Virgils Eclogues, vvith his booke De apibus, concerning the gouernment and ordering of bees, translated grammatically, and also according to the proprietie of our English tongue, so farre as grammar and the verse will well permit. Written chiefly for the good of schooles, to be vsed according to the directions in the preface to the painfull schoole maister, and more fully in the booke called Ludus literarius, or the grammar-schoole, chap. 8

THE SEVENTH ECLOGVE [* 1.1 called] Me∣liboeus.

THe Argument of this Eclogue is taken from the * 1.2 Pastorals of Theocritus. And here the Poet brings in * 1.3 the sheepheard Melibeus reporting * 1.4 a Pastorall▪ contention betweene Corydon and Thyrsis, where∣at by chance (as he sought a goate which had * 1.5 strayed from his flocke) * 1.6 hee was present, * 1.7 being called [thereto] by Daphnis the iudge of the * 1.8 maistery: whom he * 1.9 intimates to haue giuen sentence with Corydon, whenas he saith at the end of the Eclogue:

* 1.10 These things I remember, ‖ 1.11 that Thyrsis ouercome, contended all in vaine.

The speakers are Me∣liboeus, Corydon, Thyrsis.

Mel.

* 1.12 DAphnis as it fell out, sate downe vn∣der a * 1.13 whizzing * 1.14 holme:

And both Corydon and

Thyrsis * 1.15 had gathered their flockes into one,

* 1.16 Thyrsis [his] sheepe, Corydon his goates bagd with milke.

* 1.17 Both of them flou∣rishing in age, ‖ 1.18 both Ar∣cadians.

* 1.19 Also matches in sin∣ging, and prepared to answer [one another by turnes.]

* 1.20 Whilst I was fen∣cing my tender myrtles from the cold: the goate himselfe the leader of the flocke, had strayed from me hither: * 1.21 and then I spied Daphnis: * 1.22 who when he saw me ouer a∣gainst him, * 1.23 spake quick∣ly [thus vnto me.]

* 1.24 Come hither Me∣libeus, thy goate is safe, and so likewise thy kids.

And if thou canst * 1.25 stay any whit, rest [with me] vnder the * 1.26 shade.

* 1.27 The bullockes will come hither to drinke, thorough the medowes of their owne accord.

Al. Here a 1.28 the greene* 1.29 riuer Mincius hath coue∣red his banks with tender reeds: and the swarmes of bees ‖ 1.30 resound from the holy oake.

What should I do? for neither had I Alcippe [my wife] nor [my daughter] Phillis al. at* 1.31 home, which might ‖ 1.32 shut vp [my lambes] * 1.33 weaned from the milke.

And there was * 1.34 a great match to be tried * 1.35 b 1.36 betweene Corydon and Thyrsis.

* 1.37 Yet set I mine owne serious [businesses] after ‖ 1.38 their sport.

Then ‖ 1.39 both of them began * 1.40 to trie with ver∣ses sung ‖ 1.41 by course. The Muses wold haue [them] record c 1.42 [their * 1.43 songs by turnes.

‖ 1.44 Corydon [rehearsed] * 1.45 these [first, and] Thyr∣sis related in order those [that follow.]

C.

O Nymphs of d 1.46 Ly∣bethris, * 1.47 [who are] our

chiefe delight, either grant vnto me [such] a verse as [yee vouchsa∣fed] to my Codrus; (for he makes [verses] ‖ 1.48 next vnto the verses of * 1.49 A∣pollo:) or if all of vs can∣not [make such,]

My shrill sounding pipe shall ‖ 1.50 hang here vpon [this] ‖ 1.51 sacred pine.

Th.

e 1.52 Yee Arcadian sheepheards, ‖ 1.53 adorne with ivie ‖ 1.54 [your] Poet growing [in his skill,] ‖ 1.55 * 1.56 that Codrus guts may burst for enuie:

f 1.57 ‖ 1.58 Or if he shall praise [me] * 1.59 more then he would willingly, * 1.60 com∣passe yee my browes a∣bout with ‖ 1.61 Saint Iohns wort, lest [his] ill tongue should hurt [me] * 1.62 now ready to be a Poet.

Cor.

g 1.63 * 1.64 Oh Diana [thou hunting God∣desse,] [my] little Mycon* 1.65 [‖ 1.66offers] vnto thee this head of the bristly h 1.67 boare, and [these]

branched hornes i 1.68 of the long liued Stag.

