Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Of all the mute Creation, These alone
A public Weal, and common Int'rest know,
Imbody'd: and subsist by certain Laws.
Mindful of Winter, they in Summer toil:
And for their Country's Good preserve their Store.
Some, by joint Compact, range the Fields for Food,
Industrious: Others in their Tents at home,
Narcissus' clammy Tears, and Gum from Trees,
Lay, as the first Foundation of their Combs:
Then into Arches build the viscid Wax.
Others draw forth their Colonies adult,
The Nation's Hope: Some work the purer Sweets
And with the liquid Nectar stretch their Cells:
Some (such their Post allotted) at the Gates,
Stand Sentry: and alternate watch, the Rain,
And Clouds, observing: or unlade their Friends
Returning: or in Troops beat off the Drones,
A lazy Cattle: Hot the Work proceeds:
And fresh with Thyme the fragrant Honey smells.—
A public Weal, and common Int'rest know,
Imbody'd: and subsist by certain Laws.
Mindful of Winter, they in Summer toil:
And for their Country's Good preserve their Store.
Some, by joint Compact, range the Fields for Food,
Industrious: Others in their Tents at home,
Narcissus' clammy Tears, and Gum from Trees,
Lay, as the first Foundation of their Combs:
Then into Arches build the viscid Wax.
Others draw forth their Colonies adult,
The Nation's Hope: Some work the purer Sweets
And with the liquid Nectar stretch their Cells:
Some (such their Post allotted) at the Gates,
Stand Sentry: and alternate watch, the Rain,
And Clouds, observing: or unlade their Friends
Returning: or in Troops beat off the Drones,
A lazy Cattle: Hot the Work proceeds:
And fresh with Thyme the fragrant Honey smells.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |