Thy sweet retirement to defend, THE PASTORALS OF VIRGIL. Non ita certandi cupidus, quam propter amorem PASTORAL I.. MELIBEUS, TITYRUS, Melibœus. WHERE the broad beech an ample shade displays, It has been observed by some critics, who have treated of pastoral poetry, that, in every poem of this kind, it is proper that the scene or landscape, connected with the little plot or fable on which the poem is founded, be delineated with at least as much accuracy as is sufficient to render the description par ticular and picturesque. How far Virgil has thought fit to attend to such a rule may appear from the remarks which the translator has subjoined to every pastoral. The scene of the first pastoral is pictured out with great accuracy. The shepherds Melibaus and Tityrus are represented as conversing together beneath a spreading beech-tree. Flocks and herds are feeding hard by. At a little distance we bebold, on the one hand a great rock, and on the other a fence of flowering willows. The prospect as it widens is diversified with groves, and streams, and some tall trees, particularly elms. Beyond all these appear marshy grounds, and rocky hills. The ragged and drooping flock of the unfortunate shepherd, particularly the shegoat which he leads along, are no inconsiderable figures in this picture. The time is the evening of a summer-day, a little before sunset. See of the original, v. 1. 5. 9. 52. 54. 57. 59. 81, &c. This pastoral is said to have been written on the following occasion. Augustus, in order to reward the services of his veterans, by means of whom he had established himself in the Roman empire, distributed among them the lands that lay contiguous to Mantua and Cremona. To make way for these intruders, the rightful owners, of whom Virgil was one, were turned out. But our poet, by the intercession of Mecenas, was reinstated in his possessions. Melibaeus here personates one of the unhappy exiles, and Virgil is represented under the character of Tityrus O happy Tityrus! while we, forlorn, Driven from our lands, to distant climes are borne, Stretch'd careless in the peaceful shade you sing, And all the groves with Amaryllis ring. Tityrus. This peace to a propitious god I owe; And frequent lambs shall stain his sacred shrine. Melibæus. I envy not, but wonder at your fate, That no alarms invade this blest retreat; While neighbouring fields the voice of woe resound, And desolation rages all around. Worn with fatigue I slowly onward bend, Tityrus. Imperial Rome, while yet to me unknown, But she, 'midst other cities, rears her head Melibaus. And why to visit Rome was you inclin'd? Tityrus. 'Twas there I hoped my liberty to find. Though from my fold the frequent victim bled, Melibaus. Why Amaryllis pined, and pass'd away Tityrus. What could I do? to break th' enslaving chain All other efforts had (alas!) been vain ; Nor durst my hopes presume, but there, to find beheld, To whom our altars monthly incense yield: The refinements of Taubmannus, De La Cerda, and others, who will have Amaryllis to signify Rome, and Galatea to signify Mantua, have perplexed this passage not a little: if the literal meaning be adinitted, the whole becomes obvious and natural. † Augustus Cæsar. My suit he even prevented, while he spoke, 'Manure your ancient farm, and feed your former flock.' Melibous. Happy old man! then shall your lands remain, To hurt your pregnant dams, thrice happy swain ! Tityrus. The nimble harts shall graze in empty air, And seas retreating leave their fishes bare, The German dwell where rapid Tigris flows, The Parthian, banish'd by invading foes, Shall drink the Gallic Arar, from my breast Ere his majestic image be effaced. Melibœeus. But we must travel o'er a length of lands, These lands, these harvests must the soldier share! How are our fields become the spoil of wars! Behold you from afar the cliffs ascend, Tityrus. This night at least with me you may repose PASTORAL II. Alexis. YOUNG Corydon for fair Alexis pined, But hope ne'er gladden'd his desponding mind; The chief excellency of this poem consists in its delicacy and simplicity. Corydon addresses his favourite in such a purity of sentiment as one would think might effectually discountenance the prepossessions which generally prevail against the subject of this eclogue. The nature of his affection may easily be ascer tained from his ideas of the happiness which he hopes to enjoy in the company of his beloved Alexis. O tantum libeat O deign at last amid these lonely fields, &c. It appears to have been no other than that friendship, which was M |