , a Tribune , to give an account of the treasure taken in the late warre against Antiochus : Scipio s●anding up , and drawing the book of Accounts out of his pocket , tore it in pieces in the face of the full Senate , adding , that he who by his Conquests had both inlarged and inriched the Roman Empire , scorned to be compelled to give any farther account then what himself thought fit . These two examples are alledged by Authors , as testimonies of the greatness and exsuperancie of his spirit , which scorned to answer petty cavils otherwise then by slighting them . The same A. Gellius . l. 7. c. 1. as also Val. Max. l. 3. c. 7. tell another Story , which speaks the great confidence he had of himself , and assurance of successe in his designs ; both which proceeded out of a consciousness of his own worth , and the great experience he had above other men in military affairs . He had laid siege to a strong Town in Spain , called Badia , and so well furnished with all warlike provision , that there was but small hopes of reducing it ; yet when he sat in judgement , as the custome was , and when , at the breaking up of the Court , the Crier asked him when and where he would hold another Court , he answered , three dayes hence I will keep Court in the Castle of Badia ; which he ( having taken the Town within the time , beyond all expectation ) performed . The like confidence of himself he shewed , when having taken some Spies or Scouts of Annibals , a little before the fatal battel of Nadagara , he did not truss them up ( as they both deserved , and expected ) but commanded an Officer to carry them through the whole Camp , and to shew them whatsoever could be seen ; which done , he sent them away with rewards , and bid them tell their General in what posture the Romans lay incamped . This his bravery and confidence did so abate the spirits of Annibal , that he endeavoured by a personal conference to procure peace ; but in vain : See Liv. l. 30. Val. Max. l. 3. c. 7. This great Captain left two wholesome cautions to military men ; the one was , that no General ought to say , Non putaram , I thought not of it , because in warre ( where an error once committed can no way be rectified ) all things ought to be well weighed and considered of before hand : The second was , that the enemy ought not to be ingaged , unless a visible advantage invite , or an invincible necessity compel us thereunto ; for to let slip a fair opportunity is madnesse , and not to fight when there is no other way to escape , is a dangerous piece of cowardize : Val. Max. l. 7. c. 2. yet , notwithstanding the unquestionable merit of this worthy Patriot , his own Country ( of which he had deserved so highly ) proved ingratefull to him , the usuall practise of sordid Common-wealths , and ( through the uncessant vexations of the Tribunes ) forced him to goe into voluntary exile , and to retire to a Country-house of his near Linternum , a poor sea-Town in Campania , betwixt Baiae and Cumae , called now ( according to Leander ) Torre de la Patria ; where free from all publick employment he spent his time in harmless Country-sports and Husbandry , himself ( according to the custome of the Ancients ) often tilling the ground . The words he used when he left Rome are recorded by Seneca , epist . 86. Nihil ( inquit ) volo derogare legibus , nihil institutis ; aequum inter omnes cives jus sit , &c. I will derogate nothing from the Laws and Customes of my Country . Let there be amongst fellow-Citizens equal priviledges . Thou mayst , my native soil , make use without me of what I have done for thee . As I was cause of thy liberty , so I will be an argument . I retire , if I am grown greater then is consistent with thine interest . At Linternum he died the 54. of his age ( according to Plutarch ) where also a monument was raised for him , on which he by his last will had commanded this Inscription to be ingraven ; Ingrata patria ne ossa mea quidem habebis : Thou shalt not , my ungratefull Country , have so much as my bones . Neer Cajêta there was found a marble Sepulcher , and in it a brasse Urn ; around which was written these verses , which are supposed by Plutarch to be Scipio's Epitaph , and this the place of his sepulture : Devicto Annibale , & captâ Carthagine , & aucto Imperio , hoc cineres marmore , lector , habes : Cui non Europa , non obstitit Africa quondam , Respiceres hominem quam brevis urna premit . By Annibals , and Carthage conquest , he Who Rome inlarg'd , under this stone doth lie ; Whom Africa nor Europe could oppose , A little urn loe doth the man inclose ! He took to wife Aemilia , Daughter to L. Paulus Aemilius , who was Consul with C. Terentius Varro , and was slain valiantly fighting at the battel of Cannae : She was Sister to that Aemilius who overthrew K. Perseus , and in him subverted the Macedonian Monarchy : He had two Daughters , the one married to Scipio Nasîca , his Brothers Sonne , the other to Tib. Gracchus : He had also two Sonnes , but one of them only survived him , viz. P. Scipio , heir to nothing of his Fathers but his estate and name , Val. Max. l. 3. c. 5. The only thing commendable he ever did , was ( when he was childless himself ) the adopting of a worthy person to his sonne , viz. L. Aemilius Paulus . his Mothers Nephew ; who quitting the Name and Family of his Father , was after his adoption ( according to the custome of those times , and the laws of adoption ) called after the name of his adoptive Father , P. Cornelius Scipio , and Aemilianus , to shew the Family of his natural Father from whence he came . And this is the other thunderbolt of warre here celebrated by Virgil. He was the natural Sonne of L. Aemilius Paulus , a person of very great eminency in his time , and of an ancient Patrician Family . He gave first proof of his valour , when he served under his Father at the battel wherein K. Perseus was defeated ; where he , with some other young Noble-men , followed the chace so long , that he returned not till mid-night into the Camp to his sorrowing Father , who gave him for lost ; but receiv'd with great joy , when he saw him honorably defiled with dust and blood . After this he served in Spain as a Colonel under Lucullus , the Grandfather of him who subdued Mithridates , where in a single combat he slew a Barbarian of a vast and Gigantick proportion , who defied the Roman Army . There is a mistake in Florus l. 2. c. 17. who sayes that Scipio wonne then the Spolia opima : but this could not be , because they , and no other , are called Spolia opima , which the General of one Army takes from the slain General of the other . At the siege of Intercatia he was the first who scaled the walls , for which he was rewarded with a mural Crown : To be short , he behaved himself upon all occasions so valiantly , that no person gained so much honour as himself in these warres ; which being pretty well over , he passed into Africa , with M. Manilius , under whom he served as a Colonel , where his deportment was also so gallant , that Cato the Censor ( a man by nature a detractor ) said in open Senate , reliques qui in Africâ militarent umbras militare , Scipionem vigêre ; that the other Commanders who served in Africa went to work like shadows , but that Scipio was the only vigorous man amongst them ; insomuch that when he sued to be made Aedile ( the first step to publick employment ) he was created Consul , and that before he could legally be admitted to that charge , by reason of his minority ; for he was then but 36 years old , whereas none by law could be chosen Consul before the age of 43. His Collegue was C. Livius Drusus . Africa was by the general consent of the people conferred upon Scipio , a fatal name to Carthage , which he took and raz'd ( according to Cornelius Nepos ) in six moneths ; and from thence was sirnamed Africanus Minor , or Inferior , to difference him from his Grand●re Africanus Major , or Superior . Dr. Simpson in his Chronologie layes the first foundation of Carthage , an . Mund. 2772. fifty years before the destruction of Troy ; Zorus and Carchêd●n , two Tyrians , being the first builders and planters of this City : A second part was added to it , called in the Tyrian tongue Carthada , or the new City , an . Mund. 2966. The third and last part , and complement of the whole , was raised by Queen Dido , an . Mund. 3132. after Solomons Temple 144. years , Joas being in his thirteenth years reign over Israel , and Jehu in his nineteenth over Judah . Dido built that part of the City which in the Tyrian tongue they called Bosra , and the Greeks by corruption Byrsa , which signifies a strongly fortified place ; and this stood in the middle of the City . From this year to the subversion of Carthage are counted 727 years ; Paterculus reckons 667 : From the first Punick warre ( which begun an . V. C. 490. Appius Claudius Caudex , and M. Fulvius Flaccus being Consuls , till the utter excision of Carthage , which hapned an . V. C. 608. Cn. Cornelius Lentulus , and L. Mummius Nepos being Consuls ) are reckoned by Patereulus 115 years , by more accurate accountants 118. This City was said to be 24. miles in circuit . Florus measures the vastness thereof by the duration of the flames which consumed it ; for the conflagration thereof , notwithstanding all endeavours used to extinguish the same , lasted seventeen whole dayes and nights : hunc finem habuit Romani imperii Carthago aemula : Paterc . for this good service Scipio had granted him a most magnificent triumph : He was four years after chosen Censor with L. Mummius , a man of a dull & flegmatick complexion , which made him in the open Senate to say , Vtinam mihi collegam dedissetis , vel non dedissetis ; Would you had given me a Collegue , or not given me one , i. e. one more active , or none at all : Val. Max. l. 6. c. 4. After this he was chosen Consul the second time with C. Fulvius Flaccus , an . V. C. 620. wherein the warre against Numantia was committed to him . Numantia was a City of Spain , situated upon the River Durius : This had holden warre with the Romans fourteen years , and ( being furnished but with a Garrison of 4000 ) destroyed six Consuls with their Armies , when Scipio set down before it , neither could he ; notwithstanding his great conduct and extraordinary valour , reduce it in lesse then 15. moneths ; and then indeed he did rather starve them out , then by force subdue them . History mentions not a more memorable siege then this of Numantia ; for ( according to Florus ) it having neither wall nor bulwark , and being but only situated upon a little rising hill by the River Durius , with no more then four thousand Geltiberians , it sustained fourteen years siege against an Army of forty thousand ; but being at last totally razed , it gave Scipio both the honour of a second triumph , and the addition of the sirname of Numantînus to that of Africanus . Four years after all these glorious exploits , in the fifty sixth year of his age , this incomparable man was found dead in his bed ; neither was it certainly known how he came to his end . He was a great opposer of the proceedings of the Gracchi : hence some suppose that his Wife Sempronia ( who was their Sister ) in favour of them gave him poyson , Liv. epit . 56. but how he came to his end it is as uncertain , as it is certain that there was no revenge taken against his Murderers , or inquiry made into the fact : Val. Max. l. 3. c. 5. Plut. in Gracch . Paterc . l. 2. Thus died Scipio ingloriously , and unrevenged by his own people , who had lived so gloriously , and so often avenged his own people upon their enemies . He was doubtless the best accomplish'd Gentleman of his time : nor was he only a lover of Souldiers and the warres , but also of learned men and the Muses ; for Polybius the Historian , and Panaetius the Philosopher were much honored by him , and his constant Associates . Most luculent is that Elogie which Paterculus gives of him l. 2. which for its elegancy we will here subjoyn : P. Scipio Africanus , vir avitis P. Africani , paternisque L. pauli virtutibus simillimus , &c. P. Scipio Africanus , a person equalling the virtues both of his Grandfather P. Africanus , and his Father L. Paullus , was the most eminent of his time for all indowments Military or Civil , and for his parts , as well acquired as natural ; one who in his whole life neither did , spake , or thought any thing but what was commendable . This is that Scipio of whom Tully wrote his Somnium Scipionis , or Scipio's Dream , on which Macrobius ( an Author by us often cited ) hath written a learned Comment . In him ended the Line of P. Scipio , Father to Africanus . From Cnaeus the other Brother those Scipio's who were sirnamed Nasîcae , deduce themselves ; whereof the first was Scipio Nasîca who was styled by the Senate Vir optimus , Consul an . V. C. 563. the second Scipio Nasîca , vulgarly called Corculum , Consul an . V. C. 592. and 599. the third , Scipio Nasîca Serapion , Consul an . V. C. 616. This was he who ( when a private man ) led the people to oppose Tib. Gracchus : His sonne , Scipio Nasîca , was Consul the first year of the warre against Jugurtha . The last of this race was this mans Son , who being adopted into the Family of the Metelli by Metellus Pius , was called Quintus Caecilius Metellus Scipio . Pompey married his Daughter . This was he who slew himself in Africk when Pompey's Cause declin'd ; and the last of the Scipio's mentioned in History . And thus much concerning the noble Family of the Scipio's . § 95 Caius Fabricius , sirnamed Luscinus , was the first and last of his name , who made the Fabrician Family notable , or lent matter to history . He was Consul the first time with Q. Aemilius Papus , an . V. C. 472. and then triumphed over the Tuscans and Gauls . After this he was sent as chief of an Embassie from Rome to King Pyrrhus ( who had lately wonne a great battel against the Romans ) concerning the exchange of Prisoners : Pyrrhus understanding the great worth of Fabricius , and in what esteem he was with his own Countrymen , but withall how narrow and straitned in fortune ( for he was a very poor man ) offered him a great summe of money to become his friend ; but Fabricius looking upon this offer as a bribe to pervert his loyalty to his Country , would not accept of it in the least : And to this Claudian alludes , l. 1. in Ruf. — contentus honesto Fabricius parvo spernebat munera Regum . With a small , but well-rais'd estate content , Fabricius slights what Kings to him present . And hence our Poet sayes of him , that he was parvo potens : See Plut. in Pyrrh . Liv. epit . 13. nay Val. Max. l. 4. c. 4. de paupertate laudatâ , sayes that he had no silver vessel in his house , save a Chalice only , to offer in to the Gods , and one Salt-cellar . Whilst he was Embassador with Pyrrhus ( as Plutarch relates ) the King thinking to make triall of his courage , as he had done of his abstinence , caused his men to bring one of his biggest and fiercest Elephants , and to place it behind a hanging , which ( at a signe given ) he was to draw , and unawares to shew the Monster to Fabricius , as he and the King were in serious discourse ; which being done accordingly , the Elephant ( which was just at Fabricius his back ) said his trunk over his shoulder , and roared terribly : but the undaunted Roman softly stepping aside , and smiling , told the King that his Elephant affrighted him as little that day as his Gold had temp●ed him the day before . A. Gellius l. 1. c. 14. related a very memorable Story concerning this worthy Roman , an argument of the greatness of his soul in despising riches and wealth , which in most mens breasts bears so absolute an Empire , and holds the reins of the affections even of the most sober . Certain Embassadours ( sayes he ) came from the Samnites to Fabricius the Roman General , and ( having thanked him for that good will and kindness he had expressed to their Nation , which after the late pacification he had taken into his protection ) presented him with a great summe of money , desiring him to accept and make use of it ; and that the rather , because they perceived him to be disfurnished of many things necessary for his house , and befitting the quality and place of so great a personage : Fabricius drawing his hands from his ears to his eyes , and from thence downward to his nose , his mouth , and his throat , and so to the very bottom of his belly , answered , that so long as he could govern and keep under those parts he had touched , viz. the organs of the five senses , i. e. so long as his reason could restrain and tame the exorbitance of his affections , nothing could ever be wanting to him ; and that therefore he would not receive money ( whereof he had no use ) from them whom he knew to stand in need of the same . You may read this Story also in Val. Max. l. 4. c. 3. He was Consul the second time with the same Aemilius Papus , an . V. C. 476. in the very heat of the war against Pyrrhus where whilest their Camps lay near together , the Physician of Pyrrbus ( by some writers called Timochares , by others Nicias ) came privily over to Fabricius the Roman Consul , promi●●ng for a summe of money to poyson the King. But Fabricius abominating the Traitor , sent him back fast bound , and by letter discovered to him the treachery of his Physician , whereat Pyrrhus , full of admiration , was said to ●●claim , Hic est ille Fabricius , qui di●●icilius ab honestate quàm sol à cursu averti potest : This is that Fabricius , who more hardly can be withdrawn from his honesty then the Sun from his course . Thus Eutropius lib. 2. Others ( as Val. Max. l. 6. c. 5. and A. Gell. l. 3. c. 8. ) say , that he did not discover the person of the Traitor , but bad Pyrrhus beware of those who were neerest about him . I shall here subjoyn the original letter ( because an antique piece , and savouring of the true Roman spirit ) which the Consuls wrote to Pyrrhus concerning this business ; Gellius ibid. borrowes it of Claudius Quadrigarius , an ancient writer . § 96 Consules Romani salutem dicunt Pyrrho Regi . Nos pro tuis injuriis continuè animo strenuo commoti inimicitèr tecum bellare studemus ; sed communis exempli , & fidei ergô , visum est uti te salvum velimus , ut esset quem armis vincere possimus . Ad nos venit Nicias familiaris tuus , qui sibi pretium à nobis peteret , si teclàm interfecisset . Id nos negavimus velle , neve ob eam rem quicquam commodi expectaret : simul visum est ut te certicrem faceremus , ne , quid ejusmodi si accidisset , nostro consilio Civitates putarent factum ; & quod nobis non placet pretio , aut praemio , aut dolis pugnare . Tu , nisi caveas , jacebis . The Roman Consuls to K. Pyrrhus Greeting . We being by thy continued injuries heartily provoked , resolve to prosecute thee with all hostility ; but that we may be examples to others in testifying our own sincerity , as also for that there may be one in being whom we may overcome , we thought fit to provide for thy safety . Thy familiar friend Nicias came to us , who set a price upon thy head ; but we utterly rejected the motion ; and ( that he might not advantage himself by such unworthy means , or the world upon any such unhandsome accident imagine us to be of his Counsell , who scorn to fight with thee by bribes , rewards , or deceit ) we thought fit to acquaint thee with the whole procedure . Vnless thou lookest to thy self thou art a dead man. Pyrrhus ( a generous Prince ) returned the Consuls thanks , and sent all the Roman prisoners ( whom he had in custody ) home without ransome ; yet notwithstanding these mutual Complements , the two Armies suddenly came to joyn battel , where the Epirot , by the assistance of his Elephants , got the victory . Fabricius bricius some years after the determination of his Consulship was chosen Censor : In his Censorship he turned P. Cornelius Rufinus ( who had been twice Consul , and once Dictator ) out of the Senate , because he found ten pound weight of silver plate in his house ; which in those severe times was by moderate men thought a high piece of luxurie and excesse . This Rufinus was indeed an excellent Souldier , and a right valiant man , but very covetous and rapacious , and for this much hated by the more just and abstinent Fabricius : yet to shew that all personall respects are to be laid aside when the Publick is concerned , he caused him ( because the Commonwealth stood in need at that time of a valiant and discreet General , Pyrrhus then prevailing in Italy ) to be chosen Consul , which was the year following his own Consulship . For this unexpected kindness Rufinus complemented him highly , and gave him great thanks ; but his return was in these biting words , Non est quod mihi gratias agas , si malui compilari quàm vaenire ; Thou hast no reason ( sayes he ) to thank me if I had rather be a little pillag'd then sold quite out ; meaning that it were better for the Publick to suffer a little by the rapacity of Rufinus , then to be totally ruined by the insufficiency of some other General : A. Gel. l. 4. c. 8. We now come to Serranus , who was of the Family of the Atilii , which was divided ( according to Anton. Augustinus ) into the Longi , who were Patricians ; and the Reguli , Serrani , Calatini , and Bulbi , who were Plebeians : but no one set such a lustre upon the Atilian name as did M. Atilius Regulus , and C. Atilius Serranns . The first is noted for his valour , constancie , his love to his Counrry , and strict observing of his word ; of all which this one example is a sufficient evidence : For having done great service against the Carthaginians in Africk , in the time of the first Punick warre , his Army was at last defeated , and himself taken prisoner by the enemy ; with whom having for some years remained a miserable captive , he was at last sent to Rome , either to procure a peace betwixt the two Nations , or the freedome of all the Carthaginian Prisoners ; for all which he alone was offered in exchange ; and in case that neither could be effected , he was bound by oath to render himself a prisoner again : as for the peace , it was utterly rejected ; but when they came to the debate concerning the rendition of the Captives , and Atilius his opinion was the first asked in the Senate , he openly declared that it was unreasonable that so many stout young men should be exchanged for one poor old man , who by reason of his years was now no longer able to serve his Country ; and accordingly it passed in the negative , that the prisoners should not be exchanged ; and Regulus ( notwithstanding the intreaties and prayers of his friends to the contrary ) returned according to his promise to an enemy from whom he expected all barbarous treatment imaginable , as indeed he found : for some say that they put him naked into a barrel stuck thick with sharp-pointed nails , and so rowled him about til he died : Others , that he was cast into a dark dungeon , and ( having been kept there for some time ) brought forth , and forced to stare in the sun till he became blind ; and that he might not wink with his eyes , they plucked his eye-lids asunder , and with a needle and thread stitched them up : after this they kept him from sleep and food , till at last for want of both , he ( having suffered with much constancy the utmost of his enemies cruelty ) ended his life and misery together . This Story you may read in Livie l. 18. Val. Max. l. 1. c. 1. A. Gell. l. 6. c. 4. Flor. l. 2. c. 2. Aur. de vir . illust . Eutrop. l. 2. This hapned an . V. C. 503. As for Serranus , he is supposed by some to have been the son of the former . He was Consul with Cn. Cornelius Blasio , an . V. C. 497. He beat the Carthaginians at sea , subdued the Islands of Lipara , and Melita , or Malta ; for all which he triumphed . This man was of that worth and esteem amongst the Romans , that they chose him Consul in his absence , and sending for him , found him tilling his own ground ; hence ( according to Pliny l. 18. c. 3. ) from the Latine word serere , which signifies to sow , or till the ground , he was called Seranus ; which I take to be the orthography , or true spelling of the word ; not Serranus , as here used by the Poet , who , herein more carefull of his Metre then orthography , interposed an r , for his verses sake . The Elogie of this Seranus you may read in Val. Max. l. 4. c. 4. de paupertate laudata ; and in Claudia●● lib. de quarto Cons . Honorii , who sings thus ; Sordida Serrânus flexit Dictator arâtra , Lustratae Lictore casae , facesque salignes Postibus affixi ; collectae Consule messes , Et sulcata diu trabeato rura Colono . Serrânus to the plough did set his hand , Thatch'd roofs were by the Lictor entred , and The Fasces hung on Willow posts ; the Corn Inn'd by a Consull ; and he who had worn The Trabea , till'd the ground . — § 97 The Fabian Family was one of the most numerous , most ancient , and most honorable of all Rome : they were branched into six several Houses , whereof three were more noted , and occurre more frequently in History , viz. the Vibulani , the Ambusti , and the Maximi ; the other three , viz. the Dorsones , Pictores , and Buteones , were not of that fame and celebrity with the former . That may be said of this one Name and Family which I never read of any , that there were 307 of them living at the same time , and that not in a large tract , or spacious continent , but within the Walls and Precincts of one and the same City . I shall briefly give you the history and fate of these worthy Kinsmen . The people of Veii were incessant rather tezers then enemies of the people of Rome , making rather predatory incursions into their territories , then waging a just warre against them . This one Family of the Fabii undertook ( upon their own charge ) this warre : One of the Consuls , viz. Caeso Fabius , being of that Family , commanded this small , but gallant army : they were 306. all Patricians or noble men , all of a blood , and ( according to Livy ) quorum neminem ducem sporneret egregius quibuslibet temporibus Senâtus : Such as the wisest Councell would not refuse the worst of them in never so dangerous times for a General . They fortified themselves upon the River Cremera , where issuing out of their Garrison , they often worsted the enemy ; who ( seeing they could not by open force prevail ) had recourse to art , and drawing them into a place convenient for an ambuscade , invironed them , and with numbers so over-powred them , that ( after a sharp conflict , and extraordinary valour shewed on the Roman side ) they were all to one man slain . This Story you may read in Livie l. 2. Eutrop. l. 1. auct . de vir . illust . Flor. l. 1. c. 12. &c. This happened An. V. C. 275. in the Consulships of Caeso Fabius and T. Virginius . Thus had this noble Family been quite extinct , had not one ( who by reason of his tender years was unfit for the warres ) remained at home : and this man propagated the Fabian name down to this Fabius Maximus , who by his wise delayes blunted the edge , and broke the very point of Annibals impetuous fury : and this is the man whom Virgil celebrates here . The first of the Fabii , who had the agnomination of Maximus given him , was Q. Fabius Rullianus , a person of very great repute and worth , as who had been five times Consul , twice Dictator , triumphed thrice , once Censor ; and although he deserved the name of Maximus from his Martial atchievments , as having been the ablest and most fortunate Chieftain of his time , yet this honorable sirname was bestowed upon him , for that he in his Censorship united the City , which was divided into two factions , into that of the plebs , or meaner sort , and into that of the more able and sober of the Citizens . Hence arose a great confusion and disturbance in their Comitia or elections , the rabble carrying it by reason of their numbers against the better ; and so , many times choosing men of inferiour condition into offices and commands , contrary to the good liking of the other , and much to the diminution of the Majesty and Grandeur of the Roman State. This Fabius remedied , by reducing the Common-people ( which till then were undistinguished ) into four Tribes or Classes , which he called Tribus urbanae ; as you may read in Livie l. 91. This is that Fabius whom ( being Master of the horse to the Dictator Papyrius Curson ) Papyrius would have put to death for fighting the enemy in his absence , and against his express order , although he obtained a signal victory ; but that the people interposing procured his pardon . Livie in his ninth book gives an ample relation of this Story . His sonne was Fabius Maximus Gurges , who having been thrice Consul , triumphed twice , Censor , and four times chosen L. President of the Senate , seemed by his often-repeated honours not to come at all short of his Fathers virtues : And this was ( according to Livie ) Father to our present Fabius Maximus ; from his deliberate and wary way of proceeding , termed by his Detractors Cunctator , or the Delayer ; and Verrucossus , from a wart ( which the Latines call verrûca ) growing upon his lip . He was also called Ovicula , the little Sheep , or Lamb , from the gentleness of his nature . He was twice Consul , triumphed twice , Dictâtor twice , as often President of the Senate , Pontifex and Augur : and what is more then all , the Conservator of the Roman people in the second Punick warre , which he chiefly effected by his wise delayes , and constant patience ; proceeding herein contrary to the manner of all former Generals , who by their precipitancie had often hazarded the safety of the Common-wealth , and lost both themselves and many great Armies ; of whom Ennius thus , whence Virgil borrows the first verse : Vnus homo nobis Cunctando restituit rem , Non ponebat enim rumores ante salutem ; Ergo postque magisque viri nunc gloria claret . This man preserv'd us by his wise delay ; For rumors he before the safest way Did not preferre ; wherefore his glorious name Shall be recorded in the book of fame . But forasmuch as both Plutarch in his life , and Livie in his relation of the second Punick warre , doe particularly set down the behaviour of Fabius therein , I shall rather referre the Reader to those Authors , then inlarge upon a Story so well known ; we shall only add some few particulars concerning this right worthy person not to be pretermitted , which speak the wisdome , prudence , valour , justice and goodness of this noble Roman : Being Dictator he chose L. Minutius to be Master of his horse , a rash and violent man , and of a temper quite different from that of Fabius . He being by a Decree of the people ( a thing never before practised ) made equal in authority to the Dictator ( now in disgrace with the vulgar for his dilatory manner of proceeding ) presently thought to doe something by ingaging Annibal as soon as he could ; which the crafty enemy perceiving , he soon presented him with an opportunity , but withall drew him into an ambuscade , where he and his Army had perished had not Fabius assisted him , and rescued both from the present danger . This Minutius was Fabius his bitter enemy , and ( by his suggestions and criminations against him , as a slow and timerous man on the one side , and by magnifying & extolling himself , & boasting what great feats he would do on the other ) had wound himself into the opinion of the undiscerning people , and lessened the credit and reputation of a far better man then himself . Notwithstanding this Fabius would not take his private revenge of his adversary , when the publick thereby would have been the greatest sufferer . But Fabius by this means did not only conquer Annibal , the common Foe , but subdue Minutius his secret enemy , who from thenceforth acknowledging his fault , saluted Fabius by the name of Father : Liv. l. 22. and Plut. in Fab. Fabius had a Souldier in his Camp , a Marsian born , a right valiant and gallant man ; he ( upon discontent , because not rewarded , as he thought , according to his merit ) practised with some others to run over to Annibal , where they expected to be looked upon with greater respect . This being discovered to Fabius , he sent for the Marsian , who expected nothing but death , which according to the Laws of Warre he indeed deserved ; but the Consul receiving him courteously , did not in the least take notice to him of what he had heard , but commending him for his former good services , told him , that if he were not rewarded according to his merit it was his own fault , who applying himself to inferiour Captains , never had made his addresses to himself , his General ; and with that gave him a good horse , and other rewards : This did so incourage the Marsian , that for the future he became very faithfull and serviceable to the Romans . He had another Souldier who was accused for going often out of the Camp , and quitting his colours without leave ; which he persisted to doe , although often reprehended by his Officer . Fabius asked the Captain , who accused him , what manner of man he was , and whether he had any thing of worth in him ; he told him that he was a very stout man , and had done very great service ; wherefore Fabius making inquiry into the business , found that the Souldier had a Mistress , for whose sake he had so often transgressed : Her Fabius caused to be fetched , and privily hidden in his Tent ; then sending for the Souldier , he told him what he had heard of him , how he had offended against the Lawes of Armes , and against the Roman Military discipline , and for that deserved to be severely punished ; but withall how he understood that he was a valiant man , and had done good service ; and therefore , although he would not at present proceed against him according to the extremity and rigour of the Law , yet he would commit him to the custody of one who should be accountable for him . The Souldier hereupon being not a little abashed , Fabius called forth the Maid whom the Souldier loved , and gave him into her hands , telling him , that now he should know whether love , or some other ill design , caused him so often to goe out of the Camp. The Souldier never offended more after this , but became very orderly and diligent . These two Stories you may read in Plutarch in his life . To shew that he was a strict observer of his word , he agreed with Annibal about the redemption of Prisoners , and sent to the Senate for a certain summe of money to pay their ransome : the Senate looking upon the agreement as dishonorable and disadvantagious , as also for that they were altogether dissatisfied with his proceedings , refused to ratifie the articles , or to furnish him with the summe required : wherefore Fabius ( that he might make good his promise , and give a testimony of his tenderness and affection to his Countrymen , now miserable Captives ) raised the summe by selling part of his own lands . His Sonne Quintus was chosen Consul with Tib. Sempronius Gracchus , the sixth year of the second Punick warre . Fabius ( who served under him as his Lieutenant ) came to him to the Camp at Suessula , where his Son went with his Lictors before him to meet him : The Lictors out of respect to the Consuls Father , did not ( according to the custome ) command him to alight , but let him pass on on horse-back , till he came to the very last of those officers , whom young Fabius commanding to doe his duty , he forthwith commanded the old man to alight from his horse , which he very readily did , saying , experiri volui , fili , satin scires te consulem esse ; I intended , my sonne , to try whether you knew that you were Consul : Liv. l. 24. Plut. in Fab. in which words he embraced him , telling him that those private relations of Father and Sonne must give place to that respect which is due to the person of a publick Minister . And such was Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucossus : But this Quintus died before his Father , who adopted into the place of his deceased Sonne the eldest Sonne of Aemilius Paulus , and Brother to Scipio Aemilianus , who from thence was called Q. Fabius Maximus Aemilianus : He was Consul with L. Hostilius Mancinus , An. V. C. 608. His Son was Q. Fabius Maximus , Consul with L. Opimius Nepos , An. V. C. 632. he was sirnamed Allobrogicus , from the conquest of the Allobroges , a people of France , supposed to have been the same with those whom the Moderns call the Savoyards . To be short , this Family of the Fabii continued in high repute from the foundation of Rome till Augustus his time , where we find Q. Fabius Paulus Consul with Q. Aelius Tubero , An. V. C. 742. § 98 And now we come to the Family of the two Marcelli , in the brief recital of whose story we shall wind up our historical speculations , and in them these our annotations upon the sixth book of Virgils Aeneis ; which if they seem to be drawn too much out in length , it must not be ascribed to any natural affectation of prolixity , or industrious inserting of such discourses as might have been better omitted then insisted upon , but to the great variety of learning of all sorts wherewith this Poem is richly adorned ; which sufficiently testifies the vast reading and knowledge of the Author , and which hath necessarily led us to consult with divers good writers , and ( whilest we have endeavoured to illustrate this excellent piece ) discovered to us the whole body of humane literature , whereof these annotations may serve as a Summarie or generall view ; and will , I hope ( according to the latitude and extent of this kind of learning ) both prodesse and delectare , be both delightfull and profitable to the Reader . But to proceed ; the Claudian Family , descended originally from the Sabines , was of two sorts ; the one was of the Patricians , the other of the Plebeians : The first were distinguished into the Regillenses , the Pulchri , the Centhones , and the Nerones . The Marcelli ( so called from their Martial inclinations , Marcellus being a diminutive derived from Mars ) were indeed Plebeians , but men of great worth and esteem in their time . There were nine of this name who arrived to the highest preferments Rome could advance any Citizen to . The first of this Family who was honored with the Consular dignity , was M. Marcellus , who was Consul with C. Valerius Flaccus , An. V. C. 422. The third from him was this famous Marcellus , who was the first who overthrew Annibal after the battel of Cannae : he from his incessant desire of fighting , and engaging the enemy , was called the sword of Rome , as Fabius Maximus ( with whom he was Contemporary ) from the defensive posture whereon he still used to lie , the Shield or Buckler : He was five times Consul ; first before the second Punick warre , with Cn. Scipio Calvus , An. V. C. 532. when the Galli Insubres , those Gauls ( which inhabited about Millan in Lumbardie , assisted by the Gessatae , which were Gauls also , but living about the River Rhodanus , on the other side the Alps ) made warre upon the Romans , and had then laid siege to Clastidium , a Garrison belonging to the Romans . Marcellus leaving his Collegue with the greatest part of the Army before Asserrae ▪ a Town of the Gauls , marched with an inconsiderable party to raise the siege before Clastidium ; which the Gauls having intelligence of , drew off with 1000 horse and foot to meet the Consul ; and being certified of the paucity of his forces , in their thoughts anticipated an easie victory . Marcellus marched in the head of his men , and Bridomârus , or Virdomârus , the Gaulick General , in the head of his also ; whom the Roman espying , and by his richly-gilt armour conceiving to be Commander in chief , setting spurs to his horse , furiously charged , and piercing with his spear , slew in the view of the two armies ; and so disarming him , was the third after Romulus who wonne the Spolia opima , which we have rendred royal spoils : they were called opima , either ab . opibus , from the richness of them , as Varro conjectures ; or ab opere , because it was a work or deed extraordinary to winne them , according to Plutarch ; or for that Opimum was all one with Amplum : Livie defines them to be spolia quae Dux Duci detraxit , Liv. l. 4. those spoils or armes which one General hath taken from another , whom he hath slain with his own hand . The Roman history makes mention but of three who ever wan these spoils , viz. Romulus , who slew Acron King of the Caeninenses : Liv. l. 1. Plut. in Romul . Flor. l. 1. c. 1. and Aul. Cornelius Cossus ( of whom § . 91. ) who slew Lars Tolumnius ; and lastly , this Marcellus , who also slew Britomârus King of the Gauls ; for that is a manifest error in Florus l. 2. c. 17. as we have noted § . 93. where he makes Scipio Aemilianus to win the spolia opima , by killing a Spaniard who challenged him ; for neither of these Duellists were Commanders in chief : Scipio was then but a Colonel of foot under Lucullus ; and what the Barbarian was it is not concluded , either by Livie , Val. Max. or Aur. Victor . who all make mention of this duel ; only Florus ( who is singular herein ) sayes that he was a King. Val. Maximus c. de Fortitudine , more consonantly to truth , reckons not Scipio amongst those three who wonne the spolia opima , but amongst those famous Romans , who being challenged slew the challenger ; and these were T. Manlius Torquatus ( of whom § . 86. ) M. Valerius Corvinus , and this Scipio Aemilianus . The spoils thus wonne were carried in triumph by the Victor ( the manner you may read in Livie l. 1. and in Plut. in the life of Marcellus ) and dedicated to Jupiter Feretrius , so called from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. to carry , or à feriendo hoste , from smiting of the enemy ; or rather from feretrum , by which they signifie the Bier or engine upon which they carried the spoils : these as a perpetual monument they hung up in Jupiter Feretrius his Temple , built by Romulus , repair'd and beautified by Augustus : Liv. l. 4. Numa to this Law of Romulus ( who ordained that the spolia opima should be consecrated to Jupiter ) added , that in case any one wonne them thrice ( which was never known ) that then the first should be offered to Jupiter , the second to Mars , and the third to Romulus . Hence we may easily gather the sense of this verse , which hath so much puzled Interpreters ; Tertiáque arma patri suspendet capta Quirino . Mr. Ogylby renders it thus . Shall thrice to Romulus dedicate their arms : i. e. the spolia opima , against both the Law of Romulus , who ordained that the spoils should be dedicated to Jupiter only ; and against the testimony of history , for Marcellus himself did dedicate the spoils to Jupiter , and not to Romulus , as you may read in his life . Neither is this the only mistake in Mr. Ogylby ; for he sayes that Marcellus shall not only dedicate these arms to Romulus , but that he shall dedicate them thrice , i. e. shall thrice winne the Spolia opima : But where does he read that Marcellus wonne them thrice ? they were never won during all the victories and triumphs of the long-liv'd Roman Empire , but thrice , and that by three severall persons , after the long interposition of a long interval of time : therefore these words of the Poet are to be thus expounded ; suspendet , he shall hang up , not dedicate , tertia arma capta , the third spoils taken from the enemy , patri Quirino , to Romulus , i. e. near the arms of Romulus , in the same Temple where Romulus hung up his . We have therefore here , as we have done elsewhere in case of the like obscurity , paraphrastically rendred this verse , choosing rather by multiplying of words to give the true sense of the Author , then by being to precise and thrifty therein , to lose a jot of his meaning , or to deviate from the Customes , Lawes , or History of those times ; with all which we agree , whilest we make Virgil speak thus : Father Quirinus , he also to thine The third spoils taken from the Foe shall joyn . But to return to Marcellus , who having done great services for his Country against the Carthaginians , as well in Sicilia as in Italy , was in his fift Consulship together with his Collegue Q. Crispinus unhappily slain by Annibal in an ambuscade . The last of this honorable Catalogue is one of the same name and Family also , viz. M. Marcellus the sonne of Caius ( who was the sonne of M. Marcellus , the sixt of this name , and Consul with L. Cornelius Lentulus Crus , An. V. C. 704. ) by his wife Octavia , Augustus his Sister , the fifth in descent from the great Marcellus above mentioned ; and the ninth from the first of that name , who was Consul with Valerius Flaccus , An. V. C. 422. a Prince of high hopes and great virtues , and well deserving those honorable Elogies given him here by our Author ; with whom you may compare the character which Seneca in his book de Consolatione ad Marciam , c. 2. and Vel. Paterc . l. 2. give of him , by all which he appears to have been a most accomplished person . Augustus designing him for his Successor , married him to his Daughter Julia by his first Wife Scribonia ; but alas ! he was taken away by an untimely fate , dying about the 18. year of his age , not without the suspicion of poyson administred to him by Livia , Augustus his Wife , to make way for her sons to the Empire : But his Mother Octavia conceived such insuperable grief for his death , that she never ceased to mourn for him so long as she lived . It is recorded by Donatus in the life of Virgil , that Octavia ( who was present at the recitation of this book by the Author ) fell into a trance when he came to these words , Tu Marcellus eris . — and that for every verse she gave him ten Sesterces , which ( according to Budaeus his computation l. 3. de Asse , speaking there of the summe given to Virgil by Octavia ) came to about 5000. French Crowns . The great Gassendus in his Treatise de Abaco Sestertiorum , pretends to a more exact reduction of the Roman § 99 account to the French , reckoning 10 Sesterces for 21 verses , viz. from Quis pater ille virum , &c. — to Heu miserande puer , &c. — to amounr to 19541 Livres , 13 Solz , and 4. Deniers , which , allowing every Livre valuable at 00 — 01s . — 08 d. of our money , comes to about 1627 l. — 16. s. — 01d . — 0b . — q. sterling . Budaeus his compute falls somewhat short of this ; for 5000 French Crowns , at 00 — 06s . — 00 per Crown , amounts to just 1500.l sterling . The greatest of these was not too great a gratuity for such excellent verses . I covet not Virgils reward , but his happiness in writing , that the English Reader might judge whether Octavia was more munificent , or the Poet deserving . Since these last sheets were sent to the Press , it hath pleased the al-governing Providence to make a sad Interlude amidst our pomps and triumphs , by taking away that as highly-meriting as highly-born Prince , the illustrious Duke of Glocester . The precedent discourse leading us so naturally to it , we could not but subjoyn these f●llowing verses , and cast in our Mice , not of sorrow , ( for in that we share as deeply as any ) but of expressing the same , wherein we shall easily give place even to the meanest . If we imitate not Virgil in the elegancy of his numbers , we will do it in the number of his verses . That now I could a Pythagorean be ! Now were thy soul transfused into me , Thy great soul , Maro ! all its faculti's Mine by a happy Metempsychosis ! 5 That in such numbers as thou didst of yore Thy dead Marcellus ( best of Bards ) deplore , I our brave Glocester might bewail , and teach Our English Muse Virgilian pitch to reach . We have a Theme as high , an argument 10 As full as thine , and can we not lament As learnedly as thou didst ? can't our Muse As well-accented Threnodies infuse As thine ? and in words as refined tell Both Rome and thee , that we can parallel . 15 Your Prince and l●sse ? that in our Glocester we In all things dare with your Marcellus vie ? No ; we , nor yet thy self ( 'tis boldly said ) Thy native wit , though all Parnassus aid , To such a height our words or sense can raise As can our loss express , or his due praise : 21 Our Gloc'ster's dead , which all our joyes allayes . Virgil borrows the conceipt of the two gates or out-lets of Dreams , out of Homer , Odyss . 19. There are two gates of sleep ( sayes he ) the one of Horn , from whence reall dreams ( such as are made good , and seconded in the event ) doe proceed ; the other of Ivory , out of which issue such as are false , and never come to pass ; and out of this gate Aeneas was let by Anchises ; obscurely hinting hereby , that this whole discourse of Aeneas his descent into Hell , with this ample description thereof , are even as true as those dreams which proceed out of the ivory gate : See Macr●b . in Somn. Scip. l. 1. c. 3. The reason of which conceit is thus given by Interpreters : The Horn gate represents the eye , or organ of sight , in relation to that tunicle they call Cornea , and by a Synechdoche is taken for the whole eye ; the Ivory the teeth , one of the nine instruments of speech , which in regard of their whiteness are like to Ivory , and are by the same figure taken for the speech in general ; therefore , as what the sight really presents to us is alwayes true , and as what we receive from hear-say and report is often-times false ; so those dreams which issue out of the Horn gate prove true , and those which come out of the Ivory one deceitfull ; and by consequence this whole discourse is to be looked upon as a meer fiction , deception , and a fallacious dream . Finis Annotationum in sextum Aeneidos librum . Jucundi acti labores . Certain Pieces Relating to the PUBLICK , Penned by the AVTHOR . Iliaci Cineres , & flamma extrema meorum Testor in occasu vestro me tela , nec ullas Vitavisse vices Danaum , & si fata fuissent Vt caderem , meruisse manu — Virg. Aen. 2. I Doe not , Reader , publish these following Pieces for their quaintness , or elegancy , but for that they relate to the Publick , and are monuments of loyalty rather then wit : I was alwayes Master of a better heart then head , and ever gloried more in sincere and honest thoughts , then in trim and adorn'd expressions . Farewel . The DECLARATION of the Nobility , Gentry , Ministry and Commonalty of the County of KENT ; together with the City and County of Canterbury , the City of Rochester , and the Ports within the said County : Penned and presented by the Author to the Mayor at the Town-Hall of Canterbury , Jan. 24. 1659. HAving with sadness weighed the multiplied calamities wherein we are at present involved , how friendless we are Abroad , and how divided at Home ; the importunate and loud cries of the poorer , and the disa●ility of the better sort to relieve them ; the total decay and subversion of Trade , together with the forfeiture and loss of the honour and reputation of the Nation , and ( what is more dear to us then all these ) the apparent hazard of the Gospel , through the prodigious growth of Blasphemies , Heresies and Schism ; all which owe their birth to the instability of our Governors , and the unsettlement of Government : Lastly , how in all these an universal ruine threateneth us , and will ( if not timely prevented ) doubtless overwhelm us ; We thought it our bounden duties , both to our Religion as Christians , to our Country as Englishmen , and to our selves and relations as friends , to represent and publish to the world our just griefs for , and our lively resentments of , this our deplorable condition , and to seek all lawfull and probable means to remedy and redress the same . Wherefore having the leading Examples of the renowned Cities of London and Exeter , together with the Counties of the West , before our eyes , and the clamours and out-cries of the People alwaies in our ears , ( whereof the one encourageth , and the other enforceth us to this our Declaration ) we thought that we would not be silent at such a time , when our silence would speak us to be either Assenters to our own ruine , or Abettors of such proceedings as have neither Law nor Equity to support them . We therefore , the Nobility , Gentry , Ministry and Commonalty of the County of Kent , together with the City and County of Canterbury , the City of Rochester , and the Ports within the said County , do by these Presents unanimously Declare , That our desires are for a Full and Free PARLIAMENT , as the only probable means under God to lead us out of that Maze and Labyrinth of confusions wherein we are at present engaged ; that is , that the old secluded Members , so many of them as are surviving , may be readmitted into the House , and that there may be a free Election of others to supply the places of those who are dead , without any Oath , or Engagement previous to their Entrance : * These we shall own as the true Representatives of the People ; these we shall with our Lives and Fortunes , to the uttermost of our power , assist , and with all cheerfulness submit to , and acquiesce in whatsoever they shall Enact or Ordain , as being clearly assured that salus populi will then indeed be suprema lex , the welfare of the Publick will be the thing then chiefly designed ; whereas now salus paucorum , the establishment of the power in the hands of some few , is the thing really contended for . Thus concluding , that all publick-spirited men , and good Patriots , will with all readiness joyn and concur with us in a matter of so extensive a concern ; and that we shall finde Opposition from none but such as preferre their own private interests , and temporal respects , to their Religion , Country and Laws of the Land , we shall as boldly subscribe our Names , as we doe heartily declare our Desires . The VINDICATION of the Kentish Declaration , or a NARRATIVE of the meeting of some Gentlement , Ministers and Citizens at the Town-Hall in Canterbury , Jan. 24. Penned by the Author , when he was forced to retire himself , and by him caused to be printed . UNderstanding that the late procedure of some of the principal Gentlemen and Citizens , Inhabitants of the City of Canterbury hath been represented above as a malignant design tending to tumult and sedition , we thought fit to publish to the World a brief Narrative of the same , together with the Declaration it self ; that both the one and the other being cleared from the malicious aspersions and calumnies of our Adversaries , the whole world may judg betwixt them and us , and so give sentence according to the merit of the Cause : wherefore some peaceable and wel-minded Gentlemen , together with some discreet and sober Ministers , perceiving the people generally bent for a Free Parliament ( as in the precedent Declaration is expressed ) and hearing that the Cities of London and Exeter had lately declared for the same , thought it neither unmeet to follow so leading presidents , nor unseasonable to joyn their votes with the general desires of the whole Nation : to which end it was resolved to present this foregoing Draught to the common Burghmoot , and to desire their concurrence therein . Thus in an orderly manner , without tumult or noise , without arms in their hands or thoughts , and without threats or anger in their looks , divers Gentlemen , Ministers and Citizens went to the Town-Hall on Jan. 24. 1659. the Mayor , Aldermen and Common-Councel then sitting , and presented the Declaration by the hands of Mr. John Boys at the door ; desiring that after a serious perusal thereof , they would be pleased to joyn with them in a business which they judged agreeable not only to the sense of that Court , but also to that of the whole County and Nation . But when it was mov'd that it should be put to the vote whether the Paper should be read or not , some of the Bench protested against it , although they knew nothing of its contents : and in conclusion ( having a long time rather wrangled then debated ) the Dissenters ( being but seven of twenty four ) quitted the Court , not leaving enough to make a Burghmoot Quorum : whereupon the Gentlemen ( who , though rudely treated , had quietly attended ) withdrew Re infectâ , and returned home with as little tumult as at first they came . Thus was there nothing done to disturb or surprise the Court , nothing to raise a tumult , nothing to cause a second Kentish insurrection , as our Adversaries give it out : No , the designe was not Arms , but Peace ; not tumult , but settlement ; not to surprise and disturb the Court , but to desire an amicable and friendly correspondence with the same , to the end that the intended Declaration might be made the more authentick by the formal intervention and assent in open Court , of the Magistracy of so considerable a Corporation ; and that the Declarers themselves might not be thought to tread in any oblique paths , or to proceed after a clandestine manner . But being disappointed ( as you see ) herein , it was thought fit to strengthen and confirm our Declaration , and to make good the title it bears , by private subscriptions , as well through the whole County as this City ; wherein we had in few dayes proceeded so farre , that some thousands of hands were then collected , when divers Gentlemen ( from the slie insinuations , and false representations of our Adversaries ) were secured in severall Prisons , to the discouragement of a wel-begun , and a wel-meant undertaking . Neither can the Gentlemen understand wherein they have offended , or how they should merit imprisonment , since there was no order or prohibition to the contrary . Although they conceive , that , had they proceeded therein notwithstanding , they had not transgressed any known Laws of the Land , it being the Subjects undoubted birth-right modestly to represent their grievances by way of Petition ; and , as the case now stands , not unlawfull to doe the same by way of Remonstrance or Declaration . Wherefore lest ( through our silence , and the present suppression of our Declaration ) the Aspersions of our Adversaries might be thought deservedly cast upon us , we thought fit to publish the same , together with this Narrative ; deeming , that as we have done nothing herein worthy the present severity , so the impartial Reader will in his private judgement absolve us from all guilt or demerit . Neither shall we answer our Adversaries by way of recrimination ; nor ( although we can by undoubted testimonies sufficiently prove it ) say , that the same men , who now appear so zealous Assertors of the Purliaments interest and proceedings , did as eagerly joyn with the Army , crying them up as much ( as with whom they would live and die ) as they decryed this present Power , in its late interruption , as inconsistent with the interest and Genius of this Nation : No , though this might serve to invalidate their testimonie , we shall inlarge no further , but referre to the Declaration it self . A Letter of Thanks to his EXCELLENCY the L. General MONK ; penned by the Author , according to the order and advice of the Gentlemen of East-Kent , who were concerned in the Declaration , and presented by Sir John Boys and himself at White-Hall , some few dayes after the sitting of the Secluded Members . MY LORD , AMongst that numerous List of your Excellencies Debtors ( which are no less then the People of three Nations , rescued from imminent ruine and desolation ) we of the County of Kent , who have declared for a full and free Parliament , doe here profess our particular acknowledgements , as in part enjoying the effects of what we declared for , by the restitution of the secluded Members ; a great and glorious work , and which both themselves , our selves , and the whole Nation must solely ascribe to your prudent Conduct . We cannot , My Lord , but as with wonder , so with delight contemplate and comment upon your Lordships proceedings . We wonder when we see our selves from the very Margin and brink of Despair restored to life and safety , and as poor weather-beaten and ship-wracked people set on shore ; and now , as we hope , upon the firm ground of a desired settlement , which nothing could effect but a miracle , neither could any one doe that miracle but your self . We are delighted when we take the prospect and survey of your wise management , and handsome contrivance of things , which have ( to the greater heightning of this our delight ) held us in suspence , till the very close of the last Act , wherein all things are wound up to the exquisite content and satisfaction of us your Spectators : And ( to say truth ) what hath hitherto been brought upon this our Theatre , hath ( through your Lordships prudence ) proved a Scene purely Comical , and ( as we hope ) will ( through the influence of the same wisedome ) both continue and end such ; that as our calamities were usher'd in , and carried on with blood , wounds and desolation , so they may be composed , and have their Exit with love , caresses , and mutual embracements . May your Lordship therefore be so happy , that as you have rais'd the expectation of these Nations to this height , so you may complete and perfect the remaïnder of your work , and as a good Pilot guide us at last into that Port , which , through various stormes and tempests of State , we have a long time laboured to attain ; that all sober people may receive the benefit , your self the praise , and the eternal God the glory of all your undertakings . We shall here conclude , and in the name of our fellow-Declarers in general , but more particularly in that of our fellow-fufferers for our Declaration , subscribe our selves , MY LORD , Your Excellencies most obedient Servants and faithful Friends , Canterbury , John Boys of Bonington . John Boys of Hode-Court . Feb. 28. 1659. A SPEECH penned by the Author , and intended to have been pronounced by him to the Sacred Majesty of our gracious Soveraign King CHARLES the Second , on that auspicious day of his Landing at Dover , being the 25. of May 1660. a day worthy to be inroll'd amongst our most solemn Festivals : but forasmuch as he was prevented therein by reason his Majesty made no stay at all in that Town , he doth here with all humility cast himself and these plain , but honest , lines at his royall feet . Most Gracious and Dread Soveraign . WHether we dream or wake we cannot easily define ; we have lived so long in darkness , and in the shadow of Death , that at the first glimps and dawning of the all-quickning raies of MAIESTY , we dare hardly give credit to the report of our sense , or over-hastily affirm that we see what indeed we behold . We arise , methinks , some of us , out of our wonted Dungeons and obscurities , as the Cadmaean Brethren were said to doe out of the earth ; here one thrusts forth a head , there another an arme ; here a third a half-body , and there a fourth a whole : But be it not to the same end , viz. to destroy one the other , as they did , that ( to our smart ) hath been acted , and over-acted ; but to destroy the Kings foreign enemies ; domestick now we hope he hath none : and to this let all the people say AMEN . Oh! how hath the miserable vessel of the Common-wealth been weather-beaten and shipwrack'd , during the long and irksome absence of your Sacred MAIESTY our proper and natural Pilot ? and had not the divine Providence in time plac'd you at the helm , it had either been swallowed up in the bottomless quick-sands of our own domestick confusions , or else dash'd against , and split upon the dangerous rocks of foreign Machinations . Wherefore thrice welcome , most illustrious Prince ; in peace take possession of your paternal Throne ; in a good and happy hour invest those royal robes , put on that Imperial Crown , and take in hand that Princely Scepter ; all which regal Ornaments are yours , not more from your hereditary right , then they are from your hereditary virtues , as the undoubted heir as well to the transcendencies as regalities of your unparallel'd Royal Father , of Princes , as of men the best ; and ( to say truth ) the common Parent of us all , as in whose death three Nations became Orphans , as well as the Royal Family , and for whose untimely fate three mighty people put on inward sables , as well as those of his own domestick relations . But we shall not dwell upon these sad remembrances ; our wound , though deep , is now perfectly healed ; and our tears , although once overflowing , are now quite dried up at the gratefull presence of your Gracious MAIESTY . We shall say no more , but conclude with our prayers to Almighty God , that your MAIESTY may live long , and reign over us in honour and glory ; that from your Princely loins may issue an uninterrupted race of Kings , to sit upon the Throne of your self and your royall Predecessors : and lastly , that when we can enjoy you here no longer , you may for this temporary and earthly Diadem receive an immarcescible Crown of glory in the world to come ; where you shall ( doubtess ) sit down by , and reign with your Royall Father , that gracious Prince , that holy Martyr , and now eternally blessed Saint in never-ending Beatitudes . AD SERENISSIMAM MAJESTATEM CAROLI SECUNDI , JOANNIS DE BOSCO , VIRGILIANI INTERPRETIS EPIGRAMMA . Si dives , Rex magne , esset mihi vena Marônis , Si foelix vatum principis ingenium , Ipse fores meus Aeneas , titulisque superbis Te ornarem , Herôi quos dedit ille suo . Had I , Great Monarch , Maro's divine spirit , Or did the Prince of Poets wit inherit , You should be my Aeneas , and what He His Heroe gave , to you ascrib'd should be . MOST HIGH AND MIGHTY PRINCE , by Your most humble and obscure , but withall most faithful and obedient Vassal John Boys . ERIPE ME POPULIS , ET HABENTI NUBILA TERRAE SANCTE PATER . — Val. Flacc. Argon . l. 1. To his worthily esteemed Friend , and learned Antiquary , Mr. William Somner , upon his Treasury of the Saxon tongue , intituled Dictionarium Saxonico-Latino-Anglicum . A SATYR . WHat mean'st thou , Man ? thinkst thou thy learned Page , And worthy pains will rellish with this age ? Think'st that thy Treasury of Saxon words Will be deem'd such amid'st unletter'd swords ? Boots it to know how our fore-fathers spoke E're Danish , Norman , or this present yoke Did gall our patient necks ? or matters it What Hengist utter'd , or how Horsa writ ? Last , think'st that we ( who have destroyd whate're Our Grandsires did ) will with their language bear ? That we ( who have all famous monuments Raz'd , and defeated thus all good intents Of former Piety ) will honour give To antique characters ? shall Paper live , And Ink ; when Brass and Marble can't withstand This Iron Ages violating hand ? Or that this title , Dictionarium Saxonico-Latino-Anglicum , Will sell thy book ? think'st that the Readers itch Of knowing much the Author will enrich ? Thy barbarous Saxon , with the Heathen Greek , And profane Latine , buyers may goe seek ; Together with the Hebrew , and the rest Which are the language of that Romish beast ; Our Mother-tongue well-nos'd , with a wry face , And eyes inverted , now hath chiefest grace . 'T is strange , but true ; our modern Rhetorick Both heals a Brother , and makes other sick . So that thy trade is out of fashion , friend , Loe ! ' gainst Antiquities we now contend : Our quarrel is against the former age ; ' Gainst our dead Fathers we dire warres doe wage . Hadst thou some Bible-dictionary made , A Concordance , or delt in such like trade ; Hadst thou some Gospel-truths ; some Common-place Presented to this fighting-preaching race ; Or to our Sword-Divines assistance lent By paraphrase , expounding , or comment , The Brethren would have been thy Readers ; now The Saints will not thy learned pains allow . Yet , be not thou discourag'd , worthy friend , Thy oyl and pains in vain thou dost not spend : All are not Fighters , nor all Preachers are ; All are not Saints , nor for the Cause declare ; All are not Godly , nor Reformers all ; Nor build up Christ by letting Churches fall : There yet are left some pious , sober , wise , Learned , discreet , who will thy Labours prize : Some Martyrs yet of truth , some who adore The Ages past , and present doe deplore ; Some who dare honest be , who learning love ; Fear not ; such will thine industry approve . O happy thou ! who dost thy self enjoy , Sequestred from the world , free from th' annoy Of blust'ring times ; thou dost securely sit , Enriching both thine own and others wit : Th' ambition of the Great ones , nor their fears Disturb thine honest quiet ; nothing scares Thee ' midst thy learned guard of books , where thou Happier then Princes mayst thy self avow ; Whose fates thou may'st with unconcern'd thoughts read , And so compare the Living with the Dead , Proceed , brave Soul , nor ( since the wicked rage Of profane hands , and a destroying age Threatens to ruine what Antiquity To us hath left ) let thy pen idle be : 'T is true , we of thy learned diligence Have had a * taste , which only wak'd our sense ; We doe a fuller meal expect from thee : Thou must not only whet , but satisfie Our craving Appetites . Doe thy self right , Doe us , the future times , more largely write , Nor to one Town confine thy straiter care ; Thy hand more ample ruines must repair : Lo ! the whole Kingdome calls thee ; in time save Its falling monuments ; them from the grave Rescue , that thy worth with the Ages crimes May be compar'd by the succeeding times . In eund . Distichon . Te Somno , Somnere , premi cui dicere fas est ? Testatur doctus te vigilare liber . Canter . Sept. 30. 1656. FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A95995-e520 * Stat. Theb. 12. * Ovid. Met. * Aeneid . 3. * Aeneid . 2. Notes for div A95995-e1140 a Translated the fourth . b Translated the second of the Aeneis . * A Poem written by Mr. Denham . * Juvenal Sat. 8. * Dela Cerda . Notes for div A95995-e2930 * Aeneas . * A Sea-phrase * Daedalus . * The Labyrinth . * Ariade , daughter to Minos . * Sibylla . * A name of Diana . * Si●ylla . * Aeneas . His prayer . * The Syrtes . * The Africa●s * Sibylla . His Vow . * Aeneas , * Anchiaes , * Dia●a . * Hercu●e● . * Aereas son to Anchisis . * Proserpine * Mesenus . * Venus . ☜ * Bractea , lamina . * Th : standers-by . * Aeneas . * Prose pin● , who by these incantations was raised . * Sibylla cries th●s to the Feinds , &c. * Sibylla . The Poets invocation . * Plu●s . * Furies . * Hydra . Sibylla . * Ch●ron . ☜ * Troy. Master of Aeneas his Ship. * Italy . * Anchises , Ascanius . * Venus . * Ghost . Hercules , who ●ound Cerberus A name of Pluto . * Cerberus . Pluto was U●cle to Fro●erpine , as well as Husband . * Cerberus , * Aeneas . * See the Comment . * Paros , is one of the Cyclades , famous for marble . Marpesus is a hill there ; so that Parian and Marpesiam are all one . * Dido's first Husband . * Aeneas . Deiphobus , son of Priam. * Helen . * Of Troys surviving . * Hymns in the praise of Bacchus . * Helen . Ironicè * Men●laüs , her first Husband . Ulysses Gra●d son of Aeolus . * See the Comment . * S●bylla , * Aeneas . * One of the Furies . * Diana , in hell called Hecate , in heaven Luna * Tisiphone . See the Comment . See the Comment * Salmoneus was King of Elis , a Province of Peloponnesus , whereof Pisa was the capitall City . * See the Comment . * Torus genialis , is properly the Bride-bed , and because this used to be richly adorned , geniall here is taken for rich , st●tely , or magui ficent . As did Sisyphus . * The punishment of Ixion . * Such were , for a time , the late Traitors , to whom this verse may well be appli'd : Ausi omnes immân : nefas ; ausoque polite . Virg. * Orpheus . * ( Poean ) the word here used by Virg. is a hymn in the praise of Apollo . * For thus Vates is to be rendred ; not Poers , ( as Mr. Ogilby hath done ) ●ee Servius , with whom the ●est of Virgils Interpreters agree . * Musaeus . ☜ * The words of Aeneas . * The Soul. * Mercury who was said with his Caduceus , or rod , both to drive souls to hell , and to bring them from thence . * The words of A●cht●es . See the Comment . * Lavinia . Se the Comment . See the Comment . * Numitor. ☞ See the Comment . * Hercules . * A Mountain in India . * Numa , born at Cures , a Village of the Sabines . * Julius Caesar . * Pompey ▪ * Caesar , who truly used his victory with much moderation , and clemency . * A name of Romulus . * To the other Marcellus . * See the Comment . * Marcellus . * Anchises . Aeneas arrived in Italy anno M●● d. 28●● . Cumae was built an . Mun. 2953. Simps . Chron. * We speak according to the opinion of the Peripa●●icks . 1. Sibylla Persica . 2. Delphica . 3. Cumaea . 4. Erythraea . 5 Samia . 6. Cumâna . 7 Hell●spontiaca 8. Libyca . 9. Phrygia . 10. Tibu ●ina . The Story of P●sip●a● and 〈◊〉 us , &c. Sil Ita. Lic . l. 12. * Daedalus . The story of Androgeos and the Athenians . The Labyrinth Apollo's Temple , & Sibylla's Grot. * Apollo . Ludi Apollinares . Sibylla Cumâna Servius indeed makes the coin to be Philyppei , i. Phillppines ; so called from Philip. King of Macedon , but improperly ; for Philip was 150 years younger then Tarquin . Who come to enquire of the Oracle . Orpheus . Castor and Pollux . Hell. The golden Bough . The letter Y. Augurium pullarium . O● the Roman Fune●als . 1 Annibal . [ 2 ] The death of P. Aemilius . * Pliny . Misenus . The Lake of Avernus . The manner of sacrificing to the infernall powers . Centau●s . Scylla . Briareus . Hydra . C●imae●a Gorgons . Harpyes . Geryon . * The Ancients divided the World into 3. parts , viz. Europe , Asia , and Africa 〈◊〉 our Moderns have added a fourth , v●z . America . vi . * Morning , Noon and Night . The Rivers of Hell. Acheron . Cocytus . Styx . Phlegeton . Lethe . Charon . Cenotaphium ▪ Palinurus . Cerberus . Theseus & Pirithous . Ceres . Proserpina . * Pluto and Proserpine . * Theseus , the person here speaking . Cerberus . The Regions of Hell. Against Self-murder . Of Lovers . Phaedra . Procris . E●ip●yle . Evadne . La●damîa . Caenis . The Region of Warrior . Tydeus . Parthenop●eus . Ad●aqstus . Deipho●us . The Judges of Hell. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or lex talionis : * Aeacus , Father of Peleus , who married Thetis , and on her be got Achilles , who from his Grandsire Aeacus was called Aea●●des ; so that by Thetidis socer Thetis her Father in law Aeacus is understood . The Futies . The Titans . The Aloïdes . Salmôneus . Tityus . Pirithous . Ixîon . The Lapith● . Democles . The Elysium . C●asia is by Gerard taken to be the same with Laven●ula or Lavender , as it is by Dela Cerda : Ecclog . ● . Mus●●us . The transmigration of Souls . * Mr. Sandys . * Druidibus . The Creation of things . Of the nature of the soul . O● Purgatory . A Summarie of the Roman History from Aeneas his death , and the Alban Kings , to Augustus his time , being about 1100 years . * Aenead . lib. 7. The Alban Lings . Militarie Crowns . Romulus . Cybele . Augustus Caesar . Numa Pompilius . Tullus Hostilius Ancus Martius . Lucius Tarquinius Priscus . Servius Tullius Tarquinius Superbus . Brutus and Tarquin . The 3. Dec●i . Decius the Son. A military Devotion . Decius the Grandson . The Drusi . Tit. Manlius . * Viz. from Manlius Capitolinus . Furius Camillus Caesar & Pompey . L. Mumm●us . M. Cato . * A. Gellius makes Marcus , the other Brother , to be Father to Cato uticen . l. 13. c. 18. Haustus sanè calidus , sed gloriae plenus , & plusquam faemineus : Val. Max. Cornel●●● Cossus The Gracchi . The Sc●pio's . Caius Fabricius Luscinus . Serranus . Serranus . The Fabii . Th● Ma●celli . The two gates of Hell. Notes for div A95995-e83640 * This clause , according to the then state of things was inserted , out of a strong presumption , that by their means a legal Parliament , the Peoples true Representative , would in convenient time be assembled . The Author , though diligently searchd for , made his escape . * The Antiquities of Canterbury , &c. A14487 ---- The XII Aeneids of Virgil, the most renowned laureat-prince of Latine-poets; translated into English deca-syllables, by Iohn Vicars. 1632 Aeneis. English Virgil. 1632 Approx. 761 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 220 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A14487 STC 24809 ESTC S111557 99846870 99846870 11865 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A14487) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 11865) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1043:10) The XII Aeneids of Virgil, the most renowned laureat-prince of Latine-poets; translated into English deca-syllables, by Iohn Vicars. 1632 Aeneis. English Virgil. Vicars, John, 1579 or 80-1652. I. P., fl. 1632, engraver. [18], 418, [4] p. Printed by T. Buck and] are to be sold by Ni: Alsop at the Angell in Popes head ally [, London, [Cambridge : 1632] A translation of: Aeneid. In verse. Printer's name from STC. The title page is engraved and signed: IP. The first leaf and 2E2 are blank. With final errata leaf. Variant: lacking this leaf. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng 2003-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-12 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-01 Olivia Bottum Sampled and proofread 2004-01 Olivia Bottum Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion The XII Aeneids of Virgil , the most renowned Laureat-Prince of Latine-Poets ; Translated into English deca-syllables , By Iohn Vicars . 1632. Are to be sold by Ni : Alsop at the Angell in Popes head ally . TO THE RIGHT HONOUrable and thrice noble , the Lord George , the Lord Io●n , and the Lord Bernhard Stewart , sonnes of the gracious and illustrious princesse Katharine , Dutches of Lenox , Iohn Vicars wisheth all increase of true noblenesse and honour here , and eternall happinesse in heaven hereafter . RIGHT HONOURABLE , THe boundlesse bond of sincere gratitude , For savours multitude and magnitude , My self and second doth so firmly tie To you and your illustrious familie , That what I can or do , or speak , or write , Comes short of your demerits infinite . Yet that I be not totally ingrate , At least ( at last ) in minde to memorate , What I and mine to you and yours do owe , I long have longed , fitly forth to show . And thus at length my hopes being happifi'de , And kinde occasion caught , as soon as spi'de ; My humble hand and thankfull heart accords , To you thrice noble and illustrious Lords , To dedicate and consec●ate , as due , My self , my service , and my all to you . In this translated prince of poets rare , Disrobed thus from 's Latine vestures faire , Into a home-spun english gray-coat plain , It s vitall warmth , not worth , safe to maintain : Yet in its self a princely poem sweet , For your true princely patronage most meet ; Not for my manner , but its matters sake , Wherein much various pleasure you may take . Fully and fairely to affect and fit Your pregnant promising , faire sprouting wit , And cedar-like high growing noblenesse , In learning , vertue , grace and godlinesse . O as your yeares , so may these in you flourish , Your king t' affect , the church and state to nourish ! So faire paire-royall of young nobles high , Here to adorn , in heaven to glorifie . Thus from his heart ( best part ) most humbly prayes He , who in him and his doth rest alwayes Your honours most humbly devoted servant , JOHN VICARS . TO THE COURTEOUS not curious Reader . THou hast here ( courteous and candide reader ) the weak issue of my many nocturnall travells ; a work fitter ( I confesse ) for one of Apolloes elder bay-browed sonnes : But thus you see , it hath ple●sed Vrania to make choice of one of the meanest and most unworthie younger brethren of Parnassus . In which my ( though poore , yet painfull ) travell , I must intreat thee , kinde reader , to take notice of two things touching the translation ; namely the motives thereunto , and the manner thereof . The motives , whereby I first undertook this task , were first , the instigation and in●itement thereunto , by a no lesse learned then loving friend . Secondly and especially the common good and publick utility , which I hoped might accrew to young schollars and grammaticall Tyroes . The manner , wherein I have aimed at these three things , Perspicuity of the matter , fidelity to the authour , and facility or smoothnes to recreate thee my reader . Now if any criticall or curious wit tax me with a Frastrà fit per plura , &c. and blame my not curious confinement to my authour line for line ; I answer , ( and I hope this answer will satisfie the moderate and ingenuous ) that though peradventure I could ( as in my Babels Balme I have done throughout that whole translation ) yet in regard of the loftie majestie and gravity of this my authours stile , I would not adventure so to pinch in his spirits , as to make him seem to walk like a livelesse ghost . But thinking on that of Horace , Brevis esse laboro , obscu●us fio , I presumed ( yet still having an eye to the genuine sense as I was able ) to expatiate with poeticall liberty , where necessi●y of matter and phrase enforced . And so much the rather , being backt with so good a warrant therein , as the authority and direction of the foresaid au●hour in his Arte Poetica : whose words runne thus ; Publica materies privati juris erit , ●i Nec circa vilem patulúmque moraberis orbem ; Nec verbum verbo curabis reddere fidus Interpres , &c. If then ( gentle and ingenuous reader ) these my poore endeavours may either prodesse , or delectare ▪ then give God the praise , his due deser● , my true d●sire ▪ But if thou canst find● neither of either , but canst finde in thy heart to finde fault withall , then I say to thee , or rather Martiall in his Epigrams for me , Carpere vel noli no●●●a , vel ede tua . Thine JOHN VICARS . ❧ THE LIFE OF VIRGIL , written by Tiberius Claudius Donatus , as Servius in his commentarie upon Virgil relates it . PUblius Virgilius Maro was ( as antiquity testifies ) born of mean parentage , especially on the fathers side , whose name was Maro , who , as some say , was by profession a potter . He was ( as many suppose ) at first , servant to a certain wandring wizard or southsayer ; and by his sedulous industrie in ru●ick affaires , husbandrie , keeping of catt●ll , working in woods , and tending of bees , raised up his mas●●rs small means to a good estate , and afterwards marrying his daughter , became his masters sonne in law . He was born the 15. day of October in a countrey village called Andes , neare Mantua , in the yeare of the consulship of Cneins Pompey the great , and Marcus Licinius Crastus , and was a citizen of Mantua , as saith Servius M●urus Honoratus , a learned Grammarian . His m●ther Ma●a , being great with childe of him , dreamed that she was delivered of a 〈◊〉 branch , which being set in the ground , grew up immediately into a great spreading tree , fairely fraught with variety of fruit and fr●grant flowers : And the next day she and her husband walking into the next neighbouring countrey , she stepping aside , was delivered of him in a ditch . It is said , that being born , he never cried ; but was of such a sweet and amiable countenance , that he gave great hope of a m●st flourishing future condition . His infancie , till the age of about seven yeares , was spent in Cremona . From Crem●na he went into Millain , and from th●nce shortly after passed over into Naples , where with great indu●●rie and utilitie studying the Greek and Latine ●ongues , he addicted himself principally and most seriously to the studie of Physick , and of the Mathematicks , and in both exceeded all others of his time , insomuch that he planted himself in Rome ; where falling into f●miliaritie and acquaintance with the master of the horse to Augustus the emperour , he cured many of his horses diseases , who rewarded him with a dayly allowance of bread , as to the rest of the officers of his stable . Afterward the Cretonians presented to the emperour a gallant colt , which in the opinion of all the beholders was like to prove a nagge of rare spirit and pace : but when Virgil saw him , he told the master of the horse that it was bred of a very faultie mare , and would prove neither quick spirited nor nimble paced : which afterward fell out so indeed . Which the master of the horse relating to Augustus , he commanded that Virgils allowance of bread should be dayly doubled . Again , certain hounds being sent as a present out of Spain to the emperour , Virgil told both of what kinde they came , and how they would prove dogs of admirable use and swiftnes : which also being made known to Augustus Cesar , he again gave order that his allowance of bread should be re-doubled . Shortly after , Augustus growing doubtfull of himself whether Octavi●s were his father , and perswaded that Virgil , who so well knew the nature and kinde of hounds and horses , could also resolve this doubt , separating all other companie , and retiring into a private room , he taks Virgil with him , and askes him alone , whether he knew who he was , and what power h● had to make men honourable and happie . Whereunto he answered , I know that thou art Augustus Cesar , and that thou hast power almost equall to the immortall Gods , and that thou can●t happifie whomsoever thou pleasest . Surely , said Cesar , I have now a minde and purpose to make thee most happie and honourable , if th●u canst give a full answer to my request unto thee . Sir , sayes Virgil , I wish it were in my power to tell you the certainty of whatsoever your majesty could demaund of me . Some men ( sayes Cesar ) think that Octavius was my father , others think some body else : Whereunto Virgill with a smile , thus replied , Sacred sir , if I may freely and with●ut offence answer your majesties demaund , I am perswaded I shall easily resolve this doubt . Cesar hereupon assured him with an oath , that whatsoever he spake he would not take it amisse , and that withall , he would not leave him unrewarded . Now then Virgil fixing his eyes seriously on the emperours face , said ; It is easie in other creatures ( by rules of philosophie and the mathematicks ) to discern the qualities and conditions of their prog●●itours and parents , but in man it is not so easie a matter ; yet as touching your sacred majestie , I am able to make some probable conjecture what profession your father was of . Hereat Cesar began to li●ten the more attentively what he would say . Then sayes Virgil ; So farre forth as I can collect and understand , thou wast a bakers sonne . The emperour hereat amazed , presently began to wonder within himself how that could be . But Virgil instantly interrupting his thoughts , said ; Hearken sir , I beseech you , on what ground I build this my opinion : Your majestie knows , that when I formerly foretold diverse things which could not be seen into nor foreshown , but by men of great learning and understanding , that your majestie the great monarch of the world again and again rewarded me with a lot and allowance of bread , which surely is the propertie eith●r of a baker or a bakers sonne . This facetious conceit pleased the emperour wondrous well : who thereupon said unto him , Thou shalt now be no more rewarded by a baker , but by a munifice●t and magnificent king : and ever after the emperour highly esteemed him and commended him to Pollio . He was big of body , and tall of stature , of a shallow complexion , hard favoured and of a sickly constitution , a moderate drinker , and of a spare diet . It is reported that he was given to the filthie and lu●●full love of boyes , but the honestest sort of men of his dayes were perswaded he loved them no otherwise then as Socrates loved Alcibiades , and Plato his schollars : and that above all other he loved Cebetes and Alexander best , whom in the second Eclog of hi● Bucoiicks he termed Alexis , whom Asinius Pollio gave unto him . And it is reported also that he kept Plotia Hieria , but Asconius Pedianus affirms the contrarie from Virgils own s●rious d●niall thereof . In all other demeanours of his life he was both in speech and conversation so honest and upright , that throughout all Naples he was called Virginity ; and if at any time ( as that was but seldome ) he walked the streets of Rome , and observed himself to be noted and followed by any in the streets , he would retire himself immediately into the next house he came unto . He in his moderation of riches refused the goods and estate of a banished man , which Augustus Cesar profered to him ; having a good competent estate of his own , and a house in Rome in the Exsquiliae neare Mecoenas his gardens . He used much , and most frequently , to retire himself into Campania and Sicil. In any request to Cesar he never had deniall . He was annually helpfull to his parents in great measure , who died when he was himself grown to a ripe age ; his father being blinde ere he died . His two brethren Silo and Flaccus being dead , he bewailed under the name of Daphnis . Melissus reports , that he was slow of tongue and sparing of speech , as if he hadbeen a very ignorant and illiterate man. When he fir●t addicted himself to poetry , he made this distich upon one Balista a master of fence , who f●r report of robberies was covered with a heap of stones : Monte sub hoc lapidum tegitur Balista sepultus ; Nocte , die tutum carpe , viator , iter . This heap of ●●ones , Balista's corps interre ; Then night or day passe safely , passenger . After this he wrote Moretum , Priapus , Epigrams , Dirae , Culex , and other Poems , when he was but about sixteen yeares of age . He wrote Aetna also : and after that , writing of Romane affairs , yet misliking the sharpnes and rigidnes of the matter and names thereof , he fell upon his Bucolicks : especially to celebrate the names of Asinius Pollio , Alphenus Varius , and Cornelius Gallus his great friends . Afterward he wrote his Georgi●ks in honour of Mecoenas . Last of all , he t●ok these Aeneïds in hand , a work of a various and multifarious argument , and in a manner , resembling both Homers works . When he wrote the Georgicks , it is reported , that every morning he was accustomed to write a certain number of verses , which he would all the day long overlook and so abridge , and refine them into a f●w , that it might not be unfitly said , that he brought forth verses ursino more , as the female-be●re doth her young , bringing them into due form by licking . This his work called the Aeneïds , he wrote first in twelve books in prose ( as some think ) and afterward digested it into verse ; and some think , that had he lived he would have enlarged it unto twentie foure books , even unto the time of Augustus . Of his Aeneïds ( scarcely yet begun ) there was spread such a fame , that Sextus Propertius doubted not thus to write of them ; Cedite Romani scriptores , cedite Graii ; Nesciò quid majus nascitur Iliade . Give place , give place Greeks , Romane writers wise ; Some worthi●r work then Ilias now doth rise . When Augustus Cesar , who by chance was absent from the Cantabrick expedition , requested Virgil , partly by intreating , partly by merrily m●nacing letters , to send him , if it were but a very little , or ( as his own words are ) some one perfect sentence of his Aeneids , he refused it : but afterward , when it was fully perfected , he recited to him three of the books , namely the second , the fourth , and the sixth , and this especially for Octavia's sake , who being there present at the recitall of those verses of her sonne , Tu Marcellus eris &c. Thou shalt Marcellus be , it is reported she fell into a swound with sorrow : and being with much adoe recovered , she commanded that Virgil should have to the value of five pound for every verse . He read his book also to diverse , but not often , and those places onely , whereof he made any scruple or doubt ; thereby to heare mens judgements of them . He fully perused his Bucolicks and Georgicks : and when he was about 52 yeares old , with a desire to finish his Aeneids , he resolved to have withdrawn himself into Greece and Asia , and there to have spent three whole yeares in correcti●g and perusing it , that he might bestow the remainder of his dayes onely in the studie of Philosop●ie . But being in his journey , at Athens he met Augustus returning out of the East-countreys towards Rome ; whereupon he purposed to have returned home again with the emperour : but travelling to Megara , a town neare Athens , onely to see it , he took a sicknesse there , which with continuall travell by sea so increased till he came to Brundusium , that within few dayes after he there died , on the 22 of Septemb. Cneius Plautius and Quintus Lucretus being Consuls . When he felt himself sick unto the death , he called often and very earnestly for his desk , that he might burn his Aeneids : which being denyed him , he notwithstanding ▪ ordered by his last will and testament , that it should be burned , as a work both faultie and imperf●ct . But Tucca and Varrus told him that Augustus would by no means suffer it . Whereupon he bequeathed that work and his other writings to Varius and Tucca , upon this condition , that they should set forth nothing but that which he would have set forth ; and such verses as were imperfect , to leave so still . He desired that his bones should be translated to Naples , where he had lived long and merrily ; which at Cesars command was accordingly performed , and he buried in the way to Puteoli . Vpon his tombe , at the second stone was engraven this distick , made by himself , Mantua me genuit , Calabri repuêre ; tenet nunc Parthenope ; Cecini pascua , rura , duces . Mantua gave life , Calabria death , a grave Parthenop : I sang fields , lands , captains brave . Plotius Tucca after Virgils decease ( as he had requested ) at Cesars command , corrected the Aeneids ; for no man judged them to be burnt ; whereof these verses of Suspitius the Carthaginian , are extant . Jusserat haec rapidis aboleri carmina flammis Virgilius , Phrygium quae cecinere ducem . Tucca vetat , Variusque simul : tu maxime Caesar , Non sinis ; & Latiae consulis historiae . Infelix gemino cecidit propè Pergamos igni , Et penè est alio Troia cremata rogo . Virgil these verses vow'd to fires fierce flame , Which sweetly sang the Trojan princes fame . But Tucca , Varius , Cesar , to his glorie , The fact forbad , preserv'd th' Italian stori● . Vnhappie Troy , twice ( neare ) with fire consum'd ; Neare Pergame perisht had , to fire twice doom'd . There are extant also many other and most excellent verses written by Augustus Cesar himself , to the same effect : which begin thus ; Ergóne supremis potuit vox improba verbis Tam dirum mandare nefas ? Ergò ibit in ignes , Magnáque doctiloqui morietur Musa Maronis ? And must so vile a voice of last-will stand , And such a foule nefarious fact command ? Must Maro's marrow of pure poëtrie , Most learned lines in furious fire so frie ? And a little after ; Sed legum servanda fides ; suprema voluntas Quod mand at fieríque jubet , parere necesse est . Frangatur potiùs legum veneranda potestas , Quàm tot congestos noctésque diésque labores Hauserit una dies , &c. But law , and what last-will doth will , must stand , And that must be obey'd which laws command : Nay rather we 'le infringe laws awfull power , Then such rare nights and dayes toiles in one houre Suffer to suffer shipwrack , &c. Pedianus reporteth , that Virgil was very courteous , and a lover of all good and learned men , and so unspotted with the foot of envie , that if he heard or saw any thing wittily or worthily said or done by any others , he as much rejoyced therein , as if it had been his own : That he used not to dispraise any man , but ever praised good men ; and that he was so courteous and affable , that there was none ( except he were most rudely and barbarously inclined ) but both much favoured , and most ardently affected him . He seemed utterly unglued from strict meum and tu●m ; for his librarie stood still as open to the schollars , as to himself , and oftentimes used that old adage of Euripides , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Communia amicorum esse omnia , All things are common among friends . And therefore he so lovingly respected all the poëts of his time , that when they were emulously and enviously jarring and snarling at o●e another , yet they all with an unanime consent ever loved and reverenced him , as Tucca , Varius , Horace , Gallus , and Propertius . He so much despised glorie , that when some had ascribed and arrogated to themselves certain of his verses , and were therefore had in the greater reputation for their learning , he not onely shewed himself no way discontented therewith , but much rejoyced at it . For when once he made a couple of v●rses containing the praise and prosperitie of Cesars emperie , which were set upon the gates without name , ( these were the verses ; Nocte pluit tota , redeunt spectacula mane , Divisum imperium cum Iove Caesar habet . All night it rains , next morn sights glut the eye : Cesar with Jove hath equall emperie . ) Cesar having made enquirie for the authour of them , yet could not know him , at length Bathyllus a certain plain poët ( when none would father them ) took upon him to be the authour of them ; and was therefore both well rewarded and much respected by Cesar. But Virgil not taking this very well , set upon the same gates , this begining of his conceit fouretimes , Sic vos , non vobis , which Augustus Cesar would have had made up : but when many had fruitlessely e●deavoured it , Virgil himself rep●yed thus to the foresaid distich : Hos ego versiculos feci , tulit alter honores . Sic vos non vobis nidificatis , aves : Sic vos non vobis vellera fertis , oves : Sic vos non vobis mellificatis , apes : Sic vos non vobis fertis aratra , boves . These verses I did make , Others my palm did take . So you not for you , birds , build nests in trees : So you not for you , sheep , wooll-fleeces beare : So you not for you gather honey , bees : So you not for you , beeves , plow-yokes do weare . This thus known , Bathyllus was for a long time an occasion of jest and laughter to the whole citie of Rome . Once Virgil having in his hand the works of Ennius , and being demanded by one , what he did with them , he answered , that he gathered gold out of Ennius his dung : for that author expressed worthy sentences and matter under homely words and phrases . Augustus Cesar asking him how a citie might be best governed , he answered , If the wisest men were placed at the helm of government , and good men authorized to over-rule the bad ; and that thus men of desert might have their due honour , and men of mean condition not oppressed w●th injurie . Mecoenas also asking him what it is that procures least loathsomenesse and tediousnesse to a man , he answered , The multitude and similitude of all things offends every mans appetite and affection , except of understanding . Mecoenas asked him again , how a man might conserve from ruine a faire and flourishing estate ? To whom Virgil answered , If he excell others as much in liberalitie and goodnesse , as in riches and in honour . He was accustomed to say , that none of all the vertues was more laudable or more profitable for a man then patience ; and that no estate or fortune could be so terrible or untoothsome , but that a wise man by discreet sufferance might overcome it . Which he excelently urgeth in the fifth of his Aeneïds , thus ; Nate Dea , quà fata trahunt , retrahúntque , sequamur ; Quicquid erit , superanda omnis fortuna ferendo est . Fair● Goddesse sonne , let 's follow fates where s●ere ; Worst state or fate by bearing let 's o'rebeare . There are many other worthy and memorable things written by this authour , of this our poet , and his other excellent works ; which , partly to avoid prolixitie , partly also as not being peculiarly pertinent to this work , I have of purpose pretermitted , and referre the reader , for farther satisfaction ( if he require it ) to Donatus himself in Servius his Commentarie upon that our Prince of Poëts , Virgil. TO MY GOOD COUSEN Mr IOHN VICARS . GOod cousen , as farre forth as my other serious studies would give leave , I have read your Virgils Aeneïds translated into english decasyllables . Wherein ( that I may be just , and give you your due ) I know not whether you have performed better the part of a good poët or of a good interpreter . In my judgement , I will speak it without feare or flatterie ( quorum causas procùl habeo ) your great pains in transplanting this worthiest of latine poets , into a mellow & neat english soile ( a thing not done before ) deserveth great applause and good acceptance of all scholars , both such as are under the ferula in Grammar schools , and such as have their brows bedect with laurell in the Universities . If I were of a perfect wit , or a poët but of an inferiour alloy , I would have sent you some verses as an encomiastick : but I must not mount above my sphere , nor step beyond my last . Invida me spatiis natura coercuit arctis , Ingenii vires exiguásque dedit . Nature , a shallow wit in narrow brains That pent , forbids me all poëtick strains . And therefore in plain prose I bid you heartily well to fare , and shall ever rest Your assured loving cousen Thomas Vicars . B.D. Ox. TO HIS WORTHY FRIEND Mr IOHN VICARS . WHy dost thou ( Maro ) doom unto the fire Those loftie raptures , which all times admire , Hugging thy genius ? Ah , unhappie verse ! Must thou needs burn ? No ; Caesar doth reverse That fatall verdict ; fitter farre to be In this , thy sire , than who gave life to thee . Let reverend sway and awfull majestie Of laws , before those high-flown poems die , Cries great Augustus : So , who ever reads Thy lines ( thou best interpreter ) must needs Cry , Live for ever such smooth strains as make The world to doubt , whether fam'd Maro spake The Brittish or the Romane language , best : How-ere , in one , then ; now in both he 's blest . Who scans , shall freely tell , Rome owes not more To his , then fairest Albion to thy store . Idem ad eundem . The soule ( Pythagoras did teach ) doth go From body unto body ; and if so , The paradox may passe . Who reads will sweare The Romane Maro's soule inspired were Into thy breast ; so smooth and sweet thy strains , So high thy language , full of sweat thy pains . Thomas Drant , M. A. Ca●● . TO THE LEARNED TRANSlatour of VIRGILS AENEIDS . LOftie was Maroes muse , feather'd his pen , Which rais'd so high the acts of Gods & men . Yet that but hover'd on the Romane sphere : Thine soares , as chanting , in the Brittish aire . The storie great , in both the lustre cleare . There shines the sunne , but the reflection here . What dayes were those , when Attick streams did swell Higher at Rome , then at the Thespian well ? What dayes , said I ? why 't was Augustus reigne , When arts and arms advanc'd in equall train : When fate was acting fame : and then 't was meet That such a poët such a prince should greet . But change the times : Is not the state as free ? Doth art or nature faint in pedegree ? No , pearch Romes eagles now , the quills are gone From them to us , and so the conquest won . Tongues have their severall orbs ; that spangles bright , Whose flame is native , not a borrowed light . So spangled Homers , Maroes so : so thine With rayes embellisht splendid and divine . The author's crown'd before with Romane bayes , Then rob not the translatour of his praise . A matchlesse piece of such exact a frame Will envy hush , and criticisme shame . On then , if poëtrie pythagorize , Virgil in Vicars sacred breast survives . W. Sq. THE ARGUMENT of the first Book . A man for valour , vertue , rare , Aeneas , prest with woe and care , By angry Iuno's unjust spight , To Italie taking his flight Through rocky rough Sicilian seas , At last in Libya found great ease . Where wandring with Achates kinde , By mothers guide themselves they finde I' th' kingdome of Elisa queen . Then closed in a cloud unseen , Aeneas to the citie bound , There his lost ships and fellows found . Whom Dido kindely entertains , And of Troyes wrack to tell constrains . I Who on slender oat-pipes once did sing My songs , and leaving leavy woods did bring Each neighbouring field to yeeld obedient gains ( A countrey welcome-work ) to greedy swains : But now I sing fierce warres , and that brave knight Who forc'd from Troy , came first by fatall might To Latium and Lavine , tost to and fro By angry Gods , with lands and seas much woe , And jangling Iuno's old remembred frown , Much warre-woe felt he ere he built his town , Or into Italie his Gods could bring , Whence Albane peeres , and royall Rome did spring . Shew me , my Muse , why angry destinie , Or why the queen of Gods implacably Should force this pious prince such straits to see , Such woes to feel : Can Gods thus angry be ? There is an ancient town , Carthage by name , By Tyrians built , and o're against the same Stands Italie , and Tybers mouth most wide , For wealth and feats of arms of peerelesse pride : Which onely Iuno held then all more deare , Even before Samo's self . Her armour here , Here was her chariot : This the imperiall throne ( If fates were pleas'd ) she mindes , maintains alone . O but she heard a Trojan plant would spring , Which once t' her Tyrian towres would ruine bring : That hence a potent people would arise , By Libya's losse : so pleas'd the destinies . She fearing this , and mindefull of th' old broile , Whereby for her deare Greeks she Troy did spoile : Nor had she yet quite quencht old angers flame , Forgot fierce griefs : to fresh remembrance came , Her beautie scorn'd , by Paris judgement base ; That hatefull stock stole Ganymeds great grace : For these , all these , great Iuno all-displeas'd , The Trojans poore by tossing waves diseas'd , ( Of Greeks and fierce Achilles the remains ) Enforced farre from her Italian planes , Long times through seas by fates they driven were : So hard it was Romes empire up to reare . Scarce had they cheerly from faire Sicils fight Hoist sails , and plowd the foamy waves outright , When Iuno , stuft with ancient imbred ire , Sayes thus ; Must I vanquisht vail my desire ? Can I not keep Troyes king from Italy ? Cause fates forbid : Could Pallas potently Fire all the Grecian fleet , the Greeks all drown For one mans fault , even Ajax mad love known ? Ioves nimble lightning she from heaven soon darted , The waves wound up , the ships disperst and parted : And him himself , heart wounded , spuing fire , With whirlewindes dasht on rocks she made expire : But I the queen of Gods , sister and wife To mighty Iove , have many yeares had strife With one poore nation : who 'le henceforth adore Great Iunoes Godhead , or her aid implore ? This Goddesse thus pumps forth her fierie spite , And to Aeolia swiftly takes her flight To Winde-land , full of furious Southern blasts : Where Aeolus their king most fiercely casts The blustring winds and tempests turbulent , Into vast caves , as slaves in prison pent . They rumbling make huge noise i' th' hollow pits , Where Aeolus enthron'd with scepter sits , And tames their tumults , over-rules their rage , Which if he should not powerfully asswage , Swiftly they 'd sweep both heaven , earth , seas , and all , And whisk them through the aire without recall . But mighty Iove kept them in dungeons black , ( This fearing ) and main mounts laid on their back : Gave them a king , who being charg'd , should see To curb or loose the reins , by firm decree . To whom now gentle Iuno humbly said ; Great Aeolus , ( for so great Iove thee made , Potent to still the waves , to stirre the winde ) On Tyrrhean seas do sail my foes unkinde , Troy into Italie ( in hopes ) transporting , Their petty conquered Gods with them consorting . Strike strength into thy windes , their ships all scatter , Or drown , or on rocks , sands , their bodies batter . Foureteen faire lovely lively Nymphs I have , Of whom the rarest for her beautie brave , My Deïopeia , thy faire bride shall be , And in firm wedlock wedded unto thee , In lew of all thy love , eternally : Making thee ●ire of sweet posteritie . To whom thus Aeolus ; Great queen , but say : For what you bid I 'm bound straight to obey . By you I have this kingdome , whatsoe're , By you my scepter and Ioves favour deare I do enjoy , and with the Gods do feast , O're windes and storms by you's my power increast . This was no sooner said , but straight he stroke His speare into th' hills side ; forth , forth with broke Huge blustring windes , as all in uproare rais'd , Through that small postern , making earth amaz'd . Then nestling on the sea , they rouse the waves Quite topsie turvie , East , South-east , outbraves : Yea , stormie Africk puffs upon the ocean , Making flouds flow to shore with strange commotion . Hence follow , straight , mens shreeks , and creaks of cable , Storm clouds from Trojans sight ; day-light disable Claps up the sunne : black night the sea hugs o're , And all the heavens sound with Ioves thunder roare : With thick quick lightning flashes th' aire 's repleat , And all things present death to th' Trojans threat . Forthwith Aeneas joynts with chilling feare Benum'd , he sighs , and 's hands to heaven doth reare , Venting these sad events ; Blest , oh thrice blest Were they , whom 'fore friends face , home death gave rest . O Greeks great Diomedes , tell me why , Why by thy hands in Troyes camps died not I ? Where by Achilles blade Sarpedon stout , And our warre-wondrous Hector with death fought . Where swift Simois did ingurgitate Helms , shields , and valiant corps inanima●e . Whiles thus he spake , a whistling N●r hern puff Whiffs up the waves , gives his sails such a cuff , As brake their wingy oares , turn'd the foredeck , And layes the ships broad side to th' b●llows check . Then follows , flows , a mountanous burst wave , These , turret like , on flouds tops station have ; Those , 'twixt two gaping seas seem sunk to th'ground , Whom boyling , fomie , frothy flouds surround . A Southern blast three 'gainst hard high rocks mall'd , ( Rocks which i' th' deep Italians Altars call'd ; Huge swell'd up heaps amidst the sea : ) and three East winde on shallows cast ( wofull to see ) And dasht on foards , engulft in thick quicksands : One which Or●ntes held , and Lycian bands , Was sorely shaken by a furious wave , Even in his sight , which the ship-master drave Headlong o're board : The ship it self at last , Thrice whirling round , was on a whirlepool cast , And so devour'd : Men , riches , writings , arms , Were here and there seen floating ( helples harms ) Above the waves , Ilion's and stout Achates , Brave barks , and that of Abas , old Alethes : All these the storm had torn ; all leakt full sore , And at the leak suckt dangerous draughts in store . Neptune meanwhile sees the seas huge commotion , Foule winter weather overspread his ocean , Waves upside down o'return'd : highly offended , With a calm countenance the main ascended : Looking about , sees all Aeneas fleet Disperst , his Trojans nought but wave-woes meet , Heavens hot combustion : Iunoes rage and guile Not being to her brother hid the while : East and West windes to him he call'd , and said ; Proud windes , hath your high stock so stout you made ? Thus heaven and earth without me to molest ? To dare , my streams with such fierce flouds t'infest ? Whom I : but first 't is best the storm to stay : Then with unpattern'd plagues your pride I 'le pay . Be packing quick , and tell your king from me , The three-tooth'd scepter , and seas soveraigntie , Are mine , not his : let him his hard rocks hold , Your dens , puft windes : let Aeolus be bold In that his craggy court to rule and reigne , His windes in that close prison to contain . This said , he swiftly swag'd the swelling streams , Dispell'd the cloddy clouds , clear'd Sols bright beams . Cymoth and Triton strenuously do strive The ships securely from hard rocks to drive . Neptune's self nimbly with his trident mace , Helps from the sands and seas all feares to chase , And o're the seas surface his chariot glides . And like as when sedition rudely rides Amongst th' ignoble madhead vulgar hindes , Then sticks and stones flie thick ; wrath weapons findes : But if some grave great man they haply spie , Straight they stand husht , listning attentively : Whose words their wills reform , their rage appease : So at great Neptunes sight all sea-storms cease : And being ceast , in 's chariot cheerefully He turns his steeds , gives reins , to heaven doth hie . The tired Trojans now seek the next strand , And soon arrived on faire Libya's land . There is a place in a long creek , where th' ile , By cast-up banks doth a safe haven compile , Broke from the main , whence doth the stream divide Into safe creeks : here , there huge rocks reside : Two chiefly , whose high tops seem heaven to threat , Under whose hieght the sea makes still retreat . A shade there is with beauteous boughs o're head , Made by a well-grown wood , with leaves outspread : Under the hanging boughs a rocky cave , Wherein fresh waters were , and seats most brave , Of art-like stone , the wood-nymphs habitation ; Where yet no fangy anchor made ship-station . Hither Aeneas seven of 's barks had brought Of all his fleet ; and now to shore ( long sought , And by his Trojans ardently desired ) They came , and rest their faint limbes quite sea-tired . And first Achates from a flint strikes fire , Leaves were for tinder ; and , more strength t' acquire , Drie fuell added , kindles to a blaze . Then , hungrie , baking instruments they raise , And fit their sea-harm'd corn and balace grain To grinde and bake , their lost strength to regain . Meanewhile Aeneas an high clift ascended , And the vast sea in 's sight farre comprehended , To see if he could spie Antheus stout , Or Trojan galleys weather-driven about , Capys or Caicus flags . No ship he ey'd , But three tall stragling stags on shore he spide : The whole herd following fed upon the strand . Here he stood still , wi●h bow and shafts in 's hand , Which his most kinde Achates for him held : And first their high-horn'd leaders soon he fell'd : Then all the rest o' th' horned troop he forced With his sharp shafts into thick woods ; where coursed , He left not off till ( shooting ) he had got Seven stately stags , to his seven ships t'allot . To th' haven he hastes , them 'mongst his mates imparted , And wine , which kinde Acestes , when they parted From Sicils shore , most generous , frank and free In hogs-heads laded gave , divided he ; And with these words their drooping hearts doth cheare ; O mates , ( for yet past-perills fresh appeare ) O partners , in farre worse perplexities , God will at last end these our miseries . You Scylla's rage , rock-roaring dreads have past , You have Charybdis gulf escapt ; at last Recall your courage , and let go faint feare , A time may come these things your thoughts may cheare . By divers dangers , various hard events , To Italie we sail ; where sweet contents Fates will afford us : there Troyes throne we 'le build . Hold out , with these hopes let your hearts be fill'd . Thus he with words : with cares his soule 's deprest , Hope sat on 's face , but grief his heart possest . They then to their good cheere themselves addresse ; Some flay the skins , some do the umbles dresse ; Some cut it into joynts , some the meat spit , Some set on pots , some make great fires for it : Then on the grasse set down , they cheerly eat , And with old wine , fat ven'son are repleat . All hunger stancht , the tables ta'ne away , Long talk began of their lost friends decay : All anxious stood , betwixt much hope and feare , Whether fallen by fate , or yet alive they were , Or that the invocated Gods would heare . But good Aeneas chiefly did lament His brave Orontes fatall hard event , Valiant Amycus , and Cloanthus high , Lycus and Gyan , slain by destinie . And now it was that Iove from starrie skie Sail-bearing seas , neare neighbouring lands did eye , The ports and people all abroad commixt , On Libya's realm from heaven his sight had fixt . And as he thus did muse on mens affaires , Venus , w●th eyes of teares , heart full of cares , Sayes to him , O great king of Gods and men , Whose datelesse laws , and lightnings hamper them , What so foule fact hath mine Aeneas wrought ? What my poore Trojans to such ruine brought ? From all the world for Italie thus driven . Surely from hence a promise great was given , That once times revolution forth should bring A Romane branch from Teucers stemme to spring , Which should be conquering Lords of sea and land : And why , great sire , does not this sentence stand ? With these faire hopes Troyes hardest haps I staid , And with these fates I crossing fates repaid : But still their former turmoils them distresse : Great king , when wilt thou their great toiles redresse ? Antenor could escape Greeks thickest strength , And piercing through Illyria , safe at length Passe through Liburnia , and Timavus swift : Whence nine great streams issuing with headlong drift , And from the mount with mightie din descending , Make a burst sea , the banks and fields transcending . Yet he strong Padua built , and planted all His Trojans , and did them by 's owne name call . In 's temples thus advancing Troyes brave arms , In peace his people settled free from harms . But we thine ofspring , plac'd by thee in heaven , Our ships ( most wofully ) lost , from us driven For ones displeasure , are betray'd to wrack , And farre from Italy are forced back . Is this the palm , the prize of pietie ? Are we thus rais'd to regall dignitie ? On whom great Iove casting a courteous smile , With lovely looks , which heaven , earth reconcile , Kissing his daughter kindely , thus he said ; Sweet Cytherea , cease to be afraid : The fates are firmly thine , and thou shalt see Thy promis'd Latine-cities built to be , Thy great Aeneas lifted to the skies : Nothing shall revocate these destinies . He ( for since this thee grieves , I 'le tell thee all , And our old hid fate-records will recall . ) Shall wage fierce warres , th' Italians shall subdue , Build them strong towns , and make them statutes new , Untill Sol thrice the globe hath circled round , And three year●s king of Lati●es he be crown'd . But his Asc●nius young , I●lus nam'd ▪ ( For Ilus 't was , whiles th' Ilian state stood fram'd ) Full thirtie yeares shall reigne , and from Lavine Transferre the throne , and Alba's strength combine . Here shall great Hectors race to rule be seen Three hundred yeares : till Ilia priestly queen , With childe by Mars , two at a birth shall bring . Whence wolf-nurst Romulus shall reigne as king , Build martiall towns , and Romanes call by 's name : Whose state no date , whose strength no time shall tame : A boundlesse empire I them give : Beside , Fierce Iuno , who molests the whole world wide , Shall reconciled be , and with me nourish The Romane gowned Lords o're all to flourish . Thus we decree , yea in times due processe Tro's sonnes Achilles race shall much distresse , To bondage brought , and conquer'd Greece suppresse . Then shall great Caesar spring from Troyes high race , Whose throne the seas , whose fame shall heaven embrace , Iulius so called from Iülus grave , Whom crown'd with Eastern spoils , thou glad shalt have In heaven , who shall with votes be invocated . Fierce warre shall then on earth be moderated . Pure Faith and Pietie , Remus and 's brother Shall reigne , give laws , & warres rage smoothly smother , With bolts and barres lockt fast in Ianus gates , Base civil broiles chain'd in resistlesse straits : And shackled there with hundred fettering gyves Sits bound , with bloody mouth frets , fumes , and strives . This said , he sends from heaven swift Mercurie , To ope the earth and Carthage courteously To Trojan guests , le●● Dido of their ca●e Ignorant , should them from her confines chase : Through th' aire he winged glides , o're Carthage hovers , Gives Libyans tender hearts , and there discovers Great Ioves command : Chiefly the queen exprest To th' Trojans her benigne and bounteous breast . But good Aeneas , full of thoughts by night , Goes forth next morn as soon as day grew light , To search new corners , see what shores he found , Who dwelt there ( for 't was all rude untill'd ground ) Or men , or beasts ; and to his mates made known What he found out . His ships tied safe ; each one Under a concave rock , tall trees , did hide , With mighty boughs : Achates by his side , A brandisht lance in 's hands with strong steel lin'de . Whom's mother Venus met i' th' wood most kinde , With Spartane virgins arms , coat , count'nance-grace : Or like horse-tiring Harpalace of Thrace , Or like swift Hebrus in its nimblest flight : For on her shoulders hung she ( huntresse right ) A comely bow , her haire dangling i' th' winde , Knees bare , breasts ope , her coat tuckt up behinde . And first she sayes ; Sirs , saw ye , shew me , pray , Any of my sisters wandring by this way ? Arm'd with their quivers , clad with leopards hide , The foaming boare with loud noise to outstride . Thus Venus : and thus Venus sonne , Faire dame , None of thy sisters by us this way came , Or hard , or seen . O whom may I thee deem ? For by thy voice and face I thee esteem No mortall : but a Goddesse sure thou art : Ioves sister , or some nymph ? O let thy heart Pitie our piteous toils ; shew us , we pray , Under what clime , and in what parts we stray : ( Of place and persons ignorant we be , By windes and waves forc'd hither as you see ) Thine altars shall with offrings loaded be . Then Venus ; Sure such grace for me 's too great , Our Tyrian damsels weare their quivers neat , High on their legs , they purple buskins lace . The Punick realm , Tyrians , Agenors place , Are these : but Libyan bounds , a warlike nation , Whereof Tyres Dido hath due domination , Fleeing her brother : long 's the injurie , Long the discourse : but of the heads briefly . Her sponse Sichoeus was most rich in ground , To whom , poore soule , her love did much abound ; To whom she soon a virgin pure was married : But ( as his right ) Tyres crown her brother carried , Pygmalion base , in ill surpassing all , 'Twixt whom great wrath and discontent did fall : Whence blinde with love of gold , he impiously Supine Sichaeus made 'fore th' altar die , Carelesse of 's sisters love , this fact long hid : With base faire shews , and much false hope he fed Her love-sick heart : Till in her sleep by night Her deare unburied sponses gastly sprite To her appear'd , shew'd his thin death-pale face , Sword-pierced corps , the altars foule disgrace , And all his houses hid-ills known did make : Wisht her to take swift flight , her land forsake : Of unknown earth , hid treasures he her told , Way-helping wealth , much silver and old gold . Dido herewith provokt , for flight and friends Makes way : And all whom hate o' th' tyrants ends , Or s●avish feare kept down , combin'd , and preyd On ships found readie , where their wealth they laid , And fled with what Pygmalion hop'd to have : A lady foremost in this fact so brave . Hither they came , where now strong towns thou seest , And Carthage kingdome new , now faire increast , And , whence 't was first nam'd , Byrsa's well bought ground , So much as one bulls hide could circle round . But who are ye ? whence came ye ? whither bent ? To whom he first a deep fetcht sigh did vent From 's heart , then forc'd these words ; O Goddesse faire , If I should all from first to last declare , And thou hadst time to hea●e our toils related , Ere I could end , day would be terminated . We from old Troy ( if ere of Troy th' hast heard ) Upon these Libyan shores by tempests rear'd , Through rigid seas are here arriv'd : And I , Whose fame transcends the skies for pietie , Am good Aene●s : in my ships I have My countrey Gods , whom I from foes did save . I of Ioves race , Lati●e my land would finde , With twentie ships Troyes shores I left behinde , A Goddesse mother guide , following my fate , Scarce seven ships left from wea●her-torn esta●e . I a poore pilgrim range through Libyan woods , From Europe , Asia forc'd . These plaintive flouds Venus here stops , and midst his moan sayes thus , Who ere thou art ( for sure most gracious Thou art to th' Gods , who thus art come to Tyre ) Go on , and for the queens faire court enquire : For all thy fleet and followers most kinde , I thee assure , ●ail safe with prosperous winde , Unlesse my heaven-●aught angurie me blinde . Behold ●welve swans flu●●'ring their w●ngs with joy , Escapt from th' eagles sw●●ping claw● annoy , I' th' open aire pursu'd , now downward bent , Landed , or landing with a joynt consent . And as they ( safe ) sport with spread silver wing , And circular assembled swan-songs sing : Even so thy ships , and thy associates brave , With full sail neare , or now the haven have ; Go on then , as the path leads , take thy way . This said , she turn'd , her roseall necks bright ray Glistred , sweet sents from her Ambrosian haire Distill'd , her robe hung down her feet most faire , And by her gate she shew'd a Goddesse right . He with these words follows his mothers flight . ( Now known ) Oh why dost thou thy sonne delude With oft false shapes ? why might we not include Kinde hand in hand ? and words for words have chang'd ? Thus he her blam'd , thus to the town he rang'd . But Venus with a mist these trav'lers clad , And in a coat-like cloud o'respread them , glad That none might see them , ●urt them , force them stay , Or ask the reason why they went that way . Herself to Paphos flies , glad to revise Her mansions , temples , where , at sacrifice An hundred altars smoak with frankincense , And fragrant smell with garlands excellence . They the meanwhile presented paths pursu'd , And now they clim'd a hill , which over-view'd Most of the town , towres , turrets multitude . Aeneas wonders at the fabrick faire , Once cottages ; the ga●es , states , streetwayes rare . The Tyrians busie some thick walls to make , To raise strong forts , stones up in heaps to rake , To dig enclosures , house foundations fit , Magistrate● making laws in counsel ●it . Some shippy havens contrive , some raise faire frames , And rock hewen pillars , for theatrick games , Like busie-buzing bees in flowery May , Working most nimbly in a sun-shine day ; When they thick swarms put out , with honey sweet , Their waxen combes to fill and furnish meet : Unburthning loaded bees , combining strong , To drive out drowsie droans , their hives which wrong . Hot grows their waxie work , sweet grow the smells Of their mellifluous odoriferous cells . Oh , sayes Aeneas , men most fortunate , Whose walls thus rise , whose town so full of state ! Thus ( strange to tell ) cloath'd with the cloud he enters , And all unseen , midst the thick rout adventers . I' th' heart o' th' town was a faire shady grove , To which place first , windes , waves the Tyrians drove ; And driven , set a signe by Iuno shown A horse-head found i' th' ground ; they should be known A potent people , a most warlike nation , There therefore unto Iuno's adoration , Sidonian Dido rais'd a temple faire , Garnisht with gifts , and riches wondrous rare , Sacred to Iuno , with brasse steps ascending , Brasse-joynted beams , brasse doores on hinge depending . Here first i' th' wood new matter tempered grief , Here first Aeneas hop'd for hearts relief , And better learn'd to trust afflictions frown ; For as he view'd the temple up and down , Finding the queen minding this cities state , Which curious Artists did delineate , He wonders ; most , to see his Trojan storie , Their warres and woes , spread with world-wondrous glorie , Atrides , Priam , and unkinde Achilles . He weeping staid , and said , See , kinde Achates , What place , what parts abound not with our woes ? Behold king Priams pay ; his praise here grows , These are materiall teares , crosses come neare . Cease feares : for from these palms doth hope appeare . Thus sayes he , and him gluts with pictures vain , Sighs deep ; and flouds of teares his cheeks do stain . For here he saw how 'bout the walls of Troy , Brave Hector did fierce Greeks affright , annoy : There , how Achilles Trojans did destroy . Hard by he weeping , knew white Rhesus tent , Which soon i' th' night betraid by hard event , Cruell Tydides with much bloud did spoile , And his fierce horses forc'd to 's camp recoile , Before they graz'd on Troyes unhappy grasse , Or Xanthus streams to taste cold safely passe . Young Troilus flying there , whose sword him fail'd , Unluckie lad , unequally assail'd By Achilles , soon shov'd out of 's chariots chaire , Yet held the rulelesse reins : his comely haire And deadly wounded corps drag'd on the ground , And after him his speare he drailing found . Then how Troyes dames , with haire about their eares , With vailed heads , eyes full of brinish teares , Beating their breasts , to Pallas temple went : Who frowningly to th' ground her fixt eyes bent . How Hectors corps thrice 'bout Troyes walls were drag'd ▪ And by Achilles sold for gold , upbag'd . Heart-breaking sighs he fetcht , to see the spoiles , The current chariots , and friends deadly foiles , And how king Priam pray'd with weak-rais'd hands : Yea he himself saw , ' midst the Grecian bands , The Indians troops , and Memnons black aray , How that Virago , brave Penthesil'a Led her Amazones arm'd with moon-like shields , And bravely fighting in Troyes Martiall fields , Her breast laid ope , bound with a golden belt ; Proud foes the blows of this fierce female felt . Whiles these rare objects Troyes Aeneas ey'd , VVith serious sight of them even stupifi'd , Unto this temple faire queen Dido came , Tended with many a stately youthfull dame , Most like divine Diana and her train , On Cynthus hills , or on Eurota's plain . About whom thousand Faries faire do cluster , About her neck a quiver ; whose bright luster And stately pace all her Nymphs farre exceeds , And in Latona's heart prompt pleasure breeds . Thus lovely lively Dido seem'd to be ' Midst all intent her throne stablisht to see . Then ( guarded ) she , just at the Goddesse gate Sate down , high seated in a chaire of state . VVhere she made laws , and labours did requite , Allotting all , by lots or laws , their right : VVhen suddenly Aeneas saw a throng Approach to him , which was Cloanthus strong , Sergest , Anthea , and the Trojans all , VVhom raging seas forc'd on strange shores to fall . Amaz'd he stood , astonisht with him were Achates and the rest , with joy and feare , Longing for sweet reciprocall embraces , But , a hid hap , this from their heart first chases . They coucht it , and cloth'd in a concave cloud , What fate their friends , what haven their ships did shroud , How they came thither then expostulating , They some selected , who themselves prostrating , Came to the temple pardon there to crave ; Where entred , they to speak full freedom have . Then fluent faire Ilioneus sweetly said , Great queen , whom Iove this cities foundresse made , Whose justice proudest people makes afraid ; We , weather-tyr'd , poore Trojans thee desire To spare our ships from fierce nought-sparing fire : Pity a pious race , propitious be To our affaires . For we are all most free From least intent to rob or spoile thy land , Or on faire Libya's Gods to lay foule hand . Poore captives cannot harbour hopes so high . But there 's a place , which Greece call'd anciently Hesperia , ancient , powerfull , plenteous , known : Where the Oenotrians dwelt : by fame now shown , Italia nam'd , from Italus renown'd . Thither we all have our intentions bound . VVhen straight stormie Orion tympanizing , And surly Southern fierce blasts tyrannizing , Brought us upon black seas , seas overflown , Drave us on rocks unpassable , unknown : Hither we few have swumme . But what be ye ? What rude conditions on this soile see we ? To be debarred harbour on your land ; From setting foot on shore warres countermand . If mortall men and earthly arms ye sleight , Yet feare the Gods , mindefull of wrong and right . Aeneas was our king , more just then he , More pious , potent prince there could not be : Whom if the fates preserve , if yet alive , If gaping grave him not of life deprive , We feare not , nor need'st thou thy love repent , Primely exprest : In Sicils continent Are Trojans and Troyes arms , Acestes great , A Trojan born . Let us ( we thee intreat ) Our weather-beaten barks to harbour bring , Repaire our oares , fit masts i' th' woody spring ; That so we lively may to Latium sail , Our king , companions , safe , if fates don't fail . But if they do , and thee , great prince of Troy , Libyan seas hold , withhold our hoped joy Of young Iülus : let 's at least regain Faire Sicils shores , where king Acest doth reigne , From whom we hither came . Thus Ilion said , And all the Trojans humming , reverence made . Then Dido with grave count'nance briefly spake , And said ; Brave sirs , false feares , vain cares forsake : Novell necessitie of our late reigne Doth us to this strict watch and ward constrain . Who knows not Troy , and brave Aeneas race ? The men , their might , and dire warre-wracked case ? Our Punick hearts are not so dead , so dull , Nor from our parts doth Sol his steeds so pull ; But that ye may Hesperia faire enjoy , Timanus , or Sicilian plains employ , And go to king Acestes at your pleasure : I 'le safely free you , furnish you with treasure . Or if you will in our dominions bide , Our citie's yours , our havens your ships may hide : Trojans and Tyrians I 'le alike embrace . And oh that king Aeneas , whom storms chase , Were present ! Sure I 'le send to search each shore , And Libya's utmost confines to explore , To see if haply in strange town he stray , Or in some uncouth woods have lost his way . Aeneas and Achates hearts reviv'd With these sweet words , to break the cloud long striv'd : And first Achates to Aeneas said ; Great heaven-born prince , what thoughts thy minde invade ? All things are safe , our ships and mates all found . One onely's lost , whom we our selves saw drown'd : All things thy mothers words firm ratifie . Scarce spake he thus , when into th' open skie The cloathing cloud brake , and dissolved straight . When faire Aeneas in illustrious state Did shine , and shew like Phoebe in face and feature , His mother making him a matchlesse creature , For gracefull haire , and youthfull azure eyes , For count'nance sweet , which beautie happifies : Like damsels hands with ivorie braclets graced , Or sparkling stones with gold plates round embraced . Thus then , unthought on , quick to th' queen he spake ; See here I stand , for whom such care you take , Trojan Aeneas , freed from Libyan floud . O thou , who onely Troyes true friend hast stood , Tendring our toiles , us , lands , seas , Greeks-remain , Drawn drie with woes , most poore , dost entertain In towns and tenements : O how shall we Repay condigne deserved thanks to thee ? Faire queen , we cannot ; nor hath Troyes spoil'd nation Ought left wherewith to make gratification . The Gods ( if good men they a jot regard , If justice , or good conscience they reward ) Reward you worthily . What Halcyon dayes ? What honoured stemmes so rare a branch could raise ? Whiles flouds shall flow , while Sol gives mount-beams bright , While spangling stars in skie give twinkling light ; Thy noble name and fame I 'le glorious make In all parts , as I passe . As thus he spake , Aeneas in 's right hand Achates took , With 's left Serest , Gyan , the rest he shook . Dido at first astonisht with the states Of such brave men , thus them exhilarates : What churlish chance ( faire Goddesse sonne ) what might Hath thee on barbarous banks forc'd in such plight ? Art thou Aeneas , whom Anchises old On Venus got , by Phrygian Simois cold ? How Teucer came to Sidon now I minde , Forc'd from his state , hoping good help to finde , To be by Belus repossest of 's crown , My father Belus then with high renown Warring on wealthie Cyprus , wonne the same , And from that time I knew Troyes fate and fame , Thy great renown , thy Grecian princes high , And how Troyes foe Troyes fame did magnifie , Wishing himself sprung from Troyes progenie . Go on therefore , faire Sirs , inhabit here ; For I have not of such like woes been cleare : But forc'd by fate am setled in this place . Thus knowing wo , I pity a wofull case . This she recounts : and to her princely court Aeneas brings , and then she doth resort To th' temples sacrifice , sending by scores Twentie fat ox , an hundred rough hair'd boares , An hundred ews and lambes , to th' ships to 's mates , God-pleasing gifts , heaven-cheering delicates . But th' inner rooms with princely pomp were drest , And with a bounteous banquet love exprest , Rich hangings of most rare wrought tapestry , Cupboards of massy plate , where curiously Were graven the famous facts , continued storie Of potent peeres , and of her nations glorie . Aeneas ( for paternall love now may No longer linger ) swiftly sent away Achates to Ascanius , to the shore , To shew these things , and bring him them before . All fathers joy in 's gemme Ascanius lay , And bad him bring Troyes rich sav'd garments gay : A costly coat embroidered thick with gold , A mantle wrought with flowres rich to behold , Faire Helens vestments which from Greece she brought , When Troy , and unchaste nuptialls there she sought : Her mother Leda's gorgeous gifts they were . Beside , the scepter which Ilion faire , King Priams eldest daughter us'd to hold , A neck-pearle bracelet , massie crown of gold . Achates , this rich present to present , Skips to the ships with joy and high content . But Venus new inventions , new plots findes : Her Cupids count'nance first to change she mindes , And him for young Ascanius to bring in , The love-sick queen with gifts to love to winne . For why ? the Tyrians double tongues she fear'd , Their hollow hearts , and Iuno's wrath uprear'd . These nightly thoughts she thinks . Her winged childe Cupid she therefore calls , with terms most milde , And sayes , Sweet sonne , my sole , my soveraigne might , Ioves darling deare , who thunder-claps dost sleight , To thee I flie , seeking thy sacred aid . Thou seest , my sonne , thy Trojan brother made The scorn of seas and shores , by them still chaste Through Iunoes wrath , which thou condoled hast . Him Dido has , and holds with speeches faire , Yet I , lest Carthage courtesies ensnare , Much feare : In active times delayes are vain , I therefore plot how first by some slie train To catch the queen , with love-flames her to heat , Lest Iuno change her love , which now seems great : Thus with me mine Aeneas still t' affect . Which how to do observe , I 'le thee direct . The Princely boy , my joy , mine onely care , By 's fathers will for Carthage doth prepare ; Carrying rich gifts preserv'd from flames and flouds Of Troy. Him fast asleep in Cythers woods I 'le hide , or on fierce Ida's holy h●ll ; That none preview , and so prevent our skill . Assume his shape but for one onely night , And the childs childish face in 's fathers sight ; That when the joyfull queen shall thee embrace , And at her princely bounteous banquet place , Hugging thee in her arms , give kisses sweet ; Loves poys'nous potion , hid-fire , her may greet . This love-lad straight his mothers minde obeyes , Goes like Iülus , wings away he layes . But Venus laid Ascanius fast asleep , And in her bosome tend'red did him keep , Laid him in Ida's grove , on shadie bed , With fragrant thyme and Marjoram o'respread . And now goes Cupid to discharge his charge , Led by Achates , with his gifts most large , And princely presents . And now come to court , The queen on carpets rich in regall port Sate in the midst of her magnifique state . Next grave Aeneas , then conglomerate The Trojan troops , on purple carpets spread : Water for hands , faire towells , salt and bread , The servants brought . Fiftie faire maids beside Tended within , whose care was to provide And dresse the meat , and fires on altars make : An hundred damsells more , and men care take To set the banquet , and to see cups fill'd , And troops of Tyrians , as the queen had will'd , Sate on th'embroidred beds , wondring to see Aeneas gifts , Iülus raritie , His God-like shining face , words quaintly coyn'd , His coat and cov'ring richly wrought and lin'd . Chiefly Sidonian Didoes minde and sight On nothing else could muse , or take delight , Unsatiate to behold her after-bane , The lovely lad , and gifts which prov'd her pain . He having hung on fathers neck and arms , And fed , yea fill'd him with feign'd loving charms , Runnes to the queen . On whom she clasps her eyes , Clings to him in her heart , sometimes likewise She hugges him in her bosome , ignorant How great a God her Love came to supplant . But he now minding what his mother will'd , Makes her forget her good Sichaeus kill'd Slily and slowly : blows dead coals , fresh burning , Her love-dull'd heart to loves delights returning . Their first feast finisht , tables ta'ne away , They bring huge bowls and wine-pots garnisht gay . VVith mirth their rooms all ring , and loudly sound , In golden lamps great lights are placed round : VVhich burn so cleare , that light doth night confound . Here the queen caus'd a wine-bowl rich and great Forthwith to be fill'd up with wine compleat . ( The same which Belus us'd , and all his race ) Then silence made , she said with comely grace ; Great Iove , ( for thou guest-laws , men say , dost frame ) Do thou the day , on which the strangers came , To Tyrians and to Trojans happifie , And blissefull make to our prosperitie . Mirth-making Bacchus help us , Iuno deare , And you my Tyrians strive these guests to cheare . This said , the wine-bowl in her hand she took , Temp'rately toucht it ( first ) with princely look . VVith checking charge to Bit●as she it gave , VVho quickly quaft off the whole cupfull brave Of foamy vvine : after him all the rest . Hairy Iopas also did his best VVith's golden harp to make them musick svveet , As ancient Atlas taught him songs most meet . He sang and plaid Moons monethly vagrant change , The Suns diurnall toiles , mans stock most strange , VVhence birds and beasts , vvhence fire and vvater vvere , How starres do rise and fall , and bright appeare , The stormie seven-stars , double plough-stars bright , VVhy Sol runs Southward in his VVinter flight , And vvhy the Summer makes so short a night . The Tyrians do their joy ingeminate , The Trojans echoing . And the night in prate Poore Dido spends : vvhose love-draughts deep her touch , Much talk of Priam , and of Hector much She makes : and of Auroras sonnes brave arms , Of Diomedes horse , Achilles harms . Tell me good guest ( ●ayes she ) the totall storie , Greeks treason great , which quenched Troyes great glorie : Yea tell us all thy toiles , which ( as appeares ) Thou hast endur'd by land and sea seven yeares . An end of the first book of Virgils Aeneïds . THE ARGUMENT of the second book . When all were silent , Troyes brave knight Troyes fates , friends , states , doth here recite : The guilefull Greeks , Minerva's gift , La'coons smart , sly Sinons shift , To ope the hollow horses side : I dream of Hectors death discry'd , Troyes fall , king Priams destinie : Aeneas forced thence to flie , With 's father on his back he fled , And in his hand Ascanius led , His wife Creüsa following fast , But all in vain , was lost at last . He thus escapt , his fellows findes , Who flock to him with chearefull mindes . ALl silent sate , attentive heed to take . Then grave Aeneas from 's high bed thus spake ; Great queen , thou bidst me wondrous woes renew , How Greeks Troyes realm and riches overthrew : Which I most wofully distrest did see , And whereof I had share in high degree . O what hard-hearted Greek , Vlysses , could From teares , large flouds of teares his eyes withhold ? And now being night , starres summon us to rest . Yet since you so desire to heare exprest Troyes finall fall , our woes : though extream grief Makes me abhorre those thoughts , yet I 'le be brief . The Grecian captains tir'd , retir'd from fight , With many a yeares fierce warre wearied outright , By Pallas art a mount-like horse they built , And with strong wooden ribs his sides they quilt . This fictious vow they leave : so flies the fame . In the huge concave belly of the same , Closely contriv'd , select brave youths they hide , And armed souldiers in its belly bide . In sight of Troy lies Tenedos faire isle , A wealthie place , whiles fates on Troy did smile : Now but a bay , sheep-shelter , unsecure , Here in a wood , retir'd , they hid them sure . We , thinking they were fled , for Greece all bound , And Troy from her late toiles refreshment found , Set ope our gates , let all go in and out , The Greeks forsaken camps to view about . Here Grecian troops , there fierce Achilles might : Here lay their ships , there armies us'd to fight . Some wondred at Minerva's gift accurst , The horses hugenesse : and Thymoetes first Would have it set i' th' citie , plac'd i' th' tower , Whether by fraud or force of fatall power . But Capys , and the part more provident , Wisht that those Grecians grins , gifts fraudulent , Were either sunk i' th' sea , or burnt i' th' fire , Or 's hollow belly boar'd , truth to enquire . The commons carried were with crosse desire . La'coon first with troops attended then , Runnes from the tower , fiercely cries out , Poore men , What follie 's this ? think ye your foes are fled ? Or Grecian gifts want sly Vlysses head ? Either this wooden pile doth Grecians hide , Or 'gainst our town some stratagem provide , Or some hid harm : Trojans , trust not these drifts : What e're it is , I feare Greeks bringing gifts . Thus having said , a strong speare with great force He strook into the ribs and side o' th' horse : Which trembling stood , and deeply pierc'd did sound , The hollow vault even groan'd with that great wound . And had the fates been friends , our hearts been wise , The speare had spide out Greeces treacheries : And Troy had stood , and Priams turrets high . But now , behold , Troyes shepherds hastily Brought to the king a young man with great shouts , His hands pinyond behinde , found thereabouts : VVho of set-purpose gave himself to them , Troy to destroy by this sly stratagem ; A fellow bold of heart , for all feats fit To work his wiles , or to death to submit . Our Trojan lads do flock about him fast , To see his face , and scoffs at him to cast . Now heare and see Greeks grins , and by this on● All other their slie juglings may be known . For as unarm'd 'mongst them he trembling stands , Glancing his eyes upon our Phrygian bands . Alas ( sayes he ) what seas , what shores me hold ? VVhat tends me wretch , but mischiefs manifold ? To whom nor Greeks permit poore habitation , And angry Troy in 's bloud seeks expiation . VVith which sad sigh our hearts relented straight , Passion supprest , vve vvill'd him to relate Both whence he was , and vvhat strange news he brought : VVhat hopes he had , being now thus captive caught . He , feare at last forsaken , thus repli'd , Great king , I 'le tell thee all , vvhat e're betide : 'T is true ( sayes he ) I am a Grecian born : This first : though fortune Sinon made forlorn , Yet fond and faithlesse shall she make me never . If by relation to thine eares came ever The name of Palamedes , of much fame , Against whom guiltlesse , Greeks a snare did frame Of treacherie ( 'cause he these vvarres forbad ) To put to death , for vvhom now dead they 're sad : His man and kinsman neare ally'd , am I ; And of a childe , through parents povertie , VVaited on him i' th' vvarres ; vvhiles in good state The kingdome stood , and he was fortunate . For then vve liv'd in fame and reputation , Till by Vlysses envious emulation , ( I speak : but what I knovv ) he dead , poore I VVas forc'd to live in obscure miserie , The losse lamenting of my guiltlesse friend . Nor could I , frantick fool , to silence bend , But vovv'd , if fates did me to Greece reduce , I 'd be reveng'd on him for this abuse : Hence rose Vlysses envie , hence did spring First harms to me : hence he new crimes did bring Against me , and hence rash reports vvere spread , His guiltie heart rais'd broiles , not quieted , Till I by Calchas . But vvhy stay I you ? VVhy things unsavourie do I thus revievv ? You have the Greeks all in one condemnation , 'T is enough you heare , take on me vindication . In this th' Atrides , Ithacus vvould joy Hereat we ardently our thoughts employ To search the end , ignorant utterly Of so foule facts , Pelasgan policy . Faintly and falsely on he tells his tale . The Greeks ( sayes he ) from Troy oft sought to sail , Would have reti'rd , ti'rd with that wearie warre . O that they had ! But bitter winters barre Debarr'd them , and fierce windes their flight deni'd , But chiefly when that high built horse they spi'd , And thundring skie-noise all the seas o're sounded . T' Apollo's oracle ( our thoughts confounded ) Eurypylus we sent , quick , to enquire : Who with these words of woe did soon retire ; With Iphigenia's bloud , a virgin slain , You Greeks got windes , the Trojan shores t' obtain . With bloud you must obtain safe to depart , A Greek soule sacrific'd . This to the heart Strook the astonisht Greeks : as soon as heard , Through all their joynts was trembling terrour rear'd , To think , whom thus Apollo meant should die . Vlysses then pull'd Calchas forcibly , The southsayer , 'fore the Greeks , bad him disclose Whom 't was the Gods requir'd : then forthwith rose Much mutt'ring , me to be this mischiefs aime , Some this fear'd-ill to tell me closely came . Calchas beside was silent ten dayes space , And would not shew the man must death embrace . At last Vlysses urging instantly , He purposely burst out , said I must die . All were unanimous , what all did feare , The weight of deadly woe ones back must beare . My dying day drew neare , deaths vestments sable , My heads death-co●f , fatall fruits deplorable , VVere all prepar'd . But I ( 't is true ) evaded , And death to scape , by night a mud-lake vvaded , And hidden , lay i' th' flags , till they did flee , If haply so . No hope yet left for me My soile to see , children , or parents deare , VVhom thus expos'd to punishment , I feare , For mine escape , guiltlesse to beare my smart . VVherefore by th' Gods , friends t' a truth-venting heart , By faith unfeign'd ( if firm faith yet do stay 'Mongst mortall men ) I thee submissely pray : Pity my grief so great , so unjust wrong . At these his teares our mercy staid not long , But Priam presently life freely gave him , Unbound his hands , and all offence forgave him : And said , Who e're thou art , ( lost Greeks forgo ) Thou now art ours : the truth then fairely show . VVhat means this huge horse ? who did it invent ? VVhat plot ? vvhat pious end ? vvarre-instrument Is coucht in it ? He straight , instructed well VVith Grecian craft and guile his tale to tell , His loos'ned hands to heaven lifts up , and said ; I you adjure , you quenchlesse shrine-fires made , Your Godhead great , altars , death-swords , ( now fled ) You fatall head-bands , vvorn when I seem'd dead : VVitnesse how justly sacred vows I break , How justly hatefull 'gainst my Greeks I speak , Opening their secrets , of all oaths now free . Thou then , faire Troy , keep promis'd faith vvith me ; If truths I shew , if love I largely pay . All Greeces hope of warres , good hap still lay On Pallas power : since vvhich Tydides still , And vile Vlysses , authour of all ill , Assay'd t' assail her temple , thence to take Minerva's image , and did slaughter make Of the towres guard , and desperately stole thence Faire Pa●●as statue , with strange impudence Daring to touch , to take with bloudy hands The Virgin-Goddesses unstain'd headbands : From that time Greeks great hopes 'gan ebbe and end , Their force waxt feeble , Pallas not their friend , No shewing anxious issues by strange sights . Scarce had her statue station , but flash-lights Of glist'ring flames came from her angrie eyes ; She swet all o're , and thrice with jumps did rise : ( Fearefull to see ) and shoke her shield and lance . Calchas quick flight advis'd them to advance : And told them Greece could ne're see Troyes shipwrack ▪ Unlesse their Gods , and all else they brought back : Which they with them to sea in barks do beare . And now that they to Greece to sail prepare , To make the Gods their friends , arms , all things fit , Unseen sail back : thus Calchas orders it . Vision-advis'd , they fram'd this fabrication , Pallas t' appease , and make due expiation . And of so high , so huge skie-magnitude , Calchas contriv'd it with oak-fortitude : That through Troyes walls and gates it might not go , Left men their ancient superstition show . For if your hands should Pallas presents spoile , Much mischief ( which heaven bring on him the while ) Would light on Priam and his Trojan train : But if your helpfull hands do it sustain , And place i' th' town , Troy would all Greece subdue , And make our children this fierce fate to rue . These Sinons snares , false fetches , perjuries , Troy trusts , being catcht , o'rematcht with false forc'd cries ; Whom nor Tydides nor Achilles great , Nor ten yeares warres could tame , nor thousands chear . And , which made more , to make them yet more blinde , A fearefull object troubled their dull minde . La'coon , Neptunes priest , as 't was the guise , Offring a bull in solemne sacrifice , Behold , two snakes ( I tremble to declare ) With wondrous wraths from Tenedos repaire , Gliding from silent seas to shore , extending Their speckled breasts , and flamy mains all bending ▪ Above the main , their uglie odious tail , And backs with fearefull folds , do wrigling trail . The waves they shove to shore , with foamie dinne , And up the land to crawl and creep begin , Their gogling eyes flashing forth bloud and fire , Their hissing mouthes , sharp tongues do stench expire ▪ This sight put us to flight : they joyntly crawl To La'coon , and two of 's children small They first affront , and 'bout their bodies wound With clinging clasps and bites , their corps confound . Then him their fierce assailant they assail , With sword in 's hand , and o're him they prevail : And twice about his body , twice his neck , They twine and twist and hist , with hideous check , Their scalie corps , long necks , his height excelling . And he with strugling hands stiffly repelling , Pulling their knots , with poys'nous filth besmear'd , Most horrid screeks and cries to th' skies he rear'd ▪ Much like an altar bull , beat down , broke out , To save his neck from th' ax , roares , roaves about . But the serpentine dragons thence did glide To th' temple , and to Pallas palace hide , Under whose feet and shield they lurking bide . New shivering feare our quivering hearts hence caught , For , all La'coon justly punisht thought , Because his speare had pierc'd the sacred oak , And 's lance had lanc'd the horse with impious stroke . To fetch the fabrick ( therefore ) all consent , Into our town , Minerva to content . Then straight we brake the wall , a wide gap made . All with their helping hands bring nimble aid , By 's wheely feet and stiffe stuft neck to draw it , And ceast not till o're walls ascent they saw it . The fatall foe-fill'd fabrick thus brought in , About the horse young boyes and girles begin To sing their holy hymnes , to touch the cable Delighted much . Troy ( now ) the horses stable , I' th' heart o' th' town , to th' town most formidable . ( O countrey deare , Gods seat , victorious Troy ! ) Yet oft it stumbled , hazarded annoy , Entering the porch , arms oft in 's paunch were heard ; And yet blinde , blockish we were not afear'd , But in the sacred towre the horse thus hous'd . Yet we were by Cassandra's cautions rous'd . Whom we would never trust , by fates decree . Poore we , to whom this must the last day be , With festive flowres and boughs our temple strew . Meanwhile the skie 'gan change , the day withdrew , All darkning night her curtains black did spread , And heaven and earth and Greeks grins covered : Dreadlesse Dardanians silent , soundly slept . And now the Grecian troops had slily crept Out of their ships from Tenedos , and soon Assisted by the still kind-shining moon , Closely they landed : then their Admirall Hung out a lanthorn-light , and therewithall Sinon , base Sinon sheltred by bad fates , Closely unclasps the wooden-belly gates , Wherein the Greeks lay lockt : this opened Jade Lets out his armed intralls , all 's displaid : Tisander , Sthenelus , Vlysses sly , Athamas , Thoas , down by ropes 'gan hie , Ne'ptolemus , Achilles , Mach'on first , Menelaus , and Epeus the accurst Horse-enginer : The citie they surround , And set upon 't with sleep and drink all drown'd . The watch they did destroy , set ope the gates , And thus rush in their arm'd confederates . Just now were men in their first dead sleep cast , Gods gratefull gift for mans most sweet repast . And now , behold , me thought in dream I saw Before me Hector weeping ; whom foes draw Along in piteous plight , at 's chariots tail Besmear'd ( as once ) with bloud and dust most pale , Under 's wound-swelling feet his horse reins trail . Ah how he lookt ! how chang'd from that brave Hector , Which wore Achilles spoiles , our States protectour , Or , darting Trojan-flames in Grecian barks ! His beard now smear'd , haire glew'd with bloud-wound marks , And skarres seen plain , ta'ne at the siege of Troy. And I , me thought , condoling his annoy , Seem'd him to call , and sadly thus to say ; O Dardanes light , O Troyes true staffe and stay , Why hast thou lingred long ? whence , Hector brave , Long lookt for , cam'st thou ? that we , wearie , have Thy companie so late , so many slain , The citie spoil'd , the people put to pain ? O what dire deed hath soil'd thy lovely cheeks ? Why art so wounded ? Not a word he speaks , Or stayes a jot , or answers what 's desir'd . But when he had a deep fetcht sigh expir'd , Flie , heaven-born prince , he sayes , O flie this flame , Foes have our forts , fall'n flat is Troyes high frame . Our king and state were well , if Troy could stand : And stand it should , had strength been in our hand . But now her Gods and pious rites to thee Troy recommends , let these thy fates mates be , With these seek out those walls and turrets high , Which thou ( seas voyage ceas'd ) shalt edifie . This said , our countrey Gods , holy headbands , And altar-fire he put into my hands . Meanwhile much woe our town inhabited , And more and more ( though trees surrounding hid My fathers house , which stood farre in ) yet still Warres rumbling roaring noise did sound most shrill . I startled out of sleep , did soon ascend Our highest turret , listning eares to lend : Even as fierce blasts fling flames , and cornfields burning ▪ Or mountain flouds with swift careere o'returning , O'reflow faire meads , o'respread crank corn , plow'd lands ▪ Tumble down headlong trees , nought upright stands : Which the poore silly shepherd stupifies , When from 's high hill this rumbling stirre he spies . Thus , O even thus truth shown , Greeks craft we knew ▪ First Deiphobus faire house they o'rethrew By flames represselesse ; then they set upon His neighbours house , our kinde Vcalegon : Sigaea's shores glistred with fierie blaze . Mens screeks and cries trumpets shrill sound did raise . I raging run to arms ; arm'd , rashly fought , Rudely rusht headlong into thickest rout , Ranne to the towre ; hurried with wrath and rage , Held it true honour , life in death t' engage . But now , behold , Panthus , fled from Greeks power , Panthus Apollos priest , keeper o' th' tower , Frantickly ranne to sea , to flie the land , Our Gods , their sacred rites , his sonne in 's hand : To whom I cry'd , O Panthus , where's warres worst ? What towre may taken be ? This said , he burst Into deep sighs , and spake thus as he past ; Troyes fearfull fate is come , this day 's our last : We once were Trojans , once this was faire Troy , And Trojans grace : now angrie Iove our joy Gives to the Greeks : Greeks lord it over us , Out citie fir'd , we most calamitous . The hiddie horse standing within our town , Hath armed men disgorg'd : fire up and down Sinon triumphant throws : some strongly stand To keep our gates wide ope : ne're did our land So many Grecian swarms behold : some guard Our narrow lanes ; strong troups keep watch and ward With sharp drawn swords , to th' death to fight most stout ; Our guards confus'dly fight , hardly hold out . Thus Panthus : straight my heaven-spurr'd spirit me threw Into the hottest flame , and fight ; I view Angry Erinnys , noise , annoise me guide Rhipheus and valiant Iphitus , beside , My Martiall mates agglomerate to me , Hypanis , Dymas , vvay by moon-light see : Great Mygdons sonne , young Choroebus most stout , VVho in those dayes by chance to Troy came out , Caught with Cassandras captive love : both he And his great Sire brought aid t' us Phrygians free . Unhappy , vvho the counsel vvould not heare Of his Cassandra prophetizing deare . VVhom when I saw boldly to battell bent , I thus bespake ; Brave youths of high intent , O , but in vain , if flames of Martiall fire Kindle your courage , honour true t' acquire , Alas our cities fortune here you see : Our Gods , best goods , all quite extinguisht be , VVhich propt our state , a citie burnt you 'd save : Let 's die , and rush through thickest rank most brave . 'T is captives comfort no helps hope to have . These vvords the Gallants hearts vvith rage did fire , And straight ( as ravening vvolves at night desire , Their whelps being left , their paunch being hungerbit , To range abroad to finde a prey most fit ) Through speares and spight of foes , fearelesse to die , VVe passe , and to the midst o' th' citie hie : Black night with sable shades doth us surround . O , vvho that nights great slaughter , vvoes great wound Can explicate ? what teares equall those toiles ? A town of fame is fal'n , long , rich vvith spoiles , Her streets are strew'd most thick vvith bodies slain , Troyes unreveng'd bloud , temples , all doth stain . Courage in conquered hearts vvas once made known , Now-conquering Greeks vve once had overthrown : But now vvhere e're vve look , vve nought can spie , But feares and teares , and much mortalitie . Androgeos then , a Grecian captain stout , VVe first affronted , with his Grecian rout ; VVho taking us for friends , thus friendly said ; Make haste , brave Sirs , vvhat loytring hath you staid ? VVhiles others sack and take all-fired Troy , You scarce your ships have left , help to employ . This said , he soon perceiv'd : ( for no reply Fitting his minde vvas made ) that th' enemie Had close enclos'd him unawares : afraid , VVith heart and heels he made swift retrograde . Like one that unawares t●eads suddenly On an earth-creeping snake vvhich close did lie 'Mongst pricklie thorns , he quick starts from ( in feare ) The rage-swoln snake , vvhich his blew neck doth reare . Feare-dampt Androgeos thus flevv from our sight , VVe follovved close , closely maintain'd the fight : On all sides fel'd our foes , strangers to th' place , And fill'd vvith feare : fates did our first facts grace . Choroebus courag'd vvith this good successe , Cries out , Brave mates , let 's this faire path-vvay presse , Let 's hold fast fortune by her friendly hand . Let 's change our shields vvonne from this Grecian band , And vveare their arms : What courage can't , craft may . Slain foes vvill furnish us . This said , straightvvay Androgeos helmet faire , and shield he bare , And a brave Grecian blade by 's side he vvare . The like did Dymas , Rhipheus , and the rest . And vvith Greeks spoiles themselves they joyfull drest . Then flew vve 'mongst the Greeks , not by self-guide , And in dark night vve many a skirmish tride , And many a Grecian soule vve sent to hell , And some to ships and shores we did repell : Some with base feare to th' horrid horse retire , Reclimbe his back , known belly holes t' acquire . But fates displeas'd , alas , there 's nothing stable , For now behold Cassandra amiable , A virgin pure , king Priams daughter faire , Drag'd out o' th' temple by her tender haire , Lifting her starrie eyes to heaven in vain , Yea eyes : for her soft hands bands did restrain . This spightfull spectacle Choroebus fierce , Hating to see , with love-rage straight did pierce Into the rout , resolved there to die : After whom we do all most fiercely flie . Here from the temples top by our friends darts We were confounded , suffered sorest smarts , By our chang'd arms , chang'd Grecian shields and shouts , And then the Greeks enrag'd , since from their routs The maid was freed , from all parts hither throng , And fiercely us assail : there Ajax strong , Th' Atridas twain , and Grecian bands among . Like adverse windes burst out with fierce crosse puffs , Eastern with West , West windes with Southern shuffs . Trees therewith tremble , Nereus foamie voice Makes tumbling waves rowl up with roaring noise . So they , and those whom we ( by dark night vail'd With shieldie shades ) ensnar'd , to death assail'd , And chac'd about the streets , appeare : first finde , Our changed shields and arms , yea then they minde Our different dialects . Straight numbers die : And first Choroebus , by Peneleus high , At th' altar of Pallas omnipotent , Did loose his life : next Rhipheus eminent , One of the justest and the most upright Of all our Trojan peeres , fell in this fight . So destinie dispos'd : then Dymas di'd , And Hypanis , by friends ( as foes ) defi'd : Nor thee , good Panthus , could thy pietie , Nor Phoebean function save , but thou must die . I call to witnesse ( here ) the spirits of mine , And Trojan flames , that I did ne're decline ( In their distresse ) a Greek , a sword , a shield : But , had fates pleas'd , to death was prest to yeeld , As my Greek-slaying hand and heart did merit : Thence brake out I , and Pelias of stout spirit , And Iphitus with us ; Iphitus old , And P●lias , perisht by Vlysses bold . Straight friends loud cries did us to court incite , Where we did finde so fierce and furious fight As none had been before , as none had di'd In all the town , but what did there reside . There did we see unmastered Mars rush on , Bloud-glutted Greeks our houses leap upon , And block up fast , and scaling ladders set Against our walls , and scaffolds up to get , By posts and pillars striving to ascend , And with their shields in left hands them defend From darted shafts , their right hands grasp the tops Of highest holds , the Trojans seek strong stops , And from uncovered roofs pull tiles and slates , And , as last helps , hurle them down on their pates , A while to keep off death , which properates . Some guilded beams pluckt up do tumble down , VVhich were forefathers facts of high renown : Some with sharp brandisht blades their houses guard , And in thick troops keep them with watch and ward : Those regall rooms resolv'd with hand and heart To save , and to tir'd friends best aid impart . There was a wall with privie doores and wayes To passe unseen , which Priam ( in the dayes Of Troyes triumphant state ) did use to walk , Unhappy now , and for sweet private talk Andromache did use alone to meet Her father in law : and where , with lovely greet , Astyanax her childe his gransire saw . I by this passage did my self withdraw To th' top of an high house ; whence , all in vain , The conquered Trojans showred darts amain . A tower we then assail'd , plac'd on a hill , With skie-topt turrets built , with curious skill : Whence totall Troy , Greeks ships and camps we might Prospectively behold : this with warre spight We set upon with swords , and hack in twain The joyn'd crosse beams , and rais'd the ground-pins main From firm foundation , shaking it so sore , As that we forc'd it fall , falling to roare : Whose sudden ruine fiercely ruinated , Huge troops of Greeks about it congregated . But others us assail , nor stones for harms Are spar'd , nor any kinde of deadly arms . Before the porch , even at the doore without , In glistring brazen armour , Pyrrhus stout Insulting stood , a brandisht sword ●●'s hand : Much like a snake , basking on Sunnie land , With poys'nous grasse full fed ( late ) lurking in The frozen-earth , cold-swoln , now his old skin Stript off , and he thereby made fresh and fine , His slipperie rowling back breast high doth shine Against the Sunne , with 's mouths three-forked tongue . Great Periphas , Antomedon among , Achilles page , horse-rider , present were , And all the lusty Scyrian youths were there . All thick do throng to th' house , and wildefire cast Up to the top . Himself first comes on fast , With a tough two-edg'd tool cuts doores in sunder , And pulls down brazen posts with Martiall thunder . Thus the beams broke , boards cleft , ruptures made bare The rooms within , great halls and parlours faire , Where Priam , and Troyes ancient princes rare Delighted were : all lay to open view , All were display'd . Thence feare and frights ensue , To see arm'd souldiers stand before the doores : Loud screeks and cries , tumultuous uproares Do fill the rooms within , which loudly ring With womens wailings : whose shrill clamours ding The golden starrie skies . The ladies faire , O'reloaded with laments , runne here and there , And clasped posts embrace and kisse in feare . But Pyrrhus vvith paternall power breaks in ; Nor walls , nor warders can protection win : His battering ramme breaks open doores and gates , Pushing down pillars , all things devastates . The Greeks do finde , or force their way at will , Kill all they meet , all parts with souldiers fill . The foaming floud , when banks are open brast , O'rerunning obvious mounts , runnes not so fast , VVhen its resistlesse stream the field o'reflows , And swallows sheep and sheep-coats , as it goes . Thus did I Neoptolemus behold Even drunk with bloud , and both th' Atridas bold Entring the entry , and faire Hecuba Her divers daughters , and king Priam gray , Defile the fires with bloud , once consecrated : His fiftie concubines accommodated With fiftie hopefull sonnes ; columnes ore'laid With barbarie gold , with spoiles most specious made , All wofully laid waste ; and Greeks do share Amongst themselves what ravening fire did spare . And now perhaps you 'l ask how Priam fared , VVhen he beheld his citie so ensnared , His building burnt with fire , houses puld down , And in the midst of 's palace foes fierce frown . The good old king his long left-arms resumes , And with age-feeble joynts , sword , shield assumes , Buckles all on , but all in vain , and so His dying self in midst of foes doth throw . I' th' heart of 's court , just in the open aire , A mightie altar stood , a bay-tree faire Did by it grow , ancient , and ample spread , VVhose shade the shrine and carv'd Gods covered . Here Hecuba , and all her daughters milde Like doves driven headlong by a tempest wilde All in a heap ; in vain the altar hold , And in their arms their helplesse Gods enfold . But when she ▪ saw her aged Priam arm'd In youthfull arms , wherewith once foes he charm'd , O wofull , oh unhappie spouse , she said , What mood , what motive dire hath thee aray'd ? Nay , forc'd to weare such weapons ? why dost flie ? Alas , grave sir , there 's no necessitie Of such assistance , such a Guardian grave : Chiefly if here we had my Hector brave . Oh then come neare : this shrine will shield us all , Or else we 'le here together dying fall . Thus Hecuba ; and to her him she takes , And in a sacred seat to sit she makes Her aged spouse . And now behold we heare , Polites , one of Priams sonnes most deare , Scapt from the slaughter , which fierce Pyrrhus wrought Through hostile fire and sword , some safegard sought , Flying the galleries and emptie places , Searching , sore wounded : whom so Pyrrhus chases , And prosecutes and executes most fierce His rage on him , and now o'reta'ne doth pierce His body with his lance , who new now fled Into his parents presence , fell down dead Before their face ; and much bloud spilt , expir'd . Priam hereat , though hedg'd with death , yet fir'd With aged rage , could not abstain , but straight His wraths revenge doth thus evaporate : Ah , but the Gods ( if heaven loves holinesse , And hates foule facts ) for this thy wickednesse And daring deed , with condigne guerdon quit , And pay thee home with recompence most fit , Who thus hast slain my sonne before my face , And by such death wrought's parents great disgrace , But he did not do thus , whom thou dost lie , And sayest to be thy sire , Achilles high Was no such foe to Priam : but desir'd , Kept faith and promise in that I requir'd Humbly of him , and did restore to me Brave Hectors corps , interred for to be : And me into my state did re-estate . This said , old Priam did ejaculate A feebly flying dart , which gave a clang , Yet did no hurt , but on his helmet hang. Whereat thus Pyrrhus ; I 'le thee recompense , And as my messenger dispatch thee hence , To tell my Sire Achilles this sad news , That Neoptolemus , of his issues The bastard was : so let him understand . Die therefore now . And with those words , with 's hand He trembling Priam to the altar drew , And did his corps in his sonnes bloud embrew . H●s left hand wrapt up in his locks most gray , His right-hand with a naked sword made way Into his fide , to give his life last passe , Which up to th' hilts in 's body sheathed vvas . This was king Priams end , this his hard fate , To live to see Troy fir'd , quite ruinate : Even he , who once was Asia's Keisar great , Mightiest in men , and spacious regall seat : A despicable trunk ( now ) dead on ground , His head cut off , his carcasse no name found . But I with hideous horrour thus begirt , Amaz'd , my thoughts began straight to revert Upon the visage of my father deare , As I beheld the king massacred here , Just of my fathers age : I thought upon My sweet Creüsa , from whom I was gone ; On my forsaken house , and the fear'd fate Of young Iülus . 'bout me I lookt straight , To see what hope of libertie I had . But all had me forsaken , tir'd and sad , Some leaping down , themselves precipitate , And some themselves in flames do conflagrate . And now I left alone , at last did spie , ( Bright fires gave light to me , who wandringly Peep into every nook ) I saw , I say , Faire lady Helen , how she closely lay In Vesta's temple , on the sacred staires , Her head and heart full of just feares and cares , Both for the Trojans vvrath , their citie spoil'd , And grudgefull Greeks , their marriage bed defil'd . She being Troyes sole firebrand , fierce flame , At th' altar therefore lay she hid for shame . Revengefull coals hence kindled in my heart , To vindicate my countreys vvofull smart ; To pay her for her cursed wickednes : Shall she , said I , to Sparta have regresse In safetie ? and her countrey Greece regain ? There , as a queen , her triumphs to maintain ? Her parents , children , husband , home to see ? With Trojan lords and ladies there to be Attended on ? shall she old Priam slay ? And Troy by furious flames bring to decay ? And make our shores so oft sweat streams of bloud ? Not so : for though there be no true manhood , Nor glorious conquest in a womans wrack : Yet t' have extinguisht such a deed so black , To take so just revenge , is worthie praise : 'T will be some ease to quit my countreys blaze , And my friends ashes by revenge to raise . As with mad mood these things I cast in minde , Ready to runne at her , my mother kinde Offred her self to my most joyfull sight , And glistring farre more gloriously by night Then formerly she did , a Goddesse plain , Such , and so great , as with her heavenly train : And holding me by my right hand , she staid , And with her roseall lips she spake , and said ; Deare sonne , what untam'd wrath boiles in thy breast ? Why fretst thou ? why's no care of us exprest ? Wilt thou not first thy feeble father finde , Left in much woe ? seek thy Creüsa kinde , And childe Ascanius ? vvhom in Grecian rout I found ( with wondring ) wandring all about : And had not I peculiar care employ'd , Fierce flames and foe-mens swords had them destroy'd . Nor hated Helen , nor your Paris blam'd , Did Troy subvert : but fates with wrath inflam'd . Behold ( for I 'le all cloudy mists expell , Which dimme thy sight , and make men not see well ) Feare not thy parents precepts to obey , Nor from their regulating rules once stray . Here where thou seest broad scattered heaps to lie , And stones by stones remov'd , and up on high A foggy fume to rise , mixed with dust , And Neptune with his trible fork to thrust , And shake the walls , and rouse up the foundation , And utterly subvert the cities station : Here chasing Iuno chiefly guards th' old gates , And , wrathfull , her choice ship-troops animates , And steel-arm'd souldiers to her congregates . Yea see how Pallas on the high towres walks , And with storm-brightnes Gorgons furie stalks : How Greeks great patron strength and spirit infuseth Into their hearts , and all his projects useth , To make the Gods Troyes foes . Therefore depart , Fly hence deare sonne , cease here thy toiles of heart : I never will be absent from thy side , But safely in thy countrey cause thee ' bide . This said , she quick in nights thick mists was clos'd , The great Gods frowning face being plain disclos'd , And all their furie to poore Troy oppos'd . And now , me thought , I saw all Ilium flame , And quite o'retumbled Nerean Troyes faire frame : Like an old oak upon a mountain high , Which rustick clowns do labour lustily To hack and hew with ax and chisils strong , By frequent blows at last to lay along . The oak makes threatning nods , and tremblingly Doth shake and quake its leafie tops on high , Till chopping vvounds do make it give last crack , Which in its fall doth all about it wrack . Then I retreat , led by my Goddesse guide , And through both foes and flames away I glide : Weapons give way , and flames do back recoile . And now being come into my native soile , Unto my fathers ancient mansion faire , My father ( for whom was my speciall care , To carry thence over the mountains high ) Loathing to live , Troy lost , doth flat denie To go with me , and exile to endure : And said ; O you whose bloud is fresh and pure , Who young and strong can of your selves subsist , Shift you for life , you may flie , if you list . But as for me , if fates would I should live , They ( sure ) this place would me for safegard give . But 't is enough , more then enough , I see One ruine , and our citie lost , yet we Survive : even thus , oh thus my corps laid well , Departing , give it a sad Vale knell , These hands shall finde out death : foes may be kinde , They 'le take but spoiles , small losse , no grave to finde : Heaven-hated and earth-loathing fruitlesse me , My yeares till now too long protracted be , Since first the father of Gods , and mans great king , Did on my corps his blasting lightnings fling . Urging these arguments he fixt remains . But we with cheeks all wet , with tearie stains , I with my wife Creüsa and my childe , And our whole houshold with intreats most milde , Pray'd he would not all with himself o'rethrow , But yeeld to forcing fates . Still he said no. Who holding his intentions , sitting still , To arms again I flie with eager will , Willing to die a most perplexed wight . For what advise , what fortune help me might ? Thinkst thou , deare father , I 'le thee leave and flie ? May a fathers tongue vent such indignitie . Iffates conclude , nought shall of Troy be left , And that to min'd Troy of help bereft , Thou art resolv'd thy self and thine to adde , The gate stands ope , death may be quickly had . Pyrrhus with Priams bloud all-soil'd , makes haste The sonnes bloud in his fathers sight to waste , The father at his sacred shrine to slay . For this , deare mother , hast thou been my stay , And refuge from all darts and deadly fire ? That I should see i' th' heart and heat of ire , My father , wife , and my Ascanius tender , In one anothers bloud , their lives surrender By furious foes ? Arms , arms , bring arms , deare friends , This last day calls us , conquered ▪ to our ends , Shew me the Greeks , set me afresh to fight , We will at least some of our deaths requite . Hereat I buckled on my arms again , And on my left-arm did my shield retain . But to the field I readie now to flie , Behold my deare Creüsa suddenly , Just at the doore about my heels hung fast , And in my presence my Iülus cast ; Saying , If thou 'lt flie and die , let 's die with thee : Or if in arms , lest hope of help there be , Bestow thy strength , first to defend this place : To vvhom else dost thou leave us in this case ? To whom thy father , thy Iülus deare ? To vvhom me thy late vvife dost thou leave heare ? Weeping these vvords , she fills the house with cries : When ( strange to tell ) there suddenly did rise A hideous chance : for even amongst us all , In my sad fathers sight bright beams did fall Upon the top of young Iülus head , Which lightly licks his locks , and hurtlesse fed , And grew about his brows . VVe much afraid , Frame burning haire to strike the flames , assaid To quench the sacred fire vvith vvater cast : But grave Anchises joyfull , lifts at last His eyes , his hands , and voice to heaven on high , Saying ; O great Iove , if prayers do pierce the skie , And move thee ought , regard us in this thing : If pietie to mortalls profit bring , Great father , grant thy favour , stablish right All these so faire predictions , in our sight . Scarce spake the old man thus , when sudden sound Of ratling vvelcome thunder did rebound ; A streaming starre from heaven most nimbly fell , Whose lustrous brightnesse rarely did excell . Which from our houses top we saw to glide , Its shining self in Ida's wood to hide , Pointing our path : whose furrow with long streams , Shone all abroad , with sulfure fuming gleams . My father hence o'recome , the signe respects , Adores the starre , thanks to the Gods directs , Forthwith cuts off delayes , sayes , Here am I , Lead on the way , I 'le follow readily . Deare Trojan Gods , my house and grandchilde save : This was your augur , yet you seem to have Some care of Troy. I yeeld , good sonne , with thee To go along . This said , we heare and see Upon our walls a more cleare flashing flame , And scorching heat more neare us rowling came . I therefore said ; Deare father , take fast hold About my neck ; for I with courage bold , Willingly on my back will beare you hence . How e're things hap , one common exigence , Ones welfare shall be boths : Iülus vve Will take with us , my wife may follow me . And you my servants , mark well what I say : Being out o' th' town , you 'le finde a h●ll i' th' way , And now forsaken Ceres temple old : Whose ground an ancient Cypresse tree doth hold , Many yeares kept for our religions sake , Thither we 'le all from all parts us betake . Our Gods and sacred things , father , hold you : But as for me that now this warre eschew , Still stain'd with hot bloudshed , 't is impious ( sure ) Them once to touch , till in some fountain pure I may me lave , and cleansing fit procure . This said , I with a lions skin arayd , Clothes on my neck and shoulders fitly laid , I took my burthen up : my right hand fast My young Iülus gript , and on he past ; But not with equall pace to 's fathers flight : My wife comes after , forc'd : through darkest night We thus are hurried on : and I , whom late No clouds of flying darts could trepidate , Nor swarmie troops of adverse Greeks could wound , Novv feare each puff of vvinde , each smallest sound . Most for my little mate , grandvveight , thus fear'd , And now to th' citie gate my way thus clear'd , Thinking all safe , I seem'd most suddenly To heare a thick quick noise of feet hard by : And straight my father through a glimmering shade Looking foreright , O sonne , deare sonne , he said , And hast'ly cride ; Flie fast , our foes draw nigh , For I their shields and glittering arms do spie . Hereat , I know not what unfriendly fate Made me amaz'd , did me precipitate , Into strange by-wayes , lanes , and lawns untill , Whether by fate fetcht thence she lived still , Wretch that I am , I lost Creüsa kinde ; Or whether , being wearie , left behinde , Or having lost her way , I am unsure , But sure no search her sight could reprocure . And e're her lost my mindes reflect respected , To Ceres sacred seat , the place directed , Even to the hill we came , where we all met , One onely wanted , whose mistake did fret Her mates , her sonne , and me her husband deare . And whom herein did frantick I hold cleare , And not accuse ? Or Gods , or men , or what In all Troyes wrack held I more harsh then that ? Ascanius , and Anchises my deare sire , Our Trojan troop and Gods , with zeals hot fire , I to my mates commend , and did them hide In a deep vale : my self to th'citie hy'd , Appointed , with my shining shield and arms ▪ I now resolv'd to reinforce all harms , The citie thorough to perambulate , My life in dangers to precipitate . And first I mount the walls , and as I past , I pry'd into the cities backwayes , fast , And back return'd : the way I came by night , And into every crook I cast my sight , Horrour my heart , silence my sense amaz'd ; Thence to review my house , my thoughts me rais'd , If haply there I gladly might her see : But it I found by Greeks destroy'd to be , And whole possest . For why ? devouring fire Blown by fierce windes did to its top aspire , Yea overtopt it , flames flying into th' aire : Hence then to Priams palace I repaire , The towre I did review , which all decaid , With emptie rooms : and by fierce Iunos aid I found Vlysses vile , and Phoenix fell , Guardians thereof ; keeping their prey too well : Hither being brought , our Trojans treasures kept ( Our temples burnt ) from flames , which all quite swept The tables of our Gods , great cups of gold : Our captiv'd royall robes this tower did hold . These , all these thither brought : and their young boyes And frightfull matrons making wofull noise , In heaps enhedg'd it . And though ' midst my foes , I with my voice adventured to disclose My heavie losse , and through the nightly shade I fill'd the wayes with woes , and swiftly said , Nay cride , Creüsa , O Creüsa deare , Once , twice and thrice ( in vain ) for she 'd not heare . Thus as I ceaselesse , easelesse pri'd about In every nook , furious to finde her out , Me thought the wofull gastly ghost I saw Of my Creüsa neare mine eyes to draw , In bigger shape then wont : I stood agast , My haire did stare : my tongue to 's roof stuck fast . And straight she seem'd to say , my plaints to end , What good is got , such fruitlesse pains to spend , Deare Pheere ? these things fall out by fates decree : Nor may thy mate Creüsa go with thee : For so great Iove gainsayes : and sayes beside , That thou by sea long banishment must ' bide . And plowing Neptunes waves to Latium glide , And there arive , where Lydian Tybers torrent Through fertile soiles doth passe with facile current . There joyes attend thee , there 's a crown , a queen Thy wife to be : then cease this sorrow seen For me thy lost Creüsa thus affected . For I the Grecian dames , all disrespected , Will neither serve nor see in their proud places , But I now go t' enjoy the joyfull graces Of Dardan Ladies , sacred Venus neece . Here now the mother of Gods plants me in peace . O then farewell , my love t' our sonne supply . This having said , she weeping wofully , And willing to have said much more , departed , And into th' open aire quick from me darted . Thrice in my arms her neck to clasp I tride , And thrice her form from my hands hold did slide , Like a swift winde , or slippery dream by night . Night thus being spent , I went to take a sight Of all my mates : where such a confluence Of followers I found , since I went thence , As made me much admire their multitude Of men and women , youths and vulgars rude , From miserable exile there collected ; With goods and good wills freely all affected To follow me wheres'ere by sea or land . And now the tops of Ida's woody strand Bright Lucifer with sweet Aurora's face , Began with dayes faire rayes to guild and grace : The Greeks our blockt up gates and houses held : And we from hope of help being quite expell'd : I therefore , on my back my father ta'ne , Departed thence , the mountains thus to gain . An end of the second book of Virgils Aeneïds . THE ARGUMENT of the third book . Troyes kingdome thus quite ruinated , And they for flight accommodated , Aeneas first ariv'd in Thrace , And built a citie in that place , The death of Polydore him frighted . The kings great harbrous love recited , And Phoebus oracles declar'd , To sail to Creet he 's now prepar'd . Where he again new fortunes found , And shipwrack did him sore surround . Whence fled , the Harpyes frights he shows : Helenus left , his fates he knows . He Achemenides befriends , His father dies : his tale so ends . AFter the Gods had ruin'd Asia's state , And Priams throne , unworthie so great hate , Neptunian Troy like blazing brands of fire : We were constrain'd , by signes of fatall ire Exil'd , to wander through strange woods and wayes , And on Antander and Ides banks we raise And build our navie , being all unsure Where fates would force us , where to sit secure . Our men we muster : Summer scarce comen on , My father bad us hoise up sail , be gon . I then my native countreys losse bewail , And planes where Troy late stood . I banisht sail , With me my sonne , my mates , Gods small and great . Farre off th●re lies a spacious Martiall seat , ( Thracians it plant and plow ) Lycurgus wise Once did it rule ; Troyes ancient firm allies . Their Gods as ours , whiles fortune made us rise . Here I ariv'd , here first I built a town In a crosse crook , entering by fatall frown : And from my name , I did it Aeneads name . And to my mother Venus I the same Did dedicate , and offer sacrifice To my kinde Gods , that blest mine ente●prize . And Iupiter great king of Gods t' adore , A fat bull I did offer on the shore . By chance hard by a woody hill I spide , Upon whose top white horny rods did bide , And tall thick shady mirtle boughs did grow . Thither to pluck off some of them I go , Our altars with green branches to bedeck : But as I pluckt , a fearefull chance did check My first attempt : for the first branch I tore , There issued thence thick drops of muddy gore , Which stain'd the ground with bloud . This did me fright , And chilling feare shook me in piteous plight . Again another tender sprig I pluck , Longing to know the cause and lurking luck : Straight from the bark more bloudy drops did sprout . Whereat much mov'd , the wood Nymphs ( in great doubt ) I did adore , and Mars great Thracia's king , To th'omen good , to th' sight delight to bring . Then when a third branch I more strongly tore , And with both knees to th' ground me strugling bore , ( Speak may I , or be still ? ) A grievous groan From bottome of the pit to heaven up thrown , Seem'd thus to crie . Aeneas , why dost teare Distressed me ? my buried body spare , O spare , thy holy hands thus to bestain , For Troy did me thy kinsman know most plain : See how out from this stump doth gush my gore , O flee this barbarous land , this sharking shore . For I am Polydore ; who here being slain , My corps a bush of sharp shafts doth remain . My heart was straight with dubious thoughts dejected , Speechlesse , amaz'd , my hair 's upright erected . Unhappy Priam ( once ) this Polydore With store of gold did secretly send o're Unto the king of Thrace for education : Who when he saw Troyes troops in desperation , The citie round besieg'd , our valour vail , Our weal grow weak , our fortune us to fail , Following great Agamemnons conquering arms , He fled from us , burst out into base harms , Poore Polydore he slew , usurpt the gold . O cursed thirst of gain ! what , uncontrould , Wilt thou not force mans minde to undergo ? But now , feare past , this fatall signe I show To my choice Peeres , but to my father first , Pray'd them to say their mindes , or best , or worst . All were unanimous , 't was best to flie , To save that hatefull harbour , instantly To sail away . A tombe we therefore made To Polydore , great heaps of earth up laid : About this wofull herse blew clothes were plac'd , With cypresse boughs , and sable garments grac'd : Our Trojan women ( as we us'd ) stood round , Their haire about their eares hung all unbound ▪ Then on it we warm pales of milk do throw , And bowls of sacred bloud : and e're we go , VVe at his herse do ring his soules sad knell , And with loud cries give him his last farewell . Thence when first fittest serene seas gave way , And gentle fanning blasts made dandling play Upon our sails , our troops the shores do fill . My mates put forth to sea with free good will , And past the port , the lands and towns us leave . Thus sailing , we aloof ( at length ) perceive I' th' sea a lovely land lie situated , To th' mother of the sea Nymphs dedicated , And to Aegean Neptune : which faire land Stragling abroad , pious Apollos hand Did with restrictive bands and bounds confine , VVith Gyarus and faire Myc●● combine , And thereby it most strong and stable made , Fearlesse when windes and waves did it invade . Here I ariv'd , here we our wearie state In a most pleasant port did recreate ; And comen on shore , adore Apollos town , VVhither to meet us speedily came down King Anius , king and priest to P●oebus great , And to those people , he with kinde receipt ( His h●ad with headb●●ds and green la●●ell deckt ) Anchises his known friend doth much respect . Then hands we shake in lo●● , and home are h●ad Into their houses ▪ where I then ●ost glad In th' old rock-founded te●ple made ob●ation Unto Apollo , with this supplication ; Grant , Thymbr●●n Ph●●us , to 〈◊〉 Troj●●● ti●ed , A proper place , an issuing race desired , And setled citie : yet preserve , I pray , Another Troy , the reliques which yet stay Of conquering Greeks , and of Achilles stout . Whom follow we ? whither range we about ? Where shall we seat our selves ? Great father , say , Shew us some signes our anxious mindes to stay . Scarce said I thus , when all seem'd suddenly , The doores and bayes of Phoebus majestie , Yea all the mount about , to move and shake , Apollos private Tripos roares did make . Hereat to earth we prostrate fell , and heard A voice saying thus ; Stout Trojans , be not feard : The land whence first ye sprang from ancients race , Shall safely you receive in copious case : Seek your old granmother . For surely there Aeneas house shall spacious empire reare ; And all his childrens childrens offspring faire . Thus Phoebus : we with clamours joyfull are , Desirous all to know what towns he meant ; Whither he 'd call us ▪ whither we wandring went. My father then old stories recollecting , Said ; Heare brave peeres , your hopes I 'm now detecting , Mark then : I' th' midst o' th' sea lies Creet , Ioves nation , There 's Id● , our countreys cradle of education ; Whose large rich realm an hundred towns doth hold : Whence our great Sire king Teucer sprung of old . ( If hearesay fail not ) He on Rh●●t●ans shore Did first arive , a fit seat did explore To plant his throne : as yet no Ilium faire , Nor Pergams pinacles stood beauteou● rare , But then low valleys they inhabited . Hence was wood-haunting mother Cybel bred , Sage Corybantes bels , and Ida's wood : Hence sacred secrets found safe silence good , Goddesse-yokt lions hence their chariots drew . Go on then , and let 's passe where Gods us shew , Let 's calm the windes , and get to Candies land : The wayes not farre : if Iove do for us stand , Creet shall our fleet receive within three dayes . This said , he sacrific'd to th' Gods due praise , One bull to Neptune , one t' Apollo kinde : To storms a black , a white sheep to Southwinde . There flies a fame , that Idomeneus duke Forc'd from his native state his Creet forsook , That all his lands lay void , to foes a prey . To sea we flie , from Delos part away , Leave green Donysa ; Naxon , Bacchus pride , Olearon , white marbly Paron wide , Sea-spreading Cyclads , passe those lands about . With various noise our mariners cries out . My mates me move for Creet , forefathers seat ; And as we sail , rough windes our ships do beat ; So that at last Candies old coast we held . Where gladsome I , long wisht for town-walls build , And Pergam nam'd : my glad mates Trojans call'd , Wisht them to grace the Gods , see cities wall'd , And houses fram'd : our ships in ports secure , Out youths new wedlock rustick works inure . I laws and lands allot : when suddenly Through corrupt aire a foule mortalitie Did on us seaze : a murrion miserable Our trees and plants did spoile most lamentable , A deadly yeare . For , or men quickly die , Or sicklie languish in much miserie . The dog-starre burns our barren fields and plants , Denies us grain , complies our pain and vvants . My father hence to Delphos vvills us send , And back by sea Phoebs oracle to tend , Pardon to pray , these toiles and cares to cease , To know their course , and labours longed peace . Novv night vvas come , sweet sleep shut up mens eyes , And now me thought in sleep I saw to rise , Before my face the sacred images Of Trojan Gods , our countrey-Deities , Whom I , from Troyes fierce flames sav'd , brought with me : These by much light I seem'd most plain to see , Like Cynthia faire , vvhen vvindows open be . And thus they seem'd to say , to cheare my heart , VVhat Delian Phoebus means to thee t' impart , Behold by us sent to thee : thus he sings ; VVe vvho , Troy burnt , thee and thy armies vvings Have followed , vve who through rough seas have past VVith thee , vvill thee and thine to th' heavens at last Exalt , and give thy citie soveraigntie : Prepare great vvalls for great posteritie . And leave not thy long labours progresse faire ▪ Thou must seek other seats : Apollo's care Call'd thee not hither thus to rest at Creet . But there 's a place for thee held farre more me●● . VVhich Greeks Hesperia call , of pristine state , Potent in arms , vvith fertile soiles ornate . Th' Oenotrians dwelt there once , now younger fame Doth it from Italus , Italia name . Here is our proper place , hence Dardan springs : Hence father Iasius , and our chiefest kings . Rise then , and this , as sure as sweet relation , Shew to thy aged sire with exultation : Seek out faire Corits coasts , Italia's bay : Iove thee denies in Candie longer stay . This voice and vision of the Gods me frights , ( Nor was 't sound sleep , for I their perfect sights Did plainly know , their faces , haire bound neat I surely saw : whereat a chill could sweat O'respread my limbes ) from bed I started straight , To heaven my hands and heart I elevate , And to the Gods give a pure sacrifice : VVhich honour done , I , as they did advise , Unto Anchises all the vision tell . Th' ambiguous branch , and fathers both , full vvell , He straightway knows , and sees his new mistake From places old : and therefore thus he spake ; Deare sonne , long seasoned vvith our Trojan toiles , Onely Cassandra told me these turmoiles . That these things now our nations due portend , I right recount , and oft did apprehend , Hesperia spoke of , and faire Italie . But who 'd have thought Trojans should e're come nigh Those parts ? or who did then Cassandra trust ? But to Apollo now submit we must , And follow better fortunes . This thus said , VVe all his words most joyfully obey'd . And parted from this place , few left behinde , Our ships do plow the seas vvith pleasant vvinde . As thus our vvingy sails through vvaves do flie , No land novv seen , all sea , all aire , and skie ; Then o're my head a black blevv cloud did stand , Whereby i' th' floud night●storms seem'd neare at hand . VVindes quick winde up the waves , huge billows rise , Flouds make our fleet to float : day from our eyes Dark clouds rowl up , wet night takes skie from sight , And from cleft clouds flash out quick lightnings bright . We wander through blinde seas , our course crost quite . Yea Palinurus did himself denie : He could or day or night by heaven discrie , Or know his way i' th' sea . Three dayes together In foggy mists vve stray'd in stormie weather , And three nights never having seen a starre . The fourth day first vve land discri'd afarre , Mountains peept up , and chimney smoak ascended . Our sails we slack , our oares vve close attended : No stay vve make , our shipmen strenuously Slice up the foam , sweep the blew flouds on high . And first Strophadean shores from sea me save , The Greeks these isles Strophades named have , Isles in the great Ionick sea , vvhere dwell Celaeno fierce , and ravenous Harpyes fell : E're since Phinëus house vvas from them shut , And they from their first table-feares vvere put . Then these vvere ne'remore hideous monsters found , Then these the Gods great vvrath did ne're more wound , VVhen rais'd from Stygian pools . Birds of strange shape , Foule fowles vvith virgins faces , mouths which gape , Still hunger-starv'd , vvith most insatiate maws , Which filthily hang loose , hands vvith huge claws . Here now i' th' port vve safely set , behold , VVe saw great droves of lusty fat beefs bold , And flocks of goats feeding , no herdsman by . On vvhom vvith swords vve set , and instantly The Gods , yea Iove himself vve invocate , Part of our prey with 's to participate : Then on the ground , beds spread , we eat our meat . But from the mountains with a bluster great And horrid noise , the Harpyes on us light , And with huge din clap their wings in our sight : Snatch up our meat with filthie fists defilde , And make most odious smells and screekings vvilde . Again , in a remote most private place , Under a rock which shades and boughs did grace , Our table set , on shrines we sacrifice . Again , from hidden holes a crosse way flies Another troublous troop , with hooky claws , To catch the prey , and fill their filthy maws . Then straight to take up arms I charge my mates , And to fierce fight each one accelerates , Against that odious armie ; as I bad , Their swords and shields i' th' grasse they hidden had . Thus when to th' shore to us with noise they grew , Misenus from an high hill did them view , And with brasse trumpet sounds th' alarum straight : My mates make head , thick blows reduplicate , Those foule sea-fowls to foile and profligate . But nor their wings nor backs our blows could hurt , For into th' aire they swiftly flie and flurt , Leaving the half-got prey and prints behinde , Of their foule feet . Onely alone I finde , Set on a steepie cliff , Celaeno fierce , Unluckie wizard , who , our hearts to pierce , Brake out into these words ; Is 't vvarre indeed ? Perfidious Troj●ns , must fierce vvarre proceed For our slain beeves and goats ? quite to expell Us harmlesse H●rpyes from our native cell ? Then heare me , and my words imprint in thee : What mightie Iove to Phoeb , Phoeb shewed to me , I chief of furies will reveal to thee : With winde and tide to Italie you go , To Italie ( at last ) you shall do so : But first , e're you your citie edifie , Fierce famine and our slaughters injurie , Shall cause you quite devoure your store of meat , And bring you to distresse , nought left to eat . This said , away into the woods she flies . Whereat bloud-chilling feare doth us surprise , Our hearts did faint : now not with powers , but prayers We labour to make peace , to cure our cares ; Whether bad birds , or sacred fouls they be , And old Anchises , most devoutly he His hands stretcht forth , the great Gods invocates , And to them their due honours dedicates . Great Gods ( sayes he ) spare threats , avert these ills , Appeased , save good men that do your wills . Then straight he bids us loose the ship from shore , And hale the cables in . The windes up boare Our faire spread sails : and so we cut the seas , And make our way where puffs and pilot please . And first at sea we woodie Zacynth spie , Samey , Dulichium , rockie Nerite high : Ithaca's rocks we passe , Laertes strait , Vlysses native soile we execrate , As we it passe . To stormie Leucas hills We came , and to Apollo's point , vvhich fills Poore shipmens heart with feares . Here vve at last , Tir'd , at a little town ariv'd ; and fast , To come to shore , our anchours out we cast . Thus having found an unexpected land , To Iove vve expiated out of hand , Made vows and sacrifice , and manly sport On Actium shore , us'd in our Trojan court . Our nak●d youths suppling their joynts vvith oyle , Our countrey-vvrastling use : ●o see our toile And danger past , passing so many towns Of adverse Greece , and midst of foe-mens frovvns , This joy'd our hearts . Now a full summer past , By Northern icy blasts flouds frozen fast : On a brasse shield , vvhich on a post I hung , Great Abas famous facts in verse I sung . Saying ; Here Aeneas consecrates these arms , Wonne from the conquering Greeks most fierce alarms . Then from these shores to th' oares I bid them flie , And they the seas beat , brush , most Iustily . Soon vve lost sight of high Corcyra's towers , And bare up by Epirus pleasant bowers . VVhere entring Chaons port , our course vve bend , To brave Buthrotums citie to ascend . Here vve rare things of note did understand , Hovv Trojan brave Helenus did command The Grecian towns , vvho Pyrrhus vvife did vved , And vvore his crown , and after married Andromache , both of them Trojans bred . I vvondred , and my heart burnt vvith desire , To greet the man , and of these things t' enquire . So on I past , shores , ships , safe left behinde , When as by chance I saw ( vvith mournfull minde ) Before the citie in a grove most green , Neare Simois stream , Andromache the queen , Offring sad gifts , an annuall sacrifice , To Hectors ashes , calling up likewise The ghosts to 's tombe , 'bout which green turfs did grow , And two more shrines ( her greater grief to show ) She consecrated had . When me she saw , And Trojan troops with me neare her to draw , Distracted , straight she seem'd strangely afraid , At this so sudden sight she stood dismaid : All vitall heat her corps did quite forsake . And down she sunk , long first , at last she spake : Is 't a true face ? bringst thou true news to me ? O God desse sonne , liv'st thou ? or if thou be Rais'd from the dead , tell me ; where 's Hector deere ? This said , a floud of teares from her appeare , And every place she fills with clamorous woes ; Nor scarce could I ( briefly ) her rage oppose : But mov'd with grief , these abrupt words breath'd out ; Indeed I live , through all straits born about . Thou seest a certaintie , then do not doubt . Alas ! what chance thee chas'd from such a Pheere , Now resustains ? what fate does thee recheare ? Great Hectors Deare , art ( still ) stout Pyrrhus mate ? Hereat with hung down head , words temperate , And submisse voice she said , O blest and best Priams faire daughter , happie 'bove the rest , Whom foes did force under Troyes walls to die : For whom no lots were ever cast , to tie Thee to the captive-bed of conquering foe ! We , Troy destroy'd , have been tost to and fro Through divers seas , and travelling have tride , In bondage base , th' Achillean youths great pride : Who after lov'd and married Hermion brave , And me his maid to 's man Helenus gave . But then Orestes in fiecie jealousie For his stoln wife vex'd with his villanie , And rous'd with rage , did unawares him catch , And at his fathers tombe , of life dispatch : And by the death of Neoptolemus , Part of the kingdome came to Helenus : Which he from Chaon a brave Trojan state , Did totally Chaonia nominate : And this Troyes towre and Pergams walls erected . But what faire windes , what fates thee thus directed ? What God did thee thus to our confines drive ? Where 's young Ascanius ? does the lad yet live ? Whom Troy to thee for future hopes did give . Of his lost countrey has the boy a thought ? Or have the ancient noble vertues wrought In his young pregnant heart , of 's father 〈◊〉 Aeneas , or of 's uncle Hector brave ? These words she spake , and speaking wept full sore , Though all in vain ; and e're she could give o're , Trojan Helenus from the citie came , Attended with a train of Peeres of fame . His countrey-men he knew , acknowledged , And joyfull , us into his citie led : And as we went , spake much , as much he wept . Thus on to Troy-novant our way we kept , And to his Pergam patterning our great , Where was the drie-brook , Xanthus call'd , whose seat I knew , and hugd the posts of Ianus gate , My Trojans with me do participate In this kinde harb'rous town . The king also In royall rooms did them great kindnes show . In his great hall they drank full bowls of wine , And with choice cheere , in golden dishes dine . And thus two dayes at least we there did spend , Now faire Southwindes our wingy sails did tend . Then to this kingly prophet humbly I With these beseeches , do my suit apply ; Trojan-interpreter of Gods decree , Who Phoebus power , Delphick stools , starres dost see , Who Clarian bayes , birds chirps , swift flights dost know ▪ I pray thee , plainly to us all to show , ( For all religion hath my course made faire : And all the Gods advise me to prepare For Italie , that promis'd land to gain : Harpyck Celaeno onely seems to feigne New and nefarious frights , and doth us threat With a most foule and fearefull famine great ) Shew us , I pray , what dangers first to flie , And how such toiles to vanquish valiantly . Helenus here , first , as he us'd , did slay His heifers , and to th' Gods of peace did pray : Loosning the fillets on his holy head , He by the hand me full of feare and dread , Unto thy temple , great Apollo , brings , And from his sacred mouth the priest thus sings : Great Goddesse sonne , ( for'tis a truth most cleare , That thou shalt sail to th' sea by gods most deare : So Iupiter guides fates , so lots do light , So he the wheel of fortune orders right ) I in few words 'mongst many things will show How thou through serene seas mayst safely go To Italie : Further to know , unfold , The fatesand Iuno have my tongue controld . First , Italie , which thou think'st neare at hand , And ignorant , would rest in neighbouring land , Farre off , long wayes , long rigid reaches yet It doth contain : and first thou down must sit , And set thy bending oares smoothly to sail In Sicils seas ; and after , with free gale Passe with thy ships through Italies salt seas , And through th' infernall floud , and isle Circes , Before thou canst secure thy citie build : Mark well , for I will thee some tokens yeeld : When carefull thou 'bout Tyberinus shore Hast that still silent stream quite passed o're , Thou on those banks a huge white sow shalt see , With thirtie white young pigges late farrowed be : And on the ground sucking the sows vvhite ●eats , There is the place for thy faire cities seats . Nor for the foretold famine be afraid , Phoebus vvill help , the fates vvill finde good aid . But see thou shunne these parts , our neighbouring land , Though neare some part of Italie it stand : For there the greedy Greeks all cities hold , There lie in garrison the Locrians bold , There Idomeneus on Salentine plains His Grecian armie musters up , and trains : And there duke Philoctetes safely sleeps , And in Petilias vveak vvalls closely keeps . Besides , the seas safe past , thy ships at rest , Thy altars built on shore , thou readie prest , Then pay thy vovvs , vvith purple-hood thy head See thou adorn , that no disordered Or adverse fact be found , i' th' sacred fire Made to the Gods due praise , t'incensetheir ire , And all molest . This custome thou and thine Keep firm in sacred rites , at sacred shrine . After , vvhen vvindes to Sicil bring thee neare , And strait Pelorus banks smally appeare , Sail to the left hand sea , the left hand side , Steere , by a long circumference , the tide : Be sure to shunne the right hand sea and shore . These parts ( they say ) vvere by a tempest sore ( Such a strange change makes long antiquitie ) And rupture great , long since most vehemently Broke forth ; both lands did once together lie : For with great force came a huge inundation , Whose overflowing stream made separation 'Twixt Italie and Sicil , tumbling down With swift represselesse rage each field and town : Yet running with a narrow furious floud , On whose right side pernicious Scylla stood ; Implacable Charybdis on the left , The midst whereof so hellishly is cleft , That its deep gaping gulf with treble swallow Sups up huge waves , which broken in do follow : And thrice again disgorgeth them on high , Dashing its wavie vomit up to th' skie . But Scylla lurketh in his covered caves , And to his sharp-tooth'd mouth sucks ships from waves : Upward a man , downward a comely maid , His lower parts like a huge whale are made , All of wolves wombes and Dolphins tails are said To be engendred . But Pachynus point Is farre more safe for thee , at ease t' appoint Thy courses in and out , though farther it winde , Then formidable Scyllas fangs to finde , And rocky roares of his curst curres unkinde . Beside , if any wit Helenus have , If him least faith or truth Apollo gave ; This one thing , and but onely this for all ( Deare Goddesse sonne ) to thee I motion shall And mention , yea and move most ardently , 'Bove all adore great Iunos deitie : Make vows to Iuno with a willing minde , And overcome with sacrifices kinde That mightie Goddesse . Thus , thou victor may'st , Sicilia left , in Italie be plac'd To Cuma thou being come , and on that shore , Where sacred flouds , Avernus woods do roare ; There thou the frantick prophetesse shalt see , Who in her deep steep rock doth prophesie . And all her notes and names in leaves she writes , And what in leaves she written leaves , indites In metre-modules , and locks in her cave , And there untoucht , they lie in order brave . But if , the doore being ope , the winde displace them , And out of doores the whisking puffs do chase them , She never cares to catch them in again , To recollect their strains , or place them plain , Rudely they runne , and Sibyls seat disdain . Nor think it losse of time there to abide , Though thy companions thee to ship may chide , And though to launch out thou have winde at will , Which with most prosperous gales thy sails may fill , Yet prove the prophetesse , her humbly pray Thy fates by word of mouth plain to display , She 'le shew thee Latium lads , fierce future broiles , And how thou mayst forsake , or take thy toiles : Thy journeyes joyfull sacred-she will make . Of these things I 'd have thee chief note to take . Go on then , and to th' heavens Troy magnifie By famous facts . This said , most courteously The prophet gave him ivorie gifts , and gold , And made his ship huge massie silver hold : Dodonaean basons , and a coat of arms Richly beset with hooks , to save from harms , And treble-guilt with gold ; a helmet faire , With a rich crest , and dangling plume , like haire : The arms of Neoptolemus they were , And to my father he great gifts did beare : He gave us horses , gave us captains there : Gave us new oares , and armour for our men . Achilles my old father bad us then To fit our ships with sails , for windes swift chace : To whom Apollos priest said , with great grace , Anchises , whom faire Venus to embrace With wedlocks royall rites , did kindely ' dain , Whom Gods regard , and twice did safe sustain From Pergams spoile , behold faire Italie , Then sail thou thither with celeritie , And needs thou must from these our parts depart . For very farre remote from whence thou art , Are those Italian plains , by Phoebus shown : Then go ( he said ) thou who art happie known In a most pious sonne : But why thus still Does my talk stay thee ? winde blowing now at will. Andromache likewise at our farewell Most sorrowfull , brought gifts that did excell : Garments with gold embroidered , rich and deep , And a rare Trojan coat , which she did keep , She to Ascanius gave , equall to any , And rarely woven gifts she gave him many , And said ; Take these brave childe , and let them be Pledges of my hands and hearts love to thee , Let them Andromaches , great Hectors mate , Largely extended kindnesse demonstrate : Yea take them as friends gifts in last extent , O thou who onely much dost represent My deare Astyanax ! for so had he His eyes , his hands , his countenance like thee ; And , had he liv'd , he had been just thine age . Then parting , I with a sad carriage And many teares , said unto these my friends ; O happy you , whose toile already ends : Whereas new and alternate fates us call , You sit at ease , no seas to sail at all : You seek no Latian retrograding plains , You Xanthus and Troyes figure safe contains , Which your own fingers fram'd : I trust , more blest , Then e're to be by Greeks again distrest . If ever I faire Tybers flouds and field Do enter , and my nations citie build , And kindred countreys and our neighbouring nations , Epirus and Hesperias combinations In amitie , who both from Dardane came , And both in bloud and fortunes were the same : Then both shall be one Troy in sweet affection , And our posteritie have one protection . By sea we to Ceraunia sail , hard by , Whence by short cut lies way to Italie . Meanwhile the Sunne goes down , shades hide the hills , We on the long'd for land with cheerfull wills Lie down and choose our oares , and scattered wide , We for our wearie limbes on shore provide : And tired , quickly fell full sound asleep , Nor yet did midnight season from us creep , When Palinurus nimbly rose from rest , To watch the winde ; his eare to th' aire most prest , He marks the gliding starres in serene skie , The Plow-starre , Wain , Hyades waterie , Golden Orion , full of tempests great . And finding all to be both faire and neat , From ship-board gives a signe : we change a station , And steere our way with sail-yards elevation . The starres now fled , ruddy Aurora smiles , And we dark hills discry'd some distant miles , And Italie lying low : when first of all Achates Italie aloud did yaull , Our mates do Italie salute with joy . And old Anchises doth himself employ , A bowl of wine brimfull to coronate , And all the Gods divine did invocate . And thus , advanc'd i' th' ship , did impetrate : You Gods of sea and land , who storms do cease , Prosper our journey with all joyes increase . And straight faire blasts do blow , the ports appeare To our approach , and we beheld most cleare Minervas temple in her sacred tower . My mates their ships to shore with all their power Put in , to land , and quick let down their sails , The haven hooks in , by Eastern seas avails , Much like a bow ; and rockie banks cast up , The foaming-swelling salt seas waves do sup . The haven lies hid , the rocks , like turrets high , Stretch out two walley-arms , and back doth flie The temple from the shore . Here did I see ( The first omen ) foure snow-white steeds to be About the field , and on the grasse to graze . Then grave Anchises thus his minde did blaze ; O harbrous land , bringest thou battells great ? By these warre-horses thou fierce warre dost threat . And yet these beasts chariots were wont to draw , And in kinde couples bits to champ and chaw . Here 's hope of peace , sayes he : then submissely VVe pray to Pallas powerfull deitie , VVho us most glad receiv'd , before whose fires Our heads with hoods we vail , and Trojan tires : Holy Helenus charge we discharge now , Which chiefly he enjoyn'd us , and we bow And sacrifice to Greeces Iuno high . Without delay , our votes paid orderly , We turn about our cover'd crosse yards all , And from Greeks feared towns and fields we fall . And hence we saw Herculean Tarents bay , ( If fame be true ) 'gainst which in full sight lay Lacinian Iunos temple , Caulons towers , And shipwracking Scylacaeums stormie powers . Then farre from sea , Sicilian Aetnas hill We saw , and heard the seas huge roares most shrill , And battering stones clattering against the clift , And abrupt sounds at shore , waves loudly lift , And sands and seas boyling with furious drift . Here 's that Charybdis ( sure ) Anchises said , Helen these rigid rocks , these clifts displaid . Hence then brave mates ( sayes he ) ply close your oares . Straight they what 's bid obey , shove from those shores : First Palinure the stern steeres to th'lef● side , The whole fleet rows to th' left with winde and tide . Huge bow-backt vvaves do tosse us up to th' skie , They shrink , we sink to hells profunditie . Thrice threatning rocks i' th' clifts made clamorous jangles , Thrice we the foam did slice , see dewy spangles . Meanwhile both winde and sunne us tyr'd forsake : Unknown on Cyclops banks a stay we make . The haven is huge , unstur'd by sturdy winde , But Aetna's horrid roares there ( neare ) we finde . Whence a black cloud sometimes is belched out , Whose pichy fume and fierie sparks about Vent flakes of flame , and seem the starres to lick , Vomiting up unbowell'd mount-mould thick , Working up rocks to th' skie , and heaps of stones , From 's fierie-boyling paunch venting great groans . Encelads lightning-half-burn'd corps , 't is said , Under this mightie mountain Aetna's laid , And through those chimney breaches breaths out fire , And when that vveight his vvearie limbes doth tire , All Sicil shakes vvith rumbling noise and cries , And mightie fogs and fumes do dimme the skies . That night in vvoods strange sounds and sighs us fright , Yet on the cause of them vve could not light . For neither vve the light of starres did see , No nor the starrie pole discern'd could be : But mungy clouds o'respread the skie most black , And the dark night made us moon-light to lack . But now the next dayes light sprang from the East , And Sols bright rayes nights devvy shades decreast : VVhen suddenly out of the vvoods vve spie A mans strange shape , hunger-starv'd , like to die , In piteous plight , his hands humbly stretcht out , Whom we behold , see him soil'd all about , His wilde grown beard , his garments all thorn-torn , In all things else he seem'd a Greek forlorn , Who once in Grecian troops to Troy was sent , He spies farre off Troyes arms and vestiment ; Which sight him somewhat startled , made afraid , And stopt his pace : at last he headlong made To us to shore , with wofull treats and teares . By starres , by Gods , life-breathing aire , he sweares , Take me hence , Trojans , to what parts you please : And this , this onely gives me ample ease : My self a Grecian souldier I confesse , That by that warre Troyes Gods we did distresse : For which , since so great harms our arms have wrought , Fling me to th' flouds , let sea bring me to nought . If so I die , by man to die I 'm glad . This said , he staid , kneeling on knees most sad : We bad him tell us who he was : where born : And what dire fate did cause that state forlorn . Yea and my sire himself , Anchises old , VVithout delay the young-mans hand did hold In his right hand , a pledge of hope to 's minde . VVhereat he thus began , feare cast behinde , Of Ithaca I am , Vlysses mate , My name is Achaemenides , and late I came to Troy from Adamast my father , A man ( then ) poore ( and oh I wish much rather That state had stood ) here , my unmindfull mates Fearefully fled , left me within the gates Of the huge Cyclops den , foule den indeed , VVherein they on dire bloudie dai●●ies feed : As deep as dark within , the masters self , An ugly , odious , tall , starre-touching elf : ( Heaven grant , like plagues mortals finde never more ) Fierce in his sight , furious to speak before , Fed with the flesh and bloud of wretches poore . For I my self saw him most slightly take , And grasp in his foule fist , and fiercely shake , Two of the bodies of my mates at once , And dash them both against the rockie stones , Sprinkling their putrid filth thick on the walls : Yea and I saw the beast , how close he falls To eat and gnaw their flesh and issuing bloud , How vvith their hot joynts 'twixt his teeth he stood . And yet not altogether unrewarded , Nor of himself Vlysses unregarded . For loathing life , Ithacus , in this feare , Whiles he was stuft vvith vvine and his good cheare , His head bent down to sleep , he laid on ground In his huge den , and in his sleep most sound , Disgorging guts and gobbets , bloud-mixt vvine , VVe all do call upon our powers divine , Each man in 's turn , closing him round about , His gogling eye we vvith a club dasht out , His onely eye , fixt on his frowning brow . Like Sol , or Grecian shield in 's au-all bow . Thus we our fellows deaths reveng'd at last . But flie , oh flie , poore soules , from hence full fast , Your cables cut , and loose , and quickly brast , From such , so huge , as Polypheme in 's den , VVho men and beasts in 's clutches close doth pen , Of Cyclops monstrous full an hundred more , Do rove and rage about this crabbed shore , And haunt about these hills . Novv Cynthia bright , Had thrice increast , decreast her hornie light , Since we in woods and deserts vvilde did range , And wilde beasts dens : vvhen the huge Cyclops strange Descending the rough rocks , I saw in sight ; Whose roaring voice and pace did me afright . Wilde stonie berries , rurall heps and haws They foulely fed on , roots , herbs , fill their maws . Sculking about , first I beheld this fleet Sailing to shore : which I ( thus ) vow'd to meet , What e're it vvas : enough I had that I Had scapt these barbarous beasts immanitie : By you more willing any death to die . Scarce had he done , when from a hill we saw , Much like a vvalking-mount , to us to draw Huge Polypheme himself amongst his sheep , And to the well-known shore his way to keep : Monstrous , misshapen , horrid , huge , stark-blinde . His hand a pine-tree grasps , firm vvay to finde , His flocks him follow , this his onely joy , His pipe ty'd at his neck , to ease annoy . Who entring now the deep , and come to shore , Of his boar'd eye he vvasht the running gore , Gnashing his teeth vvith rage ; i' th' main he goes , And yet above the vvaves his sides he shows . We fearefull , quickly skudding thence do flie , Taking vvith us the vvretch , and vvorthily Slily our cables cut ; with nimble oares VVe brush the floud , and glide from off the shores . VVhich so perceiving , follows our ships din , But seeing he no reach of us could vvin , To gripe us in his paw , finding likewise , Th' Ionick seas he could not equalize , Us to pursue so huge a howl he rais'd , As earth , and seas , and shores vvere all amaz'd . All Italie stood trembling , Aetna's hill VVith hollow holes resounded echoes shrill . VVhereat huge troops of Cyclops from the vvoods , And mountains tall , flock to the shores and flouds : VVhom vvith their fruitlesse frowns vve safely eye , Those Aetnaean elfs , whose pates even touch the skie , A hellish heap : much like a forrest rude , VVhere grow old oaks and trees in multitude , Or cypresses tall boughs , on hills that stood In faire Diana's groves , or Ioves tall vvood . Feare forc'd us thence confusedly to sail , Wheres'ere the windes would blow with prosperous gale . But grave Helenus hests us countercheckt , 'Twixt Scylla and Charybdis to direct , And keep our course 'twixt both , as we could best , From being by least feare of death distrest : But , if not so , then backward to retire . But see , a happy Borean blast did spire From faire Pelorus parts , which brought us right Unto Pantagia's rockie mouth and sight , Of cape Megarus , and of Tapsus low . All these did Achaemenides us show , Vlysses mate , as by those banks we goe . Against sower Sicils bay an isle doth lie , Call'd foule Plemmyrium by antiquitie ; But modern times do it Ortygia name . Alphean-Elis current ( so sayes fame ) Here undermines the sea by secret passe , Which now into thy mouth , Arethusas , Falling , confounded is in Sicils floud . There vve ( advis'd ) adore those Gods so good . Thence from Elorus fruitfull plains we put , And through Pachinus rocks and crooks vve cut : And sailing , see unmov'd Camarina , Gelo's large towns , and torrent fierce G●la . Then ample Agragas struts stately high , Of prauncing horses ( once ) a nurserie . By thee , date-bearing S●linus , I sail'd , And Lilybeums hid rocks rough streams hail'd . And thence I came to Drepanus sad shore : Where having all my toiles at sea past o're , ( Alas ! ) my father , cure of all my care , Anchises , here I lost : O father faire , Here dost thou thy poore tired sonne forsake ? Alas ! did heaven thee from such turmoiles take ? And all in vain ? And , nor Helenus vvise , Who many hardships to me did premise , Foreshew'd me this mishap , this sorrow great , Nor fierce Celaeno , vvho much fright did threat . Is this my labours , this my travells scope ? Hath heaven me hither brought , for this poore hope ? Thus grave Aeneas did himself relate To all their listning eares his God-given fate : And all his voyages at large exprest , And here did end , and ceast , and so took rest . An end of the third book of Virgils Aeneïds . THE ARGUMENT of the fourth book . The queen incens'd with love-sick fires , Her sister Annes advise desires : Who blows the coals more ardently . Whereat to Juno's deitie They sacrifice : A hunting ride , And Venus to their votes applide . Fame spreads the fact : by fates decree Aeneas charged thence to flee , Prepares his shipping and his mates , And thence to part he properates . This Dido saw , his stay assayd , With teares and treats ; but all denayd , On her built shrine , in sacrifice , With wofull words and wounds she dies . BUt all this while the queen with love sore wounded , Hugs her hearts harm , with imbred flames confounded . The mans rare parts she mindes much , much does trace His noble nation : and his words and face Engraves in heart : Care cuts off all sweet rest . Next morn , when Sols bright rayes the earth had drest , And Phoebus fair made moist mists heaven forsake , She love-sick , thus t' her siding sister spake ; Deare sister Anne , what dreams me thus molest ? Who is this our so noble new-come guest ? How faire he seems ! how rare in power and grace ! I think ( nor vainly think ) he 's of Gods race . Feare shews a cowards heart : ah how hath he Been tost by fates ? what warre-woes shew'd he me ? Were he not in my heart fixt movelesly , With nuptiall bands none living should me tie . Since my first Love , deceasing , hath me fail'd , Had I not hence marriage-bed rites quite vail'd , I could perhaps this one love-slip embrace . I 'le tell thee ( Nan ) since poore Sichaeus case , My spouse , slain by my brother at his shrines , This onely windes my will , my heart inclines To a forc'd fall : I feel loves old flames power . But may the earth gape wide , and me devoure , Or mightie Iove by lightnings force me die , Yea die to hells black nights profunditie , Before I thee , sweet chastitie , do blot , Or wrong thy rites . He which my love first got , He has it , holds it in his grave with him . This said , her eyes with teares stood full to th' brim . Anne straight replies ; Sister , to me more deare Then lovely light , shall I thee onely heare Still to bewail thy youths continuance , Void of sweet sonnes , or Venus dalliance ? Think'st thou that graves or ghosts will this supply ? Say , though all suiters ( once ) in nicitie Thou didst put off , and Libyan lords neglect , And king Iärbas , whom Tyre did reject , And other princely Peeres , whom Africk land Enricht with spoiles : dost still sweet love withstand ? Regard'st thou not whose land thou now dost hold ? Getulian towns , a warlike people bold , By proud Numidians hedg'd , and swallowing Syrts , Whereby unharbourous land thee round begirts , And barbarous Barceans blustring all about . Why talk I of our Tyrian warres burst out , And of thy greedy brothers threatnings stout ? Truely I trust , fair fates and Iuno kinde Drave t' us those Trojan ships with prosperous winde . O what a citie ( sister ) shall wee see ? How rare a realm , by such a spouse as he ? If Trojans trimme our troops , what matchlesse praise Shall Tyrians to their noble actions raise ? Onely get thou the Gods good will , then offer Thy sacrifice , thy guest all kindnesse proffer : And work out wayes him with thee to retain , While tempests rage at sea , while clouds drop rain , While ships are rigging , storms in skie remain : These words loves kindled fire highly enflame , Strengthen her stragling thoughts , dissolve all shame . First then to church they go , favour to finde By sacrifice : fat beasts to shrines they binde , As us'd to Ceres their law-maker sweet , To Phoebus , Bacchus , and ( as was most meet ) To Iuno first , Goddesse of Nuptiall rite . Here daintie Dido's self in beautie bright Holding in hand a cup of sacred wine 'Twixt the white heifers horns , upon the shrine Poured it out 'fore the Gods statues faire , At th' altars walks no gifts that day they spare : And the beasts inwards opened , inly eyes , And seeks i' th' smoaking intralls auguries . O shallow sight of priests , what good do votes ? To love-sick soules what good do temples notes ? When all this while sly flames my pith consume , And creeping Cupid holds my hearts best room . Enflam'd is dolefull Dido , like one mad , And up and down the citie doth she gad . Much like a silly deere pierct with a shaft , At unawares by hunters cunning craft , And with quick arrows chac'd through Creets thick woods , Away ( the huntsman knows not where ) she skuds O're large Dictaean downs , and springs , her side The deadly arrow fixed fast doth hide : So Dido now with her leads to and fro Her deare Aeneas , shews him , as they go , Her Tyrian treasure , citie readie made . Readie to speak , yet stops i' th' midst she made . Now day declining , to like banquets great She him invites , and fondly doth intreat , Again to heare his Trojan toils related , And all the while her fixt affections waited Upon the speakers face . But Cynthia pale Upon their parting having but a vail Of darknesse o're day-light , and pendent spangles In skies , mens eyes with drowsie sleep entangles , In her void palace she alone laments , And his forsaken seat her now contents : Whom absent she as present heares and sees , And young Ascanius dandles on her knees , Catcht with the count'nance of the father right , If thus her lawlesse love she lessen might . She builds no towers , begun ; no spirits brave Trains up in arms : and now , least care they have To raise strong forts for warre , faire ports to land ; All 's interrupted , all laid out of hand ; Their walls , for height threatning the skies , lie still , Now Ioves deare Iuno findes this festring ill , Not suffring fame her furie to restrain , She with these words to Venus doth complain ; A proper piece of praise , and pompous prize To you ( forsooth ) and to your yonker rise ! A goodly Godhead must you both hence clame , If you two Gods one silly soule do tame ! Nor am I ignorant you feare our powers , And much suspect high Carthaginian towers . But to what end is this ? vvhy do we strive ? Let 's rather practise peace , at long-love drive ; And them in vvedlock joyn'd , make live , love thrive : Thou hast thy hearts desire . Poore Dido burns With extream love , which her to phrensie turns . Let 's then this people into one unite , Let 's rule them both with equall love , delight : Let her her Trojan true-love serve , obey , And totall Tyre to thee large dowry pay . To whom ( for well she saw she subt'ly spake , Th' Italian kingdome frustrate thus to make , Th' imperiall throne to Carthage to procure ) Thus Venus said ; who 'd be so senselesse ( sure ) This to deny ? or strife with thee t' endure ? If that thou say'st the fates would ratifie . But by them I 'm distracted diversely , If Iove to Tyrians and to Trojans grant , Themselves in this one citie safe to plant , To live together , like the combination . Thou art his wife , try thou by impetration What he will do . Go first , I 'le follow thee Straight sayes queen Iuno , Leave that work to me . Now how what I desire we may effect , Listen , I pray , I briefly will direct . Aeneas and poore Dido do intend Next day i' th' woods in hunting sport to spend : As soon as ever Titans lustrous ray Begins to beautifie the lightsome day , I on them both a black thick cloud of hail , And on his hastning followers will not fail With thunder to showre down , whiles in great feare They winde the woods , and search to chase the deere . Their gallants gone , enclos'd in clouds most black , The Trojan prince and Dido I 'le bring back Into one cave : we 'le both be present there , And if with me thou like good liking beare , She shall be Bride , and I 'le them firmly wed . Here shall their nuptialls be , their marriage bed . To these desires faire Venus with a smile Gives her consent , glad to have found the guile . And now from seas arose Aurora bright , And Lucifer , dayes harbinger , in sight : Young gallants nimbly flock about the gates , And in their hands boare speares with iron plates , Their nets , gins , grins , troops of Massylian sparks , Kennels of senting hounds with loud-mouth'd barks , Prime Punick peeres at the queens chamber wait , Who there herself was dressing in great state : Her steed in stately trappings proudly stamps , And in his mouth his foamie bridle champs . At last the queen comes forth with tendance great , Adorned with a Tyrian mantle neat , Most richly wrought , a golden quiver hangs Behinde her back , her haire ty'd up with spangs And knots of gold , buttons of beaten gold Her purple garments neatly clasp and hold : The Trojan troops do also follow neare , 'Mongst whom comes young Iülus with brave cheere : But yet the first and fairest of them all , This hunting-game doth prince Aeneas call , Them to associate , make the train compleat : Like faire Apollo , when his Delphick seat He glad revisits , leaving Lycia cold , And Xanthus streams , and sacred feasts doth hold With his Epirian , Cretian , Scythian rout Of lords and lowns , Parnassus round about : Himself on Cynthus tops doth stalk in state . His fragrant haire laid in a curious plate , He bindes with tender boughs , and wreaths with gold ; At 's back his quiver clattering shafts doth hold . Lovely like him was ( now ) Aeneas pace , Such sparkling splendour shone from his faire face , Thus when the high hills they ascended had , And search'd beast-couching holes and haunts most glad , Behold , a herd of wilde goats they espie Run down the tops of rocks , and fast to flie . From other parts he saw i' th' open plain A herd of deere to skip and skud amain , And with their thick quick race to raise the dust , Leaving the hills , themselves in thickets thrust . The lusty lad Ascanius , ' midst the plains , On 's nimble courser races runs , maintains , Outriding all , ardently long to spie Some foaming boare 'mongst the mean beasts to flie , Some lusty lion from the mountains high . Meanwhile the heavens with stormie clouds are cloy ' Huge showers of hail the hunters soon annoy'd . Whereat the Tyrian troops and Trojan train , Yea Venus sonne himself , flock all amain , Disperst and scattered all , with feare to hide Themselves in what next shelter they espi'de : Great rainy flouds from hills do whirling glide . In one cave Dido and Aeneas meet : And first the earth and nuptiall Iuno sweet Work wedlock signes , conjugall fire and aire Shew forth , and wood-nymphs loud their loves declare ▪ This day began first cause of death , of woe , For neither future fame , nor present show , Doth Dido move ; nor to consulting came This surreptitious love , which she did name Wedlock , and under wedlocks name did hide This faulty fact , which soon o're Libya wide Fame blows about , even fame , that fluttering ill , Which thrives by flight , and as it goes , grows still . Small first , by feare , strait , stuft up , wondrous high , First goes on ground , then hides its head i' th' skie . Whose mother earth ( men say ) did her beget On extream fury , which the Gods did fret : Sister to Caeus and Enceladus , By light-fleet , quick wings , expeditious : Huge , horrid elf , with feathered corps so thick , Such unseen eyes ( most strange ) for sight so quick , So many tatling tongues , and railing lips , Such listning eares , such nightly nimble skips She makes i' th' aire , and in dark shades so squeaks , That rest she takes none , but sweet slumber breaks , By day strait watch she keeps on supream seats , Or palace turrets , and towns fright and threats : More full of fiction , fraud , then faithfulnesse , With various voices , in meere wantonnesse , Stuffing the vulgar sort , tatling about Things done or undone , without feare or doubt . The Troyes Aeneas was arived here , That Dido faire wedded him as her Pheere ; That now a winter long their lusts they nourisht , Carelesse of crowns , they filthy folly cherisht . This godlesse Goddesse spreads these mens mindes . VVhich to Iärbas king accesse soon findes . Wherewith he 's vex'd , perplex'd , exasperated . From Ammon he by birth was generated , And the deflor'd nymph Garamantide ; To Iove an hundred temples builded he Through his large realms , an hundred shrines beside , Where sacred unextinguisht fires did ' bide , For dayes and nights incessant sacrifice Unto his Gods , fraught with fat beasts likewise , For burnt oblations , all the doores throughout VVith flowers and garlands garnished about . He , mad with love with the harsh heare-say stung , Forthwith ( 't is said ) unto his altars flung , And ' midst his Gods , his hands high elevated , Iupiter ( thus ) he humbly invocated : All powerfull Iove , whom we black Moores adore , To whom we our Lenaean liquors poure On right embroidered beds ; seest thou these things ? Or , when ( great Iove ) thou on us earthly kings Dost flash forth lightnings , feare we this in jest ? Do those cloud-hid flames vainly fright mans breast ? Make but a skarre-crow sound ? A woman ( late ) Who stragling to these parts , did at a rate Purchase and plant a poore , a petty town ; Whom , subject to the statutes of our crown , We license gave to plant and plow our land , Our princely wedlock ( now ) doth stiffe withstand , And in her kingdome kindly entertains One sir Aeneas , who her solely gains . This petty Paris and his stragling trains Of beardlesse boyes , effeminately gay With coifs and perfum'd haire , these steal the prey : But we who fill thy temples with oblations , Seem onely fame to feed with vain frustrations . Iupiter heares him venting these events Before the altars , views his discontents : And to the princely palace turns his eyes , Sees how these lovers fairer fame despise : Mercurie therefore straight he call'd , and said ; Be gone , faire sonne , with wings and windes swift aid Haste to the Trojan prince ( who now at Tyre Wastes time , and doth not fate-given crowns acquire ) Haste through the aire , and tell him this from me : His sacred mother promis'd not that he Should such a person prove , nor for this cause Was he twice ransom'd from Greeks griping paws : But that he should once rule all Italie , Italie big with crowns , with conquests high : And should advance brave Teucers noble race , And the whole world under his orders place . But if these glories great him nought inflame , And that he 's loath to labour for such , fame ; Yet shall the father envie's sonnes renown ? And must Asc●nius loose his Rom●ne crown ? What means he ? vvhat 's his hope in a foes lands ? VVhy his Ausonian race , Lavinian strands Neglects he thus ? Let him to sea : here 's all , For this I thee my messenger do call . Thus Iove . His sacred sire he straight obeyes , His charge to discharge , shakes off all delayes : His vvingy shoes of gold he buckles on , Which with faire plumes , for expedition , Bare him aloft , quite over sea and land , VVith a swift gale . Then quick he takes his wand , VVith which he calls the hideous soules from hell , And others sends to Tartars dungeon fell : He gives , bereaves sweet sleep , from death preserves . Therewith he drives the windes , and with wing'd nerves Swims through the clustring clouds : and now in 's flight , Of craggy Atlas tops and sides hath sight , Of Atlas , whose huge height the heavens doth prop , On whose pine-bearing head black clouds do stop , And daily's girt , oft dasht with winde and rain . Thick drifts of snow do on his shoulders drain : Then down his aged chin quick flouds do flow , VVith frosty ice his beard doth grisly grow . Cyllenius fluttering vvings first staid him here , And headlong hence to th' vvaves his corps doth beare : Much like a bird , vvhich 'bout the shores and sides Of fishfull rocks , vvith hoverings smoothly glides Above the vvaves , about the banks : even so Cyllenian Mercurie did to and fro Flutter o're sea and land , and vvindes did slice , And Libya's sandy shores toucht in a trice . His vvingy feet no sooner did alight On Tyrian towers , but straight he saw in sight , Aeneas forts to raise , rooms to repaire : And he himself girt vvith a hanger rare , With yellow jasper stones like starres bedeckt , And a rich sword , in cloaths of rich respect : A mantle on his corps cast carelesly , Which rarely shew'd , of Tyrian purple die : VVhich gorgeous gifts rich Dido's self had made , And in the vveaving , threads of gold in-laid . Him he encounters thus ; Dost thou build high Great Carthage towers ? dost thou uxoriously Settle this citie faire ? O carelesse minde Of thine affaires , a promis'd crown to finde ! The king of Gods , vvhose power shakes earth and heaven , Sent me from skies to thee , this charge vvas given , Thus now to say ; What buildings dost thou reare ? What loytring hopes in Libya's land appeare ? Though thou thy self neglect so glorious fates , Though so high honour thee nought animates , Yet for high springing young Asc●ni●● sake , Thy hopefull heire Iülus , some care take : To vvhom faire Iliums crown , Romes royall fear , As debt are due . This said , Cylleni●● great , Amidst these vvords , from mortals view departed , And farre from sight into the aire vvas darted . But yet this sight Aeneas mad amaz'd , Made him stand mute , his haire vvith horrour rais'd , In staring state , burnt vvith desire of flight , And quick to leave this land of high delight , VVith these fore-vvarnings and the Gods command Stunded . Alas , vvhat should he take in hand ? VVith vvhat circumlocutions might he dare , This to th' enamoured queen now to declare ? VVhere might he first begin to break his minde ? His thoughts now here now there vvere puft , like winde , In strict distractive parts turn'd all about : At last , these vvrastling thoughts thus end the doubt : Mnestheus , Sergestus , and Cloanthus vvise , He calls to him , and closely did advise , The fleet to fit , his mates to send to shore , Arms to provide , and this to colour o're VVith some pr●text , himself in the mean while , Since his deare Dido knew not of this wile , Nor fear'd least fraction in such settled loves , Labours accesse to her , fit seasons proves , Kindely to treat vvith her , a gladsome end To gain to his designes . They all them bend Swiftly and gladly their due tasks to tend . But Dido found ( oh , vvho can love delude ? ) Foresaw these guiles , and their first motions view'd ; All stillnes still mistrusts : That impious fame Blabbed to her th' increase of furies flame : Told her the ships vvere rig'd , the voyage vow'd . Her deaded heart incens'd , she raves aloud , Doth madly through the citie drunkardize , Even as it is the Bacchanalian guise , VVhen at great Bacchus his trienniall sport Rude troops in drunken dances do resort , And so solemnize every sacred rite , Cithaeron echoning clamours loud by night . At last she thus , even of her own accord , Speaks to Aeneas ; Faithlesse , oh , abhor'd , And didst thou hope to play the counterfeit ? And couldst thou vvork so great , so grosse a cheat ? VVouldst thou so slily hence have stoln away ? Could neither our love , nor plighted faith thee stay ? Nor wofull Dido dying stop thy flight ? But even in vvinter weathers dangerous plight Thou must to ship , and ( oh hard heart ! ) set sail , Driven on vvith many a boystrous Northern gale ? What though thou sought'st no other unknown place , Or forrain parts ? or Troy stood in best case ? Must thou thy Troy through furious vvaves procure ? Fly'st thou from me ? Ah , now I thee adjure By these my teares , and by thine own right hand , Since I poore soule have nought else at command . O , by our vvedlock nuptiall rites begun , If I have well deserv'd by ought yet done , Or ought of mine were ever sweet to thee , O of my tottering state now tender be . If yet my prayers may penetrate thy heart ; Ah , change thy minde , oh do not hence depart . For thy sake Libyas land , and tyrants fierce Of Africa , vvould me vvith mischief pierce : For thee my Tyrians are vvith me offended , For thee , my shame , my fame 's extinct and blended : My fame , by which I once was rais'd to th' skie . To vvhom dost thou me leave , now like to die ? Ah unkinde guest . For now no more I may Thee husband call : Why longer do I stay ? What ? till Pygmalion all my towns destroy ? Or till Iarbas captiv'd-me annoy ? Oh yet at least had I before thy flight , Enjoy'd a childe by thee : oh if I might Have had a young Aeneas fathers face , To play withall in court , 't would ease my case . Then ( sure ) I should not altogether seem So wofull , or my self forsaken deem . This said , she ceast . He on the other side , His eyes on Ioves command fast fixed tide ; And strenuously did strive his hearts great grief Close to suppresse , and spake these words in brief : Faire queen , what e're thou canst recount , recall , Yea and much more , confesse I ever shall Thy merits infinite , nor shall I shame , Gladly to memorize Eliza's name : Whiles here I live , whilst I my self may know , The truth herein let me thee briefly show . I never hop'd to hide ( feigne not ) this flight Clandestinley , nor minded marriage rite , Nor hither came such vows and pacts to plight . Yet I , if friendly fates had so decreed , Aim'd at a life from all perturbance free'd , In sweet repose t' accommodate all cares , And chiefly to my Trojan towns affaires : To yet remaining friends to yeeld supply , Priam's faire towers once to re-edifie ; And to my conquered kinne to re-advance Poore Pergams walls . But now such is my chance , Commanded , charg'd by Gods and great Apollo , That Latium I , faire Latium now must follow . O there 's my love , there is my countrey kinde : And since thou bear'st to Carthage such a minde , Though a Phoenissian , yet dost Libya like , Why should pale envies dart thy heart so strike , At Trojans liking , loving Italie ? For us to seek forth , 't is like equitie . As oft as nights moist shades the earth doe hide , And fierie twinkling starres in skies abide , Anchises my deare fathers ghost appeares , And in my dreams me much afrights and feares . Yea my Ascanius young , whose brows I wrong , Keeping Hesperia's crown from him so long , And fate-given lands call me to haste away ; Yea now of late Ioves messenger , I say , Sent from himself , ( all whom I here appeal ) To me Ioves minde and message did reveal . And I the God in a cleare vision saw , E ntring thy town , and neare me quick to draw ; And with these eares I heard his voice and words . O then forbeare to wound me with tongue-swords , And thou thy self with plaints : For Italie , Alas , I seek not voluntarily . Him answering she did all this while behold With discontent : Here , there her eyes she rold , View'd him throughout vvith sullen silent eyes , And thus at last she vvrathfully replies : Thou art no Goddesse sonne , perfidious thou , Nor e're did Dardan thee his childe avow ; But thou on cruell Caucasus hard mounts Wast bred ; or suck'st some Tygers milky founts . For vvhy should I dissemble now vvith thee ? Or dream that better fates attend on me ? Didst thou once sigh at all my flouds of teares ? Didst thou vvith sorrowing eyes behold my feares ? Shew'dst thou teare-passion , least compassion kinde , O'recome vvith sorrow at my love-sick minde ? Which ( first ) may I say's vvorst ? Nor Iuno faire , Nor father Saturn hath of me least care . Oh , vvhere 's firm faith ? I took him in adoores , A stragling beggar , out cast from his shores : And like a frantick fool , my kingdome shar'd To unkinde him , his navy naught repair'd , And all his followers I from death set free . Alas , with furie he hath fired me . Now fate-saying Phoeb , now Lycian lots are cast , Now Iove commands , and thou must follow fast His messengers quick heels , in his harsh hest . What else ? for thus the Gods do hold it best ; This toile perturbs poore silly soules at rest . I hold thee not , nor do thy words withstand , Go with the windes , seek Italie thy land , Away through flouds to finde thy kingdomes faire . But sure I hope ( if Gods yet able are ) Amidst the rocks thou due revenge shall beare , And Dido's name invoke with frequent feare . Absent I 'le thee pursue with frightfull fires : And when by chilling death lifes breath expires , In every place my ghost thy guest shall be : And thus ( vile wretch ) I 'le be reveng'd on thee . This I shall heare below , fame will me show it , And hearing , I shall be most glad to know it . Abruptly here i' th' midst an end she makes , And male-content , to flight her self betakes : Out of his sight away she turns and windes , Leaving Aeneas in a thousand mindes : Stopping for feare , striving to utter more ; Her damsels , her , faln in a sound , in bore : And laid in princely bed , with cloaths o're spread . But good Aeneas ( though he laboured With consolation to allay her grief , And with kinde words to give her woes relief ; Much sighing , much with love perplext in heart ) Yet mindes Ioves charge , fits his fleet to depart . The Trojans busie be , and hale to shore Their stately ships and barks , well pitched o're , Their leafy oares , and oaks from woods unwrought , Through haste to flie with expeditious thought . Thou might'st them see the citie skud about , And swarm in heaps much like a nimble rout Of prettie pismires , when with strenuous pain They prey upon a mightie heap ofgrain , ( Mindefull of winters want ) and up it pack , Quick goes and comes i'th'field this armie black : And through the grasse , by a straight path their prey They beare along , some the great grains assay To shove before them with their shoulders stout : Some from delayes correct their lazie rout : Their lustie labour heats each hole about . What thoughts hadst thou , poore Dido , at this sight ? How didst thou sigh , when from thy turrets height Thou sawest farre off hot toiles the wharfs to fill , And 'fore thy face shores stuft with clamours shrill ? Impudent love , what is 't thou 'lt not inforce ? Sometimes to showre ou● teares of much remorse , Sometimes to trie b'intreaties most demure , Sometimes again to yeeld to loves allure : That nought ( though all in vain ) before she di'd , Might be neglected , might be left untri'd . See ( sister Anne sayes she ) what haste they make About the banks , flocking us to forsake : And how their vessells wait but ( now ) for winde , Their tacklings fit , by marriners refin'd O had I at the first fear'd this great shame , I , sister , better could have born the same . Onely this one thing ( Anne ) for my poore sake , Let me intreat thee now to undertake : For faithlesse he was wont to wish thee well , And his hearts secrets unto thee to tell , And thou alone in him know'st well to finde Fit time and flexibilitie of minde . Go sister , go , humbly tell this fierce foe ; With Greeks at Aulis Troyes dire overthrow I ne're conspir'd , nor sent a fleet to Troy , Nor old Anchises ashes did annoy . Why then turns he deaf eares to my request ? Where rashly runnes he ? Let this last bequest Be given to his poore love ; to watch faire flight , And windes to sail away with smooth delight . I do not presse or pray sweet marriage rite , Which he hath wrong'd ; nor would I him bereave Of 's long'd-for Latium , him of 's crown deceive . I onely ask a little fruitlesse stay , Some small repose , repast , for loves allay , Untill my fate me vanquisht make to moan . Grant this last vote , in this request alone Pitie thy sister ; which if thou me grant , My death shall bid this wretched life avant . Thus did she treat , intreat her sister sad , Who to and fro beares weeping errands bad . But none of all her treats or bitter teares Remove his thoughts , do move his dam'd-up eares : For fates forbade , and Iove his eares had clos'd . As an old oak most furiously oppos'd , Which Alpine pushing puffs now here now there Tossing and tumbling , strive to over-beare , The blast flies on , bends the high boughs to ground , The stock sticks fast on a rock firm and sound ; And as the more to th'winde top-branches bend , The more the root doth ground-hold apprehend : No otherwise with words and woes this prince Is tost , turmoil'd , here , there his heart t'evince : But he 's unmov'd , teare-flouds flow out in vain . Whereat poore Dido , full of grief and pain , Desires to die ; and hates the skies cleare sight , Fitlier to slay herself , and leave the light . Then laying gifts , on incense-smoaking shrines , She saw ( fearefull to say ) her sacred wines , And pour'd-out liquors turn'd to putred bloud : Which none , no not her sister , understood . Beside , there was within her palace faire , Her former husbands marble temple rare ; Which she did honour with most high respect : And with white fleeces , and gay garlands deckt . From whence she seem'd to heare her husbands call ; And that , when nights dark curtain covered all ; Yea and to heare the scritch-owl all alone On houses tops , oft times to make strange moan , With fearefull fatall noates , long screeks and cries ; Beside , feare-threatning ancient prophesies Her terrify'd : in nightly visions she Aeneas cruell self doth seem to see , Pursuing her enrag'd . She ( still ) alone Left to herself , not waited on by one , Is seen to stragle farre in deserts strange , To seek her Tyrians , seems abroad to range Much like mad Pentheus , scar'd with haggs of hell , And oftwo suns , two Thebes , feign'd ( then ) to tell : Or like Orestes , vext with furies dire , When from his mother arm'd with ragefull fire , And stinging serpents , mad , he made away , Revengefull furies at the threshold lay : So she enrag'd , o'recome with grief and woe , Resolves to die ; how to this work to go , Thinks with herself for fittest time and way , And thus to her sad sister doth she say ; ( Cheere in her cheeks , her fact hid in her face ) I have the way , deare sister , ( in this case Now joy with me ) either to keep him here , Or from his love my self firmly to cleare . Neare th' oceans end , upon the Western side Lies Aethiopa , farre from us and wide : Where heaven-upholding mighty Atlas stands , And ardent sun-shine scorcheth up the lands . A grave Massylian priest came hence to me , His sisters temples keeper said to be ; Who fed the dragons , kept the fruit divine , Whose humid honey doth to sleep incline , Even soporiferous poppie . She assures By charms to love-sick mindes , she cures procures In whom she lists ; and whom she lists , makes love Extreamly ; stops swift streams , yea starres above Turns retrograde ; she nightly ghosts can raise , Can make the ground to groan with strange amaze , And trees to run down hills , she frights and frayes . Now by the Gods ( deare sister ) I protest , By thee and thy sweet soule , I am thus prest To use these magick spells against my will. Thou then , good sister , build up with best skill , A pile of wood in th'inner court on high , And lay thereon the sword , which impiously He stuck up by our bed his garments all , Yea my bride-bed , where I took fatall fall : For so this priest bad me bring all I can , Belonging to that false nefarious man , And bad me burn them . This thus said , she ceast , And death-pale colour in her cheeks increast . Her sister Anne suspecting nought herein , That she new sacred death dues did begin , Nor could conceive she such rage did retain , Or greater grief then for Sichaeus slain , Does not therefore her sisters charge refrain . But now the queen ( the pile in th' open aire In th' inner court erected , fitted faire ) Great boards and billets , pitch and tarre layes on , Flowers , cypresse boughs and branches ties upon This fatall herse , his cloaths , sword , left behinde , His picture eke she to this bed doth binde , Knowing the issue . Altars stand about ; And now the priest , her haire-spread loose , cries out On her three hundred Gods , Erebus deep , Chaos and threefold Hecates to weep , And triple-fac'd Diana , sprinkling wide The feigned liquors which in Styx abide . Then tender herbs are sought out by Moon-light , And cropt and cut with sithes and sickles might , And with white milk , black poisons pestilent ; Andfrom a young Foals front incontinent They pluck the Mares pois'nous beloved bit , Before the mare from 's brow devoureth it . Dido herself with sacred gifts in hands , One foot unbound , cloathes loose , at th' altar stands , Readie to die , the Gods she obtestates , And powerfull planets , patrons of her fates : Yea whatsoever sacred power there were , That just and tender mindefulnesse did beare To lovers , which unequall yokes did weare . And now 't was night , when weary limbes at ease Slept sweetly , woods were still , and calm the seas , And now starres course came to their middle height , And every field and bird and beast , by night , Yea every liquid lake , and whatso'ere The wide sharp thorny countrey coasts did beare , Lay still , all fast asleep , devoid of cares , Their slumbring hearts forgetfull of affaires . But wofull Didos heart no nap could take , Nor all the night one nod or wink could make . Her cares increase , her raging love reboiles , And with huge flames of furie her turmoiles . And thus she stands , and thus breathes out hearts wo ; What shall I do ? shall I derided go Back to my wonted wooers ? meek must I Marriage desire with those whom scornfully I oft refus'd ? or must I not apace Flie to the Trojans fleet , quickly embrace Their last and worst commands ? will it not ( sure ) Do well , help to their helper to inure ? Old favours ought with thankfulnesse be paid : But say I would , who herein would me aid ? Or scorned me to their proud ships admit . Alas ( fond fool ) know'●t thou not fully yet ? See'st thou not sensibly the perjurie Of Trojans ? And what then ? shall onely I Fly to those jocond sailours ? shall I fall Upon them with my Tyrian armies all ? And cause them whom with me I scarce could force From their Sidonian city , take recourse To sea again ? and make them sail with me ? No rather die , as 't is most fit for thee , Thy self from sorrow with thy sword set free . You sister , you o'recome by my first teares , My love-pierc'd heart now load with these fierce feares , And ●e expos'd unto my flying foe : Might I not well have liv'd unyoked , so As do bruit beasts , unstung with such sharp woe ? Not having kept faith to Sichaeus plighted , With these complaints her heart she sore affrighted . Aeneas in 's tall ship resolv'd to sail ; Yet lies a sleep ; all fit for his avail . To him in sleep appear'd the Gods form right That formerly he saw , the same face bright ; In all like Mercurie , colour and voice , With yellow haire , his corps of youthfull choice . Who seemed thus him to advise again : Canst thou , O Goddesse sonne , asleep remain In such a state as this ? Dost thou not see How many dangers do environ thee ? O brain-sick man , seest thou not friendly blasts Breathing abroad ? seest thou not how she casts In heart some impious part , resolv'd to die ? And how she swels with furies tympanie ? Fly'st thou not hence in haste , whiles thou mayst flie ? Soon thou shalt see to sea her sh●ps to hie . Bright burning brands , fierce flames on shore shall be , If morning sunne thee loytering here do see . Be gon , I say , shake off delay : for still Most light and loose thou'lt finde a womans will. This said , i' th' dark he vanisht out of sight . VVhich vision did Aeneas much afright , Who starts from sleep , his mates in haste doth call , Saying , Rouse your selves , brave sirs , and closely fall To fluttering oares , hoise up your sails amain , The God was sent from heaven to me again . Quicken our flight , cut knottie ropes with speed , The God again urgeth me to proceed . Who e're thou art , great God , we follow thee , To thy recharge we glad obedient be . Be friendly with us , help us , O we pray , Grant us thy present aid , a pleasant way . This said , he soon unsheath'd his glistring sword , With his sharp blade he cuts each cutting cord . The rest , as hotly prest , do rush and run , And shove from shore , and leave not ought undone , Untill they see their barks the billows hide , Closely they winde the waves , and swiftly glide . Aurora now left Tithons broidered bed , And first with fresh faire light earth overspread . The queen as soon as through her glasse she spi'de Daylight cleare up , and all the fleet to slide With smoothfull sails , and saw the ports and shores Forsaken quite , emptie of men and oares ; Her comely breast she strook , and strook again With herwhite hand , and in fierce grief and pain Tearing her tender yellow haire from head , Cries out , O Iove , and shall he thus be fled ? And shall that stragler in my realm me flout ? Shall not mine armies help , and all flie out ? And prosecute , and persecute him flying , And teare their ships , ●nd burn them where th' are lying ? O follow , follow , bring , bring forth fierce fire , To ship set sail , row on with restlesse ire . What say I ? where am I ? what mad mood's here ? Unhappy Dido , now th' art stung most neare By furious fates : then it had better been , When he was here , and thou didst rule as queen . See now his hand , his heart , of whom men prate , His countrey-Gods do him concomitate ; That he on 's back his aged sire did beare . O could I not his corps in pieces teare ? And shatter them i' th' sea ? his mates destroy ? Yea even Ascanius that young Trojan boy Slay with the sword , and mince in mamacks small , And dish on 's fathers board to feast withall ? O but the fortune of a fight 's unsure : What then ? whom should I feare ? since death t' endure I have resolv'd , I would have fire-brands cast Into their tents , and fil'd with flames ( at last ) Their hatches , and the father , sonne , and all Have burnt up , and i' th' flames my self let fall . O thou cleare sunne , which all mens facts dost view , And thou faire Iuno , sounder witnesse true Of these my woes ! Hecate , who by night In crosse paths , howling noise dost make to fright , Revengefull furies , and you spirits all Of dying Dido , heare my dying call . Poure out your power , worthy such wicked men , And entertain this my request , that when ( Ifthat vile wretch must needs ) he doth obtain Harbour , and sails to land , if firm remain Ioves high decrees herein ; then here 's an end : Yet let fierce warres of furious foes offend And vex him still , and him , an exile made , Pull'd from Iülus sweet embrace , beg aid , And see his friends ignoble dire decease : Nor when he stoops to yokes of forced peace , Let him enjoy or crown or joyes increase : And let him die untimely , lie untomb'd , In th' open aire , of birds and beasts consum'd . This vvish , these last words vvith my bloud I vent . And oh my Tyrians , let your wrath be bent , Even yours and all your future progenie , 'Gainst him and his : to my dead dust apply These pleasant presents : let there never be 'Twixt you and them love or confederacie . Let some vindicative revenger rise , Sprung from our loyns , those Dardan enemies With sword and fire to vex now , and full long Hereafter still , as time shall make them strong . O may lands strive with lands , vvaves warre with waves , Friends fight vvith friends , armies with arms outbraves . This said , her heart to thousands thoughts did rowl , From loathed life striving to snatch her soule . Then she Sichaeus nurse , Barce bespake , ( For in her own hand hers did her forsake By death ) O my deare nurse , call straight , sayes she , My sister Anne , bid her come quick to me ; And vvater vvith her bring our limbes to lave , And beasts and cleansing offrings , as I gave Order therein . Thus let her come to me , And thou thy self , good nurse , attir'd must be With holy headbands on thy head : for I To sacrifice to Pluto , seriously Am minded , as 't is fit , to end my vvoe , The Trojans head in flames to burn up . So This said , with aged pace , yet eager bent , She hastens to climbe up the piles ascent . But trembling Dido mad , full mischief-minded , Her bloud-swoln eyes up and down rowld and winded , Her shivering cheeks with brinish teares are spread , And hastning death made her seem , living , dead . When through the doores to th' inner court she brake , And ragefull haste , to mount the fire , did make : And being up , unsheaths the Trojan blade , A gift , not for so wofull uses made . Here having view'd the Trojan garments gay , And well-known bed , a little pausing stay With teares and thoughts she made , laid on the bed , And these last words of woe she uttered : Sweet ornaments , whiles Gods and fates did please , Embrace this soule , me from these sorrows ease . I liv'd ; now fortunes life-given course I end , And now my great ghost to earths cells doth bend . A brave town I have built , strong vvalls erected , Reveng'd my friend , due punishment inflicted On a false brother . Blest , ah too much blest , Had Trojan barks ne're on our banks took rest . She ceast ; her face flat on the bed did lie ; And shall we ( sayes she ) unrevenged die ? Then let us die : Thus ? thus to go fits vvell To obscure shades . And let that Trojan fell See with his eyes at ●ea this dying fire , And sail vvith all signes of our death most dire . Thus ended she , and ending ( thus ) this vvord , Her tendants saw her fal'n upon her sword , The sword all smear'd vvith gore , her hands spread out . Whereat they rais'd loud screeks the court about : The fame vvhereof through the sad citie flies , And rudely ranging , fills each house vvith cries , With griefs and groans , and vvomanish sad sounds , Which th' echoing aire vvith yelling roares rebounds ▪ Even as if foes let in had Carthage ' stroy'd ; Or like old Tyre vvhose buildings faire , employ'd To use of Gods and men , vvith fires fierce flame Were quite con●●m'd . The noise vvhereof soon came To her death-daunted sister , vvho in fright With panting pace ran thither vvith fierce flight . Her nails her cheeks do teare , fists beat her breast , Amidst the rout rushing , screeks out ( distrest ) Her dying name . O sister , was this it ? Hast thou me thus deceiv'd ? And did I fit This pile for this ? these fires and altars frame ? For what should I forsaken , thee first blame ? Why didst thou me reject for thy deaths mate ? Thou might'st have me invited to like fate : That same smart , with the same sword , that houre Might both of us have griped in deaths power . These hands did also help to build this frame , I call'd upon our countrey-Gods great name ; And yet could cruell I be absent hence , And not behold thy fates fierce violence ? O sister , sister , thou hast quite undone Thy self , my self , and all renown , begun In citie , subjects , Carthaginian lords : O vvho me now some cleansing streams affords , That I may vvash her vvounds ? And if as yet Any last breath there stray , that I may it Sup up at length . This said , she soon ascends The steepy steps , and in her heart contends , And on her breast , to hug with many a teare The half dead body of her sister deare , And with her cloaths the black bloud wipes and dries . Whereat she seems to heave her heavy eyes . But down again the dead lids fall and fail , And at her heart the death-smart doth prevail . Thrice she her self rais'd up , and strove to rest Upon her arm ; and thrice by pain opprest , She sownding rolled back upon the bed , And vvith her stragling sight endeavoured To see the skie-light , groaning when 't was found ; Then mighty Iuno pitying her deaths vvound , Protracted vvoe , difficultie to die , Sent Iris quickly from Olympus high , Her strugling soule , and fast bound life t' unbinde , ( Because she not by fate , nor deaths due kinde Did die , but immaturely ) she poore heart With sudden rage enflam'd , wrought her own smart . As yet , Proserpina took not away Her yellow locks , which on her head grew gray , Nor her designed to the Stygian lake . Dame Iris therefore from the clouds did take Quick flight to her , with vvatrie colour'd plumes , Which 'gainst the opposite bright sunne assumes A thousand various curious colours cleare : And lighting on her head , said ; Charg'd , I beare Thy parted soule to Pluto dedicated , And free thee from thy corps excruciated . This said , she clipt her locks ; at once doth slip All vitall heat , life into th' aire doth skip . An end of the fourth book of Virgils Aeneïds . THE ARGUMENT of the fifth book . Aeneas sails , to Sicil hies , Where he his fathers obsequies Doth celebrate : Acestes kinde , About the grave brave games design'd , A prodigie , a fierie dart . Then Iris playes old Beroes part , In old-wifes weeds the fleet doth flame , But sudden showres doe quench the same . Anchises ghost in sleep doth show What warres his sonne must undergoe : And by whose guid to passe to hell . He builds a town , wherein to dwell He leaves the wives and men unfit : For Palinure , he 'le steeres-man sit . MEeanwhile Aeneas half way keeps his course ; His ships with soft windes cut the waves black source ; Reviewng poore Eliza's walls on fire , The cause unknown of such combustion dire : But bitter grief he fear'd for abrupt love , Knowing how love-sick passions women move VVith these sad thoughts the Trojans forward sail , Least sight of land at sea their fleet doth fail . On all sides sea , on all sides onely skie : He o're his head a watry cloud doth spie , Full stuft with storms , whose blacknesse frights the seas , And in his ship did Pal●nure displease . Whereat he cries , A●as , vvhat clouds o'respread The heavens ? What means God Neptune by this dread ? He bids them play the men , their oares to plie , Sails to the lee , and thus aloud doth crie ; Dauntlesse Aeneas , though great Iove our guide , Should promise vve in Italie should ' bide ; I could not in this case his words confide . Such counter-cuffs , crosse puffs us turn and vvinde , Such dark dim clouds arise , as th' aire quite blinde . Nor do our reluctations us avail : Since fortune forceth , let 's vvith fortune sail , And go wheres'ere she guides ; for sure think I , Thy brother Eryx trusty towns are nigh , And Sicils shores : for I have certain sight Of noted starres , if I remember right . Surely , sayes good Aeneas , so I see The windes require , thy labours all to be In vain I view . Then bend thy course that way : For a more pleasing place could I , I say , To rest our weary fleet , vvish to attain , Then whereas Troyes Acestes kinde doth reigne , And vvhere my fathers buried bones remain ? This said , they fetch the haven , a Western blast Stretching their sails , the navie nimbly past The channell , and at length vvith joy each one Gets to the shore , unto them all well known . But from a loftie hill , aloof in 's eye Acestes , wondring , did their fleet espie , Their friendly fleet : vvhich he runs down to meet Fierce with 's beares hide and dart , them ( thus ) to greet : VVhose mother Troy him at Crinisus floud Begat : He mindefull of 's forefather good , Them safe t' enjoy much joyes , with countrey cates And friendly gif●s , receives , cheeres , consolates . Next day , so soon as Eastern Sols bright face Had banisht starres , Aeneas from each place And part o' th' port assembles all his mates , And from a tombes top thus expostulates ; Renowned Dardans , sprung from Ioves high race , 'T is now a full and compleat twelve-moneths space , Since here our sacred parents bones were laid , And reliques left , and sad death-altars made . And this ( if I mistake not ) is the day , The dolefull day which I resolve for aye To solemnize , and sad to celebrate : ( For so , ye Fates , ye do it destinate ) Yea this , though Africk me an exile hel'd , Though Grecian seas or shores me captiv'd quel'd , With annuall votes and due solemnities , And altar-decking gifts , I 'd memorize . Now are we gladly ( and , as I conceive , Not without heavens direction and good leave ) Come to our fathers bones and sacred dust , And in t' a faire and friendly port have thrust . Come on then , let 's glad triumphs celebrate , Let 's get faire gales ; and when my cities state Is stablisht , I 'le my sacred rites each yeare To him , in temples to him builded , beare . Troy-born Acestes two fat bullocks great Bestows on every bark throughout the fleet . Then at the feast our countrey-Gods let 's place , And those which kinde Acestes holds in grace . Besides , if Sol the ninth day with bright rayes His faire face o're the universe displayes . First , for our Trojans flying-fleets sea-fight I 'le prizes have : for him , whose nimble flight Best runs a race : for him , whose courage stout Wrastles most rare : who best flings darts about : Or , fight with plummet-clubs doth best affect : Let all be prest , and purchas'd palms expect . Lend us your clamours loud , with bayes all crown'd . This said , himself his brows with laurell bound : The like Helymus , old Acestes doe , Lively Ascanius ; all the youth so too : He leaves the parle ; with thousand tendants brave Environed , he comes to 's fathers grave . And here ( as due ) two bowls of wine most good He pour'd on ground , and two of sacred bloud , Two of new milk , and strew'd blew flowers , and said , Hail , sacred sire , once more all hail , safe laid , You sacred bones , sires soule , sav'd all in vain , Since Italie we could not both attain ; Nor see those fatall fields , nor seek together Ausonian Tyber ▪ flowing , who knows whither ? This said , a mightie slipperie snake he spi'de , With seven huge wreaths and foldings forth to glide From under th' earth , and smoothly crawling by The altar , girts the grave , whose back like skie Was coloured right , and full ofspecks like gold , His glassie scales most bright for to behold ; Much like the rain-bow plac'd against Sols rayes , Which thousand various colours then displayes . This sight amaz'd the man : the snake among The cups and platters crawling thus along , At last he tastes the dainties tenderly , And back recoils to th'tombe most harmlesly , Leaving the full-fed shrines . Hence much the more He ply'd his father with oblations store ; Uncertain whether it were the Genius faire O' th' place , or 's fathers spirit did thus repaire . Five sheep , five hogs , five heifers black he slew , And bowls of wine upon them forth he threw , And invocates the soule of his great sire , And ghosts now rais'd from th' Acherontine fire . His mates likewise bring copious costly gifts , And lively each loads on the altars lifts , And kill their kine , and pots and pans they place , And , spread on ground , make fires to th' spits apace , And roste their midriffs , and to feasting fall . And now 's the day long-lookt-for of them all : And Phäethons coursers drew Sols chariot bright Upon this ninth day , with resplendent light . When fluttering fame and brave Acests renown Call'd neighbours in from each neare neighbouring town : Whose joyfull troops fill'd all the plains about , To see the Trojan lads , and sport it out . But first faire prizes placed were on poles I' th' midst in open sight ; faire three-leg'd bowles , And fragrant garlands bound in beauteous wise , And costly crowns , palmes for the victours prize ; And glistering arms , wrought-coats , rich to behold , And many talents both of silver and gold . Shrill trumpets sound amidst those thick consorts , And summon them to those propounded sports . And first , foure choice barks of the fleet begin , With stiffe strong oares by sea-fight fame to win . First Mnestheus with his galleon , Pristis swift , With his couragious master makes first drift . Next him Italian Mnestheus , from whom came The race of Memmius : Gyas , next for fame , Brought his huge bark , the fierce Chimaera nam'd , A town-like ship , with treble-oare banks fram'd , Which Trojan lads with three-rankt oares did guide . Next in 's tall centaure Sergest forth did glide , From whom the familie of Sergeus rose , In skie-like Scylla fierce Cloanthus goes , Whence , Romane Cluent , thy great kindred grows . Farre off , i' th' sea , just 'gainst the foaming shore , There lies a rock , which oft is covered o're With swelling waves ; when Western Corus blows , And hides the starres , a calm it plainly shows : And in still tides 't is all a shelfie plain , Where sea-birds , basking in the sun , remain . Here grave Aeneas oaken boughs did place , To shew the mariners their pointed race : How farre to rove , and where to winde about : And now each one his station chooseth out . Each champion's on his hatches richly clad . Each youth on 's head a poplar garland had ; His shoulders bare , 'nointed with glistring oyle , Sitting on 's bench , his arms prest to the toile Of tugging oares : to th'wisht for signe addrest , Whiles leaping joy and lumpish feare in breast Makes imbred broyles , striving for masterie , Prickt with the spurre of praise , by victorie . And now the trumpet sounds the shrill alarms , Straight all the ships start out to sportive arms , Hate least delay , loud sea-shouts dash the skie , Th'oares slicing strokes make folding waves run by . At once all furrows plow , the strugling streams O're all the main gape wide , boile foamie streams , With flaly-oares and slicing foredecks fierce , Which through the bustling billows proudly pierce . The furious duellizing chariots swift Burst from their bounds , use not such headlong drift In field careeres : nor horseman half so fast Runs , jets , curvets , or shakes the loose reins cast On 's horses main , nor loudlier jerks his whip . Then shouts , clapt hands , both from each shore and ship And siding partners acclamations shrill , The woods , fields , shores , with mightie clamours fill ; Whose quick redoubling echoes answer still . Thus ( first ) flies out , before the rest , i' th' rout , Couragious Gyas , whom Cloanthus stout Follows at heels , with better oares indeed , But slow-pac'd pinie barks make no great speed . After them , nimble Pristis , Centaure , flie With equall struglings for prioritie . And now flies Pristis , Centaure gets the best , Now both are ma●cht , and side to side addrest : With even foredecks , they brinish billows plough : And now their barges to the bounding bough , And regulating rock nimbly draw nigh ; Which when i' th' floudie field victoriously Gyas first spi'de , he to his master cry'd , Menoetes , why to th' right hast thou so ply'de ? Hale in this way , and quickly shove to shore , And to the left hand clifts winde in thine oare : Let others move i' th' main ( sayes he ) for us . But yet Menoetes too solicitous Of wave-hid rocks , his foredeck windes to th' deep , Whiles Gyas still cries out , To land-ward keep , Pull back ( Menoetes ) why dost still go wrong ? And now behold , he spies Cloanthus strong Close at his heels , and ( next himself ) the first , Who stiffly 'twixt the ratling rocks being burst , And the left inner way of Gyas ship ; Passing the best , and bounds , to sea doth whip . Hereat deep rage young Gyas did so flame , That not without some chafing teares he came To slow Menoetes , and ( regardlesse quite Of his mates welfare , or 's own lustre bright ) He casts him headlong o're th'board into th'deep , Himself as master at the stern doth keep , And cheeres his men , and steeres the helm to shore . But from the bottome ( now ) Menoetes poore , In sea-drencht cloaths , floating above the floud , Crawls up a rock , and on a dry cliffe stood , Whiles on the shore the Trojans him deride , And laught to see him swimme , and slip and slide , And how his stomack did salt water spue . Here the two hindmost gamsters gladly view , A spurre to prick them on , Sergestus stout , And valiant Mnestheus nimbly cast about , T'outstrip slow Gyas : Sergest gets prime place , And to the rock to get , now rows a pace . But he 's not firmly first , though's barge go on , For perking Pristis nose lies close upon His foredeck : Mnestheus trudging to and fro About the ship , his men cheeres on to row : Now , now , Hectorean mates , rowe close ( cries he ) For you from Troyes last lot I chose to be My faithfull followers : now power forth that might , That courage brave , which yerst in Grecians sight And Argine sturdie streams you have exprest . I strive not to be first , nor get the best : ( Yet O! ) but let them win and weare it well : Whom thou , great Neptune , wilt , shall beare the bell . Yet let it shame us to be last of all : Win this ( brave lads ) let not that shame be fall . Hereat they all most stiffely tug and pull , And with their oares strong strokes , thick , quick , & full , The brassy-poop they shake , no land they see , They gape for breath , all o're most sweatie be : And friendly fortune grants wisht victorie . For while Sergestus frets and fumes in minde , Whiles , inmost , his foredeck to th' rock's inclinde , Unhappie by desire of nearest cut , On unseen cliffes his vessell fiercely put ; The rusht on rocks a ratling noise do make , While on sharp snags , cleft oares the foredeck strake . The boatmen bustle up , with clamour stand , And hooks and steel-tipt poles they snatch in hand , Gathering their split oares floating on the waves , Whiles Mnestheus happi●i'de , with bold out-braves For 's good successe , with nimble oares , faire gales , And full sea-room , from sea to shore safe sails . Much like a dove soon startled from her nest , That in some house or hollow roof took rest , Flies forth to field , fluttering her wings full fast , Quick through the transient aire is nimbly past , And with smooth swooping flight doth glide along : So Mnestheus , so his Pristis , from among The utmost waves most clearely cuts his course , And seems to flie with rushing furious force . And first forsakes Sergestus strugling hard Amongst the rocks , by shallows , shelfs , debar'd Of vain desired help , now taught to row With broken oares , and now he does outgo Young Gyas , and his huge Chimaera foil'd , VVhich soon gives way , being of his master spoil'd . And now at last none but Cloanth remains , VVhom to o'retake he duplicates his pains , Reduplicates loud clamours . All him cheere VVith their skie-cuffing votes , as he draws neare : Those strive to keep their purchas'd praise and fame , Vowing to loose their lives to keep the same : Good luck spurres these ; there 's hope therefore they 'le win , And evenly matcht , they ( sure ) had victours bin , Had not Cloanthus fal'n to prayer devout , And thus with heav'd-up hands to 's Gods cry'd out ; Great Gods of sea , whose liquid soils I sail , If I be victour I 'le without all fail On shore-built altars sacrifice a bull , And your due debter , forth his midriffe pull , And poure on these salt seas , with wine good store . This said , the sea-nymphs whom he did implore , All heard him from the bottome of the main ; Phorci , Nereides , the Mermaides train : Yea , old Portunus self , with his strong hand Shoving his ship ( like blast , bird-bolt ) to land , She flies full fast , and safe i' th' haven doth stand . Aeneas then ( as custome ) congregates His troops , and by a crier demonstrates , Cloanthus victour , crowns his brows with bayes , And gives large gifts , true trophies of great praise : Three heifers to three ships , and wine great store , And a large silver talent thence they bore . But to the chieftains he chief prizes gave , A golden mantle wrought about most brave With faire Meander-like rich purple plates , And crinkling folds , wherein art personates , In curious work , the princely lively lad Faire Ganimede , like a young hunter clad ; In woody Ide chasing the skipping deere With dart in 's hand , breathing with swift careere . Whom ( thus ) in 's hooky claws the eagle swift Soaring swoops up , and quick to th' skie doth lift . His guardians grave to heaven heave hands in vain , And all his dogs bark at the clouds amain . But him , whose worth deserv'd the second place , He with a rich-wrought coat of arms did grace , Set with gold hooks , which he victoriously From Demoleus wan , in Troy , hard by Swift Simois : this he bestows most free , A grace , a guard to him in arms to be . VVhose pond'rous weight two servants scarce could beare , But Demoleus did it eas'ly weare , And with it chas'd the Trojans in great feare . His third gifts were two cauldrons brave of brasse , And silver bowls , whose workmanship did passe , For graven figures faire . Thus all rewarded , All pleas'd with prizes to their worths afforded , Their fronts with roseall headbands bound about , Along they passe , and passing spied out Sergestes , whose best skill and utmost strength , Hardly the hard rocks made him 'scape at length , His honour sharelesse ship full fraught with shame , His oares all lost , one rank of rowers lame . Much like a snake which crosse the way doth lie , Crusht by a wheel suddenly passing by : Or by a passenger bruis'd with a stone , Sore battered and half kill'd , there left alone ; Long wrigling wreaths doth force , in vain to flie , One half stares up , and puts forth furiouslie Its hissing neck : th' other half bruis'd with-holds , And in close knots and wreaths its members folds : With such weak work his slow ship forward past , Yet still sail'd on , and got to th' haven at last . Aeneas glad to see his ship and mates Comen safe to shore , Sergestus decorates With promis'd prize , also a maiden faire , Skilfull to spin , of Cretian linage rare , And 'twixt her paps of sucking twins a paire . These sea-sports finisht , good Aeneas went Into a grassie mead , on all sides pent With groves and craggy banks , i' th' midst of it A circled plain , for theatre most fit ; Where he , with many thousand gallants tended , A rare erected throne prince-like ascended . Here all that could most swiftly run a race , Invited were , with praises , prizes grace : VVhereat Sicilians , Trojans , all about , Euryalus and Nisus first i' th' rout , Do thither flock : Euryalus most faire , A lovely lively youth ; and Nisus rare , An honest modest lad : next comes apace Princely Diores , of king Pri●●s race : After him Salius came , and Patr●n good : Th' one of Epire , th' others untainted bloud Sprang from Tegeus . Then two striplings came , Panopes and Helymus , of much fame For gallant huntsmen , peeres to old Acest : And many more whom fame hath not exprest . To vvhom i' th' midst of them Aeneas said ; Heare me , brave youths , be sure , and well apaid ▪ Not one of all this rout but gifts shall have . I 'le give two glistring Cretian arrows brave , Headed vvith steel , a silver damaskt bill : You all with equall gifts reward I vvill ; Save the three chief , vvho three choice palmes shall have , Their heads adorn'd vvith olive-branches brave . A gallant horse vvith trappings I 'le bestow Upon the first : and on the next also An Amazonian quiver , furnisht faire With Thracian shafts , hung at a belt most rare , And richly wrought with gold , and buttened fast With a rich stone : The third reward and last , Shall be a Grecian helmet . This being said , They chose their stations , and the signe being made , They suddenly and swiftly forth do flie , Most like a furious storm , to th' goal they hie , And first most fast , leaving them all behinde , Runnes nimble Nisus , swifter then the vvinde , Or flashy lightning . And to him the next Ran Salius swift , but vvith large distance ' twixt . Euryalus vvas third , but with some space , VVhom Helymus pursu'd with rapid race . By vvhom , behold , Diores fiercely flies , And foot by foot close at his shoulders lies , And if enough space for the race remain , Is like , the best from all the rest to gain . And now vvell-nigh they to the goal were got , And weary all , when Nisus with hard lot , ( The grasse made slippery vvith an heifers bloud , Which had been slain there , and congealed stood ) Suddenly slipt , just as he skipt for joy Of hoped prize , and could not right employ His staggering feet , but fell flat on the flore , Upon the slimy mud and sacred gore : Yet mindefull of the love he ever bore Euryalus , he Salius doth oppose , Trips up his heels , just as himself up rose . Who groveling on the sand , Euryalus Starts forward , and by 's friend , victorious , Gat the prime place , vvith acclamations high , And joyfull shouts , and 'fore them all doth flie . After whom Helym hastes ; and in third race Diores ran . Here in the open face And huge concourse of plebeians and of peeres , Supplanted Salius mightie clamours reares , And claims his prize , forc'd from him by deceit . But bashfull teares and partiall favour great , And vertue in faire forms most gracious , Plead and prevail for young E●ryal●s : Diores also with loud exclamation Craves his reward , and feares his fames frustration , In the last prize , if Salius have the first . But grave Aeneas soon his feare off burst , And sayes , Brave youths , your prizes are your own , Your promis'd palmes shall altered be by none : Yet let me moan my innocent friends fate . This said , his Salius he did munerate With a faire lions skin , vvith haire most rough , And goldy claws : vvhich Nisus took in s●uffe , And said ; If vanquisht shall be thus rewarded , If foil'd be favoured ; vvhat shall be afforded ? VVhat proper prize to Nisus will you yeeld , VVho did deserve first honour of the field , Had not fierce fate , as Salius , thwarted me ? And at these words he stoutly lets them see His dirt-bedawbed cloaths , besmeared face . VVhich made Aeneas loudly laugh apace . Then straight he called for the stately targe , VVhich Didymaon made , both rich and large , VVhich once the Greeks to Neptune consecrated , And was hung up : And then remunerated The noble youth with that most noble prize . The race thus run , the palmes dispos'd likewise , Now sayes Aeneas , If there 's any here Strong and couragious , let him now appeare , And his club-armed arms advance and lift ; To whom he did allot a twofold gift . The conquerour awarded was to have A bull aray'd with gold and garland● brave : The conquered , a gallant h●●m and sword , To him vvell beat●n comfort to afford . Delay laid by , Dares dar●s first come forth , A mighty man , whom for his strength and worth The people much applaud : for single h● Antagonist to Paris us'd to be . And he victorious Buten gigantine , ( Who from B●bryoian Amycus great line Deriv'd his race ) him he at Hectors grave Did fell and foile , and 's curelesse death-wound gave . Such dauntlesse Dares him i' th' forefront shows , Advancing both his big arms , as he goes , And shoulders broad , jerking the aire with blows . His like they look for , but not one they finde In all the troops , to fight with him inclin'd , Or take the club in hand triumphant then , Hoping to beare the prize from all the men , Plac'd at Aeneas feet , scorning delayes , The bulls horn held in 's left hand , thus he sayes ; Great Goddesse sonne , if none dares fight the field , What means this stay ? why to me don 't you yeeld The prize ? and bid me beare the palmes away ? And all the Trojan troops the same did say . Then grave Acestes calls Entellus great , Who next him sate on a green grassy seat , And chides him thus ; Entellus , once esteem'd The stoutest of our peeres , in vain so deem'd , Canst thou be patient , and without one blow Suffer such palmes so eas'ly hence to goe ? VVhere 's now great Eryx , our warre-master stout , Vainly renown'd ? vvhere is thy fame , spread out Through Sicilie ? and house adorning spoiles ? To whom he said ; No love of land recoiles In me , nor thirst of fame , enforc'd by feares : But my chill bloud and dull declining yeares , VVhereby my youthfull powers exhausted be . But were it now as it was once with me , And as 't is with this Braggadocia bold , VVere I so young again , nought should with-hold Me from the fight , no prize should prick me on , No beauteous bull ; gifts I 'd not stand upon . This said , two clubs he threw down in their sight , Heavy and huge , wherewith in such like fight , Fierce Eryx us'd to combat with strong hand . At sight whereof amaz'd they all did stand , To see them stuft with lead , and lin'd besides With iron plates , cover'd with seven bulls hides . Amongst the rest Dares being damped most , Stiffely refus'd them ( maugre former boast ) Yea great Aeneas poysed with his hands Their weight , and up and down rowl'd their huge bands ▪ Whereat the aged champion thus did say ; What if you all had seen that furious fray Fought in these parts , vvith great Alcides arms , And these our clubs ? vvherewith in fierce alarms Thy kinsman Eryx formerly had fought , Stain'd still thou seest with bloud and brains dasht out . Wherewith he haughty Hercules vvithstood : Which I my self have us'd in youthfull bloud ; VVhen yet gray haires in emulous old age Did not my head o'respread , nor valour swage . But if Troyes Dares these our arms denie , And good Aeneas and Acest complie Me to excuse , who me first mov'd thereto ; Let 's match our weapons , I remit to you Eryx his clubs : feare not , and lay you by Your Trojan clubs . This said , immediately He doffs his double coat from 's shoulders wide , And his huge bodies bulk : all present ey'd His mightie bones , strong sinews naked be : Thus giant-like , most tall and stout stood he . Then grave Aeneas equall clubs chose out , And vvell-mach't vveapons ; bound their hands about . Straight hand to hand , and foot to foot both stand , And fearelesse , each aloft lifts up his hand , And banging blows make each ones head bend back : Fiercely they fight , and each gives thwack for thwack . He nimbler skips about in youthfull heat ; This keeps his standing with his limbes most great : Yet moves his trembling legs , but faint and slow ; And like one sick , he thick doth breathe and blow . Thus ( though in vain ) with might and main they fight , VVith toyling , foiling cuffes each other smite , And beat and bang about each others hides , And make redoubled thwacks sound on their sides : About their eares their hasty hands do flie , Whose thumps their chaps make chatter gnashingly . Thus great Entellus stiffely stands it out , VVith watchfull eyes observes the blows about , And viewing , voids ▪ Dares industriously , Like one which scales a town with engines high , Or with stout troops begirt , a castle strong , Now this way , that way , every way doth long By fraud or fierce assaults a breach to make : But all in vain he all this toile doth take . For strong Entellus roused up doth lift Aloft his rough right hand , which Dares swift Foresees , and shuns the furious falling blow , And with a nimble skip avoids it so . Whereby Entellus , frustrate , beats the winde , Whose mark thus mist , his heavie corps inclinde , Prone to the earth with furie of the stroak , Much like a hollow , great , and o're-grown oak In Erymanth or Ida's wood most great , Even by the roots o'returned from its seat . The Trojans and Trinacrian lads in zeal Start up hereat , and raise a clamorous peal : Acestes first to 's fallen old friend doth hie , Grieves , gets him up . Th' old champion speedily Rear'd , nothing fear'd with this his sudden fall , Flies to the fight more fierce , rage feeds his gall . Disgrace gives fire to force , and foreknown might : And fiercely he doth Dares headlong smite , And bang about the field with both his hands , Redoubling boystrous blows ; nor quiet stands , Nor takes least rest : but as thick showers of hail With ratling noise do houses tops assail : Even so this chafing champion thrashes out With both his hands young Dares stomack stout . Then grave Aeneas hastens to allay Entellus furious rage , his wrath to stay , And ends the fight , gives tired Dares rest , And comfort in kinde words he thus exprest : Unfortunate ! what phrenzie blindes thy minde ? Feel'st thou not mightier force and fates unkinde ? Submit to God. This said , the combat ended , But him ( alas ! ) his faithfull mates attended , Dragging his feeble feet , and to and fro His weak head dangling , vomiting also Much gore-bloud from his mouth , his teeth dasht out , Thus to the ships they bore him from the rout : Bidden to take the sword and helm away , Entellus had the praise and prize o' th' day . He victour , vanting of his bull for joy , Sayes thus , Faire prince , and you rare troops of Troy , Ye now may see what strength my young yeares had , And how ye sav'd Dares from death most sad . This said , against the bull , his prize he stands , Ties it , and takes his club in both his hands , And 'twixt the horns gives it a blow so fierce , As made the broken bones the brains to pierce . The beast is slain , lies groveling on the ground . Whereat these words he vents from 's heart profound : This fitter soule , then Dares death , to thee Great Eryx , I being victour , offer free , And now my club and art relinquisht be . Then straight , Aeneas those that would invites To shooting games , and them with gifts incites : In Sergests ship erects a mightie mast . To th' top whereof he ties a pigeon fast , Hung by a dangling rope , their mark , or white . The archers come , and in t ' a helmet bright The lots are cast , and with a joyfull voice , Hippoc'on had the first affected choice . Whom Mnestheus follows next , at sea-fight best ; Mnestheus his brows with olive-branches drest . The third Eurytion was , thy brother kinde , Rare Pandarus ; who biddden , with brave minde Didst first , once charg'd the truce to terminate , Through thickest Greeks thy dart make penetrate . The last and lowest in the harnesse-cap , Fell out to be noble Acestes hap ; Even he himself would venture valiantly With those brave sparks this shooting-task to try . Then with stiffe strength they bend their crooked bows , And each for 's use shafts from his quiver choose . Hippoc'on first made from his clanging string His arrow cut the aire , and flying , sing ; And singing , pierce , and stick fast in the mast . The mast was shook , the fluttering foule agast , And through them all loud acclamations past . Next Mnestheus stout stood with his bow full bent , His eye and arrow aim at high intent . But yet ( good man ) he could not hit the white , And yet the coard he did in sunder smite , Wherewith the dove by 's feet was ty'd to th' mast : Straight with the winde through th' aire the dove flies fast . Eurytion then alreadie readie prest With bow and shaft , set to , to shoot addrest , His brother invocates for aid auspicious : In th' open aire spies the dove most conspicuous , Cheerefully sporting with her wings for joy , Whom his quick shaft did nimbly pierce , destroy . Under a cloud the dove i' th' aire thus dead , Falls down , and fallen , the shot-shaft rendered . Acestes onely fails of 's palmes desert , Yet into th' aire he shot his whisling dart , Proud of his expert art , and clanging bow . But here behold , a most prodigious show And anxious augurie came soon in sight , As the strange issue did demonstrate right , And omens great which frighting prophets write . For i th' cleare aire the flying dart did flame , Which gliding on , a fire consumes the same , And wastes i th' fanning windes : just as we see The falling starres , when as they gliding be , To beare long fiery streams . Amaz'd they stand , Trinacrians , Trojans , lift up heart and hand : And wise Aeneas marks the omen right , And sweet Acestes greets with great delight , Loads him with love-gifts , and ( thus ) to him said ; Receive , grave sir ( for thee great Jove hath made By this strange signe , though prizelesse , worthy praise ) Receive this gift , in old Anchises dayes , Bestow'd on him by Cisseus king of Thrace , A pledge of his great love and friendly grace , A goblet great , engraven with figures faire . This said , he bindes his brows with garlands rare , And doth Acest prime conquerour declare . Nor did Eurytion kinde this honour grudge , Though he alone ( as all might justly judge ) The pigeon fell'd from skie : The next reward He therefore had , for he 't was cut the coard : He had the last , whose dart the mast did cleave . But brave Aeneas , e're the sport they leave , Epitides Ascanius guardian there And mate , he calls , and whispers in his eare , And sayes , Go quick , bid my sonne come away ( If all the childrens troops be in aray , And horse-race ready ) with his bands to goe Unto his grandsire , and in Martiall show To shew himself : Aeneas self mean space Commands the folk , flocking about the place , To gather in a ring , the plain to cleare . And now the lively striplings all draw neare Before their fathers , on bright bridled steeds , Which in the Trojans and Trinacrians breeds Great admiration , exultation great . All had their haire ( as custome was ) cut neat , And helmets on their heads : in 's hand each kept A paire of horny speares with steel well tipt . Some at their backs wore quivers , dainty , light , About their necks : gold chains their breasts bedight . Three coronets of horse three captains have , Twelve children glistring in their arms most brave , Attending them , and masters , them to guide ; One brave battalion , which with Martiall pride Thy noble sonne Polites , ( Priam faire ) VVho did his kingly grandsires sirname beare , And must the bounds of Italie advance ; VVho on a stately Thracian steed did prance , All partly colour'dwith faire specks o● white , His forefeet so , his proud head born upright , A white starre on his brow , a comely sight . Another band young Atys lively led : From whom the Romane Atyan race was spread : Young Atys , to Iülus young most deare . The last and best for beauty without peere , VVas faire Iülus , on a courser brave Of Carthage , vvhich to him queen Dido gave , A signe and symbol of her love to him ; The rest being grave Acestes yonkers trim , Come on Trinacrian steeds . The Trojan rout Receive them , full of fame-affecting doubt , VVith great applause , and taking great delight In sweet conceipt of grave ancestours sight . Their stations ( now ) with joy all view'd about , And much affected vvith this friendly rout . Epitides seeing them all addrest , VVith a loud lash and sound the signe exprest . Straight all break out , and three by three disperse , And back again revoked their reverse : And at there breasts their nimble speares they set , Fetching careeres , and thence crosse courses met : And with crosse distance fetch crosse compasse round , Rushing on adverse rings , like vvarre profound In hottest skirmish ; now turn backs to flight . VVhereat enrag'd , their darts they at them smite ; And yet ( anon ) in peacefull wise shake hands . Much like the Laborynthick maze which stands In Creet , enclos'd with walls most intricate , With thousand anxious wayes to ambulate , Whose unfound paths do wearie walkers tire , And in and out , Meanders all admire : Even so the Trojan striplings skip about , And flights and fights by sporting in and out Neatly contrive : like Dolphins in the main , Whose frisks and skips much sport i' th' waves maintain . These courses , combats , and this custome rare , Ascanius first did found , and new repaire , When spacious Alba he with walls did frame , And taught old Rome to celebrate the same : As he a childe , as Trojan lads had shown , The ancient Albanes they to theirs made known . This pretty sport from them the Romanes old , Long after did forefathers honour hold : This children ( now ) call Troy , Trojan troops name . And thus farre ( now ) unto his fathers fame , These pleasant sports perform'd and celebrated , Here fortune her faire face first transmutated . For whiles they sport about his fathers tombe , Iuno send Iris in a pelting fume , Unto the Trojan fleets , and gives her winde , Much mov'd , and ( still ) old grudges born in minde , Iris i' th' rain-bows thousand colours speeds , Unseen of any , virgin-like proceeds With expeditious haste , huge troops doth meet , Sees the forsaken shores , ports , naked fleet . But yet the Trojan wives farre off did keep In private banks , and for the losse did weep Of old Anchises ; weeping as they stood , They all beheld the mightie ocean floud , Crying , Alas ! what sea-toiles yet remain To us tyr'd soules ; all sighing , in one strain Wishing a citie , loathing more sea-pain . Dame Iris 'mongst them slilie thrusts in place , Suspectlesse of abuse , her Goddesse face , Gesture and vesture , from her laid aside , She 's now Beröe , Doryclus old bride , Mother of children , late of note and fame : And thus amongst them , like a Trojan dame , Speaks to the Trojan wives : O wofull we , Whom Grecian power might not massacred see In bloudy warre under the walls of Troy ! Unhappie nation ! kept from more annoy . This now 's the seventh yeare since our land was lost , Since we strange seas , lands , rocks , and sands have crost , And stormie starres have scapt , whiles through vast streams And tumbling waves , we follow flying dreams ; We flie to fleeting Italie : yet here Our kinsman Eryx borders do us cheere , And kinde Acest●s . who 'le us then deny T' inhabit here , a town to edifie ? O countrey , O in vain sav'd deities ! Shall no town yet old Troy rememorize ? O shall I ne're Hectorean rivers see ? No Xanthus , Si●ois ? no ? come on with me , With me come burn these ships inauspicate : For I Cassandra's ghost in sleep saw late ; Who gave me these incendiarie brands , And said , Here seek your Troy , here in these lands Fix your abode : now 's time the work to ply , Why stay we , since we see so great a tie ? Foure flaming altars unto Neptune great , And fates themselves give fire , and valours heat . Thus speaking , she ran first , and snatcht a brand Of furious fire , which flaming in her hand , Into the fleet she flang it furiously : The Trojan wives much startled were hereby , And ' maz'd in minde : whereat one 'mongst the rest , Grave Pyrgo , Priams nurse , who had exprest Much loyaltie and love to 's children deare , Said , Trust me ( matrons ) I dare boldly sweare This is not Beröe , our late neighbours wife : For I see signes of sacred Godhead rise : Mark you her glistering eyes , her spirit divine , Her looks , her voice , her state and gate most fine : And I my self left Berö● sick of late , Much griev'd , that she was so unfortunate Not to be present , horrours due t' have paid To old Anchis●s tombe . This though she said , Yet at the first the women doubtfull be , As blinde in eyes as minde , their ships to see , And held with deep desire of this lands rest , And fate-assigned realms , which should b● best . But when they saw the winged Godd●ss● fli● , And flying cut the cloudie bow in skie , Provok'd by this prodigious accident , With rage transpo●ted , they loud clamo●rs vent , And fires from ●orth the●r 〈◊〉 and chi●●eys snatch : Some th' altars teare , some boughs and br●n●hes catch , And ought combus●ible , and fir●brands throw Into their ships : Vulcan the flame doth blow Of fierce unbridled spoile on planks and ●are● , Hatches and painted decks . At these uproares Eumelus posteth to Anchises grave , To beare sad tidings to those bands most brave , Of this combustion : and the gamesters spie Black smoak and sparkling flames flie up to th' skie . And as first horse-careeres Ascanius led , So fiercely first to th'troubled tents he fled : Nor could the m●zed masters make him stay , But on he comes , and thus to them doth say ; O what strange wrath is this ? what mean ye now , O wretched women ? 'gainst whom do ye vow This mischief great ? Here is no adverse foe , No Grecian t●nts ; your hopes you 'le burn up so . O see me your Ascanius , your delight ! Whereat he pulls off's helmet in their sight , Wherewith in field his Martiall sports he ply'd : To whom Aeneas , all the Trojans hy'de . But all the wives pursu'd with feare and dread , To th' woods and groves all straglingly were fled , And michingly to caves and rocks they run , Hating the light ; sham'd of their work begun : And chang'd in minde , in grief their friends they know , And hate great Iuno , cause of all this woe . But what of this ? hereby they quench no fire , For flames increase with most represselesse ire , And pitch and ●ow , kindling a smoothering heat , Sly fires increase , and raise combustion great . Through th' ships great bulks , nor by the peeres best power , Or force of flouds , do flames cease to devoure . Then good Aeneas rent his cloaths with grief , With stretcht-out hands implores the Gods relief . And thus he prayes ▪ Great Iove , if Trojans all Thou hast not yet quite cast off , left to thrall : If long devotion helps mens miseries , O free our fleet from flame-calamities : And now from ruine raise Troyes tottering state , Or else ( great sire ) if it be my due fate , Strike me ( all left ) to death with lightning fierce , And let thy hand my heart profoundly pierce . Scarce had he spoke , when mightie showres of rain Most thick , most quick , came powdring down amain : A mightie storm , and ratling roaring thunder , Making earths most obdurate creatures wonder : All o're the skie the furious tempest grows , And plenteous streams into the vessels throws , Which washt the half-burnt wood , stints all the flame , All 's ships but foure being saved by the same . But grave Aeneas dampt with this dire chance , His thoughts now here now there in minde do glance ; Musing , unmindfull of the fates decree , Whether 't were best in Sicil still to be , Or bend his courses now for Italie . Then aged Nautes , whom most expertly Tritonian Pallas made an artist rare , Resolves him thus ; both what great Iuno faire Enrag'd would act , and destinies dispose , He kindely thus t' Aeneas doth disclose : Faire Goddesse sonne , where fates us call , re-call , Thither let 's go , what ever us befall : Fortune by sufferance best is overthrown . Trojan Acestes is thy kinsman known , Make him of counsel with thee , to him cleave , Thy burnt-ships surplusage of people leave Unto his care . Such as thy high designes Do disaffect , whose heart to ease inclines , Feeble old men , sea-tyred maids and vvives , All that are faint , and fearfull of their lives , Select them out , a town here let them frame , And , from Acestes , it Acesta name . Encourag'd thus by his grave friends advise , Yet still one care doth on another rise , And now nights curtain black the skies did vail , VVhen from the heavens his fathers image pale , Anchises ghost , came down , and suddenly Said thus to him ; Deare sonne , to me more nigh , More deare then life , ( whiles life vvith me did last ) Deare sonne , on various Troy-fates long time cast ; I come to thee from Iove , who quencht the flame Of thy fir'd fleet , pitying thee in the same . Obey old Nautes wholsome exhortations , And take vvith thee in thy perambulations To Italie , choice youths of courage stout : For vvith fierce people thou must fight it out , A nation hard to tame . Yet before this , Thou must descend the dungeons dark of Dis : Yea thou , deare sonne , must passe Avernus lake To come to me : yet no abode I make In torturing Tartar , or in darknes sad : But in Elysium , where delights make glad Sweet troops of sacred soules : hither , I say , Faire Sibyll shall thee by much bloud convay Of sacrific'd black beasts . Whence thou shalt know Thy citie sought , and race from thee to flow . And now farewell , moist midnight hastes away , Sols puffing steeds begin to breath out day . This said , like smoak he flies i' th' fleeting skie . To whom Aeneas ; Whither dost thou flie ? Why hastes thou hence ? From whom dost thou take flight ? Or , who does thee from our embraces fright ? Which spoke , he stirres the embers , rakt up fire , And worships with a reverend hearts desire His Trojan Gods , and to them consecrates Pure floure and frankincense . Then calls his mates , But chiefly grave Acestes speedily , And Ioves command to them doth signifie , And his deare fathers charge , what he design'd , And now resolv'd . Whereto Acest inclin'd . And counsel straight they take , and measure forth Towns for their vvives , and men of meanest worth , Whose most ignoble mindes regard not fame . But they new sailing barks begin to frame , And half-burnt ship-planks , oares and ropes repaire ; In number , few ; in vvarre , for service rare . Meanwhile Aeneas vvith a plough sets out The cities scope , ' points houses round about : Here Iliums towers , there he sets Troyes faire gates : Thus his new realm Acest congratulates . Then courts and laws he gives the fathers grave , And neare the starres , on Eryx high would have A temple founded unto Venus faire , A sacred grove , and priest , vvhose speciall care Should onely be , Anchises tombe to tend : And novv the nations nine dayes feast had end ; And on their altars offrings all vvere made , And fanning gales upon the ocean play'd , And f●equent puffing blasts to sea invite . Then on the shore at their departing sight , Full flouds of teares are shed , and night and day In mutuall kinde embraces still they stay . And now those wives , those folk effeminate , To whom the sight of sea was frightfull late , That toile intolerable ; now most fain Away they would to sea , all toile sustain . Whom good Aeneas with kinde vvords doth cheere , And vveeping leaves t' Acest his kinsman deare . To Eryx then three calves he bids them kill , And to the storms a lambe he offer vvill . Bids them the cables loose , and order right , Himself with olive-boughs his head bedight , In 's hand a bowl , aloof on ship-board stood , Flasht out pure wines , spread entralls on the floud . A whisking gale puffs on them as they sail : His men rowe close , and thrash the flouds with flail ▪ Meanwhile faire Venus , full of tender care , To Neptune speaks , doth thus her plaints declare : Fierce Iuno's wrath , and quenchlesse indignation ▪ Force me ( great Neptune ) to prest supplication . Which rage of hers no length of time , or dayes , Nor piety or pity stops or stayes : Nor Ioves command , or fates decree can still Her most unbrideled rage : nor Troyes great ill , Bespoil'd of towns and nation , vvith strange spight , Can satisfie , but with all rancourous might She plagues poore vvasted Troyes ( as yet ) remains ; Yea their dead bones and ashes she disdains . The cause of so great wrath her self can tell , And how she lately rais'd , thou know'st it well , Strange sudden storms o're all the Libyan seas , Confounding heaven and sea with rough disease : All by her friend Aeolus puffs most vain , All this she durst in thy vast realm , the main . Behold , beside the Trojan vvives ( foule fact ! ) VVith rage enflam'd , foulely ( by her compact ) Fired their fleet , forc'd them , their ships decay'd , In a strange land to be detain'd and stay'd . This then remains ; I pray thee let them sail Thy vvatrie soil in safety , with smooth gale Let them arive vvhere Tybers stream doth flow : If our desires thou grant , if fates also Grant us our promis'd realms , then speak , I pray . Then Neptune , seas great soveraigne , thus did say ; Faire Venus , thou mayst in my bounds be bold , For thence thou dost thy bloud and linage hold : I alwayes also have been kinde to thine , And heavens and seas joynt wrath , vvhich did combine , And fury fierce , I have restrain'd for thee , Nor have I ( Xanth and Simois vvitnes be ) Of thine Aeneas had lesse care on land : But when Achilles fierce with furious hand Did prosecute and execute with might Troyes troops , and from safe vvalls forc'd them to flight ; When thousands dead did fall , when flouds did groan , Fill'd vvith kill'd bodies ; when no way was known For Xanthus course to sea , being dam'd with dead : I then in misty clouds quite covered Aeneas , cha●ed by Achilles strong , VVhen fates and force left him to hostile vvrong : Even then vvhen I could vvell have found in heart , Mine own built faithlesse Troy quite to subvert . Then feare not , for I have the same minde still : He and they all desir'd , shall safely fill Avernus port : one onely shall be drown'd , VVho sought for in the sea , shall not be found : His life the rest shall ransome . Thus most kinde He stroaks and cheeres the Goddes●e cheerefull minde , Then yokes his horses to his chariots drift , And gives the foamy reins to 's coursers swift , The bridle laid most loose : and thus he slides In his blew chariot o're the surging tides : Down winde the vvaves , ●ow the rough billows bend , Under his thundring wheels clouds quick descend . Then various troops appeare above the main , Leviathans most huge , old Glaucus train , Mankinde Palaemon , nimble Tritons thick , And foamy Phorcus his attendants quick . The left hand Thetis , and the Mermaids keep , Nisaeë , Spio , all sea-nymphs that sleep , And love to live in waves . Aeneas here His drooping thoughts with joy doth now re-cheare , And bids his men their masts to raise with speed , To stretch their sails . Whereto they all proceed , Their feet and force , their hands and heart conjoyn To th' larboard , or to th' starboard to incline : Their sail-yards then they winde , unwinde again : All things concurre to make them sail amain . But primely Palinurus guides them all : All bend their course to his least beck or call . And now was midnight neare , when all took rest , Spread on hard hatches thus , from toyling ceast ; VVhen as soft sleeps slipt down from starrie skies , And glancing through th' aires darknes way discries To pitch on thee , poore harmlesse Palinure , On thee to force sad sleep who sat'st secure , Presenting to thee thy friend Phorbas face , And speaking thus to thee in dreaming case ; See Iasian Palinure , the very tide Makes thy ship sail , faire gales it friendly guide . Here 's time to rest , lay down thy head and sleep , And I for thee thy stern will carefull keep . To whom vvith drowsie eyes sayes Palinure ; Wouldst thou me make in calmie seas secure ? And in faire streams fallacious dreams to trust ? And great Aeneas on false blasts to thrust ? With skies faire face have I so oft been gull'd ? For this ? This said , his helm more close he pull'd , Keeps fast his hold , on 's starres fast fixt his eyes . But now behold , this God of sleep from skies Whisks a vvet branch of soporiferous dew , Whose Stygian strength he o're his eye-brows threw : Which soon his rowling eyes with sleep o'relaid . Whos 's first loose lids on sudden nod scarce made , When to himself the helm too closely stay'd , He pulls the poop aside , the rudder brast , And over-board i' th' sea he 's headlong cast , Crying for help unto his mates in vain , And then this sleep-god flies to th' skies again . The fleet , for all this , sails in safety By Neptunes promise , in security . And now Sirenes rigid rocks drew neare , VVhich with huge heaps of bones did white appeare : And then farre off the rocks rough roares they heard , VVhen grave Aeneas from his sleep up-rear'd , Perceiv'd their master lost , the fleet to stray , Himself by night the pilots part did play , Lamenting much his old deare friends decay . Ah too too credulous of sea and skie ! Deare Palinure in unknown sands must lie . An end of the fifth book of Virgils Aeneïds . THE ARGUMENT of the sixth book . Aeneas safe at Cuma's lands , By Sibyll strange things understands : Misenus found , and buried there , From whom the hill its name doth beare . The Gods appeas'd , a branch of gold He beares along : His course doth hold , By Sibyls guide , t' Avernus lake ; Knows Palmure , great care does take To comfort Dido , there being found . Sees Deïphobus cruell wound . Sibyll him shows the pains of hell , Anchises meets him , knows him well . Rare things of Rome to him relates : Which done , he thence returns to 's mates . THose weeping words so uttered , swift he sails , And gets to Cumas coasts with prosperous gales . Foredecks they winde from sea , sharp anchours tie Their settled ships , which 'bout th● shores do lie : Out leap their nimble youth , with high desire Of Latium land . Some seek for sparks of fire Hid in hard flints ; some range the woods about , The wilde-beasts dennes , fresh springs and flouds finde out ▪ But good Aeneas to the towers did hie , Where great Apollo hath supremacie , The dungeon dark and cells of Sibyll grave , To whom a heart and minde Apollo gave Inspir'd with wisedome , future things to know ; Then to Diana's groves , guilt rooms , they go . Fame sayes , when Daedalus from Creet did flie On wax-swift wings , he boldly flew i' th' skie , To the cold North gliding by uncouth way , On Cumas turrets he at last did stay . Here first ariving safe , great Phoebus , he Offered his wings , built temples faire to thee . Upon whose gates Androgeus death doth stand : And how ( oh woe ! ) th' Athenians by command Seven sonnes and daughters yeare by yeare did slay : There pots for drawing lots behold we may . Above the sea , their Candy countrey's seen , And there was pourtray'd Pasiphäe the queen : And by her stood her loathsome love , a bull ; With whom by art her lust was serv'd at full : Whose monstrous mixture foulely did produce A two-form'd Minotaure , of base abuse , A monstrous monument . That house was here , Whose Labyrinthick labour did appeare In its amazing maze . But Daedalus Pitying the queens love most notorious , Found out the houses sleights ; Meanders strange , Led by a threed , through all the crooks did range . And thou , O Icarus , hadst had great share ( Had not grief hindred ) in this work so rare : Twice he assay'd thy fate in gold to paint , And twice i' th' work thy fathers hand did faint . Yea all those famous facts they had survay'd , Had not Achates , sent before , them stayd , And with him Deiphobe brought , no lesse , Apollo's and Diana's Prophetesse : Who thus sayes to the king ; This time requires No pleasing spectacles to th' eyes desires : But now out of thy droves seven heifers faire Go sacrifice , and seven good sheep prepare , According to old wont . This to him said , Her holy hests Aeneas straight obey'd . The Trojans then she to th' huge temple calls , Into a cave cut out o' th' mightie walls Of Cumas mount : an hundred wayes most wide Leading thereto , an hundred doores beside , Where hundred voices roare Sibylls replies . To th' porch they came , when as the virgin wise Sayes , Now 's the time the fates decrees to know : Here 's God , ah see the God! who saying so , Her visage straight was changed at the doore , And her complection was not as before : Her haire did stare , her heart did pant with feare , Strange extasies her swelling thoughts did reare ; She greater personage seems , no voice humane She seems to have , since she did neare remain Unto the Gods great power , therewith inspir'd : And stand'st thou still ( sayes she ) when prayer 's requir'd , Trojan Aeneas ? stand'st thou still , I say ? Shall not these fearefull rooms ( till thou dost pray ) Ope their wide mouths ? This having said , she ceast . Straight on the Trojans trembling feare increast . Then thus the king humbly did supplicate ; Great Phoebus , who dost still commiserate Troyes tedious toiles , who Paris hand didst guide , And mad'st his shaft to pierce Achilles side ; By whom so many land-enclosing seas I entred have , and passed with sweet ease ; And through most farre remote Moroco lands , Through many deep and dangerous quick-sands ; And now at last in shrinking Italie Have safe ariv'd , and hitherto past by The various fortunes which have us still tended : O now 't is time , your indignation ended , Great Gods and Goddesses , whom Ilium brave , And glorious Dardan much provoked have : And thou , most sacred priest , which dost foresee Future events , grant ( for I ask of thee But kingdomes due by destinies consent ) Us Trojans rest in Latiums continent , And to Troyes wandring Gods , who with us went. Then I 'le to Phoebus and Diana raise Faire marble temples , and t' Apollo's praise Make dayes of triumphs ; and within our state , Thee as our God , we all will venerate . And here thine anxious oracles I 'le place , Thy secret sacred rhymes , my nations grace . To thee , faire priest , choice men I 'le consecrate ; Onely in leaves do not thy rhymes relate , Lest puft with windes , they fluttering flie away . And thus he ends ; Speak thou thy self , I pray . But here the priest pelting impatiently , Wrathfully rag'd at Phoebus deity Within the cave : if she could from her breast Shake off the Gods great power , which her supprest , And which so much the more did curb and tame Her madding mouth , her fierce heart fitly frame . And now the temples hundred mightie doores Ope of themselves , by orizons ; the roares Of Sibylls answers thus the aire do beat ; O thou who hast escapt seas dangers great ! Yet still on land farre greater thee attend . The Trojans shall ( then let this care here end ) Into Lavinus realms arive , but there They 'le soon repent : warres , warres full fraught with feare , And Tyber foaming streams of bloud I see . Ah Simois and Xanthus there shall be , And second Grecian camps : there thou shalt finde A new Achilles of as fierce a minde , Born of a Goddesse great : yea Iuno fierce Will still the Trojans with much anguish pierce . When thou in straits shalt be , what nations great , What Latian towns shalt not thou lowly entreat ? A nother harbour'd wife will cause this smart , A forrain wedlock on the Trojans part . Yet shrink not for these ills , but stouter be : For the first hope ( thou 'lt scarcely credit me ) Of comfort , wherewith fortune will thee crown , Shall surely issue from a Grecian town . Thus from her cell Cumaean Sibyll sings Ambiguous ambages , the cloyster rings With the shrill sound thereof , in most dark strains Wrapping up truths with such o'reruling rains , Apollo's spurres her furious stirres restrains . As soon as ere her rage began to cease , And her mad mouth began to be at peace , Noble Aeneas thus begins to say ; Faire virgin , no new stirres thou dost display , No strange unheard of change , unknown to me , All these in heart long since I did foresee . This one thing I desire ( since men relate , That hard by is th' infernall kings wide gate , And Acherontine darksome plashie lake ) O may I enter , for my fathers sake , To see his lovely face . Open , I pray , Those dreadfull doores , and lead me the right way . Him I through flames and thousand fluttering darts Bore on my back , and sav'd from hostile smarts : With me he went , with me all seas he sail'd , All storms , where with skies , seas , shores , us assail'd , Beyond his strength , and lot he feebly bore . He when I hither came , charg'd me before , That humbly I should pray for free accesse Into thy courts : faire ladie , now expresse Compassion to the father and the sonne : For by thy power what ere thou wilt is done . Nor thee in vain hath Hecate set thus Over Avernus groves : If Orpheus With 's Thracian harp and rarely sounding voice His wifes soule could regain , with longed choice : If Pollux could by death alternately His brother free , go , come most frequently : What talk I now of Hercules most strong ? Of Theseus stout ? even I my self belong To mightie Ioves high race . This being said , He held the altar : then the priestly maid Did thus reply ; Brave Trojan , born most high , The way to hell is found most easily : Pluto's black gate stands open night and day : But to return , and thence finde heavens hard way , O here 's the toile , this is a work indeed ; ●ew can do this , and they of heavenly breed , And such as are belov'd of Iove most just , Whose vertues rare to th' skies exalt them must : Dark woods , black flouds , the midwayes overspread : Yet if thy minde be with such longing led , To swimme twice over Styx , twice to behold Tartars dark dennes , and that thou art so bold , So hard a task , so free to take in hand : Then what thou first must do now understand : In huge wood shades there is a golden tree , Whose leaves and tender twigs all golden be , To faire Proserpina being consecrated , VVhich by the whole thick wood is obumbrated , And with dark dikes and banks immur'd about : But none can under earth get in or out , Till he a branch of that gold tree obtain , VVhich must to faire Proserpina remain , As her choice gift . A first branch pull'd away , Another sprig springs out of gold most gay : Then search it seriously , which when you spie , Carefully crop it ; for if destinie Intend thee to befriend , 't will follow faire , With a slight slip ; if not , no toil or care Can break the branch , no ax it loose or lop . Besides , there lies upon the earths bare top , Thy friends unburied corps ( alas , thou sure Knowest it not ) whose smell none can endure Through all thy fleet : then whiles thou here dost stay To ask deep counsell , take his corps away , And lay him in his grave , and with thee take Fat beasts , thy first black sacrifice to make . So shalt thou Sty●●●n groves behold at last , And hard-found courts , which ( yet ) no mortals past . This said , to silence she her lips confin'd . Aeneas , he goes on with carefull minde , His eyes fast fixt on ground , the cave forsaken , By thousand thoughts of strange events o'retaken . With whom his trustie kinde Achates went , To share with him in all hard straits full bent . Thus as they passe , much various talk they finde ; What corps t'interre she meant ; what dead friend kinde : And going on , they on dry-land did spie Misenus good , slain most unworthily : Misenus nobly born , then whom was none A braver bolder trumpeter ere known . With expert art t' inflame mens hearts to fight , In whom great Hector rarely did delight , Made him his mate ; for in his battells brave With speare and trump he did him well behave . But when Achilles victour vanquished His Hector deare , he forthwith followed Trojan Aeneas , as his noble mate , To no lesse fame himself t' associate . But ( once ) when on an hollow rock , by chance , He unadvis'dly did his trump advance , And with shrill notes did seem to vindicate The sea-nymphs ; Triton him did emulate , And ( if we may beleeve it ) in disdain Precipitately in the foamy main Drown'd him amongst the rocks . They all therefore A bout the corps his fatall end deplore , Chiefly Aeneas : then without delay They Sibylls charge to discharge haste away , And weeping went to work , to fell down trees , A grave pile to erect , which by degrees Should touch the skies . To an old wood they go , Where fierce wilde beasts did lurk : there down they throw Firre-trees , and beech resounding hatchets blow , Ash-trees and oaks they cut and cleave with wedges , And from the hills huge elms they rowl on sledges· Aeneas chiefly all their works o'reviews , Prayes them to ply it , nor doth he refuse To work with them ; yet whiles in his sad breast He ruminates these things , his eyes addrest To the huge wood , thus haply prayed he ; O that in this wide wood , that golden tree So hard to finde , it self would to me show , For surely all the prophets said ( I know ) Is too too true of thee , Misenus deare ! Scarce said he thus , when to him did appeare A paire of pigeons , flying 'fore his eyes , And on the grasse alighting from the skies . The noble prince his mothers birds did know , And joyfull prayes , O be my guides , and show The way if any be , and through the aire 'Point me a path by which I may repaire Into the wood , and finde the fertile ground , Which with that rare rich golden branch is crown'd . And thou deare mother , do me not forsake In such anxieties : as thus he spake , He steady stands , watching the doves aright , What signes they 'd show , which way they 'd take their flight . They onely pecking meat flew fast away As farre as e're mans sight could after stray . Thus flying o're Avernus stinking lake , They swiftly hovering up , their way do take Through the transparent aire , and gliding sit Each on a tree , upon their branches fit . Whence on the boughs gold glistering glimpses lay , Like as when on a pinching winter day The mistle-tow doth flourish fresh and gay With new sprung leaves , which ne're grew from the tree , On which it hangs , whose yellow berries be 'Bout the tall trunk thereof , a clinging shade : Even such a shew the golden branches made , On adverse oaken boughs , which a soft blast Made dangling leaves a twinkling lustre cast . At it straight leaps Aeneas , pulls it quick Greedily , thinking it too long did stick . Which to the Sibylls cell away he bore . Meanwhile the Trojans did lament on shore Misenus dead , and his neglected dust They now adorn with funerall rites most just . And first , fat-heart of oak in shivers cut , And pitchie chips of wood together put , They built a mightie pile , and thereto adde In gracefull wise his arms and cypresse sad . Some get warm water , some set on the flame Brasse boyling cauldrons , some with ointments came , And wash and ' noint his frozen body there , And weeping much his wofull corps they beare Unto the bed ; then over him were thrown His purple robes , rich vestures throughly known . Some on their shoulders beare the mightie beere ( Sad piece of service ) as to parents deare Young men do use ; their torches turn'd behinde , Their frankincense and oyles , given with free minde , They heap together , and together burn . Thus when his corps and all to ashes turn , And the flame slakes ; vvhat ever did remain , His unburnt bones , hot cinders , up were ta'ne , And washt vvith wine , and by Chorineus laid Into a brazen coffin , by him made : And thrice pure water on his mates he threw , And with an olive-branch sprinkles sweet dew . And thus due expiation makes for all , And bids farewell , last knell , to th' funerall . But good Aeneas the sepulchre raises To a huge height , and to the mans due praises Layes on his arms , his oare , and trump of fame , Upon the skie-top mount , which from his name Was call'd Misenus , aye to beare the same . This done , he speeds to do the Sibylls charge . There is a dungeon deep , with mouth most large , Lined with stones , fenc'd with black pools , boughs thick , O're which no fowl dares flie , though ne're so quick , Without destruction ; such foul stinks arise Out of its mouth , and putrifie the skies : Whence Greeks that place Avernus nominate . Here foure fat heifers he did ordinate , Upon whose front the priest pure liquor threw , And pul'd the haires , which 'twixt their horns thick grew , And cast them in the fire , first expiation ; Making to Hecate due invocation , Whose soveraignty in heaven and hell was great . Some kill the beasts , and in their basons neat Save the warm bloud : Aeneas self also A black-wool'd lambe to th' dam of hagges below , And her great sister , vvith his sword did slay ; And unto thee , sacred Proserpina , A barren cow . Then to the Stygian king He built night-altars , and to them did bring Fat flesh of bulls , to sacrifice i' th' flame , Pouring on fatty oyle t' increase the same . But now , behold , before Sols first arise , Under his feet the ground made muttering cries , Wood-mountains mov'd , dogs seem'd to howl i' th' shade , Just as the Goddesse came , foule stirre was made : The priest cries out , Avaunt , be gon , profane , And cleare these groves , not one must here remain . Force thou thy way with naked sword in hand , Be strong , Aeneas , stoutly to it stand . This said , her self into the cave she cast Most furiously ; he stiffely follows fast , So good a guide , at heels , and thus he pray'd ; Great Gods , which rule each ghost and silent shade , Phlegethon , Chaos , rooms dark , dumbe and deep ; O let me not of these things silence keep : O let me with your leave speak what I heare , Disclose hid secrets , vvhich do here appeare , Deep under ground , and in black darknesse drown'd . Then in dark night , black shades , they ramble round Through Pluto's palaces , and regions void : Much like , when men ( the moon with clouds being cloyd ) Walking in woods but by a glimmering light , Iove having hid with fogs the skies cleare sight , And colours faire being dampt by darksome night . Before the porch , in the first gape of hell , Foule mournings and tormenting cares did dwell ; Deadly diseases old-age anguishes , Feare , faultie famine , vvants lean languishes ; Affrighting-forms , fierce death , and deadly toiles , Deaths kinsman , sleep ; false filthie joy , that soiles Mens soules . On th' other side were deadly warres , The Furies beds of steel , and desperate jarres , Her viperous haire tide up with bloudy bands . I' th' midst a mightie shadie elm there stands , With weather-beaten boughs and aged arms ▪ Where usually ( they say ) vain dreams and charms Made their abodes , and 'bout the leaves did ' bide , And many furious fierce vvilde beasts beside . Two natur'd Scylla's , Centaures stabled were About the doores , monsters of hideous feare : Briareus hundreth-handed , Hydra's ire , Teeth-gnashing Chimaer's arm'd with flames of fire ; Gorgons , and Harpyes , hagges with shapes three-fold . Here sudden fright Aeneas forc'd to hold , And shake his naked sword to all he met : And had not his vvise guides advisement let , And made him from those corps-lesse soules to fly , And passe in peace , those thin shapes subtiltie He had assail'd , but vainly beat the aire . Thence then he to the right path did repaire , Which leads to th' Acherontine filthie floud : Whose troublous stream boiles up vvith mire and mud , And from Cocytus sands evaporates . Charon , hells frightfull ferryman , there vvaits , And plies the passage o're this filthie floud , VVith crabbed countenance , hoare haires , which stood Most roughly over-grown o're all his chin , His gogling eyes star'd , as they flames had bin ; In ragged robes and tattered old attire . Thus , a strong long pole thrust into the miro , He drives his boat , assisted vvith one sail , And , as his charge , in 's barge soules o're doth hale . Much grown in yeares , yet lusty for his age ; To whom to th' shore soules flock for their passage , Women and men , yea all whom death destroyes , Great potent peeres , unmarried maids and boyes , Compt youths , vvhich die before their fathers face , Like leaves in vvoods , falling from trees apace , Pincht off by autumnes chilling , killing cold : Or like conglomerated birds that hold And flie together , forced o're the main , By vvinter vveather , to some pleasant plain . Thus stand they striving , first , to be past o're , With hands and hearts longing for th' other shore . The fuming ferryman takes these , leaves those , And others fiercely farre from shore o'rethrows . Aeneas ( with this noise much mov'd , amaz'd ) Sayes to the priestly maid , Pray , vvhence is rais'd This flocking to the floud ? vvhat seek these soules ? What strange adventure to these banks them toules ? And why do those the livid waves vvith oares So swiftly sweep , to get unto you shores ? To whom the aged priest sayes briefly thus ▪ Anchises , and Ioves off-spring generous , This is Cocytus deep black Styxes lake , By which to sweare , forsweare , Gods conscience make ▪ Unburied soules , that ragged-rabble be , And he the boatsman , Charon , whom you see . Those vvhom he rowes in 's boat , due buriall have ; Now may they , till their bones do rest in grave , O're those rough streams , those banks have transportation , But make about those shores perambulation , And wandring walks , at least , an hundred yeares , Then passe they o're those ponds , which them re-cheeres . Aeneas then with fixed feet stood still , Full of deep thoughts , pitying their case most ill : There he beheld Leucaspis 'mongst them all , And brave Orontes , his fleets admirall , Mourning their vvant of honourable graves , Whom boystrous blasts o'rewhelmed in the vvaves , And sunk both ships and men , sailing from Troy. Behold , he now beheld , vvith more annoy , His ship-master , his Palinure , perplext : Who sailing Sicils seas , his eyes fast fixt Upon his starres , fell over-board , was drown'd ; Whom scarce for mists , his sad friend having found , Thus he sayes to him ; My deare Palinure , What God our losse of thee did thus procure ? And drench thee in the deep ? I pray thee tell , For ne're till now did falshood with him dwell : Apollo with this one unsure reply , Did much deceive my vain credulity ; Who told me , thou seas safe shouldst passe , and see Faire Italie , and there shouldst landed be : And is this ( now ) the faithfull promise made ? But he on th' other side repli'de , and said ; Brave Trojan prince , nor Phoebus thee deluded , Nor any God me to the seas obtruded : For I my self holding my helm too fast , Where I sat pilot , did me headlong cast Into the sea , guiding the ship . I sweare By all rough seas , nought did me so much feare As thy great ships and ship-masters decay , Lest on thy bark rough swelling seas should prey . Three vvinter-nights , fierce vvindes me blew about The ocean vast ; the fourth day I found out , VVith much adoe , the banks of Italie , Keeping my head still 'bove the waves on high : At last , by small degrees I got to land , And thereon safely I a while did stand , And so had staid , but for a barbarous crew , VVho to me ( dropping vvet ) in fury drew : And as I crawled up on hands and feet A craggy bank , vvith swords they did me meet , Slew me , and of me hop'd to make a prey : Now vvindes and vvaves me neare the shore do lay , Yet keep i' th' sea . Wherefore by heavens light cleare , By this faire aire , and by thy father deare , And young Iülus hopes , I thee intreat Free me from this ill state , thou captain great ; And either put me ( as thou mayst ) in ground , ( For I in Velines haven may be found ) Or else , if means there be , if Goddesse great Have shewn thee any supernat'rall fear , ( For I beleeve , not vvithout heav●nly aid Thou swam'st this floud , this Stygia● lake didst vvade ) Lend me poore wretch thy hand , and help me o're , That I , at least , may rest in you ●weet shore . Thus he ; and thus the priest her minde expres● ; Whence , Palinure , comes this thy rash request ? VVouldst thou unburied , Styxes stream pa●●e o're ? The furies flouds , unbidden , leave thy shore ? Cease to expect by prayers to change heavens fates . But heare and mark what thy case consolates . The nearest neighbours , bordering ' bo●● those parts , By heavens prodigious signes perplext in hearts , Shall take thy bones , and vvith solemnities Interre , entombe thee : from which grave shall rise Unto that place an everlasting name Of Palinure . Hence he more glad became , His care had cure , his grief in part was past , That that land should his name retain at last . Then on they passe , and to the pool draw nigh , Whom Charon straight on Stygian streams doth spie , How slily they the wood walk , haste to land : Thus he with checks and taunts them takes in hand . Who e're thou art , that arm'd wouldst sail this way , Say , what 's thy will ? why com'st thou ? thou shalt stay . These be soules seats : here night and sleep do sit : In Styxes boat live bodies 't is not fit To carry o're , nor did it me well please To carry Theseus , or great Hercules , Or Pirithous , though they were heavenly bred , For strength and stomack most unconquered . Alcides bound fierce Cerberus in bands , Hells great grim-porter , and with his strong hands Him quaking drag'd from Pluto's princely seat ; The rest did plot our king of 's queen to cheat . To whom th' Amphrysian priest reply'd again ; Trust me , here 's no such tricks ; from rage refrain ; Our weapons wound not , Cerberus may bark , And ever fright poore soules in 's dungeon dark : Proserpina may keep her uncles bed ; For this our Trojan prince much honoured For piety and prowesse , but intends To go to 's father , to deep hell descends . If so great goodnesse in the man moves not , Yet know this branch of gold , which he hath got : ( Which she pul'd forth , being hid under his gown ) Whereat his rage and wrath of heart sank down . Silent , that sacred gift he did adore , The fatall branch not seen long time before , And shoves to shore the blew boat them to take , And other soules which sate beside the lake He thrusts aside , and layes the hatches fit , And great Aeneas sits i th' bulk of it . The joynted barge groan'd with their pondrous weight , And through the chinks took in much puddle straight . At length the priest and prince pasto're the floud , And scapt the flaggy gray-grasse , myre and mud ; Hells porter Cerberus , through his triple throat Through all those regions rais'd a barking note . Couching , huge curre-like , in his kennell by , Whose snake-like swelling neck the priest did spie , And cast● to him a soporiferous sop , With drugs and honey mixt , which he did slop , And through his treble throat it quickly snaps , In dogged-hunger , with his meager chaps . Whereat his mighty back croucht , down he lies , And spreads himself i th' cave , with slumbring eyes . The porter laid , Aeneas whipt in brave , And got to shore from th' irregressive wave . Straight in 's first entrance piteous cries he heares , And loud laments of infants 'bout his eares , Of tender babes snatcht from their mothers breast , Depriv'd of longer life by deaths arrest . Next these , were those who by false sentence dy'd , Yet lot and law these to their place apply'd . Minos th' inquisitour the lots doth cast , And spies and tries their lives and follies past . Next , they lie mourning , who with guiltlesse smart , Hating their lives , their own hands pierce their heart : Then though they spilt their bloud , yet now'd be glad To suffer earths worst toiles , then hells pains bad . But fates forbid , and hells most loathsome lake , And Styxes nine-fold streams tie them to th' stake . Not farre from thence lie all the fields about ( For so men call them ) of the weeping rout . Here all , whom tyrannizing love did slay With piercing passions , these in by-paths lay , Hid under myrtle boughs , whose grief of heart Still stings them , and in death doth not depart . Here he beheld Procris and Phaedra faire , Eriphyle her sonnes wounds laying bare . Euadne he , and Phasiphe did finde , And Laodamia , to her pheere most kinde : Caeneus now a woman , once a lad , Yet re-transfigur'd for her follies bad . 'Mongst whom he spi'de Sidonian Dido there , Wandring i th' wood her love-wound fresh t' appeare . Whō Troyes brave prince approaching near , scarce knew Through the thick shade : ( like Luna , whose first view A man through clouds doth see , or thinks he sees ) He weeps , and speaks such sugred words as these ; Distressed Dido , ah , that sad report Was too too true , brought to me from thy court ; That thou wast dead , and with a sharp sword slain . Alas ! sweet lady , I did cause thy bane . Yet I protest by starres and deities , And by firm faith , if under ground it lies , I left thy land ( faire queen ) against my minde , And here the Gods commandments me do binde To traverse up and down these foggy shades Through thornie paths , and deep , dark , dumpish glades : Nor could I e're beleeve that it could be , That my departure could so cruciate thee . Ah st●y vvith me , fly not away so fast , Whom shun'st thou ? since this talk must be our last . Thus spake Aeneas , thinking therewithall To swage their grief , and flouds of teares let fall . She frowning fixt her angry eyes on ground , Nor was more mov'd with all he could propound , Then is hard flint , or Parus rock obdure . At last she from him breaks into obscure And bushy vvoods , flying most angrilie , VVhere her first spouse Sich●●● courteously Answered , her vvoes vvith equall love repayd . At this hard hap Aeneas vvas dismay'd : Yet vveeping follows her aloof , apace , Lamenting much her absent vvofull case . Thence on he goes , and at the last they came To th' utmost fields , where men of Martiall fame Did walk about : here he Tydeus meets , And Mars-like Parthenopeus kindely greets ; Adrastus gastly ghost : and here he spies Such Trojan lords as caus'd full weeping eyes : They being slain in warre , he knows them all In their rare ranks , and many a teare le ts fall . Glaucus , Thersilocus , Medon , all three Antenors sonnes , he sadly there did see , Polybetes , great Ceres priest most stout , Idaeus still in 's chariot drawn about , Still brandishing his blade : soules thick do flock On both sides , making him their gazing-stock . One sight sufficeth not : they stay , stand still , Make neare approach , and know the cause they will Why , how he came . But Greeces peeres most stout , And those of Agamemnons warre-like rout , Spying the man , and his drawn glistering blade Through the thick mists , extreamly all afraid , Some flie away , as once to ship to get : Some gape to speak , whose gapes their speech do let . And here at last he saw in wofull case King Priams Deïphobus mangled face , And all o're wounded corps most cruelly , Yea , his faire face defac'd uncomelily ; His broken brows , both hands , both eares , and nose , All quite cut off by his most barbarous foes . Scarce he him knew , trembling in wofull wise , Lab'ring to hide those dire deformities . Yet in a well known tone thus he cries out ; Deare Deïphobus , valiant , stern and stout , Sprung from Troyes royall stemme , what savage minde To take such foule revenge in 's heart could finde ? O who had power to use , abuse thee so ? Fame did report , and I nought else did know , But that in dead of night , thou wearied , With slaying Greeks didst fighting fall down dead On heaps of them . Then I in vain did frame On Rhetian shores a tombe unto thy fame : And to thy soule sent three salutes most deep , And made that place thy name and fame to keep : Thy body there ( faire friend ) I could not see , Nor as I would ( my countrey left ) give thee A worthy buriall . Deïphobus here Sayes , Nothing 's left undone , O friend most deare ; To Deïphobus thou all dues hast payd , All buriall rites : but here alas I 'm stayd , And drown'd in this distresse by fates decree , And base Lacaena's fatall villanie : She left me these sad monuments of woe . For as we all ( you cannot choose but know , And too too well remember ) that last night Did spend in frolick , but most false delight ; When first that fatall horrid horse o'releapt Our Trojan walls , when from his paunch out stept His swelling troops of armed foot-men fierce , She feigning votes in Bacchanalian verse , Led up and down our quaffing Phrygian dames , And in her hand held forth bright burning flames : And from their camps call'd out the Grecians bold . Then cumbring cares and sleepinesse did hold Me prest to rest , in my unhappie bed , And sweet deep sleep had me ( now ) vanquished , And laid like one quite dead . This worthy wife ( Meanwhile ) my arms , the safegard of my life , And trusty sword , purloyn'd and stole away , Set my doores ope , call'd in without delay Her Menelaus , hoping ( thus ) to endere His love to her , and all past ills to cleare . What needs more words , they burst into my bed , Together with Vlysses , mischiefs head . Great Gods , repay those Greeks with vengeance due , If it be just which I request of you . But what strange chance hath brought thee ( thus ) alive To us ? Tell me likewise ; what seas did drive Thee to these parts ? or was 't the Gods decree ? Or to these toiles hath fortune forced thee ? To tread these sad and sunlesse wearying wayes ? Thus with this talk Aurora's radiant rayes Had guilded half-o're heavens huge axletree , And haply all their time thus spent might be : But that the Sibyll his most watchfull mate , Said , Good Aeneas , night doth properate , And we with weeping waste the time in vain : Here see the way divides it self in twain . 〈…〉 way , which leads by Pluto's gate , Will bring us the right way t' Elysium straight : But the left leads to Tartars torturing cell , The place where damned soules are plagu'd in hell . Then Deïphobus said , Prime priest , be still , If I offend , I 'le back ; my number fill , And shelter me in shades . Go thou , O go , Thou glorie of our land , the heavens bestow Better good luck on thee . This having said , As soon as spoke away from them he made . Aeneas quick lookt back , and soon espi'de A spacious castle on a rocks left side , With a strong threefold mightie wall surrounded , Which Phlegethons fierce fierie river bounded ; And did thick ratling stones evaporate . Before it stood a mightie open gate , With adamantine pillars set in view , Such as nor Gods nor men could cut or hew By strength or art : a brazen tovvre stood high , Where Tisiphone fierce sate usually In bloudy robes , and night and day did guard And watch the way . From hence was eas'ly heard Great groans and moans of screeking smart and pains , And rumbling noise of shackling iron chains . Aeneas stood amaz'd , dampt with that din , And said ; Faire lady , tell me , what 's within ? What damned soules ? what plagues ? what hideous cries Are those I heare ? To whom she thus replies ; Brave Trojan prince , no upright man may dwell In this nefarious nest of damned hell : But me , when as Proserpina me made Hells governesse , she taught , and open layd The plagues which Gods inflict , shew'd me them all : Here 's ( sayth she ) Rhadamanthus horrid hall , Where he corrects and findes out knaveries , Forcing confession of all villanies : And when they hope to scape with foolish joy , At last in death he plagues them with annoy . Then Tisiphone , in one hand a whip , Revenge fully makes guiltie soules to skip , With furious lashes , holding stinging snakes In th' other hand , which greater tortures makes , Calling for all her furious sisters aid . At last the sacred gates huge screeking made , And opened wide . Seest thou ( sayes she to him ) What looks look on us ? what a guard most grim Sits at the porch ? see horrid Hydra's seat , With fiftie snaky heads and gape-mouths great : Then hell it self , full twice as broad and deep Downward , as heaven , upward beheld , is steep . Here Titans youthfull troop , earths aged race , By thunder thrown down , sunk to th' deepest place . And here the bastard-giant twinnes I saw , Which with their hands meant heaven to scale , and draw Great Iupiter from his supernall seat . I saw Salmone●s suffering tortures great : For he Ioves lightning needs would imitate , And rattling thunder : being born in state Upon foure horses , shaking flames of fire , Making Greek towns and countreys him admire , In triumph drawn , in frantick arrogance , Himself with Ioves due honour to advance ; Whiles he heaven , inimitable fire , By sounding brasse , and horn-hooft steeds desire To counterfeit in their most swift careeres : But mighty Iove , to whom this soon appeares , Through thickest clouds dasht out a deadly dart , ( Nor could his torches , nor bright fierie art Assist ) and headlong in a storm him slew . There also might you mighty Tityus view , Fructiferous Terra's sonne , whose body great Stretcht out , in breadth nine acres is compleat : A foule devouring vultures bending bill , Gnawing upon his wastelesse intralls still : Whose guts him ever glut with horrid pains , Thus feeding on his breast it still remains , And restlessely pulls his regrowing veins . Why speak I of Lapitha , Ixion , And Pirithous ? on whom a huge flint-stone Doth alwayes hang , and alwayes seem to fall ; Before whom stand rich lustfull beds most tall ; And costly cates to feed their luxurie , Stand ready disht : but nestling o're them nigh Stands the prime Furie , and them strict commands Not once to touch the table with their hands : And if they stirre , she starts up in great ire , Rattles them up , bangs them with flames of fire . Here brother-haters whiles they liv'd , I saw ; Parents despisers , cheaters of just law : Rich churles who got great wealth , but for themselves ; The greatest troops being of these impious elves ) Such as for foule adulteries have been slain ; And who in jurious jarres do entertain ; Who rob their masters , traitours are to th' state . All these with plagues hell doth incarcerate . Nor need'st thou ask , what pains and tortures fierce These various vitious men do sting and pierce . Some ' rowl huge stones , so●e hang fast ty'de to wheels , Thus wofull Theseus torments sits and feels , And e're shall feel . Thus Phlegyas most of all With hortatorie cries in hell doth yaull ; Be warn'd , be just , the Gods do not despise : For gold of 's countrey he made merchandize , And brought in an usurping powerfull lord , Old laws annull'd , made new laws for reward . Another did his daughters bed defile , Using forbidden copulation vile . All did foule deeds , and what they will'd , enjoy'd . Had I an hundred tongues to be employ'd , An hundred mouths , and iron elocution , I could not shew the diverse distribution Of all the kindes of hells impieties , And every plague which on them heavy lies . This when Apollo's Sibyll sage had said , Let 's now go on ( sayes he ) all stayes evade , And our intended task begun conclude : Come , let 's make haste ; for I farre off have view'd The Cyclops shops , strong walls , high chimneys stand , Where we to leave our present , have command . This said , together they blinde paths passe by , Taking the midway , to the gates drew nigh . Aeneas first rusht in , with water cleare Sprinckles himself , and on a post most neare Unto the gate , the branch of gold sticks fast ; Which done , his gift given to the Goddesse , past ; They came at length into these pleasant places , Those fragrant fi●lds and groves of all the Graces , Those sacred seats , where's larger , purer aire , Bright light , true sense of starres , and Phoebus faire . Where some delight in grassy plains to sport , To skip and leap in sand in wrastling sort ; Some dance and sing , and trip it on their toes , VVhiles Orpheus in his priest-like long gown goes About , and playes on 's seven-fold sounding lute ▪ And strikes the strings with quill and skill acute . Here he beheld Troyes ancient noble race , Her potent peeres , born in more blis●efull case ; Ilus , Assaracus ; first king of Troy , Dardan ; their arms put off with peacefull joy . He uselesse chariots ( wondring ) sees set by ; Their speares fast fixt in ground , and carelessely Their steeds let loose , feeding in pastures wide ; And look , what chariots love , what Martiall pride , They living had , what care to feed and dresse Their gallant coursers , now 't was here no lesse . Again , on 's right and left hand he doth eye Some , feeding on the grasse , sing merrylie Rare panegyricks 'mongst sweet lawrell trees , VVhere fluent Po● through groves to flow he sees . Here patriots good , who for their countrey dy'd , Here priests , who liv'd most modest lives , did bide ; Here pious prophets , who pure truths did preach , Here expert artists , who rare arts did teach ▪ And here were they , who , mindefull of their state , Made others their true goodnesse gratulate . All these were crown'd with fragrant garlands gay , By whom environ'd , thus did Sibyll say ; ( But chiefly to Musaeus 'mongst them all , For he vvas in the midst , and fa●re most tall ) O say , sweet soules , and thou priest most divine , What parts , what place doth old Anchises shrine ? For for this cause this toile we undertake , Are hither come , have swumme hells mighty lake . To whom this Heroë this reply did make ; No soule hath certain seat , here we all dwell In shady groves , flower-beds , in fields that smell Most fresh and fragrant , grac'd vvith rivers cleare : But ye ( if thereunto such joy ye beare ) Climbe o're this hill , your vvay I 'le easie make . This said , by his good guide , their way they take : And as they passe , he shows them fields most faire ; Thus high hills left , they to the plains repaire . But grave Anchises vvas most closely bent To see , observe in valleys excellent , The soules reserv'd for more supernall places , Recogitates all his own kindreds cases : Their number , nature , fates , and fortunes all , Their customes , courage , he to minde doth call . And vvhen he saw Aeneas come to meet him , Through the green grasse he joyfull runs to greet him ; Lifts up his hands , le ts fall thick teares on 's cheeks : Yet thus unto his sonne he cheerely speaks ; And art thou come ? by power and piety ? Hast thou ( as I had hope ) got victorie O're this hard task ? see I thy face again ? Shall I my sonne heare and reply most plain ? Thus truly I suppos'd , and cast in minde , Counting the times , and now all true I finde . From vvhat strange parts ( deare sonne ) vvhat dangerous case ! What seas turmoiles , do I thee now embrace ! O how I fear'd thy harm in Libya land ! Straight he reply'd ; Deare father , thy command , And gastly ghost in visions oft beheld , Hath , for thy sake , me to these parts compell'd . My fleet lies safe i' th' port , on Tyrrhene sands : Ah , grant good father vve may now joyn hands , Grant me : ah flie not from our sweet embrace . At vvhich words teares ran down his cheeks apace . Thrice 'bout his neck to clasp his arms he tries , Thrice from his frustrate holds his image flies , Like fleeting blasts , or flashy dreams by night . Meanwhile Aeneas had full in his sight , In a by-valley , an enclosed wood , With ratling boughs and sprigges , where Lethe floud Ran through Elysian fields ; 'bout vvhich did stand People and nations , an innumerous band . Like bees , when summers sun-shine does them warm ▪ Who in faire meads 'bout flowers and lilies swarm : So o're the field a muttering noise was rais'd , Whose sudden sight Aeneas much amaz'd . Being ignorant , he does the cause enquire , What floud that vvas , and vvhat so great desire , About those banks did cause such troops of men . Then old Anchises answered thus again ; Those soules to whom new corps are due by fate , About the banks of Lethe floud do vvait To drink deep draughts of dull forgetfulnes . Long since I long'd these things to thee t' expresse , And ou● old stock to thee to numerate , The more with me thee to exhilarate , Latium once found . O father deare ( sayes he ) Can sacred soules from hence translated be To heaven ? and there resume dull corps again ? Can wretches such dire love t' earths light retain ? I 'le tell thee sonne ( sayes he ) and cleare thy doubt . And thus began Anchises to set out , And punctually each circumstance t' explain : At first one abstruse spirit did maintain Heaven , earth and seas , bright moon and twinkling lights : That spirit infus'd through all parts , moves , incites The totall bulk ; diffus'd o're the whole frame . Hence men , beasts , birds , and all sea-creatures came , And take life-feeding heat ; and to their seed Celestiall birth , if corrupt bodies breed No obstacles , nor terrene tumours ill The corps with dull and heavy humours fill . And hence they feare , weep , have a longing minde , Regard not heaven , clos'd in flesh prisons blinde . Besides , when they their lifes last breath forsake , Yet death from them ( poore soules ) doth not quite take Each blot and blemish , or all corp'rall ills , Which long i' th' body grown , it strangely fills . Wherefore they purging punishment endure , To make them from old evils clean and pure . Some frisking soules i' th' whisking windes hang high , Some in huge streams wash their impurity , Or el●e are purged in refining flames : Thus these our pains each soule here fits and frames . Thence then we are to large Elysium sent , Few are in those faire meadows resident , Till times long progresse quite expired be , And we from imbred , long-fed faults are free ; Our soules all simply pure in due degree . And then all these ( a thousand yeares full spent ) In troops to Lethe flouds by God are sent : There made unmindefull of their former state , They long t' ascend corps to re-occupate , This said , Anchises his Aeneas brings With Sibyll into th' midst o' th' troop , which rings With ratling rumours : to a hill conducts him , Whence all now coming , he to know instructs him . And now go to ( sayes he ) I 'le to the show Our Albane peeres , the glorie which shall flow In Italie , on our faire families , Th' imperiall princes which from us shall rise ; Yea all thy fates and fortunes I 'le declare . Seest thou ( sayes he ) that princely youth most faire , Which leans on 's headlesse lance ? He first shall spring From Latines bloud and Thyne , and be first king ; Sylvius an Albane name , thy posthume birth , Whom thy Lavinia to thy long-lifes mirth Shall in the woods bring forth a royall king , From whom a regall race of kings shall spring , From whom our line o're Alba long shall reigne : And Procas next Troyes glorie shall maintain , Capys and noble Numitor , and he VVhose name shall personate , re pattern thee , Sylvius Aeneas , rare for arms and arts , If ever he reigne o're those Albane parts . Behold , my sonne , those youths , what powers they show , Those which with peacefull oaken garlands go , These shall for thee Nomentum , Gabi● , tame , Fidena faire , Collatia's towers reclaim ; Towns famous for their chastities report : Potent Pometia , Bola , Cora's fort , And Inuus camp , towns once of noble fame , Now onely lands , but of no note or name . Besides , to 's grandsire Martiall Romulus Shall be a prop , whom from Assaracus His mother Ilia shall produce at last : Seest thou not on his head two crests stand fast ? And how great Iove on him his favours poures ? Behold ( faire sonne ) his high emperiall towres , Renowned Rome , vvhose magnanimity Shall rule the earth , and raise their fame to th' skie : And on their vvall she shall seven towres erect , Happie in famous peeres of high respect ; Such as from Berecynthia , Gods faire queen , In chariot drawn through Troy , to spring were seen : Triumphant in her hundred God-births faire , All heaven-inhabitants , all starre-kings rare . And now look this vvay , view this nation great , Thy Romanes rare , and Romane Caesars seat , Iülus royall race , the whole earths Keisar . There 's , there 's the God-sprung man , Augustus Caesar , VVhom I so oft have promis'd unto thee : By whom the golden age Latium shall see . As once by Saturn 't was the whole earth o're , His empire shall lie past the Indies shore , And Garamants , and where Sols prying eye , And the celestiall signes yet ne're past by : As farre as e're heaven-propping Atlas high Beares on his back the beauteous starrie skie . At his approach all Africk soon shall quake , And at his God-decrees great Nile shall shake , Maugre his seven-fold mouth . Nor so much ground As he shall win , could Hercules surround , Though light-foot hindes as windes he could outflie , And boares and beares in Erymanth make die : Nor Bacchus that vine-victour with vine-chains , Who tigres fierce to draw his coach constrains O're Nisa's steepie tops . Now then shall we To spread our fame by facts base cowards be ? Shall feare affright us from Ausonia land ? But what renowned prince doth yonder stand , Crown'd with a sacred olive-branch ? oh now I know him by 's gray haires on beard and brow , Even noble Numa the first Romane king ; Who shall establish laws , and make Rome spring From a poore land , by simple Sabines aid , Unto a mightie monarchie , firm laid ; Whom Tullus shall succeed , his men to make Their lazie lives to leave , arms up to take , And wonted triumphs now again to gain . Next him shall rise Ancus with ampler train , Too much affecting popularity : And , if thou wilt , hither reflect thine eye , And see the kingly Tarquines haughty heart ; And Brutus , acting the revengers part , Shall first accept the consuls dignity , VVith bundles born , and axes fatally . This father first his own sonnes shall destroy , Raising rebellions to the states annoy ; And slay them , for his countrey liberty ; Unhappie , howsoe're posterity May elevate and much commend the same , O'recome with 's countreys love and thirst of fame . See there where Decii , Drusi , stately stand , And fierce Torquatus with his ax in 's hand ; And brave Camillus stoutly doth regain Romes ensignes lost . But that most royall twain Whom thou seest glistring in like-arms most plain , And now seem loving soules , kept in deep shades , Ah! what fierce warres , with slicing bloudy blades , Shall they raise up , when once they rise to life ? What battells shall they fight ? what stintlesse strife ? The fath'r in law passing th' Alps altitude ; The sonne in law with 's Eastern multitude In battell ray . Not so , deare sonne , not so , Use not uncivil civil-warres of woe , T'embrew your honour'd hands in countreys bloud . And thou , O thou C●sarean sonne , most good , Great seed of Iove ▪ sprung from a sacred line , With such foule warres stain not those hands of thine : The Capitoll he shall triumphant take , And in hi● chariot make Corinthus quake . The Grecians slain , he Argos shall subdue , And trample down proud Agamemnons crew , And victour , vanquish Pyrrhus self most strong , Armipotent Achilles lay along : And thus old Troyes great wrongs revenge shall have , And Pallases polluted temple brave . And who can thee , grave Cato , here omit ? Or of couragious Cossus silent sit ? Of Gracchus great ? those two rare Scipios , Warre wondrous thunder-bolts , to Carthage woes ? Fabricius , mightie in his mean estate ? Serranus , plow-man , yet Romes potentate ? VVhy am I tyr'd to tell of Fabius gr●●t ? That mightie man , whose wisedome to retreat , And grave cunctation shall Romes wrack repaire . Some for their skill in brazen statutes , rare ; Some able ( I think ) hard marbles so to cut And carve , as if they life had in them put : Some famous for facundous oratorie , Some for the Math'maticks deserving glorie . But thou , rare Romane , rule with might and right : Let this be thy chief art , thy choice delight , To plant good laws in peace , to use most kinde Good subjects ; but to curb the haughty minde . Thus grave Anchises : and , to their more wonder , Behold ( sayes he ) mightie Marcellus yonder : How he with spoiles most richly loaded goes , And all transcending , him great victour shows . He , he shall Rome from ruines re-advance , Curb and crush Carthage , and subdue all France ▪ A third time shall to Iove , in sacrifice , Hang up the captive arms , his Martiall prize . And here Aeneas ( for he saw in 's sight A lovely lively youth in armour bright , But with a heavy look and cast-down eye ) Sayes , Father , pray , who 's that in 's company ? His sonne ? or some of his renowned race ? VVhat noise they make ? see his most portly pace . VVhy do such dark black mists his head so hide ? To whom Anchises , weeping , thus repli'de ; Deare sonne , long not to know thy countreys woe : The fates this childe to th' world will onely show , And onely so : Rome ( sure ) seem'd too too great To you high Gods , if her imperiall seat Had been perpetuall . O what sighs and cries Shall by his death unto great Rome arise I' th' field of Mars ! what frequent funeralls Shalt thou , swift Tyber , in thy fluent falls Behold , as thou dost by his new grave glide . N●'re shall a sprig sprung from our Trojan side , Exalt Italian ancestours so fairely , Nor Rome triumph in any race so rarely . Alas , for his connative pietie ! Alas , for faith spread by antiquitie , And Martiall spirit ! what do these avail ? Who , unreveng'd , durst him in arms assail ? And or on horse or foot durst him encounter , But he was ever found his farre surmounter ? Ah prince to be deplor'd ! if fates decree ( Hard fates ) thou scape , thou shalt Marcellus be . O give me ( now ) handfulls of lilies faire , And let me strew , with store of violets rare , Those odoriferous gifts about the grave ( Though all in vain ) of this our kinsman brave . Thus in these sad complaints they stray about , And prie and spie all in those fields throughout . And when Anchises all to 's sonne had shown , And fire of future fame in 's heart had blown , At last he shews what battells he must fight , Latinus towns , Italians warre-like might ; And how to beare , or forbeare , hazards all , Which could or should i' th' future him befall . There are ( sayes he ) two dormitive great gates , Th' one made of horn ( as fame to us relates ) By which true spirits have a passage right : Th' other of elephantine ivorie bright : But false and fictious dreams soules this way send . When thus Anchises did his conference end , Both to his sonne , and to the Sibyll grave , Through th' ivorie gate he them free passage gave . He hastes to 's fleet , revisits his old friends ; And to Cateta's port his course he bends . Where they with joy their anchours all do cast , And there the fleet at shore is fixed fast . An end of the sixth book of Virgils Aeneïds . THE ARGUMENT of the seventh book . Caieta dead , here buried lies . Aeneas to Laurentum hies : Which he did plainly understand , By his Ascanius , was the land By fates assign'd . Then straight he sent An hundred legates eloquent , With presents to Latinus great , A peace and pardon to intreat . The king with peace doth them dispatch , And for his daughter makes a match . Juno displeas'd , Alecto's sent From hell , i'th'peace to make a rent . A wounded stagge breeds all the jarre : Confederates fit themselves for warre . ANd thy death , nurse Caieta , in this strand , Eternally hath memoriz'd our land : And now thine honour there , thy bones and name , Great Italie maintains . ( If this thy fame May ought enlarge ) but her due obsequies Rightly perform'd , her grave made high to rise , Seas smooth and calm , Aeneas hoyst up sails , And left the port , with prosperous nightly gales . Nor did dame Luna's light impeach their pace , But made a shivering shine on seas surface . Thus Circes next adjacent shores they slice , Where Sols rich daughters daily songs entice , In groves unpassable : where she by night In her proud palace burneth fires most bright Of odoriferous cedar , watchfully With nimble spindle spinning curiously . Hence we might heare by night fierce lions roare , Strugling in rage against the bonds they bore : Wilde beares and bristly boares rage in their stie , And shapes of mighty wolves howl hideously : Whom furious Circe by her sorcerie And potent potions , metamorphis'd had , Of comely men , into wilde beasts most bad . Now that these honest Trojans might escape These havens , and such prodigious bestiall shape , And not approach that hurtfull hatefull shore ; Neptune with prosperous gales their sails up bore , Forc'd them from thence , them from those dangers ●●ave . Now Thetis breasts waxt red , Aurora brave I' th' azure skie with golden rayes shone bright , And suddenly the windes were calmed quite : The rocky seas their oares did nimbly smite And beat about . And here a mightie wood Aeneas spide , through which faire Tybers floud With nimble goldie streams to sea did glide , And yellow sands the current beautifi'de : And various birds , which did those banks frequent , And the flouds bubling falls such notes did vent Above , about , as did delight the skie , And in the woods with chirping chants did flie . And here he bids his mates their voyage stay , To winde the fleet to land : then joyfull , they Enter the shady river . Now relate , Vrania faire , what kings , what times , what state , Old Italie retain'd , when this thy fleet , Thy new-come armie brought to Latium sweet : I 'le all set forth , and warres first grounds recite . Thou , O thou Goddesse faire , teach me to write Those bloudy broiles , fierce troops , warre-thirsty kings , The Tyrrhean and Italian Martiall wings , All in an uproare : here 's new work indeed , A mightie task , to which I now proceed . Old king Latinus o're those realms did reigne , And them in peace and plentie did maintain . Faunus and Marica ( old writers gather ) His parents were , king Picus , Faunus father ; And thou great Saturn , thou art said to be The utmost basis of his progenie . No sonne , or issue-male fates did him give , Death on one s●az'd as soon as he gan live . One onely marriageable daughter faire Upheld his court and state : to whom repaire Many Italian peeres and potentates . All whom brave Turnus chiefly emulates For 's famous ancestours most eminent ; And him the queen with love most vehement Did like and long to make her sonne in law ; But heaven-diverting prodigies she saw Crossing her thoughts . A spreading lawrell tree Grew in the midst o' th' court , whose branches he Had many yeares preserv'd with reverend feare , And whi●h Latinus , when he first did reare His stately towres , there found and consecrated To g●eat Apollo ( as it is related ) And from it did the land Laurentum name . A thick quick swarm of humming bees there came ( Strange to be spoken ) out o' th' open aire , And to this lawrells tops did all repaire , And on the boughs close by their feet they hung , All in a sudden swarm in clusters clung . Their augur straight cries out , I plainly finde A forrain prince t' approach ; with him conjoyn'd Are strong confederates , who with partners bold From these same parts this towre shall take and hold . Moreover , as lady Lavinia good , In sacrifice , hard by her father stood , Her haire ( strange sight ) was all on a light fire , Whose cinging flames burnt all her rich attire : Her locks were burnt ; burnt was her diadem , Beset with stones most rich , and many a gemme : Up flies the fume , abroad the flame extends , And Vulcans violence to th' roof ascends . This was a hideous sight , hard to endure : For fame and fates did glorious things assure From her ; yet that she should fierce battels breed . But these strange sights the carefull king with speed Brings to his father Faunus auguries , In great Albuna's grove , there to advise : In which wide wood a sacred spring did glide , Misty mephitis with foule fogs doth bide . Hither all Italie , Oenotria land , Do still repaire , dark doubts to understand . Here when the priest ( the presents being paid ) On slain sheeps skins by night to sleep is laid , And falls asleep , in sleep strange visions views , Heares various voices , conference does use , And speech to sprites from th' Acherontine lake . Here , when as grave Latinus prayers did make For faire replies , and many sheep being slain , Prostrate upon the skins he did remain , And from the wood these words he heard most plain , Faire sonne , forbeare thy daughter deare to wed To native Latines , shun their marri●ge bed : I have new forrain sonnes in law , whose race Our name and fame unto the starres shall grace : Whose noble seed each sublunary thing Which Sol beholds , shall to subjection bring , And rule and over-rule . These plain replies Of 's father Faunus , and his counsel wise , Latinus locks not up in silent sort , But of it flying fame makes loud report Throughout all Italie . And now at last The Trojan youths their fleet made firmly fast Against the grassy banks . Aeneas then , And faire Iulus flower of all his men , With his couragious captains in degree , Repose their bodies under a great tree . Then on the grasse they set their cheere , and cakes Made of good meal ; whereof each one partakes : But ( for so Iove by th' Harpyes had decreed ) Were fain at last on mountain-fruits to feed . And this food failing , they were forc'd to eat The crums and scraps of refuse bread and meat , And with their hands to break ( all hungerbit ) The sacred food , for other use more fit : Nor spared they their trenchers broad : whereby Iulus said , See , sirs , strange penurie , Which even our tables hath devoured quite . Nor more did he allude : but with quick sight , At his first words his father did foresee , Of all his travells now an end to be . And intercepted the first words he spake , And at his fates amaz'd , forth straight he brake Into these words ; Faire fate-given land , all hail : And you Troyes Gods , whose faith ne're yet did fail : Here 's , here 's our countrey happy habitation , ( For now I well remember ) this relation Of these hid fates my father made to me : When thou deare sonne , ( sayes he ) ariv'd shalt be On a strange land , and famine thee shall force , Thy meat all spent , to have sharp-set recourse To sacred cates ; then there thou mayst expect , To ease thy vvearie limbes , there to erect Safe seats , and with strong hand thy state protect . This was that dearth , that last affrighting ill , Which should all future feare and mischief kill . Be stirring ( then ) betimes by break of day , And scout about , each part and place survay , What houses and inhabitants you finde : Thus from the port all severall vvayes let 's winde . And now full cups to Iove let 's drink , and pray To old Anchises , and in goblets gay Set wine upon the board . Thus having said , With gallant garlands he his head aray'd ; Then invocates Apollo , Tellus faire , The mother of the Gods , and nymphs most rare , And the yet unknown flouds , and obscure night , And nightly rising starres , by solemne rite , And Ida's Iove , and 's Phrygian mother faire , His parents both , in hell and heaven which are . And now all-potent Iupiter on high From heaven thrice thundred , but auspiciously : And in his hand a fierie cloud did shake , VVhich did a radiant golden lustre make . Here 'mongst the Trojan troops ( straight ) rumours rofe , That now 's the time they cities should compose . Busily therefore banquets they prepare , And full of vvine by th' sacred signes they are . Next day , when Sols light lamp had earth made bright , They stray'd abroad , about them cast their sight , To see what confines , cities , shores these were ; And straight they found the river Numick there : Here current Tyber , there the Latines stout . Anchises sonne then straight selected out , Of all his troops , an hundred legates vvise : Their brows with olive-boughs in most grave guise Adorn'd , he to the kings great palace sent , And gifts unto the king for to present , And for the Trojans peace to mediate . With this commission forth they properate . Meanwhile Aeneas meats his walls extent , With shallow trenches fits its continent ; Most like a camp on first approached land , VVith dikes , forts , bulwarks , makes his citie stand , And now those Trojan youths so farre were past , That they the Latines turret spi'de at last , And then their houses tops , and quick they came To the town walls , where they saw children game ; And lusty youths their prancing horses ride , Some making chariots through the dust to glide ; Some were a shooting with their arrows swift , Some slender lances brandish , tosse and lift : Some were a wrastling , running-matches making , All of their best affected sports partaking . Straight to the aged king a post reports , Brave strangers in strange cloaths came to his courts . He straight gave charge to entertain them all , Himself on 's kingly throne sat in his hall : A hall most faire and large , born up most high With full an hundred pillars , anciently The stately palace of king Picus grave , For groves and parents piety , most brave . Hence kings were wont their crowns and powers to take , This they their temple , court , and hall did make : Here , many sacred sacrifices slain , The peeres were wont constantly to remain . Besides , here stood rare statues carv'd in vvood , In solid cedar , of ancestours good : Great Italus and grave Sabinus king , Who first in Italie made vines to spring : Old Saturn also holding in his hand A crooked sicle , pourtray'd there did stand : And two-fac'd Ianus at the entrie stood , And other kings sprung from most royall bloud : Who vvarres deep wounds did for their countrey beare . And on the posts rich spoiles there hanged were , And captives chariots , axes us'd in warres ; And helmet-crests , huge bolts and iron barres , And shields and darts , and ships foredecks most faire : King Picus self , for horse-breaking most rare , Sate holding in 's right hand his regal rod , In 's left a shield , enthroniz'd like a God. Whom , led vvith l●st , Circes his wife so charm'd , And with her golden rod and druggs so harm'd , That she into a bird transformed him , And made a Jay with coloured feathers trim . Latinus sitting in that sacred seat , And inmost parlours of ancestours great , Bad them the Trojans to him to bring in : Who entred , with these kinde words did begin ; Tell me , brave Trojans ( for we all do know Your land and linage , and heard long ago Of your sea-voyage ) tell me what you 'd have : Or what hard straits your barks to Latium drave : Whether y 'ave lost your way , or weather-beaten , ( For such like ills at sea do sea-men threaten ) From other parts and ports hence farre remote , You safely now 'bout Latium banks do float . Shun not your safegard , know that Latines all , Of Saturn seed , were never yet in thrall To laws or leagues ; but voluntarily , By our Gods pattern , we love equity . Indeed I think on 't ( time hath fame obscur'd ) And Italies old men have thus assur'd , That Dardan , who did from our nation spring , Was first Idaean Troyes victorious king . And Thracian Samo's streams did penetrate , Which Samothracia now men nominate . Whom now deceast , from Corits Tyrrhean seat , Heavens regal court , starre-canopie most neat , Enthroniz'd hath , and made a God most great . He ceast : And thus Ilioneus made replie ; Great king , whose race did rise from Faunus high , No tempest fierce did force us on your land , Nor ignorance of starres , or unknown strand , Hath us misled ; but vve deliberately , And vvith unanime votes did all apply Our thoughts unto these parts , from realms expell'd , Which all that Sols broad eye beheld , excell'd . From Iove we sprang , Iove was Troyes joyfull sire : From Iove our king himself doth kin acquire . Aeneas Troyes great prince us hither sent . O that stern storms did cruel Graecia vent On all our Trojan fields ! what furious cloud Of angry fates did Europe , Asia , shroud ? I know , fames trump these things hath sounded loud , To utmost lands , from sea the most remote , And where the torrid zone ( as writers note ) By Sols intemperate heat doth much displease Our obvious world , call'd the Antipodes . We , driven about by that vvarre-inundation , Humbly desire a peacefull petty-station : First , for our countrey Gods a seat secure , And for our selves free aire and waters pure . VVe 'le to your kingdome bring no foule disgrace , Nor sleightly your deserving fame abase , Nor this faire fact in foule oblivion smother , Nor Latines grieve , that they did Trojans mother . I sweare by great Aeneas destinie , And by his Martiall hand , who e're will trie His vertue , valour , or by faith or flight , As many have , and many ( do not slight This voluntarie tender of true peace , Or that we our submisse desires increase ) Many , I say , to us have sought and su'de , 'Twixt them and us like friendship to conclude . But sacred secret fates , and heavens command , Hath us enforc'd to seek out thy faire land : Hence Dardan sprung , hither doth us invite ; And grave Apollo's great commands incite To Tyrrhean Tyber , sacred Numicks spring . And here I thee present , from our great king , With these small gifts , of better former fate Remains , reserv'd from Troyes combustive state . This bowl of gold Anchises sacred us'd : This Priams princely robe , which still he chus'd To weare , when he in councels , laws wrote down , A regall sceptre , sacred priestly crown , And royall robes , the Trojan wives rare skill . And thus Ilioneus ceast . The king sate still With settled count'nance , eyes fixt firm on ground , And rowling downward , full of thoughts profound : Regardlesse of the gifts , the robes most rare , Nor did the king for Priams sceptre care So much as for his daughters nuptiall state , And Faunus foretold fate to ruminate : Strongly perswaded , this was he should be His sonne in law , sent by the fates decree , From forrain parts , to be his realms rel●ef , To raise a famous race , and be earths chief . Here at he joyfull sayes , Heavens happifie Our high intents , and their own augurie : Thou hast ( brave Trojan ) what thou dost desire , Nor do I sleight thy gifts : till life expire , And whiles Latinus reignes , you shall enjoy A wealthie soile , and fatnesse of rich Troy. As for your prince himself ( if he desire , And do our love and league so much require ) Let him come hither , nothing feare his friend : To peace , in part , we soon shall condescend , If he , your king , and I , kindely shake hands : You therefore shew your king these our demands . I have a daughter , whom the whole consent Of our domestick oracles full bent , And many a fearefull heaven-shown prodigie , Marriage with any native prince denie : But that faire sonne in law , from forrain parts , ( Thus writers say to cheere Italian hearts ) Whose bloud and birth our name should stellifie . And this your prince ( if e're with verity I ought could augurate ) I hope and pray , May be the man. This said , without delay , Out of three hundred stately steeds that stood In faire-built stables , at their manger-food , To every Trojan he a choice horse gave , Most swift of foot , in purple trappings brave , With dangling rich embroidred breast-plates faire , And champing in their mouths gilt bits most rare . And to their absent prince he also sent A chariot , with two coursers excellent , Of heavenly breed , who breath'd out flames of fire , Engendred of that kinde , celestiall sire , Which quaint Daedalian Circe did contrive , On mortall mares bastardly to derive . With these rare gifts and sweet words of the king , They bravely mounted , peace t' Aeneas bring . But now behold , still jangling Iuno fierce From Grecian Inachus the aire doth pierce : And from Sicilian Pachyns parts espi'de Aeneas joyfull , all his fleet to ' bide In supine safety , all his men intent 'Bout buildings faire , of confines confident , His ships forsaken . Hereat angrily Shaking her head , in sharp perplexitie These words she thundred from her boyling breast ; An hatefull brood ! fates 'gainst our fates addrest ! What , were not all in Troyes fierce battells slain ? And were they captiv'd , yet could not be tane ? And was Troy fir'd , yet could not burned be ? Could they through thickest troops and burnings flee ? Now ( sure ) my supreme power as tyr'd must lie ; And must I rest , yet wrath not satisfie ? Yet I have them pursu'de , quite chas'd from Troy , And on those vagrants brought all seas annoy , And on them spent my spleen by sea and lands ; And yet , alas , what good do deep quick-sands ? What 's Scylla sharp ? Charybdis vaste , to me : Since they in their wisht Tyber lodged be , In spight of seas and me ? Mars had the power , The mightie Centaures nation to devoure . Diana could obtain my Ioves consent , On ancient Calydone her rage to vent . What so foule fact could Centaures perpetrate ? Or Calydone , such plagues to tolerate ? But I Ioves mightie spouse , who all means try , Which angry I could use , or each way spie , Am vanquisht by Aeneas . If my might Be still too weak , I 'le seek where-e're for right : If heaven refuse to heare , I 'le rouse all hell . And since from Italie ( I see right well ) I cannot keep him , since fates firm decree Is , that Lavinia shall t' him married be : Yet I all rubs and remoras will use , Yet I fierce flames of discord will infuse 'Twixt both those nations . With this precious prize The sonne and father in law shall sympathize ; And Trojans and Rutulians bloud shall be The damsells dowrie , and Bellona she Shall be her bride-maid : nor fierce Cissean flames Shall onely be the birth of Trojan dames . But why may not dame Venus brat prove so ? A second Troy-novant with woe To set on fire . This said she angriely To earth descends , and rais'd up instantly From deepest darks , the furies fearefull seat , The hag Alecto , hell woe-worker great , Whom bloudy battells chiefly do delight , And impious acts , snares , slaunders , and despight : Whom even her father Pluto loathes and hates , And all her hellish sisters , for debates ; Such frowning faces and such mouths she makes , So serpentine she seems , full of foule snakes . VVhose madnes Iuno thus incites , and sayes ; Great maid , black midnights imp , thy choice assayes And proper projects lend me straight thou must , Lest my renown sore shaken lie i th' dust ; Lest Trojans work Latinus to a match , And all Italia's confines thereby catch . Thou canst belovedst brethren force to fight , And overturn whole families by spight , And cast from house to house combustious flames , Assume a thousand shapes , false , feigned names : And thou a thousand cheating tricks canst use : Then pump thy plenteous breast , break off abuse . Their peace compacted , sowe thick seeds of warres , Their youths do look , like , long for Martiall jarres . Alecto straight swollen with Gorgonean spells , And pest'lent poisons , flies to L●tiums cells , And Laurents kingly court , and silent sits Close at Amata's doore , which place best fits . Whose breast began to boyle with discontent , With female feares and cares most vehement , That Trojans and that Turnus wooers came . The hag that quickly did observe the same , From off her head one of her blew snakes drew , And at her breast into her heart it threw : By which this hag the whole house might molest . The snake slips slily 'bout her tender breast , Roules up unfelt , and her with furie fills , And viperous venome to heart burning ills . Then like a chain of gold her neck he twists , And wreathes about her haire , like hairelace lists , And sliperily about her bodie frisks . But e're first power of pour'd-in poison had Soakt through her senses , kindled flames most mad , Or all her intellectualls quite possest , With wonted motherly milde terms addrest , She spake unto her spouse , and much complain'd , About her daughter , that he entertain'd Those Trojan wooers . Must , great king , said she , Our daughter deare Lavinia married be Unto those Trojan vagrants ? carest thou not For thine and mine , and her more noble lot ? Whom that perfidious wretch will soon forsake , VVith the first windes that blow , and him betake To sea , and like a pirate false make prey Of our deare daughter ? was not this the way That that base Trojan shepherd took , when he VVith Helen did from Laced●mon flee To Troy ? And where 's thy faith so often plighted ? Thy wonted care of kindred ? All now slighted ? Thy promise to our cousen Turnus great ? Say that the Gods bad thee from forrain seat To seek a sonne in law ; and say thou art By Faunus his commands much toucht in heart : Yet I suppose , each state from our state free , May be held strange ; and so it ( sure ) may be The Gods did mean. And if you please t' enquire For Turnus pedegree , you 'le finde his sire Acrisius and great Grecian Inacus . Whiles all these words in vain she vented thus , To trie Latinus , whom she found averse ; And that all o're wraths poison did her pierce : Then full of monstrous furie , spight , and spleen , She madly 'bout the streets to rage was seen . Much like a scourged gygge , box-top , or ball , Which boyes are wont to scourge about a hall Or open yard , with lashes whipt about , Which with quick spinnings windes , works in and out , The boyes whip close , the top about doth flie , And roundly frisks , and never still doth lie : The lively lads make sport and wonderment , From hand to hand to see it nimbly sent : The more it spins , the more they whip it on , And laugh and leap to see it comne and gon : With such fierce flutterings up and down the streets She rangeth , rageth , as she people meets . Moreover , fiercely to the woods she flies , Doth feigned feasts of Bacchus enterprise , ( Attempts more frantick mischief , playes mad pranks ) And hides her daughter in the woodie banks , The Trojans nuptiall rites ( thus ) to protract : And , Ho , ho , Bacchus cries , with rage distract ; Thou , thou alone , must wed thy virgine faire , For unto thee small ivie javelings rare They beare about : thou lov'st ( they say ) to dance , And sacred haires , thine altars to advance . Like-furious madnesse does possesse the waves , To leave their own , to seek new dwelling drives . Their dangling haire , necks bare , they spread to th' windes , And some loud howlings raise , with trembling mindes , And clad in skins , vine-lances beare about . The queen her self , in mid'st of all the rout , Bearing a flaming pine-tree , tunes her voice To Turnus , and her daughters marriage choice : Yet suddenly , with frowning bloud-red eyes , Ho mothers , maids and wives , aloud she cries , Who-e're she be , that pity yet retains , When poore unhappie Amata complains , Who-ever tenders tender mothers grief , Unlace your head-attires , afford relief , Advance with me my Bacchanalian rites . Thus in the woods with madded frantick frights , Through damping deserts fierce Alecto had Stung and stirr'd up the queen with passions mad . Who , for this first time now , seem'd fir'd enough , To give all first contracts a counter-cuffe . The hellish hag therefore with frightfull wings , Straight to the walls of Rutuls kingdome flings : Which city first Danae was said to build , And with Acrision colonies it fill'd , Driven there on land by tempests violent : Antiquitie did call that continent Ardea , and still it is great Ardea nam'd , But once it was by fortune much more fam'd : Here great king Turnus , in his palace faire , In the dark night slept sweetly , void of care : And here Alecto doffes her frowning face , And is transform'd into an old-wives case ; And her old brows with aged furrows plowes , And weares white haires , close coifs , and olive-boughs : Seems Calybe , great Iuno's sexton old , And priest of her faire temple , to behold : And to the princely youth thus comes , and sayes ; Brave Turnus , wilt thou suffer thy assayes And many labours to be spent in vain ? Shall Trojan strangers thee supplant , and reigne ? The king denies thee marriage , dowrie due By birth and bloud , seeks a successour new To rule his realms . Go thou thus laught to scorn , Now cast thy self on thanklesse dangers born ; Go slay the Tyrrheans , Latines , rule in rest . These things ( since thou didst all in sleep digest ) All-potent Iuno bid me tell thee plain . Rise therefore quick , thy souldiers muster , train : Arm , arm them all , to all thy havens make haste , And let those Trojan captains all be chas'd , And burn their barks , which ' boutfaire Tyber lie : Thy warrant 's good confirmed from on high . And let king Latines self ( if he refuse To grant thee marriage , kindely thee to chuse ) Feel thy fierce force , and utmost Martiall might . Here the brave spark the southsayer seem'd to sleght . And thus reply'd ; I 'm not ( as you suppose ) So unacquainted how this businesse goes : Their ships in Tyber left affright me not , I know queen Iuno hath us not forgot . But over thee ( old beldame ) old-wives tales , And doting doubts too much in vain prevails : And kings affaires thee with false feares do flout . There 's work enough for thee to look about , And tend thy temple , thy Gods image faire : Leave peace and warre unto the warriers care . These words Alecto made with rage to burn . But whiles the prince did him to prayers turn , A sudden trembling all his joynts possest , His sight grew dimme , fierce snakes much din exprest , With raging hissings , frightfull visages , Him staying , praying her , her wrath t' appease . She forced back , with flames his eyes do stare , And two choice snakes she plucked from her haire , Lasht him therewith , and thus in rage she rails ; Behold thy beldame , with her old-wives tales , Whom kings affaires do with false feares so flout . Mark these thy words . See me come from the rout Of hellish furies , bearing in my hand Both warre and death . This said , a flaming brand She at the prince with rage and furie flings , Which in his heart with quenchlesse burning stings . Fierce feare did straightd isturbe the princes sleep , A sudden sweat o're all his corps doth creep . Arms , arms , in rage he cries , and strives to finde : Mad heat of warres and jarres enflame his minde : Furie foams up : much like a cauldron great Which makes huge bubling noise with boyling heat By store of flaming sticks , whose crackling fire The seething liquor swells , and boyles up higher , The scumme about the cauldrons brims contends , And into th' aire black foam and froth ascends . Choice youths therefore unto Latinus came , Their peace-infringer , warres for to proclaim , To safegard Italie , t' expell their foes , Or else he would with potent power oppose Trojans and Latines both . These words thus spoke , His Gods he did to his high votes invoke . Then straight the stout Rutulians to the fight Do one another readily incite . His beauty , brav'ry , this man stimulates ; His kingly kindred that man provocates : His former famous facts a third doth spurre . Whiles Turnus thus to arms his men doth stirre , Alecto lewd to th' Trojans flies full fast , For her new tricks fit place she spies at last , Where brave Iülus was about the shore , Busily hunting some wilde beare or bore . And here hells hagge a sudden foile infus'd Into the dogs , and much their sent abus'd , With fierce pursuit to prosecute that deere , Which did the first cause of much ill appeare , And to fierce broiles the rustick clowns did steere : A high-horn'd stately stagge was tamely bred , By Tyrrhus children from the damme so fed . This Tyrrhus from Latinus had the charge , To keep his deere in parks and forrests large . Their sister Sylvia deare that deere kept trim , And on his horns with flowres adorned him : And comb'd his locks , and kept him clean and slick , And he to hand would come , and meat would pick Out of his masters hand , and forth would stray Into the woods , yet finde the readie way Unto his masters house , though late at night . Iülus dogs had of him sudden sight , And at him flew , as he was wandring there , Cooling his heat in woods and waters cleare . Ascanius also , who did fame affect , A sharp shaft from his bow did straight direct ; Nor did fate fail to help , the mark to hit : But through his paunch the whistling arrow split . The hart pierc'd neare the heart , homeward made haste , And with deep groans him in 's known stable plac'd : And like one mourning , seem'd much to complain , And every room his bleedings did retain . Sad Sylvia first the sister beats her breasts Cries out for help , the rusticks rude requests To come together . They ( for yet i' th' wood The mischief lurking lay , not understood ) Rashly run to her : this brings in his hands A knottie clubbe ; that with bright fier-brands Is stoutly arm'd ; each one what first he findes Snaps up : Wrath armeth peevish testy mindes . Tyrrhus calls troops also , as he was cleaving Oaks in foure parts , them with stiffe wedges reaving , His ax snatcht up in furious puffe and snuffe . Here then the hellish hagge sate high enough , To spie this mischiefs opportunitie , And from the ridges of the stables high , A past'rall summons on her horn she sounds , Whose ratling noise i' th' trembling groves rebounds , And made the mounts and thickest woods to quake . Farre sounding shrill , even to Diana's lake , And Nars white floud , sulphurous streams it heard , And Velines fount : And mothers much affear'd , Their tender infants hug'd close to their breast . Then to the call which the hags horn exprest , The rigid Corydons , unruly clowns , With snatcht-up weapons flockt from all the towns . The Trojan gallants also forth do flow , And from their camps to aid Ascanius go . Their armie they draw out , but not to fight With countrey clownish clubs , brands burning bright ; But with their slicing swords : and all the lands Tremble to see their glistring blades , brave bands : Their brazen shields reflected lustre bright Against the sun , which seem'd the clouds to smite . Like as when waves seem white by windes first blast , But by degrees the sea swells up at last , The waves work from the bottome up so high , As that they seem fiercely to dash the skie . Here , at first on-set , Tyrrhus eldest sonne , A lusty youth , Al●on by name , begun To taste of death , by a swift arrows flight , VVhich stuck in 's throat , and did him deadly smite , Stopping his vocall breath , locking up fast His vitall spirits , by much bloud forth cast . Many more bodies lay about him slain , And grave Galesus , striving to obtain And mediate peace between them ; one well known , For 's upright dealings , to give place to none , The richest landed man in Italie : Five flocks of sheep he kept most constantly , Five herds of cattell , and to till his land An hundred plows . Now whilest with equall hand The field they fought , and that the hagge did finde , The issue answerable to her minde , The warre with both sides bloud initiated , And mischief firmly at first machinated : She Italie forsakes , mounts up to th' skie , And like a conqueresse , superciliously Speaks thus to Iuno ; See , great madam , see , With deadly discord they so fired be , That though thy self wouldst them reduce to peace , Yet they from mutuall bloudshed would not cease . So soyl'd are Trojans with Italians bloud . Yet this I 'le adde , if so thou think'st it good , Th' adjacent towns I 'le so incense to warres , By rumours rais'd , and to most frantick jarres : So move , promove their mindes , that all about To auxiliarie broyles they shall burst out . O no , sayes Iuno , thou hast shown thy self , With art and smart enough , the furies elf . Warres seeds well sown , well grown already be , What chance had dipt , fresh bloud hath dy'd , I see . Such marriage matches may Latinus wise , And Venus godly off-spring solemnize . But as for thee , great Iupiter , heavens Lord , No longer liberty will thee afford To flie about the aire . Back to thy place : If any work remain in this like case , I 'le see to it my self . Thus Iuno spake . Alecto then her forthwith did betake To her snake-fluttering wings , leaving the skie , And to Cocytus swiftly she doth flie . I' th' midst of Italie there is a place , On mountains high , of noble name and grace , Deep sacred valleys with huge leafy shades , Which woody banks upon both sides invades : In midst whereof a rough swift stream did glide , Which did with ratling noise from rocks down slide . Here fearfull Pluto's gaping gulf was found , A dungeon dark , there 'twixt deep cleaving ground , Was a huge hellish hole , whose chaps most wide Did fierce Alectos hatefull presence hide ; Where she , to heavens and earths content , did ' bide . Meanwhile queen ▪ Iuno plies her helping hand , T' increase the furious warre throughout the land : Great troops of shepherds to the citie throng , And slain Galesus body bring along , And youthfull Almons ; and their Gods for aid , And king Latinus urgently they pray'd . Turnus was present at their exclamation , Ingeminating threats , makes protestation , With fire and sword to ruinate them all , Since into league he did the Trojans call , And joyn himself unto the Phrygian race , But him rejected , with indigne disgrace . Those wives also , whom Bacchus frantick dance ( For they queen Amata did high advance ) Led in mad measures , through the woods most wide , Flocking in troops , would not be reconcil'd , But urge for arms , and instantly require VVith peevish spirits ( 'gainst the Gods desire , And former fatall omens ) bloudy fight , And thus hedge in the kings court with fierce might . He like a rock resistlesse , firm , stood out , Like a sea-rock , when stiffe blasts blow about , Making such mountain-waves with bellowing sound , And ratling stones , and boyling foam surround , And wash and dash , in vain , the rocks hard sides , And floating flags and weeds about it glides . But when no might might their blinde wills subdue , And to her beck fierce Iuno all things drew ; The king to 's Gods and emptie aire complains : Alas ! ( sayes he ) we suffer piercing pains , We run to ruine , fatall storms us beat , But fierce revenge does you , vile wretches , threat ; Your sacrilegious bloud shall for it pay , And vvofull smart does for thee , Turnus , stay ; And thou in vain unto thy Gods shalt pray . But I , at rest , my house , my haven , vvho thought , Am rob'd of rest , to woes sepulchre brought . Hereat he ceast , and him to 's house betook , And publick rule and regiment forsook . The custome was throughout all Italie , Which custome Albanes towns kept sacredly , And now great Rome conserves , vvhen first they vvage Fierce vvarres , and Mars in battels brave engage , Either vvith Scythians or Arabians bold , Or eastern lands , or Indies fraught vvith gold , Or Parthians proud to purchase glorious fame : There are two vvarre-gates ( for so is their name ) Of sacred use , of Martiall terrour great ; An hundred brazen locks and bolts most neat , And iron barres do shut them sure and straight , And two-fac'd Ianus , porter , there doth wait : These gates , vvhen once the peeres do vvarre declare , The noble consuls self in robes most rare , In princely pomp , Gabinian garments tide , With mighty screeking noise doth open wide , And vvarre proclaims ; then troops of youths do follow , And sound assent vvith brazen trumpets hollow . Latinus thus vvas charged urgently , With furious vvarres Aeneas to defie ; To ope those fatall gates ; vvich he deni'de , And vvould not that offensive office ' bide But hid himself ( good man ) in discontent : In secret shades , vvould give no such consent . Then jangling Iuno , gliding from the skie , With her own hands unlocked instantly The lazie doores , and breaks the iron barres , And turns the hinges , and sets open vvarres . Thus Italie , vvhich lately lay at rest , Now unincited , is to vvarre addrest . Some flock as footmen to the field to fight , Some hasty horsemen make dust dim the light . All ask for arms , some take their speares and shields , And with fat tallow scoure them for the fields ; And vvhet their bills and blades on whetstones strong , For ensignes spread , and trumps alar'ms , they long . Five powerfull cities do in forges frame New weapons for the vvarre : which five , by name , VVere potent Atina , and Tybur bold , Ardea , Crustumer , and Antemnae old , Strong for its bulwarks brave . Some helmets make , And buckler bosses wreath , some corslets take Of strong-proofe steel , light boots with silver lin'd : And now the plough , sicle and sythe declin'd , No love , delight in tillage , countrey toile , Their peacefull blades in fornace they reboyle . And now th' allarums sound , vvarres signe is given , This man , his helm from home in haste is driven To snatch away : that man his horse constrains To weare his traces , foamy bit and reins : A third , his shield and treble coat of mail Put on , and weares his trusty sword , t' assail . And now ye sacred nine , set ope , I pray , Sweet Helicon , and let my Muse display The mighty kings , heroick captains stout , And Martiall bands , these bloudy fields that fought ; VVith what most potent peeres and armies great , All Italie was fraught in Martiall heat . You ladies faire , you best can shew the same , For scarce ▪ fames whisperings to our knowledge came . The first that waged warre with Martiall bands , VVas fierce Mezentius from his Tyrrhene lands , A stout contemner of Troyes deities : And with him came Lausus his sonne likewise , A compt , accomplisht prince , without compare , Onely excell'd by Laurents Turnus faire : Lausus , I say , famous great horse to ride , And tamelesse beasts to tame , of peerelesse pride , From Agylla unhappie troops he train'd , VVorthy o're's fathers empire to have reign'd , Unworthie to be call'd Mezentius sonne . Next these Aventine brave due honour wonne , Sonne of Alcides , victour-like proceeds , Drawn in his chariot with his conquering steeds ; In 's hand a shield with 's fathers scutchion faire , VVherein an hundred poisonous snakes he bare , Environed with Hydra's serpentine . VVhom in Aventine mount , the priest divine , Rhea , by bastard birth conceiv'd and bred , The victour being vvith the priest coupled . VVhen Geryon was deceast , and Laurents lands Hercules had obtain'd with conquering hands , And Spanish spoils , fat beeves , had brought with him , And them in Tyrrhene streams had washt most trim . His souldiers held in hand a Romane speare , And hacking halberts to the field did beare , And fought with rapiers and Italian dart , Himself ( to strike more terrour to the heart Of his beholders ) wore a lions skin Full of rough haire , whose fangs did seem to grin In manner of a helm above his head . Thus like his father fierce apparrelled , Feare-smiting Hercules , he stat●ly st●ulks , And to king Latines court on foot he walks . Two brethren then , Catillus , Coras stout , Two gallant Grecian youths , went bravely out From Tybur strong , which from Tyburtus name , Their brother , was so call'd . They bravely came I' th' armies vantguard , hedg'd with weapons thick : Much like two cloud-begotten Centaures quick , Running in rage from some hills steepie height , Leaving Thessalian Othrys , Homol white , Whose rapid race makes trees and woods give way , Whose furious flight huge ratling boughs obey ; Strong Caeculus , Praeneste's founder faire , Was also there , whom pristine times declare To be black Vulcans sonne , a king of kine , Found in the fire , with whom huge bands combine Of countrey Corydons , much men , beside , Of high Praeneste , and of those which ' bide About Gabinian Iuno's pleasant plains , And icie Anio , and the waterie trains Which Hernicks rocks inhabit . And the swains Whom rich Anagnia , Amasenus fields Do feed : they had not all strong arms or shields , Nor ratling chariots ; but the greatest part Fought with black leaden bags , with swinging smart : Some others strong two-handed slings did beare , And on their heads rough wolfs-skin hats did weare . Their left legs bare , raw skinnes their right did hide . Messapus also , famous horse to ride , Great Neptunes sonne was there ; whose furie great None could with sword or fire abate or beat . His peacefull people , unaccustomed To bloudy broiles , he on a sudden led To battell , and to handle sword instructs . One from Fescinium mightie troops conducts , From just Haliscus and Soractes towers , And from Flavinium faire leads forth great powers , And from Cyminus mount and flowing spring , Capenas woods , who in array did sing Their princesse praise , as snowy swans do use , When in the aire themselves they broad diffuse , Flying from pastures , and with chattering shrill , Through their long throats with notes the skies they fill , And make Cayster and moist moores to sound , And Asia wide , nor could a man be found To think the arms of so great bands would fail , But that the airie clouds of swans prevail , Singing and swooping from the sea to shore . And now , behold , great Clausus addes yet more , Clausus from ancient Sabines sprung , who brought Great troops , himself a mighty troop being thought : From whom faire Claudias stock and race arose In Italie , when Romanes Sabines chose . With him came troops from Amiternums town , And antique Sabines , all to reap renown ; Eretums powers , Mutuscas might , where spring Olives great store : Nomentum bands did bring . And Velines rosean regiments were there ▪ And hilly Tetricus , and high Severe : From Foruli , Casperia Himell's floud , From Tybers and Fabaris rivers good , From frigid Nursia , rigid Hortines bands , And many troops from utmost Latines lands . From Allia's odious streams great armies go , As thick as Libyas marble flouds do flow , When winter-waves do fierce Orion hide , Or standing-corne by parching sun-shine dry'de , Or Hermus flouds in field , or Lycia's lands Fruitfully overflown : So martiall bands , So clattering shields , and souldiers confluence fast , Make the ground grunt , and dusty clouds up cast . Again , great Agamemnons Halesus , The Trojans ancient foe most furious , Drawn in a chariot , unto Turnus brought A thousand souldiers with warre-furie fraught : Who Bacchus his vine-bearing Massica With spades eradicate , without delay : And souldiers from Arunca's hills most high , From Sidicinums seas and Cales nigh , And from Vulturnus adjacent faire floud , And dwellers in Saticulus thick wood : And Hoscies powers , who with short darts do fight , Fitted with leather-holds , more deep to smite ; Their left hand held a targe , their right a blade Or faulchion faire , much like a sicle made . Nor may our lines in silence pretermit Oebalus , whom ( as ancient times have writ ) On Sebethis the nymph Telon begat , VVhen aged , king of Caprea he sat . But when this sonne his fathers throne rejected , And larger limits for his rule affected , He over-ran Sarastes people strong , And Sarnus , which lies sea-ward all along ; And those which Rufae , Batulum , do hold , And all Celenna's fields and fertile mould ; Fruitfull Abella , and her walls and plains , VVho cast a kinde of dart much like Germanes ; Their heads , for hat● , cover'd with cork-bark light , Armed with swords and shields of brasse most bright . Great Vfens also to this warfare came , Mountanous Nursa left , of matchlesse fame , And fortunate in fight : whose natives brave Themselves to arms , and hunt in forrests gave : Their Aequiculians arm'd , would till their land , Delighted most , by furious force of hand To live by catching preyes and robberies vile . Moreover , from Marrubia's ancient isle , King Archippus renowned Vmbro sent , A famous priest , who as along he went , VVore on his helm a branch of olive faire : He able was , by skill and cunning rare , Both with his hands and words to cast a sleep Vipers , and poisonous snakes from hissings deep , And tame their rage , and heal their stingings fierce . But when the Trojans lance his heart did pierce , He could not cure that wound , nor to that grief His soporiferous charms could yeeld relief , Nor herbs that grow on Marsian mountains high . For thee Angitias woods weep wofully , For thee cleare flouds and lakes do mourn and crie , Hippolytus brave sonne , young Virbius came Unto these warres , a man of Martiall fame : Whom full of glorie , nurs'd in savage woods Of faire Aegeria , neare Hymettia's flouds , Where great Diana's full fraught altars are , With pleasing and appeasing offrings faire , Aritia his most a●gust mother sent : For thus 't is said , after with ill intent Hippolytus by 's step-dame slaunderous train , Being by his father most unjustly slain , By horses drawn in pieces , through the care Of great Diana , and the cunning rare Of Aesculapius , was reviv'd again . But mightie Iove hereat took high disdain , That any mortall man such power should have , To raise a man to life from 's fatall grave : With thunder-smart he smote the authors rare Of such great art . Whereat Diana faire Hippolytus preserv'd , him closely gave To faire Aegeria , him i' th' woods to save , Where he unknown , i' th' groves of Italie Spent his remaining dayes in privacie : Him now therefore they fi●ly Virbius name , As who should say , he twice a man became . Hence therefore horn-hooft horses are deny'de About Diana's sacred groves to ' bide ; For from those shores sea-monsters do affright Both horse and riders , putting them to flight : But yet his sonne that us'd great horse to ride , In 's chariot came to th' warres with Martiall pride . But chiefly Turnus self amongst the best , Of stately stature , him to th' warres addrest , Arm'd Capape , by 's head then all more tall , Upon whose hairie helm did seem to crawl , A fierce Chimaera , breathing flames of fire . The more it rag'd , and flashes did expire , The more the field was fill'd with bloudy mire . Upon his shield in gold was pourtrayed Iö into an ox transfigured , O'regrown with haire , but no horns on her pate . The storie would be tedious to relate Of her and Argus , with his hundred eyes , Her keeper , who did o're her tyrannize : And now her father Inachus pour'd out A floud from 's golden pitcher all about . A cloud of clustring footmen followed fast , Whose armed armies clouds of dust up cast : With them brave Grecian youth Aruncus bands , Rutulus powers , ancient Sicanus hands . Sacrana's troops , Labicians all proof shields , Tybers banks dwellers came into the fields : And they which dwell by Numacks sacred shores , And on Cir●aean hill , and all the Bores Which plough Rutulian tops , and Anxur's train , Where mightie Iove doth ever Patron reigne : Woody Feronia , where Satyra lyes With blackish streams , where Vfens swiftly hies And hides it self in sea . And with these came Camilla queen of Volscia , of rare fame , Leading strong troops of horse , and footmen brave Glistring in arms : her self she did behave Most like a warlike woman stout and stern : Nor did she of Minerva list to learn To handle flax and distaffe , but was strong Warres to endure , and in swift races long T'outstrip the rapid windes , and nimbly she On tops of untoucht standing corn could flee , And ne're presse down the tender eares i' th' race : Or o're the swelling waves could run a pace In midst o' th' sea , yet scarcely should her heel , Or sole o' th' foot seas superficies feel . All men and maids ran forth of doores to see , And with amazement to behold , how she In most majestick and most Martiall guise Riding about her troops , most bravely ties Her royall purple robes on shoulders light , And with gold buttons did her haire unite : And at her back a Lycian quiver wore , And in her hand a strong steel speare she bore . An end of the seventh book of Virgils Aeneïds . THE ARGUMENT of the eighth book . King Turnus from Laurentums tower Sounds warres alarm : sends for more power To Diomede by Venulus , Who shews the cause most hazardous . Aeneas by advise divine , With King Euander doth combine : Who lends him aid , and sends his sonne , By angrie fates , in fight undone . And now Aeneas fitted faire For warre , and with a harnesse rare , Procured by his mother deare , His fates and fortunes do him cheere . His arms do much delight his heart , Chiefly his shields admired art . AS soon as Turnus from Laurentums fort Flags of defiance hung forth , made report Of open warre , with trumpets trembling sound : As soon as horse and foot fierce arms had found : Their hearts forthwith are flam'd , all Latium strong In hot spurr'd hasty troops together throng . Th' unbridled youths with hairebrain'd rage are led : Captain Messapus , Vfens first makes head , Mezentius great , God-scorner , next makes haste , Collects his powers , layes all the countrey waste : Venulus to great Diomede was sent , To ask his aid to shew their discontent : Namely that Troy built nests in Italie , Aeneas and his conquered deitie , With all his fleet , was on their borders brought , And must ( forsooth ) Italia's king be thought ; And that , by fates decree . To which effect Great power to th' Trojans do themselves connect , That his great fame o're-spread all Latiums land . And what strange structure may he take in hand , If fates befriend him ? what event may he Expect from this great warre ? 't is plain to see , That he through Turnus and Latinus lands , At Diomedes crown spreads forth his hands . And these were now Italia's faire affaires , Which Troyes brave prince o'rewhelm'd with flouds of cares , Soundly survayes , his thoughts here , there , revolving , Distractively thinks this , that , nought resolving . Like as the quivering shadow of the sunne , In a brasse pan of water quick doth run , By sunnes or moons most radiant rayes inspection , And flutters all about with quick reflection . Now high i' th' aire it nimbly leaps and skips , And suddenly to tops of houses whips . And now 't was night when toile-repelling rest , O're all the earth , men , birds and beasts possest ; When grave Aeneas in the open aire Lay on a bank perplext with his warfare : Whom thus repos'd , and laid in slumber sweet , Faire Tybers God himself doth kindely greet . And from the poplar leaves the aged sire Seem'd to ascend , cloath'd in gray grave attire , Of a sail-vail , his head array'd with reeds Thus courteously to comfort him proceeds . Great offspring of the Gods , by whom old Troy And everlasting Pergame we enjoy , From foes preserv'd . O thou long lookt for peere , To all Laurentums land and Latines deare ; Here 's thy sure seat , here thou thy Gods shalt place , Depart not hence , nor feare foes threatning face . Heavens former furie now is laid aside , And now ( think not vain dreams do thee deride ) Thou shalt the mightie white sow great espie , With thirrie pigs under the oak-roots lie Upon the ground , sucking the sowes teats white , And there 's thy cities seat , thy toiles delight . And hence 't is sure that thy Ascanius shall Within these thirtie yeares build Alba's wall , And from that noble name , that countrey call . I speak but what I know : now by what course , What yet remains , thou victour mayst enforce , Observe it , and I will it briefly show . Th' Arcadians , who from Pallas race do grow ▪ Following their king Euanders ensignes faire , Did in these parts a place select prepare ; And built a citie on the mountains small , Which they , from Pallant , Palanteum call . These with the Latines warre continually ; Make these thy mates , link in confederacie . My self will thee right through my streams conduct , Ane with thine oares all stops to shun , instruct . Then rise faire Goddesse sonne , by peep of day So gentle Iuno then discreetly pray , With submisse votes and treats her threats and rage Endeavour to evince or to asswage : Having thy hearts desire , pay me my rite : I am even he , whom there thou seest in sight O'reflowing fertile meads , by banks , smooth fleeting Skie-colour'd Tyber , vvhom vvith kindely greeting The Gods embrace : Here 's my large habitation , Here to high towers my head hath first foundation . This said , the river in the pool is hid , Sunk to the bottome : night and sleep are slid From grave Aeneas . Up he starteth straight , And Sols brave shining face doth contemplate : And from the stream his dipt hands lifting high , These words he vented to the azure skie ; Faire nymphs , rare Laurents nymphs , whence springs do spring , And thou deare Tyber , rivers sacred king ; Accept Aeneas , all his dangers end , Where-e're thy pitying spring her streams extend , Where-e're thy beauteous billows flow apace , Ever , oh ever shall my gifts thee grace . O thou horn-headed Italies faire floud , O now propitious be , streams guider good , And make thy power appeare . This having said , Two ships out of his fleet he ready made ; His friends he fits with oares , and arms his men . But here , behold , in sight appeared then A sudden and an unseen prodigie , A white sow with her white piggs there did lie Upon the shore , under roots of a tree : Which good Aeneas kill'd , and said , To thee , To thee , great Iuno , this I sacrifice , And all the brood bring as thine altars prize . Kinde Tyber all that night his flouds allay'd , And all their swelling stirre most calmly stay'd ; And like a lake , or standing-water faire , Was a still sea , fit for their oares affaire . A way they therefore haste with joyfull no●es , And by the banks the pitcht bark smoothly flo●ts . The waves and woods unus'd to such rare sights , Admire the glistring shields o' th' Trojan knights , And such rare carv'd and painted ships to see Float on the floud . Thus day and night they be All tyr'd with rowing , and the reaches large They swiftly passe , and boughs oft hide their barge ▪ And thus they slice calm seas , and passe woods green . And now i' th' midst of skie hot Sol was seen Swiftly ascend : and now they gladly spie Walls , towers , and tops of peeping houses high , And Romane power , vvhich now should equalize The starrie skie : but now in most vveak vvise Euanders realm and regal state did stand . They nimbly vvinde their vessels to the land , And to the citie haste . By chance that day Euander unto Hercules did pay His honours due , a solemne sacrifice , In a great grove , vvhich 'bout the citie lies : Pallas his sonne vvas there , and there were more , All their choice young men , and a senate poore , Offring their incense , and hot streaming bloud , Upon the altars in amaze they stood , Fearefully frighted at the sudden sight Of such tall ships entring their harbours right , With silent stroaks of oares , and with great dread They in a fright , all from their ●able● fl●d . Whom valliant Pallas did prohibit straigh● Those sacred rites not to contaminate . Himself with his drawn sword to shore doth flie , And from the bank aloud aloof doth crie ; Young men , what forc'd you to this unknown vvay ? Where vvould ye land ? vvhat is your nation ? say , Where do you dwell ? What ? bring ye peace , or warre ? Then grave Aeneas in his ship , a farre Shew'd forth an olive peacefull branch in 's hand , And friendlily thus answered his demand ; Thou seest , brave sire , Trojans and weapons bent Against the Latines , vvhom they insolent Have forc'd to flight , by proud and unjust vvarre . VVe seek Euander : Favour us so farre , As to relate and tell him what I say , That Dardan peeres are come his aid to pray . Pallas amaz'd , to heare that famous name , Sayes straight , Come forth who'ere , whences'ere ye came , And speak your self before my fathers face , A vvelcome guest you are unto this place , And to our Gods. Then hands they shake and greet , And on the shore with kinde embraces meet . The river left , into the wood they vvalk , And thus Aeneas to the king did talk ; O thou farre best of all the Grecian train , To whom my fortunes do me now ordain Thy humble suiter , with faire boughs of peace To seek to thee : and sure all feare did cease , Although I knew thou wast a Grecian lord , And that in kindred thou didst ne're accord With both th' Atrida's , Troyes two deadly foes ; Yet on mine own vvorth I did me repose , And oracles divine of destinie , And ancestours true consanguinitie , And thy renown throughout all countreys found , Have me to thee vvith vvisht good fortune bound . Dardan Troyes founder first , and first great king , ( As Greeks relate ) did from Electra spring , Great Atlas daughter , and to Trojans came , Yea that most mightie Atlas , who heavens frame Props on his back , begat Electra faire . Mercurie was your sire , whom Maia rare On Cyllens frigid tops did generate : And ( if we may beleeve what men relate ) Atlas , even that same Atlas which doth stay Heavens twinckling starres , begat faire Maia . Thus from one stemme our branches both do sprout . With these strong reasons arm'd , I thus came out , Sent not embassadours , nor us'd quaint art , To filch affection from thy friendly heart : But I , even I my self unto thee came In mine own person , submisse suits to frame . The same Rutulian bands which thee infest With cruell vvarres , do us as much molest : If us they vanquish , then they think all sure , To make all Italie their yoke endure : And all the seas that East or West do lie . Then take , and give us interchangeably Firm faith and furth'rance : We have valiant hearts , Stout stomacks , and brave sparks to act their parts . Aeneas ceast . The king with stedfast eye Observ'd the speakers count'nance curiously , His eyes , and totall parts ; and briefly thus Replies ; O thou the most magnanimous Of Trojans brave , O how I thee embrace ! How glad I bid thee vvelcome to this place ! O how thou dost thy parents personate ! And great Anchises amply imitate In face and feature , in thy words and voice ! For I remember , and therein rejoyce , How when king Priam in his progresse vvent Unto his sister Hesions continent , To visit her , from Salamina past , To cold Arcadia's confines came at last . My youthfull chin that time began to bud With hairie doun , and then I wondring stood To see your Trojan peeres , yea I admir'd Great Dardans self , and was with joy even fir'd , To see Anchises taller then the rest . Youthfull affection boyled in my breast To talk with him , and hands with him to shake . I to him vvent , and joyfull did him take Along with me to my Pheneum faire : And he bestow'd on me a quiver rare , At his departure , fraught with Lycian shafts , And a faire mantle wrought with curious crafts , Richly in gold , two faire guilt bits with reins ; Both which my young sonne Pallas yet retains . The peace therefore desir'd , I ratifie : And here 's my hand for firm confederacie . And when to morrows sun renews earths light , I 'le you dismisse , and aid with means and might . Meanwhile these annual rites ( since here you are So friendly come ) t' omit I may not dare . Pleaseth you them with us to celebrate , And at our tables us t' associate ? This said , he bids bring back the cups and cates , And on grasse seats , sets down the Troj●● states . Chiefly Aeneas on a bed he seated , Spread with a lions skin , and him entreated Unto a stately throne . Then youths selected , Yea and their altars priest their charge effected ; And busily brought in their bull-beef drest , Baskets of vvell bak'd bread , vvine of the best . Aeneas and the Trojan peeres did dine Upon those entralls , and bull-beef divine . Their stomacks staid , and hunger qualifi'de , Thus king Euander to them testifi'de ; This annual feast , and this accustom'd cheere , This great Gods altar , vvhich we yeare by yeare Observe , is not through silly super●tition , Or errour of our antique Gods condition ; But we do this ( most noble Trojan guest ) And yearely these due honours are exprest , Because we were preserv'd from dangers great . For proof whereof , behold this rockie seat Hanging vvith craggy nooks , whose ruin'd waight , Of an old mount seems to precipitate . Here vvas a huge and large retiring cell , Wherein inhumane Cacu● us'd to dwell , VVhose filthie face vvas in so black a plight , As that Sols rayes could ne're afford it light : Fresh murthers still lay reaking on its flore , And heads ofmurthered men besmear'd in gore VVith gastly looks hung on the odious gates . Black Vulcan father vvas ( as fame relates ) Unto this monster belching fumie fire From his foule mouth , vvho seem'd then mounts much higher . At last , as we desir'd , heaven sent us aid , And time thereto most fitly for us made : For why ? Alcides that revenger great Having perform'd his conquering retreat From treble-formed Geryons dire decay , Enricht with spoiles , his beasts all brought away , And 'bout our fields and flouds scarce had they fed , But Cacus with his theevish furie led , Whereby no fact most foule , no cunning cheat He fear'd t' effect , by force or sly deceit , Foure of his fatted oxen stole from 's stall , And foure faire-horned heifers therewithall : And lest their feet the way to 's den should show , By th' tails he pul'd them backwards to and fro , Into his den : the caves mouth with a stone He shut , whsoe way could by no search be shown . Mean while , when from those stalls great Hercules To move his full-fed herds of kine did please , To other parts , the beasts going on along , Began i th' woods to bellow loud and strong . Where at the caves , beasts lowed loud again , And Cacus craft was thereby made most plain . Hereat Alcides , full of furious gall And griping grief , doth to his weapons fall : His tough and knotty club he fiercely takes , And with swift pace way to the mountain makes . Where first our men saw Cacus full of fright , Swiftlier then winde to 's den to take his flight . F●●re wing'd his feet . When he himself had clos'd Within his cave , and the strong chain unlos'd , The mightie stone fell down , which by the chain And Vulcans art , before did fast remain , And with strong bolts the gate did fortifie . Behold , great Hercules did thither hie ; VVith rage enflam'd , observing every nook , He this way , that way , up and down did look , Gnashing his teeth , hot with intestine hate : Thrice through Aventines mount he doth lustrate , Thrice at the stonie gate in vain he beats , And from the hill , thrice tired , he retreats . A flintie rock , cut sharp on every side , With concave back , rais'd high , hard by he spi'de ; 'Bout which were holes , and rav'nous vultures nests . This on the streams left side , he fierce infests , As it lay bent unto the mountain side , To loose it on the right , he strongly try'd ; And shoving with his shoulders strenuously , At last it shook : whereat he by and by Put forth his strength , and rous'd it from the root , And it remov'd : whose movall with loud shout Did fill the echoing aire , the rivers bank , Leapt up and down , and fearefull backward shrank . And then the den , and Cacus court most wide , Lay ope , and all her duskie deeps were spide . Much like the earth , enforced deep to cleave , His bowels dark do yawn , in sunder reave , And shew their shadie cells , irksome to light , And upward seems of horrid hell full sight : And soules , the light let in , are sore affright . By this unlookt for light Cacus thus caught , And suddenly shut up i th' stonie vaut , And made to breathe and bray with unus'd waight , Alcides still more loads doth congregate , And all the trash and trump'ry there about , And boughs and blocks , and mil-stones huge seeks out . He then ( for hope of flight was quite expell'd ) Belcht from his throat ( most strange to be beheld ) Huge smothering smoak , which fill'd the rooms with fume , And from their eyes all light did quite absume , And made the cave throughout as dark as night , Thick mists being mixt with fierie flashes bright . Which Hercules himself could not abide , But through the flame in rage he headlong hi'de , Where thickest flakes offume , dark clouds of smoak Did belch and boile , all in the den to choke . Thus Cacus in his cave evaporated Vain flashie vomits , fast incarcerated , Was by Alcides bound in griping bands , His fierie eyes squeez'd out with his strong hands , And cloddie bloud his chimney-throat did choke . Then straight the dens black doores being open broke , All the stolne cattell and base theeveries VVere open laid to Sols all-seeing eyes . The uglie carcasse was by th' heels drawn out , And people ne're had done to prie about His odious eyes , foule face , and beastlike breast , O'regrown with haire , with flames his chaps opprest . E're since our joyfull youths did celebrate A day of triumph for this happie fate . Potitius was first founder of the same , And keeper of Pinarius sacred frame , And for him did t' Alcides sacrifice , And in this grove this altars edifice Did fairely frame , thus stately as you see , VVhich is our best , and so shall ever be . There●ore brave youths , such honours due to pay , VVith boughs dresse all your brows , shunning delay , Take your full bowls in hand , poure wine most free , And let our Gods in common call'd on be . This said , he with Herculean poplar boughs , Faire , double-colour'd , decks his head and brows : Whose branches dangled down , and wine in 's hand , In sacred bowls , all suddenly do stand About the altar , pouring plenteous wine , And joyfull votes vent to the powers divine . Meanwhile the evening drew on duskie skie , And now the priests , Potitius specially , Went ( as they 're wont ) in skins apparrelled , With tapers in their hands , and ordered The banquets brave , with second courses meet , And load the board with store of juncates sweet . The singing Salii then stood round about , With poplar boughs their heads adorn'd , set out : The young men here , the old men there were seated , And Hercules his praise in songs repeated , And all his famous facts : First , how with ease His stepdames snakes he with both hands did squease , And strangle dead : And how he did destroy Brave cities strong , Oechalia and old Troy : How in king Eurystheus troublous land A thousand toils , by Iuno's fierce command , He underwent . How thou , unconquered knight , Didst ruinate , by thy resistlesse might , Those cloud-begotten mongrell Cent●ures great , Hylaeus and foule Pholus , and didst beat , Yea kill the Cretan Minotaure most fierce , And a huge lion mortally didst pierce , Upon Nemea's banks . Thou hideous hell Didst make to tremble , and hells porter fell , Lurking in 's bloudy den , on bones half gnawn , Who by thy might was from his kennell drawn . Nor could mis-shapen shapes thee once affright , No nor Typhoeus self with armed might . Nor wast thou then of wit and worth devoid , When Lerna's dragon fiercely thee annoy'd With horrid heaps of heads . All hail therefore Thou sonne of Iove , with Gods , whom we adore , Accept us and our gifts : propitious be . And thus his praise in layes they sang most free . But Cacus den they chiefly memorize , And how from Cacus mouth the fire out flies ; And all the woods , and hills and dales resound This famous fact of Hercules renown'd . These sacrifices done , all now retreat Unto the town , the king in state compleat , Full of grave yeares , went on , and on each side Aeneas and his sonne with him abide . And thus he past , and past the time in talk . And good Aeneas wonders , as they walk , And glanc'd his eyes about on every sight ; Affected with each place full of delight , He questions every object , and must know How every ancient monument did grow . Then king Euander , Romes great founder , said , In these woods Pauni and faire wood-nymphs stay'd , And kindes of men , of trunks of trees begot , And of hard oaks , whom nature did allot No nurture good , nor customes commendable , And working oxen how to use , unable : Riches to get , or got to keep , unskill'd ; And heps and haws and hunted cheere them fill'd ; Old Saturn first came from Olympus high , Shunning Ioves power , banisht from 's emperie . He those untutour'd people , stragling wide About the woods and mountains , beautifi'de : He gave them laws , call'd their land Italie , For there he liv'd in long securitie . Under whose rule and regiment most sage , Was then ( as men report ) the golden age : In such sweet peace he did them regulate Till by degrees times did degenerate , And a more vitious age began to reigne , And bloudie broiles , and greedinesse of gain . Then came Ausonia's powers and nations strange , And faire Saturnus lands name oft did change . Then kings came in , and Tybers torrent main , From whose surname , the river did retain That name , by us Italians having quite Lost the true name of Albula most white . I exil'd from my land , did float along In seas extremities , till fortune strong , And fierce resistlesse fate did fix me here , Mov'd by monitions of my mother deare , Goddesse Carmenta , and Apollo wise , Whose oracles thereto did me advise . Scarce said he thus , when walking on in state , He shew'd her tombe , and Romes Carmentall gate ; Which men in honour of Carmentis faire , A Goddesse nymph , and prophetesse most rare , Erected had , who first did sing the praise Of famous Trojans , to ensuing dayes , And noble Pallant●u● . And shew'd us The mightie wood , which warlike Romulus Made a safeguarding sanctuarie faire , And on a rock the Lupercall most rare , Of Lycean Pan , unto him consecrated , And in th' Arcadian custome dedicated . Beside , he shew'd Argilets cursed grove , And 'gainst the place , disgrace ( protest by Iove ) Of faithlesse Argus his injurious guest . Hence to Tarpeia's towre he us addrest , And the now rarely guilded Capitol , Which once with shadie shrubs being covered all , Excessive feare of that affrighting place Did terrifie the hearts o' th' Bores most base ; Even then they gave the rock and grove great grace . This grove ( sayes he ) this bushie hill so steep Some God ( but who , uncertain 't is ) did keep . Th' Arcadians think they Iove himself did see , When oft fierce storms and crackling thunder he Made flie about the skie . Besides , behold These two demolisht towns , the fragments old And rude remains of ancient men of fame : Old Ianus this , Saturn did th' other frame . Ianiculum was this , Saturnia that . And thus along they past with this kinde chat , To poore Euanders buildings , where they view About the Romane courts a scattered crew Of cattell , 'bout the edifices faire . Thus when they did unto his court repaire , This court ( sayes he ) great Hercules did hold , This palace him receiv'd . Brave guest , be bold To spurn at worldly pelf , thy self to show Like a great God , not scorning fortunes low . He ceast : and brave Aeneas he brought in Into his court of princely state most thin , Plac'd him upon a leafie quilted bed , With a fierce Libyan beere-skin overspread . Dark night rusht down , whose black wings earth did hide : But Venus , as a mother , terrifi'de , And at Italia's troops sorely perplext , And with Laurentums threats in minde much vext , Thus from her golden bed to Vulcan speaks , And in love-charming words thus silence breaks ; Whiles Grecian kings with warres well wasted Troy , And for mens fires did her faire towres destroy , I sought no succour for those wofull men , No arms nor art of thine to help them then , Nor thee ( my dearest love ) could I in vain , Nor thy rare skill , to exercise constrain , Though much I ought to Priams sonnes relief , And my Aeneas toiles cost me much grief . Now Rutuls land by Ioves command him holds , Me therefore now ( sweet heart ) thy love embolds To supplicate : I onely arms do crave , A mother for her childe : Dame Thetis brave And faire Aurora could thee move with teares . My dearest heart , see , see , what frighting feare , What troops are mustred , cities up are shut , Sharpning their horns , at me and mine to but. She ceast : and with her snowie arms most white About the neck she clasps him soft and light . He seems to shrink , she clings and toyes the more : He on a sudden felt loves honey-rore Soak in , and wonted flames to heat his heart , And to o'respread his bones and every part : Much like fierce thunder from clouds rumbling ript , VVhen flashie flames through th' aire have nimbly skipt· She gladlie found her fraud and face most faire T' have pierc'd her husbands heart , and cur'd her care . Then father Vulcan bound in loves sweet chains , Reply'd , and said , Sweet soule , what thee constrains To use such farre fetcht phrases unto me ? Sweet Goddesse , where 's thy trust 'twixt me and thee ? Alas deare heart , had former care been so , Even then we might have armed Troy from wo. Nor Iupiter , nor fates Troyes blisse deny'd , But Priam might yet other ten yeares ' bide . Now if thou wilt to warre , if here th' art bent , VVhat e're my art can adde for adjument , What steel and iron , brasse or silver plate , VVhat fire and blasts can best consolidate , ( Cease needlesse prayers ) distrust not thine own strength , 'T is all for thee . This having said , at length He gave her long embraces , loving greets , And on her bosome tasted all loves sweets . Thus when sweet midnights rest was past and spent , Like a good huswife , thriftie , provident , VVho timely rising closely cards and spins , Her cinders builds , to make her fire begins , Blows the quick coals , working , turns night to day , And makes her maids their bones to work to lay , VVith toyling tasks , her self well to maintain , And all her charge and children to sustain : Even so , uxorious Vulcan , iron-tamer , Ignipotent , most excellent arms framer , Earely starts up , his basking bed forsakes , And him to 's iron instruments betakes . Neare Sicili● an isle aloof there lies , Lipara and Aeolia ; whence there flies Much fire and winde , much fume and furious din ▪ Under which lies a cave and deep within : The Cyclops Aetnaean forges grown i' th' rocks , Do through the chimneys vent such thundring knocks , And bouncing blows upon the anviles smit , And tinkering strokes with nimble hammers hit , As loudly echo out with clanging sound Of steel and iron , batter'd long and round Upon the anviles shrill , into broad plates , The forge-fire sputtering puffes evaporates . Here 's Vuloans house , here 's vaste Vulcania town , Hither from heaven this fire-fierce god came down . In this large cave the Cyclops iron frame ; There brangling Brontes fast does file the same : There streporous Steropes makes sparks to flie , Naked Pyracmon does at th' anvile lie . A yet unfinisht fiery work they wrought , But in some part , to some perfection brought , Some thunderbolt , which Iove from heaven did smite , ( As on the earth do many of them light ) Some part unpolisht was . Three clattering showres Of winter-hail upon the work he poures , And three of spring-tide rain , three flashes swift Of summer flames , three puffes of autumne drift . Thus at their work fierce frightfull flashes flie , Bright rapid lightning rage , and by and by With fearfull rumbling , thumping thwacks of art They beat about . Then on another part A chariot with swift wheels for Mars they made , Wherewith he town and townsmen makes afraid , A coat of arms for angry Pallas they With snake-like scales and gold did overlay : And in the breast-plate of the Goddesse faire Serpentine Gorgons heads in wreaths there are , Chopt from the neck , whose gogling glarie eyes Rouling in rage , beholders stupifies . Away ( sayes Vulca● ) lay away with speed All other works , you lads of Aetnaean breed , And hither bend your thoughts , rare arms to frame , For a renowned prince of matchlesse fame . Now shew your strength , your nimble hands , rare art , Come , come , make haste . This said , each playes his part , And fast they fall to work , each takes his place , Gold , silver , brasse , steel-mettals , boile apace : And being melted , run like streams about . And first a goodly targe they forged out , Even one 'gainst all the adverse Latine shafts , With fourteen folds and crosse-barre turning drafts : Some at the bellows put in , puff out blasts ; Some hissing hot-iron into th' water casts : The whole shop rings with thick quick anvile blows , And each his arms in order fiercely throws , To give his stroke , and with the tongs to turn The massie mettall , which red-hot doth burn . Whiles Vulcan in Aeolian puffy plains Thus busie was , the rising sun constrains Euander from his palace poore to rise , Wakned by morning-chanting birds in skies : Who gravely risen , and apparell'd meet , And Tuscanes sandals laced on his feet : Then his Arcadian blade he hangs by 's side , VVhich on his left hung by a panthers hide . A lease of lusty dogs did on him vvait , Guarding their master from the palace gate . Thus to his guest Aeneas lodgings went This Heroë brave , mindfull of 's high intent , And of his promis'd aid . With no lesse care Aeneas in the morning doth prepare . With Pallas young the king associated , Achates kinde Aeneas comitated . Met , they shake hands , and down together sit , And having time for talk , and leisure fit , The king thus first began ; Great prince of Troy , I ne're shall think ( whiles thou dost life enjoy ) Troyes crowns and comforts to be brought to thrall ▪ Our forces , I confesse , are too too small , To give so great a prince aid competent : On one side we by Tuscanes stream are pent , On th' other side troops of Ru●ulians stout , With clattering arms our walls do hedge about : But I am mustring for thee mightie bands , A people strong , and very rich in lands : VVhich happy hap , unlookt for luck hath given , And thou art come , by fates decree , from heaven . Not farre from hence the citie Agylla , An ancient stony basis doth display , Once Lydia call'd , famous for battels bold , Which once did all Etruria mountains hold . This land , which fairely flourisht many yeares , Proud king Mezentius rul'd with cruell feares . Why should I mention all his murthers fierce ? Or why this tyrants facts most foule rehearse ? The Gods repay it on his impious head ! Besides , he bound live bodies unto dead , Coupling them hands to hands , and face to face , ( Ah horrid torment ) in which foule embrace , Them all-besmear'd with putrefaction ill , He with a lingring death thus us'd to kill . His people tired with this tyranny , At last in arms him and his familie , Plotting more impious pranks , they close surrounded , Slew all his mates , with fire his house confounded . He in these broiles to Rutuls realm did flie , To Turnus harbour , for securitie . Then all Etruria in just furie came , Their king with arms , for due revenge , they claim . Thou great Aeneas , of these thousands brave The leading and the Martiall guide shalt have . For all their ships stand ready ridg'd at shore , And fluttering flags do hang the decks before : An aged southsayer singing secret fates , Does them with-hold , saying , O choice Lydian mates , Of pristine potentates the cream and flower , VVhom just revenge incenseth with strong power Against your foes , and whom Mezentius base Hath stimulated , with just wrath to chase : No native of Italia may such bands Conduct ; then seek a captain from strange lands . These things did all Etruria much dismay , Yet still in field their ensignes they display : And troubled at these heavenly destinies , Tarchon himself sent oratours most wise To me ▪ with regal robes and presents rare , Desiring I would to their tents repaire , And of great Tuscanes state take tutelage . But me , my feeble and congeal'd old age , And faint unfitnes to activity , Denies that profered state and soveraignty . My sonne I would have sent : but mixed bloud With 's mothers faire Sabella , thus withstood , By whom part of those parts to him enclin'd . But thou , whose yeares , and whose heroick minde The fates do favour , and the Gods provide : O thou Troyes and Italia's valiant guide , Do thou assume this charge . And here my boy , Pallas my sonne , my hope and future joy , To thee I vvill commit , to thee commend , On thee his Martiall master to attend ; VVarres burthen great with thee to undergo , Rare feats of arms from thee to see and know , And from his childehood thy rare parts t' admire . And ( as the present case doth now require ) Two hundred brave Arcadian horsemen strong , All chosen youths , I give to go along : Pallas in 's own name likewise does the same . Scarce to an end of 's words the king yet came , And that Aeneas and Achates kinde , Their eyes fixt on the ground , their troubled minde Full of afflicting thoughts : vvhen suddenly Faire Cytherea in a serene skie , Gave them a signe : for why , a sudden sight In th' open aire of wondrous glistring light , VVith rushing ratling noise , quick o're them came , And seem'd to shake the universall frame : And they suppos'd the Tuscane trump they heard , And more and more the ratling roare was rear'd . And then between the clouds in pleasant skie Bright-shining and loud-sounding arms they spie , VVith thundring noise , which did the rest affright : But Troyes brave prince discern'd the sound aright , And thought on 's sacred mothers promise made : And therefore to them thus at last he said ; Kinde hoste , feare not , nor seek what accident These signes fore-show , for me heaven hath them sent . Venus , divine creatrix of each thing , Promis'd she would this signe upon me bring , If warres were wag'd : and that for my protection , She 'd bring me Vulcans arms , with sweet affection . Alas ! vvhat woefull warres are imminent Unto Laurentums nation turbulent ! What vengeance on thee , Turnus , shall I take ! How many helms and targets shall I make , And bodies of brave captains , to be rould About thy banks and brims , faire Tyber old ! Thy armies making , yet still marring peace : This said , from farther talk he now did cease , And from his seat himself he raised higher ; And first of all he kindled the sleep-fire On Hercules his altars , and renews , With joyfull heart , yesterdayes sacred dues , Unto the petty Gods , and both the king And Trojan youths , slain sacrifices bring . This done , his ships and mates he goes to see : Amongst whose troops , those whom he found most free VVith active hearts his warres to undertake , He chose to him ; those that would him forsake , Down the declining river thence he sent , VVho without sails homeward most smoothly went ▪ To carry to Ascanius future news Both of his father and his facts issues . Then horses to the Trojans given were , To Tyrrhene territories them to beare , But to Aeneas they a choice one gave , Clad with a lions skin , with gold claws brave . Fame quickly flew o're all the citie small , That to the king , through Tuscan● horsemen tall , Did posting ri●e . Women with extream feare Did double their designes : in men appeare Doubts of the worst and warres more open face . Then grave Euander , with a kinde embrace , Teares gushing out , his parting guest held fast , And lovingly into these speeches brast ; O if my yeares of youth Iove would restore , ( As once when at Praeneste heretofore I routed my foes ranks , and victour stout , Burnt heaps of captains targets all about . This hand king Herils soule sent under earth , VVhose mother , faire Feroni● , at his birth Infus'd in him three soules ( ho●rid to tell ) By which three weapons he could handle well : And therefore must be three times vanquished , Thrice slain , and thrice of 's arms disfurnished . ) O then , sweet sonne , I 'd ne're disjoyn'd have been From thy sweet greets , nor have endur'd t' have seen Mezentius proud , my bloudy borderer , Such vaunts and villanies 'bout me t' inferre , Such murthers to have made , a town so good By husba●ds losse to weep in widow-hood . But oh great Iove , and ye the Gods on high , Pi●ie Arcadia's kings great miserie ; And heare a parents prayers , and your great love Let me in my poore Pallas safety prove : And if I live to see him safe again , Life thus I crave , for this I 'le beare all pain . But if , fierce fates , you threaten dire distresse , Now , oh now end these dayes of wretchednesse , Whiles thoughts are doubtfull , hope of hap 's unknown , Whiles thee , my childe , my sole , sure joy alone , I yet may clasp in these mine aged arms , Before sad news my heart pierce with thy harms . Thus this good father these sad words pour'd out , At parting ; and his tendants round about , Him , fainting , falling , carried in with care . And now Aeneas on his courser rare Mounted , rode foremost forth , Achates kinde , With all his Trojan peeres , with cheerefull minde , And princely Pallas in the midst of all In rich-wrought arms , conspicuously tall , With a short coat : like Lucifer most bright Shining upon the oceans waves at night , ( Which Venus loves above each ignean starre ) VVhose lustrous beams are the most bright . by farre . The women on the walls stood fearefully , And clouds of dust , and glistering arms did eye . The next way they through bush-paths armed ride , The fields even quake with horse-hoofs prancing pride . Neare C●rits floud a mightie wood doth lie , VVhich ancients farre and neare religiously Held in great honour , clos'd on evey side With hollow banks , 'bout which thick firre-woods ' bide . Fame sayes , the ancient Greeks did sacred yeeld Unto Sylvanus , God of beasts and field , The grove and solemne-day , that in old-time That they first held the Latines lands and clime . Not farre from hence brave Tarchons armie stout , Of his Etruria troops lay campt about : And from a high hill he might see their bands , How they lay spread about their fields and lands . Hither Aeneas with 's choice youths addrest , And there their wearie selves and horse they rest . But beauteous Goddesse Venus through the skies With her rare gifts unto Aeneas hies , And in a separate valley by a brook , As soon as on her sonne she cast a look , She to him comes , and these words uttered ▪ See here , deare sonne , the gifts I promised , By my kinde husbands art thus perfected : Now feare no Laurent strong , nor Turnus stout , In field to fight with , and to single out . This said , faire Venus did her sonne embrace , And under an oak the glistering arms did place . He overjoy'd , and wondrously affected With such the Goddesse gifts to be respected , And highly honour'd , gluts his gazing eyes , And with strange wonder every parcell spies , And turns and windes betwixt his arms and hands , The horrour-striking helm , like flaming brands Vomiting fire , and the death-wounding blade , A brazen breast-plate very richly made , Big , and bloud-red of hue : like Sols bright rayes , When its faire shine abroad it self displayes Upon some rain-bow cloud , full opposite . Then he admires his silver-boots most light , With gold and ammell wrought , and well refin'd , His lance ●nd shield most strangely stuft and lin'd . For here Italian facts , Romes victories , Fire-furious Vulcan , seen in prophesies , And future strange events , had graven faire : And here Ascanius issuing offspring rare , And all his famous fights , were pictured brave : How a great she-wolf in stout Mars his cave Brought forth her young , and how two chopping boyes At mothers dugs lay dandling , mothers joyes ; Who did her fearelesse twins , most loving , lick , And with her tongue make necks and bodies slick . Hard by stood Rome , and ravisht Sabine dames By troops assembled at Circean games . And how new warres did suddenly arise Unto the Romanes , Cures , Tatius wise , And how ( at last ) contentions laid aside , Those armed kings about Ioves shrine did ' bide , W●●h bowls in hand , and having slain a swine , As kinde confederates , did in league combine . Not farre from thence Metius was pictured , By horses torn , and quit dismembered ; ( But thou Albanus stoodst not to thy word ) And all the bowels of that lying lord Tullus tore out , and drag'd them through the wood , And all the briers besprinckled with his bloud . How king Porsenna charg'd Rome to re-take . Their banisht Tarquine , and how for his sake The citie with a hard siege he did crush , When on their swords , for freedome , Romanes rush . There you might see him rage , and threat and fret , 'Cause Cocles durst the bridge break down and get . How captiv'd Chlaelia , having broke his bands , Swamme o're the river stoutly with her hands . How on the top of high Tarpeia's tower Brave Manlius stood , and with undanted power The temple and the Capitol defended , And all the reed-thatcht palace that ascended , Did tumble down , and the white-feathered goose In the guilt gallery , cackling , fluttering loose , Frighted the French , and their approach discride , Whom clambering up , thick bushes did so hide , And benefit of black night , aid therein , That they got up , and so the towre did win : Whom goldy locks and golden garments decks With purple jackets , and their milk-white necks With bracelets grac'd , in hand two Alpine speares , A long shield o're his corps each souldier beares . The dancing Salii , P●ns priests , naked quite , VVool-wearing Flamines , Numa's target slight , VVhich fell from heaven , were curiously set out , And how the modest matrons bare about In easie coaches , their most sacred rites : Aloof from these were horrid hells affrights , Black Pluto's gates , and damned soules dire pains : And thou , base Catiline , hungst there in chains , On a steep tumbling rock , with Furies jaws Frighted : But Cato , giving wholesome laws , Sate 'mongst the good : in a sequestred place Betwixt both these , sea-waves with golden face Did run abroad , and boyl'd-up froth most white ; About were dolphins grav'd in silver bright , In circles with their tails the billows sweeping , And cutting through the waves , their course● keeping . In midst of whom you guilded ships might see : How Martiall sports yearely solemniz'd be : How all Leucates with fierce warres did sweat , And waves of seas like gold to glister neat : And how Augustus Caesar by warres might With Latiums peeres and people ruled right , His small and great Gods his tall ship ascending , From his faire brows two glistring flames extending , And o're his head his fathers starre most bright . On th' other side , Agrippa with great might With friendly Gods and gales his armie led , His Martiall ensignes being bravely spread , Sea-conquest garlands garnishing his head . How with Barbarian aid Antonius great In various conquests did Romes foes defeat , And 'mongst the Indies black and Aegypt long , By red-sea shores , and orient forces strong , T' increase his strength , all Asia to him drew , Whom Cleopatra ( shamefull ) did pursue . All rusht together , the whole sea did seem , Wrought up with winding oares , thick froth to steam ; The foredecks one another dashing fast : And to the ocean thus they get at last . thou 'dst think the isles rous'd up did swim and meet , That mightie mountains did high mountains greet . With so great strength men strenuously did strive , Their towering vessels close to force and drive . Wild-fire from hands , steel-shafts from bows are sped : New broiles on Neptunes soiles do die seas red . The queen i' th' midst her troops with trump doth cheere , As yet her fatall snakes do not appeare . But all the rout of monstrous Gods , meere fiends , Yea barking Anubis his weapons bends Against great Neptune , Pallas , Venus faire . Amidst their troops mad Mars doth stamp and stare , Carv'd in a garbe of steel , and horrid hagges Sent by great Iove , and Discord in torn rags Skips jocand 'mongst them : whom Bellona fierce Follows with bloudie whips their hearts to pierce . Actian Apollo these things well did eye , Straight bent his bow , at them from heaven let flie . Whereat in terrour all th' Aegyptian rout , Arabians , Indians , and Sabaeans stout , Turn'd backs and fled : the queen herself also Was heard to wish for windes , hoise sails , and go , Yea flie full fast , slackning the ropes and sail . The black-fire furious God with Western gale And tydie-waves , her , looking gastly white With feare of future death , amidst the fight , Did drive along : but yet against the same With mightie body weeping Nilus came , Opening her bosome , calling back again Her thus surprised and quite conquered men Into her livid lap and unfound springs . But Caesar , conquerour of these adverse things , Thrice born in triumph 'bout Romes royall walls , His everlasting vow to minde recalls , To his Italian Gods doth sacrifice , And through the citie with great joy likewise Three hundred temples built : the streets throughout Do ring with sports and peoples joyfull shout : Each temple fill'd with dancing matrons faire , About the altars singing songs most rare , And every altar fraught with heifers slain . Caesar himself i' th' temple did remain Of pure Apollo , in the porch most white , And of the nations gifts taking full sight , Fits the rich posts with choice of royall spoiles . The captives conquer'd in the warres turmoiles Are led along , in speech as different , As in their habits , arms and ornament . Here mudling Mulciber had cast in brasse , Fierce Scythians and black Moores in gowns to passe : Here Caraeans , Lelages , Gelonians stout , Skilfull in casting darts , he pictur'd out . And here Euphrates streams did smoothly glide , And French Morinians , who remote reside : Two-corner'd Rhine , undanted Daians stout , Araxes swift o're his bridge swelling out . These rarities of Vulcan in his shield , His mothers gift , cause of much wonder yeeld : The things unknown , the figures him affect , Friends fame and fates he beares with choice respect . An end of the eighth book of Virgils Aeneïds . THE ARGUMENT of the nineth book . Whiles on both sides the state thus stands Of their affaires , Juno commands Turnus to hasten 'gainst his foe , The Trojans ships to overthrow , By flinging fire into the fleet : But Jove does with their project meet , And turns the ships into nymphs shapes . Two friends go forth , but neither scapes . Trojans their camps do bravely hold , A scanius kills Numanus bold . Pell-mell they fight , but Turnus stout Bitias and Pandar puts to rout , And Trojans from their trenches beats : But tyr'd with troops , he thence retreats . ANd now , whiles thus th' ●ffaires on both sides stand , Iuno from heaven sent Iris out of hand To supine Turnus , who took up his seat I' th' sacred dale of Pilumns grove most great . To whom Thaumantias with faire face thus said ; Turnus , behold , what none o' th' Gods , though pray'd , Durst ere have promis'd , time now profers free . Aeneas leaving all behinde for thee , C●mp , mates , and fleet , to king Euander's gon : Yet rests not so , but farther is past on , To Corits utmost confines , Lydians strong With rustick wrath in arms to lead along . What fear'st thou ? 