The Pendulum Clock

THE ECLOGUE OF DAPHNIS.

It is believed that then the long-eared folk of the hares spontaneously left their homes in the holm-oaks and the dear quiet of the neighboring grove; and it is told that the rabbit, that frequent chewer of sedge-grass, never came forth from its burrows in greater numbers at any time—if indeed the girls of the shore tell the truth, who happened to be sitting here and there to guard the nets spread out to dry in the winds. The Nereids Sea nymphs, daughters of Nereus with naked breasts, a playful troop, were seen—or thought to have been seen—through the flickering Moon, as were Triton and Glaucus far off under the spiteful light; and you, too, O most faithful guardian of Neptune’s cattle A reference to Proteus, the shepherd of seals, reclining near the seals stretched out along the shores: nor did anyone remember to yield to the late night. Meanwhile the shadows deepened; and while Cynthia The Moon remained hidden, veiled by a cloud, a star proceeded from a serene part of the sky with unaccustomed tresses, trailing a long, notable train of white. The astonished chorus marvels. He himself marvels; especially when the Moon, soon returning, took away such great honor from its head and all its following adornment. He begins: "Hasten each of you to your own familiar huts, not at all anxious or nursing a care because of this omen. At another time we shall sing of such unusual fires and the common folk trembling in vain with fear."

These things Ancon said: which seemed to me worthy to be related to you, HUYGENS, glory of the Huygens family, to whom the stars are a care; nor is it right for you to despise Apollo or the Muses of Pimpla original: "Pimplæ ... Divas"; Pimpla was a hill or spring sacred to the Muses, to whom your whole house, your brothers, and your father are dedicated. Thus, let the appearance of a foreign star not terrify you, whether it be the same or another comet with varying brightness.