[347] The bas-relief on the first altar is copied from Boissard by Montfaucon, Ant. Expliquée, tome i. p. 332. and that on the second, tome ii. p. 275. The latter is also represented by the Rev. Henry Moses, Collection of Antique Vases, &c. Plate 52. [348] Museo Pio-Clementino, tomo iii. tav. 34 and p. 44. [349] Museum Florentinum. Gemmæ Antiquæ a Gorio illustratæ, tav. ii. No. 10. 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. Either to poplars tall he joins The marriageable offspring of his vines; Or lops the useless boughs away, Inserting happier as the old decay: Or in a lonely vale surveys His lowing herds, safe-wand’ring as they graze; Or stores in jars his liquid gold Prest from the hive, or shears his tender fold. * * * * * And, if a chaste and prudent wife Perform her part in the sweet cares of life, Of sun-burnt charms, but honest fame, Such as the Sabine or Apulian dame; If, when fatigued he homeward turns, The sacred fire, built up with faggots, burns; Or if in hurdles she inclose The joyful flock, whence ample produce flows; Though unbought dainties she prepare, And this year’s wines attend the homely fare; No fish would I from foreign shore Desire, nor relish Lucrine oysters more. Olives, fresh gather’d from the tree; _Mallows, the frame from heaviness to free_[350]; A kid snatch’d from the wolf, a lamb To Terminus with due devotion slain; Such is the meal, his labor o’er; No bird from distant climes I’d relish more. Meanwhile how pleasant to behold His sheep well fed, and hasting to their fold;