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BOOK
I.
WITH heavy harvests what may glad the plain;
What Star, Mæcenas! may invite the swain
To turn the glebe, and wed to elms the vine;
The nurture due to cattle; care of kine;
What arts the task of training bees prolong; 5
These are the Subjects, whence I'll raise my Song.
Lights of the world, who thro' the starry sphere
Lead, as ye roll along, the sliding year!
Bacchus, and Ceres! if, by you first taught, 9
Men purpled with the grape the springs' pure draught,
And chang'd their acorns for the foodful grain,
Your gifts I sing; propitious hear the strain;
You
