The Eclogues

Eclogue 9 is a dialogue between two neighbors, the elderly Moeris and the young Lycidas. When Lycidas asks Moeris if he’s heading to town, the latter responds with disturbing news: A “stranger” possessed the farm of his master Menalcas, and Moeris must drive this interloper’s sheep (Lines 1-6). The news shocks and saddens Lycidas. Moeris gives a warning: “our songs are worth as much among the weapons of Mars [god of war] / as Chaonian doves, they say, before the eagle’s flight” (Lines 11-13); war has no reverence for the arts. Lycidas remarks that the countryside will lose a true artisan in Moeris (Lines 17-25).

The two reminisce about memorable songs they heard from each other and Menalcas in the past (Lines 37-50). “Time bears away all,” Moeris comments, “The mind as well. As a boy / I recall spending the long sunlit days in song. / Now I’ve forgotten so many songs” (Lines 51-53).

Lycidas attempts to lighten the mood as their dwelling on hardships delays the relief they might find in song: “all the sea is smooth and still, and see, / all the breath of murmuring breezes has died away” (Lines 56-57). The men agree to sing as they continue on their way.