The idea which the poet here presents to the mind of his readers is of the same kind with that which pervades the writings of the Greek tragedians: it is that of the limited energies of mortals resolutely struggling with a superior and almost irresistible power. The thrilling narrative of the plague at Athens, with all its physical and moral horrors, is one of the most heart-rending specimens of descriptive poetry. The stern rejection of all fear of death, though based upon a denial of the immortality of the soul, is a noble burst of poetical as well as philosophical enthusiasm; and the fifth book displays that perfect finish and accomplished grace which characterizes all the best Roman poets. Amongst the most affecting passages may be enumerated those which describe the early sorrows of the human race, and the grief of the bereaved animal whose young one has been slain in sacrifice.[476] Two other fine passages are the philosophical explanation of Tartarus, and the panoramic view of the tempest of human desires, seen from the rocky heights of philosophy—a glorious descriptive piece which has been imitated by Lord Bacon. The following lines show how beautifully the poet has caught the spirit and feeling of Greek fancy, and how capable the Latin language now was of adequately expressing them:— Aulide quo pacto Triviai virginis aram Iphianassai turparunt sanguine fede Ductores Danaum delectei, prima virorum Cui simul infula, virgineos circumdata comtus, Ex utraque pari malarum parte profusa est; Et mœstum simul ante aras astare parentem Sensit, et hunc propter ferrum celare ministros, Aspectuque suo lacrumas effundere civeis; Muta metu, terram genibus summissa, petebat: Nec miseræ prodesse in tali tempore quibat, Quod patrio princeps donarat nomine regem Nam sublata virum manibus, tremebundaque, ad aras Deducta est; non ut, solenni more sacrorum Perfecto, posset claro comitari hymenæo; Sed, casta incerte, nubendi tempore in ipso, Hostia concideret mactatu mœsta parentis, Exitus ut classi felix faustusque daretur. Tantum religio potuit suadere malorum!