Odes and Carmen Saeculare — Book III - XVIII - Faune, Nympharum

FAUNE, NYMPHARUM.

O wont the flying Nymphs to woo, Good Faunus, through my sunny farm Pass gently, gently pass, nor do My younglings harm.

Each year, thou know'st, a kid must die For thee; nor lacks the wine's full stream To Venus' mate, the bowl; and high The altars steam.

Sure as December's nones appear, All o'er the grass the cattle play;

The village, with the lazy steer, Keeps holyday.

Wolves rove among the fearless sheep;

The woods for thee their foliage strow;

The delver loves on earth to leap, His ancient foe.

XIX.