Meliboeus by Wenceslaus Hollar (Plate 292 - Scenes from Virgil) 1607-1677

"TITYRUS
The city, Meliboeus, they call Rome,
I, simpleton, deemed like this town of ours,
whereto we shepherds oft are wont to drive
the younglings of the flock: so too I knew
whelps to resemble dogs, and kids their dams,
comparing small with great; but this as far
above all other cities rears her head
as cypress above pliant osier towers.

MELIBOEUS
And what so potent cause took you to Rome?

TITYRUS
Freedom, which, though belated, cast at length
her eyes upon the sluggard, when my beard
'gan whiter fall beneath the barber's blade—
cast eyes, I say, and, though long tarrying, came,
now when, from Galatea's yoke released,
I serve but Amaryllis: for I will own,
while Galatea reigned over me, I had
no hope of freedom, and no thought to save.
Though many a victim from my folds went forth,
or rich cheese pressed for the unthankful town,
never with laden hands returned I home."

-Virgil, Eclogues

Meliboeus by Wenceslaus Hollar (Plate 292 - Scenes from Virgil) 1607-1677.

Source:

https://hollar.library.utoronto.ca/islandora/object/hollar%3AHollar_k_0289

https://hollar.library.utoronto.ca/islandora/object/hollar%3AHollar_k_0288

 

Quote:

http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0057%3Apoem%3D1