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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Rewards.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Rewards.
See Munificence.
Then in the Center of the Cirque are plac'dThe Prizes, sacred Tripods, Wreaths of Greens,
And Palms for Victors: Arms, and purple Robes,
Talents of massy Silver, and of Gold.—
— On every Ship
Three Heifers, to be chosen, he bestows,
A silver Talent's massy Weight, and Wine,
As Prizes.—To the Conq'ror first he gives
A Cloak, with Gold embroider'd, edg'd with Fringe
Of Melibœan Purple, doubly round
Entwining.—
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A Coat of Mail he gives, compact with Hooks,
And wrought with triple Tissue: to defend
At once and deck the Warrior.—
Two brazen Cauldrons to the Third he gives,
And silver Bowls with Figures rough emboss'd.—
Not One of all this Number shall from me
Go unrewarded: I'll on each bestow
Two Gnossian Jav'lins, bright with polish'd Steel,
And a carv'd Battle-Ax with Silver wrought.
This Honour shall be one to All. The Three
Who first excell, shall diff'rent Prizes share,
And with pale Olive bind their Heads. The First
A Steed enrich'd with Trappings shall receive:
The Next an Amazonian Quiver, fill'd
With Thracian Arrows, which a Belt around
Incloses with broad Gold, a Buckle clasps
With round smooth Diamonds: Be the Third content
With this Argolick Shield.—
—A huge Getulian Lion's Hide
He gives to Salius, rough with heavy Fur,
And golden Claws.—
He gives to Salius, rough with heavy Fur,
And golden Claws.—
—Then He commands to bring
A Shield, the Work of Didymaon's Art,
Torn by the Grecians from the sacred Posts
Of Neptune: and with that excelling Gift
Distinguishes the well-deserving Youth.—
He said: And for the Combat two Rewards
A Shield, the Work of Didymaon's Art,
Torn by the Grecians from the sacred Posts
Of Neptune: and with that excelling Gift
Distinguishes the well-deserving Youth.—
Propos'd: The Victor's Prize, a Bull adorn'd
With Gold, and Wreaths: a Sword, and burnish'd Helm,
The Solace of the Vanquish'd.—
Two Goblets I will give, in Silver wrought,
And rough with Sculpture: which my Father took
From sack'd Arisba: And two Talents Weight
Of massy Gold: two Tripods: and a Bowl
Of antique Cast, which Tyrian Dido gave.
But if 'tis giv'n Us in the Chance of War
To conquer Latium, and its Scepter wield,
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Saw'st Thou the Steed by Turnus press'd, the Arms
In which he rode, all glitt'ring, all in Gold?
That very Shield, and those red Plumes which grace
His Helmet, from the Lot I will exempt,
Already, Nisus, thy adjudg'd Reward.
Besides, twelve choicest Dames, twelve captive Youths,
With their own Arms, my Father shall bestow:
And, added to them All, that Tract of Land,
Which by the King Latinus is possess'd.—
—Drawing from his Belt
His gilded Sword, which wrought with wondrous Art
Lycaon, born of Gnossian Race, had made,
And in an iv'ry Scabbard fit inclos'd,
That Present on the lovely Youth bestows.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |