I call to mind, erewhile was prophesied
To our slow sense, by lightning-scathed oaks
(As oft the crow from hollow ilex warns
Of black disaster.) Tityrus, now tell
Of this thy god, to us, who know him not.
Tityrus.The city they call Rome, O Melibœus,
I likened in my foolish mind to ours,
Where we are wont to drive our new-weaned lambs.
So one compares the little things with large
Kids with their mothers, puppies with their sires;
But, as the cypress towers o'er hedgerow shrubs.
So lifts fair Rome her head o'er other towns.
Melibœus.And what great cause led to thy seeing Rome?
Tityrus.The cause was Freedom; she though late did yet
At length regard her tardy follower.
Such long delay—his beard was whitening fast!
Until she looked, and after long time came.
Since Amaryllis holds and Galatea yields!
For I confess, whilst Galatea reigned
No hope of freedom had I, nor of gain.
Though many victims from my folds were sent
To the unthankful town, and from my press
Good store of cheeses rich, but never yet
With my hand full of coin did I return.
Melibœus.Ah, Amaryllis, I had wondered much
Why thou so sadly didst adjure the gods?
Why was the fruit left hanging on the trees?
Tityrus wandered far. Yes, e'en the pines,
6
