s on a large scale. Many
of our Saviour's parables present a similar association of
agriculture with the regal dignity.]

[Footnote 613: Probably a religious rite. Cf. i. 449, 458.]

On it likewise he placed a vineyard, heavily laden with grapes,
beautiful, golden; but the clusters throughout were black; and it was
supported throughout by silver poles. Round it he drew an azure trench,
and about it a hedge[614] of tin; but there was only one path to it, by
which the gatherers went when they collected the vintage. Young virgins
and youths, of tender minds, bore the luscious fruit in woven
baskets,[615] in the midst of whom a boy played sweetly on a shrill
harp; and with tender voice sang gracefully to the chord; whilst they,
beating [the ground] in unison with dancing and shouts, followed,
skipping with their feet.

[Footnote 614: [Greek: Ephyteusen ampelona, kai phragmon auto
perieteke]. Matt, xxi 33. See Rosemueller on Jer. v. 5.]

[Footnote 615: "Vimineis calathis," Copa, 16. Propert. iii. 11,
31.]

In it he also wrought a herd of oxen with horns erect. But the kine were
made of gold and of tin, and rushed out with a lowing from the stall to
the pasture, beside a murmuring stream, along the breeze-waving
reeds.[616] Four golden herdsmen accompanied the oxen, and nine dogs,
swift of foot, followed. But two terrible lions detained the bull,
roaring among the foremost oxen, and he was dragged away, loudly
bellowing, and the dogs and youths followed for a rescue. They indeed,
having torn off the skin of the great ox, lapped up his entrails and
black blood; and the shepherds vainly pressed upon them, urging on their
fleet dogs. These however refused to bite the lions, but, standing very
near, barked, and shunned them.

On it illustrious Vulcan also formed a pasture in a beautiful grove full
of white sheep, and folds, and covered huts and cottages.

Illustrious Vulcan likewise adorned it with a dance, like unto that
which, in wide Gnossus, Daedalus contrived for fair-haired Ariadne. There
danced youths and alluring[617] virgins, holding each other's hands at
the wrist. These wore fine linen robes, but those were dressed in
well-woven tunics, shining[618] as with oil; these also had beautiful
garlands, and those wore golden swords, [hanging] from silver belts.
Sometimes, with skilful feet, they nimbly bounded [round]; as when a
potter, sitting, shall make trial of a wheel fitted to his hands,
wh