Eclogues

Virgil

Vergil. The Poems of Vergil. Rhoades, James, translator. London: Oxford University Press, 1921.

  1. these still I keep for you; which Thestilis
  2. implores me oft to let her lead away;
  3. and she shall have them, since my gifts you spurn.
  4. Come hither, beauteous boy; for you the Nymphs
  5. bring baskets, see, with lilies brimmed; for you,
  6. plucking pale violets and poppy-heads,
  7. now the fair Naiad, of narcissus flower
  8. and fragrant fennel, doth one posy twine—
  9. with cassia then, and other scented herbs,
  10. blends them, and sets the tender hyacinth off
  11. with yellow marigold. I too will pick
  12. quinces all silvered-o'er with hoary down,
  13. chestnuts, which Amaryllis wont to love,
  14. and waxen plums withal: this fruit no less
  15. shall have its meed of honour; and I will pluck
  16. you too, ye laurels, and you, ye myrtles, near,
  17. for so your sweets ye mingle. Corydon,
  18. you are a boor, nor heeds a whit your gifts
  19. alexis; no, nor would Iollas yield,
  20. should gifts decide the day. Alack! alack!