Theocritus, Bion and Moschus, Rendered into English Prose

Theocritus, Bion and Moschus, Rendered into English Prose by Andrew Lang is a collection of poetry that dives into countryside living, love, and the loveliness of nature. Highlighting the talents of Theocritus, often called the originator of pastoral poetry, it also features verses from Bion and Moschus. The writings paint a picture of a straightforward pastoral life, often showing shepherds and other country people in the lands of Sicily and nearby areas. The book starts by introducing Theocritus, a poet from Syracuse in the third century BC, giving readers a brief look into his life, his impact on pastoral poetry, and the cultural forces that influenced his work. The first poem presents Thyrsis, a shepherd, and the goatherd in a lyrical talk, touching on love and loss through the Song of Daphnis, setting the stage for stories where human feelings are closely tied to the natural world.