ECLOGUE I.
TITYRUS AND MELIBŒUS.
Tityrus mine, reclining in the shade
Of spreading beech, thou canst invoke the muse
Of the still forest, with thy slender reed.
But we forsake our dear, our native fields,
We fly our country, Tityrus, whilst thou
In easy shelter, dost inform the woods
Of Amaryllis' charms.
Tityrus.O Melibœus
It was a god that helped us to this ease
Always a god to me; and from my fold
A tender lamb shall often, from this time
Be offered at his shrine; 'tis by his will
That, as thou seest, my cattle wander free,
Whilst I can here indulge in rustic song.
Melibœus.Indeed, I envy not, but wonder more
For in all parts the country is disturbed.
See, I myself, in weary mood, drive forth
My flock of goats—look! scarcely can I drag
This one along—she, just now, hath borne twins.
Hope of my flock! in thickest hazel copse.
But—having brought them forth—she left them then
5
