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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/18466-0.txt b/18466-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..117c745 --- /dev/null +++ b/18466-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,15086 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Aeneid of Virgil, by Virgil + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you +will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before +using this eBook. + +Title: The Aeneid of Virgil + Translated into English Verse by E. Fairfax Taylor + +Author: Virgil + +Editor: Ernest Rhys + +Commentator: Maine J. P. + +Translator: Edward Fairfax Taylor + +Release Date: May 28, 2006 [eBook #18466] +[Most recently updated: November 10, 2021] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +Produced by: Ron Swanson + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AENEID *** + + + + +EVERYMAN'S LIBRARY +EDITED BY ERNEST RHYS + +CLASSICAL + +THE AENEID OF VIRGIL + +THE SAGES OF OLD LIVE AGAIN IN US. + GLANVILL + + + + +The AENEID OF VIRGIL + +TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH VERSE BY +E. FAIRFAX TAYLOR + + + + +LONDON: PUBLISHED by J. M. DENT & SONS LTD. +AND IN NEW YORK BY E. P. DUTTON & CO. + + + + +_First issue of this Edition 1907._ +_Reprinted 1910._ + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +Virgil--Publius Vergilius Maro--was born at Andes near Mantua, in +the year 70 B.C. His life was uneventful, though he lived in stirring +times, and he passed by far the greater part of it in reading his +books and writing his poems, undisturbed by the fierce civil strife +which continued to rage throughout the Roman Empire, until Octavian, +who afterwards became the Emperor Augustus, defeated Antony at the +battle of Actium. Though his father was a man of humble origin, Virgil +received an excellent education, first at Cremona and Milan, and +afterwards at Rome. He was intimate with all the distinguished men +of his time, and a personal friend of the Emperor. After the +publication of his second work, the _Georgics_, he was recognized +as being the greatest poet of his age, and the most striking figure +in the brilliant circle of literary men, which was centred at the +Court. He died at Brindisi in the spring of 19 B.C. whilst returning +from a journey to Greece, leaving his greatest work, the _Aeneid_, +written but unrevised. It was published by his executors, and +immediately took its place as the great national Epic of the Roman +people. Virgil seems to have been a man of simple, pure, and loveable +character, and the references to him in the works of Horace clearly +show the affection with which he was regarded by his friends. + +Like every cultivated Roman of that age, Virgil was a close student +of the literature and philosophy of the Greeks, and his poems bear +eloquent testimony to the profound impression made upon him by his +reading of the Greek poets. His first important work, the _Eclogues_, +was directly inspired by the pastoral poems of Theocritus, from whom +he borrowed not only much of his imagery but even whole lines; in +the _Georgics_ he took as his model the _Works and Days_ of Hesiod, +and though in the former case it must be confessed that he suffers +from the weakness inherent in all imitative poetry, in the latter +he far surpasses the slow and simple verses of the Boeotian. But here +we must guard ourselves against a misapprehension. We moderns look +askance at the writer who borrows without acknowledgment the +thoughts and phrases of his forerunners, but the Roman critics of +the Augustan Age looked at the matter from a different point of view. +They regarded the Greeks as having set the standard of the highest +possible achievement in literature, and believed that it should be +the aim of every writer to be faithful, not only to the spirit, but +even to the letter of their great exemplars. Hence it was only natural +that when Virgil essayed the task of writing the national Epic of +his country, he should be studious to embody in his work all that +was best in Greek Epic poetry. + +It is difficult in criticizing Virgil to avoid comparing him to some +extent with Homer. But though Virgil copied Homer freely, any +comparison between them is apt to be misleading. A primitive epic, +like the _Iliad_ or the _Nibelungenlied_, produced by an imaginative +people at an early stage in its development, telling its stories +simply for the sake of story telling, cannot be judged by the same +canons of criticism as a literary epic like the _Aeneid_ or _Paradise +Lost_, which is the work of a great poet in an age of advanced culture, +and sets forth a great idea in a narrative form. The Greek writer +to whom Virgil owes most perhaps, is Apollonius of Rhodes, from whose +_Argonautica_ he borrowed the love interest of the _Aeneid_. And +though the Roman is a far greater poet, in this instance the advantage +is by no means on his side, for, as Professor Gilbert Murray has so +well said, 'the Medea and Jason of the _Argonautica_ are at once more +interesting and more natural than their copies, the Dido and Aeneas +of the _Aeneid_. The wild love of the witch-maiden sits curiously +on the queen and organizer of industrial Carthage; and the two +qualities which form an essential part of Jason--the weakness which +makes him a traitor, and the deliberate gentleness which contrasts +him with Medea--seem incongruous in the father of Rome.' But though +Virgil turned to the Greek epics for the general framework and many +of the details of his poem, he always remains master of his materials, +and stamps them with the impress of his own genius. The spirit which +inspires the _Aeneid_ is wholly Roman, and the deep faith in the +National Destiny, and stern sense of duty to which it gives +expression, its profoundly religious character and stately and +melodious verse, have always caused it to be recognized as the +loftiest expression of the dignity and greatness of Rome at her best. +But the sympathetic reader will be conscious of a deeper and more +abiding charm in the poetry of Virgil. Even in his most splendid +passages his verses thrill us with a strange pathos, and his +sensitiveness to unseen things--things beautiful and sad--has +caused a great writer, himself a master of English prose, to speak +of 'his single words and phrases, his pathetic half lines, giving +utterance as the voice of Nature herself to that pain and weariness, +yet hope of better things, which is the experience of her children +in every age.' + +The task of translating such a writer at all adequately may well seem +to be an almost impossible one; and how far any of the numerous +attempts to do so have succeeded, is a difficult question. For not +only does the stated ideal at which the translator should aim, vary +with each generation, but perhaps no two lovers of Virgil would agree +at any period as to what this ideal should be. Two general principles +stand out from the mass of conflicting views on this point. The +translation should read as though it were an original poem, and it +should produce on the modern reader as far as possible the same effect +as the original produced on Virgil's contemporaries. And here we +reach the real difficulty, for the scholar who can alone judge what +that effect may have been, is too intimate with the original to see +clearly the merits of a translation, and the man who can only read +the translation can form no opinion. However, it seems clear that +a prose translation can never really satisfy us, because it must +always be wanting in the musical quality of continuous verse. And +our critical experience bears this out, since even Professor Mackail +with all his literary skill and insight has failed to make his version +of the _Aeneid_ more than a very valuable aid to the student of the +original. The meaning of the poet is fully expressed, but his music +has been lost. That oft-quoted line-- + + 'Sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt' + +haunts us like Tennyson's + + 'When unto dying eyes + The casement slowly grows a glimmering square,' + +and no prose rendering can hope to convey the poignancy and pathos +of the original. The ideal translation, then, must be in verse, and +perhaps the best way for us to determine which style and metre are +most suited to convey to the modern reader an impression of the charm +of Virgil, will be to take a brief glance at some of the best-known +of the verse translations which have appeared. + +The first translation of the _Aeneid_ into English verse was that +of Gawin Douglas, bishop of Dunkeld in Scotland, which was published +in 1553. It is a spirited translation, marked by considerable native +force and verisimilitude, and it was certainly unsurpassed until +that of Dryden appeared. In the best passages it renders the tone +and feeling of the original with extreme felicity--indeed, all but +perfectly. Take for instance this passage from the Sixth Book-- + + 'Thai walking furth fa dyrk, oneth thai wyst + Quhidder thai went, amyd dym schaddowys thar, + Quhar evir is nycht, and nevir lyght dois repar, + Throwout the waist dongion of Pluto Kyng, + Thai voyd boundis, and that gowsty ryng: + Siklyke as quha wold throw thik woddis wend + In obscure licht, quhen moyn may nocht be kenned; + As Jupiter the kyng etheryall, + With erdis skug hydis the hevynnys all + And the myrk nycht, with her vissage gray, + From every thing hes reft the hew away.' + +But in spite of its merits, its dialect wearies the modern reader, +and gives it an air of grotesqueness which is very alien to the spirit +of the Latin. One other sixteenth-century translation deserves +notice, as it was written by one who was himself a distinguished poet; +namely, the version of the second and fourth books of the _Aeneid_ +written by Henry, Earl of Surrey. It gained the commendation of that +stern critic Ascham, who praises Surrey for avoiding rhyme, but +considers that he failed to 'fully hit perfect and true versifying'; +which is hardly a matter for wonder since English blank verse was +then in its infancy. But it has some fine passages--notably the one +which relates the death of Dido-- + + 'As she had said, her damsell might perceue + Her with these wordes fal pearced on a sword + The blade embrued and hands besprent with gore. + The clamor rang unto the pallace toppe, + The brute ranne throughout al thastoined towne, + With wailing great, and women's shrill yelling, + The roofs gan roare, the aire resound with plaint, + As though Cartage, or thauncient town of Tyre + With prease of entred enemies swarmed full, + Or when the rage of furious flame doth take + The temples toppes, and mansions eke of men.' + +Of the translations into modern English, that of Dryden may still +be said to stand first, in spite of its lack of fidelity. It owes +its place to its sustained vigour, and the fact that the heroic +couplet is in the hands of a master. In its way nothing could be better +than-- + + 'Just in the gate, and in the jaws of hell, + Revengeful cares, and sullen sorrows dwell, + And pale diseases, and repining age-- + Want, fear, and famine's unresisted rage, + Here toils and death, and death's half-brother sleep, + Forms terrible to view, their sentry keep. + With anxious pleasures of a guilty mind, + Deep frauds, before, and open force behind; + The Furies' iron beds, and strife that shakes + Her hissing tresses, and unfolds her snakes.' + +But though the heroic couplet may have conveyed to Dryden's age +something of the effect of the Virgilian hexameter, it does nothing +of the kind to us. Probably we are prejudiced in the matter by Pope's +Homer. + +Professor Conington's translation certainly has spirit and energy, +but he was decidedly unfortunate in his choice of metre. To attempt +to render 'the stateliest measure ever moulded by the lips of man' +by fluent octosyllabics was bound to result in incongruity, as in +the following passage, where the sombre warning of the Sibyl to +Aeneas becomes merely a sprightly reminder that-- + + 'The journey down to the abyss + Is prosperous and light, + The palace gates of gloomy Dis + Stand open day and night; + But upward to retrace the way + And pass into the light of day, + There comes the stress of labour; this + May task a hero's might.' + +The various attempts that have been made to translate the poem in +the metre of the original have all been sad failures. And from Richard +Stanyhurst, whom Thomas Nash described as treading 'a foul, +lumbering, boistrous, wallowing measure, in his translation of +Virgil,' down to our own time, no one has succeeded in avoiding faults +of monotony and lack of poetical quality. A short extract from Dr. +Crane's translation will illustrate this very clearly-- + + 'No species of hardships, + Longer, O maiden, arises before me as strange and unlooked for: + All things have I foreknown, and in soul have already endured them. + One special thing I crave, since here, it is said, that the gateway + Stands of the monarch infernal, and refluent Acheron's dark pool: + Let it be mine to go down to the sight and face of my cherished + Father, and teach me the way, and the sacred avenues open.' + +Nor is William Morris' attempt to devise a new metre anything but +disappointing. It is surprising that so delightfully endowed a poet +should have so often missed the music of Virgil's verse as he has +done in his translation, and the archaisms with which his work +abounds, though they might be suitable in a translation of Homer, +are only a source of irritation in the case of Virgil. + +For the best metre to use we must look in a different direction. +Virgil made use of the dactylic hexameter because it was the literary +tradition of his day that epics should be written in that metre. In +the same way it might be argued, the English tradition points to blank +verse as the correct medium. This may be so, but its use demands that +the translator should be as great a poet as Virgil. Had Tennyson ever +translated the _Aeneid_, it would doubtless have been as nearly +faultless as any translation could be, as is shown by the version +of Sir Theodore Martin, which owes so much of its stately charm to +its close adherence to the manner of Tennyson. A typical passage is +the description of Dido's love for Aeneas-- + + 'Soothsayers, ah! how little do they know! + Of what avail are temples, vows, and prayers, + To quell a raging passion? All the while + A subtle flame is smouldering in her veins, + And in her heart a silent aching wound. + + * * * * * + + Now Dido leads + Aeneas round the ramparts, to him shows + The wealth of Sidon, all the town laid out, + Begins to speak, then stops, she knows not why. + Now, as day wanes, the feast of yesterday + She gives again, again with fevered lips + Begs for the tale of Troy and all its woes, + And hangs upon his lips, who tells the tale. + Then, when the guests are gone and in her turn + The wan moon pales her light, and waning stars + Persuade to sleep, she in her empty halls + Mourns all alone, and throws herself along + The couch where he had lain: though he be gone + Far from her side, she hears and sees him still.' + +Of the merits of the present translation the reader will judge for +himself; but it may perhaps be said of the usual objections urged +against the Spenserian stanza--that it is cumbrous and monotonous, +and presents difficulties of construction--that the two former +criticisms will be just or the reverse, according to the skill of +the writer, while it is quite possible that the last is really an +advantage, for the intricate machinery imposes a restraint on +careless or hasty composition. And finally we must turn a deaf ear, +even to so high an authority as Matthew Arnold, when he says that +it is not suited to the grand manner. When he said this he cannot +have remembered either the lament of Florimell in the _Faerie Queene_ +or the conclusion of _Childe Harold_. + + J. P. MAINE. + + + + +Edward Fairfax Taylor, whose translation of the _Aeneid_ is now +published, was descended from the Taylors of Norwich, a family well +known for their culture and intellectual gifts. He was the only son +of John Edward Taylor, himself an accomplished German and Italian +scholar, and the first translator of the _Pentamerone_ into English, +who lived at Weybridge near his aunt, Mrs. Sarah Austin. Brought up +among books, young Taylor early showed an intense love for classical +literature, and soon after going to Marlborough he began the present +translation as a boy of sixteen. His admiration for Spenser led him +to adopt the Spenserian stanza, and in the preface to his translation +of the first two books he gives detailed reasons for considering it +peculiarly well adapted for the _Aeneid_. He was a favourite pupil +of the late Dr. Bradley, Dean of Westminster, at that time headmaster +of Marlborough, and who much wished that he should follow in the +footsteps of 'that brilliant band of Marlborough men,' as they have +been called, who at that time, year after year, gained the Balliol +scholarship. But circumstances made him decide otherwise, and in +1865 he passed the necessary examination for a clerkship in the House +of Lords. The long vacations gave him time to continue this labour +of love, and in the intervals of much other literary work, and in +spite of ill health, he completed the translation of the twelve books +of the _Aeneid_. He looked forward to re-editing it and bringing it +out when he should have retired from his work in the House of Lords, +but this day never came, and he died from heart disease in January +1902. His was a singularly charming disposition, and he was beloved +by all who knew him; while the courage and patience with which he +bore ever-increasing suffering, and the stoicism he showed in +fulfilling his duties in the House of Lords, have left a deep +impression on all his friends. + + L. M. + + + + +The _Edisso Princeps_, of Virgil is that printed at Rome by Sweynham +and Pannartz. It was not dated, but it is almost certain that it was +printed before the Venice folio edition of V. de Spira, which was +issued in 1470. The best modern critical editions of the text are +those of Ribbeck (4 vols. 1895) and F. A. Hirtzel (_Scriptorum +Classicorum Bibliotheca Oxoniensis_, 1900). Of the editions +containing explanatory notes, that of Conington and Nettleship, +revised by Haverfield, is the standard English commentary. That of +A. Sidgwick (2 vols. Cambridge) is more elementary, but will be found +valuable. Those of Kennedy (London, 1879) and of Papillon and Haigh +(Oxford, 2 vols. 1890-91) may also be referred to. + +Virgil was first introduced to English readers by William Caxton in +1490. But his _Eneydos_ was based, not on the _Aeneid_ itself, but +on a French paraphrase, the _liure des eneydes_, printed at Lyons +in 1483. + +The best modern prose translations are those of Mackail (London, +1885) and Conington (London, 1870). + +The following is a list of the more important verse translations of +the _Aeneid_ which have appeared. The name of the translator, and +the date at which his translation appeared, are given:--Gawin +Douglas, 1553 (see Introduction, p. xi); Henry, Earl of Surrey, 1557 +(Books II. and IV. only); J. Dryden, 1697; C. R. Kennedy, 1861; J. +Conington, 1866; W. Morris, 1876; W. J. Thornhill, 1886; Sir Charles +Bowen, 1887 (Books I.-VI. only); J. Rhoades, 1893 (Books I.-VI. +only); Sir Theodore Martin, 1896 (Books I.-VI. only); T. H. D. May, +1903; E. Fairfax Taylor, 1903. + +Students of Virgil would also do well to consult Sellar, _Poets of +the Augustan Age_ (Oxford, 1883), and Nettleship, _Introduction to +the Study of Vergil_. + + + + +THE AENEID OF VIRGIL + + + + +BOOK ONE + + +ARGUMENT + +Fate sends AEneas to Latium to found Rome, but Juno's hostility long +delays his success (1-45). Descrying him and his Trojans in sight +of Italy, she bribes AEolus to raise a storm for their destruction +(46-99). The tempest (100-116). The despair of AEneas (117-126). One +Trojan ship is already lost, when Neptune learns the plot and lays +the storm (127-189). AEneas escapes, lands in Libya, and heartens +his men (190-261). Venus appeals to Jupiter, who comforts her with +assurance that AEneas shall yet be great in Italy. His son shall found +Alba and his son's sons Rome. Juno shall eventually relent, and Rome +under Augustus shall be empress of the world (262-351). Mercury is +sent to secure from Dido, Queen of Libya, a welcome for AEneas. AEneas +and Achates, while reconnoitring, meet Venus in the forest disguised +as a nymph. She tells them Dido's story. AEneas in reply bewails his +own troubles, but is interrupted with promises of success. Let him +but persist, all will be well (352-478). Venus changes before their +eyes from nymph to goddess, and vanishes before AEneas can utter his +reproaches. Hidden in a magic mist, the pair approach Carthage, which +they find still building. They reach the citadel unobserved, and are +encouraged on seeing pictures of scenes from the Trojan war (479-576). +Dido appears and takes her state. To her enter, as suppliants, Trojan +leaders, whom AEneas had imagined dead. Ilioneus, their spokesman, +tells the story of the storm and asks help. "If only AEneas were +here!" (577-661). Dido speaks him fair and echoes his words, "If +AEneas were here!" The mist scatters. AEneas appears; thanks Dido, +and greets Ilioneus (662-723). Dido welcomes AEneas to Carthage and +prepares a festival in his honour. AEneas sends Achates to summon +his son and bring gifts for Dido (724-774). Cupid, persuaded by Venus +to personate Ascanius and inspire Dido with love for AEneas, comes +with the gifts to Dido's palace, while Ascanius is carried away to +Idalia. The night is passed in feasting. After the feast Iopas sings +the wonders of the firmament, and Dido, bewitched by Cupid, begs +AEneas to tell the whole story of his adventures (775-891). + + +I. Of arms I sing, and of the man, whom Fate + First drove from Troy to the Lavinian shore. + Full many an evil, through the mindful hate + Of cruel Juno, from the gods he bore, + Much tost on earth and ocean, yea, and more + In war enduring, ere he built a home, + And his loved household-deities brought o'er + To Latium, whence the Latin people come, +Whence rose the Alban sires, and walls of lofty Rome. + +II. O Muse, assist me and inspire my song, + The various causes and the crimes relate, + For what affronted majesty, what wrong + To injured Godhead, what offence so great + Heaven's Queen resenting, with remorseless hate, + Could one renowned for piety compel + To brave such troubles, and endure the weight + Of toils so many and so huge. O tell +How can in heavenly minds such fierce resentment dwell? + +III. There stood a city, fronting far away + The mouths of Tiber and Italia's shore, + A Tyrian settlement of olden day, + Rich in all wealth, and trained to war's rough lore, + Carthage the name, by Juno loved before + All places, even Samos. Here were shown + Her arms, and here her chariot; evermore + E'en then this land she cherished as her own, +And here, should Fate permit, had planned a world-wide throne. + +IV. But she had heard, how men of Trojan seed + Those Tyrian towers should level, how again + From these in time a nation should proceed, + Wide-ruling, tyrannous in war, the bane + (So Fate was working) of the Libyan reign. + This feared she, mindful of the war beside + Waged for her Argives on the Trojan plain; + Nor even yet had from her memory died +The causes of her wrath, the pangs of wounded pride,-- + +V. The choice of Paris, and her charms disdained, + The hateful race, the lawless honours ta'en + By ravished Ganymede--these wrongs remained. + So fired with rage, the Trojans' scanty train + By fierce Achilles and the Greeks unslain + She barred from Latium, and in evil strait + For many a year, on many a distant main + They wandered, homeless outcasts, tost by Fate; +So huge, so hard the task to found the Roman state. + +VI. Scarce out of sight of Sicily, they set + Their sails to sea, and merrily ploughed the main, + With brazen beaks, when Juno, harbouring yet + Within her breast the ever-rankling pain, + Mused thus: "Must I then from the work refrain, + Nor keep this Trojan from the Latin throne, + Baffled, forsooth, because the Fates constrain? + Could Pallas burn the Grecian fleet, and drown +Their crews, for one man's crime, Oileus' frenzied son? + +VII. "She, hurling Jove's winged lightning, stirred the deep + And strewed the ships. Him, from his riven breast + The flames outgasping, with a whirlwind's sweep + She caught and fixed upon a rock's sharp crest. + But I, who walk the Queen of Heaven confessed, + Jove's sister-spouse, shall I forevermore + With one poor tribe keep warring without rest? + Who then henceforth shall Juno's power adore? +Who then her fanes frequent, her deity implore?" + +VIII. Such thoughts revolving in her fiery mind, + Straightway the Goddess to AEolia passed, + The storm-clouds' birthplace, big with blustering wind. + Here AEolus within a dungeon vast + The sounding tempest and the struggling blast + Bends to his sway and bridles them with chains. + They, in the rock reverberant held fast, + Moan at the doors. Here, throned aloft, he reigns; +His sceptre calms their rage, their violence restrains: + +IX. Else earth and sea and all the firmament + The winds together through the void would sweep. + But, fearing this, the Sire omnipotent + Hath buried them in caverns dark and deep, + And o'er them piled huge mountains in a heap, + And set withal a monarch, there to reign, + By compact taught at his command to keep + Strict watch, and tighten or relax the rein. +Him now Saturnia sought, and thus in lowly strain: + +X. "O AEolus, for Jove, of human kind + And Gods the sovran Sire, hath given to thee + To lull the waves and lift them with the wind, + A hateful people, enemies to me, + Their ships are steering o'er the Tuscan sea, + Bearing their Troy and vanquished gods away + To Italy. Go, set the storm-winds free, + And sink their ships or scatter them astray, +And strew their corpses forth, to weltering waves a prey. + +XI. "Twice seven nymphs have I, beautiful to see; + One, Deiopeia, fairest of the fair, + In lasting wedlock will I link to thee, + Thy life-long years for such deserts to share, + And make thee parent of an offspring fair."-- + "Speak, Queen," he answered, "to obey is mine. + To thee I owe this sceptre and whate'er + Of realm is here; thou makest Jove benign, +Thou giv'st to rule the storms and sit at feasts divine." + +XII. So spake the God and with her hest complied, + And turned the massive sceptre in his hand + And pushed the hollow mountain on its side. + Out rushed the winds, like soldiers in a band, + In wedged array, and, whirling, scour the land. + East, West and squally South-west, with a roar, + Swoop down on Ocean, and the surf and sand + Mix in dark eddies, and the watery floor +Heave from its depths, and roll huge billows to the shore. + +XIII. Then come the creak of cables and the cries + Of seamen. Clouds the darkened heavens have drowned, + And snatched the daylight from the Trojans' eyes. + Black night broods on the waters; all around + From pole to pole the rattling peals resound + And frequent flashes light the lurid air. + All nature, big with instant ruin, frowned + Destruction. Then AEneas' limbs with fear +Were loosened, and he groaned and stretched his hands in prayer: + +XIV. "Thrice, four times blest, who, in their fathers' face + Fell by the walls of Ilion far away! + O son of Tydeus, bravest of the race, + Why could not I have perished, too, that day + Beneath thine arm, and breathed this soul away + Far on the plains of Troy, where Hector brave + Lay, pierced by fierce AEacides, where lay + Giant Sarpedon, and swift Simois' wave +Rolls heroes, helms and shields, whelmed in one watery grave?" + +XV. E'en as he cried, the hurricane from the North + Struck with a roar against the sail. Up leap + The waves to heaven; the shattered oars start forth; + Round swings the prow, and lets the waters sweep + The broadside. Onward comes a mountain heap + Of billows, gaunt, abrupt. These, horsed astride + A surge's crest, rock pendent o'er the deep; + To those the wave's huge hollow, yawning wide, +Lays bare the ground below; dark swells the sandy tide. + +XVI. Three ships the South-wind catching hurls away + On hidden rocks, which (Latins from of yore + Have called them "Altars") in mid ocean lay, + A huge ridge level with the tide. Three more + Fierce Eurus from the deep sea dashed ashore + On quicks and shallows, pitiful to view, + And round them heaped the sandbanks. One, that bore + The brave Orontes and his Lycian crew, +Full in AEneas' sight a toppling wave o'erthrew. + +XVII. Dashed from the tiller, down the pilot rolled. + Thrice round the billow whirled her, as she lay, + Then whelmed below. Strewn here and there behold + Arms, planks, lone swimmers in the surges grey, + And treasures snatched from Trojan homes away. + Now fail the ships wherein Achates ride + And Abas; old Aletes' bark gives way, + And brave Ilioneus'. Each loosened side +Through many a gaping seam lets in the baleful tide. + +XVIII. Meanwhile great Neptune, sore amazed, perceived + The storm let loose, the turmoil of the sky, + And ocean from its lowest depths upheaved. + With calm brow lifted o'er the sea, his eye + Beholds Troy's navy scattered far and nigh, + And by the waves and ruining heaven oppressed + The Trojan crews. Nor failed he to espy + His sister's wiles and hatred. East and West +He summoned to his throne, and thus his wrath expressed. + +XIX. "What pride of birth possessed you, Earth and air + Without my leave to mingle in affray, + And raise such hubbub in my realm? Beware-- + Yet first 'twere best these billows to allay. + Far other coin hereafter ye shall pay + For crimes like these. Presumptuous winds, begone, + And take your king this message, that the sway + Of Ocean and the sceptre and the throne +Fate gave to me, not him; the trident is my own. + +XX. "He holds huge rocks; these, Eurus, are for thee, + There let him glory in his hall and reign, + But keep his winds close prisoners." Thus he, + And, ere his speech was ended, smoothed the main, + And chased the clouds and brought the sun again. + Triton, Cymothoe from the rock's sharp brow + Push off the vessels. Neptune plies amain + His trident-lever, lays the sandbanks low, +On light wheels shaves the deep, and calms the billowy flow. + +XXI. As when in mighty multitudes bursts out + Sedition, and the wrathful rabble rave; + Rage finds them arms; stones, firebrands fly about, + Then if some statesman reverend and grave, + Stand forth conspicuous, and the tumult brave + All, hushed, attend; his guiding words restrain + Their angry wills; so sank the furious wave, + When through the clear sky looking o'er the main, +The sea-king lashed his steeds and slacked the favouring rein. + +XXII. Tired out, the Trojans seek the nearest land + And turn to Libya.--In a far retreat + There lies a haven; towards the deep doth stand + An island, on whose jutting headlands beat + The broken billows, shivered into sleet. + Two towering crags, twin giants, guard the cove, + And threat the skies. The waters at their feet + Sleep hushed, and, like a curtain, frowns above, +Mixt with the glancing green, the darkness of the grove. + +XXIII. Beneath a precipice, that fronts the wave, + With limpid springs inside, and many a seat + Of living marble, lies a sheltered cave, + Home of the Sea-Nymphs. In this haven sweet + Cable nor biting anchor moors the fleet. + Here with seven ships, the remnant of his band, + AEneas enters. Glad at length to greet + The welcome earth, the Trojans leap to land, +And lay their weary limbs still dripping on the sand. + +XXIV. First from a flint a spark Achates drew, + And lit the leaves and dry wood heaped with care + And set the fuel flaming, as he blew. + Then, tired of toiling, from the ships they bear + The sea-spoiled corn, and Ceres' tools prepare, + And 'twixt the millstones grind the rescued grain + And roast the pounded morsels for their fare: + While up the crag AEneas climbs, to gain +Full prospect far and wide, and scan the distant main. + +XXV. If aught of Phrygian biremes he discern + Antheus or Capys, tost upon the seas, + Or arms of brave Caicus high astern. + No sail, but wandering on the shore he sees + Three stags, and, grazing up the vale at ease, + The whole herd troops behind them in a row. + He stops, and from Achates hastes to seize + His chance-brought arms, the arrows and the bow, +The branching antlers smites, and lays the leader low. + +XXVI. Next fall the herd; and through the leafy glade + In mingled rout he drives the scattered train, + Plying his shafts, nor stays his conquering raid + Till seven huge bodies on the ground lie slain, + The number of his vessels; then again + He seeks the crews, and gives a deer to each, + Then opes the casks, which good Acestes, fain + At parting, filled on the Trinacrian beach, +And shares the wine, and soothes their drooping hearts with speech. + +XXVII. "Comrades! of ills not ignorant; far more + Than these ye suffered, and to these as well + Will Jove give ending, as he gave before. + Ye know mad Scylla, and her monsters' yell, + And the dark caverns where the Cyclops dwell. + Fear not; take heart; hereafter, it may be + These too will yield a pleasant tale to tell. + Through shifting hazards, by the Fates' decree, +To Latin shores we steer, our promised land to see. + +XXVIII. "There quiet settlements the Fates display, + There Troy her ruined fortunes shall repair. + Bear up; reserve you for a happier day." + He spake, and heart-sick with a load of care, + Suppressed his grief, and feigned a cheerful air. + All straightway gird them to the feast. These flay + The ribs and thighs, and lay the entrails bare. + Those slice the flesh, and split the quivering prey, +And tend the fires and set the cauldrons in array. + +XXIX. So wine and venison, to their hearts' desire, + Refreshed their strength. And when the feast was sped, + Their missing friends in converse they require, + Doubtful to deem them, betwixt hope and dread, + Alive or out of hearing with the dead. + All mourned, but good AEneas mourned the most, + And bitter tears for Amycus he shed, + Gyas, Cloanthus, bravest of his host, +Lycus, Orontes bold, all counted with the lost. + +XXX. Now came an end of mourning and of woe, + When Jove, surveying from his prospect high + Shore, sail-winged sea, and peopled earth below, + Stood, musing, on the summit of the sky, + And on the Libyan kingdom fixed his eye, + To him, such cares revolving in his breast, + Her shining eyes suffused with tears, came nigh + Fair Venus, for her darling son distrest, +And thus in sorrowing tones the Sire of heaven addressed; + +XXXI. "O Thou, whose nod and awful bolts attest + O'er Gods and men thine everlasting reign, + Wherein hath my AEneas so transgressed, + Wherein his Trojans, thus to mourn their slain, + Barred from the world, lest Italy they gain? + Surely from them the rolling years should see + New sons of ancient Teucer rise again, + The Romans, rulers of the land and sea. +So swar'st thou; Father, say, why changed is thy decree? + +XXXII. "That word consoled me, weighing fate with fate, + For Troy's sad fall. Now Fortune, as before, + Pursues the woe-worn victims of her hate. + O when, great Monarch, shall their toil be o'er? + Safe could Antenor pass th' Illyrian shore + Through Danaan hosts, and realms Liburnian gain, + And climb Timavus and her springs explore, + Where through nine mouths, with roaring surge, the main +Bursts from the sounding rocks and deluges the plain. + +XXXIII. "Yet there he built Patavium, yea, and named + The nation, and the Trojan arms laid down, + And now rests happy in the town he framed. + But we, thy progeny, to whom alone + Thy nod hath promised a celestial throne, + Our vessels lost, from Italy are barred, + O shame! and ruined for the wrath of one. + Thus, thus dost thou thy plighted word regard, +Our sceptred realms restore, our piety reward?" + +XXXIV. Then Jove, soft-smiling with the look that clears + The storms, and gently kissing her, replies; + "Firm are thy fates, sweet daughter; spare thy fears. + Thou yet shalt see Lavinium's walls arise, + And bear thy brave AEneas to the skies. + My purpose shifts not. Now, to ease thy woes, + Since sorrow for his sake hath dimmed thine eyes, + More will I tell, and hidden fates disclose. +He in Italia long shall battle with his foes, + +XXXV. "And crush fierce tribes, and milder ways ordain, + And cities build and wield the Latin sway, + Till the third summer shall have seen him reign, + And three long winter-seasons passed away + Since fierce Rutulia did his arms obey. + Then, too, the boy Ascanius, named of late + Iulus--Ilus was he in the day + When firm by royalty stood Ilium's state-- +Shall rule till thirty years complete the destined date. + +XXXVI. "He from Lavinium shall remove his seat, + And gird Long Alba for defence; and there + 'Neath Hector's kin three hundred years complete + The kingdom shall endure, till Ilia fair, + Queen-priestess, twins by Mars' embrace shall bear. + Then Romulus the nation's charge shall claim, + Wolf-nursed and proud her tawny hide to wear, + And build a city of Mavortian fame, +And make the Roman race remembered by his name. + +XXXVII. "To these no period nor appointed date, + Nor bounds to their dominion I assign; + An endless empire shall the race await. + Nay, Juno, too, who now, in mood malign, + Earth, sea and sky is harrying, shall incline + To better counsels, and unite with me + To cherish and uphold the imperial line, + The Romans, rulers of the land and sea, +Lords of the flowing gown. So standeth my decree. + +XXXVIII. "In rolling ages there shall come the day + When heirs of old Assaracus shall tame + Phthia and proud Mycene to obey, + And terms of peace to conquered Greeks proclaim. + Caesar, a Trojan,--Julius his name, + Drawn from the great Iulus--shall arise, + And compass earth with conquest, heaven with fame, + Him, crowned with vows and many an Eastern prize, +Thou, freed at length from care, shalt welcome to the skies. + +XXXIX. "Then wars shall cease and savage times grow mild, + And Remus and Quirinus, brethren twain, + With hoary Faith and Vesta undefiled, + Shall give the law. With iron bolt and chain + Firm-closed the gates of Janus shall remain. + Within, the Fiend of Discord, high reclined + On horrid arms, unheeded in the fane, + Bound with a hundred brazen knots behind, +And grim with gory jaws, his grisly teeth shall grind." + +XL. So saying, the son of Maia down he sent, + To open Carthage and the Libyan state, + Lest Dido, weetless of the Fates' intent, + Should drive the Trojan wanderers from her gate. + With feathered oars he cleaves the skies, and straight + On Libya's shores alighting, speeds his hest. + The Tyrians, yielding to the god, abate + Their fierceness. Dido, more than all the rest, +Warms to her Phrygian friends, and wears a kindly breast. + +XLI. But good AEneas, pondering through the night + Distracting thoughts and many an anxious care, + Resolved, when daybreak brought the gladsome light, + To search the coast, and back sure tidings bear, + What land was this, what habitants were there, + If man or beast, for, far as the eye could rove, + A wilderness the region seemed, and bare. + His ships he hides within a sheltering cove, +Screened by the caverned rock, and shadowed by the grove, + +XLII. Then wielding in his hand two broad-tipt spears, + Alone with brave Achates forth he strayed, + When lo, before him in the wood appears + His mother, in a virgin's arms arrayed, + In form and habit of a Spartan maid, + Or like Harpalyce, the pride of Thrace, + Who tires swift steeds, and scours the woodland glade, + And outstrips rapid Hebrus in the race. +So fair the goddess seemed, apparelled for the chase. + +XLIII. Bare were her knees, and from her shoulders hung + The wonted bow, kept handy for the prey + Her flowing raiment in a knot she strung, + And loosed her tresses with the winds to play. + "Ho, Sirs!" she hails them, "saw ye here astray + Ought of my sisters, girt in huntress wise + With quiver and a spotted lynx-skin gay, + Or following on the foaming boar with cries?" +Thus Venus spake, and thus fair Venus' son replies; + +XLIV. "Nought of thy sisters have I heard or seen. + What name, O maiden, shall I give to thee, + For mortal never had thy voice or mien? + O Goddess surely, whether Nymph I see, + Or Phoebus' sister; whosoe'er thou be, + Be kind, for strangers and in evil case + We roam, tost hither by the stormy sea. + Say, who the people, what the clime and place, +And many a victim's blood thy hallowed shrine shall grace." + +XLV. "Nay, nay, to no such honour I aspire." + Said Venus, "But a simple maid am I, + And 'tis the manner of the maids of Tyre + To wear, like me, the quiver, and to tie + The purple buskin round the ankles high. + The realm thou see'st is Punic; Tyrians are + The folk, the town Agenor's. Round them lie + The Libyan plains, a people rough in war. +Queen Dido rules the land, who came from Tyre afar, + +XLVI. "Flying her brother. Dark the tale of crime, + And long, but briefly be the sum supplied. + Sychaeus was her lord, in happier time + The richest of Phoenicians far and wide + In land, and worshipped by his hapless bride. + Her, in the bloom of maidenhood, her sire + Had given him, and with virgin rites allied. + But soon her brother filled the throne of Tyre, +Pygmalion, swoln with sin; 'twixt whom a feud took fire. + +XLVII. "He, reckless of a sister's love, and blind + With lust of gold, Sychaeus unaware + Slew by the altar, and with impious mind + Long hid the deed, and flattering hopes and fair + Devised, to cheat the lover of her care. + But, lifting features marvellously pale, + The ghost unburied in her dreams laid bare + His breast, and showed the altar and the bale +Wrought by the ruthless steel, and solved the crime's dark tale. + +XLVIII. "Then bade her fly the country, and revealed, + To aid her flight, an old and unknown weight + Of gold and silver, in the ground concealed. + Thus roused, her friends she gathers. All await + Her summons, who the tyrant fear or hate. + Some ships at hand, chance-anchored in the bay, + They seize and load them with the costly freight, + And far off o'er the deep is borne away +Pygmalion's hoarded pelf. A woman leads the way. + +XLIX. "Hither, where now the walls and fortress high, + Of Carthage, and her rising homes are found, + They came, and there full cheaply did they buy, + Such space--called Byrsa from the deed--of ground + As one bull's-hide could compass and surround. + But who are ye, pray answer? on what quest + Come ye? and whence and whither are ye bound?" + Her then AEneas, from his inmost breast +Heaving a deep-drawn sigh, with labouring speech addressed: + +L. "O Goddess, should I from the first unfold, + Or could'st thou hear, the annals of our woe, + Eve's star were shining, ere the tale were told. + From ancient Troy--if thou the name dost know-- + A chance-met storm hath driven us to and fro, + And tost us on the Libyan shores. My name + Is good AEneas; from the flames and foe + I bear Troy's rescued deities. My fame +Outsoars the stars of heaven; a Jove-born race, we claim + +LI. "A home in fair Italia far away. + With twice ten ships I climbed the Phrygian main, + My goddess-mother pointing out the way, + As Fate commanded. Now scarce seven remain, + Wave-worn and shattered by the tempest's strain. + Myself, a stranger, friendless and unknown, + From Europe driven and Asia, roam in vain + The wilds of Libya"--Then his plaintive tone +No more could Venus bear, but interrupts her son; + +LII. "Stranger," she answered, "whosoe'er thou be; + Not unbeloved of heavenly powers, I ween, + Thou breath'st the vital air, whom Fate's decree + Permits a Tyrian city to have seen. + But hence, and seek the palace of the queen. + Glad news I bear thee, of thy comrades brought, + The North-wind shifted and the skies serene; + Thy ships have gained the harbour which they sought, +Else vain my parents' lore the augury they taught. + +LIII. "See yon twelve swans, in jubilant array, + Whom late Jove's eagle scattered through the sky; + Now these alight, now those the pitch survey. + As they, returning, sport with joyous cry, + And flap their wings and circle in the sky, + E'en so thy vessels and each late-lost crew + Safe now and scatheless in the harbour lie, + Or, crowding canvas, hold the port in view. +But hence, where leads the path, thy forward steps pursue." + +LIV. So saying, she turned, and all refulgent showed + Her roseate neck, and heavenly fragrance sweet + Was breathed from her ambrosial hair. Down flowed + Her loosened raiment, streaming to her feet, + And by her walk the Goddess shone complete. + "Ah, mother mine!" he chides her, as she flies, + "Art thou, then, also cruel? Wherefore cheat + Thy son so oft with images and lies? +Why may I not clasp hands, and talk without disguise?" + +LV. Thus he, reproaching. Towards the town they fare + In haste. But Venus round them on the way + Wrapt a thick mist, a mantle of dark air, + That none should see them, none should touch nor stay, + Nor, urging idle questions, breed delay. + Then back, rejoicing, through the liquid air + To Paphos and her home she flies away, + Where, steaming with Sabaean incense rare, +An hundred altars breathe with garlands fresh and fair. + +LVI. They by the path their forward steps pursued, + And climbed a hill, whose fronting summit frowned + Steep o'er the town. Amazed, AEneas viewed + Tall structures rise, where whilom huts were found, + The streets, the gates, the bustle and the sound. + Hotly the Tyrians are at work. These draw + The bastions' lines, roll stones and trench the ground; + Or build the citadel; those clothe with awe +The Senate; there they choose the judges for the law. + +LVII. These delve the port; the broad foundations there + They lay for theatres of ample space, + And columns, hewn from marble rocks, prepare, + Tall ornaments, the future stage to grace. + As bees in early summer swarm apace + Through flowery fields, when forth from dale and dell + They lead the full-grown offspring of the race, + Or with the liquid honey store each cell, +And make the teeming hive with nectarous sweets to swell. + +LVIII. These ease the comers of their loads, those drive + The drones afar. The busy work each plies, + And sweet with thyme and honey smells the hive. + "O happy ye, whose walls already rise!" + Exclaimed AEneas, and with envious eyes + Looked up where pinnacles and roof-tops showed + The new-born city; then in wondrous wise, + Clothed in the covering of the friendly cloud, +Passed through the midst unseen, and mingled with the crowd. + +LIX. A grove stood in the city, rich in shade, + Where storm-tost Tyrians, past the perilous brine, + Dug from the ground, by royal Juno's aid, + A war-steed's head, to far-off days a sign + That wealth and prowess should adorn the line. + Here, by the goddess and her gifts renowned, + Sidonian Dido built a stately shrine. + All brazen rose the threshold; brass was round +The door-posts; brazen doors on grating hinges sound. + +LX. Here a new sight AEneas' hopes upraised, + And fear was softened, and his heart was mann'd. + For while, the queen awaiting, round he gazed, + And marvelled at the happy town, and scanned + The rival labours of each craftsman's hand, + Behold, Troy's battles on the walls appear, + The war, since noised through many a distant land, + There Priam and th' Atridae twain, and here +Achilles, fierce to both, still ruthless and severe. + +LXI. Pensive he stood, and with a rising tear, + "What lands, Achates, on the earth, but know + Our labours? See our Priam! Even here + Worth wins her due, and there are tears to flow, + And human hearts to feel for human woe. + Fear not," he cries, "Troy's glory yet shall gain + Some safety." Thus upon the empty show + He feeds his soul, while ever and again +Deeply he sighs, and tears run down his cheeks like rain. + +LXII. He sees, how, fighting round the Trojan wall, + Here fled the Greeks, the Trojan youth pursue, + Here fled the Phrygians, and, with helmet tall, + Achilles in his chariot stormed and slew. + Not far, with tears, the snowy tents he knew + Of Rhesus, where Tydides, bathed in blood, + Broke in at midnight with his murderous crew, + And drove the hot steeds campward, ere the food +Of Trojan plains they browsed, or drank the Xanthian flood. + +LXIII. There, reft of arms, poor Troilus, rash to dare + Achilles, by his horses dragged amain, + Hangs from his empty chariot. Neck and hair + Trail on the ground; his hand still grasps the rein; + The spear inverted scores the dusty plain. + Meanwhile, with beaten breasts and streaming hair, + The Trojan dames, a sad and suppliant train, + The veil to partial Pallas' temple bear. +Stern, with averted eyes the Goddess spurns their prayer. + +LXIV. Thrice had Achilles round the Trojan wall + Dragged Hector; there the slayer sells the slain. + Sighing he sees him, chariot, arms and all, + And Priam, spreading helpless hands in vain. + Himself he knows among the Greeks again, + Black Memnon's arms, and all his Eastern clan, + Penthesilea's Amazonian train + With moony shields. Bare-breasted, in the van, +Girt with a golden zone, the maiden fights with man. + +LXV. Thus while AEneas, with set gaze and long, + Hangs, mute with wonder, on the wildering scene, + Lo! to the temple, with a numerous throng + Of youthful followers, moves the beauteous Queen. + Such as Diana, with her Oreads seen + On swift Eurotas' banks or Cynthus' crest, + Leading the dances. She, in form and mien, + Armed with her quiver, towers above the rest, +And tranquil pleasure thrills Latona's silent breast. + +LXVI. E'en such was Dido; so with joyous mien, + Urging the business of her rising state, + Among the concourse passed the Tyrian queen; + Then, girt with guards, within the temple's gate + Beneath the centre of the dome she sate. + There, ministering justice, she presides, + And deals the law, and from her throne of state, + As choice determines or as chance decides, +To each, in equal share, his separate task divides. + +LXVII. Sudden, behold a concourse. Looking down, + His late-lost friends AEneas sees again, + Sergestus, brave Cloanthus of renown, + Antheus and others of the Trojan train, + Whom the black squall had scattered o'er the main, + And driven afar upon an alien strand. + At once, 'twixt joy and terror rent in twain, + Amazed, AEneas and Achates stand, +And long to greet old friends and clasp a comrade's hand. + +LXVIII. Yet wildering wonder at so strange a scene + Still holds them mute, while anxious thoughts divide + Their doubtful minds, and in the cloud unseen, + Wrapt in its hollow covering, they abide + And note what fortune did their friends betide, + And whence they come, and why for grace they sue, + And on what shore they left the fleet to bide, + For chosen captains came from every crew, +And towards the sacred fane with clamorous cries they drew. + +LXIX. Then, audience granted, as the fane they filled, + Thus calmly spake the eldest of the train, + Ilioneus: "O queen, whom Jove hath willed + To found this new-born city, here to reign, + And stubborn tribes with justice to refrain, + We, Troy's poor fugitives, implore thy grace, + Storm-tost and wandering over every main,-- + Forbid the flames our vessels to deface, +Mark our afflicted plight, and spare a pious race. + +LXX. "We come not hither with the sword to rend + Your Libyan homes, and shoreward drive the prey. + Nay, no such violence our thoughts intend, + Such pride suits not the vanquished. Far away + There lies a place--Greeks style the land to-day + Hesperia--fruitful and of ancient fame + And strong in arms. OEnotrian folk, they say, + First tilled the soil. Italian is the name +Borne by the later race, with Italus who came. + +LXXI. "Thither we sailed, when, rising with the wave, + Orion dashed us on the shoals, the prey + Of wanton winds, and mastering billows drave + Our vessels on the pathless rocks astray. + We few have floated to your shore. O say, + What manner of mankind is here? What land + Is this, to treat us in this barbarous way? + They grudge the very shelter of the sand, +And call to arms and bar our footsteps from the strand! + +LXXII. "If human kind and mortal arms ye scorn, + Think of the Gods, who judge the wrong and right. + A king was ours, AEneas; ne'er was born + A man more just, more valiant in the fight, + More famed for piety and deeds of might. + If yet he lives and looks upon the sun, + Nor cruel death hath snatched him from the light, + No fear have we, nor need hast thou to shun +A Trojan guest, or rue kind offices begun. + +LXXIII. "Towns yet for us in Sicily remain, + And arms, and, sprung from Trojan sires of yore, + Our kinsman there, Acestes, holds his reign. + Grant us to draw our scattered fleet ashore, + And fit new planks and branches for the oar. + So, if with king and comrades brought again, + The Fates allow us to reach Italia's shore, + Italia gladly and the Latian plain +Seek we; but else, if thoughts of safety be in vain, + +LXXIV. "If thee, dear Sire, the Libyan deep doth hide, + Nor hopes of young Iulus more can cheer, + Back let our barks to the Sicanian tide + And proffered homes and king Acestes steer." + He spake; the Dardans answered with a cheer. + Then Dido thus, with downcast look sedate; + "Take courage, Trojans, and dismiss your fear. + My kingdom's newness and the stress of Fate +Force me to guard far off the frontiers of my state. + +LXXV. "Who knows not Troy, th' AEneian house of fame, + The deeds and doers, and the war's renown + That fired the world? Not hearts so dull and tame + Have Punic folk; not so is Phoebus known + To turn his back upon our Tyrian town. + Whether ye sail to great Hesperia's shore + And Saturn's fields, or seek the realms that own + Acestes' sway, where Eryx reigned of yore, +Safe will I send you hence, and speed you with my store. + +LXXVI. "Else, would ye settle in this realm, the town + I build is yours; draw up your ships to land. + Trojan and Tyrian will I treat as one. + Would that your king AEneas here could stand, + Driven by the gale that drove you to this strand! + Natheless, to scour the country, will I send + Some trusty messengers, with strict command + To search through Libya to the furthest end, +Lest, cast ashore, through town or lonely wood he wend." + +LXXVII. Roused by these words, long since the sire of Troy + Yearned, like his friend, their comrades to surprise + And burst the cloud. Then first with eager joy + "O Goddess-born," the bold Achates cries, + "How now--what purpose doth thy mind devise? + Lo! all are safe--ships, comrades brought again; + One only fails us, who before our eyes + Sank in the midst of the engulfing main. +All else confirms the tale thy mother told thee plain." + +LXXVIII. Scarce had he said, when straight the ambient cloud + Broke open, melting into day's clear light, + And bathed in sunshine stood the chief, endowed + With shape and features most divinely bright. + For graceful tresses and the purple light + Of youth did Venus in her child unfold, + And sprightly lustre breathed upon his sight, + Beauteous as ivory, or when artists mould +Silver or Parian stone, enchased in yellow gold. + +LXXIX. Then to the queen, all wondering, he exclaimed, + "Behold me, Troy's AEneas; I am here, + The man ye seek, from Libyan waves reclaimed. + Thou, who alone Troy's sorrows deign'st to hear, + And us, the gleanings of the Danaan spear, + Poor world-wide wanderers and in desperate case, + Hast ta'en to share thy city and thy cheer, + Meet thanks nor we, nor what of Dardan race +Yet roams the earth, can give to recompense thy grace. + +LXXX. "The gods, if gods the good and just regard, + And thy own conscience, that approves the right, + Grant thee due guerdon and a fit reward. + What happy ages did thy birth delight? + What godlike parents bore a child so bright? + While running rivers hasten to the main, + While yon pure ether feeds the stars with light, + While shadows round the hill-slopes wax and wane, +Thy fame, where'er I go, thy praises shall remain." + +LXXXI. So saying AEneas with his left hand pressed + Serestus, and Ilioneus with his right, + Brave Gyas, brave Cloanthus and the rest. + Then Dido, struck with wonder at the sight + Of one so great and in so strange a plight, + "O Goddess-born! what fate through dangers sore, + What force to savage coasts compels thy flight? + Art thou, then, that AEneas, whom of yore +Venus on Simois' banks to old Anchises bore? + +LXXXII. "Ay, well I mind me how in days of yore + To Sidon exiled Teucer crossed the main, + To seek new kingdoms and the aid implore + Of Belus. He, my father Belus, then + Ruled Cyprus, victor of the wasted plain, + Since then thy name and Ilion's fate are known, + And all the princes of Pelasgia's reign. + Himself, a foe, oft lauded Troy's renown, +And claimed the Teucrian sires as kinsmen of his own. + +LXXXIII. "Welcome, then, heroes! Me hath Fortune willed + Long tost, like you, through sufferings, here to rest + And find at length a refuge. Not unskilled + In woe, I learn to succour the distrest." + So to the palace she escorts her guest, + And calls for festal honours in the shrine. + Then shoreward sends beeves twenty to the rest, + A hundred boars, of broad and bristly chine, +A hundred lambs and ewes and gladdening gifts of wine. + +LXXXIV. Meanwhile with regal splendour they arrayed + The palace-hall, where feast and banquet high + All in the centre of the space is laid, + And forth they bring the broidered tapestry, + With purple dyed and wrought full cunningly. + The tables groan with silver; there are told + The deeds of prowess for the gazer's eye, + A long, long series, of their sires of old, +Traced from the nation's birth, and graven in the gold. + +LXXXV. But good AEneas--for a father's care + No rest allows him--to the ships sends down + Achates, to Ascanius charged to bear + The welcome news, and bring him to the town. + The father's fondness centres on the son. + Rich presents, too, he sends for, saved of old + From Troy, a veil, whose saffron edges shone + Fringed with acanthus, glorious to behold, +A broidered mantle, stiff with figures wrought in gold. + +LXXXVI. Fair Helen's ornaments, from Argos brought, + The gift of Leda, when the Trojan shore + And lawless nuptials o'er the waves she sought. + Therewith the royal sceptre, which of yore + Ilione, Priam's eldest daughter, bore; + Her shining necklace, strung with costly beads, + And diadem, rimmed with gold and studded o'er + With sparkling gems. Thus charged, Achates heeds, +And towards the ships forthwith in eager haste proceeds. + +LXXXVII. But crafty Cytherea planned meanwhile + New arts, new schemes,--that Cupid should conspire, + In likeness of Ascanius, to beguile + The queen with gifts, and kindle fierce desire, + And turn the marrow of her bones to fire. + Fierce Juno's hatred rankles in her breast; + The two-faced house, the double tongues of Tyre + She fears, and with the night returns unrest; +So now to winged Love this mandate she addressed: + +LXXXVIII. "O son, sole source of all my strength and power, + Who durst high Jove's Typhoean bolts disdain, + To thee I fly, thy deity implore. + Thou know'st, who oft hast sorrowed with my pain, + How, tost by Juno's rancour, o'er the main + Thy brother wanders. Him with speeches fair + And sweet allurements doth the queen detain; + But Juno's hospitality I fear; +Scarce at an hour like this will she her hand forbear. + +LXXXIX. "Soft snares I purpose round the queen to weave, + And wrap her soul in flames, that power malign + Shall never change her, but her heart shall cleave + Fast to AEneas with a love like mine. + Now learn, how best to compass my design. + To Tyrian Carthage hastes the princely boy, + Prompt at the summons of his sire divine, + My prime solicitude, my chiefest joy, +Fraught with brave store of gifts, saved from the flames of Troy. + +XC. "Him on Idalia, lulled into a dream, + Will I secrete, or on the sacred height + Of lone Cythera, lest he learn the scheme, + Or by his sudden presence mar the sleight. + Take thou his likeness, only for a night, + And wear the boyish features that are thine; + And when the queen, in rapture of delight, + Amid the royal banquet and the wine, +Shall lock thee in her arms, and press her lips to thine, + +XCI. "Then steal into her bosom, and inspire + Through all her veins with unsuspected sleight + The poisoned sting of passion and desire." + Young Love obeys, and doffs his plumage light, + And, like Iulus, trips forth with delight. + She o'er Ascanius rains a soft repose, + And gently bears him to Idalia's height, + Where breathing marjoram around him throws +Sweet shade, and odorous flowers his slumbering limbs compose. + +XCII. Forth Cupid, at his mother's word, repairs, + And merrily, for brave Achates led, + The royal presents to the Tyrians bears. + There, under gorgeous curtains, at the head + Sate Dido, throned upon a golden bed. + There, flocking in, the Trojans and their King + Recline on purple coverlets outspread. + Bread, heaped in baskets, the attendants bring, +Towels with smooth-shorn nap, and water from the spring. + +XCIII. Within are fifty maidens, charged with care + To dress the food, and nurse the flames divine. + A hundred more, and youths like-aged, prepare + To load the tables and arrange the wine. + There, entering too, on broidered seats recline + The Tyrians, crowding through the festive court. + They praise the boy, his glowing looks divine, + The words he feigned, the royal gifts he brought, +The robe, the saffron veil with bright acanthus wrought. + +XCIV. Doomed to devouring Love, the hapless queen + Burns as she gazes, with insatiate fire, + Charmed by his presents and his youthful mien: + He, fondly clinging to his fancied sire, + Gave all the love that parents' hearts desire, + Then seeks the queen. She, fixing on the boy + Her eyes, her soul, impatient to admire, + Now, fondling, folds him to her lap with joy; +Weetless, alas! what god is plotting to destroy. + +XCV. True to his Paphian mother, trace by trace, + Slowly the Love-god with prevenient art, + Begins the lost Sychaeus to efface, + And living passion to a breast impart + Long dead to feeling, and a vacant heart. + Now, hushed the banquet and the tables all + Removed, huge wine-bowls for each guest apart + They wreathe with flowers. The noise of festival +Rings through the spacious courts, and rolls along the hall. + +XCVI. There, blazing from the gilded roof, are seen + Bright lamps, and torches turn the night to day. + Now for the ponderous goblet called the Queen, + Of jewelled gold, which Belus used and they + Of Belus' line, and poured the wine straightway, + And prayed, while silence filled the crowded hall: + "Great Jove, the host's lawgiver, bless this day + To these my Tyrians and the Trojans all. +Long may our children's sons this solemn feast recall. + +XCVII. "Come, jolly Bacchus, giver of delight; + Kind Juno, come; and ye with fair accord + And friendly spirit hold the feast aright." + So spake the Queen, and on the festal board + The prime libation to the gods outpoured, + Then lightly to her lips the goblet pressed, + And gave to Bitias. Challenged by the word, + He dived into the brimming gold with zest, +And quaffed the foaming bowl, and after him, the rest. + +XCVIII. His golden lyre long-haired Iopas tunes, + And sings what Atlas taught in loftiest strain; + The suns' eclipses and the changing moons, + Whence man and beast, whence lightning and the rain, + Arcturus, watery Hyads and the Wain; + What causes make the winter nights so long, + Why sinks the sun so quickly in the main; + All this he sings, and ravished at the song, +Tyrians and Trojan guests the loud applause prolong. + +XCIX. With various talk the night poor Dido wore, + And drank deep love, and nursed her inward flame, + Of Priam much she asks, of Hector more, + Now in what arms Aurora's offspring came, + Of Diomede's horses and Achilles' fame. + "Tell me," she says, "thy wanderings; stranger, come, + Thy friends' mishaps and Danaan wiles proclaim; + For seven long summers now have seen thee roam +O'er every land and sea, far from thy native home." + + + + +BOOK TWO + + +ARGUMENT + +AEneas' story.--The Greeks, baffled in battle, built a wooden horse, +in which their leaders took ambush. Their fleet sailed to Tenedos. +The Trojans, but for Capys and Laocoon, had dragged the horse +forthwith as a trophy into Troy (1-72). Sinon, a Greek, brought +before Priam, feigns righteous indignation against Greece. The +Trojans sympathise and believe his story of wrongs done him by +Ulysses (73-126). "When Greek plans of flight had often," says Sinon, +"been foiled by storms, oracles foretold that only a human sacrifice +could purchase their escape." Chosen for victim, Sinon had fled. He +solemnly declares the horse to be an offering to Pallas. "Destroy +it, and you are lost. Preserve it in your citadel, your revenge is +assured" (127-222). Treachery triumphs. Laocoon's cruel fate is +ascribed to his sacrilegious attack upon the horse, which is brought +with rejoicing into Troy, despite a last warning, from Cassandra +(223-288). While Troy sleeps, the fleet returns, and Sinon releases +the Greeks from the horse (289-315). Hector's wraith warns AEneas +in a dream to flee with the sacred vessels and images (316-351), and +Panthus brings news of Sinon's treachery. The city is in flames. +AEneas heads a forlorn hope of rescue (352-441). He and his followers +exchange armour with certain Greeks slain in the darkness. The ruse +succeeds until they are taken for enemies by their friends. The +Greeks rally. The Trojans scatter. At Priam's palace a last stand +is made, but Pyrrhus forces the great gates, and the defenders are +massacred (442-603). Priam's fate.--The sight of his headless corpse +draws AEneas' thoughts to his own father's danger. Hastening +homewards he espies Helen, and is pausing to take vengeance and her +life, when (604-711) Venus intervening opens his eyes to see the gods +aiding the Greeks (712-756). AEneas regains his home. Anchises +obstinately refuses to flee, until a halo is seen about the head of +Ascanius (757-828), whereupon he accepts the omen and yields. The +escape.--In a sudden panic Creusa is lost (829-900). AEneas, at peril +of his life, is seeking her throughout the city, when her wraith +appears and bids him away. "She is dead in Troytown: in Italy empire +awaits him." She vanishes: day dawns: and AEneas, with Anchises and +the surviving Trojans, flees to the hills (901-972). + + +I. All hushed intent, when from his lofty seat + Troy's sire began, "O queen, a tale too true, + Too sad for words, thou biddest me repeat; + How Ilion perished, and the Danaan crew + Her power and all her wailful realm o'erthrew: + The woes I saw, thrice piteous to behold, + And largely shared. What Myrmidon, or who + Of stern Ulysses' warriors can withhold +His tears, to tell such things, as thou would'st have re-told? + +II. "And now already from the heaven's high steep + The dewy night wheels down, and sinking slow, + The stars are gently wooing us to sleep. + But, if thy longing be so great to know + The tale of Troy's last agony and woe, + The toils we suffered, though my heart doth ache, + And grief would fain the memory forego + Of scenes so sad, yet, Lady, for thy sake +I will begin,"--and thus the sire of Troy outspake; + +III. "Broken by war, long baffled by the force + Of fate, as fortune and their hopes decline, + The Danaan leaders build a monstrous horse, + Huge as a hill, by Pallas' craft divine, + And cleft fir-timbers in the ribs entwine. + They feign it vowed for their return, so goes + The tale, and deep within the sides of pine + And caverns of the womb by stealth enclose +Armed men, a chosen band, drawn as the lots dispose. + +IV. "In sight of Troy lies Tenedos, an isle + Renowned and rich, while Priam held command, + Now a mere bay and roadstead fraught with guile. + Thus far they sailed, and on the lonely strand + Lay hid, while fondly to Mycenae's land + We thought the winds had borne them. Troy once more + Shakes off her ten years' sorrow. Open stand + The gates. With joy to the abandoned shore, +The places bare of foes, the Dorian lines we pour. + +V. "Here camped the brave Dolopians, there was set + The tent of fierce Achilles; yonder lay + The fleet, and here the rival armies met + And mingled. Some with wonder and dismay + The maid Minerva's fatal gift survey. + Then first Thymaetes cries aloud, to go + And through the gates the monstrous horse convey + And lodge it in the citadel. E'en so +His fraud or Troy's dark fates were working for our woe. + +VI. "But Capys and the rest, of sounder mind, + Urge us to tumble in the rolling tide + The doubtful gift, for treachery designed, + Or burn with fire, or pierce the hollow side, + And probe the caverns where the Danaans hide. + Thus while they waver and, perplext with doubt, + Urge diverse counsels, and in parts divide, + Lo, from the citadel, foremost of a rout, +Breathless Laocoon runs, and from afar cries out; + +VII. "'Ah! wretched townsmen! do ye think the foe + Gone, or that guileless are their gifts? O blind + With madness! _Thus_ Ulysses do ye know? + Or Grecians in these timbers lurk confined, + Or 'tis some engine of assault, designed + To breach the walls, and lay our houses bare, + And storm the town. Some mischief lies behind. + Trust not the horse, ye Teucrians. Whatso'er +This means, I fear the Greeks, for all the gifts they bear.' + +VIII. "So saying, his mighty spear, with all his force, + Full at the flank against the ribs he drave, + And pierced the bellying framework of the horse. + Quivering, it stood; the hollow chambers gave + A groan, that echoed from the womb's dark cave, + Then, but for folly or Fate's adverse power, + His word had made us with our trusty glaive + Lay bare the Argive ambush, and this hour +Should Ilion stand, and thou, O Priam's lofty tower! + +IX. "Lo, now to Priam, with exulting cries, + The Dardan shepherds drag a youth unknown, + With hands fast pinioned, and in captive guise. + Caught on the way, by cunning of his own, + This end to compass, and betray the town. + Prepared for either venture, void of fear, + The crafty purpose of his mind to crown, + Or meet sure death. Around, from far and near, +The Trojans throng, and vie the captive youth to jeer. + +X. "Mark now the Danaans' cunning; from one wrong + Learn all. As, scared the Phrygian ranks to see, + Confused, unarmed, amid the gazing throng, + He stood, 'Alas! what spot on earth or sea + Is left,' he cried, 'to shield a wretch like me, + Whom Dardans seek in punishment to kill, + And Greeks disown?'--Touched by his tearful plea, + We asked his race, what tidings, good or ill, +He brings, for hope, perchance, may cheer a captive still. + +XI. "Then he, at length his show of fear laid by, + 'Great King, all truly will I own, whate'er + The issue, nor my Argive race deny. + This first; if fortune, spiteful and unfair, + Hath made poor Sinon wretched, fortune ne'er + Shall make me false or faithless;--if the name + Of Palamedes thou hast chanced to hear, + Old Belus' progeny, if ever came +To thee or thine in talk the rumour of his fame, + +XII. "'Whom, pure of guilt, on charges false and feigned, + Wroth that his sentence should the war prevent, + By perjured witnesses the Greeks arraigned, + And doomed to die, but now his death lament, + His kinsman, by a needy father sent, + With him in boyhood to the war I came, + And while in plenitude of power he went, + And high in princely counsels waxed his fame, +I too could boast of credit and a noble name. + +XIII. "'But when, through sly Ulysses' envious hate, + He left the light,--alas! the tale ye know,-- + Stricken, I mused indignant on his fate, + And dragged my days in solitude and woe, + Nor in my madness kept my purpose low, + But vowed, if e'er should happier chance invite, + And bring me home a conqueror, even so + My comrade's death with vengeance to requite. +My words aroused his wrath; thence evil's earliest blight; + +XIV. "'Thenceforth Ulysses sought with slanderous tongue + To daunt me, scattering in the people's ear + Dark hints, and looked for partners of his wrong: + Nor rested, till with Calchas' aid, the seer-- + But why the thankless story should ye hear? + Why stay your hand? If Grecians in your sight + Are all alike, ye know enough; take here + Your vengeance. Dearly will my death delight +Ulysses, well the deed will Atreus' sons requite.' + +XV. "Then, all unknowing of Pelasgian art + And crimes so huge, the story we demand, + And falteringly the traitor plays his part. + 'Oft, wearied by the war, the Danaans planned + To leave--and oh! had they but left--the land. + As oft, to daunt them, in the act to fly, + Storms lashed the deep, and Southern gales withstand, + And louder still, when towered the horse on high +With maple timbers, pealed the thunder through the sky. + +XVI. "'In doubt, we bade Eurypylus explore + Apollo's oracle, and back he brought + The dismal news: _With blood, a maiden's gore, + Ye stilled the winds, when Trojan shores ye sought. + With blood again must your return be bought; + An Argive victim doth the God demand._ + Full fast the rumour 'mong the people wrought; + Cold horror chills us, and aghast we stand; +Whom doth Apollo claim, whose death the Fates demand? + +XVII. "'Then straight Ulysses, 'mid tumultuous cries, + Drags Calchas forth, and bids the seer unfold + The dark and doubtful meaning of the skies. + Many e'en then the schemer's crime foretold, + And, silent, saw my destiny unrolled. + Ten days the seer, as shrinking to reply + Or name a victim, did the doom withhold; + Then, forced by false Ulysses' clamorous cry, +Spake the concerted word, and sentenced me to die. + +XVIII. "'All praised the sentence, pleased that one alone + Should suffer, glad that one poor wretch should bear + The doom that each had dreaded for his own. + The fatal day was come; the priests prepare + The salted meal, the fillets for my hair. + I fled, 'tis true, and saved my life by flight, + Bursting my bonds in frenzy of despair, + And hidden in a marish lay that night, +Waiting till they should sail, if sail, perchance, they might. + +XIX. "'No hope have I my ancient fatherland, + Or darling boys, or long-lost sire to see, + Whom now perchance, the Danaans will demand, + Poor souls! for vengeance, and their death decree, + To purge my crime, in daring to be free. + O by the gods, who know the just and true, + By faith unstained,--if any such there be,-- + With mercy deign such miseries to view; +Pity a soul that toils with evils all undue.' + +XX. "So, moved at length to pity by his tears, + We spare him. Priam bids the cords unbind, + And thus with friendly words the captive cheers; + 'Whoe'er thou art, henceforward blot from mind + The Greeks, and leave thy miseries behind. + Ours shalt thou be; but mark, and tell me now, + What means this monster, for what use designed? + Some warlike engine? or religious vow? +Who planned the steed, and why? Come, quick, the truth avow.' + +XXI. "Then schooled in cunning and Pelasgian sleights, + His hands unshackled to the stars he spread; + 'Ye powers inviolate, ever-burning lights! + Ye ruthless swords and altars, which I fled, + Ye sacred fillets, that adorned my head! + Freed is my oath, and I am free to lay + Their secrets bare, and wish the Danaans dead. + Thou, Troy, preserved, to Sinon faithful stay, +If true the tale I tell, if large the price I pay. + +XXII. "'All hopes on Pallas, since the war begun, + All trust was stayed. But when Ulysses, fain + To weave new crimes, with Tydeus' impious son + Dragged the Palladium from her sacred fane, + And, on the citadel the warders slain, + Upon the virgin's image dared to lay + Red hands of slaughter, and her wreaths profane, + Hope ebbed and failed them from that fatal day, +The Danaans' strength grew weak, the goddess turned away. + +XXIII. "'No dubious signs Tritonia's wrath declared. + Scarce stood her image in the camp, when bright + With flickering flames her staring eyeballs glared. + Salt sweat ran down her; thrice, a wondrous sight! + With shield and quivering spear she sprang upright. + "Back o'er the deep," cries Calchas; "nevermore + Shall Argives hope to quell the Trojan might, + Till, homeward borne, new omens ye implore, +And win the blessing back, which o'er the waves ye bore." + +XXIV. "'So now to Argos are they gone, to gain + Fresh help from heaven, and hither by surprise + Shall come once more, remeasuring the main. + Thus Calchas warned them; by his words made wise + This steed, for stol'n Palladium, they devise, + To soothe the outrag'd goddess. Tall and great, + With huge oak-timbers mounting to the skies, + They build the monster, lest it pass the gate, +And like Palladium stand, the bulwark of the State. + +XXV. "'"Once had your hands," said Calchas, "dared profane + Minerva's gift, dire plagues" (which Heaven forestall + Or turn on him) "should Priam's realm sustain; + But if by Trojan aid it scaled your wall, + Proud Asia then should Pelops' sons enthrall, + And children rue the folly of the sire."' + His arts gave credence, and forced tears withal + Snared us, whom Diomede, nor Achilles dire, +Nor thousand ships subdued, nor ten years' war could tire. + +XXVI. "A greater yet and ghastlier sign remained + Our heedless hearts to terrify anew. + Laocoon, Neptune's priest, by lot ordained, + A stately bull before the altar slew, + When lo!--the tale I shudder to pursue,-- + From Tenedos in silence, side by side, + Two monstrous serpents, horrible to view, + With coils enormous leaning on the tide, +Shoreward, with even stretch, the tranquil sea divide. + +XXVII. "Their breasts erect they rear amid the deep, + Their blood-red crests above the surface shine, + Their hinder parts along the waters sweep, + Trailed in huge coils and many a tortuous twine; + Lashed into foam, behind them roars the brine; + Now, gliding onward to the beach, ere long + They gain the fields, and rolling bloodshot eyne + That blaze with fire, the monsters move along, +And lick their hissing jaws, and dart a flickering tongue. + +XXVIII. "Pale at the sight we fly; unswerving, these + Glide on and seek Laocoon. First, entwined + In stringent folds, his two young sons they seize, + With cruel fangs their tortured limbs to grind. + Then, as with arms he comes to aid, they bind + In giant grasp the father. Twice, behold, + Around his waist the horrid volumes wind, + Twice round his neck their scaly backs are rolled, +High over all their heads and glittering crests unfold. + +XXIX. "Both hands are labouring the fierce knots to pull; + Black gore and slime his sacred wreaths distain. + Loud are his moans, as when a wounded bull + Shakes from his neck the faltering axe and, fain + To fly the cruel altars, roars in pain. + But lo! the serpents to Tritonia's seat + Glide from their victim, till the shrine they gain, + And, coiled beside the goddess, at her feet, +Behind her sheltering shield with gathered orbs retreat. + +XXX. "Fresh wonder seized us, and we shook with fear. + All say, that justly had Laocoon died, + And paid fit penalty, whose guilty spear + Profaned the steed and pierced the sacred side. + 'On with the image to its home,' they cried, + 'And pray the Goddess to avert our woe'; + We breach the walls, and ope the town inside. + All set to work, and to the feet below +Fix wheels, and hempen ropes around the neck they throw. + +XXXI. "Mounting the walls, the monster moves along, + Teeming with arms. Boys, maidens joy around + To touch the ropes, and raise the festive song. + Onward it came, smooth-sliding on the ground, + And, beetling, o'er the midmost city frowned. + O native land! O Ilion, now betrayed! + Blest home of deities, in war renowned! + Four times beside the very gate 'twas stayed; +Four times within the womb the armour clashed and brayed. + +XXXII. "But heedless, blind with frenzy, one and all + Up to the sacred citadel we strain, + And there the ill-omened prodigy install. + E'en then--alas! to Trojan ears in vain-- + Cassandra sang, and told in utterance plain + The coming doom. We, sunk in careless joy, + Poor souls! with festive garlands deck each fane, + And through the town in revelry employ +The day decreed our last, the dying hours of Troy! + +XXXIII. "And now the heaven rolled round. From ocean rushed + The Night, and wrapt in shadow earth and air + And Myrmidonian wiles. In silence hushed, + The Trojans through the city here and there, + Outstretched in sleep, their weary limbs repair. + Meanwhile from neighbouring Tenedos once more, + Beneath the tranquil moonbeam's friendly care, + With ordered ships, along the deep sea-floor, +Back came the Argive host, and sought the well-known shore. + +XXXIV. "Forth from the royal galley sprang the flame, + When Sinon, screened by partial Fate, withdrew + The bolts and barriers of the pinewood frame, + And from its inmost caverns, bared to view, + The fatal horse disgorged the Danaan crew. + With joy from out the hollow wood they bound; + First, dire Ulysses, with his captains two, + Thessander bold and Sthenelus renowned, +Down by a pendent rope come sliding to the ground. + +XXXV. "Then Thoas comes; and Acamas, athirst + For blood; and Neoptolemus, the heir + Of mighty Peleus; and Machaon first; + And Menelaus; and himself is there, + Epeus, framer of the fatal snare. + Now, stealing forward, on the town they fall, + Buried in wine and sleep, the guards o'erbear, + And ope the gates; their comrades at the call +Pour in and, joining bands, all muster by the wall. + +XXXVI. "'Twas now the time, when on tired mortals crept + First slumber, sweetest that celestials pour. + Methought I saw poor Hector, as I slept, + All bathed in tears and black with dust and gore, + Dragged by the chariot and his swoln feet sore + With piercing thongs. Ah me! how sad to view, + How changed from him, that Hector, whom of yore + Returning with Achilles' spoils we knew, +When on the ships of Greece his Phrygian fires he threw. + +XXXVII. "Foul is his beard, his hair is stiff with gore, + And fresh the wounds, those many wounds, remain, + Which erst around his native walls he bore. + Then, weeping too, I seem in sorrowing strain + To hail the hero, with a voice of pain. + 'O light of Troy, our refuge! why and how + This long delay? Whence comest thou again, + Long-looked-for Hector? How with aching brow, +Worn out by toil and death, do we behold thee now! + +XXXVIII. "'But oh! what dire indignity hath marred + The calmness of thy features? Tell me, why + With ghastly wounds do I behold thee scarred?' + To such vain quest he cared not to reply, + But, heaving from his breast a deep-drawn sigh, + 'Fly, Goddess-born! and get thee from the fire! + The foes,' he said, 'are on the ramparts. Fly! + All Troy is tumbling from her topmost spire. +No more can Priam's land, nor Priam's self require. + +XXXIX. "'Could Troy be saved by mortal prowess, mine, + Yea, mine had saved her. To thy guardian care + She doth her Gods and ministries consign. + Take them, thy future destinies to share, + And seek for them another home elsewhere, + That mighty city, which for thee and thine + O'er traversed ocean shall the Fates prepare.' + He spake, and quickly snatched from Vesta's shrine +The deathless fire and wreaths and effigy divine. + +XL. "Meanwhile a mingled murmur through the street + Rolls onward,--wails of anguish, shrieks of fear, + And though my father's mansion stood secrete, + Embowered in foliage, nearer and more near + Peals the dire clang of arms, and loud and clear, + Borne on fierce echoes that in tumult blend, + War-shout and wail come thickening on the ear. + I start from sleep, the parapet ascend, +And from the sloping roof with eager ears attend. + +XLI. "Like as a fire, when Southern gusts are rude, + Falls on the standing harvest of the plain, + Or torrent, hurtling with a mountain flood, + Whelms field and oxens' toil and smiling grain, + And rolls whole forests headlong to the main, + While, weetless of the noise, on neighbouring height, + Tranced in mute wonder, stands the listening swain, + Then, then I see that Hector's words were right, +And all the Danaan wiles are naked to the light. + +XLII. "And now, Deiphobus, thy halls of pride, + Bowed by the flames, come ruining through the air; + Next burn Ucalegon's, and far and wide + The broad Sigean reddens with the glare. + Then come the clamour and the trumpet's blare. + Madly I rush to arms; though vain the fight, + Yet burns my soul, in fury and despair, + To rally a handful and to hold the height: +Sweet seems a warrior's death and danger a delight. + +XLIII. "Lo, Panthus, flying from the Grecian bands, + Panthus, the son of Othrys, Phoebus' seer, + Bearing the sacred vessels in his hands, + And vanquished home-gods, to the door draws near, + His grandchild clinging to his side in fear. + 'Panthus,' I cry, 'how fares the fight? what tower + Still hold we?'--Sighing, he replies ''Tis here, + The final end of all the Dardan power, +The last, sad day has come, the inevitable hour. + +XLIV. "'Troy was, and we were Trojans, now, alas! + No more, for perished is the Dardan fame. + Fierce Jove to Argos biddeth all to pass, + And Danaans rule a city wrapt in flame. + High in the citadel the monstrous frame + Pours forth an armed deluge to the day, + And Sinon, puffed with triumph, spreads the flame. + Part throng the gates, part block each narrow way; +Such hosts Mycenae sends, such thousands to the fray. + +XLV. "'Athwart the streets stands ready the array + Of steel, and bare is every blade and bright. + Scarce the first warders of the gates essay + To stand and battle in the blinding night.' + So spake the son of Othrys, and forthright, + My spirit stirred with impulse from on high, + I rush to arms amid the flames and fight, + Where yells the war-fiend and the warrior's cry, +Mixt with the din of strife, mounts upward to the sky. + +XLVI. "Here warlike Epytus, renowned in fight, + And valiant Rhipeus gather to our side, + And Hypanis and Dymas, matched in might, + Join with us, by the glimmering moon descried. + Here Mygdon's son, Coroebus, we espied, + Who came to Troy,--Cassandra's love to gain, + And now his troop with Priam's hosts allied; + Poor youth and heedless! whom in frenzied strain +His promised bride had warned, but warned, alas! in vain. + +XLVII. "So when the bold and compact band I see, + 'Brave hearts,' I cry, 'but brave, alas! in vain; + If firm your purpose holds to follow me + Who dare the worst, our present plight is plain. + Troy's guardian gods have left her; altar, fane, + All is deserted, every temple bare. + The town ye aid is burning. Forward, then, + To die and mingle in the tumult's blare. +Sole hope to vanquished men of safety is despair.' + +XLVIII. "Then fury spurred their courage, and behold, + As ravening wolves, when darkness hides the day, + Stung with mad fire of famine uncontrolled, + Prowl from their dens, and leave the whelps to stay, + With jaws athirst and gaping for the prey. + So to sure death, amid the darkness there, + Where swords, and spears, and foemen bar the way, + Into the centre of the town we fare. +Night with her shadowy cone broods o'er the vaulted air. + +XLIX. "Oh, who hath tears to match our grief withal? + What tongue that night of havoc can make known + An ancient city totters to her fall, + Time-honoured empress and of old renown; + And senseless corpses, through the city strown, + Choke house and temple. Nor hath vengeance found + None save the Trojans; there the victors groan, + And valour fires the vanquished. All around +Wailings, and wild affright and shapes of death abound. + +L. "First of the Greeks approaches, with a crowd, + Androgeus; friends he deems us unaware, + And thus, with friendly summons, cries aloud: + 'Haste, comrades, forward; from the fleet ye fare + With lagging steps but now, while yonder glare + Troy's towers, and others sack and share the spoils?' + Then straight--for doubtful was our answer there-- + He knew him taken in the foemen's toils; +Shuddering, he checks his voice, and back his foot recoils. + +LI. "As one who, in a tangled brake apart, + On some lithe snake, unheeded in the briar, + Hath trodden heavily, and with backward start + Flies, trembling at the head uplift in ire + And blue neck, swoln in many a glittering spire. + So slinks Androgeus, shuddering with dismay; + We, massed in onset, make the foe retire, + And slay them, wildered, weetless of the way. +Fortune, with favouring smile, assists our first essay. + +LII. "Flushed with success and eager for the fray, + 'Friends,' cries Coroebus, 'forward; let us go + Where Fortune newly smiling, points the way. + Take we the Danaans' bucklers; with a foe + Who asks, if craft or courage guide the blow? + Themselves shall arm us.'--Then he takes the crest, + The shield and dagger of Androgeus; so + Doth Rhipeus, so brave Dymas and the rest; +All in the new-won spoils their eager limbs invest. + +LIII. "Thus we, elate, but not with Heaven our friend, + March on and mingle with the Greeks in fight, + And many a Danaan to the shades we send, + And many a battle in the blinding night + We join with those that meet us. Some in flight + Rush diverse to the ships and trusty tide; + Some, craven-hearted, in ignoble fright, + Make for the horse and, clambering up the side, +Deep in the treacherous womb, their well-known refuge, hide. + +LIV. "Ah! vain to boast, if Heaven refuse to aid! + Dragged by her tresses from Minerva's fane, + Cassandra comes, the Priameian maid, + Stretching to heaven her burning eyes in vain, + Her eyes, for bonds her tender hands constrain. + That sight Coroebus brooked not. Stung with gall + And mad with rage, nor fearing to be slain, + He plunged amid their columns. One and all, +With weapons massed, press on and follow at his call. + +LV. "Here first with missiles, from a temple's height + Hurled by our comrades, we are crushed and slain, + And piteous is the slaughter, at the sight + Of Argive helms for Argive foes mista'en. + Now too, with shouts of fury and disdain + To see the maiden rescued, here and there + The Danaans gathering round us, charge amain; + Fierce-hearted Ajax, the Atridan pair, +And all Thessalia's host our scanty band o'erbear. + +LVI. "So, when the tempest bursting wakes the war, + The justling winds in conflict rave and roar, + South, West and East upon his orient car, + The lashed woods howl, and with his trident hoar + Nereus in foam upheaves the watery floor. + Those too, whom late we scattered through the town, + Tricked in the darkness, reappear once more. + At once the falsehood of our guise is known, +The shields, the lying arms, the speech of different tone. + +LVII. "O'erwhelmed with odds, we perish; first of all, + Struck down by fierce Peneleus by the fane + Of warlike Pallas, doth Coroebus fall. + Next, Rhipeus dies, the justest, but in vain, + The noblest soul of all the Trojan train. + Heaven deemed him otherwise; then Dymas brave + And Hypanis by comrades' hands are slain. + Nor, Panthus, thee thy piety can save, +Nor e'en Apollo's wreath preserve thee from the grave. + +LVIII. "Witness, ye ashes of our comrades dear, + Ye flames of Troy, that in your hour of woe + Nor darts I shunned, nor shock of Danaan spear. + If Fate my life had called me to forego, + This hand had earned it, forfeit to the foe. + Thence forced away, brave Iphitus, and I, + And Pelias,--Iphitus with age was slow, + And Pelias by Ulysses lamed--we fly +Where round the palace rings the war-shout's rallying cry. + +LIX. "There raged a fight so fierce, as though no fight + Raged elsewhere, nor the city streamed with gore. + We see the War-God glorying in his might; + Up to the roof we see the Danaans pour; + Their shielded penthouse drives against the door. + Close cling their ladders to the walls; these, fain + To clutch the doorposts, climb from floor to floor, + Their right hands strive the battlements to gain, +Their left with lifted shield the arrowy storm sustain. + +LX. "There, roof and pinnacle the Dardans tear-- + Death standing near--and hurl them on the foe, + Last arms of need, the weapons of despair; + And gilded beams and rafters down they throw, + Ancestral ornaments of days ago. + These, stationed at the gates, with naked glaive, + Shoulder to shoulder, guard the pass below. + Hearts leap afresh the royal halls to save, +And cheer our vanquished friends and reinspire the brave. + +LXI. "Behind the palace, unobserved and free, + There stood a door, a secret thoroughfare + Through Priam's halls. Here poor Andromache + While Priam's kingdom flourished and was fair, + To greet her husband's parents would repair + Alone, or carrying with tendance fain + To Hector's father Hector's son and heir. + By this I reached the roof-top, whence in vain +The luckless Teucrians hurled their unavailing rain. + +LXII. "Sheer o'er the highest roof-top to the sky, + Skirting the parapet, a watch-tower rose, + Whence camp and fleet and city met the eye. + Here plying levers, where the flooring shows + Weak joists, we heave it over. Down it goes + With sudden crash upon the Danaan train, + Dealing wide ruin. But anon new foes + Come swarming up, while ever and again +Fast fall the showers of stones, and thick the javelins rain. + +LXIII. "Just on the threshold of the porch, behold + Fierce Pyrrhus stands, in glittering brass bedight: + As when a snake, that through the winter's cold + Lay swoln and hidden in the ground from sight, + Gorged with rank herbs, forth issues to the light, + And sleek with shining youth and newly drest, + Wreathing its slippery volumes, towers upright + And, glorying, to the sunbeam rears its breast, +And darts a three-forked tongue, and points a flaming crest. + +LXIV. "With him, Achilles' charioteer and squire, + Automedon, huge Periphas and all + The Scyrian youth rush up, and flaming fire + Hurl to the roof, and thunder at the wall. + He in the forefront, tallest of the tall, + Poleaxe in hand, unhinging at a stroke + The brazen portals, made the doorway fall, + And wide-mouthed as a window, through the oak, +A panelled plank hewn out, a yawning rent he broke. + +LXV. "Bared stands the inmost palace, and behold, + The stately chambers and the courts appear + Of Priam and the Trojan Kings of old, + And warders at the door with shield and spear. + Moaning and tumult in the house we hear, + Wailings of misery, and shouts that smite + The golden stars, and women's shrieks of fear, + And trembling matrons, hurrying left and right, +Cling to and kiss the doors, made frantic by affright. + +LXVI. "Strong as his father, Pyrrhus onward pushed, + Nor bars nor warders can his strength sustain. + Down sinks the door, with ceaseless battery crushed. + Force wins a footing, and, the foremost slain, + In, like a deluge, pours the Danaan train. + So when the foaming river, uncontrolled, + Bursts through its banks and riots on the plain, + O'er dyke and dam the gathering deluge rolled, +From field to field sweeps on with cattle, flock and fold. + +LXVII. "These eyes saw Pyrrhus, rioting in blood, + Saw on the threshold the Atridae twain, + Saw where among a hundred daughters, stood + Pale Hecuba, saw Priam's life-blood stain + The fires his hands had hallowed in the fane. + Those fifty bridal chambers I behold + (So fair the promise of a future reign) + And spoil-deckt pillars of barbaric gold, +A wreck; where fails the flame, its place the Danaans hold. + +LXVIII. "Haply the fate of Priam thou would'st know. + Soon as he saw the captured city fall, + The palace-gates burst open, and the foe + Dealing wild riot in his inmost hall, + Up sprang the old man and, at danger's call, + Braced o'er his trembling shoulders in a breath + His rusty armour, took his belt withal, + And drew the useless falchion from its sheath, +And on their thronging spears rushed forth to meet his death. + +LXIX. "Within the palace, open to the day, + There stood a massive altar. Overhead, + With drooping boughs, a venerable bay + Its shadowy foliage o'er the home-gods spread. + Here, with her hundred daughters, pale with dread, + Poor Hecuba and all her female train, + As doves, that from the low'ring storm have fled, + And cower for shelter from the pelting rain, +Crouch round the silent gods, and cling to them in vain. + +LXX. "But when in youthful arms came Priam near, + 'Ah, hapless lord!' she cries, 'what mad desire + Arms thee for battle? Why this sword and spear? + And whither art thou hurrying? Times so dire + Not such defenders nor such help require. + Not e'en, were Hector here, my Hector's aid + Could save us. Hither to this shrine retire, + And share our safety or our death.'