FRUIT OF OLD.
31
And oft the branches of one tree we find
Saucily alter'd to another kind, 40
On wild pear-stocks engrafted pippins come,
And stony cornels blush upon the plum.
Then list, ye swains, the culture I describe
For each, according to his class and tribe:
By culture tame the wildings, and convert, 45
Nor let an inch of surface lie inert:
Ismarian crags enamel with the vine,
And drape with olive mount Taburno's line.
Ho thou, Mæcenas! great and glorious name,
By right and fact, my better half of fame, 50
Be nigh, be pilot of the voyage with me;
A flowing sheet upon so broad a sea.
Not all things would I grasp that I can feel,
Though hundred tongues were mine and voice of steel.
Come thou, and hug the very brink of land; 55
Safe in the arms of mother earth we stay,
I will not mock thee with romantic lay,
Through many a winding and premisals grand.
The trees that spring, with no man to invite,
And climb spontaneous to the shores of light,
Unfruitful are, but lusty from their birth, 61
Saucily alter'd to another kind, 40
On wild pear-stocks engrafted pippins come,
And stony cornels blush upon the plum.
Then list, ye swains, the culture I describe
For each, according to his class and tribe:
By culture tame the wildings, and convert, 45
Nor let an inch of surface lie inert:
Ismarian crags enamel with the vine,
And drape with olive mount Taburno's line.
Ho thou, Mæcenas! great and glorious name,
By right and fact, my better half of fame, 50
Be nigh, be pilot of the voyage with me;
A flowing sheet upon so broad a sea.
Not all things would I grasp that I can feel,
Though hundred tongues were mine and voice of steel.
Come thou, and hug the very brink of land; 55
Safe in the arms of mother earth we stay,
I will not mock thee with romantic lay,
Through many a winding and premisals grand.
The trees that spring, with no man to invite,
And climb spontaneous to the shores of light,
Unfruitful are, but lusty from their birth, 61
