Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

Id (IS.NEMKSIAXUS" Ye Dryads who haunt the woodland, Napaeannymphs who haunt the caves, and Naiadswhose marble-white feet cleave the waterystrands, who nourish the gleaming flowersathwart the sward, say, in what meadow orhaply 'neath what shade shall I find Donacepulling lilies with her rosy hands ? Three succeedingdays are now lost to me, while I havebeen awaiting Donace in the grotto that wasour tryst. Meanwhile, as if this were consolationfor my love or could heal my passion,my cows for three morns have touched nograss, nor sipped the waters from any stream.Calves stand licking the dry udders of theirnew-delivered mothers and fill the air withtheir tender lowing. And for myself, neitherof soft sedge nor of pliant osier have I madebaskets for the purposes of curdling milk. Whyshould I relate to you what you know ? You'^are aware I have a thousand heifers ;youknow my milk-pails are never empty. I amhe to whom, Donace, you gave many a tenderkiss, whose strains half-sung you did not hesitateto interrupt by seeking my lips, as theystrayed o'er the reed-pipe.'' xAlack, alack, areyou touched by no thought for my health ?Paler than the box-tree and most like untothe (white) \iolet I stray. See, I shrink fromall food and from the goblets of our lovedBacchus, nor do I mind me to yield myselfto gentle sleep. Ah, without you,*^ to myunhappy sight lilies are grey and roses paleCf. 44-4S witli the pass.ir^e whifh it imitates, Calp. Erl.ni. 51-54.HH 2467