IDYL X.

THE REAPERS.

ARGUMENT.

Two reapers are the speakers in this Idyl. Battus is reproved by Milon for his sluggishness in his work; whereupon he confesses that he is enamoured of a certain singing-girl. Milon jeers him, and invites him to sing that he may forget his love. Battus complies, and praises his beloved; at the conclusion of his song, the other rustic repeats some matter-of-fact proverbial sentences; and concludes with a taunt on the romantic folly of the love-sick Battus.

IDYL X.

THE REAPERS.

BATTUS AND MILON.

MILON.

PLOUGHMAN, what is the matter with you, pray?

You cannot draw the furrow straight to-day,
Nor with your neighbour even do you keep,
But lag behind like a thorn-wounded sheep.
If you cannot the furrow now devour,

What will you be, my friend, at evening hour?

BATTUS.

You rock-chip, reaping till the sun's descent,
Did you some absent darling ne'er lament?

MILON.

Never. A labourer's heart with love-grief ache!

BATTUS.

Did you ne'er chance for love to lie awake?

MILON.

No-never may I! When a dog has eaten
Meat for his master, the poor dog is beaten.

BATTUS.

I'm deep in love—almost eleven days.

MILON.

From a full wine-cask you your fancies raise;

I have not even vinegar enough.

BATTUS.

Thence lie the sweepings of all sort of stuff

Before my door.

MILON.

Who is your mischief-bringer?