--She said, +And to his hallowed seat the aged monarch led. + +LXXI. "See, now, Polites, one of Priam's sons, + Scarce slipt from Pyrrhus' butchery, and lame, + Through foes, through darts, along the cloisters runs + And empty courtyards. At his heels, aflame + With rage, comes Pyrrhus. Lo, in act to aim, + Now, now, he clutches him,--a moment more, + E'en as before his parent's eyes he came, + The long spear reached him. Prostrate on the floor +Down falls the hapless youth, and welters in his gore. + +LXXII. "Then Priam, though hemmed with death on every side, + Spared not his utterance, nor his wrath controlled; + 'To thee, yea, thee, fierce miscreant,' he cried, + 'May Heaven,--if Heaven with righteous eyes behold + So foul an outrage and a deed so bold, + Ne'er fail a fitting guerdon to ordain, + Nor worthy quittance for thy crime withhold, + Whose hand hath made me see my darling slain, +And dared with filial blood a father's eyes profane. + +LXXIII. "'Not so Achilles, whom thy lying tongue + Would feign thy father; like a foeman brave, + He scorned a suppliant's rights and trust to wrong, + And sent me home in safety,--ay, and gave + My Hector's lifeless body to the grave.' + The old man spoke and, with a feeble throw, + At Pyrrhus with a harmless dart he drave. + The jarring metal blunts it, and below +The shield-boss, down it hangs, and foils the purposed blow. + +LXXIV. "'Go then,' cries Pyrrhus, 'with thy tale of woe + To dead Pelides, and thy plaints outpour. + To him, my father, in the shades below, + These deeds of his degenerate son deplore; + Now die!'--So speaking, to the shrine he tore + The aged Priam, trembling with affright, + And feebly sliding in his son's warm gore. + The left hand twists his hoary locks; the right +Deep in his side drives home the falchion, bared and bright. + +LXXV. "Such close had Priam's fortunes; so his days + Were finished, such the bitter end he found, + Now doomed by Fate with dying eyes to gaze + On Troy in flames and ruin all around, + And Pergamus laid level with the ground. + Lo, he to whom once Asia bowed the knee, + Proud lord of many peoples, far-renowned, + Now left to welter by the rolling sea, +A huge and headless trunk, a nameless corpse is he. + +LXXVI. "Grim horror seized me, and aghast I stood. + Uprose the image of my father dear, + As there I see the monarch, bathed in blood, + Like him in prowess and in age his peer. + Uprose Creusa, desolate and drear, + Iulus' peril, and a plundered home. + I look around for comrades; none are near. + Some o'er the battlements leapt headlong, some +Sank fainting in the flames; the final hour was come. + +LXXVII. "I stood alone, when lo, in Vesta's fane + I see Tyndarean Helen, crouching down. + Bright shone the blaze around me, as in vain + I tracked my comrades through the burning town. + There, mute, and, as the traitress deemed, unknown, + Dreading the Danaan's vengeance, and the sword + Of Trojans, wroth for Pergamus o'erthrown, + Dreading the anger of her injured lord, +Sat Troy's and Argos' fiend, twice hateful and abhorred. + +LXXVIII. "Then, fired with passion and revenge, I burn + To quit Troy's downfall and exact the fee + Such crimes deserve. Sooth, then, shall _she_ return + To Sparta and Mycenae, ay, and see + Home, husband, sons and parents, safe and free, + With Ilian wives and Phrygians in her train, + A queen, in pride of triumph? Shall this be, + And Troy have blazed and Priam's self been slain, +And Trojan blood so oft have soaked the Dardan plain? + +LXXIX. "Not so; though glory wait not on the act; + Though poor the praise, and barren be the gain, + Vengeance on feeble woman to exact, + Yet praised hereafter shall his name remain, + Who purges earth of such a monstrous stain. + Sweet is the passion of vindictive joy, + Sweet is the punishment, where just the pain, + Sweet the fierce ardour of revenge to cloy, +And slake with Dardan blood the funeral flames of Troy. + +LXXX. "So mused I, blind with anger, when in light + Apparent, never so refulgent seen, + My mother dawned irradiate on the night, + Confessed a Goddess, such her form, and mien + And starry stature of celestial sheen. + With her right hand she grasped me from above, + And thus with roseate lips: 'O son, what mean + These transports? Say, what bitter grief doth move +Thy soul to rage untamed? Where vanished is thy love? + +LXXXI. "'Wilt thou not see, if yet thy sire survive, + Worn out with age, amid the war's alarms? + And if thy wife Creusa be alive, + And young Ascanius? for around thee swarms + The foe, and but for my protecting arms, + Fierce sword or flame had swept them all away. + Not oft-blamed Paris, nor the hateful charms + Of Helen; Heaven, unpitying Heaven to-day +Hath razed the Trojan towers and reft the Dardan sway. + +LXXXII. "'Look now, for I will clear the mists that shroud + Thy mortal gaze, and from the visual ray + Purge the gross covering of this circling cloud. + Thou heed, and fear not, whatsoe'er I say, + Nor scorn thy mother's counsels to obey. + Here, where thou seest the riven piles o'erthrown, + Mixt dust and smoke, rock torn from rock away, + Great Neptune's trident shakes the bulwarks down, +And from its lowest base uproots the trembling town. + +LXXXIII. "'Here, girt with steel, the foremost in the fight, + Fierce Juno stands, the Scaean gates before, + And, mad with fury and malignant spite, + Calls up her federate forces from the shore. + See, on the citadel, all grim with gore, + Red-robed, and with the Gorgon shield aglow, + Tritonian Pallas bids the conflict roar. + E'en Jove with strength reanimates the foe, +And stirs the powers of heaven to work the Dardan's woe. + +LXXXIV. "'Haste, son, and fly; the fruitless toil give o'er. + I will not leave thee, but assist thy flight, + And set thee safely at thy father's door.' + She spake, and vanished in the gloom of night. + Dread shapes and forms terrific loomed in sight, + And hostile deities, whose faces frowned + Destruction. Then, amid the lurid light, + I see Troy sinking in the flames around, +And mighty Neptune's walls laid level with the ground. + +LXXXV. "So, when an aged ash on mountain tall + Stout woodmen strive, with many a rival blow, + To rend from earth; awhile it threats to fall, + With quivering locks and nodding head; now slow + It sinks and, with a dying groan lies low, + And spreads its ruin on the mountain side. + Down from the citadel I haste below, + Through foe, through fire, the goddess for my guide. +Harmless the darts give way, the sloping flames divide. + +LXXXVI. "But when Anchises' ancient home I gain, + My father,--he, whom first, with loving care, + I sought and, heedful of my mother, fain + In safety to the neighbouring hills would bear, + Disdains Troy's ashes to outlive and wear + His days in banishment: 'Fly ye, who may, + Whom age hath chilled not, nor the years impair. + For me, had Heaven decreed a longer day, +Heaven too had spared these walls, nor left my home a prey. + +LXXXVII. "'Enough and more, to live when Ilion fell, + And once to see Troy captured. Leave me, pray, + And bid me, as a shrouded corpse, farewell. + For death--this hand will find for me the way, + Or foes who spoil will pity me and slay. + Light is the loss of sepulchre or pyre, + Loathed have I lived and useless, since the day + When man's great monarch and the God's dread sire +Breathed his avenging blast and scathed me with his fire.' + +LXXXVIII. "So spake he, on his purpose firmly bent. + We--wife, child, family and I--with prayer + And tears entreat the father to relent, + Nor doom us all the common wreck to share, + And urge the ruin that the Fates prepare. + He heeds not--stirs not. Then again I fly + To arms--to arms, in frenzy of despair, + And long in utter misery to die. +What other choice was left, what other chance to try? + +LXXXIX. "'What, _I_ to leave thee helpless, and to flee? + O father! could'st thou fancy it? Could e'er + A parent speak of such a crime to me? + If Heaven of such a city naught should spare, + And thou be pleased that thou and thine should share + The common wreck, that way to death is plain. + Wide stands the door; soon Pyrrhus will be there, + Red with the blood of Priam; he hath slain +The son before his sire, the father in the fane. + +XC. "'Dost thou for _this_, dear mother, me through fire + And foemen safely to my home restore; + To see Creusa, and my son and sire + Each foully butchered in the other's gore, + And Danaans dealing slaughter at the door? + Arms--bring me arms! Troy's dying moments call + The vanquished. Give me to the Greeks. Once more + Let me revive the battle; ne'er shall all +Die unrevenged this day, nor tamely meet their fall.' + +XCI. "Once more I girt me with the sword and shield, + And forth had soon into the battle hied, + When lo, Creusa at the doorway kneeled, + And reached Iulus to his sire and cried: + 'If death thou seekest, take me at thy side + Thy death to share, but if, expert in strife, + Thou hop'st in arms, here guard us and abide. + To whom dost thou expose Iulus' life, +Thy father's, yea, and mine, once called, alas! thy wife.' + +XCII. "So wailed Creusa, and in wild despair + Filled all the palace with her sobs and cries, + When lo! a portent, wondrous to declare. + For while, 'twixt sorrowing parents' hands and eyes, + Stood young Iulus, wildered with surprise, + Up from the summit of his fair, young head + A tuft was seen of flickering flame to rise. + Gently and harmless to the touch it spread +Around his tender brows, and on his temples fed. + +XCIII. "In haste we strive to quench the flame divine, + Shaking the tresses of his burning hair. + But gladly sire Anchises hails the sign, + And gazing upward through the starlit air, + His hands and voice together lifts in prayer: + 'O Jove omnipotent, dread power benign, + If aught our piety deserve, if e'er + A suppliant move thee, hearken and incline +This once, and aid us now and ratify thy sign.' + +XCIV. "Scarce spake the sire when lo, to leftward crashed + A peal of thunder, and amid the night + A sky-dropt star athwart the darkness flashed, + Trailing its torchfire with a stream of light. + We mark the dazzling meteor in its flight + Glide o'er the roof, till, vanished from our eyes, + It hides in Ida's forest, shining bright + And furrowing out a pathway through the skies, +And round us far and wide the sulphurous fumes arise. + +XCV. "Up rose my sire, submissive to the sign, + And briefly to the Gods addressed his prayer, + And bowed adoring to the star divine. + 'Now, now,' he cries, 'no tarrying; wheresoe'er + Ye point the path, I follow and am there. + Gods of my fathers! O preserve to-day + My home, preserve my grandchild; for your care + Is Troy, and yours this omen. I obey; +Lead on, my son, I yield and follow on thy way.' + +XCVI. "He spake, and nearer through the city came + The roar, the crackle and the fiery glow + Of conflagration, rolling floods of flame. + 'Quick, father, mount my shoulders; let us go. + That toil shall never tire me. Come whatso + The Fates shall bring us, both alike shall share + One common welfare or one common woe. + Let young Iulus at my side repair; +Keep thou, my wife, aloof, and follow as we fare. + +XCVII. "'Ye too, my servants, hearken my commands. + Outside the city is a mound, where, dear + To Ceres once, but now deserted, stands + A temple, and an aged cypress near, + For ages hallowed with religious fear, + There meet we. Father, in thy charge remain + Troy's gods; for me, red-handed with the smear + Of blood, and fresh from slaughter, 'twere profane +To touch them, ere the stream hath cleansed me of the stain.' + +XCVIII. "So saying, my neck and shoulders I incline, + And round them fling a lion's tawny hide, + Then lift the load. His little hand in mine, + Iulus totters at his father's side; + Behind me comes Creusa. On we stride + Through shadowy ways; and I who rushing spear + And thronging foes but lately had defied, + Now fear each sound, each whisper of the air, +Trembling for him I lead, and for the charge I bear. + +XCIX. "And now I neared the gates, and thought my flight + Achieved, when suddenly a noise we hear + Of trampling feet, and, peering through the night, + My father cries, 'Fly, son, the Greeks are near; + They come, I see the glint of shield and spear, + Fierce foes in front and flashing arms behind.' + Then trembling seized me and, amidst my fear, + What power I know not, but some power unkind +Confused my wandering wits, and robbed me of my mind. + +C. "For while, the byways following, I left + The beaten track, ah! woe and well away! + My wife Creusa lost me;--whether reft + By Fate, or faint or wandering astray, + I know not, nor have seen her since that day, + Nor sought, nor missed her, till in Ceres' fane + We met at length, and mustered our array. + There she alone was wanting of our train, +And husband, son and friends all looked for her in vain! + +CI. "Whom then did I upbraid not, wild with woe, + Of gods or men? What sadder sight elsewhere + Had Troy, now whelmed in utter wreck, to show? + Troy's gods commending to my comrades' care, + With old Anchises and my infant heir, + I hide them in a winding vale from view, + Then, sheathed again in shining arms, prepare + Once more to scour the city through and through, +Resolved to brave all risks, all ventures to renew. + +CII. "I reach the ramparts and the shadowy gates + Whence first I issued, backward through the night + My studied steps retracing. Horror waits + Around; the very silence breeds affright. + Then homeward turn, if haply in her flight, + If, haply, thither she had strayed; but ere + I came, behold, the Danaans, loud in fight, + Swarmed through the halls; roof-high the fiery glare, +Fanned by the wind, mounts up; the loud blast roars in air. + +CIII. "Again to Priam's palace, and again + Up to the citadel I speed my way. + Armed, in the vacant courts, by Juno's fane, + Phoenix and curst Ulysses watched the prey. + There, torn from many a burning temple, lay + Troy's wealth; the tripods of the Gods were there, + Piled in huge heaps, and raiment snatched away, + And golden bowls, and dames with streaming hair +And tender boys stand round, and tremble with despair. + +CIV. "I shout, and through the darkness shout again, + Rousing the streets, and call and call anew + 'Creusa,' and 'Creusa,' but in vain. + From house to house in frenzy as I flew, + A melancholy spectre rose in view, + Creusa's very image; ay, 'twas there, + But larger than the living form I knew. + Aghast I stood, tongue-tied, with stiffening hair. +Then she addressed me thus, and comforted my care. + +CV. "'What boots this idle passion? Why so fain + Sweet husband, thus to sorrow and repine? + Naught happens here but as the Gods ordain. + It may not be, nor doth the Lord divine + Of high Olympus nor the Fates design + That thou should'st take Creusa. Seas remain + To plough, long years of exile must be thine, + Ere thou at length Hesperia's land shalt gain, +Where Lydian Tiber glides through many a peopled plain. + +CVI. "'Wide rule and happy days await thee there, + And royal marriage shall thy portion be. + Weep not for lov'd Creusa, weep not; ne'er + To Grecian women shall I bow the knee, + Never in Argos see captivity, + I, who my lineage from the Dardans tell, + Allied to Venus. Now, by Fate's decree, + Here with the mother of the Gods I dwell. +Farewell, and guard in love our common child. Farewell!' + +CVII. "So spake she, and with weeping eyes I yearned + To answer, wondering at the words she said, + When lo, the shadowy spirit, as I turned, + Dissolved in air, and in a moment fled. + Thrice round the neck with longing I essayed + To clasp the phantom in a wild delight; + Thrice, vainly clasped, the visionary shade + Mocked me embracing, and was lost to sight, +Swift as a winged wind or slumber of the night. + +CVIII. "Back to my friends I hasten. There, behold, + Matrons and men, a miserable band, + Gathered for exile. From each side they shoaled, + Resolved and ready over sea and land + My steps to follow, where the Fates command. + Now over Ida shone the day-star bright; + Greeks swarmed at every entrance; help at hand + Seemed none. I yield, and, hurrying from the fight, +Take up my helpless sire, and climb the mountain height." + + + + +BOOK THREE + + +ARGUMENT + +In obedience to oracles the Trojans build a fleet and sail to Thrace +(1-18). Seeking to found a city, they are warned away by the ghost +of Polydorus and visit Anius in Ortygia (19-99). Apollo promises +AEneas and his descendants world-wide empire if they return to "the +ancient motherland" of Troy,--which Anchises declares to be Crete +(100-144). They reach Crete, only to be again baffled. Drought and +plague interrupt this second attempt to found a city. On the point +of returning to ask Apollo for clearer counsel, AEneas in a dream +is certified by the home-gods of Troy that the true motherland is +Italy (145-207). Anchises owns his mistake, and recalls how +Cassandra had in other days been mocked for prophesying that Troy +should eventually be transplanted to Italy (208-225). Landing in the +Strophades, they unwittingly wrong the Harpies, whose queen Celaeno +thereupon threatens them with a portentous famine. Panic-stricken, +they coast along to Actium, where they celebrate their national games +and leave a defiance to the Greeks (226-342). At Buthrotum they find +Helenus and Andromache in possession of the kingdom of Pyrrhus, and +by them are entertained awhile and sent upon their way with gifts +and guidance (343-577). The voyage from Dyrrhachium and the first +glimpse of Italy. They land and propitiate Juno: then coast along +till they sight Mount AEtna (578-666). After a description of the +rescue of Achemenides and the escape from Polyphemus, the voyage and +the story end with the death of Anchises at Drepanum (667-819). + + +I. "When now the Gods have made proud Ilion fall, + And Asia's power and Priam's race renowned + O'erwhelmed in ruin undeserved, and all + Neptunian Troy lies smouldering on the ground, + In desert lands, to diverse exile bound, + Celestial portents bid us forth to fare; + Where Ida's heights above Antandros frowned, + A fleet we build, and gather crews, unware +Which way the Fates will lead, what home is ours and where. + +II. "Scarce now the summer had begun, when straight + My father, old Anchises, gave command + To spread our canvas and to trust to Fate. + Weeping, I leave my native port, the land, + The fields where once the Trojan towers did stand, + And, homeless, launch upon the boundless brine, + Heart-broken outcast, with an exiled band, + Comrades, and son, and household gods divine, +And the great Gods of Troy, the guardians of our line. + +III. "Far off there lies, with many a spacious plain, + The land of Mars, by Thracians tilled and sown, + Where stern Lycurgus whilom held his reign; + A hospitable shore, to Troy well-known, + Her home-gods leagued in union with our own, + While Fortune smiled. Hither, with fates malign, + I steer, and landing for our purposed town + The walls along the winding shore design, +And coin for them a name 'AEneadae' from mine. + +IV. "Due rites to Venus and the gods I bore, + The work to favour, and a sleek, white steer + To Heaven's high King was slaughtering on the shore. + With cornel shrubs and many a prickly spear + Of myrtle crowned, it chanced a mound was near. + Thither I drew, and strove with eager hold + A green-leaved sapling from the soil to tear, + To shade with boughs the altars, when behold +A portent, weird to see and wondrous to unfold! + +V. "Scarce the first stem uprooted, from the wood + Black drops distilled, and stained the earth with gore. + Cold horror shook me, in my veins the blood + Was chilled, and curdled with affright. Once more + A limber sapling from the soil I tore; + Once more, persisting, I resolved in mind + With inmost search the causes to explore + And probe the mystery that lurked behind; +Dark drops of blood once more come trickling from the rind. + +VI. "Much-musing, to the woodland nymphs I pray, + And Mars, the guardian of the Thracian plain, + With favouring grace the omen to allay, + And bless the dreadful vision. Then again + A third tall shaft I grasp, with sinewy strain + And firm knees pressed against the sandy ground; + When O! shall tongue make utterance or refrain? + Forth from below a dismal, groaning sound +Heaves, and a piteous voice is wafted from the mound: + +VII. "'Spare, O AEneas, spare a wretch, nor shame + Thy guiltless hands, but let the dead repose. + From Troy, no alien to thy race, I came. + O, fly this greedy shore, these cruel foes! + Not from the tree--from Polydorus flows + This blood, for I am Polydorus. Here + An iron crop o'erwhelmed me, and uprose + Bristling with pointed javelins.'--Mute with fear, +Perplext, aghast I stood, and upright rose my hair. + +VIII. "This Polydorus Priam from the war + To Thracia's King in secret had consigned + With store of gold, when, girt with siege, he saw + Troy's towers, and trust in Dardan arms resigned. + But when our fortune and our hopes declined, + The treacherous King the conqueror's cause professed, + And, false to faith, to friendship and to kind, + Slew Polydorus, and his wealth possessed. +Curst greed of gold, what crimes thy tyrant power attest! + +IX. "Now, freed from terror, to my father first, + Then to choice friends the vision I declare. + All vote to sail, and quit the shore accurst. + So to his shade, with funeral rites, we rear + A mound, and altars to the dead prepare, + Wreathed with dark cypress. Round them, as of yore, + Pace Troy's sad matrons, with their streaming hair. + Warm milk from bowls, and holy blood we pour, +And thrice with loud farewell the peaceful shade deplore. + +X. "Soon as our ships can trust the deep once more, + And South-winds chide, and Ocean smiles serene, + We crowd the beach, and launch, and town and shore + Fade from our view. Amid the waves is seen + An island, sacred to the Nereids' queen + And Neptune, lord of the AEgean wave, + Which, floating once, Apollo fixed between + High Myconos and Gyarus, and gave +For man's resort, unmoved the blustering winds to brave. + +XI. "Hither we sail and on this island fair, + Worn out, find welcome in a sheltered bay, + And, landing, hail Apollo's town with prayer. + King Anius here, enwreath'd with laurel spray, + The priest of Phoebus meets us on the way; + With joy at once he recognised again + His friend Anchises of an earlier day. + And joining hands in fellowship, each fain +To show a friendly heart the palace-halls we gain. + +XII. "There, in a temple built of ancient stone + I worship: 'Grant, Thymbrean lord divine, + A home, a settled city of our own, + Walls to the weary, and a lasting line, + To Troy another Pergamus. Incline + And harken. Save these Dardans sore-distrest, + The remnant of Achilles' wrath. Some sign + Vouchsafe us, whom to follow? where to rest? +Steal into Trojan hearts, and make thy power confessed.' + +XIII. "Scarce spake I, suddenly the bays divine + Shook, and a trembling seized the temple door. + The mountain heaves, and from the opening shrine + Loud moans the tripod. Prostrate on the floor + We hear a voice; 'Brave hearts, the land that bore + Your sires shall nurse their Dardan sons again. + Seek out your ancient mother; from her shore + Through all the world the AEneian house shall reign, +And sons of sons unborn the lasting line sustain.' + +XIV. "Straight rose a joyous uproar; each in turn + Ask what the walls that Phoebus hath designed? + Which way to wander, whither to return? + Then spake my sire, revolving in his mind + The ancient legends of the Trojan kind, + 'Chieftains, give ear, and learn your hopes and mine; + Jove's island lies, amid the deep enshrined, + Crete, hundred-towned, a land of corn and wine, +Where Ida's mountain stands, the cradle of our line. + +XV. "'Thence Troy's great sire, if I remember right, + Old Teucer, to Rhoeteum crossed the flood, + And for his future kingdom chose a site. + Nor yet proud Ilion nor her towers had stood; + In lowly vales sequestered they abode. + Thence Corybantian cymbals clashed and brayed + In praise of Cybele. In Ida's wood + Her mystic rites in secrecy were paid, +And lions, yoked in pomp, their sovereign's car conveyed. + +XVI. "'Come then and seek we, as the gods command, + The Gnosian kingdoms, and the winds entreat. + Short is the way, nor distant lies the land. + If Jove be present and assist our fleet, + The third day lands us on the shores of Crete.' + So spake he and on altars, reared aright, + Due victims offered, and libations meet; + A bull to Neptune and Apollo bright, +To tempest a black lamb, to Western winds a white. + +XVII. "Fame flies, Idomeneus has left the land, + Expelled his kingdom; that the shore lies clear + Of foes, and homes are ready to our hand. + Ortygia's port we leave, and skim the mere; + Soon Naxos' Bacchanalian hills appear, + And past Olearos and Donysa, crowned + With trees, and Paros' snowy cliffs we steer. + Far-scattered shine the Cyclades renowned, +And clustering isles thick-sown in many a glittering sound. + +XVIII. "Loud rise the shouts of sailors to the sky; + 'Crete and our fathers,' rings for all to hear + The cry of oarsmen. Through the deep we fly; + Behind us sings the stern breeze loud and clear. + So to the shores of ancient Crete we steer. + There in glad haste I trace the wished-for town, + And call the walls 'Pergamea,' and cheer + My comrades, glorying in the name well-known, +The castled keep to raise, and guard the loved hearth-stone. + +XIX. "Scarce stand the vessels hauled upon the beach, + And bent on marriages the young men vie + To till new settlements, while I to each + Due law dispense and dwelling place supply, + When from a tainted quarter of the sky + Rank vapours, gathering, on my comrades seize, + And a foul pestilence creeps down from high + On mortal limbs and standing crops and trees, +A season black with death, and pregnant with disease. + +XX. "Sweet life from mortals fled; they drooped and died. + Fierce Sirius scorched the fields, and herbs and grain + Were parched, and food the wasting crops denied. + Once more Anchises bids us cross the main + And seek Ortygia, and the god constrain + By prayer to pardon and advise, what end + Of evils to expect? what woes remain? + What fate hereafter shall our steps attend? +What rest for toil-worn men, and whitherward to wend? + +XXI. "'Twas night; on earth all creatures were asleep, + When lo! the figures of our gods, the same + Whom erst from falling Ilion o'er the deep + I brought, scarce rescued from the midmost flame, + Before me, sleepless for my country's shame, + Stood plain, in plenteousness of light confessed, + Where streaming through the sunken lattice came + The moon's full splendour, and their speech addressed, +And I in heart took comfort, hearing their behest. + +XXII. "'Lo! what Apollo from Ortygia's shrine + Would sing, unasked he sends us to proclaim. + We who have followed o'er the billowy brine + Thee and thine arms, since Ilion sank in flame, + Will raise thy children to the stars, and name + Thy walls imperial. Thou build them meet + For heroes. Shrink not from thy journey's aim, + Though long the way. Not here thy destined seat, +So saith the Delian god, not thine the shores of Crete. + +XXIII. "'Far off there lies, across the rolling wave, + An ancient land, which Greeks Hesperia name; + Her soil is fruitful and her people brave. + Th' OEnotrians held it once, by later fame + The name Italia from their chief they claim. + Thence sprang great Dardanus; there lies thy seat; + Thence sire Iasius and the Trojans came. + Rise, and thy parent with these tidings greet, +To seek Ausonian shores, for Jove denies thee Crete.' + +XXIV. "Awed by the vision and the voice divine + ('Twas no mere dream; their very looks I knew, + I saw the fillets round their temples twine, + And clammy sweat did all my limbs bedew) + Forthwith, upstarting, from the couch I flew, + And hands and voice together raised in prayer, + And wine unmixt upon the altars threw. + This done, to old Anchises I repair, +Pleased with the rites fulfilled, and all the tale declare. + +XXV. "The two-fold race Anchises understands, + The double sires, and owns himself misled + By modern error 'twixt two ancient lands. + 'O son, long trained in Ilian fates,' he said, + This chance Cassandra, she alone, displayed. + Oft to Hesperia and Italia's reign + She called us. Ah! who listened or obeyed? + Who dreamed that Teucrians should Hesperia gain? +Yield we to Phoebus now, nor wisdom's words disdain.' + +XXVI. "All hail the speech. We quit this other home, + And leaving here a handful on the shore, + Spread sail and scour with hollow keel the foam. + The fleet was on mid ocean; land no more + Was visible, naught else above, before + But sky and sea, when overhead did loom + A storm-cloud, black as heaven itself, that bore + Dark night and wintry tempest in its womb, +And all the waves grew rough and shuddered with the gloom. + +XXVII. "Winds roll the waters, and the great seas rise. + Dispersed we welter on the gulfs. Damp night + Has snatched with rain the heaven from our eyes, + And storm-mists in a mantle wrapt the light. + Flash after flash, and for a moment bright, + Quick lightnings rend the welkin. Driven astray + We wander, robbed of reckoning, reft of sight. + No difference now between the night and day +E'en Palinurus sees, nor recollects the way. + +XXVIII. "Three days, made doubtful by the blinding gloom, + As many nights, when not a star is seen, + We wander on, uncertain of our doom. + At last the fourth glad daybreak clears the scene, + And rising land, and opening uplands green, + And rolling smoke at distance greet the view. + No longer tarrying; to our oars we lean. + Down drop the sails; in order ranged, each crew +Flings up the foam to heaven, and sweeps the sparkling blue. + +XXIX. "Saved from the sea, the Strophades we gain, + So called in Greece, where dwells, with Harpies, dire + Celaeno, in the vast Ionian main, + Since, forced from Phineus' palace to retire, + They fled their former banquet. Heavenly ire + Ne'er sent a pest more loathsome; ne'er were seen + Worse plagues to issue from the Stygian mire-- + Birds maiden-faced, but trailing filth obscene, +With taloned hands and looks for ever pale and lean. + +XXX. "The harbour gained, lo! herds of oxen bright + And goats untended browse the pastures fair. + We, sword in hand, make onset, and invite + The gods and Jove himself the spoil to share, + And piling couches, banquet on the fare. + When straight, down-swooping from the hills meanwhile + The Harpies flap their clanging wings, and tear + The food, and all with filthy touch defile, +And, mixt with screams, uprose a sickening stench and vile. + +XXXI. "Once more, within a cavern screened from view, + Where circling trees a rustling shade supply, + The boards are spread, the altars blaze anew. + Back, from another quarter of the sky, + Dark-ambushed, round the clamorous Harpies fly + With taloned claws, and taste and taint the prey. + To arms I call my comrades, and defy + The loathsome brood to battle. They obey, +And swords and bucklers hide amid the grass away. + +XXXII. "So when their screams descending fill the strand, + Misenus from his outlook sounds the fray. + All to the strange encounter, sword in hand, + Rush forth, these miscreants of the deep to slay. + No wounds they take, no weapon wins its way. + Swiftly they soar, all leaving, ere they go, + Their filthy traces on the half-gorged prey. + One perched, Celaeno, on a rock, and lo, +Thus croaked the dismal seer her prophecy of woe. + +XXXIII. "'War, too, Laomedon's twice-perjured race! + War do ye bring, our cattle stol'n and slain? + And unoffending Harpies would ye chase + Forth from their old, hereditary reign? + Mark then my words and in your breasts retain. + What Jove, the Sire omnipotent, of old + Revealed to Phoebus, and to me again + Phoebus Apollo at his hest foretold, +I now to thee and thine, the Furies' Queen, unfold. + +XXXIV. "'Ye seek Italia and, with favouring wind, + Shall reach Italia, and her ports attain. + But ne'er the town, by Destiny assigned, + Your walls shall gird, till famine's pangs constrain + To gnaw your boards, in quittance for our slain.' + So spake the Fiend, and backward to the wood + Soared on the wing. Cold horror froze each vein. + Aghast and shuddering my comrades stood; +Down sank at once each heart, and terror chilled the blood. + +XXXV. "No more with arms, for peace with vows and prayer + We sue, and pardon of these powers implore, + Or be they goddesses or birds of air + Obscene and dire; and lifting on the shore + His hands, Anchises doth the gods adore. + 'O Heaven!' he cries, 'avert these threats; be kind + And stay the curse, and vex with plagues no more + A pious folk,' then bids the crews unbind +The stern-ropes, loose the sheets and spread them to the wind. + +XXXVI. "The South-wind fills the canvas; on we fly + Where breeze and pilot drive us through the deep. + Soon, crowned with woods, Zacynthos we espy, + Dulichium, Same and the rock-bound steep + Of Neritos. Past Ithaca we creep, + Laertes' realms, and curse the land that bred + Ulysses, cause of all the woes we weep. + Soon, where Leucate lifts her cloud-capt head, +Looms forth Apollo's fane, the seaman's name of dread. + +XXXVII. "Tired out we seek the little town, and run + The sterns ashore and anchor in the bay, + Saved beyond hope and glad the land is won, + And lustral rites, with blazing altars, pay + To Jove, and make the shores of Actium gay + With Ilian games, as, like our sires, we strip + And oil our sinews for the wrestler's play. + Proud, thus escaping from the foemen's grip, +Past all the Argive towns, through swarming Greeks, to slip. + +XXXVIII. "Meanwhile the sun rolls round the mighty year, + And wintry North-winds vex the waves once more. + In front, above the temple-gates I rear + The brazen shield which once great Abas bore, + And mark the deed in writing on the door, + _'AEneas these from conquering Greeks hath ta'en';_ + Then bid my comrades quit the port and shore, + And man the benches. They with rival strain +And slanting oar-blades sweep the levels of the main. + +XXXIX. "Phaeacia's heights with the horizon blend; + We skim Epirus, and Chaonia's bay + Enter, and to Buthrotum's town ascend. + Strange news we hear: A Trojan Greeks obey, + Helenus, master of the spouse and sway + Of Pyrrhus, and Andromache once more + Has yielded to a Trojan lord. Straightway + I burn to greet them, and the tale explore, +And from the harbour haste, and leave the ships and shore. + +XL. "Within a grove Andromache that day, + Where Simois in fancy flowed again, + Her offerings chanced at Hector's grave to pay, + A turf-built cenotaph, with altars twain, + Source of her tears and sacred to the slain-- + And called his shade. Distracted with amaze + She marked me, as the Trojan arms shone plain. + Heat leaves her frame; she stiffens with the gaze, +She swoons--and scarce at length these faltering words essays: + +XLI. "'Real, then, real is thy face, and true + Thy tidings? Liv'st thou, child of heavenly seed? + If dead, then where is Hector?' Tears ensue, + And wailing, shrill as though her heart would bleed. + Then I, with stammering accents, intercede, + And, sore perplext, these broken words outthrow + To calm her transport, 'Yea, alive, indeed,-- + Alive through all extremities of woe. +Doubt not, thou see'st the truth, no shape of empty show. + +XLII. "'Alas! what lot is thine? What worthy fate + Hath caught thee, fallen from a spouse so high? + Hector's Andromache, art thou the mate + Of Pyrrhus?' Then with lowly downcast eye + She dropped her voice, and softly made reply. + 'Ah! happy maid of Priam, doomed instead + At Troy upon a foeman's tomb to die! + Not drawn by lot for servitude, nor led +A captive thrall, like me, to grace a conqueror's bed. + +XLIII. "'I, torn from burning Troy o'er many a wave, + Endured the lust of Pyrrhus and his pride, + And knew a mother's travail as his slave. + Fired with Hermione, a Spartan bride, + Me, joined in bed and bondage, he allied + To Helenus. But mad with love's despair, + And stung with Furies for his spouse denied, + At length Orestes caught the wretch unware, +E'en by his father's shrine, and smote him then and there. + +XLIV. "'The tyrant dead, a portion of his reign + Devolves on Helenus, who Chaonia calls + From Trojan Chaon the Chaonian plain, + And on these heights rebuilds the Trojan walls. + But thou--what chance, or god, or stormy squalls + Have driven thee here unweeting?--and the boy + Ascanius--lives he, or what hap befalls + His parents' darling, and their only joy? +Breathes he the vital air, whom unto thee now Troy-- + +XLV. "'Still grieves he for his mother? Doth the name + Of sire or uncle make his young heart glow + For deeds of valour and ancestral fame?' + Weeping she spake, with unavailing woe, + And poured her sorrow to the winds, when lo, + In sight comes Helenus, with fair array, + And hails his friends, and hastening to bestow + Glad welcome, toward his palace leads the way; +But tears and broken words his mingled thoughts betray. + +XLVI. "I see another but a tinier Troy, + A seeming Pergama recalls the great. + A dried-up Xanthus I salute with joy, + And clasp the portals of a Scaean gate. + Nor less kind welcome doth the rest await. + The monarch, mindful of his sire of old, + Receives the Teucrians in his courts of state. + They in the hall, the viands piled on gold, +Pledging the God of wine, their brimming cups uphold. + +XLVII. "One day and now another passed; the gale + Sings in the shrouds, and calls us to depart, + When thus the prophet Helenus I hail, + 'Troy-born interpreter of Heaven! whose art + The signs of Phoebus' pleasure can impart; + Thou know'st the tripod and the Clarian bay, + The stars, the voices of the birds, that dart + On wings with omens laden, speak and say,-- +Since fate and all the gods foretell a prosperous way. + +XLVIII. "'And point to far Italia,--One alone, + Celaeno, sings of famine foul and dread, + A nameless prodigy, a plague unknown,-- + What perils first to shun? what path to tread, + To win deliverance from such toils?' This said, + I ceased, and Helenus with slaughtered kine + Implores the god, and from his sacred head + Unbinds the wreath, and leads me to the shrine, +Awed by Apollo's power, and chants the doom divine: + +XLIX. "'O Goddess-born, high auspices are thine, + And heaven's plain omens guide thee o'er the main. + Thus Jove, by lot unfolding his design, + Assorts the chances, and the Fates ordain. + This much may I of many things explain, + How best o'er foreign seas to urge thy keel + In safety, and Ausonian ports attain, + The rest from Helenus the Fates conceal, +And Juno's envious power forbids me to reveal. + +L. "'Learn then, Italia, that thou deem'st so near, + And thither dream'st of lightly passing o'er, + Long leagues divide, and many a pathless mere. + First must Trinacrian waters bend the oar, + Ausonian waves thy vessels must explore, + First must thou view the nether world, where flows + Dark Styx, and visit that AEaean shore, + The home of Circe, ere, at rest from woes, +Thou build the promised walls, and win the wished repose. + +LI. "'These tokens bear, and in thy memory store. + When, musing sad and pensive, thou hast found + Beside an oak-fringed river, on the shore, + A huge sow thirty-farrowed, and around, + Milk-white as she, her litter, mark the ground, + That spot shall see thy promised town; for there + Thy toils are ended, and thy rest is crowned. + Fear not this famine--'tis an empty scare; +The Fates will find a way, and Phoebus hear thy prayer. + +LII. "'As for yon shore and that Italian coast, + Washed, where the land lies nearest, by our main, + Shun them; their cities hold a hostile host. + There Troy's old foes, the evil Argives, reign, + Locrians of Narycos her towns contain. + There fierce Idomeneus from Crete brought o'er + His troops to vex the Sallentinian plain; + There, girt with walls and guarded by the power +Of Philoctetes, stands Petelia's tiny tower. + +LIII. "'Nay, when thy vessels, ranged upon her shore, + Rest from the deep, and on the beach ye light + The votive altars, and the gods adore, + Veil then thy locks, with purple hood bedight, + And shroud thy visage from a foeman's sight, + Lest hostile presence, 'mid the flames divine, + Break in, and mar the omen and the rite. + This pious use keep sacred, thou and thine, +The sons of sons unborn, and all the Trojan line. + +LIV. "'When, wafted to Sicilia, dawns in sight + Pelorus' channel, keep the leftward shore, + Though long the circuit, and avoid the right. + These lands, 'tis said, one continent of yore + (Such change can ages work) an earthquake tore + Asunder; in with havoc rushed the main, + And far Sicilia from Hesperia bore, + And now, where leapt the parted lands in twain, +The narrow tide pours through, 'twixt severed town and plain. + +LV. "'Here Scylla, leftward sits Charybdis fell, + Who, yawning thrice, her lowest depths laid bare, + Sucks the vast billows in her throat's dark hell, + Then starward spouts the refluent surge in air. + Here Scylla, gaping from her gloomy lair, + The passing vessels on the rocks doth hale; + A maiden to the waist, with bosom fair + And human face; below, a monstrous whale, +Down from whose wolf-like womb hangs many a dolphin's tail. + +LVI. "'Far better round Pachynus' point to steer, + Though long the course, and tedious the delay, + Than once dread Scylla to behold, or hear + The rocks rebellow with her hell-hounds' bay. + This more, besides, I charge thee to obey, + If any faith to Helenus be due, + Or skill in prophecy the seer display, + And mighty Phoebus hath inspired me true, +These warning words I urge, and oft will urge anew: + +LVII. "'Seek Juno first; great Juno's power adore; + With suppliant gifts the potent queen constrain, + And winds shall waft thee to Italia's shore. + There, when at Cumae landing from the main, + Avernus' lakes and sounding woods ye gain, + Thyself shalt see, within her rock-hewn shrine, + The frenzied prophetess, whose mystic strain + Expounds the Fates, to leaves of trees consign +The notes and names that mark the oracles divine. + +LVIII. "'Whate'er the maiden on those leaves doth trace, + In rows she sorts, and in the cave doth store. + There rest they, nor their sequence change, nor place, + Save when, by chance, on grating hinge the door + Swings open, and a light breath sweeps the floor, + Or rougher blasts the tender leaves disperse. + Loose then they flutter, for she recks no more + To call them back, and rearrange the verse; +Untaught the votaries leave, the Sibyl's cave to curse. + +LIX. "'But linger thou, nor count thy lingering vain, + Though comrades chide, and breezes woo the fleet. + Approach the prophetess; with prayer unchain + Her voice to speak. She shall the tale repeat + Of wars in Italy, thy destined seat,-- + What toils to shun, what dangers to despise,-- + And make the triumph of thy quest complete. + Thou hast whate'er 'tis lawful to advise; +Go, and with deathless deeds raise Ilion to the skies.' + +LX. "So spake the seer, and shipward bids his friends + Rich gifts convey, and store them in the hold. + Gold, silver plate, carved ivory he sends, + With massive caldrons of Dodona's mould; + A coat of mail, with triple chain of gold, + And shining helm, with cone and flowing crest, + The arms of Pyrrhus, glorious to behold. + Nor lacks my sire his presents; for the rest +Steeds, guides and arms he finds, and oarsmen of the best. + +LXI. "Then to Anchises, as he bids us spread + The sails, with reverence speaks Apollo's seer, + 'Far-famed Anchises, honoured with the bed + Of haughty Venus, Heaven's peculiar care, + Twice saved from Troy! behold Ausonia there, + Steer towards her coasts, yet skirt them; far away + That region lies, which Phoebus doth prepare. + Blest in thy son's devotion, take thy way. +Why should more words of mine the rising South delay?' + +LXII. "Nor less Andromache, sore grieved to part, + Rich raiment fetches, wrought with golden thread, + And Phrygian scarf, and still with bounteous heart + Loads him with broideries. 'Take these,' she said, + 'Sole image of Astyanax now dead. + Thy kin's last gifts, my handiwork, to show + How Hector's widow loved the son she bred. + Such eyes had he, such very looks as thou, +Such hands, and oh! like thine his age were ripening now!' + +LXIII. "With gushing tears I bid the pair farewell. + Live happy ye, whose destinies are o'er; + We still must wander where the Fates compel. + Your rest is won; no oceans to explore, + No fair Ausonia's ever-fading shore. + Ye still can see a Xanthus and a Troy, + Reared by your hands, old Ilion to restore, + And brighter auspices than ours enjoy, +Nor tempt, like ours, the Greeks to ravage and destroy. + +LXIV. "'If ever Tiber and the fields I see + Washed by her waves, ere mingling with the brine, + And build the city which the Fates decree, + Then kindred towns and neighbouring folk shall join, + Yours in Epirus, in Hesperia mine, + And linked thenceforth in sorrow and in joy, + With Dardanus the founder of each line,-- + So let posterity its pains employ, +Two nations, one in heart, shall make another Troy.' + +LXV. "On fly the barks o'er ocean. Near us frown + Ceraunia's rocks, whence shortest lies the way + To Italy. And now the sun goes down, + And darkness gathers on the mountains grey. + Close by the water, in a sheltered bay, + A few as guardians of the oars we choose, + Then stretched at random on the beach we lay + Our limbs to rest, and on the toil-worn crews +Sleep steals in silence down, and sheds her kindly dews. + +LXVI. "Nor yet had Night climbed heaven, when up from sleep + Starts Palinurus, and with listening ear + Catches the breeze. He marks the stars, that keep + Their courses, gliding through the silent sphere, + Arcturus, rainy Hyads and each Bear, + And, girt with gold, Orion. Far away + He sees the firmament all calm and clear, + And from the stern gives signal. We obey, +And shifting camp, set sail and tempt the doubtful way. + +LXVII. "The stars were chased, and blushing rose the day. + Dimly, at distance through the misty shroud + Italia's hills and lowlands we survey, + 'Italia,' first Achates shouts aloud; + 'Italia,' echoes from the joyful crowd. + Then sire Anchises hastened to entwine + A massive goblet with a wreath, and vowed + Libations to the gods, and poured the wine +And on the lofty stern invoked the powers divine: + +LXVIII. "'Great gods, whom Earth and Sea and Storms obey, + Breathe fair, and waft us smoothly o'er the main.' + Fresh blows the breeze, and broader grows the bay, + And on the cliffs is seen Minerva's fane. + We furl the sails, and shoreward row amain. + Eastward the harbour arches, scarce descried. + Two jutting rocks, by billows lashed in vain, + Stretch out their arms the narrow mouth to hide. +Far back the temple stands, and seems to shun the tide. + +LXIX. "Lo, here, first omen offered to our eyes, + Four snow-white steeds are grazing on the plain. + ''Tis war thou bringest us,' Anchises cries, + 'Strange land! For war the mettled steed they train, + And war these threaten. Yet in time again + These beasts are wont in harness to obey, + And bear the yoke, as guided by the rein. + Peace yet is hopeful.' So our vows we pay +To Pallas, famed in arms, whose welcome cheered the way. + +LXX. "Veiled at her shrines in Phrygian hood we stand, + And chief to Juno, mindful of the seer, + Burnt-offerings pay, as pious rites demand. + This done, the sailyards to the wind we veer, + And leave the Grecians and the land of fear. + Lo, there Tarentum's harbour and the town, + If fame be true, of Hercules, and here + Lacinium's queen and Caulon's towers are known, +And Scylaceum's rocks, with shattered ships bestrown. + +LXXI. "Far off is seen, above the billowy mere, + Trinacrian AEtna, and the distant roar + Of ocean and the beaten rocks we hear, + And the loud burst of breakers on the shore; + High from the shallows leap the surges hoar, + And surf and sand mix eddying. 'Behold + Charybdis!' cries Anchises, ''tis the shore, + The dreaded rocks that Helenus foretold. +Row, comrades, for dear life, and let the oars catch hold.' + +LXXII. "He spake, 'twas done; and Palinurus first + Turns the prow leftward: to the left we ply + With oars and sail, and shun the rocks accurst. + Now curls the wave, and lifts us to the sky, + Now sinks and, plunging in the gulf we lie. + Thrice roar the caverned shore-cliffs, thrice the spray + Whirls up and wets the dewy stars on high. + Thus tired we drift, as sinks the wind and day, +Unto the Cyclops' shore, all weetless of the way. + +LXXIII. "It was a spacious harbour, sheltered deep + From access of the winds, but looming vast + With awful ravage, AEtna's neighbouring steep + Thundered aloud, and, dark with clouds, upcast + Smoke and red cinders in a whirlwind's blast. + Live balls of flame, with showers of sparks, upflew + And licked the stars, and in combustion massed, + Torn rocks, her ragged entrails, molten new, +The rumbling mount belched forth from out the boiling stew. + +LXXIV. "Here, while from AEtna's furnaces the flame + Bursts forth, Enceladus, 'tis said, doth lie, + Scorched by the lightning. As his wearied frame + He shifts, Trinacria, trembling at the cry + Moans through her shores, and smoke involves the sky. + There all night long, screened by the woods, we hear + The dreadful sounds, and know not whence nor why, + For stars are none, nor planet gilds the sphere; +Night holds the moon in clouds, and heaven is dark and drear. + +LXXV. "Now rose the Day-star from the East, and cleared + The mists, that melted with advancing Morn, + When suddenly from out the woods appeared + An uncouth form, a creature wan and worn, + Scarce like a man, in piteous plight forlorn. + Suppliant his hands he stretches to the shore; + We turn and look on tatters tagged with thorn, + Dire squalor and a length of beard,--what more, +A Greek, to Troy erewhile in native arms sent o'er. + +LXXVI. "He scared to see the Dardan garb once more + And Trojan arms, stood faltering with dismay, + Then rushed, with prayer and weeping, to the shore. + 'O, by the stars, and by the Gods, I pray, + And life's pure breath, this light of genial day, + Take me, O Teucrians; wheresoe'er ye go, + Enough to bear me from this land away. + I once was of the Danaan crews, I know, +And came to Trojan homes and Ilion as a foe. + +LXXVII. "'For that, if that be such a crime to you, + O strew me forth upon the watery waste, + And drown me in the deep. If death be due, + 'Twere sweet of death by human hands to taste.' + He cried, and, grovelling, our knees embraced, + And, clasping, clung to us. We bid him stand + And tell his birth and trouble; and in haste + Himself the sire Anchises pledged his hand, +And he at length took heart, and answered our demand. + +LXXVIII. "'My name is Achemenides. I come + From Ithaca. To Troy I sailed the sea + With evil-starred Ulysses, leaving home + And father, Adamastus;--poor was he, + And O! if such my poverty could be. + Me here my thoughtless comrades, hurrying fast + To quit the cruel threshold and be free, + Leave in the Cyclops' cavern. Dark and vast +That house of slaughtered men, and many a foul repast. + +LXXIX. "'Himself so tall, he strikes the lofty skies + (O gods, rid earth of such a monstrous brood!), + None dare with speech accost, nor mortal eyes + Behold him. Human entrails are his food. + Myself have seen him, gorged with brains and blood, + Pluck forth two comrades, in his cave bent back, + And dash them till the threshold swam with blood, + Then crunch the gobbets in his teeth, while black +With gore the limbs still quivered, and the bones did crack: + +LXXX. "'Not unavenged; nor brave Ulysses deigned + To brook such outrage. In that hour of tyne + True to himself the Ithacan remained. + When, gorged with food, and belching gore and wine, + With drooping neck, the giant snored supine, + Then, closing round him, to the gods we pray, + Each at his station, as the lots assign, + And where, beneath the frowning forehead, lay, +Huge as an Argive shield, or like the lamp of day, + +LXXXI. "'His one great orb, deep in the monster's head + We drive the pointed weapon, joy'd at last + To wreak such vengeance for our comrades dead. + But fly, unhappy Trojans, fly, and cast + Your cables from the shore. Such and so vast + As Polyphemus, when the cave's huge door + Shuts on his flocks, and for his night's repast + He milks them, lo! a hundred Cyclops more +Roam on the lofty hills, and range the winding shore. + +LXXXII. "'Now thrice the Moon hath filled her horns with light, + And still in woods and lonely dens I lie, + And see the Cyclops stalk from height to height, + And hear their tramp, and tremble at their cry. + My food--hard berries that the boughs supply, + And roots of grass. Thus wandering, as I scanned + The distant ocean with despairing eye, + I saw your ships first bearing to the land, +And vowed, whoe'er ye proved, the strangers' slave to stand. + +LXXXIII. "'Enough, these monsters to escape; O take + My life, and tear me as you will from day, + Rather than these devour me!'--Scarce he spake, + When from the mountains to the well-known bay, + The shepherd Polyphemus gropes his way; + Huge, hideous, horrible in shape and show, + And visionless. A pine-trunk serves to stay + And guide his footsteps, and around him go +The sheep, his only joy and solace of his woe. + +LXXXIV. "Down came the giant, wading in the main, + And rinsed his gory socket from the tide, + Gnashing his teeth and moaning in his pain. + On through the deep he stalks with awful stride, + So tall, the billows scarcely wet his side. + Forthwith our flight we hasten, prickt with fear, + On board--'twas due--we let the suppliant hide, + Then, mute and breathless, cut the stern-ropes clear, +Bend to the emulous oar, and sweep the whitening mere. + +LXXXV. "He heard, and turned his footsteps to the sound. + Short of its mark the huge arm idly fell + Outstretched, and swifter than his stride he found + The Ionian waves. Then rose a monstrous yell; + All Ocean shudders and her waves upswell; + Far off, Italia trembles with the roar, + And AEtna groans through many a winding cell, + And trooping to the call the Cyclops pour +From wood and lofty hill, and crowding fill the shore. + +LXXXVI. "We see them scowling impotent, the band + Of AEtna, towering to the stars above, + An awful conclave! Tall as oaks they stand, + Or cypresses--the lofty trees of Jove, + Or cone-clad guardians of Diana's grove. + Fain were we then, in agony of fear, + To shake the canvas to the winds, and rove + At random; natheless, we obey the seer, +Who past those fatal rocks had warned us not to steer, + +LXXXVII. "Where Scylla here, and there Charybdis lies, + And death lurks double. Backward we essay + Our course, when lo, from out Pelorus flies + The North-Wind, sent to waft us on our way. + We pass the place where, mingling with the spray, + Through narrow rocks Pantagia's stream outflows; + We see low-lying Thapsus and the bay + Of Megara. These shores the suppliant shows, +Known from the time he shared his wandering chieftain's woes. + +LXXXVIII. "Far-stretcht against Plemmyrium's wave-beat shore + An island lies, before Sicania's bay, + Now called Ortygia--'twas its name of yore. + Hither from distant Elis, legends say, + Beneath the seas Alpheus stole his way, + And, mingling now with Arethusa here, + Mounts, a Sicilian fountain, to the day. + Here we with prayer, obedient to the seer, +Invoke the guardian gods to whom the place is dear. + +LXXXIX. "Thence past Helorus' marish speeds the bark, + Where fat and fruitful shines the meadowy lea. + We graze the cliffs and jutting rocks, that mark + Pachynus. Camarina's fen we see, + Fixt there for ever by the fates' decree; + Then Gela's town (the river gave the name) + And Gela's plains, far-stretching from the sea, + And distant towers and lofty walls proclaim +Steep Acragas, once known for generous steeds of fame. + +XC. "Thee too we pass, borne onward by the wind, + Palmy Selinus, and the treacherous strand + And shoals of Lilybaeum leave behind. + Last, by the shore at Drepanum we stand + And take the shelter of her joyless land, + Here, tost so long o'er many a storm-lashed main, + We lose the stay and comfort of our band, + Here thou, best father, leav'st me to my pain, +Thou, saved from countless risks, but saved, alas, in vain. + +XCI. "Not Helenus, who many an ill forecast, + Warned us to think such sorrow was in store, + Not even dire Celaeno. There at last + My wanderings ended, and my toils were o'er, + And thence a God hath led me to your shore." + Thus, while mute wonder did the rest compose, + The Sire AEneas did his tale outpour, + And told his fates, his wanderings and his woes; +Then ceased at length his speech, and sought the wished repose. + + + + +BOOK FOUR + + +ARGUMENT + +Dido opens her heart to her sister. But for her promised loyalty to +the dead Sychaeus, she must have yielded (1-36). Anna pleads for +AEneas, and Dido half-yielding sacrifices to the marriage-gods. The +growth of her passion is described (37-104). Venus feigns assent to +Juno's proposal that AEneas shall marry Dido and be king of Carthage. +At a hunting Juno will send a storm and the lovers will shelter in +a cave, and there plight their vows (105-144). The plot is +consummated. Dido yields (145-198). Description of Rumour, who +bruits abroad the story and rouses the jealous Iarbas to conjure his +father, Jupiter, to interpose (199-248). Jupiter sends Mercury to +remind AEneas of his mission (249-298). AEneas, terrified by the +message, prepares for instant flight, to the delight of his followers +and the despair of Dido (299-342), who entreats him to stay, and +rehearses the dangers to which he is leaving her (343-374). AEneas +is obdurate. Although he loves Dido, he is the slave of a destiny +which he must at all costs fulfil (375-410). After calling down a +solemn curse upon him Dido swoons, but crushing the impulse to +comfort her, he hastens his preparations for departure (411-468). +Dido sends Anna with a last appeal to AEneas, who nevertheless, in +spite of struggles, obeys the gods (469-513). In utter misery Dido, +on pretext of burning all AEneas' love-gifts, prepares a pyre and +summons a sorceress. Her preparations complete, she utters her last +lament (514-639). Mercury repeats his warning to AEneas, who sails +forthwith (640-671). Daybreak reveals his flight, and Dido--cursing +her betrayer--falls by her own hand, to the despair of her sister +and the consternation of her subjects (672-837). + + +I. Long since a prey to passion's torturing pains, + The Queen was wasting with the secret flame, + The cruel wound was feeding on her veins. + Back to the fancy of the lovelorn dame + Came the chief's valour and his country's fame. + His looks, his words still lingered in her breast, + Deep-fixt. And now the dewy Dawn upcame, + And chased the shadows, when her love's unrest +Thus to her sister's soul responsive she confessed: + +II. "What dreams, dear Anna, fill me with alarms; + What stranger guest is this? like whom in face? + How proud in portance, how expert in arms! + In sooth I deem him of celestial race; + Fear argues souls degenerate and base; + But he--how oft by danger sore bestead, + What warlike exploits did his lips retrace. + Were not my purpose steadfast, ne'er to wed, +Since love first played me false, and mocked me with the dead, + +III. "Were I not sick of bridal torch and bower, + This once, perchance, I had been frail again. + Anna--for I will own it--since the hour + When, poor Sychaeus miserably slain, + A brother's murder rent a home in twain, + He, he alone my stubborn will could tame, + And stir the balance of my soul. Too plain + I know the traces of the long-quenched flame; +The sparks of love revive, rekindled, but the same. + +IV. "But O! gape Earth, or may the Sire of might + Hurl me with lightning to the Shades amain, + Pale shades of Erebus and abysmal Night, + Ere, wifely modesty, thy name I stain, + Or dare thy sacred precepts to profane. + Nay, he whose love first linked us long ago, + Took all my love, and he shall still retain + And guard it with him in the grave below." +She spake, and o'er her lap the gushing tears outflow. + +V. Then Anna: "Sister, dearer than the day, + Why thus in loneliness and endless woe + Wilt thou for ever wear thy youth away? + Nor care sweet sons, fair Venus' gifts to know? + Think'st thou such grief concerns the shades below? + What though no husband, Libyan or of Tyre, + Could bend a heart made desolate; what though + In vain Iarbas did thy love desire, +And Africa's proud chiefs, why quench a pleasing fire? + +VI. "Think too, whose lands surround thee: on this side, + Gaetulian cities, an unconquered race, + Numidians, reinless as the steeds they ride, + And cheerless Syrtis hold thee in embrace; + There fierce Barcaeans and a sandy space + Wasted by drought. Why tell of wars from Tyre, + A brother's threats? Well know I Juno's grace + And heaven's propitious auspices conspire +To find for Trojans here the home of their desire. + +VII. "Sister, how glorious even now these towers, + What realm shall rise, with such a wondrous pair + When Teucrian arms join fellowship with ours, + What glory shall the Punic state upbear! + Pray thou to heaven and, having gained thy prayer, + Indulge thy welcome, and thy guest entreat + To tarry. Bid him winter's storms beware; + Point to Orion's watery star, the fleet +Still shattered, and the skies for mariners unmeet." + +VIII. So fanned, her passion kindled into flame: + Hope scattered scruples, and her doubts gave way, + And loosed were all the lingering ties of shame. + First to the fane the sisters haste away, + And there for peace at every shrine they pray, + And chosen ewes, as ancient rites ordain, + To Sire Lyaeus, to the God of Day, + And Ceres, giver of the law, are slain, +And most to Juno's power, who guards the nuptial chain. + +IX. Herself, the lovely Dido, bowl in hand, + O'er a white heifer's forehead pours the wine, + Or by the Gods' rich altars takes her stand, + And piles the gifts, and o'er the slaughtered kine + Pores, from the quivering heartstrings to divine + The doom of Fate. Blind seers, alas! what art + To calm her frenzy, now hath vow or shrine? + Deep in her marrow feeds the tender smart, +Unseen, the silent wound is festering in her heart. + +X. Poor Dido burns, and roams from street to street, + Wild as a doe, whom heedless, far away, + Some swain hath pierced amid the woods of Crete, + And left, unware, the flying steel to stay, + While through the forests and the lawns his prey + Roams, with the death-bolt clinging to her side. + Now to AEneas doth the queen display + Her walls and wealth, the dowry of his bride; +Oft she essays to speak, so oft the utterance died. + +XI. Again, when evening steals upon the light, + She seeks the feast, again would fain give ear + To Troy's sad tale and, ravished with delight, + Hangs on his lips; and when the hall is clear, + And the moon sinks, and drowsy stars appear, + Alone she mourns, clings to the couch he pressed, + Him absent sees, his absent voice doth hear, + Now, fain to cheat her utter love's unrest, +Clasps for his sire's sweet sake Ascanius to her breast. + +XII. No longer rise the growing towers, nor care + The youths in martial exercise to vie, + Nor ports nor bulwarks for defence prepare. + The frowning battlements neglected lie, + And lofty scaffolding that threats the sky. + Her, when Saturnian Juno saw possessed + With love so tameless, as would dare defy + The shame that whispers in a woman's breast, +Forthwith the queen of Jove fair Venus thus addressed: + +XIII. "Fine spoils, forsooth, proud triumph ye have won, + Thou and thy boy,--vast worship and renown! + Two gods by fraud one woman have undone. + But well I know ye fear the rising town, + The homes of Carthage offered for your own. + When shall this end? or why a feud so dire? + Let lasting peace and plighted wedlock crown + The compact. See, thou hast thy heart's desire, +Poor Dido burns with love, her blood is turned to fire. + +XIV. "Come then and rule we, each with equal power, + These folks as one. Let Tyrian Dido bear + A Phrygian's yoke, and Tyrians be her dower." + Then Venus, for she marked the Libyan snare + To snatch Italia's lordship, "Who would care + To spurn such offer, or with thee contend, + Should fortune follow on a scheme so fair? + 'Tis Fate, I doubt, if Jupiter intend +The sons of Tyre and Troy in common league to blend. + +XV. "Thou art his consort; 'tis thy right to learn + By prayer the counsels of his breast. Lead thou, + I follow." Quickly Juno made return: + "Be mine that task. Now briefly will I show + What means our purpose shall achieve, and how. + Soon as to-morrow's rising sun is seen, + And Titan's rays unveil the world below, + Forth ride AEneas and the love-sick Queen, +With followers to the chase, to scour the woodland green. + +XVI. "While busy beaters round the lawns prepare + Their feathered nets, thick sleet-storms will I shower + And rend all heaven with thunder. Here and there + The rest shall fly, and in the darkness cower. + One cave shall screen both lovers in that hour. + There will I be, if thou approve, meanwhile + And make her his in wedlock. Hymen's power + Shall seal the rite."--Not adverse, with a smile +Sweet Venus nods assent, and gladdens at the guile. + +XVII. Meanwhile Aurora o'er the deep appears. + At daybreak, issuing from the gates is seen + A chosen train, with nets and steel-tipt spears + And wide-meshed toils; and sleuth-hounds, staunch and keen, + Mixed with Massylian riders, scour the green. + Each on his charger, by the doorway sit + The princes, waiting for the lingering Queen. + Her steed, with gold and purple housings fit, +Impatient paws the ground, and champs the foaming bit. + +XVIII. Now forth at length, with numbers in her train, + She comes in state, majestic to behold, + Wrapped in a purpled scarf of Tyrian grain. + All golden is her quiver; knots of gold + Confine her hair; a golden clasp doth hold + Her purple cloak. Behind her throng amain + The Trojans, with Iulus, blithe and bold, + And good AEneas, with the rest, as fain, +Joins in, and steps along, the comeliest of the train. + +XIX. As when from wintry Lycia and the shore + Of Xanthus, to his mother's Delian seat + Apollo comes, the dances to restore. + Around his shrines Dryopians, sons of Crete, + And tattooed Agathyrsians shouting meet. + He, on high Cynthus moving, binds around + His flowing locks the foliage soft and sweet, + And braids with gold: his arms behind him sound, +So firm AEneas strode, such grace his features crowned. + +XX. The hill-tops and the pathless lairs they gain. + Lo! from the rocks dislodged, the goats in fear + Bound o'er the crags. In dust-clouds o'er the plain + Down from the mountains rush the frightened deer. + On mettled steed the boy, in wild career, + Outrides them, glorying in the chase. No more + He heeds such timid prey, but longs to hear + The tawny lion, issuing with a roar +Forth from the lofty hills, and front the foaming boar. + +XXI. Meanwhile deep mutterings vex the louring sky, + And, mixt with hail, in torrents comes the rain. + Scar'd, o'er the fields to diverse shelter fly + Troy's sons, Ascanius, and the Tyrian train. + Down from the hills the deluge pours amain. + One cave protects the pair. Earth gives the sign, + With Juno, mistress of the nuptial chain. + And heaven bears witness, and the lightnings shine, +And from the crags above shriek out the Nymphs divine. + +XXII. Dark day of fate, and dismal hour of sin! + Then first disaster did the gods ordain, + And death and woe were destined to begin. + Nor shame nor scandal now the Queen restrain, + No more she meditates to hide the stain, + No longer chooses to conceal her flame. + Marriage she calls it, but the fraud is plain, + And pretexts weaves, and with a specious name +Attempts to veil her guilt, and sanctify her shame. + +XXIII. Fame with the news through Libya's cities hies, + Fame, far the swiftest of all mischiefs bred; + Speed gives her force; she strengthens as she flies. + Small first through fear, she lifts a loftier head, + Her forehead in the clouds, on earth her tread. + Last sister of Enceladus, whom Earth + Brought forth, in anger with the gods, 'tis said, + Swift-winged, swift-footed, of enormous girth, +Huge, horrible, deformed, a giantess from birth. + +XXIV. As many feathers as her form surround, + Strange sight! peep forth so many watchful eyes, + So many mouths and tattling tongues resound, + So many ears among the plumes uprise. + By night with shrieks 'twixt heaven and earth she flies, + Nor suffers sleep her eyelids to subdue; + By day, the terror of great towns, she spies + From towers and housetops, perched aloft in view, +Fond of the false and foul, yet herald of the true. + +XXV. So now, exulting, with a mingled hum + Of truth and falsehood, through the crowd she sped; + How one AEneas hath from Ilion come, + A Dardan guest, whom Dido deigns to wed. + Now, lapt in dalliance and with ease o'erfed, + All winter long they revel in their shame, + Lost to their kingdoms. Such the tale she spread; + And straight the demon to Iarbas came, +And wrath on wrath upheaped, and fanned his soul to flame. + +XXVI. Born of a nymph, by Ammon's forced embrace, + A hundred temples and in each a shrine + He built to Jove, the father of his race, + And lit the sacred fires, that sleepless shine, + The Gods' eternal watches. Slaughtered kine + Smoke on the teeming pavement, garlands fair + Of various hues the stately porch entwine. + Stung by the bitter tidings, in despair +Before the gods he kneels, and pours a suppliant's prayer. + +XXVII. "Great Jove, to whom our Moorish tribes, reclined + On broidered couch, the votive wine-cup drain, + See'st thou or, Father, are thy bolts but blind, + Mere noise thy thunder, and thy lightnings vain? + This woman here, who, wandering on the main, + Bought leave to build and govern as her own + Her puny town, and till the sandy plain, + Our proffered love hath ventured to disown, +And takes a Trojan lord, AEneas, to her throne. + +XXVIII. "And now that Paris, tricked in Lydian guise, + With perfumed locks and bonnet, and his crew + Of men half-women, gloats upon the prize, + While vainly at thy so-called shrines we sue, + And nurse a faith as empty as untrue." + He prayed and clasped the altar. His request + Jove heard, and to the city bent his view, + And saw the guilty lovers, lapt in rest +And lost to shame, and thus Cyllenius he addressed: + +XXIX. "Go, son, the Zephyrs call, and wing thy flight + To Carthage. Call the Dardan chief away, + Who, deaf to Fate, his destined walls doth slight. + This mandate through the wafting air convey, + Not such fair Venus did her son pourtray, + Nor twice for _this_ from Grecian swords reclaim + One born to rule Italia, big with sway + And fierce for war, and spread the Teucrian name +Through Teucer's sons, and laws to conquered earth proclaim. + +XXX. "If glory cannot tempt him, nor inflame + His soul to win such greatness, if indeed + He takes no trouble for his own fair fame, + Shall he, a father, envy to his seed + The towers of Rome, by destiny decreed? + What schemes he now? what hope the chief constrains + To linger 'mid a hostile race, nor heed + Ausonia's sons and the Lavinian plains? +Go, bid him sail; enough; that word the sum contains." + +XXXI. Jove spake. Cyllenius to his feet binds fast + His golden sandals, that aloft in flight + O'er sea and shore upbear him with the blast, + Then takes his rod--the rod of mystic might, + That calls from Hell or plunges into night + The pallid ghosts, gives sleep or bids it fly, + And lifts the dead man's eyelids to the light. + Armed with that rod, he rules the clouds on high, +And drives the scattered gales, and sails the stormy sky. + +XXXII. Now, borne along, beneath him he espies + The sides precipitous and towering peak + Of rugged Atlas, who upholds the skies. + Round his pine-covered forehead, wild and bleak, + The dark clouds settle and the storm-winds shriek. + His shoulders glisten with the mantling snow, + Dark roll the torrents down his aged cheek, + Seamed with the wintry ravage, and below, +Stiff with the gathered ice his hoary beard doth show. + +XXXIII. Poised on his wings, here first Cyllenius stood, + Then downward shot, and in the salt sea spray + Dipped like a sea-gull, who, in quest of food, + Searches the teeming shore-cliffs for his prey, + And scours the rocks and skims along the bay. + So swiftly now, between the earth and skies, + Leaving his mother's sire, his airy way + Cyllene's god on cleaving pinions plies, +As o'er the Libyan sands along the wind he flies. + +XXXIV. Scarce now at Carthage had he stayed his feet, + Among the huts AEneas he espied, + Planning new towers and many a stately street. + A sword-hilt, starred with jasper, graced his side, + A scarf, gold-broidered by the queen, and dyed + With Tyrian hues, was o'er his shoulders thrown. + "What, thou--wilt thou build Carthage?" Hermes cried, + "And stay to beautify thy lady's town, +And dote on Tyrian realms, and disregard thine own? + +XXXV. "Himself, the Sire, who rules the earth and skies, + Sends me from heaven his mandate to proclaim. + What scheme is thine? what hope allures thine eyes, + To loiter thus in Libya? If such fame + Nowise can move thee, nor thy soul inflame, + If loth to labour for thine own renown, + Think of thy young Ascanius; see with shame + His rising promise, scarce to manhood grown, +Hope of the Roman race, and heir of Latium's throne." + +XXXVI. He spake and, speaking, vanished into air. + Dumb stood AEneas, by the sight unmann'd: + Fear stifled speech and stiffened all his hair. + Fain would he fly, and quit the tempting land, + Surprised and startled by the god's command. + Ah! what to do? what opening can he find + To break the news, the infuriate Queen withstand? + This way and that dividing his swift mind, +All means in turns he tries, and wavers like the wind. + +XXXVII. This plan prevails; he bids a chosen few + Collect the crews in silence, arm the fleet + And hide the purport of these counsels new, + Himself, since Dido dreams not of deceit, + Nor thinks such passion can be frail or fleet, + Some avenue of access will essay, + Some tender moment for soft speeches meet, + And wit shall find, and cunning smooth the way. +With joy the captains hear, and hasten to obey. + +XXXVIII. But Dido--who can cheat a lover's care? + Could guess the fraud, the coming change descry, + And in the midst of safety feared a snare. + Now wicked Fame hath bid the rumour fly + Of mustering crews. Poor Dido, crazed thereby, + Raves like a Thyiad, when the frenzied rout + With orgies hurry to Cithaeron high, + And "Bacchus! Bacchus" through the night they shout. +At length the chief she finds, and thus her wrath breaks out: + +XXXIX. "Thought'st thou to steal in silence from the land, + False wretch! and cloak such treason with a lie? + Can neither love, nor this my plighted hand, + Nor dying Dido keep thee? Must thou fly, + When North-winds howl, and wintry waves are high? + O cruel! what if home before thee lay, + Not lands unknown, beneath an alien sky, + If Troy were standing, as in ancient day, +Would'st thou for Troy's own sake this angry deep essay? + +XL. "_Me_ dost thou fly? O, by these tears, thy hand + Late pledged, since madness leaves me naught beside, + But lovers' vows and wedlock's sacred band, + Scarce knit and now too soon to be untied; + If aught were pleasing in a new-won bride, + If sweet the memory of our marriage day, + O by these prayers--if place for prayer abide-- + In mercy put that cruel mind away. +Pity a falling house, now hastening to decay. + +XLI. "For thee the Libyans and each Nomad lord + Hate me, and Tyrians would their queen disown. + My wifely honour is a name abhorred, + And that chaste fame has perished, which alone + Perchance had raised me to a starry throne. + O think with whom thou leav'st me to thy fate, + Dear guest, no longer as a husband known. + Why stay I? till Pygmalion waste my state, +Or on Iarbas' wheels, a captive queen, to wait? + +XLII. "Ah! if at least, ere thou had'st sailed away, + Some babe, the token of thy love, were born, + Some child AEneas, in my halls to play, + Like thee at least in look, I should not mourn + As altogether captive and forlorn." + She paused, but he, at Jove's command, his eyes + Keeps still unmoved, and, though with anguish torn, + Strives with his love, nor suffers it to rise, +But checks his heaving heart, and thus at length replies: + +XLIII. "Never, dear Queen, will I disown the debt, + Thy love's deserts, too countless to repeat, + Nor ever fair Elissa's name forget, + While memory shall last, or pulses beat. + Few words are mine, for fewest words are meet. + Think not I meant--the very thought were shame-- + Thief-like to veil my going with deceit. + I gave no promise of a husband's name, +Nor talked of ties like that, or wedlock's sacred flame. + +XLIV. "Did Fate but let me shape my life at will, + And rest at pleasure, Ilion, first of all, + And Troy's sweet relics would I cling to still, + And Pergama and Priam's stately hall + Once more should cheer the vanquished for their fall. + But now Grynoean Phoebus bids me fare + To great Italia; to Italia call + The Lycian lots, and so the Fates declare. +There lies the land I love, my destined home is there. + +XLV. "If thee, Tyre-born, a Libyan town detain, + What grudge to Troy Ausonia's land denies? + We too may seek a foreign realm to gain. + Me, oft as Night's damp shadows from the skies + Have shrouded Earth, and fiery stars arise, + My sire Anchises' troubled ghost in sleep + Upbraids and scares, and ever louder cries + The wrong, that on Ascanius' head I heap, +Whom from Hesperia's plains, his destined realms, I keep. + +XLVI. "Now, too, Jove's messenger himself comes down-- + Bear witness both--I heard the voice divine, + I saw the God just entering the town. + Cease then to vex me, nor thyself repine. + Heaven's will to Latium summons me, not mine." + Him, speaking thus and pleading but in vain, + She viewed askance, rolling her restless eyne, + Then scanned him o'er, long silent, in disdain, +And thus at length broke out, and gave her wrath the rein. + +XLVII. "False traitor! Goddess never gave thee birth, + Nor of thy race was Dardanus the first. + Thy limbs were fashioned in the womb of Earth, + The rugged rocks of Caucasus accurst. + Hyrcanian tigresses thy childhood nursed. + Why fawn and feign? what more have I to fear, + What more to wait for, having known the worst? + Moved he those eyes? dropped he a single tear +Sighed he with me, or spake a lover's heart to cheer? + +XLVIII. "What first? what last? Nor Juno, nay, nor Jove + With equal eyes beholds the wrongs I bear. + Faithless is earth, and false is Heaven above. + I took him in, an outcast, and bade spare, + His ships and wandering comrades, let him share + My home, and made him partner of my reign. + Ah me! the Furies drive me to despair. + Now Phoebus calls him, now the Lycian fane, +Now Jove's own herald brings the dreadful news too plain: + +XLIX. "Fit task for Gods; such cares disturb their ease. + I care not to confute thee nor delay. + Go, seek thy Latin lordship o'er the seas. + May Heaven--if Heaven be righteous--make thee pay + Thy forfeit, left on ocean's rocks to pray + For help to Dido. There shall Dido go + With sulphurous flames, and vex thee far away. + My ghost in death shall haunt thee. I shall know +Thy punishment, false wretch, and hail the news below." + +L. Abrupt she ceased and, sickening with despair, + Turns from his gaze, and shuns the light of day, + And leaves the Dardan, faltering in his fear, + And thinking of a thousand things to say. + Back to her marble couch the maids convey + The fainting Queen. The pious Prince, though fain + With gentle words her anguish to ally, + Sighing full sore, and racked with inward pain, +Bows to the God's behest, and hastens to the main. + +LI. Stirred by his presence, at their chief's command, + The Trojan mariners, with might and main, + Bend to the work. Along the shelving strand + They launch tall ships that long had idle lain. + The tarred keel joys the waters to regain. + Timbers unshaped and many a green-leaved oar + They fetch from out the forest, glad and fain + To speed their flight, and hurrying to the shore +Forth from the town-gates fast the mustering Trojans pour. + +LII. As ants that, mindful of the cold to come, + Lay waste a mighty heap of garnered grain, + And store the golden treasure in their home: + Back through the grass, with plunder, o'er the plain + In narrow column troops the sable train: + Their tiny shoulders heave, with restless moil, + The cumbrous atomies; these scourge amain + The loiterers in the rear, and guard the spoil. +Hot fares the busy work; the pathway glows with toil. + +LIII. What, hapless Dido, were thy feelings then? + What groans were thine, from out thy tower to view + The ships prepared, the shores astir with men, + The turmoil'd deep, the shouting of each crew! + O tyrant love, so potent to subdue! + Again, perforce, she weeps for him; again + She stoops to try persuasion, and to sue, + And yields, a suppliant, to her love's sweet pain, +Lest aught remain untried, and Dido die in vain. + +LIV. "Look yonder, look, dear Anna! all around + They crowd the shore their canvas wooes the wind! + Behold the poops with festal garlands crown'd. + If I could bear this prospect, I shall find + Strength still to suffer, and a soul resign'd. + One boon I ask--O pity my distress-- + For thee alone he tells his inmost mind, + To thee alone unperjur'd; thou can'st guess +The means of soft approach, the seasons of address; + +LV. "Go, sister, meekly tell the haughty foe, + Not I at Aulis with the Greeks did swear + To smite the Trojans and their towers o'erthrow, + Nor sought his father's ashes to uptear. + Whom shuns he? wherefore would he spurn my prayer? + Beg him, in pity of poor love, to stay + Till flight is easy, and the winds breathe fair. + Not now for wedlock's broken vows I pray, +Nor bid him lose for me fair Latium and his sway. + +LVI. "I ask but time--a respite and reprieve-- + A little truce, my passion to allay, + Till fortune teach my baffled love to grieve. + Grant, sister, this, the latest grace I pray, + And Death with interest shall the debt repay." + She spake; sad Anna to the Dardan bears + Her piteous plea. But Fate hath barred the way: + Deaf stands AEneas to her prayers and tears: +Jove, unrelenting Jove, hath stopped his gentle ears. + +LVII. E'en as when Northern Alpine blasts contend + This side and that to lay an oak-tree low, + Aged but strong: the branches creak and bend, + And leaves thick-falling all the ground bestrow: + The trunk clings firmly to the rock below: + High as it rears its weather-beaten crest, + So dive its roots to Tartarus. Even so + Beset with prayers, the hero stands distrest; +So vain are Anna's tears, so moveless is his breast. + +LVIII. Then--then unhappy Dido prays to die, + Maddened by Fate, aweary of the day, + Aweary of the over-arching sky. + And lo! an omen seems to chide delay, + And steel her purpose. As, in act to pay + Her gifts, with incense at the shrine she kneels, + Black turns the water, horrible to say; + To loathsome gore the sacred wine congeals. +Not e'en to Anna's self this vision she reveals. + +LIX. Nay more; within the precincts of her house + There stood a marble shrine, with garlands bright + And snow-white fleeces, sacred to her spouse. + Hence, oft as darkness shrouds the world from sight, + Voices she hears, and accents of affright, + As though Sychaeus told aloud his wrong, + Hears from the roof-top, through the livelong night, + The solitary screech-owl's funeral song, +Wailing an endless dirge, the dismal notes prolong. + +LX. Dim warnings, given by many an ancient seer, + Affright her. Ever wandering, ever lost, + In dreams she sees the fierce AEneas near, + And seeks her Tyrians on a lonely coast. + So raving Pentheus sees the Furies' host, + Twin suns and double Thebes. So, mad with Fate, + Blood-stained Orestes flees his mother's ghost, + Armed with black snakes and firebrands; at the gate +The avenging Fiends, close-crouched, the murderer await. + +LXI. So now, possessed with Furies, the poor queen, + O'ercome with grief and resolute to die, + Settles the time and manner. Joy serene + Smiles on her brow, her purpose to belie, + And hope dissembled sparkles in her eye. + "Dear Anna," thus she hails with cheerful tone + Her weeping sister, "put thy sorrow by, + And joy with me. Indulgent Heaven hath shown +A way to gain his love, or rid me of my own. + +LXII. "Near Ocean's limits and the sunset, lies + A far-off land, by AEthiopians owned, + Where mighty Atlas turns the spangled skies. + There a Massylian priestess I have found, + The warder of the Hesperian fane renowned. + 'Twas hers to feed the dragon, hers to keep + The golden fruit, and guard the sacred ground, + The dragon's food in honied drugs to steep, +And mix the poppy drowse, that soothes the soul to sleep. + +LXIII. "What souls she listeth, with her charms she claims + To free from passion, or with pains to smite + The love-sick heart; the planets all she tames, + And stays the rivers; and her voice of might + Calls forth the spirits from the realms of night. + Thyself the rumbling of the ground shalt hear, + And see the tall ash tumble from the height. + O, by the Gods, by thy sweet self I swear, +Loth am I, sister dear, these magic arms to wear. + +LXIV. "Thou privily within the courtyard frame + A lofty pyre; his armour and attire + Heap on it, and the fatal couch of shame. + All relics of the wretch are doomed to fire; + So bids the priestess, and her charms require." + She ended, pale as death, and Anna plied + Her task, not dreaming of a rage so dire. + Nought worse she fears than when Sychaeus died, +Nor recks that these strange rites her purposed death could hide. + +LXV. Now rose the pile within the courtyard's space, + Of oak and pine-wood, open to the wind. + Herself the Queen with garlands decked the place, + And funeral chaplets in the sides entwined. + Above, his robes, the sword he left behind, + And, last, his image on the couch she laid, + Foreknowing all, and while the altars shined + With blazing offerings, the enchantress-maid, +Frenzied, with thundering voice and tresses disarrayed, + +LXVI. Summons her gods--three hundred powers divine, + Chaos and Erebus, in Hell supreme, + And Dian-Hecate, the maiden trine; + Then water, feigned of dark Avernus' stream, + She sprinkles round. Rank herbs are sought, that teem + With poisonous juice, and plants at midnight shorn + With brazen sickles by the Moon's pale beam, + And from the forehead of a foal new-born, +Ere by the dam devoured, love's talisman is torn. + +LXVII. Herself, the queen, before the altar stands, + One foot unsandalled, and her flowing vest + Loosed from its cincture. In her stainless hands + The sacrificial cake she holds; her breast + Heaves, with approaching agony oppressed. + She calls the conscious planets as they move, + She calls the stars, her purpose to attest, + And all the gods, if any rules above, +Mindful of lovers' wrongs, and just to injured love. + +LXVIII. 'Twas night; on earth all creatures were asleep: + Midway the stars moved silent through the sphere; + Hushed were the forest and the angry deep, + And hushed was every field, and far and near + Reigned stillness, and the night spread calm and clear. + The flocks, the birds, with painted plumage gay, + That haunt the copse, or dwell in brake and brere, + Or skim the liquid lakes--all silent lay, +Lapt in oblivion sweet, forgetful of the day. + +LXIX. Not so unhappy Dido; no sweet peace + Dissolves her cares; her wakeful eyes and breast + Drink not the dewy night; her pains increase, + And love, with warring passions unsuppressed, + Swells up, and stirs the tumult of unrest. + "What, then," she sadly ponders, "shall I do? + Ah, woe is me! shall Dido, made a jest + To former lovers, stoop herself to sue, +And beg the Nomad lords their oft-scorned vows renew? + +LXX. "Or with the fleet of Ilion shall I sail, + The slave and menial of a Trojan crew, + As though they count past kindness of avail, + Or dream that aught of gratitude be due? + Grant that I wished it, of these lordings who + Would take me, humbled and a thing of scorn? + Is Dido blind, if Trojans are untrue? + Know'st thou not yet, O lost one and forlorn, +Troy's perjured race still shows Laomedon forsworn? + +LXXI. "What, fly alone, and join their shouting crew? + Or launch, and chase them with my Tyrian train + Scarce torn from Tyre? Nay--die and take thy due; + The sword alone can ease thee of thy pain. + Sister, 'twas thy weak pity wrought this bane, + Swayed by my tears, and gave me to the foe. + Ah! had I lived unloving, void of stain, + Free as the beasts, nor meddled with this woe, +Nor wronged with broken vows Sychaeus' shade below!" + +LXXII. So wailed the Queen. AEneas, fixt in mind, + All things prepared, his voyage to pursue, + Snatched a brief slumber, on the deck reclined, + Lo, in a dream, returning near him drew + The God, and seemed his warning to renew. + Like Mercury, the very God behold! + So sweet his voice, so radiant was his hue, + Such loveliness of limb and youthful mould, +Such cheeks of ruddiest bloom, and locks of burnished gold. + +LXXIII. "O goddess-born AEneas, can'st thou sleep, + Nor see the dangers that around thee lie, + Nor hear the Zephyrs whispering to the deep. + Dark crimes the Queen is plotting, bent to die + And tost with varying passions. Haste thee--fly, + While flight is open. Morn shall see the bay + Swarm with their ships, and all the shore and sky + Red with fierce firebrands and the flames. Away! +Changeful is woman's mood, and varying with the day." + +LXXIV. He spake and, mixing with the night, withdrew. + Up starts AEneas from his sleep, so sore + The vision scared him, and awakes his crew. + "Quick, comrades, man the benches! ply the oar! + Unfurl the canvas! Lo, a God once more + Comes down to urge us, chiding our delay, + And bids us cut our cables from the shore. + Dread Power divine, we follow on thy way, +Gladly, whoe'er thou art, thy summons we obey. + +LXXV. "Be near us now, and O, vouchsafe thine aid, + And bid fair stars their kindly beams afford + To light our pathway through the deep." He prayed, + And from the scabbard snatched his flaming sword, + And, swift as lightning, cleft the twisted cord. + Fired by their chief, like ardour fills the crew, + They scour, they scud and, hurrying, crowd on board. + Bare lies the beach; ships hide the sea from view, +And strong arms lash the foam and sweep the sparkling blue. + +LXXVI. Now rose Aurora from the saffron bed + Of old Tithonus, and with orient ray + Sprinkled the earth. Forth looks the Queen in dread, + And from her watch-tower marks the twilight grey + Glow with the shimmering whiteness of the day, + The harbour shipless and the shore all bare, + The fleet with full-squared canvas under weigh. + Then thrice and four times, frantic with despair, +She beats her beauteous breast, and rends her golden hair. + +LXXVII. "Ah! Jove, shall he escape me? Shall he mock + My queenship? He, an alien, flout my sway? + Will no one arm and chase them, or undock + The ships? Bring fire; get weapons, quick! Away! + Swing out the oars! Ah me! what do I say? + Where am I? O, what madness turns my brain? + Poor Dido, hath thy folly found its prey? + Thy sins, alas! they sting thee, but in vain. +They should have done so then, when yielding him thy reign. + +LXXVIII. "Lo, there his honour and the faith he swore, + Who takes Troy's gods the partners of his flight, + And erst from Troy his aged parent bore. + O, had I torn him piecemeal, as I might, + And strewn him on the waves, and slain outright + His friends, and for the father's banquet spread + The murdered boy! But doubtful were the fight. + Grant that it had been, whom should Dido dread, +What fear had death for me, self-destined to be dead? + +LXXIX. "These hands the firebrands at his feet had cast, + And filled with flames his hatches. Sire and son + And all their race had perished with the past, + And I, too, perished with them. O great Sun, + Whose torch reveals whate'er on Earth is done, + Juno, who know'st the passion that devours + Poor Dido; Hecate, where crossways run + Night-howled in cities; ye avenging Powers, +Friends, Furies, Gods that guard Elissa's dying hours! + +LXXX. "Mark this, compassionate these woes, and bow + To supplication. If the Fates demand-- + Curst be his head!