Or long hereafter could behold the day!

Corrupt the race, with toils and griefs opprest,

Nor day nor night can yield a pause of rest.

Still do the gods a weight of care bestow,

Though still some good is mingled with the woe.

Jove on this race of many-languaged man,

Speeds the swift ruin which but slow began:

[50]For scarcely spring they to the light of day

Ere age untimely strews their temples gray.

No fathers in the sons their features trace: