Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

AETNAhave fallen beneath the swoop of the South wind orwhen they moan under a Northern £rale, they intertwinetheir arms in a knot and with the union of thebranches the fire creeps on. Do not let yourselfbe deceived by the blockish rabble's fiilsehood thatthe activity of the mountain recesses flags throughloss of power, that mere time lets them capture theirforces again and after subjection fetch them backinto battle. Banish the disgraceful thought andspurn lying rumour. Such squalid poverty tits notthings divine nor begs for mean supplies nor solicitsdoles of air. Ever at hand arc workers, the swarmingband of the winds : there is an unseen cause enoughto interrupt the free passage and compel a stoppage.Often a pile heaped up with huge fallen boulderschokes the gullies : it bars the ways against thestruggle below, and beneath its weight, under amassive roof as it were, shows the winds unlike theirformer selves, gentle in their current, while themountain is in cold inaction and the onlooker maystill depart in safety. Later, after their silent spell,they press on the swifter for the delay : they dislodgethe masses of rock which they face : they bursttheir bonds. Whatever slants across their path,they break a way through : their fury rises fiercerfor each impact. Flame glitters with widespreadhavoc for its work, and in its rush wells far across thecountry-side : so after long quiescence the windsrenew their brave displays.Now there remain to be discussed all the materials "which govern the conflagration, what fuels summonthe flames, what is Aetna's food. There is nativematerial capable of being kindled by these causes ;also a serviceable sort of earth which fire finds395