--that he escape me now, + And touch his haven, and float up to land. + If so Jove wills, and fixt his edicts stand, + Then, scourged with warfare by a daring race, + In vain for succour let him stretch his hand, + And see his people perish with disgrace, +An exile, torn from home and from his son's embrace. + +LXXXI. "And when hard peace the traitor stoops to buy, + No realm be his, nor happy days in store. + Cut off in prime of manhood let him die, + And rot unburied on the sandy shore. + This dying curse, this utterance I pour, + The latest, with my life-blood,--this my prayer. + Them and their children's children evermore + Ye Tyrians, with immortal hate outwear. +This gift--'twill please me best--for Dido's shade prepare. + +LXXXII. "This heritage be yours; no truce nor trust + 'Twixt theirs and ours, no union or accord + Arise, unknown Avenger from our dust; + With fire and steel upon the Dardan horde + Mete out the measure of their crimes' reward. + To-day, to-morrow, for eternity + Fight, oft as ye are able--sword with sword, + Shore with opposing shore, and sea with sea; +Fight, Tyrians, all that are, and all that e'er shall be." + +LXXXIII. So spake the queen, and pondered in her breast + How of her loathed life to clip the thread, + Then briefly thus Sychaeus' nurse addressed + (Her own at Tyre lay buried)--"Haste," she said, + "Dear Barce; call my sister; let her head + With living water from the lustral bough + Be sprinkled. Hither be the victims led, + And due atoning offerings, and thou +Bring forth the sacred wreath, and bind it on thy brow. + +LXXXIV. "The sacrifice, prepared for Stygian Jove, + I purpose now to consummate, and pay + The last sad rites, and ease me of my love, + And burn the couch whereon the Dardan lay." + She spake; the old dame tottering hastes away. + Maddening stood Dido at the doom so dread, + With bloodshot eyes and trembling with dismay, + Her quivering cheeks flecked with the burning red, +Pale with approaching death, but yearning to be dead. + +LXXXV. So bursting through the inner doors she flew + And, with wild frenzy, climbed the lofty pyre, + Then seized the scabbard he had left, and drew + The sword, ne'er given for an end so dire. + But when, with eyes still wistful with desire, + She viewed the bed that she had known too well, + The Ilian raiment and the chief's attire, + She paused, then musing, while the teardrops fell, +Sank on the fatal couch, and cried a last farewell: + +LXXXVI. "Dear relics! loved while Fate and Jove were kind, + Receive this soul, and free me from my woe. + My life is lived; behold, the course assigned + By Fortune now is finished, and I go, + A shade majestic, to the world below, + A glorious city I have built, have seen + My walls, avenged my husband of his foe. + Thrice happy, ah! too happy had I been +Had Dardan ships, alas! not come to bring me teen!" + +LXXXVII. She paused, and pressed her lips upon the bed. + "To die--and unavenged? Yea, let me die! + Thus--thus it joys to journey to the dead. + Let yon false Dardan with remorseful eye + Drink in this bale-fire from the deep, and sigh + To bear the omens of my death."--No more + She said, but swooned. The servants see her lie, + Sunk on the sword; they see the life-blood pour, +Reddening her tender hands, the weapon drenched with gore. + +LXXXVIII. Then through the lofty palace rose a scream, + And madly Rumour riots, as she flies + Through the shocked town. The very houses seem + To groan, and shrieks, and sobbing and the cries + Of wailing women pierce the vaulted skies. + 'Twas e'en as though all Carthage or old Tyre + Were falling, stormed by ruthless enemies, + While over roof and battlement and spire +And temples of the Gods rolled on the infuriate fire. + +LXXXIX. Her sister heard, and through the concourse came, + And tore her cheeks and beat her bosom fair, + And called upon the dying Queen by name. + "Sister! was this thy secret? thine this snare? + For me this fraud? For this did I prepare + That pyre, those flames and altars? This the end? + Ah me, forlorn! what worse remains to bear? + Would'st thou in death desert me, and pretend +To scorn a sister's care, and shun me as a friend? + +XC. "Thou should'st have called me to thy doom! One stroke, + A moment's pang, and we had ceased to sigh. + Reared I this pyre, did I the gods invoke + To leave thee thus companionless, to die? + Lo, all are dead together, thou and I, + Town, princes, people, perished in a day. + Bring water; let me close the lightless eye, + And bathe those wounds, and kiss those lips of clay, +And catch one fluttering breath, if yet, perchance, I may!" + +XCI. So saying, she climbs the steps, and, groaning sore, + Clasps to her breast her sister ere she dies, + And stanches with her robe the streaming gore. + In vain poor Dido lifts her wearied eyes, + The closing eyelids sicken at the skies. + Deep gurgles in her breast the deadly wound; + Thrice on her elbow she essays to rise, + Thrice back she sinks. With wandering eyes all round +She seeks the light of heaven, and moans when it is found. + +XCII. Then Juno, pitying her agony + Of lingering death, sent Iris down with speed. + Her struggling soul from clinging limbs to free. + For since by Fate, or for her own misdeed + She perished not, but, ere the day decreed, + Fell in the frenzy of her love's despair, + Not yet Proserpina had claimed her meed, + And shorn the ringlet of her golden hair, +And bade the sacred shade to Stygian realms repair. + +XCIII. So down to earth came Iris from on high + On saffron wings all glittering with the dew. + A thousand tints against the sunlit sky + She flashed from out her rainbow as she flew, + Then, hovering overhead, these words outthrew, + "Behold, to Dis this offering I bear, + And loose thee from thy body."--Forth she drew + The fatal shears, and clipped the golden hair; +The vital heats disperse, and life dissolves in air. + + + + +BOOK FIVE + + +ARGUMENT + +AEneas, unaware of Dido's fate, sails away to Acestes in Sicily, and +prepares funeral games against the anniversary of Anchises' death +(1-90). Offerings are paid to the spirit of Anchises. Sicilians and +Trojans assemble for the first contest, a boat race (91-140), which +is described at length. Cloanthus, ancestor of the Cluentii, wins +with the "Scylla" (141-342). The foot-race is next narrated. +Euryalus, by his friend's cunning, gains the first prize, and the +scene shifts (343-441) to the ring, in which Dares is defeated by +the veteran Entellus, who fells the ox, his prize, as an offering +to his master Eryx (442-594). After some wonderful shooting in the +archery which follows, AEneas awards the first prize to Acestes, as +the favourite of the gods (595-667). Before this contest is over +AEneas summons Ascanius and his boy-companions to perform the +elaborate manoeuvres afterwards celebrated in Rome as the "Trojan +Ride" (668-729). Juno schemes to destroy the Trojan fleet, while the +games are being held. She inspires with discontent the Trojan matrons, +who are not present at the festival. They set fire to the ships +(730-810). Ascanius hurries to the scene. Jupiter sends rain and +saves all the ships but four (811-855). Nautes advises AEneas to +leave behind the weak and aged with Acestes. The wraith of Anchises +enforces the advice, and bids AEneas visit him in the nether-world +(856-909). Preparations for departure. Acestes accepts his new +subjects, and the Trojans depart. Venus prevails on Neptune to grant +them safe convoy in return for the life of the helmsman Palinurus, +who is drowned (910-1062). + +I. Now well at sea, AEneas, fixt in mind, + Held on his course, and cleft the watery ways + Through billows blackened by the northern wind, + And backward on the city bent his gaze, + Bright with the flames of Dido. Whence the blaze + Arose, they knew not; but the pangs they knew + When love is passionate, and man betrays, + And what a frantic woman scorned can do, +And many a sad surmise their boding thoughts pursue. + +II. The fleet was on mid-ocean; land no more + Was visible, nor aught but sea and sky; + When lo! above them a black cloud, that bore + Tempest and Night, frowned iron-dark on high, + And the wave, shuddering as the wind swept by, + Curled and was darkened. From the stern loud cries + The pilot Palinurus: "Whence and why + This cloudy rack that gathers o'er the skies? +What, father Neptune, now, what mischief dost devise?" + +III. So having said, he bade the seamen take + The tackling in, and ply the lusty oar, + Then sloped the mainsheet to the wind, and spake: + "Noble AEneas, e'en if high Jove swore + To bring us safely to Italia's shore, + With skies like these, 'twere hopeless. Westward loom + The dark clouds mustering, and the changed winds roar + Athwart us, and the air is thick with gloom. +Vainly we strive to move, and struggle with our doom. + +IV. "Come, then, since Fortune hath the mastering hand, + Yield we and turn. Not far, methinks, there lies + A friendly shore, thy brother Eryx' land, + And ports Sicanian, if aright these eyes + Recall my former reading of the skies." + Then good AEneas: "Long ago, 'tis plain, + The winds so willed it. I have seen," he cries, + "And marked thee toiling in their teeth in vain. +Shift sail and turn the helm. What sweeter shore to gain, + +V. "What port more welcome to a wearied fleet + And wave-worn mariners, what land more blest + Than that where still Acestes lives, to greet + His Dardan friends, and in the boon earth's breast + My father's bones, Anchises', are at rest?" + He spake; at once the Trojans strive to gain + The port. Fair breezes, blowing from the West, + Swell out the sails. They bound along the main, +And soon with gladdening hearts the well-known shore attain. + +VI. Far off Acestes, wondering, from a height + The coming of their friendly ships descries, + And hastes to meet them. Roughly is he dight + In Libyan bearskin, as in huntsman's guise; + A pointed javelin in each hand he plies. + Him once a Trojan to Crimisus bore, + The stream-god. Mindful of ancestral ties + He hails his weary kinsmen, come once more, +And dainty fruits sets forth, and cheers them from his store. + +VII. Next dawn had chased the stars, when on the shore + AEneas thus the gathered crews addressed: + "Twelve months have passed, brave Dardans, since we bore + The bones of great Anchises to his rest, + And laid his ashes in the ground, and blessed + The mourning altars by the rolling sea. + And now once more, if rightly I have guessed, + The day is come, which Heaven hath willed to be +Sacred for evermore, but ever sad to me. + +VIII. This day, though exiled on Gaetulian sands, + Or caught by tempests on th' AEgean brine, + Or at Mycenae in the foemen's hands, + With annual honours will I hold divine, + And head with fitting offerings the shrine. + By chance unsought, now hither are we led, + Yet not, I ween, without the God's design, + Where lie the ashes of my father dead, +And greet a friendly port, by favouring breezes sped. + +IX. "Come then, with festival his name revere, + Pray we for winds to waft us, and entreat + His shade to take these offerings year by year, + When gathered to our new-built Troy, we meet + In hallowed fanes, his worship to repeat. + See, for each ship two head of horned kine + Acestes sends, his Trojan friends to greet + Bid then the home-gods of the Trojan line, +With those our host adores, to grace the feast divine. + +X. "Nay, if the ninth fair morning show fine day, + And bring the sunshine, be a match decreed + For Teucrian ships, their swiftness to essay. + Next, in the footrace whosoe'er hath speed, + Or, glorying in his manhood, claims the meed + With dart, or flying arrow and the bow, + Or bout with untanned gauntlet, mark and heed, + And wait the victor's guerdon. Come ye now; +Hush'd be each idle tongue, and garlanded each brow." + +XI. He spake, and round his temples binds with joy + His mother's myrtle. Helymus is crowned, + The veteran Acestes, and the boy + Ascanius, and the Trojan warriors round. + So from the council to the funeral mound + He moves, the centre of a circling crowd. + Two bowls of wine he pours upon the ground, + Two of warm milk, and two of victim's blood, +And, scattering purple flowers, invokes the shade aloud. + +XII. "Hail, holy Sire! blest Spirit, hail once more, + And ashes, vainly rescued! Not with thee + Was I allowed to reach Italia's shore, + The fields Ausonian that the Fates decree, + And Latin Tiber--whatsoe'er it be." + He ceased, when lo, a monstrous serpent, wound + In seven huge coils, seven giant spires, they see + Glide from the grave, and gently clasp the mound, +And 'twixt the altars trail in many a tortuous round. + +XIII. The back with azure and the scales with gold + In streaks and glittering patches were ablaze: + So doth the rainbow in the clouds unfold + A thousand hues against the sun's bright rays. + AEneas stood bewildered with amaze. + In lengthened train meanwhile the snake went on, + 'Twixt cups and bowls weaving its sinuous ways, + Then sipped the sacred food, and harming none, +The tasted altars left and 'neath the tomb was gone. + +XIV. Cheered, to Anchises he the rites renewed, + In doubt if there some Genius of the shrine + Or menial spirit of his sire he viewed. + Two sheep, two dark-backed heifers, and two swine + He slays, invoking, as he pours the wine, + The ghost, released from Acheron. Glad of soul, + Each adds his gift. These slay the sacred Kine, + Pile altars, set the cauldrons, heap the coal, +And, sitting, hold the spits, and roast the entrails whole. + +XV. Now came the looked-for day. The ninth fair dawn + Bright Phaethon drove up a cloudless sky. + Rumour and great Acestes' name had drawn + The neighbouring folk; shoreward in crowds they hie + To see the Trojans, or the games to try. + Piled in the lists the presents they behold, + Green garlands, tripods, robes of purple dye, + The conqueror's palm, bright armour for the bold, +And many a talent's weight of silver and of gold. + +XVI. Now from a mound the trumpet's notes proclaim + The sports begun. Four galleys from the fleet, + The choicest, manned by mariners of fame, + And matched in size and urged with ponderous beat + Of oar-blades, for the naval contest meet. + See, here the Shark comes speeding to her place, + Trained is her crew and eager to compete, + Brave Mnestheus is her captain, born to grace +Italia's land ere long, and found the Memmian race. + +XVII. Here too, the huge Chimaera towers along, + A floating citadel, with walls of pine, + Three tale of Dardans urge her, stout and strong, + Their triple tiers in unison combine + To drive her, ruled by Gyas, through the brine. + Borne in the monstrous Centaur, next doth come + Sergestus, father of the Sergian line. + Last, in the dark-blue Scylla ploughs the foam +Cloanthus, whence thy house, Cluentius of Rome. + +XVIII. Far seaward stands, afront the foamy shore, + A rock, half-hid when wintry waves upleap, + And skies are starless, and the North-winds roar, + But still and silent, when the calm waves sleep, + A level top it lifts above the deep, + The seamews' haunt. A bough of ilex here + The good AEneas sets upon the steep, + Green-leaved and tall,--a goal, to seamen clear, +To seek and, doubling round, their homeward course to steer. + +XIX. Each takes his station. On the sterns behold, + Ranged in due order as the lots assign, + The captains, gay with purple and with gold. + The crews their brows with poplar garlands twine, + And wet with oil their naked shoulders shine. + Prone on their oars, and straining from the thwart, + With souls astretch, they listen for the sign. + Fear stirs the pulse and drains the throbbing heart, +Thrilled with the lust of praise, and panting for the start. + +XX. Loud peals the trumpet. From the port they dash + With cheers. The waves hiss, as the strong arms keep + In time, drawn up to finish with a flash; + And three-toothed prow and oars, with measured sweep, + Tear up the yawning furrows of the deep, + Less swiftly, to the chariot yoked atwain, + The bounding racers from the base outleap, + Less keen the driver, as they scour the plain, +Leans o'er the whistling lash, and slacks the streaming rein. + +XXI. Shouts, cheers and plaudits wake the woods around, + Their clamours roll along the land-locked shore, + And, echoing, from the beaten hills rebound. + First Gyas comes, amid the rout and roar; + Cloanthus second,--better with the oar + His crew, but heavier is the load of pine. + Next Shark and Centaur struggle to the fore, + Now Shark ahead, now Centaur, now in line +The long keels, urged abreast, together plough the brine. + +XXII. Near lay the rock, the goal was close in sight, + When Gyas, first o'er half a length of tide + Shouts to his helmsman: "Whither to the right? + Hug close the cliff, and graze the leftward side. + Let others hold the deep." In vain he cried. + Menoetes feared the hidden reefs, and bore + To seaward. "Whither from thy course so wide? + What; swerving still?" the captain shouts once more, +"Keep to the shore, I say, Menoetes, to the shore." + +XXIII. He turned, when lo! behind him, gaining fast, + Cloanthus. On the leeward side he stole + A narrower compass, grazing as he passed + His rival's vessel and the sounding shoal, + Then gained safe water, as he turned the goal. + Grief fired young Gyas at the sight, and drew + Tears from his eyes and anger from his soul. + Careless alike of honour and his crew, +Down from the lofty stern his timorous guide he threw. + +XXIV. Forthwith he grasps the tiller in his hand, + Captain and helmsman, and his comrades cheers, + And wrests the rudder leftward to the land, + Slow from the depths Menoetes reappears, + Clogged by his clothes, and cumbered with his years. + Then, shoreward swimming, climbs with feeble craft + The rock, and there sits drying. All with jeers + Laughed as he fell and floated; loud they laughed +As, sputtering, from his throat he spits the briny draught. + +XXV. Joy, mixt with hope, as Gyas slacks his pace, + Fires the two hindmost. Now they near the mark; + Sergestus, leading, takes the inside place. + Yet not a length divides them, for the Shark + Shoots up halfway and overlaps his bark. + Mnestheus, amidships pacing, cheers his crew; + "Now, now lean to, and let each arm be stark; + Row, mighty Hector's followers, whom I drew +From Troy, in Troy's last hour, my comrades tried and true! + +XXVI. "Now for the strength and hardihood that braved + Gaetulian shoals, and the Ionian main, + And billows following billows, as they raved + Against steep Malea. Not mine to gain + The prize: I strive not to be first--'tis vain. + Sweet were the thought--but Neptune rules the race; + Let them the palm, whom he has willed, retain. + But oh, for shame! to take the hindmost place +Win this--to ward that doom, and ban the dire disgrace." + +XXVII. Straining each nerve, they bend them to the oar. + The bronze poop reels, so lustily they row, + And from beneath them slips the watery floor. + The parched lips quiver, as they pant and blow, + Sweat pours in rivers from their limbs; when now + Chance brings the wished-for honour. Blindly rash, + Close to the rocks Sergestus drives his prow. + Too close he steals; on jutting crags they dash; +The straining oars snap short, the bows with sudden crash + +XXVIII. Stick fast, and hang upon the ledge. Up spring + With shouts the sailors, clamorous at delay, + And snatch the crushed oars from the waves, and bring + Sharp poles and steel-tipt boathooks, and essay + To thrust the forepart from the rocks away. + Brave Mnestheus sees and, glorying in his gain, + Invokes the winds. With oarsmen in array + His swift bark, urged with many a stalwart strain, +Shoots down the sloping tide, and wins the open main. + +XXIX. Like as a pigeon, startled from her rest, + Swift from the crannies of the rock, where clings + Her heart's desire, the darlings of her nest, + Darts forth and, scared with terror, flaps her wings, + Then, gliding smoothly, in the soft air swings, + And skims her liquid passage through the skies + On pinions motionless. So Mnestheus springs, + So springs the Shark; her impulse, as she flies, +Cleaving the homeward seas, the wanting wings supplies. + +XXX. He leaves Sergestus, who implores in vain + His aid, still toiling from the rocks to clear + And headway with his shattered oars to gain. + Soon huge Chimaera, left with none to steer, + Drops off astern, and labours in the rear. + Alone remains Cloanthus, but the race + Well-nigh is ended, and the goal is near; + Him Mnestheus seeks; his crew, with quickened pace +And utmost stretch of oars, press forward in the chase. + +XXXI. Now, now the noise redoubles; cheers and cries + Urge on the follower, and the wild acclaim + Rolls up, and wakes the echoes of the skies. + These scorn to lose their vantage, stung with shame, + And life is wagered willingly for fame. + Success inspires the hindmost; as they dare, + They do; the thought of winning wins the game. + With equal honours Chance had crowned the pair, +But thus, with outspread hands, Cloanthus breathed a prayer: + +XXXII. "Great Gods of Ocean! on whose waves I ride, + A milk-white bull upon the shore I vow, + And with its entrails will I strew the tide, + And on your altars make the wine outflow." + Fair Panopea hears him from below, + The Nereids hear, and old Portunus plies + His own great hand, to push them as they go. + Swifter than arrow to the shore she flies, +Swifter than Southern gale, and in the harbour lies. + +XXXIII. All summoned now, the herald's voice declares + Cloanthus conqueror, and with verdant bay + AEneas crowns him. To each crew he shares + Three steers and wine, and, to recall the day, + A silver talent bids them bear away. + Choice honours to the captains next are told, + A scarf he gives the victor, rich and gay, + Twice-fringed with purple, glorious to behold, +Whose Melibaean dye meanders round the gold. + +XXXIV. Inwoven there, behold the kingly boy, + Fair Ganymede, pursues the flying deer + On Ida and the wooded heights of Troy, + Swift-footed, glorying with uplifted spear, + So keen the panting of his heart ye hear. + Down swoops Jove's armour-bearer, and on high + With taloned claws hath trussed him. Vainly here + His aged guardians lift their heads and cry; +The faithful dogs look up, and fiercely bay the sky. + +XXXV. A goodly hauberk to the next he gave, + With polished rings and triple chain of gold, + Torn by his own hands from Demoleos brave, + Beneath high Troy, where Simois swiftly rolled, + The warrior's glory and defence, to hold. + Phegeus and Sagaris, with all their might, + Two stalwart slaves, scarce bore it, fold on fold, + That coat of mail, wherein Demoleos dight, +Trod down the ranks of Troy, and put his foes to flight. + +XXXVI. Last comes the third: two brazen caldrons fine, + Two cups of silver doth the prince bestow, + Rough-chased with imagery of choice design. + Each had his prize, and glorying forth they go, + With purple ribbons on their brows, when lo! + Scarce torn with effort from the rock's embrace, + Oarless, and short of oarsmen by a row, + Home comes Sergestus, and in rueful case +Drives his dishonoured bark, left hindmost in the race. + +XXXVII. As when an adder, whom athwart the way + Some wheel hath crushed, or traveller, passing by, + Maimed with a stone, as unaware he lay, + And left sore mangled, on the point to die, + In vain his coils would lengthen, fain to fly: + One half erect, his burning eyes around + He darts, and lifts his hissing throat on high, + Defiant, half still writhes upon the ground, +Self-twined in tortuous knots, and crippled by the wound: + +XXXVIII. So slowly rows the Centaur, yet anon + They set the sails, and loose the spreading sheet, + And crowd full canvas; and the port is won. + Glad is AEneas, and he joys to greet + His friends brought safely and his ships complete. + So to Sergestus, for his portion due, + He gives fair Pholoe, a slave of Crete, + Twins at her breast, two sons of loveliest hue, +And well Minerva's works, the weaving art, she knew. + +XXXIX. This contest o'er, the good AEneas sought + A grassy plain, with waving forests crowned + And sloping hills--fit theatre for sport, + Where in the middle of the vale was found + A circus. Hither comes he, ringed around + With thousands, here, amidst them, throned on high + In rustic state, he seats him on a mound, + And all who in the footrace list to vie, +With proffered gifts invites, and tempts their souls to try. + +XL. In crowds the Teucrians and Sicanians come, + First, Nisus and Euryalus. None so fair + As young Euryalus, in youthful bloom + And beauty; none with Nisus could compare + In pure affection for a youth so rare. + Here stood Diores, famous for his speed, + A prince of Priam's lineage; Salius there, + And Patron, this of Acarnanian seed, +That of Arcadian birth and Tegeaean breed. + +XLI. Came from Trinacria two champions bold, + Young Helymus and Panopes, well-tried + In woodland craft, and followers of old + Acestes; came full many a youth beside, + Whose fame shines dimly, or whose name hath died. + Then cries AEneas 'mid the concourse: "Ho! + Give heed, for surely shall my word abide, + Blithe be your hearts, for none among you--no, +Not one of all this crowd--without a gift shall go. + +XLII. "To each, a common largess, be a pair + Of Gnossian javelins and an axe decreed, + With haft of silver chasings. Three shall wear + Crowns of pale olive. For the victor's need, + Adorned with trappings, stands a noble steed. + A quiver, worn by Amazon of old, + With Thracian arrows, for the next in speed, + Clasped with a gem and belted with bright gold. +The third this Argive helm, fit recompense, shall hold." + +XLIII. He spake, and at the signal forth they burst + Together, like a storm-cloud, from the base, + With eager eyes set goalward. Nisus first + Darts off, and, bounding with the South-wind's pace, + And swift as winged lightning, leads the race. + Next, but the next with many a length between, + Comes Salius; then, behind him, third in place, + Euryalus; then Helymus is seen; +And lo! Diores last, comes flying along the green. + +XLIV. Heel touching heel, on Helymus he hung, + Shoulder to shoulder. But a rood beside, + And, slipping past him, foremost he had sprung, + And solved a doubt by winning. Side by side, + The last lap reached, with many a labouring stride + And breathless effort to the post they strain, + When lo! chance-tripping where the sward is dyed + With slippery blood of oxen newly slain, +Down luckless Nisus slides, and sprawls upon the plain. + +XLV. Stumbling, he felt the tottering knees give way. + With shouts of triumph on his lips he falls + Prone in the gore and in the miry clay. + E'en then, his love remembering, he recalls + Euryalus. Across the track he crawls, + Then, scrambling up from out the quagmire, flies + At Salius. In the dust proud Salius sprawls. + Forth darts Euryalus, 'mid cheers and cries, +Hailed, through his helping friend, the winner of the prize. + +XLVI. The second prize to Helymus, the third + Falls thus to brave Diores.--Now the heat + Was o'er, when Salius with his clamouring stirred + Troy's seated elders, furious with defeat, + And claimed the prize, as wrested by a cheat. + Tears aid Euryalus, and favour pleads + His worth, more winsome in a form so sweet, + And loudly, too, Diores intercedes. +Lost were his own last prize, if Salius' claim succeeds. + +XLVII. "Boys," said the good AEneas, "the award + Is fixt, and no man shall the palm withhold. + Yet be it mine to cheer a friend ill-starred." + He spake, and Salius with a gift consoled, + A Moorish lion's hide, with claws of gold + And shaggy hair. Then Nisus with a frown: + "If gifts so great a vanquished man may hold, + If falls win pity, and defeat renown, +What prize shall Nisus gain, whose merit earned the crown? + +XLVIII. "Ay, who had won, had Chance not interfered, + And baffled me, like Salius? Look," he said, + And pointed to his limbs and forehead, smeared + With ordure. Smiling, the good Sire surveyed + His piteous plight and raiment disarrayed; + Then forth he bade a glittering shield be borne, + Which Didymaon's workmanship had made, + From Neptune's temple by the Danaans torn. +This prize he gives the youth, his prowess to adorn. + +XLIX. The race was ended, and the gifts assigned, + When thus AEneas, as they thronged about, + Addressed the crowd: "Now, whosoe'er hath mind + His nerve to venture, or whose heart is stout, + Step forth, and don the gauntlets and strike out." + He spake, and straightway, while the lists they clear, + Sets forth the gifts, for him who wins the bout, + Gilt-horned and garlanded, a comely steer, +A sword and glittering helm, the loser's soul to cheer. + +L. At once, amid loud murmurs, to his feet + Upsprang great Dares, who in olden day + Alone the haughty Paris dared to meet. + He, by the tomb where mightiest Hector lay, + Huge Butes fought, who, glorying in the bay, + And boasting Amycus' Bebrycian strain, + Called for his match. But Dares heard him, yea, + And smote him. Headlong on the sandy plain +A lifeless corpse he rolled, and all his boasts were vain. + +LI. Such Dares towers, and strides into the ring, + With head erect, and shoulders broad and bare, + And right and left his sinewy arms doth swing, + And burning for a rival, beats the air. + Where is his match? Not one of all will dare + To don the gloves. So, deeming none can stand + Against him, flushed with triumph, then and there + Before AEneas, grasping in his hand +The heifer's horns, he cries in accents of command: + +LII. "Son of a goddess, if none risks the fray, + How long shall Dares guerdonless remain? + What end of standing? Must I wait all day? + Bring the prize hither." Straight the Dardan train + Shout for their champion, and his claim sustain. + Then to Entellus, seated at his side, + Couched on the green grass, in reproachful strain + Thus sternly spake Acestes, fired with pride, +And fain, for manhood sake, his younger friend to chide: + +LIII. "Entellus, once our bravest, but in vain, + Can'st _thou_ sit tamely, with the field unfought, + And see this braggart glory in his gain? + Where is thy god, that Eryx? Hath he taught + Thine arm its vaunted cleverness for naught? + To us what booteth thy Trinacrian name, + Thy spoil-hung house, thy roof with prizes fraught?" + Entellus said: "My spirit is the same. +Fear hath not quenched my fire, nor checked the love of fame. + +LIV. "But numbing age hath made the blood run cold, + And turned my strength to dulness and decay. + Had I the youth that stirred these bones of old, + The youth _he_ boasts, no need of guerdon, nay, + Nor comely steer to tempt me to the fray. + Glory I care for, not a gift," he cried, + And, rising, hurled into the ring midway + Two ponderous gauntlets, stiff with hardened hide; +These Eryx wore, these thongs around his wrists he tied. + +LV. All stood amazed, so huge the weight, so vast, + Sevenfold with lead and iron overlaid, + The bull's tough hide. E'en Dares shrank aghast. + Forth stepped AEneas, and the gauntlets weighed, + And to and fro the ponderous folds he swayed. + Then gruffly spake the veteran once more: + "Ah! had ye seen great Hercules arrayed + In arms like these, such gauntlets as he wore, +And watched the deadly fight waged here upon the shore! + +LVI. "These Eryx wore, thy brother, when that day + He faced Alcides in the strife;--see now + His blood and brains,--with these I dared the fray + When better blood gave vigour, nor the snow + Of envious eld was sprinkled on my brow. + Still, if this Trojan doth these arms decline, + And good AEneas and our host allow, + Match we the fight. These gauntlets I resign, +Put fear away, and doff those Trojan gloves of thine." + +LVII. So saying, Entellus from his shoulders flung + His quilted doublet, and revealed to light + The massive joints, the sinews firmly strung, + The bones and muscles, and the limbs of might, + And, like a giant, stood prepared for fight. + Two gloves for either champion, matched in weight, + AEneas brings, and binds them firm and tight. + So, face to face, each eager and elate, +Like-armed the rivals stand, on tiptoe for debate. + +LVIII. Each from the blow the towering head draws back, + Fearless, with arms uplifted to the skies. + Spars hand through hand, and tempts to the attack, + One, nimbler-footed, on his youth relies; + Entellus' strength is in his limbs and size. + But the knees shake beneath him, and are slow, + And age the wanted energy denies. + He heaves for breath; thick pantings come and go, +And shake the labouring breast, as hailing blow on blow. + +LIX. In vain they strive for mastery. Loud sound + Their hollow sides; the battered chests ring back, + As here and there the whistling strokes pelt round + Their ears and temples, and the jaw-bones crack. + Firm stands Entellus, though his knees are slack; + Still in the same strained posture, he defies, + Unmoved, the tempest of his foe's attack. + Only his body and his watchful eyes +Slip from the purposed stroke, and shun the wished surprise. + +LX. As one who strives with battery to o'erthrow + A high-walled city, or close siege doth lay + Against some mountain-stronghold; even so + Sly Dares shifts, an opening to essay, + And vainly varies his assault each way. + On tiptoe stretched, Entellus, pricked with pride, + Puts forth his right hand, with resistless sway + Steep from his shoulder. But the foe, quick-ey'd, +Foresees the coming blow, and lightly leaps aside. + +LXI. On empty air Entellus wastes his strength. + Down goes the giant, baulked of his design, + Fallen like a giant, and lies stretched at length. + So, torn from earth, on Ida's height divine + Or Erymanthus, falls the hollow pine. + Up spring each rival's countrymen. Loud cheers + The welkin rend, and, bursting through the line, + Forth runs Acestes, and his friend uprears, +Pitying his fallen worth and fellowship of years. + +LXII. Fearless, unshaken, with his soul aflame + For vengeance, up Entellus springs again, + And conscious valour and the sense of shame + Rouse all his strength as, burning with disdain, + He drives huge Dares headlong o'er the plain, + Now right, now left, keeps pummelling his foe; + No stint, no stay; as rattling hailstones rain + On roof-tops, so with many a ceaseless blow +Each hand in turn he plies, and pounds him to and fro. + +LXIII. But good AEneas suffered not too far + The strife to rage, not let Entellus slake + His wrath, but rescued Dares from the war, + Sore-spent, and thus in soothing terms bespake, + "Poor friend! what madness doth thy mind o'ertake? + Feel'st not that more than mortal is his aid? + The gods are with him, and thy cause forsake. + Yield then to heaven and desist."--He said, +And with his voice straightway the deadly strife allayed. + +LXIV. Then, stirred with pity, the Dardanian throng + Their vanquished kinsman from the contest bore. + His sick knees wearily he drags along, + Feeble and helpless, for his wound is sore; + And loosened teeth and clots of curdled gore + Spout forth, as o'er his shoulders nods each way + The drooping head. They lead him to the shore, + His gifts, the sword and helmet; but the bay +And bull Entellus takes, the victor of the day. + +LXV. Forth steps the champion, glorying in the prize, + Pride in his port, defiance on his brow. + "See, Goddess-born; ye Teucrians, mark," he cried, + "What strength Entellus in his youth could show; + How dire a doom ye warded from his foe." + He spake and, standing opposite the bull, + Swung back his arm, and, rising to the blow, + Betwixt the horns with hardened glove smote full, +And back upon the brain drove in the splintered skull. + +LXVI. Down drops the beast, and on the earth lies low, + Quivering but dead. Then o'er him, as he lay, + Entellus cries "O Eryx, hear my vow. + This life, for Dares, I devote this day, + A nobler victim and a worthier prey. + Accept it thou who taught'st this arm to wield + The gloves of death. Unvanquished in the fray + These withered arms their latest offering yield, +These gauntlets I resign, and here renounce the field." + +LXVII. Next cries AEneas to the crowd: "Come now, + Whoso hath mind in archer's feats to vie, + Step forth, and prove his cunning with the bow": + Then sets the prizes: on the beach hard by + With stalwart arms he rears a mast on high, + Ta'en from Serestus' vessel, and thereto + A fluttering pigeon with a string doth tie, + Mark for their shafts. Around the rivals drew, +And in a brazen helm the gathered lots they threw. + +LXIII. Out leap the names; cheers hail the first in place, + Hippocoon, son of Hyrtacus renowned; + Then Mnestheus, victor in the naval race, + Mnestheus, his brows with olive wreath still crowned. + Third in the casque Eurytion's lot is found + Thy brother, famous Pandarus, whose dart, + Hurled at the Danaans, did the truce confound. + Last comes Acestes, for with dauntless heart +Still in the toils of youth the veteran claims his part. + +LXIX. Forth step the marksmen, and with bows well-bent, + Draw forth their arrows, and their aim prepare. + Loud twanged the cord, as first Hippocoon sent + His feathered shaft, that through the flowing air + Went whistling on, and pierced the mast, and there + Stuck fast. The stout tree quivered, and the bird + Flapped with her wings in terror and despair, + Fluttering for freedom, and around were heard +Shouts, as admiring joy the clamorous concourse stirred. + +LXX. Next him stood Mnestheus, eager for the prize, + And straight the bowstring to his breast updrew, + Aiming aloft. The lightning of his eyes + Went with the arrow, as he twanged the yew. + Ah pity! Fortune sped the shaft untrue. + The bird he missed, but cut the flaxen ties + That held the feet, and cleft the knots in two. + And forth, exulting, through the windy skies, +Into the darkening clouds the loosened captive flies. + +LXXI. Then, quick as thought, his arrow on the string, + Eurytion to his brother breathed a prayer, + Marking the pigeon, as she clapped her wing + Beneath a cloud, he pierced her. Breathless there + She drops; her life is with the stars of air, + The bolt is in her breast. Acestes now + Alone remains; no palm is left to bear, + Yet skyward shoots the veteran, proud to show +What skill his hand can boast, the sounding of his bow. + +LXXII. Sudden a portent was revealed; how great + An augury, the future brought to light, + And frightening seers their omens sang too late. + Aloft, the arrow kindled in its flight, + Then marked with shining trail its pathway bright, + And, wasting, vanished into viewless air. + So stars, unfastened from the vault of night, + Stream in the firmament with fiery glare, +And through the dark fling out a length of glittering hair. + +LXXIII. Awed stand the men of Sicily and Troy, + And pray the gods. AEneas owns the sign, + And, heaping gifts, Acestes clasps with joy. + "Take, father, take; Jove's auspices divine + A special honour for thy meed assign. + This bowl, embossed with images of gold, + The gift of old Anchises, shall be thine, + Which Thracian Cisseus to my sire of old +Gave, as a pledge of love, to have it and to hold." + +LXXIV. So saying, with a garland of green bay + He crowned his temples, and the prize conferred, + And named Acestes victor of the day. + Nor good Eurytion to the choice demurred, + Nor grudged to see the veteran's claim preferred, + Though his the prowess that the rest surpassed, + His shaft the one that struck the soaring bird. + The second, he who cut the cord, the last, +He who with feathered reed transfixed the tapering mast. + +LXXV. But good AEneas, ere the games are done, + The child of Epytus, companion dear + And trusty guardian of his beardless son, + Calls to his side, and whispers in his ear: + "Go bid Ascanius, if his troop be here + And steeds in readiness, with spear and shield + In honour of his grandsire to appear." + Then, calling to the thronging crowd to yield +Free space, he clears the course, and open lies the field. + +LXXVI. Forth ride the boys, before their fathers' eyes, + Reining their steeds. In radiant files they fare, + And wondering murmurs from each host arise. + All with stript leaves have bound the flowing hair. + Two cornel javelins, tipt with steel, they bear, + Some, polished quivers; and a pliant chain + Of twisted gold around the neck they wear; + Three companies--three captains scour the plain. +Twelve youths, behind each chief, compose the glittering train. + +LXXVII. One shouting troop young Priam's lead obeys, + Thy son, Polites, from his grandsire hight, + And born erelong Italia's fame to raise. + A dappled Thracian charger bears the knight, + His pasterns flecked and forehead starred with white. + Next Atys, whom the Atian line reveres, + The youthful idol of a youth's delight, + So well Iulus loved him. Last appears +Iulus, first in grace and comeliest of his peers. + +LXXVIII. His a Sidonian charger; Dido fair + This pledge and token of her love supplied. + Trinacrian horses his attendants bear, + Acestes' gift. Their bosoms throb with pride, + While Dardans, cheering, welcome as they ride + The sires that have been in the sons that are. + So, when before their kinsfolk on each side + Their ranks had passed, Epytides afar +Cracks the loud whip, and shouts the signal, as for war. + +LXXIX. In equal bands the triple troops divide, + Then turn, and rallying, with spears bent low, + Charge at the call. Now back again they ride, + Wheel round, and weave new courses to and fro, + In armed similitude of martial show, + Circling and intercircling. Now in flight + They bare their backs, now turning, foe to foe, + Level their lances to the charge, now plight +The truce, and side by side in friendly league unite. + +LXXX. E'en as in Crete the Labyrinth of old + Between blind walls its secret hid from view, + With wildering ways and many a winding fold, + Wherein the wanderer, if the tale be true, + Roamed unreturning, cheated of the clue: + Such tangles weave the Teucrians, as they feign + Fighting or flying, and the game renew: + So dolphins, sporting on the watery plain, +Cleave the Carpathian waves and distant Libya's main. + +LXXXI. These feats Ascanius to his people showed, + When girdling Alba Longa; there with joy + The ancient Latins in the pastime rode, + Wherein the princely Dardan, as a boy, + Was wont his Trojan comrades to employ. + To Alban children from their sires it came, + And mighty Rome took up the "game of Troy," + And called the players "Trojans," and the name +Lives on, as sons renew the hereditary game. + +LXXXII. Thus far to blest Anchises they defrayed + The funeral rites; when Fortune turned unkind, + Forsook her faith. For while the games were played + Before the tomb, Saturnian Juno's mind + New schemes, to glut her ancient wrath, designed. + Iris she calls, and bids the Goddess go + Down to the Ilian fleet, and breathes a wind + To waft her on. So, borne upon her bow +Of myriad hues, unseen, the maiden hastes below. + +LXXXIII. She eyes the concourse, marks the ships unmanned, + And sees the empty harbour and the shore. + While far off on the solitary strand + The Trojan dames sat sorrowful, and o'er + The deep sea gazed, and, gazing, evermore + Wept for the Sire. "Ah, woe! the fields of foam! + The waste of waters for the wearied oar! + Oh! for a city and a certain home; +A rest for sea-worn souls, for weary 'tis to roam!" + +LXXXIV. So, not unversed in mischief, from the skies + Amidst the gathered matrons down she came, + In raiment and in face to mortal eyes + No more a Goddess, but an aged dame, + The wife of Doryclus, of Tmarian fame. + E'en venerable Beroe, once blest + With rank, and children and a noble name. + So changed in semblance, the celestial guest +Mixed with the Dardan dames, and thus the crowd addressed: + +LXXXV. "Oh, born to sorrow! whom th' Achaian foe + Dragged not to death, when Ilion was o'erthrown! + O hapless race! what still extremer woe + Doth Fortune doom the living to bemoan? + Since Ilion fell, seven summers nigh have flown, + And we o'er every ocean, every plain, + Past cheerless rocks, and under stars unknown, + Oft and so oft are driven, as in vain +Italia's shores we grasp, and welter on the main! + +LXXXVI. "'Tis Eryx' land, Acestes is our host. + What hinders for the homeless here to gain + A home--an Ilion for the one we lost? + O fatherland! O home-gods saved in vain, + If still in endless exile we remain! + Ah! nevermore shall I behold with joy + A Xanthus and a Simois again, + Our Hector's streams? ne'er hear the name of Troy? +Up! let devouring flames these ill-starred ships destroy! + +LXXXVII. "Methought in sleep, Cassandra's ghost came near, + With torches in her hands, and bade me seize + The flaming firebrands, and exclaimed: 'See, here + Thy Troy, the home that destiny decrees! + The hour is ripe; such prodigies as these + Brook not delay. Lo! here to Neptune rise + Four altars. He, the Sovereign of the seas, + Himself the firebrands and the will supplies.'" +Then straight, with arm drawn back, and fury in her eyes, + +LXXXVIII. She waved a torch, and hurled it. Dazed with fear, + The women trembled as she tossed the flame. + Then one who nursed through many a bygone year + The sons of Priam--Pyrgo was the dame,-- + "No Trojan this, nor Beroe her name, + The wife of Doryclus. Full sure I ween + Immortal birth her sparkling eyes proclaim. + What breathing beauty! what celestial sheen! +Mark her majestic voice, and more than mortal mien! + +LXXXIX. "Myself but now left Beroe, worn out + With sickness, grieving in her heart to miss + These funeral honours to our Sire."--In doubt + They waver, and with eyes that bode amiss + Look towards the vessels and the blue abyss + Of ocean, torn in spirit 'twixt the love + Of realms that shall be and the land that is. + On even wings the goddess soared above, +And with her rainbow vast the cloudy drift she clove. + +XC. Then, by the monstrous prodigy dismayed, + And driven by madness, forth the matrons fare + With shouts and shrieks. The houses they invade, + And living embers from the hearthstones tear, + With impious hands these strip the altars bare, + And boughs, and leaves and lighted brands they cast + In heaps, and fuel for the flames prepare. + O'er bench and oar, from painted keel to mast, +The Fire-god raves at will, and rides upon the blast. + +XCI. Meanwhile, with tidings of the fleet in flames, + Swift posts Eumelus. To the tomb he hies + Of old Anchises, and the crowded games. + Back look the Trojans, and with awe-struck eyes + See the dark ash-cloud floating through the skies. + And, as his troop Ascanius joyed to lead + In mimic fight, so keen, when danger cries, + First to the wildered camp he spurs his steed; +And breathless guardians fail to stay his headlong speed. + +XCII. "What madness this, poor women?" he exclaims, + "What mean ye now? No camp of Argive foe, + _Your_ hopes ye doom to perish in the flames. + See your Ascanius!"--At his feet below + He flung the helmet, that adorned his brow + When mimic fight he marshalled. Hurrying came + AEneas, hurrying came the host; but lo! + The shore lies bare; this way and that each dame +Slinks to the woods and caves, if aught can hide her shame. + +XCIII. All loathe the daylight and the deed unblest. + Sobered, they know their countrymen at last, + And Juno's power is shaken from each breast. + Not so the flames; with gathered strength and fast + Onward still swept the unconquerable blast. + Forth puffed between the timbers, drenched in vain, + The smoke-jets from the smouldering tow. Down passed + From keel to cabin the devouring bane. +Nor floods nor heroes' strength the mastering flames restrain. + +XCIV. Then good AEneas from his shoulders threw + His robe, and heavenward stretched his hands in prayer; + "Great Jove! if spares thy vengeance to pursue + Troy's children to the uttermost, if e'er + The toils of mortals move thy ancient care, + Preserve this feeble remnant, and command + These flames from further havoc to forbear; + Else, if my deeds deserve it, bare thine hand, +Launch thine avenging bolt, and slay me as I stand." + +XCV. Scarce spake he, when in torrents comes the rain. + Darkly the tempest riots, and the roar + Of thunder shakes the mountains and the plain. + Black storm-clouds from the thickening South sweep o'er + The darkened heavens, and down a deluge pour. + Drenched are the decks; the timbers, charr'd with heat, + Are soaked and smoulder, till the fire no more + Raves, and the flames are conquered, and the fleet, +Save four alone, survives the fiery plague complete. + +XCVI. Sore-struck, AEneas in his breast debates + This way and that, still doubtful to remain + In fields Sicilian, mindless of the Fates, + Or strive the shores of Italy to gain, + Then aged Nautes, wisest of his train, + Taught by Tritonian Pallas to unfold + What wrathful gods or destinies ordain, + In prescient utterance his response unrolled, +And thus with cheerful words the anxious chief consoled: + +XCVII. "O Goddess-born, where Fate directs the way, + 'Tis ours to follow. Who the best can bear, + Best conquers Fortune, be the doom what may. + A friend thou hast, Acestes; bid him share + And be a willing partner of thy care. + He too is Trojan, and of seed divine. + Give him the lost ships' crews, and whosoe'er + Is faint or feeble, to his charge consign, +Old men and sea-sick dames, who glory's quest decline. + +XCVIII. "Here let them rest, who care not for renown, + And build their walls, and, if our host assent, + Acesta from Acestes name the town." + Such counsel cheered him, but his breast is rent + With trouble, musing on the dark event. + And now black Night, upon her course midway, + With ebon car had climbed the steep ascent, + When, gliding down before him as he lay, +His father's phantom stood, and speaking, seemed to say: + +XCIX. "O dearer than the life, while life remained, + My son, by Troy's hard destinies sore tried, + Hither I come at Jove's command, who deigned + Thy burning ships to save, and pitying-eyed + Beholds thy sorrows. Hear then, nor deride + The grey-haired Nautes, for his words are good. + Choice youths, the bravest, for thy quest provide. + Stout hearts ye need in Italy, for rude +And rough the Latin race, and hard to be subdued. + +C. "But seek thou first the nether realms of Dis, + And through Avernus tread the dark domain + To meet me. Not in Tartarus' abyss, + Sad shades of sin and never-ending pain, + I dwell, but on the blest Elysian plain + Join with the just in fellowship. Now heed: + There the chaste Sibyl, if with victims slain, + Black sheep, ye seek her, shall thy footsteps lead, +And show thy destined walls and progeny decreed. + +CI. "And now farewell; for dewy Night midway + Wheels on her course, and from the Orient sky + Fierce beats the breathing of the steeds of Day." + He spake, and melted as a mist on high. + "Ah, whither," cried AEneas, "wilt thou fly? + Who tears thee hence? Where hurriest thou again?" + So saying, he wakes the embers ere they die. + And offering frankincense and sacred grain, +Troy's household gods adores, and hoary Vesta's fane. + +CII. Forthwith he tells Acestes, then the crews, + Jove's will, his father's counsel and his own. + All vote assent, nor doth his host refuse. + No tarrying now; they write the matrons down, + And all who faint or care not for renown + They leave behind,--the idlers of each crew, + But willing settlers in the new-planned town. + These the charred timbers and the thwarts renew, +Shape oars and fit the ropes; a gallant band, but few. + +CIII. AEneas with a ploughshare marks the town, + And, homes allotting, gives each place a name, + Here Troy, there Ilion. Pleased to wear the crown, + A forum good Acestes hastes to frame, + And laws to gathered senators proclaim. + Rear'd high on Eryx, to the stars ascends + A temple, to Idalian Venus' fame. + A priest Anchises' sepulchre attends, +A grove's far sacred shade his hallowed dust defends. + +CIV. The rites are paid, the nine-days' feast is o'er, + Smooth lies the deep, and Southern winds invite + The mariners. Along the winding shore + Loud rise the sounds of sorrow, day and night, + Where friends, clasped close in lingering undelight, + Weep at the thought of parting. Matrons, ay, + And men, who lately shuddered at the sight, + And loathed the name of Ocean, scorn to stay, +And willing hearts now brave the long, laborious way. + +CV. Kindly AEneas cheers them, and with tears + Leaves to their King, then, parting, gives command + A lamb to slay to tempest, and three steers + To Eryx. So they loosen from the land. + He on the prow, a charger in his hand, + Flings forth the entrails, and outpours the wine, + And, crowned with olive chaplet, takes his stand. + Up-springs the favouring stern breeze, as in line +With emulous sweep of oars, they brush the level brine. + +CVI. Then Venus, torn with anguish and desire, + Spake thus to Neptune, and her grief confessed: + "O Neptune, Juno's unrelenting ire, + The quenchless malice, that consumes her breast, + Constrains me thus to urge a suppliant's quest; + And stoop, with humbled majesty, to sue. + Her neither piety nor Jove's behest + Nor time, nor Fate can soften or subdue, +Still doth immortal hate the Phrygian race pursue. + +CVII. "'Tis not enough their city to destroy, + And wear their remnant with remorseless pain, + Needs must she trample on the dust of Troy. + She best, forsooth, her fury can explain. + But thou,--thou know'st how on the Libyan main,-- + Thine eyes beheld it from thy throne on high,-- + Lately she stirred the tumult, and in vain + Armed with AEolian tempests, sea and sky +Mixed in rebellious wrath, thy sceptre to defy. + +CVIII. "All this she ventured in thy realm; nay more, + Her rage hath filled the matrons, fired the fleet, + And left these crews upon an alien shore, + Reft of their friends, and baffled of retreat. + O spare this Trojan remnant, I entreat; + Safe in thy guidance let them sail the main, + And scatheless reach their promised walls, and greet + Laurentian Tiber and the Latian plain, +If what I ask be just, and so the Fates ordain." + +CIX. Then spake the Monarch of the deep: "'Tis just + To look for safety to my realm, that gave + Thee birth; and well have I deserved thy trust, + Who oft have stilled the raging wind and wave; + Nor less on land have interposed, to save-- + Xanthus and Simois I attest again-- + Thy darling son, when back Achilles drave + Troy's breathless host, and rivers, choked with slain, +Groaned, ay, and Xanthus scarce could struggle to the main. + +CX. "Then, as with adverse Gods and feebler power + He faced Pelides, in a cloud I caught + Thy favourite, albeit 'twas the hour + When, wroth with perjured Ilion, I sought + To raze the walls these very hands had wrought. + Fear not; unaltered doth my will remain. + Safe shall he be into this haven brought. + One, only one, for many shall be slain; +One in the deep thy son shall look for, but in vain." + +CXI. So saying, he soothed the Goddess, and in haste + His steeds with golden harness yoked amain. + The bridle and the foaming bit he placed, + To curb their fury, and outflung the rein. + Lightly he flies along the watery plain, + Borne in his azure chariot. Far and nigh + Beneath his thundering wheels the heaving main + Sinks, and the waves are tranquil, and on high +Through flying storm-drift shines the immeasurable sky. + +CXII. Behind him throng, in many a motley group, + His followers--monsters of enormous chine, + Sea-shouldering whales, and Glaucus' aged troop, + Paloemon, Ino's progeny divine, + Swift Tritons, born to gambol in the brine, + And Phorcus' finny legions. Melite, + And virgin Panopoea leftward shine, + Thetis, Nesaee, daughters of the sea, +Spio, Thalia fair, and bright Cymodoce. + +CXIII. Then o'er AEneas' spirit, racked with fear, + Joy stole in gentle counterchange. He hails + The crews, and biddeth them the masts uprear, + And stretch the sheets. All, tacking, loose the brails + Larboard or starboard, and let go the sails, + And square or sideways to the breeze incline + The lofty sailyards. Welcome blow the gales + Behind them. Palinurus leads the line; +The rest his course obey, and follow at his sign. + +CXIV. Damp Night well-nigh had climbed Olympus' crest; + Each slumbering mariner his limbs unbends, + Stretched by his oar, along the bench at rest, + When lo! false Sleep his feathery wings extends. + To guiltless Palinurus he descends, + Parting the scattered shadows. Down he bears + Delusive dreams, and cunning words pretends, + As now, in Phorbas' likeness he appears, +Perched on the lofty stern, and whispers in his ears: + +CXV. "Son of Iasus! see, the tide that flows + Bears thee along; behind thee breathes apace + The stern breeze, and the hour invites repose. + Rest now, and cheat thy wearied eyes a space, + Myself will take the rudder in thy place." + "Nay," quoth the pilot, with half-lifted eyes, + "Shall I put faith in ocean's treacherous face, + And trust AEneas to the flattering skies, +I, whom their smiles oft fooled, but folly hath made wise?" + +CXVI. So saying, he grasped the tiller, nor his hold + Relaxed, nor ever from the stars withdrew + His steadfast eyes, still watchful when behold! + A slumberous bough the god revealed to view, + Thrice dipt in Styx, and drenched with Lethe's dew. + Then, lightly sprinkling, o'er the pilot's brows + The drowsy dewdrops from the leaves he threw. + Dim grow his eyes; the languor of repose +Steals o'er his faltering sense, the lingering eyelids close. + +CXVII. Scarce now his limbs were loosened by the spell, + Down weighed the god, and in the rolling main + Dashed him headforemost, clutching, as he fell, + Stern timbers torn, and rudder rent in twain, + And calling oft his comrades, but in vain. + This done, his wings he balanced, and away + Soared skyward. Natheless o'er the broad sea-plain + The ships sail on; safe lies the watery way, +For Neptune's plighted words the seamen's cares allay. + +CXVIII. Now near the Sirens' perilous cliffs they draw, + White with men's bones, and hear the surf-beat side + Roar with hoarse thunder. Here the Sire, who saw + The ship was labouring, and had lost her guide, + Straight seized the helm, and steered her through the tide, + While, grieved in heart, with many a groan and sigh, + He mourned for Palinurus. "Ah," he cried, + "For faith reposed on flattering sea and sky, +Left on an unknown shore, thy naked corpse must lie!" + + + + +BOOK SIX + + +ARGUMENT + +Arrived at Cumae AEneas visits the Sibyl's shrine, and, after prayer +and sacrifice to Apollo, asks access to the nether-world to visit +his father (1-162). He must first pluck for Proserpine the golden +bough and bury a dead comrade (163-198). After the death and burial +of Misenus, AEneas finds and gathers the golden bough (199-261). +Preparation and Invocation (262-328). The start (329-333). The +"dreadful faces" that guard the outskirts of Hell. Charon's ferry +and the unburied dead (334-405). Palinurus approaches and entreats +burial. Passing by Charon and Cerberus, they see the phantoms of +suicides, of children, of lovers, and experience Dido's disdain +(406-559). From Greek and Trojan shades Deiphobus is singled out to +tell his story (560-644). The Sibyl hurries AEneas on past the +approach to Tartarus, describing by the way its rulers and its +horrors. Finally, they reach Elysium and gain entrance (645-757). +The search among the shades of the Blessed for Anchises, and the +meeting between father and son (758-828). Anchises explains the +mystery of the Transmigration of Souls, and the book closes with the +revelation to AEneas of the future greatness of Rome, whose heroes, +from the days of the kings to the times of Augustus, pass in +procession before him (829-1071). He is then dismissed through the +Ivory Gate, and sails on his way to Caieta (1072-1080). + + +I. Weeping he speaks, and gives his fleet the rein, + And glides at length to the Euboean strand + Of Cumae. There, with prows towards the main, + Safe-fastened by the biting anchors, stand + The vessels, and the round sterns line the land. + Forth on the shore, in eager haste to claim + Hesperia's welcome, leaps a youthful band. + These search the flint-stones for the seeds of flame, +Those point to new-found streams, or scour the woods for game. + +II. But good AEneas seeks the castled height + And temple, to the great Apollo dear, + And the vast cave where, hidden far from sight + Within her sanctuary dark and drear, + Dwells the dread Sibyl, whom the Delian seer + Inspires with soul and wisdom to unfold + The things to come.--So now, approaching near + Through Trivia's grove, the temple they behold, +And entering, see the roof all glittering with gold. + +III. Fame is, that Daedalus, adventuring forth + On rapid wings, from Minos' realms in flight, + Trusted the sky, and to the frosty North + Swam his strange way, till on the tower-girt height + Of Chalcis gently he essayed to light. + Here, touching first the wished-for land again, + To thee, great Phoebus, and thy guardian might, + He vowed, and bade as offerings to remain, +The oarage of his wings, and built a stately fane. + +IV. Androgeos' death is graven on the gate; + There stand the sons of Cecrops, doomed each year + With seven victims to atone his fate. + The lots are drawn; the fatal urn is near. + Here, o'er the deep the Gnossian fields appear, + The bull--the cruel passion--the embrace + Stol'n from Pasiphae--all the tale is here; + The Minotaur, half human, beast in face, +Record of nameless lust, and token of disgrace. + +V. There, toil-wrought house and labyrinthine grove, + With tangled maze, too intricate to tread, + But that, in pity for the queen's great love, + Its secret Daedalus revealed, and led + Her lover's blinded footsteps with a thread. + There, too, had sorrow not the wish denied, + Thy name and fame, poor Icarus, were read. + Twice in the gold to carve thy fate he tried, +And twice the father's hands dropped faltering to his side. + +VI. So they in gazing had the time beguiled, + But now, returning from his quest, comes near + Achates, with Deiphobe, the child + Of Glaucus, Phoebus' and Diana's seer. + "Not this," she cries, "the time for tarrying here + For shows like these. Go, hither bring with speed + Seven ewes, the choicest, and with each a steer + Unyoked, in honour of the God to bleed." +So to the Chief she spake, and straight his followers heed. + +VII. Into the lofty temple now with speed,-- + A huge cave hollowed in the mountain's side,-- + The priestess calls the Teucrians. Thither lead + A hundred doors, a hundred entries wide, + A hundred voices from the rock inside + Peal forth, the Sibyl answering. So they + Had reached the threshold, when the maiden cried, + "Now 'tis the time to seek the fates and pray; +Behold, behold the God!" and standing there, straightway, + +VIII. Her colour and her features change; loose streams + Her hair disordered, and her heart distrest + Swells with wild frenzy. Larger now she seems, + Her voice not mortal, as her heaving breast + Pants, with the approaching Deity possest. + "Pray, Trojan," peals her warning utterance, "pray! + Cease not, AEneas, nor withhold thy quest, + Nor stint thy vows. While dumbly ye delay, +Ne'er shall its yawning doors the spell-bound house display." + +IX. She ceased: at once an icy chill ran through + The sturdy Trojans. From his inmost heart + Thus prayed the King: "O Phoebus, wont to view + With pity Troy's sore travail; thou, whose art + True to Achilles aimed the Dardan dart, + How oft, thou guiding, have I tracked the main + Round mighty lands, to earth's remotest part + Massylian tribes and Libya's sandy plain: +Scarce now the flying shores of Italy we gain. + +X. "Enough, thus far Troy's destinies to bear, + Ye, too, at length, your anger may abate + And deign the race of Pergamus to spare, + O Gods and Goddesses, who viewed with hate + Troy and the glories of the Dardan state. + And thou, dread mistress of prophetic lore, + Grant us--I ask but what is due by Fate, + Our promised realms--that on the Latian shore +Troy's sons and wandering gods may find a home once more. + +XI. "To Phoebus then and Trivia's sacred name, + Thy patron powers, a temple will I rear + Of solid marble, and due rites proclaim + And festal days, for votaries each year + The name of guardian Phoebus to revere. + Thee, too, hereafter in our realms await + Shrines of the stateliest, for thy name is dear. + There safe shall rest the mystic words of Fate, +And chosen priests shall guard the oracles of state. + +XII. "Only to leaves commit not, priestess kind, + Thy verse, lest fragments of the mystic scroll + Fly, tost abroad, the playthings of the wind. + Thyself in song the oracle unroll." + He ceased; the seer, impatient of control, + Strives, like a frenzied Bacchant, in her cell, + To shake the mighty deity from her soul. + So much the more, her raging heart to quell, +He tires the foaming mouth, and shapes her to his spell. + +XIII. Then yawned the hundred gates, and every door, + Self-opening suddenly, revealed the fane, + And through the air the Sibyl's answer bore: + "O freed from Ocean's perils, but in vain, + Worse evils yet upon the land remain. + Doubt not; Troy's sons shall reach Lavinium's shore, + And rule in Latium; so the Fates ordain. + Yet shall they rue their coming. Woes in store, +Wars, savage wars, I see, and Tiber foam with gore. + +XIV. "A Xanthus there and Simois shall be seen, + And Doric tents; Achilles, goddess-born, + Shall rise anew, nor Jove's relentless Queen + Shall cease to vex the Teucrians night and morn. + Then oft shalt thou, sore straitened and forlorn, + All towns and tribes of Italy implore + To grant thee shelter from the foemen's scorn. + An alien bride, a foreign bed once more +Shall bring the old, old woes, the ancient feud restore. + +XV. "Yield not to evils, but the bolder thou + Persist, defiant of misfortune's frown, + And take the path thy Destinies allow. + Hope, where unlooked for, comes thy toils to crown, + Thy road to safety from a Grecian town." + So sang the Sibyl from her echoing fane, + And, wrapping truth in mystery, made known + The dark enigmas of her frenzied strain. +So Phoebus plied the goad, and shook the maddening rein. + +XVI. Soon ceased the fit, the foaming lips were still. + "O maiden," said AEneas, "me no more + Can danger startle, nor strange shape of ill. + All have I seen and throughly conned before. + One boon I beg,--since yonder are the door + Of Pluto, and the gloomy lakes, they tell, + Fed by o'erflowing Acheron,--once more + To see the father whom I loved so well. +Teach me the way, and ope the sacred gates of hell. + +XVII. "Him on these shoulders, in the days ago, + A thousand darts behind us, did I bear + Safe through the thickest of the flames and foe. + He, partner of my travels, loved to share + The threats of ocean and the storms of air, + Though weak, yet strong beyond the lot of age. + 'Twas he who bade me, with prevailing prayer, + Approach thee humbly, and thy care engage, +Pity the sire and son, and Trojan hearts assuage. + +XVIII. "For thou can'st all, nor Hecate for naught + Hath set thee o'er Avernus' groves to reign. + If Orpheus from the shades his bride up-brought, + Trusting his Thracian harp and sounding strain, + If Pollux could from Pluto's drear domain + His brother by alternate death reclaim, + And tread the road to Hades o'er again + Oft and so oft--why great Alcides name? +Why Theseus? I, as they, Jove's ancestry can claim." + +XIX. So prayed AEneas, clinging to the shrine, + When thus the prophetess: "O Trojan Knight, + Born of Anchises, and of seed divine, + Down to Avernus the descent is light, + The gate of Dis stands open day and night. + But upward thence thy journey to retrace, + There lies the labour; 'tis a task of might, + By few achieved, and those of heavenly race, +Whom shining worth extolled or Jove hath deigned to grace. + +XX. "Thick woods and shades the middle space invest, + And black Cocytus girds the drear abode. + Yet, if such passion hath thy soul possessed, + If so thou longest to indulge thy mood, + And madly twice to cross the Stygian flood, + And visit twice black Tartarus, mark the way + Sacred to nether Juno, in a wood, + With golden stem and foliage, lurks a spray, +And trees and darksome dales surrounding shroud the day. + +XXI. "Yet none the shades can visit, till he tear + That golden growth, the gift of Pluto's queen, + And show the passport she decreed to bear. + One plucked, another in its place is seen, + As bright and burgeoning with golden green. + Search then aloft, and when thou see'st the spray, + Reach forth and pluck it; willingly, I ween, + If Fate shall call thee, 'twill thy touch obey; +Else steel nor strength of arm shall rend the prize away. + +XXII. "Mark yet--alas! thou know'st not--yonder lies + Thy friend's dead body, and pollutes the shore. + While thou the Fates art asking to advise, + And lingering here, a suppliant, at our door. + Nay, first thy comrade to his home restore, + And build a tomb, and bring black cattle; they + The stain shall expiate; so the Stygian shore + Shalt thou behold, and tread the sunless way, +Which living feet ne'er trod, and mounted to the day." + +XXIII. She ended. From the cave AEneas went, + With down-dropt eyes and melancholy mien, + Inly revolving many a dark event. + Trusty Achates at his side is seen, + Moody alike, each measured step between + In musing converse framing phantasies, + What lifeless comrade could the priestess mean? + Whom to be buried? When before their eyes, +Stretched on the barren beach the dead Misenus lies, + +XXIV. Dead with dishonour, in unseemly plight, + Misenus, son of AEolus, whom beside + None better knew with brazen blast to light + The flames of war, and wake the warrior's pride. + Once Hector's co-mate, proud at Hector's side + To wind the clarion and the sword to wield. + When, stricken by Achilles, Hector died, + AEneas then he followed to the field, +Loth to a meaner lord his fealty to yield. + +XXV. Now while a challenge to the gods he blew, + And made the waves his hollow shell resound, + Him Triton, jealous--if the tale be true-- + Caught unaware, and in the surges drowned + Among the rocks.--There now the corpse they found. + Loud groaned AEneas, and a mournful cry + Rose from the Trojans, as they gazed around. + Then, filled with tears, the Sibyl's task they ply, +And rear a wood-built pile and altar to the sky. + +XXVI. Into a grove of aged trees they go, + The wild-beasts' lair. The holm-oak rings amain, + Smit with the axe, the pitchy pine falls low, + Sharp wedges cleave the beechen core in twain, + The mountain ash comes rolling to the plain. + Foremost himself, accoutred as the rest, + AEneas cheered them, toiling with his train; + Then, musing sadly, and with pensive breast, +Gazed on the boundless grove, and thus his prayer addressed: + +XXVII. "O in this grove could I behold the tree + With golden bough; since true, alas, too true, + Misenus, hath the priestess sung of thee!" + He spake, when, lighting on the sward, down flew + Two doves. With joy his mother's birds he knew, + "Lead on, blest guides, along the air," he prayed, + "If way there be, the precious bough to view, + Whose golden leaves the teeming soil o'ershade; +O mother, solve my doubts, nor stint the needed aid." + +XXVIII. So saying, he stays his footsteps, fain to heed + What signs they give, and whitherward their flight. + Awhile they fly, awhile they stop to feed, + Then, fluttering, keep within the range of sight, + Till, coming where Avernus, dark as night, + Gapes, with rank vapours from its depths uprolled, + Aloft they soar, and through the liquid height + Dart to the tree, where, wondrous to behold, +The varying green sets forth the glitter of the gold. + +XXIX. As in the woods, in winter's cold, is seen, + Sown on an alien tree, the mistletoe + To bloom afresh with foliage newly green, + And round the tapering boles its arms to throw, + Laden with yellow fruitage, even so + The oak's dark boughs the golden leaves display, + So the foil rustles in the breezes low. + Quickly AEneas plucks the lingering spray, +And to the Sibyl bears the welcome gift away. + +XXX. Nor less the dead Misenus they deplore, + And honours to the thankless dust assign. + A stately pyre they build upon the shore, + Rich with oak-timbers and the resinous pine, + And sombre foliage in the sides entwine. + In front, the cypress marks the fatal soil, + Above, they leave the warrior's arms to shine. + These heat the water, till the caldrons boil, +And wash the stiffened limbs, and fill the wounds with oil. + +XXXI. Loud is the wailing; then with many a tear + They lay him on the bed, and o'er him throw + His purple robes. These lift the massive bier; + Those, as of yore--sad ministry of woe-- + With eyes averted, hold the torch below. + Oil, spice and viands, in promiscuous heap, + They pour and pile upon the fire; and now, + The embers crumbling and the flames asleep, +With draughts of ruddy wine the thirsty ash they steep. + +XXXII. And Cornyaeus in a brazen urn + Enshrined the bones, upgathered in a caul, + And bearing round pure water, thrice in turn + From olive branch the lustral dew lets fall, + And, sprinkling, speaks the latest words of all. + A lofty mound AEneas hastes to frame, + Crowned with his oar and trumpet, 'neath a tall + And airy cliff, which still Misenus' name +Preserves, and ages keep his everlasting fame. + +XXXIII. This done, AEneas hastens to obey + The Sibyl's hest.--There was a monstrous cave, + Rough, shingly, yawning wide-mouthed to the day, + Sheltered from access by the lake's dark wave + And shadowing forests, gloomy as the grave. + O'er that dread space no flying thing could ply + Its wings unjeopardied (whence Grecians gave + The name "Aornos"), such a stench on high +Rose from the poisonous jaws, and filled the vaulted sky. + +XXXIV. Here four black oxen, as the maid divine + Commands them, forth to sacrifice are led. + Over their brows she pours the sacred wine, + Then plucks the hairs that sprouted on the head + And burns them, as the first-fruits to the dead, + Calling aloud on Hecate, whose reign + In Heaven and Erebus is owned with dread. + These stab the victims in the throat, and drain +In bowls the steaming blood that gushes from the slain. + +XXXV. A black-fleeced lamb AEneas slays, to please + The Furies' mother and her sister dread, + A barren cow to Proserpine decrees. + Then to the Stygian monarch of the dead + The midnight altars he began to spread. + The bulls' whole bodies on the flames he laid, + And fat oil on the broiling entrails shed, + When lo! as Morn her opening beams displayed, +Loud rumblings shook the ground, the wooded hill-tops swayed, + +XXXVI. And hell-dogs baying through the gloom, proclaimed + The Goddess near. "Back, back, unhallowed crew, + And quit the grove!" the prophetess exclaimed, + "Thou, bare thy blade, and take the road in view. + Now, Trojan, for a stalwart heart and true; + Firmness and steadiness!" No more she cried, + But back into the open cave withdrew, + Fired with new frenzy. He, with fearless stride, +Treads on the Sibyl's heels, rejoicing in his guide. + +XXXVII. O silent Shades, and ye, the powers of Hell, + Chaos and Phlegethon, wide realms of night, + What ear hath heard, permit the tongue to tell, + High matter, veiled in darkness, to indite.-- + On through the gloomy shade, in darkling plight, + Through Pluto's solitary halls they stray, + As travellers, whom the Moon's unkindly light + Baffles in woods, when, on a lonely way, +Jove shrouds the heavens, and night has turned the world to grey. + +XXXVIII. Before the threshold, in the jaws of Hell, + Grief spreads her pillow, with remorseful Care. + There sad Old Age and pale Diseases dwell, + And misconceiving Famine, Want and Fear, + Terrific shapes, and Death and Toil appear. + Death's kinsman, Sleep, and Joys of sinful kind, + And deadly War crouch opposite, and here + The Furies' iron chamber, Discord blind +And Strife, her viperous locks with gory fillets twined. + +XXXIX. High in the midst a giant elm doth fling + The shadows of its aged arms. There dwell + False Dreams and, nestling, to the foliage cling, + And monstrous shapes, too numerous to tell, + Keep covert, stabled in the porch of Hell. + The beast of Lerna, hissing in his ire, + Huge Centaurs, two-formed Scyllas, fierce and fell, + Briareus hundred-handed, Gorgons dire, +Harpies, the triple Shade, Chimaera fenced with fire. + +XL. At once AEneas, stirred by sudden fear, + Clutches his sword, and points the naked blade + To affront them. Then, but that the Heaven-taught seer + Warned him that each was but an empty shade, + A shapeless soul, vain onset he had made, + And slashed the shadows. So he checked his hand, + And past the gateway in the gloom they strayed + Through Tartarus to Acheron's dark strand, +Where thick the whirlpool boils, and voids the seething sand + +XLI. Into the deep Cocytus. Charon there, + Grim ferryman, stands sentry. Mean his guise, + His chin a wilderness of hoary hair, + And like a flaming furnace stare his eyes. + Hung in a loop around his shoulders lies + A filthy gaberdine. He trims the sail, + And, pole in hand, across the water plies + His steel-grey shallop with the corpses pale, +Old, but a god's old age has left him green and hale. + +XLII. There shoreward rushed a multitude, the shades + Of noble heroes, numbered with the dead, + Boys, husbands, mothers and unwedded maids, + Sons on the pile before their parents spread, + As leaves in number, which the trees have shed + When Autumn's frosts begin to chill the air, + Or birds, that from the wintry blasts have fled + And over seas to sunnier shores repair. +So thick the foremost stand, and, stretching hands of prayer, + +XLIII. Plead for a passage. Now the boatman stern + Takes these, now those, then thrusts the rest away, + And vainly for the distant bank they yearn. + Then spake AEneas, for with strange dismay + He viewed the tumult, "Prithee, maiden, say + What means this thronging to the river-side? + What seek the souls? Why separate, do they + Turn back, while others sweep the leaden tide? +Who parts the shades, what doom the difference can decide?" + +XLIV. Thereto in brief the aged priestess spake: + "Son of Anchises, and the god's true heir, + Thou see'st Cocytus and the Stygian lake, + By whose dread majesty no god will dare + His solemn oath attested to forswear. + These are the needy, who a burial crave; + The ferryman is Charon; they who fare + Across the flood, the buried; none that wave +Can traverse, ere his bones have rested in the grave. + +XLV. "A hundred years they wander in the cold + Around these shores, till at the destined date + The wished-for pools, admitted, they behold." + Sad stood AEneas, pitying their estate, + And, thoughtful, pondered their unequal fate. + Leucaspis there, and Lycia's chief he viewed, + Orontes, joyless, tombless, whom of late, + Sea-tost from Troy, the blustering South pursued, +And ship and crew at once whelmed in the rolling flood. + +XLVI. There paced in sorrow Palinurus' ghost, + Who, lately from the Libyan shore their guide, + Watching the stars, headforemost from his post + Had fallen, and perished in the wildering tide. + Him, known, but dimly in the gloom descried, + The Dardan hails, "O Palinurus! who + Of all the gods hath torn thee from our side? + Speak, for Apollo, never known untrue, +This once hath answered false, and mocked with hopes undue. + +XLVII. "Safe--so he sang--should'st thou escape the sea, + And scatheless to Ausonia's coast attain. + Lo, this, his plighted promise!"--"Nay," said he, + "Nor answered Phoebus' oracle in vain, + Nor did a god o'erwhelm me in the main. + For while I ruled the rudder, charged to keep + Our course, and steered thee o'er the billowy plain, + Sudden, I slipped, and, falling prone and steep, +Snapped with sheer force the helm, and dragged it to the deep. + +XLVIII. "Naught--let the rough seas witness--but for thee + I feared, lest rudderless, her pilot lost, + Your ship should fail in such a towering sea. + Three wintry nights, nipt with the chilling frost, + Upon the boundless waters I was tost, + And on the fourth dawn from a wave at last + Descried Italia. Slowly to her coast + I swam, and clutching at the rock, held fast, +Cumbered with dripping clothes, and deemed the worst o'erpast. + +XLIX. "When lo! the savage folk, with sword and stave, + Set on me, weening to have found rich prey. + And now my bones lie weltering on the wave, + Now on strange shores winds blow them far away. + O! by the memory of thy sire, I pray, + By young Iulus, and his hope so fair, + By heaven's sweet breath and light of gladsome day, + Relieve my misery, assuage my care, +Sail back to Velia's port, great conqueror, and there + +L. "Strew earth upon me, for the task is light; + Or, if thy goddess-mother deign to show + Some path--for never in the god's despite + O'er these dread waters would'st thou dare to go, + Thine aid in pity on a wretch bestow; + Reach forth thy hand, and bear me to my rest, + Dead with the dead to ease me of my woe." + He spake, and him the prophetess addressed: +"O Palinurus! whence so impious a request? + +LI. "Think'st thou the Stygian waters to explore + Unburied, and the Furies' flood to see, + And reach unbidden yon relentless shore? + Hope not by prayer to bend the Fates' decree, + But take this comfort to thy misery; + The neighbouring towns, and people far and near, + Compelled by prodigies, thy ghost shall free, + And load thy tomb with offerings year by year, +And Palinurus' name for aye the place shall bear." + +LII. These words relieved his heaviness; joy came + Upon his saddened spirit, pleased to hear + The well-known land remembered by his name. + Thus on they journey, and the stream draw near; + Whom when the Stygian boatman saw appear, + As shoreward through the silent grove they stray, + With stern rebuke he challenged them: "Beware; + Stand off; approach not, but your purpose say; +What brought you here, whoe'er ye come in armed array? + +LIII. "Here Shades inhabit,--Sleep and drowsy Night,-- + I may not steer the living to yon shore. + Small joy was mine, when, in the gods' despite, + Alive Alcides o'er the stream I bore, + And Theseus and Pirithous, though more + Than men in prowess, nor of mortal clay. + One tried to seize Hell's guardian, and before + Our monarch's throne to chain the trembling prey; +These from her lord's own bed to drag the queen to day." + +LIV. Briefly the seer Amphrysian spake again: + "No guile these arms intend, nor open fight; + Fear not; still may the monster in his den + With endless howl the bloodless ghosts affright, + And chaste Proserpine guard her uncle's right. + Duteous and brave, his father's shade to view, + Descends the famed AEneas; if the sight + Of love so great is powerless to subdue, +Mark this,"--and from her vest the fateful gift she drew. + +LV. Down fell his wrath: the venerable bough, + So long unseen, with wonderment he eyed; + Then, shoreward turning with his cold-blue prow, + From bench and gangway thrusts the shades aside, + And takes the great AEneas and his guide. + The stitched bark, groaning with the load it bore, + Gapes at each seam, and drinks the plenteous tide, + Till Prince and Prophetess, borne safely o'er, +Stand on the dank, grey ooze and grim, unsightly shore. + +LVI. Crouched in a fronting cave, huge Cerberus wakes + These kingdoms with his three-mouthed bark. His head + The priestess marked, all bristling now with snakes, + And flung a sop of honied drugs and bread. + He, famine-stung, with triple jaws dispread, + The morsel snaps, then prone along the cave + Lies stretched on earth, with loosened limbs, as dead. + The sentry lulled, AEneas, blithe and brave, +Seizes the pass, and leaves the irremeable wave. + +LVII. Loud shrieks are heard, and wails of the distrest, + The souls of babes, that on the threshold cry, + Reft of sweet life, and ravished from the breast, + And early plunged in bitter death. Hard by + Are those, whom slanderous charges doomed to die. + Not without judgment these abodes they win. + Here, urn in hand, dread Minos sits to try + The charge anew; he summons from within +The silent court, and learns each several life and sin. + +LVIII. And next are those, who, hateful of the day, + With guiltless hands their sorrowing lives have ta'en, + And miserably flung their souls away. + How gladly now, in upper air again, + Would they endure their poverty and pain! + It may not be. The Fates their doom decide + Past hope, and bind them to this sad domain. + Dark round them rolls the sea, unlovely tide; +Ninefold the waves of Styx those dreary realms divide. + +LIX. Not far off stretch the Mourning Meads, where those + Whom cruel Love hath wasted with despair, + In myrtle groves and alleys hide their woes, + Nor Death itself relieves them of their care. + Lo, Phaedra, Procris, Eriphyle there, + Baring the breast by filial hands imbrued, + Evadne, and Pasiphae, and fair + Laodamia in the crowd he viewed, +And Caeneus, maid, then man, and now a maid renewed. + +LX. There through the wood Phoenician Dido strayed, + Fresh from her wound. Whom when AEneas knew, + Scarce seen, though near, amid the doubtful shade, + As one who views, or only seems to view, + The clouded moon rise when the month is new, + Fondly he spake, while tears were in his eye: + "Ah, hapless Dido! then the news was true + That thou had'st sought the bitter end. Was I, +Alas! the cause of death? O by the starry sky, + +LXI. "By Gods above, by faith, if aught, below, + Unwillingly, O Queen, I left thy sight. + The Gods, at whose compulsion now I go + Through these dark Shades, this realm of deepest Night, + These wastes of squalor, 'twas their word of might + That drove me forth; nor could I dream such woe + Was thine at my departing. Stay thy flight. + Whom dost thou fly? O, whither wilt thou go? +One word--the last, sad word--one parting look bestow!" + +LXII. So strove AEneas, weeping, to appease + Her wrathful spirit. She, with down-fixt eyes + Turns from him, scowling, heedless of his pleas, + And hard as flint or marble, nor replies. + Then, starting, to the shadowy grove she flies, + Where dead Sychaeus, her old lord, renews + His love with hers, and sorrows with her sighs. + Touched by her fate, the Dardan hero views, +And far with tearful gaze the melting shade pursues. + +LXIII. Thus onward to the furthest fields they strayed, + The haunts of heroes here doth Tydeus fare, + Parthenopaeus, pale Adrastus' shade. + And many a Dardan, wailed in upper air, + And fallen in war. Sighing, he sees them there, + Glaucus, Thersilochus and Medon slain, + Antenor's sons, three brethren past compare, + And Polyphoetes, priest of Ceres' fane, +And brave Idaeus, still grasping the sword and rein. + +LXIV. All throng around, nor rest content to claim + One look, but linger with delight, and fain + Would pace beside, and question why he came. + But when the Greeks and Agamemnon's train + Beheld the hero, and his arms shone plain, + Huge terror shook them, and some turned to fly, + As erst they scattered to their ships; some strain + Their husky voice, and raise a feeble cry. +The warshout mocks their throats, the gibbering accents die. + +LXV. There, too, he sees great Priam's son, the famed + Deiphobus, in evil plight forlorn; + A mangled shape, his visage marred and maimed. + His ravaged face the ruthless steel had torn,-- + Face, nose and ears--and both his hands were shorn. + Him, cowering back, and striving to disown + The shameful tokens of his foemen's scorn, + Scarcely AEneas knew, then, soon as known, +Thus, unaccosted, hailed in old, familiar tone: + +LXVI. "O brave Deiphobus, great Teucer's seed! + Whose heart had will, whose cruel hand had might + To wreak such punishment? Fame told, indeed, + That, tired with slaughter, thou had'st sunk that night + On heaps of mingled carnage in the fight. + Then on the shore I reared an empty mound, + And called (thy name and armour mark the site) + Thy shade. Thyself, dear comrade, ne'er was found. +Vain was my parting wish to lay thee in the ground." + +LXVII. "Not thine the fault"; Deiphobus replied, + "Thy debt is rendered; thou hast dealt aright. + Fate, and the baseness of a Spartan bride + Wrought this; behold the tokens of her spite. + Thou know'st--too well must thou recall--that night + Passed in vain pleasure and delusive joy, + What time the fierce Steed, with a bound of might, + Big with armed warriors, eager to destroy, +Leaped o'er the wall, and scaled the citadel of Troy. + +LXVIII. "Feigning mock orgies, round the town she led + Troy's dames, with shrieks that rent the midnight air, + And, armed with blazing cresset, at their head + Bright from the watch-tower made the signal flare, + That called the Danaan foemen from their lair. + I, sunk in sleep, the fatal couch had pressed, + Worn out with watching, and weighed down with care, + And, calm and deep, Death's image, gentle Rest +Crept o'er the wearied limbs, and stilled the troubled breast. + +LXIX. "Meanwhile, all arms the traitress, as I slept, + Stole from the house, and from beneath my head + She took the trusty falchion, that I kept + To guard the chamber and the bridal bed. + Then, creeping to the door, with stealthy tread, + She lifts the latch, and beckons from within + To Menelaus; so, forsooth, she fled + In hopes a lover's gratitude to win, +And from the past wipe out the scandal of old sin. + +LXX. "O noble wife! But why the tale prolong? + Few words were best; my chamber they invade, + They and Ulysses, counsellor of wrong. + Heaven! be these horrors on the Greeks repaid, + If pious lips for just revenge have prayed. + But thou, make answer, and in turn explain + What brought thee, living, to these realms of shade? + By heaven's command, or wandering o'er the main, +Com'st thou to view these shores, this sunless, sad domain?" + +LXXI. So they in converse haply had the day + Consumed, when, rosy-charioted, the Morn + O'erpassed mid heaven on her ethereal way, + And thus the Sibyl doth the Dardan warn: + "Night lowers apace; we linger but to mourn. + Here part the roads; beyond the walls of Dis + _There_ lies for us Elysium; leftward borne + Thou comest to Tartarus, in whose drear abyss +Poor sinners purge with pains the lives they lived amiss." + +LXXII. "Spare, priestess," cried Deiphobus, "thy wrath; + I will depart, and fill the tale, and hide + In darkness. Thou, with happier fates, go forth, + Our glory."--Sudden, from the Dardan's side + He fled. Back looked AEneas, and espied + Broad bastions, girt with triple wall, that frowned + Beneath a rock to leftward, and the tide + Of torrent Phlegethon, that flamed around, +And made the beaten rocks rebellow with the sound. + +LXXIII. In front, a massive gateway threats the sky, + And posts of solid adamant upstay + An iron tower, firm-planted to defy + All force, divine or human. Night and day, + Sleepless Tisiphone defends the way, + Girt up with bloody garments. From within + Loud groans are heard, and wailings of dismay, + The whistling scourge, the fetter's clank and din, +Shrieks, as of tortured fiends, and all the sounds of sin. + +LXXIV. Aghast, AEneas listens to the cries. + "O maid," he asks, "what crimes are theirs? What pain + Do they endure? what wailings rend the skies?" + Then she: "Famed Trojan, this accursed domain + None chaste may enter; so the Fates ordain. + Great Hecate herself, when here below + She made me guardian of Avernus' reign, + Led me through all the region, fain to show +The tortures of the gods, the various forms of woe. + +LXXV. "Here Cretan Rhadamanthus, strict and stern, + His kingdom holds. Each trespass, now confessed, + He hears and punishes; each tells in turn + The sin, with idle triumph long suppressed, + Till death has bared the secrets of the breast. + Swift at the guilty, as he stands and quakes, + Leaps fierce Tisiphone, for vengeance prest, + And calls her sisters; o'er the wretch she shakes +The torturing scourge aloft, and waves the twisted snakes. + +LXXVI. "Then, opening slow, on horrid hinges grate + The doors accursed. See'st thou what sentinel + Sits in the porch? What presence guards the gate? + Know, that within, still fiercer and more fell, + Wide-yawning with her fifty throats, doth dwell + A Hydra. Tartarus itself, hard by, + Abrupt and sheer, beneath the ghosts in Hell, + Gapes twice as deep, as o'er the earth on high +Towers up the Olympian steep, the summit of the sky. + +LXXVII. "There roll the Titans, born of ancient Earth, + Hurled to the bottom by the lightning's blast. + There lie--twin monsters of enormous girth-- + Aloeus' sons, who 'gainst Olympus cast + Their impious hands, and strove with daring vast + To disenthrone the Thunderer. There, again, + The famed Salmoneus I beheld, laid fast + In cruel agonies of endless pain, +Who sought the flames of Jove with mimic art to feign, + +LXXVIII. "And mocked Olympian thunder. Torch in hand, + Drawn by four steeds, through Elis' streets he came, + A conqueror, borne in triumph through the land. + And, waving high the firebrand, dared to claim + The God's own homage and a godlike name. + Blind fool and vain! to think with brazen clash + And hollow tramp of horn-hoofed steeds, to frame + The dread Storm's counterfeit, the thunder's crash, +The matchless bolts of Jove, the inimitable flash. + +LXXIX. "But lo! his bolt, no smoky torch of pine, + The Sire omnipotent through darkness sped, + And hurled him headlong with the blast divine. + There, too, lay Tityos, nine roods outspread, + Nursling of earth. Hook-beaked, a vulture dread, + Pecking the deathless liver, plied his quest, + And probed the entrails and the heart, that bred + Immortal pain, and burrowed in his breast. +The torturing growth goes on, the fibres never rest. + +LXXX. "Why now those ancient Lapithae recall, + Ixion and Pirithous? There in sight + The black rock frowns, and ever threats to fall. + On golden pillars shine the couches bright, + And royal feasts their longing eyes invite. + But lo, the eldest of the Furies' band + Sits by, and oft uprising in her might, + Warns from the banquet, with uplifted hand, +And thunders in their ears, and waves a flaming brand. + +LXXXI. "Those, who with hate a brother's love repaid, + Or drove a parent outcast from their door, + Or, weaving fraud, their client's trust betrayed; + Those, who--the most in number--brooded o'er + Their gold, nor gave to kinsmen of their store; + Those, who for foul adultery were slain, + Who followed treason's banner, or forswore + Their plighted oath to masters, here remain, +And, pent in dungeons deep, await their doom of pain. + +LXXXII. "Ask not what pain; what fortune or what fate + O'erwhelmed them, nor their torments seek to know. + These roll uphill a rock's enormous weight, + Those, hung on wheels, are racked with endless woe. + There, too, for ever, as the ages flow, + Sad Theseus sits, and through the darkness cries + Unhappy Phlegyas to the shades below, + 'Learn to be good; take warning and be wise; +Learn to revere the gods, nor heaven's commands despise.' + +LXXXIII. "There stands the traitor, who his country sold, + A tyrant's bondage for his land prepared; + Made laws, unmade them, for a bribe of gold. + With lawless lust a daughter's shame he shared; + All dared huge crimes, and compassed what they dared. + Ne'er had a hundred mouths, if such were mine, + Nor hundred tongues their endless sins declared, + Nor iron voice their torments could define, +Or tell what doom to each the avenging gods assign. + +LXXXIV. "But haste we," adds the Sibyl; "onward hold + The way before thee, and thy task pursue. + Forged in the Cyclops' furnaces, behold + Yon walls and fronting archway, full in view. + Leave there thy gift and pay the God his due." + She spake, and thither through the dark they paced, + And reached the gateway. He, with lustral dew + Self-sprinkled, seized the entrance, and in haste +High o'er the fronting door the fateful offering placed. + +LXXXV. These dues performed, they reach the realms of rest, + Fortunate groves, where happy souls repair, + And lawns of green, the dwellings of the blest. + A purple light, a more abundant air + Invest the meadows. Sun and stars are there, + Known but to them. There rival athletes train + Their practised limbs, and feats of strength compare. + These run and wrestle on the sandy plain, +Those tread the measured dance, and join the song's sweet strain. + +LXXXVI. In flowing robes the Thracian minstrel sings, + Sweetly responsive to the seven-toned lyre; + Fingers and quill alternate wakes the strings. + Here Teucer's race, and many an ancient sire, + Chieftains of nobler days and martial fire, + Ilus, high-souled Assaracus, and he + Who founded Troy, the rapturous strains admire, + And arms afar and shadowy cars they see, +And lances fixt in earth, and coursers grazing free. + +LXXXVII. The love of arms and chariots, the care + Their glossy steeds to pasture and to train, + That pleased them living, still attends them there: + These, stretched at ease, lie feasting on the plain; + There, choral companies, in gladsome strain, + Chant the loud Paean, in a grove of bay, + Rich in sweet scents, whence hurrying to the main, + Eridanus' full torrent on its way +Rolls from below through woods majestic to the day. + +LXXXVIII. There, the slain patriot, and the spotless sage, + And pious poets, worthy of the God; + There he, whose arts improved a rugged age, + And those who, labouring for their country's good, + Lived long-remembered,--all, in eager mood, + Crowned with white fillets, round the Sibyl pressed; + Chiefly Musaeus; in the midst he stood, + With ample shoulders towering o'er the rest, +When thus the listening crowd the prophetess addressed: + +LXXXIX. "Tell, happy souls; and thou, great poet, tell + Where--in what place--Anchises doth abide, + For whom we came and crossed the streams of Hell." + Briefly the venerable chief replied: + "Fixt home hath no one; by the streamlet's side, + Or in dark groves, or dewy meads we stray, + Where living waters through the pastures glide. + Mount, if ye list, and I will point the way, +Yon summit, and beneath the shining fields survey." + +XC. Thus on he leads them, till they leave the height, + Rejoicing.