as an allusion to actual history. utroque littore,' refers to either extremity of the empire, - the Indian ocean, and the seas around Britain. 34-6. Parii;' the finest marble for statuary was brought from the island of Paros, in the Egean sea. An allusion follows to the assumed Trojan origin of the family of Octavius. Anchises, the father of Eneas, was the grandson of Assaracus, the son of Tros, a descendant of Jupiter. Cynthius, Apollo, called the founder of Troy, because he assisted in building its walls.

37-9. The poet is still describing the subjects, which he will have sculptured on the doors of his temple to Augustus. He here menaces those who are envious of the emperor's fame. Ill-boding envy shall dread the Furies, and the cruel river Cocytus, the twisted snakes and huge wheel of Ixion, and the rock, (a task) that cannot be surmounted. The Furies were three sisters, the ministers of divine vengeance. Cocytus, a river of the infernal regions. Ixion, as a punishment for attempting to violate Juno, was bound in Tartarus with twisted snakes to a wheel, which was constantly turning. Sisyphus, a noted robber, was punished in the same place with the task of rolling up hill a heavy stone, which always fell back after it had reached the summit. 'tua

41. Intactos'; because as yet unsung by any Roman poet. jussa'; the story is, that the Georgics were written at the special request of Maecenas. 'haud mollia, no easy task. The places themselves, that were to be celebrated, are now represented as calling the poet to his task.

44. Epidaurus'; a district in the Peloponnesus, famous for horses. 45. And the voice comes back reiterated by the echo of the groves.

46. The poet here intimates his intention of writing an epic poem. 47-8. And to transmit his name with glory through as many years, as Casar is distant from the very source of the family of Tithonus. This space is put for an indefinite period of time. For Tithonus, one of the earliest personages in the history of Troy, see note to Geor. I. 447.

49-51. If any one, looking with desire at the Olympic palm,- desir ous of victory at the Olympic games,-breeds horses; or if any one wishes to breed strong bullocks for the plough, &c.: 'præcipuè legat,' let him choose with especial care.

52-3. The best shape of the wild-looking cow is one with the head clumsily formed, the neck very large, and with dew-laps that hang from the chin to the knees.

54-7. As to the body, the longer the better. 'omnia-etiam,' all the limbs large, even the foot. Nec albo,' one marked with white spots does not displease me; maculis et albo;' Gr. § 323. 2. (3.) 'aspera cornu,' disposed to strike with the horn.

60. Lucinam, parturition, the presiding deity for the thing presided over. 'justos,' taking place at a proper age.

61. Begins after four, and ends before ten years old. Gr. § 323. 4. (2.) 63-4. Interea; that is, in the intervening space of five years. mitte primus,' be the first to send, send as quickly as possible: 'pecuaria,' cattle.

65. Secure a succession of them by generation.

66-7. Optima fugit,' whatever is the best time of life for us hapless mortals is the first to fly.

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69-71. Cattle of inferior quality should not be allowed to breed, or continue their stock. Semper-refice,' always, therefore, renovate the breed: amissa,' 'corpora' understood; and, that you may not perceive your loss, when it is too late to repair it, Ante veni - quotannis,' be beforehand, and select each year young cattle for filling up the herd. 73-5. Only bestow the chief care, even from their early age, on those which you resolve to set aside, in spem gentis, -for continuing the species. Continuò,' in the first place: 'pullus,' the colt. 76-7. The colt should have long and straight legs, that he may

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look tall, as he walks. mollia,' pliant: 'reponit,' moves alternately. 'ire viam'; Gr. § 232. He leads the way for his companions.

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80-5. Argutum,' small, or, delicately formed: 'brevis,' contracted, meagre : 'Luxuriat — pectus,' and his strong chest swells with the projecting muscles. 'Honesti,' 'sunt' understood; are of a good breed: Spadices,' bright bay: glauci,' gray: albis, dead white, pallid: 'gilvo,' pale yellow; est understood; Gr. § 226. 'micat auribus'; a fine expression for the quick, tremulous motion of a horse's ears, when he is alarmed or roused. ignem,' poetically, for a quick, hot breath: premens,' breathing short; he emits the thick, hot breath under his nostrils, panting quickly.

87. duplex spina; not double in reality, but only in appearance; for when the horse is in good flesh, the spine, near the haunches, lies in a sort of furrow, with a ridge on either side. 'agitur,' extends.