‖ 1.69 If this [wager] shall be mine owne, ‖ 1.70 thou shalt stand [made] * 1.71 wholly of smooth mar∣ble k 1.72 * 1.73 in purple bus∣kins.

Thyrs.

l 1.74 Priapus, ‖ 1.75 it is enough for thee to ex∣pect euery yeare a boll of milke and these cakes: thou art [but] the keeper ‖ 1.76 of the poore orchard.

* 1.77 Now we haue made thee of marble ‖ 1.78 for the time: * 1.79 but if increase of yong shall store [our] flocke, ‖ 1.80 [then] be thou all of gold.

Cor.

O Nymph Gala∣tea, daughter of Nereus, sweeter to me ‖ 1.81 then the thyme of Hybla [to the bees,]

Whiter then the swans, fairer ‖ 1.82 then white ivie.

So soone as ‖ 1.83 the buls being fed * 1.84 shall returne vnto their stals, * 1.85 if thou haue any care of thy Co∣rydon [then] come thou.

Th.

Yea let me seeme to thee more bitter then m 1.86 the * 1.87 Sardinian herbes, * 1.88 more rough to touch then ‖ 1.89 butchers broome, more ‖ 1.90 vile * 1.91 then n 1.92 wrake cast vp on shore,

If that * 1.93 this day be not * 1.94 already longer to me then a whole yeare.

O bullockes fed [e∣nough;] go home, * 1.95 if you haue any shame, be gone.

Cod.

‖ 1.96 Oh mossie springs, * 1.97 and [thou] O grasse o 1.98 most fost to sleep [vpon,];

And that greene * 1.99 wil∣ding tree, which coue∣reth you ‖ 1.100 with her thin * 1.101 shade,

* 1.102 Keepe off p 1.103 the ve∣hement heate from the cattell: now the ‖ 1.104 scor∣ching Summer comes, now ‖ 1.105 the gemmes * 1.106 break forth in the * 1.107 pleasant vine branch.

Th.

Here [is] an herth and q 1.108 fat gummie wood,* 1.109 here [is] euer * 1.110 good store

of fire, and the posts blacke with continuall ‖ 1.111 soote.

‖ 1.112 Here care we for the * 1.113 cold of the North∣wind so much as either the wolfe cares for the number [of the sheepe,] or * 1.114 the raging streames [care for] the bankes.

Cor.

Both the iuniper trees stand [full of fruite] and also * 1.115 the rough chest-nuts [‖ 1.116 doe a∣bound.]

* 1.117 The apples lie euery where strewed vnder their trees:

* 1.118 Now all things laugh: but is faire Alexis ‖ 1.119 depart from these hils, ‖ 1.120 [then] thou mayest * 1.121 see the ve∣ry riuers dried vp.

Thyrs.

The field * 1.122 is parcht, * 1.123 the grasse thir∣steth, dying through the distemper of the aire.

Bacchus ‖ 1.124 hath enuied * 1.125 the shades of the vine branches to the hils.

[But] euery ‖ 1.126 wood * 1.127 shal waxe green [again▪]

* 1.128 by the coming of our Phillis.

* 1.129 And good store of r 1.130 s 1.131 pleasant aire shall [then] descend * 1.132 with comfortable showres.

Cor.

The poplar tree [is] * 1.133 most pleasing to t 1.134 * 1.135 Hercules, * 1.136 the vine to * 1.137 Bacchus,

The myrtle tree to * 1.138 beautifull Venus, * 1.139 his * 1.140 owne lawrell * 1.141 vnto * 1.142 Apollo.

[But] * 1.143 Phillis loueth * 1.144 the hazels; whilest Phil∣lis shall loue them:

Neither shal the myr∣tle tree * 1.145 surpasse the ha∣zels, * 1.146 nor the lawrell of Apollo.

Th.

The ash tree is * 1.147 the fairest in the woods, * 1.148 the pine tree in the or∣chards. * 1.149

* 1.150 The poplar tree * 1.151 vp∣on the riuer bankes, the ••ir tree in the high moun∣taines.

But oh faire Lycidas, * if thou oftener visit•• me,

The ash in the woods * 1.152 shall stoope to thee, [and] the pine tree * 1.153 in the orchards.

Mol.

* 1.154 These things I remember [well,] and Thyrsis * 1.155 ouer-matched to haue contended all in vaine.