--In a valley far away + The sire Anchises scanned, with fond delight, + The prisoned souls, who waited for the day. + Their shape, their mien his studious eyes survey; + Their fates and fortunes he reviews with pride, + And counts his future offspring in array. + Now, when his son advancing he espied, +Aloud, with tearful eyes and outspread hands, he cried: + +XCI. "Art thou, then, come at last? Has filial love, + Thrice welcome, braved the perils of the way? + O joy! do I behold thee? hear thee move + Sweet converse as of old? 'Tis come, the day + I longed and looked for, pondering the delay, + And counting every moment, nor in vain. + How tost with perils do I greet thee? yea, + What wanderings thine on every land and main! +What dangers did I dread from Libya's tempting reign!" + +XCII. "Father, 'twas thy sad image," he replied, + "Oft-haunting, drove me to this distant place. + Our navy floats on the Tyrrhenian tide. + Give me thy hand, nor shun a son's embrace." + So spake the son, and o'er his cheeks apace + Rolled down soft tears, of sadness and delight. + Thrice he essayed the phantom to embrace; + Thrice, vainly clasped, it melted from his sight, +Swift as the winged wind, or vision of the night. + +XCIII. Meanwhile he views, deep-bosomed in a dale, + A grove, and brakes that rustle in the breeze, + And Lethe, gliding through the peaceful vale. + Peoples and tribes, all hovering round, he sees, + Unnumbered, as in summer heat the bees + Hum round the flowerets of the field, to drain + The fair, white lilies of their sweets; so these + Swarm numberless, and ever and again +The gibbering ghosts disperse, and murmur o'er the plain. + +XCIV. Awe-struck, AEneas would the cause enquire: + What streams are yonder? what the crowd so great, + That filled the river's margin? Then the Sire + Anchises answered: "They are souls, that wait + For other bodies, promised them by Fate. + Now, by the banks of Lethe here below, + They lose the memory of their former state, + And from the silent waters, as they flow, +Drink the oblivious draught, and all their cares forego. + +XCV. "Long have I wished to show thee, face to face, + Italia's sons, that thou might'st joy with me + To hail the new-found country of our race." + "Oh father!" said AEneas, "can it be, + That souls sublime, so happy and so free, + Can yearn for fleshly tenements again? + So madly long they for the light?" Then he: + "Learn, son, and listen, nor in doubt remain." +And thus in ordered speech the mystery made plain: + +XCVI. "First, Heaven and Earth and Ocean's liquid plains, + The Moon's bright globe and planets of the pole, + One mind, infused through every part, sustains; + One universal, animating soul + Quickens, unites and mingles with the whole. + Hence man proceeds, and beasts, and birds of air, + And monsters that in marble ocean roll; + And fiery energy divine they share, +Save what corruption clogs, and earthly limbs impair. + +XCVII. "Hence Fear and Sorrow, hence Desire and Mirth; + Nor can the soul, in darkness and in chains, + Assert the skies, and claim celestial birth. + Nay, after death, the traces it retains + Of fleshly grossness, and corporeal stains, + Since much must needs by long concretion grow + Inherent. Therefore are they racked with pains, + And schooled in all the discipline of woe; +Each pays for ancient sin with punishment below. + +XCVIII. "Some hang before the viewless winds to bleach; + Some purge in fire or flood the deep decay + And taint of wickedness. We suffer each + Our ghostly penance; thence, the few who may, + Seek the bright meadows of Elysian day, + Till long, long years, when our allotted time + Hath run its orbit, wear the stains away, + And leave the aetherial sense, and spark sublime, +Cleansed from the dross of earth, and cankering rust of crime. + +XCIX. "These, when a thousand rolling years are o'er, + Called by the God, to Lethe's waves repair; + There, reft of memory, to yearn once more + For mortal bodies and the upper air." + So spake Anchises, and the priestess fair + Leads, with his son, the murmuring shades among, + Where thickest crowd the multitude, and there + They mount a hillock, and survey the throng, +And scan the pale procession, as it winds along. + +C. "Come, now, and hearken to the Dardan's fame, + What noble grandsons shall Italia grace, + Proud spirits, heirs of our illustrious name, + And learn the fates and future of thy race. + See yon fair youth, now leaning--mark his face-- + Upon a pointless spear, by lot decreed + To stand the nearest to the light in place, + He first shall rise, of mixt Italian breed, +Silvius, an Alban name, the youngest of thy seed. + +CI. "Him, latest offspring of thy days' decline, + Thy spouse Lavinia in the woods shall rear, + The kingly parent of a kingly line, + The lords of Alba Longa. Procas, dear + To Trojans, Capys, Numitor are here, + And he, whose surname shall revive thine own. + Silvius AEneas, like his great compeer + Alike for piety and arms well known, +If e'er, by Fate's decree, he mount the Alban throne. + +CII. "What youths! what strength! what promise of renown! + Behold the wreaths of civic oak they wear. + First founders these of many a glorious town, + Nomentum, Gabii and Fidenae fair; + They on the mountain pinnacles shall rear + Collatia's fortress, and Pometii found, + The camp of Inuus, which foemen fear, + Bola and Cora, names to be renowned, +Albeit inglorious now, for nameless is the ground. + +CIII. "See Romulus, beside his grandsire's shade, + Offspring of Mars and Ilia, and the line + Of old Assaracus. See there displayed, + The double crest upon his helm, the sign, + Stamped by his sire, to mark his birth divine. + Henceforth, beneath his auspices, shall rise + That Rome, whose glories through the world shall shine; + Far as wide earth's remotest boundary lies, +Her empire shall extend her genius to the skies. + +CIV. "Seven hills her single rampart shall embrace, + Seven citadels her girdling wall contain, + Thrice blest, beyond all cities, in a race + Of heroes, destined to adorn her reign. + So, with a hundred grandsons in her train, + Thrice blest, the Mother of the Gods, whose shrine + Is Berecynthus, rides the Phrygian plain, + Tower-crowned, the queen of an immortal line, +All habitants of heaven, and all of seed divine. + +CV. "See now thy Romans; thither bend thine eyes, + And Caesar and Iulus' race behold, + Waiting their destined advent to the skies. + This, this is he--long promised, oft foretold-- + Augustus Caesar. He the Age of Gold, + God-born himself, in Latium shall restore, + And rule the land, that Saturn ruled of old, + And spread afar his empire and his power +To Garamantian tribes, and India's distant shore. + +CVI. "Beyond the planets his dominions lie, + Beyond the solar circuit of the year, + Where Atlas bears the starry-spangled sky. + E'en now the realms of Caspia shuddering hear + His coming, made by oracles too clear. + E'en now Maeotia trembles at his tread, + And Nile's seven mouths are troubled, as in fear + She shrinks reluctant to the deep, such dread +Hath seized the wondering world, so far his fame hath spread. + +CVII. "So much of earth not Hercules of yore + O'erpassed, though he the brass-hoofed hind laid low, + And forth from Erymanthus drove the boar, + And startled Lerna's forest with his bow; + Nor he, the Wine-God, who in conquering show, + With vine-wreathed reins, and tigers to his car, + Rides down from Nysa to the plains below. + And doubt we then to celebrate so far +Our prowess, and shall fear Ausonian fields debar? + +CVIII. "But see, who, crowned with olive wreath, doth bring + The sacred vessels? By his long, grey hair + And grizzled beard I know the Roman King, + Whom Fate from lowly Cures calls to bear + The mighty burden of an empire's care, + In peace the fabric of our laws to frame. + Now, Tullus comes, new triumphs to prepare, + And wake the folk to arm from idlesse fame, +And Ancus courts e'en now the popular acclaim. + +CIX. "Would'st thou behold the Tarquins? Yonder stands + Great Brutus, the Avenger, proud to tear + The people's fasces from the tyrant's hands. + First Consul, he the dreaded axe shall bear, + The patriot-father, who for freedom fair + Shall call his own rebellious sons to bleed. + O noble soul, but hapless! Howso'er + Succeeding ages shall record the deed. +'Tis country's love prevails, and glory's quenchless greed. + +CX. "Lo, there the Drusi and the Decii stand, + And stern Torquatus with his axe, and lo! + Camilius brings in triumph to his land + The Roman standards, rescued from the foe. + See, too, yon pair, well-matched in equal show + Of radiant arms, and, while obscured in night, + Firm knit in friendly fellowship; but oh! + How dire the feud, what hosts shall arm for fight, +What streams of carnage flow, if e'er they reach the light! + +CXI. "Here from Monoecus and the Alps descends + The father; there, with Easterns in array, + The daughter's husband. O my sons! be friends; + Cease from the strife; forbear the unnatural fray, + Nor turn Rome's prowess to her own decay; + And thou, the foremost of our blood, be first + To fling the arms of civic strife away, + And cease for lawless victories to thirst, +Thou of Olympian birth, and sheath the sword, accurst. + +CXII. "See who from Corinth doth his march pursue, + Decked with the spoils of many a Grecian foe. + His car shall climb the Capitol. See, too, + The man who lofty Argos shall o'erthrow, + And lay the walls of Agamemnon low, + And great AEacides himself destroy, + Sprung from Achilles, to requite the woe + Wrought on old Ilion, and avenge with joy +Minerva's outraged fane, and slaughtered sires of Troy. + +CXIII. "Shalt thou, great Cato, unextolled remain? + Cossus? the Gracchi? or the Scipios, ye + Twin thunderbolts of battle, and the bane + Of Libya? Who would fail to tell of thee, + Fabricius, potent in thy poverty? + Or thee, Serranus, scattering the seed? + O spare my breath, ye Fabii; thou art he + Called Maximus, their Greatest thou indeed, +Sole saviour, whose delay averts the hour of need. + +CXIV. "Others, no doubt, from breathing bronze shall draw + More softness, and a living face devise + From marble, plead their causes at the law + More deftly, trace the motions of the skies + With learned rod, and tell the stars that rise. + Thou, Roman, rule, and o'er the world proclaim + The ways of peace. Be these thy victories, + To spare the vanquished and the proud to tame. +These are imperial arts, and worthy of thy name." + +CXV. He paused; and while they pondered in amaze, + "Behold," he cried "Marcellus, see him stride, + Proud of the spoils that tell a nation's praise. + See how he towers, with all a conqueror's pride. + His arm shall stem the tumult and the tide + Of foreign hordes, and save the land from stain. + 'Tis he shall crush the rebel Gaul, and ride + Through Punic ranks, and in Quirinus' fane +Hang up the thrice-won spoils, in triumph for the slain." + +CXVI. Then thus AEneas spoke, for, passing by, + He saw a comely youth, in bright array + Of glittering arms; yet downcast was his eye, + Joyless and damp his face; "O father, say, + Who companies the hero on his way? + His son? or scion of his stock renowned? + What peerless excellence his looks display! + What stir, what whispers in the crowd around! +But gloomy Night's sad shades his youthful brows surround." + +CXVII. Weeping, the Sire: "Seek not, my son, to weigh + Thy children's mighty sorrow. Him shall Fate + Just show to earth, but suffer not to stay. + Too potent Heaven had deemed the Roman state, + Were gifts like this as permanent as great. + Ah! what laments, what groanings of the brave + Shall fill the field of Mars! What funeral state + Shall Tiber see, as past the recent grave +Slowly and sad he winds his melancholy wave! + +CXVIII. "No Trojan youth of such illustrious worth + Shall raise the hopes of Latin sires so high. + Ne'er shall the land of Romulus henceforth + Look on a fosterling with prouder eye. + O filial love! O faith of days gone by! + O hand unconquered! None had hoped to bide + Unscathed his onset, nor his arm defy, + When, foot to foot, the murderous sword he plied, +Or dug with iron heel his foaming charger's side. + +CXIX. "Ah! child of tears! can'st thou again be free + And burst Fate's cruel bondage, Rome shall know + Her own Marcellus, reappeared in thee. + Go, fill your hands with lilies; let me strow + The purple blossoms where he lies below. + These gifts, at least, in sorrow will I lay, + To grace my kinsman's spirit, thus--but oh! + Alas, how vainly!--to the thankless clay +These unavailing dues, these empty offerings pay." + +CXX. Twain are the gates of Sleep; one framed, 'tis said, + Of horn, which easy exit doth invite + For real shades to issue from the dead. + One with the gleam of polished ivory bright, + Whence only lying visions leave the night. + Through this Anchises, talking by the way, + Sends forth the son and Sibyl to the light. + Back hastes AEneas to his friends, and they +Straight to Caieta steer, and anchor in her bay. + + + + +BOOK SEVEN + + +ARGUMENT + +Passing Caieta and Circeii, AEneas sails up the Tiber (1-45). Virgil +pauses to enumerate the old rulers of Latium and to describe the state +of the country at the coming of AEneas. Latinus is King. Oracles have +foretold that by marriage with an alien his only daughter is to become +the mother of an imperial line. Fresh signs and wonders enforce the +prophecy (46-126). The Trojans eat their tables (127-171). An +embassage is sent to the Latin capital, and after conference Latinus +offers peace to the Trojans and to AEneas his daughter's hand +(172-342). Juno, the evil genius of Troy, again intervenes and +summons to her aid the demon Alecto (341-410), who excites first +Amata then Turnus against the proposed peace, and finally (411-576) +provokes a pitched battle between Trojans and Latins (577-648). +Alecto is scornfully dismissed by Juno, who causes war to be formally +declared (649-747). The war-fever in Italy. Catalogue of the leaders +and nations that gather to destroy AEneas, chief among them being +Turnus and Camilla (748-981). + + +I. Thou too, Caieta, dying, to our shore, + AEneas' nurse, hast given a deathless fame, + E'en now thine honour guards it, as of yore, + Still doth thy tomb in great Hesperia frame + Glory--if that be glory--for thy name. + Here good AEneas paid his dues aright, + And raised a mound, and now, as evening came, + Sails forth; the faint winds whisper to the night; +Clear shines the Moon, and tips the trembling waves with light. + +II. They skirt the coast, where Circe, maiden bright, + The Sun's rich daughter, wakes with melodies + The groves that none may enter. There each night, + As nimbly through the slender warp she plies + The whistling shuttle, through her chambers rise + The flames of odorous cedar. Thence the roar + Of lions, raging at their chains, the cries + Of bears close-caged, and many a bristly boar, +The yells of monstrous wolves at midnight fill the shore. + +III. All these with potent herbs the cruel queen + Had stripped of man's similitude, to wear + A brutal figure, and a bestial mien. + But kindly Neptune, with protecting care, + And loth to see the pious Trojans bear + A doom so vile, such prodigies as these, + Lest, borne perchance into the bay, they near + The baneful shore, fills out with favouring breeze +The sails, and speeds their flight across the boiling seas. + +IV. Now blushed the deep beneath the dawning ray, + And in her rosy chariot borne on high, + Aurora, bright with saffron, brought the day. + Down drop the winds, the Zephyrs cease to sigh, + And not a breath is stirring in the sky, + And not a ripple on the marble seas, + As heavily the toiling oars they ply. + When near him from the deep AEneas sees +A mighty grove outspread, a forest thick with trees. + +V. And in the midst of that delightful grove + Fair-flowing Tiber, eddying swift and strong, + Breaks to the main. Around them and above, + Gay-plumaged fowl, that to the stream belong, + And love the channel and the banks to throng, + Now skim the flood, now fly from bough to bough, + And charm the air with their melodious song. + Shoreward AEneas bids them turn the prow, +And up the shady stream with joyous hearts they row. + +VI. Say, Erato, how Latium fared of yore, + What deeds were wrought, what rulers lived and died, + When strangers landed on Ausonia's shore, + And trace the rising of the war's dark tide. + Fierce feuds I sing--O Goddess, be my guide,-- + Tyrrhenian hosts, the battle's armed array, + Proud kings who fought and perished in their pride, + And all Hesperia gathered to the fray, +A larger theme unfolds, and loftier is the lay. + +VII. Long had Latinus ruled the peaceful state. + A nymph, Marica, of Laurentian breed, + Bore him to Faunus, who, as tales relate, + Derived through Picus his Saturnian seed. + No son was left Latinus to succeed, + His boy had died ere manhood; one alone + Remained, a daughter, so the Fates decreed, + To mind his palace and to heir his throne +Ripe now for marriage rites, to nuptial age full-grown. + +VIII. Full many a prince from Latium far and wide, + And all Ausonia had essayed in vain + To win the fair Lavinia for his bride. + Her suitor now, the comeliest of the train, + Was Turnus, sprung from an illustrious strain. + Fair seemed his suit, for kindly was the maid, + And dearly the queen loved him, and was fain + His hopes to further, but the Fates gainsayed, +And boding signs from Heaven the purposed match delayed. + +IX. Deep in the inmost palace, long rever'd, + There stood an ancient laurel. 'Twas the same + That sire Latinus, when the walls he reared, + Found there, and vowed to Phoebus, and the name + "Laurentines" thence his settlers taught to claim. + Here suddenly--behold a wondrous thing!-- + Borne with loud buzzing through the air, down came + A swarm of bees. Around the top they cling, +And from a leafy branch in linked clusters swing. + +X. "Behold, from yon same quarter," cried a seer, + "A stranger! see their swarming hosts conspire + To lord it o'er Laurentum; see them near." + He spake, but lo! while, standing by her sire, + The chaste Lavinia feeds the sacred fire, + The flames, O horror! on her locks lay hold: + Her beauteous head-dress and her rich attire, + Her hair, her coronal of gems and gold +Blaze, and the crackling flames her regal robe enfold. + +XI. Wrapt, so it seemed, in clouds of smoke, but bright + With yellow flames, through all the house she fled, + Scattering a shower of sparkles. Sore affright + And wonder seized them, as the seer with dread + Explained the vision; 'twas a sign, he said, + That bright and glorious in the rolls of Fate + Her fame should flourish and her name be spread, + But dark should lour the fortunes of the state, +Whelmed in a mighty war and sunk in evil strait. + +XII. Forth hastes Latinus, by these sights distressed, + To Faunus' oracle, his sire renowned, + And seeks the grove, beneath Albunea's crest, + And sacred spring, which, echoing from the ground, + Leaps up and flings its sulphurous fumes around. + Here, craving counsel when in doubtful plight, + Italians and OEnotria's tribes are found. + Here, when the priest, his offerings paid aright, +On skins of slaughtered beasts, in stillness of the night, + +XIII. Lies down to sleep, in visions he beholds + Weird shapes, and many a wondrous voice doth hear, + And, borne in spirit to Avernus, holds + Deep converse there with Acheron. 'Twas here + Latinus sought for answer from the seer. + A hundred ewes, obedient to the rite, + He slew, then rested, with expectant ear, + Stretched on their fleeces, when, at noon of night, +Straight from the grove's deep gloom forth pealed a voice of might: + +XIV. "Seek not, my son, a Latin lord. Beware + The purposed bridal. Lo! a foreign guest + Is coming, born to raise thee as thine heir, + And sons of sons shall see their power confessed + From sea to sea, from farthest East to West." + These words, in stillness of the night's noon-tide, + Latinus hears, nor locks them in his breast. + Ausonia's towns have heard them far and wide, +Or ere by Tiber's banks the Dardan fleet doth ride. + +XV. Stretched on the grass beneath a tall tree lie + Troy's chief and captains and Iulus fair, + And wheaten platters for their meal supply + ('Twas Jove's command), the wilding fruits to bear. + When lack of food has forced them now to tear + The tiny cakes, and tooth and hand with zest + The fateful circles desecrate, nor spare + The sacred squares upon the rounds impressed, +"What! eating boards as well?" Iulus cries in jest. + +XVI. 'Twas all; the sally, as we heard it, sealed + Our toils. AEneas caught it, as it flew, + And hushed them, marvelling at the sign revealed. + "Hail! land," he cries, "long destined for our due. + Hail, household deities, to Troy still true! + Here lies our home. Thus, thus, I mind the hour, + Anchises brought Fate's hidden things to view: + 'My son, when famine on an unknown shore +Shall make thee, failing food, the very boards devour, + +XVII. "'Then, worn and wearied, look to find a home, + And build thy walls, and bank them with a mound.' + This was that famine; this the last to come + Of all our woes, the woful term to bound. + Come then, at daybreak search the land around + (Each from the harbour separate let us fare) + And see what folk, and where their town, be found, + Now pour to Jove libations, and with prayer +Invoke Anchises' shade, and back the wine-cups bear." + +XVIII. So saying, his brows he garlands, and with prayer + Invokes the Genius whom the place doth own, + And Earth, first Goddess, and the Nymphs who there + Inhabit, and the rivers yet unknown, + Night and the stars that glitter in her zone + He calls to aid him, and Idaean Jove, + And Phrygia's Mother on her heavenly throne, + And last, his parent deities to move, +Invokes his sire below and mother queen above. + +XIX. Thrice Jove omnipotent from Heaven's blue height + Thunders aloud, and flashes in the skies + A cloud ablaze with rays of golden light. + 'Tis come--so Rumour through the Trojans flies-- + The day to bid their promised walls arise. + Cheered by the mighty omen and the sign, + They spread the feast, and each with other vies + To range the goblets and to wreath the wine, +And gladdening hearts rejoice to greet the day divine. + +XX. Soon as the morrow bathed the world once more + In dawning light, by separate ways they fare + To search the town, the frontiers and the shore. + Here is Numicius' fountain, Tiber there, + Here dwell the Latins. Then Anchises' heir + Choice spokesmen to the monarch's city sends, + Five score, their peaceful errand to declare, + And royal presents to their charge commends, +And bids them claim of right the welcome due to friends. + +XXI. At once the heralds hearken and obey, + And each and all, with rapid steps, and crowned + With Pallas' olive, hasten on their way. + Himself with shallow trench marks out the ground, + And, camp-like, girds with bastions and a mound + The new-formed settlement. Meanwhile the train + Of delegates their journey's end have found, + And greet with joy, uprising o'er the plain, +The Latin towers and homes, and now the walls attain. + +XXII. Before the city, boys and youths contend + On horseback. Through the whirling dust they steer + Their chariots and the practised steeds, or bend + The tight-strung bow, or aim the limber spear, + Or urge fist-combat or the foot's career. + Now to their king a message quick has flown; + Tall men and strange, in foreign garb are here. + Latinus summons them within: anon, +Amidmost of his court he mounts the ancestral throne. + +XXIII. Raised on a hundred columns, vast and tall, + Above the city reared its reverend head + A stately fabric, once the palace-hall + Of Picus. Dark woods shrouded, and the dread + Of ages filled, the precinct. Here, 'tis said, + Kings took the sceptre and the axe of fate, + Their senate house this temple; here were spread + The tables for the sacred feast, where sate, +What time the ram was slain, the elders of the State. + +XXIV. In ancient cedar o'er the doors appear + The sculptured effigies of sires divine. + Grey Saturn, Italus, Sabinus here, + Curved hook in hand, the planter of the vine. + There two-faced Janus, and, in ordered line, + Old kings and patriot chieftains. Captive cars + Hang round, and arms upon the doorposts shine, + Curved axes, crests of helmets, towngates' bars, +Spears, shields and beaks of ships, the trophies of their wars. + +XXV. There Picus sat, with his Quirinal wand, + Tamer of steeds. The augur's gown he wore, + Short, striped and belted; and his lifted hand + The sacred buckler on the left upbore. + Him Circe, his enamoured bride, of yore, + Wild with desire, so ancient legends say, + Smote with her golden rod, and sprinkling o'er + His limbs her magic poisons, made a jay, +And sent to roam the air, with dappled plumage gay. + +XXVI. Such is the temple, in whose sacred dome + Latinus waits the Teucrians on his throne, + And kindly thus accosts them as they come: + 'Speak, Dardans,--for the Dardan name ye own; + Nor strange your race and city, nor unknown + Sail ye the plains of Ocean--tell me now, + What seek ye? By the tempest tost, or blown + At random, needful of what help and how +Came ye to Latin shores the dark-blue deep to plough? + +XXVII. "But, whether wandering from your course, or cast + By storms--such ills as oft-times on the main + O'ertake poor mariners--your ships at last + Our stream have entered, and the port attain. + Shun not a welcome, nor our cheer disdain. + For dear to Saturn, whom our sires adored, + Was Latium. Manners, not the laws, constrain + To justice. Freely, of our own accord, +We mind the golden age, and virtues of our lord. + +XXVIII. "Now, I remember, old Auruncans told + (Age dims, but memory can the tale retrace) + How, born in Latium, Dardanus of old + Went forth to northern Samos, styled of Thrace, + And reached the towns at Phrygian Ida's base. + From Tuscan Corythus in days gone by + He went, and now among the stars hath place, + Throned in the golden palace of the sky. +On earth his altar marks one godhead more on high." + +XXIX. He spake: Ilioneus this answer gave: + "O King, blest seed of Faunus! Star nor strand + Misled us, nor hath stress of storm or wave + Forced us to seek the shelter of your land. + Freewill hath brought us hither, forethought planned + Our flight; for we are outcasts, every one, + The toil-worn remnant of an exiled band, + Driven from a mighty empire; mightier none +In bygone years was known beneath the wandering sun. + +XXX. "From Jove we spring; Jove Dardans hail with joy + Their parent; he who sends us is our lord + AEneas, Jove-born and a prince of Troy. + How fierce a tempest from Mycenae poured + O'er Ida's fields; how Fate with fire and sword + Made Europe clash with Asia, he hath known + Whoe'er to Ocean's limits hath explored + The utmost earth, or in the central zone +Dwells, if a man there be, in torrid climes unknown. + +XXXI. "Swept by that deluge o'er the deep, we crave + A home for home-gods, shelter on the strand, + And man's free privilege of air and wave. + We shall not shame the lustre of your land, + Nor stint the gratitude kind deeds demand. + Grant Troy a refuge, and Ausonians ne'er + Shall rue the welcome proffered by your hand. + Yea, scorn us not, that thus unsought we bear +The lowly suppliant's wreath, and speak the words of prayer. + +XXXII. "Full many a people,--let the fates attest + Of great AEneas, and his hand of might, + Ne'er pledged in vain, our bravest and our best-- + Full many a tribe, though lowly be our plight, + Have sought with ours their fortunes to unite. + Fate bade us seek your country and her King. + Hither, where Dardanus first saw the light, + Apollo back the Dardan race would bring, +To Tuscan Tiber's banks and pure Numicius' spring. + +XXXIII. "These gifts AEneas to our charge commends, + Poor relics saved from Ilion, but a sign + Of ancient greatness, and the gifts of friends. + See, from this golden goblet at the shrine + His sire Anchises poured the sacred wine; + Clad in these robes sat Priam, when of old + The laws he ministered. These robes are thine, + This sceptre, this embroidered vest,--behold, +'Twas wrought by Trojan dames,--this diadem of gold." + +XXXIV. Mute sat and motionless, with looks bent down, + Latinus; but his restless eyes confessed + His musings. Not the sceptre nor the gown + Of purple moved him, but his pensive breast + Dwelt on his daughter's marriage, till he guessed + The meaning of old Faunus. This was he, + His destined heir, the bridegroom and the guest, + Whose glorious progeny, by Fate's decree, +The Latin throne should share, and rule from sea to sea. + +XXXV. "Heaven prosper," joyfully he cried, "our deed, + And heaven's own augury. Your wish shall stand; + I take the gifts. Yours, Trojans, all ye need-- + The wealth of Troy, the fatness of the land,-- + Nought shall ye lack from King Latinus' hand. + Let but AEneas, if he longs so fain + To claim our friendship, and a home demand, + Come here, nor fear to greet us. Not in vain +'Twixt monarchs stands the peace, which plighted hands ordain. + +XXXVI. "Let now this message to your King be given. + 'A child, the daughter of my heart, is mine, + Whom neither frequent prodigies from heaven, + Nor voices uttered from my father's shrine, + Permit with one of Latin birth to join. + Strange sons--so Latin oracles conspire-- + Shall come, whose offspring shall exalt our line. + Thy King the bridegroom whom the Fates require +I deem, and, if in aught I read the truth, desire.'" + +XXXVII. So speaks Latinus, and with kindly care + Choice steeds selects. Three hundred of the best + Stand in his lofty stables, sleek and fair; + And forth in order for each Teucrian guest + His servants led them, at their King's behest. + Rich housings, wrought in many a purple fold, + And broidered rugs adorn them; o'er each breast + Hang golden poitrels, glorious to behold. +Each champs with foaming mouth a chain of glittering gold. + +XXXVIII. A car he orders for the Dardan sire, + And twin-yoked coursers of ethereal seed, + Whose snorting nostrils breathe the flames of fire. + Half-mortal, half-immortal was each steed, + The bastard birth of that celestial breed, + Which cunning Circe from a mortal mare + Raised to her sire the Sun-god. So with speed + The mounted Trojans to their prince repair, +Pleased with the gifts and words, for peaceful news they bear. + +XXXIX. Lo! from Inachian Argos through the skies + Jove's consort her avenging flight pursues, + And far off, from Pachynus, as she flies + O'er Sicily, beholds the Dardan crews + And great AEneas, gladdening at the news. + The rising settlement, the new-tilled shore, + The ships deserted for the land she views, + And shaking her imperial brows, and sore +With anguish, from her breast these wrathful words doth pour: + +XL. "Ah, hateful race! Ah, Phrygian fates abhorred! + What, fell they not on the Sigean plain? + Must captives be twice captured? Have the sword + And flames of Troy avenged me but in vain? + Have foes and fire found passage for the slain? + Sooth, then, my godhead sleepeth, and that hand + Is tired of hate, which whilom o'er the main + Dared chase these outcasts and their paths withstand, +Where'er the deep sea rolled, far from their native land! + +XLI. "Have sea and sky been wielded to destroy, + Nor Syrtes yet, nor Scylla's fierce embrace, + Nor vast Charybdis whelmed the sons of Troy, + Who, safe in Tiber, flout me to the face? + Yet Mars from earth, and for a less disgrace + Could sweep the Lapithae, and Heaven's great Sire + Doomed ancient Calydon and OEneus' race + To rue the vengeance of Diana's ire. +Did ever crime of theirs the Dardans' meed require? + +XLII. "But I, Jove's consort, who have stooped to seek + All shifts, all ventures and devices, I + Am vanquished by AEneas! If too weak + Myself, some other godhead will I try, + And Hell shall hear, if Heaven its aid deny. + Grant that these Dardans must in Latium reign, + That fixt and changeless stands the doom, whereby + His bride shall be Lavinia, that in vain +Can Juno thwart whate'er the Destinies ordain; + +XLIII. "Yet time delayed can make occasion lost, + Yet mutual strife each nation may devour, + And Kings plight marriage at their peoples' cost. + Troy's blood and Latium's, maiden, be thy dower. + Bellona lights thee to thy bridal bower. + Not only Hecuba--Ah, sweet the joy!-- + Conceives a firebrand. Born in evil hour, + The child of Venus shall her hopes destroy, +And, like another Paris, fire a new-born Troy." + +XLIV. She spake, and earthward darting, fierce and fell, + Calls sad Alecto from her dark retreat + Among the Furies in the shades of Hell. + Sweet are war's sorrows to her soul, and sweet + Are evil deeds, and hatred and deceit. + E'en Pluto, e'en her sister-fiends detest + The monstrous shape, so many forms complete + The grisly horrors of that hateful pest, +So many a coal-black snake sprouts from her threatening crest. + +XLV. Her Juno finds, and thus new rage inspires: + "Grant, virgin daughter of eternal Night, + This boon, the labour that thy soul desires. + Lest here my fame and honour lose their might, + And Troy gain Italy, and craft unite + Troy's prince with Latium's heiress. Thou can'st turn + Fond hearts to feuds, and brethren arm for fight. + Thou know'st, for savage is thy mood and stern, +To breed domestic strife and happy homes to burn. + +XLVI. "A thousand names, a thousand means hast thou + Of mischief. Search thy fertile breast, and break + The plighted peace. Breed calumnies, and sow + The strife. Let youth desire, demand and take + Thy weapons."--Wreathed with many a Gorgon snake, + To Latium's court Alecto flew unseen, + And by Amata's chamber sate, nor spake; + While, musing on her new-come guests, the queen, +Wroth for her Turnus, boiled with woman's rage and spleen. + +XLVII. At her the goddess from her dark locks threw + A snake, and lodged the monster in her breast, + To make her fury all the house undo. + In glides, impalpable, the maddening pest + Between the dainty bosom and the vest, + Breathing its venom. Like a necklace thin + It hung, all golden, like a wreath, caressed + Her temples, like a ribbon, wove within +Her hair its slippery coils, and wandered o'er her skin. + +XLVIII. So, while the taint, first stealing through her frame, + Slipped in, with slimy venom, and the pest + Thrilled every sense, and wrapped her bones in flame, + Nor yet her soul had caught it, or confessed + The fiery fever that consumed her breast; + Soft, like a mother, and with tears, she cried, + Grieved for her child, and pondering with unrest + The Phrygian match, "Ah, woe the day betide, +If Teucrian exiles win Lavinia for a bride! + +XLIX. "Hast thou no pity for thy child, nor thee, + O father! nor her mother, left forlorn, + When, with the rising North-wind, o'er the sea + Yon faithless pirate hath the maiden borne? + Not so, forsooth, did Lacedaemon mourn + Robbed Helen, when the Phrygian shepherd planned + Her capture. Is thy sacred faith forsworn? + Where is thy old affection? Where that hand +So oft to Turnus pledged, thy kinsman of the land? + +L. "If Latins for Lavinia needs must find + A foreign mate; if so the Fates constrain, + And Faunus' words weigh heavy on thy mind, + All lands, that yield not to the Latin reign, + I count as foreign; so the Gods speak plain; + And foreign then is Turnus, if we trace + The first beginning of his princely strain. + Greeks were his grandsires; Argos was the place +Where old Acrisius ruled, where dwelt th' Inachian race." + +LI. So pleading, and so weeping, she essayed + To move the king; but when her prayers were vain, + Nor tears Latinus from his purpose stayed, + And now the viper with its deadly bane + Crept to her inmost parts, and through each vein + The maddening poison to her heartstrings stole, + Then, scared by monstrous phantoms of the brain, + Poor queen! she raved, and maddening past control, +Ran through the crowded streets in impotence of soul. + +LII. Like as a whip-top by the lash is sent + In widening orbs to spin, when lads among + The empty courtyards urge their merriment; + And, scourged in circling courses by the thong + It wheels and eddies, while the beardless throng + Bend over, lost in ignorant surprise, + And marvel, as the boxwood whirls along, + Stirred by each stroke; so fast Amata flies +From street to street, while crowds look on with lowering eyes. + +LIII. Nay, simulating Bacchus, now she dares + To feign new orgies, and her crime complete. + Swift with her daughter to the woods she fares, + And hides her on the mountains, fain to cheat + The Trojans, and the purposed rites defeat. + "Hail, thou alone art worthy of the fair! + Evoe, Bacchus! for thy name is sweet. + For thee she grows her dedicated hair, +For thee she leads the dance, the ivied wand doth bear." + +LIV. The matrons then--so fast the rumour flew,-- + Fired like the Queen, and frenzied with despair, + Rush forth, and leave their ancient homes for new, + And to the breezes give their necks and hair. + These with their tremulous wailings fill the air, + And, girt about with fawn-skins, bear along + The vine-branch javelins, and Amata there, + Herself ablaze with fury, o'er the throng +A blazing pine-torch waves, and chants the nuptial song + +LV. Of Turnus and Lavinia. Fiercely roll + Her blood-shot eyes, and, frowning, suddenly + She pours the frantic passions of her soul. + "Ho! Latin mothers all, where'er ye be, + Here, if ye love me, if a mother's plea + Deserve your pity, let your hair be seen + Loosed from the fillets, and be mad, like me." + So through the woods, the wild-beasts' lairs between, +With Bacchanalian goads Alecto drives the Queen. + +LVI. When now thus fairly was the work begun, + The barbs of anger planted, pleased to view + Latinus' purpose and his house undone, + On dusky wings the Goddess soared, and through + The liquid air to neighbouring Ardea flew, + The bold Rutulian's city, built of yore + By Danae, thither when the South-wind blew + Her and her followers. Ardea's name it bore, +And Ardea's name still lives, though fortune smiles no more. + +LVII. There in his palace, locked in sleep's embrace, + Lay Turnus. Straight Alecto, versed in snares, + Doffs the fiend's figure and her frowning face. + The likeness of a withered crone she wears, + With wrinkled forehead and with hoary hairs. + Her fillet and her olive crown proclaim + The priestess. Changed in semblance, she appears + Like Calybe, great Juno's sacred dame; +Thus to the youth she comes, and hails him by his name. + +LVIII. "Fie! Turnus, fie! wilt thou behold unstirred + Such labours wasted, and thy hopes belied? + Thy sceptre to a Dardan guest transferred? + See, now, to thee Latinus hath denied + Thy blood-bought dowry, and thy promised bride, + And seeks a stranger for his throne. Away + To thankless perils, while thy friends deride! + Go, strew the Tuscans, scatter their array, +Till Latins, saved once more, their plighted word betray. + +LIX. "This mandate great Saturnia bade me bear, + Thou sleeping. Up, then! greet the welcome hour; + Arm, arm the youth, and from the towngates fare! + These Phrygian vessels with the flames devour, + Moored yonder in fair Tiber. 'Tis the power + Of Heaven that bids thee. Let Latinus, too, + If false and faithless he withhold the dower, + And grudge thy marriage, learn the deed to rue, +And taste at length and try what Turnus armed can do." + +LX. Then he in scorn: "Yea, Tiber's waves beset + With foreign ships--I know it; wherefore feign + For me such terrors? Juno guards me yet. + Good mother, dotage wears thee, and thy brain + Is rusty; age hath troubled thee in vain, + And, 'midst the feuds of monarchs, mocks with fright + A priestess. Go; 'tis thine to guard the fane + And sacred statues; these be thy delight; +Leave peace and war to men, whose business is to fight." + +LXI. Therewith in fire Alecto's wrath outbroke, + A sudden tremor through his limbs ran fast, + His stony eyeballs stiffened as he spoke. + So hissed the Fury with her snakes, so vast + Her shape appeared, so fierce the look she cast, + As back she thrust him with her flaming eyes, + Fain to say more, but faltering and aghast. + Two serpents from her Gorgon locks uprise; +Shrill sounds her scorpion lash, as, foaming, thus she cries: + +LXII. "Behold me, worn with dotage! me, whom age + Hath rusted, and, while monarchs fight, would scare + With empty fears! Behold me in my rage! + I come, the Furies' minister; see there, + War, death and havoc in these hands I bear." + Full at his breast a firebrand, as she spoke, + Black with thick smoke, but bright with lurid glare, + The Fiend outflung. In terror he awoke, +And o'er his bones and limbs a clammy sweat outbroke. + +LXIII. "Arms, arms!" he yells, and searches for his sword + In couch and chamber, maddening at the core + With war's fierce passion, and the lust abhorred + Of slaughter, and with bitter wrath yet more. + As when a wood-fire crackles with fierce roar, + Heaped round a caldron, and the simmering stream + Foams, fumes, and bubbles, and at last boils o'er, + And upward shoots the mingled smoke and steam; +So Turnus boils with wrath, so dire his rage doth seem. + +LXIV. Choice youths he sends, to let Latinus know + The peace was torn, then musters his array + To guard Italia and expel the foe. + Let Trojans league with Latins as they may, + Himself can match them, and he comes to slay. + So saying, his vows he renders. Ardour fires + The fierce Rutulians, and each hails the fray; + And one his youth, and one his grace admires, +And one his valorous deeds, and one his kingly sires. + +LXV. So Turnus the Rutulians stirred to war. + Meanwhile the Fury to the Trojans bent + Her flight; with wily eye she marked afar, + With snares and steeds upon the chase intent, + Iulus. On his hounds at once she sent + A sudden madness, and fierce rage awoke + To chase the stag, as with the well-known scent + She lured their nostrils.--Thus the feud outbroke; +So small a cause of strife could rustic hearts provoke. + +LXVI. Broad-antlered, beauteous was the stag, which erst + The sons of Tyrrheus (Tyrrheus kept whilere + The royal herd and pastures), fostering nursed, + Snatched from the dam. Their sister, Silvia fair, + Oft wreathed his horns, and oft with tender care + She washed him, and his shaggy coat would comb. + So tamed, and trained his master's board to share, + The gentle favourite in the woods would roam; +Each night, how late soe'er, he sought the well-known home. + +LXVII. Him the fierce hounds now startle far astray, + As down the stream he floats, or, crouching low, + Rests on the green bank from the noontide ray. + Athirst for praise, Ascanius bends his bow; + Loud whirs the arrow, for Fate aims the blow, + And cleaves his flank and belly. Homeward flies + The wounded creature, moaning in his woe. + Blood-stained, with piteous and imploring eyes, +Like one who sues for life, he fills the house with cries. + +LXVIII. Smiting the breast, poor Silvia calls for aid. + Forth rush the churls, scarce waiting her demand, + Roused by the Fury in the wood's still shade. + One grasps a club, another wields a brand; + Rage makes a weapon of what comes to hand. + Forth from his work ran Tyrrheus, who an oak + Was cleaving with the wedge, and cheered the band. + His hand still grasped the hatchet for the stroke, +And bitter wrath he breathed, and fierce the words he spoke. + +LXIX. The Fury snatched the moment; forth she flew, + And, perching on the cabin-roof, looked round, + And from the curved horn of the shepherds blew + A blast of Tartarus, that shook the ground, + And made the forests and the groves rebound + The infernal echoes. Trivia's lakes afar, + And Velia's fountains heard the dreadful sound; + The white waves heard it of the sulphurous Nar, +And mothers clasped their babes, and trembled at the war. + +LXX. Swift at the summons, as the trumpet brayed, + The sturdy shepherds arm them for the fray. + Swift pour the Trojans from their camp, to aid + Ascanius. Lo! 'tis battle's stern array, + No village brawl, where churls dispute the day + With charred oak-staves and cudgels. Broadswords clash + With broadswords, and War's harvest far away + Stands, bristling black with iron, as they dash +Together, and drawn swords in doubtful conflict flash. + +LXXI. And brazen arms shoot many a blinding ray, + Smit by the sun, as clouds that fill the sky, + Disparting, show the splendours of the fray. + As when a light wind o'er the sea doth fly, + And the wave whitens as the breeze goes by, + And by degrees the bosom of the deep + Heaves up and swells, till higher and more high + The billows rise, and, gathering in a heap, +From Ocean's caves mount up, and storm the ethereal steep. + +LXXII. First falls the son of Tyrrheus, stretched in death, + Young Almo. In his throat the deadly bane + Stuck fast, and choked the humid pass of breath, + And clipped the thin-spun life. There, too, is slain + Grey-haired Galaesus, parleying but in vain. + More righteous none, though many around lie killed, + None wealthier did Ausonia's realm contain. + Five herds, five bleating flocks, his pastures filled, +And with a hundred ploughs his fruitful lands he tilled. + +LXXIII. Thus while the conflict wavered on the plain, + The Fury, pleased her triumph to survey, + Her pledge fulfilled,--War crimsoned with the stain + Of gore, and grim Death busy with his prey,-- + Swift from Hesperia wings her airy way, + And proudly speaks to Juno: "See, 'tis done; + The discord perfect in the dolorous fray, + And War with all its miseries begun. +Now bid, forsooth, the foes plight friendship and be one. + +LXXIV. "Steeped are thy Trojans in Ausonian gore. + Yet speak, and more will I perform, if so + Thy purpose holds. Along the neighbouring shore + Each town shall hear the rumour of the foe, + Each breast with frenzy for the strife shall glow, + Till all bring aid, and fruitful is the land + In deeds of blood."--Then Juno: "Nay, not so; + Enough of fraud and terror. Firmly stand +The causes of the feud; they battle hand to hand, + +LXXV. "And fresh blood stains the weapons chance supplied. + Such joy the bridal to Latinus bear, + And Venus' wondrous offspring, and his bride. + But thou--for scarce Olympus' king would bear + Thy lawless roving in ethereal air,-- + Give place; myself will guide the rest aright." + Saturnia spoke; Alecto then and there + Her wings, that hiss with serpents, spreads for flight, +And to Cocytus dives, and leaves the realms of light. + +LXXVI. In mid Italia lies a vale renowned, + Amsanctus. Dark woods down the mountain grow + This side and that; a torrent with the sound + Of thunder roars among the rocks below. + There, black as night, an awful cave they show, + The gorge of Dis. Dread Acheron from beneath + Bursts in a whirlpool, with its waves of woe, + And jaws that gape with pestilential death. +There plunged the hateful Fiend, and earth and air took breath. + +LXXVII. Nor less, meanwhile, Saturnia hastes to crown + The war's mad tumult. Home the shepherds bore + Their dead from out the battle to the town. + Young Almo, and Galaesus, fouled with gore. + All bid Latinus witness, and implore + The gods, and while the blood-cry calls for flame + And slaughter, Turnus swells the wild uproar. + What! he an outcast? Shall the Trojans claim +The realm, and bastards dare the Latin race to shame? + +LXXVIII. Then they, whose mothers through the pathless vales + And forests, fired with Bacchic frenzy, ply + Their orgies--so Amata's name prevails-- + Come forth, and, gathering from far and nigh, + Weary the War-god with their clamorous cry, + Till, thwarting Heaven's high purpose, each and all + Omens at once and oracles defy, + And swarm around Latinus in his hall, +War now is all their wish, "to arms" the general call. + +LXXIX. Firm stands the monarch as a sea-girt rock, + A sea-girt rock against the roaring main, + Which, spite of barking billows and the shock + Of Ocean, doth its own huge mass sustain. + The foaming crags around it chafe in vain, + And back it flings the seaweed from its side. + Too weak at length their madness to restrain, + For things move on as Juno's whims decide, +Oft to the gods, and oft to empty air he cried. + +LXXX. "Ah me! the tempest hurries us along. + Fate grinds us sore. Poor Latins! ye must sate, + Your blood must pay, the forfeit for your wrong. + Thee, Turnus, thee the avenging fiends await, + Thou, too, the gods shalt weary, but too late. + My rest is won, and in the port I ride; + Happy in all, had not an envious fate + Denied a happy ending." Thus he cried, +And to his chamber fled, and flung the crown aside. + +LXXXI. A custom in Hesperian Latium reigned, + Which Alban cities kept with sacred care, + And Rome, the world's great mistress, hath retained. + Thus still they wake the War-god, whensoe'er + For Arabs or Hyrcanians they prepare, + Or Getic tribes the tearful woes of war, + Or push to Ind their distant arms, or dare + To track the footsteps of the Morning star, +And claim their standards back from Parthia's hosts afar. + +LXXXII. Twain are the Gates of War, to dreadful Mars + With awe kept sacred and religious pride. + A hundred brazen bolts and iron bars + Shut fast the doors, and Janus stands beside. + Here, when the senators on war decide, + The Consul, decked in his Quirinal pall + And Gabine cincture, flings the portals wide, + And cries to arms; the warriors, one and all, +With blare of brazen horns make answer to the call. + +LXXXIII. 'Twas thus that now Latinus they require + To dare AEneas' followers to the fray, + And ope the portals. But the good old Sire + Shrank from the touch, and, shuddering with dismay, + Shunned the foul office, and abjured the day. + Then, downward darting from the skies afar, + Heaven's empress with her right hand wrenched away + The lingering bars. The grating hinges jar, +As back Saturnia thrusts the iron gates of War. + +LXXXIV. Then woke Ausonia from her sleep. Forth swarm + Footmen and horsemen, and in wild career + Whirl up the dust. "Arm," cry the warriors, "arm!" + With unctuous lard their polished shields they smear, + And whet the axe, and scour the rusty spear. + Their banners wave, their trumpets sound the fight. + Five towns their anvils for the war uprear, + Crustumium, Tibur, glorying in her might, +Ardea, Atina strong, Antemnae's tower-girt height. + +LXXXV. Lithe twigs of osier in their shields they weave, + And shape the casque, and in the mould prepare + The brazen breastplate and the silver greave. + Scorned lie the spade, the sickle and the share, + Their fathers' falchions to the forge they bear. + Now peals the clarion; through the host hath spread + The watch-word. Helmets from the walls they tear, + And yoke the steeds. In triple gold arrayed, +Each grasps the burnished shield, and girds the trusty blade. + +LXXXVI. Now open Helicon; awake the strain, + Ye Muses. Aid me, that the tale be told, + What kings were roused, what armies filled the plain, + What battles blazed, what men of valiant mould + Graced fair Italia in those days of old. + Aid ye, for ye are goddesses, and clear + Can ye remember, and the tale unfold. + But faint and feeble is the voice we hear, +A slender breath of Fame, that falters on the ear. + +LXXXVII. First came with armed men from Etruria's coast + Mezentius, scorner of the Gods. Next came + His son, young Lausus, comeliest of the host, + Save Turnus--Lausus, who the steed could tame, + And quell wild beasts and track the woodland game. + A hundred warriors from Agylla's town + He leads--ah vainly! though he died with fame. + Proud had he been and worthy to have known +A nobler sire's commands, a nobler sire to own. + +LXXXVIII. With conquering steeds triumphant o'er the mead, + His chariot, crowned with palm-leaves, proudly wheeled + The comely Aventinus, glorious seed + Of glorious Hercules; the blazoned shield + His father's Hydra and her snakes revealed. + Him, when of old, the monstrous Geryon slain, + The lord of Tiryns, victor of the field, + Reached in his wanderings the Laurentian plain, +And bathed in Tiber's stream the captured herds of Spain, + +LXXXIX. The priestess Rhea, in the secret shade + Of wooded Aventine, brought forth to light, + A god commingling with a mortal maid. + With pikes and poles his followers join the fight, + Their swords are sharp, their Sabine spears are bright. + Himself afoot, a lion's bristling hide + With sharp teeth set in rows of glittering white, + Swings o'er his forehead, as with eager stride, +Clad in his father's cloak, he seeks the monarch's side. + +XC. Twin brothers came from Tibur--such the name + Tiburtus gave it--one Catillus hight, + And one fierce Coras, each of Argive fame, + Each in the van, where deadliest raves the fight. + As when two cloud-born Centaurs in their might + From some tall mountain with swift strides descend, + Steep Homole, or Othrys' snow-capt height; + The thickets yield, trees crash, and branches bend, +As with resistless force the trampled woods they rend. + +XCI. Nor lacked Praeneste's founder, Vulcan's child, + Found on the hearthstone--if the tale be true,-- + Brave Caeculus, the Shepherds' monarch styled. + Forth from Praeneste swarmed the rustic crew, + From Juno's Gabium to the fight they flew, + From ice-cold Anio, swoln with wintry rain, + From Hernic rocks, which mountain streams bedew, + From fat Anagnia's pastures, from the plain +Where Amasenus rolls majestic to the main. + +XCII. With diverse arms they hasten to the war; + Not all can boast the clashing of the shield, + Not all the thunder of the rattling car. + These sling their leaden bullets o'er the field, + Those in each hand the deadly javelin wield. + With caps of fur their rugged brows are dight, + The tawny covering from the dark wolf peeled; + Bare is the left foot, as they march to fight, +And, rough with raw bull's-hide, a sandal guards the right. + +XCIII. Next came Messapus, tamer of the steed, + Great Neptune's son. Fire nor the steel's sharp stroke + Could lay him lifeless, so the Fates decreed. + Grasping his sword, a laggard race he woke, + Disused to war, and tardy to provoke. + Behind him throng Fescennia's ranks to fight, + Men from Flavinia, and Faliscum's folk, + And those whom fair Capena's groves delight, +Ciminius' mount and lake, and steep Soracte's height. + +XCIV. With measured tramp, their monarch's praise they sing, + Like snowy swans, the liquid clouds among, + Which homeward from their feeding ply the wing, + When o'er Cayster's marish, loud and long, + The echoes float of their melodious song. + None, sure, such countless multitudes would deem + The mail-clad warriors of an armed throng: + Nay, rather, like a dusky cloud they seem +Of sea-fowl, landward driven with many a hoarse-voiced scream. + +XCV. Lo, Clausus next; a mighty host he led, + Himself a host. From Sabine sires he came, + And Latium thence the Claudian house o'erspread, + When Romans first with Sabines dared to claim + Coequal lordship and a share of fame. + With Amiternus came Eretum's band; + From fair Velinus' dewy fields they came, + From olive-crowned Mutusca, from the land +Where proud Nomentum's towers the fruitful plains command. + +XCVI. From the rough crags of Tetrica came down + Her hosts; they came from tall Severus' flank, + From Foruli and fam'd Casperia's town, + Wash'd by Himella's waves, and those who drank + Of Fabaris, or dwelt on Tiber's bank. + Those, too, whom Nursia sendeth from the snows, + And Horta's sons, in many an ordered rank, + And tribes of Latin origin, and those +Between whose parted fields th' ill-omened Allia flows. + +XCVII. As roll the billows on the Libyan deep, + When fierce Orion in the wintry main + Sinks, dark with tempests, and the waves upleap; + As, parched with suns of summer, stands the grain + On Hermus' fields, or Lycia's golden plain; + So countless swarm the multitudes around + Bold Clausus, and the wide air rings again + With echoes, as their clashing shields resound, +And with the tramp of feet they shake the trembling ground. + +XCVIII. There Agamemnon's kinsman yokes his steeds, + Halaesus. Trojans were his foes, his friend + Was Turnus. Lo, a thousand tribes he leads; + Those who on Massic hills the vineyards tend, + Those whom Auruncans from their mountains send. + From Sidicinum and her neighbouring plain, + From Cales, from Volturnus' shoals they wend. + From steep Saticulum the sturdy swain, +Fierce for the fray, comes down and joins the Oscan train. + +XCIX. Light barbs they fling, from pliant thongs of hide, + A leathern target o'er the left is strung, + And short, curved daggers the close fight decide. + Nor, OEbalus, those gallant hosts among, + Shalt thou go nameless, and thy praise unsung, + Thou, from old Telon, as the tale hath feigned, + And beauteous Sebethis, the wood-nymph, sprung, + O'er Teleboan Caprea when he reigned; +But Caprea's narrow realm proud OEbalus disdained. + +C. Far stretched his rule; Sarrastians owned his sway, + And they, whose lands the Sarnian waters drain, + And they, who till Celenna's fields, and they + Whom Batulum and Rufrae's walls contain, + And where through apple-orchards o'er the plain + Shines fair Abella. Deftly can they wield + Their native arms; the Teuton's lance they strain; + Bark helmets guard them, from the cork-tree peeled, +And brazen are their swords, and brazen every shield. + +CI. From Nersa's hills, by prosperous arms renowned, + Comes Ufens, with his AEquians, in array. + Rude huntsmen these; in arms the stubborn ground + They till, themselves as stubborn. Day by day + They snatch fresh plunder, and they live by prey. + There, too, brave Umbro, of Marruvian fame, + Sent by his king Archippus, joins the fray. + Around his helmet, for in arms he came, +The auspicious olive's leaves the sacred priest proclaim. + +CII. The rank-breath'd Hydra and the viper's rage + With hand and voice he lulled asleep; his art + Their bite could heal, their fury could assuage. + Alas! no medicine can heal the smart + Wrought by the griding of the Dardan dart. + Nor Massic herbs, nor slumberous charms avail + To cure the wound, that rankles in his heart. + Ah, hapless! thee Anguitia's bowering vale, +Thee Fucinus' clear waves and liquid lakes bewail! + +CIII. Next came to war Hippolytus' fair child, + The comely Virbius, whom Aricia bore + Amid Egeria's grove, where rich and mild + Stands Dian's altar on the meadowy shore. + For when (Fame tells) Hippolytus of yore + Was slain, the victim of a stepdame's spite, + And, torn by frightened horses, quenched with gore + His father's wrath, famed Paeon's herbs of might +And Dian's fostering love restored him to the light. + +CIV. Wroth then was Jove, that one of mortal clay + Should rise by mortal healing from the grave, + And change the nether darkness for the day, + And him, whose leechcraft thus availed to save, + Hurled with his lightning to the Stygian wave. + But kind Diana, in her pitying love, + Concealed her darling in a secret cave, + And fair Egeria nursed him in her grove, +Far from the view of men, and wrath of mighty Jove. + +CV. There, changed in name to Virbius, but to fame + Unknown, through life in Latin woods he strayed. + Thenceforth, in memory of the deed of shame, + No horn-hoof'd steeds are suffered to invade + Chaste Trivia's temple or her sacred glade, + Since, scared by Ocean's monsters, from his car + They dashed him by the deep. Yet, undismayed, + His son, young Virbius, o'er the plains afar +The fleet-horsed chariot drives, and hastens to the war. + +CVI. High in the forefront towered with stately frame + Turnus himself. His three-plumed helmet bore + A dragon fierce, that breathed AEtnean flame. + The bloodier waxed the battle, so the more + Its fierceness blazed, the louder was its roar. + Behold, the heifer on his shield, the sign + Of Io's fate; there Argus ever o'er + The virgin watches, and the stream doth shine, +Poured from the pictured urn of Inachus divine. + +CVII. Next come the shielded footmen in a cloud, + Auruncan bands, Sicanians famed of yore, + Argives, Rutulians, and Sacranians proud. + Their painted shields the brave Labicians bore; + From Tibur's glades, from blest Numicia's shore, + From Circe's mount, from where great Jove presides + O'er Anxur, from Feronia's grove they pour, + From Satura's dark pool, where Ufens glides +Cold through the deepening vales, and mingles with the tides. + +CVIII. Last came Camilla, with the Volscian bands, + Fierce horsemen, each in glittering arms bedight, + A warrior-virgin; ne'er her tender hands + Had plied the distaff; war was her delight, + Her joy to race the whirlwind and to fight. + Swift as the breeze, she skimmed the golden grain, + Nor bent the tapering wheatstalks in her flight, + So swift, the billows of the heaving main +Touched not her flying fleet, she scoured the watery plain. + +CIX. Forth from each field and homestead, hurrying, throng, + With wonder, men and matrons, young and old, + And greet the maiden as she moves along. + Entranced with greedy rapture, they behold + Her royal scarf, in many a purple fold, + Float o'er her shining shoulders, and her hair + Bound in a coronal of clasping gold, + Her Lycian quiver, and her pastoral spear +Of myrtle, tipt with steel, and her, the maid, how fair! + + + + +BOOK EIGHT + + +ARGUMENT + +Mustering of Italians, and embassage to Diomedes (1-18). Tiber in +a dream heartens AEneas and directs him to Evander for succour. +AEneas sacrifices the white sow and her litter to Juno, and reaches +Evander's city Pallanteum--the site of Rome (19-117). AEneas and +Evander meet and feast together. The story of Cacus and the praises +of Hercules are told and sung. Evander shows his city to AEneas +(118-432). Venus asks and obtains from Vulcan divine armour for her +son (433-531). At daybreak Evander promises AEneas further succour. +Their colloquy is interrupted by a sign from heaven (532-630). +Despatches are sent to Ascanius and prayers for aid to the Tuscans. +AEneas, his men and Evander's son Pallas are sent forth by Evander +with prayers for their success (631-720). Venus brings to AEneas the +armour wrought by Vulcan (721-738). Virgil describes the shield, on +which are depicted, not only the trials and triumphs of Rome's early +kings and champions, but the final conflict also at Actium between +East and West and the world-wide empire of Augustus (739-846). + + +I. When Turnus from Laurentum's tower afar + Signalled the strife, and bade the war-horns bray, + And stirred the mettled steeds, and woke the war, + Hearts leaped at once; all Latium swore that day + The oath of battle, burning for the fray. + Messapus, Ufens, and Mezentius vain, + Who scorned the Gods, ride foremost. Far away + They scour the fields; the shepherd and the swain +Rush to the war, and bare of ploughmen lies the plain. + +II. To Diomed posts Venulus, to crave + His aid, and tell how Teucrians hold the land; + AEneas with his gods hath crossed the wave, + And claims the throne his vaunted Fates demand. + How many a tribe hath joined the Dardan's band, + How spreads his fame through Latium. What the foe + May purpose next, what conquest he hath planned, + Should friendly fortune speed the coming blow, +Better than Latium's king AEtolia's lord must know. + +III. So Latium fares. AEneas, tost with tides + Of thought, for well he marked the growing fight, + This way and that his eager mind divides, + Reflects, revolves and ponders on his plight. + As waters in a brazen urn flash bright, + Smit by the sunbeam or the moon's pale rays, + And round the chamber flits the trembling light, + And darts aloft, and on the ceiling plays, +So many a varying mood his anxious mind displays. + +IV. 'Twas night; the tired world rested. Far and nigh + All slept, the cattle and the fowls of air. + Stretched on a bank, beneath the cold, clear sky, + Lay good AEneas, fain at length to share + Late slumber, troubled by the war with care. + When, 'twixt the poplars, where the fair stream flows, + With azure mantle, and with sedge-crowned hair, + The aged Genius of the place uprose, +And, standing by, thus spake, and comforted his woes: + +V. "Blest seed of Heaven! who from the foemen's hand + Our Troy dost bring, and to an endless date + Preservest Pergama; whom Latium's land + Hath looked for, and Laurentum's fields await, + Here, doubt not, are thy homegods, here hath Fate + Thy home decreed. Let not war's terrors seem + To daunt thee. Heaven is weary of its hate; + Its storms are spent. Distrust not, nor esteem +These words of idle worth, the coinage of a dream. + +VI. "Hard by, beneath yon oak-trees, thou shalt see + A huge, white swine, and, clustering around + Her teats, are thirty young ones, white as she. + There shall thy labour with repose be crown'd, + Thy city set. There Alba's walls renowned, + When twice ten times hath rolled the circling year, + Called Alba Longa, shall Ascanius found. + Sure stands the word; and now attend and hear, +How best through present straits a prosperous course to steer. + +VII. "Arcadians here, a race of old renown, + From Pallas sprung, with king Evander came, + And on the hill-side built a chosen town, + Called Pallanteum, from their founder's name. + Year after year they ply the war's rude game + With Latins. Go, and win them to thy side, + Bid them as fellows to thy camp, and frame + A league. Myself along the banks will guide, +And teach thy labouring oars to mount the opposing tide. + +VIII. "Rise, Goddess-born, and, when the stars decline, + Pray first to Juno, and on bended knee + Subdue her wrath with supplication. Mine + Shall be the victor's homage; I am he, + Heaven's favoured stream, whose brimming waves ye see, + Borne in full flood these flowery banks between, + Chafe the fat soil and cleave the fruitful lea, + Blue Tiber. Here my dwelling shall be seen, +Fairest of lofty towns, the world's majestic queen." + +IX. So saying, the Stream-god dived beneath the flood, + And sought the deep. Slumber at once and night + Forsook AEneas; he arose, and stood, + And eastward gazing at the dawning light, + Scooped up the stream, obedient to the rite, + And prayed, "O nymphs, Laurentian nymphs, whence spring + All rivers; father Tiber, blest and bright, + Receive AEneas as your own, and bring +Peace to his toil-worn heart, and shield the Dardan king. + +X. "What pool soever holds thy source, where'er + The soil, from whence thou leapest to the day + In loveliness, these grateful hands shall bear + Due gifts, these lips shall hallow thee for aye, + Horned river, whom Hesperian streams obey, + Whose pity cheers; be with us, I entreat, + Confirm thy purpose, and thy power display." + He spake, and chose two biremes from the fleet, +Equipped with oars, and rigged with crews and arms complete. + +XI. Lo! now a portent, wondrous to be seen. + Stretched at full length along the bank, they view + The fateful swine, conspicuous on the green, + White, with her litter of the self-same hue. + Her good AEneas, as an offering due, + To Juno, mightiest of all powers divine, + Yea, e'en to thee, dread Juno, caught and slew, + And lit the altars and outpoured the wine, +And left the dam and brood together at the shrine. + +XII. All night the Tiber stayed his swelling flood, + And with hushed wave, recoiling from the main, + Calm as some pool or quiet lake, he stood + And smoothed his waters like a liquid plain, + That not an oar should either strive or strain. + Thus on they go; smooth glides the bark of pine, + Borne with glad shouts; and ever and again + The woods and waters wonder, as the line +Of painted keels goes by, with arms of glittering shine. + +XIII. All night and day outwearying, they steer + Up the long reaches, through the groves, that lie + With green trees shadowing the tranquil mere. + Now flamed the sun in the meridian high, + When walls afar and citadel they spy, + And scattered roofs. Where now the power of Rome + Hath made her stately structures mate the sky, + Then poor and lowly stood Evander's home. +Thither their prows are turned, and to the town they come. + +XIV. That day, Arcadia's monarch, in a grove + Before the town, a solemn feast had planned + To Hercules and all the gods above. + His son, young Pallas, and a youthful band, + And humble senators around him stand, + Each offering incense, and the warm, fresh blood + Still smokes upon the shrines, when, hard at hand, + They see the tall ships, through the shadowy wood, +Glide up with silent oars along the sacred flood. + +XV. Scared by the sudden sight, all quickly rise + And quit the board. But Pallas, bold of cheer, + Bids them not break the worship. Forth he flies + To meet the strangers, as their ships appear, + His right hand brandishing a glittering spear. + "Gallants," he hails them from a mound afar, + "What drove you hither by strange ways to steer? + Say whither wending? who and what ye are? +Your kin, and where your home? And bring ye peace or war?" + +XVI. Then sire AEneas from the stern outheld + A branch of olive, and bespake him fair: + "Troy's sons ye see, by Latin pride expelled. + 'Gainst Latin enemies these arms we bear. + We seek Evander. Go, the news declare: + Choice Dardan chiefs his friendship come to claim. + His aid we ask for, and his arms would share." + He ceased, and wonder and amazement came +On Pallas, struck with awe to hear the mighty name. + +XVII. "Whoe'er thou art, hail, stranger," he replied, + "Step forth, and to my father tell thy quest, + And take the welcome that true hearts provide." + Forth as he leaped, the Dardan's hand he pressed, + And, pressing, held it, and embraced his guest. + So from the river through the grove they fare, + And reach the place, where, feasting with the rest, + They find Evander. Him with speeches fair +AEneas hails, and hastes his errand to declare. + +XVIII. "O best of Greeks, whom thus with olive bough + Hath Fortune willed me to entreat; yet so + I shunned thee not, albeit Arcadian thou, + A Danaan leader, in whose veins doth flow + The blood of Atreus, and my country's foe. + My conscious worth, our ties of ancestry, + Thy fame, which rumour through the world doth blow, + And Heaven's own oracles, by Fate's decree, +My willing steps have led, and link my heart, to thee. + +XIX. "Troy's founder, Dardanus, to the Teucrians came, + Child of Electra, so the Greeks declare. + Huge Atlas was Electra's sire, the same + Whose shoulders still the starry skies upbear. + Your sire is Mercury, whom Maia fair + On chill Cyllene's summit bore of old; + And Maia's sire, if aught of truth we hear, + Was Atlas, he who doth the spheres uphold. +Thus from a single stock the double stems unfold. + +XX. "Trusting to this, no embassy I sent, + No arts employed, thy purpose to explore. + Myself, my proper person, I present, + And stand a humble suppliant at thy door. + Thy foes are ours, the Daunian race, and sore + They grind us. If they drive us hence, they say, + Their conquering arms shall stretch from shore to shore. + Plight we our troth; strong arms are ours to-day, +Stout hearts, and manhood proved in many a hard essay." + +XXI. He ceased. Long while Evander marked with joy + His face and eyes, and scanned through and through, + Then spake: "O bravest of the sons of Troy! + What joy to greet thee; thine the voice, the hue, + The face of great Anchises, whom I knew. + Well I remember, how, in days forepast, + Old Priam came to Salamis, to view + His sister's realms, Hesione's, and passed +To far Arcadia, chilled with many a Northern blast. + +XXII. "Scarce o'er my cheeks the callow down had crept, + With wondering awe I viewed the Trojan train, + And gazed at Priam. But Anchises stepped + The tallest. Boyish ardour made me fain + To greet the hero, and his hand to strain. + I ventured, and to Pheneus brought my guest. + A Lycian case of arrows, bridles twain, + All golden--Pallas holds them,--and a vest +And scarf of broidered gold his parting thanks expressed. + +XXIII. "Take then the hand thou seekest; be it thine, + The plighted pact; and when to-morrow's ray + Shall chase the shadows, and the dawn shall shine, + Aid will I give you, and due stores purvey, + And send you hence rejoicing on your way. + Meanwhile, since Heaven forbids us to postpone + These yearly rites, and we are friends, be gay + And share with us the banquet. Sit ye down,-- +Behold, the boards are spread,--and make the feast your own." + +XXIV. He spake, and back, at his command, they bring + The food and wine. The chiefs, in order meet, + Along the grass he ranges, and their king + Leads to his throne; of maple was the seat; + A lion's hide lay bristling at his feet. + Youths and the altar's minister bring wine, + And heap the bread, and serve the roasted meat. + On lustral entrails and the bull's whole chine, +Couched round the Trojan king, the Trojan warriors dine. + +XXV. Then, when at last desire of food had ceased, + Thus spake Evander: "Lo, this solemn show, + This sacred altar, and this ordered feast, + No idle witchwork are they. Well we know + The ancient gods. Saved from a fearful foe, + Each year the deed we celebrate. See there + Yon nodding crag; behold the rocks below, + Tost in huge ruin, and the lonely lair, +Scooped from the mountain's side, how wild the waste and bare! + +XXVI. "There yawned the cavern, in the rock's dark womb, + Wherein the monster Cacus dwelt of yore, + Half-human. Never sunlight pierced the gloom; + But day by day the rank earth reeked with gore, + And human faces, nailed above the door, + Hung, foul and ghastly. From the loins he came + Of Vulcan, and his huge mouth evermore + Spewed forth a torrent of Vulcanian flame; +Proudly he stalked the earth, and shook the world's fair frame. + +XXVII. "But time, in answer to our prayers, one day + Brought aid,--a God to help us in our need. + Flushed with the death of Geryon, came this way + Alcides, glorying in the victor's meed, + And hither drove his mighty bulls to feed. + These, pasturing in the valley, from his lair + Fierce Cacus saw, and, scorning in his greed + To leave undone what crime or craft could dare, +Four beauteous heifers stole, four oxen sleek and fair. + +XXVIII. "Then, lest their footprints should the track declare, + Back by their tails he dragged the captured kine, + With hoofs reversed, and shut them in his lair, + And whoso sought the cavern found no sign. + But when at last Amphitryon's son divine, + His feasted herds, preparing to remove, + Called from their pastures, and in long-drawn line, + With plaintive lowing, the departing drove +Trooped from the echoing hills, and clamours filled the grove, + +XXIX. "One of the heifers from the cave again + Lowed back, in answer to the sound, and broke + The hopes of Cacus, and his theft was plain. + Black choler in Alcides' breast awoke. + Grasping his arms and club of knotted oak, + Straight to the sky-capt Aventine he hies, + And scales the steep. Then, not till then, our folk + Saw Cacus tremble. To the cave he flies, +Wing'd like the wind with fear, and terror in his eyes. + +XXX. "Scarce in, the rock he loosened with a blow, + Slung high in iron by his father's care, + And with the barrier blocked the door; when lo, + With heart aflame, great Hercules was there, + And searched each way for access to his lair, + Grinding his teeth. Thrice round the mount he threw + His vengeful eyes, thrice strove from earth to tear + The stone, and storm the threshold, thrice withdrew, +And in the vale sat down, and nursed his wrath anew. + +XXXI. "Sharp-pointed, sheer above the dungeon, stood + A crag, fit home for evil birds to light. + This, where it frowned to leftward o'er the flood, + Alcides shook, and, heaving from the right, + Tore from its roots, and headlong down the height + Impelled it. With the impulse and the fall + Heaven thunders; back the river in affright + Shrinks to its source. Bank leaps from bank, and all +The mountain, yawning, shows the monster's cave and hall. + +XXXII. "Stript of their roof, the dark abodes far back + Lie open to their inmost; e'en as though + Earth, rent asunder with convulsive wrack, + And opening to the centre, gaped to show + Hell's regions, and the gloomy realms of woe, + Abhorr'd of gods, and bare to mortals lay + The vast abyss, while in the gulf below + The pallid spectres, huddling in dismay, +Looked up with dazzled eyes, at influx of the day. + +XXXIII. "Caught in his den, the startled monster strove, + With uncouth bellowing, to elude the light. + With darts Alcides plies him from above, + Huge trunks and millstones seizing for the fight, + Hard pressed at length, and desperate for flight, + Black smoke he vomits, wondrous to be told, + That shrouds the cavern, and obscures the sight, + And, denser than the night, around his hold +Thick darkness, mixt with fire, and smothering fumes are rolled. + +XXXIV. "Scorn filled Alcides, and his wrath outbroke, + And through the fire, indignant, with a bound + He dashes, where thickest rolled the cloud of smoke, + And in black vapours all the cave was drowned. + Here, vomiting his idle flames, he found + Huge Cacus in the darkness. Like a thread + He twists him--chokes him--pins him to the ground, + The strangled eyeballs starting from his head; +Blood leaves the blackened throat, the giant form lies dead. + +XXXV. "Then suddenly, as back the doors are torn, + The gloomy den stands open, and the prey, + The stolen oxen, and the spoils forsworn, + Are bared to heaven, and by the heels straightway + He drags the grisly carcase to the day. + All, thronging round, with hungry gaze admire + The monster. Lost in wonder and dismay + They mark the eyes, late terrible with ire, +The face, the bristly breast, the jaw's extinguished fire. + +XXXVI. "Henceforth they solemnise this day divine, + Their glad posterity from year to year, + Potitius first, and the Pinarian line, + Preserve the praise of Hercules; and here + This altar named 'the Greatest' did they rear. + (Greatest 'twill be for ever). Come then, all, + And give such worth due honour. Wreathe your hair, + And pass the wine-bowl merrily, and call +Each on our common God, the guardian of us all." + +XXXVII. He spake; the God's own poplar, fleckt with white, + Hung, twining o'er his brows. His right hand bore + The sacred bowl. All, gladdening, hail the rite, + And pour libations, and the Gods adore. + 'Twas evening, and the Western star once more + Sloped towards Olympus. Forth Potitius came, + Leading the priests, girt roughly, as of yore, + With skins of beasts, and bearing high the flame. +Fresh, dainty gifts they bring, the second course to frame. + +XXXVIII. Next came the Salians, dancing as they sung + Around the blazing altars. Poplar crowned + Their brows; a double chorus, old and young, + Chant forth the glories and the deeds renowned + Of Hercules; how, potent to confound + His stepdame's hate, he crushed the serpents twain; + What towns in war he levelled to the ground, + Troy and OEchalia; how with infinite pain +Eurystheus' tasks he sped, and Juno's fates were vain: + +XXXIX. "Oh thou, unconquered, whose resistless hand + Smote the twin giants of the cloud-born crew, + Pholus, Hylaeus; and the Cretan land + Freed from its monster; and in Nemea slew + The lion! Styx hath trembled at thy view, + And Cerberus, when, smeared with gore, he lay + On bones half-mumbled in his darksome mew. + Thee not Typhoeus, when in armed array +He towered erect, could daunt, nor grisly shapes dismay. + +XL. "Prompt was thy wit, when, powerless to prevail, + Around thee twined, the beast of Lerna's fen + Hissed with the legion of its heads. O hail, + True son of Jove, the praise of mortal men, + And Heaven's new glory. Hither turn thy ken, + And cheer thy votaries." So with heart and will + They chant his praise, nor less the monster's den, + And Cacus, breathing flames. The loud notes fill +The sacred grove around, and echo to the hill. + +XLI. The rites thus ended, to the town they fare. + In front, the good Evander, old and grey, + Moves 'twixt AEneas and his youthful heir, + And oft with various converse, as they stray, + Beguiles the lightened labour of the way. + Now this, now that the Trojan chief admires, + Filled with new pleasure, as his eyes survey + Each place in turn. Oft, gladly he enquires +The tokens, one by one, and tales of ancient sires. + +XLII. Then he, who built the citadel of Rome, + Spake thus--the good Evander: "Yonder view + The forest; 'twas the Fauns' and Wood-nymphs' home. + Their birth from trunks and rugged oaks they drew; + No arts they had, nor settled life, nor knew + To yoke the ox, or lay up stores, or spare + What wealth they gathered; but their wants were few; + The branches gave them sustenance, whate'er +In toilsome chase they won, composed their scanty fare. + +XLIII. "Then first came Saturn from Olympus' height, + Flying from Jove, his kingdom barred and banned, + He taught the scattered hillsmen to unite, + And gave them laws, and bade the name to stand + Of Latium, he safe latent in the land. + Then tranquilly the happy seasons rolled + Year after year, and Peace, with plenteous hand, + Smiled on his sceptre. 'Twas the Age of Gold, +So well his placid sway the willing folk controlled. + +XLIV. "Then waxed the times degenerate, and the stain + With stealthy growth gave birth to deeds of shame, + The rage of battle, and the lust of gain. + Then came Ausonians, then Sicanians came, + And oft the land of Saturn changed its name. + Strange tyrants came, and ruled Italia's shore, + Grim-visaged Thybris, of gigantic frame; + His name henceforth the river Tiber bore, +And Albula's old name was known, alas! no more. + +XLV. "Me, from my country driven forth to roam + The utmost deep, perforce the Fates' design + And Fortune's power drove hitherward. This home + My mother, Nymph Carmentis, warned was mine; + A god, Apollo, did these shores assign." + So saying, he shows the altar and the gate + Long called Carmental, from the Nymph divine, + First seer who sang, with faithful voice, how great +AEneas' race should rise, and Pallanteum's fate. + +XLVI. He shows the grove of Romulus, his famed + Asylum; then, beneath the rock's cold crest + Lupercal's cave, from Pan Lycaean named; + Then, Argiletum's grove, whose shades attest + The death of Argus, once the monarch's guest; + Tarpeia's rock, the Capitolian height, + Now golden--rugged 'twas of old, a nest + Of tangled brakes, yet hallowed was the site +E'en then, and wood and rock filled the rude hinds with fright. + +XLVII. "These wooded steeps," he said, "this sacred grove + What godhead haunts, we know not; legends say + Arcadians here have seen the form of Jove, + And seen his right hand, with resistless sway, + Shake the dread AEgis, and the clouds array. + See, yon two cities, once renowned by fame, + Now ruined walls and crumbling to decay; + This Janus built, those walls did Saturn frame; +Janiculum was this, that bore Saturnia's name." + +XLVIII. So talking, to Evander's lowly seat + They journeyed. Herds were lowing on the plain, + Where stand the Forum and Carinae's street. + "These gates," said he, "did great Alcides deign + To pass; this palace did the god contain. + Dare thou to quit thee like the god, nor dread + To scorn mere wealth, nor humble cheer disdain." + So saying, AEneas through the door he led, +And skins of Libyan bears on garnered leaves outspread. + +XLIX. Night, with dark wings descending, wrapt the world, + When Venus, harassed, nor in vain, with fear, + To see the menace at Laurentum hurled, + To Vulcan, on his golden couch, drew near, + Breathing immortal passion: "Husband dear, + When Greeks the fated citadel of Troy + With fire and sword were ravaging, or ere + Her towers had fallen, I sought not to employ +Arms, arts or aid of thine, their purpose to destroy. + +L. "Ne'er taxed I then thy labours, dearest love, + Large as my debt to Priam's sons, and sore + My grief for poor AEneas. Now, since Jove + Hath brought him here to the Rutulian shore, + Thine arms I ask, thy deity implore, + A mother for her son. Dread power divine, + Whom Thetis, whom Tithonus' spouse of yore + Could move with tears, behold, what hosts combine, +What towns, with barr'd gates, arm to ruin me and mine." + +LI. She spake, and both her snowy arms outflung + Around him doubting, and embraced the Sire, + And, softly fondling, kissed him as she clung. + Through bones and veins her melting charms inspire + The well-known heat, and reawake desire. + So, riven by the thunder, through the pile + Of storm-clouds runs the glittering cleft of fire. + Proud of her beauty, with a conscious smile, +The Goddess feels her power, and gladdens at the guile. + +LII. Then Vulcan, mastered by immortal love, + Answers his spouse, "Why, Goddess mine, invent + Such far-fetched pleas? Dost thou thy faith remove, + And cease to trust in Vulcan? Had thy bent + So moved thee then, arms quickly had I lent + To aid thy Trojans, and thy wish were gained, + Nor envious Fate, nor Jove omnipotent + Had crossed my purpose; then had Troy remained, +And Priam ten years more the kingly line sustained. + +LIII. "E'en now, if war thou seekest to prepare, + And thither tends thy purpose, be it sped. + Whate'er my craft can promise, whatso'er + Is wrought with iron, ivory or lead, + Fanned with the blast, or molten in the bed, + Thine be it all; forbear a suppliant's quest, + Nor wrong thy beauty's potency." He said, + And gave the love she longed for; on her breast +Outpoured at length he slept, and loosed his limbs with rest. + +LIV. 'Twas midnight; sleep had faded from its prime, + The hour, when housewives, who a scanty fare + Eke out with loom and distaff, rise in time + To wake the embers, and the night outwear; + Then call their handmaids, by the light to share + The task, that keeps the husband's bed from shame, + And earns a pittance for the babes. So there, + Nor tardier, to his toil the Lord of Flame +Springs from his couch of down, the workmen's task to frame. + +LV. Hard by AEolian Lipare, before + Sicania, looms an island from the deep, + With smoking rocks. There AEtna's caverns roar, + Hewn by the Cyclop's forges from the steep. + There the steel hisses and the sparks upleap, + And clanging anvils, smit with dexterous aim, + Groan through the cavern, as their strokes they heap, + And restless in the furnace pants the flame. +'Twas Vulcan's house, the land even yet bears Vulcan's name. + +LVI. Down to this cavern came the Lord of Flame, + And found Pyracmon, naked as he strove, + Brontes and Steropes. Their hands still frame + A thunderbolt unfinished, such as Jove + Rains thickly from his armouries above, + Tipt with twelve barbs and never known to fail. + Part still remain unwrought; three rays they wove + Of ruddy fire, three of the Southern gale, +Three of the watery cloud, and three of twisted hail. + +LVII. They blend the frightful flashes and the peals, + Sound, fear, and fury with the flames behind. + These forge the War-Gods' chariot and swift wheels, + Which stir up cities, and arouse mankind. + Here, burnished bright for wrathful Pallas, shined, + With serpent scales, and golden links firm bound, + Her dreadful AEgis, and the snakes entwined; + And on her breast, with severed neck, still frowned +Medusa's head, and rolled her dying eyes around. + +LVIII. "Cease now," said Vulcan, "and these toils forbear, + Cyclops of AEtna; hither turn your heed. + Arms for a hero must the forge prepare. + Now use your strength and nimble hands; ye need + A master's cunning; to your tasks with speed." + He spake; each quickly at the word once more + Falls to his labour, as the lots decreed. + Now flows the copper, now the golden ore; +Now melts the deadly steel; the flames resume their roar. + +LIX. A mighty shield they fashion, fit to meet + Singly all arms of Latium. Layer on layer, + Seven folds in circles on its face they beat. + These from the windy bellows force the air, + These hissing copper for the forge prepare, + Dipt in the trough. The cavern floor below + Groans with the anvils and the strokes they bear, + As strong arms timed heap measured blow on blow, +And, turned with griping tongs, the molten mass doth glow. + +LX. While on AEolia's coast the Lemnian sire + Wrought thus, the fair Dawn, mantling in the skies, + Awakes Evander, and the lowly choir + Of birds beneath the eaves invites to rise. + The Tuscan sandals to his feet he ties, + The kirtle dons, the Tegeaean sword + Links to his side. A panther's skin supplies + His scarf, hung leftward, and his watchful ward, +Two dogs, the threshold leave, and 'company their lord. + +LXI. So to the chamber of his Dardan guest + The good Evander for his promise' sake + Full early hastens pondering in his breast + The tale he listened to, the words he spake. + Nor less AEneas, with the dawn awake, + Goes forth. Achates at his side attends, + His son, young Pallas, doth Evander take. + So meeting, each a willing hand extends, +And host and guest sit down, and frankly talk as friends. + +LXII. First spake the King: "Great Chief of Trojan fame, + Who living, ne'er the Trojan state is lost. + Small is our strength for war, though great our name. + Here Tiber bounds us, there Rutulians boast + To rend our walls, and thunder with their host. + But mighty tribes and wealthy realms shall band + Their arms with mine. Chance, where unlooked-for most, + Points to this succour. By the Fate's command +Thou comest; thee the gods have guided to our land. + +LXIII. "Not far from here, upon an aged rock, + There stands a town, Agylla is its name, + Where on Etruscan ridges dwells the stock + Of ancient Lydia, men of warlike fame. + Long years it flourished, till Mezentius came + And ruled it fiercely, with a tyrant's sway. + Ah me! why tell the nameless deeds of shame, + The savage murders wrought from day to day? +May Heaven on him and his those cruelties repay! + +LXIV. "Nay more, he joined the living to the dead, + Hand linked to hand in torment, face to face. + The rank flesh mouldered, and the limbs still bled, + Till death, O misery, with lingering pace, + Loosed the foul union and the long embrace. + Worn out at last with all his crimes abhorred, + Around the horrid madman swarmed apace + The armed Agyllans. On his roof they poured +The firebrands, seized his guards and slew them with the sword. + +LXV. "He safely through the carnage slunk away + To fields Rutulian, where with sheltering hand + Great Turnus shields the tyrant. So to-day, + Stirred with just fury, all Etruria's land + Springs to the war, prompt vengeance to demand. + Thine be these all, for thousands can I boast, + AEneas, thine to captain and command. + Mark now their shouts; already roars the host, +'Arm, bring the banners forth'; their vessels crowd the coast. + +LXVI. "An aged seer thus warns them to refrain, + Expounding Fate: 'Choice youths, the flower and show + Of ancient warriors of Meonian strain, + Whom just resentment arms against the foe, + Whose souls with hatred of Mezentius glow, + No man of Italy is fit to lead + So vast a multitude, the Fates say "No; + Seek ye a foreign captain."' Awed, they heed +The warning words divine, and camp upon the mead. + +LXVII. "Lo, Tarchon sends ambassadors; they bring + The crown, and sceptre, and the signs of state, + And bid me join the Tuscans as their king. + But frosty years have dulled me; life is late, + And envious Age forbids an Empire's weight. + Fit were my son, but half Italian he, + His mother born a Sabine. Thee hath Fate + Endowed with years and proper birth; for thee +The Gods this throne have willed, and, what they will, decree. + +LXVIII. "Advance, brave Chief of Italy and Troy! + Advance; young Pallas at thy side shall fare, + My hope, my solace, and my heart's best joy. + With thee to teach him, he shall learn to share + The war's grim work, the warrior's toil to bear; + From earliest youth to marvel at thy deeds, + And try to match them. Horsemen shall be there, + Ten score, the choicest that Arcadia breeds; +Two hundred more, his own, the gallant stripling leads." + +LXIX. He spake: AEneas and Achates stood + With down-fixt eyes, musing the strange event. + Dark thoughts were theirs, and sorrowful their mood; + When lo, to leftward Cytherea sent + A sign amid the open firmament. + A flash of lightning swift from ether sprang + With thunder. Turmoil universal blent + Earth, sea and sky; the empyrean rang +With arms, and loudly pealed the Tuscan trumpet's clang. + +LXX. Upward they look: again and yet again + Comes the loud crash of thunder, and between + A cloud that frets the firmamental plain, + With bright, red flash amid the sky serene, + The glitter of resounding arms is seen. + All tremble; but AEneas hails the sign + Long-promised. "Ask not," he exclaims, "what mean + These prodigies and portents; they are mine. +Me great Olympus calls; I hear the voice divine. + +LXXI. "This sign my Goddess-mother vowed to send, + If war should threaten; thus in armed array + From heaven with aid she promised to descend. + Ah, woe for thee, Laurentum, soon the prey + Of foeman! What a reckoning shalt thou pay + To me, ill-fated Turnus! How thy wave + Shall redden, Tiber, as it rolls away + Helmets, and shields and bodies of the brave! +Ay, let them break the league, and bid the War-god rave." + +LXXII. He spake, and, rising from his seat, renews + The slumbering fires of Hercules, and tends + The hearth-god's shrine of yesterday. Choice ewes + They slay--Evander and his Trojan friends. + Then to his comrades and the shore he wends, + Arrays the crews, and takes the bravest there + To follow him in fight. The rest he sends + To young Ascanius down the stream, to bear +News of his absent sire, and how the cause doth fare. + +LXXIII. With steeds, to aid the Tuscans, they provide + The Teucrians. For AEneas forth is led + The choicest, with a tawny lion's hide, + All glittering with gilded claws, bespread. + Now rumour through the little town hath sped, + Of horsemen for the Tuscan king, with spear + And shield for battle. Mothers, pale with dread, + Heap vows on vows. The War-god, drawing near, +Looms larger, and more close to danger draws the fear. + +LXXIV. Then cries Evander, clinging, and with tears + Insatiate, loth to see his Pallas go, + "Ah! would but Jove bring back the bygone years, + As when beneath Praeneste long ago + I strowed the van, and laid their mightiest low, + And burned their shields, and with this hand to Hell + Hurled down King Erulus, the monstrous foe, + To whom Feronia, terrible to tell, +Three lives had given, and thrice to battle ere he fell. + +LXXV. "Twice up he rose, but thrice I slew the slain, + Thrice of his life I robbed him, till he died, + Thrice stripped his arms. O, were I such again, + Danger, nor death, nor aught of ill beside, + Sweet son, should ever tear me from thy side. + Ne'er had Mezentius then, the neighbouring lord, + Dared thus to flout me, nor this arm defied. + Nor wrought such havoc and such crimes abhorred, +Nor made a weeping town thus widowed by the sword. + +LXXVI. "O Gods, and thou, who rulest earth and air, + Great Jove, their mightiest, pity, I implore, + Arcadia's King, and hear a father's prayer. + If Fate this happiness reserve in store, + To gaze upon my Pallas' face once more, + If living means to meet my son again, + Then let me live; how hard soe'er and sore + My trials, gladly will I count them gain. +Sweet will the suffering seem, and light the load of pain. + +LXXVII. "But O, if Fortune, with malignant spite, + Some blow past utterance for my life prepare, + Now, now this moment rid me of the light, + While fears are vague, nor hoping breeds despair, + While, dearest boy, my late and only care, + Thus--thus I fold thee in my arms to-day. + Nor wound with news too sorrowful to bear + A father's ears!" He spake, and swooned away; +Back to his home the slaves their fainting lord convey. + +LXXVIII. Forth troop the horsemen from the gates. First ride + AEneas and Achates; in the rear + Troy's nobles, led by Pallas, in the pride + Of broidered scarf and figured arms, appear. + As when bright Lucifer, to Venus dear + Beyond all planets and each starry beam, + High up in heaven his sacred head doth rear, + Bathed in the freshness of the Ocean stream, +And melts the dark, so fair the gallant youth doth seem. + +LXXIX. The matrons stand upon the walls, distraught, + And mark the dust-cloud and the mail-clad train. + These through the brushwood, where the road lies short, + Move on in arms. The war-shout peals again, + The hard hoofs clattering shake the crumbling plain. + And now, where, cold with crystal waves, is found + Fair Caere's stream, a spreading grove they gain. + Ages have spread its sanctity, and, crowned +With pine-woods dark as night, the hollow hills stand round. + +LXXX. This grove, 'tis said, the tribes Pelasgian--they, + Who first in Latin marches dwelt of old-- + Kept sacred to Silvanus, and the day + Vowed to the guardian of the field and fold. + Hard by, brave Tarchon and his Tuscans bold + Lay camped. His legions, stretching o'er the meads, + The Trojans from a rising ground behold. + AEneas here his toil-worn warriors leads; +Food for themselves they bring, and forage for their steeds. + +LXXXI. Meanwhile fair Venus through the clouds came down, + Bearing her gifts. Couched in a secret glade, + By a cool river, she espies her son, + And hails him: "See the promised gifts displayed, + Wrought by my husband's cunning for thine aid. + Thy prowess now let proud Laurentum taste, + Nor fear with Turnus to contend." So said + Cythera's goddess, and her child embraced, +And on an oak in front the radiant arms she placed. + +LXXXII. Joy fills AEneas; with insatiate gaze + He views the gifts, and marvels at the sight. + In turn he handles, and in turn surveys + The helmet tall with fiery crest bedight, + The fateful sword, the breastplate's brazen might, + Blood-red, and huge, and glorious to behold + As some dark cloud, far-blazing with the light + Of sunset; then the polished greaves of gold, +The spear, the mystic shield, too wondrous to be told. + +LXXXIII. There did the Fire-king, who the future cons, + The tale of ancient Italy portray, + Rome's triumphs, and Ascanius' distant sons, + Their wars in order, and each hard-fought fray. + There, in the cave of Mars all verdurous, lay + The fostering she-wolf with the twins; they hung + About her teats, and licked in careless play + Their mother. She, with slim neck backward flung, +In turn caressed them both, and shaped them with her tongue. + +LXXXIV. There, later Rome, and there, the Sabine dames + Amid the crowded theatre he viewed, + Raped by the Romans at the Circus games; + The sudden war, that from the deed ensued, + With aged Tatius and his Cures rude. + There stand the kings, still armed, but foes no more, + Beside Jove's altar, and abjure the feud. + Goblet in hand, the sacred wine they pour, +And o'er the slaughtered swine the plighted peace restore. + +LXXXV. Next, Mettus, by the four-horsed chariot torn. + ('Twere better, perjured Alban, to be true!) + Fierce Tullus dragged the traitor's limbs in scorn + Through brambles, dripping with the crimson dew. + Porsenna there around the city drew + His 'leaguering host. But freedom fired the blood + Of Romans. Idle was his rage, to view + How Cocles on the battered bridge withstood, +And Cloelia burst her bonds, and singly stemmed the flood. + +LXXXVI. Next, Manlius guards the Capitol; see here + The straw-thatched palace. Silvered in the gold, + The fluttering goose proclaims the Gauls are near. + They, screened by darkness, thread the woods, and hold + With arms the slumbering citadel. Behold + Their beards all golden, and their golden hair, + Their white necks gleaming with the twisted gold, + Their chequered plaids. Each hand an Alpine spear +Waves, and an oblong shield their stalwart arms upbear. + +LXXXVII. There danced the Salians, the Luperci reeled + Half-naked. See them sculptured in array, + With caps wool-tufted, and the sky-dropt shield. + Chaste dames, in cushioned chariots, lead the way + Through the glad city. Elsewhere, far away, + Loom Dis and Tartarus, where the guilty pine, + And Catiline, upon a rock for aye + Hangs, shuddering at the Furies. Distant shine +The just, where Cato stands, dealing the law divine. + +LXXXVIII. The swelling ocean in the midst is seen, + All golden, but the billow's hoary spray + Foams o'er the blue. Dolphins of silvery sheen + Lash the white eddies with their tails in play, + Cleaving the surges. In the centre lay + The brazen fleets, all panoplied for war, + 'Tis Actium's fight; Leucate's headland grey + Boils with the tumult of the distant jar, +And golden glow the waves, effulgent from afar. + +LXXXIX. Augustus his Italians leads from home, + High on the stern. The Senators stand round, + The people, and the guardian gods of Rome. + With double flame his joyous brows are crowned; + The constellation of his sire renowned + Beams o'er his head. There too, his ships in line, + With winds and gods to prosper him, is found + Agrippa. Radiant on his head doth shine +The crown of golden beaks, the battle's glorious sign. + +XC. Here, late from Parthia and the Red-sea coast, + With motley legions and barbaric pride, + Comes Anthony. From Egypt swarms his host, + From India and far Bactra. At his side + Stands--shame to tell it--an Egyptian bride. + See now the fight; prows churn and oar-blades lash + The foam. 