286 S Y L V A BOOK iv 



For ev'ry man a different figure loves. 



Thus the same paths, respecting still their bound 



In various tracts diffuse themselves around. 



Whether your walks are straight or crooked made, 



Let gravel, or green turf be on them laid. 



The nymph and matrons then in woods may meet, 



There walk, and to refresh their weary'd feet, 



Into their chariots mount, tho' to the young 



Labour and exercise does more belong. 



If close-shorn philyrea you deduce 

 Into a hedge, for knots the carpine use ; 

 Or into arbors with a hollow bark, 

 The pliant twigs of soft acanthus make. 

 With stronger wires the flowing branches bind, 

 For if the boughs by nothing are confin'd, 

 The tonsile hedge no longer will excell ; 

 But uncontrol'd beyond its limits swell. 

 And since the lawless grass will oft invade 

 The neighb'ring walks, repress th' aspiring blade, 

 Suffer no grass or rugged dirt t' impair 

 Your smoother paths ; but to the gardners care 

 These things we leave ; they are his business, 

 With setting flow'rs, and planting fruitful trees : 

 And with the master let the servants join, 

 With him their willing hearts and hands combine : 

 Some should with rowlers tame the yielding ground, 

 Making it plain where ruder clods abound. 

 Some may fit moisture to your medows give, 

 And to the plants and garden may derive 

 Refreshing streams ; let others sweep away 

 The fallen leaves ; mend hedges that decay ; 

 Cut off superfluous boughs ; or with a spade 

 Find where the moles their winding nests have made ; 

 Then close them up : Another flow'rs may sow 

 In beds prepared ; on all some task bestow ; 

 That if the master happens to come down, 

 To fly the smoak and clamour of the town ; 

 He in his villa none may idle find, 

 But secret joys may please his wearied mind. 



And blest is he, who tir'd with his affairs, 

 Far from all noise, all vain applause, prepares 



