Hail, Shrine of ancient peace, ere Jove was born!
Hail, Mother of Men, real Men, source and spring
Of precious arts I love, of all I sing!
At thy call, my Italy, parent, nurse,
Unsealing primal well-heads, I rehearse
Pure rustic themes long since discoursed upon
Myrtle-clad slopes of musical Helicon!
Happy Husbandmen
Georgicon, Bk. II. vv. 458-540