The history of silk, cotton, linen, wool, and other fibrous ... - Cd3wd.com

280 SHEEP BREEDING AND
impression, that their condition, even if it were that of slaves,
was nevertheless one of comfort and respectabihty. Neither
their garb, nor their attitude, suggests the idea of anything
base or miserable. On the contrary, the countenance of each
indicates trust-worthiness, steadiness, and care. That many
of the agricultural laborers of ancient Italy had this character
may be inferred also from wTitten testimonies.
In reference to this subject, and with a view to illustrate at
the same time the habits and employments of the ancient
farmer among the Sabine or Apidian mountains, we will here
quote some parts of Horace's Second Epode, in which he de-
scribes the pleasures of a country life.
Like the first mortals blest is he,
From debts, and usury, and bus'ness free,
With his own team who ploughs the soil,
Which grateful once confess'd his father's toil.
; ; ;
The sounds of war nor break his sleep,
Nor the rough storm, that harrows up the deep
lie shuns the courtier's hauglity doors.
And the loud science of the bar abjures.
Either to poplars tall he joins
The marriageable offspring of his vines
Or lops the useless boughs away.
Inserting happier as the old decay
Or in a lonely vale surveys
His lowing herds, safe-wand'ring as tliey graze ;
Or stores in jars his liquid gold
Prest from the hive, or shears his tender fold.
* # * *
And, if a chaste and prudent wife
Perform her part in the sweet cares of life,
Of sun-burnt charms, but honest fame,
Such as the Sabine or Apulian dame ;
If, when fatigued he homeward turns.
The sacred fire, built up with faggots, burns ;
Or if in hurdles she inclose
The joyful flock, whence ample produce flows
Though imbought dainties she prepare,
And this year's wines attend the homely fare
No fish would I from foreign shore
Desire, nor relish Lucrino oysters more.
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