Next the Satraidae; and those who dwell
Beneath the shade of Mount Parpanisus,
Styled Arieni. No kind glebe they own,
But a waste, sandy soil replete with thorn.
Yet are they rich; yet doth the land supply
Wealth without measure. . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . To the East a lovely country wide extends—
India; whose borders the wide ocean bounds.
On this the sun new rising from the main
Smiles pleased, and sheds his early orient beam.
The inhabitants are swart; and in their looks
Betray the tints of the dark hyacinth,
With moisture still abounding; hence their heads
Are ever furnished with the sleekest hair.
Various their functions: some the rock explore,
And from the mine extract the latent gold.
Some labour at the woof with cunning skill,
And manufacture linen; others shape
And polish ivory with the nicest care.
. . . . . . .
. . . . . . .
Nor is this region by one people held;
Various the nations, under different names,
That rove the banks of Ganges and of Ind.
Lo! where the streams of Acasine pour,
And in their course the stubborn rocks pervade,
To join the Hydaspes! Here the Dardans dwell,
Above whose seat the River Cophes rolls.
The sons of Saba here retired of old;
And hard by them the Toxili appear,
Joined to the Scodri. Next a savage cast—
Yclep'd Peucanian. . . . . .
. . . . . . .
