Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

NEMESIANUSECLOGUE IIIBacchus "Nvctilus and Mycon and likewise fair Amyntaswere shunning the scorching heat of the sun beneatha spreading ilex, when Pan, fatigued in the chase,set himself to recline under an elm and gain strengthby sleep's recreation. From a rounded bough abovehim hung his pipe. This the boys seized by stealth,as though they could take it to be a surety for asong, as though 'twere right to handle the reedpipesof gods. But neither would the pipe soundits wonted music, nor would it weave its song, butinstead of songs it rendered vilely discordant"^Creeches, till Pan was awakened by the din of the^trident pipe, and, now seeing them, said, "Boys,if songs ye call for, I myself will sing. No manmay blow upon the hemlock stalks which I fashionwith wax within Maenalian caves. ^ And now, OGod of the winepress, I will unfold in order due the^tory of thy birth and the seeds of the vine. Songi- our debt to Bacchus."With these words, Pan the mountain-ranger beganthus upon the reeds: "Thee I sing, who plaitestvine-wreaths with berried clusters hanging heavyon thine ivy-circled brow, who leadest tigers withjuice-soaked vine-branch, thy perfumed hair flowingo'er thy neck, true offspring of Jove. For whenSemele alone, save the stars of heaven, saw Jovewearing Jove's own countenance, this child did theAlmighty Father, careful for future ages, carry till''The Arcadian mountain-range of Maenalus was sacred toPan.473