The appearance of the shepherds, who are represented in these ancient works of art, is, doubtless, adapted to produce the impression, that their condition, even if it were that of slaves, was nevertheless one of comfort and respectability. Neither their garb, nor their attitude, suggests the idea of anything base or miserable. On the contrary, the countenance of each indicates trust-worthiness, steadiness, and care. That many of the agricultural laborers of ancient Italy had this character may be inferred also from written testimonies.
In reference to this subject, and with a view to illustrate at the same time the habits and employments of the ancient farmer among the Sabine or Apulian mountains, we will here quote some parts of Horace’s Second Epode, in which he describes the pleasures of a country life.
Like the first mortals blest is he,
From debts, and usury, and bus’ness free,
With his own team who ploughs the soil,
Which grateful once confess’d his father’s toil.
The sounds of war nor break his sleep,
Nor the rough storm, that harrows up the deep;
He shuns the courtier’s haughty doors,
And the loud science of the bar abjures.