Georgics
Virgil
Vergil. The Poems of Vergil. Rhoades, James, translator. London: Oxford University Press, 1921.
- But when the swarms fly aimlessly abroad,
- Disport themselves in heaven and spurn their cells,
- Leaving the hive unwarmed, from such vain play
- Must you refrain their volatile desires,
- Nor hard the task: tear off the monarchs' wings;
- While these prove loiterers, none beside will dare
- Mount heaven, or pluck the standards from the camp.
- Let gardens with the breath of saffron flowers
- Allure them, and the lord of Hellespont,
- Priapus, wielder of the willow-scythe,
- Safe in his keeping hold from birds and thieves.
- And let the man to whom such cares are dear
- Himself bring thyme and pine-trees from the heights,
- And strew them in broad belts about their home;
- No hand but his the blistering task should ply,
- Plant the young slips, or shed the genial showers.