Why, Mopsus, being both together met,you skilled to breathe upon the slender reeds,I to sing ditties, do we not sit downhere where the elm-trees and the hazels blend?MOPSUSYou are the elder, 'tis for me to bideyour choice, Menalcas, whether now we seekyon shade that quivers to the changeful breeze,or the cave's shelter. Look you how the caveis with the wild vine's clusters over-laced!MENALCASNone but Amyntas on these hills of ourscan vie with you.MOPSUSWhat if he also striveto out-sing Phoebus?MENALCASDo you first begin,good Mopsus, whether minded to sing aughtof Phyllis and her loves, or Alcon's praise,or to fling taunts at Codrus. Come, begin,while Tityrus watches o'er the grazing kids.MOPSUSNay, then, I will essay what late I carvedon a green beech-tree's rind, playing by turns,