't is high time , leave all delay , With horse and chariots now to make thy prey On their confused camp . Thus having said , With well-poys'd wings to th' heavens herway she made ; And in her flight she cuts her mightie bow Under a cloud . The young prince did her know , And lifting both his hands up to the skies After her , flying , with these words he flies ; Faire Iris , heavens great grace , who did thee force , Thus from the clouds to me to have recourse ? Whence is this sudden storm , so bright and cleare ? Me thinks I see heaven cleft i' th' midst appeare ; And stragling starres from proper pole declines : Who e're me call● to arms , so sacred signes I 'le follow fast . This said , to th' stream he hastes , And of the water a deep draught he tastes , Loading his Gods with prayers and protestations . And now his troops to field made properations , Rich of rare horse , embroidered cloaths and gold . The valiant vantguard by Messapus bold , The rereward by brave Tyrrhus youths was led , The main battalion Turnus marshalled , Advancing his brave arms farre 'bove the rest : Like flowing Ganges with seven streams addrest , And silent running ; or like fertile Nile O'reflowing fields , yet couching close the while . A sudden black-dust cloud the Trojans spide , Growing farre off , darknesse the fields do hide . Whereat first Caicus from a crosse bank cries , Faire friends , what cloud-like troop doth yonder rise ? Flie to your swords and speares , get up the walls : Alas ! our foe on us already falls , Hereat the Trojans raise a piteous crie , But close about the wall and gates they lie . For so , at 's parting , wise Aeneas had His armie charg'd , if any fortune bad Should them befall ; and not in battell ray In field to trie the fortune of the day , But keep their camp with forts and trenches strong . Though therefore shame and rage provoke them long , Battell to joyn ; yet they do fortifie And guard the gates , and do obsequiously As they were charg'd . Thus well prepar'd in arms , They in their forts expect their foes alarms . Now Turnus all his tardie troops out-●iding , Twentie choice knights about his body biding , Was on a sudd●n to the citie nigh : Whom a white spotted steed most prancingly Of Thracian breed did beare ; upon his head A golden helm with a crest beauteous red . O who is he , brave sparks , amongst you all , ( Sayes he ) with me first on our foes dares fall ? With that he cast a dart into the aire , ( The onset to the fight ) with courage rare ; Entring the field himself , his mates in arms Following him fast with clamorous loud alarms , Wondring to see the Trojans cowardise , ( As they suppos'd ) not daring t'enterprise To fight the field , in arms to play the men , But keep their camps : he in a furie then Doth gallop up and down the wall about , For fierce assaults , a fit place to spie out . And as a ravening wolf all hungerbit , Doth roave and rave , and 'bout the sheep-fold sit , At midnight dark enduring winde and weather , To watch and catch the prey ; the lambes together Keep with their dammes , and do securely bleat ; The wolf without rageth about for meat , Extreamly vext to see the sheep so pent , And he so long to suck their bloud so bent : Even so Rutulian Turnus hunts about The walls and trenches , extream rage flames out . Hate heats his heart , to know by what means best , To finde a way the Trojans to infest ▪ And flying out of their forts , compulsively To force them to the field : then does he spie Their fleet , which did behinde their camp lie sure , And which strong walls of waves did safe immure . This he assails , and all his mates desires , To bring in haste store of consuming fires : And first himself cast in a pine-board flame ; And all his souldiers forthwith do the same . Their princes presence stimulates their hearts , Thus all the youth with fire-brands play their parts , And fling about fierce flames , and to the skies Made mightie fumes with pich and tarre arise . Tell me , faire Muses , what so mightie power , Permitted not such fierce flames to devoure ? And turn'd to ashes all Troyes navy great ? Though future times may former facts repeat With hard belief ; this facts fame ne're shall die : When first in Phrygian isle most carefully Aeneas did a fleet for sea prepare , The Gods great mother , Berecynthia faire , Is said , her sonne great Iove thus to intreat ; Deare sonne , since thou now rul'st olympus great , Grant thy intreating mother this request ; A pine-tree wood long time I loved best , I' th' height whereof a gallant grove there stood , Whither were brought me sacrifices good ; Shadow'd it was with firres and maples brave : These to the Trojans use I freely gave , When they to build them ships had speciall need : Now anxious feare much care doth in me breed . Of this feare free me : grant me this request , That by no nimble course they be distrest , Nor overthrown by fire or furious winde , Let all that thence do grow this favour finde . Her sonne , which rules the world and starrie skie , Unto his mother made this brief replie ; Whither ( deare mother ) wouldst thou fates incline ? Or what request for them is this of thine ? Can mortall things immortall states possesse ? Or can Aeneas sail free from distresse ? What God so great can in this case be free ? Nay , when Troyes princes sailings finisht be , When Trojans Latiums ports and parts have gain'd ; Whats'ever ships from storms shall have remain'd , I 'le take from them their mortall shape and form , And them into sea-nymphs I will transform ; Like Nerean Clotho , Galatea faire , Cutting the foamy waves with breast most bare . He said it , swore it , for more confirmation , By 's brother Styxes foule flouds inundation ; By pichy streams , and Pluto's black gulfs banks , And nods , whose nods whole heaven affrights & blanks . The promis'd day wa● come , fates now fulfill The due designed time to Ioves great will ; VVhen Turnus turbulent , injurious deed , Mov'd the great mother of the Gods , with speed To free her sacred ships from his fierce flame . Here first to sight a sudden brightnes came , A mightie cloud from th' Eastern skie did glide , And all th' Idaean damsells were discride . Then from the skies a thundring voice was heard , Deare Trojans , of my ships be not afraid , Nor struggle ye to shield them with strong arm . Ere Turnus does my sacred ships least harm , He sooner shall with fire burn up the seas : Go sea-nymphs , go ( sayes she ) swimme loose at ease , Your mother bids you . Straight at her commands Each ship from shore most nimbly brake their bands ; And presently , like dolphins , duck and dive , And like so many virgins faire alive , ( Strange to behold ) in sea they all appeare ; So many ships , so many nymphs were here . All the Rutulians hereat stood amaz'd , Messapus self hereat with terrour gaz'd , And all his frighted horse : the stream stands still , Tyber retreats , and vents out voices shrill . Yet for all this Turnus turns all to th' best , His courage and his confidence are prest : Boldly he cheeres them , boldly chides them thus ; These monstrous signes are surely ominous Unto the Trojans : Iove himself , you see , Takes from them thus all hope and help , to flee : Rutulians need not sword or fire t' infest , From sea-fight , sea-flight Trojans are distrest . Thus part of their protections from them ta'ne , All the land-power doth in our hands remain . For many thousands arm'd in Italie We have : Troyes scarre-crows can't us terrifie . If Trojans of the great Gods answers boast , The fates and Venus have them given the most They can de●ire , Latiums faire land to see : On th' other side , are not my fates to me , That cursed stock with sword to ruinate , Which would a wife perforce praeoccupate . Nor Agamemnons kinne this sole concerns , Nor Greeks alone this grief due caution learns , To arm themselves : Enough one wrack had been , If they enough had held it , once to sinne . Should not all women to them hatefull be ? What trust in triviall trenches can they see ? Delayes by ditches , thus to pride their minde ? Which they small distances from death shall finde . Have they not seen Troyes walls , by Neptune wrought , ( Maugre their might ) to ashes to be brought ? But oh brave sparks ! who of you will with me Break through their trenches , and most fiercely flee Upon their quaking camps ? I have no need Of Vulcans arms , or thousand ships ofspeed Against these trembling Trojans : Let them get All their Etrurian mates with them t' abet : I 'le seek no shades , no shelters of dark night , No theevish horses paunch , by Pallas slight ; Let them not feare their watch-towers to be slain : For we by day most stoutly will maintain The battell brave , and girt their walls with fire . I 'le make them know , that now with Grecian ire , Or Greekish spirits they do not contest , VVhom their great Hector ten yeares did molest . But now since more then half the day is past , VVhat yet remains , but that with sweet repast Every one fit himself to play the man , Bravely to end what he so well began ? Meanwhile the care of keeping watch and ward By Sentinels , with vigilant regard About the gates , is to Messapus granted , VVho ●bout the walls with sword and fire is planted . Fourteen Rutulian captains were chose out , Each guarded with his hundred souldiers stout In glistring azure arms , adorn'd with gold : And these their quarters 'bout the trench must hold . They spread themselves , change turns , laid on the ground , And wine in bowls they all carouse profound , Making huge fires , in mirth and much delight Breaking their sleep , and wasting ( thus ) the night . These things the Trojans from their trenches spie , And armed , all do keep themselves on high : Yet with great care and feare the gates they guard , VVith bridges and strong barricadoes bar'd , Still arm'd : brave Mnestheus and Serestus stout , VVhom in all straits and cases of great doubt , Aeneas o're his youth chief guidance gave , And made commanders bravely them behave . Each band abode in watch upon the wall , And took his turn as dangers did them call . Couragious Nisus strongly kept one gate , VVhom Ida's huntresse sent , Aeneas mate , By Hyrtacus his father bravely bred , At bow and arrows well experienced . Next him Euryalus , his faithfull friend , VVhose beauteous countenance did him commend Past all the Trojans , but no arms did beare , For yet smooth unshaven doun his chin did weare . Each lov'd alike , and each for other fought , Each kept the gate by course with courage stout . Thus then sayes Nisus to Euryalus ; Deare brother , have the Gods enflamed thus Our hearts with love ? or is mans genius high A God unto himself ? Long time have I Been mov'd in minde , some fight or fact most great To enterprise ; nor can I quench this heat . Thou seest those proud Rutulians hopes most high , Their various fires , how they even buried lie In wine and sleep , how all all-o're is still : Now mark , I pray , what doubts my heart do fill , And whereon now I muse and meditate : Does not our armie now expost●late ? Both peeres and people , with a joynt consent , To call Aeneas home incontinent , Send men and messages of our estate , Him to enform . If they 'le remunerate Thee for the fact which now I 'le undertake , ( For to my self fame shall requitall make ) Me thinks I could break through our enemies , And by that bank a passage enterprise To Pallanteum . Faire Euryalus Hereat astonisht , yet most valourous , With love of la●d enflam'd , sayes with brave minde To his endeered friend ; My Nisus kinde , Wouldst thou thy mate in great facts leave behinde ? Should I in such great straits leave thee alone ? No sure , my father ( as it is well known ) Opheltes , well in warres experienced , Hath me not therein so absurdly bred , In all our Grecian terrours , Trojan toiles , Nor hath mine honour yet receiv'd such foiles , Following Aeneas brave in 's utmost ill . I want not courage , no , I want not will , To scorn this light , yea life it self for thee , To welcome death , that thou mayst honour'd be . Surely , sayes Nisus , never did I feare Such things in thee : oh no , it impious were So to suspect . O may great Iove above So link me firmly to thy faithfull love : Or any equall-sighted deity , Observing herein my sinceritie . But if there should ( as such things oft fall out ) If there should happen any adverse doubt Or fatall danger ; oh mayst thou survive Rather then I ! worthier to rest alive : May one remain to snatch me from the fight , Or to redeem me to a funerall rite : Or , if this favour fortune me denie , Yet to me dead to frame an elegie , My herse with some death-dues to dignifie : Oh never may I to thy mother bring Cause of such woe , her wretched hands to wring : Thy mother deare , of many matrons best , Who durst for thee ( faire youth ) refuse sweet rest , Neglect the welcome of Troyes kinde Acest . Euryalus reply'd , Thou ply'st in vain These vain excuses , constant I remain . Let 's then ( sayes he ) make haste ; and therewithall They stirre about , and the next watchmen call ; Who straight gave way , chang'd turns , and left their station ; And thus with Nisus he makes properation To call their king . Now all the rest took rest , Their day-toiles ( thus ) with sweet sleep were redrest . Now Troyes prime peeres , and youths of best respect , In councel sate , state-businesse to direct ; Consulting what to do , who news should beare Unto Aeneas . Leaning on their speare , They carefully do stand , in hand their shields , Just in the midst both of their camp and fields . Then Nisus and Euryalus most brave , Hast'ned unto them , and admittance crave , Saying they had a businesse great t' impart , Delay whereof might turn unto th●ir smart : Ascanius first them carefull did receive , And unto Nisus to begin , gave leave . Thus then he spake ; Attend , brave Trojan peeres , With moderate mindes , and judge not by our yeares The motion we now make . Our Rutule foes O'recome with wine and sleep , do them repose All snorting on the ground : and we have spi'de A place where we an ambush safe may hide , Open to th' gate which to the two-paths guides , The gate I say , neare which the sea resides . Their scattered fires , huge fume and smoak up-cast , Shew that this happy hap may not be past Or pretermitted : and if you give way , T' Aeneas to Pallant'um passe we may : And this brave youth you 'le see return again Enricht with spoiles of foes defeated , slain : Nor can we ( by this means ) misse of our way . We saw and knew , by hunting every day I' th' bottome of deep dales , the river faire , And much o' th' town to which we would repaire . Alethes , ripe in yeares , both grave and wise , Said , O our Gods , who Troy do patronize , As yet I see ye minde not to blot out Poore Trojans name , since such brave youths , so stout , Such valiant hearts ye still unto us raise . Thus speaking , on their necks his hands he layes , And holding both their hands , with teares of joy He thus sayes on ; What praise , what prize can Troy Repay to you brave youths , of so rare parts ? The Gods will best requi●e your due deserts : And good Aeneas will not be behinde , Nor ripe Ascanius blot out of his minde Such meritorious deeds : yea and I will , ( Sayes young Ascanius ) for my joyes ye fill , In my deare fathers safe return to me : By our great Gods ( Nisus ) I sweare to thee , And thy kinde mate , by all our sacred kinne , And by the aged Vesta's rites within , That whatsoever fate or fortune's mine , Into your bosomes it shall full incline : Call back my father ; let me see his sight , And nothing then can me molest , affright . Two silver bowls richly engraven and wrought , Both which my father from Arisba brought , When it was ruin'd by Achilles bold : Two three-leg'd cups , two talents of pure gold , A bason brave , given by queen Dido faire : And if Italia chance to be our share , And we by conquest do enjoy that crown , And 'mongst us part the prey with high renown , Thou saw'st what horse , what arms , rich Turnus had : All those thou saw'st , thy valiant heart to glad : Assure thy self , brave Nisus shall be thine . Besides , my father hath twelve matrons fine , And captives twelve , with all their ornaments , And all king Latines lands and continents : All these my father shall bestow on thee . For thee , faire youth , whose yeares come nearest me , Thee in my bosome of best love I take , Thee my companion in all states I 'le make . No fame by facts will I without thee gain , In peace or warre thy counsel shall be ta'ne . To whom Euryalus made this replie ; Faire sir , no time shall finde me falsifie My promise in such high designes as these : Yet fortune good or bad ( as heaven shall please ) May on us fall . But thee , this one thing I , 'Bove all thy gifts , intreat most earnestly : I have a mother sprung from Priams race , Whom neither Troy through its now captiv'd case , Nor kinde Acestes realm ( poore heart ) could stay , But with me she hath travel'd all our way . Her I ( alas ! ) now unsaluted leave , Ignorant what dire fate may to me cleave : By this dark night , and thy right hand I sweare , That I could not her tender weeping beare , Upon our parting . I thee therefore pray , In her distresse to be her staffe and stay , To help her in her need . If this request Thou to me grant , my heart will be at rest , And I the boldlier shall all hazards trie . The Trojans hearts hereat melt instantly , Who fell aweeping : but Iülus chief , Toucht at the heart , between great joy and grief , At this rare copie of connative love , Which in 's affection this reply did move ; I promise and protest , all said and done , Is highly worthy such an honour'd sonne . Thy mother shall be mine , in all the same With my Creüsa , save alone in name : Nor such a sonne to have is honour small , Whats'ever issue do this fact befall . Now by this head I sweare , by which before , My father upon oft occasions swore , What I thee promis'd , safe return'd again , Shall to thy mother and thy kinne remain . Thus weeping spake he , and from 's neck did take A rare gilt sword , which Lycaon did make With curious art , in ivorie scabbert rare , Which he bestow'd upon Eury'lus faire . To Nisus Mnestheus gave a lions skin , Huge rough with haire , which had a conquest bin : Friendly Alethes did his helm exchange . And thus they armed , valiantly forth range : Whom to the gates the Trojan gallants guide Both young and old , and them with prayers plide ; Chiefly Ascanius , grave beyond green yeares , Expressing wisely manly filiall feares , Follows them fast , with prayers and messages , Unto his father in their passages : But all ( alas ! they spake ) flew into th' aire , And to the clouds in vain they vented are . Thus ( then ) gone forth , they o're the trenches past , And by dark night to foes camp came at last ; To many of them ( first ) dire death to bring . There all-about neglected lies each thing , The men laid on the grasse , with wine and sleep O're whelmed all , no watch their carts do keep . Men 'mongst horse-harnesse lay : here wine-pots stood , There armour lay : nothing in order good . Nisus hereat first to Euryalus said , Deare friend , our way must now with blows be made : This way we must ; and lest assaults behinde Do us infest , have thou a watchfull minde , And keep a distance off , wide way I 'le make , And all these vast impediments hence take . This said , he silent was ; and instantly Upon proud Rhamnes he set furiously , Upon a rich wrought Arras carpet stretcht : Who in a deep-drunk sleep , his last breath fetch 't : A king and southsayer , which king Turnus joy'd , But southsaying could not this great mischief void . Three of whose servants lying neare were slain , And Rhemus page and coachman quickly ta'ne , Under his horses . Both whom he left dead , Cut both their throats , cut off their masters head , Leaving his headlesse trunk tumbling i' th' mire , Soil'd with black bloud his soule and breath t' expire , And to sigh out : the beds and ground about , Reaking warm fumes , with gore that gushed out : Besides , Lamirus , Lamus , Serranus A brave young spark , that night most riotous , With Bacchus drunken bands his body bound : Happy , had he all night been playing found , Even untill day . But rav'ning lion-like , ( For famine fierce made him the sheepfold strike ) Infesting all the flock , he teares and spoiles The silly sheep , and chaps with blood besoiles , Whiles they lie mute for feare : no lesse also Euryalus with slaughter on doth go : And he in wrath raging , about him layes . And numbers of the namelesse vulgars slayes : Hebesus , Fadus , Rhoetus , Abaris , He unawares did cause deaths cup to kisse . But Rhoetus was awake , and all this ey'd , And ( base ) behinde a huge bowl did him hide From his fierce foe : who seen , was follow'd fast , And with a fierce full wound his weapon past Into his sheathing corps , with which deep blow His crimson gory soule doth belching flow , And flie away , mixing his bloud and wine : Thus hotly he by stealth doth on incline . And now unto Messapus mates he came , And found their fires lifting their latest flame , And all their horse at grasse about them ty'd . Then briefly thus sayes Nisus ( for he spi'de Euryalus to too much wrath inclinde , And nought but bloud and slaughter still to minde ) Let 's now surcease , sayes he , for tell-tale day Hastens upon us , and we must away . Enough revenge we now exhausted have , And through our foes our passage purchas'd brave . Much wealth they left behinde , silver and gold , Rich arms , rare bowls , faire carpets to behold . Euryalus had from king Rhamnes ta'ne Rich gold-bost trappings , when he had him slain , And golden girts , which wealthie Caedicus At the league linking , sent to Remulus , As friendly gifts ; and which he dying gave Unto his nephew , after death to have : But he being dead , the Rutuls got that prey In warre : Euryalus took these away , And , but in vain , upon his shoulders strong With courage brave bare them with him along ; Messapus handsome helm , with comely crest , Fitting him well , he wore . Thus then addrest , They past the camp , and on securely went. Meanwhile a troop of horse , which forth were sent Out of Latinus town , whiles all the rest Of th' armed bands stayd in the camp addrest , Past on unto king Turnus , to declare The message sent : three hundred men there were , All bravely arm'd , Volscens their Generall . Who now drew neare the camp approacht the wall , When those farre off did both those two perceive , Hastily them on the left hand to leave : And young Euryalus his helmet gay By the nights glimmering light did them betray . He most unmindefull of the glist'ring brightnesse , The helmet did reflect against least lightnesse . VVhich fairely seen , Volscens aloud did say ; Stay , masters , stay , why passe ye on this way ? VVhy are ye arm'd ? and whither are ye bound ? They answered nought , but swift away they wound , And scud into the wood , hoping dark night VVould them advantage , thus to scape by flight . The horsemen 'bout known-turning paths do lie , And here and there each passage fortifie VVith a strong guard . The wood was wide , o're-grown , Full of great oaks and prickly bushes known , And scratching briers and brambles : and thereby VVayes were shut up , and paths most hard to spie , And shade of trees and heavy weight of spoiles Molest Euryalus with tedious toiles , And ignorance o' th' way did him delude . But Nisus got away , his foes eschew'd , And unadvised had escapt that place , ( Not thinking on Euryalus his case ) Which afterward was call'd from Alba faire , Albanus , where king Latines stables rare Were situated . Nisus here made stay , And ( but in vain ) finding his friend away , O where ( sayes he ) Euryalus , have I , Unhappie I , thee left in miserie ? O whither should I go to follow thee ? Straight hereupon , away he back doth flee Through those perplexed paths , pries all about The crooked woods false creeks and nooks throughout : Observes each passage as he backward goes , And through thick thickets , where no way he knows . Horses he heares , he heares a noise at last , And signes of some at heels him following fast . Nor was it long ere clamours came to 's eares , Nor ere Euryalus poore case appeares ; VVhom all the band ( through errour of the place , And darksome night , and coming-on apace ▪ Of th' enemie swiftly and suddenly ) Had now surpriz'd , yet fighting valiantly . And what should he do now ? what strength expresse ? What force to free the young man from distresse ? VVhat ? should he dying rush i' th' midst of 's foes ? By honour'd death make haste his life to lose ? Advancing straight his arm , shaking his lance , Thus to the Moon he did his votes advance ; Faire Goddesse , thou , thou seest our present woe , Help us this danger great to undergo ; O thou starres state , woods warder , daughter faire Of Titan bright ! if on thine altars rare My father Hyrtacus did e're for me Presents present ; if I my self to thee In hunting have augmented thine oblations , And on thy scutchion hung due adornations , Great gracefull gifts on sacred posts made fast : Grant then , I pray , I may ( at least ) at last Vex and perplex this troop most turbulent , Do thou my darts direct to that intent . Thus having said and pray'd , with all his might He cast a dart , which pierc'd black shades of night , And flying , lighted on and brake in twain Great Solmons targe , piercing with mortall pain His vitall part , his heart , he 's overthrown , And with a deep ▪ and heart-string-breaking groan Disgorg'd a floud of luke-warm bloud , and straight He waxed cold , because inanimate . The souldiers diverse wayes do look about , And see a fiercer then the first flie out : For he by 's eare levell'd another dart ; Which , whiles they troubled stood , with fatall smart Whistlingly flying , Tagus temples twain Did penetrate , and stuck fast in his brain . Volscens hereat grew violent and mad , Not knowing th' author of these facts so bad , Nor upon whom deserv'd revenge to take . But as for thee ( sayes he ) I 'le surely make Thy bloud requite the death of both my friends : Thus at Euryalus his sword he bends . Straight noble Nisus thereat much molested , In rage cries out ( seeing his friend infested , Himself not willing longer now to hide , Or so great sorrow in his friend to ' bide ) 'T was I , Rutulians , I that did the deed : Here , here I am , against me , me proceed , And set your swords on me , revenge to take , My hand and heart did all this mischief make : He durst not do this deed , alas not he , Nor could he do it ( by these heavens you see , And testifying starres , I truth protest ) Onely his love he hath too much exprest Unto his friend , me his unhappy friend . These words he spake , but they their swords do bend With utmost force against Euryalus : And through his sides vvith rancour venomous They pierce his heart , and he falls down stark dead : Whose hearts gore-bloud doth all his parts o'respread . His neck between his shoulders doubled lay : Even as the plow , to make his furrowed way , Cuts down a violet faire , which withering dies ; Or like tall poppy , which by showres from skies O're-laid , from its weak neck hangs down the head . But Nisus nobly shaking off all dread , Burst into thickest foes , and singles out , From all the rest , their leader Volscens stout . With whom alone he would the combate trie : About both whom the totall troop doth flie , And neare at hand , still Nisus they molest , Who nimbly still stomack and strength exprest : And bravely whiskt about his bloudy blade , Till this Rutulian crying loud , dismayd , He sheath'd his sword in 's mouth , thrust down his throat , And made his soule sing a harsh dying note . Himself being wounded mortally also , O're his friends body he himself did throw , And so at last in pleasing rest expir'd , Both fortunate , both in their love admir'd . If my poore layes their praise could dignifie , No age should e're blot out their memorie , As long as brave Aeneas kin remain , And Rome her Capitol shall firm sustain , And Romanes o're the world have emperie ; So long my lines their loves should magnifie . The sad Rutulians with their spoiles and prey , ( Though ●onquerours ) unto their camp convay Their Volscens slain , with many a weeping eye , And for king Rhamnes fatall destinie , And for Serranus and stout Numa slain , As they the first assault did well maintain : A mightie confluence of people came About the corps , flocking to see the same , To see their half-dead friends , the bloudy place , And streams of foamy gore flowing apace . They know the spoiles , Messapus helmet bright , The trappings faire re-gain'd with sweaty fight . And now Aurora rare relinquished Her earthly Tithons saffron-colour'd bed , And with fresh light the earth had garnisht gay , And Sol , now up ▪ all hid things did display . Turnus compleatly arm'd , his men i●cites To arms , and to fierce skirmishes invites . Each souldier calls his mate , and various words Of those last facts whet both their hearts and swords . The heads besides ( a woefull sight to see ) Of Nisus and Euryalus fastned be To th' tops of two tall poles , and carried high With mighty clamours of the armies crie . The Trojans indefatigabely stand , And on the citie-walls to the left hand They bend their armed bands ( for on the right The river running hedg'd them in with might ) The ditches they defend , and on high towers In mournfull manner stood their Martiall powers , Before their eyes the mens two-heads being plac'd , ( Sorrows too well known signes ) both much defac'd With filth and bloud . Meanwhile doth winged fame Throughout the trembling town divulge the same , And to the mother of Euryalus Relates these things : she most calamitous Straight fell into cold sweats and shivering feares , Let fall her wheel and spindle , le ts fall teares , And woefully flies out , cries out apace With womanish loud screeks , in piteous case Tearing her haire , and frantickly ascending The citie-walls , her hastie courses bending To the first watch , regardlesse of whats'ere , She neither men , nor darts , nor death doth feare . But thus she fills the heavens with plaints and cries ; On thee , Euryalus , cast I mine eyes ? And art thou he should'st be the staffe and stay Of mine old age ? and could'st thou run away , ( Hard-hearted boy ) and leave me all alone ? Might not thy woefull mother first have known Thy parting hence , and ta'ne last sad farewell , Before such bitter dangers thee befell ? Alas ! thou unknown land , alas for thee , That thou a prey to birds and beasts shouldst be : I brought thee not to this sad funerall , Nor shed salt teares to rensh thy corps withall , Thy body in pure linen cloaths to lay , Which thriftily I wrought on night and day , My aged dayes and cares to passe away . Whither , deare sonne , shall I now follow thee ? Tell me where thy dismembred members be . Where are thy parted parts , thy joynts disjoyn'd ? Where , in what land may I thee buried finde ? Bring'st thou ( my sonne ) this woefull news to me ? Have I for this , through sea , land , followed thee ? You rough Rutulians , if least love you have , Least pity you possesse , on me , I crave , On me , I pray you , showre out all your darts : Let all your swords end all my living smarts . Or else do thou , great Iove , now stand my friend , And vvith thy stroke , my hatefull life now end , Since I no otherwise can end these vvoes . From her great grief , o're all the camp arose An universall sorrow , loud lament , Their former courage now seems dull and spent . As thus her sorrows did incense their grief , Actor , Idae●s , two brave Trojans chief , Advis'd thereto by vvise Ilioneus , And sorely vveeping young Ascanius , Took her up straight , and in their arms her bare Into the house , and there of her took care . But now brasse trumpets sounded shrill alarms , Cries flie to th' skies , and blustering stirre to arms , The Volscians close their shields together knit , To hide their heads ; and hastily them fit To fill the dikes , the trenches down to teare : For passage , some to th' vvalls their ladders reare , On that side vvhere the armie vvas not great , And vvhere their troops vvere thin , and not compleat . The nimble Trojans , on the other side , Accustom'd long besieged br●nts to ' bide , Do all their engines and their arms retort , And vvith strong pikes thrust them from vvalls and fort . And vvith huge ponderous stones tumble them back , Thus , if they might , their pendhouse shields to crack , And break in sunder , they now having tride All hazards , under their thick shields to ' bide . But all too vveak : for vvhere most heaps collected , The Trojans there a poudering pile dejected : Which rouling , rumbling down , with vvondrous waight , Did beat and batter the Rutulians straight , Their targets tou●h and strong unbound and brake ; Forcing Rutulians ( maugre former crake ) To feare , forbeare sight under blind-fold shields : And leaving stratagems , i' th' open fields , With vvingy shafts , they now vvith courage stout Contend , and from their trench to beat them out . On one side , proud Mezentius , vvith fierce look , His huge Etruscan flaming pine-lance shook : On th' other side , Messapus , rider rare , VVhose royall race sprang from great Neptune faire , Brake into th'trench , for scaling ladders calls , To keep his hold , and to ascend the vvalls . O see faire Nine , Calliope , I pray , Grace with your gracefull aid my warbled lay , That ● may sing and shew what slaughters great , What grave heaps Turnus made in Martiall heat , What soules he sent to hell : help me , I pray , These mightie battells issues to display . For ye , faire ladies , can them promptly tell , And ye have power to expresse them well . There was a skie-topt fort , with scaffolds high , And situated adventagiously , Which the Italians with their utmost strength Assaulted fiercely , to o'rethrow at length ; And which the Trojans on the other side , With thrown-down stones to safeguard did provide , And through the loop-holes shooted showres of darts . But Turnus chiefly , and his Martiall hearts , Fierce fire-balls threw , which 'gainst the walls did stick , And help'd with windes , burnt up the boards most quick , And on the weather-beaten posts took hold . The troubled Trojans hearts vvithin vvaxt cold , And fain they vvould these pressing ills have fled , But savv in vain they all endeavoured . They drew up then in heaps , retreating straight , Whereas no fire was flung ; then with huge weight The thus assaulted fort praecipitate , Came tumbling down with thundring noise to th' skie , In whose fierce fall with extream miserie Men were dasht down half dead , unto the ground , And their own weapons did themselves confound , And wooden splinters did them pierce and vvound : Helenor onely and Lycus likevvise Did hardly scape , and from that mischief rise ; Helenors yeares him eldership allot , King Maeons sonne , upon his maid begot , And by her nurs'd in secret ; after , sent To Troy to th' warres , without allow'd consent : He scapt ( I say ) with 's naked sword , most poore , And on his arm a shield ignobly bore . Who when he saw himself surrounded quite With Turnus troops and Latine bands , in bright And glistring arms , on both sides spread about : Like a wilde-beast , whom huntsmen with great shout Do hedge in round , seeing himself beset , Against their tools and toils doth rage and fret , And on expected death doth rudely lip , And desp'rately on snares and grins doth skip : So this ( now ) lustie lad , fearelesse to die , Into the midst of 's foes doth fiercely flie ; Even where he saw their swords and shields most thick . But Lycus being of foot more light and quick , Betook him to his heels , through thickest bands Fled to the walls , strove there with feet and hands To clamber up , hopefull of help from 's friends : Whom Turnus following , at him fiercely bends A deadly dart : and like a conquerour stout With these like chafing terms to him cries out ; Thou frantick fool , think'st thou our hands to flee ? Supposest thou from us secure to be ? And with those words ( as he did upward crawl ) He pull'd him down , and with him , part o th' wall : Much like an eagle preying on a hare , Or some white swan rising up into th' aire , Fiercely pull'd down by th' eagles tallons strong : Or like a rav'ning wolf , whose chaps do long To lick the bloud of the poore bleating lambe , And therefore in the stall pulls him from 's damme . From all parts clamours rise , assaults are made , With rubbish heaps the dikes are levell laid . Fierce flaming brands to houses tops are cast . But as Leucetius to the gates came fast . To fire the same , Troyes Ilioneus brave With a huge stone a deadly pelt him gave : When valiantly Liger Emathion slew : Asylas made death Chorineus due ; The one at darts , th' other at shafts excell'd : Caeneus stout by death Ortygius quel'd : Turnus , the victour Caeneui did slay ; Clonius and Itys he with death did pay : Dioxippus and Promulus most stout , And Sagaris and Ida holding out Worthilie on the wall : but Capys brave Privernus kill'd : and him Themilla gave A light wound with his lance , who instantly Threw his shield from him , and most foolishly Claps his hand on the wound ; whereat most fierce A winged shaft his left-side ribs did pierce , And nail'd his hand unto his wounded side , And bor'd his breathing lights , wherewith he dy'd . Brave Arcens sonne stood there in battell ray , Clad in a coat of needle-work most gay , Of a dark Spanish-purple colour rare , Himself of lovely look and countnance faire : Whom Arcens , his great sire , to warres had sent , Bred up in Mars his grove , neare the current Of Sym●ths floud , where is the altar faire , And full of presents , of Palicus rare . Mezentius bold , his lance being laid aside , A whisling sling up took , with Martiall pride , And swung it thrice most fiercely 'bout his head : The leaden bullet , as it swiftly fled , Melted i' th' aire , and dasht him on the pate , And dead , upon the sands laid him prostrate . Ascanius then for his first enterprise , Is said to fling a shaft in Martiall wise , Who formerly wilde-beasts was wont to fright , Wherewith Numanus he did deadly smite , Who was surnamed Remulus : this same , Turnus his younger sister , a faire dame , Did lately wed : he in the forefront loud Vanting vain and vile things with spirit proud , Unworthie our relation , strook with feare Of kindred new , the kingdomes rule to beare , Went up and down , boasting with haughtie din , As if some princely pers'nage he had bin : Twitting the Trojans thus ; Base cowards all , Shame ye not to sit mew'd up in a wall ? To be immur'd in trenches now again , Twice captiv'd Phrygians ? think ye ( but in vain ) By walls to scape from death ? I pray behold , What gallant lads are these , that dare be bold By warres to get our wives ! what destinie ? What madnesse great drave you to Italie ? Here are not Greeks Atrides tired rout , No false Vlysses tongues to feigne and flout . We are a people tough from rough stocks stemme : Our children at the first we make to swimme In frozen flouds , and harden them thereby : Our boyes are bred to rare activitie ; In hunting beasts , and them i' th' woods to tire , To ride great horse , is sport which they desire ; And horny darts to cast they much affect . But constant at their work without neglect , Small wealth our youth contents ; and either they With rakes and plowes do make the ground obey Their thriftie wills , or towns with warre suppresse . Thus every age doth it to steel addresse : Yea even in peace our speares we hold in hand , Working our cattell plowing up our land : Nor does weak old-age weaken our stout mindes , Make valour vanish : but each gray-haires bindes His helm unto his head , fresh spoiles and prey With sword and shield daily to beare away . But as for you , your cloathsare rich and rare , Of purple hues , embroidered all most faire , Signes of your lazie mindes ▪ and your delights In wanton dancings are , fond carpet-knights : In jackets short , with sleeves most delicate , And hairelace , bongrace , most effeminate . Fond Phrygian females ( masculines y' are none ) Gad to your Dindyms high hills every one , Whereas your various-vain pipes sounds do call You to your wonted wanton dancings all : Your Idaean mother , Berecynthia faire , To make you sport , doth taber and pipe prepare : Let arms alone to men , touch not steel-swords . Him vaunting thus with bold and bitter words Ascanius brave no longer could forbeare , But he his horse-hide bow straight up doth reare , His shaft set ready : and his arms stretcht out , To Iupiter he prayes with courage stout ; All-potent Iove , my bold beginnings aid , And on thine altar shall vow'd gifts be paid ; A faire fat bull with gilded horns most high , And a young calf like his damme , lustily Bearing his head , whose pace makes dust to flie . Iove heard from heaven , and from a skie most cleare Ascanius did a prosperous thunder heare . Whose bow therewith set ready at full bent , A deadly arrow fiercely forth he sent : The whistling shaft through th' aire took nimble flight , And on proud Remulus his pate did light , Piercing his brains : Go ( sayes the young prince stout ) Go on , true vertue with vain brags to flout . Twice-captiv'd Phrygians send Rutulians thus This answer . Thus did brave Ascanius . The Trojans with loud cries second the same , Fiercely flie on , spurr'd with affected fame . As then it hapt , Apollo sagely sitting Upon a cloud i' th' open aire befitting , Beheld th' Italian troops and Trojan town , And thus t' Iülus said , to 's high renown ; Go on , brave spark , rare vertues to augment , Thus fame shall raise thee to heavens firmament : Faire sonne , and future sire of Gods most great , All following bloudie broiles most boistrous heat , Shall by the fates most due decree decrease Under great Dardans line , and end in peace : Troy can thee not contain . And this being said , Down from the skies his way he smoothly made : And doffing all aire-puffing vapours quite , He kindely came into Ascanius sight , And on him took old Butes shape and face , ( He heretofore enjoy'd the honour'd place Of Troyes Anchises page , and guardian just Of temple rites ) and as a mate of trust The aged sire Ascanius sociates . In every thing Apollo imitates An old-man right , as he along did go , In count'nance , colour , and gray locks also , In ratling Martiall armour drest ; and thus And thus he spake t'enflam'd Ascanius ; Let it suffice thee , brave Aeneas sonne , What thou hast freely on Numanus done ; He slain , thou safe : now then for thy first praise , Apollo great doth crown thee with due bayes , And envies not thy imitating arms ; Yet wills thee , warre forbeare , from future harms . Thus spake Apollo ; having spoke , departed , And from mans fight into th'cleare aire he darted . The Trojan peeres knew him a God to be , When they his arms divine and shafts did see In 's ratling quiver , as he flew away . Wherefore Apollo's words and will t' obey , Ascanius , fierce to fight , they all restrain , And to th' encounter they return again , Trusting their lives in dangers imminent . A mightie clamour through their trenches went , They bend their trustie bows , fierce arrows flie , And thick upon the ground they strewed lie : And shields and hollow helms make clanging sound With clattering shafts , whose blows from them rebound . And now fierce fight begins , like mightie showres Which boedean Western starres upon earth poures , And thick as clouds of hail , quick ratling down , When Iupiter with winter storms doth frown , And with a thunder-clap the clouds doth pierce . Even so the Trojans showre out shafts most fierce ; Bitias and Pandarus , whom Hiera faire A wood nymph , to Idaean Alcnor bare , In Ioves great grove , two brethren strong and stout , As tall as trees ; as mounts , hard to hold out . These two were set the gate to guard , set ope , And both well arm'd , they voluntarily Their foes with them t' encounter did defie . They on the right and left hand stoutly stood , In stead of two great bulwarks strong and good , Arm'd with their swords and glistring helms on head , Like two most mightie oaks with boughs o'respread ▪ Whose unlopt tops ascend up into th' aire , About moist Padus banks , Athesis faire . No sooner saw Rutulians open way , But rashly they rush in without delay . Querceus and faire Equicolus , all arm'd , Tmarus , stout Haemon , but all sorely harm'd , Headlong they haste with all their troops and strength : But either were all beaten back , at length , Or at the gate did gasp their latest breath , And , maugre all their might , were prest to death . And as their rage increast , so Trojans stout Did valiantly assemble thereabout , And bravely skirmish , and adventure farre : And as elsewhere stout Turnus hot did warre , Fretting , affrighting them , news was him brought , That with fresh slaughters Trojan foes were fraught , And flesht , and had their gate set ope to fight . Hereat his work in hand forsaking quite , Enflam'd with quenchlesse rage , he thither flies , And to the Trojan open gate he hies , And those proud brethren both but first of all ( For he first met him ) Antiphates tall , Born of a Thebane dame , but the base sonne Of great Sarpedon , on whom he did run , And smote him with his dart , th' Italian horn Whistling through th' aire , pierc'd through his corps forlorn : Whose hollow wound vented much black gore-bloud , And in his heart the warm dart fixed stood . Then Meropes and Erymantha strong , Aphidnus stout , by death he laid along ▪ Bitias , with frightfull face and fretfull heart , He then did make to taste deaths direfull smart , Not with a sha●t ( a shaft could him not kill ) But with a mightie dart , thrown with strong skill ; Which stuft with wilde-fire , flew like lightning fierce , And through two tough buls hides would stiffely pierce , And penetrate double steel-folds , in shields , Though lin'd with gold : herewith to death he yeelds . His mightie members ruinated fall , And make the earth to tremble therewithall , And crusht his target with a thundring din : Much like the stony pile , when men begin To build the Baian banks by Cuma's town , Which suddenly all tumbles headlong down : And all the former frame and mightie heap Fal'n plump i' th' sea ▪ makes the waves dance and leap ▪ And thus sunk down i' th' waves , it sticks and stands , Rowls billows up , and cleaves and heaves the sands . The noise whereof Prochyta's●sle ●sle made shake , And all the adjacent huge mounts to quake . Here Mars armipotent pour'd courage great Into the Latines hearts , and Martiall heat ; And fill'd the Trojans mindes with feare and flight . And now they flock together to the fight , And now the God of warre and Martiall spight Reignes in their hearts . But now , when Pandarus Saw his deare brother to be conquer'd thus , How their affaires and fortune ticklish stood ; With all the haste and strugling strength he cu'd , Shoving with 's shoulders , close he locks the gate , And bolts and barres it fast ; and many a mate He thus lockt out , and left to fatall fight : But others he lockt in , safe-guarded quite From rage of foes . But O how mad was he Which could not Turnus fiercely entring see Amongst them clos'd , not with an armie great , But singly shut up in the thronging heat , Like a fierce tiger , feeble flocks to eat ! But suddenly bright light their eyes did cleare , And who he was did speedily appeare By his rough ratling arms , his bloud-red crest , And shield , which bright fire-flaming shines exprest . The Trojans hereat stupifi'de , did know His hatefull face , and limbes that hugely grow . Then great Pandarus unto him drew neare , Vext for the slaughter of his brother deare , Thus to him said ; Nay sir , good sir , I pray , This is no dowre of your queen Amata , Nor do thy native Ardean walls thee close , But here thou seest th' art fenc'd in by thy foes , Imprison'd in their camps and custodie : Whence there 's no hope of re-deliverie . Turnus , with haughtie heart upon him smiling , Sayes , Sir , leave off thy brags and proud reviling ▪ Do thou begin : if any heart thou hast , Thy spight and spirit now declare thou may'st : Here thou shalt tell to thy king Priamus , That thou hast found Achilles valorous . Pandarus hereat took a knottie lance , And with his utmost strength did it advance Against king Turnus ; which winde turn'd aside : ( For from least wounding Iuno did it guide ) And missing him , it stuck fast in the gate . But thou ( sayes Turnus ) shalt not finde the fate To scape the force of my fierce slicing blade : This wound and weapon thou shalt not evade . And herewithall he rais'd his sword on high , And with his sword , himself , and furiously In sunder cut his brain-pan , with the blow , And chops his chaps , where yet no haire did grow . With a huge gash . A noise was rais'd to th' aire , The earth even trembled with the weight it bare . His fal'n-down limbes and arms all-soil'd with bloud , O'respread the ground , besmear'd with brainy mud ▪ And in two equall parts lay his cleft head , This way and that way on each shoulder spread . The trembling Trojans hereat fled for feare : And had this victours vigilance been cleare , T' have broke the barred doores , let in his mates , That day had been the last for fight and fates To Trojans . But rough rage and rash desire Of slaughter , did so set his heart on fire , That he fell on his foes . And first of all , He Phalaris and Gyges forc'd to fall : And gathering up the darts from foes that fell , He did them at their flying backs repell : For ( Iuno did his minde and might augment ) 'Gainst Halys next and Phegeus both he bent His Martiall rage , and those that on the wall Were fighting fierce , not knowing ought at all What he had done below , there dead he laid ; Alcander , Halius , Prytanis , he made Deaths underlings : and whiles that Lynceus stout Did bravely fight , and recollect the rout Of flying mates , and o're the trenches vvent , He him with brandisht sword did soon prevent , And hand to hand fighting , with one fierce blow Cut off his head , and helm and corps laid low : Then valiant Amycus he set upon , A hunter brave , then whom there was not one More fortunate , or of more art and skill , Who us'd wilde-beasts with pois'ned darts to kill . And Clytius and Aeolides he slew , And Cretea , friend unto Parnassus crew ; The Muses mate Cretea , whose delight VVas on rare instruments his layes t' indite , And to his harp melodious songs to sing Of steeds , of warres , and facts of many a king . But when at last the Trojan lord did heare The slaughters great which 'mongst the souldiers were ; Mnesth●us and stout Serestus thither went , And saw their men with frights and feares nigh spent , And yet their foe enclos'd . Straight Mnestheus said ; Sirs , whither flie ye , scud ye , thus afraid ? VVhat better walls or bulwarks would ye have ? VVhat ? shall one single man you thus outbrave ? And even within your citie-walls surrounded , Shall so many by slaughter be confounded Within your town , and he unpunisht go ? Shall he so many choice youths overthrow ? Shame ye not thus extreamly to disgrace Your most unhappie woefull countrey● case ! Your houshold Gods and your Aeneas great ! Do you not blush at such a base retreat ? The Trojans fired with these words , stand fast , And in great heaps conglomerate at last . Turnus thereat shrinks backward by degrees , And to that side retreats , on which he sees The fluent floud to run . The Trojans , they So much the fiercelier force him on that way ; And with great shouts their companies augment . Much like a troop of men , vvho having pent A furious lion , and vvith swords beset , He therewith terrifi'de doth rage and f●e● : Shielding all sharp assaults , he back doth stride , But neither rage nor courage can abide To turn the back and flie , nor yet t' oppose ( Being over-charg'd with troops ) he hardly knows . This though he would and could , yet may 't not be ; Therefore through foes and swords way forceth he : Directly thus doth Turnus back retire , With doubtfull , yet undaunted steps ; with ire His heart is heated : as thus slow he goes , He twice assaults the thickest of his foes : And twice by flight about the walls them frighted : But now from all their tents the troops united , Against whose force not Iuno's self suffic'd : Iove therefore airie Iri● straight advis'd With taunting terms to tell his sister faire , That some should smart , if she took not quick care , To hasten Turnus from the Trojan towers . With targe therefore he could not shield the showers , Nor with his hand resist the Trojans blows , So thick flew shafts about : so hotly grows The fight , that arrows seem him to o'rewhelm , And tinckling tangs make on his hollow helm : And storms of stones his brazen cap so batter , And all his plumy crest so teare and shatter , That all the brazen bosses prove too weak , But that their thick quick blows it bruise and break . The Trojans still their rage ingeminate : With speare and shield Mnestheus do●h fulminate , And all his body o're is on a sweat . Hence Turnus takes no breath from toiles most great ▪ But clammy drops of pichy sweat distill , And all his tired joynts with fainting fill : So that at last himself he headlong throws Into the river ( spight of all his foes ) VVhose flouds him friendly took , and smoothly glide , And set him safe with 's mates on th' other side . An end of the nineth book of Virgils Aeneïds . THE ARGUMENT of the tenth book . The Gods convoke a parliament , 'Bout mans affaires their cares are bent . Rutulians do the fight maintain . Aeneas now returns again Vnto his mates , with ample aid . On both sides fierce assaults are made ▪ In battell Turnus Pallas slayes , And numbers dead about him layes . But Juno snatcheth Turnus thence , Endanger'd by his violence . Aeneas with most Martiall might Doth with Mezentius fiercely fight . Lausus his sonne him rescuing , dies : Mezentius self is slain likewise . MEanwhile olympus day-light doores stand wide , And now great Iove , Gods sire , and mans grave guide , A councel calls in his stelliferous seat . From whence he views vast earth and trenches great Of Trojans , and the lofty Latines rout , As i' th' two-gated hall they sate about . Iove thus begins ; Great Gods , what mean ye so Against your own decrees thus crosse to go ? VVhy strive ye partially against our fates ? I had forbidden Latium all debates Against the Trojans : then , vvhat discontent Is this , thus rais'd 'gainst our commandement ? What fretfull feare does those , or these incense , To use their swords and shields with violence ? A time will come ( you need not call for it ) For just provoked battells farre more fit : When as curst Carthage shall Rome sore infest , And with her Alpean powers her much molest ; Then may your rage rush out , with bloud embrew'd : But now forbeare , and kindely peace conclude . Thus briefly Iove : but golden Venus faire Replies more largely , being full of care . Great fire of mortalls and of Gods supernall , The mightie moderatour , wise , eternall ; ( For , but thy power , what else may more be had ? ) Thou seest how Rutuls rage , Turnus growes mad , Amidst fierce troops of horse made proudly glad In his successefull warre : the Trojans all Scarcely secure in their enclosing wall : Nay even within their walls and trenches strong Their foes fight safely , fiercely on them throng , Making their ditches gore-bloud inundations : Absent Aeneas , of these desolations Utterly ignorant . Ah , shall they ever In strict besiegements restlessely persever ? And must their foes again spoile springing Troy , Another Grecian armie them annoy ? And must a second Diomedes rise Against my Trojans ? Sure ( I think ) thine eyes Behold my wounds : yet I thy heaven-born childe , With mortall battells am still much turmoil'd . But if without thy leave or fates consent To Italie they came , as insolent ; Then let them smart , and strip them of all aid : But if they have the oracles obey'd , VVhich Gods and ghosts unto them oft have given ; VVhy then hath any thus against them striven To crosse thy great decrees ? new fates to finde ? O why should I our fir'd fleet call to minde In Sicils shore ? or how that blustring king Did from Aeolia windes and tempests bring , And painted ladie Iris forc'd from skies ? And now at last she made hells hags to rise , ( For this way onely unattempted stay'd ) And to the heavens Alecto rise she made , VVho on a sudden through all Italie Did madly rage , and rouse up crueltie . I 'm not much mov'd at 's empire : that 's well ta'ne , VVhiles fortune smil'd : Whom thou wilt , let him reigne . But if thy froward wife no land can spare Unto my Trojans ; yet great father faire , By Troyes yet smoaky cinders I thee pray , Grant that my nephew , my Ascanius , may Survive in safety , free from piercing arms : As for Aeneas , let him feel the harms Of unknown tossing waves and billowing seas , And wander where thou wilt , if so thou please : But let me save his sonne from warres dire woes . I have faire cities fit for safe repose , Paphos and Amathus , and Cythera , Idalia faire , thither repaire he may ; There leaving arms , lead an ignoble life : Then may'st thou Carthage cause with Martiall strife To vex all Italie : nought can oppose ( If this may be ) their Carthaginian foes . To what end hath he scapt warres mischiefs past ? Why hath he fled through Grecian flames at last ? Why hath he shun'd so many dangers great , Which lands and swallowing seas did to him threat , Whiles he and his poore Trojans Latium sought , And Pergams walls t' have re-erected thought ? Had it not better been t' have stay'd in Troy , And seen their countreys burning , last annoy ? Sweet fire , let me thee for my Trojans pray , That they to Xanthus streams , and Simois may Return again : revert , I thee Intreat , To Trojans poore their toils and travells great . Hereat queen Iuno grew most passionate , And unto Venus thus she burst out straight ; Why from deep silence do you me constrain , And force me my hid griefs rip up again ? Did any , either God or man , compell Your sonne Aeneas unto battells fell ? Or for to make king Latine thus his foe ? The fates ( you say ) to Latium forc'd you go : VVell , be it so ; yet I say otherwise , Cassandra forc'd him with mad fooleries . And yet did we him from his tents entice ? Endanger'd he his life through our advise , By windes , at sea ? did we his sonne incite Fierce warre to wage , or on town-walls to fight ? To make a league with adverse Tuscanes stout , Or peacefull nations , thus with warres burst out ? VVhat God enforc'd this fraud ? what did our might ? VVhere now was Iuno ? Iris cloudie flight ? You say 't is pitie Italie should fire Your Trojan town , which did new life acquire ; That Turnus should his native land maintain , Where 's granfather Pilumnus once did reigne ▪ And where his mother , faire Venilia The Goddesse , dwelt . And why is 't not , I pray , As great a pity that with bloudy broile Your Trojans should infest our Latines soile ? To plow in others fields , to catch the prey ? From mothers bosomes thus to steal a way Betrothed virgins , wives by force t' obtain ? Pray peace , by legates , yet warres prae-ordain ? You could Aeneas from Greeks arms protect , Put for a man. a cloud ; slight aire inject ; And to so many nymphs transform your fleet : Yet must it be supposed most unmeet For ours also your way , their weal to meet ? Your sonne Aeneas , absent , knowes not ought ; Still may he absent be , and still know nought : You have a Paphos and Cythera faire , Why do you not then our fierce people spare ? Whose hearts and homes are big with bloudy broiles , And once spurr'd up will hardly cease from spoiles . Was 't we that first o'return'd Troyes triviall treasure ? Was 't we , or he , that for his lustfull pleasure Brought Greeks to your poore Trojans ? what 's the cause , That Europe , Asia , with warres greedy jaws Devoure each other , marriage-rites being broke By filtching filthie lust ? did I provoke Th' adulterer of Troy the Spartane dame To force with him ? did I incense the flame Of warre with violence and venerie ? Then had it fitter been thus fearefullie Their cases to condole : now 't is too late To use such coyn'd complaints , t' ejaculate Such unjust janglings . Iuno thus reply'd , Whose words the sacred synod did divide In various votes : much like the bustling winde , First puffing in a wood , by boughs confin'd , Makes a close rumbling murmure ; whence , unknown : Whereby fierce following storms are sea-men shown . Iupiter then , who had prime power to speak , From further silence now began to break . Who speaking , all the court of Gods was still : Earth trembled , aire did cease all echoing shrill : Fierce VVestern-windes , rough ocean-waves were laid . Mark well therefore ( sayes he ) what now is said . Since Trojans and Italians may not be VVith links of love , in one made to agree ; Nor any hope we have to end your jarres : What-ever hope or hap ye have in warres , Enjoy the same on both sides : but to me Trojans , Rutulians , both alike shall be : So 't shall be seen , whether by destinie The Trojans get firm ground in Italie ; Or whether by an impious errour led , And sinister conceipts they ventured . I 'le neither Trojans nor Rutulians cleare , For either side shall his own travells beare , And follow his own fortunes , shame or fame : Great Iove their king will be to both the same . The fates will finde a way . This here I vow , By my beloved brothers Stygian slow , By all those pichy flouds and banks most black . VVhereat he beckt , and with a thunder-crack Olympus totall frame extreamly trembled . Here ceast the parle of all the Gods assembled . Then mightie Iove rose from his golden throne , By all the Gods to 's station tended on . Meanwhile the Rutules 'bout the gates were spread , Much men were slain , the walls were oft fired : VVithin theirtrenches Trojan bands were bound , And hard besieg'd : no hope of flight was found : And poorely on their forts in vain they stand , And fence their walls with a thin thrivelesse band . Asius Imbrasius sonne , Thymaetes stout Hictaons sonne , two Trojans stood about ; Two of king Tros his sonnes , and Caster old , The forefront kept , with the two brothers bold Of great Sarpedon ; and Ethimon brave From Lycia land : these them attendance gave . Then Phrygian Acmon , sonne of Clytius great , Brother to Mnestheus , for his Martiall heat Equall to either , with huge might and art Took up a mightie stone , a mounts best part . These strive with stones those to defend with shafts , VVith wilde-fire balls , and bow-mens sinowy drafts . Himself i' th' midst , faire Venus darling deare , Ascanius young , bare-headed did appeare ; ( Much like a precious pearle fast fixt in gold , Gracing ones head or neck , rare to behold : Or as white ivorie in black ebonie , Inlaid by art , glisters resplendentlie ) His milk-white neck with dangling locks o're-spread , Yet wreathed up in folds with golden thred . The noble nations ( Ismarus ) thee saw , VVith poysoned shafts mens hearts-bloud out to draw . Thou peerelesse prince , sprung from faire Lydia's land , Where Pactolus yeelds gold , a fruitfull strand . Mnestheus was also there , whose grace was great , Who from their forts did Turnus lately beat . And Capys from Capua's town took name , They by fierce blows contending thus for fame . Aeneas crost the foamy seas by night . For when he parted from Euanders sight , And to Etruria came , he met the king , And to the king related every thing ; His name and nation , whence and why he came , What strength Mezentius did unto him frame , King Turnus turbulence ; mans fickle state ; To shun delayes , he then doth supplicate . Tarchon conjoynes his powers , firm league doth make ; Then they a forrain captain to them take , Freed from all fault therein , by destinie : And so a ship-board went immediately . Aeneas ships the vantguard led along , The foredecks deckt with Phrygian lions strong : Whose poop with Ida's painted mount was graced , A gratefull guarding signe to Trojans chased . There great Aeneas sate , casting in minde , Warres various events he 's like to finde . Prince Pallas with him sate on his left side , And now night starres he gaz'd , their ships to guide : Thinking what land and sea-toiles he did ' bide . And now set ope ( ye sacred Muses nine ) Sweet Helicons faire fount , with power divine , To raise my layes to sing and shew the might Which in Aeneas aid came now to fight , From faire Etruria bravely armed all , Transported over sea in ships most tall . Prince Massicus in 's golden tiger sails : With him a thousand youths from Clusus dales , And Cosa's confines , skilfull at the bow , Death-wounding shafts to shoot , and darts to throw . Fierce Abas in another vessell went , VVhereon Apollo's figure excellent Glistered with golden rayes . His totall rout VVas full six hundred Martiall souldiers stout , From Populonia their faire native soile : All expert youths , and fit for fight and spoile . From Ilva faire three hundred gallants came , A fertile countrey , mettals strong to frame . Asylas a southsayer the third place had , VVhose divinations , birds and beasts were glad , And starres above , obediently to heare , And rapid lightnings all his votes to cleare . An armie of a thousand thick he led , At lances long and strong experienced . All these from fluent Alphins Pisas came , A Tuscane town , readie to purchase fame : Next whom came on renowned Astur faire , Astur , for riding horses , expert , rare , Arm'd with most curious , various colour'd arms . Three hundred of them ( prompt for fierce alarms ) Bred up in Caerets soil by Minions lands , Old Pyrgus and ill-air'd Gravisca's strands . Nor may I thee omit , great Cycnus strong , VVho bravely thy Ligurians led'st along ; Nor thee , Cupavo , with thy armie small , Whose helmets height was rais'd with swans-plumes ; tall Your love your guilt began , and cognizance . For Cycnus ( as 't is said ) the dire mischance Of his beloved Phaëthon bewailing , Among the poplars and the shades him vailing Of his deare leafie-sisters : as thus he Sate warbling out love-sighing melodie , He turned was into a milk-white swan , Leaving the land and companie of man , And flying up i' th' aire with chattering voice . His sonne in 's ships led troops of equall choice , And forc'd along with oares his centaure great , And thwacks the waves , and seems huge rocks to threat , Furrowing the mightie main with 's vessell strong . VVhom Ocnus followed with an armie strong From 's fathers realm , esteem'd a southsayer wise , VVhose birth from Tuscane river did arise , And Manto faire ; and to his mothers fame The town and towres he Mantua did name ; Mantua mightie in progenitours , But yet not all from lineall ancestours . This nation rul'd three tribes , and under them Foure mightie states made up that diadem : But this was the metropolis of all , From Tuscanes bloud came their originall . And hence Mezentius 'gainst himself did arm ●●ve hundred valiant sparks his pride to charm ; VVhom Mincius Benacs sonne , cloath'd in ripe reeds , In piercing pine-ships through rough seas proceeds , And leads along . Next went Auletes brave , Whose hundred branchie trees so slice each wave , And roule the rising flouds with restlesse roare , As that they boile with foam at rocky shore . Him terrifying Triton strongly bare , Set in 's sea-frighting coerule shelly chaire , Whose upper parts from face unto the breast , Though rough and hairie , yet mans form exprest : From belly downward , a sea-monster foule , Who as he swims with fins , the waves doth roule Under his half-wilde breast , with rumbling roares , And foule slime-foamie billows to the shores . So many peeres in thirtie ships did sail , And plow the liquid soile , for Troyes avail . And now day spent , and night comne on apace , Night-gadding Cynthia with her whitely face Having past half the heavens in chariot faire ; Aeneas ( for he takes no rest for care ) Sitting himself , the helm holds , sails does tend . And as they now i' th' midway onward bend , Behold the troop of sea-nymphs , once ship-mates , To whom faire Berecy●thi● ordinates Seas soveraigntie , of ships , them having made So many nymphs : these swimming to him , stayd ; As many as at shore ( when ships ) did stand , So many know their king , and hand in hand About them dancing swimme : of all which train , Cymodocea , ablest to explain And speak their mindes , coming behinde them all , With her right hand holds fast the ship most tall I' th' poop thereof , raising herself up●ight , With her left hand fleering her passage s●ight . Thus to him then unknown the sea-nymph spake ; Faire Goddesse sonne , Aeneas , art th'awake ? Awake then still , slacken thy ropes to sails , Give way to winde , enjoy these goodly gales . We once were sacred Ida's pine-trees faire , But now to nymphs we metamorphiz'd are : We were thy fleet , till thy perfidious foe , Rutulian rough , sought us to overthrow With fire and sword ; whereat ( though 'gainst our minde ) We brake our bonds , our safety so to finde ; And now thus through the sea we thee have sought : Thy tender mother on us this form wrought , And made us ( thus ) sea-nymphs , to spend our dayes Amongst the rocks in Neptunes watery wayes . As for thy childe Ascanius , he is well , And safe immur'd , i' th' town and trench doth dwell ' Midst deadly darts and Martiall Latines stout . Th' Arcadian troop of horsemen stirres not out From station set . One half of Turnus bands ( Lest to the town they power unite ) now stands Firmly resolv'd thee herein to prevent . Arise therefore , in haste thy mates convent , And set in battell-ray before sun-rise ; Thy all-proof target take to thee likewise , VVhich the ignipotent black Vulcan gave , Impenetrable , edg'd with gold most brave : For this next morning ( if thou trust for true VVhat now I say ) shall see thee to embrew Thy sword in bloud of thick Rutulians slain . Thus having said , she shov'd with might and main His mightie ship , at her departure thence , In her known way , which with fierce violence Flew through the floud , more swift than shaft from bow , Or nimble dart , equalling windes that blow . And therewithall the ships fast after flie : This fact did Troyes Aeneas stupifie : The omen yet his heart exhilarates . Thus then to th' heavens he briefly supplicates ; Faire Ida's mother of Gods , to whom poore Troy To save and shield is thy delight and joy ; Who towns and towres , and lions fierce and strong Dost make to yeeld to yokes ; to thee belong The praises of my facts , of this great fight ; Order this augure prosperously aright ; Stand to thy Trojans with auspicious aid , Faire Goddesse , I thee pray . This having said , Meanwhile day light began now to wax cleare , And night quite banisht , all did bright appeare . First he his mates commands warres signes to watch , And to their harnesse strong their hearts to match , To fit them for the fight . And now he had His Trojans and their camp in 's sight , most glad , Standing aloof in 's ship : whereat he rais'd With his left hand his shield , which brightly blaz'd . The Trojans from their walls , who this did spie , Do raise a clamour echoing to the skie : Hope kindlesse courage , darts i' th' aire they fling , Like Thracian cranes descending with strong wing From the high clouds , all soaring in a train With cackling noise , fierce tempests to refrain . But to the Rutuls king , Italian state , These wonders seem , and them exanimate ; Untill at last to sea they cast their eye , And see the ships fast to the shore to hie ; And with tall barks the sea all-over spread , And burning crests and helm upon his head , The golden bosses belching flames of fire : Much l●ke i' th' dewy night a comet dire Of hurtfull bloud-red hue ; or dog-starres heat , Which drought and sicknesse sore to men doth threat , And makes the skie to lowre , and dimmes the light . But none of these stout Turnus heart could fright . But he must first the shore anticipate , And these his foes from landing profligate . Whereto he cheeres the hearts , he chides the stayes Of all his troops , and freely thus he sayes ; What ye your selves desir'd , now here ye have : Now use your hands therefore with courage brave ; For Mars himself the prey puts in your hands , Remember now your vvives , your goods , your lands . The famous facts of ancestours recount , And praises due ; let yours now theirs surmount , And let us freely them at shore assail , Before they land , now whiles their hearts them fail . Fortune befriends bold spirits . These words he spake , And vvhom with him to lead , great care doth take , His sea-foes to invade , to vvhom to leave The hedg'd-in town , their hopes thus to deceive . Meanwhile Aeneas , vvith ship-bridges faire , To land his souldiers takes all speedie care : But many stay'd till calm seas flouds did flow ; Some leapt on studs and stakes , thus out to go Upon their oares ; some to the shore make haste . Great Tarchon up and down the sea-banks trac'd , To see if he could spie fit place to land , Secure from shallow shelves , or swallowing sand . And vvhere no rigid surges did appeare , But a smooth sea vvith swelling flouds made cleare , A harmlesse passage , there he suddenly Winding his ship , thus to his mates did crie ; Now noble youths , plie close your slicing oares , Beare up your barks , cut through these adverse shores , And let our ship plow furrows deep in sand , And break my bark , so we may gain the land . Tarchon thus having said , his ma●es with oares , Through frothy seas , their ships to Latine shores Do bravely bring , so that their noses kisse Drie-land : and all secure , their aims none misse , Except thy ship , great Tarchon , which neare land , Was so assail'd with stubborn shelves and sand , As that it wavering both wayes , deep stuck fast , And strugling long , in pieces split at last , Exposing all his men unto the waves : VVhereat each one himself on splinters saves , Pieces of oares , and planks , and floating boards , VVhich safe assistance unto them affords : But oft the flowing streams their heels did trip , Yet thus at last they safe on land do skip . But all this while T●rnus●uns ●uns off delayes , His totall troops 'gainst Trojans he arayes , At shore them to assail the trumpets sound : And now Aeneas firmly set on ground , Himself first set upon the rurall bands , And for first hansell , with his valiant hands Slaughters the Latines , Ther●n bold being slain , VVho stoutly durst a bickering short maintain Against Aeneas , whom he quickly foil'd , And through's gilt arms with his heart-bloud him foil'd ▪ Lucas likewise he flew ; who when a childe , Was cut out of the wombe of 's mother milde , Whereof she dy'd ; though to thee , P●oebus faire , He , yet a young man , consecrated were , Yet could not scape this princes ●licing blade : Hard by he Cysseus also slaughtered laid , And mightie Gyas , who with clubs did fight , But both he slew ; Alcides arms too slight Did prove , to save their lives , their hands too weak , And sire Melampus , though he bold did break Through hazards great , being Hercules his mate ▪ And Pharon , as he fondly much did prate , He through his gaping throat pierc'd with a dart . And thou stout Cydon tasted hadst deaths smart , Whiles thou faire Clytius , with young douny chin Unfortunately followedst , him to win To new , but nought delights of love unchaste , This Trojan prince had made thee death to taste , Foulely affecting love of youths impure , And thou hadst been deaths woefull subject sure , Had not a troop of armed brothers stout , All sonnes of Phorcus , met him in the rout , Being seven in number , who seven darts did throw , But to no end , which partly clattered so Upon his shield and helmet back rebounding , And Venus partly from his corps least wounding Putting them off . Aeneas herewithall Unto his kinde Achates thus did call ; Bring me those darts ( for none in vain he threw At the Rutulians ) which proud Grecians slew In Trojan fields . Then a great speare he took , Which darted , flew ; and flying , fiercely strook ; And penetrating Maeons brazen shield , Through corps and corslet , he to death did yeeld . Whose brother Alcanor unto him hies , And held him up as he thus falling dies : Whose arm that stayd him pierced was also , The bloudy speare through's brauny arm did go , And 's right hand dangling did his deaths wound show . Numitor then pulls out the deadly dart From 's brothers bodie , and with wrathfull heart Retorted it at Troyes Aeneas brave : But there it could not the least entrance have ; And yet it wounded his Achates thigh . Here Lausus , full of juvenility , And bold , there by with troops attended came , And throws at Dryopes vvith Martiall flame , Standing aloof , a deadly vvounding lance , Which underneath his chin did fiercely glance , And pierce his throat , snatching thence voice and soule : Whose face fell first to ground in 's gore most foule . Three Thracians more , of utmost Northern race , And three of Ida's sonnes and Ismar's place , By diverse deaths he furiously did slay . Thither Halesus came in battell-ray With his Auruncian bands : and thither came Messapus bold , sprung from great Neptunes name , Famous for riding horse : All close contend , Now these , then those , each other to offend , I' th' edge of Italie . Like two fierce vvindes I' th' open aire , contending in their kindes , With crosse contrarious blasts in equall might , And neither they , nor clouds , nor sea in sight Yeeld to each other , doubtfull , long they jarre , And stiffely , crossely , all maintain the warre : Thus Trojan troops and Latine bands contend , Thus foot to foot , thus hand to hand , they bend Their furious force . But on another part , Where pebble-stones lay all abroad most smart , Roul'd up by vvaves , and boughs and bushes thick About the banks , most apt their feet to prick , And so unfit for horsemen there to fight , And such th' Arcadians were , not footmen light , Who to foot-battells unaccustomed , They to the Latines turn'd their backs and fled . Which Pallas spying ( th' onely staffe in straits ) He cries to them ; some prayes , and some he rates With bitter words , their hearts to re-incite , Saying , Sirs , what mean ye ? whither take ye flight ? Now by your selves , and by your valiant acts , By your commanders great Euanders facts , And conquering name and fame , and my hopes great , Which emulates our countreys praise compleat ; I you adjure , trust not base flying feet , But break through thickest troops your foes to meet , And with your swords assail them : for this way Your countrey wills us all our parts to play . No angry Gods , but mortall foes you force , VVe have as many hands and hearts to course And chase our foes ; behold the seas also , VVhose waves so block us up and 'bout us flow , That there 's no hope by land away to flie , And will ye back to Troy by sea now hie ? And with these words , himselfi'th ' midst of all Doth on the thickest ranks of Rutuls fall ; VVhom Lagus first by fate unhappie meets , VVhom as a mightie stone he pull'd , he greets VVith deadly dart , which ribs and back did pierce , VVhich sticking in the bones , he pulls out fierce . But over him he did not Hisbon slay , Yet this he hop't t' have done without delay : For as he rusht and rag'd , regardlesse quite Of his mates death , him Pallas deep did smite , And sheath'd his sword in 's heart , and life forth drew , Thus Helen●s , Anchemolus , he slew , From Rhoetus ancient offspring sprung ; who durst Defile his step-dames bed with most accurst Incestuous lust . You Rutuls twins most stout , Daucius two sonnes , vvho valiantly had fought , Both you he slew , Tymber and Larides , So like by birth they were , that 'twixt both these , None , even their parents could no difference see , Nor by their persons sweet deceived be : But Pallas 'twixt them made a difference great , Even 'twixt you both : for in his Martiall heat His sword cut off thy head , O Tymber faire , And thy right hand par'd off , Larides rare , Whose half-dead hand , sprawling , his sword le ts go . Th' Arcadians , vvho but late retyred , so With Pallas vvords and vvorthie deeds spurr'd on , Now rage and shame arms them to set upon Their fiercest foes . Then Pallas prosecutes , And Rhoeteus swiftly flying executes . Like tariance and delay he Ilus sent : For as at Ilus he his strong speare bent , It Rhoeteus intercepts and slayes by th' vvay : And there faire Teuthra , flying , it doth slay ; And 's brother Tyres who from chariot reels , And being half dead beats the ground vvith's heels . And as the shepherd , vvhen vvisht vvindes do ●low In summer , does i' th' woods his fires bestow , Which by their nearenesse fire do quickly take , And o're the fields a vast combustion make : And vvhiles thus Vulcans armie spreads about , He like a victour glad , at flames doth flout : Thus all their mates their powers in one unite , Which sight to see , thee , Pallas , did delight . But Martiall Halesus all foes defies , And with his shield 'gainst them his power applies . And Ladon soon he slayes , and Phaeretus , Demodocus ; and of Strymon●us , With his bright blade , he cut off the right hand , Threatning Halesus throat ; nor still doth stand , But Thoas brains he dasht out with a stone , And mixt together bloud and brains and bone . Halesus father his sonnes fate foresaw , Him therefore to a wood he did withdraw : But when old-age his life for death did fit , Th' impartiall Parcae from their hands commit Him to Euanders darts : whom Pallas thus Assails ; but first thus prayes ; Grant now to us , Grave father Tyber , that this dart I throw , May finde good fortune , and the right way go , Through haughtie Halesus obdurate breast : So shall thy aged oak be deckt and drest With this mans arms and spoils . The God did heare ; And whiles Halesus hop't away to beare Imaons spoils , a strong Arcadian dart Through 's open breast pierct his unhapppie heart . But lusty Lausus did least feare disdain , At slaughter of so rare a prince , thus slain , A prime part of the warre ; nor would admit His Rutuls to be thereat dampt a whit . For first confronting Abas strong he slayes , The bolt and barre of these most furious frayes . Down fall Arcadians , down Etrurians fall , And Trojans thick which scap't from Grecian thrall . Both armies meet , captains and souldiers fight With equall force , the reeres with utmost might Presse forward , making their approach so thick , That the whole armie seems stone-still to stick , Without least motion . Pallas hereupon His souldiers urgeth and inciteth on . Here Lausus laboureth on the other side , Neither much different in their youthfull pride , Both bravely beautifull ; but both gain-said Into their countrey to make retrograde , And hereunto Iove would not condescend , That they in single duell should contend : But for a greater foe their fate now waits . Meanwhile Iuturna moves and instigates Her brother Turnus , Lausus straight to aid . Who in a wingy-chariot swiftly made Through thickest of their troops : and when he saw Both Time , and 's Martiall mates from fight withdraw , I ( sayes he ) I alone must Pallas finde , To me alone I see his death assign'd . I wish his father now spectatour were . And hereupon his mates the field forbeare , Being charged thereunto . The princely spark , As he the captains pride and power did mark In 's Rutuls quick withdrawing , stood amaz'd , And ●tupifi'de , on Turnus stature gaz'd , With envying eyes viewing his limbes most great , And every part about him most compleat . Thus then unto the kings words he replies ; Sure I shall now get praise by this rich prize , Or by a noble death . My father ( sure ) Is just and wise , what fates will , to endure . Spare then thy brags and threats . Thus having said , 〈◊〉 the midst o' th' Martiall list he made : Th' Arcadians hearts were fill'd with chilling feare , Turnus from 's chariot then descending there ; And now on foot was stately seen draw nigh , Like a fierce lion , who from 's den doth spie A stout big bull fitting himself to fight , Farre off i' th' field , he to him takes his flight : Even such is Turnus in his fierce accesse . VVhom Pallas now within the reach doth guesse Ofhis darts-cast , Pallas doth first advance , Unmatcht in might , but hoping happie chance . First thus he prayes ; O thou Alcides great , I by my fathers kindenesse thee intreat , VVho thee a stranger took to bed and board , To my designes thy mightie aid afford , And let my adversarie half-dead see Himself of 's bloudy arms bespoil'd to be : And let proud Turnus see with dying eye , Me winne the field with valiant victorie . Hercules heard the youth , and ( but in vain ) Fetcht a deep sigh , which did even teares constrain . Then mightie Iove to 's sonne most kindely sayes ; To each man 's given his appointed dayes ; Mans life is short , his time irrevocable , But fame by facts to make most memorable , Is vertues work indeed . Under the wall Of stately Troy how many sonnes did fall , Even sonnes of Gods ! yea my Sarpedon faire , My sonne 〈◊〉 slain , the fates would him not spare : And Turnus hath a term and certain fate , And his lifes period hastes to terminate . This said , on Rutuls fields his eyes he bent . And Pallas now wi●h all his force forth sent A nimble speare , and from his scabbard drew His glistring blade . The speare most fi●rcely ●lew To Turnus shoulder on his armour blue ; And on the brim of 's shield did glance along , And gave a clattering blow on 's bodie strong . Turnus hereat shaking a speare of oak , Tipt with sharp steel , darts it , and thus he spoke To Pallas as it flew ; Go now and see Whether more penetrable now ours be Then his . This said , through his most mightie targe Lined with plates of brasse and iron large , And cover'd o're with many bulls hides thick , VVith brandisht blow the speare did enter quick Piercing his corslet , wounded deep his breast . He straight the bloud-w●rm'd speare in vain doth wrest ; Striving to pluck it out , plucks out withall Life , bloud and soule , and straight down dead does fall Flat on his face : in 's fall his ●rms do clatter , The ground his gore-bloud-gushing mouth doth batter . Over whom T●rnus trampling , thus doth say ; Go now Arc●di●ns , minde my words , I pray , Go tell Euander , This sonne re-send Unto him with a well-deserving end . VVhat-ever buriall-honour he can crave , Or full content and comfort in a grave , I will bestow on him , his ●●rborous cheere To his Ae●e●s , now doth cost him deare . Thus saying , standing on the corps now dead , Spoiling him ofhis belt embroidered With the whole storie of the impious act , How Danaies daughter foulely did compact Upon the wedding night in marriage-bed To murther their young bridegrooms there left dead : Which things Eurytion had wrought thick in gold , This prize most rich Turnus doth joy to hold . Mans minde is ignorant of future fate , Knows not a mean , is puft with prosperous state . Turnus shall see the time when he 'd be glad This prize most dearely bought , he never had Once toucht , and when , this day and Pallas spoiles Shall prove most hatefull , and his hearts turmoiles . But Pallas mates with sighs and feares all fraught , Upon a shield his corps in troops thence brought . Ah , the great grief , yet grace thy sire will have , This day the first and last to battells gave : And yet about thee thou didst make remain A mightie heap of fierce Rutulians slain , Nor now did flying fame this mischief shew ; 'T was brought t' Aeneas by a poste too true , Who told him how distrest his souldiers were , How 't was high time to help them fled for feare . Hereat Aeneas mowes all down with 's blade , And like a mad man he wide path-wayes made Through thickest troops , thee , Turnus proud , to finde , With slaughters fresh , having still in his minde ( All came to 's sight ) Pallas , Euander kinde , The table spread , where first he was a guest , All , though a stranger , right-hand loves exprest . And here before him he foure youths espies , All born at Sulmo , and foure more likewise Train'd up by Vfens , all alive he snatches , And as a sacrifice , them all dispatches To the dead ashes of his dearest friend , And in the fires their captive bloud doth spend . Thence passing on , when he next dart did throw At Mago stout , he slyly stooping low , Escapt the quivering dart , which flew away . Whereat his knees he clasping , thus did pray ; Now by thy fathers ghost , and hopefull state Of thy Iülus , I thee supplicate , Preserve my life both to my sonne and me , And in my stately house thou hid shalt see , Deep in the ground , great store of silver coyn'd , And much good gold , some fin'de , some unrefin'de . My life ( alas ! ) stayes not Troyes victorie , Nor can I onely work such jeopardie . This said , Aeneas presently replies ; Those heaps of gold which thou so high dost prize , Keep for thy children ; Turnus took away This quarter , when my Pallas he did slay . Thus thinks Iülus and Anchises dead , And with these words , upon his helm and head He layes fast hold ; and as he so did pray , Up to the hilts his sword in 's soule made way . Hard by he met Emonides most brave , Faire Phoebus and Diana's priest most grave : His head a sacred hood and head-bands tie , Glistring all-o're in arms most gorgeously . Whom chas'di'th ' field , and overcome i' th' fight , He sacrific'd , and on him stood upright , Whose mightie shade him hid : Serestus stout Upon his shoulders bare his armour out , Thy trophie , mightie Mars . Then C●culus Black Vulcanes brood , and Vmbro valourous Of Marsies mounts , the fight afresh ingage . But Dardanes prince doth on them fiercely rage : And Anxures arm his sword slic'd off so round , That arm and shield straight fell down on the ground . This gallant had some loftie words given out , And thought perhaps time would it bring about : His heart was high as heaven , perswaded , sure , Ofhoarie haires , and life , long to endure . Tarquitus proud in glistring arms him met , Whom Faunus did on Driope beget , Who furiously a strong speare at him throws , Which through his harnesse and huge target goes . His head ( he craving life , but to no end , And much about to speak ) he soon did send From 's shoulders to the ground , on'strunck he stood , And o're him thus he spake , in heat of bloud ; Lie there , thou frighter fierce , thy mother deare Shall never thee unto thy buriall beare , Nor in thy native soile entombe : wilde-beasts Or fish i' th' sea shall on thee make them feasts . Antheus then and Lycas stout , who led King Turnus voward , he encountered , And Numa strong , sworthy Camertes stout Sprung from renowned Volscens race and rout : A mightie landed man in Italie , Who o're th' Amyclians had the soveraigntie ; Men for their sparing speech of speciall name . And like Aegaeon , who ( as blazeth fame ) Had full an hundred arms and active hands , And fiftie mouthes ; whence , as from firebrands , And firie breasts , he flames of fire forth threw , As many shields held up and swords he drew Against Ioves lightnings : so Aenea● stout Victoriously did fret and fume about As soon as once his sword waxt warm with blows : But then ( behold ! ) most furiously he goes Against Niphaeus and his coach horse swift , And 'gainst his breast his fatall blade did lift : But they farre off , as soon as ere they saw Him rushing , fiercely raging , 'gainst them draw , For feare they flie , and backward madly go , And in their race their rider overthrow , Whurrying the chariot with them to the shore . Mean while Lucagus also prest on sore With his white coach-horse , then accomitated With 's brother Lig●r , who thus regulated The coach-horse reins , Lucagus brandishing His glistring blade . Troyes prince not suffering Their bold out-braves , unto them rusheth straight , And against both did quick accommodate A mightie speare : to whom thus Liger bold ; Thou dost not here Ac●illes coach behold , Nor Diomedes horse , nor P●rygi●n field , But in these plains thy life to death must yeeld , And end these broiles . Thus madly loud hespake : But Troyes brave ●erö● no reply would make In words , but casts a dart at hisfierce foe . And as Luc●gus reaching out a blow With stiffe intent did fetch his horse about ▪ And his left foot unto thefight set out , The fly ing speare piercing hist●●get bright , On his left groin did penetrating light , Which did him over●hr●● and deadly ●ound ; Where he lay groveling dead upon the ground , To whom in these tart terms Aeneas said ; No ghost , Lucagus , made thy horse afraid And flie thy foe , nor did their paces slow Thee and thy coach betray unto thy foe : But thou thy self , leaping down from the wheels , Thy coach forsook'st , and triptst up thine own heels . Thus having said , the coach in hand he takes : Th' unhappie brother prostrate fall'ne down quakes , Holds up his trembling hands , thus does intreat ; Now by thy self and by thy parents great Who thee begat ( Troyes prince ) so great so good , O spare thy suppliants life , spill not his bloud . O sir , sayes he , these words you us'd not late ; Die then , let brothers brothers sociate . Then with his sword his breast he opened wide , And from 's hearts hollow caves his soule did glide . Thus through the fields this Trojan victour made Great slaughters : like fierce flouds which banks invade , Or blustring windes , so did he rage about : Th'enclosed Trojans now also break out , And leave their camps , and young Ascanius brave VVith his green sparks , them valiantly behave , Though late ( in vain ) besieg'd . Things resting so , Iove of himself does to his Iuno go , And thus sayes to her ; See , my sister kinde , And speciall spouse , most gratefull to my minde ; Venus , thou seest ( even as thou didst suppose , Nor art deceiv'd ) supports thy Trojan foes : Their boldest hearts , strong hands , nor patience stout VVarres woes t' endure , could not alone hold out . To whom thus humbly Iuno did reply ; Why , O my Pheere most deare , ah tell me , why Dost thou my grieved heart more grieve ; which quakes , And at thy bitter piercing words even akes ? O if thou lov'd'st me now as formerly , If ( as 't were fit ) thou hadst first fervencie ; Great Iove , thou this request wouldst grant to me , My Turnus from the fight withdrawn to see : That to his father Daunus him I might Safely restore . But let him fall i' th' fight , And be a pious prey to Trojans base ; Yet is he sprung from our celestiall race . Pilumnus was his sire , i' th' fourth descent , Thine altars he with hand munificent , And many gallant gifts enriched hath . To whom olympus king thus briefly saith ; If thou desirest present deaths delay , And the death-marked youths dire fall to stay , And think'st I may the same procrastinate ; Let Turnus flie then from his present fate . This onely distance must thy minde suffice : But if thy prayers to higher hopes arise , And that thou think'st he may be wholly freed From chance of warre , or what fates have decreed May altered be ; thou but vain hopes dost feed . To whom thus Iuno full of teares replies ; But what if Iove , what he in words denies , Would grant in heart , and T●rnus life make sure ? Now he most guiltlesse , must hard hap endure , Or I no truth do know : but rather I Could wish thou wouldst my fond feare fals●fie , And ( as thou canst ) convert all to the best . Thus having now each way her votes exprest , From heaven she forthwith flies , to earth descends : Storms flie before her , clouds she 'bout her bends . Thus through the aire to Trojan bands she flew , And to th' Italian tents she nearer drew . The Goddesse then in concave cloud did frame A forcelesse shade most thin to seem , the same With brave Aeneas shape ( a most strange sight ) And fraught it faire with Trojan arms most bright , A plumy helm fit for his sacred head , A shield which his most nearely patterned : Yea gives it windie words , a senselesse sound , And goodly gate , like one walking profound . Much like those shapes which walk ( they say ) being dead , Or those fallacious dreams in snorting bed . The frolick figure brags before the bands , And Turnus tempts to shew the strength of 's hands , And him with speech provokes : whom Turnus straight Assails aloof , and with represselesse hate A whisling dart casts at it ; instantly The shadow turns its back , away doth flie . Turnus supposing now Aeneas fled , Nourisht vain hope , which thus he uttered ; Aeneas , whither fly'st thou ? do n't forsake Thy spouse betroth'd , to whom thou vows didst make : This hand of mine shall give thee lands so sought . And thus he follows him in word as thought , Brandishing his bright blade ; but could not finde , How these vain joyes were but puffe toyes of winde . As thus he past , by chance a ship he spi'de , To a rocks rigid bank most fitly ty'de , Whereto a ladder for ascent did stand , For a sea-voyage fitted out of hand . In which Osinius king from Clusium came . Aeneas fearfull figure in this same Cast it self quickly , there it hidden lay : Which Turnus following , cuts off every stay , Nimbly ascends the top : scarce did he take Footing i' th' ship , but Iuno quickly brake The fastning cable , launcht the ship from shore , Which with full sail into the ocean bore . Meanwhile Aeneas with a bloudy fight , Seeks up and down his foe thus out of sight ; And multitudes of men him meeting slayes . But now the nimble shade no longer stayes , Hid in its holes , but vanisht into th' aire ; And when to th' midst o th' sea storms Turnus bare , Ignorant of these things , for 's life ingrate ; He looks about , to th' heavens doth elevate ( After this manner ) both his hands and heart ; Almightie Iove , deem'st thou it my desert , To suffer such a shame , a scourge so great ? Ah , whither go I ? vvhence make I retreat ? What flight is this ? vvhom do I thus forsake ? Shall I not once more yet my self betake To Laurents walls and warres ? What now ( alas ! ) VVill to my troops of souldiers come to passe , VVhich followed me in fight ? vvhom impious I Have left alone , a thousand deaths to die ? For now , me thinks , I heare and see them all Dying and crying as they wounded fall ▪ VVhat shall I do ? vvhat land me live can swallow ? But oh ye windes , do ye me rather follow VVith pitying puffs : ( this Turnus does you pray VVith gladsome minde ) O cast this bark away On rocks or sands , where Rutuls may not see , Or tainted fame may never follow me . Thus moaning up and down , thoughts ebbe and flow , What to resolve to do , he does not know ; Or madly slay himself , for such disgrace , And in his corps his bloudy blade to case ; Or headlong into th' sea himself to cast , And so by swimming to get land at last : And landing , to the Trojan troops to hie . Thrice both these wayes he did attempt to trie ; And thrice great Iuno his attempts did hinder , Pitying the young prince with indulgence tender . Thus on he sails with prosperous winde and tide , At last at 's father Daunus town did ' bide . Meanwhile by Ioves advise , Mezentius stout Comes forth to fight , and ( Trojans all about Joyning in good successe ) does now invade The Trojan troops , who to him joyntly made . And all at once at one alone they flie , Their hands and hate do this one man defie . But he , much like a rock 'gainst mightie waves , Withstands the furie of windes bigge outbraves , Layes ope his rigid fides'gainst billows great , And all the rage that seas or skies can threat , It self unmov'd remains : he 's even so . And Dolichaons sonne did overthrow , Hebrus ; with whom he Latagus did slay , And Palmus , as he from him ran away : But Latagus he with a stone most great , Even with a mountains part , his brains out beat . Palmus his hammes and legs he cut off quite , And left him there to roule in piteous plight . His arms he Lausus gave , on 's back to beare , And on his head his plumy helm to weare . Phrygian Euantes , Mimas , Paris mate , And Coaetanean , he did ruinate : Whom to Amycus , milde Thebano bare , Paris being born of Hecuba most faire , Who dreamt she had a firebrand begot , And he to die in 's countrey had the lot : But Mimas , ignorant of this his hap , Did finde his grave here in Laurentums lap . Now as a boare hunted from mountains high By barking , biting dogs , ( which long did lie Shelter'd in wide pine-bearing Vesulus , And in Laurentums fields most copious , Of wood-like reeds , having been long time fed : ) As soon as he 's i' th' nets intangled , He stands and stares about , his tusks does whet , And fretting , fiercely brissels up doth set ; Nor is it wit or worth for any there , To be too busie to him to draw neare , But off to stand , and at him darts to throw , And with loud clamorous shouts to tire him so : So those that to Mezentius bare just spight , Durst not come neare him hand to hand to fight ; But with their darts farre off and clamours shrill , They him provoke : the boare sits boldy still , Gnashing with foamy chaps his tusks most keen , And shaking off the darts from 's back is seen . From Cerits ancient coasts came Acron stout , A Grecian forc'd from 's countrey to flie out For breach of marriage ; whom , when as remote , Mezentius saw , and seriously did note , Amid'st the troops moving his mates to fi●ht , Adorn'd with purple plumes and scarlet bright , His kinde contracted spouses goodly gift : Much like a hungry lion rambling swift About the mightie woods ( for so indeed Fierce hunger forceth madly to proceed ) If haply he some well-grown goat may spie , Or bravely headed stagge that way to flie , He gapes for joy , his brissels rough erects , Falls close unto the prey he so affects , Washing his ravenous chaps in bloud luke-warm . Thus thickest foes Mezentius fierce doth charm : And quickly he unhappie Acron slayes , And him with 's heels beating the ground he layes Low on the earth , his bloudy speare unsplit . But he Orodes flying scorn'd to hit , Or smite to death by casting his strong dart , And coward-like to wound him in 's back-part : But he must meet his foes all face to face , And man to man by dreadfull duells chase , Not pleas'd with pilfering , but with powerfull blows . And thus he great Orodes overthrows , His foot set on his corps , his speare at 's heart , A man of no small worth , this warres best part . His mates him following , panegyricks sing , And of his conquests make the aire to ring . But he expiring , ere quite dead , thus said ; Proud conquerour , thou shalt not passe unpaid , Who e're thou art , my death reveng'd shall be , Nor shalt thou long from this revenge be free : My fate thee follows , thee these plains shall hold . To whom Mezentius with a spirit bold , Yet smilingly reply'de ; But thou shalt die : But as for me , Iove , king of earth and skie , Will see to me . This said , the speare he pulls Out of his corps : then fatall rest him lulls Into a deadly sleep , which clos'd his sight , Shutting his eyes up in eternall night . Stout Caedicus in fight slayes Alcath'us , Sacrator kills Hidaspis ; Parthen'us And mightie Orsis do by Rapo die ; Messapus fierce slayes Clodius valiantly , And Lyaconius and Ericates , VVhom from his skittish jade fallen with small ease Unto the ground , on foot a footman slew : Then Lycian Agis hotly to them drew , VVhom yet Valerius , not a jot unfraught VVith sires connative noblenesse , soon taught The way to 's grave : Salius Atronius slayes ; Nealces nimble dart ends Salius dayes ; Nealces , expert both at speare and dart . And now like heavie hap was on each part , And mightie Mars made equall funeralls : Alike they fight , alike catch fatall falls : These conquer now , anon are conquered : But neither these nor those from foes have fled . The Gods from Ioves high hall pity the plight Of both parts , thus o'rewhelm'd with fruitlesse spight , And tyr'd with troubles . This way , Venus faire ; Iuno looks that way with contrarious care . Pale-peevish Tisiphon with frantick heat Doth rage and rave between the armies great . And still Mezentius shakes his mightie lance , And furiously does to the field advance . Like great Orion , when with staulking feet He walks moyst Nereus pools and flouds that fleet , Slicing his wavy way , whose shoulders white O're-top the streams : or when he does delight , Walking the woods , a huge old oak to beare , On mountains-tops his head to th' clouds to reare : Even thus Mezentius to the armie goes , Whom seen farre off , Aeneas to oppose Prepares himself . He dauntlessely doth stay , Waiting his mightie foes approach that way . In 's strength he stands , watching the distance right Sufficient for his lances fatall flight . Assist me now ( sayes he ) my right hand brave , And brandisht lance ; none other Gods I have : And here I vow , the spoiles which I shall gain From this great theef Aeneas , shall remain To thee , brave Lausus , as thy trophie due . And with these words at him farre-off he threw A whistling speare , which flying fierce did glance Upon his shield ; whence , by unhappie chance , It pierced Anthors noble breast and heart ; Anthor , Alcides mate , who would not part From king Euander , once from Argos sent , But made abode in Latines continent . Unhappie he dy'd by anothers wound , His eyes to th' skies , he thinks on 's native ground . Then brave Aeneas cast a dart at him , Which flying , pierc'd the hollow edge or brimme Of 's three-fold brazen arms with linen lin'd , And through his treble bulls hides way did finde , Or forced through into his groin most deep , Nor could his strength the paining wound out keep . Whereat Aeneas joy'd to see the bloud Of his proud foe , draws out his fauchion good Which hung by 's side , wherewith he furiously Assails his trembling foe , which with quick eye As soon as Lausus sees , due filiall love Doth in him , for his sire , much mourning move , And brinish teares provoke . Here cannot I In silence burie thy dire destinie , And famous facts ( if future times will trust And credit what of him relate I must ) Most memorable youth ! Mezentius maim'd Unfit for fight , the battell , slow , disclaim'd ; And in 's retreat the wounding speare he bare , Sticking in 's shield . Then straight the young man rare Steps in between , i' th' midst maintains the fight . And as Aeneas rais'd his hand to smite , Lausus his sword crosse underneath it came , And brake the force o' th' blow , and stopt the same . His mates him follow with a mightie shout , And whiles the sire , guarded by 's sonne , got out , They throw thick darts , incense their foe to fight : Aeneas frets , hid under 's target bright . And as black clouds pouring down showers of hail , The lowns and plow-men all without all fail Scud from the fields apace , themselves to hide , With cunning tricks , under some rivers side , Or in some rocks deep hole , whiles it doth rain ; That i' th' sun-shine they may to work again : Even so Aeneas , showr'd on round about VVith shafts , this cloud of warre strongly beares out , And ' bides all brunts , and chides young Lausus sore , And bitterly thus threatens Lausus poore ; VVhither , weak childe of death , dost rush so fast ? VVhy dost thou on facts past thy strength thee cast ? Thy filiall zeal doth flout thee most unwise ; Lausus no lesse doth madly him despise ; VVhich makes this Trojan captains rage break out . And now the fatall sisters had spun out Lausus last thred of life ; for now with ruth Aeneas through the bodie of the youth Made his bright blade to enter instantly , There wholly hid : his shield and arms do flie In parts , and slasht his coat wrought curiously , His mothers work ; and fill'd his breast with gore : VVherewith his soule into the aire did soare , And left his corps . But when with ruthfull eye Aeneas did his dying count'nance spie , His count'nance which waxt wondrous pale and wan , He deeply sigh'd , greatly to grieve began , Embrac'd him in his arms , and call'd to minde The tender love to sonnes in parents kinde ; And sonnes reciprocall to sires , and said ; VVhat honour now may worthily be paid , ( Belov'd and much lamented youth ) to thee ? VVhat gift may to thy goodnesse congruent be From kinde Aeneas ? all thy arms most rare VVherein thou joy'dst , not mine , but thine they are , Thy corps also for buriall , I commit Unto thy sire ( if he have care of it ) Yet let this thee unhappie happifie , That thou by great Aeneas hands didst die . Then freely he his friends checks tauntinglie For their delay ; himself lifts him from ground , His lovely locks ( i' th' fashion ) comptly bound , Being all-besmear'd with bloud . In this mean space His father dry'd his wounds at a fit place , About faire Tybers floud , his bodie he Makes clean with water , and against a tree Refresht himself , his helmet strong of brasse Hung on the boughs , his huge arms lay i' th' grasse . Chief gallants 'bout him stood ; he faint , takes rest , Eas'd his tyr'd neck , his beard spread on his breast , Often enquiring for his Lausus deare , And sending oft , that he of him might heare . They quickly do the mournfull fathers will ; And on their shields , lamenting loud and shrill , Brought mightie Lausus dead , with mightie wound Woefully slain . Which when the father found , His mournfull minde farre-off foreseeing woe , On his gray-haires much dust he straight does throw , And both his hands unto the heavens doth heave , And with these words to th' corps doth cling and cleave ; Oh my deare sonne , had I such love to live , That thee for me I to my foe should give ? Even thee whom I begat ? must I by thee Survive secure , and thou thus murthered be ? Must I live by thy death ? Unhappie I , What now remains , but exiles miserie ? O wound most deeply driven , O my deare sonne , 'T is I have sham'd thee , and thy fame undone ! Even I , whom home-bred hatred hath disthron'd , I should have dy'd , through envy , unbemoan'd . I by all kindes of death most guiltily Should to my realm have paid this penaltie ▪ Yet live I still : nor men , nor light yet leave . Well , now I will me of them all bereave . And with these words , up on 's weak limbes he stood , And though his strength was dull'd through want of bloud , By his deep wound , yet not a jot dejected , He calls for 's horse , his horse most high affected , His crown and comfort , wherewith evermore In all his battels he the conquest bore . And thus he to his mourning horse did say ; Brave Rhebus , we now long ( if long I may Say ought 'mongst men continues ) lived have , And either we 'le this day be victours brave With bloudie spoiles and proud Aeneas head , And for my Lausus losse be thus well sped ; Or else , if force no way can force or finde , My death and thine shall be in one combin'de . For sure I think , stout steed , thou never yet To others didst , or Trojan lords submit . This said , he mounted ; and i' th' saddle set , Into both hands sharp shafts he straight doth get ; His glistring brazen helm on 's head , and crest Fast fixt , and with most rigid horse-haire drest . Thus 'mongst them with a fierce careere addrest , He rushed in : his heart with shame did boile : Madnesse and mourning for his Lausus foile , Outragious love , and secret sense o' th' might Of his fierce foe , do spurre him to the fight . Aloud three times he now Aeneas calls , Aeneas knows him , glad , to prayers falls ; So grant great Iove , so grant Apollo high , That thou mayst now begin the fight to trie . This said , he with a piercing speare him met . Whereat Mezentius , in a ragefull fret , Cries out , Fierce wretch , why dost thou thus in vain Me vex , perplex ? thou having my sonne slain , Thou hast the way me now to ruinate . And surely now to die I do not hate : None of thy Gods regard or spare will I. Leave off thy threats , for here I come to die , But first of all , these gifts to thee I bring . Which said , a dart he at his foe did fling , And then another and another , thick He flings , which flies as in a circle quick . But yet the gold-bost shield them all abides . Then 'bout Aeneas standing fast , he rides Three light careeres , still at him throwing darts , And thrice Troyes prince with his brasse target thwarts The seeming wood of shafts . But when he saw , And seeing sham'd so many darts to draw Out of his shield , such long delayes to use , And how he was constrain'd not to refuse The combate , though unequall , musing thus , At last with valour most magnanimous He rusheth on , and with resistlesse force He threw a dart which hit the warriours horse Between his hollow temples , with which blow The horse mounts up an end , kicks to o'rethrow His rider ; and at last does backward fall , Fastning his master under him withall : He groveling headlong , out of joynt his arm , Trojans and Latines raise a loud alarm And clamorous noise . Aeneas to him flew , And from his scabbard his bright fauchion drew , And o're him said ; Where 's now , Mezentius stout , Where 's thy proud strength and stomack ? all flown out ? To whom the Tuscane , having ta'ne some breath , Fierce bitter foe , why so dost threaten death ? Why so insult'st thou ? 't is no crime to die : Nor came I to the field so cowardly , Nor for me with thee would my Lausus have Such base conditions : Onely this I crave , ( If any favour vanquisht ones may get From victours ) I thee earnestly intreat , Permit my body to have buriall-rite : For why ? I know my peoples hate and spight Stand round about me ; keep me , I thee pray , From their great rage , and with me my sonne lay , Consorting in one grave . And with this word Expectedly his throat receives the sword . Whereat upon his arms gusht out his gore , And from his body forth his soule did soare . An end of the tenth book of Virgils Aeneïds . THE ARGUMENT of the eleventh book . Aeneas , for these victories , To Mars doth trophies solemnize . Pallas dead corps is sent thence straight To king Euander , in great state . Truce made , to burie both their slain : Euanders grief , paternall pain For his dead sonne . The souldiers dead Are gather'd , burn'd , and buried . From Diomedes message came , That he these warres did quite disclaim . Drances and Turnus 'twixt them chide . Aeneas to Laurentum hy'de . Fierce fight : the day the Trojans gain : Vnwares , Camilla there is slain . AVrora rising now the sea forsook . Aeneas ( though especiall care he took , And time , for buriall of his slaughtered mates With sedulous intents he meditates ) Yet first , like victour brave , by break of day He to the Gods his Martiall votes will pay . Upon a hill a mightie oak he plac'd , Which lopt all o're , with glistring arms he grac'd , Mezentius spoiles ( great Mars , thy trophies good ) And fitly fixt the crest , yet dropping bloud , Speares broken splinters , and his corslet strong , Which twelve times dig'd with darts , scarce took least wrong . His brazen shield to th'left hand up was tide , And from his neck , his ivorie sheath beside . Then thus his mates ( for all his Martiall Peeres Had hedg'd him in ) he with these speeches cheeres ; Brave sirs , our main work done , avaunt base feare , A rush for what remains : the spoiles see here , And first-fruits of our joy , from that proud king Mezentius , whom these hands to ground did bring . Now to the King we must , to Laurents wall . Prepare your hearts for warre , yet hope withall For good successe ; and let not least delay ( So soon as th' ensignes thence to pluck away The Gods permit , and tents their youth forsake ) In ignorance or sloth , force you to take Feare-caused counsell . In the meanwhile we Our mates unburied corps interr'd will see : This rite alone departed soules desire . Go then ( sayes he ) and carefully enquire , And search out all those worthy wights most rare , Who this faire land to purchase , did not spare Their deare hearts bloud , for us : finde them , I pray , And hang their hearses with last gifts most gay : And first unto Euanders city sad Let princely Pallas noble corps be had : Whom , full of valour , fatall destinie And bitter death drencht in extremitie . These weeping words he spake , and went his way Unto the place where Pallas body lay , Watcht by Acetes old , Euanders page , But not by happie fate to such ripe age Admitted his sons mate . His servants all About him stand , mourning their masters fall . The Trojan troops , and Phrygian matrons faire Stood weeping ( as th' are wont ) with unbound haire . But soon as e're Aeneas entred in , There straight was rais'd a mightie mourning din , With loud laments , their breasts they often beat , Whose ruthfull roares fill'd all the palace great . But when he saw Pallas white face and head , And th' open wound which this just sorrow bred , Through which th' Italian dart dire entrance made , With trickling teares these wofull words he said ; Ah , wofull youth , must lot thus lucklesse be , Even then when 't smil'd to envie thee to me , Lest thou our conquer'd kingdomes should'st behold , And brought triumphant to thy father old ? I promis'd not to him these things of thee , When at our parting he dismissed me With sweet embraces , to an empire great , And with advise did fearfully repeat What furious foes we had , what people stout To fight withall . And now fond hopes do flout The good old king , who now ( sure ) hopes and prayes , And for his childe heapt-gifts on altars layes . But we esteem no gifts to th' Gods now due , The dead young man we vainly ' tend and rue . Unhappie old man , thou with grief shalt see Thy sonne by cruell fate return'd to thee . Here 's our returns of love , our spoiles expected , Thus thy great trust in me seems quite neglected . Yet , grave Euander , this some joy may be , Thou wilt not him by base wounds conquer'd see : Nor him alive , for cowardise , wish dead . Ah! woe is me , what fence is from me fled For Italie , and what a noble mate Hast thou Iülus lost by his dire fate ? Thus having wept , he bids them beare away The woefull corps , choosing without delay A thousand gallants brave from all his bands , To wait upon the corps he these commands , As his last honour , and at hand to be , With his sad father , whom still as they see Shedding salt teares , to yeeld him comfort sweet ( Although but small ) to so great sorrows meet . Then straightway some long reeds do quickly get , Some make a beere whereon the corps to set , With twisted twigs and oaken sprigs most tender , Whose hearse-like bended boughs thick shades do render ▪ Here the young prince high on the reeds they lay , Much like a flower by damsells cropt in May : Or withering hyacinth , or violet sweet , Not yet quite stript of sent and semblance meet , Though now its mother earth affords no sap , Nor yeelds such strength , as hugged in her lap . Then two rare robes of purple , thick with gold , Aeneas straight brought forth , rich to behold , Queen Dido's art , which in her prosperous state She for him wrought , with gold-twist accurate . One of these robes he in most mournfull wise Puts on the prince , last due to 's obsequies ; And therewith hides his locks for fire prepar'd , And nought of all these warres rich spoiles he spar'd , But heaps them on , which in a long array Were born in state : great horses made a prey , And speares and darts all taken from their foes , And many a captive chained with them goes , Whose bloud in flames must sacrificed be : Truncheons of broken speares commanded he His captains in their hands to beare along , And on their tops to beare foes arms most strong , And on them every adversaries name . Then aged sad Acetes onward came , Beating his breasts , tearing his aged face , Fal'ne faintly on the ground in piteous case . Along they led chariots besmear'd with bloud Of Rutuls slain . Aetho● , his courser good , His warre-horse brave , came after all his train , Stript of his trappings ; nor could he refrain To weep , as on he went , full flouds of teares : Then one his speare , and one his helmet beares . The rest of 's arms the conquerour Turnus had : Then followed all the troops and Trojans sad , The Tuscane and Arcadian captains strong , The wrong end of their speares trailing along Upon the ground . Thus as in Martiall b●nds These gallants passe , Aeneas here still stands ; And with a deep-fetcht sigh does to them say ; Deare mates , warres self-same fates call us away To weep for others : then my Pallas deare , Rest safe for ever , never to be here Re-visited , for ever then adew . His speech here stopt . Then he his troops withdrew Unto the town and tents ; where soon they saw King Latines legates toward them to draw , With olive-boughs adorn'd , leave to intreat , The scattered bodies by that battell great Slain in the fields , that they might seek and have , And gathered up , bestow on them a grave . Adding , No fight ought be with conquered slain ; Praying , his once kinde hoasts he 'd not disdain , Fathers in law , once call'd . To whose request Aeneas kinde him flexible exprest , And gives them leave ; adding these words beside , Tell me ( you Latines ) what unworthie guide , What blinde-fold fortune hath involv'd you thus Into this warre ? Why have ye flown from us Your vowed friends ? ask ye peace for your slain ? Intreat ye for your dead ? Truely I 'd fain Farre rather to your living grant the same . And to this place , these parts , I onely came By fates decree . Nor warre I with your land : Your king our love and friendship does withstand , And rather trusts himself to Turnus might : Whereas for Turnus it had been more right His life to hazard . If he do intend By force to force us hence , this warre to end ; 'T were fit he onely were to me addrest , And he should live , whom fates or facts made best . But go , poore citizens , your slain interre . Thus spake Aeneas : they amazed were , And silent stood , gazing as men agast On one anothers faces , till at last Drances the gravest of them , evermore Who to young Turnus wrath and envie bore , Set forth himself , and thus his words did frame ; Brave Trojan prince , great by illustrious fame , Greater by vertuous facts ; vvith what due praise May I thy worth unto the heavens now raise ? I know not which , or first , or most t' admire , Thy justice great , or quenchlesse Martiall fire . But we , thy gratefull friends , these things will show To all our mates , and towns where-e're we go : And if successe do smile , vve hope to make King Latine thee into his love to take : Let Turnus somewhere else go seek him vvives , But vvhen thy fate-given vvalls and building thrives , We all shall be most glad Troyes stones to beare Upon our shoulders , that great work to reare . He ceast ; and what he said , all hum'd assent . Then for full twelve dayes they a truce indent , And peace a space to hold . Then up and down Trojans and Latines stray about the town , And vvoods and fields , vvithout controll or strife . And now to fell ash-trees strokes sound most rife ; Cloud-kissing pines and good old oaks to cleave , To chop down cedars , which sweet sents do leave : And having fell'd them , never cease , till they In carts have carried them thence all away . And now fame , hastie sorrows harbinger , Sad tidings told to old king Euander , And fill'd Euanders court and countrey round With crosse bad news , to that vvhich late did sound , That Pallas conquerour was in Italie , Th' Arcadians ( as old custome was ) do flie Unto their gates , vvith buriall-burning light , Tall torches , vvhich in long ranks shone most bright ▪ Whose shine dark fields abroad distinguisht plain . And thus they meeting with the Trojan train , Unite their mourning troops : which instantly The maids and matrons spying , they drew nigh , And through the citie sad raise piteous cries . But for Euander , nothing could suffice To hold him back , but to the midst he makes : His Pallas-bearing beere quick down he takes , And falling , fastning on it , weeps and vvails , And scarce his voice , ( vvhich him vvith grief yet fails ) At last he thus unlocks , thus vveeping spake ; O my deare Pallas , ah , didst thou not make This promise to thy parent , that vvith heed And warienesse thou wouldst to warre proceed ? Alas , I know my self , how farre new fame , And honyed honour ( therefore I too blame ) I' th' first assault would spurre young spirits free . Ah , most unhappie youths first-fruits in thee , Most rigid rudiments of too soon vvarre , For vvhom my votes and vows all frustrate are ! And thou , most sacred spouse , in death now blest , Not kept to be by this great grief distrest : But I , contrariwise , by life too long , My fates do vanquish , but my self do wrong ; The father living , and the sonne thus dead , The Rutuls should me first have slaughtered , Following the Trojan troops : my bloud should I Have sacrific'd , then this solemnity Had been for me , not for my Pallas deare . But neither blame I you , brave Trojans here , Nor yet the league vvhich I with you did make , Then ratifi'd , vvhen as vve hands did shake ; This grief ( I see ) to my gray haires vvas lotted : But since the fates untimely death had plotted Against my sonne , some comfort it had been , If Volscian thousands first he slain had seen , And Trojans by him led victoriously , Ere he had died , into Italie . And now poore Pallas , I can give to thee No better buriall-rites , then here I see Done by Aeneas kinde and Phrygians brave , By Tuscane Peeres and troops ; thus to thy grave Who bring rich spoiles , which thou from slain didst win : And thou i' th' fight a mightie trunck hadst bin , If so his yeares ( proud Turnus ) unto thine Had equall been : but why do I confine You noble Trojans , and from fight detain ? Go with this message to your king again : Tell him , whereas I live , my Pallas dead , 'T is by his hand to be re-comforted , In making Turnus pay the debt he owes , Both to the fathers and the sonnes great woes . This honour fates ( I hope ) reserve for thee , That by thy worth I may revenged be . I seek not sweets of life , nor fit I should , But that the death of Turnus may be told By me to my dead sonne . In this mean space Aurora rare shew'd forth her shining face To night-tyr'd wretches , day-toiles to renew . And now Aeneas grave and Tarchon drew Neare to the shore ; when fires they build apace , On which slain souldiers carcases they place , ( As custome was ) kindling black fuming fire , Whose smoak hid heaven , as it did up aspire . And thrice in arms they ran about the flames , And thrice they rode about with loud exclaims , And trickling teares on arms and earth they spill , And w●th loud sounds of Martiall musick shrill . Some spoiles from Latines slain obtain'd , do throw Into the fires ▪ helmets , brave blades also , Bridles , and chariot-wheels warm with quick turning : And some cast in their gallant gifts , thus burning Their shields most strong , weapons too weak to save : And many oxen fat to slaughter gave : And briefly , boares and sheep , about the plain ; And threw them into th' fire , the first being slain : And thus about the shore they see the stares Of those their slaughtered souldiers burning mates ; Whose half-burnt urns and ashes they retain : Nor hardly could be thence reduc'd again , Till night came on , and twinckling starres appeare . On th' other-side , with like lamenting cheere , The wofull Latines many heaps do frame , And many corps they partly burn i' th' flame , And partly burie in the fields about : And some they to next fields do carry out Unto towns adjacent : the rest , collected Into huge heaps , and of them lesse respected , As numberlesse , so honourlesse were burn'd , Promiscuously thus into ashes turn'd . Then all the fields with crackling flames did shine . And now the third dayes light did cleare decline , And utterly expell nights darknesse chill : And sadly they their urns and pots do fill With ashes of their bodies burned so , Ta'ne from the bones , on which hot dust they throw , And now in rich king Latines town throughout , Farre greatest grief , most moan , was heard about . Here woefull wives , daughters in law most sad , Here sisters sweet do beat their breasts , too bad ; And children fatherlesse do execrate The day of that fierce warre unfortunate , And Turnus troublous match , wishing withall , That he alone which would be principall And sole commander of all Italie , Should solely with his sword the battell trie . Old testie Drances these things aggravates , And testifies 'gainst him alone , to 's mates , And counsells and encourages ( as right ) That Turnus onely should be call'd to fight . Much altercation was both con and pro , But yet the queens great presence crost it so , And so protected Turnus Martiall fame , That to her bent she made their mindes to frame . In midst of these commotions , tumults great , Behold , th' embassadours sent ( late ) to treat With Diomedes , sadly bring back news , That , notwithstanding all means they could use , All cost and pains , they nothing could effect With gold or gifts , but us'd with disrespect , No prayes prevail'd ▪ Latines must look elsewhere For Martiall help , or else they all did feare , With Troyes great prince they must a peace request . Hereat king Latines heart great grief exprest . The Gods great wrath , and graves fresh 'fore their eyes , Made them conclude , Aeneas enterprise Fatall to be , and with heavens cleare consent ; Therefore in haste they call a parliament . Straight all the empires Peeres are call'd to court , And thither with huge confluence resort : The aged king Latinus , with sad look , In honour chief , chief place amongst them took . And now he bade th' embassadours , comne late From faire Aetolia's town , to promulgate What news they brought , all plainly to explain : And all , to heare them , silent do remain . Venulus then with due observance spake ; Grave patriots , we a perfect view did take Of Diomedes and his Grecian plains , And safe have past all our great journeys pains : We kist that hand which Troy did ruinate , And saw his citie , Argiripa's state , So nam'd from native soile , which , victour , he In Gargan-Iapyx plains would built should be . We being entred , having audience faire , Present our gifts , our nation , name , declare ; Who on us warr'd ; what us to Argos drave . These things thus heard , he , with a count'nance grave And sweet , reply'd ; O nation fortunate , Once Saturns throne , ancient Ausonians state : What froward fate your peacefull mindes molests ? And you with unknown warres so much infests ? All we , who-e're , that Troyes faire fields did spoile , ( I speak not of those woes which Martiall toile Under her walls didwrack , but those rare spirits In Simois slain ) we all have our due merits , Now soundly smart for those impieties , Such as even Priam sure would sympathize : Witnesse Minerva's most tempestuous starre , Euböian rocks , which did against us warre , Caphares conquering banks . That warfare fierce Did us to diverse seas and shores disperse . For Menelaus , Atreus sonne most stout , To Proteus pillars hurried was about ; Vlysses saw the Aetnean Cyclops fierce . Why should I Neoptolems realms rehearse ? Idomeneus towns , and Gods destroy'd ? And Libyck Locrians woefully annoy'd ? Yea Agamemnon , Greeks great Generall , Had by his wicked wife his fatall fall , As soon as e're come home ; and Asia ta'ne , Adulterous Aegisthus in 's throne did reigne . Yea and even me the Gods did plainly hate , As my returning home did intimate ; When I had hope my loving wife to see , And Calidonia from all mischief free : Now with prodigious visions I am vext , And my deare mates ( vvhich hath my heart perplext , To see their vvoefull state ) are flown away , And vvith birds vvings , as birds about do stray In vvoods and flouds , filling the rocks vvith cries , And I e're since feare such like miseries : For frantick I have vvounded vvith my blade Celestiall bodies , and a vvound have made In Venus hand . Move me not then , I pray , To more such fights , vvhich me thus mischief may ; Nor vvith the Trojans ; since Troyes fall in fight I never vvill attempt , nor take delight To think upon their ancient miserie . As for the gifts which ye have brought to me , Let them to prince Aene●s carried be ; For vve have fought and bickered hand to hand . And ( trust me who have try'd ) most stout he 'le stand Upon his shield , and fiercely whirling darts . If Ida had bred two more such stout hearts , Dardan through Graecia clearely pierced had , And vve in woe bewail'd our fates as bad . For vvhatsoever stout procrastination Was in Troyes furious warres continuation , 'T was Hectors and Aeneas Martiall hand , That ten yeares made our conquest anxious stand . Both stout of heart , both were in arms most strong : But unto this did worthily belong Prime praise for 's pietie : as for you then , By all means make ye peace with these great men : But if ye will to arms , stand on your guard . And thus , most mightie prince , thou hast both heard The answer and advises to thee sent , Touching this mightie warres most dire event . Scarce had th' embassadours thus made an end , But that their muttering mouths forth forthwith send Vast various humming noise confusedly ; Like stones which 'gainst a rivers current lie , The bubling streams 'gainst them rough ratlings make , And neighbouring banks of'ts dashing din partake . But soon as e're their mouthes and mindes were still , The king , first having pray'd , thus vents his will From his rich throne ; At first ( as 't was most fit , And I , great Latines , most desired it ) I would have settled these affaires of state ; And not a councel now necessitate , When foes besiege our walls . Beleeve me , sirs , We have begun represselesse , helplesse stirres . Against God-guarded , war-like men we fight , In battells undefatigable quite , Whose hearts , though vanquisht , cannot banisht be From sword and shield . If hope of help ye see In stout Aetolians troops , entreated late , Let who s' will trust that hope ; for 't is most strait , And small , or none at all , as 't is too plain . For other things , ye see how they remain In tottering state , 't is open in your eyes : And fast and loose in your own hands it lies . I tax not any , all have done their best , What might be , hath been valiantly exprest . But give me leave , and I will briefly show , What thwarting thoughts within my heart do flow . There is an ancient land which large doth lie Toward the West , to our faire Tyber nigh , And on Sicilia's boarders butting out ; Which the Aruncians and Rutulians stout Do plow and sow , and though much out of heart , Yet into pastures they do it convert : All this large land , and piny mountains high Let us give to the Trojans instantly , And peace compound , and faire conditions make , And them our friends and fellows to us take . And let them ( if themselves do like it well ) Amongst us build , amongst us friendly dwell . But if they minde to seek some other land , And that they will relinquish this our strand ; Let 's furnish them with twentie ships most tall , Of strong Italian oak : or if they shall Have need of more ; then more we may them spare , For all materialls by the river are Already ready : let themselves also Their vessels number , and their fashions show : But workmanship , and brasse , and tacklings strong , We will them give , and that to ships belong . Besides , I think it fit what we should send An hundred legates , these affaires to tend ; And those also of noblest birth and bloud , To shew our mindes , and make conditions good : And olive-boughs of peace to hold in hand , And precious presents of our wealthie land , And talents of good gold and ivorie , A chaire of state , and robe of majestie , Rites of our realm . Then let me heare , I pray , Your counsel , our declining state to stay . Then forenam'd wrathfull Drances , whom deep spight And oblique envie at great Turnus hight Did vex with bitter bites , most rich in state , Richer in words ; but warres to animate Most cold and cowardly ; yet held to be For solid counsel , in a prime degree ; A seedsman of dissension ( puft with pride Of his nobilitie by th'mothers side , His fathers stock unknown ) he up does rise , Thus poures out words , and puts in enmities ; Good king , thou counsellest things throughly known , Such as will want best suffrages of none : Such as even all do know they feel and finde , But what they wish , they winde up close in minde . Let him then give me libertie to speak , Let him lay by his pride , whose dealings weak , If not most wicked , and unhappie deeds ( For though he death and danger threat , I needs Must speak my minde ) so many peeres have slain , And all our citie made in teares complain : And whiles that he assayes , scarcely assails The Trojan trenches , and us therein fails , Trusting his heels , thrusting all else in arms , Even frighting heaven and earth with fierce alarms . Let one thing more be added , I thee pray , To all those gifts which thou to send didst say , Adde this one more , great king ; Let not the heat Of any's rage make thee from this retreat ; But give thy daughter ( to conclude all strife ) To such a sonne , most worthy such a wife , Thus mayst thou tie this peace with endlesse bands . But if thy heart on feare and trembling stands , We 'le him intreat , and for this to him sue , To yeeld our king his right , our state its due . And why shouldst thou so oftentimes expose Our wretched natives to such certain woes ? Thou head and heart of Latiums miserie , Even thou , O Turnus ! no securitie Can be in battells : therefore peace we crave , Therefore we all firm pledge of peace would have . I first , whom thou indeed do●t think thy foe , ( And much I care not , if I sure be so ) I humbly pray thee pitie our poore plight , Doffe thy high thoughts , be gone , since put to flight . For we have seen too many bodies slain , Too many , and too great lands spoil'd and ta'ne . But , if thee fame so spurre , strength so incite ▪ If in the princesse thou so much delight , Venture thy self to combate with thy foe , That Turnus may a queen for 's wife , get so . We pessants unbewail'd , unburied train , About the fields will silently remain . Thou then , if any Martiall spirit thou have , Shew it 'gainst him , who now does thee out-brave . This speech young T●rnus rage exasperat●s : He sighs , and then these words evaporate● ; Drances , thou ever drayn'st out flouds of words Even then when there 's farre greater need of swords : Thou wilt be foremost at a parliament ; But talk is not for court convenient , Which ( thou being safe ) with full mouth from thee flies , While there 's a wall 'twixt thee and th' enemies , And whiles with bloud dikes do not overflow ▪ Thunder ( as 't is thy wont ) with babling so , And taunt and tax me then of cowardize , When Drances also hath heapt in a trice So many Trojan bodies , by him slain , And bravely can the field about maintain , Triumphant with rich trophies . Then thou mayst Thy vigorous valour trie , if ought thou hast : Nor needst thou look farre off to finde thy foes , They stand about us , and our walls enclose . Let 's out against them , why dost thou delay ? What , wilt thou still Mars in thy mouth display ? Or in those heels of thine flying like winde ? Did I e're flie ? O thou of most base minde ! Can any truely tax me so , whose blade With Trojan bloud Tyber o'r●flow hath made ; Who ruined have Euanders stock and state , And strongly did th' Arcadians denudate Of all their arms ? Bitias and Pandarus , Though e're so strong , ( I think ) ne're found it thus ; And all those mul●itudes whom in one day ( Clos'd in their town , and hedg'd in every way ) I to black Tartar sent victoriously . In war-fare ( sure ) there is no safetie . But , frantick fool ▪ go sing thy slanderous song To Troyes Aeneas , it does best belong To him and thy base state : Proceed then still All things with thy most impious feares to fill : Extoll the strength of a twice vanquisht nation , And make on th' other side , vile valuation Of Latines powers . And now it must be said , That Greeks great peeres of Trojans are afraid . And Diomedes and Achilles stout , And that Aufidus fierce turns back in doubt , Into the Adriatick sea to fall . This arts-master of lies and envious gall , Feignes himself fearfull , all because of me , My fault must by his feare imbittered be . But ( feare not , fool ) such base bloud ne're shall stain This hand of mine ; safe to thy self remain . But now to thee ( great fire ) and thine affaires , I glad return . If in our coasts and cares And future force all hope be past and spent , If so forlorn for one poore hard event , If one repulse hath us quite ruinated , And fortune never can be restaurated : Let 's then pray peace in submisse trembling feare ; Though O , I wish there yet some reliques were Of wonted valour ! O , 'bove all the rest I him admire , most fortunate and blest , For all his toiles , for his renowned might , In that he liv'd not of these woes t' have fight ; He bravely stoopt to death , fear'd not his wound , But dying , conquer'd , when he bit the ground . But if we have both wealth and worth , and hearts Unstain'd with cowardize to flie from darts : If Latiums towns and people can bring aid ; If Trojans pride hath been with much bloud paid , And that their slain , and warre-tempestuous showers Have ( if not more ) been equall full with ours : Why faint we at the first ? i' th' doore fall dead ? Why for th' alarm , seem we thus basely fled ? Much toile and times various vicissitude , Mans mutable estate do oft conclude In sweet content ; Fortune re-smiles on them Whom she before threw from a diadem . Will neither Greeks nor Arpians us aid ? But yet Messapus will , he 's not afraid : Nor fortunate Tolumnius , that brave king , Nor all those lords which mightie troops do bring : Nor is 't a petty praise to have choice bands From Italie and stout Laurentums lands . Then from the nation of the Volscians brave , The princesse rare , Camilla faire , we have , Leading her troops of horse in armour bright : But if with me alone Trojans would fight , If this will please , if I alone withstand The publicke good , I ne're yet found this hand So void of victorie , that I should e're For so great hope the greatest task forbeare . I full of courage , will my foe go finde ; And though he had Achilles mightie minde , And had such arms as he , by Vulcan drest , Yet I , even Turnus , equall to my best Of ancestours , am here most ready prest , This life and soule of mine to consecrate To you my father in law , great Latines state . 'T is me ( you say ) Aeneas does defie : I wish it so , and pray it may be I. Yet , whether I survive or end my life By heavens displeasure or my Martiall strife , I this could wish , that Drances neither may Insult or boast i' th' gain or losse o' th' day . Whiles they these things contending agitate , Aeneas tents and troops do prop●rate : And now behold , a poste comes rushing in , Filling the court vvith most tumultuous din , Frighting the citie vvith amazement great , And eagerly this news doth oft repeat , That Trojans were by Tybers stream array'd , And Tuscane troops o're all those plains display'd . The peoples hearts were dampt and much perplext , And vvith deep wrath and rage provokt and vext , Arms tremblingly they crie , arms sparks do crave ; Much mourning , muttering is 'mongst old men grave ▪ And hereupon doth clamourous noise arise , With various votes in most contentious vvise . Much like when i● a wood a mightie flight Of chattering birds on boughs and branches light ; Or cackling swans by fishy Path●s lake , Whose notes the banks about loud echoing make . Then Turnus taking th' opportunity , Cries out , Well done , my friends , well done say I , Sit ye in councel , praise peace on your seat , Whiles foes your kingdome foile and ruine threat . Without more words , forth from them all he flings , And swiftly leaves them treating on those things . And forthwith bids Volusus arm his bands Of Volscians brave ; and instantly commands , And orders stout Messapus to lead forth His fierce Rutulian horsemen of brave worth : With him his brother Coras to bring on , And to the field forthwith for to be gone . Some he bids block the wayes , some guard the towers , The rest , as I think best , shall strength my powers . Straight through the citie to the walls they scud . Then from the councel , king Latinus good , And great negotiations , doth arise , Deferring them in discontented wise ; Taxing himself , that voluntarily He took not into his affinity , As his deare sonne in law , the prince of Troy. Some busily their best aid do employ About the walls and gates , deep dikes to cast , With stones and blocks the gates to dam up fast . The Martiall trump now gives the bloudy sound , And wives and children 'bout the walls stood round , All at a pinch to help the work are bound . Then to great Pallas towre and temple rare , The queen was born with troops of ladies faire , With sacrificing gifts : and in great state Virgin Lavinia did her sociate , ( Cause of these ills ) her comely eyes down cast : After , whom orderly the ladies past , The temple they perfume with frankincense , Thus praying sadly , at ingredience ; Tritonian maid , arms potent patronesse , Do thou this Phrygian filchers power suppresse With thy strong arm , and cast him to the ground ▪ And from our gates do thou his force confound . And now fierce Turnus fits him to the fight , His rough Rutulian arms with buckles bright Fastned about him , vvith gold buskins clad , Not yet upon his head his helm he had ; But at his side , his sword . Thus gorgeously In glistering gold he from the towre doth flie ▪ His heart with hope of hap his foe outstrips , As when a pampered courser nimbly skips , Broke out o' th' stable , now at libertie , Fiercely does to faire fields and meadows flie ; And frisks about , and leaps amongst the mares , And in his wonted waters washt , he stares , And snorts and snuffs , and shakes his rough-haire main ▪ Which bolt-upright starts up , and falls again In wanton wise , about his neck and breast . Whom thus to meet , Camilla her addrest , Leading along her troops of Volscians stout , The queen alighted at the gates without : Whom all her troops do forthwith imitate , Leaving their horses , were dismounted straight . And thus she first began ; O Turnus brave , If for true valour , one may duely have Hope of good hap , I dare adventure now , And Trojan troops I first t' affront do vow ▪ Yea I alone dare deal with Tuscane bands . Let warres first fortune fall upon my hand● ▪ Whiles thou on foot stay'st here , the gatesto guar● . To whom thus Turnus with all due regard , ( His eyes fast fixt on this admired maid ) Replies ; Faire virgin , who hast full displayd Thy self the glorie of all Italie ! What can I say , or do , to gratifie So great desert ? But now ( since all I may Comes short of thy brave heart ) let 's part the prey . Aeneas now ( since fame and scouts forth sent , Had made the truth of things most evident ) A troop of light-horse fiercely first sent out , His foe t' outbrave , and scoure the fields about . Himself ascends a craggie steepie hill , Through uncouth combring way , with Martiall skill , And bends to th' citie . I 'le ( sayes he ) here lay An ambush strong close in this woods crosse way , And so block up both passages most strong , With armed troops : do thou then lead along Against the Tuscane horse , thy bands combin'de , And fierce Messapus unto thee conjoyn'd , Together with our Latine companies , And strong Tyburtus troops , our brave allies ; And of a stout commander take the charge . And like encouragements he did enlarge Unto Messapus , him to th' warre t' incite , And all his captains ; and proceeds to th' fight . Between two hills a crooked valley lies , Fit for defeat and Martiall policies , On both sides with thick shady boughs beset , Passage through which 't was difficult to get , By narrow entrance , and dark rigid wayes , VVhose mountain-top on high , abroad displayes An unknown plain , which safe holds for retreat , For left or right hands shifting the warres seat , Either to skirmish stiffely on the top , Or from on high great stones on pates to pop . To this vantageous place , by wayes well known , Doth Turnus haste , to get possession Of the said seat , and settles secretly VVithin those woods , his foes to damnifie . Meanwhile Diana nimble Ops doth call , One of her mated maids celestiall , And of the modest crew ; and sadly said To this faire nymph her most officious maid ; Faire Ops , Camilla , whom I much affect , Goes to this furious warre vainly bedeckt With our acoutrements : nor is this love Which your Diana's heart thus neare doth move , A new affection , or an up-start sweet . For when as Metabus , by undiscreet And impious envie , and insulting might , Was from Privernus forc'd to take his flight , Scaping through thickest of his fiercest foes , With his poore exil'd infant thence he goes , And her Camilla , from Casmilla's name , Her mother , nam'd ; a little chang'd the same . He in his arms his daughter with him bare Through long unwonted woods , with carking care : At whom thick storms of arrows fiercely flew , And troops of Volscian souldiers neare him drew . In whose fierce flight , behold , Amasenus , Swiftly o'reswells his banks most copious , So mightie showres of rain gusht down before , That he prepared swiftly to swimme o're : But tender love unto his infant tender , And feare of this deare burthen , did him hinder . As he a thousand thoughts in minde did cast , VVith much adoe , he thus resolv'd at last ; A mightie speare of oak in his strong fist By chance he caught , strengthned with knotty twist , And scorcht about ; wherein the childe he layd , And it with bark and cork closely up made : And her conveniently to th' staffe thus ties , And with strong hand it grasping , thus to th' skies He vents his votes ; Diana , virgin faire , Goddesse of woods , I this my childe , my care , Do here thy servant to thee dedicate , Who in her hands thy speare doth elevate ; And by me humbly prayes ( flying her foe ) That as thine own , thou wouldst receive her so , Who now is left unto uncertain fate . This said , his arms laid ope , he casteth straight The twisted speare into the streams , and they Making a dashing-sound , swift floats away Unfortunate Camilla . But her father Metabus , seeing foes him nearer gather In mightie heaps , commits himself to th' waves , And so by swimming , both himself he saves , And ( victour in his votes ) the childe ; and speare , Diana's gift , from a grasse-turffe doth teare . No harbourous house he had , nor town wall'd in , ( Nor would have had though they had profered bin ) But liv'd a shepherds life i' th' woods alone , And here in groves and beasts dark-dens unknown His daughter he nurs'd up with a mares dugge , VVho with her lips milk from the teats did tugge : And when the babe began to go and stand , He her enur'd to hold a speare in hand , To beare a bow and quiver at her back : And for a cawle of gold , ( which she did lack ) And a long lovely robe , she wore behinde A tigers skin , loose dangling in the winde : And prettie childish darts she us'd to fling , And 'bout her head would nimbly whisk her sling ; VVherewith sometime a fat Strymonian crane , Sometime a milk-white swan were smote and slair . Great Tuscane dames , as she their towns past by , VVisht her their daughter in law , but frustrately , Her sole delight being in Diana's grace , In pure virginitie to end her race : O that she had not warre so much affected , Nor to provoke the Trojans been addicted ! Then had she liv'd one of my damsells deare , But now , since she her bitter fates must beare , Faire nymph descend , view Latines land throughout , Where with unhappie hap the field is fought . Take these with thee , and from this quiver pull A dart vindicative of vengeance full ; Which , whosoe're her sacred bodie harms , Trojan , Italian , fatally it charms , And gives me full revenge . Afterwards I Will in a hollow cloud immediately Take up her woefull corps , arms free from spoile , And her interre in her own native soile . This said , she fluttering flies down through the aire , A black thick stormie cloud her body bare . But now meanwhile Troyes troops the walls drew nigh , Etrurian-leaders bands of horsemen hie , In well-compos'd arrayes : the steeds most stout Curvet , and fret , and range the field about , Churlishly champing ( still ) the curbing reins , And here and there prancing about the plains : Steel-glistring speares the very fields affright , And all the camp seems fir'd with armour bright . Messapus also , on the other side , And lusty Latines shine in Martiall pride : Coras and 's brother and Camilla's wing , Their adverse armies brave to field do bring ; And in their right hands they their speares do shake ▪ And in their rests , their lances charges make . And now both horse and men with fervour fret To meet : and both sides now together set In distance of a darts cast , both stand still , And suddenly burst out in clamours shrill , And cheere their snorting steeds , and thick darts throw From both sides , all parts like huge drifts of snow , Which darkly dimme the aire . Then instantly Tyrrhenus and Aconteus furiously With piercing speares begin a combate strong , VVhose first affront , with overthrowing throng , Made mightie noise : the horses breast to breast Batter'd each other as they forward prest : And down Aconteus fell unto the ground , Much li●● a thunder-bolt with clattering sound . Or like ● pondrous stone from engine thrown , Headlong he fell , and falling gave last groan . The ranks are straight disrank'd , the Latines flie , Turn back their bucklers and horse-heads , and hie Unto the citie . Trojans drive them on , Asylas makes prime prosecution , And execution on the enemie , And chas'd the Latines to the citie nigh ; There suddenly with clamours loud and great Rein back their horses , back their foes they beat . The Trojans ▪ straight , re-rein their horse and flie . Like as i' th' sea , when subalternately Now on each other , billows backward rush Fast to the shore , and with foam-waves do brus● And overtop rough rocks and bounding sands ; And now again with furious countermands And boyling foam re-sups roll'd-pebbles small , Ebbing and flowing , to and fro does fall : Thus Tuscanes twice to th' walls do Rutuls force ; And twice beat back , their backs hid , foes they course . But after third encounters skirmishing , The whole battalions furiously begin Promiscuously to fight it out pel-mell , And closely to it , man to man , they fell . Then groans of dying men drencht deep in gore , Corslets and corps of souldiers more and more Tumbling down dead , mingled with half-dead horse , Wallowing in bloud , loud screeks and cries do force : The fight grows fierce . Thus then Orsilochus ( Fearing to set upon fierce Remulus ) Darted a speare at 's horse , which stuck in 's care , VVhereat the furious beast could not forbeare , But stamps and stares , impatient of his wound , And ne're left kicking , mounting , till to th' ground His rider he did headlong tumble down . Catillus then slew , to his high renown , Iöla fierce , and bold Herminius , In corps and courage most magnanimous , VVho with his yellow locks bare-headed fought , Bare-neck'd , not fearing wounds or weapons stout , So great he was in warre ; yet through his neck A piercing speare did his bare-boldnes●e check : VVhich in his mightie shoulders stuck most fast , And into deadly pangs this warriour cast . Black flouds of bloud on both sides flow amain ; By steel they die , by death they fame obtain . But through the thickest of these slaughters fierce The manly Amaz●●ian dame doth pierce , Rare quiver-bearing faire Camilla stout , VVho with one breast cut off , most fiercely fought . Sometimes she grasps her darts or whistling speares , Sometime her untyr'd hand a battle-ax beares . Still 'bout her neck her golden bow hangs fast , Diana's arms . And if by chance at last She forced be to flie , pursu'd in chace , Her bow turn'd back , she shoots in followers face . And still about her her choice virgins fight , Larina , Tulla , and Tarpëia bright , Her brazen bill brandishing valiantly , Faire Latium lasses , whom especially Camilla rare chose both for guard and grace , Affaires of peace or warre t' appoint a place . Like th' Amazonian dames of Thracia land , When warring 'bout Thermodoon flouds they stand In rich wrought arms : or 'bout Hippolyta , Or in her coach war-like Penthesil'a . Shewing herself victour with voices shrill , And feminine out-cries , the skies that fill , And stately strutting with their half-moon shields . O whom ( fierce ladie ) didst thou slay i' th' fields , Both first and last ? How many bodies slain And gasping soules did at thy feet remain ? Eumenius , Clytius sonne , she first did slay , Whose naked breast ope to her anger lay : Which with her speare she pierc'd , who flouds of gore Straight vomiting , with teeth the ground he tore , And dy'd in his own bloud . On whom she slew Liris and Pegasus ; the one who drew His reins too strait , curbing his floundring horse ; Th' other , too weakly aiding , she did force To follow him , and headlong both do rush : Next with a speare , farre-off , she fierce doth push At Hippodates sonne , Amaster strong : Tereus and Harpalycus ere long , Stout Demoph'on and Chromis , all she slew . And look how many shafts this ladie threw , So many Trojans dy'd . Ornitus stout , In arms most strange , did flie the fields about , On an Apulian beast , in hunters pride , Whose shoulders broad an oxes hyde did hide , And for an helm on 's head a fierce wolfs head , With grinning jaws , white teeth discovered : He in his hand a clownish club did weld , In thickest troops 'bove all the rest beheld . Him she assailed ( nor was this brave fact Effected when the troops retired back ) Assaulting , slew : and wrathfully thus said ; Proud Tuscane , didst thou ( false ) thy self perswade , That thou wast hunting wilde-beasts in a wood ? This day shall teach thee thou hast understood Erroniously , and that , by female force : Yet tell thy fathers ghost , 't is no mean course , No common death , thus by Camilla's lance To die . This said , forthwith she did advance Both at Orsilachus and Butes bold , Two Trojans huge of body to behold : But fiercely she at B●tes her speare strake , Which 'twixt his helm and corslet way did make , Glistring about his neck : his target strong By his left side hung danglingly along : Orsilochus she subt'ly seems to flie On th'inner-side , circling , with policie , Her foolified foe ; who thus again Her close pursues , that chases him amain . Then raising up her self , with battle-ax great Together armour , flesh , and all she beat : And on him praying , prating , double blows Nimbly redoubles , till at head and nose Warm brains gush out , and all-besmeare his face . Then unawares arrived in this place , And at first sudden sight somewhat afraid , The war-like sonne of Aunus , who long made Abode in Apenine ▪ none of the worst Of Ligures lying race , whiles fates ( from first ) Permitted him to cheat : who when he saw , He by no slight nor flight could now withdraw From a sharp fight , nor turn th'affronting dame ; He thought how he by craft some trick might frame ; And thus begins ; What so renown'd a fact Is it , if thou , a woman , having backt So brave a beast , dost boast and trust him so ? Leave thy swift horse , alight to me below , And hand to hand let 's bicker on the ground , And fight on foot ; then shall it soon be found , How fond thy flash of praise is , who 'le best merit . He ceas'd . But she with hot enraged spirit , Enflam'd with deep disdain , her horse forsakes , Commits him to her mate , her self betakes To equall arms on ground , her sword in hand And nimble shield , thus stoutly she doth stand . But now the lying lad , thinking his cheat Succeeded right , flies thence in frightfull heat ; He makes no stay , but turns his reins with speed , Sets spurres to 's nimble nagge , hopes ( thus ) he 's freed . Whereat sayes she , Vain Ligur , 't is in vain , That thou thy pride of heart would'st thus maintain : In vain 's ( I say ) thy countrey cousenage base ; Nor shall thy fraud thee shufle in safe case , To thy fallacious father Annus vile . Thus spake the ladie , who in this meanwhile With light-heel'd flashy haste the horse o'retook , Layes hold on 's bridle , at him fiercely strook : And thus in 's bloud reveng'd his knavish wrong . Much like great Mars his bird , the faulcon strong , Flown from a loftie rock , having in chace A swift aire-piercing dove in quivering case : Which caught , he keeps , and does with 's tallons teare , Forcing both bloud and feathers flie i'th'aire . But Iove , great founder both of Gods and men , With watchfull eye looks from olympus then ; And Tuscane Tarchon to this fight invites , And with sharp spurres of rage him soon incites . Then into th'midst o' th' fight and failing bands Tarchon doth rush , and stout on horse-back stands , With various votes encouraging his wings , And every one by name about he brings , Re-cheering those that fled to th'fight to fall . And thus he sayes ; What feare surrounds you all , O still dull Tyrrhons , ne're to be lamented ? What so great sloth hath you so circumvented ? What , shall a woman force you to pale face ? Shall she you up and down so hunt and chase ? Why beare ye blades ? why weare ye weapons vain ? Ye stand not thus , fond cour●esie to strain : Nor dreaming thus at Venus wanton sport , At nightly warres : or when with thick resort Bacchus his bag-pipe calls in companies : Or when with beere and cheere ye g●rmandize ! O here 's your love , here your delight most lies , Whiles in high groves your priest glad tidings sings , And to your sacrifice fat offrings brings . This said , his horse into the midst he spurres , Himself much vext in heart , fate first him stirres To set on Venulus most furiously : Whom from his horse he pulls down instantly , And with main force squeez'd him on his own breast . Then mightie clamours were to heaven exprest , And on him all the Latines cast their eyes : Thus lightning flashing Tarchon forward flies , Bearing down men and arms : and as he past , The iron of his speare brake off at last . Yet still death-wounds to give all parts he pries : And fighting , he himself doth shield likewise From bloudie blades , and force by force defies : And as the lustie eagle loftie flies , And in his claws a snatcht up dragon holds , Which fast in 's feet he with sharp tallons folds ; But yet the pinching serpent wrigling wreathes , His folding limbes and scales with hideous breathes , And poys'nous hissings , strugling sturdilie : Yet ne're the lesse , the eagle eagerlie Him pulls and pinches with his beak most strong , And through the aire forcibly flies along : Even so great Tarchon from Tyburtum bands Triumphantly beares the prey in his hands . The Lydians likewise gladly imitate Their brave commanders pattern and good fate . Then Aruns , full of craft and subtiltie , Subject himself to fatall destinie , Rides round about Camilla with his lance , His fortunes fitliest lab'ring to advance . And wheresoe're in thickest troops she stood , Thither doth Aruns slylie prying scud : Where she from foes retreats a conqueresse stout , Thither by stealth quick runs he , wreathes about : And this way , that way , every way doth trance , And round he runs , and shakes his death-sure lance . By chance Choreus , once a priest divine , In Phrygian arms 'bove all the rest did shine , Prancing his foaming horse , adorned faire With rich caparisons , brasse scales most rare , Garnisht with gold , himself most richly clad In fine outlandish scarlet , purple sad . His Cretian shafts he shot in Lycian bow , His bow all gilt , his shoulders hung below . A priests gilt helm , rich yellow coat he wore , Whose dangling flaps gold buttons ty'de before , A rare embroidered jacket , robe to 's thighs . The ladie him no sooner thus espies , But ( either that she might her temple grace , And Trojan armour hang in speciall place ; Or cloath her self in captive cloaths of gold ) This hot-spurr'd huntresse greedily blindfold Through all the fight follows him eagerly ; And fir'd with feminine aviditie And longing lust of that rich spoile and prey Aruns , who long in watchfull ambush lay , At last layes hold of fit time offered , And casts his dart , and these votes uttered ; Great Iove , and thou Soracte's grave Apollo , Whom chiefly we with sacrifices follow , To whom a pile of oylie pines still flame , And we , assisted by thy sacred name , Through midst of flames can walk and passe most free , Yea even bare-footed , yet unhurt are we : O grant , great Iove , my weapon may wipe out Our foule disgrace , too long thus born about . No trophies from the damsell I desire , No prey nor spoiles in conquest I require , By other facts I will advance my fame : So I may but subdue this pest'lent shame , I passe not , though I passe ingloriously Unto my home , and honourlesse there die . Apollo partly his request respects , Partly as airie stuffe he it rejects : He grants Camilla by dire death shall die , But his return safe home he does denie : And these his words like windes he made to flie . Wherefore as soon as e're the whisling lance Flung from his hand , did through the aire advance , The eyes and thoughts of all the hoast throughout , Towards the Volscian queen were cast about . But she , nor aire , nor sound , nor singing dart , Heard or regarded , till it pierc'd her heart : Untill the speare on her sear'd breast fast lights , And drunk with damsells bloud her heart it smites . Her maiden-mates made all about her straight , To stay their falling queen , in dying state . But Aruns chiefly makes away with speed , In whom much feare mixt with much joy doth breed : Nor longer durst he linger , more to trie The damsells dart and speare , but fast doth flie . And like a wolf , who ere the adverse darts Do him assault , fearfully flies and starts , And hides himself in uncouth mountains high , ( Some shepherd by him slain most ravenously , ●r some brave bullock ) conscious of the deed , Does with the tail between his legs proceed , And haste into the woods with feare and fright : So Aruns full of feare gets out of sight , Well pleas'd with flight , him in the armie hides . The dying queen the speare , which in her ' bides , Strives to pluck out ; but in her bones and breast The steely weapon fast did stick and rest ; She wanting bloud , sinks down , her dying eyes Shut down their lids : her red , which beautifies Late cherry cheeks , is lost . With dying voice To Acca , one of her chief maids of choice , ( Whom 'fore the rest for her fidelity Camilla us'd in deep anxiety , With her her sorrows to communicate ) Thus she her minde doth dying demonstrate ; Hitherto , sister Acca , I was able ; But now my mortall wound doth me disable . All things ( me thinks ) 'bout me seem dark and dim ▪ Haste hence to Turnus , and relate to him My last advise ; wish him in any case To come to th' fight , Trojans from 's town to chase : And now farewell . And with those words her rein Fell from her hand , and with her wounds great pain She fiercely falls to ground ; then by degrees , Her corps all naturall heat doth softly leese , And so growes cold , and then her limber neck Le ts loose her helplesse head , to bow and beck : And from her hands her weapons letting fall , With a great groan , her strugling soule withall Flies to the seat of soules . Then instantly A wondrous clamour clambers up to th' skie . Camilla thus cast down , more bloudy growes The furious fight , and thick the confluence flowes , Of Trojan and of Tuscane captains stout , And of Euanders brave Arcadian rout . Meanwhile , faire Ops , Diana's maid , sate high , Mounted upon a mount , undauntedly , To view the fight . As she among the sparks , Furiously fighting sees farre off and marks Camilla most unworthily thus slain , A hearty sigh these words pump out amain ; Too deare ( alas faire ladie ! ) ah , too deare Thou now hast paid , by cruell death laid here , By warre thus labouring Trojans to provoke . In vain thou wor'st in woods Diana's yoke , In vain thou didst our shafts and quiver weare ; Yet no disgrace ( faire queen ) there shall appeare In this thy death ; nor shall it without praise Passe through the world : Fame thee reveng'd shall blaze : For whosoe're thy corps thus violated , Shall surely be by death retaliated . Under a steepie hill there was the grave Of king Dercennus rais'd aloft most brave , With heaps of earth from ancient Laurent ta'ne , Cover'd with oaken boughs and branches main : Here the faire nymph first swiftly did alight , And from this hill on Aruns cast her sight . Whom spying richly arm'd puft up with pride , Why fly'st thou hence ( sayes she ) and turn'st aside ? Make this thy way , come hither to thy bane , Take thy just guerdion for Camilla slain . Shalt not thou by Diana's dart now die ? And at these words , like Thracian huntresse high , From her gilt quiver she a sharp shaft takes , And fiercely bends her bow , and fitly makes The nock stand to the string : so strong she drew , That both the horn-ends meet ; out swiftly flew The shaft from both her hands . Aruns at last Heare 's the darts din , as through the aire it past : The steel stuck in his breast , he gasping lay , His mates unmindefull of him , gone away , Left him expiring in an unknown ground : Ops for Olympus with her wings is bound . Lady Camilla slain , her left wing first Flies fast away , their faire array quite burst : The routed Rutuls run , Atinas flies , Their ensignes lost by captains cow●rdize , Seeking for shelter , horsemen haste to th' town , The Trojans fierce by death do all beat down . None them withstands , none can their darts resist , Foes unbent bows fall from their fainting fist : Flying horse-hoofs shake the bemired fields , The way to th' town rais'd-clouds of thick dust yeelds ▪ Wives from the walls behold it , beat their breast , Womanish cries to th' skies their woes exprest . And those which first by flight got ope the gate , Promiscuous might of foes doth perturbate . Nor scape they bitter death , even at the doore , And at their house and homes they gasp in gore . Some shut the gates , shut out their mates for feare , And though they pray , to ope are forc'd forbeare . A mightie slaughter here defendance found , And fierce assailants finde their fatall wound , And some shut out , 'fore weeping parents eye , Constrain'd , run headlong into th' ditch and die . Some fury-blinded , set spurres to their horse , And headlong butt the barres and gates by force . The women on the walls made so fierce fight , When dead Camilla came into their sight , ( Such to their countrey was their zeal and love ) That fearfull fast they fling darts from above , And steely staves of oak , ●peares burnt at th' end , Fearlesse to die , their countrey to defend . Meanwhile a message sad as bad flies out , Which in the woods fills Turnus heart with doub● ▪ By flying Acca to this young prince brought ; How their affaires were with confusion fraught : How Volscians vanquisht were , Camilla slain : How furious foes upon them prest amain : How they in all with prosperous warre proceed : How feare within , without the town did breed . He fury-fill'd ( for so Ioves fierce decree Ordained had ) the immur'd mounts doth free , Leaves the sharp thickets , scarce was out of sight , Hardly had pitcht his camp in Martiall rite ; When brave Aeneas entred had the wood , And on the late forsaken mountain stood , And got out of the grove : when both in haste With all their troops unto the citie pas'd , From one another not farre distant lying . Aeneas also vigilantly eying The dusty fields and faire Laurentine bands : And Turnus saw where stout Aeneas stands , His footmens fierce approach , his neighing horses : Immediately they had conjoyn'd their forces , And fough●●he field , had not Sols roseall face VVith tyred ●●eeds been vail'd in th' end of 's race , In Western waves , and dayes decay brought night ; Before the town they therefore plant their might . An end of the eleventh book of Virgils Aeneïs . THE ARGUMENT of the twelfth book . King Turnus , now the Latines tyr'd With adverse arms , once more desir'd By single combate fates to try . Latinus labouring urgently A peace to make , the peace is had . Juturna , Turnus sister sad , Disturbs the same , Camertes feignes , Both th' adverse bands to fight constrains . Aeneas wounded with a dart , His mother Venus cures the smart . The town is ta'ne : queen Amata Then hangs herself . Turnus straightway The combate with Aeneas tries , Is slain : Aeneas wins the prize . WHen Turnus saw his Latines tired quite , And much perplext with this unfriendly fight , His promise now requir'd , himself the but On whom the eyes of all themselves did glut . VVith self-incensed rage he burns and blazes , Fury implacably his spirit raises : Much like the Libyan lion hunted sore , VVho with a mortall wound molested more , Prepares to fight , insultingly doth shake His curled locks , hoping revenge to take On the sly-hunter , snaps the speare in 's paws , And furious , fearelesse , roares with bloudy jaws : So wrath vindicative fierce Turnus swells . Thus then to th' king his troubled thoughts he tells ; In Turnus ( sure ) there can be no delayes , Why turn-coat Trojans should use stops and stayes , Eating their words , refuse their promise past . I 'le meet him : then ( grave sir ) about you cast , Secure conditions for your peace to make , For with this hand I 'le either undertake That Asian fugitive to send to hell , ( Let Latines sit and see , and note it well ) And with my sword-salve heal this publick ill : Or he shall conquer us , and with good will My faire Lavinia in due marriage have . The king with settled thoughts and count'nance grave , Makes this reply ; O most accomplisht prince , By how much thou all others dost evince In vertue , valour ; the more seriously Must I consult with circumspective eye , And cast all courses how to free our feare . Thou hast faire realms held from thy father deare , Faire warre-won towns : Lati●us still inherits Plentie of gold , but most and best , brave spirits : And Latium and Laurentum doth pos●esse More vertuous virgins , full of noblenesse . Then give me leave to speak the truth , though tart , Plain without flash , and fix my words in heart : To no old suiter I my daughter may In wedlock joyn : this fates and all men say : Yet won with love of thee , won by thy race , And flouds of teares on my sad spouses face , I brake all bands , infring'd my promise plighted Unto my sonne in law , vile warre invited . Meanwhile thou seest ( brave Turnus ) what befalls Both thee and me ; what broiles even to our walls , How many tyring troubles , chiefly thee Have overtaken : whereby we now see Our selves in two set-battells vanquished , And we within our town scarce free from dread , The strength and hope of famous Italie : And to this day our bloud doth tepefie Swift Tybers torrent , still our fields look white With mightie heaps of bones . O why so light Turn I so oft ? what phrenzie moves my minde ? If ( Turnus slain ) I make these foes friends kinde , Why rather do I not , while he 's alive , An end of these fierce fights with speed contrive ? What will our kinsmen the Rutulians say , Yea and all Italie , if I betray ( Fates falsifie my words ) his life to grave , Whiles he our daughter his choice spouse doth crave ? Warres various events respect , I pray ; With pitie thy old parents grief allay , Whom , full of grief , Ardea's land separates . This speech no whit stout Turnus rage abates , Whose salve doth more and more the sore infest ▪ Who soon as he could speak , it thus exprest ; Your care of me ( grave sire ) pray put aside , And let me death for dignitie abide . VVe yet cast darts , draw swords with Martiall hands , And every wound we give , life-bloud commands . His Goddesse mother will be absent farre , VVho in a cloud that fugitive from warre VVith feminine affection us'd to hide , In pain shall he in cloudy vails abide . But now the queen with this new-purpos'd fight Sorely perplext , showres teares in piteous plight , Her firie sonne in law , ready to die , Embracing in her arms , with plaints doth plie ; Deare Turnus , by these teares I thee intreat , ( By that , if any love o' th' honour great Of Amata , warms thy late loving heart : For of our old age thou the sole staffe art , Our sorrows solace , Latines lovely crown , That prop , which fa●ling , all our state falls down ) This one thing I thee pray , Cease warres with Troy ; For whatsoever chance doth thee annoy , The very same ( my Turnus ) me'le destroy : And life I 'le leave , ere captiv'd I will see Aeneas base , my sonne in law to be . Her mothers tongue , with teares , Lavinia knew , Straight crystall drops her blushing cheeks bedew , VVhose corrall colour seem'd her face to flame , And with much heat to overspread the same . Much like white ivorie with vermilion stain'd , Or lilies faire with much red-roses drain'd ; Such was the damsels daintie coloured face . Love straight turns Turnus to more amourous case : VVhose eyes fast fixed on her count'nance faire , More eagerly for arms he does prepare . Thus therefore briefly to queen Amata He makes reply ; Forbeare , forbeare , I pray , Deare mother , with your teares me to molest , To urge me from a lot which I love best , And for which I will bloudiest battells try : Nor is 't in Turnus , life or death to fly . Go therefore Idmon , tell that Phrygian king , Shew the unsavoury message thou dost bring ; That earely the next morn , so soon as e're Ruddy Aurora with a count'●●nce cleare In purple chariot ushers in day ●ight , His Trojans should not Rutule● 〈…〉 fight , But both might rest , and both desist from arms , And their two's bloud determine these alarms . This message sent , to 's home he fiercely flies , Calls for hir horses ▪ which , before his eyes Champing with foaming mouths , him much delight : Even those which of a faire and prancing sprite Faire Orithyia to Pilumnus gave , For snowie colour and swift course most brave . The horse-keepers about them busie stand , Slicking their breasts , clapping them with their hand , To cheere them up , and combe their mains rough haire . Himself puts on his corslet , shining faire With glistring gold and streaks of tinne most bright : His sword and shield and helmet , fits to th'fight . His sword ( I say ) which ignean Vulcane gave Unto his father Daunus , dipt most brave I' th' Stygian stream , to make it strong and bright Then from a pillar standing bolt-upright , I' th' midst o' th' room a mightie lance he takes , And in his hand it furiously he shakes , Actor Aruncus spoile : thus then he said ; O thou my speare , which ne're deny'dst me aid When I desir'd , the time is now at hand : Once mightie Actor us'd thee to command , But Turnus now thee in his hand doth hold : O grant , with thee I may his carcase cold Lay low on ground , and by thee , my brave speare , With my strong hand , the pull'd off corslet teare Of that hen●hearted Phrygian , and most just , Smeare his perfumed smelling locks i'th'dust , Curled and crisp'd with heated irons neat . Thus up and down with rage and furie great He breathes outbraves , and makes wrath-sparkles ●lie , And flames of indignation flash in 's eye . As when a bull a furious fight intends , Aire-frighting bellows forth he forthwith sends , And with madhead his horns whets on the ground , Buts truncks of trees , to fight with windes turns round , Playes with the dust , plowes up the earth in spight : Aeneas also fits him for the fight , Arm'd in his mothers arms , Mars invocates , And him to th'combate , wrath exasperates , Rejoycing that by this thus offered truce , There was good hope to peace warre to reduce . Then sad Iülus feares , and all his mates He comforts by discovering all his fates : And bids the messengers shew to their king The rules for peace , and truth of every thing . Next morn , when day with light scarce sprinkled had The mountain tops , so soon as Sol most glad Gave reins to 's coursers , with a full careere Mounting from sea , snorting out day most cleare From their light-breathing nostrills : when with speed Trojans , Rutulians , busily proceed To bound the limits of their field to fight , Under the citie-walls , i'th'cities sight : And 'twixt them both , they fire and water brought , And to their Gods they grassie altars fraught , In linen cloath'd , with sacred vervine crown'd . Thus first come forth the Latine bands renown'd : The Trojans then and Tuscanes follow fast , And troops with various weapons , with them past . As comptly , promptly arm'd with blades most bright , As if they all were instantly to fight . And in the midst of these their thousands bold , Their captains praunce in scarlet and in gold . And Trojans brave , Mnestheus , Asyla's forces , And stout Messapus rider rare of horses , Great Neptunes offspring . All then , at the signe Now given , to their set-stations do incline . Their speares i'th'ground they pitch , their shields let fall . Then with desire to see , the women all Flock forth , and young and old , and weak and strong Climbe turrets high , and up and down they throng : Some o're house ridges stride , some on high gates : To all high standings each one properates . But Iun● from a mountain steep and tall , Which now adayes , Albanus men do call , ( But then was namelesse , famelesse , quite neglected ) Survayes the Martiall field , being much affected , Views both the Laurent and the Trojan bands , And in what state the Latines citie stands . Then to Iuturna , Turnus sister , she Thus said , Faire nymph , to whom is granted free Authoritie o're roaring rivers swift , ( For from above great Iove gave her this gift , When she was stript of her virginitie ) Rare nymph , of flouds the lustrous braverie , To us most neare and deare ; thou well dost know Of all the Latine ladies which do go To mightie Iupiters ungratefull bed , That thee alone I kindely suffered , And lovingly in heaven gave thee a place : Learn then of me thy present piteous case , And do not me , Iuturna , henceforth blame : For I , as farre as fates would grant the same , And destinies decreed , have still protected Latiums affaires , Turnus and 's towns affected : But now I see the young prince overmatcht , And by fates frowning day decreed , quite catcht In snares ofhastning death : nor can mine eyes Endure this fight , and curs'd confederacies . If therefore now thou any good canst do , Then for thy brother , it with speed ensue , As 't is most fit : perhaps fates may afford Better successe . Scarce had she said that word , When from her eyes Iuturna showr'd out teares , And twice or thrice her breast she beat with feares . Cease ( straight sayes Iuno ) now 's no time to weep , Make haste , thy brother ( if thou canst ) to keep From speedie death ; and or with Martiall broile Enflame them ; or , their peace begun go spoile . Be bold , I 'le beare thee out . With these perswasions She leaves her cumbred with most fierce invasions Of wounding thoughts . Meanwhile the kings proceed ; ( Latinus in a chariot with swift speed Drawn by foure horses gallantly bedeckt With twelve-fold golden wreathes , whose rare aspect Shone like his gransires glorious sun-beam bright ; Turnus goes next , drawn with two horses white , Grasping in 's hand two steelie-lances strong : Then grave Ae●eas bravely goes along , The basis of Romes regall progenie , With 's starrie shield glistring refulgently , And heaven-given arms ; with whom Ascanius came , The second hope , Romes empire fast to frame ) Thus on ( I say ) they to the camp proceed : Their priest aray'd in pure and spotlesse weed , Drawes forth a brislie sowes young porker faire , And unshorn sheep , to th'burning altars rare Bringing the beasts . They then their faces bent To the ascending sunne , on the beasts spent Their salt and bran , and with their sizers keen They clip the haire , and wooll their brows between , And on their altars poure out bowles of wine . Then with drawn sword Aeneas grave , divine , Thus vents his votes ; Bright Sol , my witnesse be , And thou O Latium , who both heare and see Me praying , and for whom I undergo These mightie toiles : and thou great Iove also , Yea and Saturnian Iuno , whom I pray A kinder Goddesse be , wrath laid away : And thou renowned Mars , who at thy will All warres dost regulate and order still : And springs and rivers all I invocate , And whatsoe're heavens power do venerate , And all that in the azure flouds do go . If on Italian Turnus chance bestow The victorie , we vanquisht , will depart Unto Euanders town with readie heart . Iülus also shall your land quite cleare , Nor shall our Trojans arms against you beare , Or ever after give you least distaste , Or with their swords your territories waste . But if to us Mars grant the victorie , ( Which I much rather hope by destinie , And pray the Gods would rather ratifie ) I neither will Latines subjection crave Unto us Trojans , nor your kingdomes have : But that both Trojans and Italians be Link'd by one law in endlesse amitie : I 'le guide you to the Gods and sacred rites . Have power ( great father in law ) in Martiall fights . Have and enjoy ( grave sire ) thy soveraigntie : My Trojans onely shall me edifie A setled town , and call it by the name Of thy Lavinia , to her datelesse fame . Thus first Aeneas , then Latinus grave , His hands and eyes lift up , this answer gave ; The self same things I ( great Aeneas ) sweare , Let sea and land and starres true witnesse beare , And both Latona's broods , and Ianus old With his two brows , and hells force uncontrold , And dues divine of plaguie Plutoes seat : And let great Iove heare thus , whose thunders great Do truces tie ; fright the fedifragous : And hereupon our shrines I handle thus , And midst o' th' flames I touch , and Gods I call , Of what I speak and vow , to witnesse all . No day shall Latines make this peace t' impeach , Nor of these coards of concord to make breach . Nor ( whatsoever chance betide ) will I By any force fall backward wilfully : No , though the seas hide earth with inundation , Or heaven with hell should force fierce desolation . And as this mace ( for in his hand by hap A mace he bare ) quite void of native sap , Shall never sprout or spring with branches tender , Nor ever any cooling shadows render , Cut out o' th' wood , and from the stock quite rent , VVanting its root , and boughs and bark all spent . And cut away with tools , but once a tree , Though now with gold it garnished you see , By cunning artists skill , and thus made fit For Latine kings to hold , in thrones that sit . VVith such like words their peace they did conclude Amidst the princely peeres and multitude : And then , as custome was , their beasts they slay , And on the fire their sprawling inwards lay . But all this while , this match seems much amisse To all the Rutuls , muttering much at this , VVith various votes and thoughts , and so much rather , By how much their unequall strength they gather . And Turnus his slow walks and paces sad , And low dejected looks much feare do adde , As he was humbly sacrificing there , VVith hollow cheeks and childish totall feare . VVhich muttering whiles Iuturna notes right well , And how the peoples hearts both rose and fell ; Camertes count'nance counterfeiting , she , ( Famous for grandsires ancient pedigree , And fathers fortitude , which farre was blown , And he himself valiant in arms was known ) She mixt her self amidst the thickest wings , And craftily acquainted with all things , Spread rambling rumours 'mongst them all , and said , O Rutuls , are ye not with shame o'relaid ? Thus one mans life for many's to expose To danger great ? Equall me not our foes In number and in magnanimitie ? See here the Trojans and Arcadians lie , And fatall troop Etrurians , Turnus foes ; And if in fight we bravely them oppose , They scarce have man for man. He shall indeed To th' Gods ( whose altars he adores ) proceed , And live by fame in all mens mouthes , though dead : But we ( our countrey lost ) live in dire dread , Be slav'd to supercilious lords , whiles we Lie lazing and permit it thus to be . With these like words the youths hot thoughts she fires , And more and more the murmure might acquires Through all the armie . Now the Laurents stout , And all the Latines wheel their thoughts about , And they which lately lookt for rest from fight , And safely from their sorrows , now down-right Addicted are to arms , wish the peace mar'd , And with great grief , Turnus hard hap regard . And to all this Iuturna jugles more , And from the heavens sends a signe them before , Which more effectually than ought else yet , Did mould th' Italians mindes for her most fit , To foolifie them with a prodigie . For as Ioves bird , the eagle , in cleare skie Soaring along , drives little birds about , And frights the chattering flock and wingie rout , When with a sudden swoop and serious watch H● gliding down , a gallant swan doth catch , And teares in'stallons ; ( hereat instantly Th' Italians courage take ) then cherpingly , All the birds back do flie ( a most strange sight ) And with their wings do dim the skies cleare light , And with a clustring cloud o're all the aire , Their foe so much infest an over-beare , That forc'd at last by force and ponderous waight , He lets his prey fall into th' water straight , And swiftly flutters from them into th' skie . The Rutuls their auspicuous augurie With clamours loud adore , to fight prepare : Tolumnius specially , a southsayer rare , Stands forth and cries ; This , this is it indeed , Which I long looking for , wish might succeed . The Gods great power I know , and glad embrace . Brave Rutuls , come , come follow me apace , Even me your captain , let your swords take place : Even you , whom this base stragler by fierce broiles , Would as those weak birds fright from native soiles , And all your shores with fire and sword invade ; But he shall flie , and with base retrograde Hoise sailes from hence , and haste into the main : You then with one consent your troops maintain , Double your files , and with your Martiall arm Defend your forlorn king from fatall harm . This said , he running forth at 's enemies Casts a strong dart , which whisling fiercely flies Clean through the aire , piercing all opposites : And this and more a doubled din incites , And all the armies startles and provokes , And heats their hearts to fierce tumultuous strokes . And as the speare flew on with furious chance , Against nine brethrens bodies it did glance : All whom one modest Tuscane mother bred ●o her Gylippus in chaste marriage-bed . One of which nine standing i' th' midst , it hits Just on the place whereon his brave belt fits , And where a button clasps his clothes aside , A lovely lad , and full of Martiall pride : And through his ribs it quickly perforated , And on the sands his life soon terminated . Hereat the other brethrens valiant band Enflam'd with grief , take some their swords in hand , Some deadly darts , and furiously flie on : Whom to oppose and fiercely set upon , Laurentum troops flie out : hence instantly The Trojans , like an inundation high , Break out , and Agyllines , Arcadians bold , In gallant arms embroidered rich with gold . Thus all had one hot heart to fight it out : Their shrines snatcht up , fierce tempests flie about Through all the aire , and storms of deadly darts , And showres of slicing swords to wound their hearts . Their sacrificing censers thence they beare , And flaming fires . Latinus in great feare Makes haste away , unto the Gods complaining Of their dishonour and the peace profaning . Some from the chariots take their horses out , And nimbly backing them , do range about , With naked swords in hand approach the fight . Martiall Messapus full of war-like spight , This late compacted peace now to confound Against Aulestes king , and kingly crown'd : Over the Tuscanes ran with full careere , And to the ground him straight did over-beare . And headlong him on head and shoulders cast Flat on his back , upon an altar fast : Whereat Messapus fiercely to him flies With speare in 's hand ; and as for life he cries And much intreats , he with his beamie lance , On horse-back strongly 'gainst him doth advance , And with a mortall blow , thus to him spake ; So , so , 't is well , thou'lt a good offring make . Th' Italians close him , mangle him all-o're , Whereat stout Chorineus vext full sore , Snatcht up an altar fire-brand , bravely met Ebusus coming in a furious fret , And smiting at him ; whom he swift doth chase , And thrusts the flaming fire-brand in his face : Which cing'd his haire and broad beard all about , And sent a mightie stench and savour out . Then this his trembling foe doth with him close , Lugs him by 's locks , and gives him more full blows , Forcing him on his knees , fells him to th' ground , And through his side his sword his heart doth wound . Then Podalirius with a slicing blade , Alsus a famous shepherd did invade , Pressing on forward in the vantguard brave : Whom Alsus such a knock with 's battle-ax gave , As cleft his head to th' chin , sprinkling all-o're , With his deep broached and out-gushing gore . Rough rest and steel-given sleep do shut his sight , And close his eyes up in eternall night . But great Aeneas stretcht his unarm'd hand , As he bare-headed without helm did stand , And calls aloud to 's mates ; O whither flock y● ? Why with this creeping jarre our peace thus mock ye ? O pacifie your rage ; conditions faire , And good conclusions for us fixed are : 'T is I alone must now the battell trie . O then give way to me , all false feares flie : For with this hand I will corroborate This peace , and Turnus troubles terminate . As he thus spake , ere he had ended all , Behold a whisling dart did fiercely fall And light upon the prince , uncertain whence , From whose strong hand , what stormie violence , What fate , what fortune should the Rutuls raise To such high honour , unexpected praise . The glorie of the fact lies rak't up , yet Not one dares bragge that he Aeneas hit . When Turnus saw Aeneas leave the field , And all his troubled troops much ground to yeeld , With hastie hope his heart begins to flame , He calls for horses , longs to fight for fame : And proudly prauncing in his chariot high , To his loose reins gives ample libertie . And many a valiant souldier fiercely flying , He sends to Styx , and many leaves half dying : And either teares them with his chariot-wheel , Or bores their flying backs with darts of steel . Like as when bloudy Mars with his strong shield Doth check cold Hebers flouds , and makes them yeeld ; And waging warre , his furious steeds sends out , Who swifte● then West-windes flies all about The Martiall field , and with their trampling strong Do shake large Thraces confines all along , Frighted about with shapes of damping dread , Wrath , rage and plots , the God accompanied : Thus agile Turnus , ' midst of all the fight , His sweatie smoaking steeds drives on , a sight Wofull to see , how he insulting goes , And gluts his sword with his thick slaughtered foes : Dying their horrid hoofs with dews of bloud , Mixing both sand and gore like morter-mud . And now he slew Sthenelus , Thamyris , And Polus fierce to death he doth dismisse : Meeting now this , now that resisting foe Fighting farre-off ; farre-off he meets also Imbrasus sonnes , Lades , and Glaucus strong , Whom Imbrasus himself had nurs'd up long In Lycia , and alike with arms them fraught , And horse or foot-fight expertly them taught . Upon another part Eumedes stout Amidst the thickest ranks flies all about , Famous in warre , by kindred of great fame , Stout Dolons sonne , right of his grandsires name In strength and courage parents paralell , Who once in valour did so farre excell , That he a scout to th' Grecian camp would go , If they 'd on him Achilles coach bestow . But Diomedes did his boldnesse pay , And with another price sent him away , Of great Achilles chariot frustrate quite : Whom Turnus spying a farre-off in fight , Ere he went farre , pursu'd him at the heel , And stopt his passage with his nimble steel . Whereat he stayes his steeds , from 's coach descends , And to his half-dead falne-down foe he bends : Sets his foot on his neck , drawes out his blade , Dy'd it in 's throat ; and this moreover said ; See , Trojan , see the land so long time sought , See Italie , which thou with bloud hast bought , Now lie and meat it out . Here 's all their gain , Which me to warre thus boldly dare constrain , Thus to themselves a citie they erect . A dart he then did furiously direct Against his mate Asbustes , Chlores next , Sybaris and Daretes he perplext ; Thersilochus , with him Thymoetes strong , Whose starting jade on ground laid him along . As when Aedonian Northern blasts do blow , Aegean roaring surges do o'reflow , VVave following wave , thick rolling to the shore , As puffes do push them , and i' th' skies all-o're Clouds sleet about ▪ so Turnus turbulent Makes armies flie , which way soe're he went , And turns troops headlong back ; force makes him stout , And blasts his fluttering plumes do puffe about . But Phegeus fierce no longer could abide His sturdie stomack and insulting pride , But to the coach he comes with courage bold , And with his hand upon the reins layes hold , To stay the foamie horses furious pace , And to divert them to some other place . As thus he 's drawn , and on his horse-main hangs , A mightie speare upon his armour clangs ; And pierc'd his double plated corslet brave , And on the top of 's skin a wound him gave . He hereupon safe cover'd with his shield , Makes at his foe , pursues him in the field VVith his drawn-sword , for surerer safetie ; VVho with the chariot wheels velocitie And swift driven axle-tree , was headlong cast Down to the ground , whom Turnus follows fast , A lights , and 'twixt his helm and gorgets brim With his sharp sword straight way beheaded him , Leaving his headlesse carcase on the sand . As thus i'th'field Turnus doth victour stand , Mnestheus , Achates kinde , Ascanius faire , Bleeding Aeneas bring with grief and care Into his tent , who walking with weak strides , And resting on a strong staffe which him guides , He 's sorely vext , strives with all urgencie The speare and head to pluck forth totally . Which since he could not , he desires their aid To take the nearest way , cure might be made , And with a blade the flesh to lance more wide , Which did the arrows head so deeply hide , And thus to get it out , and him again To send to th'field , the combate to maintain ▪ And now Iäpix came , old Iasus sonne , Who with Apollo from all others won The praise and prize , in his most deep affection , Once taken with his love , by kinde aspection ; And thereupon upon him did bestow , Accurate arts and sciences to know , Hid auguries , rare musick , archers praise ; But he his bed-red-fathers wasting dayes Long to prolong , himself did most apply To studie physick , and plants secrecie , And such like silent and lesse honoured art . Aeneas still extreamly vext at heart , Leans on a mightie lance , with many a youth , And young Iülus full of feare and ruth , All shedding teares : but he unmoved stood . Then old Iäpix , like a surgeon good , Tying a linen apron him before , Of salves and physick herbes he brings forth store , Whose power Apollo had unto him taught , These faintly he appli'de ; but none well wrought , All prov'd in vain , in vain he trialls made , With hand , with pinching pinsers to give aid , And get the iron out . No chance findes way , And Phoebus physick serves him for no stay : But more and more increase fierce clamours high About the field , and mis●hef drawes more nigh . They see dust flie i' th' aire , horsemen make speed , And numerous darts amongst them cast , exceed : And clamourous noise and cries of souldiers fighting , And of fierce Mars , dead bodies headlong smiting . Then Venus vext at her sonnes piteous pain , To cure the wound and make him well again , From Cretian Ide straight gathers dittanie , VVhose stalk has little leaves , and to the eye Beares purple blossomes . To this well-known plant VVilde beasts repaire , when cure of wounds they want , VVhen in their flesh fierce digging darts do stick . This Venus , hidden in a cloud most thick , Brought quickly thither with all secrecy , Steeps it in pans of water standing by , Compounds it with Ambrosian juyce most rare , And odoriferous P●nax plants most faire . Iapis old not knowing what was done , The wound to supple now again begun VVith this compounded water ; instantly All wonted pain and smart from 's wound did flie , All putred bloud into the wound collected , And out o th' sore was carefully ejected : And then the steel without least molestation Smoothly came forth ; and to their admiration , He instantly new strength and vigour feels , And old Iapis now his courage steels , And cries out , Come , come bring the prince his arms : Why stand ye , stay ye him from fierce alarms ? Know ( brave Aeneas ) 't was not humane will , Nor arts best parts that freed thee from this ill : Nor power or practise of mine own right hand , Some greater God did thus propitious stand By thee , and thee reserve to greater deeds . Aeneas ( for his zeal to th'fight exceeds ) Plucks on his buskins overspread with gold , Cuts off delayes , his glistring lance doth hold , His shield and corslet on , arm'd capa-pee , His young Ascanius in his bosome , he Hugging within his arms , with kisses sweet , His beaver rais'd , thus he his sonne doth greet ; Faire sonne , from me thy father vertue learn , And of true industrie the gain discern ; And fortunes power by others und●rstand . As yet I 'le thee safeguard with my strong hand , And thee exalt unto great dignitie : But when th' art grown to full maturitie , And strength of yeares , then use thou famous facts , And then remember me and my great acts : Recogitate and ruminate with spirit Thy fathers and thine uncle Hectors merit , And let their patterns stirre and spurre thee on . This said , in haste he through the gates is gon , Brandishing in his hand his mightie lance : And with huge troops , along with him advance Anteus , Mnestheus , and even all the rest , Which in their camps were for the fight addrest . Black clouds of dust o're all the field o'respread , And trampling thick the ground even harrowed . The adverse armie Turnus marching saw , And all th' Italians ▪ how they nearer draw : Cold fearefull quakings on them straight do fall , Chiefly Iuturna , 'mongst the Latines all , Observes and knowes their noise , and frighted flies , And he with wingie ●peed to th'battell hies , Rushing on with his dust-hid armies strong . As when a blustring storm is for●'d along , Dissolving furious drops from sea to land , ( Which the poore swains , alas ! pre-understand , And tremblingly foresee ; fore●eeing , flie , As knowing what rough ruine by and by 'T will make amongst the trees and fields of corn : And all before it will be overborn , Before its blustring blasts flie to the shores With mightie huffring , puf●ing , rumbling roares , Even so Rhoeteius , Trojan captain stout , Against his foes most fiercely flies about : In doubled files they all conglomerated , Thymbraeus stout Osiris trucidated , Mnestheus Archetius slew , Achates brave To Epulo a most deep death-wound gave ; Stout Gyas Vfens slayes ; Tolum●ius , he The southsayer which first made them disagree , By throwing first his dart against his foes , Even he was slain A mightie clamour rose , And Rutuls now were put to dustie flight But brave Aeneas will not dain to fight With all he meets , nor horse or foot will slay , No nor on armed foe his hands will lay . But in the thickest throngs seeks seriously For Turnus ; he alone his strength must trie . Jollie Iuturna a Virago stout , In feare of this perplexed with great doubt , Stept to Metiscus , Turnus wagoner , And 'twixt the horses reins o'returns him there , And leaves him fal'ne farre from the beam o' th' wain , And takes his place , and checks the loos'ned rein ; And rightly she resembles every way Metiscus , both in shape , words , weapons gay . Like swallows black which princes courts frequent , And fluttering 'bout the yards seek aliment For their young chattering birds left in the nest , Spiders , gnats , flies , as they can catch them best ; Sometimes in galleries large , or standing lakes : So diverse wayes through foes Iuturna takes , And drives the coach through every part and place , And fiercely flies , and here and there does trace , And bring her bragging brother to and fro , But will by no means let him fight with 's foe ; And farre enough flies from him out o'th'way . No lesse , Aeneas does by-paths assay To finde his foe , and through the stragling bands Calls him with words and becknings of his hands ; And still as he on 's foe his sight doth cast , And thinks with 's wing'd-heel'd steeds to meet at last ; So oft Iuturna turns the coach a wry . Alas ! what should he do ? what must he trie ? In vain with various rage his heart doth burn , And diverse doubts his thoughts distractive turn . Messapus meets him , in his hand two speares Well tipt with steel , which he by fortune beares , Both light of flight , one of which darts most swift Griping , he flings with straight and sturdie drift . Aeneas stands , to him his target takes , Shrinks down , but yet the speare impression makes Upon his helm , and teares the top of 's crest Hereat Aeneas much fierce rage exprest , And much incens'd by this vile treacherie , Seeing the horse flie back , coach turn'd awry , Great Iove , and th' altars he to witnesse brings Of their peace broke , and many wrongfull things . And now at last invades foes thickest bands , And with successefull warre and conquering hands Makes all without all difference fall and die , And unto rage give reins implacably . My Muse cannot , O then , what supreme might Can help me here to set down and indite The many bitt●r bickerings , slaughters fierc● , And captains slain to sing in solemne verse ? Which now by turns ( as 't were ) stout Turnus slayes , And now Troyes prince , wounded , confounded layes . Great Iove , was this thy will that with such rage Those men should meet , which in ensuing age Should in eternall peace spend all their dayes ? Aeneas now endures no long delayes , But strikes Rutulian Sucro through the side ( And that first blow made flying Trojans ' bide And bid fresh battels ) and through's vitall part Under his short-ribs wounds him to the heart . Turnus o'returns Amycus from his horse , And meets on foot Diores with great force ; Two Trojan brethren brave , one with a lance , The other with a sword by fatall chance He slaughtered straight , cut both their heads off quite , And hung them on his chariot in full sight . The chariot sprinkled with thick drops of bloud , Then slew he Talo and Tanais good , And stout Cethegus ; all three met at once , And brave Onytes venting gasping groans , A Thebane peere , sprung from Peridia His mother deare . Here doth he also slay Two brothers sent from Lacia and the plains Of great Apollo , and here dead remains Arcadian young Menoetes , who in vain To go to warre did feare and much refrain : Whose speciall skill and will was fish to catch By Lerna's fishie banks , in house of thatch He poorely liv'd , his coyn could never swarm . His father also hired a plow-farm . And as huge burnings made in diverse wayes , Amongst drie trees and squib-like crackling bayes : Or like fierce frothie streams which down do shrill With rapid roaring-race , from some high hill , And scud to sea , and finde or force their way : With no lesse force both these their parts do play . Aeneas brave and Turnus with great might Most furiously do rush about and fight : And now , just now , their imbred rage enflames them , Least thought of being foil'd , with envie shames them . Therefore with utmost force they fight and fell . Murrhanus here Aeneas sends to hell , Proud of his parentage and grandsires great , And regall race of Latine kings compleat ; He dasht him headlong down with rockie stone , By which fierce stonie storm he 's overthrown , And with his coach-wheels crusht and trampled hard , By 's horse , who nought their master do regard . Turnus assails stout Hilus , rushing fast With courage bold at 's gilt-arm'd temples , cast A digging dart , which furiously straight ran Clean through his helm , and stuck in his brain-pan . Nor could thine arm , Creteus , Greeks brave knight , From Turnus thee protect , in furious fight : Nor could thy Gods , Cupentus , ease thy case , When 'gainst thee great Aeneas came in place ▪ When at his breast his steelie speare he sent , Which ( spight of 's brazen shield ) through's bodie went. And thee , great Aeolus , Laurentines spide Slain in the field , on 's back the ground to hide . There thou lay'st slain , whom Grecians could not slay , Nor great Achilles , Priams crowns decay . This was thy fate-given date , neare Ida born Of gr●at Lyrnessus line , now laid forlorn In La●rents field , a sepulchre to finde , And ●ow the totall troops together winde , All L●tines bands , and all Troyes valiant rout : Renowned Mnestheus and Serestus stout , Messapus , rare horse-rider , and his mate Asylas strong , 'gainst whom do properate All Tuscane troops and brave Arcadian wings , And every one his best assistance brings . No rest they take , no stay they make from fight . And here Aeneas mother , Venus bright , Promps her sonnes thoughts , that to the citie-wall He should make haste , and all his forces call , And vex the Latines with a sudden fight : Who whiles for Turnus he doth cast his sight On every troop , still prying here and there , Seeks up and down , but could him finde no where . He spies the citie , sitting still , at rest , Untouch'd , unstirr'd , no warre did it molest . Straight hotter brands of broiles in 's breast flame out . Mnestheus , Sergestus , and Serestus stout , His captains brave , he to him quick doth call , And takes a hill ; to which the Trojans all , And valiant troops thickly and quickly they Assemble close , cast not their shields away , Nor nimble speares ; then mounted on a hill , Standing i' th' midst he thus declares his will ; Let no delay ( faire mates ) clog my designes , Ioves friendly face I see now on us shines . Though I be sudden , yet let none be slow , Th' emperiall citie , cause of all this woe , King Latines throne , this day I 'le ruinate , And houses tops to th' ground aequiparate , Unlesse they take our yoke , and to us yeeld ▪ Shall I ( forsooth ) stand waiting in the field , Till Turnus please to meet me ? and again Attend him , when he vanquisht doth remain ? Here is the head ( brave sirs ) the seat and seed , Which all these toiles and bloudy broiles did breed . Quickly bring brands , with flames your peace demand . This said , they readily do his command , And make a warre-like wedge , and wondrous quick They to the citie flock in clusters thick . The scaling ladders suddenly they rais● , And sudden fires to mightie flames do blaze ; Some get to th' gate , and kill the first they meet ; Some dart their shafts , which flie so thick and fleet , As dims the aire . Aeneas first of all Holds up his hand , standing hard by the wall , And with loud voice Latinus he doth blame , And calls the Gods to testifie the same ; That he unwillingly was forc'd to fight , And that th' Italians twice us'd hostile might , And twice had cov'nant broke . Then 'mongst their foe ▪ And fearfull citizens great discord rose . Some bad them ope the gates , let Trojans in , And some the king himself to th' walls do win : Some bring their arms their citie to defend . Much like a swarm of bees in dark rock pend , And by a shepherd found , who joyfully Fills it with choaking smoak all inwardly : The bees afraid , flie 'bout their waxen ●ell , And with huge humming wax most fierce and fell : Black fumie stench flies out from forth the hive , The stones within make crackling noise , and drive Smoak into th' emptie aire . Besides all this , A woefull chance fell out i' th' town amisse , Amongst the tired Latines , which procur'd Most loud laments , wofull to be endur'd , Through all the citie : for so soon as e're The queen beheld the enemie draw neare , The town-walls scal'd , the houses all on flame , No Rutuls bands , no Turnus neare to tame Their insolence ; she thought ( poore wretch ) again Her young prince Turnus in the fight was slain . Her heart o'rewhelm'd with sudden feare and grief , She straight cries out , that she 's the cause and chief , The head and heart of all these miseries . Thus in much sad and mad perplexities Exclaiming , with her nails she rends and teares Her royall robes , ready to die with feares : And to a beam , a cord made fast on high , She hang'd herself with foule indignitie . Whereof when wofull Latines ladies heard , Chiefly Lavinia , mightie schreeks she rear'd , And with her nails all teares her yellow locks , Scratcheth her face , the folk in mightie flocks Rage up and down , their houses fills with cries : Hence through the town the fame thereof soon flies . Mens courage sinks , Latinus rent and torn , In 's regall robes goes up and down fo●lorn , Mightily frighted at his qu●ens foule fate , And at his cities ruinated state , With dirt and soile his grave gray haires he smeares , Blames himself much , drencht deep in thousand feares ▪ In that at first he Dardans prince rejected , And as his sonne in law had not affected . Now all this while stout Turnus in the fields Follows a few , whose face small conquest yeelds , Poore and pale scatter'd straglers , and besides He sees , how more and more , more slow he rides , His horses waxing tir'd . Again a noise He heares i' th' troubled aire , which him annoyes . Whereat he stands and listens to the same , And from the citie various clamours came , And most distastfull stirres : hereat he cries , Alas , alas ! what wofull miseries Are to this citie come , thus to molest it ? And that strange turmoiles variously infest i● ? This said ▪ enrag'd , his horse rein'd-in , he stayes . Whereat his sister who her old pranks playes , Seeming Metiscus , still i' th' coach remains , Guiding his coach and horse , ruling the reins , Sayes thus to him ; Brave brother , this way haste , This way the Trojans first and best thou may'st Fully subdue , here conquest gate stands ope , The town has troops enough with them to cope . Aeneas close on our Italians lies , And fiercely fights with all his companies . Let us then also , with our furie fell , Go send those Trojans soules in post to hell : So shalt thou part in equall parity , No lesse in number , nor in dignity . Turnus reply'de ; O sister , now I know , That thou by craft at first didst overthrow , Our treated truce , these warres didst work again . But now , faire Goddesse , all thy craft's in vain : But pray thee tell me , who from heaven thee sent To undergo these troubles turbulent ! Was it to see thy wofull brothers bane ? For , what do I ? what help can hap me gain ? I saw before mine eyes , Murrhanus kinde , Than whom to me more deare earth none can finde . I heard him call me , one of mightie merit , Who , though now dead , yet dy'd with dauntlesse spirit . Unhappie Vfens also slain doth lie , That he might not survive our infamie : And Trojans now his corps and arms enjoy . And shall I suffer ( 't is the last annoy Which onely yet remains ) our buildings flame , And not resist dire Drances foretold shame ? And shall I flie ? and shall this nation see , Turnus a turn-coat fugitive to be ? And should it now be shame in me to die ? O ye the ghastly ghosts , which low do lie , Be ye propitious , for the heavens do frown , To you my sacred soule shall now go down , Untainted and unspotted of this blame . And still m ost worthie that my linag● came From ancestours of such renowned fame Scarce had he said , when Sages foamy horse , Hurrying him through his foes with windie force , His face all bloudy with an arrows wound , And rushing on , at last he Turnus found : And calling him by name , Turnus ( sayes he ) Our last and best help now consists in thee ; Pitie our plight , for Troyes Aeneas thunders , In bloudy broiles unto our woes and wonders , And threatens ruine to our Latian towers , And dire destruction , by his conquering powers . And now , even now flames 'bout our houses flie , In thee the Latines hope of help doth lie ; On thee Italians all do cast their sight , The king himself mutters in much despight , Whom he his sonne in law might now ordain , And whom in love and league to entertain . The queen beside , they e're most faithfull friend , With her own hands her wofull life did end , In fright hath fled the light : now at the gate Onely Messapus and Atinas wait , And animate the armie yet remaining : But round about them are thick foes , maintaining A furious fight , like standing-corn in fields , Which to steel sickles helplessely straight yeelds . And yet dost there alone in this left plain , Tracing thy coach about , here still remain ? Turnus astonisht at the tottering state Of these affaires , like one inanimate Stands mute , his eyes fast fixed on the ground , And inward shame his boiling heart did wound ; And what with sadnesse , madnesse , raging love , Conscious of adverse power , which he must prove , The mistie vails of his dull thoughts put by , And sunne-shine of discretion shining high , His angrie eyes to th' citie-walls he cast , And views the citie as in 's coach he past . And now behold , with flames the rafters flie , And boards between burn up unto the skie , Which caught hold of the tower , that tower , I say , Which Turnus self erected rich and gay , With brave crosse-beams and wheels and bridges high . Now , now , deare sister ( sayes he ) readily My fates attend me , use no further stay ; For where my fate and fortune point the way , Thither I 'le go , my resolution stands To trie the strength of proud Aeneas hands , To ' bide worst bitternesse of deaths dire smart . Nor shalt thou henceforth see me play the part Of an ignoble coward . This , I pray , Good sister suffer me , that now I may Be mad , e're I be mad : which having said , Leap●ng from 's coach , most swift away he made Into the field , through thickest of his foes , And leaves his sister full of feares and woes : And with swift flight breaks into thickest bands . And as a rockie mount which headlong stands , And tumbles from the top , broke down by winde ; Or by strong sowcing showres quite undermin'd , Or rotted with long yeares antiquity , And so slips down with huge velocity , In broken fragments mounting on the ground , And woods and herds and people doth confound , And roule and wrap with it : Turnus even thus Through his dispersed troops most furious Runs to the citie-walls ▪ where all with bloud The ground like pools and ponds bedrenched stood , And whirling arrows clattered to the aire ; With hand and voice his minde he does declare Unto them thus ; Forbeare Rutulians all , And Latines now your swords and shields recall ; What ever fortune falls , 't is mine own due , 'T is fitter farre for me alone , then you , To pay the price of this thus broken peace , And with my sword this quarrell quite to cease . All straight gave back , for him i' th' midst made way : But brave Aeneas without all delay , Hearing but Turnus nam'd , leaves towers and town , Breaks off all businesse , and comes nimbly down : Leaping for joy , thundring in arms most strong , Like Athos mount , or Eryx ste●p and long . Or like old Apennius rais'd on high Into the aire , kissing the starrie skie , Ratling with leaves on trees , glistring in sight , Proud of his tops , clothed with snow most bright . And now Rutulians and the Trojans stout , Seriously bend their eyes and look about : Italians , and all those that kept the town , And those which would with rams the walls butt down . All arms they lay aside , king Latine stands Amaz'd to see two men so strong of hands , Of diverse nations , now to meet and fight . The champions both beholding in their sight The lists made void , and space t' encounter in With rapid race , the combate straight begin ; And now farre off darts at each other cast , And to their swords and shields they come as fast : With dashing clashing bangs the ground even groans , And doubled trebled blows they give at once , With their bright blades : vertue and valour brave Seem mixt in one , in one their seat to have . And as two angrie bulls in furious fight , With butting horns encountring with deep spight , On mightie Syla's mount , Taburnus high , Their fearfull keepers keep close , covertly , The other cattell , cows and calves , stand mute , And with soft muttering hold a still dispute , Who shall their leader be , whom they shall tend . The bulls meanwhile each other wounds do lend , And gore each others sides , whose bloud spurts out , And head and shoulders all be bathes about : Whose bloudy blows the echoing woods resound : No otherwise is this fierce duell found , 'Twixt Troyes Aeneas and great Daunus prince , Lab'ring each other strongly to evince , With swords and shields the aire with clanging filling . Then Iove himself , to poise their fortune willing In equall balance , for some distance stayes , And to them both their severall fortune layes : Which should with toiles triumph , which , fighting , die . Turnus himself rouz'd up , his sword rais'd high , Hoping ( untoucht ) to do what he did aim : With all his might he smote , the blow home came ▪ Whereat the Trojans crie , the Latines tremble , And both the bands in much amaze assemble To eye the issue : But the bastard blade In pieces brake , the blow thus frustrate made . Who , had he not straight fled , had dead there lain . As swift as winde he therefore flies amain , Finding in 's hand a hilt , to him unknown , His hand now weaponlesse . Fame thus hath blown , That when he first to fight his coach ascended , And furiously him to the battell bended , 'Twixt feare and furie , left his fathers blade , And snatcht Metiscus sword for it ▪ and made Indifferent shift therewith , wh●les frightfully The scattered Trojans did before him flie . But when he mindes Vulcanes strong tempered blade , And that this si●lie sword by mortalls made , Brake straight , as brittle glasse the shivers small , Glistring upon the ground as down they fall : Then like a mad man Turnus flies about Through all the field , here , there windes in and out : For all the Trojan bands had hedg'd him round , And citie-walls and mightie moorish ground . Aeneas also ( though his late wounds pain , Pinching his knees , did swift pursuit restrain ) Followes , and foot to foot , keeps to him nigh . Much like a huntsman , who with course and crie Of eager hounds , a deere hath close i' th ' flouds ; Or girt with feare o'th'bloudie dart , he scuds : But frighted at the toiles and banks most high , A thousand wayes does turn and winde and flie ; But yet the noble nimble Vmbrian hound , With breathing chaps , keeps close , doth loose noground . And now , even now , snaps him , yet lets him slip , Who from his cheated chaps doth quickly skip : Loud cries are rais'd , the brooks and banks about Re-echo , thunder from the skies breaks out . Turnus thus flying blam●s his Rutul●s all For his try'd sword , by name doth each one call . On th' other side Aeneas ruine threats , And present death , if any at his treats Dares him approach , whose feare does them afright : Menacing much to raze their citie quite ; And thus ( though wounded ) he his foe draws nigh , And five round circling courses , eagerly , They finisht had , leaping back here and there : And for no pettie prize thus earnest were , Even for no lesse then Turnus life and bloud . By chance , a sowre-leav'd olive-tree there stood , Devoted to God Faunus , venerable , To mariners once , when it stood , most stable , When they did shipwrack scape ; whereon they plac'd The gift wherewith they L●●rents Gods had grac'd , And gar●ents to the God were consecrated : This tree the Trojans had eradicated , Regardlesse of its use , that so they might Prepare a full and faire field for the fight , Here stuck Aeneas speare , by force there cast , And in the tender root was setled fast : Aeneas stayes ▪ ●ssayes with his strong hand To pluck it out , with 's speare to make him stand : Whom he in running could not overt●●e . Turnus in rage and feare this prayer did make ; Favour me , Faunus , and this goodly ground , Keep fast the speare , since alwayes ye have found My sacred worship to your deitie , Which Trojans wrong most sacrilegiously . This said , thus pray'd , his prayers were not in vai ; For why ? Aeneas labouring with long pain ▪ And strugling at the stock , yet by no might Could make the stump let go his fastned bite . As thus he stirres and struggles all in vain , The Daunian Goddesse did assume again Metiscus shape , the wagoner before , And to her brother doth his sword restore . Venus being vext , to see this nymph so bold , Hastes to the speare , and plucks it from its hold . Thus both these warriours arm'd with sword and spea● Them●elves most bloudily , bravely , now they beare : This proud of 's blade , that joyfull for his lance , With breathlesse blows to th'fight they readvance . Meanwhile great Iove , olympus soveraign high , From 's yellow cloud casting his all-seeing eye Upon the combatants , to Iuno spake ; Faire spouse , when meanest thou an end to make ? What yet remains ? thou know'st and dost confesse Aeneas for to be a God , no lesse , That he belongs to heaven , starres must him hold . What dost thou build ? what hope in clouds thus cold Makes thee stay here ? think'st thou it fit to be , A sacred God with mortall wounds to see ▪ Or that his sword ( for but by onely thee , Iuturna nought could do ) should gotten be , And brought to Turnus , vanquisht hearts to cheer● , O now at length , faire Iuno , cease , forbeare To presse me with thy prayers , thy self to fret With tart intestine grief , me to beset With carking cares , to give thee sweet content ; 'T is now come to the period of event . Thou know'st I let thee both by sea and land Infest the Trojans , and , at thy command , To wage fierce warres , his house quite to deface , And marriages to make in mournfull case . Farther I now forbid to enterprise . Iupiter ceast . Iuno in submisse wise On th' other side reply'de ; All-sacred pheere , Since first I knew thy mightie minde most cleare , My Turnus and the world unwillingly I have relinquisht ; nor so sorrily Shouldst thou me see on this cold cloud to sit , Suffring so many things fit and unfit ; But cloath'd in flames , standing my troops about , And fiercely firing all the Trojans out . And as for poore Iuturna , I confesse , I bad her help her brother in distresse , And for his life bad her all hazards trie : But bow to bend or weapons to supplie , This I ne're bad , and to this truth I sweare By Styxes muddie peacelesse spring , the feare , And onely sacred oath the Gods do take . And now I cease , and all these fights forsake . Yet this one thing ( which fates do not gainsay ) For Italie , grant me I humbly pray , And for the grace and honour of thine own ; That when they to a peacefull passe are grown By marriage made ( well , be it so ) and when All rites and rules of peace are fixt by men , That thou 'lt not change ancient Italians name , Nor Troy or Trojans to weare out the same ; Let then their language and their weeds retain , Let Italie and Albane peeres remain : Let Romes rare offspring spread by Latian might : Troy now is dead , O let Troyes name die quite . Iupiter smiling on her , said , most milde , Thou art Ioves sister and Saturnus childe : Yet can thy breast enchest such anger still ? Well , go to then ; yet now subject thy will , Cease thy vane rage begun : I grant thy motion , Willingly won herein to thy devotion . Italians shall old kindes and customes keep , And , as 't is now , their name in fame as deep Still stand and grow ; Trojans shall onely be A mixed body 'mongst them ▪ thou shalt see , That I religious rites will teach them all , And every land shall them Italians call . The offspring which from Latian bloud shall rise , All men on earth , yea and the Gods i'th'skies , Shall passe in pietie ; and than this nation , None shall bring thee so copious adoration . This tickled Iuno passing-well at heart , And from her cloud to heaven she did depart . This thus perform'd , great Iove doth now contrive How he Iuturna might from Turnus drive . Two hellish hags there are call'd Furies fell , Whom dreadfull night begat in horrid hell Both at a birth , upon Megaera black , Both with like serpents stings and wreathed back , And wings like windes . These at Ioves footstool lay Under his throne , their angrie king t' obey : These feares and frights , kindle in ●ale-contents , When direfull death or vexing punishments Iupiter pleaseth on the bad t' impart , Or towns will terrifie with warres desert . One of these furies fierce Iove from him send● , Who to Iuturna , Turnus death portends . She flies away to earth , whirlewindes fast Much like a shaft from Parthian quiver cast All dipt in poyson curable by none , And by some Parthian , or stout Cydon thrown ; The dart unseen whisling through shadows , flies : Thus this night-imp hastes on , to earth now hies . Who having spi'de Troyes troops and Tur●us hands , I' th' figure of a little bird she stands ▪ As screech-owles , who are wont on graves to sit And dark-night walks , to screech and hollow it , And in this owlie shape , this furie fierce , In Turnus sight doth up and down traverse , Making much noise , fluttring her wings about His shield , which lets in feare , sets courage out . Trembling , his haire doth stare , speechlesse he stood . But when farre off , Iuturna understood The furies fluttering wings and screeching stirre , Poore sister , ah , how it bemadded her ! Her face she scratches with her bloudie nails , With fists she beat her breasts , and thus she wails ; Alas poore Turnus ! pray thee speak , which way ? What means remains whereby thy sister may Shield or assist thee ? or ●hy life prolong ? Ah! how can I resist this omen strong ? Now , now foul fowles I from these armies flie . Cease then me trembling more to terrifie ; I know your plaguing plumes and deadly din , I know Ioves proud prescripts ; do I this win And nought but this , for lost virginitie ? Why gave he me lifes immortalitie ? Why am I freed thus from a dying state , Whereby I might these great griefs terminate , And in hels depth with thee poore brother range ? Am I immortall ? ah , I would it change ! For without thee , deare brother , nought can please me , Oh , if some earth could swallow me 't would ease me ! Sending a Goddesse down to Limbo's lake , These words with many teares and sighs she spake ; And straight her head waterie gray weeds hid , And deep into the river down she slid . Meanwhile , Aeneas strongly doth oppose , His tree-like lance brandishing as he goes , And angrily thus cries ; Now Turnus stout , What stayes , delayes , make thee still time it out ? Why draw'st thou back ? we must not fight by flight , But hand to hand with furious blows down-right . Transform thy self to shapes most variously , Collect thy self with magnanimitie . To fight or by arts slight to soare i'th'aire , Or hid i'th'ground to cover all thy care . Turnus in rage shaking his head , replies , Thy tongue , proud Trojan , nothing terrifies My troubled breast , but th' angry fatall Gods And Iupiter himself , with me at ods . And with these words he spide a mightie stone , A huge old stone , by which lands bounds were shown All difference to decide , left long i'th'field : VVhich twelve men scarce upon their necks could weld : Such proper men ( I mean ) as now adayes Times do produce . This he with ease doth raise , And with his trembling hand cast at his foe : And yet this noble prince doth scarcely know That he himself rais'd high , did swiftly run , Took up the stone , or what else he had done : His knees began to faint , his bloud grew chill ; Then on i'th'emptie a●re , the stone went still , But went not its full way , nor hit its mark . Like as , when in our dreams , at midnight dark , VVhen lazie sleep tyr'd eye-lids down doth force , VVe seem sometimes to run an eager course : And in the midst of many a seeming act , VVe faintly fail , and vainly cease the fact ; VVe talk sometimes in sleep , but faultringly Our forces fail , nor words , nor works comply : Thus 't was with Turnus , where his power was bent , Fierce fates made all his facts in vain be spent : Then diverse doubtfull thoughts in 's heart arise . Upon his Rutuls casting now his eyes , Now on the town , fright stayes him , and deep feare ( Even every moment ) of his foes strong speare : Nor findes he means to flie , nor means to fight , Nor sees his coach , nor sister-coachmans sight . Aeneas having in his nimble eyes Faire fortune offer'd , doth not sluggardize , But brandishing his dart at 's doubting foe , Farre distant , at him doth it fiercely throw VVith all his might : never flew stones so fast To batter walls from war-like engine cast VVith battering din , nor thunder makes more roare ▪ Like a black storm , hurrying destruction sore , So flies the speare , and through his corslet strong , And seven-fold lined shields brim glanc'd along With clanging noise , sticking fast in his thigh , Which strake down mightie Turnus instantly , Doubling his knees to th'ground . The Rutuls straight Raise a huge crie , which hills reverberate , With mightie echoes , round about the plain , And all abroad the woods beat back again . He meek and lowly raising hands and eyes , O now ( sayes he ) I beare my most just prize . I ask no favour , use thy happie fate , Onely I pray thee to commiserate My aged father Daunus ( if in thee Least pietie to parents harboured be , And thy Anchises once was such an one ) And me ( if so much favour may be shown , If die I must ) restore my corps to mine . The victorie to thee I now resigne : Our Latines see my conquered hands extended , La●inia is thy wife , thus fates intended , Let farther furie cease . Aeneas stands Fierce in his arms , yet still he holds his hands , Gazing with 's eyes , and now even now began His speech to work compassion in the man , Till that unhappie belt he did espie Upon his shoulders hanging broad and high : Whose buckles known , and glistring rarely cleare , To be young Pallases did plain appeare , Whom Turnus with a conquering wound-had slain ▪ And 'bout him did that fatall prize retain . But when his eye did seriously survey That badge of griping grief , that piteous prey , Enflam'd with furie , all with rage possest , Ah! dos● thou hope to scape my hands thus drest With my deare Pallas spoiles ? for Pallas sake This wound shall thee his due oblation make . And with that word , he sheath'd his sword in 's heart . Whereat death seazing on his vitall part , His members bursen , loathed life out flies , And with a deep-fetcht groan to Charon hies . An end of the twelfth book of Virgils Aeneïds . Trin-uni Deo soli sit omnis gloria . FINIS . ERRATA . COurteous Reader , The large distance of place , and inevitable duties of my calling hindring my presence from the ▪ Printers-presse ▪ divers faults have escaped , which I heartily desire may with thy patience and pen be corrected , as here is directed . IN the life of Virgil , pag : 3. lin . 12. for shallow , read sallow ▪ Aeneids . p. 5. l. 22. for Orentes , read Orontes . p. 28. l. 8. for I , read By. p. 29. l. 13. for sheep-shelter , read ship shelter . p. 35. l. 11 ▪ for wraths , read wreaths . p. 39. l. 21. for hiddie , read hideous . p. 40. l. 2. for wag , read way . p. 45. l. 3. for Automedon ▪ read Antomedon . p. 46. l. 26. for they , read for ●he . p. 53. l. 24 for Frame . read From 's . p. 61. l. 27. for saue , read leaue ▪ p. 66. l. 8. for could , read cold . p. 68. l. 18. for grew , read drew . p. 72. l. 1. for siecie , read feirce . p. 73. l. 25. for to th' Sea by Gods , read by Sea to th' Gods. p. 77. l. 14. for Achilles , read Anchises . p. 79. l. 10. for a station , read our station p. 81. l. 22. for sigh's , read fights . p. 8● . l. 17. for on , read on 's . p. 83. l. 24. for au-all , read ouall . p. 93. l. 30. for long , read longs . p. 95. l. 2. for fiction , read fictious . l. 6. for The , read That . l. 10. for these mens , read these in mens . l 28. for right , read rich . p. 111. l. 14. for cutting , read crossing . p. 113. l. 20. for thousands , read thousand . p. 115. l. 20. for That same , read , That the same . p. 118. l. 20. for a more , read no more . p. 121. l. 16. for Phaethons , read Phactons . p. 124. l. 12. for or'eth ' board , read o're-board . l. 32. for power , read poure . p. 132. l. 21. for land , read laud. p. 134. l. 16. for begirt , read begirts . p 139. l. 6. for partly , read party . p. 140. ● . 2. for Laborynthicke , read Labyrinthicke . l. 25. for fleets , read fleet . p. 141. l. 15. for from , read for . p. 164. l. 29. for Now , read Nor. p. 175. l. 6. for hee heauen , read he did heauen . p. 177. l. 4. for these , read those . pag. 185. lin . 4. for Statutes , read Statues . pag. 194. lin . 25. for turret , read turrets . pag. 197. lin . 6. for O that , read O what . l. 24. for flight , read fight . pag. 200. l. 3. for An , read Ah. p. 204. l 7. for waues , read wiues . p. 205. l. 21. for bid , read bad . p. 210. l. 21. for godly , read goodly . p. 214. l. 3. for Put-on , read Puts-on . p. 217. l. 18. for grunt , read groane . p. 220. l. 23. for Numacks ▪ read Numicks . p. 224. l. 29. for Ane , read And. l. 31. for So , read To. p. 227. l. 10. for sire , read Sir. p. 237. l. 6. for protest , read protests . p. 238. l. 11. for for-mens , read foemens . p. ●57 . l. 12. for flying , read fling . p. 259. l. 9. for afraid , read afear'd . p. 262. l. 28. for land , read laud. p. 265. l. 30. for Italie , read Italia . p. 277. l. 20. for touch , read tough . p. 298. l. 10. for Asius , read Iasius . p. 323. l. 17. for Ioyning , read Ioying . p. 346. l. 5 for Adulterous , read Adultrous . p. 352. l. 14. for coasts , read costs . p. 353. l. 2. for forth ' alarum , read , fore th' alarm . p. 361. l. 23 for There , read They. p. 372. l. 12. for her , read his . p. 373. l. 3. for defendance , read defendants . l. 9. for made fight so feirce , read make furious fight . p. 379. l. 8. for And their , read Let our . p. 384 l. 21. for thus , read this . p. 386. l. 1. for me , read we . p. 392. l. 13. for sleet , read fleet . p. 398. l. 16. for giue , read giues . p. 399. l. 2● . for shrill , read thrill . p. 403. l. 11. for fills , read fill . l. 32. for that , read what . p. 405. l. 26. for they , read thy . p. 406. l. 2. for there , read thou . p. 411. l. 17. for bloudily , read bouldly . p. 413. l. 4. for then , read them . p. 418. l. 8. for bursen . read loosen . A65112 ---- The works of Virgil containing his Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis : adorn'd with a hundred sculptures / translated into English verse by Mr. Dryden. Virgil. 1697 Approx. 1525 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 457 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A65112 Wing V616 ESTC R26296 09418271 ocm 09418271 43031 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A65112) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 43031) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1319:1) The works of Virgil containing his Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis : adorn'd with a hundred sculptures / translated into English verse by Mr. Dryden. Virgil. Virgil. Bucolica. Virgil. Georgica. Virgil. Aeneis. Dryden, John, 1631-1700. [47], 640 p., [122] leaves of plates : ill. Printed for Jacob Tonson, London : 1697. "Life of Pub. Virgilius Maro"-- p. [5-22] (1st grouping) Reproduction of original in the Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Virgil. 2007-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-07 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-09 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2007-09 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Dryden's VIRGIL Printed for Iacob Tonson THE WORKS OF VIRGIL : Containing His PASTORALS , GEORGICS , AND AENEIS . Translated into English Verse ; By Mr. DRYDEN . Adorn'd with a Hundred Sculptures . Sequiturque Patrem non passibus Aequis . Virg. Aen. 2. LONDON , Printed for Jacob Tonson , at the Judges-Head in Fleetstreet , near the Inner-Temple-Gate , MDCXCVII . TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE Hugh Lord Clifford , BARON of Chudleigh . My Lord , I HAVE found it not more difficult to Translate Virgil , than to find such Patrons as I desire for my Translation . For though England is not wanting in a Learned Nobility , yet such are my unhappy Circumstances , that they have confin'd me to a narrow choice . To the greater part , I have not the Honour to be known ; and to some of them I cannot shew at present , by any publick Act , that grateful Respect which I shall ever bear them in my heart . Yet I have no reason to complain of Fortune , since in the midst of that abundance I could not possibly have chosen better , than the Worthy Son of so Illustrious a Father . He was the Patron of my Manhood , when I Flourish'd in the opinion of the World ; though with small advantage to my Fortune , 'till he awaken'd the remembrance of my Royal Master . He was that Pollio , or that Varus , who introduc'd me to Augustus : And tho' he soon dismiss'd himself from State-Affairs , yet in the short time of his Administration he shone so powerfully upon me , that like the heat of a Russian - Summer , he ripen'd the Fruits of Poetry in a cold Clymate ; and gave me wherewithal to subsist at least , in the long Winter which succeeded . What I now offer to your Lordship , is the wretched remainder of a sickly Age , worn out with Study , and oppress'd by Fortune : without other support than the Constancy and Patience of a Christian . You , my Lord , are yet in the flower of your Youth , and may live to enjoy the benefits of the Peace which is promis'd Europe : I can only hear of that Blessing : for Years , and , above all things , want of health , have shut me out from sharing in the happiness . The Poets , who condemn their Tantalus to Hell , had added to his Torments , if they had plac'd him in Elysium , which is the proper Emblem of my Condition . The Fruit and the Water may reach my Lips , but cannot enter : And if they cou'd , yet I want a Palate as well as a Digestion . But it is some kind of pleasure to me , to please those whom I respect . And I am not altogether out of hope , that these Pastorals of Virgil may give your Lordship some delight , though made English by one , who scarce remembers that Passion which inspir'd my Author when he wrote them . These were his first Essay in Poetry , ( if the Ceiris was not his : ) And it was more excusable in him to describe Love when he was young , than for me to Translate him when I am Old. He died at the Age of fifty two , and I began this Work in my great Clymacterique . But having perhaps a better constitution than my Author , I have wrong'd him less , considering my Circumstances , than those who have attempted him before , either in our own , or any Modern Language . And though this Version is not void of Errours , yet it comforts me that the faults of others are not worth finding . Mine are neither gross nor frequent , in those Eclogues , wherein my Master has rais'd himself above that humble Stile in which Pastoral delights , and which I must confefs is proper to the Education and Converse of Shepherds : for he found the strength of his Genius b●times , and was even in his youth preluding to his Georgics , and his Aeneis . He cou'd not forbear to try his Wings , though his Pinions were not harden'd to maintain a long laborious flight . Yet sometimes they bore him to a pitch as lofty , as ever he was able to reach afterwards . But when he was admonish'd by his subject to descend , he came down gently circling in the air , and singing to the ground . Like a Lark , melodious in her mounting , and continuing her Song 'till she alights : still preparing for a higher flight at her next sally , and tuning her voice to better musick . The Fourth , the Sixth , and the Eighth Pastorals , are clear Evidences of this truth . In the three first he contains himself within his bounds ; but Addressing to Pollio , his great Patron , and himself no vulgar Poet , he no longer cou'd restrain the freedom of his Spirit , but began to assert his Native Character , which is sublimity . Putting himself under the conduct of the same Cumaean Sybil , whom afterwards he gave for a Guide to his Aeneas . 'T is true he was sensible of his own boldness ; and we know it by the Paulo Majora , which begins his Fourth Eclogue . He remember'd , like young Manlius , that he was forbidden to Engage ; but what avails an express Command to a youthful Courage , which presages Victory in the attempt ? Encourag'd with Success , he proceeds farther in the Sixth , and invades the Province of Philosophy . And notwithstanding that Phoebus had forewarn'd him of Singing Wars , as he there confesses , yet he presum'd that the search of Nature was as free to him as to Lucretius , who at his Age explain'd it according to the Principles of Epicurus . In his Eighth Eclogue , he has innovated nothing ; the former part of it being the Complaint and Despair of a forsaken Lover : the latter , a Charm of an Enchantress , to renew a lost Affection . But the Complaint perhaps contains some Topicks which are above the Condition of his Persons ; and our Author seems to have made his Herdsmen somewhat too Learn'd for their Profession : The Charms are also of the same nature , but both were Copied from Theocritus , and had receiv'd the applause of former Ages in their Original . There is a kind of Rusticity in all those pompous Verses ; somewhat of a Holiday Shepherd strutting in his Country Buskins . The like may be observ'd , both in the Pollio , and the Silenus ; where the Similitudes are drawn from the Woods and Meadows . They seem to me to represent our Poet betwixt a Farmer , and a Courtier , when he left Mantua for Rome , and drest himself in his best Habit to appear before his Patron : Somewhat too fine for the place from whence he came , and yet retaining part of its simplicity . In the Ninth Pastoral he Collects some Beautiful passages which were scatter'd in Theocritus , which he cou'd not insert into any of his former Eclogues , and yet was unwilling they shou'd be lost . In all the rest he is equal to his Sicilian Master , and observes like him a just decorum , both of the Subject , and the Persons . As particularly in the Third Pastoral ; where one of his Shepherds describes a Bowl , or Mazer , curiously Carv'd . In Medio duo signa : Conon , & quis fuit alter , Descripsit radio , totum qui Gentibus orbem . He remembers only the name of Conon , and forgets the other on set purpose : ( whether he means Anaximander or Eudoxus I dispute not , ) but he was certainly forgotten , to shew his Country Swain was no great Scholar . After all , I must confess that the Boorish Dialect of Theocritus has a secret charm in it , which the Roman Language cannot imitate , though Virgil has drawn it down as low as possibly he cou'd ; as in the Cujum pecus , and some other words , for which he was so unjustly blam'd by the bad Criticks of his Age , who cou'd not see the Beauties of that merum Rus , which the Poet describ'd in those expressions . But Theocritus may justly be preferr'd as the Original , without injury to Virgil , who modestly contents himself with the second place , and glories only in being the first who transplanted Pastoral into his own Country ; and brought it there to bear as happily as the Cherry-trees which Lucullus brought from Pontus . Our own Nation has produc'd a third Poet in this kind , not inferiour to the two former . For the Shepherd's Kalendar of Spencer , is not to be match'd in any Modern Language . Not even by Tasso's Amynta , which infinitely transcends Guarinis 's Pastor-Fido , as having more of Nature in it , and being almost wholly clear from the wretched affectation of Learning . I will say nothing of the Pifcatory Eclogues , because no modern Latin can bear Criticism . 'T is no wonder that rolling down through so many barbarous Ages , from the Spring of Virgil , it bears along with it the filth and ordures of the Goths and Vandals . Neither will I mention Monsieur Fontinelle , the living Glory of the French. 'T is enough for him to have excell'd his Master Lucian , without attempting to compare our miserable Age with that of Virgil , or Theocritus . Let me only add , for his reputation , — Si Pergama dextrâ Defendi possint , etiam hâc defensa fuissent . But Spencer being Master of our Northern Dialect ; and skill'd in Chaucer 's English , has so exactly imitated the Doric of Theocritus , that his Love is a perfect Image of that Passion which God infus'd into both Sexes , before it was corrupted with the Knowledge of Arts , and the Ceremonies of what we call good Manners . My Lord , I know to whom I dedicate : And cou'd not have been induc'd by any motive to put this part of Virgil , or any other , into unlearned Hands . You have read him with pleasure , and I dare say , with admiration in the Latine , of which you are a Master . You have added to your Natural Endowments , which without flattery are Eminent , the superstructures of Study , and the knowledge of good Authors . Courage , Probity , and Humanity are inherent in you . These Vertues have ever been habitual to the Ancient House of Cumberland , from whence you are descended , and of which our Chronicles make so honourable mention in the long Wars betwixt the Rival Families of York and Lancaster . Your Forefathers have asserted the Party which they chose 'till death , and dy'd for its defence in the Fields of Battel . You have besides the fresh remembrance of your Noble Father ; from whom you never can degenerate . — Nec imbellem , feroces Progenerant Aquilam Columbae . It being almost morally impossible for you to be other than you are by kind ; I need neither praise nor incite your Vertue . You are acquainted with the Roman History , and know without my information that Patronage and Clientship always descended from the Fathers to the Sons ; and that the same Plebeian Houses , had recourse to the same Patrician Line , which had formerly protected them : and follow'd their Principles and Fortunes to the last . So that I am your Lordship 's by descent , and part of your Inheritance . And the natural inclination , which I have to serve you , adds to your paternal right , for I was wholly yours from the first moment , when I had the happiness and honour of being known to you . Be pleas'd therefore to accept the Rudiments of Virgil 's Poetry : Coursely Translated I confess , but which yet retains some Beauties of the Author , which neither the barbarity of our Language , nor my unskilfulness cou'd so much sully , but that they appear sometimes in the dim mirrour which I hold before you . The Subject is not unsuitable to your Youth , which allows you yet to Love , and is proper to your present Scene of Life . Rural Recreations abroad , and Books at home , are the innocent Pleasures of a Man who is early Wise ; and gives Fortune no more hold of him , than of necessity he must . 'T is good , on some occasions to think beforehand as little as we can ; to enjoy as much of the present as will not endanger our futurity ; and to provide our selves of the Vertuoso 's Saddle , which will be sure to amble , when the World is upon the hardest trott . What I humbly offer to your Lordship , is of this nature . I wish it pleasant , and am sure 't is innocent . May you ever continue your esteem for Virgil ; and not lessen it , for the faults of his Translatour ; who is with all manner of Respect , and sense of Gratitude , My Lord , Your Lordship 's most Humble , and most Obedient Servant , JOHN DRYDEN . THE LIFE OF Pub. Virgilius Maro . VIRGIL was born at Mantua , which City was built no less than Three Hundred Years before Rome ; and was the Capital of the New Hetruria , as himself , no less Antiquary , than Poet , assures us . His Birth is said to have happen'd in the first Consulship of Pompey the Great , and Lic . Crassus ; but since the Relater of this presently after contradicts himself ; and Virgil's manner of Addressing to Octavius , implies a greater difference of Age than that of Seven Years , as appears by his First Pastoral , and other places ; it is reasonable to set the Date of it something backward : And the Writer of his Life having no certain Memorials to work upon , seems to have pitched upon the two most Illustrious Consuls he could find about that time , to signalize the Birth of so Eminent a Man. But it is beyond all Question , that he was Born on , or near the Fifteenth of October . Which Day was kept Festival in honour of his Memory , by the Latin , as the Birth-Day of Homer was by the Greek Poets . And so near a resemblance there is , betwixt the Lives of these two famous Epic Writers , that Virgil seems to have follow'd the Fortune of the other , as well as the Subject and manner of his Writing . For Homer is said to have been of very mean Parents , such as got their Bread by Day-labour ; so is Virgil. Homer is said to be Base Born ; so is Virgil. The former to have been born in the open Air , in a Ditch , or by the Bank of a River ; so is the latter . There was a Poplar Planted near the place of Virgil's Birth , which suddenly grew up to an unusual heighth and bulk , and to which the Superstitious Neighbourhood attributed marvellous Vertue . Homer had his Poplar too , as Herodotus relates , which was visited with great Veneration . Homer is describ'd by one of the Ancients , to have been of a slovenly and neglected Meen and Habit , so was Virgil. Both were of a very delicate and sickly Constitution : Both addicted to Travel , and the study of Astrology : Both had their Compositions usurp'd by others : Both Envy'd and traduc'd during their Lives . We know not so much as the true Names of either of them with any exactness : For the Criticks are not yet agreed how the word [ Virgil ] should be Written ; and of Homer's Name there is no certainty at all . Whosoever shall consider this Parallel in so many particulars ; ( and more might be added ) would be inclin'd to think , that either the same Stars Rul'd strongly at the Nativities of them both , or what is a great deal more probable ; that the Latin Grammarians wanting Materials for the former part of Virgil's Life , after the Legendary Fashion , supply'd it out of Herodotus ; and like ill Face-Painters , not being able to hit the true Features , endeavour'd to make amends by a great deal of impertinent Landscape and Drapery . Without troubling the Reader with needless Quotations , now , or afterwards ; the most probable Opinion is , that Virgil was the Son of a Servant , or Assistant to a wandring Astrologer ; who practis'd Physic . For Medicus , Magus , as Juvenal observes , usually went together ; and this course of Life was follow'd by a great many Greeks and Syrians ; of one of which Nations it seems not improbable , that Virgil's Father was . Nor could a Man of that Profession have chosen a fitter place to settle in , than that most Superstitious Tract of Italy ; which by her ridiculous Rites and Ceremonies as much enslav'd the Romans , as the Romans did the Hetrurians by their Arms. This Man therefore having got together some Money , which Stock he improv'd by his Skill in Planting and Husbandry , had the good Fortune , at last , to Marry his Masters Daughter , by whom he had Virgil ; and this Woman seems , by her Mothers side , to have been of good Extraction ; for she was nearly related to Quintilius Varus , whom Paterculus assures us to have been an Illustrious , tho' not Patrician Family ; and there is honourable mention made of it in the History of the second Carthaginian War. It is certain , that they gave him very good Education , to which they were inclin'd ; not so much by the Dreams of his Mother , and those presages which Donatus relates , as by the early indications which he gave of a sweet Disposition , and Excellent Wit. He passed the first Seven Years of his Life at Mantua , not Seventeen , as Scaliger miscorrects his Author ; for the initia aetatis can hardly be supposed to extend so far . From thence he removed to Cremona , a Noble Roman Colony , and afterwards to Milan . In all which places he prosecuted his Studies with great application ; he read over , all the best Latin , and Greek Authors , for which he had convenience by the no remote distance of Marseils , that famous Greek Colony , which maintain'd its Politeness , and Purity of Language , in the midst of all those Barbarous Nations amongst which it was seated : And some Tincture of the latter seems to have descended from them down to the Modern French. He frequented the most Eminent Professors of the Epicurean Philosophy , which was then much in vogue , and will be always in declining and sickly States . But finding no satisfactory Account from his Master Syron , he pass'd over to the Academick School , to which he adher'd the rest of his Life , and deserv'd , from a great Emperour , the Title of the Plato of Poets . He compos'd at leisure hours a great number of Verses , on various Subjects ; and desirous rather of a great , than early Fame , he permitted his Kinsman , and Fellow-student Varus , to derive the Honour of one of his Tragedies to himself . Glory neglected in proper time and place , returns often with large Increase , and so he found it : For Varus afterwards prov'd a great Instrument of his Rise : In short , it was here that he form'd the Plan , and collected the Materials of all those excellent Pieces which he afterwards finish'd , or was forc'd to leave less perfect by his Death . But whether it were the Unwholsomness of his Native Air , of which he somewhere complains , or his too great abstinence , and Night-watchings at his Study , to which he was always addicted , as Augustus observes ; or possibly the hopes of improving himself by Travel , he resolv'd to Remove to the more Southern Tract of Italy ; and it was hardly possible for him not to take Rome in his Way ; as is evident to any one who shall cast an Eye on the Map of Italy : And therefore the late French Editor of his Works is mistaken , when he asserts that he never saw Rome , 'till he came to Petition for his Estate : He gain'd the Acquaintance of the Master of the Horse to Octavius , and Cur'd a great many Diseases of Horses , by methods they had never heard of : It fell out , at the same time , that a very fine Colt , which promised great Strength and Speed , was presented to Octavius : Virgil assur'd them , that he came of a faulty Mare , and would prove a Jade , upon trial it was found as he had said ; his Judgment prov'd right in several other instances , which was the more surprizing , be-because the Romans knew least of Natural Causes of any civiliz'd Nation in the World : And those Meteors , and Prodigies which cost them incredible Sums to expiate , might easily have been accounted for , by no very profound Naturalist . It is no wonder , therefore , that Virgil was in so great Reputation , as to be at last Introduced to Octavius himself . That Prince was then at variance with Marc. Antony , who vex'd him with a great many Libelling Letters , in which he reproaches him with the baseness of his Parentage , that he came of a Scrivener , a Ropemaker , and a Baker , as Suetonius tells us : Octavius finding that Virgil had passed so exact a judgment upon the Breed of Dogs , and Horses , thought that he possibly might be able to give him some Light concerning his own . He took him into his Closet , where they continu'd in private a considerable time . Virgil was a great Mathematician , which , in the Sense of those times , took in Astrology : And if there be any thing in that Art , which I can hardly believe ; if that be true which the Ingenious De le Chambre asserts confidently ; that from the Marks on the Body , the Configuration of the Planets at a Nativity may be gathered , and the Marks might be told by knowing the Nativity , never had one of those Artists a fairer Opportunity to shew his skill , than Virgil now had ; for Octavius had Moles upon his Body , exactly resembling the Constellation call'd Vrsa Major . But Virgil had other helps : The Predictions of Cicero , and Catulus , and that Vote of the Senate had gone abroad , that no Child Born at Rome , in the Year of his Nativity , should be bred up ; because the Seers assur'd them that an Emperour was Born that Year . Besides this , Virgil had heard of the Assyrian , and Egyptian Prophecies , ( which in truth , were no other but the Jewish , ) that about that time a great King was to come into the World. Himself takes notice of them , Aen. 6. where he uses a very significant Word , ( now in all Liturgies ) hujus in adventu , so in another place , adventante Dea. At his foreseen approach already quake , Assyrian Kingdoms , and Moeotis Lake . Nile hears him knocking at his seven-fold Gates — Every one knows whence this was taken : It was rather a mistake , than impiety in Virgil , to apply these Prophesies to the Person of Octavius , it being a usual piece of flattery for near a Hundred Years together , to attribute them to their Emperours , and other great Men. Upon the whole matter , it is very probable , that Virgil Predicted to him the Empire at this time . And it will appear yet the more , if we consider that he assures him of his being receiv'd into the Number of the Gods , in his First Pastoral , long before the thing came to pass ; which Prediction seems grounded upon his former Mistake . This was a secret , not to be divulg'd at that time , and therefore it is no wonder that the slight Story in Donatus was given abroad to palliate the matter . But certain it is , that Octavius dismissed him with great Marks of esteem , and earnestly recommended the Protection of Virgil's Affairs to Pollio , then Lieutenant of the Cis-Alpine Gaule , where Virgil's Patrimony lay . This Pollio from a mean Original , became one of the most Considerable Persons of his time : A good General , Orator , States-man , Historian , Poet , and Favourer of Learned Men ; above all , he was a Man of Honour in those critical times : He had join'd with Octavius , and Antony , in revenging the Barbarous Assassination of Julius Caesar : When they two were at variance , he would neither follow Antony , whose courses he detested , nor join with Octavius against him , out of a grateful Sense of some former Obligations . Augustus , who thought it his interest to oblige Men of Principles , notwithstanding this , receiv'd him afterwards into Favour , and promoted him to the highest Honours . And thus much I thought fit to say of Pollio , because he was one of Virgil's greatest Friends . Being therefore eas'd of Domestick cares , he pursues his Journey to Naples : The Charming situation of that Place , and view of the beautiful Villa's of the Roman Nobility , equalling the Magnificence of the greatest Kings ; the Neighbourhood of the Baiae , whither the Sick resorted for recovery , and the States-man when he was Politickly Sick ; whither the wanton went for Pleasure , and witty Men for good Company ; the wholesomness of the Air , and improving Conversation , the best Air of all , contributed not only to the re-establishing his Health ; but to the forming of his Style , and rendring him Master of that happy turn of Verse , in which he much surpasses all the Latins , and in a less advantageous Language , equals even Homer himself . He propos'd to use his Talent in Poetry , only for Scaffolding to Build a convenient Fortune , that he might Prosecute with less interruption , those Nobler Studies to which his elevated Genius led him , and which he describes in these admirable Lines . Me verò primùm dulces ante omnia Musae Quarum sacra fero ingenti perculsus amore , Accipiant , caelique vias , & sidera monstrent , Defectus Solis varios , Lunaeque labores : Vnde tremor terris , &c. But the current of that Martial Age , by some strange Antiperistasis drove so violently towards Poetry , that he was at lest carried down with the stream . For not only the Young Nobility , but Octavius , and Pollio , Cicero in his Old Age , Julius Caesar , and the Stoical Brutus , a little before , would needs be tampering with the Muses ; the two latter had taken great care to have their Poems curiously bound , and lodg'd in the most famous Libraries ; but neither the Sacredness of those places , nor the greatness of their Names , cou'd preserve ill Poetry . Quitting therefore the Study of the Law , after having pleaded but one Cause with indifferent Success , he resolv'd to push his Fortune this way , which he seems to have discontinu'd for some time , and that may be the reason why the Culex , his first Pastoral , now extant , has little besides the novelty of the Subject , and the Moral of the Fable , which contains an exhortation to gratitude , to recomend it ; had it been as correct as his other pieces , nothing more proper and pertinent cou'd have at that time bin addressed to the Young Octavius , for the Year in which he Presented it , probably at the Baiae , seems to be the very same , in which that Prince consented ( tho' with seeming reluctance ) to the Death of Cicero , under whose Consulship he was Born , the preserver of his Life , and chief instrument of his advancement . There is no reason to question its being genuine , as the late French Editor does ; its meaness , in comparison of Virgil's other Works , ( which is that Writers only Objection ) confutes himself : For Martial , who certainly saw the true Copy , speaks of it with contempt ; and yet that Pastoral equals , at least , the address to the Dauphin which is prefix'd to the late Edition . Octavius , to unbend his mind from application to publick business , took frequent turns to Baiae , and Sicily ; where he compos'd his Poem call'd Sicelides , which Virgil seems to allude to , in the Pastoral beginning Sicelides Musae ; this gave him opportunity of refreshing that Princes Memory of him , and about that time he wrote his Aetna . Soon after he seems to have made a Voyage to Athens , and at his return presented his Ceiris , a more elaborate Piece , to the Noble and Eloquent Messala . The forementioned Author groundlesly taxes this as supposititious : For besides other Critical marks , there are no less than Fifty , or Sixty Verses , alter'd indeed and polish'd , which he inserted in the Pastorals , according to his fashion : and from thence they were called Eclogues , or Select Bucolics : We thought fit to use a Title more intelligible , the reason of the other being ceas'd ; and we are supported by Virgil's own authority , who expresly calls them Carmina Pastorum . The French Editor is again mistaken , in asserting , that the Ceiris is borrow'd from the Ninth of Ovid's Metamorphosis ; he might have more reasonably conjectur'd it , to be taken from Parthenius , the Greek Poet , from whom Ovid borrow'd a great part of his Work. But it is indeed taken from neither , but from that Learn'd , unfortunate Poet Apollonius Rhodius , to whom Virgil is more indebted , than to any other Greek Writer , excepting Homer . The Reader will be satisfied of this , if he consult that Author in his own Language , for the Translation is a great deal more obscure than the Original . Whilst Virgil thus enjoy'd the sweets of a Learn'd Privacy , the Troubles of Italy cut off his little Subsistance ; but by a strange turn of Human Affairs , which ought to keep good Men from ever despairing ; the loss of his Estate prov'd the effectual way of making his Fortune . The occasion of it was this ; Octavius , as himself relates , when he was but Nineteen Years of Age , by a Masterly stroke of Policy , had gain'd the Veteran Legions into his Service , ( and by that step , out-witted all the Republican Senate : ) They grew now very clamorous for their Pay : The Treasury being Exhausted , he was forc'd to make Assignments upon Land , and none but in Italy it self would content them . He pitch'd upon Cremona as the most distant from Rome ; but that not suffising , he afterwards threw in part of the State of Mantua . Cremona was a Rich and noble Colony , setled a little before the Invasion of Hannibal . During that Tedious and Bloody War , they had done several important Services to the Common-Wealth . And when Eighteen other Colonies , pleading Poverty and Depopulation , refus'd to contribute Money , or to raise Recruits ; they of Cremona voluntarily paid a double Quota of both : But past Services are a fruitless Plea ; Civil Wars are one continued Act of Ingratitude : In vain did the Miserable Mothers , with their famishing Infants in their Arms , fill the Streets with their Numbers , and the Air with Lamentations ; the Craving Legions were to be satisfi'd at any rate . Virgil , involv'd in the common Calamity , had recourse to his old Patron Pollio , but he was , at this time , under a Cloud ; however , compassionating so worthy a Man , not of a make to struggle thro' the World , he did what he could , and recommended him to Mecaenas , with whom he still kept a private Correspondence . The Name of this great Man being much better known than one part of his Character , the Reader , I presume , will not be displeas'd if I supply it in this place . Tho' he was of as deep Reach , and easie dispatch of Business as any in his time , yet he designedly liv'd beneath his true Character . Men had oftentimes medled in Publick Affairs , that they might have more ability to furnish for their Pleasures : Mecaenas , by the honestest Hypocrisie that ever was , pretended to a Life of Pleasure , that he might render more effectual Service to his Master . He seem'd wholly to amuse himself with the Diversions of the Town , but under that Mask he was the greatest Minister of his Age. He would be carried in a careless , effeminate posture thro' the Streets in his Chair , even to the degree of a Proverb , and yet there was not a Cabal of ill dispos'd Persons which he had not early notice of ; and that too in a City as large as London and Paris , and perhaps two or three more of the most populous put together . No Man better understood that Art so necessary to the Great ; the Art of declining Envy : Being but of a Gentleman's Family , not Patrician , he would not provoke the Nobility by accepting invidious Honours ; but wisely satisfi'd himself that he had the Ear of Augustus , and the Secret of the Empire . He seems to have committed but one great Fault , which was the trusting a Secret of high Consequence to his Wife ; but his Master , enough Uxorious himself , made his own Frailty more excusable , by generously forgiving that of his Favourite . He kept in all his Greatness exact measures with his Friends ; and chusing them wisely , found , by Experience , that good Sense and Gratitude are almost inseparable . This appears in Virgil and Horace ; the former , besides the Honour he did him to all Posterity , return'd his Liberalities at his Death : The other , whom Mecaenas recommended with his last Breath , was too generous to stay behind , and enjoy the Favour of Augustus : He only desir'd a place in his Tomb , and to mingle his Ashes with those of his deceased Benefactor . But this was Seventeen Hundred Years ago . Virgil , thus powerfully supported , thought it mean to Petition for himself alone , but resolutely solicits the Cause of his whole Country , and seems , at first , to have met with some Encouragement : But the matter cooling , he was forc'd to sit down contented with the Grant of his own Estate . He goes therefore to Mantua , produces his Warrant to a Captain of Foot , whom he found in his House ; Arrius who had eleven Points of the Law , and fierce of the Services he had rendred to Octavius , was so far from yielding Possession , that words growing betwixt them , he wounded him dangerously , forc'd him to fly , and at last to swim the River Mincius to save his Life . Virgil , who us'd to say , that no Virtue was so necessary as Patience , was forc'd to drag a fick Body half the length of Italy , back again to Rome , and by the way , probably , compos'd his Ninth Pastoral , which may seem to have been made up in haste out of the Fragments of some other pieces ; and naturally enough represents the disorder of the Poets Mind , by its disjointed Fashion , tho' there be another Reason to be given elsewhere of its want of Connexion . He handsomly states his Case in that Poem , and with the pardonable Resentments of Injur'd Innocence , not only claims Octavius's Promise , but hints to him the uncertainty of Human Greatness and Glory : All was taken in good part by that Wise Prince : At last effectual Orders were given : About this time , he Compos'd that admirable Poem , which is set first , out of respect to Caesar ; for he does not seem either to have had leisure , or to have been in the Humour of making so solemn an Acknowledgment , 'till he was possess'd of the Benefit . And now he was in so great Reputation and Interest , that he resolved to give up his Land to his Parents , and himself to the Court. His Pastorals were in such Esteem , that Pollio , now again in high Favour with Caesar , desir'd him to reduce them into a Volume . Some Modern Writer , that has a constant flux of Verse , would stand amaz'd how Virgil could employ three whole Years in revising five or six hundred Verses , most of which , probably , were made some time before ; but there is more reason to wonder how he could do it so soon in such Perfection . A course Stone is presently fashion'd ; but a Diamond , of not many Karats , is many Weeks in Cutting , and in Polishing many more . He who put Virgil upon this , had a Politick good end in it . The continu'd Civil Wars had laid Italy almost waste ; the Ground was Uncultivated and Unstock'd ; upon which ensu'd such a Famine , and Insurrection , that Caesar hardly scap'd being Ston'd at Rome ; his Ambition being look'd upon by all Parties as the principal occasion of it . He set himself therefore with great Industry to promote Country-Improvements ; and Virgil was serviceable to his Design , as the good keeper of the Bees , Georg. 4. Tinnitusque cie , & matris quate cymbala circum , Ipsae consident — That Emperour afterwards thought it matter worthy a publick Inscription Rediit cultus Agris . Which seems to be the motive that Induced Macaenas , to put him upon Writing his Georgics , or Books of Husbandry : A design as new in Latin Verse , as Pastorals , before Virgil were in Italy ; which Work took up Seven of the most vigorous Years of his Life ; for he was now at least Thirty four Years of Age ; and here Virgil shines in his Meridian . A great part of this Work seems to have been rough-drawn before he left Mantua , for an Ancient Writer has observ'd that the Rules of Husbandry laid down in it , are better Calculated for the Soil of Mantua , than for the more Sunny Climate of Naples ; near which place , and in Sicily , he finish'd it . But lest his Genius should be depressed by apprehensions of want , he had a good Estate settled upon him , and a House in the Pleasantest part of Rome ; the Principal Furniture of which was a well-chosen Library , which stood open to all comers of Learning and Merit ; and what recommended the situation of it most , was the Neighbourhood of his Mecaenas ; and thus he cou'd either visit Rome , or return to his Privacy at Naples , thro' a Pleasant Rode adorn'd on each side with pieces of Antiquity , of which he was so great a Lover , and in the intervals of them , seem'd almost one continu'd Street of three days Journey . Caesar having now Vanquish'd Sextus Pompeius , a Spring-tide of Prosperities breaking in upon him , before he was ready to receive them as he ought , fell sick of the Imperial Evil , the desire of being thought something more than Man. Ambition is an infinite Folly : When it has attain'd to the utmost pitch of Humane Greatness , it soon falls to making pretensions upon Heaven . The crafty Livia would needs be drawn in the Habit of a Priestesse by the Shrine of the new God : And this became a Fashion not to be dispens'd with amongst the Ladies : The Devotion was wondrous great amongst the Romans , for it was their Interest , and , which sometimes avails more , it was the Mode . Virgil , tho' he despis'd the Heathen Superstitions , and is so bold as to call Saturn and Janus , by no better a Name than that of Old Men , and might deserve the Title of Subverter of Superstitions , as well as Varro , thought fit to follow the Maxim of Plato his Master ; that every one should serve the Gods after the Usage of his own Country , and therefore was not the last to present his Incense , which was of too Rich a Composition for such an Altar : And by his Address to Caesar on this occasion , made an unhappy Precedent to Lucan and other Poets which came after him , Geor. 1. and 3. And this Poem being now in great forwardness , Caesar , who in imitation of his Predecessor Julius , never intermitted his Studies in the Camp , and much less in other places , refreshing himself by a short stay in a pleasant Village of Campania , would needs be entertained with the rehearsal of some part of it . Virgil recited with a marvellous Grace , and sweet Accent of Voice , but his Lungs failing him , Mecaenas himself supplied his place for what remained . Such a piece of condecension wou'd now be very surprizing , but it was no more than customary amongst Friends , when Learning pass'd for Quality . Lelius , the second Man of Rome in his time , had done as much for that Poet , out of whose Dross he would sometimes pick Gold ; as himself said , when one found him reading Ennius : ( the like he did by some Verses of Varro , and Pacuvius , Lucretius , and Cicero , which he inserted into his Works . ) But Learned Men then liv'd easy and familiarly with the great : Augustus himself would sometimes sit down betwixt Virgil and Horace , and say jeastingly , that he sate betwixt Sighing and Tears , alluding to the Asthma of one , and Rheumatick Eyes of the other ; he would frequently Correspond with them , and never leave a Letter of theirs unanswered : Nor were they under the constraint of formal Superscriptions in the beginning , nor of violent Superlatives at the close of their Letter : The invention of these is a Modern Refinement . In which this may be remarked , in passing , that ( humble Servant ) is respect , but ( Friend ) an affront , which notwithstanding implies the former , and a great deal more . Nor does true Greatness lose by such Familiarity ; and those who have it not , as Mecaenas and Pollio had , are not to be accounted Proud , but rather very Discreet , in their Reserves . Some Play-house Beauties do wisely to be seen at a distance , and to have the Lamps twinckle betwixt them and the Spectators . But now Caesar , who tho' he were none of the greatest Souldiers , was certainly the greatest Traveller , of a Prince , that had ever been , ( for which Virgil so dexterously Complements him , Aeneid . 6. ) takes a Voyage to Aegypt , and having happily finish'd that War , reduces that mighty Kingdom into the Form of a Province ; over which he appointed Gallus his Lieutenant . This is the same Person to whom Virgil addresses his Tenth Pastoral ; changing , in compliance to his Request , his purpose of limiting them to the number of the Muses . The Praises of this Gallus took up a considerable part of the Fourth Book of the Georgics , according to the general consent of Antiquity : But Caesar would have it put out , and yet the Seam in the Poem is still to be discern'd ; and the matter of Aristaeus's recovering his Bees , might have been dispatched in less compass , without fetching the Causes so far , or interessing so many Gods and Goddesses in that Affair . Perhaps some Readers may be inclin'd to think this , tho' very much labour'd , not the most entertaining part of that Work ; so hard it is for the greatest Masters to Paint against their Inclination . But Caesar was content he shou'd be mention'd in the last Pastoral , because it might be taken for a Satyrical sort of Commendation ; and the Character he there stands under , might help to excuse his Cruelty , in putting an Old Servant to death for no very great Crime . And now having ended , as he begins his Georgics , with solemn mention of Caesar , an Argument of his Devotion to him : He begins his Aeneis , according to the common account , being now turn'd of Forty . But that Work had been , in truth , the Subject of much earlier Meditation . Whil'st he was working upon the first Book of it , this p●ssage , so very remarkable in History , fell out , in which Virgil had a great share . Caesar , about this time , either cloy'd with Glory , or terrifi'd by the Example of his Predecessor ; or to gain the Credit of Moderation with the People , or possibly to feel the Pulse of his Friends , deliberated whether he should retain the Soveraign Power , or restore the Commonwealth . Agrippa , who was a very honest Man , but whose View was of no great extent , advis'd him to the latter ; but Mecaenas , who had throughly studied his Master's Temper , in an Eloquent Oration , gave contrary Advice . That Emperour was too Politick to commit the over-sight of Cromwell , in a deliberation something resembling this . Cromwell had never been more desirous of the Power , than he was afterwards of the Title of King : And there was nothing , in which the Heads of the Parties , who were all his Creatures , would not comply with him : But by too vehement Allegation of Arguments against it , he , who had out-witted every body besides , at last out-witted himself , by too deep dissimulation : For his Council , thinking to make their Court by assenting to his judgment , voted unanimously for him against his Inclination ; which surpriz'd and troubled him to such a degree , that as soon as he had got into his Coach , he fell into a Swoon . But Caesar knew his People better , and his Council being thus divided , he ask'd Virgil's Advice : Thus a Poet had the Honour of determining the greatest Point that ever was in Debate , betwixt the Son-in-Law , and Favourite of Caesar . Virgil deliver'd his Opinion in Words to this effect . The change of a Popular into an Absolute Government , has generally been of very ill Consequence : For betwixt the Hatred of the People , and Injustice of the Prince , it of necessity comes to pass that they live in distrust , and mutual Apprehensions . But if the Commons knew a just Person , whom they entirely consided in , it would be for the advantage of all Parties , that such a one should be their Soveraign : Wherefore if you shall continue to administer Justice impartially , as hitherto you have done , your Power will prove safe to your self , and beneficial to Mankind . This excellent Sentence , which seems taken out of Plato , ( with whose Writings the Grammarians were not much acquainted , and therefore cannot reasonably be suspected of Forgery in this matter , ) contains the true state of Affairs at that time : For the Commonwealth Maxims were now no longer practicable ; the Romans had only the haughtiness of the Old Commonwealth left , without one of its Vi●tues . And this Sentence we find , almost in the same words , in the first Book of the Aeneis , which at this time he was writing ; and one might wonder that none of his Commentators have taken notice of it . he Compares a Tempest to a Popular Insurrection , as Cicero had compar'd a Sedition to a Storm , a little before . Ac veluti magno in populo , cum saepe coorta est Seditio , saevitque animis ignobile vulgus Jamque faces , ac saxa volant , furor armae ministrat . Tum pietate gravem , & meritis si forte virum quem Conspexere silent , arrectisq●e auribus adstant . Ille regit dictis animos , & pectora mulcet . Piety and Merit were the two great Virtues which Virgil every where attributes to Augustus , and in which that Prince , at least Politickly , if not so truly , fix'd his Character , as appears by the Marmor Anc 〈…〉 . and several of his Medals . Franshemius , the Learn'd Supplementor of Livy , has inserted this Relation into his History ; nor is there any good Reason , why Ruaeus should account it fabulous . The Title of a Poet in those days did not abate , but heighten the Character of the gravest Senator . Virgil was one of the best and wisest Men of his time , and in so popular esteem , that one hundred Thousand Romans rose when he came into the Theatre , and paid him the same Respect they us'd to Caesar himself , as Tacitus assures us . And if Augustus invited Horace to assist him in Writing his Letters , and every body knows that the rescripta Imperatorum were the Laws of the Empire ; Virgil might well deserve a place in the Cabinet-Council . And now Virgil prosecutes his Aeneis , which had Anciently the Title of the Imperial Poem , or Roman History , and deservedly ; for though he were too Artful a Writer to set down Events in exact Historical order , for which Lucan is justly blam'd ; yet are all the most considerable Affairs and Persons of Rome compriz'd in this Poem . He deduces the History of Italy from before Saturn to the Reign of King Latinus ; and reckons up the Successors of Aeneas , who Reign'd at Alba , for the space of three hundred Years , down to the Birth of Romulus ; describes the Persons and principal Exploits of all the Kings , to their Expulsion , and the settling of the Commonwealth . After this , he touches promiscuously the most remarkable Occurrences at home and abroad , but insists more particularly upon the Exploits of Augustus ; insomuch , that tho' this Assertion may appear , at first , a little surprizing ; he has in his Works deduc'd the History of a considerable part of the World from its Original , thro' the Fabulous and Heroick Ages , thro' the Monarchy and Commonwealth of Rome , for the space of four Thousand Years , down to within less than Forty of our Saviour's time , of whom he has preserv'd a most Illustrious Prophecy . Besides this , he points at many remarkable Passages of History under seign'd Names : the destruction of Alba , and Veii , under that of Troy : The Star Venus , which , Varro says , guided Aeneas in his Voyage to Italy , in that Verse , Matre deâ monstrante viam . Romulus his Lance taking Root , and Budding , is describ'd in that Passage concerning Polydorus , lib. 3. — Confixum ferrea texit Telorum seges , & jaculis increvit acutis . The Stratagem of the Trojans boring Holes in their Ships , and sinking them , left the Latins should Burn them , under that Fable of their being transform'd into Sea-Nymphs : And therefore the Ancients had no such Reason to condemn that Fable as groundless and absurd . Cocles swimming the River Tyber , after the Bridge was broken down behind him , is exactly painted in the Four last Verses of the Ninth Book , under the Character of Turnus . Marius hiding himself in the Morass of Minturnae , under the Person of Sinon : Limosoque lacu per Noctem obscurus in ulvâ Delitus — Those Verses in the Second Book concerning Priam ; Jacet ingens littore truncus , &c. seem originally made upon Pompey the Great . He seems to touch the Imperious , and Intriguing Humour of the Empress Livia , under the Character of Juno . The irresolute and weak Lepidus is well represented under the Person of King Latinus ; Augustus with the Character of Pont. Max. under that of Aeneas ; and the rash Courage ( always Unfortunate in Virgil ) of Marc Anthony in Turnus ; the railing Eloquence of Cicero in his Phillipics is well imitated in the Oration of Drances ; the dull faithful Agrippa , under the person of Achates ; accordingly this Character is flat : Achates kills but one Man , and himself receives one slight Wound , but neither says nor does any thing very considerable in the whole Poem . Curio , who sold his Country for about Two hundred Thousand Pound , is touch'd in that Verse . Vendidit hic auro patriam , dominumque potentem . Imposuit . — Livy relates that presently after the death of the two Scipio's in Spain , when Martius took upon him the Command , a Blazing Meteor shone around his Head , to the astonishment of his Souldiers : Virgil transfers this to Aeneas . Laetasque vomunt duo tempora flammas . It is strange that the Commentators have not taken notice of this . Thus the ill Omen which happen'd a little before the Battel of Thrasimen , when some of the Centurions Lances took Fire miraculously , is hinted in the like accident which befel Acestes , before the Burning of the Trojan Fleet in Sicily . The Reader will easily find many more such Instances . In other Writers there is often well cover'd Ignorance ; in Virgil , conceal'd Learning . His silence of some Illustrious Persons is no less worth observation . He says nothing of Scaevola , because he attempted to Assassinate a King , tho' a declar'd Enemy . Nor of the Younger Brutus ; for he effected what the other endeavour'd . Nor of the Younger Cato , because he was an implacable Enemy of Julius Caesar ; nor could the mention of him be pleasing to Augustus ; and that Passage His Dantem jura Catonem , may relate to his Office , as he was a very severe Censor . Nor would he name Cicero , when the occasion of mentioning him came full in his way ; when he speaks of Catiline ; because he afterwards approv'd the Murder of Caesar , tho' the Plotters were too wary to trust the Orator with their Design . Some other Poets knew the Art of Speaking well ; but Virgil , beyond this , knew the admirable Secret of being eloquently silent . Whatsoever was most curious in Fabius Pictor , Cato the Elder , Varro , in the Aegyptian Antiquities , in the Form of Sacrifice , in the Solemnities of making Peace and War , is preserv'd in this Poem . Rome is still above ground , and flourishing in Virgil. And all this he does with admirable brevity . The Aeneis was once near twenty times bigger than he left it ; so that he spent as much time in blotting out , as some Moderns have done in Writing whole Volumes . But not one Book has his finishing Strokes : The sixth seems one of the most perfect , the which , after long entreaty , and sometimes threats of Augustus , he was at last prevail'd upon to recite : This fell out about four Years before his own Death : That of Marcellus , whom Caesar design'd for his Successor , happen'd a little before this Recital : Virgil therefore with his usual dexterity , inserted his Funeral Panegyrick in those admirable Lines , beginning , O nate , ingentem luctum ne quaere tuorum , &c. His Mother , the Excellent Octavia , the best Wife of the worst Husband that ever was , to divert her Grief , would be of the Auditory . The Poet artificially deferr'd the naming Marcellus , 'till their Passions were rais'd to the highest ; but the mention of it put both Her and Augustus into such a Passion of weeping , that they commanded him to proceed no further ; Virgil answer'd , that he had already ended that Passage . Some relate , that Octavia fainted away ; but afterwards she presented the Poet with two Thousand one Hundred Pounds , odd Money ; a round Sum for Twenty Seven Verses . Another Writer says , that with a Royal Magnificence , she order'd him Massy Plate , unweigh'd , to a great value . And now he took up a Resolution of Travelling into Greece , there to set the last Hand to this Work ; purposing to devote the rest of his Life to Philosophy , which had been always his principal Passion . He justly thought it a foolish Figure for a grave Man to be over-taken by Death , whilst he was weighing the Cadence of Words , and measuring Verses ; unless Necessity should constrain it , from which he was well secur'd by the liberality of that I earned Age. But he was not aware , that whilst he allotted three Years for the Revising of his Poem , he drew Bills upon a failing Bank : For unhappily meeting Augustus at Athens , he thought himself oblig'd to wait upon him into Italy , but being desirous to see all he could of the Greek Antiquities , he fell into a languishing Distemper at Megara ; this , neglected at first , prov'd Mortal . The agitation of the Vessel , for it was now Autumn , near the time of his Birth , brought him so low , that he could hardly reach Brindisi . In his Sickness he frequently , and with great importunity , call'd for his Scrutore , that he might Burn his Aeneis , but Augustus interposing by his Royal Authority , he made his last Will , of which something shall be said afterwards . And considering probably how much Homer had been disfigur'd by the Arbitrary Compilers of his Works , oblig'd Tucca and Varius to add nothing , nor so much as fill up the Breaks he left in his Poem . He order'd that his Bones should be carried to Naples , in which place he had pass'd the most agreeable part of his Life . Augustus , not only as Executor , and Friend , but according to the Duty of the Pont. Max. when a Funeral happen'd in his Family , took care himself to see the Will punctually executed . He went out of the World with all that calmness of Mind with which the Ancient Writer of his Life says he came into it . Making the Inscription of his Monument himself ; for he began and ended his Poetical Compositions with an Epitaph . And this he made exactly according to the Law of his Master Plato on such occasions , without the least oftentation . I sung Flocks , Tillage , Heroes ; Mantua gave Me Life , Brandusium Death , Naples a Grave . A short Account of his Person , Manners and Fortune . HE was of a very swarthy Complexion , which might proceed from the Southern Extraction of his Father , tall and wide-shoulder'd , so that he may be thought to have describ'd himself under the Character of Musaeus , whom he calls the best of Poets . — Medium nam plurima turba Hunc habet , atque humeris ex tantem suspicit altis . His Sickliness , Studies , and the Troubles he met with , made his Hair gray before the usual time ; he had an hesitation in his Speech , as many other great Men : It being rarely found that a very fluent Elocution , and depth of judgment meet in the same Person . His Aspect and Behaviour rustick , and ungraceful : And this defect was not likely to be rectify'd in the place where he first liv'd , nor afterwards , because the weakness of his Stomach would not permit him to use his Exercises ; he was frequently troubled with the Head-ach , and spitting of Blood ; spare of Dyet , and hardly drank any Wine . Bashful to a fault ; and when People crouded to see him , he would slip into the next Shop , or by-passage , to avoid them . As this Character could not recommend him to the fair Sex ; he seems to have as little consideration for them as Euripides himself . There is hardly the Character of one good Woman to be found in his Poems : He uses the Word [ Mulier ] but once in the whole Aeneis , then too by way of Contempt , rendring literally a piece of a Verse out of Homer . In his Pastorals he is full of invectives against Love : In the Georgics he appropriates all the rage of it to the Females . He makes Dido , who never deserv'd that Character , Lustful and Revengeful to the utmost degree ; so as to dye devoting her Lover to destruction ; so changeable , that the Destinies themselves could not fix the time of her Death . But Iris , the Emblem of Inconstancy , must determine it . Her Sister is something worse . He is so far from passing such a Complement upon Helen , as the grave Old Councellour in Homer does , after nine Years War , when upon the sight of her he breaks out into this Rapture in the presence of King Priam , None can the cause of these long Wars despise ; The Cost bears no proportion to the Prize : Majestick Charms in every Feature shine ; Her Air , her Port , her accent is Divine . However let the fatal Beauty go , &c. Virgil is so far from this complaisant Humour , that his Heroe falls into an unmanly and ill-tim'd deliberation , whether he should not kill her in a Church ; which directly contradicts what Deiphobus says of her , Aeneid 6. in that place where every body tells the truth . He transfers the dogged Silence of Ajax his Ghost , to that of Dido ; tho' that be no very natural Character to an injur'd Lover , or a Woman . He brings in the Trojan Matrons setting their own Fleet on Fire ; and running afterwards , like Witches on their Sabbat , into the Woods . He bestows indeed some Ornaments upon the Character of Camilla ; but soon abates his Favour , by calling her aspera & horrenda Virgo : He places her in the Front of the line for an ill Omen of the Battel , as one of the Ancients has observ'd ; ( we may observe , on this occasion , it is an Art peculiar to Virgil , to intimate the Event by some preceding Accident . ) He hardly ever describes the rising of the Sun , but with some circumstance which fore-signifies the Fortune of the Day . For instance , when Aeneas leaves Africa and Queen Dido , he thus describes the fatal Morning : Tithoni croceum linguens Aurora cubile . [ And for the Remark , we stand indebted to the curious Pencil of Pollio . ] The Mourning Fields ( Aeneid . 6. ) are crowded with Ladies of a lost Reputation : Hardly one Man gets admittance , and that is Caeneus , for a very good Reason . Latinus his Queen is turbulent , and ungovernable , and at last hangs her self : And the fair Lavinia is disobedient to the Oracle , and to the King , and looks a little flickering after Turnus . I wonder at this the more , because Livy represents her as an excellent Person , and who behav'd her self with great Wisdom in her Regency during the minority of her Son : So that the Poet has done her Wrong , and it reflects on her Posterity . His Goddesses make as ill a Figure ; Juno is always in a rage , and the Fury of Heaven : Venus grows so unreasonably confident , as to ask her Husband to forge Arms for her Bastard Son ; which were enough to provoke one of a more Phlegmatick Temper than Vulcan was . Notwithstanding all this raillery of Virgil's , he was certainly of a very Amorous disposition , and has describ'd all that is most delicate in the Passion of Love ; but he Conquer'd his natural Inclinations by the help of Philosophy ; and refin'd it into Friendship , to which he was extreamly sensible . The Reader will admit of or reject the following Conjecture , with the free leave of the Writer , who will be equally pleas'd either way . Virgil had too great an Opinion of the Influence of the Heavenly Bodies : An Ancient Writer says , that he was born under the Sign of Virgo , with which Nativity perhaps he pleas'd himself , and would exemplifie her Vertues in his Life . Perhaps it was thence that he took his Name of Virgil and Parthenias , which does not necessarily signifie Base-born . Donatus , and Servius , very good Grammarians , give a quite contrary sense of it . He seems to make allusion to this Original of his Name in that Passage , Illo Virgilium me tempore dulcis alebat , Parthenope . And this may serve to illustrate his Complement to Caesar , in which he invites him into his own Constellation , Where , in the void of Heaven , a place is free , Betwixt the Scorpion , and the Maid for thee . Thus placing him betwixt Justice and Power , and in a Neighbour Mansion to his own ; for Virgil suppos'd Souls to ascend again to their proper Stars . Being therefore of this Humour , it is no wonder that he refus'd the Embraces of the Beautiful Plotia , when his indiscreet Friend almost threw her into his Arms. But however he stood affected to the Ladies , there is a dreadful Accusation brought against him for the most unnatural of all Vices , which by the Malignity of Humane nature has found more Credit in latter times than it did near his own . This took not its rise so much from the Alexis , in which Pastoral there is not one immodest Word ; as from a sort of ill-nature , that will not let any one be without the imputation of some Vice ; and principally because he was so strict a follower of Socrates and Plato . In order therefore to his Vindication , I shall take the matter a little higher . The Cretans were Anciently much addicted to Navigation , insomuch that it became A Greek Proverb , ( tho' omitted , I think , by the Industrious Erasmus , ) A Cretan that does not know the Sea. Their Neighbourhood gave them occasion of frequent Commerce with the Phaenicians , that accursed People , who infected the Western World with endless Superstitions , and gross immoralities . From them it is probable , that the Cretans learn'd this infamous Passion , to which they were so much addicted , that Cicero remarks , in his Book de Rep. that it was a disgrace for a young Gentleman to be without Lovers . Socrates , who was a great Admirer of the Cretan Constitutions , set his excellent Wit to find out some good Cause , and Use of this Evil Inclination , and therefore gives an Account , wherefore Beauty is to be lov'd , in the following Passage ; for I will not trouble the Reader , weary perhaps already with a long Greek Quotation . There is but one Eternal , Immutable , Vniform Beauty ; in contemplation of which , our Soveraign Happiness does consist : And therefore a true Lover considers Beauty and Proportion as so many Steps and Degrees , by which he may ascend from the particular to the general , from all that is lovely of Feature , or regular in Proportion , or charming in Sound , to the general Fountain of all Beauty and Perfection . And if you are so much transported with the sight of Beautiful Persons , as to wish neither to Eat or drink , but pass your whole Life in looking on them ; to what extasie would it raise you to behold the Original Beauty , not fill'd up with Flesh and Blood , or varnish'd with a fading mixture of Colours , and the rest of Mortal Trifles and Fooleries , but separate , unmix'd , uniform , and divine , &c. Thus far Socrates , in a strain , much beyond the Socrate Crētien of Mr. Balsac : And thus that admirable Man lov'd his Phoedon , his Charmides , and Theatetus ; and thus Virgil lov'd his Alexander , and Cebes , under the feign'd Name of Alexis : He receiv'd them illiterate , but return'd them to their Masters , the one a good Poet , and the other an excellent Grammarian : And to prevent all possible Misinterpretations , he warily inserted into the liveliest Episode in the whole Aeneis , these words , Nisus amore pio pueri . And in the Sixth , Quique pii vates . He feems fond of the Words , castus , pius , Virgo , and the Compounds of it ; and sometimes stretches the Use of that word further than one would think he reasonably should have done , as when he attributes it to Pasiphaé her self . Another Vice he is Tax'd with , is Avarice ; because he dy'd Rich , and so indeed he did in comparison of modern Wealth ; his Estate amounts to near Seventy Five Thousand Pounds of our Money : But Donatus does not take notice of this as a thing extraordinary ; nor was it esteem'd so great a Matter , when the Cash of a great part of the World lay at Rome ; Antony himself bestow'd at once Two Thousand Acres of Land in one of the best Provinces of Italy , upon a ridiculous Poet , who is nam'd by Cicero and Virgil. A late Cardinal us'd to purchase ill flattery at the Expence of 100000 Crowns a Year . But besides Virgil's other Benefactors , he was much in favour with Augustus , whose Bounty to him had no limits , but such as the Modesty of Virgil prescrib'd to it . Before he had made his own Fortune , he setled his Estate upon his Parents and Brothers ; sent them Yearly large Sums , so that they liv'd in great Plenty and Respect ; and at his Death , divided his Estate betwixt Duty and Gratitude , leaving one half to his Relations , and the other to Mecenas , to Tucca and Varius , and a considerable Legacy to Augustus , who had introduc'd a politick Fashion of being in every bodies Will ; which alone was a fair Revenue for a Prince . Virgil shews his detestation of this Vice , by placing in the front of the Damn'd those who did not relieve their Relations and Friends ; for the Romans hardly ever extended their Liberality further ; and therefore I do not remember to have met in all the Latin Poets , one Character so noble as that short one in Homer . — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 — On the other hand , he gives a very advanc'd place in Elysium to good Patriots , &c. Observing in all his Poem , that Rule so Sacred amongst the Romans , That there shou'd be no Art allow'd , which did not tend to the improvement of the People in Virtue . And this was the Principle too of our Excellent Mr. Waller , who us'd to say that he wou'd raze any Line out of his Poems , which did not imply some Motive to Virtue ; but he was unhappy in the choice of the Subject of his admirable vein in Poetry . The Countess of C. was the Helen of her Country . There is nothing in Pagan Philosophy more true , more just , and regular than Virgil's Ethics ; and it is hardly possible to sit down to the serious perusual of his Works , but a Man shall rise more dispos'd to virtue and goodness , as well as most agreeably entertain'd . The contrary to which disposition , may happen sometimes upon the reading of Ovid , of Martial , and several other second rate Poets . But of the Craft and Tricking part of Life , with which Homer abounds , there is nothing to be found in Virgil ; and therefore Plato , who gives the former so many good words , perfumes , Crowns , but at last Complementally Banishes him his Commonwealth , wou'd have intreated Virgil to stay with him , ( if they had liv'd in the same Age , ) and intrusted him with some important Charge in his Government . Thus was his Life as chast as his Stile , and those who can Critick his Poetry , can never find a blemish in his Manners ; and one would rather wish to have that purity of Mind , which the Satyrist himself attributes to him ; that friendly disposition , and evenness of temper , and patience , which he was Master of in so eminent a degree , than to have the honour of being Author of the Aeneis , or even of the Georgics themselves . Having therefore so little relish for the usual amusements of the world , he prosecuted his Studies without any considerable interruption , during the whole course of his Life , which one may reasonably conjecture to have been something longer than 52 years ; and therefore it is no wonder that he became the most general Scholar that Rome ever bred , unless some one should except Varro . Besides the exact knowledge of Rural Affairs , he understood Medicine , to which Profession he was design'd by his Parents . A Curious Florist , on which Subject one wou'd wish he had writ , as he once intended : So profound a Naturalist , that he has solv'd more Phaenomena of Nature upon sound Principles , than Aristotle in his Physics . He studied Geometry , the most opposite of all Sciences to a Poetick Genius , and Beauties of a lively imagination ; but this promoted the order of his Narrations , his propriety of Language , and clearness of Expression , for which he was justly call'd the Pillar of the Latin Tongue . This Geometrical Spirit was the cause , that to fill up a Verse he would not insert one superfluous word ; and therefore deserves that Character which a Noble and Judicious Critick has given him , * That he never says too little nor too much . Nor cou'd any one ever fill up the Verses he left imperfect . There is one supply'd near the beginning of the First Book ; Virgil left the Verse thus . — Hic illius arma , Hic currus fuit — the rest is none of Virgil's . He was so good a Geographer , that he has not only left us the finest description of Italy that ever was ; but besides , was one of the few Ancients who knew the true System of the Earth , its being Inhabited round about under the Torrid Zone , and near the Poles . Metrodorus , in his five Books of the Zones , justifies him from some Exceptions made against him by Astronomers . His Rhetorick was in such general esteem , that Lectures were read upon it in the Reign of Tiberius , and the Subject of Declamations taken out of him . Pollio himself , and many other Ancients Commented him . His Esteem degenerated into a kind of Superstition . The known Story of Mr. Cowley is an instance of it . But the sortes Virgilianae were condemn'd by St. Augustin , and other Casuists . Abienus , by an odd Design , put all Virgil and Livy into Iambick Verse ; and the Pictures of those two were hung in the most Honourable place of Publick Libraries , and the Design of taking them down , and destroying Virgil's Works , was look'd upon as one of the most Extravagant amongst the many Brutish Frenzies of Caligula . PREFACE TO THE PASTORALS , With a short DEFENCE of VIRGIL , Against some of the Reflections of Monsieur Fontanelle . AS the Writings of greatest Antiquity are in Verse , so of all sorts of Poetry , Pastorals seem the most Ancient ; being form'd upon the Model of the First Innocence , and Simplicity , which the Moderns , better to dispence themselves from imitating , have wisely thought fit to treat as Fabulous , and impracticable ; and yet they , by obeying the unsophisticated Dictates of Nature , enjoy'd the most valuable Blessings of Life ; a vigorous Health of Body , with a constant serenity , and freedom of Mind , whilst we , with all our fanciful Refinements , can scarcely pass an Autumn without some access of a Feaver , or a whole Day , not ruffled by some unquiet Passion . He was not then look'd upon as a very Old Man ; who reach'd to a greater Number of Years , than in these times an ancient Family can reasonably pretend to ; and we know the Names of several , who saw , and practis'd the World for a longer space of time , than we can read the Account of in any one entire Body of History . In short , they invented the most useful Arts , Pastorage , Tillage , Geometry , Writing , Musick , Astronomy , &c. Whilst the Moderns , like Extravagant Heirs , made rich by their Industry , ingratefully deride the good Old Gentlemen , who left them the Estate . It is not therefore to be wonder'd at , that Pastorals are fallen into Disesteem , together with that Fashion of Life , upon which they were grounded . And methinks , I see the Reader already uneasie at this Part of Virgil , counting the Pages , and posting to the Aeneis ; so delightful an entertainment is the very Relation of publick Mischief , and slaughter , now become to Mankind : and yet Virgil pass'd a much different judgment on his own Works : He valu'd most this part , and his Georgics , and depended upon them for his Reputation with Posterity : But Censures himself in one of his Letters to Augustus , for medling with Heroics , the Invention of a degenerating Age. This is the Reason that the Rules of Pastoral , are so little known or studied . Aristotle , Horace , and the Essay of Poetry , take no notice of it . And Mr. Boileau , one of the most accurate of the Moderns , because he never loses the Ancients out of his Sight , bestows scarce half a Page on it . It is the Design therefore of the few following pages , to clear this sort of Writing from vulgar Prejudices ; to vindicate our Author from some unjust Imputations ; to look into some of the Rules of this sort of Poetry , and Enquire what sort of Versification is most proper for it , in which point we are so much inferiour to the Ancients ; that this Consideration alone , were enough to make some Writers think as they ought , that is , Meanly , of their own Performances . As all sorts of Poetry consist in imitation ; Pastoral is the imitation of a Shepherd consider'd under that Character : It is requisite therefore to be a little inform'd of the Condition , and Qualification of these Shepherds . One of the Ancients has observ'd truly , but Satyrically enough , that Mankind is the Measure of every thing : And thus by a gradual improvement of this mistake , we come to make our own Age and Countrey the Rule and Standard of others , and our selves at last the measure of them all . We figure the Ancient Countrey-men like our own , leading a painful Life in Poverty and Contempt , without Wit , or Courage , or Education : But Men had quite different Notions of these things , for the first four Thousand Years of the World ; Health and Strength were then in more esteem than the refinements of Pleasure ; and it was accounted a great deal more Honourable to Till the Ground , or keep a Flock of Sheep , than to dissolve in Wantonness , and effeminating Sloath. Hunting has now an Idea of Quality join'd to it , and is become the most important Business in the Life of a Gentleman ; Antiently it was quite otherways . Mr. Fleury has severely remark'd , that this Extravagant Passion for Hunting is a strong Proof of our Gothic Extraction , and shews an affinity of Humour with the Savage Americans . The Barbarous Franks and other Germans , ( having neither Corn , nor Wine of their own growth , ) when they pass'd the Rhine , and possess'd themselves of Countreys better Cultivated , left the Tillage of the Land to the Old Proprietors ; and afterwards did hazard their Lives as freely for their Diversion , as they had done before for their necessary subsistance . The English gave this Vsage the Sacred stamp of Fashion , and from hence it is that most of our Terms of Hunting are French. The Reader will , I hope , give me his Pardon for my freedom on this Subject , since an ill Accident , occasion'd by Hunting , has kept England in pain , these several Months together , for one of the best , and greatest Peers which she has bred for some Ages ; no less Illustrious for Civil Vertues , and Learning , than his Ancestors were for all their Victories in France . But there are some Prints still left of the Ancient Esteem for Husbandry and their plain Fashion of Life in many of our Sir-Names , and in the Escutcheons of the most Ancient Families , even those of the greatest Kings , the Roses , the Lillies , the Thistle , &c. It is generally known , that one of the principal Causes of the Deposing of Mahomet the 4th , was , that he would not allot part of the Day to some manual Labour , according to the Law of Mahomet , and Ancient Practice of his Predecessors . He that reflects on this will be the less surpriz'd to find that Charlemaign Eight Hundred Years ago , order'd his Children to be instructed in some Profession . And Eight Hundred Years yet higher , that Augustus wore no Cloaths but such as were made by the Hands of the Empress , and her Daughters ; and Olympias did the same for Alexander the Great . Nor will he wonder that the Romans , in great exigency , sent for their Dictator from the Plow , whose whole Estate was but of Four Acres ; too little a spot now for the Orchard , or Kitchin-Garden of a Private Gentleman . It is commonly known , that the Founders of three the most renown'd Monarchies in the World , were Shepherds : And the Subject of Husbandry has been adorn'd by the Writings and Labour of more than twenty Kings . It ought not therefore to be matter of surprize to a Modern Writer , that Kings , the Shepherds of the People in Homer , laid down their first Rudiments in tending their mute Subjects ; nor that the Wealth of Ulysses consisted in Flocks and Herds , the Intendants over which , were then in equal esteem with Officers of State in latter times . And therefore Eumaeus is call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Homer ; not so much because Homer was a lover of a Countrey Life , to which he rather seems averse , but by reason of the Dignity and Greatness of his Trust , and because he was the Son of a King , stollen away , and Sold by the Phaenician Pyrates , which the Ingenious Mr. Cowley seems not to have taken notice of . Nor will it seem strange , that the Master of the Horse to King Latinus , in the Ninth Aeneid , was found in the homely Employment of cleaving Blocks , when news of the first Skirmish betwixt the Trojans and Latins was brought to him . Being therefore of such Quality , they cannot be suppos'd so very ignorant and unpolish'd ; the Learning and good breeding of the World was then in the hands of such People . He who was chosen by the consent of all Parties to arbitrate so delicate an affair , as which was the fairest of the three Celebrated Beauties of Heaven ; he who had the address to debauch away Helen from her Husband , her Native Country , and from a Crown , understood what the French call by the too soft name of Gallantry ; he had Accomplishments enough , how ill use soever he made of them . It seems therefore that Mr. F. had not duly consider'd the matter , when he reflected so severely upon Virgil , as if he had not observ'd the Laws of decency in his Pastorals , in making Shepherds speak to things beside their Character , and above their Capacity . He stands amaz'd that Shepherds should thunder out , as he expresses himself , the formation of the World , and that too according to the System of Epicurus . In truth , says he , page 176. I cannot tell what to make of this whole piece ; ( the Sixth Past . ) I can neither comprehend the Design of the Author , nor the Connexion of the parts ; first come the Ideas of Philosophy , and presently after those incoherent Fables , &c. To expose him yet more , he subjoyns , it is Silenus himself who makes all this absurd Discourse . Virgil says indeed that he had drank too much the day before ; perhaps the Debauch hung in his head when he compos'd this Poem , &c. Thus far Mr. F. who , to the disgrace of Reason , as himself ingenuously owns , first built his House , and then studied Architecture ; I mean first Compos'd his Eclogues , and then studied the Rules . In answer to this , we may observe , first , that this very Pastoral which he singles out to triumph over , was recited by a Famous Player on the Roman Theatre , with marvellous applause ; insomuch that Cicero who had heard part of it only , order'd the whole to be rehears'd , and struck with admiration of it , conferr'd then upon Virgil the Glorious Title of Magnae spes alterae Romae . Nor is it Old Donatus only who relates this , we have the same account from another very Credible and Ancient Author ; so that here we have the judgment of Cicero , and the People of Rome , to confront the single Opinion of this adventrous Critick . A Man ought to be well assur'd of his own Abilities , before he attack an Author of establish'd Reputation . If Mr. F. had perus'd the fragments of the Phaenician Antiquity , trac'd the progress of Learning thro' the Ancient Greek Writers , or so much as Consulted his Learned Countrey-Man Huetius , he would have found , ( which falls out unluckily for him ) that a Chaldaean Shepherd discover'd to the Aegyptians and Greeks the Creation of the World. And what Subject more fit for such a Pastoral , than that Great Affair which was first notified to the World by one of that Profession ? Nor does it appear , ( what he takes for granted ) that Virgil describes the Original of the World according to the Hypothesis of Epicurus ; he was too well seen in Antiquity to commit such a gross Mistake ; there is not the least mention of Chance in that whole passage , nor of the Clinamen Principiorum , so peculiar to Epicurus's Hypothesis . Virgil had not only more Piety , but was of too nice a Judgment to introduce a God denying the Power and Providence of the Deity , and singing a Hymn to the Atoms , and Blind Chance . On the contrary , his Description agrees very well with that of Moses ; and the Learn'd Commentator D'Acier , who is so confident that Horace had perus'd the Sacred History , might with greater Reason have affirm'd the same thing of Virgil. For , besides that Famous Passage in the Sixth Aeneid , ( by which this may be illustrated , ) where the word Principio is us'd in the front of both by Moses and Virgil , and the Seas are first mention'd , and the Spiritus intus alit , which might not improbably , as Mr. D'Acier would suggest , allude to the Spirit moving upon the face of the Waters ; But omitting this parallel place , the successive formation of the World is evidently describ'd in these words , Rerum paulatim sumere formas ; And 't is hardly possible to render more literally that verse of Moses , Let the Waters be gathered into one place , and let the dry Land appear , than in this of Virgil , Jam durare solum , & discludere Nerea Ponto . After this the formation of the Sun is describ'd ( exactly in the Mosaical order , ) and next the production of the first Living Creatures , and that too in a small number , ( still in the same method . ) Rara per ignotos errent animalia montes . And here the foresaid Author would probably remark , that Virgil keeps more exactly to the Mosaick System , than an Ingenious Writer , who will by no means allow Mountains to be coaeval with the World. Thus much will make it probable at least , that Virgil had Moses in his thoughts rather than Epicurus , when he compos'd this Poem . But it is further remarkable , that this passage was taken from a Song attributed to Apollo , who himself too unluckily had been a Shepherd , and he took it from another yet more ancient , compos'd by the first Inventer of Musick , and at that time a Shepherd too ; and this is one of the Noblest Fragments of Greek Antiquity ; and because I cannot suppose the Ingenious Mr. F. one of their number , who pretend to censure the Greeks , without being able to distinguish Greek from Ephesian Characters , I shall here set down the Lines from which Virgil took this passage , tho' none of the Commentators have observ'd it . — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . So that our Poet here with great Judgment , as always , follows the ancient Custom of beginning their more Solemn Songs with the Creation , and does it too most properly under the person of a Shepherd ; and thus the first and best Employment of Poetry was to compose Hymns in Honour of the Great Creator of the Universe . Few words will suffice to answer his other Objections . He demands why those several Transformations are mention'd in that Poem ? And is not Fable then the Life and Subject of Poetry ? Can himself assign a more proper Subject of Pastoral , than the Saturnia Regna , the Age and Scene of this kind of Poetry ? What Theme more fit for the Song of a God , or to imprint Religious awe , than the Omnipotent Power of transforming the Species of Creatures at their pleasure ? Their Families liv'd in Groves , near clear Springs ; and what better warning could be given to the hopeful young Shepherds , than that they should not gaze too much into the Liquid dangerous Looking-glass , for fear of being stoln by the Water-Nymphs , that is , falling and being drown'd , as Hylas was ? Pasiphea's monstrous passion for a Bull , is certainly a Subject enough fitted for Bucolic's ? Can Mr. F. Tax Silenus for fetching too far the Transformation of the Sisters of Phaeton into Trees , when perhaps they sat at that very time under the hospitable shade of those Alders or Poplars ? Or the Metamorphoses of Philomela into that ravishing Bird , which makes the sweetest musick of the Groves ? If he had look'd into the Ancient Greek Writers , or so much as Consulted honest Servius , he would have discover'd that under the Allegory of this drunkenness of Silenus , the refinement and exaltation of Mens Minds by Philosophy was intended . But if the Author of these Reflections can take such flights in his Wine , it is almost pity that drunkenness shou'd be a Sin , or that he shou'd ever want good store of Burgundy , and Champaign . But indeed he seems not to have ever drank out of Silenus his Tankard , when he made either his Critique , or Pastorals . His Censure on the Fourth seems worse grounded than the other ; it is Entituled in some ancient Manuscripts , The History of the Renovation of the World ; he complains that he cannot understand what is meant by those many Figurative Expressions : But if he had consulted the younger Vossius his Dissertation on this Pastoral , or read the Excellent Oration of the Emperour Constantine , made French by a good Pen of their own , he would have found there the plain inerpretation of all those Figurative Expressions ; and withall , very strong proofs of the truth of the Christian Religion ; such as Converted Heathens , as Valerianus , and others : And upon account of this Piece , the most Learn'd of the Latin Fathers calls Virgil a Christian , even before Christianity . Cicero takes notice of it in his Books of Divination , and Virgil probably had put it in Verse a considerable time before the Edition of his Pastorals . Nor does he appropriate it to Pollio , or his Son , but Complementally dates it from his Consulship . And therefore some one who had not so kind thoughts of Mr. F. as I , would be inclin'd to think him as bad a Catholick as Critick in this place . I pass by , in respect therefore to some Books he has wrote since , a great part of this , and shall only touch briefly some of the Rules of this sort of Poem . The First is , that an air of Piety upon all occasions should be maintain'd in the whole Poem : This appears in all the Ancient Greek Writers ; as Homer , &c. And Virgil is so exact in the observation of it , not only in this Work , but in his Aeneis too , that a Celebrated French Writer taxes him for permitting Aeneas to do nothing without the assistance of some God. But by this it appears , at least , that Mr. St. Eur. is no Jansenist . Mr. F. seems a little defective in this point ; he brings in a pair of Shepherdesses disputing very warmly , whether Victoria , ( none of the fittest Names for a Shepherdess ) be a Goddess , or a Woman . Her great condescension and compassion , her affability and goodness , none of the meanest Attributes of the Divinity , pass for convincing Arguments that she could not possibly be a Goddess . Les Déesses toûjours fieres & méprisantes Ne rassureroiént point les Bergeres tremblantes Par d'obligeans discours , des souris gracieux ; Mais tu l'as veu ; cette Auguste Personne Qui vient de paroistre en ces lieux Prend soin de rassurer au moment qu'elle étonne . Sa bonté descendant sans peine jusqu'à nous . In short , she has too many Divine Perfections to be a Deity , and therefore she is a Mortal [ which was the thing to be prov'd . ] It is directly contrary to the practice of all ancient Poets , as well as to the Rules of decency and Religion , to make such odious Comparisons . I am much surpriz'd therefore that he should use such an argument as this . Cloris , as-tu veu des Déesses Avoir un air si facile & si doux ? Was not Aurora , and Venus , and Luna , and I know not how many more of the Heathen Deities too easie of access to Tithonus , to Anchises , and to Endimion ? Is there any thing more Sparkish and better humour'd than Venus her accosting her Son in the Desarts of Lybia ? or than the behaviour of Pallas to Diomedes , one of the most perfect and admirable Pieces of all the Iliads ; where she condescends to rally him so agreeably ; and notwithstanding her severe Vertue , and all the Ensigns of Majesty , with which she so terribly adorns her self , condescends to ride with him in his Chariot ? But the Odysses are full of greater instances of condescension than this . This brings to mind that Famous passage of Lucan , in which he prefers Cato to all the Gods at once , Victrix causa deis placuit sed victa Catoni . Which Brelaeuf has render'd so flatly , and which may be thus Paraphras'd . Heaven meanly with the Conquerour did comply , But Cato rather than submit would die . It is an unpardonable presumption in any sort of Religion to complement their Princes at the expence of their Deities . But letting that pass , this whole Eclogue is but a long Paraphrase of a trite Verse in Virgil , and Homer , Nec vox Hominem sonat , O Dea certe . So true is that Remark of the Admirable E. of Roscomon , if apply'd to the Romans , rather I fear than to the English , since his own Death . — one sterling Line , Drawn to French Wire , would thro' whole pages shine . Another Rule is , that the Characters should represent that Ancient Innocence , and unpractis'd Plainness , which was then in the World. P. Rapine has gather'd many Instances of this out of Theocritus , and Virgil ; and the Reader can do it as well himself . But Mr. F. transgress'd this Rule , when he hid himself in the Thicket , to listen to the private Discourse of the two Shepherdesses . This is not only ill Breeding at Versailles ; the Arcadian Shepherdesses themselves would have set their Dogs upon one for such an unpardonable piece of Rudeness . A Third Rule is , That there should be some Ordonnance , some Design , or little Plot , which may deserve the Title of a Pastoral Scene . This is every where observ'd by Virgil , and particularly remarkable in the first Eclogue ; the standard of all Pastorals ; a Beautiful Landscape presents it self to your view , a Shepherd with his Flock around him , resting securely under a spreading Beech , which furnish'd the first Food to our Ancestors . Another in quite different Situation of Mind and Circumstances , the Sun setting , the Hospitality of the more fortunate Shepherd , &c. And here Mr. F. seems not a little wanting . A Fourth Rule , and of great importance in this delicate sort of Writing , is , that there be choice diversity of Subjects ; that the Eclogues , like a Beautiful Prospect , should Charm by its Variety . Virgil is admirable in this Point , and far surpasses Theocritus , as he does every where , when Judgment and Contrivance have the principal part . The Subject of the first Pastoral is hinted above . The Second contains the Love of Coridon for Alexis , and the seasonable reproach he gives himself , that he left his Vines half prun'd , ( which according to the Roman Rituals , deriv'd a Curse upon the Fruit that grew upon it ) whilst he pursu'd an Object undeserving his Passion . The Third , a sharp Contention of two Shepherds for the Prize of Poetry . The Fourth contains the Discourse of a Shepherd Comforting himself in a declining Age , that a better was ensuing . The Fifth a Lamentation for a Dead Friend , the first draught of which is probably more Ancient than any of the Pastorals now extant ; his Brother being at first intended ; but he afterwards makes his Court to Augustrus , by turning it into an Apothesis of Julius Caesar . The Sixth is the Silenus . The Seventh , another Poetical Dispute , first Compos'd at Mantua . The Eighth is the Description of a despairing Lover , and a Magical Charm. He sets the Ninth after all these , very modestly , because it was particular to himself ; and here he would have ended that Work , if Gallus had not prevail'd upon him to add one more in his Favour . Thus Curious was Virgil in diversifying his Subjects . But Mr. F. is a great deal too Vniform ; begin where you please , the Subject is still the same . We find it true what he says of himself , Toûjours , toûjours de l'Amour . He seems to take Pastorals and Love-Verses for the same thing . Has Humaen Nature no other Passion ? Does not Fear , Ambition , Avarice , Pride , a Capricio of Honour , and Laziness it self often Triumph over Love ? But this Passion does all , not only in Pastorals , but on Modern Tragedies too . A Heroe can no more Fight , or be Sick , or Dye , than he can be Born without a Woman . But Dramatic's have been compos'd in compliance to the Humour of the Age , and the prevailing Inclination of the great , whose Example has a very powerful Influence , not only in the little Court behind the Scenes , but on the great Theatre of the World. This inundation of Love-Verses 't is not so much an effect of their Amorousness , as of immoderate Self-love . This being the only sort of Poetry , in which the Writer can , not only without Censure , but even with Commendation , talk of himself . There is generally more of the Passion of Narcissus , than concern for Chloris and Corinna in this whole Affair . Be pleas'd to look into almost any of those Writers , and you shall meet every where that eternal Moy , which the admirable Paschal so judiciously condemns . Homer can never be enough admir'd for this one so particular Quality , that he never speaks of himself , either in the Iliad , or the Odysses ; and if Horace had never told us his Genealogy , but left it to the Writer of his Life , perhaps he had not been a loser by it . This Consideration might induce those great Criticks , Varius and Tucca , to raze out the four first Verses of the Aeneis , in great measure , for the sake of that unlucky Ille ego . But extraordinary Genius's have a sort of Prerogative , which may dispence them from Laws , binding to Subject-Wits . However , the Ladies have the less Reason to be pleas'd with those Addresses , of which the Poet takes the greater share to himself . Thus the Beau presses into their Dressing-Room , but it is not so much to adore their fair Eyes , as to adjust his own Steenzkirk and Peruke , and set his Countenance in their Glass . A fifth Rule , ( which one may hope will not be contested ) is that the Writer should shew in his Compositions , some competent skill of the Subject matter , that which makes the Character of the Persons introduc'd . In this , as in all other Points of Learning , Decency , and Oeconomy of a Poem , Virgil much excells his Master Theocritus . The Poet is better skill'd in Husbandry than those that get their Bread by it . He describes the Nature , the Diseases , the Remedies , the proper places , and Seasons , of Feeding , of Watering their Flocks ; the Furniture , Diet ; the Lodging and pastimes of his Shepherds . But the Persons brought in by Mr. F. are Shepherds in Masquerade , and handle their Sheep-Hook as awkardly , as they do their Oaten-Reed . They Saunter about with their chers Moutons , but they relate as little to the Business in hand , as the Painter's Dog , or a Dutch Ship , does to the History design'd . One would suspect some of them , that instead of leading out their Sheep into the Plains of Mont-Brison , and Marcilli , to the flowry Banks of Lignon , or the Charanthe ; that they are driving directly , à la boucherie , to make Money of them . I hope hereafter Mr. F. will chuse his Servants better . A sixth Rule is , That as the Style ought to be natural , clear , and elegant , it should have some peculiar relish of the Ancient Fashion of Writing . Parables in those times were frequently us'd , as they are still by the Eastern Nations ; Philosophical Questions , Aenigma's , &c. and of this we find Instances in the Sacred Writings , in Homer , Contemporary with King David , in Herodotus , in the Greek Tragedians ; this piece of Antiquity is imitated by Virgil with great judgment and discretion : He has propos'd one Riddle which has never yet been solv'd by any of his Commentators . Tho' he knew the Rules of Rhetorick , as well as Cicero himself ; he conceals that skill in his Pastorals , and keeps close to the Character of Antiquity : Nor ought the Connexions and Transitions to be very strict , and regular ; this would give the Pastorals an Air of Novelty , and of this neglect of exact Connexions , we have instances in the Writings of the Ancient Chineses , of the Jews and Greeks , in Pindar , and other Writers of Dithyrambics , in th● Chorus 's of Aeschylus , Sophocles , and Euripides . If Mr. F. and Ruaeus , had consider'd this , the one wou'd have spar'd his Critic of the Sixth , and the other , his Reflections upon the Ninth Pastoral . The over-scrupulous care of Connexions , makes the Modern Compositions oftentimes tedious and flat : And by the omission of them it comes to pass , that the Pensees of the incomparable Mr. Pascal , and perhaps of Mr. Bruyere , are two of the most Entertaining Books which the Modern French can boast of . Virgil , in this point , was not only faithful to the Character of Antiquity , but Copies after Nature her self . Thus a Meadow , where the Beauties of the Spring are profusely blended together , makes a more delightful Prospect , than a curious Knot of sorted Flowers in our Gardens ; and we are much more transported with the Beauty of the Heavens , and admiration of their Creator , in a clear Night , when we behold Stars of all Magnitudes , promiscuously moving together , than if those glorious Lights were rank'd in their several Orders , or reduc'd into the finest Geometrical Figures . Another Rule omitted by P. Rapine , as some of his are by me , ( for I do not design an entire Treatise in this Preface , ) is , that not only the Sentences should be short , and smart , upon which account , he justly blames the Italian , and French , as too Talkative , but that the whole piece should be so too . Virgil transgress'd this Rule in his first Pastorals , I mean those which he compos'd at Mantua , but rectifi'd the Fault in his Riper Years . This appears by the Culex , which is as long as five of his Pastorals put together . The greater part of those he finish'd , have less than a Hundred Verses , and but two of them exceed that Number . But the Silenus , which he seems to have design'd for his Master-piece , in which he introduces a God singing , and he too full of Inspiration , ( which is intended by that ebriety , which Mr. F. so unreasonably ridicules , ) tho' it go thro' so vast a Field of Matter , and comprizes the Mythology of near Two Thousand Years , consists but of Fifty Lines ; so that its brevity is no less admirable , than the subject Matter ; the noble Fashion of handling it , and the Deity speaking . Virgil keeps up his Characters in this respect too , with the strictest decency : For Poetry and Pastime was not the Business of Mens Lives in those days , but only their seasonable Recreation after necessary Labours . And therefore the length of some of the Modern Italian , and English Compositions , is against the Rules of this kind of Poesy . I shall add something very briefly touching the Versification of Pastorals , tho' it be a mortifying Consideration to the Moderns . Heroic Verse , as it is commonly call'd , was us'd by the Latins in this sort of Poem , as very Ancient and Natural . Lyrics , Iambics , &c. being Invented afterwards : but there is so great a difference in the Numbers , of which it may be compounded , that it may pass rather for a Genus , than Species , of Verse . Whosoever shall compare the numbers of the three following Verses , will quickly be sensible of the truth of this Observation . Tityre , tu patulae recubans sub tegmine fagi. The first of the Georgics , Quid faciat laetas segetes , quo sydere terram . and of the Aeneis . Arma , virumque cano , Trojae qui Primus ab oris . The Sound of the Verses , is almost as different as the Subjects . But the Greek Writers of Pastoral , usually limited themselves to the Example of the first ; which Virgil found so exceedingly difficult , that he quitted it , and left the Honour of that part to Theocritus . It is indeed probable , that what we improperly call rhyme , is the most Ancient sort of Poetry ; and Learned Men have given good Arguments for it ; and therefore a French Historian commits a gross mistake , when he attributes that Invention to a King of Gaul , as an English Gentleman does , when he makes a Roman Emperour the Inventor of it . But the Greeks who understood fully the force and power of Numbers , soon grew weary of this Childish sort of Verse , as the Younger Vossius justly calls it , and therefore those rhyming Hexameters , which Plutarch observes in Homer himself , seem to be the Remains of a barbarous Age. Virgil had them in such abhorrence , that he would rather make a false Syntax , than what we call a Rhime , such a Verse as this Vir precorVxori , frater succurre Sorori . Was passable in Ovid , but the nice Ears in Augustus his Court could not pardon Virgil , for ▪ At Regina Pyra . So that the principal Ornament of Modern Poetry , was accounted deformity by the Latins , and Greeks ; it was they who invented the different terminations of words , those happy compositions , those short monosyllables , those transpositions for the elegance of the sound and sense , which are wanting so much in modern Languages . The French sometimes crowd together ten , or twelve Monosyllables , into one disjoynted Verse ; they may understand the nature of , but cannot imitate , those wonderful Spondees of Pythagoras , by which he could suddenly pacifie a Man that was in a violent transport of anger ; nor those swift numbers of the Priests of Cybele , which had the force to enrage the most sedate and Phlegmatick Tempers . Nor can any Modern put into his own Language the Energy of that single Poem of Catullus , Super alta vectus , Atys ▪ &c. Latin is but a corrupt dialect of Greek ; and the French , Spanish , and Italian , a corruption of Latine ; and therefore a Man might as well go about to persuade me that Vinegar is a Nobler Liquor than Wine , as that the modern Compositions can be as graceful and harmonious as the Latine it self . The Greek Tongue very naturally falls into Iambicks , and therefore the diligent Reader may find six or seven and twenty of them in those accurate Orations of Isocrates . The Latin as naturally falls into Heroic ; and therefore the beginning of Livy's History is half an Hexameter , and that of Tacitus an entire one . The Roman Historian describing the glorious effort of a Colonel to break thro' a Brigade of the Enemies , just after the defeat at Cannae , falls , unknowingly , into a Verse not unworthy Virgil himself . Haec ubi dicta dedit , stringit gladium , cuneoque Facto per medios , &c. Ours and the French can at best but fall into Blank Verse , which is a fault in Prose . The misfortune indeed is common to us both , but we deserve more compassion , because we are not vain of our Barbarities . As Age brings Men back into the state and infirmities of Childhood , upon the fall of their Empire , the Romans doted into Rhime , as appears sufficiently by the Hymns of the Latin Church ; and yet a great deal of the French Poetry does hardly deserve that poor title . I shall give an instance out of a Poem which had the good luck to gain the Prize in 1685 , for the Subject deserv'd a Nobler Pen. Tous les jours ce grand Roy des autres Roys l'exemple , S'ouvre un nouveau chemin au faiste de ton temple , &c. The Judicious Malherbe exploded this sort of Verse near Eighty Years ago . Nor can I forbear wondering at that passage of a Famous Academician , in which he , most compassionately , excuses the Ancients for their not being so exact in their Compositions , as the Modern French , because they wanted a Dictionary , of which the French are at last happily provided . If Cicero and Demosthenes had been so lucky as to have had a Dictionary , and such a Patron as Cardinal Richelieu , perhaps they might have aspir'd to the honour of Balzac's Legacy of Ten Pounds , Le prix de l'Eloquence . On the contrary , I dare assert that there are hardly ten Lines in either of those great Orators , or even in the Catalogue of Homer's Ships , which is not more harmonious , more truly Rythmical , than most of the French , or English Sonnets ; and therefore they lose , at least , one half of their native Beauty by Translation . I cannot but add one Remark on this occasion , that the French Verse is oftentimes not so much as Rhime , in the lowest Sense ; for the Childish repetition of the same Note cannot be call'd Musick ; such Instances are infinite , as in the forecited Poem . ' Epris Mepris Trophee Orphee caché ; cherché . Mr. Boileau himself has a great deal of this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , not by his own neglect , but purely by the faultiness and poverty of the French Tongue . Mr. F. at last goes into the excessive Paradoxes of Mr. Perrault , and boasts of the vast number of their Excellent Songs , preferring them to the Greek and Latin. But an ancient Writer of as good Credit , has assur'd us , that Seven Lives would hardly suffice to read over the Greek Odes ; but a few Weeks would be sufficient , if a Man were so very idle as to read over all the French. In the mean-time I should be very glad to see a Catalogue of but fifty of theirs with * Exact propriety of word and thought . Notwithstanding all the high Encomiums , and mutual Gratulations which they give one another ; ( for I am far-from censuring the whole of that Illustrious Society , to which the Learned World is much oblig'd ) after all those Golden Dreams at the L'Ouvre , that Modern Pieces will be as much valu'd ten , or twelve Ages hence , as the ancient Greek , or Roman , I can no more get it into my head that they will last so long , than I could believe the Learned Dr. H — K. [ of the Royal Society , ] if he should pretend to shew me a Butterflye that had liv'd a thousand Winters . When Mr. F. wrote his Eclogues , he was so far from equalling Virgil , or Theocritus , that he had some pains to take before he could understand in what the principal Beauty , and Graces of their Writings do consist . Cum mortuis non nisi larvae luctantur . To Mr. Dryden , on his Excellent Translation of VIRGIL . WHen e're Great VIRGIL's lofty Verse I see , The Pompous Scene Charms my admiring Eye : There different Beauties in perfection meet ; The Thoughts as proper , as the Numbers sweet : And When wild Fancy mounts a daring height , Judgment steps in , and moderates her flight . Wisely he manages his Wealthy Store , Still says enough , and yet implies still more : For tho'the weighty Sense be closely wrought , The Reader 's left t' improve the pleasing thought . Hence we despair'd to see an English dress Should e're his Nervous Energy express ; For who could that in fetter'd Rhyme inclose , Which without loss can scarce be told in Prose ? But you , Great Sir , his Manly Genius raise ; And make your Copy share an equal praise . O how I see thee in soft Scenes of Love , Renew those Passions he alone could move ! Here Cupid's Charms are with new Art exprest , And pale Eliza leaves her peaceful rest : Leaves her Elisium , as if glad to live , To Love , and Wish , to Sigh , Despair and Grieve , And Die again for him that would again deceive . Nor does the Mighty Trojan less appear Than Mars himself amidst the storms of War. Now his fierce Eyes with double fury glow , And a new dread attends th' impending blow : The Daunian Chiefs their eager rage abate , And tho' unwounded , seem to feel their Fate . Long the rude fury of an ignorant Age , With barbarous spight prophan'd his Sacred Page . The heavy Dutchmen with laborious toil , Wrested his Sense , and cramp'd his vigorous Style : No time , no pains the drudging Pedants spare ; But still his Shoulders must the burthen bear . While thro' the Mazes of their Comments led , We learn not what he writes , but what they read . Yet thro' these Shades of undistinguish'd Night Appear'd some glimmering intervals of Light ; 'Till mangled by a vile Translating Sect , Like Babes by Witches in Effigie rackt : 'Till Ogleby , mature in dulness rose , And Holbourn Dogrel , and low chiming Prose , His Strength and Beauty did at once depose . But now the Magick Spell is at an end , Since even the Dead in you have found a Friend . You free the Bard from rude Oppressor's Power , And grace his Verse with Charms unknown before : He , doubly thus oblig'd , must doubting stand , Which chiefly should his Gratitude command ; Whether should claim the Tribute of his Heart , The Patron 's Bounty , or the Poet's Art. Alike with wonder and delight we view'd The Roman Genius in thy Verse renew'd : We saw thee raise soft Ovid's Amorous Fire , And fit the tuneful Horace to thy Lyre : We saw new gall imbitter Juvenal's Pen , And crabbed Persius made politely plain : Virgil alone was thought too great a task ; What you could scarce perform , or we durst ask : A Task ! which Waller's Muse could ne're engage ; A Task ! too hard for Denham's stronger rage : Sure of Success they some slight Sallies try'd , But the fenc'd Coast their bold attempts defy'd : With fear their o're-match'd Forces back they drew , Quitted the Province Fate reserv'd for you . In vain thus Philip did the Persians storm ; A Work his Son was destin'd to perform . O had Roscommon * liv'd to hail the day , And Sing loud Poeans thro' the crowded way ; When you in Roman Majesty appear , Which none know better , and none come so near : The happy Author would with wonder see , His Rules were only Prophecies of thee : And were he now to give Translators light , He 'd bid them only read thy Work , and write . For this great Task our loud applause is due ; We own old Favours , but must press for new . Th' expecting World demands one Labour more ; And thy lov'd Homer does thy aid implore , To right his injur'd Works , and set them free From the lewd Rhymes of groveling Ogleby . Then shall his Verse in graceful Pomp appear , Nor will his Birth renew the ancient jar ; On those Greek Cities we shall look with scorn , And in our Britain think the Poet Born. To Mr. Dryden on his Translation of VIRGIL . WE read , how Dreams and Visions heretofore , The Prophet , and the Poet cou'd inspire ; And make 'em in unusual Rapture soar , With Rage Divine , and with Poetick Fire . 2. O could I find it now ! — Wou'd Virgil's Shade But for a while vouchsafe to bear the Light ; To grace my Numbers , and that Muse to aid , Who sings the Poet , that has done him right . 3. It long has been this Sacred Author's Fate , To lye at ev'ry dull Translator's Will ; Long , long his Muse has groan'd beneath the weight Of mangling Ogleby's presumptuous Quill . 4. Dryden , at last , in his Defence arose ; The Father now is righted by the Son : And while his Muse endeavours to disclose That Poet's Beauties , she declares her own . 5. In your smooth , pompous Numbers drest , each Line , Each Thought , betrays such a Majestick Touch ; He cou'd not , had he finish'd his Design , Have wisht it better , or have done so much . 6. You like his Heroe , though your self were free ; And disentangl'd from the War of Wit ; You , who secure might others danger see , And safe from all malicious Censure sit : 7. Yet because Sacred Virgil's Noble Muse , O'relay'd by Fools , was ready to expire : To risque your Fame again , you boldly chuse , Or to redeem , or perish with your Sire . 8. Ev'n first and last , we owe him half to you , For that his Aeneids miss'd their threatned Fate , Was — that his Friends by some Prediction knew , Hereafter who correcting should translate . 9. But hold my Muse , thy needless Flight restrain , Vnless like him thou cou'dst a Verse indite : To think his Fancy to describe , is vain , Since nothing can discover Light , but Light. 10. 'T is want of Genius that does more deny ; 'T is Fear my Praise shou'd make your Glory less . And therefore , like the modest Painter , I Must draw the Vail , where I cannot express . Henry Grahme . To Mr. DRYDEN . NO undisputed Monarch Govern'd yet With Universal Sway the Realms of Wit : Nature cou'd never such Expence afford , Each several Province own'd a several Lord. A Poet then had his Poetick Wife , One Muse embrac'd , and Married for his Life . By the stale thing his appetite was cloy'd , His Fancy lessned , and his Fire destroy'd . But Nature grown extravagantly kind , With all her Treasures did adorn your Mind . The different Powers were then united found , And you Wit 's Universal Monarch Crown'd . Your Mighty Sway your great Desert secures , And ev'ry Muse and ev'ry Grace is yours . To none confin'd , by turns you all enjoy , Sated with this , you to another flye . So Sultan-like in your Seraglio stand , While wishing Muses wait for your Command . Thus no decay , no want of vigour find , Sublime your Fancy , boundless is your Mind . Not all the blasts of time can do you wrong , Young spight of Age , in spight of Weakness strong . Time like Alcides , strikes you to the ground , You like Antaeus from each fall rebound . H. St. John. To Mr. Dryden on his VIRGIL . T IS said that Phidias gave such living Grace , To the carv'd Image of a beauteous Face , That the cold Marble might ev'n seem to be The Life , and the true Life , the Imag'ry . You pass that Artist , Sir , and all his Powers , Making the best of Roman Poets ours ; With such Effect , we know not which to call The Imitation , which th' Original . What Virgil lent , you pay in equal Weight , The charming Beauty of the Coin no less ; And such the Majesty of your Impress , You seem the very Author you translate . 'T is certain , were he now alive with us , And did revolving Destiny constrain , To dress his Thoughts in English o're again , Himself cou'd write no otherwise than thus . His old Encomium never did appear So true as now ; Romans and Greeks submit , Something of late is in our Language writ , More nobly great than the fam'd Iliads were . Ja. Wright . To Mr. Dryden on his Translations . AS Flow'rs transplanted from a Southern Sky , But hardly bear , or in the raising dye , Missing their Native Sun , at best retain But a faint Odour , and but live with Pain : So Roman Poetry by Moderns taught , Wanting the Warmth with which its Author wrote , Is a dead Image , and a worthless Draught . While we transfuse , the nimble Spirit flies , Escapes unseen , evaporates , and dyes . Who then attempt to shew the Ancients Wit , Must copy with the Genius that they writ . Whence we conclude from thy translated Song , So just , so warm , so smooth , and yet so strong , Thou Heav'nly Charmer ! Soul of Harmony ! That all their Geniusses reviv'd in thee . Thy Trumpet sounds , the dead are rais'd to Light , New-born they rise , and take to Heav'n their Flight ; Deckt in thy Verse , as clad with Rayes , they shine All Glorify'd , Immortal and Divine . As Britain , in rich Soil abounding wide , Furnish'd for Use , for Luxury , and Pride , Yet spreads her wanton Sails on ev'ry Shore , For Foreign Wealth , insatiate still of more ; To her own Wooll , the Silks of Asia joins , And to her plenteous Harvests , Indian Mines : So Dryden , not contented with the Fame Of his own Works , tho' an immortal Name , To Lands remote he sends his learned Muse , The Noblest Seeds of Foreign Wit to chuse . Feasting our Sense so many various Ways , Say , Is 't thy Bounty , or thy Thirst of Praise ? That by comparing others , all might see , Who most excell'd , are yet excell'd by thee . George Granville . ERRATA . In the Dedicatory Preface to the Marquess of Normanby . PAg. 7. line 32. read , of Republican Principles in his Heart . p. 9. where Atis is mention'd as having a claim by Succession before Aeneas , my Memory betray'd me ; for had I consulted Virgil , he calls not the Son of Polites by the name of Atis , but of Priamus . 'T is true he mentions Atis immediately afterwards , on the account of the Atian Family , from which Julius Caesar was descended by his Grandmother , as I have there mention'd . p. 26. towards the bottom of this Page here is a gross Errour , which is easily corrected , by reading Ten Months instead of Three : the Sense will direct you to the place . p. 28. In the quotation of a verse of Virgil's ; for contise r. confise . p. 30 f. Juturna took his opportunity , r. this opportunity . There are other Errata both in false pointing , and omissions of words , both in the Preface and the Poem , which the Reader will correct without my trouble . I omit them , because they only lame my English , not destroy my meaning . Some of the most considerable Errata . PAstoral 2. l. 43. r. nor scorn the Pipe. Past . 4. l. 36. for Cold r. Gold. Past . 6. l. 72. f. this r. thy . In the same Past . l. 1. f. Scicilian r. Sicilian . Past . 8. l. 19. read the whole line thus ; Scarce from the World the Shades of Night withdrew . Georgic 1. l. 96. after the word Arbute place the Comma ; not after the next word Hazle , as it is printed , which destroys the Sense . The whole Verse is to be thus read , The thin-leav'd Arbute , hazle Graffs receives . l. 139. the note of Interrogation is false at the end of the Line , it ought to be a Period . l. 393. f. skins r. skims . Geor. 2. l. 203. and 204. the Rhymes of both are false printed : instead of Wars and prepares , r. War and prepare in the singular . l. 296. f. tracts r. tracks . Geor. 4. l. 354. And Worms that shun the Light , r. and Lizards shunning Light. Aeneid 1. l. 79. f. Elus r. Eolus . l. 97. r. Eolus again . l. 640. f. Fate r. Fame . l. 1054. f. Dimede r. Diomede . Aen. 2. l. 2. f. the lofty Couch r. his lofty Couch . Aen. 3. l. 40. f. Horrour r. Terrour . l. 142. blot out the Period at the end of the Verse , and place a Comma . Aen. 4. l. 824. f. pious pious r. pious Prince . Aen 5. l. 188. f. ptwo r. Prow . Aen. 6. l. 488. f. but but r. but once only . l. 747. f. van r. vain . l. 1133. f. three r. two . Aen. 7. l. 43. dele the Period at the end of the Verse . l. 266. f. On , ( the first word of the Verse , ) r. In. l. 446. f. native Land , r. another Land. l. 549. f. crowns her Lance , r. wreaths her Lance. l. 68. f. fill . r. feed . l. 732. f. reinfor'd r. reinforc'd . l. 946. f. rosie Fields r. dewy Fields . l. 1087. f. yied r. yield . Aen. 8. l. 674. f. lifeless Limbs , r. listless Limbs . Aen. 10 l. 497. blot out the Period at the end of the Verse , and place a Comma . l. 735. f. shall . r. will. l. 864. f. loving Lord r. Sov'raign Lord. l. 924. f. Planks were r. Plank was . l. 1286. f. Sholuder r. Shoulder . l. 1311. f. to his Throat the Sword apply'd , r. to the Sword his Throat apply'd . Aen. 11. l. 120. f. Heads and Hands r. their loaded Hands . l. 528. f. Heros r. Heroes . Directions to the Binders , how to place the several Parts of this Book in Binding . 1. Title and Dedication to the Lord Clifford . 2. The Life of Virgil , and Preface to the Pastorals . 3. Poems on Mr. Dryden's Translation of Virgil. 4. The Names of the Subscribers to the Cuts of Virgil. 5. The Names of the second Subscribers . 6. The Pastorals . 7. The Dedication to the Earl of Chesterfield , with an Essay on the Georgics . 8. The Georgics . 9. The Dedication to the Marquess of Normanby . 10. The Aeneis . THE NAMES OF THE SUBSCRIBERS TO THE Cuts of Virgil , Each Subscription being Five Guineas . PASTORALS . Page 1 LOrd Chancellor . — 1 2 Lord Privy Seal . — 6 3 Earl of Dorset . — 10 4 Lord Buckhurst . — 17 5 Earl of Abingdon . — 20 6 Lord Visc . Cholmondely . — 26 7 Ld. Herbert of Chirbury . — 31 8 Lord Clifford . — 35 9 Marq. of Hartington . — 41 10 The Hon. Mr. Ch. Mountague . — 45 Georgic 1st . 11 Sir Tho Trevor . — 49 12 Sir John Hawles . — 56 13 Joseph Jeakyl , Esq — 61 14 Tho. Vernon , Esq — 63 15 Will. Dobyns , Esq — 68 Geor. 2d . 16 Sir Will. Bowyer . — 71 17 Gilbert Dolbin , Esq — 75 18 Geo. London , Esq — 80 19 John Loving , Esq — 87 20 Will. Walsh , Esq — 94 Geor. 3d. 21 Duke of Richmond . — 96 22 Sir J. Isham , Bar. — 106 23 Sir Tho. Mompesson . — 110 24 John Dormer , Esq — 113 25 Frederick Tylney , Esq — 117 Geor. 4th . 26 Richard Norton , Esq — 122 27 Sir Will. Trumbull . — 125 28 Sir Barth . Shower , — 138 29 Symon Harcourt , Esq — 141 30 John Granvill , Esq — 146 Aeneid 1st . 31 Prince George of Denmark . 201 32 Princess Ann of Denmark . 210 33 Dutchess of Ormond . — 211 34 Countess of Exeter . — 214 35 Countess Dowager of Winchelsea . — 227 36 Marchioness of Normanby . 230 Aeneid 2d . 37 Duke of Somerset . — 234 38 Earl of Salisbury . — 243 39 Earl of Inchiqueen . — 247 40 Earl of Orrery . — 257 41 Ld. Visc . Dunbar . — 261 42 Coun. Dow. of Northampton . 263 Aeneid 3d. Page 43 Earl of Darby . — 267 44 Bp. of Durham . — 270 45 Bp. of Ossery . — 276 46 Dr. John Mountague . — 279 47 Dr. Brown. — 286 48 Dr. Guibbons . — 293 Aeneid 4th . 49 Earl of Exeter . — 296 50 Lady Giffard . — 298 51 Lord Clifford . — 303 52 John Walkaden , Esq — 307 53 Henry Tasburgh , Esq — 318 54 Mrs. Ann Brownlow . — 326 Aeneid 5th . 55 Duke of St. Albans . — 327 56 Earl of Torrington . — 332 57 Anth. Hamond , Esq — 340 58 Henry St. Johns , Esq — 345 59 Steph. Waller , Dr. of Laws . 347 60 Duke of Glocester . — 349 61 Edmond Waller , Esq — 359 Aeneid 6th . 62 Earl of Denbigh . — 362 63 Sir Tho. Dyke , Bar. — 370 64 Mrs. Ann Bayner . — 371 65 John Lewknor , Esq — 374 66 Sir Fleetwood Shepherd . — 378 67 John Poultney , Esq — 380 68 John Knight , Esq — 382 69 Robert Harley , Esq — 394 Aeneid 7th . 70 Earl of Rumney . — 400 71 Anthony Henley , Esq — 404 72 George Stepney , Esq — 407 Page 73 Coll. Tho. Farringdon . — 416 74 Lady Mary Sackvill . — 420 75 Charles Fox , Esq — 432 Aeneid 8th . 76 Earl of Ailesbury . — 434 77 The Hon. Mr. Robert Bruce . — 447 78 Christopher Rich , Esq — 450 79 Sir Godfry Kneller . — 458 Aeneid 9th . 80 Earl of Sunderland . — 464 81 Thomas Foley , Esq — 468 82 Col. Geo. Cholmondley . — 476 83 Sir John Percivall , Bar. — 481 84 Col. Christoph . Codrington . — 486 85 Mr. John Closterman . — 494 Aeneid 10th . 86 Ld. Visc . Fitzharding . — 498 87 Sir Robert Howard . — 511 88 Sir John Leuson Gore , Bar. 517 89 Sir Charles Orby . — 531 90 Tho. Hopkins , Esq — 536 Aeneid 11th . 91 Duke of Shrewsbury . — 538 92 Sir Walter Kirkham Blount , Bar. — 541 93 John Noell , Esq — 546 94 Marquiss of Normanby . — 549 95 Lord Berkley . — 569 96 Arthur Manwareing , Esq 573 Aeneid 12th . 97 Earl of Chesterfield . — 578 98 Brigradier Fitzpatrick . — 585 99 Dr. Tho. Hobbs . — 595 100 Lord Guilford — 611 101 Duke of Ormond . — 618 The Names of the second SUBSCRIBERS . A. LOrd Ashley . Sir James Ash , Bar. Sir James Ash , Bar. Sir Francis Andrew , Bar. Charles Adderley , Esq Mrs. Ann Ash . Edw. Ash Esq Mr. Francis Atterbury . Sam. Atkins , Esq Tho. Austen Esq Ro. Austen , Esq B. Earl of Bullingbrook . Sir Ed. Bettenson , Bar. Sir Tho. Pope Blount , Bar. Sir John Bolles . Sir Will. Bowes . Will. Blathwayt , Esq Secretary of War. Will. Barlow , Esq Peregrine Bertye , Esq Will. Bridgman , Esq Orlando Bridgman , Esq Will. Bridges , Esq Char. Bloodworth , Esq The Hon. Henry Boyl , Esq Rich. Boyl , Esq Chidley Brook , Esq Will. Bromley , Esq of Warwicksbire . Mich. Bruneau , Esq Tho. Bulkley , Esq Theoph. Butler , Esq Capt. John Berkeley . Mr. Jo. Bowes , Prebend of Durham . Mr. Jeremiah Ball. Mr. John Ball. Mr. Richard Banks . Mrs. Elizabeth Barry . Mr. Beckford . Mr. Tho. Betterton . Mrs. Catharine Blount . Mr. Bond. Mr. Bond. Mrs. Ann Bracegirdle . Mr. Samuel Brockenbo-rough . Mrs. Elizabeth Brown. Mr. Moses Bruche . Mr. Lancelton Burton . C. Earl of Clarendon . Lord Hen. Cavendish . Lord Clifford . Lord Coningsby . Lord Cutts . Lady Chudleigh of the West . The Hon. Char. Cornwallis , Son to the Lord Cornwallis . Sir Walt. Clarges , Bar. Sir Ro. Cotton . Sir Will. Cooper . The Ho. Will. Cheyney . James Calthorp , Esq Charles Chamberlayn , Esq Edmond Clifford , Esq Charles Cocks , Esq Tho. Coel , Esq Tho. Coke , Esq Hugh Colville , Esq Jo. Crawley , Esq Courtney Crocker , Esq Henry Curwyn , Esq Capt. James Conoway . Mr. Will. Claret . Mr. John Clancy . Mr. Will. Congreve . Mr. Henry Cook. Mr. Will. Cooper . Mrs. Elizabeth Creed . D. Dutchess of Devonshire . Paul Docmenique , Esq Mountague Drake , Esq Will. Draper , Esq Mr. Mich. Dahl . Mr. Davenport . Mr. Will. Delawn . Mrs. Dorothy Draycot . Mr. Edward Dryden . E. Earl of Essex . Sir Edw. Ernle . Will. Elson , Esq Tho. Elyot , Esq Thomas Earl , Major General . F. Sir Edm. Fettiplace , Bar. Sir Will. Forester . Sir James Forbys . Lady Mary Fenwick . The Ho. Colon. Finch . The Ho. Doctour Finch . The Ho. Will. Fielding . Rich. Francklin , Post-master , Esq Charles Fergesen , Esq Com. of the Navy . Doctor Fuller , D. of Lincoln . Henry Farmer , Esq Tho. Finch , Esq Tho. Frewin , Esq Mr. George Finch . G. Sir Bevill Granville , Bar. Oliver St. George , Esq Tho. Gifford , Esq Rich. Goulston , Esq Richard Graham , Esq Fergus Grahme , Esq Will. Grove , Esq Dr. Gath , M. D. Mr. George Goulding . Mr. Grinlin Guibbons . H. Lord Archibald Hamilton . Lord Hide . Sir Richard Haddock . Sir Christop . Hales , Bar. Sir Tho. Hussey . Rob. Harley , Esq Rob. Henley , Esq Memb. of Parl. Will. Hewer , Esq Roger Hewett , Esq He. Heveningham , Esq John Holdworthy , Esq Matt. Holdworthy , Esq Nath. Hornby , Esq The Ho. Bern. Howard . Craven Howard Esq Mansel Howe , Esq Sam. Hunter , Esq Mr. Edward Hastwell . Mr. Nich. Hawksmore . Mr. Whitfeild Hayter . Mr. Peter Henriques . Mr. Ro. Huckwell . J. John James , Esq William Jenkins , Esq Sam. Jones , Esq Mr. Edw. Jefferyes . K. Jos . Keally , Esq Coll. James Kendall . Dr. Knipe . Mr. Mich. Kinkead . L. Sir Berkeley Lucy , Ba. Lady Jane Leveson-Gower . Tho. Langley , Esq Patrick Lamb , Esq Will. Latton , Esq James Long of Draycot , Esq Will. Lownds , Esq Dennis Lydal , Esq Mr. Char. Longueville . M. Char. Mannours , Esq Tho. Mansell , Esq Bussy Mansel , Esq Will. Martyn , Esq Henry Maxwell , Esq Charles Mein , Esq Rich. Minshul , Esq Ro. Molesworth , Esq The Ho. Henry Mordaunt , Esq George Moult , Esq Christoph . Mountague . Esq Walter Moyl , Esq Mr. Charles Marbury . Mr. Christoph . Metcalf . Mrs. Monneux . N. Lord Norris . Henry Nevile , Esq William Norris , Esq Mr. William Nicoll . O. Ro. Orme , Esq Dr. Oliver , M. D. Mr. Mich. Owen . P. The Right Hon. Charles Earl of Peterborough . Sir Henry Peachy , Bar. Sir John Phillips , Bar. Sir John Pykering Bar. Sir John Parsons , Ro. Palmer , Esq Guy Palmes , Esq Ben. Parry , Esq Sam. Pepys , Esq James Petre , Esq Will. Peysley , Esq Craven Peyton , Esq John Pitts , Esq Will. Plowden of Plowden , Esq Mr. Theoph. Pykering , Prebend . of Durham . Coll. Will. Parsons . Captain Phillips . Captain Pitts . Mr. Daniel Peck . R. Dutchess of Richmond . Earl of Radnor . Lord Ranelagh . Tho. Rawlins , Esq Will. Rider , Esq Francis Roberts , Esq Mr. Rose . S. Lord Spencer . Sir Tho. Skipwith , Bar. Sir John Seymour . Sir Char. Skrimpshire . J. Scroop of Danby , Esq Ralph . Sheldon , Com. Warw. Esq Edw. Sheldon , Esq John Smith , Esq James Sothern , Esq The Ho. James Stanley , Esq Ro. Stopford , Esq The Hon. Major Gen. Edw. Sackville . Col. J. Stanhope . Col. Strangways . Mr. James Seamer . Mr. William Seeks . Mr. Joseph Sherwood . Mr. Laurence Smith . Mr. Tho. Southern . Mr. Paris Slaughter . Mr. Lancelot Stepney . T. Sir John Trevillion , Bar. Sir Edm. Turner . Henry Temple , Esq Ashburnam Toll , Esq Sam. Travers , Esq John Tucker , Esq Maj. Gen. Charles Trelawney . Maj. Gen. Trelawney . Col. John Tidcomb . Col. Trelawney . Mr. George Townsend . Mr. Tho. Tyldesley . Mr. Tyndall . V. John Verney , Esq Henry Vernon , Esq James Vernon , Esq W. Ld. Marquiss of Winchester . Earl of Weymouth . Lady Windham . Sir John Walter , Bar. Sir John Woodhouse , B. Sir Francis Windham . James Ward , Esq William Wardour , Jun. Esq Will. Welby , Esq Will. Weld , Esq Th. Brome Whorwood , Esq Salw. Winnington , Esq Col. Cornelius Wood. Mrs. Mary Walter . Mr. Leonard Wessel . Ec. 1. l. 1 To the Right Hon ble John Lord Sommers Baron of Eresham L d High Chancell r : of England &c. Virgil's Pastorals . The First Pastoral . OR Tityrus and Meliboeus . The Argument . The Occasion of the First Pastoral was this . When Augustus had setled himself in the Roman Empire , that he might reward his Veteran Troops for their past Service , he distributed among 'em all the Lands that lay about Cremona and Mantua : turning out the right Owners for having sided with his Enemies . Virgil was a Sufferer among the rest ; who afterwards recover'd his Estate by Mecaenas 's Intercession , and as an Instance of his Gratitude compos'd the following Pastoral ; where he sets out his own Good Fortune in the Person of Tityrus , and the Calamities of his Mantuan Neighbours in the Character of Meliboeus . MELIBOEUS . BEneath the Shade which Beechen Boughs diffuse , You Tity'rus entertain your Silvan Muse : Round the wide World in Banishment we rome , Forc'd from our pleasing Fields and Native Home : While stretch'd at Ease you sing your happy loves : And Amarillis fills the shady Groves . TITYRUS . These blessings , Friend , a Deity bestow'd : For never can I deem him less than God. The tender Firstlings of my Woolly breed Shall on his holy Altar often bleed . He gave my Kine to graze the Flowry Plain : And to my Pipe renew'd the Rural Strain . MELIBOEUS . I envy not your Fortune , but admire , That while the raging Sword and wastful Fire Destroy the wretched Neighbourhood around , No Hostile Arms approach your happy ground . Far diff'rent is my Fate : my feeble Goats With pains I drive from their forsaken Cotes . And this you see I scarcely drag along , Who yeaning on the Rocks has left her Young ; ( The Hope and Promise of my failing Fold : ) My loss by dire Portents the Gods foretold : For had I not been blind I might have seen You riven Oak , the fairest of the Green , And the hoarse Raven , on the blasted Bough , With frequent Crokes presag'd the coming Blow . But tell me , Tityrus , what Heav'nly Power Preserv'd your Fortunes in that fatal Hour ? TITYRUS . Fool that I was , I thought Imperial Rome Like Mantua , where on Market-days we come , And thether drive our tender Lambs from home . So Kids and Whelps their Syres and Dams express : And so the Great I measur'd by the Less . But Country Towns , compar'd with her , appear Like Shrubs , when lofty Cypresses are near . MELIBOEUS . What great Occasion call'd you hence to Rome ? TITYRUS . Freedom , which came at length , tho' slow to come : Nor did my Search of Liberty begin , Till my black Hairs were chang'd upon my Chin. Nor Amarillis wou'd vouchsafe a look , Till Galeatea's meaner bonds I broke . Till then a helpless , hopeless , homely Swain , I sought not freedom , nor aspir'd to Gain : Tho' many a Victim from my Folds was bought , And many a Cheese to Country Markets brought , Yet all the little that I got , I spent , And still return'd as empty as I went. MELIBOEUS . We stood amaz'd to see your Mistress mourn ; Unknowing that she pin'd for your return : We wonder'd why she kept her Fruit , so long , For whom so late th' ungather'd Apples hung . But now the Wonder ceases , since I see She kept them only , Tityrus , for thee . For thee the bubling Springs appear'd to mourn , And whisp'ring Pines made vows for thy return . TITYRUS . What shou'd I do ! while here I was enchain'd , No glimpse of Godlike Liberty remain'd ? Nor cou'd I hope in any place , but there , To find a God so present to my Pray'r . There first the Youth of Heav'nly Birth I view'd ; For whom our Monthly Victims are renew'd . He heard my Vows , and graciously decreed My Grounds to be restor'd , my former Flocks to feed . MELIBOEUS . O Fortunate Old Man ! whose Farm remains For you sufficient , and requites your pains , Tho' Rushes overspread the Neighb'ring Plains . Tho' here the Marshy Grounds approach your Fields , And there the Soyl a stony Harvest yields . Your teeming Ewes shall no strange Meadows try , Nor fear a Rott from tainted Company . Behold yon bord'ring Fence of Sallow Trees Is fraught with Flow'rs , the Flow'rs are fraught with Bees : The buisie Bees with a soft murm'ring Strain Invite to gentle sleep the lab'ring Swain . While from the Neighb'ring Rock , with Rural Songs , The Pruner's Voice the pleasing Dream prolongs ; Stock-Doves and Turtles tell their Am'rous pain , And from the lofty Elms of Love complain . TITYRUS . Th' Inhabitants of Seas and Skies shall change , And Fish on shoar and Stags in Air shall range , The banish'd Parthian dwell on Arar's brink , And the blue German shall the Tigris drink : E're I , forsaking Gratitude and Truth , Forget the Figure of that Godlike Youth . MELIBOEUS . But we must beg our Bread in Climes unknown , Beneath the scorching or the freezing Zone . And some to far Oaxis shall be sold ; Or try the Lybian Heat , or Scythian Cold. The rest among the Britans be confin'd ; A Race of Men from all the World dis-join'd . O must the wretched Exiles ever mourn , Nor after length of rowl'ing Years return ? Are we condem'd by Fates unjust Decree , No more our Houses and our Homes to see ? Or shall we mount again the Rural Throne , And rule the Country Kingdoms , once our own ! Did we for these Barbarians plant and sow , On these , on these , our happy Fields bestow ? Good Heav'n , what dire Effects from Civil Discord flow ! Now let me graff my Pears , and prune the Vine ; The Fruit is theirs , the Labour only mine . Farewel my Pastures , my Paternal Stock , My fruitful Fields , and my more fruitful Flock ! No more , my Goats , shall I behold you climb The steepy Cliffs , or crop the flow'ry Thyme ! No more , extended in the Grot below , Shall see you browzing on the Mountain's brow The prickly Shrubs ; and after on the bare , Lean down the Deep Abyss , and hang in Air. No more my Sheep shall sip the Morning Dew ; No more my Song shall please the Rural Crue : , Adieu , my tuneful Pipe ! and all the World adieu ! TITYRUS . This Night , at least , with me forget your Care ; Chesnuts and Curds and Cream shall be your fare : The Carpet-ground shall be with Leaves o'respread ; And Boughs shall weave a Cov'ring for your Head. For see yon sunny Hill the Shade extends ; And curling Smoke from Cottages ascends . The Second Pastoral . OR , ALEXIS . The Argument . The Commentators can by no means agree on the Person of Alexis , but are all of opinion that some Beautiful Youth is meant by him , to whom Virgil here makes Love ; in Corydon 's Language and Simplicity . His way of Courtship is wholly Pastoral : He complains of the Boys Coyness , recommends himself for his Beauty and Skill in Piping ; invites the Youth into the Country , where he promises him the Diversions of the Place ; with a suitable Present of Nuts and Apples : But when he finds nothing will prevail , he resolves to quit his troublesome Amour , and betake himself again to his former Business . Young Corydon , th' unhappy Shepherd Swain , The fair Alexis lov'd , but lov'd in vain : And underneath the Beechen Shade , alone , Thus to the Woods and Mountains made his moan . Is this , unkind Alexis , my reward , And must I die unpitied , and unheard ? Now the green Lizard in the Grove is laid , The Sheep enjoy the coolness of the Shade ; And Thestilis wild Thime and Garlike beats For Harvest Hinds , o'respent with Toyl and Heats : While in the scorching Sun I trace in vain Thy flying footsteps o're the burning Plain . The creaking Locusts with my Voice conspire , They fry'd with Heat , and I with fierce Desire . How much more easie was it to sustain Proud Amarillis , and her haughty Reign , The Scorns of Young Menalcas , once my care , Tho' he was black , and thou art Heav'nly fair . To the Right Hon ble : Thomas Earle of Pembroke and Montgomery , Lord Privy Seale & 〈…〉 Past : 2. Trust not too much to that enchanting Face ; Beauty 's a Charm , but soon the Charm will pass : White Lillies lie neglected on the Plain , While dusky Hyacinths for use remain . My Passion is thy Scorn ; nor wilt thou know What Wealth I have , what Gifts I can bestow : What Stores my Dairies and my Folds contain ; A thousand Lambs that wander on the Plain : New Milk that all the Winter never fails , And all the Summer overflows the Pails : Amphion sung not sweeter to his Herd , When summon'd Stones the Theban Turrets rear'd . Nor am I so deform'd ; for late I stood Upon the Margin of the briny Flood : The Winds were still , and if the Glass be true , With Daphnis I may vie , tho' judg'd by you . O leave the noisie Town , O come and see Our Country Cotts , and live content with me ! To wound the Flying Deer , and from their Cotes With me to drive a-Field , the browzing Goats : To pipe and sing , and in our Country Strain To Copy , or perhaps contend with Pan. Pan taught to joyn with Wax unequal Reeds , Pan loves the Shepherds , and their Flocks he feeds : Nor scorns the Pipe ; Amyntas , to be taught , With all his Kisses would my Skill have bought . Of seven smooth joints a mellow Pipe I have , Which with his dying Breath Damaetas gave : And said , This , Corydon , I leave to thee ; For only thou deserv'st it after me . His Eyes Amyntas durst not upward lift , For much he grudg'd the Praise , but more the Gift . Besides two Kids that in the Valley stray'd , I found by chance , and to my fold convey'd : They drein to bagging Udders every day ; And these shall be Companions of thy Play. Both fleck'd with white , the true Arcadian Strain , Which Thestilis had often beg'd in vain : And she shall have them , if again she sues , Since you the Giver and the Gift refuse . Come to my longing Arms , my lovely care , And take the Presents which the Nymphs prepare . White Lillies in full Canisters they bring , With all the Glories of the Purple Spring , The Daughters of the Flood have search'd the Mead For Violets pale , and cropt the Poppy's Head : The Short Narcissus and fair Daffodil , Pancies to please the Sight , and Cassia sweet to smell : And set soft Hyacinths with Iron blue , To shade marsh Marigolds of shining Hue. Some bound in Order , others loosely strow'd , To dress thy Bow'r , and trim thy new Abode . My self will search our planted Grounds at home , For downy Peaches and the glossie Plum : And thrash the Chesnuts in the Neighb'ring Grove , Such as my Amarillis us'd to love . The Laurel and the Myrtle sweets agree ; And both in Nosegays shall be bound for thee . Ah , Corydon , ah poor unhappy Swain , Alexis will thy homely Gifts disdain : Nor , should'st thou offer all thy little Store , Will rich Iolas yield , but offer more . What have I done , to name that wealthy Swain , So powerful are his Presents , mine so mean ! The Boar amidst my Crystal Streams I bring ; And Southern Winds to blast my flow'ry Spring . Ah , cruel Creature , whom dost thou despise ? The Gods to live in Woods have left the Skies . And Godlike Paris in th' Idean Grove , To Priam's Wealth prefer'd Oenone's Love. In Cities which she built , let Pallas Reign ; Tow'rs are for Gods , but Forrests for the Swain . The greedy Lyoness the Wolf pursues , The Wolf the Kid , the wanton Kid the Browze : Alexis thou art chas'd by Corydon ; All follow sev'ral Games , and each his own . See from afar the Fields no longer smoke , The sweating Steers unharnass'd from the Yoke , Bring , as in Triumph , back the crooked Plough ; The Shadows lengthen as the Sun goes Low. Cool Breezes now the raging Heats remove ; Ah , cruel Heaven ! that made no Cure for Love ! I wish for balmy Sleep , but wish in vain : Love has no bounds in Pleasure , or in Pain . What frenzy , Shepherd , has thy Soul possess'd , Thy Vinyard lies half prun'd , and half undress'd . Quench , Corydon , thy long unanswer'd fire : Mind what the common wants of Life require . On willow Twigs employ thy weaving care : And find an easier Love , tho' not so fair . The Third Pastoral . OR , PALAEMON . Menalcas , Damaetas , Palaemon . The Argument . Damaetas and Menalcas , after some smart strokes of Country Railery , resolve to try who has the most Skill at a Song ; and accordingly make their Neighbour Palaemon Judge of their Performances : Who , after a full hearing of both Parties , declares himself unfit for the Decision of so weighty a Controversie , and leaves the Victory undetermin'd . MENALCAS . HO , Groom , what Shepherd owns those ragged Sheep ? DAMAETAS . Aegon 's they are , he gave 'em me to keep . MENALCAS . Unhappy Sheep of an Unhappy Swain , While he Neaera courts , but courts in vain , And fears that I the Damsel shall obtain ; Thou , Varlet , dost thy Master's gains devour : Thou milk'st his Ewes , and often twice an hour ; Of Grass and Fodder thou defraud'st the Dams : And of their Mothers Duggs the starving Lambs . DAMAETAS . Good words , young Catamite , at least to Men : We know who did your Business , how , and when . And in what Chappel too you plaid your prize ; And what the Goats observ'd with leering Eyes : The Nymphs werekind , and laught , and there your safety lies . To the Right Hon ble : Charles Sackvill Earle of Dorsett & Midleseoc Lord Chamberlain of his Maj t s . househould &c. Past 3. MENALCAS . Yes , when I crept the Hedges of the Leys ; Cut Micon's tender Vines , and stole the Stays . DAMAETAS . Or rather , when beneath yon ancient Oak , The Bow of Daphnis and the Shafts you broke : When the fair Boy receiv'd the Gift of right ; And but for Mischief , you had dy'd for spight . MENALCAS . What Nonsense wou'd the Fool thy Master prate , When thou , his Knave , can'st talk at such a rate ! Did I not see you , Rascal , did I not ! When you lay snug to snap young Damon's Goat ? His Mungril bark'd , I ran to his relief , And cry'd , There , there he goes ; stop , stop the Thief . Discover'd and defeated of your Prey , You sculk'd behind the Fence , and sneak'd away . DAMAETAS . An honest Man may freely take his own ; The Goat was mine , by singing fairly won . A solemn match was made ; He lost the Prize , Ask Damon , ask if he the Debt denies ; I think he dares not , if he does , he lyes . MENALCAS . Thou sing with him , thou Booby ; never Pipe Was so profan'd to touch that blubber'd Lip : Dunce at the best ; in Streets but scarce allow'd To tickle , on thy Straw , the stupid Crowd . DAMAETAS . To bring it to the Trial , will you dare Our Pipes , our Skill , our Voices to compare ? My Brinded Heifar to the Stake I lay ; Two Thriving Calves she suckles twice a day : And twice besides her Beestings never fail To store the Dairy , with a brimming Pail . Now back your singing with an equal Stake . MENALCAS . That shou'd be seen , if I had one to make . You know too well I feed my Father's Flock : What can I wager from the common Stock ? A Stepdame too I have , a cursed she , Who rules my Hen-peck'd Sire , and orders me . Both number twice a day the Milky Dams ; And once she takes the tale of all the Lambs . But since you will be mad , and since you may Suspect my Courage , if I should not lay ; The Pawn I proffer shall be full as good : Two Bowls I have , well turn'd of Beechen Wood ; Both by divine Alcimedon were made ; To neither of them yet the Lip is laid . The Lids are Ivy , Grapes in clusters lurk , Beneath the Carving of the curious Work. Two Figures on the sides emboss'd appear ; Conon , and what 's his Name who made the Sphere , And shew'd the Seasons of the sliding Year , Instructed in his Trade the Lab'ring Swain , And when to reap , and when to sowe the Grain ? DAMAETAS . And I have two , to match your pair , at home ; The Wood the same , from the same Hand they come : The kimbo Handles seem with Bears-foot carv'd ; And never yet to Table have been serv'd : Where Orpheus on his Lyre laments his Love , With Beasts encompass'd , and a dancing Grove : But these , nor all the Proffers you can make , Are worth the Heifar which I set to stake . MENALCAS . No more delays , vain Boaster , but begin : I prophecy before-hand I shall win . Palaemon shall be Judge how ill you rhime , I 'll teach you how to brag another time . DAMAETAS . Rhymer come on , and do the worst you can : I fear not you , nor yet a better Man. With Silence , Neighbour , and Attention wait : For 't is a business of a high Debate . PALAEMON . Sing then ; the Shade affords a proper place ; The Trees are cloath'd with Leaves , the Fields with Grass ; The Blossoms blow ; the Birds on bushes sing ; And Nature has accomplish'd all the Spring . The Challenge to Damaetas shall belong , Menalcas shall sustain his under Song : Each in his turn your tuneful numbers bring ; In turns the tuneful Muses love to sing . DAMAETAS . From the great Father of the Gods above My Muse begins ; for all is full of Jove ; To Jove the care of Heav'n and Earth belongs ; My Flocks he blesses , and he loves my Songs . MENALCAS . Me Phoebus loves ; for He my Muse inspires ; And in her Songs , the warmth he gave , requires . For him , the God of Shepherds and their Sheep , My blushing Hyacinths , and my Bays I keep . DAMAETAS . With pelted Fruit , me Galatea plyes ; Then tripping to the Woods the Wanton hies : And wishes to be seen , before she flies . But from my frowning Fair , more Ills I find , Than from the Wolves , and Storms , and Winter-wind . MENALCAS . The Kids with pleasure browze the bushy Plain , The Show'rs are grateful to the swelling Grain : To teeming Ewes the Sallow's tender tree ; But more than all the World my Love to me . DAMAETAS . Pollio my Rural Verse vouchsafes to read : A Heyfar , Muses , for your Patron breed . MENALCAS . My Pollio writes himself , a Bull be bred , With spurning Heels , and with a butting Head. DAMAETAS . Who Pollio loves , and who his Muse admires , Let Pollio's fortune crown his full desires . Let Myrrh instead of Thorn his Fences fill : And Show'rs of Hony from his Oaks distil . MENALCAS . Who hates not living Bavius , let him be ( Dead Maevius ) damn'd to love thy Works and thee : The same ill taste of Sense wou'd serve to join Dog Foxes in the Yoak , and sheer the Swine . DAMAETAS . Ye Boys , who pluck the Flow'rs , and spoil the Spring , Beware the secret Snake , that shoots a sting . MENALCAS . Graze not too near the Banks , my jolly Sheep , The Ground is false , the running Streams are deep : See , they have caught the Father of the Flock ; Who drys his Fleece upon the neighb'ring Rock . DAMAETAS . From Rivers drive the Kids , and sling your Hook ; Anon I 'll wash 'em in the shallow Brook. MENALCAS . But fair Amyntas comes unask'd to me ; And offers Love ; and sits upon my knee : Not Delia to my Dogs is known so well as he . DAMAETAS . To the dear Mistress of my Love-sick Mind , Her Swain a pretty Present has design'd : I saw two Stock-doves billing , and e're long Will take the Nest , and Hers shall be the Young. MENALCAS . Ten ruddy Wildings in the Wood I found , And stood on tip-toes , reaching from the ground ; I sent Amyntas all my present Store ; And will , to Morrow , send as many more . DAMAETAS . The lovely Maid lay panting in my arms ; And all she said and did was full of Charms . Winds on your Wings to Heav'n her Accents bear ; Such words as Heav'n alone is fit to hear . MENALCAS . Ah! what avails it me , my Love's delight , To call you mine , when absent from my sight ! I hold the Nets , while you pursue the Prey ; And must not share the Dangers of the Day . DAMAETAS . I keep my Birth-day : send my Phillis home ; At Sheering-time , Iolas , you may come . MENALCAS . With Phillis I am more in grace than you : Her Sorrow did my parting-steps pursue : Adieu my Dear , she said , a long Adieu . DAMAETAS . The Nightly Wolf is baneful to the Fold , Storms to the Wheat , to Budds the bitter Cold ; MENALCAS . To fold , my Flock ; when Milk is dry'd with heat , In vain the Milk-maid tugs an empty Teat . DAMAETAS . How lank my Bulls from plenteous pasture come ! But Love that drains the Herd , destroys the Groom . MENALCAS . My Flocks are free from Love ; yet look so thin , Their bones are barely cover'd with their Skin . What magick has bewitch'd the woolly Dams , And what ill Eyes beheld the tender Lambs ? DAMAETAS . Say , where the round of Heav'n , which all contains , To three short Ells on Earth our sight restrains : Tell that , and rise a Phoebus for thy pains . MENALCAS . Nay tell me first , in what new Region springs A Flow'r , that bears inscrib'd the names of Kings : And thou shalt gain a Present as Divine As Phoebus self ; for Phillis shall be thine . PALAEMON . So nice a diff'rence in your Singing lyes , That both have won , or both deserv'd the Prize . Rest equal happy both ; and all who prove The bitter Sweets , and pleasing Pains of Love. Now dam the Ditches , and the Floods restrain : Their moisture has already drench'd the Plain . The Fourth Pastoral . OR , POLLIO . The Argument . The Poet celebrates the Birth-day of Saloninus , the Son of Pollio , born in the Consulship of his Father , after the taking of Salonae , a City in Dalmatia . Many of the Verses are translated from one of the Sybils , who prophesie of our Saviour's Birth . To the Right Hon ble . Lionel Cranfeild Sackvill Lord Buck hurst , eldest son of Charles Earle of Dorsett & Midlesex . Past : 4. SIcilian Muse begin a loftier strain ! Though lowly Shrubs and Trees that shade the Plain , Delight not all ; Sicilian Muse , pepare To make the vocal Woods deserve a Consul's care . The last great Age , foretold by sacred Rhymes , Renews its finish'd Course , Saturnian times Rowl round again , and mighty years , begun From their first Orb , in radiant Circles run . The base degenerate Iron-off-spring ends ; A golden Progeny from Heav'n descends ; O chast Lucina speed the Mother's pains , And haste the glorious Birth ; thy own Apollo reigns ! The lovely Boy , with his auspicious Face , Shall Pollio's Consulship and Triumph grace ; Majestick Months set out with him to their appointed Race . The Father banish'd Virtue shall restore , And Crimes shall threat the guilty world no more . The Son shall lead the life of Gods , and be By Gods and Heroes seen , and Gods and Heroes see . The jarring Nations he in peace shall bind , And with paternal Virtues rule Mankind . Unbidden Earth shall wreathing Ivy bring , And fragrant Herbs ( the promises of Spring ) As her first Off'rings to her Infant King. The Goats with strutting Dugs shall homeward speed , And lowing Herds , secure from Lyons feed . His Cradle shall with rising Flow'rs be crown'd ; The Serpents Brood shall die : the sacred ground Shall Weeds and pois'nous Plants refuse to bear , Each common Bush shall Syrian Roses wear . But when Heroick Verse his Youth shall raise , And form it to Hereditary Praise ; Unlabour'd Harvests shall the Fields adorn , And cluster'd Grapes shall blush on every Thorn. The knotted Oaks shall show'rs of Honey weep , And through the Matted Grass the liquid Cold shall creep . Yet , of old Fraud some footsteps shall remain , The Merchant still shall plough the deep for gain : Great Cities shall with Walls be compass'd round ; And sharpen'd Shares shall vex the fruitful ground . Another Typhis shall new Seas explore , Another Argos land the Chiefs , upon th' Iberian Shore . Another Helen other Wars create , And great Achilles urge the Trojan Fate : But when to ripen'd Man-hood he shall grow , The greedy Sailer shall the Seas forego ; No Keel shall cut the Waves for foreign Ware ; For every Soil shall every Product bear . The labouring Hind his Oxen shall disjoyn , No Plow shall hurt the Glebe , no Pruning-hook the Vine : Nor Wooll shall in dissembled Colours shine . But the luxurious Father of the Fold , With native Purple , or unborrow'd Gold , Beneath his pompous Fleece shall proudly sweat : And under Tyrian Robes the Lamb shall bleat . The Fates , when they this happy Web have spun , shall bless the sacred Clue , and bid it smoothly run . Mature in years , to ready Honours move , O of Coelestial Seed ! O foster Son of Jove ! See , lab'ring Nature calls thee to sustain The nodding Frame of Heav'n , and Earth , and Main ; See to their Base restor'd , Earth , Seas , and Air , And joyful Ages from behind , in crowding Ranks appear . To sing thy Praise , wou'd Heav'n my breath prolong , Insusing Spirits worthy such a Song ; Not Thracian Orpheus should transcend my Layes , Nor Linus crown'd with never-fading Bayes : Though each his Heav'nly Parent shou'd inspire ; The Muse instruct the Voice , and Phoebus tune the Lyre . Shou'd Pan contend in Verse , and thou my Theme , Arcadian Judges shou'd their God condemn . Begin , auspicious Boy , to cast about Thy Infant Eyes , and with a smile , thy Mother single out ; Thy Mother well deserves that short delight , The nauseous Qualms of ten long Months and Travel to requite . Then smile ; the frowning Infant 's Doom is read , No God shall crown the Board , nor Goodess bless the Bed. The Fifth Pastoral . OR , DAPHNIS . The Argument . Mopsus and Menalcas , two very expert Shepherds at a Song , begin one by consent to the Memory of Daphnis ; who is suppos'd by the best Criticks to represent Julius Caesar . Mopsus laments his Death , Menalcas proclaims his Divinity . The whole Eclogue consisting of an Elegie and an Apotheosis . MENALCAS . SInce on the Downs our Flocks together feed , And since my Voice can match your tuneful Reed , Why sit we not beneath the grateful Shade , Which Hazles , intermix'd with Elms , have made ? MOPSUS . Whether you please that Silvan Scene to take , Where whistling Winds uncertain Shadows make : Or will you to the cooler Cave succeed , Whose Mouth the curling Vines have overspread ? MENALCAS . Your Merit and your Years command the Choice : Amyntas only rivals you in Voice . MOPSUS . What will not that presuming Shepherd dare , Who thinks his Voice with Phoebus may compare ? MENALCAS . Begin you first ; if either Alcon's Praise , Or dying Phillis have inspir'd your Lays : To the Right Hon ble . James Bertie , Earle of Abingdon , and Baron Norreys of Rycott Cheife Justice , and Justice in Eyre of all his Maj t s . — Parcks Forests , and Chaces ▪ on the South side of Trent : and L d Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the County of Oxon. Past : 5 : 1. If her you mourn , or Codrus you commend , Begin , and Tityrus your Flock shall tend . MOPSUS . Or shall I rather the sad Verse repeat , Which on the Beeches bark I lately writ : I writ , and sung betwixt ; now bring the Swain Whose Voice you boast , and let him try the Strain . MENALCAS . Such as the Shrub to the tall Olive shows , Or the pale Sallow to the blushing Rose ; Such is his Voice , if I can judge aright , Compar'd to thine , in sweetness and in height . MOPSUS . No more , but sit and hear the promis'd Lay , The gloomy Grotto makes a doubtful day . The Nymphs about the breathless Body wait Of Daphnis , and lament his cruel Fate . The Trees and Floods were witness to their Tears : At length the rumour reach'd his Mother's Ears . The wretched Parent , with a pious haste , Came running , and his lifeless Limbs embrac'd . She sigh'd , she sob'd , and , furious with despair , She rent her Garments , and she tore her Hair : Accufing all the Gods and every Star. The Swains forgot their Sheep , nor near the brink Of running Waters brought their Herds to drink . The thirsty Cattle , of themselves , abstain'd From Water , and their grassy Fare disdain'd . The death of Daphnis Woods and Hills deplore , They cast the sound to Lybia's desart Shore ; The Lybian Lyons hear , and hearing roar . Fierce Tygers Daphnis taught the Yoke to bear ; And first with curling Ivy dress'd the Spear : Daphnis did Rites to Bacchus first ordain ; And holy Revels for his reeling Train . As Vines the Trees , as Grapes the Vines adorn , As Bulls the Herds , and Fields the Yellow Corn ; So bright a Splendor , so divine a Grace , The glorious Daphnis cast on his illustrious Race . When envious Fate the Godlike Daphnis took , Our guardian Gods the Fields and Plains forsook : Pales no longer swell'd the teeming Grain , Nor Phoebus fed his Oxen on the Plain : No fruitful Crop the sickly Fields return ; But Oats and Darnel choak the rising Corn. And where the Vales with Violets once were crown'd , Now knotty Burrs and Thorns disgrace the Ground . Come , Shepherds , come , and strow with Leaves the Plain ; Such Funeral Rites your Daphnis did ordain . With Cypress Boughs the Crystal Fountains hide , And softly let the running Waters glide ; A lasting Monument to Daphnis raise ; With this Inscription to record his Praise , Daphnis , the Fields Delight , the Shepherd's Love , Renown'd on Earth , and deify'd above . Whose Flock excell'd the fairest on the Plains , But less than he himself surpass'd the Swains . MENALCAS . Oh Heavenly Poet ! such thy Verse appears , So sweet , so charming to my ravish'd Ears , As to the weary Swain , with cares opprest , Beneath the Silvan Shade , refreshing Rest : As to the feavorish Travellor , when first He finds a Crystal Stream to quench his thirst . In singing , as in piping , you excell ; And scarce your Master could perform so well . O fortunate young Man , at least your Lays Are next to his , and claim the second Praise . Such as they are my rural Songs I join , To raise our Daphnis to the Pow'rs Divine ; For Daphnis was so good , to love what-e're was mine . MOPSUS . How is my Soul with such a Promise rais'd ! For both the Boy was worthy to be prais'd , And Stimichon has often made me long , To hear , like him , so soft so sweet a Song . MENALCAS . Daphnis , the Guest of Heav'n , with wondring Eyes , Views in the Milky Way , the starry Skyes : And far beneath him , from the shining Sphere , Beholds the moving Clouds , and rolling Year . For this , with chearful Cries the Woods resound ; The Purple Spring arrays the various ground : The Nymphs and Shepherds dance ; and Pan himself is Crown'd . The Wolf no longer prowls for nightly Spoils , Nor Birds the Sprindges fear , nor Stags the Toils : For Daphnis reigns above ; and deals from thence His Mothers milder Beams , and peaceful Influence . The Mountain tops unshorn , the Rocks rejoice ; The lowly Shrubs partake of Humane Voice . Assenting Nature , with a gracious nod , Proclaims him , and salutes the new-admitted God. Be still propitious , ever good to thine : Behold four hallow'd Altars we design ; And two to thee , and two to Phoebus rise ; On each is offer'd Annual Sacrifice . The holy Priests , at each returning year , Two Bowls of Milk , and two of Oil shall bear ; And I my self the Guests with friendly Bowls will chear . Two Goblets will I crown with sparkling Wine , The gen'rous Vintage of the Chian Vine ; These will I pour to thee , and make the Nectar thine . In Winter shall the Genial Feast be made Before the fire ; by Summer in the shade . Damaetas shall perform the Rites Divine ; And Lictian Aegon in the Song shall join . Alphesibaeus , tripping , shall advance ; And mimick Satyrs in his antick Dance . When to the Nymphs our annual Rites we pay , And when our Fields with Victims we survey : While savage Boars delight in shady Woods , And finny Fish inhabit in the Floods ; While Bees on Thime , and Locusts feed on Dew , Thy grateful Swains these Honours shall renew . Such Honours as we pay to Pow'rs Divine , To Bacchus and to Ceres , shall be thine . Such annual Honours shall be giv'n , and thou Shalt hear , and shalt condemn thy Suppliants to their Vow . MOPSUS . What Present worth thy Verse can Mopsus find ! Not the soft Whispers of the Southern Wind , That play through trembling Trees , delight me more ; Nor murm'ring Billows on the sounding Shore ; Nor winding Streams that through the Valley glide ; And the scarce cover'd Pebbles gently chide . MENALCAS . Receive you first this tuneful Pipe ; the same That play'd my Coridon's unhappy Flame . The same that sung Neaera's conqu'ring Eyes ; And , had the Judge been just , had won the Prize . MOPSUS . Accept from me this Sheephook in exchange , The Handle Brass ; the Knobs in equal range . Antigenes , with Kisses , often try'd To beg this Present , in his Beauty's Pride ; When Youth and Love are hard to be deny'd . But what I cou'd refuse , to his Request , Is yours unask'd , for you deserve it best . The Sixth Pastoral . OR , SILENUS . The Argument . Two young Shepherds Chromis and Mnasylus , having been often promis'd a Song by Silenus , chance to catch him asleep in this Pastoral ; where they bind him hand and foot , and then claim his Promise . Silenus finding they wou'd be put off no longer , begins his Song ; in which he describes the Formation of the Universe , and the Original of Animals , according to the Epicurean Philosophy ; and then runs through the most surprising Transformations which have happen'd in Nature since her Birth . This Pastoral was design'd as a Complement to Syro the Epicurean , who instructed Virgil and Varus in the Principles of that Philosophy . Silenus acts as Tutor , Chromis and Mnasylus as the two Pupils . I First transferr'd to Rome Scicilian Strains : Nor blush'd the Dorick Muse to dwell on Mantuan Plains . But when I try'd her tender Voice , too young ; And fighting Kings , and bloody Battels sung , Apollo check'd my Pride ; and bade me feed My fatning Flocks , nor dare beyond the Reed . Admonish'd thus , while every Pen prepares To write thy Praises , Varus , and thy Wars , My Past'ral Muse her humble Tribute brings ; And yet not wholly uninspir'd she sings . For all who read , and reading , not disdain These rural Poems , and their lowly Strain , The name of Varus oft inscrib'd shall see , In every Grove , and every vocal Tree ; And all the Silvan reign shall sing of thee : To the Right Hon ble . Hugh Lord Viscount Cholmondely of Kelles in the Kingdom of Ireland and Baron of Wichmalbank in the Kingdom of England . Past : 6. Thy name , to Phoebus and the Muses known , Shall in the front of every Page be shown ; For he who sings thy Praise , secures his own . Proceed , my Muse : Two Satyrs , on the ground , Stretch'd at his Ease , their Syre Sylenus found . Dos'd with his fumes , and heavy with his Load , They found him snoring in his dark abode ; And seis'd with Youthful Arms the drunken God. His rosie Wreath was dropt not long before , Born by the tide of Wine , and floating on the floor . His empty Can , with Ears half worn away , Was hung on high , to boast the triumph of the day . Invaded thus , for want of better bands , His Garland they unstring , and bind his hands : For by the fraudful God deluded long , They now resolve to have their promis'd Song . Aegle came in , to make their Party good ; The fairest Nais of the neighbouring Flood , And , while he stares around , with stupid Eyes , His Brows with Berries , and his Temples dyes . He finds the Fraud , and , with a Smile , demands On what design the Boys had bound his hands . Loose me , he cry'd ; 't was Impudence to find A sleeping God , 't is Sacriledge to bind . To you the promis'd Poem I will pay ; The Nymph shall be rewarded in her way . He rais'd his voice ; and soon a num'rous throng Of tripping Satyrs crowded to the Song . And Sylvan Fauns , and Savage Beasts advanc'd , And nodding Forests to the Numbers danc'd . Not by Haemonian Hills the Thracian Bard , Nor awful Phoebus was on Pindus heard , With deeper silence , or with more regard . He sung the secret Seeds of Nature's Frame ; How Seas , and Earth , and Air , and active Flame , Fell through the mighty Void ; and in their fall Were blindly gather'd in this goodly Ball. The tender Soil then stiffning by degrees , Shut from the bounded Earth , the bounding Seas . Then Earth and Ocean various Forms disclose ; And a new Sun to the new World arose . And Mists condens'd to Clouds obscure the Skie ; And Clouds dissolv'd , the thirsty Ground supply . The rising Trees the lofty Mountains grace : The lofty Mountains feed the Savage Race . From thence the birth of Man the Song pursu'd , And how the World was lost , and how renew'd . The Reign of Saturn , and the Golden Age ; Prometheus Theft , and Jove's avenging Rage . The Cries of Argonauts for Hylas drown'd ; With whose repeated Name the Shoars resound . Then mourns the madness of the Cretan Queen ; Happy for her if Herds had never been . What fury , wretched Woman , seiz'd thy Breast ! The Maids of Argos ( tho with rage possess'd , Their imitated lowings fill'd the Grove ) Yet shun'd the guilt of this prepost'rous Love. Nor sought the Youthful Husband of the Herd ; Tho tender and untry'd the Yoke he fear'd . Tho soft and white as flakes of falling Snow ; And scarce his budding Horns had arm'd his brow . Ah , wretched Queen ! you range the pathless Wood ; While on a flowry Bank he chaws the Cud : Or sleeps in Shades , or thro' the Forest roves ; And roars with anguish for his absent Loves . Ye Nymphs , with toils , his Forest-walk surround ; And trace his wandring Footsteps on the ground . But , ah ! perhaps my Passion he disdains ; And courts the milky Mothers of the Plains . We search th' ungrateful Fugitive abroad ; While they at home sustain his happy load . He sung the Lover's fraud ; the longing Maid , With golden Fruit , like all the Sex , betray'd . The Sisters mourning for their Brother's loss ; Their Bodies hid in Barks , and furr'd with Moss . How each a rising Alder now appears ; And o're the Po distils her Gummy Tears . Then sung , how Gallus by a Muses hand , Was led and welcom'd to the sacred Strand . The Senate rising to salute their Guest ; And Linus thus their gratitude express'd . Receive this Present , by the Muses made ; The Pipe on which th' Ascraean Pastor play'd : With which of old he charm'd the Savage Train : And call'd the Mountain Ashes to the Plain . Sing thou on this , thy Phoebus ; and the Wood Where once his Fane of Parian Marble stood . On this his ancient Oracles rehearse ; And with new Numbers grace the God of Verse . Why shou'd I sing the double Scylla's Fate , The first by Love transform'd , the last by Hate . A beauteous Maid above , but Magick Arts , With barking Dogs deform'd her neather parts . What Vengeance on the passing Fleet she pour'd , The Master frighted , and the Mates devour'd . Then ravish'd Philomel the Song exprest ; The Crime reveal'd ; the Sisters cruel Feast ; And how in Fields the Lapwing Tereus reigns ; The warbling Nightingale in Woods complains . While Progne makes on Chymney tops her moan ; And hovers o're the Palace once her own . Whatever Songs besides , the Delphian God Had taught the Laurels , and the Spartan Flood , Silenus sung : the Vales his Voice rebound ; And carry to the Skies the sacred Sound . And now the setting Sun had warn'd the Swain To call his counted Cattle from the Plain : Yet still th' unweary'd Syre pursues the tuneful Strain . Till unperceiv'd the Heav'ns with Stars were hung : And sudden Night surpriz'd the yet unfinish'd Song . The Seventh Pastoral . OR , MELIBOEUS . The Argument . Meliboeus here gives us the Relation of a sharp Poetical Contest between Thyrsis and Corydon ; at which he himself and Daphnis were present ; who both declar'd for Corydon . To the Right Hon ble : Henry Lord Herbert Baron of Chirbury . &c. Past : 7. BEneath a Holm , repair'd two jolly Swains ; Their Sheep and Goats together graz'd the Plains . Both young Arcadians , both alike inspir'd To sing , and answer as the Song requir'd . Daphnis , as Umpire , took the middle Seat ; And Fortune thether led my weary Feet . For while I fenc'd my Myrtles from the Cold , The Father of my Flock had wander'd from the Fold . Of Daphnis I enquir'd ; he , smiling , said , Dismiss your Fear , and pointed where he fed . And , if no greater Cares disturb your Mind , Sit here with us , in covert of the Wind. Your lowing Heyfars , of their own accord , At wat'ring time will seek the neighb'ring Ford. Here wanton Mincius windes along the Meads , And shades his happy Banks with bending Reeds : And see from yon old Oak , that mates the Skies , How black the Clouds of swarming Bees arise . What shou'd I do ! nor was Alcippe nigh , Nor absent Phillis cou'd my care supply , To house , and feed by hand my weaning Lambs , And drain the strutting Udders of their Dams ? Great was the strife betwixt the Singing Swains : And I preferr'd my Pleasure to my Gains . Alternate Rhime the ready Champions chose : These Corydon rehears'd , and Thyrsis those . CORYDON . Yee Muses , ever fair , and ever young , Assist my Numbers , and inspire my Song . With all my Codrus O inspire my Breast , For Codrus after Phoebus sings the best . Or if my Wishes have presum'd too high , And stretch'd their bounds beyond Mortality , The praise of artful Numbers I resign : And hang my Pipe upon the Sacred Pine. THYRSIS . Arcadian Swains , your Youthful Poet crown With Ivy Wreaths ; tho surly Codrus , frown . Or if he blast my Muse with envious Praise , Then fence my Brows with Amuletts of Bays . Lest his ill Arts or his malicious Tongue Shou'd poyson , or bewitch my growing Song . CORYDON . These Branches of a Stag , this tusky Boar ( The first essay of Arms untry'd before ) Young Mycon offers , Delia , to thy Shrine ; But speed his hunting with thy Pow'r divine , Thy Statue then of Parian Stone shall stand ; Thy Legs in Buskins with a Purple Band. THYRSIS . This Bowl of Milk , these Cakes , ( our Country Fare , ) For thee , Priapus , yearly we prepare . Because a little Garden is thy care . But if the falling Lambs increase my Fold , Thy Marble Statue shall be turn'd to Gold. CORYDON . Fair Galathea , with thy silver Feet , O , whiter than the Swan , and more than Hybla sweet ; Tall as a Poplar , taper as the Bole , Come charm thy Shepherd , and restore my Soul. Come when my lated Sheep , at night return ; And crown the silent Hours , and stop the rosy Morn . THYRSIS . May I become as abject in thy sight , As Sea-weed on the Shore , and black as Night : Rough as a Bur , deform'd like him who chaws Sardinian Herbage to contract his Jaws ; Such and so monstrous let thy Swain appear , If one day's Absence looks not like a Year . Hence from the Field , for Shame : the Flock deserves No better Feeding , while the Shepherd starves . CORYDON . Ye mossy Springs , inviting easie Sleep , Ye Trees , whose leafy Shades those mossy Fountains keep , Defend my Flock , the Summer heats are near , And Blossoms on the swelling Vines appear . THYRSIS . With heapy Fires our chearful Hearth is crown'd ; And Firs for Torches in the Woods abound : We fear not more the Winds , and wintry Cold , Than Streams the Banks , or Wolves the bleating Fold . CORYDON . Our Woods , with Juniper and Chesnuts crown'd , With falling Fruits and Berries paint the Ground ; And lavish Nature laughs , and strows her Stores around . But if Alexis from our Mountains fly , Ev'n running Rivers leave their Channels dry . THYRSIS . Parch'd are the Plains , and frying is the Field , Nor with'ring Vines their juicy Vintage yield . But if returning Phillis bless the Plain , The Grass revives ; the Woods are green again ; And Jove descends in Show'rs of kindly Rain . CORYDON . The Poplar is by great Alcides worn : The Brows of Phoebus his own Bays adorn . The branching Vine the jolly Bacchus loves ; The Cyprian Queen delights in Mirtle Groves . With Hazle , Phillis crowns her flowing Hair , And while she loves that common Wreath to wear ; Nor Bays , nor Myrtle Bows , with Hazle shall compare . THYRSIS . The towring Ash is fairest in the Woods ; In Gardens Pines , and Poplars by the Floods : But if my Lycidas will ease my Pains , And often visit our forsaken Plains ; To him the tow'ring Ash shall yield in Woods ; In Gardens Pines , and Poplars by the Floods . MELIBOEUS . I 've heard : and , Thyrsis , you contend in vain : For Corydon , young Corydon shall reign , The Prince of Poets , on the Mantuan Plain . The Eighth Pastoral . OR , PHARMACEUTRIA . The Argument . This Pastoral contains the Songs of Damon and Alphesiboeus . The first of 'em bewails the loss of his Mistress , and repines at the Success of his Rival Mopsus . The other repeats the Charms of some Enchantress , who endeavour'd by her Spells and Magic to make Daphnis in Love with her . To the Rig t Hon ble : Charles Ld Clifford Baron of Lounsbrough in the County of York past . 8 THE mournful Muse of two despairing Swains , The Love rejected , and the Lovers ' pains ; To which the salvage Linxes listning stood , The Rivers stood on heaps , and stop'd the running Flood , The hungry Herd their needful Food refuse ; Of two despairing Swains , I sing the mournful Muse . Great Pollio , thou for whom thy Rome prepares The ready Triumph of thy finish'd Wars , Whither Timavus or th' Illirian Coast , Whatever Land or Sea thy presence boast ; Is there an hour in Fate reserv'd for me , To Sing thy Deeds in Numbers worthy thee ? In numbers like to thine , cou'd I rehearse Thy lofty Tragick Scenes , thy labour'd Verse ; The World another Sophocles in thee , Another Homer shou'd behold in me : Amidst thy Laurels let this Ivy twine , Thine was my earlyest Muse ; my latest shall be thine . Scarce from our upper World the Shades withdrew ; Scarce were the Flocks refresh'd with Morning Dew , When Damon stretch'd beneath an Olive Shade , And wildly staring upwards , thus inveigh'd Against the conscious Gods , and curs'd the cruel Maid . Star of the Morning , why dost thou delay ? Come , Lucifer , drive on the lagging Day . While I my Nisa's perjur'd Faith deplore ; Witness ye Pow'rs , by whom she falsly swore ! The Gods , alas , are Witnesses in vain ; Yet shall my dying Breath to Heav'n complain . Begin with me , my Flute , the sweet Maenalian Strain . The Pines of Maenalus , the vocal Grove , Are ever full of Verse , and full of Love : They hear the Hinds , they hear their God complain ; Who suffer'd not the Reeds to rise in vain : Begin with me , my Flute , the sweet Maenalian Strain . Mopsus triumphs ; he weds the willing Fair : When such is Nisa's choice , what Lover can despair ! Now Griffons join with Mares ; another Age Shall see the Hound and Hind their Thirst asswage , Promiscuous at the Spring : Prepare the Lights , O Mopsus ! and perform the bridal Rites . Scatter thy Nuts among the scrambling Boys : Thine is the Night ; and thine the Nuptial Joys . For thee the Sun declines : O happy Swain ! Begin with me , my Flute , the sweet Maenalian Strain . O , Nisa ! Justly to thy Choice condemn'd , Whom hast thou taken , whom hast thou contemn'd ! For him , thou hast refus'd my browzing Herd , Scorn'd my thick Eye-brows , and my shaggy Beard . Unhappy Damon sighs , and sings in vain : While Nisa thinks no God regards a Lover's pain . Begin with me , my Flute , the sweet Maenalian Strain . I view'd thee first ; how fatal was the View ! And led thee where the ruddy Wildings grew , High on the planted hedge , and wet with Morning Dew . Then scarce the bending Branches I cou'd win ; The callow Down began to cloath my Chin ; I saw , I perish'd ; yet indulg'd my Pain : Begin with me , my Flute , the sweet Maenalian Strain . I know thee , Love ; in Desarts thou wert bred ; And at the Dugs of Salvage Tygers fed : Alien of Birth , Usurper of the Plains : Begin with me , my Flute , the sweet Maenalian Strains . Relentless Love the cruel Mother led , The Blood of her unhappy Babes to shed : Love lent the Sword ; the Mother struck the blow ; Inhuman she ; but more inhuman thou . Alien of Birth , Usurper of the Plains : Begin with me , my Flute , the sweet Maenalian Strains . Old doting Nature change thy Course anew : And let the trembling Lamb the Wolf pursue : Let Oaks now glitter with Hesperian Fruit , And purple Daffodils from Alder shoot . Fat Amber let the Tamarisk distil : And hooting Owls contend with Swans in Skill . Hoarse Tity'rus strive with Orpheus in the Woods : And challenge fam'd Arion on the Floods . Or , oh ! let Nature cease ; and Chaos reign : Begin with me , my Flute , the sweet Maenalian Strain . Let Earth be Sea ; and let the whelming Tide , The lifeless Limbs of luckless Damon hide : Farewel , ye secret Woods , and shady Groves , Haunts of my Youth , and conscious of my Loves ! From yon high Cliff I plunge into the Main ; Take the last Present of thy dying Swain : And cease , my silent Flute , the sweet Maenalian Strain . Now take your Turns , ye Muses , to rehearse His Friend's Complaint ; and mighty Magick Verse . Bring running Water ; bind those Altars round With Fillets ; and with Vervain strow the Ground : Make fat with Frankincense the sacred Fires ; To re-inflame my Daphnis with Desires . 'T is done , we want but Verse . Restore , my Charms , My lingring Daphnis to my longing Arms. Pale Phoebe , drawn by Verse from Heav'n descends : And Circe chang'd with Charms Ulysses Friends . Verse breaks the Ground , and penetrates the Brake ; And in the winding Cavern splits the Snake . Verse fires the frozen Veins : Restore , my Charms , My lingring Daphnis to my longing Arms. Around his waxen Image , first I wind Three woollen Fillets , of three Colours join'd : Thrice bind about his thrice devoted head , Which round the sacred Altar thrice is led . Unequal Numbers please the Gods : my Charms , Restore my Daphnis to my longing Arms. Knit with three knots , the Fillets , knit 'em streight ; And say , These Knots to Love I consecrate . Haste , Amaryllis , haste ; restore , my Charms , My lovely Daphnis to my longing Arms. As Fire this Figure hardens , made of Clay ; And this of Wax with Fire consumes away ; Such let the Soul of cruel Daphnis be ; Hard to the rest of Women ; soft to me . Crumble the sacred Mole of Salt and Corn , Next in the Fire the Bays with Brimstone burn . And while it crackles in the Sulphur , say , This , I for Daphnis burn ; thus Daphnis burn away . This Laurel is his Fate : Restore , my Charms , My lovely Daphnis to my longing Arms. As when the raging Heyfar , through the Grove , Stung with Desire , pursues her wand'ring Love ; Faint at the last , she seeks the weedy Pools , To quench her thirst , and on the Rushes rowls : Careless of Night , unmindful to return , Such fruitless Fires perfidious Daphnis burn . While I so scorn his Love ; Restore , my Charms , My lingring Daphnis to my longing Arms. These Garments once were his ; and left to me ; The Pledges of his promis'd Loyalty : Which underneath my Threshold I bestow ; These Pawns , O sacred Earth ! to me my Daphnis owe. As these were his , so mine is he ; my Charms , Restore their lingring Lord to my deluded Arms. These poys'nous Plants , for Magick use design'd , ( The noblest and the best of all the baneful Kind , ) Old Moeris brought me from the Pontick Strand : And cull'd the Mischief of a bounteous Land. Smear'd with these pow'rful Juices , on the Plain , He howls a Wolf among the hungry Train : And oft the mighty Negromancer boasts , With these , to call from Tombs the stalking Ghosts : And from the roots to tear the standing Corn ; Which , whirld aloft , to distant Fields is born . Such is the strength of Spells ; restore , my Charms , My lingring Daphnis to my longing Arms. Bear out these Ashes ; cast 'em in the Brook ; Cast backwards o're your head , nor turn your look : Since neither Gods , nor Godlike Verse can move , Break out ye smother'd Fires , and kindle smother'd Love. Exert your utmost pow'r , my lingring Charms , And force my Daphnis to my longing Arms. See , while my last endeavours I delay , The waking Ashes rise , and round our Altars play ! Run to the Threshold , Amaryllis , hark , Our Hylas opens , and begins to bark . Good Heav'n ! may Lovers what they wish believe ; Or dream their wishes , and those dreams deceive ! No more , my Daphnis comes ; no more , my Charms ; He comes , he runs , he leaps to my desiring Arms. The Ninth Pastoral . OR , LYCIDAS , and MOERIS . The Argument . When Virgil , by the Favour of Augustus , had recover'd his Patrimony near Mantua , and went in hope to take Possession , he was in danger to be slain by Arius the Centurion , to whom those Lands were assign'd by the Emperour , in reward of his Service against Brutus and Cassius . This Pastoral therefore is fill'd with complaints of his hard Usage ; and the Persons introduc'd , are the Bayliff of Virgil , Moeris , and his Friend Lycidas . To the Right Hon ble . Marquiss of Hartington the Duke of William Lord Eldest Son to His Grace the Duke of Devonshire . Past : 〈…〉 LYCIDAS . HO Moeris ! whether on thy way so fast ? This leads to Town . MOERIS . O Lycidas , at last The Time is come I never thought to see , ( Strange Revolution for my Farm and me ) When the grim Captain in a surly Tone Cries out , pack up ye Rascals , and be gone . Kick'd out , we set the best Face on 't we cou'd , And these two Kids , t' appease his angry Mood , I bear , of which the Furies give him good . LYCIDAS . Your Country Friends were told another Tale ; That from the sloaping Mountain to the Vale , And dodder'd Oak , and all the Banks along , Menalcas sav'd his Fortune with a Song . MOERIS . Such was the News , indeed , but Songs and Rhymes Prevail as much in these hard Iron Times , As would a plump of trembling Fowl , that rise Against an Eagle sousing from the Skies . And had not Phoebus warn'd me by the croak Of an old Raven , from a hollow Oak , To shun debate , Menalcas had been slain , And Moeris not surviv'd him , to complain . LYCIDAS . Now Heav'n defend ! cou'd barb'rous Rage induce The Brutal Son of Mars , t' insult the sacred Muse ! Who then shou'd sing the Nymphs , or who rehearse The Waters gliding in a smoother Verse ! Or Amaryllis praise , that Heav'nly Lay , That shorten'd as we went , our tedious Way . O Tity'rus , tend my Herd , and see them fed ; To Morning Pastures , Evening Waters led : And ' ware the Lybian Ridgils butting Head. MOERIS . Or what unfinish'd He to Varus read ; Thy Name , O Varus ( if the kinder Pow'rs Preserve our Plains , and shield the Mantuan Tow'rs , Obnoxious by Cremona's neighb'ring Crime , ) The Wings of Swans , and stronger pinion'd Rhyme , Shall raise aloft , and soaring bear above Th' immortal Gift of Gratitude to Jove . LYCIDAS . Sing on , sing on , for I can ne're be cloy'd , So may thy Swarms the baleful Eugh avoid : So may thy Cows their burden'd Bags distend , And Trees to Goats their willing Branches bend . Mean as I am , yet have the Muses made Me free , a Member of the tuneful trade : At least the Shepherds seem to like my Lays , But I discern their Flatt'ry from their Praise : I nor to Cinna's Ears , nor Varus dare aspire ; But gabble like a Goose , amidst the Swan-like Quire. MOERIS . 'T is what I have been conning in my Mind : Nor are they Verses of a Vulgar Kind . Come , Galatea , come , the Seas forsake ; What Pleasures can the Tides with their hoarse Murmurs make ? See , on the Shore inhabits purple Spring ; Where Nightingales their Love-sick Ditty fing ; See , Meads with purling Streams , with Flow'rs the Ground , The Grottoes cool , with shady Poplars crown'd , And creeping Vines on Arbours weav'd around . Come then , and leave the Waves tumultuous roar , Let the wild Surges vainly beat the Shore . LYCIDAS . Or that sweet Song I heard with such delight ; The same you sung alone one starry Night ; The Tune I still retain , but not the Words . MOERIS . Why , Daphnis , dost thou search in old Records , To know the Seasons when the Stars arise ? See Caesar's Lamp is lighted in the Skies : The Star , whose Rays the blushing Grapes adorn , And swell the kindly ripening Ears of Corn. Under this influence , graft the tender Shoot ; Thy Childrens Children shall enjoy the Fruit. The rest I have forgot , for Cares and Time Change all things , and untune my Soul to Rhime : I cou'd have once sung down a Summer's Sun , But now the Chime of Poetry is done . My Voice grows hoarse ; I feel the Notes decay , As if the Wolves had seen me first to Day . But these , and more than I to mind can bring , Menalcas has not yet forgott to sing . LYCIDAS . Thy faint Excuses but inflame me more ; And now the Waves rowl silent to the Shore . Husht Winds the topmost Branches scarcely bend , As if thy tuneful Song they did attend : Already we have half our way o'recome ; Far off I can discern Bianor's Tomb ; Here , where the Labourer's hands have form'd a Bow'r Of wreathing Trees , in Singing waste an Hour . Rest here thy weary Limbs , thy Kids lay down , We 've Day before us yet , to reach the Town : Or if e're Night the gath'ring Clouds we fear , A Song will help the beating Storm to bear . And that thou may'st not be too late abroad , Sing , and I 'll ease thy Shoulders of thy Load . MOERIS . Cease to request me , let us mind our way ; Another Song requires another Day . When good Menalcas comes , if he rejoyce , And find a Friend at Court , I 'll find a Voice . The Tenth Pastoral . OR , GALLUS . The Argument . Gallus a great Patron of Virgil , and an excellent Poet , was very deeply in Love with one Citheris , whom he calls Lycoris ; and who had forsaken him for the Company of a Souldier . The Poet therefore supposes his Friend Gallus retir'd in his heighth of Melancholy into the Solitudes of Arcadia ( the celebrated Scene of Pastorals ; ) where he represents him in a very languishing Condition with all the Rural Deities about him , pitying his hard Usage , and condoling his Misfortune . To the Right Hon ●●e . Charles Montague Esq r : one of the Lords Comm rs . of his Maj t s . Treasury , Chancellor , and under Treasurer of his Maj t s . Excheqr. and one of his Maj t s . Most Hon ble . Privy Councill . Past : 10. THY sacred Succour , Arethusa , bring , To crown my Labour : 't is the last I sing . Which proud Lycoris may with Pity view ; The Muse is mournful , tho' the Numbers few . Refuse me not a Verse , to Grief and Gallus due . So may thy Silver Streams beneath the Tide , Unmix'd with briny Seas , securely glide . Sing then , my Gallus , and his hopeless Vows ; Sing , while my Cattle crop the tender Browze . The vocal Grove shall answer to the Sound , And Echo , from the Vales , the tuneful Voice rebound . What Lawns or Woods withheld you from his Aid , Ye Nymphs , when Gallus was to Love betray'd ; To Love , unpity'd by the cruel Maid ? Not steepy Pindus cou'd retard your Course , Nor cleft Parnassus , nor th' Aonian Source : Nothing that owns the Muses cou'd suspend Your Aid to Gallus , Gallus is their Friend . For him the lofty Laurel stands in Tears ; And hung with humid Pearls the lowly Shrub appears . Maenalian Pines the Godlike Swain bemoan ; When spread beneath a Rock he sigh'd alone ; And cold Lycaeus wept from every dropping Stone . The Sheep surround their Shepherd , as he lyes : Blush not , sweet Poet , nor the name despise : Along the Streams his Flock Adonis fed ; And yet the Queen of Beauty blest his Bed. The Swains and tardy Neat-herds came , and last Menalcas , wet with beating Winter Mast . Wond'ring , they ask'd from whence arose thy Flame ; Yet , more amaz'd , thy own Apollo came . Flush'd were his Cheeks , and glowing were his Eyes : Is she thy Care , is she thy Care , he cries ? Thy false Lycoris flies thy Love and thee ; And for thy Rival tempts the raging Sea , The Forms of horrid War , and Heav'ns Inclemency . Sylvanus came : his Brows a Country Crown Of Fennel , and of nodding Lillies , drown . Great Pan arriv'd ; and we beheld him too , His Cheeks and Temples of Vermilion Hue. Why , Gallus , this immod'rate Grief , he cry'd : Think'st thou that Love with Tears is satisfi'd ? The Meads are sooner drunk with Morning Dews ; The Bees with flow'ry Shrubs , the Goats with Brouze . Unmov'd , and with dejected Eyes , he mourn'd : He paus'd , and then these broken Words return'd . 'T is past ; and Pity gives me no Relief : But you , Arcadian Swains , shall sing my Grief : And on your Hills , my last Complaints renew ; So sad a Song is onely worthy you . How light wou'd lye the Turf upon my Breast , If you my Suff'rings in your Songs exprest ? Ah! that your Birth and Bus'ness had been mine ; To penn the Sheep , and press the swelling Vine ! Had Phyllis or Amyntas caus'd my Pain , Or any Nymph , or Shepherd on the Plain , Tho Phyllis brown , tho black Amyntas were , Are Violets not sweet , because not fair ? Beneath the Sallows , and the shady Vine , My Loves had mix'd their pliant Limbs with mine ; Phyllis with Myrtle Wreaths had crown'd my Hair , And soft Amyntas sung away my Care. Come , see what Pleasures in our Plains abound ; The Woods , the Fountains , and the flow'ry ground . As you are beauteous , were you half so true , Here cou'd I live , and love , and dye with only you . Now I to fighting Fields am sent afar , And strive in Winter Camps with toils of War ; While you , ( alas , that I shou'd find it so ! ) To shun my sight , your Native Soil forgo , And climb the frozen Alps , and tread th' eternal Snow . Ye Frosts and Snows her tender Body spare , Those are not Limbs for Ysicles to tear . For me , the Wilds and Desarts are my Choice ; The Muses , once my Care ; my once harmonious Voice . There will I sing , forsaken and alone , The Rocks and hollow Caves shall echo to my Moan . The Rind of ev'ry Plant her Name shall know ; And as the Rind extends , the Love shall grow . Then on Arcadian Mountains will I chase ( Mix'd with the Woodland Nymphs ) the Salvage Race . Nor Cold shall hinder me , with Horns and Hounds , To thrid the Thickets , or to leap the Mounds . And now methinks o're steepy Rocks I go ; And rush through sounding Woods , and bend the Parthian Bow : As if with Sports my Sufferings I could ease , Or by my Pains the God of Love appease . My Frenzy changes , I delight no more On Mountain tops , to chace the tusky Boar ; No Game but hopeless Love my thoughts pursue : Once more ye Nymphs , and Songs , and sounding Woods adieu . Love alters not for us , his hard Decrees , Not tho beneath the Thracian Clime we freeze ; Or Italy's indulgent Heav'n forgo ; And in mid-Winter tread Scythonian Snow . Or when the Barks of Elms are scorch'd , we keep On Meroes burning Plains the Lybian Sheep . In Hell , and Earth , and Seas , and Heav'n above , Love conquers all ; and we must yield to Love. My Muses , here your sacred Raptures end : The Verse was what I ow'd my suff'ring Friend . This while I sung , my Sorrows I deceiv'd , And bending Osiers into Baskets weav'd . The Song , because inspir'd by you , shall shine : And Gallus will approve , because 't is mine . Gallus , for whom my holy Flames renew , Each hour , and ev'ry moment rise in view : As Alders , in the Spring , their Boles extend ; And heave so fiercely , that the Bark they rend . Now let us rise , for hoarseness oft invades The Singer's Voice , who sings beneath the Shades . From Juniper , unwholsom Dews distill , That blast the sooty Corn ; the with'ring Herbage kill ; Away , my Goats , away : for you have browz'd your fill . TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE PHILIP Earl of Chesterfield , &c. My Lord , I Cannot begin my Address to your Lordship , better than in the words of Virgil , — Quod optanti , Divum promittere Nemo Auderet , volvenda Dies , en , attulit ultrò . Seven Years together I have conceal'd the longing which I had to appear before you : A time as tedious as Aeneas pass'd in his wandring Voyage , before he reach'd the promis'd Italy . But I consider'd , that nothing which my meanness cou'd produce , was worthy of your Patronage . At last this happy Occasion offer'd , of Presenting to you the best Poem of the best Poet. If I balk'd this opportunity , I was in despair of finding such another ; and if I took it , I was still uncertain whether you wou'd vouchsafe to accept it from my hands . 'T was a bold venture which I made , in desiring your permission to lay my unworthy Labours at your feet . But my rashness has succeeded beyond my hopes : And you have been pleas'd not to suffer an Old Man to go discontented out of the World , for want of that protection , of which he had been so long Ambitious . I have known a Gentleman in disgrace , and not daring to appear before King Charles the Second , though he much desir'd it : At length he took the confidence to attend a fair Lady to the Court ; and told His Majesty , that under her protection he had presum'd to wait on him . With the same humble confidence I present my self before your Lordship , and attending on Virgil hope a gracious reception . The Gentleman succeeded , because the powerful Lady was his Friend ; but I have too much injur'd my great Author , to expect he should intercede for me . I wou'd have Translated him , but according to the litteral French and Italian Phrases , I fear I have traduc'd him . 'T is the fault of many a well-meaning Man , to be officious in a wrong place , and do a prejudice , where he had endeavour'd to do a service . Virgil wrote his Georgics in the full strength and vigour of his Age , when his Judgment was at the height , and before his Fancy was declining . He had , ( according to our homely Saying ) his full swing at this Poem , beginning it about the Age of Thirty Five ; and scarce concluding it before he arriv'd at Forty . 'T is observ'd both of him , and Horace , and I believe it will hold in all great Poets ; that though they wrote before with a certain heat of Genius which inspir'd them , yet that heat was not perfectly digested . There is requir'd a continuance of warmth to ripen the best and Noblest Fruits . Thus Horace in his First and Second Book of Odes , was still rising , but came not to his Meridian 'till the Third . After which his Judgment was an overpoize to his Imagination : He grew too cautious to be bold enough , for he descended in his Fourth by slow degrees , and in his Satires and Epistles , was more a Philosopher and a Critick than a Poet. In the beginning of Summer the days are almost at a stand , with little variation of length or shortness , because at that time the Diurnal Motion of the Sun partakes more of a Right Line , than of a Spiral . The samè is the method of Nature in the frame of Man. He seems at Forty to be fully in his Summer Tropick ; somewhat before , and somewhat after , he finds in his Soul but small increases or decays . From Fifty to Threescore the Ballance generally holds even , in our colder Clymates : For he loses not much in Fancy ; and Judgment , which is the effect of Observation , still increases : His succeeding years afford him little more than the stubble of his own Harvest : Yet if his Constitution be healthful , his Mind may still retain a decent vigour ; and the Gleanings of that Ephraim , in Comparison with others , will surpass the Vintage of Abiezer . I have call'd this somewhere by a bold Metaphor , a green Old Age ; but Virgil has given me his Authority for the Figure . Jam Senior ; sed Cruda Deo , viridisque Senectus . Amongst those few who enjoy the advantage of a latter Spring , your Lordship is a rare Example : Who being now arriv'd at your great Clymacterique , yet give no proof of the least decay in your Excellent Judgment , and comprehension of all things , which are within the compass of Humane Vnderstanding . Your Conversation is as easie as it is instructive , and I cou'd never observe the least vanity or the least assuming in any thing you said : but a natural unaffected Modesty , full of good sense , and well digested . A clearness of Notion , express'd in ready and unstudied words . No Man has complain'd , or ever can , that you have discours'd too long on any Subject : for you leave us in an eagerness of Learning more ; pleas'd with what we hear , but not satisfy'd , because you will not speak so much as we cou'd wish . I dare not excuse your Lordship from this fault ; for though 't is none in you , 't is one to all who have the happiness of being known to you . I must confess the Criticks make it one of Virgil's Beauties , that having said what he thought convenient , he always left somewhat for the imagination of his Readers to supply : That they might gratifie their fancies , by finding more , in what he had written , than at first they cou'd ; and think they had added to his thought , when it was all there before-hand , and he only sav'd himself the expence of words . However it was , I never went from your Lordship , but with a longing to return , or without a hearty Curse to him who invented Ceremonies in the World , and put me on the nec●ssity of withdrawing , when it was my interest as well as my desire , to have given you a much longer trouble . I cannot imagine ( if your Lordship will give me leave to speak my thoughts ) but you have had a more than ordinary vigour in your Youth . For too much of heat is requir'd at first , that there may not too little be left at last . A Prodigal Fire is only capable of large remains : And yours , my Lord , still burns the clearer in declining . The Blaze is not so fierce as at the first , but the Smoak is wholly vanish'd ; and your Friends who stand about you , are not only sensible of a chearful warmth , but are kept at an awful distance by its force . In my small Observations of Mankind , I have ever sound , that such as are not rather too full of Spirit when they are young , degenerate to dullness in their Age. Sobriety in our riper years is the effect of a well-concocted warmth ; but where the Principles are only Phlegm , what can be expected from the waterish Matter , but an insipid Manhood , and a stupid old Infancy ; Discretion in Leading-strings , and a confirm'd ignorance on Crutches ? Virgil in his Third Georgic , when he describes a Colt , who promises a Courser for the Race , or for the Field of Battel , shews him the first to pass the Bridge , which trembles under him , and to stem the torrent of the flood . His beginnings must be in rashness ; a Noble Fault : But Time and Experience will correct that Errour , and tame it into a deliberate and well-weigh'd Courage ; which knows both to be cautious and to dare , as occasion offers . Your Lordship is a Man of Honour , not only so unstain'd , but so unquestion'd , that you are the living Standard of that Heroick Vertue ; so truly such , that if I wou'd flatter you , I cou'd not . It takes not from you , that you were born with Principles of Generosity and Probity : But it adds to you , that you have cultivated Nature , and made those Principles , the Rule and Measure of all your Actions . The World knows this , without my telling : Yet Poets have a right of Recording it to all Posterity . Dignum Laude Virum , Musa vetat Mori . Epaminondas , Lucullus , and the two first Caesars , were not esteem'd the worse Commanders , for having made Philosophy , and the Liberal Arts their Study . Cicero might have been their Equal , but that he wanted Courage . To have both these Vertues , and to have improv'd them both , with a softness of Manners , and a sweetness of Conversation , few of our Nobility can fill that Character : One there is , and so conspicuous by his own light , that he needs not Digito monstrari , & dicier Hic est . To be Nobly Born , and of an Ancient Family , is in the extreams of Fortune , either good or bad ; for Virtue and Descent are no Inheritance . A long Series of Ancestours shews the Native with great advantage at the first ; but if he any way degenerate from his Line , the least Spot is visible on Ermine . But to preserve this whiteness in its Original Purity , you , my Lord , have , like that Ermine , forsaken the common Track of Business , which is not always clean : You have chosen for your self a private Greatness , and will not be polluted with Ambition . It has been observ'd in former times , that none have been so greedy of Employments , and of managing the Publick , as they who have least deserv'd their Stations . But such only merit to be call'd Patriots , under whom we see their Country Flourish . I have laugh'd sometimes ( for who wou'd always be a Heraclitus ? ) when I have reflected on those Men , who from time to time have shot themselves into the World. I have seen many Successions of them ; some bolting out upon the Stage with vast applause , and others hiss'd off , and quitting it with disgrace . But while they were in action , I have constantly observ'd , that they seem'd desirous to retreat from Business : Greatness they said was nauseous , and a Crowd was troublesome ; a quiet privacy was their Ambition . Some few of them I believe said this in earnest , and were making a provision against future want , that they might enjoy their Age with ease : They saw the happiness of a private Life , and promis'd to themselves a Blessing , which every day it was in their power to possess . But they deferr'd it , and linger'd still at Court , because they thought they had not yet enough to make them happy : They wou'd have more , and laid in to make their Solitude Luxurious . A wretched Philosophy , which Epicurus never taught them in his Garden : They lov'd the prospect of this quiet in reversion , but were not willing to have it in possession ; they wou'd first be Old , and made as sure of Health and Life , as if both of them were at their dispose . But put them to the necessity of a present choice , and they preferr'd continuance in Power : Like the Wretch who call'd Death to his assistance , but refus'd it when he came . The Great Scipio was not of their Opinion , who indeed sought Honours in his Youth , and indur'd the Fatigues with which he purchas'd them . He serv'd his Country when it was in need of his Courage and his Conduct , 'till he thought it was time to serve himself : But dismounted from the Saddle , when he found the Beast which bore him , began to grow restiff and ungovernable . But your Lordship has given us a better Example of Moderation . You saw betimes that Ingratitude is not confin'd to Commonwealths ; and therefore though you were form'd alike , for the greatest of Civil Employments , and Military Commands , yet you push'd not your Fortune to rise in either ; but contented your self with being capable , as much as any whosoever , of defending your Country with your Sword , or assisting it with your Counsel , when you were call'd . For the rest , the respect and love which was paid you , not only in the Province where you live , but generally by all who had the happiness to know you , was a wise Exchange for the Honours of the Court : A place of forgetfulness , at the best , for well deservers . 'T is necessary for the polishing of Manners , to have breath'd that Air , but 't is infectious even to the best Morals to live always in it . 'T is a dangerous Commerce , where an honest Man is sure at the first of being Cheated ; and he recovers not his Losses , but by learning to Cheat others . The undermining Smile becomes at length habitual ; and the drift of his plausible Conversation , is only to flatter one , that he may betray another . Yet 't is good to have been a looker on , without venturing to play ; that a Man may know false Dice another time , though he never means to use them . I commend not him who never knew a Court , but him who forsakes it because he knows it . A young Man deserves no praise , who out of melancholy Zeal leaves the World before he has well try'd it , and runs headlong into Religion . He who carries a Maidenhead into a Cloyster , is sometimes apt to lose it there , and to repent of his Repentance . He only is like to endure Austerities , who has already found the inconvenience of Pleasures . For almost every Man will be making Experiments in one part or another of his Life : And the danger is the less when we are young : For having try'd it early , we shall not be apt to repeat it afterwards . Your Lordship therefore may properly be said to have chosen a Retreat ; and not to have chosen it 'till you had maturely weigh'd the advantages of rising higher with the hazards of the fall . Res non parta labore , sed relicta , was thought by a Poet , to be one of the requisites to a happy Life . Why shou'd a reasonable Man put it into the power of Fortune to make him miserable , when his Ancestours have taken care to release him from her ? Let him venture , says Horace , Qui Zonam perdidit . He who has nothing , plays securely , for he may win , and cannot be poorer if he loses . But he who is born to a plentiful Estate , and is Ambitious of Offices at Court , sets a stake to Fortune , which she can seldom answer : If he gains nothing , he loses all , or part of what was once his own ; and if he gets , he cannot be certain but he may refund . In short , however he succeeds , 't is Covetousness that induc'd him first to play , and Covetousness is the undoubted sign of ill sense at bottom . The Odds are against him that he loses , and one loss may be of more consequence to him , than all his former winnings . 'T is like the present War of the Christians against the Turk ; every year they gain a Victory , and by that a Town ; but if they are once defeated , they lose a Province at a blow , and endanger the safety of the whole Empire . You , my Lord , enjoy your quiet in a Garden , where you have not only the leisure of thinking , but the pleasure to think of nothing which can discompose your Mind . A good Conscience is a Port which is Land-lock'd on every side , and where no Winds can possibly invade , no Tempests can arise . There a Man may stand upon the Shore , and not only see his own Image , but that of his Maker , clearly reflected from the undisturb'd and silent waters . Reason was intended for a Blessing , and such it is to Men of Honour and Integrity ; who desire no more , than what they are able to give themselves ; like the happy Old Coricyan , whom my Author describes in his Fourth Georgic ; whose Fruits and Salads on which he liv'd contented , were all of his own growth , and his own Plantation . Virgil seems to think that the Blessings of a Country Life are not compleat , without an improvement of Knowledge by Contemplation and Reading . O Fortunatos nimium , bona si sua norint Agricolas ! 'T is but half possession not to understand that happiness which we possess : A foundation of good Sense , and a cultivation of Learning , are requir'd to give a seasoning to Retirement , and make us taste the blessing . God has bestow'd on your Lordship the first of these , and you have bestow'd on your self the second . Eden was not made for Beasts , though they were suffer'd to live in it , but for their Master , who studied God in the Works of his Creation . Neither cou'd the Devil have been happy there with all his Knowledge , for he wanted Innocence to make him so . He brought Envy , Malice , and Ambition into Paradise , which sour'd to him the sweetness of the Place . Wherever inordinate Affections are , 't is Hell. Such only can enjoy the Country , who are capable of thinking when they are there , and have left their Passions behind them in the Town . Then they are prepar'd for Solitude ; and in that Solitude is prepar'd for them Et secura quies , & nescia fallere vita . As I began this Dedication with a Verse of Virgil , so I conclude it with another . The continuance of your Health , to enjoy that Happiness which you so well deserve , and which you have provided for your self , is the sincere and earnest Wish of Your Lordship's most Devoted , and most Obedient Servant , JOHN DRYDEN . AN ESSAY ON THE GEORGICS . VIRGIL may be reckon'd the first who introduc'd three new kinds of Poetry among the Romans , which he Copied after three the Greatest Masters of Greece . Theocritus and Homer have still disputed for the advantage over him in Pastoral and Heroicks , but I think all are Unanimous in giving him the precedence to Hesiod in his Georgies . The truth of it is , the Sweetness and Rusticity of a Pastoral cannot be so well exprest in any other Tongue as in the Greek , when rightly mixt and qualified with the Doric Dialect ; nor can the Majesty of an Heroick Poem any where appear so well as in this Language , which has a Natural greatness in it , and can be often render'd more deep and sonorous by the Pronunciation of the Ionians . But in the middle Stile , where the Writers in both Tongues are on a Level : we see how far Virgil has excell'd all who have written in the same way with him . There has been abundance of Criticism spent on Virgil's Pastorals and Aeneids , but the Georgics are a Subject which none of the Criticks have sufficiently taken into their Consideration ; most of 'em passing it over in silence , or casting it under the same head with Pastoral ; a division by no means proper , unless we suppose the Stile of a Husbandman ought to be imitated in a Georgic as that of a Shepherd is in Pastoral . But tho' the Scene of both these Poems lies in the same place ; the Speakers in them are of a quite different Character , since the Precepts of Husbandry are not to be deliver'd with the simplicity of a Plow-Man , but with the Address of a Poet. No Rules therefore that relate to Pastoral , can any way affect the Georgics , which fall under that Class of Poetry which consists in giving plain and direct Instructions to the Reader ; whether they be Moral Duties , as those of Theognis and Pythagoras ; or Philosophical Speculations , as those of Aratus and Lucretius ; or Rules of Practice , as those of Hesiod and Virgil. Among these different kinds of Subjects , that which the Georgics goes upon , is I think the meanest and the least improving , but the most pleasing and delightful . Precepts of Morality , besides the Natural Corruption of our Tempers , which makes us averse to them , are so abstracted from Ideas of Sense , that they seldom give an opportunity for those Beautiful Descriptions and Images which are the Spirit and Life of Poetry . Natural Philosophy has indeed sensible Objects to work upon , but then it often puzzles the Reader with the Intricacy of its Notions , and perplexes him with the multitude of its Disputes . But this kind of Poetry I am now speaking of , addresses it self wholly to the Imagination : It is altogether Conversant among the Fields and Woods , and has the most delightful part of Nature for its Province . It raises in our Minds a pleasing variety of Scenes and Landskips , whilst it teaches us : and makes the dryest of its Precepts look like a Description . A Georgic therefore is some part of the Science of Husbandry put into a pleasing Dress , and set off with all the Beauties and Embellishments of Poetry . Now since this Science of Husbandry is of a very large extent , the Poet shews his Skill in singling out such Precepts to preceed on , as are useful , and at the same time most capable of Ornament . Virgil was so well acquainted with this Secret , that to set off his first Georgic , he has run into a set of Precepts , which are almost foreign to his Subject , in that Beautiful account he gives us of the Signs in Nature , which precede the Changes of the Weather . And if there be so much Art in the choice of fit Precepts , there is much more requir'd in the Treating of 'em ; that they may fall in after each other by a Natural unforc'd Method , and shew themselves in the best and most advantagious Light. They shou'd all be so finely wrought together into the same Piece , that no course Seam may discover where they joyn ; as in a Curious Brede of Needle-Work , one Colour falls away by such just degrees , and another rises so insensibly , that we see the variety , without being able to distinguish the total vanishing of the one from the first appearance of the other . Nor is it sufficient to range and dispose this Body of Precepts into a clear and easie Method , unless they are deliver'd to us in the most pleasing and agreeable manner : For there are several ways of conveying the same Truth to the Mind of Man , and to chuse the pleasantest of these ways , is that which chiefly distinguishes Poetry from Prose , and makes Virgil's Rules of Husbandry pleasanter to read than Varro's . Where the Prose-writer tells us plainly what ought to be done , the Poet often conceals the Precept in a description , and represents his Country-Man performing the Action in which he wou'd instruct his Reader . Where the one sets out as fully and distinctly as he can , all the parts of the Truth , which he wou'd communicate to us ; the other singles out the most pleasing Circumstance of this Truth , and so conveys the whole in a more diverting manner to the Understanding . I shall give one Instance out of a multitude of this nature , that might be found in the Georgics , where the Reader may see the different ways Virgil has taken to express the same thing , and how much pleasanter every manner of Expression is , than the plain and direct mention of it wou'd have been . It is in the Second Georgic where he tells us what Trees will bear Grafting on each other . Et saepe alterius ramos impune videmus , Vertere in alterius , mutatamque ; insita mala Ferre pyrum , & prunis lapidosa rubescere corna . — Steriles Platani malos gessere valentes , Castaneae fagos , ornusque ; incanuit albo Flore pyri : Glandemque ; sues fregere sub ulmis . — Nec longum tempus : & ingens Exijt ad Coelum ramis felicibus arbos ; Miraturque novas frondes , & non sua poma . Here we see the Poet consider'd all the Effects of this Union between Trees of different kinds , and took notice of that Effect which had the most surprize , and by consequence the most delight in it , to express the capacity that was in them of being thus united . This way of Writing is every where much in use among the Poets , and is particularly practis'd by Virgil , who loves to suggest a Truth indirectly , and without giving us a full and open view of it : To let us see just so much as will naturally lead the Imagination into all the parts that lie conceal'd . This is wonderfully diverting to the Understanding , thus to receive a Precept , that enters as it were through a By-way , and to apprehend an Idea that draws a whole train after it : For here the Mind , which is always delighted with its own Discoveries , only takes the hint from the Poet , and seems to work out the rest by the strength of her own faculties . But since the inculcating Precept upon Precept , will at length prove tiresom to the Reader , if he meets with no other Entertainment , the Poet must take care not to encumber his Poem with too much Business ; but sometimes to relieve the Subject with a Moral Reflection , or let it rest a while for the sake of a pleasant and pertinent digression . Nor is it sufficient to run out into beautiful and diverting digressions ( as it is generally thought ) unless they are brought in aptly , and are something of a piece with the main design of the Georgic : for they ought to have a remote alliance at least to the Subject , that so the whole Poem may be more uniform and agreeable in all its parts . We shou'd never quite lose sight of the Country , tho' we are sometimes entertain'd with a distant prospect of it . Of this nature are Virgil's Descriptions of the Original of Agriculture , of the Fruitfulness of Italy , of a Country Life , and the like , which are not brought in by force , but naturally rise out of the principal Argument and Design of the Poem . I know no one digression in the Georgics that may seem to contradict this Observation , besides that in the latter end of the First Book , where the Poet launches out into a discourse of the Battel of Pharsalia , and the Actions of Augustus : But it 's worth while to consider how admirably he has turn'd the course of his narration into its proper Channel , and made his Husbandman concern'd even in what relates to the Battel , in those inimitable Lines , Scilicet & tempus veniet , cum finibus illis Agricola in curvo terram molitus aratro , Exesa inveniet scabra rubigine pila : Aut gravibus rastris galeas pulsabit inanes , Grandiaque effossis mirabitur ossa sepulchris . And afterwards speaking of Augustus's Actions , he still remembers that Agriculture ought to be some way hinted at throughout the whole Poem . — Non ullus Aratro Dignus honos : squalent abductis arva colonis : Et curvae rigidum falces conflantur in Ensem . We now come to the Stile which is proper to a Georgic ; and indeed this is the part on which the Poet must lay out all his strength , that his words may be warm and glowing , and that every thing he describes may immediately present it self , and rise up to the Reader 's view . He ought in particular to be careful of not letting his Subject debase his Stile , and betray him into a meanness of Expression , but every where to keep up his Verse in all the Pomp of Numbers , and Dignity of words . I think nothing which is a Phrase or Sayingin common talk , shou'd be admitted into a serious Poem : because it takes off from the Solemnity of the expression , and gives it too great a turn of Familiarity : much less ought the low Phrases and Terms of Art , that are adapted to Husbandry , have any place in such a Work as the Georgic , which is not to appear in the natural simplicity and nakedness of its Subject , but in the pleasantest Dress that Poetry can bestow on it . Thus Virgil , to deviate from the common form of words , wou'd not make use of Tempore but Sidere in his first Verse , and every where else abounds with Metaphors , Grecisms , and Circumlocutions , to give his Verse the greater Pomp , and preserve it from sinking into a Plebeian Stile . And herein consists Virgil's Master-piece , who has not only excell'd all other Poets , but even himself in the Language of his Georgics ; where we receive more strong and lively Ideas of things from his words , than we cou'd have done from the Objects themselves : and find our Imaginations more affected by his Descriptions , than they wou'd have been by the very sight of what he describes . I shall now , after this short Scheme of Rules , consider the different success that Hesiod and Virgil have met with in this kind of Poetry , which may give us some further Notion of the Excellence of the Georgics . To begin with Hesiod ; If we may guess at his Character from his Writings , he had much more of the Husbandman than the Poet in his Temper : He was wonderfully Grave , Discreet , and Frugal , he liv'd altogether in the Country , and was probably for his great Prudence the Oracle of the whole Neighbourhood . These Principles of good Husbandry ran through his Works , and directed him to the choice of Tillage , and Merchandise , for the Subject of that which is the most Celebrated of them . He is every where bent on Instruction , avoids all manner of Digressions , and does not stir out of the Field once in the whole Georgic . His Method in describing Month after Month with its proper Seasons and Employments , is too grave and fimple ; it takes off from the surprize and variety of the Poem , and makes the whole look but like a modern Almanack in Verse . The Reader is carried through a course of Weather , and may beforehand guess whether he is to meet with Snow or Rain , Clouds or Sunshine in the next Description . His Descriptions indeed have abundance of Nature in them , but then it is Nature in her simplicity and undress . Thus when he speaks of January ; the Wild-Beasts , says he , run shivering through the Woods with their Heads stooping to the ground , and their Tails clapt between their Legs ; the Goats and Oxen are almost flead with Cold ; but it is not so bad with the Sheep , because they have a thick Coat of Wooll about ' em . The Old Men too are bitterly pincht with the Weather , but the young Girls feel nothing of it , who sit at home with their Mothers by a warm Fire-side . Thus does the Old Gentleman give himself up to a loose kind of Tattle , rather than endeavour after a just Poetical Description . Nor has he shewn more of Art or Judgment in the Precepts he has given us , which are sown so very thick , that they clog the Poem too much , and are often so minute and full of Circumstances , that they weaken and un-nerve his Verse . But after all , we are beholding to him for the first rough sketch of a Georgic : where we may still discover something venerable in the Antickness of the Work ; but if we wou'd see the Design enlarg'd , the Figures reform'd , the Colouring laid on , and the whole Piece finish'd , we must expect it from a greater Master's hand . Virgil has drawn out the Rules for Tillage and Planting into Two Books , which Hesiod has dispatcht in half a one ; but has so rais'd the natural rudeness and simplicity of his Subject with such a significancy of Expression , such a Pomp of Verse , such variety of Transitions , and such a solemn Air in his Reflections , that if we look on both Poets together , we see in one the plainness of a down-right Country-Man , and in the other , something of a Rustick Majesty , like that of a Roman Dictator at the Plow-Tail . He delivers the meanest of his Precepts with a kind of Grandeur , he breaks the Clods and tosses the Dung about with an air of gracefulness . His Prognostications of the Weather are taken out of Aratus , where we may see how judiciously he has pickt out those that are most proper for his Husbandman's Observation ; how he has enforc'd the Expression , and heighten'd the Images which he found in the Original . The Second Book has more wit in it , and a greater boldness in its Metaphors than any of the rest . The Poet with a great Beauty applies Oblivion , Ignorance , Wonder , Desire and the like to his Trees . The last Georgic has indeed as many Metaphors , but not so daring as this ; for Humane Thoughts and Passions may be more naturally ascrib'd to a Bee , than to an Inanimate Plant. He who reads over the Pleasures of a Country Life , as they are describ'd by Virgil in the latter end of this Book , can scarce be of Virgil's Mind , in preferring even the Life of a Philosopher to it . We may I think read the Poet's Clime in his Description , for he seems to have been in a sweat at the Writing of it . — O Quis me gelidis sub Montibus Haemi Sistat , & ingenti ramorum protegat umbr â ! And is every where mentioning among his chief Pleasures , the coolness of his Shades and Rivers , Vales and Grottos , which a more Northern Poet wou'd have omitted for the description of a Sunny Hill , and Fire-side . The Third Georgic seems to be the most labour'd of 'em all ; there is a wonderful Vigour and Spirit in the description of the Horse and Chariot-Race . The force of Love is represented in Noble Instances , and very Sublime Expressions . The Scythian Winter-piece appears so very cold and bleak to the Eye , that a Man can scarce look on it without shivering . The Murrain at the end has all the expressiveness that words can give . It was here that the Poet strain'd hard to out-do Lucretius in the description of his Plague ; and if the Reader wou'd see what success he had , he may find it at large in Scaliger . But Virgil seems no where so well pleas'd , as when he is got among his Bees in the Fourth Georgic : And Ennobles the Actions of so trivial a Creature , with Metaphors drawn from the most important Concerns of Mankind . His Verses are not in a greater noise and hurry in the Battels of Aeneas and Turnus , than in the Engagement of two Swarms . And as in his Aeneis he compares the Labours of his Trojans to those of Bees and Pismires , here he compares the Labours of the Bees to those of the Cyclops . In short , the last Georgic was a good Prelude to the Aeneis ; and very well shew'd what the Poet could do in the description of what was really great , by his describing the Mock-grandeur of an Insect with so good a grace . There is more pleasantness in the little Platform of a Garden , which he gives us about the middle of this Book , than in all the spacious Walks and Water-works of Rapin's . The Speech of Proteus at the end can never be enough admir'd , and was indeed very fit to conclude so Divine a Work. After this particular account of the Beauties in the Georgics , I shou'd in the next place endeavour to point out its imperfections , if it has any . But tho' I think there are some few parts in it that are not so Beautiful as the rest , I shall not presume to name them , as rather suspecting my own Judgment , than I can believe a fault to be in that Poem , which lay so long under Virgil's Correction , and had his last hand put to it . The first Georgic was probably Burlesqu'd in the Author's Life-time ; for we still find in the Scholiasts a Verse that ridicules part of a Line Translated from Hesiod . Nudus Ara , sere Nudus — And we may easily guess at the Judgment of this extraordinary Critick , whoever he was , from his Censuring this particular Precept . We may be sure Virgil wou'd not have Translated it from Hesiod , had he not discover'd some Beauty in it ; and indeed the Beauty of it is what I have before observ'd to be frequently met with in Virgil , the delivering the Precept so indirectly , and singling out the particular circumstance of Sowing and Plowing naked , to suggest to us that these Employments are proper only in the hot Season of the Year . I shall not here compare the Stile of the Georgics with that of Lucretius , which the Reader may see already done in the Preface to the Second Volume of Miscellany Poems ; but shall conclude this Poem to be the most Compleat , Elaborate , and finisht Piece of all Antiquity . The Aeneis indeed is of a Nobler kind , but the Georgic is more perfect in its kind . The Aeneid has a greater variety of Beauties in it , but those of the Georgic are more exquisite . In short , the Georgic has all the perfection that can be expected in a Poem written by the greatest Poet in the Flower of his Age , when his Invention was ready , his Imagination warm , his Judgment settled , and all his Faculties in their full Vigour and Maturity . Virgil's Georgics . The First Book of the Georgics . The Argument . The Poet , in the beginning of this Book , propounds the general Design of each Georgic : And after a solemn Invocation of all the Gods who are any way related to his Subject , he addresses himself in particular to Augustus , whom he complements with Divinity ; and after strikes into his Business . He shews the different kinds of Tillage proper to different Soils , traces out the Original of Agriculture , gives a Catalogue of the Husbandman's Tools , specifies the Employments pecultar to each Season , describes the changes of the Weather , with the Signs in Heaven and Earth that fore-bode them . Instances many of the Prodigies that happen'd near the time of Julius Caesar 's Death . And shuts up all with a Supplication to the Gods for the Safety of Augustus , and the Prefervation of Rome . To S r Thomas Trevor of the Inner Temple Knight His Majestys Attorny Generall . Geor : 1 L. 1 ▪ WHat makes a plenteous Harvest , when to turn The fruitful Soil , and when to sowe the Corn ; The Care of Sheep , of Oxen , and of Kine ; And how to raise on Elms the teeming Vine : The Birth and Genius of the frugal Bee , I sing , Mecaenas , and I sing to thee . Ye Deities ! who Fields and Plains protect , Who rule the Seasons , and the Year direct ; Bacchus and fost'ring Ceres , Pow'rs Divine , Who gave us Corn for Mast , for Water Wine . Ye Fawns , propitious to the Rural Swains , Ye Nymphs that haunt the Mountains and the Plains , Join in my Work , and to my Numbers bring Your needful Succour , for your Gifts I sing . And thou , whose Trident struck the teeming Earth , And made a Passage for the Coursers Birth . And thou , for whom the Caean Shore sustains Thy Milky Herds , that graze the Flow'ry Plains . And thou , the Shepherds tutelary God , Leave , for a while , O Pan ! thy lov'd Abode : And , if Arcadian Fleeces be thy Care , From Fields and Mountains to my Song repair . Inventor , Pallas , of the fat'ning Oyl , Thou Founder of the Plough and Plough-man's Toyl ; And thou , whose Hands the Shrowd-like Cypress rear ; Come all ye Gods and Goddesses , that wear The rural Honours , and increase the Year . You , who supply the Ground with Seeds of Grain ; And you , who swell those Seeds with kindly Rain : And chiefly thou , whose undetermin'd State Is yet the Business of the Gods Debate : Whether in after Times to be declar'd The Patron of the World , and Rome's peculiar Guard , Or o're the Fruits and Seasons to preside , And the round Circuit of the Year to guide . Pow'rful of Blessings , which thou strew'st around , And with thy Goddess Mother's Myrtle crown'd . Or wilt thou , Caesar , chuse the watry Reign , To smooth the Surges , and correct the Main ? Then Mariners , in Storms , to thee shall pray , Ev'n utmost Thule shall thy Pow'r obey ; And Neptune shall resign the Fasces of the Sea. The wat'ry Virgins for thy Bed shall strive , And Tethys all her Waves in Dowry give . Or wilt thou bless our Summers with thy Rays , And seated near the Ballance , poise the Days : Where in the Void of Heav'n a Space is free , Betwixt the Scorpion and the Maid for thee . The Scorpion ready to receive thy Laws , Yields half his Region , and contracts his Claws . Whatever part of Heav'n thou shalt obtain , For let not Hell presume of such a Reign ; Nor let so dire a Thirst of Empire move Thy Mind , to leave thy Kindred Gods above . Tho' Greece admires Elysium's blest Retreat , Tho' Proserpine affects her silent Seat , And importun'd by Ceres to remove , Prefers the Fields below to those above . But thou , propitious Caesar , guide my Course , And to my bold Endeavours add thy Force . Pity the Poet 's and the Ploughman's Cares , Int'rest thy Greatness in our mean Affairs , And use thy self betimes to hear our Pray'rs . While yet the Spring is young , while Earth unbinds Her frozen Bosom to the Western Winds ; While Mountain Snows dissolve against the Sun , And Streams , yet new , from Precipices run . Ev'n in this early Dawning of the Year , Produce the Plough , and yoke the sturdy Steer , And goad him till he groans beneath his Toil , 'Till the bright Share is bury'd in the Soil . That Crop rewards the greedy Peasant's Pains , Which twice the Sun , and twice the Cold sustains , And bursts the crowded Barns , with more than promis'd Gains . But e're we stir the yet unbroken Ground , The various Course of Seasons must be found ; The Weather , and the setting of the Winds , The Culture suiting to the sev'ral Kinds Of Seeds and Plants ; and what will thrive and rise , And what the Genius of the Soil denies . This Ground with Bacchus , that with Ceres suits : That other loads the Trees with happy Fruits . A fourth with Grass , unbidden , decks the Ground : Thus Tmolus is with yellow Saffron crown'd : India , black Ebon and white Ivory bears : And soft Idume weeps her od'rous Tears . Thus Pontus sends her Beaver Stones from far ; And naked Spanyards temper Steel for War. Epirus for th' Elean Chariot breeds , ( In hopes of Palms , ) a Race of running Steeds . This is the Orig'nal Contract ; these the Laws Impos'd by Nature , and by Nature's Cause , On sundry Places , when Deucalion hurl'd his Mother's Entrails on the desart World : Whence Men , a hard laborious Kind , were born . Then borrow part of Winter for thy Corn ; And early with thy Team the Gleeb in Furrows turn . That while the Turf lies open , and unbound , Succeeding Suns may bake the Mellow Ground . But if the Soil be barren , only scar The Surface , and but lightly print the Share , When cold Arcturus rises with the Sun : Lest wicked Weeds the Corn shou'd over-run In watry Soils ; or lest the barren Sand Shou'd suck the Moisture from the thirsty Land. Both these unhappy Soils the Swain forbears , And keeps a Sabbath of alternate Years : That the spent Earth may gather heart again ; And , better'd by Cessation , bear the Grain . At least where Vetches , Pulse , and Tares have stood , And Stalks of Lupines grew ( a stubborn Wood : ) Th' ensuing Season , in return , may bear The bearded product of the Golden Year . For Flax and Oats will burn the tender Field , And sleepy Poppies harmful Harvests yield . But sweet Vicissitudes of Rest and Toyl Make easy Labour , and renew the Soil . Yet sprinkle sordid Ashes all around , And load with fat'ning Dung thy fallow Ground . Thus change of Seeds for meagre Soils is best ; And Earth manur'd , not idle , though at rest . Long Practice has a sure Improvement found , With kindled Fires to burn the barren Ground ; When the light Stubble , to the Flames resign'd , Is driv'n along , and crackles in the Wind. Whether from hence the hollow Womb of Earth Is warm'd with secret Strength for better Birth , Or when the latent Vice is cur'd by Fire , Redundant Humours thro' the Pores expire ; Or that the Warmth distends the Chinks , and makes New Breathings , whence new Nourishment she takes ; Or that the Heat the gaping Ground constrains , New Knits the Surface , and new Strings the Veins ; Lest soaking Show'rs shou'd pierce her secret Seat , Or freezing Boreas chill her genial Heat ; Or scorching Suns too violently beat . Nor is the Profit small , the Peasant makes ; Who smooths with Harrows , or who pounds with Rakes The crumbling Clods : Nor Ceres from on high Regards his Labours with a grudging Eye ; Nor his , who plows across the furrow'd Grounds , And on the Back of Earth inflicts new Wounds : For he with frequent Exercise Commands Th' unwilling Soil , and tames the stubborn Lands . Ye Swains , invoke the Pow'rs who rule the Sky , For a moist Summer , and a Winter dry : For Winter drout rewards the Peasant's Pain , And broods indulgent on the bury'd Grain . Hence Mysia boasts her Harvests , and the tops Of Gargarus admire their happy Crops . When first the Soil receives the fruitful Seed , Make no delay , but cover it with speed : So fenc'd from Cold ; the plyant Furrows break , Before the surly Clod resists the Rake . And call the Floods from high , to rush amain With pregnant Streams , to swell the teeming Grain . Then when the fiery Suns too fiercely play , And shrivell'd Herbs on with'ring Stems decay , The wary Ploughman , on the Mountain's Brow , Undams his watry Stores , huge Torrents flow ; And , ratling down the Rocks , large moisture yield , Temp'ring the thirsty Fever of the Field . And lest the Stem , too feeble for the freight , Shou'd scarce sustain the head 's unweildy weight , Sends in his feeding Flocks betimes t' invade The rising bulk of the luxuriant Blade ; E're yet th' aspiring Off-spring of the Grain O'retops the ridges of the furrow'd Plain : And drains the standing Waters , when they yield Too large a Bev'rage to the drunken Field . But most in Autumn , and the show'ry Spring , When dubious Months uncertain weather bring ; When Fountains open , when impetuous Rain Swells hasty Brooks , and pours upon the Plain ; When Earth with Slime and Mud is cover'd o're , Or hollow places spue their wat'ry Store . Nor yet the Ploughman , nor the lab'ring Steer , Sustain alone the hazards of the Year : But glutton Geese , and the Strymonian Crane , With foreign Troops , invade the tender Grain : And tow'ring Weeds malignant Shadows yield ; And spreading Succ'ry choaks the rising Field . The Sire of Gods and Men , with hard Decrees , Forbids our Plenty to be bought with Ease : And wills that Mortal Men , inur'd to toil , Shou'd exercise , with pains , the grudging Soil . Himself invented first the shining Share , And whetted Humane Industry by Care : Himself did Handy-Crafts and Arts ordain ; Nor suffer'd Sloath to rust his active Reign . E're this , no Peasant vex'd the peaceful Ground ; Which only Turfs and Greens for Altars found : No Fences parted Fields , nor Marks nor Bounds Distinguish'd Acres of litigious Grounds : But all was common , and the fruitful Earth Was free to give her unexacted Birth . Jove added Venom to the Viper's Brood , And swell'd , with raging Storms , the peaceful Flood : Commission'd hungry Wolves t' infest the Fold , And shook from Oaken Leaves the liquid Gold. Remov'd from Humane reach the chearful Fire , And from the Rivers bade the Wine retire : That studious Need might useful Arts explore ; From furrow'd Fields to reap the foodful Store : And force the Veins of clashing Flints t' expire The lurking Seeds of their Coelestial Fire . Then first on Seas the hollow'd Alder swam ; Then Sailers quarter'd Heav'n , and found a Name For ev'ry fix'd and ev'ry wandring Star : The Pleiads , Hyads , and the Northern Car. Then Toils for Beasts , and Lime for Birds were found , And deep-mouth Dogs did Forrest Walks surround : And casting Nets were spread in shallow Brooks , Drags in the Deep , and Baits were hung on Hooks . Then Saws were tooth'd , and sounding Axes made ; ( For Wedges first did yielding Wood invade . ) And various Arts in order did succeed , ( What cannot endless Labour urg'd by need ? ) First Ceres taught , the Ground with Grain to sow , And arm'd with Iron Shares the crooked Plough ; When now Dodonian Oaks no more supply'd Their Mast , and Trees their Forrest-fruit deny'd . Soon was his Labour doubl'd to the Swain , And blasting Mildews blackned all his Grain . Tough Thistles choak'd the Fields , and kill'd the Corn , And an unthrifty Crop of Weeds was born . Then Burrs and Brambles , an unbidden Crew Of graceless Guests , th' unhappy Field subdue : And Oats unblest , and Darnel domineers , And shoots its head above the shining Ears . So that unless the Land with daily Care Is exercis'd , and with an Iron War , Of Rakes and Harrows , the proud Foes expell'd , And Birds with clamours frighted from the Field ; Unless the Boughs are lopp'd that shade the Plain , And Heav'n invok'd with Vows for fruitful Rain , On other Crops you may with envy look , And shake for Food the long abandon'd Oak . Nor must we pass untold what Arms they wield , Who labour Tillage and the furrow'd Field : Without whose aid the Ground her Corn denys , And nothing can be sown , and nothing rise . The crooked Plough , the Share , the towr'ing height Of Waggons , and the Cart's unweildy weight ; The Sled , the Tumbril , Hurdles and the Flail , The Fan of Bacchus , with the flying Sail. These all must be prepar'd , if Plowmen hope The promis'd Blessing of a Bounteous Crop. Young Elms with early force in Copses bow , Fit for the Figure of the crooked Plough . To S r Iohn Hawles ▪ of Lincolns Inn in the County of Midlesex Kn t : His Majestyes Solicitor Gen ll : Geor. 1. L. 240. Of eight Foot long a fastned Beam prepare , On either side the Head produce an Ear , And sink a Socket for the shining Share . Of Beech the Plough-tail , and the bending Yoke ; Or softer Linden harden'd in the Smoke . I cou'd be long in Precepts , but I fear So mean a Subject might offend your Ear. Delve of convenient Depth your thrashing Floor ; With temper'd Clay , then fill and face it o're : And let the weighty Rowler run the round , To smooth the Surface of th' unequal Ground ; Lest crack'd with Summer Heats the flooring flies , Or sinks , and thro' the Crannies Weeds arise . For sundry Foes the Rural Realm surround : The Field Mouse builds her Garner under ground , For gather'd Grain the blind laborious Mole , In winding Mazes works her hidden Hole . In hollow Caverns Vermine make abode , The hissing Serpent , and the swelling Toad : The Corn devouring Weezel here abides , And the wise Ant her wintry Store provides . Mark well the flowring Almonds in the Wood ; If od'rous Blooms the bearing Branches load , The Glebe will answer to the Sylvan Reign , Great Heats will follow , and large Crops of Grain . But if a Wood of Leaves o're-shade the Tree , Such and so barren will thy Harvest be : In vain the Hind shall vex the thrashing Floor , For empty Chaff and Straw will be thy Store . Some steep their Seed , and some in Cauldrons boil With vigorous Nitre , and with Lees of Oyl , O're gentle Fires ; th' exuberant Juice to drain , And swell the flatt'ring Husks with fruitful Grain . Yet is not the Success for Years assur'd , Tho chosen is the Seed , and fully cur'd ; Unless the Peasant , with his Annual Pain , Renews his Choice , and culls the largest Grain . Thus all below , whether by Nature's Curse , Or Fates Decree , degen'rate still to worse . So the Boats brawny Crew the Current stem , And , slow advancing , struggle with the Stream : But if they slack their hands , or cease to strive , Then down the Flood with headlong haste they drive . Nor must the Ploughman less observe the Skies , When the Kidds , Dragon , and Arcturus rise , Than Saylors homeward bent , who cut their Way Thro' Helle's stormy Streights , and Oyster-breeding Sea. But when Astrea's Ballance , hung on high , Betwixt the Nights and Days divides the Sky , Then Yoke your Oxen , sow your Winter Grain ; 'Till cold December comes with driving Rain . Lineseed and fruitful Poppy bury warm , In a dry Season , and prevent the Storm . Sow Beans and Clover in a rotten Soyl , And Millet rising from your Annual Toyl ; When with his Golden Horns , in full Cariere , The Bull beats down the Barriers of the Year ; And Arg●s and the Dog forsake the Northern Sphere . But if your Care to Wheat alone extend , Let Maja with her Sisters first descend , And the bright Gnosian Diadem downward bend : Before you trust in Earth your future Hope ; Or else expect a listless lazy Crop. Some Swains have sown before , but most have found A husky Harvest , from the grudging Ground . Vile Vetches wou'd you sow , or Lentils lean , The Growth of Egypt , or the Kidney-bean ? Begin when the slow Waggoner descends , Nor cease your sowing till Mid-winter ends : For this , thro' twelve bright Signs Apollo guides The Year , and Earth in sev'ral Climes divides . Five Girdles bind the Skies , the torrid Zone Glows with the passing and repassing Sun. Far on the right and left , th' extreams of Heav'n , To Frosts and Snows , and bitter Blasts are giv'n . Betwixt the midst and these , the Gods assign'd Two habitable Seats for Humane Kind : And cross their limits cut a sloping way , Which the twelve Signs in beauteous order sway . Two Poles turn round the Globe ; one seen to rise O're Scythian Hills , and one in Lybian Skies . The first sublime in Heav'n , the last is whirl'd Below the Regions of the nether World. Around our Pole the spiry Dragon glides , And like a winding Stream the Bears divides ; The less and greater , who by Fates Decree Abhor to dive beneath the Southern Sea : There , as they say , perpetual Night is found In silence brooding on th' unhappy ground : Or when Aurora leaves our Northern Sphere , She lights the downward Heav'n , and rises there . And when on us she breaths the living Light , Red Vesper kindles there the Tapers of the Night . From hence uncertain Seasons we may know ; And when to reap the Grain , and when to sow : Or when to fell the Furzes , when 't is meet To spread the flying Canvass for the Fleet. Observe what Stars arise or disappear ; And the four Quarters of the rolling Year . But when cold Weather and continu'd Rain , The lab'ring Husband in his House restrain : Let him forecast his Work with timely care , Which else is huddl'd , when the Skies are fair : Then let him mark the Sheep , or whet the shining Share . Or hollow Trees for Boats , or number o're His Sacks , or measure his increasing Store : Or sharpen Stakes , or head the Forks , or twine The Sallow Twigs to tye the stragling Vine : Or wicker Baskets weave , or aire the Corn , Or grinded Grain betwixt two Marbles turn . No Laws , Divine or Human , can restrain From necessary Works , the lab'ring Swain . Ev'n Holy-days and Feasts permission yield , The Meads to water , and to fence the Field , To Fire the Brambles , snare the Birds , and steep In wholsom Water-falls the woolly Sheep . And oft the drudging Ass is driv'n , with Toyl , To neighb'ring Towns with Apples and with Oyl : Returning late , and loaden home with Gain Of barter'd Pitch , and Hand-mills for the Grain . The lucky Days , in each revolving Moon , For Labour chuse : The Fifth be sure to shun ; That gave the Furies and pale Pluto Birth , And arm'd , against the Skies , the Sons of Earth . With Mountains pil'd on Mountains , thrice they strove To scale the steepy Battlements of Jove : And thrice his Lightning and red Thunder play'd , And their demolish'd Works in Ruin laid . The Sev'nth is , next the Tenth , the best to joyn Young Oxen to the Yoke , and plant the Vine . Then Weavers stretch your Stays upon the Weft : The Ninth is good for Travel , bad for Theft . Some Works in dead of Night are better done ; Or when the Morning Dew prevents the Sun. To Joseph Jekyll of the middle Temple Esq Geo : 1. l. 390 Parch'd Meads and Stubble mow , by Phoebe's Light ; Which both require the Coolness of the Night : For Moisture then abounds , and Pearly Rains Descend in Silence to refresh the Plains . The Wife and Husband equally conspire , To work by Night , and rake the Winter Fire : He sharpens Torches in the glim'ring Room , She shoots the flying Shuttle through the Loom : Or boils in Kettles Must of Wine , and Skins With Leaves , the Dregs that overflow the Brims . And till the watchful Cock awakes the Day , She sings to drive the tedious hours away . But in warm Weather , when the Skies are clear , By Daylight reap the Product of the Year : And in the Sun your golden Grain display , And thrash it out , and winnow it by Day . Plough naked , Swain , and naked sow the Land , For lazy Winter numbs the lab'ring Hand . In Genial Winter , Swains enjoy their Store , Forget their Hardships , and recruit for more . The Farmer to full Bowls invites his Friends , And what he got with Pains , with Pleasure spends . So Saylors , when escap'd from stormy Seas , First crown their Vessels , then indulge their Ease . Yet that 's the proper Time to thrash the Wood For Mast of Oak , your Father 's homely Food . To gather Laurel-berries , and the Spoil Of bloody Myrtles , and to press your Oyl . For stalking Cranes to set the guileful Snare , T' inclose the Stags in Toyls , and hunt the Hare . With Balearick Slings , or Gnossian Bow , To persecute from far the flying Doe . Then , when the Fleecy Skies new cloath the Wood , And cakes of rustling Ice come rolling down the Flood . Now sing we stormy Stars , when Autumn weighs The Year , and adds to Nights , and shortens Days ; And Suns declining shine with feeble Rays : What Cares must then attend the toiling Swain ; Or when the low'ring Spring , with lavish Rain , Beats down the slender Stem and bearded Grain : While yet the Head is green , or lightly swell'd With Milky-moisture , over-looks the Field . Ev'n when the Farmer , now secure of Fear , Sends in the Swains to spoil the finish'd Year : Ev'n while the Reaper fills his greedy hands , And binds the golden Sheafs in brittle bands : Oft have I seen a sudden Storm arise , From all the warring Winds that sweep the Skies : The heavy Harvest from the Root is torn , And whirl'd aloft the lighter Stubble born ; With such a force the flying rack is driv'n ; And such a Winter wears the face of Heav'n : And oft whole sheets descend of slucy Rain , Suck'd by the spongy Clouds from off the Main : The lofty Skies at once come pouring down , The promis'd Crop and golden Labours drown . The Dykes are fill'd , and with a roaring sound The rising Rivers float the nether ground ; And Rocks the bellowing Voice of boiling Seas rebound . The Father of the Gods his Glory shrowds , Involv'd in Tempests , and a Night of Clouds . And from the middle Darkness flashing out , By fits he deals his fiery Bolts about . Earth feels the Motions of her angry God , Her Entrails tremble , and her Mountains nod ; And flying Beasts in Forests seek abode : Deep horrour seizes ev'ry Humane Breast , Their Pride is humbled , and their Fear confess'd : To Thomas Vernon of Hanbury in Worcester - Shire Esq Geo : 1 L 475 While he from high his rowling Thunder throws , And fires the Mountains with repeated blows : The Rocks are from their old Foundations rent ; The Winds redouble , and the Rains augment : The Waves on heaps are dash'd against the Shoar , And now the Woods , and now the Billows roar . In fear of this , observe the starry Signs , Where Saturn houses , and where Hermes joins . But first to Heav'n thy due Devotions pay , And Annual Gifts on Ceres Altars lay . When Winter's rage abates , when chearful Hours Awake the Spring , and Spring awakes the Flow'rs , On the green Turf thy careless Limbs display , And celebrate the mighty Mother's day . For then the Hills with pleasing Shades are crown'd , And Sleeps are sweeter on the silken Ground : With milder Beams the Sun securely shines ; Fat are the Lambs , and luscious are the Wines . Let ev'ry Swain adore her Pow'r Divine , And Milk and Honey mix with sparkling Wine : Let all the Quire of Clowns attend the Show , In long Procession , shouting as they go ; Invoking her to bless their yearly Stores , Inviting Plenty to their crowded Floors . Thus in the Spring , and thus in Summer's Heat , Before the Sickles touch the ripening Wheat , On Ceres call ; and let the lab'ring Hind With Oaken Wreaths his hollow Temples bind : On Ceres let him call , and Ceres praise , With uncouth Dances , and with Country Lays . And that by certain signs we may presage Of Heats and Rains , and Wind 's impetuous rage , The Sov'reign of the Heav'ns has set on high The Moon , to mark the Changes of the Skye : When Southern blasts shou'd cease , and when the Swain Shou'd near their Folds his feeding Flocks restrain . For e're the rising Winds begin to roar , The working Seas advance to wash the Shoar : Soft whispers run along the leavy Woods , And Mountains whistle to the murm'ring Floods : Ev'n then the doubtful Billows scarce abstain From the toss'd Vessel on the troubled Main : When crying Cormorants forsake the Sea , And stretching to the Covert wing their way : When sportful Coots run skimming o're the Strand ; When watchful Herons leave their watry Stand , And mounting upward , with erected flight , Gain on the Skyes , and soar above the sight . And oft before tempest'our Winds arise , The seeming Stars fall headlong from the Skies ; And , shooting through the darkness , guild the Night With sweeping Glories , and long trails of Light : And Chaff with eddy Winds is whirl'd around , And dancing Leaves are lifted from the Ground ; And floating Feathers on the Waters play . But when the winged Thunder takes his way From the cold North , and East and West ingage , And at their Frontiers meet with equal rage , The Clouds are crush'd , a glut of gather'd Rain The hollow Ditches fills , and floats the Plain , And Sailors furl their dropping Sheets amain . Wet weather seldom hurts the most unwise , So plain the Signs , such Prophets are the Skies : The wary Crane foresees it first , and sails Above the Storm , and leaves the lowly Vales : The Cow looks up , and from afar can find The change of Heav'n , and snuffs it in the Wind. The Swallow skims the River's watry Face , The Frogs renew the Croaks of their loquacious Race . The careful Ant her secret Cell forsakes , And drags her Egs along the narrow Tracks . At either Horn the Rainbow drinks the Flood , Huge Flocks of rising Rooks sorsake their Food , And , crying , seek the Shelter of the Wood. Besides , the sev'ral sorts of watry Fowls , That swim the Seas , or haunt the standing Pools : The Swans that sail along the Silver Flood , And dive with stretching Necks to search their Food . Then lave their Backs with sprinkling Dews in vain , And stem tke Stream to meet the promis'd Rain . The Crow with clam'rous Cries the Show'r demands , And single stalks along the Desart Sands . The nightly Virgin , while her Wheel she plies , Foresees the Storm impending in the Skies , When sparkling Lamps their sputt'ring Light advance , And in the Sockets Oyly Bubbles dance . Then after Show'rs , 't is easie to descry Returning Suns , and a serener Sky : The Stars shine smarter , and the Moon adorns , As with unborrow'd Beams , her sharpen'd Horns . The filmy Gossamer now flitts no more , Nor Halcyons bask on the short Sunny Shoar : Their Litter is not toss'd by Sows unclean , But a blue droughty Mist descends upon the Plain . And Owls , that mark the setting Sun , declare A Star-light Evening , and a Morning fair . Tow'ring aloft , avenging Nisus flies , While dar'd below the guilty Scylla lies . Where-ever frighted Scylla flies away , Swift Nisus follows , and pursues his Prey . Where injur'd Nisus takes his Airy Course , Thence trembling Scylla flies and shuns his Force . This punishment pursues th' unhappy Maid , And thus the purple Hair is dearly paid . Then , thrice the Ravens rend the liquid Air , And croaking Notes proclaim the settled fair . Then , round their Airy Palaces they fly , To greet the Sun ; and seis'd with secret Joy , When Storms are over-blown , with Food repair To their forsaken Nests , and callow Care. Not that I think their Breasts with Heav'nly Souls Inspir'd , as Man , who Destiny controls . But with the changeful Temper of the Skies , As Rams condense , and Sun-shine rarifies ; So turn the Species in their alter'd Minds , Compos'd by Calms , and disoompos'd by Winds . From hence proceeds the Birds harmonious Voice : From hence the Cows exult , and frisking Lambs rejoice . Observe the daily Circle of the Sun , And the short Year of each revolving Moon : By them thou shalt foresee the following day ; Nor shall a starry Night thy Hopes betray . When first the Moon appears , if then she shrouds Her silver Crescent , tip'd with sable Clouds ; Conclude she bodes a Tempest on the Main , And brews for Fields impetuous Floods of Rain . Or if her Face with fiery Flushing glow , Expect the ratling Winds aloft to blow . But four Nights old , ( for that 's the surest Sign , ) With sharpen'd Horns if glorious then she shine : Next Day , nor only that , but all the Moon , Till her revolving Race be wholly run ; Are void of Tempests , both by Land and Sea , And Saylors in the Port their promis'd Vow shall pay . Above the rest , the Sun , who never lies ; Foretels the change of Weather in the Skies : For if he rise , unwilling to his Race , Clouds on his Brows , and Spots upon his Face ; Or if thro' Mists he shoots his sullen Beams , Frugal of Light , in loose and stragling Streams : Suspect a drisling Day , with Southern Rain , Fatal to Fruits , and Flocks , and promis'd Grain . Or if Aurora , with half open'd Eyes , And a pale sickly Cheek , salute the Skies ; How shall the Vine , with tender Leaves , defend Her teeming Clusters , when the Storms descend ? When ridgy Roofs and Tiles can scarce avail , To barr the Ruin of the ratling Hail . But more than all , the setting Sun survey , When down the Steep of Heav'n he drives the Day . For oft we find him finishing his Race , With various Colours erring on his Face ; If fiery red his glowing Globe descends , High Winds and furious Tempests he portends . But if his Cheeks are swoln with livid blue , He bodes wet Weather by his watry Hue. If dusky Spots are vary'd on his Brow , And , streak'd with red , a troubl'd Colour show ; That sullen Mixture shall at once declare Winds , Rain , and Storms , and Elemental War : What desp'rate Madman then wou'd venture o're The Frith , or haul his Cables from the Shoar ? But if with Purple Rays he brings the Light , And a pure Heav'n resigns to quiet Night : No rising Winds , or falling Storms , are nigh : But Northern Breezes through the Forrest fly : And drive the rack , and purge the ruffl'd Sky . Th' unerring Sun by certain Signs declares , What the late Ev'n , or early Morn prepares : And when the South projects a stormy Day , And when the clearing North will puff the Clouds away . The Sun reveals the Secrets of the Sky ; And who dares give the Source of Light the Lye ? The change of Empires often he declares , Fierce Tumults , hidden Treasons , open Wars . He first the Fate of Caesar did foretel , And pity'd Rome , when Rome in Caesar fell . In Iron Clouds conceal'd the Publick Light : And Impious Mortals fear'd Eternal Night . Nor was the Fact foretold by him alone : Nature her self stood forth , and seconded the Sun. Earth , Air , and Seas , with Prodigies were sign'd , And Birds obscene , and howling Dogs divin'd . What Rocks did Aetna's bellowing Mouth expire From her torn Entrails ! and what Floods of Fire ! What Clanks were heard , in German Skies afar , Of Arms and Armies , rushing to the War ! Dire Earthquakes rent the solid Alps below , And from their Summets shook th' Eternal Snow . Pale Specters in the close of Night were seen ; And Voices heard of more than Mortal Men. In silent Groves , dumb Sheep and Oxen spoke ; And Streams ran backward , and their Beds forsook : The yawning Earth disclos'd th' Abyss of Hell : The weeping Statues did the Wars foretel ; And Holy Sweat from Brazen Idols fell . Then rising in his Might , the King of Floods , Rusht thro' the Forrests , tore the lofty Woods ; And rolling onward , with a sweepy Sway , Bore Houses , Herds , and lab'ring Hinds away . To William Dobyns of Lincolns Inn Esq. Geo 1 : 625. Blood sprang from Wells , Wolfs howl'd in Towns by Night , And boding Victims did the Priests affright . Such Peals of Thunder never pour'd from high ; Nor Light'ning flash'd from so serene a Sky . Red Meteors ran along th' Etherial Space ; Stars disappear'd , and Comets took their place . For this , th' Emathian Plains once more were strow'd With Roman Bodies , and just Heav'n thought good To fatten twice those Fields with Roman Blood. Then , after length of Time , the lab'ring Swains , Who turn the Turfs of those unhappy Plains , Shall rusty Piles from the plough'd Furrows take , And over empty Helmets pass the Rake . Amaz'd at Antick Titles on the Stones , And mighty Relicks of Gygantick Bones . Ye home-born Deities , of Mortal Birth ! Thou Father Romulus , and Mother Earth , Goddess unmov'd ! whose Guardian Arms extend O're Thuscan Tiber's Course , and Roman Tow'rs defend ; With youthful Caesar your joint Pow'rs ingage , Nor hinder him to save the sinking Age. O! let the Blood , already spilt , atone For the past Crimes of curst Laomedon ! Heav'n wants thee there , and long the Gods , we know , Have grudg'd thee , Caesar , to the World below . Where Fraud and Rapine , Right and Wrong confound ; Where impious Arms from ev'ry part resound , And monstrous Crimes in ev'ry Shape are crown'd . The peaceful Peasant to the Wars is prest ; The Fields lye fallow in inglorious Rest . The Plain no Pasture to the Flock affords , The crooked Scythes are streightned into Swords : And there Euphrates her soft Off-spring Arms , And here the Rhine rebellows with Alarms : The neighb'ring Cities range on sev'ral sides , Perfidious Mars long plighted Leagues divides , And o're the wasted World in Triumph rides . So four fierce Coursers starting to the Race , Scow'r thro' the Plain , and lengthen ev'ry Pace : Nor Reigns , nor Curbs , nor threat'ning Cries they fear , But force along the trembling Charioteer . The Second Book of the Georgics . The Argument . The Subject of the following Book is Planting . In handling of which Argument , the Poet shews all the different Methods of raising Trees : Describes their Variety ; and gives Rules for the management of each in particular . He then points out the Soils in which the several Plants thrive best : And thence takes occasion to run out into the Praises of Italy . After which he gives some Directions for discovering the Nature of every Soil ; prescribes Rules for the Dressing of Vines , Olives , &c. And concludes the Georgic with a Panegyric on a Country Life . To S r : William Bowyer Baronet of Denham Court in the County of Bucks . Geor : 2. L. 1. THus far of Tillage , and of Heav'nly Signs ; Now sing my Muse the growth of gen'rous Vines : The shady Groves , the Woodland Progeny , And the slow Product of Minerva's Tree . Great Father Bacchus ! to my Song repair ; For clustring Grapes are thy peculiar Care : For thee large Bunches load the bending Vine , And the last Blessings of the Year are thine . To thee his Joys the jolly Autumn owes , When the fermenting Juice the Vat o'reflows . Come strip with me , my God , come drench all o're Thy Limbs in Must of Wine , and drink at ev'ry Pore . Some Trees their birth to bounteous Nature owe : For some without the pains of Planting grow . With Osiers thus the Banks of Brooks abound , Sprung from the watry Genius of the Ground : From the same Principles grey Willows come ; Herculean Poplar , and the tender Broom . But some from Seeds inclos'd in Earth arise : For thus the mastful Chesnut mates the Skies . Hence rise the branching Beech and vocal Oke , Where Jove of old Oraculously spoke . Some from the Root a rising Wood disclose ; Thus Elms , and thus the salvage Cherry grows . Thus the green Bays , that binds the Poet's Brows , Shoots and is shelter'd by the Mother's Boughs . These ways of Planting , Nature did ordain , For Trees and Shrubs , and all the Sylvan Reign . Others there are , by late Experience found : Some cut the Shoots , and plant in furrow'd ground : Some cover rooted Stalks in deeper Mold : Some cloven Stakes , and ( wond'rous to behold , ) Their sharpen'd ends in Earth their footing place , And the dry Poles produce a living Race . Some bowe their Vines , which bury'd in the Plain , Their tops in distant Arches rise again . Others no Root require , the Lab'rer cuts Young Slips , and in the Soil securely puts . Ev'n Stumps of Olives , bar'd of Leaves , and dead , Revive , and oft redeem their wither'd head . 