_Ergo ipsas_ quamvis _angusti terminus ævi Excipiat, neque enim plus septima ducitur æstas, At genus immortale manet_, &c. [20] The first edition has _grandsons_. [21] By the list of _errata_ to the first edition, we are directed to read, "lizards shunning light;" but as lizards had been mentioned in the preceding couplet, the correction itself seems erroneous. I follow Dr Carey in rejecting it. [22] Note II. [23] Dr Carey proposes to read _will seem_, according to the second edition, and to adapt the whole sentence to that construction; but the present tense seems more poetical, as placing the manœuvres of Proteus more vividly before Aristæus. If Dryden thought of adopting the future, he did not complete his purpose. I have therefore followed the original edition. [24] Note III. [25] This whole line is taken from the Marquis of Normanby's translation.--DRYDEN. [26] Dr Carey reads _relent_; but _repent_ is here used in a well known scriptural sense; not as expressing remorse, but simple pity. [27] _Poet-king_, in Dr Carey's edition: but the original edition reads as above. NOTES ON GEORGICS, IV. Note I. _That, when the youthful prince_--P. 99. My most ingenious friend, Sir Henry Shere, has observed, through a glass-hive, that the young prince of the bees, or heir presumptive of the crown, approaches the king's apartment with great reverence; and, for three successive mornings, demands permission to lead forth a colony of that year's bees. If his petition be granted, (which he seems to make by humble hummings,) the swarm arises under his conduct. If the answer be, _le roi s'avisera_,--that is, if the old monarch think it not convenient for the public good to part with so many of his subjects, the next morning the prince is found dead before the threshold of the palace. Note II. _Encompassed with her sea-green sisters round._--P. 112. The poet here records the names of fifteen river-nymphs; and for once I have translated them all; but, in the Æneïs, I thought not myself obliged to be so exact; for, in naming many men, who were killed by heroes, I have omitted some, which would not sound in English verse. Note III. ----_Orpheus' dying prayers at length are heard._--P. 117.