89-91. Such was Cyllarus, subdued by the reins of Amyclean Pollux, and those whom the Greek poets celebrate, the two harnessed steeds of Mars, and the chariot horses of great Achilles. Amycle, a city of Laconia, where the twin brothers Castor and Pollux were educated. Cyllarus was a famous horse, belonging to the latter. The horses of Mars and Achilles are both celebrated by Homer. 'Achilli;' Gr. § 73. 92-3.Talis - Saturnus,' such also was swift Saturn himself, when, on the coming of his wife, he spread a horse's mane over his neck. This god, being surprised by his spouse when engaged in some love adventure on mount Pelion, transformed himself into a horse and escaped. 95-6. nec' qualifies turpi': shut up this one also at home, when he fails, being either oppressed with disease, or weakened by years; spare his not inglorious old age.

98. prælia,' that is, Veneris': ventum est'; Gr. § 205. Rem. 18. 101-2.hinc-palma,' notabis understood; then their other qualities, and the offspring of such sires, what grief each one has when overcome, and what exultation in victory; that is, by observing the qualities and spirit of the former colts, you can judge whether it be well to continue to use the sire as a stallion.

103-6. A glowing description of a chariot race is now introduced; see note to Geor. I. 512. Quum - pulsans,' when the hopes of the young men are excited, and thrilling anxiety agitates their beating hearts. 109. atque auras, and to mount on high. When wheels in very rapid motion strike against a slight obstacle in the way, they fly up, and the chariot is really borne for some distance through the air.

111. They are wet with the foam and breath of those who follow. This fine description of a chariot race is directly imitated from a passage in the 23d book of the Iliad, and some critics have not hesitated to award to the Latin poet the preference over the original.

113-7. Erichthonius first dared to harness the chariot and four steeds together, and victorious to stand over the flying wheels. He was one of the early kings of Athens, fabled to be the son of Vulcan and Minerva. The Pelethronian Lapithe, placed on horseback, — dedêre,' invented — gyrosque, and the exercises of the ring and taught the armed equestrian how to make his horse prance, and proudly curvet through his paces. Pelethronium was a city of the Lapithe in Thessaly, where horses were first tamed.

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118-20. ' Æquus — Exquirunt,' each labor, that of procreating and of racing, is equally great; the owners in both cases seek out a young horse. 6 Quamvis refers to something understood: the horse, if not young, is unfit for these purposes,' although, &c.

121-2. And boasts of Epirus and noble Mycence as his country, and traces his pedigree from the very race of Neptune; see notes to Geor. I. 13 and 59. Mycenae, a city of Argolis, famous for horses.

123-5. Directions are now given for treating the animals just before they are brought together. The male should be well fed, but the female

is to be kept lean by a spare diet and exercise. 'instant sub tempus,' they take great pains when near the time of breeding: 'denso- ducem,' to fill out with firm fat the one which they have chosen as the leader; pingui,' instead of pinguetudine.'

126. They cut juicy grass for him and supply fresh water.

their sires.

128-30. And lest the puny offspring should betray the weakness of 'tenuant volentes, they purposely reduce: armenta,' the mares and cows: 'jam nota,' already instinctively known.

133. The proper season is about threshing time, or midsummer. 134. And when the empty chaff is thrown to the rising west wind 135-7. luxu,' instead of pinguetudine': 'usus,' the use, forthe capacity for use: 'oblimet,' should close up: Venerem,' for 'semen.' 138-42. Hitherto, the chief attention has been given to the sires. Now, these may be neglected, and the dams must be treated with great care, especially when near parturition. Rursus,' on the other hand. 'Exactis mensibus,' the number of months being complete. Let no one allow them to draw the yoke with heavy wagons, nor to leap over the road, to cross the meadows at full speed, and to swim the rapid streams. 143-5. plena'; when the channel is full, the cattle need not strain themselves by stooping to drink. 'saxea'; projected by high rocks.

146-9. There is, about the groves of Silarus and Alburnus green with holm-oaks, a flying insect, plurimus,' in great numbers, for which the Roman name is "asilus," (gad-fly,) which the Greeks have interpreted calling it "astrus." Silarus is a river of Lucania, in Italy, and Alburnus is a mountain near it. volitans'; Gr. § 205. Rem. 7. 'asilo'; Gr. § 204. Rem. 8. 'Asper,' passionate: acerba sonans'; referring to the sharp whizzing of their wings.

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150-I. 'furit-Concussus, the air resounds, echoing their bellowings. The Tanager is a small stream, flowing into the Silarus; it is dried up in summer.

153. Juno, contriving evil against the Inachian heifer; ' meditata '; Gr. § 162, 17. Io, the daughter of Inachus, was transformed, through the jealousy of Juno, into a heifer, guarded by Argus, and tormented by the gad-fly.

156. Just after sunrise, or when the stars are bringing on the night; 'recèns,' used adverbially.

157-8. The poet now gives instructions for the treatment of the offspring. The custom of branding cattle is of very ancient origin. 159-60. Both those which they prefer to put aside for keeping up the flock, that is, for breeding, or to reserve as consecrated for the altars, that is, for sacrifices, or to plough up the ground.

164-6. Teach them when they are yet but calves, and begin the process of taming them. mobilis ætas'; the age when the body and joints are flexible. circlos,' for 'circulos'; Gr. § 322. 4.

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168-70. ipsis - pares,' join two, who are well matched,—'aptos,' fastened together by these very collars, and not by the horns, as was the custom of some at that day. conferre gradum,' to keep step. 'rotæ inanes'; wheels without the body of the cart.

172-3. Afterwards, let the beechen axle creak, laboring under a heavy weight, and let the brazen draught-pole draw the connected wheels; 'nítens,' from 'nitor'; 'æreus'; because strengthened with brass.

174-6. In this order: 'Interea carpes manu indomitæ pubi non tantùm gramina,' meanwhile you will gather by hand for the untamed bullocks, not only grass, &c.: vescas'; having but little juice or nourishment: ulvam,' sedge; Martyn thinks, that the plant called "catstail," often used as a substitute for feathers in making beds, is here meant. But I doubt, whether this is ever eaten by cattle. 'frumenta sata; grain cut while yet unripe. fatæ,' that have brought forth. 179.magis studium,' 'est tibi' understood; but if you have a greater desire to train horses for war or Olympic contests.

180. Or to glide quickly on wheels beside the river Alpheus of Pisa; a district of Elis in the Peloponnesus, where were Olympia and the river Alpheus. In the grove was a temple to Jupiter; see note to line 20. 182-3. animos'; the courage shown in battle for the battle itself: 'tractuque gementem,' creaking with the draught, or while drawn.

186-9. plausæ cervicis,' neck patted in token of approbation. 'jam -matris'; as soon as weaned. inque vicem,' 'frenorum' understood; instead of bits, use halters at first: inscius ævi'; not having the confidence in his strength that is attained by age.

1914. gyrum'; see note to line 115. "gradibus-crurum,' to tramp with regular steps, and let him bend alternately the joints of his legs; that is, raise the feet high and throw them forward alternately. 'Sit-similis'; let his gait be not a natural one, but studied and artificial. tum vocet,' then let him challenge the winds in trials of speed. 195-201. vix-Nubila,' let him scarce print his steps on the top of the sand. Like the violent north-wind, when it rushes from the Hyperborean shores, and scatters the storms and dry clouds of Scythia. Hyperboreis'; an epithet applied to countries north of Thrace. 'arida Nubila'; clouds that do not dissolve in rain: 'densus,' close, heavy, and therefore sweeping with greater force. 'natantes,' waring: 'lenibus flabris,' shake with gentle blasts. The wind was thought to be less violent near the surface of the earth. Ille,' Aquilo.

202-4. Hic'; that is, 'equus': Elei campi,' the Elean plain, where the Olympic games were held: 'spatia'; see note to Geor. I. 512. 'Belgica esseda'; a kind of carriage with two wheels, which the Romans copied from the Gauls. molli,' tamed, obedient.

205-6. Then, at last, permit the huge body of those already tamed to grow, by feeding them on thick-mixed provender; before breaking them in, such a generous diet would render them ungovernable.

208. duris lupatis'; severe bits, having projecting points, like a wolf's teeth.

210-1. A beautiful digression follows, describing the effects of love on the whole animal creation. cæci,' hidden, creeping through the veins and bones: 'cui' for 'alicui'; whether one prefers to keep horned cattle or horses.

214-5. Or keep them shut up within at the stalls full of provender. 'Carpit, consumes: videndo,' by being seen; Gr. § 275. I. Rem. 2. 217-8. She, indeed, with her sweet allurements, often also compels the proud lovers to contend together with their horns.

220-1. alternantes,' in turn, mutually: 'lavit'; this verb here adopts the form of the third conjugation.

222-3. The horns are turned and pressed against each other, striving hard, with loud bellowing: Olympus,' the heavens.

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228. adspectans,' looking back upon, as with regret: 'regnis avitis'; a lofty phrase; the fields possessed by his sires.

