Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

EINSIEDELN ECLOGUESPleasure and drowsihead are commonly inlove with complaints.Well then, if vou are intent on knowing- thereasons for my pangsGL There is an elm-tree with outspread brancheswhich will cover us with its quivering shade,and, look ! the green-sward bids us lie downon the soft meadow : i/oii must tell what is yourreason for silence.3fy. Do you see how the villagers, outspread o'erthe well-worn turf, offer their yearly vows andbegin the regular altar-worship ? Templesreek of wine ; the hollow drums resound to thehands ; the Maenalids ^ lead the youthfulring-dances amid the holy rites ;joyful soundsthe pipe ; from the elm hangs the he-goatdoomed to sacrifice, and with neck alreadystripped lays his vitals bare. Surely then theoffspring of to-day fight with no doubtful.f*hazard ^ Surely the blockish herd denies notto these times the realms of gold ? The days'^'^of Saturn have returned with Justice the Maid :the age has returned in safety to the olden ways.With hope unruffled does the harvester garnerall his corn-ears ; the Wine-god betrays thelanguor of old age ; the herd wanders on thelea ; we reap with no sword, nor do towns infast-closed walls prepare unutterable warthere is not any woman who, dangerous in hermotherhood, gives birth to an enemy. ^ Unarmed'^Line 23 imitates Virg. Ed. iv. G, iam red it et Virgo,redeunl Saturtiia regrui.' No foeman can be born, as war is at an end.333