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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Osiris.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Osiris.
See Bacchus.
Osiris first, to frame the Plow-share found,And first with Steel tore up the tender Ground:
First in th' unpractic'd Earth the Seed he threw,
And first, from Trees unknown, ripe Apples drew.
First prop'd the bending Branches of the Vine,
And taught the clasping Tendrils where to twine:
To prune the shooting Trees with timely Care,
And stop the wild Luxuriance of the Year.
He to express the Wine first taught the Use,
And made the Vat o'erflow with gen'rous Juice.
Wine tun'd the Voice to chant the charmful Song,
And taught the Feet to bound in measur'd times along.
Bacchus to Country Swains oppress'd with Cares,
Gives Courage, and dissolves invading Fears.
Bacchus gives Respite to the Wretch's Pains,
Altho' with Fetters gall'd, and rattling Chains.
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But thine the Song, the Dance, and Love's endearing Joy:
The flowry Chaplet, and the Ivy Crown,
The Saffron Mantle flowing loosely down,
The purple Vest, the Flute's melodious Sound,
And mystic Rites in sacred Silence bound.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |