Page:The Farm and Fruit of Old a translation in verse of the 1st and 2nd Georgics of Virgil, by a market-gardener (1862).djvu/27

And takes a leaf to skim the chirping pot.
But reap the ruddy corn in noonday heat,
And leave till noon the threshing of the wheat.
Plough in your shirt-sleeves, in your shirt-sleeves sow; 346
In winter-time the farmer's work is slow.
In frost the yeoman plays a jovial part,
And mutual entertainments warm the heart,
Good fellowship maintains its jolly sway, 350
And genial Winter drives dull care away.
So when the laden ship comes home to port
The sailors crown the poop in grateful sport.
Yet Winter best for gathering mast will suit,
The bay, the olive, and red myrtle fruit; 355
In Winter snare the crane and net the roe,
Chase prick-ear'd hares and pierce the bounding doe,
With whiz and twang of Balearic flax,
When snow lies deep and streams push icy packs.
The stars and storms autumnal shall I sing, 360
When days decrease and summer suns decline,
How men must watch? Or when the close of Spring
Descends in showers tempestuous and malign;