I cannot cure myself, howe'er I try;

For hapless love I know no remedy;

Except that Simus sailed across the water,
When smitten with old Epichalcus' daughter,

And came back whole. I too will cross the wave,
Nor best nor worst of soldiers, but a brave.

THYONICHUS.

May all be as you wish, my Æschines!
But if you will depart beyond the seas,
Gladly king Ptolemy brave hearts engages,
Best man of all that gives the soldier wages.

ESCHINES.

What sort of man is he in other things?

THYONICHUS.

To brave and noble souls the best of kings;
Has a discerning spirit; takes delight

In all the Muses; courteous to the height;

Who loves him and who loves him not, he knows;

And many gifts on many men bestows.

When asked a boon, he king-like not denies;

But oft to ask is neither right nor wise.

M

Then if you wish a martial cloak to fold
Around your shoulders, and in station bold,
Firm on both feet, abide the shielded foe
On-rushing-instantly to Ægypt go.

Soon we grow old, and Time steals on apace,
Whitening the hair, and withering the face.
We ought to do what us behoves, I ween,

While yet our knee is firm, our strength is green.

IDYL XV.

ADONIA ZUSE.

ARGUMENT.

The poet describes the festival of Adonis, celebrated by Arsinoe, the wife of Philadelphus. He takes the opportunity of praising the Queen, and all the family of Ptolemy. He introduces two women born and bred at Syracuse, but married and settled at Alexandria; these dames, accompanied each by a handmaid, go to see the spectacle. The scene changes from a house in the suburbs to the streets crowded with citizens and soldiery; thence to the gates of the palace; and lastly to the royal hall, in which the images of Aphrodite and Adonis, with the usual accompaniments, are exhibited. A singing girl is introduced, who sings in honour of Adonis. This piece is remarkable for its variety. The drollery of the gossips is admirably hit off;

and the whole is described as circumstantially and vividly, as though the writer had been by the side of the women the whole time, hearing and seeing all that passed.

GORGO.

PERSONS.

PRAXINOA.

EUNOA, (her Servant).

OLD WOMAN.

STRANGERS.

THE SINGING GIRL.

How late you are! I wonder, I confess,

That you are come e'en now.

Quick, brazen-front!

[To EUNOA.

A chair there-stupid! lay a cushion on't.

GORGO.

Thank you, 'tis very well.

PRAXINOA.

Be seated, pray.