'Twould seem the Cyclads swim the tide, + Torn from his moorings, or the mountains clash, +So huge the tower-crowned ships, so terrible the crash. + +XCI. Winged darts are hurled, and flaming tow; the leas + Of Neptune redden. There the queen stands by, + And sounds the timbrel for the fray, nor sees + The asps behind. All monsters of the sky + With Neptune, Venus, and Minerva vie. + In vain Anubis barks; Mars raves among + The combatants; the Furies frown on high. + With mantle rent, glad Discord joins the throng; +Behind, with bloody scourge, Bellona stalks along. + +XCII. There Actian Phoebus, gazing on the scene, + Bent his dread bow. Egypt, Arabia fled, + And India turned in terror. There, the queen + Calls to the winds; behold, the sails are spread. + Her, pale with thoughts of dying, through the dead + The waves and zephyrs--so the gold expressed-- + Bear onward. Yonder, to his sheltering bed + Nile, sorrowing, calls the fugitives to rest, +Unfolds his winding robes, and bares his azure breast. + +XCIII. There, Caesar sacred to his gods proclaims + Three hundred temples, each a stately fane. + Behold his triple triumph. Shouts and games + Gladden the streets; glad matrons chant the strain + At every altar, and the steers are slain. + He takes the offerings, and reviews the throng, + Throned in the portal of Apollo's fane. + Below, the captive nations march along, +Diverse in arms and garb, and each of different tongue. + +XCIV. Wild Nomads, Africans uncinctured came, + Carians, Gelonian bowmen, and behind + The Leleges, the Dahae, hard to tame, + The Morini, extreme of human-kind. + Last, proud Araxes, whom no bridge could bind, + Euphrates humbled, and the horned Rhine. + All this, by Vulcan on the shield designed, + He sees, and, gladdening at the gift divine, +Upbears aloft the fame and fortunes of his line. + + + + +BOOK NINE + + +ARGUMENT + +Certified by Juno of the absence of AEneas, Turnus leads his forces +against the Trojans. When they entrench themselves within their +lines, he attempts to burn their ships, which are thereupon changed +by Cybele into nymphs, and float away (1-144). Turnus undaunted +harangues his men and beleaguers the camp (145-198). Nisus and +Euryalus scheme, and petition, to sally forth to find AEneas and a +rescue. Setting out with promise of rich rewards if successful, they +surprise the Latin Camp but are themselves in turn surprised and +slain (199-513). Their victims are buried; their heads are paraded +on pikes before the Trojan Camp, to the agony of the mother of +Euryalus (514-576). The allies assault the camp. Virgil invokes +Calliope to describe the fray (577-603). The collapse of a tower and +losses on both sides prelude Ascanius' baptism of fire. He kills his +man (604-765). The brothers Pandarus and Bitias open the camp-gates +in defiance. Bitias falls, and Pandarus, retreating, shuts Turnus +within the camp, who kills him, but failing to let in his friends +is eventually hard pressed (766-882). The Trojans rally round +Mnestheus and Serestus. Turnus plunges into the river and with +difficulty escapes by swimming (883-927). + + +I. While thus in distant quarter moves the scene, + Down to the daring Turnus from the skies + Comes Iris, sent by the Saturnian queen. + Him seated in a hallowed vale, where lies + His father's grove, Pilumnus', she espies. + There straight with rosy lips the daughter fair + Of Thaumas hails the hero: "Turnus, rise. + Behold what none of all the Gods would dare +To promise, rolling Time hath proffered without prayer. + +II. "Fleet left and friends, AEneas to the court + Of Palatine Evander speeds his way, + Nay, the far towns of Corythus hath sought, + And arms the Lydian swains to meet the fray! + Now call for steel and chariot. Why delay? + Surprise the camp and capture it."--She said, + And straight on balanced pinions soared away, + Cleaving the bow. The warrior marked, and spread +His hands, and thus with prayer pursued her as she fled: + +III. "O Iris, Heaven's fair glory, who hath sent + Thee hither? whence this sudden light so clear? + I see the firmament asunder rent, + And planets wandering in the polar sphere. + Blest omens, hail! I follow thee, whoe'er + Thou art, that call'st to battle." He arose + With joy, and stepping to the streamlet near, + Scoops up the water in his palms, and bows +In suppliance to the Gods, and burdens Heaven with vows. + +IV. Now all the host were marching on the meads, + Well-horsed, and panoplied in golden gear, + With broidered raiment. Brave Messapus leads + The van, the sons of Tyrrheus close the rear, + And Turnus in mid column shakes his spear. + Slow moves the host, as when his seven-fold head + Great Ganges lifts in silence, calm and clear, + Or Nile, whose flood the fruitful soil hath fed, +Ebbs from the fattened fields, and hides him in his bed. + +V. Far off, the Teucrians from their camp descried + The gathering dust-cloud on the plains appear. + Then brave Caicus from a bastion cried, + "What dark mass, rolling towards us, have we here? + Arm, townsmen, arm! Bring quick the sword and spear, + And mount the battlements, and man the wall. + The foemen, ho!" And with a mighty cheer + The Teucrians, hurrying at the warning call, +Pour in through all the gates, and muster on the wall. + +VI. So, parting, wise AEneas gave command, + Should chance surprise them, with their chief away, + To shun the field, nor battle hand to hand, + But safe behind their sheltering earthworks stay, + And, guarding wall and rampart, stand at bay. + So now, though passion and indignant hate + Prompt to engage, his mandate they obey, + And bar each inlet, and secure each gate, +And, armed, in sheltering towers their enemies await. + +VII. Turnus, with twenty horsemen, left the rest + To lag behind, and near the town-gate drew + All unforeseen. A Thracian steed he pressed, + Dappled with white; a crest of scarlet hue + High o'er his golden helmet flamed in view. + Loudly he shrills in anger to his train, + "Who first with me will at the foemen--who? + See there!" and, rising hurls his spear amain, +Sign of the fight begun, and pricks along the plain. + +VIII. With shouts his comrades welcome the attack, + And clamouring fiercely follow in his train. + They marvel at the Teucrian hearts so slack, + That none will dare to trust the open plain, + And fight like men, but in the camp remain, + And safe behind their sheltering rampart stay. + Now here, now there, fierce Turnus in disdain + Rides round the walls, and, searching for a way, +Where way is none, still strives an entrance to essay. + +IX. As wolf, in ambush by the fold, sore beat + With winds, at midnight howls amid the rain. + The lambs beneath their mothers safely bleat. + He, mad with rage, and faint with famine's pain, + Thirsts for their blood, and ramps at them in vain; + So raves fierce Turnus, as his eyes survey + The walls and camp. Grief burns in every vein, + As round he looks for access and a way +To shake the Teucrians out, and strew them forth to slay. + +X. The fleet, as by the flanking camp it lies, + Fenced by the river and the mounded sand, + He marks, then loudly to the burning cries, + And with a flaming pinestock fills his hand, + Himself aflame. His presence cheers the band. + All set to work, and strip the watchfires bare: + Each warrior arms him with a murky brand: + The smoking torch shoots up a pitchy glare, +And clouds of mingled soot the Fire-god flings in air. + +XI. Say, Muse, what god from Teucrians turned the flame, + Such fiery havoc. O, the tale declare; + Old is its faith, but deathless is its fame. + When first AEneas did his fleet prepare + 'Neath Phrygian Ida, through the seas to fare, + To Jove the Berecynthian queen divine + Spake thus, 'tis said, urging a suppliant's prayer: + "O Lord Olympian, hearken and incline. +Grant what thy mother asks, who made Olympus thine. + +XII. "A wood, beloved for many a year, was mine, + A grove of sacrifice, on Ida's height, + Darksome with maple and the swart pitch-pine. + This wood, these trees, my ever-dear delight, + Gladly I gave to speed the Dardan's flight. + But doubts and fears my troubled mind assail. + O calm them; may a parent's prayer have might, + And this their birth upon our hills avail +To guide their voyage safe, and shield them from the gale." + +XIII. Then spake her son, who wields the starry sphere, + "Mother, what would'st thou of the Fates demand? + What art thou seeking for these Teucrians here? + Shall vessels, fashioned by a mortal hand, + The gift of immortality command? + And shall AEneas sail the uncertain main, + Himself of safety certain, and his band? + Did ever God such privilege attain? +Nay, rather, when at length, Ausonian ports they gain, + +XIV. "Their duty done, and Ocean's dangers o'er, + What ships soe'er shall have escaped, to bear + The Dardan chief to the Laurentian shore, + Shall lose their perishable form, and wear + The sea-nymphs' shape, like Galatea fair + And Doto, when they breast the deep." He spake, + And by his brother's Stygian river sware, + Whose pitchy torrent swells the infernal lake, +And with his awful nod made all Olympus shake. + +XV. The day was come, the fated time complete, + When Turnus' insults bade the Mother rise + And ward the firebrands from her sacred fleet. + A sudden light now flashed upon their eyes, + A cloud from eastward ran athwart the skies, + With choirs of Ida, and a voice through air + Pealed forth, and filled both armies with surprise, + "Trojans, be calm; your needless pains forbear, +Nor arm to save these ships; their safety is my care. + +XVI. "Sooner shall Turnus make the ocean blaze, + Than these my pines. Go, sea-nymphs, and be free, + Your mother bids you." Each at once obeys, + Their cables snapt, like dolphins in their glee, + They dip their beaks, and dive beneath the sea. + Hence, where before along the shore had stood + The brazen poops--O marvellous to see!-- + So many now, with maiden forms endued, +Rise up, and reappear, and float upon the flood. + +XVII. All stand aghast; amid the startled steeds + Messapus quails, and Tiber checks his tide, + And, hoarsely murmuring, from the deep recedes. + Yet fails not Turnus, prompt to cheer or chide. + "To Teucrians point these prodigies," he cried, + "They bide not, they, Rutulian sword and brand. + E'en Jove their wonted succour hath denied. + Barred is the sea, and half the world is banned; +Earth, too, is ours, such hosts Italia's chiefs command. + +XVIII. "I fear not Fate, nor what the Gods can do. + Suffice for Venus and the Fates the day + When Trojans touched Ausonia. I have, too, + My Fates, these robbers of my bride to slay. + Not Atreus' sons alone, and only they, + Have known a sorrow and a smart so keen, + And armed for vengeance. But enough, ye say, + Once to have fallen? One trespass then had been +Enough, and made them loathe all womankind, I ween. + +XIX. "Lo, these who think a paltry wall can save, + A narrow ditch can thwart us,--these, so bold, + With but a span betwixt them and the grave! + Saw they not Troy, which Neptune reared of old, + Sink down in ruin, as the flames uprolled? + But ye, my chosen, who with me will scale + Yon wall, and storm their trembling camp? Behold, + No aid divine nor ships of thousand sail, +Nor Vulcan's arms I need, o'er Trojans to prevail. + +XX. "Nay; let Etrurians join them, one and all, + No raid, nor robbed Palladium they shall fear, + Nor sentries stabbed beneath the night's dark pall. + No horse shall hide us; by the daylight clear + Our flames shall ring their ramparts. Dream they here + To find such Danaan striplings, weak as they + Whom Hector baffled till the tenth long year? + But now, since near its ending draws the day, +Take rest, and bide prepared the dawning of the fray." + +XXI. His outposts plants Messapus, set to guard + The gates with watchfires, and the walls invest. + Twice seven captains round the camp keep ward, + Each with a hundred warriors of the best, + With golden armour and a blood-red crest. + These to and fro pace sentinels, and share + The watch in turn; those, on the sward at rest, + Tilt the brass wine-bowl. Bright the watch-fires flare, +And games and festive mirth the wakeful night outwear. + +XXII. Forth look the Trojans from their walls, and line + The heights in arms, and test with hurrying fear + The gates, and bridges to the bulwarks join, + And bring up darts and javelins. Mnestheus here, + There bold Serestus is at hand to cheer, + They, whom AEneas left to rule the host, + Should ill betide them, or the foe draw near. + Thus all in turn, where peril pressed the most, +Keep watch along the wall, dividing danger's post. + +XXIII. Nisus, the bold, stood warder of the gate, + The son of Hyrtacus, whom Ida fair, + The huntress, on AEneas sent to wait, + Quick with light arrows and the flying spear. + Beside him stood Euryalus, his fere; + Scarce on his cheeks the down of manhood grew, + The comeliest youth that donned the Trojan gear. + Love made them one; as one, to fight they flew, +As one they guard the gates, companions tried and true. + +XXIV. Then Nisus: "Is it that the Gods inspire, + Euryalus, this fever of the breast? + Or make we gods of but a wild desire? + Battle I seek, or some adventurous quest, + And scorn to dally with inglorious rest, + See yonder the Rutulians, stretched supine, + What careless confidence is theirs, oppressed + With wine and slumber; how the watch-fires shine, +Faint, few, and far between; what silence holds the line. + +XXV. "Learn now the plan and purpose of my mind, + 'AEneas should be summoned,' one and all,-- + Camp, council,--cry, and messengers would find + To take sure tidings and our chief recall. + If thee the meed I ask for shall befall,-- + Bare fame be mine--methink the pathway lies + By yonder mound to Pallanteum's wall." + Then, fired with zeal and smitten with surprise, +Thus to his ardent friend Euryalus replies: + +XXVI. "Me, me would Nisus from such deeds debar? + Am I to send thee singly to thy fate? + Not thus my sire Opheltes, bred to war, + Brought up and taught me, when in evil strait + Was Troy, and Argives battered at her gate. + Not thus to great AEneas was I known, + His trusty follower through the paths of Fate. + Here dwells a soul that dares the light disown, +And counteth life well sold, to purchase such renown." + +XXVII. "For _thee_ I feared not," Nisus made reply, + "'Twere shame, indeed, to doubt a friend so tried. + So may great Jove, or whosoe'er on high + With equal eyes this exploit shall decide, + Restore me soon in triumph to thy side. + But if--for divers hazards underlie + So bold a venture--evil chance betide, + Or angry deity my hopes bely, +Thee Heaven preserve, whose youth far less deserves to die. + +XXVIII. "Mine be a friend to lay me, if I fall, + Rescued or ransomed, in my native ground; + Or, if hard fortune grudge a boon so small, + To make fit honour to my shade redound, + And o'er the lost one rear an empty mound. + Ne'er let a childless mother owe to me + A pang so keen, and such a cureless wound. + She, who, alone of mothers, dared for thee +Acestes' walls to leave, and braved the stormy sea." + +XXIX. "My purpose holds and shifts not," he replies, + "These empty pretexts cannot shake me--no. + Hence, let us haste." And to the guard he cries, + Who straight march up, and forth the two friends go + To find the chief. All creatures else below + Lay wrapt in sleep, forgetting toil and care; + But sleepless still, in presence of the foe, + Troy's chosen chiefs urge council, what to dare, +Whom to AEneas send, the desperate news to bear. + +XXX. There, in the middle of the camp and plain, + Each shield in hand, and leaning on his spear, + They stand; when lo! in eager haste the twain, + Craving an audience instantly, appear. + High matter theirs, and worth a pause to hear. + Then first Iulus greets the breathless pair, + And calls to Nisus. "Dardans, lend an ear," + Outspake the son of Hyrtacus, "Be fair, +Nor rate by youthful years the proffered aid we bear. + +XXXI. "See, hushed with wine and slumber, lies the foe. + Where by the sea-gate, parts the road in twain, + A stealthy passage from the camp we know. + Black roll the smoke-clouds, and the watch-fires wane. + Leave us to try our fortune, soon again + Yourselves shall see, from Pallanteum's town, + AEneas, rich with trophies of the slain. + Plain lies the path, for oft the chase hath shown +From darksome vales the town, and all the stream is known." + +XXXII. "O Gods!" exclaimed Aletes, wise and old, + "Not yet ye mean to raze the Trojan race, + Who give to Troy such gallant hearts and bold." + So saying, he clasped them in a fond embrace, + And bathed in tears his features and his face. + "What gifts can match such valour? Deeds so bright + Heaven and your hearts with fairest meed shall grace. + The rest our good AEneas shall requite, +Nor young Ascanius e'er such services shall slight." + +XXXIII. "Yea, gallant Nisus," adds Ascanius there, + "I, too, who count my father's safety mine, + Adjure thee, by the household gods I swear + Of old Assaracus and Teucer's line, + And hoary Vesta's venerable shrine, + Whate'er of fortune or of hopes remain, + To thee and thy safe-keeping I resign. + Bring back my sire in safety; care nor pain +Shall ever vex me more, if he return again. + +XXXIV. "Two goblets will I give thee, richly wrought + Of sculptured silver, beauteous to behold, + The spoils my sire from sacked Arisbe brought, + With two great talents of the purest gold, + Two tripods, and a bowl of antique mould, + The gift at Carthage of the Tyrian queen. + Nay, more, if e'er Italia's realm I hold, + And share the spoils of conquest,--thou hast seen +The steed that Turnus rode, his arms of golden sheen,-- + +XXXV. "That steed, that shield, that crest of crimson hue, + I keep for thee,--thine, Nisus, from to-day. + Twelve lovely matrons and male captives too, + Each with his armour, shall my sire convey, + With all the lands that own Latinus' sway. + But thee, whose years the most with mine agree, + Brave youth! my heart doth welcome. Come what may, + In peace or war my comrade shalt thou be. +Thine are my thoughts, my deeds; fame tempts me but for thee." + +XXXVI. "No time, I ween," Euryalus replies, + "Shall shame the promise of this bold design, + Come weal, come woe. One boon alone I prize + Beyond all gifts. A mother dear is mine, + A mother, sprung from Priam's ancient line. + Troy nor the walls of King Acestes e'er + Stayed her from following, when I crossed the brine. + Her of this risk--whate'er the risk I dare-- +Weetless, I left behind, nor breathed a parting prayer. + +XXXVII. "Night bear me witness; by thy hand I swear, + I cannot bear a parent's tears. But O! + Be thou her solace, comfort her despair; + This hope permit, and bolder will I go, + To face all hazards and confront the foe." + Grief smote the Dardans, and the tears ran down, + And young Iulus, pierced with kindred woe, + Outweeps them all; in filial love thus shown, +Touched to the heart, he traced the likeness of his own. + +XXXVIII. "All, all," he cries, "that such a deed can claim, + I promise for thy guerdon. Mine shall be + Thy mother,--mine, Creusa save in name; + Nor small her praise to bear a son like thee. + Howe'er shall Fortune the event decree, + I swear--so swore my father--by my head, + What gifts I pledge, if thou return, to thee, + These, if thou fall, thy mother in thy stead, +These shall thy kinsmen keep, the heirlooms of the dead." + +XXXIX. Weeping, the gilded falchion he untied, + Lycaon's work, with sheath of ivory fair. + To Nisus Mnestheus gave a lion's hide, + His helmet changed Aletes. Forth they fare, + And round them to the gates, with vows and prayer, + The band of chiefs their parting steps attend; + And, manlier than his years, Iulus fair + Full many a message to his sire would send. +Vain wish! his fruitless words the scattering breezes rend. + +XL. So past the trench, upon the shadowy plain + Forth issuing, to the foemen's tents they creep, + Fatal to many, ere the camp they gain. + Warriors they see, who drank the wine-bowl deep, + Beside their tilted chariots stretched in sleep, + And reins, and wheels and wine-jars tost away, + And arms and men in many a mingled heap. + Then Nisus: "Up, Euryalus, and slay! +Haste, for the hour is ripe, and yonder lies the way. + +XLI. "Watch thou, lest hand be lifted in the rear. + There, flanked with swaths of corpses, will I reap + Thy pathway; broad shall be the lane and clear." + So saying, he checks his voice, and, aiming steep, + Drives at proud Rhamnes. On a piled-up heap + Of carpets lay the warrior, and his breast + Heaved with hard breathing and the sounds of sleep: + Augur and king, whom Turnus loved the best. +Not all his augur's craft could now his doom arrest. + +XLII. Three slaves beside him, lying heedless here + Amidst their arms, he numbers with the slain, + Then Remus' page, and Remus' charioteer, + Caught by their steeds. The weapon, urged amain, + Swoops down, and cleaves their drooping necks in twain. + Their master's head he severs with a blow, + And leaves the trunk, still heaving, on the plain, + And o'er the cushions and the ground below, +Wet with the warm, black gore, the spouting streams outflow. + +XLIII. Lamus and Lamyras he slew outright, + And fair Serranus, as asleep he lay, + Tamed by the God; for long and late that night + The youth had gamed. Ah! happier, had his play + Outlived the night, and lasted till the day. + Like some starved lion, that on the teeming fold + Springs, mad with hunger, and the feeble prey, + All mute with terror, in his clutch doth hold, +And rends with bloody mouth, and riots uncontrolled, + +XLIV. Such havoc wrought Euryalus, so flamed + His fury. Fadus and Herbesus died, + And Abaris, and many a wight unnamed, + Caught unaware. But Rhoetus woke, and tried + In fear behind a massive bowl to hide. + Full in the breast, or e'er the wretch upstood, + The shining sword-blade to the hilt he plied, + Then drew it back death-laden. Wine and blood +Gush out, the dying lips disgorge the crimson flood. + +XLV. Thence, burning, to Messapus' camp he speeds, + Where faint the watch-fires flicker far away, + And tethered on the herbage graze the steeds, + When briefly thus speaks Nisus, fain to stay + The lust of battle and mad thirst to slay: + "Cease we; the light, our enemy, is near. + Vengeance is glutted; we have hewn our way." + Bowls, solid silver armour here and there +They leave behind untouched, and arras rich and rare. + +XLVI. The arms and belt of Rhamnes, bossed with gold, + Which Caedicus, his friendship to attest, + Sent to Tiburtine Remulus of old, + Whose grandson took it, as a last bequest + (Rutulians thence these spoils of war possessed)-- + These trophies seized Euryalus, and braced + The useless trappings on his valorous breast, + And on his head Messapus' helm he placed, +Light and with graceful plumes; and from the camp they haste. + +XLVII. Meanwhile from out Laurentum rides a train + With news of Turnus, while the main array + With marshalled ranks is lingering on the plain, + Three hundred shieldsmen Volscens' lead obey. + Now to the ramparts they have found their way, + When lo, to leftward, hurrying from their raid, + They mark the youths amid the twilight grey. + His glittering helm Euryalus betrayed, +That flashed the moonbeams back, and pierced the glimmering shade. + +XLVIII. Nor passed the sight unheeded. Shrill and loud + "Stand, who are ye in armour dight, and why? + What make ye there?" cries Volscens from the crowd, + "And whither wend ye?" Naught the youths reply, + But swiftly to the bordering forest fly, + And trust to darkness. Then around each way + The horsemen ride, all outlet to deny; + Circling, like huntsmen, closely as they may, +They watch the well-known turns, and wait the expected prey. + +XLIX. Shagg'd with rough brakes and sable ilex, spread + The wood, and, glimmering in the twilight grey, + Through broken tracks a narrow pathway led. + The shadowy boughs, the cumbrous spoils delay + Euryalus, and fear mistakes the way. + Nisus, unheeding, through the foemen flies, + And gains the place,--called Alba now--where lay + Latinus' pastures; then with back-turned eyes +Stands still, and seeks in vain his absent friend, and cries: + +L. "Where, in what quarter, have I left thee? Where, + Euryalus, shall I follow thee? What clue + Shall trace the mazes of this silvan snare, + The tangled path unravelling?" Back he flew, + Picking his footsteps with observant view, + And roamed the silent brushwood. Steeds he hears, + The noise, the signs of foemen who pursue. + A moment more, and, bursting on his ears, +There came a shout, and lo, Euryalus appears. + +LI. Him, in false ways, amid the darkness, ta'en, + The gathering band with sudden rush o'erbear. + Poor Nisus sees him struggling, but in vain. + What should he do? By force of arms how dare + His friend to rescue? Shall he face them there, + And rush upon the foemen's swords, to die, + And welcome wounds that win a death so fair? + His spear he poises, and with upturned eye +And stalwart arm drawn back, invokes the Moon on high: + +LII. "Come thou, Latonia, succour my distress! + Guardian of groves, bright glory of the sky, + If e'er with offerings for his son's success + My sire thine altars hath adorned, or I + Enriched them from the chase, and hung on high + Spoils in thy deep-domed temple, or arrayed + Thy roof with plunder; make this troop to fly, + And guide my weapons through the air." He prayed, +And, winged with strength, the steel went whistling through the shade. + +LIII. It struck the shield of Sulmo at his side; + There broke the shaft and splintered. Down he rolled + Pierced through the midriff, and his life's warm tide + Poured from his bosom, and the long sobs told + Its heavings, ere the stiffening limbs grew cold. + All look around and tremble, when again + The youth another javelin, waxing bold, + Aimed from his ear-tip. Through the temples twain +Of Tagus whizzed the steel, and warmed within the brain. + +LIV. Fierce Volscens raves with anger, nor espies + The wielder of the weapon, nor which way + To rush, aflame with fury. "Thou," he cries, + "Thy blood meanwhile the penalty shall pay + For both," and with his falchion bared to slay + Springs at Euryalus. Then, wild with fear, + Poor Nisus shouts, in frenzy of dismay, + Nor longer in the dark can hide, nor bear +A pang of grief so keen--to lose a friend so dear, + +LV. "Me--me, behold the doer! mine the deed! + Kill me, Rutulians. By this hand they fell. + He could not--durst not. By the skies I plead, + By yon bright stars, that witnessed what befell, + He only loved his hapless friend too well." + Vain was his prayer; the weapon, urged amain, + Pierced through his ribs and snowy breast. Out swell + Dark streams of gore his lovely limbs to stain; +The sinking neck weighs o'er the shoulders of the slain. + +LVI. So doth the purple floweret, dying, droop, + Smit by the ploughshare. So the poppy frail + On stricken stalk its languid head doth stoop, + And bows o'erladen with the drenching hail. + But onward now, through thickest ranks of mail, + Rushed Nisus. Volscens only will he slay; + He waits for none but Volscens. They assail + From right and left, and crowd his steps to stay. +He whirls his lightning brand, and presses to his prey. + +LVII. Ere long he meets him clamouring, and down + His throat he drives the griding sword amain, + And takes his life, ere laying down his own. + Then, pierced he sinks upon his comrade slain, + And death's long slumber puts an end to pain. + O happy pair! if aught my verse ensure, + No length of time shall make your memory wane, + While, throned upon the Capitol secure, +The AEneian house shall reign, and Roman rule endure. + +LVIII. Weeping, the victors took the spoils and prey, + And back dead Volscens to their camp they bore. + Nor less the wailing in the camp that day, + Brave Rhamnes found, and many a captive more, + Numa, Serranus, weltering in their gore. + Thick round the dead and dying, where the plain + Reeks freshly with the frothing blood, they pour. + Sadly they know Messapus' spoils again, +The trappings saved with sweat, the helmet of the slain. + +LIX. Now, rising from Tithonus' saffron couch, + The Goddess of the dawn with orient ray + Sprinkled the earth, and 'neath the wakening touch + Of sunlight, all things stand revealed to-day. + Turnus himself, accoutred for the fray, + Wakes up his warriors with the morning light. + At once each captain marshals in array + His company, in brazen arms bedight, +And rumours whet their rage, and prick them to the fight. + +LX. Nay more, aloft upon the javelin's end, + With shouts they bear--a miserable sight!-- + The heads, the heads of Nisus and his friend. + On the walls' left--the river flanked their right-- + The sturdy Trojans stand arrayed for fight, + And line the trenches and each lofty tower, + Sad, while the foemen, clamorous with delight, + March onward, with the heroes' heads before, +Well known--alas! too well--and dropping loathly gore. + +LXI. Now Fame, winged herald, through the wildered town + Swift to Euryalus' mother speeds her way. + Life's heat forsakes her; from her hand drops down + The shuttle, and the task-work rolls away. + Forth with a shriek, like women in dismay, + Rending her hair, in frantic haste she flies, + And seeks the ramparts and the war's array, + Heedless of darts and dangers and surprise, +Heedless of armed men, and fills the heaven with cries. + +LXII. "Thou--is it thou, Euryalus, my own? + Thou, the late solace of my age? Ah, why + So cruel? Could'st thou leave me here alone, + Nor let thy mother bid a last good-bye? + Now left a prey on Latin soil to lie + Of dogs and birds, nor I, thy mother, there + To wash thy wounds, and close thy lightless eye, + And shroud thee in the robe I wrought so fair, +Fain with the busy loom to soothe an old wife's care! + +LXIII. "Where shall I follow thee? Thy corpse defiled, + Thy mangled limbs--where are they? Woe is me! + Is this then all of what was once my child? + Was it for this I roamed the land and sea? + Pierce _me_, Rutulians; hurl your darts at me, + Me first, if ye a mother's love can know. + Great Sire of Heaven, have pity! set me free. + Hurl with thy bolt to Tartarus below +This hateful head, that longs to quit a world of woe!" + +LXIV. So wails the mother, weeping and undone, + And sorrow smites each warrior, as he hears, + Each groaning, as a father for his son. + Grief runs, like wildfire, through the Trojan peers, + And numbs their courage, and augments their fears. + Then, fain the spreading sorrow to allay, + Ilioneus and Iulus, bathed in tears + Call Actor and Idaeus; gently they +The aged dame lift up, and to her home convey. + +LXV. Now terribly the brazen trumpet pealed + Its summons, and the war-shout rent the air. + On press the Volscians, locking shield to shield, + And fill the trenches, and the breastwork tear. + These plant their ladders for assault, where'er + A gap, just glimmering, shows the line less dense. + Vain hope! the Teucrians with their darts are there. + Stout poles they ply, and thrust them from the fence, +Trained by a lingering siege, and tutored to defence. + +LXVI. Stones, too, they roll, to crush the serried shields: + Blithely the warriors bear the storm below, + Yet not for long; for, see, the penthouse yields. + Down on the midst, where thickest press the foe, + The Teucrians, rolling, with a crash let go + A ponderous mass, that opens to the light + The jointed shields, and lays the warriors low. + Nor care they longer in the dark to fight, +But vie with distant darts to sweep the rampart's height. + +LXVII. Pine-stock in hand, Mezentius hurls the flame; + There, fierce Messapus rends the palisade,-- + Tamer of steeds, from Neptune's loins he came,-- + And shouts aloud for ladders to invade. + Aid me, Calliope; ye Muses, aid + To sing of Turnus and his deeds that day, + The deaths he wrought, the havoc that he made, + And whom each warrior singled for his prey; +Roll back the war's great scroll, the mighty leaves display. + +LXVIII. Built high, with lofty gangways, stood a tower, + Fit post of vantage, which the Latins vied, + With utmost effort and with all their power, + To capture and destroy, while armed inside + With stones, the Trojans through the loopholes plied + Their missiles. Turnus, 'mid the foremost, cast + A blazing brand, and, fastening to the side, + Up went the flame; from floor to floor it passed, +Clung to and licked the posts, and maddened with the blast. + +LXIX. Within 'twas hurrying and tumultuous fright, + As, crowding backward, they retreat before + The advancing flames, and vainly long for flight. + Lo! toppling suddenly, the tower went o'er, + And shook the wide air with reverberant roar. + Half-dead, the huge mass following amain, + They come to earth, stabbed by the darts they bore, + Or pierced by splinters through the breast. Scarce twain +Escape--Helenor one, and Lycus--from the slain. + +LXX. Of these Helenor,--whom to Lydia's lord + By stealth his slave, the fair Licymnia, bore, + And sent to Ilium, where a simple sword + And plain, white shield, yet unrenowned, he wore,-- + He, when he sees, around him and before, + The Latin hosts, as when in fierce disdain, + Hemmed round by huntsmen, in his rage the boar + O'erleaps the spears, so, where the thickest rain +The foemen's darts, springs forth Helenor to be slain. + +LXXI. But fleeter far, young Lycus hastes to slip + Through swords, through foes, and gains the walls, and tries + To climb them, and a comrade's hand to grip. + With foot and spear behind him, as he flies, + Comes Turnus. Scornfully the victor cries, + "Mad fool! to fly, whom I have doomed to fall; + Think'st thou to baffle Turnus of his prize?" + Therewith he grasps him hanging, and withal +Down with his victim drags huge fragments of the wall. + +LXXII. E'en so some snowy swan, or timorous hare + Jove's armour-bearer, swooping from the sky, + Grips in his talons, and aloft doth bear. + So, where apart the folded weanlings lie, + Swift at some lamb the warrior-wolf doth fly, + And leaves the mother, bleating in her woe. + Loud rings the noise of battle. With a cry + The foe press on; these fill the trench below, +These to the topmost towers the blazing firebrands throw. + +LXXIII. Ilioneus with a rock's huge fragment quelled + Lucetius, creeping to the gate below + With fire. Asylas Corynaeus felled, + Liger Emathion, one skilled to throw + The flying dart, one famous with the bow. + Caenus--brief triumph!--made Ortygius fall, + With Dioxippus, Turnus lays him low, + Then Itys, Clonius, Promolus withal, +Sagaris, and Idas last, the warder of the wall. + +LXXIV. There, slain by Capys, poor Privernus lay, + Grazed by Themilla's javelin; with a start + The madman flung his trusty shield away, + And clapped his left hand to the wounded part, + Fain, as he thought, to ease him of the smart. + Thereat, a light-winged arrow, unespied, + Whirred on the wind. It missed the warrior's heart, + But pierced his hand, and pinned it to his side, +And, entering, clave the lung, and with a gasp he died. + +LXXV. With broidered scarf of Spanish crimson, stood + A comely youth, young Arcens was his name, + Sent by his father, from Symaethus' flood, + And nurtured in his mother's grove, he came, + Where, rich and kind, Palicus' altars flame. + His lance laid by, thrice whirling round his head + The whistling thong, Mezentius took his aim. + Clean through his temples hissed the molten lead, +And prostrate in the dust, the gallant youth lay dead. + +LXXVI. Then first, 'tis said, in war Ascanius drew + His bow, wherewith in boyish days he plied + The flying game. His hand Numanus slew, + Called Remulus, to Turnus late allied, + For Turnus' youngest sister was his bride. + He, puffed with new-won royalty and proud, + Stalked in the forefront of the fight, and cried + With random clamour and big words and loud, +Fain by his noise to show his grandeur to the crowd. + +LXXVII. "Think ye no shame, poor cowards, thus again + Behind your sheltering battlements to stand, + Twice-captured Phrygians! and to plant in vain + These walls, to shield you from the foemen's hand? + Lo, these the varlets who our wives demand! + What God, what madness blinded you, that e'er + Ye thought to venture to Italia's land? + No wily-worded Ithacan is near; +Far other foes than he or Atreus' sons are here. + +LXXVIII. "Our babes are hardened in the frost and flood, + Strong is the stock and sturdy whence we came. + Our boys from morn till evening scour the wood, + Their joy is hunting, and the steed to tame, + To bend the bow, the flying shaft to aim. + Patient of toil, and used to scanty cheer, + Our youths with rakes the stubborn glebe reclaim, + Or storm the town. Through life we grasp the spear. +In war it strikes the foe, in peace it goads the steer. + +LXXIX. "Age cannot stale, nor creeping years impair + Stout hearts as ours, nor make our strength decay. + Our hoary heads the heavy helmet bear. + Our joy is in the foray, day by day + To reap fresh plunder, and to live by prey. + Ye love to dance, and dally with the fair, + In saffron robes with purple flounces gay. + Your toil is ease, and indolence your care, +And tunics hung with sleeves, and ribboned coifs ye wear. + +LXXX. "Go Phrygian women, for ye are not men! + Hence, to your Dindymus, and roam her heights + With Corybantian eunuchs! Get ye, then, + And hear the flute, harsh-grating, that invites + With twy-mouthed music to her lewd delights, + Where boxen pipe and timbrel from afar + Shriek forth the summons to her sacred rites. + Put by the sword, poor dotards as ye are, +Leave arms to men, like us, nor meddle with the war." + +LXXXI. Such taunts Ascanius brooked not. Stung with pride, + A shaft he fitted to the horse-hair twine, + And, turning, stood with outstretched arms, and cried: + "Bless, Jove omnipotent, this bold design: + Aid me, and yearly offerings shall be thine. + A milk-white steer--I bind me to the vow-- + Myself will lead, the choicest, to thy shrine, + Tall as his mother, and with gilded brow, +And butting horns, and hoofs, that spurn the sand e'en now." + +LXXXII. Jove heard, and leftward, where the sky was blue, + Thundered aloud. At once the fateful bow + Twanged; with a whirr the fateful arrow flew, + And pierced the head of Remulus. "Now go, + And teach thy proud tongue to insult a foe, + And scoff at Trojan valour. _This_ reply + Twice-captured Phrygians to thy taunts bestow." + Ascanius spoke; the Teucrians with a cry, +Press on, their joyous hearts uplifting to the sky. + +LXXXIII. Meanwhile, Apollo from his cloudy car + The Ausonian host, and leaguered town descries, + And calls the youthful conqueror from afar: + "Hail to thy maiden prowess; yonder lies + Thy path, brave boy, to glory and the skies. + O sons of Gods, and sire of Gods to be, + All wars shall cease beneath the race to rise + From great Assaracus. Nor thine, nor thee +Shall narrow Troy contain; so stands the Fate's decree." + +LXXXIV. He spake, and through the breathing air shot down, + And sought Ascanius, now a god no more, + But shaped like aged Butes, whilom known + The servant of the Dardan king, who bore + Anchises' shield, and waited at his door, + Then left to guard Ascanius. Such in view + Apollo seemed; such clanging arms he wore; + Such were his hoary tresses, voice, and hue, +And these his words, as near the fiery youth he drew: + +LXXXV "Enough, to live, and see Numanus bleed, + Child of AEneas! This, thy valour's due, + Great Phoebus grants, nor stints a rival's meed. + Now cease."--He spake, and vanished from their view. + His arms divine the Dardan chieftains knew, + And heard the quiver rattle in his flight. + So, warned by Phoebus' presence, back they drew + The fiery youth, then plunged into the fight. +Death seems a welcome risk, and danger a delight. + +LXXXVI. Shouts fill the walls and outworks; casque and shield + Clash; bows are bent, and javelins hurled amain: + Fierce grows the fight, and weapons strew the field. + So fierce what time the Kid-star brings the rain, + The storm, from westward rising, beats the plain: + So thick with hail, the clouds, asunder riven, + Pour down a deluge on the darkened main, + When Jove, upon his dreaded south-wind driven +Stirs up the watery storm, and rends the clouds of heaven. + +LXXXVII. Pandarus and Bitias, whom in Ida's grove + The nymph Iaera to Alcanor bare, + Tall as their mountains or the pines of Jove, + Fling back the gate committed to their care, + And bid the foemen enter, if they dare. + With waving plumes, and armed from top to toe, + In front, beside the gateway, stand the pair, + Tall as twin oaks, with nodding crests, that grow +Where Athesis' sweet stream or Padus' waters flow. + +LXXXVIII. Up rush the foemen to the open gate, + Quercens, Aquicolus, in armour bright, + Brave Haemon, Tmarus, eager and elate, + In troops they come, in troops they turn in flight, + Or fall upon the threshold, slain outright. + Now fiercer swells the discord, louder grows + The noise of strife, as, hastening to unite, + The sons of Troy their banded ranks oppose, +And battle hand to hand and, sallying, charge the foes. + +LXXXIX. Elsewhere to Turnus, as he raged, and marred + The ranks, came tidings of the foe, elate + With new-wrought carnage, and the gates unbarred. + Forth from his work he rushes, grim with hate, + To seek the brothers, and the Dardan gate. + Here brave Antiphates, the first in view + (The bastard offspring of Sarpedon great, + Borne by a Theban) with his dart he slew; +Swift through the yielding air the Italian cornel flew. + +XC. Down through his throat into the chest it passed. + Out from the dark pit gushed a foaming tide; + The cold steel, warming in the lung, stood fast. + Then Merops, Erymas, Aphidnus died, + And Bitias, fierce with flaming eyes of pride. + No dart for him; no dart his life had ta'en. + A spear phalaric, thundering, pierced his side. + Nor bulls' tough hides, nor corselet's twisted chain, +Twice linked with golden scales the monstrous blow sustain. + +XCI. Prone falls the giant in a heap. Earth groans, + His shield above him thunders. Such the roar, + When falls the solid pile of quarried stones, + Sunk in the sea off Baiae's echoing shore; + So vast the ruin, when the waves close o'er, + And the black sands mount upward, as the block, + Dashed headlong, settles on the deep-sea floor, + And Prochyta and Arime's steep rock, +Piled o'er Typhoeus, quake and tremble with the shock. + +XCII. Now Mars armipotent the Latins lends + Fresh heart and strength, but Fear and black Dismay + And Flight upon the Teucrian troops he sends. + From right and left they hurry to the fray, + And o'er each spirit comes the War-God's sway. + But when brave Pandarus saw his brother's fate, + And marked the swerving fortune of the day, + He set his broad-built shoulders to the gate; +The groaning hinges yield, and backward rolls the weight. + +XCIII. Full many a friend without the camp he leaves, + Sore straitened in the combat; these, the rest, + Saved like himself, he rescues and receives. + Madman! who, blind to Turnus, as he pressed + Among them, made the dreaded foe his guest. + Fierce as a tiger in the fold, he preys. + Loud ring his arms; his helmet's blood-red crest + Waves wide; strange terrors from his eyes outblaze, +And on his dazzling shield the living lightning plays. + +XCIV. That hated form, those giant limbs too plain + The Trojans see, and stand aghast with fear. + Then, fired with fury for his brother slain, + Forth leaping, shouts huge Pandarus with a jeer, + "No Queen Amata's bridal halls are here; + No Ardea this; around the camps the foe. + No flight for thee." He, smiling, calm of cheer, + "Come, if thou durst; full soon shall Priam know +Thou too hast found a new Achilles to thy woe." + +XCV. He spake. Then Pandarus a javelin threw, + Cased in its bark, with hardened knots and dried. + The breezes caught the missile as it flew; + Saturnian Juno turned the point aside, + And fixed it in the gate. "Ha! bravely tried! + Not so _this_ dart shalt thou escape; not so + Send I the weapon and the wound." He cried, + And, sword in hand, uprising to the blow, +Between the temples clave the forehead of his foe. + +XCVI. The beardless cheeks, so fearful was the gash, + Gape wide. Aloud his clanging arms resound. + Earth groans beneath, as prone, amid the splash + Of blood and brains, he sprawls upon the ground, + And right and left hangs, severed by the wound, + His dying head. In terror, strewn afar, + The Trojans fly. Then, then had Turnus found + Time and the thought to burst the town-gate's bar, +That day had seen the last of Trojans and the war. + +XCVII. But lust of death, and vengeance unappeased + Urged on the conqueror. Phalaris he slew, + Then hamstrung Gyges, and their javelins seized, + And hurled them at their comrades, as they flew, + For Juno nerved and strengthened him anew. + Here Halys fell, and hardy Phlegeus there, + Pierced through his shield. Alcander down he threw, + Prytanis, Noemon, Halius unaware, +As on the walls they stood, and roused the battle's blare. + +XCVIII. Slain, too, was Lynceus, as he ran for aid, + Cheering his friends. Back-handed, with fierce sway, + His right knee bent, he swung the sweeping blade, + And head and helmet tumbled far away. + Fell Clytius, Amycus expert to slay + The wood-deer, and the venomed barb to wing, + And Creteus, too, who loved the minstrel's lay, + The Muses' friend, whose joy it was to sing +Of steeds, and arms and men, and wake the lyre's sweet string. + +XCIX. Then meet at length, their kinsmen's slaughter known, + Brave Mnestheus, and Serestus fierce, and see + Their friends in flight, and foemen in the town. + Then Mnestheus cries: "Friends, whither would ye flee? + What other walls, what further town have we? + Shame on the thought, shall then a single foe, + One man alone, O townsmen! ay, and he + Cooped thus within your ramparts, work such woe, +Such deaths--and unavenged? and lay your choicest low? + +C. "Is yours no pity, sluggard souls? no shame + For Troy's old gods, and for your native land, + And for the great AEneas, and his name?" + Fired by his words, they gather heart, and stand, + Shoulder to shoulder, rallying in a band. + Backward, but slowly he retreats, too proud + To turn, and seeks the ramparts hard at hand, + Girt by the stream; while, clamouring aloud, +Fiercer the foe press on, and larger grows the crowd. + +CI. As when an angry lion, held at bay, + And pressed with galling javelins, half in fright, + But grim and glaring, step by step gives way, + Too wroth to turn, too valorous for flight, + And fain, but impotent, to wreak his spite + Against his armed assailants; even so, + Slowly and wavering, Turnus quits the fight, + Boiling with rage; yet twice he charged the foe, +Twice round the walls in rout they fled before his blow. + +CII. But now new hosts come swarming from the town, + Nor Juno dares his failing force to stay, + For Jove in wrath sent heavenly Iris down, + Stern threats to bear, should Turnus disobey, + And longer in the Trojan camp delay. + No more his shield, nor strength of hand avail + To ward the storm; so thick the javelins play. + Loud rings his helmet with the driving hail; +Rent with the volleyed stones, the solid brass-plates fail. + +CIII. Reft are his plumes, and shattered by the blows + The shield-boss. Faster still the darts they pour, + And thundering Mnestheus towers amid his foes. + Trembling with pain, exhausted, sick, and sore, + He gasps for breath. Sweat streams from every pore, + And, black with dust, from all his limbs descends. + Headlong, at length, he plunges from the shore, + Clad all in arms. The yellow river bends, +And bears him, cleansed from blood, triumphant to his friends. + + + + +BOOK TEN + + +ARGUMENT + +The gods meet in council. Venus pleads for the Trojans, Juno for the +Latins. Jupiter as a compromise leaves the arbitrament to Fate +(1-153). The siege of the Trojan camp continues. AEneas meanwhile +is sailing with his Arcadian and Tuscan allies down the Tiber +(154-207). Catalogue of the helpers of AEneas, who is presently +warned by the nymphs in what peril Ascanius stands: comes in sight +of the camp and with difficulty lands his men (208-369). A +hard-fought battle by the river follows, of which Pallas and Lausus +are the heroes (370-531). Pallas is killed by Turnus in single combat +(532-603). AEneas in revenge gives no quarter, but slays and slays, +until Juno, warned by Jupiter that if she would save Turnus even for +a time she must act at once, goes down into the battle and fashions +in the form of AEneas a phantom, which flees before Turnus and lures +him into a ship, by which he is miraculously carried away to his +father's city (604-838). Mezentius takes up the command, but after +performing prodigies of valour is wounded by AEneas (839-954). +Mezentius withdraws, and his son Lausus is killed while covering his +retreat. Thereupon Mezentius gets to horse and rides back to die in +a vain endeavour to avenge his son. AEneas exults over Mezentius +(955-1089). + + +I. Meanwhile, at bidding of almighty Jove, + His palace, as Olympus' gates unfold, + Stands open. To his starry halls above + The Sire of Gods and men, whose eyes behold + The wide-wayed earth, the Dardans' leaguered hold, + And Latium's peoples, from his throne of state + Convokes the council. Ranged on seats of gold + Around the halls, in silence they await. +Himself, in measured speech, begins the grand debate. + +II. "Heaven's great inhabitants, what change hath brewed + Rebellious thoughts, my purpose thus to mar? + 'Twixt Troy and Italy I banned the feud; + My nod forbade it. Whence this impious jar? + What fear hath stirred them to provoke the war? + Fate in due course shall bring the destined hour,-- + Foredate it not--when Carthage from afar + Her barbarous hordes through riven Alps shall pour, +To storm the towers of Rome, to ravage and devour. + +III. "Then may ye rend, and ravage and destroy, + Then may ye glut your vengeance. Now forbear, + And plight this peaceful covenant with joy." + Thus Jove; but Venus of the golden hair, + Less brief, made answer: "Lord of earth and air! + O Father! Power eternal! whom beside + We know none other, to approach with prayer, + See the Rutulians, how they swell with pride; +See Turnus, puffed with triumph, borne upon the tide. + +IV. "Their very walls the Teucrians shield no more. + Within the gates, amid the mounds the fray + Is raging, and the trenches float with gore, + While, ignorant, AEneas is away. + Is theirs no rest from leaguer--not a day? + Again a threatening enemy hangs o'er + A new-born Troy! New foemen in array + Swarm from AEtolian Arpi, and once more +A son of Tydeus comes, as dreadful as before. + +V. "Ay, wounds are waiting for thine offspring still, + And mortal arms must vex her. List to me: + If maugre thee, and careless of thy will, + The Trojans sought Italia, let them be, + Nor aid them; let their folly reap its fee. + But if, oft called by many a warning sign + From Heaven and Hell, they followed thy decree, + Who then shall tamper with the doom divine, +Or dare to forge new Fates, or alter words of thine? + +VI. "Why tell of grievances in days forepast, + The vessels burnt on Eryx' distant shore, + The tempest's monarch, and the raging blast + Stirred in AEolia, and the winds' uproar, + And Iris, heaven-sent messenger? Nay more, + From Hell's dark depths she summons her allies, + The ghosts of Hades, overlooked before. + Through Latin towns, sent sudden from the skies, +Alecto wings her flight, and riots as she flies. + +VII. "I reck not, I, of empire; once, indeed, + While fortune smiled, I hoped for it; but now + Theirs, whom thou choosest, be the victor's meed. + But if no land thy ruthless spouse allow + To Teucrian outcasts, hearken to me now: + O Father! by the latest hour of Troy, + By Ilion's smoking ruins, deign to show + Thy pity for Ascanius; spare my boy; +Safe let him cease from arms, my darling and my joy. + +VIII. "Let brave AEneas follow, as he may, + Where future leads, and wander on the brine. + _Him_ shield, and let me snatch him from the fray. + Paphos, Cythera, Amathus are mine, + And on Idalium is my home and shrine: + There let him live, forgetful of renown, + And, deaf to fame, these warlike weeds resign; + Then let fierce Carthage press Ausonia down, +For he and his no more shall vex the Tyrian town. + +IX. "Ah, what availed to 'scape the fight and flame, + And drain all dangers of the land and main, + If Teucrians seek on Latin soil to frame + Troy's towers anew? Far better to remain + There, on their country's ashes, on the plain + Where Troy once stood. Give, Father, I implore, + To wretched men their native streams again; + Their Xanthus and their Simois restore; +There let them toil and faint, as Trojans toiled of yore." + +X. Then, roused with rage, spake Juno: "Wherefore make + My lips break silence and lay bare my woe? + What God or man AEneas forced to take + The sword, and make the Latin King his foe? + Fate to Italia called him: be it so: + Driven by the frenzied prophetess of Troy. + Did we then bid him leave the camp, and throw + His life to fortune, ay, and leave a boy +To rule the war, and Tuscan loyalty destroy, + +XI. "And harass peaceful nations? Who was there + The God, and whose the tyranny to blame + For fraud like that? Where then was Juno? where + Was cloud-sent Iris? Sooth, ye count it shame + That Latins hedge the new-born Troy with flame, + And Turnus dares his native land possess, + Albeit from Pilumnus' seed he came, + And nymph Venilia. Is the shame then less, +That Troy with foreign yoke should Latin fields oppress, + +XII. "And rob their maidens of the love they vow, + And lift, and burn and ravage as they list, + Then plead for peace, with arms upon the prow? + Thy sheltering power AEneas can assist, + And cheat his foemen with an empty mist, + The warrior's counterfeit. At thy command + Ships change to sea-nymphs, and the flames desist. + And now, that we should stretch a friendly hand, +And lend Rutulians aid, an infamy ye brand. + +XIII. "Thy chief is absent, absent let him be. + He knows not: let him know not. Do I care? + What is AEneas' ignorance to me? + Thou hast thy Paphos, and Idalium fair, + And bowers of high Cythera; get thee there. + Why seek for towns with battle in their womb, + And beard a savage foeman in his lair? + Wrought we the wreck, when Ilion sank in gloom, +We, or the hands that urged poor Trojans to their doom? + +XIV. "Was I the robber, who the war begun, + Whose theft in arms two continents arrayed, + When Europe clashed with Asia? I the one, + Who led the Dardan leman on his raid, + To storm the chamber of the Spartan maid? + Did I with lust the fatal strife sustain, + And fan the feud, and lend the Dardans aid? + _Then_ had thy fears been fitting; now in vain +Thy taunts are hurled; too late thou risest to complain." + +XV. So pleaded Juno: the immortals all + On this and that side murmured their assent, + As new-born gales, that tell the coming squall, + Caught in the woods, their mingled moanings vent. + Then thus began the Sire omnipotent, + Who rules the universe, and as he rose, + Hush'd was the hall; Earth shook; the firmament + Was silent; whist was every wind that blows, +And o'er the calm deep spread the stillness of repose. + +XVI. "Now hearken all, and to my words give heed. + Since naught avails this discord to allay, + And peace is hopeless, let the war proceed. + Trojans, Rutulians--each alike this day + Must carve his hopes and fortune as he may. + Fate, blindness, crooked counsels--whatso'er + Holds Troy in leaguer, equally I weigh + The chance of all, nor would Rutulians spare. +For each must toil and try, till Fate the doom declare." + +XVII. He spake, and straightway, to confirm his word, + Invoked his brother, and the Stygian flood, + The pitchy whirlpool, and the banks abhorr'd, + Then bent his brow, and with his awful nod + Made all Olympus tremble at the god. + So ceased the council. From his throne of state, + All golden, he arose, and slowly trod + The courts of Heaven. The powers celestial wait +Around their sovereign Lord, and lead him to the gate. + +XVIII. Now, fire in hand, and burning to destroy, + The fierce Rutulians still the siege maintain. + Pent in their ramparts stay the sons of Troy, + Hopeless of flight, and line the walls in vain, + A little band, but all that now remain. + Thymoetes, son of Hicetaon bold, + Asius, the son of Imbrasus, the twain + Assaraci, Castor and Thymbris old, +These, battling in the van, the desperate strife uphold. + +XIX. Next stand the brethren of Sarpedon slain, + Claros and Themon,--braver Lycians none. + There, with a rock's huge fragment toils amain + Lyrnessian Acmon, famous Clytius' son, + Menestheus' brother, nor less fame he won. + Hot fares the combat; from the walls these fling + The stones, and those the javelins. Each one + Toils to defend; these blazing firebrands bring, +And fetch the flying shafts, and fit them to the string. + +XX. There too, bare-headed, in the midst is seen + Fair Venus' care, the Dardan youth divine, + Bright as a diamond, or the lustrous sheen + Of gems, that, set in yellow gold, entwine + The neck, or sparkling on the temples shine. + So gleams the ivory, inlaid with care + In chest of terebinth, or boxwood scrine; + And o'er his milk-white neck and shoulders fair, +Twined with the pliant gold, streams down the warrior's hair. + +XXI. There, too, brave Ismarus, the nations see, + Scattering the poisoned arrows from thy hands; + A gallant knight, and born of high degree + In far Maeonia, where his golden sands + Pactolus rolls along the fruitful lands. + There he, whom yesterday the voice of fame + Raised to the stars, the valiant Mnestheus stands, + Who drove fierce Turnus from the camp with shame; +There, Capys, he who gave the Capuan town its name. + +XXII. Thus all day long both armies toiled and fought. + And now, at midnight, o'er the deep sea fares + AEneas. By Evander sent, he sought + The Tuscan camp. To Tarchon he declares + His name and race, the aid he asks and bears, + The friends Mezentius gathers to the fray, + And Turnus' violence; then warns, with prayers, + Of Fortune's fickleness. No more delay: +Brave Tarchon joins his power, and strikes a league straightway. + +XXIII. So, free of Fate, Heaven's mandate they obey, + And Lydians, with a foreign leader, plough + The deep; AEneas' vessel leads the way. + Sweet Ida forms the figure-head; below, + The Phrygian lions ramp upon the prow. + Here sits AEneas, thoughtful, on the stern, + For war's dark chances cloud the chieftain's brow. + There, on his left, sits Pallas, and in turn +Now cons the stars, now seeks the wanderer's woes to learn. + +XXIV. Now open Helicon; unlock the springs, + Ye Goddesses. Strike up the noble stave, + And sing what hosts from Tuscan shores he brings, + What ships he arms, and how they cross the wave. + First, Massicus with brazen Tiger clave + The watery plain. With him from Clusium go, + And Cosae's town, a hundred, tried and brave; + Deft archers, well the deadly craft they know. +Light from their shoulders hang the quiver and the bow. + +XXV. With blazoned troops came Abas, gaunt and grim. + Golden Apollo on the stern he bore. + Six hundred Populonia gave to him, + All trained to battle, and three hundred more + Sent Ilva, rich in unexhausted ore. + Third came Asylas, who the voice divine + Expounds to man, and kens, with prescient lore, + The starry sky, the hearts of slaughtered kine, +The voices of the birds, the lightning's warning sign. + +XXVI. A thousand from Alphaeus' Tuscan town + Of Pisa, with him to the war proceed, + In bristling ranks, all spearmen of renown. + Next, Astur--comeliest Astur--clad in weed + Of divers hues, and glorying in his steed: + Three hundred men from ancient Pyrgos fare, + From Caere's home, from Minio's fruitful mead, + And they who breathe Gravisca's tainted air. +One purpose fills them all, to follow and to dare. + +XXVII. Nor would I leave thee, Cinyras, untold, + Liguria's chief, nor, though a few were thine, + Cupavo. Emblem of his sire of old, + The swan's white feathers on his helmet shine, + Thy fault, O Love. When Cycnus, left to pine + For Phaethon, the poplar shades among, + Soothed his sad passion with the Muse divine, + Old age with hoary plumage round him clung; +Starward he soared from earth and, soaring up, still sung. + +XXVIII. Now comes his son, with his Ligurian bands, + Oaring their bark. A Centaur from the prow + Looms o'er the waves a-tiptoe, with his hands + A vast rock heaving, as in act to throw; + The long keel ploughs the furrowed deep below. + Next, from his home the gallant Ocnus came, + The son of Manto, who the Fates doth know, + Brave child of Tiber. He his mother's name +And walls to Mantua gave,--great Mantua, rich in fame, + +XXIX. And rich in heroes, though diversely bred. + Three separate stems four-fold the state compose, + Herself, of Tuscan origin, the head. + Five hundred warriors, all Mezentius' foes, + And armed for vengeance, from her walls arose. + Mincius in front, veiled in his sedges grey + (Fair stream, whose birth from sire Benacus flows), + Shines on the poop, and seaward points the way; +Swift speeds the bark of pine, with foemen for the fray. + +XXX. Last, huge Aulestes, rising with his row + Of hundred oarsmen, beats the watery lea. + The lashed deeps boil; big Triton from the prow + Sounds his loud shell, that frights the sky-blue sea. + Waist-high, a man with human face is he; + All else, a fish; beneath his savage breast + The white foam roars before him.--Such to see, + Such, and so numerous was the host that pressed, +Borne in their thirty ships, to succour Troy distrest. + +XXXI. Daylight had failed; to mid Olympus' gate + Bright Phoebe drove her nightly-wandering wain. + Tiller in hand, the good AEneas sate + And trimmed the sails, while trouble tossed his brain. + When lo! around him thronged the Sea-nymphs' train, + Whom kind Cybele changed from ships of wood + To rule, as goddesses, the watery main. + As many as late, with brazen beaks, had stood +Linked to the shore, now swim in even line the flood. + +XXXII. Far off, their king the goddesses beheld + And danced around him joyously, and lo, + Cymodocea, who in speech excelled, + Clings to the stern; breast-high the nymph doth show; + Her left hand oars the placid deep below. + Then, "Watchest thou, AEneas, child divine? + Watch on," she cries, "and let the canvas go. + Behold us, sea-nymphs, once a grove of pine +On Ida's sacred crest, the Trojans' ships and thine. + +XXXIII. "When on us late the false Rutulian pressed + With sword and flame, perforce, sweet life to save, + We broke our chains, and wander in thy quest. + Our shape the Mother, pitying, changed and gave + Immortal life, to spend beneath the wave. + Thy son, he stays in Latin leaguer pent; + Arcadian horsemen, with the Tuscans brave, + Hold tryst to aid. His troops hath Turnus sent, +Charged, with opposing arms, their succour to prevent. + +XXXIV. "Now rise, and when to-morrow's dawn shall shine, + Bid forth thy followers to arms. Be bold, + And take this shield, the Fire-King's gift divine, + Invincible, immortal, rimm'd with gold. + Next morn--so truly as the word is told-- + Huge heaps of dead Rutulian foes shall view." + She spake; her hand, departing, loosed its hold, + And pushed the vessel; well the way she knew; +Swift as a dart it flies; the rest its flight pursue. + +XXXV. Wondering, AEneas pauses in amaze, + Yet hails the sign, and gladdens at the sight, + And, gazing on the vaulted skies, he prays, + "Mother of Heaven, whom Dindymus' famed height, + And tower-girt towns, and lions yoked delight, + Assist the Phrygians, and direct the fray. + Kind Goddess, prosper us, and speed aright + This augury." He ended, and the day +Returning, climbed the sky, and chased the night away. + +XXXVI. Forthwith he calls his comrades to arise + And take fresh heart, and for the fight prepare. + Now, from the stern, the Dardans he espies, + Hemmed in their camp. Aloft his hands upbear + The burning shield. With shouts his Dardans tear + Heaven's concave. Hope with fury fires their veins. + Fast fly their darts, as when through darkened air + With clang and clamour the Strymonian cranes +Stream forth, the signal given, from winter's winds and rains. + +XXXVII. Then lost in wonderment, the foemen stand, + Till, looking round, they see the watery ways + A sea of ships, all crowding to the land, + The flaming crest, the helmet all ablaze, + The golden shield-boss, with its lightning rays. + As when a comet, bright with blazing hair, + Its blood-red beams athwart the night displays, + Or Sirius, rising, with its baleful glare +Brings pestilence and drought, and saddens all the air. + +XXXVIII. Yet quails not Turnus; still his hopes are high + To seize the shore, and keep them from the land. + Now cheering, and now chiding, rings his cry + "Lo, here--'tis here, the battle ye demand. + Up, crush them; war is in the warrior's hand. + Think of your fathers and their deeds of old, + Your homes, your wives. Forestall them on the strand, + Now, while they totter, while the foot's faint hold +Slips on the shelving beach. Fair Fortune aids the bold." + +XXXIX. So saying, he ponders inly, whom to choose + To mind the siege, and whom the foe to meet. + By planks meanwhile AEneas lands his crews. + Some wait until the languid waves retreat, + Then, leaping, to the shallows trust their feet; + Some vault with oars. Brave Tarchon marks, quick-eyed, + A sheltered spot, where neither surf doth beat, + Nor breakers roar, but smooth the waters glide, +And up the sloping shore unbroken swells the tide. + +XL. Here suddenly he bids them turn the prow, + And shouts aloud, "Now, now, my chosen band, + Lean to your oars; strive lustily and row. + Lift the keel onward, till it cleaves the strand, + And ploughs its furrow in the foeman's land. + Let the bark break, with such a haven here + What harm, if once upon the shore we stand?" + So Tarchon spake; his comrades, with a cheer, +Rise on the smooth-shaved thwarts, and sweep the foaming mere. + +XLI. So, one by one, they gain the land, and, whole + And scatheless, on the Latin shore abide. + All safe but Tarchon. Dashed upon a shoal, + Long on a rock's unequal ridge astride, + In doubtful balance swayed from side to side, + His vessel hangs, and back the waves doth beat, + Then breaks, and leaves them tangled in the tide + 'Twixt planks and oars, while, ebbing to retreat, +The shrinking waves draw back, and wash them from their feet. + +XLII. Nor loiters Turnus; eager to attack, + Along the shore he marshals his array, + To meet the foe, and drive the Teucrians back. + The trumpet sounds: the Latin churls straightway + AEneas routs, first omen of the day, + Huge Theron slain, their mightiest, who in pride + Of strength, rushed forth and dared him to the fray. + Through quilted brass the Dardan sword he plied, +Through tunic stiff with gold, and pierced th' unguarded side. + +XLIII. Lichas he smites, who vowed his infant life, + Ripped from his mother, dying in her pain, + To Phoebus, freed from perils of the knife. + Huge Gyas, brawny Cisseus press the plain, + As, club in hand, they strew the Tuscan train. + Naught now avail those stalwart arms, that plied + The weapons of Alcides; all in vain + They boast their sire Melampus, comrade tried +Of Hercules, while earth his toilsome tasks supplied. + +XLIV. Lo, full at Pharus, in his bawling mouth + He plants a dart. Thou, Cydon, too, in quest + Of Clytius, blooming with the down of youth, + Thy latest joy, had'st laid thy loves to rest, + Slain by the Dardan; but around thee pressed + Old Phorcus' sons. Seven brethren bold are there, + Seven darts they throw. These helm and shield arrest, + Those, turned aside by Venus' gentle care +Just graze the Dardan's frame, and, grazing, glance in air. + +XLV. Then cried AEneas to Achates true, + "Quick, hand me store of weapons; none in vain + This arm shall hurl at yon Rutulian crew, + Not one of all that whilom knew the stain + Of Argive blood upon the Trojan plain." + So saying, he snatched, and in a moment threw + His mighty spear, that, hurtling, rent in twain + The brazen plates of Maeon's shield, and through +The breastplate pierced the breast, nor faltered as it flew. + +XLVI. Up ran, and raised his brother, as he lay, + Alcanor. Shrill another javelin sung, + And pierced his arm, and, reddening, held its way, + And from his shoulders by the sinews hung + The dying hand. Then straight, the dart outwrung, + His brother Numitor the barb let fly + Full at AEneas. In his face he flung, + But failed to smite. The weapon, turned awry, +Missed the intended mark, and grazed Achates' thigh. + +XLVII. Up Clausus came, of Cures, in the pride + Of youth. His stark spear, urged with forceful sway, + Through Dryops' throat, beneath the chin, he plied, + And voice and life forsook him, as he lay, + Spewing thick gore, his forehead in the clay. + Three Thracians next, three sons of Idas bleed. + Ismarians these. Halaesus to the fray + Brings his Auruncan bands, and Neptune's seed, +Messapus, too, comes up, the tamer of the steed. + +XLVIII. Each side strives hard the other's ground to win. + E'en on Ausonia's threshold raves the fray. + As in the broad air warring winds begin + The battle, matched in strength and rage, nor they, + The winds themselves, nor clouds nor sea give way, + All locked in strife, and struggling as they can, + And long in doubtful balance hangs the day, + So meet the ranks, and mingle in the van, +And foot clings close to foot, and man is massed with man. + +XLIX. Where, in another quarter, stones and trees, + Torn from its banks, a torrent at its height + Had strewn with wide-wrought ravage, Pallas sees + His brave Arcadians break the ranks of fight, + And turn before their Latin foes in flight. + Strange to foot-combat, from his trusty horse + The rough ground lured each rider to alight. + Now with entreaties--'tis his last resource-- +And now with bitter words he fires their flagging force. + +L. "Shame on ye, comrades! whither do ye run? + By your brave deeds, and by the name ye bear, + And great Evander's, by the wars ye won, + By these my hopes, which even now bid fair + E'en with my father's honours to compare. + Trust not your feet; the sword, the sword must hew + A pathway through the foemen. See, 'tis there, + Where foes press thickest, and our friends are few, +Our noble country calls for Pallas and for you. + +LI. "No gods assail us; mortals fight to-day + With mortals. Lives as many as theirs have we, + As many hands, to match them in the fray. + Earth fails for flight, and yonder lies the sea. + Seaward or Troyward--whither shall we flee?" + So saying, he plunged amid the throng. First foe, + Fell Lagus, doomed an evil fate to dree. + Him, toiling hard a ponderous stone to throw, +Between the ribs and spine a whistling dart laid low. + +LII. Scarce from his marrow could the victor tear + The steel, so tightly clung it to the bone. + Forth Hisbo leaped, to smite him unaware. + Rash hope! brave Pallas caught him, rushing on, + And through the lung his sword a passage won. + Then Sthenius he slew; beside him bled + Anchemolus, of Rhoetus' stock the son, + The lewd defiler of his stepdame's bed. +Fate stopped his lewdness now, and stretched him with the dead. + +LIII. Ye, too, young Thymber and Larides fair, + Twin sons of Daucus, did the victor quell. + So like in form and features were the pair, + That e'en their doting parents failed to tell + This one from that. Alas! the sword too well + Divides them now. Here, tumbled on the sward, + At one fierce swoop, the head of Thymber fell. + Thy severed hand, Larides, seeks its lord; +The fingers, half alive and quivering, clutch the sword. + +LIV. Fired by his words, his deeds the Arcadians view, + And shame and anger arm them to the fray. + Rhoeteus, as past his two-horsed chariot flew + He pierced,--'twas Ilus Pallas meant to slay, + And Ilus gained that moment of delay. + Rhoeteus, in flight from Teuthras and from thee, + His brother Tyres, met the spear midway. + Down from his chariot in the dust rolled he, +And, dying, with his heels beat the Rutulian lea. + +LV. As when a shepherd, on a summer's day, + The wished-for winds arising, hastes to cast + The flames amid the stubble: far away, + The mid space seized, the line of fire runs fast + From field to field, and broadens with the blast: + And, sitting down, the victor from a height + Surveys the triumph, as the flames rush past. + So all Arcadia's chivalry unite, +And round thee, Pallas, throng, and aid thee in the fight. + +LVI. But lo, from out the foemen's ranks, athirst + For battle, fierce Halesus charged, and drew + His covering shield before him. Ladon first, + Then Pheres, then Demodocus he slew. + Next, at his throat as bold Strymonius flew, + The glittering falchion severed at a blow + The lifted hand. At Thoas' face he threw + A stone, that smashed the forehead of his foe, +And bones, and blood, and brains the spattered earth bestrow. + +LVII. Halesus, when a boy, in woods concealed, + His sire, a seer, had reared with tender care. + But soon as death the old man's eyes had sealed, + Fate marked the son for the Evandrian spear. + Him Pallas sought; "O Tiber!" was his prayer, + "True to Halesus let this javelin go. + His arms and spoils thy sacred oak shall bear." + 'Twas heard: Halesus, shielding from the foe +Imaon, leaves his breast unguarded to the blow. + +LVIII. Firm Lausus stands, bearing the battle's brunt, + Nor lets Halesus' death his friends dismay. + Dead falls the first who meets him front to front, + Brave Abas, knot and holdfast of the fray. + Down go Arcadia's chivalry that day, + Down go the Etruscans, and the Teucrians, those + Whom Grecian conquerors had failed to slay. + Man locked with man, amid the conflict's throes, +With strength and leaders matched, the rival armies close. + +LIX. On press the rearmost, crowding on the van, + So thick, that neither hand can stir, nor spear + Be wielded; each one struggles as he can. + Here Pallas, there brave Lausus, charge and cheer, + Two foes, in age scarce differing by a year. + Both fair of form. Stern Fate to each forbade + His home return. But Jove allowed not here + A meeting; he who great Olympus swayed, +Awhile for mightier foes their destined doom delayed. + +LX. Warned by his gracious sister, Turnus flies + To take the place of Lausus. Driving through + The ranks, "Stand off," he shouts to his allies, + "I fight with Pallas; Pallas is my due. + Would that his sire were here himself to view!" + All clear the field. Then, pondering with surprise + The proud command, as back the crowd withdrew, + The youth, amazed at Turnus, rolls his eyes +And scans his giant foe, and thus in scorn replies: + +LXI. "Or kingly spoils shall make me famed to-day, + Or glorious death. Whatever end remain, + My sire can bear it. Put thy threats away." + Then forth he stepped; cold horror chills his train. + Down from his car, close combat to darrain, + Leapt Turnus. As a lion, who far away + Has marked a bull, that butts the sandy plain + For battle, springs to grapple with his prey; +So dreadful Turnus looks, advancing to the fray. + +LXII. Him, deemed within his spear-throw, undismayed + The youth prevents, if chance the odds should square, + And aid his daring. To the skies he prayed, + "O thou, my father's guest-friend, wont whilere + A stranger's welcome at his board to share, + Aid me, Alcides, prosper my emprise; + Let Turnus fall, and, falling, see me tear + His blood-stained arms, and may his swooning eyes +Meet mine, and bear the victor's image, when he dies." + +LXIII. Alcides heard, and, stifling in his breast + A deep groan, poured his unavailing grief. + Whom thus the Sire with kindly words addressed: + "Each hath his day; irreparably brief + Is mortal life, and fading as the leaf. + 'Tis valour's part to bid it bloom anew + By deeds of fame. Dead many a godlike chief, + Dead lies my son Sarpedon. Turnus too +His proper Fates demand; his destined hour is due." + +LXIV. So saying, he turned, and shunned the scene of death. + Forth Pallas hurled the spear with all his might, + And snatched the glittering falchion from the sheath. + Where the shield's top just matched the shoulders' height, + Clean through the rim, the javelin winged its flight, + And grazed the flesh. Then Turnus, poising slow + His oakbeam, tipt with iron sharp and bright, + Took aim, and, hurling, shouted to his foe, +"See, now, if this my lance can deal a deadlier blow." + +LXV. He spake, and through the midmost shield, o'erlaid + With bull-hide, brass, and iron, welded hard, + Whizzed the keen javelin, nor its course delayed, + But pierced the broad breast through the corslet's guard. + He the warm weapon, in the wound embarred, + Wrenched, writhing in his agony; in vain; + Out gushed the life and life-blood. O'er him jarred + His clanging armour, as he rolled in pain. +Dying, with bloody mouth he bites the hostile plain. + +LXVI. Then Turnus, standing o'er the dead, "Go to, + Arcadians, hear and let Evander know, + I send back Pallas, handled as was due. + If aught of honour can a tomb bestow, + If earth's cold lap yield solace to his woe, + I grant it. Dearly will his Dardan guest + Cost him, I trow." Then, trampling on the foe, + His left foot on the lifeless corpse he pressed, +And tore the ponderous belt in triumph from his breast; + +LXVII. The belt, whereon the tale of guilt was told,-- + The wedding night, the couches smeared with gore, + The bridegrooms slain--which Clonus in the gold, + The son of Eurytus, had grav'n of yore, + And Turnus now, exulting, seized and wore. + Vain mortals! triumphing past bounds to-day, + Blind to to-morrow's destiny. The hour + Shall come, when gold in plenty would he pay +Ne'er Pallas to have touched, and curse the costly prey. + +LXVIII. With tears his comrades lifted from the ground + Dead Pallas; groaning, on his shield they bore + Him homeward, and the bitter wail went round. + "O grief! O glory! fall'n to rise no more! + Thus back we bring thee, thus the son restore! + One day to battle gave thee, one hath ta'en, + Victor and vanquished in the self-same hour! + Yet fall'n with honour, for behind thee slain, +Heaps of Rutulian foes thou leavest on the plain!" + +LXIX. Sure tidings to AEneas came apace,-- + 'Twas no mere rumour--of his friends in flight; + Time pressed for help, death stared them in the face. + Sweeping his foes before him, left and right + He mows a passage through the ranks of fight. + Thee, haughty Turnus, thee he burns to find, + Hot with new blood, and glorying in thy might. + The sire, the son, the welcome warm and kind, +The feast, the parting grasp--all crowd upon his mind. + +LXX. Eight youths alive he seizes for the pyre, + Four, sons of Sulmo, four, whom Ufens bred, + Poor victims, doomed to feed the funeral fire, + And pour their blood in quittance for the dead. + Then from afar a bitter shaft he sped + At Magus. Warily he stoops below + The quivering steel, that whistles o'er his head, + And, like a suppliant, crouching to his foe, +Clings to AEneas' knees, and cries in words of woe: + +LXXI. "O by the promise of thy youthful heir, + By dead Anchises, pity, I implore, + My son, my father; for their sakes forbear. + Rich is my house, its cellars heaped with store + Of gold, and silver talents by the score. + 'Tis not my doom, that shall the day decide. + If Trojans win, one foeman's life the more + Mars not the triumph, nor can turn the tide." +Thus he, and thus in scorn the Dardan chief replied: + +LXXII. "The treasures that thou vauntest, let them be. + Thy gold, thy silver, and thy hoarded gain + Spare for thy children, for they bribe not me. + Since Pallas fell by Turnus' hand, 'twere vain + To think thy pelf will traffic for the slain, + So deems my son, so deems Anchises' shade." + He spake, and with his left hand grasped amain + His helmet. Even as the suppliant prayed, +Hilt-deep, the neck bent back, he drove the shining blade. + +LXXIII. Hard by, the son of Haemon there was seen, + Apollo's priest and Trivia's, all aglow + In robe and armour of resplendent sheen, + The holy ribboned chaplet on his brow. + Him, met, afield he chases, lays him low, + And o'er him, like a storm-cloud, dark as night, + Stands, hugely shadowing the fallen foe: + And back Serestus bears his armour bright, +A trophy, vowed to thee, Gradivus, lord of fight. + +LXXIV. Then Caeculus, to Vulcan's race allied, + And Marsian Umbro, rally 'gainst the foe + The wavering ranks. The Dardan on his side + Still rages. First from Anxur with a blow + His sword the shield-arm and the shield laid low. + Big things had Anxur boasted, empty jeers, + And deemed his valour with his vaunts would grow: + Perchance, with spirit lifted to the spheres, +Hoar hairs he looked to see, and length of peaceful years. + +LXXV. Sheathed in bright arms, proud Tarquitus in scorn, + Whom Dryope the nymph, if fame be true, + To Faunus, ranger of the woods, had borne, + Leaped forth, and at the fiery Dardan flew. + He, drawing back his javelin, aimed and threw. + And through the cuirass and the ponderous shield + Pinned him. Then, vainly as he strove to sue, + Much pleading, even while the suppliant kneeled. +Lopt off, the lifeless head went rolling on the field. + +LXXVI. His reeking trunk the victor in disdain + Spurns with his foot, and cries aloud, "Lie there, + Proud youth, and tell thy terrors to the slain. + No tender mother shall thy shroud prepare, + No father's sepulchre be thine to share. + Thy carrion corpse shall be the vultures' food, + And birds that batten on the dead shall tear + Thee piecemeal, and the fishes lick thy blood, +Drowned in the deep sea-gulfs, or drifting on the flood." + +LXXVII. Lucas, Antaeus in the van were slain. + Here Numa, there the fair-haired Camers lay, + Great Volscens' son; full many a wide domain + Was his, and mute Amyclae owned his sway. + As when AEgeon, hundred-armed, they say, + And hundred-handed, would the Sire withstand, + And fifty mouths, and fifty maws each way + Shot flames against Jove's thunder, and each hand +Clashed on a sounding shield, or bared a glittering brand, + +LXXVIII. So raves AEneas, victor of the war, + His sword now warmed, and many a foeman dies. + Now at Niphaeus, in his four-horse car + Breasting the battle, in hot haste he flies. + Scared stand the steeds, in terror and surprise, + So dire his gestures, as he strides amain, + So fierce his looks, so terrible his cries; + Then, turning, from his chariot on the plain +Fling their ill-fated lord, and gallop to the main. + +LXXIX. With two white steeds into the midmost dashed + Bold Lucagus and Liger, brethren twain. + Around him Lucagus his broad sword flashed + His brother wheeled the horses with the rein. + Fired at the sight, AEneas in disdain + Rushed on them, towering with uplifted spear. + "No steeds of Diomede, nor Phrygian plain," + Cries Liger, "nor Achilles' car are here. +This field shall end the war, thy fatal hour is near." + +LXXX. So fly his words, but not in words the foe + Makes answer, but his javelin hurls with might. + As o'er the lash proud Lucagus bends low + To prick the steeds, and planting for the fight + His left foot forward, stands in act to smite, + Clean through the nether margin of his shield + The Dardan shaft goes whistling in its flight, + And thrills his groin upon the left. He reeled, +And from the chariot fell half-lifeless on the field. + +LXXXI. Then bitterly AEneas mocked him: "Lo, + Proud Lucagus! no lagging steeds have played + Thy chariot false, nor shadows of the foe + Deceived thy horses, and their hearts dismayed. + 'Tis thou--thy leap has lost the car!" He said + And snatched the reins. The brother in despair + Slipped down, and spread his hapless hands, and prayed: + "O by thyself, great son of Troy, forbear; +By those who bore thee such, have pity on my prayer." + +LXXXII. More would he, but AEneas: "Nay, not so + Thou spak'st erewhile. Die now, and take thy way, + And join thy brother, brotherlike, below." + Deep in the breast he stabbed him as he lay, + And bared the life's recesses to the day. + Such deaths the Dardan dealt upon the plain, + Like storm or torrent, full of rage to slay. + And now at length Ascanius and his train +Burst forth, and leave their camp, long leaguered, but in vain. + +LXXXIII. Great Jove meanwhile to Juno spake and said, + "Sweet spouse and sister, thou hast deemed aright, + 'Tis Venus, sure, who doth the Trojans aid, + Not courage, strength and patience in the fight." + Then Juno meekly: "Dearest, why delight + With cruel words to vex me, sad with fear + And sick at heart? Had still my love the might + It had and should have; were I still so dear, +Not thou, with all thy power, should'st then refuse to hear, + +LXXXIV. "But safe should Turnus from the fight once more + Return to greet old Daunus. Be it so, + And let him die, and shed his righteous gore + To glut the vengeance of his Teucrian foe, + Albeit his name celestial birth doth show, + Fourth in succession from Pilumnus, yea, + Though oft his hand thy sacred shrines below + Hath heaped his gifts." She ended, and straightway +Brief answer made the Sire, who doth Olympus sway: + +LXXXV. "If but a respite for the youth be sought, + A little time of tarrying, ere he die, + And thus thou read'st the purport of my thought, + Take then awhile thy Turnus; let him fly + And 'scape his present fates; thus far may I + Indulge thee. But if aught beneath thy prayer + Lie veiled of purpose or of hopes more high, + To change the war's whole aspect, then beware, +For idle hopes thou feed'st, as empty as the air." + +LXXXVI. Then She with tears: "What if thy heart should give + The pledge and promise, that thy lips disdain, + And Turnus by thy warrant still should live? + Now death awaits him guiltless, or in vain + I read the Fates. Ah! may I merely feign + An empty fear, and better thoughts advise + Thee--for thou can'st--to spare him and refrain!" + So saying, arrayed in storm-clouds, through the skies +Down to Laurentum's camp and Ilian lines she flies. + +LXXXVII. Then straight the Goddess from a hollow cloud-- + Strange sight to see!--a thin and strengthless shade + Shaped like the great AEneas, and endowed + With Dardan arms, and fixed the shield, and spread + The plume and crest as on his godlike head. + And empty words, a soulless sound, she gave, + And feigned the fashion of the warrior's tread. + Thus ghosts are said to glide above the grave; +Thus oft delusive dreams the slumbering sense enslave. + +LXXXVIII. Proud stalks the phantom, gladdening in the van, + With darts provokes him, and with words defies. + Forth rushed fierce Turnus, hurling as he ran + His whistling spear. The shadow turns and flies. + Then Turnus, glorying in his fancied prize, + "Where now, AEneas, from thy plighted bride? + The land thou soughtest o'er the deep, it lies + Here, and this hand shall give it thee." He cried, +And waved his glittering sword, and chased him, nor espied + +LXXXIX. The winds bear off his triumph.