IDYL VII. THALYSIA. ARGUMENT. Simichidas and two others are travelling to a harvest-home; on their way they fall in with Lycidas, who sings for them at the request of Simichidas. The latter also favours his companions with a song. Lycidas gives a crook to Simichidas, and then pursues his journey, while the others turn off to the harvestfeast; the scene and the entertainment are described. G IDYL VII. THALYSIA. 'TWAS when Amyntas, Eucritus, and I, Sons of Lycopeus both, and good men these, By favour of the muses: who not knew "Whither so fast at noon-tide, when no more The crested larks their sunny paths explore, And in the thorn-hedge lizards lie asleep? To feast or to a wine-press do you leap? The stones ring to your buskins as you pass." To him I made reply-" Dear Lycidas! All say you are the piper--far the best Our way is to a harvest-feast, which cater Dear friends of ours for richly robed Damater, Offering their first fruits since their garner-floor And call me minstrel good not that I deem, Not I by Earth! Philetas I surpass, A frog compared with locusts I beguile The time with song." He answered with a smile : "This crook I give thee-for thou art all over An imp of Zeus, a genuine truth-lover. Who strives to build, the lowly plain upon, A mansion high as is Oromedon, I hate exceedingly; and for that matter The muse-birds, who like cuckoos, idly chatter |