LXXXIV. "And let us two henceforth together feed On this green mountain slope and pastoral plain, The herds in litigation-they will breed Quickly enough to recompense our pain, If to the bulls and cows we take good heed; And thou, though somewhat over fond of gain, Grudge me not half the profit."-Having spoke, The shell he proffered, and Apollo took, LXXXV. And gave him in return the glittering lash, Installing him as herdsman ;-from the look Of Mercury then laughed a joyous flash; And then Apollo with the plectrum strook The chords, and from beneath his hands a crash Of mighty sounds rushed up, whose music shook The soul with sweetness, and like an adept His sweeter voice a just accordance kept. LXXXVI. The herd went wandering o'er the divine mead, Affection sweet,-and then, and now, and ever, LXXXVII. To whom he gave the lyre that sweetly sounded, LXXXVIII. "I fear thee and thy sly chameleon spirit, Lest thou shouldst steal my lyre and crooked bow; This glory and power thou dost from Jove inherit, By roguery-now, Hermes, if you dare LXXXIX. "That you will never rob me, you will do That he would never steal his bow or dart, Or ever would employ his powerful art Against his Pythian fane. Then Phoebus swore There was no god or mar whom he loved more. XC. *And I will give thee as a good-will token XCI. "For, dearest child, the divinations high Which thou requirest, 'tis unlawful ever That thou, or any other deity, Should understand-and vain were the endea vor; For they are hidden in Jove's mind, and I, In trust of them, have sworn that I would never Betray the counsels of Jove's inmost will To any god-the oath was terrible. XCII. "Then, golden-wanded brother, ask me not To speak the fates by Jupiter designed; But be it mine to tell their various lot To the unnumbered tribes of human kind. Let good to these and ill to those be wrought As I dispense-but he who comes consigned By voice and wings of perfect augury To my great shrine, shal' find avail in me. XCIII. "Him will I not deceive, but will assist ; But he who comes relying on such birds As chatter vainly, who would strain and twist The purpose of the gods with idle words, And deems their knowledge light, he shall have mist His road whilst I among my other hoards His gifts deposit. Yet, O son of May, I have another wondrous thing to say: XCIV. "There are three Fates, three virgin sisters, who, XCV. "They, having eaten the fresh honey, grow I give; if you inquire, they will not stutter: Delight your own soul with them :—any mar You would instruct may profit if he can. XCVI. Take these and the fierce oxen, Maia's child. O'er many a horse and toil-enduring mule, O'er jagged-jawed lions, and the wild White-tusked boars, o'er all, by field or pool, Of cattle which the mighty Mother mild Nourishes in her bosom, thou shalt rule. Thou dost alone the veil of death uplift : Thou givest not-yet this is a great gift." XCVII. Thus King Apollo loved the child of May joy. Hermes with gods and men even from that day Mingled, and wrought the latter much annoy And little profit, going far astray Through the dun night. Farewell, delightful boy, Of Jove and Maia sprung,―never by me, Nor thou, nor other songs, shall unremembered be. |