230-4. And among the hard rocks lies all night on the bare ground; 'instrato cubili, couch not strewed with any thing; that is, bare earth. 'carice acutà, sharp rushes: tentat sese,' makes trial of his strength : atque trunco, and pushing against the trunk of a tree, learns to butt angrily with his horns; irasci,' for 'irascens exercet se '; in cornua' for 'in cornuum usum '; or, as some render it, against the horns of a fancied antagonist. ad pugnam proludit,' prepares to fight.

236.Signa movet,' marches forward; when the army was ordered to advance, the standards were pulled up and carried forward.

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238-40. Longius — trahit,' afar off, and it swells up from the deep; 'sinum trahit'; it swells up, or makes a curve towards the shore. 'immane,' used adverbially; loudly: neque-procumbit,' and falls not less in size than the mountain itself: ima unda,' the water from the bottom of the sea.

246-9. nec-silvas,' nor usually do the misshapen bears cause so many deaths and such a carnage in the woods, as when excited by love. 'erratur,' used impersonally: then, alas! it is ill wandering in the solitary fields of Libya.

251. notas odor auras,' for 'notum odorem aura '; Gr. § 323. 4. (3.) If only the wind bears to them the well-known odor.

252-6. In this order; Ac jam neque fræna virum, neque sæva verbera, &c. retardant eos': 'correptos — montes,' whirling round huge rocks, that have been carried off by the waves. 'Sabellicus sus,' Sabine boar; this was the tame breed of swine; the effect on the wild boar is noticed in line 248: 'ipse,' as we should say, even this tame animal is excited: prosubigit,' tears up.

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258-61.Quid-freta,' what does the young man, in whose bones cruel love kindles the great flame? Truly, late in the dark night he swims the straits, that are tossed with violent storms: ingens Porta cæli,' the great gate of heaven; poetically for the sky, because the lightning seems to part from an opening, or portal, in the clouds. The reference is to the story of Leander, a youth of Abydos, in Asia, who was in love with Hero, a beautiful priestess of Venus, in Sestos, on the European shore. Every night he swam the Hellespont to meet her, while she directed his course by holding up a burning torch from the top of the tower. One night, he was overtaken by a tempest and drowned, and Hero in despair threw herself into the sea.

263-4. 'supèr,' moreover. lynces,' 'faciunt' understood. The chariot of Bacchus was fabled to be drawn by ounces.

267-70. mentem,' the propensity: 'quo- quadriga,' at the time when the four-yoked Potnian coursers tore in pieces with their teeth the limbs of Glaucus. Glaucus, a native of Potnice, in Boeotia, wishing to render his mares more swift, kept them from intercourse with the males. Venus, being indignant, turned the creatures mad, and they tore their master in pieces. Gargara'; a part of mount Ida and the plain surrounding it in the Troad. 'Ascanium;' a river of Bithynia, in Asia. The two are here put for mountains and rivers in general.

271-2. 'subdita,' 'est' understood. Vere magis,' in the spring mostly.

273. All stand on the lofty rocks, their faces turned to the west wind. 275. vento gravida, impregnated by the wind; a fable actually believed by the ancients. The next verse is spondaic.

277-9. non- Caurum,' not towards thy rising, O Eurus, (the southeast wind,) nor to that of the sun (the east); but towards Boreas and Caurus, the northeast and northwest winds: frigore,' for 'hieme.'

280-3. Then, finally, a slimy juice distils from the groin, which the shepherds properly call "hippomanes." novercæ'; the cruelty of stepmothers is an object of frequent allusion by the ancients. 'nonverba,' baleful incantations.

285. While drawn away by love for this theme, we describe each particular. Now comes the transition from the care of cattle and horses, to that of sheep and goats.

289-94. I am not unaware, how great a task it is to master these themes with dignified words, and to join this ornament (of a lofty style) to humble subjects. 'Parnassi'; see note to Ecl. VI. 29. juvatclivo,' it is pleasant to pass over the mountains, where no track of my predecessors turns aside with a gentle declivity towards Castalia. The Castalian spring, sacred to the Muses, was at the foot of Parnassus. Virgil was the first among his countrymen to treat of rural affairs in 'magno-sonandum,' we must sing a lofty strain.

verse.

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295. mollibus,' soft, because the sheep were littered with straw. 297-300. Et humum,' and to strew the hard ground beneath with much straw and with bundles of fern: scabiem podagras,' and should bring on the mange and foul foot-rot. hinc digressus'; quitting this subject, that is, the sheep.