Eclogue XXV. — These Verses of Quintus Cicero are intended to show us at what Season each Constellation is shining, a subject which I have also explained in a previous Poem

The Fishes showing a dim light, awaken the breezes of spring, and the Ram makes the cars of Night and Day run an even race. He is eclipsed by the horns of the Bull, the harbingers of flowers. The Twins bring in the dry opening of summer, the brilliant Crab establishes the lengthening days, and the fierce Lion breathes from his mouth enfeebling heat. Then the Virgin brandishing her measure rises and drives moisture away. The constellation of the Scales, equally poised, opens the gates of Autumn and makes even the hours of night and day. Nepa's fires strip the o'erteemed branches of their leaves, the Archer rains shafts of numbing cold upon the earth, Winter, freezing with her frosty breath, sends forth Capricornus' ray, and after her comes Aquarius, whose pitcher from on high bedews the clouds. So great the fiery forces of the universe which strongly move above it and about. But on the right hand and the left the ever-moving chariot of the Sun speeds on with burning wheels, and the pale image of the Moon moves on its course.... the Dragon's scaly coils ever keep in sight. Below him twinkles the great Wain with its seven gleaming stars, while keeping watch over it, Bootes is slow to hide his light below Ocean's brink.