Since that time * 1.156 Co∣rydon, Corydon is for vs.

Notes

• * 1.1

  To whom the name i•• [viz. which is inti∣tuled or named.]
• * 1.2

  B••coliasts.
• * 1.3

  Melibeus a shepheard, [or rather a neat∣heard.]
• * 1.4

  A strife [or triall for maisteries] of Co∣rydon and Thyrsis, &c.
• * 1.5

  Wandered away.
• * 1.6

  He had came betweene by chance.
• * 1.7

  Sent for of Daphnis.
• * 1.8

  Contention.
• * 1.9

  Nods to [or signifies by the beckning of his head] to haue pronounced according to Corydon.
• * 1.10

  I remember these things.
• ‖ 1.11

  And Thyrsis being outmatched, to haue contended in vaine.
• * 1.12

  By hap [or by chance] Daphnis had ••it downe together.
• * 1.13

  Shrill by the mouing of the leaues.
• * 1.14

  The holme is a kind of oake.
• * 1.15

  Had driuen together▪ [or had ga∣thered together] their flockes into one [flocke.]
• * 1.16

  Thyrsis [had gathered his] sheepe, [and] Corydon [had gathered his] li∣tle she goates stretched [or strouted out] viz. hauing their vdders full of milke.
• * 1.17

  Both of them [were] flourishing in their ages, viz. flourishing youths.
• ‖ 1.18

  Both of them borne in Arcadia, and right Arcadians▪ for their musicke, [viz. very skilfull musicians.
• * 1.19

  And equall to sing, and ready to answer [viz. in verse] whosoeuer should chalenge them.
• * 1.20

  The man [or husband] of the flocke [viz. the high goate] himselfe had wandered away to me [viz. from me] hither, whilst I defend [viz. do fence] [my] myrtle trees from the cold [viz. my yong myrtles.
• * 1.21

  And I see [or behold] Daphnis.
• * 1.22

  He (when he seeth me against [him]) saith quickly [or very quick∣ly.]
• * 1.23

  Or spake, O Melibeus come hither quickly.
• * 1.24

  O Melibeus come hither [thy] goate is safe for thee, [or the he goate to thee is safe] and [thy] kids [are safe.]
• * 1.25

  Ceasse any thing [viz. if thou haue any leisure.]
• * 1.26

  Shadow.
• * 1.27

  The very bullocks will come hither, &c.
• a 1.28

  Mincius is called greene, for green trees & reeds with the sedge growing about it.
• * 1.29

  Al. Here Mincius hath couered his green banks with a tender re••d, [viz. with yong reeds.]
• ‖ 1.30

  Make a humming noise from the oake consecrated to Iupiter.
• * 1.31

  Al. Which might shut vp at home [my] lambes weaned from [their] milke, [viz. from their dams.]
• ‖ 1.32

  Shut vp [within the foulds.]
• * 1.33

  Driuen away from the milke.
• * 1.34

  A great contention [or strife for maisteries.
• * 1.35

  Corydon [did striue [or play for a wager] with Thyrsis, or to Corydon with Thyrsis.
• b 1.36

  Prolepsis implicit••.
• * 1.37

  Neuerthelesse I set after mine own earnest matters to their play, [viz. I preferred their sport before mine own serious [or weightie] businesse [of seeking my goate.]
• ‖ 1.38

  Their contention in musicke.
• ‖ 1.39

  Corydon and Thyrsis.
• * 1.40

  To contend.
• ‖ 1.41

  One after another by turnes.
• c 1.42

  In this Eclogue they sing by turnes, either of them foure verses, like as in the third by couples, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two & two, and in the fift by twen∣tie fiue a peece.
• * 1.43

  Verses by course.
• ‖ 1.44

  Corydon began, and rehearsed the foure first verses.
• * 1.45

  These [verses.]
• d 1.46

  Lybethris a fountain where those Nymphs are worshipped.
• * 1.47

  Being our loue [or delight.]
• ‖ 1.48

  Almost equall to Apollos verses.
• * 1.49

  Phoebus.
• ‖ 1.50

  I will hang vp the instruments of my profession, as hauing serued out my time.
• ‖ 1.51

  The pine tree consecrated to Cybele the mother of the Gods.
• e 1.52

  Poets were crowned with ivie, either as be∣ing consecrated to Li∣ber, and inspired with a furious spirit, as in the feasts of Bacchus; or else because as ivies are alwayes greene, so ver∣ses deserue eternitie, as Seruius thinketh.
• ‖ 1.53