'T is usual now , an Inmate Graff to see , With Insolence invade a Foreign Tree : Thus Pears and Quinces from the Crabtree come ; And thus the ruddy Cornel bears the Plum. Then let the Learned Gard'ner mark with care The Kinds of Stocks , and what those Kinds will bear : Explore the Nature of each sev'ral Tree ; And known , improve with artful Industry : And let no spot of idle Earth be found , But cultivate the Genius of the Ground . For open Ismarus will Bacchus please ; Taburnus loves the shade of Olive Trees . The Virtues of the sev'ral Soils I sing , Mecaenas , now thy needful Succour bring ! O thou ! the better part of my Renown , Inspire thy Poet , and thy Poem crown : Embarque with me , while I new Tracts explore , With flying sails and breezes from the shore : Not that my song , in such a scanty space , So large a Subject fully can embrace : Not tho I were supply'd with Iron Lungs , A hundred Mouths , fill'd with as many Tongues : But steer my Vessel with a steady hand , And coast along the Shore in sight of Land. Nor will I tire thy Patience with a train Of Preface , or what ancient Poets feign . The Trees , which of themselves advance in Air , Are barren kinds , but strongly built and fair : Because the vigour of the Native Earth Maintains the Plant , and makes a Manly Birth . Yet these , receiving Graffs of other Kind , Or thence transplanted , change their salvage Mind : Their Wildness lose , and quitting Nature's part , Obey the Rules and Discipline of Art. The same do Trees , that , sprung from barren Roots In open fields , transplanted bear their Fruits . For where they grow the Native Energy Turns all into the Substance of the Tree , Starves and destroys the Fruit , is only made For brawny bulk , and for a barren shade . The Plant that shoots from Seed , a sullen Tree At leisure grows , for late Posterity ; The gen'rous flavour lost , the Fruits decay , And salvage Grapes are made the Birds ignoble prey . Much labour is requir'd in Trees , to tame Their wild disorder , and in ranks reclaim . Well must the ground be dig'd , and better dress'd , New Soil to make , and meliorate the rest . Old Stakes of Olive Trees in Plants revive ; By the same Methods Paphian Myrtles live : But nobler Vines by Propagation thrive . From Roots hard Hazles , and from Cyens rise Tall Ash , and taller Oak that mates the Skies : Palm , Poplar , Firr , descending from the Steep Of Hills , to try the dangers of the Deep . The thin-leav'd Arbute Hazle , graffs receives , And Planes huge Apples bear , that bore but Leaves . Thus Mastful Beech the bristly Chesnut bears , And the wild Ash is white with blooming Pears . And greedy Swine from grafted Elms are fed , With falling Acorns , that on Oaks are bred . But various are the ways to change the state Of Plants , to Bud , to Graff , t' Inoculate . For where the tender Rinds of Trees disclose Their shooting Gems , a swelling Knot there grows ; Just in that space a narrow Slit we make , Then other Buds from bearing Trees we take : Inserted thus , the wounded Rind we close , In whose moist Womb th' admitted Infant grows . But when the smoother Bole from Knots is free , We make a deep Incision in the Tree ; And in the solid Wood the Slip inclose , The bat'ning Bastard shoots again and grows : And in short space the laden Boughs arise , With happy Fruit advancing to the Skies . The Mother Plant admires the Leaves unknown , Of Alien Trees , and Apples not her own . Of vegetable Woods are various Kinds , And the same Species are of sev'ral Minds . Lotes , Willows , Elms , have diff'rent Forms allow'd , So fun'ral Cypress rising like a Shrowd . To Gilbert Dolbin of Thindon in Northampton-Shire Esq Geo : 2 L ▪ 145. Fat Olive Trees of sundry Sorts appear : Of sundry Shapes their unctuous Berries bear . Radij long Olives , Orchit's round produce , And bitter Pausia , pounded for the Juice . Alcinous Orchard various Apples bears : Unlike are Bergamotes and pounder Pears . Nor our Italian Vines produce the Shape , Or Tast , or Flavour of the Lesbian Grape . The Thasian Vines in richer Soils abound , The Mareotique grow in barren Ground . The Psythian Grape we dry : Lagaean Juice , Will stamm'ring Tongues , and stagg'ring Feet produce . Rathe ripe are some , and some of later kind , Of Golden some , and some of Purple Rind . How shall I praise the Raethean Grape divine , Which yet contends not with Falernian Wine ! Th' Aminean many a Consulship survives , And longer than the Lydian Vintage lives ? Or high Phanaeus King of Chian growth : But for large quantities , and lasting both , The less Argitis bears the Prize away . The Rhodian , sacred to the Solemn Day , In second Services is pour'd to Jove ; And best accepted by the Gods above . Nor must Bumastus his old Honours lose , In length and largeness like the Dugs of Cows . I pass the rest , whose ev'ry Race and Name , And Kinds , are less material to my Theme . Which who wou'd learn , as soon may tell the Sands , Driv'n by the Western Wind on Lybian Lands . Or number , when the blust'ring Eurus roars , The Billows beating on Ionian Shoars . Nor ev'ry Plant on ev'ry Soil will grow ; The Sallow loves the watry Ground , and low . The Marshes , Alders ; Nature seems t'ordain The rocky Cliff for the wild Ashe's reign : The baleful Yeugh to Northern Blasts assigns ; To Shores the Myrtles , and to Mounts the Vines . Regard th' extremest cultivated Coast , From hot Arabia to the Scythian Frost : All sort of Trees their sev'ral Countries know ; Black Ebon only will in India grow : And od'rous Frankincense on the Sabaean Bough . Balm slowly trickles through the bleeding Veins Of happy Shrubs , in Idumaean Plains . The green Egyptian Thorn , for Med'cine good ; With Ethiops hoary Trees and woolly Wood , Let others tell : and how the Seres spin Their fleecy Forests in a slender Twine . With mighty Trunks of Trees on Indian shoars , Whose height above the feather'd Arrow soars , Shot from the toughest Bow ; and by the Brawn Of expert Archers , with vast Vigour drawn . Sharp tasted Citrons Median Climes produce : Bitter the Rind , but gen'rous is the Juice : A cordial Fruit , a present Antidote Against the direful Stepdam's deadly Draught : Who mixing wicked Weeds with Words impure , The Fate of envy'd Orphans wou'd procure . Large is the Plant , and like a Laurel grows , And did it not a diff'rent Scent disclose , A Laurel were : the fragrant Flow'rs contemn The stormy Winds , tenacious of their Stem . With this the Medes , to lab'ring Age , bequeath New Lungs , and cure the sourness of the Breath . But neither Median Woods , ( a plenteous Land , ) Fair Ganges , Hermus rolling Golden Sand , Nor Bactria , nor the richer Indian Fields , Nor all the Gummy Stores Arabia yields ; Nor any foreign Earth of greater Name , Can with sweet Italy contend in Fame . No Bulls , whose Nostrils breath a living Flame , Have turn'd our Turf , no Teeth of Serpents here Were sown , an armed Host , and Iron Crop to bear . But fruitful Vines , and the fat Olives fraight , And Harvests heavy with their fruitful weight , Adorn our Fields ; and on the chearful Green , The grazing Flocks and lowing Herds are seen . The Warrior Horse , here bred , is taught to train , There flows Clitumnus thro' the flow'ry Plain ; Whose Waves , for Triumphs after prosp'rous Wars , The Victim Ox , and snowy Sheep prepares . Perpetual Spring our happy Climate sees , Twice breed the Cattle , and twice bear the Trees ; And Summer Suns recede by slow degrees . Our Land is from the Rage of Tygers freed , Nor nourishes the Lyon's angry Seed ; Nor pois'nous Aconite is here produc'd , Or grows unknown , or is , when known , refus'd . Nor in so vast a length our Serpents glide , Or rais'd on such a spiry Volume ride . Next add our Cities of Illustrious Name , Their costly Labour and stupend'ous Frame : Our Forts on steepy Hills , that far below See wanton Streams , in winding Valleys flow . Our twofold Seas , that washing either side , A rich Recruit of Foreign Stores provide . Our spacious Lakes ; thee , Larius , first ; and next Benacus , with tempest'ous Billows vext . Or shall I praise thy Ports , or mention make Of the vast Mound , that binds the Lucrine Lake . Or the disdainful Sea , that , shut from thence , Roars round the Structure , and invades the Fence . There , where secure the Julian Waters glide , Or where Avernus Jaws admit the Tyrrhene Tide . Our Quarries deep in Earth , were fam'd of old , For Veins of Silver , and for Ore of Gold. Th' Inhabitants themselves , their Country grace ; Hence rose the Marsian and Sabellian Race : Strong limb'd and stout , and to the Wars inclin'd , And hard Ligurians , a laborious Kind . And Volscians arm'd with Iron-headed Darts . Besides an Off-spring of undaunted Hearts , The Decij , Marij , great Camillus came From hence , and greater Scipio's double Name : And mighty Caesar , whose victorious Arms , To farthest Asia , carry fierce Alarms : Avert unwarlike Indians from his Rome ; Triumph abroad , secure our Peace at home . Hail , sweet Saturnian Soil ! of fruitful Grain Great Parent , greater of Illustrious Men. For thee my tuneful Accents will I raise , And treat of Arts disclos'd in Ancient Days : Once more unlock for thee the sacred Spring , And old Ascraean Verse in Roman Cities sing . The Nature of their sev'ral Soils now see , Their Strength , their Colour , their Fertility : And first for Heath , and barren hilly Ground , Where meagre Clay and flinty Stones abound ; Where the poor Soil all Succour seems to want , Yet this suffices the Palladian Plant. Undoubted Signs of such a Soil are found , For here wild Olive-shoots o'respread the ground , And heaps of Berries strew the Fields around . But where the Soil , with fat'ning Moisture fill'd , Is cloath'd with Grass , and fruitful to be till'd : Such as in chearful Vales we view from high ; Which dripping Rocks with rowling Streams supply , And feed with Ooze ; where rising Hillocks run In length , and open to the Southern Sun ; Where Fern succeeds , ungrateful to the Plough , That gentle ground to gen'rous Grapes allow . Strong Stocks of Vines it will in time produce , And overflow the Vats with friendly Juice . Such as our Priests in golden Goblets pour To Gods , the Givers of the chearful hour . Then when the bloated Thuscan blows his Horn , And reeking Entrails are in Chargers born . If Herds or fleecy Flocks be more thy Care , Or Goats that graze the Field , and burn it bare : Then seek Tarentum's Lawns , and farthest Coast , Or such a Field as hapless Mantua lost : Where Silver Swans sail down the wat'ry Rode , And graze the floating Herbage of the Flood . There Crystal Streams perpetual tenour keep , Nor Food nor Springs are wanting to thy Sheep . For what the Day devours , the nightly Dew Shall to the Morn in Perly Drops renew . Fat crumbling Earth is fitter for the Plough , Putrid and loose above , and black below : For Ploughing is an imitative Toil , Resembling Nature in an easie Soil . No Land for Seed like this , no Fields afford So large an Income to the Village Lord : No toiling Teams from Harvest-labour come So late at Night , so heavy laden home . The like of Forest Land is understood , From whence the spleenful Ploughman grubs the Wood , Which had for length of Ages idle stood . Then Birds forsake the Ruines of their Seat , And flying from their Nests their Callow Young forget . The course lean Gravel , on the Mountain sides , Scarce dewy Bev'rage for the Bees provides : Nor Chalk nor crumbling Stones , the food of Snakes , That work in hollow Earth their winding Tracts . The Soil exhaling Clouds of subtile Dews , Imbibing moisture which with ease she spews ; Which rusts not Iron , and whose Mold is clean , Well cloath'd with chearful Grass , and ever green , Is good for Olives and aspiring Vines ; Embracing Husband Elms in am'rous twines , Is fit for feeding Cattle , fit to sowe , And equal to the Pasture and the Plough . Such is the Soil of fat Campanian Fields , Such large increase Vesuvian Nola yields : And such a Country cou'd Acerra boast , Till Clanius overflow'd th' unhappy Coast . I teach thee next the diff'ring Soils to know ; The light for Vines , the heavyer for the Plough . Chuse first a place for such a purpose fit , There dig the solid Earth , and sink a Pit : Next fill the hole with its own Earth agen , And trample with thy Feet , and tread it in : Then if it rise not to the former height Of superfice , conclude that Soil is light ; A proper Ground for Pasturage and Vines . But if the sullen Earth , so press'd , repines Within its native Mansion to retire , And stays without , a heap of heavy Mire ; To George London of his ma ties : Royall Garden in S t James ' s Park Gent. Geo ▪ 2 L 〈…〉 'T is good for Arable , a Glebe that asks Tough Teams of Oxen , and laborious Tasks . Salt Earth and bitter are not fit to sow , Nor will be tam'd or mended with the Plough . Sweet Grapes degen'rate there , and Fruits declin'd From their first flav'rous Taste , renounce their Kind . This Truth by sure Experiment is try'd ; For first an Ofier Colendar provide Of Twigs thick wrought , ( such toiling Peasants twine , When thro' streight Passages they strein their Wine ; ) In this close Vessel place that Earth accurs'd , But fill'd brimful with wholsom Water first ; Then run it through , the Drops will rope around , And by the bitter Taste disclose the Ground . The fatter Earth by handling we may find , With Ease distinguish'd from the meagre Kind : Poor Soil will crumble into Dust , the Rich will to the Fingers cleave like clammy Pitch : Moist Earth produces Corn and Grass , but both Too rank and too luxuriant in their Growth . Let not my Land so large a Promise boast , Lest the lank Ears in length of Stem be lost . The heavier Earth is by her Weight betray'd , The lighter in the poising Hand is weigh'd : 'T is easy to distinguish by the Sight The Colour of the Soil , and black from white . But the cold Ground is difficult to know , Yet this the Plants that prosper there , will show ; Black Ivy , Pitch Trees , and the baleful Yeugh . These Rules consider'd well , with early Care , The Vineyard destin'd for thy Vines prepare : But , long before the Planting , dig the Ground , With Furrows deep that cast a rising Mound : The Clods , expos'd to Winter Winds , will bake : For putrid Earth will best in Vineyards take , And hoary Frosts , after the painful Toyl Of delving Hinds , will rot the Mellow Soil . Some Peasants , not t' omit the nicest Care , Of the same Soil their Nursery prepare , With that of their Plantation ; lest the Tree Translated , should not with the Soil agree . Beside , to plant it as it was , they mark The Heav'ns four Quarters on the tender Bark ; And to the North or South restore the Side , Which at their Birth did Heat or Cold abide . So strong is Custom ; such Effects can Use In tender Souls of pliant Plants produce . Chuse next a Province , for thy Vineyards Reign , On Hills above , or in the lowly Plain : If fertile Fields or Valleys be thy Choice , Plant thick , for bounteous Bacchus will rejoice In close Plantations there : But if the Vine On rising Ground be plac'd , or Hills supine , Extend thy loose Battalions largely wide , Opening thy Ranks and Files on either Side : But marshall'd all in order as they Stand , And let no Souldier straggle from his Band. As Legions in the Field their Front display , To try the Fortune of some doubtful Day , And move to meet their Foes with sober Pace , Strict to their Figure , tho' in wider Space ; Before the Battel joins , while from afar The Field yet glitters with the Pomp of War , And equal Mars , like an impartial Lord , Leaves all to Fortune , and the dint of Sword ; So let thy Vines in Intervals be set , But not their Rural Discipline forget : Indulge their Width , and add a roomy Space , That their extreamest Lines may scarce embrace : Nor this alone t'indulge a vain Delight , And make a pleasing Prospect for the Sight : But , for the Ground it self this only Way , Can equal Vigour to the Plants convey ; Which crowded , want the room , their Branches to display . How deep they must be planted , woud'st thou know ? In shallow Furrows Vines securely grow . Not so the rest of Plants ; for Joves own Tree , That holds the Woods in awful Sov'raignty , Requires a depth of Lodging in the Ground ; And , next the lower Skies , a Bed profound : High as his topmost Boughs to Heav'n ascend , So low his Roots to Hell's Dominion tend . Therefore , nor Winds , nor Winters Rage o'rethrows His bulky Body , but unmov'd he grows . For length of Ages lasts his happy Reign , And Lives of Mortal Man contend in vain . Full in the midst of his own Strength he stands , Stretching his brawny Arms , and leafy Hands ; His Shade protects the Plains , his Head the Hills commands The hurtful Hazle in thy Vineyard shun ; Nor plant it to receive the setting Sun : Nor break the topmost Branches from the Tree ; Nor prune , with blunted Knife , the Progeny . Root up wild Olives from thy labour'd Lands : For sparkling Fire , from Hinds unwary Hands , Is often scatter'd o're their unctuous rinds , And after spread abroad by raging Winds . For first the smouldring Flame the Trunk receives , Ascending thence , it crackles in the Leaves : At length victorious to the Top aspires , Involving all the Wood with smoky Fires , But most , when driv'n by Winds , the flaming Storm , Of the long Files destroys the beauteous Form. In Ashes then th' unhappy Vineyard lies , Nor will the blasted Plants from Ruin rise : Nor will the wither'd Stock be green again , But the wild Olive shoots , and shades th' ungrateful Plain . Be not seduc'd with Wisdom's empty Shows , To stir the peaceful Ground when Boreas blows . When Winter Frosts constrain the Field with Cold , The fainty Root can take no steady hold . But when the Golden Spring reveals the Year , And the white Bird returns , whom Serpents fear : That Season deem the best to plant thy Vines . Next that , is when Autumnal Warmth declines : E're Heat is quite decay'd , or Cold begun , Or Capricorn admits the Winter Sun. The Spring adorns the Woods , renews the Leaves ; The Womb of Earth the genial Seed receives . For then Almighty Jove descends , and pours Into his buxom Bride his fruitful Show'rs . And mixing his large Limbs with hers , he feeds Her Births with kindly Juice , and fosters teeming Seeds . Then joyous Birds frequent the lonely Grove , And Beasts , by Nature stung , renew their Love. Then Fields the Blades of bury'd Corn disclose , And while the balmy Western Spirit blows , Earth to the Breath her Bosom dares expose . With kindly Moisture then the Plants abound , The Grass securely springs above the Ground ; The tender Twig shoots upward to the Skies , And on the Faith of the new Sun relies . The swerving Vines on the tall Elms prevail , Unhurt by Southern Show'rs or Northern Hail . They spread their Gems the genial Warmth to share : And boldly trust their Buds in open Air. In this soft Season ( so sweet Poets sing ) The World was hatch'd by Heav'ns Imperial King : In prime of all the Year , and Holydays of Spring . Earth knew no Season then , but Spring alone : On the moist Ground the Sun serenely shone : Then Winter Winds their blustring Rage forbear , And in a silent Pomp proceeds the mighty Year . Sheep soon were sent to people flow'ry Fields , And salvage Beasts were banish'd into Wilds . Then Heav'n was lighted up with Stars ; and Man , A hard relentless Race , from Stones began . Nor cou'd the tender , new Creation , bear Th' excessive Heats or Coldness of the Year : But chill'd by Winter , or by Summer fir'd , The middle Temper of the Spring requir'd . When Infant Nature was with Quiet crown'd , And Heav'ns Indulgence brooded on the Ground . For what remains , in depth of Earth secure Thy cover'd Plants , and dung with hot Manure ; And Shells and Gravel in the Ground inclose ; For thro' their hollow Chinks the Water flows : Which , thus imbib'd , returns in misty Dews , And steeming up , the rising Plant renews . Some Husbandmen , of late , have found the Way , A hilly Heap of Stones above to lay , And press the Plants with Sherds of Potters Clay . This Fence against immod'rate Rain they found : Or when the Dog-star cleaves the thirsty Ground . Be mindful when thou hast intomb'd the Shoot , With Store of Earth around to feed the Root ; With Iron Teeth of Rakes and Prongs , to move The crusted Earth , and loosen it above . Then exercise thy strugling Steers to plough Betwixt thy Vines , and teach thy feeble Row To mount on Reeds , and Wands , and , upward led , On Ashen Poles to raise their forky Head. On these new Crutches let them learn to walk , Till swerving upwards , with a stronger Stalk , They brave the Winds , and , clinging to their Gu On tops of Elms at length triumphant ride . But in their tender Nonage , while they spread Their Springing Leafs , and lift their Infant Head , And upward while they shoot in open Air , Indulge their Child-hood , and the Nurseling spare . Nor exercise thy Rage on new-born Life , But let thy Hand supply the Pruning-knife ; And crop luxuriant Straglers , nor be loath To strip the Branches of their leafy Growth : But when the rooted Vines , with steady Hold , Can clasp their Elms , then Husbandman be bold To lop the disobedient Boughs , that stray'd Beyond their Ranks : let crooked Steel invade The lawless Troops , which Discipline disclaim , And their superfluous Growth with Rigour tame . Next , fenc'd with Hedges and deep Ditches round , Exclude th' incroaching Cattle from thy Ground , While yet the tender Gems but just appear , Unable to sustain th' uncertain Year ; Whose Leaves are not alone foul Winter's Prey , But oft by Summer Suns are scorch'd away ; And worse than both , become th' unworthy Browze Of Buffal'os , salt Goats , and hungry Cows . For not December's Frost that burns the Boughs , Nor Dog-days parching Heat that splits the Rocks , Are half so harmful as the greedy Flocks : Their venom'd Bite , and Scars indented on the Stocks . To John Loving Esq of Little Ealing in the County of Middlesex . Geor. 2. l. 530. For this the Malefactor Goat was laid On Bacchus's Altar , and his forfeit paid . At Athens thus old Comedy began , When round the Streets the reeling Actors ran ; In Country Villages , and crossing ways , Contending for the Prizes of their Plays : And glad , with Bacchus , on the grassie soil , Leapt o're the Skins of Goats besmear'd with Oyl . Thus Roman Youth deriv'd from ruin'd Troy , In rude Saturnian Rhymes express their Joy : With Taunts , and Laughter loud , their Audience please , Deform'd with Vizards , cut from Barks of Trees : In jolly Hymns they praise the God of Wine , Whose Earthen Images adorn the Pine ; And there are hung on high , in honour of the Vine : A madness so devout the Vineyards fills . In hollow Valleys and on rising Hills ; On what e're side he turns his honest face , And dances in the Wind , those Fields are in his grace . To Bacchus therefore let us tune our Lays , And in our Mother Tongue resound his Praise . Thin Cakes in Chargers , and a Guilty Goat , Dragg'd by the Horns , be to his Altars brought ; Whose offer'd Entrails shall his Crime reproach , And drip their Fatness from the Hazle Broach . To dress thy Vines new labour is requir'd , Nor must the painful Husbandman be tir'd : For thrice , at least , in Compass of the Year , Thy Vineyard must employ the sturdy Steer , To turn the Glebe ; besides thy daily pain To break the Clods , and make the Surface plain : T' unload the Branches or the Leaves to thin , That suck the Vital Moisture of the Vine . Thus in a Circle runs the Peasant's Pain , And the Year rowls within it self again . Ev'n in the lowest Months , when Storms have shed From Vines the hairy Honours of their Head ; Not then the drudging Hind his Labour ends ; But to the coming Year his Care extends : Ev'n then the naked Vine he persecutes ; His Pruning Knife at once Reforms and Cuts . Be first to dig the Ground , be first to burn The Branches lopt , and first the Props return Into thy House , that bore the burden'd Vines ; But last to reap the Vintage of thy Wines . Twice in the Year luxuriant Leaves o'reshade The incumber'd Vine ; rough Brambles twice invade : Hard Labour both ! commend the large excess Of spacious Vineyards ; cultivate the less . Besides , in Woods the Shrubs of prickly Thorn , Sallows and Reeds , on Banks of Rivers born , Remain to cut ; for Vineyards useful found , To stay thy Vines , and fence thy fruitful Ground . Nor when thy tender Trees at length are bound ; When peaceful Vines from Pruning Hooks are free , When Husbands have survey'd the last degree , And utmost Files of Plants , and order'd ev'ry Tree ; Ev'n when they sing at ease in full Content , Insulting o're the Toils they underwent ; Yet still they find a future Task remain ; To turn the Soil , and break the Clods again : And after all , their Joys are unsincere , While falling Rains on ripening Grapes they fear . Quite opposite to these are Olives found , No dressing they require , and dread no wound ; Nor Rakes nor Harrows need , but fix'd below , Rejoyce in open Air , and unconcerndly grow . The Soil it self due Nourishment supplies : Plough but the Furrows , and the Fruits arise : Content with small Endeavours , 'till they spring . Soft Peace they figure , and sweet Plenty bring : Then Olives plant , and Hymns to Pallas sing . Thus Apple Trees , whose Trunks are strong to bear Their spreading Boughs , exert themselves in Air : Want no supply , but stand secure alone , Not trusting foreign Forces , but their own : 'Till with the ruddy freight the bending Branches groan . Thus Trees of Nature , and each common Bush , Uncultivated thrive , and with red Berries blush . Vile Shrubs are shorn for Browze : the tow'ring hight Of unctuous Trees , are Torches for the Night . And shall we doubt , ( indulging easie Sloath , ) To sow , to set , and to reform their growth ? To leave the lofty Plants ; the lowly kind , Are for the Shepherd , or the Sheep design'd . Ev'n humble Broom and Osiers have their use , And Shade for Sleep , and Food for Flocks produce ; Hedges for Corn , and Honey for the Bees : Besides the pleasing Prospect of the Trees . How goodly looks Cytorus , ever green With Boxen Groves , with what delight are seen Narycian Woods of Pitch , whose gloomy shade , Seems for retreat of thoughtful Muses made ! But much more pleasing are those Fields to see , That need not Ploughs , nor Human Industry . Ev'n cold Caucasean Rocks with Trees are spread , And wear green Forests on their hilly Head. Tho' bending from the blast of Eastern Storms , Tho' shent their Leaves , and shatter'd are their Arms ; Yet Heav'n their various Plants for use designs : For Houses Cedars , and for Shipping Pines . Cypress provides for Spokes , and Wheels of Wains : And all for Keels of Ships , that scour the watry Plains . Willows in Twigs are fruitful , Elms in Leaves , The War , from stubborn Myrtle Shafts receives : From Cornels Jav'lins , and the tougher Yeugh Receives the bending Figure of a Bow. Nor Box , nor Limes , without their use are made , Smooth-grain'd , and proper for the Turner's Trade : Which curious Hands may kerve , and Steel with Ease invade . Light Alder stems the Po's impetuous Tide , And Bees in hollow Oaks their Hony hide . Now ballance , with these Gifts , the fumy Joys Of Wine , attended with eternal Noise . Wine urg'd to lawless Lust the Centaurs Train , Thro' Wine they quarrell'd , and thro' Wine were slain . Oh happy , if he knew his happy State ! The Swain , who , free from Business and Debate ; Receives his easy Food from Nature's Hand , And just Returns of cultivated Land ! No Palace , with a lofty Gate , he wants , T' admit the Tydes of early Visitants . With eager Eyes devouring , as they pass , The breathing Figures of Corinthian Brass . No Statues threaten , from high Pedestals ; No Persian Arras hides his homely Walls , With Antick Vests ; which thro' their shady fold , Betray the Streaks of ill dissembl'd Gold. He boasts no Wool , whose native white is dy'd With Purple Poyson of Assyrian Pride . No costly Drugs of Araby defile , With foreign Scents , the Sweetness of his Oyl . But easie Quiet , a secure Retreat , A harmless Life that knows not how to cheat , With homebred Plenty the rich Owner bless , And rural Pleasures crown his Happiness . Unvex'd with Quarrels , undisturb'd with Noise , The Country King his peaceful Realm enjoys : Cool Grots , and living Lakes , the Flow'ry Pride Of Meads , and Streams that thro' the Valley glide ; And shady Groves that easie Sleep invite , And after toilsome Days , a sweet repose at Night . Wild Beasts of Nature in his Woods abound ; And Youth , of Labour patient , plow the Ground , Inur'd to Hardship , and to homely Fare . Nor venerable Age is wanting there , In great Examples to the Youthful Train : Nor are the Gods ador'd with Rites prophane . From hence Astrea took her Flight , and here the Prints of her departing Steps appear . Ye sacred Muses , with whose Beauty fir'd , My Soul is ravish'd , and my Brain inspir'd : Whose Priest I am , whose holy Fillets wear ; Wou'd you your Virgil's first Petition hear , Give me the Ways of wandring Stars to know : The Depths of Heav'n above , and Earth below . Teach me the various Labours of the Moon , And whence proceed th' Eclipses of the Sun. Why flowing Tides prevail upon the Main , And in what dark Recess they shrink again . What shakes the solid Earth , what Cause delays The Summer Nights , and shortens Winter Days . But if my heavy Blood restrain the Flight Of my free Soul , aspiring to the Height Of Nature , and unclouded Fields of Light : My next Desire is , void of Care and Strife , To lead a soft , secure , inglorious Life . A Country Cottage near a Crystal Flood , A winding Vally , and a lofty Wood. Some God conduct me to the sacred Shades , Where Bacchanals are sung by Spartan Maids . Or lift me high to Hemus hilly Crown ; Or in the Plains of Tempe lay me down : Or lead me to some solitary Place , And cover my Retreat from Human Race . Happy the Man , who , studying Nature's Laws , Thro' known Effects can trace the secret Cause . His Mind possessing , in a quiet state , Fearless of Fortune , and resign'd to Fate . And happy too is he , who decks the Bow'rs Of Sylvans , and adores the Rural Pow'rs : Whose Mind , unmov'd , the Bribes of Courts can see ; Their glitt'ring Baits , and Purple Slavery . Nor hopes the People's Praise , nor fears their Frown , Nor , when contending Kindred tear the Crown , Will set up one , or pull another down . Without Concern he hears , but hears from far , Of Tumults and Descents , and distant War : Nor with a Superstitious Fear is aw'd , For what befals at home , or what abroad . Nor envies he the Rich their heapy Store , Nor with a helpless Hand condoles the Poor . He feeds on Fruits , which , of their own accord , The willing Ground , and laden Trees afford . From his lov'd Home no Lucre him can draw ; The Senates mad Decrees he never saw ; Nor heard , at bawling Bars , corrupted Law. Some to the Seas , and some to Camps resort , And some with Impudence invade the Court. In foreign Countries others seek Renown , With Wars and Taxes others waste their own . And Houses burn , and houshold Gods deface , To drink in Bowls which glitt'ring Gems enchase : To loll on Couches , rich with Cytron Steds , And lay their guilty Limbs in Tyrian Beds . This Wretch in Earth intombs his Golden Ore , Hov'ring and brooding on his bury'd Store . Some Patriot Fools to pop'lar Praise aspire , By Publick Speeches , which worse Fools admire . While from both Benches , with redoubl'd Sounds , Th' Applause of Lords and Commoners abounds . Some through Ambition , or thro' Thirst of Gold ; Have slain their Brothers , or their Country sold : And leaving their sweet Homes , in Exile run To Lands that lye beneath another Sun. The Peasant , innocent of all these Ills , With crooked Ploughs the fertile Fallows tills ; And the round Year with daily Labour fills . From hence the Country Markets are supply'd : Enough remains for houshold Charge beside ; His Wife , and tender Children to sustain , And gratefully to feed his dumb deserving Train . Nor cease his Labours , till the Yellow Field A full return of bearded Harvest yield : A Crop so plenteous , as the Land to load , O'recome the crowded Barns , and lodge on Ricks abroad . Thus ev'ry sev'ral Season is employ'd : Some spent in Toyl , and some in Ease enjoy'd . The yeaning Ewes prevent the springing Year ; The laded Boughs their Fruits in Autumn bear . 'T is then the Vine her liquid Harvest yields , Bak'd in the Sun-shine of ascending Fields . The Winter comes , and then the falling Mast , For greedy Swine , provides a full repast . Then Olives , ground in Mills , their fatness boast , And Winter Fruits are mellow'd by the Frost . His Cares are eas'd with Intervals of bliss , His little Children climbing for a Kiss , Welcome their Father's late return at Night ; His faithful Bed is crown'd with chast delight . His Kine with swelling Udders ready stand , And , lowing for the Pail , invite the Milker's hand . His wanton Kids , with budding Horns prepar'd , Fight harmless Battels in his homely Yard : Himself in Rustick Pomp , on Holy-days , To Rural Pow'rs a just Oblation pays ; And on the Green his careless Limbs displays . The Hearth is in the midst ; the Herdsmen round The chearful Fire , provoke his health in Goblets crown'd . He calls on Bacchus , and propounds the Prize ; The Groom his Fellow Groom at Buts defies ; And bends his Bow , and levels with his Eyes . Or stript for Wrestling , smears his Limbs with Oyl , And watches with a trip his Foe to foil . Such was the life the frugal Sabines led ; So Remus and his Brother God were bred : From whom th' austere Etrurian Virtue rose , And this rude life our homely Fathers chose . Old Rome from such a Race deriv'd her birth , ( The Seat of Empire , and the conquer'd Earth : ) Which now on sev'n high Hills triumphant reigns , And in that compass all the World contains . E're Saturn's Rebel Son usurp'd the Skies , When Beasts were only slain for Sacrifice : While peaceful Crete enjoy'd her ancient Lord , E're sounding Hammers forg'd th' inhumane Sword : To William Walsh of Abberley in Worcester-shire Esq Geo : 2. l. 760. E're hollow Drums were beat , before the Breath Of brazen Trumpets rung the Peals of Death ; The good old God his Hunger did asswage With Roots and Herbs , and gave the Golden Age. But over labour'd with so long a Course , T is time to set at ease the smoaking Horse . The Third Book of the Georgics . The Argument . This Book begins with an Invocation of some Rural Deities , and a Compliment to Augustus : After which Virgil directs himself to Mecaenas , and enters on his Subject . He lays down Rules for the Breeding and Management of Horses , Oxen , Sheep , Goats , and Dogs : And interweaves several pleasant Descriptions of a Chariot-Race , of the Battel of the Bulls , of the Force of Love , and of the Scythian Winter . In the latter part of the Book he relates the Diseases incident to Cattel ; and ends with the Description of a fatal Murrain that formerly rag'd among the Alps. THY Fields , propitious Pales , I reherse ; And sing thy Pastures in no vulgar Verse , Amphrysian Shepherd ; the Lycaean Woods ; Arcadia's flow'ry Plains , and pleasing Floods . 5 All other Themes , that careless Minds invite , Are worn with use ; unworthy me to write . Busiri's Altars , and the dire Decrees Of hard Euristheus , ev'ry Reader sees : Hylas the Boy , Latona's erring Isle , And Pelop's Iv'ry Shoulder , and his Toil For fair Hippodamé , with all the rest Of Grecian Tales , by Poets are exprest : New ways I must attempt , my groveling Name To raise aloft , and wing my flight to Fame . I , first of Romans shall in Triumph come From conquer'd Greece , and bring her Trophies home : With Foreign Spoils adorn my native place ; And with Idume's Palms , my Mantua grace . Of Parian Stone a Temple will I raise , Where the slow Mincius through the Vally strays : To the most Noble and Illustrious Prince Charles Duke of Richmond and Lenox Earl of Marsh and Darnley Baron of Siterington Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter . Geo ▪ 3 l 1 Where cooling Streams invite the Flocks to drink : And Reeds defend the winding Waters Brink . Full in the midst shall mighty Caesar stand : Hold the chief Honours ; and the Dome command . Then I , conspicuous in my Tyrian Gown , ( Submitting to his Godhead my Renown ) A hundred Coursers from the Goal will drive ; The rival Chariots in the Race shall strive . All Greece shall flock from far , my Games to see ; The Whorlbat , and the rapid Race , shall be Reserv'd for Caesar , and ordain'd by me . My self , with Olive crown'd , the Gifts will bear : Ev'n now methinks the publick shouts I hear : The passing Pageants , and the Pomps appear . I , to the Temple will conduct the Crew : The Sacrifice and Sacrificers view ; From thence return , attended with my Train , Where the proud Theatres disclose the Scene : Which interwoven Britains seem to raise , And shew the Triumph which their Shame displays . High o're the Gate , in Elephant and Gold , The Crowd shall Caesar's Indian War behold ; The Nile shall flow beneath ; and on the side , His shatter'd Ships on Brazen Pillars ride . Next him Niphates with inverted Urn , And dropping Sedge , shall his Armenia mourn ; And Asian Cities in our Triumph born . With backward Bows the Parthians shall be there ; And , spurring from the Fight confess their Fear . A double Wreath shall crown our Caesar's Brows ; Two differing Trophies , from two different Foes . Europe with Africk in his Fame shall join ; But neither Shoar his Conquest shall confine . The Parian Marble , there , shall feem to move , In breathing Statues , not unworthy Jove . Resembling Heroes , whose Etherial Root , Is Jove himself , and Caesar is the Fruit. Tros and his Race the Sculptor shall employ ; And he the God , who built the Walls of Troy. Envy her self at last , grown pale and dumb ; ( By Caesar combated and overcome ) Shall give her Hands ; and fear the curling Snakes Of lashing Furies , and the burning Lakes : The Pains of famisht Tantalus shall feel ; And Sisyphus that labours up the Hill The rowling Rock in vain ; and curst Ixion's Wheel . Mean time we must pursue the Sylvan Lands ; ( Th' abode of Nymphs , ) untouch'd by former Hands : For such , Maecenas , are thy hard Commands . Without thee nothing lofty can I sing ; Come then , and with thy self thy Genius bring : With which inspir'd , I brook no dull delay . Cytheron loudly calls me to my way ; Thy Hounds , Taygetus , open and pursue their Prey . High Epidaurus urges on my speed , Fam'd for his Hills , and for his Horses breed : From Hills and Dales the chearful Cries rebound : For Echo hunts along ; and propagates the sound . A time will come , when my maturer Muse , In Caesar's Wars , a Nobler Theme shall chuse . And through more Ages bear my Soveraign's Praise ; Than have from Tithon past to Caesar's Days . The Generous Youth , who studious of the Prize , The Race of running Coursers multiplies ; Or to the Plough the sturdy Bullock breeds , May know that from the Dam the worth of each proceeds : The Mother Cow must wear a low'ring look , Sour headed , strongly neck'd , to bear the Yoke . Her double Dew-lap from her Chin descends : And at her Thighs the pondrous burthen ends . Long are her sides and large , her Limbs are great ; Rough are her Ears , and broad her horny Feet . Her Colour shining Black , but fleck'd with white ; She tosses from the Yoke ; provokes the Fight : She rises in her Gate , is free from Fears ; And in her Face a Bull 's Resemblance bears : Her ample Forehead with a Star is crown'd ; And with her length of Tail she sweeps the Ground . The Bull 's Insult at Four she may sustain ; But , after Ten , from Nuptial Rites refrain . Six Seasons use ; but then release the Cow , Unfit for Love , and for the lab'ring Plough . Now while their Youth is fill'd with kindly Fire , Submit thy Females to the lusty Sire : Watch the quick motions of the frisking Tail , Then serve their fury with the rushing Male , Indulging Pleasure lest the Breed shou'd fail . In Youth alone , unhappy Mortals live ; But , ah ! the mighty Bliss is fugitive ; Discolour'd Sickness , anxious Labours come , And Age , and Death's inexorable Doom . Yearly thy Herds in vigour will impair ; Recruit and mend 'em with thy Yearly care : Still propagate , for still they fall away , 'T is Prudence to prevent th' entire decay . Like Diligence requires the Courser's Race ; In early Choice ; and for a longer space . The Colt , that for a Stallion is design'd , By sure Presages shows his generous Kind , Of able Body , sound of Limb and Wind. Upright he walks , on Pasterns firm and straight ; His Motions easy ; prancing in his Gate . The first to lead the Way , to tempt the Flood ; To pass the Bridge unknown , nor fear the trembling Wood. Dauntless at empty Noises ; lofty neck'd ; Sharp headed , Barrel belly'd , broadly back'd . Brawny his Chest , and deep , his Colour gray ; For Beauty dappled , or the brightest Bay : Faint white and Dun will scarce the Rearing pay . The fiery Courser , when he hears from far , The sprightly Trumpet , and the shouts of War , Pricks up his Ears ; and trembling with Delight , Shifts place , and paws ; and hopes the promis'd Fight . On his right Shoulder his thick Mane reclin'd , Ruffles at speed ; and dances in the Wind. His horny Hoofs are jetty black , and round ; His Chine is double ; starting , with a bound He turns the Turf , and shakes the solid Ground . Fire from his Eyes , Clouds from his Nostrils flow : He bears his Rider headlong on the Foe . Such was the Steed in Graecian Poets fam'd , Proud Cyllarus , by Spartan Castor tam'd : Such Coursers bore to Fight the God of Thrace ; And such , Achilles , was thy warlike Race . In such a Shape , old Saturn did restrain His Heav'nly Limbs , and flow'd with such a Mane. When , half surpriz'd , and fearing to be seen , The Leacher gallop'd from his Jealous Queen : Ran up the ridges of the Rocks amain ; And with shrill Neighings fill'd the Neigb'ring Plain . But worn with Years , when dire Diseases come , Then hide his not Ignoble Age , at Home : In Peace t' enjoy his former Palms and Pains ; And gratefully be kind to his Remains . For when his Blood no Youthful Spirits move , He languishes and labours in his Love. And when the sprightly Seed shou'd swiftly come , Dribling he drudges , and defrauds the Womb. In vain he burns , like fainty Stubble Fires ; And in himself his former self requires . His Age and Courage weigh : Nor those alone , But note his Father's Virtues with his own ; Observe if he disdains to yield the Prize ; Of Loss impatient , proud of Victories . Hast thou beheld , when from the Goal they start , The Youthful Charioteers with beating Heart , Rush to the Race ; and panting , scarcely bear Th' extreams of feaverish hope , and chilling Fear ; Stoop to the Reins , and lash with all their force ; The flying Chariot kindles in the Course : And now aloft ; and now alow they fly , Now seem to sink in Earth , and now to touch the Sky ; No stop , no stay , but Clouds of Sand arise ; Spurn'd , and cast backward on the Follower's Eyes . The hindmost blows the foam upon the first : Such is the love of Praise , an Honourable Thirst . Bold Ericthonius was the first , who join'd Four Horses for the rapid Race design'd ; And o're the dusty Wheels presiding sate ; The Lapythae to Chariots , added State Of Bits and Bridles ; taught the Steed to bound ; To run the Ring , and trace the mazy round . To stop , to fly , the Rules of War to know : T' obey the Rider ; and to dare the Foe . To chuse a Youthful Steed , with Courage fir'd ; To breed him , break him , back him , are requir'd Experienc'd Masters ; and in sundry Ways : Their Labours equal , and alike their Praise . But once again the batter'd Horse beware , The weak old Stallion will deceive thy care . Though Famous in his Youth for force and speed , Or was of Argos or Epirian breed , Or did from Neptune's Race , or from himself proceed . These things premis'd , when now the Nuptial time Approaches for the stately Steed to climb ; With Food inable him , to make his Court ; Distend his Chine , and pamper him for sport . Feed him with Herbs , whatever thou can'st find , Of generous warmth ; and of salacious kind . Then Water him , and ( drinking what he can ) Encourage him to thirst again , with Bran. Instructed thus , produce him to the Faire ; And joyn in Wedlock to the longing Mare . For if the Sire be faint , or out of case , He will be copied in his famish'd Race : And sink beneath the pleasing Task assign'd ; ( For all 's too little for the craving Kind . ) As for the Females , with industrious care Take down their Mettle , keep 'em lean and bare ; When conscious of their past delight , and keen To take the leap , and prove the sport agen ; With scanty measure then supply their food ; And , when athirst , restrain 'em from the flood : Their Bodies harrass , sink 'em when they run ; And fry their melting Marrow in the Sun. Starve 'em , when Barns beneath their burthen groan , And winnow'd Chaff , by western winds is blown . For Fear the rankness of the swelling Womb Shou'd scant the passage , and confine the room . Lest the Fat Furrows shou'd the sense destroy Of Genial Lust ; and dull the Seat of Joy. But let 'em suck the Seed with greedy force ; And there enclose the Vigour of the Horse . No more of Coursers yet : We now proceed To teeming Kine ; and their laborious breed . First let 'em run at large ; and never know The taming Yoak , or draw the crooked Plough . Let 'em not leap the Ditch , or swim the Flood ; Or lumber o're the Meads ; or cross the Wood. But range the Forrest , by the silver side Of some cool Stream , where Nature shall provide Green Grass and fat'ning Clover for their fare ! And Mossy Caverns for their Evening lare : With Rocks above , to shield the sharp Nocturnal air . About th' Alburnian Groves , with Holly green , Of winged Insects mighty swarms are seen : This flying Plague ( to mark its quality ; ) Oestros the Grecians call : Asylus , we : A fierce loud buzzing Breez ; their stings draw blood ; And drive the Cattel gadding through the Wood. Seiz'd with unusual pains , they loudly cry , Tanagrus hastens thence ; and leaves his Channel dry . This Curse the jealous Juno did invent ; And first imploy'd for Io's Punishment . To shun this Ill , the cunning Leach ordains In Summer's Sultry Heats ( for then it reigns ) To feed the Females , e're the Sun arise , Or late at Night , when Stars adorn the Skies . When she has calv'd , then set the Dam aside ; And for the tender Progeny provide . Distinguish all betimes , with branding Fire ; To note the Tribe , the Lineage , and The Sire . Whom to reserve for Husband of the Herd ; Or who shall be to Sacrifice preferr'd ; Or whom thou shalt to turn thy Glebe allow ; To harrow Furrows , and sustain the Plough : The rest , for whom no Lot is yet decreed , May run in Pastures , and at pleasure feed . The Calf , by Nature and by Genius made To turn the Glebe , breed to the Rural Trade . Set him betimes to School ; and let him be Instructed there in Rules of Husbandry : While yet his youth is flexible and green ; Nor bad Examples of the World has seen . Early begin the stubborn Child to break ; For his soft Neck , a supple Collar make Of bending Osiers ; and ( with time and care Enur'd that easie Servitude to bear ) Thy flattering Method on the Youth pursue : Join'd with his School-Fellows , by two and two , Perswade 'em first to lead an empty Wheel , That scarce the dust can raise ; or they can feel : In length of Time produce the lab'ring Yoke And shining Shares , that make the Furrow smoak . E're the licentious Youth be thus restrain'd , Or Moral Precepts on their Minds have gain'd ; Their wanton appetites not only feed With delicates of Leaves , and marshy Weed , But with thy Sickle reap the rankest land : And minister the blade , with bounteous hand . Nor be with harmful parsimony won To follow what our homely Sires have done ; Who fill'd the Pail with Beestings of the Cow : But all her Udder to the Calf allow . If to the Warlike Steed thy Studies bend , Or for the Prize in Chariots to contend ; Near Pisa's Flood the rapid Wheels to guide , Or in Olympian Groves aloft to ride , The generous Labours of the Courser , first Must be with sight of Arms and sounds of Trumpets nurst : Inur'd the groaning Axle-tree to bear ; And let him clashing Whips in Stables hear . Sooth him with Praise , and make him understand The loud Applauses of his Master's Hand : This from his Weaning , let him well be taught ; And then betimes in a soft Snaffle wrought : Before his tender Joints with Nerves are knit ; Guiltless of Arms , and trembling at the Bit. But when to four full Springs his years advance , Teach him to run the round , with Pride to prance ; And ( rightly manag'd ) equal time to beat ; To turn , to bound in measure ; and Curvet . Let him , to this , with easie pains be brought : And seem to labour , when he labours not . Thus , form'd for speed , he challenges the Wind ; And leaves the Scythian Arrow far behind : He scours along the Field , with loosen'd Reins ; And treads so light , he scarcely prints the Plains . Like Boreas in his Race , when rushing forth , He sweeps the Skies , and clears the cloudy North : The waving Harvest bends beneath his blast ; The Forest shakes , the Groves their Honours cast ; He flies aloft , and with impetuous roar Pursues the foaming Surges to the Shoar . Thus o're th' Elean Plains , thy well-breath'd Horse Sustains the goring Spurs , and wins the Course . Or , bred to Belgian Waggons , leads the Way ; Untir'd at night , and chearful all the Day . When once he 's broken , feed him full and high : Indulge his Growth , and his gaunt sides supply . Before his Training , keep him poor and low ; For his stout Stomach with his Food will grow ; The pamper'd Colt will Discipline disdain , Impatient of the Lash , and restiff to the Rein. Wou'dst thou their Courage and their Strength improve , Too soon they must not feel the stings of Love. Whether the Bull or Courser be thy Care , Let him not leap the Cow , nor mount the Mare . The youthful Bull must wander in the Wood ; Behind the Mountain , or beyond the Flood : Or , in the Stall at home his Fodder find ; Far from the Charms of that alluring Kind . With two fair Eyes his Mistress burns his Breast ; He looks , and languishes , and leaves his Rest ; Forsakes his Food , and pining for the Lass , Is joyless of the Grove , and spurns the growing grass . The soft Seducer , with enticing Looks , The bellowing Rivals to the Fight provokes . A beauteous Heifer in the Woods is bred ; The stooping Warriours , aiming Head to Head , Engage their clashing Horns ; with dreadful Sound The Forest rattles , and the Rocks rebound . They fence , they push , and pushing loudly roar ; Their Dewlaps and their Sides are bath'd in Gore . Nor when the War is over , is it Peace ; Nor will the vanquish'd Bull his Claim release : But feeding in his Breast his ancient Fires , And cursing Fate , from his proud Foe retires . Driv'n from his Native Land , to foreign Grounds , He with a gen'rous Rage resents his Wounds ; His ignominious Flight , the Victor's boast , And more than both , the Loves , which unreveng'd he lost . Often he turns his Eyes , and , with a Groan , Surveys the pleasing Kingdoms , once his own . To S r Iustinian Isham of Lamport in Northampton Shire Barronet Geo 3. L 340. And therefore to repair his Strength he tries : Hardning his Limbs with painful Exercise , And rough upon the flinty Rock he lies . On prickly Leaves , and on sharp Herbs he feeds , Then to the Prelude of a War proceeds . His Horns , yet sore , he tries against a Tree : And meditates his absent Enemy . He snuffs the Wind , his heels the Sand excite ; But , when he stands collected in his might , He roars , and promises a more successful Fight . Then , to redeem his Honour at a blow , He moves his Camp , to meet his careless Foe . Not with more Madness , rolling from afar , The spumy Waves proclaim the watry War. And mounting upwards , with a mighty Roar , March onwards , and insult the rocky shoar . They mate the middle Region with their height ; And fall no less , than with a Mountain's weight ; The Waters boil , and belching from below Black Sands , as from a forceful Engine throw . Thus every Creature , and of every Kind , The secret Joys of sweet Coition find : Not only Man 's Imperial Race ; but they That wing the liquid Air ; or swim the Sea , Or haunt the Desart , rush into the flame : For Love is Lord of all ; and is in all the same . 'T is with this rage , the Mother Lion stung , Scours o're the Plain ; regardless of her young : Demanding Rites of Love ; she sternly stalks ; And hunts her Lover in his lonely Walks . 'T is then the shapeless Bear his Den forsakes ; In Woods and Fields a wild destruction makes . Boars whet their Tusks ; to battel Tygers move ; Enrag'd with Hunger , more enrag'd with Love. Then wo to him , that in the desart Land Of Lybia travels , o're the burning Sand. The Stallion snuffs the well-known Scent afar ; And snorts and trembles for the distant Mare : Nor Bits nor Bridles can his Rage restrain ; And rugged Rocks are interpos'd in vain : He makes his way o're Mountains , and contemns Unruly Torrents , and unfoorded Streams . The bristled Boar , who feels the pleasing Wound , New grinds his arming Tusks , and digs the Ground . The sleepy Leacher shuts his little Eyes ; About his churning Chaps the frothy bubbles rise : He rubs his sides against a Tree ; prepares And hardens both his Shoulders for the Wars . What did the Youth , when Love's unerring Dart Transfixt his Liver ; and inflam'd his heart ? Alone , by night , his watry way he took ; About him , and above , the Billows broke : The Sluces of the Skie were open spread ; And rowling Thunder rattl'd o're his Head. The raging Tempest call'd him back in vain ; And every boding Omen of the Main . Nor cou'd his Kindred ; nor the kindly Force Of weeping Parents , change his fatal Course . No , not the dying Maid who must deplore His floating Carcass on the Sestian shore . I pass the Wars that spotted Linx's make With their fierce Rivals , for the Females sake : The howling Wolves , the Mastiffs amorous rage ; When ev'n the fearsul Stag dares for his Hind engage . But far above the rest , the furious Mare , Barr'd from the Male , is frantick with despair . For when her pouting Vent declares her pain , She tears the Harness , and she rends the Reyn ; For this ; ( when Venus gave them rage and pow'r ) Their Masters mangl'd Members they devour ; Of Love defrauded in their longing Hour . For Love they force thro' Thickets of the Wood , They climb the steepy Hills , and stem the Flood . When at the Spring 's approach their Marrow burns , ( For with the Spring their genial Warmth returns ) The Mares to Cliffs of rugged Rocks repair , And with wide Nostrils snuff the Western Air : When ( wondrous to relate ) the Parent Wind , Without the Stallion , propagates the Kind . Then fir'd with amorous rage , they take their Flight Through Plains , and mount the Hills unequal height ; Nor to the North , nor to the Rising Sun , Nor Southward to the Rainy Regions run , But boring to the West , and hov'ring there , With gaping Mouths , they draw prolifick air : With which impregnate , from their Groins they shed A slimy Juice , by false Conception bred . The Shepherd knows it well ; and calls by Name Hippomanes , to note the Mother's Flame . This , gather'd in the Planetary Hour , With noxious Weeds , and spell'd with Words of pow'r ▪ Dire Stepdames in the Magick Bowl infuse ; And mix , for deadly Draughts , the poys'nous Juice . But time is lost , which never will renew , While we too far the pleasing Path pursue ; Surveying Nature , with too nice a view . Let this suffice for Herds : our following Care Shall woolly Flocks , and shaggy Goats declare . Nor can I doubt what Oyl I must bestow , To raise my Subject from a Ground so low : And the mean Matter which my Theme affords , T'embellish with Magnificence of Words . But the commanding Muse my Chariot guides ; Which o're the dubious Cliff securely rides : And pleas'd I am , no beaten Road to take : But first the way to new Discov'ries make . Now , sacred Pales , in a lofty strain , I sing the Rural Honours of thy Reign . First with assiduous care , from Winter keep Well fodder'd in the Stalls , thy tender , Sheep . Then spread with Straw , the bedding of thy Fold ; With Fern beneath , to fend the bitter Gold. That free from Gouts thou may'st preserve thy Care : And clear from Scabs , produc'd by freezing Air. Next let thy Goats officiously be nurs'd ; And led to living Streams ; to quench their Thirst . Feed 'em with Winter-brouze , and for their lare A Cot that opens to the South prepare : Where basking in the Sun-shine they may lye , And the short Remnants of his Heat enjoy . This during Winter's drisly Reign be done : 'Till the new Ram receives th' exalted Sun : For hairy Goats of equal profit are With woolly Sheep , and ask an equal Care. 'T is true , the Fleece , when drunk with Tyrian Juice , Is dearly sold ; but not for needful use : For the sallacious Goat encreases more ; And twice as largely yields her milky Store . The still distended Udders never fail ; But when they seem exhausted swell the Pail . Mean time the Pastor shears their hoary Beards ; And eases of their Hair , the loaden Herds . Their Camelots , warm in Tents , the Souldier hold ; And shield the wretched Mariner from Cold. On Shrubs they brouze , and on the bleaky Top Of rugged Hills , the thorny Bramble crop . To the Right Worshipfull Sr. Thomas Mompesson of Bathampton in the County of Wilts , Knight . Geor : 3. l. 465 Attended with their Family they come At Night unask'd , and mindful of their home ; And scarce their swelling Bags the threshold overcome . So much the more thy diligence bestow In depth of Winter , to defend the Snow : By how much less the tender helpless Kind , For their own ills , can fit Provision find . Then minister the browze , with bounteous hand ; And open let thy Stacks all Winter stand . But when the Western Winds with vital pow'r Call forth the tender Grass , and budding Flower ; Then , at the last , produce in open Air Both Flocks ; and send 'em to their Summer fare . Before the Sun , while Hesperus appears ; First let 'em sip from Herbs the pearly tears Of Morning Dews : And after break their Fast On Green-sword Ground ; ( a cool and grateful taste : ) But when the day's fourth hour has drawn the Dews , And the Sun 's sultry heat their thirst renews ; When creaking Grashoppers on Shrubs complain , Then lead 'em to their wat'ring Troughs again . In Summer's heat , some bending Valley find , Clos'd from the Sun , but open to the Wind : Or seek some ancient Oak , whose Arms extend In ample breadth , thy Cattle to defend : Or solitary Grove , or gloomy Glade : To shield 'em with its venerable Shade . Once more to wat'ring lead ; and feed again When the low Sun is sinking to the Main . When rising Cynthia sheds her silver Dews ; And the cool Evening-breeze the Meads renews : When Linnets fill the Woods with tunesul sound , And hollow shoars the Halcyons Voice rebound . Why shou'd my Muse enlarge on Lybian Swains ; Their scatter'd Cottages , and ample Plains ? Where oft the Flocks , without a Leader stray ; Or through continu'd Desarts take their way ; And , feeding , add the length of Night to day . Whole Months they wander , grazing as they go ; Nor Folds , nor hospitable Harbour know . Such an extent of Plains , so vast a space Of Wilds unknown , and of untasted Grass Allures their Eyes : The Shepherd last appears , And with him all his Patrimony bears : His House and household Gods ! his trade of War , His Bow and Quiver ; and his trusty Cur. Thus , under heavy Arms , the Youth of Rome Their long laborious Marches overcome ; Chearly their tedious Travels undergo : And pitch their sudden Camp before the Foe . Not so the Scythian Shepherd tends his Fold ; Nor he who bears in Thrace the bitter cold : Nor he , who treads the bleak Meotian Strand ; Or where proud Ister rouls his yellow Sand. Early they stall their Flocks and Herds ; for there No Grass the Fields , no Leaves the Forests wear . The frozen Earth lies buried there , below A hilly heap , sev'n Cubits deep in Snow : And all the West Allies of stormy Boreas blow . The Sun from far , peeps with a sickly face ; Too weak the Clouds , and mighty Fogs to chace ; When up the Skies , he shoots his rosie Head ; Or in the ruddy Ocean seeks his Bed. Swift Rivers , are with sudden Ice constrain'd ; And studded Wheels are on its back sustain'd . An Hostry now sor Waggons ; which before Tall Ships of burthen , on its Bosom bore . To John Dormer of Rowshan in the County of Oxford Esq Geo : 3 : L 570. The brazen Cauldrons , with the Frost are flaw'd ; The Garment , stiff with Ice , at Hearths is thaw'd . With Axes first they cleave the Wine , and thence By weight , the solid portions they dispence . From Locks uncomb'd , and from the frozen Beard , Long Isicles depend , and crackling Sounds are heard . Mean time perpetual Sleet , and driving Snow , Obscure the Skies , and hang on Herds below . The starving Cattle perish in their Stalls , Huge Oxen stand enclos'd in wint'ry Walls Of Snow congeal'd ; whole Herds are bury'd there Of mighty Stags , and scarce their Horns appear . The dext'rous Huntsman wounds not these afar , With Shafts , or Darts , or makes a distant War With Dogs ; or pitches Toyls to stop their Flight : But close engages in unequal Fight . And while they strive in vain to make their way Through hills of Snow , and pitifully bray ; Assaults with dint of Sword , or pointed Spears , And homeward , on his Back , the joyful burthen bears . The Men to subterranean Caves retire ; Secure from Cold ; and crowd the chearful Fire : With Trunks of Elms and Oaks , the Hearth they load , Nor tempt th' inclemency of Heav'n abroad . Their jovial Nights , in frollicks and in play They pass , to drive the tedious Hours away . And their cold Stomachs with crown'd Goblets cheer , Of windy Cider , and of barmy Beer . Such are the cold Ryphean Race ; and such The savage Scythian , and unwarlike Dutch. Where Skins of Beasts , the rude Barbarians wear ; The spoils of Foxes , and the furry Bear. Is Wool thy care ? Let not thy Cattle go Where Bushes are , where Burs and Thistles grow ; Nor in too rank a Pasture let 'em feed : Then of the purest white select thy Breed . Ev'n though a snowy Ram thou shalt behold , Prefer him not in haste , for Husband to thy Fold . But search his Mouth ; and if a swarthy Tongue Is underneath his humid Pallat hung ; Reject him , lest he darken all the Flock ; And substitute another from thy Stock . T was thus with Fleeces milky white ( if we May trust report , ) Pan God of Arcady Did bribe thee Cynthia ; nor didst thou disdain When call'd in woody shades , to cure a Lover's pain . If Milk be thy design ; with plenteous hand Bring Clover-grass ; and from the marshy Land Salt Herbage for the fodd'ring Rack provide ; To fill their Bags , and swell the milky Tide : These raise their Thirst , and to the Taste restore The savour of the Salt , on which they fed before . Some , when the Kids their Dams too deeply drain , With gags and muzzles their soft Mouths restrain . Their morning Milk , the Peasants press at Night : Their Evening Meal , before the rising Light To Market bear : or sparingly they steep With seas'ning Salt , and stor'd , for Winter keep . Nor last , forget thy faithful Dogs : but feed With fat'ning Whey the Mastiffs gen'rous breed ; And Spartan Race : who for the Folds relief Will prosecute with Cries the Nightly Thief : Repulse the prouling Wolf , and hold at Bay , The Mountain Robbers , rushing to the Prey . With cries of Hounds , thou may'st pursue the fear Of flying Hares , and chace the fallow Deer ; Rouze from their desart Dens , the brisl'd Rage Of Boars , and beamy Stags in Toyls engage . With smoak of burning Cedar scent thy Walls : And fume with stinking Galbanum thy Stalls : With that rank Odour from thy dwelling Place To drive the Viper's brood , and all the venom'd Race . For often under Stalls unmov'd , they lye , Obscure in shades , and shunning Heav'ns broad Eye . And Snakes , familiar , to the Hearth succeed , Disclose their Eggs , and near the Chimny breed . Whether , to roofy Houses they repair , Or Sun themselves abroad in open Air , In all abodes of pestilential Kind , To Sheep and Oxen , and the painful Hind . Take , Shepherd take , a plant of stubborn Oak ; And labour him with many a sturdy stroak : Or with hard Stones , demolish from a-far His haughty Crest , the seat of all the War. Invade his hissing Throat , and winding spires ; 'Till stretch'd in length , th' unfolded Foe retires . He drags his Tail ; and for his Head provides : And in some secret cranny slowly glides ; But leaves expos'd to blows , his Back and batter'd sides . In fair Calabria's Woods , a Snake is bred , With curling Crest , and with advancing Head : Waving he rolls , and makes a winding Track ; His Belly spotted , burnisht is his Back : While Springs are broken , while the Southern Air And dropping Heav'ns , the moisten'd Earth repair , He lives on standing Lakes , and trembling Bogs , And fills his Maw with Fish , or with loquacious Frogs . But when , in muddy Pools , the water sinks ; And the chapt Earth is furrow'd o're with Chinks ; He leaves the Fens , and leaps upon the Ground ; And hissing , rowls his glaring Eyes around . With Thirst inflam'd , impatient of the heats , He rages in the Fields , and wide Destruction threats . Oh let not Sleep , my closing Eyes invade , In open Plains , or in the secret Shade , When he , renew'd in all the speckl'd Pride Of pompous Youth , has cast his slough aside : And in his Summer Liv'ry rowls along : Erect , and brandishing his forky Tongue , Leaving his Nest , and his imperfect Young ; And thoughtless of his Egs , forgets to rear The hopes of Poyson , for the foll'wing Year . The Causes and the Signs shall next be told , Of ev'ry Sickness that infects the Fold . A scabby Tetter on their pelts will stick , When the raw Rain has pierc'd 'em to the quick : Or searching Frosts , have eaten through the Skin , Or burning Isicles are lodg'd within : Or when the Fleece is shorn , if sweat remains Unwash'd , and soaks into their empty Veins : When their defenceless Limbs , the Brambles tear ; Short of their Wool , and naked from the Sheer . Good Shepherds after sheering , drench their Sheep , And their Flocks Father ( forc'd from high to leap ) Swims down the Stream , and plunges in the deep . They oint their naked Limbs with mother'd Oyl ; Or from the Founts where living Sulphurs boyl , They mix a Med'cine to foment their Limbs ; With Scum that on the molten Silver swims . Fat Pitch , and black Bitumen , add to these , Besides , the waxen labour of the Bees : And Hellebore , and Squills deep rooted in the Seas , Receits abound ; but searching all thy Store , The best is still at hand , to launch the Sore : To Fredrick Filney of Filney Hall in Hant-Shire Esq Geo 3 : L 721 And cut the Head ; for till the Core be found , The secret Vice is fed , and gathers Ground : While making fruitless Moan , the Shepherd stands , And , when the launching Knife requires his hands , Vain help , with idle Pray'rs from Heav'n demands . Deep in their Bones when Feavers fix their seat , And rack their Limbs ; and lick the vital heat ; The ready Cure to cool the raging Pain , Is underneath the Foot to breath a Vein . This remedy the Scythian Shepherds found : Th' Inhabitants of Thracia's hilly Ground , And Gelons use it ; when for Drink and Food They mix their cruddl'd Milk with Horses Blood. But where thou seest a single Sheep remain In shades aloof , or couch'd upon the Plain ; Or listlesly to crop the tender Grass ; Or late to lag behind , with truant pace ; Revenge the Crime ; and take the Traytor 's head , E're in the faultless Flock the dire Contagion spread . On Winter Seas we fewer Storms behold , Than foul Diseases that infect the Fold . Nor do those ills , on single Bodies prey ; But oft'ner bring the Nation to decay ; And sweep the present Stock , and future Hope away . A dire Example of this Truth appears : When , after such a length of rowling Years , We see the naked Alps , and thin Remains Of scatter'd Cotts , and yet unpeopl'd Plains : Once fill'd with grazing Flocks , the Shepherds happy Reigns . Here from the vicious Air , and sickly Skies , A Plague did on the dumb Creation rise : During th' Autumnal Heats th' Infection grew , Tame Cattle , and the Beasts of Nature slew . Poys'ning the Standing Lakes ; and Pools Impure : Nor was the foodful Grass in Fields secure . Strange Death ! For when the thirsty fire had drunk Their vital Blood , and the dry Nerves were shrunk ; When the contracted Limbs were cramp'd , ev'n then A wat'rish Humour swell'd and ooz'd agen : Converting into Bane the kindly Juice , Ordain'd by Nature for a better use . The Victim Ox , that was for Altars prest , Trim'd with white Ribbons , and with Garlands drest , Sunk of himself , without the Gods Command : Preventing the slow Sacrificer's Hand . Or , by the holy Butcher , if he fell , Th' inspected Entrails , cou'd no Fates foretel . Nor , laid on Altars , did pure Flames arise ; But Clouds of smouldring Smoke , forbad the Sacrifice . Scarcely the Knife was redden'd with his Gore , Or the black Poyson stain'd the sandy Floor . The thriven Calves in Meads their Food forsake , And render their sweet Souls before the plenteous Rack . The fawning Dog runs mad ; the wheasing Swine With Coughs is choak'd ; and labours from the Chine : The Victor Horse , forgetful of his Food , The Palm renounces , and abhors the Flood . He paws the Ground , and on his hanging Ears A doubtful Sweat in clammy drops appears : Parch'd is his Hide , and rugged are his Hairs . Such are the Symptoms of the young Disease ; But in time's process , when his pains encrease , He rouls his mournful Eyes , he deeply groans With patient sobbing , and with manly Moans . He heaves for Breath : which , from his Lungs supply'd , And fetch'd from far , distends his lab'ring side . To his rough Palat , his dry Tongue succeeds ; And roapy Gore , he from his Nostrils bleeds . A Drench of Wine has with success been us'd ; And through a Horn , the gen'rous Juice infus'd : Which timely taken op'd his closing Jaws ; But , if too late , the Patient's death did cause . For the too vig'rous Dose , too fiercely wrought ; And added Fury to the Srength it brought . Recruited into Rage , he grinds his Teeth In his own Flesh , and feeds approaching Death . Ye Gods , to better Fate , good Men dispose ; And turn that Impious Errour on our Foes ! The Steer , who to the Yoke was bred to bow , ( Studious of Tillage ; and the crooked Plough ) Falls down and dies ; and dying spews a Flood Of foamy Madness , mix'd with clotted Blood. The Clown , who cursing Providence repines , His Mournful Fellow from the Team disjoyns : With many a groan , forsakes his fruitless care ; And in th' unfinish'd Furrow , leaves the Share . The pineing Steer , no Shades of lofty Woods , Nor flow'ry Meads can ease ; nor Crystal floods Roul'd from the Rock : His flabby Flanks decrease ; His Eyes are settled in a stupid peace . His bulk too weighty for his Thighs is grown ; And his unweildy Neck , hangs drooping down . Now what avails his well-deserving Toil To turn the Glebe ; or smooth the rugged Soil ! And yet he never supt in solemn State , Nor undigested Feasts did urge his Fate ; Nor day , to Night , luxuriously did joyn ; Nor surfeited on rich Campanian Wine . Simple his Bev'rage ; homely was his Food ; The wholsom Herbage , and the running Flood : No dreadful Dreams awak'd him with affright ; His Pains by Day , secur'd his Rest by Night . 'T was then that Buffalo's , ill pair'd , were seen To draw the Carr of Jove's Imperial Queen For want of Oxen : and the lab'ring Swain Scratch'd with a Rake , a Furrow for his Grain : And cover'd , with his hand , the shallow Seed again . He Yokes himself , and up the Hilly height , With his own Shoulders , draws the Waggon's weight . The nightly Wolf , that round th' Enclosure proul'd To leap the Fence ; now plots not on the Fold . Tam'd with a sharper Pain . The fearful Doe And flying Stag , amidst the Grey-Hounds go : And round the Dwellings roam of Man , their fiercer Foe . The scaly Nations of the Sea profound , Like Shipwreck'd Carcasses are driv'n aground : And mighty Phocae , never seen before In shallow Streams , are stranded on the shore . The Viper dead , within her Hole is found : Defenceless was the shelter of the ground . The water-Snake , whom Fish and Paddocks fed , With staring Scales lies poyson'd in his Bed : To Birds their Native Heav'ns contagious prove , From Clouds they fall , and leave their Souls above . Besides , to change their Pasture 't is in vain : Or trust to Physick ; Physick is their Bane . The Learned Leaches in despair depart : And shake their Heads , desponding of their Art. Tisiphone , let loose from under ground , Majestically pale , now treads the round : Before her drives Diseases , and affright ; And every moment rises to the sight : Aspiring to the Skies ; encroaching on the light . The Rivers and their Banks , and Hills around , With lowings , and with dying Bleats resound . At length , she strikes an Universal Blow ; To Death at once whole Herds of Cattle go : Sheep , Oxen , Horses fall ; and , heap'd on high , The diff'ring Species in Confusion lie . 'Till warn'd by frequent ills , the way they found , To lodge their loathsom Carrion underground . For , useless to the Currier were their Hides : Nor cou'd their tainted Flesh with Ocean Tides Be freed from Filth ; nor cou'd Vulcanian Flame The Stench abolish ; or the Savour tame . Nor safely cou'd they shear their fleecy Store ; ( Made drunk with poys'nous Juice , and stiff with Gore : ) Or touch the Web : But if the Vest they wear , Red Blisters rising on their Paps appear , And flaming Carbuncles ; and noisom Sweat , And clammy Dews , that loathsom Lice beget : 'Till the slow creeping Evil eats his way , Consumes the parching Limbs ; and makes the Life his prey . The Fourth Book of the Georgics . The Argument . Virgil has taken care to raise the Subject of each Georgic : In the First he has only dead Matter on which to work . In the second he just steps on the World of Life , and describes that degree of it which is to be found in Vegetables . In the third he advances to Animals . And in the last , singles out the Bee , which may be reckon'd the most sagacious of 'em , for his Subject . In this Georgic he shews us what Station is most proper for the Bees , and when they begin to gather Honey : how to call 'em home when they swarm ; and how to part 'em when they are engag'd in Battel . From hence he takes occasion to discover their different Kinds ; and , after an Excursion relates their prudent and politick Administration of Affairs and the several Diseases that often rage in their Hives , with the proper Symptoms and Remedies of each Disease . In the last place he lays down a method of repairing their Kind , supposing their whole Breed lost ; and gives at large the History of its Invention . THE Gifts of Heav'n my foll'wing Song pursues , Aerial Honey , and Ambrosial Dews . Maecenas , read this other part , that sings Fmbattel'd Sqadrons and advent'rous Kings : A mighty Pomp , tho' made of little Things . Their Arms , their Arts , their Manners I disclose , And how they War , and whence the People rose : Slight is the Subject , but the Praise not small , If Heav'n assist , and Phoebus hear my Call. First , for thy Bees a quiet Station find , And lodge 'em under Covert of the Wind : For Winds , when homeward they return , will drive The loaded Carriers from their Ev'ning Hive . Far from the Cows and Goats insulting Crew , That trample down the Flow'rs , and brush the Dew : The painted Lizard , and the Birds of Prey , Foes of the frugal Kind , be far away . To Richard Norton of Southwick in Hant-shire Esq. Geo 4 : L 1 The Titmouse , and the Peckers hungry Brood , And Progne , with her Bosom stain'd in Blood : These rob the trading Citizens , and bear The trembling Captives thro' the liquid Air ; And for their callow young a cruel Feast prepare . But near a living Stream their Mansion place , Edg'd round with Moss , and tufts of matted Grass : And plant ( the Winds impetuous rage to stop , ) Wild Olive Trees , or Palms , before the buisy Shop : That when the youthful Prince , with loud allarm , Calls out the vent'rous Colony to swarm ; When first their way thro' yielding Air they wing , New to the Pleasures of their native Spring ; The Banks of Brooks may make a cool retreat For the raw Souldiers from the scalding Heat : And neighb'ring Trees , with friendly Shade invite The Troops unus'd to long laborious Flight . Then o're the running Stream , or standing Lake , A Passage for thy weary People make ; With Osier Floats the standing Water strow ; Of massy Stones make Bridges , if it flow : That basking in the Sun thy Bees may lye , And resting there , their flaggy Pinions dry : When late returning home , the laden Host , By raging Winds is wreck'd upon the Coast . Wild Thyme and Sav'ry set around their Cell , Sweet to the Taste , and fragrant to the Smell : Set rows of Rosemary with flow'ring Stem , And let the purple Vi'lets drink the Stream . Whether thou build the Palace of thy Bees With twisted Osiers , or with Barks of Trees ; Make but a narrow Mouth : for as the Cold Congeals into a Lump the liquid Gold ; So 't is again dissolv'd by Summer's heat , And the sweet Labours both Extreams defeat . And therefore , not in vain , th' industrious Kind With dawby Wax and Flow'rs the Chinks have lin'd . And , with their Stores of gather'd Glue , contrive To stop the Vents , and Crannies of their Hive . Not Birdlime , or Idean Pitch produce A more tenacious Mass of clammy Juice . Nor Bees are lodg'd in Hives alone , but found In Chambers of their own , beneath the Ground : Their vaulted Roofs are hung in Pumices , And in the rotten Trunks of hollow Trees . But plaister thou the chinky Hives with Clay , And leafy Branches o're their Lodgings lay . Nor place them where too deep a Water flows , Or where the Yeugh their pois'nous Neighbour grows : Nor rost red Crabs t' offend the niceness of their Nose . Nor near the steaming Stench of muddy Ground ; Nor hollow Rocks that render back the Sound , And doubled Images of Voice rebound . For what remains , when Golden Suns appear , And under Earth have driv'n the Winter Year : The winged Nation wanders thro' the Skies , And o're the Plains , and shady Forrest flies : Then stooping on the Meads and leafy Bow'rs ; They skim the Floods , and sip the purple Flow'rs . Exalted hence , and drunk with secret Joy , Their young Succession all their Cares employ : They breed , they brood , instruct and educate , And make Provision for the future State : They work their waxen Lodgings in their Hives , And labour Honey to sustain their Lives . But when thou seest a swarming Cloud arise , That sweeps aloft , and darkens all the Skies : To the Right Hon ble : Sr. William Trumbull Kt. Principall Secretary of State & one of his Mai ties : Most Hon ble : Priry Councill . Geo : 4. l. 85. The Motions of their hasty Flight attend ; And know to Floods , or Woods , their airy march they bend . Then Melfoil beat , and Honey-suckles pound , With these alluring Savours strew the Ground ; And mix with tinkling Brass , the Cymbals droning Sound . Streight to their ancient Cells , recall'd from Air , The reconcil'd Deserters will repair . But if intestine Broils allarm the Hive , ( For two Pretenders oft for Empire strive ) The Vulgar in divided Factions jar ; And murm'ring Sounds proclaim the Civil War. Inflam'd with Ire , and trembling with Disdain , Scarce can their Limbs , their mighty Souls contain . With Shouts , the Cowards Courage they excite , And martial Clangors call 'em out to fight : With hoarse Allarms the hollow Camp rebounds , That imitates the Trumpets angry Sounds : Then to their common Standard they repair ; The nimble Horsemen scour the Fields of Air. In form of Battel drawn , they issue forth , And ev'ry Knight is proud to prove his Worth. Prest for their Country's Honour , and their King 's , On their sharp Beaks they whet their pointed Stings ; And exercise their Arms , and tremble with their Wings . Full in the midst , the haughty Monarchs ride , The trusty Guards come up , and close the Side ; With Shouts the daring Foe to Battel is defy'd . Thus in the Season of unclouded Spring , To War they follow their undaunted King : Crowd thro'their Gates , and in the Fields of Light , The shocking Squadrons meet in mortal Fight : Headlong they fall from high , and wounded wound , And heaps of slaughter'd Souldiers bite the Ground . Hard Hailstones lye not thicker on the Plain ; Nor shaken Oaks such Show'rs of Acorns rain . With gorgeous Wings the Marks of Sov'raign sway , The two contending Princes make their way ; Intrepid thro' the midst of danger go ; Their friends encourage , and amaze the Foe . With mighty Souls in narrow Bodies prest , They challenge , and encounter Breast to Breast ; So fix'd on Fame , unknowing how to fly , And obstinately bent to win or dye ; That long the doubtful Combat they maintain , Till one prevails ( for one can only Reign . ) Yet all those dreadful deeds , this deadly fray , A cast of scatter'd Dust will soon alay , And undecided leave the Fortune of the day . When both the Chiefs are sund'red from the Fight , Then to the lawful King restore his Right . And let the wastful Prodigal be slain , That he , who best deserves , alone may reign . With ease distinguish'd is the Regal Race , One Monarch wears an honest open Face ; Large are his Limbs , and Godlike to behold , His Royal Body shines with specks of Gold , And ruddy Skales ; for Empire he design'd , Is better born , and of a Nobler Kind . That other looks like Nature in disgrace , Gaunt are his sides , and sullen is his face : And like their grizly Prince appears his gloomy Race : Grim , ghastly , rugged , like a thirsty train That long have travel'd through a desart plain , And spet from their dry Chaps the gather'd dust again . The better Brood , unlike the Bastard Crew , Are mark'd with Royal streaks of shining hue ; Glitt'ring and ardent , though in Body less : From these at pointed Seasons hope to press Huge heavy Honey-Combs , of Golden Juice , Not only sweet , but pure , and fit for use : T' allay the Strength and Hardness of the Wine , And with old Bacchus , new Metheglin join . But when the Swarms are eager of their play , And loath their empty Hives , and idly stray , Restrain the wanton Fugitives , and take A timely Care to bring the Truants back . The Task is easy : but to clip the Wings Of their high-flying Arbitrary Kings : At their Command , the People swarm away ; Confine the Tyrant , and the Slaves will stay . Sweet Gardens , full of Saffron Flow'rs , invite The wandring Gluttons , and retard their Flight . Besides , the God obscene , who frights away , With his Lath Sword , the Thiefs and Birds of Prey . With his own hand , the Guardian of the Bees , For Slips of Pines , may search the Mountain Trees : And with wild Thyme and Sav'ry , plant the Plain , 'Till his hard horny Fingers ake with Pain : And deck with fruitful Trees the Fields around , And with refreshing Waters drench the Ground . Now , did I not so near my Labours end , Strike Sail , and hast'ning to the Harbour tend ; My Song to Flow'ry Gardens might extend . To teach the vegetable Arts , to sing The Paestan Roses , and their double Spring : How Succ'ry drinks the running Streams , and how Green Beds of Parsley near the River grow ; How Cucumers along the Surface creep , With crooked Bodies , and with Bellies deep . The late Narcissus , and the winding Trail Of Bears-foot , Myrtles green , and Ivy pale . For where with stately Tow'rs Tarentum stands , And deep Galesus soaks the yellow Sands , I chanc'd an Old Corycian Swain to know , Lord of few Acres , and those barren too ; Unfit for Sheep or Vines , and more unfit to sow : Yet lab'ring well his little Spot of Ground , Some scatt'ring Potherbs here and there he found : Which cultivated with his daily Care , And bruis'd with Vervain , were his frugal Fare . Sometimes white Lyllies did their Leaves afford , With wholsom Poppy-flow'rs , to mend his homely Board : For late returning home he sup'd at ease , And wisely deem'd the Wealth of Monarchs less : The little of his own , because his own , did please . To quit his Care , he gather'd first of all In Spring the Roses , Apples in the Fall : And when cold Winter split the Rocks in twain , And Ice the running Rivers did restrain , He strip'd the Bears-foot of its leafy growth ; And , calling Western Winds , accus'd the Spring of sloath . He therefore first among the Swains was found , To reap the Product of his labour'd Ground , And squeese the Combs with Golden Liquor Crown'd . His Limes were first in Flow'rs , his lofty Pines , With friendly Shade , secur'd his tender Vines . For ev'ry Bloom his Trees in Spring afford , An Autumn Apple was by tale restor'd . He knew to rank his Elms in even rows ; For Fruit the grafted Peartree to dispose : And tame to Plums , the sourness of the Sloes . With spreading Planes he made a cool retreat , To shade good Fellows from the Summer's heat . But streighten'd in my space , I must forsake This Task ; for others afterwards to take . Describe we next the Nature of the Bees , bestow'd by Jove for secret Services : When by the tinkling Sound of Timbrels led , The King of Heav'n in Cretan Caves they fed . Of all the Race of Animals , alone The Bees have common Cities of their own : And common Sons , beneath one Law they live , And with one common Stock their Traffick drive . Each has a certain home , a sev'ral Stall : All is the States , the State provides for all . Mindful of coming Cold , they share the Pain : And hoard , for Winter's use , the Summer's gain . Some o're the Publick Magazines preside , And some are sent new Forrage to provide : These drudge in Fields abroad , and those at home Lay deep Foundations for the labour'd Comb , With dew , Narcissus Leaves , and clammy Gum. To pitch the waxen Flooring some contrive : Some nurse the future Nation of the Hive : Sweet Honey some condense , some purge the Grout ; The rest , in Cells apart , the liquid Nectar shut . All , with united Force , combine to drive The lazy Drones from the laborious Hive . With Envy stung , they view each others Deeds : With Diligence the fragrant Work proceeds . As when the Cyclops , at th' Almighty Nod , New Thunder hasten for their angry God : Subdu'd in Fire the Stubborn Mettal lyes , One brawny Smith the puffing Bellows plyes ; And draws , and blows reciprocating Air : Others to quench the hissing Mass prepare : With lifted Arms they order ev'ry Blow , And chime their sounding Hammers in a Row ; With strokes of Anvils Aetna groans below . Strongly they strike , huge Flakes of Flames expire , With Tongs they turn the Steel , and vex it in the Fire . If little things with great we may compare , Such are the Bees , and such their native Care : Studious of Honey , each in his Degree , The youthful Swain , the grave experienc'd Bee : That in the Field ; this in Affairs of State , Employ'd at home , abides within the Gate : To fortify the Combs , to build the Wall , To prop the Ruins lest the Fabrick fall : But late at Night , with weary Pinions come The labr'ring Youth , and heavy laden home . Plains , Meads , and Orchards all the day he plies , The gleans of yellow Thime distend his Thighs : He spoils the Saffron Flow'rs , he sips the blues Of Vi'lets , wilding Blooms , and Willow Dews . Their Toyl is common , common is their Sleep ; They shake their Wings when Morn begins to peep ; Rush through the City Gates without delay , Nor ends their Work , but with declining Day : Then having spent the last remains of Light , They give thir Bodies due repose at Night : When hollow Murmurs of their Ev'ning Bells , Dismiss the sleepy Swains , and toll 'em to their Cells . When once in Beds their weary Limbs they steep , No buzzing Sounds disturb thir Golden Sleep . 'T is sacred Silence all . Nor dare they stray , When Rain is promis'd , or a stormy Day : But near the City Walls their Watring take , Nor Forrage far , but short Excursions make . And as when empty Barks on Billows float , With sandy Ballast Sailors trim the Boat ; So Bees bear Gravel Stones , whose poising Weight Steers thro' the whistling Winds their steddy Flight . But what 's more strange , their modest Appetites , Averse from Venus , fly the nuptial Rites . No lust enervates their Heroic Mind , Nor wasts their Strength on wanton Woman-Kind . But in their Mouths reside their Genial Pow'rs , They gather Children from the Leaves and Flow'rs . Thus make they Kings to fill the Regal Seat ; And thus their little Citizens create : And waxen Cities build , and Palaces of State. And oft on Rocks their tender Wings they tear , And sink beneath the Burthens which they bear . Such Rage of Honey in their Bosom beats : And such a Zeal they have for flow'ry Sweets . Thus tho' the race of Life they quickly run ; Which in the space of seven short Years is done , Th' immortal Line in fure Succession reigns , The Fortune of the Family remains : And Grandsires Grandsons the long List contains . Besides , not Egypt , India , Media more With servile Awe , their Idol King adore : While he survives , in Concord and Content The Commons live , by no Divisions rent ; But the great Monarch's Death dissolves the Government . All goes to Ruin , they themselves contrive To rob the Honey , and subvert the Hive . The King presides , his Subjects Toil surveys ; The servile Rout their careful Caesar praise : Him they extol , they worship him alone , They crowd his Levees , and support his Throne : They raise him on their shoulders with a Shout : And when their Sov'raigns Quarrel calls 'em out , His Foes to mortal Combat they defy , And think it honour at his feet to die . Induc'd by such Examples , some have taught That Bees have Portions of Etherial Thought : Endu'd with Particles of Heavenly Fires : For God the whole created Mass inspires ; Thro' Heav'n , and Earth , and Oceans depth he throws His Influence round , and kindles as he goes . Hence Flocks , and Herds , and Men , and Beasts , and Fowls With Breath are quicken'd ; and attract their Souls . Hence take the Forms his Prescience did ordain , And into him at length resolve again . No room is left for Death , they mount the Sky , And to their own congenial Planets fly . Now when thou hast decreed to seize their Stores , And by Prerogative to break their Doors : With sprinkl'd Water first the City choak , And then pursue the Citizens with Smoak . Two Honey Harvests fall in ev'ry Year : First , when the pleasing Pleiades appear , And springing upward spurn the briny Seas : Again , when their affrighted Quire surveys The watry Scorpion mend his Pace behind , With a black Train of Storms , and winter Wind ; They plunge into the Deep , and safe Protection find . Prone to Revenge , the Bees , a wrathful Race , When once provok'd assault th' Agressor's Face : And through the purple Veins a passage find ; There fix their Stings , and leave their Souls behind . But if a pinching Winter thou foresee , And woud'st preserve thy famish'd Family ; With fragant Thyme the City fumigate , And break the waxen Walls to save the State. For lurking Lizards often lodge , by Stealth , Within the Suburbs , and purloyn their Wealth . And Worms that shun the Light , a dark Retreat Have found in Combs , and undermin'd the Seat. Or lazy Drones , without their Share of Pain ; In Winter Quarters free , devour the Gain : Or Wasps infest the Camp with loud Alarms , And mix in Battel with unequal Arms : Or secret Moaths are there in Silence fed ; Or Spiders in the Vault , their snary Webs have spred . The more oppress'd by Foes , or Famine pin'd ; The more increase thy Care to save the sinking Kind . With Greens and Flow'rs recruit their empty Hives , And seek fresh Forrage to sustain their Lives . But since they share with us one common Fate , In Health and Sickness , and in Turns of State ; Observe the Symptoms when they fall away , And languish with insensible Decay . They change their Hue , with hagger'd Eyes they stare , Lean are their Looks , and shagged is their Hair : And Crowds of dead , that never must return To their lov'd Hives , in decent Pomp are born : Their Friends attend the Herse , the next Relations Mourn . The sick , for Air before the Portal gasp , Their feeble Legs within each other clasp . Or idle in their empty Hives remain , Benum'd with Cold , and listless of their Gain . Soft Whispers then , and broken Sounds are heard , As when the Woods by gentle Winds are stir'd . Such stifled noise as the close Furnace hides , Or dying Murmurs of departing Tides . This when thou seest , Galbanean Odours use , And Honey in the sickly Hive infuse . Thro' reeden Pipes convey the Golden Flood , T' invite the People to their wonted Food . Mix it with thicken'd Juice of sodden Wines , And Raisins from the Grapes of Psythian Vines : To these add pounded Galls , and Roses dry , And with Cecropian Thyme , strong scented Centaury . A Flow'r there is that grows in Meadow Ground , Amellus call'd , and easy to be found ; For from one Root the rising Stem bestows A Wood of Leaves , and vi'let-purple Boughs : The Flow'r it self is glorious to behold , And shines on Altars like refulgent Gold : Sharp to the Taste , by Shepherds near the Stream Of Mella found , and thence they gave the Name . Boyl this restoring Root in gen'rous Wine , And set beside the Door , the sickly Stock to dine . But if the lab'ring Kind be wholly lost , And not to be retriev'd with Care or Cost ; 'T is time to touch the Precepts of an Art , Th' Arcadian Master did of old impart : And how he stock'd his empty Hives again ; Renew'd with putrid Gore of Oxen slain . An ancient Legend I prepare to sing , And upward follow Fame's immortal Spring . For where with sev'n-fold Horns mysterious Nile Surrounds the Skirts of Egypt's fruitful Isle , And where in Pomp the Sun-burnt People ride On painted Barges , o're the teeming Tide , Which pouring down from Ethiopian Lands , Makes green the Soyl with Slime , and black prolific Sands ; That length of Region , and large Tract of Ground , In this one Art a sure relief have found . First , in a place , by Nature closs , they build A narrow Flooring , gutter'd , wall'd , and til'd . In this , four Windows are contriv'd , that strike To the four Winds oppos'd , their Beams oblique . A Steer of two Years old they take , whose Head Now first with burnish'd Horns begins to spread : They stop his Nostrils , while he strives in vain To breath free Air , and struggles with his Pain . Knock'd down , he dyes : his Bowels bruis'd within , Betray no Wound on his unbroken Skin . Extended thus , in this obscene Abode , They leave the Beast ; but first sweet Flow'rs are strow'd Beneath his Body , broken Boughs and Thyme , And pleasing Cassia just renew'd in prime . This must be done , e're Spring makes equal Day , When Western Winds on curling Waters play : E're painted Meads produce their Flow'ry Crops , Or Swallows twitter on the Chimney Tops . The tainted Blood , in this close Prison pent , Begins to boyl and through the Bones ferment . Then , wondrous to behold , new Creatures rise , A moving Mass at first , and short of Thighs ; 'Till shooting out with Legs , and imp'd with Wings , The Grubs proceed to Bees with pointed Stings : And more and more affecting Air , they try Their tender Pinions , and begin to fly : At length , like Summer Storms from spreading Clouds , That burst at once , and pour impetuous Floods ; Or Flights of Arrows from the Parthian Bows , When from afar they gaul embattel'd Foes ; With such a Tempest thro' the Skies they Steer ; And such a form the winged Squadrons bear . What God , O Muse ! this useful Science taught ? Or by what Man's Experience was it brought ? Sad Aristaeus from fair Tempe fled , His Bees with Famine , or Diseases dead : On Peneus's Banks he stood , and near his holy Head. And while his falling Tears the Stream supply'd , Thus mourning , to his Mother Goddess cry'd . Mother Cyrene , Mother , whose abode Is in the depth of this immortal Flood : What boots it , that from Phoebus's Loyns I spring , The third by him and thee , from Heav'ns high King ? O! Where is all thy boasted Pity gone , And Promise of the Skies to thy deluded Son ? Why didst thou me , unhappy me , create ? Odious to Gods , and born to bitter Fate . Whom ▪ scarce my Sheep , and scarce my painful Plough , The needsul Aids of Human Life allow ; So wretched is thy Son , so hard a Mother thou . Proceed , inhuman Parent in thy Scorn ; Root up my Trees , with Blites destroy my Corn ; My Vineyards Ruin , and my Sheepfolds burn . Let loose thy Rage , let all thy Spite be shown , Since thus thou hat'st the Praises of thy Son. But from her Mossy Bow'r below the Ground , His careful Mother heard the Plaintive sound ; Encompass'd with her Sea-green Sisters round . One common Work they ply'd : their Distaffs full With carded Locks of blue Milesian Wool. Spio with Drymo brown , and Xanthe fair , And sweet Phyllodoce with long dishevel'd Hair : Cydippe with Licorias , one a Maid , And one that once had call'd Lucina's Aid . Clio and Beroe , from one Father both , Both girt with Gold , and clad in particolour'd Cloth. Opis the meek , and Deiopeia proud ; Nisaea softly , with Ligaea loud ; Thalia joyous , Ephyre the sad , And Arethusa once Diana's Maid , But now , her Quiver left , to Love betray'd . To these , Climene the sweet Theft declares , Of Mars and Vulcans unavailing Cares : And all the Rapes of Gods , and ev'ry Love , From antient Chaos down to youthful Jove . Thus while she sings , the Sisters turn the Wheel , Empty the wooly Rock , and fill the Reel . A mournful Sound , agen the Mother hears ; Agen the mournful Sound invades the Sister's Ears : Starting at once from their green Seats , they rise ; Fear in their Heart , Amazement in their Eyes . But Arethusa leaping from her Bed , First lifts above the Waves her beauteous Head ; And , crying from afar , thus to Cyrene said . O Sister ! not with causeless Fear possest , No Stranger Voice disturbs thy tender Breast . 'T is Aristeus , 't is thy darling Son , Who to his careless Mother makes his Moan . Near his Paternal Stream he sadly stands , With down-cast Eyes , wet Cheeks , and folded Hands : Upbraiding Heav'n from whence his Lineage came , And cruel calls the Gods , and cruel thee , by Name . Cyrene mov'd with Love , and seiz'd with Fear , Cries out , conduct my Son , conduct him here : 'T is lawful for the Youth , deriv'd from Gods , To view the Secrets of our deep Abodes . At once she wav'd her Hand on either side , At once the Ranks of swelling Streams divide . Two rising Heaps of liquid Crystal stand , And leave a Space betwixt , of empty Sand. Thus safe receiv'd , the downward track he treads , Which to his Mother's watry Palace leads . With wond'ring Eyes he views the secret Store Of Lakes , that pent in hollow Caverns , roar . He hears the crackling Sound of Coral Woods , And sees the secret Source of subterranean Floods . And where , distinguish'd in their sev'ral Cells , The Fount of Phasis ; and of Lycus dwells ; Where swift Enipeus in his Bed appears , And Tiber his Majestick Forehead rears . Whence Anio flows , and Hypanis , profound , Breaks through th' opposing Rocks with raging Sound . Where Po first issues from his dark abodes , And , awful in his Cradle , rules the Floods . Two Golden Horns on his large Front he wears , And his grim Face a Bull 's Resemblance bears . With rapid Course he seeks the sacred Main , And fattens , as he runs , the fruitful Plain . Now to the Court arriv'd , th' admiring Son Beholds the vaulted Roofs of Pory Stone ; Now to his Mother Goddess tells his Grief , Which she with Pity hears , and promises Relief . Th' officious Nymphs , attending in a Ring , With Waters drawn from their perpetual Spring , From earthly dregs his Body purify , And rub his Temples , with fine Towels , dry : Then load the Tables with a lib'ral Feast , And honour with full Bowls their friendly Guest . The sacred Altars are involv'd in Smoak , And the bright Quire their kindred Gods invoke . To S r Bartholomen Shower of the Midle Temple . Knt. Go : 4. l. 535. Two Bowls the Mother fills with Lydian Wine ; Then thus , Let these be pour'd , with Rites divine , To the great Authors of our wat'ry Line . To Father Ocean , this ; and this , she said , Be to the Nymphs his sacred Sisters paid , Who rule the wat'ry Plains , and hold the woodland Shade . She sprinkl'd thrice , with Wine , the Vestal Fire , Thrice to the vaulted Roof the Flames aspire . Rais'd with so blest an Omen , she begun , With Words like these , to chear her drooping Son. In the Carpathian Bottom makes abode The Shepherd of the Seas , a Prophet and a God ; High o're the Main in wat'ry Pomp he rides , His azure Carr and finny Coursers guides : Proteus his Name : to his Pallenian Port , I see from far the weary God resort . Him , not alone , we River Gods adore , But aged Nereus hearkens to his Lore . With sure foresight , and with unerring Doom , He sees what is , and was , and is to come . This Neptune gave him , when he gave to keep His scaly Flocks , that graze the wat'ry deep . Implore his Aid , for Proteus onely knows The secret Cause , and Cure of all thy Woes . But first the wily Wizard must be caught , For unconstrain'd he nothing tells for naught ; Nor is with Pray'rs , or Bribes , or Flatt'ry bought . Surprise him first , and with hard Fetters bind ; Then all his Frauds will vanish into Wind. I will my self conduct thee on thy Way , When next the Southing Sun inflames the Day : When the dry Herbage thirsts for Dews in vain , And Sheep , in Shades , avoid the parching Plain . Then will I lead thee to his secret Seat ; When weary with his Toyl , and scorch'd with Heat , The wayward Sire frequents his cool Retreat . His Eyes with heavy Slumber overcast ; With Force invade his Limbs , and bind him fast : Thus surely bound , yet be not over bold , The slipp'ry God will try to loose his hold : And various Forms assume , to cheat thy sight ; And with vain Images of Beasts affright . With foamy Tusks he seems a bristly Boar , Or imitates the Lion's angry Roar ; Breaks out in crackling Flames to shun thy Snares , A Dragon hisses , or a Tyger stares : Or with a Wile , thy Caution to betray , In fleeting Streams attempts to slide away . But thou , the more he varies Forms , beware To strain his Fetters with a stricter Care : 'Till tiring all his Arts , he turns agen To his true Shape , in which he first was seen . This said , with Nectar she her Son anoints ; Infusing Vigour through his mortal Joynts : Down from his Head the liquid Odours ran ; He breath'd of Heav'n , and look'd above a Man. Within a Mountain's hollow Womb , there lies A large Recess , conceal'd from Human Eyes ; Where heaps of Billows , driv'n by Wind and Tide , In Form of War , their wat'ry Ranks divide ; And there , like Centries set , without the Mouth abide : A Station safe for Ships , when Tempests roar , A silent Harbour , and a cover'd Shoar . Secure within resides the various God , And draws a Rock upon his dark Abode . To Simon Harcourt of Stanton Harcourt in the County of Oxon Esq. . Geo 4 : L : 635. Hether with silent Steps , secure from Sight , The Goddess guides her Son , and turns him from the Light : Her self , involv'd in Clouds , precipitates her Flight . 'T was Noon ; the sultry Dog-star from the Sky Scorch'd Indian Swains , the rivell'd Grass was dry ; The Sun with flaming Arrows pierc'd the Flood , And , darting to the bottom , bak'd the Mud : When weary Proteus , from the briny Waves , Retir'd for Shelter to his wonted Caves : His finny Flocks about their Shepherd play , And rowling round him , spirt the bitter Sea. Unweildily they wallow first in Ooze , Then in the shady Covert seek Repose . Himself their Herdsman , on the middle Mount , Takes of his muster'd Flocks a just Account . So , seated on a Rock , a Shepherd's Groom Surveys his Ev'ning Flocks returning Home : When lowing Calves , and bleating Lambs , from far , Provoke the prouling Wolf to nightly War. Th' Occasion offers , and the Youth complies : For scarce the weary God had clos'd his Eyes ; When rushing on , with shouts , he binds in Chains The drowzy Prophet , and his Limbs constrains . He , not unmindful of his usual Art , First in dissembled Fire attempts to part : Then roaring Beasts , and running Streams he tryes , And wearies all his Miracles of Lies : But having shifted ev'ry Form to scape , Convinc'd of Conquest , he resum'd his shape : And thus , at length , in human Accent spoke ▪ Audacious Youth , what madness cou'd provoke A Mortal Man t' invade a sleeping God ? What Buis'ness brought thee to my dark abode ? To this , th' audacious Youth ; Thou know'st full well My Name , and Buis'ness , God , nor need I tell : No Man can Proteus cheat ; but Proteus leave Thy fraudful Arts , and do not thou deceive . Foll'wing the Gods Command , I come t'implore Thy Help , my perish'd People to restore . The Seer , who could not yet his Wrath asswage , Rowl'd his green Eyes , that sparkl'd with his Rage ; And gnash'd his Teeth , and cry'd , No vulgar God Pursues thy Crimes , nor with a Common Rod. Thy great Misdeeds have met a due Reward , And Orpheus's dying Pray'rs at length are heard . For Crimes , not his , the Lover lost his Life , And at thy Hands requires his murther'd Wife : Nor ( if the Fates assist not ) canst thou scape The just Revenge of that intended Rape . To shun thy lawless Lust , the dying Bride , Unwary , took along the River's side : Nor , at her Heels perceiv'd the deadly Snake , That kept the Bank , in Covert of the Brake . But all her fellow Nymphs the Mountains tear With loud Laments , and break the yielding Air : The Realms of Mars remurmur'd all around , And Echoes to th' Athenian Shoars rebound . Th' unhappy Husband , Husband now no more , Did on his tuneful Harp his Loss deplore , And sought , his mournful Mind with Musick to restore . On thee , dear Wife , in Desarts all alone , He call'd , sigh'd , sung , his Griefs with Day begun , Nor were they finish'd with the setting Sun. Ev'n to the dark Dominions of the Night , He took his way , thro' Forrests void of Light : And dar'd amidst the trembling Ghosts to sing , And stood before th' inexorable King. Th' Infernal Troops like passing Shadows glide , And , list'ning , crowd the sweet Musician's side . Not flocks of Birds when driv'n by Storms , or Night , Stretch to the Forest with so thick a flight . Men , Matrons , Children , and th' unmarry'd Maid , * The mighty Heroes more Majestic shade ; And Youths on Fun'ral Piles before their Parents laid . All these Cocytus bounds with squalid Reeds , With Muddy Ditches , and with deadly Weeds : And baleful Styx encompasses around , With Nine slow circling Streams , th' unhappy ground . Ev'n from the depths of Hell the Damn'd advance , Th' Infernal Mansions nodding seem to dance ; The gaping three-mouth'd Dog forgets to snarl , The Furies harken , and their Snakes uncurl : Ixion seems no more his Pains to feel , But leans attentive on his standing Wheel . All Dangers past , at length the lovely Bride , In safety goes , with her Melodious Guide ; Longing the common Light again to share , And draw the vital breath of upper Air : He first , and close behind him follow'd she , For such was Proserpine's severe Decree . When strong Desires th' impatient Youth invade ; By little Caution and much love betray'd : A fault which easy Pardon might receive , Were Lovers Judges , or cou'd Hell forgive . For near the Confines of Etherial Light , And longing for the glimm'ring of a sight , Th' unwary Lover cast his Eyes behind , Forgetful of the Law , nor Master of his Mind . Straight all his Hopes exhal'd in empty Smoke ; And his long Toils were forfeit for a Look . Three flashes of blue Light'ning gave the sign Of Cov'nants broke , three peals of Thunder joyn . Then thus the Bride ; What fury seiz'd on thee , Unhappy Man ! to lose thy self and Me ? Dragg'd back again by cruel Destinies , An Iron Slumber shuts my swimming Eyes . And now farewel , involv'd in Shades of Night , For ever I am ravish'd from thy sight . In vain I reach my feeble hands , to joyn In sweet Embraces ; ah ! no longer thine ! She said , and from his Eyes the fleeting Fair Retir'd like subtile Smoke dissolv'd in Air ; And left her hopeless Lover in despair . In vain , with folding Arms , the Youth assay'd To stop her flight , and strain the flying Shade : He prays , he raves , all Means in vain he tries , With rage inflam'd , astonish'd with surprise ; But she return'd no more , to bless his longing Eyes . Nor wou'd th' Infernal Ferry-Man once more Be brib'd , to waft him to the farther shore . What shou'd He do , who twice had lost his Love ? What Notes invent , what new Petitions move ? Her Soul already was consign'd to Fate , And shiv'ring in the leaky Sculler sate . For seven continu'd Months , if Fame say true , The wretched Swain his Sorrows did renew ; By Strymon's freezing Streams he sate alone , The Rocks were mov'd to pity with his moan : Trees bent their heads to hear him sing his Wrongs , Fierce Tygers couch'd around , and loll'd their fawning Tongues . So , close in Poplar Shades , her Children gone , The Mother Nightingale laments alone : Whose Nest some prying Churl had found , and thence , By Stealth , convey'd th' unfeather'd Innocence . But she supplies the Night with mournful Strains , With one continu'd Tenor still complains ; Which fills the Forrest , and the neighb'ring Plains . Sad Orpheus thus his tedious Hours employs , Averse from Venus , and from nuptial Joys . Alone he tempts the frozen Floods , alone Th' unhappy Climes , where Spring was never known : He mourn'd his wretched Wife , in vain restor'd , And Pluto's unavailing Boon deplor'd . The Thracian Matrons , who the Youth accus'd , Of Love disdain'd , and Marriage Rites refus'd : With Furies , and Nocturnal Orgies fir'd , At length , against his sacred Life conspir'd . Whom ev'n the salvage Beasts had spar'd , they kill'd , And strew'd his mangl'd Limbs about the Field . Then , when his Head , from his fair Shoulders torn , Wash'd by the Waters , was on Hebrus born ; Ev'n then his trembling Tongue invok'd his Bride ; With his last Voice , Eurydice , he cry'd , Eurydice , the Rocks and River-banks reply'd . This answer Proteus gave , nor more he said , But in the Billows plung'd his hoary Head ; And where he leap'd , the Waves in Circles widely spread . The Nymph return'd , her drooping Son to chear , And bade him banish his superfluous fear : For now , said she , the Cause is known , from whence Thy Woe succeeded , and for what Offence : The Nymphs , Companions of th' unhappy Maid , This punishment upon thy Crimes have laid ; And sent a Plague among thy thriving Bees . With Vows and suppliant Pray'rs their Pow'rs appease : The soft Napaean Race will soon repent Their Anger , and remit the Punishment . The secret in an easy Method lies ; Select four Brawny Bulls for Sacrifice , Which on Lycaeus graze , without a Guide ; Add four fair Heifars yet in Yoke untry'd : For these , four Altars in their Temple rear , And then adore the Woodland Pow'rs with Pray'r . From the slain Victims pour the streaming Blood , And leave their Bodies in the shady Wood : Nine Mornings thence , Lethean Poppy bring , T' appease the Manes of the Poets King : And to propitiate his offended Bride , A fatted Calf , and a black Ewe provide : This finish'd , to the former Woods repair . His Mother's Precepts he performs with care ; The Temple visits , and adores with Pray'r . Four Altars raises , from his Herd he culls , For Slaughter , four the fairest of his Bulls ; Four Heifars from his Female Store he took , All fair , and all unknowing of the Yoke . Nine Mornings thence , with Sacrifice and Pray'rs , The Pow'rs aton'd , he to the Grove repairs . Behold a Prodigy ! for from within The broken Bowels , and the bloated Skin , A buzzing noise of Bees their Ears alarms , Straight issue through the Sides assembling Swarms : Dark as a Cloud they make a wheeling Flight , Then on a neighb'ring Tree , descending , light : Like a large Cluster of black Grapes they show , And make a large dependance from the Bough . To the Hon ble : John Granville second Son to John EARL of BATH one of the Com ●s : appointed by Act of Parliam t : for Examining Taking & Stating the Publick Accounts of the Kingdome . Geor : 4 : l. 795. Thus have I sung of Fields , and Flocks , and Trees , And of the waxen Work of lab'ring Bees ; While mighty Caesar , thund'ring from afar , Seeks on Euphrates Banks the Spoils of War : With conq'ring Arms asserts his Country's Cause , With Arts of Peace the willing People draws : On the glad Earth the Golden Age renews , And his great Father's Path to Heav'n pursues . While I at Naples pass my peaceful Days , Affecting Studies of less noisy Praise ; And bold , through Youth , beneath the Beechen Shade , The Lays of Shepherds , and their Loves have plaid . TO THE MOST HONOURABLE John , Lord Marquess of Normanby , EARL of MULGRAVE , &c. AND Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter . A HEROICK Poem , truly such , is undoubtedly the greatest Work which the Soul of Man is capable to perform . The Design of it , is to form the Mind to Heroick Virtue by Example ; 't is convey'd in Verse , that it may delight , while it instructs : The Action of it is always one , entire , and great . The least and most trivial Episodes , or under-Actions , which are interwoven in it , are parts either necessary , or convenient to carry on the main Design . Either so necessary , that without them the Poem must be Imperfect , or so convenient , that no others can be imagin'd more suitable to the place in which they are . There is nothing to be left void in a firm Building ; even the Cavities ought not to be fill'd with Rubbish , which is of a perishable kind , destructive to the strength : But with Brick or Stone , though of less pieces , yet of the same Nature , and fitted to the Cranies . Even the least portions of them must be of the Epick kind ; all things must be Grave , Majestical , and Sublime : Nothing of a Foreign Nature , like the trifling Novels , which Aristotle and others have inserted in their Poems . By which the Reader is miss-led into another sort of Pleasure , opposite to that which is design'd in an Epick Poem . One raises the Soul and hardens it to Virtue , the other softens it again and unbends it into Vice. One conduces to the Poet's aim , the compleating of his Work ; which he is driving on , labouring and hast'ning in every Line : the other slackens his pace , diverts him from his Way , and locks him up like a Knight Errant in an Enchanted Castle , when he should be pursuing his first Adventure . Statius , as Bossu has well observ'd , was ambitious of trying his strength with his Master Virgil , as Virgil had before try'd his with Homer . The Grecian gave the two Romans an Example , in the Games which were Celebrated at the Funerals of Patroclus . Virgil imitated the Invention of Homer , but chang'd the Sports . But both the Greek and Latin Poet , took their occasions from the Subject ; though to confess the Truth , they were both Ornamental , or at best , convenient parts of it , rather than of necessity arising from it . Statius , who through his whole Poem , is noted for want of Conduct and Judgment ; instead of staying , as he might have done , for the Death of Capaneus , Hippomedon , Tideus , or some other of his Seven Champions , ( who are Heroes all alike ) or more properly for the Tragical end of the two Brothers , whose Exequies the next Successor had leisure to perform , when the Siege was rais'd , and in the Interval betwixt the Poets first Action , and his second ; went out of his way , as it were on propense Malice to commit a Fault . For he took his opportunity to kill a Royal Infant , by the means of a Serpent , ( that Author of all Evil ) to make way for those Funeral Honours , which he intended for him . Now if this Innocent had been of any Relation to his Thebais ; if he had either farther'd or hinder'd the taking of the Town , the Poet might have found some sorry Excuse at least , for detaining the Reader from the promis'd Siege . I can think of nothing to plead for him , but what I verily believe he thought himself ; which was , that as the Funerals of Anchises were solemniz'd in Sicily , so those of Archemorus should be celebrated in Candy . For the last was an Island ; and a better than the first , because Jove was Born there . On these terms , this Capaneus of a Poet ingag'd his two Immortal Predecessours , and his Success was answerable to his Enterprise . If this Oeconomy must be observ'd in the minutest Parts of an Epick Poem , which , to a common Reader , seem to be detach'd from the Body , and almost independent of it ; what Soul , tho' sent into the World with great advantages of Nature , cultivated with the liberal Arts and Sciences ; conversant with Histories of the Dead , and enrich'd with Observations on the Living , can be sufficient to inform the whole Body of so great a Work ? I touch here but transiently , without any strict Method , on some few of those many Rules of imitating Nature , which Aristotle drew from Homer's Iliads and Odysses , and which he fitted to the Drama ; furnishing himself also with Observations from the Practice of the Theater , when it flourish'd under Aeschilus , Eurypides , and Sophocles . For the Original of the Stage was from the Epick Poem . Narration , doubtless , preceded Acting , and gave Laws to it : What at first was told Artfully , was , in process of time , represented gracefully to the sight , and hearing . Those Episodes of Homer , which were proper for the Stage , the Poets amplify'd each into an Action : Out of his Limbs they form'd their Bodies : What he had Contracted they Enlarg'd : Out of one Hercules were made infinite of Pigmies ; yet all endued with humane Souls : For from him , their great Creator , they have each of them the Divinae particulam Aurae . They flow'd from him at first , and are at last resolv'd into him . Nor were they only animated by him , but their Measure and Symetry was owing to him . His one , entire , and great Action was Copied by them according to the proportions of the Drama : If he finish'd his Orb within the Year , it suffic'd to teach them , that their Action being less , and being also less diversify'd with Incidents , their Orb , of consequence , must be circumscrib'd in a less compass , which they reduc'd , within the limits either of a Natural or an Artificial Day . So that as he taught them to amplifie what he had shorten'd , by the same Rule apply'd the contrary way , he taught them to shorten what he had amplifi'd . Tragedy is the minature of Humane Life ; an Epick Poem is the draught at length . Here , my Lord , I must contract also , for , before I was aware , I was almost running into a long digression , to prove that there is no such absolute necessity that the time of a Stage-Action shou'd so strictly be confin'd to Twenty Four Hours , as never to exceed them , for which Aristotle contends , and the Grecian Stage has practis'd . Some longer space , on some occasions , I think may be allow'd , especially for the English Theater , which requires more variety of Incidents than the French. Corneille himself , after long Practice , was inclin'd to think , that the time allotted by the Ancients was too short to raise and finish a great Action : And better a Mechanick Rule were stretch'd or broken , than a great Beauty were omitted . To raise , and afterwards to calm the Passions , to purge the Soul from Pride , by the Examples of Humane Miseries , which befall the greatest ; in few words , to expel Arrogance , and introduce Compassion , are the great effects of Tragedy . Great , I must confess , if they were altogether as true as they are pompous . But are Habits to be introduc'd at three Hours warning ? Are radical Diseases so suddenly remov'd ? A Mountebank may promise such a Cure , but a skilful Physician will not undertake it . An Epick Poem is not in so much haste ; it works leisurely ; the Changes which it makes are slow ; but the Cure is likely to be more perfect . The effects of Tragedy , as I said , are too violent to be lasting . If it be answer'd that for this Reason Tragedies are often to be seen , and the Dose to be repeated ; this is tacitely to confess , that there is more Virtue in one Heroick Poem than in many Tragedies . A Man is humbled one Day , and his Pride returns the next . Chymical Medicines are observ'd to Relieve oft'ner than to Cure : For 't is the nature of Spirits to make swift impressions , but not deep . Galenical Decoctions , to which I may properly compare an Epick Poem , have more of Body in them ; they work by their substance and their weight . It is one Reason of Aristotle's to prove , that Tragedy is the more Noble , because it turns in a shorter Compass ; the whole Action being circumscrib'd within the space of Four-and-Twenty Hours . He might prove as well that a Mushroom is to be preferr'd before a Peach , because it shoots up in the compass of a Night . A Chariot may be driven round the Pillar in less space than a large Machine , because the Bulk is not so great : Is the Moon a more Noble Planet than Saturn , because she makes her Revolution in less than Thirty Days , and He in little less than Thirty Years ? Both their Orbs are in proportion to their several Magnitudes ; and , consequently , the quickness or slowness of their Motion , and the time of their circumvolutions , is no Argument of the greater or less Perfection . And besides , what Virtue is there in a Tragedy , which is not contain'd in an Epick Poem ? Where Pride is humbled , Vertue rewarded , and Vice punish'd ; and those more amply treated , than the narrowness of the Drama can admit ? The shining Qualitiy of an Epick Heroe , his Magnanimity , his Constancy , his Patience , his Piety , or whatever Characteristical Virtue his Poet gives him , raises first our Admiration : We are naturally prone to imitate what we admire : And frequent Acts produce a habit . If the Hero's chief quality be vicious , as for Example , the Choler and obstinate desire of Vengeance in Achilles , yet the Moral is Instructive : And besides , we are inform'd in the very proposition of the Iliads , that this anger was pernicious : That it brought a thousand ills on the Grecian Camp. The Courage of Achilles is propos'd to imitation , not his Pride and Disobedience to his General , nor his brutal Cruelty to his dead Enemy , nor the selling his Body to his Father . We abhor these Actions while we read them , and what we abhor we never imitate : The Poet only shews them like Rocks or Quick-Sands , to be shun'd . By this Example the Criticks have concluded that it is not necessary the Manners of the Heroe should be virtuous . They are Poetically good if they are of a Piece . Though where a Character of perfect Virtue is set before us , 't is more lovely : for there the whole Heroe is to be imitated . This is the Aeneas of our Author : this is that Idea of perfection in an Epick Poem , which Painters and Statuaries have only in their minds ; and which no hands are able to express . These are the Beauties of a God in a Humane Body . When the Picture of Achilles is drawn in Tragedy , he is taken with those Warts , and Moles , and hard Features , by those who represent him on the Stage , or he is no more Achilles : for his Creatour Homer has so describ'd him . Yet even thus he appears a perfect Heroe , though an imperfect Character of Vertue . Horace Paints him after Homer , and delivers him to be Copied on the Stage with all those imperfections . Therefore they are either not faults in a Heroick Poem , or faults common to the Drama . After all , on the whole merits of the Cause , it must be acknowledg'd that the Epick Poem is more for the Manners , and Tragedy for the Passions . The Passions , as I have said , are violent : and acute Distempers require Medicines of a strong and speedy operation . Ill habits of the Mind are like Chronical Diseases , to be corrected by degrees , and Cur'd by Alteratives : wherein though Purges are sometimes necessary , yet Diet , good Air , and moderate Exercise , have the greatest part . The Matter being thus stated , it will appear that both sorts of Poetry are of use for their proper ends . The Stage is more active , the Epick Poem works at greater leisure , yet is active too , when need requires . For Dialogue is imitated by the Drama , from the more active parts of it . One puts off a Fit like the Quinquina , and relieves us only for a time ; the other roots out the Distemper , and gives a healthful habit . The Sun enlightens and chears us , dispels Fogs , and warms the ground with his daily Beams ; but the Corn is sow'd , increases , is ripen'd , and is reap'd for use in process of time , and in its proper Season . I proceed from the greatness of the Action , to the Dignity of the Actours , I mean to the Persons employ'd in both Poems . There likewise Tragedy will be seen to borrow from the Epopee ; and that which borrows is always of less Dignity , because it has not of its own . A Subject , 't is true , may lend to his Soveraign , but the act of borrowing makes the King inferiour , because he wants , and the Subject supplies . And suppose the Persons of the Drama wholly Fabulous , or of the Poet's Invention , yet Heroick Poetry gave him the Examples of that Invention , because it was first , and Homer the common Father of the Stage . I know not of any one advantage , which Tragedy can boast above Heroick Poetry , but that it is represented to the view , as well as read : and instructs in the Closet , as well as on the Theatre . This is an uncontended Excellence , and a chief Branch of its Prerogative ; yet I may be allow'd to say without partiality , that herein the Actors share the Poet's praise . Your Lordship knows some Modern Tragedies which are beautiful on the Stage , and yet I am confident you wou'd not read them . Tryphon the Stationer complains they are seldom ask'd for in his Shop . The Poet who Flourish'd in the Scene , is damn'd in the Ruelle ; nay more , he is not esteem'd a good Poet by those who see and hear his Extravagancies with delight . They are a sort of stately Fustian , and lofty Childishness . Nothing but Nature can give a sincere pleasure ; where that is not imitated , 't is Grotesque Painting , the fine Woman ends in a Fishes Tail. I might also add , that many things , which not only please , but are real Beauties in the reading , wou'd appear absurd upon the Stage : and those not only the Speciosa Miracula , as Horace calls them ; of Transformations , of Scylla , Antiphates , and the Lestrigons , which cannot be represented even in Opera's ; but the prowess of Achilles or Aeneas wou'd appear ridiculous in our Dwarf-Heroes of the Theatre . We can believe they routed Armies in Homer or in Virgil , but ne Hercules contraduos in the Drama . I forbear to instance in many things which the Stage cannot or ought not to represent . For I have said already more than I intended on this Subject , and shou'd fear it might be turn'd against me ; that I plead for the pre-eminence of Epick Poetry , because I have taken some pains in translating Virgil ; if this were the first time that I had deliver'd my Opinion in this Dispute . But I have more than once already maintain'd the Rights of my two Masters against their Rivals of the Scene , even while I wrote Tragedies my self , and had no thoughts of this present Undertaking . I submit my Opinion to your Judgment , who are better qualified than any Man I know to decide this Controversie . You come , my Lord , instructed in the Cause , and needed not that I shou'd open it . Your Essay of Poetry , which was publish'd without a Name , and of which I was not honour'd with the Confidence , I read over and over with much delight , and as much instruction : and , without flattering you , or making my self more Moral than I am , not without some Envy . I was loath to be inform'd how an Epick Poem shou'd be written , or how a Tragedy shou'd be contriv'd and manag'd in better Verse and with more judgment than I cou'd teach others . A Native of Parnassus , and bred up in the Studies of its Fundamental Laws , may receive new Lights from his Contemporaries , but 't is a grudging kind of praise which he gives his Benefactors . He is more oblig'd than he is willing to acknowledge : there is a tincture of Malice in his Commendations . For where I own I am taught , I confess my want of Knowledge . A Judge upon the Bench , may , out of good Nature , or at least interest , encourage the Pleadings of a puny Councellor , but he does not willingly commend his Brother Serjeant at the Bar , especially when he controuls his Law , and exposes that ignorance which is made Sacred by his Place . I gave the unknown Author his due Commendation , I must consess , but who can answer for me , and for the rest of the Poets , who heard me read the Poem , whether we shou'd not have been better pleas'd to have seen our own Names at the bottom of the Title Page ? perhaps we commended it the more , that we might seem to be above the Censure . We are naturally displeas'd with an unknown Critick , as the Ladies are with a Lampooner , because we are bitten in the dark , and know not where to fasten our Revenge . But great Excellencies will work their way through all sorts of opposition . I applauded rather out of decency than Affection ; and was Ambitious , as some yet can witness , to be acquainted with a Man , with whom I had the honour to Converse , and that almost daily , for so many years together . Heaven knows if I have heartily forgiven you this deceit . You extorted a Praise which I shou'd willingly have given had I known you . Nothing had been more easie than to commend a Patron of a long standing . The World wou'd joyn with me , if the Encomiums were just ; and if unjust , wou'd excuse a grateful Flatterer . But to come Anonymous upon me , and force me to commend you against my interest , was not altogether so fair , give me leave to say , as it was Politick . For by concealing your Quality , you might clearly understand how your Work succeeded ; and that the general approbation was given to your Merit not your Titles . Thus like Apelles you stood unseen behind your own Venus , and receiv'd the praises of the passing Multitude : the Work was commended , not the Author : And I doubt not this was one of the most pleasing Adventures of your Life . I have detain'd your Lordship longer than I intended in this Dispute of preference betwixt the Epick Poem , and the Dramae : and yet have not formally answer'd any of the Arguments which are brought by Aristotle on the other side , and set in the fairest light by Dacier . But I suppose , without looking on the Book , I may have touch'd on some of the Objections . For in this Address to your Lordship , I design not a Treatise of Heroick Poetry , but write in a loose Epistolary way , somewhat tending to that Subject , after the Example of Horace , in his First Epistle of the Second Book to Augustus Caesar , and of that to the Piso's , which we call his Art of Poetry . In both of which he observes no Method that I can trace , whatever Scaliger the Father , or Heinsius may have seen , or rather think they had seen . I have taken up , laid down , and resum'd as often as I pleas'd the same Subject : and this loose proceeding I shall use thro' all this Prefatory Dedication . Yet all this while I have been Sailing with some side-wind or other toward the Point I propos'd in the beginning ; the Greatness and Excellency of an Heroick Poem , with some of the difficulties which attend that work . The Comparison therefore which I made betwixt the Epopee and the Tragedy was not altogether a digression ; for 't is concluded on all hands , that they are both the Master-pieces of Humane Wit. In the mean time I may be bold to draw this Corollary from what has been already said , That the File of Heroick Poets is very short : all are not such who have assum'd that lofty Title in Ancient or Modern Ages , or have been so esteem'd by their partial and ignorant Admirers . There have been but one great Ilias and one Aeneis in so many Ages . The next , but the next with a long interval betwixt , was the Jerusalem : I mean not so much in distance of time , as in Excellency . After these three are entred , some Lord Chamberlain should be appointed , some Critick of Authority shou'd be set before the door , to keep out a Crowd of little Poets , who press for Admission , and are not of Quality . Maevius wou'd be deafning your Lordship's Ears with his Fortunam Priami , Cantabo , & Nobile Bellum . meer Fustian , as Horace would tell you from behind , without pressing forward , and more smoak than fire . Pulci , Boyardo , and Ariosto , wou'd cry out , make room for the Italian Poets , the descendants of Virgil in a right Line . Father Le Moin with his Saint Louis ; and Scudery with his Alaric , for a godly King , and a Gothick Conquerour ; and Chapelain wou'd take it ill that his Maid shou'd be refus'd a place with Helen and Lavinia . Spencer has a better plea for his Fairy-Queen , had his action been finish'd , or had been one . And Milton , if the Devil had not been his Heroe instead of Adam , if the Gyant had not foil'd the Knight , and driven him out of his strong hold , to wander through the World with his Lady Errant : and if there had not been more Machining Persons than Humane , in his Poem . After these , the rest of our English Poets shall not be mention'd . I have that Honour for them which I ought to have : but if they are Worthies , they are not to be rank'd amongst the three whom I have nam'd , and who are establish'd in their Reputation . Before I quitted the Comparison betwixt Epick Poetry and Tragedy , I shou'd have acquainted my Judge with one advantage of the former over the latter , which I now casually remember out of the Preface of Segrais before his Translation of the Aeneis , or out of Bossu , no matter which . The stile of the Heroick Poem is and ought to be more lofty than that of the Drama . The Critick is certainly in the right , for the Reason already urg'd : The work of Tragedy is on the Passions , and in Dialogue , both of them abhor strong Metaphors , in which the Epopee delights . A Poet cannot speak too plainly on the Stage : for Volat irrevocabile verbum ; the sense is lost if it be not taken flying : but what we read alone we have leisure to digest . There an Author may beautifie his Sense by the boldness of his Expression , which if we understand not fully at the first , we may dwell upon it , 'till we find the secret force and excellence . That which cures the Manners by alterative Physick , as I said before , must proceed by insensible degrees ; but that which purges the Passions , must do its business all at once , or wholly fail of its effect , at least in the present Operation , and without repeated Doses . We must beat the Iron while 't is hot , but we may polish it at leisure . Thus , my Lord , you pay the Fine of my forgetfulness , and yet the merits of both Causes are where they were , and undecided , 'till you declare whether it be more for the benefit of Mankind to have their Manners in general corrected , or their Pride and hard-heartedness remov'd . I must now come closer to my present business : and not think of making more invasive Wars abroad , when like Hannibal , I am call'd back to the defence of my own Country . Virgil is attack'd by many Enemies : He has a whole Confederacy against him , and I must endeavour to defend him as well as I am able . But their principal Objections being against his Moral , the duration or length of time taken up in the action of the Poem , and what they have to urge against the Manners of his Hero , I shall omit the rest as meer Cavils of Grammarians : at the worst but casual slips of a Great Man's Pen , or inconsiderable faults of an admirable Poem , which the Author had not leisure to review before his Death . Macrobius has answer'd what the Ancients cou'd urge against him : and some things I have lately read in Tanneguy le Fevrè , Valois , and another whom I name not , which are scarce worth answering . They begin with the Moral of his Poem , which I have elsewhere confess'd , and still must own not to be so Noble as that of Homer . But let both be fairly stated , and without contradicting my first Opinion , I can shew that Virgil's was as useful to the Romans of his Age , as Homer's was to the Grecians of his ; in what time soever he may be suppos'd to have liv'd and flourish'd . Homer's Moral was to urge the necessity of Union , and of a good understanding betwixt Confederate States and Princes engag'd in a War with a Mighty Monarch : as also of Discipline in an Army , and obedience in the several Chiefs , to the Supream Commander of the joynt Forces . To inculcate this , he sets forth the ruinous Effects of Discord in the Camp of those Allies , occasion'd by the quarrel betwixt the General , and one of the next in Office under him . Agamemnon gives the provocation , and Achilles resents the injury . Both Parties are faulty in the Quarrel , and accordingly they are both punish'd : the Agressor is forc'd to sue for peace to his Inferiour , on dishonourable Conditions ; the Deserter resuses the satisfaction offer'd , and his Obstinacy costs him his best Friend . This works the Natural Effect of Choler , and turns his Rage against him , by whom he was last Affronted , and most sensibly . The greater Anger expels the less ; but his Caracter is still preserv'd . In the mean time the Grecian Army receives Loss on Loss , and is half destroy'd by a Pestilence into the Bargain . Quicquid delirant Reges plectuntur Achivi . As the Poet , in the first part of the Example , had shewn the bad effects of Discord , so after the Reconcilement , he gives the good effects of Unity . For Hector is slain , and then Troy must fall . By this , 't is probable , that Homer liv'd when the Persian Monarchy was grown formidable to the Grecians : and that the joint Endeavours of his Country-men , were little enough to preserve their common Freedom , from an encroaching Enemy . Such was his Moral , which all Criticks have allow'd to be more Noble than that of Virgil : though not adapted to the times in which the Roman Poet liv'd . Had Virgil flourish'd in the Age of Ennius , and address'd to Scipio , he had probably taken the same Moral , or some other not unlike it . For then the Romans were in as much danger from the Carthaginian Commonwealth , as the Grecians were from the Persian Monarchy . But we are to consider him as writing his Poem in a time when the Old Form of Government was subverted , and a new one just Established by Octavius Caesar : In effect by force of Arms , but seemingly by the Consent of the Roman People . The Common-wealth had receiv'd a deadly Wound in the former Civil Wars betwixt Marius and Sylla . The Commons , while the first prevail'd , had almost shaken off the Yoke of the Nobility ; and Marius and Cinna , like the Captains of the Mobb , under the specious Pretence of the Publick Good , and of doing Justice on the Oppressours of their Liberty , reveng'd themselves , without Form of Law , on their private Enemies . Sylla , in his turn , proscrib'd the Heads of the adverse Party : He too had nothing but Liberty and Reformation in his Mouth ; ( for the Cause of Religion is but a Modern Motive to Rebellion , invented by the Christian Priesthood , refining on the Heathen : ) Sylla , to be sure , meant no more good to the Roman People than Marius before him , whatever he declar'd ; but Sacrific'd the Lives , and took the Estates of all his Enemies , to gratifie those who brought him into Power : Such was the Reformation of the Government by both Parties . The Senate and the Commons were the two Bases on which it stood ; and the two Champions of either Faction , each destroy'd the Foundations of the other side : So the Fabrique of consequence must fall betwxt them : And Tyranny must be built upon their Ruines . This comes of altering Fundamental Laws and Constitutions . Like him , who being in good Health , lodg'd himself in a Physician 's House , and was over-perswaded by his Landlord to take Physick , of which he dyed , for the benefit of his Doctor . Stavo ben ( was written on his Monument ) ma , perstar meglio , sto qui. After the Death of those two Usurpers , the Commonwealth seem'd to recover , and held up its Head for a little time : But it was all the while in a deep Consumption , which is a flattering Disease . Pompey , Crassus , and Caesar , had found the Sweets of Arbitrary Power ; and each being a check to the others growth , struck up a false Friendship amongst themselves ; and divided the Government betwixt them , which none of them was able to assume alone . These were the publick Spirited Men of their Age , that is , Patriots for their own Interest . The Commonwealth look'd with a florid Countenance in their Management , spread in Bulk , and all the while was wasting in the Vitals . Not to trouble your Lordship with the Repetition of what you know : After the death of Crassus , Pompey found himself out-witted by Caesar ; broke with him , over-power'd him in the Senate , and caus'd many unjust Decrees to pass against him : Caesar thus injur'd , and unable to resist the Faction of the Nobles , which was now uppermost ( for he was a Marian ) had recourse to Arms ; and his Cause was just against Pompey , but not against his Country , whose Constitution ought to have been sacred to him ; and never to have been Violated on the account of any private Wrong . But he prevail'd , and Heav'n declaring for him , he became a Providential Monarch , under the Title of Perpetual Dictator . He being Murther'd by his own Son , whom I neither dare commend , nor can justly blame ( though Dante in his Inferno , has put him and Cassius , and Judas Iscariot betwixt them , into the great Devil's Mouth ) the Commonwealth popp'd up its Head for the third time , under Brutus and Cassius , and then sunk for ever . Thus the Roman People were grosly gull'd : twice or thrice over : and as often enslav'd in one Century , and under the same pretence of Reformation . At last the two Battles of Philippi , gave the decisive stroak against Liberty ; and not long after , the Commonwealth was turn'd into a Monarchy , by the Conduct and good Fortune of Augustus . 'T is true , that the despotick Power could not have fallen into better Hands , than those of the first and second Caesar . Your Lordship well knows what Obligations Virgil had to the latter of them : He saw , beside , that the Commonwealth was lost without ressource : The Heads of it destroy'd ; the Senate new moulded , grown degenerate ; and either bought off , or thrusting their own Necks into the Yoke , out of fear of being forc'd . Yet I may safely affirm for our great Author ( as Men of good Sense are generally Honest ) that he was still of Republick principles in Heart . Secretisque Piis , his dantem jura Catonem . I think , I need use no other Argument to justify my Opinion , than that of this one Line , taken from the Eighth Book of the Eneis . If he had not well studied his Patron 's Temper , it might have Ruin'd him with another Prince . But Augustus was not discontented , at least that we can find , that Cato was plac'd , by his own Poet , in Elisium ; and there giving Laws to the Holy Souls , who deserv'd to be separated from the Vulgar sort of good Spirits . For his Conscience could not but whisper to the Arbitrary Monarch , that the Kings of Rome were at first Elective , and Govern'd not without a Senate : That Romulus was no Hereditary Prince , and though , after his Death , he receiv'd Divine Honours , for the good he did on Earth , yet he was but a God of their own making : that the last Tarquin was Expell'd justly , for Overt-Acts of Tyranny , and Male-Administration ; for such are the Conditions of an Elective Kingdom : And I meddle not with others : being , for my own Opinion , of Montaigns Principles , that an Honest Man ought to be contented with that Form of Government , and with those Fundamental Constitutions of it , which he receiv'd from his Ancestors , and under which himself was Born : Though at the same time he confess'd freely , that if he could have chosen his Place of Birth , it shou'd have been at Venice : Which for many Reasons I dislike , and am better pleas'd to have been born an English Man. But to return from my long rambling : I say that Virgil having maturely weigh'd the Condition of the Times in which he liv'd : that an entire Liberty was not to be retriev'd : that the present Settlement had the prospect of a long continuance in the same Family , or those adopted into it : that he held his Paternal Estate from the Bounty of the Conqueror , by whom he was likewise enrich'd , esteem'd and cherish'd : that this Conquerour , though of a bad kind , was the very best of it : that the Arts of Peace flourish'd under him : that all Men might be happy if they would be quiet : that now he was in possession of the whole , yet he shar'd a great part of his Authority with the Senate : That he would be chosen into the Ancient Offices of the Common-wealth , and Rul'd by the Power which he deriv'd from them ; and Prorogu'd his Government from time to time : Still , as it were , threatning to dismiss himself from Publick Cares , which he exercis'd more for the common Good , than for any delight he took in greatness : These things , I say , being consider'd by the Poet , he concluded it to be the Interest of his Country to be so Govern'd : To infuse an awful Respect into the People , towards such a Prince : By that respect to confirm their Obedience to him ; and by that Obedience to make them Happy . This was the Moral of his Divine Poem : Honest in the Poet : Honourable to the Emperour , whom he derives from a Divine Extraction ; and reflecting part of that Honour on the Roman People , whom he derives also from the Trojans ; and not only profitable , but necessary to the present Age ; and likely to be such to their Posterity . That it was the receiv'd Opinion , that the Romans were descended from the Trojans , and Julius Caesar from Julus the Son of Aeneas , was enough for Virgil ; tho' perhaps he thought not so himself : Or that Aeneas ever was in Italy , which Bochartus manifestly proves . And Homer , where he says that Jupiter hated the House of Priam , and was resolv'd to transfer the Kingdom to the Family of Aeneas , yet mentions nothing of his leading a Colony into a Foreign Country , and setling there : But that the Romans valued themselves on their Trojan Ancestry , is so undoubted a Truth , that I need not prove it . Even the Seals which we have remaining of Julius Caesar , which we know to be Antique , have the Star of Venus over them , though they were all graven after his Death , as a Note that he was Deifi'd . I doubt not but it was one Reason , why Augustus should be so passionately concern'd for the preservation of the Aeneis , which its Author had Condemn'd to be Burnt , as an Imperfect Poem , by his last Will and Testament ; was , because it did him a real Service as well as an Honour ; that a Work should not be lost where his Divine Original was Celebrated in Verse , which had the Character of Immortality stamp'd upon it . Neither were the great Roman Families which flourish'd in his time , less oblig'd by him than the Emperour . Your Lordship knows with what Address he makes mention of them , as Captains of Ships , or Leaders in the War ; and even some of Italian Extraction are not forgotten . These are the single Stars which are sprinkled through the Aeneis : But there are whole Constellations of them in the Fifth Book . And I could not but take notice , when I Translated it , of some Favourite Families to which he gives the Victory , and awards the Prizes , in the Person of his Heroe , at the Funeral Games which were Celebrated in Honour of Anchises . I , Insist not on their Names : But am pleas'd to find the Memmii amongst them , deriv'd from Mnestheus , because Lucretius Dedicates to one of that Family , a Branch of which destroy'd Corinth . I likewise either found or form'd an Image to my self of the contrary kind ; that those who lost the Prizes , were such as had disoblig'd the Poet , or were in disgrace with Augustus , or Enemies to Mecenas : And this was the Poetical Revenge he took . For genus irritabile Vatum , as Horace says . When a Poet is throughly provok'd , he will do himself Justice , however dear it cost him , Animamque , in Vulnere ponit . I think these are not bare Imaginations of my own , though I find no trace of them in the Commentatours : But one Poet may judge of another by himself . The Vengeance we defer , is not forgotten . I hinted before , that the whole Roman People were oblig'd by Virgil , in deriving them from Troy ; an Ancestry which they affected . We , and the French are of the same Humour : They would be thought to descend from a Son , I think , of Hector : And we wou'd have our Britain , both Nam'd and Planted by a descendant of Aeneas . Spencer favours this Opinion what he can . His Prince Arthur , or whoever he intends by him , is a Trojan . Thus the Heroe of Homer was a Grecian , of Virgil a Roman , of Tasso an Italian . I have transgress'd my Bounds , and gone farther than the Moral led me . But if your Lordship is not tir'd , I am safe enough . Thus far , I think , my Author is defended . But as Augustus is still shadow'd in the Person of Aeneas , of which I shall say more , when I come to the Manners which the Poet gives his Hero : I must prepare that Subject by shewing how dext'rously he mannag'd both the Prince and People , so as to displease neither , and to do good to both , which is the part of a Wise and an Honest Man : And proves that it is possible for a Courtier not to be a Knave : I shall continue still to speak my Thoughts like a free-born Subject as I am ; though such things , perhaps , as no Dutch Commentator cou'd , and I am sure no French-man durst . I have already told your Lordship my Opinion of Virgil ; that he was no Arbitrary Man. Oblig'd he was to his Master for his Bounty , and he repays him with good Counsel , how to behave himself in his new Monarchy , so as to gain the Affections of his Subjects , and deserve to be call'd the Father of his Country . From this Consideration it is , that he chose for the ground-work of his Poem , one Empire destroy'd , and another rais'd from the Ruins of it . This was just the Parallel . Aeneas cou'd not pretend to be Priam's Heir in a Lineal Succession : For Anchises the Heroe's Father , was only of the second Branch of the Royal Family : And Helenus , a Son of Priam , was yet surviving , and might lawfully claim before him . It may be Virgil mentions him on that Account . Neither has he forgotten Atis , in the Fifth of his Aeneis , the Son of Polites , youngest Son to Priam ; who was slain by Pyrrhus , in the Second Book . Atis , then , the Favourite Companion of Ascanius , had a better Right than he ; tho' I know he was introduc'd by Virgil , to do Honour to the Family , from which Julius Caesar was descended by the Mothers side . Aeneas had only Married Creusa , Priam's Daughter , and by her could have no Title , while any of the Male Issue were remaining . In this case , the Poet gave him the next Title , which is , that of an Elective King. The remaining Trojans chose him to lead them forth , and settle them in some Foreign Country . Ilioneus in his Speech to Dido , calls him expresly by the Name of King. Our Poet , who all this while had Augustus in his Eye , had no desire he should seem to succeed by any right of Inheritance , deriv'd from Julius Caesar ; such a Title being but one degree remov'd from Conquest . For what was introduc'd by force , by force may be remov'd . 'T was better for the People that they should give , than he should take . Since that Gift was indeed no more at bottom than a Trust . Virgil gives us an Example of this , in the Person of Mezentius . He Govern'd Arbitrarily , he was expell'd : And came to the deserv'd End of all Tyrants . Our Author shews us another sort of Kingship in the Person of Latinus . He was descended from Saturn , and as I remember , in the Third Degree . He is describ'd a just and a gracious Prince ; solicitous for the Welfare of his People ; always Consulting with his Senate to promote the common Good. We find him at the head of them , when he enters into the Council-Hall . Speaking first , but still demanding their Advice , and steering by it as far as the Iniquity of the Times wou'd suffer him . And this is the proper Character of a King by Inheritance , who is born a Father of his Country . Aeneas , tho' he Married the Heiress of the Crown , yet claim'd no Title to it during the Life of his Father-in-Law . Pater arma Latinus habeto , &c. are Virgil's Words . As for himself , he was contented to take care of his Country Gods , who were not those of Latium . Wherein our Divine Author seems to relate to the after practice of the Romans , which was to adopt the Gods of those they Conquer'd , or receiv'd as Members of their Commonwealth . Yet withal , he plainly touches at the Office of the High Priesthood , with which Augustus was invested : And which made his Person more Sacred and inviolable , than even the Tribunitial Power . It was not therefore for nothing , that the most Judicious of all Poets , made that Office vacant , by the Death of Panthus , in the Second Book of the Aeneis , for his Heroe ro succeed in it ; and consequently for Augustus to enjoy . I know not that any of the Commentatours have taken notice of that passage . If they have not , I am sure they ought : And if they have , I am not indebted to them for the Observation : The words of Virgil are very plain . Sacra , suosque tibi , commendat Troja Penates . As for Augustus , or his Uncle Julius , claiming by descent from Aeneas ; that Title is already out of doors . Aeneas succeeded not , but was Elected . Troy was fore-doom'd to fall for ever . Postquam res Asiae , Priamique evertere Regnum , Immeritum , visum superis . Aeneis the 3 d , line the 1st . Augustus 't is true , had once resolv'd to re-build that City , and there to make the Seat of Empire : But Horace writes an Ode on purpose to deter him from that Thought ; declaring the place to be accurs'd , and that the Gods would as often destroy it as it shou'd be rais'd . Hereupon the Emperour laid aside a Project so ungrateful to the Roman People : But by this , my Lord , we may conclude that he had still his Pedigree in his Head ; and had an Itch of being thought a Divine King , if his Poets had not given him better Counsel . I will pass by many less material Objections , for want of room to Answer them : What follows next is of great Importance , if the Criticks can make out their Charge ; for 't is levell'd at the Manners which our Poet gives his Heroe ; and which are the same which were eminently seen in his Augustus . Those Manners were Piety to the Gods , and a dutiful Affection to his Father ; Love to his Relations ; Care of his People ; Courage and Conduct in the Wars ; Gratitude to those who had oblig'd him ; and Justice in general to Mankind . Piety , as your Lordship sees , takes place of all , as the chief part of his Character : And the word in Latin is more full than it can possibly be exprest in any Modern Language ; for there it comprehends not only Devotion to the Gods , but Filial Love and tender Affection to Relations of all sorts . As instances of this , the Deities of Troy and his own Penates are made the Companions of his Flight : They appear to him in his Voyage , and advise him ; and at last he re-places them in Italy , their Native Country . For his Father he takes him on his Back : He leads his little Son , his Wife follows him ; but losing his Footsteps through Fear or Ignorance , he goes back into the midst of his Enemies to find her ; and leaves not his pursute 'till her Ghost appears , to forbid his farther search . I will say nothing of his Duty to his Father while he liv'd ; his Sorrow for his Death ; of the Games instituted in Honour of his Memory ; or seeking him , by his Command , even after Death , in the Elysian Fields . I will not mention his Tenderness for his Son , which every where is visible ; Of his raising a Tomb for Polydorus , the Obsequies for Misenus , his pious remembrance of Deiphobus : The Funerals of his Nurse : His Grief for Pallas , and his Revenge taken on his Murtherer ; whom , otherwise by his Natural Compassion , he had forgiven : And then the Poem had been left imperfect : For we could have had no certain prospect of his Happiness , while the last Obstacle to it was unremov'd . Of the other parts which compose his Character , as a King , or as a General , I need say nothing : The whole Aeneis is one continued Instance , of some one or other of them : And where I find any thing of them tax'd , it shall suffice me , as briefly as I can , to vindicate my Divine Master to your Lordship , and by you to the Reader . But herein , Segrais , in his admirable Preface to his Translation of the Aeneis , as the Author of the Dauphin's Virgil justly calls it ; has prevented me . Him I follow ; and what I borrow from him , am ready to acknowledge to him . For , impartially speaking , the French are as much better Criticks than the English , as they are worse Poets . Thus we generally allow that they better understand the management of a War , than our Islanders ; but we know we are superiour to them , in the day of Battel . They value themselves on their Generals ; we on our Souldiers . But this is not the proper place to decide that Question , if they make it one . I shall sayperhaps as much of other Nations , and their Poets , excepting only Tasso : and hope to make my Assertion good , which is but doing Justice to my Country . Part of which Honour will reflect on your Lordship , whose Thoughts are always just ; your Numbers harmonious ; your Words chosen ; your Expressions strong and manly ; your Verse flowing , and your turns as happy as they are easie . If you wou'd set us more Copies , your Example would make all Precepts needless . In the mean time , that little you have Written is own'd , and that particularly by the Poets , ( who are a Nation not over-lavish of praise to their Contemporaries , ) as a principal Ornament of our Language : But the sweetest Essences are always confin'd in the smallest Glasses . When I speak of your Lordship , 't is never a digression , and therefore I need beg no pardon for it ; but take up Segrais where I left him : And shall use him less often than I have occasion for him . For his Preface is a perfect piece of Criticism , full and clear , and digested into an exact Method ; mine is loose , and , as I intended it , Epistolary . Yet I dwell on many things which he durst not touch : For 't is dangerous to offend an Arbitrary Master : And every Patron who has the Power of Augustus , has not his Clemency . In short , my Lord , I wou'd not Translate him , because I wou'd bring you somewhat of my own . His Notes and Observations on every Book , are of the same Excellency ; and for the same Reason I omit the greater part . He takes notice that Virgil is Arraign'd for placing Piety before Valour ; and making that Piety the chief Character of his Heroe . I have said already from Bossu , that a Poet is not oblig'd to make his Heroe a Virtuous Man : Therefore neither Homer nor Tasso are to be blam'd , for giving what predominant quality they pleas'd to their first Character . But Virgil , who design'd to form a perfect Prince , and would insinuate , that Augustus , whom he calls Aeneas in his Poem , was truly such , found himself oblig'd to make him without blemish ; thoroughly Virtuous ; and a thorough Virtue both begins and ends in Piety . Tasso , without question , observ'd this before me ; and therefore split his Heroe in two . He gave Godfrey Piety , and Rinaldo Fortitude ; for their chief Qualities or Manners . Homer , who had chosen another Moral , makes both Agamemnon and Achilles vicious : For his design was to instruct in Virtue , by shewing the deformity of Vice. I avoid repetitione of that I have said above . What follows is Translated literally from Segrais . Virgil had consider'd that the greatest Virtues of Augustus consisted in the perfect Art of Governing his People ; which caus'd him to Reign for more than Forty Years in great Felicity . He consider'd that his Emperour was Valiant , Civil , Popular , Eloquent , Politick , and Religious . He has given all these Qualities to Aeneas . But knowing that Piety alone comprehends the whole Duty of Man towards the Gods ; towards his County , and towards his Relations , he judg'd , that this ought to be his first Character , whom he would set for a Pattern of Perfection . In reality , they who believe that the Praises which arise from Valour , are superiour to those , which proceed from any other Virtues , have not consider'd ( as they ought ) , that Valour , destitute of other Virtues , cannot render a Man worthy of any true esteem . That Quality which signifies no more than an intrepid Courage , may be separated from many others which are good , and accompany'd with many which are ill . A Man may be very Valiant , and yet Impious and Vicious . But the same cannot be said of Piety ; which excludes all ill Qualities , and comprehends even Valour it self , with all other Qualities which are good . Can we , for Example , give the praise of Valour to a Man who shou'd see his Gods prophan'd , and shou'd want the Courage to defend them ? To a Man who shou'd abandon his Father , or desert his King in his last Necessity ? Thus far Segrais , in giving the preference to Piety before Valour . I will now follow him , where he considers this Valour , or intrepid Courage , singly in it self ; and this also Virgil gives to his Aeneas , and that in a Heroical Degree . Having first concluded , that our Poet did for the best in taking the first Character of his Heroe , from that Essential Vertue on which the rest depend , he proceeds to tell us , that in the Ten Years war of Troy , he was consider'd as the second Champion of his Country ; allowing Hector the first place ; and this , even by the Confession of Homer , who took all occasions of setting up his own Countrymen the Grecians , and of undervaluing the Trojan Chiefs . But Virgil , ( whom Segrais forgot to cite , ) makes Diomede give him a higher Character for Strength and Courage . His Testimony is this in the Eleventh Book . — stetimus tela aspera contra , Contulimusque manus : Experto , credite , quantus In clypeum afsurgat , quo turbine torqueat hastam . Si duo preterea tales Idaea tulisset Terra viros ; ultro Inachias venisset ad Vrbes Dardanus , & versis lugeret Graecia fatis . Quicquid apud durae cessatum est moenia Trojae , Hectoris , Aeeneaeque manu victoria Grajûm Haesit ; & in decumum vestigia rettulit annum . Ambo animis , ambo insignes praestantibus armis : Hic pietate prior . I give not here my Translation of these Verses ; though I think I have not ill succeeded in them ; because your Lordship is so great a Master of the Original , that I have no reason to desire you shou'd see Virgil and me so near together : But you may please , my Lord , to take notice , that the Latin Author refines upon the Greek ; and insinuates , That Homer had done his Heroe Wrong , in giving the advantage of the Duel to his own Country-man : Though Diomedes was manifestly the second Champion of the Grecians : And Vlysses preferr'd him before Ajax , when he chose him for the Companion of his Nightly Expedition : For he had a Head-piece of his own ; and wanted only the fortitude of another , to bring him off with safety ; and that he might compass his Design with Honour . The French Translator thus proceeds : They who accuse Aeneas for want of Courage , either understand not Virgil , or have read him slightly ; otherwise they would not raise an Objection so easie to be Answer'd : Hereupon he gives so many instances of the Heroe's Valour , that to repeat them after him would tire your Lordship , and put me to the unnecessary trouble of Transcribing the greatest part of the three last Aeneids . In short , more could not be expected from an Amadis , a Sir Lancelot , or the whole round Table , than he performs . Proxima quaeque metit gladio , is the perfect Account of a Knight Errant . If it be reply'd , continues Segrais , that it was not difficult for him to undertake and atchieve such hardy Enterprizes , because he wore Enchanted Arms. That Accusation , in the first place , must fall on Homer e're it can reach Virgil . Achilles was as well provided with them as Aeneas , though he was invulnerable without them : And , Ariosto , the two Tasso's , Bernardo and Torquato , even our own Spencer ; in a word , all Modern Poets have Copied Homer as well as Virgil : He is neither the first nor last ; but in the midst of them ; and therefore is safe if they are so . Who knows , says Segrais , but that his fated Armour was only an Allegorical Defence , and signifi'd no more than that he was under the peculiar protection of the Gods ; born , as the Astrologers will tell us out of Virgil ( who was well vers'd in the Chaldaean Mysteries ) under the favourable influence of Jupiter , Venus , and the Sun : But I insist not on this , because I know you believe not there is such an Art : though not only Horace and Persius , but Augustus himself , thought otherwise . But in defence of Virgil , I dare positively say , that he has been more cautious in this particular than either his Predecessour , or his Descendants . For Aeneas was actually wounded , in the Twelfth of the Aeneis ; though he had the same God-Smith to Forge his Arms , as had Achilles . It seems he was no War-luck , as the Scots commonly call such Men , who they say , are Iron-free , or Lead-free . Yet after this Experiment , that his Arms were not impenetrable , when he was Cur'd indeed by his Mother's help , because he was that day to conclude the War by the death of Turnus , the Poet durst not carry the Miracle too far , and restore him wholy to his former Vigour : He was still too weak to overtake his Enemy ; yet we see with what Courage he attacks Turnus , when he faces and renews the Combate . I need say no more , for Virgil defends himself , without needing my assistance ; and proves his Heroe truly to deserve that Name . He was not then a Second-rate Champion , as they would have him , who think Fortitude the first Vertue in a Heroe . But being beaten from this hold , they will not yet allow him to be Valiant ; because he wept more often , as they think , than well becomes a Man of Courage . In the first place , if Tears are Arguments of Cowardise , What shall I say of Homer's Heroe ? shall Achilles pass for timorous because he wept ? and wept on less occasions than Aeneas ? Herein Virgil must be granted to have excell'd his Master . For once both Heroes are describ'd lamenting their lost Loves : Briseis was taken away by force from the Grecian : Cerusa was lost for ever to her Husband . But Achilles went roaring along the salt Sea-shore , and like a Booby , was complaining to his Mother , when he shou'd have reveng'd his Injury by Arms. Aeneas took a Nobler Course ; for having secur'd his Father and his Son , he repeated all his former Dangers to have found his Wife , if she had been above ground . And here your Lordship may observe the Address of Virgil ; it was not for nothing , that this Passage was related with all these tender Circumstances . Aeneas told it ; Dido hear'd it : That he had been so affectionate a Husband , was no ill Argument to the coming Dowager , that he might prove as kind to her . Virgil has a thousand secret Beauties , tho' I have not leisure to remark them . Segrais on this Subject of a Heroe's shedding Tears , observes that Historians commend Alexander for weeping , when he read the mighty Actions of Achilles . And Julius Caesar is likewise prais'd , when out of the same Noble Envy , he wept at the Victories of Alexander . But if we observe more closely , we shall find , that the tears of Aeneas were always on a laudable Occasion . Thus he weeps out of Compassion , and tenderness of Nature , when in the Temple of Carthage he beholds the Pictures of his Friends , who Sacrific'd their Lives in Defence of their Country . He deplores the lamentable End of his Pilot Palinurus ; the untimely death of young Pallas his Confederate ; and the rest , which I omit . Yet even for these Tears his wretched Criticks dare condemn him . They make Aeneas little better than a kind of a St. Swithen Heroe , always raining . One of these Censors is bold enough to argue him of Cowardise ; when in the beginning of the First Book , he not only weeps , but trembles at an approaching Storm . Extemplò Aeneae solvuntur frigore Membra : Ingemit & duplices tendens ad syderas palmas , &c. But to this I have answer'd formerly ; that his fear was not for himself , but for his People . And who can give a Soveraign a better Commendation , or recommend a Heroe more to the affection of the Reader ? They were threatned with a Tempest , and he wept ; he was promis'd Italy , and therefore he pray'd for the accomplishment of that Promise . All this in the beginning of a Storm , therefore he shew'd the more early Piety , and the quicker sense of Compassion . Thus much I have urg'd elsewhere in the defence of Virgil ; and since I have been inform'd , by Mr. Moyl , a young Gentleman , whom I can never sufficiently commend , that the Ancients accounted drowning an accursed Death . So that if we grant him to have been afraid , he had just occasion for that fear , both in relation to himself , and to his Subjects . I think our Adversaries can carry this Argument no farther , unless they tell us that he ought to have had more confidence in the promise of the Gods : But how was he assur'd that he had understood their Oracles aright ? Helenus might be mistaken , Phoebus might speak doubtfully , even his Mother might flatter him , that he might prosecute his Voyage , which if it succeeded happily , he shou'd be the Founder of an Empire . For that she her self was doubtful of his Fortune , is apparent by the Address she made to Jupiter on his behalf . To which the God makes answer in these words : Parce metu , Citherea , manent immota tuorum , Fata tibi , &c. Notwithstanding which , the Goddess , though comforted , was not assur'd : For even after this , through the course of the whole Aeneis , she still apprehends the interest which Juno might make with Jupiter against her Son. For it was a moot Point in Heaven , whether he cou'd alter Fate or not . And indeed , some passages in Virgil wou'd make us suspect , that he was of Opinion , Jupiter might deferr Fate , though he cou'd not alter it . For in the latter end of the Tenth Book , he introduces Juno begging for the Life of Turnus , and flattering her Husband with the power of changing Destiny . Tua qui potes , orsa reflectas . To which he graciously answers : Si mora praesentis lethi tempusque caduco Oratur Juveni , meque hoc ita ponere sentis , Tolle fugâ Turnum , atque instantibus Eripe fatis . Hactenus indulsisse vacat . Sin altior istis Sub precibus venia ulla latet , totumque moveri , Mutarive putas bellum , spes pascis inaneis . But that he cou'd not alter those Decrees , the King of Gods himself confesses , in the Book above cited : when he comforts Hercules , for the death of Pallas , who had invok'd his aid , before he threw his Lance at Turnus . — Trojae sub moenibus altis , Tot Nati Cecidere Deûm ; quin occidit unâ Sarpedon mea progenies : etiam sua Turnum Fata manent : metasque dati pervenit ad aevi . Where he plainly acknowledges , that he cou'd not save his own Son , or prevent the death which he foresaw . Of his power to deferr the blow , I once occasionally discours'd with that Excellent Person Sir Robert Howard : who is better conversant than any Man I know , in the Doctrine of the Stoicks , and he set me right ; from the concurrent testimony of Philosophers and Poets , that Jupiter cou'd not retard the effects of Fate , even for a moment . For when I cited Virgil as favouring the contrary opinion in that Verse , Tolle fugâ Turnum , atque instantibus eripe fatis . He reply'd , and I think with an exact Judgment , that when Jupiter gave Juno leave to withdraw Turnus from the present danger , it was because he certainly fore-knew that his Fatal hour was not come : that it was in Destiny for Juno at that time to save him ; and that he himself obey'd Destiny , in giving her that leave . I need say no more in justification of our Heroe's Courage , and am much deceiv'd , if he ever be attack'd on this side of his Character again . But he is Arraign'd with more shew of Reason by the Ladies ; who will make a numerous Party against him , for being false to Love , in forsaking Dido . And I cannot much blame them ; for to say the truth , 't is an ill Precedent for their Gallants to follow . Yet if I can bring him off , with Flying Colours , they may learn experience at her cost ; and for her sake , avoid a Cave , as the worst shelter they can chuse from a shower of Rain , especially when they have a Lover in their Company . In the first place , Segrais observes with much accuteness , that they who blame Aeneas for his insensibility of Love , when he left Carthage , contradict their former accusation of him , for being always Crying , Compassionate , and Effeminately sensible of those Misfortunes which befell others . They give him two contrary Characters , but Virgil makes him of a piece , always grateful , always tender-hearted . But they are impudent enough to discharge themselves of this blunder , by laying the Contradiction at Virgil's door . He , they say , has shewn his Heroe with these inconsistent Characters : Acknowledging , and Ungrateful , Compassionate , and Hard-harted ; but at the bottom , Fickle , and Self-interested . For Dido had not only receiv'd his weather-beaten Troops before she saw him , and given them her protection , but had also offer'd them an equal share in her Dominion . Vultis & his mecum pariter considere Regnis ? Vrbem quam statuo , vestra est . This was an obligement never to be forgotten : and the more to be consider'd , because antecedent to her Love. That passion , 't is true , produc'd the usual effects of Generosity , Gallantry , and care to please , and thither we referr them . But when she had made all these advances , it was still in his power to have refus'd them : After the Intrigue of the Cave , call it Marriage , or Enjoment only , he was no longer free to take or leave ; he had accepted the favour , and was oblig'd to be Constant , if he wou'd be grateful . My Lord , I have set this Argument in the best light I can , that the Ladies may not think I write booty : and perhaps it may happen to me , as it did to Doctor Cudworth , who has rais'd such strong Objections against the being of a God , and Providence , that many think he has not answer'd them . You may please at least to hear the adverse Party . Segrais pleads for Virgil , that no less than an Absolute Command from Jupiter , cou'd excuse this insensibility of the Heroe , and this abrupt departure , which looks so like extream ingratitude . But at the same time , he does wisely to remember you , that Virgil had made Piety the first Character of Aeneas : And this being allow'd , as I am afraid it must , he was oblig'd , antecedent to all other Considerations , to search an Asylum for his Gods in Italy . For those very Gods , I say , who had promis'd to his Race the Universal Empire . Cou'd a Pious Man dispence with the Commands of Jupiter to satisfie his passion ; or take it in the strongest sense , to comply with the obligations of his gratitude ? Religion , 't is true , must have Moral Honesty for its ground-work , or we shall be apt to suspect its truth ; but an immediate Revelation dispenses with all Duties of Morality . All Casuists agree , that Theft is a breach of the Moral Law : yet if I might presume to mingle Things Sacred with Prophane , the Israelites only spoil'd the Egyptians , not rob'd them , because the propriety was transferr'd ; by a Revelation to their Law-giver . I confess Dido was a very Infidel in this Point : for she wou'd not believe , as Virgil makes her say , that ever Jupiter wou'd send Mercury on such an Immoral Errand . But this needs no Answer ; at least no more than Virgil gives it : Fata obstant , placidasque viri Deus obstruit aures . This notwithstanding , as Segrais confesses , he might have shewn a little more sensibility when he left her ; for that had been according to his Character . But let Virgil answer for himself ; he still lov'd her ; and struggled with his inclinations , to obey the Gods. Curam sub Corde premebat , Multa gemens ; magnoque animum labefactus Amore. Upon the whole Matter , and humanely speaking , I doubt there was a fault somewhere ; and Jupiter is better able to bear the blame , than either Virgil or Aeneas . The Poet it seems had found it out , and therefore brings the deserting Heroe and the forsaken Lady to meet together in the lower Regions ; where he excuses himself when 't is too late , and accordingly she will take no satisfaction , nor so much as hear him . Now Segrais is forc'd to abandon his defence , and excuses his Author , by saying that the Aeneis is an imperfect Work , and that Death prevented the Divine Poet from reviewing it ; and for that Reason he had condemn'd it to the fire ; though at the same time , his two Translators must acknowledge , that the Sixth Book is the most Correct of the whole Aeneis . Oh , how convenient is a Machine sometimes in a Heroick Poem ! This of Mercury is plainly one , and Virgil was constrain'd to use it here , or the honesty of his Heroe wou'd be ill-defended . And the Fair Sex however , if they had the Desertour in their power , wou'd certainly have shewn him no more mercy , than the Bacchanals did Orpheus . For if too much Constancy may be a fault sometimes , then want of Constancy , and Ingratitude after the last Favour , is a Crime that never will be forgiven . But of Machines , more in their proper place : where I shall shew , with how much judgment they have been us'd by Virgil ; and in the mean time pass to another Article of his defence on the present Subject : where if I cannot clear the Heroe , I hope at least to bring off the Poet ; for here I must divide their Causes . Let Aeneas trust to his Machine , which will only help to break his Fall , but the Address is incomparable . Plato , who borrow'd so much from Homer , and yet concluded for the Banishment of all Poets , wou'd at least have Rewarded Virgil , before he sent him into Exile . But I go farther , and say , that he ought to be acquitted , and deserv'd beside , the Bounty of Augustus , and the gratitude of the Roman People . If after this , the Ladies will stand out , let them remember , that the Jury is not all agreed ; for Octavia was of his Party , and was also of the first Quality in Rome ; she was present at the reading of the Sixth Aeneid , and we know not that she condemn'd Aeneas ; but we are sure she presented the Poet , for his admirable Elegy on her Son Marcellus . But let us consider the secret Reasons which Virgil had , for thus framing this Noble Episode , wherein the whole passion of Love is more exactly describ'd than in any other Poet. Love was the Theme of his Fourth Book ; and though it is the shortest of the whole Aeneis , yet there he has given its beginning , its progress , its traverses , and its conclusion . And had exhausted so entirely this Subject , that he cou'd resume it but very slightly in the Eight ensuing Books . She was warm'd with the graceful appearance of the Heroe , she smother'd those Sparkles out of decency , but Conversation blew them up into a Flame . Then she was forc'd to make a Confident of her whom she best might trust , her own Sister , who approves the passion , and thereby augments it , then succeeds her publick owning it ; and after that , the consummation . Of Venus and Juno , Jupiter and Mercury I say nothing , for they were all Machining work ; but possession having cool'd his Love , as it increas'd hers , she soon perceiv'd the change , or at least grew suspicious of a change ; this suspicion soon turn'd to Jealousie , and Jealousie to Rage ; then she disdains and threatens , and again is humble , and intreats ; and nothing availing , despairs , curses , and at last becomes her own Executioner . See here the whole process of that passion , to which nothing can be added . I dare go no farther , lest I shou'd lose the connection of my Discourse . To love our Native Country , and to study its Benefit and its Glory , to be interessed in its Concerns , is Natural to all Men , and is indeed our common Duty . A Poet makes a farther step ; for endeavouring to do honour to it , 't is allowable in him even to be partial in its Cause ; for he is not ty'd to truth , or fetter'd by the Laws of History . Homer and Tasso are justly prais'd for chusing their Heroes out of Greece and Italy ; Virgil indeed made his a Trojan , but it was to derive the Romans , and his own Augustus from him ; but all the three Poets are manifestly partial to their Heroes , in favour of their Country . For Dares Phrygius reports of Hector , that he was slain Cowardly ; Aeneas according to the best account , slew not Mezentius , but was slain by him : and the Chronicles of Italy tell us little of that Rinaldo d'Estè who Conquers Jerusalem in Tasso . He might be a Champion of the Church ; but we know not that he was so much as present at the Siege . To apply this to Virgil , he thought himself engag'd in Honour to espouse the Cause and Quarrel of his Country against Carthage . He knew he cou'd not please the Romans better , or oblige them more to Patronize his Poem , than by disgracing the Foundress of that City . He shews her ungrateful to the Memory of her first Husband , doting on a Stranger ; enjoy'd , and afterwards forsaken by him . This was the Original , says he , of the immortal hatred betwixt the two Rival Nations . 'T is true , he colours the falsehood of Aeneas by an express Command from Jupiter , to forsake the Queen , who had oblig'd him : but he knew the Romans were to be his Readers , and them he brib'd , perhaps at the expence of his Heroe's honesty , but he gain'd his Cause however ; as Pleading before Corrupt Judges . They were content to see their Founder false to Love , for still he had the advantage of the Amour : It was their Enemy whom he forsook , and she might have forsaken him , if he had not got the start of her : she had already forgotten her Vows to her Sichaeus ; and varium & mutabile semper femina , is the sharpest Satire in the fewest words that was ever made on Womankind ; for both the Adjectives are Neuter , and Animal must be understood , to make them Grammar . Virgil does well to put those words into the mouth of Mercury . If a God had not spoken them , neither durst he have written them , nor I translated them . Yet the Deity was forc'd to come twice on the same Errand : and the second time , as much a Heroe as Aeneas was , he frighted him . It seems he fear'd not Jupiter so much as Dido . For your Lordship may observe , that as much intent as he was upon his Voyage , yet he still delay'd it , 'till the Messenger was oblig'd to tell him plainly , that if he weigh'd not Anchor in the Night , the Queen wou'd be with him in the Morning . Notumque furens quid femina possit ; she was Injur'd , she was Revengeful , she was Powerful . The Poet had likewise before hinted , that her People were naturally perfidious : For he gives their Character in their Queen , and makes a Proverb of Punica fides , many Ages before it was invented . Thus I hope , my Lord , that I have made good my Promise , and justify'd the Poet , whatever becomes of the false Knight . And sure a Poet is as much priviledg'd to lye , as an Ambassador , for the Honour and Interest of his Country ; at least as Sir Henry Wootton has defin'd . This naturally leads me to the defence of the Famous Anachronism , in making Aeneas and Dido Contemporaries . For 't is certain that the Heroe liv'd almost two hundred years before the Building of Carthage . One who imitates Bocaline , says that Virgil was accus'd before Apollo for this Error . The God soon found that he was not able to defend his Favourite by Reason , for the Case was clear : he therefore gave this middle Sentence ; That any thing might be allow'd to his Son Virgil on the account of his other Merits ; That being a Monarch he had a dispensing Power , and pardon'd him . But that this special Act of Grace might never be drawn into Example , or pleaded by his puny Successors , in justification of their ignorance ; he decreed for the future , No Poet shou'd presume to make a Lady die for Love two hundred years before her Birth . To Moralize this Story , Virgil is the Apollo , who has this Dispensing Power . His great Judgment made the Laws of Poetry , but he never made himself a Slave to them : Chronology at best is but a Cobweb-Law , and he broke through it with his weight . They who will imitate him wisely , must chuse as he did , an obscure and a remote Aera , where they may invent at pleasure , and not be easily contradicted . Neither he , nor the Romans had ever read the Bible , by which only his false computation of times can be made out against him : this Segrais says in his defence , and proves it from his Learned Friend Bochartus , whose Letter on this Subject , he has Printed at the end of the Fourth Aeneid , to which I referr your Lordship , and the Reader . Yet the Credit of Virgil was so great , that he made this Fable of his own Invention pass for an Authentick History , or at least as credible as any thing in Homer . Ovid takes it up after him , even in the same Age , and makes an ancient Heroine of Virgil's new-created Dido ; Dictates a Letter for her just before her death , to the ingrateful Fugitive ; and very unluckily for himself , is for measuring a Sword with a Man so much superiour in force to him on the same subject . I think I may be Judge of this , because I have Translated both . The Famous Author of the Art of Love has nothing of his own , he borrows all from a greater Master in his own profession ; and which is worse , improves nothing which he finds . Nature fails him , and being forc'd to his old shift , he has recourse to Witticism . This passes indeed with his Soft Admirers , and gives him the preference to Virgil in their esteem . But let them like for themselves , and not prescribe to others , for our Author needs not their Admiration . The Motives that induc'd Virgil to Coyn this Fable , I have shew'd already ; and have also begun to shew that he might make this Anacronism , by superseding the mechanick Rules of Poetry , for the same Reason , that a Monarch may dispense with , or suspend his own Laws , when he finds it necessary so to do ; especially if those Laws are not altogether fundamental . Nothing is to be call'd a fault in Poetry , says Aristotle , but what is against the Art ; therefore a Man may be an admirable Poet , without being an exact Chronologer . Shall we dare , continues Segrais , to condemn Virgil , for having made a Fiction against the order of time , when we commend Ovid and other Poets who have made many of their Fictions against the Order of Nature ? For what are else the splendid Miracles of the Metamorphoses ? Yet these are Beautiful as they are related ; and have also deep Learning and instructive Mythologies couch'd under them : But to give , as Virgil does in this Episode , the Original Cause of the long Wars betwixt Rome and Carthage , to draw Truth out of Fiction , after so probable a manner , with so much Beauty , and so much for the Honour of his Country , was proper only to the Divine Wit of Maro ; and Tasso in one of his Discourses , admires him for this particularly . 'T is not lawful indeed , to contradict a Point of History , which is known to all the World ; as for Example , to make Hannibal and Scipio Contemporaries with Alexander ; but in the dark Recesses of Antiquity , a great Poet may and ought to feign such things as he finds not there , if they can be brought to embelish that Subject which he treats . On the other side , the pains and diligence of ill Poets is but thrown away , when they want the Genius to invent and feign agreeably . But if the Fictions be delightful , which they always are , if they be natural , if they be of a piece ; if the beginning , the middle , and the end be in their due places , and artfully united to each other , such Works can never fail of their deserv'd Success . And such is Virgil's Episode of Dido and Aeneas ; where the sourest Critick must acknowledge ' that if he had depriv'd his Aeneis of so great an Ornament , because he found no traces of it in Antiquity , he had avoided their unjust Censure , but had wanted one of the greatest Beauties of his Poem . I shall say more of this , in the next Article of their Charge against him , which is want of Invention . In the mean time I may affirm in honour of this Episode , that it is not only now esteem'd the most pleasing entertainment of the Aeneis , but was so accounted in his own Age ; and before it was mellow'd into that reputation , which time has given it ; for which I need produce no other testimony , than that of Ovid , his Contemporary . Nec pars ulla magis legitur de Corpore toto Quam non legitimo faedere , junctus Amor. Where by the way , you may observe , my Lord , that Ovid in those words , Non legitimo faedere junctus Amor , will by no means allow it to be a lawful Marriage betwixt Dido and Aeneas . He was in Banishment when he wrote those Verses , which I cite from his Letter to Augustus . You , Sir , says he , have sent me into Exile for writing my Art of Love , and my wanton Elegies ; yet your own Poet was happy in your good graces , though he brought Dido and Aeneas into a Cave , and left them there not over-honestly together . May I be so bold to ask your Majesty , is it a greater fault to teach the Art of unlawful Love , than to shew it in the Action ? But was Ovid the Court-Poet so bad a Courtier , as to find no other Plea to excuse himself , than by a plain accusation of his Master ? Virgil confess'd it was a Lawful Marriage betwixt the Lovers ; that Juno the Goddess of Matrimony had ratify'd it by her presence , for it was her business to bring Matters to that issue . That the Ceremonies were short we may believe , for Dido was not only amorous , but a Widow . Mercury himself , though employ'd on a quite contrary Errand , yet owns it a Marriage by an innuendo : PalchramqueVxorius Vrbem Extruis — He calls Aeneas not only a Husband , but upbraids him with being a fond Husband , as the word Vxorius implies . Now mark a little , if your Lordship pleases , why Virgil is so much concern'd to make this Marriage ( for he seems to be the Father of the Bride himself , and to give her to the Bridegroom ) it was to make way for the Divorce which he intended afterwards ; for he was a finer Flatterer than Ovid : and I more than conjecture that he had in his eye the Divorce which not long before had pass'd betwixt the Emperour and Scribonia . He drew this dimple in the Cheek of Aeneas , to prove Augustus of the same Family , by so remarkable a Feature in the same place . Thus , as we say in our home-spun English Proverb , He kill'd two Birds with one stone ; pleas'd the Emperour by giving him the resemblance of his Ancestor ; and gave him such a resemblance as was not scandalous in that Age. For to leave one Wife and take another , was but a matter of Gallantry at that time of day among the Romans . Neque haec in faedera veni , is the very Excuse which Aeneas makes , when he leaves his Lady . I made no such Bargain with you at our Marriage , to live always drudging on at Carthage ; my business was Italy , and I never made a secret of it . If I took my pleasure , had not you your share of it ? I leave you free at my departure , to comfort your self with the next Stranger who happens to be Shipwreck'd on your Coast . Be as kind an Hostess as you have been to me , and you can never fail of another Husband . In the mean time , I call the Gods to witness , that I leave your Shore unwillingly ; for though Juno made the Marriage , yet Jupiter Commands me to forsake you . This is the effect of what he says , when it is dishonour'd out of Latin Verse , into English Prose . If the Poet argued not aright , we must pardon him for a poor blind Heathen , who knew no better Morals . I have detain'd your Lordship longer than I intended on this Objection : Which wou'd indeed weigh something in a Spiritual Court ; but I am not to defend our Poet there . The next I think is but a Cavil , though the Cry is great against him , and has continu'd from the time of Macrobius to this present Age. I hinted it before . They lay no less than want of Invention to his Charge . A capital Crime I must acknowledge . For a Poet is a Maker , as the word signifies : And who cannot make , that is , invent , has his Name for nothing . That which makes this Accusation look so strange at the first sight , is , That he has borrow'd so many things from Homer , Appollonius Rhodius , and others who preceded him . But in the first place , if Invention is to be taken in so strict a sense , that the Matter of a Poem must be wholly new , and that in all its Parts ; then Scaliger has made out , says Segrais , that the History of Troy was no more the Invention of Homer , than of Virgil. There was not an Old Woman , or almost a Child , but had it in their Mouths , before the Greek Poet or his Friends digested it into this admirable order in which we read it . At this rate , as Solomon has told us , there is nothing new beneath the Sun : Who then can pass for an Inventor , if Homer , as well as Virgil must be depriv'd of that Glory ? Is Versailles the less a New Building , because the Architect of that Palace has imitated others which were built before it ? Walls , Doors and Windows , Apartments , Offices , Rooms of convenience and Magnificence , are in all great Houses . So Descriptions Figures , Fables , and the rest , must be in all Heroick Poems . They are the Common Materials of Poetry , furnish'd from the Magazine of Nature : Every Poet has as much right to them , as every Man has to Air or Water . Quid prohibetis Aquas ? Vsus communis aquarum est . But the Argument of the Work , that is to say , its principal Action , the Oeconomy and Disposition of it ; these are the things which distinguish Copies from Originals . The Poet , who borrows nothing from others , is yet to be Born. He and the Jews Messias will come together . There are parts of the Aeneis , which resemble some parts both of the Ilias and of the Odysses ; as for Example , Aeneas descended into Hell , and Vlysses had been there before him : Aeneas lov'd Dido , and Vlysses lov'd Calypso : In few words , Virgil has imitated Homer's Odysses in his first six Books , and in his six last the Ilias . But from hence can we infer , that the two Poets write the same History ? Is there no invention in some other parts of Virgil's Aeneis ? The disposition of so many various matters , is not that his own ? From what Book of Homer had Virgil his Episode of Nysus and Euryalus , of Mezentius and Lausus ? From whence did he borrow his Design of bringing Aeneas into Italy , of Establishing the Roman Empire on the Foundations of a Trojan Colony ; to say nothing of the honour he did his Patron , not only in his descent from Venus , but in making him so like him in his best Features , that the Goddess might have mistaken Augustus for her Son. He had indeed the Story from common Fame , as Homer had his from the Egyptian Priestess . Aeneadum Genetrix was no more unknown to Lucretius than to him . But Lucretius taught him not to form his Heroe ; to give him Piety or Valour for his Manners ; and both in so eminent a degree , that having done what was possible for Man , to save his King and Country ; his Mother was forc'd to appear to him and restrain his Fury , which hurry'd him to death in their Revenge . But the Poet made his Piety more successful ; he brought off his Father and his Son ; and his Gods witness'd to his Devotion , by putting themselves under his Protection ; to be re-plac'd by him in their promis'd Italy . Neither the Invention , nor the Conduct of this great Action , were owing to Homer or any other Poet. 'T is one thing to Copy , and another thing to imitate from Nature . The Copyer is that servile Imitator , to whom Horace gives no better a Name than that of Animal : He will not so much as allow him to be a Man. Raphael imitated Nature : They who Copy one of Raphael's Pieces , imitate but him , for his Work is their Original . They Translate him as I do Virgil ; and fall as short of him as I of Virgil. There is a kind of Invention in the imitation of Raphael ; for though the thing was in Nature , yet the Idea of it was his own . Vlysses Travell'd , so did Aeneas ; but neither of them were the first Travellers ; for Cain went into the Land of Nod , before they were born : And neither of the Poets ever heard of such a Man. If Vlysses had been kill'd at Troy , yet Aeneas must have gone to Sea , or he could never have arriv'd in Italy . But the designs of the two Poets were as different as the Courses of their Heroes ; one went Home , and the other sought a Home . To return to my first similitude : Suppose Apelles and Raphael had each of them Painted a burning Troy ; might not the Modern Painter have succeeded as well as the Ancient , tho' neither of them had seen the Town on Fire ? For the draughts of both were taken from the Idea's which they had of Nature . Cities had been burnt before either of them were in Being . But to Close the Simile as I begun it ; they wou'd not have design'd after the same manner . Apelles wou'd have distinguish'd Pyrrhus from the rest of all the Grecians , and shew'd him forcing his entrance into Priam's Palace ; there he had set him in the fairest Light , and given him the chief place of all his Figures , because he was a Grecian , and he wou'd do Honour to his Country . Raphael , who was an Italian , and descended from the Trojans , wou'd have made Aeneas the Heroe of his piece : And perhaps not with his Father on his Back ; his Son in one hand , his Bundle of Gods in the other , and his Wife following ; ( for an Act of Piety , is not half so graceful in a Picture as an Act of Courage : ) He would rather have drawn him killing Androgeos , or some other , Hand to Hand ; and the blaze of the Fires shou'd have darted full upon his Face , to make him conspicuous amongst his Trojans . This I think is a just Comparison betwixt the two Poets in the Conduct of their several designs . Virgil cannot be said to copy Homer : The Grecian had only the advantage of writing first . If it be urg'd that I have granted a resemblance in some parts ; yet therein Virgil has excell'd him : For what are the Tears of Calypso for being left , to the Fury and Death of Dido ? Where is there the whole process of her Passion , and all its violent Effects to be found , in the languishing Episode of the Odysses ? If this be to Copy , let the Criticks shew us the same Disposition , Features , or Colouring in their Original . The like may be said of the Descent to Hell ; which was not of Homer's Invention neither : He had it from the Story of Orpheus and Eurydice . But to what end did Vlysses make that Journey ? Aeneas undertook it by the express Commandment of his Father's Ghost : There he was to shew him all the succeeding Heroes of his Race ; and next to Romulus , ( mark , if you please , the Address of Virgil ) his own Patron Augustus Caesar . Anchises was likewise to instruct him , how to manage the Italian War ; and how to conclude it with his Honour . That is , in other words , to lay the Foundations of that Empire which Augustus was to Govern. This is the Noble Invention of our Author : But it has been Copyed by so many Sign-post Daubers ; that now 't is grown fulsom , rather by their want of Skill , than by the Commonness . In the last place I may safely grant , that by reading Homer , Virgil was taught to imitate his Invention : That is , to imitate like him ; which is no more , than if a Painter studied Raphael , that he might learn to design after his manner . And thus I might imitate Virgil , if I were capable of writing an Heroick Poem , and yet the Invention be my own : But I shou'd endeavour to avoid a servile Copying . I would not give the same Story under other Names : With the same Characters , in the same Order , and with the same Sequel : For every common Reader to find me out at the first sight for a Plagiary : And cry , this I read before in Virgil , in a better Language , and in better Verse : This is like merry Andrew on the low Rope , copying lubberly the same Tricks , which his Master is dextrously performing on the high . I will trouble your Lordship but with one Objection more ; which I know not whether I found in Le Fevre or Valois , but I am sure I have read it in another French Critick , whom I will not name , because I think it is not much for his Reputation . Virgil , in the heat of Action , suppose for Example , in describing the fury of his Heroe in a Battel , when he is endeavouring to raise our concernments to the highest pitch , turns short on the sudden into some similitude , which diverts , say they , your attention from the main Subject , and mispends it on some trivial Image . He pours cold Water into the Caldron when his business is to make it boil . This Accusation is general against all who wou'd be thought Heroick Poets ; but I think it touches Virgil less than any . He is too great a Master of his Art , to make a Blott which may so easily be hit . Similitudes , as I have said , are not for Tragedy , which is all violent , and where the Passions are in a perpetual ferment ; for there they deaden where they should animate ; they are not of the nature of Dialogue , unless in Comedy : A Metaphor is almost all the Stage can suffer , which is a kind of Similitude comprehended in a word . But this Figure has a contrary effect in Heroick Poetry : There 't is employ'd to raise the Admiration , which is its proper business . And Admiration is not of so violent a nature as Fear or Hope , Compassion or Horrour , or any Concernment we can have for such or such a Person on the Stage . Not but I confess , that Similitudes and Descriptions , when drawn into an unreasonable length , must needs nauseate the Reader . Once I remember , and but once ; Virgil makes a Similitude of fourteen Lines ; and his description of Fame is about the same number . He is blam'd for both ; and I doubt not but he would have contracted them , had he liv'd to have review'd his Work : But Faults are no Precedents . This I have observ'd of his Similitudes in general , that they are not plac'd , as our unobserving Criticks tell us , in the heat of any Action : But commonly in its declining : When he has warm'd us in his Description , as much as possibly he can ; then , lest that warmth should languish , he renews it by some apt Similitude , which illustrates his Subject , and yet palls not his Audience . I need give your Lordship but one Example of this kind , and leave the rest to your Observation , when next you review the whole Aeneis in the Original unblemish'd by my rude Translation . 'T is in the first Book , where the Poet describes Neptune composing the Ocean , on which Eolus had rais'd a Tempest , without his permission . He had already chidden the Rebellious Winds for obeying the Commands of their Usurping Master : He had warn'd them from the Seas , He had beaten down the Billows with his Mace ; dispell'd the Clouds , restor'd the Sun-shine , while Triton and Cymothoe were heaving the Ships from off the Quick-Sands ; before the Poet wou'd offer at a Similitude for illustration . Ac , veluti magno in populo cùm saepe coorta est Seditio , saevitque animis ignobile vulgus , Jamque faces , & saxa volant , furor arma ministrat ; Tum , pietate gravem , ac meritis si forte virum quem Conspexere , silent , arrectisque auribus adstant : Ille regit dictis animos , & pectora mulcet : Sic cunctus pelagi cecidit fragor , aequora postquam Prospiciens genitor , caeloque invectus aperto Flectit equos , currúque volans dat lora secundo . This is the first Similitude which Virgil makes in this Poem : And one of the longest in the whole ; for which Reason I the rather cite it . While the Storm was in its fury , any Allusion had been improper : For the Poet cou'd have compar'd it to nothing more impetuous than it self ; consequently he could have made no Illustration . If he cou'd have illustrated , it had been an ambitious Ornament out of season , and would have diverted our Concernment : Nunc , non erat hisce locus ; and therefore he deferr'd it to its proper place . These are the Criticisms of most moment which have been made against the Aeneis , by the Ancients or Moderns . As for the particular Exceptions against this or that passage , Macrobius and Pontanus have answer'd them already . If I desir'd to appear more Learned than I am , it had been as easie for me to have taken their Objections and Solutions , as it is for a Country Parson to take the Expositions of the Fathers out of Junius and Tremellius : Or not to have nam'd the Authors from whence I had them : For so Ruaeus , otherwise a most judicious Commentator on Virgil's Works , has us'd Pontanus , his greatest Benefactor , of whom , he is very silent , and I do not remember that he once cites him . What follows next , is no Objection ; for that implies a Fault : And it had been none in Virgil , if he had extended the time of his Action beyond a Year . At least Aristotle has set no precise limits to it . Homer's , we know , was within two Months : Tasso I am sure exceeds not a Summer : And if I examin'd him , perhaps he might be reduc'd into a much less compass . Bossu leaves it doubtful whether Virgil's Action were within the Year , or took up some Months beyond it . Indeed the whole Dispute is of no more concernment to the common Reader , than it is to a Plough-man , whether February this Year had 28 or 29 Days in it . But for the satisfaction of the more Curious , of which number , I am sure your Lordship is one ; I will Translate what I think convenient out of Segrais , whom perhaps you have not read : For he has made it highly probable , that the Action of the Aeneis began in the Spring , and was not extended beyond the Autumn . And we have known Campaigns that have begun sooner , and have ended later . Ronsard and the rest whom Segrais names , who are of Opinion that the Action of this Poem takes up almost a Year and half ; ground their Calculation thus . Anchises dyed in Sicily at the end of Winter , or beginning of the Spring . Aeneas , immediately after the Interment of his Father , puts to Sea for Italy : He is surpriz'd by the Tempest describ'd in the beginning of the first Book ; and there it is that the Scene of the Poem opens ; and where the Action must Commence . He is driven by this Storm on the Coasts of Affrick : He stays at Carthage all that Summer , and almost all the Winter following : Sets Sail again for Italy just before the beginning of the Spring ; meets with contrary Winds , and makes Sicily the second time : This part of the Action compleats the Year . Then he celebrates the Aniversary of his Father's Funerals , and shortly after arrives at Cumes , and from thence his time is taken up in his first Treaty with Latinus ; the Overture of the War ; the Siege of his Camp by Turnus ; his going for Succours to relieve it : His return : The raising of the Siege by the first Battel : The twelve days Truce : The second Battel : The Assault of Laurentum , and the single Fight with Turnus ; all which , they say , cannot take up less than four or five Months more ; by which Account we cannot suppose the entire Action to be contain'd in a much less compass than a Year and half . Segrais reckons another way ; and his computation is not condemn'd by the learned Ruaeus , who compil'd and Publish'd the Commentaries on our Poet , which we call the Dauphin's Virgil. He allows the time of Year when Anchises dyed ; to be in the latter end of Winter , or the beginning of the Spring ; he acknowledges that when Aeneas is first seen at Sea afterwards , and is driven by the Tempest on the Coast of Affrick , is the time when the Action is naturally to begin : He confesses farther , that Aeneas left Carthage in the latter end of Winter ; for Dido tells him in express terms , as an Argument for his longer stay , Quinetiam Hyberno moliris sydere Classem . But whereas Ronsard's Followers suppose that when Aeneas had buried his Father , he set Sail immediately for Italy , ( tho' the Tempest drove him on the Coast of Carthage . ) Segrais will by no means allow that Supposition ; but thinks it much more probable that he remain'd in Sicily 'till the midst of July or the beginning of August ; at which time he places the first appearance of his Heroe on the Sea ; and there opens the Action of the Poem . From which beginning , to the Death of Turnus , which concludes the Action , there need not be suppos'd above ten Months of intermediate time : For arriving at Carthage in the latter end of Summer , staying there the Winter following ; departing thence in the very beginning of the Spring ; making a short abode in Sicily the second time , landing in Italy , and making the War , may be reasonably judg'd the business but of three Months . To this the Ronsardians reply , that having been for Seven Years before in quest of Italy , and having no more to do in Sicily , than to interr his Father ; after that Office was perform'd , what remain'd for him , but , without delay , to pursue his first Adventure ? To which Segrais answers , that the Obsequies of his Father , according to the Rites of the Greeks and Romans , would detain him for many days : That a longer time must be taken up in the refitting of his Ships , after so tedious a Voyage ; and in refreshing his Weather-beaten Souldiers on a friendly Coast . These indeed are but Suppositions on both sides , yet those of Segrais seem better grounded . For the Feast of Dido , when she entertain'd Aeneas first , has the appearance of a Summer's Night , which seems already almost ended , when he begins his Story : Therefore the Love was made in Autumn ; the Hunting follow'd properly when the Heats of that scorching Country were declining : The Winter was pass'd in jollity , as the Season and their Love requir'd ; and he left her in the latter end of Winter , as is already prov'd . This Opinion is fortify'd by the Arrival of Aeneas at the Mouth of Tyber ; which marks the Season of the Spring , that Season being perfectly describ'd by the singing of the Birds , saluting the dawn ; and by the Beauty of the place , which the Poet seems to have painted expresly in the Seventh Aeneid . Aurora in roseis fulgebat lutea bigis : Cùm venti posuere ; variae circumque , supraque Assuetae ripis volucres , & fluminis alveo , Aethera mulcebant cantu . The remainder of the Action requir'd but three Months more ; for when Aeneas went for Succour to the Tuscans , he found their Army in a readiness to march ; and wanting only a Commander : So that according to this Calculation , the Aeneis takes not up above a Year compleat , and may be comprehended in less compass . This , amongst other Circumstances , treated more at large by Segrais , agrees with the rising of Orion , which caus'd the Tempest , describ'd in the beginning of the first Book . By some passages in the Pastorals , but more particularly in the Georgicks , our Poet is found to be an exact Astronomer , according to the Knowledge of that Age. Now Ilioneus ( whom Virgil twice employs in Embassies , as the best Speaker of the Trojans ) attributes that Tempest to Orion in his Speech to Dido . Cum subito , assurgens fluctu nimbosus Orion . He must mean either the Heliacal or Achronical rising of that Sign . The Heliacal rising of a Constellation , is when it comes from under the Rays of the Sun , and begins to appear before Day-light . The Achronical rising , on the contrary , is when it appears at the close of Day , and in opposition of the Sun 's diurnal Course . The Heliacal rising of Orion , is at present computed to be about the sixth of July ; and about that time it is , that he either causes , or presages Tempests on the Seas . Segrais has observ'd farther , that when Anna Counsels Dido to stay Aeneas during the Winter ; she speaks also of Orion ; Dum pelago desaevit hyems , & aquosus Orion . If therefore Ilioneus , according to our Supposition , understand the Heliacal rising of Orion : Anna must mean the Achronical , which the different Epithetes given to that Constellation , seem to manifest . Ilioneus calls him nimbosus , Anna aquosus . He is tempestuous in the Summer when he rises Heliacally , and Rainy in the Winter when he rises Achronically . Your Lordship will pardon me for the frequent repetition of these cant words ; which I cou'd not avoid in this abbreviation of Segrais ; who I think deserves no little commendation in this new Criticism . I have yet a word or two to say of Virgil's Machines , from my own observation of them . He has imitated those of Homer , but not Copied them . It was establish'd long before this time , in the Roman Religion as well as in the Greek ; that there were Gods ; and both Nations , for the most part , worshipp'd the same Deities ; as did also the Trojans : From whom the Romans , I suppose , wou'd rather be thought to derive the Rites of their Religion , than from the Grecians ; because they thought themselves descended from them . Each of those Gods had his proper Office , and the chief of them their particular Attendants . Thus Jupiter had in propriety , Ganimede and Mercury ; and Juno had Iris. It was not then for Virgil to create new Ministers ; he must take what he found in his Religion . It cannot therefore be said that he borrow'd them from Homer , any more than Apollo , Diana , and the rest , whom he uses as he finds occasion for them , as the Grecian Poet did : But he invents the occasions for which he uses them . Venus , after the destruction of Troy , had gain'd Neptune entirely to her Party ; therefore we find him busie in the beginning of the Aeneis , to calm the Tempest rais'd by Aeolus , and afterwards conducting the Trojan Fleet to Cumes in safety , with the loss only of their Pilot ; for whom he Bargains . I name those two Examples amongst a hundred which I omit ; to prove that Virgil , generally speaking , employ'd his Machines in performing those things , which might possibly have been done without them . What more frequent then a Storm at Sea , upon the rising of Orion ? What wonder , if amongst so many Ships there shou'd one be overset , which was commanded by Orontes ; though half the Winds had not been there , which Aeolus employ'd ? Might not Palinurus , without a Miracle , fall asleep , and drop into the Sea , having been over-wearied with watching , and secure of a quiet passage , by his observation of the Skies ? At least Aeneas , who knew nothing of the Machine of Somnus , takes it plainly in this Sense . O nimium Coelo & Pelago confise sereno , Nudus in ignotâ Palinure jacebis arenâ . But Machines sometimes are specious things to amuse the Reader , and give a colour of probability to things otherwise incredible . And besides , it sooth'd the vanity of the Romans , to find the Gods so visibly concern'd in all the Actions of their Predecessors . We who are better taught by our Religion , yet own every wonderful Accident which befalls us for the best , to be brought to pass by some special Providence of Almighty God ; and by the care of guardian Angels : And from hence I might infer , that no Heroick Poem can be writ on the Epicuraean Principles . Which I cou'd easily demonstrate , if there were need to prove it , or I had leisure . When Venus opens the Eyes of her Son Aeneas , to behold the Gods who Combated against Troy , in that fatal Night when it was surpriz'd ; we share the pleasure of that glorious Vision , ( which Tasso has not ill Copied in the sacking of Jerusalem . ) But the Greeks had done their business ; though neither Neptune , Juno , or Pallas , had given them their Divine assistance . The most crude Machine which Virgil uses , is in the Episode of Camilla , where Opis by the command of her Mistress , kills Aruns. The next is in the Twelfth Aeneid , where Venus cures her Son Aeneas . But in the last of these , the Poet was driven to a necessity ; for Turnus was to be slain that very day : And Aeneas , wounded as he was , cou'd not have Engag'd him in single Combat , unless his Hurt had been miraculously heal'd . And the Poet had consider'd that the Dittany which she brought from Crete , cou'd not have wrought so speedy an effect , without the Juice of Ambrosia , which she mingled with it . After all , that his Machine might not seem too violent , we see the Heroe limping after Turnus . The Wound was skin'd ; but the strength of his Thigh was not restor'd . But what Reason had our Author to wound Aeneas at so critical a time ? And how came the Cuisses to be worse temper'd than the rest of his Armour , which was all wrought by Vulcan and his Journey-men ? These difficulties are not easily to be solv'd , without confessing that Virgil had not life enough to correct his Work : Tho' he had review'd it , and found those Errours which he resolv'd to mend : But being prevented by Death , and not willing to leave an imperfect work behind him , he ordain'd , by his last Testament , that his Aeneis should be burn'd . As for the death of Aruns , who was shot by a Goddess , the Machine was not altogether so outragious , as the wounding Mars and Venus by the Sword of Diomede . Two Divinities , one wou'd have thought , might have pleaded their Prerogative of Impassibility , or , at least not to have been wounded by any mortal Hand . Beside that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which they shed , was so very like our common Blood , that it was not to be distinguish'd from it , but only by the Name and Colour . As for what Horate says in his Art of Poetry ; that no Machines are to be us'd , unless on some extraordinary occasion , Nec Deus intersit , nisi dignus vindice nodus . That Rule is to be apply'd to the Theatre , of which he is then speaking , and means no more than this , that when the Knot of the Play is to be unty'd , and no other way is left , for making the discovery ; then and not otherwise , let a God descend upon a Rope , and clear the Business to the Audience : But this has no relation to the Machines which are us'd in an Epick Poem . In the last place , for the Dira , or Flying-Pest , which flapping on the Shield of Turnus , and fluttering about his Head , dishearten'd him in the Duel , and presag'd to him his approaching Death , I might have plac'd it more properly amongst the Objections . For the Criticks , who lay want of Courage to the Charge of Virgil's Heroe ; quote this Passage as a main proof of their Assertion . They say our Author had not only secur'd him before the Duel , but also in the beginning of it , had given him the advantage in impenetrable Arms , and in his Sword : ( for that of Turnus was not his own , which was forg'd by Vulcan for his Father ) but a Weapon which he had snatch'd in haste , and by mistake , belonging to his Charioteer Metiscus . That after all this , Jupiter , who was partial to the Trojan , and distrustful of the Event , though he had hung the Ballance , and given it a jog of his hand to weigh down Turnus , thought convenient to give the Fates a collatteral Security , by sending the Screech-Owl to discourage him . For which they quote these words of Virgil. Non me tua turbida virtus , Terret ait ; Dii me terrent , & Jupiter Hostis . In answer to which , I say , that this Machine is one of those which the Poet uses only for Ornament , and not out of Necessity . Nothing can be more Beautiful , or more Poetical than his description of the three Dirae , or the setting of the Balance , which our Milton has borrow'd from him , but employ'd to a different end : For first he makes God Almighty set the Scales for St. Michael and Sathan , when he knew no Combat was to follow ; then he makes the good Angel's Scale descend , and the Devils mount ; quite contrary to Virgil , if I have Translated the three Verses , according to my Author's Sense . Jupiter ipse duas , aequato Examine lances Sustinet ; & fata imponit diversa duorum : Quem damnet labor , & quo vergat pondere lethum . For I have taken these words Quem damnet labor , in the Sense which Virgil gives them in another place ; Damnabis tu quoque votis ; to signifie a prosperous Event . Yet I dare not condemn so great a Genius as Milton : For I am much mistaken if he alludes not to the Text in Daniel , where Belshazzar was put into the Balance , and found too light : This is digression , and I return to my Subject . I said above , that these two Machines of the Balance , and the Dira , were only Ornamental , and that the success of the Duel had been the same without them . For when Aeneas and Turnus stood fronting each other before the Altar , Turnus look'd dejected , and his Colour faded in his Face , as if he desponded of the Victory before the Fight ; and not only he , but all his Party , when the strength of the two Champions was judg'd by the proportion of their Limbs , concluded it was impar pugna , and that their Chief was over-match'd : Whereupon Juturna ( who was of the same Opinion ) took his opportunity to break the Treaty and renew the War. Juno her self had plainly told the Nymph beforehand , that her Brother was to Fight Imparibus fatis ; nec Diis , nec viribus aequis ; So that there was no need of an Apparition to fright Turnus . He had the presage within himself of his impending Destiny . The Dirae only serv'd to confirm him in his first Opinion , that it was his Destiny to die in the ensuing Combat . And in this sense are those words of Virgil to be taken . Non me tua turbida virtus Terret ait ; Dii me terrent , & Jupiter Hostis . I doubt not but the Adverb ( solùm ) is to be understood ; 't is not your Valour only that gives me this concernment ; but I find also , by this portent , that Jupiter is my Enemy . For Turnus fled before , when his first Sword was broken , 'till his Sister supply'd him with a better ; which indeed he cou'd not use ; because Aeneas kept him at a distance with his Spear . I wonder Ruaeus saw not this , where he charges his Author so unjustly , for giving Turnus a second Sword , to no purpose . How cou'd he fasten a blow , or make a thrust , when he was not suffer'd to approach ? Besides , the chief Errand of the Dira , was to warn Juturna from the Field , for she cou'd have brought the Chariot again , when she saw her Brother worsted in the Duel . I might farther add , that Aeneas was so eager of the Fight , that he left the City , now almost in his Possession , to decide his quarrel with Turnus by the Sword : Whereas Turnus had manifestly declin'd the Combate , and suffer'd his Sister to convey him as far from the reach of his Enemy as she cou'd . I say not only suffer'd her , but consented to it ; for 't is plain , he knew her by these words ; O soror , & dudum agnovi , cùm prima per artem , Faedera turbasti , teque haec in bella dedisti ; Et nunc nequicquam fallis Dea. — I have dwelt so long on this Subject , that I must contract what I have to say , in reference to my Translation : Unless I wou'd swell my Preface into a Volume , and make it formidable to your Lordship , when you see so many Pages yet behind . And indeed what I have already written either in justification or praise of Virgil , is against my self ; for presuming to Copy , in my course English , the Thoughts and Beautiful Expressions of this inimitable Poet : Who flourish'd in an Age when his Language was brought to its last perfection , for which it was particularly owing to him and Horace . I will give your Lordship my Opinion , that those two Friends had consulted each others Judgment , wherein they should endeavour to excel ; and they seem to have pitch'd on Propriety of Thought , Elegance of Words , and Harmony of Numbers . According to this Model , Horace writ his Odes and Epods : For his Satires and Epistles , being intended wholly for instruction , requir'd another Style : Ornari res ipsa negat , contenta doceri : And therefore as he himself professes , are Sermoni propiora , nearer Prose than Verse . But Virgil , who never attempted the Lyrick Verse , is every where Elegant , sweet and flowing in his Hexameters . His words are not only chosen , but the places in which he ranks them for the sound ; he who removes them from the Station wherein their Master sets them , spoils the Harmony . What he says of the Sybill's Prophecies , may be as properly apply'd to every word of his : They must be read , in order as they lie ; the least breath discomposes them , and somewhat of their Divinity is lost . I cannot boast that I have been thus exact in my Verses , but I have endeavour'd to follow the Example of my Master : And am the first Englishman , perhaps , who made it his design to copy him in his Numbers , his choice of Words , and his placing them for the sweetness of the sound . On this last Consideration , I have shun'd the Caesura as much as possibly I cou'd . For wherever that is us'd , it gives a roughness to the Verse , of which we can have little need , in a Language which is over-stock'd with Consonants . Such is not the Latine , where the Vowels and Consonants are mix'd in proportion to each other : yet Virgil judg'd the Vowels to have somewhat of an over-balance , and therefore tempers their sweetness with Caesuras . Such difference there is in Tongues , that the same Figure which roughens one , gives Majesty to another : and that was it which Virgil studied in his Verses . Ovid uses it but rarely ; and hence it is that his Versification cannot so properly be call'd sweet , as luscious . The Italians are forc'd upon it , once or twice in every line , because they have a redundancy of Vowels in their Language . Their Metal is so soft , that it will not Coyn without Alloy to harden it . On the other side , for the Reason already nam'd , 't is all we can do to give sufficient sweetness to our Language : We must not only chuse our words for Elegance , but for sound . To perform which , a Mastery in the Language is requir'd ; the Poet must have a Magazine of Words , and have the Art to mannage his few Vowels to the best advantage , that they may go the farther . He must also know the nature of the Vowels , which are more sonorous , and which more soft and sweet ; and so dispose them as his present occasions require : All which , and a thousand secrets of Versification beside , he may learn from Virgil , if he will take him for his Guide . If he be above Virgil , and is resolv'd to follow his own Verve ( as the French call it , ) the Proverb will fall heavily upon him ; Who teaches himself , has a Fool for his Master . Virgil employ'd Eleven Years upon his Aeneis , yet he left it as he thought himself imperfect . Which when I seriously consider , I wish , that instead of three years which I have spent in the Translation of his Works , I had four years more allow'd me to correct my Errours , that I might make my Version somewhat more tolerable than it is . For a Poet cannot have too great a reverence for his Readers , if he expects his Labours shou'd survive him . Yet I will neither plead my Age nor Sickness in excuse of the faults which I have made : That I wanted time is all I have to say . For some of my Subscribers grew so clamorous , that I cou'd no longer deferr the Publication . I hope from the Candour of your Lordship , and your often experienc'd goodness to me , that if the faults are not too many , you will make allowances with Horace . Si plura nitent in Carmine , non ego paucis Offendar macalis , quas aut incuria fudit , Aut humana parùm cavit Natura . You may please also to observe , that there is not , to the best of my remembrance , one Vowel gaping on another for want of a Caesura , in this whole Poem . But where a Vowel ends a word , the next begins either with a Consonant , or what is its equivalent ; for our W and H aspirate , and our Dipthongues are plainly such : The greatest latitude I take , is in the Letter Y , when it concludes a word , and the first Syllable of the next begins with a Vowel . Neither need I have call'd this a latitude , which is only an explanation of this general Rule . That no Vowel can be cut off before another , when we cannot sink the Pronunciation of it : As He , She , Me , I , &c. Virgil thinks it sometimes a Beauty , to imitate the License of the Greeks , and leave two Vowels opening on each other , as in that Verse of the Third Pastoral , Et succus pecori & lac subducitur Agnis . But nobis non licet , esse tam disertis . At least if we study to refine our Numbers . I have long had by me the Materials of an English Prosodia , containing all the Mechanical Rules of Versification , wherein I have treated with some exactness of the Feet , the Quantities , and the Pauses . The French and Italians know nothing of the two first ; at least their best Poets have not practis'd them . As for the Pauses , Malherb first brought them into France , within this last Century : And we see how they adorn their Alexandrins . But as Virgil propounds a Riddle which he leaves unsolv'd : Dic quibus in terris , inscripti nomina Regum Nascantur flores , & Phyllida solus habeto . So I will give your Lordship another , and leave the Exposition of it to your acute Judgment . I am sure there are few who make Verses , have observ'd the sweetness of these two Lines in Coopers Hill. Tho' deep , yet clear ; though gentle , yet not dull ; Strong without rage , without o'reflowing , full . And there are yet fewer who can find the Reason of that sweetness . I have given it to some of my Friends in Conversation , and they have allow'd the Criticism to be just . But since the evil of false quantities is difficult to be cur'd in any Modern Language ; since the French and the Italians as well as we , are yet ignorant what feet are to be us'd in Heroick Poetry ; since I have not strictly observ'd those Rules my self , which I can teach others ; since I pretend to no Dictatorship among my Fellow-Poets ; since if I shou'd instruct some of them to make well-running Verses , they want Genius to give them strength as well as sweetness ; and above all , since your Lordship has advis'd me not to publish that little which I know , I look on your Counsel as your Command , which I shall observe inviolably , 'till you shall please to revoke it , and leave me at liberty to make my thoughts publick . In the mean time , that I may arrogate nothing to my self , I must acknowledge that Virgil in Latine , and Spencer in English , have been my Masters . Spencer has also given me the boldness to make use sometimes of his Alexandrin Line , which we call , though improperly , the Pindarick ; because Mr. Cowley has often employ'd it in his Odes . It adds a certain Majesty to the Verse , when 't is us'd with Judgment , and stops the sense from overflowing into another Line . Formerly the French , like us , and the Italians , had but five Feet , or ten Syllables in their Heroick Verse : but since Ronsard's time , as I suppose , they found their Tongue too weak to support their Epick Poetry , without the addition of another Foot. That indeed has given it somewhat of the run , and measure of a Trimeter ; but it runs with more activity than strength : Their Language is not strung with Sinews like our English . It has the nimbleness of a Greyhound , but not the bulk and body of a Mastiff . Our Men and our Verses over-bear them by their weight ; and Pondere non Numero , is the British Motto . The French have set up Purity for the Standard of their Language ; and a Masculine Vigour is that of ours . Like their Tongue is the Genius of their Poets , light and trifling in comparison of the English ; more proper for Sonnets , Madrigals , and Elegies , than Heroick Poetry . The turn on Thoughts and Words is their chief Talent , but the Epick Poem is too stately to receive those little Ornaments . The Painters draw their Nymphs in thin and airy Habits , but the weight of Gold and of Embroideries is reserv'd for Queens and Goddesses . Virgil is never frequent in those Turns , like Ovid , but much more sparing of them in his Aeneis , than in his Pastorals and Georgicks . Ignoscenda quidem , scirent si ignoscere Manes . That turn is Beautiful indeed ; but he employs it in the Story of Orpheus and Eurydice , not in his great Poem . I have us'd that License in his Aeneis sometimes : but I own it as my fault . 'T was given to those who understand no better . 'T is like Ovid's Semivirumque bovem , semibovemque virum . The Poet found it before his Criticks , but it was a darling Sin which he wou'd not be perswaded to reform . The want of Genius , of which I have accus'd the French , is laid to their Charge by one of their own great Authors , though I have forgotten his Name , and where I read it . If Rewards cou'd make good Poets , their great Master has not been wanting on his part in his bountiful Encouragements : For he is wise enough to imitate Augustus , if he had a Maro . The Triumvir and Proscriber had descended to us in a more hideous form than they now appear , if the Emperour had not taken care to make Friends of him and Horace . I confess the Banishment of Ovid was a Blot in his Escutcheon , yet he was only Banish'd , and who knows but his Crime was Capital , and then his Exile was a Favour ? Ariosto , who with all his faults , must be acknowledg'd a great Poet , has put these words into the mouth of an Evangelist , but whether they will pass for Gospel now , I cannot tell . Non fu si santo ni benigno Augusto , Come la tuba di Virgilio suona ; L'haver havuto , in poesia buon gusto La proscrittione , iniqua gli perdona . But Heroick Poetry is not of the growth of France , as it might be of England , if it were Cultivated . Spencer wanted only to have read the Rules of Bossu : for no Man was ever Born with a greater Genius , or had more Knowledge to support it . But the performance of the French is not equal to their Skill ; and hitherto we have wanted Skill to perform better . Segrais , whose Preface is so wonderfully good , yet is wholly destitute of Elevation ; though his Version is much better than that of the two Brothers , or any of the rest who have attempted Virgil. Hannibal Caro is a great Name amongst the Italians , yet his Translation of the Aeneis is most scandalously mean , though he has taken the advantage of writing in Blank Verse , and freed himself from the shackles of modern Rhime : ( if it be modern , for Le Clerc has told us lately , and I believe has made it out , that David's Psalms were written in as errant Rhime as they are Translated . ) Now if a Muse cannot run when she is unfetter'd , 't is a sign she has but little speed . I will not make a digression here , though I am strangely tempted to it ; but will only say , that he who can write well in Rhime , may write better in Blank Verse . Rhime is certainly a constraint even to the best Poets , and those who make it with most ease ; though perhaps I have as little reason to complain of that hardship as any Man , excepting Quarles , and Withers . What it adds to sweetness , it takes away from sense ; and he who loses the least by it , may be call'd a gainer : it often makes us swerve from an Author's meaning . As if a Mark be set up for an Archer at a great distance , let him aim as exactly as he can , the least wind will take his Arrow , and divert it from the White . I return to our Italian Translatour of the Aeneis : He is a Foot-Poet , he Lacquies by the side of Virgil at the best , but never mounts behind him . Doctor Morelli , who is no mean Critick in our Poetry , and therefore may be presum'd to be a better in his own Language , has confirm'd me in this Opinion by his Judgment , and thinks withall , that he has often mistaken his Master's Sense . I wou'd say so , if I durst , but I am afraid I have committed the same fault more often , and more grosly : For I have forsaken Ruaeus , ( whom generally I follow ) in many places , and made Expositions of my own in some , quite contrary to him . Of which I will give but two Examples , because they are so near each other in the Tenth Aeneid . — Sorti Pater aequus utrique . Pallas says it to Turnus just before they Fight . Ruaeus thinks that the word Pater is to be referr'd to Evander the Father of Pallas . But how cou'd he imagine that it was the same thing to Evander , if his Son were slain , or if he overcame . The Poet certainly intended Jupiter the common Father of Mankind ; who , as Pallas hop'd , wou'd stand an impartial Spectatour of the Combat , and not be more favourable to Turnus , than to him . The Second is not long after it , and both before the Duel is begun . They are the words of Jupiter , who comforts Hercules for the death of Pallas , which was immediately to ensue , and which Hercules cou'd not hinder ( though the young Heroe had address'd his Prayers to him for his assistance : ) Because the Gods cannot controul Destiny — the Verse follows . Sic ait ; atque oculos Rutulorum rejicit arvis . Which the same Ruaeus thus construes . Jupiter after he had said this ; immediately turns his eyes to the Rutulian Fields , and beholds the Duel . I have given this place another Exposition , that he turn'd his Eyes from the Field of Combat , that he might not behold a sight so unpleasing to him . The word Rejicit I know will admit of both senses ; but Jupiter having confess'd that he could not alter Fate , and being griev'd he cou'd not , in consideration of Hercules , it seems to me that he shou'd avert his Eyes , rather than take pleasure in the Spectacle . But of this I am not so consident as the other , though I think I have follow'd Virgil's sense . What I have said , though it has the face of arrogance , yet is intended for the honour of my Country ; and therefore I will boldly own , that this English Translation has more of Virgil's Spirit in it , than either the French , or the Italian . Some of our Country-men have translated Episodes , and other parts of Virgil , with great Success . As particularly your Lordship , whose Version of Orpheus and Eurydice , is eminently good . Amongst the dead Authors , the Silenus of my Lord Roscommon cannot be too much commended . I say nothing of Sir John Denham , Mr. Waller , and Mr. Cowley ; 't is the utmost of my Ambition to be thought their Equal , or not to be much inferiour to them , and some others of the Living . But 't is one thing to take pains on a Fragment , and Translate it perfectly ; and another thing to have the weight of a whole Author on my shoulders . They who believe the burthen light , let them attempt the Fourth , Sixth or Eighth Pastoral , the First or Fourth Georgick ; and amongst the Aeneids , the Fourth , the Fifth , the Seventh , the Ninth , the Tenth , the Eleventh , or the Twelfth ; for in these I think I have succeeded best . Long before I undertook this Work , I was no stranger to the Original . I had also studied Virgil's Design , his disposition of it , his Manners , his judicious management of the Figures , the sober retrenchments of his Sense , which always leaves somewhat to gratifie our imagination , on which it may enlarge at pleasure ; but above all , the Elegance of his Expressions , and the harmony of his Numbers . For , as I have said in a former Dissertation , the words are in Poetry , what the Colours are in Painting . If the Design be good , and the Draught be true , the Colouring is the first Beauty that strikes the Eye . Spencer and Milton are the nearest in English to Virgil and Horace in the Latine ; and have endeavour'd to form my Stile by imitating their Masters . I will farther own to you , my Lord , that my chief Ambition is to please those Readers , who have discernment enough to prefer Virgil before any other Poet in the Latine Tongue . Such Spirits as he desir'd to please , such wou'd I chuse for my Judges , and wou'd stand or fall by them alone . Segrais has distinguish'd the Readers of Poetry , according to their capacity of judging , into three Classes : ( He might have said the same of Writers too if he had pleas'd . ) In the lowest Form he places those whom he calls Les Petits Esprits : such things as are our Upper-Gallery Audience in a Play-House ; who like nothing but the Husk and Rhind of Wit ; preferr a Quibble , a Conceit , an Epigram , before solid Sense , and Elegant Expression : These are Mobb-Readers : If Virgil and Martial stood for Parliament-Men , we know already who wou'd carry it . But though they make the greatest appearance in the Field , and cry the loudest , the best on 't is , they are but a sort of French Hugonots , or Dutch Boors , brought over in Herds , but not Naturaliz'd : who have not Land of two Pounds per Annum in Parnassus , and therefore are not priviledg'd to Poll. Their Authors are of the same level ; fit to represent them on a Mountebank's-Stage , or to be Masters of the Ceremonies in a Bear-Garden . Yet these are they who have the most Admirers . But it often happens , to their mortification , that as their Readers improve their Stock of Sense , ( as they may by reading better Books , and by Conversation with Men of Judgment , ) they soon forsake them : And when the Torrent from the Mountains falls no more , the swelling Writer is reduc'd into his shallow Bed , like the Mançanares at Madrid , with scarce water to moisten his own Pebbles . There are a middle sort of Readers ( as we hold there is a middle state of Souls ) such as have a farther insight than the former ; yet have not the capacity of judging right ; ( for I speak not of those who are brib'd by a Party , and know better if they were not corrupted ; ) but I mean a Company of warm young Men , who are not yet arriv'd so far as to discern the difference betwixt Fustian , or ostentatious Sentences , and the true sublime . These are above liking Martial , or Owen's Epigrams , but they wou'd certainly set Virgil below Statius , or Lucan . I need not say their Poets are of the same Paste with their Admirers . They affect greatness in all they write , but 't is a bladder'd greatness , like that of the vain Man whom Seneca describes : An ill habit of Body , full of Humours , and swell'd with Dropsie . Even these too desert their Authors , as their Judgment ripens . The young Gentlemen themselves are commonly miss-led by their Pedagogue at School , their Tutor at the University , or their Governour in their Travels . And many of those three sorts are the most positive Blockheads in the World. How many of those flatulent Writers have I known , who have sunk in their Reputation , after Seven or Eight Editions of their Works ? for indeed they are Poets only for young Men. They had great success at their first appearance ; but not being of God , as a Wit said formerly , they cou'd not stand . I have already nam'd two sorts of Judges , but Virgil wrote for neither of them : and by his Example , I am not ambitious of pleasing the lowest , or the middle form of Readers . He chose to please the most Judicious : Souls of the highest Rank , and truest Understanding . These are few in number ; but whoever is so happy as to gain their approbation , can nover lose it , because they never give it blindly . Then they have a certain Magnetism in their Judgment , which attracts others to their Sense . Every day they gain some new Proselyte , and in time become the Church . For this Reason , a well-weigh'd Judicious Poem , which at its first appearance gains no more upon the World than to be just receiv'd , and rather not blam'd , than much applauded , insinuates it self by insensible degrees into the liking of the Reader : The more he studies it , the more it grows upon him ; every time he takes it up , he discovers some new Graces in it . And whereas Poems which are produc'd by the vigour of Imagination only , have a gloss upon them at the first , which Time wears off ; the Works of Judgment , are like the Diamond , the more they are polish'd , the more lustre they receive . Such is the difference betwixt Virgil's Aeneis , and Marini's Adone . And if I may be allow'd to change the Metaphor , I wou'd say , that Virgil is like the Fame which he describes ; Mobilitate viget , viresque acquirit eundo . Such a sort of Reputation is my aim , though in a far inferiour degree , according to my Motto in the Title Page : Sequiturque Patrem , non passibus aequis ; and therefore I appeal to the Highest Court of Judicature , like that of the Peers , of which your Lordship is so great an Ornament . Without this Ambition which I own , of desiring to please the Judices Natos , I cou'd never have been able to have done any thing at this Age , when the fire of Poetry is commonly extinguish'd in other Men. Yet Virgil has given me the Example of Entellus for my Encouragement : When he was well heated , the younger Champion cou'd not stand before him . And we find the Elder contended not for the Gift , but for the Honour ; Nec dona moror . For Dampier has inform'd us , in his Voyages , that the Air of the Country which produces Gold , is never wholsom . I had long since consider'd , that the way to please the best Judges , is not to Translate a Poet literally ; and Virgil least of any other . For his peculiar Beauty lying in his choice of Words , I am excluded from it by the narrow compass of our Heroick Verse , unless I wou'd make use of Monosyllables only , and those clog'd with Consonants , which are the dead weight of our Mother-Tongue . 'T is possible , I confess , though it rarely happens , that a Verse of Monosyllables may sound harmoniously ; and some Examples of it I have seen . My first Line of the Aeneis is not harsh : Arms , and the Man I Sing , who forc'd by Fate , &c. But a much better instance may be given from the last Line of Manilius , made English by our Learned and Judicious Mr. Creech . Nor could the World have born so fierce a Flame . Where the many Liquid Consonants are plac'd so Artfully , that they give a pleasing sound to the Words , though they are all of one Syllable . 'T is true , I have been sometimes forc'd upon it in other places of this Work , but I never did it out of choice : I was either in haste , or Virgil gave me no occasion for the Ornament of Words ; for it seldom happens but a Monosyllable Line turns Verse to Prose , and even that Prose is rugged , and unharmonious . Philarchus , I remember , taxes Balzac for placing Twenty Monosyllables in file , without one dissyllable betwixt them . The way I have taken , is not so streight as Metaphrase , nor so loose as Paraphrase : Some things too I have omitted , and sometimes have added of my own . Yet the omissions I hope , are but of Circumstances , and such as wou'd have no grace in English ; and the Additions , I also hope , are easily deduc'd from Virgil's Sense . They will seem ( at least I have the Vanity to think so ) , not stuck into him , but growing out of him . He studies brevity more than any other Poet , but he had the advantage of a Language wherein much may be comprehended in a little space . We , and all the Modern Tongues , have more Articles and Pronouns , besides signs of Tenses and Cases , and other Barbarities on which our Speech is built by the faults of our Forefathers . The Romans founded theirs upon the Greek : And the Greeks , we know , were labouring many hundred years upon their Language , before they brought it to perfection . They rejected all those Signs , and cut off as many Articles as they cou'd spare ; comprehending in one word , what we are constrain'd to express in two ; which is one Reason why we cannot write so concisely as they have done . The word Pater , for Example , signifies not only a Father , but your Father , my Father , his or her Father , all included in a word . This inconvenience is common to all Modern Tongues , and this alone constrains us to employ more words than the Ancients needed . But having before observ'd , that Virgil endeavours to be short , and at the same time Elegant , I pursue the Excellence , and forsake the Brevity . For there he is like Ambergreace , a Rich Perfume , but of so close and glutinous a Body , that it must be open'd with inferiour scents of Musk or Civet , or the sweetness will not be drawn out into another Language . On the whole Matter , I thought fit to steer betwixt the two Extreams , of Paraphrase , and literal Translation : To keep as near my Author as I cou'd , without losing all his Graces , the most Eminent of which , are in the Beauty of his words : And those words , I must add , are always Figurative . Such of these as wou'd retain their Elegance in our Tongue , I have endeavour'd to graff on it ; but most of them are of necessity to be lost , because they will not shine in any but their own . Virgil has sometimes two of them in a Line ; but the scantiness of our Heroick Verse , is not capable of receiving more than one : And that too must expiate for many others which have none . Such is the difference of the Languages , or such my want of skill in chusing words . Yet I may presume to say , and I hope with as much reason as the French Translator , that taking all the Materials of this divine Author , I have endeavour'd to make Virgil speak such English , as he wou'd himself have spoken , if he had been born in England , and in this present Age. I acknowledge , with Segrais , that I have not succeeded in this attempt , according to my desire : yet I shall not be wholly without praise , if in some sort I may be allow'd to have copied the Clearness , the Purity , the Easiness and the Magnificence of his Stile . But I shall have occasion to speak farther on this Subject , before I end the Preface . When I mention'd the Pindarick Line , I should have added , that I take another License in my Verses : For I frequently make use of Triplet Rhymes , and for the same Reason : Because they bound the Sense . And therefore I generally join these two Licenses together : And make the last Verse of the Triplet a Pindarique : For besides , the Majesty which it gives , it confines the sense within the barriers of three Lines , which wou'd languish if it were lengthen'd into four . Spencer is my Example for both these priviledges of English Verses . And Chapman has follow'd him in his Translation of Homer . Mr. Cowley has given in to them after both : And all succeeding Writers after him . I regard them now as the Magna Charta of Heroick Poetry ; and am too much an English-man to lose what my Ancestors have gain'd for me . Let the French and Italians value themselves on their Regularity : Strength and Elevation are our Standard . I said before , and I repeat it , that the affected purity of the French , has unsinew'd their Heroick Verse . The Language of an Epick Poem is almost wholly figurative : Yet they are so fearful of a Metaphor , that no Example of Virgil can encourage them to be bold with safety . Sure they might warm themselves by that sprightly Blaze , without approaching it so close as to singe their Wings ; they may come as near it as their Master . Not that I wou'd discourage that purity of diction , in which he excels all other Poets . But he knows how far to extend his Franchises : And advances to the verge , without venturing a Foot beyond it . On the other side , without being injurious to the Memory of our English Pindar , I will presume to say , that his Metaphors are sometimes too violent , and his Language is not always pure . But at the same time , I must excuse him . For through the Iniquity of the times , he was forc'd to Travel , at an Age , when , instead of Learning Foreign Languages , he shou'd have studied the Beauties of his Mother Tongue : Which like all other Speeches , is to be cultivated early , or we shall never Write it with any kind of Elegance . Thus by gaining abroad he lost at home : Like the Painter in the Arcadia , who going to see a Skirmish , had his Arms lop'd off : and return'd , says Sir Philip Sydney , well instructed how to draw a Battel , but without a Hand to perform his Work. There is another thing in which I have presum'd to deviate from him and Spencer . They both make Hemysticks ( or half Verses ) breaking off in the middle of a Line . I confess there are not many such in the Fairy Queen : And even those few might be occasion'd by his unhappy choice of so long a Stanza . Mr. Cowley had found out , that no kind of Staff is proper for an Heroick Poem ; as being all too lirical : Yet though he wrote in Couplets , where Rhyme is freer from constraint , he frequently affects half Verses : of which we find not one in Homer , and I think not in any of the Grcek Poets , or the Latin , excepting only Virgil ; and there is no question but he thought , he had Virgil's Authority for that License . But I am confident , our Poet never meant to leave him or any other such a Precedent . And I ground my Opinion on these two Reasons . First , we find no Example of a Hemystick in any of his Pastorals or Georgicks . For he had given the last finishing Strokes to both these Poems : But his Aeneis he left so uncorrect , at least so short of that perfection at which he aim'd , that we know how hard a Sentence He pass'd upon it : And in the second place , I reasonably presume , that he intended to have fill'd up all those Hemysticks , because in one of them we find the sense imperfect : Quem tibi jam Trojâ — Which some foolish Gramarian , has ended for him , with a half Line of Nonsense . Peperit fumante Crëusa . For Ascanius must have been born some Years before the burning of that City ; which I need not prove . On the other side we find also , that he himself fill'd up one Line in the sixth Aeneid , the Enthusiasm seizing him , while he was reading to Augustus . Misenum Aeolidem , quo non praestantior alter Aere , ciere viros . — To which he added in that transport . Martemque accendere Cantu . And never was any Line more nobly finish'd ; for the reasons which I have given in the Book of Painting . On these Considerations I have shun'd Hemysticks : Not being willing to imitate Virgil to a Fault ; like Alexander's Courtiers , who affected to hold their Necks awry , because he cou'd not help it : I am confident your Lordship is by this time of my Opinion ; and that you will look on those half lines hereafter , as the imperfect products of a hasty Muse : Like the Frogs and Serpents in the Nile ; part of them kindled into Life ; and part a lump of unform'd unanimated Mudd . I am sensible that many of my whole Verses , are as imperfect as those halves ; for want of time to digest them better : But give me leave to make the Excuse of Boccace : Who when he was upbraided , that some of his Novels had not the Spirit of the rest , return'd this Answer , that Charlemain who made the Paladins ; was never able to raise an Army of them . The Leaders may be Heroes , but the multitude must consist of Common Men. I am also bound to tell your Lordship , in my own defence : That from the beginning of the first Georgick to the end of the last Aeneid ; I found the difficulty of Translation growing on me in every succeeding Book . For Virgil , above all Poets , had a stock , which I may call almost inexhaustible of figurative , Elegant , and sounding Words . I who inherit but a small portion of his Genius , and write in a Language so much inferiour to the Latin , have found it very painful to vary Phrases , when the same sense returns upon me . Even he himself , whether out of necessity or choice , has often express'd the same thing in the same words ; and often repeated two or three whole Verses , which he had us'd before . Words are not so easily Coyn'd as Money : And yet we see that the Credit not only of Banks , but of Exchequers cracks , when little comes in , and much goes out . Virgil call'd upon me in every line for some new word : And I paid so long , that I was almost Banckrupt . So that the latter end must needs be more burdensom than the beginning or the middle . And consequently the Twelfth Aeneid cost me double the time of the first and second . What had become of me , if Virgil had tax'd me with another Book ? I had certainly been reduc'd to pay the Publick in hammer'd Money for want of Mill'd ; that is in the same old Words which I had us'd before : And the Receivers must have been forc'd to have taken any thing , where there was so little to be had . Besides this difficulty ( with which I have strugled , and made a shift to pass it over ) there is one remaining , which is insuperable to all Translators . We are bound to our Author's Sense , though with the latitudes already mention'd ( for I think it not so sacred , as that one Iota must not be added or diminish'd on pain of an Anathema . ) But Slaves we are ; and labour on another Man's Plantation ; we dress the Vine-yard , but the Wine is the Owners : If the Soil be sometimes Barren , then we are sure of being scourg'd : If it be fruitful , and our Care succeeds , we are not thank'd ; for the proud Reader will only say , the poor drudge has done his duty . But this is nothing to what follows ; for being oblig'd to make his Sense intelligible , we are forc'd to untune our own Verses , that we may give his meaning to the Reader . He who Invents is Master of his Thoughts and Words : He can turn and vary them as he pleases , 'till he renders them harmonious . But the wretched Translator has no such priviledge : For being ty'd to the Thoughts , he must make what Musick he can in the Expression . And for this reason it cannot always be so sweet as that of the Original . There is a beauty of Sound , as Segrais has observ'd , in some Latin Words , which is wholly lost in any Modern Language . He instances in that Mollis Amaracus , on which Venus lays Cupid in the First Aeneid . If I should Translate it Sweet Marjoram , as the word signifies ; the Reader would think I had mistaken Virgil : For those Village-words , as I may call them , gives us a mean Idea of the thing ; but the Sound of the Latin is so much more pleasing , by the just mixture of the Vowels with the Consonants , that it raises our Fancies , to conceive somewhat more Noble than a common Herb ; and to spread Roses under him , and strew Lillies over him ; a Bed not unworthy the Grandson of the Goddess . If I cannot Copy his Harmonious Numbers , how shall I imitate his noble Flights ; where his Thoughts and Words are equally sublime ? Quem quisquis studet aemulari , — Caeratis ope Dedalaeâ Nititur pennis , vitreo daturus Nomina Ponto . What Modern Language , or what Poet can express the Majestick Beauty of this one Verse amongst a thousand others ! Aude Hospes contemnere opes , & te quoque dignum Finge Deo. For my part I am lost in the admiration of it : I contemn the World , when I think on it , and my self when I Translate it . Lay by Virgil , I beseech your Lordship , and all my better sort of Judges , when you take up my Version , and it will appear a passable Beauty , when the Original Muse is absent : But like Spencer's false Florimel made of Snow , it melts and vanishes , when the true one comes in sight . I will not excuse but justifie my self for one pretended Crime , with which I am liable to be charg'd by false Criticks , not only in this Translation , but in many of my Original Poems ; that I latinize too much . 'T is true , that when I find an English word , significant and sounding , I neither borrow from the Latin or any other Language : But when I want at home , I must seek abroad . If sounding Words are not of our growth and Manufacture , who shall hinder me to Import them from a Foreign Country ? I carry not out the Treasure of the Nation , which is never to return : but what I bring from Italy , I spend in England : Here it remains , and here it circulates ; for if the Coyn be good , it will pass from one hand to another . I Trade both with the Living and the Dead , for the enrichment of our Native Language . We have enough in England to supply our necessity ; but if we will have things of Magnificence and Splendour , we must get them by Commerce . Poetry requires Ornament , and that is not to be had from our Old Teuton Monosyllables ; therefore if I find any Elegant Word in a Classick Author , I propose it to be Naturaliz'd , by using it my self : and if the Publick approves of it , the Bill passes . But every Man cannot distinguish betwixt Pedantry and Poetry : Every Man therefore is not fit to innovate . Upon the whole matter , a Poet must first be certain that the Word he wou'd Introduce is Beautiful in the Latin ; and is to consider , in the next place , whether it will agree with the English Idiom : After this , he ought to take the Opinion of judicious Friends , such as are Learned in both Languages : And lastly , since no Man is infallible , let him use this License very sparingly ; for if too many Foreign Words are pour'd in upon us , it looks as if they were design'd not to assist the Natives , but to Conquer them . I am now drawing towards a Conclusion , and suspect your Lordship is very glad of it . But permit me first , to own what Helps I have had in this Undertaking . The late Earl of Lauderdail , sent me over his new Translation of the Aeneis ; which he had ended before I ingag'd in the same Design . Neither did I then intend it : But some Proposals being afterwards made me by my Bookseller , I desir'd his Lordship's leave , that I might accept them , which he freely granted ; and I have his Letter yet to shew , for that permission . He resolv'd to have Printed his Work ; which he might have done two Years before I cou'd Publish mine : and had perform'd it , if Death had not prevented him . But having his Manuscript in my hands , I consulted it as often as I doubted of my Author's sense . For no Man understood Virgil better than that Learned Noble Man. His Friends , I hear , have yet another , and more Correct Copy of that Translation by them : which had they pleas'd to have given the Publick , the Judges must have been convinc'd , that I have not flatter'd him . Besides this help , which was not inconsiderable , Mr. Congreve has done me the Favour to review the Aeneis ; and compare my Version with the Original . I shall never be asham'd to own , that this Excellent Young Man , has shew'd me many Faults , which I have endeavour'd to Correct . 'T is true , he might have easily found more , and then my Translation had been more Perfect . Two other Worthy Friends of mine , who desire to have their Names conceal'd , seeing me straitned in my time , took Pity on me , and gave me the Life of Virgil , the two Prefaces to the Pastorals , and the Georgics , and all the Arguments in Profe to the whole Translation . Which perhaps , has occasion'd a Report that the two First Poems are not mine . If it had been true , that I had taken their Verses for my own , I might have glory'd in their Aid ; and like Terence , have farther'd the Opinion , that Scipio and Laelius join'd with me . But the same Style being continu'd thro' the whole , and the same Laws of Versification observ'd , are proofs sufficient , that this is one Man's Work : And your Lordship is too well acquainted with my manner , to doubt that any part of it is anothers . That your Lordship may see I was in earnest , when I promis'd to hasten to an end , I will not give the Reasons , why I Writ not always in the proper terms of Navigation , Land-Service , or in the Cant of any Profession . I will only say , that Virgil has avoided those proprieties , because he Writ not to Mariners , Souldiers , Astronomers , Gardners , Peasants , &c. but to all in general , and in particular to Men and Ladies of the first Quality : who have been better Bred than to be too nicely knowing in the Terms . In such cases , 't is enough for a Poet to write so plainly , that he may be understood by his Readers : To avoid impropriety , and not affect to be thought Learn'd in all things . I have omitted the Four Preliminary Lines of the First Aeneid : Because I think them inferiour to any Four others , in the whole Poem : and consequently , believe they are not Virgil's . There is too great a gap betwixt the Adjective vicina in the Second Line , and the Substantive Arva in the latter end of the Third , which keeps his meaning in obscurity too long : And is contrary to the clearness of his Style . Vt quamvis avidis Is too ambitious an Ornament to be his , and Gratum opus Agricolis , Are all words unnecessary , and Independent of what he had said before . Horrentia Martis Arma , Is worse than any of the rest . Horrentia is such a flat Epithete , as Tully wou'd have given us in his Verses . 'T is a meer filler ; to stop a vacancy in the Hexameter , and connect the Preface to the Work of Virgil. Our Author seems to sound a Charge , and begins like the clangour of a Trumpet ; Arma , virumque cano ; Trojae qui primus ab oris . Scarce a word without an R. and the Vowels for the greater part sonorous . The Prefacer began with Ille ego , which He was constrain'd to patch up in the Fourth line with At nunc , to make the Sense cohere . And if both those words are not notorious botches , I am much deceiv'd , though the French Translator thinks otherwise . For my own part , I am rather of Opinion , that they were added by Tucca and Varius , than Retrench'd . I know it may be answer'd by such as think Virgil the Author of the four Lines ; that he asserts his Title to the Aeneis , in the beginning of this Work , as he did to the two former , in the last lines of the fourth Georgic . I will not reply otherwise to this , than by desiring them to compare these four Lines with the four others ; which we know are his , because no Poet but he alone could write them . If they cannot distinguish Creeping from Flying , let them lay down Virgil , and take up Ovid de Ponto in his stead . My Master needed not the assistance of that Preliminary Poet to prove his Claim . His own Majestick Meen discovers him to be the King , amidst a Thousand Courtiers . It was a superfluous Office , and therefore I wou'd not set those Verses in the Front of Virgil. But have rejected them to my own Preface . I , who before , with Shepherds in the Groves , Sung to my Oaten Pipe , their Rural Loves , And issuing thence , compell'd the Neighb'ring Field A plenteous Crop of rising Corn to yield , Manur'd the Glebe , and stock'd the fruitful Plain , ( A Poem grateful to the greedy Swain . ) &c. If there be not a tolerable Line in all these six , the Prefacer , gave me no occasion to write better . This is a just Apology in this place . But I have done great Wrong to Virgil in the whole Translation : Want of Time , the Inferiority of our Language ; the inconvenience of Rhyme , and all the other Excuses I have made , may alleviate my Fault , but cannot justisie the boldness of my Undertaking . What avails it me to acknowledge freely , that I have not been able to do him right in any line ? For even my own Confession makes against me ; and it will always be return'd upon me , Why then did you attempt it ? To which , no other Answer can be made , than that I have done him less Injury than any of his former Libellers . What they call'd his Picture , had been drawn at length , so many times , by the Daubers of almost all Nations , and still so unlike him , that I snatch'd up the Pencil with disdain : being satisfi'd before hand , that I cou'd make some small resemblance of him , though I must be content with a worse likeness . A Sixth Pastoral , a Pharmaceutria , a single Orpheus , and some other Features , have been exactly taken : But those Holiday Authors writ for Pleasure ; and only shew'd us what they cou'd have done , if they wou'd have taken pains , to perform the whole . Be pleas'd , My Lord , to accept , with your wonted goodness , this unworthy Present , which I make you . I have taken off one trouble from you , of defending it , by acknowledging its Imperfections : And though some part of them are cover'd in the Verse ; ( as Ericthonius rode always in a Chariot , to hide his lameness . ) Such of them as cannot be conceal'd , you will please to connive at , though in the strictness of your Judgment , you cannot Pardon . If Homer was allow'd to nod sometimes , in so long a Work , it will be no wonder if I often fall asleep . You took my Aureng-zeb into your Protection , with all his faults : And I hope here cannot be so many , because I Translate an Author , who gives me such Examples of Correctness . What my Jury may be , I know not ; but 't is good for a Criminal to plead before a favourable Judge : If I had said Partial , wou'd your Lordship have forgiven me ? Or will you give me leave to acquaint the World , that I have many times been oblig'd to your Bounty since the Revolution . Though I never was reduc'd to beg a Charity , nor ever had the Impudence to ask one , either of your Lordship , or your Noble Kinsman the Earl of Dorset , much less of any other , yet when I least expected it , you have both remember'd me . So inherent it is in your Family not to forget an Old Servant . It looks rather like Ingratitude on my part , that where I have been so often oblig'd , I have appear'd so seldom to return my thanks : and where I was also so sure of being well receiv'd . Somewhat of Laziness was in the case ; and somewhat too of Modesty : But nothing of Disrespect , or of Unthankfulness . I will not say that your Lordship has encourag'd me to this Presumption , lest if my Labours meet with no success in Publick , I may expose your Judgment to be Censur'd . As for my own Enemies I shall never think them worth an Answer ; and if your Lordship has any , they will not dare to Arraign you for your want of Knowledge in this Art , till they can produce somewhat betterof their own , than your Essay on Poetry . 'T was on this Consideration , that I have drawn out my Preface to so great a length . Had I not address'd to a Poet , and a Critick of the first Magnitude , I had my self been tax'd for want of Judgment , and sham'd my Patron for want of Understanding . But neither will you , My Lord , so soon be tir'd as any other , because the Discourse is on your Art ; Neither will the Learned Reader think it tedious , because it is ad Clerum . At least , when he begins to be weary , the Church Doors are open . That I may pursue the Allegory with a short Prayer , after a long Sermon : May you Live happily and long , for the Service of your Country , the Encouragement of good Letters and the Ornament of Poetry ; which cannot be wish'd more earnestly by any Man , than by Your Lordships , most Humble , Most Obliged , and most Obedient Servant . John Dryden . To his Royall Highness PRINCE GEORGE of DENMARK . & Virgil's Aeneis . The First Book of the Aeneis . The Argument . The Trojans , after a seven Years Voyage , set sail for Italy , but are overtaken by a dreadful Storm , which Aeolus raises at Juno 's Request . The Tempest sinks one , and scatters the rest : Neptune drives off the Winds and calms the Sea. Aeneas with his own Ship , and six more , arrives safe at an Affrican Port. Venus complains to Jupiter of her Son's Misfortunes . Jupiter comforts her , and sends Mercury to procure him a kind Reception among the Carthaginians . Aeneas going out to discover the Country , meets his Mother in the Shape of an Huntress , who conveys him in a Cloud to Carthage ; where he sees his Friends whom he thought lost , and receives a kind Entertainment from the Queen . Dido by a device of Venus begins to have a Passion for him , and after some Discourse with him , desires the History of his Adventures since the Siege of Troy , which is the Subject of the two following Books . ARms , and the Man I sing , who , forc'd by Fate , And haughty Juno's unrelenting Hate ; Expell'd and exil'd , left the Trojan Shoar : Long Labours , both by Sea and Land he bore ; And in the doubtful War , before he won The Latian Realm , and built the destin'd Town : His banish'd Gods restor'd to Rites Divine , And setl'd sure Succession in his Line : From whence the Race of Alban Fathers come , And the long Glories of Majestick Rome . O Muse ! the Causes and the Crimes relate , What Goddess was provok'd , and whence her hate : For what Offence the Queen of Heav'n began To persecute so brave , so just a Man ! Involv'd his anxious Life in endless Cares , Expos'd to Wants , and hurry'd into Wars ! Can Heav'nly Minds such high resentment show ; Or exercise their Spight in Human Woe ? Against the Tiber's Mouth , but far away , An ancient Town was seated on the Sea : A Tyrian Colony ; the People made Stout for the War , and studious of their Trade . Carthage the Name , belov'd by Juno more Than her own Argos , or the Samian Shoar . Here stood her Chariot , here , if Heav'n were kind , The Seat of awful Empire she design'd . Yet she had heard an ancient Rumour fly , ( Long cited by the People of the Sky ; ) That times to come shou'd see the Trojan Race Her Carthage ruin , and her Tow'rs deface : Nor thus confin'd , the Yoke of Sov'raign Sway , Should on the Necks of all the Nations lay . She ponder'd this , and fear'd it was in Fate ; Nor cou'd forget the War she wag'd of late , For conq'ring Greece against the Trojan State. Besides long Causes working in her Mind , And secret Seeds of Envy lay behind . Deep graven in her Heart , the Doom remain'd Of partial Paris , and her Form disdain'd : The Grace bestow'd on ravish'd Ganimed , Electra's Glories , and her injur'd Bed. Each was a Cause alone , and all combin'd To kindle Vengeance in her haughty Mind . For this , far distant from the Latian Coast , She drove the Remnants of the Trojan Hoast : And sev'n long Years th' unhappy wand'ring Train , Were toss'd by Storms , and scatter'd through the Main . Such Time , such Toil requir'd the Roman Name , Such length of Labour for so vast a Frame . Now scarce the Trojan Fleet with Sails and Oars , Had left behind the Fair Sicilian Shoars : Ent'ring with chearful Shouts the wat'ry Reign , And ploughing frothy Furrows in the Main : When lab'ring still , with endless discontent , The Queen of Heav'n did thus her Fury vent . Then am I vanquish'd , must I yield , said she , And must the Trojans reign in Italy ? So Fate will have it , and Jove adds his Force ; Nor can my Pow'r divert their happy Course . Cou'd angry Pallas , with revengeful Spleen , The Grecian Navy burn , and drown the Men ? She for the Fault of one offending Foe , The Bolts of Jove himself presum'd to throw : With Whirlwinds from beneath she toss'd the Ship , And bare expos'd the Bosom of the deep : Then , as an Eagle gripes the trembling Game , The Wretch yet hissing with her Father's Flame , She strongly seiz'd , and with a burning Wound , Transfix'd and naked , on a Rock she bound . But I , who walk in awful State above , The Majesty of Heav'n , the Sister-wife of Jove ; For length of Years , my fruitless Force employ Against the thin remains of ruin'd Troy. What Nations now to Juno's Pow'r will pray , Or Off'rings on my slighted Altars lay ? Thus rag'd the Goddess , and with Fury fraught , The restless Regions of the Storms she sought . Where in a spacious Cave of living Stone , The Tyrant E'lus from his Airy Throne , With Pow'r Imperial curbs the strugling Winds , And sounding Tempests in dark Prisons binds . This Way , and that , th' impatient Captives tend , And pressing for Release , the Mountains rend ; High in his Hall , th' undaunted Monarch stands , And shakes his Scepter , and their Rage commands : Which did he not , their unresisted Sway Wou'd sweep the World before them , in their Way : Earth , Air , and Seas through empty Space wou'd rowl , And Heav'n would fly before the driving Soul. In fear of this , the Father of the Gods Confin'd their Fury to those dark Abodes , And lock'd'em safe within , oppress'd with Mountain loads : Impos'd a King , with arbritrary Sway , To loose their Fetters , or their Force allay . To whom the suppliant Queen her Pray'rs addrest , And thus the tenour of her Suit express'd . O E'lus ! for to thee the King of Heav'n The Pow'r of Tempests , and of Winds has giv'n : Thy Force alone their Fury can restrain , And smooth the Waves , or swell the troubl'd Main . A race of wand'ring Slaves , abhorr'd by me , With prosp'rous Passage cut the Thuscan Sea : To fruitful Italy their Course they steer , And for their vanquish'd Gods design new Temples there . Raise all thy Winds , with Night involve the Skies ; Sink , or disperse my fatal Enemies . Twice sev'n , the charming Daughters of the Main , Around my Person wait , and bear my Train : Succeed my Wish , and second my Design , The fairest , Deiopeia , shall be thine ; And make thee Father of a happy Line . To this the God — 'T is yours , O Queen ! to will The Work , which Duty binds me to fulfil . These airy Kingdoms , and this wide Command , Are all the Presents of your bounteous Hand : Yours is my Sov'raign's Grace , and , as your Guest , I sit with Gods at their Coelestial Feast . Raise Tempests at your Pleasure , or subdue ; Dispose of Empire , which I hold from you . He said , and hurld against the Mountain side , His quiv'ring Spear , and all , the God apply'd . The raging Winds rush through the hollow Wound , And dance aloft in Air , and skim along the Ground : Then setling on the Sea , the Surges sweep ; Raise liquid Mountains , and disclose the deep . South , East , and West , with mix'd Confusion roar , And rowl the foaming Billows to the Shoar . The Cables crack , the Sailors fearful Cries Ascend ; and sable Night involves the Skies ; And Heav'n it self is ravish'd from their Eyes . Loud Peals of Thunder from the Poles ensue , Then flashing Fires the transient Light renew : The Face of things a frightful Image bears , And present Death in various Forms appears . Struck with unusual Fright , the Trojan Chief , With lifted Hands and Eyes , invokes Relief . And thrice , and four times happy those , he cry'd , That under Ilian Walls before their Parents dy'd . Tydides , bravest of the Grecian Train , Why cou'd not I by that strong Arm be slain , And lye by noble Hector on the Plain , Or great Sarpedon , in those bloody Fields , Where Simois rouls the Bodies , and the Shields Of Heroes , whose dismember'd Hands yet bear The Dart aloft , and clench the pointed Spear ? Thus while the Pious Prince his Fate bewails , Fierce Boreas drove against his flying Sails , And rent the Sheets : The raging Billows rise , And mount the tossing Vessel to the Skies : Nor can the shiv'ring Oars sustain the Blow ; The Galley gives her side , and turns her Prow : While those astern descending down the Steep , Thro' gaping Waves behold the boiling deep . Three Ships were hurry'd by the Southern Blast , And on the secret Shelves with Fury cast . Those hidden Rocks , th' Ausonian Sailors knew , They call'd them Altars , when they rose in view , And show'd their spacious Backs above the Flood . Three more , fierce Eurus in his angry Mood , Dash'd on the Shallows of the moving Sand , And in mid Ocean left them moor'd a-land . Orontes Barque that bore the Lycian Crew , ( A horrid Sight ) ev'n in the Hero's view , From Stem to Stern , by Waves was overborn : The trembling Pilot , from his Rudder torn , Was headlong hurl'd ; thrice round , the Ship was tost , Then bulg'd at once , and in the deep was lost . And here and there above the Waves were seen Arms , Pictures , precious Goods , and floating Men. The stoutest Vessel to the Storm gave way , And suck'd through loosen'd Planks the rushing Sea. Ilioneus was her Chief : Alethes old , Achates faithful , Abas young and bold Endur'd not less : their Ships , with gaping Seams , Admit the Deluge of the briny Streams . Mean time Imperial Neptune heard the Sound Of raging Billows breaking on the Ground : Displeas'd , and fearing for his Wat'ry Reign , He reard his awful Head above the Main : Serene in Majesty , then rowl'd his Eyes Around the Space of Earth , and Seas , and Skies . He saw the Trojan Fleet dispers'd , distress'd By stormy Winds and wintry Heav'n oppress'd . Full well the God his Sister's envy knew , And what her Aims , and what her Arts pursue : He summon'd Eurus and the western Blast , And first an angry glance on both he cast : Then thus rebuk'd ; Audacious Winds ! from whence This bold Attempt , this Rebel Insolence ? Is it for you to ravage Seas and Land , Unauthoriz'd by my supream Command ? To raise such Mountains on the troubl'd Main ? Whom I — But first 't is fit , the Billows to restrain , And then you shall be taught obedience to my Reign . Hence , to your Lord my Royal Mandate bear , The Realms of Ocean and the Fields of Air Are mine , not his ; by fatal Lot to me The liquid Empire fell , and Trident of the Sea. His Pow'r to hollow Caverns is confin'd , There let him reign , the Jailor of the Wind : With hoarse Commands his breathing Subjects call , And boast and bluster in his empty Hall. He spoke : And while he spoke , he smooth'd the Sea , Dispell'd the Darkness , and restor'd the Day : Cymothoe , Triton , and the Sea-green Train Of beauteous Nymphs , the Daughters of the Main , Clear from the Rocks the Vessels with their hands ; The God himself with ready Trident stands , And opes the Deep , and spreads the moving sands ; Then heaves them off the sholes : where e're he guides His finny Coursers , and in Triumph rides , The Waves unruffle and the Sea subsides . As when in Tumults rise th' ignoble Crow'd , Mad are their Motions , and their Tongues are loud ; And Stones and Brands in ratling Vollies fly , And all the Rustick Arms that Fury can supply : If then some grave and Pious Man appear , They hush their Noise , and lend a list'ning Ear ; He sooths with sober Words their angry Mood , And quenches their innate Desire of Blood. So when the Father of the Flood appears , And o're the Seas his Sov'raign Trident rears , Their Fury falls : He skims the liquid Plains , High on his Chariot , and with loosen'd Reins , Majestick moves along , and awful Peace maintains . The weary Trojans ply their shatter'd Oars , To nearest Land , and make the Lybian Shoars . Within a long Recess there lies a Bay , An Island shades it from the rowling Sea , And forms a Port secure for Ships to ride , Broke by the jutting Land on either side : In double Streams the briny Waters glide . Betwixt two rows of Rocks , a Sylvan Scene Appears above , and Groves for ever green : A Grott is form'd beneath , with Mossy Seats , To rest the Nereids , and exclude the Heats . Down thro' the Cranies of the living Walls The Crystal Streams descend in murm'ring Falls . No Haulsers need to bind the Vessels here , Nor bearded Anchors , for no Storms they fear . Sev'n Ships within this happy Harbour meet , The thin Remainders of the scatter'd Fleet. The Trojans , worn with Toils , and spent with Woes , Leap on the welcome Land , and seek their wish'd Repose . First , good Achates , with repeated stroaks Of clashing Flints , their hidden Fire provokes ; Short Flame succeeds , a Bed of wither'd Leaves The dying Sparkles in their Fall receives : Caught into Life , in smoaking Fumes they rise , And , fed with stronger Food , invade the Skies . The Trojans , dropping wet , or stand around The chearful blaze , or lye along the Ground : Some dry their Corn infected with the Brine , Then grind with Marbles , and prepare to dine . Aeneas climbs the Mountain's airy Brow , And takes a Prospect of the Seas below : If Capys thence , or Antheus he cou'd spy ; Or see the Streamers of Caicus fly . No Vessels were in view : But , on the Plain , Three beamy Stags command a Lordly Train Of branching Heads ; the more ignoble Throng Attend their stately Steps , and slowly graze along . He stood ; and while secure they fed below , He took the Quiver , and the trusty Bow Achates us'd to bear ; the Leaders first He laid along , and then the Vulgar pierc'd : Nor ceas'd his Arrows , 'till the shady Plain Sev'n mighty Bodies , with their Blood distain . For the sev'n Ships he made an equal Share , And to the Port return'd , Triumphant from the War. The Jarrs of gen'rous Wine , ( Acestes Gist , When his Trinacrian Shoars the Navy left ) He set abroach , and for the Feast prepar'd ; In equal Portions , with the Ven'son shar'd . Thus while he dealt it round , the pious Chief , With chearful Words , allay'd the common Grief . Endure , and conquer ; Jove will soon dispose To future Good , our past and present Woes . With me , the Rocks of Scylla you have try'd ; Th' inhuman Cyclops , and his Den defy'd . What greater Ills hereafter can you bear ? Resume your Courage , and dismiss your Care. An Hour will come , with Pleasure to relate Your Sorrows past , as Benefits of Fate . Through various Hazards , and Events we move To Latium , and the Realms foredoom'd by Jove . Call'd to the Seat , ( the Promise of the Skies , ) Where Trojan Kingdoms once again may rise . Endure the Hardships of your present State , Live , and reserve your selves for better Fate . These Words he spoke ; but spoke not from his Heart ; His outward Smiles conceal'd his inward Smart . The jolly Crew , unmindful of the past , The Quarry share , their plenteous Dinner haste : Some strip the Skin , some portion out the Spoil ; The Limbs yet trembling , in the Cauldrons boyl : Some on the Fire the reeking Entrails broil . Stretch'd on the grassy Turf , at ease they dine ; Restore their Strength with Meat , and chear their Souls with Wine . Their Hunger thus appeas'd , their Care attends , The doubtful Fortune of their absent Friends : Alternate Hopes and Fears , their Minds possess , Whether to deem 'em dead , or in Distress . Above the rest , Aeneas mourns the Fate Of brave Orontes , and th' uncertain State Of Gyas , Lycus , and of Amycus : The Day , but not their Sorrows , ended thus . When , from aloft , Almighty Jove surveys Earth , Air , and Shoars , and navigable Seas , At length on Lybian Realms he fix'd his Eyes : Whom , pond'ring thus on Human Miseries , When Venus saw , she with a lowly Look , Not free from Tears , her Heav'nly Sire bespoke . O King of Gods and Men , whose awful Hand , Disperses Thunder on the Seas and Land ; Disposing all with absolute Command : To her Royall Highness the Princess Anne of Denmark AE 1. l. 295 To her Grace Mary Dutchess of Ormond How cou'd my Pious Son thy Pow'r incense , Or what , alas ! is vanish'd Troy's Offence ? Our hope of Italy not only lost , On various Seas , by various Tempests tost , But shut from ev'ry Shoar , and barr'd from ev'ry Coast . You promis'd once , a Progeny Divine , Of Romans , rising from the Trojan Line , In after-times shou'd hold the World in awe , And to the Land and Ocean give the Law. How is your Doom revers'd , which eas'd my Care ; When Troy was ruin'd in that cruel War ? Then Fates to Fates I cou'd oppose ; but now , When Fortune still pursues her former Blow , What can I hope ? what worse can still succeed ? What end of Labours has your Will decreed ? Antenor , from the midst of Grecian Hosts , Could pass secure , and pierce th' Illyrian Coasts : Where rowling down the Steep , Timavus raves , And through nine Channels disembogues his Waves . At length he founded Padua's happy Seat , And gave his Trojans a secure Retreat : There fix'd their Arms , and there renew'd their Name , And there in Quiet rules , and crown'd with Fame . But we , descended from your sacred Line , Entitled to your Heav'n , and Rites Divine , Are banish'd Earth , and , for the Wrath of one , Remov'd from Latium , and the promis'd Throne . Are these our Scepters ? These our due Rewards ? And is it thus that Jove his plighted Faith regards ? To whom , the Father of th' immortal Race , Smiling with that serene indulgent Face , With which he drives the Clouds , and clears the Skies : First gave a holy Kiss , then thus replies . Daughter , dismiss thy Fears : To thy desire The Fates of thine are fix'd , and stand entire . Thou shalt behold thy wish'd Lavinian Walls , And , ripe for Heav'n , when Fate Aeneas calls , Then shalt thou bear him up , sublime , to me ; No Councils have revers'd my firm Decree . And lest new Fears disturb thy happy State , Know , I have search'd the Mystick Rolls of Fate : Thy Son ( nor is th' appointed Season far ) In Italy shall wage succesful War : Shall tame fierce Nations in the bloody Field , And Sov'raign Laws impose , and Cities build . 'Till , after ev'ry Foe sub du'd , the Sun Thrice through the Signs his Annual Race shall run : This is his time prefix'd . Ascanius then , Now called Julus , shall begin his Reign . He thirty rowling Years the Crown shall wear : Then from Lavinium shall the Seat transfer : And , with hard Labour , Alba-longa build ; The Throne with his Succession shall be fill'd , Three hundred Circuits more : then shall be seen , Ilia the fair , a Priestess and a Queen . Who full of Mars , in time , with kindly Throws , Shall at a Birth two goodly Boys disclose . The Royal Babes a tawny Wolf shall drain , Then Romulus his Grandsire's Throne shall gain . Of Martial Tow'rs the Founder shall become , The People Romans call , the City Rome . To them , no Bounds of Empire I assign ; Nor term of Years to their immortal Line . Ev'● haughty Juno , who , with endless Broils , Earth , Seas , and Heav'n , and Jove himself turmoils ; At length atton'd , her friendly Pow'r shall joyn , To cherish and advance the Trojan Line . The subject World shall Rome's Dominion own , And , prostrate , shall adore the Nation of the Gown . An Age is ripening in revolving Fate , When Troy shall overturn the Grecian State : And sweet Revenge her conqu'ring Sons shall call , To crush the People that conspir'd her Fall. Then Caesar from the Julian Stock shall rise , Whose Empire Ocean , and whose Fame the Skies Alone shall bound . Whom , fraught with Eastern Spoils , Our Heav'n , the just Reward of Human Toyls , Securely shall reward with Rites Divine ; And Incense shall ascend before his sacred Shrine . Then dire Debate , and impious War shall cease , And the stern Age be softned into Peace : Then banish'd Faith shall once again return , And Vestal Fires in hallow'd Temples burn ; And Remus with Quirinus shall sustain , The righteous Laws , and Fraud and Force restrain . Janus himself before his Fane shall wait , And keep the dreadful issues of his Gate , With Bolts and Iron Bars : within remains Imprison'd Fury , bound in brazen Chains : High on a Trophie rais'd , of useless Arms , He sits , and threats the World with vain Alarms . He said , and sent Cyllenius with Command To free the Ports , and ope the Punique Land To Trojan Guests ; lest ignorant of Fate , The Queen might force them from her Town and State. Down from the Steep of Heav'n Cyllenius flies , And cleaves with all his Wings the yielding Skies . Soon on the Lybian Shoar descends the God ; Performs his Message , and displays his Rod : The surly Murmurs of the People cease , And , as the Fates requir'd , they give the Peace . The Queen her self suspends the rigid Laws , The Trojans pities , and protects their Cause . Mean time , in Shades of Night Aeneas lies ; Care seiz'd his Soul , and Sleep forsook his Eyes . But when the Sun restor'd the chearful Day , He rose , the Coast and Country to survey , Anxious and eager to discover more : It look'd a wild uncultivated Shoar : But whether Human Kind , or Beasts alone Possess'd the new-found Region , was unknown . Beneath a hollow Rock his Fleet he hides ; Tall Trees surround the Mountains shady sides : The bending Brow above , a safe Retreat provides . Arm'd with two pointed Darts , he leaves his Friends , And true Achates on his steps attends . Loe , in the deep Recesses of the Wood , Before his Eyes his Goddess Mother stood : A Huntress in her Habit and her Meen ; Her dress a Maid , her Air confess'd a Queen . Bare were her Knees , and knots her Garments bind ; Loose was her Hair , and wanton'd in the Wind ; Her Hand sustain'd a Bow , her Quiver hung behind . She seem'd a Virgin of the Spartan Blood : With such Array Harpalice bestrode Her Thracian Courser , and outstrip'd the rapid Flood . Ho! Strangers ! have you lately seen , she said , One of my Sisters , like my self array'd ; Who crost the Lawn , or in the Forest stray'd ? A Painted Quiver at her Back she bore ; Vary'd with Spots , a Linx's Hide she wore : And at full Cry pursu'd the tusky Boar ? Thus Venus : Thus her Son reply'd agen ; None of your Sisters have we heard or seen , To y e Right Hon ble : Anne Countess of Exeter Wife to y e Right Hon ble : John Earle of Exeter Baron Coecill of Burleigh AE . 1. l. 435 O virgin ! or what other Name you bear A bove that stile ; O more than mortal fair ! Your Voice and Meen Coelestial birth betray ! If , as you seem , the Sister of the Day ; Or one at least of Chast Diana's Train , Let not an humble Suppliant sue in vain : But tell a Stranger , long in Tempests tost , What Earth we tread , and who commands the Coast ? Then on your Name shall wretched Mortals call ; And offer'd Victims at your Altars fall . I dare not , she reply'd , assume the Name Of Goddess , or Coelestial Honours claim : For Tyrian Virgins Bows and Quivers bear , And Purple Buskins o're their Ankles wear . Know , gentle Youth , in Lybian Lands you are : A People rude in Peace , and rough in War. The rising City , which from far you see , Is Carthage ; and a Tyrian Colony . Phenician Dido rules the growing State , Who fled from Tyre , to shun her Brother's hate : Great were her wrongs , her Story full of Fate ; Which I will sum in short . Sicheus known For wealth , and Brother to the Punic Throne , Possess'd fair Dido's Bed : And either heart At once was wounded with an equal Dart. Her Father gave her , yet a spotless Maid ; Pigmalion then the Tyrian Scepter sway'd : One who contemn'd Divine and Humane Laws : Then Strife ensu'd , and cursed Gold the Cause . The Monarch , blinded with desire of Wealth ; With Steel invades his Brother's life by stealth ; Before the sacred Altar made him bleed , And long from her conceal'd the cruel deed . Some Tale , some new Pretence , he daily coin'd , To sooth his Sister , and delude her Mind . At length , in dead of Night , the Ghost appears Of her unhappy Lord : the Spectre stares , And with erected Eyes his bloody Bosom bares . The cruel Altars , and his Fate he tells , And the dire Secret of his House reveals . Then warns the Widdow , with her household Gods , To seek a Refuge in remote abodes . Last , to support her , in so long a way , He shows her where his hidden Treasure lay . Admonish'd thus , and seiz'd with mortal fright , The Queen provides Companions of her flight : They meet ; and all combine to leave the State , Who hate the Tyrant , or who fear his hate . They seize a Fleet , which ready rigg'd they find : Nor is Pigmalion's Treasure left behind . The Vessels , heavy laden , put to Sea With prosprous winds ; a Woman leads the way . I know not , if by stress of Weather driv'n , Or was their fatal Course dispos'd by Heav'n ; At last they landed , where from far your Eyes May view the Turrets of new Carthage rise : There bought a space of Ground , which Byrsa call'd From the Bulls hide , they first inclos'd , and wall'd . But whence are you , what Country claims your Birth ? What seek you , Strangers , on our Lybian Earth ? To whom , with sorrow streaming from his Eyes , And deeply sighing , thus her Son replyes : Cou'd you with Patience hear , or I relate , O Nymph ! the tedious Annals of our Fate ! Thro' such a train of Woes if I shou'd run , The day wou'd sooner than the Tale be done ! From ancient Troy , by Force expell'd , we came , If you by chance have heard the Trojan Name : On various Seas by various Tempests tost , At length we landed on your Lybian Coast . The Good Aeneas am I call'd , a Name , While Fortune favour'd , not unknown to Fame : My houshold Gods , Companions of my Woes , With pious Care I rescu'd from our Foes . To fruitful Italy my Course was bent , And from the King of Heav'n is my Descent . With twice ten Sail I crost the Phrygian Sea ; Fate , and my Mother Goddess , led my Way . Scarce sev'n , the thin Remainders of my Fleet , From Storms preserv'd , within your Harbour meet : My self distress'd , an Exile , and unknown , Debarr'd from Europe , and from Asia thrown , In Lybian Desarts wander thus alone . His tender Parent could no longer bear ; But , interposing , sought to sooth his Care. Who e're you are , not unbelov'd by Heav'n , Since on our friendly Shoar your Ships are driv'n : Have Courage : To the Gods permit the rest , And to the Queen expose your just Request . Now take this earnest of Success , for more ▪ Your scatter'd Fleet is join'd upon the Shoar ; The Winds are chang'd , your Friends from danger free , Or I renounce my Skill in Augury . Twelve Swans behold , in beauteous order move , And stoop with closing Pinions from above : Whom late the Bird of Jove had driv'n along , And through the Clouds pursu'd the scatt'ring Throng : Now all united in a goodly Team , They skim the Ground , and seek the quiet Stream . As they , with Joy returning , clap their Wings , And ride the Circuit of the Skies in Rings : Not otherwise your Ships , and ev'ry Friend , Already hold the Port , or with swift Sails descend . No more Advice is needful , but pursue The Path before you , and the Town in view . Thus having said , she turn'd , and made appear Her Neck refulgent , and dishevel'd Hair ; Which flowing from her Shoulders , reach'd the Ground , And widely spread Ambrosial Scents around : In length of Train descends her sweeping Gown , And by her graceful Walk , the Queen of Love is known . The Prince pursu'd the parting Deity , With Words like these : Ah! whither do you fly ? Unkind and cruel , to deceive your Son In borrow'd Shapes , and his Embrace to shun : Never to bless my Sight , but thus unknown ; And still to speak in Accents not your own . Against the Goddess these Complaints he made ; But took the Path , and her Commands obey'd . They march obscure , for Venus kindly shrowds , With Mists , their Persons , and involves in Clouds : That , thus unseen , their Passage none might stay , Or force to tell the Causes of their Way . This part perform'd , the Goddess flies sublime , To visit Paphos ; and her native Clime : Where Garlands ever green , and ever fair , With Vows are offer'd , and with solemn Pray'r : A hundred Altars in her Temple Smoke , A thousand bleeding Hearts her Pow'r invoke . They climb the next Ascent , and , looking down , Now at a nearer Distance view the Town : The Prince , with Wonder , sees the stately Tow'rs , Which late were Huts , and Shepherd's homely Bow'rs . The Gates and Streets ; and hears , from ev'ry part , The Noise , and buisy Concourse of the Mart. The toiling Tyrians on each other call , To ply their Labour : Some extend the Wall , Some build the Citadel ; the brawny Throng , Or dig , or push unweildy Stones along . Some for their Dwellings chuse a Spot of Ground , Which , first design'd , with Ditches they surround . Some Laws ordain , and some attend the Choice Of holy Senates , and elect by Voice . Here some design a Mole , while others there Lay deep Foundations for a Theatre : From Marble Quarries mighty Columns hew , For Ornaments of Scenes , and future view . Such is their Toyl , and such their buisy Pains , As exercise the Bees in flow'ry Plains ; When Winter past , and Summer scarce begun , Invites them forth to labour in the Sun : Some lead their Youth abroad , while some condense Their liquid Store , and some in Cells dispence . Some at the Gate stand ready to receive The Golden Burthen , and their Friends relieve . All , with united Force , combine to drive The lazy Drones from the laborious Hive ; With Envy stung ▪ they view each others Deeds ; The fragrant Work with Diligence proceeds . Thrice happy you , whose Walls already rise ; Aeneas said ; and view'd , with lifted Eyes , Their lofty Tow'rs ; then ent'ring at the Gate , Conceal'd in Clouds , ( prodigious to relate ) He mix'd , unmark'd , among the buisy Throng , Born by the Tide , and pass'd unseen along . Full in the Centre of the Town there stood , Thick set with Trees , a venerable Wood : The Tyrians landing near this holy Ground , And digging here , a prosp'rous Omen found : From under Earth a Courser's Head they drew , Their Growth and future Fortune to foreshew : This fatal Sign their Foundress Juno gave , Of a Soil fruitful , and a People brave . Sidonian Dido here with solemn State Did Juno's Temple build , and consecrate : Enrich'd with Gifts , and with a Golden Shrine ; But more the Goddess made the Place Divine . On Brazen Steps the Marble Threshold rose , And brazen Plates the Cedar Beams inclose : The Rafters are with brazen Cov'rings crown'd , The lofty Doors on brazen Hinges sound . What first Aeneas in this place beheld , Reviv'd his Courage , and his Fear expel'd . For while , expecting there the Queen , he rais'd His wond'ring Eyes , and round the Temple gaz'd ; Admir'd the Fortune of the rising Town , The striving Artists , and their Arts renown : He saw in order painted on the Wall , Whatever did unhappy Troy befall : The Wars that Fate around the World had blown , All to the Life , and ev'ry Leader known . There Agamemnon , Priam here he spies , And fierce Achilles who both Kings defies . He stop'd , and weeping said , O Friend ! ev'n here The Monuments of Trojan Woes appear ! Our known Disasters fill ev'n foreign Lands : See there , where old unhappy Priam stands ! Ev'n the Mute Walls relate the Warrior's Fame , And Trojan Griefs the Tyrians Pity claim . He said , his Tears a ready Passage find , Devouring what he saw so well design'd ; And with an empty Picture fed his Mind ▪ For there he saw the fainting Grecians yield , And here the trembling Trojans quit the Field , Pursu'd by fierce Achilles through the Plain , On his high Chariot driving o're the Slain . The Tents of Rhesus next , his Grief renew , By their white Sails betray'd to nightly view . And wakesul Diomede , whose cruel Sword The Centries slew ; nor spar'd their slumb'ring Lord. Then took the fiery Steeds , e're yet the Food Of Troy they taste , or drink the Xanthian Flood . Elsewhere he saw where Troilus defy'd Achilles , and unequal Combat try'd . Then , where the Boy disarm'd with loosen'd Reins , Was by his Horses hurry'd o're the Plains : Hung by the Neck and Hair , and drag'd around , The hostile Spear yet sticking in his Wound ; With tracks of Blood inscrib'd the dusty Ground . Mean time the Trojan Dames oppress'd with Woe , To Pallas Fane in long Precession goe , In hopes to reconcile their Heav'nly Foe : They weep , they beat their Breasts , they rend their Hair , And rich embroider'd Vests for Presents bear : But the stern Goddess stands unmov'd with Pray'r . Thrice round the Trojan Walls Achilles drew The Corps of Hector , whom in Fight he slew . Here Priam sues , and there , for Sums of Gold , The lifeless Body of his Son is sold . So sad an Object , and so well express'd , Drew Sighs and Groans from the griev'd Heroes Breast : To see the Figure of his lifeless Friend , And his old Sire his helpless Hand extend . Himself he saw amidst the Grecian Train , Mix'd in the bloody Battel on the Plain . And swarthy Memnon in his Arms he knew His pompous Ensigns , and his Indian Crew . Penthisilea there , with haughty Grace , Leads to the Wars an Amazonian Race : In their right Hands a pointed Dart they wield ; The left , for Ward , sustains the Lunar Shield . Athwart her Breast a Golden Belt she throws , Amidst the Press alone provokes a thousand Foes : And dares her Maiden Arms to Manly Force oppose . Thus , while the Trojan Prince employs his Eyes , Fix'd on the Walls with wonder and surprise ; The Beauteous Dido , with a num'rous Train , And pomp of Guards , ascends the sacred Fane . Such on Eurota's Banks , or Cynthus's hight , Diana seems ; and so she charms the sight , When in the Dance the graceful Goddess leads The Quire of Nymphs , and overtops their Heads . Known by her Quiver , and her lofty Meen , She walks Majestick , and she looks their Queen : Latona sees her shine above the rest , And feeds with secret Joy her silent Breast . Such Dido was ; with such becoming State , Amidst the Crowd , she walks serenely great . Their Labour to her future Sway she speeds , And passing with a gracious Glance proceeds : Then mounts the Throne , high plac'd before the Shrine ; In Crowds around the swarming People joyn . She takes Petitions , and dispenses Laws , Hears , and determines ev'ry Private Cause . Their Tasks in equal Portions she divides , And where unequal , there by Lots decides . Another Way by chance Aeneas bends His Eyes , and unexpected sees his Friends : Antheus , Sergestus grave , Cloanthus strong , And at their Backs a mighty Trojan Throng : Whom late the Tempest on the Billows tost , And widely scatter'd on another Coast . The Prince , unseen , surpriz'd with Wonder stands , And longs , with joyful haste to join their Hands : But doubtful of the wish'd Event , he stays , And from the hollow Cloud his Friends surveys : Impatient 'till they told their present State , And where they left their Ships , and what their Fate ; And why they came , and what was their Request : For these were sent commission'd by the rest , To sue for leave to land their sickly Men , And gain Admission to the Gracious Queen . Ent'ring , with Cries they fill'd the holy Fane ; Then thus , with humble Voice , Ilioneus began . O Queen ! indulg'd by Favour of the Gods , To found an Empire in these new Abodes ; To build a Town , with Statutes to restrain The wild Inhabitants beneath thy Reign : We wretched Trojans tost on ev'ry Shore , From Sea to Sea , thy Clemency implore : Forbid the Fires our Shipping to deface , Receive th' unhappy Fugitives to Grace , And spare the remnant of a Pious Race . We come not with design of wastful Prey , To drive the Country , force the Swains away : Nor such our Strength , nor such is our Desire , The vanquish'd dare not to such Thoughts aspire . A Land there is , Hesperia nam'd of old , The Soil is fruitful , and the Men are bold : Th' Oenotrians held it once , by common Fame , Now call'd Italia , from the Leaders Name . To that sweet Region was our Voyage bent , When Winds , and ev'ry warring Element , Disturb'd our Course , and far from sight of Land , Cast our torn Vessels on the moving Sand : The Sea came on ; the South with mighty Roar , Dispers'd and dash'd the rest upon the Rocky Shoar . Those few you see escap'd the Storm , and fear , Unless you interpose , a Shipwreck here : What Men , what Monsters , what inhuman Race , What Laws , what barb'rous Customs of the Place , Shut up a desart Shoar to drowning Men , And drives us to the cruel Seas agen ! If our hard Fortune no Compassion draws , Nor hospitable Rights , nor human Laws , The Gods are just , and will revenge our Cause . Aeneas was our Prince , a juster Lord , Or nobler Warriour , never drew a Sword : Observant of the Right , religious of his Word . If yet he lives , and draws this vital Air : Nor we his Friends of Safety shall despair ; Nor you , great Queen , these Offices repent , Which he will equal , and perhaps prevent . We want not Cities , nor Sicilian Coasts , Where King Acestes Trojan Lineage boasts . Permit our Ships a Shelter on your Shoars , Refitted from your Woods with Planks and Oars ; That if our Prince be safe , we may renew Our destin'd Course , and Italy pursue . But if , O best of Men ! the Fates ordain That thou art swallow'd in the Lybian Main : And if our young Iulus be no more , Dismiss our Navy from your friendly Shoar . That we to good Acestes may return , And with our Friends our common Losses mourn . Thus spoke Ilioneus ; the Trojan Crew With Cries and Clamours his Request renew . The modest Queen a while , with down-cast Eyes , Ponder'd the Speech ; then briefly thus replies . Trojans dismiss your Fears : my cruel Fate , And doubts attending an unsetled State , Force me to guard my Coast , from Foreign Foes . Who has not heard the story of your Woes ? The Name and Fortune of your Native Place , The Fame and Valour of the Phrygian Race ? We Tyrians are not so devoid of Sense , Nor so remote from Phoebus influence . Whether to Latian Shores your Course is bent , Or driv'n by Tempest's from your first intent , You seek the good Acestes Government ; Your Men shall be receiv'd , your Fleet repair'd , And sail , with Ships of Convoy for your guard ; Or , wou'd you stay , and joyn your friendly Pow'rs , To raise and to defend the Tyrian Tow'rs ; My Wealth , my City , and my Self are yours . And wou'd to Heav'n the Storm , you felt , wou'd bring On Carthaginian Coasts your wand'ring King. My People shall , by my Command , explore The Ports and Creeks of ev'ry winding shore ; And Towns , and Wilds , and shady Woods , in quest Of so renown'd and so desir'd a Guest . Rais'd in his Mind the Trojan Heroe stood , And long'd to break from out his Ambient Cloud ; Achates found it ; and thus urg'd his way ; From whence , O Goddess born , this long delay ? What more can you desire , your Welcome sure , Your Fleet in safety , and your Friends secure ? One only wants ; and him we saw in vain Oppose the Storm , and swallow'd in the Main . Orontes in his Fate our Forfeit paid , The rest agrees with what your Mother said . Scarce had he spoken , when the Cloud gave way , The Mists flew upward , and dissolv'd in day . The Trojan Chief appear'd in open sight , August in Visage , and serenely bright . His Mother Goddess , with her hands Divine , Had form'd his Curling Locks , and made his Temples shine : And giv'n his rowling Eyes a sparkling grace ; And breath'd a youthful vigour on his Face : Like polish'd Iv'ry , beauteous to behold , Or Parian Marble , when enchas'd in Gold : Thus radiant from the circling Cloud he broke ; And thus with manly modesty he spoke . He whom you seek am I : by Tempests tost , And sav'd from Shipwreck on your Lybian Coast : Presenting , gracious Queen , before your Throne , A Prince that ows his Life to you alone . Fair Majesty , the Refuge and Redress Of those whom Fate pursues , and Wants oppress . You , who your pious Offices employ To save the Reliques of abandon'd Troy ; Receive the Shipwreck'd on your friendly Shore , With hospitable Rites relieve the Poor : Associate in your Town a wandring Train , And Strangers in your Palace entertain . What thanks can wretched Fugitives return , Who scatter'd thro' the World in exile mourn ? The Gods , ( if Gods to Goodness are inclin'd , ) If Acts of mercy touch their Heav'nly Mind ; And more than all the Gods , your gen'rous heart , Conscious of worth , requite its own desert ! In you this Age is happy , and this Earth : And Parents more than Mortal gave you birth . To the Right Hon ble : Elizabeth Countess Dowager of Winchelsea & ct . AE . 1. l : 875. While rowling Rivers into Seas shall run , And round the space of Heav'n the radiant Sun ; While Trees the Mountain tops with Shades supply , Your Honour , Name , and Praise shall never dye . What e're abode my Fortune has assign'd , Your Image shall be present in my Mind . Thus having said ; he turn'd with pious hast , And joyful his expecting Friends embrac'd : With his right hand Ilioneus was grac'd , Serestus with his left ; then to his breast Cloanthus and the Noble Gyas prest ; And so by turns descended to the rest . The Tyrian Queen stood fix'd upon his Face , Pleas'd with his motions , ravish'd with his grace : Admir'd his Fortunes , more admir'd the Man ; Then recollected stood ; and thus began . What Fate , O Goddess born , what angry Pow'rs Have cast you shipwrack'd on our barren Shores ? Are you the great Aeneas , known to Fame , Who from Coelestial Seed your Lineage claim ! The same Aeneas whom fair Venus bore To fam'd Anchises on th' Idaean Shore ? It calls into my mind , tho' then a Child , When Teucer came from Salamis exil'd ; And sought my Father's aid , to be restor'd : My Father Belus then with Fire and Sword Invaded Cyprus , made the Region bare , And , Conqu'ring , finish'd the successful War. From him the Trojan Siege I understood , The Grecian Chiefs , and your Illustrious Blood. Your Foe himself the Dardan Valour prais'd , And his own Ancestry from Trojans rais'd . Enter , my Noble Guest ; and you shall find , If not a costly welcome , yet a kind . For I my self , like you , have been distress'd ; Till Heav'n afforded me this place of rest . Like you an Alien in a Land unknown ; I learn to pity Woes , so like my own . She said , and to the Palace led her Guest , Then offer'd Incense , and proclaim'd a Feast . Nor yet less careful for her absent Friends , Twice ten fat Oxen to the Ships she sends : Besides a hundred Boars , a hundred Lambs , With bleating cries , attend their Milky Dams . And Jars of gen'rous Wine , and spacious Bowls , She gives to chear the Sailors drooping Souls . Now Purple Hangings cloath the Palace Walls , And sumptuous Feasts are made in splendid Halls : On Tyrian Carpets , richly wrought , they dine ; With loads of Massy Plate the Side-boards shine . And Antique Vafes all of Gold Emboss'd ; ( The Gold it self inferiour to the Cost : ) Of curious Work , where on the sides were seen The Fights and Figures of Illustrious Men ; From their first Founder to the present Queen . The Good Aeneas , whose Paternal Care Iulus absence could no longer bear , Dispatch'd Achates to the Ships in hast , To give a glad Relation of the past ; And , fraught with precious Gifts , to bring the Boy Snatch'd from the Ruins of unhappy Troy : A Robe of Tissue , stiff with golden Wire ; An upper Vest , once Hellen's rich Attire ; From Argos by the fam'd Adultress brought , With Golden flow'rs and winding foliage wrought ; Her Mother Laeda's Present , when she came To ruin Troy , and set the World on flame . The Scepter Priam's eldest Daughter bore , Her orient Necklace , and the Crown she wore ; Of double texture , glorious to behold ; One order set with Gems , and one with Gold. Instructed thus , the wise Achates goes : And in his diligence his duty shows . But Venus , anxious for her Son's Affairs , New Councils tryes ; and new Designs prepares : That Cupid should assume the Shape and Face Of sweet Ascanius , and the sprightly grace : Shou'd bring the Prefents , in her Nephews stead , And in Eliza's Veins the gentle Poison shed . For much she fear'd the Tyrians , double tongu'd , And knew the Town to Juno's care belong'd . These thoughts by Night her Golden Slumbers broke ; And thus alarm'd , to winged Love she spoke . My Son , my strength , whose mighty Pow'r alone Controuls the Thund'rer , on his awful Throne ; To thee thy much afflicted Mother flies , And on thy Succour , and thy Faith relies . Thou know'st , my Son , how Jove's revengeful Wife , By force and Fraud , attempts thy Brother's life . And often hast thou mourn'd with me his Pains : Him Dido now with Blandishment detains ; But I suspect the Town where Juno reigns . For this , 't is needful to prevent her Art , And fire with Love the proud Phoenician's heart . A Love so violent , so fond , so sure , That neither Age can change , nor Art can cure . How this may be perform'd , now take my mind : Ascanius , by his Father is design'd To come , with Presents , laden from the Port , To gratifie the Queen , and gain the Court. I mean to plunge the Boy in pleasing Sleep , And , ravish'd , in Idalian Bow'rs to keep ; Or high Cythaera : That the sweet Deceipt May pass unseen , and none prevent the Cheat , Take thou his Form and Shape . I beg the Grace But only for a Night 's revolving Space ; Thy self a Boy , assume a Boy 's dissembled Face . That when amidst the fervour of the Feast , The Tyrian hugs , and fonds thee on her Breast , And with sweet Kisses in her Arms constrains , Thou may'st infuse thy Venom in her Veins . The God of Love obeys , and sets aside His Bow , and Quiver , and his plumy Pride : He walks Iulus in his Mother's Sight , And in the sweet Resemblance takes Delight . The Goddess then to young Ascanius flies , And in a pleasing Slumber seals his Eyes ; Lull'd in her Lap , amidst a Train of Loves , She gently bears him to her blissful Groves : Then with a Wreath of Myrtle crowns his Head , And softly lays him on a flow'ry Bed. Cupid mean time assum'd his Form and Face , Foll'wing Achates with a shorter Pace ; And brought the Gifts . The Queen , already sate Amidst the Trojan Lords , in shining State , High on a Golden Bed : Her Princely Guest Was next her side , in order sate the rest . Then Canisters with Bread are heap'd on high ; Th' Attendants Water for their Hands supply ; And having wash'd , with silken Towels dry . Next fifty Handmaids in long order bore The Censers , and with Fumes the Gods adore . Then Youths , and Virgins twice as many , join To place the Dishes , and to serve the Wine . To the most Hon ble . Ursula Marchioness of Normaneby AE . 1. l 995 The Tyrian Train , admitted to the Feast , Approach , and on the painted Couches rest . All on the Trojan Gifts , with Wonder gaze ; But view the beauteous Boy with more amaze . His Rosy-colour'd Cheeks , his radiant Eyes , His Motions , Voice , and Shape , and all the God's disguise . Nor pass unprais'd the Vest and Veil Divine , Which wand'ring Foliage and rich Flow'rs entwine . But far above the rest , the Royal Dame , ( Already doom'd to Love's disastrous Flame ; ) With Eyes insatiate , and tumultuous Joy , Beholds the Presents , and admires the Boy . The guileful God , about his Father long , With Children's play , and false Embraces hung ; Then sought the Queen : She took him to her Arms , With greedy Pleasure , and devour'd his Charms . Unhappy Dido little thought what Guest , How dire a God she drew so near her Breast . But he , not mindless of his Mother's Pray'r , Works in the pliant Bosom of the Fair ; And moulds her Heart anew , and blots her former Care. The dead is to the living Love resign'd , And all Aeneas enters in her Mind . Now , when the Rage of Hunger was appeas'd , The Meat remov'd , and ev'ry Guest was pleas'd ; The Golden Bowls with sparkling Wine are crown'd , And through the Palace chearful Cries resound . From gilded Roofs depending Lamps display Nocturnal Beams , that emulate the Day . A Golden Bowl , that shone with Gems Divine , The Queen commanded to be crown'd with Wine ; The Bowl that Belus us'd , and all the Tyrian Line . Then , Silence through the Hall proclaim'd , she spoke : O hospitable Jove ! we thus invoke , With solemn Rites , thy sacred Name and Pow'r ! Bless to both Nations this auspicious Hour . So may the Tojan and the Tyrian Line , In lasting Concord , from this Day combine . Thou , Bacchus , God of Joys and friendly Cheer , And gracious Juno , both be present here : And you , my Lords of Tyre , your Vows address To Heav'n with mine , to ratifie the Peace . The Goblet then she took , with Nectar crown'd , ( Sprinkling the first Libations on the Ground , ) And rais'd it to her Mouth with sober Grace , Then sipping , offer'd to the next in place . 'T was Bitias whom she call'd , a thirsty Soul , He took the Challenge , and embrac'd the Bowl : With Pleasure swill'd the Gold , nor ceas'd to draw , 'Till he the bottom of the Brimmer saw . The Goblet goes around : Iopas brought His Golden Lyre , and sung what ancient Atlas taught . The various Labours of the wand'ring Moon , And whence proceed th' Eclipses of the Sun. Th' Original of Men , and Beasts ; and whence The Rains arise , and Fires their Warmth dispence ; And fix'd , and erring Stars , dispose their Influence . What shakes the solid Earth , what Cause delays The Summer Nights , and shortens Winter Days . With Peals of Shouts the Tyrians praise the Song ; Those Peals are echo'd by the Trojan Throng . Th' unhappy Queen with Talk prolong'd the Night , And drank large Draughts of Love with vast Delight . Of Priam much enquir'd , of Hector more ; Then ask'd what Arms the swarthy Memnon wore ; What Troops he landed on the Trojan Shore . The Steeds of Di'mede vary'd the Discourse , And fierce Achilles , with his matchless Force . At length , as Fate and her ill Stars requir'd , To hear the Series of the War desir'd . Relate at large , my God-like Guest , she said , The Grecian Stratagems , the Town betray'd ; The fatal Issue of so long a War , Your Flight , your Wand'rings , and your Woes declare . For since on ev'ry Sea , on ev'ry Coast , Your Men have been distress'd , your Navy tost , Sev'n times the Sun has either Tropick view'd , The Winter banish'd , and the Spring renew'd . The Second Book of the Aeneis . The Argument . Aeneas relates how the City of Troy was taken , after a Ten Years Siege , by the Treachery of Sinon , and the Stratagem of a wooden Horse . He declares the fixt Resolution he had taken not to survive the Ruins of his Country , and the various Adventures he met with in the Defence of it : at last having been before advis'd by Hector 's Ghost , and now by the Appearance of his Mother Venus , he is prevail'd upon to leave the Town , and settle his Houshold-Gods in another Country . in order to this , he carries off his Father on his Shoulders , and leads his little Son by the Hand , his Wife following him behind . When he comes to the Place appointed for the general Rendevouze , he finds a great Confluence of People , but misses his Wife , whose Ghost afterwards appears to him , and tells him the Land which was design'd for him . ALL were attentive to the God-like Man ; When from the lofty Couch he thus began . Great Queen , what you command me to relate , Renews the sad remembrance of our Fate . An Empire from its old Foundations rent , And ev'ry Woe the Trojans underwent : A Peopl'd City made a Desart Place ; All that I saw , and part of which I was : Not ev'n the hardest of our Foes cou'd hear , Nor stern Ulysses tell without a Tear. And now the latter Watch of wasting Night , And setting Stars to kindly Rest invite . But since you take such Int'rest in our Woe , And Troy's disast'rous end desire to know : I will restrain my Tears , and briefly tell What in our last and fatal Night befel . By Destiny compell'd , and in Despair , The Greeks grew weary of the tedious War : To y e most Illustrious Prince Charles Duke of Somerset , Knight of y e most Noble Order of y e Garter . AE . 2. l : 1. And by Minerva's Aid a Fabrick rear'd , Which like a Steed of monstrous height appear'd ; The Sides were planck'd with Pine , they feign'd it made For their Return , and this the Vow they paid . Thus they pretend , but in the hollow Side , Selected Numbers of their Souldiers hide : With inward Arms the dire Machine they load , With Iron Bowels stuff the dark Abode . In sight of Troy lies Tenedos , an Isle , ( While Fortune did on Priam's Empire smile ) Renown'd for Wealth , but since a faithless Bay , Where Ships expos'd to Wind and Weather lay . There was their Fleet conceal'd : We thought for Greece Their Sails were hoisted , and our Fears release . The Trojans coop'd within their Walls so long , Unbar their Gates , and issue in a Throng , Like swarming Bees , and with Delight survey The Camp deserted , where the Grecians lay : The Quarters of the sev'ral Chiefs they show'd , Here Phoenix , here Achilles made abode , Here join'd the Battels , there the Navy rode . Part on the Pile their wond'ring Eyes employ , ( The Pile by Pallas rais'd to ruin Troy. ) Thymaetes first ( 't is doubtful whether hir'd , Or so the Trojan Destiny requir'd ) Mov'd that the Ramparts might be broken down , To lodge the fatal Engine in the Town . But Capys , and the rest of sounder Mind , The fatal Present to the Flames design'd ; Or to the watry deep : At least to bore The hollow sides , and hidden Frauds explore : The giddy Vulgar , as their Fancies guide , With Noise say nothing , and in parts divide . Iaocoon , follow'd by a num'rous Crowd , Ran from the Fort ; and cry'd , from far , aloud ; O wretched Country-men ! what Fury reigns ? What more than Madness has possess'd your Brains ? Think you the Grecians from your Coasts are gone , And are Ulysses Arts no better known ? This hollow Fabrick either must inclose , Within its blind Recess , our secret Foes ; Or 't is an Engine rais'd above the Town , T' o'relook the Walls , and then to batter down . Somewhat is sure design'd ; by Fraud or Force ; Trust not their Presents , nor admit the Horse . Thus having said , against the Steed he threw His forceful Spear , which , hissing as it flew , Pierc'd through the yielding Planks of jointed Wood , And trembling in the hollow Belly stood . The sides transpierc'd , return a ratling Sound , And Groans of Greeks inclos'd come issuing through the Wound . And had not Heav'n the fall of Troy design'd , Or had not Men been fated to be blind , Enough was said and done , t' inspire a better Mind : Then had our Lances pierc'd the treach'rous Wood , And Ilian Tow'rs , and Priam's Empire stood . Mean time , with Shouts , the Trojan Shepherds bring A captive Greek in Bands , before the King : Taken , to take ; who made himself their Prey , T' impose on their Belief , and Troy betray . Fix'd on his Aim , and obstinately bent To die undaunted , or to circumvent . About the Captive , tides of Trojans flow ; All press to see , and some insult the Foe . Now hear how well the Greeks their Wiles disguis'd , Behold a Nation in a Man compris'd . Trembling the Miscreant stood , unarm'd and bound ; He star'd , and rowl'd his hagger'd Eyes around : Then said , Alas ! what Earth remains , what Sea Is open to receive unhappy me ! What Fate a wretched Fugitive attends , Scorn'd by my Foes , abandon'd by my Friends . He said , and sigh'd , and cast a ruful Eye : Our Pity kindles , and our Passions dye . We chear the Youth to make his own Defence , And freely tell us what he was , and whence : What News he cou'd impart , we long to know , And what to credit from a captive Foe . His fear at length dismiss'd , he said , what e're My Fate ordains , my Words shall be sincere : I neither can , nor dare my Birth disclaim , Greece is my Country , Sinon is my Name : Though plung'd by Fortune's Pow'r in Misery , 'T is not in Fortune's Pow'r to make me lye . If any chance has hither brought the Name Of Palamedes , not unknown to Fame , Who suffer'd from the Malice of the times ; Accus'd and sentenc'd for pretended Crimes : Because these fatal Wars he would prevent ; Whose Death the wretched Greeks too late lament ; Me , then a Boy , my Father , poor and bare Of other Means , committed to his Care : His Kinsman and Companion in the War. While Fortune favour'd , while his Arms support The Cause , and rul'd the Counsels of the Court , I made some figure there ; nor was my Name Obscure , nor I without my share of Fame . But when Ulysses , with fallacious Arts , Had made Impression in the Peoples Hearts ; And forg'd a Treason in my Patron 's Name , ( I speak of things too far divulg'd by Fame ) My Kinsman fell ; then I , without support , In private mourn'd his Loss , and left the Court. Mad as I was , I could not bear his Fate With silent Grief , but loudly blam'd the State : And curs'd the direful Author of my Woes . 'T was told again , and hence my Ruin rose . I threatn'd , if indulgent Heav'n once more Wou'd land me safely on my Native Shore , His Death with double Vengeance to restore . This mov'd the Murderer's Hate , and soon ensu'd Th' Effects of Malice from a Man so proud . Ambiguous Rumors thro the Camp he spread , And sought , by Treason , my devoted Head : New Crimes invented , left unturn'd no Stone , To make my Guilt appear , and hide his own . 'Till Calchas was by Force and Threatning wrought : But why — Why dwell I on that anxious Thought ? If on my Nation just Revenge you seek , And 't is t' appear a Foe , t' appear a Greek ; Already you my Name and Country know , Asswage your thirst of Blood , and strike the Blow : My Death will both the Kingly Brothers please , And set insatiate Ithacus at ease . This fair unfinish'd Tale , these broken starts , Rais'd expectations in our longing Hearts ; Unknowing as we were in Grecian Arts. His former trembling once again renew'd , With acted Fear , the Villain thus pursu'd . Long had the Grecians ( tir'd with fruitless Care , And weary'd with an unsuccessful War , ) Resolv'd to raise the Siege , and leave the Town ; And had the Gods permitted , they had gone . But oft the Wintry Seas , and Southern Winds , Withstood their passage home , and chang'd their Minds . Portents and Prodigies their Souls amaz'd ; But most , when this stupendous Pile was rais'd . Then flaming Meteors , hung in Air , were seen , And Thunders ratled through a Skie serene : Dismay'd , and fearful of some dire Event , Eurypylus , t' enquire their Fate , was sent ; He from the Gods this dreadful Answer brought ; O Grecians , when the Trojan Shores you sought , Your Passage with a Virgin 's Blood was bought : So must your safe Return be bought again ; And Grecian Blood , once more attone the Main . The spreading Rumour round the People ran ; All fear'd , and each believ'd himself the Man. Ulysses took th' advantage of their fright ; Call'd Calchas , and produc'd in open sight : Than bade him name the Wretch , ordain'd by Fate , The Publick Victim , to redeem the State. Already some presag'd the dire Event , And saw what Sacrifice Ulysses meant . For twice five days the good old Seer withstood Th' intended Treason , and was dumb to Blood. Till Tir'd with endless Clamours , and pursute Of Ithacus , he stood no longer Mute : But , as it was agreed , pronounc'd , that I Was destin'd by the wrathful Gods to die . All prais'd the Sentence , pleas'd the storm should fall On one alone , whose Fury threatn'd all . The dismal day was come , the Priests prepare Their leaven'd Cakes ; and Fillets for my Hair. I follow'd Natur 's Laws , and must avow I broke my Bonds , and fled the fatal blow . Hid in a weedy Lake all Night I lay , Secure of Safety when they sail'd away . But now what further Hopes for me remain , To see my Friends or Native Soil again ? My tender Infants , or my careful Sire ; Whom they returning will to Death require ? Will perpetrate on them their first Design , And take the forfeit of their heads for mine ? Which , O if Pity mortal Minds can move ! If there be Faith below , or Gods above ! If Innocence and Truth can claim desert , Ye Trojans from an injur'd Wretch avert . False Tears true Pity move : the King Commands To loose his Fetters , and unbind his hands : Then adds these friendly words ; dismiss thy Fears , Forget the Greeks , be mine as thou wert theirs . But truly tell , was it for Force or Guile , Or some Religious End , you rais'd the Pile ? Thus said the King. He full of fraudful Arts , This well invented Tale for Truth imparts . Ye Lamps of Heav'n ! he said , and lifted high His hands now free , thou venerable Sky , Inviolable Pow'rs , ador'd with dread , Ye fatal Fillets , that once bound this head , Ye sacred Altars , from whose flames I fled ! Be all of you adjur'd ; and grant I may , Without a Crime , th' ungrateful Greeks betray ! Reveal the Secrets of the guilty State , And justly punish whom I justly hate ! But you , O King , preseve the Faith you gave , If I to save my self your Empire save . The Grecian Hopes , and all th' Attempts they made , Were only founded on Minerva's Aid . But from the time when impious Diomede , And false Ulysses , that inventive Head , Her fatal Image from the Temple drew , The sleeping Guardians of the Castle slew , Her Virgin Statue with their bloody Hands Polluted , and prophan'd her holy Bands : From thence the Tide of Fortune left their Shore , And ebb'd much faster than it flow'd before : Their Courage languish'd , as their Hope 's decay'd , And Pallas , now averse , refus'd her Aid . Nor did the Goddess doubtfully declare Her alter'd Mind , and alienated Care : When first her fatal Image touch'd the Ground , She sternly cast her glaring Eyes around ; That sparkl'd as they rowl'd , and seem'd to threat : Her Heav'nly Limbs distill'd a briny Sweat. Thrice from the Ground she leap'd , was seen to wield Her brandish'd Lance , and shake her horrid Shield . Then Calchas bad our Host for flight prepare , And hope no Conquest from the tedious War : 'Till first they sail'd for Greece ; with Pray'rs besought Her injur'd Pow'r , and better Omens brought . And now their Navy ploughs the wat'ry Main , Yet , soon expect it on your Shoars again , With Pallas pleas'd ; as Calchas did ordain . But first , to reconcile the blue-ey'd Maid , For her stoln Statue , and her Tow'r betray'd ; Warn'd by the Seer , to her offended Name We rais'd , and dedicate this wond'rous Frame : So lofty , lest through your forbidden Gates It pass , and intercept our better Fates . For , once admitted there , our hopes are lost ; And Troy may then a new Palladium boast . For so Religion and the Gods ordain ; That if you violate with Hands prophane Minerva's Gift , your Town in Flames shall burn , ( Which Omen , O ye Gods , on Grecia turn ! ) But if it climb , with your assisting Hands , The Trojan Walls , and in the City stands ; Then Troy shall Argos and Mycenae burn , And the reverse of Fate on us return . With such Deceits he gain'd their easie Hearts , Too prone to credit his perfidious Arts. What Diomede , nor Thetis greater Son , A thousand Ships , nor ten years Siege had done : False Tears and fawning Words the City won . A greater Omen , and of worse portent , Did our unwary Minds with fear torment : Concurring to produce the dire Event . Laocoon , Neptune's Priest by Lot that Year , With solemn pomp then sacrific'd a Steer . When , dreadful to behold , from Sea we spy'd Two Serpents rank'd abreast , the Seas divide , And smoothly sweep along the swelling Tide . Their flaming Crests above the Waves they show , Their Bellies seem to burn the Seas below : Their speckled Tails advance to steer their Course , And on the sounding Shoar the flying Billows force . And now the Strand , and now the Plain they held , Their ardent Eyes with bloody streaks were fill'd : Their nimble Tongues they brandish'd as they came , And lick'd their hissing Jaws , that sputter'd Flame . We fled amaz'd ; their destin'd Way they take , And to Laocoon and his Children make : To the Right Hon ble : James Earle of Salisbury & AE . 2. l. 290. And first around the tender Boys they wind , Then with their sharpen'd Fangs their Limbs and Bodies grind . The wretched Father , running to their Aid With pious Haste , but vain , they next invade : Twice round his waste their winding Volumes rowl'd , And twice about his gasping Throat they fold . The Priest , thus doubly choak'd , their Crests divide , And tow'ring o're his Head , in Triumph ride . With both his Hands he labours at the Knots , His Holy Fillets the blue Venom blots : His roaring fills the flitting Air around . Thus , when an Oxe receives a glancing Wound , He breaks his Bands , the fatal Altar flies , And with loud Bellowings breaks the yielding Skies . Their Tasks perform'd , the Serpents quit their prey , And to the Tow'r of Pallas make their way : Couch'd at her Feet , they lie protected there , By her large Buckler , and protended Spear . Amazement seizes all ; the gen'ral Cry Proclaims Laocoon justly doom'd to die . Whose hand the Will of Pallas had withstood , And dar'd to violate the Sacred Wood. All vote t' admit the Steed , that Vows be paid , And Incense offer'd to th' offended Maid . A spacious Breach is made , the Town lies bare , Some hoisting Leavers , some the Wheels prepare , And fasten to the Horses Feet : the rest With Cables haul along th' unweildy Beast . Each on his Fellow for Assistance calls : At length the fatal Fabrick mounts the Walls , Big with Destruction . Boys with Chaplets crown'd , And Quires of Virgins sing , and dance around . Thus rais'd aloft , and then descending down , It enters o're our Heads , and threats the Town . O sacred City ! built by Hands Divine ! O valiant Heroes of the Trojan Line ! Four times he struck ; as oft the clashing sound Of Arms was heard , and inward Groans rebound . Yet mad with Zeal , and blinded with our Fate , We hawl along the Horse , in solemn state ; Then place the dire Portent within the Tow'r . Cassandra cry'd , and curs'd th' unhappy Hour ; Foretold our Fate ; but by the Gods decree All heard , and none believ'd the Prophecy . With Branches we the Fanes adorn , and wast In jollity , the Day ordain'd to be the last . Mean time the rapid Heav'ns rowl'd down the Light , And on the shaded Ocean rush'd the Night : Our Men secure , nor Guards nor Centries held , But easie Sleep their weary Limbs compell'd . The Grecians had embark'd their Naval Pow'rs From Tenedos , and sought our well known Shoars : Safe under Covert of the silent Night , And guided by th' Imperial Galley's light . When Sinon , favour'd by the Partial Gods , Unlock'd the Horse , and op'd his dark abodes : Restor'd to vital Air our hidden Foes , Who joyful from their long Confinement rose . Tysander bold , and Sthenelus their Guide , And dire Ulysses down the Cable slide : Then Thoas , Athamas , and Pyrrhus hast ; Nor was the Podalyrian Heroe last : Nor injur'd Menelaus , nor the fam'd Epeus , who the fatal Engine fram'd . A nameless Crowd succeed ; their Forces join T' invade the Town , oppress'd with Sleep and Wine . Those few they find awake , first meet their Fate , Then to their Fellows they unbar the Gate . 'T was in the dead of Night , when Sleep repairs Our Bodies worn with Toils , our Minds with Cares , When Hector's Ghost before my sight appears : A bloody Shrowd he seem'd , and bath'd in Tears . Such as he was , when , by foul Treason slain , Thessalian Coursers drag'd him o're the Plain . Swoln were his Feet , as when the Thongs were thrust Through the bor'd holes , his Body black with dust . Unlike that Hector , who return'd from toils Of War Triumphant , in Aeacian Spoils : Or him , who made the fainting Greeks retire , And lanch'd against their Navy Phrygian Fire . His Hair and Beard stood stiffen'd with his gore ; And all the Wounds he for his Country bore , Now stream'd afresh , and with new Purple ran : I wept to see the visionary Man : And while my Trance continu'd , thus began . O Light of Trojans , and Support of Troy , Thy Father's Champion , and thy Country's Joy ! O , long expected by thy Friends ! from whence Art thou so late return'd for our Defence ? Do we behold thee , weary'd as we are , With length of Labours , and with Toils of War ? After so many Fun'rals of thy own , Art thou restor'd to thy declining Town ? But say , what Wounds are these ? What new Disgrace Deforms the Manly Features of thy Face ? To this the Spectre no Reply did frame ; But answer'd to the Cause for which he came : And , groaning from the bottom of his Breast , This Warning , in these mournful Words express'd . O Goddess-born ! escape , by timely flight , The Flames , and Horrors of this fatal Night . The Foes already have possess'd the Wall , Troy nods from high , and totters to her Fall. Enough is paid to Priam's Royal Name , More than enough to Duty and to Fame . If by a Mortal Hand my Father's Throne Cou'd be defended , 't was by mine alone : Now Troy to thee commends her future State , And gives her Gods Companions of thy Fate : From their assistance happyer Walls expect , Which , wand'ring long , at last thou shalt erect . He said , and brought me , from their blest abodes , The venerable Statues of the Gods : With ancient Vesta from the sacred Quire , The Wreaths and Relicks of th' Immortal Fire . Now peals of Shouts come thund'ring from afar , Cries , Threats , and loud Laments , and mingl'd War : The Noise approaches , though our Palace stood Aloof from Streets , encompass'd with a Wood. Louder , and yet more loud , I hear th' Allarms Of Human Cries distinct , and clashing Arms : Fear broke my Slumbers ; I no longer stay , But mount the Terrass , thence the Town survey , And hearken what the frightful Sounds convey . Thus when a flood of Fire by Winds is born , Crackling it rowls , and mows the standing Corn : Or Deluges , descending on the Plains , Sweep o're the yellow Year , destroy the pains Of lab'ring Oxen , and the Peasant's gains : Unroot the Forrest Oaks , and bear away Flocks , Folds , and Trees , an undistinguish'd Prey . The Shepherd climbs the Cliff , and sees from far , The wastful Ravage of the wat'ry War. Then Hector's Faith was manifestly clear'd ; The Grecian Frauds in open light appear'd . The Palace of Deiphobus ascends In smoaky Flames , and catches on his Friends . Ucalegon burns next ; the Seas are bright With splendor , not their own ; and shine with Trojan light . New Clamours , and new Clangors now arise , The sound of Trumpets mix'd with fighting cries . With frenzy seiz'd , I run to meet th' Alarms , Resolv'd on death , resolv'd to die in Arms. But first to gather Friends , with them t' oppose , If Fortune favour'd , and repel the Foes . Spurr'd by my courage , by my Country fir'd ; With sense of Honour , and Revenge inspir'd . Pantheus , Apollo's Priest , a sacred Name , Had scap'd the Grecian Swords , and pass'd the Flame ; With Reliques loaden , to my Doors he fled , And by the hand his tender Grand-son led . What hope , O Pantheus ! whither can we run ? Where make a stand ? and what may yet be done ? Scarce had I said , when Pantheus , with a groan , Troy is no more , and Ilium was a Town ! The fatal Day , th' appointed Hour is come , When wrathful Jove's irrevocable doom Transfers the Trojan State to Grecian hands . The Fire consumes the Town , the Foe commands : And armed Hosts , an unexpected Force , Break from the Bowels of the Fatal Horse . Within the Gates , proud Sinon throws about The flames , and Foes for entrance press without . With thousand others , whom I fear to name , More than from Argos , or Mycenae came . To sev'ral Posts their Parties they divide ; Some block the narrow Streets , some scour the wide . The bold they kill , th' unwary they surprise ; Who fights finds Death , and Death finds him who flies . The Warders of the Gate but scarce maintain Th' unequal Combat , and resist in vain . I Heard ; and Heav'n , that well-born Souls inspires , Prompts me , thro' lifted Swords , and rising Fires To run , where clashing Arms and Clamour calls , And rush undaunted to defend the Walls . Ripheus and Iph'itus by my side engage , For Valour one Renown'd , and one for Age. Dymas and Hypanis by Moonlight knew My motions , and my Meen , and to my Party drew ; With young Choroebus , who by Love was led To win Renown , and fair Cassandra's Bed ; And lately brought his Troops to Priam's aid : Forewarn'd in vain , by the Prophetic Maid . Whom , when I saw , resolv'd in Arms to fall , And that one Spirit animated all ; Brave Souls , said I , but Brave , alas ! in vain : Come , finish what our Cruel Fates ordain . You see the desp'rate state of our Affairs ; And Heav'ns protecting Pow'rs are deaf to Pray'rs . The passive Gods behold the Greeks defile Their Temples , and abandon to the Spoil Their own Abodes : we , feeble few , conspire To save a sinking Town , involv'd in Fire . Then let us fall , but fall amidst our Foes , Despair of Life , the Means of Living shows . So fierce a Speech incourag'd their desire Of Death , and added fuel to their fire . As hungry Wolves , with raging appetite , Scour thro' the fields , nor fear the stormy Night ; Their Whelps at home expect the promis'd Food , And long to temper their dry Chaps in Blood : So rush'd we forth at once , resolv'd to die , Resolv'd in Death the last Extreams to try . We leave the narrow Lanes behind , and dare Th' unequal Combat in the publick Square : Night was our Friend , our Leader was Despair . What Tongue can tell the Slaughter of that Night ? What Eyes can weep the Sorrows and Affright ! An ancient and imperial City falls , The Streets are fill'd with frequent Funerals : Houses and Holy Temples float in Blood , And hostile Nations make a common Flood . Not only Trojans fall , but in their turn , The vanquish'd Triumph , and the Victors mourn . Ours take new Courage from Despair and Night ; Confus'd the Fortune is , confus'd the Fight . All parts resound with Tumults , Plaints , and Fears , And grisly Death in sundry shapes appears . Androgeos fell among us , with his Band , Who thought us Grecians newly come to Land : From whence , said he , my Friends this long delay ? You loiter , while the Spoils are born away : Our Ships are laden with the Trojan Store , And you like Truants come too late ashore . He said , but soon corrected his Mistake , Found , by the doubtful Answers which we make : Amaz'd , he wou'd have shun'd th' unequal Fight , But we , more num'rous , intercept his flight . As when some Peasant in a bushy Brake , Has with unwary Footing press'd a Snake ; He starts aside , astonish'd , when he spies His rising Crest , blue Neck , and rowling Eyes ; So from our Arms , surpriz'd Androgeos flies . In vain ; for him and his we compass'd round , Possess'd with Fear , unknowing of the Ground ; And of their Lives an easy Conquest found . Thus Fortune on our first Endeavour smil'd : Choraebus then , with youthful Hopes beguil'd , Swoln with Success , and of a daring Mind , This new Invention fatally design'd . My Friends , said he , since Fortune shows the way , 'T is fit we shou'd th' auspicious Guide obey . For what has she these Grecian Arms bestow'd , But their Destruction , and the Trojans good ? Then change we Shields , and their Devices bear , Let Fraud supply the want of Force in War. They find us Arms ; this said , himself he dress'd In dead Androgeos's Spoils , his upper Vest , His painted Buckler , and his plumy Crest . Thus Ripheus , Dymas , all the Trojan Train Lay down their own Attire , and strip the slain . Mix'd with the Greeks , we go with ill Presage , Flatter'd with hopes to glut our greedy Rage : Unknown , assaulting whom we blindly meet , And strew , with Grecian Carcasses , the Street . Thus while their stragling Parties we defeat , Some to the Shoar and safer Ships retreat : And some oppress'd with more ignoble Fear , Remount the hollow Horse , and pant in secret there . But ah ! what use of Valour can be made , When Heav'ns propitious Pow'rs refuse their Aid ! Behold the royal Prophetess , the Fair Cassandra , drag'd by her dishevel'd Hair ; Whom not Minerva's Shrine , nor sacred Bands , In safety cou'd protect from sacrilegious Hands : On Heav'n she cast her Eyes , she sigh'd , she cry'd , ( 'T was all she cou'd ) her tender Arms were ty'd . So sad a Sight Choraebus cou'd not bear , But fir'd with Rage , distracted with Despair ; To the Right Hon ble . William OBryen Earle of Inchiquin in the Kingdom of Ireland & ct AE . 2. l : 545. Amid the barb'rous Ravishers he flew : Our Leader's rash Example we pursue . But storms of Stones , from the proud Temple's height , Pour down , and on our batter'd Helms alight . We from our Friends receiv'd this fatal Blow , Who thought us Grecians , as we seem'd in show . They aim at the mistaken Crests , from high , And ours beneath the pond'rous Ruin lie . Then , mov'd with Anger and Disdain , to see Their Troops dispers'd , the Royal Virgin free : The Grecians rally , and their Pow'rs unite ; With Fury charge us , and renew the Fight . The Brother-Kings with Ajax join their force , And the whole Squadron of Thessalian Horse . Thus , when the Rival Winds their Quarrel try , Contending for the Kingdom of the Skie ; South , East , and West , on airy Coursers born , The Whirlwind gathers , and the Woods are torn : Then Nereus strikes the deep , the Billows rise , And , mix'd with Ooze and Sand , pollute the Skies . The Troops we squander'd first , again appear From sev'ral Quarters , and enclose the Rear . They first observe , and to the rest betray Our diff'rent Speech ; our borrow'd Arms survey . Oppress'd with odds , we fall ; Choraebus first , At Pallas's Altar , by Peneleus pierc'd . Then Ripheus follow'd , in th' unequal Fight ; Just of his Word , observant of the right ; Heav'n thought not so : Dymas their Fate attends , With Hypanis , mistaken by their Friends . Nor Pantheus , thee , thy Mitre nor the Bands Of awful Phoebus , sav'd from impious Hands . Ye Trojan Flames your Testimony bear , What I perform'd , and what I suffer'd there : No Sword avoiding in the fatal Strife , Expos'd to Death , and prodigal of Life . Witness , ye Heav'ns ! I live not by my Fault , I strove to have deserv'd the Death I sought . But when I cou'd not fight , and wou'd have dy'd , Born off to distance by the growing Tide , Old Iphitus and I were hurry'd thence , With Pelias wounded , and without Defence . New Clamors from th' invested Palace ring ; We run to die , or disengage the King. So hot th' Assault , so high the Tumult rose , While ours defend , and while the Greeks oppose ; As all the Dardan and Argolick Race Had been contracted in that narrow Space : Or as all Ilium else were void of Fear , And Tumult , War , and Slaughter only there . Their Targets in a Tortoise cast , the Foes Secure advancing , to the Turrets rose : Some mount the scaling Ladders , some more bold Swerve upwards , and by Posts and Pillars hold : Their left hand gripes their Bucklers , in th' ascent , While with the right they seise the Battlement . From their demolish'd Tow'rs the Trojans throw Huge heaps of Stones , that falling , crush the Foe : And heavy Beams , and Rafters from the sides , ( Such Arms their last necessity provides : ) And gilded Roofs come tumbling from on high , The marks of State , and ancient Royalty . The Guards below , fix'd in the Pass , attend The Charge undaunted , and the Gate defend . Renew'd in Courage with recover'd Breath , A second time we ran to tempt our Death : To clear the Palace from the Foe , succeed The weary living , and revenge the dead . A Postern-door , yet unobserv'd and free , Join'd by the length of a blind Gallery , To the King's Closet led ; a way well known To Hector's Wife , while Priam held the Throne : Through which she brought Astyanax , unseen , To chear his Grandsire , and his Grandsire's Queen . Through this we pass , and mount the Tow'r , from whence With unavailing Arms the Trojans make defence . From this the trembling King had oft descry'd The Grecian Camp , and saw their Navy ride . Beams from its lofty height with Swords we hew ; Then wrenching with our hands , th' Assault renew . And where the Rafters on the Columns meet , We push them headlong with our Arms and Feet . The Lightning flies not swifter than the Fall ; Nor Thunder louder than the ruin'd Wall : Down goes the top at once ; the Greeks beneath Are piecemeal torn , or pounded into Death . Yet more succeed , and more to death are sent ; We cease not from above , nor they below relent . Before the Gate stood Pyrrhus , threat'ning loud , With glitt'ring Arms conspicuous in the Crowd . So shines , renew'd in Youth , the crested Snake , Who slept the Winter in a thorny Brake : And casting off his Slough , when Spring returns , Now looks aloft , and with new Glory burns : Restor'd with pois'nous Herbs , his ardent sides Reflect the Sun , and rais'd on Spires he rides : High o're the Grass , hissing he rowls along , And brandishes by fits his sorky Tongue . Proud Periphas , and fierce Automedon , His Father's Charioteer , together run To force the Gate : The Scyrian Infantry Rush on in Crowds , and the barr'd Passage free . Ent'ring the Court , with Shouts the Skies they rend , And flaming Firebrands to the Roofs ascend . Himself , among the foremost , deals his Blows , And with his Axe repeated Stroaks bestows On the strong Doors : then all their Shoulders ply , 'Till from the Posts the brazen Hinges fly . He hews apace , the double Bars at length Yield to his Ax , and unresisted Strength . A mighty Breach is made ; the Rooms conceal'd Appear , and all the Palace is reveal'd . The Halls of Audience , and of publick State , And where the lonely Queen in secret sate . Arm'd Souldiers now by trembling Maids are seen , With not a Door , and scarce a Space between . The House is fill'd with loud Laments and Cries , And Shrieks of Women rend the vaulted Skies . The fearful Matrons run from place to place , And kiss the Thresholds , and the Posts embrace . The fatal work inhuman Pyrrhus plies , And all his Father sparkles in his Eyes . Nor Bars , nor fighting Guards his force sustain ; The Bars are broken , and the Guards are slain . In rush the Greeks , and all the Apartments fill ; Those few Defendants whom they find , they kill . Not with so fierce a Rage , the foaming Flood Roars , when he finds his rapid Course withstood : Bears down the Dams with unresisted sway , And sweeps the Cattle and the Cots away . These Eyes beheld him , when he march'd between The Brother-Kings : I saw th' unhappy Queen , The hundred Wives , and where old Priam stood , To stain his hallow'd Altar with his Blood. The fifty Nuptial Beds : ( such Hopes had he , So large a Promise of a Progeny . ) The Posts of plated Gold , and hung with Spoils , Fell the Reward of the proud Victor's Toils . Where e're the raging Fire had left a space , The Grecians enter , and possess the Place . Perhaps you may of Priam's Fate enquire . He , when he saw his Regal Town on fire , His ruin'd Palace , and his ent'ring Foes , On ev'ry side inevitable woes ; In Arms , disus'd , invests his Limbs decay'd Like them , with Age ; a late and useless aid . His feeble shoulders scarce the weight sustain : Loaded , not arm'd , he creeps along , with pain ; Despairing of Success ; ambitious to be slain ! Uncover'd but by Heav'n , there stood in view An Altar ; near the hearth a Lawrel grew ; Dodder'd with Age , whose Boughs encompass round The Household Gods , and shade the holy Ground . Here Hecuba , with all her helpless Train Of Dames , for shelter sought , but sought in vain . Driv'n like a Flock of Doves along the skie , Their Images they hugg , and to their Altars fly . The Queen , when she beheld her trembling Lord , And hanging by his side a heavy Sword , What Rage , she cry'd , has seiz'd my Husband's mind ; What Arms are these , and to what use design'd ? These times want other aids : were Hector here , Ev'n Hector now in vain , like Priam wou'd appear . With us , one common shelter thou shalt find , Or in one common Fate with us be join'd . She said , and with a last Salute embrac'd The poor old Man , and by the Lawrel plac'd . Behold Polites , one of Priam's Sons , Pursu'd by Pyrrhus , there for safety runs . Thro Swords , and Foes , amaz'd and hurt , he flies Through empty Courts , and open Galleries : Him Pyrrhus , urging with his Lance , pursues ; And often reaches , and his thrusts renews . The Youth transfix'd , with lamentable Cries Expires , before his wretched Parent 's Eyes . Whom , gasping at his feet , when Priam saw , The Fear of death gave place to Nature's Law. And shaking more with Anger , than with Age , The Gods , said He , requite thy brutal Rage : As sure they will , Barbarian , sure they must , If there be Gods in Heav'n , and Gods be just : Who tak'st in Wrongs an insolent delight ; With a Son's death t' infect a Father's sight . Not He , whom thou and lying Fame conspire To call thee his ; Not He , thy vaunted Sire , Thus us'd my wretched Age : The Gods he fear'd , The Laws of Nature and of Nations heard . He chear'd my Sorrows , and for Sums of Gold The bloodless Carcass of my Hector sold . Pity'd the Woes a Parent underwent , And sent me back in safety from his Tent. This said , his feeble hand a Javelin threw , Which flutt'ring , seem'd to loiter as it flew : Just , and but barely , to the Mark it held , And faintly tinckl'd on the Brazen Shield . Then Pyrrhus thus : go thou from me to Fate ; And to my Father my foul deeds relate . Now dye : with that he dragg'd the trembling Sire , Slidd'ring through clotter'd Blood , and holy Mire , ( The mingl'd Paste his murder'd Son had made , ) Haul'd from beneath the violated Shade ; And on the Sacred Pile , the Royal Victim laid . To y e Right Hon ble Roger Earle of Orrery Baron of Broghill & ct AE . 2. l : 765. His right Hand held his bloody Fauchion bare ; His left he twisted in his hoary Hair : Then , with a speeding Thrust , his Heart he found : The lukewarm Blood came rushing through the wound , And sanguine Streams distain'd the sacred Ground . Thus Priam fell : and shar'd one common Fate With Troy in Ashes , and his ruin'd State : He , who the Scepter of all Asia sway'd , Whom Monarchs like domestick Slaves obey'd , On the bleak Shoar now lies th' abandon'd King , * A headless Carcass , and a nameless thing . Then , not before , I felt my crudled Blood Congeal with Fear ; my Hair with horror stood : My Father's Image fill'd my pious Mind ; Lest equal Years might equal Fortune find . Again I thought on my forsaken Wife ; And trembl'd for my Son 's abandon'd Life . I look'd about ; but found my self alone : Deserted at my need , my Friends were gone . Some spent with Toil , some with Despair oppress'd , Leap'd headlong from the Heights ; the Flames consum'd the ( rest . Thus , wand'ring in my way , without a Guide , The graceless Helen in the Porch I spy'd Of Vesta's Temple : there she lurk'd alone ; Muffled she sate , and what she cou'd , unknown : But , by the Flames , that cast their Blaze around , That common Bane of Greece and Troy , I found . For Ilium burnt , she dreads the Trojan Sword ; More dreads the Vengeance of her injur'd Lord ; Ev'n by those Gods , who refug'd her , abhorr'd . Trembling with Rage , the Strumpet I regard ; Resolv'd to give her Guilt the due reward . Shall she triumphant sail before the Wind , And leave in Flames , unhappy Troy behind ? Shall she , her Kingdom and her Friends review , In State attended with a Captive Crew ; While unreveng'd the good old Priam falls , And Grecian Fires consume the Trojan Walls ? For this the Phrygian Fields , and Xanthian Flood Were swell'd with Bodies , and were drunk with Blood ? 'T is true a Souldier can small Honour gain , And boast no Conquest from a Woman slain : Yet shall the Fact not pass without Applause , Of Vengeance taken in so just a Cause . The punish'd Crime shall set my Soul at ease : And murm'ring Manes of my Friends appease . Thus while I rave , a gleam of pleasing Light Spread o're the Place , and shining Heav'nly bright , My Mother stood reveal'd before my Sight . Never so radiant did her Eyes appear ; Not her own Star confess'd a Light so clear . Great in her Charms , as when on Gods above She looks , and breaths her self into their Love. She held my hand , the destin'd Blow to break : Then from her rosie Lips began to speak . My Son , from whence this Madness , this neglect Of my Commands , and those whom I protect ? Why this unmanly Rage ? Recall to mind Whom you forsake , what Pledges leave behind . Look if your helpless Father yet survive ; Or if Ascanius , or Creusa live . Around your House the greedy Grecians err ; And these had perish'd in the nightly War , But for my Presence and protecting Care. Not Helen's Face , nor Paris was in fault ; But by the Gods was this Destruction brought . Now cast your Eyes around ; while I dissolve The Mists and Films that mortal Eyes involve : Purge from your sight the Dross , and make you see The Shape of each avenging Deity . Enlighten'd thus , my just Commands fulfill ; Nor fear Obedience to your Mother's Will. Where you disorder'd heap of Ruin lies , Stones rent from Stones , where Clouds of dust arise , Amid that smother , Neptune holds his place : Below the Wall 's foundation drives his Mace : And heaves the Building from the solid Base . Look where , in Arms , Imperial Juno stands , Full in the Scaean Gate , with loud Commands ; Urging on Shore the tardy Grecian Bands . See Pallas , of her snaky Buckler proud , Bestrides the Tow'r , refulgent through the Cloud : See Jove new Courage to the Foe supplies , And arms against the Town , the partial Deities . Haste hence , my Son ; this fruitless Labour end : Haste where your trembling Spouse , and Sire attend : Haste , and a Mother's Care your Passage shall befriend . She said : and swiftly vanish'd from my Sight , Obscure in Clouds , and gloomy Shades of Night . I look'd , I listen'd ; dreadful Sounds I hear ; And the dire Forms of hostile Gods appear . Troy sunk in Flames I saw , nor could prevent ; And Ilium from its old Foundations rent . Rent like a Mountain Ash , which dar'd the Winds ; And stood the sturdy Stroaks of lab'ring Hinds : About the Roots the cruel Ax resounds , The Stumps are pierc'd , with oft repeated Wounds . The War is felt on high , the nodding Crown Now threats a Fall , and throws the leafy Honours down . To their united Force it yields , though late ; And mourns with mortal Groans th' approaching Fate : The Roots no more their upper load sustain ; But down she falls , and spreads a ruin thro' the Plain . Descending thence , I scape through Foes , and Fire : Before the Goddess , Foes and Flames retire . Arriv'd at home , he for whose only sake , Or most for his , such Toils I undertake , The good Anchises , whom , by timely Flight , I purpos'd to secure on Ida's height , Refus'd the Journey : Resolute to die , And add his Fun'rals to the fate of Troy : Rather than Exile and old Age sustain . Go you , whose Blood runs warm in ev'ry Vein : Had Heav'n decreed that I shou'd Life enjoy , Heav'n had decreed to save unhappy Troy. 'T is sure enough , if not too much for one ; Twice to have seen our Ilium overthrown . Make haste to save the poor remaining Crew ; And give this useless Corps a long Adieu . These weak old Hands suffice to stop my Breath : At least the pitying Foes will aid my Death , To take my Spoils : and leave my Body bare : As for my Sepulchre let Heav'n take Care. 'T is long since I , for my Coelestial Wife , Loath'd by the Gods , have drag'd a ling'ring Life : Since ev'ry Hour and Moment I expire , Blasted from Heav'n by Jove's avenging Fire . This oft repeated , he stood fix'd to die : My self , my Wife , my Son , my Family , Intreat , pray , beg , and raise a doleful Cry. What , will he still persist , on Death resolve , And in his Ruin all his House involve ! He still persists , his reasons to maintain ; Our Pray'rs , our Tears , our loud Laments are vain . Urg'd by Despair , again I go to try The fate of Arms , resolv'd in Fight to die . To y e Right Hon ble , Rob t : Ld. Constable Vis nt . Dunbar in y e Kingdom of Scotland AE 2. l. 915. What hope remains , but what my Death must give ? Can I without so dear a Father live ? You term it Prudence , what I Baseness call : Cou'd such a Word from such a Parent fall ? If Fortune please , and so the Gods ordain , That nothing shou'd of ruin'd Troy remain : And you conspire with Fortune , to be slain ; The way to Death is wide , th' Approaches near : For soon relentless Pyrrhus will appear , Reeking with Priam's Blood : The wretch who slew The Son ( inhuman ) in the Father's view , And then the Sire himself , to the dire Altar drew . O Goddess Mother , give me back to fate ; Your Gift was undesir'd , and came too late . Did you for this , unhappy me convey Through Foes and Fires to see my House a Prey ? Shall I , my Father , Wife , and Son , behold Welt'ring in Blood , each others Arms infold ? Haste , gird my Sword , tho' spent , and overcome : 'T is the last Summons to receive our Doom . I hear thee , Fate , and I obey thy Call : Not unreveng'd the Foe shall see my Fall. Restore me to the yet unfinish'd Fight : My Death is wanting to conclude the Night . Arm'd once again , my glitt'ring Sword I wield , While th' other hand sustains my weighty Shield : And forth I rush to seek th' abandon'd Field . I went ; but sad Creusa stop'd my way , And cross the Threshold in my Passage lay ; Embrac'd my Knees ; and when I wou'd have gone Shew'd me my feeble Sire , and tender Son. If Death be your design , at least , said she , Take us along , to share your Destiny . If any farther hopes in Arms remain , This Place , these Pledges of your Love , maintain . To whom do you expose your Father's Life , Your Son 's , and mine , your now forgotten Wife ! While thus she fills the House with clam'rous Cries , Our Hearing is diverted by our Eyes . For while I held my Son , in the short space , Betwixt our Kisses and our last Embrace ; Strange to relate , from young Iulus Head A lambent Flame arose , which gently spread Around his Brows , and on his Temples fed . Amaz'd , with running Water we prepare To quench the sacred Fire , and shake his Hair ; But old Anchises , vers'd in Omens , rear'd His hands to Heav'n , and this request preferr'd . If any Vows , Almighty Jove , can bend Thy Will , if Piety can Pray'rs commend , Confirm the glad Presage which thou art pleas'd to send . Scarce had he said , when , on our left , we hear A peal of ratling Thunder rowl in Air : There shot a streaming Lamp along the Sky , Which on the winged Lightning seem'd to fly ; From o're the Roof the blaze began to move ; And trailing vanish'd in th' Idean Grove . It swept a path in Heav'n , and shone a Guide ; Then in a steaming stench of Sulphur dy'd . The good old Man with suppliant hands implor'd The Gods protection , and their Star ador'd . Now , now , said he , my Son , no more delay , I yield , I follow where Heav'n shews the way . Keep ( O my Country Gods ) our dwelling Place , And guard this Relick of the Trojan Race : This tender Child ; these Omens are your own ; And you can yet restore the ruin'd Town . At least accomplish what your Signs foreshow : I stand resign'd , and am prepar'd to go . To y e Right Hon ble : Mary Countess Dowager of Northampton AE . 2. l. 985. He said ; the crackling Flames appear on high , And driving Sparkles dance along the Sky . With Vulcan's rage the rising Winds conspire ; And near our Palace rowl the flood of Fire . Haste , my dear Father , ( 't is no time to wait ) And load my Shoulders with a willing Fraight . What e're befalls , your Life shall be my care , One Death , or one Deliv'rance we will share . My hand shall lead our little Son ; and you My faithful Consort , shall our Steps purfue . Next , you my Servants , heed my strict Commands : Without the Walls a ruin'd Temple stands , To Ceres hollow'd once ; a Cypress nigh Shoots up her venerable Head on high ; By long Religion kept : there bend your Feet ; And in divided Parties let us meet . Our Country Gods , the Relicks , and the Bands , Hold you , my Father , in your guiltless Hands : In me 't is impious holy things to bear , Red as I am with Slaughter , new from War : 'Till in some living Stream I cleanse the Guilt Of dire Debate , and Blood in Battel spilt . Thus , ord'ring all that Prudence cou'd provide , I cloath my Shoulders with a Lion's Hide ; And yellow Spoils : Then , on my bending Back , The welcome load of my dear Father take . While on my better Hand Ascanius hung , And with unequal Paces tript along . Creusa kept behind : by choice we stray Through ev'ry dark and ev'ry devious Way . I , who so bold and dauntless just before , The Grecian Darts and shock of Lances bore , At ev'ry Shadow now am seiz'd with Fear : Not for my self , but for the Charge I bear . Till near the ruin'd Gate arriv'd at last , Secure , and deeming all the Danger past ; A frightful noise of trampling Feet we hear ; My Father looking through the Shades , with fear , Cry'd out , haste , haste my Son , the Foes are nigh ; Their Swords , and shining Armour I descry . Some hostile God , for some unknown Offence , Had sure bereft my Mind of better Sence : For while through winding Ways I took my Flight ; And sought the shelter of the gloomy Night ; Alas ! I lost Creusa : hard to tell If by her fatal Destiny she fell , Or weary sate , or wander'd with affright ; But she was lost for ever to my sight . I knew not , or reflected , 'till I meet My Friends , at Ceres now deserted Seat : We met : not one was wanting , only she Deceiv'd her Friends , her Son , and wretched me . What mad expessions did my Tongue refuse ! Whom did I not of Gods or Men accuse ! This was the fatal Blow , that pain'd me more Than all I felt from ruin'd Troy before . Stung with my Loss , and raving with Despair , Abandoning my now forgotten Care , Of Counsel , Comfort , and of Hope bereft , My Sire , my Son , my Country Gods , I left . In shining Armour once again I sheath My Limbs , not feeling Wounds , nor fearing Death . Then headlong to the burning Walls I run , And seek the Danger I was forc'd to shun . I tread my former Tracks : through Night explore Each Passage , ev'ry Street I cross'd before . All things were full of Horrour and Affright , And dreadful ev'n the silence of the Night . Then , to my Father's House I make repair , With some small Glimps of hope to find her there : Instead of her the cruel Greeks I met ; The house was fill'd with Foes , with Flames beset . Driv'n on the wings of Winds , whole sheets of Fire , Through Air transported , to the Roofs aspire . From thence to Priam's Palace I resort ; And search the Citadel , and desart Court. Then , unobserv'd , I pass by Juno's Church ; A guard of Grecians had possess'd the Porch : There Phaenix and Ulysses watch the Prey : And thither all the Wealth of Troy convey . The Spoils which they from ransack'd Houses brought ; And golden Bowls from burning Altars caught . The Tables of the Gods , the Purple Vests ; The People's Treasure , and the Pomp of Priests . A ranck of wretched Youths , with pinion'd Hands , And captive Matrons in long Order stands . Then , with ungovern'd Madness , I proclaim , Through all the silent Streets , Creusa's Name . Creusa still I call : At length she hears ; And suddain , through the Shades of Night appears . Appears , no more Creusa , nor my Wife : But a pale Spectre , larger than the Life . Aghast , astonish'd , and struk dumb with Fear , I stood ; like Bristles rose my stiffen'd Hair. Then thus the Ghost began to sooth my Grief : Nor Tears , nor Cries can give the dead Relief ; Desist , my much lov'd Lord , t'indulge your Pain : You bear no more than what the Gods ordain . My Fates permit me not from hence to fly ; Nor he , the great Comptroller of the Sky . Long wandring Ways for you the Pow'rs decree : On Land hard Labors , and a length of Sea. Then , after many painful Years are past , On Latium's happy Shore you shall be cast : Where gentle Tiber from his Bed beholds The flow'ry Meadows , and the feeding Folds . There end your Toils : And there your Fates provide A quiet Kingdom , and a Royal Bride : There Fortune shall the Trojan Line restore ; And you for lost Creusa weep no more . Fear not that I shall watch with servile Shame , Th' imperious Looks of some proud Grecian Dame : Or , stooping to the Victor's Lust , disgrace My Goddess Mother , or my Royal Race . And now , farewell : the Parent of the Gods Restrains my fleeting Soul in her Abodes : I trust our common Issue to your Care. She said : And gliding pass'd unseen in Air. I strove to speak , but Horror ty'd my Tongue ; And thrice about her Neck my Arms I flung ; And thrice deceiv'd , on vain Embraces hung . Light as an empty Dream at break of Day , Or as a blast of Wind , she rush'd away . Thus , having pass'd the Night in fruitless Pain , I , to my longing Friends , return again . Amaz'd th' augmented Number to behold , Of Men , and Matrons mix'd , of young and old : A wretched Exil'd Crew together brought , With Arms appointed , and With Treasure fraught . Resolv'd , and willing under my Command , To run all hazards both of Sea and Land. The Morn began , from Ida , to display Her rosy Cheeks , and Phosphor led the day ; Before the Gates the Grecians took their Post : And all pretence of late Relief was lost . I yield to Fate , unwillingly retire ; And loaded , up the Hill convey my Sire . The Third Book of the Aeneis . The Argument . Aeneas proceeds in his Relation : He gives an Account of the Fleet with which he sail'd , and the Success of his first Voyage to Thrace ; from thence he directs his Course to Delos , and asks the Oracle what place the Gods had appointed for his Habitation ? By a mistake of the Oracle's Answer , he settles in Crete ; his household Gods give him the true sense of the Oracle , in a Dream . He follows their advice , and makes the best of his way for Italy : He is cast on several Shores , and meets with very surprising Adventures , 'till at length he lands on Sicily : where his Father Anchises dies . This is the place which he was sailing from when the Tempest rose and threw him upon the Carthaginian Coast . To the Right Hon ble . William Stanley Earle of Derby & ct L d of Man & y e Isles AE . e. l. 2. WHen Heav'n had overturn'd the Trojan State , And Priam's Throne , by too severe a Fate : When ruin'd Troy became the Grecians Prey , And Ilium's lofty Tow'rs in Ashes lay : Warn'd by Coelestial Omens , we retreat , To seek in foreign Lands a happier Seat. Near old Antandros , and at Ida's foot , The Timber of the sacred Groves we cut : And build our Fleet ; uncertain yet to find What place the Gods for our Repose assign'd . Friends daily flock ; and scarce the kindly Spring Began to cloath the Ground , and Birds to sing ; When old Anchises summon'd all to Sea : The Crew , my Father and the Fates obey . With Sighs and Tears I leave my native Shore , And empty Fields , where Ilium stood before . My Sire , my Son , our less , and greater Gods , All sail at once ; and tempt the briny Floods . Against our Coast appears a spacious Land , Which once the fierce Lycurgus did command : Thracia the Name ; the People bold in War ; Vast are their Fields , and Tillage is their Care. A hospitable Realm while Fate was kind ; With Troy in friendship and Religion join'd . I land ; with luckless Omens , then adore Their Gods , and draw a Line along the Shore : I lay the deep Foundations of a Wall ; And Enos , nam'd from me , the City call . To Dionaean Venus Vows are paid , And all the Pow'rs that rising Labours aid ; A Bull on Jove's Imperial Altar laid . Not far , a rising Hillock stood in view ; Sharp Myrtles , on the sides , and Cornels grew . There , while I went to crop the Silvan Scenes , And shade our Altar with their leafy Greens ; I pull'd a Plant ; with horror I relate A Prodigy so strange , and full of Fate . The rooted Fibers rose ; and from the Wound , Black bloody Drops distill'd upon the Ground . Mute , and amaz'd , my Hair with Horror stood ; Fear shrunk my Sinews , and congeal'd my Blood. Man'd once again , another Plant I try ; That other gush'd with the same sanguine Dye . Then , fearing Guilt , for some Offence unknown , With Pray'rs and Vows the Driads I attone : With all the Sisters of the Woods , and most The God of Arms , who rules the Thracian Coast : That they , or he , these Omens wou'd avert ; Release our Fears , and better signs impart . Clear'd , as I thought , and fully fix'd at length To learn the Cause , I tug'd with all my Strength ; I bent my knees against the Ground ; once more The violated Myrtle ran with purple Gore . Scarce dare I tell the Sequel : From the Womb Of wounded Earth , and Caverns of the Tomb , A Groan , as of a troubled Ghost , renew'd My Fright , and then these dreadful Words ensu'd . Why dost thou thus my bury'd Body rend ? O spare the Corps of thy unhappy Friend ! Spare to pollute thy pious Hands with Blood : The Tears distil not from the wounded Wood ; But ev'ry drop this living Tree contains , Is kindred Blood , and ran in Trojan Veins : O fly from this unhospitable Shore , Warn'd by my Fate ; for I am Polydore ! Here loads of Lances , in my Blood embru'd , Again shoot upward , by my Blood renew'd . My faultring Tongue , and shiv'ring Limbs declare My Horror , and in Bristles rose my Hair. When Troy with Grecian Arms was closely pent , Old Priam , fearful of the Wars Event , This hapless Polydore to Thracia sent . Loaded with Gold , he sent his Darling , far From Noise and Tumults , and destructive War : Commited to the faithless Tyrant's Care. Who , when he saw the Pow'r of Troy decline , Forsook the weaker , with the strong to join . Broke ev'ry Bond of Nature , and of Truth ; And murder'd , for his Wealth , the Royal Youth . O sacred Hunger of pernicious Gold , What bands of Faith can impious Lucre hold ! Now , when my Soul had shaken off her Fears , I call my Father , and the Trojan Peers : Relate the Prodigies of Heav'n ; require . What he commands , and their Advice desire . All vote to leave that execrable Shore , Polluted with the Blood of Polydore . But e're we sail , his Fun'ral Rites prepare ; Then , to his Ghost , a Tomb and Altars rear , In mournful Pomp the Matrons walk the round : With baleful Cypress , and blue Fillets crown'd ; With Eyes dejected , and with Hair unbound . Then Bowls of tepid Milk and Blood we pour , And thrice invoke the Soul of Polydore . Now when the raging Storms no longer reign ; But Southern Gales invite us to the Main ; We launch our Vessels , with a prosp'rous Wind ; And leave the Cities and the Shores behind . An Island in th' Aegean Main appears : Neptune and wat'ry Doris claim it theirs . It floated once , till Phoebus fix'd the sides To rooted Earth , and now it braves the Tides . Here , born by friendly Winds , we come ashore With needful ease our weary Limbs restore ; And the Sun's Temple , and his Town adore . Anius the Priest , and King , with Lawrel crown'd , His hoary Locks with purple Fillets bound , Who saw my Sire the Delian Shore ascend , Came forth with eager haste to meet his Friend . Invites him to his Palace ; and in sign Of ancient Love , their plighted Hands they join . Then to the Temple of the God I went ; And thus , before the Shrine , my Vows present . Give , O Thymbraeus , give a resting place , To the sad Relicks of the Trojan Race : A Seat secure , a Region of their own , A lasting Empire , and a happier Town . Where shall we fix , where shall our Labours end , Whom shall we follow , and what Fate attend ? Let not my Pray'rs a doubtful Answer find , But in clear Auguries unveil thy Mind . To the Right Hon ble : Nathanael Lord Bishop of Durham AE . 3 l : 220 Scarce had I said , He shook the holy Ground : The Lawrels , and the lofty Hills around : And from the Tripos rush'd a bellowing sound . Prostrate we fell ; confess'd the present God , Who gave this Answer from his dark Abode . Undaunted Youths , go seek that Mother Earth From which your Ancestors derive their Birth . The Soil that sent you forth , her Ancient Race , In her old Bosom , shall again embrace . Through the wide World th' Eneian House shall reign , And Childrens Children shall the Crown sustain . Thus Phoebus did our future Fates disclose ; A mighty Tumult , mix'd with Joy , arose . All are concern'd to know what place the God Assign'd and where determind our abode . My Father , long revolving in His Mind , The Race and Lineage of the Trojan Kind , Thus answer'd their demands : Ye Princes , hear Your pleasing Fortune ; and dispel your fear . The fruitful Isle of Crete well known to Fame , Sacred of old to Jove's Immortal Name . In the mid Ocean lies , with large Command ; And on its Plains a hundred Cities stand . Another Ida rises there ; and we From thence derive our Trojan Ancestry . From thence , as 't is divulg'd by certain Fame , To the Rhaetean Shores old Teucrus came . There fix'd , and there the Seat of Empire chose , E're Ilium and the Trojan Tow'rs arose . In humble Vales they built their soft abodes : Till Cybele , the Mother of the Gods , With tinckling Cymbals charm'd th' Idean Woods ▪ She , secret Rites and Ceremonies taught , And to the Yoke , the salvage Lions brought . Let us the Land , which Heav'n appoints , explore ; Appease the Winds , and seek the Gnossian Shore . If Jove assists tht passage of our Fleet , The third propitious dawn discovers Creet . Thus having said , the Sacrifices laid On smoking Altars , to the Gods He paid . A Bull , to Neptune an Oblation due , Another Bull to bright Apollo slew : A milk white Ewe the Western Winds to please ; And one cole black to calm the stormy Seas . E're this , a flying Rumour had been spred , That fierce Idomeneus from Crete was fled ; Expell'd and exil'd ; that the Coast was free From Foreign or Domestick Enemy : We leave the Delian Ports , and put to Sea : By Naxos , fam'd for Vintage , make our way : Then green Donysa pass ; and Sail in sight Of Paros Isle , with Marble Quarries white . We pass the scatter'd Isles of Cyclades ; That , scarce distinguish'd , seem to stud the Seas . The shouts of Saylors double near the shores ; They stretch their Canvass , and they ply their Oars . All hands aloft , for Creet for Creet they cry , And swiftly through the foamy Billows fly . Full on the promis'd Land at length we bore , With Joy desending on the Cretan Shore . With eager haste a rising Town I frame , Which from the Trojan Pergamus I name : The Name it self was grateful ; I exhort To found their Houses , and erect a Fort. Our Ships are haul'd upon the yellow strand , The Youth begin to till the labour'd Land. And I my self new Marriages promote , Give Laws : and Dwellings I divide by Lot. When rising Vapours choak the wholesom Air , And blasts of noisom Winds corrupt the Year : The Trees , devouring Caterpillers burn : Parch'd was the Grass , and blited was the Corn. Nor scape the Beasts : for Syrius from on high , With pestilential Heat infects the Sky : My Men , some fall , the rest in Feavers fry . Again my Father bids me seek the Shore Of sacred Delos ; and the God implore : To learn what end of Woes we might expect , And to what Clime , our weary Course direct . 'T was Night , when ev'ry Creature , void of Cares , The common gift of balmy Slumber shares : The Statues of my Gods , ( for such they seem'd ) Those Gods whom I from flaming Troy redeem'd , Before me stood ; Majestically bright , Full in the Beams of Phoebe's entring light . Then thus they spoke ; and eas'd my troubled Mind : What from the Delian God thou go'st to find , He tells thee here ; and sends us to relate : Those Pow'rs are we , Companions of thy Fate , Who from the burning Town by thee were brought ; Thy Fortune follow'd , and thy safety wrought . Through Seas and Lands , as we thy Steps attend , So shall our Care thy Glorious Race befriend . An ample Realm for thee thy Fates ordain ; A Town , that o're the conquer'd World shall reign . Thou , mighty Walls for mighty Nations build ; Nor let thy weary Mind to Labours yield : But change thy Seat ; for not the Delian God , Nor we , have giv'n thee Crete for our Abode . A Land there is , Hesperia call'd of old , The Soil is fruitful , and the Natives bold . Th' Oenotrians held it once ; by later Fame , Now call'd Italia from the Leader's Name . Jäsius there , and Dardanus were born : From thence we came , and thither must return . Rise , and thy Sire with these glad Tidings greet ; Search Italy , for Jove denies thee Creet . Astonish'd at their Voices , and their sight , ( Nor were they Dreams , but Visions of the Night ; I saw , I knew their Faces , and descry'd In perfect View , their Hair with Fillets ty'd : ) I started from my Couch , a clammy Sweat On all my Limbs , and shiv'ring Body sate . To Heav'n I lift my Hands with pious haste , And sacred Incense in the Flames I cast . Thus to the Gods their perfect Honours done , More chearful to my good old Sire I run : And tell the pleasing News ; in little space He found his Error , of the double Race . Not , as before he deem'd , deriv'd from Creet ; No more deluded by the doubtful Seat. Then said , O Son , turmoil'd in Trojan Fate ; Such things as these Cassandra did relate . This Day revives within my Mind , what she Foretold of Troy renew'd in Italy ; And Latian Lands : but who cou'd then have thought , That Phrygian Gods to Latium should be brought ; Or who believ'd what mad Cassandra taught ? Now let us go , where Phoebus leads the way : He said , and we with glad Consent obey . Forsake the Seat ; and leaving few behind , We spread our sails before the willing Wind. Now from the sight of Land , our Gallies move , With only Seas around , and Skies above . When o're our Heads , descends a burst of Rain ; And Night , with sable Clouds involves the Main : The ruffling Winds the foamy Billows raise : The scatter'd Fleet is forc'd to sev'ral Ways : The face of Heav'n is ravish'd from our Eyes , And in redoubl'd Peals the roaring Thunder flys . Cast from our Course , we wander in the Dark ; No Stars to guide , no point of Land to mark . Ev'n Palinurus no distinction found Betwixt the Night and Day ; such Darkness reign'd around . Three starless Nights the doubtful Navy strays Without Distinction , and three Sunless Days . The fourth renews the Light , and from our Shrowds We view a rising Land like distant Clouds : The Mountain tops confirm the pleasing Sight ; And curling Smoke ascending from their Height . The Canvas falls ; their Oars the Sailors ply ; From the rude strokes the whirling Waters fly . At length I land upon the Strophades ; Safe from the danger of the stormy Seas : Those Isles are compass'd by th' Ionian Main ; The dire Abode where the foul Harpies reign : Forc'd by the winged Warriors to repair To their old Homes , and leave their costly Fare . Monsters more fierce , offended Heav'n ne're sent From Hell's Abyss , for Human Punishment . With Virgin-faces , but with Wombs obscene , Foul Paunches , and with Ordure still unclean : With Claws for Hands , and Looks for ever lean . We landed at the Port ; and soon beheld Fat Herds of Oxen graze the flowry Field : And wanton Goats without a Keeper stray'd : With Weapons we the welcome Prey invade . Then call the Gods , for Partners of our Feast : And Jove himself the chief invited Guest . We spread the Tables , on the greensword Ground : We feed with Hunger , and the Bowls go round . When from the Mountain tops , with hideous Cry , And clatt'ring Wings , the hungry Harpies fly : They snatch the Meat ; defiling all they find : And parting leave a loathsom Stench behind . Close by a hollow Rock , again we sit ; New dress the Dinner , and the Beds refit : Secure from Sight , beneath a pleasing Shade ; Where tufted Trees a native Arbour made . Again the Holy Fires on Altars burn : And once again the rav'nous Birds return : Or from the dark Recesses where they ly ▪ Or from another Quarter of the Sky . With filthy Claws their odious Meal repeat , And mix their loathsom Ordures with their Meat . I bid my Friends for Vengeance then prepare ; And with the Hellish Nation wage the War. They , as commanded , for the Fight provide , And in the Grass their glitt'ring Weapons hide : Then , when along the crooked Shoar we hear Their clatt'ring Wings , and saw the Foes appear ; Misenus sounds a charge : We take th' Alarm ; And our strong hands with Swords and Bucklers arm . In this new kind of Combat , all employ Their utmost Force , the Monsters to destroy . In vain ; the fated Skin is proof to Wounds : And from their Plumes the shining Sword rebounds . At length rebuff'd , they leave their mangled Prey , And their stretch'd Pinions to the Skies display . Yet one remain'd , the Messenger of Fate ; High on a craggy Cliff Celaeno sate , And thus her dismal Errand did relate . To y e Right Reverend D r : John Hartstonge B p : of Ossory in Kilkenny Son of Sr. Standish Hartstonge Bar t AE . 3. l. 315. What , not contented with our Oxen slain , Dare you with Heav'n an impious War maintain , And drive the Harpies from their Native Reign ? Heed therefore what I say ; and keep in mind What Jove decrees , what Phoebus has design'd : And I , the Fury's Queen , from both relate : You seek th' Italian Shores , foredoom'd by Fate : Th' Italian Shores are granted you to find : And a safe Passage to the Port assign'd . But know , that e're your promis'd Walls you build , My Curses shall severely be fulfill'd . Fierce Famine is your Lot , for this Misdeed , Reduc'd to grind the Plates on which you feed . She said ; and to the neighb'ring Forest flew : Our Courage fails us , and our Fears renew . Hopeless to win by War , to Pray'rs we fall : And on th' offended Harpies humbly call . And whether Gods , or Birds obscene they were , Our Vows for Pardon , and for Peace prefer . But old Anchises , off'ring Sacrifice , And lifting up to Heav'n his Hands , and Eyes ; Ador'd the greater Gods : Avert , said he , These Omens , render vain this Prophecy : And from th' impending Curse , a Pious People free . Thus having said , he bids us put to Sea ; We loose from Shore our Haulsers , and obey : And soon with swelling Sails , pursue the wat'ry Way . Amidst our course Zacynthian Woods appear ; And next by rocky Neritos we steer : We fly from Ithaca's detested Shore , And curse the Land which dire Ulysses bore . At length Leucates cloudy top appears ; And Phoebus Temple , which the Sailor fears . Resolv'd to breath a while from Labour past , Our crooked Anchors from the Prow we cast ; And joyful to the little City haste . Here safe beyond our Hopes , our Vows we pay To Jove , the Guide and Patron of our way . The Customs of our Country we pursue ; And Trojan Games on Actian Shores renew . Our Youth , their naked Limbs besmear with Oyl ; And exercise the Wrastlers noble Toil. Pleas'd to have sail'd so long before the Wind ; And left so many Grecian Towns behind . The Sun had now fulfill'd his Annual Course , And Boreas on the Seas display'd his Force : I fix'd upon the Temples lofty Door , The brazen Shield which vanquish'd Abas bore : The Verse beneath , my Name and Action speaks , These Arms , Aeneas took from Conqu'ring Greeks . Then I command to weigh ; the Seamen ply Their sweeping Oars , the smokeing Billows fly . The sight of high Phaeacia soon we lost : And skim'd along Epirus rocky Coast . Then to Chaonia's Port our Course we bend , And landed , to Buthrotus heights ascend . Here wond'rous things were loudly blaz'd by Fame ; How Helenus reviv'd the Trojan Name ; And raign'd in Greece : That Priam's captive Son Succeeded Pyrrhus in his Bed and Throne . And fair Andromache , restor'd by Fate , Once more was happy in a Trojan Mate . I leave my Gallies riding in the Port ; And long to see the new Dardanian Court. By chance , the mournful Queen , before the Gate , Then solemniz'd her former Husbands Fate . To The Hon ble . D r : Io n : Mountague Master of Trinity College in Cambridge AE . 3. l : 415. Green Altars rais'd of Turf , with Gifts she Crown'd ; And sacred Priests in order stand around ; And thrice the Name of hapless Hector sound . The Grove it self resembles Ida's Wood ; And Simois seem'd the well dissembl'd Flood . But when , at nearer distance , she beheld My shining Armour , and my Trojan Shield ; Astonish'd at the sight , the vital Heat Forsakes her Limbs , her Veins no longer beat : She faints , she falls , and scarce recov'ring strength , Thus , with a falt'ring Tongue , she speaks at length . Are you alive , O Goddess born ! she said , Or if a Ghost , then where is Hector's Shade ? At this , she cast a loud and frightful Cry : With broken words , I made this brief Reply . All of me that remains , appears in sight , I live ; if living be to loath the Light. No Phantome ; but I drag a wretched life ; My Fate resembling that of Hector's Wife . What have you suffer'd since you lost your Lord , By what strange blessing are you now restor'd ! Still are you Hector's , or is Hector fled , And his Remembrance lost in Pyrrhus Bed ? With Eyes dejected , in a lowly tone , After a modest pause , she thus begun . Oh only happy Maid of Priam's Race , Whom Death deliver'd from the Foes embrace ! Commanded on Achilles Tomb to die , Not forc'd , like us , to hard Captivity : Or in a haughty Master's Arms to lie . In Grecian Ships unhappy we were born : Endur'd the Victor's Lust , sustain'd the Scorn : Thus I submitted to the lawless pride Of Pyrrhus , more a Handmaid than a Bride . Cloy'd with Possession , He forsook my Bed , And Helen's lovely Daughter sought to wed . Then me , to Trojan Helenus resign'd : And his two Slaves in equal Marriage join'd . Till young Orestes , pierc'd with deep despair , And longing to redeem the promis'd Fair , Before Apollo's Altar slew the Ravisher . By Pyrrhus death the Kingdom we regain'd : At least one half with Helenus remain'd ; Our part , from Chaon , He Chaonia calls : And names , from Pergamus , his rising Walls . But you , what Fates have landed on our Coast , What Gods have sent you , or what Storms have tost ? Does young Ascanius life and health enjoy , Sav'd from the Ruins of unhappy Troy ! O tell me how his Mothers loss he bears , What hopes are promis'd from his blooming years , How much of Hector in his Face appears ? She spoke : and mix'd her Speech with mournful Cries : And fruitless Tears came trickling from her Eyes . At length her Lord descends upon the Plain ; In pomp , attended with a num'rous Train : Receives his Friends , and to the City leads ; And Tears of Joy amidst his Welcome sheds . Proceeding on , another Troy I see ; Or , in less compass , Troy's Epitome . A Riv'let by the name of Xanthus ran : And I embrace the Scaean Gate again . My Friends in Portico's were entertain'd ; And Feasts and Pleasures through the City reign'd . The Tables fill'd the spacious Hall around : And Golden Bowls with sparkling Wine were crown'd . Two days we pass'd in mirth , till friendly Gales , Blown from the South , supply'd our swelling Sails . Then to the Royal Seer I thus began : O thou who know'st beyond the reach of Man , The Laws of Heav'n , and what the Stars decree , Whom Phoebus taught unerring Prophecy , From his own Tripod , and his holy Tree : Skill'd in the wing'd Inhabitants of Air , What Auspices their notes , and flights declare : O say ; for all Religious Rites portend A happy Voyage , and a prosp'rous End : And ev'ry Pow'r and Omen of the Sky , Direct my Course for destin'd Italy : But only dire Celaeno , from the Gods , A dismal Famine fatally fore-bodes : O say what Dangers I am first to shun : What Toils to vanquish , and what Course to run . The Prophet first with Sacrifice adores The greater Gods ; their Pardon then implores : Unbinds the Fillet from his holy Head ; To Phoebus next , my trembling Steps he led : Full of religious Doubts , and awful dread . Then with his God possess'd , before the Shrine , These words proceeded from his Mouth Divine . O Goddess-born , ( for Heav'n's appointed Will , With greater Auspices of good than ill , Fore-shows thy Voyage , and thy Course directs ; Thy Fates conspire , and Jove himself protects : ) Of many things , some few I shall explain , Teach thee to shun the dangers of the Main , And how at length the promis'd Shore to gain . The rest the Fates from Helenus conceal ; And Juno's angry Pow'r forbids to tell . First then , that happy Shore , that seems so nigh , Will far from your deluded Wishes fly : Long tracts of Seas divide your hopes from Italy . For you must cruise along Sicilian Shoars ; And stem the Currents with your struggling Oars : Then round th' Italian Coast your Navy steer ; And after this to Circe's Island veer . And last , before your new Foundations rise , Must pass the Stygian Lake , and view the neather Skies . Now mark the Signs of future Ease and Rest ; And bear them safely treasur'd in thy Breast . When in the shady Shelter of a Wood , And near the Margin of a gentle Flood , Thou shalt behold a Sow upon the Ground , With thirty sucking young encompass'd round ; The Dam and Off-spring white as falling Snow : These on thy City shall their Name bestow : And there shall end thy Labours and thy Woe . Nor let the threatned Famine fright thy Mind , For Phoebus will assist ; and Fate the way will find . Let not thy Course to that ill Coast be bent , Which fronts from far th' Epirian Continent ; Those parts are all by Grecian Foes possess'd : The salvage Locrians here the Shores infest : There fierce Idomeneus his City builds , And guards with Arms the Salentinian Fields . And on the Mountains brow Petilia stands , Which Philoctetes with his Troops commands . Ev'n when thy Fleet is landed on the Shore , And Priests with holy Vows the Gods adore ; Then with a Purple Veil involve your Eyes , Lest hostile Faces blast the Sacrifice . These Rites and Customs to the Rest commend ; That to your Pious Race they may descend . When parted hence , the Wind that ready waits For Sicily , shall bear you to the Streights : Where proud Pelorus opes a wider way , Tack to the Larboord , and stand off to Sea : Veer Star-board Sea and Land. Th' Italian Shore , And fair Sicilia's Coast were one , before An Earthquake caus'd the Flaw , the roaring Tides The Passage broke , that Land from Land divides : And where the Lands retir'd , the rushing Ocean rides . Distinguish'd by the Streights , on either hand , Now rising Cities in long order stand ; And fruitful Fields : So much can Time invade The mouldring Work , that beauteous Nature made . Far on the right , her Dogs foul Scylla hides : Charibdis roaring on the left presides ; And in her greedy Whirl-pool sucks the Tides : Then Spouts them from below ; with Fury driv'n , The Waves mount up , and wash the face of Heav'n . But Scylla from her Den , with open Jaws , The sinking Vessel in her Eddy draws ; Then dashes on the Rocks : A Human Face , And Virgin Bosom , hides her Tails disgrace . Her Parts obscene below the Waves descend , With Dogs inclos'd ; and in a Dolphin end . 'T is safer , then , to bear aloof to Sea , And coast Pachynus , though with more delay ; Than once to view mishapen Scylla near , And the loud yell of watry Wolves to hear . Besides , if Faith to Helenus be due , And if Prophetick Phoebus tell me true ; Do not this Precept of your Friend forget ; Which therefore more than once I must repeat . Above the rest , great Juno's Name adore : Pay Vows to Juno ; Juno's Aid implore . Let Gifts be to the mighty Queen design'd ; And mollify with Pray'rs her haughty Mind . Thus , at the length , your Passage shall be free , And you shall safe descend on Italy . Arriv'd at Cumae , when you view the Flood Of black Avernus , and the sounding Wood , The mad prophetick Sybil you shall find , Dark in a Cave , and on a Rock reclin'd . She sings the Fates , and in her frantick Fitts , The Notes and Names inscrib'd , to Leafs commits . What she commits to Leafs , in order laid , Before the Caverns Entrance are display'd : Unmov'd they lie , but if a Blast of Wind Without , or Vapours issue from behind , The Leafs are born aloft in liquid Air , And she resumes no more her Museful Care : Nor gathers from the Rocks her scatter'd Verse ; Nor sets in order what the Winds disperse . Thus , many not succeeding , most upbraid The Madness of the visionary Maid ; And with loud Curses leave the mystick Shade . Think it not loss of time a while to stay ; Though thy Companions chide thy long delay : Tho' summon'd to the Seas , tho' pleasing Gales Invite thy Course , and stretch thy swelling Sails . But beg the sacred Priestess to relate With willing Words , and not to write thy Fate . The fierce Italian People she will show ; And all thy Wars , and all thy Future Woe ; And what thou may'st avoid , and what must undergo . She shall direct thy Course , instruct thy Mind ; And teach thee how the happy Shores to find . This is what Heav'n allows me to relate : Now part in Peace ; pursue thy better Fate , And raise , by strength of Arms , the Trojan State ▪ This , when the Priest with friendly Voice declar'd , He gave me Licence , and rich Gifts prepar'd : Bounteous of Treasure , he supply'd my want With heavy Gold , and polish'd Elephant . Then Dodonaean Caldrons put on Bord , And ev'ry Ship with Sums of Silver stor'd . A trusty Coat of Mail to me he sent , Thrice chain'd with Gold , for Use and Ornament : The Helm of Pyrrhus added to the rest , That flourish'd with a Plume and waving Crest . Nor was my Sire forgotten , nor my Friends : And large Recruits he to my Navy sends ; Men , Horses , Captains , Arms , and warlick Stores : Supplies new Pilots , and new sweeping Oars . Mean time , my Sire commands to hoist our Sails ; Lest we shou'd lose the first auspicious Gales . The Prophet bless'd the parting Crew : and last , With Words like these , his ancient Friend embrac'd . Old happy Man , the Care of Gods above , Whom Heav'nly Venus honour'd with her Love , And twice preserv'd thy Life , when Troy was lost ; Behold from far the wish'd Ausonian Coast : There land ; but take a larger Compass round ; For that before is all forbidden Ground . The Shore that Phoebus has design'd for you , At farther distance lies , conceal'd from view . Go happy hence , and seek your new Abodes ; Bless'd in a Son , and favour'd by the Gods : For I with useless words prolong your stay ; When Southern Gales have summon'd you away . Nor less the Queen our parting thence deplor'd ; Nor was less bounteous than her Trojan Lord. A noble Present to my Son she brought , A Robe with Flow'rs on Golden Tissue wrought ; A Phrygian Vest ; and loads , with Gifts beside Of precious Texture , and of Asian Pride . Accept , she said , these Monuments of Love ; Which in my Youth with happier Hands I wove : Regard these Trifles for the Giver's sake ; T is the last Present Hector's Wife can make . Thou call'st my lost Astyanax to mind : In thee his Features , and his Form I find . His Eyes so sparkled with a lively Flame ; Such were his Motions , such was all his Frame ; And ah ! had Heav'n so pleas'd , his Years had been the same . With Tears I took my last adieu , and said , Your Fortune , happy pair , already made , Leaves you no farther Wish : My diff'rent state , Avoiding one , incurs another Fate . To you a quiet Seat the Gods allow , You have no Shores to search , no Seas to plow , Nor Fields of flying Italy to chase : ( Deluding Visions , and a vain Embrace ! ) You see another Simois , and enjoy The labour of your Hands another Troy ; With better Auspice than her ancient Tow'rs : And less obnoxious to the Grecian Pow'rs . If e're the Gods , whom I with Vows adore , Conduct my Steps to Tiber's happy Shore : If ever I ascend the Latian Throne , And build a City I may call my own , As both of us our Birth from Troy derive , So let our Kindred Lines in Concord live : And both in Acts of equal Friendship strive . Our Fortunes , good or bad , shall be the same ▪ The double Troy shall differ but in Name : That what we now begin , may never end ; But long , to late Posterity descend . To Edward Browne Dr. in Physick . AE . 3. l. 625. Near the Ceraunean Rocks our Course we bore : ( The shortest passage to th' Italian shore : ) Now had the Sun withdrawn his radiant Light , And Hills were hid in dusky Shades of Night : We land ; and on the bosom of the Ground A safe Retreat , and a bare Lodging found ; Close by the Shore we lay ; the Sailors keep Their watches , and the rest securely sleep . The Night proceeding on with silent pace , Stood in her noon ; and view'd with equal Face , Her steepy rise , and her declining Race . Then wakeful Palinurus rose , to spie The face of Heav'n , and the Nocturnal Skie ; And listen'd ev'ry breath of Air to try : Observes the Stars , and notes their sliding Course , The Pleiads , Hyads , and their wat'ry force ; And both the Bears is careful to behold ; And bright Orion arm'd with burnish'd Gold. Then when he saw no threat'ning Tempest Nigh , But a sure promise of a settled Skie ; He gave the Sign to weigh ; we break our sleep ; Forsake the pleasing Shore , and plow the deep . And now the rising Morn , with rosie light Adorns the Skies , and puts the Stars to flight : When we from far , like bluish Mists , descry The Hills , and then the Plains of Italy . Achates first pronounc'd the Joyful sound ; Then Italy the chearful Crew rebound . My Sire Anchises crown'd a Cup with Wine : And off'ring , thus implor'd the Pow'rs Divine . Ye Gods , presiding over Lands and Seas , And you who raging Winds and Waves appease , Breath on our swelling Sails a prosp'rous Wind : And smooth our Passage to the Port assign'd . The gentle Gales their flagging force renew ; And now the happy Harbour is in view . Minerva's Temple then salutes our sight ; Plac'd , as a Land-mark , on the Mountains height : We furl our Sails , and turn the Prows to shore ; The curling Waters round the Galleys roar : The Land lies open to the raging East , Then , bending like a Bow , with Rocks compress'd , Shuts out the Storms ; the Winds and Waves complain , And vent their malice on the Cliffs in vain . The Port lies hid within ; on either side Two Tow'ring Rocks the narrow mouth divide . The Temple , which aloft we view'd before , To distance flies , and seems to shun the Shore . Scarce landed , the first Omens I beheld Were four white Steeds that crop'd the flow'ry Field . War , War is threaten'd from this Forreign Ground , ( My Father cry'd ) where warlike Steeds are found . Yet , since reclaim'd to Chariots they submit , And bend to stubborn Yokes , and champ the Bitt , Peace may succeed to Warr. Our way we bend To Pallas , and the sacred Hill ascend . There , prostrate to the fierce Virago pray ; Whose Temple was the Land-Mark of our way . Each with a Phrygian Mantle veil'd his Head ; And all Commands of Helenus obey'd ; And pious Rites to Grecian Juno paid . These dues perform'd , we stretch our Sails , and stand To Sea , forsaking that suspected Land. From hence Tarentum's Bay appears in view ; For Hercules renown'd , if Fame be true . Just opposite , Lacinian Juno stands ; Caulonian Tow'rs and Scylacaean Strands . For Shipwrecks fear'd : Mount Etna thence we spy , Known by the smoaky Flames which Cloud the Skie . Far off we hear the Waves , with surly sound Invade the Rocks , the Rocks their groans rebound . The Billows break upon the sounding Strand ; And roul the rising Tide , impure with Sand. Then thus Anchises , in Experience old , 'T is that Charibdis which the Seer foretold : And those the promis'd Rocks ; bear off to Sea : With haste the frighted Mariners obey . First Palinurus to the Larboor'd veer'd ; Then all the Fleet by his Example steer'd . To Heav'n aloft on ridgy Waves we ride ; Then down to Hell descend , when they divide . And thrice our Gallies knock'd the stony ground , And thrice the hollow Rocks return'd the sound , And thrice we saw the Stars , that stood with dews around . The flagging Winds forsook us , with the Sun ; And weary'd , on Cyclopean Shores we run . The Port capacious , and secure from Wind , Is to the foot of thundring Etna joyn'd . By turns a pitchy Cloud she rowls on high ; By turns hot Embers from her entrails fly ; And flakes of mounting Flames , that lick the Skie . Oft from her Bowels massy Rocks are thrown , And shiver'd by the force come piece-meal down . Oft liquid Lakes of burning Sulphur flow , Fed from the fiery Springs that boil below . Enceladus they say , transfix'd by Jove , With blasted Limbs came tumbling from above : And , where he fell , th' Avenging Father drew This flaming Hill , and on his Body threw : As often as he turns his weary sides , He shakes the solid Isle , and smoke the Heavens hides . In shady Woods we pass the tedious Night , Where bellowing Sounds and Groans our Souls affright Of which no Cause is offer'd to the sight . For not one Star was kindled in the Skie ; Nor cou'd the Moon her borrow'd Light supply : For misty Clouds invovl'd the Firmament ; The Stars were muffled , and the Moon was pent . Scarce had the rising Sun the day reveal'd ; Scarce had his heat the pearly dews dispell'd ; When from the Woods there bolts , before our sight , Somewhat , betwixt a Mortal and a Spright . So thin , so ghastly meagre , and so wan , So bare of flesh , he scarce resembled Man. This thing , all tatter'd , seem'd from far t'implore Our pious aid , and pointed to the Shore . We look behind ; then view his shaggy Beard ; His Cloaths were tagg'd with Thorns , and Filth his Limbs besmear'd : The rest , in Meen , in habit , and in Face , Appear'd a Greek ; and such indeed he was . He cast on us , from far , a frightful view , Whom soon for Trojans and for Foes he knew : Stood still , and paus'd ; then all at once began To stretch his Limbs , and trembled as he ran . Soon as approach'd , upon his Knees he falls , And thus with Tears and Sighs for pity calls . Now by the Pow'rs above , and what we share As Nature's common Gift , this vital Air , O Trojans take me hence : I beg no more , But bear me far from this unhappy Shore . 'T is true I am a Greek , and farther own , Among your Foes besieg'd th' Imperial Town ; For such Demerits if my death be due , No more for this abandon'd life I sue : This only Favour let my Tears obtain , To throw me headlong in the rapid Main : Since nothing more than Death my Crime demands , I dye content , to dye by human Hands . He said , and on his Knees my Knees embrac'd , I bad him boldly tell his Fortune past ; His present State , his Lineage and his Name ; Th' occasion of his Fears , and whence he came . The good Anchises rais'd him with his Hand ; Who , thus encourag'd , answer'd our Demand : From Ithaca my native Soil I came To Troy , and Achaemenides my Name . Me , my poor Father , with Ulysses sent ; ( Oh had I stay'd , with Poverty content ! ) But fearful for themselves , my Country-men Left me forsaken in the Cyclop's Den. The Cave , though large , was dark , the dismal Flore Was pav'd with mangled Limbs and putrid Gore . Our monstrous Host , of more than Human Size , Erects his Head , and stares within the Skies . Bellowing his Voice , and horrid is his Hue. Ye Gods , remove this Plague from Mortal View ! The Joints of slaughter'd Wretches are his Food : And for his Wine he quaffs the streaming Blood. These Eyes beheld , when with his spacious Hand He seiz'd two Captives of our Grecian Band ; Stretch'd on his Back , he dash'd against the Stones Their broken Bodies , and their crackling Bones : With spouting Blood the Purple Pavement swims , While the dire Glutton grinds the trembling Limbs . Not unreveng'd , Ulysses bore their Fate , Nor thoughtless of his own unhappy State : For , gorg'd with Flesh , and drunk with Human Wine , While fast asleep the Gyant lay supine ; Snoaring aloud , and belching from his Maw His indigested Foam , and Morsels raw : We pray , we cast the Lots , and then surround The monstrous Body , stretch'd along the Ground : Each , as he cou'd approach him , lends a hand To bore his Eyeball with a flaming Brand. Beneath his frowning Forehead lay his Eye , ( For onely one did the vast Frame supply ; ) But that a Globe so large , his Front it fill'd , Like the Sun 's disk , or like a Grecian Shield . The Stroke succeeds ; and down the Pupil bends ; This Vengeance follow'd for our slaughter'd Friends . But haste , unhappy Wretches , haste to fly ; Your Cables cut , and on your Oars rely . Such , and so vast as Polypheme appears , A hundred more this hated Island bears : Like him in Caves they shut their woolly Sheep , Like him , their Herds on tops of Mountains keep ; Like him , with mighty Strides , they stalk from Steep to Steep . And now three Moons their sharpen'd Horns renew Since thus in Woods and Wilds , obscure from view , I drag my loathsom Days with mortal Fright ; And in deserted Caverns lodge by Night . Oft from the Rocks a dreadful Prospect see , Of the huge Cyclops , like a walking Tree : From far I hear his thund'ring Voice resound ; And trampling Feet that shake the solid Ground . Cornels , and salvage Berries of the Wood , And Roots and Herbs have been my meagre Food . While all around my longing Eyes I cast , I saw your happy Ships appear at last . On those I fix'd my hopes , to these I run , 'T is all I ask this cruel Race to shun : To Wm. Gibbons D r. : in Physick AE . 3. l. 865. What other Death you please your selves , bestow . Scarce had he said , when on the Mountain's brow , We saw the Gyant-Shepherd stalk before His following Flock , and leading to the Shore . A monstrous Bulk , deform'd , depriv'd of Sight , His Staff a trunk of Pine , to guide his steps aright . His pondrous Whistle from his Neck descends ; His woolly Care their pensive Lord attends : This onely Solace his hard Fortune sends . Soon as he reach'd the Shore , and touch'd the Waves , From his bor'd Eye the gutt'ring Blood he laves : He gnash'd his Teeth and groan'd ; thro' Seas he strides , And scarce the topmost Billows touch'd his sides . Seiz'd with a sudden Fear , we run to Sea , The Cables cut , and silent haste away : The well deserving Stranger entertain ; Then , buckling to the Work , our Oars divide the Main . The Gyant harken'd to the dashing Sound : But when our Vessels out of reach he found , He strided onward ; and in vain essay'd Th' Ionian Deep , and durst no farther wade . With that he roar'd aloud ; the dreadful Cry Shakes Earth , and Air , and Seas ; the Billows fly Before the bellowing Noise , to distant Italy . The neighb'ring Aetna trembled all around ; The winding Caverns echo to the sound . His brother Cyclops hear the yelling Roar ; And , rushing down the Mountains , crowd the Shoar : We saw their stern distorted looks , from far , And one ey'd Glance , that vainly threatned War. A dreadful Council , with their heads on high ; The misty Clouds about their Foreheads fly : Not yielding to the tow'ring Tree of Jove ; Or tallest Cypress of Diana's Grove . New Pangs of mortal Fear our Minds assail , We tug at ev'ry Oar , and hoist up ev'ry Sail ; And take th' Advantage of the friendly Gale. Forewarn'd by Helenus , we strive to shun Charibdis Gulph , nor dare to Scylla run . An equal Fate on either side appears ; We , tacking to the left , are free from Fears . For from Pelorus Point , the North arose , And drove us back where swift Pantagias flows . His Rocky Mouth we pass ; and make our Way By Thapsus , and Megara's winding Bay ; This Passage Achaemenides had shown , Tracing the Course which he before had run . Right o're-against Plemmyrium's watry Strand , There lies an Isle once call'd th' Ortygian Land : Alphëus , as Old Fame reports , has found From Greece a secret Passage under-ground : By Love to beauteous Arethusa led , And mingling here , they rowl in the same Sacred Bed. As Helenus enjoyn'd , we next adore Diana's Name , Protectress of the Shore . With prosp'rous Gales we pass the quiet Sounds Of still Elorus and his fruitsul Bounds . Then doubling Cape Pachynus , we survey The rocky Shore extended to the Sea. The Town of Camarine from far we see ; And fenny Lake undrain'd by Fates decree . In sight of the Geloan Fields we pass , And the large Walls , where mighty Gela was : Then Agragas with lofty Summets crown'd ; Long for the Race of warlike Steeds renown'd : We pass'd Selinus , and the Palmy Land , And widely shun the Lilybaean Strand , Unsafe , for secret Rocks , and moving Sand. At length on Shore the weary Fleet arriv'd ; Which Drepanum's unhappy Port receiv'd . Here , after endless Labours , often tost By raging Storms , and driv'n on ev'ry Coast , My dear , dear Father , spent with Age , I lost . Ease of my Cares , and Solace of my Pain , Sav'd through a thousand Toils , but sav'd in vain : The Prophet , who my future Woes reveal'd , Yet this , the greatest and the worst , conceal'd . And dire Celoeno , whose foreboding Skill Denounc'd all else , was silent of this Ill : This my last Labour was . Some friendly God , From thence convey'd us to your blest Abode . Thus to the listning Queen , the Royal Guest His wand'ring Course , and all his Toils express'd ; And here concluding , he retir'd to rest . The Fourth Book of the Aeneis . The Argument . Dido discovers to her Sister her Passion for Aeneas , and her thoughts of marrying him . She prepares a Hunting-Match for his Entertainment . Juno by Venus 's consent raises a Storm , which separates the Hunters , and drives Aeneas and Dido into the same Cave , where their Marriage is suppos'd to be compleated . Jupiter dispatches Mercury to Aeneas , to warn him from Carthage ; Aeneas secretly prepares for his Voyage : Dido finds out his Design , and to put a stop to it , makes use of her own , and her Sister's Entreaties , and discovers all the variety of Passions that are incident to a neglected Lover : When nothing wou'd prevail upon him , she contrives her own Death , with which this Book concludes . BUT anxious Cares already seiz'd the Queen : She fed within her Veins a Flame unseen : The Heroe's Valour , Acts , and Birth inspire Her Soul with Love , and fann the secret Fire . His Words , his Looks imprinted in her Heart , Improve the Passion , and increase the Smart . Now , when the Purple Morn had chas'd away The dewy Shadows , and restor'd the Day ; Her Sister first , with early Care she sought , And thus in mournful Accents eas'd her Thought . My dearest Anna , what new Dreams affright My lab'ring Soul ; what Visions of the Night Disturb my Quiet , and distract my Breast , With strange Ideas of our Trojan Guest ? His Worth , his Actions , and Majestick Air , A Man descended from the Gods declare : Fear never harbours in a Noble Mind , But Modesty , with just Assurance join'd . To y e Right Hon ble . John Earle of Exeter Baron Coecill of Burleigh & ct AE . 4. l : 1. Then , what he suffer'd , when by Fate betray'd , What brave Attempts for falling Troy he made ! Such were his Looks , so gracefully he spoke , That were I not resolv'd against the Yoke Of hapless Marriage ; never to be curs'd With second Love , so fatal was my first ; To this one Error I might yield again : For since Sichaeus was untimely slain , This onely Man , is able to subvert The fix'd Foundations of my stubborn Heart . And to confess my Frailty , to my shame , Somewhat I find within , if not the same , Too like the Sparkles of my former Flame . But first let yawning Earth a Passage rend ; And let me through the dark Abyss descend ; First let avenging Jove , with Flames from high , Drive down this Body , to the neather Sky , Condemn'd with Ghosts in endless Night to lye ; Before I break the plighted Faith I gave ; No ; he who had my Vows , shall ever have ; For whom I lov'd on Earth , I worship in the Grave . She said ; the Tears ran gushing from her Eyes , And stop'd her Speech : her Sister thus replies . O dearer than the vital Air I breath , Will you to Grief your blooming Years bequeath ? Condem'd to wast in Woes , your lonely Life , Without the Joys of Mother , or of Wife . Think you these Tears , this pompous Train of Woe , Are known , or valu'd by the Ghosts below ? I grant , that while your Sorrows yet were green , It well became a Woman , and a Queen , The Vows of Tyrian Princes to neglect , To scorn Hyarbas , and his Love reject ; With all the Lybian Lords of mighty Name , But will you fight against a pleasing Flame ! This little Spot of Land , which Heav'n bestows , On ev'ry side is hemm'd with warlike Foes : Getulian Cities here are spread around ; And fierce Numidians there your Frontiers bound ; Here lies a barren Wast of thirsty Land , And there the Syrtes raise the moving Sand : Barcaean Troops befiege the narrow Shore ; And from the Sea Pigmalion threatens more . Propitious Heav'n , and gracious Juno , lead This wand'ring Navy to your needful Aid : How will your Empire spread , your City rise From such an Union , and with such Allies ! Implore the Favour of the Pow'rs above ; And leave the Conduct of the rest to Love. Continue still your hospitable way , And still invent occasions of their Stay ; 'Till Storms , and winter Winds , shall cease to threat , And Plancks and Oars , repair their shatter'd Fleet. These Words , which from a Friend , and Sister came , With Ease resolv'd the Scruples of her Fame ; And added Fury to the kindled Flame . Inspir'd with Hope , the Project they pursue ; On ev'ry Altar Sacrifice renew ; A chosen Ewe of two Years old they pay To Ceres , Bacchus , and the God of Day : Preferring Juno's Pow'r : For Juno ties The Nuptial Knot , and makes the Marriage Joys . The beauteous Queen before her Altar stands , And holds the Golden Goblet in her Hands : A milk-white Heifar she with Flow'rs adorns , And pours the ruddy Wine betwixt her Horns ; To the Lady Mary Giffard AE . 4. l. 80. And while the Priests with Pray'r the Gods invoke , She feeds their Altars with Sabaean Smoke . With hourly Care the Sacrifice renews , And anxiously the panting Entrails Views . What Priestly Rites , alas ! what Pious Art , What Vows avail to cure a bleeding Heart ! A gentle Fire she feeds within her Veins ; Where the soft God secure in silence reigns . Sick with desire , and seeking him she loves , From Street to Street , the raving Dido roves . So when the watchful Shepherd , from the Blind , Wounds with a random Shaft the careless Hind ; Distracted with her pain she flies the Woods , Bounds o're the Lawn , and seeks the silent Floods ; With fruitless Care ; for still the fatal Dart Sticks in her side ; and ranckles in her Heart . And now she leads the Trojan Chief , along The lofty Walls , amidst the buisie Throng ; Displays her Tyrian Wealth , and rising Town , Which Love , without his Labour , makes his own . This Pomp she shows to tempt her wond'ring Guest ; Her falt'ring Tongue forbids to speak the rest . When Day declines , and Feasts renew the Night , Still on his Face she feeds her famish'd sight ; She longs again to hear the Prince relate His own Adventures , and the Trojan Fate : He tells it o're and o're ; but still in vain ; For still she begs to hear it , once again . The Hearer on the Speaker's Mouth depends ; And thus the Tragick Story never ends . Then , when they part , when Phoebe's paler Light Withdraws , and falling Stars to Sleep invite , She last remains , when when ev'ry Guest is gone , Sits on the Bed he press'd , and sighs alone ; Absent , her absent Heroe sees and hears ; Or in her Bosom young Ascanius bears : And seeks the Father's Image in the Child , If Love by Likeness might be so beguil'd . Mean time the rising Tow'rs are at a stand : No Labours exercise the youthful Band : Nor use of Arts , nor Toils of Arms they know ; The Mole is left unfinish'd to the Foe . The Mounds , the Works , the Walls , neglected lye , And , left unbuilt , are shorter of the Sky . But when Imperial Juno , from above , Saw Dido fetter'd in the Chains of Love ; Hot with the Venom , which her Veins inflam'd , And by no sense of Shame to be reclaim'd : With soothing Words to Venus she begun . High Praises , endless Honours you have won , And mighty Trophees with your worthy Son : Two Gods a silly Woman have undone . Nor am I ignorant , you both suspect This rising City , which my Hands erect : But shall Coelestial Discord never cease ? 'T is better ended in a lasting Peace . You stand possess'd of all your Soul desir'd ; Poor Dido with consuming Love is fir'd : Your Trojan with my Tyrian let us join , So Dido shall be yours , Aeneas mine : One common Kingdom , one united Line . Elisa shall a Dardan Lord obey , And lofty Carthage for a Dow'r convey . Then Venus , who her hidden Fraud descry'd , ( Which wou'd the Scepter of the World , misguide To Lybian Shores , ) thus artfully reply'd , Who but a Fool , wou'd Wars with Juno chuse , And such Alliance , and such Gifts refuse ? If Fortune with our joint Desires comply : The Doubt is all from Jove , and Destiny . Lest he forbid , with absolute Command , To mix the People in one common Land. Or will the Trojan , and the Tyrian Line , In lasting Leagues , and sure Succession join ? But you , the Partner of his Bed and Throne , May move his Mind ; my Wishes are your own . Mine , said Imperial Juno , be the Care ; Time urges , now , to perfect this Affair : Attend my Counsel , and the Secret share . When next the Sun his rising Light displays , And guilds the World below , with Purple Rays ; The Queen , Aeneas , and the Tyrian Court , Shall to the shady Woods , for Silvan Game , resort . There , while the Huntsmen pitch their Toils around , And chearful Horns , from Side to Side , resound ; A Pitchy Cloud shall cover all the Plain With Hail , and Thunder , and tempestuous Rain : The fearful Train shall take their speedy Flight , Dispers'd , and all involv'd in gloomy Night : One Cave a grateful Shelter shall afford To the fair Princess , and the Trojan Lord. I will my self , the bridal Bed prepare , If you , to bless the Nuptials , will be there : So shall their Loves be crown'd with due Delights , And Hymen shall be present at the Rites . The Queen of Love consents , and closely smiles At her vain Project , and discover'd Wiles . The rosy Morn was risen from the Main , And Horns and Hounds awake the Princely Train : They issue early through the City Gate , Where the more wakeful Huntsmen ready wait , With Nets , and Toils , and Darts , beside the force Of Spartan Dogs , and swift Massylian Horse . The Tyrian Peers , and Officers of State , For the slow Queen , in Anti-Chambers wait : Her lofty Courser , in the Court below , ( Who his Majestick Rider seems to know , ) Proud of his Purple Trappings , paws the Ground ; And champs the Golden Bitt ; and spreads the Foam around . The Queen at length appears : On either Hand The brawny Guards in Martial Order stand . A flow'rd Cymarr , with Golden Fringe , she wore ; And at her Back a Golden Quiver bore : Her flowing Hair , a Golden Caul restrains ; A golden Clasp , the Tyrian Robe sustains . Then young Ascanius , with a sprightly Grace , Leads on the Trojan Youth to view the Chace . But far above the rest in beauty shines The great Aeneas , when the Troop he joins : Like fair Apollo , when he leaves the frost Of wintry Xanthus , and the Lycian Coast ; When to his Native Delos he resorts , Ordains the Dances , and renews the Sports : Where painted Scythians , mix'd with Cretan Bands , Before the joyful Altars join their Hands . Himself , on Cynthus walking , sees below The merry Madness of the sacred Show . Green Wreaths of Bays his length of Hair inclose , A Golden Fillet binds his awful Brows : His Quiver sounds : Not less the Prince is seen In manly Presence , or in lofty Meen . Now had they reach'd the Hills , and storm'd the Seat Of salvage Beasts , in Dens , their last Retreat ; The Cry pursues the Mountain-Goats ; they bound From Rock to Rock , and keep the craggy Ground : To The Right Hon ble . Hugh L d Clifford Baron of Chudleigh in y e County of Devon , AE . 4. l. 230. Quite otherwise the Stags , a trembling Train , In Herds unsingl'd , scour the dusty Plain ; And a long Chace , in open view , maintain . The glad Ascanius , as his Courser guides , Spurs through the Vale ; and these and those outrides . His Horses flanks and sides are forc'd to feel The clanking lash , and goring of the Steel . Impatiently he views the feeble Prey , Wishing some Nobler Beast to cross his way . And rather wou'd the tusky Boar attend , Or see the Lyon from the Hills descend . Mean time , the gath'ring Clouds obscure the Skies ; From Pole to Pole the forky Lightning flies ; The ratling Thunders rowl ; and Juno pours A wintry Deluge down ; and founding Show'rs . The Company dispers'd , to Coverts ride , And seek the homely Cotts , or Mountains hollow side . The rapid Rains , descending from the Hills , To rowling Torrents raise the creeping Rills . The Queen and Prince , as Love or Fortune guides , One common Cavern in her Bosom hides . Then first the trembling Earth the signal gave ; And flashing Fires enlighten all the Cave : Hell from below , and Juno from above , And howling Nymphs , were conscious to their Love. From this ill Omend Hour , in Time arose Debate and Death , and all succeeding woes . The Queen whom sense of Honour cou'd not move No longer made a Secret of her Love ; But call'd it Marriage , by that specious Name , To veil the Crime and sanctifie the Shame . The loud Report through Lybian Cities goes ; Fame , the great Ill , from fmall beginnings grows . Swift from the first ; and ev'ry Moment brings New Vigour to her flights , new Pinions to her wings . Soon grows the Pygmee to Gygantic size ; Her Feet on Earth , her Forehead in the Skies : Inrag'd against the Gods , revengful Earth Produc'd her last of the Titanian birth . Swift is her walk , more swift her winged hast : A monstrous Fantom , horrible and vast ; As many Plumes as raise her lofty flight , So many piercing Eyes inlarge her sight : Millions of opening Mouths to Fame belong ; And ev'ry Mouth is furnish'd with a Tongue : And round with listning Ears the flying Plague is hung . She fills the peaceful Universe with Cries ; No Slumbers ever close her wakeful Eyes . By Day from lofty Tow'rs her Head she shews ; And spreads through trembling Crowds disastrous News . With Court Informers haunts , and Royal Spies , Things done relates , not done she feigns ; and mingles Truth with Lyes . Talk is her business ; and her chief delight To tell of Prodigies , and cause affright . She fills the Peoples Ears with Dido's Name ; Who , lost to Honour , and the sense of Shame , Admits into her Throne and Nuptial Bed A wandring Guest , who from his Country fled : Whole days with him she passes in delights ; And wasts in Luxury long Winter Nights . Forgetful of her Fame , and Royal Trust ; Dissolv'd in Ease , abandon'd to her Lust . The Goddess widely spreads the loud Report ; And flies at length to King Hyarba's Court. When first possess'd with this unwelcome News , Whom did he not of Men and Gods accuse ! This Prince , from ravish'd Garamantis born , A hundred Temples did with Spoils adorn , In Ammon's Honour , his Coelestial Sire ; A hundred Altars fed , with wakeful Fire : And through his vast Dominions , Priests ordain'd , Whose watchful Care these holy Rites maintain'd . The Gates and Columns were with Garlands crown'd , And Blood of Victim Beasts enrich the Ground . He , when he heard a Fugitive cou'd move The Tyrian Princess , who disdain'd his Love , His Breast with Fury burn'd , his Eyes with Fire ; Mad with Despair , impatient with Desire . Then on the Sacred Altars pouring Wine , He thus with Pray'rs implor'd his Sire divine . Great Jove , propitious to the Moorish Race , Who feast on painted Beds , with Off'rings grace Thy Temples , and adore thy Pow'r Divine With offer'd Victims , and with sparkling Wine : Seest thou not this ? or do we fear in vain Thy boasted Thunder , and thy thoughtless Reign ? Do thy broad Hands the forky Lightnings lance , Thine are the Bolts , or the blind work of Chance ? A wandring Woman builds , within our State , A little Town , bought at an easie Rate ; She pays me Homage , and my Grants allow , A narrow space of Lybian Lands to plough . Yet scorning me , by Passion blindly led , Admits a banish'd Trojan to her Bed : And now this other Paris , with his Train Of conquer'd Cowards , must in Affrick reign ! ( Whom , what they are , their Looks and Garb confess ; Their Locks with Oil perfum'd , their Lydian dress : ) He takes the Spoil , enjoys the Princely Dame ; And I , rejected I , adore an empty Name . His Vows , in haughty Terms , he thus preferr'd , And held his Altar's Horns ; the mighty Thund'rer heard , Then cast his Eyes on Carthage , where he found The lustful Pair , in lawless pleasure drown'd . Lost in their Loves , insensible of Shame ; And both forgetful of their better Fame . He calls Cyllenius ; and the God attends ; By whom his menacing Command he sends . Go , mount the Western Winds , and cleave the Skie ; Then , with a swift descent , to Carthage fly : There find the Trojan Chief , who wastes his Days In sloathful Riot , and inglorious Ease . Nor minds the future City , giv'n by Fate ; To him this Message from my Mouth relate . Not so , fair Venus hop'd , when twice she won Thy Life with Pray'rs ; nor promis'd such a Son. Hers was a Heroe , destin'd to command A Martial Race ; and rule the Latian Land. Who shou'd his ancient Line from Teucer draw ; And , on the conquer'd World , impose the Law. If Glory cannot move a Mind so mean , Nor future Praise , from fading Pleasure wean , Yet why shou'd he defraud his Son of Fame ; And grudge the Romans their Immortal Name ! What are his vain Designs ! what hopes he more , From his long ling'ring on a hostile Shore ? Regardless to redeem his Honour lost , And for his Race to gain th' Ausonian Coast ! Bid him with Speed the Tyrian Court forsake ; With this Command the slumb'ring Warrior wake . Hermes obeys ; with Golden Pinions binds His flying Feet , and mounts the Western Winds : And whether o're the Seas or Earth he flies , With rapid Force , they bear him down the Skies . To John Walkeden of ye. Inner Temple Esq : r AE . 4. l. 230. But first he grasps within his awful Hand , The mark of Sov'raign Pow'r , his Magick Wand : With this , he draws the Ghosts from hollow Graves , With this he drives them down the Stygian Waves ; With this he seals in Sleep , the wakeful sight ; And Eyes , though clos'd in Death restores to Light. Thus arm'd , the God begins his Airy Race ; And drives the racking Clouds along the liquid Space . Now sees the Tops of Atlas , as he flies ; Whose brawny Back supports the starry Skies : Atlas , whose Head with Piny Forests crown'd , Is beaten by the Winds ; with foggy Vapours bound . Snows hide his Shoulders ; from beneath his Chin The Founts of rolling Streams their Race begin : A beard of Yce on his large Breast depends : Here pois'd upon his Wings , the God descends . Then , rested thus , he from the tow'ring height Plung'd downward , with precipitated Flight : Lights on the Seas , and skims along the Flood : As Water-fowl , who seek their fishy Food , Less , and yet less , to distant Prospect show , By turns they dance aloft , and dive below : Like these , the steerage of his Wings he plies ; And near the surface of the Water flies . 'Till having pass'd the Seas , and cross'd the Sands , He clos'd his Wings , and stoop'd on Lybian Lands : Where Shepherds once were hous'd in homely Sheds , Now Tow'rs within the Clouds , advance their Heads . Arriving there , he found the Trojan Prince , New Ramparts raising for the Town 's defence : A Purple Scarf , with Gold embroider'd o're , ( Queen Dido's Gift ) about his Waste he wore ; A Sword with glitt'ring Gems diversify'd , For Ornament , not use , hung idly by his side . Then thus , with winged Words , the God began ; ( Resuming his own Shape ) degenerate Man , Thou Woman's Property , what mak'st thou here , These foreign Walls , and Tyrian Tow'rs to rear ? Forgetful of thy own ? All pow'rful Jove , Who sways the World below , and Heav'n above , Has sent me down , with this severe Command : What means thy ling'ring in the Lybian Land ? If Glory cannot move a Mind so mean , Nor future Praise , from flitting Pleasure wean , Regard the Fortunes of thy rising Heir ; The promis'd Crown let young Ascanius wear . To whom th' Ausonian Scepter , and the State Of Rome's Imperial Name , is ow'd by Fate . So spoke the God ; and speaking took his flight , Involv'd in Clouds ; and vanish'd out of sight . The Pious Prince was seiz'd with sudden Fear ; Mute was his Tongue , and upright stood his Hair : Revolving in his Mind the stern Command , He longs to fly , and loaths the charming Land. What shou'd he say , or how shou'd he begin , What Course , alas ! remains , to steer between Th' offended Lover , and the Pow'rful Queen ! This way , and that , he turns his anxious Mind , And all Expedients tries , and none can find : Fix'd on the Deed , but doubtful of the Means ; After long Thought to this Advice he leans . Three Chiefs he calls , commands them to repair The Fleet , and ship their Men with silent Care : Some plausible Pretence he bids them find , To colour what in secret he design'd . Himself , mean time , the softest Hours wou'd chuse , Before the Love-sick Lady heard the News . And move her tender Mind , by slow degrees , To suffer what the Sov'raign Pow'r decrees : Jove will inspire him , when , and what to say : They hear with Pleasure , and with haste obey . But soon the Queen perceives the thin Disguise ; ( What Arts can blind a jealous Woman's Eyes ! ) She was the first to find the secret Fraud , Before the fatal News was blaz'd abroad . Love , the first Motions of the Lover hears , Quick to presage , and ev'n in Safety fears . Nor impious Fame was wanting to report The Ships repair'd ; the Trojans thick Resort , And purpose to forsake the Tyrian Court. Frantick with Fear , impatient of the Wound , And impotent of Mind , she roves the City round . Less wild the Bacchanalian Dames appear , When , from afar , their nightly God they hear , And houl about the Hills , and shake the wreathy Spear . At length she finds the dear perfidious Man ; Prevents his form'd Excuse , and thus began . Base and ungrateful , cou'd you hope to fly , And undisover'd scape a Lover's Eye ! Nor cou'd my Kindness your Compassion move , Nor plighted Vows , nor dearer bands of Love ! Or is the Death of a despairing Queen Not worth preventing , though too well foreseen ? Even when the Wint'ry Winds command your stay , You dare the Tempests , and defie the Sea. False , as you are , suppose you were not bound To Lands unknown , and foreign Coasts to found ; Were Troy restor'd , and Priam's happy Reign , Now durst you tempt for Troy , the raging Main ? See , whom you fly ; am I the Foe you shun ? Now by those holy Vows , so late begun , By this right Hand , ( since I have nothing more To challenge , but the Faith you gave before ; ) I beg you by these Tears too truly shed , By the new Pleasures of our Nuptial Bed ; If ever Dido , when you most were kind , Were pleasing in your Eyes , or touch'd your Mind ; By these my Pray'rs , if Pray'rs may yet have Place , Pity the Fortunes of a falling Race . For you I have provok'd a Tyrant's Hate , Incens'd the Lybian , and the Tyrian State ; For you alone I suffer in my Fame ; Bereft of Honour , and expos'd to Shame : Whom have I now to trust , ( ungrateful Guest , ) That only Name remains of all the rest ! What have I left , or whither can I fly ; Must I attend Pygmalion's Cruelty ! Or till Hyarba shall in Triumph lead A Queen , that proudly scorn'd his proffer'd Bed ! Had you deferr'd , at least , your hasty Flight , And left behind some Pledge of our delight , Some Babe to bless the Mother's mournful sight ; Some young Aeneas , to supply your place ; Whose Features might express his Father's Face ; I should not then complain to live bereft Of all my Husband , or be wholly left . Here paus'd the Queen ; unmov'd he holds his Eyes , By Jove's Command ; nor suffer'd Love to rise , Tho' heaving in his Heart ; and thus at length , replies . Fair Queen , you never can enough repeat Your boundless Favours , or I own my Debt : Nor can my Mind forget Eliza's Name , While vital Breath inspires this Mortal Frame . This , only let me speak in my Defence , I never hop'd a secret Flight from hence : Much less pretended to the Lawful Claim Of Sacred Nuptials , or , a Husband's Name . For if indulgent Heav'n would leave me free , And not submit my Life to Fate 's Decree , My Choice would lead me to the Trojan Shore , Those Reliques to review , their Dust adore ; And Priam's ruin'd Palace to restore . But now the Delphian Oracle Commands , And Fate invites me to the Latian Lands . That is the promis'd Place to which I steer , And all my Vows are terminated there . If you , a Tyrian , and a Stranger born , With Walls and Tow'rs a Lybian Town adorn ; Why may not we , like you , a Foreign Race , Like you seek shelter in a Foreign Place ? As often as the Night obscures the Skies With humid Shades , or twinkling Stars arise , Anchises angry Ghost in Dreams appears ; Chides my delay , and fills my Soul with fears : And young Ascanius justly may complain , Of his defrauded Fate , and destin'd Reign . Ev'n now the Herald of the Gods appear'd , Waking I saw him , and his Message heard . From Jove he came commission'd , Heav'nly bright With Radiant Beams , and manifest to Sight . The Sender and the Sent , I both attest , These Walls he enter'd , and those Words express'd . Fair Queen , oppose not what the Gods command ; Forc'd by my Fate , I leave your happy Land. Thus , while he spoke , already She began , With sparkling Eyes , to view the guilty Man : From Head to Foot survey'd his Person o're , Nor longer these outrageous Threats forbore . False as thou art , and more than false , forsworn ; Not sprung from Noble Blood , nor Goddess-born , But hewn from hardned Entrails of a Rock ; And rough Hyrcanian Tygers gave thee suck . Why shou'd I fawn , what have I worse to fear ? Did he once look , or lent a list'ning Ear ; Sigh'd when I sob'd , or shed one kindly Tear ? All Symptoms of a base Ungrateful Mind , So foul , that which is worse , 't is hard to find . Of Man's Injustice , why shou'd I complain ? The Gods , and Jove himself behold in vain Triumphant Treason , yet no Thunder flyes : Nor Juno views my Wrongs with equal Eyes ; Faithless is Earth , and Faithless are the Skies ! Justice is fled , and Truth is now no more ; I sav'd the Shipwrack'd Exile on my Shore : With needful Food his hungry Trojans fed ; I took the Traytor to my Throne and Bed : Fool that I was — 't is little to repeat The rest , I stor'd and Rigg'd his ruin'd Flect . I rave , I rave : A God's Command he pleads , And makes Heav'n accessary to his Deeds . Now Lycian Lotts , and now the Delian God ; Now Hermes is employ'd from Jove's abode , To warn him hence ; as if the peaceful State Of Heav'nly Pow'rs were touch'd with Humane Fate ! But go ; thy flight no longer I detain ; Go seek thy promis'd Kingdom through the Main : Yet if the Heav'ns will hear my Pious Vow , The faithless Waves , not half so false as thou ; Or secret Sands , shall Sepulchers afford To thy proud Vessels , and their perjur'd Lord. Then shalt thou call on injur'd Dido's Name ; Dido shall come , in a black Sulph'ry flame ; When death has once dissolv'd her Mortal frame . Shall smile to see the Traitor vainly weep , Her angry Ghost arising from the Deep , Shall haunt thee waking , and disturb thy Sleep . At least my Shade thy Punishment shall know ; And Fame shall spread the pleasing News below . Abruptly here she stops : Then turns away Her loathing Eyes , and shuns the sight of Day . Amaz'd he stood , revolving in his Mind What Speech to frame , and what Excuse to find . Her fearful Maids their fainting Mistress led ; And softly laid her on her Iv'ry Bed. But good Aeneas , tho' he much desir'd To give that Pity , which her Grief requir'd , Tho' much he mourn'd , and labour'd with his Love , Resolv'd at length , obeys the Will of Jove : Reviews his Forces ; they with early Care Unmoor their Vessels , and for Sea prepare . The Fleet is soon afloat , in all its Pride : And well calk'd Gallies in the Harbour ride . Then Oaks for Oars they fell'd ; or as they stood , Of its green Arms despoil'd the growing Wood. Studious of Flight : The Beach is cover'd o're With Trojan Bands that blacken all the Shore : On ev'ry side are seen , descending down , Thick swarms of Souldiers loaden from the Town . Thus , in Battalia , march embody'd Ants , Fearful of Winter , and of future Wants , T' invade the Corn , and to their Cells convey The plunder'd Forrage of their yellow Prey . The sable Troops , along the narrow Tracks , Scarce bear the weighty Burthen on their Backs : Some set their Shoulders to the pond'rous Grain ; Some guard the Spoil , some lash the lagging Train ; All ply their sev'ral Tasks , and equal Toil sustain . What Pangs the tender Breast of Dido tore , When , from the Tow'r , she saw the cover'd Shore , And heard the Shouts of Sailors from afar , Mix'd with the Murmurs of the wat'ry War ? All pow'rful Love , what Changes canst thou cause In Human Hearts , subjected to thy Laws ! Once more her haughty Soul the Tyrant bends ; To Pray'rs and mean Submissions she descends . No female Arts or Aids she left untry'd , Nor Counsels unexplor'd , before she dy'd . Look , Anna , look ; the Trojans crowd to Sea , They spread their Canvass , and their Anchors weigh . The shouting Crew , their Ships with Garlands binds ; Invoke the Sea-Gods , and invite the Winds . Cou'd I have thought this threatning Blow so near , My tender Soul had been forewarn'd to bear . But do not you my last Request deny , With yon perfidious Man your Int'rest try ; And bring me News , if I must live or dye . You are his Fav'rite , you alone can find The dark recesses of his inmost Mind : In all his trusted Secrets you have part , And know the soft Approaches to his Heart . Haste then , and humbly seek my haughty Foe ; Tell him , I did not with the Grecians goe ; Nor did my Fleet against his Friends employ , Nor swore the Ruin of unhappy Troy. Nor mov'd with Hands prophane his Father's Dust ; Why shou'd he then reject a suit so just ! Whom does he shun , and whither would he fly ; Can he this last , this only Pray'r deny ! Let him at least his dang'rous Flight delay , Wait better Winds , and hope a calmer Sea. The Nuptials he disclaims I urge no more ; Let him pursue the promis'd Latian Shore . A short delay is all I ask him now , A pause of Grief ; an interval from Woe : 'Till my soft Soul be temper'd to sustain Accustom'd Sorrows , and inur'd to Pain . If you in Pity grant this one Request , My Death shall leave you of my Crown possess'd . This mournful message , Pious Anna bears , And seconds , with her own , her Sister's Tears : But all her Arts are still employ'd in vain ; Again she comes , and is refus'd again . His harden'd Heart nor Pray'rs nor Threatnings move ; Fate , and the God , had stop'd his Ears to Love. As when the Winds their airy Quarrel try ; Justling from ev'ry quarter of the Sky ; This way and that , the Mountain Oak they bend , His Boughs they shatter , and his Branches rend ; With Leaves , and falling Mast , they spread the Ground , The hollow Vallies echo to the Sound : Unmov'd , the Royal Plant their Fury mocks ; Or shaken , clings more closely to the Rocks : Far as he shoots his tow'ring Head on high , So deep in Earth his fix'd Foundations lye . No less a Storm the Trojan Heroe bears ; Thick Messages and loud Complaints he hears ; And bandy'd Words , still beating on his Ears . Sighs , Groans and Tears , proclaim his inward Pains , But the firm purpose of his Heart remains . The wretched Queen , pursu'd by cruel Fate , Begins at length the light of Heav'n to hate : And loaths to live : Then dire Portents she sees , To hasten on the Death her Soul decrees . Strange to relate : for when before the Shrine She pours , in Sacrifice , the Purple Wine , The Purple Wine is turn'd to putrid Blood : And the white offer'd Milk , converts to Mud. This dire Presage , to her alone reveal'd , From all , and ev'n her Sister , she conceal'd . A Marble Temple stood within the Grove , Sacred to Death , and to her murther'd Love ; That honour'd Chappel she had hung around With snowy Fleeces , and with Garlands crown'd : Oft , when she visited this lonely Dome , Strange Voices issu'd from her Husband's Tomb : She thought she heard him summon her away ; Invite her to his Grave ; and chide her stay . Hourly 't is heard , when with a bodeing Note The solitary Screech-Owl strains her Throat : And on a Chimney's top , or Turret's hight , With Songs obscene , disturbs the Silence of the Night . Besides , old Prophesies augment her Fears ; And stern Aeneas in her Dreams appears , ●●sdainful as by Day : She seems alone , To wander in her Sleep , thro ways unknown , Guidless and dark : or , in a Desart Plain , 〈◊〉 seek her Subjects , and to seek in vain . 〈…〉 k Pentheus , when distracted with his Fear , He saw two Suns , and double Thebes appear : Or mad Orestes , when his Mother's Ghost ●ull in his Face , infernal Torches tost ; And shook her snaky locks : He shuns the sight , Flies o're the Stage , surpris'd with mortal fright ; The Furies guard the Door ; and intercept his flight . Now , sinking underneath a load of Grief , From Death alone , she seeks her last Relief : The Time and Means , resolv'd within her Breast , She to her mournful Sister , thus address'd . ( Dissembling hope , her cloudy front she clears , And a false Vigour in her Eyes appears . ) Rejoice she said , instructed from above , My Lover I shall gain , or lose my Love. Nigh rising Atlas , next the falling Sun , Long tracts of Ethiopian Clymates run : There , a Massylian Priestess I have found , Honour'd for Age ; for Magick Arts renown'd : Th' Hesperian Temple was her trusted Care ; 'T was she supply'd the wakeful Dragons Fare . She Poppy-Seeds in Honey taught to steep ; Reclaim'd his Rage ; and sooth'd him into sleep . She watch'd the Golden Fruit ; her Charms unbind The Chains of Love ; or fix them on the Mind . She stops the Torrents , leaves the Channel dry ; Repels the Stars ; and backward bears the Sky . The yawning Earth rebellows to her Call ; Pale Ghosts ascend ; and Mountain Ashes fall . Witness , ye Gods , and thou my better part , How loth I am to try this impious Art ! Within the secret Court , with silent Care , Erect a lofty Pile , expos'd in Air : Hang on the topmost part , the Trojan Vest ; Spoils , Arms , and Presents of my faithless Guest . Next , under these , the bridal Bed be plac'd , Where I my Ruin in his Arms embrac'd : All Relicks of the Wretch are doom'd to Fire ; For so the Priestess , and her Charms require . Thus far she said , and farther Speech forbears : A Mortal Paleness in her Face appears : Yet , the mistrustless Anna , could not find The secret Fun'ral , in these Rites design'd ; Nor thought so dire a Rage possess'd her Mind . Unknowing of a Train conceal'd so well , She fear'd no worse than when Sichaeus fell : Therefore obeys . The fatal Pile they rear , Within the secret Court , expos'd in Air. The cloven Holms and Pines are heap'd on high ; And Garlands on the hollow Spaces lye . Sad Cypress , Vervain , Eugh , compose the Wreath ; And ev'ry baleful green denoting Death . The Queen , determin'd to the fatal Deed , The Spoils and Sword he left , in order spread : And the Man's Image on the Nuptial Bed. And now ( the sacred Altars plac'd around ) The Priestess enters , with her Hair unbound , And thrice invokes the Pow'rs below the Ground . Night , Erebus , and Chaos she proclaims , And threefold Hecat , with her hundred Names , And three Diana's : next she sprinkles round , With feign'd Avernian Drops , the hallow'd ground ; Culls hoary Simples , found by Phoebe's Light , With brazen Sickles reap'd at Noon of Night . Then mixes baleful Juices in the Bowl : And cuts the Forehead of a new-born Fole ; Robbing the Mother's love . The destin'd Queen Observes , assisting at the Rites obscene : A leaven'd Cake in her devoted Hands She holds , and next the highest Altar stands : One tender Foot was shod , her other bare ; Girt was her gather'd Gown , and loose her Hair. Thus dress'd , she summon'd with her dying Breath , The Heav'ns and Planets conscious of her Death : And ev'ry Pow'r , if any rules above , Who minds , or who revenges injur'd Love. 'T was dead of Night , when weary Bodies close Their Eyes in balmy Sleep , and soft Repose : To Henry Tasburgh Esq of Bodney in y e County of Norfolk . AE . 4. l. 730. The Winds no longer whisper through the Woods , Nor murm'ring Tides disturb the gentle Floods . The Stars in silent order mov'd around , And Peace , with downy wings , was brooding on the ground . The Flocks and Herds , and parti-colour'd Fowl , Which haunt the Woods , or swim the weedy Pool ; Stretch'd on the quiet Earth securely lay , Forgetting the past Labours of the day . All else of Nature's common Gift partake ; Unhappy Dido was alone awake . Nor Sleep nor Ease the Furious Queen can find , Sleep fled her Eyes , as Quiet fled her mind . Despair , and Rage , and Love , divide her heart ; Despair and Rage had some , but Love the greater part . Then thus she said within her secret Mind : What shall I do , what Succour can I find ! Become a Supplyant to Hyarba's Pride , And take my turn , to Court and be deny'd ! Shall I with this ungrateful Trojan go , Forsake an Empire , and attend a Foe ? Himself I refug'd , and his Train reliev'd ; T is true ; but am I sure to be receiv'd ? An Exile follows whom a Queen reliev'd ! Can Gratitude in Trojan Souls have place ! Laomedon still lives in all his Race ! Then , shall I seek alone the Churlish Crew , Or with my Fleet their flying Sails pursue ? What force have I but those , whom scarce before I drew reluctant from their Native Shore ? Will they again Embark at my desire , Once more sustain the Seas , and quit their second Tyre ? Rather with Steel thy guilty Breast invade , And take the Fortune thou thy self hast made . Your pity , Sister , first seduc'd my Mind ; Or seconded too well , what I design'd . These dear-bought Pleasures had I never known , Had I continu'd free , and still my own ; Avoiding Love ; I had not found Despair : But shar'd with Salvage Beasts the Common Air. Like them a lonely life I might have led , Not mourn'd the Living , nor disturb'd the Dead . These Thoughts she brooded in her anxious Breast ; On Boord , the Trojan found more easie rest . Resolv'd to sail , in Sleep he pass'd the Night ; And order'd all things for his early flight . To whom once more the winged God appears ; His former Youthful Meen and Shape he wears , And with this new alarm invades his Ears . Sleep'st thou , O Goddess born ! and can'st thou drown Thy needful Cares , so near a Hostile Town ? Beset with Foes ; nor hear'st the Western Gales Invite thy passage , and Inspire thy sails ? She harbours in her Heart a furious hate ; And thou shalt find the dire Effects too late ; Fix'd on Revenge , and Obstinate to die : Haste swiftly hence , while thou hast pow'r to fly . The Sea with Ships will soon be cover'd o're , And blazing Firebrands kindle all the Shore . Prevent her rage , while Night obscures the Skies ; And sail before the purple Morn arise . Who knows what Hazards thy Delay may bring ? Woman 's a various and a changeful Thing . Thus Hermes in the Dream ; then took his flight , Aloft in Air unseen ; and mix'd with Night . Twice warn'd by the Coelestial Messenger , The pious Pious arose with hasty fear : Then rowz'd his drowsie Train without delay , Haste to your banks ; your crooked Anchors weigh ; And spread your flying Sails , and stand to Sea. A God commands ; he stood before my sight ; And urg'd us once again to speedy flight . O sacred Pow'r , what Pow'r so e're thou art , To thy bless'd Orders I resign my heart : Lead thou the way ; protect thy Trojan Bands ; And prosper the Design thy Will Commands . He said , and drawing forth his flaming Sword , His thund'ring Arm divides the many twisted Cord : An emulating Zeal inspires his Train ; They run , they snatch ; they rush into the main . With headlong haste they leave the desert Shores , And brush the liquid Seas with lab'ring Oars . Aurora now had left her Saffron Bed , And beams of early Light the Heav'ns o'respread , When from a Tow'r the Queen , with wakeful Eyes , Saw Day point upward from the rosie Skies : She look'd to Seaward , but the Sea was void , And scarce in ken the sailing Ships descry'd : Stung with despight , and furious with despair , She struck her trembling Breast , and tore her Hair. And shall th' ungrateful Traytor go , she said , My Land forsaken , and my Love betray'd ? Shall we not Arm , not rush from ev'ry Street , To follow , sink , and burn his perjur'd Fleet ? Haste , haul my Gallies out , pursue the Foe : Bring flaming Brands , set sail , and swiftly row . What have I said ? where am I ? Fury turns My Brain ; and my distemper'd Bosom burns . Then , when I gave my Person and my Throne , This Hate , this Rage , had been more timely shown . See now the promis'd Faith , the vaunted Name , The Pious Man , who , rushing through the Flame , Preserv'd his Gods ; and to the Phrygian Shore The Burthen of his feeble Father bore ! I shou'd have torn him piecemeal ; strow'd in Floods His scatter'd Limbs , or left expos'd in Woods : Destroy'd his Friends and Son ; and from the Fire Have set the reeking Boy before the Sire . Events are doubtful , which on Battels wait ; Yet where 's the doubt , to Souls secure of Fate ! My Tyrians , at their injur'd Queen's Command , Had toss'd their Fires amid the Trojan Band : At once extinguish'd all the faithless Name ; And I my self , in vengeance of my Shame , Had fall'n upon the Pile to mend the Fun'ral Flame . Thou Sun , who view'st at once the World below , Thou Juno , Guardian of the Nuptial Vow , Thou Hecat , hearken from thy dark abodes ; Ye Furies , Fiends , and violated Gods , All Pow'rs invok'd with Dido's dying breath , Attend her Curses , and avenge her death . If so the Fates ordain , and Jove commands , Th' ungrateful Wretch should find the Latian Lands , Yet let a Race untam'd , and haughty Foes , His peaceful Entrance with dire Arms oppose ; Oppress'd with Numbers in th' unequal Field , His Men discourag'd , and himself expell'd , Let him for Succour sue from place to place , Torn from his Subjects , and his Son's embrace : First let him see his Friends in Battel slain ; And their untimely Fate lament in vain : And when , at length , the cruell War shall cease ; On hard Conditions may he buy his Peace . Nor let him then enjoy supreme Command ; But fall untimely , by some hostile Hand : And lye unbury'd on the barren Sand. These are my Pray'rs , and this my dying Will : And you my Tyrians ev'ry Curse fulfill . Perpetual Hate , and mortal Wars proclaim , Against the Prince , the People , and the Name . These grateful Off'rings on my Grave bestow ; Nor League , nor Love , the jarring Nations know : Now , and from hence in ev'ry future Age , When Rage excites your Arms , and Strength supplies the Rage : Rise some Avenger of our Lybian Blood , With Fire and Sword pursue the perjur'd Brood : Our Arms , our Seas , our Shores , oppos'd to theirs , And the same hate descend on all our Heirs . This said , within her anxious Mind she weighs The Means of cutting short her odious Days . Then to Sicheus's Nurse , she briefly said , ( For when she left her Country , hers was dead ) Go Barcè , call my Sister ; let her Care The solemn Rites of Sacrifice prepare : The Sheep , and all th' attoneing Off'rings bring ; Sprinkling her Body from the Crystal Spring With living Drops : then let her come , and thou With sacred Fillets , bind thy hoary Brow. Thus will I pay my Vows , to Stygian Jove ; And end the Cares of my disastrous Love. Then cast the Trojan Image on the Fire ; And as that burns , my Passion shall expire . The Nurse moves onward , with officious Care , And all the speed her aged Limbs can bear . But furious Dido , with dark Thoughts involv'd , Shook at the mighty Mischief she resolv'd . With livid Spots distinguish'd was her Face , Red were her rowling Eyes , and discompos'd her Pace : Ghastly she gaz'd , with Pain she drew her Breath , And Nature shiver'd at approaching Death . Then swiftly to the fatal place she pass'd ; And mounts the Fun'ral Pile , with furious haste . Unsheaths the Sword the Trojan left behind , ( Not for so dire an Enterprise design'd , ) But when she view'd the Garments loosely spred , Which once he wore , and saw the conscious Bed , She paus'd , and , with a Sigh , the Robes embrac'd ; Then on the Couch her trembling Body cast , Repress'd the ready Tears , and spoke her last . Dear Pledges of my Love , while Heav'n so pleas'd , Receive a Soul , of Mortal Anguish eas'd : My fatal Course is finish'd ; and I go A glorious Name , among the Ghosts below . A lofty City by my Hands is rais'd ; Pygmalion punish'd , and my Lord appeas'd . What cou'd my Fortune have afforded more , Had the false Trojan never touch'd my Shore ! Then kiss'd the Couch ; and must I die , she said ; And unreveng'd ; 't is doubly to be dead ! Yet ev'n this Death with Pleasure I receive ; On any Terms , 't is better than to live . These Flames , from far , may the false Trojan view ; These boding Omens his base flight pursue . She said , and struck : Deep enter'd in her side The piercing Steel , with reeking Purple dy'd : Clog'd in the Wound the cruel Weapon stands ; The spouting Blood came streaming on her Hands . Her sad Attendants saw the deadly Stroke , And with loud Cries the sounding Palace shook . Distracted from the fatal sight they fled ; And thro the Town the dismal Rumor spread . First from the frighted Court , the Yell began , Redoubled thence from House to House it ran : The groans of Men , with Shrieks , Laments , and Cries Of mixing Women , mount the vaulted Skies . Not less the Clamour , than if ancient Tyre , Or the new Carthage , set by Foes on Fire , The rowling Ruin , with their lov'd Abodes , Involv'd the blazing Temples of their Gods. Her Sister hears , and , furious with Despair , She beats her Breast , and rends her yellow Hair : And calling on Eliza's Name aloud , Runs breathless to the Place , and breaks the Crowd . Was all that Pomp of Woe for this prepar'd , These Fires , this Fun'ral Pile , these Altars rear'd ; Was all this Train of Plots contriv'd , said she , All only to deceive unhappy me ? Which is the worst , didst thou in Death pretend To scorn thy Sister , or delude thy Friend ! Thy summon'd Sister , and thy Friend had come : One Sword had serv'd us both , one common Tomb. Was I to raise the Pile , the Pow'rs invoke , Not to be present at the fatal Stroke ? At once thou hast destroy'd thy self and me ; Thy Town , thy Senate , and thy Colony ! Bring Water , bathe the Wound ; while I in death Lay close my Lips to hers ; and catch the flying Breath . This said , she mounts the Pile with eager haste ; And in her Arms the gasping Queen embrac'd : Her Temples chaf'd ; and her own Garments tore To stanch the streaming Blood , and cleanse the Gore . Thrice Dido try'd to raise her drooping Head , And fainting thrice , fell grov'ling on the Bed. Thrice op'd her heavy Eyes , and sought the Light , But having found it , sicken'd at the sight ; And clos'd her Lids at last , in endless Night . Then Juno , grieving that she shou'd sustain A Death so ling'ring , and so full of Pain ; Sent Iris down , to free her from the Strife Of lab'ring Nature , and dissolve her Life . For since she dy'd , not doom'd by Heav'ns Decree , Or her own Crime ; but Human Casualty ; And rage of Love , that plung'd her in Despair , The Sisters had not cut the topmost Hair ; Which Proserpine , and they can only know ; Nor made her sacred to the Shades below . Downward the various Goodess took her flight ; And drew a thousand Colours from the Light : Then stood above the dying Lover's Head , And said , I thus devote thee to the dead . This Off'ring to the Infernal Gods I bear : Thus while she spoke , she cut the fatal Hair ; The strugling Soul was loos'd ; and Life dissolv'd in Air. The Fifth Book of the Aeneis . The Argument . Aeneas setting sail from Africk , is driven by a Storm on the Coasts of Sicily : Where he is hospitably receiv'd by his friend Acestes , King of part of the Island , and born of Trojan Parentage . He applies himself to celebrate the Memory of his Father with Divine Honours : And accordingly institutes Funeral Games , and appoints Prizes for those who shou'd conquer in them . While the Ceremonies were performing , Juno sends Iris to perswade the Trojan Women to burn the Ships , who upon her instigation set fire to them , which burnt four , and would have consum'd the rest , had not Jupiter by a miraculous Shower extinguish'd it . Upon this Aeneas by the advice of one of his Generals , and a Vision of his Father , builds a City for the Women , Old Men , and others , who were either unfit for War , or weary of the Voyage , and sails for Italy : Venus procures of Neptune a safe Voyage for him and all his Men , excepting only his Pilot Palinurus , who was unfortunately lost . To the most Illustrious Prince Charles Duke of S t Albans Master Falconer to his Ma ty . and Captaine of y e Hon ble . Band of Gen t Pensioners AE . 5. l. 2. MEan time the Trojan cuts his wat'ry way , Fix'd on his Voyage , thro the curling Sea : Then , casting back his Eyes , with dire Amaze , Sees on the Punic Shore the mounting Blaze . The Cause unknown ; yet his presaging Mind , The Fate of Dido from the Fire divin'd : He knew the stormy Souls of Woman-kind : What secret Springs their eager Passions move , How capable of Death for injur'd Love. Dire Auguries from hence the Trojans draw ; 'Till neither Fires , nor shining Shores they saw . Now Seas and Skies , their Prospect only bound ; An empty space above , a floating Field around . But soon the Heav'ns with shadows were o'respread ; A swelling Cloud hung hov'ring o're their Head : Livid it look'd , ( the threatning of a Storm ; ) Then Night and Horror Ocean's Face deform . The Pilot , Palinurus , cry'd aloud , What Gusts of Weather from that gath'ring Cloud My Thoughts presage ; e're yet the Tempest roars , Stand to your Tackle , Mates , and stretch your Oars ; Contract your swelling Sails , and luff to Wind : The frighted Crew perform the Task assign'd . Then , to his fearless Chief , not Heav'n , said he , Tho Jove himself shou'd promise Italy , Can stem the Torrent of this raging Sea. Mark how the shifting Winds from West arise , And what collected Night involves the Skies ! Nor can our shaken Vessels live at Sea , Much less against the Tempest force their way ; 'T is Fate diverts our Course ; and Fate we must obey . Not far from hence , if I observ'd aright The southing of the Stars , and Polar Light , Sicilia lies ; whose hospitable Shores In safety we may reach with strugling Oars . Aeneas then reply'd , too sure I find , We strive in vain against the Seas , and Wind : Now shift your Sails : What place can please me more Than what you promise , the Sicilian Shore ; Whose hallow'd Earth Anchises Bones contains , And where a Prince of Trojan Lineage reigns ? The Course resolv'd , before the Western Wind They scud amain ; and make the Port assign'd . Mean time Acestes , from a lofty Stand , Beheld the Fleet descending on the Land ; And not unmindful of his ancient Race , Down from the Cliff he ran with eager Pace ; And held the Heroe in a strict Embrace . Of a rough Lybian Bear the Spoils he wore ; And either Hand a pointed Jav'lin bore . His Mother was a Dame of Dardan Blood ; His Sire Crinisus , a Sicilian Flood ; He welcomes his returning Friends ashore With plenteous Country Cates ; and homely Store . Now , when the following Morn had chas'd away The flying Stars , and light restor'd the Day , Aeneas call'd the Trojan Troops around ; And thus bespoke them from a rising Ground . Off-spring of Heav'n , Divine Dardanian Race , The Sun revolving thro' th' Etherial Space , The shining Circle of the Year has fill'd , Since first this Isle my Father's Ashes held : And now the rising Day renews the Year , ( A Day for ever sad , for ever dear , ) This wou'd I celebrate with Annual Games , With Gifts on Altars pil'd , and holy Flames , Tho banish'd to Getulia's barren Sands , Caught on the Grecian Seas , or hostile Lands : But since this happy Storm our Fleet has driv'n , ( Not , as I deem , without the Will of Heav'n , ) Upon these friendly Shores , and flow'ry Plains , Which hide Anchises , and his blest Remains ; Let us with Joy perform his Honours due ; And pray for prosp'rous Winds , our Voyage to renew . Pray , that in Towns , and Temples of our own , The Name of great Anchises may be known ; And yearly Games may spread the Gods renown . Our Sports , Acestes of the Trojan Race , With royal Gifts , ordain'd , is pleas'd to grace : Two Steers on ev'ry Ship the King bestows ; His Gods and ours , shall share your equal Vows . Besides , if nine days hence , the rosy Morn Shall with unclouded Light the Skies adorn , That Day with solemn Sports I mean to grace ; Light Gallies on the Seas , shall run a wat'ry Race . Some shall in Swiftness for the Goal contend , And others try the twanging Bow to bend : The strong with Iron Gauntlets arm'd shall stand , Oppos'd in Combat on the yellow Sand. Let all be present at the Games prepar'd ; And joyful Victors wait the Just Reward . But now assist the Rites , with Garlands crown'd ; He said , and first his Brows with Myrtle bound . Then Helymus , by his Example led , And old Acestes , each adorn'd his Head ; Thus , young Ascanius , with a sprightly Grace , His Temples ty'd , and all the Trojan Race . Aeneas then advanc'd amidst the Train , By thousands follow'd thro' the fruitful Plain , To great Anchises Tomb : Which when he found , He pour'd to Bacchus , on the hallow'd Ground , Two Bowls of sparkling Wine , of Milk two more , And two from offer'd Bulls of Purple Gore . With Roses then the Sepulchre he strow'd ; And thus , his Father's Ghost bespoke aloud . Hail , O ye Holy Manes ; hail again Paternal Ashes , now review'd in vain ! The Gods permitted not , that you , with me , Shou'd reach the promis'd Shores of Italy ; Or Tiber's Flood , what Flood so e're it be . Scarce had he finish'd , when , with speckled Pride , A Serpent from the Tomb began to glide ; His hugy Bulk on sev'n high Volumes roll'd ; Blue was his breadth of Back , but streak'd with scaly Gold : Thus riding on his Curls , he seem'd to pass A rowling Fire along ; and singe the Grass . More various Colours thro' his Body run , Than Iris when her Bow imbibes the Sun ; Betwixt the rising Altars , and around , The sacred Monster shot along the Ground ; With harmless play amidst the Bowls he pass'd ; And with his lolling Tongue assay'd the Taste : Thus fed with Holy Food , the wond'rous Guest Within the hollow Tomb retir'd to rest . The Pious Prince , surpri●'d at what he view'd , The Fun'ral Honours with more Zeal renew'd : Doubtful if this the Place's Genius were , Or Guardian of his Father's Sepulchre . Five Sheep , according to the Rites , he slew ; As many Swine , and Steers of sable Hue ; New gen'rous Wine he from the Goblets pour'd , And call'd his Fathers Ghost , from Hell restor'd . The glad Attendants in long Order come , Off'ring their Gifts at great Anchises Tomb : Some add more Oxen , some divide the Spoil , Some place the Chargers on the grassy Soil ; Some blow the Fires and offer'd Entrails broil . Now came the Day desir'd ; the Skies were bright With rosy Lustre of the rising Light : The bord'ring People , rowz'd by sounding Fame Of Trojan Feasts , and great Acestes Name ; The crowded Shore with Acclamations fill , Part to behold , and part to prove their Skill . And first the Gifts in Publick view they place , Green Lawrel Wreaths , and Palm , ( the Victors grace : ) Within the Circle , Arms and Tripods lye ; Ingotts of Gold , and Silver , heap'd on high ; And Vests embroider'd of the Tyrian dye . The Trumpet 's clangor then the Feast proclaims ; And all prepare for their appointed Games . Four Gallies first , which equal Rowers bear , Advancing , in the wat'ry Lists appear . The speedy Dolphin , that out-strips the Wind , Bore Mnestheus , Author of the Memmian kind : Gyas , the vast Chymaera's Bulk commands , Which rising like a tow'ring City stands : Three Trojans tug at ev'ry lab'ring Oar ; Three Banks in three degrees the Sailors bore ; Beneath their sturdy Stroaks the Billows roar . Sergesthus , who began the Sergian Race , In the great Centaur took the leading Place : Cloanthus on the Sea-green Scylla stood ; From whom Cluentius draws his Trojan Blood. Far in the Sea , against the foaming Shoar , There stands a Rock ; the raging Billows roar Above his Head in Storms ; but when 't is clear , Uncurl their ridgy Backs , and at his Foot appear . In Peace below the gentle Waters run ; The Cormorants above , lye basking in the Sun. On this the Heroe fix'd an Oak in sight , The mark to guide the Mariners aright . To bear with this , the Seamen stretch their Oars ; Then round the Rock they steer , and seek the former Shoars . The Lots decide their place ; above the rest , Each Leader shining in his Tyrian Vest : The common Crew , with Wreaths of Poplar Boughs . Their Temples crown , and shade their sweaty Brows . Besmear'd with Oil , their naked Shoulders shine ; All take their Seats , and wait the sounding sign . They gripe their Oars , and ev'ry panting Breast Is rais'd by turns with Hope , by turns with Fear depress'd . To the Right Hon ble : Arthur Herbert Earle of Torrington & Baron of Torbay AE 5 l : 160 The clangor of the Trumpet gives the Sign ; At once they start , advancing in a Line : With shouts the Sailors rend the starry Skys , Lash'd with their Oars , the smoaky Billows rise ; Sparkles the briny Main , and the vex'd Ocean fries . Exact in time , with equal Strokes they row ; At once the brushing Oars , and brazen prow Dash up the sandy Waves , and ope the Depths below . Not fiery Coursers , in a Chariot Race , Invade the Field with half so swift a Pace . Not the fierce Driver with more Fury lends The sounding Lash ; and , e're the Stroke descends , Low to the Wheels his pliant Body bends . The partial Crowd their Hopes and Fears divide ; And aid , with eager shouts , the favour'd Side . Cries , Murmurs , Clamours , with a mixing Sound , From Woods to Woods , from Hills to Hills rebound . Amidst the loud Applauses of the Shore , Gyas outstrip'd the rest , and sprung before ; Cloanthus , better mann'd , pursu'd him fast ; But his o're-masted Gally check'd his Haste . The Centaur , and the Dolphin , brush the brine With equal Oars , advancing in a Line : And now the mighty Centaur seems to lead , And now the speedy Dolphin gets a head : Now Board to Board the rival Vessels row ; The Billows lave the Skies , and Ocean groans below . They reach'd the Mark ; proud Gyas and his Train , In Triumph rode the Victors of the Main : But steering round , he charg'd his Pilot stand More close to Shore , and skim along the Sand. Let others bear to Sea. Menaetes heard , But secret shelves too cautiously he fear'd : And fearing , sought the Deep ; and still aloof he steer'd . With louder Cries the Captain call'd again ; Bear to the rocky Shore , and shun the Main . He spoke , and speaking at his stern he saw The bold Cloanthus near the Shelvings draw ; Betwixt the mark and him the Scylla stood , And in a closer Compass plow'd the Flood , He pass'd the Mark ; and wheeling got before ; Gyas blasphem'd the Gods , devoutly swore , Cry'd out for Anger , and his Hair he tore . Mindless of others Lives , ( so high was grown His rising Rage , ) and careless of his own : The trembling Dotard to the Deck he drew , Then hoisted up , and over-board he threw , This done he seiz'd the Helm ; his Fellows cheer'd ; Turn'd short upon the Shelfs , and madly steer'd . Hardly his Head , the plunging Pilot rears , Clog'd with his Cloaths , and cumber'd with his Years : Now dropping wet , he climbs the Cliff with Pain ; The Crowd that saw him fall , and float again , Shout from the distant Shore ; and loudly laught , To see his heaving Breast disgorge the briny Draught . The following Centaur , and the Dolphin's Crew , Their vanish'd hopes of Victory renew : While Gyas lags , they kindle in the Race , To reach the Mark ; Sergesthus takes the place : Mnestheus pursues ; and while around they wind , Comes up , not half his Gally's length behind . Then , on the Deck amidst his Mates appear'd , And thus their drooping Courages he cheer'd . My Friends , and Hector's Followers heretofore ; Exert your Vigour , tug the lab'ring Oar ; Stretch to your Stroaks , my still unconquer'd Crew , Whom from the flaming Walls of Troy I drew . In this , our common Int'rest , let me find That strength of Hand , that courage of the Mind , As when you stem'd the strong Malaean Flood , And o're the Syrtes broken Billows row'd . I seek not now the foremost Palm to gain ; Tho yet — But ah , that haughty Wish is vain ! Let those enjoy it whom the Gods ordain . But to be last , the Lags of all the Race , Redeem your selves and me from that Disgrace . Now one and all , they tug amain ; they row At the full stretch , and shake the Brazen Prow . The Sea beneath 'em sinks ; their lab'ring sides Are swell'd , and Sweat runs gutt'ring down in Tides . Chance aids their daring with unhop'd Success ; Sergesthus , eager with his Beak , to press Betwixt the Rival Gally and the Rock ; Shuts up th' unwieldy Centaur in the Lock . The Vessel struck , and with the dreadful shock Her Oars she shiver'd , and her Head she broke . The trembling Rowers from their Banks arise , And anxious for themselves renounce the Prize . With Iron Poles they heave her off the Shores ; And gather , from the Sea , their floating Oars . The Crew of Mnestheus , with elated Minds , Urge their Success , and call the willing Winds : Then ply their Oars , and cut their liquid way ; In larger Compass on the roomy Sea. As when the Dove her Rocky Hold forsakes , Rowz'd in a Fright , her sounding Wings she shakes The Cavern rings with clatt'ring ; 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 : So Mnestheus in the Dolphin cuts the Sea , And flying with a force , that force assists his Way . Sergesthus in the Centaur soon he pass'd , Wedg'd in the Rocky Sholes , and sticking fast . In vain the Victor he with Cries implores , And practices to row with shatter'd Oars . Then Mnestheus bears with Gyas , and out-flies : The Ship without a Pilot yields the Prize . Unvanquish'd Scylla now alone remains ; Her he pursues ; and all his vigour strains . Shouts from the fav'ring Multitude arise , Applauding Echo to the Shouts replies ; Shouts , Wishes , and Applause run ratling through the Skies . These Clamours with disdain the Scylla heard ; Much grudg'd the Praise , but more the rob'd Reward : Resolv'd to hold their own , they mend their pace ; All obstinate to dye , or gain the Race . Rais'd with Success , the Dolphin swistly ran , ( For they can Conquer who believe they can : ) Both urge their Oars , and Fortune both supplies ; And both , perhaps had shar'd an equal Prize ; When to the Seas Cloanthus holds his Hands , And Succour from the Watry Pow'rs Demands : Gods of the liquid Realms , on which I row , If giv'n by you , the Lawrel bind my Brow , Assist to make me guilty of my Vow . A Snow-white Bull shall on your Shore be slain , His offer'd Entrails cast into the Main ; And ruddy Wine from Golden Goblets thrown , Your grateful Gift and my Return shall own . The Quire of Nymphs , and Phorcus from below , With Virgin Panopea , heard his Vow ; And old Portunus , with his breadth of Hand , Push'd on , and sped the Gally to the Land. Swift as a Shaft , or winged Wind , she flies ; And darting to the Port , obtains the Prize . The Herald summons all , and then proclaims Cloanthus Conqu'ror of the Naval Games . The Prince with Lawrel crowns the Victor's Head , And three fat Steers are to his Vessel led ; The Ships Reward : with gen'rous Wine beside ; And Sums of Silver , which the Crew divide . The Leaders are distinguish'd from the rest ; The Victor honour'd with a nobler Vest : Where Gold and Purple strive in equal Rows ; And Needle-work its happy Cost bestows . There , Ganymede is wrought with living Art , Chasing thro' Ida's Groves the trembling Hart : Breathless he seems , yet eager to pursue ; When from aloft , descends in open view , The Bird of Jove ; and sowsing on his Prey , With crooked Tallons bears the Boy away . In vain , with lifted Hands , and gazing Eyes , His Guards behold him soaring thro' the Skies ; And Dogs pursue his Flight , with imitated Cries . Mnestheus the second Victor was declar'd ; And summon'd there , the second Prize he shar'd . A Coat of Mail , which brave Demoleus bore ; More brave Aeneas from his Shoulders tore ; In single Combat on the Trojan Shore . This was ordain'd for Mnestheus to possess ; In War for his Defence ; for Ornament in Peace . Rich was the Gift , and glorious to behold ; But yet so pond'rous with its Plates of Gold , That scarce two Servants cou'd the Weight sustain ; Yet , loaded thus , Demoleus o're the Plain Pursu'd , and lightly seiz'd the Trojan Train . The Third succeeding to the last Reward , Two goodly Bowls of Massy Silver shar'd ; With Figures prominent , and richly wrought : And two Brass Caldrons from Dodona brought . Thus , all rewarded by the Heroe's hands , Their conqu'ring Temples bound with Purple Bands . And now Sergesthus , clearing from the Rock , Brought back his Gally shatter'd with the shock . Forlorn she look'd , without an aiding Oar ; And howted , by the Vulgar , made to Shoar . As when a Snake , surpris'd upon the Road , Is crush'd athwart her Body by the load Of heavy Wheels ; or with a Mortal Wound Her Belly bruis'd , and trodden to the Ground : In vain , with loosen'd curls , she crawls along , Yet fierce above , she brandishes her Tongue : Glares with her Eyes , and bristles with her Scales , But groveling in the Dust , her parts unsound she trails . So slowly to the Port the Centaur tends , But what she wants in Oars , with Sails amends : Yet , for his Gally sav'd , the grateful Prince , Is pleas'd th' unhappy Chief to recompence . Pholoe , the Cretan Slave , rewards his Care , Beauteous her self , with lovely Twins , as fair . From thence his way the Trojan Heroe bent , Into the neighb'ring Plain , with Mountains pent ; Whose sides were shaded with surrounding Wood : Full in the midst of this fair Vally stood A Native Theatre , which rising flow , By just degrees , o're-look'd the Ground below . High on a Sylvan Throne the Leader sate ; A num'rous Train attend in Solemn State ; Here those , that in the rapid Course delight , Desire of Honour , and the Prize invite . The Rival Runners , without Order stand , The Trojans , mix'd with the Sicilian Band. First Nisus , with Euryalus , appears , Euryalus a Boy of blooming Years ; With sprightly Grace , and equal Beauty crown'd : Nisus , for Friendship to the Youth , renown'd . Diores , next , of Priam's Royal Race , Then Salius , join'd with Patron took their Place : But Patron in Arcadia had his Birth , And Salius his , from Acarnanian Earth . Then two Sicilian Youths , the Names of these Swift Helymus , and lovely Panopes : Both jolly Huntsmen , both in Forests bred , And owning old Acestes for their Head. With sev'ral others of Ignobler Name ; Whom Time has not deliver'd o're to Fame . To these the Heroe thus his Thoughts explain'd , In Words , which gen'ral Approbation gain'd . One common Largess is for all design'd : The Vanquish'd and the Victor shall be join'd . Two Darts of polish'd Steel , and Gnosian Wood , A Silver'd studded Ax alike bestow'd . The foremost three have Olive Wreaths decreed ; The first of these obtains a stately Steed Adorn'd with Trappings ; and the next in Fame , The Quiver of an Amazonian Dame ; With feather'd Thracian Arrows well supply'd , A Golden Belt shall gird his Manly side ; Which with a sparkling Diamond shall be ty'd : The third this Grecian Helmet shall content . He said ; to their appointed Base they went : With beating Hearts th' expected Sign receive , And , starting all at once , the Barrier leave . Spread out , as on the winged Winds , they flew , And seiz'd the distant Goal with greedy view . Shot from the Crowd , swift Nisus all o're-pass'd ; Nor Storms , nor Thunder , equal half his haste . The next , but tho' the next , yet far dis-join'd , Came Salius , and Euryalus behind ; Then Helymus , whom young Diores ply'd , Step after step , and almost side by side : His Shoulders pressing , and in longer Space , Had won , or left at least a dubious Race . Now spent , the Goal they almost reach at last ; When eager Nisus , hapless in his haste , Slip'd first , and slipping , fell upon the Plain , Soak'd with the Blood of Oxen , newly slain : The careless Victor had not mark'd his way ; But treading where the treach'rous Puddle lay , His Heels flew up ; and on the grassy Floor , He fell , besmear'd with Filth , and Holy Gore . Not mindless then , Euryalus , of thee , Nor of the Sacred Bonds of Amity ; He strove th' immediate Rival's hope to cross ; And caught the Foot of Salius as he rose : So Salius lay extended on the Plain ; Euryalus springs out , the Prize to gain ; And leaves the Crowd ; applauding Peals attend The Victor to the Goal , who vanquish'd by his Friend . Next Helymus , and then Diores came ; By two Misfortunes made the third in Fame . But Salius enters ; and , exclaiming loud For Justice , deafens , and disturbs the Crowd : Urges his Cause may in the Court be heard ; And pleads the Prize is wrongfully conferr'd . But Favour for Euryalus appears ; His blooming Beauty , with his tender Tears , To Anthony Hammond of Somersham in the County of Huntingdon Esqr. AE 5. l : 425. Had brib'd the Judges to protect his Claim ; Besides Diores does as loud exclaim : Who vainly reaches at the last Reward , If the first Palm on Salius be conferr'd . Then thus the Prince ; let no Disputes arise : Where Fortune plac'd it , I award the Prize . But Fortune's Errors give me leave to mend , At least to pity my deserving Friend . He said , and from among the Spoils , he draws , ( Pond'rous with shaggy Main , and Golden Paws ) A Lyon's Hide ; to Salius this he gives : Nisus , with Envy sees the Gift , and grieves . If such Rewards to vanquish'd Men are due , He said , and Falling is to rise by you , What Prize may Nisus from your Bounty claim , Who merited the first Rewards and Fame ? In falling , both an equal Fortune try'd ; Wou'd Fortune for my Fall so well provide ! With this he pointed to his Face , and show'd His Hands , and all his Habit smear'd with Blood. Th' indulgent Father of the People smil'd ; And caus'd to be produc'd an ample Shield ; Of wond'rous Art by Didymaon wrought , Long since from Neptune's Bars in Triumph brought . This giv'n to Nisus ; he divides the rest ; And equal Justice , in his Gifts , express'd . The Race thus ended , and Rewards bestow'd ; Once more the Prince bespeaks th' attentive Crowd . If there be here , whose dauntless Courage dare In Gauntlet fight , with Limbs and Body bare , His Opposite sustain in open view , Stand forth the Champion ; and the Games renew . Two Prizes I propose , and thus divide , A Bull with gilded Horns , and Fillets ty'd , Shall be the Portion of the conqu'ring Chief : A Sword and Helm shall chear the Loser's Grief . Then haughty Dares in the Lists appears ; Stalking he strides , his Head erected bears : His nervous Arms the weighty Gauntlet weild ; And loud Applauses echo thro' the Field . Dares alone , in Combat us'd to stand The match of mighty Paris hand to hand : The same , at Hector's Fun'rals undertook Gygantick Butes , of th' Amician Stock ; And by the Stroak of his resistless Hand , Stretch'd the vast Bulk upon the yellow Sand. Such Dares was ; and such he strod along , And drew the Wonder of the gazing Throng . His brawny Back , and ample Breast he shows ; His lifted Arms around his Head he throws ; And deals , in whistling Air , his empty Blows . His Match is sought ; but thro' the trembling Band , Not one dares answer to the proud Demand . Presuming of his Force , with sparkling Eyes , Already he devours the promis'd Prize . He claims the Bull with awless Insolence ; And having seiz'd his Horns , accosts the Prince . If none my matchless Valour dares oppose , How long shall Dares wait his dastard Foes ? Permit me , Chief , permit without Delay , To lead this uncontended Gift away . The Crowd assents ; and , with redoubled Cries , For the proud Challenger demands the Prize . Acestes , fir'd with just Disdain , to see The Palm usurp'd without a Victory ; Reproch'd Entellus thus , who sate beside , And heard , and saw unmov'd , the Trojan's Pride : Once , but in vain , a Champion of Renown , So tamely can you bear the ravish'd Crown ? A Prize in triumph born before your sight , And shun for fear the danger of the Fight ? Where is our Eryx now , the boasted Name , The God who taught your thund'ring Arm the Game ; Where now your baffled Honour , where the Spoil That fill'd your House , and Fame that fill'd our Isle ? Entellus , thus : My Soul is still the same , Unmov'd with Fear , and mov'd with Martial Fame : But my chill Blood is curdled in my Veins ; And scarce the Shadow of a Man remains . Oh , cou'd I turn to that fair Prime again , That Prime , of which this Boaster is so vain , The Brave who this decrepid Age defies , Shou'd feel my force , without the promis'd Prize . He said , and rising at the word , he threw Two pond'rous Gauntlets down , in open view : Gauntlets , which Eryx wont in Fight to wield , And sheath his hands with in the listed field . With Fear and Wonder seiz'd , the Crowd beholds The Gloves of Death , with sev'n distinguish'd folds , Of tough Bull Hides ; the space within is spread With Iron , or with loads of heavy Lead . Dares himself was daunted at the sight , Renounc'd his Challenge , and refus'd to fight . Astonish'd at their weight the Heroe stands , And poiz'd the pond'rous Engins in his hands . What had your wonder , said Entellus , been , Had you the Gauntlets of Alcides seen , Or view'd the stern debate on this unhappy Green ! These which I bear , your Brother Eryx bore , Still mark'd with batter'd Brains , and mingled Gore . With these he long sustain'd th' Herculean Arm ; And these I weilded while my Blood was warm : This languish'd Frame , while better Spirits fed , E're Age unstrung my Nerves , or Time o'resnow'd my Head. But if the Challenger these Arms refuse , And cannot wield their weight , or dare not use ; If great Aeneas , and Acestes joyn In his Request , these Gauntlets I resign : Let us with equal Arms perform the Fight , And let him leave to Fear , since I resign my Right . This said , Entellus for the Strife prepares ; Strip'd of his quilted Coat , his Body bares : Compos'd of mighty Bones and Brawn , he stands , A goodly tow'ring Obj●ct on the Sands . Then just Aeneas equal Arms supply'd , Which round their Shoulders to their Wrists they ty'd . Both on the tiptoe stand , at full extent , Their Arms aloft , their Bodies inly bent ; Their Heads from aiming Blows they bear a far ; With clashing Gauntlets then provoke the War. One on his Youth and pliant Limbs relies ; One on his Sinews , and his Gyant size . The last is stiff with Age , his Motion slow , He heaves for Breath , he staggers to and fro ; And Clouds of issuing Smoak his Nostrils loudly blow . Yet equal in Success , they ward , they strike ; Their ways are diff'rent , but their Art alike . Before , behind , the blows are dealt ; around Their hollow sides the ratling Thumps resound . A Storm of Strokes , well meant , with fury flies , And errs about their Temples , Ears , and Eyes . Nor always errs ; for oft the Gauntlet draws A sweeping stroke , along the crackling Jaws . To Henry S t John of Lydiard Tregoz Esq r . AE 5. l : 590. Heavy with Age , Entellus stands his Ground , But with his warping Body wards the Wound . His Hand , and watchful Eye keep even pace ; While Dares traverses , and shifts his place . And like a Captain , who beleaguers round , Some strong built Castle , on a rising Ground , Views all th' approaches with observing Eyes , This , and that other part , in vain he tries ; And more on Industry , than Force relies . With Hands on high , Entellus threats the Foe ; But Dares watch'd the Motion from below , And slip'd aside , and shun'd the long descending Blow . Entellus wasts his Forces on the Wind ; And thus deluded of the Stroke design'd , Headlong , and heavy fell : his ample Breast , And weighty Limbs , his ancient Mother press'd . So falls a hollow Pine , that long had stood On Ida's height , or Erymanthus Wood , Torn from the Roots : the diff'ring Nations rise , And Shouts , and mingl'd Murmurs , rend the Skies . Acestes runs , with eager haste , to raise The fall'n Companion of his youthful Days : Dauntless he rose , and to the Fight return'd : With shame his glowing Cheeks , his Eyes with fury burn'd . Disdain , and conscious Virtue fir'd his Breast ; And with redoubled Force his Foe he press'd . He lays on load with either Hand , amain , And headlong drives the Trojan o're the Plain . Nor stops , nor stays ; nor rest , nor Breath allows , But Storms of Strokes descend about his Brows ; A ratling Tempest , and a Hail of Blows . But now the Prince , who saw the wild Increase Of Wounds , commands the Combatants to cease : And bounds Entellus Wrath , and bids the Peace . First to the Trojan spent with Toil he came , And sooth'd his Sorrow for the suffer'd Shame . What Fury seiz'd my Friend , the Gods , said he , To him propitious , and averse to thee , Have giv'n his Arm superior Force to thine ; 'T is Madness to contend with Strength Divine . The Gauntlet Fight thus ended , from the Shore , His faithful Friends unhappy Dares bore : His Mouth and Nostrils , pour'd a Purple Flood ; And pounded Teeth , came rushing with his Blood. Faintly he stagger'd thro the hissing Throng ; And hung his Head , and trail'd his Legs along . The Sword and Casque , are carry'd by his Train ; But with his Foe the Palm and Ox remain . The Champion , then , before Aeneas came , Proud of his Prize ; but prouder of his Fame ; O Goddess-born , and you Dardanian Host , Mark with Attention , and forgive my Boast : Learn what I was , by what remains ; and know From what impending Fate , you sav'd my Foe . Sternly he spoke ; and then confronts the Bull ; And , on his ample Forehead , aiming full , The deadly Stroke descending , pierc'd the Skull . Down drops the Beast ; nor needs a second Wound : But sprawls in pangs of Death ; and spurns the Ground . Then , thus : In Dares stead I offer this ; Eryx , accept a nobler Sacrifice : Take the last Gift my wither'd Arms can yield , Thy Gauntlets I resign ; and here renounce the Field . This done , Aeneas orders , for the close , The strife of Archers , with contending Bows . The Mast , Sergesthus shatter'd Gally bore , With his own Hands , he raises on the Shore . To Stephen Waller D r : of Laws AE . 