--Hard at hand, + With steps let down and gangway ready laid, + Moored by the rocks, a vessel chanced to stand, + Which brave Osinius, Clusium's king, conveyed. + Here, as in haste, for shelter plunged the shade. + On Turnus pressed, and with a bound ascends + The lofty gangways, dauntless nor delayed. + The bows scarce reached, the rope Saturnia rends, +And down the refluent tide the loosened ship descends. + +XC. Loud calls AEneas for his absent foe, + And many a hero-body--all who dare + To meet him--hurries to the shades below. + No more the phantom lingers in his lair, + But, soaring, melts into the misty air. + Turnus a storm-wind o'er the deep sea blows. + Backward he looks, and of events unware, + And all unthankful to escape his foes. +Up to the stars of heaven his hand and voice he throws. + +XCI. "Great Sire, was I so guilty in thy sight, + To make thee deem such punishment my due? + Whence came I? Whither am I borne? What flight + Is this? and how do I return, and who? + Again Laurentum's city shall I view? + What of that band, who followed me, whom I-- + Shame on me--left a shameful death to rue? + E'en now I see them scattered,--see them fly,-- +And see them fall; and hear the groans of those that die. + +XCII. "What am I doing? Where can Earth for me + Gape deep enough? Ye winds that round me roar, + Pity I crave, on rocks amid the sea-- + 'Tis Turnus, I, a willing prayer who pour-- + Dash me this ship, or drive it on the shore, + 'Mid ruthless shoals, where no Rutulian eyes + May see my shame, nor prying Fame explore." + Thus he, and, tost in spirit, as he cries, +This plan and that in turn his wavering thoughts devise: + +XCIII. Madly to grasp the dagger in his hand, + And through his ribs drive home the naked blade, + Or plunge into the deep, and swim to land, + And, armed, once more the Teucrian foes invade. + Thrice, but in vain, each venture he essayed. + Thrice Heaven's high queen, in pity fain to save, + Held back the youth, and from his purpose stayed. + And borne along by favouring tide and wave, +On to his father's town the level deep he clave. + +XCIV. Jove prompting, fierce Mezentius now the fight + Takes up, and charges at the Teucrian foes. + And, hurrying up, the Tuscan troops unite. + All against one--one only--these and those + Their gathered hate and crowding darts oppose. + Unmoved he stands, as when a rocky steep + In ocean, bare to every blast that blows, + Around whose base the savage waves upleap, +Braves all the threats of heaven, and buffets of the deep. + +XCV. Hebrus he slew, from Dolichaon sprung, + Then Latagus, then Palmus, as he fled. + Full in the face of Latagus he flung + A monstrous stone, that stretched him with the dead. + Palmus, with severed hamstring, next he sped, + And rolled him helpless. Lausus takes his gear; + The shining crest he fits upon his head, + And dons the breastplate. 'Neath the conqueror's spear +Phrygian Evanthes falls, and Paris' friend and peer, + +XCVI. Young Mimas, whom to Amycus that night + Theano bore, when, big with Ilion's bane, + Queen Hecuba brought Paris forth to light. + Now Paris sleeps upon his native plain, + But Mimas on a foreign shore is slain. + As when a wild-boar, hounded from the hill, + Who long on pine-clad Venulus hath lain, + Or in Laurentum's marish fed his fill, +Now in the toils caught fast, before his foes stands still, + +XCVII. And snorts with rage, and rears his bristling back; + None dares approach him, but aloof they wait, + Safe-shouting, and with distant darts attack; + E'en so, of those who burn with righteous hate, + None dares against Mezentius try his fate. + But cries are hurled, and distant missiles plied, + While he, undaunted, but in desperate strait, + Gnashes his teeth, and from his shield's tough hide +Shakes off the darts in showers, and shifts from side to side. + +XCVIII. From ancient Corythus came Acron there, + A Greek, in exile from his half-won bride. + Him, dealing havoc in the ranks, elsewhere + Mezentius marked; the purple plumes he eyed, + The robe his loved one for her lord had dyed. + As when a lion, prowling to and fro, + Sore pinched with hunger, round the fold, hath spied + A stag tall-antlered, or a timorous roe, +Ghastly he grins, erect his horrid mane doth show; + +XCIX. Prone o'er his victim, to the flesh he clings, + And laps the gore; so, burning in his zeal, + The fierce Mezentius at his foemen springs. + Poor Acron falls, and earth with dying heel + Spurns, and the red blood stains the splintered steel. + Orodes fled; Mezentius marks his flight, + And scorns with lance a covert wound to deal, + But face to face confronts him in the fight, +Courage, not craft, prevails, and might o'ermatches might. + +C. With foot and spear upon him, "See," he cries, + "Their champion; see the great Orodes slain!" + All shout applause, but, dying, he replies, + "Strange foe, not long thy triumph shall remain; + Like fate awaits thee, on the self-same plain." + "Die!" said Mezentius, with a smile of spite, + "Jove cares for me," and plucked the shaft again. + Grim rest and iron slumber seal his sight; +The drooping eyelids close on everlasting night. + +CI. Now Caedicus made great Alcathous fall, + Sacrator killed Hydaspes; Rapo too + Parthenius and Orses, strong and tall; + Messapus Clonius, whom his steed o'erthrew, + And, foot to foot, Lycaon's son he slew, + Brave Ericetes. Valerus with a blow + Felled Agis, Lycia' s warrior. Salius flew + At Thronius, but Nealces lays him low, +Skilled with the flying dart and far-deceiving bow. + +CII. Stern Mars, impartial, weighs in equal scale + The mutual slaughter, and the ghastly fight + Raves, as in turn they perish or prevail, + Vanquished or victor, for none dreams of flight. + From Heaven the gods look pitying on the sight, + Such fruitless hate, such scenes of mortal woe. + Here Venus, there great Juno, filled with spite, + Sits watching. Pale Tisiphone below +Fierce amid thousands raves, and bids the discord grow. + +CIII. His massive spear Mezentius, flown with pride, + Shakes in his fury, as he towers amain, + Like huge Orion, when with ample stride + He cleaves the deep-sea, where the Nereids reign, + And lifts his lofty shoulders o'er the main, + Or when, uprooting from the mountain head + An aged ash, he stalks along the plain, + And hides his forehead in the clouds; so dread +Mezentius clangs his arms, so terrible his tread. + +CIV. AEneas marks him in the files of fight + Far off, and hastes to meet him in advance. + Dauntless he waits, collected in his might, + The noble foe, then, measuring at a glance + The space his arm can cover with the lance; + "May this right hand, my deity," cried he, + "And this poised javelin aid the doubtful chance. + The spoils, from this false pirate stript, to thee +My Lausus, I devote; his trophy shalt thou be." + +CV. So saying, from far his whistling shaft he threw. + Wide glanced the missile, by the tough shield bent, + And finding famed Antores, as it flew, + 'Twixt flank and bowels pierced a deadly rent. + He, friend of Hercules, from Argos sent, + With king Evander, 'neath Italian skies, + Had fixed his home. Alas! a wound unmeant + Hath laid him low. To heaven he lifts his eyes, +And of sweet Argos dreams, his native land, and dies. + +CVI. His javelin then the good AEneas cast; + Flying it pierced the hollow disk, and through + The plates of brass, thrice welded firm and fast, + And linen folds, and triple bull-hides flew, + And in the groin, with failing force but true, + Lodged deep. At once AEneas, for his eye + Glistens with joy, the Tuscan's blood to view, + His trusty sword unfastening from his thigh, +Springs at the faltering foe, and bids Mezentius die. + +CVII. Love for his sire stirred Lausus, and the tears + Rolled down, and heavily he groaned. Thy fate, + Brave youth! thy prowess, if the far-off years + Shall give due credence to a deed so great, + My verse at least shall spare not to relate. + While backward limped Mezentius, spent and slow, + His shield still cumbered with the javelin's weight, + Forth sprang the youth, and grappled with the foe, +And 'neath AEneas' sword, uplifted for the blow, + +CVIII. Slipped in, and checked him. Onward press the train + With shouts, to shelter the retreating sire, + And distant arrows on the foeman rain. + Safe-covered stands AEneas, thrilled with ire. + As when the storm-clouds in a deluge dire + Pour down the hail, and all the ploughmen fly, + And scattered hinds from off the fields retire, + And rock or stream-side shields the passer-by, +Till sunshine calls to toil, and reawakes the sky; + +CIX. So, whelmed with darts, the Trojan chief defies + The cloud of war, till all its storms abate, + And chides and threatens Lausus. "Fool," he cries, + "Why rush to death, and dare a deed too great? + Rash youth! thy love betrays thee." 'Twas too late; + Rage blinds poor Lausus, and he scorns to stay. + Then fiercer waxed the Dardan's wrath, and Fate + The threads had gathered, for their forceful sway +Hilt-deep within his breast the falchion urged its way. + +CX. It pierced the shield, light armour and the vest, + Wrought by his mother with fine golden thread, + And drenched with gore the tunic and the breast. + Sweet life, departing, left the limbs outspread, + And the sad spirit to the ghost-world fled. + But when the son of great Anchises scanned + The face, the pallid features of the dead, + Deeply he groaned, and stretched a pitying hand. +Grief for his own dear sire his noble soul unmanned. + +CXI. "Alas! what meed, to match such worth divine, + Can good AEneas give thee? Take to-day + The arms wherein thou joyed'st; they are thine. + Thy corpse--if aught can please the senseless clay-- + Back to thy parents' ashes I repay. + Poor youth! thy solace be it to be slain + By great AEneas." Then his friends' delay + He chides, and lifts young Lausus from the plain, +Dead, and with dainty locks fouled by the crimson stain. + +CXII. Meanwhile the sire Mezentius, faint with pain, + In Tiber's waters bathes the bleeding wound. + Against a trunk he leans; the boughs sustain + His brazen helm; his arms upon the ground + Rest idly, and his comrades stand around. + Sick, gasping, spent, his weary neck he tends; + Loose o'er his bosom floats the beard unbound. + Oft of his son he questions, oft he sends +To bid him quit the field, and seek his sire and friends. + +CXIII. But, sad and sorrowful, the Tuscan train + Bear back the lifeless Lausus from the field, + Weeping--the mighty by a mightier slain, + And laid in death upon the warrior's shield. + Far off, their wailing to the sire revealed + The grief, that made his boding heart mistrust. + In agony of vanquish, down he kneeled, + His hoary hairs disfiguring with the dust, +And, grovelling, clasped the corpse, and both his hands outthrust. + +CXIV. "Dear son, was life so tempting to the sire, + To let thee face the foemen in my room, + Whom I begot? Shalt thou, my son, expire, + And I live on, my darling in the tomb, + Saved by thy wounds, and living by thy doom? + Ah! woe is me; too well at length I own + The pangs of exile, and the wound strikes home. + 'Twas I, thy name who tarnished, I alone, +Whom just resentment thrust from sceptre and from throne. + +CXV. "Due to my country was the forfeit; yea, + All deaths Mezentius had deserved to die. + Yet still I leave, and leave not man and day, + But leave I will,--the fatal hour is nigh." + Then, slowly leaning on his crippled thigh + (Deep was the wound, but dauntless was his breast), + He rose, and calling for his steed hard by, + The steed, that oft in victory's hour he pressed, +His solace and his pride, the sorrowing beast addressed: + +CXVI. "Rhaebus, full long, if aught of earth be long, + We two have lived. AEneas' head to-day, + And spoils, blood-crimsoned to avenge this wrong, + Back shalt thou bring, or, failing in the fray, + Bite earth with me, and be the Dardan's prey. + Not thou would'st brook a foreign lord, I weet, + Brave heart, or deign a Teucrian to obey." + He spoke, and, mounting to his well-known seat, +Swift at the ranks spurred forth, his dreaded foe to meet. + +CXVII. Each hand a keen dart brandished; o'er his head + Gleamed the brass helmet with its horse-hair crest. + Shame for himself, and sorrow for the dead, + The parent's anguish, and the warrior's zest, + Thrilled through his veins, and kindled in his breast, + And thrice he called AEneas. With delight + AEneas heard him, and his vows addressed: + "So help me Jove, so Phoebus lend his might, +Come on," and couched his spear, advancing to the fight. + +CXVIII. "Wretch," cries Mezentius, "having robbed my son, + Why scare me now? Thy terrors I defy. + Only through Lausus were his sire undone. + I heed not death nor deities, not I; + Forbear thy taunting; I am here to die, + But send this gift to greet thee, ere I go." + He spake, and quickly let a javelin fly, + Another--and another, as round the foe +In widening orbs he wheels; the good shield bides the blow. + +CXIX. Thrice round AEneas leftward he careers, + Raining his darts. Thrice, shifting round, each way + The Trojan bears the forest of his spears. + At length, impatient of the long delay, + And tired with plucking all the shafts away, + Pondering awhile, and by the ceaseless blows + Hard pressed, and chafing at the unequal fray, + Forth springs AEneas, and betwixt the brows +Full at the warrior-steed a fatal javelin throws. + +CXX. Up rears the steed, and paws the air in pain, + Then, following on his falling rider, lies + And pins him with his shoulder to the plain. + Shouts from each host run kindling through the skies. + Forth springs AEneas, glorying in his prize, + And plucks the glittering falchion from his thigh, + "Where now is fierce Mezentius? where," he cries, + "That fiery spirit?" Then, with upturned eye, +Gasping, with gathered sense, the Tuscan made reply: + +CXXI. "Stern foe! why taunt and threaten? 'twere no shame + To slay me. No such covenant to save + His sire made Lausus; nor for this I came. + One boon I ask--if vanquished men may crave + The victor's grace--a burial for the brave. + My people hate me; I have lived abhorred; + Shield me from them with Lausus in the grave." + This said, his throat he offered to the sword, +And o'er his shining arms life's purple stream was poured. + + + + +BOOK ELEVEN + + +ARGUMENT + +AEneas erects a trophy of Mezentius' arms, and sends the body of +Pallas with tears and lamentations to Evander (1-108). A truce for +the burial of the dead is asked by the Latins, and sympathy with the +Trojan cause finds a spokesman in Drances (109-144). The sorrow of +Evander and the funeral rites of Trojans and Latins (145-262). The +ambassadors return from the city of Diomedes and report that he +praises AEneas and counsels submission (263-336). An anxious debate +follows: Latinus suggests terms of peace: Drances inveighs against +Turnus, who replies, protesting his readiness to meet AEneas in +single combat, and presently seizes the opportunity afforded by a +false alarm of impending attack to break up the council. The Latin +mothers and maidens offer gifts and litanies to Pallas. Turnus arms +for battle (337-576). Camilla and Messapus command the Latin horse; +Turnus prepares an ambuscade (577-612). Diana tells the story of +Camilla and charges Opis, one of her nymphs, to avenge her should +she fall (613-684). Opis watches the battle before the city of +Latinus (685-738). The deeds and death of Camilla are recounted: +Aruns, her slayer, is slain by Opis (739-972). The Latins are routed, +and Turnus, learning the news, abandons the ambush and hurries to +the city, closely followed by AEneas (973-1026). + + +I. Meanwhile from Ocean peeps the dawning day. + The Dardan chief, though fain his friends to mourn, + And pressed with thoughts of burial, hastes to pay + His vows, as victor, with the rising morn. + A towering oak-tree, of its branches shorn, + He plants upon a mound. Aloft, in sight, + The glittering armour from Mezentius torn, + His spoils, he hangs,--a trophy to thy might, +Great Mars, the Lord of war, the Ruler of the fight. + +II. Thereon he sets the helmet and the crest, + Bedewed with gore, the javelins snapt in twain, + And fits the corslet on the warrior's breast, + Pierced in twelve places through the twisted chain. + The left arm, as for battle, bears again + The brazen shield, and from the neck depends + The ivory-hilted falchion of the slain. + Around, with shouts of triumph, crowd his friends, +Whom thus the Dardan chief with gladdening words commends: + +III. "Comrades, great deeds have been achieved to-day; + Let not the morrow trouble you. See there + The tyrant's spoils, the first-fruits of the fray. + And this my work, Mezentius. Now prepare + To king Latinus and his walls to fare. + Let hope forestall, and courage hail the fray, + So, when the gods shall summon us to bear + The standards forth, and muster our array, +No fears shall breed dull sloth, nor ignorance delay. + +IV. "Our co-mates now commit we to the ground, + Sole honour that in Acheron below + Awaits them. Go ye, on these souls renowned, + Who poured their blood, to purchase from the foe + This country for our fatherland, bestow + The last, sad gift, the tribute of a tomb. + First to Evander's city, whelmed in woe, + Send Pallas back, whom Death's relentless doom +Hath reft ere manhood's prime, and plunged in early gloom." + +V. He spake, and sought the threshold, weeping sore, + Where by dead Pallas watched with pious care + Acoetes; once Evander's arms he bore, + His squire; since then, with auspices less fair, + The trusted guardian of his dear-loved heir. + A crowd of sorrowing menials stand around, + And Troy's sad matrons, with their streaming hair. + These, when AEneas at the door is found, +Shriek out, and beat their breasts, and bitter wails resound. + +VI. He marked the pillowed head, the snow-white face, + The smooth breast, gaping with the wound, and cried + In anguish, while the tears burst forth apace, + "Poor boy; hath Fortune, in her hour of pride, + To me thy triumph and return denied? + Not such my promise to thy sire; not so + My pledge to him, who, ere I left his side + In quest of empire, clasped me, boding woe, +And warned the race was fierce, and terrible the foe. + +VII. "He haply now, by empty hope betrayed, + With prayer and presents doth the gods constrain. + We to the dead, whose debt to Heaven is paid, + The rites of mourners render, but in vain. + Unhappy! doomed to see thy darling slain. + Is this the triumph? this the promise sworn? + This the return? Yet never thine the pain + A coward's flight, a coward's scars to mourn; +Not thine to long for death, thy loved one saved with scorn. + +VIII. "Ah, weep, Ausonia! thou hast lost to-day + Thy champion. Weep, Iulus; he is ta'en, + Thy heart's delight, the bulwark of the fray!" + Thus he with tears, and bids them lift the slain. + A thousand men, the choicest of his train, + He sends as mourners, with the corpse to go, + And stand between the parent and his pain, + A scanty solace for so huge a woe, +But such as pity claims, and piety doth owe. + +IX. Of oaken twigs and arbutus they wove + A wattled bier. Soft leaves beneath him made + His pillow, and with leafy boughs above + They twined a verdurous canopy of shade. + There, on his rustic couch the youth is laid, + Fair as the hyacinth, with drooping head, + Cropped by the careless fingers of a maid, + Or tender violet, when life has fled, +That, torn from earth, still blooms, unfaded but unfed. + +X. Two purple mantles, stiff with golden braid, + AEneas brings, which erst, in loving care, + Sidonian Dido with her hands had made, + And pranked with golden tissue, for his wear. + One, wound in sorrow round the corpse so fair, + The last, sad honour, shrouds the senseless clay; + One, ere the burning, veils the warrior's hair. + Rich spoils, the trophies of Laurentum's fray, +Stript arms and steeds he brings, and bids them pile the prey. + +XI. Here march the captives, doomed to feed the flames; + There, staff in hand, each Dardan chief uprears + The spoil-decked ensigns, marked with foemen's names. + There, too, they lead Acoetes, bowed with years, + He smites his breast, his haggard cheeks he tears, + Then flings his full length prostrate. There, again, + The blood-stained chariot, and with big, round tears, + Stript of his trappings, in the mournful train, +AEthon, the warrior's steed, comes sorrowing for the slain. + +XII. These bear the dead man's helmet and his spear; + All else the victor for his spoils hath ta'en. + A melancholy phalanx close the rear, + Teucrians, and Tuscans, and Arcadia's train, + With arms reversed, and mourning for the slain. + So passed the pomp, and, while the tear-drops fell, + AEneas stopped, and, groaning, cried again, + "Hail, mighty Pallas! us the fates compel +Yet other tears to shed. Farewell! a long farewell!" + +XIII. He spake, then, turning, to the camp doth fare. + Thither Laurentum's envoys found their way. + Branches of olive in their hands they bear, + And beg a truce,--a respite from the fray, + Their slaughtered comrades in the ground to lay, + And glean the war's sad harvest. Brave men ne'er + Warred with the dead and vanquished. Once were they + His hosts and kinsmen; he would surely spare. +Their plea AEneas owns, and thus accosts them fair: + +XIV. "What mischief, Latins, hath your minds misled, + To shun our friendship in the hour of need, + And rush to arms? Peace ask ye for the dead, + The War-God's prey, whom folly doomed to bleed? + Peace to the living would I fain concede. + I came not hither, but with Heaven to guide. + Fate chose this country, and this home decreed; + Nor war I with the race. Your king denied +Our proffered league; 'twas he on Turnus' arms relied. + +XV. "'Twere juster then that Turnus hand to hand + His life had ventured. Dreams he in his pride + To end the war, and drive us from the land? + _He_ should have met me; he or I had died, + As Fate or prowess might the day decide. + Go, take your dead, and let the bale-fires blaze: + Ye have your answer." Thus the prince replied, + And each on each the wondering heralds gaze, +Mute with admiring awe, and wildered with amaze. + +XVI. Then Drances, ever fain with gibes and hate + To vex young Turnus, takes the word and cries, + "O Trojan, great in fame, in arms more great, + What praise of mine shall match thee with the skies? + What most--thy deeds or justice--shall I prize? + Grateful, this answer to our friends we bear, + And thee (let Turnus seek his own allies), + Thee King Latinus shall his friend declare, +And Latium's sons with joy Troy's destined walls prepare." + +XVII. He spake; as one, all murmur their assent. + For twice six days a solemn truce they plight, + And Teucrians, now, with Latins, freely blent + In peaceful fellowship, as friends unite, + And roam the wooded hills. Sharp axes smite + The sounding ash; these with keen wedges cleave + Tall oak and scented cedar; those with might + The pine-tree, soaring to the stars, upheave, +And wains, with groaning wheels, the giant elms receive. + +XVIII. Now Rumour, harbinger of woe so great, + That told of Pallas victor, fills again + Evander's town. All hurry to the gate, + With torches snatched, as ancient rites ordain. + A line of fire, that parts the dusky plain, + The long road gleams before them, as they go + To meet the mourners. Soon the wailing train + The Phrygians join. With shrieks the matrons know +Far off the funeral throng, and fill the town with woe. + +XIX. Naught stays Evander; through the midst he springs, + And falling on the bier, as down they lay + Dead Pallas, groaning to his child he clings, + And hangs with tears upon the senseless clay, + Till speech, half-choked with sorrow, finds a way. + "Pallas, not such thy promise to thy sire, + Warely to trust the War-God in the fray. + I knew what ardour would thy soul inspire, +The charms of new-won fame, and battle's fierce desire. + +XX. "O bitter first-fruits of a youth so fair! + O war's stern prelude! promise dashed to scorn! + Unheeded vows, and unavailing prayer! + O happy spouse! not left, like me, to mourn + A son thus slaughtered, and a life outworn. + I have o'erlived my destiny; life fled + When Pallas left me childless and forlorn. + O, had I fall'n with Trojans in his stead, +And me this pomp brought home, and not my Pallas, dead! + +XXI. "Yet, Trojans, you I blame not, nor the hands + We joined in friendship, nor the league we swore. + Old age--too old--this cruel lot demands. + Ah, sweet to think, though falling in his flower, + He fell, where thousand Volscians fell before, + Leading Troy's sons to Latium. Thou shalt have + A Trojan's funeral--can I wish thee more?-- + What rites AEneas offers to the brave, +And all Etruria's hosts shall bear thee to the grave. + +XXII. "Proud trophies those who perish by thy hand + Bear thee, and slaughtered foemen speak thy fame. + Thou, Turnus, too, an effigy should'st stand, + Hung round with arms, and Pallas' praise proclaim, + Had but thine age and Pallas' been the same, + Like thine the vigour of his years. But O! + Why, Teucrians, do I keep you? wherefore claim + An old man's privilege of empty woe? +This message bear your king, and con it as ye go. + +XXIII. "If yet I linger on, with Pallas slain, + Loathing the light, and longing to expire, + 'Tis thy right hand that tempts me to remain, + That hand from which--thou see'st it--son and sire + The penalty of Turnus' blood require. + This niche of fame,--'tis all the Fates bestow-- + Awaits thee still. For me, all life's desire-- + 'Twere vain--hath fled; but gladly would I go, +And bear the welcome news to Pallas' shade below." + +XXIV. Meanwhile to weary mortals fresh and fair + Upsprings the Dawn, and reawakes the land + To toil and labour. Reared with pious care + By Tarchon and the good AEneas, stand + The funeral pyres along the winding strand. + Here brings each warrior, as in days gone by, + His comrade's corpse, and holds the lighted brand. + The dusk flames burn beneath them, and on high +The clouds of smoke roll up, and shroud the lofty sky. + +XXV. Three times the Trojans, sheathed in shining mail, + Pace round the piles; three times they ride around + The funeral fire, and raise the warrior's wail. + Tears bathe their arms, and tears bedew the ground, + And, mixt with clamour, comes the clarion's sound. + Spoils of dead Latins on the flames are thrown, + Bits, bridles, glowing wheels and helmets crown'd + With glittering plumes, and, last, the gifts well-known, +The luckless spear and shield, the weapons of their own. + +XXVI. Oxen in numbers round the pyres are slain + To Death's dread power, and herds of bristly swine; + And cattle, snatched from all the neighbouring plain, + And sheep they slaughter for the flames divine. + Far down the sea-coast, where the bale-fires shine, + They guard and gaze upon the pyres, where lie + Their burning comrades, nor their watch resign, + Nor leave the spot, till dewy night on high +Rolls round the circling heavens, and starlight gilds the sky. + +XXVII. Nor less the sorrowing Latins build elsewhere + Their countless piles. These burying they bemoan; + Those to the town or neighbouring fields they bear. + The rest, untold, unhonoured and unknown, + A mass of carnage, on the flames are thrown. + Thick blaze the fires, and light the plains around, + And on the third dawn, when the mists have flown, + The bones and dust, still smouldering on the ground, +Mourning, they rake in heaps, and cover with a mound. + +XXVIII. But loudest in Laurentum rose the noise + Of woe and wailing for their friends who died. + Here, mothers, wives, sad sisters, orphaned boys + Curse the dire war, and Turnus and his bride. + "Let him, let Turnus fight it out," they cried; + "Who claims chief honours and Italia's throne, + And caused the quarrel, let his sword decide"; + And spiteful Drances: "Ay, 'tis he alone +Whom Latium's foes demand; the challenge is his own." + +XXIX. And voices, too, with various reasons, plead + For Turnus, sheltered by the queen's great name, + And spoils that speak for many a glorious deed. + Lo, in the midst, the tumult still aflame, + With doleful news from Diomede, back came + The envoys. All was useless,--gifts, and prayer, + And proffered gold; his answer was the same: + Let Latins look for other arms elsewhere, +Or beg the Trojan king in clemency to spare. + +XXX. Grief bowed Latinus, and his heart sank low. + The wrath of Heaven, the recent funerals, + The graves before them--all AEneas show + The god's true choice. A council straight he calls, + And Latium's chiefs convenes within his walls. + All meet; along the crowded ways the peers + Stream at the summons. In his palace-halls + Amidst them sits Latinus, first in years, +And first in sceptred state, but filled with anxious fears. + +XXXI. Forthwith the envoys he invites, each man + To tell his message, and the terms expound, + Then, silence made, thus Venulus began: + "Friends, we have seen great Diomede, and found + The Argive camp, and, safe from peril, crowned + Our journey's end, and pressed the mighty hand + That razed old Troy. On Iapygian ground + By Garganus the conqueror hath planned +Argyripa's new town, named from his native land. + +XXXII. "There, audience gained and liberty to speak, + The gifts we tender, and our names declare + And country, who our foemen, what we seek, + And why to Arpi and his court we fare. + He hears, and gently thus bespeaks us fair: + 'O happy nations, once by Saturn blest, + Time-old Ausonians, what sad misfare, + What evil fortune mars your ancient rest +And tempts to wage strange wars, and dare the doubtful test? + +XXXIII. "'All we, whoever with the steel profaned + Troy's fields (I leave the wasting siege alone, + The dead, who lie in Simois), all have drained + Evils past utterance, o'er the wide world blown, + And, suffering, learned our trespass to atone, + A hapless band! E'en Priam's self might weep + For woes like ours, as Pallas well hath known, + Whose baleful star once wrecked us on the deep, +And grim Euboea's rocks, Caphareus' vengeful steep. + +XXXIV. "'Freed from that war, to distant shores we stray. + To Proteus' Pillars, far remote from men + An exile, Menelaus wends his way; + Ulysses shudders at the Cyclops' den; + Why speak of Pyrrhus, by Orestes slain? + Or poor Idomeneus, expelled his state? + Of Locrians, cast upon the Libyan plain? + Of Agamemnon, greatest of the great, +Mycenae's valiant lord, slain by his faithless mate, + +XXXV. "'E'en on his threshold, when the adulterer lay + In wait for Asia's conqueror? Me, too, + Hath envious Heaven in exile doomed to stay, + Nor home, nor wife, nor Calydon to view. + Nay, ghastly prodigies my flight pursue. + Transformed to birds, my comrades wing the skies,-- + Ah! cruel punishment for friends so true!-- + Or skim the streams; from all the shores arise +Their piteous shrieks, the cliffs re-echo with their cries. + +XXXVI. "'Such woes had I to look for, from the day + I dared a goddess, and my javelin tore + The hand of Venus. To such fights, I pray, + Persuade me not. Troy fall'n, I fight no more + With Trojans, nor those evil days of yore + Now care to dwell on. To AEneas go, + And take these gifts. Once, hand to hand, we bore + The shock of battle; to my cost I know +How to his shield he towers, the whirlwind of his throw. + +XXXVII. "'Had Ida's land two others borne as great, + To Argos Dardanus had found his way, + And Greece were mourning now a different fate. + The stubborn siege, the conquerors kept at bay, + For ten whole years, the triumph's long delay + Were his and Hector's doing, each in might + Renowned, and each the foremost in the fray, + AEneas first in piety. Go, plight +What peace ye may, but shun to meet him in the fight.' + +XXXVIII. "Thou hast, great king, the answer of the king, + And this, his sentence on the war." So they, + And diverse murmurs in the crowd upspring; + As when big rocks a rushing torrent stay, + The prisoned waters, chafing with delay, + Boil, and the banks in many a foaming crest + Fling back with echoes the tumultuous spray. + Now from his throne, their murmurs laid to rest, +The King, first offering prayer, his listening folk addressed: + +XXXIX. "I would, ye peers, and better it had been + An earlier hour had called us to debate, + Than thus in haste a council to convene, + And meet, while foemen battle at the gate. + A war ill-omened, with disastrous fate, + We wage with men unconquered in the field, + A race of gods, whose force nor toils abate, + Nor wounds can tire; who, driven back, still wield +The sword and shake the spear, and, beaten, scorn to yield. + +XL. "What hope ye had in Diomede, give o'er; + Each for himself must be his hope and stay. + This hope how slender, and our straits how sore, + Ye see; the general ruin and decay + Is open, palpable and clear as day. + Yet blame I none; what valour could, was done. + Our country's strength, our souls were in the fray. + Hear then in brief, and ponder every one, +What wavering thoughts have shaped, our present fate to shun. + +XLI. "Far-stretching westward, past Sicania's bound, + By Tiber's stream, an ancient tract is mine. + Auruncans and Rutulians till the ground; + Their ploughshares cleave the stubborn slopes, their kine + Graze on the rocks. This tract, these hills of pine + Let Latins yield the Trojans for their own, + And both, as friends, in equal league combine + And share the realm. Here let them settle down, +If so they love the land, and build the wished-for town. + +XLII. "But if new frontiers, and another folk, + They fain would look for, and can leave our shore, + Then twice ten ships of tough Italian oak + Build we, nor only let us build a score + Can they but man them (by the stream good store + Of timber is at hand); let them decide + The form, the number, and the size. What more + Is wanting, we will grudge not to provide, +Gold, labour, brass, and docks, and naval gear beside. + +XLIII. "Nay more, to strike the proffered league, 'twere good + That chosen envoys to their camp should fare, + A hundred Latins of the noblest blood, + The peaceful olive in their hands to bear, + With gifts, the choicest that the realm can spare, + Talents of gold and ivory, just in weight, + The royal mantle, and the curule chair, + The marks of rule. With freedom now debate, +Consult the common weal, and help the sickly state." + +XLIV. Up rose then Drances, with indignant mien, + Whom, spiteful still, the fame of Turnus stung + With carping envy, and malignant spleen; + Lavish of wealth, and fluent with his tongue, + No mean adviser in debate, and strong + In faction, but in battle cold and tame. + From royal seed his mother's race was sprung, + His sire's unknown. He thus with words of blame +Piles up the general wrath, and fans resentment's flame. + +XLV. "Good king, the matter--it is plain, for each + Knows well our needs, but hesitates to say. + Let _him_ cease blustering, and allow free speech, + Him, for whose pride and sullen temper, yea, + I say it, let him threaten as he may-- + Quenched is the light of many a chief, that lies + In earth's cold lap, and mourning and dismay + Have filled the town, while, sure of flight, he tries +To storm the Trojan camp, and idly flouts the skies. + +XLVI. "One gift, O best of monarchs, add, to crown + Thy bounty to the Dardans,--one, beside + These many, nor let bluster bear thee down. + A worthy husband for thy child provide, + And peace shall with the lasting pact abide. + Else, if such terror doth our souls enslave, + Him now, in hope to turn away his pride, + Him let us pray his proper right to waive, +And, pitying, deign to yield what king and country crave. + +XLVII. "O Turnus, cause of all our ills to-day, + Why make the land these miseries endure? + The war is desperate; for peace we pray, + And that one pledge, inviolably sure, + Naught else but which can make the peace secure. + Thy foeman, I--nor be the fact concealed, + For so thou deem'st--entreat thee and adjure. + Blood flows enough on many a wasted field. +Relent, and spare thine own, and, beaten, learn to yield. + +XLVIII. "Or, if fame tempt, and in thy bosom glow + Such fire, and so thou hankerest to gain + A kingdom's dower, take heart and face the foe. + Must we, poor souls, that Turnus may obtain + A royal bride, like carrion strew the plain, + Unwept, unburied? If thine arm hath might, + If but a spark of native worth remain, + Go forth this hour; in arms assert thy right, +And meet him, face to face, who calls thee to the fight." + +XLIX. Fierce blazed the wrath of Turnus, and he wrung + Speech from his breast, deep groaning in his gall. + "Glib art thou, Drances, voluble of tongue, + When hands are needed, and the trumpets call. + The council summoned, thou art first of all. + Not this the hour thy vapouring to outpour, + Though big thy talk, and brave the words, that fall + From craven lips, while ramparts stand before, +To guard thee safe from foes, nor trenches swim with gore. + +L. "Rave on, and thunder in thy wonted strain, + And brand me coward, thou whose hands can slay + Such Trojan hosts, whose trophies grace the plain. + What worth can do, and manhood can essay, + We twain may venture. Sooth, not far away + Need foes be sought; around the walls they throng. + March we to meet them! Dotard, why delay? + Still dwells thy War-God in a windy tongue, +And flying feet, and knees all feeble and unstrung? + +LI. "I beaten? Who, foul spawn of earth, shall call + Me beaten? who, that saw swoln Tiber flow + Red with the blood of Trojans, ay, and all + Evander's house and progeny laid low, + And fierce Arcadians vanquished at a blow? + Not such dead Pandarus and Bitias found + This right hand, nor those thousands hurled below + In one short day, when battlement and mound +Hemmed me in hostile walls, and foemen swarmed around. + +LII. "No hope from war?--Go, fool, to Dardan ears + These bodings whisper, to thy new ally. + Go, swell the panic, spread the coward's fears. + Puff up the foemen's prowess to the sky,-- + Twice-conquered churls,--and Latin arms decry. + See now, forsooth, the Myrmidons afraid + Of Phrygian arms, Tydides fain to fly, + Achilles trembling, Aufidus in dread +Shrunk from the Hadrian deep, and cowering in his bed. + +LIII. "Or mark the trickster's cunning when he feigns + To fear my vengeance, whom his taunts revile! + Nay, Drances, be at ease; this hand disdains + To take the forfeit of a soul so vile. + Keep it, fit inmate of that breast of guile, + And now, good Sire, if, beaten, we despair, + If never Fate on Latin arms shall smile, + And naught our ruined fortunes can repair, +Stretch we our craven hands, and beg the foe to spare. + +LIV. "Yet oh! if aught of ancient worth remain, + Him deem I noblest, and his end renowned, + Brave soul! who sooner than behold such stain, + Fell once for all, and, dying, bit the ground. + But, if fit men and martial means abound, + And towns and tribes, to muster at our call, + Hath Italy; if Trojans, too, have found + Fame dearly bought with many a brave man's fall +(For they have, too, their deaths; the storm hath swept o'er all), + +LV. "Why fail we on the threshold, faint with fears, + And sick knees tremble ere the trumpets bray? + Time--healing Time--and long, laborious years + Oft raise the humble; Fortune in her play + Lifts those to-morrow, whom she lowers to-day. + What though no aid AEtolian Arpi lends, + Ours is Messapus, ours Tolumnius, yea, + And all whom Latium or Laurentum sends, +Nor scanty fame, nor slow Italia's hosts attends. + +LVI. "Ours, too, is brave Camilla, noble maid, + The pride of Volscians, and she leads a band + Of horsemen fierce, in brazen arms arrayed. + If me the foe to single fight demand, + And so ye will, and I alone withstand + The common good, come danger as it may, + Not so hath victory fled this hated hand, + Not yet so weak is Turnus, as to stay +With such a prize unsnatched, and falter from the fray. + +LVII. "Though greater than the great Achilles he, + Though, like Achilles, Vulcan's arms he wear, + Fain will I meet him. Lo, to you, to thee, + Latinus, father of the bride so fair, + I, Turnus, I, in prowess past compare, + Devote this life. AEneas calls but me, + So let him, rather than that Drances bear + The smart, if death the wrathful gods decree, +Or, if 'tis glory's field, usurp the victor's fee." + +LVIII. While thus, with wrangling and contentious doubt, + They urged debate, AEneas his array + Moved from the camp. Behold, a trusty scout + Back, through Latinus' palace, speeds his way, + And fills the town with tumult and dismay. + The Trojans--see!--the Trojans,--down they swarm + From Tiber. See the meadows far away + Alive with foes! Rage, turmoil and alarm +In turns distract the town. "Arm," cry the young men, "arm!" + +LIX. The old men weep and mutter. Clamours rend + The startled skies, and discord reigns supreme, + E'en as when birds on lofty woods descend + In flocks, or in Padusa's fishful stream + The swans sing hoarsely, and the wild-fowl scream + Along the babbling waters. Turnus straight + The moment snatched. "Ah! townsmen, sooth, ye deem + This hour an hour to chatter and debate; +Sit on, and praise sweet peace, while foemen storm the gate." + +LX. He spake, and from the council dashed with speed. + "Go, Volusus," he cries, "and arm amain + The Volscians; hither the Rutulians lead. + Messapus, go, with horsemen in thy train, + And Coras, with thy brother scour the plain. + Let these all entrance at the gate forestall, + And man the turrets; let the rest remain + In arms, and wait my bidding." One and all, +The townsmen throng the streets, and hurry to the wall. + +LXI. Then, sore distrest, the aged king proclaims + The council closed, and for a happier tide + Puts off debate; and oft himself he blames, + Who welcomed not AEneas to his side, + Nor graced his city with a Dardan's bride. + But hark! to battle peals the clarion's call. + These by the gate dig trenches, those provide + Sharp stakes and stones. Along the girdling wall +Pale boys and matrons stand: the last hour cries for all. + +LXII. To Pallas' rock-built temple rides the queen, + Bearing her gifts. The matrons march in line, + And by her side is fair Lavinia seen, + The war's sad authoress, with down-dropt eyne. + They, entering in, with incense fume the shrine, + And from the threshold pour the mournful strain: + "O strong in arms, Tritonian maid divine! + Break thou the Phrygian robber's spear in twain, +And 'neath the gates strike down and stretch him on the plain." + +LXIII. Now in hot haste fierce Turnus dons the mail, + Eager for battle. On his breast he laced + The corselet, rough with many a brazen scale. + Around his legs the golden greaves he placed, + His brow yet bare, and at his side he braced, + The trusty sword. All golden is the glow + Of burnished arms, as down the height in haste + He flies exulting to the field below. +High leaps his heart, and hope anticipates the foe. + +LXIV. So, free at length, his tether snapt in twain, + Swift from his stall, in eager joy, the steed + Bounds forth and, master of the open plain, + Now seeks the mares that in the pastures feed, + Now towards the well-known river scours the mead, + Wont there to cool his glowing sides, and neighs + With head erect and glories in his speed, + While o'er his collar and his shoulders plays +The waving mane, flung loose in many a wandering maze. + +LXV. Him meets Camilla, with her Volscian train, + And by the gate dismounting then and there + (Down likewise leap her followers to the plain), + "Turnus," she cries, "if confidence can e'er + Befit the brave, I venture and I swear + Singly to face yon Trojans in the fray, + And stem the Tuscan cavalry. My care + Shall be the war's first hazards to essay; +Thou guard the walls afoot, and by the ramparts stay." + +LXVI. Then he, with eyes fixt on the wondrous maid, + "O glory of Italia, virgin bright! + What praise can match thee? how shall thanks be paid? + But now, since naught can daunt thee nor affright, + Share thou my labour, and divide the fight. + Yonder AEneas, so the news hath flown, + So spies report, hath sent his horsemen light + To scour the fields, while o'er the mountains' crown +Himself through devious ways is marching to the town. + +LXVII. "Deep in a hollow, where the wood's dark shade + Two cross-ways hides, an ambush I prepare, + And armed men shall the double pass blockade. + Thou take the shock of battle, and o'erbear + The Tuscan horse. Messapus shall be there, + Tiburtus' band, and Latins in array + To aid, and thine shall be the leader's care." + He spake, and cheered Messapus to the fray, +And Latium's federate chiefs, and spurred upon his way. + +LXVIII. There lies a winding valley, fit for snares + And stratagems, shut in on either hand + By wooded slopes. A narrow pathway fares + Along the gorge, and on the hill-tops, planned + For safety, flat but hidden spreads the land. + Rightward or leftward there is room to bear + The shock of arms, or on the ridge to stand, + And roll down rocks upon the foe. 'Twas there +Young Turnus, screened by woods, lies crouching in his lair. + +LXIX. Meanwhile Latonia in the realms of air + Fleet Opis, sister of her sacred train, + Addressed in sorrowing accents, "Maiden fair, + See how Camilla to the fatal plain + Goes forth, in quest of battle. See, in vain + Our arms she wears, the quiver and the bow. + Dearest is she of all that own my reign, + Nor new-born is Diana's love, I trow; +No fit of fondness this, or fancy known but now + +LXX. "When tyrant Metabus his people's hate + Drove from Privernum, for his deeds of shame. + His babe he bore, the partner of his fate, + Through war and battle, and, her mother's name + Casmilla changed, Camilla she became. + To lonely woods and hill-tops fain to fly, + Fierce swords and Volscians all around, he came + Where Amasenus, with its waves bank-high, +Athwart him foamed; so vast a deluge rent the sky. + +LXXI. "Prepared to plunge, he pauses, sore assailed + By love, and terror for a charge so dear. + All means revolving, this at last prevailed. + Fire-dried and knotted, an enormous spear + Of seasoned oak the warrior chanced to bear. + To the mid shaft the tender babe he ties, + Swathed in the covering of a cork-tree near, + Then lifts the load, and, poising, ere it flies, +The ponderous lance, looks up, and thus invokes the skies: + +LXXII. "'O Queen of woods, Latonia, virgin fair! + To thee my daughter I devote this day, + Thy handmaid. See, thus early through the air + She bears thy weapons. Make her thine, I pray, + And safely through the doubtful air convey.' + So prayed the sire, and nerved him for the throw, + Then aimed, and launched the missile on its way. + The babe forlorn, while roars the stream below, +Link'd to the shaft, is borne across the current's flow. + +LXXIII. "In plunges Metabus, the foemen near, + And Trivia's gift, safe landing from the wave, + Plucks from the grass,--the maiden and the spear. + No town is his, to shelter and to save, + His savage mood no shelter deigns to crave. + A shepherd's life on lonely hills he leads, + In tangled covert, or in woodland cave. + The milk of beasts supplies his daughter's needs, +And from the wild-mare's teats her tender lips he feeds. + +LXXIV. "And when the tottering infant first essayed + To plant her footsteps, to her hands he strung + A lance, and o'er the shoulders of the maid + The light-wing'd arrows and the bow he slung. + For golden coif and trailing mantle, hung + A tiger's spoils. Her tiny hand e'en then + Hurled childish darts; e'en then the tough hide, swung + Around her temples, as she roamed the plain, +Brought down the snowy swan, or swift Strymonian crane. + +LXXV. "Full many a Tuscan mother far and near + Has wooed Camilla for her son in vain. + Contented with Diana year by year, + She loves her silvan weapon, free and fain + To live a maiden-huntress, pure of stain. + And O! had battle, and the toils of fight + Not lured her thus to combat on the plain, + And match her prowess with the Teucrians' might, +Mine were the maiden still, my darling and delight. + +LXXVI. "Now, since well-nigh the fatal threads are spun, + Go, Nymph, to Latin frontiers wing thy way, + Where evil omens mark the fight begun. + Take, too, this quiver; who the maid shall slay,-- + Trojan or Latin--with his blood shall pay + Myself the armour and the corpse will bear, + Wrapt in a cloud, and in her country lay." + She spake, and, girt with whirlwind, and the blare +Of sounding arms, the Nymph glides down the yielding air. + +LXXVII. Meanwhile, the Trojans and the Tuscan train, + In marshalled squadrons, to the walls draw near, + Steeds neigh, and chafe, and prance upon the plain, + And lances bristling o'er the field appear. + Messapus, too, and Latium's hosts are here, + Coras, Catillus, and Camilla leads + Her troops to aid. All couch the levelled spear, + And whirl the dart. Hot waxes on the meads +The tramp of hurrying hosts, the snorting of the steeds. + +LXXVIII. Each halts within a spear-cast of the foe, + Then, spurring, forward with a shout they dash, + And, darkening heaven, shower the darts like snow. + In front, Tyrrhenus and Aconteus rash + Cross spears, the first to grapple. With a crash, + Steed against steed, went ruining. Breast and head + Shocked and were shattered. Like the lightning's flash, + And loud as missile from an engine sped, +Hurled far, Aconteus falls, and with a gasp lies dead. + +LXXIX. This breaks the line; the Latins turn and fly, + Their shields behind them. On the Trojans go, + Asilas first. And now the gates are nigh; + Once more, with shouts, the Latins face the foe; + These, scared in turn, the slackened reins forego. + So shifts the fight, as on the winding strand + The swelling ocean, with alternate flow, + Foams on the rocks, and curls along the sand, +Now sucks the shingle back, and, ebbing, leaves the land. + +LXXX. Twice the fierce Tuscans, spurring o'er the fields, + Drive the Rutulians to their walls in flight. + Twice, driven backward, from behind their shields + The victors see the rallying foes unite. + But when the third time, in the fangs of fight, + Man singling man, both armies met to close, + Loud were the groans, and fearful was the sight, + Arms splashed with gore, steeds, riders, friends and foes, +Blent in the deadly broil, and fierce the din uprose. + +LXXXI. Lo, here, Orsilochus, too faint with fear + To meet fierce Remulus, a distant dart + Hurls at his steed. Beneath the charger's ear + The shaft stands fixt; the beast, with sudden start, + His breast erect, and maddened by the smart, + Rears up, and flings his rider to the ground. + Here brave Iolas, from his friends apart, + Catillus slew; Herminius next he found, +Large-hearted, large of limb, and eke in arms renowned. + +LXXXII. Bare is his head, with auburn locks aglow, + And bare his shoulders. Wounds to him are vain; + Tower-like he stands, defenceless to the foe. + Through his broad chest the javelin, urged amain, + Pierced him, and quivered, and he writhed with pain, + His giant form bent double. Far and nigh + The dark blood pours in torrents on the plain, + As, dealing havoc with the sword, they vie, +And, courting wounds, rush on, a warrior's death to die. + +LXXXIII. There, quiver-girt, the Amazonian maid, + One bosom bare, amidst the carnage wheeled, + Camilla, glorying in the war's grim trade. + Her limber darts she scatters o'er the field, + Her arms untired the ponderous axe can wield. + Diana's arrows and the golden bow + Sound at her back. She too, if forced to yield, + Fights as she flies, and well the maid doth know +With flying shafts hurled back to stay the following foe. + +LXXXIV. Around her, Tulla and Larinia stand, + Tarpeia too, with brazen axe bedight, + Italians all, the choicest of her band, + In peace or war her glory and delight. + So, battling round Hippolyte, unite + Her Thracians, when Thermodon's banks afar + Ring with their arms. So rides the maid of might, + Penthesilea, in her conquering car, +And hosts, with moon-shaped shields, exulting hail the war. + +LXXXV. Whom first, dread maiden, did thy javelin quell? + Whom last? how many in the dust lay low? + Eunaeus first, the son of Clytius, fell. + Sheer through his breast, left naked to the blow, + Ploughed the long fir-shaft, as he faced his foe. + Prone falls the warrior, and in deadly stound + Gasps out his life-blood, and the crimson flow + Spouts forth in torrents, as he bites the ground, +And, dying, grasps the spear, and writhes upon the wound. + +LXXXVI. Liris anon and Pagasus she slew, + One, flung to earth, and gathering up the rein, + His charger stabbed, the other, as he flew + To aid, and reached his helpless hands in vain, + Amastrus, son of Hippotas, was slain; + Harpalycus, Demophoon, as they fled, + The dread spear caught, and stretched upon the plain, + Tereus and Chromis. For each shaft that sped, +Launched from her maiden hand, a Phrygian foe lay dead. + +LXXXVII. On Iapygian steed, in arms unknown, + Rode Ornytus, the huntsman. A rough hide, + Stript from a bullock, o'er his back was thrown. + A wolf's huge jaws, with glittering teeth, supplied + His helmet, and a rustic pike he plied. + Him, as he towered, the tallest in the fray, + Wheeling his steed, Camilla unespied + Caught--in the rout 'twas easy--and her prey +Pinned, with unpitying spear, and jeered him as he lay. + +LXXXVIII. "Ha, Tuscan! thought'st thou 'twas the chase? Thy day + Hath come; a woman shall thy vaunts belie. + Yet take this glory to the grave, and say + 'Twas I, the great Camilla, made thee die." + She spake, and smote Orsilochus close by, + And Butes, hugest of the Trojan crew. + First Butes falls; just where the neck doth lie, + 'Twixt casque and corslet, naked to the view, +And leftward droops the shield, the fatal barb goes through. + +LXXXIX. Chased by Orsilochus, afar she wheels + Her seeming flight, wide-circling to and fro, + Till, doubling in a narrower ring, she steals + Inside, and follows on the following foe. + Then, rising steep, while vainly in his woe + He pleads for pity, and entreats her grace, + She swings the battle-axe, and blow on blow + On head and riven helmet heaps apace, +And the hot brains and blood are spattered o'er his face. + +XC. Next crossed her path, but stood aghast to see, + The son of Aunus, from the mountain-seat + Of Apennine. No mean Ligurian he, + While Fate was kind, and prospered his deceit. + Fearful of death, and hopeless to retreat, + He tries if cunning can avail his need, + And cries aloud, "Good sooth, a wondrous feat! + A woman trusts for glory to her steed. +Come down; fight fair afoot, and take the braggart's meed!" + +XCI. Down leaps the maid in fury, and her steed + Hands to a comrade, and with arms matched fair, + And dauntless heart, confronts him on the mead, + Her shield unblazoned, and her falchion bare. + He, vainly glorying in his fancied snare, + Reins round in haste, and, spurring, strives to flee. + "Fool," cries Camilla, "let thy pride beware. + Think not to palm thy father's tricks on me, +Nor hope with craft like this thy lying sire to see." + +XCII. So spake she, and on flying feet afire + Outruns his steed, and stands athwart the way, + Then grasps the reins, and deals the wretch his hire, + Doomed with his life-blood for his craft to pay. + So on a dove, amid the clouds astray, + Down swoops the sacred falcon through the sky + From some tall cliff, and fastens on his prey, + And grips, and rends, and sucks the life-blood dry; +The feathers, foul with blood, come, fluttering down from high. + +XCIII. Nor Jove meanwhile with unregarding ken, + Throned on Olympus, doth the scene survey. + Watchful of all, the Sire of gods and men + Stirs up the Tuscan Tarchon to the fray, + And plies the war-goad with no gentle sway. + He through the squadrons on his steed aflame + Rides 'mid the carnage, where the ranks give way; + Now chides, now cheers, and calling each by name, +Re-forms the broken lines, and reinspires the tame. + +XCIV. "Cowards, why faint ye, Tuscans but in name? + Fie! shall a woman scatter you in flight? + O, slack! O, never to be stung to shame! + What use of weapons, if ye fear to fight? + No laggards ye for amorous jousts at night, + Or Bacchic revels, when the fife ye hear. + The feast and wine-cup--these are your delight; + For these ye linger, till the approving seer +Calls to the grove's deep shade, where bleeds the fattened steer." + +XCV. Then, spurring forth, himself prepared to die, + He dashed at Venulus, unhorsed his prize, + And bore him on his saddle-bow. A cry + Goes up, and all the Latins turn their eyes. + Swift with his prey the fiery Tarchon flies, + And, while the steel-head from his spear he rends, + Each chink and crevice in his armour tries, + To deal the death-blow. He, as fierce, contends, +And, countering force with force, his naked throat defends. + +XCVI. As when a golden eagle, high in air, + Wreathed with a serpent, fastens, as she flies, + With feet that clutch, and taloned claws that tear. + Coil writhed in coil, the roughening scales uprise, + The crest points up, the hissing tongue defies. + She with sharp beak still rends the struggling prey, + And beats the air. So Tarchon with his prize + Through Tibur's host exulting speeds away. +With cheers the Tuscans charge, and hail their chief's essay. + +XCVII. Now, due to fate, aloof with lifted lance, + The crafty Aruns round Camilla wheels, + And tries where fortune lends the readiest chance. + Oft as she charges, where the war-shout peals, + He slips unseen, and follows on her heels. + When back she runs, triumphant from the foe, + He shifts the rein, and from the conflict steals. + Now here, now there, he doubles to and fro, +And shakes his felon spear, but hesitates to throw. + +XCVIII. Lo, Chloreus, priest of Cybele, aglow + In Phrygian armour, gorgeous to behold, + Urges his foaming charger at the foe, + All decked in feathered chain-work, linked with gold. + Cretan his shafts, his bow of Lycian mould. + Dark blue and foreign purple clothed his breast, + Golden his casque and bow; his mantle's fold + Of yellow saffron knots of gold compressed, +And buskins bound his knees, and broidered was his vest. + +XCIX. Him the fierce huntress, whether fain the shrine + To deck with trophies, or with envious eyes + Wishful herself in Trojan arms to shine, + Marks in the strife; at him alone she flies, + Proud, like a woman, of her fancied prize. + Blindly she runs, uncautious of the snare, + When, darting from the ambush, where he lies, + The moment snatched, false Aruns shakes his spear, +And thus, with measured aim, invokes the Gods with prayer. + +C. "O Phoebus, guardian of Soracte's steep, + Whom first we honour, to whose sacred name, + Thy votaries, we, the blazing pine-wood heap, + And, firm in faith, pass through the smouldering flame, + Grant that our arms may wipe away this shame. + Trophies, nor spoils, nor plunder from the prey + Be mine; I look to other deeds for fame. + If wound of mine this hateful pest shall slay, +Home will I gladly go, and fameless quit the fray." + +CI. Apollo heard, and granted half his prayer, + And half he scattered to the winds. To slay + With sudden stroke Camilla unaware + He gave, but gave not his returning day; + The breezes puffed the bootless wish away. + Shrill sang the lance; each Volscian eye and heart + Turned to the queen. The weapon on its way,-- + The rush of air she heeds not, till the dart +Strikes home, and, staying, draws the life-blood from her heart. + +CII. Up run her friends, the fainting queen to aid, + More scared than all, in fear and joy amain, + False Aruns flies, nor dares to face the maid, + Or trust the venture of his spear again. + As guilty wolf, some steer or shepherd slain, + Slinks to the hills, ere hostile darts pursue, + And clasps his tail between his thighs, full fain + To seek the woods, so Aruns shrank from view, +Sore scared and glad to fly, and in the crowd withdrew. + +CIII. With dying hand she strives to pluck the spear: + Deep 'twixt the rib-bones in the wound it lies. + Bloodless she faints; her features, late so fair, + Fade, as the crimson from the pale cheeks flies, + And cold and misty wax the drooping eyes. + Then, with quick gasps, and groaning from her breast, + She calls to faithful Acca, ere she dies,-- + Acca, her truest comrade and her best, +The partner of her cares,--and breathes a last request. + +CIV. "Sister, 'tis past; the bitter shaft apace + Consumes me; all is growing dark. Go, tell + This news to Turnus; bid him take my place, + And keep these Trojans from the town. Farewell." + So saying, she dropped the bridle, as she fell. + Death's creeping chills the loosened limbs o'erspread. + Down dropped the weapons she had borne so well, + The neck drooped, slackened; and she bowed her head, +And the disdainful soul went groaning to the dead. + +CV. Up rose a shout, Camilla fall'n, that beat + The golden stars, and fiercer waxed the fray. + On press the host, in serried ranks complete, + Trojans, Arcadians, Tuscans in array. + High on a hill, fair Opis watched the day, + Set there by Trivia, undisturbed till now, + When, lo, amid the tumult far away + She sees Camilla, in the dust laid low, +Deep from her breast she sighs, and thus in words of woe: + +CVI. "Cruel, too cruel, is thy forfeit paid, + Poor maiden, who the Trojan arms would'st dare; + Nor aught availed thee, in the woodland glade + To serve Diana, and her arms to wear. + Yet not unhonoured in thy death, nor bare + Of fame she leaves thee; nor in after day + Shall vengeance fail thy prowess to declare. + Whoso hath dared thy sacred form to slay, +His blood shall rue the deed, and fit atonement pay." + +CVII. Beneath the hill a barrow chanced to stand, + Heaped there of old, and holm-oaks frowned beside + Dercennus' tomb, who ruled Laurentum's land. + Here, lightning swift, the lovely Nymph espied, + In shining arms, and puffed with empty pride, + False Aruns. "Caitiff! dost thou think to flee? + Why keep aloof? Turn hitherward!" she cried, + "Come here, and die! Camilla claims her fee. +Must Cynthia waste her shafts on worthless knaves like thee?" + +CVIII. Plucking the arrow from her case, she drew + The bow, full-stretched, till both the horns unite. + Both arms raised level, ere the missile flew, + Her left hand touched the iron point, the right, + Pressed to her nipple, strained the bow-string tight. + He hears the arrow whistle as it flies, + And feels the wound. Sweeping on amain, [word missing] + Forsakes him. Groaning, with a gasp, he dies. +Upsoars the gladdening Nymph, and seeks the Olympian skies. + +CIX. First flies Camilla's troop, their mistress slain, + Then, routed, the Rutulian ranks give way, + And fierce Atinas gallops from the plain, + And scattered chiefs and squadrons in dismay + Spur towards the town for shelter from the fray. + None dares that murderous onset of the foe + To stem with javelins, nor their charge to stay. + Slack from their fainting shoulders hangs the bow, +The clattering horse-hoofs shake the crumbling ground below. + +CX. Dark rolls the dust-cloud, to the town-walls driven, + And mothers on the watch-towers, pale with fear, + Smite on their breasts, and shriek aloud to heaven. + These, bursting in, their foemen in the rear + Crush in the crowd, and slaughter with the spear, + Slain in the gateway--miserably slain!-- + Their walls in sight, their happy homes so near. + Those bar the gates, while comrades on the plain +Stretch their imploring hands, and call to them in vain. + +CXI. Then piteous waxed the carnage by the gate, + Some storming, some defending. These without, + In sight of parents, weeping at their fate, + Roll down the moat, swept headlong by the rout, + Or charge the battered doorposts with a shout. + The very matrons, at their country's call, + Their javelins hurl. Charr'd stakes and oak-staves stout + Serve them for swords. Forth rush they, one and all, +Fir'd by Camilla's deeds, to save the town or fall. + +CXII. Meanwhile to Turnus, in the woods afar, + Came Acca, and the bitter news made plain, + And told the chief the tumult of the war,-- + The panic and the rout--the Volscian train + Swept from the battle, and Camilla slain. + The foemen, flushed with conquest, far and near + In hot pursuit, and sweeping on amain, + And all the city now aghast with fear:-- +Such was the dolorous tale that filled the warrior's ear. + +CXIII. Then, mad with fury, in revengeful mood + (For Jove is stern, and so the Fates ordain), + He quits his mountain-ambush and the wood. + Scarce, out of sight, had Turnus reached the plain, + When, issuing forth, AEneas hastes to gain + The pass, left open, climbs the neighbouring height, + And leaves the tangled forest. Thus the twain, + Each near to each,--the middle space is slight,-- +Townward their troops lead on, and hail the proffered fight. + +CXIV. At once AEneas on the dusty plain + Marks the Laurentine columns far away. + At once, in arms, fierce Turnus knows again + The dread AEneas, and he hears the neigh + Of steeds, and tramp of footmen in array. + Then each the fight had ventured, as they stood, + But rosy Phoebus, with declining day, + His steeds was bathing in the Iberian flood; +So by the walls they camp, and make the ramparts good. + + + + +BOOK TWELVE + + +ARGUMENT + +Turnus realises that he must now redeem his promise to meet AEneas +in single combat, and refuses to be dissuaded either by Latinus or +by Amata (1-90). The challenge is sent, and the two make ready. Lists +are prepared and spectators gather (91-153). Juno warns the Nymph +Juturna to aid her brother Turnus (154-180). After the terms of +combat have been ratified by oath and sacrifice, Juturna, in disguise, +by an opportune omen induces one of the assembled Latins to break +the truce and kill a Trojan (181-310). AEneas is wounded while +endeavouring to restrain his men from reprisals, and the fray becomes +general. Turnus deals death among the Trojans (311-441). AEneas is +miraculously healed, and at first pursues only Turnus--who is +carried off by Juturna (442-561), but presently gives rein to his +anger and slays indiscriminately, until by Venus' advice he attacks +the city. Amata kills herself, believing Turnus dead (562-702). +Turnus' eyes are opened. Seeing the city outworks in flames, he +returns and proclaims himself ready to meet AEneas, who, welcoming +the challenge, rushes forward. All eyes are riveted on the two, when +Turnus' sword breaks, and once more he flees, pursued by AEneas. +Juturna gives Turnus another sword, and Venus restores to AEneas his +spear (703-918). Follows a colloquy between Jupiter and +Juno.--Turnus must die. AEneas shall marry Lavinia and be king. But +the new nation must keep the ancient rites and names of Latium, and +be called not Trojans but Latins. Juno yields, and Jupiter warns +Juturna to leave the battle (919-1026). Turnus, being beside himself, +after a last superhuman effort, is struck down. AEneas is about to +spare his life, when he sees upon his shoulder the spoils of Pallas, +and kills him (1027-1107). + + +I. When Turnus saw the Latins faint and fly, + Crushed by the War-God, and his pledge reclaimed, + Himself the mark of every scornful eye, + Rage unappeasable his pride inflamed. + As when a lion, in the breast sore maimed + In Punic fields, uprousing, shakes his mane, + And snaps the shaft that felon hands had aimed, + His mouth all bloody, as he roars with pain, +So Turnus blazed with wrath, as thus in scornful strain + +II. He hailed the king: "Not Turnus stops the way; + No cause have these their challenge to forego, + Poor Trojan cowards; I accept the fray, + Sire, be the compact hallowed; be it so. + Or I, while Latins sit and see the show, + Will hurl to Hell this Dardan thief abhorred, + This Asian runaway, and on the foe + Refute the common slander with the sword, +Or he, as victor, reign and be Lavinia's lord." + +III. Then, calm of soul, Latinus made reply, + "O gallant youth, the more thy heart is fain + In fierceness to excel, the more should I + Weigh well the risks and measure loss with gain. + To thee belong thy father Daunus' reign + And captured towns. Good will have I and gold, + And other maids our Latin homes contain, + Of noble birth and lovely to behold. +Hear now, and let plain speech the thankless truth unfold. + +IV. "To none of former suitors was I free + To wed my daughter, so the voice ordained + Of gods and men consenting. Love for thee, + And sympathy for kindred blood hath gained + The mastery, and a weeping wife constrained. + I robbed the husband of the bride he wooed, + Took impious arms, and plighted faith disdained. + Ah me! what wars, what bitter fates ensued, +Thou, Turnus, know'st too well, who first hast felt the feud. + +V. "Scarce now, twice worsted in the desperate fray, + Our walls can guard what Latin hopes remain, + And, choked with Latin corpses, day by day, + Old Tiber's stream runs purple to the main, + And Latin bones are whitening all the plain. + Why shifts my frenzied purpose to and fro? + Why change and change? If, maugre Turnus slain, + I deign to welcome as a friend his foe, +Why not, while Turnus lives, the needless strife forego? + +VI. "What will Rutulian kinsmen, what will all + Italia say, if (Chance the deed forefend!) + I leave thee, cheated of my care, to fall, + The daughter's lover, and the father's friend? + O, weigh the risks that on the war attend; + Pity the parent in his sad, old age, + Left at far Ardea to lament thine end." + Thus he; but naught fierce Turnus can assuage; +The healing hand but chafes, and words augment his rage. + +VII. Then he, scarce gathering utterance, spake again, + "Good Sire, thy trouble for my sake forego; + Leave me the price of glory--to be slain. + I too can hurl, nor feeble is my blow, + The whistling shaft, that lays the foeman low, + And drinks his life-blood. Vain shall be his prayer. + No goddess mother shall be there, to throw + Her mist around him, with a woman's care, +And screen her darling son with empty shades of air." + +VIII. The Queen, with death before her, filled with fears, + Wept sore and checked the fiery suitor's way. + "O Turnus! if thou heed'st me, by these tears;-- + Hope of my age, Latinus' strength and stay, + Prop of our falling house! one boon I pray; + Forbear the fight. What fate awaiteth thee, + Awaits me too. If Trojans win the day, + With thee I'll leave the loathed light, nor see +AEneas wed my child, a captive slave, as she." + +IX. With tears Lavinia heard her mother speak. + A crimson blush her glowing face o'erspread, + And hot fires kindled on her burning cheek. + As Indian ivory, when stained with red, + Or lilies, mixt with roses in a bed, + So flushed the maid, with varying thoughts distrest. + He, wild with love, upon Lavinia fed + His constant gaze, but maddening with unrest, +Burned for the fight still more, and thus the Queen addressed: + +X. "Vex me not, mother, marching to the fray, + With these thy tears and bodings of despair. + 'Tis not in me the fatal hour to stay. + Thou, Idmon, to the Phrygian tyrant bear + The unwelcome word: to-morrow let him spare + To lead his Teucrians to the fight. Each side + Shall rest awhile; when morning shines in air, + His blood or mine the quarrel shall decide, +And he or I shall win, whose prowess earns, the bride." + +XI. Thus speaking, to his home the chieftain hies + And bids his steeds be harnessed for the fight: + Soon for the pleasure of their master's eyes + They stand before him, neighing in their might. + In days of old from Orithyia bright + To King Pilumnus came those coursers twain, + Swifter than breezes and than snow more white; + His ready grooms attend, a nimble train, +And clap the sounding breast and comb the abundant mane. + +XII. Himself the shining corselet, stiff with gold + And orichalcum, on his shoulders laid. + His sword and shield he fitted to his hold, + And donned the helm, with crimson plumes arrayed, + The sword the Fire-King for his sire had made, + And dipped still glowing in the Stygian flood, + Last, the strong spear-beam in his hand he swayed + (Against a pillar in the house it stood), +Auruncan Actor's spoils, and shook the quivering wood, + +XIII. And shouted, "Now, O never known to fail + Thy master's call, my trusty spear, I trow + The hour is come. Once, mightiest under mail, + Did Actor wield thee; Turnus wields thee now. + Grant this strong hand to lay the foeman low, + This Phrygian eunuch of his arms to spoil, + And rend his shattered breastplate with a blow; + Dragged in the dust, his dainty curls to soil, +Hot from the crisping tongs, and wet with myrrh and oil." + +XIV. Such furies urge him, and, ablaze with ire, + His hot face sparkles, and his eyes burn bright, + And from his eye-balls leaps the living fire; + As when a bull, in prelude for the fight, + Roars terribly, and fills the hinds with fright, + And, butting at a chance-met tree, would try + To vent his fury on his horns of might, + And with his fierce hoofs flings the sand on high, +And gores the empty air, and challenges the sky. + +XV. Nor less, meanwhile, and terrible in arms,-- + The arms that Venus to her son doth lend,-- + AEneas rages, and the War-God warms. + Pleased with the challenge, singly to contend, + And bring the weary warfare to an end, + His friends he cheers, and calms Iulus' care, + Unfolding Fate, then heralds hastes to send, + His answer to the Latin King to bear: +The challenge he accepts, the terms of peace are fair. + +XVI. Scarce Morning glimmered on the mountains grey, + And Phoebus' steeds, uprising from the main, + With lifted nostrils breathed approaching day. + Mixt with the Trojans, the Rutulian train, + Beneath the lofty town-walls on the plain + Mark out the lists, and mid-way in the ring, + Their braziers set, as common rites ordain. + These, apron-girt and crowned with vervain, bring +Fire for the turf-piled hearths, and water from the spring. + +XVII. Forth, as to war, Ausonia's spear-armed host, + Trojans and Tuscans, to the field proceed, + And to and fro, in gold and purple, post + Asilas brave, Assaracus's seed, + Mnestheus, Messapus, tamer of the steed. + Back step both armies at the trumpet's call, + Their spears in earth, their shields upon the mead. + An unarmed crowd, old men and matrons, all +Stand by the lofty gates, and throng the towers and wall. + +XVIII. But Juno, seated on a neighbouring height, + Now Alban called, then nameless and unknown, + Gazed from its summit on the field of fight, + And, musing, on the marshalled hosts looked down + Of Troy and Latium, and Latinus' town, + Then straight--a goddess to a goddess--spake + To Turnus' sister, who the sway doth own + Of sounding river and of stagnant lake, +Raised by the King of air, as yielding for his sake. + +XIX. "Nymph, pride of rivers, darling of my love, + Thou know'st, Juturna, how to all whoe'er + Of Latin maidens climbed the couch of Jove, + I thee preferred, and gave his courts to share. + Learn now thy woe, lest I the blame should bear. + While Fate and Fortune smiled on Latium's sway, + Thy walls I saved, and Turnus was my care. + Now in ill hour I see him tempt the fray; +Fate and the foe speed on the inevitable day. + +XX. "Not I this fight, this wager can behold. + Thou, if thou durst, thy brother's doom arrest. + Go; luck perchance may follow thee." Fast rolled + Juturna's tears, and thrice she smote her breast. + "No time to weep," said Juno, "speed thy quest, + And save thy brother, if thou canst, ere dead, + Or wake the war, and rend the league unblest; + 'Tis I who bid thee to be bold." She said, +And left her, tost with doubt, and full of wildering dread. + +XXI. Forth come the Kings; Latinus, proudly borne + High in his four-horse chariot, shines afar. + Twelve gilded rays the monarch's brows adorn, + His Sire's, the Sun-God's. Wielding as for war + Two spears, comes Turnus in his two-horse car. + There, Rome's great founder, doth AEneas ride, + With dazzling shield, bright-shining as a star, + And arms divine, and at his father's side +Ascanius takes his place, Rome's second hope and pride. + +XXII. And clad in robes of purest white, the priest + Leads forth the youngling of a bristly swine, + And two-year sheep, by shearer's hands unfleec'd. + And they, with eyes turned to the dawn divine, + Bared the bright steel, the victim's brow to sign, + And strewed the cakes of salted meal, and poured + On blazing altars bowls of sacred wine; + And good AEneas drew his glittering sword, +And thus, with pious prayer, the immortal gods adored: + +XXIII. "Witness, O Sun, thou Earth attest my prayer, + For whom I toil. Thou, Jove, supreme in sway, + And thou, great Juno, pleased at length to spare. + O mighty Mars, whose nod directs the fray; + Springs, Streams, and Powers whom Air and Sea obey. + If Turnus win--O let the vow remain-- + Humbly to King Evander, as they may, + Troy's sons shall fly, Iulus quit the reign, +Nor seed of mine e'er vex the Latin field again. + +XXIV. "But else, if victory smile upon my sword + (As rather deem I, and may Heaven decree), + I wish not Troy to be Italia's lord, + Nor claim the crown; let each, unquelled and free, + In deathless league on equal terms agree. + Arms, empire let Latinus keep; I claim + To bring our rites and deities. For me + My Teucrian friends another town shall frame, +And bless the rising towers with fair Lavinia's name." + +XXV. Thus first AEneas; then with uplift eyes, + His right hand stretching to the stars in prayer, + "Hear me, AEneas," old Latinus cries, + "By the same Earth, and Sea and Stars I swear, + By the twin offering of Latona fair, + And two-faced Janus, and Hell's powers malign, + And Dis unpitying; let Jove give ear, + The Sire whose bolt the solemn league doth sign, +Witness these fires and gods,--my hand is on the shrine,-- + +XXVI. "No time with Latins shall this league unbind, + Whate'er the issue, or the peace confound, + No force shall shake the purpose of my mind. + Nay--though the circling Ocean burst its bound, + And all the Earth were in a deluge drowned, + And Heaven with Hell should mingle. Sure as now + This sceptre" (haply in his hand was found + The Royal sceptre) "nevermore, I trow, +Shall bourgeon with fresh leaves, or spread a shadowing bough, + +XXVII. "Since once in forests, from its parent tree + Lopped clean away, the woodman stripped it bare + Of boughs and leaves, now fashioned, as ye see, + And cased in brass by cunning craftsman's care, + For fathers of the Latin realm to bear." + So they, amid their chiefest, Sire with Sire, + Confirm the league. These o'er the flames prepare + To slay the victims, and, as rites require, +The living entrails tear, and feed the sacred fire. + +XXVIII. Long while unequal to Rutulian eyes + The combat seemed, and trouble tossed them sore, + Now more, beholding nearer, how in size + And strength the champions differed, yea, and more, + Beholding Turnus, as he moved before + The altars, sad and silently, and seeks + With downcast eyes Heaven's favour to implore, + The wanness of his youthful frame, that speaks +Of health and hope now fled, the pallor of his cheeks. + +XXIX. Soon as Juturna saw the whispers grow + From tongue to tongue, and marked the changing tone, + The hearts of people wavering to and fro, + Amidst them,--now in form of Camers known, + Great Camers, sprung from grandsires of renown, + His father famed for many a brave emprise, + Himself as famed for exploits of his own,-- + Amidst them, mistress of her part, she flies, +And scatters words of doubt, and many a dark surmise. + +XXX. "Shame, will ye risk, Rutulians, for his host + The life of one? In number, strength and show + Do we not match them? _Those_ are all they boast, + Trojans, Arcadians and Etruscans. Lo, + Fight we by turns, each scarce can find a foe. + He to his gods, whose shrines he dies to shield, + Will rise, and praised will be his name below. + We, reft of home, to tyrant lords shall yield, +And toil as slaves, who sit so slackly on the field." + +XXXI. So saying, Juturna to the youths imparts + Fresh rage, and murmurs through the concourse run, + And changed are Latin and Laurentian hearts, + And they, who lately sought the strife to shun, + And longed for rest, now wish the league undone, + And, pitying Turnus, wrongly doomed to die, + Call out for arms. And now, her work begun, + Juturna shows a lying sign on high, +That shakes Italian hearts, and cheats the wondering eye. + +XXXII. Jove's golden eagle through the crimson skies + In chase of clanging marsh-fowl, swooped in flight + Down on a swan, and trussed the noble prize. + The Latins gaze, when lo, a wondrous sight! + Back wheels the flock, and all with screams unite, + And darkening, as a cloud, in dense array + Press on the foe, till, overborne by might, + And yielding to sheer weight, he drops the prey +Into the stream below, and cloudward soars away. + +XXXIII. With shouts the glad Rutulians hail the sign, + And lift their hands. Then spake the seer straightway, + Tolumnius: "Welcome, welcome, powers divine! + 'Twas this--'twas this I longed for, day by day. + To arms! 'Tis I, Tolumnius, lead the way. + Poor souls! whom yon strange pirate would enslave, + Like feeble birds, and make your coast a prey. + He too shall fly, and vanish o'er the wave. +Stand close and fight as one, your captive king to save." + +XXXIV. He spake and hurled his javelin at the foes, + Advancing. Shrill the cornel hissed, and flew + True to its quarry. Then a shout uprose, + And the ranks wavered, and hearts throbbed anew + With ardour, as the gathering tumult grew. + On went the missile to where, side by side, + Nine brethren stood, of comely form, whom, true + To her Gylippus, bare a Tuscan bride, +Nine tall Arcadian sons, in bloom of youthful pride. + +XXXV. One, where the belt chafes, and the strong clasp bites + The broidered edges,--comeliest of the band, + And sheathed in shining mail--the steel-head smites, + And rives the ribs, and rolls him on the sand. + Blind with hot rage, his brethren, sword in hand, + Or snatching missiles, to avenge the slain, + Rush to the charge. Laurentum's ranks withstand + Their onset, and a deluge sweeps the plain, +Trojans, Agylla's bands, Arcadia's glittering train. + +XXXVI. One passion burns,--to let the sword decide. + Stript stand the altars, and the shrines are bare; + Dark drives the storm of javelins far and wide, + The iron tempest hurtles in the air, + And bowls and censers from the hearths they tear. + Himself Latinus, flying, bears afar + His home-gods, outraged by the league's misfare. + Some leap to horse, and others yoke the car, +Or bare the glittering sword, and hurry to the war. + +XXXVII. Aulestes first, a king with kingly crown, + Messapus scares, and, spurring forward, fain + To break the treaty, rides the Tuscan down. + He, bating ground, falls back, and hurled amain + Against the altars, pitches on the plain. + Up comes Messapus, with his beam-like spear, + And smites him, pleading sorely but in vain, + Steep-rising heavily smites him, with a jeer, +"He hath it; Heaven hath gained a better victim here." + +XXXVIII. Up Latins rush, and strip the limbs yet warm, + A brand half-burnt fierce Corynoeus there + Flings full at Ebusus, as with lifted arm + He nears him, and the long beard, all aflare, + Shines crackling, with a smell of burning hair. + He with his left hand, following up the throw, + Grasps the long locks, and, planting firm and fair + His knee, beneath him pins the prostrate foe, +And drives the stark sword home, so deadly is the blow. + +XXXIX. Then, fired with fury, Podalirius flew + At shepherd Alsus, as he rushed among + The foremost. With his naked sword he drew + Behind him close, and o'er his foeman hung. + He turning round his broad axe backward swung, + And clave the chin and forehead. Left and right + The dark blood o'er the spattered arms outsprung. + Hard rest and iron slumber seal his sight, +The drooping eyelids close on everlasting night. + +XL. Unarmed, AEneas, with uncovered brow, + Stretched out his hands, and shouted to his train: + "Where rush ye, men? what sudden discord now + Is this? Be calm; your idle wrath refrain. + The truce is struck; the treaty's terms are plain. + To me belongs the battle, not to you. + Give way to me, nor fret and fume in vain. + This hand shall make the treaty firm and true. +These rites, this solemn pact give Turnus for my due." + +XLI. So spake he, fain the tumult to allay, + And scarce had ceased, when, whistling as it flew, + A feathered shaft came hurtling on its way, + And smote the good AEneas; whose, and who + That shaft had sped, what wind had borne it true, + What chance with fame Ausonia's host had crowned, + What God, perhaps, had aided them--none knew. + The glory of that noble deed was drowned, +And none was found to boast of great AEneas' wound. + +XLII. When Turnus saw the Trojan prince retire, + The chiefs bewildered, and their hearts unstrung, + Hope unexpected set his soul on fire, + And, calling for his steeds and arms, he sprung + Upon his chariot, and the reins outflung. + On drives he; many a hero of renown + Sinks, crushed to death; the dying roll among + The dead; whole ranks beneath his wheels go down, +And fast at flying hosts the fliers' spears are thrown. + +XLIII. As when grim Mars, by Hebrus' icy flood, + Clashing his brazen buckler, drives apace + His fierce steeds, maddening with the lust of blood; + They o'er the plain the flying winds outrace, + And with their trampling groan the fields of Thrace; + And round the War-God his attendants throng, + Hatred, and Treachery and Fear's dark face; + So Turnus drove the battling ranks among, +And lashed his smoking steeds, and waved the whistling thong. + +XLIV. In piteous sort he tramples on the slain; + The flying horse-hoofs spirt the crimson dew, + And tread the gore down in the sandy plain. + Now, man to man, at Thamyris he flew, + And Pholus. Sthenelus aloof he slew; + Aloof the two Imbracidae lay dead, + Glaucus and Lades, of the Lycian crew, + Both armed alike, whom Imbracus had bred +To fight, or on swift steeds the flying winds to head. + +XLV. Elsewhere afield, amid the foremost, fought + The brave Eumedes. (From the loins he came + Of noble Dolon, and to war he brought + The borrowed lustre of his grandsire's name, + The strength and spirit of his sire of fame, + Who for his meed, when offering to explore + The Danaan camp, Pelides' car would claim. + Poor fool! Tydides paid the boaster's score, +And for Achilles' steeds he hankers now no more.) + +XLVI. Him Turnus sees, and through the void afar + Speeds a light lance, then bids the coursers stand, + And, lightly leaping from his two-horsed car, + Stamps on his neck, fall'n breathless on the sand, + And wrests the shining dagger from his hand. + Deep in his throat he deals a deadly wound, + And cries, "Now, Trojan, take the wished-for land. + Lie there, and measure the Hesperian ground; +Their meed, who tempt my sword; thus city-walls they found." + +XLVII. Asbutes, Sybaris and Chloreus bleed, + Dares the bold, Orsilochus the brave, + Thymoetes, pitched from off his plunging steed. + As on the AEgean when the North-winds rave, + And the fierce gale rolls shoreward wave on wave, + And drives the cloud-rack through the sky; so these + Shrank back from Turnus, as his path he clave, + Urged by his impulse, and each turns and flees; +Loose streams his horsehair crest, blown backward by the breeze. + +XLVIII. His fiery onset, and his shouts of pride + Bold Phlegeus brooked not, but himself he flung + Before the car, and caught and turned aside + The foaming steeds. But while, thus dragged along, + Grasping the bridle, on the yoke he hung, + His shieldless side the broad-tipt javelin found, + And pierced, and, staying, to the corslet clung, + With linen folds and brazen links twice bound. +And lightly scored the skin, and grazed him with the wound. + +XLIX. His shield before him, at the foe he made, + And drew his short sword, turning sharply round, + And trusted to the naked steel for aid, + When wheel and axle, urged with onward bound, + Struck down and dashed him headlong to the ground, + And Turnus, reaching forward, sword in hand, + Room 'twixt the hauberk and the helmet found + And lopped the head with his avenging brand, +And left the bleeding trunk to welter on the sand. + +L. While Turnus thus dealt havoc as he flew, + Back with AEneas from the combat went + Ascanius, Mnestheus, and Achates true, + And helped the bleeding hero to his tent. + Faltering and pale, as on the spear he leant, + Fretting, and tugging at the shaft in vain, + Quick help he summons,--with the broadsword's rent + The wound to widen, and the lurking bane +Cut out, and send him back to battle on the plain. + +LI. Iapis, son of Iasus, was there, + The best-beloved of Phoebus. Long ago + Apollo, fired to see a youth so fair, + His arts and gifts had offered to bestow, + His augury, his lyre, his sounding bow. + But he, in hope a bed-rid parent's days + To lengthen, sought the leech's craft to know, + The power of simples, and the silent praise +Of healing arts, and scorned the great Apollo's bays. + +LII. Dark-frowning stands, still propt upon his spear, + AEneas, heedless of his friends around + And young Iulus, weeping in his fear. + Tight-girt like Paeon, with the robes upbound, + Beside him kneels the aged leech renowned. + With busy haste Apollo's salves he tries, + In vain, in vain he coaxes in the wound + The stubborn steel, the pincer's teeth he plies: +Fate bides averse, his help the healing god denies; + +LIII. And more and more, along the echoing wold, + The war's wild horror thickens on the ear, + And storm-like, in the darkened skies uprolled, + The driving dust-clouds show the danger near. + Now horsemen, galloping in haste, appear, + And darts and arrows, as the foe draw nigh, + Fall in the tents, and fill the camp with fear, + And a grim clamour mounts the vaulted sky, +The shouts of those that fight, the groans of those that die. + +LIV. Then, Venus, for her darling filled with grief, + A stalk of dittany on Ida's crown + Seeks out, and gathers, for his wound's relief, + The flower of purple and the leaves of down. + (To wounded wild-goats 'twas a plant well-known) + This brings the Goddess, veiled in mist, and brews + In a bright bowl a mixture of her own, + And, steeped in water from the stream, she strews +Soft balm of fragrant scent, and sweet ambrosial dews. + +LV. Therewith the leech, unwitting, rinsed the wound, + And the pain fled, and all the blood was stayed. + Out came the dart, and he again was sound. + "Arms! bring his arms! Why stand ye thus afraid?" + Iapis cries, and, foremost to upbraid, + Inflames them to the fight. "No hand of mine, + No power of leech-craft, nor a mortal's aid + This healing wrought; a greater power divine, +AEneas, sends thee back, by greater deeds to shine." + +LVI. He, hot for fight, the golden cuishes bound, + And shook the spear, then put his corslet on, + And strung the shield, and in his arms enwound, + And gently through the helmet kissed his son. + "Learn, boy, of me, how gallant deeds are done, + Fortune of others. I will guard thee now, + And lead to fame. Let riper manhood con + Thy kinsmen's deeds. Remember, and be thou +What uncle Hector was, and what thy sire is now." + +LVII. He spake, and swinging his tremendous spear, + Swept through the gate; then Antheus, with his train, + Rushed forth, and Mnestheus. With a general cheer + Forth pours the host; a dust-cloud hides the plain; + Earth, startled by their trampling, throbs in pain. + Pale Turnus saw them from a distant height, + The Ausonians saw, and terror chilled each vein. + Juturna heard, and knew the noise of fight, +And from the van drew back, and shuddered with affright. + +LVIII. On swept he, and the blackening host behind. + As when from sea a storm-cloud sweeps to shore, + The weather breaking, and the trembling hind + Foresees afar the ruin and the roar, + The shattered orchards, and the crops no more, + While, landward borne, the muttering winds betray + The coming storm; so down the Trojan bore + Against the foemen, and in firm array +All knit their serried ranks, and gladden at the fray. + +LIX. Thymbraeus smites Osiris, Mnestheus fells + Archetius; by Achates smitten sheer, + Falls Epulo, and Gyas Ufens quells. + Falls, too, Tolumnius, the sacred seer, + Who first against the foemen hurled his spear. + Uprose a shout, and the Rutulians reeled + And fled. AEneas, on the dusty rear + Close-trampling, scorns to follow them afield, +Or fight with those that stand, or slaughter those that yield. + +LX. Turnus alone, amid the blinding gloom, + He tracks and traces, searching far and near, + Turnus alone he summons to his doom. + Juturna sees, and smit with sudden fear, + Unseats Metiscus, Turnus' charioteer, + And flings him down, and leaves him on the plain, + Then takes his place, and, urging their career, + Loose o'er the coursers shakes the waving rein; +Metiscus' voice and form, Metiscus' arms remain. + +LXI. Like a black swallow, as she flies among + A rich man's halls, or in the courts is found + In quest of dainties for her twittering young. + And now in empty cloisters, now around + The fishpools circles, while the shrill notes sound. + So now Juturna, through the midmost foes, + Whirled in the rapid chariot, scours the ground; + Now here, now there triumphant Turnus shows, +Now, flying, wheels aloof, nor suffers him to close. + +LXII. So wheels in turn AEneas to and fro, + And tracks his man, and through the war's wild tide + Calls him aloud. Oft as he marks his foe, + And, running, tries to match the coursers' stride, + So oft Juturna wheels the team aside. + What shall he do? While wavering thus in vain, + As diverse thoughts his doubtful mind divide, + A steel-tipt dart Messapus--one of twain-- +Aims true, and hurls it forth, uprunning on the plain. + +LXIII. AEneas paused, behind his buckler bent. + On came the javelin, and the cone was shorn + From off his helmet, and the plume was rent. + Foiled by this treachery, as he marked with scorn + The steeds and chariot from the combat borne, + He blazed with ire, and, calling on again + Jove and the altars of the truce forsworn, + Rushed on, thrice terrible, and o'er the plain +Dealt indiscriminate death, and gave his wrath the rein. + +LXIV. What heavenly muse can sing, what god can say + The scenes of horror wrought on either side, + The varied slaughter of that fatal day, + What chiefs were chased along the field, and died, + As Turnus now, and now the Trojan plied + His murderous sword? Jove, could'st thou deem it right + So dire a broil such peoples should divide, + Two jarring nations met in deadly fight, +Whom leagues of lasting love were destined to unite? + +LXV. AEneas first (that fight 'twas first that stayed + The Teucrian rout) caught Suero on the side. + Where death is quickest, 'twixt the ribs his blade, + Deep in the framework of the breast, he plied. + Then Turnus slew Diores; close beside, + His brother Amycus from his steed he tore; + One by the spear, one by the sword-cut died. + Their severed heads the ruthless victor bore, +Fixt to his flying car, and dripping with the gore. + +LXVI. Talus, and Tanais, and Cethegus there + AEneas smote, and poor Onytes slew, + Whom Peridia to Echion bare. + Turnus two Lycian brethren next o'erthrew + From Phoebus' fields, and young Menoetes too + From Arcady, who loathed the war in vain. + Poor was his home, nor rich men's doors he knew. + By fishful Lerna he had earned his gain, +Hired was the scanty glebe his father sowed with grain. + +LXVII. Lo, as fierce flames drive in from left and right + Through woodlands parched and groves of crackling bay, + As sweep impetuous from a mountain height + Loud, foaming torrents, that withouten stay + Cleave to the sea their devastating way: + So, while in each full tides of anger flow, + Rush Turnus and AEneas to the fray: + Their tameless breasts with bursting valour glow, +On, on they speed amain, nor fear the opposing blow. + +LXVIII. There stands Murranus, vaunting in vain joy + His sires, and grandsires, he the princely son + Of Latin monarchs. Him the chief of Troy + Smites with the whirlwind of a monstrous stone, + Huge as a rock. Down from his chariot thrown, + 'Twixt reins and yoke, he tumbles on the sward. + The fierce wheels, thundering onward, beat him down; + His starting steeds, to shun the victor's sword, +Tread on his trampled limbs, unmindful of their lord. + +LXIX. Here, fronting Hyllus, as he rushed amain, + Fierce Turnus stood; his levelled spear-head clave + The golden casque, and quivered in his brain. + Nor thee, poor Creteus, though of Greeks most brave, + From Turnus had thy prowess power to save. + Nor aught availed Cupencus' gods to aid + Against the dread AEneas, as he drave. + Squaring his breast, he met the glittering blade, +Nor long his brazen shield the mortal stroke delayed. + +LXX. Thee, too, great AEolus, Laurentum's plain + Saw trampled down by Turnus, as he flew, + And stretched at length among the Trojan slain. + Thou diest, whom ne'er could Argive bands subdue, + Nor Peleus' son, who Priam's realm o'erthrew. + Thy goal is here; beyond the distant wave, + Beneath the mount where Ida's fir-trees grew, + High house was thine; high house Lyrnessus gave, +Thy home; Laurentum's soil hath given thee a grave. + +LXXI. So met the ranks, and mingled, man with man, + Latins and Dardans in promiscuous throng, + Mnestheus and fierce Serestus in the van, + Messapus, tamer of the steed, and strong + Asylas. There in tumult swept along + Arcadian horsemen, and the Tuscan train. + No rest is theirs, no respite; loud and long + The conflict rages, as with might and main, +Each for his own dear life, the warriors strive and strain. + +LXXII. Now lovely Venus doth her son persuade + To seek the walls, and townward turn his train, + And deal swift havoc on the foe dismayed. + While here and there AEneas scans the plain, + Still tracking Turnus through the ranks in vain, + Far off the peaceful city he espies, + Unscathed, unstirred, and in his restless brain + The vision of a greater war doth rise; +Larger the War-God looms, and to his chiefs he cries. + +LXXIII. Mnestheus, Sergestus and Serestus strong + He calls, and on a hillock takes his stand. + There, mustering round him, all the Teucrians throng, + Each armed with buckler, and his spear in hand, + And from the mound he thus exhorts the band: + "Hear, sons of Teucer, and let none be slack. + Jove fights for us, so hearken my command. + Though strange the venture, sudden the attack, +Let none for that cause faint, none loiter and hang back. + +LXXIV. "This town--unless they yield them and obey-- + This town, the centre of Latinus' reign, + The cause of war, will I uproot this day, + And raze her smoking roof-tops to the plain. + What! shall I wait, and wait, till Turnus deign + To take fresh heart, and tempt the war's rough game, + And, conquered, face his conqueror again? + See there the fount of all this blood! For shame; +Bring quick the torch; let fire the perjured pact reclaim!" + +LXXV. So spake he, and one purpose nerves them all. + They form a wedge, and forward with a cheer + The close-knit column charges at the wall. + Here scaling ladders in a trice they rear, + And firebrands suddenly and flames appear. + These seek the gates, and lay the foremost dead; + Those flash the sword, or shake the shining spear. + Darts cloud the skies. AEneas, at their head, +Stands by the lofty walls, and with his hands outspread, + +LXXVI. Upbraids aloud Latinus, twice untrue, + And bids heaven witness and his wrongs regard, + Thus forced reluctant to the fight anew; + How loth again with Latin foes he warred, + How twice the truce the Latin crimes had marred. + Upsprings wild discord in the town; some call + To cede the city, and have the gates unbarred, + And drag the aged monarch to the wall; +Some rush to arms, and strive their entrance to forestall. + +LXXVII. As when within a crannied rock some hind, + Returning home, a swarm of bees hath found, + And all the nest with bitter smoke doth blind: + They, in their waxen citadel fast bound, + Post to and fro, the narrow cells around, + And whet their stings in fury and despair: + With stifled hum the caverned crags resound, + The black fumes search the windings of their lair, +And the dark smoke rolls up, and mingles with the air. + +LXXVIII. A new mischance now smote with further woe + The Latin town, and fainting hearts dismayed. + As queen Amata sees the coming foe, + The ramparts stormed, their flames the roofs invade, + And nowhere Turnus nor his troops to aid, + Him dead she deems, herself the cause declares, + Herself alone she spares not to upbraid. + She wails,--she raves,--her purple robe she tears, +And from a lofty beam the hideous noose prepares. + +LXXIX. The women heard; Lavinia first of all, + Her golden locks, her rosy cheeks doth tear. + All rave around, and wailings fill the hall. + Fast flies the news, and shakes the town with fear. + Then rends his robes Latinus in despair, + His town in ruins and his consort dead, + And, scattering dust upon his hoary hair, + Himself he blames, that ne'er in Turnus' stead +The Dardan prince he chose, his dear-lov'd child to wed. + +LXXX. Meanwhile, in chase of distant stragglers, speeds + Fierce Turnus. Slacker is his car's career, + And less he glories in his conquering steeds, + When lo, the breezes from Laurentum bear + The sound of shouting, and the shrieks of fear, + And a dull murmur, as of men that groan,-- + The city's roar--strikes on his listening ear. + "Ah me! what clamour on the winds is blown? +What noise of grief," he cries, "comes rolling from the town?" + +LXXXI. He spake, and madly pulled the rein. Then she, + His sister, like Metiscus changed in view, + Who ruled the chariot, "Forward, Turnus! See + The path that victory points thee to pursue. + This way--this way to chase the Trojan crew! + Others there are, who can the walls defend, + See here AEneas, how he storms. We, too, + Our foes, Troy's varlets, to their graves can send, +Nor thee less tale of slain, nor scantier praise attend." + +LXXXII. Then quickly answered Turnus, glancing round, + "Sister, long since I knew thee--knew thee plain, + When first thy cunning did the league confound, + And sent thee forth, fierce battle to darrain; + And now thou think'st to cheat me, but in vain, + Albeit a goddess. But what power on high + Hath willed thee, sent from the Olympian reign, + Such toils to suffer, and such tasks to try? +Cam'st thou, forsooth, to see thy wretched brother die? + +LXXXIII. "What can I do? What pledge of safety more + Doth Fortune give? what better hopes remain? + Myself beheld, these very eyes before, + Murranus die, the dearest of our train, + Stretched by a huge wound hugely on the plain. + I saw, how, backward as his comrades reeled, + Poor Ufens, sooner than behold such stain, + Sank low in death; himself, his sword and shield +The Teucrian victors hold, their trophies of the field. + +LXXXIV. "What, shall I see our houses wrapt in flame,-- + Last wrong of all--and coward-like, stand by, + Nor make this arm put Drances' taunts to shame? + Shall Turnus run, and Latins see him fly? + And is it then so terrible to die? + Be kind, dread spirits of the world below! + To you, since envious are the powers on high, + Worthy my ancestors of long ago, +Free from the coward's blame, a sacred shade I go." + +LXXXV. Scarce spake he; through the midmost foes apace + Comes Saces, borne upon his foaming steed, + A flying shaft had scored him in the face. + "Turnus," he cries, "sole champion in our need, + Help us, have pity on thy friends who bleed. + See there, AEneas threatens in his ire + To raze our towers, and with a storm-cloud's speed + Thunders in arms, and roofward flies the fire, +To thee the Latins turn, thee Latin hopes require. + +LXXXVI. "Himself, the king, is wavering, whom to call + His new allies, and whom his kingdom's heir. + Dead is the queen, thy faithfullest of all, + Self-plunged from light, in terror and despair. + Scarce fierce Atinas and Messapus there, + Beside the town-gates standing, hold their own. + Dense hosts surround them, and with falchions bare, + War's harvest bristles, by the walls upgrown; +Thou on the empty sward art charioting alone." + +LXXXVII. Stunned and bewildered by the changeful scene + Stood Turnus, gazing speechless and oppressed. + Shame, rage, and sorrow, and revengeful spleen, + And frenzied love, and conscious worth confessed + Boil from the depths of his tumultuous breast. + Now, when the shadows from his mind withdrew, + And light, returning, to his thoughts gave rest, + Back from his chariot towards the walls he threw +His eyes, aflame with wrath, and grasped the town in view. + +LXXXVIII. From floor to floor, behold, a tower upblazed,-- + The tower, with bridge above and wheels below, + Himself with beams and mortised planks had raised. + "Sister," he cries, "Fate conquers; let us go + The way which Heaven and cruel fortune show. + I stand to meet AEneas in the fray, + And die; if death be bitter, be it so. + No more dishonoured shalt thou see me, nay, +O sister, let me vent this fury, while I may." + +LXXXIX. He spake, and quickly vaulting from his car, + Through foes, through darts, his sister left to mourn, + Rushed headlong forth, and broke the ranks of war. + As when a boulder, from a hill-top borne, + Which rains have washed, or blustering winds have torn, + Or creeping years have loosened, down the steep, + From crag to crag, leaps headlong, and in scorn + Goes bounding on, and with resistless sweep +Lays waste the woods, and whelms the shepherd and his sheep; + +XC. So Turnus through the broken ranks doth fly + On to the town-walls, where the crimson plain + Is soaked, and shrill with javelins shrieks the sky, + Then shouts, with hand uplifted, to his train, + "Rutulians, hold! Ye Latin men refrain! + Mine are the risks of Fortune, mine of right, + The truce thus torn, to expiate the stain, + And let the sword give judgment." At the sight +The hostile ranks divide, and clear the lists of fight. + +XCI. But when the Sire AEneas heard the name + Of Turnus, and his foeman's form espied, + Down from the ramparts and the towers he came, + And scorned delay, and put all else aside, + Thundering in arms, and glorying in his pride. + As Athos huge, as Eryx huge he shows, + Or huge as Father Apennine, whose side + Roars with his nodding oaks, when drifted snows +Shine on his joyous crest, and lighten on his brows. + +XCII. Rutulians, Trojans, Latins,--each and all + Look wondering on, both they who man the height, + And they who batter at the base. Down fall + Their arms. Amazed Latinus views the sight, + Two chiefs from distant countries, matched in might. + The lists set wide, they dash into the fray. + Each hurls a spear, then, hand to hand, they fight. + Loud ring the shields, and quick the broadswords play. +Earth groans, and chance contends with courage for the day. + +XCIII. As on Taburnus, or in Sila's shade + Two bulls, with butting foreheads, mix in fray: + Pale fly the hinds, mute stands the herd dismayed: + The heifers low, unknowing who shall sway + The grove, what lord and leader to obey; + They, with horns locked, their mutual rage outpour, + And thrust for thrust, and wound for wound repay, + Fast from their necks and dewlaps streams the gore, +And all the neighbouring wood rebellows to the roar; + +XCIV. So, when both champions on the listed field, + The Trojan and the Daunian, eye to eye, + Met in the deadly conflict, shield to shield + Clanged, and a loud crash shattered through the sky. + And now great Jove, the Sire of gods on high, + Holds up the scales, and sets the long beam straight, + And in the balance lays their fates, to try + Each champion's fortune in the stern debate, +Whom battle's toil shall doom, where sinks the deathful weight. + +XCV. Forth springs, in fancied safety, at his foe + Fierce Turnus, rising to his utmost height, + And planting all his body in the blow, + Strikes. A loud shout, of terror and delight + Goes up from Troy and Latium at the sight. + When lo, the falchion, as the stroke he plies, + Snaps short, and leaves him helpless. Naught but flight + Can aid him; swifter than the wind he flies, +As in his hand disarmed an unknown hilt he spies. + +XCVI. When first his steeds were harnessed for the war, + In haste he snatched Metiscus' sword, 'tis said, + His sire's forgotten, as he climbed the car, + And well enough that weapon served his stead, + To smite the stragglers, while the Trojans fled; + But when it met, and countered in the fray + The arms of Vulcan, then the mortal blade, + Found faithless, like the brittle ice, gave way, +And in the yellow sand the sparkling fragments lay. + +XCVII. So Turnus flies, and, doubling, but in vain, + Now here, now there, weaves many an aimless round; + For all about him, as he scours the plain, + The swarming legions of the foe are found, + And here the marsh, and there the bulwarks bound. + Nor less AEneas, though his stiff knee feels + The rankling arrow, and the hampering wound + Retards his pace, pursues him, as he wheels, +And dogs the flying foe, and presses on his heels. + +XCVIII. As when some stag, a river in his face, + Or toils with scarlet feathers, set to scare, + A huntsman with his braying hounds doth chase. + Awed by the steep bank and the threatening snare, + A thousand ways he doubles here and there; + But the keen Umbrian, all agape, is by, + Now grasps,--now holds him,--and now thinks to tear, + And snaps his teeth on nothing; and a cry +Rings back from shore and stream, and rolls along the sky. + +XCIX. Chiding by name his comrades, as he flies, + Fierce Turnus for his trusty sword doth cry. + Nor less AEneas with his threat defies, + "Stand off," he shouts, "who ventures to draw nigh, + His town shall perish, and himself shall die." + Onward, though maimed, he presses to his prey. + Twice five times circling round the field they fly; + For no mean stake or sportive prize they play, +Lo, Turnus' life and blood are wagered in the fray. + +C. A wilding olive on the sward had stood, + Sacred to Faunus. Mariners of yore + In worship held the venerable bough, + When to Laurentum's guardian, safe on shore + Their votive raiment and their gifts they bore. + That sacred tree, the lists of fight to clear, + Troy's sons had lopped. There, in the trunk's deep core, + The Dardan javelin, urged with impulse sheer, +Stuck fast; the stubborn root, retentive, grasped the spear. + +CI. Stooping, AEneas with his hands essayed + To pluck the steel, and follow with the spear + The foe his feet o'ertook not. Sore dismayed + Then Turnus cried, "O Faunus, heed and hear, + And thou, kind Earth, hold fast the steel, if dear + I held the plant, which Trojan hands profaned." + He prayed, nor Heaven refused a kindly ear. + Long while AEneas at the tough root strained; +Vain was his utmost strength; the biting shaft remained. + +CII. While thus he stooped and struggled, prompt to aid, + Juturna, to Metiscus changed anew, + Ran forth, and to her brother reached his blade. + Then Venus, wroth the daring Nymph to view, + Came, and the javelin from the stem withdrew, + Thus, armed afresh, each eager for his chance, + The Daunian trusting to his falchion true, + The Dardan towering with uplifted lance, +High-hearted, face to face, the breathless chiefs advance. + +CIII. Then Jove, as from a saffron cloud above + Looked Juno, pleased the doubtful strife to view, + "When shall this end, sweet partner of my love? + What more? Thou know'st it, and hast owned it too, + Divine AEneas to the skies is due. + What wilt thou, chill in cloudland? Was it right + A god with mortal weapons to pursue? + Or give--for thine was all Juturna's might-- +Lost Turnus back his sword, and renovate the fight? + +CIV. "Desist at length, and hearken to my prayer. + Feed not in silence on a grief so sore, + Nor spoil those sweet lips with unlovely care. + The end is come; 'twas thine on sea and shore + Troy's sons to vex, to wake the war's uproar, + To cloud a home, a marriage-league untie, + And mar with grief a bridal. Cease, and more + Attempt not." Thus the ruler of the sky, +And thus, with down-cast look, Saturnia made reply. + +CV. "E'en so, great Jove, because thy will was known, + I left, reluctant, Turnus and his land. + Else ne'er should'st thou behold me here alone, + Thus shamed and suffering, but, torch in hand, + To smite these hateful Teucrians would I stand. + I made Juturna rescue from the foe + Her hapless brother,--mine was the command,-- + Approved her daring for his sake, yet so +As not to wield the spear, or meddle with the bow. + +CVI. "Nay, that I swear, and a dread oath will take + (The only oath that doth the high gods bind), + By that grim fount that feeds the Stygian lake. + And now, great Jove, reluctant, but resigned, + I yield, and leave the loathed fight behind. + One boon I ask, nor that in Fate's despite, + For Latium, for the honour of thy kind. + When--be it so--blest Hymen's pact they plight, +And laws and lasting league the warring folks unite, + +CVII. "Ne'er let the children of the soil disown + The name of Latins; turn them not, I pray, + To Trojan folk, to be as Teucrians known. + Ne'er let Italia's children put away + The garb they wear, the language of to-day + Let Latium flourish, and abide the same, + And Alban kings through distant ages sway. + Let Rome through Latin prowess wax in fame; +But fall'n is Troy, and fall'n for ever be her name." + +CVIII. Smiling, the founder of the world replied: + "Thou, second child of Saturn, born to reign + In heaven Jove's sister, and his spouse beside. + Such floods of passion can thy breast contain? + But come, and from thy fruitless rage refrain. + I yield, and gladly; be thy will obeyed. + Speech, customs, name Ausonia shall retain + Unchanged for ever, as thy lips have prayed. +And in the Latin race Troy's mingled blood shall fade. + +CIX. "All Latins will I make them, of one tongue, + And sacred rites, as common good, assign. + Hence shalt thou see, from blood Ausonian sprung, + A blended race, whose piety shall shine + Excelling man's, and equalling divine; + And ne'er shall other nation tell so loud + Thy praise, or pay such homage to thy shrine." + Well-pleased was Juno, and assenting bowed, +And straight with altered mind ascended from the cloud. + +CX. New schemes the Sire, from Turnus to repel + Juturna's aid, now ponders in his mind. + Two fiends there are, called Furies. Night with fell + Megaera bore them at one birth, and twined + Their serpent spires, and winged them like the wind. + These at Jove's threshold, and beside his throne + Await his summons, to afflict mankind, + When death or pestilence the Sire sends down, +Or shakes the world with war, and scares the guilty town. + +CXI. One, for an omen, from the skies he sends, + To front Juturna. Down, with sudden spring, + To earth, as in a whirlwind, she descends. + As when a poisoned arrow from the string + Through clouds a Parthian launches on the wing,-- + Parthian or Cretan--and in darkling flight + The shaft, with cureless venom in its sting, + Screams through the shadows; so, arrayed in might, +Swift to the earth came down the daughter of the Night. + +CXII. But when Troy's host and Turnus' ranks were known, + Shrunk to the semblance of a bird in size, + Which oft on tombs or ruined roofs alone + Sits late at night, and with ill-omened cries + Vexes the darkness; so in dwarfed disguise + The foul fiend, shrieking around Turnus' head, + Flaps on his shield, and flutters o'er his eyes. + Strange torpor numbs the Daunian's limbs with dread; +The stiffening hair stands up, and all his voice is dead. + +CXIII. The rustling wings Juturna knew, and tore + Her comely face, and rent her scattered hair, + And smote her breast: "O cruel me! what more + For Turnus can a sister now? What care + Or craft thy days can lengthen? Can I dare + To face this fiend? At last, at last I go, + And quit the field. Foul birds, avaunt, nor scare + My fluttering soul. Too well the sounds of woe, +Those beating wings,--too well great Jove's behest I know. + +CXIV. "_This_ for my robbed virginity? Ah, why + Did immortality the Sire bestow, + And grudge a mortal's privilege--to die? + Else, sure this moment could I end my woe, + And with my hapless brother pass below. + Immortal I? What joy hath aught beside, + Thou, Turnus, dead? Gape, Earth, and let me go, + A Goddess, to the shades!" She spake, and sighed, +And, veiled in azure mantle, plunged beneath the tide. + +CXV. But fierce AEneas on his foeman pressed. + His tree-like spear he poises for the fray, + And pours the pent-up fury of his breast. + "Why stay'st thou, Turnus? Wherefore this delay? + Fierce arms, not swiftness, must decide the day. + Shift as thou wilt, and every shape assume; + Exhaust thy courage and thy craft, and pray + For wings to soar with, or in earth's dark womb +Sink low thy recreant head, and hide thee from thy doom." + +CXVI. Thus he; but Turnus shook his head, and said, + "Ruffian! thy threats are but as empty sound; + They daunt not Turnus; 'tis the gods I dread, + And Jove my enemy." Then, glancing round, + He marked a chance-met boulder on the ground, + Huge, grey with age, set there in ancient days + To clear disputes,--a barrier and a bound. + Scarce twelve picked men the ponderous mass could raise, +Such men as Earth brings forth in these degenerate days. + +CXVII. That stone the Daunian lifted, straining hard + With hurrying hand, and all his height updrew, + And at AEneas hurled the monstrous shard; + So heaving, and so running, scarce he knew + His running, or how huge a weight he threw. + Cold froze his blood; beneath his trembling frame + The weak knees tottered. Through the void air flew + The stone, nor all the middle space o'ercame, +Short of its mark it fell, nor answered to its aim. + +CXVIII. As oft in dreams, when drowsy night doth load + The slumbering eyes, still eager, but in vain, + We strive to race along a lengthening road, + And faint and fall, amidmost of the strain; + The feeble limbs their wonted aid disdain, + Mute is the tongue, nor doth the voice obey, + Nor words find utterance; so with fruitless pain + Poor Turnus strives; but, struggle as he may, +The baffling fiend is there, and mocks the vain essay. + +CXIX. Then, tost with diverse passions, dazed with fear, + Towards friends and town he throws an anxious glance. + No car he sees, no sister-charioteer. + Desperate of flight, nor daring to advance, + Aghast, and shuddering at the lifted lance, + He falters. Then AEneas poised at last + His spear, and hurled it, as he marked his chance. + Less loud the stone from battering engine cast, +Less loud through ether bursts the levin-bolt's dread blast. + +CXX. Like a black whirlwind flew the deadly spear, + Right thro' the rim the sevenfold shield it rent + And breastplate's edge, nor stayed its onset ere + Deep in the thigh its hissing course was spent. + Down on the earth, his knees beneath him bent, + Great Turnus sank: Rutulia's host around + Sprang up with wailing and with wild lament: + From neighbouring hills their piercing cries rebound, +And every wooded steep re-echoes to the sound. + +CXXI. Then, looking up, his pleading hands he rears: + "Death I deserve, nor death would I delay. + Use, then, thy fortune. If a father's tears + Move thee, for old Anchises' sake, I pray, + Pity old Daunus. Me, or else my clay, + If so thou wilt, to home and kin restore. + Thine is the victory. Latium's land to-day + Hath seen her prince the victor's grace implore. +Lavinia now is thine; the bitter feud give o'er." + +CXXII. Wrathful in arms, with rolling eyeballs, stood + AEneas, and his lifted arm withdrew; + And more and more now melts his wavering mood, + When lo, on Turnus' shoulder--known too true-- + The luckless sword-belt flashed upon his view; + And bright with gold studs shone the glittering prey, + Which ruthless Turnus, when the youth he slew, + Stripped from the lifeless Pallas, as he lay, +And on his shoulders wore, in token of the day. + +CXXIII. Then terribly AEneas' wrath upboils, + His fierce eyes fixt upon the sign of woe. + "Shalt _thou_ go hence, and with the loved one's spoils? + 'Tis Pallas--Pallas deals the deadly blow. + And claims this victim for his ghost below." + He spake, and mad with fury, as he said, + Drove the keen falchion through his prostrate foe. + The stalwart limbs grew stiff with cold and dead, +And, groaning, to the shades the scornful spirit fled. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK ONE + + +I. 'The Lavinian shore,' the coast of Italy near Lavinium, an old +town in Latium. See also stanzas xxxv. and xxxvi. + +III. Carthage was a Phoenician colony, and Tyre was the leading +Phoenician city. + +Samos was an island in the Archipelago near the coast of Asia Minor. +There was a famous temple on it, dedicated to Juno, who was supposed +to take a special interest in the island. + +V. 'The choice of Paris' refers to the Greek story that once when +the gods were feasting, 'Discord' threw a golden apple on the table +as a prize for the fairest. Juno, Minerva and Venus each claimed it, +but the Trojan prince Paris, who was made judge, gave it to Venus. +_Ganymede_ was a beautiful Trojan boy who was carried off to Olympus +to be Jove's cup-bearer. + +VI. Ajax, son of Oileus, desecrated Minerva's temple at Troy. (Cf. +Book II. stanza liv.) + +XIV. The 'son of Tydeus' is Diomedes, one of the foremost Greek +warriors in the war with Troy. Aeneas narrowly escaped being slain +by him. + +For _Sarpedon_ see Book IX. stanza lxxxix. and for _Simois_ note on +Book VI. stanza xiv. + +XXVI. Acestes was king of Eryx in Sicily, which was called +'Trinacria' from its three promontories. See Book V. stanzas iv. and +following. + +XXVII. See note on Book III. stanzas lxxi. and following. + +XXXII. The legend was that Antenor escaped from Troy and established +a colony of Trojans at the northern end of the Adriatic. The _Timavus_ +was a small river near where Trieste now is. + +XXXIII. _Patavium_. The modern Padua. + +XXXV. Ascanius or Iulus is the son of Aeneas. + +XXXVI. The legend was that Rhea Silvia, a priestess of Mars, bore +the twins Romulus and Remus. The two children were exposed and left +to die, but were found and nursed by a she-wolf. + +XXXVIII. This prophecy refers not to C. Julius Caesar but to his +nephew Augustus, as is shown by the references to the east (the battle +of Actium) and to the closing of the 'gates of Janus.' For an account +of the latter, see Book VII. stanza xxiv. + +XL. The 'son of Maia' is Mercury. + +XLII. Harpalyce was the daughter of a Thracian king and a famous +huntress. + +XLIX. _Byrsa_. This word, originally the Semitic word for 'citadel,' +was thought by the Greeks to be their own word _Byrsa_ meaning 'a +bull's hide.' This mistake was probably the cause of the legend given +by Virgil. + +LV. _Paphos_ in Cyprus was one of the chief centres of the worship +of Venus. + +LX. Priam was the king of Troy, and the Atridae were Agamemnon and +Menelaus. Achilles is described as fierce to both, because he +quarrelled with Agamemnon about a captive. It is with this quarrel +that the _Iliad_ opens. + +LXII. _Rhesus_, king of Thrace, had come to help the Trojans. It had +been prophesied that if his horses ate Trojan grass or drank the water +of the river, Troy could never be taken. Diomedes (Tydides) prevented +this by capturing the horses. + +LXIII. _Troilus:_ a son of Priam slain by Achilles. + +LXIV. Memnon, son of Aurora, the dawn-goddess, and Penthesilea, +queen of the Amazons, came to Troy as allies. They were both slain +by Achilles. + +LXV. The _Eurotas_ was a river in Laconia, and Cynthus was a mountain +of Delos. Both places were supposed to be favourite haunts of the +goddess Diana. _Oreads:_ mountain-nymphs. _Latona_ was the mother +of Diana and Apollo. + +LXX. _Hesperia_, 'the western land,' means Italy. + +The Oenotrian folk were an old Italian race settled in the south of +the peninsula, in Lucania. _Italus_ is an eponymous hero and was +probably invented to account for the name _Italia_. Probably +_Italia_ means 'the cattle land.' + +LXXXII. This Teucer, who was a Greek, must be carefully distinguished +from the founder of the Trojans. He was a son of the king of Salamis, +and on his return from the Trojan war was exiled by his father. He +fled to Dido's father Belus, and with the help of the latter founded +a new kingdom in Cyprus. + +XCVII. Bacchus was the god of wine and feasting. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK TWO + + +XXII. An oracle said that the citadel of Troy would never be taken +as long as the _Palladium_, or image of Pallas, remained in it. So +Diomedes and Ulysses stole the image. + +XXXII. Apollo had conferred on Cassandra the gift of prophecy. But +she deceived him, and as he could not take away his former gift, he +added as a curse that no one should ever believe her. + +XXXV. _Neoptolemus_ was the son of Achilles and grandson of Peleus. + +XLII. _Sigeum_ is the name of the promontory which juts out into the +Hellespont from the Troad. + +LV. The 'Atridan pair' were Agamemnon, king of Argos, and Menelaus, +king of Sparta, the sons of Atreus. + +LVI. _Nereus_ was one of the chief sea-gods. + +LXI. Andromache was the wife of Hector. + +LXIII. Pyrrhus is the same as Neoptolemus in stanza xxxv. + +LXXVI. Creusa and Iulus were the wife and son of Aeneas. + +LXXVII. Helen is called 'Tyndarean' because she was the daughter of +Tyndarus. Paris, son of Priam, had carried her off from her husband +Menelaus, and so caused the Trojan war. + +LXXXIII. The goddess Pallas (Athena) wore on her shield the head of +the snaky-haired monster Medusa, one of the Gorgons. + +LXXXIV. The walls of Troy were said to have been built by Apollo and +Neptune. + +CV. _Hesperia_, 'the western land,' here means Italy. The Tiber is +called Lydian from a tradition that the Lydians had colonised +Etruria. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK THREE + + +X. The _Nereids_ were sea-nymphs, the daughters of Nereus. The island +mentioned is Delos, and the story referred to is that Jupiter hid +Latona, the mother of Apollo and Diana, on the floating island of +Delos, in order to shelter her from the jealousy of Juno. By means +of chains Apollo fixed Delos between the two small neighbouring +islands Myconos and Gyarus. + +XII. 'Thymbrean lord.' Apollo, so called from the town of Thymbra +in the Troad, where he was worshipped. + +XVI. Crete is called 'Gnosian' from 'Gnossos,' the chief town of the +island. + +XVII. _Ortygia_ was the ancient name of Delos. + +XXIII. The 'Ausonian shores' means Italy. For the Ausonians, see Book +VII. stanza vi. + +XXIX. The Strophades were a small group of islands off the south-west +coast of Greece. The story alluded to is that Phineus, king of Thrace, +unjustly put out the eyes of his sons. As a punishment the gods +blinded him, and sent the Harpies--loathsome monsters with the +bodies of birds and the faces of women--to defile and seize all the +food that was set before him. Phineus was at last freed from them +by Zetes and Calais, the sons of the North Wind, who drove the Harpies +from Thrace to the Strophades. + +For Celaeno's prophecy, see note on Book VII. stanza xvi. + +XXXVI. Ulysses, the most cunning of the Greek leaders before Troy, +was king of Ithaca, and son of Laertes. + +XXXIX. _Phaeacia_ means _Corcyra_, and _Chaonia_ is a district of +Epirus. Its chief harbour was Buthrotum. + +XLIII. _Hermione_ was the daughter of Menelaus and Helen. Orestes +was the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. He slew his mother on +account of her treacherous murder of Agamemnon when the latter +returned home from Troy, and killed Pyrrhus for having deprived him +of his promised bride, Hermione. + +XLVI. _Xanthus_ was a river that flowed near Troy. The 'Scaean Gate' +was the western gate of Troy and looked towards the sea. It was the +best known of the gates because most of the fighting took place before +it. + +XLVII. Apollo was called 'Clarian' from Claros (near Ephesus), where +there was a shrine and oracle of the god. + +LII. _Narycos_, or more properly _Naryx_, was a town of the Opuntian +Locri in Greece. Virgil follows the tradition that they went and +settled in the south of Italy at the close of the Trojan war. + +The 'Sallentinian plain' was the land bordering on the Tarentine Gulf, +and 'Petelia' was on the east coast of Bruttium, and had been founded +by Philoctetes, after he had been expelled from Thessaly. + +LV. _Scylla_ and _Charybdis_ are taken from Homer. The former was +a terrible sea-monster with six heads, and the latter a whirlpool. +Tradition fixed their abode as the Straits of Messina. Scylla dwelt +in a cave on the Italian side, Charybdis on the Sicilian. + +LX. Dodona, in Epirus, was one of the famous oracles in Greece. + +LXVIII. The place was called 'Castrum Minervae,' and lay a few miles +to the north of the southern extremity of Calabria. + +LXXII. The Cyclops were placed by Virgil on the slopes of Aetna. + +LXXIV. _Enceladus_ was one of the giants who had fought against the +gods, but Jupiter struck him down with a thunderbolt and buried him +under Mount Aetna. + +LXXXVII. _Pelorus_ was the most northerly headland of the Straits +of Messina. + +LXXXVIII. _Plemmyrium_ ('the place of the tides') is the headland +near the harbour of Syracuse, which was built on the island of Ortygia. +The legend which Virgil refers to relates that Alpheus, the god of +a river in Elis, fell in love with the nymph Arethusa while she was +bathing in his waters. Diana changed her into a stream, and in that +guise she fled from Alpheus under land and sea, finally issuing forth +in Ortygia. Alpheus pursued her, and mingled his waters with hers. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK FOUR + + +VIII. '_Sire Lyaeus:_' Bacchus. These gods are mentioned in this +place as having to do with marriage--possibly they are invoked as +being specially the gods of Carthage. + +XV. The name 'Titan' as applied to the sun is curious. Perhaps it +is a reference to the Greek tale that Hyperion, one of the Titans, +was the father of the sun. + +XIX. The _Agathyrsians_ were a Scythian tribe, and the _Dryopes_ were +a Thessalian people who dwelt on Mount Parnassus, the especial home +of Apollo; Cynthus is a mountain in Delos. + +XXVI. 'Ammon' was the African Jupiter. + +XXIX. The 'Zephyrs' were the south-west winds, and so the right ones +to take the fleet of Aeneas to Italy from Carthage. + +XXXII. Atlas was the giant who held apart heaven and earth. Virgil +identifies him with the mountains which lie in North Africa between +the sea and the desert of Sahara. Atlas was the father of Maia, the +mother of Mercury. The latter is called 'Cyllenius' from his +birth-place, Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. + +XXXVIII. Mount Cithaeron, near Thebes, was famous for the revels +which took place there in honour of Bacchus. + +XLIV. Phoebus (Apollo) is called 'Grynoeus' from Grynium, a city of +Aeolis in Asia Minor. He was much worshipped in Lycia, hence his +oracles are often called 'Lycian lots.' + +LV. It was at Aulis in Boeotia that the Greek expedition against Troy +mustered. + +LX. In this passage Virgil has in mind the _Bacchae_ of Euripides, +in which Pentheus goes mad, and perhaps the _Eumenides_ of Aeschylus, +but it is more probable that in the latter case he is merely thinking +of Orestes as he is represented in tragedy. + +LXVI. _Hecate_, the goddess of the lower world, sometimes identified +with Proserpina, and sometimes with Diana. She was worshipped at +cross-roads by night. + +For _Avernus_, see note on Book VI. stanza xviii. + +The ancients believed that foals were born with a lump on their +foreheads. The name given to this was _hippomanes_, and it was +supposed to act as a powerful love-philtre. + +LXXXII. By the 'unknown Avenger' Virgil clearly points to Hannibal. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK FIVE + + +IV. Eryx was the son of Venus and Butes, Aeneas son of Venus and +Anchises, hence they are called brothers here. Eryx is the legendary +founder of the town of that name on the west coast of Sicily, near +Mount Eryx. + +VI. The story was that Acestes was the son of the Sicilian river-god +Crimisus and Egesta, a Trojan maiden. + +XI. The myrtle was sacred to Venus. Helymus was the supposed founder +of the Elymi, a Sicilian tribe. He was a Trojan who had migrated to +Sicily from Troy. + +XVI.-XVII. The _gens Memmia_ and the _gens Sergia_ were two +distinguished Roman families who traced their descent from Trojans. +The only member of the family of Cluentius we know much about is the +disreputable person on whose behalf Cicero made a well-known speech. + +XXVI. Cape Malea is the most southerly point of Laconia in the +Peloponnesus, renowned for its storms. + +XXXII. _Panopea_ was one of the Nereids or sea-nymphs. Portunus was +an ancient Roman sea-god. Originally he was, as his name implies, +a god of harbourage. + +XXXIII. Meliboea was a town at the foot of Mount Ossa in Thessaly. + +LVI. _Alcides_, a common name for Hercules, who was descended from +Alcaeus. Hercules slew Eryx in the boxing-match referred to. + +LXVIII. This refers to an incident mentioned in the _Iliad_. A truce +had been concluded by the Greek and Trojans but it was broken by +Pandarus, who shot an arrow at Menelaus. + +LXXII. The meaning of this passage is very obscure. For we are not +told what the portent signified either in this or the succeeding +books. The old interpretation was that it referred to the burning +of the ships (lxxxii. and following), but it is more probable that +Virgil was thinking of the wars between Rome and Sicily. + +LXXVII. The mother of Augustus was a member of the Atian family, and +this passage was evidently inserted by Virgil with the special idea +of pleasing Augustus. + +LXXX. For Crete and the Labyrinth, see note on Book VI. stanza iv. + +CIII. The temple of Venus on Mount Eryx was very celebrated in +antiquity. Venus is called 'Idalian' from Idalium in Cyprus. + +CXII. All the names that occur in this stanza are those of sea-gods +or sea-nymphs. + +CXVIII. The Roman poets placed the Sirens on some rocks in the +southern part of the bay of Naples. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK SIX + + +I. _Cumae_ was the most ancient Greek colony in Campania. The +tradition was that it had been founded by immigrants from Cyme and +Aeolis and from Chaleis in Euboea. Hence its name, and the epithet +Virgil applies to it. + +II. The 'Sibyl' here mentioned was the most famous of the +prophetesses of antiquity. She was directly inspired by Apollo (the +Delian seer), and dwelt in a cavern near his temple. _Trivia_ is an +epithet of Hecate. See note on Book IV. stanza lxvi. + +III. Daedalus, who built the labyrinth for Minos, incurred the wrath +of the latter and escaped from Crete with his son Icarus, by making +wings. He fastened them on with wax, and Icarus flying too near the +sun, his wings melted and he fell into the Aegean. Daedalus, however, +reached Cumae in safety. + +IV. On the gate were carvings representing various Cretan stories. +Androgeos was the son of Minos, king of Crete. He won all the contests +at the Panathenaic festival at Athens, whose king, Aegeus, slew him +out of jealousy. In revenge, Minos made war on the Athenians, and +forced them to pay a yearly tribute of seven youths and seven maidens, +who were devoured by the Minotaur. This monster was the offspring +of Pasiphae, wife of Minos, and a bull sent by Neptune, and it lived +in the labyrinth built by Daedalus. The tribute continued to be paid +until Theseus, son of Aegeus, went to Crete as one of the seven. +Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, fell in love with him, and helped +him to slay the monster. + +XIV. _Xanthus_ and _Simois_ were two rivers which flowed through the +plain before Troy. The new Achilles is of course Turnus, king of the +Rutuli. + +XV. The Grecian town is Pallanteum, the chief city of Evander's +kingdom. See Book VIII. stanza vii. + +XVI. Acheron was the fabled river of the lower world. Virgil probably +had in his mind the real _Acherusia palus_, a gloomy marsh near +Naples. + +XVIII. There was a volcanic lake near Cumae called _Avernus_, whose +waters gave out sulphureous vapours. It was connected by tradition +with the lower world. Orpheus, the mythical poet, so charmed the gods +of the nether world by his harp-playing, that he was allowed to take +back to the upper world his dead wife Eurydice. Castor was mortal, +but his brother Pollux was immortal; so when the former was slain +in fight Pollux obtained from Jupiter permission that each should +spend half their time in heaven, half in Hades. Theseus descended +into Hades in order to carry off Proserpine. He was kept a prisoner +there until he was rescued by Hercules (Alcides), who came down to +carry off Cerberus, the three-headed dog who guarded the entrance +(see stanza lvi.). + +XXXII. Virgil alludes to the promontory of Misenum on the north side +of the bay of Naples. The legend is a purely local one. There is no +mention of Misenus in Homer. + +XXXIII. 'Aornos' is a Greek word--'where no bird can come.' + +XXXV. 'The Furies' mother and her sister' were Night and Earth. + +XXXVII. 'Phlegethon' was the 'burning' river of the lower world. + +XXXIX. The beast of Lerna is the Lernean Hydra, slain by Hercules; +the others are terrible monsters slain by various heroes. + +XLI. Charon was the ferryman of the dead. + +LIV. Apollo was called Amphrysian because he tended the herds of +Admetus near the river Amphrysus in Thessaly. Here the epithet is +strangely transferred to Apollo's servant. + +LVII. Minos, king of Crete, became one of the judges of the dead, +in the under-world. His brother Rhadamanthus was the other. See +stanza lxxv. + +LIX. For Phaedra, see note on Book VII. stanza ciii. Procris was +accidentally slain by her husband, Eriphyle was killed by her son +Alcmaeon, Evadne threw herself on her husband's funeral pyre, and +Laodamia also died with her husband. For Pasiphae, see note on stanza +iv. + +LXIII. Tydeus, Parthenopaeus, and Adrastus were three of the seven +heroes who fought against Thebes. The other names are taken from the +_Iliad_. + +LXXVII. The two sons of Aloeus were Otus and Ephialtes, who +threatened to assail the Immortals by piling Pelion on Ossa and Ossa +on Olympus. Salmoneus of Elis was punished for having presumptuously +claimed divine honours. + +LXXX. Ixion was king of the Lapithae, and being taken to heaven by +Jupiter, made love to Juno, for which he was eternally punished. +Pirithous was his son, and was guilty of having, with Theseus, +attempted to carry off Proserpine. + +XCIII. _Lethe_ was the river of forgetfulness, and those who drank +of it forgot their former life and were ready for a new one. + +C.-CI. The kings mentioned in these two stanzas are the earliest +mythical rulers of Alba Longa. Numitor was the father of Rhea Silvia +(Ilia), the mother of Romulus and Remus. + +CV. The Emperor Augustus was the nephew and adopted son of C. Julius +Caesar, who claimed to trace his descent back to Iulus, and so through +Aeneas to Venus herself. + +CVIII. The first king referred to is Numa Pompilius, who was a Sabine +born at Cures. Tullus and Ancus were the third and fourth kings of +Rome. They can none of them be considered historical figures. + +CIX. This Brutus expelled Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome. +His sons tried to restore the monarchy and he ordered them to be +executed. + +CX. The Decii, father and son, both died in battle, and the family +of the Drusi had many distinguished members. Manlius Torquatus was +celebrated for killing his son for disobeying orders. Camillus was +the great Roman hero of the fourth century B.C. He was five times +dictator and saved Rome from the Gauls. + +CXI. Virgil is referring to Caesar and Pompey. + +CXII. L. Mummius captured Corinth, and so ended the war with Greece, +in 146 B.C., and is clearly referred to here. By 'the man who lofty +Argos shall o'erthrow,' Virgil probably means Aemilius Paullus, who +won the battle of Pydna in 168 B.C. against a king of Macedonia who +called himself a descendant of Achilles. + +CXIII. Cato was the famous censor of 184 B.C. who vainly tried to +check the growth of luxury at Rome. Cossus killed the king of Veii +in 426 B.C. The two Gracchi were great political reformers. The elder +Scipio defeated Hannibal at Zama in 202 B.C., and his son took +Carthage in 146 B.C. Fabricius was the general who fought against +Pyrrhus, when the latter invaded Italy in 281-75 B.C. Serranus was +a general in the first Punic war. The Fabii of renown are so many +that Anchises only mentions the most famous of them, Q. Fabius +Maximus Cunctator, the general against Hannibal. + +CXV. Marcus Marcellus was a Roman general in the first Punic war. + +CXVI. Marcellus was the son of the Emperor's sister Octavia, and at +the age of 18 he married Augustus' daughter Julia. He was a youth +of great promise, and was destined to succeed his father-in-law, but +he died of fever at the age of 20 in 23 B.C., amidst universal grief. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK SEVEN + + +I. 'Thou too, Caieta,' that is to say, as well as Misenus and +Palinurus, mentioned in the last book. Caieta gave her name to the +town and promontory which were on the confines of Latium and +Campania. + +II. 'The coast, where Circe'--Virgil identifies 'the island of +Aeaea,' the dwelling-place of Circe in Homer, with the promontory +of Circeii in Italy. + +VI. 'Say, Erato:' Erato was the Muse of Love, and the invocation is +not specially appropriate in this place. But the line is an imitation +of Apollonius Rhodius iii, 1. + +'Ausonia,' a poetical name for Italy. The _Ausones_ were early +inhabitants of Campania. + +VII. _Latinus_ was king of the Latins, a small tribe whose chief town +was Laurentum. _Faunus_ a god of the fields and cattle-keepers, was +afterwards identified with the Greek Pan. _Picus_ was a prophetic +god. We are told by Ovid that he was changed into a woodpecker +(_picus_) by Circe, whose love he had slighted. _Saturnus_ was the +old Latin god of sowing, and was later identified with the Greek +Kronos, father of Zeus. + +XII. 'Albunea': apparently refers to a wooded hill with a sulphur +spring. Probably it refers to a shrine near some sulphur springs at +Altieri, near Laurentum. + +'Oenotria': originally the southern part of Lucania and Bruttium, +but Virgil uses it poetically for the whole of Italy. + +XIII. See note on Book VI. stanzas xvi. and xviii. + +XVI. It was not Anchises, but a Harpy who delivered this prophecy. +See Book VIII. stanza xxix. This, and other slight inconsistencies +in the _Aeneid_ are undoubtedly due to the fact that Virgil died +before he had revised the poem. + +XVIII. 'Phrygia's Mother' was Cybele, the Phrygian goddess. + +XXIV. 'Two-faced Janus.' Janus was an old Latin deity, god of the +morning and of gateways. He was represented as 'two-faced,' looking +before and behind. There was a double archway in the forum, called +_Janus_, which was closed in times of peace, but opened in time of +war. See stanzas lxxxi., lxxxii. + +XXVIII. The Auruncans were a tribe living in Campania. + +XLI. The _Syrtes_ were two great gulfs on the north coast of Africa. +For Scylla and Charybdis, see note on Book III stanza lv. The Lapithae +were a Thessalian tribe, ruled by Perithous. The Centaurs came to +his marriage feast, and at the instigation of Mars, fought with the +Lapithae until the latter were defeated. 'Diana's ire' was caused +by neglect on the part of king Oeneus of Calydon to sacrifice to her. +She sent a wild boar to ravage the country. + +LXIX. 'Trivia's lake' refers to the little lake of Nemi. A famous +temple of Diana stood here, tended by a priest who was a runaway slave. +He gained his office by slaying his predecessor and held it only so +long as he could escape a similar fate. Cf. stanza ciii. + +'Velia's fountains,' a lake in the Umbrian hills beyond Reate. + +LXXXVII. Agylla was the original name of Caere. + +XC. Homole and Othrys were mountains in Thessaly. + +XCI. The Anio flows through the hills near Tibur, and joins the Tiber +close to 'Antemnae's tower-girt height.' Cf. stanza lxxxiv. + +Anagnia was the largest town of the Hernici, and Amasenus was a river +of Latium. + +XCIII. All these places were close to each other in Etruria, a few +miles north of Rome. + +XCIV. It is probable that this passage was left unfinished by Virgil. +The simile is taken from Homer, and used here in two different ways, +the poet evidently postponing his final decision as to which he would +adopt, until he revised the poem. + +XCV. Clausus, according to a legend preserved by Livy, was a Sabine +who left his own countrymen and joined the Romans. For this he was +rewarded by a gift of land on the Anio. He was regarded as the ancestor +of the Claudian family. + +XCVI. The name of the Allia was ill-omened because it was on the banks +of this stream that the Gauls under Brennus inflicted a crushing +defeat on the Romans in 390 B.C. + +XCVIII. The Oscans were one of the old non-Latin tribes of Italy. +Some fragments of their language still remain. + +CIII. The legend was that Hippolytus, the son of Theseus, king of +Athens, was loved by his step-mother Phaedra. Hippolytus rejected +her love, and she killed herself, leaving a writing accusing him of +having tempted her. Theseus in his wrath besought Poseidon to slay +his son, and the latter sent a monster from the sea, which terrified +the horses of Hippolytus so that they ran away and killed their master. +Aesculapius raised him to life, however, and Diana concealed him in +the grove of Aricia under the name of Virbius. The Virbius in the +text is the son of this Hippolytus, also called Virbius. + +CVI. Io, the daughter of Inachus, king of Argos, was loved by Jupiter, +and turned by him into a white cow in order to escape the jealousy +of Juno. The latter, however, set Argus with the hundred eyes to watch +her. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK EIGHT + + +I. Both here and in Book VII. stanza lxxxvii. Mezentius is called +the 'scorner of the gods.' The meaning of this allusion is not known. +Perhaps it refers to his claiming for himself the first-fruits due +to the gods, a legend mentioned by Macrobius. See stanzas lxiii. and +lxiv. + +II. 'Diomed' dwelt at Argyripa or Arpi, a city in Apulia, where he +settled with his Argine followers after the Trojan war. + +VII. Pallas is the name of an old Arcadian hero. His grandson Evander +is said to have settled with his followers on the site of Rome, and +called it Pallanteum, after the Arcadian city of that name. + +XIV. Hercules was the son of Alcmena and Jupiter. His worship at Rome +dated from very early times, as is shown by the legend--mentioned +by Livy--that it was established by Romulus according to Greek usage +as it had been instituted by Evander. + +XVI. The olive branch was the sign--universally recognised in +antiquity--of a desire for peace. + +XX. The Daunian race means the Rutulians. Daunus was the father of +Turnus. Cf. Book XII. stanza iii. + +XXVII. Alcides is one of the names given to Hercules. The killing +of Geryon, the three-bodied monster who was king in Spain, and the +driving off of his cattle, was one of the famous 'twelve labours' +of Hercules. + +XXXVI. The gens Potitia and the gens Pinaria were the two tribes to +which the care of the worship of Hercules was entrusted. + +XXXVIII.-IX. In historic times, the Salians were the twelve priests +of Mars who kept the twelve sacred shields in the temple of that god +on the Palatine hill. Their priesthood was one of the oldest Roman +institutions, and their festival was held on March 1, the first day +of the old Roman year. + +'_His stepdame's hate_' refers to the story that Juno, being jealous +of Alcmena, the mother of Hercules, sent two snakes to destroy the +latter as he lay in his cradle, but the infant hero strangled them. +_Eurystheus_ was the king of Tiryns, whom Hercules had to serve for +twelve years, and at whose command he performed his famous twelve +labours. _Pholus_ and _Hylaeus_ were two Centaurs; they were called +'cloud-born' because they were the offspring of Ixion and a Cloud. +The Cretan monster is the mad bull sent by Neptune to destroy the +land; Hercules came to the rescue and carried it away on his shoulders. +There is no other mention in ancient literature of the fight between +Hercules and Typhoeus. The latter was a hundred-headed +fire-breathing monster, who fought against the gods, and was buried +beneath Mount Aetna. + +XLII.-XLVIII. Evander shows the town to Aeneas, tells him of the +former state of Latium, and points out to him the chief places of +interest. _Asylum_--Livy tells us that in order to increase the +population, Romulus offered a refuge at Rome to all comers from the +neighbouring towns. The _Lupercal_ was the sanctuary of Lupercus +('wolf-repeller'), an old Roman shepherd god. The _Capitol_ is +referred to as 'now golden,' because in Virgil's time the roof of +the temple of Jupiter Capitotinus was gilded. + +L. Thetis, the mother of Achilles, persuaded Vulcan to make arms for +her son, and so had Aurora, the goddess of dawn, 'Tithonus' spouse,' +when her son Memnon went to Troy to fight against the Greeks. + +LV. The island here referred to is Hiera, one of the Aeolian isles, +north-east of Sicily. It is now called Volcano. The _Cyclops_ were +originally gigantic one-eyed cannibals who lived a pastoral life +near Mount Aetna. In later legends they are described as the +assistants of Vulcan. + +LVI. These three names are Greek and mean 'Fire-anvil,' 'Thunder,' +and 'Lightning,' respectively. + +LXXIV. _Erulus_ is not mentioned by any other ancient writer, so we +cannot explain the allusion. _Feronia_ was a Campanian goddess. + +LXXVIII. _Lucifer_, 'the light bringer,' was the name of the morning +star, which, rising just before the sun, seemed to bring the +daylight. + +LXXX. The Pelasgians were a very ancient race, of whom only traces +existed in Greece in historic times. They were said to be very +wide-spread, but the tales connecting them with Italy are all +unhistoric. _Silvanus_ was an ancient Latin woodland deity. + +LXXXIV. The story, as related by Livy, is that the Romans being in +want of wives, Romulus instituted games in honour of Neptune. At a +given signal, the Romans seized and carried off the Sabine maidens +who had come to see the games. + +LXXXV. _Mettus_, dictator of Alba, had been called in to assist the +Romans under Tullus Hostilius. He came, but withdrew his troops in +the middle of the battle. For this treachery he was punished in the +way Virgil describes. _Horatius Cocles_ was the hero who guarded the +Tiber bridge against Porsenna of Clusium. _Cloelia_ was a Roman maiden +who had been sent as a hostage to Porsenna. She escaped by swimming +across the Tiber. + +LXXXVI. The event here referred to is the invasion of Rome by the +Gauls in 390 B.C. They captured the whole of the city, except the +Capitol, which was successfully defended by Manlius, who had been +put on the alert by the cackling of a flock of geese. + +LXXXVII. See note on stanza xxxviii. The _Luperci_ were the priests +of Lupercus. _Catiline_ was the author of the conspiracy of B.C. 63. +Cicero, the famous orator, was consul for that year and frustrated +the plot. _Cato_ the younger died at Utica in 49 B.C. In the Roman +writers Catiline is always the proverbial scoundrel and Cato is +always taken as the model of rigid and exalted virtue. + +LXXXVIII. At the battle of Actium, in B.C. 31, the fleet of Augustus +met those of Antony and Cleopatra, and owing to the desertion of the +Egyptians at the crisis of the fight, gained a complete victory over +them. + +XC. The Cyclads were the western islands of the Greek archipelago. + +XCIV. The Carians lived in the south of Asia Minor, the Gelonians +beyond the Danube, and the Morini on the North Sea, near where Ostend +now is. The Dahae were a tribe of Scythians, and the Leleges were +an ancient people spread over Asia Minor. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK NINE + + +I. Iris, the rainbow-goddess, daughter of Thaumas, was the messenger +of the gods. Pilumnus was an ancient Latin god, and an ancestor of +Turnus. + +XI. _Ida_ was the mountain in the Troad whence the wood for the fleet +was taken. _Berecyntia_. Cybele, the mother of the gods. Originally +a Phrygian goddess, the centre of whose worship was Mount Berecyntus. + +XIV. The 'brother' is Pluto, god of the lower world. To swear by the +Styx was the most dread and binding oath; it was inviolable even by +the gods. + +XVIII. The reference here is to the story of how Paris, son of Priam, +king of Troy, seized Helen, the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta, +and so caused the Trojan war. Menelaus and Agamemnon were the sons +of Atreus. + +XXVIII. For Acestes see note on Book V. stanza vi. + +XXXIII. Assaracus was an ancestor of the Trojan race, and his +household gods would of course be the tutelary spirits of the Trojan +royal family. + +LII. _Latonia_. The daughter of Leto, and sister of Apollo, Diana, +who was identified with the Greek Artemis, the goddess of the woods +and of hunting. + +LXXII. 'Jove's armour-bearer' is the eagle. + +LXXV. The Symaethus was a river in Sicily. + +LXXVII. The 'wily-worded Ithacan' is Ulysses, the hero of the +_Odyssey_. + +LXXX. _Dindymus_ was a mountain in Phrygia, the seat of the worship +of Cybele. + +LXXXVI. 'The Kid-star.' The 'kids' are two little stars which first +rise in the evening towards the end of September, during the +equinoctial gales. + +LXXXVII. The _Athesis_ is the modern Adige. The _Padus_ is the Po. + +LXXXIX. Sarpedon was a Lycian prince who had fought for the Trojans +at Troy and been slain by Patroclus. 'Theban' here refers to the town +of Thebe in Cilicia, mentioned by Homer. + +XCI. _Baiae_ was a favourite seaside resort of the rich Romans on +the bay of Naples. + +_Prochyta_ and _Arime_ were two rocky islands close to the bay of +Naples. + +Typhoeus was a hundred-headed monster slain by Jupiter and buried +under Prochyta and Arime. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK TEN + + +I. Olympus was a mountain in Thessaly, and was believed by the Greeks +to be the home of the gods. Hence it came to be used for 'heaven'; +as in the present passage. + +II. Jupiter is referring to the invasion of Italy by Hannibal in 218 +B.C. + +IV. Diomedes, the son of Tydeus from Aetolia, is said to have settled, +after the Trojan war, in Apulia, where he founded the city of Arpi. +The Latins, it will be remembered, had asked him to help them against +the Trojans. See Book VIII. stanza ii. And for the result of the +embassy, Book XI. stanza xxxi. and following. + +VI. For the burning of the vessels at Eryx, see Book V. stanzas lxxxii. +and following. For _Aeolia_ Book I. stanzas viii. to xx. For _Alecto_ +Book VII. stanzas xliv. and following. + +VIII. Paphos, Amathus, and Idalium were towns in Cyprus. Cythera is +an island off the southern coast of Greece. All four were celebrated +in antiquity as centres of the worship of Venus. + +XIV. The robber was Paris, who carried off Helen. + +XXI. _Ismarus_ was a prince from Lydia, a district in Asia Minor, +called Maeonia in ancient times. The Pactolus was a river in Maeonia, +famous on account of the quantity of gold it washed down. The 'Capuan +town' is Capua. + +XXIII. The lions are there because Cybele the Phrygian goddess, +worshipped by the Trojans on Mount Ida, was drawn in her chariot by +two lions. The figure-head of Aeneas' ship was probably an image of +a goddess, personifying the mountain. + +XXIV. Mount Helicon is in Boeotia, and was sacred to Apollo and the +Muses. _Clusium_ and _Cosae_ were Etruscan cities. + +XXV. _Populonia:_ a town on the coast of Etruria. _Ilva_ (the modern +Elba): an island off the coast of Etruria near Populonia. + +XXVII. Cinyras and Cupavo were sons of Cycnus. The legend tells us +that Phaethon rashly attempted to drive the chariot of the sun, and +was killed by a thunderbolt from Jupiter, while so doing. Cycnus, +who was devotedly attached to him, was changed into a swan while +lamenting his death. + +XXVIII. Mantua was Virgil's birthplace. Hence probably the insertion +of this tradition as to its origin. Mincius, mentioned in the next +stanza, is a Lombard river, the Mincio, and flows out from Lake +Benacus (Lago di Garda). + +XXXVII. Sirius, the dog-star, whose rising was supposed to coincide +with the hot weather, is always spoken of as bringing pestilence and +trouble. The connection between Sirius and the hot weather was one +of the conventions of poetry which the Augustan writers had borrowed +from the Greeks. + +LXVII. The story referred to is that of the fifty daughters of Danaus, +who were married to the fifty sons of Aegyptus, their cousins. Danaus +ordered his daughters to murder their husbands on their wedding night, +and they all obeyed except Hypermnestra, who loved her husband +Lynceus, and so saved his life. + +LXXIII. Trivia here refers to Diana. Gradivus is an archaic Latin +name for Mars. + +LXXVII. 'Mute Amyclae' was probably so called because the +inhabitants had been forbidden, owing to false alarms, to speak of +the approach of an enemy. But if Virgil is referring, not to the +Amyclae near Naples, but to the original Amyclae in Laconia, then +the proverbial taciturnity of those inhabiting the latter country +offers sufficient explanation. _Aegeon_ was a monster with 100 arms +and 50 heads. He is more often called Briareus. + +LXXIX. In the _Iliad_ Aeneas had been rescued from Diomedes and +Achilles. Liger is taunting him with this. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK ELEVEN + + +XXXI. _Iapygia_, a Greek name for the southern part of Apulia. + +_Garganus:_ name of a mountain in Apulia. + +See also note on Book X. stanza iv. + +XXXIII. The references in this stanza are (1) to the storm which +Minerva (Pallas) raised when the Greeks set sail from Troy. (2) To +the story of Nauplius, king of Euboea, who hung false lights over +the headland of Caphareus, and so caused the wreck of the Greek fleet. + +XXXIV. 'Proteus' Pillars' means Egypt, and the stories of Menelaus, +as also the adventures of Ulysses with the Cyclops, will be found +in the _Odyssey_. For _Pyrrhus_ see note on Book III. stanza xliii. +For _Idomeneus_, that on Book III. stanza xvii. Agamemnon was killed +by his wife and her lover, when he returned home at the end of the +Trojan war. + +XXXV. Calydon was the ancient home of Diomedes in Aetolia. + +LII. The Myrmidons were the followers of Achilles--Tydides is +Diomedes. The _Aufidus_ is a river of Apulia. + +LXIX. Opis was a nymph of Diana (Latonia). + +LXXXIV. Virgil is comparing Camilla to the two famous Amazons, +Hippolyte who was married to Theseus, and Penthesilea who fought for +Troy and was slain by Achilles. + +CVIII. [Transcriber's note: The rhyme, the meter, and the sense of the +phrase require a word here that is missing from the published text. +Possibly "flight" or "sight" was intended by the translator.] + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK TWELVE + + +XI. Orithyia was the wife of Boreas the North Wind, who according +to legend was the father of the royal horses of Troy. + +XXV. The two children of Latona were Apollo and Diana. + +XXIX. Camers was king of Amyclae. See note on Book X. stanza lxxvii. + +XLV. The story of Dolon is taken from the _Iliad_. He offered to spy +upon the movements of the Greeks if Hector would give him the chariot +and horses of Achilles. He was however captured and slain by Diomedes +(Tydides). + +LII. 'Paeon': a name used of Apollo as the Healer. + +LXIX. 'Cupencus' was the name given by the Sabines to the priests +of Hercules. + +XCI. _Athos:_ the mountain at the extreme end of the peninsula +between Thrace and Thessaly. Mount Eryx is in the north-west of +Sicily. + +XCIII. _Taburnus:_ a mountain in Samnium. + +_Sila:_ a range of mountains in the extreme south of Italy. + + + + +RICHARD CLAY & SONS, LIMITED, +BREAD STREET HILL, E.C., AND BUNGAY, SUFFOLK. + + + + +THE PUBLISHERS OF _EVERYMAN'S LIBRARY_ WILL BE PLEASED TO SEND FREELY +TO ALL APPLICANTS A LIST OF THE PUBLISHED AND PROJECTED VOLUMES TO +BE COMPRISED UNDER THE FOLLOWING THIRTEEN HEADINGS: + +TRAVEL, SCIENCE, FICTION, THEOLOGY & PHILOSOPHY, HISTORY, CLASSICAL, +FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, ESSAYS, ORATORY, POETRY & DRAMA, BIOGRAPHY, +REFERENCE, ROMANCE + +IN FOUR STYLES OF BINDING: CLOTH, FLAT BACK, COLOURED TOP; LEATHER, +ROUND CORNERS, GILT TOP; LIBRARY BINDING IN CLOTH, & QUARTER PIGSKIN + +LONDON: J. M. DENT & SONS, LTD. +NEW YORK: E. P. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Aeneid of Virgil<br /> + Translated into English Verse by E. Fairfax Taylor</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Virgil</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Editor: Ernest Rhys</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Commentator: Maine J. P.</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translator: Edward Fairfax Taylor</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: May 28, 2006 [eBook #18466]<br /> +[Most recently updated: November 10, 2021]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Ron Swanson</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AENEID ***</div> + +<h3>EVERYMAN'S LIBRARY<br/> +EDITED BY ERNEST RHYS<br/> +<br/> +CLASSICAL<br/> +<br/> +THE AENEID OF VIRGIL</h3> + +<p class="center"> +THE SAGES OF OLD LIVE AGAIN IN US.<br/> +<small>GLANVILL</small> +</p> + +<h1>The ÆNEID OF VIRGIL</h1> + +<h3>TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH VERSE BY</h3> + +<h2>E. FAIRFAX TAYLOR</h2> + +<h4>LONDON: PUBLISHED by J. M. DENT & SONS LTD.<br/> +AND IN NEW YORK BY E. P. DUTTON & CO.</h4> + +<p class="center"> +<i><small>First issue of this Edition 1907.<br/> +Reprinted 1910.</small></i> +</p> + +<h3>INTRODUCTION</h3> + +<p>Virgil—Publius Vergilius Maro—was born at Andes near Mantua, in the +year 70 <small>B.C.</small> His life was uneventful, though he lived in stirring +times, and he passed by far the greater part of it in reading his +books and writing his poems, undisturbed by the fierce civil strife +which continued to rage throughout the Roman Empire, until Octavian, +who afterwards became the Emperor Augustus, defeated Antony at the +battle of Actium. Though his father was a man of humble origin, Virgil +received an excellent education, first at Cremona and Milan, and +afterwards at Rome. He was intimate with all the distinguished men +of his time, and a personal friend of the Emperor. After the +publication of his second work, the <i>Georgics</i>, he was recognized +as being the greatest poet of his age, and the most striking figure +in the brilliant circle of literary men, which was centred at the +Court. He died at Brindisi in the spring of 19 <small>B.C.</small> whilst returning +from a journey to Greece, leaving his greatest work, the <i>Aeneid</i>, +written but unrevised. It was published by his executors, and +immediately took its place as the great national Epic of the Roman +people. Virgil seems to have been a man of simple, pure, and loveable +character, and the references to him in the works of Horace clearly +show the affection with which he was regarded by his friends.</p> + +<p>Like every cultivated Roman of that age, Virgil was a close student +of the literature and philosophy of the Greeks, and his poems bear +eloquent testimony to the profound impression made upon him by his +reading of the Greek poets. His first important work, the <i>Eclogues</i>, +was directly inspired by the pastoral poems of Theocritus, from whom +he borrowed not only much of his imagery but even whole lines; in +the <i>Georgics</i> he took as his model the <i>Works and Days</i> of Hesiod, +and though in the former case it must be confessed that he suffers +from the weakness inherent in all imitative poetry, in the latter +he far surpasses the slow and simple verses of the Boeotian. But here +we must guard ourselves against a misapprehension. We moderns look +askance at the writer who borrows without acknowledgment the +thoughts and phrases of his forerunners, but the Roman critics of +the Augustan Age looked at the matter from a different point of view. +They regarded the Greeks as having set the standard of the highest +possible achievement in literature, and believed that it should be +the aim of every writer to be faithful, not only to the spirit, but +even to the letter of their great exemplars. Hence it was only natural +that when Virgil essayed the task of writing the national Epic of +his country, he should be studious to embody in his work all that +was best in Greek Epic poetry.</p> + +<p>It is difficult in criticizing Virgil to avoid comparing him to some +extent with Homer. But though Virgil copied Homer freely, any +comparison between them is apt to be misleading. A primitive epic, +like the <i>Iliad</i> or the <i>Nibelungenlied</i>, produced by an imaginative +people at an early stage in its development, telling its stories +simply for the sake of story telling, cannot be judged by the same +canons of criticism as a literary epic like the <i>Aeneid</i> or <i>Paradise +Lost</i>, which is the work of a great poet in an age of advanced culture, +and sets forth a great idea in a narrative form. The Greek writer +to whom Virgil owes most perhaps, is Apollonius of Rhodes, from whose +<i>Argonautica</i> he borrowed the love interest of the <i>Aeneid</i>. And +though the Roman is a far greater poet, in this instance the advantage +is by no means on his side, for, as Professor Gilbert Murray has so +well said, 'the Medea and Jason of the <i>Argonautica</i> are at once more +interesting and more natural than their copies, the Dido and Aeneas +of the <i>Aeneid</i>. The wild love of the witch-maiden sits curiously +on the queen and organizer of industrial Carthage; and the two +qualities which form an essential part of Jason—the weakness which +makes him a traitor, and the deliberate gentleness which contrasts +him with Medea—seem incongruous in the father of Rome.' But though +Virgil turned to the Greek epics for the general framework and many +of the details of his poem, he always remains master of his materials, +and stamps them with the impress of his own genius. The spirit which +inspires the <i>Aeneid</i> is wholly Roman, and the deep faith in the +National Destiny, and stern sense of duty to which it gives +expression, its profoundly religious character and stately and +melodious verse, have always caused it to be recognized as the +loftiest expression of the dignity and greatness of Rome at her best. +But the sympathetic reader will be conscious of a deeper and more +abiding charm in the poetry of Virgil. Even in his most splendid +passages his verses thrill us with a strange pathos, and his +sensitiveness to unseen things—things beautiful and sad—has +caused a great writer, himself a master of English prose, to speak +of 'his single words and phrases, his pathetic half lines, giving +utterance as the voice of Nature herself to that pain and weariness, +yet hope of better things, which is the experience of her children +in every age.'</p> + +<p>The task of translating such a writer at all adequately may well seem +to be an almost impossible one; and how far any of the numerous +attempts to do so have succeeded, is a difficult question. For not +only does the stated ideal at which the translator should aim, vary +with each generation, but perhaps no two lovers of Virgil would agree +at any period as to what this ideal should be. Two general principles +stand out from the mass of conflicting views on this point. The +translation should read as though it were an original poem, and it +should produce on the modern reader as far as possible the same effect +as the original produced on Virgil's contemporaries. And here we +reach the real difficulty, for the scholar who can alone judge what +that effect may have been, is too intimate with the original to see +clearly the merits of a translation, and the man who can only read +the translation can form no opinion. However, it seems clear that +a prose translation can never really satisfy us, because it must +always be wanting in the musical quality of continuous verse. And +our critical experience bears this out, since even Professor Mackail +with all his literary skill and insight has failed to make his version +of the <i>Aeneid</i> more than a very valuable aid to the student of the +original. The meaning of the poet is fully expressed, but his music +has been lost. That oft-quoted line—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +'Sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt' +</p> + +<p>haunts us like Tennyson's</p> + +<p class="letter"> + 'When unto dying eyes<br/> +The casement slowly grows a glimmering square,' +</p> + +<p>and no prose rendering can hope to convey the poignancy and pathos +of the original. The ideal translation, then, must be in verse, and +perhaps the best way for us to determine which style and metre are +most suited to convey to the modern reader an impression of the charm +of Virgil, will be to take a brief glance at some of the best-known +of the verse translations which have appeared.</p> + +<p><a name="intro11"></a> +The first translation of the <i>Aeneid</i> into English verse was that +of Gawin Douglas, bishop of Dunkeld in Scotland, which was published +in 1553. It is a spirited translation, marked by considerable native +force and verisimilitude, and it was certainly unsurpassed until +that of Dryden appeared. In the best passages it renders the tone +and feeling of the original with extreme felicity—indeed, all but +perfectly. Take for instance this passage from the Sixth Book—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +'Thai walking furth fa dyrk, oneth thai wyst<br/> +Quhidder thai went, amyd dym schaddowys thar,<br/> +Quhar evir is nycht, and nevir lyght dois repar,<br/> +Throwout the waist dongion of Pluto Kyng,<br/> +Thai voyd boundis, and that gowsty ryng:<br/> +Siklyke as quha wold throw thik woddis wend<br/> +In obscure licht, quhen moyn may nocht be kenned;<br/> +As Jupiter the kyng etheryall,<br/> +With erdis skug hydis the hevynnys all<br/> +And the myrk nycht, with her vissage gray,<br/> +From every thing hes reft the hew away.'</p> + +<p>But in spite of its merits, its dialect wearies the modern reader, +and gives it an air of grotesqueness which is very alien to the spirit +of the Latin. One other sixteenth-century translation deserves +notice, as it was written by one who was himself a distinguished poet; +namely, the version of the second and fourth books of the <i>Aeneid</i> +written by Henry, Earl of Surrey. It gained the commendation of that +stern critic Ascham, who praises Surrey for avoiding rhyme, but +considers that he failed to 'fully hit perfect and true versifying'; +which is hardly a matter for wonder since English blank verse was +then in its infancy. But it has some fine passages—notably the one +which relates the death of Dido—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +'As she had said, her damsell might perceue<br/> +Her with these wordes fal pearced on a sword<br/> +The blade embrued and hands besprent with gore.<br/> +The clamor rang unto the pallace toppe,<br/> +The brute ranne throughout al thastoined towne,<br/> +With wailing great, and women's shrill yelling,<br/> +The roofs gan roare, the aire resound with plaint,<br/> +As though Cartage, or thauncient town of Tyre<br/> +With prease of entred enemies swarmed full,<br/> +Or when the rage of furious flame doth take<br/> +The temples toppes, and mansions eke of men.'</p> + +<p>Of the translations into modern English, that of Dryden may still +be said to stand first, in spite of its lack of fidelity. It owes +its place to its sustained vigour, and the fact that the heroic +couplet is in the hands of a master. In its way nothing could be better +than—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +'Just in the gate, and in the jaws of hell,<br/> +Revengeful cares, and sullen sorrows dwell,<br/> +And pale diseases, and repining age—<br/> +Want, fear, and famine's unresisted rage,<br/> +Here toils and death, and death's half-brother sleep,<br/> +Forms terrible to view, their sentry keep.<br/> +With anxious pleasures of a guilty mind,<br/> +Deep frauds, before, and open force behind;<br/> +The Furies' iron beds, and strife that shakes<br/> +Her hissing tresses, and unfolds her snakes.'</p> + +<p>But though the heroic couplet may have conveyed to Dryden's age +something of the effect of the Virgilian hexameter, it does nothing +of the kind to us. Probably we are prejudiced in the matter by Pope's +Homer.</p> + +<p>Professor Conington's translation certainly has spirit and energy, +but he was decidedly unfortunate in his choice of metre. To attempt +to render 'the stateliest measure ever moulded by the lips of man' +by fluent octosyllabics was bound to result in incongruity, as in +the following passage, where the sombre warning of the Sibyl to +Aeneas becomes merely a sprightly reminder that—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +'The journey down to the abyss<br/> + Is prosperous and light,<br/> +The palace gates of gloomy Dis<br/> + Stand open day and night;<br/> +But upward to retrace the way<br/> +And pass into the light of day,<br/> +There comes the stress of labour; this<br/> + May task a hero's might.'</p> + +<p>The various attempts that have been made to translate the poem in +the metre of the original have all been sad failures. And from Richard +Stanyhurst, whom Thomas Nash described as treading 'a foul, +lumbering, boistrous, wallowing measure, in his translation of +Virgil,' down to our own time, no one has succeeded in avoiding faults +of monotony and lack of poetical quality. A short extract from Dr. +Crane's translation will illustrate this very clearly—</p> + +<p class="letter"> + 'No species of hardships,<br/> +Longer, O maiden, arises before me as strange and unlooked for:<br/> +All things have I foreknown, and in soul have already endured them.<br/> +One special thing I crave, since here, it is said, that the gateway<br/> +Stands of the monarch infernal, and refluent Acheron's dark pool:<br/> +Let it be mine to go down to the sight and face of my cherished<br/> +Father, and teach me the way, and the sacred avenues open.'</p> + +<p>Nor is William Morris' attempt to devise a new metre anything but +disappointing. It is surprising that so delightfully endowed a poet +should have so often missed the music of Virgil's verse as he has +done in his translation, and the archaisms with which his work +abounds, though they might be suitable in a translation of Homer, +are only a source of irritation in the case of Virgil.</p> + +<p>For the best metre to use we must look in a different direction. +Virgil made use of the dactylic hexameter because it was the literary +tradition of his day that epics should be written in that metre. In +the same way it might be argued, the English tradition points to blank +verse as the correct medium. This may be so, but its use demands that +the translator should be as great a poet as Virgil. Had Tennyson ever +translated the <i>Aeneid</i>, it would doubtless have been as nearly +faultless as any translation could be, as is shown by the version +of Sir Theodore Martin, which owes so much of its stately charm to +its close adherence to the manner of Tennyson. A typical passage is +the description of Dido's love for Aeneas—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +'Soothsayers, ah! how little do they know!<br/> +Of what avail are temples, vows, and prayers,<br/> +To quell a raging passion? All the while<br/> +A subtle flame is smouldering in her veins,<br/> +And in her heart a silent aching wound.<br/> +<br/> +* +* +* +* *<br/> +<br/> + +Now Dido leads<br/> +Aeneas round the ramparts, to him shows<br/> +The wealth of Sidon, all the town laid out,<br/> +Begins to speak, then stops, she knows not why.<br/> +Now, as day wanes, the feast of yesterday<br/> +She gives again, again with fevered lips<br/> +Begs for the tale of Troy and all its woes,<br/> +And hangs upon his lips, who tells the tale.<br/> +Then, when the guests are gone and in her turn<br/> +The wan moon pales her light, and waning stars<br/> +Persuade to sleep, she in her empty halls<br/> +Mourns all alone, and throws herself along<br/> +The couch where he had lain: though he be gone<br/> +Far from her side, she hears and sees him still.'</p> + +<p>Of the merits of the present translation the reader will judge for +himself; but it may perhaps be said of the usual objections urged +against the Spenserian stanza—that it is cumbrous and monotonous, +and presents difficulties of construction—that the two former +criticisms will be just or the reverse, according to the skill of +the writer, while it is quite possible that the last is really an +advantage, for the intricate machinery imposes a restraint on +careless or hasty composition. And finally we must turn a deaf ear, +even to so high an authority as Matthew Arnold, when he says that +it is not suited to the grand manner. When he said this he cannot +have remembered either the lament of Florimell in the <i>Faerie Queene</i> +or the conclusion of <i>Childe Harold</i>.</p> + +<p class="right">J. P. MAINE. </p> + +<p>Edward Fairfax Taylor, whose translation of the <i>Aeneid</i> is now +published, was descended from the Taylors of Norwich, a family well +known for their culture and intellectual gifts. He was the only son +of John Edward Taylor, himself an accomplished German and Italian +scholar, and the first translator of the <i>Pentamerone</i> into English, +who lived at Weybridge near his aunt, Mrs. Sarah Austin. Brought up +among books, young Taylor early showed an intense love for classical +literature, and soon after going to Marlborough he began the present +translation as a boy of sixteen. His admiration for Spenser led him +to adopt the Spenserian stanza, and in the preface to his translation +of the first two books he gives detailed reasons for considering it +peculiarly well adapted for the <i>Aeneid</i>. He was a favourite pupil +of the late Dr. Bradley, Dean of Westminster, at that time headmaster +of Marlborough, and who much wished that he should follow in the +footsteps of 'that brilliant band of Marlborough men,' as they have +been called, who at that time, year after year, gained the Balliol +scholarship. But circumstances made him decide otherwise, and in +1865 he passed the necessary examination for a clerkship in the House +of Lords. The long vacations gave him time to continue this labour +of love, and in the intervals of much other literary work, and in +spite of ill health, he completed the translation of the twelve books +of the <i>Aeneid</i>. He looked forward to re-editing it and bringing it +out when he should have retired from his work in the House of Lords, +but this day never came, and he died from heart disease in January +1902. His was a singularly charming disposition, and he was beloved +by all who knew him; while the courage and patience with which he +bore ever-increasing suffering, and the stoicism he showed in +fulfilling his duties in the House of Lords, have left a deep +impression on all his friends.</p> + +<p class="right">L. M. </p> + +<p><small>The <i>Edisso Princeps</i>, of Virgil is that printed at Rome by Sweynham +and Pannartz. It was not dated, but it is almost certain that it was +printed before the Venice folio edition of V. de Spira, which was +issued in 1470. The best modern critical editions of the text are +those of Ribbeck (4 vols. 1895) and F. A. Hirtzel (<i>Scriptorum +Classicorum Bibliotheca Oxoniensis</i>, 1900). Of the editions +containing explanatory notes, that of Conington and Nettleship, +revised by Haverfield, is the standard English commentary. That of +A. Sidgwick (2 vols. Cambridge) is more elementary, but will be found +valuable. Those of Kennedy (London, 1879) and of Papillon and Haigh +(Oxford, 2 vols. 1890-91) may also be referred to.</small></p> + +<p><small>Virgil was first introduced to English readers by William Caxton in +1490. But his <i>Eneydos</i> was based, not on the <i>Aeneid</i> itself, but +on a French paraphrase, the <i>liure des eneydes</i>, printed at Lyons +in 1483.</small></p> + +<p><small>The best modern prose translations are those of Mackail (London, +1885) and Conington (London, 1870).</small></p> + +<p><small>The following is a list of the more important verse translations of +the <i>Aeneid</i> which have appeared. The name of the translator, and +the date at which his translation appeared, are given:—Gawin +Douglas, 1553 (see <a href="#intro11">Introduction</a>); Henry, Earl of Surrey, 1557 +(Books II. and IV. only); J. Dryden, 1697; C. R. Kennedy, 1861; J. +Conington, 1866; W. Morris, 1876; W. J. Thornhill, 1886; Sir Charles +Bowen, 1887 (Books I.-VI. only); J. Rhoades, 1893 (Books I.-VI. +only); Sir Theodore Martin, 1896 (Books I.-VI. only); T. H. D. May, +1903; E. Fairfax Taylor, 1903.</small></p> + +<p><small>Students of Virgil would also do well to consult Sellar, <i>Poets of +the Augustan Age</i> (Oxford, 1883), and Nettleship, <i>Introduction to +the Study of Vergil</i>.</small></p> + +<h2>THE ÆNEID OF VIRGIL</h2> + +<h3>BOOK ONE</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>Fate sends Æneas to Latium to found Rome, but Juno's hostility long +delays his success (<a href="#book1line1">1-45</a>). Descrying him and his Trojans in sight +of Italy, she bribes Æolus to raise a storm for their destruction +(<a href="#book1line46">46-99</a>). The tempest (<a href="#book1line100">100-116</a>). +The despair of Æneas (<a href="#book1line109">117-126</a>). One +Trojan ship is already lost, when Neptune learns the plot and lays +the storm (<a href="#book1line127">127-189</a>). Æneas escapes, lands in Libya, and heartens +his men (<a href="#book1line190">190-261</a>). Venus appeals to Jupiter, who comforts her with +assurance that Æneas shall yet be great in Italy. His son shall found +Alba and his son's sons Rome. Juno shall eventually relent, and Rome +under Augustus shall be empress of the world (<a href="#book1line262">262-351</a>). Mercury is +sent to secure from Dido, Queen of Libya, a welcome for Æneas. Æneas +and Achates, while reconnoitring, meet Venus in the forest disguised +as a nymph. She tells them Dido's story. Æneas in reply bewails his +own troubles, but is interrupted with promises of success. Let him +but persist, all will be well (<a href="#book1line352">352-478</a>). Venus changes before their +eyes from nymph to goddess, and vanishes before Æneas can utter his +reproaches. Hidden in a magic mist, the pair approach Carthage, which +they find still building. They reach the citadel unobserved, and are +encouraged on seeing pictures of scenes from the Trojan war (<a href="#book1line478">479-576</a>). +Dido appears and takes her state. To her enter, as suppliants, Trojan +leaders, whom Æneas had imagined dead. Ilioneus, their spokesman, +tells the story of the storm and asks help. "If only Æneas were +here!" (<a href="#book1line577">577-661</a>). Dido speaks him fair and echoes his words, "If +Æneas were here!" The mist scatters. Æneas appears; thanks Dido, +and greets Ilioneus (<a href="#book1line658">662-723</a>). Dido welcomes Æneas to Carthage and +prepares a festival in his honour. Æneas sends Achates to summon +his son and bring gifts for Dido (<a href="#book1line721">724-774</a>). Cupid, persuaded by Venus +to personate Ascanius and inspire Dido with love for Æneas, comes +with the gifts to Dido's palace, while Ascanius is carried away to +Idalia. The night is passed in feasting. After the feast Iopas sings +the wonders of the firmament, and Dido, bewitched by Cupid, begs +Æneas to tell the whole story of his adventures (<a href="#book1line775">775-891</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book1line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Of arms I sing, and of the man, whom Fate<br/> +First drove from Troy to <a href="#note1stanza1">the Lavinian shore</a>.<br/> +Full many an evil, through the mindful hate<br/> +Of cruel Juno, from the gods he bore,<br/> +Much tost on earth and ocean, yea, and more<br/> +In war enduring, ere he built a home,<br/> +And his loved household-deities brought o'er<br/> +To Latium, whence the Latin people come, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whence rose the Alban sires, and walls of lofty Rome. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +O Muse, assist me and inspire my song,<br/> +The various causes and the crimes relate,<br/> +For what affronted majesty, what wrong<br/> +To injured Godhead, what offence so great<br/> +Heaven's Queen resenting, with remorseless hate,<br/> +Could one renowned for piety compel<br/> +To brave such troubles, and endure the weight<br/> +Of toils so many and so huge. O tell +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +How can in heavenly minds such fierce resentment dwell? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line19"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There stood a city, fronting far away<br/> +The mouths of Tiber and Italia's shore,<br/> +A Tyrian settlement of olden day,<br/> +Rich in all wealth, and trained to war's rough lore,<br/> +<a href="#note1stanza3">Carthage</a> the name, by Juno loved before<br/> +All places, even <a href="#note1stanza3">Samos</a>. Here were shown<br/> +Her arms, and here her chariot; evermore<br/> +E'en then this land she cherished as her own, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And here, should Fate permit, had planned a world-wide throne. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But she had heard, how men of Trojan seed<br/> +Those Tyrian towers should level, how again<br/> +From these in time a nation should proceed,<br/> +Wide-ruling, tyrannous in war, the bane<br/> +(So Fate was working) of the Libyan reign.<br/> +This feared she, mindful of the war beside<br/> +Waged for her Argives on the Trojan plain;<br/> +Nor even yet had from her memory died +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The causes of her wrath, the pangs of wounded pride,— +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line37"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +<a href="#note1stanza5">The choice of Paris,</a> and her charms disdained,<br/> +The hateful race, the lawless honours ta'en<br/> +By ravished <a href="#note1stanza5">Ganymede</a>—these wrongs remained.<br/> +So fired with rage, the Trojans' scanty train<br/> +By fierce Achilles and the Greeks unslain<br/> +She barred from Latium, and in evil strait<br/> +For many a year, on many a distant main<br/> +They wandered, homeless outcasts, tost by Fate; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So huge, so hard the task to found the Roman state. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> +<p><a name="book1line46"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Scarce out of sight of Sicily, they set<br/> +Their sails to sea, and merrily ploughed the main,<br/> +With brazen beaks, when Juno, harbouring yet<br/> +Within her breast the ever-rankling pain,<br/> +Mused thus: "Must I then from the work refrain,<br/> +Nor keep this Trojan from the Latin throne,<br/> +Baffled, forsooth, because the Fates constrain?<br/> +Could Pallas burn the Grecian fleet, and drown +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Their crews, for one man's crime, <a href="#note1stanza6">Oileus' frenzied son?</a> + +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"She, hurling Jove's winged lightning, stirred the deep<br/> +And strewed the ships. Him, from his riven breast<br/> +The flames outgasping, with a whirlwind's sweep<br/> +She caught and fixed upon a rock's sharp crest.<br/> +But I, who walk the Queen of Heaven confessed,<br/> +Jove's sister-spouse, shall I forevermore<br/> +With one poor tribe keep warring without rest?<br/> +Who then henceforth shall Juno's power adore? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Who then her fanes frequent, her deity implore?" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line64"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Such thoughts revolving in her fiery mind,<br/> +Straightway the Goddess to Æolia passed,<br/> +The storm-clouds' birthplace, big with blustering wind.<br/> +Here Æolus within a dungeon vast<br/> +The sounding tempest and the struggling blast<br/> +Bends to his sway and bridles them with chains.<br/> +They, in the rock reverberant held fast,<br/> +Moan at the doors. Here, throned aloft, he reigns; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +His sceptre calms their rage, their violence restrains: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Else earth and sea and all the firmament<br/> +The winds together through the void would sweep.<br/> +But, fearing this, the Sire omnipotent<br/> +Hath buried them in caverns dark and deep,<br/> +And o'er them piled huge mountains in a heap,<br/> +And set withal a monarch, there to reign,<br/> +By compact taught at his command to keep<br/> +Strict watch, and tighten or relax the rein. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Him now Saturnia sought, and thus in lowly strain: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O Æolus, for Jove, of human kind<br/> +And Gods the sovran Sire, hath given to thee<br/> +To lull the waves and lift them with the wind,<br/> +A hateful people, enemies to me,<br/> +Their ships are steering o'er the Tuscan sea,<br/> +Bearing their Troy and vanquished gods away<br/> +To Italy. Go, set the storm-winds free,<br/> +And sink their ships or scatter them astray, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And strew their corpses forth, to weltering waves a prey. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Twice seven nymphs have I, beautiful to see;<br/> +One, Deiopeia, fairest of the fair,<br/> +In lasting wedlock will I link to thee,<br/> +Thy life-long years for such deserts to share,<br/> +And make thee parent of an offspring fair."—<br/> +"Speak, Queen," he answered, "to obey is mine.<br/> +To thee I owe this sceptre and whate'er<br/> +Of realm is here; thou makest Jove benign, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thou giv'st to rule the storms and sit at feasts divine." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line100"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So spake the God and with her hest complied,<br/> +And turned the massive sceptre in his hand<br/> +And pushed the hollow mountain on its side.<br/> +Out rushed the winds, like soldiers in a band,<br/> +In wedged array, and, whirling, scour the land.<br/> +East, West and squally South-west, with a roar,<br/> +Swoop down on Ocean, and the surf and sand<br/> +Mix in dark eddies, and the watery floor +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Heave from its depths, and roll huge billows to the shore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line109"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then come the creak of cables and the cries<br/> +Of seamen. Clouds the darkened heavens have drowned,<br/> +And snatched the daylight from the Trojans' eyes.