The Eclogues · Chapter
Pastoral IX: Lycidas and Moeris explained
Lycidas encounters Moeris, who is being expelled from his farm by a centurion.
What happens
Lycidas encounters Moeris, who is being expelled from his farm by a centurion. They lament the loss of their lands and the silencing of poetry in harsh times, recalling songs of Menalcas and others, and express hope that Menalcas may yet restore their fortunes.
Themes in this chapter
Displacement and Loss
Moeris is expelled from his farm by a centurion, symbolizing the violent upheaval of rural life during the land confiscations.
Art and Poetry
The power of song is debated; Moeris laments that poetry cannot prevail against brute force, yet both characters recall and cherish verses.
Nature and the Pastoral Ideal
The pastoral landscape is invoked through songs of gliding waters, shady poplars, and blooming meadows, contrasting with the harsh reality of expulsion.
Characters to notice
- Lycidas
A shepherd and friend of Moeris, eager to hear songs and lament the hard times.
- Moeris
The bailiff of Virgil, expelled from his farm by a centurion, carrying two kids as a peace offering.
- Menalcas
A poet-shepherd who reportedly saved his estate with a song, but is now threatened; his songs are recalled by Moeris and Lycidas.
- Tityrus
Mentioned in a song fragment about tending herds and leading them to pasture.
- Daphnis
Addressed in a song about observing the stars and grafting under Caesar's star.
- Gallus
Not directly present, but the pastoral context evokes the tradition of Gallus mourning Lycoris.
Key passages
“Kicked out, we set the best face on’t we could; And these two kids, to appease his angry mood, I bear—of which the Furies give him good!”
We were thrown out and tried to look cheerful; I'm bringing these two goats to calm the centurion's anger—may the Furies curse him!
Moeris describes his expulsion and the futile bribe.
“But songs and rhymes Prevail as much in these hard iron times, As would a plump of trembling fowl, that rise Against an eagle sousing from the skies.”
Poetry has no more power in these brutal times than a flock of frightened birds rising against a swooping eagle.
Moeris laments the impotence of art against military force.
“I could have once sung down a summer’s sun: But now the chime of poetry is done: My voice grows hoarse; I feel the notes decay, As if the wolves had seen me first to-day.”
I used to be able to sing all day long, but now my poetic gift is gone; my voice is weak, as if a wolf had looked at me first thing this morning.
Moeris expresses the loss of his poetic inspiration due to age and hardship.