5. l. 645. A flutt'ring Dove upon the Top they tye , The living Mark , at which their Arrows fly . The rival Archers in a Line advance ; Their turn of Shooting to receive from Chance . A Helmet holds their Names : The Lots are drawn , On the first Scroll was read Hippocoon : The People shout ; upon the next was found Young Mnestheus , late with Naval Honours crownd . The third contain'd Eurytion's Noble Name , Thy Brother , Pandarus , and next in Fame : Whom Pallas urg'd the Treaty to confound , And send among the Greeks a feather'd Wound . Acestes in the bottom , last remain'd ; Whom not his Age from Youthful Sports restrain'd . Soon , all with Vigour bend their trusty Bows , And from the Quiver each his Arrow chose , Hippocoon's was the first : with forceful sway It flew , and , whizzing , cut the liquid way : Fix'd in the Mast the feather'd Weapon stands , The fearful Pidgeon flutters in her Bands ; And the Tree trembled : and the shouting Cries Of the pleas'd People , rend the vaulted Skies . Then Mnestheus to the head his Arrow drove , With lifted Eyes ; and took his Aim above ; But made a glancing Shot , and miss'd the Dove . Yet miss'd so narrow , that he cut the Cord Which fasten'd , by the Foot , the flitting Bird. The Captive thus releas'd , away she flies , And beats with clapping Wings , the yielding Skies . His Bow already bent , Eurytion stood , And having first invok'd his Brother God , His winged Shaft with eager haste he sped ; The fatal Message reach'd her as she fled : She leaves her Life aloft , she strikes the Ground ; And renders back the Weapon in the Wound . Acestes grudging at his Lot , remains , Without a Prize to gratifie his Pains . Yet shooting upward , sends his Shaft , to show An Archer's Art , and boast his twanging Bow. The pointed Arrow gave a dire Portent ; And latter Augures judge from this Event . Chaf'd by the speed , it fir'd ; and as it flew , A Trail of following Flames , ascending drew : Kindling they mount ; and mark the shiny Way : Across the Skies as falling Meteors play , And vanish into Wind ; or in a Blaze decay . The Trojans and Sicilians wildly stare : And trembling , turn their Wonder into Pray'r . The Dardan Prince put on a smiling Face , And strain'd Acestes with a close Embrace : Then hon'ring him with Gifts above the rest , Turn'd the bad Omen , nor his Fears confess'd . The Gods , said he , this Miracle have wrought ; And order'd you the Prize without the Lot. Accept this Goblet rough with figur'd Gold , Which Thracian Cisseus gave my Sire of old : This Pledge of ancient Amity receive , Which to my second Sire I justly give . He said , and with the Trumpets chearsul sound , Proclaim'd him Victor , and with Lawrel crown'd . Nor good Eurytion envy'd him the Prize ; Tho' he transfix'd the Pidgeon in the Skies . Who cut the Line , with second Gifts was grac'd ; The third was his , whose Arrow pierc'd the Mast . The Chief , before the Games were wholly done , Call'd Periphantes , Tutor to his Son ; And whisper'd thus ; with speed Ascanius find , And if his Childish Troop be ready join'd ; On Hors●-back let him grace his Grandsire's Day , And lead his Equals arm'd , in just Array . He said , and calling out , the Cirque he clears ; The Crowd withdrawn , an open Plain appears . And now the Noble Youths , of Form Divine , Advance before their Fathers , in a Line : The Riders grace the Steeds ; the Steeds with Glory shine . Thus marching on , in Military Pride , Shouts of Applause resound from side to fide . Their Casques , adorn'd with Lawrel Wreaths , they wear . Each brandishing aloft a Cornel Spear . Some at their Backs their guilded Quivers bore ; Their Chains of burnish'd Gold hung down before . Three graceful Troops they form'd upon the Green ; Three graceful Leaders at their Head were seen ; Twelve follow'd ev'ry Chief , and left a Space between . The first young Priam led ; a lovely Boy , Whose Grandsire was th' unhappy King of Troy : His Race in after times was known to Fame , New Honours adding to the Latian Name ; And well the Royal Boy his Thracian Steed became . White were the Fetlocks of his Feet before ; And on his Front a snowy Star he bore : Then beauteous Atys , with Iulus bred , Of equal Age , the second Squadron led . The last in Order , but the first in place , First in the lovely Features of his Face ; Rode fair Ascanius on a fiery Steed , Queen Dido's Gift , and of the Tyrian breed . Sure Coursers for the rest the King ordains ; With Golden Bitts adorn'd , and Purple Reins . The pleas'd Spectators peals of Shouts renew ; And all the Parents in the Children view : Their Make , their Motions , and their sprightly Grace ; And Hopes and Fears alternate in their Face . Th' unfledg'd Commanders , and their Martial Train , First make the Circuit of the sandy Plain , Around their Sires : And at th' appointed Sign , Drawn up in beauteous Order form a Line : The second Signal sounds ; the Troop divides , In three distinguish'd parts , with three distinguish'd Guides . Again they close , and once again dis-join , In Troop to Troop oppos'd , and Line to Line . They meet , they wheel , they throw their Darts afar With harmless Rage , and well dissembled War. Then in a round the mingl'd Bodies run ; Flying they follow , and pursuing shun . Broken they break , and rallying , they renew In other Forms the Military shew . At last , in order , undiscern'd they join ; And march together , in a friendly Line . And , as the Cretan Labyrinth of old , With wand'ring Ways , and many a winding fold , Involv'd the weary Feet , without redress , In a round Error , which deny'd recess ; So fought the Trojan Boys in warlike Play , Turn'd , and return'd , and still a diff'rent way . Thus Dolphins , in the Deep , each other chase , In Circles , when they swim around the wat'ry Race . This Game , these Carousels Ascanius taught ; And , building Alba , to the Latins brought . Shew'd what he learn'd : The Latin Sires impart , To their succeeding Sons , the graceful Art : From these Imperial Rome receiv'd the Game ; Which Troy , the Youths the Trojan Troop , they name . To y e most Illustrious Prince William Duke of Glocester & ct . AE 5. l. 7●● . Thus far the sacred Sports they celebrate : But Fortune soon resum'd her ancient hate . For while they pay the dead his Annual dues , Those envy'd Rites Saturnian Juno views . And sends the Goddess of the various bow , To try new Methods of Revenge below : Supplies the Winds to wing her Airy way ; Where in the Port secure the Navy lay . Swiftly fair Iris down her Arch descends ; And undiscern'd her fatal Voyage ends . She saw the gath'ring Crowd ; and gliding thence , The desart Shore , and Fleet without defence . The Trojan Matrons on the Sands alone , With Sighs and Tears , Anchises death bemoan . Then , turning to the Sea their weeping Eyes , Their pity to themselves , renews their Cries . Alas ! said one , what Oceans yet remain For us to sail ; what Labours to sustain ! All take the Word ; and with a gen'ral groan , Implore the Gods for Peace ; and Places of their own . The Goddess , great in Mischief , views their pains ; And in a Woman's Form her heav'nly Limbs restrains . In Face and Shape , old Beroe she became , Doriclus Wife , a venerable Dame ; Once bless'd with Riches , and a Mother's Name . Thus chang'd , amidst the crying Crow'd she ran , Mix'd with the Matrons , and these words began . O wretched we , whom not the Grecian Pow'r , Nor Flames destroy'd , in Troy's unhappy hour ! O wretched we , reserv'd by Cruel Fate , Beyond the Ruins of the sinking State ! Now sev'n revolving Years are wholly run , Since this improsp'rous Voyage we begun : Since toss'd from Shores to Shores , from Lands to Lands , Inhospitable Rocks and barren Sands ; Wand'ring in Exile , through the stormy Sea , We search in vain for flying Italy . Now Cast by Fortune on this kindred Land , What shou'd our Rest , and rising Walls withstand , Or hinder here to fix our banish'd Band ? O , Country lost , and Gods redeem'd in vain , If still in endless Exile we remain ! Shall we no more the Trojan Walls renew , Or Streams of some dissembl'd Simois view ! Haste , joyn with me , th' unhappy Fleet consume : Cassandra bids , and I declare her doom . In sleep I saw her ; she supply'd my hands , ( For this I more than dreamt ) with flaming Brands : With these , said she , these wand'ring Ships destroy ; These are your fatal Seats , and this your Troy. Time calls you now , the precious Hour employ . Slack not the good Presage , while Heav'n inspires Our Minds to dare , and gives the ready Fires . See Neptune's Altars minister their Brands ; The God is pleas'd ; the God supplies our hands . Then , from the Pile , a flaming Firr she drew , And , toss'd in Air , amidst the Gallies threw . Wrap'd in a maze , the Matrons wildly stare : Then Pyrgo , reverenc'd for her hoary Hair , Pyrgo , the Nurse of Priam's num'rous Race , No Beroe this , tho she belies her Face : What Terrours from her frowning Front arise ; Behold a Goddess in her ardent Eyes ! What Rays around her heav'nly Face are seen , Mark her Majestick Voice , and more than mortal Meen ! Beroe but now I left ; whom pin'd with pain , Her Age and Anguish from these Rites detain . She said ; the Matrons , seiz'd with new Amaze , Rowl their malignant Eyes , and on the Navy gaze . They fear , and hope , and neither part obey : They hope the fated Land , but fear the fatal Way . The Goddess , having done her Task below , Mounts up on equal Wings , and bends her painted Bow. Struck with the sight , and feiz'd with Rage Divine ; The Matrons prosecute their mad Design : They shriek aloud , they snatch , with Impious Hands , The food of Altars , Firs , and flaming Brands . Green Leaves , and Saplings , mingled in their haste ; And smoaking Torches on the Ships they cast . The Flame , unstop'd at first , more Fury gains ; And Vulcan rides at large with loosen'd Reins : Triumphant to the painted Sterns he soars , And seizes in his way , the Banks , and crackling Oars . Eumelus was the first , the News to bear , While yet they crowd the Rural Theatre . Then what they hear , is witness'd by their Eyes ; A storm of Sparkles , and of Flames arise . Ascanius took th' Alarm , while yet he led His early Warriors on his prancing Steed . And spurring on , his Equals soon o'repass'd , Nor cou'd his frighted Friends reclaim his haste . Soon as the Royal Youth appear'd in view , He sent his Voice before him as he flew ; What Madness moves you , Matrons , to destroy The last Remainders of unhappy Troy ! Not hostile Fleets , but your own hopes you burn , And on your Friends , your fatal Fury turn . Behold your own Ascanius : while he said , He drew his glitt'ring Helmet from his Head ; In which the Youths to sportful Arms he led . By this , Aeneas and his Train appear ; And now the Women , seiz'd with Shame and Fear , Dispers'd , to Woods and Caverns take their Flight ; Abhor their Actions , and avoid the Light : Their Friends acknowledge , and their Error find ; And shake the Goddess from their alter'd Mind . Not so the raging Fires their Fury cease ; But lurking in the Seams , with seeming Peace , Work on their way , amid the smouldring Tow , Sure in Destruction , but in Motion slow . The silent Plague , thro' the green Timber eats , And vomits out a tardy Flame , by fits . Down to the Keels , and upward to the Sails , The Fire descends , or mounts ; but still prevails : Nor Buckets pour'd , nor strength of Human Hand , Can the victorious Element withstand . The Pious Heroe rends his Robe , and throws To Heav'n his Hands , and with his Hands his Vows . O Jove , he cry'd , if Pray'rs can yet have place ; If thou abhorr'st not all the Dardan Race ; If any spark of Pity still remain ; If Gods are Gods , and not invok'd in vain ; Yet spare the Relicks of the Trojan Train . Yet from the Flames our burning Vessels free : Or let thy Fury fall alone on me . At this devoted Head thy Thunder throw , And send the willing Sacrifice below . Scarce had he said , when Southern Storms arise , From Pole to Pole , the forky Lightning flies ; Loud ratling shakes the Mountains , and the Plain : Heav'n bellies downward , and descends in Rain . Whole Sheets of Water from the Clouds are sent , Which hissing thro' the Planks , the Flames prevent : And stop the fiery Pest : Four Ships alone Burn to the wast ; and for the Fleet attone . But doubtful thoughts the Hero's Heart divide ; If he should still in Sicily reside , Forgetful of his Fates ; or tempt the Main , In hope the promis'd Italy to gain . Then Nautes , old , and wise , to whom alone The Will of Heav'n , by Pallas was fore-shown ; Vers'd in Portents , experienc'd and inspir'd , To tell Events , and what the Fates requir'd : Thus while he stood , to neither part inclin'd , With chearful Words reliev'd his lab'ring Mind . O Goddess-born , resign'd in ev'ry state , With Patience bear , with Prudence push your Fate . By suff'ring well , our Fortune we subdue ; Fly when she frowns , and when she calls pursue . Your Friend Acestes is of Trojan Kind , To him disclose the Secrets of your Mind : Trust in his Hands your old and useless Train , Too num'rous for the Ships which yet remain : The feeble , old , indulgent of their Ease , The Dames who dread the Dangers of the Seas , With all the dastard Crew , who dare not stand The shock of Battel with your Foes by Land ; Here you may build a common Town for all ; And from Acestes name , Acesta call . The Reasons , with his Friend's Experience join'd , Encourag'd much , but more disturb'd his Mind . 'T was dead of Night ; when to his slumb'ring Eyes , His Father's Shade descended from the Skies ; And thus he spoke : O more than vital Breath Lov'd while I liv'd , and dear ev'n after Death ; O Son , in various Toils and Troubles tost , The King of Heav'n employs my careful Ghost On his Commands ; the God who sav'd from Fire Your flaming Fleet , and heard your just desire : The Wholsom Counsel of your Friend receive ; And here , the Coward Train , and Women leave : The chosen Youth , and those who nobly dare , Transport ; to tempt the Dangers of the War. The stern Italians will their Courage try ; Rough are their Manners , and their Minds are high . But first to Pluto's Palace you shall go , And seek my Shade among the blest below . For not with impious Ghosts my Soul remains , Nor suffers , with the Damn'd , perpetual Pains ; But breaths the living Air of soft Elysian Plains . The chast Sybilla shall your steps convey ; And Blood of offer'd Victims free the way . There shall you know what Realms the Gods assign ; And learn the Fates and Fortunes of your Line . But now , farewel ; I vanish with the Night ; And feel the blast of Heav'ns approaching Light : He said , and mix'd with Shades , and took his airy flight . Whether so fast , the filial Duty cry'd , And why , ah why , the wish'd Embrace deny'd ! He said , and rose : as holy Zeal inspires He rakes hot Embers , and renews the Fires . His Country Gods and Vesta , then adores With Cakes and Incense ; and their Aid implores . Next , for his Friends , and Royal Host he sent , Reveal'd his Vision and the Gods intent , With his own Purpose : All , without delay , The Will of Jove , and his Desires obey . They list with Women each degenerate Name , Who dares not hazard Life , for future Fame . These they cashier ; the brave remaining few , Oars , Banks , and Cables half consum'd renew . The Prince designs a City with the Plough ; The Lots their sev'ral Tenements allow . This part is nam'd from Ilium , that from Troy ; And the new King ascends the Throme with Joy. A chosen Senate from the People draws ; Appoints the Judges , and ordains the Laws . Then on the top of Eryx , they begin To raise a Temple to the Paphian Queen : Anchises , last , is honour'd as a God , A Priest is added , annual Gifts bestow'd ; And Groves are planted round his blest Abode , Nine days they pass in Feasts , their Temples crown'd ; And fumes of Incense in the Fanes abound . Then , from the South arose a gēntle Breeze , That curl'd the smoothness of the glassy Seas : The rising Winds , a ruffling Gale afford , And call the merry Marriners aboard . Now loud Laments along the Shores resound , Of parting Friends in close Embraces bound . The trembling Women , the degenerate Train , Who shun'd the frightful dangers of the Main ; Ev'n those desire to fail , and take their share Of the rough Passage , and the promis'd War. Whom Good Aeneas chears ; and recommends To their new Master's Care , his fearful Friends . On Eryx Altars three sat Calves he lays ; A Lamb new fall'n to the stormy Seas ; Then flips his Haulsers , and his Anchors weighs . High on the Deck , the Godlike Heroe stands ; With Olive crown'd ; a Charger in his Hands ; Then cast the reeking Entrails in the brine , And pour'd the Sacrifice of Purple Wine . Fresh Gales arise , with equal Strokes they vye , And brush the buxom Seas , and o're the Billows fly . Mean time the Mother-Goddess , full of Fears , To Neptune thus address'd , with tender Tears . The Pride of Jove's Imperious Queen , the Rage , The malice which no Suff'rings can asswage , Compel me to these Pray'rs : Since neither Fate , Nor Time , nor Pity , can remove her hate . Ev'n Jove is thwarted by his haughty Wife ; Still vanquish'd , yet she still renews the Strife . As if 't were little to consume the Town Which aw'd the World ; and wore th' Imperial Crown : She prosecutes the Ghost of Troy with Pains ; And gnaws , ev'n to the Bones , the last Remains . Let her the Causes of her Hatred tell ; But you can witness its Effects too well . You saw the Storm she rais'd on Lybian Floods , That mix'd the mounting Billows with the Clouds . When , bribing Eolus , she shook the Main ; And mov'd Rebellion in your wat'ry Reign . With Fury she possess'd the Dardan Dames ; To burn their Fleet with execrable Flames . And forc'd Aeneas , when his Ships were lost , To leave his Foll'wers on a Foreign Coast . For what remains , your Godhead I implore ; And trust my Son to your protecting Pow'r . If neither Jove's , nor Fate 's decree withstand , Secure his Passage to the Latian Land. Then thus the mighty Ruler of the Main , What may not Venus hope , from Neptune's Reign ? My Kingdom claims your Birth : my late Defence Of your indanger'd Fleet , may claim your Confidence . Nor less by Land than Sea , my Deeds declare , How much your lov'd Aeneas is my Care. Thee Xanthus , and thee Simois I attest : Your Trojan Troops , when proud Achilles press'd , To Edmond Waller of Beacons Field in the County of Bucks Esq AE 5. l. 1075 And drove before him headlong on the Plain And dash'd against the Walls the trembling T●●●● When Floods were fill'd with bodies of the slain . When Crimson Xanthus , doubtful of his way , Stood up on ridges to behold the Sea ; New heaps came tumbling in , and choak'd his way : When your Aeneas fought , but fought with odds Of Force unequal , and unequal Gods ; I spread a Cloud before the Victor's sight , Sustain'd the vanquish'd , and secur'd his flight . Ev'n then secur'd him , when I sought with joy The vow'd destruction of ungrateful Troy. My Will 's the same : Fair Goddess fear no more , Your Fleet shall safely gain the Latian Shore : Their lives are giv'n ; one destin'd Head alone Shall perish , and for Multitudes attone . Thus having arm'd with Hopes her anxious Mind , His finny Team Saturnian Neptune join'd . Then , adds the foamy Bridle to their Jaws ; And to the loosen'd Reins permits the Laws . High on the Waves his Azure Car he guides , Its Axles thunder , and the Sea subsides ; And the smooth Ocean rowls her silent Tides . The Tempests fly before their Father's face , Trains of inferiour Gods his Triumph grace ; And Monster Whales before their Master play , And Quires of Tritons crowd the wat'ry way . The Martial'd Pow'rs , in equal Troops divide , To right and left : the Gods his better side Inclose , and on the worse the Nymphs and Nereids ride . Now smiling Hope , with sweet Vicissitude , Within the Hero's Mind , his Joys renew'd . He calls to raise the Masts , the Sheats display ; The Chearful Crew with diligence obey ; They scud before the Wind , and sail in open Sea. A Head of all the Master Pilot steers , And as he leads , the following Navy veers . The Steeds of Night had travell'd half the Sky , The drowzy Rowers on their Benches lye ; When the soft God of Sleep , with easie flight , Descends , and draws behind a trail of Light. Thou Palinurus art his destin'd Prey ; To thee alone he takes his fatal way . Dire Dreams to thee , and Iron Sleep he bears ; And lighting on thy Prow , the Form of Phorbas wears . Then thus the Traytor God began his Tale : The Winds , my Friend , inspire a pleasing gale ; The Ships , without thy Care , securely sail . Now steal an hour of sweet Repose ; and I Will take the Rudder , and thy room supply . To whom the yauning Pilot , half asleep ; Me dost thou bid to trust the treach'rous Deep ! The Harlot-smiles of her dissembling Face , And to her Faith commit the Trojan Race ? Shall I believe the Syren South again , And , oft betray'd , not know the Monster Main ? He said , his fasten'd hands the Rudder keep , And fix'd on Heav'n , his Eyes repel invading Sleep . The God was wroth , and at his Temples threw A Branch in Lethe dip'd , and drunk with Stygian Dew : The Pilot , vanquish'd by the Pow'r Divine , Soon clos'd his swimming Eyes , and lay supine . Scarce were his Limbs extended at their length , The God , insulting with superiour Strength , Fell heavy on him , plung'd him in the Sea , And , with the Stern , the Rudder tore away . Headlong he fell , and strugling in the Main , Cry'd out for helping hands , but cry'd in vain : The Victor Daemon mounts obscure in Air ; While the Ship sails without the Pilot's care . On Neptune's Faith the floating Fleet relies ; But what the Man forsook , the God supplies ; And o're the dang'rous Deep secure the Navy flies . Glides by the Syren's Cliffs , a shelfy Coast , Long infamous for Ships , and Sailors lost ; And white with Bones : Th' impetuous Ocean roars ; And Rocks rebellow from the sounding Shores. The watchful Heroe felt the knocks ; and found The tossing Vessel sail'd on shoaly Ground . Sure of his Pilot's loss , he takes himself The Helm , and steers aloof , and shuns the Shelf . Inly he griev'd ; and groaning from his Breast , Deplor'd his Death ; and thus his Pain express'd : For Faith repos'd on Seas , and on the flatt'ring Sky , Thy naked Corps is doom'd , on Shores unknown to lye . The Sixth Book of the Aeneis . The Argument . The Sibyl foretels Aeneas the Adventures he should meet with in Italy . She attends him to Hell ; describing to him the various Scenes of that Place , and conducting him to his Father Anchises . Who instructs him in those sublime Mysteries of the Soul of the World , and the Transmigration : And shews him that glorious Race of Heroes , which was to descend from him , and his Posterity . HE said , and wept : Then spread his Sails before The Winds , and reach'd at length the Cuman Shore : Their Anchors drop'd , his Crew the Vessels moor . They turn their Heads to Sea ; their Sterns to Land ; And greet with greedy Joy th' Italian Strand . Some strike from clashing Flints their fiery Seed ; Some gather Sticks , the kindled Flames to feed : Or search for hollow Trees , and fell the Woods , Or trace thro Valleys the discover'd Floods . Thus , while their sev'ral Charges they fulfil , The Pious Prince ascends the sacred Hill Where Phoebus is ador'd ; and seeks the Shade , Which hides from sight , his venerable Maid . Deep in a Cave the Sibyl makes abode ; Thence full of Fate returns , and of the God. Thro Trivia's Grove they walk ; and now behold , And enter now , the Temple roof'd with Gold. When Dedalus , to shun the Cretan Shore , His heavy Limbs on jointed Pinions bore , ( The first who sail'd in Air , ) 't is sung by Fame , To the Cumaean Coast at length he came ; And , here alighting , built this costly Frame . To y e Right Hon ble Basil Earle of Denbigh Vis-count Fielding Baron Newenham Padox & S t Lis AE . 6. l. ● Inscrib'd to Phoebus , here he hung on high The steerage of his Wings , that cut the Sky : Then o're the lofty Gate his Art emboss'd Androgeos Death , and Off'rings to his Ghost . Sev'n Youths from Athens yearly sent , to meet The Fate appointed by revengeful Creet . And next to these the dreadful Urn was plac'd , In which the destin'd Name by Lots were cast : The mournful Parents stand around in Tears ; And rising Creet against their Shore appears . There too , in living Sculpture , might be seen The mad Affection of the Cretan Queen : Then how she cheats her bellowing Lover's Eye : The rushing leap , the doubtful Progeny , The lower part a Beast , a Man above , The Monument of their polluted Love. Nor far from thence he grav'd the wond'rous Maze ; A thousand Doors , a thousand winding Ways ; Here dwells the Monster , hid from Human View , Not to be found , but by the faithful Clue : 'Till the kind Artist , mov'd with Pious Grief , Lent to the loving Maid this last Relief . And all those erring Paths describ'd so well , That Theseus conquer'd , and the Monster fell . Here hapless Icarus had found his part ; Had not the Father's Grief restrain'd his Art. He twice essay'd to cast his Son in Gold ; Twice from his Hands he drop'd the forming Mould . All this with wond'ring Eyes Aeneas view'd : Each varying Object his Delight renew'd . Prepar'd to read the rest , Achates came , And by his side the mad divining Dame ; The Priestess of the God , Deiphobe her Name . Time suffers not , she said , to feed your Eyes With empty Pleasures : haste the Sacrifice . Sev'n Bullocks yet unyok'd , for Phoebus chuse , And for Diana sev'n unspotted Ewes . This said , the Servants urge the Sacred Rites ; While to the Temple she the Prince invites . A spacious Cave , within its farmost part , Was hew'd and fashion'd by laborious Art. Thro' the Hills hollow sides : Before the place , A hundred Doors a hundred Entries grace : As many Voices issue ; and the sound Of Sibyl's Words as many times rebound . Now to the Mouth they come : Aloud she cries , This is the time , enquire your Destinies . He comes , behold the God! Thus while she said , ( And shiv'ring at the sacred Entry staid ) Her Colour chang'd , her Face was not the same , And hollow Groans from her deep Spirit came . Her Hair stood up ; convulsive Rage possess'd Her trembling Limbs , and heav'd her lab'ring Breast . Greater than Human Kind she seem'd to look : And with an Accent , more than Mortal , spoke . Her staring Eyes with sparling Fury rowl ; When all the God came rushing on her Soul. Swiftly she turn'd , and foaming as she spoke , Why this Delay , she cry'd ; the Pow'rs invoke . Thy Pray'rs alone can open this abode , Else vain are my Demands , and dumb the God. She said no more : The trembling Trojans hear ; O're-spread with a damp Sweat , and holy Fear . The Prince himself , with awful Dread possess'd , His Vows to great Apollo thus address'd . Indulgent God , propitious Pow'r to Troy , Swift to relieve , unwilling to destroy ; Directed by whose Hand , the Dardan Dart Pierc'd the proud Grecian's only Mortal part : Thus far , by Fates Decrees , and thy Commands , Through ambient Seas , and thro' devouring Sands , Our exil'd Crew has sought th' Ausonian Ground : And now , at length , the flying Coast is found . Thus far the Fate of Troy , from place to place , With Fury has pursu'd her wand'ring Race : Here cease ye Pow'rs , and let your Vengeance end , Troy is no more , and can no more offend . And thou , O sacred Maid , inspir'd to see Th' Event of things in dark Futurity ; Give me , what Heav'n has promis'd to my Fate , To conquer and command the Latian State : To fix my wand'ring Gods ; and find a place For the long Exiles of the Trojan Race . Then shall my grateful Hands a Temple rear To the twin Gods , with Vows and solemn Pray'r ; And Annual Rites , and Festivals , and Games , Shall be perform'd to their auspicious Names . Nor shalt thou want thy Honours in my Land , For there thy faithful Oracles shall stand , Preserv'd in Shrines : and ev'ry Sacred Lay , Which , by thy Mouth , Apollo shall convey . All shall be treasur'd , by a chosen Train Of holy Priests , and ever shall remain . But , oh ! commit not thy prophetick Mind To flitting Leaves , the sport of ev'ry Wind : Lest they disperse in Air our empty Fate : Write not , but , what the Pow'rs ordain , relate . Strugling in vain , impatient of her Load , And lab'ring underneath the pond'rous God , The more she strove to shake him from her Breast , With more , and far superior Force he press'd : Commands his Entrance , and without Controul , Usurps her Organs , and inspires her Soul. Now , with a furious Blast , the hundred Doors Ope of themselves ; a rushing Wirlwind roars Within the Cave ; and Sibyl's Voice restores . Escap'd the Dangers of the wat'ry Reign , Yet more , and greater Ills , by Land remain . The Coast so long desir'd , ( nor doubt th' Event ) Thy Troops shall reach , but having reach'd , repent . Wars , horrid Wars I view ; a field of Blood ; And Tyber rolling with a Purple Flood . Simois nor Xanthus shall be wanting there ; A new Achilles shall in Arms appear : And he , too , Goddess-born : fierce Juno's Hate , Added to hostile Force , shall urge thy Fate . To what strange Nations shalt not thou resort , Driv'n to sollicite Aid at ev'ry Court ! The Cause the same which Ilium once oppress'd , A foreign Mistress , and a foreign Guest . But thou , secure of Soul , unbent with Woes , The more thy Fortune frowns , the more oppose . The dawnings of thy Safety , shall be shown , From whence thou least shalt hope , a Grecian Town . Thus , from the dark Recess , the Sibyl spoke , And the resisting Air the Thunder broke ; The Cave rebellow'd ; and the Temple shook . Th' ambiguous God , who rul'd her lab'ring Breast , In these mysterious Words his Mind exprest : Some Truths reveal'd , in Terms involv'd the rest . At length her Fury fell ; her foaming ceas'd , And , ebbing in her Soul , the God decreas'd . Then thus the Chief : no Terror to my view , No frightful Face of Danger can be new . To S r Fleetwood Sheppard Knight , Gent : Vsher of y e Black Rod AE . ● l. 150. Inur'd to suffer , and resolv'd to dare , The Fates , without my Pow'r , shall be without my Care. This let me crave , since near your Grove the Road To Hell lies open , and the dark Abode , Which Acheron surrounds , th' innavigable Flood : Conduct me thro' the Regions void of Light , And lead me longing to my Father's sight . For him , a thousand Dangers I have sought ; And , rushing where the thickest Grecians fought , Safe on my Back the sacred Burthen brought . He , for my sake , the raging Ocean try'd , And Wrath of Heav'n ; my still auspicious Guide , And bore beyond the strength decrepid Age supply'd . Oft since he breath'd his last , in dead of Night , His reverend Image stood before my sight ; Enjoin'd to seek below , his holy Shade ; Conducted there , by your unerring aid . But you , if pious Minds by Pray'rs are won , Oblige the Father , and protect the Son. Yours is the Pow'r ; nor Proserpine in vain Has made you Priestess of her nightly Reign . If Orpheus , arm'd with his enchanting Lyre , The ruthless King with Pity could inspire ; And from the Shades below redeem his Wife : If Pollux , off'ring his alternate Life , Cou'd free his Brother ; and can daily go By turns aloft , by turns descend below : Why name I Theseus , or his greater Friend , Who trod the downward Path , and upward cou'd ascend ! Not less than theirs , from Jove my Lineage came : My Mother greater , my Descent the same . So pray'd the Trojan Prince ; and while he pray'd His Hand upon the holy Altar laid . Then thus reply'd the Prophetess Divine : O Goddess born ! of Great Anchises Line ; The Gates of Hell are open Night and day ; Smooth the Descent , and easie is the Way : But , to return , and view the chearful Skies ; In this the Task , and mighty Labour lies . To few great Jupiter imparts this Grace : And those of shining Worth , and Heav'nly Race . Betwixt those Regions , and our upper Light , Deep Forrests , and impenetrable Night Possess the middle space : Th' Infernal Bounds Cocytus , with his sable Waves , surrounds . But if so dire a Love your Soul invades ; As twice below to view the trembling Shades ; If you so hard a Toil will undertake , As twice to pass th' innavigable Lake ; Receive my Counsel . In the Neighb'ring Grove There stands a Tree ; the Queen of Stygian Jove Claims it her own ; thick Woods , and gloomy Night , Conceal the happy Plant from Humane sight . One Bough it bears ; but , wond'rous to behold ; The ductile Rind , and Leaves , of Radiant Gold : This , from the vulgar Branches must be torn , And to fair Proserpine , the Present born : E're leave be giv'n to tempt the neather Skies : The first thus rent , a second will arise ; And the same Metal the same room supplies . Look round the Wood , with lifted Eyes , to see The lurking Gold upon the fatal Tree : Then rend it off , as holy Rites command : The willing Metal will obey thy hand , Following with ease , if , favour'd by thy Fate , Thou art foredoom'd to view the Stygian State : If not , no labour can the Tree constrain : And strength of stubborn Arms , and Steel are vain . Besides , you know not , while you here attend Th' unworthy Fate of your unhappy Friend : Breathless he lies : And his unbury'd Ghost , Depriv'd of Fun'ral Rites , pollutes your Host . Pay first his Pious Dues : And for the dead , Two sable Sheep around his Herse be led . Then , living Turfs upon his Body lay ; This done , securely take the destin'd Way , To find the Regions destitute of Day . She said : and held her Peace . Aeneas went Sad from the Cave , and full of Discontent ; Unknowing whom the sacred Sibyl meant . Achates , the Companion of his Breast , Goes grieving by his side ; with equal Cares oppress'd . Walking , they talk'd , and fruitlesly divin'd What Friend , the Priestess by those Words design'd . But soon they found an Object to deplore ; Misenus lay extended on the Shore . Son to the God of Winds ; none so renown'd , The Warrior Trumpet in the Field to sound : With breathing Brass to kindle fierce Alarms ; And rouze to dare their Fate , in honourable Arms. He serv'd great Hector ; and was ever near ; Not with his Trumpet only , but his Spear . But , by Pelides Arms , when Hector fell , He chose Aeneas , and he chose as well . Swoln with Applause , and aiming still at more , He now provokes the Sea Gods from the Shore ; With Envy Triton heard the Martial sound , And the bold Champion , for his Challenge , drown'd . Then cast his mangled Carcass on the Strand ▪ The gazing Crowd around the Body stand . All weep , but most Aeneas mourns his Fate ; And hastens to perform the Funeral state . In Altar-wise , a stately Pile they rear ; The Basis broad below , and top advanc'd in Air. An ancient Wood , fit for the Work design'd , ( The shady Covert of the Salvage Kind ) The Trojans found : The sounding Axe is ply'd : Firs , Pines , and Pitch-Trees , and the tow'ring Pride Of Forest Ashes , feel the fatal Stroke : And piercing Wedges cleave the stubborn Oak . Huge Trunks of Trees , fell'd from the steepy Crown Of the bare Mountains , rowl with Ruin down . Arm'd like the rest the Trojan Prince appears : And , by his pious Labour , urges theirs . Thus while he wrought , revolving in his Mind , The ways to compass what his Wish design'd , He cast his Eyes upon the gloomy Grove ; And then with Vows implor'd the Queen of Love. O may thy Pow'r , propitious still to me , Conduct my steps to find the fatal Tree , In this deep Forest ; since the Sibyl's Breath Foretold , alas ! too true , Misenus Death . Scarce had he said , when full before his sight Two Doves , descending from their Airy Flight , Secure upon the grassy Plain alight . He knew his Mother's Birds : and thus he pray'd : Be you my Guides , with your auspicious Aid : And lead my Footsteps , 'till the Branch be found , Whose glittering Shadow guilds the sacred Ground : And thou , great Parent ! with Coelestial Care , In this Distress , be present to my Pray'r . Thus having said , he stop'd : With watchful sight , Observing still the motions of their Flight . To S r : Tho : Dyke of Horeham in y e County of Sussex Bar t : AE . 6. l. 280 To M rs : Anne Baynard Daughter of Dr. Edn d : Baynard of the Family of Leckham in y e County of Wilts AE 6. l 31● What course they took , what happy Signs they shew . They fed , and flutt'ring by degrees , withdrew Still farther from the Place ; but still in view . Hopping , and flying , thus they led him on To the slow Lake ; whose baleful Stench to shun , They wing'd their Flight aloft ; then , stooping low , Perch'd on the double Tree , that bears the golden Bough . Thro' the green Leafs the glitt'ring Shadows glow ; As on the sacred Oak , the wintry Misleto : Where the proud Mother views her precious Brood ; And happier Branches , which she never sow'd . Such was the glitt'ring ; such the ruddy Rind , And dancing Leaves , that wanton'd in the Wind. He seiz'd the shining Bough with griping hold ; And rent away , with ease , the ling'ring Gold. Then , to the Sibyl's Palace bore the Prize . Mean time , the Trojan Troops , with weeping Eyes , To dead Misenus pay his Obsequies . First , from the Ground , a lofty Pile they rear , Of Pitch-trees , Oaks , and Pines , and unctuous Firr : The Fabrick's Front with Cypress Twigs they strew ; And stick the sides with Boughs of baleful Yeugh . The topmost part , his glitt'ring Arms adorn ; Warm Waters , then , in brazen Caldrons born , Are pour'd to wash his Body , Joint by Joint : And fragrant Oils the stiffen'd Limbs anoint . With Groans and Cries Misenus they deplore : Then on a Bier , with Purple cover'd o're , The breathless Body , thus bewail'd , they lay : And fire the Pile , their Faces turn'd away : ( Such reverend Rites their Fathers us'd to pay . ) Pure Oyl , and Incense , on the Fire they throw : And Fat of Victims , which his Friends bestow . These Gifts , the greedy Flames to Dust devour ; Then , on the living Coals , red Wine they pour : And last , the Relicks by themselves dispose ; Which in a brazen Urn the Priests inclose . Old Chorineus compass'd thrice the Crew ; And dip'd an Olive Branch in holy Dew ; Which thrice he sprinkl'd round ; and thrice aloud Invok'd the dead , and then dismiss'd the Crowd . But good Aeneas order'd on the Shore A stately Tomb ; whose top a Trumpet bore : A Souldier's Fauchion , and a Sea-man's Oar. Thus was his Friend interr'd : And deathless Fame Still to the lofty Cape consigns his Name . These Rites perform'd , the Prince , without delay , Hastes to the neather World , his destin'd Way . Deep was the Cave ; and downward as it went From the wide Mouth , a rocky rough Descent ; And here th' access a gloomy Grove defends ; And there th' unnavigable Lake extends . O're whose unhappy Waters , void of Light , No Bird presumes to steer his Airy Flight ; Such deadly Stenches from the depth arise , And steaming Sulphur , that infects the Skies . From hence the Grecian Bards their Legends make , And give the name Avernus to the Lake . Four sable Bullocks , in the Yoke untaught , For Sacrifice the pious Heroe brought . The Priestess pours the Wine betwixt their Horns : Then cuts the curling Hair ; that first Oblation burns . Invoking Hecate hither to repair ; ( A pow'rful Name in Hell , and upper Air. ) The sacred Priests with ready Knives bereave The Beasts of Life ; and in full Bowls receive The streaming Blood : A Lamb to Hell and Night , ( The sable Wool without a streak of white ) Aeneas offers : And , by Fates decree , A barren Heifar , Proserpine to thee . With Holocausts he Pluto's Altar fills : Sev'n brawny Bulls with his own Hand he kills : Then on the broiling Entrails Oyl he pours ; Which , ointed thus , the raging Flame devours . Late , the Nocturnal Sacrifice begun ; Nor ended , 'till the next returning Sun. Then Earth began to bellow , Trees to dance ; And howling Dogs in glimm'ring Light advance ; E're Hecate came : Far hence be Souls prophane , The Sibyl cry'd , and from the Grove abstain . Now , Trojan , take the way thy Fates afford : Assume thy Courage , and unsheath thy Sword. She said , and pass'd along the gloomy Space : The Prince pursu'd her Steps with equal pace . Ye Realms , yet unreveal'd to human sight , Ye Gods , who rule the Regions of the Night , Ye gliding Ghosts , permit me to relate The mystick Wonders of your silent State. Obscure they went thro dreery Shades , that led Along the waste Dominions of the dead : Thus wander Travellers in Woods by Night , By the Moon 's doubtful , and malignant Light : When Jove in dusky Clouds involves the Skies ; And the faint Crescent shoots by fits before their Eyes . Just in the Gate , and in the Jaws of Hell , Revengeful Cares , and sullen Sorrows dwell ; And pale Diseases , and repining Age ; Want , Fear , and Famine's unresisted rage . Here Toils , and Death , and Death's half-brother , Sleep , Forms terrible to view , their Centry keep : With anxious Pleasures of a guilty Mind , Deep Frauds before , and open Force behind : The Furies Iron Beds , and Strife that shakes Her hissing Tresses , and unfolds her Snakes . Full in the midst of this infernal Road , An Elm displays her dusky Arms abroad ; The God of Sleep there hides his heavy Head : And empty Dreams on ev'ry Leaf are spread . Of various Forms unnumber'd Specters more ; Centaurs , and double Shapes , besiege the Door : Before the Passage horrid Hydra stands , And Briareus with all his hundred Hands : Gorgons , Geryon with his triple Frame ; And vain Chimaera vomits empty Flame . The Chief unsheath'd his shining Steel , prepar'd , Tho seiz'd with sudden Fear , to force the Guard. Off'ring his brandish'd Weapon at their Face ; Had not the Sibyl stop'd his eager Pace , And told him what those empty Fantomes were ; Forms without Bodies , and impassive Air. Hence to deep Acheron they take their way ; Whose troubled Eddies , thick with Ooze and Clay , Are whirl'd aloft , and in Cocytus lost : There Charon stands , who rules the dreary Coast : A sordid God ; down from his hoary Chin A length of Beard descends ; uncomb'd , unclean : His Eyes , like hollow Furnaces on Fire : A Girdle , foul with grease , binds his obscene Attire . He spreads his Canvas , with his Pole he steers ; The Freights of flitting Ghosts in his thin Bottom beats . He look'd in Years ; yet in his Years were seen A youthful Vigour , and Autumnal green . An Airy Crowd came rushing where he stood ; Which fill'd the Margin of the fatal Flood . To John Lenknor Esq r : of West Deane in the County of Sussex AE . 6. l : 390 Husbands and Wives , Boys and unmarry'd Maids ; And mighty Heroes more Majestick Shades . And Youths , intomb'd before their Fathers Eyes , With hollow Groans , and Shrieks , and feeble Cries : Thick as the Leaves in Autumn strow the Woods : Or Fowls , by Winter forc'd , forsake the Floods , And wing their hasty flight to happier Lands : Such , and so thick , the shiv'ring Army stands : And press for passage with extended hands . Now these , now those , the surly Boatman bore : The rest he drove to distance from the Shore . The Heroe , who beheld with wond'ring Eyes , The Tumult mix'd with Shrieks , Laments , and Cries ; Ask'd of his Guide , what the rude Concourse meant ? Why to the Shore the thronging People bent ? What Forms of Law , among the Ghosts were us'd ? Why some were ferry'd o're , and some refus'd ? Son of Anchises , Offspring of the Gods , The Sibyl said ; you see the Stygian Floods , The Sacred Stream , which Heav'n's Imperial State Attests in Oaths , and fears to violate . The Ghosts rejected , are th' unhappy Crew Depriv'd of Sepulchers ▪ and Fun'ral due . The Boatman Charon ; those , the bury'd host , He Ferries over to the Farther Coast . Nor dares his Transport Vessel cross the Waves , With such whose Bones are not compos'd in Graves . A hundred years they wander on the Shore , At length , their Pennance done , are wafted o're . The Trojan Chief his forward pace repress'd ; Revolving anxious Thoughts within his Breast . He saw his Friends , who whelm'd beneath the Waves , Their Fun'ral Honours claim'd , and ask'd their quiet Graves . The lost Leucaspis in the Crowd he knew ; And the brave Leader of the Lycian Crew : Whom , on the Tyrrhene Seas , the Tempests met ; The Sailors master'd , and the Ship o'reset . Amidst the Spirits Palinurus press'd ; Yet fresh from life ; a new admitted Guest . Who , while he steering view'd the Stars , and bore His Course from Affrick , to the Latian Shore , Fell headlong down . The Trojan fix'd his view ; And scarcely through the gloom the sullen Shadow knew . Then thus the Prince . What envious Pow'r , O Friend , Brought your lov'd life to this disastrous end ? For Phoebus , ever true in all he said , Has , in your fate alone , my Faith betray'd ? The God foretold you shou'd not die , before You reach'd , secure from Seas , th' Italian Shore ? Is this th' unerring Pow'r ? The Ghost reply'd , Nor Phoebus flatter'd , nor his Answers ly'd ; Nor envious Gods have sent me to the Deep : But while the Stars , and course of Heav'n I keep , My weary'd Eyes were seiz'd with fatal sleep . I fell ; and with my weight , the Helm constrain'd , Was drawn along , which yet my gripe retain'd . Now by the Winds , and raging Waves , I swear , Your Safety , more than mine , was then my Care : Lest , of the Guide bereft , the Rudder lost , Your Ship shou'd run against the the rocky Coast . Three blust'ring Nights , born by the Southern blast , I floated ; and discover'd Land at last : High on a Mounting Wave , my head I bore : Forcing my Strength , and gath'ring to the Shore : Panting , but but past the danger , now I seiz'd The Craggy Cliffs , and my tyr'd Members eas'd : While , cumber'd with my dropping Cloaths , I lay , The cruel Nation , covetous of Prey , Stain'd with my Blood th' unhospitable Coast : And now , by Winds and Waves , my lifeless Limbs are tost . Which O avert , by yon Etherial Light Which I have lost , for this eternal Night : Or if by dearer tyes you may be won , By your dead Sire , and by your living Son , Redeem from this Reproach , my wand'ring Ghost ; Or with your Navy seek the Velin Coast : And in a peaceful Grave my Corps compose : Or , if a nearer way your Mother shows , Without whose Aid , you durst not undertake This frightful Passage o're the Stygian Lake ; Lend to this Wretch your Hand , and waft him o're To the sweet Banks of yon forbidden Shore . Scarce had he said , the Prophetess began ; What Hopes delude thee , miserable Man ? Think'st thou thus unintomb'd to cross the Floods , To view the Furies , and Infernal Gods ; And visit , without leave , the dark abodes ? Attend the term of long revolving Years : Fate , and the dooming Gods , are deaf to Tears . This Comfort of thy dire Misfortune take ; The Wrath of Heav'n , inflicted for thy sake , With Vengeance shall pursue th' inhumane Coast . Till they propitiate thy offended Ghost , And raise a Tomb , with Vows , and solemn Pray'r ; And Palinurus name the Place shall bear . This calm'd his Cares : sooth'd with his future Fame ; And pleas'd to hear his propagated Name . Now nearer to the Stygian Lake they draw : Whom from the Shore , the surly Boatman saw : Observ'd their Passage thro' the shady Wood ; And mark'd their near Approaches to the Flood : Then thus he call'd aloud , inflam'd with Wrath ; Mortal , what e're , who this forbidden Path In Arms presum'st to tread , I charge thee stand , And tell thy Name , and Buis'ness in the Land. Know this , the Realm of Night ; the Stygian Shore : My Boat conveys no living Bodies o're : Nor was I pleas'd great Theseus once to bear ; Who forc'd a Passage with his pointed Spear ; Nor strong Alcides , Men of mighty Fame ; And from th' immortal Gods their Lineage came . In Fetters one the barking Porter ty'd , And took him trembling from his Sov'raign's side : Two sought by Force to seize his beauteous Bride . To whom the Sibyl thus , compose thy Mind : Nor Frauds are here contriv'd , nor Force design'd . Still may the Dog the wand'ring Troops constrain Of Airy Ghosts ; and vex the guilty Train ; And with her grisly Lord his lovely Queen remain . The Trojan Chief , whose Lineage is from Jove , Much fam'd for Arms , and more for filial Love , Is sent to seek his Sire , in your Elisian Grove . If neither Piety , nor Heav'n's Command , Can gain his Passage to the Stygian Strand , This fatal Present shall prevail , at least ; Then shew'd the shining Bough , conceal'd within her Vest . No more was needful : for the gloomy God Stood mute with Awe , to see the Golden Rod : Admir'd the destin'd Off'ring to his Queen ; ( A venerable Gift so rarely seen ) His Fury thus appeas'd , he puts to Land : The Ghosts forsake their Seats , at his Command : He clears the Deck , receives the mighty Freight , The leaky Vessel groans beneath the weight . Slowly he sails ; and scarcely stems the Tides : The pressing Water pours within her sides . His Passengers at length are wafted o're ; Expos'd in muddy Weeds , upon the miry Shore . No sooner landed , in his Den they found The triple Porter of the Stygian Sound : Grim Cerberus ; who soon began to rear His crested Snakes , and arm'd his bristling Hair. The prudent Sibyl had before prepar'd A Sop , in Honey steep'd , to charm the Guard. Which , mix'd with pow'rful Drugs , she cast before His greedy grinning Jaws , just op'd to roar : With three enormous Mouths he gapes ; and streight , With Hunger prest , devours the pleasing Bait. Long draughts of Sleep his monstrous Limbs enslave ; He reels , and falling , fills the spacious Cave . The Keeper charm'd , the Chief without Delay Pass'd on , and took th' irremeable way . Before the Gates , the Cries of Babes new born , Whom Fate had from their tender Mothers torn , Assault his Ears : Then those , whom Form of Laws Condemn'd to die , when Traitors judg'd their Cause . Nor want they Lots , nor Judges to review The wrongful Sentence , and award a new . Minos , the strict Inquisitor , appears ; And Lives and Crimes , with his Assessors , hears . Round , in his Urn , the blended Balls he rowls ; Absolves the Just , and dooms the Guilty Souls . The next in Place , and Punishment , are they Who prodigally throw their Souls away . Fools , who repining at their wretched State , And loathing anxious life , suborn'd their Fate . With late Repentance , now they wou'd retrieve The Bodies they forsook , and wish to live . Their Pains and Poverty desire to bear , To view the Light of Heav'n , and breath the vital Air : But Fate forbids ; the Stygian Floods oppose ; And , with nine circling Streams , the captive Souls inclose . Not far from thence , the mournful Fields appear ; So call'd from Lovers that inhabit there . The Souls , whom that unhappy Flame invades , In secret Solitude , and Myrtle Shades , Make endless Moans , and pining with Desire , Lament too late , their unextinguish'd Fire . Here Procris , Eryphile here , he found Baring her Breast , yet bleeding with the Wound Made by her Son. He saw Pasiphae there , With Phaedra's Ghost , a foul incestuous pair ; Chast Laodamia , with Evadne , moves : Unhappy both ; but loyal in their Loves . Caeneus , a Woman once , and once a Man ; But ending in the Sex she first began . Not far from these Phoenician Dido stood ; Fresh from her Wound , her Bosom bath'd in Blood. Whom , when the Trojan Heroe hardly knew , Obscure in Shades , and with a doubtful view , ( Doubtful as he who sees thro' dusky Night , Or thinks he sees the Moon 's uncertain Light : ) With Tears he first approach'd the sullen Shade ; And , as his Love inspir'd him , thus he said . Unhappy Queen ! then is the common breath Of Rumour true , in your reported Death , And I , alas , the Cause ! by Heav'n , I vow , And all the Pow'rs that rule the Realms below , To John Pulteney of the Parish of S t : James's Westminster Esq. AE . 6. l. 615 Unwilling I forsook your friendly State : Commanded by the Gods , and forc'd by Fate . Those Gods , that Fate , whose unresisted Might Have sent me to these Regions , void of Light , Thro' the vast Empire of eternal Night . Nor dar'd I to presume , that , press'd with Grief , My Flight should urge you to this dire Relief . Stay , stay your Steps , and listen to my Vows : 'T is the last Interview that Fate allows ! In vain he thus attempts her Mind to move , With Tears , and Pray'rs , and late repenting Love. Disdainfully she look'd ; then turning round , But fix'd her Eyes unmov'd upon the Ground . And , what he says , and swears , regards no more Than the deaf Rocks , when the loud Billows roar . But whirl'd away , to shun his hateful sight , Hid in the Forest , and the Shades of Night . Then sought Sicheus , thro' the shady Grove , Who answer'd all her Cares , and equal'd all her Love. Some pious Tears the pitying Heroe paid ; And follow'd with his Eyes the flitting Shade . Then took the forward Way , by Fate ordain'd , And , with his Guide , the farther Fields attain'd ; Where , sever'd from the rest , the Warrior Souls remain'd . Tideus he met , with Meleager's Race ; The Pride of Armies , and the Souldier's Grace ; And pale Adrastus with his ghastly Face . Of Trojan Chiefs he view'd a num'rous Train : All much lamented , all in Battel slain . Glaucus and Medon , high above the rest , Antenor's Sons , and Ceres sacred Priest : And proud Ideus , Priam's Charioteer ; Who shakes his empty Reins , and aims his Airy Spear . The gladsome Ghosts , in circling Troops , attend , And with unweary'd Eyes behold their Friend . Delight to hover near ; and long to know What buis'ness brought him to the Realms below . But Argive Chiefs , and Agamemnon's Train , When his refulgent Arms flash'd thro' the shady Plain , Fled from his well known Face , with wonted Fear , As when his thund'ring Sword , and pointed Spear , Drove headlong to their Ships , and glean'd the routed Reer . They rais'd a feeble Cry , with trembling Notes : But the weak Voice deceiv'd their gasping Throats . Here Priam's Son , Deiphobus , he found : Whose Face and Limbs were one continu'd Wound . Dishonest , with lop'd Arms , the Youth appears : Spoil'd of his Nose , and shorten'd of his Ears . He scarcely knew him , striving to disown His blotted Form , and blushing to be known . And therefore first began . O Teucer's Race , Who durst thy faultless Figure thus deface ? What heart cou'd wish , what hand inflict this dire Disgrace ? T was fam'd , that in our last and fatal Night , Your single Prowess long sustain'd the Fight : Till tir'd , not forc'd , a glorious Fate you chose : And fell upon a Heap of slaughter'd Foes . But in remembrance of so brave a Deed , A Tomb , and Fun'ral Honours I decreed : Thrice call'd your Manes , on the Trojan Plains : The place your Armour , and your Name retains . Your Body too I sought ; and had I found , Design'd for Burial in your Native Ground . The Ghost reply'd , your Piety has paid All needful Rites , to rest my wand'ring Shade : But cruel Fate , and my more cruel Wife , To Grecian Swords betray'd my sleeping Life . To Christopher Knight Esq of Chanton in Hantshire AE . 6. l. 675. These are the Monuments of Helen's Love : The Shame I bear below , the Marks I bore above . You know in what deluding Joys we past The Night , that was by Heav'n decreed our last . For when the fatal Horse , descending down , Pregnant with Arms , o'rewhelm'd th' unhappy Town ; She feign'd Nocturnal Orgyes : left my Bed , And , mix'd with Trojan Dames , the Dances led . Then , waving high her Torch , the Signal made , Which rouz'd the Grecians from their Ambuscade . With Watching overworn , with Cares opprest , Unhappy I had laid me down to rest ; And heavy Sleep my weary Limbs possess'd . Mean time my worthy Wife , our Arms mislay'd ; And from beneath my head my Sword convey'd : The Door unlatch'd ; and with repeated calls , Invites her former Lord within my walls . Thus in her Crime her confidence she plac'd : And with new Treasons wou'd redeem the past . What need I more , into the Room they ran ; And meanly murther'd a defenceless Man. Ulysses , basely born , first led the way : Avenging Pow'rs ! with Justice if I pray , That Fortune be their own another day . But answer you ; and in your turn relate , What brought you , living , to the Stygian State ? Driv'n by the Winds and Errors of the Sea , Or did you Heav'ns Superior Doom obey ? Or tell what other Chance conducts your way ? To view , with Mortal Eyes , our dark Retreats , Tumults and Torments of th' Infernal Seats ? While thus , in talk , the flying Hours they pass , The Sun had finish'd more than half his Race : And they , perhaps , in Words and Tears had spent The little time of stay , which Heav'n had lent . But thus the Sibyl chides their long delay ; Night rushes down , and headlong drives the Day : T is here , in different Paths , the way divides : The right , to Pluto's Golden Palace guides : The left to that unhappy Region tends , Which to the depth of Tartarus descends ; The Seat of Night profound , and punish'd Fiends . Then thus Deiphobus : O Sacred Maid ! Forbear to chide ; and be your Will Obey'd : Lo to the secret Shadows I retire , To pay my Penance 'till my Years expire . Proceed Auspicious Prince , with Glory Crownd , And born to better Fates than I have found . He said ; and while he said , his Steps he turn'd To Secret Shadows ; and in silence Mourn'd . The Heroe , looking on the left , espy'd A lofty Tow'r , and strong on ev'ry side With treble Walls , which Phlegethon surrounds , Whose fiery Flood the burning Empire bounds : And press'd betwixt the Rocks , the bellowing noise resounds . Wide is the fronting Gate , and rais'd on high With Adamantine Columns , threats the Sky . Vain is the force of Man , and Heav'ns as van , To crush the Pillars which the Pile sustain . Sublime on these a Tow'r of Steel is rear'd ; And dire Tisiphone there keeps the Ward . Girt in her sanguine Gown , by Night and Day , Observant of the Souls that pass the downward way : From hence are heard the Groans of Ghosts , the pains Of sounding Lashes , and of dragging Chains . The Trojan stood astonish'd at their Cries ; And ask'd his Guide , from whence those Yells arise ? And what the Crimes and what the Tortures were , And loud Laments that rent the liquid Air ? She thus reply'd : The chast and holy Race , Are all forbidden this polluted Place . But Hecate , when she gave to rule the Woods , Then led me trembling thro' these dire Abodes : And taught the Tortures of th' avenging Gods. These are the Realms of unrelenting Fate : And awful Rhadamanthus rules the State. He hears and judges each committed Crime ; Enquires into the Manner , Place , and Time. The conscious Wretch must all his Acts reveal : Loath to confefs , unable to conceal : From the first Moment of his vital Breath , To his last Hour of unrepenting Death . Straight , o're the guilty Ghost , the Fury shakes The sounding Whip , and brandishes her Snakes : And the pale Sinner , with her Sisters , takes . Then , of it self , unfolds th' Eternal Door : With dreadful Sounds the brazen Hinges roar . You see , before the Gate , what stalking Ghost Commands the Guard , what Centries keep the Post : More formidable Hydra stands within ; Whose Jaws with Iron Teeth severely grin . The gaping Gulph , low to the Centre lies ; And twice as deep as Earth is distant from the Skies . The Rivals of the Gods , the Titan Race , Here sing'd with Lightning , rowl within th' unfathom'd space . Here lye th' Alaean Twins , ( I saw them both ) Enormous Bodies , of Gigantick Growth ; Who dar'd in Fight the Thund'rer to defy ; Affect his Heav'n , and force him from the Sky . Salmoneus , suff'ring cruel Pains , I found , For emulating Jove ; the ratling Sound Of Mimick Thunder , and the glitt'ring Blaze Of pointed Lightnings , and their forky Rays . Through Elis , and the Grecian Towns he flew : Th' audacious Wretch four fiery Coursers drew : He wav'd a Torch aloft , and , madly vain , Sought Godlike Worship from a Servile Train . Ambitious Fool , with horny Hoofs to pass O're hollow Arches , of resounding Brass ; To rival Thunder , in its rapid Course : And imitate inimitable Force . But he , the King of Heav'n , obscure on high , Bar'd his red Arm , and launching from the Sky His writhen Bolt , not shaking empty Smoak , Down to the deep Abyss the flaming Felon strook . There Tityus was to see ; who took his Birth From Heav'n , his Nursing from the foodful Earth . Here his Gygantic Limbs , with large Embrace , Infold nine Acres of Infernal Space . A rav'nous Vulture in his open'd side , Her crooked Beak and cruel Tallons try'd : Still for the growing Liver dig'd his Breast ; The growing Liver still supply'd the Feast . Still are his Entrails fruitful to their Pains : Th' immortal Hunger lasts , th' immortal Food remains . Ixion and Perithous I cou'd name ; And more Thessalian Chiefs of mighty Fame . High o're their Heads a mould'ring Rock is plac'd , That promises a fall ; and shakes at ev'ry Blast . They lye below , on Golden Beds display'd , And genial Feasts , with Regal Pomp , are made . The Queen of Furies by their sides is set ; And snatches from their Mouths th' untasted Meat . Which , if they touch , her hissing Snakes she rears : Tossing her Torch , and thund'ring in their Ears . Then they , who Brothers better Claim disown , Expel their Parents , and usurp the Throne ; Defraud their Clients , and to Lucre sold , Sit brooding on unprofitable Gold : Who dare not give , and ev'n refuse to lend To their poor Kindred , or a wanting Friend : Vast is the Throng of these ; nor less the Train Of lustful Youths , for foul Adultry slain . Hosts of Deserters , who their Honour sold , And basely broke their Faith for Bribes of Gold : All these within the Dungeon's depth remain : Despairing Pardon , and expecting Pain . Ask not what Pains ; nor farther seek to know Their Process , or the Forms of Law below . Some rowl a weighty Stone ; some laid along , And bound with burning Wires , on Spokes of Wheels are hung . Unhappy Theseus , doom'd for ever there , Is fix'd by Fate on his Eternal Chair : And wretched Phlegias warns the World with Cries ; ( Cou'd Warning make the World more just or wise , ) Learn Righteousness , and dread th' avenging Deities . To Tyrants others have their Country sold , Imposing Foreign Lords , for Foreign Gold : Some have old Laws repeal'd , new Statutes made ; Not as the People pleas'd , but as they paid . With Incest some their Daughters Bed prophan'd , All dar'd the worst of Ills , and what they dar'd , attain'd . Had I a hundred Mouths , a hundred Tongues , And Throats of Brass , inspir'd with Iron Lungs , I could not half those horrid Crimes repeat : Nor half the Punishments those Crimes have met . But let us haste our Voyage to pursue ; The Walls of Pluto's Palace are in view . The Gate , and Iron Arch above it , stands : On Anvils labour'd by the Cyclops Hands . Before our farther way the Fates allow , Here must we fix on high the Golden Bough . She said , and thro' the gloomy Shades they past , And chose the middle Path : Arriv'd at last , The Prince , with living Water , sprinkl'd o're His Limbs , and Body ; then approach'd the Door . Possess'd the Porch , and on the Front above He fix'd the fatal Bough , requir'd by Pluto's Love. These Holy Rites perform'd , they took their Way , Where long extended Plains of Pleasure lay . The verdant Fields with those of Heav'n may vye ; With Aether vested , and a Purple Sky : The blissful Seats of Happy Souls below : Stars of their own , and their own Suns they know . Their Airy Limbs in Sports they exercise , And , on the Green , contend the Wrestler's Prize . Some , in Heroick Verse , divinely sing ; Others in artful Measures lead the ring . The Thracian Bard , surrounded by the rest , There stands conspicuous in his flowing Vest . His flying Fingers , and harmonious Quill , Strike sev'n distinguish'd Notes , and sev'n at once they fill . Here found they Teucer's old Heroick Race ; Born better times and happier Years to grace . Assaracus and Ilus here enjoy Perpetual Fame , with him who founded Troy. The Chief beheld their Chariots from afar ; Their shining Arms , and Coursers train'd to War : Their Lances fix'd in Earth , their Steeds around , Free from their Harness , graze the flow'ry Ground . The love of Horses which they had , alive , And care of Chariots , after Death survive . Some chearful Souls , were feasting on the Plain ; Some did the Song , and some the Choir maintain . Beneath a Laurel Shade , where mighty Po Mounts up to Woods above , and hides his Head below . Here Patriots live , who , for their Countries good , In fighting Fields , were prodigal of Blood : Priests of unblemish'd Lives here make Abode ; And Poets worthy their inspiring God : And searching Wits , of more Mechanick parts , Who grac'd their Age with new invented Arts. Those who , to worth , their Bounty did extend ; And those who knew that Bounty to commend . The Heads of these with holy Fillets bound ; And all their Temples were with Garlands crown'd . To these the Sibyl thus her Speech address'd : And first , to him surrounded by the rest ; Tow'ring his Height , and ample was his Breast ; Say happy Souls , Divine Musaeus say , Where lives Anchises , and where lies our Way To find the Heroe , for whose only sake We sought the dark Abodes , and cross'd the bitter Lake ? To this the Sacred Poet thus reply'd ; In no fix'd place the Happy Souls reside . In Groves we live ; and lye on mossy Beds By Crystal Streams , that murmur through the Meads : But pass yon easie Hill , and thence descend , The Path conducts you to your Journeys end . This said , he led them up the Mountains brow , And shews them all the shining Fields below ; They wind the Hill , and thro' the blissful Meadows go . But old Anchises , in a flow'ry Vale , Review'd his muster'd Race ; and took the Tale. Those Happy Spirits , which ordain'd by Fate , For future Beings , and new Bodies wait . With studious Thought observ'd th' illustrious Throng ; In Nature's Order as they pass'd along . Their Names , their Fates , their Conduct , and their Care , In peaceful Senates , and successful War. He , when Aeneas on the Plain appears , Meets him with open Arms , and falling Tears . Welcome , he said , the Gods undoubted Race , O long expected to my dear Embrace ; Once more 't is giv'n me to behold your Face ! The Love , and Pious Duty which you pay , Have pass'd the Perils of so hard a way . 'T is true , computing times , I now believ'd The happy Day approach'd ; nor are my Hope 's deceiv'd . What length of Lands , what Oceans have you pass'd , What Storms sustain'd , and on what Shores been cast ? How have I fear'd your Fate ! But fear'd it most , When Love assail'd you , on the Lybian Coast . To this , the Filial Duty thus replies ; Your sacred Ghost , before my sleeping Eyes , Appear'd ; and often urg'd this painful Enterprise . After long tossing on the Tyrrhene Sea , My Navy rides at Anchor in the Bay. But reach your Hand , oh Parent Shade , nor shun The dear Embraces of your longing Son ! He said ; and falling Tears his Face bedew : Then thrice , around his Neck , his Arms he threw ; And thrice the flitting Shadow slip'd away ; Like Winds , or empty Dreams that fly the Day . Now in a secret Vale , the Trojan sees A sep'rate Grove , thro' which a gentle Breeze Plays with a passing Breath , and whispers thro' the Trees . And just before the Confines of the Wood , The gliding Lethe leads her silent Flood . About the Boughs an Airy Nation flew , Thick as the humming Bees , that hunt the Golden Dew ; In Summer's heat , on tops of Lillies feed , And creep within their Bells , to suck the balmy Seed . The winged Army roams the Fields around ; The Rivers and the Rocks remurmur to the sound . Aeneas wond'ring stood : Then ask'd the Cause , Which to the Stream the Crowding People draws . Then thus the Sire . The Souls that throng the Flood Are those , to Whom , by Fate , are other Bodies ow'd : In Lethe's Lake they long Oblivion tast ; Of future Life secure , forgetful of the Past . Long has my Soul desir'd this time , and place , To set before your sight your glorious Race . That this presaging Joy may fire your Mind , To seek the Shores by Destiny design'd . O Father , can it be , that Souls sublime , Return to visit our Terrestrial Clime ? And that the Gen'rous Mind , releas'd by Death , Can Covet lazy Limbs , and Mortal Breath ? Anchises then , in order , thus begun To clear those Wonders to his Godlike Son. Know first , that Heav'n , and Earth's compacted Frame , And flowing Waters , and the starry Flame , And both the Radiant Lights , one Common Soul Inspires , and feeds , and animates the whole . This Active Mind infus'd through all the Space , Unites and mingles with the mighty Mass . Hence Men and Beasts the Breath of Life obtain ; And Birds of Air , and Monsters of the Main . Th' Etherial Vigour is in all the same , And every Soul is fill'd with equal Flame : As much as Earthy Limbs , and gross allay Of Mortal Members , subject to decay , Blunt not the Beams of Heav'n and edge of Day . From this course Mixture of Terrestial parts , Desire , and Fear , by turns possess their Hearts : And Grief , and Joy : Nor can the groveling Mind , In the dark Dungeon of the Limbs confin'd , Assert the Native Skies ; or own its heav'nly Kind . Nor Death it self can wholly wash their Stains ; But long contracted Filth , ev'n in the Soul remains . The Reliques of inveterate Vice they wear ; And Spots of Sin obscene , in ev'ry Face appear . For this are various Penances enjoyn'd ; And some are hung to bleach , upon the Wind ; Some plung'd in Waters , others purg'd in Fires , Till all the Dregs are drain'd : and all the Rust expires : All have their Manes , and those Manes bear : The few , so cleans'd to these Abodes repair : And breath , in ample Fields , the soft Elysian Air. Then are they happy , when by length of time The Scurf is worn away , of each committed Crime . No Speck is left , of their habitual Stains ; But the pure Aether of the Soul remains . But , when a Thousand rowling Years are past , ( So long their Punishments and Penance last ; ) Whole Droves of Minds are , by the driving God , Compell'd to drink the deep Lethaean Flood : In large forgetful draughts to steep the Cares Of their past Labours , and their Irksom Years . That , unrememb'ring of its former Pain , The Soul may suffer mortal Flesh again . Thus having said ; the Father Spirit , leads The Priestess and his Son through Swarms of Shades . And takes a rising Ground , from thence to see The long Procession of his Progeny . Survey ( pursu'd the Sire ) this airy Throng ; As , offer'd to thy view , they pass along . These are th' Italian Names , which Fate will join With ours , and graff upon the Trojan Line . Observe the Youth who first appears in sight ; And holds the nearest Station to the Light : Already seems to snuff the vital Air ; And leans just forward , on a shining Spear , Silvius is he : thy last begotten Race ; But first in order sent , to fill thy place , An Alban Name ; but mix'd with Dardan Blood ; Born in the Covert of a shady Wood : Him fair Lavinia , thy surviving Wife , Shall breed in Groves , to lead a solitary Life . In Alba he shall fix his Royal Seat : And , born a King , a Race of Kings beget . Then Procas , Honour of the Trojan Name , Capys , and Numitor , of endless Fame . A second Silvius after these appears ; Silvius Aeneas , for thy Name he bears . For Arms and Justice equally renown'd ; Who , late restor'd , in Alba shall be crown'd . How great they look , how vig'rously they wield Their weighty Lances , and sustain the Shield ! But they , who crown'd with Oaken Wreaths appear , Shall Gabian Walls , and strong Fidena rear : Nomentum , Bola , with Pometia , found ; And raise Colatian Tow'rs on Rocky Ground . All these shall then be Towns of mighty Fame ; Tho' now they lye obscure ; and Lands without a Name . See Romulus the great , born to restore The Crown that once his injur'd Grandsire wore . This Prince , a Priestess of our Blood shall bear ; And like his Sire in Arms he shall appear . Two rising Crests his Royal Head adorn ; Born from a God , himself to Godhead born . His Sire already signs him for the Skies , And marks his Seat amidst the Deities . Auspicious Chief ! thy Race in times to come Shall spread the Conquests of Imperial Rome . Rome whose ascending Tow'rs shall Heav'n invade ; Involving Earth and Ocean in her Shade . High as the Mother of the Gods in place ; And proud , like her , of an Immortal Race . Then when in Pomp she makes the Phrygian round ; With Golden Turrets on her Temples crown'd : A hundred Gods her sweeping Train supply ; Her Offspring all , and all command the Sky . Now fix your Sight , and stand intent , to see Your Roman Race , and Julian Progeny . The mighty Caesar waits his vital Hour ; Impatient for the World , and grasps his promis'd Pow'r . But next behold the Youth of Form Divine , Caesar himself , exalted in his Line ; Augustus , promis'd oft , and long foretold , Sent to the Realm that Saturn rul'd of old ; Born to restore a better Age of Gold. Affrick , and India , shall his Pow'r obey , He shall extend his propagated Sway , Beyond the Solar Year ; without the starry Way . Where Atlas turns the rowling Heav'ns around ; And his broad Shoulders with their Lights are crown'd . At his fore-seen Approach , already quake The Caspian Kingdoms , and Maeotian Lake . Their Seers behold the Tempest from afar ; And threatning Oracles denounce the War. Nile hears him knocking at his sev'nfold Gates ; And seeks his hidden Spring , and fears his Nephew's Fates ▪ Nor Hercules more Lands or Labours knew , Not tho' the brazen-footed Hind he slew ; To Robert Harley of Bramton Castle in y e County of Hereford Esq AE . 6. l. 1085. Freed Erymanthus from the foaming Boar , And dip'd his Arrows in Lernaean Gore . Nor Bacchus , turning from his Indian War , By Tygers drawn triumphant in his Car , From Nisus top descending on the Plains ; With curling Vines around his purple Reins . And doubt we yet thro' Dangers to pursue The Paths of Honour , and a Crown in view ? But what 's the Man , who from afar appears , His Head with Olive crown'd , his Hand a Censer bears ? His hoary Beard , and holy Vestments bring His lost Idea back : I know the Roman King. He shall to peaceful Rome new Laws ordain : Call'd from his mean abode , a Scepter to sustain . Him , Tullus next in Dignity succeeds ; An active Prince , and prone to Martial Deeds . For fighting Fields his Troops he shall prepare , Disus'd to Toils , and Triumphs of the War. By dint of Sword his Crown he shall increase ; And scour his Armour from the Rust of Peace . Whom Ancus follows , with a fawning Air ; But vain within , and proudly popular . Next view the Tarquin Kings : Th' avenging Sword Of Brutus , justly drawn , and Rome restor'd . He first renews the Rods , and Axe severe ; And gives the Consuls Royal Robes to wear . His Sons , who seek the Tyrant to sustain , And long for Arbitrary Lords again , With Ignominy scourg'd , in open sight , He dooms to Death deserv'd ; asserting Publick Right . Unhappy Man , to break the Pious Laws Of Nature , pleading in his Children's Cause ! Howe're the doubtful Fact is understood , 'T is Love of Honour , and his Country's good : The Consul , not the Father , sheds the Blood. Behold Torquatus the same Track pursue ; And next , the three devoted Decij view . The Drusian Line , Camillus loaded home With Standards well redeem'd , and foreign Foes o'recome . The Pair you see in equal Armour shine ; ( Now , Friends below , in close Embraces join : But when they leave the shady Realms of Night , And , cloath'd in Bodies , breath your upper Light , ) With mortal Hate each other shall pursue : What Wars , what Wounds , what Slaughter shall ensue ! From Alpine Heights the Father first descends ; His Daughter's Husband in the Plain attends : His Daughter's Husband arms his Eastern Friends . Embrace again , my Sons , be Foes no more : Nor stain your Country with her Childrens Gore . And thou , the first , lay down thy lawless claim ; Thou , of my Blood , who bear'st the Julian Name . Another comes , who shall in Triumph ride ; And to the Capitol his Chariot guide ; From conquer'd Corinth , rich with Grecian Spoils . And yet another , fam'd for Warlike Toils , On Argos shall impose the Roman Laws : And , on the Greeks , revenge the Trojan Cause : Shall drag in Chains their Achillaean Race ; Shall vindicate his Ancestors Disgrace : And Pallas , for her violated Place . Great Cato there , for Gravity renown'd , And conqu'ring Cossus goes with Lawrels crown'd . Who can omit the Gracchi , who declare The Scipio's Worth , those Thunderbolts of War , The double Bane of Carthage ? Who can see , Without esteem for virtuous Poverty , Severe Fabritius , or can cease t' admire The Ploughman Consul in his Course Attire ! Tir'd as I am , my Praise the Fabij claim ; And thou great Heroe , greatest of thy Name ; Ordain'd in War to save the sinking State , And , by Delays , to put a stop to Fate ! Let others better mold the running Mass Of Mettals , and inform the breathing Brass ; And soften into Flesh a Marble Face : Plead better at the Bar ; describe the Skies , And when the Stars descend , and when they rise . But , Rome , 't is thine alone , with awful sway , To rule Mankind ; and make the World obey ; Disposing Peace , and War , thy own Majestick Way . To tame the Proud , the fetter'd Slave to free ; These are Imperial Arts , and worthy thee . He paus'd : And while with wond'ring Eyes they view'd The passing Spirits , thus his Speech renew'd . See great Marcellus ! how , untir'd in Toils , He moves with Manly grace , how rich with Regal Spoils He , when his Country , ( threaten'd with Alarms , ) Requires his Courage , and his Conqu'ring Arms , Shall more than once the Punic Bands affright : Shall kill the Gaulish King in single Fight : Then , to the Capitol in Triumph move , And the third Spoils shall grace Feretrian Jove . Aeneas , here , beheld of Form Divine A Godlike Youth , in glitt'ring Armour shine : With great Marcellus keeping equal pace ; But gloomy were his Eyes , dejected was his Face : He saw , and , wond'ring , ask'd his airy Guide , What , and of whence was he , who press'd the Hero's side ? His Son , or one of his Illustrious Name , How like the former , and almost the same : Observe the Crowds that compass him around ; All gaze , and all admire , and raise a shouting sound : But hov'ring Mists around his Brows are spread , And Night , with sable Shades , involves his Head. Seek not to know ( the Ghost reply'd with Tears ) The Sorrows of thy Sons , in future Years . This Youth ( the blissful Vision of a day ) Shall just be shown on Earth , and snatch'd away . The Gods too high had rais'd the Roman State ; Were but their Gifts as permanent as great . What groans of Men shall fill the Martian Field ! How fierce a Blaze his flaming Pile shall yield ! What Fun'ral Pomp shall floating Tiber see , When , rising from his Bed , he views the sad Solemnity ! No Youth shall equal hopes of Glory give : No Youth afford so great a Cause to grieve . The Trojan Honour , and the Roman Boast ; Admir'd when living , and Ador'd when lost ! Mirror of ancient Faith in early Youth ! Undaunted Worth , Inviolable Truth ! No Foe unpunish'd in the fighting Field , Shall dare thee Foot to Foot , with Sword and Shield . Much less , in Arms oppose thy matchless Force , When thy sharp Spurs shall urge thy foaming Horse . Ah , cou'dst thou break through Fates severe Decree , A new Marcellus shall arise in thee ! Full Canisters of fragrant Lillies bring , Mix'd with the Purple Roses of the Spring : Let me with Fun'ral Flow'rs his Body strow ; This Gift which Parents to their Children owe , This unavailing Gift , at least I may bestow ! Thus having said , He led the Heroe round The confines of the blest Elysian Ground . Which , when Anchises to his Son had shown , And fir'd his Mind to mount the promis'd Throne , He tells the future Wars , ordain'd by Fate ; The Strength and Customs of the Latian State : The Prince , and People : And fore-arms his Care With Rules , to push his Fortune , or to bear . Two Gates the silent House of Sleep adorn ; Of polish'd Iv'ry this , that of transparent Horn : Of various things discoursing as he pass'd , Anchises hither bends his Steps at last . Then , through the Gate of Iv'ry , he dismiss'd His valiant Offspring , and Divining Guest . Streight to the Ships Aeneas took his way ; Embarqu'd his Men , and skim'd along the Sea : Still Coasting , till he gain'd Cajeta's Bay. At length on Oozy ground his Gallies moor : Their Heads are turn'd to Sea , their Sterns to Shoar . The Seventh Book of the Aeneis . The Argument . King Latinus entertains Aeneas , and promises him his only Daughter , Lavinia , the Heiress of his Crown . Turnus being in Love with her , favour'd by her Mother , and stir'd up by Juno , and Alecto , breaks the Treaty which was made , and engages in his Quarrel , Mezentius , Camilla , Messapus , and many others of the Neighbouring Princes ; whose Forces and the Names of their Commanders are here particularly related . AND thou , O Matron of Immortal Fame ! Here Dying , to the Shore hast left thy Name : Cajeta still the place is call'd from thee , The Nurse of great Aeneas Infancy . Here rest thy Bones in rich Hesperia's Plains , Thy Name ( 't is all a Ghost can have ) remains . Now , when the Prince her Fun'ral Rites had paid , He plough'd the Tyrrhene Seas with Sails display'd . From Land a gentle Breeze arose by Night , Serenely shone the Stars , the Moon was bright , And the Sea trembled with her Silver Light. Now near the Shelves of Circe's Shores they run , ( Circe the rich , the Daughter of the Sun ) A dang'rous Coast : The Goddess wasts her Days In joyous Songs , the Rocks resound her Lays : In spinning , or the Loom , she spends the Night , And Cedar Brands supply her Father's Light. From hence were heard , ( rebellowing to the Main , ) The Roars of Lyons that refuse the Chain , The Grunts of Bristled Boars , and Groans of Bears , And Herds of Howling Wolves that stun the Sailors Ears . To the Right Hon ble Henry Earle of Romney Viscount Sydney of Shippy Baron Milton Master Generall of the Ordinance L d Warden of the Cinque Ports & ct AE . 7. l : 2. These from their Caverns , at the close of Night , Fill the sad Isle with Horror and Affright . Darkling they mourn their Fate , whom Circe's Pow'r ( That watch'd the Moon , and Planetary Hour ) With Words and wicked Herbs , from Human Kind Had alter'd , and in Brutal Shapes confin'd . Which Monsters , lest the Trojans pious Host Shou'd bear , or touch upon th' inchanted Coast ; Propitious Neptune steer'd their Course by Night , With rising Gales , that sped their happy Flight . Supply'd with these , they skim the sounding Shore , And hear the swelling Surges vainly roar . Now when the rosie Morn began to rise , And wav'd her Saffron Streamer thro' the Skies ; When Thetis blush'd in Purple , not her own , And from her Face the breathing Winds were blown : A sudden Silence sate upon the Sea , And sweeping Oars , with Strugling , urge their Way . The Trojan , from the Main beheld a Wood , Which thick with Shades , and a brown Horror , stood : Betwixt the Trees the Tyber took his Course , With Whirlpools dimpled ; and with downward Force . That drove the Sand along , he took his Way , And rowl'd his yellow Billows to the Sea. About him , and above , and round the Wood , The Birds that haunt the Borders of his Flood ; That bath'd within , or bask'd upon his side , To tuneful Songs their narrow Throats apply'd . The Captain gives Command , the joyful Train Glide thro' the gloomy Shade , and leave the Main . Now , Erato , thy Poet's Mind inspire , And fill his Soul with thy Coelestial Fire . Relate what Latium was , her ancient Kings : Declare the past , and present State of things , When first the Trojan Fleet Ausonia sought ; And how the Rivals lov'd , and how they fought . These are my Theme , and how the War began , And how concluded by the Godlike Man. For I shall sing of Battels , Blood , and Rage , Which Princes , and their People did engage : And haughty Souls , that mov'd with mutual Hate , In fighting Fields pursu'd and found their Fate : That rouz'd the Tyrrhene Realm with loud Alarms , And peaceful Italy involv'd in Arms. A larger Scene of Action is display'd , And , rising hence , a greater Work is weigh'd . Latinus old and mild , had long possess'd The Latian Scepter , and his People bless'd : His Father Faunus : a Laurentian Dame His Mother , fair Marica was her Name . But Faunus came from Picus , Picus drew His Birth from Saturn , if Records be true . Thus King Latinus , in the third Degree , Had Saturn Author of his Family . But this old peaceful Prince , as Heav'n decreed , Was bless'd with no Male Issue to succeed : His Sons in blooming Youth were snatch'd by Fate ; One only Daughter heir'd the Royal State. Fir'd with her Love , and with Ambition led , The neighb'ring Princes court her nuptial Bed. Among the Crowd , but far above the rest , Young Turnus to the Beauteous Maid address'd . Turnus , for great Descent , and graceful Meen , Was first , and favour'd by the Latian Queen : With him she strove to join Lavinia's Hand : But dire Portents the purpos'd Match withstand . Deep in the Palace , of long Growth there stood A Lawrels Trunk , a venerable Wood ; Where Rites Divine were paid ; whose holy Hair Was kept , and cut with superstitious Care. This Plant Latinus , when his Town he wall'd , Then found , and from the Tree Laurentum call'd : And last in Honour of his new Abode , He vow'd the Lawrel , to the Lawrel's God. It happen'd once , ( a bodeing Prodigy , ) A swarm of Bees , that cut the liquid Sky , Unknown from whence they took their airy flight , Upon the topmost Branch in Clouds alight : There , with their clasping Feet together clung , And a long Cluster srom the Lawrel hung . An ancient Augur prophesy'd from hence : Behold on Latian Shores a foreign Prince ! From the same parts of Heav'n his Navy stands , To the same parts on Earth : his Army lands ; The Town he conquers , and the Tow'r commands . Yet more , when fair Lavinia fed the Fire Before the Gods , and stood beside her Sire ; Strange to relate , the Flames , involv'd in Smoke Of Incense , from the sacred Altar broke ; Caught her dishevell'd Hair , and rich Attire ; Her Crown and Jewels crackled in the Fire : From thence the fuming Trail began to spread , And lambent Glories danc'd about her Head. This new Portent the Seer with Wonder views ; Then pausing , thus his Prophecy renews . The Nymph who scatters flaming Fires around , Shall shine with Honour , shall herself be crown'd : But , caus'd by her irrevocable Fate , War shall the Country waste , and change the State. Latinus , frighted with this dire Ostent , For Counsel to his Father Faunus went : And sought the Shades renown'd for Prophecy , Which near Albunea's sulph'rous Fountain lye . To these the Latian , and the Sabine Land Fly , when distress'd , and thence Relief demand . The Priest on Skins of Off'rings takes his Ease ; And nightly Visions in his Slumber sees : A swarm of thin aerial Shapes appears , And , flutt'ring round his Temples , deafs his Ears : These he consults , the future Fates to know , From Pow'rs above , and from the Fiends below . Here , for the Gods advice , Latinus flies , Off'ring a hundred Sheep for Sacrifice : Their wooly Fleeces , as the Rites requir'd , He laid beneath him , and to Rest retir'd . No sooner were his Eyes in Slumber bound , When , from above , a more than Mortal Sound Invades his Ears ; and thus the Vision spoke : Seek not , my Seed , in Latian Bands to Yoke Our fair Lavinia , nor the Gods provoke . A foreign Son upon thy Shore descends , Whose Martial Fame from Pole to Pole extends . His Race in Arms , and Arts of Peace renown'd , Not Latium shall contain , nor Europe bound : 'T is theirs what e're the Sun surveys around . These Answers in the silent Night receiv'd , The King himself divulg'd , the Land believ'd : The Fame through all the Neighb'ring Nations flew , When now the Trojan Navy was in view . Beneath a shady Tree the Heroe spread His Table on the Turf , with Cakes of Bread ; And , with his Chiefs , on Forest Fruits he fed . They sate , and ( not without the God's Command ) Their homely Fare dispatch'd ; the hungry Band To Anthony Henley of y e Grange in Hantshire Esq r : AE . 7 l. 152 Invade their Trenchers next , and soon devour , To mend the scanty Meal , their Cakes of Flow'r . Ascanius this observ'd , and , smiling , said , See , we devour the Plates on which we fed . The Speech had Omen , that the Trojan Race Shou'd find Repose , and this the Time and Place . Aeneas took the Word , and thus replies ; ( Confessing Fate with Wonder in his Eyes ) All hail , O Earth ! all hail my household Gods , Behold the destin'd place of your Abodes ! For thus Anchises prophesy'd of old , And this our fatal place of Rest foretold . " When on a Foreign Shore , instead of Meat , " By Famine forc'd , your Trenchers you shall eat ; " Then Ease your weary Trojans will attend : " And the long Labours of your Voyage end . " Remember on that happy Coast to build : " And with a Trench inclose the fruitful Field . This was that Famine , this the fatal place , Which ends the Wand'ring of our exil'd Race . Then , on to Morrow's Dawn , your Care employ , To search the Land , and where the Cities lye , And what the Men ; but give this Day to Joy. Now pour to Jove , and after Jove is blest , Call great Anchises to the Genial Feast : Crown high the Goblets with a chearful Draught ; Enjoy the present Hour , adjourn the future Thought . Thus having said , the Heroe bound his Brows . With leafy Branches , then perform'd his Vows : Adoring first the Genius of the Place ; Then Earth , the Mother of the Heav'nly Race ; The Nymphs , and native Godheads yet unknown , And Night , and all the Stars that guild her sable Throne . And ancient Cybel , and Idaean Jove ; And last his Sire below , and Mother Queen above . Then Heav'ns high Monarch thundred thrice aloud , And thrice he shook aloft , a Golden Cloud . Soon thro' the joyful Camp a Rumor flew , The time was come their City to renew : Then ev'ry Brow with chearful Green is crown'd , The Feasts are doubl'd , and the Bowls go round . When next the rosie Morn disclos'd the Day , The Scouts to sev'ral parts divide their Way , To learn the Natives Names , their Towns , explore The Coasts , and Trendings of the crooked Shore : Here Tyber flows , and here Numicus stands , Here warlike Latins hold the happy Lands . The Pious Chief , who sought by peaceful Ways , To found his Empire , and his Town to raise ; A hundred Youths from all his Train elects ; And to the Latian Court their Course directs : ( The spacious Palace where their Prince resides ; ) And all their heads with Wreaths of Olive hides . They go commission'd to require a Peace ; And carry Presents to procure Access . Thus while they speed their Pace , the Prince designs His new elected Seat , and draws the Lines : The Trojans round the place a Rampire cast , And Palisades about the Trenches plac'd . Mean time the Train , proceeding on their way , From far the Town , and lofty Tow'rs survey : At length approach the Walls : without the Gate They see the Boys , and Latian Youth debate The Martial Prizes on the dusty Plain ; Some drive the Cars , and some the Coursers rein : Some bend the stubborn Bow for Victory ; And some with Darts their active Sinews try . A posting Messenger dispatch'd from hence , Of this fair Troop advis'd their aged Prince ; That foreign Men , of mighty Stature , came ; Uncouth their Habit , and unknown their Name . The King ordains their entrance , and ascends His Regal Seat , surrounded by his Friends . The Palace built by Picus , vast and Proud , Supported by a hundred Pillars stood And round incompas'd with a rising Wood. The Pile o'relook'd the Town , and drew the sight ; Surpriz'd at once with Reverence and Delight . There Kings receiv'd the Marks of Sov'raign Pow'r : In State the Monarchs march'd , the Lictors bore Their Awful Axes , and the Rods before . Here the Tribunal stood , the House of Pray'r ; And here the sacred Senators repair : All at large Tables , in long order set , A Ram their Off'ring , and a Ram their Meat . Above the Portal , Carv'd in Cedar Wood , Plac'd in their Ranks , their Godlike Grandsires stood . Old Saturn , with his crooked Scythe , on high ; And Italus , that led the Colony : And ancient Janus , with his double Face , And Bunch of Keys , the Porter of the place . There good Sabinus , planter of the Vines , On a short Pruning-hook his Head reclines : And studiously surveys his gen'rous Wines . Then Warlike Kings , who for their Country fought , And honourable Wounds from Battel brought . Around the Posts hung Helmets , Darts , and Spears ; And Captive Chariots , Axes , Shields , and Bars , And broken Beaks of Ships , the Trophies of their Wars . Above the rest , as Chief of all the Band , Was Picus plac'd , a Buckler in his hand ; His other wav'd a long divining Wand . Girt in his Gabin Gown the Heroe sate : Yet could not with his Art avoid his Fate . For Circe long had lov'd the Youth in vain , Till Love , refus'd , converted to Disdain : Then mixing pow'rful Herbs , with Magic Art , She chang'd his Form , who cou'd not change his heart . Constrain'd him in a Bird , and made him fly , With party-colour'd Plumes , a Chattring Pye. On this high Temple , on a Chair of State , The Seat of Audience , old Latinus sate ; Then gave admiffion to the Trojan Train , And thus , with pleasing accents , he b●gan . Tell me , ye Trojans , for that Name you own , Nor is your Course upon our Coasts unknown ; Say what you seek , and whither were you bound ? Were you by stress of Weather cast a-ground ? Such dangers as on Seas are often seen , And oft befall to miserable Men ? Or come , your Shipping in our Ports to lay , Spent and disabl'd in so long a way ? Say what you want , the Latians you shall find Not forc'd to Goodness , but by Will inclin'd : For since the time of Saturn's holy Reign , His Hospitable Customs we retain . I call to mind , but ( Time the Tale has worn , ) Th' Arunci told ; that Dardanus , tho' born On Latian Plains , yet sought the Phrygian Shore , And Samothracia , Samos call'd before : From Tuscan Coritum he claim'd his Birth , But after , when exempt from Mortal Earth , From thence ascended to his kindred Skies , A God , and as a God augments their Sacrifice . He said . Ilioneus made this Reply , O King , of Faunus Royal Family ! To George Stepney Esqr. His Ma ties . Envoy Extra ry : to Severall Princes in , Germany and one of the Coincill of Trade AE . 7. l. 2●● Nor Wint'ry Winds to Latium forc'd our way , Nor did the Stars our wand'ring Course betray . Willing we sought your Shores , and hither bound , The Port so long desir'd , at length we found . From our sweet Homes and ancient Realms expell'd ; Great as the greatest that the Sun beheld . The God began our Line , who rules above , And as our Race , our King descends from Jove : And hither are we come , by his Command , To crave Admission in your happy Land. How dire a Tempest , from Mycenae pour'd , Our Plains , our Temples , and our Town devour'd ; What was the Waste of War , what fierce Alarms Shook Asia's Crown with Europaean Arms ; Ev'n such have heard , if any such there be , Whose Earth is bounded by the frozen Sea : And such as born beneath the burning Sky , And sultry Sun betwixt the Tropicks lye . From that dire Deluge , through the wat'ry Waste , Such length of Years , such various Perils past : At last escap'd , to Latium we repair , To beg what you without your Want may spare ; The common Water , and the common Air. Sheds which our selves will build , and mean abodes , Fit to receive and serve our banish'd Gods. Nor our Admission shall your Realm disgrace , Nor length of time our Gratitude efface . Besides , what endless Honour you shall gain To save and shelter Troy's unhappy Train . Now , by my Sov'raign , and his Fate I swear , Renown'd for Faith in Peace , for Force in War ; Oft our Alliance other Lands desir'd , And what we seek of you , of us requir'd . Despise not then , that in our Hands we bear These Holy Boughs , and sue with Words of Pray'r . Fate and the Gods , by their supreme Command , Have doom'd our Ships to seek the Latian Land. To these abodes our Fleet Apollo sends ; Here Dardanus was born , and hither tends : Where Thuscan Tyber rowls with rapid Force , And where Numicus opes his Holy Source . Besides our Prince presents , with his Request , Some small Remains of what his Sire possess'd . This Golden Charger , snatch'd from burning Troy , Anchises did in Sacrifice employ : This Royal Robe , and this Tiara wore Old Priam , and this Golden Scepter bore In full Assemblies , and in solemn Games ; These Purple Vests were weav'd by Dardan Dames . Thus while he spoke , Latinus rowld around His Eyes , and fix'd a while upon the Ground . Intent he seem'd , and anxious in his Breast ; Not by the Scepter mov'd , or Kingly Vest : But pond'ring future Things of wond'rous Weight ; Succession , Empire , and his Daughter's Fate : On these he mus'd within his thoughtful Mind ; And then revolv'd what Faunus had divin'd . This was the Foreign Prince , by Fate decreed To share his Scepter , and Lavinia's Bed : This was the Race , that sure Portents foreshew To sway the World , and Land and Sea subdue . At length he rais'd his chearful Head , and spoke ▪ The Pow'rs , said he , the Pow'rs we both invoke , To you , and yours , and mine , propitious be , And firm our Purpose with their Augury . Have what you ask ; your Presents I receive , Land where , and when you please , with ample Leave : Partake and use my Kingdom as your own ; All shall be yours , while I command the Crown . And if my wish'd Alliance please your King , Tell him he shou'd not send the Peace , but bring : Then let him not a Friend's Embraces fear ; The Peace is made when I behold him here . Besides this Answer , tell my Royal Guest , I add to his Commands , my own Request : One only Daughter heirs my Crown and State , Whom , not our Oracles , nor Heav'n , nor Fate , Nor frequent Prodigies permit to join With any Native of th' Ausonian Line . A foreign Son-in-Law shall come from far , ( Such is our Doom ) a Chief renown'd in War : Whose Race shall bear alost the Latian Name , And through the conquer'd World diffuse our Fame . Himself to be the Man the Fates require , I firmly judge , and what I judge , desire . He said , and then on each bestow'd a Steed ; Three hundred Horses , in high Stables f●d , Stood ready , shining all , and smoothly dress'd ; Of these he chose the fairest and the best , To mount the Trojan Troop ; at his Command , The Steeds caparison'd with Purple stand ; With Golden Trappings , glorious to behold , And champ betwixt their Teeth the foaming Gold. Then to his absent Guest the King decreed A pair of Coursers born of Heav'nly Breed : Who from their Nostrils breath'd Etherial Fire ; Whom Circe stole from her Coelestial Sire : By substituting Mares , produc'd on Earth , Whose Wombs conceiv'd a more than Mortal Birth . These draw the Chariot which Latinus sends ; And the rich Present to the Prince commends . Sublime on stately Steeds the Trojans born ; To their expecting Lord with Peace return . But jealous Juno , from Pachynus height , As she from Argos took her airy Flight , Beheld , with envious Eyes , this hateful Sight . She saw the Trojan , and his joyful Train Descend upon the Shore , desert the Main ; Design a Town , and with unhop'd Success Th' Embassadors return with promis'd Peace . Then pierc'd with Pain , she shook her haughty Head ; Sigh'd from her inward Soul ; and thus she said . O hated Off-spring of my Phrygian Foes ! O Fates of Troy , which Juno's Fates oppose ! Cou'd they not fall unpity'd , on the Plain , But slain revive , and taken , scape again ? When execrable Troy in Ashes lay , Thro' Fires , and Swords , and Seas , they forc'd their Way . Then vanquish'd Juno must in vain contend , Her Rage disarm'd , her Empire at an end . Breathless and tir'd , is all my Fury spent , Or does my glutted Spleen at length relent ? As if 't were little from their Town to chase , I thro' the Seas pursu'd their exil'd Race : Ingag'd the Heavn's , oppos'd the Stormy Main ; But Billows roar'd , and Tempests rag'd in vain . What have my Scylla's and my Sirtes done , When these they overpass , and those they shun ? On Tyber's Shores they land , secure of Fate , Triumphant o're the Storms and Juno's Hate . Mars cou'd in mutual Blood the Centaurs bath , And Jove himself gave way to Cynthia's Wrath ; Who sent the tusky Boar to Calydon : What great Offence had either People done ? But I , the Confort of the Thunderer , Have wag'd a long and unsuccessful War : With various Arts and Arms in vain have toil'd , And by a Mortal Man at length am foil'd . If native Pow'r prevail not , shall I doubt To seek for needful Succour from without : If Jove and Heav'n my just Desires deny , Hell shall the Pow'r of Heav'n and Jove supply . Grant that the Fates have firm'd , by their Decree , The Trojan Race to reign in Italy ; At least I can defer the Nuptial Day , And with protracted Wars the Peace delay : With Blood the dear Alliance shall be bought ; And both the People to Destruction brought . So shall the Son-in-Law , and Father join , With Ruin , War , and Waste of either Line . O fatal Maid ! thy Marriage is endow'd With Phrygian , Latian , and Rutulian Blood ! Bellona leads thee to thy Lover's Hand , Another Queen brings forth another Brand ; To burn with foreign Fires her native Land ! A second Paris , diff'ring but in Name , Shall fire his Country with a second Flame . Thus having said , she sinks beneath the Ground , With furious haste , and shoots the Stygian Sound ; To rowze Alecto from th' Infernal Seat Of her dire Sisters , and their dark Retreat . This Fury , fit for her Intent , she chose ; One who delights in Wars , and Human Woes . Ev'n Pluto hates his own mishapen Race : Her Sister-Furies fly her hideous Face : So frightful are the Forms the Monster takes , So fierce the Hissings of her speckled Snakes . Her Juno finds , and thus inflames her Spight : O Virgin Daughter of Eternal Night , Give me this once thy Labour , to sustain My Right , and execute my just disdain . Let not the Trojans , with a feign'd Pretence Of proffer'd Peace , delude the Latian Prince : Expel from Italy that odious Name , And let not Juno suffer in her Fame . 'T is thine to ruin Realms , o'return a State , Betwixt the dearest Friends to raise Debate ; And kindle kindred Blood to mutual Hate . Thy Hand o're Towns the fun'ral Torch displays , And forms a thousand Ills ten thousand Ways . Now shake from out thy fruitful Breast , the Seeds Of Envy , Discord , and of Cruel Deeds : Confound the Peace establish'd , and prepare Their Souls to Hatred , and their Hands to War. Smear'd as she was with black Gorgonean Blood , The Fury sprang above the Stygian Flood : And on her wicker Wings , sublime through Night , She to the Latian Palace took her Flight . There sought the Queen's Apartment , stood before The peaceful Threshold , and besieg'd the Door . Restless Amata lay , her swelling Breast Fir'd with Disdain for Turnus dispossest , And the new Nuptials of the Trojan Guest . From her black bloody Locks the Fury shakes Her darling Plague , the Fav'rite of her Snakes : With her full Force she threw the pois'nous Dart , And fix'd it deep within Amata's Heart . That thus envenom'd she might kindle Rage , And sacrifice to Strife her House and Husbands Age. Unseen , unfelt , the fiery Serpent skims Betwixt her Linnen , and her naked Limbs . His baleful Breath inspiring , as he glides , Now like a Chain around her Neck he rides ; Now like a Fillet to her Head repairs , And with his Circling Volumes folds her Hairs : At first the silent Venom slid with ease , And seiz'd her cooler Senses by degrees ; Then e're th' infected Mass was fir'd too far , In Plaintive Accents she began the War : And thus bespoke her Husband ; Shall , she said , A wandring Prince enjoy Lavinia's Bed ? If Nature plead not in a Parent 's Heart , Pity my Tears , and pity her Desert : I know , my dearest Lord , the time will come , You wou'd , in vain , reverse your Cruel doom : The faithless Pirate soon will set to Sea , And bear the Royal Virgin far away ! A Guest like him , a Trojan Guest before , In shew of friendship , sought the Spartan Shore ; And ravish'd Helen from her Husband bore . Think on a King's inviolable Word ; And think on Turnus , her once plighted Lord : To this false Foreigner you give your Throne , And wrong a Friend , a Kinsman , and a Son. Resume your ancient Care ; and if the God Your Sire , and you , resolve on Foreign Blood : Know all are Foreign , in a larger Sense , Not born your Subjects , or deriv'd from hence . Then if the Line of Turnus you retrace ; He springs from Inachus of Argive Race . But when she saw her Reasons idly spent , And cou'd not move him from his fix'd Intent ; She flew to rage ; for now the Snake possess'd Her vital parts , and poison'd all her Breast ; She raves , she runs with a distracted pace , And fills , with horrid howls , the public Place . And , as young Striplings whip the Top for sport , On the smooth Pavement of an empty Court ; The wooden Engine flies and whirls about , Admir'd , with Clamours , of the Beardless rout ; They lash aloud , each other they provoke , And lend their little Souls at ev'ry stroke : Thus fares the Queen , and thus her fury blows Amidst the Crowd , and kindles as she goes . Nor yet content , she strains her Malice more , And adds new Ills to those contriv'd before : She flies the Town , and , mixing with a throng Of madding Matrons , bears the Bride along : Wand'ring through Woods and Wilds , and devious ways , And with these Arts the Trojan Match delays . She feign'd the Rites of Bacchus ! cry'd aloud , And to the Buxom God the Virgin vow'd . Evoe , O Bacchus thus began the Song , And Evoe ! answer'd all the Female Throng : O Virgin ! worthy thee alone , she cry'd ; O worthy thee alone , the Crew reply'd . For thee she feeds her Hair , she leads thy Dance , And with thy winding Ivy crowns her Lance. Like fury seiz'd the rest ; the progress known , All seek the Mountains , and forsake the Town : All Clad in Skins of Beasts the Jav'lin bear , Give to the wanton Winds their flowing Hair : And shrieks and showtings rend the passive Air. The Queen , her self , inspir'd with Rage Divine , Shook high above her head a flaming Pine : Then rowl'd her haggar'd Eyes around the throng , And sung , in Turnus Name , the Nuptial Song : To Coll l : Thomas Farrington of the Parish of S t : James's Westminster AE 7. l. 559 Io ye Latian Dames , if any here Hold , your unhappy Queen , Amata , dear ; If there be here , she said , who dare maintain My Right , nor think the Name of Mother vain : Unbind your Fillets , loose your flowing Hair , And Orgies , and Nocturnal Rites prepare . Amata's Breast the Fury thus invades , And fires with Rage , amid the Silvan Shades . Then when she found her Venom spread so far , The Royal House embroil'd in Civil War : Rais'd on her dusky Wings she cleaves the Skies , And seeks the Palace where young Turnus lies ▪ His Town , as Fame reports , was built of old By Danae , pregnant with Almighty Gold : Who fled her Father's Rage , and with a Train Of following Argives , thro' the stormy Main , Driv'n by the Southern Blasts , was fated here to reign . 'T was Ardua once , now Ardea's Name it bears : Once a fair City , now consum'd with Years . Here in his lofty Palace Turnus lay , Betwixt the Confines of the Night and Day , Secure in Sleep : The Fury laid aside Her Looks and Limbs , and with new methods try'd , The foulness of th' insernal Form to hide . Prop'd on a Staff , she takes a trembling Meen , Her Face is furrow'd , and her Front obscene : Deep dinted Wrinckles on her Cheek she draws , Sunk are her Eyes , and toothless are her Jaws : Her hoary Hair with holy Fillets bound , Her Temples with an Olive Wreath are crown'd . Old Chalibe , who kept the sacred Fane Of Juno , now she seem'd , and thus began , Appearng in a Dream , to rouze the careless Man. Shall Turnus then such endless Toil sustain , In fighting Fields , and conquer Towns in vain : Win , for a Trojan Head to wear the Prize , Usurp thy Crown , enjoy thy Victories ? The Bride and Scepter which thy Blood has bought , The King transfers , and Foreign Heirs are sought : Go now , deluded Man , and seek again New Toils , new Dangers on the dusty Plain . Repel the Tuscan Foes , their City seize , Protect the Latians in luxurious Ease . This Dream all-pow'rful Juno sends , I bear Her mighty Mandates , and her Words you hear . Haste , arm your Ardeans , issue to the Plain , With Fate to friend , assault the Trojan Train : Their thoughtless Chiefs , their painted Ships that lye In Tyber's Mouth , with Fire and Sword destroy . The Latian King , unless he shall submit , Own his old Promise , and his new forget ; Let him , in Arms , the Pow'r of Turnus prove , And learn to fear whom he disdains to Love. For such is Heav'ns Command . The youthful Prince With Scorn reply'd , and made this bold Defence . You tell me , Mother , what I knew before , The Phrygian Fleet is landed on the Shore : I neither fear , nor will provoke the War ; My Fate is Juno's most peculiar Care. But Time has made you dote , and vainly tell Of Arms imagin'd , in your lonely Cell : Go , be the Temple and the Gods your Care , Permit to Men the Thought of Peace and War. These haughty Words Alecto's Rage provoke , And frighted Turnus trembled as she spoke . Her Eyes grow stiffen'd , and with Sulphur burn , Her hideous Looks , and hellish Form return : Her curling Snakes , with Hissings fill the Place , And open all the Furies of her Face : Then , darting Fire from her malignant Eyes , She cast him backward as he strove to rise , And , ling'ring , sought to frame some new Replies . High on her Head she rears two twisted Snakes , Her Chains she rattles , and her Whip she shakes ; And churning bloody Foam , thus loudly speaks . Behold whom Time has made to dote , and tell Of Arms , imagin'd in her lonely Cell : Behold the Fates Infernal Minister ; War , Death , Destruction , in my Hand I bear . Thus having said , her smould'ring Torch impress'd , With her full Force , she plung'd into his Breast . Aghast he wak'd , and , starting from his Bed , Cold Sweat , in clammy Drops , his Limbs o'respread . Arms , Arms , he cries , my Sword and Shield prepare ; He breaths Defiance , Blood , and Mortal War. So when with crackling Flames a Cauldron fries , The bubling Waters from the Bottom rise : Above the Brims they force their fiery way ; Black Vapours climb aloft , and cloud the Day . The Peace polluted thus , a chosen Band He first commissions to the Latian Land ; In threatning Embassy : Then rais'd the rest , To meet in Arms th' intruding Trojan Guest : To force the Foes from the Lavinian Shore , And Italy's indanger'd Peace restore . Himself alone , an equal Match he boasts , To fight the Phrygian and Ausonian Hoasts . The Gods invok'd , the Rutuli prepare Their Arms , and warm each other to the War. His Beauty these , and those his blooming Age , The rest his House , and his own Fame ingage . While Turnus urges thus his Enterprise ; The Stygian Fury to the Trojans flies : New Frauds invents , and takes a steepy Stand , Which overlooks the Vale with wide Command ; Where fair Ascanius , and his youthful Train , With Horns and Hounds a hunting Match ordain , And pitch their Toils around the shady Plain . The Fury fires the Pack ; they snuff , they vent , And fill their hungry Nostrils with the Scent . 'T was of a well grown Stag , whose Antlers rise High o're his Front , his Beams invade the Skies : From this light Cause , th' Infernal Maid prepares The Country Churls to Mischief , Hate , and Wars . The stately Beast , the Two Tyrrheidae bred , Snatch'd from his Dam , and the tame Youngling fed . Their Father Tyrrheus did his Fodder bring , Tyrrheus , chief Ranger to the Latian King : Their Sister Silvia cherish'd with her Care The little Wanton , and did Wreaths prepare To hang his budding Horns : with Ribbons ty'd His tender Neck , and comb'd his silken Hide ; And bath'd his Body . Patient of Command , In time he grew , and growing us'd to Hand . He waited at his Master's Board for Food ; Then sought his salvage Kindred in the Wood : Where grazing all the Day , at Night he came To his known Lodgings , and his Country Dame. This household Beast , that us'd the Woodland Grounds , Was view'd at first by the young Hero's Hounds ; As down the Stream he swam , to seek Retreat In the cool Waters , and to quench his Heat . Ascanius young , and eager of his Game , Soon bent his Bow , uncertain in his Aim : To y e Right Hon ble : y e Lady Mary Sackvile daughter to Charles Earle of Dorset & Middlesex AE . 7. l. 675. But the dire Fiend the fatal Arrow guides , Which pierc'd his Bowels thro' his panting sides . The bleeding Creature issues from the Floods , Possess'd with Fear , and seeks his known abodes ; His old familiar Hearth , and household Gods. He falls , he fills the House with heavy Groans , Implores their Pity , and his Pain bemoans . Young Silvia beats her Breast , and cries aloud For Succour , from the clownish Neighbourhood : The Churls assemble ; for the Fiend , who lay In the close Woody Covert , urg'd their way . One with a Brand , yet burning from the Flame ; Arm'd with a knotty Club , another came : What e're they catch or find , without their Care , Their Fury makes an Instrument of War. Tyrrheus , the Foster-Father of the Beast , Then clench'd a Hatchet in his horny Fist : But held his Hand from the descending Stroke , And left his Wedge within the cloven Oak , To whet their Courage , and their Rage provoke . And now the Goddess , exercis'd in Ill , Who watch'd an Hour to work her impious Will , Ascends the Roof , and to her crooked Horn , Such as was then by Latian Shepherds born , Adds all her Breath , the Rocks and Woods around , And Mountains , tremble at th' infernal Sound . The Sacred Lake of Trivia from afar , The Veline Fountains , and sulphureous Nar , Shake at the baleful Blast , the Signal of the War. Young Mothers wildly stare , with Fear possess'd , And strain their helpless Infants to their Breast . The Clowns , a boist'rous , rude , ungovern'd Crew , With furious haste to the loud Summons flew . The Pow'rs of Troy then issuing on the Plain , With fresh Recruits their youthful Chief sustain : Not theirs a raw and unexperienc'd Train , But a firm Body of embattel'd Men. At first , while Fortune favour'd neither side , The Fight with Clubs and burning Brands was try'd : But now , both Parties reinfor'd , the Fields Are bright with flaming Swords and brazen Shields . A shining Harvest either Host displays , And shoots against the Sun with equal Rays . Thus when a black-brow'd Gust begins to rise , White Foam at first on the curl'd Ocean fries ; Then roars the Main , the Billows mount the Skies : 'Till by the Fury of the Storm full blown , The muddy Bottom o're the Clouds is thrown . First Almon falls , old Tyrrheus eldest Care , Pierc'd with an Arrow from the distant War : Fix'd in his Throat the flying Weapon stood , And stop'd his Breath , and drank his vital Blood. Huge Heaps of slain above the Body rise ; Among the rest , the rich Galesus lyes : A good old Man , while Peace he preach'd in vain , Amidst the Madness of th' unruly Train . Five Heards , five bleating Flocks his Pastures fill'd , His Lands a hundred Yoke of Oxen till'd . Thus , while in equal Scales their Fortune stood , The Fury bath'd them in each others Blood. Then having fix'd the Fight , exulting flies , And bears fulfill'd her Promise to the Skies . To Juno thus she speaks ; Behold , 't is done , The Blood already drawn , the War begun ; The Discord is compleat , nor can they cease The dire Debate , nor you command the Peace . Now since the Latian and the Trojan Brood Have tasted Vengeance , and the Sweets of Blood ; Speak , and my Pow'r shall add this Office more : The Neighb'ring Nations of th' Ausonian Shore Shall hear the dreadful Rumour , from afar , Of arm'd Invasion , and embrace the War. Then Juno thus ; The grateful Work is done , The Seeds of Discord sow'd , the War begun : Frauds , Fears , and Fury have possess'd the State , And fix'd the Causes of a lasting Hate : A bloody Hymen shall th' Alliance join Betwixt the Trojan and Ausonian Line : But thou with Speed to Night and Hell repair , For not the Gods , nor angry Jove will bear Thy lawless wand'ring walks , in upper Air. Leave what remains to me . Saturnia said : The sullen Fiend her sounding Wings display'd ; Unwilling left the Light , and sought the neather Shade . In midst of Italy , well known to Fame , There lies a Lake , Amsanctus is the Name , Below the lofty Mounts : On either side Thick Forrests , the forbidden Entrance hide : Full in the Centre of the sacred Wood An Arm arises of the Stygian Flood ; Which , breaking from beneath with bellowing sound , Whirls the black Waves and rattling Stones around . Here Pluto pants for Breath from out his Cell , And opens wide the grinning Jaws of Hell. To this Infernal Lake the Fury flies ; Here hides her hated Head , and frees the lab'ring Skies . Saturnian Juna now , with double Care , Attends the fatal Process of the War. The Clowns return'd , from Battel bear the slain , Implore the Gods , and to their King complain . The Corps of Almon and the rest are shown , Shrieks , Clamours , Murmurs fill the frighted Town . Ambitious Turnus in the Press appears , And , aggravating Crimes , augments their Fears : Proclaims his Private Injuries aloud , A Solemn Promise made , and disavow'd ; A foreign Son is sought , and a mix'd Mungril Brood . Then they , whose Mothers , frantick with their Fear , In Woods and Wilds the Flags of Bacchus bear , And lead his Dances with dishevell'd hair , Increase the Clamour , and the War demand , ( Such was Amata's Interest in the Land ) Against the Public Sanctions of the Peace , Against all Omens of their ill Success ; With Fates averse , the Rout in Arms resort , To Force their Monarch , and insult the Court. But like a Rock unmov'd , a Rock that braves The rageing Tempest and the rising Waves , Prop'd on himself he stands : His solid sides Wash off the Sea-weeds , and the sounding Tides : So stood the Pious Prince unmov'd : and long Sustain'd the madness of the noisie Throng . But when he found that Juno's Pow'r prevail'd , And all the Methods of cool Counsel sail'd , He calls the Gods to witness their offence , Disclaims the War , asserts his Innocence . Hurry'd by Fate , he cries , and born before A furious Wind , we leave the faithful Shore : O more than Madmen ! you your selves shall bear The guilt of Blood and Sacrilegious War : Thou , Turnus , shalt attone it by thy Fate , And pray to Heav'n for Peace , but pray too late . For me , my stormy Voyage at an end , I to the Port of Death securely tend . The Fun'ral Pomp which to your Kings you pay , Is all I want , and all you take away . He said no more , but in his Walls confin'd , Shut out the Woes which he too well divin'd : Nor with the rising Storm wou'd vainly strive , But left the Helm , and let the Vessel drive . A solemn Custom was observ'd of old , Which Latium held , and now the Romans hold ; Their Standard , when in fighting Fields they rear Against the fierce Hircanians , or declare The Scythian , Indian , or Arabian War : Or from the boasting Parthians wou'd regain Their Eagles lost in Carrhae's bloody Plain : Two Gates of Steel ( the Name of Mars they bear ) And still are worship'd with religious Fear ; Before his Temple stand : The dire abode , And the fear'd Issues of the furious God , Are fenc'd with Brazen Bolts ; without the Gates , The wary Guardian Janus doubly waits . Then , when the sacred Senate votes the Wars , The Roman Consul their Decree declares , And in his Robes the sounding Gates unbars . The Youth in Military Shouts arise , And the loud Trumpets break the yielding Skies . These Rites of old by Sov'raign Princes us'd , Were the King's Office , but the King refus'd . Deaf to their Cries , nor wou'd the Gates unbar Of sacred Peace , or loose th' imprison'd War : But hid his Head , and , safe from loud Alarms , Abhor'd the wicked Ministry of Arms. Then Heav'ns Imperious Queen came down from high ; At her Approach the Brazen Hinges fly , The Gates are forc'd , and ev'ry falling Bar , And like a Tempest issues out the War. The peaceful Cities of th' Ausonian Shore , Lull'd in their Ease , and undisturb'd before ; Are all on Fire , and some with studious Care , Their restiff Steeds in sandy Plains prepare : Some their soft Limbs in painful Marches try , And War is all their Wish , and Arms the gen'ral Cry. Part scour the rusty Shields with Seam , and part New grind the blunted Ax , and point the Dart : With Joy they view the waving Ensigns fly , And hear the Trumpet 's Clangor pierce the Sky . Five Cities forge their Arms ; th' Atinian Pow'rs , Antemnae , Tybur with her lofty Tow'rs , Ardea the proud , the Crustumerian Town : All these of old were places of Renown . Some hammer Helmets for the fighting Field , Some twine young Sallows to support the Shield ; The Croslet some , and some the Cuishes mould , With Silver plated , and with ductile Gold. The rustick Honours of the Scythe and Share , Give place to Swords and Plumes , the Pride of War. Old Fauchions are new temper'd in the Fires : The sounding Trumpet ev'ry Soul inspires . The Word is giv'n , with eager Speed they lace The shining Head-piece , and the Shield embrace . The neighing Steeds are to the Chariot ty'd , The trusty Weapon sits on ev'ry side . And now the mighty Labour is begun , Ye Muses open all your Helicon . Sing you the Chiefs that sway'd th' Ausonian Land , Their Arms , and Armies under their Command : What Warriours in our ancient Clime were bred , What Souldiers follow'd , and what Heroes led . For well you know , and can record alone , What Fame to future times conveys but darkly down . Mezentius first appear'd upon the Plain , Scorn fate upon his Brows , and sour Disdain ; Defying Earth and Heav'n : Etruria lost , He brings to Turnus's Aid his baffled Host . The charming Lausus , full of youthful Fire , Rode in the Rank , and next his sullen Sire : To Turnus only second in the Grace Of Manly Meen , and features of the Face . A skilful Horseman , and a Huntsman bred , With Fates averse a thousand Men he led : His Sire unworthy of so brave a Son ; Himself well worthy of a happier Throne . Next Aventinus drives his Chariot round The Latian Plains , with Palms and Lawrels crown'd . Proud of his Steeds he smoaks along the Field , His Father 's Hydra fills his ample Shield . A hundred Serpents hiss about the Brims ; The Son of Hercules he justly seems , By his broad Shoulders and Gigantick Limbs . Of Heav'nly part , and part of Earthly Blood , A mortal Woman mixing with a God. For strong Alcides , after he had slain The triple Geryon , drove from conquer'd Spain His captive Herds , and thence in Triumph led ; On Tuscan Tyber's flow'ry Banks they fed . Then on Mount Aventine , the Son of Jove The Priestess Rhea found , and forc'd to Love. For Arms his Men long Piles and Jav'lins bore , And Poles with pointed Steel their Foes in Battel gore . Like Hercules himself , his Son appears , In Salvage Pomp a Lyon's Hide he wears ; About his Shoulders hangs the shaggy Skin , The Teeth , and gaping Jaws severely grin . Thus like the God his Father , homely drest , He strides into the Hall , a horrid Guest . Then two Twin-Brothers from fair Tybur came , ( Which from their Brother Tyburs took the Name , ) Fierce Coras , and Catillus , void of Fear , Arm'd Argive Horse they led , and in the Front appear . Like Cloud-born Centaurs , from the Mountain's height , With rapid Course descending to the Fight ; They rush along , the ratling Woods give way , The Branches bend before their sweepy Sway. Nor was Praeneste's Founder wanting there , Whom Fame reports the Son of Mulciber : Found in the Fire , and foster'd in the Plains ; A Shepherd and a King at once he reigns , And leads to Turnus Aid his Country Swains . His own Praeneste sends a chosen Band , With those who plough Saturnia's Gabine Land : Besides the Succour which cold Anien yields , The Rocks of Hernicus , and rosie Fields ; Anagnia fat , and Father Amasene , A num'rous Rout , but all of naked Men : Nor Arms they wear , nor Swords and Bucklers wield , Nor drive the Chariot thro' the dusty Field : But whirle from Leathern Slings huge Balls of Lead ; And Spoils of yellow Wolves adorn their Head : The Left Foot naked , when they march to fight , But in a Bull 's raw Hide they sheath the Right . Messapus next , ( great Neptune was his Sire ) Secure of Steel , and fated from the Fire ; In Pomp appears : And with his Ardour warms A heartless Train , unexercis'd in Arms : The just Faliscans he to Battel brings , And those who live where Lake Ciminia springs ; And where Feronia's Grove and Temple stands , Who till Fescennian or Flavinian Lands : All these in order march , and marching sing The warlike Actions of their Sea-born King. Like a long Team of Snowy Swans on high , Which clap their Wings , and cleave the liquid Sky , When homeward from their wat'ry Pastures born , They sing , and Asia's Lakes their Notes return . Not one who heard their Musick from afar , Wou'd think these Troops an Army train'd to War : But Flocks of Fowl , that when the Tempests roar , With their hoarse gabling seek the silent Shoar . Then Clausus came , who led a num'rous Band Of Troops embody'd , from the Sabine Land : And in himself alone , an Army brought , 'T was he the noble Claudian Race begot : The Claudian Race , ordain'd , in times to come , To share the Greatness of Imperial Rome . He led the Cures forth of old Renown , Mutuscans from their Olive-bearing Town ; And all th' Eretian Pow'rs : Besides a Band That follow'd from Velinum's dewy Land : And Amiternian Troops , of mighty Fame , And Mountaineers , that from Severus came . And from the craggy Cliffs of Tetrica , And those where yellow Tyber takes his way , And where Himella's wanton Waters play . Casperia sends her Arms , with those that lye By Fabaris , and fruitful Foruli : The warlike Aids of Horta next appear , And the cold Nursians come to close the Reer : Mix'd with the Natives born of Latine Blood , Whom Allia washes with her fatal Flood . Not thicker Billows beat the Lybian Main , When pale Orion sets in wint'ry Rain ; Not thicker Harvests on rich Hermus rise , Or Lycian Fields , when Phoebus burns the Skies ; Than stand these Troops : Their Bucklers ring around , Their Trampling turns the Turf , and shakes the solid Ground . High in his Chariot then Halesus came , A Foe by Birth to Troy's unhappy Name : From Agamemnon born ; to Turnus Aid , A thousand Men the youthful Heroe led ; Who till the Massick Soil , for Wine renown'd , And fierce Auruncans from their Hilly Ground : And those who live by Sidicinian Shores , And where , with shoaly Foords Vulturnus roars ; Cales and Osca's old Inhabitants , And rough Saticulans inur'd to Wants : Light demi-Launces from afar they throw , Fasten'd with Leathern Thongs to gaul the Foe . Short crooked Swords in closer Fight they wear , And on their warding Arm light Bucklers bear . Nor Oebalus , shalt thou be left unsung , From Nymph Semethis and old Telon sprung : Who then in Teleboan Capri reign'd , But that short Isle th' ambitious Youth disdain'd ; And o're Campagnia stretch'd his ample Sway ; Where swelling Sarnus seeks the Tyrrhene Sea : O're Batulum , and where Abella sees , From her high Tow'rs , the Harvest of her Trees . All these ( as was the Teuton use of old ) Wield Brazen Swords , and Brazen Bucklers hold : Sling weighty Stones when from afar they fight ; Their Casques are Cork , a Covering thick and light . Next these in Rank , the warlike Ufens went , And led the Mountain Troops that Nursia sent . The rude Equicolae his Rule obey'd , Hunting their Sport , and Plund'ring was their Trade . In Arms they plough'd , to Battel still prepar'd ; Their Soil was barren , and their Hearts were hard . Umbro the Priest the proud Marrubians led , By King Archippus sent to Turnus aid ; And peaceful Olives crown'd his hoary head . His Wand and holy Words , the Viper's rage , And venom'd wounds of Serpents , cou'd asswage . He , when he pleas'd with powerful Juice to steep Their Temples , shut their Eyes in pleasing Sleep . But vain were Marsian Herbs , and Magick Art , To cure the Wound giv'n by the Dardan Dart. Yet his untimely Fate , th' Angitian Woods In sighs remurmur'd , to the Fucine Floods . The Son of fam'd Hippolitus was there ; Fam'd as his Sire , and as his Mother fair . Whom in Egerian Groves Aricia bore , And nurs'd his Youth along the Marshy Shore : Where great Diana's peaceful Altars flame , In fruitful Fields , and Virbius was his Name . Hippolitus , as old Records have said , Was by his Stepdam sought to share her Bed : But when no Female Arts his Mind cou'd move , She turn'd to furious Hate her impious Love. Torn by Wild Horses on the sandy Shore , Another's Crimes th' unhappy Hunter bore ; Glutting his Father's Eyes with guiltless gore . But chast Diana , who his death deplor'd , With Aesculapian Herbs his life restor'd . Then Jove , who saw from high , with just disdain , The dead inspir'd with Vital Breath again , Struck to the Center with his flaming Dart Th' unhappy Founder of the Godlike Art. But Trivia kept in secret Shades alone , Her care , Hippolitus , to Fate unknown ; And call'd him Virbius in th' Egerian Grove : Where then he liv'd obscure , but safe from Jove . For this , from Trivia's Temple and her Wood , Are Coursers driv'n , who shed their Master's Blood ; Affrighted by the Monsters of the Flood . His Son , the Second Virbius , yet retain'd His Fathers Art , and Warrior Steeds he rein'd . Amid the Troops , and like the leading God , High o're the rest in Arms the Graceful Turnus rode : A triple Pile of Plumes his Crest adorn'd , On which with belching Flames Chimaera burn'd : The more the Winds his kindled Course inspire , The more with fury burn'd the blazing Fire . Fair Io grac'd his Shield , but Io now With Horns exalted stands , and seems to lowe : ( A noble charge ) her Keeper by her side , To watch her Walks his hundred Eyes apply'd . And on the Brims her Sire , the wat'ry God , Rowl'd from a Silver Urn his Crystal Flood . A Cloud of Foot succeeds , and fills the Fields With Swords and pointed Spears , and clatt'ring Shields ; Of Argives , and of old Sicanian Bands , And those who Plow the rich Sutulian Lands ; Auruncan Youth and those Sacrana yieids , And the proud Labicans with painted Shields . And those who near Numician Streams reside , And those whom Tyber's holy Forests hide ; Or Circes Hills from the main Land divide . Where Ufens glides along the lowly Lands , Or the black Water of Pomptina stands . Last from the Volscians fair Camilla came ; And led her warlike Troops , a Warriour Dame : To Charles Fox of y e Parish of S t : Martins in y e Fields Esqr. AE . 7. l. 1075. Unbred to Spinning , in the Loom unskill'd , She chose the nobler Pallas of the Field . Mix'd with the first , the fierce Virago fought , Sustain'd the Toils of Arms , the Danger sought : Outstrip'd the Winds in speed upon the Plain , Flew o're the Fields , nor hurt the bearded Grain : She swept the Seas , and as she skim'd along , Her flying Feet unbath'd on Billows hung . Men , Boys , and Women stupid with Surprise , Where e're she passes , fix their wond'ring Eyes : Longing they look , and gaping at the Sight , Devour her o're and o're with vast Delight . Her Purple Habit sits with such a Grace On her smooth Shoulders , and so suits her Face : Her Head with Ringlets of her Hair is crown'd , And in a Golden Caul the Curls are bound . She shakes her Myrtle Jav'lin : And , behind , Her Lycian Quiver dances in the Wind. The Eighth Book of the Aeneis . The Argument . The War being now begun , both the Generals make all possible Preparations . Tumus sends to Diomedes . Aeneas goes in Person to beg Succours from Evander and the Tuscans . Evander receives him kindly , furnishes him with Men , and sends his Son Pallas with him . Vulcan , at the Request of Venus , makes Arms for her Son Aeneas , and draws on his Shield the most memorable Actions of his Posterity . WHen Turnus had assembled all his Pow'rs ; His Standard planted on Laurentum's Tow'rs ; When now the sprightly Trumpet , from afar , Had giv'n the Signal of approaching War , Had rouz'd the neighing Steeds to scour the Fields , While the fierce Riders clatter'd on their Shields , Trembling with Rage , the Latian Youth prepare To join th' Allies , and headlong rush to War. Fierce Ufens , and Messapus , led the Crowd ; With bold Mezentius , who blasphem'd aloud . These , thro the Country took their wastful Course ; The Fields to forage , and to gather Force . Then Venulus to Diomede they send , To beg his Aid Ausonia to defend : Declare the common Danger ; and inform The Grecian Leader of the growing Storm : Aeneas landed on the Latian Coast , With banish'd Gods , and with a baffled Hoast ; Yet now aspir'd to Conquest of the State ; And claim'd a Title from the Gods and Fate . What num'rous Nations in his Quarrel came , And how they spread his formidable Name : To y e Right Hon ble . Tho Earle of Ailesbury & Elgin Viscount Bruce of Ampthill Baron Bruce of Whorleton Shelton and Kinloss & ct . AE . 8. l. 2. What he design'd , what Mischiefs might arise , If Fortune favour'd his first Enterprise , Was left for him to weigh : whose equal Fears , And common Interest was involv'd in theirs . While Turnus and th' Allies thus urge the War , The Trojan floating in a Flood of Care , Beholds the Tempest which his Foes prepare . This way and that he turns his anxious Mind ; Thinks , and rejects the Counsels he design'd . Explores himself in vain , in ev'ry part , And gives no rest to his distracted Heart . So when the Sun by Day , or Moon by Night , Strike , on the polish'd Brass , their trembling Light , The glitt'ring Species here and there divide ; And cast their dubious Beams from side to side : Now on the Walls , now on the Pavement play , And to the Cieling flash the glaring Day . 'T was Night : And weary Nature lul'd asleep The Birds of Air , and Fishes of the Deep ; And Beasts , and Mortal Men : The Trojan Chief Was laid on Tyber's Banks , oppress'd with Grief , And found in silent Slumber late Relief . Then , thro' the Shadows of the Poplar Wood , Arose the Father of the Roman Flood ; An Azure Robe was o're his Body spread , A Wreath of shady Reeds adorn'd his Head : Thus , manifest to Sight , the God appear'd ▪ And with these pleasing Words his Sorrow chear'd . Undoubted Off-spring of Etherial Race , O long expected in this promis'd Place , Who , thro the Foes , hast born thy banish'd Gods , Restor'd them to their Hearths , and old Abodes ; This is thy happy Home ! The Clime where Fate Ordains thee to restore the Trojan State. Fear not , the War shall end in lasting Peace ; And all the Rage of haughty Juno cease . And that this nightly Vision may not seem Th' Effect of Fancy , or an idle Dream , A Sow beneath an Oak shall lye along ; All white her self , and white her thirty Young. When thirty rowling Years have run their Race , Thy Son , Ascanius , on this empty Space , Shall build a Royal Town , of lasting Fame ; Which from this Omen shall receive the Name . Time shall approve the Truth : For what remains , And how with sure Success to crown thy Pains , With Patience next attend . A banish'd Band , Driv'n with Evander from th' Arcadian Land , Have planted here : and plac'd on high their Walls ; Their Town the Founder , Palanteum calls : Deriv'd from Pallas , his great Grandsire's Name : But the fierce Latians old Possession claim : With War infesting the new Colony ; These make thy Friends , and on their Aid rely . To thy free Passage I submit my Streams : Wake Son of Venus from thy pleasing Dreams ; And , when the setting Stars are lost in Day , To Juno's Pow'r thy just Devotion pay . With Sacrifice the wrathful Queen appease ; Her Pride at length shall fall , her Fury cease . When thou return'st victorious from the War , Perform thy Vows to me with grateful Care. The God am I , whose yellow Water flows Around these Fields , and fattens as it goes : Tyber my Name : among the rowling Floods , Renown'd on Earth , esteem'd among the Gods. This is my certain Seat : In Times to come , My Waves shall wash the Walls of mighty Rome . He said ; and plung'd below , while yet he spoke : His Dream Aeneas and his Sleep forsook . He rose , and looking up , beheld the Skies With Purple blushing , and the Day arise . Then , Water in his hollow Palm he took , From Tyber's Flood ; and thus the Pow'rs bespoke . Laurentian Nymphs , by whom the Streams are fed , And Father Tyber , in thy sacred Bed Receive Aeneas ; and from Danger keep . Whatever Fount , whatever holy deep , Conceals thy wat'ry Stores ; where e're they rise , And , bubling from below , salute the Skies : Thou King of horned Floods , whose plenteous Urn Suffices Fatness to the fruitful Corn , For this thy kind Compassion of our Woes , Shalt share my Morning Song , and Ev'ning Vows . But , oh ! be present to thy Peoples Aid ; And firm the gracious Promise thou hast made . Thus having said , two Gallies , from his Stores , With Care he chuses ; Mans , and fits with Oars . Now on the Shore the fatal Swine is found : Wond'rous to tell ; she lay along the Ground : Her well fed Offspring at her Udders hung ; She white her self , and white her thirty young . Aeneas takes the Mother , and her Brood , And all on Juno's Altar are bestow'd . The foll'wing Night , and the succeeding Day , Propitious Tyber smooth'd his wat'ry Way : He rowld his River back ; and pois'd he stood ; A gentle Swelling , and a peaceful Flood . The Trojans mount their Ships ; they put from Shore , Born on the Waves , and scarcely dip an Oar. Shouts from the Land give Omen to their Course ; And the pitch'd Vessels glide with easie Force . The Woods and Waters , wonder at the Gleam Of Shields , and painted Ships , that stem the Stream . One Summer's Night , and one whole Day they pass , Betwixt the green-wood Shades ; and cut the liquid Glass . The fiery Sun had finish'd half his Race ; Look'd back , and doubted in the middle Space : When they from far beheld the rising Tow'rs , The Tops of Sheds , and Shepherds lowly Bow'rs : Thin as they stood , which , then of homely Clay , Now rise in Marble , from the Roman Sway. These Cots , ( Evander's Kingdom , mean and poor ) The Trojan saw ; and turn'd his Ships to Shore . 'T was on a solemn Day : Th' Arcadian States , The King and Prince without the City Gates , Then paid their Off'rings in a sacred Grove , To Hercules , the Warrior Son of Jove . Thick Clouds of rowling Smoke involve the Sky : And Fat of Entrails on his Altar fry . But when they saw the Ships that stemm'd the Flood , And glitter'd thro' the Covert of the Wood , They rose with Fear ; and left th' unfinish'd Feast : 'Till dauntless Pallas reassur'd the rest , To pay the Rites . Himself without delay A Jav'lin seiz'd , and singly took his Way . Then gain'd a rising Ground ; and call'd from far . Resolve me , Strangers , whence , and what you are ; Your Buis'ness here ; and bring you Peace or War ? High on the Stern , Aeneas took his Stand , And held a Branch of Olive in his Hand ; While thus he spoke . The Phrygians Arms you see ; Expell'd from Troy , provok'd in Italy By Latian Foes , with War unjustly made : At first affianc'd , and at last betray'd . This Message bear : The Trojans and their Chief Bring holy Peace ; and beg the King's Relief . Struck with so great a Name , and all on fire , The Youth Replies , Whatever you require , Your Fame exacts : Upon our Shores descend , A welcome Guest , and what you wish , a Friend . He said ; and downward hasting to the Strand , Embrac'd the Stranger Prince , and join'd his Hand . Conducted to the Grove , Aeneas broke The silence first , and thus the King bespoke . Best of the Greeks , to whom , by Fates Command , I bear these peaceful Branches in my hand ; Undaunted I approach you ; though I know Your Birth is Grecian , and your Land my Foe : From Atreus tho' your ancient Lineage came ; And both the Brother Kings your Kindred claim : Yet , my self-conscious Worth , your high Renown , Your Vertue , through the Neighb'ring Nations blown , Our Fathers mingl'd Blood , Apollo's Voice , Have led me hether , less by Need than Choice . Our Founder Dardanus , as Fame has sung , And Greeks acknowledge , from Electra sprung : Electra from the Loins of Atlas came ; Atlas whose Head sustains the Starry Frame . Your Sire is Mercury ; whom long before On cold Cyllene's top fair Maja bore . Maja the fair , on Fame if we rely , Was Atlas Daughter , who sustains the Sky . Thus from one common Source our Streams divide : Ours is the Trojan , yours th' Arcadian side . Rais'd by these Hopes , I sent no News before : Nor ask'd your leave , nor did your Faith implore ; But come , without a Pledg , my own Ambassador . The same Rutulians , who with Arms pursue The Trojan Race , are equal Foes to you . Our Host expell'd , what farther Force can stay The Victor Troops from Universal Sway ? Then will they stretch their Pow'r athwart the Land ; And either Sea from side to side command . Receive our offer'd Faith : and give us thine ; Ours is a gen'rous , and experienc'd Line : We want not Hearts , nor Bodies for the War ; In Council cautious , and in Fields we dare . He said ; and while he spoke , with piercing Eyes , Evander view'd the Man with vast surprize . Pleas'd with his Action , ravish'd with his Face , Then answer'd briefly , with a Royal grace . O Valiant Leader of the Trojan Line , In whom the Features of thy Father shine ; How I recall Anchises , how I see His Motions , Meen , and all my Friend in thee ! Long tho it be , 't is fresh within my Mind , When Priam , to his Sister's Court design'd A welcome Visit , with a friendly stay ; And , through th' Arcadian Kingdom took his way . Then , past a Boy , the callow Down began To shade my Chin , and call me first a Man. I saw the shining Train , with vast delight , And Priam's goodly Person pleas'd my sight : But great Anchises , far above the rest , With awful Wonder fir'd my Youthful Breast . I long'd to join , in Friendship 's holy Bands , Our mutual Hearts , and plight our mutual Hands . I first accosted him : I su'd , I sought , And , with a loving force , to Pheneus brought . He gave me , when at length constrain'd to go , A Lycian Quiver , and a Gnossian Bow : A Vest embroyder'd , glorious to behold , And two rich Bridles , with their Bits of Gold , Which my Son's Coursers in obedience hold . The League you ask I offer , as your Right : And when to Morrow's Sun reveals the Light , With swift Supplies you shall be sent away : Now celebrate , with us , this solemn Day ; Whose Holy Rites admit no long Delay . Honour our Annual Feast ; and take your Seat With friendly Welcome , at a homely Treat . Thus having said , the Bowls ( remov'd for Fear ) The Youths replac'd ; and soon restor'd the Chear . On sods of Turf he set the Souldiers round ; A Maple Throne , rais'd higher from the Ground , Receiv'd the Trojan Chief : And o're the Bed , A Lyon's shaggy Hide for Ornament they spread . The Loaves were serv'd in Canisters ; the Wine In Bowls , the Priest renew'd the Rites Divine : Broil'd Entrails are their Food ; and Beefs continu'd Chine . But , when the Rage of Hunger was repress'd , Thus spoke Evander to his Royal Guest . These Rites , these Altars , and this Feast , O King , From no vain Fears , or Superstition spring : Or blind Devotion , or from blinder Chance ; Or heady Zeal , or brutal Ignorance : But , sav'd from Danger , with a grateful Sence , The Labours of a God we recompence . See , from afar , yon Rock that mates the Sky ; About whose Feet such Heaps of Rubbish lye : Such indigested Ruin ; bleak and bare , How desart now it stands , expos'd in Air ! 'T was once a Robber's Den ; inclos'd around With living Stone , and deep beneath the Ground . The Monster Cacus , more than half a Beast , This Hold , impervious to the Sun , possess'd . The Pavement ever foul with Human Gore ; Heads , and their mangled Members , hung the Door . Vulcan this Plague begot : And , like his Sire , Black Clouds he belch'd , and flakes of livid Fire . Time , long expected , eas'd us of our Load : And brought the needful Presence of a God. Th' avenging Force of Hercules , from Spain , Arriv'd in Triumph , from Geryon slain ; Thrice liv'd the Gyant , and thrice liv'd in vain . His Prize , the lowing Herds , Alcides drove Near Tyber's Bank , to graze the shady Grove . Allur'd with Hope of Plunder , and intent By Force to rob , by Fraud to circumvent ; The brutal Cacus , as by Chance they stray'd , Four Oxen thence , and four fair Kine convey'd . And , lest the printed Footsteps might be seen , He drag'd 'em backwards to his rocky Den. The Tracks averse , a lying Notice gave ; And led the Searcher backward from the Cave . Mean time the Herdsman Heroe shifts his place : To find fresh Pasture , and untrodden Grass . The Beasts , who miss'd their Mates , fill'd all around With Bellowings , and the Rocks restor'd the Sound . One Heifar who had heard her Love complain , Roar'd from the Cave ; and made the Project vain . Alcides found the Fraud : With Rage he shook , And toss'd about his Head his knotted Oak . Swift as the Winds , or Scythian Arrows flight , He clomb , with eager haste , th' Aerial height . Then first we saw the Monster mend his Pace : Fear in his Eyes , and Paleness in his Face , Confess'd the Gods approach : Trembling he springs , As Terror had increas'd his Feet with Wings : Nor stay'd for Stairs ; but down the Depth he threw His Body ; on his Back the Door he drew . The Door , a Rib of living Rock ; with Pains His Father hew'd it out , and bound with Iron Chains . He broke the heavy Lincks ; the Mountain clos'd ; And Bars and Leavers to his Foe oppos'd . The Wretch had hardly made his Dungeon fast ; The fierce Avenger came with bounding haste : Survey'd the Mouth of the forbidden hold ; And here and there his raging Eyes he rowl'd . He gnash'd his Teeth ; and thrice he compass'd round With winged speed the Circuit of the Ground . Thrice at the Cavern's Mouth he pull'd in vain , And , panting , thrice desisted from his Pain . A pointed flinty Rock , all bare , and black , Grew gibbous from behind the Mountains Back : Owls , Ravens , all ill Omens of the Night , Here built their Nests , and hether wing'd their Flight . The leaning Head hung threat'ning o're the Flood : And nodded to the left : The Heroe stood Adverse , with planted Feet , and from the right , Tugg'd at the solid Stone with all his might . Thus heav'd , the fix'd Foundations of the Rock Gave way : Heav'n echo'd at the ratling Shock . Tumbling it choak'd the Flood : On either side The Banks leap backward ; and the Streams divide . The Sky shrunk upward with unusual Dread : And trembling Tyber div'd beneath his Bed. The Court of Cacus stands reveal'd to sight ; The Cavern glares with new admitted Light. So the pent Vapours with a rumbling Sound Heave from below ; and rend the hollow Ground : A sounding Flaw succeeds : And from on high , The Gods , with Hate beheld the neather Sky : The Ghosts repine at violated Night ; And curse th' invading Sun ; and sicken at the sight . The graceless Monster caught in open Day , Inclos'd , and in Despair to fly away ; Howls horrible from underneath , and fills His hollow Palace , with unmanly Yells . The Heroe stands above ; and from afar Plies him with Darts , and Stones , and distant War. He , from his Nostrils , and huge Mouth , expires Black Clouds of Smoke , amidst his Father's Fires . Gath'ring , with each repeated Blast , the Night : To make uncertain Aim , and erring Sight . The wrathful God , then plunges from above , And where in thickest Waves the Sparkles drove , There lights ; and wades thro Fumes , and gropes his Way ; Half sing'd , half stifled , 'till he grasps his Prey . The Monster , spewing fruitless Flames , he found ; He squeez'd his Throat , he writh'd his Neck around , And in a Knot his cripled Members bound . Then , from their Sockets , tore his burning Eyes ; Rowld on a heap the breathless Robber lyes . The Doors , unbarr'd , receive the rushing Day ; And thorough Lights disclose the ravish'd Prey . The Bulls redeem'd , breathe open Air agen ; Next , by the Feet , they drag him from his Den. The wond'ring Neighbourhood , with glad surprize , Behold his shagged Breast , his Gyant Size , His Mouth that flames no more , and his extinguish'd Eyes . From that auspicious Day , with Rites Divine , We worship at the Hero 's Holy Shrine . Potitius first ordain'd these annual Vows , As Priests , were added the Pinarian House : Who rais'd this Altar in the Sacred Shade ; Where Honours , ever due , for ever shall be paid . For these Deserts , and this high Virtue shown , Ye warlike Youths , your Heads with Garlands crown . Fill high the Goblets with a sparkling Flood : And with deep Draughts invoke our common God. This said , a double Wreath Evander twin'd : And Poplars black and white his Temples bind . Then Brims his ample Bowl : With like Design The rest invoke the Gods , with sprinkled Wine . Mean time the Sun descended from the Skies ; And the bright Evening-Star began to rise . And now the Priests , Potitius at their Head , In Skins of Beasts involv'd , the long Procession led : Held high the flaming Tapers in their Hands ; As Custom had prescrib'd their holy Bands : Then with a second Course the Tables load : And with full Chargers offer to the God. The Salij sing ; and cense his Altars round With Saban Smoke , their Heads with Poplar bound . One Choire of old , another of the young ; To dance , and bear the Burthen of the Song . The Lay records the Labours , and the Praise , And all th' Immortal Acts of Hercules . First , how the mighty Babe , when swath'd in Bands , The Serpents strangled , with his Infant Hands : Then , as in Years , and matchless Force he grew , Th' Oechalian Walls , and Trojan overthrew . Besides a thousand Hazards they relate , Procur'd by Juno's , and Euristheus's Hate . Thy Hands , unconquer'd Heroe , cou'd subdue The Cloud-born Centaurs , and the Monster Crew . Nor thy resistless Arm the Bull withstood : Nor He the roaring Terror of the Wood. The triple Porter of the Stygian Seat , With lolling Tongue , lay fawning at thy Feet : And , seiz'd with Fear , forgot his mangled Meat . Th' Infernal Waters trembled at thy Sight ; Thee , God , no face of Danger cou'd Affright . Not huge Typhoeus , nor th' unnumber'd Snake , Increas'd with hissing Heads , in Lerna's Lake . Hail Jove's undoubted Son ! An added Grace To Heav'n , and the great Author of thy Race . Receive the gratful Off'rings , which we pay , And smile propitious on thy solemn Day . In Numbers , thus , they sung : Above the rest , The Den , and Death of Cacus crown the Feast . The Woods to hollow Vales convey the Sound ; The Vales to Hills , and Hills the Notes rebound . The Rites perform'd , the chearful Train retire . Betwixt young Pallas , and his aged Sire The Trojan pass'd , the City to survey ; And pleafing Talk beguil'd the tedious Way . The Stranger cast around his curious Eyes ; New Objects viewing still , with new Surprise . With greedy Joy enquires of various Things ; And Acts and Monuments of Ancient Kings . Then thus the Founder of the Roman Tow'rs : These Woods were first the Seat of Silvan Pow'rs , Of Nymphs , and Fauns , and salvage Men , who took Their Birth from Trunks of Trees , and stubborn Oak . Nor Laws they knew , nor Manners , nor the Care Of lab'ring Oxen , or the shining Share : Nor Arts of Gain , nor what they gain'd to spare . Their Exercise the Chase : the running Flood Supply'd their Thirst ; the Trees supply'd their Food . Then Saturn came , who fled the Pow'r of Jove , Robb'd of his Realms , and banish'd from above . To the Hon ble . Robert Bruce Second son to Robert late Earle of Ailesbury The Men , dispers'd on Hills , to Towns he brought ; And Laws ordain'd , and Civil Customs taught : And Latium call'd the Land where safe he lay , From his Unduteous Son , and his Usurping Sway. With his mild Empire , Peace and Plenty came : And hence the Golden Times deriv'd their name . A more degenerate , and discolour'd Age , Succeeded this , with Avarice and Rage . Th' Ausonians , then , and bold Sicanians came ; And Saturn's Empire often chang'd the name . Then Kings , Gygantick Tybris , and the rest , With Arbitrary Sway the Land oppress'd . For Tybers flood was Albula before : Till , from the Tyrants Fate , his name it bore . I last arriv'd , driv'n from my native home , By Fortune's Pow'r , and Fate 's resistless Doom . Long toss'd on Seas I sought this happy Land : Warn'd by my Mother Nymph , and call'd by Heav'ns Command . Thus , walking on , he spoke : and shew'd the Gate , Since call'd Carmental by the Roman State ; Where stood an Altar , Sacred to the Name Of old Carmenta , the Prophetick Dame : Who to her Son foretold th' Aenean Race , Sublime in Fame , and Rome's Imperial Place . Then shews the Forest , which in after times , Fierce Romulus , for perpetrated Crimes , A Sacred Refuge made : with this , the Shrine Where Pan below the Rock had Rites Divine . Then tells of Argus death , his murder'd Guest , Whose Grave , and Tomb , his Innocence attest . Thence , to the steep Tarpeian Rock he leads ; Now Roof'd with Gold ; then thatch'd with homely Reeds . A Reverent fear ( such Superstition reigns Among the rude ) ev'n then possess'd the Swains . Some God they knew , what God they cou'd not tell , Did there amidst the sacred horrour dwell . Th' Arcadians thought him Jove ; and said they saw The mighty Thund'rer with Majestick awe ; Who shook his Shield , and dealt his Bolts around ; And scatter'd Tempests on the teeming Ground . Then saw two heaps of Ruins ; once they stood Two stately Towns , on either side the Flood . Saturnia's and Janicula's Remains : And , either place , the Founder's Name retains . Discoursing thus together , they resort Where poor Evander kept his Country Court. They view'd the ground of Rome's litigious Hall ; Once Oxen low'd , where now the Lawyers bawl . Then , stooping , through the Narrow Gate they press'd , When thus the King bespoke his Trojan Guest . Mean as it is , this Palace , and this Door , Receiv'd Alcides , then a Conquerour . Dare to be poor : accept our homely Food Which feasted him ; and emulate a God. Then , underneath a lowly Roof , he led The weary Prince ; and laid him on a Bed : The stuffing Leaves , which Hides of Bears o'respread . Now Night had shed her silver Dews around , And with her sable Wings embrac'd the Ground , When Love's fair Goddess , anxious for her Son ; ( New Tumults rising , and new Wars begun ) Couch'd with her Husband , in his Golden Bed , With these alluring Words invokes his aid . And , that her pleasing Speech his Mind may move , Inspires each accent with the Charms of Love. While Cruel Fate conspir'd with Grecian Pow'rs , To level with the Ground the Trojan Tow'rs ; I ask'd not Aid th' unhappy to restore : Nor did the Succour of thy Skill implore . Nor urg'd the Labours of my Lord in vain ; A sinking Empire longer to sustain . Tho' much I ow'd to Priam's House ; and more The Dangers of Aeneas did deplore . But now by Jove's Command , and Fates Decree , His Race is doom'd to reign in Italy ; With humble Suit I beg thy needful Art , O still propitious Pow'r , that rules my Heart ! A Mother kneels a suppliant for her Son. By Thetis and Aurora thou wert won To forge impenetrable Shields ; and grace , With fated Arms , a less illustrious Race . Behold , what haughty Nations are combin'd Against the Relicks of the Phrygian Kind ; With Fire and Sword my People to destroy ; And conquer Venus twice , in conqu'ring Troy. She said ; and strait her Arms , of snowy hue , About her unresolving Husband threw . Her soft Embraces soon infuse Desire : His Bones and Marrow sudden Warmth inspire ; And all the Godhead feels the wonted Fire . Not half so swift the ratling Thunder flies , Or forky Lightnings flash along the Skies . The Goddess , proud of her successful Wiles , And conscious of her Form , in secret Smiles . Then thus , the Pow'r , obnoxious to her Charms , Panting , and half dissolving in her Arms : Why seek you Reasons for a Cause so just ; Or your own Beauties , or my Love distrust ? Long since , had you requir'd my helpful Hand , Th' Artificer , and Art you might command , To labour Arms for Troy : Nor Jove , nor Fate , Confin'd their Empire to so short a Date . And , if you now desire new Wars to wage , My Skill I promise ; and my Pains engage . Whatever melting Metals can conspire , Or breathing Bellows , or the forming Fire , Is freely yours : Your anxious Fears remove : And think no Task is difficult to Love. Trembling he spoke ; and eager of her Charms , He snatch'd the willing Goddess to his Arms ; 'Till in her Lap infus'd , he lay possess'd Of full Desire , and sunk to pleasing Rest . Now when the Night her middle race had rode ; And his first Slumber had refresh'd the God ; The time when early Housewifes leave the Bed ; And living Embers on the Hearth they spred ; Supply the Lamp , and call the Maids to rise , With yawning Mouths , and with half open'd Eyes ; They ply the Distaff by the winking Light ; And to their daily Labour add the Night . Thus frugally they earn their Childrens Bread : And uncorrupted keep the Nuptial Bed. Not less concern'd , nor at a later Hour , Rose from his downy Couch the forging Pow'r . Sacred to Vulcan's Name an Isle there lay , Betwixt Sicilia's Coasts and Lipare ; Rais'd high on smoaking Rocks , and deep below , In hollow Caves the Fires of Aetna glow . The Cyclops here their heavy Hammers deal ; Loud Strokes , and hissings of tormented Steel Are heard around : The boyling Waters roar ; And smoaky Flames thro' fuming Tunnels soar . Hether , the Father of the Fire , by Night , Through the brown Air precipitates his Flight . To Christopher Rich of Grays Inn Esq AE . 8. l : 560 On their Eternal Anvils here he found The Brethren beating , and the Blows go round : A load of pointless Thunder now there lies Before their Hands , to ripen for the Skies : These Darts , for angry Jove , they dayly cast : Consum'd on Mortals with prodigious waste . Three Rays of writhen Rain , of Fire three more , Of winged Southern Winds , and cloudy Store As many parts , the dreadful Mixture frame : And Fears are added , and avenging Flame . Inferior Ministers , for Mars repair His broken Axeltrees , and blunted War : And send him forth agen , with furbish'd Arms , To wake the lazy War , with Trumpets loud Alarms . The rest refresh the scaly Snakes , that fold The Shield of Pallas ; and renew their Gold. Full on the Crest the Gorgon's Head they place , With Eyes that rowl in Death , and with distorted Face . My Sons , said Vulcan , set your Tasks aside , Your Strength , and Master Skill , must now be try'd . Arms , for a Heroe forge : Arms that require Your Force , your Speed , and all your forming Fire . He said : They set their former Work aside : And their new Toils with eager haste divide . A Flood of molten Silver , Brass , and Gold , And deadly Steel , in the large Furnace rowl'd ; Of this , their artful Hands a Shield prepare ; Alone sufficient to sustain the War. Sev'n Orbs within a spacious round they close ; One stirs the Fire , and one the Bellows blows . The hissing Steel is in the Smithy drown'd ; The Grot with beaten Anvils groans around . By turns their Arms advance , in equal time : By turns their Hands descend , and Hammers chime . They turn the glowing Mass , with crooked Tongs : The fiery Work proceeds , with Rustick Songs . While , at the Lemnian God's Command , they urge Their Labours thus , and ply th' Eolian Forge : The chearful Morn salutes Evander's Eyes ; And Songs of chirping Birds invite to rise . He leaves his lowly Bed ; his Buskins meet Above his Ankles ; Sandals sheath his Feet : He sets his trusty Sword upon his side ; And o're his Shoulder throws a Panther's Hide . Two Menial Dogs before their Master press'd : Thus clad , and guarded thus , he seeks his Kingly Guest . Mindful of promis'd Aid , he mends his Pace : But meets Aeneas in the middle Space . Young Pallas did his Father's Steps attend ; And true Achates waited on his Friend . They join their Hands ; a secret Seat they chufe ; Th' Arcadian first , their former Talk renews . Undaunted Prince , I never can believe The Trojan Empire lost , while you survive . Command th' Assistance of a faithful Friend : But feeble are the Succours I can send . Our narrow Kingdom , here the Tyber bounds ; That other side the Latian State surrounds ; Insults our Walls , and wastes our fruitful Grounds . But mighty Nations I prepare , to join Their Arms with yours , and aid your just Design . You come , as by your better Genius sent : And Fortune seems to favour your intent . Not far from hence there stands a Hilly Town , Of ancient Building , and of high Renown ; Torn from the Tuscans , by the Lydian Race ; Who gave the Name of Caere , to the Place Once Agyllina call'd : It flourish'd long In Pride of Wealth ; and warlike People strong . 'Till curs'd Mezentius , in a fatal Hour , Assum'd the Crown , with Arbitrary Pow'r . What Words can paint those execrable Times ; The Subjects Suff'rings , and the Tyrant's Crimes ! That Blood , those Murthers , O ye Gods replace On his own Head , and on his impious Race ! The living , and the Dead , at his Command Were coupled , Face to Face , and Hand to Hand : 'Till choak'd with Stench , in loath'd Embraces ty'd , The ling'ring Wretches pin'd away , and dy'd . Thus plung'd in Ills , and meditating more , The People's Patience tyr'd , no longer bore The raging Monster : But with Arms beset His House , and Vengeance and Destruction threat . They fire his Palace : While the Flame ascends , They force his Guards ; and execute his Friends . He cleaves the Crowd ; and favour'd by the Night , To Turnus's friendly Court directs his flight . By just Revenge the Tuscans set on Fire , With Arms , their King to Punishment require : Their num'rous Troops , now muster'd on the Strand , My Counsel shall submit to your Command . Their Navy swarms upon the Coasts : They cry To hoist their Anchors ; but the Gods deny . An ancient Augur , skill'd in future Fate , With these foreboding Words restrains their Hate . Ye brave in Arms , ye Lydian Blood , the Flow'r Of Tuscan Youth , and choice of all their Pow'r , Whom just Revenge against Mezentius arms , To seek your Tyrant's Death , by lawful Arms : Know this ; no Native of our Land may lead This pow'rful People : Seek a Foreign Head. Aw'd with these Words , in Camps they still abide ; And wait with longing Looks their promis'd Guide . Tarchon , the Tuscan Chief , to me has sent Their Crown , and ev'ry Regal Ornament : The People join their own with his Desire ; And All , my Conduct , as their King , require . But the chill Blood that creeps within my Veins , And Age , and lifeless Limbs unfit for Pains , And a Soul conscious of its own Decay , Have forc'd me to refuse Imperial Sway. My Pallas were more fit to mount the Throne ; And shou'd , but he 's a Sabine Mother's Son ; And half a Native : But in you combine A Manly Vigour , and a Foreign Line . Where Fate and smiling Fortune shew the Way , Pursue the ready Path to Sov'raign Sway. The Staff of my declining Days , my Son , Shall make your good or ill Success his own . In fighting Fields from you shall learn to dare : And serve the hard Apprentiship of War. Your matchless Courage , and your Conduct view ; And early shall begin t' admire and copy you . Besides , two hundred Horse he shall command : Tho' few , a warlike and well chosen Band. These in my Name are listed : And my Son As many more has added in his own . Scarce had he said ; Achates and his Guest , With downcast Eyes their silent Grief exprest : Who short of Succours ; and in deep Despair , Shook at the dismal Prospect of the War. But his bright Mother , from a breaking Cloud , To chear her Issue , thunder'd thrice aloud . Thrice , forky Lightning flash'd along the Sky ; And Tyrrhene Trumpets thrice were heard on high . Then , gazing up , repeated Peals they hear : And , in a Heav'n serene , refulgent Arms appear ; Red'ning the Skies , and glitt'ring all around , The temper'd Metals clash ; and yield a Silver sound . The rest stood trembling , struck with awe divine , Aeneas onely conscious to the Sign : Presag'd th' Event ; and joyful view'd , above , Th' accomplish'd Promise of the Queen of Love. Then , to th' Arcadian King : This Prodigy ( Dismiss your Fear ) belongs alone to me . Heav'n calls me to the War : Th' expected Sign Is giv'n of promis'd Aid , and Arms Divine . My Goddess-Mother ; whose Indulgent Care , Foresaw the Dangers of the growing War ; This Omen gave ; when Bright Vulcanian Arms , Fated from force of Steel by Stygian Charms , Suspended , shone on high : She then foreshow'd Approaching Fights , and Fields to float in Blood. Turnus shall dearly pay for Faith forsworn ; And Corps , and Swords , and Shields , on Tyber born , Shall choak his Flood : Now sound the loud Alarms ; And Latian Troops prepare your perjur'd Arms. He said ; and rising from his homely Throne , The Solemn Rites of Hercules begun : And on his Altars wak'd the sleeping Fires : Then chearful to his Household-Gods retires . There offers chosen Sheep : Th' Arcadian King And Trojan Youth the same Oblations bring . Next of his Men , and Ships , he makes review , Draws out the best , and ablest of the Crew . Down with the falling Stream the Refuse run : To raise with joyful News his drooping Son. Steeds are prepar'd to mount the Trojan Band ; Who wait their Leader to the Tyrrhene Land. A sprightly Courser , fairer than the rest , The King himself presents his Royal Guest . A Lyons Hide his Back and Limbs infold ; Precious with studded work , and Paws of Gold. Fame through the little City spreads aloud Th' intended March , amid the fearful Crowd : The Matrons beat their Breasts ; dissolve in Tears ; And double their Devotion in their Fears . The War at hand appears with more affright : And rises ev'ry Moment to the sight . Then , old Evander , with a close embrace , Strain'd his departing Friend ; and Tears o're-flow his Face : Wou'd Heav'n , said he , my strength and youth recall , Such as I was beneath Preneste's Wall ; Then when I made the foremost Foes retire , And set whole heaps of conquer'd Shields on Fire . When Herilus in single Fight I slew ; Whom with three lives Feronia did endue : And thrice I sent him to the Stygian Shore ; Till the last Ebbing Soul return'd no more : Such , if I stood renew'd , not these Alarms , Nor Death , shou'd rend me from my Pallas arms : Nor proud Mezentius , thus unpunish'd , boast His Rapes and Murthers on the Tuscan Coast . Ye Gods ! and mighty Jove , in pity bring Relief , and hear a Father , and a King. If Fate and you , reserve these Eyes , to see My Son return with peace and Victory ; If the lov'd Boy shall bless his Father's sight ; If we shall meet again with more delight ; Then draw my Life in length , let me sustain , In hopes of his Embrace , the worst of Pain . But if your hard Decrees , which O I dread , Have doom'd to death his undeserving head ; This , O this very Moment , let me die ; While Hopes and Fears in equal ballance lye . While yet Possest of all his Youthful Charms , I strain him close within these Aged Arms : Before that fatal news my Soul shall wound ! He said , and , swooning , sunk upon the ground ; His Servants bore him off : And softly laid His languish'd Limbs upon his homely Bed. The Horsemen march ; the Gates are open'd wide ; Aeneas at their head , Achates by his side . Next these the Trojan Leaders rode along : Last , follows in the Reer , th' Arcadian Throng . Young Pallas shone conspicuous o're the rest ; Guilded his Arms , Embroider'd was his Vest . So , from the Seas , exerts his radiant head The Star , by whom the Lights of Heav'n are led : Shakes from his rosie Locks the perly Dews ; Dispels the darkness , and the Day renews . The trembling Wives , the Walls and Turrets crowd ; And follow , with their Eyes , the dusty Cloud : Which Winds disperse by fits ; and shew from far The blaze of Arms , and Shields , and shining War. The Troops , drawn up in beautiful Array , O're heathy Plains pursue the ready way . Repeated peals of showts are heard around : The Neighing Coursers answer to the sound : And shake with horny Hoofs the solid ground . A greenwood Shade , for long Religion known , Stands by the Streams that wash the Tuscan Town : Incompass'd round with gloomy Hills above , Which add a holy horrour to the Grove . The first Inhabitants , of Grecian Blood , That sacred Forest to Sylvanus vow'd : The Guardian of their Flocks , and Fields ; and pay Their due Devotions on his annual day . Not far from hence , along the River's side , In Tents secure , the Tuscan Troops abide ; By Tarchon led . Now , from a rising ground , Aeneas cast his wond'ring Eyes around ; And all the Tyrrhene Army had in sight , Stretch'd on the spacious Plain from left to right . Thether his warlike Train the Trojan led ; Refresh'd his Men , and weary'd Horses fed . Mean time the Mother Goddess , crown'd with Charms , Breaks through the Clouds , and brings the fated Arms. Within a winding Vale she finds her Son , On the cool Rivers ' Banks , retir'd alone . She shews her heav'nly Form , without disguise , And gives her self to his desiring Eyes . Behold , she said , perform'd , in ev'ry part My promise made ; and Vulcan's labour'd Art. Now seek , secure , the Latian Enemy ; And haughty Turnus to the Field defy . She said : And having first her Son embrac'd ; The radiant Arms beneath an Oak she plac'd . Proud of the Gift , he rowl'd his greedy sight Around the Work , and gaz'd with vast delight . He lifts , he turns , he poizes , and admires The Crested Helm , that vomits radiant Fires : His hands the fatal Sword , and Corslet hold : One keen with temper'd Steel , one stiff with Gold. Both ample , flaming both , and beamy bright : So shines a Cloud , when edg'd with adverse Light. He shakes the pointed Spear ; and longs to try The plated Cuishes , on his manly thigh , But most admires the Shields Mysterious mould , And Roman Triumphs rising on the Gold. To Sr. Godfry Kneller Knight Principall Painter to his Majesty AE . 8. l. 805 For those , emboss'd , the Heav'nly Smith had wrought , ( Not in the Rolls of future Fate untaught , ) The Wars in Order , and the Race Divine Of Warriors , issuing from the Julian Line . The Cave of Mars was dress'd with mossy Greens : There , by the Wolf , were laid the Martial Twins . Intrepid on her swelling Dugs they hung ; The foster Dam loll'd out her fawning Tongue : They suck'd secure , while bending Back her Head , She lick'd their tender Limbs ; and form'd them as they fed . Not far from thence new Rome appears , with Games Projected for the Rape of Sabine Dames . The Pit resounds with Shrieks : A War succeeds , For breach of Publick Faith , and unexampl'd Deeds . Here for Revenge the Sabine Troops contend : The Romans there with Arms the Prey defend . Weary'd with tedious War , at length they cease ; And both the Kings and Kingdoms plight the Peace . The friendly Chiefs , before Jove's Altar stand ; Both arm'd , with each a Charger in his Hand : A fatted Sow , for Sacrifice is led ; With Imprecations on the perjur'd Head. Near this , the Traytor Metius , stretch'd between Four fiery Steeds , is dragg'd along the Green ; By Tullus doom : The Brambles drink his Blood ; And his torn Limbs are left , the Vulture's Food . There , Porsena to Rome proud Tarquin brings ; And wou'd by Force restore the banish'd Kings . One Tyrant , for his fellow Tyrant fights : The Roman Youth assert their Native Rights . Before the Town the Tuscan Army lies : To win by Famine , or by Fraud surprise . Their King , half threat'ning , half disdaining stood : While Cocles broke the Bridge ; and stem'd the Flood . The Captive Maids there tempt the raging Tide : Scap'd from their Chains , with Clelia for their Guide . High on a Rock Heroick Manlius stood ; To guard the Temple , and the Temple's God : Then Rome was poor ; and there you might behold The Palace , thatch'd with Straw , now roof'd with Gold. The Silver Goofe before the shining Gate There flew ; and by her Cackle , sav'd the State. She told the Gauls approach : Th' approaching Gauls , Obscure in Night , ascend , and seize the Walls . The Gold , dissembl'd well their yellow Hair : And Golden Chains on their white Necks they wear . Gold are their Vests : Long Alpine Spears they wield : And their left Arm sustains a length of Shield . Hard by , the leaping Salian Priests advance : And naked thro' the Streets the mad Luperci dance : In Caps of Wool. The Targets dropt from Heav'n : Here modest Matrons in soft Litters driv'n , To pay their Vows in solemn Pomp appear : And odorous Gums in their chast Hands they bear . Far hence remov'd , the Stygian Seats are seen : Pains of the damn'd , and punish'd Catiline : Hung on a Rock the Traytor ; and around , The Furies hissing from the neather Ground . Apart from these , the happy Souls , he draws : And Cato's holy Ghost , dispensing Laws . Betwixt the Quarters , flows a Golden Sea : But foaming Surges , there , in Silver play . The dancing Dolphins , with their Tails , divide The glitt'ring Waves ; and cut the precious Tide . Amid the Main , two mighty Fleets engage Their Brazen Beaks ; oppos'd with equal Rage . Actium , surveys the well disputed Prize : Leucate's wat'ry Plain , with foamy Billows fries . Young Caesar , on the Stern , in Armour bright ; Here leads the Romans and their Gods to fight : His beamy Temples shoot their Flames afar ; And o're his Head is hung the Julian Star. Agrippa seconds him , with prosp'rous Gales : And , with propitious Gods , his Foes assails . A Naval Crown , that binds his Manly Brows , The happy Fortune of the Fight foreshows . Rang'd on the Line oppos'd , Antonius brings Barbarian Aids , and Troops of Eastern Kings . Th' Arabians near , and Bactrians from afar , Of Tongues discordant , and a mingled War. And , rich in gaudy Robes , amidst the Strife , His ill Fate follows him ; th' Egyptian Wife . Moving they fight : With Oars , and forky Prows , The Froth is gather'd ; and the Water glows . It seems , as if the Cyclades again Were rooted up , and justled in the Main : Or floating Mountains , floating Mountains meet : Such is the fierce Encounter of the Fleet. Fire-balls are thrown ; and pointed Jav'lins fly : The Fields of Neptune take a Purple Dye . The Queen her self , amidst the loud Alarms , With Cymbals toss'd her fainting Souldiers warms . Fool as she was ; who had not yet divin'd Her cruel Fate ; nor saw the Snakes behind . Her Country Gods , the Monsters of the Sky , Great Neptune , Pallas , and Love's Queen , defy . The Dog Anubis barks , but barks in vain ; Nor longer dares oppose th' Aetherial Train . Mars , in the middle of the shining Shield Is grav'd , and strides along the liquid Field . The Dirae sowse from Heav'n , with swift Descent : And Discord , dy'd in Blood , with Garments rent , Divides the Preace : Her Steps , Bellona treads , And shakes her Iron Rod above their Heads . This seen , Apollo , from his Actian height , Pours down his Arrows : At whose winged flight The trembling Indians , and Egyptians yield : And soft Sabaeans quit the wat'ry Field . The fatal Mistress hoists her silken Sails ; And , shrinking from the Fight , invokes the Gales . Aghast she looks ; and heaves her Breast , for Breath : Panting , and pale with fear of future Death . The God had figur'd her , as driv'n along , By Winds and Waves ; and scudding thro' the Throng . Just opposite , sad Nilus , opens wide His Arms , and ample Bosom , to the Tide . And spreads his Mantle o're the winding Coast : In which he wraps his Queen , and hides the flying Ho●●● The Victor , to the Gods his Thanks express'd ▪ And Rome triumphant , with his Presence bless'd . Three hundred Temples in the Town he plac'd : With Spoils and Altars ev'ry Temple grac'd . Three shining Nights , and three succeeding Days , The Fields resound with Shouts ; the Streets with Praise The Domes with Songs , the Theatres with Plays . All Altars flame : Before each Altar lies , Drench'd in his Gore , the destin'd Sacrifice . Great Caesar sits sublime upon his Throne ; Before Apollo's Porch of Parian Stone : Accepts the Presents vow'd for Victory ; And hangs the monumental Crowns on high . Vast Crowds of vanquish'd Nations march along : Various in Arms , in Habit , and in Tongue . Here , Mulciber assigns the proper Place For Carians , and th' ungirt Numidian Race ; Then ranks the Thracians in the second Row ; With Scythians , expert in the Dart and Bow. And here the tam'd Euphrates humbly glides ; And there the Rhine submits her swelling Tides . And proud Araxes , whom no Bridge cou'd bind : The Danes unconquer'd Offspring , march behind ; And Morini , the last of Human Kind . These Figures , on the Shield divinely wrought , By Vulcan labour'd , and by Venus brought , With Joy and Wonder fill the Hero's thought . Unknown the Names , he yet admires the Grace ; And bears aloft the Fame , and Fortune of his Race . The Ninth Book of the Aeneis . The Argument . Turnus takes Advantage of Aeneas 's Absence , fires some of his Ships , ( which are transform'd into Sea-Nymphs ) and assaults his Camp. The Trojans reduc'd to the last Extremities , send Nisus and Euryalus to recall Aeneas ; which furnishes the Poet with that admirable Episode of their Friendship , Generosity ; and the conclusion of their Adventures . WHile these Affairs in distant Places pass'd , The various Iris Juno sends with haste , To find bold Turnus , who , with anxious Thought , The secret Shade of his great Grandsire sought . Retir'd alone she found the daring Man ; And op'd her rosie Lips , and thus began . What none of all the Gods cou'd grant thy Vows ; That , Turnus , this auspicious Day bestows . Aeneas , gone to seek th' Arcadian Prince , Has left the Trojan Camp without defence ; And , short of Succours there ; employs his Pains In Parts remote to raise the Tuscan Swains : Now snatch an Hour that favours thy Designs , Unite thy Forces , and attack their Lines . This said , on equal Wings she pois'd her Weight , And form'd a radiant Rainbow in her flight . The Daunian Heroe lifts his Hands and Eyes ; And thus invokes the Goddess as she flies . Iris , the Grace of Heav'n , what Pow'r Divine Has sent thee down , thro' dusky Clouds to shine ? See they divide ; immortal Day appears ; And glitt'ring Planets dancing in their Spheres ! To the Right Hon ble . Robert Earle of Sunderland Ld. Chamberlaine of his Majesties Household & AE . 9. l. 2. With Joy , these happy Omens I obey ; And follow to the War , the God that leads the Way . Thus having said , as by the Brook he stood , He scoop'd the Water from the Crystal Flood ; Then with his Hands the drops to Heav'n he throws , And loads the Pow'rs above with offer'd Vows . Now march the bold Confed'rates thro' the Plain ; Well hors'd , well clad , a rich and shining Train : Messapus leads the Van ; and in the Reer , The Sons of Tyrrheus in bright Arms appear . In the Main Battel , with his flaming Crest , The mighty Turnus tow'rs above the rest : Silent they move ; majestically slow , Like ebbing Nile , or Ganges in his flow . The Trojans view the dusty Cloud from far ; And the dark Menace of the distant War. Caicus from the Rampire saw it rise , Blackning the Fields , and thickning thro' the Skies . Then to his Fellows thus aloud he calls , What rowling Clouds , my Friends , approach the Walls ? Arm , arm , and man the Works ; prepare your Spears , And pointed Darts ; the Latian Hoast appears . Thus warn'd , they shut their Gates ; with Shouts ascend The Bulwarks , and secure their Foes attend . For their wise Gen'ral with foreseeing Care , Had charg'd them not to tempt the doubtful War : Nor , tho' provok'd , in open Fields advance ; But close within their Lines attend their chance . Unwilling , yet they keep the strict Command ; And sourly wait in Arms the Hostile Band. The fiery Turnus flew before the rest , A Pye-ball'd Steed of Thracian Strain he press'd ; His Helm of massy Gold ; and Crimson was his Crest . With twenty Horse to fecond his Designs , An unexpected Foe , he fac'd the Lines . Is there , he said , in Arms who bravely dare , His Leader's Honour , and his Danger share ? Then , spurring on , his brandish'd Dart he threw , In sign of War , applauding Shouts ensue . Amaz'd to find a dastard Race that run Behind the Rampires , and the Battel shun , He rides around the Camp , with rowling Eyes , And stops at ev'ry Post ; and ev'ry Passage tries . So roams the nightly Wolf about the Fold , Wet with descending Show'rs , and stiff with cold ; He howls for Hunger , and he grins for Pain ; His gnashing Teeth are exercis'd in vain : And impotent of Anger , finds no way In his distended Paws to grasp the Prey . The Mothers listen ; but the bleating Lambs Securely swig the Dug , beneath the Dams . Thus ranges eager Turnus o're the Plain , Sharp with Desire , and furious with Disdain : Surveys each Passage with a piercing Sight ; To force his Foes in equal Field to fight . Thus , while he gazes round , at length he spies Where , fenc'd with strong Redoubts , their Navy lies ; Close underneath the Walls : The washing Tyde Secures from all approach this weaker side . He takes the wish'd Occasion ; fills his Hand With ready Fires , and shakes a flaming Brand : Urg'd by his Presence , ev'ry Soul is warm'd , And ev'ry Hand with kindled Firrs is arm'd . From the fir'd Pines the scatt'ring Sparkles fly ; Fat Vapours mix'd with Flames involve the Sky . What Pow'r , O Muses , cou'd avert the Flame Which threaten'd , in the Fleet , the Trojan Name ! Tell : For the Fact thro' length of Time obscure , Is hard to Faith ; yet shall the Fame endure . 'T is said , that when the Chief prepar'd his flight , And fell'd his Timber from Mount Ida's height , The Grandam Goddess then approach'd her Son , And with a Mother's Majesty begun . Grant me , she said , the sole Request I bring . Since conquer'd Heav'n has own'd you for its King : On Ida's Brows , for Ages past , there stood , With Firrs and Maples fill'd , a shady Wood : And on the Summit rose a Sacred Grove , Where I was worshipp'd with Religious Love ; Those Woods , that Holy Grove , my long delight , I gave the Trojan Prince , to speed his flight . Now fill'd with Fear , on their behalf I come ; Let neither Winds o'reset , nor Waves intomb The floating Forests of the Sacred Pine ; But let it be their Safety to be mine . Then thus reply'd her awful Son ; who rowls The radiant Stars , and Heav'n and Earth controuls ; How dare you , Mother , endless Date demand , For Vessels moulded by a Mortal Hand ? What then is Fate ? Shall bold Aeneas ride Of Safety certain , on th' uncertain Tide ? Yet what I can , I grant : When , wafted o're , The Chief is landed on the Latian Shore , Whatever Ships escape the raging Storms , At my Command shall change their fading Forms To Nymphs Divine : and plow the wat'ry Way , Like Dotis , and the Daughters of the Sea. To seal his sacred Vow , by Styx he swore , The Lake of liquid Pitch , the dreery Shore ; And Phlegethon's innavigable Flood , And the black Regions of his Brother God : He said ; and shook the Skies with his Imperial Nod. And now at length the number'd Hours were come , Prefix'd by Fate 's irrevocable Doom , When the great Mother of the Gods was free To save her Ships , and finish Jove's Decree . First , from the Quarter of the Morn , there sprung A Light that sign'd the Heav'ns , and shot along : Then from a Cloud , fring'd round with Golden Fires , Were Timbrels heard , and Berecynthian Quires : And last a Voice , with more than Mortal Sounds , Both Hosts in Arms oppos'd , with equal Horrour wounds . O Trojan Race , your needless Aid forbear ; And know my Ships are my peculiar Care. With greater ease the bold Rutulian may , With hissing Brands , attempt to burn the Sea , Than sindge my sacred Pines . But you my Charge , Loos'd from your crooked Anchors lanch at large , Exalted each a Nymph : Forsake the Sand , And swim the Seas , at Cybele's Command . No sooner had the Goddess ceas'd to speak , When lo , th' obedient Ships , their Haulsers break ; And , strange to tell , like Dolphins in the Main , They plunge their Prows , and dive , and spring again : As many beauteous Maids the Billows sweep , As rode before tall Vessels on the Deep . The Foes , surpriz'd with Wonder , stood aghast , Messapus curb'd his fiery Courser's haste ; Old Tyber roar'd ; and raising up his Head , Call'd back his Waters to their Oozy Bed. Turnus alone , undaunted , bore the Shock ; And with these Words his trembling Troops bespoke ▪ These Monsters for the Trojans Fate are meant , And are by Jove for black Presages sent . He takes the Cowards last Relief away ; For fly they cannot ; and , constrain'd to stay , Must yield unfought , a base inglorious Prey . To Thomas Foley Jun r : of Great Witley Court in the County of Worcester Esq. AE . 9. l. 130. The liquid half of all the Globe , is lost ; Heav'n shuts the Seas , and we secure the Coast . Theirs is no more , than that small spot of Ground , Which Millions of our Martial Troops surround . Their Fates I fear not ; or vain Oracles ; 'T was giv'n to Venus , they shou'd cross the Seas : And land secure upon the Latian Plains , Their promis'd Hour is pass'd , and mine remains . 'T is in the Fate of Turnus , to destroy With Sword and Fire the faithless Race of Troy. Shall such Affronts as these , alone inflame The Grecian Brothers , and the Grecian Name ? My Cause and theirs is one ; a fatal Strife , And final Ruin , for a ravish'd Wife . Was 't not enough , that , punish'd for the Crime , They fell ; but will they fall a second Time ? One wou'd have thought they paid enough before , To curse the costly Sex ; and durst offend no more . Can they securely trust their feeble Wall , A slight Partition , a thin Interval , Betwixt their Fate and them ; when Troy , tho' built By Hands Divine , yet perish'd by their Guilt ? Lend me , for once , my Friends , your valiant Hands , To force from out their Lines these dastard Bands . Less than a thousand Ships will end this War ; Nor Vulcan needs his fated Arms prepare . Let all the Tuscans , all th' Arcadians join , Nor these , nor those shall frustrate my Design . Let them not fear the Treasons of the Night ; The robb'd Palladium , the pretended flight : Our Onset shall be made in open Light. No wooden Engine shall their Town betray , Fires they shall have around , but Fires by Day . No Grecian Babes before their Camp appear , Whom Hector's Arms detain'd , to the tenth tardy Year . Now , since the Sun is rowling to the West , Give we the silent Night to neeedful Rest : Refresh your Bodies , and your Arms prepare , The Morn shall end the small Remains of War. The Post of Honour to Messapus falls , To keep the Nightly Guard ; to watch the Walls ; To pitch the Fires at Distances around , And close the Trojans in their scanty Ground . Twice seven Rutulian Captains ready stand ; And twice seven hundred Horse these Chiefs command : All clad in shining Arms the Works invest ; Each with a radiant Helm , and waving Crest . Stretch'd at their length , they press the grassy Ground ; They laugh , they sing , the jolly Bowls go round : With Lights , and chearful Fires renew the Day ; And pass the wakeful Night in Feasts and Play. The Trojans , from above , their Foes beheld ; And with arm'd Legions all the Rampires fill'd : Seiz'd with Affright , their Gates they first explore , Join Works to Works with Bridges ; Tow'r to Tow'r : Thus all things needful for Defence , abound ; Mnestheus , and brave Seresthus walk the round : Commission'd by their Absent Prince , to share The common Danger , and divide the Care. The Souldiers draw their Lots ; and as they fall , By turns relieve each other on the Wall. Nigh where the Foes their utmost Guards advance , To watch the Gate , was warlike Nisus chance . His Father Hyrtacus of Noble Blood ; His Mother was a Hunt'ress of the Wood : And sent him to the Wars ; well cou'd he bear His Lance in fight , and dart the flying Spear : But better skill'd unerring Shafts to send : Beside him stood Euryalus his Friend . Euryalus , than whom the Trojan Hoast No fairer Face , or fweeter Air could boast . Scarce had the Down to shade his Cheeks begun ; One was their Care , and their Delight was one . One Common hazard in the War they shar'd ; And now were both by choice upon the Guard. Then Nisus , thus : Or do the Gods inspire This warmth , or make we Gods of our Desire ? A gen'rous ardour boils within my Breast , Eager of Action , Enemy to Rest : This urges me to fight , and fires my Mind , To leave a memorable Name behind . Thou see'st the Foe secure : how faintly shine Their scatter'd Fires ! the most in Sleep supine ; Along the ground , an easie Conquest lye ; The wakeful few , the fuming Flaggon ply : All hush'd around . Now hear what I revolve ; A Thought unripe ; and scarcely yet resolve . Our absent Prince both Camp and Council mourn ; By Message both wou'd hasten his return : If they confer what I demand , on thee , ( For Fame is Recompence enough for me ) Methinks , beneath yon Hill , I have espy'd A way that safely will my passage guide . Euryalus stood list'ning while he spoke ; With love of Praise , and noble Envy struck ; Then to his ardent Friend expos'd his Mind : All this alone , and leaving me behind , Am I unworthy , Nisus , to be join'd ? Think'st thou I can my share of Glory yield , Or send thee unassisted to the Field ? Not so my Father taught my Childhood Arms ; Born in a Siege , and bred among Alarms ! Nor is my Youth unworthy of my Friend , Nor of the Heav'n-born Heroe I attend . The thing call'd Life , with ease I can disclaim ; And think it over sold to purchase Fame . Then Nisus , thus ; alas ! thy tender years Wou'd minister new matter to my Fears : So may the Gods , who view this friendly Strife , Restore me to thy lov'd Embrace with life , Condemn'd to pay my Vows ( as sure I trust , ) This thy Request is Cruel and Unjust . But if some Chance , as many Chances are , And doubtful Hazards in the deeds of War ; If one shou'd reach my Head , there let it fall , And spare thy Life ; I wou'd not perish all . Thy bloomy Youth deserves a longer date ; Live thou to mourn thy Love 's unhappy Fate : To bear my mangled Body from the Foe ; Or buy it back , and Fun'ral Rites bestow . Or if hard Fortune shall those Dues deny , Thou canst at least an empty Tomb supply . O let not me the Widows Tears renew ; Nor let a Mother's Curse my Name pursue ; Thy Pious Parent , who , for love of thee , Forsook the Coasts of friendly Sicily , Her Age , committing to the Seas and Wind , When ev'ry weary Matron staid behind . To this , Euryalus , you plead in vain , And but protract the Cause you cannot gain : No more delays , but haste . With that he wakes The nodding Watch ; each to his Office takes . The Guard reliev'd , the gen'rous Couple went To find the Council at the Royal Tent. All Creatures else forgot their daily Care ; And Sleep , the common Gift of Nature , share : Except the Trojan Peers , who wakeful sate In nightly Council for th' indanger'd State. They vote a Message to their absent Chief ; Shew their Distress ; and beg a swift Relief . Amid the Camp a silent Seat they chose , Remote from Clamour , and secure from Foes . On their left Arms their ample Shields they bear , The right reclin'd upon the bending Spear . Now Nisus and his Friend approach the Guard , And beg Admission , eager to be heard : Th' Affair important , not to be deferr'd . Ascanius bids 'em be conducted in ; Ord'ring the more experienc'd to begin . Then Nisus thus . Ye Fathers lend your Ears ; Nor judge our bold Attempt beyond our Years . The Foe securely drench'd in Sleep and Wine , Neglect their Watch ; the Fires but thinly shine : And where the Smoke , in cloudy Vapours flies , Cov'ring the Plain , and curling to the Skies , Betwixt two Paths , which at the Gate divide , Close by the Sea , a Passage we have spy'd , Which will our way to great Aeneas guide . Expect each Hour to see him safe again , Loaded with Spoils of Foes in Battel slain . Snatch we the lucky Minute while we may : Nor can we be mistaken in the way ; For hunting in the Vale , we both have seen The rising Turrets , and the Stream between ; And know the winding Course , with ev'ry Ford. He ceas'd : And old Alethes took the Word . Our Country Gods , in whom our Trust we place , Will yet from Ruin save the Trojan Race : While we behold such dauntless Worth appear In dawning Youth ; and Souls so void of Fear . Then , into Tears of Joy the Father broke ; Each in his longing Arms by Turns he took : Panted and paus'd ; and thus again he spoke . Ye brave young Men , what equal Gifts can we , In recompencc of such Desert , decree ? The greatest , sure , and best you can receive , The Gods , and your own conscious Worth will give . The rest our grateful Gen'ral will bestow ; And young Ascanius 'till his Manhood owe. And I , whose Welfare in my Father lies , Ascanius adds , by the great Deities , By my dear Country , by my household Gods , By hoary Vesta's Rites , and dark Abodes , Adjure you both ; ( on you my Fortune stands , That and my Faith I plight into your Hands : ) Make me but happy in his safe Return , Whose wanted Presence I can only mourn ; Your common Gift shall two large Goblets be , Of Silver , wrought with curious Imagery ; And high emboss'd , which , when old Priam reign'd , My conqu'ring Sire at sack'd Arisba gain'd . And more , two Tripods cast in antick Mould , With two great Talents of the finest Gold : Beside a costly Bowl , ingrav'd with Art , Which Dido gave , when first she gave her Heart . But if in conquer'd Italy we reign , When Spoils by Lot the Victor shall obtain ; Thou saw'st the Courser by proud Turnus press'd , That , Nisus , and his Arms , and nodding Crest , And Shield , from Chance exempt , shall be thy Share ; Twelve lab'ring Slaves , twelve Handmaids young and fair , All clad in rich Attire , and train'd with Care. And last , a Latian Field with fruitful Plains ; And a large Portion of the King 's Domains . But thou , whose Years are more to mine ally'd , No Fate my vow'd Affection shall divide From thee , Heroick Youth ; be wholly mine : Take full Possession ; all my Soul is thine . One Faith , one Fame , one Fate shall both attend ; My Life's Companion , and my Bosom Friend . My Peace shall be committed to thy Care , And to thy Conduct , my Concerns in War. Then thus the young Euryalus reply'd ; Whatever Fortune , good or bad betide , The same shall be my Age , as now my Youth ; No time shall find me wanting to my Truth . This only from your Goodness let me gain ; ( And this ungranted , all Rewards are vain ) Of Priam's Royal Race my Mother came ; And sure the best that ever bore the Name : Whom neither Troy , nor Sicily cou'd hold From me departing , but o'respent , and old , My Fate she follow'd ; ignorant of this , Whatever Danger , neither parting Kiss , Nor pious Blessing taken , her I leave ; And , in this only Act of all my Life deceive . By this right Hand , and conscious Night I swear , My Soul so sad a farewel could not bear . Be you her Comfort ; fill my vacant place , ( Permit me to presume so great a Grace ) Support her Age , forsaken and distress'd , That hope alone will fortifie my Breast Against the worst of Fortunes , and of Fears . He said : The mov'd Assistants melt in Tears . Then thus Ascanius , ( wonder-struck to see That Image of his filial Piety ; ) So great Beginnings , in so green an Age , Exact the Faith , which I again ingage . Thy Mother all the Dues shall justly claim Creusa had ; and only want the Name . Whate're Event thy bold Attempt shall have , 'T is Merit to have born a Son so brave . Now by my Head , a sacred Oath , I swear , ( My Father us'd it ) what returning here Crown'd with Success , I for thy self prepare , That , if thou fail , shall thy lov'd Mother share . He said ; and weeping while he spoke the Word , From his broad Belt he drew a shining Sword , Magnificent with Gold. Lycaon made , And in an Iv'ry Scabbard sheath'd the Blade : This was his Gift : Great Mnestheus gave his Friend A Lyon's Hide , his Body to defend : And good Alethes furnish'd him beside , With his own trusty Helm , of Temper try'd . Thus arm'd they went. The Noble Trojans wait Their issuing forth , and follow to the Gate . With Prayers and Vows , above the rest appears Ascanius , manly far beyond his Years . And Messages committed to their Care , Which all in Winds were lost , and flitting Air. The Trenches first they pass'd : Then took their Way Where their proud Foes in pitch'd Pavilions lay ; To many fatal , e're themselves were slain : They found the careless Hoast dispers'd upon the Plain . Who gorg'd , and drunk with Wine , supinely snore ; Unharnass'd Chariots stand along the Shore : Amidst the Wheels and Reins , the Goblet by , A Medly of Debauch and War they lye . Observing Nisus shew'd his Friend the sight ; Behold a Conquest gain'd without a Fight . To y e Hon ble : Colonel George Cholmondeley Colonel of his Majestys Troop of Granadier Guards & Groome of his Maj ties : Bedchamber AE . 9. l. 435. Occasion offers , and I stand prepar'd ; There lies our Way ; be thou upon the Guard , And look around ; while I securely go , And a hew Passage , thro the sleeping Foe . Softly he spoke ; then striding , took his way , With his drawn Sword , where haughty Rhamnes lay : His Head rais'd high , on Tapestry beneath , And heaving from his Breast , he drew his Breath : A King and Prophet by King Turnus lov'd ; But Fate by Prescience cannot be remov'd . Him , and his sleeping Slaves he slew . Then spies Where Rhemus , with his rich Retinue lies : His Armor-bearer first , and next he kills His Charioteer , intrench'd betwixt the Wheels And his lov'd Horses : Last invades their Lord ; Full on his Neck he drives the fatal Sword : The gasping Head flies off ; a Purple flood Flows from the Trunk , that welters in the Blood : Which by the spurning Heels , dispers'd around , The Bed besprinkles , and bedews the Ground . Lamus the bold , and Lamyrus the strong , He slew ; and then Serranus fair and young : From Dice and Wine the Youth retir'd to Rest , And puff'd the fumy God from out his Breast : Ev'n then he dreamt of Drink and lucky Play ; More lucky had it lasted 'till the Day . The famish'd Lyon thus , with Hunger bold ; O'releaps the Fences of the Nightly Fold ; And tears the peaceful Flocks : With silent Awe Trembling they lye , and pant beneath his Paw . Nor with less Rage Euryalus employs The wrathful Sword , or fewer Foes destroys : But on th' ignoble Crowd his Fury flew : He Fadus , Hebesus , and Rhaetus slew . Oppress'd with heavy Sleep the former fall , But Rhoetus wakeful , and observing all : Behind a spacious Jarr he slink'd for fear ; The fatal Iron found , and reach'd him there . For as he rose , it pierc'd his naked side ; And reeking , thence return'd in Crimson dy'd . The Wound pours out a Stream of Wine and Blood , The Purple Soul comes floating in the flood . Now where Messapus Quarter'd they arrive ; The Fires were fainting there , and just alive . The Warriour-Horses ty'd in order fed ; Nisus observ'd the Discipline , and said , Our eager thirst of Blood may both betray ; And see the scatter'd Streaks of dawning day , Foe to Nocturnal Thefts : No more , my Friend , Here let our glutted Execution end : A Lane through slaughter'd Bodies we have made : The bold Euryalus , tho' loath , obey'd . Of Arms , and Arras , and of Plate they find A precious load ; but these they leave behind . Yet fond of gaudy Spoils the Boy wou'd stay To make the rich Caparison his prey , Which on the steed of conquer'd Rhamnes lay . Nor did his Eyes less longingly behold The Girdle-Belt , with Nails of burnish'd Gold. This Present Cedicus the Rich , bestow'd On Remulus , when Friendship first they vow'd : And absent , join'd in hospitable tyes ; He dying , to his Heir bequeath'd the Prize : Till by the Conqu'ring Ardean Troops oppress'd He fell ; and they the Glorious Gift possess'd . These Glitt'ring Spoils ( now made the Victor's gain ) He to his body suits ; but suits in vain . Messapus Helm he finds among the rest , And laces on , and wears the waving Crest . Proud of their Conquest , prouder of their Prey , They leave the Camp ; and take the ready way . But far they had not pass'd , before they spy'd Three hundred Horse with Volscens for their Guide . The Queen a Legion to King Turnus sent , But the swift Horse the slower Foot outwent ; And now advancing , sought the Leader's Tent. They saw the Pair ; for thro' the doubtful shade His shineing Helm Euryalus betray'd , On which the Moon with full reflexion play'd . 'T is not for nought , cry'd Volscens , from the Crow'd , These Men go there ; then rais'd his Voice aloud : Stand , stand : why thus in Arms , and whither bent ; From whence , to whom , and on what Errand sent ? Silent they scud away , and haste their flight , To Neighb'ring Woods , and trust themselves to night . The speedy Horse all passages belay , And spur their smoaking Steeds to Cross their way ; And watch each Entrance of the winding Wood ; Black was the Forest , thick with Beech it stood : Horrid with Fern , and intricate with Thorn , Few Paths of Humane Feet or Tracks of Beasts were worn The darkness of the Shades , his heavy Prey , And Fear , mis-led the Younger from his way . But Nisus hit the Turns with happier haste , And thoughtless of his Friend , the Forest pass'd : And Alban Plains , from Alba's Name so call'd , Where King Latinus then his Oxen stall'd . Till turning at the length , he stood his ground , And miss'd his Friend , and cast his Eyes around ; Ah Wretch , he cry'd , where have I left behind Th' unhappy Youth , where shall I hope to find ? Or what way take ! again He ventures back : And treads the Mazes of his former track . He winds the Wood , and list'ning hears the noise Of trampling Coursers , and the Riders voice . The sound approach'd , and suddenly he view'd The Foes inclosing , and his Friend pursu'd : Forelay'd and taken , while he strove in vain , The shelter of the friendly Shades to gain . What shou'd he next attempt ! what Arms employ , What fruitless Force to free the Captive Boy ? Or desperate shou'd he rush and lose his Life , With odds oppress'd , in such unequal strife ? Resolv'd at length , his pointed Spear he shook ; And casting on the Moon a mournful look , Guardian of Groves , and Goddess of the Night ; Fair , Queen , he said , direct my Dart aright : If e're my Pious Father for my sake Did grateful Off'rings on thy Altars make ; Or I increas'd them with my Silvan toils , And hung thy Holy Roofs , with Salvage Spoils ; Give me to scatter these . Then from his Ear He poiz'd , and aim'd , and lanch'd the trembling Spear . The deadly Weapon , hiffing from the Grove , Impetuous on the back of Sulmo drove : Pierc'd his thin Armour , drank his Vital Blood , And in his Body left the broken Wood. He staggers round , his Eyeballs rowl in Death , And with short sobs he gasps away his Breath . All stand amaz'd ; a second Jav'lin flies , With equal strength , and quivers through the Skies ; This through thy Temples , Tagus , forc'd the way , And in the Brain-pan warmly bury'd lay . Fierce Volscens foams with Rage , and gazing round , Descry'd not him who gave the Fatal Wound : To S r : Io n Percivalé Bart. of Barton in the County of Corke in Ireland AE . 9. l. 590 Nor knew to fix Revenge : but thou , he cries , Shalt pay for both , and at the Pris'ner flies , With his drawn Sword. Then struck with deep Despair , That cruel sight the Lover cou'd not bear : But from his Covert rush'd in open view , And sent his Voice before him as he flew . Me , me , he cry'd , turn all your Swords alone On me ; the Fact confess'd , the Fault my own . He neither cou'd nor durst , the guiltless Youth ; Ye Moon and Stars bear Witness to the Truth ! His only Crime , ( if Friendship can offend , ) Is too much Love ; to his unhappy Friend . Too late he speaks ; the Sword , which Fury guides , Driv'n with full Force , had pierc'd his tender Sides . Down fell the beauteous Youth ; the yawning Wound Gush'd out a Purple Stream , and stain'd the Ground . His snowy Neck reclines upon his Breast , Like a fair Flow'r by the keen Share oppress'd : Like a white Poppy sinking on the Plain , Whose heavy Head is overcharg'd with Rain . Despair , and Rage , and Vengeance justly vow'd , Drove Nisus headlong on the hostile Crowd : Volscens he seeks ; on him alone he bends ; Born back , and bor'd , by his surrounding Friends , Onward he press'd : and kept him still in sight ; Then whirl'd aloft his Sword , with all his might : Th' unnerring Steel descended while he spoke ; Pierc'd his wide Mouth , and thro' his Weazon broke : Dying , he flew ; and stagg'ring on the Plain , With smimming Eyes he sought his Lover slain : Then quiet on his bleeding Bosom fell ; Content in Death , to be reveng'd so well . O happy Friends ! for if my Verse can give Immortal Life , your Fame shall ever live : Fix'd as the Capitol's Foundation lies ; And spread , where e're the Roman Eagle flies ! The conqu'ring Party , first divide the Prey , Then their slain General to the Camp convey . With Wonder , as they went , the Troops were fill'd , To see such Numbers whom so few had kill'd . Serranus , Rhamnes , and the rest they found ; Vast Crowds the dying and the dead surround : And the yet reeking Blood o'reflows the Ground . All knew the Helmet which Messapus lost ; But mourn'd a Purchase , that so dear had cost . Now rose the ruddy Morn from Tithon's Bed ; And with the Dawns of Day the Skies o'respread . Nor long the Sun his daily Course withheld , But added Colours to the World reveal'd . When early Turnus wak'ning with the Light , All clad in Armour calls his Troops to fight . His Martial Men with fierce Harangues he fir'd ; And his own Ardor , in their Souls inspir'd . This done , to give new Terror to his Foes , The Heads of Nisus , and his Friend he shows , Rais'd high on pointed Spears : A ghastly Sight ; Loud peals of Shouts ensue , and barbarous Delight . Mean time the Trojans run , where Danger calls , They line their Trenches , and they man their Walls : In Front extended to the left they stood : Safe was the right surrounded by the Flood . But casting from their Tow'rs a frightful view , They saw the Faces , which too well they knew ; Tho' then disguis'd in Death , and smear'd all o're With Filth obscene , and dropping putrid Gore . Soon hasty Fame , thro' the sad City bears The mournful Message to the Mother's Ears : An icy Cold benums her Limbs : She shakes : Her Cheeks the Blood , her Hand the Web forsakes . She runs the Rampires round amidst the War , Nor fears the flying Darts : She rends her Hair , And fills with loud Laments the liquid Air. Thus then , my lov'd Euryalus appears ; Thus looks the Prop of my declining Years ! Was 't on this Face , my famish'd Eyes I fed , Ah how unlike the living , is the dead ! And cou'dst thou leave me , cruel , thus alone , Not one kind Kiss from a departing Son ! No Look , no last adieu before he went , In an ill-boding Hour to Slaughter sent ! Cold on the Ground , and pressing foreign Clay , To Latian Dogs , and Fowls he lies a Prey ! Nor was I near to close his dying Eyes , To wash his Wounds , to weep his Obsequies : To call about his Corps his crying Friends , Or spread the Mantle , ( made for other ends , ) On his dear Body , which I wove with Care , Nor did my daily Pains , or nightly labour spare . Where shall I find his Corps , what Earth sustains His Trunk dismember'd , and his cold Remains ? For this , alas , I left my needful Ease , Expos'd my Life to Winds , and winter Seas ! If any pity touch Rutulian Hearts , Here empty all your Quivers , all your Darts : Or if they fail , thou Jove conclude my Woe , And send me Thunder-struck to Shades below ! Her Shrieks and Clamours , pierce the Trojans Ears , Unman their Courage , and augment their Fears : Nor young Ascanius cou'd the sight sustain , Nor old Ilioneus his Tears restrain : But Actor and Idoeus , jointly sent , To bear the madding Mother to her Tent. And now the Trumpets terribly from far , With rattling Clangor , rouze the sleepy War. The Souldiers Shouts succeed the Brazen Sounds ; And Heav'n , from Pole to Pole , the Noise rebounds . The Volscians bear their Shields upon their Head , And rushing forward , from a moving Shed ; These fill the Ditch , those pull the Bulwarks down : Some raise the Ladders , others scale the Town . But where void Spaces on the Walls appear , Or thin Defence , they pour their Forces there . With Poles and missive Weapons from afar , The Trojans keep aloof the rising War. Taught by their ten Years Siege defensive fight ; They rowl down Ribs of Rocks , an unresisted Weight : To break the Penthouse with the pond'rous Blow ; Which yet the patient Volscians undergo . But cou'd not bear th' unequal Combat long ; For where the Trojans find the thickest Throng , The Ruin falls : Their shatter'd Shields give way , And their crush'd Heads become an easie Prey . They shrink for Fear , abated of their Rage , Nor longer dare in a blind Fight engage . Contented now to gaul them from below With Darts and Slings , and with the distant Bow. Elsewhere Mezentius , terrible to view , A blazing Pine within the Trenches threw . But brave Messapus , Neptune's warlike Son , Broke down the Palisades , the Trenches Won , And loud for Ladders calls , to scale the Town . Calliope begin : Ye sacred Nine , Inspire your Poet in his high Design ; To sing what Slaughter manly Turnus made : What Souls he sent below the Stygian Shade . What Fame the Souldiers with their Captain share , And the vast Circuit of the fatal War. For you in singing Martial Facts excel ; You best remember ; and alone can tell . There stood a Tow'r , amazing to the sight , Built up of Beams ; and of stupendous height ; Art , and the nature of the Place conspir'd , To furnish all the Strength , that War requir'd . To level this , the bold Italians join ; The wary Trojans obviate their design : With weighty Stones o'rewhelm their Troops below , Shoot through the Loopholes , and sharp Jav'lins throw . Turnus , the Chief , toss'd from his thund'ring Hand , Against the wooden Walls , a flaming Brand : It stuck , the fiery Plague : The Winds were high ; The Planks were season'd , and the Timber dry . Contagion caught the Posts : It spread along , Scorch'd , and to distance drove the scatter'd Throng . The Trojans fled ; the Fire pursu'd amain , Still gath'ring fast upon the trembling Train ; Till crowding to the Corners of the Wall , Down the Defence , and the Defenders fall . The mighty flaw makes Heav'n it self resound , The Dead , and dying Trojans strew the Ground . The Tow'r that follow'd on the fallen Crew , Whelm'd o're their Heads , and bury'd whom it slew : Some stuck upon the Darts themselves had sent ; All , the same equal Ruin underwent . Young Lycus and Helenor only scape ; Sav'd , how they know not , from the steepy Leap. Helenor , elder of the two ; by Birth , On one side Royal , one a Son of Earth , Whom to the Lydian King , Lycimnia bare , And sent her boasted Bastard to the War : ( A Priviledge which none but Free-men share . ) Slight were his Arms , a Sword and Silver Shield , No Marks of Honour charg'd its empty Field . Light as he fell , so light the Youth arose , And rising found himself amidst his Foes . Nor flight was left , nor hopes to force his Way ; Embolden'd by Despair , he stood at Bay : And like a Stag , whom all the Troop surrounds Of eager Huntsmen , and invading Hounds ; Resolv'd on Death , he dissipates his Fears , And bounds aloft , against the pointed Spears : So dares the Youth , secure of Death ; and throws His dying Body , on his thickest Foes . But Lycus , swifter of his Feet , by far , Runs , doubles , winds and turns , amidst the War : Springs to the Walls , and leaves his Foes behind , And snatches at the Beam he first can find . Looks up , and leaps aloft at all the stretch , In hopes the helping Hand of some kind Friend to reach . But Turnus follow'd hard his hunted Prey , ( His Spear had almost reach'd him in the way , Short of his Reins , and scarce a Span behind , ) Fool , said the Chief , tho' fleeter than the Wind , Coud'st thou presume to scape , when I pursue ? He said , and downward by the Feet he drew The trembling Dastard : at the Tug he falls , Vast Ruins come along , rent from the smoking Walls . Thus on some silver Swan , or tim'rous Hare , Jove's Bird comes sowsing down , from upper Air ; Her crooked Tallons truss the fearful Prey : Then out of sight she soars , and wings her way . So seizes the grim Wolf the tender Lamb , In vain lamented by the bleating Dam. Then rushing onward , with a barbr'ous cry , The Troops of Turnus to the Combat fly . The Ditch with Faggots fill'd , the daring Foe Toss'd Firebrands to the steepy Turrets throw . Ilioneus , as bold Lucetius came To force the Gate , and feed the kindling Flame , Rowl'd down the Fragment of a Rock so right , It crush'd him double underneath the weight . Two more young Liger and Asylas slew ; To bend the Bow young Liger better knew ; Asylas best the pointed Jav'lin threw . Brave Caeneus laid Ortygius on the Plain , The Victor Caeneus was by Turnus slain . By the same Hand , Clonius and Itys fall , Sagar , and Ida , standing on the Wall. From Capys Arms his Fate Privernus found ; Hurt by Themilla first ; but slight the Wound ; His Shield thrown by , to mitigate the smart , He clap'd his Hand upon the wounded part : The second Shaft came swift and unespy'd , And pierc'd his Hand , and nail'd it to his side : Transfix'd his breathing Lungs , and beating heart ; The Soul came issuing out , and hiss'd against the Dart. The Son of Arcens shone amid the rest , In glitt'ring Armour , and a Purple Vest . Fair was his Face , his Eyes inspiring Love , Bred by his Father in the Martian Grove ; Where the fat Altars of Palicus flame , And sent in Arms to purchase early Fame . Him , when he spy'd from far the Thuscan King , Laid by the Lance , and took him to the Sling : Thrice whirl'd the Thong around his head , and threw : The heated Lead half melted as it flew : It pierc'd his hollow Temples and his Brain ; The Youth came tumbling down , and spurn'd the Plain . Then Young Ascanius , who before this day Was wont in Woods to shoot the salvage Prey , First bent in Martial Strife , the twanging Bow ; And exercis'd against a Humane Foe . With this bereft Numanus of his life , Who Turnus younger Sister took to Wife . Proud of his Realm , and of his Royal Bride , Vaunting before his Troops , and lengthen'd with a Stride , In these Insulting terms , the Trojans he defy'd . Twice Conquer'd Cowards , now your shame is shown , Coop'd up a second time within your Town ! Who dare not issue forth in open Field , But hold your Walls before you for a Shield : Thus threat you War , thus our Alliance force ! What Gods what madness hether steer'd your Course ! You shall not find the Sons of Atreus here , Nor need the Frauds of sly Ulysses fear . Strong from the Cradle , of a sturdy Brood , We bear our new-born Infants to the Flood ; There bath'd amid the Stream , our Boys we hold , With Winter harden'd , and inur'd to Cold. They wake before the Day to range the Wood , Kill e're they eat , nor tast unconquer'd Food . No Sports , but what belong to War they know , To break the stubborn Colt , to bend the Bow. Our youth , of Labour patient , earn their Bread ; Hardly they work , with frugal Diet fed . From Ploughs and Harrows sent to seek Renown , They fight in Fields , and storm the shaken Town . No part of Life from Toils of War is free ; No change in Age , or diff'rence in Degree . We plow , and till in Arms ; our Oxen feel , Instead of Goads , the Spur , and pointed Steel : Th' inverted Lance makes Furrows in the Plain ; Ev'n time that changes all , yet changes us in vain : The Body , not the Mind : Nor can controul Th' immortal Vigour , or abate the Soul. Our Helms defend the Young , disguise the Grey : We live by Plunder , and delight in Prey . Your Vests embroyder'd with rich Purple shine ; In Sloth you Glory , and in Dances join . Your Vests have sweeping Sleeves : With female Pride , Your Turbants underneath your Chins are ty'd . Go , Phrygians , to your Dindymus agen ; Go , less than Women , in the Shapes of Men. Go , mix'd with Eunuchs , in the Mother's Rites , Where with unequal Sound the Flute invites . Sing , dance , and howl by turns in Ida's Shade ; Resign the War to Men , who know the Martial Trade . This foul Reproach , Ascanius cou'd not hear With Patience , or a vow'd Revenge forbear . At the full stretch of both his Hands , he drew , And almost join'd the Horns of the tough Eugh . But first , before the Throne of Jove he stood ; And thus with lifted Hands invok'd the God. My first Attempt , great Jupiter succeed ; An annual Off'ring in thy Grove shall bleed : A snow-white Steer , before thy Altar led , Who like his Mother bears aloft his Head , Buts with his threatning Brows , and bellowing stands , And dares the Fight , and spurns the yellow Sands . Jove bow'd the Heav'ns , and lent a gracious Ear , And thunder'd on the left , amidst the clear . Sounded at once the Bow ; and swiftly flies The feather'd Death , and hisfes thro' the Skies . The Steel thro' both his Temples forc'd the way : Extended on the Ground , Numanus lay . Go now , vain Boaster , and true Valour scorn ; The Phrygians twice subdu'd , yet make this third Return . Ascanius said no more : The Trojans shake The Heav'ns with Shouting , and new Vigour take . Apollo then bestrode a Golden Cloud , To view the feats of Arms , and fighting Crowd ; And thus the beardless Victor , he bespoke aloud . Advance Illustrious Youth , increase in Fame , And wide from East to West extend thy Name . Offspring of Gods thy self ; and Rome shall owe To thee , a Race of Demigods below . This is the Way to Heav'n : The Pow'rs Divine From this beginning date the Julian Line . To thee , to them , and their victorious Heirs , The conquer'd War is due ; and the vast World is theirs . Troy is too narrow for thy Name . He said , And plunging downward shot his radiant Head ; Dispell'd the breathing Air , that broke his Flight , Shorn of his Beams , a Man to Mortal sight . Old Butes Form he took , Anchises Squire , Now left to rule Ascanius , by his Sire : His wrinkled Visage , and his hoary Hairs , His Meen , his Habit , and his Arms he wears ; And thus salutes the Boy , too forward for his Years . Suffice it thee , thy Father 's worthy Son , The warlike Prize thou hast already won : The God of Archers gives thy Youth a part Of his own Praise ; nor envies equal Art. Now tempt the War no more . He said , and flew Obscure in Air , and vanish'd from their view . The Trojans , by his Arms , their Patron know ; And hear the twanging of his Heav'nly Bow. Then duteous Force they use ; and Phoebus Name , To keep from Fight , the Youth too fond of Fame . Undaunted they themselves no Danger shun : From Wall to Wall , the Shouts and Clamours run . They bend their Bows ; they whirl their Slings around : Heaps of spent Arrows fall ; and strew the Ground ; And Helms , and Shields , and ratling Arms resound . The Combate thickens , like the Storm that flies From Westward , when the Show'ry Kids arise : Or patt'ring Hail comes pouring on the Main , When Jupiter descends in harden'd Rain . Or bellowing Clouds burst with a stormy Sound , And with an armed Winter strew the Ground . Pand'rus and Bitias , Thunder-bolts of War , Whom Hiera , to bold Alcanor bare On Ida's Top , two Youths of Height and Size , Like Firrs that on their Mother Mountain rise ; Presuming on their Force , the Gates unbar , And of their own Accord invite the War. With Fates averse , against their King's Command , Arm'd on the right , and on the left they stand ; And flank the Passage : Shining Steel they wear , And waving Crests , above their Heads appear . Thus two tall Oaks , that Padus Banks adorn , Lift up to Heav'n their leafy Heads unshorn ; And overpress'd with Nature's heavy load , Dance to the whistling Winds , and at each other nod . In flows a Tyde of Latians , when they see The Gate set open , and the Passage free . Bold Quercens , with rash Tmarus rushing on , Equicolus , that in bright Armour shone , And Haemon first , but soon repuls'd they fly , Or in the well-defended Pass they dye . These with Success are fir'd , and those with Rage ; And each on equal Terms at length ingage . Drawn from their Lines , and issuing on the Plain , The Trojans hand to hand the Fight maintain . Fierce Turnus in another Quarter fought , When suddenly th' unhop'd for News was brought ; The Foes had left the fastness of their Place , Prevail'd in Fight , and had his Men in Chace . He quits th' Attack , and , to prevent their Fate , Runs , where the Gyant Brothers guard the Gate . The first he met , Antiphates the brave , But base begotten on a Theban Slave ; Sarpedon's Son he slew : The deadly Dart Found Passage thro' his Breast , and pierc'd his Heart . Fix'd in the Wound th' Italian Cornel stood ; Warm'd in his Lungs , and in his vital Blood. Aphidnus next , and Erymanthus dies , And Meropes , and the Gygantick Size Of Bitias , threat'ning with his ardent Eyes . Not by the feeble Dart he fell oppress'd , A Dart were lost , within that roomy Breast ; But from a knotted Lance , large , heavy , strong ; Which roar'd like Thunder as it whirl'd along : Not two Bull-hides th' impetuous Force withhold ; Nor Coat of double Male , with Scales of Gold. Down sunk the Monster-Bulk , and press'd the Ground ; His Arms and clatt'ring Shield , on the vast Body sound . Not with less Ruin , than the Bajan Mole , ( Rais'd on the Seas the Surges to controul , ) At once comes tumbling down the rocky Wall , Prone to the Deep the Stones disjointed fall , Of the vast Pile ; the scatter'd Ocean flies ; Black Sands , discolour'd Froth , and mingled Mud arise . The frighted Billows rowl , and seek the Shores : Then trembles Prochyta , then Ischia roars : Typhoeus thrown beneath , by Jove's Command , Astonish'd at the Flaw , that shakes the Land , Soon shifts his weary Side , and scarce awake , With Wonder feels the weight press lighter on his Back . The Warrior God the Latian Troops inspir'd ; New strung their Sinews , and their Courage fir'd : But chills the Trojan Hearts with cold Affright ; Then black Despair precipitates their Flight . When Pandarus beheld his Brother kill'd , The Town with Fear , and wild Confusion fill'd , He turns the Hindges of the heavy Gate With both his Hands ; and adds his Shoulders to the weight . Some happier Friends , within the Walls inclos'd ; The rest shut out , to certain Death expos'd . Fool as he was , and frantick in his Care , T' admit young Turnus , and include the War. He thrust amid the Crowd , securely bold ; Like a fierce Tyger pent amid the Fold . Too late his blazing Buckler they descry ; And sparkling Fires that shot from either Eye : His mighty Members , and his ample Breast , His ratt'ling Armour , and his Crimson Crest . Far from that hated Face the Trojans fly ; All but the Fool who sought his Destiny . Mad Pandarus steps forth , with Vengeance vow'd For Bitias's Death , and threatens thus aloud . These are not Ardea's Walls , nor this the Town Amata proffers with Lavinia's Crown : 'T is hostile Earth you tread ; of hope bereft , No means of safe Return by flight are left . To whom with Count'nance calm , and Soul sedate , Thus Turnus : Then begin ; and try thy Fate : My Message to the Ghost of Priam bear , Tell him a new Achilles sent thee there . A Lance of tough ground-Ash the Trojan threw , Rough in the Rind , and knotted as it grew , With his full force he whirl'd it first around ; But the soft yielding Air receiv'd the wound : Imperial Juno turn'd the Course before ; And fix'd the wand'ring Weapon in the door . But hope not thou , said Turnus , when I strike , To shun thy Fate , our Force is not alike : Nor thy Steel temper'd by the Lemnian God : Then rising , on is utmost stretch he stood : And aim'd from high , the full descending blow Cleaves the broad Front , and beardless Cheeks in two : Down sinks the Giant with a thund'ring sound , His pond'rous Limbs oppress the trembling ground ; Blood , Brains , and Foam , gush from the gaping Wound . Scalp , Face , and Shoulders , the keen Steel divides ; And the shar'd Visage hangs on equal sides . The Trojans fly from their approaching Fate : And had the Victor then secur'd the Gate , And , to his Troops without , unclos'd the Barrs ; One lucky Day had ended all his Wars . But boiling Youth , and blind Desire of Blood , Push'd on his Fury , to pursue the Crowd : Hamstring'd behind unhappy Gyges dy'd ; Then Phalaris is added to his side : The pointed Jav'lins from the dead he drew , And their Friends Arms against their Fellows threw . Strong Halys stands in vain ; weak Phlegys flies ; Saturnia , still at hand , new Force and Fire supplies . To M r John Clos Jerman AE . 9. l. 1010. Then Halius , Prytanis , Alcander fall ; ( Ingag'd against the Foes who scal'd the Wall : ) But whom they fear'd without , they found within : At last , tho' late , by Linceus he was seen . He calls new Succours , and assaults the Prince , But weak his Force , and vain is their Defence . Turn'd to the right , his Sword the Heroe drew ; And at one blow the bold Aggressor slew . He joints the Neck : And with a stroke so strong The Helm flies off ; and bears the Head along . Next him , the Huntsman Amycus he kill'd , In Darts , invenom'd , and in Poyson skill'd . Then Clytius fell beneath his fatal Spear , And Creteus , whom the Muses held so dear : He fought with Courage , and he sung the fight : Arms were his buis'ness , Verses his delight . The Trojan Chiefs behold , with Rage and Grief , Their slaughter'd Friends , and hasten their Relief . Bold Mnestheus rallies first the broken Train , Whom brave Seresthus , and his Troop sustain . To save the living , and revenge the dead ; Aginst one Warriour's Arms all Troy they led . O , void of Sense and Courage , Mnestheus cry'd , Where can you hope your Coward Heads to hide ? Ah , where beyond these Rampires can you run ! One Man , and in your Camp inclos'd , you shun ! Shall then a single Sword such Slaughter boast , And pass unpunish'd from a Num'rous Hoast ? Forsaking Honour , and renouncing Fame , Your Gods , your Country , and your King you shame . This just Reproach their Vertue does excite , They stand , they joyn , they thicken to the Fight . Now Turnus doubts , and yet disdains to yield ; But with slow paces measures back the Field . And Inches to the Walls , where Tyber's Tide , Washing the Camp , defends the weaker side . The more he loses , they advance the more ; And tread in ev'ry Step he trod before . They showt , they bear him back , and whom by Might They cannot Conquer , they oppress with Weight . As compass'd with a Wood of Spears around , The Lordly Lyon , still maintains his Ground . Grins horrible , retires , and turns again ; Threats his distended Paws , and shakes his Mane ; He loses while in vain he presses on , Nor will his Courage let him dare to run : So Turnus fares ; and unresolv'd of flight , Moves tardy back , and just recedes from fight . Yet twice , inrag'd , the Combat he renews ; Twice breaks , and twice his broken Foes pursues : But now they swarm ; and with fresh Troops supply'd , Come rowling on , and rush from ev'ry side . Nor Juno , who sustain'd his Arms before , Dares with new strength suffice th' exhausted store . For Jove , with sour Commands , sent Iris down , To force th' Invader from the frighted Town . With Labour spent , no Longer can he wield The heavy Fauchion , or sustain the Shield : O'rewhelm'd with Darts , which from afar they fling , The Weapons round his hollow Temples ring : His golden Helm gives way : with stony blows Batter'd , and flat , and beaten to his Brows . His Crest is rash'd away ; his ample Shield Is falsify'd , and round with Jav'lins fill'd . The Foe now faint , the Trojans overwhelm : And Mnestheus lays hard load upon his Helm . Sick sweat succeeds , he drops at ev'ry pore , With driving Dust his Cheeks are pasted o're . Shorter and shorter ev'ry Gasp he takes , And vain Efforts , and hurtless Blows he makes . Arm'd as he was , at length , he leap'd from high ; Plung'd in the Flood , and made the Waters fly . The yellow God , the welcome Burthen bore , And wip'd the Sweat , and wash'd away the Gore : Then gently wafts him to the farther Coast ; And sends him safe to chear his anxious Hoast . The Tenth Book of the Aeneis . Jupiter calling a Council of the Gods , forbids them to engage in either Party . At Aeneas 's return there is a bloody Battel : Turnus killing Pallas ; Aeneas , Lausus and Mezentius . Mezentius is describ'd as an Atheist ; Lausus as a pious and virtuous Youth : The different Actions and Death of these two , are the Subject of a Noble Episode . THE Gates of Heav'n unfold ; Jove summons all The Gods to Council , in the Common Hall. Sublimely seated , he surveys from far The Fields , the Camp , the Fortune of the War ; And all th' inferior World : From first to last The Sov'raign Senate in Degrees are plac'd . Then thus th' Almighty Sire began . Ye Gods , Natives , or Denizons , of blest Abodes ; From whence these Murmurs , and this change of Mind , This backward Fate from what was first design'd ? Why this protracted War ? When my Commands Pronounc'd a Peace , and gave the Latian Lands . What Fear or Hope on either part divides Our Heav'ns , and arms our Pow'rs on diff'rent sides ? A lawful Time of War at length will come , ( Nor need your haste anticipate the Doom , ) When Carthage shall contest the World with Rome : Shall force the rigid Rocks , and Alpine Chains ; And like a Flood come pouring on the Plains . Then is your time for Faction and Debate , For partial Favour , and permitted Hate . Let now your immature Dissention cease ; Sit quiet , and compose your Souls to Peace . To y e Right Hon ble : Iohn Ld. Viscount Fitzharding of Beare-haven and Bawn Berkley of Rathdowne in y e Kingdom of Ireland & Master of y e Horse to Her Royall Highness the Princess Anne of Denmark AE . 10. l. 1. Thus Jupiter in few unfolds the Charge : But lovely Venus thus replies at large . O Pow'r immense , Eternal Energy ! ( For to what else Protection can we fly , ) Seest thou the proud Rutulians , how they dare In Fields , unpunish'd , and insult my Care ? How lofty Turnus vaunts amidst his Train , In shining Arms , triumphant on the Plain ? Ev'n in their Lines and Trenches they contend ; And scarce their Walls the Trojan Troops defend : The Town is fill'd with Slaughter , and o'refloats , With a red Deluge , their increasing Moats . Aeneas ignorant , and far from thence , Has left a Camp expos'd , without Defence . This endless outrage shall they still sustain ? Shall Troy renew'd be forc'd , and fir'd again ? A second Siege my banish'd Issue fears , And a new Diomede in Arms appears . One more audacious Mortal will be found ; And I thy Daughter wait another Wound . Yet , if with Fates averse , without thy Leave , The Latian Lands my Progeny receive ; Bear they the Pains of violated Law , And thy Protection from their Aid withdraw . But if the Gods their sure Success foretel , If those of Heav'n consent with those of Hell , To promise Italy ; who dare debate The Pow'r of Jove , or fix another Fate ? What shou'd I tell of Tempests on the Main , Of Eolus usurping Neptune's Reign ? Of Iris sent ; with Bachanalian Heat , T' inspire the Matrons , and destroy the Fleet. Now Juno to the Stygian Sky descends , Sollicites Hell for Aid , and arms the Fiends . That new Example wanted yet above : An Act that well became the Wife of Jove . Alecto , rais'd by her , with Rage inflames The peaceful Bosoms of the Latian Dames . Imperial Sway no more exalts my Mind : ( Such hopes I had indeed , while Heav'n was kind ) Now let my happier Foes possess my place , Whom Jove prefers before the Trojan Race ; And conquer they , whom you with Conquest grace . Since you can spare , from all your wide Command , No spot of Earth , no hospitable Land , Which may my wand'ring Fugitives receive ; ( Since haughty Juno will not give you leave ) Then , Father , ( if I still may use that Name ) By ruin'd Troy , yet smoking from the Flame , I beg you let Ascanius , by my Care , Be freed from Danger , and dismiss'd the War : Inglorious let him live , without a Crown ; The Father may be cast on Coasts unknown , Strugling with Fate ; but let me save the Son. Mine is Cythera , mine the Cyprian Tow'rs ; In those Recesses , and those sacred Bow'rs , Obscurely let him rest ; his Right resign To promis'd Empire , and his Julian Line . Then Carthage may th' Ausonian Towns destroy , Nor fear the Race of a rejected Boy . What profits it my Son , to scape the Fire , Arm'd with his Gods , and loaded with his Sire ; To pass the Perils of the Seas and Wind , Evade the Greeks , and leave the War behind ; To reach th' Italian Shores : If after all , Our second Pergamus is doom'd to fall ? Much better had he curb'd his high Desires , And hover'd o're his ill extinguish'd Fires . To Simois Banks the Fugitives restore , And give them back to War , and all the Woes before . Deep indignation swell'd Saturnia's Heart : And must I own , she said , my secret Smart ? What with more decence were in silence kept , And but for this unjust Reproach had slept ? Did God , or Man , your Fav'rite Son advise , With War unhop'd the Latians to surprise ? By Fate you boast , and by the Gods Decree , He left his Native Land for Italy : Confess the Truth ; by mad Cassandra , more Than Heav'n , inspir'd , he sought a foreign Shore ! Did I perswade to trust his second Troy , To the raw Conduct of a beardless Boy ? With Walls unfinish'd , which himself forsakes , And thro' the Waves a wand'ring Voyage makes ? When have I urg'd him meanly to demand The Tuscan Aid , and arm a quiet Land ? Did I or Iris give this mad Advice , Or made the Fool himself the fatal Choice ? You think it hard , the Latians shou'd destroy With Swords your Trojans , and with Fires your Troy : Hard and unjust indeed , for Men to draw Their Native Air , nor take a foreign Law : That Turnus is permitted still to live , To whom his Birth a God and Goddess give : But yet 't is just and lawful for your Line , To drive their Fields , and Force with Fraud to join . Realms , not your own , among your Clans divide , And from the Bridegroom tear the promis'd Bride : Petition , while you publick Arms prepare ; Pretend a Peace , and yet provoke a War. 'T was giv'n to you , your darling Son to shrowd , To draw the Dastard from the fighting Crowd ; And for a Man obtend an empty Cloud . From flaming Fleets you turn'd the Fire away , And chang'd the Ships to Daughters of the Sea. But 't is my Crime , the Queen of Heav'n offends , If she presume to save her suff'ring Friends . Your Son , not knowing what his Foes decree , You say is absent : Absent let him be . Yours is Cythera , yours the Cyprian Tow'rs , The soft Recesses , and the Sacred Bow'rs . Why do you then these needless Arms prepare , And thus provoke a People prone to War ? Did I with Fire the Trojan Town deface , Or hinder from return your exil'd Race ? Was I the Cause of Mischief , or the Man , Whose lawless Lust the bloody War began ? Think on whose Faith th' Adult'rous Youth rely'd ; Who promis'd , who procur'd the Spartan Bride ? When all th' united States of Greece combin'd , To purge the World of the perfidious Kind ; Then was your time to fear the Trojan Fate : Your Quarrels and Complaints are now too late . Thus Juno . Murmurs rise , with mix'd Applause ; Just as they favour , or dislike the Cause : So Winds , when yet unfledg'd in Woods they lie , In whispers first their tender Voices try : Then issue on the Main with bellowing rage , And Storms to trembling Mariners presage . Then thus to both reply'd th' Imperial God , Who shakes Heav'ns Axels with his awful Nod. ( When he begins , the silent Senate stand With Rev'rence , list'ning to the dread Command : The Clouds dispel ; the Winds their Breath restrain ; And the hush'd Waves lie flatted on the Main . ) Coelestials ! Your attentive Ears incline ; Since , said the God , the Trojans must not join In wish'd Alliance with the Latian Line ; Since endless jarrings , and immortal Hate , Tend but to discompose our happy State ; The War henceforward be resign'd to Fate . Each to his proper Fortune stand or fall , Equal and unconcern'd I look on all . Rutulians , Trojans , are the same to me ; And both shall draw the Lots their Fates decree . Let these assault ; if Fortune be their Friend ; And if she favours those , let those defend : The Fates will find their way . The Thund'rer said ; And shook the sacred Honours of his Head ; Attesting Styx , th' Inviolable Flood , And the black Regions of his Brother God Trembled the Poles of Heav'n ; and Earth confess'd the Nod. This end the Sessions had : The Senate rise , And to his Palace wait their Sov'raign thro' the Skies . Mean time , intent upon their Siege , the Foes Within their Walls the Trojan Hoast inclose : They wound , they kill , they watch at ev'ry Gate : Renew the Fires , and urge their happy Fate . Th' Aeneans wish in vain their wanted Chief , Hopeless of flight , more hopeless of Relief : Thin on the Tow'rs they stand ; and ev'n thofe few , A feeble , fainting , and dejected Crew : Yet in the face of Danger some there stood : The two bold Brothers of Sarpedon's Blood , Asius , and Acmon : both th' Assaraci ; Young Haemon , and tho' young , resolv'd to dye . With these were Clarus and Thymaetes join'd ; Tibris and Castor , both of Lycian Kind . From Acmon's Hands a rowling Stone there came , So large , if half deserv'd a Mountain's Name : Strong sinew'd was the Youth , and big of Bone , His Brother Mnestheus cou'd not more have done : Or the great Father of th' intrepid Son. Some Firebrands throw , some flights of Arrows send ; And some with Darts , and some with Stones defend . Amid the Press appears the beauteous Boy , The Care of Venus , and the Hope of Troy. His lovely Face unarm'd , his Head was bare , In ringlets o're his Shoulders hung his Hair. His Forehead circled with a Diadem ; Distinguish'd from the Crowd , he shines a Gem , Enchas'd in Gold , or Polish'd Iv'ry set , Amidst the meaner foil of sable Jett . Nor Ismarus was wanting to the War , Directing Ointed Arrows from afar ; And Death with Poyson arm'd : In Lydia born , Where plenteous Harvests the fat Fields adorn : Where proud Pactolus floats the fruitful Lands , And leaves a rich manure of Golden Sands . There Capys , Author of the Capuan Name : And there was Mnestheus too increas'd in Fame : Since Turnus from the Camp He cast with shame . Thus Mortal War was wag'd on either side , Mean time the Heroe cuts the Nightly Tyde . For , anxious , from Evander when he went , He sought the Tyrrhene Camp , and Tarchon's Tent ; Expos'd the Cause of coming to the Chief ; His Name , and Country told , and ask'd Relief : Propos'd the Terms ; his own small strength declar'd , What Vengeance proud Mezentius had prepar'd : What Turnus , bold and violent , design'd ; Then shew'd the slippry state of Humane-kind , And fickle Fortune ; warn'd him to beware : And to his wholsom Counsel added Pray'r . Tarchon , without delay , the Treaty signs ; And to the Trojan Troops the Tuscan joins . They soon set sail ; nor now the Fates withstand ; Their Forces trusted with a Foreign Hand . Aeneas leads ; upon his Stern appear , Two Lyons carv'd , which rising Ida bear : Ida , to wand'ring Trojans ever dear . Under their grateful Shade Aeneas sate , Revolving Wars Events , and various Fate . His left young Pallas kept , fix'd to his side , And oft of Winds enquir'd , and of the Tyde : Oft of the Stars , and of their wat'ry Way ; And what he suffer'd both by Land and Sea. Now sacred Sisters open all your Spring , The Tuscan Leaders , and their Army sing ; Which follow'd great Aeneas to the War : Their Arms , their Numbers , and their Names declare . A thousand Youths brave Massicus obey , Born in the Tyger , thro' the foaming Sea ; From Asium brought , and Cosa , by his Care ; For Arms , light Quivers , Bows , and Shafts they bear . Fierce Abas next , his Men bright Armour wore ; His Stern , Apollo's Golden Statue bore . Six hundred Populonea sent along , All skill'd in Martial Exercise , and strong . Three hundred more for Battel Ilva joins , An Isle renown'd for Steel , and unexhausted Mines . Asylas on his Prow the third appears , Who Heav'n interprets , and the wand'ring Stars : From offer'd Entrails Prodigies expounds , And Peals of Thunder , with presaging Sounds . A thousand Spears in warlike Order stand , Sent by the Pisans under his Command . Fair Astur follows in the wat'ry Field , Proud of his manag'd Horse , and painted Shield . Gravisca , noisom from the neighb'ring Fen , And his own Coere sent three hundred Men : With those which Minio's Fields , and Pyrgi gave ; All bred in Arms , unanimous and brave . Thou Muse the Name of Cyniras renew , And brave Cupavo follow'd but by few : Whose Helm confess'd the Lineage of the Man , And bore , with Wings display'd , a silver Swan . Love was the fault of his fam'd Ancestry , Whose Forms , and Fortunes in his Ensigns fly . For Cycnus lov'd unhappy Phaeton , And sung his Loss in Poplar Groves , alone ; Beneath the Sister shades to sooth his Grief ; Heav'n heard his Song , and hasten'd his Relief : And chang'd to snowy Plumes his hoary Hair , And wing'd his Flight , to chant aloft in Air. His Son Cupavo brush'd the briny Flood ; Upon his Stern a brawny Centaur stood , Who heav'd a Rock , and threat'ning still to throw , With lifted Hands , alarm'd the Seas below : They seem'd to fear the formidable Sight , And rowl'd their Billows on , to speed his Flight . Ocnus was next , who led his Native Train , Of hardy Warriors , thro' the wat'ry Plain . The Son of Manto , by the Tuscan Stream , From whence the Mantuan Town derives the Name . An ancient City , but of mix'd Descent , Three sev'ral Tribes compose the Government : Four Towns are under each ; but all obey The Mantuan Laws , and own the Tuscan Sway. Hate to Mezentius , arm'd five hundred more , Whom Mincius from his Sire Benacus bore ; ( Mincius with Wreaths of Reeds his forehead cover'd o're . ) These grave Auletes leads . A hundred sweep , With stretching Oars at once the glassy deep : Him , and his Martial Train , the Triton bears , High on his Poop the Sea-green God appears : Frowning he seems his crooked Shell to sound , And at the Blast the Billows dance around . A hairy Man above the Waste he shows , A Porpoise Tail beneath his Belly grows ; And ends a Fish : His Breast the Waves divides , And Froth and Foam augment the murm'ring Tides . Full thirty Ships transport the chosen Train , For Troy's Relief , and scour the briny Main . Now was the World sorsaken by the Sun , And Phoebe half her nightly Race had run . The careful Chief , who never clos'd his Eyes , Himself the Rudder holds , the Sails supplies . A Choir of Nereids meet him on the Flood , Once his own Gallies , hewn from Ida's Wood : But now as many Nymphs the Sea they sweep , As rode before tall Vessels on the Deep . They know him from afar ; and , in a Ring , Inclose the Ship that bore the Trojan King. Cymodoce , whose Voice excell'd the rest , Above the Waves advanc'd her snowy Breast , Her right Hand stops the Stern , her left divides The curling Ocean , and corrects the Tides : She spoke for all the Choir ; and thus began , With pleasing Words to warn th' unknowing Man. Sleeps our lov'd Lord ? O Goddess-born ! awake , Spread ev'ry Sail , pursue your wat'ry Track ; And haste your Course . Your Navy once were we , From Ida's Height descending to the Sea : 'Till Turnus , as at Anchor fix'd we stood , Presum'd to violate our holy Wood. Then loos'd from Shore we fled his Fires prophane ; ( Unwillingly we broke our Master's Chain ) And since have sought you thro' the Tuscan Main . The mighty Mother chang'd our Forms to these , And gave us Life Immortal in the Seas . But young Ascanius , in his Camp distress'd , By your insulting Foes is hardly press'd . Th' Arcadian Horsemen , and Etrurian Hoast Advance in order on the Latian Coast : To cut their way the Daunian Chief designs , Before their Troops can reach the Trojan Lines . Thou , when the rosie Morn restores the Light , First arm thy Souldiers for th' ensuing Fight : Thy self the fated Sword of Vulcan wield , And bear aloft th' impenetrable Shield . To Morrow's Sun , unless my Skill be vain , Shall see huge heaps of Foes in Battel slain . Parting , she spoke ; and with Immortal Force , Push'd on the Vessel in her wat'ry Course : ( For well she knew the Way ) impell'd behind , The Ship flew forward , and outstrip'd the Wind. The rest make up : Unknowing of the cause The Chief admires their Speed , and happy Omens draws . Then thus he pray'd , and fix'd on Heav'n his Eyes ; Hear thou , great Mother of the Deities ! With Turrets crown'd , ( on Ida's holy Hill , Fierce Tygers , rein'd and curb'd , obey thy Will. ) Firm thy own Omens , lead us on to fight , And let thy Phrygians conquer in thy right . He said no more . And now renewing Day Had chas'd the Shadows of the Night away . He charg'd the Souldiers with preventing Care , Their Flags to follow , and their Arms prepare ; Warn'd of th' ensuing Fight , and bad'em hope the War. Now , from his lofty Poop , he view'd below His Camp incompass'd , and th' inclosing Foe . His blazing Shield imbrac'd , he held on high ; The Camp receive the sign , and with loud Shouts reply . Hope arms their Anger : From their Tow'rs they throw Their Darts with double Force , and drive the Foe . Thus , at the signal giv'n , the Cranes arise Before the stormy South , and blacken all the Skies . King Turnus wonder'd at the Fight renew'd ; 'Till , looking back , the Trojan Fleet he view'd : The Seas with swelling Canvass cover'd o're ; And the swift Ships descending on the Shore . The Latians saw from far , with dazl'd Eyes , The radiant Crest that seem'd in Flames to rise , And dart diffusive Fires around the Field ; And the keen glitt'ring of the Golden Shield . Thus threatning Comets , when by Night they rise , Shoot sanguine Streams , and sadden all the Skies : So Sirius , flashing forth sinister Lights , Pale humane kind with Plagues , and with dry Famine frights . Yet Turnus , with undaunted Mind is bent To man the Shores , and hinder their Descent : And thus awakes the Courage of his Friends . What you so long have wish'd , kind Fortune sends : In equal Arms to meet th' invading Foe : You find , and find him at Advantage now . Yours is the Day , you need but only dare : Your Swords will make you Masters of the War. Your Sires , your Sons , your Houses , and your Lands , And dearest Wifes , are all within your Hands . Be mindful of the Race from whence you came ; And emulate in Arms your Fathers Fame . Now take the Time , while stagg'ring yet they stand With Feet unfirm ; and prepossess the Strand : Fortune befriends the bold . Nor more he said , But ballanc'd whom to leave , and whom to lead : Then these elects , the Landing to prevent ; And those he leaves to keep the City pent . Mean time the Trojan sends his Troops ashore : Some are by Boats expos'd , by Bridges more . With lab'ring Oars they bear along the Strand , Where the Tide languishes , and leap a-land . Tarchon observes the Coast with careful Eyes , And where no Foord he finds , no Water fryes , Nor Billows with unequal Murmurs roar ; But smoothly slide along , and swell the Shoar ; That Course he steer'd , and thus he gave command , Here ply your Oars , and at all hazard land : Force on the Vessel that her Keel may wound This hated Soil , and furrow hostile Ground . Let me securely land , I ask no more , Then sink my Ships , or shatter on the Shore . This fiery Speech inflames his fearful Friends , They tug at ev'ry Oar ; and ev'ry Stretcher bends : They run their Ships aground , the Vessels knock , ( Thus forc'd ashore ) and tremble with the shock . Tarchon's alone was lost , that stranded stood , Stuck on a Bank , and beaten by the Flood . She breaks her Back , the loosen'd Sides give way , And plunge the Tuscan Souldiers in the Sea. Their broken Oars , and floating Planks withstand Their Passage , while they labour to the Land ; And ebbing Tides bear back upon th' uncertain Sand. Now Turnus leads his Troops , without delay , Advancing to the Margin of the Sea. The Trumpets sound : Aeneas first assail'd The Clowns new rais'd and raw ; and soon prevail'd . To y e Right Hon ble : S r : Robert Howard Auditor of his Ma ties . Exchequer , and one of y e Lords of his Maj ties . most Hon ble : Prioy Councill AE . 10. l. 450. Great Theron fell , an Omen of the Fight : Great Theron large of Limbs , of Gyant height . He first in open Field defy'd the Prince , But Armour scal'd with Gold was no Defence Against the fated Sword , which open'd wide His plated Shield , and pierc'd his naked side . Next , Lycas fell ; who , not like others born , Was from his wretched Mother rip'd and torn : Sacred , O Phoebus ! from his Birth to thee , For his beginning Life from biting Steel was free . Not far from him was Gyas laid along , Of monst'rous Bulk ; with Cisseus fierce and strong : Vain Bulk and Strength ; for when the Chief assail'd , Nor Valour , nor Herculean Arms avail'd ; Nor their fam'd Father , wont in War to go With great Alcides , while he toil'd below . The noisie Pharos next receiv'd his Death , Aeneas writh'd his Dart , and stopp'd his bawling Breath . Then wretched Cydon had receiv'd his Doom , Who courted Clytius in his beardless Bloom , And sought with lust obscene polluted Joys : The Trojan Sword had cur'd his love of Boys , Had not his sev'n bold Brethren stop'd the Course Of the fierce Champion , with united Force . Sev'n Darts were thrown at once , and some rebound From his bright Shield , some on his Helmet sound : The rest had reach'd him , but his Mother's Care Prevented those , and turn'd aside in Air. The Prince then call'd Achates , to supply The Spears , that knew the way to Victory . Those fatal Weapons , which inur'd to Blood , In Grecian Bodies under Ilium stood : Not one of those my Hand shall toss in vain Against our Foes , on this contended Plain . He said : Then seiz'd a mighty Spear , and threw ; Which , wing'd with Fate , thro' Maeon's Buckler flew : Pierc'd all the brazen Plates , and reach'd his Heart : He stagger'd with intolerable Smart . Alcanor saw ; and reach'd , but reach'd in vain , His helping Hand , his Brother to sustain . A second Spear , which kept the former Course , From the same Hand , and sent with equal Force , His right Arm pierc'd , and holding on , bereft His use of both , and pinion'd down his left . Then Numitor , from his dead Brother drew Th' ill-omend Spear , and at the Trojan threw : Preventing Fate directs the Lance awry , Which glancing , only mark'd Achates Thigh . In Pride of Youth the Sabine Clausus came , And from afar , at Driops took his Aim . The Spear flew hissing thro' the middle Space , And pierc'd his Throat , directed at his Face : It stop'd at once the Passage of his Wind , And the free Soul to flitting Air resign'd : His Forehead was the first that struck the Ground ; Life-blood , and Life rush'd mingl'd thro' the Wound . He slew three Brothers of the Borean Race , And three , whom Ismarus , their Native Place , Had sent to War , but all the Sons of Thrace . Halesus next , the bold Aurunci leads ; The Son of Neptune to his Aid succeeds , Conspicuous on his Horse : On either Hand These fight to keep , and those to win the Land. With mutual Blood th' Ausonian Soil is dy'd , While on its Borders each their Claim decide . As wint'ry Winds contending in the Sky , With equal force of Lungs their Titles try . They rage , they roar ; the doubtful rack of Heav'n Stands without Motion , and the Tyde undriv'n : Each bent to conquer , neither side to yield ; They long suspend the Fortune of the Field . Both Armies thus perform what Courage can : Foot set to Foot , and crowded Man to Man. But in another part , th' Arcadian Horse , With ill Success ingage the Latin Force . For where th' impetuous Torrent rushing down , Huge craggy Stones , and rooted Trees had thrown : They left their Coursers , and unus'd to Fight On Foot , were scatter'd in a shameful flight . Pallas , who with Disdain and Grief , had view'd His Foes pursuing , and his Friends pursu'd ; Us'd Threatnings mix'd with Pray'rs , his last Ressource ; With these to move their Minds , with those to fire their Force . Which way , Companions ! Whether wou'd you run ? By you your selves , and mighty Battels won ; By my great Sire , by his establish'd Name , And early promise of my Future Fame ; By my Youth emulous of equal Right , To share his Honours , shun ignoble Flight . Trust not your Feet , your Hands must hew your way Thro' yon black Body , and that thick Array : 'T is thro' that forward Path that we must come : There lies our Way , and that our Passage home . Nor Pow'rs above , nor Destinies below , Oppress our Arms ; with equal Strength we go ; With Mortal Hands to meet a Mortal Foe . See on what Foot we stand : A scanty Shore ; The Sea behind , our Enemies before : No Passage left , unless we swim the Main ; Or forcing these , the Trojan Trenches gain . This said , he strode with eager haste along , And bore amidst the thickest of the Throng . Lagus , the first he met , with Fate to Foe , Had heav'd a Stone of mighty Weight to throw : Stooping , the Spear descended on his Chine , Just where the Bone distinguish'd either Loin : It stuck so fast , so deeply bury'd lay , That scarce the Victor forc'd the Steel away . Hisbon came on , but while he mov'd too slow To wish'd Revenge , the Prince prevents his Blow : For warding his at once , at once he press'd ; And plung'd the fatal Weapon in his Breast . Then leud Anchemolus he laid in Dust , Who stain'd his Stepdam's Bed with impious Lust . And after him the Daucian Twins were slain , Laris and Thimbrus , on the Latian Plain : So wond'rous like in Feature , Shape , and Size , As caus'd an Error in their Parents Eyes . Grateful Mistake ! but soon the Sword decides The nice Distinction , and their Fate divides . For Thimbrus Head was lop'd : and Laris Hand Dismember'd , sought its Owner on the Strand : The trembling Fingers yet the Fauchion strain , And threaten still th' intended Stroke in vain . Now , to renew the Charge , th' Arcadians came : Sight of such Acts , and sense of honest Shame , And Grief , with Anger mix'd , their Minds inflame . Then , with a casual Blow was Rhaeteus slain , Who chanc'd , as Pallas threw , to cross the Plain : The flying Spear was after Ilus sent , But Rhaeteus hapen'd on a Death unmeant : From Teuthras , and from Tyres while he fled , The Lance , athwart his Body , laid him dead : Rowl'd from his Chariot with a Mortal Wound , And intercepted Fate , he spurn'd the Ground . As , when in Summer , welcome Winds arise , The watchful Shepherd to the Forest flies , And fires the midmost Plants ; Contagion spreads , And catching Flames infect the neighb'ring Heads ; Around the Forest flies the furious Blast , And all the leafie Nation sinks at last ; And Vulcan rides in Triumph o're the Wast ; The Pastor pleas'd with his dire Victory , Beholds the satiate Flames in Sheets ascend the Sky : So Pallas's Troops their scatter'd Strength unite ; And pouring on their Foes , their Prince delight . Halesus came , fierce with desire of Blood , ( But first collected in his Arms he stood ) Advancing then , he ply'd the Spear so well , Ladon , Demodocus , and Pheres fell : Around his Head he toss'd his glitt'ring Brand , And from Strimonius hew'd his better Hand , Held up to guard his Throat : Then hurl'd a Stone At Thoas ample Front , and pierc'd the Bone : It struck beneath the space of either Eye , And Blood , and mingled Brains , together fly . Deep skill'd in future Fates , Halesus Sire , Did with the Youth to lonely Groves retire : But when the Father 's Mortal Race was run , Dire Destiny laid hold upon the Son , And haul'd him to the War : to find beneath Th' Evandrian Spear , a memorable Death . Pallas th' Encounter seeks , but e're he throws , To Tuscan Tyber thus address'd his Vows : O sacred Stream direct my flying Dart ; And give to pass the proud Halesus Heart : His Arms and Spoils thy holy Oak shall bear : Pleas'd with the Bribe , the God receiv'd his Pray'r . For while his Shield protects a Friend distress'd , The Dart came driving on , and pierc'd his Breast . But Lausus , no small portion of the War , Permits not Panick Fear to reign too far , Caus'd by the Death of so renown'd a Knight ; But by his own Example chears the Fight . Fierce Abas first he slew , Abas , the stay Of Trojan Hopes , and hind'rance of the Day . The Phrygian Troops escap'd the Greeks in vain , They , and their mix'd Allies , now load the Plain . To the rude shock of War both Armies came , Their Leaders equal , and their Strength the same . The Rear so press'd the Front , they cou'd not wield Their angry Weapons , to dispute the Field . Here Pallas urges on , and Lausus there , Of equal Youth and Beauty both appear , But both by Fate forbid to breath their Native Air. Their Congress in the Field great Jove withstands , Both doom'd to fall , but fall by greater Hands . Mean time Juturna warns the Daunian Chief Of Lausus Danger , urging swift Relief . With his driv'n Chariot he divides the Crowd , And making to his Friends , thus calls aloud : Let none presume his needless Aid to join ; Retire , and clear the Field , the Fight is mine : To this right Hand is Pallas only due : Oh were his Father here my just Revenge to view ! From the forbidden Space his Men retir'd ; Pallas , their Awe , and his stern Words admir'd : Survey'd him o're and o're with wond'ring sight , Struck with his haughty Meen , and tow'ring Height . Then to the King ; your empty Vaunts forbear : Success I hope , and Fate I cannot fear . Alive or dead , I shall deserve a Name : Jove is impartial , and to both the same . He said , and to the void advanc'd his Pace ; Pale Horror sate on each Arcadian Face . Then Turnus , from his Chariot leaping light , Address'd himself on Foot to single Fight . And , as a Lyon , when he spies from far A Bull , that seems to meditate the War ; Bending his Neck , and spurning back the Sand , Runs roaring downward from his hilly Stand : Imagine eager Turnus not more slow , To rush from high on his unequal Foe . Young Pallas , when he saw the Chief advance Within due distance of his flying Lance ; Prepares to charge him first : Resolv'd to try If Fortune wou'd his want of Force supply . And thus to Heav'n and Hercules address'd . Alcides , once on Earth Evander's Guest , His Son adjures you by those Holy Rites , That hospitable Board , those Genial Nights ; Assist my great Attempt to gain this Prize , And let proud Turnus view , with dying Eyes , His ravish'd Spoils . 'T was heard , the vain Request ; Alcides mourn'd : And stifled Sighs within his Breast . Then Jove , to sooth his Sorrow , thus began : Short bounds of Life are set to Mortal Man , 'T is Vertues work alone to stretch the narrow Span. So many Sons of Gods in bloody Fight , Around the Walls of Troy , have lost the Light : My own Sarpedon fell beneath his Foe , Nor I , his mighty Sire , cou'd ward the Blow . Ev'n Turnus shortly shall resign his Breath ; And stands already on the Verge of Death . This said , the God permits the fatal Fight , But from the Latian Fields averts his sight . Now with full Force his Spear young Pallas threw ; And having thrown , his shining Fauchion drew : The Steel just graz'd along the Shoulder Joint , And mark'd it slightly with the glancing Point . Fierce Turnus first to nearer distance drew , And poiz'd his pointed Spear before he threw : Then , as the winged Weapon whiz'd along ; See now , said he , whose Arm is better strung . The Spear kept on the fatal Course , unstay'd By Plates of Ir'n , which o're the Shield were laid : Thro' folded Brass , and tough Bull-hides it pass'd , His Corslet pierc'd , and reach'd his Heart at last . In vain the Youth tugs at the broken Wood , The Soul comes issuing with the vital Blood : He falls ; his Arms upon his Body sound ; And with his bloody Teeth he bites the Ground . Turnus bestrode the Corps : Arcadians hear , Said he ; my Message to your Master bear : Such as the Sire deserv'd , the Son I send : It costs him dear to be the Phrygians Friend . The lifeless Body , tell him , I bestow Unask'd , to please his wand'ring Ghost below . He said , and trampled down with all the Force Of his left Foot , and spurn'd the wretched Corse : Then snatch'd the shining Belt , with Gold inlaid ; The Belt Eurytion's artful Hands had made : Where fifty fatal Brides , express'd to sight , All , in the compass of one mournful Night , Depriv'd their Bridegrooms of returning Light. To S r : Iohn Leveson Gower of Trentham in , Staffordshire Baronet AE . 10. l. 690. In an ill Hour insulting Turnus tore Those Golden Spoils , and in a worse he wore . O Mortals ! blind in Fate , who never know To bear high Fortune , or endure the low ! The Time shall come , when Turnus , but in vain , Shall wish untouch'd the Trophies of the slain : Shall wish the fatal Belt were far away ; And curse the dire Remembrance of the Day . The sad Arcadians from th' unhappy Field , Bear back the breathless Body on a Shield . O Grace and Grief of War ! at once restor'd With Praises to thy Sire , at once deplor'd . One Day first sent thee to the fighting Field , Beheld whole heaps of Foes in Battel kill'd ; One Day beheld thee dead , and born upon thy Shield . This dismal News , not from uncertain Fame , But sad Spectators , to the Heroe came : His Friends upon the brink of Ruin stand , Unless reliev'd by his victorious Hand . He whirls his Sword around , without delay , And hews through adverse Foes an ample Way ; To find fierce Turnus , of his Conquest proud : Evander , Pallas , all that Friendship ow'd To large Deserts , are present to his Eyes ; His plighted Hand , and hospitable Ties . Four Sons of Sulmo , four whom Ufens bred , He took in fight , and living Victims led , To please the Ghost of Pallas ; and expire In Sacrifice , before his Fun'ral Fire . At Magus next he threw : He stoop'd below The flying Spear , and shun'd the promis'd Blow . Then creeping , clasp'd the Hero's Knees , and pray'd ▪ By young Iulus , by thy Father's Shade , O spare my Life , and send me back to see My longing Sire , and tender Progeny . A lofty House I have , and Wealth untold , In Silver Ingots , and in Bars of Gold : All these , and Sums besides , which see no Day , The Ransom of this one poor Life shall pay . If I survive , shall Troy the less prevail ? A single Soul 's too light to turn the Scale . He said . The Heroe sternly thus reply'd : Thy Barrs , and Ingots , and the Sums beside , Leave for thy Childrens Lot. Thy Turnus broke All Rules of War , by one relentless Stroke When Pallas fell : So deems , nor deems alone , My Father's Shadow , but my living Son. Thus having said , of kind Remorse bereft , He seiz'd his Helm , and drag'd him with his left : Then with his right Hand , while his Neck he wreath'd , Up to the hilts his shining Fauchion sheath'd . Apollo's Priest , Emonides , was near , His holy Fillets on his Front appear ; Glitt'ring in Arms he shone amidst the Crowd ; Much of his God , more of his Purple proud : Him the fierce Trojan follow'd thro' the Field ; The holy Coward fell : And forc'd to yield , The Prince stood o're the Priest ; and at one Blow , Sent him an Off'ring to the Shades below . His Arms Seresthus on his Shoulders bears , Design'd a Trophee to the God of Wars . Vulcanian Caeculus renews the Fight ; And Umbro born upon the Mountains Height : The Champion chears his Troops t' encounter those : And seeks Revenge himself on other Foes . At Anxur's Shield he drove , and at the Blow , Both Shield and Arm to Ground together go . Anxur had boasted much of magick Charms , And thought he wore impenetrable Arms ; So made by mutter'd Spells : And from the Spheres , Had Life secur'd , in vain , for length of Years . Then Tarquitus the Field in Triumph trod ; A Nymph his Mother , and his Sire a God. Exulting in bright Arms he braves the Prince ; With his protended Lance He makes defence : Bears back his feeble Foe ; then pressing on , Arrests his better Hand , and drags him down . Stands o're the prostrate Wretch , and as he lay , Vain Tales inventing , and prepar'd to pray : Mows off his Head , the Trunk a Moment stood , Then sunk , and rowl'd along the Sand in Blood. The vengeful Victor thus upbraids the slain ; Lye there , proud Man unpity'd , on the Plain : Lye there , inglorious , and without a Tomb , Far from thy Mother , and thy Native Home : Expos'd to salvage Beasts , and Birds of Prey ; Or thrown for Food to Monsters of the Sea. On Lycas and Antaeus next he ran , Two Chiefs of Turnus , and who led his Van. They fled for Fear ; with these he chas'd along , Camers the yellow Lock'd , and Numa strong , Both great in Arms , and both were fair , and young : Camers , was Son to Volscens lately slain ; In Wealth surpassing all the Latian Train , And in Amycla fix'd his silent , easy Reign . And as Aegeon , when with Heav'n he strove , Stood opposite in Arms to mighty Jove ; Mov'd all his hundred Hands , provok'd the War , Defy'd the forky Lightning from afar : At fifty Mouths his flaming Breath expires , And Flash for Flash returns , and Fires for Fires : In his right Hand as many Swords he wields , And takes the Thunder on as many Shields : With Strength like his the Trojan Heroe stood , And soon the Fields with falling Corps were strowd , When once his Fauchion found the Taste of Blood. With Fury scarce to be conceiv'd , he flew Against Niphaeus , whom four Coursers drew . They , when they see the fiery Chief advance , And pushing at their Chests his pointed Lance ; Wheel'd with so swift a Motion , mad with Fear , They threw their Master headlong from the Chair : They stare , they start , nor stop their Course before They bear the bounding Chariot to the Shore . Now Lucagus , and Liger scour the Plains , With two white Steeds , but Liger holds the Reins , And Lucagus the lofty Seat maintains . Bold Brethren both , the former wav'd in Air His flaming Sword ; Aeneas couch'd his Spear , Unus'd to Threats , and more unus'd to Fear . Then Liger thus . Thy Confidence is vain To scape from hence , as from the Trojan Plain : Nor these the Steeds which Diomede bestrode , Nor this the Chariot where Achilles rode : Nor Venus's Veil is here , nor Neptune's Shield : Thy fatal Hour is come ; and this the Field . Thus Liger vainly vaunts : The Trojan Peer Return'd his answer with his flying Spear . As Lucagus to lash his Horses bends , Prone to the Wheels , and his left Foot protends : Prepar'd for Fight , the fatal Dart arrives , And thro' the borders of his Buckler drives . Pass'd through ; and pierc'd his Groin , the deadly Wound , Cast from his Chariot , rowl'd him on the Ground . Whom thus the Chief upbraids with scornful spight : Blame not the slowness of your Steeds in flight ; Vain Shadows did not force their swift Retreat : But you your self forsake your empty Seat. He said , and seiz'd at once the loosen'd Rein , ( For Liger lay already on the Plain , By the same Shock ) then , stretching out his Hands , The Recreant thus his wretched Life demands . Now by thy self , O more than Mortal Man ! By her and him from whom thy Breath began , Who form'd thee thus Divine , I beg thee spare This forfeit Life , and hear thy Suppliant's Pray'r . Thus much he spoke , and more he wou'd have said , But the stern Heroe turn'd aside his Head , And cut him short . I hear another Man , You talk'd not thus before the Fight began ; Now take your turn : And , as a Brother shou'd , Attend your Brother to the Stygian Flood : Then thro' his Breast his fatal Sword he sent , And the Soul issu'd at the bloody Vent . As Storms the Skies , and Torrents tear the Ground , Thus rag'd the Prince , and scatter'd Deaths around : At length Ascanius , and the Trojan Train , Broke from the Camp , so long besieg'd in vain . Mean time the King of Gods and Mortal Man , Held Conference with his Queen , and thus began : My Sister Goddess , and well pleasing Wife , Still think you Venus's Aid supports the Strife ; Sustains her Trojans : Or themselves alone , With inborn Valour force their Fortune on ? How fierce in Fight , with Courage undecay'd ; Judge if such Warriors want immortal Aid . To whom the Goddess , with the charming Eyes , Soft in her Tone submissively replies . Why , O my loving Lord , whose Frown I fear , And cannot , unconcern'd , your Anger bear ; Why urge you thus my Grief ? When if I still , ( As once I was ) were Mistress of your Will : From your Almighty Pow'r , your pleasing Wife Might gain the Grace of lengthning Turnus's Life : Securely snatch him from the fatal Fight , And give him to his aged Father's sight . Now let him perish , since you hold it good , And glut the Trojans with his pious Blood. Yet from our Lineage he derives his Name , And in the fourth degree , from God Pilumnus came : Yet he devoutly pays you Rites Divine , And offers daily Incense at your Shrine . Then shortly thus the Sov'raign God reply'd ; Since in my Pow'r and Goodness you confide ; If for a little Space , a lengthen'd Span , You beg Reprieve for this expiring Man : I grant you leave to take your Turnus hence , From Instant Fate , and can so far dispense . But if some secret Meaning lies beneath , To save the short-liv'd Youth from destin'd Death : Or if a farther Thought you entertain , To change the Fates ; you feed your hopes in vain . To whom the Goddess thus , with weeping Eyes , And what if that Request your Tongue denies , Your Heart shou'd grant ; and not a short Reprieve , But length of certain Life to Turnus give . Now speedy Death attends the guiltless Youth , If my presaging Soul divines with Truth . Which , O! I wish might err thro' causeless Fears , And you , ( for you have Pow'r ) prolong his Years . Thus having said , involv'd in Clouds , she flies , And drives a Storm before her thro' the Skies . Swift she descends , alighting on the Plain , Where the fierce Foes a dubious Fight maintain . Of Air condens'd , a Spectre soon she made , And what Aeneas was , such seem'd the Shade . Adorn'd with Dardan Arms , the Phantom bore His Head aloft , a Plumy Crest he wore : This Hand appear'd a shining Sword to wield , And that sustain'd an imitated Shield : With manly Meen He stalk'd along the Ground ; Nor wanted Voice bely'd , nor vaunting Sound . ( Thus haunting Ghosts appear to waking Sight , Or dreadful Visions in our Dreams by Night . ) The Spectre seems the Daunian Chief to dare , And flourishes his empty Sword in Air : At this advancing Turnus hurl'd his Spear ; The Phantom wheel'd , and seem'd to fly for Fear . Deluded Turnus thought the Trojan fled , And with vain hopes his haughty Fancy fed . Whether , O Coward , ( thus he calls aloud , Nor found he spoke to Wind , and chas'd a Cloud ; ) Why thus forsake your Bride ? Receive from me The fated Land you sought so long by Sea. He said , and brandishing at once his Blade , With eager Pace pursu'd the flying Shade . By chance a Ship was fasten'd to the Shore , Which from old Clusium King Osinius bore : The Planks were ready laid for safe ascent ; For shelter there the trembling Shadow bent : And skip'd , and sculk'd , and under Hatches went. Exulting Turnus , with regardless haste , Ascends the Plank , and to the Gally pass'd : Scarce had he reach'd the Prow , Saturnia's Hand The Haulsers cuts , and shoots the Ship from Land. With Wind in Poop , the Vessel plows the Sea , And measures back with speed her former Way . Mean time Aeneas seeks his absent Foe , And sends his slaughter'd Troops to Shades below . The guileful Phantom now forsook the shrowd , And flew sublime , and vanish'd in a Cloud . Too late young Turnus the Delusion found , Far on the Sea , still making from the Ground . Then thankless for a Life redeem'd by Shame ; With sense of Honour stung , and forfeit Fame : Fearful besides of what in Fight had pass'd , His Hands , and hagger'd Eyes to Heav'n he cast . O Jove ! he cry'd , for what Offence have I Deserv'd to bear this endless Infamy : Whence am I forc'd , and whether am I born , How , and with what Reproach shall I return ? Shall ever I behold the Latian Plain , Or see Laurentum's lofty Tow'rs again ? What will they say of their deserting Chief ? The War was mine , I fly from their Relief : I led to Slaughter , and in Slaughter leave ; And ev'n from hence their dying Groans receive . Here over-match'd in Fight , in heaps they lye , There scatter'd o're the Fields ignobly fly . Gape wide , O Earth ! and draw me down alive , Or , oh ye pitying Winds , a Wretch relieve ; On Sands or Shelves the splitting Vessel drive : Or set me Shipwrack'd on some desart Shore , Where no Rutulian Eyes may see me more : Unknown to Friends , or Foes , or conscious Fame , Lest she should follow , and my flight proclaim . Thus Turnus rav'd , and various Fates revolv'd , The Choice was doubtful , but the Death resolv'd . And now the Sword , and now the Sea took place : That to revenge , and this to purge Disgrace . Sometimes he thought to swim the stormy Main , By stretch of Arms the distant Shore to gain : Thrice he the Sword assay'd , and thrice the Flood ; But Juno mov'd with Pity both withstood : And thrice repress'd his Rage : strong Gales supply'd , And push'd the Vessel o're the swelling Tide . At length she lands him on his Native Shores , And to his Father's longing Arms restores . Mean time , by Jove's Impulse , Mezentius arm'd : Succeeding Turnus ; with his ardour warm'd His fainting Friends , reproach'd their shameful flight , Repell'd the Victors , and renew'd the Fight . Against their King the Tuscan Troops conspire , Such is their Hate , and such their fierce desire Of wish'd Revenge : On him , and him alone , All Hands employ'd , and all their Darts are thrown . He , like a solid Rock by Seas inclos'd , To raging Winds and roaring Waves oppos'd ; From his proud Summit looking down , disdains Their empty Menace , and unmov'd remains . Beneath his Feet fell haughty Hebrus dead , Then Latagus ; and Palmus as he fled : At Latagus a weighty Stone he flung , His Face was flatted , and his Helmet rung . But Palmus from behind receives his Wound , Hamstring'd he falls , and grovels on the Ground : His Crest and Armor from his Body torn , Thy Shoulders , Lausus , and thy Head adorn . Evas and Mymas , both of Troy , he slew , Mymas his Birth from fair Theano drew : Born on that fatal Night , when , big with Fire , The Queen produc'd young Paris to his Sire . But Paris in the Phrygian Fields was slain , Unthinking Mymas on the Latian Plain . And as a salvage Boar on Mountains bred , With forest Mast , and fatning Marshes fed ; When once he sees himself in Toils inclos'd , By Huntsmen and their eager Hounds oppos'd : He whets his Tusks , and turns , and dares the War : Th' Invaders dart their Jav'lins from afar ; All keep aloof , and safely shout around , But none presumes to give a nearer Wound . He frets and froaths , erects his bristled Hide , And shakes a Grove of Lances from his Side : Not otherwise the Troops , with Hate inspir'd , And just Revenge , against the Tyrant fir'd ; Their Darts with Clamour at a distance drive : And only keep the languish'd War alive . From Coritus came Acron to the Fight , Who left his Spouse betroath'd , and unconsummate Night . Mezentius sees him thro' the Squadrons ride , Proud of the Purple Favours of his Bride . Then , as a hungry Lyon , who beholds A Gamesom Goat , who frisks about the Folds ; Or beamy stag that grazes on the Plain : He runs , he roars , he shakes his rising Mane ; He grins , and opens wide his greedy Jaws , The Prey lyes panting underneath his Paws : He fills his famish'd Maw , his Mouth runs o're With unchew'd Morsels , while he churns the Gore : So proud Mezentius rushes on his Foes , And first unhappy Acron overthrows : Stretch'd at his length , he spurns the swarthy Ground , The Lance besmear'd with Blood , lies broken in the wound . Then with Disdain the haughty Victor view'd Orodes flying , nor the Wretch pursu'd : Nor thought the Dastard's Back deserv'd a Wound , But running gain'd th' Advantage of the Ground . Then turning short , he met him Face to Face , To give his Victory the better grace . Orodes falls , in equal Fight oppress'd : Mezentius fix'd his Foot upon his Breast , And rested Lance : And thus aloud he cries , Lo here the Champion of my Rebels lies . The Fields around with Io Paean ring , And peals of Shouts applaud the conqu'ring King. At this the vanquish'd , with his dying Breath , Thus faintly spoke , and prophesy'd in Death : Nor thou , proud Man , unpunish'd shalt remain ; Like Death attends thee on this fatal Plain . Then , sourly smiling , thus the King reply'd , For what belongs to me let Jove provide : But dye thou first , whatever Chance ensue : He said , and from the Wound the Weapon drew : A hov'ring Mist came swimming o're his sight , And seal'd his Eyes in everlasting Night . By Caedicus , Alcathous was slain , Sacrator laid Hydaspes on the Plain : Orses the strong to greater Strength must yield ; He , with Parthenius , were by Rapo kill'd . Then brave Messapus Ericetes slew , Who from Lycaon's Blood his Lineage drew . But from his headstrong Horse his Fate he found , Who threw his Master as he made a bound , The Chief alighting , stuck him to the Ground . Then Clonius hand to hand , on Foot assails , The Trojan sinks , and Neptune's Son prevails . Agis the Lycian stepping forth with Pride , To single Fight the boldest Foe defy'd . Whom Tuscan Valerus by Force o'recame , And not bely'd his mighty Father's Fame . Salius to Death the great Antronius fent , But the same Fate the Victor underwent : Slain by Nealces Hand , well skill'd to throw The flying Dart , and draw the far-deceiving Bow. Thus equal Deaths are dealt with equal Chance ; By turns they quit their Ground , by turns advance : Victors , and vanquish'd , in the various Field , Nor wholly overcome , nor wholly yield . The Gods from Heav'n survey the fatal Strife , And mourn the Miseries of Human Life . Above the rest two Goddesses appear Concern'd for each : Here Venus , Juno there : Amidst the Crowd Infernal Atè shakes Her Scourge aloft , and Crest of hissing Snakes . Once more the proud Mezentius , with Disdain , Brandish'd his Spear , and rush'd into the Plain : Where tow'ring in the midmost Ranks he stood , Like tall Orion stalking o're the Flood : When with his brawny Breast he cuts the Waves , His Shoulders scarce the topmost Billow laves . Or like a Mountain Ash , whose Roots are spread , Deep fix'd in Earth , in Clouds he hides his Head. The Trojan Prince beheld him from afar , And dauntless undertook the doubtful War. Collected in his Strength , and like a Rock , Poiz'd on his Base , Mezentius stood the Shock . He stood , and measuring first with careful Eyes , The space his Spear cou'd reach , aloud he cries : My strong right Hand , and Sword , assist my Stroke ; ( Those only Gods Mezentius will invoke ) His Armour from the Trojan Pyrate torn , By my triumphant Lausus shall be worn . To S r : Charles Orby Baronet of Burton Pednarden in y e County of Lincolne AE . 10. l. 1125. He said , and with his utmost force he threw The massy Spear , which , hissing as it flew , Reach'd the Coelestial Shield that stop'd the course ; But glancing thence , the yet unbroken Force Took a new bent obliquely , and betwixt The Side and Bowels fam'd Anthores fix'd . Anthores had from Argos travell'd far , Alcides Friend , and Brother of the War : 'Till tir'd with Toils , fair Italy he chose , And in Evander's Palace sought Repose : Now falling by another's Wound , his Eyes He casts to Heav'n , on Argos thinks , and dyes . The pious Trojan then his Jav'lin sent , The Shield gave way : Thro' treble Plates it went Of solid Brass , of Linnen trebly rowl'd , And three Bull-hides which round the Buckler rowl'd . All these it pass'd , resistless in the Course , Transpierc'd his Thigh , and spent its dying Force . The gaping Wound gush'd out a Crimson Flood ; The Trojan , glad with sight of hostile Blood , His Fauchion drew , to closer Fight address'd , And with new Force his fainting Foe oppress'd . His Father's Peril Lausus view'd with Grief , He sigh'd , he wept , he ran to his Relief . And here , Heroick Youth , 't is here I must To thy immortal Memory be just ; And sing an Act so noble and so new , Posterity will scarce believe 't is true . Pain'd with his Wound , and useless for the Fight , The Father sought to save himself by Flight : Incumber'd , slow he drag'd the Spear along , Which pierc'd his thigh , and in his Buckler hung . The pious Youth , resolv'd on Death , below The lifted Sword , springs forth to face the Foe ; Protects his Parent , and prevents the Blow . Shouts of Applause ran ringing thro' the Field , To see the Son the vanquish'd Father shield : All fir'd with gen'rous Indignation strive ; And with a storm of Darts , to distance drive The Trojan Chief ; who held at Bay from far , On his Vulcanian Orb sustain'd the War. As when thick Hail comes ratling in the Wind , The Plowman , Passenger , and lab'ring Hind , For shelter to the neighb'ring Covert fly ; Or hous'd , or safe in hollow Caverns lye : But that o'reblown , when Heav'n above 'em smiles , Return to Travel , and renew their Toils : Aeneas thus o'rewhelm'd on ev'ry side , The storm of Darts , undaunted , did abide ; And thus to Lausus loud with friendly threat'ning cry'd . Why wilt thou rush to certain Death , and Rage In rash Attempts , beyond thy tender Age : Betray'd by pious Love ? Nor thus forborn The Youth desists , but with insulting Scorn Provokes the ling'ring Prince : Whose Patience tyr'd , Gave Place , and all his Breast with Fury fir'd . For now the Fates prepar'd their cruel Sheers ; And lifted high the flaming Sword appears : Which full descending , with a frightful sway , Thro Shield and Corslet forc'd th' impetuous Way , And bury'd deep in his fair Bosom lay . The purple Streams thro' the thin Armour strove , And drench'd th' imbroider'd Coat his Mother wove : And Life at length forsook his heaving Heart , Loath from so sweet a Mansion to depart . But when , with Blood , and Paleness all o'respread , The pious Prince beheld young Lausus dead ; He griev'd , he wept , the sight an Image brought Of his own filial Love ; a sadly pleasing Thought . Then stretch'd his Hand to hold him up , and said , Poor hapless Youth ! what Praises can be paid To Love so great , to such transcendent Store Of early Worth , and sure Presage of more ? Accept what e're Aeneas can afford , Untouch'd thy Arms , untaken be thy Sword : And all that pleas'd thee living still remain Inviolate , and sacred to the slain . Thy Body on thy Parents I bestow , To rest thy Soul , at least if Shadows know , Or have a sense of human Things below . There to thy fellow Ghosts with Glory tell , 'T was by the great Aeneas hand I fell . With this his distant Friends he beckons near , Provokes their Duty , and prevents their Fear : Himself assists to lift him from the Ground , With clotted Locks , and Blood that well'd from out the Wound . Mean time his Father , now no Father , stood , And wash'd his Wounds by Tyber's yellow Flood : Oppress'd with Anguish , panting , and o'respent , His fainting Limbs against an Oak he leant . A Bough his Brazen Helmet did sustain , His heavier Arms lay scatter'd on the Plain . A chosen Train of Youth around him stand , His drooping Head was rested on his hand : His grisly Beard his pensive Bosom sought , And all on Lausus ran his restless thought . Careful , concern'd his Danger to prevent , He much enquir'd , and many a Message sent To warn him from the Field : Alas ! in vain , Behold his mournful Followers bear him slain : O're his broad Shield still gush'd the yawning Wound , And drew a bloody Trail along the Ground . Far off he heard their Cries , far off divin'd The dire Event , with a foreboding Mind . With Dust he sprinkled first his hoary Head , Then both his lifted hands to Heav'n he spread ; Last , the dear Corps embracing , thus he said . What Joys , alas ! cou'd this frail Being give , That I have been so covetous to live ? To see my Son , and such a Son , resign His Life a Ransom for preserving mine ? And am I then preserv'd , and art thou lost ? How much too dear has that Redemption cost ! 'T is now my bitter Banishment I feel ; This is a Wound too deep for time to heal . My Guilt thy growing Virtues did defame ; My Blackness blotted thy unblemish'd Name . Chas'd from a Throne , abandon'd , and exil'd For foul Misdeeds , were Punishments too mild : I ow'd my People these , and from their hate , With less Resentment cou'd have born my Fate . And yet I live , and yet sustain the sight Of hated Men , and of more hated Light : But will not long . With that he rais'd from Ground His fainting Limbs , that stagger'd with his Wound . Yet with a Mind resolv'd , and unappal'd With Pains or Perils , for his Courser call'd : Well mouth'd , well manag'd , whom himself did dress , With daily Care , and mounted with Success ; His Aid in Arms , his Ornament in Peace . Soothing his Courage with a gentle Stroke , The Steed seem'd sensible , while thus he spoke . O Rhaebus we have liv'd too long for me , ( If Life and long were Terms that cou'd agree ) This Day thou either shalt bring back the Head , And bloody Trophees of the Trojan dead : This Day thou either shalt revenge my Woe For murther'd Lausus , on his cruel Foe ; Or if inexorable Fate deny Our Conquest , with thy conquer'd Master dye : For after such a Lord , I rest secure , Thou wilt no foreign Reins , or Trojan Load endure . He said : And straight th' officious Courser kneels To take his wonted Weight . His Hands he fills With pointed Jav'lins : On his Head he lac'd His glitt'ring Helm , which terribly was grac'd With waving Horse-hair , nodding from afar ; Then spurr'd his thund'ring Steed amidst the War. Love , Anguish , Wrath , and Grief , to Madness wrought , Despair , and secret Shame , and conscious thought Of inborn Worth , his lab'ring Soul oppress'd , Rowl'd in his Eyes , and rag'd within his Breast . Then loud he call'd Aeneas thrice by Name , The loud repeated Voice to glad Aeneas came . Great Jove , he said , and the far-shooting God , Inspire thy Mind to make thy Challenge good . He spoke no more , but hasten'd , void of Fear , And threaten'd with his long protended Spear . To whom Mezentius thus . Thy Vaunts are vain , My Lausus lies extended on the Plain : He 's lost ! thy Conquest is already won , The wretched Sire is murther'd in the Son. Nor Fate I fear , but all the Gods defy , Forbear thy Threats , my Bus'ness is to dye ; But first receive this parting Legacy . He said : And straight a whirling Dart he sent : Another after , and another went. Round in a spacious Ring he rides the Field , And vainly plies th' impenetrable Shield : Thrice rode he round , and thrice Aeneas wheel'd . Turn'd as he turn'd ; the Golden Orb withstood The Strokes , and bore about an Iron Wood. Impatient of Delay , and weary grown , Still to defend , and to defend alone : To wrench the Darts which in his Buckler light , Urg'd , and o're-labour'd in unequal Fight : At length resolv'd , he throws with all his Force , Full at the Temples of the Warrior Horse . Just where the Stroke was aim'd , th' unerring Spear Made way , and stood transfix'd thro' either Ear. Seiz'd with unwonted Pain , surpriz'd with Fright , The wounded Steed curvets ; and , rais'd upright , Lights on his Feet before : His Hoofs behind Spring up in Air aloft , and lash the Wind. Down comes the Rider headlong from his height , His Horse came after with unweildy weight : And flound'ring forward , pitching on his Head , His Lord 's incumber'd Sholuder overlaid . From either Hoast the mingl'd Shouts , and Cries , Of Trojans and Rutulians rend the Skies . Aeneas hast'ning , wav'd his fatal Sword High o're his head , with this reproachful Word . Now , where are now thy Vaunts , the fierce Disdain Of proud Mezentius , and the lofty Strain ? Strugling , and wildly staring on the Skies , With scarce recover'd Sight , he thus replies . Why these insulting Words , this waste of Breath , To Souls undaunted , and secure of Death ? 'T is no Dishonour for the Brave to dye , Nor came I here with hope of Victory : Nor ask I Life , nor fought with that design , As I had us'd my Fortune , use thou thine . My dying Son contracted no such Band ; The Gift is hateful from his Murd'rer's hand . To Tho : Hopkins of y e Middle Temple Esq. For this , this only Favour let me sue , ( If Pity can to conquer'd Foes be due ) Refuse it not : But let my Body have , The last Retreat of Human Kind , a Grave . Too well I know th' insulting People's Hate ; Protect me from their Vengeance after Fate : This Refuge for my poor Remains provide , And lay my much lov'd Lausus by my side : He said , and to his Throat the Sword apply'd . The Crimson Stream distain'd his Arms around , And the disdainful Soul came rushing thro' the Wound . The Eleventh Book of the Aeneis . The Argument . Aeneas erects a Trophy of the Spoils of Mezentius ; grants a Truce for burying the dead ; and sends home the Body of Pallas with great Solemnity . Latinus calls a Council to propose offers of Peace to Aeneas , which occasions great Animosity betwixt Turnus and Drances : In the mean time there is a sharp Engagement of the Horse ; wherein Camilla signalizes her self ; is kill'd : And the Latine Troops are entirely defeated . SCarce had the rosie Morning rais'd her Head Above the Waves , and left her wat'ry Bed ; The Pious Chief , whom double Cares attend For his unbury'd Souldiers , and his Friend : Yet first to Heav'n perform'd a Victor's Vows ; He bar'd an ancient Oak of all her Boughs : Then on a rising Ground the Trunk he plac'd ; Which with the Spoils of his dead Foe he grac'd . The Coat of Arms by proud Mezentius worn , Now on a naked Snag in Triumph born , Was hung on high ; and glitter'd from afar : A Trophy sacred to the God of War. Above his Arms , fix'd on the leafless Wood , Appear'd his Plumy Crest , distilling Blood ; His brazen Buckler on the left was seen ; Trunchions of shiver'd Lances hung between : And on the right was plac'd his Corslet , bor'd ; And to the Neck was ty'd his unavailing Sword. A Crowd of Chiefs inclose the Godlike Man : Who thus , conspicuous in the midst , began . Our Toils , my Friends , are crown'd with sure Success : The greater Part perform'd , atchieve the less . To y e Right Noble Charles Duke of Shrensbury Marquis of Alton Earle of Shrensbury Wexford & Water-ford , Baron Talbot Strange of Blackmere Gifford of Brimsfield & ct One of the Lords of his Ma. ties most Hon. ble Privy Councill Principall Secretary of State , and Knight of y e most Noble Order of the Garter . AE . 11. l. 1. Now follow chearful to the trembling Town ; Press but an Entrance , and presume it won . Fear is no more : For fierce Mezentius lies , As the first Fruits of War , a Sacrifice . Turnus shall fall extended on the Plain ; And in this Omen is already slain . Prepar'd in Arms pursue your happy Chance ; That none unwarn'd may plead his Ignorance : And I , at Heav'n's appointed Hour , may find Your warlike Ensigns waving in the Wind. Mean time the Rites and Fun'ral Pomps prepare , Due to your dead Companions of the War : The last Respect the living can bestow , To shield their Shadows from Contempt below . That conquer'd Earth be theirs for which they fought ; And which for us with their own blood they bought . But first the Corps of our unhappy Friend , To the sad City of Evander send : Who not inglorious in his Ages bloom Was hurry'd hence by too severe a Doom . Thus , weeping while he spoke , he took his Way , Where , new in Death , lamented Pallas lay : Acaetes watch'd the Corps ; whose Youth deserv'd The Father's Trust , and now the Son he serv'd With equal Faith , but less auspicious Care : Th' Attendants of the slain , his Sorrow share . A Troop of Trojans mix'd with these appear , And mourning Matrons with dishevell'd Hair. Soon as the Prince appears , they raise a Cry ; All beat their Breasts , and Echoes rend the Sky . They rear his drooping Forehead from the Ground ; But when Aeneas view'd the grisly Wound Which Pallas in his Manly Bosom bore , And the fair Flesh distain'd with Purple Gore : First , melting into Tears , the pious Man Deplor'd so sad a sight , then thus began . Unhappy Youth ! When Fortune gave the rest Of my full Wishes , she refus'd the best ! She came ; but brought not thee along ; to bless My longing Eyes , and share in my Success : She grudg'd thy safe Return the Triumphs due To prosp'rous Valour , in the publick View . Not thus I promis'd , when thy Father lent Thy needful Succour with a sad Consent ; Embrac'd me parting for th' Etrurian Land , And sent me to possess a large Command . He warn'd , and from his own Experience told , Our Foes were warlike , disciplin'd , and bold : And now perhaps , in hopes of thy return , Rich Odours on his loaded Altars burn ; While we , with vain officious Pomp , prepare To send him back his Portion of the War ; A bloody breathless Body : which can owe No farther Debt , but to the Pow'rs below . The wretched Father , e're his Race is run , Shall view the Fun'ral Honours of his Son. These are my Triumphs of the Latian War ; Fruits of my plighted Faith , and boasted Care. And yet , unhappy Sire , thou shalt not see A Son , whose Death disgrac'd his Ancestry : Thou shalt not blush , old Man , however griev'd : Thy Pallas no dishonest Wound receiv'd . He dy'd no Death to make thee wish , too late , Thou hadst not liv'd to see his shameful Fate : But what a Champion has th' Ausonian Coast , And what a Friend hast thou , Ascanius , lost ! Thus having mourn'd , he gave the Word around , To raise the lifeless Body from the Ground ; And chose a thousand Horse , the flow'r of all His warlike Troops , to wait the Funeral : To bear him back , and share Evander's Grief ; ( A well becoming , but a weak Relief . ) Of Oaken Twigs they twist an easie Bier ; Then on their Shoulders the sad Burden rear . The Body on this Rural Herse is born , Strewd Leaves and Funeral Greens the Bier adorn . All pale he lies , and looks a lovely Flow'r , New cropt by Virgin Hands , to dress the Bow'r ; Unfaded yet , but yet unfed below , No more to Mother Earth or the green Stem shall owe. Then two fair Vests , of wond'rous Work and Cost , Of Purple woven , and with Gold emboss'd , For Ornament the Trojan Heroe brought , Which with her Hands Sidonian Dido wrought . One Vest array'd the Corps , and one they spread O're his clos'd Eyes , and wrap'd around his Head : That when the yellow Hair in Flame shou'd fall , The catching Fire might burn the Golden Caul . Besides , the Spoils of Foes in Battel slain , When he descended on the Latian Plain : Arms , Trappings , Horses , by the Herse are led In long Array , ( th' Atchievments of the Dead . ) Then , pinion'd with their hands behind , appear Th' unhappy Captives , marching in the Rear : Appointed Off'rings in the Victor's Name , To sprinkle with their Blood , the Fun'ral Flame . Inferior Trophees by the Chiefs are born ; Gantlets and Helms , their heads and hands adorn : And fair Inscriptions fix'd , and Titles read , Of Latian Leaders conquer'd by the Dead . Acaetes on his Pupil's Corps attends , With feeble Steps ; supported by his Friends : Pausing at ev'ry Pace ; in Sorrow drown'd , Betwixt their Arms he sinks upon the Ground . Where grov'ling , while he lies in deep Despair , He beats his Breast , and rends his hoary Hair. The Champion's Chariot next is seen to rowl , Besmear'd with hostile blood , and honourably foul . To close the Pomp , Aethon , the Steed of State , Is led , the Fun'rals of his Lord to wait . Stripp'd of his Trappings , with a sullen Pace He walks , and the big Tears run rolling down his Face . The Lance of Pallas , and the Crimson Crest , Are born behind ; the Victor seiz'd the rest . The March begins : The Trumpets hoarsly sound , The Pikes and Lances trail along the Ground . Thus while the Trojan and Arcadian Horse , To Pallantean Tow'rs direct their Course , In long Procession rank'd ; the pious Chief Stop'd in the Rear , and gave a vent to Grief . The publick Care , he said , which War attends Diverts our present Woes , at least suspends : Peace with the Manes of great Pallas dwell ; Hail holy Relicks , and a last farewel ! He said no more , but inly though he mourn'd , Restrain'd his Tears , and to the Camp return'd . Now Suppliants , from Laurentum sent , demand A Truce , with Olive Branches in their hand . Obtest his Clemency , and from the Plain Beg leave to draw the Bodies of their slain . They plead , that none those common Rites deny To conquer'd Foes , that in fair Battel dye . All cause of Hate was ended in their Death ; Nor cou'd he War with Bodies void of Breath . A King , they hop'd , wou'd hear a King's Request : Whose Son he once was call'd , and once his Guest . Their Suit , which was too just to be deny'd , The Heroe grants , and farther thus reply'd : O Latian Princes , how severe a Fate In causeless Quarrels has involv'd your State ! And arm'd against an unoffending Man , Who sought your Friendship e're the War began ! You beg a Truce , which I wou'd gladly give , Not only for the slain , but those who live . I came not hether but by Heav'n's Command , And sent by Fate to share the Latian Land. Nor wage I Wars unjust ; your King deny'd My proffer'd Friendship , and my promis'd Bride . Left me for Turnus ; Turnus then should try His Cause in Arms , to Conquer or to dye . My Right and his are in dispute : The slain Fell without fault , our Quarrel to maintain . In equal Arms let us alone contend ; And let him vanquish , whom his Fates befriend . This is the way , so tell him , to possess The Royal Virgin , and restore the Peace . Bear this my Message back ; with ample leave That your slain Friends may Fun'ral Rites receive . Thus having said , th' Embassadors amaz'd , Stood mute a while , and on each other gaz'd : Drances , their Chief , who harbour'd in his Breast Long hate to Turnus , as his Foe profess'd , Broke silence first , and to the Godlike Man , With graceful action bowing , thus began . Auspicious Prince , in Arms a mighty Name , But yet whose Actions far transcend your Fame ; Wou'd I your Justice or your Force express , Thought can but equal ; and all Words are less : Your Answer we shall thankfully relate , And Favours granted to the Latian State : If wish'd Success our Labour shall attend , Think Peace concluded , and the King your Friend : Let Turnus leave the Realm to your Command ; And seek Alliance in some other Land : Build you the City which your Fates assign ; We shall be proud in the great Work to join . Thus Drances ; and his Words so well perswade The rest impower'd , that soon a Truce is made . Twelve days the term allow'd : And during those , Latians and Trojans , now no longer Foes , Mix'd in the Woods , for Fun'ral Piles prepare , To fell the Timber , and forget the War. Loud Axes thro' the groaning Groves resound : Oak , Mountain Ash , and Poplar , spread the Ground : Firrs fall from high : And some the Trunks receive , In Loaden Wains , with Wedges some they cleave . And now the Fatal News , by Fame is blown Thro' the short Circuit of th' Arcadian Town , Of Pallas slain : By Fame , which just before His Triumphs on distended Pinions bore . Rushing from out the Gate , the People stand , Each with a Fun'ral Flambeau in his hand : Wildly they stare , distracted with amaze : The Fields are lighten'd with a fiery blaze , That cast a sullen Splendor on their Friends , ( The marching Troop which their dead Prince attends . ) Both Parties meet : They raise a doleful Cry : The Matrons from the Walls with shrieks reply ; And their mix'd mourning rends the vaulted Sky . The Town is fill'd with Tumult and with Tears ; Till the loud Clamours reach Evander's Ears : Forgetful of his State , he runs along , With a disorder'd pace , and cleaves the Throng : To Sr. Walter Kirkham Blount of Sodington in the County of Worcester Bart. AE 11. l. 215 Falls on the Corps , and groaning there he lies , With silent Grief that speaks but at his Eyes : Short Sighs and Sobs succeed ; 'till Sorrow breaks A Passage , and at once he weeps and speaks . O Pallas ! thou hast fail'd thy plighted Word ! To fight with Caution , not to tempt the Sword : I warn'd thee , but in vain ; for well I knew What Perils youthful Ardour wou'd pursue : That boiling Blood wou'd carry thee too far ; Young as thou wert in Dangers , raw to War ! O curst Essay of Arms , disast'rous Doom , Prelude of bloody Fields , and Fights to come ! Hard Elements of unauspicious War , Vain Vows to Heav'n , and unavailing Care ! Thrice happy thou , dear Partner of my Bed , Whose holy Soul the Stroke of Fortune fled : Praescious of Ills , and leaving me behind , To drink the Dregs of Life by Fate assign'd . Beyond the Goal of Nature I have gon ; My Pallas late set out , but reach'd too soon . If , for my League against th' Ausonian State , Amidst their Weapons I had found my Fate , ( Deserv'd from them , ) then I had been return'd A breathless Victor , and my Son had mourn'd . Yet will I not my Trojan Friend upbraid , Nor grudge th' Alliance I so gladly made . 'T was not his Fault my Pallas fell so young , But my own Crime for having liv'd too long . Yet , since the Gods had destin'd him to dye , At least he led the way to Victory : First for his Friends he won the fatal Shore , And sent whole Herds of slaughter'd Foes before : A Death too great , too glorious to deplore . Nor will I add new Honours to thy Grave ; Content with those the Trojan Heroe gave . That Funeral Pomp thy Phrygian Friends design'd ; In which the Tuscan Chiefs , and Army join'd : Great Spoils , and Trophees gain'd by thee , they bear : Then let thy own Atchievments be thy share . Even thou , O Turnus , hadst a Trophy stood , Whose mighty Trunk had better grac'd the Wood , If Pallas had arriv'd , with equal length Of Years , to match thy Bulk with equal Strength . But why , unhappy Man , dost thou detain These Troops , to view the Tears thou shedst in vain ! Go , Friends , this Message to your Lord relate ; Tell him , that if I bear my bitter Fate , And after Pallas Death , live ling'ring on , 'T is to behold his Vengeance for my Son. I stay for Turnus ; whose devoted Head Is owing to the living and the dead : My Son and I expect it from his Hand ; 'T is all that he can give , or we demand . Joy is no more : But I would gladly go , To greet my Pallas with such News below . The Morn had now dispell'd the Shades of Night ; Restoring Toils , when she restor'd the Light : The Trojan King , and Tuscan Chief , command To raise the Piles , along the winding Strand : Their Friends convey the dead to Fun'ral Fires ; Black smould'ring Smoke from the green Wood expires ; The Light of Heav'n is choak'd , and the new Day retires . Then thrice around the kindled Piles they go : ( For ancient Custom had ordain'd it so ) Thrice Horse and Foot about the Fires are led , And thrice with loud Laments they hail the dead . To y e Hon ble John Noel Esq 2 d Son to y e R t Hon ble : Baptist late L d Viscount Campden Baron of Ridlington & Ilmington AE . 11. l. 290. Tears trickling down their Breasts bedew the Ground ; And Drums and Trumpets mix their mournful Sound . Amid the Blaze , their pious Brethren throw The Spoils , in Battel taken from the Foe : Helms , Bitts emboss'd , and Swords of shining Steel ; One casts a Target , one a Chariot Wheel : Some to their Fellows their own Arms restore ; The Fauchions which in luckless Fight they bore : Their Bucklers pierc'd , their Darts bestow'd in vain , And shiver'd Lances gather'd from the Plain . Whole Herds of offer'd Bulls about the Fire , And bristled Boars , and wooly Sheep expire . Around the Piles a careful Troop attends , To watch the wasting Flames , and weep their burning Friends . Ling'ring along the Shore , 'till dewy Night , New decks the Face of Heav'n with starry Light. The conquer'd Latians , with like Pious Care , Piles without number for their Dead prepare ; Part , in the Places where they fell , are laid ; And part are to the neighb'ring Fields convey'd . The Corps of Kings , and Captains of Renown , Born off in State , are bury'd in the Town : The rest , unhonour'd , and without a Name , Are cast a common heap to feed the Flame . Trojans and Latians vie with like desires : To make the Field of Battel shine with Fires : And the promiscuous Blaze to Heav'n aspires . Now had the Morning thrice renew'd the Light , And thrice dispell'd the Shadows of the Night ; When those who round the wasted Fires remain , Perform the last sad Office to the slain : They rake the yet warm Ashes , from below ; These , and the Bones unburn'd , in Earth bestow : These Relicks with their Country Rites they grace ; And raise a mount of Turf to mark the place . But in the Palace of the King , appears A Scene more solemn , and a Pomp of Tears . Maids , Matrons , Widows , mix their common Moans : Orphans their Sires , and Sires lament their Sons . All in that universal Sorrow share , And curse the Cause of this unhappy War. A broken League , a Bride unjustly sought , A Crown usurp'd , which with their Blood is bought ! These are the Crimes , with which they load the Name Of Turnus , and on him alone exclaim . Let him , who lords it o're th' Ausonian Land , Engage the Trojan Heroe hand to hand : His is the Gain , our Lot is but to serve : 'T is just , the sway he seeks , he shoud deserve . This Drances aggravates ; and adds , with spight , His Foe expects , and dares him to the Fight . Nor Turnus wants a Party to support His Cause and Credit , in the Latian Court. His former Acts secure his present Fame ; And the Queen shades him with her mighty Name . While thus their factious Minds with Fury burn ; The Legats from th' Aetolian Prince return : Sad News they bring , that after all the Cost , And Care employ'd , their Embassy is lost : That Diomede refus'd his Aid in War ; Unmov'd with Presents , and as deaf to Pray'r . Some new Alliance must elswhere be sought ; Or Peace with Troy on hard Conditions bought . Latinus , sunk in Sorrow , finds too late , A Foreign Son is pointed out by Fate : And till Aeneas shall Lavinia wed , The wrath of Heav'n is hov'ring o're his Head. Rem nulli obscuram nostrae nec vocis egentem Consulis Ô bone Rex Cuncti se scire fatentur Quid fortuna ferat populi sed dicere mussant Det libertatem fande flatusque remittat Cujus ob auspicum infaustum moresque sinistros Dicam equidem licet arma mihi mortemque minetur Lumina tot cecidisse ducum totamque videmus Consedisse urbem luctu To y e most Hon ble . Johns Marquiss of Normanby Earle of Mulgrave & Kt. of y e most noble Order of y e Garter AE . 11. l. 365 The Gods , he saw , espous'd the juster side , When late their Titles in the Field were try'd : Witness the fresh Laments , and Fun'ral Tears undry'd . Thus , full of anxious Thought , he summons all The Latian Senate to the Council Hall : The Princes come , commanded by their Head , And crowd the Paths that to the Palace lead . Supream in Pow'r , and reverenc'd for his Years , He takes the Throne , and in the midst appears : Majestically sad , he sits in State , And bids his Envoys their Success relate . When Venulus began , the murmuring Sound Was hush'd , and sacred Silence reign'd around . We have , said he , perform'd your high Command ; And pass'd with Peril a long Tract of Land : We reach'd the Place desir'd , with Wonder fill'd , The Grecian Tents , and rising Tow'rs beheld . Great Diomede has compass'd round with Walls The City , which Argyripa he calls ; From his own Argos nam'd : We touch'd , with Joy , The Royal Hand that raz'd unhappy Troy. When introduc'd , our Presents first we bring , Then crave an instant Audience from the King : His Leave obtain'd , our Native Soil we name ; And tell th' important Cause for which we came . Attentively he heard us , while we spoke ; Then , with soft Accents , and a pleasing Look , Made this return . Ausonian Race , of old Renown'd for Peace , and for an Age of Gold , What Madness has your alter'd Minds possess'd , To change for War hereditary Rest ? Sollicite Arms unknown , and tempt the Sword , ( A needless Ill your Ancestors abhorr'd ? ) We ; ( for my self I speak , and all the Name Of Grecians , who to Troy's Destruction came ; ) Omitting those who were in Battel slain , Or born by rowling Simois to the Main : Not one but suffer'd , and too dearly bought The Prize of Honour which in Arms he sought . Some doom'd to Death , and some in Exile driv'n , Out-casts , abandon'd by the Care of Heav'n : So worn , so wretched , so despis'd a Crew , As ev'n old Priam might with Pity view . Witness the Vessels by Minerva toss'd In Storms , the vengeful Capharaean Coast ; Th' Eubaean Rocks ! The Prince , whose Brother led Our Armies to revenge his injur'd Bed , In Egypt lost ; Ulysses , with his Men , Have seen Charybdis , and the Cyclops Den : Why shou'd I name Idomeneus , in vain Restor'd to Scepters , and expell'd again ? Or young Achilles by his Rival slain ? Ev'n he , the King of Men , the foremost Name Of all the Greeks , and most renown'd by Fame , The proud Revenger of another's Wife , Yet by his own Adult'ress lost his Life : Fell at his Threshold , and the Spoils of Troy , The foul Polluters of his Bed enjoy . The Gods have envy'd me the sweets of Life , My much lov'd Country , and my more lov'd Wife : Banish'd from both , I mourn ; while in the Sky Transform'd to Birds , my lost Companions fly : Hov'ring about the Coasts they make their Moan ; And cuff the Cliffs with Pinions not their own . What squalid Spectres , in the dead of Night , Break my short Sleep , and skim before my sight ! I might have promis'd to my self those Harms , Mad as I was , when I with Mortal Arms Presum'd against Immortal Pow'rs to move ; And violate with Wounds the Queen of Love. Such Arms , this Hand shall never more employ ; No Hate remains with me to ruin'd Troy. I war not with its Dust ; nor am I glad To think of past Events , or good or bad . Your Presents I return : What e're you bring To buy my Friendship , send the Trojan King. We met in fight , I know him to my Cost ; With what a whirling force his Lance he toss'd : Heav'ns what a spring was in his Arm , to throw : How high he held his Shield , and rose at ev'ry blow ! Had Troy produc'd two more , his Match in Might , They would have chang'd the Fortune of the Fight : Th' Invasion of the Greeks had been return'd : Our Empire wasted , and our Cities burn'd . The long Defence the Trojan People made , The War protracted , and the Siege delay'd , Were due to Hector's and this Heroe's hand : Both brave alike , and equal in Command ; Aeneas , not inferior in the Field , In pious reverence to the Gods , excell'd . Make peace , ye Latians , and avoid with Care Th' impending Dangers of a fatal War. He said no more ; but with this cold Excuse , Refus'd th' Alliance , and advis'd a Truce . Thus Venulus concluded his Report . A Jarring Murmur fill'd the factious Court : As when a Torrent rowls with rapid force , And dashes o're the Stones that stop the Course ; The Flood , constrain'd within a scanty space , Roars horrible along th' uneasie race : White foam in gath'ring Eddies floats around : The rocky Shores rebellow to the sound . The Murmur ceas'd : Then from his lofty Throne The King invok'd the Gods , and thus begun . I wish , ye Latins , what we now debate Had been resolv'd before it was too late : Much better had it been for you and me , Unforc'd by this our last Necessity , To have been earlier wise ; than now to call A Council , when the Foe surrounds the Wall. O Citizens ! we wage unequal War , With men , not only Heav'n's peculiar Care , But Heav'n's own Race : Unconquer'd in the Field , Or Conquer'd , yet unknowing how to yield . What Hopes you had in Diomede , lay down : Our Hopes must center on our selves alone . Yet those how feeble , and , indeed , how vain , You see too well ; nor need my Words explain . Vanquish'd without ressource ; laid flat by Fate , Factions within , a Foe without the Gate ; Not but I grant , that all perform'd their parts , With manly Force , and with undaunted Hearts : With our united Strength the War we wag'd ; With equal Numbers , equal Arms engag'd : You see th' Event . — Now hear what I propose , To save our Friends , and satisfie our Foes : A Tract of Land the Latins have possess'd Along the Tyber , stretching to the West , Which now Rutulians and Auruncans till : And their mix'd Cattle graze the fruitful Hill ; Those Mountains fill'd with Firs , that lower Land , If you consent , the Trojan shall Command . Call'd into part of what is ours ; and there , On terms agreed , the common Country share . There let 'em build , and settle if they please ; Unless they chuse once more to cross the Seas , In search of Seats remote from Italy ; And from unwelcome Inmates set us free . Then twice ten Gallies let us build with Speed , Or twice as many more , if more they need ; Materials are at hand : A well-grown Wood Runs equal with the Margin of the Flood : Let them the Number , and the Form assign ; The Care and Cost of all the Stores be mine . To treat the Peace , a hundred Senators Shall be commission'd hence with ample Pow'rs ; With Olive crown'd : The Presents they shall bear , A Purple Robe , a Royal Iv'ry Chair ; And all the marks of Sway that Latian Monarchs wear ; And Sums of Gold. Among your selves debate This great Affair , and save the sinking State. Then Drances took the word ; who grudg'd , long since , The rising Glories of the Daunian Prince . Factious and rich , bold at the Council Board , But cautious in the Field , he shun'd the Sword ; A closs Caballer , and Tongue-valiant Lord. Noble his Mother was , and near the Throne , But what his Father's Parentage , unknown . He rose , and took th' Advantage of the Times , To load young Turnus with invidious Crimes . Such Truths , O King , said he , your Words contain , As strike the Sence , and all Replies are vain . Nor are your Loyal Subjects now to seek What common Needs require ; but fear to speak . Let him give leave of Speech , that haughty Man , Whose Pride this unauspicious War began : For whose Ambition ( let me dare to say , Fear set apart , tho' Death is in my Way ) The Plains of Latium run with Blood arround ; So many Valiant Heros bite the Ground : Dejected Grief in ev'ry Face appears ; A Town in Mourning , and a Land in Tears . While he th' undoubted Author of our Harms , The Man who menaces the Gods with Arms , Yet , after all his Boasts , forsook the Fight , And sought his safety in ignoble Flight . Now , best of Kings , since you propose to send Such bounteous Presents to your Trojan Friend ; Add yet a greater at our joint Request , One which he values more than all the rest ; Give him the fair Lavinia for his Bride : With that Alliance let the League be ty'd : And for the bleeding Land a lasting Peace provide . Let Insolence no longer awe the Throne , But with a Father's Right bestow your own . For this Maligner of the general Good , If still we fear his Force , he must be woo'd : His haughty Godhead we with Pray'rs implore , Your Scepter to release , and our just Rights restore . O cursed Cause of all our Ills , must we Wage Wars unjust , and fall in Fight for thee ! What right hast thou to rule the Latian State , And send us out to meet our certain Fate ? 'T is a destructive War ; from Turnus Hand Our Peace and publick safety we demand . Let the fair Bride to the brave Chief remain ; If not , the Peace without the Pledge is vain . Turnus , I know you think me not your Friend , Nor will I much with your Belief contend : I beg your Greatness not to give the Law In others Realms , but , beaten , to withdraw . Pity your own , or pity our Estate ; Nor twist our Fortunes with your sinking Fate . Your Interest is the War shou'd never cease ; But we have felt enough , to wish the Peace : A Land exhausted to the last remains , Depopulated Towns , and driven Plains . Yet , if desire of Fame , and thirst of Pow'r , A Beauteous Princess , with a Crown in Dow'r , So fire your Mind , in Arms assert your Right ; And meet your Foe , who dares you to the Fight . Mankind , it seems , is made for you alone ; We , but the Slaves who mount you to the Throne : A base ignoble Crowd , without a Name , Unwept , unworthy of the Fun'ral Flame : By Duty bound to forfeit each his Life , That Turnus may possess a Royal Wife . Permit not , Mighty Man , so mean a Crew Shou'd share such Triumphs ; and detain from you The Post of Honour , your unquestion'd Due : Rather alone your matchless Force employ ; To merit , what alone you must enjoy . These Words , so full of Malice , mix'd with Art , Inflam'd with Rage the youthful Hero's Heart . Then groaning from the bottom of his Breast , He heav'd for Wind , and thus his Wrath express'd . You , Drances , never want a Stream of Words , Then , when the Publick Need requires our Swords . First in the Council-hall to steer the State ; And ever foremost at a Tongue debate . While our strong Walls secure us from the Foe , E're yet with Blood our Ditches overflow : But let the potent Orator declaim , And with the brand of Coward blot my Name ; Free Leave is giv'n him , when his fatal Hand Has cover'd with more Corps the sanguine Strand ; And high as mine his tow'ring Trophees stand . If any Doubt remains who dares the most , Let us decide it at the Trojans cost : And issue both abrest , where Honour calls ; Foes are not far to seek without the Walls . Unless his noisie Tongue can only fight ; And Feet were giv'n him but to speed his Flight . I beaten from the Field ? I forc'd away ? Who , but so known a Dastard , dares to say ? Had he but ev'n beheld the Fight , his Eyes Had witness'd for me what his Tongue denies : What heaps of Trojans by this Hand were slain , And how the bloody Tyber swell'd the Main . All saw , but he , th' Arcadian Troops retire , In scatter'd Squadrons , and their Prince expire . The Gyant Brothers , in their Camp , have found I was not forc'd with ease to quit my Ground . Not such the Trojans try'd me , when inclos'd , I singly their united Arms oppos'd : First forc'd an Entrance thro' their thick Array ; Then , glutted with their Slaughter , freed my Way . 'T is a destructive War ? So let it be , But to the Phrygian Pirate , and to thee . Mean time proceed to fill the People's Ears With false Reports , their Minds with panick Fears : Extol the Strength of a twice conquer'd Race , Our Foes encourage , and our Friends debase . Believe thy Fables , and the Trojan Town Triumphant stands , the Grecians are o'rethrown : Suppliant at Hector's Feet Achilles lyes ; And Diomede from fierce Aeneas flies . Say rapid Aufidus with awful Dread Runs backward from the Sea , and hides his Head , When the great Trojan on his Bank appears : For that 's as true as thy dissembl'd Fears Of my Revenge : Dismiss that Vanity , Thou , Drances , art below a Death from me . Let that vile Soul in that vile Body rest ; The Lodging is well worthy of the Guest . Now , Royal Father , to the present state Of our Affairs , and of this high Debate ; If in your Arms thus early you diffide , And think your Fortune is already try'd ; If one Defeat has brought us down so low ; As never more in Fields to meet the Foe ; Then I conclude for Peace : 'T is time to treat , And lye like Vassals at the Victor's Feet . But oh , if any ancient Blood remains , One drop of all our Father 's in our Veins ; That Man would I prefer before the rest , Who dar'd his Death with an undaunted Breast ; Who comely fell , by no dishonest Wound , To shun that Sight ; and dying gnaw'd the Ground . But if we still have fresh Recruits in store , If our Confederates can afford us more ; If the contended Field we bravely fought ; And not a bloodless Victory was bought : Their Losses equall'd ours , and for their slain , With equal Fires they fill'd the shining Plain ; Why thus unforc'd shou'd we so tamely yield ; And e're the Trumpet sounds , resign the Field ? Good unexpected , Evils unforeseen , Appear by Turns , as Fortune shifts the Scene : Some , rais'd aloft , come tumbling down amain ; Then fall so hard , they bound and rise again . If Diomede refuse his Aid to lend , The great Messapus yet remains our Friend : Tolumnius , who foretels Events , is ours ; Th' Italian Chiefs , and Princes , joyn their Pow'rs : Nor least in Number , nor in Name the last , Your own brave Subjects have your Cause embrac'd . Above the rest , the Volscian Amazon Contains an Army in her self alone : And heads a Squadron , terrible to sight , With glitt'ring Shields , in Brazen Armour bright . Yet if the Foe a single Fight demand , And I alone the Publick Peace withstand ; If you consent , he shall not be refus'd , Nor find a Hand to Victory unus'd . This new Achilles , let him take the Field , With fated Armour , and Vulcanian Shield ; For you , my Royal Father , and my Fame , I , Turnus , not the least of all my Name , Devote my Soul. He calls me hand to hand , And I alone will answer his Demand . Drances shall rest secure , and neither share The Danger , nor divide the Prize of War. While they debate ; nor these nor those will yield ; Aeneas draws his Forces to the Field : And moves his Camp. The Scouts , with flying Speed Return , and thro' the frighted City spread Th' unpleasing News , the Trojans are descry'd , In Battel marching by the River side ; And bending to the Town . They take th' Allarm , Some tremble , some are bold , all in Confusion arm . Th' impetuous Youth press forward to the Field ; They clash the Sword , and clatter on the Shield : The fearful Matrons raise a screaming Cry ; Old feeble Men with fainter Groans reply : A jarring Sound results , and mingles in the Sky . Like that of Swans remurm'ring to the Floods ; Or Birds of diff'ring kinds in hollow Woods . Turnus th' occasion takes , and cries aloud , Talk on , ye quaint Haranguers of the Crowd : Declaim in praise of Peace , when Danger calls ; And the fierce Foes in Arms approach the Walls . He said , and turning short , with speedy Pace , Casts back a scornful Glance , and quits the Place . Thou , Volusus , the Volscian Troops command To mount ; and lead thy self our Ardean Band. Messapus , and Catillus , post your Force Along the Fields , to charge the Trojan Horse . Some guard the Passes , others man the Wall ; Drawn up in Arms , the rest attend my Call. They swarm from ev'ry Quarter of the Town ; And with disorder'd haste the Rampires crown . Good old Latinus , when he saw , too late , The gath'ring Storm , just breaking on the State , Dismiss'd the Council , 'till a fitter time . And own'd his easie Temper as his Crime : Who , forc'd against his reason , had comply'd To break the Treaty for the promis'd Bride . Some help to sink new Trenches , others aid To ram the Stones , or raise the Palisade . Hoarse Trumpets sound th' Alarm : Around the Walls Runs a distracted Crew , whom their last Labour calls . A sad Procession in the Streets is seen , Of Matrons that attend the Mother Queen : High in her Chair she sits , and at her side , With downcast Eyes appears the fatal Bride . They mount the Cliff , where Pallas's Temple stands ; Pray'rs in their Mouths , and Presents in their Hands : With Censers , first they fume the sacred Shrine ; Then in this common Supplication joyn . O Patroness of Arms , unspotted Maid , Propitious hear , and lend thy Latins Aid : Break short the Pirat's Lance ; pronounce his Fate , And lay the Phrygian low before the Gate . Now Turnus arms for Fight : His Back and Breast , Well temper'd Steel , and scaly Brass invest : The Cuishes , which his brawny Thighs infold , Are mingled Metal damask'd o're with Gold. His faithful Fauchion sits upon his side ; Nor Casque , nor Crest , his manly Features hide : But bare to view , amid surrounding Friends , With Godlike Grace , he from the Tow'r descends . Exulting in his Strength , he seems to dare His absent Rival , and to promise War. Freed from his Keepers , thus with broken Reins , The wanton Courser prances o're the Plains : Or in the Pride of Youth o'releaps the Mounds ; And snuffs the Females in forbidden Grounds . Or seeks his wat'ring in the well known Flood , To quench his Thirst , and cool his fiery Blood : He swims luxuriant , in the liquid Plain , And o're his Shoulder flows his waving Mane : He neighs , he snorts , he bears his Head on high ; Before his ample Chest the frothy Waters fly . Soon as the Prince appears without the Gate , The Volcians , with their Virgin Leader , wait His last Commands . Then with a graceful Meen , Lights from her lofty Steed , the Warrior Queen : Her Squadron imitates , and each descends ; Whose common Sute Camilla thus commends . If Sence of Honour , if a Soul secure Of inborn Worth , that can all Tests endure , Can promise ought ; or on it self rely , Greatly to dare , to conquer or to dye : Then , I alone , sustain'd by these , will meet The Tyrrhene Troops , and promise their Defeat . Ours be the Danger , ours the sole Renown ; You , Gen'ral , stay behind , and guard the Town . Turnus a while stood mute , with glad Surprize , And on the fierce Virago fix'd his Eyes : Then thus return'd : O Grace of Italy , With what becoming Thanks can I reply ! Not only Words lye lab'ring in my Breast ; But Thought it self is by thy Praise opprest . Yet rob me not of all , but let me join My Toils , my Hazard , and my Fame , with thine . The Trojan , ( not in Stratagem unskill'd , ) Sends his light Foot before to scour the Field : Himself , thro' steep Ascents , and thorny Brakes , A larger Compass to the City takes . This news my Scouts confirm : And I prepare To foil his Cunning , and his Force to dare . With chosen Foot his Passage to forelay ; And place an Ambush in the winding way . Thou , with thy Volscians , face the Tuscan Horse : The brave Messapus shall thy Troops inforce ; With those of Tibur ; and the Latian Band : Subjected all to thy Supream Command . This said , he warns Messapus to the War : Then ev'ry Chief exhorts , with equal Care. All thus encourag'd , his own Troops he joins , And hastes to prosecute his deep Designs . Inclos'd with Hills , a winding Valley lies , By Nature form'd for Fraud , and fitted for Surprize : A narrow Track , by Human Steps untrode , Leads , thro' perplexing Thorns , to this obscure abode . High o're the Vale a steepy Mountain stands ; Whence the surveying Sight the neather Ground commands . The top is level : an offensive Seat Of War ; and from the War a safe Retreat . For , on the right , and left , is room to press The Foes at hand , or from afar distress : To drive 'em headlong downward ; and to pour On their descending backs , a stony show'r . Thither young Turnus took the well known way ; Possess'd the Pass , and in blind Ambush lay . Mean time , Latonian Phoebe from the Skies , Beheld th' approaching War with hateful Eies . And call'd the light-foot Opis , to her aid , Her most belov'd , and ever trusty Maid . Then with a sigh began : Camilla goes To meet her Death , amidst her Fatal Foes . The Nymph I lov'd of all my Mortal Train ; Invested with Diana's Arms , in vain . Nor is my kindness for the Virgin , new , 'T was born with Her , and with her Years it grew : Her Father Metabus , when forc'd away From old Privernum , for Tyrannick sway ; Snatch'd up , and sav'd from his prevailing Foes , This tender Babe , Companion of his Woes . Casmilla was her Mother ; but he drown'd , One hissing Letter in a softer sound , And call'd Camilla . Thro the Woods , he flies ; Wrap'd in his Robe the Royal Infant lies . His Foes in sight , he mends his weary pace ; With shouts and clamours they pursue the Chace . The Banks of Amasene at length he gains ; The raging Flood his farther flight restrains : Rais'd o're the Borders with unusual Rains. Prepar'd to Plunge into the Stream , He fears : Not for himself , but for the Charge he bears . Anxious he stops a while ; and thinks in haste ; Then , desp'rate in Distress , resolves at last . A knotty Lance of well-boil'd Oak he bore ; The middle part with Cork he cover'd o're : He clos'd the Child within the hollow Space ; With Twigs of bending Osier bound the Case . Then pois'd the Spear , heavy with Human Weight ; And thus invok'd my Favour for the Freight . Accept , great Goddess of the Woods , he said , Sent by her Sire , this dedicated Maid : Thro' Air she flies a Suppliant to thy Shrine ; And the first Weapons that she knows , are thine . He said ; and with full Force the Spear he threw : Above the sounding Waves Camilla flew . Then , press'd by Foes , he stemm'd the stormy Tyde ; And gain'd , by stress of Arms , the farther Side . His fasten'd Spear he pull'd from out the Ground ; And , Victor of his Vows , his Infant Nymph unbound . Nor after that , in Towns which Walls inclose , Wou'd trust his hunted Life amidst his Foes . But rough , in open Air he chose to lye : Earth was his Couch , his Cov'ring was the Sky . On Hills unshorn , or in a desart Den , He shunn'd the dire Society of Men. A Shepherd's solitary Life he led : His Daughter with the Milk of Mares he fed ; The Dugs of Bears , and ev'ry Salvage Beast , He drew , and thro' her Lips the Liquor press'd . The little Amazon cou'd scarcely go , He loads her with a Quiver and a Bow : And , that she might her stagg'ring Steps command , He with a slender Jav'lin fills her Hand : Her flowing Hair no golden Fillet bound ; Nor swept her trayling Robe the dusty Ground . Instead of these , a Tyger's Hide o'respread Her Back and Shoulders , fasten'd to her Head. The flying Dart she first attempts to fling ; And round her tender Temples toss'd the Sling : Then , as her Strength with Years increas'd , began To pierce aloft in Air the soaring Swan : And from the Clouds to fetch the Heron and the Crane . The TuscanMatrons with each other vy'd , To bless their Rival Sons with such a Bride : But she disdains their Love ; to share with me The Silvan Shades , and vow'd Virginity . And , oh ! I wish , contented with my Cares Of Salvage Spoils , she had not sought the Wars : Then had she been of my Coelestial Train ; And shun'd the Fate that dooms her to be slain . But , since opposing Heav'n's Decree , she goes To find her Death among forbidden Foes ; Haste with these Arms , and take thy steepy flight , Where , with the Gods averse , the Latins fight : This Bow to thee , this Quiver , I bequeath , This chosen Arrow to revenge her Death . By what e're Hand Camilla shall be slain , Or of the Trojan , or Italian Train , Let him not pass unpunish'd from the Plain . Then , in a hollow Cloud , my self will Aid , To bear the breathless Body of my Maid : Unspoil'd shall be her Arms , and unprofan'd Her holy Limbs with any Human Hand : And in a Marble Tomb laid in her Native Land. She said : The faithful Nymph descends from high With rapid flight , and cuts the sounding Sky ; Black Clouds and stormy Winds around her Body fly . By this , the Trojan and the Tuscan Horse , Drawn up in Squadrons , with united Force , Approach the Walls ; the sprightly Coursers bound ; Press forward on their Bitts , and shift their Ground : Shields , Arms , and Spears , flash horrible from far ; And the Fields glitter with a waving War. Oppos'd to these , come on with furious Force , Messapus , Coras , and the Latian Horse ; These in the Body plac'd ; on either hand Sustain'd , and clos'd by fair Camilla's Band. Advancing in a Line , they couch their Spears ; And less and less the middle Space appears . Thick Smoak obscures the Field : And scarce are seen The neighing Coursers , and the shouting Men. In distance of their Darts they stop their Course ; Then Man to Man they rush , and Horse to Horse . The face of Heav'n their flying Jav'lins hide ; And Deaths unseen are dealt on either side . Tyrrhenus , and Aconteus , void of Fear , By metled Coursers born in full Carreer , Meet first oppos'd : and , with a mighty Shock , Their Horses Heads against each other knock . Far from his Steed is fierce Aconteus cast ; As with an Engin 's force , or Lightning's blast : He rowls along in Blood , and breathes his last . The Latin Squadrons take a sudden fright ; And sling their Shields behind , to save their Backs in flight . Spurring at speed to their own Walls they drew ; Close in the rear the Tuscan Troops pursue : And urge their flight . Asylas leads the Chase ; 'Till seiz'd with Shame they wheel about and face : Receive their Foes , and raise a threat'ning Cry : The Tuscans take their turn to fear and fly . So swelling Surges , with a thund'ring Roar , Driv'n on each others Backs , insult the Shoar ; Bound o're the Rocks , incroach upon the Land ; And far upon the Beach eject the Sand. Then backward with a Swing , they take their Way ; Repuls'd from upper Ground , and seek their Mother Sea : With equal hurry quit th' invaded Shore ; And swallow back the Sand , and Stones they spew'd before . Twice were the Tuscans Masters of the Field , Twice by the Latins , in their turn repell'd . Asham'd at length , to the third Charge they ran Both Hoasts resolv'd , and mingled Man to Man : Now dying Groans are heard , the Fields are strow'd With falling Bodies , and are drunk with Blood : Arms , Horses , Men , on heaps together lye : Confus'd the Fight , and more confus'd the Cry. Orsilochus , who durst not press too near Strong Remulus , at distance drove his Spear ; And stuck the Steel beneath his Horses Ear : The fiery Steed , impatient of the Wound , Curvets , and springing upward with a Bound , His helpless Lord cast backward on the Ground . Catillus pierc'd Iolas first ; then drew His reeking Lance , and at Herminius threw : The mighty Champion of the Tuscan Crew . His Neck and Throat unarm'd , his Head was bare , But shaded with a length of yellow Hair : Secure , he fought , expos'd on ev'ry part , A spacious mark for Swords , and for the Dart : Across the Shoulders came the flying Wound ; Transfix'd , he fell , and doubled to the Ground . The Sands with streaming Blood are sanguine dy'd ; And Death with Honour , sought on either side . Resistless through the War , Camilla rode ; In Danger unappall'd , and pleas'd with Blood. One side was bare for her exerted Brest ; One Shoulder with her painted Quiver press'd . Now from afar her Fatal Jav'lins play ; Now with her Axe's edge she hews her Way : Diana's Arms upon her Shoulder found ; And when , too closely press'd , she quits the Ground ; From her bent Bow she sends a backward Wound . Her Maids , in Martial Pomp , on either side , Larina , Tulla , fierce Tarpeia ride ; Italians all : in Peace , their Queen's delight : In War the bold Companions of the Fight . So march'd the Thracian Amazons of old , When Thermodon with bloody Billows rowl'd : Such Troops as these in shining Arms were seen ; When Theseus met in Fight their Maiden Queen . Such to the Field Penthisilea led , From the fierce Virgin when the Grecians fled : With such , return'd Triumphant from the War ; Her Maids with Cries attend the lofty Carr : They clash with manly force their Moony Shields ; With Female Showts refound the Phrygian Fields . Who formost , and who last , Heroick Maid , On the cold Earth were by thy Courage laid ? Thy Spear , of Mountain Ash , Eumenius first , With fury driv'n , from side to side transpierc'd : A purple Stream came spowting from the Wound ; Bath'd in his Blood he lies , and bites the Ground . Lyris and Pagasus at once she slew ; The former , as the slacken'd Reins he drew , Of his faint steed : the latter , as he stretch'd His Arm to prop his Friend , the Jav'lin reach'd . By the same Weapon , sent from the same Hand , Both fall together , and both spurn the Sand. Amastrus next is added to the slain : The rest in Rout she follows o're the Plain . Tereus , Harpalicus , Demophoon , And Chromys , at full Speed her Fury shun . Of all her deadly Darts , not one she lost ; Each was attended with a Trojan Ghost . Young Ornithus bestrode a Hunter Steed , Swift for the Chase , and of Apulian Breed : Him , from afar , she spy'd in Arms unknown ; O're his broad Back an Oxes hide was thrown : His Helm a Wolf , whose gaping Jaws were spread , A cov'ring for his Cheeks , and grinn'd around his Head. He clench'd within his Hand an Iron Prong ; And tow'rd above the rest , conspicuous in the Throng . Him soon she singled from the flying Train , And slew with ease : Then thus insults the slain . Vain Hunter didst thou think thro' Woods to chase The Salvage Herd , a vile and trembling Race : Here cease thy Vaunts , and own my Victory ; A Woman-Warrior was too strong for thee . Yet if the Ghosts demand the Conqu'ror's Name , Confessing great Camilla , save thy Shame . Then Butes , and Orsilochus , she slew : The bulkiest Bodies of the Trojan Crew . But Butes Breast to Breast : the Spear descends Above the Gorget , where his Helmet ends ; And o're the Shield which his left Side defends . Orsilochus and she , their Coursers ply ; He seems to follow , and she seems to fly . But in a narrower Ring she makes the Race ; And then he flies , and she pursues the Chase . Gath'ring at length on her deluded Foe , She swings her Axe , and rises to the Blow : To the Right Hon ble ▪ William Berkley Baron Berkley of Stratton & ct . AE . 11. l. 1035. Full on the Helm behind , with such a sway The Weapon falls , the riven Steel gives way : He groans , he roars , he sues in vain for Grace ; Brains , mingled with his Blood , besmear his Face . Astonish'd Aunus just arrives by Chance , To see his Fall , nor farther dares advance : But fixing on the horrid Maid his Eye , He stares , and shakes , and finds it vain to fly . Yet like a true Ligurian , born to cheat , ( At least while Fortune favour'd his Deceit ) Cries out aloud , what Courage have you shown , Who trust your Coursers Strength , and not your own ? Forego the vantage of your Horse , alight , And then on equal Terms begin the Fight : It shall be seen , weak Woman , what you can , When Foot to Foot , you combat with a Man. He said : She glows with Anger and Disdain , Dismounts with speed to dare him on the Plain ; And leaves her Horse at large among her Train . With her drawn Sword defies him to the Field ; And marching , lifts aloft her maiden Shield : The Youth , who thought his Cunning did succeed , Reins round his Horse , and urges all his Speed. Adds the remembrance of the Spur , and hides The goring Rowels in his bleeding Sides . Vain Fool , and Coward , cries the lofty Maid , Caught in the Train , which thou thy self hast laid ! On others practise thy Ligurian Arts ; Thin Stratagems , and Tricks of little Hearts Are lost on me . Nor shalt thou safe retire , With vaunting Lyes to thy fallacious Sire . At this , so fast her flying Feet she sped , That soon she strain'd beyond his Horse's Head : Then turning short , at once she seiz'd the Rein , And laid the Boaster grov'ling on the Plain . Not with more ease the Falcon from above , Trusses , in middle Air , the trembling Drove : Then Plumes the Prey , in her strong Pounces bound : The Feathers foul with Blood come tumbling to the ground . Now mighty Jove , from his superior height , With his broad Eye surveys th' unequal Fight . He fires the Breast of Tarchon with Disdain ; And sends him to redeem th' abandon'd Plain . Betwixt the broken Ranks the Tuscan rides , And these encourages , and those he chides : Recalls each Leader , by his Name , from flight ; Renews their Ardour ; and restores the Fight . What Panick Fear has seiz'd your Souls , O shame , O Brand perpetual of th' Etrurian Name ; Cowards incurable , a Woman's Hand Drives , breaks , and scatters your ignoble Band ! Now cast away the Sword , and quit the Shield : What use of Weapons which you dare not wield ? Not thus you fly your Female Foes , by Night , Nor shun the Feast , when the full Bowls invite : When to fat Off'rings the glad Augur calls ; And the shrill Horn-pipe sounds to Bacchanals . These are your study'd Cares ; your lewd Delight ; Swift to debauch ; but slow to Manly Fight . Thus having said , he spurs amid the Foes ; Not managing the Life he meant to lose . The first he found he seiz'd , with headlong haste , In his strong Gripe ; and clasp'd around the Waste : 'T was Venulus ; whom from his Horse he tore , And , ( laid athwart his own , ) in Triumph bore . Loud Shouts ensue : The Latins turn their Eyes , And view th' unusual sight with vast Surprize . The fiery Tarchon , flying o're the Plains , Press'd in his Arms the pond'rous Prey sustains : Then , with his shorten'd Spear , explores around His jointed Arms , to fix a deadly Wound . Nor less the Captive struggles for his Life ; He writhes his Body to prolong the Strife : And , fencing for his naked Throat , exerts His utmost Vigour , and the point averts . So stoops the yellow Eagle from on high , And bears a speckled Serpent thro' the Sky ; Fast'ning his crooked Tallons on the Prey : The Pris'ner hisses thro' the liquid Way , Resists the Royal Hawk , and tho' opprest , She fights in Volumes , and erects her Crest : Turn'd to her Foe , she stiffens ev'ry Scale ; And shoots her forky Tongue , and whisks her threat'ning Tail. Against the Victour all Defence is weak ; Th' imperial Bird still plies her with his Beak : He tears her Bowels , and her Breast he gores ; Then claps his Pinions , and securely soars . Thus , thro' the midst of circling Enemies , Strong Tarchon snatch'd and bore away his Prize : The Tyrrhene Troops , that shrunk before , now press The Latins , and presume the like Success . Then , Aruns doom'd to Death , his Arts assay'd To murther , unespy'd , the Volscian Maid , This way , and that his winding Course he bends ; And wheresoe're she turns , her Steps attends . When she retires victorious from the Chase , He wheels about with Care , and shifts his place : When rushing on , she seeks her Foes in Fight , He keeps aloof , but keeps her still in sight : He threats , and trembles , trying ev'ry Way Unseen to kill , and safely to betray . Chloreus , the Priest of Cybele , from far , Glitt'ring in Phrygian Arms amidst the War , Was by the Virgin view'd : The Steed he press'd Was proud with Trappings ; and his brawny Chest With Scales of guilded Brass was cover'd o're : A Robe of Tyrian Dye the Rider wore . With deadly Wounds he gaul'd the distant Eoe ; Gnossian his Shafts , and Lycian was his Bow : A Golden Helm his Front , and head surrounds ; A guilded Quiver from his Shoulder sounds . Gold , weav'd with Linen , on his Thighs he wore : With Flowers of Needlework distinguish'd o're : With Golden Buckles bound , and gather'd up before . Him , the fierce Maid beheld with ardent Eyes ; Fond and Ambitious of so Rich a Prize : Or that the Temple might his Trophees hold , Or else to shine her self in Trojan Gold : Blind in her haste , she chases him alone , And seeks his Life , regardless of her own . This lucky Moment the slye Traytor chose : Then , starting from his Ambush up he rose , And threw , but first to Heav'n address'd his Vows . O Patron of Soractes high Abodes , Phoebus the Ruling Pow'r among the Gods ; Whom first we serve , whole Woods of unctuous Pine Are fell'd for thee , and to thy Glory shine ; By thee protected , with our naked Soles , Thro' Flames unsing'd we march , and tread the kindled Coals : Give me , propitious Pow'r , to wash away The Stains of this dishonourable Day : Nor Spoils , nor Triumph , from the Fact I claim ; But with my future Actions trust my Fame . Let me , by stealth ; this Female Plague o'recome ; And from the Field , return inglorious home . To Arthur Manwaringe of Ightfield in the County of Salop Esq r : AE . 11. l. 1150. Apollo heard , and granting half his Pray'r , Shuffled in Winds the rest , and toss'd in empty Air. He gives the Death desir'd ; his safe return , By Southern Tempests to the Seas is born . Now , when the Jav'lin whizz'd along the Skies , Both Armies on Camilla turn'd their Eyes , Directed by the Sound : Of either Host , Th' unhappy Virgin , tho' concern'd the most , Was only deaf ; so greedy was she bent On Golden Spoils , and on her Prey intent : Till in her Pap the winged Weapon stood Infix'd ; and deeply drunk the purple Blood. Her sad Attendants hasten to sustain Their dying Lady drooping on the Plain . Far from their sight the trembling Aruns flies , With beating Heart , and Fear confus'd with Joys ; Nor dares he farther to pursue his Blow ; Or ev'n to bear the sight of his expiring Foe . As when the Wolf has torn a Bullocks Hide , At unawares , or ranch'd the Shepherd's Side : Conscious of his audacious deed , he flies , And claps his quiv'ring Tail between his Thighs : So , speeding once , the Wretch no more attends ; But spurring forward herds among his Friends . She wrench'd the Jav'lin with her dying Hands ; But wedg'd within her Breast the Weapon stands : The Wood she draws , the steely Point remains , She staggers in her Seat , with agonizing Pains : A gath'ring Mist o'reclouds her chearful Eyes ; And from her Cheeks the rosie Colour flies . Then , turns to her , whom , of her Female Train , She trusted most , and thus she speaks with Pain . Acca , 't is past ! He swims before my sight , Inexorable Death ; and claims his right . Bear my last Words to Turnus , fly with speed , And bid him timely to my Charge succeed : Repel the Trojans , and the Town relieve : Farewel ; and in this Kiss my parting Breath receive . She said ; and sliding , sunk upon the Plain ; Dying , her open'd Hand forsakes the Rein ; Short , and more short , she pants : By slow degrees Her Mind the Passage from her Body frees . She drops her Sword , she nods her plumy Crest ; Her drooping Head declining on her Breast : In the last Sigh her strugling Soul expires ; And murm'ring with Disdain , to Stygian Sounds retires . A Shout , that struck the Golden Stars , ensu'd : Despair and Rage , the languish'd Fight renew'd . The Trojan Troops , and Tuscans in a Line , Advance to charge ; the mix'd Arcadians join . But Cynthia's Maid , high seated , from afar Surveys the Field , and fortune of the War : Unmov'd a while , 'till prostrate on the Plain , Welt'ring in Blood , she sees Camilla slain ; And round her Corps , of Friends and Foes a fighting Train . Then , from the bottom of her Breast , she drew A mournful Sigh , and these sad Words ensue : Too dear a Fine , ah much lamented Maid , For warring with the Trojans , thou hast paid ! Nor ought avail'd , in this unhappy Strife , Diana's sacred Arms , to save thy Life . Yet unreveng'd thy Goddess will not leave Her Vot'rys Death , nor with vain Sorrow grieve . Branded the Wretch , and be his Name abhorr'd ; But after Ages shall thy Praise record . Th' inglorious Coward soon shall press the Plain ; Thus vows thy Queen , and thus the Fates ordain . High o're the Field , there stood a hilly Mound ; Sacred the Place , and spread with Oaks around ; Where , in a Marble Tomb , Dercennus lay , A King that once in Latium bore the Sway. The beauteous Opis thither bent her flight , To mark the Traytor Aruns , from the height . Him , in refulgent Arms she soon espy'd , Swoln with success , and loudly thus she cry'd . Thy backward steps , vain boaster , are too late ; Turn , like a Man at length , and meet thy Fate . Charg'd with my Message to Camilla go ; And say I sent thee to the Shades below ; An Honour undeserv'd from Cynthia's Bow. She said : and from her Quiver chose with speed The winged Shaft , predestin'd for the Deed : Then , to the stubborn Eugh her strength apply'd ; Till the far distant Horns approach'd on either side . The Bow-string touch'd her Breast , so strong she drew ; Whizzing in Air the fatal Arrow flew . At once the twanging Bow , and sounding Dart The Traytor heard , and felt the point within his heart . Him , beating with his heels , in pangs of death , His flying Friends to foreign Fields bequeath . The Conqu'ring Damsel , with expanded Wings , The welcome Message to her Mistress brings . Their Leader lost , the Volscians quit the Field ; And , unsustain'd , the Chiefs of Turnus yield . The frighted Souldiers , when their Captains fly , More on their speed than on their Strength rely . Confus'd in flight , they bear each other down : And spur their Horses headlong to the Town . Driv'n by their Foes , and to their Fears resign'd , Not once they turn ; but take their Wounds behind . These drop the Shield , and those the Lance forego ; Or on their Shoulders bear the slacken'd Bow. The Hoofs of Horses with a ratling sound , Beat short , and thick , and shake the rotten ground . Black clouds of dust , come rowling in the Sky , And o're the darken'd Walls , and Rampires fly . The trembling Matrons , from their lofty Stands , Rend Heav'n with Female Shrieks ; and wring their Hands All pressing on , Pursuers and pursu'd , Are crush'd in Crowds , a Mingled multitude . Some happy few escape : the Throng too late Rush on for Entrance , till they choak the Gate . Ev'n in the sight of home , the wretched Sire Looks on , and sees his helpless Son expire . Then , in a fright , the folding Gates they close : But leave their Friends excluded with their Foes . The vanquish'd cry ; the Victors loudly shout ; T is Terror all within ; and Slaughter all without . Blind in their Fear , they bounce against the wall , Or to their Moats pursu'd , precipitate their fall . The Latian Virgins , valiant with despair , Arm'd on the Towr's the Common Danger share : So much of Zeal their Country's Cause inspir'd ; So much Camilla's great Example fir'd . Poles , sharpen'd in the flames , from high they throw ; With imitated Darts to gaul the Foe . Their Lives , for Godlike freedom they bequeath ; And crowd each other to be first in death . Mean time , to Turnus , ambush'd in the shade , With heavy tydings , came th' Unhappy Maid . The Volscians overthrown , Camilla kill'd , The Foes entirely Masters of the Field , Like a resistless Flood , come rowling on : The cry goes off the Plain , and thickens to the Town . Inflam'd with Rage , ( for so the Furies fire The Daunian's Breast , and so the Fates require , ) He leaves the hilly Pass , the Woods in vain Possess'd , and downward issues on the Plain : Scarce was he gone , when to the Streights , now freed From secret Foes , the Trojan Troops succeed . Thro' the black Forest , and the ferny Brake , Unknowingly secure , their Way they take . From the rough Mountains to the Plain descend ; And there , in Order drawn , their Line extend . Both Armies , now , in open Fields are seen : Nor far the distance of the Space between . Both to the City bend : Aeneas sees , Thro' smoaking Fields , his hast'ning Enemies . And Turnus views the Trojans in Array , And hears th' approaching Horses proudly neigh. Soon had their Hoasts in bloody Battel join'd ; But westward to the Sea the Sun declin'd . Intrench'd before the Town , both Armies lye : While Night with sable Wings o'respreads the Sky . The Twelfth Book of the Aeneis . The Argument . Turnus challenges Aeneas to a single Combat : Articles are agreed on , but broken by the Rutili , who wound Aeneas : He is miraculously cur'd by Venus , forces Turnus to a Duel , and concludes the Poem with his Death . WHen Turnus saw the Latins leave the Field ; Their Armies broken , and their Courage quell'd ; Himself become the Mark of publick Spight , His Honour question'd for the promis'd Fight : The more he was with Vulgar hate oppress'd ; The more his Fury boil'd within his Breast : He rowz'd his Vigour for the last Debate ; And rais'd his haughty Soul , to meet his Fate . As when the Swains the Lybian Lion chase , He makes a sour Retreat , nor mends his Pace ; But if the pointed Jav'lin pierce his Side , The lordly Beast returns with double Pride : He wrenches out the Steel , he roars for Pain ; His sides he lashes , and erects his Mane. So Turnus fares ; his Eye-balls flash with Fire , And his wide Nostrils Clouds of Smoke expire . Trembling with Rage , around the Court he ran ; At length approach'd the King , and thus began . No more excuses or Delays : I stand In Arms prepar'd to Combat , hand to hand , This base Deserter of his Native Land. The Trojan , by his Word , is bound to take The same Conditions which himself did make . To y e Right Hon ble : Phillip Lord Stanhope Earle of Chesterfield Baron of Shelford in the Kingdom of England AE . 12. l. 1. Renew the Truce , the solemn Rites prepare ; And to my single Virtue trust the War. The Latians unconcern'd shall see the Fight ; This Arm unaided shall assert your Right : Then , if my prostrate Body press the Plain , To him the Crown , and beauteous Bride remain . To whom the King sedately thus reply'd ; Brave Youth , the more your Valour has been try'd , The more becomes it us , with due Respect To weigh the chance of War , which you neglect . You want not Wealth , or a successive Throne , Or Cities , which your Arms have made your own ; My Towns and Treasures are at your Command ; And stor'd with blooming Beauties is my Land : Laurentum more than one Lavinia sees , Unmarry'd , fair , of Noble Families . Now let me speak ; and you with Patience hear , Things which perhaps may grate a Lover's Ear : But sound Advice , proceeding from a heart , Sincerely yours , and free from fraudful Art. The Gods , by Signs , have manifestly shown , No Prince , Italian born , shou'd heir my Throne : Oft have our Augurs , in Prediction skill'd , And oft our Priests , a Foreign Son reveal'd . Yet , won by Worth , that cannot be withstood , Brib'd by my Kindness to my kindred Blood , Urg'd by my Wife , who wou'd not be deny'd ; I promis'd my Lavinia for your Bride : Her from her plighted Lord by force I took ; All tyes of Treaties , and of Honour broke : On your Account I wag'd an impious War , With what Success 't is needless to declare ; I , and my Subjects feel ; and you have had your Share . Twice vanquish'd , while in bloody Fields we strive , Scarce in our Walls , we keep our Hopes alive : The rowling Flood runs warm with human Gore ; The Bones of Latians , blanch the neighb'ring Shore : Why put I not an end to this Debate , Still unresolv'd , and still a Slave to Fate ? If Turnus's Death a lasting Peace can give , Why shou'd I not procure it , while you live . Shou'd I to doubtful Arms your Youth betray , What wou'd my Kinsmen , the Rutulians , say ? And shou'd you fall in Fight , ( which Heav'n defend ) How curse the Cause , which hasten'd to his end , The Daughter's Lover , and the Father's Friend ? Weigh in your Mind , the various Chance of War , Pity your Parent 's Age ; and ease his Care. Such balmy Words he pour'd , but all in vain ; The proffer'd Med'cine but provok'd the Pain . The wrathful Youth disdaining the Relief , With intermitting Sobs , thus vents his Grief . The care , O best of Fathers , which you take For my Concerns , at my Desire , forsake . Permit me not to languish out my Days ; But make the best exchange of Life for Praise . This Arm , this Lance , can well dispute the Prize ; And the Blood follows , where the Weapon flies : His Goddess Mother is not near , to shrowd The flying Coward , with an empty Cloud . But now the Queen , who fear'd for Turnus Life , And loath'd the hard Conditions of the Strife , Held him by Force ; and , dying in his Death , In these sad Accents gave her Sorrow breath . O Turnus I adjure thee by these Tears ; And what e're price Amata's Honour bears Within thy Breast , since thou art all my hope , My sickly Mind's repose , my sinking Age's Prop ; Since on the safety of thy Life alone , Depends Latinus , and the Latian Throne : Refuse me not this one , this only Pray'r ; To wave the Combat , and pursue the War. Whatever chance attends this fatal Strife , Think it includes in thine Amata's Life . I cannot live a Slave ; or see my Throne Usurp'd by Strangers , or a Trojan Son. At this , a Flood of Tears Lavinia shed ; A crimson Blush her beauteous Face o'respread ; Varying her Cheeks by Turns , with white and red . The driving Colours , never at a stay , Run here and there ; and flush , and fade away . Delightful change ! Thus Indian Iv'ry shows , Which with the bord'ring Paint of Purple glows ; Or Lillies damask'd by the neighb'ring Rose . The Lover gaz'd , and burning with desire , The more he look'd , the more he fed the Fire : Revenge , and jealous Rage , and secret Spight ; Rowl in his Breast , and rowze him to the Fight . Then fixing on the Queen his ardent Eyes , Firm to his first intent , he thus replies . O Mother , do not by your Tears prepare Such boding Omens , and prejudge the War. Resolv'd on Fight , I am no longer free To shun my Death , if Heav'n my Death decree . Then turning to the Herald , thus pursues ; Go , greet the Trojan with ungrateful News , Denounce from me , that when to Morrow's Light Shall guild the Heav'ns , he need not urge the Fight : The Trojan and Rutulian Troops , no more Shall dye , with mutual Blood , the Latian Shore : Our single Swords the Quarrel shall decide , And to the Victor be the beauteous Bride . He said , and striding on , with speedy Pace , He sought his Coursers of the Thracian Race . At his Approach , they toss their Heads on high ; And proudly neighing , promise Victory . The Sires of these Orythia sent from far , To grace Pilumnus , when he went to War. The drifts of Thracian Snows were scarce so white Nor Northern Winds in fleetness match'd their Flight . Officious Grooms stand ready by his Side ; And some with Combs their flowing Manes divide , And others stroke their Chests , and gently sooth their Pride . He sheath'd his Limbs in Arms ; a temper'd Mass Of golden Metal those , and Mountain Brass . Then to his Head his glitt'ring Helm he ty'd ; And girt his faithful Fauchion to his side . In his Aetnean Forge , the God of Fire That Fauchion labour'd sor the Hero's Sire : Immortal Keenness on the Blade bestow'd , And plung'd it hissing in the Stygian Flood . Prop'd on a Pillar , which the Ceiling bore , Was plac'd the Lance Auruncan Actor wore ; Which with such Force he brandish'd in his Hand , The tough Ash trembled like an Osyer Wand . Then cry'd , O pond'rous Spoil of Actor slain , And never yet by Turnus toss'd in vain , Fail not this Day thy wonted Force : But go , Sent by this Hand , to pierce the Trojan Foe : Give me to tear his Corslet from his Breast , And from that Eunuch Head , to rend the Crest : Drag'd in the Dust , his frizled Hair to soil ; Hot from the vexing Ir'n , and smear'd with fragrant Oyl . Thus while he raves , from his wide Nostrils flies A fiery Steam , and Sparkles from his Eyes . So fares the Bull in his lov'd Female's sight ; Proudly he bellows , and preludes the fight : He tries his goring Horns against a Tree ; And meditates his absent Enemy : He pushes at the Winds , he digs the Strand With his black Hoofs , and spurns the yellow Sand. Nor less the Trojan , in his Lemnian Arms , To future Fight his Manly Courage warms : He whets his Fury , and with Joy prepares , To terminate at once the ling'ring Wars . To chear his Cheifs , and tender Son , relates What Heav'n had promis'd , and expounds the Fates . Then to the Latian King he sends , to cease The Rage of Arms , and ratifies the Peace . The Morn ensuing from the Mountain's height , Had scarcely spread the Skies with rosie Light ; Th' Etherial Coursers bounding from the Sea , From out their flaming Nostrils breath'd the Day : When now the Trojan and Rutulian Guard , In friendly Labour join'd , the List prepar'd . Beneath the Walls , they measure out the Space ; Then sacred Altars rear , on sods of Grass ; Where , with Religious Rites , their common Gods they place . In purest white , the Priests their Heads attire , And living Waters bear , and holy Fire : And o're their Linnen Hoods , and shaded Hair , Long twisted Wreaths of sacred Vervain wear . In Order issuing from the Town , appears The Latin Legion , arm'd with pointed Spears ; And from the Fields , advancing on a Line , The Trojan and the Tuscan Forces join : Their various Arms afford a pleasing Sight ; A peaceful Train they seem , in Peace prepar'd for Fight . Betwixt the Ranks the proud Commanders ride , Glitt'ring with Gold , and Vests in Purple dy'd . Here Mnestheus Author of the Memmian Line , And there Messapus born of Seed Divine . The Sign is giv'n , and round the listed Space , Each Man in order fills his proper Place . Reclining on their ample Shields , they stand ; And fix their pointed Lances in the Sand. Now , studious of the sight , a num'rous Throng Of either Sex promiscuous , old and young , Swarm from the Town : By those who rest behind , The Gates and Walls , and Houses tops are lin'd . Mean time the Queen of Heav'n beheld the sight , With Eyes unpleas'd , from Mount Albano's height : ( Since call'd Albano , by succeeding Fame , But then an empty Hill , without a Name . ) She thence survey'd the Field , the Trojan Pow'rs , The Latian Squadrons , and Laurentine Tow'rs . Then thus the Goddess of the Skies bespake , With Sighs and Tears , the Goddess of the Lake ; King Turnus Sister , once a lovely Maid , E're to the Lust of lawless Jove betray'd : Compress'd by Force , but by the grateful God , Now made the Nais of the neighb'ring Flood . O Nymph , the Pride of living Lakes , said she , O most renown'd , and most belov'd by me , Long hast thou known , nor need I to record The wanton sallies of my wand'ring Lord : Of ev'ry Latian fair , whom Jove mis-led , To mount by Stealth my violated Bed , To thee alone I grudg'd not his Embrace ; But gave a part of Heav'n , and an unenvy'd Place . To y e Hon ble . Brigadier Edward Fitzpatrick Now learn from me , thy near approaching Grief , Nor think my Wishes want to thy Relief . While fortune favour'd , nor Heav'n's King deny'd , To lend my Succour to the Latian side , I sav'd thy Brother , and the sinking State : But now he struggles with unequal Fate ; And goes with Gods averse , o'rematch'd in Might , To meet inevitable Death in Fight : Nor must I break the Truce , nor can sustain the sight . Thou , if thou dar'st , thy present Aid supply ; It well becomes a Sister's Care to try . At this the lovely Nymph , with Grief oppress'd , Thrice tore her Hair , and beat her comely Breast . To whom Saturnia thus ; thy Tears are late ; Haste , snatch him , if he can be snatch'd from Fate : New Tumults kindle , violate the Truce ; Who knows what changeful Fortune may produce ? 'T is not a Crime t' attempt what I decree , Or if it were , discharge the Crime on me . She said , and , sailing on the winged Wind , Left the sad Nymph suspended in her Mind . And now in Pomp the peaceful Kings appear : Four Steeds the Chariot of Latinus bear : Twelve golden Beams around his Temples play , To mark his Lineage from the God of Day . Two snowy Coursers Turnus's Chariot yoke , And in his Hand two Massy Spears he shook : Then issu'd from the Camp , in Arms Divine , Aeneas , Author of the Roman Line : And by his side Ascanius took his Place , The second Hope of Rome's Immortal Race . Adorn'd in white , a rev'rend Priest appears ; And Off'rings to the flaming Altars bears ; A Porket , and a Lamb , that never suffer'd Shears . Then , to the rising Sun he turns his Eyes , And strews the Beasts , design'd for Sacrifice , With Salt , and Meal : With like officious Care He marks their Foreheads , and he clips their Hair. Betwixt their Horns the Purple Wine he sheds , With the same gen'rous Juice the Flame he feeds . Aeneas then unsheath'd his shining Sword , And thus with pious Pray'rs the Gods ador'd . All-seeing Sun , and thou Ausonian Soil , For which I have sustain'd so long a Toil , Thou King of Heav'n , and thou the Queen of Air , ( Propitious now , and reconcil'd by Pray'r , ) Thou God of War , whose unresisted Sway The Labours and Events of Arms obey ; Ye living Fountains , and ye running Floods , All Pow'rs of Ocean , all Etherial Gods , Hear , and bear Record : if I fall in Field , Or Recreant in the Fight , to Turnus yield , My Trojans shall encrease Evander's Town ; Ascanius shall renounce th' Ausonian Crown : All Claims , all Questions of Debate shall cease ; Nor he , nor they , with Force infringe the Peace . But if my juster Arms prevail in Fight , As sure they shall , if I divine aright , My Trojans shall not o're th' Italians Reign ; Both equal , both unconquer'd shall remain : Join'd in their Laws , their Lands , and their Abodes ; I ask but Altars for my weary Gods : The Care of those Religious Rites be mine ; The Crown to King Latinus I resign : His be the Sov'raign Sway. Nor will I share His Pow'r in Peace , or his Command in War. For me , my Friends another Town shall frame , And bless the rising Tow'rs , with fair Lavinia's Name . Thus he . Then with erected Eyes and Hands , The Latian King before his Altar stands . By the same Heav'n , said he , and Earth , and Main , And all the Pow'rs , that all the three contain ; By Hell below , and by that upper God , Whose Thunder signs the Peace , who seals it with his Nod ; So let Latona's double Offspring hear , And double fronted Janus , what I swear ; I touch the sacred Altars , touch the Flames , And all those Pow'rs attest , and all their Names : Whatever Chance befall on either Side , No term of time this Union shall divide : No Force , no Fortune , shall my Vows unbind , Or shake the stedfast Tenour of my Mind : Not tho' the circling Seas shou'd break their Bound , O'reflow the Shores , or sap the solid Ground ; Not tho' the Lamps of Heav'n their Spheres forsake , Hurl'd down , and hissing in the neather Lake : Ev'n as this Royal Scepter , ( for he bore A Scepter in his Hand ) shall never more Shoot out in Branches , or renew the Birth ; ( An Orphan now , cut from the Mother Earth By the keen Axe , dishonour'd of its Hair , And cas'd in Brass , for Latian Kings to bear . ) When thus in publick view the Peace was ty'd , With solemn Vows , and sworn on either side , All dues perform'd which holy Rites require ; The Victim Beasts are slain before the Fire : The trembling Entrails from their Bodies torn , And to the fatten'd Flames in Chargers born . Already the Rutulians deem'd their Man O'rematch'd in Arms , before the Fight began . First rising Fears are whisper'd thro' the Crowd ; Then , gath'ring sound , they murmur more aloud . Now side to side , they measure with their Eyes The Champions bulk , their Sinews , and their Sise : The nearer they approach , the more is known Th' apparent Disadvantage of their own . Turnus himself , appears in publick sight , Conscious of Fate , desponding of the Fight . Slowly he moves ; and at his Altar stands With eyes dejected , and with trembling hands : And while he mutters undistinguish'd Pray'rs , A livid deadness in his Cheeks appears . With anxious Pleasure when Juturna view'd Th' increasing Fright of the mad Multitude , When their short Sighs , and thickning Sobs she heard , And found their ready Minds for Change prepar'd ; Dissembling her immortal Form , she took Camertus Meen , his Habit , and his Look ; A Chief of ancient Blood : in Arms well known Was his great Sire , and he , his greater Son. His Shape assum'd , amid the Ranks she ran , And humouring their first Motions , thus began . For shame , Rutulians , can you bear the sight , Of one expos'd for all , in single Fight ? Can we , before the Face of Heav'n , confess Our Courage colder , or our Numbers less ? View all the Trojan Hoast , th' Arcadian Band , And Tuscan Army ; count 'em as they stand , Undaunted to the Battel , if we goe , Scarce ev'ry second Man will share a Foe . Turnus , 't is true , in this unequal Strife Shall lose , with Honour , his devoted Life : Or change it rather for immortal Fame , Succeeding to the Gods , from whence he came : But you , a servile , and inglorious Band , For Foreign Lords shall sow your Native Land : Those fruitful Fields , your fighting Fathers gain'd , Which have so long their lazy Sons sustain'd . With Words like these , she carry'd her Design ; A rising Murmur runs along the Line . Then ev'n the City Troops , and Latians , tir'd With tedious War , seem with new Souls inspir'd : Their Champion's Fate with Pity they lament ; And of the League , so lately sworn , repent . Nor fails the Goddess to foment the Rage With lying Wonders , and a false Presage : But adds a Sign , which , present to their Eyes , Inspires new Courage , and a glad Surprize . For , sudden , in the fiery Tracts above , Appears in Pomp th' Imperial Bird of Jove : A plump of Fowl he spies , that swim the Lakes ; And o're their Heads his sounding Pinions shakes . Then stooping on the fairest of the Train , In his strong Tallons truss'd a silver Swan . Th' Italians wonder at th' unusual sight ; But while he lags , and labours in his flight , Behold the Dastard Fowl return anew ; And with united force the Foe pursue : Clam'rous around the Royal Hawk they fly ; And thick'ning in a Cloud , o'reshade the Sky . They cuff , they scratch , they cross his airy Course ; Nor can th' incumber'd Bird sustain their Force : But vex'd , not vanquish'd , drops the pond'rous Prey ; And , lighten'd of his Burthen , wings his Way . Th' Ausonian Bands with Shouts salute the sight : Eager of Action , and demand the Fight . Then King Tolumnius , vers'd in Augur's Arts , Cries out , and thus his boasted Skill imparts . At length 't is granted , what I long desir'd ; This , this is what my frequent Vows requir'd . Ye Gods , I take your Omen , and obey ; Advance , my Friends , and charge , I lead the Way . These are the Foreign Foes , whose impious Band , Like that rapacious Bird , infest our Land : But soon , like him , they shall be forc'd to Sea By Strength united , and forego the Prey : Your timely Succour to your Country bring ; Haste to the Rescue ; and redeem your King. He said : And pressing onward , thro' the Crew , Poiz'd in his lifted Arm , his Lance he threw . The winged Weapon , whistling in the Wind , Came driving on ; nor miss'd the Mark design'd . At once the Cornel rattled in the Skies ; At once tumultuous Shouts , and Clamours rise . Nine Brothers in a goodly Band there stood , Born of Arcadian mix'd with Tuscan Blood : Gylippus Sons : The fatal Jav'lin flew , Aim'd at the midmost of the friendly Crew . A Passage thro' the jointed Arms it found , Just where the Belt was to the Body bound ; And struck the gentle Youth , extended on the Ground . Then fir'd with pious Rage , the gen'rous Train Run madly forward , to revenge the slain . And some with eager haste their Jav'lins throw ; And some , with Sword in hand , assault the Foe . The wish'd Insult the Latine Troops embrace ; And meet their Ardour in the middle Space . The Trojans , Tuscans , and Arcadian Line , With equal Courage obviate their Design . Peace leaves the violated Fields ; and Hate Both Armies urges to their mutual Fate . With impious Haste their Altars are o'return'd , The Sacrifice half broil'd , and half unburn'd . Thick Storms of Steel from either Army fly , And Clouds of clashing Darts obscure the Sky : Brands from the Fire , are missive Weapons made ; With Chargers , Bowls , and all the Priestly Trade . Latinus frighted , hastens from the Fray , And bears his unregarded Gods away . These on their Horses vault , those yoke the Car ; The rest with Swords on high , run headlong to the War. Messapus , eager to confound the Peace , Spurr'd his hot Courser thro' the fighting Preace , At King Aulestes ; by his Purple known A Tuscan Prince , and by his Regal Crown : And with a Shock encount'ring , bore him down . Backward he fell ; and as his Fate design'd , The Ruins of an Altar were behind : There pitching on his Shoulders , and his Head , Amid the scatt'ring Fires he lay supinely spread . The beamy Spear , descending from above , His Cuirass pierc'd , and thro' his Body drove . Then , with a scornful Smile , the Victor cries ; The Gods have found a fitter Sacrifice . Greedy of Spoils , th' Italians strip the dead Of his rich Armour ; and uncrown his Head. Priest Chorinaeus arm'd his better Hand , From his own Altar , with a blazing Brand : And , as Ebusus with a thund'ring Pace Advanc'd to Battel , dash'd it on his Face : His bristly Beard shines out with sudden Fires , The crackling Crop a noisom scent expires . Following the blow , he seiz'd his curling Crown With his left Hand ; his other cast him down . The prostrate Body with his Knees he press'd ; And plung'd his holy Ponyard in his Breast . While Podalirius , with his Sword , pursu'd The Shepherd Alsus thro' the flying Crowd , Swiftly he turns ; and aims a deadly blow , Full on the Front of his unwary Foe . The broad Axe enters , with a crashing Sound , And cleaves the Chin , with one continu'd Wound : Warm Blood , and mingled Brains , besmear his Arms around . An Iron Sleep his stupid Eyes oppress'd , And seal'd their heavy Lids in endless rest . But good Aeneas rush'd amid the Bands , Bare was his Head , and naked were his Hands , In sign of Truce : Then thus he cries aloud , What sudden Rage , what new Desire of Blood Inflames your alter'd Minds ? O Trojans cease From impious Arms , nor violate the Peace . By Human Sanctions , and by Laws Divine , The Terms are all agreed , the War is mine . Dismiss your Fears , and let the Fight ensue ; This Hand alone shall right the Gods and you : Our injur'd Altars , and their broken Vow , To this avenging Sword the faithless Turnus owe. Thus while he spoke , unmindful of Defence , A winged Arrow struck the Pious Prince . But whether from some Human Hand it came , Or Hostile God , is left unknown by Fame : No Human Hand , or Hostile God was found , To boast the Triumph of so base a Wound . When Turnus saw the Trojan quit the Plain , His Chiefs dismay'd , his Troops a fainting Train : Th' unhop'd Event his heighten'd Soul inspires , At once his Arms and Coursers he requires . Then , with a leap , his lofty Chariot gains , And with a ready hand assumes the Reins . He drives impetuous , and where e're he goes , He leaves behind a Lane of slaughter'd Foes . These his Lance reaches , over those he rowls His rapid Car , and crushes out their Souls : In vain the vanquish'd fly ; the Victor sends The dead Mens Weapons at their living Friends . Thus on the Banks of Hebrus freezing Flood The God of Battel 's in his angry Mood , Clashing his Sword against his brazen Shield , Le ts loose the Reins , and scours along the Field : Before the Wind his fiery Coursers fly , Groans the sad Earth , resounds the ratling Sky . Wrath , Terror , Treason , Tumult , and Despair , Dire Faces , and deform'd , surround the Car ; Friends of the God , and Followers of the War. With Fury not unlike , nor less Disdain , Exulting Turnus flies along the Plain : His smoaking Horses , at their utmost Speed , He lashes on ; and urges o're the dead . Their Fetlocks run with Blood ; and when they bound , The Gore , and gath'ring Dust , are dash'd around . Thamyris and Pholus , Masters of the War , He kill'd at hand , but Sthelenus afar : From far the Sons of Imbracus he slew , Glaucus , and Lades , of the Lycian Crew : Both taught to fight on Foot , in Battel join'd ; Or mount the Courser that outstrips the Wind. Mean time Eumedes , vaunting in the Field , New fir'd the Trojans , and their Foes repell'd . This Son of Dolon bore his Grandsire's Name ; But emulated more his Father's Fame . His guileful Father , sent a nightly Spy , The Grecian Camp and Order to descry : Hard Enterprise , and well he might require Achilles Carr , and Horses for his hire : But , met upon the Scout , th' Etolian Prince In Death bestow'd a juster Recompence . Fierce Turnus view'd the Trojan from afar ; And lanch'd his Jav'lin from his lofty Carr : Then lightly leaping down pursu'd the Blow , And , pressing with his Foot , his prostrate Foe , Wrench'd from his feeble hold the shining Sword ; And plung'd it in the Bosom of its Lord. Possess , said he , the fruit of all thy Pains , And measure , at thy length , our Latian Plains . Thus are my Foes rewarded by my hand , Thus may they build their Town , and thus enjoy the Land. Then Dares , Butes , Sybaris he slew , Whom o're his Neck his flound'ring Courser threw . As when loud Boreas with his blust'ring Train , Stoops from above , incumbent on the Main ; Where e're he flies , he drives the Rack before ; And rowls the Billows on th' Aegean Shore : So where resistless Turnus takes his Course , The scatter'd Squadrons bend before his force : His Crest of Horses Hair is blown behind , By adverse Air ; and rustles in the Wind. This , haughty Phegeus saw with high Disdain , And as the Chariot rowl'd along the Plain , Light from the Ground he leapt , and seiz'd the Rein. Thus hung in Air , he still retain'd his hold ; The Coursers frighted , and their Course control'd . The Lance of Turnus reach'd him as he hung , And pierc'd his plated Arms ; but pass'd along , And only raz'd the Skin : he turn'd , and held Against his threat'ning Foe his ample Shield : To Thomas Hobbs D r : in Phisic En : 12. l 570. Then call'd for Aid : but while he cry'd in vain , The Chariot bore him backward on the Plain . He lies revers'd ; the Victor King descends , And strikes so justly where his Helmet ends , He lops the Head. The Latian Fields are drunk With streams that issue from the bleeding Trunk . While he triumphs , and while the Trojans yield , The wounded Prince is forc'd to leave the Field : Strong Mnestheus , and Achates often try'd , And young Ascanius , weeping by his side , Conduct him to his Tent : Scarce can he rear His Limbs from Earth , supported on his Spear . Resolv'd in Mind , regardless of the Smart , He tugs with both his Hands , and breaks the Dart. The Steel remains . No readier way he found To draw the Weapon , than t' inlarge the Wound . Eager of Fight , impatient of delay , He begs ; and his unwilling Friends obey . Iapis was at hand to prove his Art , Whose blooming Youth so fir'd Apollo's Heart , That for his Love he proffer'd to bestow His tuneful Harp , and his unerring Bow. The pious Youth , more studious how to save His aged Sire , now sinking to the Grave , Pr●ferr'd the pow'r of Plants , and silent Praise Of healing Arts , before Phoebeian Bays . Prop'd on his Lance the pensive Heroe stood , And heard , and saw unmov'd , the mourning Crowd . The fam'd Physician tucks his Robes around , With ready Hands , and hastens to the Wound . With gentle Touches he performs his part , This way and that , solliciting the Dart , And exercises all his Heav'nly Art. All softning Simples , known of Sov'raign Use , He presses out , and pours their noble Juice ; These first infus'd , to lenifie the Pain , He tugs with Pincers , but he tugs in vain . Then , to the Patron of his Art he pray'd ; The Patron of his Art refus'd his Aid . Mean time the War approaches to the Tents ; Th' Allarm grows hotter , and the Noise augments : The driving Dust proclaims the Danger near , And first their Friends , and then their Foes appear ; Their Friends retreat , their Foes pursue the Rear . The Camp is fill'd with Terror and Affright , The hissing Shafts within the Trench alight : An undistinguish'd Noise ascends the Sky ; The Shouts of those who kill , and Groans of those who dye . But now the Goddess Mother , mov'd with Grief , And pierc'd with Pity , hastens her Relief . A Branch of healing Dittany she brought ; Which in the Cretan Fields with Care she sought : Rough is the Stem , which woolly Leafs surround ; The Leafs with Flow'rs , the Flow'rs with Purple crown'd : Well known to wounded Goats ; a sure Relief To draw the pointed Steel , and ease the Grief . This Venus brings , in Clouds involv'd ; and brews Th' extracted Liquor with Ambrosian Dews , And od'rous Panacee : Unseen she stands , Temp'ring the mixture with her Heav'nly Hands : And pours it in a Bowl , already crown'd With Juice of medc'nal herbs prepar'd to bathe the Wound . The Leech , unknowing of superior Art , Which aids the Cure , with this foments the part ; And in a Moment ceas'd the raging smart . Stanch'd is the Blood , and in the bottom stands : The Steel , but scarcely touch'd with tender Hands , Moves up , and follows of its own Accord ; And Health and Vigour are at once restor'd . Iapis first perceiv'd the closing Wound ; And first the Footsteps of a God he found . Arms , Arms , he cries , the Sword and Shield prepare , And send the willing Chief , renew'd to War. This is no Mortal Work , no Cure of mine , Nor Art's effect , but done by Hands Divine : Some God our General to the Battel fends ; Some God preserves his Life for greater Ends. The Heroe arms in haste : His hands infold His Thighs with Cuisses of refulgent Gold : Inflam'd to fight , and rushing to the Field , That Hand sustaining the Coelestial Shield , This gripes the Lance ; and with such Vigour shakes , That to the Rest the beamy Weapon quakes . Then , with a close Embrace he strain'd his Son ; And kissing thro' his Helmet , thus begun . My Son , from my Example learn the War , In Camps to suffer , and in Fields to dare : But happier Chance than mine attend thy Care. This Day my hand thy tender Age shall shield , And crown with Honours of the conquer'd Field : Thou , when thy riper Years shall send thee forth , To toils of War , be mindful of my Worth : Assert thy birthright ; and in Arms be known , For Hector's Nephew , and Aeneas's Son. He said , and , striding , issu'd on the Plain ; Anteus , and Mnestheus , and a num'rous Train Attend his Steps : The rest their Weapons take , And crowding to the Field , the Camp forsake . A cloud of blinding Dust is rais'd around ; Labours beneath their Feet the trembling ground . Now Turnus , posted on a Hill , from far Beheld the progress of the moving War : With him the Latins view'd the cover'd Plains ; And the chill Blood ran backward in their Veins . Juturna saw th' advancing Troops appear ; And heard the hostile Sound , and fled for Fear . Aeneas leads ; and draws a sweeping Train , Clos'd in their Ranks , and pouring on the Plain . As when a Whirlwind rushing to the Shore , From the mid Ocean , drives the Waves before : The painful Hind , with heavy Heart foresees , The flatted Fields , and slaughter of the Trees ; With like impetuous Rage the Prince appears , Before his doubled Front ; nor less Destruction bears . And now both Armies shock , in open Field ; Osyris is by strong Thymbraeus kill'd . Archetius , Ufens , Epulon , are slain ; ( All fam'd in Arms , and of the Latian Train ; ) By Gyas , Mnestheus , and Achates Hand : The fatal Augur falls , by whofe command The Truce was broken , and whose Lance embru'd With Trojan Blood , th' unhappy Fight renew'd . Loud Shouts and Clamours rend the liquid Sky ; And o're the Field the frighted Latins fly . The Prince disdains the Dastards to pursue , Nor moves to meet in Arms the fighting few : Turnus alone , amid the dusky Plain , He seeks , and to the Combat calls in vain . Juturna heard , and seiz'd with Mortal Fear , Forc'd from the Beam her Brother's Charioteer ; Assumes his Shape , his Armour , and his Meen ; And like Metiscus , in his Seat is seen . As the black Swallow near the Palace plies ; O're empty Courts , and under Arches flies ; Now hawks aloft , now skims along the Flood , To furnish her loquacious Nest with Food : So drives the rapid Goddess o're the Plains ; The smoaking Horses run with loosen'd Reins . She steers a various Course among the Foes ; Now here , now there , her conqu'ring Brother shows : Now with a straight , now with a wheeling flight , She turns , and bends , but shuns the single Fight . Aeneas , fir'd with Fury , breaks the Crowd , And seeks his Foe , and calls by name aloud : He runs within a narrower Ring , and tries To stop the Chariot , but the Chariot flies . If he but gain a glimps , Juturna fears , And far away the Daunian Heroe bears . What shou'd he do ! nor Arts nor Arms avail ; And various Cares in vain his Mind assail . The great Messapus thund'ring thro' the Field , In his left hand two pointed Jav'lins held ; Encountring on the Prince , one Dart he drew , And with unerring aim , and utmost Vigour threw . Aeneas saw it come , and stooping low Beneath his Buckler , shunn'd the threatning blow . The Weapon hiss'd above his Head , and tore The waving Plume , which on his Helm he wore . Forc'd by this hostile Act , and fir'd with spight , That flying Turnus still declin'd the Fight ; The Prince , whose Piety had long repell'd His inborn ardour , now invades the Field : Invokes the Pow'rs of violated Peace , Their Rites , and injur'd Altars to redress : Then , to his Rage abandoning the Rein , With Blood and slaughter'd Bodies fills the Plain . What God can tell , what Numbers can display The various Labours of that fatal Day ! What Chiefs , and Champions fell on either side , In Combat slain , or by what Deaths they dy'd ? Whom Turnus , whom the Trojan Heroe kill'd : Who shar'd the Fame , and fortune of the Field ? Jove , cou'dst thou view , and not avert thy sight , Two jarring Nations join'd in cruel fight , Whom Leagues of lasting Love so shortly shall unite ! Aeneas first Rutulian Sucro found , Whose Valour made the Trojans quit their Ground : Betwixt his Ribs the Jav'lin drove so just , It reach'd his Heart , nor needs a second Thrust . Now Turnus , at two blows , two Brethren slew ; First from his Horse fierce Amycus he threw ; Then leaping on the Ground , on Foot assail'd Diores , and in equal Fight prevail'd . Their lifeless Trunks he leaves upon the place ; Their Heads distilling Gore , his Chariot grace . Three cold on Earth the Trojan Heroe threw ; Whom without respite at one Charge he slew . Cethegus , Tanais , Tagus , fell oppress'd , And sad Onythes , added to the rest ; Of Theban Blood , whom Peridia bore . Turnus , two Brothers from the Lycian Shore , And from Apollo's Fane to Battel sent , O'rethrew , nor Phoebus cou'd their Fate prevent . Peaceful Menaetes after these he kill'd , Who long had shunn'd the Dangers of the Field : On Lerna's Lake a silent Life he led , And with his Nets and Angle earn'd his Bread. Nor pompous Cares , nor Palaces he knew , But wisely from th' infectious World withdrew . Poor was his House ; his Father 's painful Hand Discharg'd his Rent , and plough'd another's Land. As Flames among the lofty Woods are thrown , On diff'rent sides , and both by Winds are blown , The Laurels crackle in the sputt'ring Fire ; The frighted Silvans from their Shades retire : Or as two neighb'ring Torrents fall from high , Rapid they run ; the foamy Waters fry : They rowl to Sea with unresisted Force , And down the Rocks precipitate their Course : Not with less rage the Rival Heroes take Their diff'rent Ways ; nor less Destruction make . With Spears afar , with Swords at hand they strike ; And zeal of Slaughter fires their Souls alike . Like them , their dauntless Men maintain the Field , And Hearts are pierc'd unknowing how to yield : They blow for blow return , and wound for wound ; And heaps of Bodies raise the level Ground . Murranus , boasting of his Blood , that springs From a long Royal Race of Latian Kings , Is by the Trojan from his Chariot thrown , Crush'd with the weight of an unweildy Stone : Betwixt the Wheels he fell ; the Wheels that bore His living Load , his dying Body tore . His starting Steeds , to shun the glitt'ring Sword , Paw down his trampled Limbs , forgetful of their Lord. Fierce Hillus threaten'd high ; and face to face Affronted Turnus in the middle space : The Prince encounter'd him in full Carreer , And at his Temples aim'd his deadly Spear : So fatally the flying Weapon sped , That thro' his Brazen Helm it pierc'd his Head. Nor Cisseus coud'st thou scape from Turnus hand , In vain the strongest of th' Arcadian Band : Nor to Cupentus cou'd his Gods afford , Availing Aid against th' Aenean Sword : Which to his naked Heart pursu'd the Course : Nor could his plated Shield sustain the Force . Iolas fell , whom not the Grecian Pow'rs , Nor great Subvertor of the Trojan Tow'rs , Were doom'd to kill , while Heav'n prolong'd his Date : But who can pass the Bounds prefix'd by Fate ? In high Lyrnessus , and in Troy , he held Two Palaces , and was from each expell'd : Of all the mighty Man , the last Remains A little spot of Foreign Earth contains . And now both Hosts their broken Troops unite , In equal Ranks , and mix in mortal Fight . Seresthus , and undaunted Mnestheus join The Trojan , Tuscan , and Arcadian Line : Sea-born Messapus , with Atinas , heads The Latin Squadrons , and to Battel leads . They strike , they push , they throng the scanty space ; Resolv'd on Death , impatient of Disgrace ; And where one falls , another fills his Place . The Cyprian Goddess now inspires her Son To leave th' unfinish'd Fight , and storm the Town . For while he rowls his Eyes around the Plain , In quest of Turnus , whom he seeks in vain , He views th' ungarded City from afar , In careless quiet , and secure of War : Occasion offers , and excites his Mind , To dare beyond the Task he first design'd . Resolv'd , he calls his Chiefs : they leave the Fight ; Attended thus , he takes a neighb'ring Height : The crowding Troops about their Gen'ral stand , All under Arms , and wait his high Command . Then thus the lofty Prince : Hear and obey , Ye Trojan Bands , without the least delay . Jove is with us , and what I have decreed Requires our utmost Vigour , and our Speed. Your instant Arms against the Town prepare ; The source of Mischief , and the Seat of War. This Day the Latian Tow'rs , that mate the Sky , Shall level with the Plain in Ashes lye : The People shall be Slaves ; unless in time They kneel for Pardon , and repent their Crime . Twice have our Foes been vanquish'd on the Plain ; Then shall I wait till Turnus will be slain ? Your Force against the perjur'd City bend : There it began , and there the War shall end . The Peace profan'd our rightful Arms requires : Cleanse the polluted Place with purging Fires . He finish'd ; and one Soul inspiring all , Form'd in a Wedge , the Foot approach the Wall. Without the Town , an unprovided Train Of gaping , gazing Citizens are slain . Some Firebrands , others scaling Ladders bear ; And those they toss aloft , and these they rear : The Flames now lanch'd , the feather'd Arrows fly , And Clouds of missive Arms obscure the Sky . Advancing to the Front , the Heroe stands , And stretching out to Heav'n his Pious Hands ; Attests the Gods , asserts his Innocence , Upbraids with breach of Faith th' Ausonian Prince : Declares the Royal Honour doubly stain'd , And twice the Rites of holy Peace profan'd . Dissenting Clamours in the Town arise ; Each will be heard , and all at once advise . One part for Peace , and one for War contends : Some wou'd exclude their Foes , and some admit their Friends . The helpless King is hurry'd in the Throng ; And what e're Tide prevails , is born along . Thus when the Swain , within a hollow Rock , Invades the Bees , with suffocating Smoke , They run around , or labour on their Wings , Disus'd to flight ; and shoot their sleepy Stings : To shun the bitter Fumes in vain they try ; Black Vapours , issuing from the Vent , involve the Sky . But Fate , and envious Fortune , now prepare To plunge the Latins in the last despair . The Queen , who saw the Foes invade the Town ; And brands on tops of burning Houses thrown : Cast round her Eyes , distracted with her Fear ; No Troops of Turnus in the Field appear . Once more she stares abroad , but still in vain : And then concludes the Royal Youth is slain . Mad with her Anguish , impotent to bear The mighty Grief , she loaths the vital Air. She calls her self the Cause of all this Ill , And owns the dire Effects of her ungovern'd Will : She raves against the Gods , she beats her Breast , She tears with both her hands her Purple Vest . Then round a Beam a running Noose she ty'd ; And , fasten'd by the Neck , obscenely dy'd . Soon as the fatal News by Fame was blown , And to her Dames , and to her Daughter known ; The sad Lavinia rends her yellow Hair , And rosie Cheeks ; the rest her Sorrow share : With Shrieks the Palace rings , and Madness of Despair . The spreading Rumor fills the Publick Place ; Confusion , Fear , Distraction , and Disgrace , And silent shame , are seen in ev'ry Face . Latinus tears his Garments as he goes , Both for his publick , and his private Woes : With Filth his venerable Beard besmears , And sordid Dust deforms his Silver Hairs . And much he blames the softness of his Mind , Obnoxious to the Charms of Womankind , And soon seduc'd to change , what he so well design'd : To break the solemn League so long desir'd , Nor finish what his Fates , and those of Troy requir'd . Now Turnus rowls aloof o're empty Plains , And here and there some stragling Foes he gleans . His flying Coursers please him less and less , Asham'd of easie Fight , and cheap Success . Thus half contented , anxious in his Mind , The distant Cries come driving in the Wind : Shouts from the Walls , but Shouts in Murmurs drown'd ; A jarring mixture , and a boding sound . Alas , said he , what mean these dismal Cries , What doleful Clamours from the Town arise ? Confus'd he stops , and backward pulls the Reins : She , who the Driver's Office now sustains , Replies ; Neglect , my Lord , these new Alarms ; Here fight , and urge the Fortune of your Arms : There want not others to defend the Wall : If by your Rival's Hand th' Italians fall , So shall your fatal Sword his Friends oppress , In Honour equal , equal in Success . To this , the Prince ; O Sister , ( for I knew The Peace infring'd , proceeded first from you , ) I knew you , when you mingled first in Fight , And now in vain you wou'd deceive my Sight : Why , Goddess , this unprofitable Care ? Who sent you down from Heav'n , involv'd in Air , Your share of Mortal Sorrows to sustain , And see your Brother bleeding on the Plain ? For , to what Pow'r can Turnus have recourse , Or how resist his Fates prevailing force ! These Eyes beheld Murranus bite the Ground , Mighty the Man , and mighty Was the Wound . I heard my dearest Friend , with dying Breath , My Name invoking to revenge his Death : Brave Ufens fell with Honour on the Place ; To shun the shameful sight of my disgrace . On Earth supine , a Manly Corps he lies ; His Vest and Armour are the Victor's Prize . Then , shall I see Laurentum in a flame , Which only wanted to compleat my shame ? How will the Latins hoot their Champion's flight ; How Drances will be pleas'd , and point them to the sight ! Is Death so hard to bear ? Ye Gods below , ( Since those above so small Compassion show , ) Receive a Soul unsully'd yet with shame , Which not belies my great Forefather's Name . He said : And while he spoke , with flying speed , Came Sages urging on his foamy Steed ; Fix'd on his wounded Face a Shaft he bore , And seeking Turnus sent his Voice before : Turnus , on you , on you alone depends Our last Relief ; compassionate your Friends . Like Lightning , fierce Aeneas , rowling on , With Arms invests , with Flames invades the Town : The Brands are toss'd on high ; the Winds conspire To drive along the Deluge of the Fire : All Eyes are fix'd on you ; your Foes rejoice ; Ev'n the King staggers , and suspends his Choice : Doubts to deliver , or defend the Town ; Whom to reject , or whom to call his Son. The Queen , on whom your utmost hopes were plac'd , Her self suborning Death , has breath'd her last . 'T is true , Messapus , fearless of his Fate , With fierce Atinas Aid , defends the Gate : On ev'ry side surrounded by the Foe ; The more they kill , the greater Numbers grow ; An Iron Harvest mounts , and still remains to mow . You , far aloof from your forsaken Bands , Your rowling Chariot drive o're empty Sands . Stupid he sate , his Eyes on Earth declin'd , And various Cares revolving in his Mind : Rage boiling from the bottom of his Breast , And Sorrow mix'd with Shame , his Soul oppress'd : And conscious Worth lay lab'ring in his Thought ; And Love by Jealousie to Madness wrought . By slow degrees his Reason drove away The Mists of Passion , and resum'd her Sway. Then , rising on his Car , he turn'd his Look ; And saw the Town involv'd in Fire and Smoke . A wooden Tow'r with Flames already blaz'd , Which his own Hands on Beams and Rafters rais'd : And Bridges laid above to join the Space ; And Wheels below to rowl from place to place . Sister , the Fates have vanquish'd : Let us go The way which Heav'n and my hard Fortune show . The Fight is fix'd : Nor shall the branded Name Of a base Coward blot your Brother's Fame . Death is my choice ; but suffer me to try My Force , and vent my Rage before I dye . He said , and leaping down without delay , Thro Crowds of scatter'd Foes he free'd his way . Striding he pass'd , impetuous as the Wind , And left the grieving Goddess far behind . As when a Fragment , from a Mountain torn By raging Tempests , or by Torrents born , Or sapp'd by time , or loosen'd from the Roots , Prone thro' the Void the Rocky Ruine shoots , Rowling from Crag to Crag , from Steep to Steep ; Down sink , at once the Shepherds and their Sheep , Involv'd alike , they rush to neather Ground , Stun'd with the shock they fall , and stun'd from Earth rebound : So Turnus , hasting headlong to the Town , Should'ring and shoving , bore the Squadrons down . Still pressing onward , to the Walls he drew , Where Shafts , and Spears , and Darts promiscuous flew ; And sanguine Streams the slipp'ry Ground embrew . First stretching out his Arm , in sign of Peace , He cries aloud , to make the Combat cease : Rutulians hold , and Latin Troops retire ; The Fight is mine , and me the Gods require . T is just that I shou'd vindicate alone The broken Truce , or for the Breach atone . This Day shall free from Wars th' Ausonian State ; Or finish my Misfortunes in my Fate . Both Armies from their bloody Work desist : And bearing backward , form a spacious List . The Trojan Heroe who receiv'd from Fame The welcome Sound , and heard the Champion's Name , Soon leaves the taken Works , and mounted Walls , Greedy of War , where greater Glory calls . He springs to Fight , exulting in his Force ; His jointed Armour rattles in the Course . Like Eryx , or like Athos , great he shows , Or Father Apennine , when white with Snows , His Head Divine , obscure in Clouds he hides : And shakes the sounding Forest on his sides . The Nations over-aw'd , surcease the Fight , Immoveable their Bodies , fix'd their sight : Ev'n Death stands still ; nor from above they throw Their Darts , nor drive their batt'ring Rams below . In silent Order either Army stands ; And drop their Swords , unknowing , from their Hands . Th' Ausonian King beholds , with wond'ring sight , Two mighty Champions match'd in single Fight : Born under Climes remote ; and brought by Fate , With Swords to try their Titles to the State. Now in clos'd Field , each other from afar They view ; and rushing on , begin the War. They launch their Spears , then hand to hand they meet ; The trembling Soil resounds beneath their Feet : Their Bucklers clash ; thick blows descend from high , And flakes of Fire from their hard Helmets fly . Courage conspires with Chance ; and both ingage With equal Fortune , and with mutual Rage . As when two Bulls for their fair Female fight , In Sila's Shades , or on Taburnus height ; With Horns adverse they meet : the Keeper flies ; Mute stands the Herd , the Heifars rowl their Eyes ; And wait th' Event ; which Victor they shall bear , And who shall be the Lord , to rule the lusty Year : With rage of Love the jealous Rivals burn , And Push for Push , and Wound for Wound return : Their Dewlaps gor'd , their sides are lav'd in Blood ; Loud Cries and roaring Sounds rebellow thro' the Wood : Such was the Combat in the listed Ground ; So clash their Swords and so their Shields resound . Jove sets the Beam ; in either Scale he lays The Champions Fate , and each exactly weighs . On this side Life , and lucky Chance ascends : Loaded with Death , that other Scale descends . Rais'd on the Stretch , young Turnus aims a blow , Full on the Helm of his unguarded Foe : Shrill Shouts and Clamours ring on either side ; As Hopes and Fears their panting Hearts divide . But all in pieces flies the Traytor Sword , And , in the middle Stroke deserts his Lord. Now 't is but Death , or Flight : disarm'd he flies , When in his Hand , an unknown Hilt he spies . Fame says that Turnus , when his Steeds he join'd , Hurrying to War , disorder'd in his Mind , Snatch'd the first Weapon , which his haste cou'd find . 'T was not the fated Sword his Father bore ; But that his Charioteer Metiscus wore . This , while the Trojans fled , the Toughness held ; But vain against the great Vulcanian Shield , The mortal-temper'd Steel deceiv'd his Hand : The shiver'd fragments shone amid the Sand. Surpris'd with fear , he fled along the Field ; And now forthright , and now in Orbits wheel'd . For here the Trojan Troops the List surround ; And there the Pass is clos'd with Pools and marshy Ground . Aeneas hastens , tho' with heavier Pace , His Wound so newly knit , retards the Chase : And oft his trembling Knees their Aid refuse , Yet pressing foot by foot his Foe pursues . Thus , when a fearful Stag is clos'd around With Crimson Toils , or in a River found ; High on the Bank the deep-mouth'd Hound appears ; Still opening , following still , where e're he steers : The persecuted Creature , to , and fro , Turns here and there , to scape his Vmbrian Foe : Steep is th' Ascent ; and if he gains the Land , The Purple Death is pitch'd along the Strand : His eager Foe determin'd to the Chace , Stretch'd at his length gains Ground at ev'ry Pace : Now to his beamy Head he makes his way , And now he holds , or thinks he holds his Prey : To the Right Hon ble : Francis North Baron of Guilford Aen : 12. L 1120. Just at the pinch the Stag springs out with fear , He bites the Wind , and fills his sounding Jaws with Air. The Rocks , the Lakes , the Meadows ring with Cries ; The mortal Tumult mounts , and thunders in the Skies . Thus flies the Daunian Prince : and , flying , blames His tardy Troops ; and calling by their Names , Demands his trusty Sword. The Trojan threats The Realm with Ruin , and their ancient Seats To lay in Ashes , if they dare supply With Arms or Aid , his vanquish'd Enemy : Thus menacing , he still pursues the Course , With Vigour , tho' diminish'd of his Force . Ten times , already , round the listed place , One Chief had fled , and t'other giv'n the Chace : No trivial Prize is play'd ; for on the Life Or Death of Turnus , now depends the Strife . Within the space , an Olive Tree had stood , A sacred Shade , a venerable Wood , For Vows to Faunus paid , the Latins Guardian God. Here hung the Vests , and Tablets were ingrav'd , Of sinking Mariners , from Shipwrack sav'd . With heedless Hands the Trojans fell'd the Tree , To make the Ground inclos'd for Combat free . Deep in the Root , whether by Fate , or Chance , Or erring haste , the Trojan drove his Lance : Then stoop'd , and tug'd with Force immense to free Th' incumber'd Spear from the tenacious Tree : That whom his fainting Limbs pursu'd in vain , His flying Weapon might from far attain . Confus'd with Fear , bereft of Human Aid , Then Turnus to the Gods , and first to Faunus pray'd . O Faunus pity , and thou Mother Earth , Where I thy foster Son receiv'd my Birth , Hold fast the Steel ; if my Religious Hand Your Plant has honour'd , which your Foes profan'd ; Propitious hear my pious Pray'r ! He said , Nor with successless Vows invok'd their Aid . Th' incumbent Heroe , wrench'd , and pull'd , and strain'd ; But still the stubborn Earth the Steel detain'd . Juturna took her time ; and while in vain He strove , assum'd Metiscus Form again : And , in that imitated Shape , restor'd To the despairing Prince , his Daunian Sword. The Queen of Love , who , with Disdain and Grief , Saw the bold Nymph afford this prompt Relief ; T' assert her Off-spring , with a greater Deed , From the tough Root the ling'ring Weapon freed . Once more erect , the Rival Chiefs advance ; One trusts the Sword , and one the pointed Lance : And both resolv'd alike , to try their fatal Chance . Mean time Imperial Jove to Juno spoke , Who from a shining Cloud beheld the shock ; What new Arrest , O Queen of Heav'n , is sent To stop the Fates now lab'ring in th' Event . What farther hopes are left thee to pursue Divine Aeneas , ( and thou know'st it too , ) Fore-doom'd to these Coelestial Seats is due ? What more Attempts for Turnus can be made , That thus thou ling'rest in this lonely Shade ! Is it becoming of the due Respect , And awful Honour of a God Elect , A Wound unworthy of our State to feel ; Patient of Human Hands , and earthly Steel ? Or seems it Just , the Sister shou'd restore , A second Sword , when one was lost before ; And arm a conquer'd Wretch , against his Conqueror ? For what without thy knowledge and avow , Nay more , thy Dictate , durst Juturna do ? At last , in deference to my Love , forbear To lodge within thy Soul this anxious Care : Reclin'd upon my Breast , thy Grief unload ; Who shou'd relieve the Goddess , but the God ? Now , all things to their utmost Issue tend ; Push'd by the Fates to their appointed End : While leave was giv'n thee , and a lawful Hour For Vengeance , Wrath , and unresisted Pow'r : Toss'd on the Seas thou cou'd'st thy Foes distress , And driv'n ashore , with Hostile Arms oppress : Deform the Royal House ; and from the side Of the Just Bridegroom , tear the plighted Bride : Now cease at my Command . The Thund'rer said : And with dejected Eyes this Answer Juno made . Because your dread Decree too well I knew ; From Turnus , and from Earth unwilling I withdrew . Else shou'd you not behold me here alone , Involv'd in empty Clouds , my Friends bemoan : But girt with vengeful Flames , in open sight , Engag'd against my Foes in Mortal Fight . 'T is true Juturna mingled in the Strife By my Command , to save her Brother's Life ; At least to try : But by the Stygian Lake , ( The most Religious Oath the Gods can take , ) With this restriction , not to bend the Bow , Or toss the Spear , or trembling Dart to throw . And now resign'd to your Superior Might , And tir'd with fruitless Toils , I loath the Fight . This let me beg , ( and this no Fates withstand ) Both for my self , and for your Fathers Land , That when the Nuptial Bed shall bind the Peace ; ( Which I , since you ordain , consent to bless , ) The Laws of either Nation be the same ; But let the Latins still retain their Name : Speak the same Language which they spoke before ; Wear the same Habits , which their Grandsires wore : Call them not Trojans : Perish the Renown , And Name of Troy , with that detested Town . Latium be Latium still ; let Alba reign , And Rome's immortal Majesty remain . Then thus the Founder of Mankind replies : ( Unruffled was his Front , serene his Eyes , ) Can Saturn's Issue , and Heav'ns other Heir , Such endless Anger in her Bosom bear ? Be Mistress , and your full Desires obtain : But quench the Choler you foment in vain . From ancient Blood th' Ausonian People sprung , Shall keep their Name , their Habit , and their Tongue . The Trojans to their Customs shall be ty'd , I will , my self , their common Rites provide ; The Natives shall command , the Foreigners subside . All shall be Latium ; Troy without a Name : And her lost Sons forget from whence they came . From Blood so mix'd , a pious Race shall flow , Equal to Gods , excelling all below . No Nation more Respect to you shall pay , Or greater Off'rings on your Altars lay . Juno consents , well pleas'd that her Desires Had found Success , and from the Cloud retires . The Peace thus made , the Thund'rer next prepares To force the wat'ry Goddess from the Wars . Deep in the dismal Regions , void of Light , Three Daughters at a Birth were born to Night : These their brown Mother , brooding on her Care , Indu'd with windy Wings to flit in Air : With Serpents girt alike ; and crown'd with hissing Hair. In Heav'n the Dirae call'd , and still at hand , Before the Throne of angry Jove they stand . His Ministers of Wrath ; and ready still The Minds of Mortal Men with Fears to fill : When e're the moody Sire , to wreak his Hate On Realms , or Towns deserving of their Fate , Hurls down Diseases , Death , and deadly Care , And terrifies the guilty World with War. One Sister Plague of these from Heav'n he sent , To fright Juturna with a dire Portent . The Pest comes whirling down : by far more slow Springs the swift Arrow from the Parthian Bow , Or Cydon Eugh ; when traversing the Skies , And drench'd in pois'nous Juice , the sure Destruction flies . With such a sudden , and unseen a flight , Shot thro' the Clouds the Daughter of the Night . Soon as the Field inclos'd she had in view , And from afar her destin'd Quarry knew : Contracted , to the boding Bird she turns , Which haunts the ruin'd Piles , and hallow'd Urns ; And beats about the Tombs with nightly Wings ; Where Songs obsence on Sepulchres she sings . Thus lessen'd in her Form , with frightful Cries , The Fury round unhappy Turnus flies , Flaps on his Shield , and flutters o're his Eyes . A lazy Chilness crept along his Blood , Choak'd was his Voice , his Hair with Horror stood . Juturna from afar beheld her fly , And knew th' ill Omen , by her screaming Cry , And stridour of her Wings . Amaz'd with Fear , Her comely Breast she beat , and rent her flowing Hair. Ah me , she cries , in this unequal Strife , What can thy Sister more to save thy Life ! Weak as I am , can I , alas , contend In Arms , with that inexorable Fiend ! Now , now , I quit the Field ! forbear to fright My tender Soul , ye baleful Birds of Night ! The lashing of your Wings I know too well : The sounding Flight , and Fun'ral Screams of Hell ! These are the Gifts you bring from haughty Jove , The worthy Recompence of ravish'd Love ! Did he for this exempt my Life from Fate ? O hard Conditions of Immortal State ! Tho' born to Death , not priviledg'd to dye , But forc'd to bear impos'd Eternity ! Take back your envious Bribes , and let me go Companion to my Brother's Ghost below ! The Joys are vanish'd : Nothing now remains , Of Life Immortal , but Immortal Pains . What Earth will open her devouring Womb , To rest a weary Goddess in the Tomb ! She drew a length of Sighs ; nor more she said ; But in her Azure Mantle wrap'd her Head : Then plung'd into her Stream , with deep Despair , And her last Sobs came bubling up in Air. Now stern Aeneas waves his weighty Spear Against his Foe , and thus upbraids his Fear , What farther Subterfuge can Turnus find ; What empty Hopes are harbour'd in his Mind ? 'T is not thy Swiftness can secure thy Flight : Not with their Feet , but Hands , the Valiant fight . Vary thy Shape in thousand Forms , and dare What Skill and Courage can attempt in War : Wish for the Wings of Winds , to mount the Sky ; Or hid , within the hollow Earth to lye . The Champion shook his Head ; and made this short reply . No threats of thine , my manly Mind can move : T is Hostile Heav'n I dread ; and Partial Jove . He , said no more : but with a Sigh , repress'd The mighty Sorrow , in his swelling Breast . Then , as he rowld his troubled Eyes around , An Antique Stone he saw : the Common Bound Of Neighb'ring Fields ; and Barrier of the Ground : So vast , that Twelve strong Men of modern Days , Th' enormous weight from Earth cou'd hardly raise . He heav'd it at a Lift : and poiz'd on high , Ran stagg'ring on , against his Enemy . But so disorder'd , that he scarcely knew His Way : or what unwieldy weight he threw . His knocking Knees are bent beneath the Load : And shiv'ring Cold congeals his vital Blood. The Stone drops from his arms : and falling short , For want of Vigour , mocks his vain Effort . And as , when heavy Sleep has clos'd the sight , The sickly Fancy labours in the Night : We seem to run ; and destitute of Force Our sinking Limbs forsake us in the Course : In vain we heave for Breath ; in vain we cry : The Nerves unbrac'd , their usual Strength deny ; And , on the Tongue the falt'ring Accents dye : So Turnus far'd : what ever means he try'd All force of Arms , and points of Art employ'd , The Fury flew athwart ; and made th' Endeavour void . A thousand various Thoughts his Soul confound : He star'd about ; nor Aid nor Issue found : His own Men stop the Pass ; and his own Walls surround . Once more he pauses ; and looks out again : And seeks the Goddess Charioteer in vain . Trembling he views the Thund'ring Chief advance : And brandishing aloft the deadly Lance : Amaz'd he cow'rs beneath his conqu'ring Foe , Forgets to ward ; and waits the coming Blow . Astonish'd while he stands , and fix'd with Fear , Aim'd at his Shield he sees th' impending Spear . The Heroe measur'd first , with narrow view , The destin'd Mark : And rising as he threw , With its full swing the fatal Weapon flew . Not with less Rage the rattling Thunder falls ; Or Stones from batt'ring Engins break the Walls : Swift as a Whirlwind , from an Arm so strong , The Lance drove on ; and bore the Death along . Nought cou'd his sev'n-fold Shield the Prince avail , Nor ought beneath his Arms the Coat of Mail ; It pierc'd thro' all ; and with a grizly Wound , Transfix'd his Thigh , and doubled him to Ground . With Groans the Latins rend the vaulted Sky : Woods , Hills , and Valleys , to the Voice reply . Now low on Earth the lofty Chief is laid ; With Eyes cast upward , and with Arms display'd ; And Recreant thus to the proud Victor pray'd . I know my Death deserv'd , nor hope to live : Use what the Gods , and thy good Fortune give . Yet think ; oh think , if Mercy may be shown , ( Thou hadst a Father once ; and hast a Son : ) Pity my Sire , now sinking to the Grave ; And for Anchises sake , old Daunus save ! Or , if thy vow'd Revenge pursue my Death ; Give to my Friends my Body void of Breath ! The Latian Chiefs have seen me beg my Life ; Thine is the Conquest , thine the Royal Wife : Against a yielded Man , 't is mean ignoble Strife . In deep Suspence the Trojan seem'd to stand ; And just prepar'd to strike repress'd his Hand . To his Grace James Duke of Ormond Chancellor of the Vniversitys of Oxford and Dublin Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter &c : Aen : 12. L. 1360. He rowl'd his Eyes , and ev'ry Moment felt His manly Soul with more Compassion melt . When , casting down a casual Glance , he spy'd The Golden Belt that glitter'd on his side : The fatal Spoils which haughty Turnus tore From dying Pallas , and in Triumph wore . Then rowz'd anew to Wrath , he loudly cries , ( Flames , while he spoke , came flashing from his Eyes : ) Traytor , dost thou , dost thou to Grace pretend , Clad , as thou art , in Trophees of my Friend ? To his sad Soul a grateful Off'ring go ; 'T is Pallas , Pallas gives this deadly Blow . He rais'd his Arm aloft ; and at the Word , Deep in his Bosom drove the shining Sword. The streaming Blood distain'd his Arms around : And the disdainful Soul came rushing thro' the Wound . FINIS . POSTSCRIPT TO THE READER . WHAT Virgil wrote in the vigour of his Age , in Plenty and at Ease , I have undertaken to Translate in my Declining Years : strugling with Wants , oppress'd with Sickness , curb'd in my Genius , lyable to be misconstrued in all I write ; and my Judges , if they are not very equitable , already prejudic'd against me , by the Lying Character which has been given them of my Morals . Yet steady to my Principles , and not dispirited with my Afflictions , I have , by the Blessing of God on my Endeavours , overcome all difficulties ; and , in some measure , acquitted my self of the Debt which I ow'd the Publick , when I undertook this Work. In the first place therefore , I thankfully acknowledge to the Almighty Power , the Assistance he has given me in the beginning , the Prosecution , and Conclusion of my present Studies , which are more happily perform'd than I could have promis'd to my self , when I labour'd under such Discouragements . For , what I have done , Imperfect as it is , for want of Health and leisure to Correct it , will be judg'd in after Ages , and possibly in the present , to be no dishonour to my Native Country ; whose Language and Poetry wou'd be more esteem'd abroad , if they were better understood . Somewhat ( give me leave to say ) I have added to both of them in the choice of Words ; and Harmony of Numbers which were wanting , especially the last , in all our Poets , even in those who being endu'd with Genius , yet have not Cultivated their Mother-Tongue with sufficient Care ; or relying on the Beauty of their Thoughts , have judg'd the Ornament of Words , and sweetness of Sound unnecessary . One is for raking in Chaucer ( our English Ennius ) for antiquated Words , which are never to be reviv'd , but when Sound or Significancy is wanting in the present Language . But many of his deserve not this Redemption , any more than the Crouds of Men who daily die , or are slain for Six-pence in a Battel , merit to be restor'd to Life , if a Wish cou'd revive them . Others have no Ear for Verse , nor choice of Words ; nor distinction of Thoughts ; but mingle Farthings with their Gold to make up the Sum. Here is a Field of Satire open'd to me : But since the Revolution , I have wholly renounc'd that Talent . For who wou'd give Physick to the Great when he is uncall'd ? To do his Patient no good , and indanger himself for his Prescription ? Neither am I ignorant , but I may justly be Condemn'd for many of those Faults , of which I have too liberally Arraign'd others . Cynthias Aurem vellit , & admonuit . 'T is enough for me , if the Government will let me pass unquestion'd . In the mean time , I am oblig'd in gratitude , to return my Thanks to many of them , who have not only distinguish'd me from others of the same Party , by a particular exception of Grace , but without considering the Man , have been Bountiful to the Poet : Have encourag'd Virgil to speak such English , as I could teach him , and rewarded his Interpreter , for the pains he has taken in bringing him over into Britain , by defraying the Charges of his Voyage . Even Cerberus , when he had receiv'd the Sop , permitted Aeneas to pass freely to Elysium . Had it been offer'd me , and I had refus'd it , yet still some gratitude is due to such who were willing to oblige me . But how much more to those from whom I have receiv'd the Favours which they have offer'd to one of a different Perswasion . Amongst whom I cannot omit naming the Earls of Darby and of Peterborough . To the first of these , I have not the Honour to be known ; and therefore his liberality as much unexpected , as it was undeserv'd . The present Earl of Peterborough has been pleas'd long since to accept the tenders of my Service : His Favours are so frequent to me , that I receive them almost by prescription . No difference of Interests or Opinion have been able to withdraw his Protection from me : And I might justly be condemn'd for the most unthankful of Mankind , if I did not always preserve for him a most profound Respect and inviolable Gratitude . I must also add , that if the last Aeneid shine amongst its Fellows , 't is owing to the Commands of Sir William Trumball , one of the Principal Secretaries of State , who recommended it , as his Favourite , to my Care : and for his sake particularly I have made it mine . For who wou'd confess weariness , when he enjoin'd a fresh Labour ? I cou'd not but invoke the assistance of a Muse , for this last Office. Extremum hunc Arethusa : — Negat quis Carmina Gallo ? Neither am I to forget the Noble Present which was made me by Gilbert Dolben Esq the worthy Son of the late Arch-Bishop of York : who , when I began this Work , enrich'd me with all the several Editions of Virgil , and all the Commentaries of those Editions in Latine . Amongst which , I cou'd not but prefer the Dolphins ; as the last , the shortest , and the most Judicious . Fabrini I had also sent me from Italy ; but either he understands Virgil very imperfectly , or I have no knowledge of my Author . Being Invited by that worthy Gentleman , Sir William Bowyer , to Denham-Court , I Translated the first Georgic at his House , and the greatest part of the last Aeneid . A more friendly Entertainment no Man ever found . No wonder therefore if both those Versions surpass the rest , and own the satisfaction I receiv'd in his Converse , with whom I had the honour to be bred in Cambridge , and in the same College . The Seventh Aeneid was made English at Burleigh , the Magnificent Abode of the Earl of Exeter : In a Village belonging to his Family I was born , and under his Roof I endeavour'd to make that Aeneid appear in English with as much lustre as I cou'd : though my Author has not given the finishing strokes either to it , or to the Eleventh , as I perhaps cou'd prove in both , if I durst presume to Criticise my Master . By a Letter from Will. Walsh of Abberley Esq ( who has so long honour'd me with his Friendship , and who , without flattery , is the best Critick of our Nation , ) I have been inform'd that his Grace the Duke of Shrewsbury has procur'd a Printed Copy of the Pastorals , Georgics , and six first Aeneids , from my Bookseller , and has read them in the Country , together with my Friend . This Noble Person having been pleas'd to give them a Commendation , which I presume not to insert ; has made me vain enough to boast of so great a favour , and to think I have succeeded beyond my hopes ; the Character of his Excellent Judgment , the acuteness of his Wit , and his general Knowledge of good Letters , being known as well to all the World , as the sweetness of his disposition , his Humanity , his easiness of access , and desire of obliging those who stand in need of his protection , are known to all who have approach'd him ; and to me in particular , who have formerly had the honour of his Conversation . Whoever has given the World the Translation of part of the third Georgic , which he calls The Power of Love , has put me to sufficient pains to make my own not inferiour to his : As my Lord Roscommon's Silenus had formerly given me the same trouble . The most Ingenious Mr. Addison of Oxford has also been as troublesome to me as the other two , and on the same account . After his Bees , my latter Swarm is scarcely worth the hiving . Mr. Cowley's praise of a Countrey Life is Excellent ; but 't is rather an imitation of Virgil , than a Version . That I have recover'd in some measure the health which I had lost by too much application to this Work , is owing , next to God's Mercy , to the Skill and Care of Dr. Guibbons , and Dr. Hobbs , the two Ornaments of their Profession ; whom I can only pay by this Acknowledgment . The whole Faculty has always been ready to oblige me : and the only one of them who endeavour'd to defame me , had it not in his power . I desire pardon from my Readers for saying so much in relation to my self , which concerns not them : and with my acknowledgements to all my Subscribers , have only to add , that the few Notes which follow , are par maniere d'acquit , because I had oblig'd my self by Articles , to do somewhat of that kind . These scattering Observations are rather guesses at my Author's meaning in some passages , than proofs that so he meant . The Unlearn'd may have recourse to any Poetical Dictionary in English , for the Names of Persons , Places , or Fables , which the Learned need not : But that little which I say , is either new or necessary . And the first of these qualifications never fails to invite a Reader , if not to please him . NOTES and OBSERVATIONS ON Virgil's Works IN ENGLISH . PAstoral 1. Line 6. There first the Youth of Heavenly Birth I view'd . Virgil means Octavius Caesar : Heir to Julius : who perhaps had not arriv'd to his Twentieth Year , when Virgil saw him first . Vide his Life . Of Heavenly Birth or Heavenly Blood ; because the Julian Family was deriv'd from Julus , Son to Aeneas , and Grand-Son to Venus . Pastoral 2d . Line 65. The Short Narcissus , That is , of short continuance . Pastoral 3d. Line 95. For him , the God of Shepherds and their Sheep , Phoebus , not Pan , is here call'd the God of Shepherds : The Poet alludes to the same Story , which he touches in the beginning of the Second Georgic , where he calls Phoebus the Amphrysian Shepherd , because he fed the Sheep and Oxen of Admetus ( with whom he was in Love ) on the Hill Amphrysus . Pastoral 4th . Line 73. Begin Auspicious Boy , &c. In Latin thus . Incipe parve Puer , risu cognoscere Matrem , &c. I have Translated the Passage to this Sense ; that the Infant smiling on his Mother , singles her out from the rest of the Company about him . Erythraeus , Bembus , and Joseph Scaliger , are of this Opinion . Yet they and I may be mistaken . For immediately after , we find these words , Cui non risere Parentes , which imply another Sense , as if the Parents smil'd on the New-born Infant : And that the Babe on whom they vouchsaf'd not to smile , was born to ill Fortune . For they tell a Story , that when Vulcan , the only Son of Jupiter and Juno came into the World , he was so hard favour'd , that both his Parents frown'd on him : And Jupiter threw him out of Heaven ; he fell on the Island Lemnos , and was Lame ever afterwards . The last Line of the Pastoral seems to justify this Sense , Nec Deus hunc Mensâ , Dea nec dignata Cubili est . For though he married Venus , yet his Mother Juno was not present at the Nuptials to bless them ; as appears by his Wife's Incontinence . They say also , that he was banish'd from the Banquets of the Gods : If so , that Punishment could be of no long continuance , for Homer makes him present at their Feasts ; and composing a Quarrel betwixt his Parents , with a Bowl of Nectar . The matter is of no great Consequence ; and therefore I adhere to my Translation , for these two Reasons : First , Virgil has this following Line . Matri long a docem tulerunt fastidia Menses , as if the Infants smiling on his Mother , was a Reward to her for bearing him ten Months in her Body , four Weeks longer than the usual time . Secondly , Catullus is cited by Joseph Scaliger , as favouring this Opinion , in his Epithalamium of Manlius Torquatus . Torquatus , volo parvolus Matris è gremio suae Porrigens teneras Manus Dulcè rideat ad Patrem , &c. What if I shou'd steer betwixt the two Extreams , and conclude , that the Infant , who was to be happy , must not only smile on his Parents , but also they on him ? For Scaliger notes that the Infants who smil'd not at their Birth , were observ'd to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or sullen ( as I have Translated it ) during all their Life : And Servius , and almost all the Modern Commentators affirm , that no Child was thought Fortunate on whom his Parents smil'd not , at his Birth . I observe farther , that the Ancients thought the Infant who came into the World at the end of the Tenth Month , was Born to some extraordinary Fortune , good or Bad. Such was the Birth of the late Prince of Condé , of whom his Mother was not brought to Bed , 'till almost Eleven Months were expir'd after his Fathers Death : Yet the College of Physicians at Paris , concluded he was Lawfully begotten . My Ingenious Friend , Anthony Henley Esq desir'd me to make a Note on this Passage of Virgil : Adding what I had not Read ; that the Jews have been so Superstitious , as to observe not only the first Look or Action of an Infant , but also the first Word which the Parent , or any of the Assistants spoke after the Birth : And from thence they gave a Name to the Child alluding to it . Pastoral 6. My Lord Roscommon's Notes on this Pastoral , are equal to his excellent Translation of it ; and thither I refer the Reader . The Eighth and Tenth Pastorals are already Translated to all manner of advantage , by my excellent Friend , Mr. Stafford . So is the Episode of Camilla , in the Eleventh Eneid . This Eight Pastoral is Copied by our Author from two Bucolicks of Theocritus . Spencer has follow'd both Virgil and Theocritus , in the Charms which he employs for Curing Britomartis of her Love. But he had also our Poet 's Ceiris in his Eye : For there not only the Inchantments are to be found ; but also the very Name of Britomartis . In the Ninth Pastoral , Virgil has made a Collection of many scattering Passages , which he had Translated from Theocritus : And here he has bound them into a Nosegay . Georgic the First . The Poetry of this Book is more sublime than any part of Virgil , if I have any Taste . And if ever I have Copied his Majestick Stile 't is here . The Compliment he makes Augustus almost in the beginning , is ill imitated by his Successors Lucan and Statius . They Dedicated to Tyrants ; and their Flatteries are gross and fulsome . Virgil's Address is both more lofty and more just . In the three last Lines of this Georgic , I think I have discover'd a secret Compliment to the Emperour , which none of the Commentators have observ'd . Virgil had just before describ'd the Miseries which Rome had undergone betwixt the Triumvirs and the Commonwealth-Party : In the close of all , he seems to excuse the Crimes committed by his Patron Caesar , as if he were constrain'd against his own Temper to those violent Proceedings , by the necessity of the Times in general , but more particularly by his two Partners , Anthony and Lepidus . Fertur Equis Auriga , nec audit Currus habenas . They were the Head-strong Horses , who hurried Octavius , the trembling Charioteer along , and were deaf to his ▪ reclaiming them . I observe farther ; that the present Wars , in which all Europe , and part of Asia are ingag'd at present ; are wag'd in the same places here describ'd : Atque hinc Euphrates , illinc Germania Bellum , &c. As if Virgil had Prophecy'd of this Age. Georgic . 2d . The Praises of Italy , ( Translated by the Learned , and every way Excellent Mr. Chetwood ) which are Printed in one of the Miscellany Poems , are the greatest Ornament of this Book . Wherein for want of sufficient skill in Gardening , Agriculture , &c. I may possibly be mistaken in some Terms . But concerning Grafting , my Honour'd Friend Sir William Bowyer has assur'd me , that Virgil has shewn more of Poetry than Skill , at least in relation to our more Northern Climates . And that many of our Stocks will not receive such Grafts , as our Po●t tells us would Bear in Italy . Nature has consir'd with Art to make the Garden at Denham-Court , of Sir William's own Plantation , one of the most delicious Spots of Ground in England : It contains not above Five Acres , ( just the compass of Alcinous his Garden , describ'd in the Odysses : ) But Virgil says in this very Georgic , Laudato ingentia Rura ; Exiguum colito . Georgic 3d. Line the 45th . Next him , Niphates with inverted Vrn , &c. It has been objected to me , that I understood not this Passage of Virgil , because I call Niphates a River , which is a Mountain in Armenia . But the River arising from the same Mountain , is also called Niphates . And having spoken of Nile before , I might reasonably think , that Virgil rather meant to couple two Rivers , than a River and a Mountain . Line 224. The Male has done , &c. The transition is obscure in Virgil . He began with Cows , then proceeds to treat of Horses : Now returns to Cows ▪ Line 476. 'Till the new Ram receives th' Exalted Sun. Astrologers tell us , that the Sun receives his Exaltation in the Sign Aries : Virgil perfectly understood both Astronomy and Astrology . Georgic 4. Line 27. That when the Youthful Prince . My most Ingenious Friend Sir Henry Shere , has observ'd through a Glass-Hive , that the Young Prince of the Bees , or Heir presumptive of the Crown , approaches the King's Apartment with great Reverence ; and for three successive Mornings demands permission , to lead forth a Colony of that Years Bees . If his Petition be granted , which he seems to make by humble hummings ; the Swarm arises under his Conduct : If the Answer be , le Roy s'avisera , that is , if the Old Monarch think it not convenient for the Publick good , to part with so many of his Subjects ; the next Morning the Prince is found dead , before the Threshold of the Palace . Line 477. The Poet here records the Names of Fifty River Nymphs . And for once I have Translated them all . But in the Aeneis I thought not my self oblig'd to be so exact ; for in naming many Men who were kill'd by Heroes , I have omitted some , which wou'd not sound in English Verse . Line 660. The Episode of Orpheus and Eurydice begins here . And contains the only Machine which Virgil uses in the Georgics . I have observ'd in the Epistle before the Aeneis , that our Author seldom employs Machines but to adorn his Poem : And that the Action which they seemingly perform , is really produc'd without them . Of this Nature is the Legend of the Bees restor'd by Miracle ; when the Receipt which the Poet gives , wou'd do the Work without one . The only Beautiful Machine which I remember in the Modern Poets , is in Ariosto . Where God commands St. Michael to take care , that Paris then Besieg'd by the Saracens , should be succour'd by Rinaldo . In order to this , he enjoins the Arch-Angel to find Silence and Discord . The first to Conduct the Christian Army to relieve the Town , with so much secrecy , that their March shou'd not be discover'd ; the latter to enter the Camp of the Infidels , and there to sow Dissention among the Principal Commanders . The Heavenly Messenger takes his way to an Ancient Monastery ; not doubting there to find Silence in her primitive Abode . But instead of Silence finds Discord : The Monks , being divided into Factions , about the choice of some New Officer , were at Snic and Snee with their drawn Knifes . The Satyr needs no Explanation . And here it may be also observ'd , that Ambition , Jealousie , and Worldly Interest , and point of Honour , had made variance both in the Cloyster and the Camp ; and strict Discipline had done the Work of Silence , in Conducting the Christian Army to surprise the Turks . Aeneid 1. Line 111. And make thee Father of a happy Line . This was an obliging Promise to Eolus ; who had been so unhappy in his former Children , Macareus and Canacè . Line 196. The Realms of Ocean , and the Fields of Air Are mine , not his . Poetically speaking , the Fields of Air , are under the Command of Juno ; and her Vicegerent Eolus . Why then does Neptune call them His ? I answer , because being God of the Seas , Eolus could raise no Tempests in the Atmosphere above them without his leave . But why does Juno Address to her own Substitute ? I answer , He had an immediate Power over the Winds , whom Juno desires to employ on her Revenge . That Power was absolute by Land ; which Virgil plainly insinuates : For when Boreas and his Brethren were let loose , he says at first terras turbine perflant : Then adds , Incubuere Mari : To raise a Tempest on the Sea was Usurpation on the Prerogative of Neptune ; who had given him no leave , and therefore was inrag'd at his Attempt . I may also add , that they who are in Passion , as Neptune then was , are apt to assume to themselves , more than is properly their due . Line 450. O Virgin — &c. If as you seem the Sister of the Day , Or one at least of Chast Diana's Train . Thus , in the Original . O Quam te memorem Virgo — Aut Phoebi Soror , aut Nympharum Sanguinis Vna . This is a Family Complement , which Aeneas here bestows on Venus . His Father Anchises had us'd the very same to that Goddess when he Courted her . This appears by that very Ancient Greek Poem , in which that Amour is so beautifully describ'd , and which is thought Homer's : Though it seems to be Written before his Age. Line 980. Her Princely Guest was next her side . This , I confess , is improperly Translated ; and according to the Modern Fashion of sitting at Table . But the Ancient custom of lying on Beds , had not been understood by the Unlearn'd Reader . Aeneid the Second . The Destruction of Veii is here shadow'd under that of Troy : Livy in his Description of it , seems to have emulated in his Prose , and almost equal'd the Beauty of Virgil's Verse . Aeneid the 3d. Verse 132. And Childrens Children shall the Crown sustain . Et Nati Natorum , & qui nascentur ab illis . Virgil Translated this Verse from Homer : Homer had it from Orpheus ; and Orpheus from an Ancient Oracle of Apollo . On this Account it is , that Virgil immediately Subjoins these Words , Haec Phoebus , &c. Eustathius takes notice , that the Old Poets were wont to take whole Paragraphs from one another , which justifies our Poet for what he borrows from Homer . Bochartus in his Letter to Segrais , mentions an Oracle which he found in the fragments of an Old Greek Historian : The Sense whereof is this in English ; that when the Empire of the Priamidae should be destroy'd , the Line of Anchises should succeed . Venus therefore , says the Historian , was desirous to have a Son by Anchises , tho' he was then in his decrepid Age : Accordingly she had Aeneas . After this she sought occasion to ruin the Race of Priam ; and set on foot the Intrigue of Alexander , ( or Paris ) with Helena : She being ravish'd , Venus pretended still to favour the Trojans ; lest they should restore Helen , in case they should be reduc'd to the last Necessity . Whence it appears , that the Controversie betwixt Juno and Venus , was on no trivial account ; but concern'd the Succession to a great Empire . Aeneid the 4th . Li. 945. And must I dye , she said , And unreveng'd ? 't is doubly to be dead ! Yet even this Death with pleasure I receive : On any Terms , 't is better than to live . This is certainly the Sense of Virgil ; on which I have paraphras'd , to make it plain . His Words are these ; Moriemur Inultae ? Sed Moriamur ait ; sic , sic juvat ire sub Vmbras . Servius makes an Interrogation at the Word sic ; thus , sic ? Sic juvat ire sub Vmbras Which Mr. Cowley justly Censures : But his own judgment may perhaps be question'd : For he wou'd retrench the latter part of the Verse , and leave it a Hemystic . Sed Moriamur ait . That Virgil never intended to have left any Hemystic , I have prov'd already in the Preface . That this Verse was fill'd up by him , with these words , sic , juvat ire sub Vmbras , is very probable ; if we consider the weight of them . For this procedure of Dido , does not only contain , that , dira Execratio , quae nullo expiatur Carmine ( as Horace observes in his Canidia ) but besides that , Virgil , who is full of Allusions to History , under another Name , describes the Decii , devoting themselves to Death this way , though in a better Cause , in order to the Destruction of the Enemy . The Reader , who will take the pains to Consult Livy , in his accurate Description of those Decii , thus devoting themselves , will find a great resemblance betwixt these two Passages . And 't is judiciously observ'd upon that Verse , — Nulla fides populis nec foedera sunto . That Virgil uses in the word sunto a verbum juris , a form of speaking on Solemn and Religious Occasions : Livy does the like . Note also that Dido puts her self into the Habitus Gabinus , which was the girding her self round with one Sleeve of her Vest , which is also according to the Roman Pontifical , in this dreadful Ceremony , as Livy has observ'd : which is a farther confirmation of this Conjecture . So that upon the whole matter , Dido only doubts whether she shou'd die before she had taken her Revenge , which she rather wish'd : But considering that this devoting her self was the most certain and infallible way of compassing her Vengeance , she thus exclaims ; Sic , sic juvat ire sub umbras : Hauriat hunc oculis ignem crudelis ab alto Dardanus , & nostrae secum ferat omnia mortis . Those Flames from far , may the false Trojan view ; Those boding Omens his base Flight pursue . Which Translation I take to be according to the Sense of Virgil. I should have added a Note on that former Verse . Infelix Dido , nunc te fata impia tangunt . Which in the Edition of Heinsius is thus Printed . Nunc te facta impia tangunt ? The word facta instead of fata , is reasonably alter'd . For Virgil says afterwards , she dy'd not by Fate , nor by any deserv'd Death . Nec Fato , meritâ nec morte peribat , &c. When I Translated that Passage , I doubted of the Sense : And therefore omitted that Hemystic ; Nunc te fata impia tangunt . But Heinsius is mistaken only in making an Interrogation point , instead of a Period . The words facta impia , I suppose are genuine : For she had perjur'd her self in her second Marriage . Having firmly resolv'd , as she told her Sister , in the beginning of this Aeneid , never to love again , after the Death of her first Husband ; and had confirm'd this Resolution , by a Curse on her self , if she shou'd alter it . Sed mihi vel tellus optem , prius ima dehiscat , &c. Ante , pudor , quàm te violem , aut tua jura resolvam . Ille meos , primus , qui me sibi junxit , amores , Abstulit : Ille habeat secum , servetque sepulcro . Aeneid the 5th . A great part of this Book is borrow'd from Apollonius Rhodius . And the Reader may observe the great Judgment and distinction of our Author in what he borrows from the Ancients , by comparing them . I conceive the Reason why he omits the Horse-race in the Funeral Games , was because he shews Ascanius afterwards on Horseback , with his Troops of Boys , and would not wear that Subject thread-bare ; which Statius , in the next Age describ'd so happily . Virgil seems to me , to have excell'd Homer in all those Sports , and to have labour'd them the more , in Honour of Octavius , his Patron ; who instituted the like Games for perpetuating the Memory of his Uncle Julius . Piety , as Virgil calls it , or dutifulness to Parents , being a most popular Vertue among the Romans . Aeneid the 6th . Line 586. The next in place and Punishment are they , Who prodigally throw their Lives away , &c. Proxima sorte tenent maesti loca , qui sibi letum Insontes peperere manu , lucemque perosi , Projecere animas , &c. This was taken , amongst many other things , from the Tenth Book of Plato de Republicâ : No Commentator besides Fabrini , has taken notice of it . Self-Murther was accounted a great Crime by that Divine Philosopher : But the Instances which he brings , are too many to be inserted in these short Notes . Sir Robert Howard in his Translation of this Aeneid , which was Printed with his Poems in the Year 1660 ; has given us the most Learned , and the most Judicious Observations on this Book , which are extant in our Language . Line 734. Lo to the secret Shadows I retire , To pay my Penance , 'till my Years expire . These two Verses in English seem very different from the Latine . Discedam ; explebo numerum , reddarque tenebris . Yet they are the Sense of Virgil ; at least , according to the common Interpretation of this place : I will withdraw from your Company ; retire to the Shades , and perform my Penance of a Thousand Years . But I must confess the Interpretation of those two words , explebo numerum is somewhat Violent , if it be thus understood , minuam numerum ; that is , I will lessen your Company by my departure . For Deiphobus being a Ghost , can hardly be said to be of their Number . Perhaps the Poet means by explebo numerum , absolvam sententiam : As if Deiphobus reply'd to the Sibil , who was angry at his long Visit : I will only take my last leave of Aeneas , my Kinsman and my Friend , with one hearty good-wish for his Health and Well-fare , and then leave you to prosecute your Voyage . That Wish is express'd in the words immediately following . I Decus , I nostrum , &c. Which contain a direct Answer to what the Sibill said before : When she upbraided their long Discourse , Nos flendo ducimus horas . This Conjecture is new , and therefore left to the discretion of the Reader . L. 981. Know first that Heav'n , and Earth's compacted Frame , And flowing Waters , and the Starry Flame , And both the radiant Lights , &c. Principio Coelum , & terras , composque liquentes , Lucentemque globum Lunae , Titaniaque Astra , &c. Here the Sun is not express'd , but the Moon only ; though a less , and also a less radiant Light. Perhaps the Copies of Virgil are all false ; and that instead of Titaniaque Astra , he writ Titanaque & Astra ; and according to those words I have made my Translation . 'T is most certain , that the Sun ought not to be omitted ; for he is frequently call'd the Life and Soul of all the World : And nothing bids so fair for a visible Divinity to those who know no better , than that glorious Luminary . The Platonists call God the Archetypall Sun , and the Sun the visible Deity , the inward vital Spirit in the Center of the Universe , or that Body to which that Spirit is united , and by which-it exerts it self most powerfully . Now it was the receiv'd Hypothesis amongst the Pythagoreans , that the Sun was scituate in the Center of the World : Plato had it from them , and was himself of the same Opinion ; as appears by a passage in the Timaeus : From which Noble Dialogue is this part of Virgil's Poem taken . L. 1157. Great Cato there , for gravity renown'd , &c. Quis te Magne Cato , &c. There is no Question but Virgil here means Cato Major , or the Censor . But the Name of Cato being also mention'd in the Eighth Aeneid , I doubt whether he means the same Man in both places . I have said in the Preface , that our Poet was of Republican Principles ; and have given this for one Reason of my Opinion , that he prais'd Cato in that Line , Secretisque piis , his dantem jura Catonem . And accordingly plac'd him in the Elysian Fields . Montaign thinks this was Cato the Vtican , the great Enemy of Arbitrary Power , and a profess'd Foe to Julius Caesar . Ruaeus wou'd perswade us that Virgil meant the Censor . But why shou'd the Poet name Cato twice , if he intended the same person ? Our Author is too frugal of his Words and Sense , to commit Tautologies in either . His Memory was not likely to betray him into such an Errour . Nevertheless I continue in the same Opinion , concerning the Principles of our Poet. He declares them sufficiently in this Book : Where he praises the first Brutus for expelling the Tarquins , giving Liberty to Rome , and putting to Death his own Children , who conspir'd to restore Tyranny : He calls him only an unhappy Man , for being forc'd to that severe Action . Infelix , utcunque ferent ea facta Minores , Vincet amor Patriae , laudumque immensa Cupido . Let the Reader weigh these two Verses , and he must be convinc'd that I am in the right : And that I have not much injur'd my Master in my Translation of them . Line 1140. Embrace again , my Sons ; be Foes no more ; Nor stain your Country with her Childrens gore : And thou the first , lay down thy lawless claim ; Thou of my Blood , who bear'st the Julian Name . This Note , which is out of its proper place , I deferr'd on purpose , to place it here : Because it discovers the Principles of our Poet more plainly than any of the rest . Tuque prior , tu parce , genus qui ducis Olympo , Projice tela manu , Sanguis meus ! Anchises here speaks to Julius Caesar ; And commands him first to lay down Arms ; which is a plain condemnation of his Cause . Yet observe our Poet 's incomparable Address : For though he shews himself sufficiently to be a Common-wealth's-man ; yet in respect to Augustus , who was his Patron , he uses the Authority of a Parent , in the Person of Anchises ; who had more right to lay this Injunction on Caesar than on Pompey ; because the latter was not of his Blood. Thus our Author cautiously veils his own opinion , and takes Sanctuary under Anchises ; as if that Ghost wou'd have laid the same Command on Pompey also , had he been lineally descended from him . What cou'd be more judiciously contriv'd , when this was the Aeneid which he chose to read before his Master ? Line 1222. A new Marcellus shall arise in thee . In Virgil thus . Tu Marcellus eris . How unpoetically and baldly had this been translated ; Thou shalt Marcellus be ! Yet some of my Friends were of Opinion , that I mistook the Sense of Virgil in my Translation . The French Interpreter , observes nothing on this place ; but that it appears by it , the Mourning of Octavia was yet fresh , for the loss of her Son Marcellus , whom she had by her first Husband : And who dyed in the Year aburbe conditâ , 731. And collects from thence that Virgil , reading this Aeneid before her , in the same Year , had just finish'd it : That from this time to that of the Poet's Death , was little more than four Years . So that supposing him to have written the whole Aeneis in eleven Years ; the first six Books must have taken up seven of those Years : On which Account the six last , must of necessity be less correct . Now for the false judgment of my Friends , there is but this little to be said for them ; the words of Virgil , in the Verse preceding are these , — Siqua fata aspera rumpas . As if the Poet had meant , if you break through your hard Destiny , so as to be born , you shall be call'd Marcellus : But this cannot be the Sense : for though Marcellus was born , yet he broke not through those hard Decrees , which doom'd him to so immature a death . Much less can Virgil mean , you shall be the same Marcellus by the Transmigration of his Soul. For according to the System of our Author , a Thousand Years must be first elaps'd , before the Soul can return into a Humane Body ; but the first Marcellus was slain in the second Punick War. And how many hundred Years were yet wanting , to the accomplishing his penance , may with ease be gather'd , by computing the time betwixt Scipio and Augustus . By which 't is plain , that Virgil cannot mean the same Marcellus ; but one of his Descendants ; whom I call a new Marcellus ; who so much resembled his Ancestor , perhaps in his Features , and his Person , but certainly in his Military Vertues , that Virgil cries out , quantum instar in ipso est ! which I have translated , How like the former , and almost the same . Line , 1236 , and 1237. Two Gates the silent House of Sleep adorn ; Of polish'd Iv'ry this ; that of transparent Horn. By the carelessness of the Amanuensis , the two next Lines are wanting , which I thus supply out of the Original Copy . True Visions through transparent Horn arise , Through polish'd Iv'ry pass deluding Lyes . Virgil borrow'd this Imagination from Homer , Odysses the 19th . Line 562. The Translation gives the reason , why true Prophetic Dreams are said to pass through the Gate of Horn , by adding the Epithete transparent : Which is not in Virgil ; whose Words are only these ; Sunt geminae Somni portae ; quarum altera fertur Cornea — What is pervious to the Sight is clear ; and ( alluding to this Property , ) the Poet infers such Dreams are of Divine Revelation . Such as pass through the Iv'ry Gate , are of the contrary Nature ; polish'd Lies . But there is a better Reason to be giv'n : For the Iv'ry alludes to the Teeth , the Horn to the Eyes . What we see is more credible , than what we only hear ; that is , Words that pass through the Portal of the Mouth , or , Hedge of the Teeth : ( which is Homer's expression for speaking . ) Aen. the 7th . Li. 109. Strange to relate , the Flames involv'd in Smoke , &c. Virgil , in this place , takes notice of a great Secret in the Roman Divination : The Lambent Fires , which rose above the Head , or play'd about it , were Signs of Prosperity , such were those which he observ'd in the second Aeneid : which were seen mounting from the Crown of Ascanius , Ecce levis summo de vertice visus Iuli. Fundere lumen apex . Smoky Flames , ( or involv'd in Smoke ) were of a mix'd Omen ; such were those which are here describ'd : For Smoke signifies Tears , because it produces them , and Flames Happiness . And therefore Virgil says that this Ostent was not only mirabile visu , but horrendum . Line 367. One only Daughter heirs my Crown and State. This has seem'd to some an odd Passage : That a King shou'd offer his Daughter and Heir , to a Stranger Prince , and a wanderer , before he had seen him , and when he had only heard of his arrival on his Coasts : But these Criticks have not well consider'd the Simplicity of former times ; when the Heroines almost courted the Marriage of illustrious Men. Yet Virgil here observes the rule of Decency ; Lavinia offers not her self : 'T is Latinus , who propounds the Match : And he had been foretold , both by an Augur , and an Oracle , that he should have a foreign Son-in-Law ; who was also a Heroe . Fathers , in those ancient Ages , considering Birth and Vertue , more than Fortune , in the placing of their Daughters . Which I cou'd prove by various Examamples : The contrary of which being now practis'd , I dare not say in our Nation , but in France , has not a little darken'd the Lustre of their Nobility . That Lavinia was averse to this Marriage , and for what reason , I shall prove in its proper place . L. 1020. And where Abella sees , from her high Tow'rs , the Harvest of her Trees . I observe that Virgil names not Nola , which was not far distant from Abella : perhaps , because that City , ( the same in which Augustus dyed afterwards ; ) had once refus'd to give him entertainment ; if if we may believe the Author of his Life . Homer heartily curses another City which had us'd him on the same manner : But our Author thought his Silence of the Nolans a sufficient correction . When a Poet passes by a Place or Person , though a fair Occasion offers of rememb'ring them , 't is a sign he is , or thinks himself , much disoblig'd . Aen. 8. L. 34. So when the Sun by Day , the Moon by Night , Strike on the polish'd Brass their trembling Light , &c. This Similitude is literally taken from Apollonius Rhodius ; and 't is hard to say , whether the Original or the Translation excels . But in the Shield which he describes afterwards in this Aeneid , he as much transcends his Master Homer ; as the Arms of Glaucus were richer than those of Diomedes . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Lines 115 , and 116. Aeneas takes the Mother , and her Brood , And all on Juno 's Altar are bestow'd . The Translation is infinitely short of Virgil , whose Words are these ; — Tibi enim , tibi maxima Juno Mactat sacra ferens , & cum grege sistit ad aram . For I cou'd not turn the word Enim into English with any grace . Though it was of such necessity , in the Roman Rites , that a Sacrifice could not be perform'd without it ; 't is of the same nature , ( if I may presume to name that sacred Mystery ) in our words of Consecration at the Altar . Aeneid the 9th . line 853 , 854. At the full stretch of both his Hands , he drew ; And almost join'd the Horns of the tough Eugh . The first of these Lines , is all of Monosyllables ; and both Verses are very rough : But of choice ; for it had been easie for me to have smooth'd them . But either my Ear deceives me , or they express the thing which I intended in their Sound : For the stress of a Bow which is drawn to the full extent , is express'd in the harshness of the first Verse , clogg'd not only with Monosyllables , but with Consonants ; and these words , the tough Eugh , which conclude the second line , seem as forceful , as they are Unharmonious . Homer and Virgil are both frequent in their adapting Sounds to the thing they signifie . One Example will serve for both ; because Virgil borrow'd the following Verses from Homer's Odysses . Vnà Eurusque Notusque ruunt creberque procellis Africus , & vastos volvunt ad litora fluctus . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Our Language is not often capable of these Beauties : though sometimes I have copied them , of which these Verses are an instance . Line 1095. His ample Shield — Is falsify'd ; and round with Javelins fill'd . When I read this Aeneid to many of my Friends , in company together , most of them quarrel'd at the word falsify'd , as an Innovation in our Language . The fact is confess'd ; for I remember not to have read it in any English Author ; though perhaps it may be found in Spencer's Fairy Queen : But suppose it be not there : Why am I forbidden to borrow from the Italian , ( a polish'd Language ) the word which is wanting in my Native Tongue ? Terence has often Grecis'd : Lucretius has follow'd his Example ; and pleaded for it ; sic quia me cogit patrii Sermonis Egestas . Virgil has confirm'd it by his frequent practice , and even Cicero in Prose , wanting terms of Philosophy in the Latin Tongue , has taken them from Aristotle's Greek . Horace has given us a Rule for Coining Words , si Graeco fonte cadunt . Especially when other words are join'd with them , which explain the Sense . I use the word falsifie in this place , to mean that the Shield of Turnus was not of Proof against the Spears and Javlins of the Trojans ; which had pierc'd it through and through ( as we say ) in many places . The words which accompany this new one , make my meaning plain ; according to the Precept which Horace gave . But I said I borrow'd the Word from the Italian : Vide Ariosto , Cant. 26. Ma si l'Vsbergo d' Ambi era perfetto Che mai poter falsarlo in nessun Canto . Falsar cannot otherwise be turn'd , than by falsify'd ; for his shield was falsed , is not English . I might indeed have contented my self with saying his Shield was pierc'd , and board , and stuck with Javelins ; Nec sufficit Vmbo Ictibus . They who will not admit a new word , may take the old ; the matter is not worth dispute . Aeneid the 10th . A Choir of Nereids , &c. These were transform'd from Ships to Sea-Nymphs : This is almost as violent a Machine , as the death of Aruns by a Goddess in the Episode of Camilla . But the Poet makes use of it with greater Art : For here it carries on the main Design . These new made Divinities , not only tell Aeneas what had pass'd in his Camp during his absence ; and what was the present Distress of his Besieg'd People ; and that his Horse-men whom he had sent by Land , were ready to join him at his Descent ; but warn him to provide for Battel the next day , and fore-tell him good success : So that this Episodical Machine is properly a part of the great Poem ; For besides what I have said , they push on his Navy with Celestial Vigour , that it might reach the Port more speedily , and take the Enemy more unprovided to resist the Landing . Whereas the Machine relating to Camilla , is only Ornamental : For it has no effect , which I can find , but to please the Reader , who is concern'd , that her Death shou'd be reveng'd . Lines 241 , 243. Now Sacred Sisters , open all your Spring , The Tuscan Leaders , and their Army sing ; The Poet here begins to tell the Names of the Tuscan Captains who follow'd Aeneas to the War : And I observe him to be very particular in the description of their Persons , and not forgetful of their Manners : Exact also , in the Relation of the Numbers which each of them Command . I doubt not but as in the fifth Book , he gave us the Names of the Champions , who contended for the several Prizes , that he might oblige many of the most Ancient Roman Families , their Descendants ; and as in the 7th Book , he Muster'd the Auxiliary Forces of the Latins , on the same Account ; so here he gratifies his Tuscan Friends , with the like remembrance of their Ancestors ; and above the rest , Mecaenas his great Patron : Who being of a Royal Family in Etruria , was probably represented under one of the Names here mention'd , then known among the Romans , though at so great a distance , unknown to us . And for his sake chiefly , as I guess , he makes Aeneas ( by whom he always means Augustus ) to seek for Aid in the Country of Mecaenas , thereby to indear his Protector to his Emperour ; as if there had been a former Friendship betwixt their Lines . And who knows , but Mecaenas might pretend that the Cilnian Family was deriv'd from Tarchon , the Chief Commander of the Tuscans . Line 662. Nor I , his mighty Syre , cou'd ward the Blow . I have mention'd this Passage in my Preface to the Aeneis ; to prove , that Fate was superiour to the Gods ; and that Jove cou'd neither defer nor alter its Decrees . Sir Robert Howard has since , been pleas'd to send me the concurrent Testimony of Ovid ; 't is in the last Book of his Metamorphoses ; where Venus complains , that her Descendant , Julius Caesar , was in danger of being Murther'd by Brutus and Cassius , at the head of the Commonwealth-Faction , and desires them to prevent that Barbarous Assassination . They are mov'd to Compassion ; they are concern'd for Caesar ; but the Poet plainly tells us , that it was not in their power to change Destiny : All they cou'd do , was to testifie their sorrow for his approaching Death , by fore-shewing it with Signs and Prodigies , as appears by the following Lines . Talia nequicquàm toto Venus aurea Coelo Verba jacit : Superosque movet : Qui rumpere quanquam Ferrea non possunt veterum decreta Sororum , Signa tamen luctus dant haud incerta futuri . Then she Addresses to her Father Jupiter , hoping Aid from him , because he was thought Omnipotent . But he , it seems , cou'd do as little as the rest , for he answers thus . — sola insuperabile Fatum Nata , movere paras ? intres licet ipsa sororum Tecta trium ; cernes illic molimine vasto Ex aere , & solido rerum tabularia ferro : Quae neque concursum Coeli , neque fulminis iram , Nec metuunt ullas tuta atque aeterna ruinas . Invenies illic incisa Adamante perenni Fata tui Generis , legi ipse , animoque notavi , Et referam : ne sis etiamnum ignara futuri . Hic sua complevit ; ( pro quo Cytherea laboras , ) Tempora , perfectis quos Terrae debuit , annis , &c. Jupiter you see is only Library-Keeper , or Custos Rotulorum to the Fates : For he offers his Daughter a Cast of his Office , to give her a Sight of their Decrees ; which the inferiour Gods were not permitted to read without his leave . This agrees with what I have said already in the Preface ; that they not having seen the Records , might believe they were his own Hand-writing ; and consequently at his disposing either to blott out , or alter , as he saw convenient . And of this Opinion was Juno in those words , tua qui potes orsa reflectas . Now the abode of those Destinies being in Hell , we cannot wonder why the Swearing by Styx , was an inviolable Oath amongst the Gods of Heaven , and that Jupiter himself should fear to be accus'd of Forgery by the Fates , if he alter'd any thing in their Decrees . Chaos , Night , and Erebus , being the most Antient of the Deities , and instituting those fundamental Laws , by which he was afterwards to govern . Hesiod gives us the Genealogy of the Gods , and I think I may safely infer the rest . I will only add , that Homer was more a Fatalist than Virgil : For it has been observ'd , that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or Fortune , is not to be found in his two Poems ; but instead of it , always 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Aeneid the 12. lines 888 , and 889. Sea-born Messapus with Atinas , heads The Latin Squadrons ; and to Battel leads . The Poet had said , in the preceding lines , that Mnestheus , Seresthus , and Asylas , led on the Trojans , the Tuscans , and the Arcadians : But none of the Printed Copies , which I have seen , mention any Leader of the Rutulians and Latins , but Messapus the Son of Neptune . Ruaeus takes notice of this passage , and seems to wonder at it ; but gives no Reason , why Messapus is alone without a Coadjutor . The four Verses of Virgil run thus . Totae adeò conversae acies , omnesque Latini Omnes Dardanidae , Mnestheus , acerque Seresthus Et Messapus equum Domitor , & fortis Asylas , Tuscorumque Phalanx , Evandrique Arcadis alae . I doubt not but the third Line was Originally thus , Et Messapus equum domitor , & fortis Atinas : For the two Names of Asylas and Atinas are so like , that one might easily be mistaken for the other by the Transcribers . And to fortify this Opinion , we find afterward , in the relation of Sages to Turnus , that Atinas is join'd with Messapus . Soli , pro portis , Messapus & acer Atinas Sustentant aciem . — In general I observe , not only in this Aeneid , but in all thesixth last Books , that Aeneas is never seen on Horse-back , and but once before as I remember , in the Fourth when he Hunts with Dido . The Reason of this , if I guess aright , was a secret Compliment which the Poet made to his Country-men the Romans ; the strength of whose Armies consisted most in Foot ; which , I think , were all Romans and Italians . But their Wings or Squadrons , were made up of their Allies , who were Foreigners . Aeneid the 12. Lines 100 , 101 , 102. At this , a flood of Tears Lavinia shed ; A crimson Blush her beauteous Face o're-spread ; Varying her Cheeks , by turns , with white and red . Amata , ever partial to the Cause of Turnus , had just before desir'd him , with all manner of earnestness , not to ingage his Rival in single Fight ; which was his present Resolution . Virgil , though in favour of his Heroe , he never tells us directly , that Lavinia preferr'd Turnus to Aeneas , yet has insinuated this preference twice before . For mark in the 7th Aeneid , she left her Father , who had promis'd her to Aeneas without asking her consent : And follow'd her Mother into the Woods , with a Troop of Bacchanals , where Amata sung the Marriage Song , in the Name of Turnus ; which if she had dislik'd , she might have oppos'd . Then in the 11th . Aeneid , when her Mother went to the Temple of Pallas , to invoke her Aid against Aeneas ; whom she calls by no better Name than Phrygius Praedo , Lavinia sits by her in the same Chair or Litter , juxtaque Comes Lavinia Virgo , — Oculos dejecta decoros . What greater sign of Love , than Fear and Concernment for the Lover ? In the lines which I have quoted she not only sheds Tears but changes Colour . She had been bred up with Turnus , and Aeneas was wholly a Stranger to her . Turnus in probability was her first Love ; and favour'd by her Mother , who had the Ascendant over her Father . But I am much deceiv'd , if ( besides what I have said ) there be not a secret Satire against the Sex , which is lurking under this Description of Virgil , who seldom speaks well of Women : Better indeed of Camilla , than any other ; for he commends her Beauty and Valour : Because he wou'd concern the Reader for her Death . But Valour is no very proper Praise for Woman-kind ; and Beauty is common to the Sex. He says also somewhat of Andromache , but transiently : And his Venus is a better Mother than a Wife , for she owns to Vulcan she had a Son by another Man. The rest are Juno's , Diana's , Dido's , Amata's , two mad Prophetesses , three Harpies on Earth , and as many Furies under ground . This Fable of Lavinia includes a secret Moral ; that Women in their choice of Husbands , prefer the younger of their Suitors to the Elder ; are insensible of Merit , fond of Handsomness ; and generally speaking , rather hurried away by their Appetite , than govern'd by their Reason . L. 1191 , & 1192. This let me beg ; ( and this no Fates withstand ) Both for my self , and for your Fathers Land , &c. The words in the Original are these , pro Latio obtestor , pro Majestate tuorum . Virgil very artfully uses here the word Majestas ; which the Romans lov'd so well , that they appropriated it to themselves . Majestas Populi Ramani . this Title apply'd to Kings , is very Modern , and that is all I will say of it at present : Though the word requires a larger Note . In the word tuorum , is included the sense of my Translation , Your Father's Land : Because Saturn the Father of Jove , had govern'd that part of Italy , after his expulsion from Crete . But that on which I most insist , is the Address of the Poet , in this Speech of Juno . Virgil was sufficiently sensible , as I have said in the Preface , that whatever the common Opinion was , concerning the Descent of the Romans from the Trojans ; yet the Ancient Customs , Rites , Laws , and Habits , of those Trojans were wholly lost , and perhaps also that they had never been : And for this Reason , he introduces Juno in this place ; requesting of Jupiter , that no Memory might remain of Troy , ( the Town she hated ) that the People hereafter should not be called Trojans , nor retain any thing which belong'd to their Predecessors . And why might not this also be concerted betwixt our Author and his Friend Horace , to hinder Augustus from Re-building Troy , and removing thither the Seat of Empire , a design so unpleasing to the Romans ? But of this , I am not positive , because I have not consulted d'Acier , and the rest of the Criticks , to ascertain the time in which Horace writ the Ode relating to that Subject . L. 1224 , & 1225. Deep in the dismal Regions , void of Light , Three Sisters , at a Birth , were born to Night . The Father of these , ( not here mention'd ) was Acheron : the Names of the three , were Alecto , Maegera , and Tysiphone . They were call'd Furies in Hell , on Earth Harpies , and in Heaven Dirae : Two of these assisted at the Throne of Jupiter , and were employed by him , to punish the wickedness of Mankind . These two must be Megaera , and Tysiphone : Not Alecto : For Juno expresly commands her to return to Hell , from whence she came ; and gives this Reason . Te super Aetherias errare licentius auras , Haud Pater ipse velit summi Regnator Olympi : Cede locis . Probably this Dira , un-nam'd by the Poet in this Place ; might be Tysiphone , for though we find her in Hell , in the sixth Aeneid , employ'd in the punishment of the damn'd , Continuo sontes , Vltrix accincta flag ello Tisiphone quatit insultans , &c. Yet afterwards she is on Earth in the Tenth Aeneid , and amidst the Battel . Pallida Tisiphone media inter Millia saevit . Which I guess to be Tysiphone , the rather , by the Etimology of her Name ; which is compounded of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ulciscor ; and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 caedes . Part of her Errand being to affright Turnus , with the Stings of a guilty Conscience ; and denounce Vengeance against him for breaking the first Treaty , by refusing to yield Lavinia to Aeneas , to whom she was promis'd by her Father , and consequently , for being the Author of an unjust War ; and also for violating the second Treaty , by declining the single combat , which he had stipulated with his Rival , and call'd the Gods to witness before their Altars . As for the Names of the Harpies , ( so call'd on Earth ) Hesiod tells us they were Iris , Aello , and Ocypete . Virgil calls one of them Celaeno : This I doubt not was Alecto ; whom Virgil calls in the third Aeneid , Furiarum maxima : And in the sixth again , by the same Name — Furiarum maxima , juxta accubat . That she was the chief of the Furies , appears by her description in the seventh Aeneid : To which , for haste , I refer the Reader . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A65112-e1320 * Essay of Poetry . Notes for div A65112-e8680 * Essay of Poetry . Notes for div A65112-e14830 * Essay of Translated Verse . pag. 26. Notes for div A65112-e50690 * This whole Line is taken from the Marquess of Normanby 's Translation . Notes for div A65112-e103960 * This whole line is taken from Sir John Derhan . A86610 ---- Poems, viz. 1. A panegyrick to the king. 2. Songs and sonnets. 3. The blind lady, a comedy. 4. The fourth book of Virgil, 5. Statius his Achilleis, with annotations. 6. A panegyrick to Generall Monck. / By the Honorable Sr Robert Howard. Howard, Robert, Sir, 1626-1698. 1660 Approx. 565 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 160 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A86610 Wing H3003 Thomason E1824_2 ESTC R202055 99862475 99862475 114635

