There, too, the artist placed a field which lay Deep in ripe wheat. With sickles in their hands The laborers reaped it. Here the handfuls fell Upon the ground; there binders tied them fast With bands, and made them sheaves. Three binders went Close to the reapers, and behind them boys, Bringing the gathered handfuls in their arms. Ministered to the binders. Staff in hand, The master stood among them by the side Of the ranged sheaves and silently rejoiced. Meanwhile the servants underneath an oak Prepared a feast apart; they sacrificed A fatling ox and dressed it, while the maids Were kneading for the reapers the white meal.