3
MENALCAS
and one—how call you him, who with his wand
marked out for all men the whole round of heaven,
that they who reap, or stoop behind the plough,
might know their several seasons? Nor as yet
have I set lip to them, but lay them by.
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DAMOETAS
For me too wrought the same Alcimedon
a pair of cups, and round the handles wreathed
pliant acanthus, Orpheus in the midst,
the forests following in his wake; nor yet
have I set lip to them, but lay them by.
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Matched with a heifer, who would prate of cups?
MENALCAS
You shall not balk me now; where'er you bid,
I shall be with you; only let us have
for auditor—or see, to serve our turn,
yonder Palaemon comes! In singing-bouts
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i'll see you play the challenger no more.
DAMOETAS
Out then with what you have; I shall not shrink,
nor budge for any man: only do you,
neighbour Palaemon, with your whole heart's skill—
for it is no slight matter—play your part.
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