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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Equinoctial-Line.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Equinoctial-Line.
Bright Phœbus, here, to neither Pole declines,But from his Zenith vertically shines:
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Scarce their own Trunks the leafy Branches shield;
The Rays descend direct, all round embrace,
And almost to a Point the Shadow chace.
Here equally the middle Line is found,
To cut the radiant Zodiac in it's Round:
Here unoblique the Bull and Scorpion rise,
Nor mount too swift, nor leave too soon the Skies:
Nor Libra does too long the Ram attend,
Nor bids the Maid the fishy Sign descend.
The Twins and Centaur justly Time divide,
And equally their several Seasons guide:
Alike the Crab and wintry Goat return,
Alike the Lion and the flowing Urn.
Here slow Bootes, with his lazy Wain,
Descending, seems to reach the watry Main.
Of all the Lights which high above they see,
No Star whate'er from Neptune's Waves is free,
The whirling Axle drives 'em round, and plunges in the Sea.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |