5
MENALCAS
for sacrifice, we build; and I for thee
two beakers yearly of fresh milk afoam,
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and of rich olive-oil two bowls, will set;
and of the wine-god's bounty above all,
if cold, before the hearth, or in the shade
at harvest-time, to glad the festal hour,
from flasks of Ariusian grape will pour
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sweet nectar. Therewithal at my behest
shall Lyctian Aegon and Damoetas sing,
and Alphesiboeus emulate in dance
the dancing Satyrs. This, thy service due,
shalt thou lack never, both when we pay the Nymphs
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our yearly vows, and when with lustral rites
the fields we hallow. Long as the wild boar
shall love the mountain-heights, and fish the streams,
while bees on thyme and crickets feed on dew,
thy name, thy praise, thine honour, shall endure.
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Even as to Bacchus and to Ceres, so
to thee the swain his yearly vows shall make;
and thou thereof, like them, shalt quittance claim.”
