Alcino

The field, the flock, with barrenness oppressed, Pines fast away, each living thing conceives Corruption, mildew—Ceres' fatal pest— Poisons the grass and taints the wheaten sheaves; The bird abandons its dismantled nest, That was hedged in before with lively leaves; But if sweet Phyllis chance to pass that way, The flock revives, and all again looks gay.