Page:Virgil - The Georgics, Thomas Nevile, 1767.djvu/81

 

Of these an early trial must he make,
When first his dam you force him to forsake;
Let him to soft thongs yield his mouth, of years
While raw, yet weak, yet trembling, full of fears. 230
Three summers past, and now the fourth begun,
Strait let him learn the mazy round to run,
In measur'd march sonorous bound, in state
Shift his quick-glancing legs, and labour in his gait;
Then brave the winds in swiftness, o'er the plain
Urge his free flight, unconscious of the rein, 236
His light hoof leaving scarce a print behind:
So pours from Scythian coasts the dense North-wind;
Scatter'd in air clouds, storms, before him fly;
The floating fields, and tall crops waving high 240
Roughen; the forests rustle; with long sweep
Press to the shore the billows of the deep;
O'er land, o'er seas, he drives with winged speed:
Form'd for the ring of Elis such a steed
Churning red foam will panting grace the goal, 245
Or with soft neck the Belgic chariots roll.
Now is the time, when, tam'd with proper care,
Your colts may riot in abundant fare;
Pamper'd too soon they rise in rage, unfit
To bear the scourge, and heed the galling bit. 250

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