Eclogues
Virgil
Vergil. The Poems of Vergil. Rhoades, James, translator. London: Oxford University Press, 1921.
- these still I keep for you; which Thestilis
- implores me oft to let her lead away;
- and she shall have them, since my gifts you spurn.
- Come hither, beauteous boy; for you the Nymphs
- bring baskets, see, with lilies brimmed; for you,
- plucking pale violets and poppy-heads,
- now the fair Naiad, of narcissus flower
- and fragrant fennel, doth one posy twine—
- with cassia then, and other scented herbs,
- blends them, and sets the tender hyacinth off
- with yellow marigold. I too will pick
- quinces all silvered-o'er with hoary down,
- chestnuts, which Amaryllis wont to love,
- and waxen plums withal: this fruit no less
- shall have its meed of honour; and I will pluck
- you too, ye laurels, and you, ye myrtles, near,
- for so your sweets ye mingle. Corydon,
- you are a boor, nor heeds a whit your gifts
- alexis; no, nor would Iollas yield,
- should gifts decide the day. Alack! alack!