  Decke ye, viz. crowne, with a pa∣storall garland of ivie, though not with a lawrell crowne.
• ‖ 1.54

  [Me your] Poet.
• ‖ 1.55

  That Codrus may burst for enuie, [viz. that I should be preferred be∣fore him for my musicke.
• * 1.56

  That the small guts may be bursten to Codrus with enuie.
• f 1.57

  The heathen feared to be praised ouer∣much, especially of e∣nemies, thinking that praise to haue the force of witchcraft, against which they accounted the herbe Bacchar to haue speciall vertue.
• ‖ 1.58

  Or if he shall be inforced to praise me.
• * 1.59

  Beyond [his] liking.
• * 1.60

  Gird about [my] forehead.
• ‖ 1.61

  Ladies gloues. ^‖ Codrus [or Corydons] euill tongue.
• * 1.62

  About to be a Poet, [viz. which ar•• in hope to be a Poet, or, your Poet that shall be.
• g 1.63

  Corydon to the end that he may obtaine his desire for Poetry, offers vnto Diana the sister of Apollo and Goddesse of hunting, these gifts be∣fitting her th••s set out.
• * 1.64

  Oh Delia.
• * 1.65

  ^‖ My litle sonne Mycon.
• ‖ 1.66

  Presents or giues.
• h 1.67

  The Boare and the Stag are amongst the principall beasts of the chase in hunting.
• i 1.68

  Pli••ie and others re∣port that the Stags liue very long.
• ‖ 1.69

  If this victorie or praise shall be mine, that I shal be next vnto Codrus in musicke or Poetrie.
• ‖ 1.70

  I will make thee a picture of marble.
• * 1.71

  Whole.
• k 1.72

  E••incta sur••s foe [vsque] sur••s, Synecd••∣che. or, secundum sur••s.
• * 1.73

  Tied about [euen vnto] the calues of the legs with a purple buskin.
• l 1.74

  Priapus the god of the gardens or orchard
• ‖ 1.75

  I hope thou wilt be contented with me, if according to my poore estate I offer vnto thee a boll of milke, &c.
• ‖ 1.76

  Of the simple garden.
• * 1.77

  We haue made thee a picture of marble.
• ‖ 1.78

  For the present.
• * 1.79

  But if bringing forth of yong, shall supply [or fill] [our] flocke:
• ‖ 1.80

  Then thou shalt be golden, viz. haue a picture made of gold.
• ‖ 1.81

  Then the hony of Hybla, of which before in the first Eclogu••.
• ‖ 1.82

  Then the fairest 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• ‖ 1.83

  The cattel being filled shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.84

  Shall seeke againe their stals, [or go againe vnto their stals.]
• * 1.85

  Come tho•• if any care of thy Cory∣don ha••e [or possisse] th••e.
• m 1.86

  These herbes of Sardinia are taken for a kind of Crow-foote, which being eaten do take away the vnder∣standing, and do shrink vp the sinewes in the face in such sort, that a man shall seeme to die laughing: where∣upon came that Adage of the Sardinian laugh∣ter.
• * 1.87

  Sardois pro Sardinijs, Casus Grae∣cus. ^‖ The herbes that grow in Sardinia.
• * 1.88

  More horrible.
• ‖ 1.89

  Butchers broome is a prickly shrub.
• ‖ 1.90

  Contemptible.
• * 1.91

  Then sea weed cast forth [of the sea.]
• n 1.92

  Alga, is called of some Lauer or Sea∣girdle, it seemeth to be a sea herb growing on the rocks, hauing leaues like lettice, though here it is taken for whatso∣euer weeds the sea ca∣steth out.
• * 1.93

  This light.
• * 1.94

  Now.
• * 1.95

  Go ye [home, if there be any shame [to you.]
• ‖ 1.96

  Oh fountaines [or springs] greene ouer with mosse.
• * 1.97

  And oh herbe more soft [or plea∣sant] to sleepe, [viz. vnto sleepe.
• o 1.98

  Mollior som no, for ad somnum.
• * 1.99

  Arbute, or sernice tree, or crab tree.
• ‖ 1.100

  With the shadow of her branches spred here and there.
• * 1.101

  Shadow.
• * 1.102

  Defend ye [or keepe away] the sol∣stice to the cattel, viz from the cattel: that is, saue the cattell from the heate of the Sunne in the solstice. Hypalla∣ge. Met. Effic.
• p 1.103

