The Eclogues · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Eclogues by Virgil.
Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.
Chapter 1
Pastoral I: Tityrus and Meliboeus
In the first pastoral, Tityrus recounts how a divine youth (Augustus) restored his lands after the civil wars, while Meliboeus laments his forced exile and loss of his farm. The poem contrasts Tityrus's peaceful repose under a beech tree with Meliboeus's bitter wanderings, highlighting the personal costs of political upheaval and land confiscation.
Chapter 2
Pastoral II: Alexis
Corydon, a young shepherd, laments his unrequited love for the beautiful youth Alexis. He praises his own pastoral wealth and skills, offers gifts, and invites Alexis to leave the city for a simple country life. Despite his efforts, Corydon realizes his love is futile and resolves to return to his daily work.
Chapter 3
Pastoral III: Palaemon
Damoetas and Menalcas engage in a heated exchange of insults and boasts before agreeing to a singing contest. They present their wagers—Menalcas offers two carved beechwood bowls, Damoetas a heifer—and Palaemon is called to judge. After an alternating song on themes of love, nature, and poetic rivalry, Palaemon declares both equally skilled and leaves the contest undecided.
Chapter 4
Pastoral IV: Pollio
The poet celebrates the birth of Saloninus, son of Pollio, during his father's consulship, prophesying a new golden age of peace and prosperity, with echoes of the Sibyl's prophecies of a savior's birth.
Chapter 5
Pastoral V: Daphnis
Menalcas and Mopsus engage in a song contest to honor the memory of Daphnis, who is lamented in an elegy and then celebrated in an apotheosis. Mopsus sings of the mourning of nature and the shepherds at Daphnis's death, while Menalcas proclaims his divinity and the peace his reign brings. The shepherds exchange gifts and promise annual sacrifices to the new god.
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