Such was the spot where the shepherds and shepherdesses of a hundred
cots were now assembled. In the larger compartiments of the vale, the
more muscular and vigorous swains pursued the flying ball, or contended
in the swift-footed race. The bards, venerable for their age and the
snowy whiteness of their hair, sat upon a little eminence as umpires of
the sports. In the smaller compartiments, the swains, mingled with the
fair, danced along the level green, or flew, with a velocity that
beguiled the eager sight, beneath the extended arms of their fellows.
Here a few shepherds, apart from the rest, flung the ponderous quoit
that sung along the air. There two youths, stronger and more athletic
than the throng, grasped each others arms with an eager hand, and
struggled for the victory. Now with manly vigour the one shook the
sinewy frame of the other; now they bended together almost to the earth,
and now with double force they reared again their gigantic stature. At
one time they held each other at the greatest possible distance; and
again, their arms, their legs and their whole bodies entwined, they
seemed as if they had grown together. When the weaker or less skilful
was overthrown, he tumbled like a vast and mountain oak, that for ages
had resisted the tumult of the winds; and the whole plain resounded at
his fall. Such as were unengaged formed a circle round the wrestlers,
and by their shouts and applause animated by turns the flagging courage
of either.

And now the sun had gained his meridian height, and, fatigued with
labour and heat, they seated themselves upon the grass to partake of
their plain and rural feast. The parched wheat was set out in baskets,
and the new cheeses were heaped together. The blushing apple, the golden
pear, the shining plum, and the rough-coated chesnut were scattered in
attractive confusion. Here were the polished cherry and the downy peach;