  The solstice in the Sommer, is when the Sun ascends no higher towards vs: of Solis sta∣tio, which is about the 11 or 12 of Iune: like as contrary the Winter solstice, when it is at the lowest from vs.
• ‖ 1.104

  The vine buds.
• ‖ 1.105

  Burning heate.
• * 1.106

  Do swell.
• * 1.107

  Ioyfull [or rank••] vine branch.
• q 1.108

  Teda is taken most properly for the mid∣dle or the heart of the pine tree, which (tho∣rough the licour in it) being kindled burneth like a torch, and gene∣rally for any kinde of fat and gummy wood, and so for a torch, or whatsoeuer the torch is made of.
• * 1.109

  ^‖ Fat torches.
• * 1.110

  Very much fire, a great fire.
• ‖ 1.111

  Smoke.
• ‖ 1.112

  Here by reason of our good f••ors.
• * 1.113

  Colds.
• * 1.114

  The flouds running violently, [or vehement, or boisterous.
• * 1.115

  The rough chest-nut trees [stand full.]
• ‖ 1.116

  Are plenteous, or waxe ripe.
• * 1.117

  Their owne seuerall apples lie eue∣ry where scattered vnder the tree.
• * 1.118

  All things do laugh now, [viz. do seeme to reioyce because of the plentie and our prosperitie.
• ‖ 1.119

  Should depart.
• ‖ 1.120

  Thou shouldest then see the very riuers drie.
• * 1.121

  Also the flouds drie.
• * 1.122

  Is drie [or is parched with heate, or is very drie.
• * 1.123

  The herbe [viz grasse] dying tho∣rough the felt [or vnseasonablenesse] of the aire [or weather] thirsteth [for raine.]
• ‖ 1.124

  Hath grudged, or denied, or disdai∣ned.
• * 1.125

  The shadowes made of the vine branches, [viz. the vines haue lost their leaues through the scorching heate.
• ‖ 1.126

  Groue [or all trees.]
• * 1.127

  Shall be greene [againe.]
• * 1.128

  At the coming of o••r Phillis, [viz. if she shall come vnto vs.]
• * 1.129

  And very much Iupiter, [viz. sweete and pleasant aire.
• r 1.130

  Iupiter is put for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, by a Meton. Effic. which ••ire being thick∣ned, tur••eth into raine.
• s 1.131

  Iupeter q. iuuans pa∣••, or iuuans ac••.
• * 1.132

  With a merry [or ioyfull] shower, viz. with raine making 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ioyfull and merry.
• * 1.133

  Most acceptable [or best pleasing, or dedicated.
• t 1.134

  Alcides put for Her∣cules. Patronym. ab Al∣c••o 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The poplar is dedicated to him, be∣cause being crowned with poplar when ••e went downe to hell (as the Poets faine) part of the leaues which stucke close to the temples of his head, remained still white, but the outward part of them remained blacke with the soote of hell, which colour still abides in the leaues
• * 1.135

  Alcides.
• * 1.136

  The vine [〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pleasing] or most delight s••ms.
• * 1.137

  Iacchus.
• * 1.138

  Faire.
• * 1.139

  The lawrell being Apolloos owne tree.
• * 1.140

  [Is most pleasing] to Apollo.
• * 1.141

  To Ph••bus.
• * 1.142

  Ouercome, [viz. go beyond in esti∣mation.]
• * 1.143

  My loue.
• * 1.144

  The ••ilberd tree.
• * 1.145

  Nor the bay 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Apollo [shall passe them.
• * 1.146

  The fairest [tree growing] to the woods.
• * 1.147

  The pine tree [is the fairest tree.]
• * 1.148

  The poplar [is the fairest tree.]
• * 1.149

  •• Gardens.
• * 1.150

  In the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [by the ri••ers side.]
• * 1.151

  If 〈◊〉〈◊〉 see 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ft.
• * 1.152

  Shall yeeld [viz. shall be inferiour to thee.
• * 1.153

  In the orchards [shall yeeld to thee.]
• * 1.154

  I remember [well] these [songs.]
• * 1.155

  Being ouercome, to contend in vaine.
• * 1.156

  Corydon is the noble conquerour,] viz. Corydon is for vs, [viz. Corydon is for our money,] or in our iudge∣ment.