Exercitationes Iambic

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ...Descend the mountain road. A rest, brief indeed, but yet sufficient; Whence, soothed with divine breezes, the suffering Through after hours, the common weight of mortals, Calmly enduring, as merely a dream of life, They very patiently bear; and like (other n. I.) mortals To perform their allotted tasks They appear, whether of pleasure or of pain. For thus one feeling by two names We call, which to vary in speech desires The unceasing agony of our minds, though in reality to no purpose We severally aim-at attaining a happy life. Exercise XIX. "The Slave's Dream" paraphrased. Bare as to his broad breast, and (hidden as to his matted hair,2) (In1) the dirt of the (sand,1) The slave, holding his sickle in his strong hand, Lay near the untouched harvest of rice. 5 Then, extended (in the darkness6) of sleep, he thought he beheld His native land; there once again, Beneath the lofty foliage of palms, where Mighty (Niger9) rules-over fertile plains, He saw, once more, his dark-eyed queen, Among her children stand; They clasped his neck, they kissed his cheeks, They held him by the hand! A tear burst from the sleeper's lids, And fell into the sand. And then, at furious speed he rode Along the river's bank; His bridle-reins were golden chains; And, with a martial clank, At each leap he could feel his scabbard of steel Smiting his courser's flank. He (strode,10) as formerly, with kingly step, 10 (Beholding12) afar travellers in long troops With pleasing tinklings of bells Traversing the (mountain11) paths. And then again He saw his queen, as of yore, (surroundedM) with his dear-loved Children; and as even in the fancies of slumber 15 Rejoicing they embraced him with claspings of hands, And kisses, and clingings-to his neck, A tear, through...