IDYL VIII.

THE BUCOLIC SINGERS.

ARGUMENT.

The cowherd Daphnis and the shepherd Menalcas sing alternately.> A goatherd is the judge between them; he awards the prize to Daphnis.

IDYL VIII.

THE BUCOLIC SINGERS.

DAPHNIS AND MENALCAS.

MENALCAS met, while pasturing his sheep,
The cowherd Daphnis on the highland steep;
Both yellow-tressed, and in their life's fresh spring,—
Both skilled to play the pipe, and both to sing.

Menalcas, with demeanour frank and free,

Spoke first: "Good Daphnis, will you sing with me?

I can out-sing you, whensoe'er I try,

Just as I please." Then Daphnis made reply:

DAPHNIS.

Shepherd and piper! that may never be,
Happen what will, as you on proof will see.

H

MENALCAS.

Ah, will you see it, and a wager make?

DAPHNIS.

I will to see this, and to pledge a stake.

MENALCAS.

And what the wager, worthy fame like ours?

DAPHNIS.

A calf my pledge, a full-grown lamb be yours.

MENALCAS.

At night my cross-grained sire and mother use To count the sheep that pledge I must refuse.

What shall it be then?

DAPHNIS.

What the victor's prize?

MENALCAS.

I'll pledge a nine-toned pipe, that even lies
In the joined reeds, with whitest wax inlaid,
The musical sweet pipe I lately made;

This will I pledge- and not my father's things.

DAPHNIS.

I, too, have got a pipe that nine-toned rings,
Compact with white wax, even-jointed, new,—
Made by myself: a split reed sudden flew,
And gashed this finger - it is painful still.

But who shall judge which has the better skill?

MENALCAS.

Suppose we call that goatherd hither

Yon white dog at his kids barks lustily.

see!

He came when called; and, hearing their request,

Was willing to decide which sung the best.
Clearly their rival tones responsive rung,

Each in his turn, but first Menalcas sung.

MENALCAS.

Ye mountain-vales and rivers! race divine!

If aught Menalcas ever sung was sweet,

Feed

ye When Daphnis drives them to this dear retreat.

these lambs; and feed no less his kine,