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A86610) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 114635) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 227:E1824[2]) Poems, viz. 1. A panegyrick to the king. 2. Songs and sonnets. 3. The blind lady, a comedy. 4. The fourth book of Virgil, 5. Statius his Achilleis, with annotations. 6. A panegyrick to Generall Monck. / By the Honorable Sr Robert Howard. Howard, Robert, Sir, 1626-1698. Virgil. Statius, P. Papinius (Publius Papinius) Dryden, John, 1631-1700. [16], 27, [3], 29-208, 193-285, [1] p. Printed for Henry Herringman, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Anchor on the lower Walk of the New Exchange., London, : 1660. Printed by William Wilson. Cf. Pforzheimer catalog. With a commendatory poem signed: John Driden. "The blind lady" has a separate divisional title page; pagination and register are continuous. Text is continuous despite pagination. Annotation on Thomason copy: "June". Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
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POEMS , viz. 1. A PANEGYRICK to the KING . 2. SONGS and SONNETS . 3. The BLIND LADY , a COMEDY . 4. The Fourth Book of VIRGIL , 5. STATIUS his ACHILLEIS , with ANNOTATIONS . 6. A PANEGYRICK to GENERALL MONCK . By the Honorable S r ROBERT HOWARD .

LONDON , Printed for Henry Herringman , and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Anchor on the lower Walk of the New Exchange . 1660.

TO THE READER .

IT has been the usuall custom of Epistles , to give the Reader an account of the causes that brought those writings into publick , that were onely intended for a private Closet ; and commonly it has been at the request of friends , perhaps with mingled truth and designe , to prae-engage the judgments of many , by telling the opinion of some , so to preserve their modesty as much in the pretence , as they could have done in the concealment of their Writings .

Though I cannot pretend such a cause as this , I can yet free my self from that vanity that others would avoid , by assuring the Reader , I had not stock of confidence enough to shew these things privately to many friends , much lesse to be furnish'd with enough , to make them publick to all indifferent persons , had not the desires of the Book-seller prevail'd with me : to whose civilities I believ'd my self so far engag'd , as to deny him nothing that he thought a kindnesse , which could not be severely prejudiciall to my self : Yet I doubted not , but that I should receive the censures of many ; which , upon the granted principle of prejudice , appear'd not a reasonable argument to prevail with me to deny his request , since the same should as well perswade me not to live , for life and conversation r�nder man in Print more than letters can do ; and is made more publick by that way , than he can be by this . His life is mingled more with his defects and passions , than probably his writings are ; and whether they are equall , or exceed others , need not trouble him that writes : He may be satisfied , the production of retir'd hours are the best of himself . I had no great reason then to deny his request , that imagin'd he ask'd his own advantage , when he desired nothing that I believed contrary to mine .

Yet I wish that it may so far give satisfaction to all , that they may as little repent the r�ading , as I did the writing ; whilst in these gentle studies I found a diversion from greater follies ; and by that comparison they received obliging natures . Perhaps , there 's few that read them , may not as well be conscious to themselves , to have spent some time not so ��� ; and for that cause forgive that , which for its own sake they cannot admire .

For the severall subjects which here make one bundle , there is not any of them that have not layn by me these many years ( two or three copies of Verses onely excepted ) ; and had been wholly perhaps laid aside , but for the reasons given , applying my self now to more serious studies , according to the severall seasons of encreasing age , as the earth produces various fruits to the different seasons of the year . By this short account of time , the Reader may discern in what clowdy days my Muse spread her wings , as little contributing to her flying a noble heighth , as to shew a just subject : He that most deserv'd it was most deni'd it ( as he was indeed his right in all things ) either from private fear , or publick power , though I equall not the crime of faint thoughts in passive submission , to the guilt of bold profession in publick action . 'T is now to be hop'd , that the praises of our Prince , who so much merits it , may be received willingly by all , since nothing can be said of him , that has not been done by him ; and man's largest invention has been excell'd by His actions , there being nothing capable �o make him appear more excellent than himself ; unlesse it had been our want of him , when by experience we found his miseries were ours , and all that we inflicted on him returned in double measures on our selves ; l�ke stones madly tost into the air , and forc'd from their proper center , that fall back with encreas'd weight upon their heads that flung them . We are now presented that in him , which this world sparingly produces ; in one composure , an object for our Consciences and Interest , in whose preservation , our Temporall and Eternall states have equall shares . Yet I should a little be dissatisfied with my self to appear publick in his praise , just when he was visibly restoring to power , did not the reading of the Panegyrick vindicate the writing of it , and , besides my affirmation , assure the Reader , It was written when the King deserved the Praise as much as now , but separated farther from the Power ; which was about three years since , when I was Prisoner in Windsor-Castle , being the best diversion I could then find for my own condition ; to think , how great his Vertues were for whom I suffered , though in so small a measure compar'd to his own , that I rather blush at it , than believe it meritorious .

For the other Verses and Songs , I must professe they were never directed to any particular Beauty , which may ( to the Amorous Reader at least ) be a just excuse , if they want Perfection , to remember I wanted Passion , and had onely my own warmth , unassisted by the influence of a Mistresse . Nor shall I envy him that writes better , by being much in love , if he must purchase the advantage of Wit by the losse of Freedom .

For the Translations , the Authors have already received those Characters from the world , that they need none of mine , especially Virgil , of whose works I have onely publish'd this one Book , that lay finished by me ; not judging it convenient to perfect those other Books of his Aeneid's , which I have rudely gone through , having long since laid aside all designes of that nature ; and this little of it rather grew publick from accident , than designe , the Mingle it had with my private Papers , was the greatest cause , that it received its share in the publick Impression .

For Statius , he had received commendations enough , had he been alone commended by Juvenal in his 7 Satyr . but Alexand. ab Alex. also , lib. 6 ch . 14. relates , that he thrice received the Victor's Lawrell in the publick reading of his Verses , and was once vanquish'd ; as unjustly perhaps as Menander was judged to be overcome by Philemon , whose faction was greater , though his wit lesse ; insomuch that meeting him afterwards , Menander desired him to confesse ingenuously , if he did not blush when he vanquish'd him . For this piece of his , I confesse I chose it as most pleasing to me , I wish it may be so to the Reader ; though there wants not ingenious men , who preferr'd it before his other Poems . The Annotations may in some places perhaps be judged too large ; yet , had I omitted any thing , it is probable that the same persons would have censur'd me for ignorance : so that being equally sensible of these extreams , I judg'd it the testimony of the greatest modesty , By omitting little , to shew my self not at all secure in the world's opinion .

I have thus , ingenuous Reader , given you a clear and true account of my Self and Writings , not opprest with apprehension , nor rais'd by neglect ; but preserv'd by an indifferency , that destroys not my civilitie to others , nor my own content ; desiring not to engrosse , but share satisfaction . If in any thing I justly need , or designe to ask pardon , 't is for Errors that probably the Reader may meet with ; having been reduc'd to the strait of neglecting this , or businesse . I confesse my Interest prevail'd with me though , not wholly to neglect the Reader , since I prevail'd with a worthy Friend to take so much view of my blotted Copies , as to free me from grosse Errors . Having thus set down all my designe and reasons , I leave the Reader with as little Concern to use his , as I have shewed him mine .

To my Honored Friend , S r ROBERT HOWARD , On his Excellent Poems . AS there is Musick uninform'd by Art In those wild Notes , which with a merry heart The Birds in unfrequented shades expresse , Who better taught at home , yet please us lesse : So in your Verse , a native sweetnesse dwells , Which shames-Composure , and its Art excells . Singing , no more can your soft numbers grace Then Paint adds charms unto a beauteous Face . Yet as when mighty Rivers gently creep , Their even calmnesse does suppose them deep , Such is your Muse : no Metaphor swell'd high With dangerous boldnesse lifts her to the sky ; Those mounting Fancies when they fall again , Shew sand and dirt at bottom do remain . So firm a strength , and yet with all so sweet , Did never but in Sampson's Riddle meet . 'T is strange each line so great a weight should bear , And yet no signe of toil , no sweat appear . Either your Arthides Art , as Stoicks feign Then least to feel , when most they suffer pain ; And we , dull souls , admire , but cannot see What hidden springs within the Engine be : Or 't is some happinesse that still pursues Each act and motion of your gracefull muse . Or is it Fortune's work , that in your bead The curious Net that is for fancies spread , Let 's through its Meshes every meaner thought , While rich Idea's there are onely caught . Sure that 's not all ; this is a piece too fair To be the child of Chance , and not of Care. No Atoms casually together hurl'd Could e're produce so beautifull a world . Nor dare I such a doctrine here admit , As would destroy the providence of wit. 'T is your strong Genius then which does not feel Those weights would make a weaker spirit reel : To carry weight and run so lightly too Is what alone your Pegasus can do . Great Hercules himself could ne're do more Than not to feel those Heav'ns and gods he bore . Your easier Odes ; which for de�ight were penn'd , Yet our instruction make their s�cond end , We 're both enrich'd and pleas'd , like them that woo At once a Beauty and a Fortune too . Of Morall Knowledge Poesie was Queen , And still she might , had wanton wits not been ; VVho like ill Guardians liv'd themselves at large , And not content with that , debauch'd their charge : Like some brave Captain , your successfull Pen Restores the Exil'd to her Crown again ; And gives us hope , that having seen the days VVhen nothing flourish'd but Fanatique Bays , All wi�l at length in this opinion rest , " A sober Prince's Government is best . This is not all ; your Art the way has found To make improvement of the richest ground , That soil which those immortall Lawrells bore , That once the sacred Maro's temples wore Elisa's griefs , are so exprest by you , They are too eloquent to have been true . Had she so spoke , Aeneas had obey'd VVhat Dido rather then what Jove had said . If funerall Rites can give a Ghost repose , Your Muse so justly has discharged those . Elisa's shade may now its wandring cease , And claim a title to the fields of peace . But if Aeneas be oblig'd , no lesse Your kindnesse great Achilles doth confesse , VVho dress�d by Statius in too bold a look , Did ill become those Virgin 's Robes he took . To understand how much we owe to you , VVe must your Numbers with your Author's view ; Then we shall see his work was lamely rough , Each figure stiffe as if design'd in buffe ; His colours laid so thick on every place , As onely shew'd the paint , but hid the face : But as in Perspective we Beauties see ; VVhich in the Glasse , not in the Picture be ; So here our sight obligeingly mistakes That wealth which his your bounty onely makes . Thus vulgar dishes are by Cooks disguis'd , More for their dressing than their substance priz'd . Your curious Notes so search into that Age , VVhen all was fable but the sacred Page , That since in that dark night we needs must stray , VVe are at least misled in pleasant way . But what we most admire , your Verse no lesse The Prophet than the Poet doth confesse . Ere our weak eyes discern'd the doubtfull streak Of light , you saw great Charls his morning break . So skilfull Sea-men ken the Land from far , VVhich shews like mists to the dul Passenger . To Charls your Muse first pays her dutious love , As still the Antients did begin from Jove . VVith Monck you end , whose name preserv'd shall be , As Rome recorded Rufus memory , VVho thought it greater honor to obey His Countrey 's interest than the world to sway . But to write worthy things of worthy men Is the peculiar talent of your Pen : Yet let me take your Mantle up , and I VVill venture in your right to prophesy . " This VVork by merit first of Fame secure " Is likewise happy in its Geniture : " For since 't is born when Charls ascends the Throne , " It shares at once his Fortune and its own . JOHN DRIDEN .
A PANEGYRICK To the KING . THE true Parnassus ( Sir ) which Muses know , Are Subjects which they choose ; to whom they owe Their Inspirations , differing as the times , Unhappy Vertues , or successfull Crimes . The greatest Choyce is , where the most Successe Makes Fears as great , nor their Ambitions lesse . With the Usurped Crowns they strive for Bays ; Those readier not to Act than These to Praise . My Muse ( Great Sir ) has no such fears , or knows A better Impiration than your Woes . To sing those Vertues which are all your own , Not brought you by Successes ��� a Throne ; But by the malice of the world withstood : So much 't is easier to be Great than Good. Which knows no end , or change by human things , But like the world ( Eternall ) whence it springs . Greatness is , as forbidden Pleasures are , Reach'd by th'impious hands , that will but dare Attempt all Crimes , still scorning a retreat : Onely the Bad can be unjustly Great . By Falls from Thrones , such , and the vertuous know What Fate to them , or they to Fortune owe. By courage nor by vertue can be staid Fortune , which tired grows by lending aid . So , when all Thrones on Caesar were bestow'd , Not Fate to him , but he to Fortune ow'd , And paid her back the vastest Principall She ever lent , in his too-wretched Fall ; To whose successfull Courage once she gave The * Mistress of the World to be his Slave . To fair days , storms succeed ; to storms , the fair : We know but what we are by what we were . And Mans condition 's valu'd more or lesse , By what he had , not what he does possesse . For no Extreams could ever gain a Height From their own natures , but each other's weight . So * Lucan made the flying Pompey blame , Not present Woes , but his too-early Fame . Great * Scipio , whose too happy courage made His Country free , and Hannibal's enslay'd , Had been more happy , had he been but lesse , And not fear'd want of glory , but excesse . Whose Countrie-men's ungrateful fears were more , For his successe , than Hannibal's before . So much Plebeian Souls from Nature's School , Are fitted more for Servitude than Rule . Would such Examples had been onely known ; But we have felt a greater of our own , In your Great Father seen ; whose Sunshine-days � Deserves not more our wonder than our praise : Nor did his days of Tempests lesse proclaim , But taught us more of Miracle and Fame . And equal'd all the miseries it brought ; By vertues , which unequal'd sufferings taught . Frailty affliction brings ; and yet a friend , In giving those afflictions too an end . Yet immortality can no blessing give , But make that perfect , which must ever live . His soul , refin'd so by Celestiall heat , One could not hurt ; and t'other ha's made great . He pay'd his scores of Frailty , and of Joy's , To live , where nothing that 's enjoy'd destroy's . And sell , lest this frail World like Heaven might be , At once admitting Him , and Constancy . Happy were we , had we but understood , None were too great , nor we out selves too good ! Within our selves , and by our selves confin'd : One by our Ocean ; t'other by our Mind . Whilst the obliged World , by War unsought , Was willingly by gentler Traffick brought . Secure and Rich ; whilst every swelling Tide , That brought us safety , brought us Wealth beside � Above the reach of the World's power grown , And had been safe , had we but fear'd our owne . What the Grave Spaniard , and the Belgian too , The active French , by power could not do , Our passions did ; and quickly made it known , We could be Conquered by our selves alone . And acting that which others could not do , Are now fit for their Scorn , and Conquest too . How just , and sure Heaven's revenges are ! We slighted peace ; and grow despis'd by War. Like Mad men then , possest with Lunacy ; We now must find a Cure in misery . And by our suffering , to our wits redeem'd , Our long-lost peacefull temper grows esteem'd . For man does most , by the Comparative , At the true knowledge of Extreams arrive . And in affliction 's ready to adore , That which he hardly could indure before . How fatally this Nation proves it true , In mourning for our banish't Peace ; and You ! To You , Great Sir , Fortune 's in debt alone , Who can be no way pai'd , but by your owne . Your Vertues have not more made Crowns your due , Than sufferings taught you how to use them too . Stroaks upon solid bodies do provoke A secret brightnesse free , unmixt with smoak : No grossnesse mingled ; but bright sparks declare , What mighty firmnesse their Composures are . So whilst the stroaks of Fortune on You light , Your mighty frame appears more firm and bright . Affliction often by its powerfull weight , Is the Case-shot of Destiny and Fate . Routing faint principles together brought By prosperous vertues ; not by hazards taught . Whilst the weak man is too much understood , His frailty more , than his substantiall good . As in the low declining of the day , Mens shaddows more enlarged shew , than they ; So in the worlds great , last , adversity , When every Element their power must try ; To dissolution they must all retire , And leave but one pure Element of fire . All that was grosse , which from weak nature flows , In your great trialls , so expiring shows . And all unto your Nobler Soul resign'd , Nothing seems l�fe in you , but what 's refin'd . No longer , now , subject to what is frail , But have from Nature , cut off the entail . Nor yet could Fortune with her pow't or frowns , Ravish your Father's Veroues , though his Crowns ; So little was th' esteem of human things , To that once best , and now most blest , of Kings . One that in all his time , was never known , Greedy of Lives , though weary of his own . Peace Crown'd his thoughts , though not his wretched time , His Nature was his fate , his Crown his crime : Despis'd by his own people , first ; because , He stoop't below his power , and their laws . His easie gifts seem'd all but debts ; when they , Had nothing left to ask , nor he to pay . Yet that he might unjust , or mean , appear , For what his nature gave , they thank't his fear . All the fair vertues of his Halcyon-times Instead of gratitude contracted crimes In those , who from the fears he ever had , Of being ill , took boldnesse to be bad . Such as on peace , the name of [ idle ] fling , And make their Prince a Tyrant or no King ; So fell that Prince , too good for such bad times , By his own Vertues , and by others Crimes . Now against you , Great Sir , their swords are turn'd , And joy in what the VVorld besides has mourn'd . Still constant in their Crimes and Cruelty , All Conscience turn'd into Necessity . Which by the view of acted sins before , Does safe appear , onely by doing more : As those who quit firm shores , when the wind raves , Must not retire , but bustle still in waves . The wandring Needle so can never stay , Till it finds out the Point it should obey . Our Constitution toucht by Monarchy , Till it rests there , must always wandring bee ; And that must fix in You : None could convay True light , but He that ought to rule the day . VVhen Phaeton did to that heighth aspire , He brought not influence to the world , but fire : So those led by Ambition to your Throne , Have brought us ruine , and have found their own . VVhilst thus our Sphear is over-cast with Clowds , You ( the bright Sun ) their envious darkness shrouds , As ready to break forth , when Factions here Divide , as when dark clowds part in the Sphear , The Sun can be . No offer you neglect , To warm us with your lustre , and protect From such foggs of mean Souls , which still will flie O're us , till all 's dispell'd by Majesty . Once for your Kingdome 's sake you durst oppose Your Laurel'd Enemies with your * conquer'd foes . Yet Heaven from your assistance then was staid , Lest the ill Act the good had over-vveigh'd ; And in the Victory those Scots had found Their Crimes together vvith your Vertues crovvn'd . Then 't was You did attempt your debt to pay To Us or Nature , by a noble way . The bold * Aeneas so , having left Troy In its own funerall flames , scorn'd to enjoy Safety alone ; but , led by Vertues great As vvere the Dangers he was to repeat , Return'd among his ruin'd Friends and State , To bring them safety , or to fetch their fate . VVhilst our dull souls all nobler vvarmth deny'd , The Covvard and th'Insensible divide Our vvoes made habits by the use , or dare Not think vve knovv hovv great our sufferings are . Like those vvho dvvell in still-resounding Caves , VVhere Nile sends headlong dovvn his rapid vvaves , Are deaf , because the Clamors constant are , The VVater not out-thundered by the Air. So , still oppress'd , Custom at last denies Unto our Souls the use of Faculties . Thus is Your case in forlorn habits drest , Rob'd of your friends by fear and interest . VVhilst Princes little think ( since change is sure ) To pitty others is to be secure ; Like those , vvho neither dying men deplore , Nor have more thoughts of frailty than before . But HE above , to make his Povver knovvn , VVhat exceeds ours , has fitted for his ovvn ; And can by those bad Instruments restore Your Crovvns , that were their ravishers before . By Jealousie , and their ambitious Pride , VVhich may their Crimes among themselves divide ; Till in each others guilty bosome too , They sheath their Svvords more justly than they drew . Like Cadmus children that vvere born vvith strife , Their quarrell 's not lesse antient than their life , VVhich never in successive mischief dyes , And factions still on other's ruines rise . So a svvell'd VVave in all its pride appears , VVhose certain fate the follovving billovv bears . In Storms , ruine on ruine still depends , Till vvant of giddy vvaves the quarrell ends . So Justice your returning Throne prolongs , Till they upon themselves revenge your vvrongs . That without Vict'ry you may Conquest find , And without Blood your peacefull Brows may bind With all those Crowns , which are as much your due As Birth and Vertue can contribute to . Thus the great Power of all , having first chose To make your Vertues great and safe by Woes , Will , by as unexpected ways , restore Your ravish'd Crowns , as they were lost before .
To AMARANTA . The Fate of Scorn . IF you the world could Conquer one by one , You 'd then want Trophies for your boundless mind ; Like that ambitious 1 Prince , who wanted room , In the strait circuit of the world confin'd . Then like the Tyrant 2 Nero you must fall ; Such fate 's as his due to such cruelty , Unpittied and unminded too of all , At once without a Friend or Enemy . The Souldier that joyns Conquest to his name By Victories , when overcome with years , ( As you must one day be ) preserves his fame , Not by those wounds he gave , but those he bears . So when your Charms in Age's furrows lie Lost , and forgotten , they had once so mov'd ; One Wound amidst your heaps of Victory Would better tell , that you had been belov'd . Then like a Tyrant ravish'd from his Throne , You 'l wish , that you had gentlier us'd your own .
Song at AMARANTA's Command , set to the Tune of ARCHIBELLA . FAir Amaranta , if thy Eyes Could force some feigned tears to rise , It might my easie thoughts suffice . And joyn'd with mine , perhaps might prove Enough my Sorrows to remove ; I do not ask they should my Love. But mine , I fear , thy tears will fright ; And like those * Rivers that take flight In the same Banks , yet ne'r unite . Those streams from springs like ours might flow , The tears can ne'r united grow , Of feigned grief and reall woe . Should you too weep , though 't were for me , I should be so concern'd for thee , To beg again thy cruelty . No , there 's no way to cure my pain , But paying Truth and Love again , Such , and as great as feeds my flame .
To the unconstant CYNTHIA . A SONG . TEll me once , Dear , how it does prove That I so much forsworn could be ? I never swore always to love , I onely vow'd still to love thee : And art thou now what thou wert then , Unsworn unto by other men ? In thy fair Breast , and once-fair Soul , I thought my Vows were writ alone ; But others Oaths so blurr'd the Scrole , That I no more could read my own . And am I still oblig'd to pay , When you had thrown the Bond away ? Nor must we onely part in Joy , Our tears as well must be unkind : VVeep you , that could such truth destroy ; And I , that could such falseness find . Thus we must unconcern'd remain In our divided Joys and Pain . Yet we may love , but on this diff'rent score , You what I am , I what you were before .
To the Same . YOu are not , Cynthia , better pleas'd than I , That you first led the way Through this dark night of blind Inconstancy , And first found break of Day . To freedom now we 'l sacrifice dreams past . 'T was my good fate to cry Good-morrow last . Perhaps so soon I could not dis-engage , Having a greater score . Some Birds will longer hover round the Cage , Though 't was their Jayl before . Yet sure I meant not long to sit about The ashes , when the fire was quite burnt out . Since now my Jaylor has my Chains unty'd , I 'le hold my hand no more Up at Love's Bar ; he is condemn'd untride , That has been burnt before . Now that heart-sickness which she gave , protects ; 'T is seldom that the same plague twice infects . Breasts that have known Love's cruell slavery , Are better fortifi'd By that experience than they ere can be , By reason or by pride . Then blush not that you quench'd this am'rous flame , But blush with me , if we two love again .
To the Same . TEmpt me no more ( fair Cynthia ) 't is as vain , As was the hated Action when you lost , What you unjustly fancy novv to gain ; Though at the same repeated vice's cost . For he you lov'd more than your Constancy , Must suffer now as then you injur'd me . Such punishment attends that hated sinne , That the repentance of it , is a Crime : And you to gain my heart must act agen The vice which lost it first , from being thine . How justly does Love's-god his power show , In making the unconstant ever so ? That * Queen whose charms on Caesar all could do , He did to others by his Sword and Mind , Making the VVorld his Slave and Lover too ; Had she as constant been as fair and kind . Octavius vvould have blush'd at thoughts to have , Romes conquering Caesar's Mistris for his slave . Nor did one Caesar justlier think his Love , Paid to her charm's , vvhilst equall flames she feels , Than t' other vvhen she did unconstant prove , Design'd those beauties for his Chariot-wheels . So you may fall unpitti'd as she did , Unconstant unto all things but her pride . Those beauties vvhich in your fair face and eyes , So long have rendevouz'd in Constant pay , Like Armies still attempting victories , And alway's kept on duty , must decay . Then vvhen those troops of beauties once decline , You 'l feel the vvant of your lost Truth and Time.
To CELIA . Who desired to have Verses , that were written on Her in a glasse Window , to be given Her in a sheet of Paper . YOur praises vvhich the vvounded glass did bear , By your Command this paper now must wear ; Both's due to you , 't is just all praises meet , Of VVomen , in a glasse , or in a sheet .
To AMARANTA . The Confession . NOvv I confesse , I am ore'come , Though the out-vvorks vvere storm'd before , Yet they seem'd slighted and not vvonne ; VVhilst I had a Reserve in store . But she that Conquers not in part , Storm'd then my heart ; VVhich famish't reason kept before . She had corrupted so my Spies , And me to that Condition brought , I durst not send abroad my eyes ; But like a Covvard vvink't and fought . For vvhen I did those helpers use , They brought me nevv's ; She had fresh troops of beauties got . See vvhat is unrestrain'd desire , And to give leave to vvandring eyes , Like that fond fool that plaies vvith fire ; VVhere all the Ammunition lies . And to attempt retreats is vain , VVhen the laid train . Had taken fire from her eyes . Now my blown flame can fewell find , Of every thought I have , and knows How to disgest my peace of mind ; For in distemper'd breasts Love grows . Well did the antient Poets feign , That from the Main , And troubled Waves , Love's goddesse rose . Yet though condemn'd , I blush to grieve , As much as once I did to love ; I 'm pleas'd his Laws grant no reprieve : He that to Fate would slowly move , Has lost his courage with his heart , And that mean part May make her scorn a justice prove .
To Mrs. Mor. on the Birth of her First Son. THus Heaven does you & us from fears redeem : At once gives Joy ; and to that , Joy Esteem . Those relish Ease that first have tasted Pain ; By knowing what we want , we value gain . So great and perfect now your blessings are , You seem in more than what is frail to share ; Whilst you renew your lease of life and fame , By living thus in vertues and in name . 'T is just this child should be in all your heir , And equally of life and vertues share . For whilst he lay within his living Tomb , How could he but contract what was your own ? So water , pour'd into a vessell , owes A relish to the cask through which it flowes . Thus you give vertues and give life away , Yet not lesse good , nor suffer by decay . One flame unto a thousand may give light , Yet has not lesse , nor does remain lesse bright . But thus whilst life and vertue you bestow , Think to his happy passion what you owe. Had you left unrewarded his pure flame , You must have lost your share in time and fame . So in the Chaos before Love made way , Both Time and Glory unregarded lay . But see what mutuall obligations past , You gave him Joys , and he thus makes them last .
The Dream . STay thou still , dearest Shape , O do not fly ! Why do those charming looks appear so strange ? In t'other world there 's no inconstancy , Nor has my Love in this admitted change . The Joys in t'other world the gods bestow , Do from enlarged love and knowledge flow . Since then you needs must know I have been true , And my faith tells , you cannot but be so ; What cruell unknown Law obliges you , By this reserv'dness , to encrease my wo ? Like Tantalus , who always is deny'd Those streams which by his longing senses glide . Is it as wise men often tell us here , Though love and knowledge shall have an encrease , They 'l have no partiall applications there ; Knowledge resolves in Praise , and Love in Peace . As Sunshine equally on all reflects , Yet to one object most no beam directs ? Or are you now forbid to own a fire , ( Though kindled by the blessed shape you bear ) Whilst rak'd in living ashes ? This desire , You sure may own , and sure the gods will hear . In pitty of my woes this blessing give , That I may die , or unconcern'd may live .
A DIALOGUE . Thirsis . Charon . Thir. CHaron , O gentle Charon , bring thy Boat. Char. Who 's this that calls with an unusuall note ? Thir. Hither thy Vessell , gentle Charon , drive . Char. Thou speakst as if that thou wert now alive . Thir. And may I still be so , unlesse to me Thou tell'st large joys of your Eternity . Char. Why wouldst thou know ? since those that bodies have I seldom row , or those that want a grave . Thir. Ep�� thee why ? Char. A sinful Soul will sinck My patcht-up Bark almost below the brink . Should Bodies too with their offences go , 'T would sinck me quite . Thir. By that then thou dost know If any Soul has past these fatall streams , Whom good or ill has govern'd in extreams . Char. Perhaps I may . Thir. Then , gentle Charon , tell What I shall ask , and I 'le reward thee well . Char. Ask quickly then , for here I never wait , Souls croud so fast ; Ambition , War , and Fate Send custom still . Thir. Did not thy fatall Boat , But lately , as if lost in tempests , float ? If thy Boat feels the humor of the Soul It bears , sure it did lately strangely roul . Char. I carried such a one , a Woman too , Who then I guest had been too much untrue , My Boat so totter'd still . Wouldst go where she Now lives ? Thir. Not I , but rather tel to me , What she does there ? Char. She fickly wanders now , And ever must , in glo�my shades below . 'T is just they never should directly find , Or know their way , that never knew their mind . Thir. I should have wander'd too , it seems ; had I But thought it fine to whine , and grieve , & die . Nor yet her falsness , nor the cruelty Of one more fair and good , could work on me , To break my heart ; perhaps it did my sleep . Didst thou not carry , o're this fatall Deep , One that appear'd severe , yet strictly good ? Char. My Bark did then but gently kiss the Floud ; She was no weight , for vertue was her guide , And helpt me too as much as could a Tide . Thir. She sure sits always still ; but should I find Her in your World , Might she at last grow kind ? Char. No , Never now ; for there may grow a crime , Where there can be a change in thought or time . But if to go to her thou dost desire , Thy joy must be , at distance to admire . Thir. I thank thee , gentle Charon ; now I 'le stay , Since I must either doat , or lose my way . I 'le back to our dull World again , and find A Mistress , if I can , both fair and kind . For since at last we hither all must throng , 'T is good , I see , to bring one's heav'n along . I hope the gods too will with this dispence , To be unconstant in one's own defence . Char. Why then farewell . Thir. When I return my scores I 'le pay in vertues which shall be thy Oars . Back to my World I 'le go , Char. and I to mine . Chor. That Breast has heaven's light where Vertues shine . Heaven dwells in breasts , kept free from crimes and hate ; The place does but preserve from change and fate .
The Resolution . NO Cynthia , never think I can Love a divided heart and mind ; Your Sunshine love to every man , Appears alike as great as kind . None but the duller Persians kneel , And the bright god of Beams implore : Whilst others equall influence feel . That never did the god adore . The riches of your Love 's put forth , And ev'ry man retains a part , You can't call 't in , to make you worth The purchase of a faithfull heart . Hope not to be mine , or your own ; You can't your selfe to me restore , The Nest is left , the Birds are flown . And bankrupt-Love sets up no more : Your kindnesse which at randome flyes , Makes your Love-patients all secure , But they will find your Emp'rick eyes ; Can only palliate , never cure . Though I resolve to love no more , Since I did once ; I will advise . The love of Conquests now give o're , Disquiets wait on Victories . To your much injur'd peace and name , Love's farewell as a tribute pay , Grow now reserv'd and raise your fame ; By your own choice not your decay . She that to Age her charms resignes , And then at last turns Votary ; Though Vertue much the change inclines , 'T is sullied by Necessity .
The Opinion . LOng have I thought , It was in vain , To seek to purchase Love or Fame : For both alike would slide away , Or by my own , or her decay . For Love and Fame , crown'd with successe , Do from enjoyment both grow lesse . Had the god 's so , but been content , I would have liv'd indifferent . Not to have fear'd extreams of fate , Or Cares , that from lost Joyes take weight ; Indifferency all safety keeps , Ther 's none unhappy whilst he sleeps . But strangely wak't , she did surprize , My blisse and reason with her eyes : So lazy Princes wanting aime , To seck to purchase love and fame , Are by some slighted power o'recome , The scorn of others , and their own . Now she too much her power knows ; So some resisted stream o'reflows More than its usuall banks ; nor I Dare longer her just power deny : That must above the Common rate , Not reward passions but Create .
To AMARANTA , doubting his Constancy . AS from a neigh bouring rock , afflicted eyes See their lov'd object , tost by threatning waves , Rude messengers of angry destinies ; Their swelling wombs grown fertile too with graves . Safety and joy , their nature lose ; whilst he , Share 's with the others , fears and destiny . So from the height of all my happinesse , Whilst I see storms of fears oppresse thee so , I wish thy justice more , though kindnesse lesse ; My grief is far more gentle then thy woe . Though both wayes led unto my fate , yet I Would as thy Martyr , not thy Traitor , dye . Seldome , its true , the mighty stock of Love , Meets in one mind , with such refined sense , As to preserve that which it can't improve , Only by paying its own just expence . Not all those taxes which vain eyes designe , To many beauties , and decaying time . Yet there is Love , like mine , can know no end , Above the reach of any change or fate , I le smile at beauties too , that would pretend A reformation in my happy state ; Be but as kind , as I will constant prove , And make my Joyes as perfect as my Love.
Upon hearing Mrs. M. K. sing . OUr vain Philosophy can only teach , But not command , when sorrows make a breach Upon the heart : but to thy voice we pay Obedience , whilst we slight what wisemen say . Thy charming breath through our enchaunted ears , Possession takes , where once our hopes and fears Rais'd storms before , and the becalmed breast , No longer now by cruell care 's opprest . 'T were Heaven protected thus from all extreams , Were but thy breath Eternall , and our Dreams . So Orpheus , led not by his fate but choice , To the dull world of shades his charming voice ; Brought Heaven there , and made the torments cease , Th' infernall businesse all lock't up in peace . His voice , the busie Furies could compose , And thine our passions , Furies great as those . By Lethe's streams , which brought forgetfulnesse , Souls were secur'd of present happinesse . So thy Loud voice , not only Joy procures , But , by oblivion too , our cares secures . We , whilst you Sing , in state of blisse remain , And when you cease , shrink to our selves again .
AMARANTA , to the god of Love. AH , mighty Love , what power unknown , Hast thou now us'd more than thy own ! It was thy conduct and designe , But not thy power that Vanquish't mine . As a great Captain to his Name , Of every Conquest joynes the fame ; Though 't was not by his power got , But Army's , by his Conduct brought : So when thou could'st not do 't alone , Thou lead'st his troops of Vertues on . And I now feel by my surprize , Thou hast not only darts but eyes ; Just god ! now take again thy Arms , And rally all I have of charms . What pow'r and conduct cannot do , Make his beliefe contribute to . So , when the earth some promise shows , That she does greater wealth inclose ; Believing men search her rich veins , And crown their hopes with unknown gains ; May he , but at the first , incline to Love , Then by my Faith , and Time , His Justice , after the surprize , Shall be more fetter'd than his eyes ?

THE BLIND LADY A Comedy .

The Persons . SIgismond King of Poland . Albertus Vaivvode of Ruthenia . Phylanter his son . Mironault Vaivvode of Lithuania . Hippasus , Pysander , friends to Mironault . Lycespes , friend to Phylanter . Symothacles , Generall to the King. Peter , servant to the Blind Lady . Messengers , Huntsmen , Tenants . Mirramente , the Princesse . Amione , sister to Mironault . Philena , a great Lady attending the Princesse . Coeca , a Blind Lady . Quinever , her Maid .
The Blind Lady .
ACT 1.
SCEN. 1. Enter Albertus , Phylanter . Alb. BUt upon what injury , Phylanter ? Phy. Love and Ambition , Sir , those two great injuries Of mens seduced minds , which fill the thoughts . Full of Revenge , not with the justnesse of it . What Mironault has done , moves not my hate ; But what he may , my fears . By her , a Kingdom , Sir ; And , with her self , a World � Falls in my arms . How slow you are to crown Me and your self with happinesse ? You can love neither , and deny . Alb. But are you sure he comes ? Phy. I am certainly inform'd so . Alb. Yet consider , son , how will the King resent , That whilst he 's paying his duty to the Princesse , He should be there surprised ? Phy. That is your part for to prevent , Sir , Telling the King , ( such minds are ever jealous ) That his designes were to surprise the Princesse . 'T will appear service then , and may destroy My Rival's interest , if not advance my own . Those , Sir , that traffick in these seas , Fraught not their Bark with fear� : Besides , there needs none now . Alb. Yet think again , though , as you are my son , I can deny you little ; and 't is more just You should , deny your self , and not obey These hasty passions . He ne're injur'd you ; Or if he had , there were a nobler way For your reven�e than this . You are angry That the world 's pleased with him , and that he may Enjoy a bliss you wish for ; or , at least , Because he wishes it as well as you ; A Quarrell which Mankind must lay aside , Or all be Murtherers . Phy. You told me , I did obey my passions , To those you give your reasons then : As much you may expect from them , As if you told the winds they blew . too hard . Think of the Cause , then judge of the Effect . 'T is Love � Love for the Princesse too , For whose fair sake , who 'd not attempt The angry billows swell'd with horrid storms , The Sea-gods Pyramids , when every wave Bears too , like those , within its womb a grave , Or dangers yet unheard of ? Determine , Sir , For I resolve to act ; and let the story then Come to his unprepared ears . Alb. Well , that I may proserve you From some more unadvised course , ( if more can be ) I 'le do it ; but take heed Of letting violence be offer'd to him : Preserve thy self free from so foul a crime . Love's way lies not through blood . Consider too What we now go to act ; nor blush To think thou didst do ill , or that 't will throw Aspersions on thy judgment , to dislike The folly thou hadst dotingly embrac'd . Hee 's wise that sees his error at the last , Who weighs all these in perfect scales , Shame of his crime , and not his wit , prevails . Farewell , I leave you to your thoughts . � I 'le on my way to night . Heaven direct and prosper you . Exit . Phyl. How nice his conscience was � now to my businesse . And thou , great god of Love , that rul'st my heart , Attempt but Fortune with as kind a Dart ; That whilst I reach at what can scarcely be , Fortune as madly too may dote on me . � Now all things but designe Leave me � and yet � it looks but odly , To put off all this honesty at once , And to have none about me . Or was it ever mine ? sure I borrow'd it , And 't is a thing that 's taken up on trust ; I owe the world so much ; I 'le think on 't When I can pay it . Lycespes , welcome , Enter Lycespes . I was resolved just now to seek you . Lyces . You would have found me still prepar'd to serve you . Phyl. You are my noble friend , nor will I say , That I shall try it now ; this onely can Preserve it . But words are wasters of our time , And robs us still of action . As fast then as you can Get all our friends in readinesse , as many As possibly you can , well arm'd and mounted . Return with all the speed your Love can make . As we go you shall know all , The rest must live in ignorance . What Power now to invoke I hardly know , Yet every god has felt what Love can do . [ Exeunt .
ACT 1. SCEN 2. Enter two Huntsmen . 1. COme , the Princesse is hard at hand : And if we haste not , she may overtake us . To night too , we must lodge the Deer . 2. We need not care for that ; this Forrest Is so well stor'd , that Game 's in every Thicket . It causes the Princesse constant progresse Into these parts � But who are these ? Enter Mironault , Hyppasus , Pysander . 1. 'T is the brave Mironault . Mir. Well overtaken , Huntsmen , Is the Princesse Yet far behind ? 2. No , my Lord , he is almost in sight . Exeunt Hunts . Mir. I thank you � � Whither does Love thus hurry me ? A Tyrant that denies the smallest hopes , Where he gives largest wishes ! The greatest Beauties are like greatest Wealths , Subjects for all mens wishes , not their hopes . Fears share with Love the Empire of the heart , Rendring alike the Lover and the Coward . Danger 's the awfull Mistresse of the one , Who fears to tempt her , lest he should endure That fate too quickly , which he knowes is sure . So , whilst the other's Mistress too is ignorant , Onely more slow , the pining Lover dies , And that sure fate but hastes , if she denies . Hyp. Dear Sir , let not grief thus torment you . You should have there a nobler Guest , your Reason ; And were that there , there hardly could be room For such disorders . Passions are like Thieves , That watch to enter undefended places , And rob you too of all that put 's a difference Between Wild-beasts and Man. Yet , mistake not ; Your grief , if not dispair , is the fond passion I speak against , and not the love they spring from : That were her injury , to whom alone All is due , as Rivers to the Ocean . Yet Nature has decreed , that she must love : Believe your worth and your devotion then As great as any � Mir. O Hyppasus � 'T is easier far to counsell than to act ; And every one 's provided with the wisdom , That has not interest in the misfortune . And those that in Feavors , though 't is their ruine , Wish Rivers of drink ; the standers by , That then advise , and , may be , wonder at them , Would , in the same disease , do just so too . Pysan . You know not , Sir , but this great goddesse May be a little mercifull : by this hand , If she be not , I 'le be revenged , On half the Sex at least , by proving rigorous To those poor Wenches I have prated to ; That 's every one almost that e're I saw � Then forsooth Will the poor creatures wish their amorous heads Fill'd with Romances , pine , and die , With Willow-garlands under Myrtle-shades : And grief for them will kill the Mothers too . Your Princesse shall not have many Female Subjects . Mir. I thank thee , good Pysander , for attempting To mix thy mirth with my opposing griefs . But they are contraries , and cannot meet in one . � but let it perish withme � I must again Desire your secresies . Hyp. Nay that 's � Mir. Pardon me , Hyppasus � I know it 's needlesse to repeat A wish of mine to either of you : But what men's thoughts are full with , issue forth , With too much haste and freedom . Pysan . Will you take my advice , Sir ? Hyp. Nay pray , Sir , hear him . Mir. Come , what is 't , Pysander ? Pysan . Wholsom extreamly ! For the kind constitution Of a decaying Lover ; this is the short Receipt . In the first place , make your self � very � drunck . Nay , nay , you need not wonder ; by divine Bacchus , 'T is a rare expression of passion to court disorderly , To make a meer Chaos of one's self , and then give her � The honor of Creating you ; then , besides , All truth and all good nature will appear . If this be not the way to be consider'd , I 'l be judg'd � Hyp. How do you like it , Sir ? Mir. There 's kindnesse in 't to me , I know , Hyppasus ; And were I capable of mirth , it might produce it . But Grief and Love are throng'd together , And have scarce room enough . Hyp. Have either Joy or Grief , wee 'l share with you ; Nor was 't our fears of having part That made us wish you none ; we value you And our own lives at the same rate : We wish them free from all misfortunes , Yet share all willingly rather than part . But we must alter now that shew of trouble Which we have given our selves ; for the Princesse Must needs be neer . Mir. See Hippasus � . I had forgot the subject of my thoughts , How greedily I wish , yet fear to see her ! Like some poor Votary , whose holy thoughts Sets off so much , the joyes of Paradise , That it employes as many fears as wishes . � Hark she comes ! You Powers above , Lend Love and Fortune now their eyes , To help , or see at least , their sacrifice . Prin. You 're well met , my Lord , Was it a chance , Or your designe that brought you ? Enter Princesse Philena & followers . Mir. 'T is all I have about me of ambition , And of large wishes , that I may often Have leave thus to present my service . Prin. Your service , Sir , has been so much considerable , That I should be alone guilty of folly , Did I not valew it at such a rate , As the whole World have sett upon it . Miro . If I had such a power , to oblige As much , as you are pleas'd to say I have ; The World's applause , could not so much reward My services , as your receiving of them . Prin. My interest , next to my Father's , In this obliged Nation by your valour , Has made it gratitude ever for me , To avow that and more . Mir. I have then much of my best wishes crown'd , Yet should you know all that my heart conceals , Though it be much like this , you 'd be displeas'd With what you have pretended to allow . Prin. I cannot find this guilt about me , and can lesse guesse . How you should have a thought that should displease me . You cannot but oblige , and I as hardly Can tell what 's injury , if you should do it . Mir. This is a kindnesse , still admired Princesse , That I must never ask the meaning of ; But to my flatter'd fancy , so interpret As you would never do : yet 't is unjust , That I should use , the least kind word from you , With an advantage to my selfe . Prin. Sure , I may give you leave to do it , For such a confidence I justly have Of your great vertues , that you ever Pursue your own advantages with others . Mir. 'T is true , to the undeserving World , I can perform all this , only to you I am unjust , that never wish A good to you , when I desire most . Prin. I hardly understand you : if I do , The world is more oblig'd to you than I. Mir. Such a strange Character , my fate Has thrown upon me , yet my selfe , And all that World , which seems so much Beholding to me more than you , Are as much lesse in my esteem , As are the sands unto the mingled jewells , The Negro brings up from the Deep together . Prin. Is there a possibil�y to know , Your meaning then ? Mir. You should , if I were sure you would forgive it , Yet thus much take in guesses . Could Shades be sensible , And wish the embraces of the Sun , were not that Lamp , Injur'd by that which lov'd it , could rude beasts Be passionate for Empire , and not injure The Throne because they lov'd it . 'T is I That am more dark then all those shades , You brighter then that Sun ; 'T is I That am that Beast rob'd of all reason . And you above all Empires ; I have acknowledg'd My unsuspected guilt , because t' was so , And though I cannot leave my Love , I may my Life . � Prin. You have done more than given me leave to guesse , And since I have my selfe been guilty too , In giving you the occasion I shall forbear Such a displeasure as is due , and let you know . T' was easie too for me to erre , that could so little Imagine you to be so guilty : I shall adde Only thus much , that as you valew My presence or esteem , repeat no more Any thing of this nature � Come let 's on : Exeunt Princess and Attendants . Mir. So Merchants for a tempting venture Bankrupt themselves ; yet what wealth had I Before I knew my poverty from her ? 'T is nothing I have lost , the difference is , That I have something now I wish to lose , Hyp. She is not , Sir , a greater enemy , To your content , than you are to your selfe : 'T is you enlarge her frowns by fancied fears , Mir. Those that are free from danger , my Hyppasus . May look and wonder at another's fears , That is environd with it : 't is Concern That is the excuse for Passion ; were you my Rivall , The Counsell would be juster if you gave it , � Come we must not stay behind , � Ther 's nothing but a Lover pleas'd with sufferings . All other rigors of this World , Our wishes and endeavours still oppose , The Prisoner hates his bolts , whilst he remains Pleas'd not so much with sreedom as his chains . [ Exeunt
ACT 1. SCEN 3. Enter Phylanter solus . Phyl. TRust me a little , Fortune , with my self , I do not ask thy aide grow big my hopes , And swell unto a Throne , To Crown my Love , and my Ambition on ; From thence I 'le view the thing cal'd Honesty , And grieve 't is so contemn'd , and ought to be . � Man is like pliant Wax , That yields unto a fair Impression , Though sent not from the noblest Metall : And , in this world , it bears an equall show To seem but onely honest , or be so . And when the Crown 's once gain'd , there needs no fears : Crimes change their natures then , or Men change theirs . � Dye � Scruples � in my thoughts , And let my mind be a preposterous grave , That bore you first , to bury you again : � and your base issue � Fear � Dye too , when Beauty and a Crown 's so near . � Lycespes welcome ; what news ? Enter Lycespes . Lyces . All as you would have it , Sir : The Troop is march'd , and stays you in the VVood , Between this and the Castle . Phyl. Let 's follow then ; For Time 's a busie Offerer of our Interests To every check of Fortune . Lyces . VVe make some threescore Horse , VVhich will be three Divisions ; one for each Port. Phyl. Let Martianus command the last . As we go , I 'le give you perfect Orders . I wish they had some means to cherish a Resistance , That he may help to his own ruine ; He must not live to plead his innocence . But Time , that never will be staid , Calls us to act what we have scarcely waigh'd . [ Exeunt .
ACT. 1. SCEN. 4. Enter Princesse , Philena , Mironault . Prin. YOu 're welcome now , my Lord , and I desire No clowd may dwell on any brow ; Let no such prejudice happen amidst our sports . Mir. If you be not obey'd , admired Princesse , Where you command , it is extreamly strange ; And yet , I fear , 't is possible . Prin. As possible it is I may suspect my power . But , my Lo�d , I had forgot to put you in remembrance Of perfec� ��� storie you began , As you ��� it , of unhappy Lovers . Mir. The Princesse , Madam , Was taken by Phylanter , whose great valour , Shewn in that day , deserv'd all Prisoners : To whom he nobly offer'd Liberty , Without a Ransome , or Acknowledgment Unlesse to you . Before she thank't him , She made enquiry for the Prince , my Prisoner ; As if she knew not how to use Freedom nor life without him ; and by reason That he was full of wounds , Phylanter Waited upon her to my Tent ; at the first sight Of him she so much lov'd , cover'd with wounds , She stood amaz'd , perhaps too wish'd her self What she appear'd , but a dead Statue . At the same time he rais'd his feeble eyes , Which seem'd to take unkindly her delay . At that she came , and kneeling by him , Made such expressions of unfeigued grief , That though we understood not what she said , Yet that was plain enough . He now grew speechless , ( And she almost ) yet still with signes , That seem'd expressions of more trouble . For leaving her then all the world Within her arms , he died ; she but stayed To be assur'd that he was dead . Then with a haste , That shew'd a willingnesse to follow him , She drew a Viall from her bosom , And drank it off , before that we could hinder her ; Whose violence , on an enfeebled heart By so much grief , with unbelieved haste , Wrought Execution . Prin.

Poor Princesse ! 't was her hard fate to love ;

She had been else no more concern'd , Than those that now survive .
Mir.

And she perhaps as unconcern'd to dye .

Nothing but a deserving Love Could have taught her a way so glorious To end all cares . She now enjoys him too , Or else insensible that e're she lost him .
Prin.

Did that young Prince command that day the Army ?

Mir.

Yes , and , as we learnt , he was the Heir

To the Tartarian Empire .
Prin. 'T is nothing but a Prince Could have been so unhappy to lose at once His Love , his Life , his Empire . [ Enter hastily Hyppasus , Lysander . Hyppasus takes Mironault aside . Hyp.

My Lord �

Mir.

Ha

Hyp.

Let not the Princesse see it :

The Castle is surrounded by a Troop of Souldiers , Commanded by Phylanter ; I fear you are their aim .
Mir.

I ?

Hyp.

You may guesse the causes , Jealousie and Baseness .

Think , or you 'r lost .
Mir.

Ha � 't is very happy .

Pys .

I don't understand that .

Mir.

I 'le presse them nobly : Are they many ?

Hyp.

They are divided , as we guesse . The gates are yet kept shut .

Pys .

I 'le go view , and ins�antly return .

[ Exit . Mir.

The Devill on the mischief ! if their aim

Be towards me , it must be for my life . A Parly cannot save me , I am resolv'd To sell it .
Phil.

Upon my life , Madam , there 's some disorder .

View but the eyes of Mironault .
Prin.

My Lord , why are you mov'd ?

Mir.

I , Madam ?

Prin

Pray , Sir , let me entreat of you the cause .

Hyp.

Nothing that ought to give you trouble , Madam ,

There 's something that requires The presence of my Lord without .
Prin. If there be any that would speak with him , They shall be here dispatcht . Hyp. That cannot be , Madam . Prin. Come , my Lord. There 's something I can guesse at ( if I be not deceiv'd ) That does assure me , I may command you . What business breeds this alteration ? Mir. I dare not disobey you ; The Castle is surrounded by Phylanter With Troops of Soldiers ; and , as we guesse , My life 's their aim . Prin. The Castle surrounded ! and your life their aim ? It is impossible : they dare not think it . I will go see their rudenesse . Mir. Not for the world , they know that you are here : And their intents they 'l act unto their power . Prin. Is there a better way ? Mir. Yes any , rather than dye tamely , Pysa . For heaven's sake , Sir , resolve : Phylanter's now , Enter Pysander . Forcing the gates , being denied entrance For all his Souldiers , who loudly now Call you , A Traitor . Upon one side Which I 'le conduct you to , it is most probable You may escape � . Prin. Ah me ! Mir. May I believe , ( fair wonder of your Sex ) That though your cruelty designes my fate , Yet you 're displeas'd , that these should be The Executioners ? I shall then dare To oppose all their furies , that my Life May be Love's sacrifice alone ; forgive me too , If I dare own that Love , you frown upon . You need not scruple to grant this � , To any that must aske no more . And may that peace , you give my dying thoughts , For ever live with yours � . Prin. Pray say no more , think of your safety , Mir. See , she weeps � . With pitty ever dwells forgivenesse too , My wishes then are crown'd , and I can have No greater , unlesse that it were possible , I might hope more and live . Prin. O Mironault ! � So much confusion mingles with my thoughts , I know not what to say ; and yet I wish That you might live , and cannot be displeas'd , Though hope should be the cause . Mir. So Saylers in a sinking vessell , May see a calm begin � . This treacherous world , Never wants mischiefs to prevent The greatest blessings that are near-approaching , To crown man's greedy wishes . � But I mistake , to doubt that Life Which you have given leave I should enjoy . Who only have the power of it . This shall witnesse , [ Draw. How much I covet to preserve , What you wish safety to ; nor is it possible , That I should unsuccessfull prove , That have no other use for life but love ; [ Exeunt . Prin. The gods protect and guide you , O Phylena , What 's to be done ? Phy. Collect your self , dear Madam , all may be well , Let 's to a window , that o're-looks that side , Where they intended to break forth . Prin. I dare not see him fall . Phy. Fear not Madam , Heaven will preserve . So fair a Life , that has your prayers too . Prin. Hark , they are ingag'd , le ts see if it be possible , A noise of fighting . To give him more assistance than our wishes . [ Exeunt .
ACT 1. SCEN 5. Enter Mironault wounded , [ A noise . Mir. STay hasty drops , not to preserve The life that does pursue you . But the blest shrine , where Mirramente dwells , See , 't is not my wishes stayes the purple current : Man's still most near to dye , when he would live , And live when he would dye ; calamity , And , the more dangerous extream , prosperity Commits this violence upon mens wishes . Yet since the gods denied for either cause To destroy life , or to protect ; In stead of Choice , we should oppose Neglect . Hark , the noise increases still . [ Noise . � sure they are lost � They fought it nobly , though , if my ears Deceive me not , I hear some comming . Enter Hyppasus and Pysander . Ha Hyppasus and Pysander ! Then I am happy in spight of all misfortunes . Hyp. Dear Sir , you cut your way so nobly , We should have reach'd you sooner else . Pys . And so we had Sir , but two or three good-fellows Still s�aid us upon conference � Mir. Well , here 's no staying , we must forward ; But whither , Heaven knows ; 't was an unworthy action . Pys . For the honorable part of the story , Wee 'l , if you please , comment upon it hereafter . In the mean time , 't is more needfull to observe What a condition we are in to help one another . Hyppasus would make dainty whistles , My bones are already rattles : The best house of receipt I know would be an Hospitall . A noise again � On , good Sir. Hyp. The most by-ways must guide us . Mir. Heaven direct us � Pys . O what a speech could I now make Of this frail world . But however , I 'le not stay now to do it . [ Exeunt .
ACT 1. SCEN. 6. Enter Princesse , Philena . Prin. HE cannot sure escape . Phy. Rather believe he must , there is a better fate Reserv'd for so much worth . Our hopes are now The policy as well as justice of our hearts . You know we did discern , how o're the plain Some hasted single , and Pylander said , they were divided . At first you saw how fast he made his way , Triumph and Danger waiting on his Sword. The villains too , like dull opposing clowds , Gave way to the fair Sun ; And then Phylanter Was on the other side . Prin. Alas , Phylena , Fears are so powerfull , That in concerned breasts they govern all . Phyl. It is our follies that enthrones them so ; And to just wishes hopes are much more due : Use them , dear Madam � Prin. I need not blush , Phylena , to confesse , ( And yet I shall , whilst I am doing it ) That I have more concern for him Than others have . VVhen you know this , You will not judge your counsell then So easie to be followed � Phil. Pardon me , Madam , if I confesse , That I believ'd as much when I advis'd you . I have had many reasons for such thoughts From yours , though greater from his vertues . Prin. O Phylena , advise me how to do , not how to grieve . I see I must be forc'd to a hard exigent , To let him perish , or in his relief To appear too concern'd , though not too just . Phyl. Your reason , Madam , will not have leave To decide that ; 't is Love will be the judge Of all his dangers . But now , Madam , VVhat is the next thing we must act ? Or must we suffer too ? Prin. Nay , Heaven knows ; I sent one to enquire . Now � what 's the matter ? [ Enter a Servant . Ser. They say , Madam , they came for Mironault , Who had designes upon your Highnesse . Prin. And have they taken him ? Ser. No ; but we hope they will. He has left abundance hurt and dead . Prin. Go , be gone you fool ; you are all suspitious rascalls , Fain would be thought State-wise . Ser. Madam . Prin. Be gone , you hoping Coxcomb . There 's something more in this , Phylena . Phyl. I cannot guesse , unlesse it be Phylanter's jealousie , Urg'd by your constant favours unto Mironault . Prin. It s possible . Hark , a noise ; we shall be more inform'd . Enter Phylanter , and , being half enter'd , speaks Phyl. � Escap'd � Now by the gods your lives shall pay for all . You dogs and Cowards � � Madam , I humbly crave your pardon , My passion makes me hasly , when your Cause Gives the just anger . Prin. My cause , Sir ? Phyla . Excellent Princesse , Yours ; for this foul man That seem'd to pay his duty to you , Bore in his breast a traiterous designe Here to surprise you ; which I hearing of , Straight hasted to prevent it , though my fate Was too unhappy in the losse of him . Prin. Ha! Phyl. But let � Prin. Dost , thou not blush , or blush for me at least , That I have let thee injure Truth thus long � And wrong'd an innocence , which never dwelt Within thy infant breast ? Stay not to reply , But leave me with your tumults . [ Exit . Phyl. Then I am lost ; my last stroak now I 'le strike , And strike it bravely too � Despair , Thou ha's the noblest issues of all ill , Which frailty brings us to , for to be worse We fear not , and who cannot lofe Is ever a franck Gamester . Nor will I fall alone , should he enjoy her , I should repining dye . Envie 's the vice That never leaves us till we fall from that , The best ompanion of a hastie fate : I 'le cherish it as others would a Vertue . He that declines himself � � when Chance or Fortune has declin'd him first , He learns of those mean helpers to do worst . [ Exit .
ACT 2.
SCEN. 1. Enter King , and Albertus . Alb. IT was this day , Sir , that he intended the surprise ; And , notice given my son , with such few men As he could get in readinesse , he hasted thither . Kin. 'T is well ; but take heed there be no foul play in 't . For Mironault has ever appear'd A subject fit to ruine mean suspitions . Alb. Love , Sir , can alter all ; none more than I Did hear ( and wonder , with a pittying thought ) This error of his hopefull Youth ; but when I think He is a Man , and Youth dwells in his veins , That still pr�pares for Beauty and Ambition , The easie heart . Then look upon the Princesse , And see in her the pain and pride of Nature , Her fresh unsullied beauty , that would tempt The gods to gaze and love ; I could almost forgive � � but must believe . Kin. Ha! Alb. To add unto the power of Love , and alf those joyes Her heavenly beauty brings a Kingdom too : Crowns the ambition of his high-fed youth , That makes all dangers lesse , from whose high top They see it lessen'd in the common vale , and onely fit To tame the spirits of the meaner minds . � he that dares do , Will act what his ambition tempts him to . Kin. I know not ; I would see just to all , and would be safe ; And Injuries are as unpleasing to me as Injustice , I would not bear the one , or act the other . When malice spreads a rancour in the breast , That needs a policy to bear it forth , The minds of Kings most think to fit with jealousie , As ever apt for that ; believing still , That all such fears dwells with their height of glory . Take heed , my Lord , that this so loose opinion Leads not your tongue , and casts that brand on me . I believe well of all . On farther proof I shall think best of you . Alb. Would I were well off . [ aside . We have not yet ( Great Sir ) so little left Of kindness to our selves , to play with Thunder ; Nor yet so mean � A thought of you , to let you live in danger . Heaven knows all the ambition that now rules our thoughts ; And all we hope for that should crown our wishes , Is to appear loyall to you , we are as free , ( Whilst you are so from danger ) , as a young Lamb From hate or malice . King. Nay my Lord , you do mistake , if you believe You suffer in my thoughts , I am prepar'd Still to reward your care , equally so To punish or preserve his crime , or innocence . When Kings do fall from this , and let each wind Conduct them with its giddinesse ; Their Kingdoms at the last , must suffer ship-wrack . Perhaps your innocence , may once as well Suffer unheard , from some malitious tongue : I never yet harbour'd an ill opinion , Rais'd from suspition , or a meaner thought From others envy , nor yet forget To cherish those , whose loyalties are greatest . Justice is still impartiall , and all Kings , Should only hold her scales : he that strives To weigh down one with power , is unjust To that Great King , that put him first in trust ; Alber. I 'me lost � [ aside . King. But my Lord ; we give you thanks now for your early care , We would have none discourag'd , to be loyall , 'T is that which will adorn you here , And help you to Eternity hereafter , Whilst men are just , pleasing rewards will live Within their breasts ; greater then I can give . [ Exit . Alber. Hee 's gone . � � I would his honesty were too , That sits upon him like so fit a garment , The workman's paid , to have the credit of it . Hee 'l help the gods to many cu��omers . How now ! [ Enter a messenger . Mes . My Lord ; � Alber. From whence comest thou , � Ha , � What newes ? my mind mis-gives . � Mes . From your Son. Alber. Why , what 's the newes ? Mes . But ill , � when that your son Had round beset the Castle , and all thought sure , The gallant Mironault , in his fearlesse mind Weighing the bonds of death , and of an enemy , In perfect scales ; the first appear'd the lightest , And through one Port , bravely with his two friends , Issued like Lightning which foretells a Clap , And Thunder follow'd too : whilst in despight Of their resistance , through their lives He forc'd his way and safety . � Alb. And so escap't ? Mes . Yes , but they are still pursuing ; the Princesse too , When that your son appear'd , as if her eyes Had borrow'd , rage from the afrighting danger , That Mironault was in ; upon her brow Inthron'd it with revenge , and so with threats , Left him unto his fears , who by me Desires you to retire straight from Court , Whither the Princesse now directs her haste , And march with all your forces ; no other way Is left to make Conditions . In the mean time , He 's still pursuing Mironault . Alb. 'T is unhappy . Mess . Necessity has left no other means : Without this , he bids me tell you , You may dye tamely . Alb. Well , I must go ; it is the fate of guilty men , That such should seek at safety through more crimes . Men are unhappy when they know not how To value Peace without its losse ; And from the want learn how to use , What they could so ill manage when enjoy'd . Ambition gives this blindnesse , yet permits The eyes to gaze upon her tempting baits ; But in attempting , not what dangers are , They see the Throne , and not the blazing Star. Thus foolish his ungovern'd youth Has made us both alike , Who , rather than to share a common good , Ventur'd through danger at uncertain glory : Nor could my power or prayers perswade him from it . With such a grief the Ruler of the day Shook his illustrious tresses , when he heard The ambitious Phaeton make his bold Request , � who did prefer � Before the counsell of the god himself , The long'd-for glories of his glittering Throne . Yet Phoebus mourn'd , the bonds of Nature tye Faster then our own good or honesty . [ Exit .
ACT 2. SCEN. 2. Enter Princess , Phylena . Prin. THat I had wings , Phylena ; this revenge Justice it self will follow . Phyl. Pray heaven , Madam , no designer Has been before us . Prin. It is my fear . Phyl. But yet , You may be confident of your father's temper , Which does dispence Justice with deliberation Besides your interest . Prin. Would we could learn what were become of him . They still pursue him , sure ; and heaven preserve His noble life from an untimely fate . How the State-rascalls too were pleased VVith the suspition of a trecherous danger ; And grew as busie as a new wak't Fly , At the first news of Summer . Phyl. There is a basenesse runs through all their veins , And ranckles in their bloods , which to their children Descends ; a loath'd Inheritance . Prin. But who are these ? Enter Amione and Follower . Phyl. A very handsom person . Prin. Extreamly fair , I swear ; she bends this way . Amio. Excellent Princesse � [ she kneels . Pardon the rude griefs of a distressed Maid , That throws her at your feet ; for your clear eyes ( VVhich sends a comfort upon pleased beholders ) To see and pitty ; you , that nature gave Perfections above all ; 't is you alone VVe must believe excells in goodnesse too . Nothing that 's ill can have so fair a dwelling . You shall have still a Virgin 's prayer , That yours may ne're successlesse fly To those above , that those fair blossoms Never have cares for to disturb their calmnesse , Or force a wrincle on those snowy plains ; But may the beauty of a peace within , Preserve and equall those your outward lustres . Prin. Rise , pretty Maid , you should have ask'd and tri'd , VVhether at first I had been worth these prayers . She must be very good that does deserve 'em � See , Phylena , flowers , I swear , she rises weeping Receive not so much sweetnesse from fresh drops , As she from those . Her grief adds to her sweetnesse . VVhat is it , gentle Maid , you would desire ? Promise your self , if I can help you in 't . Amio. The gods reward you . Let me but blush , And I will say , the act may too ; he is too near That I should tell you more . And yet , me-thinks , He does deserve as much as I can say ; And his cause named to my poor heart , Seems eloquence enough to move a pitty . Pardon my disturbed passions . Prin. Nay , fairest Maid � You injure me and your own hopes together , To keep me in suspence : I would as willingly Yield you my aid , as you could haste to ask it , For the ble�� subject of your fair opinion . Amio. I do not doubt your goodnesse ; pardon the throng Of all my tedious griefs . Know then , You best of Princesses , for sure his name Has reach'd your ears , the unhappy Mironault , That much deserv'd to live , is like to fall By bloody and unworthy hands . Prin. O Phylena ! I 'me lost . [ aside . In that beauty is all my comfort buried . Phyl. Madam , what do you mean ? Madam , for heaven's sake ; why , Madam ? Prin. I prethee let me go , thou art too cruell . I shall enjoy peace undisturb'd hereafter . Phyl. But hear her out , and do but search the truth , Then I will let you die . I would not for the world Any should guesse the cause . Prin. Alas ! Phyl. Why , if they do , they cann't condemn the grief . Prin. O Phylena , when Love has entred in the outward Forts , Yet there is still a small reserve of Reason , Which Love laughs at , rather than thinks it worth His rage or storming ; for he knows it must Perish and starve , when the relief Of all the nobler Faculties are kept out By the insulting Conqueror , who contemns All the attempts I fain would make against him . Amio. I see I am decreed to all misfortunes , she speaks as no minded . That I should now disturb you too , who , heaven knows , I willingly would please . Why do you turn Away your head ? How often have I heard His prayers sent to heaven for your joys , That now denies to look upon his woes ? I 'le kneel again , for in such a cause It were impiety to rise successelesse . Nothing but Seas and Winds are deaf to prayers , And Beasts to mercy ; who would expect A hidden form in undisturbed skies ? Or in that clearer breast a cruelty ? If you deny , I 'le grow a fixed Monument , Still to upbraid your rigour . Prin. O Phylena , why do you let me languish ? In her beauty dwells an undoing lustre . Phyl. What mean you , Madam ? can you believe The world can shew a subject for your jealousie ? Amio. I see I grow a trouble , I durst have sworn You had been more charitable . How often have I heard The now unpittied Mironault affirm , You were the treasure of this world's perfections ; And wondred any thing but your fair self Should know what joys were . Perhaps you too Believe as much , or else you could not think All his unpittied miscries are just . Had Nature Given you a Brother , and your early loves Blest undisturb'd from Nature's fruitfull Cradle , You would have begg'd � as now � His hopelesse sister does . But sure I should have pittied more . And yet perhaps our interests makes us partiall : Yes I could wish I had your power to try . Phyl. Now , Madam � Prin. Forgive me , gentle Maid ; it was the power Of thy told griefs that seiz'd my faculties , And left me able to do nought but grieve . Forgive the time I lost to share with thee : You may forgive the injuries of kindnesse . And though my self were witnesse to the action Thy griefs made it a new afflicting story . Each storm renews in Merchants minds The story of the shipwrack . Nor do I blush To avow this , since I must not lose The justnesse of my breast , that does believe His innocence above suspition . Amio. May heaven inspire you to wish well , And grant your wishes too , you might have then , Perhaps , a joy as great as he would have , Did he but know you pitty him . Prin. In the performance then of what I say , He will have more ; which I so much wish him That you shall witnesse all pursued with haste . Nor shall you be a stranger longer to me . Yet I shall blush , although I give you leave To see the partiality : but more time Now spent in grass or leaves , would be his injury . And we may ruine , what we would relieve , Should we without attempting succour grieve . [ Exeunt .
ACT 2. SCEN. 3. Enter Mironault , Hyppasus , Pysenor . Pys . WOuld I were a Dog , and could lick my self whole . I shall be as fly-blown , as a ruine cheese , How i' st Hyppasus ! Hyp. But scurvy , would we might rest . Miro . O me ; 'T is an unhappinesse , that I should bring You into these misfortunes , you have deserved Better of me , and yet you may forgive me , I would have shared as much with you . Hyp. We would not make such an excuse then , Sir. Miro . You chide me nobly , I find , I need some rest . And yet by all those powers , that caused these mischiefs , My life shall end them , e're I 'le be his prisoner . Pys . Nay , wee 'l all dye ; I hope 't is no offence To talk of saving our sweet lives ; In order to that , this next fair house Must be our Garrison , 't is ten to one , But there we find some three or four brown loaves , To victuall us for a day ; perhaps a sample Of good seed-Corn , lies in the parlour Cubbard ; We shall eat moderately , come we must advance And storm it . Hyp. You have no other way Sir , we are so weak , There is no refuge else , and we are still Hotly pursued , if they intend our mischiefs , VVe may hold out against that petty number � If they raise more , we too shall have relief By the Princesse , or your friends ; if not , VVe may make some Conditions . � Miro . A wretched shift , and yet it may preserve us , But let us use it nobly : Heaven guide us . Pys . I 'le advance , and knock : Within there � Ho! [ knock . He struck so hard , the bason broke , � Enter Peter . Ho! what a Tarquin's here , Pet. VVho have we here ? Pys . Two or three strangers that have lost their way . Pet. And you would be directed . Pys . Pox on your nimble Charity ; [ Aside . We have been sett upon by thieves , and hurt , And must desire some small refreshment . Pet. Why , this 't is ; The age is grown so perfect now , That all fall's in the way of Begging , And by the word Refreshment . Pys . Nay , Sir , none of your moralities on the age , Help us to the speech of the Master , Or Mistris of the house , It must be so , Sir ; Pet. Here 's neither . Pys . What the Devil i' st . Pet. A Lady . Pys . Plague on your formall Coxcomb . Le ts see your Lady then , Pet. That 's more then shee 'l do you . Pys . By this light , but she shall . Pet. Had she sworn so , she had been for-sworn ; Pys . Sir , we would willingly be Civill , Pray let 's receive your Ladie 's answer , But no more of yours : Pet. You shall have it . � [ Exit . Pys . This Rogue has bagg pipes in his Lungs . A meer Land-Remora , we wanted but the plague To have heard his pedigree ; He had learn't the policy of the old Roman , To ruine by delayes ; we might have fainted Under his wise Cunc-tator-ship . Hyp. 'T was a rare Scene , be sure , Pysenor , You shall have none of the best drink . Miro . VVhen she comes , you shall be chief , And we your humble servants . Pys . And I 'le be insolent enough : now Sir , For such a Bird as the Princesse . Miro . Nay Pysenor . � Pys . Hang it , this love , 't will make your wounds ranckle . There 's nothing like a merry plaister . Hark , I hear them rusling , Enter Caeca , Ruinever , and Peter . Mercy on us , what have we here , December , with the too scurvy months at her heels ? She ha's dig'd up all her ancestors ; And wrap't their winding sheets about her , I 'le advance . Caeca . VVhere stands he , Peter � Peter . Straight on ; now must not I proceed For fear I should discover , she were blind . Pys . VVhither a divell will she march She goes straight on . Hippasus , lie down in the way , Hyp. And be hanged , put on your serious face , Pys . Save you sweet Reverence . Caeca . Are you the Gentleman ? Peter , is this he ? Pet. Yes , forsooth . Pys . Slight , shee 'd have her man make affidavit of it , [ aside . VVe are those Madam , that would fain obtain Some pitty in your eyes , � why , � shee 's blind , [ aside . Blind , as an old Do-Cunny . � VVe want a Charity , and we hope That your grave years , ha's taught you that fair story , Caeca . From whence come you ? Pys . VVe are Gentlemen , and have been hurrby thieves . You need not fear to help our hard misfortunes , Our weak Conditions cannot threaten danger , You may believe , we would deserve your kindnesse , And our lives , which if you preserve , Shall wait upon your beauty . Hyp. What a dissembling tongue the rogue has , [ aside . Pys . We went as long , as we could gain a leave From weaknesse , as unwilling � To be a burthen to any , but our fates Threw us on you , for which we dare not chide them . Hyp. This rogue would court a bitch � [ aside . Pys . Sirrah , I 'le fit you . � Caeca . A fine well-spoken gentleman . Pys . For if we did , we should be too unjust For you must needs be good , because the gods Let you so long live to instruct the world , � Or else afraid of your blind company � [ aside . But at your feet � We throw our selves and all our miseries , And cancell fear , whilst we exp�ct to hear Our doom from your fair lips . Caeca . Quinever . Quin. Madam . Caeca . I' st a handsome man ? Quin. Yes indeed , as e're I saw . Caeca . I feel just such a Qualm , as I had When I was still falling in love , he has a sweet tongue . Noble gentleman , you 're very welcome ; You shall have all you want , pray come neer : Indeed , I am much taken with your speech , 'T is very curteous , once in my youth I understood these complements , And have not yet forgot them ; I shall remember them more fresh If you repeat them . Pys . Why so , I shall be engaged to tell tales [ aside In the chimney-corner . Caec . Peter , Go in , get the best chambers ready ; Let them have something presently to eat . Pray come �n , you 'r very welcom . Your hand , good Sir. Pys . We are your servants . Now do I walk Like the great Turk , that newly has put out The eyes of an old kinswoman . Here we shall find Good Fortune sure , for that whore too is blind . [ Exeunt .
ACT. 2. SCEN. 4. Enter King solus . Kin. HOw much unknown is reall happinesse ? And all are cheated with the name of thing ? Or we are all deceiv'd , or else the joy Grows poor by the enjoyment ; to me A Crown 's a glorious misery , Suspition waits on all our appetites , And sleep not pleases but affrights . Kings have hard ways for to preserve a Crown , To give to others fears , and hide their own . The way 's but narrow between frowns and smiles , To avoid both Contempt and Tyranny . For either is a Rock to split upon This glorious and frail Bark of Majesty ; When-People do not ask , and yet Kings give , Content and safety with them both may live . But when they venture to reform the State , Princes must suffer then By their own fears , or by their people's hate . They hide still what they mean in a redresse , And know ill acts are buried with successe . Seek peace in storms , and in disorder safety , � Till in a Chaos they have felt Constraint and Freedom undistinguisht dwelt . Their first fond way to reach at Liberty Is , to assault those they believe too high . And had the gods not Thunder , sure there are That would attempt � � to light a Candle at a Star. But Kings , like Suns , that at some time must pay Their lustres in another Sphear , must leave Stars fitted with influence to direct this night . � Yet , like the Queen of Night , to know , That to his beams their lustre they do owe. O Symathocles , you 'r welcom ; Did you dispatch Enter Symathocles . What I directed you ? Sym , I did , Sir ; and the Troops were marching , But the arrivall of the Princesse prevented . Kin Is she come , then ? Sym. But now arrived , Sir. Kin. 'T is well , Symathocles . You have heard sure of the late accident : 'T is odd ; What think you ? Sym. 'T is hard to guesse , Sir , easier far to doubt . The Princesse must inform us all . Kin. I have suspended too my thoughts in this . Haste is an ill companion still to Justice . And whilst we hear at distance things unprov'd , The story of their lives prevails still most , That has been fair in Mironault . Yet our frailty Guides us to unsuspected acts , so may the best of men Fall to the least suspected crimes ; that weaknesse Crows with our years , and alteration�s still By Nature nur� . Sym. You have weighed , great Sir , Things in so just and serious a scale , That whilst thus evenly you preserve your mind , You 'l need no other Oracle ; mean hasty fears Still tyranny begets , non can deserve Their safety , that attempt it that way That poorly tells the world , he fears the reach Of common hands ; none but the Eagles gaze Upon the Sun , unlesse it shrinck in clowds . Nor do the common eyes attempt your glories , Till shrouded in your fears . He 's still most safe That tells the world , He cannot be in danger , For they 'l believe it then , and 't is most just , If they will borrow fears , that he should trust . Justice will then be ripe , when every thought Takes its slow birth neither from fear nor passion . And 't will be fruit worthy a King to bear , And bless the appetites of them that gather . Kin. You have hit my thoughts ; See , Enter Princess , Pylora , Followers . Here comes more Information . I 'le see if she 'l begin . � Rise , you are welcom . [ Prin. kneels . Prin. I must not , Sir , till I receive � more then a common Blessing � Your Justice is enough to case my fears . Yet pardon me , if so much of Woman rules me , To tell you all I suffer'd . Kin. What mean you ? Prin. Great Sir , you might believe indeed I should be undisturb'd , where you procure Peace from your carefull thoughts . And sure it was The child of Insolence and high Contempt That curst attempt the ruden�sse . Kin. It was so , but to the matter . Prin. When at my journey's end I was arrived , Thither came Mironault in his own language To pay a duty which he owed your child ; Where being scarcely rested , and resolved With the next rising Sun to seek our sport , But word was brought , the Castle was surrounded By Soldiers , commanded by Phylanter ; Their businesse was for Mironault , w�o they said Went to surprise me there , who onely came With two brave friends , and I dare swear with thoughts As innocent as Infants ; when he heard The Castle was be-set , seriously weighing Not Justice sought his life but Treachery , Disdain'd to fall upon so mean a score . As an ungovern'd Torrent issues forth , Bearing down all before it , and in the action Finds its unknown power , when its streams Are with a stop resisted , o're-whelming What was believ'd beyond its power before . So from resistance his disdaining rage Atchiev'd a victory , which his thoughts Would ne're have hop'd nor aim'd at ; still Philanter's rage Pursues his noble life . This is enough Whilst you are just , nor need I to repeat The injury to me . Kin. But they perhaps Might have a secret message of the intent Of Mironault , you would be loath I see To have one testifie as much . Prin. You cannot find one so extreamly bad , So far from being to himself a friend ; His story in the world has nobler truths , Than to be fouled by any base accuser . If all were true , it is your justice sure , And not their furie , that should punish . Kin. For farther satisfaction of you ; Who waits there ? Go call the Lord Albertus hither . [ Exit Messenger . Prin. In this petition too , Sir , oyns with me This Maid , who from one womb With the unhappy Mironault took her birth : You will have many knees as he has hearts ; And yet none needs to beg , for you are just : Yet you must pardon those loves that mix with fears . We oftner then we need wipe pretious Jewells . His value makes us foolish . Kin. He is beholding to you � How now � Enter Messenger . Mess . The Lord Albertus , Sir , is fled As soon as he came from your Majesty , He instantly took Horse . Kin. He was in haste � Symathocles � Sym. Sir. Kin. Gather the Forces in a readinesse That were to meet my daughter , then wait For further Orders . Sym. I shall , Sir. [ Exit Syma . Kin. Your pardon , fair Maid , that I seem'd so to forget you ; It onely was my care , you shall have justice And should have had without an Advocate , Your beauty though's a great one . Amio. The gods preserve your Majesty , with your years May peace still grow , that give it unto others , Till you shall go to have eternall rest . Kin. Thanks , gentle Maid , the rich Arabian Fumes Are not so sweet to the delighted gods , As thy calm prayers from thy harmlesse breast . Come hither , Mirramente , I have not been At leisure yet to bid thee kindly welcom . Prin. Pardon me , Sir , that I must once again Trouble your ears , nor think too lightly , Sir , Of my request , it is the child of gratitude . I would in person , Sir , relieve Him , that has suffer'd for my sake , And in my sight contemn'd . Kin. Symathocles , would you not take it ill To have a Generall put o're your head ? Sym. Not , if it may serve you , Sir. Kin. Look here , Symathocles , this Amazon has begg'd it . Sym. She does the better , Sir , if there be danger From her fair name we all shall fight in safety . Kin. Well , take your course , on more intelligence Move as you please . [ Exit King. Sym. Excellent Princesse , � How happy I am now to be your Soldier , Let those be judge that would be sure of victory . So fair a Cause fought by so fair a Generall , � Can never be forsaken By Victory or Fortune � Prin. I thank you , Sir , nor can I think my self Lesse happy in so brave a Soldier ; if you please For to dispatch before for some intelligence , Wee 'l instantly away . Sym. With all speed , Madam . [ Exit Syma . Manent Princess & Amione . Amio. Excellent Princesse ; Which way to tell you all my heart returns I know not , the gods in blessings thank you , Who still assist the innocent and mean , Because they made them so ; Prin. I thank you gentle Maid , from hence my friend , You cannot cheat my confidence , you 'l deserve it , So does your Brother all my best assistance , I reckon it my happinesse , to procure Your joyes and safety ; that I may then Have mine more perfect . Amio. Now all the powers defend , they should not be : You never sure broke yet an houres repose With a dis�urbing dream ; in that calme harbour , All thoughts have been secur'd from storm , May they be ever so . � Prin. Thy brother's cause deserves as much as that . � A thousand blushes stop me , � [ aside . Besides thou mayest be much deceived : the ship-wrack past , The calmest waters may conceal the fate , As well as the insulting waves , Amione weeps . � Why do�st thou weep . � Amio. To hear , you have been sad , O Madam , �ardon me , to say an undiscerned power Ioynes my affliction to your grief ; Forgive me that , I cannot chuse but dare , To accompany you in any thing . There 's something tells me , that I ought to love you More then the world does , yet that 's very much . Prin. When I first saw thee , dearest maid , I could have sworn as much , And yet thou didst not please me then , Come , I shall disturb thee , 't is an unkindnesse Not to be pardon'd , to let thee share my griefs ; Amio. Now you afflict me more : Is there a way , To be a friend and stranger to your breast , Though 't is ambition , to be an humble one ? 'T is vertue , not your greatnesse crowns my wishes , And I shall fear , that you will think me only A friend to that , or else not worth the other . Prin. I do not doubt thy Love , the story will Disturb me , when I tell it , perhaps thee , And yet it must return to me unhelpt . Amio. How do you know ? the meanest thing in nature , May bring an unexpected aid ; Gyants that passe , And lets the obstacles alone , do lesse Then dwarfs that do remove them : as they are Shut in your breast , fed with that pretious food , How can they ever starve ? they may at last Consume your stock of joyes , he does like you , That would defend , within a fair built Fort , His enemies against his pressing friends And patiently destroyed by those he saved , If you believe me worthy , the gods have then Finish't their parts ; for they decreed us most To one anothers aid : So to encrease Our joyes that way , and lessen all our cares , For still imparted comforts do increase , And grief divided to a friend grows lesse , Our natures too are like o'rec�arged springs , Willing to vent themselves , and so are you , Had I but as much worth , as you have trouble . Prin. I am not proof against thy perfect kindnesse , I will keep nothing from thee , but be sure You quickly understand me , my blushes too Will tell t�ee half the storie , what dos't guesse ? Amio. That you should have no cares � Prin. Can love have any ? Amio. What in this world shall ever be so happy ? I hope it is not that � Prin. And why ? Amio. A thousand times I have heard my brother pray That day might never be , I wish as he does too . Prin. Your Brother would not have me then ? � How innocent she is ! � [ aside . Amio. He thinks it were unreasonable That one alone should make the world unhappy . Weighing their own misfortunes from his joy's I hope it is not that : Prin. 'T is that I swear . Love has caused all my trouble , And if thy brother thinks me such a blessing Why doth not he then wish it ? Amio. Alas he dares not welcome such a thought He onely dares to wish none else should have you ; But who must be so happy ? Prin. Your Brother . Amio. Madam ? Prin. Wonder no more , I could have told When I first saw thee that me-thought I lov'd thee As I would do a sister ; yet I was jealous too : Nay I shall blush , as much as thou canst wonder , Yet he deserves my Love ; sure you did then Read a confusion in me ; and I am still , Disorderd by my fears ; Amio. O Madam , � � Pardon me to say the gods have justly so Decreed that it should be : for I have heard Him sit and please himself with stories of you , Till he has made his griefs too monstrous , And I thought then too prodigall of comfort , Yet now I think 't was all but due to you ; And though I am turnd of his religion too And can think nothing superstition in 't , Yet you may spare the sacrifice . Prin. Sweetest maid , I have some reason to believe he loves me , He cannot sure dissemble ; Wert thou ne're yet in love ? Amio. Never ; Prin. Pray that thou never mayst , or that it ne're Have fears for it's Companions , night will wear Disturbing blacknesse and not quiet shades , The light will be too cheerfull , whilst you fare Like an impatient Sea-man that would fain Attain the Port , the gentlest calm Makes mad , and crossing storms disturbs But from our own experience thus we raise Advices that are chid and and scorn'd by Fate Who oftnest sends what we least wish , and makes What we most covet most unfortunate : But now to his relief , for time Persues his course with an impartiall haste And my revenge must sit upon his wings . You Powers above what now is just assist : Their thoughts were poor , that trifled time and wisht . [ Exeunt .
ACT. 3.
SCEN. 1. Enter Mironault Solus . Mir� . TO be still subject to calamities , We all must bear : yet not esteem it hard Our frailty sets this odds from higher powers , And their dis-orders are appeas'd by ours , It is a hard injunction of the gods To set our natures and our selves at odds When they afflict though due unto our crimes , Yet they give to the nature that repines Though if we use it well , none but they give That blessing , that we are displeas'd to live 'T was life first cousned man , and did entice By knowledge its fair gift to cheat him twice ; Man was a happy stranger to himself , When he believ'd his ignorance his wealth ; Did these Extreams our knowledge ne're employ VVe should have lesse of cares , though less� of joy , For in the mind , they never gain a height From their own natures but each others weight ; Thus truly man has either more or lesse , From what he had , not what he does possesse . As if the god's would give us nothing here VVorthy of our affections , but our fear , For should we fall from happinesse the store Makes us more wretched of those joy 's before . Such a disease is life we hold so dear , Health's in the other world , our Physick here ; � O � Hypposus � what 's to be done Enter Hyppasus . Fortune has strangely jaded us � Hyp. Heaven knows : I am confident we are persued , The house is strong , had we but any men VVe might resist their numbers , and by that time They have supplies , we may have too relief . Miro . Where 's Pysander ? Hyp. Shifting from the old blind Lady , who follows him As if he were her dog and led her , And as the devil would hav'it , her reverend blindness Is at a venter �am in love Miro . We must resolve of some thing , and what 's most hard In ignorance , and without any aid : so may a ship , With wounds in pieces torn , expect as well To sail or fight ; � � And yet me thinks there might be made Some use of this Pysander's fooling . Hyp. By the Masse it 's true , she has Tenants That were obliged , without all doubt to assist her In the holy War ; they live here till they dye Of the infection of old age ; see Sir , Where Pysander comes marching with her maid . Enter Pysander Quinever . Mir. Let 's conceal our selves a little , and observe . Pys . Nay , by this light I 'le ne're lye for the matter . If thou hast no faith �hou'lt be damn'd . Quin. Say you so , Sir ? Pys . How couldst thou chuse but guesse it ? didst thou e're know A dunghill without a Cock upon 't . Meer sympathy Guides me to love thee , dost thou not find Some such kind of thing for me ? Quin. Indeed I have a grudging towards you . Pys . The devill take up the quarrell . [ aside . Nay 't is grown to that I dream on thee , Me-thought last night I rode a Flanders Mare , And every night I dream of a fresh Beast , And then I think on thee . Hyp. What means the Rogue ? Mir. Peace , on my life he has some farther purpose . Hyp. Lord how she I wells , hold a stick of fire to her And she 'l pisse . Pys . But since I love you so , you must assist me In what I told you , for I should be loath Now to be taken from thee ; and I know The rascalls will attempt the house for me . This can be brought about no other way , But by report that I should marry Thy Lady , for then all her Tenants Will be the willinger to assist me . But all this while thou shalt be dear Lindabrides , Thou shalt rule and govern ; and for thy comfort Above pragmaticall Peter ; and , by this hand , If he at all crosse us in this designe , I 'le hang a thousand crackers at his britch , Then throw him off from some high Tower , In a high wind , hung between bladders ; And all this for thy love . Quin. And will you still be constant ? Pys . As a Bell , still in one Tune : And that we may be suddain , and I safe To follow our Amours , perswade thy Lady And instantly conduct her this way . Quin. I 'le take my leave first � [ she kisses him . [ Exit Quin. Pys . Slid , her lips are lin'd with Cosier's wax , She kiss'd me in a full Career . Sure she has hoarded up a store of onyons In her dry chaps , to butter against winter . The Devill 's troubled but with one Dam , I have two � And there 's a formall Weathercock , They look which way the wind sits by him , That from deliberation fetches wisdom ; And when he gapes at bed-time , 't is a clinch For my blind Mistresse now , whose chaps are mew'd Of all their teeth , which yet she hopes again Will spring like a fell'd Copice , and from the gums New sprouts shoot up , she 's almost deaf , Would she were dumb too , for her tongue 's oblig'd To supply other organs , and tells us all Her life , perhaps the History Of twenty years a time � This thing Must I make love to , with brevity and ease . I 'le go through all the scenes of Courtship with her , She shall have Serenades on an old Jews-trump , That was Pirk-abboths , an emblem of antiquity , And all my little Oaths shall be By Cupid's Eye and hers , the Devill 's in 't If I am then forsworn � O how now , Mironault and Hippasus appear . What are you bolted ? Come Gentlemen , What 's to be done ? Hyppasus , thou wert wont To be nimble at sudden chances . Hyp. How insolent the Rogue is ? now he thinks We know not his design . Mir. Nay , Pysander , we referr'd all to you , We onely are your poor friends . Pys . Well , a Mathematician would not have breath enough To tell the kindnesse of my Starrs � Mir. But for this rare fortune � Pys . Why my old vessell is sailing this way , When she appears , stand close And you shall hear it . Mir. Come I conceive , and did over-hear Some of your policy , and believ 't There is no other way to save us now . If we can get but men , 't is but throwing A work up in two places , the other parts Are strong enough . Pys . That shall be my care too , but when you see The old Beldam comming , be sure you vanish . Mir. We must be quick , our time has straitned us . As soon as they can have intelligence They will be here . Pys . What if we could send away to Court ? Mir. I 'le rather perish than believe I can Be worth her care . Pys . VVhy thanks then to Pysander That believes himself � VVorthy his own � Hyp. VVould her Ladiship were come . Prethee Pysander let 's have no time delay'd In asking how she does , and what 's a clock . Pys . Thou hast reason to be more confident of my wit. � See where they come � Enter Caeca and Quinever . And like the Graces leading one another . Let 's over-hear a little . Caec . Indeed he is a proper Gentleman , And 't is great pitty he should suffer . Quin. It is indeed , I would not for my Maiden-head It should be in your house . Pys . Nor I by this light . [ aside . Caec . I think as much ; indeed he speaks as well As any that I knew these six King's Reigns : VVhere is he , Quinever ? Quin. He said he would be hereabouts . Hyp. Now Pysander uncouple them . Pys . So I may be hunted , but I 'le advance . � Save your sweet Ladiship � I took the boldnesse , urged by my love , To trouble your kind ears with a petition . Caec . You 'r very welcome , I shall be glad to hear it ; And though I am old , and people think decay'd , I can tell how to judge a worthy Gentleman . Hey ho , in my time I have heard many complements , And blest was he could gain but a good look . Pys . He shall be damn'd now that does . [ aside . Caec . The world and I am alter'd . Pys . A Carthusian swear the world is , � I 'le swear for thee . Caec . And yet I have warm blood now in my veins , And it will beat sometimes : I have heard men say , That age has vigour lies within . Pys . She 'l tell me by and by she can fart fire . [ aside Caec . And so indeed � Pys . I must interrupt her ; But you forget To hear what your poor servant asks . Caec . I pray what is 't ? Pys . First I must beg you , that you 'l have the confidence To believe , I love you ; old Lutes Still sound the sweetest ; many a man Has travailed many miles , and tedious wayes , To see a lesser monument , and since I love you , I would preserve my happinesse , sure you ought then To return equall kindnesse . Caeca . By my troth , but justice , and indeed , I will , I shall not be so cruell to grieve you long So worthy a kind gentleman ; I esteem A tedious coynesse vice , you put me in mind Of my old principles , in my Grand-mother's time . Pys . That 's according to a new account , Three hundred years before the world begun . [ aside . Caeca . And as I was saying in her time Matters were quickly ended , I am still Of the old fashion . Pys . In short , then , since you see I love you , I must beg your assistance ; for these rogues That hurt us , as I hear , are now hard by . Your Tenants , and a few servants would with ease Defend us from these wanderers , that I may Enjoy my happinesse with safety . This your Commands With ease may finish , and I blesse The fate that brought me hither . Caeca . I pray your selfe command them , You shall have full power , that in time Must be my husband . Pys . Plague on your nimblenesse , how she mumps , � [ aside . Caeca . When my last husband Sir Percivall died , I little thought to have had another suiter ; But you men have the power to winn us , And I can tell you , such a tempting Gentleman . Pys . For ought she knows , a Sign-post With Friar Bacon's brazen head upon 't , � [ aside . � If you please Madam , I will attend you , When your Commands have setled us in safety , I shall presume to tell you my Love's story . Caeca . I shall be glad to hear it , pray lead on , What you Command , shall be a law . � [ Exeunt . Manent , Mironault & Hyppasus . Mir. Yet Hyppasus , we breathe ; and safety now Begins to wear an easie shape . Hyp. The rogue has work't them finely . � Mir. By Heaven , he is the best composed man , I e're yet knew , for in the worst extreams , His cheerfulnesse , and judgment is the same ; We are prepared ; if they find us now , Phylanter's bold to bring them on to action , Fortune but guide , an equall sword to mine , And borrow frowns from all the destinies To hang upon thy then contemned brows . Hyp. But I believe , they never will attempt us But seconded with more , for they will fear What may proceed from Court. Mir. Never believe , he would attempt this action , But with some feigned story to my prejudice . Hyp. But the Princesse , Sir , seem'd to resent the injury , She is too noble , meanly to suspect . Mir. Alas , Hyppasus , they before corrupted His goodnesse that should incline to her , These flatterers beset the thoughts of Kings , As an ill enemy besieges Towns , First poisons the fair springs . Hyp. These are the worst of fears , we may as well Hope , that his judgment scorns unlikely stories . But let the worst that fortune can prepare Fall unregarded on us , the least defence Will help us to the noblest fare . Mir.

Nobly resolved . �

And when we fall so brave , The world will find more losse , then we can have .
[ Exeunt .
ACT 3. SCEN. 2. Enter Peter , and Quinever . Pet. NAy , you had best teach her to beat a drum , Do you think to make her now an old blind Amazon . We shall have the Sheriff to send warrants for u� , Thus to raise Forces , and not se d�fendo ; Quin. Lord , how wise you are good Peter , at least You would fain s�em so , I can tell , I 'me sure , Where you have all your wisenesse . Pet. Where , good Quinever ? Quin. All your law , out of the two old leaves That lye behind the parlour-cupbord ; Piece , they say , of an old Stature book , Which has been rotting there these twenty years . And for your other talk , 't is taken out Of your old Erra-pater ; and you , forscoth , Must seem to be more wise then all of us . I 'me sure , when you made love to me , And once were out of these two trodden roades , You could not speak a word , but just , How do you . And that repeated over with variety , Of scurvy tones , nay . � Pet. Why , art thou mad , or dost thou think it fit , My Lady , should defend all wandring strangers , And enter into warres ? I am resolved To change my station , they are digging up earth Before the Gates , I can't passe by , But I must think of graves , men too brought in , I think , to fill them . Quin. Hang your sheep's face , I see that now 't is fear , That your wise worship with your wonted ease , Should not at leisure drink your morning draught , And at the Alehouse for two pots Hear your selfe praised , And bribe a man to come to you for counsell That never had need of any , you have worn your Gloves out With biting your thumbs ends , to appear wise . All this put together , got from my Lady's purse , Thou hast been as chargeable as a Regiment . Pet. Why , Mrs. Quinever , sure you once had Better opinions of me , though you now Wash every day your best handkerchief With yellow starch , and your lac'd quoiff , Till it now hangs as if the devill Had srighted you through quicksetts , not a post But must be beaten for the rotten powder To make your hair sit well , and all in hopes That some of these should fall in love with you . I vas once thought worthy , then I was honest Peter . Quin. Marry come up , what , love that transparent nose of thine That gives the Serenades when thou sleepest ? Or thy wide mouth like a dead Lobster's claws , Or thy starcht ruff like a new Pigeon-house , Your garters tied above your boots ; as if you feard Your leg so well provided would be gone . Pet. Why I thank you sweet Mistresse Quin�ver go on And be all mad whiles I lament you sober : Nay you shall fight by your selves for Peter , You 'le make an excellent ammunition-Girle Get a bottle to carry hot water in , in time You may arise to be a Sutler's wife . Quin. I 'le have your wise head fitted for all this Enter Pysander . And heer comes one shall do it . Pet. O sweet Mistresse Quinever Quin. No fawning now you whelp . Pys . Mrs. Quinever well met , I was seeking you . Quin. I am happy I have found you . Pys . How go matters ? we have got some 50. men . Quin. All goes well : but this wise Gentleman ( Whose wit lies in his breeches , for 't is all He has to know when he has need ) Is much displeased at our preparations , And asks me if you mean to make My Lady a blind drummer Pys . And cannot you convert him ? Quin. No indeed . Pys . VVhy thou ingratefull piece of wise formality , How oft hast thou had warning to be wise ? I have threatned thee thou should'st never go Without a rime-pind at thy back Which should be thy own grievous Chronicle . I told thee too that I would have thee painted Riding upon an Asse and reading Seneca , I thought this might have tyed thy tongue . Pet. Good Sir : Pys . Nay hear and mark me , if thou dost �r'e again Seem to be wiser than thou art , and crosse What now is done , nay if thou dos't not help And put thy assisting hand to 't , thou shalt ride In a hot day upon a well lined sadle With soap in thy new grogram-breeches , till it work Like new tunnd beer , and every day When thou sitst down to dinner one or other Shall pull away thy stool , I 'le spoil thy gravity , Or noint thy feet with butter , whilst a dog Shall lick and tickle thee , and if any comes Here to oppose us thou shalt seem a stratagem : For on the walls we 'le set thee , like a thing Stuft up with straw , onely to make them spend Their shot upon thee , and in thy turn Thou shalt do duty too , and every night , Be sure to have alarmes . Speak what you 'le do . Pet. I did but utter my opinion : I shall conform . Pys . It 's well said , and I forgive you , But take heed you erre no more . Pet. You need not doubt me . Pys . Come wench , now we breathe in safety , And thou proud Peter's conquerour . [ Exeunt . Pet. The Devill go with you ; he has conjured me . Did ever Turk think of so many torments , And in what order too he marshal'd them ? I am not yet out of a chilling sweat ; Nor shall I get now of enchanted Quinever One drop of good hot water , God deliver me From this strange hurly-burly ; and yet I dare not fancy A good strong halter and a handsom beam I 'le go to sleep , for I am now Afraid of all things . [ Exit .
ACT 3. SCEN. 3. Enter Phylanter , Lycespes . Phyl. THe intelligence is certain they are here , At an old Ladies , and all hurt ; we cannot misse them . Lyc. Those that I left preparing now come up Make us 400. strong , your father too Follows with more . Phy. We must attempt them ( though ) before relief Can possibly arrive from any place , And if we take him we are sure to make Our own conditions , the best we can expect : Our resolutions arm us for the rest . Lyc. We are prepared and I believe there 's few , That serve you , question policy or danger . Phy. Ye nobly all oblige me , and for your sakes I could even wish I never had attempted What I must scorn now meanly to repent of But ill intents when they least prosper Then mu�t be most persued , to reach again Our first condition , Lyc. Nay Sir , I think it were no harm , To wish us fairly off . Phyl. I would we were , but I am arm'd ; To dye I fear not , and yet I would Fall with some pretty character about me , At least I 'le make the Kingdom joy It had so brave a spirit , and like Rome glory ( In spight of fame ) in Catiline who died At once men's envie , and her pride , Lyc. VVe must loose no time Sir , the night Conceales us , and as yet perhaps They have had no intelligence , The house is neer at hand � shall we parly ? Phyl. 'T is the best way to find their confidence Nor can it be a prejudice to us ; we traffick now Onely for what we'ave lost : " If we survive " We 'le find at least a nobler way to thrive . [ Exeunt .
ACT 3. SCEN. 4. Enter Pysander , two or three with him . Pys . SO that work 's now finish'd . Let all the guns be brought into the Hall , 'T is to defend the good old Lady From the rudenesse of Rogues ; 't will be casie work . 1.

Yes , yes , wee 'l tickle them .

2.

I 'le sweep 'em with my father's old Fouling-piece .

Pys . Bravely resolved ; but perhaps . There may be yet no need on 't , however 'T is wisest to resolve against all dangers . VVell , my good Lads , be in a readinesse , if any come , VVee 'l ring 'em a peal shall make 'em forswear Such Holi-daies : they all die rather than wrong Sir Percivall's widow . Now all unto your places . 1. 2.

Agreed , agreed .

Pys . Now could I hug my genius , that through all Has brought me to this harbour ; and yet to think If we should scape , what my engagements are , Imprimis � To marry this old Lady Cow , And play at Blindman-buff , 't is as good lying VVith Bulrushes or penny Faggots ; she 's mortality Beyond a Death's head and Memento ; And yet she bridles as if she were but now To be new-back'd and ridden ; I have heard Of a dead body that has long been so , And yet retain its form , but when once toucht Crumbles to dust ; for ought I know she may do so too , And I be hang'd for embracing Mummie . But certainly I shall touch her gently , For 't is a remedy to see her drest Against all carnall thoughts , beyond bathing In Rivers in a frosty night . She follows me , and asks a thousand questions Among the rest Enquired what I was making at the gate ? I answered her , a Curtain : then she mumpt , And ask'd , If 't were not for her wedding-bed . She made the truest Hieroglyphick That ever blind Aegyptian hit upon , For 't was of earth , and I most fairly hope 'T will be her wedding-bed ; bar death , The devill cannot find another Rivall . Mir. Pysander come , we must to action . Enter Mironault Pys . As how and how ? Mir. Phylanter's here hard by already , And without doubt knows we are lodg'd . Pys . Why � then � he 'l knock us , or we shall knock him . Mir. It 's worth no greater care , my brave Pysander . Fortune and you have done your parts , To give us something to employ your valours , They now shall buy us bravely . Pys . Nay , I 'le not sell my self at any rate , I begin to have a wondrous value Of this small composure of Pysander , if you mark it 'T is very lucky to see an old blind Lady � should fall in love with 't , One that runs her nose against posts . But come , Sir , since these Lads will never leave us , Let 's in and provide for them , they may have A better welcome than they dreamt of , Unlesse Gunpowder lay last under their pillows . Mir. They shall hear us � In lowder language then they do expect . The gods but lent us life , and we still pay Them interest , as casualties and sicknesse ; Death is the Principall , which when we restore , VVe owe the world and gods no more . [ Exit . Pys . VVhy , its exceeding well ; we shall be all Clean out of debt in t'other world then ; Our Creditors are strangers there , so are they here To me , I 'me sure ; and in the other world If I should want , and thither must , There 's store of faith , and I 'le take up on trust . [ Exit .
ACT 3. SCEN. 5. Enter Phylanter , Lycespes , Others . Phyl. THis is the house sure it should be By the description � How � VVorks thrown up ? All 's quiet though ; we must be cautious , There may be else some trick in 't . � Summon the walls � Lyc. VVithin there , ho � ho � Sure they lie buried in security . As confident of power and successe , As if the Destinies slept with them too , And wak't at their command . Let 's wake them all � and yet 't is hard To rouse an innocence to disorder , 'T is that I fear is their security . Phyl. O Lycespes ! It is as great a crime ( when past ) to think Of things ill done , as 't is unthought to act The ill before ; he that does one first cheats himself , The other cousins him : now to be nice Is vain , for us that have been cheated twice . Lyc. VVithin there , ho � Phyl. They are dead . Mir. No , we live , Phylanter , Mironault , Hyppasus , Lysander , and others , appear above . And far less fear that fate than you , That have so many crimes to sinck your thoughts . Spare your pains of asking us to yield , VVee 'l sooner find the worst of all extremities ; Danger will lose its nature when you bring it . � Nay do not stay � In expectation to hear me ask VVhy you have thus unworthily thrown off The name of Honesty : Some may fall Not worth mens pitty , but their scorn , And so do you . Phyl. You 'r very high , so let your actions be , Your crimes will need it . But I see words Displease you , you shall have lowder Rhetorick . Mir. Fear not , thy basenesse has taught us to understand That language . Pys . You , Lycespes , you Treason-hunter , How , I wonder , did it happen , we did not meet Your storming worship at the gate ? Pox on you , you were untrussing a point , The old fighting loosenesse . Lyc. You 'r merry still Pysander , and very brisk , Are you so well already of your inlets . Pys . Hang you , if you bleed as much As a staid man would let out from a witch To save himselfe from enchanting , The Physitians , Pothecaries , and Surgeons Must stand about thee , like Pensioners ; If Hyppasus and I , can but get a willing curre , We are lick't whole , a dog 's our only Mountebank . Lyc. Very well Sir , when I visit you , I 'le bring a spaniell in my hand . Pys . Hang the couple of currs , say I , Phy. Your resolution 's heard , I 'le urge no more , But leave you to your fates , only thus much , By me the Princesse sends this punishment . The danger now growes bigger sure , � Mir. This is mean Phylanter , and you still trifle honesty , And I time and honour : let the storm come , � And he that seems to fear , Exeunt above . May he unpittied fall , without a tear . Phy. His Courage still is excellent , great power of love , That made me give so much to her , I left none for my selfe . Lycespes draw round the house , We�'l storm it instantly , dye all you lesser thoughts , That at a distance tell your formall tales , Or else come neerer , and wear noble shapes , The distance makes you mistier , the dice are cast , Th' event will punish or reward what 's past , [ Exeunt .
ACT 4.
SCEN. 1. Enter Caeca , as to dressing , a Table set out , and glasse , Quinever attending , Pysander following . Caeca . IS my Captain here ? Quin. Now enter'd , and like your Ladiship . Caeca . Very well , leave us then : Come neer good Captain . Exit . Quin. Pys . Mercy defend me . A dressing , or setting up a Barber's shop , Here the teeth lye , what 's this an old head ? A lecture for the best Anatomist ; like a rusty Clock , Taken a pieces to cleanse all the devices , Set them together some engineer for me . Caeca . Pray sit neer me , Captain , Pys . I do . Caeca . O Captain , what a hideous noise Was there ene now of bouncing , pray what i' st ? Pys . Only some wandring Raskalls at the gate , They 'l have their errand suddenly . Caeca . I would they were gone , truly at the first noise , I brake one of my pots of Mit�ridate , VVith Dragon-water , good for the head and stomack . Pys . Was there ever such an old Almanack , [ aside At the end of the year Medicines set down ? Caec . Besides the great disturbance from your company . Pys . Nay , you see when I have freedom I use into my own advantage , Visit you before you 'r ready � Caec . I shall be ready presently , the time will come You shall be welcome to me quite undrest . Pys . The Devill of thy young bones [ aside . Lockt in thy old Cabinet . Caec . I shall unparrell then faster than now I dress me ; You 'l help to pull out pins I 'le warrant you . Pys . Rather drive in wedges � [ aside . Why you know we men must court , You would be bashfull else , and it were pitty To loose that time which should be better spent . Caec . You say true indeed . Pys . Come Madam , pray dresse your self I 'le serve you instead of a better chambermaid S'death would she were once furnish'd [ aside . One may dresse and undresse Long-lane as soon . VVhat want you now , Madam ? Caec . My night-rale , good Captain . Pys . I shall give her a sheet instead on 't , It lies about her like a casting net 'Slid I have given her never a wascoat , And now will she call for her farthingale , I must make haste but cannot go without her ; For her wise tenant's now before they fight VVill see their Land-Lady Caec . My farthingale , good Captain . Pys . I thought so , now is she like an old Camel VVith that hideous mount on her unfurnisht body . Mercy how have I set her out ! she may make Good harmony ; for shee 's composed of different notes She would yield a man more money to shew Than an outlandish beast ; my sweet Quinever I have employ'd to stave off formall Peter From making tenants seem as wise as he . VVhat want you now , Madam ? Caec . My Perriwig , good Captain . Pys . VVhich way to set this on now , is the question : 'T is no matter I can't mistake now More than I have done . Caec . I thank you Captain , I hope you and I Shall live happily and comfortably together . I was told , my seventh husband Should be a wondrous honest and an able man. Pys . That , experience will let you know : I shall tell you A merry tale towards bed time that will cure The cough of th'lungs . Caec . And make one dream huge pleasantly And that 's a sign of youth I can assure you . Pys . That and your toothlesse Chap's are main ones . If surious Medea had thrown thee [ Aside . Into her age-renuing Kettle , thou d'st have lept out With a medley of years upon thee . Hark , a noise ! by heaven it increases still , hark [ Noise Caec . O Captain , a noise ! Pys . Nay there 's two now in the Devill 's name : It still encreases , come Madam you must down . Hyp. 'Sdeath , Pysander , they 'r falling on Enter Hyppasus . The men stand all at gaze And swear they 'le see their Land-Lady , We are all lost without some help . Pys . Madam , you must needs walk And encourage your tenants , to send these fools away 'T will defer our Marriage . Caec . Pray lead and I will follow . Pys . Come Hyppasus , how fares the noble Mironault ? Hyp. As a brave Ship hemm'd by a raging storm Resolves to throw the ballance ore , Lose all and perish carelessly : But come , we trifle time . Pys . Along then , and for your blind Ladyship If you had no tongue You should make signs to your tenants . [ Exeunt .
ACT. 4. SCEN. 2. Enter Phylanter , Lycespes . Phyl. COme Lycespes , is the alarme given To amuse them on t'other side ? Lyc. Yes . Phyl. What resistance does appear ? Lyc. As yet all 's wrapt in silence . Phyl. Where did the messenger say my Father was ? Lyc. At hand Sir with 5000 men ; wer't not best We should defer the storm till then ? Phyl. By no means ; we will attempt it first , For by that time they may have relief Come from the Court , my father's suddain flight Confirm'd the least suspition , helpt by the Princesse too . Lyc. It could not chuse , you have thrust your self Into a troubled Ocean . Phyl. I know it , and now must sink or else go on , There is no choice in Crimes but of our Fate , The affrighting freedom of a wretched state . We cannot hope ere to return again Back on our fancies to our first conditions , What tob'd us of the safety we enjoyd First made us to contemne it ; 'T is a stayd gamester too , that would give o're Upon the losing-hand ; the most metl'd , or let it be The maddest one , would stake on all his wealth , Venter to tire Fortune or himself . We have bargain'd now , and chopt a Peace for War 'T were foolish to d�pend on ought but Victorie ; For that will change our acts , or others natures : The vanquish'd wear the crimes , and all will fear To judge or question what they too must bear . This slender glosse I know must startle thee That has so much of honesty and courage ; And if we fail I 'le quarrell with my self That cousend thee to follow what thou once Didst love with'honour : fearing to be unjust To friendship , made thee more unto thy self : I have used thee as some that have seduced Young men into bad company , thou hast found Things much unworthy of thee � Lyc. T is true , dear Sir , I will not face a lye : Our acts have given me both amaze and trouble , The last I threw behind me , may the VVorld Forget the rest , there is a Fate hangs over all That shews it's force when it resolves to strike VVhen we can act at once , at once dislike , And t' is the sad necessity that we must Persist in crimes again to reach the good That you intend ; this nobly does deserve My friendship now , and if we fail � The world may yet believe � Our thought's were better , let them chuse to grieve . Phyl. Set on then , brave Lycespes , danger not found VVomen frig tchildren with , and perills met Uncheat us of our lives , that render'd us But an unhappy treasurie for our cares , Made monstrous by our joys , the hopes and fears That spring from them , onely the stock we spend on . This cannot add , I know , to thee ; and I should blush If it could ought to me . But 't is mens pleasure To undervalue what they think will go , And they must loose � the world 's fond nature 's so ; And 't is the bravest scorn ill men can have , To change this world , as freely for a grave . [ Exeunt .
ACT. 4. SCEN. 3. Enter Pysander hastily , the Blind Lady following , Peter directing . [ Alarm . Pys . NOw the Devill raise a Barricado , I am storm'd too ; I have pepper'd the Rogues on my side , I must go see how the other fares . Caec . Is he here , Peter ? Pet. Straight on , an 't like your Ladiship . Caec . Pray stay , sweet Captain ; Oh , oh , All my corn's a-fire , good Captain . Straight before still , Peter ? Pet. Yes Madam . Pys . By this light , Sir , I 'le direct your nose to the wall , Caec . Good Captain , all , all , my corn , oh , oh ; The great Barn's on fire , look how it burns . Is this your kindnesse ? pray , your hand . Pys . Pray take this for interposition . he laies something in the way . It will not do , she 'l run her head Against something or other , and beat her brains out . � I must place her in here � VVhat 's this , a Corn-house � Here Madam . Give me your hand , rest your self a little , And I 'le be with you presently : and for you , wise Sir , he places her in the Vault . Let her alone , til I , like a good Midwife , Come and deliver her : This , Sir , you had best observe . [ Exit . Pet. VVhy it s very well , I thought at least I might have given her A hot fire-shovell to have bak'd a cake upon . Nothing troubles me � But that the Rats and Mice may play with her nose . I thought she would be brought to this , Mrs. Quinever Is employ'd in casting bullets with a face Like fiery Sol in Leo , if this hurry hold long , My poor old Lady may wish she had lost All senses as well as seeing ; for god knows The employment for the rest are miserable . Hark , a noise , they are at it , much good may 't do them ; [ a noise . To run away it is impossible , and from my chamber I can see all the shooting ; it has made me wish a thousand times I were as blind as my old Lady , I 'le to her in the Vault , I never thought my self too safe , he that did , Let him leap Towers for Peter . [ He descends into the Vault .
ACT 4. SCEN. 4. Enter Mironault , Hyppasus , Pysander . Mir. BRave Hyppasus , how to forgive my self I cannot tell , For all that you have suffered . Hyp. Still on that strain , Sir ! VVe could not serve you thus if we repined , Or feared to suffer for you ; wrong not our honesty And courage both . Mir. They are too excellent , I swear it were a pleasure To share in danger with you , were 't not a pain To see you there � Gallant Pysander , You brought us timely aid , and from our sinking fates Raised us again ; but you had quickly done On t'other side . Pys . O mine were pittifull rascalls , Yours came to their businesse handsomly . Mir. They did indeed , Phylanter first Advanc'd before his men , bold in despight Of all his crimes , and carelesse both alike Of honesty and danger . Pys . He was the wiser ; To what purpose Should any one be thrifty of , that the world So little cares for , this trifle Honesty . Hyp. Come Pysander , you must get the Soldiers drest , That have been hurt , we may have more need of them . Pys . Yes , yes , as far as her Smocks will extend in Lint . Mir. I find I need a little dressing too . � Let 's in , and there � Provide for after-claps of treacherous Fortune . We must not fear a Frown , or court a Smile ; One may the VVise , t'other the Brave beguile . [ Exeunt .
ACT. 4. SCEN. 5. Enter Albertus , and Others � Alb. HOw far is 't to his Quarters now ? 1. A little way , Sir. Alb. Be sure that all the Soldiers march in order , And on their lives no outrage to the Country . Let all be done in silence . No Scouts return'd yet ? 1. Not any , Sir. Alb. I am jealous of this Court , the King enclined But little , suspition could not mingle with his nature , The Princesse has confirm'd him sure ; we act On the uncertain'st Stage , the strangest parts That ever yet were play'd , I would the world VVould take it so . VVe have now stept Beyond the power of Retreat or Fortune , The one 's too poor for us , and we for t'other . VVe are like tired Gamesters with ill Cards VVeary to hold the game , and yet play on To save if not to win ; perhaps If we prevailed , Ambition would as well Play on the game as now we do , Though from a modester designe . How little ought man to be trusted then With power in this world , when even the things He aims to thrive by are the crimes of Kings , Good Princes , like best Juglers , still find first The lesser sleights of others . How now , What news ? Enter Mess . Mess . As we were scouting on the way , Which leads unto Cracovia , we espied The Body of an Army moving within Two hours march . Alb. Ha , it must be so � she has don 't . Bid instantly Botiscay march with haste , [ exit Mess . For fear we are hindred joyning with my son . Amidst these crimes a little policy does well , It must be so , all we can hope for now will be to make But good conditions � � To put it to the venture of a day were madnesse , We can have no supplies , they may have more . And yet � I know not what to think , Distractions mingle with my thoughts , And we still lose our judgments with successe . Our resolutions waited on us then Like servants wanting wages . All Mankind Is one of those two Cowards , � Either to wish to die When we should live , or live when we should die . Some fear , some wish , too early , or too late Most fall , yet none must chuse his Fate ; Those that prepare for every storm , do seldom cast Themselves away , It is but bravely sinking at the last . [ Exit .
ACT. 4. SCEN. 6. Enter Princesse , Amione , Phylena , and others . Prin. No news yet ? 1. Not any Madam . Prin. Leave us , and give notice when any comes . 1. I shall � [ Exit . Prin. We have not now sure far , And yet me thinks 't is along while Ere we are there , time is thought The fastest undiscerned flying thing That is , but yet Love's wings are swifter , Swift wishes impe his ragged plumes And pull the feathers from the wings of Time , � And every houer bears Double proportion from our hopes and fears . Phyl. This pretty way of account Madam , will rise Unto a sum of ages , added To what now Mironault's a heaping , 'T will make a new Chronologie , But we still reckon on the old account . Prin. You 'r merry still , Phylena , when your day comes You 'le give me leave to do the same . Phyl. Yes Madam , we both agree , And yet you shrewdly once suspected it Of this fair maid , Prin. You make me blush , she way forgive me though For she deserved it , Amio. O Madam , � Could you fall so much below The power of all your beauties in such fears That you could justly let suspition dwell Where you pretend an interest ? The Rose as well May drooping hang it's fragrant head Jealous of meaner Flowers , and the Sun Suspect his light when mortalls kindle fires . Prin. Nay Amione you court me now I will not call it flattery , whil'st it comes From thee , for that 's a crime That dwells with crooked natures , yet it was Mistaken kindnesse . Amio. 'T was you mistook it sure , for none will find Themselves deceived that love you , Enter Mess . Prin. How now , what news ? Mess . Just now for certain , Madam The Lord Albertus joyned unto his son With a great Body , Prin. They have not yet attempted ought . Mess . Yes Madam , before his Father's coming , Phylanter storm'd the house . Prin. Ha : hast thou learnt no particulars ? Mess . Yes all , for before the Lord Albertus coming The smallnesse of their numbers gave us freedom To enquire near the place of all particulars , � And thus it was , Soon as Phylanter had found out The house they stayed at , presently he ghest That wounds had caused their stay , by reason They strove to reach no place of more security And so indeed it was ; ghessing besides , They should have smal resistance : upon these thoughts Phylanter draws about it , then summons them . But in the midst the gallant Mironault Hinders the parly with a hasty scorn , As if he meant to drive no bargain , But sell at his own rate , at which The bravely bad Phylanter sweld with rage Prepar'd to give th' assault , and in the head Of all his men advanc't ( some distance ) first , To bring on ruine great as was his crimes , Or else to perish with them , and seem'd half willing To be forgotten on a noble score ; So equally divided , or to hide His mischiefs in their Fates , or in his own . The storm grew hot , yet still Phylanter urged Beyond belief , now out of Love with safety , Because his foes in spight of him enjoyd it ( With an unlookt for power to resist him ) Branded the name of Fortune with a whore , As if they had begot supplies upon her ; On t'other side his men sees shrinking from him , When mad with rage he easily retires With such a look as longing Lovers send When they must part , so much he coutted danger , And now retreating with his drooping forces , The gallant Mironault like a bright Sun Broke from the smoakie storm , and issues forth , Acting new Tragedies , till , being jealous More forces might come in , In order they retreated , and for certain Phylanter both and Mironault are hurt . Prin. O me ! Phyl. Madam send off the messenger , Let not him see The least disorder . Prin. Go instanly , and bid Symathocles Let all the Army march in readinesse to fight . Mess . I shall . Prin. And acquaint him with all you know Exit Mess . Nay do not hide thy tears Amione They can't displease me , wench , nor shall I think That there is grief enough for him , Though I am fully stor'd . Amio. Alas , what a condition Fortune throws him in ? Did he but know by whom he were lamented He could not have so much of joy , As grief to think how he was ravisht From the lov'd mourner ; Prin. I prethee peace ; not that I fear To have more grief for him , for I have that Within me has made that impossibility , But to inlarge thy own , 't is true too That I should give thee counsell not to grieve , But I shall grieve the while , yet if thou thinkest I wrong thy kindnesse then wee 'le mourn together And joyn our stock of tears , for no one store Is worthy of him . Amio. Though nature made me partiall , it robd me not Of so much reason , to be so impudent , The Fates perhaps , or some great power That has a speciall care for you , or kindnesse , Preserved you for themselves , and lent you to the world As the S�n was , not for the happinesse Of one alone but all . Prin. May we not yet amidst our greatest grief Believe it is not dangerous ; for after he was hurt They leisurely retired . Amio. Would I could so be satisfied � And yet that clearly justifies we wish Our own contents , then when we raise Our fears to equall power in our thoughts Of what we doubt , yet what we wish to have ; None e're yet wish'd a life , but fear'd a grave . Prin. 'T is true Amione , those torturing �ivalls Hope and fear are ever whispering , And they that have most need of one , Have ever most of t'other . When I think this , Though I would willingly pretend to counsell , Or any thing would ease thy grief , I must Believe it both impossible and needlesse . Am. Were it not just to linger then no longer In all these doubts , since we might give them ease . Prin. As how can it be done ? Am. I would attempt to see him , I onely want your leave . Prin. It is impossible , the ways are all shut up . Am. I do not mean to go concealed . They say Phylanter is so much a Gentleman , He will not certainly deny a woman . Fear not , Madam , 't is but two hours time , And I am there , or here again . Prin. I can deny thee nothing , not this I 'me sure ; If thou seest him , tell him , that Love and Constancy 's rewarded In t'other world , and will be so in this . Tell him , I wish his happinesse And mine own together . And be sure You take a Chirurgeon with you . Phyl. My service , Madam . Am. I will not fail , Heaven keep you . May I return with such a blessing As I now bear to him . [ Exit . Prin. Farewell , dear Maid . Phylena , now The time draws near of joy or misery , � We live at an uncertain rate , Or flatter'd stil , or else displeas'd with fate . [ Exeunt .
ACT 4. SCEN. 7. Enter at one dore Albertus and Others , at another Phylanter , Lycespes , and Others . Alb. I Should chide now , but the condition of your fortunes Cannot be that way helpt , nor are you fit For a disturbance , I hear you have succesless Storm'd the house ; Why stai'd you not till I arriv'd ? 'T was folly to attempt it with so few . Phyl. But that has hapned now which I then feared , For I did ghesse supplies would come to them As soon as you to us . Besides , who would have ghest , Or now can think , how they come by their aid ? Had we proved fortunate , we might have made Our own conditions . Alb. In that you have hit my thoughts , for now we must Not lose our selves by fear or folly ; The one 's too mean , the other but a madnesse . And we must look on these we have Without a hope of more , and on them As an encreasing body ; by this we are constrain'd Upon the nick to make our compositions , Or put it to the venture of a Day ; The first 's the better , were the last the likelier . For I believe that , passion laid aside That first incited these rash thoughts and actions , You look upon 't as not to be pursu'd , But fairly to be le�t . Men may erre , It is the influence of Chance and Nature , But to pursue it , is their own � Lycespes � There is much due to you , you were still honest , And most a friend in danger , Who are in safety onely are their own . Lyc. My Lord , I always owed your son as much , And did resolve to pay it , till I had cause To leave , or feared to avow it . Alb. You are still noble . But Phylanter , VVhat certain intelligence have you ? Phyl. VVe know , Sir , the Army of the King Is hard at hand , they say the Princesse too Is with them . Alb. I ghess'd as much , and for that reason I left the Court , for I heard That she was big with rage � VVell , The time 's now short , and something must be done : Let all be in a readinesse , and prepare Nobly to reach successe , or ill to share . In the mean time wee 'l presently advise The honorablest way for composition . For to be safe and good is better far , Than trust our crimes unto the chance of War. [ Exeunt .
ACT. 5.
SCEN. 1. Enter Phylanter . Phyl. HOw have I thus been cousened ! how monstrous too It seems , still to pursue the crimes I lov'd before : To be uncousened , though 't is just , seems poor , When danger gives the wisdom : how low we sinck When we once fall below our selves ! We still must fear what others ought to do . In crimes none can be wise and gallant too . All this besides for an uncertain Beauty , Nor yet possest or gain'd , the Persian so Spends all his wealth and prayers on the Sun , That equally dispences unto those Which ne're ador'd him , his warm comforts too . Farewell to all your Sex , that cannot be Belov'd , but with unthrifty misery . The Lover that 's unlov'd , like me , must waste His store of Love , the Lov'd may longer last . They that joyn Stocks , with ease our-spends Him that runs on unpaid and lends . Farewell : I will uncheat my self and you , For when I lov'd you first I cousen'd two . Sould. My Lord ! Phyl. How now ? Enter Souldier . Sould. A woman at the dore Desires admittance to your Lordship . Phyl. Thou ravest ! a woman ? Sould. So I told you . Phyl. Nay , I might wonder , for such and I Have now so little businesse with each other , That by my troth 't is strange . Seems she a person of any quality ? Sould. Yes . Phyl. Handsome ? Sould. To a miracle . Phyl. The Devil on the wonder ! businesse with me ? Soul. So she earnestly exprest . Phyl. Bring her in . [ Exit Souldier . Curse on the Sex , Civility must wait upon 'em , Their weaknesse makes us fools , or else their beau�ies . Ha! 't is that indeed that charms us from our selves , And all the handsome actions that we do Seem offerings to their powers , as if the Sea Should send a tribute to the little Brooks , Such a preposterous thing is Love , 't is like The folly and the crime to make a god One's selfe to worship � Now for a trap I shall be shy of these fair baits . � What subtle trick � Must this fair Instrument bring about ? � � I will be deaf to charms � She comes . Enter Amione and Souldier . Ha � extreamly fair � Come perhaps for to revenge The scandall of her sex upon me � Is it on me Fair maid , that you would lay commands ? Ami. A comely man , pitty that form Should harbour so much basenesse . [ aside . It is you , Sir , I must petition ; for commands , Though they might seem fair attributes to our sex , Yet when you know , to whose much hated name , Nature has made my Love a debt , You will believe , Thardly should petition . Phyl. I rather shall consider this fair thing , To whom a hated name can owe an interest , � But you have heard � Stories perhaps , not much becomming me , Made up of others envies and my crimes , Nor can I tell a good one of my selfe , But that I love an innocence like yours , And only that , for you to have a confidence , I hardly shall deny you . Ami. The world has sure belied him , [ aside . � Nay , Sir , Nature commands , that I should ask , Your fair encouragement has given me hopes � Not to be quite denied , and I am sorry That I must now beg a civility , And dare not own requitall ; 't is the first time , That justice and ingratitude were friends . Phyl. You still believe me too unworthy : they that do An act that does deserve requitall , Pay first themselves the stock of such content , Nature has given to every worthy mind , If others should be bankrupt � Pray torture me no more but aske . Amio. He would deceive me strangely , [ aside . Know then , the sister to wrong'd - Mironault must ask : Does it not startle you ? Phyl. You see it does not . He that has injured Mironault , will grant it , Trifle no more . Amio. T is only then your leave that I may see him , Phyl. And happinesse attend you , you shall have A conduct with you ; � I did not think That I should find so much of joy , In that small time I have to bustle here , As your lov'd power has given me , Pardon me , if I dare attempt To have a little peace within me , Still to remember you , I fear I must , Though both should be unwilling . Amio. I shall promise Sir , I carry no intelligence . Phyl. Urge it no more , I do not fear , Nor am I ignorant , of what a storm Is falling now upon me , only grieved That I durst bring it to 't , and yet now pleased , That I dare bear it : choise in crimes , Is the worst part in man , and good from fear , The meanest . But I have said to much , only thus , The last of all my thoughts , shall be of you , They may be good : Nay , do not wonder , Nor be so much concerned for one so lost , To frame an answer from a smile or frown , I will conduct you on your way , as you come back , Others shall waite you , for your eyes Shall not be injured with an hated object . Here in this world , my fate , the quarrell ends , � In t'other sure , we may meet friends . [ Exeunt .
ACT 5. SCEN. 2. Enter , Mironault , Hyppasus , Pysander . Hyp. NAy , for certain , Sir , We saw a body marching , which cannot possibly Belong to t'other Army . Pys . Why , I did alwayes believe , My dancing daies were not quite done . Mir. I know not what to ghesse , nor do I wish ; For in extreams , lesse cares give noblest thoughts , Designes of wishing , are the cheating joyes Of fearfull men , t' were foolishnesse beside ; A carelesse hope looks handsomely . Hyp. We shall so justifie our selves , but I believe , 'T is not unreasonable , to think our innocence Should merit some protection , the Princesse sure Will not be last in justice . Mir. Urge it no more , nothing is worth her care , 'T is some as bad as those , come to assist them . Enter servant . Serv. There 's one without , Sir , that would desire Admittance to you . Mir. Who i' st . Serv. A woman . Mir. A woman ? I cannot ghesse , � Exit . servant . � Let her come in . What should this mean , deceive me not too much , Fond hope , nor puzzle me , for if you do , � at last , I shall grow carelesse of my joyes and you ; Ha! Amione , � welcome , Enter with Amione . Welcome , above all joyes but one . Ami. Perhaps , welcome as that , I have much to say , But I must first be civill . Brave Hyppasus , May you nere know extremities , but if you should , May you find such a friend , as you have been . Hyp. Were I not nobly paid in his desert , I were in this ? Ami. The same to you Pysander , for to thank you In any other Language , were too poor , And much unjust , for to divide , What you so nobly joyn'd in . Pys . Now have I forgot , what Hyppasus said , Pray take his answer in good part for us both . Ami. You' ar merry still , Pysander . Pys . I confesse , nothing went ever neer my heart , Unlesse it were your Love , but what availeth sighes and tears ? Ami. Very well , Sir. Dear Brother , pardon this injury of gratitude , That kept me so long from you ; forgive me too , If joy disorders me , I have enough To see you safe . Mir. Dear Amione , how long we shall be so , Heaven knows , yet 't was a great advantage To live thus long to see thee : but how wast possible You could get hither , or from whence now come you ? Ami. Why , Phylanter's great civility , Brought me safe hither . Mir. But from whence ? Ami. From the Army . Mir. From whose Army ? Ami. The Princesse . Mir. Ha! � Ami. I will defer your joyes no longer From the Princesse , who bid me tell you , That faith and constancie 's rewarded In t'other world , and will be so in this ? Mir. Thou would'st not mock me sure . Ami. I do not . Mir. O � Amione , Didst thou but know the joy of every heart , That at this hour , has its wishes crown'd , Thou might'st then ghesse at mine . And is she there in person ? Ami. Yes , attended with a gallant Army , Much stronger then the enemy , you might Discern them sure ; and resolved as soon as I return To offer battell . Is Phylanter , Prepar'd to fight ? Mir. With any thing in spight of all his crimes , Resolves to perish bravely , so great a villain Ne're bore so brave a mind , � t is a question , Whether he thinks , there 's such a thing as danger . Ami. We heard indeed , he storm'd it bravely , And that your hurts were of more danger Then I perceive they are ; 't was the report Of that which brought me hither . Nor must I stay , the Princesse layed commands Of my immediate coming back ; at more leisure , You shall have all my story , in the mean time , I must needs tell you , you are like to be Extreamly happy ; O Brother , never was so much sweetness Guarded so sure from crimes , if ever breast Were Sanctuary for vertues , it is her's : She will deserve your love I fear much more , Unlesse its possible , men should be constant . Mir. This is not kind Amione , her valew Will make me wise still to preserve my riches ; And benefit is mans designe . Ami. Man seldome though pursues his owne advantage , Women like Towns , once wonne are slighted : VVhat we already have within our powers , Has lesse esteem then unatchieved things . Mir. Urge it no more , one may as well be weary Of the Sun's constant shining , as her influence : He never rises , but he seems to bring Fresh glory from the East � and every day VVill adde a new discovery of her vertues , That she will never seem enjoy'd enough . Besides , though man 's compos'd of faithlesse matter , The Soul of one may be of nobler use Than others are , and with that Soul Man had not been so nobly put in trust Had he not means left free to be unjust . Come , so much eternitie as my love must have , Must not be told in such a little moment As you have now to spare , nor will I injure The little time I have with thee , When we shall meet again heaven knows : For friends once pawn'd to distance there is a danger To bankrupt hopes . You must expect but poor besieged welcome � Who such relief as Anchorets have At least shall find in an expected grave . [ Exeunt .
ACT. 5. SCEN. 3. Enter Phylanter , Solus disguised . Phyl. WHat is the next thing how that must be done ? How weary all the World and I Am grown of one another ? I should be friends With this disguise , could it but hide my crimes : But night it self that great disguifer , Wants power to conceal the least of crimes From any troubled breast , when man would fain Be unacquainted with himself again : 'T is just too , when we have our selves betraid That we should be then of our selves afraid Ambition onely is our nature's folly , That robs us of that little stock of reason , We have at temperate and idle hours . If we but take the inventory of our selves , There we shall find such perisht stuff By rage and passion , that 't is just We should be once forgotten in the dust ; � But for my new design � ha � 't is odd To throw my self into the power of them � As if 't were meannesse , or something poorer ; fear � � Yet � let it dye [ Studies . Enter Amione . Hyp. Pys . Ha � she comes � � A Persian's cold devotion thus , Receives new warmness from the rising Sun � It must be so � He that would hide Love kindled once within , Rakes but his fire up to keep it in . Hyp. We take our leaves now Madam , for we see There 's one attends you from the Exe. Hip. Pysan . Lord Phylanter , Phyl. Madam , my Lord Phylanter sent me hither In his own language to present you Safety Great as you merit . Amio. I thank you Sir , he has obliged me nobly : Had he forgot his crimes , I should forget He were an enemy . Phyl. He bid me tell you farther , That he had waited on you here himself , But that he fear'd to injure your fair eyes , That should be onely pleas'd with welcom objects . Amio. Ha : perish you easie thoughts , that start [ aside . At hearing of that name , yet when you think of him I may forgive you , if you then Frighten your selves , � And yet it may be Love ; ruines of Love And lightning are alike � For , what would willingly resist They both consume ; I shall attend you Sir , If you please to lead the way � [ Exeunt .
ACT 5. SCEN. 4. Enter Albertus , Lycespes . Albert. COntinue still worthy Lycespes , To let him know repentance needs no blushes . Or that 't is necessary for Fate or us , To persue cruell actions , yet with a gentle hand That no distraction mingle with his nature ; For he is young , and youth's unsetled furie Is ready still to act , Lyc. I have Sir , with a gentle hand Toucht all the storie of this madnesse , And find him too , like an experienc't gamster , Asham'd to have been cheated , but resolv'd Wisely no more to venture at that game : Our whole designs must needs therefore now Aime , but to bring us off , and yet prepare Not to want courage in the meanest Fortune . Albert. 'T is all that can be said in our Conditions , In order therefore to our sad affairs , Wee 'le instantly dispatch a Trumpet To offer fair conditions , or any thing That may not sound like mercy from another : That 's an unworthy way to adde To other's fames , in ruining our own ; And yet our whole desires shall be low , Indeed they must , for the extremity Of every unresisted Fate makes poor Their thoughts that were as rich before . [ Exeunt .
ACT. 5. SCEN. 5. Enter Phylanter , Amione . Amio. YOu have now , Sir , performed that civill part , That alwies shall enforce me to esteem The Lord Phylanter , and may this Sir She offers him money . Tell you my thanks . Phyl. Madam , reward can not be due To this small service , though I may do What may perhaps seem to deserve Something of that nature , but I must first Desire you to prepare for to believe Not ill of him , that thinks your wrongs Deserve devotions , greater than his trust . Amio. What mean you Sir ? Phyl. Would it not be worth a reward at least ? That you might have within your power The ease of all your hard misfortunes ? Amio. Certainly 't were ; the sound bears greater joy Than possibility . Phyl. I know sometimes , that Treason seems But ugly in the justest cause ; Though I believe that never yet , A power like yours commanded it . Amio. Still I understand you not , pray to the matter . Phyl. To be short then , know Phylanter loves you , Your seeming kindnesse will have power To draw him where you please , for to my breast He has committed all his thoughts , And bid me judge when I should see you , Whether he had not cause for all his passions , ( Indeed he has ) so much his crimes are greater ; Nor is it more injustice to his trust Than due to you to tell you , if you please , That I may bear some feigned kindnesse from you , I 'me sure 't will bring him any where , That you may easily surprise him . Amio. But do you think he has lost his reason so ? To trust himself without his guards , And his surprifall then will not be easie . Phyla . Alas , his reason 's like an helplesse friend , Left and forsaken , and nothing but your name Must be forgiven , that would attempt to lessen His thoughts from what he has done , you need not fear He can be over-wise that loves so much , Nor will his reason tell him that 't is due To all his kindnesse . Amio. Nor is it sure . Phyl. But to his former storie 't is , and present actions ; For though repentance onely at your name Has power in his thoughts , yet he contemns To have that Virtue on a meaner score , His crimes to all the world besides continue . Amio. And they may better be the punishers . Phyl. I grant you , were it in their power As 't is in yours , and they would then Do sure as much for you . 'T is but the least command from you , My life on 't , I bring him where you think best He may be with most ease surpris'd . Amio. But should not you consider ? That though this punishment be due from me , The treacherie's unjust in you . How much it is the businesse of mankind [ aside � Whilest she turns away and speaks , he throws off his disguise , and lays his sword drawn , with the hilt towards her . To make a bargain for their honesty , And yet not think how little that will yield To others , which they make so cheap , Man 's like a barren and ingratefull soil , That seldom pays the labour of manuring . How has Philanter injured him , or I obliged him ? That I could at first upon a lesser score Share with his crimes , and on a meaner now Basely dislike , as if his choice were just , Whose equall ease accepts and forfeits trust . �'le tell him too 't is base , how fain would Love Tell his own story , through a nobler cause , And blushes sure as well as I. � It should be for Phylanter � Ha! Deceive me not fond eyes , it cannot be she turns and sees him . I owe amazement now so much � � It must arrest me . Phyl. Wonder not , fair Amione , nor fear I 'le beg your pitty , that contemn my own , And yet for many reasons think I love you ; Though I believe my time will hardly give Me leave to reckon them � Onely consider , That I durst here avow it , I could have faln , It s true , as nobly with my fellows , But much more happier here ; I would have weigh'd it too More leisurely in reason's scales , till a thought Of you broke in , and ended the dispute . I have at my own rate procured my happinesse , Nor have I done lesse sure for you ; 't is the first service , And likely too to be the last I e're shall do you . Amio. O Phylanter , you should not trust Revenge , and all your crimes at once In any power , though I perhaps Shall fear to be a murtherer , so to make My self as bad as you . Phyl. Why I confesse , I willingly Would be as good as you , but that 's a lesson Hardly to be learn'd , and yet it looks Much like the way to read it often ; As I have done your vertues . I say not this to tempt a mercy , I have deserved a great deal of unkindnesse ; But not so much as now to fall A sacrifice to any but your wrongs . Amio. I know not what to say � You may repent , perhaps grow good ; Pray try . Phyl. 'T is true , I think I might ; But 't is a question still , whe're you 'd grow kind . And indeed , the fear of that great danger Made me contemn the rest . But I trifle time , By all that 's charitable , let me not fall By meaner hands . Hark , some Souldiers . [ a noise . Use this for pitty's sake . Enter Souldiers . Amio. Alas ! ah me ! 1. How now ? who have we hear , Philanter ? Treason ! 2. Treason , treason ! Phyl. Nay , then I must use it . [ fight . Villains , I have a little businesse here , one falls , t'other flyes . I might have spared the reason though to you They have raised the alarm ; yet , Amione , Free me from this mean ruine . Amio. Pray put on your disguise again , You may yet scape . Phyl. I 'me glad it is impossible , you see it is , O Amione ; had I but loved you at a lesser rate , I might have found a soberer expression . But yet remember , a mad-man seldom loses His kindnesse with his judgment . A noise again ! hell on their yellings ! [ alarm . Amio. By that love you bear me , Put on your disguise . Phyl. Never , till my safety be worth your care . Amio. O Phylanter , though your condition needs it , 'T is too soon for me to say it , yet I will tempt my To tell you , I would have you safe . Phyl. That now my fate is unavoidable , the gods blushes Perhaps provided , lest I should surfeit Of joys in this world ; yet I shall have Enough , if you believe , no dying mind Can have more joy , or living love . 'T was my grief at first to love you , and now My fear at last you should not know it . 'T was all my businesse too before my end . I could wish one thing more , to be resolved , Whether in t'other world ( where wise-men tell us , There is such store of love ) our joy shall be Greatest , to meet those friends we lov'd best here . � but I shall be resolved . In the mean time , What e're becomes of me , Let your kind thoughts � admit sometimes this minute's memory . Amio. Alas , think of your safety ; Hark! they come ! yet [ noise . Let your disguise and me protect you . Phyl. When I have your protection � I need need not this disguise , Nor will I wear it . They come . My dear Amione , Enter Souldiers . For ever live as happy as I die . 1. 2.

Here ! here ! on ! on ! on !

Phyl. Villains , you shall buy me bravely . [ fight . Sym. Hold , on your lives ; how , Phylanter ? Enter Symathocles . Phyl. The same , you need not bid me welcome , Nor tempt me much , Symathocles . Amio. O Phylanter , be yet more temperate ; Pray , Sir , let me obtain a little hearing . Sym. You may command it . The Princess ! Enter Princesse , Phylena , Followers . Amio. O Madam , let me beg That no amazement dwell upon your eyes , Nor any thing but mercy . Prin. I have both ready for thy sake � How � � Phylanter � VVhat Riddle 's this � ? Phyl. I owe that name indeed , but with less blushes Than I did once . Prin. I promised not to wonder , my Amione ; But this is strange . Amio. You promised mercy too . Prin. Have you an interest in his pardon then ? Blush not , I 'le ask no more � Phylanter � This story shall be perfect at more leisure , And all things else shall be deferr'd But my forgivnesse . I do believe ( You came to fetch your pardon in so much danger ) You can repent or any thing , but deserve The happinesse preparing for you . he kisses the Princess hand . Come , Amione , thou hast brought back An unexpected friend . May this successe To every one bring equall happinesse . [ Exeunt .
ACT. 5. SCEN. 6. Enter Albertus , Lycespes . Alb. HAs no one yet brought any news ? Lyc. Not any , Sir , O misery ! Betraid by some sleight . How now ? Enter a Messenger . From whence com'st thou ? Mess . My Lord , your son desires to meet you ; And withall you would not wonder , That with the Princesse he waits your comming . Alb. Stranger yet ! some farther mischiefe sure ! Lycespes Draw up the Army instantly . [ Exit Lyces . We must not be thus cousened . Came you from my son ? Mess . But now , Sir. Alb. And is he with the Princesse ? Mess . Yes , Sir. Alb. Where ? Mess . Now comming to the House . Alb. With all her Army ? Mess . Onely with a small Guard. Alb. There may be something then . Fortune I 'le think if now thou shew'st thy care , Thou canst redeem as wel as bring despair . [ Exeunt .
ACT 5. SCEN. 7. Enter Princess , Phylanter , Amione , Phylena , and Others . Prin. IS this the house , Phylanter ? Phyl. Yes , Madam . Prin. Pray summon it . Phyl. 'T will now be yielded , Madam , Far easier than 't would once . Within there , ho ! Pysander appears above . Pys . How now , what news , O Phylanter ? Is your troublesome Worship there again ? � how now , the Princesse too ? Prin. The same , Pysander . Pys . Now truly Madam , do I think I had best call Mironault to unriddle this . � The labour 's sav'd . Mironault appears above too . Prin. Mironault . Mir. Ha. � Prin. Do you not know me ? Mir. Yes , and others too there . Prin. This is injustice Mironault , Can you let wonder keep you thus from me ? Mir. I had forgot , it 's true , 't is Mirramente , And serupulous thoughts were sins unpardonable , He descends . Pys . If I should stay to consider what this means , I should be the last should know it ; He comes down . I 'le e'ne descend too . Prin. Mironault , � Though these strange objects might deserve a storie , Enter Mironault . 'T would take up time , and I shall think it crueltie To rob thee of one minute's joy , if I can give it . Miro . If you can give it ? have I thus long Lov'd you , and lov'd you religiously , now to have All my devotion question'd ? Can sick men joy in health ? or liberty Be pleasing unto captives ? In your kindnesse Lies all my health and liberty . Prin. Nor will I fear to avow it , dearest Mironault , No thoughts of crossing danger e're shall fright My Love or me . Miro . It 's true , I am unworthy of you ; but so are all , And he that parts me from you , Must joyn me to a colder Bride . Phyl. And more than you , gallant Mironault , Wonder no more , nor think on stories past , But that to come , Phylanter will appear As worthy of your friendship , � As he was once of hate � but stay I had forgot to ask your pardon . Indeed He takes Amione by the hand . Heer 's one may better do it , whose fair opinion � Will promise for me . � Miro . Brave Sir , I hated still your crimes not you , so did she , And if she love your Virtues , pray believe I am her brother too . Phyl. Madam , I see Enter Albertus . A little honesty will make one impudent That I must now beg pardon for others , That scarsly should have hop't if for my self . Prin. Rise my Lord , you need not now Of any doubt your pardon . Alb. Excellent Princesse , I shall deserve hereafter What an unjust necessity made me shun to testifie . Kisseth her hand . Prin. Hyppasus and Pysander , I must not now Forget your share in thanks , That did receive your part in danger . Pys . Nay your Highnesse cannot be better pleased than we That all the danger 's past , to say truth , Hypasus and I were clearly your Platonicks , And made up the Romance . The blind Lady hearing his voice , calls from under the vault where he put her . Caec . Captain . Prin. How now , what 's that ? Pys . Why nothing Madam , Onely an honest fellow kill'd in the storm , And now his ghost walks ; in his life time He was a talking fellow , Hyppasus you know it . Hyp. Hang you , what do I know ? Caec . Why , Captain , Captain ? Pys . Plague on you , would you were gagg'd . Prin. This is strange ! Pys . Nay your Highnesse need not be troubled , I 'le have a Schollar shall lay it at my own charge . Hyp. Well Sir , if you 'le be at that cost , I 'le be the Scholar , To raise it at my own . Pys . Pox on your conjuring fools-head , Hyppasus takes her out of the vau't with corn upon her farthingale , Peter following . By this light she rises � Like Ceres with Plenty about her , Lord , how Peter stares ! Caec . Captain , Pray , your hand [ She goes on . Pys . Here forsooth . He goes behind the Princesse . Now have at the Princess , la , ra , ra , ra Your Highnesse may be pleas'd , She runs against the Princesse . To pardon her usuall exercise , She was the best tilter in her time That ever ran . Mironault whispers to the Princesse . Caec . O Captain , pray your hand , Pys . Now have I ague : what tends This whisperig to ? Prin. Come Pysander , The god of Love himself is blind , She , or her estate ( I hear ) is very fair . Pys . Why , is your Highnesse in earnest ? And please you shee 's some sourscore , A dog were as good a husband for her To lead her up and down . Prin. Madam , Will you consent to have this Gentleman ? Caec . I have already yielded . Pys . And be hang'd 't was before you were storm'd . Prin. Come it shall be a match , shee 'l make you her Executor . Pys . Well , wee 'l all be marri'd then . Hypassus If you please , you shall have Quinever . Pin. We are all happy then ; we need not fear , Unlesse my Father frown . Phyl. We shall unwillingly throw off again Our Loyalty to him , and yet we shall Be very ready to embrace a witnesse , That we dare dye for Mironault . Mir. You nobly all oblige me , and I must tell you My dearest Princesse that I cannot fear , Whilst I enjoy your Love , for that has rais'd me Above the power of Fate or danger , Nor have I leisure to think on any thing , But of those joys are falling now upon me , Which neither time or age can ever lessen ; For still your Virtues like Medea's charms Shall bring fresh beauties to my happy arms . [ Exeunt . Pys . We Bridegrooms disagree , for every day Will oblige most that adds to your decay . [ Exit with the Blind Lady . FINIS .
The Fourth Book of VIRGILL . Of the Loves of DIDO and AENEAS . The Argument . In Love's ungentle Flames a Eliza fries , With her Resolves a guilty Storm complies . Aeneas , warn'd by Joves b Cyllenian Mate , Prepares for flight , and Dido for her fate . A Funerall Pile she raises , and bestows At once a Fate upon her self and woes . BUT , long before , the Queen had in her veins Nourish'd Love's wounds , and fed concealed flames . Much on his person , and his generous kind She thought , much on the vertues of his mind . His charming Image fixes in her breast , And cares now banish once-enjoyed rest . Th' ensuing day , when Phoebus newly spread His beams , and moist shades from Aurora fled ; The Love-sick Queen thus to her Sister said : My Anna , of what dreams am I afraid ? What guest is this with unaccustom'd charms ? How noble in his Soul ? how brave in Arms ? I'think ( nor vainly ) he 's of heavenly kind ; 'T is fear that argues a degenerate mind . What various fates he told , with Battles mixt ! VVere it not in my breast for ever fix'd , Never the Marriage Fetters more to prove , Since so deceiv'd by fate of my first Love ; Did I not loath those Rites a second time , I might perhaps yield to this tempting crime . For I confess , since ( slain by fratricide ) Sichaeus fell , whose blood the Altars di'd , This onely has enclin'd my thoughts ; again I feel impressions of an antient flame . But may the earth first snatch me to her womb , And to the shades Jove's Thunder whirle me down ; To Hell's dark shades whose night admits no fate , E're shame and vertues rites I violate . He who first made my heart Love's sacrifice , Still has it , in his grave it buried lies . This said , a shower of falling tears appear . Anna replies , Dear sister , and more dear Then Light it self , shall grief thy youth destroy , VVithout the Crown of children , or the joy VVhich Venus for her Votaries prepares ? Can dust shut up in graves , or Ghosts have cares ? Grant you were she , whose cold breast did disdain , The Lybians and the great a Hiarba's flame , And Africans made rich by vanquish'd foes ; VVill you as well , all Love 's soft charms oppose ? Think where we now inhabit , who dwells round ; Getulians here with conquest alwaies crown'd , Here savage desarts your Dominions bound , There the wild Barceans ; what need I relate The VVars , that on thy Brother's furie wait ? Sure the kind gods upon our shores at last , By an obliging storm these Trojans cast . VVhat Citie shalt thousee ? thy Kingdom too Shall to this match enlarged fortune owe , VVhen Trojans with our Arms their Swords shall joyn , In what rich glories shall the Punicks shine ! Go , and oblige the gods by sacrifice , Thy guest by kindnesse ; all delays devise , Whilst Winter rages , and the stormy Star Their Navy shakes , the sky dispos'd to war. " These words the sparks of love now kindled more , " And enthron'd hope where blushes dwelt before . First , at the Altars heaven's peace they sought , With Sheep selected , slain as custom taught , To Ceres , Phoebus , Bacchus , above all , To Juno , carefull of the Marriage thrall . The fair Queen's hand a full-crown'd Bowl adorns , Who pours the Wine 'twixt a white Heifer's horns . Still on the fatted Shrine an Offering lies , And day seems young renew'd with Sacrifice ; Consulting scarce the life-forsaken breast , Which panting entralls faintly yet exprest . " Unknowing minds of Priests ! alas , what ease " Can Temples bring ? Can frantick Vows appease " A flame , which life and blood still fuell gives , " And in whose breast the wound in silence lives ? Unhappy Dido burns , and wanders round The City , frantick , as a Hind , whose wound From a far off the unsuspected Swain Gives ignorantly , who strives to flie her pain , Through the Dictaean Forrests , wing'd with fears , Yet still her side the fatall Arrow bears . Now with Aeneas round the walls she goes , Her City and Sidonian-treasure shows . About to speak , her words stick in the way ; Now Feasts prepares to end the wasting day . Again ( distracted ) asks to hears Troy's fate , And on his moving lips her eyes still wait . All now take leave , and the Moon 's paler light Shines out , declining Stars soft sleeps invite ; Whilst she alone her sorrows entertains , And flung , on his forsaken bed remains ; Thinks still she hears him speak , and in despight Of absence , alwaies fancies him in sight ; Or in her arms his son and likenesse takes , To try if Love could lessen by mistakes . Now the late-rising Towers neglected stand , The youth and fortresses alike unman'd . All great beginnings interrupted lye , And walls before which promis'd to be high . When Juno saw her languish in a flame , Whose fury shrunk not at opposing fame , Venus with haste she finds ; and thus then saies , You , and your Boy , will purchase glorious praise , And spoils as ample as your powers , when fame Shall tell ; Two gods one woman overcame . Nor am I blinded so , but it appears , The walls of rising Carthage cause your fears . But why these quarrells ? rather let them cease In Hymen's bonds , wrapt in eternal peace . Your wishes all are crown'd in Dido's flames , Which fill , instead of bloud , her burning veins ; With equall power and kindnesse let us sway , These severall Nations , let her too obey A Phrygian Lord , and unto thy desire , Submit the Tyrians , and the wealth of Tyre ; To her , ( for she perceiv'd a crafty mind Sent all these words , by which she had design'd To Lybian shores th' Italian crown to joyne ) Venus replies , Who is it will decline What you propose ? or is so void of sense , To chuse to have with you a difference ? If the fates yield to your propos'd intents , ( But varying fates I fear ) if Jove consents ; That Troy and Carthage should as one be joyn'd , The mingled Nations too by leagues combind ; You that enjoy his breast , 't is just that you Attempt his mind , I 'le second what you do . The Queen of Heaven then replies , That toil And labour shall be mine ; A little while , I aske you now to hear , whilst I lay down The means ; which our designes at last may crown . Aeneas , with the wretched Queen prepares , In woods and hunting to divert their cares ; When the next rising Sun gives day a birth , And with his raies shews the unvailed earth ; Upon the Hunters , whilst the game 's pursu'd , A storm , sweld big with hail , in blacknesse brew'd , Its fury shall discharge ; at the same time , The Heavens to the storm shall Thunder joyn . Th' affrighted Hunters all shall take their flight , Confus'd in darknesse , as if lost in night . The Prince and Queen shall flye for shelter too Into one Cave , if we receive from you Your promis'd aid , there Hymen being by , Wee 'l make her thy perpetuall Votary . Fair Cytherea , finding her designes , Smiles , and , in shew , to what she ask't inclines . In the mean time , the Sun the briny streams Of Neptune leav's , the youth rise with his beams . And forth the toyl's , and well-nos'd hounds are brought , With spears , whose tops were round with Iron wrought . Next marching forth , Massylian troops are seen , The Punick Princes all expect their Queen . Who , slower than the rest , forsakes her bed , Whilst her proud horse stands r�chly furnished In purple ; on which Gold in windings flow's , Champing his bitt , in foam his mettall show's . At length , attended by a noble train , Clad in a rich Sydonian robe she came . Her quiver gold , her hair too weaved lies In gold , and gold her purple garments ties . The Phrygians next advance , and before these Ascanius came , whom youthfull hopes did please Of promis'd sport ; with these Aeneas joyns , And all the troop in charming looks out-shines . As when cold Lycia , and where Xanthus flowes , Apollo leav's , his visits now bestowes Upon his native Delos , where again , The Driopes and Cretans fill his train . With Agathyrsians , whom strange colours dye , And in wild motions round the Altars flye , VVhilst he upon the top of Cynthus goes , His flowing hair , soft laurell-wreaths inclose ; Through which the weaved gold its lustre flung , And at his back , his ratling Quiver hung . " Nor did Aeneas looks admit an odds , " But with his lustre equalled the gods ? VVhen new these troops unto the hills arrive , And beat the unfrequented shades , they drive VVild goats from their high holds , and wing'd with fear , On t'other side rush down vast heards of Deer . But young Ascanius in the vales employes Himselfe , and in his horse's fiercenesse joyes . Now vi�s with these , now others leaves behind , And wanting beasts to chase , wishes to find A chasing Boar o're-spread with rage and foam , Or from the hills to see a Lion come . Whilst thus he wish't , lowd murmurs fill the skie , Follow'd by storms of hail , the hunters flie For severall shelters , whilst amazed sight From mountains tops sees Rivers take their flight . The Queen and Trojan Prince , seeking to save Themselves from storms , meet in one fatall cave , The earth first shook , and Juno gave the signe , And at such rites ungentle flashes shine . While , through the conscious aire , the Marriage-song , VVas howls of Nymphs , which from the mountains rung . This day first usher'd death , and from this day , Misfortunes took their birth , nor did she weigh Her present act , or think of future fame , Nor could this amorous theft beget a shame ; She cal'd it marriage , with a fond designe , Believing in the name to hide the crime . But quickly now that slighted fame took wings , And all the newes through Lybian Cities flings . Unto ill fame compar'd , swift things are sloath , For as it flies , it gathers strength and growth ; Fear keeps it low at first , but free from dread , Quickly in clouds , hides its aspiring head . To Caeus , and Enceladus , the earth Brooded on by the rage of gods gave birth Unto this sister last , than winds more fleet ; Swift in her wings , and not lesse swift in feet . A horrid and strange monster as she flyes , Under her feathers hides an hundred eyes , As many mouths , nor furnisht lesse with ears , As many tongues to tell the tales she hears . When night has spread her shades through heaven she flies , Nor has soft sleep the power to close her eyes , By day ; where poor and great men live she sits , And with her tales gives Citties shaking fits : The false and true alike to people brings , With equall joy things done and undone sings . Of Troy's great Prince she quickly did report , How entertaind in Dido's breast and court , Unmindfull of their Crowns , ruld now by lust , The winter spent in passions too unjust . Among the rest to whom she spread this Fame , It quickly unto King Hiarbas came . The storie rais'd his furie , who was son To Jove , from ravisht Garamantis sprung . An hundred Temples he to Jove had rais'd , As many shrines where constant fires still blaz'd . The Gods perpetuall watch , th'enriched ground , With blood , th'entrances with garlands crown'd , The bitter news rage and distraction brings ; To fill his breast , who in his fur�e flings Before the Altars of the gods , and there With raised hands sends this disputing pray'r ; Great Jove , to whom , on beds that richly shine , We Moors indulge our feasts with sparkling wine , Seest thou these things ? or shall we free from fright See the dark air with sudden flashes bright ? And dreadlesse at thy winged lightnings flame Or slighted Thunders , find our fears were vain ? A wandring woman on our shores that pay'd For leave and place to live on , and obey'd � Our laws , dares now despise our marriage bed , For one Aeneas to her Kingdom fled . This Paris with his troope that scarsly are Like men , in their soft robes and perfum'd hair , Enjoys my passion's object , whilst we raise In vain to thee our offerings and our praise . Whilst thus expostulating-pray'rs he fent , Holding the Altars still , th' Omnipotent To Carthage turns his eyes , where passion's flame Had in the Lovers burnt the thoughts of Fame . Then calling Mercurie he thus begins , Go son , call Zephyrus and on thy wings , Haste to the Trojan Prince , who idly s�ays In Carthage , and contemns in his delays Crowns which were promis'd him by Fate and Time , Swift as a thought bear him these thoughts of mine . His beauteous mother never promis'd me Such things as these , nor for this cause was he Twice from the Grecians free'd , but that there may One spring from Teucer , Italy to sway So big with War and Empires ; and to give Laws , under which th'obliged World should live . But if such praise cannot his mind enflame , Nor toils be pois'd with weight of endlesse Fame , Why does he hinder from Ascanius brows The Roman Crown ? What is it hope allows , Whilst thus with foes ( delaying ) he remains ? Neglects Ausonia , and Lavinian plains ? Bid him to sea , go tell him what I say . The ready god prepares streight to obey His mighty Father's will , and first he ties Wings to his feet ; born upon which he flies � Through air , and o're the earth , and liquid plain , Swift as the motion of a rapid flame . Then takes his rod ; whose call ghosts from below Obey , by the same power others go Unto those dismall shades , sleep comes and flies As he appoints ; and closes dying eyes . Th' enraged winds swell as he dyes along , And drive the troubled clouds into a throng . Now Atlas views , as on his wings he fled , Approaching heaven with his aspiring head , Batter'd with winds and storms , with tall Pines crown'd , And still with sable clowds envellop'd round : His shoulders prest with undissolved snow , And from the old man's Chin swift rivers flow In rushing cataracts , in frozen ties His horrid beard bound up severely , lies . Here first with equally unmoving wings Cyllenius stays himself , thence headlong flings . Along the shores a bird thus swiftly glides Close on the surface of the swelling tides ; So from high Atlas-top Cyllenius flies 'Twixt heaven and earth , where sandie Lybia lies . When first on Carthage-plains his winged feet Took rest , his eyes as soon Aeneas meet Raising new Towers ; on his thigh there hung A shining sword , a Tyrian garment flung Over his shoulders , where the gold did wave In glittering rings , which Dido made and gave . When with these words the god invades his car , Dost thou for Carthage lay foundations here , And rai�est Cities , now uxorious grown , Seeking strange Crowns , unmindfull of thine own ? He who o're all th' immortall gods bears sway , And whom the people of the earth obey , Commanded me to ask , What vain design Stays thee in Lybia , idly losing time ? If so much glory cann't thy mind inflame , Nor toils be pois'd with weight of endless fame ; Let not Ascartus suffer by thy crime , To whom the Fates th'I�alian Crown design . Thus having spoke Cyllenius takes his flight , And in the air slides from enquiring sight . Amaz'd Aeneas stands , in h�rror ti'd , VVith stifned hair , his voice and words deni'd , Now burns to leave the place but lately priz'd , So by the god commanded and advis'd , VVhat should he do ? how venture to relate This change to her that was so passionate ? His mind travails through-thoughts as in a trance , And snatch'd with every various circumstance , Till every thought to this submission gave . Then Mnestheus and Sergestus , with the brave Cloanthus , he does call ; with silent care Bids them the Navy and their Arms prepare , And draw their Forces to the Ocean side ; But with a feigned cause the true to hide . In the mean space ( whilst Dido little thought Their loves were to so near a period brought ) He pays his visits , and neglects no time , All his addresses fits for his designe , VVith all the art of softest words , whilst they VVith gladnesse do their Princes will obey . But the fair Queen ( for who can long deceive A Lover ? ) quickly did the fraud perceive , And from the present makes her future ghesse ; VVhat ever seems most safe , fears not the lesse . The same ungentle Fame the news now brings To sad Eliza , who now madly flings Thorough the City , passion so excites The wretched Queen , like Thyas at those Rites VVhen first the Orgyes stir , and Bacchus name Cythaeron loudly does in night proclaim . At length unto Aeneas thus she saies , Hast thou design'd all these dissembling ways ? Could there , false man , be so much ill in thee , In silence to have fled this place and me ? Cannot my love , that love , which I so late Plighted to thee , nor my approaching fate , Oblige thy stay ; but among Winter-waves To thrust thy Navy , whilst the North-wind raves . What if you never sought an unknown Land , And antient Troy did in its lustre stand ; Must needs that Troy , through Billows swelling high , Be sought with Navies ? Is 't not me you flie ? By thy receiv'd right hand , and by these tears , ( Now nothing else at my command appears ) By our young Loves , if ever I was thought To merit , or to thee a pleasure brought : Pitty a falling state , change thy hard mind , I beg , if prayers yet a place can find . For thee , the Lybians , and Numidian King , With Tyrians , will on me their malice fling . For thee , my early and unspotted fame Is lost , which once to Heaven bore my name . To what am I now dying left ? Ah guest , In that , all Hymen's Titles now must rest . But why do I delay ? Is it to see My Brother ruine all ? or till I be Led captive by Hyarbas ? If I might Have had a young Aeneas ere thy flight , That onely might to me present thy look , I should not fancy I were quite forlook . This said , forewarn'd by Jove within his breast , With eyes still fix'd his troubles he supprest . At length replies , Fair Queen , I cann't deny Your words or merits , nor shall ever I Unwillingly admit Eliza's name Unto my thoughts , whilst life inspires this frame . Thus much I onely say , I never tri'd , Or hop'd dissemblingly my flight to hide . Nor did I promise ever to be thine , Or hither came with such a fond designe . Would Fate permit , my will should now dispose My life , and as I pleas'd my cares and woes ; Troy and its Princely Palaces should shine , As once it did , rais'd by this hand of mine . But Phoebus now and Lycian Lots decree , That I should fix my love on Italy . If you , that from Phoenicia took your birth , Affect this Carthage , and the Lybian earth ; VVhy should it now appear more strange , that we , Though Trojans born , should seek for Italy ? The justice is the same . As often too , As the dark night its humid shades does throw , O're the hid world , and Stars begin to rise , My Father's Ghost does threaten and advise . Unjust to dear Ascanius too I prove , He wants a Crown , whilst here I idly love . Now Mercury from Jove was sent ( I swear By both our heads ) who through the yielding air Brought his commands , apparent light and clear , Shew'd me the god , and I his voice did hear . Cease then to wound with these complaints of thine , Since , though I go , 't was not my own design . This said , she turn'd her long averted sight , Fix'd upon him , her eyes then took their flight , And silently on every object gaz'd ; At length she spoke , to height of passion rais'd . Per�idious man ! Nor Dardan could begin Thy race , or couldst thou from a goddesse spring ; But bred on rocky Caucasus , thou first Wast by Hir�anian Tygers udders nurst . For why should I dissemble ? should belief Betray me to more woe ? See if my grief Has rais'd one sigh , or does his eyes encline To be o're-come in tears to pitty mine . Where should I first complain ? my miseries , Nor Jove nor Juno sees with equall eyes . Faith is unstedfast still , fond woman's haste ! In want I found what I in plenty plac'd . His Friends and Navy did by me return From d�ath to life , Ah in what flames I burn ? Now Lot's , Apollo now , now from above Cyllenius brings the harsh commands of Jove . 'T is likely that the gods should from our cares , Receive such trouble , and proportion theirs . I neither stay you , nor your words deny , Seek through the waves and wind for Italy . I hope ( if gods be great as well as good ) That thou shalt drink ( drown'd in the rocky Flood ) Revenge's draught , and calling still on me , Though absent , yet in flames I 'le follow thee . And when cold death shall cease this vitall heat , My ghost unwelcome visits shall repeat . And all thy woes obliging Fame shall tell , To my pleas'd ears when I with shadows dwell . At this abruptly stops her words , and flies , Sick of the light , and weary of mens eyes , Leaving him fix'd with fears , and in delay , Confus'd in all , preparing much to say . Whilst she sinks to the earth on which she fled , Carried by servants to a Marble-bed . Though the just Prince enclin'd to give relief , And to divert with words her powerfull grief , Shook in his breast , where sighs and love did meet ; Yet he obeys the gods , and views his Fleet. The Trojans throng , while launch'd from the shore's side , The 'nointed Vessells now on Billows ride ; Carrying their Oars aboard , and Oak not quite Brought into form , so carefull in their flight . All from the City throng , as toyling Ants , Treasure a Heap , remembring Winter's wants . The black Troop through the verdant grasse makes way , And in a narrow road their stores convay ; Some bear the corn , the laziest of the Swarm Others excite , and every place grows warm . What were thy thoughts now Dido at this sight , And what sad sighs did from thy breast take flight ? Hearing such noise , and seeing from above The shores grow warm with crowds . ( Ungentle Love ! ) What is 't thou canst not us compell to do ? Again shee 's forc'd in tears and prayers to woe . No thought to Love obedience now deni'd , Left dying , she had left a way untri'd . Seest thou not , Sister , how they all repair Down to the shores , and the ungentle air Seems too to court their sails , the joys resound From Sea-men , all their Vessells ready crown'd . Had I but thought that such a woe could be , I might have born it then ; for , wretched me , This one thing do , ( for that false man alone Seem'd kind to thee , to thee his thoughts made known The time , & how to soften words you know , Go and petition this insulting foe . I never swore the Trojans to destroy , Or did assist , or sent my ships to Tray ; Or yet disturb'd his Father's dust and ghost , Why are my words to his clos'dears thus lost ? Ah! whither does he flie ? let his hard breast Grant but a wretched Lover's last request . Let him but stay till he may safely flye , Till neither winds grow lowd , or waves grow high . I beg not now again his broken vows , Or of the Latium Crown to rob his Brows : I beg but time my passions to reprieve , Till my hard fate has taught me how to grieve . This last request I make , if pitty find A power in your breast ; my gratefull mind Shall onely lose the memory in death . Whilst tears she spent with this imploring breath , To him , and back again , the wofull tales Her Sister bears , but nothing now prevails ; Soft charming words had lost their power , oppos'd By Fate , the god his gentler ears had clos'd . An aged Oak so long had stood the blast Of Alpine Boreas , now is this way cast , Now that , whilst with the clamoring winds he strives , Which to the earth th' assaulted branches drives ; The root yet fix'd , for what above appears , So much below the earth's embraces bears . So every way her words the Hero prest , Shook by her cares within his mighty breast . But his firm mind unshaken still appears , And she , in vain , now spends her stock of tears . Th' unhappy Queen , whom all these fates affright , Now wishes death , and hates to see the light . That too which added to these sad desires , VVhilst on the Altars in perfumed fires , She paies her gifts , the sacred wine no more , Retains its looks , but turns black clotted gore . This horrid change was to no eye reveal'd , And from the trusted sister too conceal'd . Besides , there stood a marble Temple , made To her first love , to which she alwayes paid An honour'd kindnesse , alwayes too deck't round VVith verdant wreaths , and snowie fleeces crown'd ; From whence she thought , she heard Sichaeus call . And when the night had spre'd her vaile o're all , The fatall Owle that perching place still seeks , And sends out long and death-presaging shreeks . The Priests before had threatned sad extreams , The cruell Prince still visits her in dreams . Alwayes she seems alone , and wandring strayes , Seeking her subjects in forsaken wayes . So Pentheus saw with his distracted sight , Furies in troops , at once two Suns gave light . One Thebes two Cities shew'd , or on the stage , As wild Orestes flyes his mothers rage . VVith blazing brands , and with black serpents arm'd , VVhilst in the gate , revenging furies swarm'd ? Vanquish't with grief and passion in extreams , She now resolves to dye , the time and means Closely designes , nor could her thoughts appear , Her looks were all compos'd serene and clear . To her afflicted Sister then she goes , And with these words , her mind seems to disclose . Come share with me the joy of my designe , That shall restore his love or banish mine . Neer to the setting Sun and Oceans end , A part of Aethiopia does extend . VVhere mighty Atlas on his shoulders bears The glittering load of all the starry sphears . Thence , ( a Massylian born ) a Priestesse came , That kept the Dragon and th' Hesperian Fane ; Who also did the sacred branches keep , With hony and with poppy causing sleep . She could with charms enthralled minds set free , And others bind with the same cruelty . Stars would retire , swift streams no longer run , And from the graves , the cal'd up spirits come , The earth mens frighted ears with howlings fills , And the tall Oks seem walking from the hills . VVitnesse you gods , and my dear life , that now Unwillingly to Magick arts I bow . Go , in the inner Court erect a pyle , Bring the man's sword , and garments , now his spoile . Lay all the Impious left upon that bed , VVhere I to ruine was by passion led . For so the Priestesse every thing design'd , Of a false man should dissolution find . This said , on her still lips a palenesse rose , And yet her sister did not then suppose Under pretence of charms she meant to find Her fate , or that such fury rul'd her mind ; Or fear'd a crueller effect , or crosse , From any cause , than from her Husbands losse . She therefore hastens to obey ; the while , The Queen within the Court doth raise a pile Of pines and cloven Oaks , adorned round VVith lights ; with wreaths and funerall Cypresse crown'd . And on this pile the fatall bed convaid , On which his garments and his sword she laid . With these , plac't his effigies too , Alas , Too knowing now of what would come to passe ! All this begirt with Altars , with loose hair , The Priestesse sends to many gods her pray'r To Spirits , and inhabitants below , To Cynthia , and to triple Hecate too . Sprinkling feign'd dew , as from Avernus brought , Herbs cut with brazen Sythes , by Moon-shine sought . With poyson brew'd , from the Colts brow they tare The much lov'd bit of the prevented mare . The Queen with gifts , hard by the Altar stands , Her garments loose , one foot releast from bands . And dying now , her last appeal does send , To Gods and Planets , conscious of her end . If any Power most with care survaies Loves too unequall bonds , to them she prayes . T' was night , and wearied limbs with toils opprest , Did in becalming sleep's embraces rest . The winds were hush't , the waves no longer sweld , And time the equall scales of midnight held . The earth's and air's inhabitants , in dreams VVere lock't , and scaly troops affecting streams . All in obliging sleep receiv'd their shares , Their hearts insensible of toils or cares . But the unhappy Queen sleep's charms denies , Passion possest her breast , and tears her eyes . Her cares increase , her love to fury grows , And storms of anger with her passion rose . Then to her selfe , raises this sad discourse ; What shall I do ? shall I go seek remorse Of slighted lovers ? or beg to be priz'd , By that Hiarbas whom I once despis'd ? Or shall I flye after the Trojan sails , With whom the sense of kindnesse so prevails ? Or were I willing , would they give me leave ; Or a scorn'd thing in their proud ships receive ? Lost wretch ! see'st thou not falsenesse fix't upon The perjur'd race of false Laomedon ? What then , shall I alone these men pursue , Or let the armed Tyrians follow too ? And those which hardly once from Tyrus came , Shall I perswade to go to Sea again ? No , no , 't is only death is fit for thee , Let his sword end thy life and misery . Thou sister , first ( yet with my weeping prest ) Didst help this enemy into my brest . Why might not we like wild beasts alwayes live , And know no cares that love and passion give ? Then , not oblig'd , I had not been unjust , In forgot-kindnesse to Sichaeus dust . Such great and sad complaints denied her rest , In troops assaulting now her broken brest . Sleep then did on the Trojan Prince prevail , Who in his tall ship lay prepar'd to sail . To whom , Jove's messenger appears once more , Repeates the warnings that he gave before ; ( In voice and every thing like Hermes show'd , His youth the same , his shining hair so flow'd . ) Thou heavenly-born , Canst thou soft sleep admit , Not sensible what dangers threaten yet ? Nor yet discernest how the prosperous gales , With gentle invitations court thy sails ? She now , since death is her resolv'd designe , Guided by rage , stops at no fraud or crime . Fly whilst thou may'st , left thou seest vessells swarm , On troubled waves , and shores with flames grow warm If by this Land , you wait approaching day , Then put an end unto this dull delay . The minds of women never yet were fix't : This said , with nights dark shades himself he mixt . No sooner now this mighty Vision ends , But straight Aeneas , rows'd himselfe and friends ; Urging them on , to hasten from those shores , VVith haste to spread their sails , and ply their Oars . A God sent from above came to exile , And with Commands , to hasten too our flight . VVhich of the gods so e're thou art , we flye As thou direct'st , ob�ying chearfully . Be thou still pleas'd to guide us and protect , And every star propitiously direct . This said , his shining sword draws from his side , And cuts the Cable which his vessell ty'd , The rest with equall haste repeat his deed , And quickly from the shores their vessells freed . Much of the Sea with ships was cover'd now , Forcing white furrows on its blewish brow . Now on the earth , the first bright message fled Of fair Aurora's leaving Tithon's bed . VVhen first the Queen saw the approaching light , VVith it the empty port , the ships in flight : Her breast , where yet so many beauties were , She fills with stroaks , and tears her shining hair . Then cries , O Jupiter , shall he thus flye , And fix on us so great a mockery ? Are none yet arm'd , no Ships yet thrust from shores ? Pursue with flames , bring sails , employ your Oars ; VVhat do I talk of , or where am I now ? VVhat rage , and impious fancies I allow ? Unhappy Queen , these thoughts should have born sway , Before thy Scepter thou hadst it flung away . Behold his faith , who yet they say before , His Countries gods through all his travails bore ! VVho on his shoulders bore his fathers weight , Prest too with age , declining to his fate . Cannot I throw his scatter'd limbs to waves , And give his friends too such unpittied graves ? Might not Ascanius perish by my sword , Then dish the Boy up to his fathers board ? Th' event of War is doubtfull : be it so , The dying sure never needs fear a foe . Swift flames among their ships I should have flung , In which at once , the father and the son Should have been lost , and in the same designe , With their sad fates , I would have mingled mine . Thou Sun that seest all things , that mortalls do ! Thou Juno , conscious of my passions too : And Hecate , whose howls fills night and wayes , You furies too , hear what Eliza pray's The last her dying lips ever designes ! Let your revenge be great , as are their crimes . If such an impious man , must safely find Through seas , places and Lands for him design'd , If this be fates unalterable doom , Let him among a warlike people come Vext still with such , driven from place to place , And snatch't from his Ascanius lov'd embrace . Still begging aid , let objects for his eyes Be still his wretched friends sad obse�uies . And when dishonour'd peace shall all unite ; Let him enjoy neither his Crown nor Light : But fall before his day , the sand his grave , The god 's these prayers with my blood shall have . And you , O Tyrians , in your hate be just , Let that be still a tribute to my dust . Never let Love oblige , nor League make tyes , And from our loyns may some revenger rise , That on the Dardan race , may pay these scor's , With fire & sword ; may shores contend with shores , Billow's with waves , and armies against arms , And all his race parish in civill harms . This said , her crowdes of thoughts were now at strife , Which way to rid her selfe of hated life . Then to Sichaeus nurse her selfe addrest , ( Her 's in her native grave enjoyed rest ) Thus said , Dear nurse , my sister hither bring , First having hath'd her body in a spring , And with her bring the Sacrifice design'd , And you your head with sacred fillers bind . For Pluto's rites I 'le end , with them my woe , Whilst on the Dardans funerall pile I throw His Image , to the flames ungentle rage . This said , the nurse's gate shew'd haste and age . But wing'd with horrid fancies Dido flyes . Unto her fate , rolling her bloody eyes . In her sair cheeks , sad looks possest the room . And palenesse of that death that was to come . Thorough the Inner Court her stops she bends , And furiously the funerall Pile ascends . Then draws the Dardan ' sword , never design'd For such a horrid use ; her eyes next find His bed , which only now his garments bears . A little while she paus'd , by thoughts and tears Shar�rs in time delay'd , her selfe then cast Upon the bed , and thus she spoke her last . Dear spoils , whilst gods and fate did so agree ! Receive my life , from cares now set me free . Here I have liv'd the slave of Fortune still , Now under earth my shade some place must fill . A City I have built , reveng'd the fate Of a lost Husband , and a Brother's hate . Happy , ah too much happy I had been , Had never Trojan-Sails my Carthage seen . This said , she kiss'd the bed , then cries , Must I Thus poorly fall , and unrevenged die ? But die I must , death onely can give ease , The thoughts oft'other world alone can please . Let my last flame blaze in his cruell eyes , Shook at the Omen , whilst Eliza dies . This said , she thrust the sword into her breast , And flowing blood the wretched act exprest . The lofty Pallace ecehoes now with cries , And fame through all the shaken City flies : The roofs resound with womens houls and moans , And ecchoing aire affected seems with groans . So it had been , if to an armed Host The antient Tyre or Carthage had been lost . And the impartiall flames shewing no odds , On sinking dwellings both of men and gods . Her Sister hears , who with a shaking pace , Beating her breast , arrives unto the place ; Thorough encreasing crowds she rushing came , Still calling on her dying Sister's name . Was this thy cruell fraud , was I so prest For such a Pile ? for this were Altars drest ? What should a wretch so much forsaken do ? Did you scorn , Sister , I should die with you ? Death should have had on both an equall power , We should have shar'd one grief , one sword , one hour . These with my hands I rais'd , my prayers fled To gods , did I compose thee for the dead To live behind ? Thy fate now ruines all , Thy Sister sinks , and Kingdom in thy fall . Some water bring that I may bathe the wound , If any wandring breath may yet befound . To hers my lips so closely shall be laid , That it shall find no way but me . This said , She mounts the Pile , and in her bosom took Her Sister , yet by breath not quite forsook . She grieves , yet still attempting all she cou'd , And with her garments dries away the bloud . She strives to raise her eyes , by weaknesse prest , Her eye-lids sinck , the wound gapes on her breast . Thrice she attempted from the bed to rise , Thrice roles upon the bed with wandring eyes . She makes saint s�arches now for heavens light , And groanes , when found by her impairing sight . But Juno pittying the punishment Of strugling life , from heaven Iris sent , To set at freedom he�r delaying breath , Since neither fate , nor a deserved death Had caus'd her end , but fell before her time : Love's passion was alone her fate and crime . Nor yet had Proserpine took from her head Her hair , and enter'd her among the dead . From heaven then , Iris with dewie wings , On which the Sun a thousand glories flings , Flies to her head , This to the dark abode I bear , and free thee from thy body's load . She said ; then with her right hand cuts her hair , And her enlarged breath slides into aire .
P. PAPINIUS STATIUS , His ACHILLEIS ; The First Book .
The Argument . The Rape 's committed . Thetis begs in vain Of Neptune a rough storm to swell the Main . Then to Aemonia through the Sea she goes , And visits the lov'd cause of all her woes . THe great * Aeacides , my Muse , now sing ; An Issue fear'd by Heavens thundring King. Much of his acts , though in admired strains , Great Homer sung ; yet much untold remains . We his first deeds relate , and how conceal'd , In Scyros by a Trumpet 's sound reveal'd . Not of dragg'd Hector to his Chariot ty'd , I sing , but how the Youth to Troy arriv'd . Thou , Phoebus , ( if deserv'd in former layes ) Give me fresh streams , and now with second Bayes Adorn my brows . For I the hallowed ground Have known before , with sacred Fillets crown'd : Witnesse those Theban fields , for which my fame Shall last , whilst Thebes records Amphion's name . But * Thou by Greeks and Romans all renown'd , Both with the wreaths of Mars and Phoebus crown'd . ( Who lately griev'dst from thy contended brow To lay the gentler one ) permit me now To guide my fearfull pen a little while , And on the great Achilles acts to toyl , Till I sing Thine , yet wanting confidence , And for thy Prelude with his name dispence . The Trojan Swain , from the Laconian Shoar Sail'd , and from unsuspecting Sparta bore A prey , and in his guilty journey showes His mother's dream fulfill'd , presaging woes . Upon those streams they sayl , where Helle found Her fate , yet now among the Sea-gods crown'd . When Thetis ( never yet , alas ! in vain Were parents prophesies ) through the clear Main , Affrighted saw the Phrygian Oars , she fled , Withall the Sea-Nymphs , from her watry bed . The almost-meeting Shores heat with the swarm , And from the throng the crowded waves grew warm . When Thetis through the parting Billows rose , To me she cry'd , This Navy threatneth woes . What Proteus told , alas ! appears too true . See Priam's kindled flames ; the daughter too Bellona brings ! a thousand Ships appear , Which Ionian and Aegean Billows bear . All the sworn Greeks whom the Atrides got Must not suffice : Land , Ocean must be sought For my Achilles . To what purpose then Was he on Pelion bred , in Chiron's den ? There with the Lapithites ( unlesse I fear In vain ) he fights , and tries his father's Spear . Ah me ! this fear upon my heart prevails Too late . Why could not I , when first these Sails Swell'd on my Streams , act what I now would do , And make a storm the lustfull Thief pursue , With all the Sea-Nymphs help'd ? Storms now will come Too late ; the Rape and Injury is done . Yet I will go , and all the remedy , That 's left , attempt ; I 'le move each deity That rules in Flouds , and beg the Ocean's King By Tethys , on the waves one storm to fling . No sooner said , but she the god espy'd , Who from Oceanus crown'd boards arriv'd . The chearing Nectar in his looks yet shin'd : At whose approach , the storms , with every wind , Were all in silence hush'd ; and round by him , Sounding their wreathed shells , the Tritons swim : The shoals of Whales , like moving Rocks , make way , And round their King , the crooked Dolphines play . He , rais'd above the quiet Ocean , rides , And with his Trident his yok'd Horses guides : They with their crooked tails the Chariot row , And from their breasts the foaming surges throw . To whom sad Thetis said , Great Ocean's King , Dost thou not see thy waves assistance bring To strange designes ? The guilty safely go , Since Sea's reserved rights were sleighted so By the bold Jason : His example left See by these follow'd , both in crime and theft : And from the friendly shores an unjust prey By the rash Judge of Ida's born away . Ah me ! what mournings shall this cause to be In heaven and earth ! and what , alas , to me ! Is this a Foster-child's return ? This way Will Venus for her Phrygian Garland pay ? At least o're-whelm these ships , ( for in the throng , No Heroes , nor our Theseus goes along ) If any justice yet in waves can be ; Or else commit the power of storms to me . Nor is 't ungentle , while 't is just that I Fear for a child . Let the mad waves swell high : Nor suffer me from Flouds to take my leave , Onely by his affected Tomb to grieve . Thus begging , she before the Chariot stood , With scattered hair . The Ruler of the Flood Invites her up , and strives such words to find , As might appease her sad afflicted mind . Ask not their ruine , Thetis : 't is in vain , The gods and Fates do otherwise ordain . Sad years to come with slaughters are decreed By Jove , Europe and Asia both must bleed . What triumphs shalt thou have in Phrygian plains , To see thy son there feed the funerall flames ? When he the Trojan fields shall stain with blood , And with like slaughters cram the blushing Flood ? Great Hector's weight shall make his Chariot slow , Those walls we rais'd his hand shall overthrow . Nor grieve that thou hast stoop'd to Peleus love , The Son thou hast by him is worthy Jove . Nor shalt thou unreveng'd for ever mourn , When they return thy pow'r shall raise a storm : False flames by night , shall Caphareus then show , And joynt-revenge wee 'l on Ulysses throw ; At this , she hung those looks that did incline , To raise a storm ; and changing the designe With labouring arms to Thessaly she swims , And on those shores she rests her snowy limbs . The mountains joy , with that much loved place , Where Peleus did the goddesse first embrace ; Above his banks the swel'd Sperchios rose , Joy'd whilst his stream about the goddesse flows . She took no joy in all , but still oppress'd With the sad fancies of her carefull breast . Thus fill'd with busie thoughts the goddesse then , Approacheth to the aged Chirons den ; Under the rock , where Pelion doth encline Like a bent bow : so wrought by Art and Time. Still here the signs remain'd , where , at their feasts , The beds were press'd by the immortall guests , Which in the stables of the Centaur stood , Not like the rest of the prodigious brood . His darts unstain'd with human cruelties , Never did he with vast subverted trees . Or massy bowls , disturb the geniall crue , Only at Beasts , his guiltlesse arrows flew . But now by age disarm'd , with herbs he tries To restore life her tired faculties : Or to Achilles , all the glorious things , Farn'd Heroes did , upon his harp he sings . ' Gainst whose return from his pursued game , The boards are crown'd ; and with the kindled flame The cave growes bright , whilst thus he did provide , Looking for him , his Mother he espy'd . To her he hasts , ( while strength his gladnesse yields ) And trots upon the long unused fields . To her he bowes his aged Limbs , and then , Leads the sad goddesse to his humble den . Her busie eye , that would not be delay'd , Quickly views all , as soon to Chiron said ; Where is my pledge ! or why do you thus trust , My child alone ? Are my sad dreams then just ? Those dreadfull visions which the gods have set Before mine eyes , I wish as vain as great . My breast seems wounded now ; my hands , to bear The signes of strokes ; wild beast's , my bosome tear . And many times I fancy in my dreams , Again I dip my child in Stygian streams . With Magick art , at last a way I 've got , To cure my fears , by the kind Proteus taught : The Youth must be to those fit parts convay'd , For such desig��s , in secret billows laid . Where horrid sacrifices are to th' hid , And unknown gods , But more I am forbid . These rites demand him now : Thus Thetis said : The aged Chiron else had not obey'd , If he had known what garments once should hide The youth . But ignorant he thus repli'd ; Pursue , kind goddesse , this unknown designe : With humble vows th' ungentle powers encline . Not thy ambitious prayers can succeed , To please the envious gods , nor would I breed New fears in thee ; but I confesse my share , Nor yet deceived by a Father's care : 'T is his vast strength , that thus procures my fears , Which shews too early for his tender years . At first , my threatning words he would obey , Nor would too farre about the mountains stray . Not Ossa now , nor Pelion can contain His wandrings , nor Thessalian feather'd rain . To me the Centaurs often make their moan , Forc't from their Heards , pursu'd by him alone , Who singly dares with all their troops engage , Whilst force and fraud they threaten in their rage . Lately I saw Alcides on this shore , And Jheseus , whom the Argive ship then bore . But see , he comes , � At this abruptly staid , Th' expecting goddesse chilling fears invade . The Youth arriv'd , loaded with dust and sweat , And wearied with his arms and labours ; yet . His snowy looks , the rosy blushes stain'd ; His hair the shining Gold with glittering sham'd . Upon his cheelis no Down yet seem'd to rise : A gentle lustre in his sparkling eyes Still shin'd ; his face those charming beauties wore , VVhich his admired Mother had before . So shews young Phaebus , when he doth retire From Lycia , and for shafts assumes his lyre . By chance he came in pleas'd , ( O how much more It added to what was so well before ! ) For under Pholoe in a Cave he slew A Lionesse , and took the young ones too , Which in his arms he bore . But the lov'd prey , At his dear mother's sight he threw away ; By Chiron now embrac'd , and then again Doth in his mother's jealous arms remain ; When streight his dearest friend Patroclus came , In love and age his equall ; and the same Assay'd in generous Arts to imitate , Yet short in strength , but shar'd an equall fate . The next adjacent stream Achilles seeks , And with the River cleans'd his sullied cheeks . So tired Castor in Eurota's streams Restores his looks , bright as his new Star's beams . Pleas'd Chiron on his fair proportion stares . The joy that Thetis took made great her cares . The Centaur then invites them to his Feast , And fills Lyaeus to his troubled guest . His Harp to welcome Thetis he prepares , Whose charming notes lessen the weight of cares . And having gently tri'd the warbling strings , He gives it to Aeacides , who sings . The acts of Heroes ; how great Juno's spleen Vanquish'd so oft by Hercules had been ; The Victories of Pollux ; and how too The monstrous Minotaur fam'd Theseus slew . Lastly , great Peleus , and his Mother's love He sung , the Marriage grac'd by those above . At this , sad Thetis seem'd to force a a smile . Night now laid on her heavy charms the while . Achilles the kind Centaur's shoulder took , And his affecting Mother's breast forsook .
ANNOTATIONS On the first Book of STATIUS his ACHILLEIS .

2. AN issue fear'd by heaven's thundring King. ] When Jove sought the marriage of Thetis , he was told by Proteus , that the issue that came from Thetis should exceed the father who begot it : At which , mistrusting his own Omnipotency , he left his Love to keep Heaven . The Fable is thus rendred by the incomparable Sandys , Metamorph . 11.

For aged Proteus thus foretold the truth , To wave-wet Thetis , thou shalt bear a Youth , Greater then him from whom he took his birth In Arms and Fame . Lest any thing on earth Should be more great than Jove , Jove shuns the bed Of Sea-thron'd Thetis , though her beauty led His strong desires : Who bids Aeacides Succeed his Love , and wed the Queen of Seas .

6. Scyros . ] An Island of the Aegean Sea , one of the Cyclades , over against Peloponnesus , ( as Strabo , l. 10. relateth ) having a Town of the same name ; famous most , in being the place where Achilles lived disguised . See Servius and Sabinus on Virgil's Aen. 2.

7. Not of dragg'd Hector , &c. ] Statius here proposeth his designe , to sing the acts of Achilles onely from his infancy , which Homer had omitted , justly presenting the death of Hector for all his Victories ; whose fate was Troy's ruine . Senec. Troad . v. 185.

Aut cùm superbo victor in curru stetit , Egitque habenas , Hectorem & Trojam trahens . Or when the Conqueror did his Horses guide , And Troy which Hector at his Chariot ty'd .

For Achilles having killed him , tied him to his Chariot , and dragged him thrice round the walls of Troy , as Homer , Iliad 22. Which unwelcome sight Aeneas saw painted at Carthage , Virg. Aen. 2. 487.

Ter circum Iliacos raptaver at Hectora muros , Examinumque auro corpus vendebat Achilles . Tum verò ingentem gemitum dat pectore ab imo , Vt spolia , ut currus , utque ipsum corpus amici , Tendentemque manus Priamum conspexit inermes . About Troy's walls Hector's dead body thrice Achilles dragg'd , and sold it for a price . Then from the bottom of his breast he drew A grief-expressing sigh , his friend to view , His Spoils and Charior , and how Priam stands Begging with his erected aged hands .

12. With sacred fillets bound . ] These were Ornaments for the Priests heads ; in Latine , Vittae . Hence Juvenal Sat. 4. of the Vestall Virgin , Vittat� Sacerdos . And Virgil thus presenteth Anius , Aen. 3. 80.

Rex Anius , Rex idem hominum Phoebique Sacerdos , Vittis & sacra redimitus tempora lauro . Anius a King and Priest , his Temples bound With sacred Fillets , and with Lawrel crown'd .

The Title of Priest was antiently conferr'd on Kings , as Casaubon , on Su�tonius in Augusto , delivereth from Aristotle , Polit. 3. and Synesius , Epist . 121. by reason that the Government of all Commonwealths consisted in Ecclesiasticall Ceremonies , and Politicall Laws ; the care of both which belonged to Kings . Hence Augustus was created chief Priest , that all kinds of power might be in him . And as Servius observeth ( on Aen. 3. 80. ) the style of Pontifex Max. was still assumed by the succeeding Emperors ; as may also be seen in the Inscriptions of the Caesars at the end of Suetonius , set forth by Schildius 1651. Poets called themselves Phoebus Priests ; so Tibullus and Protertius frequently . Hereupon Statius here dresseth himself with Priestly Ornaments .

13. Witnesse those Theban fields , &c. ] Our Poet here intimateth his Poem of the Theban-War : So that hence , and by the ensuing Complement to Domitius it is clear , that this was Statius his second Work , and his Silvae the last . To his Thebans , with confidence enough , he here prom�seth as lasting a fame , as Thebes could give Amphion the son of Jupiter and Antiope , who having ( as Plinie saith , l 7. c. 56. ) found out the use of the Harp , handled it so harmoniously , that he made stones come of their own accord to raise the Walls of Thebes . Senec. Theb. act . 4.

� nulla quas struxit manus , Sed convocatus vocis & citharae sono Per se ipse turres venit in summas lapis . Rais'd by no labouring workman's hands , but brings With his harmonious voice and charming strings The willing stones together , which compose Themselves , and into lofty Towers �ose .

Some joyne his brother Zethus with him in the businesse . So Palaephatus , who reducing the Fable to a seeming truth , saith , The two Brothers admitted their Auditors to their Musick , on condition , that every one should afford his assistance to the Building . A far truer Mythologie is glanced at by Horace , De arte Poet. v. 391.

Silvestres homines sacer interpresque Deorum Caedibus & victu foedo deterruit Orpheus , Dictus ob hoc lenire Tigres rabidosque Leones . Dictus & Amphion Thebanae conditor arcis Saxa movere sono restu�inis , & prece blandâ Ducere quò vellet . Orpheus inspir'd from gods , first rude men brought From loving blood and slaughters ; hence was thought Fierce Lions and wild Tigers to have tam'd . And so Amphion with his Harp was fam'd To raise the Theban walls , and at his choice To move deaf stones with his admired voice .

So perhaps the Fable arose , from his reducing a savage people to live under a form of Government ; and for their safety ( than which , no argument can be more prevalent ) perswading them to compasse in their City with a Wall. And herein , in my opinion , he was much more judicious than Lycurgus and Agesilaus , who believed the breasts of valiant Citizens defence enough . And so also thinketh Plato , l. 6. De leg . For these reasons , Orpheus was said to have made wild beasts gentle , and Amphionto have moved stones , that is , men of savage lives and obdurat natures . Macrobius in Somn. Scip. l. 2. c. 3. keepeth closer to the Fable ; for setting f�rth the excellencies of Musick , he saith , That from it , the Univer�all Soul of the world took its originall ; and that by it therefore all men , not onely the civill , but the barbarous also , are either animated to ver�ue , or dissolved into pleasure ; quia anima in corpus defert memoriam Musicae , cujus in caelo fuit conscia ; Because the soul , though in the body , still retaineth a memory of that harmony which it enjoyed in heaven . And hence he conceiveth the Fables of Orpheus and Amphion had their Originall . See Clemens Alexandr . Admonit . ad Gentes , p. 2. Amphion's excellency proved his ruine : For contemning Latena , by her revenge he saw all his children slain , and at the last added himself to the number . Sandys Ovid's Metam . l. 6.

For sad Amphion wounding his own breast , Had now his sorrow with his soul releast .

13. Trojan Swain ] This title is usually given to Paris , by reason he was brought up among the shepheards . The story is thus , Hecuba being great with Paris , dreamed , she should bring forth a flame that should consume Troy , Cic. l , 1. de divinat . Whereupon Priam consulted the Oracle ; and being told , his Queen should bear a son , who should be the Incendiary of his Country , he gave order the child should be destroyed . But Hecuba desirous to preserve her Infant , conveyed him to mount Ida to be bred up among the shepheards . Where at length , being grown up , he pretended love to Oenone , and made every Tree witnesse of his Amours ; as the Nymph is made to complain by Ovid in her Epistle to Paris .

Incisae servant à te mea nomina fagi ; Et legor OENONE falce notata tuâ . Et quantum trunci , tantùm mea nomina crescunt : Crescite , & in titulos surgite ritè meos . Populus est ( memini ) fluviali confita ripâ , Est in qua nostrî litera scripta memor Popule , vive , �recor , quae consita margine ripae Hoc in rugoso cortice carm�n habes . CUM PARIS OENONE POTERIT SPIRARE RELICTA , AD FONTEM XANTHI VERSA RECURRET AQUA . Xanthe , retre propera , versaeque recurrite Lymphae : Sustinet Oenonen deseruisse Paris . My name 's preserv'd on every wounded Tree : Their bark OENONE bears engrav'd by thee . Whilst they encrease , my names enlarged grow ; To bear those titles may they still do so . A Poplar grows , where crystall billows glide , And shews those Letters carved on its side . Long may it live unprejudic'd by years , Whose rugged rind this false Inscription bears , If Paris leave Oenone , yet not die , Xanthus shall backward to his fountain flie . Haste back , ye charged Streams , for Paris flies His lov'd Oenone once , and yet not dies .

His casting off this Nymph was occasioned by the three goddesses repairing to him , about determining their controversie , as Oenone in the following Verses complaineth . Each goddesse endeavoured to bribe the Judge , Juno , by promising him Empire , Pallas , Wiscom ; Venus , Pleasure . This last was pronounced the fairest , and went away with the golden Apple : And in requitall , she directeth her Umpire to receive his promised reward in the fair Helen : Whom having seen he loved , and ravished from Sparta , where he had been kindly entertained . Coluthus and others say , He had her consent ; b�t Seneca , Troad . v. 917. bringeth her on the Stage excusing her self , by pleading Enforcement : And Gorgias , in his defence of Helen , saith , Venus commanded her to suster the Trojan to enjoy her . Others say , that Paris being sent to demand Hesione , the daughter of Laomedon , whom Hercules had carried from Troy , had order given him . That , in case the Greeks refused to deliver her , he should ravish from them whatsoever considerable Lady he could light on . So Dares Phrygius , who reporteth also , That Antenor was first sent to fetch home Hesione , but returned without her ; and that all the Grecian Princes deny'd to make any satisfaction . Yet that Hector's advice was not to revenge the Rape , by warring against their potent Confederates . And that afterwards Paris having received that encouragement from Venus , undertook the Voyage ; and , by chance , arrived at the Island Cythera , at a time when Helen was there , in a Town bearing her name : Who had no sooner heard of the Trojan Prince's arrivall , but she had a desire to see him : And so they being both enamoured of one another , Paris took her that night after his arrivall , out of Venus Temple , and brought her with him to Troy. And thus he proved that Fire-brand his mother dreamed of , kindling a flame that burnt Troy to ashes .

24. Laeonian . ] The Poets word is Oebalio , from Oebalus a King of �aconia , a region of Peloponnesus , bordering on Messenia , Argia , and Arcadia , Strabo lib. 8. Pausanias , in Arcadicis , saith , it is divided from part of Arcadia , by the River Alpbeus � In this Country , stood Lacedaemon , on the West side of Eurotas , beneath the Mountain Taygetus : Strabo , l. 8. Polybius , lib. 5. But the proper name of the City was Sparta ; Lacedaemon being more commonly used for the Province , so called from a King of that name , who sometimes reigned there , and married Sparta the daughter of Eurotas , whose name the City received . To the Lacedaemonians , Jonathan High Priest of the Jews wrote a Letter ; saying , It was found in writing , that the Lacedaemonians and the Jewes were brethren , and that they were of the stock of Abraham , 1 Macc. 12. 21. Joseph , Antiq. l. 13. c. 8.

27. Vpon those streams , &c. ] i. e. the Hellespont , which is not past eight furlongs over , as Pliny testifieth ; About thirty miles below Gallipoli , it is not above half a mile over , as Sir Henry Blunt in his Travels relateth . This Strait parteth Europe from Asia : On Europe's side , standeth Sestus ; on Asia's , Abydus , Towns famous by the Loves of Hero and Leander , sung by that sweet Poet , whom Virgil giveth the preminence to , in the Elysian fields , Aen. 6. Leander perished in these streams , yet having his wishes Crowned ; as Martiall representeth him in this Epigram .

Cùm peteret dulces audax Leandrus amores , Et fessus tumidis jam premeretur aquis : Sic miser instantes affatus dicitur undas , Parcite dum propero , mergite dum ��� . When bold Leander through the billows sought , Love's joyes , his arms now almost over-wrought With waves , he cried , Now spare me gentle Main , And let me sink as I return again .

But his Hero survived but a while ; For the next morning , seeing his dead body floting on the Waves , from the top of her Tower , she threw her self into them . Nor lesse memorable is this narrow Sea , for the bridges of Boats , that Xerxes made over it : The former of which being broken by a sudden tempest , the vain King scourged the disobedient waves , and cut off the heads of the Workmen ; and then caused another to be made with stronger ties , Heredot . P�lymniâ . The same Author reporteth of Xerxes , that taking a view of his Land forces , that filled the shores and the plains , and of his Navy , that covered the Hellespont ; He sadly wept to think , that within an hundred years , not a man of all that multitude should be living . So many they were , that Juvenal scoffingly said , Sat. 10.

� Credimus altos Defecisse amnes , epotáque flumina Medo Prandente , & madidis cantat quae Softratus alis . Ille tamen qualis rediit Salamine relictâ , In Corum atque Eurum solitus saevire flagellis Barbarus , Aeolio nunquam hoc in carcere passos ? Sed qualis rediit ? nempe unâ nave cruentis Fluctibus , ac tardâ per densa cadavera prorâ . We have believ'd deep Rivers could not find , Liquor for Xerxes army , while they din'd ; Things sung by Softratus , well drench'd with wine . Yet he that so return'd from Salamine , Once scourg'd the winds , because they rudely blew : Which in th' Aeolian caves they never knew . But how was his return ? In one small boat , Which could but slowly for dead bodies float .

So Justine , lib. 2. Erat res spectaculo digna , & aestimatione sortis humanae , rerum varietate , miranda ; in exiguo latentem videre navigio quem paulò antè vix aequor ��� capiebat . Thus the Hellespont hath the greatest part of its fame , from the misfortunes of two kind Lovers , and one proud Prince ; It received its name from Helle , daughter of Athamas , King of Thebes , who fearing the treacheries of her Mother in Law , fled with Phryxus her Brother , and with him was , here drowned . Lucian , Dialogo Neptuni & Nereidum , saith , she fell into the water by reason of a Vertigo that took her on the suddain : And Hesiod , troubled with such another , saith , she was married to Neptune , of whom he begat Paeon .

37. What Proreus told ] This was a Sea-God , famous for his prophecying , and for the power he had to change his shape at his pleasure ; Ovid Metamorph , l. 2. v. 9. and lib. 8. v. 737. Virgil , Georg. 4. 388. Hygin . fab . 118. He fore-told Thetis , that her Son should be killed in the Trojan War : Which prophecy gave the argument to the ensuing story . This Proteus was King of Aegypt , Serv. in Aeneid . 11. and , perhaps , got this fame of transforming himselfe by his using , still to alter his temper and disposition , suitably to his affairs and occasions ; From the like ground , sprung the fame of Herculeae labours , atchieved with unimitable strength and valour . Proteus was also called Hercules , as Servius affirmeth on that of Virgil , Aen. 11. 262.

Atreides Protei Menelaus ad usque columnas , Exulat .

Those Columnes having been wholly attributed to Hercules , are there set for the bounds of Aegypt .

40. Ionian ] Over the Ionian sea , many auxiliaries came to assist the Greeks against Troy. This Sea took its name from Ion son of Dyrrhachius , whom Hercules having by mischance slain , that he might make him some amends by perpetuating his memory , threw him into this Sea ; Others alledge different reasons , but none worth setting down : Formerly , as Pausanias saith , it was accounted part of the Adriatick . But Ptolomy , in his description of Macedon , attributeth that part of the Adriatick which washeth Macedonia on the East , to the Ionian . But Pliny , lib. 3. c. 6. more rightly divideth these two Seas , by the Ceraunian , or ( as Horace , lib. 1. Carm. Od. 3. v. 20. calleth them ) Acroceraunian mountains : From which the Ionian Sea reacheth to the promontory of Malea .

¶ Aegean billows ] A Sea between Asia and Greece , full of Islands called Cyclades and Sporades ; of as uncertain Etymology , as the Ionian . Most say , it had its name from Aegeus , the father of Theseus : Who going to fight the Minotaur , was charged , if he got the victory , to give notice thereof at his return by a white sail ; But he forgetting so to do , his Father , from his Tower seeing the ship coming without the token of successe , gave his Son for lost , and for grief cast himselfe into the Sea. But some derive the name from Aege , a Queen of the Amazons ; Strabo , from Aegae , a Sea-Town in Eubaea , Servius in Aen. 3. calleth that the Aegean , which is between the Hellespont and the Adriatick ; others , that between the Hellespont , and Tenedus . It is now named the Archipelago .

41. All the sworn Greeks , which the Atrides got ] i. e. Menelaus and Agamemnon , called Atridae , from Atreus , their supposed father . But they were indeed the sons of Philisthenes , and onely bred by Atreus their Uncle ; These two Brethren , to revenge the injury done by Paris , having assembled the whole strength of Greece at Aulis , bound them all by an Oath , to see Troy ruined , or never to return , Serv. in Aen. 4. as will also appear in the third book of this Poem . Thucydides , lib. 1. glanceth at the reason of the unanimous consent of the Greeks , to punish the rape of Helen , viz. an Oath by which Tyndarus had obliged all that came Suitors to his daugher , that they should revenge whatsoever wrong should be done to him that should enjoy her ; But he rather believeth , that Agamemnon being heir to the houses of Perseus and Pelops , and ( as Homer styleth him ) King of many Islands , was the chief cause of the Expedition . The account of the ships in this Fleet , is various in severall Authors ; D�ctys Cretensis maketh them , 1138. Dares , 1140. Homer , 1193. our Author here , with a Poeticall carelessenesse , reckoneth them but 1000. So Seneca , in Agamemnon , and Virgil , Aen. 2.

Talibus insidiis , perjurique arte Sinonis , Credita res : captique dolis lacrimisque coactis , Quos neque Tydides , nec Larissaeus Achilles ; Non anni domuêre decem , non mille carinae . Thus they themselves , made captives by belief Of Sinon's perjur'd fraud and feigned grief . Not Diomed , nor Aeacides prevails , Nor ten years War , nor yet their thousand fails .

Thucydides saith , the number of the Souldiers was not great : But by an indifferent judgement on his own words , the 1200 ships , as he numbreth them , carried 102000 men ; a number in my opinion , not to be made so slight of . Some , as Dion Chrysostomus , have made a question , whether there ever was such a War ; although it hath employed the pens of Homer , Dares Phrygius , Dyctis Cretensis , Lycephron with his Scholiast , and Josephus Iscanius , and hath been believed by so many Authors in succeeding ages . That a siege should continue ten whole years , seemed ridiculous to some ; but Thucydides , lib. 1. initio , giveth a reason for it : Others have conceived , and our late Travellers have also observed , that a potent King could not reign in so inconsiderable a place . Neither do the ruines give testimony of an ample and famous City ; And though there never were such a War , yet is it not to be wondred at , that so many have reported it , and that more have believed it : since the report of false-hoods , especially , when favoured by an antient penne , gaineth belief , either because it cannot be disproved , or because the crediting of it saveth pains . Besides , things are seldome examined or disputed , where interest is not concerned .

44. On Pelion bred , in Chiron's den ] Pelion is a mountain of Thessaly , in the Territory of Magnesia , joyning to the mountain Ossa : Herodot . lib. 7. In mount Pelion , was the Cave of Chiron ; who ( as the rest of the Centaurs ) was like an Horse behind , but forward like a Man : S. Ifidore , lib. 4. holdeth that he was so represented , quia medicinam jumentorum quidam Chiron Graecus invenit , because he found out medicines for beasts . And he was named Chiron , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , because he was a Chirurgion ; Suidas saith , he was the son of Ixion , and the Cloud , as the others Centaurs also were : whom Virgil , Aen. 6. placeth in Stables in hell . But he is generally said , to have been the son of Saturn , and Phillyra : So Pindar , Pyth. od . 4. And Virgil , lib. 3. Georg v 550. Phillyrides Chiron . according to the custom of the Greeks , who were wont to give the Parent 's names to the children ; Servins , on the place affirmeth the same : This Chiron , the justest of all the Centaurs , as Statius representeth him , was Master not onely to Achilles , but to Hercules also , Jason , Aesculapius , Castor , and others , ( Apollon . Argonaut . lib. 3. ) Hermippus styleth him , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� Centaurum sapientem , in Clemens Alexandrinus , Strom. lib. 1. He first taught men to love justice , shewing the sacred Rites of the gods , the figures and natures of the heavenly bodies ; His reputation was so great , that some of the Achaians sacrificed to him , as Eusebius writeth , lib. 4. Prepar . Evang. citing Monimus , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . A poysoned arrow of Hercules , by chance wounding Chiron's foot , he desired death , but could not obtain it , being the issue of immortall parents ; At last , Jupiter advanced him to be a signe in Heaven , called Sagittariks .

Armatúsque arcu Chiron .

Virgil , de XII Signis . So Seneca , Thyest . act . 4 : Lucian , in his Dialogue between Menippus and Chiron , maketh Chiron give another reason , Why he was out of Love with immortality here ; Because this life wanteth variety , and is nothing but the repetition , and doing again and again , of the same things : And he promised himselfe in the other World , to be free from Thirst and Hunger , and whatsoever begetteth care . And though Lucian maketh Menippus advise the Centaure , not to feed himselfe with hopes of that nature ; yet we may have a better opinion of his wishes , having more knowledge of the joys of the next life , and enough of this to be of Plutarch's mind , Consolat . ad Apollonium .

Terra malis scatet , adversis pelagusque redundat . O Mors , veni nostris certus medicus malis , Qui portus humanis es tempestatibus . Aeschylus , ibid. The Earth hath no such plenty as her woes ; The Ocean too with misery o'reflows . Come , Death , thou cure of all this misery , The Port where all from storms securely lie .

62. The Tritons swim . ] These by the Poets are commonly called Neptune's Trumpeters , and were the issue of him and Salacia , Serv�us in Aeneid . 1. That excellent Trumpeter Misenus oweth his death to the malice of a Triton , Aen. 6. v. 170.

Se� tum forte cava dum personat aequora concha Demens , & cantu vocat in certamina Di�os , Aemulus exceptum Triton ( si credere dignum est ) Inter saxa virum spumosa immerserat unda . But on a Rock whilst he by chance the charms Of Mars rung out , and all the gods alarms With the loud challenge from his wreathed shell , ( If it be worth belief what others tell ) Whirl'd by an envious Triton from that height , Among the rocks and waves he found his fate .

So Virgil , Aen 10. v. 209. Ovid , Metam . l. 1. v. 333. and Claudian , de Nuptiis Honorii & Mariae , give Triton the character of Neptuue's Trumpeter , Seneca Troad . act . 2. Triton cecinit hymenaeum ; that is , with his shell or trumpet ; for none ascribe human voice to a Triton . Plinie , lib. 9. c. 5. saith , The Emperor Tib�rius was told , That a Triton was seen in a cave winding a shell . Gillius , in Additionib . ad Aelian , and Alexander ab Alex. lib. 3. cap. 8. relate , That there was a Fountain near the Sea-shore , frequently used by the Inhabitants , whence women and virgins fetched water daily ; which a Triton , that lay hid on the shore , espying , on a sudden ravished one of them , which his hot fancy had most liking to : And that afterwards , he being caught in a snare and imprisoned , died for grief . The same Author reporteth , that one Trap�zuntius , to whom he affordeth a fair character , told some friends , That he had seen a Maid of an exceeding beauty playing in the Sea , and ever and anon from the middle upward appearing above the water , till at length perceiving she was discovered , she plunged her self into the Deep . Claudius the Emperor , by a device , made a Triton appear in the middle of a Lake , rising out of the water , and sounding a Trumpet , Sueton. in Claudio , c. 21. Which spectacle was afteward commonly shewed in the Theaters , as Casaubon on that place relateth .

73. By the bold Jason . ] Statius here glanceth at the story of Jason's ravishing Medea with the golden Fleece , comparing that act of his with this of Paris . Jason was the first who violated the Sea's reserved rights , as Seneca Medea , act . 3. chor . ult . It was the opinion formerly , that Seas were set as bounds , to confine every man within his own Country , and that no man's ambition should aim at more than the higher powers had placed him in . This among others Seneca Hippol. act . 2. maketh an argument of the innocency of the Antients .

Nondum secabant credulae pontum rates : Sua quisque nôrat maria . No ventrous ship , trusted the waves or wind : But all men were with their own Seas confin'd .

76. By the rash Judge of Ida. ] Paris , whose judgment is accus'd of rashnesse , because he preferred Pleasure before Wisdom or Empire ; and because his fond choice was his Countrie 's ruine , Horat. lib. 3. Carm. Od. 3.

� Ilion , Ilion Fatal is incestusque judex Et mulier peregrina verti� In pulverem . Troy by a fatall Judge's lust , And a strange Woman , turn'd to dust .

So Seneca , Troad . act . 1. calleth him , The fatall Judge . Wherefore our Poet justly giveth him here the title of a rash one . For any thing that is fatall , is hardly to be freed from the imputation of Rashnesse .

79. A Foster-child . ] Venus : who was bred of the Ocean , as Hesiod in Theog . and Pausanias in Corinthiacis , relate . By Seneca , Hippol. act . 1. she is called Diva generata ponto . This was the greatest reason that Leander encouraged himself withall , to swim over the Hellespont . Musoeus vers . 248. � ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ; ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . � why dost thou fear the waves ? Know'st thou not Venus from the Sea first came , Mistresse both of the Ocean and my flame ? Servius in Aen. 5. writeth , that Venus was therefore said to be born of the Sea , quia dicunt Physici sudorem salsum esse , quem semper elicit coitus Hence the Myrtle was consecrated to Venus , because that Tree prospereth best on the Sea-shore . Like this is that of Coelius Rhodiginus , lib. 14. c 4. Lascivos Graeci ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� vocant i. e. humidos , &c. because venereall appetites proceed from moisture . Hence Poets took occasion to feign , that Venus sprung from the Ocean . Caspar Bartholinus Adversar . l. 21. c. 22. giveth this Mythologie , Eam Fabulam aliquando arbitratus sum exinde venire , quòd Venus prima questûs faciendi causâ corpus prostituit , velut insatiabile pelagus omnes ad se trahens . I was sometimes of opinion , saith he , that the Fable arose from hence , Because Venus was the first who prostituted her body for hire , like an insatiable Sea attracting all to her . More of Venus is to be seen in Gyraldus , Histor . Deor. Syntagm . 13. Turnebus 9. Adversar . c. 2. Natalis Comes , Mytholog lib. 4. c. 13. Fulgentius , Mythol . l. 2. But above all , I prefer the Interpretation of the Fable which Macrobius giveth , Saturnal . lib. 1. c. 8. That by the secret parts of Coelus , which were cut off by his son Saturn , and thrown into the Sea , and of the froth whereof Venus was engendred , were meant the seeds of things falling from Heaven , as soon as there was such a thing as Time ; which Saturn is always held-to signifie . And by Coelus nothing can be understood but COELUM , Heaven ; Servius in Aen. 5. denying , that the proper name of any god can be of the Neuter Gender . Cicero lib. 3. De nat . Deor. telleth us of four Venus's ; one the daughter of Coelus and Light ; another of the Froth of the Sea , of whom , and Mercurie , Cupid was begotten ; a third of Jupiter and Dione the wife of Vulcan ; the fourth of Syrus and Syria . This last was married to Adonis , and her the Syrians named ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , the Hebrews Ashteroth , 1 King. 11. 5. Judg. 2. 13. And as Tully reckoneth many Venus's , so , as Mr. Selden saith , De Diis Syris syntagm . 2. c 2. St. Augustine interpreteth ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , as if there were many Astartes . This goddesse had many sacrifices offered to her , Alexand. ab Alexandro , l. 3. c. 12. and from thence had her name , Ashtaroth signifying greges : Suspiceris ( saith Scaliger in Conjectaneis ) dictam eam à Victimarum multitudine . She was entituled also , The goddesse of Love , or rather of Lasciviousnesse . Clemens Alexandrinus telleth us , that once all her pictures were made after the likenesse of Phryne , a famous Whore , and that the man who , like another Pygmelton , could embrace the statue of the goddesse , conceited himself religious , Admon . ad Gentes : where he also setteth down her lascivious Ceremonies . Mr. Gregorie writing of the Assyrian Monarchie , relateth , that there was a custom , that every woman should once in her life repair to the Temple of Venus , and there prostitute her body to any one that would throw her down a piece of mony , which was to be given to the Temple , and to the honor of the goddesse . The manner was for the women to sit down in the Temple , distinguished by little lines or cords , which he that had a mind might take away , or break , if the woman seemed coy , and so take the strumpet out of the Temple into a by corner . This is expressed in the Epistle ascribed to Jeremie , at the end of Ba�uch , v. 43. The woman also with cords about them fitting in the ways , burn bran for perfume ; but if any of them , drawn by some that passeth by , lie with him , she reproacheth her fellow , that she was not thought as worthy as her self , nor her cord broken . Such attendants this goddesse had as we read , 2 King. 23. 7. And he broke down the houses of the S�domites that were by the house of the Lord , where the women wove hangings for the Grove . This place Mr. Selden interpreteth thus , Diruit quoque domos scortatorum � ubi mulieres texebant cortinas pro Aserah , seu luco . Of which , see his De Diis Syris , Synt. 2. c. 2. & 4. pag. 237. & 283. Thus far I have digressed , to shew the antiquity of this lascivious goddesse ; which was not the production onely of fictious brains . Nor is it to be wondred at , that a thing so loathsome and ridiculous should meet with adoration ; for the whole Religion of the Gentiles is so contrived , as to agree with licentious appetites . Which easie way to propagate a novelty , Mahomet well understood ; nor is it now wholly unpractised .

88. By his affected tomb to grieve ] Thetis here expresseth a passion , so great for her Son , that if his fate , as sore-told , should be to perish in the Trojan War , she would leave the Ocean , and ever mourn in those waves , that should wash the place of his Sepulchre : And that was the Sigean promontory . There Alexander the Great performed ceremonies in his memory , declaring him happy , who in his life enjoyed such a friend as Patroclus , and after death , doth still live by Homer : Plu�arch , in Alexandro . Cicero Epist. ad famil . l. 5. cp . 12.

107. Caphareus . ] Neptune being forced by the crosse decrees of the Fates to deny Thetis petitioning for a storm against the Greeks , to appease her somewhat , telleth her , that the Trojans should be ruined by the valour of her son , and herselfe be revenged on the Greeks at Caphareus , who should there suffer ship-wrack . Whereof the Tragedian thus .

� Hanc arcem occupat Palamedis ille genitor , & clarum manu Lumen nefanda vertice è summo efferens , In saxa ducit perfidâ classem face . Haerent acutis rupibus fixae rates . Upon whose summit Nauplius stood , and rais'd In his revenging hand a Light that blaz'd . Whose treacherous flame the navy guides betwixt The wracking Rocks , whose points the vessels fix't . Seneca Agamemn . act . 3. v. 557.

Nauplius's grudge against the Greeks , arose from this occasion ; Vlysses having charged Palamedes , for holding correspondence with Priam , and writing letters to him , discovered , as a proof of his Treachery , an heap of Gold in his Tent , which he before hand had closely conveyed thither . Whereupon , innocent Palamedes was stoned to death , Serv. in Aen. 2. Dictys Cretensis , and Dares Phrygius , give other accounts of him : Dares , that he was killed by Paris , lib. oe excidio Trojano ; Dictys , that Diomedes and Vlysses , over-whelmed him with stones in a well , whither he , suspecting no foul play , went down to fetch up Treasure , which they told him was hid there , and he should have his share of it , lib. 2. Caphareus is an high Hill in Eubaea , over-looking the Hellespont : On the top of this , Nauplius caused fi�es to be made by night , to allure the weather-beaten Greeks to fall upon the Rocks , that so he might revenge his son's death upon them .

108. Joynt-revenge ] Neptune promiseth Thetis to joyn with her against Vlysses . His quarrell with him , was upon the account of his son Polypheme , whose eye Vlysses had bored out : Which story is thus related by Achaemenides , to Aeneas , Aen. 3.

� Domus sanie dapibúsque cruentis , Intus opaca , ingens . Ipse arduus , altáque pulsat Sidera ( Dii talem terris avertite pestem ! ) Nec visu facilis , nec dictu affabilis ulli ; Visceribus miserorum & sanguine vescitur atro , Vidi egomet , duo de numero cùm corpora nostro , Pr'ensa manu magna , medio resupinus in antro Frangeret ad saxum , sanieque adspersa natarent Limina : vidi , atro cùm membra fluentia tabo Mandere� , & trepidi tremerent sub dentibus artus . Haud impunè quidem : nec talia passus Vlysses , Oblit�sve suî est Ithacus discrimine tanto . Nam simul expletus dapibus , vinóque sepultus , Cervicem inflexam posuit , jacuitque per ant�um Immensum , saniem eructans & frusta cruento Per somnum commixta mero ; nos magna precati Numina , sortitique vices , unà undique circum Fundimur , & telo lumen tenebramus acuto Ingens , quod torva solum sub fronte latebat . � Slaughters and bloody feast , With shades the vastnesse fill'd . He high and tall The starres assaults . ( The gods such plagues from all Avert ! ) His voice and visage stern : his food , Bowels of slaughtred wretches and black blood . As in his den he lay along , I saw Two of our men , grasp'd by his cursed paw , And dash'd against the rock : the blood all ore , With purple drops drenched the sprinkled floor . Limbs flowing with black gore I saw him eat , And in his teeth the trembling sinews beat . Nor unreveng'd their fates Vlysses bears , But mindfull of himself in all appears . For now ore-charg'd with wine and bloody feasts , His head bent down , as in his Cave he rests , Wine mix'd with clotty gore returning flows , Which belch'd up from his grave-like breast he throws . Burl'd in sleep : We all the gods implore , Spreading o�r selves round on the bloody floor , And with a sharp spear fix'd eternall night . Upon his brow , rob'd of its onely light .

Servius , on this place , saith , That Polyphemus was some wise man , and therefore feigned to have his eye in his forehead , that is , near the brain , which V�ysses , being wiser than he , put out . But by the Cyclopes generally are understood the Vapors of the Sea or Earth : and hence , perhaps , Polyphemus , the chief of them , was said to be the son of Neptune , by whom was meant , according to Ch�ysippus , the spirit that moved the waters . Cic. lib. 1. de Nat. Deor. And Vlysses was therefore seigned to overcome Polypheme , because he found out these naturall causes .

111. Thessalie . ] A R�gion of Greece , girt about with Mountains , Olympus , Ossa , a�d Pelion , on the North ; Othrys and Oeta Southward ; and Pindus on the West . Its bounds are exactly set down by Herodotus , lib. 7. It was antiently called Pyrrhaea , from Pyrrha the wife of Deucalion , Strabo lib. 10. Afterward Aemonia , from Aemon ; from whose son Thessalus , at last it was called Thessalie .

115. Sperchios . ] A River in Thessalie , issuing from Mount Pelion , and falling into the Malian Bay , ten furlongs from Thermopylae , Strab. lib. 9.

129. Disturb the geniall crue ] Our Poet glanceth at the fray between the Centaurs and the Lapithae , which hapned at the marriage of Pirithous , so excellently described by Ovid , and after him by the enjoyer of his Genius , Mr. San�ys . Genius ( from which Genial is derived ) est nascendt atque nature deus , à gignendo d�ctus . Hence the four Elements , whereof all Inferior bodies are generated , were called Dii geniales ; and the Nuptiall-bed , Lectus genialis . See Turnebus Adversar l. 16. c. 19. & l. 26. c. 14. Ge�ii were accounted the moderators and disposers of the Planets , and their Influences , at mens Nativities . Horace lib. 2 epist . 2.

Scit Genius , natale comes qui temperat afirum .

Those Doemons also whom , the Heathen attribute so much the dependancie of our resolutions unto , were called Genii , as begetting the thoughts of men , and working on them . And perhaps the frequency of these Spirits and opinions , before our Saviour's time , was the occasion of that more absurd conceit , set down by scoffi�g �ucian in his Menippus , That the shadows which our bodies cast in the Sun-shine will be witnesse against us in the other world . With reference to these Genii must that of the Poet. Aen. 6. v. 643. be interpreted , Quisque suos patimur manes . i. e. Every one in the next life must receive either punishment for the crimes he committed , by hearkning to his woes�r Genius , or rewards for the good he wrought , by the assistance of his better . For two Genii , they say , one good , ( the other bad , ) attend every man from his birth . This the Heathen were taught by their gods ; the Devil herein , as in many other things , playing the Ape , and imitating the true God ; who indeed giveth his Angels charge over us , ( see Clemens Alexandrinus , lib. 5. S�r�m ) that we be not overcome by the power of evill Spirits . For we wrestle not , saith the Apostle , Ephes . 6. 12. against flesh and blood , but against principalities , against powers , against the rulers of the darknesse of this world , against spirituall wickednesse : ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , here translated , in high places ; which is not at all assisting , if not prejudiciall to the meaning of the verse . Beza rendreth it , Quae sunt in sublimi , something nearer , But I see not why the words should not be rendred , in the lower Heavens , that is , the Aire , the habitation of these Daemons , as Mr. Mede , on 2 Pet. 2. 4. and Jude 6. doth prove . And it is observed , that for the Heaven of Heavens , or supernaturall Heaven , the word ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� � is always used . In relation to this sense , Origen useth the Verse in his writings against Gelsus . Moreover , judicious Calvin on the place , intimateth as much , where the Interpretation he useth , is , Incoelestibus . Diodate also understandeth , The region of the aire , in which evill spirits , driven cut of heaven , do wander . And by Principalities he understandeth evill Angels ; excellently adding , that in the quality of their nature , and in the power which God suffereth them to have over the world , they have also something common with the holy Angels , in the eminency of Titles . Yet he there retracteth this Interpretation , in my opinion for a worse .

153. with Magick art . ] Thetis , desirous to conceal from Chiron the purpose she had , to disg�ise his Schollar in woman's apparell , whom he by rigid principles had fitted for the hardest employments , beareth him in hand , that ominous dreams moved her to attempt the prevention of his fate by Magict Art. Such a deceit passionate Dido beguiled her sister withall , pretending to seek onely a remedy for her love , when indeed her plot was to cousen her self of life .

Ergo ubi concepit furi�s , evicta dolore , Decrevitque mori , tempus secum ipsa modumque Exigit , & maestam dictis aggressa sororem , Consilium vultu tegit , ac spem fronte serenat . Inveni , germana , viam ( gratare sorori ) Quae mihi reddat eum , vel eo me solvat , amantem . Oceani finem iuxta solemque cadentem , Vltimus Aethiop�� locus est , ubi maximus Atlas Axem humero torquet stellis ardentibus aptum . Hin� mihi Massylae gentis monstrata sacerdos , Hes�eridum templi custos , epulasque Draconi Quae dabat , & sacros servabat in arbore ramos , Spargens humida mella soporiferumque papaver . Haec se carminibus promittit solvere mentes Quos velit , ast aliis dur�� immittere curas : S���ere �quam fluviis , & vertere sidera retro : Nocturnosque ciet-manes-Mugire videbis Sub pedibus terram , & descendere montibus orn�s . Virg. Aen. 4. Vanquish'd with grief , and now resolv'd to die , The means and time to act the Tragedy She plots : And , with f�ign'd joy to hide her crime , Thus to her sister saith � Joy that the time � Is come , that I shall now procure my rest , And gain his love , or freedom to my breast . Near to the Ocean's bounds , where Phoebus flies To end his course , burnt Aethiopia lies : Where on his loaden shoulders Atlas bears Heaven , which fill'd with glittering Starrs appears . Hence a Massylian came , the Temple'� Priest Of the Hesperides , who there did feast The watchfull Dragon , and preserved too The Tree on which the sacred branches grew , With Hony and mix'd Poppy , which conveys . A drousie dulnesse : By her charms , she says , She can dissolve a passion , and procure A scornfull breast another to endure , Stop in its speed the swiftest stream , and all The Stars turn backward from their course , and call Ghosts from the howling earth , and from the high Tops of the Hills make stubborn Trees to flie .

That Witches had such a faculty as Dido here speaketh of , to quench or kindle love at their pleasure , former times believed . Carmine Thessalidum dura in praecordia fluxit Non fatis adductus amor ; flammisque severi Illicitis arsêre senes . Thessalian charms , without assisting fate , Can passion give to hearts stil us'd to hate . Severe old men are fetter'd with Love's chains , And their chill breasts burn with unlawfull flames . Lucan lib. 6. vers . 452. And a little after , � Quos non concordia misti Alligat ulla tori , blandaeque potentia formae , Traxerunt torti Magicâ vertigine fili . � Those who ne're car'd to try Love's joys , whom Hymen's knots could never tye ; Whom charming beauty never yet compell'd , A slender thread , by Magick ty'd , hath held .

Their power also in other things the same noble Poet thus describeth .

Cessavêre vices rerum : dilataque longâ Haesit nocte dies : legi non paruit aether : Torpuit & praeceps audito carmine mundus . Axibus & rapidis impulsos Jupiter urgens Miratur non ire polos . Nunc omnia complent Imbribus , & calido producunt nubila Phoebo : Et tonat ignaro coelum Jove . Vocibus iisdem Humentes latè nebulas , nimbosque solutis Excussêre comis , ventis cessantibus aequor Intumuit : rursum vetitum sentire procellas Conticuit , turbante Noto : puppimque ferentes In ventum tumuêre sin�s . De rupe pependit Abscissâ fixus torrens : amnisque cucurrit Non quà pronus erat . Nilum non extulit aestus . The course of things was stopp'd : nor Heaven obey'd Its Laws : the Day in Night's black Arms delay'd . The tott'ring world these potent charms benum , And while the rapid Poles forget to run , Jove stands amaz'd . A storm obeys , and shrowds , Phoebus adorn'd with all his rays , in clowds . Jove ignorant the Thunder hears . The same Dire voice , with loose dishevell'd hair again Shattereth the dropping clowds : Seas swell with waves , The winds all hush'd ; again , though Notus raves , The Seas becalmed lie . Ships make their way Against the wind , and rushing torrents stay Thrown from a precipice . Streams backward run : Nor Nile o're flows the plains scorcht by the Sun.

These places I have produced , to shew what an opinion the antient Heathen had of Witches . I will onely add , that I find that the Tyrians had a custom , to tie the Images of their gods with bands , lest they should be called from them by the charms of their enemies , Alexand. ab Alex � l 4. c 12. And so subject were those gods to the power of charms , that they were thereby compelled to come , nor could return back without license obtained ; Euseb � de praepar . Evang. l. 5. c. 8 , & 9. From this opinion arose that question in Lucan , lib. 6. v. 492.

Quis labor hic superis cantus herbasque sequendi , Spernedique timor ? cujus commercia pacti Ob � rictos tenuêre Deos ? parere necesse est , An juvat ? ignota tantum pietate mere n'ur ? . What is it makes the fearfull gods forbear To scorn both herbs and charms ? whence comes this fear ? Doth strong necessity , or their own designe , Or piety unknown , them thus incline ?

I shall say more of this subject haply hereafter , when a more proper place shall afford opportunity . But thus much at present , to shew , that Chiron had reason to believe Thetis , when she told him , that she would make use of Magick for her son's preservation .

166. The envious gods . ] Our Poet is here thought to have no further aime , than to set forth the praises of his Achilles , as if he deserved the envy of the gods . But I have observed Statius to be a great imitator of Virgil , who was still wont to omit no occasion of interweavning his Learning with his Poetry : wherein Macrobius strongly justifieth him . Since these words therefore will afford it , hold it not amisse to interpret them to the more learned sense .

There was a generall Tradition among the Heathen , That th� gods envied any perfection or happinesse in Mankind . This proceeded from the Devill 's policy , who from the beginning of th� world endeavoured to represent God env�ous unto Man , in that h� denied him the knowledge of good and evill ; as Junius and Dioda� observe on Gen. 3. Learned Merick Casaubon , in his Cause of tempora Evills , saith , that Aristotle sets down this opinion , That God i ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , envious ; but protesteth agai�st it , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , It is not possible it should be so ; yet saith , That if it were so indeed , that the nature of God could be envious , that Envy must needs consist in hidenying of men the happinesse of certain knowledge and contemplation . That impious Philosopher Porphyrie , directly chargetl God with envy , for forbidding the Tree of Knowledge : Who is answered by Greg. Nazianzen , Orat. 38. Such impious men perhaps take offence at Gen. 3. 22 , 23. I forbear to produce further Testimonies , to prove , there was such an opinion among the Heathen , I do not think them needfull ; since it is certain , the Devill would let slip no occasion of raising prejudice against God , and charging him with his own c�ime . Through envy of the Devill came death into the world , Wisd . 2. 24. It was the Devil's envy that made Man lose Paradise , and not God , who placed him in it . Another reason why the gods were conceived to envy men , was , Because all their prosperity and happinesse , is at length requited with crosses and calamity . Examples of such change are frequent in all times : Among all , scarce is there any more notable then that of the once-Great Pompey , flying alone after his overthrow in Pharsalia , Lucan . lib. 1. v. 28.

� Sed longi poenas Fortuna favor is Exigit à misero , quae tanto pondere famae Res premit adversas , fatisque prioribus urget . Nunc festinatos nimiùm fibi sentit honores , Actaque lauriferae damnat Syllana juventae . Nunc & Corycias classes & Pontica signa , Dejectum , meminisse piget . Sic longius aevum Destruit ingentes an�mos , & vita superstes Imperio . Nisi summa dies cum fine bonorum Affuit , & celeri praevertit tristia leto , Dedecori est fortuna prior . Quisquámne secundis Tradere se fatis audet , nisi morte paratâ � But Fortune with her favour still beguiles , And with sad woes pursues her former smiles . His fame most presseth his declining state , And former glories add unto the weight . Too hasty now his early fame he found , And blames those wreaths with which his Youth was crown'd . Of Pontick or Corycian Victories Now when he thinks , his flaming blushes rise . Thus greatest minds consuming Age destroys , And Life survives our Empires and our Joys . Unlesse life with those joys together flow , And a swift fate prevent ensuing woe , To Fortune Shame succeeds . In the best state Let none confide , unlesse prepar'd for Fate .

Another instance of the mutability of Fortune , was that great Souldier , Hannibal ; whose prophetick spirit was sensible of this , almost fatall , necessity : as we may see in that incomparable speech , which Livy maketh him speak to Scipio ; advising not to trust the gods and Fortune too farre : telling him , that what Scipio was then , himself had been � after the battels at Tras�emen� and Cannae ; and that Fortune had never yet deceived him . Thus he spake to move his enemy to accept peace , conceiving no argument of more force , then the consideration of the vicissitude of human affairs . And his words , though then slighted , Scipio himselfe afterwards found true , and had sad experience , both of the inconstancy of Fortune , and of the ingratitude of his Country . To these , I might adde the examples of Marius , Caesar , and infinite others , out of the stories of former times , with more prodigious ones of our own age ; Habet has vices conditio mortalium , saith Pliny in his excellent Ranegyrick , ut adversa ex secundis , ex adversis secunda nascantur . Occultat utrorumque semina Deus ; & pletunque ��norum malor��que causae sub diversa specie latent : The condition of mortalls , hath these changes , that adversity should spring out of prosperity , and prosperity out of adversity . The seeds of both , God concealeth ; and for the most part , the causes of good and evill , things lie hid under a different species . Herodotus relateth , how Amasis King of Aegypt , counselled his friend Polycrates , King of Samos , That he should interrupt the course of his felicity , by casting quite away something that he held most dear , and the losse whereof would most afflict him . Plutarch , De consol . ad Apollonium , telleth us , that Theramenes , one of the thirty Tyrants at Athens , being at Supper wi�h many friends , the house where they were , suddenly fell down , and he onely escaped . Many upon this , gave him the name of Happy : But he crying our , asked , For what sadder death Fortune had reserved him ? And indeed , the Torments he endured before his end , added him to the number of those examples , which serve to admonish prosperous persons , of the uncertainty of their Estate , Seneca , Troad . act . 2.

Violenta nemo imperia continuit diu : Moderata durant . Quóque fortuna altius Evexit ac levavit humanas opes , Hoc se magis supprimere felicem decet , Variósque casus tremere , metuentem Deos Nimiùm faventes . None violent Empires long enjoy secure : They 're moderate conditions that endur� . When Fortune raiseth to the greatest height , The happy man should most suppresse his state , Exspecting still a change of things to find , And fearing when the gods appear too kind .

It is an excellent Character , that Macrobius giveth of Fortitude , Tolerare fortiter vel adversa vel prospera , To bear with courage , either adverse or prosperous Fortune , in Somn. Scipionis , l. 1. c. 8. And perhaps , it may aime at our sense , In the best condition , without distemper , to exspect the worst . This dreading invidiam Numinis , was the cause , why that mighty Emperour Augustus , used once a year , Cavam manum asses porrigentibus praebere , as Su�tonius in his Life relateth , c. 91. To beg with his open , or hollow , hand ; the most opprobrious way of begging . On which place , see learned Casaubon , giving reasons from the generally received opinion , thus elegantly expressed by Erasmus , in his Philodoxus , Saepe mecum admirari sole� seu Fortunae seu Naturae invidentiam , quae nihil omnino commodi largitur mortalibus quod non aliquo temperet incommodo , i. e. I have often wondred with my self at the envy , either of Fortune or Nature , who never dispense things convenient to mankind , which are not tempered with some inconvenience . For this Philip of Macedon , kept a Youth , whose office was , every Morning thrice to salute him thus , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , Philip , thou art a man , Aelian . var , hist . l. 8. c. 15. I will end all with a passage of Diodorus Siculus , Biblioth . hist. lib. 3. Thus rendered by Merick Casaubon , in his Cause of evils , Neverthelesse , God ( ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ) hath not afforded unto men any entire happinesse , without some blemish or envy ; but to these his blessings he hath annexed somewhat that is hurtfull , which might serve to admonish them , who through continuance of worldly blessings , are wont to grow into a contempt of the Gods. Whether our Poet had an eye to this opinion , I cannot say ; Certainly , his words seem to look that way , and so my discourse is excused from impertinency .

195. Pholoe ] A woody mountain of Arcadia , having a Town of its own name , Plin. l. 4. c. 6.

207. So tired Castor . ] Statius here compareth Achilles to Castor , whose beauty he maketh as bright as his own starre . He and Pollux were the sons of Tyndarus and Leda : And their amity was so great , that they never differed either in matter of Power or Counsell . For which Hyginus saith , Jove translated them into Stars ; Servius in Aeneid . 6. saith , that Helen and Pollux were begotten by Jupiter , in the shape of a Swan , and from him , drew immortality ; but that Castor was the son of Tyndarus , and so mortall : but by the extream kindnesse of his brother , and the concession of Jupiter , mortality and immortality , was equally divided betwixt them , Virgil , Aen. 6.

Sic fratrem Pollux alterna morte redemit .

The fable arose from the Stars , one whereof ever riseth at the setting of the other , as if the fate and fall of one redeemed his fellow ; That these brethren were ever watchfull for the Roman Common-wealth , Valerius Maximus proveth by many examples , lib � 1. c. 8. Also Plutarch in the Life of Paulus Aemylius relateth their meeting of L. Domitius , and how they gave him in charge to make known to the Senate and people of Rome , that they were victorious ; which as yet they were uncertain of : And then , ( as Suetonius , in the beginning of Nero's life writeth , though Plutarch mentioneth it not ) to evidence their Divinity , they changed his hair from Black to Red. And thence came the name of Aenobarbus , which continued to one of the greatest families in Rome .

216. � Sings the acts of Heroes ] Maturantius saith , it was a custom among the Greeks , to sing the actions of famous persons ; to the �nd , that others might be inflamed to a generous imitation of them . So Scipio was excited to great atchievements , by gazing on Statues , �rected to the memory of renowed men . Musick was ever much �onoured : Epaminondas , among other things was famous for it . �acobus Crucins , in lib. Annot. relateth out of Polybius , that the Ardi�ns generally instructed their youths in Musick , and saith , It was a custom among the Grecians , to sing the praises of their Genii , Heroes , and Gods. So Alexander ab Alexand o , l. 4. c. 17. saith , They were wont to sing the praises of their gods , while the sacrifice was in eating . And lib. 2. c. 25. having reckoned up many famous men that were excellent Musicians , he addeth that among the Greeks , Musici , Vates , and Sapientes were in equall estimation ; And that , after Supper , the Harp was wont to be played on ; Which when Themistocles refused to take in hand , he was for that very cause , held the lesse learned . He there also affirmeth , that the Ancienrs used to chant out the Encomiums of renowned persons . Thus our Poet setteth forth Achilles , to have been instructed by Chiron , and now to give his Mother the usuall entertainment after their Feast ; And Homer telleth us , that he oft practiced this art at the siege of Troy. Thus also , Dido entertaineth her guests , Aeneas , Virg. Aen. 1.

� Cithara crinitus Iopas Personat aurata , docuit quae maximus Atlas . Hic canit errantem Lunam , solisque labores ; Vnde hominum genus & pecudes , unde imber , & ignes : Arcturum , pluviásque Hyadas , geminósque Triones ; Quid tantum Oceano properent se tingere �oles Hiberni , vel quae tardis mora noctibus obstet . � Hai�y Iopas then begun , And on his Harp what Atlas taught he sung ; The Moon 's unconstant ways , and how the Sun Performs his course ; whence men and beasts first sprung ; The Bears , the Hyades , and Arcturus sings , The cause of showers , and why heav'n lightning fl�ngs ; Why to the waves the Sun should take his flight Sooner in Winter , and prolong the night .

219. The victories of Pollux . ] The weapon by which Pollux was victorious , was much used by the Antients , called Caesius ; whose description J. C. Scaliger thus giveth : At first , ( saith he ) the Greeks used to fight with naked sists . Pugnis addita lora ad munimentum , propterea quòd nudi cùm ferirent sape plus damni acciperent quàm facerent . Ea lora Graeco vocabulo CESTUS dicta ( ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� enim cinguluir . ) Br�via initio : mox , nè excussa exuerentur in ictibus , tum cubito tum humero alligabantur . Postremò ferrum plumbumque assutum est , saevissimo spectaculo . Cerebrum enim & gattur facillimè elidebant . Idcirco aurium munimenta induebant , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . Thus he describeth the Castus to be a piece of a Leather , for the safeguard of the hand , which , when naked , received oftentimes more damage by a blow , than it gave . Lest this Caestus should be shaken off by striking , it was fastned , not to the arm onely , but also to the shoulder . At the end of it was sewed a mass of Iron or Lead , which rendred the combat a most cruell spectacle . Their very brains were oft dashed out ; for prevention whereof , they covered both their ears with defences . This character Fabricius also confirmeth , relating , that the form of this Caestus was to be seen in the house of Peter �embus , when he lived at Padus . Fuerunt coria bubula , saith he , quibus plumbum ferrumque insutum est , articulis manûs in volam �lexae circundata ; & , ut pondus sustinere ferientium manus valerent , brachi is alligata . And hence he believeth , the antient Germans took the use of the Gantlet , which they wore in war. The reason Fabricius giveth , why the Caestus were fastned to the arm , is , in my opinion , better then Scaliger's , That so the hand might be strengthned to bear the weight the better . This Fabricius writeth , on the Combat between Ente�lus and Dares , Aen. 5. This Exercise , as Scaliger saith , was at first onely used with bare fists , and prizes propounded for it in the Olympick Games , Thucyd lib. 1. The invention of Caestus is ascribed to Amycus , Clem. Alex. lib. 1. Strom ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� Amycus the Bebrycian King first found out ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , lora pugilum , that is , the Caestus . Which very words , with others of �lemens , Eusebius useth , De praep . Evang. l. 10. c. 5. Hence Statius here , � crudo quo Bebryca caestu Obruerit Pollux . i. e. Amycus , so called from the place where he reigned , Bebrycia , which had its name from Bebryae , a King in the Pyrenaean Mountains , Sil. Ital. l. 3. Since , it was called Mygdonia ; after that , Bithynia , from Bithynius , a King there , Strabo l. 7. & . 12. Arianus giveth one of the daughters of Danaus this name , who , as well as her sister Hyperinnestra , spared her husband , contrary to her father's command , and flying with him into this Country , gave name to it ; till fresher merits destroyed the memory of hers . There is a Village called Bebryacum , by Suetonius , in Othone , and by Tacitus , Anual . 18. seated between Verona and Cremona . In the Lipswick Edition it is called Bedriacum , by Josephus ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , by Plutarch ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . But by reason of the authority of Tacitus and Orosius , Joseph Scaliger saith , Eanihil aliud sunt quám unum nomen multifariàm deprava�um . At this place Otho was ove�come by Vitollius ; & statim , saith Suetonius , moriendi impetum cepit . Yet then had he a reserved Army , competent enough to have attempted , in another Battle , the recovery of his Fortune ; but he chose rather to let that be the certain advantage of his friends , to procure peace from Vitellius , than by hazarding them to pull on all their ruines together . For which cause , Tacitus justly saith , Many enjoyed Empires longer , but none left them bravelier .

220. The monstrous Minotaur fam'd-Theseus slew . ] The Fable is thus ; The Adultery of Mars and Venus being discern'd by the Sun 's all seeing eye , and by him discovered to Vulcan , in a Net that he had made for the purpose , he caught the Lovers in their embraces . Hereat Venus being enraged , ever after pursued the race of Phoebus with revenge , infecting them with prodigious passions . The first that suffered was Pasiphae the wife of Minos ; she , being in love with a Bull , was by Daedalus h�s art inclosed in a Cow of wood , and so received the horrid satisfaction of her beastly Lover . And from that loathsome embrace came the Minotaur . By this Queen , Minos had three children , Androgeos , Ariadne , and Phaedra . Androgeos , after many noble Victories , was at last slain by the Athenians and Megarians . In revenge of his death , Minos having vanquished the Athenians at Sea , imposed on them this punishment , that seven Youths , and as many Virgins , should every year be delivered to be devoured by the Minotaur . But Eusebius , de praepar . Evang. l. 5. c. 19. layeth their death to Apollo's charge , whose Oracle directed the Athenians , to send the Youths to be killed by Minos , that the plague might be averted from them , which they suffered for the death of Androgeos . In the third year of this imposition , Th�seus son of Aegeus was sent . He , no less powerfull in person then in forces , first obtained a conquest of the heart of Ariadne ; and then , by her procurement , having got a thread from Daedalus to guide him , he found the way to the Minotaur in the Labyrinth , and slew him ; and having so done , he fled away with Ariadne . Then Minos finding , or suspecting , that Daedalus , who made the Labyrinth , had assisted Theseus , enclosed both him and his son Icarus therein . But Daedalus procuring wax and feathers , with other materialls , from his Keepers , under pretence of presenting something rare to the King , made Wings , with which himself and his son slew away . But the rash Youth , contrary to his Father's instructions , soaring too high , melted his wings against the Sun , and fell into that Sea , which beareth his name , Ovid. de arte lib. 2. & Metam . lib. 8. The place his father alighted first upon , was Cumae ; Where , ��� the gates of Apollo's Temple , he engraved this storie , omitting �ot�ing but the rate of Icarus , Virg . Aen. 6.

� Tu quoque magnam Partem opere in tanto , sineret dolor , Icare , haberes . Bis conatus erat casus eDffingere in auro ; Bis patriae cecidere manus . Thou also , Icarus , hadst had a part In this , had grief giv'n freedom to his art . Twice he attempted thy hard fate to paint ; Twice thy concerned father's hand did faint .

Some hold , this Fable was invented to shadow a true storie , and hat Pasiphae being in love with Taurus , Captain of the Guard to Minos , lay with him in Daedalus's house ; and she bringing forth �wins , the mockery made up the Minotaur . The Fable was more l�wdly presented by Nero : In relating whereof , Suetonius , as Beroaldus noteth , useth words , that seem to credit Beasts having copulation with Women ; against which we read a Law , Levit. 20. 16. which sheweth the probability of it . Besides , if it be possible , we need no farther proof than the unsatiable nature of some women . Nor would any doubt , that Messalina the lascivious Empresse would have scrupled at such an act , if her fancy had but directed her to it . Juvenal . Sat. 6.

� Claudius audi Quae tulerit . Dormire virum cùm senserat uxor , Ausa Palatino tegetem praeferre cubi i , Sumere nocturnos meretrix Augusta cucullos ; Linquebat comite ancilla non ampliùs una : Sed nigrum flavo crinem abscondente galero , Intravit calidum veteri centone lupanar , Et c�llam vacuam , atque suam . tunc nuda papillis Prostitit a�ratis , titulum mentita Lyciscae , Ostenditque tuum , generose Britannice , ventrem . Excepit blanda intrantes , atque aera poposcit � Mox l�none suas jam dimittente puell�s , Tristis abit : sed , quod potuit , tamen ultima cellam Clausit , adhuc ardens rigidae tentigine vulvae , Et lassata viris , necdum satiata rec ssit . � For hear what Claudius doth endure : Whom whilst his wife believes in sleep secure , She did prefer before a Princely Bed The Bawdy-house's smoaky-coverlid . Th' Emperiall Whore disguis'd from being known , With Night and Scarfs goes with one Maid alone ; A yellow Periwig her swarthy hairs Conceals , and she to th' Bawdy-house repairs ; Which from the new-employed bed a fume Retains . Possessing the then emptied room She rich adorn'd with naked breasts appears . Lycisca's name the lying entrance bears . There , great Britannicus , thy belly 's shown . With a lascivious kindnesse every one She meets , and asks her hire . When all the Whores . The Bawd sends home , hers last of all the doors Was shut . She burning with unquenched fires , And toil'd with men , not satisfi'd , retires .
The Second BOOK .
The Argument . Thetis at last , though long delay'd by fears , Through the calm waves her dear Achilles bears . Love shews an object to enflame his eyes : The King receives him hid in a disguise . BUt Thetis , in the night leaving the caves , Stood where the Rocks sent Ecchoes from the waves . And in her unresolved phancy weigh'd , To what safe place her Son might be convey'd . She fears , where Mars was born , th' adjacent Thrace ; And dreads the warlike Macedonian race . Fam'd - Athens too her doubting phancies fear , With Sestos and Abydos , which appear Too aptly plac'd for ships . For those lov'd Seas She now resolves crown'd by the Cyclades . Nor Myconos , nor Seriphos pleas'd her mind , Delos , nor Lemnos unto men unkind . By Lycomedes Court , she lately stay'd , And heard the shores sound while the Virgins play'd . As she was sent to view Aegaeon's bands , Who strove to loose his hundred-fettered-hands . This Land , where quarrels no disturbance wrought , The much distracted Thetis safest thought : Like a poor Bird , with wavering phansies prest , That dares not choose a branch to build her nest . Lest it her brood , should unto storms , or snakes , Or men expose ; at length she likes and takes . So Thetis on the place resolv'd , prepares To go , but is assaulted with new cares ; Whether her son should in her breast be laid , Or through the waves born by a Triton's aid . Or to the winged winds , his waftage owe , Or unto Iris Ocean-nourish'd bow ; At last two Dolphines she was pleas'd to rain , Which by great Tethys , in th' Atlantick main , For her were bred . The vast unfathom'd flood , Bore nothing else in all its scaly brood , So swift , so kind to men ; At her command These staid in waves , least injur'd by the Land. The sleepy Youth , ( for youth may soundly sleep ) She from th' Aemonian cave , bears to the Deep . The waves and winds becalmed her designes Assist , and Cynthia in full lustre shines . For his return the Centaur following pray'd ; Of wav�s he knew , he need not be afraid . O're-flowing tears , fall from his gazing eyes , Whilst they upon the rouling billows rise Now almost out of sight ; yet still he gaz'd : And when with waves they sunk , himselfe he rais'd Upon his hinder parts , till the waves quite Had swallow'd all impressions of their flight . Him that to Thessaly must ne'er return , Sad Pholoe , and the clouded Othrys mourn : Sperchios streams , no more with joy swell high ; And Chirons den now wanteth harmony . The Fauns ament his losse ; the Nymphs begin To mourn their passion's hope , ravish'd with him . And now the Stars begin to take their flight , At the approach of Titan's radiant light . Which from the Ocean rose ; whose drops like dew , Back to its waves the rising Chariot threw . But Thetis long before , to Scyros came , And gave her Dolphines liberty again ; When sleep forsook refresh'd Aeacides : His eyes saluted by the light , and Seas . To him unknown , for Pelion all amaz'd He look'd , and on his doubted Mother gaz'd . Who takes him by the hand , with words thus kind , Dear child , if he that sure was once design'd , Had shar'd my marriage-bed , thou hadst been plac'd With Stars , for ever there by me embrac'd : Heav'n had been then thy due inheritance , Nor had I fear'd the lesser Yates or Chance . But now thy Father 's mortall , there can be No way for thee to scape death but by me ; And now the sad and fat all time draws near , Whose dangers are the cause of all myfear . Forget a while thy Sexe's honour then , Nor this safe habit which I wear contemn . If Hercules thus learnt to spin , and round A javeline bore with winding Ivy crown'd ; If Bacchus in these Ornaments was dress'd , And Jove himself , nor Ceneus mind depress'd Thereby ; then suffer thus at my desire , Th' appointed time Fate threatneth to exspire . Then I 'le restore thee to the Centaur's cave . By all the joyes and glory youth can have , I do conjure thee now . If I for thee Shar'd with a Mortall my Divinity ? If by the Stygian arming waves I stood , And dip'd ( I wish , all o're ) thee in the flood : Suffer thyselfe thus now to be conceal'd , The mind 's not hurt with what the body 's heal'd . Why dost thou frown , and turn away thy face ? Needst thou to blush ? Is gentlenesse disgrace ? By our known streams , I do assure thee too , Chiron , nor doth , nor shall know what we doo . His breast in vain she tries , where rougher seeds Were sown , and stories of his Father's deeds : Thus a proud horse , with vigorous blood inflam'd , And heat of youth , contemneth to be tam'd . But doth through fields , and unto rivers flie , O'rejoy'd with his affected liberty : He scorns to yield to the restraining Bitt , And wondreth at his fellows that submit . What God with craft inspir'd the Mother's mind , And unto softnesse her rough Son inclin'd ? By chance to Pallas , on the shore that day , The Syrians did their sacred offerings pay . Hither the King , with his fair daughters came , ( Though seldome seen ) unto the holy flame . The image of the rigid * Pow'r they crown'd With fragrant wreaths , her spear with garlands bound ; All wrondrous fair . Their youthfull blossoms grew , Now like ripe fruit , as fit for gathering too . But as the Sea-nymphs are by Venus looks Excell'd , by Cynthia's those of lesser brooks ; So from her Sisters , such lov'd victories Were challenged by bright Deidamia's eyes . Her rosy looks did vanquish'd Jewels shame , And on her purple garments threw a flame ; She might compare with Pallas , when she takes Her gentlest looks , and layes aside her snakes . At this fair Object , the fierce Youth remains Fix't like a Statue , and receiv'd Love's flames . Nor would th' insulting passion be conceal'd : His sparkling eyes the inward fire reveal'd . Like the Massagetans red liquor mixt With milk , or purple stains on ivory fixt ; Such mixture his new kindled passions bred : His cheeks now pale , but straight with blushing red . At length , not brooking to be so delay'd , Th' advancing Youth was by his Mother stay'd : Like a young Bull , to rule the herd design'd , His horns not yet with full perfection twin'd ; When Love first kindleth in his savage breast , Those ruder passions for some snowy beast ; He somes at mouth , whilest th' exspecting swains , Joy at the certain witnesse of his flames . His knowing Mother , finding the fit time , Was now , thus said ; Canst thou , dear Son , repine With this fair crue , to share unknown delights ? Can Pelion , or cold Ossa , shew such sights ? Oh that my cares were thine ! that thou would'st give A young Achilles in mine arms to live ! At this , with blushes gentler he remain'd : And though he yielded , yet she still constrain'd . A womans dresse , doth now the youth enclose , And his strong arms , he learns how to compose . His hair 's not now neglected as before : And on his neck , she hangs the chain she wore . Within rich robes , his steps confined now Move in a gentler pace ; and he 's taught how To speak with a reserved modesty , Thus changing Wax , which nimble fingers plie , First rendered soft by active heat , inclines Unto that form the workman's hand designes . So Thetis to another shape convey'd Her Son. Nor needed she to what she said , Have added more : For in his beauty too , All things appear'd , which to the sex were due . Yet as they went along , she still renews Her words , and her instructions thus pursues ; Dear Child , in gentle looks compose thy face , And imitate each motion , and each grace . Thou seest these beauties wear , or else I fear , Unto the King our cous'nage , may appear . This said , still as they go some Ornament Her busie fingers mend . Thus Cynthia went From hunting with her Mother ; toil'd with sport , And with her quiver , to her Father's Court ; Her arms now hid , her garments losely flow'd , And in a better form her hair bestow'd . Then to the King , her Son the goddesse brings , And thus , the Altars witnessing , begins . Receive Achilles Sister , as thy guest , Are not her Brothers looks in hers express'd ? She in her quiver , and her bow delights , And , like the Amazons , scorns marriage-rites . Achilles is enough to be enjoy'd By me : Let this in these rites be employ'd . Let thy best care of her allay my fears , Errors are incident to tender years . Let her not rove the woods , nor Gymnick game Frequent , lest with her cloathes she put off shame . Let her still live with this fair company , Nor ever let thy shores unguarded lie . Thou saw'st the Trojans lately , without cause , Did violate the world 's observed Laws . This said , the unknown Youth the King receives , ( Who finds out fraud when 't is a God deceives ? ) And further , rendreth all his thanks as just To her , who thought him worthy such a trust . The pious troup , with fixed eyes amaz'd Upon his beauty , and proportion gaz'd So much excelling others , then invites Their company unto their sacred rites . So the Idalian birds , that nimbly flye Through yielding air , in a known company . If to the flock , a stranger joyn his wings , He with himself an admiration brings : At last acquainted all with joy , receave The stranger , and the aire together cleave . The lingring Mother , still yet loth to part , Now takes her leave , repeating all the art She taught before , and what she more could tell , And with her whispered wishes bids Farewell ; Then takes the waves : her looks still backward bends , And to the shore , these gentle wishes sends . Dear earth , which hold'st my dearest joy , to thee Committed with a fearfull subtilty ; Be ever happy and in silence just To me , as Creet to Rhea in her trust : Long may thy glories last , and may thy name Grow greater then the wandring Delos fame : Lesse hurt by storms , then all the Cyclades , That break the billows of th' Aegean seas . Let thy name be the Sailer's sacred vow : Yet to thy shores no Grecian ships allow . Tell Fame , with thee no warlike spears are found , But headlesse ones with Ivy-garlands Crown'd . Whilst Mars , the parted Worlds , such rage doth give , Here let Achilles like a Virgin live .
ANNOTATIONS on the II Book of STATIUS his ACHILLEIS .

5. THrace . ] Thetis considering with her self , whither she might with most safety convey her Son , in the first place feared Thrace , conceiving that it would be an hastening of his destiny , to commit him to that warlick people ; Whose Country received its name from the son of Mars ; or , as Stephanus saith , à regionis asperitate , quam ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , Graeci appellant . So Pomponius witnesseth , that this Region is obliged neither by aire nor soil , especially near the Sea. The roughnesse of the place wrought a like disposition in the Inhabitants : And hence haply it is said , that Mars was here nourished . It is confined on the West by Macedonia , and the River Nessus , as Ptolomy ; but by Strymon , as Plinie saith . See Thucydides , lib. 2.

6. The Warlick Macedonian race . ] Macedonia bordereth on Thrace , Epirus � Illyris , and Thessalie ; so called from Macedo , son of Osiris , or ( as Stephanus and Solinus ) of Jupiter and Thyria , daughter of Deucalion . Thucydides , lib. 2. praiseth them for an hardy and warlick people : But Statius had more reason to give them that character , as living after Alexander the Great 's time , whose Victories were that Nation 's greatest glorie . In their Militia , the Phalanx had the pre-eminence . This Nero imitated , Sueton. Nerone , ubi vide Casaubonum . This steady Band consisted all of tall and able Souldiers , six foot high , or thereabouts , and ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , as Suidas saith , of equall age . The like policy the Turk useth in the choice of his Janizaries , and with no lesse successe .

7. Athens . ] This place also the goddesse held not safe to trust Achilles in , by reason perhaps of the great confluence of strangers thither , it being the most famous City in all Greece , scated in Attica , about forty furlongs from the Sea , as Strabo , lib. 9. Thucydides , lib. 2 saith , It was at its greatest height in the time of Pericles . It was the Mother of many Philosophers , and Orators , and Poets , and ( as Tullie styleth it ) the Mistresse of all human Sciences . But in the time of Synesius , it retained no such excellency , Epist . 135. It was called Cecropia , from Cecrops who first built it , and reigned in it ; afterwards Mopsopia , from Mopsus ; lastly , Athens , from Minerva , whom the Greeks call ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , quasi ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , because she never sucked the breast , nor had need to do it ; at her first springing from Jove's brain , being not an Infant , but a mature Virago , of full stat�re and strength . To this derivation , Cael. Rhodiginus assenteth , lib. 14. c. 18. Macrobius , Saturnal . l. 1. c. 17. saith , It was the opinion of Porphyrie , that Minerva was the vertue of the Sun , which infuseth prudence into the minds of men . For therefore is this goddesse said to have issued from the head of Jupiter ; that is , Wisdom commeth from the highest part of Heaven , whence the Sun hath its Originall . ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� also , which signifyeth not-�ffeminate , or manly , doth not onely come near to the name , but also agreeth with the nature of this goddesse , who was still pictured in a warlick posture , with an Helmet , a Spear , and a Shield , and said to have a great stroke in all actions of War , which ever depend upon Wisdom . This was the chief plea that V�ysses used against Ajax , when they strove for Achilles's Armour , That Ajax his valour had been useless , without Vlysses's policy to direct it , Ovid. Metam . lib. 13.

11. Myconos . ] One of the Cyclades , under which the Poets feign those Giants to have been buried , that were slain by Hercules . The Inhabitants are said to have been so subject to baldnesse , that a bald man was wont proverbially to be called a Myconian : Plin. l. 11. c. 37.

¶ Seriphos . ] The Poet giveth it the epithet humilis , haply by reason of its small compasse , which is but twelve miles , as Plinie saith . So Juvenal , � parvâque Seripho , Sat. 10. The whole world , he saith , was not wide enough for the young man of Pella , ( so he calleth Alexander the Great ) but when he had it all to turn him in he found himself pittifully straitned for want of room , like one cooped up in little Seriphos . The people of this Isle Perseus transformed into stones , by shewing them his Gorgon's head , to revenge his forced mother . Yet long before , Acrisius having thrown his mother Danae and him into the Sea , they were cast upon this Island , and taken up by a fisher-man , and here preserved .

12. Delos . ] This was placed in the middle of the Cyclades , and most famous of them all , by reason of Apollo's Oracle there , consulted from most parts of the world . The Fable of its first becomming firm land , see in Plinie , lib. 4. c. 12. Strabo , lib. 10. and Servius , in Virg. Aen. 3. who relate , that it first appeared to receive the burden of Latona , who was here delivered of Apollo and Diana � It hath its name from ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , manifestus , perspicuus , Macrob. Saturnal . l. 1. c. 17. being said to have risen up on a sudden above the waves . Some think it worthy of this name from its Oracles ; I wonder why , for they were seldome manifest . But Servius , and Alexander ab Alex. l. 6. c. 2. say , The Oracle here was clear , when all others were obscure . After this Island had appeared , it continued for some time loose , and floated up and down , untill at last it was fixed by Diana . Seneca Agamemnone act . 2. Chor. � Tu maternam Sistere Delon , Lucina , jubes Hue atque illuc priùs errantem Cyclada ventis . Nunc jam stabilis Fixa terras radice tenet . Thou didst thy mother's Delos bind , Wandring before , drove by the wind Among the Cyclades : Now it stands Fix'd to the earth with rooted bands . Servius in Aen. 3. saith , The truth is , that Delos being shaken by a constant Earth-quake , the Inhabitants petitioning Apollo that they might be freed from it , were enjoyned thence-forward to bury none in the Island . And Alexander ab Alex. lib. 6. c. 2. writeth , That all such as were near dying , and all women ready to be delivered , were carried over to the Island Rhene . Thucydides lib. 3. saith , That when Delos was totally hallowed by the Athenians , ( Pisistratus the Tyrant having before hallowed as much as was within the prospect of the Temple ) they took away all the Sepulchers , and made an Edict , That none should either be born or buried there for the future ; but when any were near the time for either , they should be removed into Rhe�e . In the dispute between Pausanias and the Athenians , about Title to this Island , the Athenians alledging this Edict of theirs , Pausanias wittily demanded , How it could be their Island , seeing none of them had either been born or buried in it , Plutarch in Apophth . Rhene is so near to it , that when it was won by Polycrates , he dedicated it to Apollo , and tied it to Delos with a chain . Divers Games were here celebrated , as Thucydides affirmeth , and Homer , Hymno in Apollinem ; who ending their praises , thus also leaveth his own , vers . 165.

��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ; ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . Let Phoebus and Diana's kindnesse dwell Still here : And now to every one Farewel . But yet remember when I leave this land , And among all some pilgrim shall demand , Who was 't , O Virgins , that with harmony Could most affect your charmed ears ? Reply With one consent , and thus my praises tell , A Poet blind , in Chios who doth dwell .

Lemnos unto men unkind . ] This is an Island in the Aegean Sea , called Ardens by Seneca , Herc. Oet . v. 1362. It is described by Valerius Flaccus , Argonaut . lib. 2. Here Cicero , de natura deprum , placeth Vulcan's Forge . Statius , Thebaidos l. 5.

� Aeg�o premitur circumstua Nereo Lemnos , ubi ignisera fessus respirat ab Aetna Mulciber . To Lemnos in th' Aegean waves retires The wearied Mulciber from Aetna's fires .

Here Vulcan was bred , and had in great veneration . In his injuries the Inhabitants held themselves so concerned , that they hated Venus for her adultery with Mars , Alexand � ab Alex. l. 2. c. 14. Wherear the goddesse being exasperated , infused such hatred into the women against their husbands , that they took counsell to slay them all at their return from the Thracian War ; and did so to all , except Hypsipyle , who saved her father Thoas . The story we have in Statius , Theb. lib. 5.

15. Aegaeons bands . ] Aegaeon the son of Heaven and Earth , ( Hesiod . in Theogon ) was called by Thetis to assist Jupiter , when Pallas , Juno , and Neptune would have fetter'd him , Lucian . dial . Martis & Mercurii : But afterwards waxing insolent , ( as most are wont to do after great merits ) was himself fetter'd by Jupiter to the Rocks of the Aegean Sea. And now Neptune having given notice , that he was endeavouring to unloose his hundred hands , Jupiter sent Thetis to view his chains . She passing by Scyros , and seeing King Lycomedes his daughters at their innocent recreations , and the Island filled with effeminate Inhabitants , thought presently no place could be more fit for her son's concealment , and resolved thither to bring him . This Giant was named Briareus by the gods , Aegaeon by men , Homer . Iliad . � . v. 403. by Lucian ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , Briareum centimanum ; and therefore was he bound with an hundred chains , as our Poet here saith . By Virgil he is placed in hell by Chimaera , Aen 6. The rest of the Giants also are fixed in their severall places by the Poets , as Otus in Creet , Typhoeus in Campania , Enceladus in Sicily , whose burning Tomb is made famous by Claudian's Muse , de raptu Proserp . l. 1.

Enceladi bustum , qui saucia membra revinctus Spirat inexhaustum flagranti pectore sulfur : Et quoties detrectatonus cervice rebelli In dextrum laevumque latus , tunc Insula fundo Vellitur , & dubiae nutant cum moenibus urbes . Vast-limb'd Enceladus here buried lies , From whose hot breast unwasted sulfur flies . As often as o're-laden with his burd'n , To ease his wearied side he strives to turn , The motion makes the heaved Island quake , And with their walls the tottering Cities shake .

28. Iris Ocean-nourish'd Bow. ] Iris ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� nuncio , because the Rainbowe telleth of rain either past or to come , Magir. lib. 4. cap. 5. Our Poet calleth her Thaumantida . In Greek she is called ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . And there is no Meteor so worthy of wonder . It s many colours are caused by the reflection of the Sun-beams on a watry-clowd . Aristot . Meteorol . lib. 3. Iris �st arcus multicolor in nube roride , op�c� , & concava , ex radiorum Solis oppositi reflexione apparens . Virgil. Aen. 4.

Ergo Ir's croce is per coelum roscida pennis , Mille trahens varios adverso Sole colores . Swift Iris therefore with her dewy wings , On which the Sun a thousand colours flings .

The difference of its colours ariseth onely from the unequall parts of the clowds . According to Aristotle they are three , Funiceus , Viridis , Caruleus . Others make them five , as Ammianus Marcellinus , who calleth the first Luteam speciem , a palish Yellow ; the second , nearer a Tawny ; the third , Red ; the fourth , Purple ; the last , a mixture of Blew and Green. But it is a strange error in Philosophers , to define the colours of the Rain-bowe , and they almost all differ about them . Yet are the colours they quarrell about not reall , but apparent onely ; as the skie seemeth blew , which without doubt is not blew indeed . Nor is it possible , at so great a distance , to describe colours certainly . All that can be said , is , That they appear such to the eye . Marcellinus , lib. 20. taketh occasion , from the appearing of a Rain-bow , while Constantius besieged Amida , to treat of the reasons of the Rain-bowe , and why the Poets feigned , that Iris was so oft sent from heaven , Indicium est , saith he , permutationis aurae , à sudo aere nubium concitans globos , aut contrà ex concreto immutans in serena�s laetitiam coelum . Ideo apud Poet� � legimus saepe , Irim de coelo mitti , cùm praesentium rerum fit statûs mutario . That is , It is a signe of alteration of weather , gathering clowds in clear skies ; or , on the contrary , changing thicknesse into serenity . Therefore we often read in the Poets of Iris being sent from heaven , when there was any alteration made of the present state of affairs . Of this fancy of the Poets , see Gyraldi Syntagm . 9. For the Philosophie , experience contradicteth it . And Plinie saith , Nec pluvias nec serenos dies cum fide ab Iride portehdi . They held , the Rain-bowe was nourish'd by the Ocean , by reason of both the Sun 's and the Clowds arising from thence . Scaliger , Exercit. 10. Sect. 11. speaketh of a Rainbowe that appeared in the night-time , and was seen by Albertus and many others . And Vi�eilio , in his answer to the E. of Mirandula , concerning the possibility of a Rain-bow's seeming entirely circular , though not being so , affirmeth , that he saw four such at once in Padua .

33. So swift , so kind to men ] Plinie saith , Dolphins are the swiftest of all fish , and a morous . Agellius , lib. 7. c. 8. relateth a story of a Dolphin � that loved a Boy so passionately , that his life was tied to the Boy 's life . The same Author , lib. 16. c. 19 out of Herodotus , setteth down the story of Arion's being carried by a Dolphine , charmed by his Musick , Virg . Ecl. 8. Orpheus in �ilvis , inter Delphin�s Arion . The story is also related by Plutarch in Symp. but most sweetly by the sweetest of all the Poets , Fast. lib. 2. who thus describeth Arion , when the covetous Mariners threatned him with drawn swords .

Ille metu pavidus , Mortem non deprecor inquit ; Sed liceat sumta pauca referre lyra . Dant veniam , ridentque moram . Capit ille coronam , Quae possit crines , Phoebe , decere tuos . Induerat Tyrio distinctam murice pallam . Reddidit ict a suos pollice chorda sonos . Flebilibus numeris veluti , canentia dura Trajectus penna tempora , cantat olor . Protinus in medios ornatus defilit undas . Spargitur impulsa caerula puppis aqua . Inde ( fide majus ! ) tergo Delphina recurvo Se memorant oneri supposuisse n�vo . Ille sedet , citharamque tenet , pretiumque vehendi Cantat , & aequoreas carmine mulcet aquas . He frighted , cries ; I ask but that you 'd give Me leave to touch my Harp , not leave to live . They grant it , �miling at his fond delay , Whilst he assumes a Crown , which , Phoebus , may Become thy locks , and on his shoulders bound A purple Robe . The stricken strings then sound . The dying Swan so , when his fate begins Near to approach , in mournfull numbers sings . And so adorn'd , he leapt into the flood : On the ship's sides the dash'd up waters stood � When straight his crooked back a Dolphin show'd , And plac'd it under the unusuall load � He sits , holding his Harp , and whilst he plaies , The Sea growes calm , and for his portage payes .

48. Otbrys . ] A Mountain bounding Thessalie on the South , Herod�� � l. 7. It hath on the West-side Phthiotis , Strab. lib. 9.

51. The Fawns lament his losse . ] These were Silvane gods , whose Chief �as Pa� , lascivious like all his followers , who were held strangely amorous of men and women . The Chorus in Seneca , Hippol . act 2 believe it impossible , that Hippolytus living in the woods , should escape being sollicited by them :

� Te nemore abditum , Cum Titan medium constituit diem , Ci�get turba lice�s , Na�ades improbae Formosos solitae cla�dere fontibus : Et somnis facient insidias tuis L�s�ivae nemo r�m deae , Montiv�gique Panes . For whilst in shades you bide , and day 's Divided by the god of Rayes , The Naiades thy beauty moves , Who in their fountains shut their Loves : And the lascivious gods that keep In woods , will court thee in thy sleep .

The question , Whether Spirits affect carnall copulation , hath been disputed by many : I shall onely relate these few opinions . P�utar�h de Or�culor . defect . saith , that fury attendeth their unsatiated last Paracelsus relateth stories of some ; who have been married to mortall men . Cardane , de Subtilit . & variet . rerum . saith , They are as apt as dogs to be familiar with men . Plato was believed to have been begotten on a Virgin by the phantasm of Apollo , by reason of his admirable wisdom . Cardane , de var. & subt rer . lib. 16. c. 43. speaketh of some , who had had familiar company with Spirits for many years . And Agrippa , de occ�lta Philos . lib. 3. cap. 24. saith , Sunt adhu��o�ie qui commercium & conjugalem commixtionem habent cum Daemonibus . Burton in his MELANCHOLY relateth a story of Menippus Lucius , That between Cen�hrea and C�rinth he met a Spirit , in the habit of a fair Gentlewoman ; and , deceived by her allurements , married her . To the Wedding , among other guests , came Apollonius , who by conjectures found her to be a Spirit . When she saw her self discovered , she begged of Apollonius to be silent : But he refusing , she vanished with all her house and furniture . Sabinus , in Ovid � Metam . lib. 10. hath the like story . Florilegus , ad Ann. 1�58 . telleth of a young Gentleman of Rome , who , the same day he was married , going to play at Tennis , put his ring on the finger of the image of Venus ; and returning to take off his ring , Venus had bent-in her finger so that he could not get it off . Whereupon loath to make his company stay , he left it , intending the next day to use some other means for it . Night being come , and going to bed to his Bride , Venus interposed between , telling him , He had betrothed himself to her by the ring he put upon her finger ; and thus troubled him for many nights , till by the advice of Palumbus a Magician , he was released from his unwelcome Lover . Lavater , de spectr . part . 1. cap. 19. telleth this story , I have heard , saith he , a grave and a wise man , in the Territory of Tigure , who affirmed , that as he and his servant went through the pastures in the summer time , very early , he espied one ( as he thought ) whom he knew very well , wickedly committing lewdnesse with a Mare . At which being amazed , he returned back again , and knocked at his house whom he supposed he had seen . There he certainly understood , that the man had not been that morning from his chamber . Vpon which , discreetly searching into the businesse , he saved the man , who else had suffered for the deluding Damon . Corn. Agrip. de ocult . Philos . l. 3. c. 19. citeth a passage in St. Augustine , that Spirits are subject to these lusts . And Mr. Burton quoteth Pererius in Gen. lib. 8. c. 6. v. 1. who affi meth , that these Genii can beget , and have carnall copulation with women . In that fair Temple of Belus , as Herodotus saith , there was a Chappell , in which was splendidè stratus lectus , & apposita �ens� aurea . Into this adorned bed none came , but the woman whom the god made choice of , as the Chaldean Priests told him ; and their god lay with her himself . Of this opinion is Lactantius . And Lipsius relateth proofs thereof in his daies , in the City of L�vain . Further discourse on this point I shall reserve for a place more worthy of it .

75. If Hercules thus learn'd to spin . ] The� is being come to the Island where she intended to place her son , letteth him know , that for his safety , she would put him into woman's habit . And knowing that the greatnesse of his spirit would scorn such a disguise , she sertteth Hercules before him , who at the command of Omphale in such a dresse sat spinning , Seneca Hippolyto , act . 1.

Natus Al�mtna posuit pharetram , Et minax vasti spolium Leonis , Passus aptari digiti� smaragdos , Et dari legem rudibus c�pillis . Crura distincto religavit �uro , Luteo p'ant�� cohibente socco : Et manu , clavam modo quâ gerebat , Fr�d deduxit properante fuso . Vidit Perses , ditisque s�r�x Lydia regni , dejecta seri Terga Leonis , bumerisqu� , quibus Sederat alti regia coeli , Tenu�m Tyrio stamine pallam . Vid . Herc. Furent . v. 465. & Herc. Oct. v. 372. Great Hercules once threw away His Quiver and the Lion's prey : His fingers he adorns with rings , And his rude hair in order brings : His legs with gold embraced round , His feet with yellow buskins bound : That hand , which so well arm'd had been With his great Club , now learns to spin ; By Persians and rich Lydians scorn'd , Not with his Lion's skin adorn'd . Those shoulders on which Heav'n should rest Were in a woman's habit drest .

77. If Bacchus ] Bacchus also disguised himself in a Virgin 's habit , for fear of his mother-in-law Juno , Senec. O�dip . v. 417. Mythologers understand this of the effects of Wine , which sometimes rendreth men esteminate , and otherwhile giveth courage to the most womanish mind : And therefore was Bacchus said to be of both sexes . Origen lib. 3. contra Celsum saith , that Bacchus was thought sometimes to have worn a woman's habit . Eusebius , de Pr�p . Evang. l. 3 c. 9. giveth this reason , why a woman's form ( and therefore habit ) was ascribed to �acchus , �t vim illam quae plantarum fructi�us i�est ex mascula foemineaque conflatam significet ; To signifie , that the strength was of both kinds by which fruits were produced .

78. And Jove himself . ] The story is commonly known : Jupiter going to visit the world , injur'd by Phaeton's Lightning , employed his first care on Arcadia ; where his eyes told his heart such wonders of Colisto's beauty , that he counterfeited the shape and dresse of Dianae , ( Quis Divûm fraudibus obstet ? ) and so enjoyed the deceived Calisto , ��� . Metamorph. lib. 2.

� Coeneus ] Who being ravished by Neptune , and having the grant of �ish for her recompence , desired to alter her sex , that she might ��r suffer such a misfortune more . Unto this the too kind god added her beeing invulnerable . Yet in the battell of the Centaurs , and the Lapithae , she was pressed to death : So impossible it is for power , any way applied in this world , to alter destiny . Nor do our fond attempts give occasion to Him above , to appoint new accidents : It is He , that permits those fond attempts , and letteth them be the means of those accidents , which we would most avoid . The fable sometimes goeth , that she had power to change her sex . Otherwise the sense remaineth not perfect . In the other World , Virgil sheweth her in her first sex , Aen. 6. v. 448.

� Et juvenis quondam , nunc foemina , Coeneus , Rursus & in veterem fato revoluta figuram . And Coeneus once a Youth , but now a Maid , By fate into her former sex convey'd .

85. If by the Stygian arming waves . ] Thetis to prevent the mortality of Achilles , which he had received from his Father , dipped him in the Stygian flood , all but the heel , which she held by ; In which mortall part , he was shot by Paris . By this River , the gods took their inviolable Oaths , Virg. Aen. 6. Seneca , Thyest . v. 667. giveth it this Character , Deformis unda , quae facit caelo fidem . And Homer , Odyss . ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . � ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . The greatest Oath among the blessed Gods.

The fable is , that Victoria the daughter of Styx , assisted Jupiter in his War against the Giants ; For which service , he gave this honour to her Mother , that the gods should swear by her , and inviolably keep their Oath , or else be banished from the banquets of the gods . This affordeth some illustration to verse 213. Where Thetis wishing honour to the Island Scyros , saith ,

Let thy name be the Seamans sacred vow .

The Viscount , St. Albanes , Sapient . Vet. applieth this to the Leagues and Covenants of Princes , which by reason of interest , are preciselier observed , than more sacred ones . Natalis Comes , �ytholog . l. 3. c. 2. saith , that Styx discovered the conspiracy of the gods , and that therefore , perhaps Jove made that Water their obliging Oath . Aristotle , M�taphys . l. 1. c. 3. conceiveth , that the Poets by this fiction , intended to signifie , that water is the original of all things . So Thales Milesius said , that , water is initium rerum ; Deum autem , eam Meutem quae , ex aqua cuncta fingeret , as Cicero saith , De nat . Deox . lib. 1. according to that of Moses , Gen. 1. 2. So the god's Oath seemeth to have been by the first beginning of things . Other reasons may be seen in Cal. R�odiginus , lib. 27. c. 5. Of this opinion , Plutarch sheweth Homer to be , lib. De Homero , where he citeth Thales for it ; and , after them , Xenophanes . The reasons of whose conjecture , Eusebius giveth , De praepar . Evang. lib. 14. c. 14. Servius in Aen. 6. saith , Acheron hath its name , qua�� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , sine ga�dio : From whence , Styx cometh ; from Styx , Cocytus . Whose Etymologies he thus bringeth along ; They , who want Joy , have Sadnesse , which is neighbour to Grief , the production of Death . The Poets feigned these Rivers to be unpleasant : So must Death needs be to those , who placing their joyes in this World , part with both together . By Victory , daughter of Styx , may be intimated the power of Death , who assisted Jupiter ; in that the Gyants were mortall : shewing the vastnesse of their crimes , which make the true War with God , and want but eternity for themselves , to make their crimes perpetuall . All this signifieth but the series of Life and Death , not more of sorrow belonging to our ends , then to our beginnings . Man is born unto Sorrow , saith Eliphaz , Job 5. 7. And according to this sense , Plutarch speaketh , whose words I have taken the liberty , to dresse in verse ;

Sicut qui argillam tractat , fingere Ex ea animalis fo�mam potest , Rursúmque diffingere , iterúmque ae Quoties libet perpetuò vices istasrepetere : Sic etiam Natura ex eadem materia Olim avos nosiros , postea patres pro - tulit , deinde nos , ac deinceps a - lios ex aliis evolvet . Ac fluvius Ille ortûs nostri absque intermis - sione labens nunquam subsistet ; Sicut & interitûs flumen hujus C�ntrarium , five is Acheron est . Prima ergo Causa , quae nobis Solis offendit J�bar , eadem ad calig�iosum Orcum adducit . As one that chafes the pliant clay , may bring The substance to the form of any thing ; Again , destroy the species , and by skill Repeat the same as often as he will : So nature also at the first , from clay Our Ancestors did to the World convay , Our fathers next ; to them do we succeed , Others to us ; and they shall others breed . This flood of Life , flows at a constant rate , Consuming still , as do the streams of Fate . This flood 's Cocytus , or else Acheron , Which stream the Poets set those names upon . Thus the first cause , which shews us the Sun-light , Restores us back unto Eternall night .

120. Receiv'd Love's flames . ] Those thoughts of glory , that would not suffer Achilles to consent to his kind Mother's advice , yield to Love's power , by which all the World is fettered . Which matter is excellently expressed by Seneca , Hippolyt . act . 1. Chor. The greatnesse of which power , joyned to the swiftnesse of its execution , made the Antients believe , it was a fascination ; So Dido , at the first sight of Aeneas , received a passion as durable as her life , since she could find no way but one , to end both . The amorous Sappho , having expressed all the symptoms of a powerfull passion , exspecteth the same fate .

� Velut herba pallent Ora : spirandi neque compos , Orco Proxima credor . My lips grow pale , and my disordered breath Is spent in sighs : sure , the next thing is death .

Ex interpretatione Henrici Stephani . According to these examples , there is reason enough to believe Claudians amorous begger ;

Paupertas me saeva domat , dir�sque Cupido : Sed toleranda fames , non tolerandus amor . In Loves and Fortunes fetters I remain : One may endure the hunger , not the flame .

Aelian , Variae hist . lib. 12. c. 58 relateth the story of Dioxippus , the famous Wrestlet of Athens ; Who coming into the City , as the manner was , after those exercises , fell in Love with a Maid , ( like Achilles here ) at the first sight , as he passed along .

123. Massagetans . ] A people of Scythia , inhabiting Caucasus , who used to break such in pieces , as died of old age , and to throw such to Wild beasts , as died of diseases , Strabe . lib 2. They worshipped the Sun chiefly ; to whom they offered an Horse . When they travelled through a wildernesse , they were wont to drink Horses blood mingled with milk . So Claudian ,

Et qui cornipedes in pocula vulaer�t aud�x Massagetes .

170. Altars witnessing . ] It was an observed custom , when any thing of cons�q�ence was to be said , or petitioned for , to do it before the Altars of the gods . So when I�rbas heard of Dido's passion for Aeneas , Aen. 4.

Isque amens animi , & rumore acceusus amaro , Dicitur an�e�aras , m�dia inter numina Divûm , &c. Enrag'd ( 't is said ) at this unwelcome fame , Among the Altars of his Gods he came .

This he did , that he might perform that usuall ceremony of hol�ing the Altars ; as a little below , Talibus orantem dictis , �rásque tenentem . And the same Prince of Poets , Aen. 12. Tango �ras , �edios ignes acnumina testor .

And Macrobius , Saturnal . lib. 3. c. 2. saith , that Jupiter heard him , non quia orabat tan�ùm , sed quia & aras tenebat . And he citeth Vario , Divin . lib. 5. who saith , Aras primùm dictas , quòdesset necess�rium à sacrificantibus eas teneri . Ansis autem solere teneri vasa , quis duhitet ? Alexander a� Alexandro . lib 2. c. 18. saith , It was a custom for those that were piously praying to the gods , to embrace their knees , i. e. the knees of their Statues . And this certainly , is the onely meaning of that in Juvenal , 8 a� . 10. 55. � genua incerare Deorum . But because incero signifieth to cover with wax , some hold , that they waxed-on their Petitions on the knees of their Statues . Turnebus lib. 1. cap. 17. saith , That they he�d the Statues with such assiduous fervency , ut sudore incrassarentur , & videretur illis quas� cera superposita . Were it possible this place should still remain unperfect , after its having passed through so many learned hands , I should guesse the word insuccare , to make moist , more apt to the sense , especially to the interpretation of the most learned Turnebus .

159. Nor Gymnick game . ] Gymnad�s , from ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , Exerceo ; or rather from ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , Nu�o . For they which exercised these Games were all naked . These were invented by Lycaon of Arcadia . And the Spartan Vi�gins used to practise all manly exercises naked . Alexand. ab Alex. lib. 2. c. 25.

208. As Creet to Rhea . ] Thetis having now taken leave of her disguised son , and being entred the waves , turneth her eyes towards the Island , and beggeth of it to perform its trust as justly , as Creet had done to Rhea : Who , when her husband Saturn intended to murder all his children , being told that he should have one , who would depose him from his throne , hid her son Jupiter in Dicte , a Mountain of Creet , where the Corybantes her Priests , with their sounding Brasse , drowned the noise of the child's crying , Natalis Comes . lib. 2. c. 1. Saturn was a great devourer of children , for to him the Carthagenians offered their sons , Plato in Minoe . By Saturn was understood Time ; by Jupiter , Heaven , which is not subject to the power of Time : And therefore was it said , that Jupiter was not devoured by Saturn . Gaffard in his Curiosities , part . 3. chap 11. sect 8. saith , The antient Hebrews stood in much dread of the malignancy of the Planet Saturn . And the Chaldeans , who gave themselves over to the worshipping of false gods , observing this Star to be hurtfull , thought good by some sacrifice to render it more propitious to them . And no sacrifice being fitter than that on which it wrought its sad effects , they began to sacrifice children to it under the name of Moloch . And this , he believeth , was the originall of the Fable , why Saturn was said to devour his children . And the Priests were said to have made a noise with their brasse , to drown young Jupiter's crie , from the custom which they had to make such noises when the children passed through the fire to Moloch ; which was no other then some particular Daemon-rite . For MOLOCH signifieth as much as BAAL . So we read , Psal . 106. 37. Mactârunt ��� s��s & filias daemonii� , as Mr. Selden rendreth it , De Dî� Syris , cap. de MOLOCH ; to whom , and Saturn , children were the usuall sacrifices , as he there sheweth .

The Third BOOK .
The Argument . An Oath obligeth the revengefull Greeks , At Aulis took . The sly Ulysses seeks The wish'd Achilles ; who , disguis'd , doth move Unto the Conquest of his Mistresse Love. IN the mean while , the fatall love of Arms Stirrs the fierce Greeks . The Princes give th' alarms , Soliciting revenge . The Ilians crime They thus enlarge ; that in a quiet time , No wars , the * daughter of great Jove by them Was injur'd , with the Laws of god and men . How shall the common people fare , if thus They venture first their injuries on us ? Thus all prepar'd for war ; not alone * those Whom the two Oceans do almost enclose , Or round Malea dwell , but also those Who do inhabit where * Propontis flows . Europe from Asia parting , and again Those where the waves spread in a larger Main . The wretched love of war warm'd every breast . Fam'd Temesa gave Brass ; rigg'd Navies press'd The waves of the Euboean shores ; and in Mycoena , strokes of hammer'd Armor ring . Her Chariots Pisa sends for warlick use , Nemaean-shades the skins of Beasts produce . Cyrrha the Quiver fills ; and for the Shields Lerna gives Hides : the bold Acarnan yields Bodies of Foot � so doth th' Aetolian ; Horse , In Troops from Argos sent , compl�at the force , Fetch'd from Arcadia's fair now-emptied plains . For war her famous breed Epirus trains . Aonian Woods and Phocis Arrows lend : Their Engines Pilos and Messana send . No place left free . They Arms from Pillars tore , There by their Ancestors hung long before . The gifts to gods the melting flames devour , Alter'd to serve a far severer Pow'r . No antient shades on th'hills must longer grow : Taygetus now and Othrys naked show . Great Oaks for Ships , lesse Trees for Oars they trim : Whole Woods do now on the vast Ocean swim . Iron by skilfull workmen is design'd For various use ; the beaks of Ships to bind . For Armor , and for Bridles , and for Nails On arming-coats , set like to fishes scales ; For Swords , for Darts , which , dipp'd in poison , throw Death in the wounds they give . The whetstones grow With sharpned weapons thin . Some pieces bring In forms for Bowes , some Bullets for the Sling Prepare , some harden Stakes , some places gave To Helmets where th' advanced Plumes should wave . Among these tumults Thessalie remains Alone unactive , and alike complains That Peleus was too old , his son too young . All-emptied Greece , now mad with fury , throng To Ships , the crowded shores do seem to glow , And sensible of heat the billows show : The justled waves seem to present a storm ; The Ships that raise it on the swellings born . Under their weight the Ocean almost fails , And all the winds scarce serve to fill their sails . At first the waves by rocky Aulis bore The swarming Greeks , the much affected shore Of Cynthia . There loud Caphareus shows His head , and back to th'waves , their clamors throws . When all these swarms of sails came to his sight , Thrice he presag'd a sad prodigious night . Here first Troy's fatall foes-united are , And all by Oath oblige themselves for war , Untill the Sun had pass'd one annuall course , And Greece appear'd in her united force . Into a formed Army they compose Their diff'ring people , and a Generall chose . So the wild multitude that shades enjoys , Enclos'd with toils , frighted with fire and noise , Fly to imprisoning valleys , and admire To see their Mountain lessen by the fire . There the wild multitude know equall fear . The Boar , the Woolf , together with the Bear Imprisoned lie : the fearfull Harts by them The fetter'd Lions in the toils contemn . Though both th' Atridae with the Army came , And Diomede ambitious of great fame , With Sthen'lus , and Antilochus appears More mindfull of the war than of his years . Though Ajax brought his Shield of seven hides , In compasse like a swelling Mountain sides . Though slie Ulysses was among the rest ; Yet of Achilles all a want express'd . His name brings joy . He must be Hector's fate , And ruine of great Priam and his State. " For whose first steps but his were taught to go " In the Aemonian Valleys thorough Snow ? " Whose youth such rigid principles was taught ? " His line from Heav'n so directly brought ? " For whom , but him , such care would Thetis have , " To arm his fair limbs with the Stygian wave ? This through the Camp while all the Greeks proclaim , The Captains joy , though vanquish'd , at his fame . So in Phlegraean fields when the gods were Assembled , and great Mars assum'd his Spear , Pallas her Snakes , his Bow Apollo took ; Yet Nature still wore an affrighted look , Till Jove himself loud storms and thunders rais'd , And from the clowds Aetnaean lightning blaz'd . Whilst here the Captains by their Troops enclos'd Consulted on those ways to peace oppos'd , Protestlaus , who most active show'd I' th War , and on whom fate was first bestow'd , Thus unto Calchas said ; Thestorides , Sure thou forgettest Phoebus Oracles : For when can thy inspired lips relate Better then now the hid decrees of Fate ? Dost thou not see how all amaz'd admire Aeacides , the object of desire ? The Calydonian Prince now all contemn , Slight either-Ajax too , and me with them . But since our valour now is scorned thus , Both Mars and ruin'd Troy shall speak for us . For him , the Princes all neglected are , And he is honour'd as a god of war. Speak quickly , ( or else why should we allow Those sacred wreaths on thy adorned Brow ? ) Where larks the Youth ? for now , as men report , Hee 's not in Chiron 's Cave , nor Peleus Court. Speak then : if ever , now let thy desires Wish for Prophetick breast-inspiring fires . Thou shalt secure from war and danger rest , Those gentle Wreaths with Helmets ne're be press'd . Be happy in th' esteem which all will ow To thee , if thou to us Achilles show . Calchas this while his eyes doth wildly throw , And his pale looks the god's approach do show . His cheeks straight glow with heat : nor can he find Or friends , or tents ; so wild he is and blind . Now in the sky great troops of gods he spies , Now from the Fowls he takes his Auguries , Now asks the Fates below their hid designs , And then consults the bright perfumed Shrines , Snatches the tops of the ascending fires , And with the holy fume himself inspires . His hairs erected stood : in no one place His neck kept fix'd , nor keep his feet one pace . Tired at length and trembling , a voice broke Through the opposing furie , and thus spoke . Whither dost thou Chiron 's lov'd charge now bear , Thetis , with Woman's craft ? Return him here . Hee 's due to us : though waves obey thy will , Yet Phoebus too a god my breast doth fill . Where dost thou hide the Trojan 's fate ? I see The Cyclades and shores sought out by thee , Where thou of thy unworthy theft art cas'd , The guilty Land of Lycom�des pleas'd . O crime ! those shamefull flowing garments tear , And be not subject to a Mother's fear . Ah me ! now from mine eyes , hee 's ravish'd quite , What guilty Virgin 's that salutes my sight ? Then staggering , by his strength and rage forsook , He sunk down by the Altar whilst he shook . Then to Ulysses , Diomede thus said , This businesse now seems to require our aid . For I shall ne'r refuse to go with thee , If the designe doth with thy thoughts agree . Though he in Tethys hollow sounding caves Were hid , or wrapp'd by Nereus in his waves , Thou ' dst find him out . Let thy care be express'd From that great spring of counsels in thy breast . For , which of all our Prophets can deny Thy judgment equall to their Prophesie ? Ulysses pleas'd , repli'd , What thou wouldst do , Great Jove assist , and 's blue-ey'd Daughter too . We run a hazard , 't is an act of weight To arm Achilles ; and a shame as great . If our designe be frustrated by fate : Yet what the Grecians wish , I 'le venture at , And with me , the Peleian Prince I 'le bring , Else Calchas tongue did uninspired sing . The Grecians shout : and Agam�mnon too , Excites them unto that they meant to do . The Councell then dissolv'd , the Grecians rise , And with a gentle murmur shew their joyes : So at the night's approach , calm Hybla sees Return , with buzzing noise , her Laden bees . Now Ithacus a prosperous gale implores To fill his sails , the youths too ply their Oars . Farre off Achilles his disguise conceal'd , Who to Deidamia now must be reveal'd . She , though the crime were hid , did fear expresse , And thought her Sisters at the thing might guesse . For as Achilles stood among the bright Fair charming troup , ( his blushes put to flight ) He chose his lov'd companion , ( though the fair Enamour'd troup for him had equall care ) And practic'd the unknown designes of love , Which in her breast could no suspition move . With haste , he follows her from place to place : His eyes no businesse find but in her face , Repeating looks ; he useth to abide A close companion by her lovely side : Sometimes about her , flowry wreaths he strows , And sometimes at her , harmlesse javelins throw . Now chants he Layes , that Chiron taught , and brings Her courted fingers to the warbling string ; Straight his obliged lips to hers are fix'd , And praises with a thousand kisses mix'd . She gladly learns how Pelions top was rais'd , And who Achilles was , and hears amaz'd His name , with his atchievements of great things , Whilst he himself , himself there present sings . She teaches then his gentler arms to pull , In long extended threds , the following wool . Setling the shaken distaffe in its place , And his full voice admires and strong embrace : Observes his looks on none but her were fix'd , And all his words with long-fetcht sighs were mix'd . Now going to reveal his flame , she flies With Virgin-fears , and his design denies . So Heavn's great Ruler in his tender years , Kiss'd his affected Sister without fears : But Nature's laws being observ'd no more , She fears that love , she blush'd not at before . At length , his Mother's craft he did disclose , A grove there was , whose top to Heav'n arose . Sacred to Bacchus , in whose shades by nights The women paid their Trieterick rites . Whole herds they slaughtered , spears from Trees they rent , And to the God their gratefull furies sent . The Law forbad all Males : yet that command Was giv'n anew . Besides , a Priest did stand To watch the bounds , left they might be defil'd By some rash man. At this Achilles smil'd . Before the troup he with the Ensigne goes , And in unpractiz'd ways his arms bestows . Such as became the sex , and help'd the tales His Mother told . Wonder on all prevails To see Deidamia's self excell'd , as she From her fair Sisters challeng'd victory . But from his snowy neck , that so exceld , When the Hart's skin was thrown with Ivy held , His shining brows with purple ribbands bound , And toss'd his spear with Vines and Ivy crown'd . The troup then all amaz'd the sacrifice And rites forsook ; on him to feed their eyes . So Bacchus look't , whil'st he had yet resign'd To Theban luxuries his loosened mind , Then leaves soft wreaths , his green spear head 's with steel , And now his nobler force the Indians feel . Now Cynthia , in her Silver Chariot rode On heaven's highest road , when the dull God Of Sleep payes visits to the earth , and flings Over the silent world his heavy wings ; The tired Company then weary grown , Lay down to rest . Achilles all alone Thus with himself begins , How long shall I Endure a Mo�hers fearfull subtilty ? And in this soft esseminate Prison lose My noblest thoughts ? May not my right hand chose One armed dart , nor more pursue wild game ? Doth not Sp�rchios still for me complain ? And prom�s�d hairs ? Must I for nothing look , That 's brave , who such a Master so forsook ? Or to the shades do all believe me fled , And Chiron mourns me without issue dead : My darts and bow are now employ'd by thee , Patroclus too , and horses train'd for me ; Whilst I brandish a spear with Ivy dress'd , Or learn to spin , I blush while't is confess'd . Why dost thou hide thy passionate designe , And in dissimulation bury time ? Shall still these flaming words consume thy breast , And leave thy sex and passion unexprest ? This said , and pleas'd with the conc�aling time Of night , sleep too assisting his designe , She now no more his feign'd embraces found , Whilst he by force his burning wishes crown'd . The Stars all smil'd , whilst they the wantons spi'd , And Cynthia , her bright horns with blushes di'd . The Woods and Hills rang with her noise ; when all , Rous'd from their sleep , thought it the signall call . At which the ecchoing grove with clamours shakes , Whilst he again , his wreathed Thyrsus takes : But his afflicted mistresse first thus chear� , 'T is I am he ( why dost thou shew these fears ? ) Born of the Oceans Queen , who did bestow My breeding on me in Thessalian snow . Nor had I e're endur'd this soft disguise , Had not I first been charmed by thine eyes . It was thy pow'r besides , that did command A Timbrel and a Distaff in this hand . Why dost thou weep , since to the Ocean's King , Thou art a Child , that must Heav'n issues bring ? And ere thy Father shall disturb my joy , Storms and unvanquish'd flames shall all destroy . I am not turn'd a woman quite with this , But yet awhile conceal this stealth of blisse ? At this , new fears amaz'd th' affrighted Queen , Though still suspicious of him she had been . Trembling when he came near , now she fear'd more , When he confess'd what she believ'd before . Should she her Father tell , ( what should she do ? ) And with her self ruine the lov'd Youth too ? For his dear sake , she rather chose to be By silence made as deep in guilt as he . By joynt consent , one confident they chose , To whom they did their secret theft disclose , Her womb now swells : and , all her heavy time , She cunningly conceals her shame and crime . Till Nature's just designed term did come , And kind Lucina did unload her womb .
ANNOTATIONS on the Third Book of STATIUS his ACHILLEIS .

STatius , in the beginning of his third Book , ( according to the Paris-Edition , for that of Amsterdam maketh but two ) representeth Greece preparing war against Troy , and declaring their affection to it . This was the first war we read the Greeks were engaged in , Thucyd. lib. 1. And therefore it is the lesse wonder that they loved war , seeing they understood it not . Since also we have monstrous examples of some , that have been weary of peace , giving it no better a name than Idlenesse , and making it the scandall of a Nation . When it is wanted , it will be esteemed . Such is the fatall folly of frail nature . Sylla told King Bocchus , that the gods advised him , when he chose any peace rather then war. And when some disliked the effects of the Treaty , Salust Bell. Jug . excellently saith , Scilicet ignari rerum humanarum , quae fluxae & mobiles saepiùs in adversa mutantur . Expectation of better is the great cousenage of this world , at least the attempts and profession of it .

10. Two Oceans . ] Peloponnesus , now called Morea , hath the Ionian Sea on the right hand , and the Aegean on the left , being a Peninsula , in whose isthmus stood the City of Corinth .

11. Malea . ] A Promontory in Laconia , between which and Taenarus is the Laconian Bay , Strab. lib. 8.

16. Temesa . ] A City of the Brutians , famous for Brasse-mines ; after called Tempsa , Plin. l. 3. c. 5. There is a Town of this name in Cyprus also famous for Brasse . One of these afforded matter for the stately Horse of Domitian , Statius Silv. lib. 1. in Equo . Domit.

Et quîs se totis Temese dedit hausta metallis . Upon which large and stately Statue , shrines The City Tem�sa's exhausted Mines .

17. Eubaea� shore . ] Euboea assisted with ships , being an Island opposite to the Continent of Attica , Boeotia , and Locris , extending from Sunium as far as Thessalie , Strab. lib. 10.

18. Mycena ] A City so near Argos , that , as Strabo saith , their names were oftentimes promiseuously used for one another . It was once the head of Argia ; distant from Argos but fifty furlongs , Str�b . lib. 8. & Pausan . in Corinth . It received its name ( as Etepha�us saith ) from the handle of a Sword , which the Greeks call ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . The word signifleth properly a Musbrain . It is used also for the lower part of the handle of a Sword , which is like a Mushrum . Mycena had its name from hence , because Perseus letting the handle of his Sword fall there , was commanded by Mercury there to build that City .

19. Pisa . ] A City near the River Alpheus , where the Olympick Games were celebrated , seated in Elis , a Region , which with Messena takes up the West-part of Peloponnesus . Here Salmoneus once reigned , whose ambition and punishment is thus described , Aen. 6. 585.

Vidi & crudeles dantem Salmonea poenas , Dum flammas Jovis & sonitus imitatur . Olympi . Quatuor hic invectus equis , & lompada quassans , Per Graiûin populos mediaeque per Elidis urbem Ibat ovans , Divûinque sibi poseebat honorem : Demens , qui nimbos & non-imitabile fulmen Ae�e & comipedum cursu fimulârat equorum . At Pater omnipotens densa . inter nubila telum Conto�fit ( non ille faces nec fumea tedis Lumina ) praecipitemque immani turbine adegit . I also saw Salmoneus cruell fate In tortures held , who strove to imitate Jove's lightning , and the noise that heaven makes . By four Steeds drawn , a sputtring Torch he shakes , And through fair Elis crowded streets he drives , Ambitious of the gods prerogatives ; Mad man to think , that Flame which thought exceeds , To imitate with Brasse and trampling Steeds . But through the cracking clowds enraged Jove A fatall rushing Dart whirl'd from above , ( Not Brands , nor smoaky Torches ) and him cast Headlong by that unimitable blast .

20 Nemea . ] A Wood of Achaie , where Hercules slew a Lion. Servius saith , Nemca est vicina sylva Thebis , in qu� Hercules interemit Leonem . But this is a great error in the learned Servius . For Nemea is a Forrest between Cleona and Phlius , Strab. lib. 8. & Thucyd. l. 5. which Towns are far distant from Thebes , which is in Boeotia .

21. Cyrrha . ] A City of Phocis , in the Corinthian Bay , Strab. lib. 9. Pausanias in Phocicis , makes it all one with Crissa ; Plinie , not . Here Apollo was worshipped : And therefore the people haply said to have delighted in Arrows .

22. Lerna gives hides . ] Near Argos is a Lake of this name , where Hercules slew the Hydra , notwithstanding that in the room of one head lopped off , three new ones still sprouted forth . Servius believeth , that in this place there was a swift River , which overflowed the neighbouring Towns , and being stopped in one place , broke forth in many others with greater impetuousnesse : Which mischief Hercules remedied , by damming up the whole Lake . There is a Town also , as Britannicus saith , of this name .

23 , 24. Acarnan � with th' Aetolian . ] Aetolia bordereth on Phocis , Acarnania on Aetolia , betwixt which runneth the river Achelous . The Bay of Ambracia parteth Acarnania from Epirus , Strab. l. 9.

¶ Argos . ] Here Juno had a Temple , whence she was called Juno Argiva . It is commonly placed in Maps a great way from the Sea ; but Pausanias in Corinthiacis saith , It is but forty furlongs off ; which Thucydides also confirmeth , lib. 5. where he saith , that the Argives fearing the Lacedaemonians , and renewing League with the Athenians , raised large Walls from their City down to the Sea-shore , to the end , that if they were shut up by Land , they might , by the Athenian's help , receive in fitting provisions by Sea.

25. Arcadia . ] A Region in the midst of Peloponnesus , Strab. lib. 8. remote every way from the Sea ; famous for pasture , and much more , in having been the subject of so many excellent Pens . For which cause it needeth no more of mine .

26. Epirus . ] A Country bordering on Greece , on the East divided from Achaia by Achelous , on the West by the Acroceraunian Mountains , which lie upon the Adriatick shore ; on the North it is bounded by Macedonia : Its South-side is washed by the Ionian Sea. It was first named Molossia ; afterwards Chaonia , from Chaon brother of Helenus ; now , Albania . Once it was full of Cities and Inhabitants ; but after it was vanquished by the Romans , it long retained the marks of a conquered Nation . Among other things it was famous for swift Horses , Servius in Virg. Georg. 3. That incomparable Poet ( Georg. 1. ) also ascribeth the same to it , � Eleadum palmas Epiros equarum . Ep�rus Breed by swiftnesse gains The Garland in th' Olympick Games . Servius in loc . out of Plinie , giveth this reason of their swiftnesse , that they stale in their courses ; which is not onely ridiculous , but impossible . Georg. 3. 273. The Poet relateth the fond opinion of Mares generating with the wind , which Servi�s also out of Varro conirmeth . In these latter days , Epirus gained its greatest fame , by being the place for which the generous Scanderbeg performed so many glorious actions .

27. Aonian shades , and Phocis . ] Both Regions of Boeotia . The Phocians inhabit the East-side of Para�ssus the Muse's Hill , Sirah . 1. 9. Aonia also had a Fountain dedicated to the Muses : Whence Juvenal Sat. 7.

� aptusque bibendis Fontibus Aonidum .

28. Pyles & Messan� . ] Pylus is a City of Messenia , on the Promentory Coryphastum . Thucydides , lib 4. relating the advice of Demosthenes to fortifie Pylus , taketh occasion to shew its distance from Sparta to be four hundred furlongs , and that it standeth in the Territory , called by the Lacedaemonians Coryphastum , that once belonged to the Messenians . This was Nestor's Country . There is also in Elis a City of this name ; Strabo speaketh of them both , and also of a third in Arcadia , Messene , here called Messana , is a City and Region on the West-part of Peloponnesus , consining on Arcadia , Elis , and �aconia . But Messana is a Town in Sicilie , near Pelorus . Strabo lib. 8. saith , it was called Zancle : Which name , Ibucydides , lib. 6. saith , the Sicilians gave it , because it was like a Sickle , which they called ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . After , it received the name of Messana , from Anaxilas the Tyrant of Rhegium , being the name of the Country whence he was antiently deseended ; but others say from the Messenians , a people in Achaia .

34. Täygetus ] A Mountain of Laconia , beginning at the Sea , and reaching up towards Arcadia as far as Lacedaemon , Sirah . lib. 8. It was sacred to Bacchus , as Servius saith on these words , Georg. 2. � et virginibus Bacchata Lacaenis Täygeta . � And on Täygetus top , where all Laconian Virgins pay their Bacchanalls . Cicero de divinat . lib. 1. saith , The Lacedaemonians being warned by Anaximander to leave their houses , they were suddenly thrown down by an Earth-quake , with part of the mountain Täygetus .

45. Stakes ] The Antients made use of stakes in war , sharpned at one end , and hardned in the fire , Virg. Aen. 11.

Stipitibus ferrum sudibusque imitantur obustis .

57. Aulis ] An Haven ( or an Island , as Servius saith , in Aen. 4. ) of Baeotia , where the Greeks made their great rendezvous , and took an Oath to destroy Troy , or never to return , Senec. Agam. 170.

Cruore ventos emimus , & bellum nece

& v. 172.

Non est soluta prospero classis Deo. Ejecit Aulis impias portu rates . War and th' obliged Winds by blood were brib'd . Not a propitious Power was their guide , When from the Port of Aulis first they fled , And their swell'd sails the impious Navy spread .

This blood was Iphigenia's , who was sacrificed to Diana , because Agamemnon her father had killed a Hart which the goddesse loved . Much contention there is concerning her transformation ; Most agree she was turn'd into a Hinde . Ludovicus Coppellus in his Diatriba de vot� Jephtae , compareth the condition of Agamemnon and Jephtha together , and maketh them contemporary , and fetcheth the name Iphigenia from Jephtha , quasi Iephthigenia ; and conceiveth the fable of her transmutation arose from the story of Iepthah's daughter wandring on the Mountains . Of this sacrifice speaketh Nazianzen , Orat. 20. And Eusebius , de praeparat , Evang. hath much of human sacrifices ; which are said to have been performed by divers Authors . The Fable of Agamemnon's daughter is set down by Hyginus , lib. 1. cap. 98. Ovid , Metamorph. lib. 13. Euripides , in Iphigenia , Seneca in Agam. Dictys Cretensis , and many others .

79. Antilochus ] the son of Nestor , famous for his actions against Troy. Statius here giveth him this character ,

� nec cogitet annos Antilochus .

This , Britannicus interpreteth of his youth , and his doing actions , that such years as his were not wont to produce . But had he remembred , that his Father had been at the hanting of the Bore with Meleager , Ovid. Metamorph. lib. 8. fab 4. and had already lived two ages , when he came against Troy , Homer , Il. a 250. he might with more reason , have believed Juvenal , concerning the age of Antilochus � Stat. 10. 250.

� Oro , parumper Attendas , quantum de legibus ipse queratur Fatorum , & nimio de stamine , cum vidci acris Antilochi barbam arden�em , cum quaerit ab omni , Quisquis adest socius , cur haec in tempora duret , Quod facinus dignu� tam long� admiserit aevo . Hearken a little , how old Nestor cries Against the Fates , and too kind destinies ; The beard of brave Antilochus , while he Upon the funerall pile doth flaming see . Of every one , demanding what strange crime Prolong'd his age to such a wretched time :

85 , 86. He must be Hectors fate , And ruine of great Priam ] The death of Hector , I have above set down . The ruine of Priam is justly attributed to Achilles , in that he begat Pyrrhus , who killed him before the Altar , Virg. Aen. 2 554.

Haec finis Priami fatorum ; hic exitus illum Sorte tulit , Trojam incensam & prolapsa videntem Pergama , tot quondam populis terri�que superbum Regnatorem Asiae , jacet ingens littore truncus , Av�ls�mque humeris caput , & sine nomine corpus . This was of once great Priam the hard fate , Troy seen on fire , and his ruin'd state ; He who o're part of Asia late did reign , Now headlesse lies , a corps without a name .

We read of few examples , of so great alteration of fortune , unlesse this later age hath produced them ; Who now perhaps , take such a prospect of their scorned bodies , as Lucan , lib. 9. v. 10. giveth pompey of his from Heaven ,

� Illic post quam se lumine vero . Implevit , stellasque vagas miratur , & astra Fix� polis , vidit quanta sub nocte jacere� Nostra dies , risitque sui ludibria trunci . There with true light inspir'd , the wandring fires And fixed stars for ever he admires . The day sees wrap'd in night , which us beguiles , And at his scorn'd and headlesse carcase smiles .

95. Phlegraean fields ] Phlegra is a valley in Thessaly , where the mountains Pelion and Ossa stand , on which the Poets feigned the Giants ass���lted heaven . There is another Phlegra in Campan�a , near Cume , which some make the stage of that bold attempt , Strab � lib. 5. Some reduce it to a truth , as ridiculous as the fable ; How that a proud Nation , of monstrous dispositions , rather then statures , warred against Hercules , and were here overthrown by help of lightning , which arose by agitation of winds , the ear�h being sulfurous , and so �ubject to burning : From whence it had the name Phlegra , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� signifying to burn . Cicero , in his Ca�o major , saith the War of the Giants �ith the gods , was nothing but Men ' rebelling against Nature . And Macrobius , Saturn , lib. 1. c. 20. describeth them to have been an impio�s race of men , who , denying the gods , were therefore said to attempt the dethroning of them , And their lower parts , feigned to be like the winding voluminous tails of Dragons ; signified their indirect and crooked affections . Vadianus , in his learned Notes on Mela , understandeth this Gig�ntomachia , of the enclosure of air in the earth , which forceth its way forth , as it were with defiance to Heaven , which is Jupiter ; And this glanceth at th� Mythology , that Macrobius giveth . Ovid , Fastor . 5. thus expresseth the Fable .

Terra feros partus immania monstra gigantes Edidit , auturos in Jovis ire domum . Mille manus illis dedit , & pro cruribu� augues ; Atque ait , In magnos arma movete Deos � Exstruere hi montes ad sidera su�m� paraban , Et magnum bello sollicitare Jovem . Fulmina de coe�i jaculatus Jupiter arce , Vertit in autores pondera vasta suos . The Earth brought forth Giants to vastnesse grown , That durst attempt to storm Jove's starry Throne . A thousand hands she gave them , crooked thighs Like snakes , and bids them war with Deities . They hills on mountains pil'd to reach the stars , Attempting Jove himself with impious wars . From whose revenging hand , the lightning blaz'd , Turning those mountains on them which they rais'd .

This , learned Bochartus accurately applieth to the builders of the Tower of Babel , Geograph . Sacr. lib. 1. c. 13.

175. Hybla . ] A City in Sicily , abounding with flowers and bees . Senec� , O�dip . 601.

Nec vere stores Hybla tot medio creat . Nor doth the fragrant Hybla bring So many flowers in the spring .

213. Heaven's great Ruler . ] Jupiter was bred with his sister Juno in Creet . See on Book II , verse 208. He was said to marry her by reason of the propinquity of the Fire and the Air ; Hence also it was , that he could not match with Thetis , that is , the Sea. He is called ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� in Greek , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , from being the gi�er of Life . Aulus Gellius , lib. 5. c. 12. Jovem Latin� veteres à ju��hdo appellavere ; eundémque alio vocabulo juncto Patrem dixerunt : Which by the cutting off , and altering some Letters , is Jovispater � as Marspater , or Marspiter . This , unimitable Selden condemneth , Syniagm . 2. de Ba�l and Belo .

219 , 220 , 221 , A grove there was � Sacred to Bacchus , in whose shades by nights , The women pay'd their Trieterick rit�s . ] I shall venture to be judged impertinent , rather then neglect th�se two subjects , consecrated Groves , and the Rites of Bacchus ; Of these , with as much brevity as is possible . A Grove is called in Latin , I ucus , quòd non luceat ; non , quód sint ibi lumina causa religionis , ut quidam volunt , as Servius , in Aen. 1 , And in Georg. 3. he affi�meth , that all Groves were consecrated to Diana ; Perhaps , it was generally believed so , by reason that she was reputed the Goddesse of the Woods . For Servius certainly , could not forget that verse , Aen. 7.

� Et viridi gaudens Feronia lucs .

On which both himselfe and Sabinus relate , that the grove of this Goddesse , Feronia , being burnt down , and the people going to carry away her Statues , immediately it sprung up again , fresh and green . Suetonius in Augusto , speaketh of a grove , sacred to Liber or Bacchus , where Octavius consulted concerning his son ; These Groves were used for Temples by the Germans , Alexand. ab Alex. lib. 4. c. 17. And Tacitus , de morib . Germanor , cap. 9. saith , Lucos ac nemora consecrant , Deorúmque nominibus appellant secretion illud quod solâ reverentiâ vident : A description of these groves , fee in Seneca , Oedip. act . 3. and in our Poet , Thebaid 4. I have in some of these Notes , given short intimations , that there was nothing in the worship of Daemons , which was not an imitation of the worship of the true God : Larger proofs whereof , time perhaps may favour my intentions to produce . Among other things , Groves will appear to have had s�ch an originall ; Learned Mr. Mede , on Josh . 24. 26. sheweth that the Jewes had their praying places , besides their Synagogues , out of a notable place of Epiphanius , a Jew bred and born in Palae��ine . Which , he saith , were open places , and calleth them Proseuchas . Of which Juvenal , Sat. 3. 296.

� In qua te quaero proseucha ?

On which words , the Scholiast and Lubine say , Proseucha signifieth a place , where Beggars use to inhabit . For ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� is Orare , to beg or pray . Yet the Scholiast immediately addeth , Est Proseucha , locus Judaeorum , ubi orant ; Mr. Mede also citeth a place of Philo Judaeus , in his de legat . ad Caium , where he commendeth the exceeding clemency of Augu�ius Caesar , in allowing the Jewes their Proseucha's . But he denieth not but that , under that name , Philo comprehendeth Synagogues also ; Politian Miscell . cap. 30. faith , the word is used , pro Templo & Synagoga Judaeorum . Some held the Jewes had no Synagogues before the Captivity : and their reason , perhaps , is the silence of the Scripture , which mentioneth them not , till the Jewes were returned from Babylon : This Mr. Mede taketh notice of , and letteth it passe for currant ; But as for Proseucha , or consecrated Groves , he proveth them to be near as antient as Joshuah : shewing the Oak of Shechem , to have been such an one , and not a single Tree , as the common interpretation rendieth it . That Trees were in these Proseucha's , may be gathered from another place of Philo , cited by the same worthy Author , where relating the outr�ge of the Gentiles , at Alexandria , against the Jewes , there dwelling in the time of Caius , he faith , Of some of the Proseucha's , they cut down the Trees , others , they demolished to the very foundations . This also is implied by that of Juvenal , Sat. 6. 542. Arcanam Iud�� tremens mendicat a� aurem , Interpres legum Solymarum , & magna sacerdos A�boris . And Sat. 3. 12. he complaineth , that the Jews had leave to live in the wood , which had been sacred to the Mases . Whence this joyning of Trees and Jews together , but from their having their Pros�ucha's ordinarily set with them ? I could set down many Texts of Scripture , which directly distinguisheth between these Groves and Temples , as Psal . 74. 7. though not rendred so in the Vulgar . Translation . So Gen. 13. 4. it is said , that Abraham went unto the place of the altar which he had made at first , and there called on the name of the Lord. Which is explained by Gen. 21. 33. a place expresse to our purpose , And Abraham planted a grove in B�ersheba , and called there on the name of the Lord , the everlasting God. Luk. 6. 12. we meet with one of these praying-places . There it is said of Jesus ; ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , He went out into a mountain to pray , and continued there all night p��ying to God. So Beza rendieth the place , Abii� in montem ad precandum , & pernoctavit illic preca�s Deum , which certainly will not seem a just interpretation to any eyes : but it would be much more genuinely translated in proseucha Dei , than , taking ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� for a Genitive case of the Object , in precatione ad Deum . And in this sense , witho�t doubt , the word is to be understood , Act. 16. 16. ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , euntibus nobis ad prose�cham , or locum �rationis . Beza here also translateth it ad precationem . But v 13. it is said , that Paul and his company went on the Sabbath day out of the city Philippi by a river side , where prayer was wont to be made . If the word ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� be here taken for prayer , neverthelesse it importeth a place where it was used , and that by a river's side : And it could not be a Temple , because they went out of the city to it , and Temples always stood in Cities . Therefore �� judge the word most properly to be taken for a place , that is , a Proseuchs , or grove . These Dae�ons taught the Gentiles , in imitation of the Jews , to use such places of devotion . H�rein abominable ceremonies were practise , as frequently appeareth in Scripture , and therefore were they forbidden . See Isa . 57. 5. Hos . 4. 13. Ezek 6. 13 � Thus much of Groves . Now for Baechus and his rit�s , I �hall first set down the Fable , which hath more reflexion on the truth than is generally conceived . The Poets say , that Semele desiring to embrace Jupiter as Iuno was wont , and being burnt for her ambitious appetite ; Iupiter caught his little imperfect Infant from within her , and having sewed it up within his own thigh , kept it there till the time was compleat that it should have lien in the womb Then issuing forth , he was bred up by Nymphs , and became the inventer of Wine . Of which , see Eusebius de praeparat . Evang. lib. 2. cap. 2. who there speaketh of another Bacchus the son Iupiter and Proserpine , much antienter than the son of Semele . But this is rather from others fancies , than from proofs either of his own or theirs . As little will it be necessary to take notice of the endeavours of Macrobius , to make Bacchus all one with Apollo , Sat. l. 1. c. 8. Which opinion is condemned by Easebius , de praepar . Evang. l. 3. c. 13. It will be onely in some small manner convenient , to take some sleight notice of some Physicall applications of the Fable . Bacchus , they say , was feigned to proceed from his father's thigh , because Vines prosper best in a warm soil . His lips were anointed with Hony by the daughter of Aristaeus ; for the Antients held Wine a friend to Eloquence . He continueth still young ; for Wine preserveth the heart from cares , which are a greater cause of wrinckles and gray hairs than age . Hence also was he called Liber . Other reasons of which name , see in Plutarch , Quaest . Roman qu. 25. Many other appellations of his see in Ovid Metam . l. 4. Aelian V�r . hist. l. 3. c. 41. Alex. ab Alex. l. 6. c. 4. Natal . Com. l. 5. c. 13. Pier. Hieroglyph . l. 27. Gyrald . Synt�gm 8. All which , having no relation to the truth , I forbear to meddle with . For declaring who Bacchus was , and what his rites and ceremonies were , I hold it req�isite to shew who Saturn the father of Iove was , by whom Bacchus was begotten ; and herein I shall wholly follow learned Bochartus . Saturn he accurately proveth to be Noah . For , as the Scripture styleth a Souldier , a man of war , Josh . 5. 4. a murderer , a man of blood , 2 Sam. 16 7. &c so it sty�eth Noah onely , a man of the earth , that is , an Husbandman : Which title Saturn had , and was , as Noah , believed the first planter of Vineyards . Therefore to him they attribute the use of the Reap-hook , and picture him with one , Plutarch Quaest . Rom. 42. Macrob. Saturn l. 1. c. 7 , & 10. And as if Noah , by his being a man of the earth , had indeed married the earth , Saturn was said to be t�e husband of Rhea , which seemeth to be derived of ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , to flow , and signified the earth , which is the sea� of moisture . For , according to antient Philosophers , all Rivers are generated , and have their courses under ground . This Virgil sheweth , Georg. 4. who saith , That when Aristaeus was admitted into his mother's kingdom , Omnia sub magna labentia flumina terra Spectabat diversa locis . � There under ground he spi'd How severall ways the wandring Rivers glide . Macrobius Saturn l. 1. c. 10. deriveth Saturn's name à sa�u , to wit , from planting or sowing . Satur , that is , plenteous or abundant , is nearer to it ; and Sator , that is , a Sower or Planter . From Noah's being drunk , Bochartus lib. 1. cap. 1. bringeth the use of the Saturnalia ; and inserteth a pretty observation concerning his cursing of Cham , because he had seen his secret parts . The like the Heathens held proceeded from Saturn . For Minerva having stricken Tire��as blind for seeing her naked , thus excuseth her self to his mother , Callimach . Hymn . � non per me , perdidit ille o culos : Nec mihi luminibus pueros orbare volupt�s , Ast à falcigero lex Sene l�t� jubet . Vt poena graviore luat , te�eraria quisquis Ausit in invitos lumina ferre deos . 'T was not by me : nor do I take delight Or pleasure to rob any of their sight . The Law from Saturn came , That he should be Punish'd , who e're th' unwilling gods should see . For this , Actaeon suffered . And to this Law Propertius alludeth , lib. 3. ��eg . 12. speaking of the Golden age , Non fuerat nud�� poena videre deas . The son of Noah or Saturn which was cursed , was Cham or Ham ; who , by reason of his being the youngest , or rather because cursed by his father , inhabited the sandy and barren parts of Africk , where he was worshipped by the name of Jupiter Hammon , or Ham. Now Ham had a son or grandson called Nimrod , who was all one with Bacchus , as Bochartus , without any question , concludeth , lib. 1. cap. 2. For Bacchus is the same with BAR-CHUS , that is , the son of Chu�� or C�sh , as Nimrod was , Gen. 10. 8. So Darmesek and Dammesek is all one with Damascut . One of Bacchus his antient names is ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , which signifieth a mighty Hunter , as Nimrod was , Gen. 10. 9. And this is the reason why some held Bacchus the same with Pluto , Pluto enim defunctorum �nimss venatur & captat . Bacchus was also called ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , from ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , an Hind's Calf , because himself and his frantick adorers were usually clad with Stags skins . This also hath relation to Nimrod's being termed an Hunter : And Bochartus sheweth Nimrod and Nebrod to be all one . Bacchus was said to be born of Jupiter's thigh : Now some will not have ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� to signifie a thigh , but to be the name of an Hill where he was born , by Nysa in India ; so Mela , lib. 3. cap. 7. and Plinie , lib. 6. cap. 21. Others conceive , it signifieth the side of a mountain , as Iudg 19. 1. ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , in the thighs , or sides , of mount Ephr�im . And 2 King. 19. 23. ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , to the thighs , or sides , of Libanus . So perhaps Bacchus was said to be born out of his father's thigh , because he was born on the side of some mountain , not that of India . But I much rather believe this part of the Fable arose from mistake of the originall word ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , femur , that is , the thigh , or the leg , which the Scripture useth for a modest expression of the place of generation , as Mr. Mede teacheth on Gen. 49. 10. where he interpreteth also the words , [ from between his feet ] to signifie his posterity . Gen. 46. 26. it is said , All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt , which came out of his loins , &c. And Exod. 1. 5. All the souls which came out of the loyns of Jacob. But in both places the Hebrew signifieth thigh , as the Marginall Notes in our Bibles show � And learned Bochartus saith , the Phoenician words , which properly signifie the thigh , signifie also the generating parts . Thus Bacchus his proceeding from the thigh of Jupiter , according to the Orientall expressions , ( from whence this Fable came ) implieth no more , than that Bacchus was the son of Jupiter . Now I shall briefly consider their Rites , which will appear the same with the worship of Heroes and Daemons . Jupiter the son of Saturn or Noah was the same that was named Baal or Belus , as Bochartus sheweth , Geogr. sacrae . pag. 189. Bell was the proper �h�ldaean word , Baal the Phoenician , as the most learned Selden saith , Syntagm . de Baal & Belo ; both which names ( as he sheweth ) are promiscuously used by Fl. Josephus . The same illustrious Author proveth Baal to be Jupiter ; and withall maketh it appear , that Baal was a generall name for all the gods of the Gentiles . And Belus might be taken for Heaven : and so perhaps the Altar which Manasseh raised to the host of heaven was erected to Baal or Bell. Eusebius de praepar . Evang l. 1. c. 10. saith , Beel-sames signifieth the Lord of Heaven , who by the Greeks �� called ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , Jupiter . As the Altars of Baal which Josiah threw down Were in high places , so Delrius in Senecam . Hercul . Oct. citeth a place of Herodotus , to prove that sacrifices were performed on the Tops of high mountains . Omnis autem mons , saith he , Jovis mons dicitur , quoniam mos fuit antiquorum ut supreme Deorum in sublimi l�co sacrificarent . This he citeth out of Melanthes , that every mountain was called th� mountain of Jupiter , because it was the custom of the antients , to sacrifice to the most high God in an high place . Now as the Babylonian Bel , differed from the Phoenician Baal . or Bel , so Jupiter Hammon , from Jupiter Capitolinus , and others . St. Paul , 1 �or . 8. 5. saith , Sunt dii multi , & domini multi . Which Mr. Selden alloweth to be many Bels or , as the Europaeans speak , many Joves . And thus the name of Belus was conferred on many ; But that - Baal or Jupiter who was the son of Noah or Saturn , was the first we read of , th�t was worshipped ; though the worship of Ba�ls , was the worship of Heroes or Daemons ; To which we now descend . And that it may appear most reasonable , to apply this worship to the most early persons , that we read of in the World ; two things are to be thought on , 1. That the Devill no sooner fell from Heaven , but he began to act against God : as we see in his tempting of Eve , 2. That he found , all men would be apt to ado�e most , what they knew here , and from which they received most benefit ; Whic� was the sol� reason , that Plato and other Heath��s give for the worshipping of Heroes . And in the time of Noah , there being none besides him and his sons to leave beneficiall directions for the succeeding age , it is likely , that they were the first , who , by the Devil's means , were worshipped as Heroes : To whose worship , the Daemons jo�ned their own . That their worships were the same , Cicero confirmeth , making Gods and Heroes all one � Divas , & cos qui coelestes sempe��habiti , colunto ; & illos quos in coelum merita vocaverint , that is � Those Gods which have ever been in Heaven , are to be worshipped ; and those also , whom their deserts have called th�ther . And again , By death they came to be Gods Apuleius also , Est superius aliud augustiu�que Daemonum genus , &c. There is , saith he , a more high and excellent kind of Daemons , which never were imprisoned in bodies : And these Pl�to be�ieved , were the directers of the minds of men . And Plato in his C�atylus , giveth the same Title un o He�oes ; affirming , that Hesiod and other Poets , say excellently well , that good men , when they die , attain great Honour and Dignity , becoming ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , wise ones . And in his de Republ. he would have all that die valiantly in the field , to be worshipped as Daemons , and all that ��� any thing profit�ble for their Country ; Cicero , also in his ��� S��p . maketh him say , that all which died in the service of their Country , be rewarded with Divinity : On which , see Macrobius , lib. 1. c. 4. There are some , that believe Serapis , whose Idol had a Bushell on its head , was Joseph worshipped by the Aegyptians ; Mr. Mede , in his Apostasie of the last times , citeth Ph�lo Byblius , who in his Preface , to Sanchuntathon , the antient Phaenician Historian , saith , The Phoenicians and Aegyptians , account those as the greatest Gods , who had found out any thing profitable for the Life of man , or deserved well of any Nation . See Eusebius , de praepar . Evang. l. 2. c. 6. about the middle ; To these also , were Temples erected as well as to their Daemon-gods . Thu�ydides , lib. 2. saith , The Athenians , who after the Persian War , inhabited the Country , altering their resolutions , went to dwell in the City ; but finding it not large enough to �eceive them , they filled also the Temples and Chappels of the Heroes . Clemens Alex. in his Protrept . and Strom. giveth many the like instances , which I forbear to adde ; Onely shewing , that the Daemons joyned their own worship to that of Heroes , or deified men , as being the aptest course to draw men from the worship of the true God ; Religion , in the infancy of the World , being most confirmed by visibilities : Which way God himself was pleased to allow , and the Devils imitated . The worship of these Heroes , or Baalim , we find to have been wholly Tragicall , as Plutarch , de defectu oracu�or . describeth it : ut collig�mus ex utrorumque sacrificiis , orgiis & ritibus sacrorum multa admixta funebria & lugubria cernentes . Now this � was an expression of sorrow for the deceased ; which grew a part of the religion . Wherefore we read , Lev. 19. 28. Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead . So Lev. 21. 5. They shall not make baldnesse on their heads , nor make any cuttings in their flesh . This cutting off hair , we find often an expression of sorrow among the antient Poets ; And its being forbidden by God , is a plain Demonstration , that it was part of the Idolatrous worship of Daemons or Heroes . Yet sometimes it was used onely , for an expression of sorrow , See Jer. 48. 37. To this effect , Saint Augustine de civ . dei . l. 6. c. 10. q�oteth a place of Seneca's , not exstant in his works ���ut praefixed by Lipsius in his Edition ; who thus describeth this ���latious and Tragicall employment , Ille viriles sibi partes amputat , ille lacertos secat . Se ipsi in temp��s contrucidant , vulneribus suis & sanguine supplicant . An exacter description , cannot be had of their cutting and lancing themselves , and making their wounds their supplications . This sad manner of worship , we may plainly see to be no other th����at of Baal or Jove , as it is expressed , 1 Kings 18 28. And th�� cried aloud , ( that is , the Priests of Baal ) and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancers , till the blood gushed out upon them . Thus have we seen the worship of of Baal or Jove ; that is , Cham or Ham the son of Noah Whose ill mind , it is probable , was easily enticed by Spirits , to cause himself to be worshipped when dead . We shall find his son Bacchus to have had no other rites but those of his . I will not stand to dispute when Bacchus lived , whom Clemens Alex. lib 1. Strom. placeth after Moses . Neither will I set down the reasons of learned Vossius , who saith he was Moses . This would be too large a field to walk over , and at this time not greatly to my purpose . I will onely shew , that his worship was the same with that of Daemons or Heroes , as Baal's or Jove's was . First , it will not be amisse to take notice , that Bacchus had the title of Heros given him , Plutarch Quaest . Graec. 36. His name BACCHUS signifieth something fu�ious . So he is also called Maenoles , �b insania : of which , see Eusebius , Praep. Evang. l. 2 c 3. who expresseth it according to Clemens Alex. in Protreptico , where he applieth the word Evan , which when they kept their Bacchanalta , they used to houl out , being crowned with Serpents , to the first Serpent the Tempter , Et signum Bacchicorum orgiorum est Serpens initiatus mysteriis . And , by the way , this perhaps was the cause why in these rites they used to be crowned with Ivy : This , being always young and flourishing , is the hieroglyphick of the Serpent , who , by casting his skin , reneweth his youth . Bochartus sheweth , how Bacchus his name commeth à luctu , from the funera�l rites and howlings used in his worship . But such were not proper to Bacchus , but common to all Daemons or Heathen gods . Alexand. ab Alex. lib. 3. c. 12. Non animali victimâ , nec hostiâ , sed suo cruore sacrificant . And perhaps these sad ceremonies of wounding themselves , were by some over-devout Zelots extended to human sacrifices , which were offered to divers Heroes , and among them to Bacchus , as Clemens Alex. in Proireptico , reporteth from Dosidas and others . Eusebius Praep. Evang. l 4. c. 16. relateth the same out of Porphyrius , where he mentioneth others besides Bacchus , to whom human sacrifices were offered . The ��� of his Priests we often met with , leaping and dancing on the ��� ��horus's . ; ; ; ; So Baal's Priests are described , 1 King. 18. 26. And ��y leapt upon the altar which was made . The Margin�ll Note , according to the Hebrew , is , They leapt up and down a ( or about ) the altar . The cries and wailings in the Bacchanalia were �o other , than the howls which accompanied these ceremon��� ��� Isa . 15. 2. Moab shall howl over Nebo and over Medeba : on all th� ��� shall be baldnesse , and every beard cut off . And that the rites ��� appear the same in all things , we may see the very cutting and lanching , that is , the effusion of blood , mentioned in Baal's Worship , to be also performed in the Feasts of Bacchus ; as Statius intimateth , describing the wandring Polynices , who leaveth � Ogygiis ululata furoribus antra Deserit , & pingues Baccheo sanguine colles . Those caves which furious rites with howlings fill , And with Bacchean blood th'enriched hill . Upon which , Lactantius saith , Citheronem significat , ubi se Bacchae secant in honorem Liberi ; that is , By the hill is meant Citheron , where the Bacchae , the Priests of Bacchus , cut themselves in honour of Liber , or Bacchus . Thus have I made it appear , that the worship of Bacchus was exactly the same with his father Jupiter's , and both no other than that of Heroes and Daemons . And herein was there an imitation of the worshippers of the true God , as may be gathered from Jer. 41. 5. There came certain men from Shechem , from Shiloh , and from Samaria , even fourscore men , having their beards shaven , and their clothes rent , and having cut themselves , with offerings and incense in their hand , to bring them to the house of the Lord. And because the Lord saw that this would be converted to Daemon-worship it was therefore perhaps forbidden in the above . quoted places of Leviticus , and Deut. 14. 1.

254. Dóth not Sperchios . ] A river in Thessalie , to which Peleus promised his son Achilles his hairs , if he returned safe from the Trojan war. Maturantius saith , It was a custom to offer the hair of Youths to the gods of Rivers , because moisture is the cause of encrease . But I read of no such custom . I have rather given an understanding of this in the precedent Note , where I shewed , that the cutting off of hair was a sacred ceremony , performed to Heroes or Daemons . And no River antiently being thought to be without a Deity , Peleus vowed the hairs of Achilles to Sperchios , that is , he promised he should be worshipped by him with the performance of that Daemon-rite . And these words of Achilles , which Homer Il. � ' . maketh Achilles speak over the body of his dear Patroclus , shew , that Peleus had built Temples to Sperchios . ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . In vain , Sperchios , Peleus vow'd to thee At my return to Greece these Locks from me , Besides a Hecatomb , should then be paid , And on thine altars fifty Weathers laid , Near to those fountains where thy Temple 's rais'd , And odors on thy fragrant altars blaz'd . So Peleus vow'd . But he 's unsatisfi�d . And since my Country I am now deni'd For ever , these hairs to the Stygian shade In my Patroclus hand shall be convey'd . This said , in his friends hand his hair he press'd , Whilst every one affected grief express'd . Alexander ab Alexandro lib. 5. cap. 25. saith , This Ceremony was performed by the Delian Youths and Maids , over the Hyperborean Virgins , the Men laying their hair on the Sepulchers , the Virgins upon the Tombs . And lib. 3. cap. 7. that it was used by the Barbarians , not onely in funerals , but in any great adversity ; and that the Persians at funerals non tantum seipsos sed & equos & jumenta tondebant : But , that the Romans and the Greeks were wont for expressing their grief , to let their hair grow , and onely their women to shave theirs . Hence it appeareth , that the Antients thought it the greatest expression of grief to take away those Ornaments , which they preserved in conditions of better satisfaction That which he saith of the Greeks , is to be understood of the later Greeks , who , by letting their hair grow long , did expresse an alteration from content : And because that could be no expression in women , they still retained the old custom of �utting off their hair . In these later times , it hath been usuall to neglect our selves , when the World or Fortune have feemed unkind to us , letting our hair grow to rudenesse and undecency , quitting vanity upon no other cause but misfortune , nor ceasing to care for our selves , till Fortune appear carelesse of us .

30� ��cina ] Juno and Lucina are taken for the same , Macrob. Saturn . l. 1. c. 15. And Alexander ab Alex. lib. 6. c. 4. giveth Juno the name of Lucina , and Opigena , quod parturientibus opem ferat . Therefore haply was she held the goddesse of Mar�iage . Vi�g . Aen. 4. 59. Junoni ante omnes , cui vinc'la jugalia curae . � and Juno most of all , Propitious to the marriage-thrall . And after , ver . 166. � et pronuba Juno . But the confusion of the names of the Heathen gods I will not here stand upon , having spoken something thereof els� where . The etymology of Lucina Ovid thus delivereth , Fastor . l. 2. � dedit haec tibi nomina Lucus ; Aut quia principium tu , dea , lucis habes . Parce , precor , gravidis , facilis Lucina , puellis , Maturumque utero molliter aufer onus . From sacred groves they thee Lucina call ; Or else because thou givest light to all . Spare , kindest goddesse , every teeming Maid , And gently too their fruitfull wombs unlade . Mr. Selden Syntagm . de Astoreth , condemneth those who seek the etymology of ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , that is , Lucina , from the Greek ; and he deriveth it from the Arabick word Alileth , which signifieth Night . The Hebrews also from Lailah , that is , Night , called this goddesse Lilith , which may be rendred Noctiluca , or Nocturnus daemon . To keep this Daemon away from women in travell , the Jews at this day are wont to write this charm on the walls of the chambers where they are , ADAM , CHAVAH , CHUTZ , LILITH ; Be far hence , Lilith . Perhaps the Moon was adored by women in that condition , by reason that it maketh their labours easier when it is at the full . Ier. 7. 18. she is called the Queen of heaven : The women knead their dough to make cakes to the Queen of heaven . Some testimony of that custom remaineth in these days , cakes being still commonly made at such times , and the children themselves being called by the name of Cake-bread .

The Fourth BOOK .
The Argument . The Grecians at the last Achilles find , Who is betray'd to what the fates design'd . Fair Deidamia mourns her Love with tears ; Whose theft had more of joy , though more of fears . ULysses now through the Aegean seas Chang'd , as he pass'd , the scattered Cyclades . Olearos and Paros hid , they by Lomnos next sail , and lessen as they flye The Isle of Naxos : Samos bigger grew , And Delos made the Ocean lesse in view . Here they with offerings did the God implore , For to confirm what Calchas told before . Apollo heard . From Cynthus-top kind gales Ended their doubts , and stretch'd their swelling sails . Their ship in safety rode . For Jove forbid Thetis to strive to hinder what Fate did ; Who griev'd she could not , being so confin'd , On loath'd Ulysses throw waves swell'd with wind . Now Phoebus near his journeye's end arrives , And to the waves his sweating Horses drives , When Scyros shew'd . Ulysses bids them all Furl up their sails , ( At his Command they fall ) And with united strength to reach the shores : The sinking wind , the Youths supply with Oars . Now all perceiv'd that Scyros they had found , And saw the shore with Pallas Temple crown'd . Leaving their Ship , the Heroes went on shore , And there the kind Tritonia they adore : When wise Ulysses , l�st the City might At sight of all his Troup receive affright , Commands them all within the ship to stay , Whilst they alone attempt the rocky way . But Abas , that kept watch , had told before Of strangers , though all Grecians , on the shore . Like Wolves the Heroes went , who although prone To ease their young ones hunger , and their owne . Yet on they slily creep , dissembling want , Lest dogs should make their Masters vigilant ; �o slow , they took the nearest way that bent Towards the gates , discoursing as they went. Tydides first began ; How we should find This truth , is alway running in my mind . Why were these Thyrsi and these Timbrels bought ? Why Mitres , Drums , and gilded Stags-skins brought Hither with us ? Must these soft things employ , And arm Achilles for the War of Troy ? To him Ulysses smiling said , To thee Let this suffice : If that Achilles be Under a V�rgin's habit here conceal'd , By these fond Toyes , thou ' lt see the Youth reveal'd . In these attempts let this alone be thine , To bring the things when 't is a fitting time . And joyn to these the fairest painted shield , On which the Gold doth radiant lustre yield . This shall suffice . But let Agyrtes too His Trumpet bring , to help what we must do . Then seeing to the Gates the King was come , Shewing an Olive branch , he thus begun . I do believe that Fame hath fill'd your ears , Best Prince , with Europe's and with Asia's fears , Preparing war. If you our names would know , On whom great Agamemnon did bestow This trust , Hee 's Diomed , who hath giv'n Fame The bravest tales ; Ulysses is my name . To tell the cause I come I need not fear , Since you 're a Greek , in friendship tooso clear , T is that in safety we may still employ Our ships this way against injurious Troy ; The King thus stops his speech , May ye still find In all ye do the Gods and Fortune kind . But now let me be honour'd by your stay Within my Court. This said , he leads the way . The Tables straight were spread , the Beds laid out , In the mean time Ulysses sought about If any Virgin , of too large a size , Might give suspition to his doubting eyes , Thus roam'd he round the house . So every way Through fields the Huntsman his undoubted prey , Trails with Molossian hounds , till in the shade He finds the Beast , his head on cool Turfs laid . By this the news was to the Virgins got , How that a Ship had Grecian Princes brought . They all expresse their sexes fears , besides Aeacides , who scarce his new joy hides , Greedy to see the Greeks . The room with guests Was fill'd , who on rich Beds receiv'd their feasts . The Princesses came , sent for by the King , Like those fair Amazonians that did bring Their Troph�ys with them by Maeotis , round With Scythian and with Getan conquests crown'd , ( Whose ruin'd walls in their own ashes lie ) Now seated at their feasts , their Armes laid by . Then straight Ulysses with his busie eyes Observ'd them all . But night , that great disguise , Deni'd the Heros should be quite reveal'd , Whom lying on the bed the boord conceal'd ; Yet * to his friend , he shew'd his wandering eye , How unconfin'd by Laws of modesty . For had not kind Deidamia's care compell'd His temper , and his arms from moving held , And with his veil , his mighty shoulders hid , And naked breast , the full bowls too forbid . And on his head , settled his tottering Crown , Achilles then had to the Greeks been known . Three courses now had satiated their souls , When thus , inviting them to crowned bowls , The King began , The glory of your deeds , I do confesse , in my breast envy breeds . I wish I were now with that Youth inflam'd , Wherewith the Dolopes on these shores I tam'd : As tokens of which victory , their torn And shattered ships do still our walls adorn . Had but kind Nature , made my children men , To serve you now , my joyes had perfect been . You see old age's witnesse on mine head , And these soft pledges of my marriage-bed , When shall the wish'd-for issues from these come ? Ulysses catching at these words begun . Thy wish is just . For who would not have fled To see such swarms , by troops of Princes led ? Th' united strength , that Europe now affords All sworn to just revenge upon their swords . Cities are empti'd , mountains naked show , Sails without number on the Oceanthrow A darkning shade : Fathers deliver arms To the inflamed Youths , who rush in swarms . Fame for attempting-spirits ne're did yield So fair an object in so just a field ; Whilst thus he spake , he saw how the Youth's ears Drank up his words , the rest expressing fears : Then thus proceeds , Who'ere proud in the name Of Ancestors , or in his Nation 's fame , Who manageth his Horse , or else can throw His dart with fatall aim , or use his bow ; Here all their aemulating deeds are paid , Virgins and fearfull women scarce are staid . But that basewretch , who this brave action fears , Hated by Heav'n , shall spend his fruitlesse years . At this how the Youth mov'd , Deidamia's eyes � Soon found , and gave her sisters signes to rise , Leading him forth . Yet he departed last , And still his eyes upon Ulysses cast . Who having paus'd a little , thus again Assum'd his sp�ech , May you , best King , remain In peace , providing marriage-beds for these , Wh�se heav'nly beauties equall Deities . How much their looks amaz� , in which doth shine Mingled with beauty something masculine ! The King replies , If now their looks invites , What would it do at Bacchanalian rites , Or circling Pallas shrines ? This shall appear , If the kind crossing winds detain you here ; At this new hope , their silent wishes bless'd , With haste accepting it . The Court in rest Was now laid free from cares ; only the night To wise Ulysses seem'd too slow of flight . The morning scarce appear'd , when Diomed , Bringing the gifts , with him Agyrtes led ; The Scyrian Virgins too rose with the day , Unto their guests the promis'd rites to pay . Before the rest , Achilles with the Queen Appears . Pallas and Cynthia so were s�en , With the Elysian King 's lov'd Proferpine , By Aetna's rocks among the Nymphs to shine . Now they began to move in measur'd time , And from th' Ismenian pipe they took the signe . Four times the stroakes on Rhea's brasse rebound , As many times the Evian Timbrels sound . Four times their measures chang'd : at once they threw Their spears all up , which fell together too . Now they like the Curetes all advance , Then they present the Samothracian dance : Now all do side like Amazons , then all Into Lacaenian circling figures fall . Achilles now most plain appears , and stands Neglecting the just time of joyning hands , Scorns the soft measures , and to be so dress'd , Forgets his part , disturbing all the rest . Afflicted Thebes saw Pentheus thus despise His mother's tymbrels and the sacrifice . The praised Chorus from their sacred sport Were now dismiss'd , and all return'd to th' Court : Whither the gifts Tydides had convey'd , And all before their eyes in order laid . With these they seem their welcome to requite , And every one unto her choice invite . The King consents , too innocent to find The Greeks , and what Ulysses had design'd . They ( by their nature to such choice apply'd ) The Thyrsus took , or else the Tymbrell tri'd , Or Jewels chose . The shining Arms they view , And thought them presents for their father too . But fierce Aeacides , still kept his sight Upon the Shield , as if prepar'd to fight . His face with fiery blushes grew inflam'd ; Then to the warlike spear his eyes were chain'd . His brows in furrows knit , his staring hairs Grew stiffe , and he forgat his Mothers cares . With his owne Love : Nothing durst then employ His high-erected thoughts but War and Troy. So from the teat , when a young Lion's brought , And against nature an obedience taught , Nor is an anger of his own express'd : But if the shining steel threaten his breast , His faith then flies ; he makes his Lord his prey , Scorning a fearfull Master to obey . But when he nearer came , and in the bright - Reflecting shield , saw the contemned sight How he was cloth'd , then his fierce looks proclaim In his inflamed blushes rage and shame . Then slie Ulysses coming to him , said With a low voice , Why are we thus delay'd ? We know where thou wert bred , how thou dost spring Both from the Ocean's God and Heaven's King. For thee the Grecians doubting-Army cal�s , And at thy name Troy shakes her nodding walls . Let Ida shrink , and please thy Fathers ears , Who blusheth at thy crafty Mother's fears ; At this , his garments from his breast were cast , Agyrtes straight gave the commanded blast . Throwing their gifts away , the Virgins run For shelter , and believ'd a War begun . His robes untouch'd , fell down at the alarm , Snatching the spear and shield upon his arm . He taller far then Ithacus appears , Or Diomedes . Swift dispersing fears , Fill the affrighted Court , whilst in his gate He seem'd now seeking to be Hector's fate . The fair troup the Peleian Virgin seeks , At whose discovery Deidamia shreeks . Whose well known voice , no sooner fill'd his breast , But Love began to plead his interest . His shield sunk down , and on the King his eyes Fixing , amaz'd at all these prodigies , He still thus arm'd to Lycomedes said , 'T is I , dear Father , ( be not now afraid ) Whom the immortall Thetis bore . To you This glory to oblige the Greeks is due , In giving them Achilles . Thou shalt be ( If it be just to say ) dearer to me Then Peleus or lov'd Chiron . Yet attend These words with kindnesse , and attention lend : Peleus and Thetis adde a child to thee By either side s�rung from a Deity . They do require one of these Virgins here . Dost thou agree ? or else do I appear Degenerate from them ? Our hands then joyn With free consent , and pardon those are thine , With thy Deidamia 's rape . Who can restrain These limbs attempting to appease their flame ? If thou ' lt revenge , to me it �s onely due , See how I wait it thus unarmed too . Why do thy angry eyes so madly run ? Thou art a Father-in-law . Then throws his son Before his feet , and then again proceeds , By this a Grand-father . New rigour needs More then such troups to punish . Th' Greeks with him Joyn all their reasons to appease the King. He with his daughter's injury though press'd , And with the words of Thetis still possess'd , And loth to break his trust , yet fears to stay The Grecian War , and Fate 's designs delay . His Mother now , if there , in vain might use Her power : Nor could he such a son refuse . Thus he was vanquish'd ; When yet full of fears The fair Deidamia , blushing still , appears ; She could not think her Father yet was made So kind , the crime upon Achilles laid . The news of all to Thessaly he convaid , And to his friends and subjects sends for aid . The King for his new Son , two ships prepares , And blames his power short for such affairs . The day was spent in feasts ; the Lovers ty'd In Hymen's knot : The gentle night comply'd Now to their bold embraces . He in dreams Fancy's the war , Xanthus and Ida's streams . The Grecian ships ; whilst unto her a fright The thought of waves did give , or morning's light . About her Lovers neck her arms she spred , And mingled with her tears these words she shed . Shall I e're see thee more , and thus remain ? May we be worth thy visit once again ? Will not Troy's ruine , your swel'd mind forbid To think where you were like a Virgin hid ? Ought I to beg , or onely to have fears ? Should I use words , that scarce have time for tears ? Is this our nuptiall bed's designed right , To be bestow'd and ravish'd in one night ? Is this free Hymen ? O thou kinder theft ! What we have leave to love , must thus be left . Go , go : I dare not ask thee to remain , Go then ; Yet think not Thetis fear'd in vain . Go , and return again to me , but mine I wish too much . Those charming eyes of thine , Will give such passion to Troy's beauteous Dames , They they 'l forget their Country 's for thy flames . Perhaps on Helena , thou 'lt be inflam'd , Whose beauty by her rape is so much fam'd ; Whilst I shall ne're be mention'd to be thine , Or made the subject of thy youthfull crime . But yet , why should not I still go with thee , And bear thine ensigne ? Thou hast born with me The distaff , and the arms of Bacchus too ; Which Troy will hardly credit you did do . Your Image though , the comfort of my breast , Never forget ; nor yet this one request . Let not a barbarous Love enjoy my place , And bring to Thetis an unworthy race ; This said , the shaken Youth comforts her fears , Swears her his faith , and seals it with his tears : And promiseth she should alone enjoy The Captives , and the wealth of ruin'd Troy. His fruitlesse words thus strove to ease her care , And his vain promise lost it self in air .
ANNOTATIONS on the IV Book of STATIUS his ACHILLEIS .

3. PAros . ] One of the Cyclades , famous for clear Marble .

5. Nax�s . ] Another of the Cyclades , sacred to Bacchus , who is said to have been here nourished . Here , they say , Ariadne was married to Bacchus , haply because being here forsaken by ungratefull Theseus , she here found a remedy , at least an end of her miseries . Bacchus , from his easing of cares , received the names of Liber and Lyaeus , and from his pitty , of Eleleus , from ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , Misericordia . But this I conceive rather commeth from ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , clamo , and hath relation to his rites .

Samos . ] An� sland famous for the birth of Pythagoras . There be three Islands of this name : One but a little distant from the Continent of Asia , an �onick Island , having a City of the same name , Strab. lib. 14. Here Juno lived whilst a Virgin : whence the Island was called Parth�nia . Another , not far from the Bay of Ambracia . The third , in the Aegean sea , over against the mouth of the Thracian River Hebrus , Plin. lib. 4. This is here meant .

24. Kind Tritonia . ] Pallas was ever kind to the Grecians , and the Trojans enemy . So Ovid , Aequa Venus Teucris , Pallas iniqua fuit . And Virgil Aen. 1. saith , that among other Pictures that Aeneas saw at Carthage , one was of Trojan women going to the Temple , non-aequae Palladis , of unjust , or ungentle , Pallas . And Aen. 2. Omnis spes Danaûm , & coepti fiducia belli , Palladis auxiliis semper s�etit . All the Greeks hopes and co�fidence which chose Th'attempted war , from Pallas helps arose . Her particular kindnesss to Diomedes Homer sheweth , Iliad 5. Servius in Aen. 2. saith , she was called Tritonia , ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , to fear ; Pallas being commonly represented terrible with her Snakes . Or else she was called so , in relation to the three concerns of Wisdom , Memory of things past , Judgment in things present , and Providence for things to come . Or she had this name from a River , as Lucan there cited , Etse dilectâ Tritonida dixit ab unda . She was called Trigemina by the Aegyptians , Alexand. ab Alex. l. 6. c. 4. the same perhaps with ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , and ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , from ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . which in the Cretian Language signifieth a Head.

85 Maeotis . ] A Lake of Scythia , receiving the River Tanais , with many others , and divided from the Euxine Sea by the Cimmerian Bosphorus .

86. With Scythian and with Getan conquests . ] Scythia was divided into two parts , the European , and the Asiatick . The European from the banks of Tana's , by the shores of Maeotis , and the Euxine Sea , reacheth to the mouth of Ister . The Asiatick from the opposite shore extendeth to the East , and is bounded by the Ocean on the North , and by the mountain Taurus on the South . The Getae were a People of Scythia Europaea , called Dacians , as Britannicus affi�me�h , and Plinie l 4 c. 12. But Strabo lib. 7. placeth the Getans towards Pontus and the East , but the Dacians towards Germany . The G�tae were famous , or rather infamous , for cruelty . So Ovid , Nulla Getis toto gens est truculentior orbe . One of their cruell customs was , to kill the wife , that by her death they might appease the ghost of the husband , Alex. ab Alex. lib. y. c. 26.

102. Inviting them to crowned bowls . ] It was a custom observed by the Antients , especially at their Entertainments , to drink freely after their feasts , Virg. Aen. 1. Postquam prima quies epulis , mens�que remotae , Crater as magnos sta�uunt , & vina co�enant . The first Feast ended , on the tables shine The weighty bowls , crown'd still with sparkling wine . At the beginning , small glasses went about , but at the end they enlarged their draughts , Alex. ab Alex. lib. 5. cap. 21. The Greeks had a Law , ut biberent , aut abirent . How Anacreon liked this custom of drinking , appeareth from this Ode of his concerning himself , H. Stephano interprete .

Vt me subit Lyaeus , Tune cura dormit omnis , Croesumque sperno prae me . Dulcis repente nostro Erumpit ore cantus : Hederâ comasque cingens Proculco mente cuncta . Ad arma currat alter , Ad pocula ipse curram . Puer , ocyùs scyphum da : Nam praestat ebrium me Quàm mortuum jacere . When powerfull Bacchus rules my breast , Then I am from all cares releas'd : Scorn'd Croessus too seems poor to me , Whilst charming Lays take liberty Through my melodious lips , and round My brows with winding lvy crown'd , Contemning all things in my mind . Some are for war and arms design'd ; But the crown'd bowls do fill my head : 'T is better to lie drunck than dead .

106. The Dolopes ] A People on the borders of Thessalie , overcome , as it seemeth , by Lycomedes in a Sea-battle . See Servius in Aen. 2. vers . 7.

162. Ismenian pipe . ] Ismenus is a River of Boeotia , not far from Aulis , where the Greeks made their great Rendez-vous . In this Country stood Thebes , where Bacchus was much worshipped : For which City , Statius here putteth the River Ismenus . A liberty frequently taken by the Poets . So Achaia and Pelasgia , being but Regions of Greece , are commonly put for Greece it self . There is also a Hill of this name by Thebes , whence Apollo was called Ismsnius . Plutarch in Pericle speaketh of a Trumpeter of this name , of whom Antisthenes , Si probus esset , tibicen non esset .

163. Rhea's Brasse . ] Rhea was held the mother of the gods ; Who had divers other names set down by Alexander ab Alexandro lib. 6. c. 4. She was Saturn's wife , and taken for the Earth : The reason whereof see on Book III. vers . 220. Alexander ab Alex. lib. 3. c. 12. saith , A Sow , which was called Praecidanea , was offered to Ceres , or Rhea , because ( as some conceive ) a Sow , being a fruitfull creature , was thought a fit Present for the Earth , which was understood by Ceres . But I rather chuse the reason of Servius in Georg. 2. where he observeth , that the sacrifices to the gods were all performed , either by similitudes or contrarieties : By Similitude , as a black Beast to Pluto : By Contraries , as a Sow to Ceres , because an enemy to Fruits ; a Goat to Bacchus , because an enemy to Vines . This Agellius l 4. c. 6. seems to confirm , where explaining the word Praecidanea , he addeth , Porca etiam Praecidanea appellata , quam piacul� gratiâ ante fruges novas captas immolari Cereri mos fuit ; that is , A Sow was called Praecidanea , or a preceding sacrifice , by reason that it was a custom to offer one to Ceres before harvest . Rhea was commonly represented with Towers upon her head , and drawn by Lions . And hereby the Earth is signified . Which Macrobius Saturn . l. 1. c. 21. affirming , addeth also , Haec dea Leonibus vehitur , validis impetu atque fervore animalibus . Quae natura Coeli est , cujus ambit� Aer continetur , qui vehit terram ; that is , This goddesse is drawn by Lions , creatures of great strength force and fervour : Which is the nature of the Heaven , in whose compass the Aire is contained , which carrieth the Earth . On which words Pontanus citeth these Verses of Lucretius ; Hanc veteres Graiûm docti cecinêre Poetae Sublimem in curru bijuges agitare Leones , Aeris in spatio magnam pendere docentes Tellurem ; neque posse in terra sistere terram . The learn'd and antient Grecian Poets sung , This goddesse was by Lions drawn along ; Teaching that round the resting Earth is laid In Aire : for Earth by Earth could not be staid . A Philosophy contrary to that which is now received . This goddesse's Priests were called Galli , from Gallus , a River of Phrygia ; and Corybantes , which some derive from ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , which signifieth to tos�e the head in any violent motion : Which frantick action they used in their mad ceremonies . But Turnebus Advers . lib. 13. c. 24. understandeth the word otherwise . Their rites set down by Clemens Alexandrinus Protrept . and repeated by Eusebius , de Praepar . Evang. l. 2. c. 3. little differed from those of Bacchus , altered onely by the fancy and interest of severall people And all the worship that we read to have been performed to severall gods , was no other , than that which from the beginning of the world was taught by Daemons .

175. Afflicted Thebes saw Pentheus . ] Pentheus was killed by his zelous mother Agave , and other frantick women , for contemning their Bacchanalia . Natalis Comes , lib. 5. cap. 13. thinketh Pentheus was some just and temperate Prince , who striving to suppresse those rude ceremonies , was murdered by his displeased subjects .

The Fifth BOOK .
The Argument . For fatall Troy Aeacides now goes : And as they sail , he from Ulysses knows The wars originall ; which having known , Desir'd , he payes the story with his own . NIght's shadowes now began to flye away , When from the waves , the Ruler of the day Began to spread the promises of light , Yet injur'd by the strugling shades of night . When now Aeacides , ( his soft robes scorn'd ) Appears in his first courted arms adorn'd . For now the winds invited . Now no more Durst they remember how he liv'd before . So chang'd , as if he were not now the same That liv'd in Scyros , but from Pelion came . Then , as they us'd , Ulysses did advise To offer to the Ocean Deities . To Neptune on the flames a bull was laid , To Thetis an adorned heifer paid . Achilles having then the entrails flung Into the briny waves , he thus begun . I have obey'd thee , Mother , though 't was such A hard command : I have obey'd too much . Now with the Greeks , I go fam'd Troy to find , This said , into a snip he leapt . The wind Drove them from shore : the clouds still thicker grew , And Scyros lessen'd to their hindred view . The whilst Deidamia on a Tower appears , Accompany'd with her sad Sisters tears , Holding young Pyrrhus . Still the waves she view'd , And that which bore him with fond eyes pursu'd . He too his looks sends to th' affected walls And widow'd house ; then with a sigh recalls What he had left : His fire burns again , And his great thoughts give way unto his flame . Ulysses guess'd his passion by his grief , And sought by this diversion his relief ; Wert thou , ( to whom the fate of Troy is due , Whom Oracles and Grecians call for too And war within the open threshold stay'd ) Dress'd by thy crafty Mother like a maid ? Could she herself to all be so unjust , To act such theft , and yet expect a trust ? Her fears were much too great in all she did , Should so much virtue in a shade be hid . Which at the Trumpet 's summons , freed thy breast From thought of friends , and thy lov'd flames suppress'd ? Nor is this glory to our selves assign'd , To bring thee now : It was above design'd . Aeacides reply'd , Too long't would be To tell my Mothers crimes . This sword for me , And my disguise shall at a handsome rate , Plead and excuse , though 't were the guilt of Fate . You rather , whilst sost Zephyrus conspires With the smooth Ocean calm'd to our desires , Relate , why Greece thus for revenge prepares , That my resent may be as just as theirs . Slie Ithacus repli'd , If that we may Give credit to the tales of Fame , they say ; Once on th' Hectorean shore , three goodly fair Dissenting Goddesses had equall care . For their disputed beauties : And all three Agree'd the Trojan Swain , their Judge should be . Sowre Pallas pleas'd not his deciding eyes , Nor the immortall Mistresse of the skies : Onely fair Venus looks his mind inclin'd , This strife arose when first the Gods design'd Peleus for Thetis , and their happy seed , Thy glorious self , was for our aid decreed . The vanquish'd Goddesses hid passion fires : The Judge his fatall recompense requires ; Straight sees in Sparta his admired Love ; Then fells the holy shades , and Cybele's grove Falls on the earth , and the forbidden Pine , Though sacred , must assist his foul designe . His ships , now built , do through the Ocean passe To the Achaian shore . His crime , alas ! The injury on potent Europe leaves , Which first the stained marriage-bed receives Of Menelaus , when he his ravish't joy , Helen , with captive Argos bears to Troy. The news through every City Rumour flung , And to their arms the willing Grecians throng . For who can bear at so unjust a rate , Stains on a marriage-bed , with such deceit ? Plunder of grain , or cattell , cause affords To men of valour , to employ their swords . Agenor brook'd not such a rape , when Jove Had through the waves born his affected Love ; But sought Europa , when the fact was done , Scorning the God of Thunder for his son . Aeetes so follow'd his child's escape , Though Semi-gods were guilty of the rape ; Yet he pursu'd the ravishers with War , And that fam'd ship , in Heaven now a Star. Shall we endure these Phrygians , but half-men Seeking upon our shores their plunders then ? Are we grown bankrupt and unarmed thus ? Or will the waves be lesser friends to us ? What now , if from the Scyrian shores should flie Unto thine ears , thy lov'd Deidamia 's cry , Ravish'd by some , and calling on thy name ? With that unto his sword his fingers came , And 's face with angry blushes grew enflam'd , Ulysses then in silence pleas'd remain'd . Then Diomede succeeding him begun , Thou worthy Issue from a Godhead sprung , Tell thy admiring friends , from thy first age , What practice did thy youthfull thoughts engage ; The wayes to virtue taught by Chiron too , And how thy limbs and mind enlarged grew . Let this requite our seeking Scyros shores , Through tedious waves , and plying of the Oars : You need not be asham'd to tell your deeds . At this he blushing , as compell'd , proceeds ; When Chiron first receiv'd me to his cave , The food which to my tender years he gave , I 've heard was much unus'd . For from the breast My hunger with soft milk was ne're suppress'd , But with firm flesh of Lions ; and I suck'd The marrow from wild Beasts yet-dying pluck'd . This was my first chear : Chiron bred me so , Till Time with larger stricles taught me to go . He led me then to th' Woods , without amaze , Teaching mine eyes upon wild beasts to gaze , And not to fear the noise which billows made On Rocks , nor th' horrid silence of a shade . I now a quiver got , and with a spear To arm my youthfull hand was all my care . As unconcern'd , I suffer'd the extreams , Of binding cold and Sol's reflecting beams . My tired limbs , a soft bed never press'd : I with my Master on astone took rest . When now almost to twice six years I came , He taught me to pursue the swiftest game . And the fierce Lapithae ; and when I threw My darts , to overtake them . Sometimes too , Chiron would follow me through fields and plains , Till age deni'd ; and tired with my pains , Would lay me on his neck . He made me bold To passe the frozen Rivers bound with cold . These were my youthfull sports . Why should I need To tell my warres , i' th' woods from roars now freed ? He taught me , not to hunt those beasts whose fear Urg'd their swift flight , the Lynx , and fallow Deer ; But force the Bear to her affrighting roars , The cruell Tigres , and the foming Boars . Or from the mountains fetch the Lions young ; Whilst in his cave he look'd to see me come Bloody ; Nor took me in his arms before He saw my spear colour'd with blushing gone . And now my Age , and Chiron , did designe My arms for nobler Wars . All discipline Of Mars I us'd . I practic'd how to throw The Macedonian pile : I learnt to know The use , as Sauromatians do , of spears ; Or Getans , of their crooked semitars : And how the fam'd Gelonians use the bow , And how the Balearian slingers throw � With sounerring aims the circling slings , Which wound as sure and oft as motion flings . I scarce remember all . I learn'd the art To leap vast dikes , whose banks were far apart ; And the high tops of airy hills to gain , To get me breath and swiftnesse for the plain . Then , the true image of a fight to yield , He made me take huge milstones on my shield ; To enter burning hovells , and with force And speed , to stay swift Horses in their course . Once I remember , how dissolved snow , And constant showres had swell'd Sperchios so , That with its furious stream it drove a throng Of torn-up Trees , and rowling stones-along : Then where the waves , the horrid'st force express'd , He bad me to oppose my youthfull breast , And stop the swelling billows as they run ; Which he with all his feet could scarce have done . Nor could th' impetuous stream a conquest gain , Whilst Chiron threatned , urging still my shame . Thus glory I attain'd by his command , Who still a witnesse of my toils did stand . To fight with arm'd fists , and th' Oebalian stone To throw and wrestle with oil'd limbs , alone Were sports , nor seem'd more toils then when I took my harp , and sung of famous men . He taught me too , which herbs for health were good , And which would stop effusion of much blood . Which would close wounds , and which procure kind rest , How gangrain'd parts to sever from the rest . What ulcers herbs would care . He also taught Still to make Justice guide of every thought . Thus the Thessalians he made happy still , And thus he wrought his Centaurs to his will. Y�ave heard , my friends , those acts that did employ My early years : These I recount with joy . The rest my Mother knows . Thus he gave o're His tale , and came unto the Trojanshore .
ANNOTATIONS on the 5 th Book of STA�IVS his ACHILLEIS .

13. A Bull. ] This was the usuall sacrifice to Neptune . Yet Ovid , Metam . 4. when Andromeda was freed , saith , A Bull was offered to Jupiter . And Silius Italicus , lib. 15. � cadit ardua Taur�s Victima , Neptuno pariter , pariterque Tonanti . And Virgil , Aen. 3. Caelicolûm Regi mactabim in littore Taurum . � upon the shore To Heaven's King a Bull I slew � On which place Servius saith , that Aeneas did this contrary to reason , in relation to the event , a Bull being the sacrifice of Neptune ; resembling the roughnesse of the waves , and the nature of Neptune , and other Sea-gods , as ungentle as the waves that bred them : as Agellius l. 15. c. 2. Ferocissimos & immanes & alienos ab omni humanitate Neptuni filios dixerunt ; that is , Neptune's sons were said to be most fierce and ungentle , and strangers to all humanity . See Macrobius , l. 3. c. 10.

15 , 16. Having then the entralls flung Into the briny waves ] This manner of throwing the entralls into the Sea , when sacrifice was performed to the Sea-gods , Virgil setteth down , Aen. 5.

Dii quibus imperium pelági , quorum �quora curro , Vob is laetus ego hoe candentem in littore taurum Constituam ante aras voti re�s , exteq�e salsos Porriciam in fluctus . You gods whose empire in the Ocean lies , Over whose waves I sail ; this sacri��ce , A ��� Bull as due to you I pay � And in the briny waves the entralls lay .

For in a sacrifices the entralls were a thief part of the ledication ; as Juvenal , Sat. 10.

Ut tamen & poscas �liquid , voveasqae s�c�llis Ext� , & candid��� divi�a t�macul � p�rci . That thou maist something wish , and at the shrine Offer the sacred entralls of white Swine .

This ceremony of throwing the entralls into the Sea , was , because Neptune , to whom the sacrifice was offered , there reigned . Suetonius in Augusto hath these words , �uneiata repentè hostis incur��one , ��� ��pta faco prosacuit ; alque it a praelium ingressus , victor rediit ; that is , Hearing of the incursion of the enemy , he cut off the entralls half-raw , snatched from the fire ; and so going cut to Battle he returned victorious . On which words , Salmasius , Partem extorum prosecandam & Diis porriciendam arae super-impo�ebant & diis adolehant ; They laid that part of the entralls on the Altar that was to be cut off , and sacrificed it to the gods . Reliquam partem vescebantur qui sacrificio intererant . The rest was eaten by such as were present at the sacrifice . All the actions about the entralls , looking into them and examining them laying , them on the Altar , eating what is to be eaten , Arrianus compriseth under this one Verb ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� . This custom , among others , which in the Notes I have given short hints of , was taken up by the Heathen in imitation of the true God's worship as will appear from Levit 1. 9 , 13. The inwards and the legs shall he wash in water , and the Priest shall burn all on the Altar . Of the Priests eating part of the sacrifice , s�e Levit. 2. 3. 10 and 6 26. Ecclus 7. 31. Likewise the baked and broiled meats ave�e the Priests , Lev. 7 9. Here imita�ed by the word semicruda . And we read but of few ceremonies among the antient Gentiles , that had not such a beginning .

35. War within the open threshold stai'd . ] The Poet meaneth the Temple of Janus , which in Peace was ever shut , and open in War. From Janus the gates of any private house were called Januae . The gates of Janus were shut but twice before the time of Augustus . Janum Quirinum semel atque iterum a condita Vrbe memorium ante suam clausum , in multò breviore temporis spatio , terrâ marique pace partâ , ter clusit , saith Suetonius , in Augusto , c. 22. That is , The Temple of Janus , from the beginning of the City , was but twice shut before the reign of Augustus ; but in his reign , in a much lesser space , he being at peace with all the world , it was thrice shut . The first time it was shut was in the reign of Numa Pompilius ; The second , when T. Manlius Torquatus , and Attilius Balbus were Consuls : but it was opened again ( as many say ) the same year , and so continued till Augustus . Perhaps Rome's not enjoying peace was not the least cause of its prosperity . For in troublous times , mens endeavours commonly are united for the publick safety , but pursue private interests in times of peace and idlenesse ; so hard it is to make true advantage of God's greatest blessings . Augustus first shut Janus his Temple , Anno ab V. C. DXXV after the overthrow of Antonie ; Himself the fifth time , and Sextus Apuleius being Consuls . Four years after he shut it the second time , M. Junius Silanus being Consul with him . The third time he shut it was about the time of our Saviour CHRIST , the Prince of peace . The next time we read of its being shut , was , when Nero , and Valerius Messala , were Consuls , Anno V. C. DCCCXI . which Tacitus and Orosius reckon not , because Nero shut it upon no just grounds . So Suetonius in his life , Janum geminum clausit tam nullo quam residuo bello ; which �aernus readeth , Tanquam nullo residuo bello : that is , He shut the Temple of Janus , as if there were no signes of war remaining . The seventh time it was shut ( or , more truly , the sixth time ) was , Anno V. C. DCCCXXIV . Vespasian and Nerva being Consuls . After this time , Historians say nothing concerning the gates of this Temple . Yet Capitolinus in Gordino Juniore , affirmeth , that the custom still remained . Alexander ab Alexandro lib. 1. c. 14. conceiveth the reason , why Janus his Temple was the testimony of peace and war , was , his being the Pr�sident of the revolutions of times ; so his Statue intimated , having on its hands the number of the days of the year figured . As he was figured with two faces , so he had also two gates , one toward the East , the other toward the West . These Macrobius , Saturn . l. 1. c. 9. useth for arguments , to prove Ianus the same with the Sun , according to his designe . But I rather judge this arose from Saturn , ( by vvhom Time vvas meant ) his being perhaps all one vvith Ianus . But Macrobius cap. 7. believeth , Ianus's tvvo faces related to the prudence and care of a Prince , who looketh both on what is past , and also on what is to come . Ianus made Saturn partner with him in the Kingdom , for the benefit he received from his instructions about Hu�bandry : And after his death , in honour of him , and in memory of the ship which brought him to Italy , he caused the figure of a ship to be stamped on one side of his Coine , which on the other had his own Image . Hence came the Game , cùm pueri denarios in sublimi jactantes , CAPITA AUT NAVIA , lusu teste vetustatis , exclaman� ; which in our days still remaineth , being now called Crosse or Pile . Cap. 9 he telleth this originall story of the opening of Janus's gates in War ; When the War of the Sabines was in favour of their rav�shed Virgins , the Romans hastned to shut the gate at the foot of the Hi�� Viminalis , ( which from the event was after called lanualis ) by reason the enemy was rushing in that way . After it was shut , it straight opened again of its own accord . Which having hapned twice or thrice , they stood to defend it with Souldiers , because they could not shut it : wh�n suddainly there came a report , that on another side of the City the Romans were bea�er by Tatius : At which , the Romans that defended this gate , affrighted fled . And when the Sabines were breaking in , it is said , that from the Temple of fanus a violent torrent of hot water issued , and overthrew the pressing enemy For this cause in war the gates were always set open , as it were in expectation of such help , and as representing the god himself going out to their assistance . And this no doubt proved very advantag�ous , for the encouragement of the common people , who are apt enough to believe any , that tell them of a god 's going out with them . To this purpose also , Servius rela�eth the story , in Aen. 1. and saith , the reason of Janus his being figured with two faces , was the confederacy of the two Princes , Romulus and Tatius . The best reason he giveth , as he thinketh himself , is , That those that go to war wish to return . But certainly he is unjust to himself , having before said , vel quòd ad bellum ituri debent de pace cogitare , that is , or because that those that are going to war ought to have their thoughts on peace .

55. Hectorean shore . ] That is , Trojane .

58. The Trojan Swain . ] Paris , so called , from his having been bred up among shepheards . See Annot. on Book 1 v. 33.

6� . So rose the strife , &c. ] For they fell out , when they were at the marriage of Peleus and Thetis , about a golden Apple cast among them by Discord .

73. Europe ] is here put for Greece .

83. When love , &c. ] love ravished Europa in the shape of a Bull. See Ovid Metam , lib. 2.

87. Aeetes . ] The father of Medea , who pursued the Argonauts that carried her away in the Ship Argo , which was after made a Constellation .

150 , The Macedonian Pile . ] See on Book 2. v. 6.

151. Sauromatians , ] a people of Scythia , commonly called Tartars .

152. Getans . ] See on Book 4. v. 86.

153 Gelonians , ] a people also of Scythia , so called from Gelonus the son of Hercules . They are now comprehended under the name of Tartars . They were wont to paint and discolour their faces , that they might appear the more terrible in Battle . Hence Virgil calleth them Pictos Gelonos , Geor. 2. They were famous Archers : Hence Horace , lib. 3. od . 4. calleth them pharetratos Gelonos : And Virgil Aen. 8. Sagittiferos Gelonos . They used , as the Massagetans , to drink Horses blood mingled with milk .

154. Balearian Slingers . ] The Baleares are two Islands belonging to Spain , commonly called Majorica and Minorica . Some hold , they received their name from Baleus , a companion of Hercu�es , there left by him . But rather they were so called ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� , from Slinging : For the inhabitants were very skilfull in the use of the sling , and bred their children to it . When their children were hungry , they laid their victualls on a high beam , and they were to strike it off with a sling before they had it , Flor. l. 3. c. 8. and Alex. ab Alex. lib. 2. c. 25. The Greeks formerly called them Gymnes�aus , from their custom of going naked .

177. To fight-with armed fists . ] See on Book 1. v. 219.

Oebatian quoits . ] This was a weight with a �ing in it , which they used to throw . At this Exercise Apollo killed his Beloved Hyacynthus . See Alexand. ab Alex. lib. 3. cap. 21.

178. And wrestle with oil'd limbs . ] I have shewed above ; why places of Exercises are called Gymnasia . Those that w�est�od were naked , and had their limbs anno��ted ! Thucydides , lib. 1. saith , The Lacedae monians first instituted Wrestling naked , with oyled limbs : but he there affirmeth , that the more antient custom was to wear Breeches . This exercise was in sueh esteem , that one that was excellent in it was valued as much as the bravest Souldier , Alex. ab Alex. l. 2. c. 25. For which reputation's sake , they used assiduous-practise before they came to the place : And then , as Clemens Alexandrinus lib. 7. Strom. reluteth , looking on the Starue of Iupiter , they made this prayer to him , If all things , O Iupiter , are rightly . performed by me for the Combat , give �e the deserved Victory .

A PANEGYRICK to Generall MONCK . 'T Is not your pow'r , that has inspir'd my muse , T' were mean to praise that which you scorn to use . 'T is that above the reach of pow'r in you I praise , Victorious over Conquest too . Yet you more truly glorious will appear , To dispose Scepters , than you could to wear . For ravish'r Crowns are still another's due , But thus bestow'd , they are all ow'd to you . How much your Debtour is our Nation grown , People their freedome owe , the Prince his Throne . Brought from his barbarous exile to be Crown'd , And practice mercy that he never found . So when the * Trojan Prince was almost lost In Storms , among ungentle billows tost , Displeased Neptune from the surges rose ; And storms of frowns among the tempests throws . At which the waves no longer durst aspire , But to obedient calmnesse all retire . At your approach , phanatique storms so shrink , And factious waves to seeming quiet sink . That * Wave which to the vastest swelling rose , Found destiny in attempting to oppose . Under your weight and principles they sunk , And his unto your brighter Genius shrunk . So common fires seem to be undone At the victorious shining of the Sun. He too that hated King's , just fate designes Should stoop to one sprung from a Prince's loins . Yet little does your birth share with your deeds , Your Godlike acts , your Princely �ace exceeds . Whilst you despise those long prevailing charms Of pow'r , ready with its open arms . So holy men , in heavenly firmnesse staid , Refus'd those honor's others would have paid ; T' was such a Temper only could have brought , That which we strongly hop't , and weakly sought . Such conquests as to mighty minds are due , Sought your embraces ; whilst alone for you So clearly victory it selfe declar'd , That neither common sword , nor fortune shar'd . Whilst we amaz'd your perfect conquest find , Wrought only by your conduct and your mind . Their pow'r and fates that you before you saw , Did not excite your thoughts , nor could they awe : You took no measure from their fates or them , Whilst pow'r and danger you alike contemn ; For their ambitions were not your designes , You did not fear their fates , but fear'd their crimes . Yet by degrees you mov'd , as after Night The Sun begins to shew the World its light . At whose approach , darknesse its place resignes , And though it seems to move not , yet it shines . So softly you began to spread your beams , Through all our factions dark in all extreams . And though at first , you scarce a motion show'd , Yet early glory from your actions flow'd . May you still shine , as now at your full height , Till you to greater glory passe through fate . You that a KING a Scepter gave to sway , And taught rebellious Subjects to obey ; FINIS .
Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
Notes for div A86610-e150 Agelli lib. 17. ch . 4. ��� in unâ Achilleide ita surgit ut illic multo sublimi�s ferri v�deatur , quam quó potuerit toto � hebaide perveniter Demit .
Notes for div A86610-e440 Rete Mirabile . Annotations on Statius . Hic situs est Rufus qui pulso vindice quondam , Imperium asseruit non fibi sed Patriae .
Notes for div A86610-e1850 * Rome , call'd by Livie , Totius Orbis D�minatri� . * � Sed longi poenas Fortuna favoris Exigit a misero , quae tanto pondere famae Res premit adversas , fatisque prioribus urget .

Lucan . Phar. lib. 8.

* Hannibal , in his excellent Speech to Scipio between their Armies , then ready to fight , set down by Livie ; among other motives to Scipio for peace , by his own example , advises him to be secure from the Ingratitude of his Country ; which afterwards was too largely evident by their reducing him to Privacy as great as his former Glories , and render'd themselves unworthy of his Ashes , which to this day lie in an unknown Grave . * Comming in with the Scots , who were before Conquer'd by the English at Dunbar . * Stat casus renovare omneis , omnemque reverti Per Trojam , et rursus caput objectare perîclis . Virg. lib. 2. Aeneid .
Notes for div A86610-e4660 1 Alexander the Great , of whom Juven . 10. Aestuat infelix angusto limite mundi . 2 Suetonius , in the Life of Nero , reports , that in his last extremity , when he sought for Spicillus the Fencer , or any , to dispatch him : And equally wanting Friends and Enemies to afford him that last favour ; Ergo ego ( inquit ) nec Amicum habeo , nec Inimicum ?
Notes for div A86610-e5040 * The Sava and Danubius , whose streams never mix in threescore miles together , as Sir Henry Blunt in his Travells affirms .
Notes for div A86610-e5960 * Cleop�tra , whole beamy gain'd her as absolute an Empire over Julius ��� ; as he had over others , by his victories and vertues . After him , this Queen as various in Love , as in Ambition , extended her Conquests over Marcus Antoni�s , to whose power Octavius Caesar put an end , overthrowing the Lovers in a Batrell , and design'd Cl�opatra to adorn his Triumph , who by death prevented a shame , so contrary to her former glories .
Notes for div A86610-e60580 a Dido b Mercurie Her husband slain by her own brother Pigmalion . a King of the Numidians .
Notes for div A86610-e71040 Thessaly * Achilles , called Aeacides , from Aeac�� his Grandfather . * Domitian the Emperor , to whom the Poet addresseth this Complement .
Notes for div A86610-e88070 * Pallas .
Notes for div A86610-e98200 [ Helen * The Inhabitants of Pelopon�esus . The Hellespont . Proteus
Notes for div A86610-e112200 * To Diomed .
Notes for div A86610-e124560 * Aeneas so described by Virg. lib. 1. * La�bert .