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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Thrown from a Chariot. |
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Thrown from a Chariot.
The frighted Horses pricking up their EarsA while stood trembling:—sudden then they flew,
And o'er the Rocks the rattling Chariot drew.
In vain to stop the hot-mouth'd Steeds I try'd,
And bending backward all my Strength apply'd:
The frothy Foam in driving Flakes distains
The Bits, and Bridles, and bedews the Reins.
But though as yet untam'd they ran, at length
Their heady Rage had tir'd beneath my Strength,
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The shatter'd Wheel, and from its Axle bore.
The Shock impetuous toss'd me from the Seat;
Caught in the Reins beneath my Horses' Feet,
My reeking Guts dragg'd out alive, around
The jagged Stump my trembling Nerves were wound.
Then stretch'd the well-knit Limbs, the Pieces hal'd,
Part stuck behind, and Part the Chariot trail'd:
Till midst my cracking Joints, and breaking Bones,
I breath away my weary'd Soul in Groans.
No Parts, distinguish'd from the rest, were found,
But all my Parts an universal Wound.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |