Georgics and Eclogues

The Georgics and Eclogues of Virgil by Publius Virgilius Maro, translated by Theodore Chickering Williams, 166 pages

This is a translation of some of the lesser pastoral poetry by the master of The Aeneid, praising the beauties of nature and the simplicity of country life, in the tradition of Hesiod rather than Homer.  The Eclogues were written in Virgil's youth, the Georgics in his maturity, and most readers are likely to admire the latter more than the former.  Most of the Eclogues are presented in the form of dialogues and exchanges of poetry (the famous Fourth is somewhat of an exception), which makes them irritatingly disjunct.  The problems might be eased in Latin or with more familiarity with the poetic template.  The Georgics are much more readable, although some readers may be bored by the long sections of agricultural advice (and I have my doubts as to the extent of Virgil's practical farming expertise), which is a shame, because the passages, whether discussing horse breeding or beekeeping or where and when to plant grape vines, all contribute beautifully to the greater themes of the work.

Williams' verse translation is excellent.