2
PROLOGUE.
But for his moral rules, they're not surpassed
By any one's, in present age or past.
Of parts which treat of ancient superstitions,
Or local customs, I've made some omissions,
So left the "Days" and other portions out,
Of whose utility there seemed a doubt,
Or where arose a question of propriety
In saying things that might offend society.
For now-a-days we cannot always speak
In English what we might have spoke in Greek.
The "Days," however, will be found appended
In prose translation, when the poem's ended;[1]
Wherein behold how Superstition flies
From age to age, and never wholly dies?
For many, wise and foolish, even now
Will neither marry, travel, dig nor plow,
Nor plant, nor sow, nor shear, nor butcher swine.
Till lucky days or seasons on them shine.
Or the lady moon doth smile in recognition
Of this, their fondly-idle superstition.
But this, I think, was not so with our poet,
The thing existed, and he did but show it.
And now, kind Reader, if you have a turn
For sound instruction, and may choose to learn.
Your gracious ear to Hesiod's words incline,
And I'II feel flattered, as if they were mine.
By any one's, in present age or past.
Of parts which treat of ancient superstitions,
Or local customs, I've made some omissions,
So left the "Days" and other portions out,
Of whose utility there seemed a doubt,
Or where arose a question of propriety
In saying things that might offend society.
For now-a-days we cannot always speak
In English what we might have spoke in Greek.
The "Days," however, will be found appended
In prose translation, when the poem's ended;[1]
Wherein behold how Superstition flies
From age to age, and never wholly dies?
For many, wise and foolish, even now
Will neither marry, travel, dig nor plow,
Nor plant, nor sow, nor shear, nor butcher swine.
Till lucky days or seasons on them shine.
Or the lady moon doth smile in recognition
Of this, their fondly-idle superstition.
But this, I think, was not so with our poet,
The thing existed, and he did but show it.
And now, kind Reader, if you have a turn
For sound instruction, and may choose to learn.
Your gracious ear to Hesiod's words incline,
And I'II feel flattered, as if they were mine.
- ↑ See Appendix A.
