Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

GRAniL'Sslujig^ish lethartry or any prophylactic there is forgout that twists the Hmbs ? A thousand plagueshold their victims, and their power transcends ourcare. Come, dismiss such cares (our confidence isnot so great in our own resources)—dismiss them,my mind: the deity must be summoned from highOlympus and the protection of the gods invokedby suppliant ritual. For that reason we constructcross-road shrines in groves of soaring trees " andset our sharp-pointed torches hard by the woodlandprecinct of Diana, and the whelps are decked withthe wonted wreath, and at the centre of the crossroadsin the grove the hunters fling down among theflowers the very weapons which now keep holidayin the festal peace of the sacred rites. Then thewine-cask and cakes steaming on a green-wood traylead the procession, with a young goat thrusting hornsforth from tender brow, and fruit even now clino^inijto the branches, after the fashion of a lustral ritualat which all the youth both purify themselves inhonom' of the Goddess and render sacrifice for thebounty of the year. Therefore, when her grace iswon, the Goddess answers generously in those''directions where you sue for help : whether yom*greater anxiety is to master the forest or to eludethe plagues and threats of destiny, the Maidenis your mighty affiance and protection.It remains to define by their characteristics thehorses which Diana's equipment can accept as useful.^Not every breed has the courage needed for my' Dianae arnm = the chase. For horses in general seeXen. Cyn. 1 ; Pollux, Onom. I. 188 sqq.; Virg. C/. III. 72 sqq.;Varro R. R. II. 7; Columella, VI. 20-29; Plin. X.fl. VIII.154; Xemes. Cyn. 240 sqq.; Oppian, Cyn. I. 158-307.199