<br/> +Black night broods on the waters; all around<br/> +From pole to pole the rattling peals resound<br/> +And frequent flashes light the lurid air.<br/> +All nature, big with instant ruin, frowned<br/> +Destruction. Then Æneas' limbs with fear +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Were loosened, and he groaned and stretched his hands in prayer: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line118"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thrice, four times blest, who, in their fathers' face<br/> +Fell by the walls of Ilion far away!<br/> +O <a href="#note1stanza14">son of Tydeus</a>, bravest of the race,<br/> +Why could not I have perished, too, that day<br/> +Beneath thine arm, and breathed this soul away<br/> +Far on the plains of Troy, where Hector brave<br/> +Lay, pierced by fierce Æacides, where lay<br/> +Giant <a href="#note1stanza14">Sarpedon</a>, and swift <a href="#note1stanza14">Simois'</a> wave +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Rolls heroes, helms and shields, whelmed in one watery grave?" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line127"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +E'en as he cried, the hurricane from the North<br/> +Struck with a roar against the sail. Up leap<br/> +The waves to heaven; the shattered oars start forth;<br/> +Round swings the prow, and lets the waters sweep<br/> +The broadside. Onward comes a mountain heap<br/> +Of billows, gaunt, abrupt. These, horsed astride<br/> +A surge's crest, rock pendent o'er the deep;<br/> +To those the wave's huge hollow, yawning wide, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lays bare the ground below; dark swells the sandy tide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Three ships the South-wind catching hurls away<br/> +On hidden rocks, which (Latins from of yore<br/> +Have called them "Altars") in mid ocean lay,<br/> +A huge ridge level with the tide. Three more<br/> +Fierce Eurus from the deep sea dashed ashore<br/> +On quicks and shallows, pitiful to view,<br/> +And round them heaped the sandbanks. One, that bore<br/> +The brave Orontes and his Lycian crew, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Full in Æneas' sight a toppling wave o'erthrew. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Dashed from the tiller, down the pilot rolled.<br/> +Thrice round the billow whirled her, as she lay,<br/> +Then whelmed below. Strewn here and there behold<br/> +Arms, planks, lone swimmers in the surges grey,<br/> +And treasures snatched from Trojan homes away.<br/> +Now fail the ships wherein Achates ride<br/> +And Abas; old Aletes' bark gives way,<br/> +And brave Ilioneus'. Each loosened side +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Through many a gaping seam lets in the baleful tide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile great Neptune, sore amazed, perceived<br/> +The storm let loose, the turmoil of the sky,<br/> +And ocean from its lowest depths upheaved.<br/> +With calm brow lifted o'er the sea, his eye<br/> +Beholds Troy's navy scattered far and nigh,<br/> +And by the waves and ruining heaven oppressed<br/> +The Trojan crews. Nor failed he to espy<br/> +His sister's wiles and hatred. East and West +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +He summoned to his throne, and thus his wrath expressed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What pride of birth possessed you, Earth and air<br/> +Without my leave to mingle in affray,<br/> +And raise such hubbub in my realm? Beware—<br/> +Yet first 'twere best these billows to allay.<br/> +Far other coin hereafter ye shall pay<br/> +For crimes like these. Presumptuous winds, begone,<br/> +And take your king this message, that the sway<br/> +Of Ocean and the sceptre and the throne +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fate gave to me, not him; the trident is my own. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"He holds huge rocks; these, Eurus, are for thee,<br/> +There let him glory in his hall and reign,<br/> +But keep his winds close prisoners." Thus he,<br/> +And, ere his speech was ended, smoothed the main,<br/> +And chased the clouds and brought the sun again.<br/> +Triton, Cymothoe from the rock's sharp brow<br/> +Push off the vessels. Neptune plies amain<br/> +His trident-lever, lays the sandbanks low, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +On light wheels shaves the deep, and calms the billowy flow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As when in mighty multitudes bursts out<br/> +Sedition, and the wrathful rabble rave;<br/> +Rage finds them arms; stones, firebrands fly about,<br/> +Then if some statesman reverend and grave,<br/> +Stand forth conspicuous, and the tumult brave<br/> +All, hushed, attend; his guiding words restrain<br/> +Their angry wills; so sank the furious wave,<br/> +When through the clear sky looking o'er the main, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The sea-king lashed his steeds and slacked the favouring rein. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line190"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Tired out, the Trojans seek the nearest land<br/> +And turn to Libya.—In a far retreat<br/> +There lies a haven; towards the deep doth stand<br/> +An island, on whose jutting headlands beat<br/> +The broken billows, shivered into sleet.<br/> +Two towering crags, twin giants, guard the cove,<br/> +And threat the skies. The waters at their feet<br/> +Sleep hushed, and, like a curtain, frowns above, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mixt with the glancing green, the darkness of the grove. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Beneath a precipice, that fronts the wave,<br/> +With limpid springs inside, and many a seat<br/> +Of living marble, lies a sheltered cave,<br/> +Home of the Sea-Nymphs. In this haven sweet<br/> +Cable nor biting anchor moors the fleet.<br/> +Here with seven ships, the remnant of his band,<br/> +Æneas enters. Glad at length to greet<br/> +The welcome earth, the Trojans leap to land, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And lay their weary limbs still dripping on the sand. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +First from a flint a spark Achates drew,<br/> +And lit the leaves and dry wood heaped with care<br/> +And set the fuel flaming, as he blew.<br/> +Then, tired of toiling, from the ships they bear<br/> +The sea-spoiled corn, and Ceres' tools prepare,<br/> +And 'twixt the millstones grind the rescued grain<br/> +And roast the pounded morsels for their fare:<br/> +While up the crag Æneas climbs, to gain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Full prospect far and wide, and scan the distant main. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +If aught of Phrygian biremes he discern<br/> +Antheus or Capys, tost upon the seas,<br/> +Or arms of brave Caicus high astern.<br/> +No sail, but wandering on the shore he sees<br/> +Three stags, and, grazing up the vale at ease,<br/> +The whole herd troops behind them in a row.<br/> +He stops, and from Achates hastes to seize<br/> +His chance-brought arms, the arrows and the bow, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The branching antlers smites, and lays the leader low. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line226"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next fall the herd; and through the leafy glade<br/> +In mingled rout he drives the scattered train,<br/> +Plying his shafts, nor stays his conquering raid<br/> +Till seven huge bodies on the ground lie slain,<br/> +The number of his vessels; then again<br/> +He seeks the crews, and gives a deer to each,<br/> +Then opes the casks, which good <a href="#note1stanza26">Acestes,</a> fain<br/> +At parting, filled on the <a href="#note1stanza26">Trinacrian</a> beach, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And shares the wine, and soothes their drooping hearts with speech. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line235"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Comrades! of ills not ignorant; far more<br/> +Than these ye suffered, and to these as well<br/> +Will Jove give ending, as he gave before.<br/> +Ye know mad <a href="#note1stanza27">Scylla,</a> and her monsters' yell,<br/> +And the dark caverns where the <a href="#note1stanza27">Cyclops</a> dwell.<br/> +Fear not; take heart; hereafter, it may be<br/> +These too will yield a pleasant tale to tell.<br/> +Through shifting hazards, by the Fates' decree, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To Latin shores we steer, our promised land to see. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"There quiet settlements the Fates display,<br/> +There Troy her ruined fortunes shall repair.<br/> +Bear up; reserve you for a happier day."<br/> +He spake, and heart-sick with a load of care,<br/> +Suppressed his grief, and feigned a cheerful air.<br/> +All straightway gird them to the feast. These flay<br/> +The ribs and thighs, and lay the entrails bare.<br/> +Those slice the flesh, and split the quivering prey, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And tend the fires and set the cauldrons in array. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So wine and venison, to their hearts' desire,<br/> +Refreshed their strength. And when the feast was sped,<br/> +Their missing friends in converse they require,<br/> +Doubtful to deem them, betwixt hope and dread,<br/> +Alive or out of hearing with the dead.<br/> +All mourned, but good Æneas mourned the most,<br/> +And bitter tears for Amycus he shed,<br/> +Gyas, Cloanthus, bravest of his host, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lycus, Orontes bold, all counted with the lost. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line262"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now came an end of mourning and of woe,<br/> +When Jove, surveying from his prospect high<br/> +Shore, sail-winged sea, and peopled earth below,<br/> +Stood, musing, on the summit of the sky,<br/> +And on the Libyan kingdom fixed his eye,<br/> +To him, such cares revolving in his breast,<br/> +Her shining eyes suffused with tears, came nigh<br/> +Fair Venus, for her darling son distrest, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And thus in sorrowing tones the Sire of heaven addressed; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O Thou, whose nod and awful bolts attest<br/> +O'er Gods and men thine everlasting reign,<br/> +Wherein hath my Æneas so transgressed,<br/> +Wherein his Trojans, thus to mourn their slain,<br/> +Barred from the world, lest Italy they gain?<br/> +Surely from them the rolling years should see<br/> +New sons of ancient Teucer rise again,<br/> +The Romans, rulers of the land and sea. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So swar'st thou; Father, say, why changed is thy decree? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line280"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"That word consoled me, weighing fate with fate,<br/> +For Troy's sad fall. Now Fortune, as before,<br/> +Pursues the woe-worn victims of her hate.<br/> +O when, great Monarch, shall their toil be o'er?<br/> +Safe could <a href="#note1stanza32">Antenor</a> pass th' Illyrian shore<br/> +Through Danaan hosts, and realms Liburnian gain,<br/> +And climb <a href="#note1stanza32">Timavus</a> and her springs explore,<br/> +Where through nine mouths, with roaring surge, the main +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Bursts from the sounding rocks and deluges the plain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line289"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Yet there he built <a href="#note1stanza33">Patavium,</a> yea, and named<br/> +The nation, and the Trojan arms laid down,<br/> +And now rests happy in the town he framed.<br/> +But we, thy progeny, to whom alone<br/> +Thy nod hath promised a celestial throne,<br/> +Our vessels lost, from Italy are barred,<br/> +O shame! and ruined for the wrath of one.<br/> +Thus, thus dost thou thy plighted word regard, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Our sceptred realms restore, our piety reward?" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then Jove, soft-smiling with the look that clears<br/> +The storms, and gently kissing her, replies;<br/> +"Firm are thy fates, sweet daughter; spare thy fears.<br/> +Thou yet shalt see Lavinium's walls arise,<br/> +And bear thy brave Æneas to the skies.<br/> +My purpose shifts not. Now, to ease thy woes,<br/> +Since sorrow for his sake hath dimmed thine eyes,<br/> +More will I tell, and hidden fates disclose. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +He in Italia long shall battle with his foes, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line307"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And crush fierce tribes, and milder ways ordain,<br/> +And cities build and wield the Latin sway,<br/> +Till the third summer shall have seen him reign,<br/> +And three long winter-seasons passed away<br/> +Since fierce Rutulia did his arms obey.<br/> +Then, too, the boy <a href="#note1stanza35">Ascanius,</a> named of late<br/> +<a href="#note1stanza35">Iulus</a>—Ilus was he in the day<br/> +When firm by royalty stood Ilium's state— +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shall rule till thirty years complete the destined date. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line316"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"He from Lavinium shall remove his seat,<br/> +And gird Long Alba for defence; and there<br/> +'Neath Hector's kin three hundred years complete<br/> +The kingdom shall endure, till <a href="#note1stanza36">Ilia</a> fair,<br/> +Queen-priestess, twins by Mars' embrace shall bear.<br/> +Then <a href="#note1stanza36">Romulus</a> the nation's charge shall claim,<br/> +Wolf-nursed and proud her tawny hide to wear,<br/> +And build a city of Mavortian fame, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And make the Roman race remembered by his name. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"To these no period nor appointed date,<br/> +Nor bounds to their dominion I assign;<br/> +An endless empire shall the race await.<br/> +Nay, Juno, too, who now, in mood malign,<br/> +Earth, sea and sky is harrying, shall incline<br/> +To better counsels, and unite with me<br/> +To cherish and uphold the imperial line,<br/> +The Romans, rulers of the land and sea, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lords of the flowing gown. So standeth my decree. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line334"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"In rolling ages there shall come the day<br/> +When heirs of old Assaracus shall tame<br/> +Phthia and proud Mycene to obey,<br/> +And terms of peace to conquered Greeks proclaim.<br/> +<a href="#note1stanza38">Cæsar,</a> a Trojan,—Julius his name,<br/> +Drawn from the great Iulus—shall arise,<br/> +And compass earth with conquest, heaven with fame,<br/> +Him, crowned with vows and many an Eastern prize, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thou, freed at length from care, shalt welcome to the skies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then wars shall cease and savage times grow mild,<br/> +And Remus and Quirinus, brethren twain,<br/> +With hoary Faith and Vesta undefiled,<br/> +Shall give the law. With iron bolt and chain<br/> +Firm-closed the gates of Janus shall remain.<br/> +Within, the Fiend of Discord, high reclined<br/> +On horrid arms, unheeded in the fane,<br/> +Bound with a hundred brazen knots behind, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And grim with gory jaws, his grisly teeth shall grind." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line352"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, <a href="#note1stanza40">the son of Maia</a> down he sent,<br/> +To open Carthage and the Libyan state,<br/> +Lest Dido, weetless of the Fates' intent,<br/> +Should drive the Trojan wanderers from her gate.<br/> +With feathered oars he cleaves the skies, and straight<br/> +On Libya's shores alighting, speeds his hest.<br/> +The Tyrians, yielding to the god, abate<br/> +Their fierceness. Dido, more than all the rest, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Warms to her Phrygian friends, and wears a kindly breast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But good Æneas, pondering through the night<br/> +Distracting thoughts and many an anxious care,<br/> +Resolved, when daybreak brought the gladsome light,<br/> +To search the coast, and back sure tidings bear,<br/> +What land was this, what habitants were there,<br/> +If man or beast, for, far as the eye could rove,<br/> +A wilderness the region seemed, and bare.<br/> +His ships he hides within a sheltering cove, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Screened by the caverned rock, and shadowed by the grove, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line370"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then wielding in his hand two broad-tipt spears,<br/> +Alone with brave Achates forth he strayed,<br/> +When lo, before him in the wood appears<br/> +His mother, in a virgin's arms arrayed,<br/> +In form and habit of a Spartan maid,<br/> +Or like <a href="#note1stanza42">Harpalyce,</a> the pride of Thrace,<br/> +Who tires swift steeds, and scours the woodland glade,<br/> +And outstrips rapid Hebrus in the race. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So fair the goddess seemed, apparelled for the chase. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Bare were her knees, and from her shoulders hung<br/> +The wonted bow, kept handy for the prey<br/> +Her flowing raiment in a knot she strung,<br/> +And loosed her tresses with the winds to play.<br/> +"Ho, Sirs!" she hails them, "saw ye here astray<br/> +Ought of my sisters, girt in huntress wise<br/> +With quiver and a spotted lynx-skin gay,<br/> +Or following on the foaming boar with cries?" +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thus Venus spake, and thus fair Venus' son replies; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Nought of thy sisters have I heard or seen.<br/> +What name, O maiden, shall I give to thee,<br/> +For mortal never had thy voice or mien?<br/> +O Goddess surely, whether Nymph I see,<br/> +Or Phoebus' sister; whosoe'er thou be,<br/> +Be kind, for strangers and in evil case<br/> +We roam, tost hither by the stormy sea.<br/> +Say, who the people, what the clime and place, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And many a victim's blood thy hallowed shrine shall grace." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Nay, nay, to no such honour I aspire."<br/> +Said Venus, "But a simple maid am I,<br/> +And 'tis the manner of the maids of Tyre<br/> +To wear, like me, the quiver, and to tie<br/> +The purple buskin round the ankles high.<br/> +The realm thou see'st is Punic; Tyrians are<br/> +The folk, the town Agenor's. Round them lie<br/> +The Libyan plains, a people rough in war. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Queen Dido rules the land, who came from Tyre afar, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Flying her brother. Dark the tale of crime,<br/> +And long, but briefly be the sum supplied.<br/> +Sychæus was her lord, in happier time<br/> +The richest of Phoenicians far and wide<br/> +In land, and worshipped by his hapless bride.<br/> +Her, in the bloom of maidenhood, her sire<br/> +Had given him, and with virgin rites allied.<br/> +But soon her brother filled the throne of Tyre, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pygmalion, swoln with sin; 'twixt whom a feud took fire. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"He, reckless of a sister's love, and blind<br/> +With lust of gold, Sychæus unaware<br/> +Slew by the altar, and with impious mind<br/> +Long hid the deed, and flattering hopes and fair<br/> +Devised, to cheat the lover of her care.<br/> +But, lifting features marvellously pale,<br/> +The ghost unburied in her dreams laid bare<br/> +His breast, and showed the altar and the bale +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Wrought by the ruthless steel, and solved the crime's dark tale. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then bade her fly the country, and revealed,<br/> +To aid her flight, an old and unknown weight<br/> +Of gold and silver, in the ground concealed.<br/> +Thus roused, her friends she gathers. All await<br/> +Her summons, who the tyrant fear or hate.<br/> +Some ships at hand, chance-anchored in the bay,<br/> +They seize and load them with the costly freight,<br/> +And far off o'er the deep is borne away +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pygmalion's hoarded pelf. A woman leads the way. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line433"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Hither, where now the walls and fortress high,<br/> +Of Carthage, and her rising homes are found,<br/> +They came, and there full cheaply did they buy,<br/> +Such space—called <a href="#note1stanza49">Byrsa</a> from the deed—of ground<br/> +As one bull's-hide could compass and surround.<br/> +But who are ye, pray answer? on what quest<br/> +Come ye? and whence and whither are ye bound?"<br/> +Her then Æneas, from his inmost breast +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Heaving a deep-drawn sigh, with labouring speech addressed: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O Goddess, should I from the first unfold,<br/> +Or could'st thou hear, the annals of our woe,<br/> +Eve's star were shining, ere the tale were told.<br/> +From ancient Troy—if thou the name dost know—<br/> +A chance-met storm hath driven us to and fro,<br/> +And tost us on the Libyan shores. My name<br/> +Is good Æneas; from the flames and foe<br/> +I bear Troy's rescued deities. My fame +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Outsoars the stars of heaven; a Jove-born race, we claim +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"A home in fair Italia far away.<br/> +With twice ten ships I climbed the Phrygian main,<br/> +My goddess-mother pointing out the way,<br/> +As Fate commanded. Now scarce seven remain,<br/> +Wave-worn and shattered by the tempest's strain.<br/> +Myself, a stranger, friendless and unknown,<br/> +From Europe driven and Asia, roam in vain<br/> +The wilds of Libya"—Then his plaintive tone +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +No more could Venus bear, but interrupts her son; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Stranger," she answered, "whosoe'er thou be;<br/> +Not unbeloved of heavenly powers, I ween,<br/> +Thou breath'st the vital air, whom Fate's decree<br/> +Permits a Tyrian city to have seen.<br/> +But hence, and seek the palace of the queen.<br/> +Glad news I bear thee, of thy comrades brought,<br/> +The North-wind shifted and the skies serene;<br/> +Thy ships have gained the harbour which they sought, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Else vain my parents' lore the augury they taught. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"See yon twelve swans, in jubilant array,<br/> +Whom late Jove's eagle scattered through the sky;<br/> +Now these alight, now those the pitch survey.<br/> +As they, returning, sport with joyous cry,<br/> +And flap their wings and circle in the sky,<br/> +E'en so thy vessels and each late-lost crew<br/> +Safe now and scatheless in the harbour lie,<br/> +Or, crowding canvas, hold the port in view. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +But hence, where leads the path, thy forward steps pursue." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line478"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, she turned, and all refulgent showed<br/> +Her roseate neck, and heavenly fragrance sweet<br/> +Was breathed from her ambrosial hair. Down flowed<br/> +Her loosened raiment, streaming to her feet,<br/> +And by her walk the Goddess shone complete.<br/> +"Ah, mother mine!" he chides her, as she flies,<br/> +"Art thou, then, also cruel? Wherefore cheat<br/> +Thy son so oft with images and lies? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Why may I not clasp hands, and talk without disguise?" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line487"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thus he, reproaching. Towards the town they fare<br/> +In haste. But Venus round them on the way<br/> +Wrapt a thick mist, a mantle of dark air,<br/> +That none should see them, none should touch nor stay,<br/> +Nor, urging idle questions, breed delay.<br/> +Then back, rejoicing, through the liquid air<br/> +To <a href="#note1stanza55">Paphos</a> and her home she flies away,<br/> +Where, steaming with Sabæan incense rare, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +An hundred altars breathe with garlands fresh and fair. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +They by the path their forward steps pursued,<br/> +And climbed a hill, whose fronting summit frowned<br/> +Steep o'er the town. Amazed, Æneas viewed<br/> +Tall structures rise, where whilom huts were found,<br/> +The streets, the gates, the bustle and the sound.<br/> +Hotly the Tyrians are at work. These draw<br/> +The bastions' lines, roll stones and trench the ground;<br/> +Or build the citadel; those clothe with awe +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Senate; there they choose the judges for the law. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +These delve the port; the broad foundations there<br/> +They lay for theatres of ample space,<br/> +And columns, hewn from marble rocks, prepare,<br/> +Tall ornaments, the future stage to grace.<br/> +As bees in early summer swarm apace<br/> +Through flowery fields, when forth from dale and dell<br/> +They lead the full-grown offspring of the race,<br/> +Or with the liquid honey store each cell, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And make the teeming hive with nectarous sweets to swell. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +These ease the comers of their loads, those drive<br/> +The drones afar. The busy work each plies,<br/> +And sweet with thyme and honey smells the hive.<br/> +"O happy ye, whose walls already rise!"<br/> +Exclaimed Æneas, and with envious eyes<br/> +Looked up where pinnacles and roof-tops showed<br/> +The new-born city; then in wondrous wise,<br/> +Clothed in the covering of the friendly cloud, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Passed through the midst unseen, and mingled with the crowd. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +A grove stood in the city, rich in shade,<br/> +Where storm-tost Tyrians, past the perilous brine,<br/> +Dug from the ground, by royal Juno's aid,<br/> +A war-steed's head, to far-off days a sign<br/> +That wealth and prowess should adorn the line.<br/> +Here, by the goddess and her gifts renowned,<br/> +Sidonian Dido built a stately shrine.<br/> +All brazen rose the threshold; brass was round +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The door-posts; brazen doors on grating hinges sound. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line532"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Here a new sight Æneas' hopes upraised,<br/> +And fear was softened, and his heart was mann'd.<br/> +For while, the queen awaiting, round he gazed,<br/> +And marvelled at the happy town, and scanned<br/> +The rival labours of each craftsman's hand,<br/> +Behold, Troy's battles on the walls appear,<br/> +The war, since noised through many a distant land,<br/> +There <a href="#note1stanza60">Priam</a> and th' <a href="#note1stanza60">Atridæ</a> twain, and here +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Achilles, fierce to both, still ruthless and severe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Pensive he stood, and with a rising tear,<br/> +"What lands, Achates, on the earth, but know<br/> +Our labours? See our Priam! Even here<br/> +Worth wins her due, and there are tears to flow,<br/> +And human hearts to feel for human woe.<br/> +Fear not," he cries, "Troy's glory yet shall gain<br/> +Some safety." Thus upon the empty show<br/> +He feeds his soul, while ever and again +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Deeply he sighs, and tears run down his cheeks like rain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line550"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He sees, how, fighting round the Trojan wall,<br/> +Here fled the Greeks, the Trojan youth pursue,<br/> +Here fled the Phrygians, and, with helmet tall,<br/> +Achilles in his chariot stormed and slew.<br/> +Not far, with tears, the snowy tents he knew<br/> +Of <a href="#note1stanza62">Rhesus,</a> where <a href="#note1stanza62">Tydides,</a> bathed in blood,<br/> +Broke in at midnight with his murderous crew,<br/> +And drove the hot steeds campward, ere the food +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of Trojan plains they browsed, or drank the Xanthian flood. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line559"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, reft of arms, poor <a href="#note1stanza63">Troilus,</a> rash to dare<br/> +Achilles, by his horses dragged amain,<br/> +Hangs from his empty chariot. Neck and hair<br/> +Trail on the ground; his hand still grasps the rein;<br/> +The spear inverted scores the dusty plain.<br/> +Meanwhile, with beaten breasts and streaming hair,<br/> +The Trojan dames, a sad and suppliant train,<br/> +The veil to partial Pallas' temple bear. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stern, with averted eyes the Goddess spurns their prayer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line568"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thrice had Achilles round the Trojan wall<br/> +Dragged Hector; there the slayer sells the slain.<br/> +Sighing he sees him, chariot, arms and all,<br/> +And Priam, spreading helpless hands in vain.<br/> +Himself he knows among the Greeks again,<br/> +Black <a href="#note1stanza64">Memnon's</a> arms, and all his Eastern clan,<br/> +<a href="#note1stanza64">Penthesilea's</a> Amazonian train<br/> +With moony shields. Bare-breasted, in the van, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Girt with a golden zone, the maiden fights with man. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line577"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thus while Æneas, with set gaze and long,<br/> +Hangs, mute with wonder, on the wildering scene,<br/> +Lo! to the temple, with a numerous throng<br/> +Of youthful followers, moves the beauteous Queen.<br/> +Such as Diana, with her <a href="#note1stanza65">Oreads</a> seen<br/> +On swift <a href="#note1stanza65">Eurotas'</a> banks or <a href="#note1stanza65">Cynthus'</a> crest,<br/> +Leading the dances. She, in form and mien,<br/> +Armed with her quiver, towers above the rest, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And tranquil pleasure thrills <a href="#note1stanza65">Latona's</a> silent breast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +E'en such was Dido; so with joyous mien,<br/> +Urging the business of her rising state,<br/> +Among the concourse passed the Tyrian queen;<br/> +Then, girt with guards, within the temple's gate<br/> +Beneath the centre of the dome she sate.<br/> +There, ministering justice, she presides,<br/> +And deals the law, and from her throne of state,<br/> +As choice determines or as chance decides, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To each, in equal share, his separate task divides. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Sudden, behold a concourse. Looking down,<br/> +His late-lost friends Æneas sees again,<br/> +Sergestus, brave Cloanthus of renown,<br/> +Antheus and others of the Trojan train,<br/> +Whom the black squall had scattered o'er the main,<br/> +And driven afar upon an alien strand.<br/> +At once, 'twixt joy and terror rent in twain,<br/> +Amazed, Æneas and Achates stand, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And long to greet old friends and clasp a comrade's hand. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Yet wildering wonder at so strange a scene<br/> +Still holds them mute, while anxious thoughts divide<br/> +Their doubtful minds, and in the cloud unseen,<br/> +Wrapt in its hollow covering, they abide<br/> +And note what fortune did their friends betide,<br/> +And whence they come, and why for grace they sue,<br/> +And on what shore they left the fleet to bide,<br/> +For chosen captains came from every crew, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And towards the sacred fane with clamorous cries they drew. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, audience granted, as the fane they filled,<br/> +Thus calmly spake the eldest of the train,<br/> +Ilioneus: "O queen, whom Jove hath willed<br/> +To found this new-born city, here to reign,<br/> +And stubborn tribes with justice to refrain,<br/> +We, Troy's poor fugitives, implore thy grace,<br/> +Storm-tost and wandering over every main,—<br/> +Forbid the flames our vessels to deface, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mark our afflicted plight, and spare a pious race. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line622"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"We come not hither with the sword to rend<br/> +Your Libyan homes, and shoreward drive the prey.<br/> +Nay, no such violence our thoughts intend,<br/> +Such pride suits not the vanquished. Far away<br/> +There lies a place—Greeks style the land to-day<br/> +<a href="#note1stanza70">Hesperia</a>—fruitful and of ancient fame<br/> +And strong in arms. <a href="#note1stanza70">OEnotrian folk,</a> they say,<br/> +First tilled the soil. Italian is the name +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Borne by the later race, with <a href="#note1stanza70">Italus</a> who came. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thither we sailed, when, rising with the wave,<br/> +Orion dashed us on the shoals, the prey<br/> +Of wanton winds, and mastering billows drave<br/> +Our vessels on the pathless rocks astray.<br/> +We few have floated to your shore. O say,<br/> +What manner of mankind is here? What land<br/> +Is this, to treat us in this barbarous way?<br/> +They grudge the very shelter of the sand, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And call to arms and bar our footsteps from the strand! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"If human kind and mortal arms ye scorn,<br/> +Think of the Gods, who judge the wrong and right.<br/> +A king was ours, Æneas; ne'er was born<br/> +A man more just, more valiant in the fight,<br/> +More famed for piety and deeds of might.<br/> +If yet he lives and looks upon the sun,<br/> +Nor cruel death hath snatched him from the light,<br/> +No fear have we, nor need hast thou to shun +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A Trojan guest, or rue kind offices begun. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Towns yet for us in Sicily remain,<br/> +And arms, and, sprung from Trojan sires of yore,<br/> +Our kinsman there, Acestes, holds his reign.<br/> +Grant us to draw our scattered fleet ashore,<br/> +And fit new planks and branches for the oar.<br/> +So, if with king and comrades brought again,<br/> +The Fates allow us to reach Italia's shore,<br/> +Italia gladly and the Latian plain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Seek we; but else, if thoughts of safety be in vain, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line658"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"If thee, dear Sire, the Libyan deep doth hide,<br/> +Nor hopes of young Iulus more can cheer,<br/> +Back let our barks to the Sicanian tide<br/> +And proffered homes and king Acestes steer."<br/> +He spake; the Dardans answered with a cheer.<br/> +Then Dido thus, with downcast look sedate;<br/> +"Take courage, Trojans, and dismiss your fear.<br/> +My kingdom's newness and the stress of Fate +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Force me to guard far off the frontiers of my state. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Who knows not Troy, th' Æneian house of fame,<br/> +The deeds and doers, and the war's renown<br/> +That fired the world? Not hearts so dull and tame<br/> +Have Punic folk; not so is Phoebus known<br/> +To turn his back upon our Tyrian town.<br/> +Whether ye sail to great Hesperia's shore<br/> +And Saturn's fields, or seek the realms that own<br/> +Acestes' sway, where Eryx reigned of yore, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Safe will I send you hence, and speed you with my store. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Else, would ye settle in this realm, the town<br/> +I build is yours; draw up your ships to land.<br/> +Trojan and Tyrian will I treat as one.<br/> +Would that your king Æneas here could stand,<br/> +Driven by the gale that drove you to this strand!<br/> +Natheless, to scour the country, will I send<br/> +Some trusty messengers, with strict command<br/> +To search through Libya to the furthest end, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lest, cast ashore, through town or lonely wood he wend." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Roused by these words, long since the sire of Troy<br/> +Yearned, like his friend, their comrades to surprise<br/> +And burst the cloud. Then first with eager joy<br/> +"O Goddess-born," the bold Achates cries,<br/> +"How now—what purpose doth thy mind devise?<br/> +Lo! all are safe—ships, comrades brought again;<br/> +One only fails us, who before our eyes<br/> +Sank in the midst of the engulfing main. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +All else confirms the tale thy mother told thee plain." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Scarce had he said, when straight the ambient cloud<br/> +Broke open, melting into day's clear light,<br/> +And bathed in sunshine stood the chief, endowed<br/> +With shape and features most divinely bright.<br/> +For graceful tresses and the purple light<br/> +Of youth did Venus in her child unfold,<br/> +And sprightly lustre breathed upon his sight,<br/> +Beauteous as ivory, or when artists mould +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Silver or Parian stone, enchased in yellow gold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then to the queen, all wondering, he exclaimed,<br/> +"Behold me, Troy's Æneas; I am here,<br/> +The man ye seek, from Libyan waves reclaimed.<br/> +Thou, who alone Troy's sorrows deign'st to hear,<br/> +And us, the gleanings of the Danaan spear,<br/> +Poor world-wide wanderers and in desperate case,<br/> +Hast ta'en to share thy city and thy cheer,<br/> +Meet thanks nor we, nor what of Dardan race +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Yet roams the earth, can give to recompense thy grace. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"The gods, if gods the good and just regard,<br/> +And thy own conscience, that approves the right,<br/> +Grant thee due guerdon and a fit reward.<br/> +What happy ages did thy birth delight?<br/> +What godlike parents bore a child so bright?<br/> +While running rivers hasten to the main,<br/> +While yon pure ether feeds the stars with light,<br/> +While shadows round the hill-slopes wax and wane, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thy fame, where'er I go, thy praises shall remain." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line721"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying Æneas with his left hand pressed<br/> +Serestus, and Ilioneus with his right,<br/> +Brave Gyas, brave Cloanthus and the rest.<br/> +Then Dido, struck with wonder at the sight<br/> +Of one so great and in so strange a plight,<br/> +"O Goddess-born! what fate through dangers sore,<br/> +What force to savage coasts compels thy flight?<br/> +Art thou, then, that Æneas, whom of yore +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Venus on Simois' banks to old Anchises bore? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line730"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ay, well I mind me how in days of yore<br/> +To Sidon exiled <a href="#note1stanza82">Teucer</a> crossed the main,<br/> +To seek new kingdoms and the aid implore<br/> +Of Belus. He, my father Belus, then<br/> +Ruled Cyprus, victor of the wasted plain,<br/> +Since then thy name and Ilion's fate are known,<br/> +And all the princes of Pelasgia's reign.<br/> +Himself, a foe, oft lauded Troy's renown, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And claimed the Teucrian sires as kinsmen of his own. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Welcome, then, heroes! Me hath Fortune willed<br/> +Long tost, like you, through sufferings, here to rest<br/> +And find at length a refuge. Not unskilled<br/> +In woe, I learn to succour the distrest."<br/> +So to the palace she escorts her guest,<br/> +And calls for festal honours in the shrine.<br/> +Then shoreward sends beeves twenty to the rest,<br/> +A hundred boars, of broad and bristly chine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A hundred lambs and ewes and gladdening gifts of wine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile with regal splendour they arrayed<br/> +The palace-hall, where feast and banquet high<br/> +All in the centre of the space is laid,<br/> +And forth they bring the broidered tapestry,<br/> +With purple dyed and wrought full cunningly.<br/> +The tables groan with silver; there are told<br/> +The deeds of prowess for the gazer's eye,<br/> +A long, long series, of their sires of old, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Traced from the nation's birth, and graven in the gold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But good Æneas—for a father's care<br/> +No rest allows him—to the ships sends down<br/> +Achates, to Ascanius charged to bear<br/> +The welcome news, and bring him to the town.<br/> +The father's fondness centres on the son.<br/> +Rich presents, too, he sends for, saved of old<br/> +From Troy, a veil, whose saffron edges shone<br/> +Fringed with acanthus, glorious to behold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A broidered mantle, stiff with figures wrought in gold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Fair Helen's ornaments, from Argos brought,<br/> +The gift of Leda, when the Trojan shore<br/> +And lawless nuptials o'er the waves she sought.<br/> +Therewith the royal sceptre, which of yore<br/> +Ilione, Priam's eldest daughter, bore;<br/> +Her shining necklace, strung with costly beads,<br/> +And diadem, rimmed with gold and studded o'er<br/> +With sparkling gems. Thus charged, Achates heeds, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And towards the ships forthwith in eager haste proceeds. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line775"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But crafty Cytherea planned meanwhile<br/> +New arts, new schemes,—that Cupid should conspire,<br/> +In likeness of Ascanius, to beguile<br/> +The queen with gifts, and kindle fierce desire,<br/> +And turn the marrow of her bones to fire.<br/> +Fierce Juno's hatred rankles in her breast;<br/> +The two-faced house, the double tongues of Tyre<br/> +She fears, and with the night returns unrest; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So now to wingèd Love this mandate she addressed: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O son, sole source of all my strength and power,<br/> +Who durst high Jove's Typhoean bolts disdain,<br/> +To thee I fly, thy deity implore.<br/> +Thou know'st, who oft hast sorrowed with my pain,<br/> +How, tost by Juno's rancour, o'er the main<br/> +Thy brother wanders. Him with speeches fair<br/> +And sweet allurements doth the queen detain;<br/> +But Juno's hospitality I fear; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Scarce at an hour like this will she her hand forbear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Soft snares I purpose round the queen to weave,<br/> +And wrap her soul in flames, that power malign<br/> +Shall never change her, but her heart shall cleave<br/> +Fast to Æneas with a love like mine.<br/> +Now learn, how best to compass my design.<br/> +To Tyrian Carthage hastes the princely boy,<br/> +Prompt at the summons of his sire divine,<br/> +My prime solicitude, my chiefest joy, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fraught with brave store of gifts, saved from the flames of Troy. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Him on Idalia, lulled into a dream,<br/> +Will I secrete, or on the sacred height<br/> +Of lone Cythera, lest he learn the scheme,<br/> +Or by his sudden presence mar the sleight.<br/> +Take thou his likeness, only for a night,<br/> +And wear the boyish features that are thine;<br/> +And when the queen, in rapture of delight,<br/> +Amid the royal banquet and the wine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shall lock thee in her arms, and press her lips to thine, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then steal into her bosom, and inspire<br/> +Through all her veins with unsuspected sleight<br/> +The poisoned sting of passion and desire."<br/> +Young Love obeys, and doffs his plumage light,<br/> +And, like Iulus, trips forth with delight.<br/> +She o'er Ascanius rains a soft repose,<br/> +And gently bears him to Idalia's height,<br/> +Where breathing marjoram around him throws +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sweet shade, and odorous flowers his slumbering limbs compose. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza92"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forth Cupid, at his mother's word, repairs,<br/> +And merrily, for brave Achates led,<br/> +The royal presents to the Tyrians bears.<br/> +There, under gorgeous curtains, at the head<br/> +Sate Dido, throned upon a golden bed.<br/> +There, flocking in, the Trojans and their King<br/> +Recline on purple coverlets outspread.<br/> +Bread, heaped in baskets, the attendants bring, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +820 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Towels with smooth-shorn nap, and water from the spring. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza93"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Within are fifty maidens, charged with care<br/> +To dress the food, and nurse the flames divine.<br/> +A hundred more, and youths like-aged, prepare<br/> +To load the tables and arrange the wine.<br/> +There, entering too, on broidered seats recline<br/> +The Tyrians, crowding through the festive court.<br/> +They praise the boy, his glowing looks divine,<br/> +The words he feigned, the royal gifts he brought, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +829 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The robe, the saffron veil with bright acanthus wrought. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza94"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Doomed to devouring Love, the hapless queen<br/> +Burns as she gazes, with insatiate fire,<br/> +Charmed by his presents and his youthful mien:<br/> +He, fondly clinging to his fancied sire,<br/> +Gave all the love that parents' hearts desire,<br/> +Then seeks the queen. She, fixing on the boy<br/> +Her eyes, her soul, impatient to admire,<br/> +Now, fondling, folds him to her lap with joy; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +838 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Weetless, alas! what god is plotting to destroy. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza95"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +True to his Paphian mother, trace by trace,<br/> +Slowly the Love-god with prevenient art,<br/> +Begins the lost Sychæus to efface,<br/> +And living passion to a breast impart<br/> +Long dead to feeling, and a vacant heart.<br/> +Now, hushed the banquet and the tables all<br/> +Removed, huge wine-bowls for each guest apart<br/> +They wreathe with flowers. The noise of festival +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +847 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Rings through the spacious courts, and rolls along the hall. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza96"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, blazing from the gilded roof, are seen<br/> +Bright lamps, and torches turn the night to day.<br/> +Now for the ponderous goblet called the Queen,<br/> +Of jewelled gold, which Belus used and they<br/> +Of Belus' line, and poured the wine straightway,<br/> +And prayed, while silence filled the crowded hall:<br/> +"Great Jove, the host's lawgiver, bless this day<br/> +To these my Tyrians and the Trojans all. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +856 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Long may our children's sons this solemn feast recall. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book1line865"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza97"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Come, jolly <a href="#note1stanza97">Bacchus,</a> giver of delight;<br/> +Kind Juno, come; and ye with fair accord<br/> +And friendly spirit hold the feast aright."<br/> +So spake the Queen, and on the festal board<br/> +The prime libation to the gods outpoured,<br/> +Then lightly to her lips the goblet pressed,<br/> +And gave to Bitias. Challenged by the word,<br/> +He dived into the brimming gold with zest, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +865 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And quaffed the foaming bowl, and after him, the rest. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza98"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +His golden lyre long-haired Iopas tunes,<br/> +And sings what Atlas taught in loftiest strain;<br/> +The suns' eclipses and the changing moons,<br/> +Whence man and beast, whence lightning and the rain,<br/> +Arcturus, watery Hyads and the Wain;<br/> +What causes make the winter nights so long,<br/> +Why sinks the sun so quickly in the main;<br/> +All this he sings, and ravished at the song, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +874 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Tyrians and Trojan guests the loud applause prolong. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book1stanza99"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With various talk the night poor Dido wore,<br/> +And drank deep love, and nursed her inward flame,<br/> +Of Priam much she asks, of Hector more,<br/> +Now in what arms Aurora's offspring came,<br/> +Of Diomede's horses and Achilles' fame.<br/> +"Tell me," she says, "thy wanderings; stranger, come,<br/> +Thy friends' mishaps and Danaan wiles proclaim;<br/> +For seven long summers now have seen thee roam +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +883 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +O'er every land and sea, far from thy native home." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>BOOK TWO</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>Æneas' story.—The Greeks, baffled in battle, built a wooden horse, +in which their leaders took ambush. Their fleet sailed to Tenedos. +The Trojans, but for Capys and Laocoon, had dragged the horse +forthwith as a trophy into Troy (<a href="#book2line1">1-72</a>). Sinon, a Greek, brought +before Priam, feigns righteous indignation against Greece. The +Trojans sympathise and believe his story of wrongs done him by Ulysses +(<a href="#book2line73">73-126</a>). "When Greek plans of flight had often," says Sinon, "been +foiled by storms, oracles foretold that only a human sacrifice could +purchase their escape." Chosen for victim, Sinon had fled. He +solemnly declares the horse to be an offering to Pallas. "Destroy +it, and you are lost. Preserve it in your citadel, your revenge is +assured" (<a href="#book2line127">127-222</a>). Treachery triumphs. Laocoon's cruel fate is +ascribed to his sacrilegious attack upon the horse, which is brought +with rejoicing into Troy, despite a last warning, from Cassandra +(<a href="#book2line217">223-288</a>). While Troy sleeps, the fleet returns, and Sinon releases +the Greeks from the horse (<a href="#book2line289">289-315</a>). Hector's wraith warns Æneas +in a dream to flee with the sacred vessels and images (<a href="#book2line316">316-351</a>), and +Panthus brings news of Sinon's treachery. The city is in flames. +Æneas heads a forlorn hope of rescue (<a href="#book2line352">352-441</a>). He and his followers +exchange armour with certain Greeks slain in the darkness. The ruse +succeeds until they are taken for enemies by their friends. The +Greeks rally. The Trojans scatter. At Priam's palace a last stand +is made, but Pyrrhus forces the great gates, and the defenders are +massacred (<a href="#book2line442">442-603</a>). Priam's fate.—The sight of his headless corpse +draws Æneas' thoughts to his own father's danger. Hastening +homewards he espies Helen, and is pausing to take vengeance and her +life, when (<a href="#book2line604">604-711</a>) Venus intervening opens his eyes to see the gods +aiding the Greeks (<a href="#book2line712">712-756</a>). Æneas regains his home. Anchises +obstinately refuses to flee, until a halo is seen about the head of +Ascanius (<a href="#book2line757">757-828</a>), whereupon he accepts the omen and yields. The +escape.—In a sudden panic Creusa is lost (<a href="#book2line829">829-900</a>). Æneas, at peril +of his life, is seeking her throughout the city, when her wraith +appears and bids him away. "She is dead in Troytown: in Italy empire +awaits him." She vanishes: day dawns: and Æneas, with Anchises and +the surviving Trojans, flees to the hills (<a href="#book2line901">901-972</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book2line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +All hushed intent, when from his lofty seat<br/> +Troy's sire began, "O queen, a tale too true,<br/> +Too sad for words, thou biddest me repeat;<br/> +How Ilion perished, and the Danaan crew<br/> +Her power and all her wailful realm o'erthrew:<br/> +The woes I saw, thrice piteous to behold,<br/> +And largely shared. What Myrmidon, or who<br/> +Of stern Ulysses' warriors can withhold +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +His tears, to tell such things, as thou would'st have re-told? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And now already from the heaven's high steep<br/> +The dewy night wheels down, and sinking slow,<br/> +The stars are gently wooing us to sleep.<br/> +But, if thy longing be so great to know<br/> +The tale of Troy's last agony and woe,<br/> +The toils we suffered, though my heart doth ache,<br/> +And grief would fain the memory forego<br/> +Of scenes so sad, yet, Lady, for thy sake +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +I will begin,"—and thus the sire of Troy outspake; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Broken by war, long baffled by the force<br/> +Of fate, as fortune and their hopes decline,<br/> +The Danaan leaders build a monstrous horse,<br/> +Huge as a hill, by Pallas' craft divine,<br/> +And cleft fir-timbers in the ribs entwine.<br/> +They feign it vowed for their return, so goes<br/> +The tale, and deep within the sides of pine<br/> +And caverns of the womb by stealth enclose +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Armed men, a chosen band, drawn as the lots dispose. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"In sight of Troy lies Tenedos, an isle<br/> +Renowned and rich, while Priam held command,<br/> +Now a mere bay and roadstead fraught with guile.<br/> +Thus far they sailed, and on the lonely strand<br/> +Lay hid, while fondly to Mycenæ's land<br/> +We thought the winds had borne them. Troy once more<br/> +Shakes off her ten years' sorrow. Open stand<br/> +The gates. With joy to the abandoned shore, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The places bare of foes, the Dorian lines we pour. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Here camped the brave Dolopians, there was set<br/> +The tent of fierce Achilles; yonder lay<br/> +The fleet, and here the rival armies met<br/> +And mingled. Some with wonder and dismay<br/> +The maid Minerva's fatal gift survey.<br/> +Then first Thymætes cries aloud, to go<br/> +And through the gates the monstrous horse convey<br/> +And lodge it in the citadel. E'en so +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +His fraud or Troy's dark fates were working for our woe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But Capys and the rest, of sounder mind,<br/> +Urge us to tumble in the rolling tide<br/> +The doubtful gift, for treachery designed,<br/> +Or burn with fire, or pierce the hollow side,<br/> +And probe the caverns where the Danaans hide.<br/> +Thus while they waver and, perplext with doubt,<br/> +Urge diverse counsels, and in parts divide,<br/> +Lo, from the citadel, foremost of a rout, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Breathless Laocoon runs, and from afar cries out; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Ah! wretched townsmen! do ye think the foe<br/> +Gone, or that guileless are their gifts? O blind<br/> +With madness! <i>Thus</i> Ulysses do ye know?<br/> +Or Grecians in these timbers lurk confined,<br/> +Or 'tis some engine of assault, designed<br/> +To breach the walls, and lay our houses bare,<br/> +And storm the town. Some mischief lies behind.<br/> +Trust not the horse, ye Teucrians. Whatso'er +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +This means, I fear the Greeks, for all the gifts they bear.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So saying, his mighty spear, with all his force,<br/> +Full at the flank against the ribs he drave,<br/> +And pierced the bellying framework of the horse.<br/> +Quivering, it stood; the hollow chambers gave<br/> +A groan, that echoed from the womb's dark cave,<br/> +Then, but for folly or Fate's adverse power,<br/> +His word had made us with our trusty glaive<br/> +Lay bare the Argive ambush, and this hour +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Should Ilion stand, and thou, O Priam's lofty tower! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line73"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Lo, now to Priam, with exulting cries,<br/> +The Dardan shepherds drag a youth unknown,<br/> +With hands fast pinioned, and in captive guise.<br/> +Caught on the way, by cunning of his own,<br/> +This end to compass, and betray the town.<br/> +Prepared for either venture, void of fear,<br/> +The crafty purpose of his mind to crown,<br/> +Or meet sure death. Around, from far and near, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Trojans throng, and vie the captive youth to jeer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Mark now the Danaans' cunning; from one wrong<br/> +Learn all. As, scared the Phrygian ranks to see,<br/> +Confused, unarmed, amid the gazing throng,<br/> +He stood, 'Alas! what spot on earth or sea<br/> +Is left,' he cried, 'to shield a wretch like me,<br/> +Whom Dardans seek in punishment to kill,<br/> +And Greeks disown?'—Touched by his tearful plea,<br/> +We asked his race, what tidings, good or ill, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +He brings, for hope, perchance, may cheer a captive still. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then he, at length his show of fear laid by,<br/> +'Great King, all truly will I own, whate'er<br/> +The issue, nor my Argive race deny.<br/> +This first; if fortune, spiteful and unfair,<br/> +Hath made poor Sinon wretched, fortune ne'er<br/> +Shall make me false or faithless;—if the name<br/> +Of Palamedes thou hast chanced to hear,<br/> +Old Belus' progeny, if ever came +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To thee or thine in talk the rumour of his fame, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Whom, pure of guilt, on charges false and feigned,<br/> +Wroth that his sentence should the war prevent,<br/> +By perjured witnesses the Greeks arraigned,<br/> +And doomed to die, but now his death lament,<br/> +His kinsman, by a needy father sent,<br/> +With him in boyhood to the war I came,<br/> +And while in plenitude of power he went,<br/> +And high in princely counsels waxed his fame, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +I too could boast of credit and a noble name. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'But when, through sly Ulysses' envious hate,<br/> +He left the light,—alas! the tale ye know,—<br/> +Stricken, I mused indignant on his fate,<br/> +And dragged my days in solitude and woe,<br/> +Nor in my madness kept my purpose low,<br/> +But vowed, if e'er should happier chance invite,<br/> +And bring me home a conqueror, even so<br/> +My comrade's death with vengeance to requite. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +My words aroused his wrath; thence evil's earliest blight; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Thenceforth Ulysses sought with slanderous tongue<br/> +To daunt me, scattering in the people's ear<br/> +Dark hints, and looked for partners of his wrong:<br/> +Nor rested, till with Calchas' aid, the seer—<br/> +But why the thankless story should ye hear?<br/> +Why stay your hand? If Grecians in your sight<br/> +Are all alike, ye know enough; take here<br/> +Your vengeance. Dearly will my death delight +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ulysses, well the deed will Atreus' sons requite.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line127"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then, all unknowing of Pelasgian art<br/> +And crimes so huge, the story we demand,<br/> +And falteringly the traitor plays his part.<br/> +'Oft, wearied by the war, the Danaans planned<br/> +To leave—and oh! had they but left—the land.<br/> +As oft, to daunt them, in the act to fly,<br/> +Storms lashed the deep, and Southern gales withstand,<br/> +And louder still, when towered the horse on high +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With maple timbers, pealed the thunder through the sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'In doubt, we bade Eurypylus explore<br/> +Apollo's oracle, and back he brought<br/> +The dismal news: <i>With blood, a maiden's gore,<br/> +Ye stilled the winds, when Trojan shores ye sought.<br/> +With blood again must your return be bought;<br/> +An Argive victim doth the God demand.</i><br/> +Full fast the rumour 'mong the people wrought;<br/> +Cold horror chills us, and aghast we stand; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whom doth Apollo claim, whose death the Fates demand? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Then straight Ulysses, 'mid tumultuous cries,<br/> +Drags Calchas forth, and bids the seer unfold<br/> +The dark and doubtful meaning of the skies.<br/> +Many e'en then the schemer's crime foretold,<br/> +And, silent, saw my destiny unrolled.<br/> +Ten days the seer, as shrinking to reply<br/> +Or name a victim, did the doom withhold;<br/> +Then, forced by false Ulysses' clamorous cry, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Spake the concerted word, and sentenced me to die. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'All praised the sentence, pleased that one alone<br/> +Should suffer, glad that one poor wretch should bear<br/> +The doom that each had dreaded for his own.<br/> +The fatal day was come; the priests prepare<br/> +The salted meal, the fillets for my hair.<br/> +I fled, 'tis true, and saved my life by flight,<br/> +Bursting my bonds in frenzy of despair,<br/> +And hidden in a marish lay that night, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Waiting till they should sail, if sail, perchance, they might. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'No hope have I my ancient fatherland,<br/> +Or darling boys, or long-lost sire to see,<br/> +Whom now perchance, the Danaans will demand,<br/> +Poor souls! for vengeance, and their death decree,<br/> +To purge my crime, in daring to be free.<br/> +O by the gods, who know the just and true,<br/> +By faith unstained,—if any such there be,—<br/> +With mercy deign such miseries to view; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pity a soul that toils with evils all undue.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So, moved at length to pity by his tears,<br/> +We spare him. Priam bids the cords unbind,<br/> +And thus with friendly words the captive cheers;<br/> +'Whoe'er thou art, henceforward blot from mind<br/> +The Greeks, and leave thy miseries behind.<br/> +Ours shalt thou be; but mark, and tell me now,<br/> +What means this monster, for what use designed?<br/> +Some warlike engine? or religious vow? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Who planned the steed, and why? Come, quick, the truth avow.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then schooled in cunning and Pelasgian sleights,<br/> +His hands unshackled to the stars he spread;<br/> +'Ye powers inviolate, ever-burning lights!<br/> +Ye ruthless swords and altars, which I fled,<br/> +Ye sacred fillets, that adorned my head!<br/> +Freed is my oath, and I am free to lay<br/> +Their secrets bare, and wish the Danaans dead.<br/> +Thou, Troy, preserved, to Sinon faithful stay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +If true the tale I tell, if large the price I pay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line190"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'All hopes on Pallas, since the war begun,<br/> +All trust was stayed. But when Ulysses, fain<br/> +To weave new crimes, with Tydeus' impious son<br/> +Dragged the <a href="#note2stanza22">Palladium</a> from her sacred fane,<br/> +And, on the citadel the warders slain,<br/> +Upon the virgin's image dared to lay<br/> +Red hands of slaughter, and her wreaths profane,<br/> +Hope ebbed and failed them from that fatal day, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Danaans' strength grew weak, the goddess turned away. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'No dubious signs Tritonia's wrath declared.<br/> +Scarce stood her image in the camp, when bright<br/> +With flickering flames her staring eyeballs glared.<br/> +Salt sweat ran down her; thrice, a wondrous sight!<br/> +With shield and quivering spear she sprang upright.<br/> +"Back o'er the deep," cries Calchas; "nevermore<br/> +Shall Argives hope to quell the Trojan might,<br/> +Till, homeward borne, new omens ye implore, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And win the blessing back, which o'er the waves ye bore." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'So now to Argos are they gone, to gain<br/> +Fresh help from heaven, and hither by surprise<br/> +Shall come once more, remeasuring the main.<br/> +Thus Calchas warned them; by his words made wise<br/> +This steed, for stol'n Palladium, they devise,<br/> +To soothe the outrag'd goddess. Tall and great,<br/> +With huge oak-timbers mounting to the skies,<br/> +They build the monster, lest it pass the gate, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And like Palladium stand, the bulwark of the State. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line217"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'"Once had your hands," said Calchas, "dared profane<br/> +Minerva's gift, dire plagues" (which Heaven forestall<br/> +Or turn on him) "should Priam's realm sustain;<br/> +But if by Trojan aid it scaled your wall,<br/> +Proud Asia then should Pelops' sons enthrall,<br/> +And children rue the folly of the sire."'<br/> +His arts gave credence, and forced tears withal<br/> +Snared us, whom Diomede, nor Achilles dire, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor thousand ships subdued, nor ten years' war could tire. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"A greater yet and ghastlier sign remained<br/> +Our heedless hearts to terrify anew.<br/> +Laocoon, Neptune's priest, by lot ordained,<br/> +A stately bull before the altar slew,<br/> +When lo!—the tale I shudder to pursue,—<br/> +From Tenedos in silence, side by side,<br/> +Two monstrous serpents, horrible to view,<br/> +With coils enormous leaning on the tide, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shoreward, with even stretch, the tranquil sea divide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Their breasts erect they rear amid the deep,<br/> +Their blood-red crests above the surface shine,<br/> +Their hinder parts along the waters sweep,<br/> +Trailed in huge coils and many a tortuous twine;<br/> +Lashed into foam, behind them roars the brine;<br/> +Now, gliding onward to the beach, ere long<br/> +They gain the fields, and rolling bloodshot eyne<br/> +That blaze with fire, the monsters move along, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And lick their hissing jaws, and dart a flickering tongue. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Pale at the sight we fly; unswerving, these<br/> +Glide on and seek Laocoon. First, entwined<br/> +In stringent folds, his two young sons they seize,<br/> +With cruel fangs their tortured limbs to grind.<br/> +Then, as with arms he comes to aid, they bind<br/> +In giant grasp the father. Twice, behold,<br/> +Around his waist the horrid volumes wind,<br/> +Twice round his neck their scaly backs are rolled, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +High over all their heads and glittering crests unfold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Both hands are labouring the fierce knots to pull;<br/> +Black gore and slime his sacred wreaths distain.<br/> +Loud are his moans, as when a wounded bull<br/> +Shakes from his neck the faltering axe and, fain<br/> +To fly the cruel altars, roars in pain.<br/> +But lo! the serpents to Tritonia's seat<br/> +Glide from their victim, till the shrine they gain,<br/> +And, coiled beside the goddess, at her feet, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Behind her sheltering shield with gathered orbs retreat. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Fresh wonder seized us, and we shook with fear.<br/> +All say, that justly had Laocoon died,<br/> +And paid fit penalty, whose guilty spear<br/> +Profaned the steed and pierced the sacred side.<br/> +'On with the image to its home,' they cried,<br/> +'And pray the Goddess to avert our woe';<br/> +We breach the walls, and ope the town inside.<br/> +All set to work, and to the feet below +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fix wheels, and hempen ropes around the neck they throw. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Mounting the walls, the monster moves along,<br/> +Teeming with arms. Boys, maidens joy around<br/> +To touch the ropes, and raise the festive song.<br/> +Onward it came, smooth-sliding on the ground,<br/> +And, beetling, o'er the midmost city frowned.<br/> +O native land! O Ilion, now betrayed!<br/> +Blest home of deities, in war renowned!<br/> +Four times beside the very gate 'twas stayed; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Four times within the womb the armour clashed and brayed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line280"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But heedless, blind with frenzy, one and all<br/> +Up to the sacred citadel we strain,<br/> +And there the ill-omened prodigy install.<br/> +E'en then—alas! to Trojan ears in vain—<br/> +<a href="#note2stanza32">Cassandra</a> sang, and told in utterance plain<br/> +The coming doom. We, sunk in careless joy,<br/> +Poor souls! with festive garlands deck each fane,<br/> +And through the town in revelry employ +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The day decreed our last, the dying hours of Troy! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line289"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And now the heaven rolled round. From ocean rushed<br/> +The Night, and wrapt in shadow earth and air<br/> +And Myrmidonian wiles. In silence hushed,<br/> +The Trojans through the city here and there,<br/> +Outstretched in sleep, their weary limbs repair.<br/> +Meanwhile from neighbouring Tenedos once more,<br/> +Beneath the tranquil moonbeam's friendly care,<br/> +With ordered ships, along the deep sea-floor, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Back came the Argive host, and sought the well-known shore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Forth from the royal galley sprang the flame,<br/> +When Sinon, screened by partial Fate, withdrew<br/> +The bolts and barriers of the pinewood frame,<br/> +And from its inmost caverns, bared to view,<br/> +The fatal horse disgorged the Danaan crew.<br/> +With joy from out the hollow wood they bound;<br/> +First, dire Ulysses, with his captains two,<br/> +Thessander bold and Sthenelus renowned, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Down by a pendent rope come sliding to the ground. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line307"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then Thoas comes; and Acamas, athirst<br/> +For blood; and <a href="#note2stanza35">Neoptolemus,</a> the heir<br/> +Of mighty Peleus; and Machaon first;<br/> +And Menelaus; and himself is there,<br/> +Epeus, framer of the fatal snare.<br/> +Now, stealing forward, on the town they fall,<br/> +Buried in wine and sleep, the guards o'erbear,<br/> +And ope the gates; their comrades at the call +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pour in and, joining bands, all muster by the wall. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line316"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Twas now the time, when on tired mortals crept<br/> +First slumber, sweetest that celestials pour.<br/> +Methought I saw poor Hector, as I slept,<br/> +All bathed in tears and black with dust and gore,<br/> +Dragged by the chariot and his swoln feet sore<br/> +With piercing thongs. Ah me! how sad to view,<br/> +How changed from him, that Hector, whom of yore<br/> +Returning with Achilles' spoils we knew, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +When on the ships of Greece his Phrygian fires he threw. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Foul is his beard, his hair is stiff with gore,<br/> +And fresh the wounds, those many wounds, remain,<br/> +Which erst around his native walls he bore.<br/> +Then, weeping too, I seem in sorrowing strain<br/> +To hail the hero, with a voice of pain.<br/> +'O light of Troy, our refuge! why and how<br/> +This long delay? Whence comest thou again,<br/> +Long-looked-for Hector? How with aching brow, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Worn out by toil and death, do we behold thee now! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'But oh! what dire indignity hath marred<br/> +The calmness of thy features? Tell me, why<br/> +With ghastly wounds do I behold thee scarred?'<br/> +To such vain quest he cared not to reply,<br/> +But, heaving from his breast a deep-drawn sigh,<br/> +'Fly, Goddess-born! and get thee from the fire!<br/> +The foes,' he said, 'are on the ramparts. Fly!<br/> +All Troy is tumbling from her topmost spire. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +No more can Priam's land, nor Priam's self require. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Could Troy be saved by mortal prowess, mine,<br/> +Yea, mine had saved her. To thy guardian care<br/> +She doth her Gods and ministries consign.<br/> +Take them, thy future destinies to share,<br/> +And seek for them another home elsewhere,<br/> +That mighty city, which for thee and thine<br/> +O'er traversed ocean shall the Fates prepare.'<br/> +He spake, and quickly snatched from Vesta's shrine +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The deathless fire and wreaths and effigy divine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line352"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Meanwhile a mingled murmur through the street<br/> +Rolls onward,—wails of anguish, shrieks of fear,<br/> +And though my father's mansion stood secrete,<br/> +Embowered in foliage, nearer and more near<br/> +Peals the dire clang of arms, and loud and clear,<br/> +Borne on fierce echoes that in tumult blend,<br/> +War-shout and wail come thickening on the ear.<br/> +I start from sleep, the parapet ascend, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And from the sloping roof with eager ears attend. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Like as a fire, when Southern gusts are rude,<br/> +Falls on the standing harvest of the plain,<br/> +Or torrent, hurtling with a mountain flood,<br/> +Whelms field and oxens' toil and smiling grain,<br/> +And rolls whole forests headlong to the main,<br/> +While, weetless of the noise, on neighbouring height,<br/> +Tranced in mute wonder, stands the listening swain,<br/> +Then, then I see that Hector's words were right, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And all the Danaan wiles are naked to the light. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line370"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And now, Deiphobus, thy halls of pride,<br/> +Bowed by the flames, come ruining through the air;<br/> +Next burn Ucalegon's, and far and wide<br/> +The broad <a href="#note2stanza42">Sigean</a> reddens with the glare.<br/> +Then come the clamour and the trumpet's blare.<br/> +Madly I rush to arms; though vain the fight,<br/> +Yet burns my soul, in fury and despair,<br/> +To rally a handful and to hold the height: +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sweet seems a warrior's death and danger a delight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Lo, Panthus, flying from the Grecian bands,<br/> +Panthus, the son of Othrys, Phoebus' seer,<br/> +Bearing the sacred vessels in his hands,<br/> +And vanquished home-gods, to the door draws near,<br/> +His grandchild clinging to his side in fear.<br/> +'Panthus,' I cry, 'how fares the fight? what tower<br/> +Still hold we?'—Sighing, he replies ''Tis here,<br/> +The final end of all the Dardan power, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The last, sad day has come, the inevitable hour. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Troy was, and we were Trojans, now, alas!<br/> +No more, for perished is the Dardan fame.<br/> +Fierce Jove to Argos biddeth all to pass,<br/> +And Danaans rule a city wrapt in flame.<br/> +High in the citadel the monstrous frame<br/> +Pours forth an armed deluge to the day,<br/> +And Sinon, puffed with triumph, spreads the flame.<br/> +Part throng the gates, part block each narrow way; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Such hosts Mycenæ sends, such thousands to the fray. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Athwart the streets stands ready the array<br/> +Of steel, and bare is every blade and bright.<br/> +Scarce the first warders of the gates essay<br/> +To stand and battle in the blinding night.'<br/> +So spake the son of Othrys, and forthright,<br/> +My spirit stirred with impulse from on high,<br/> +I rush to arms amid the flames and fight,<br/> +Where yells the war-fiend and the warrior's cry, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mixt with the din of strife, mounts upward to the sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Here warlike Epytus, renowned in fight,<br/> +And valiant Rhipeus gather to our side,<br/> +And Hypanis and Dymas, matched in might,<br/> +Join with us, by the glimmering moon descried.<br/> +Here Mygdon's son, Coroebus, we espied,<br/> +Who came to Troy,—Cassandra's love to gain,<br/> +And now his troop with Priam's hosts allied;<br/> +Poor youth and heedless! whom in frenzied strain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +His promised bride had warned, but warned, alas! in vain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So when the bold and compact band I see,<br/> +'Brave hearts,' I cry, 'but brave, alas! in vain;<br/> +If firm your purpose holds to follow me<br/> +Who dare the worst, our present plight is plain.<br/> +Troy's guardian gods have left her; altar, fane,<br/> +All is deserted, every temple bare.<br/> +The town ye aid is burning. Forward, then,<br/> +To die and mingle in the tumult's blare. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sole hope to vanquished men of safety is despair.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then fury spurred their courage, and behold,<br/> +As ravening wolves, when darkness hides the day,<br/> +Stung with mad fire of famine uncontrolled,<br/> +Prowl from their dens, and leave the whelps to stay,<br/> +With jaws athirst and gaping for the prey.<br/> +So to sure death, amid the darkness there,<br/> +Where swords, and spears, and foemen bar the way,<br/> +Into the centre of the town we fare. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Night with her shadowy cone broods o'er the vaulted air. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Oh, who hath tears to match our grief withal?<br/> +What tongue that night of havoc can make known<br/> +An ancient city totters to her fall,<br/> +Time-honoured empress and of old renown;<br/> +And senseless corpses, through the city strown,<br/> +Choke house and temple. Nor hath vengeance found<br/> +None save the Trojans; there the victors groan,<br/> +And valour fires the vanquished. All around +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Wailings, and wild affright and shapes of death abound. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line442"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"First of the Greeks approaches, with a crowd,<br/> +Androgeus; friends he deems us unaware,<br/> +And thus, with friendly summons, cries aloud:<br/> +'Haste, comrades, forward; from the fleet ye fare<br/> +With lagging steps but now, while yonder glare<br/> +Troy's towers, and others sack and share the spoils?'<br/> +Then straight—for doubtful was our answer there—<br/> +He knew him taken in the foemen's toils; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shuddering, he checks his voice, and back his foot recoils. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"As one who, in a tangled brake apart,<br/> +On some lithe snake, unheeded in the briar,<br/> +Hath trodden heavily, and with backward start<br/> +Flies, trembling at the head uplift in ire<br/> +And blue neck, swoln in many a glittering spire.<br/> +So slinks Androgeus, shuddering with dismay;<br/> +We, massed in onset, make the foe retire,<br/> +And slay them, wildered, weetless of the way. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fortune, with favouring smile, assists our first essay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Flushed with success and eager for the fray,<br/> +'Friends,' cries Coroebus, 'forward; let us go<br/> +Where Fortune newly smiling, points the way.<br/> +Take we the Danaans' bucklers; with a foe<br/> +Who asks, if craft or courage guide the blow?<br/> +Themselves shall arm us.'—Then he takes the crest,<br/> +The shield and dagger of Androgeus; so<br/> +Doth Rhipeus, so brave Dymas and the rest; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +All in the new-won spoils their eager limbs invest. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thus we, elate, but not with Heaven our friend,<br/> +March on and mingle with the Greeks in fight,<br/> +And many a Danaan to the shades we send,<br/> +And many a battle in the blinding night<br/> +We join with those that meet us. Some in flight<br/> +Rush diverse to the ships and trusty tide;<br/> +Some, craven-hearted, in ignoble fright,<br/> +Make for the horse and, clambering up the side, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Deep in the treacherous womb, their well-known refuge, hide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line478"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ah! vain to boast, if Heaven refuse to aid!<br/> +Dragged by her tresses from Minerva's fane,<br/> +Cassandra comes, the Priameian maid,<br/> +Stretching to heaven her burning eyes in vain,<br/> +Her eyes, for bonds her tender hands constrain.<br/> +That sight Coroebus brooked not. Stung with gall<br/> +And mad with rage, nor fearing to be slain,<br/> +He plunged amid their columns. One and all, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With weapons massed, press on and follow at his call. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line487"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Here first with missiles, from a temple's height<br/> +Hurled by our comrades, we are crushed and slain,<br/> +And piteous is the slaughter, at the sight<br/> +Of Argive helms for Argive foes mista'en.<br/> +Now too, with shouts of fury and disdain<br/> +To see the maiden rescued, here and there<br/> +The Danaans gathering round us, charge amain;<br/> +Fierce-hearted Ajax, the <a href="#note2stanza55">Atridan pair,</a> +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And all Thessalia's host our scanty band o'erbear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line496"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So, when the tempest bursting wakes the war,<br/> +The justling winds in conflict rave and roar,<br/> +South, West and East upon his orient car,<br/> +The lashed woods howl, and with his trident hoar<br/> +<a href="#note2stanza56">Nereus</a> in foam upheaves the watery floor.<br/> +Those too, whom late we scattered through the town,<br/> +Tricked in the darkness, reappear once more.<br/> +At once the falsehood of our guise is known, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The shields, the lying arms, the speech of different tone. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O'erwhelmed with odds, we perish; first of all,<br/> +Struck down by fierce Peneleus by the fane<br/> +Of warlike Pallas, doth Coroebus fall.<br/> +Next, Rhipeus dies, the justest, but in vain,<br/> +The noblest soul of all the Trojan train.<br/> +Heaven deemed him otherwise; then Dymas brave<br/> +And Hypanis by comrades' hands are slain.<br/> +Nor, Panthus, thee thy piety can save, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor e'en Apollo's wreath preserve thee from the grave. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Witness, ye ashes of our comrades dear,<br/> +Ye flames of Troy, that in your hour of woe<br/> +Nor darts I shunned, nor shock of Danaan spear.<br/> +If Fate my life had called me to forego,<br/> +This hand had earned it, forfeit to the foe.<br/> +Thence forced away, brave Iphitus, and I,<br/> +And Pelias,—Iphitus with age was slow,<br/> +And Pelias by Ulysses lamed—we fly +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Where round the palace rings the war-shout's rallying cry. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"There raged a fight so fierce, as though no fight<br/> +Raged elsewhere, nor the city streamed with gore.<br/> +We see the War-God glorying in his might;<br/> +Up to the roof we see the Danaans pour;<br/> +Their shielded penthouse drives against the door.<br/> +Close cling their ladders to the walls; these, fain<br/> +To clutch the doorposts, climb from floor to floor,<br/> +Their right hands strive the battlements to gain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Their left with lifted shield the arrowy storm sustain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"There, roof and pinnacle the Dardans tear—<br/> +Death standing near—and hurl them on the foe,<br/> +Last arms of need, the weapons of despair;<br/> +And gilded beams and rafters down they throw,<br/> +Ancestral ornaments of days ago.<br/> +These, stationed at the gates, with naked glaive,<br/> +Shoulder to shoulder, guard the pass below.<br/> +Hearts leap afresh the royal halls to save, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And cheer our vanquished friends and reinspire the brave. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line541"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Behind the palace, unobserved and free,<br/> +There stood a door, a secret thoroughfare<br/> +Through Priam's halls. Here poor <a href="#note2stanza61">Andromache</a><br/> +While Priam's kingdom flourished and was fair,<br/> +To greet her husband's parents would repair<br/> +Alone, or carrying with tendance fain<br/> +To Hector's father Hector's son and heir.<br/> +By this I reached the roof-top, whence in vain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The luckless Teucrians hurled their unavailing rain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Sheer o'er the highest roof-top to the sky,<br/> +Skirting the parapet, a watch-tower rose,<br/> +Whence camp and fleet and city met the eye.<br/> +Here plying levers, where the flooring shows<br/> +Weak joists, we heave it over. Down it goes<br/> +With sudden crash upon the Danaan train,<br/> +Dealing wide ruin. But anon new foes<br/> +Come swarming up, while ever and again +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fast fall the showers of stones, and thick the javelins rain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line559"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Just on the threshold of the porch, behold<br/> +Fierce <a href="#note2stanza63">Pyrrhus</a> stands, in glittering brass bedight:<br/> +As when a snake, that through the winter's cold<br/> +Lay swoln and hidden in the ground from sight,<br/> +Gorged with rank herbs, forth issues to the light,<br/> +And sleek with shining youth and newly drest,<br/> +Wreathing its slippery volumes, towers upright<br/> +And, glorying, to the sunbeam rears its breast, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And darts a three-forked tongue, and points a flaming crest. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"With him, Achilles' charioteer and squire,<br/> +Automedon, huge Periphas and all<br/> +The Scyrian youth rush up, and flaming fire<br/> +Hurl to the roof, and thunder at the wall.<br/> +He in the forefront, tallest of the tall,<br/> +Poleaxe in hand, unhinging at a stroke<br/> +The brazen portals, made the doorway fall,<br/> +And wide-mouthed as a window, through the oak, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A panelled plank hewn out, a yawning rent he broke. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Bared stands the inmost palace, and behold,<br/> +The stately chambers and the courts appear<br/> +Of Priam and the Trojan Kings of old,<br/> +And warders at the door with shield and spear.<br/> +Moaning and tumult in the house we hear,<br/> +Wailings of misery, and shouts that smite<br/> +The golden stars, and women's shrieks of fear,<br/> +And trembling matrons, hurrying left and right, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Cling to and kiss the doors, made frantic by affright. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Strong as his father, Pyrrhus onward pushed,<br/> +Nor bars nor warders can his strength sustain.<br/> +Down sinks the door, with ceaseless battery crushed.<br/> +Force wins a footing, and, the foremost slain,<br/> +In, like a deluge, pours the Danaan train.<br/> +So when the foaming river, uncontrolled,<br/> +Bursts through its banks and riots on the plain,<br/> +O'er dyke and dam the gathering deluge rolled, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +From field to field sweeps on with cattle, flock and fold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"These eyes saw Pyrrhus, rioting in blood,<br/> +Saw on the threshold the Atridæ twain,<br/> +Saw where among a hundred daughters, stood<br/> +Pale Hecuba, saw Priam's life-blood stain<br/> +The fires his hands had hallowed in the fane.<br/> +Those fifty bridal chambers I behold<br/> +(So fair the promise of a future reign)<br/> +And spoil-deckt pillars of barbaric gold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A wreck; where fails the flame, its place the Danaans hold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line604"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Haply the fate of Priam thou would'st know.<br/> +Soon as he saw the captured city fall,<br/> +The palace-gates burst open, and the foe<br/> +Dealing wild riot in his inmost hall,<br/> +Up sprang the old man and, at danger's call,<br/> +Braced o'er his trembling shoulders in a breath<br/> +His rusty armour, took his belt withal,<br/> +And drew the useless falchion from its sheath, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And on their thronging spears rushed forth to meet his death. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Within the palace, open to the day,<br/> +There stood a massive altar. Overhead,<br/> +With drooping boughs, a venerable bay<br/> +Its shadowy foliage o'er the home-gods spread.<br/> +Here, with her hundred daughters, pale with dread,<br/> +Poor Hecuba and all her female train,<br/> +As doves, that from the low'ring storm have fled,<br/> +And cower for shelter from the pelting rain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Crouch round the silent gods, and cling to them in vain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But when in youthful arms came Priam near,<br/> +'Ah, hapless lord!' she cries, 'what mad desire<br/> +Arms thee for battle? Why this sword and spear?<br/> +And whither art thou hurrying? Times so dire<br/> +Not such defenders nor such help require.<br/> +Not e'en, were Hector here, my Hector's aid<br/> +Could save us. Hither to this shrine retire,<br/> +And share our safety or our death.'—She said, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And to his hallowed seat the aged monarch led. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"See, now, Polites, one of Priam's sons,<br/> +Scarce slipt from Pyrrhus' butchery, and lame,<br/> +Through foes, through darts, along the cloisters runs<br/> +And empty courtyards. At his heels, aflame<br/> +With rage, comes Pyrrhus. Lo, in act to aim,<br/> +Now, now, he clutches him,—a moment more,<br/> +E'en as before his parent's eyes he came,<br/> +The long spear reached him. Prostrate on the floor +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Down falls the hapless youth, and welters in his gore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then Priam, though hemmed with death on every side,<br/> +Spared not his utterance, nor his wrath controlled;<br/> +'To thee, yea, thee, fierce miscreant,' he cried,<br/> +'May Heaven,—if Heaven with righteous eyes behold<br/> +So foul an outrage and a deed so bold,<br/> +Ne'er fail a fitting guerdon to ordain,<br/> +Nor worthy quittance for thy crime withhold,<br/> +Whose hand hath made me see my darling slain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And dared with filial blood a father's eyes profane. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Not so Achilles, whom thy lying tongue<br/> +Would feign thy father; like a foeman brave,<br/> +He scorned a suppliant's rights and trust to wrong,<br/> +And sent me home in safety,—ay, and gave<br/> +My Hector's lifeless body to the grave.'<br/> +The old man spoke and, with a feeble throw,<br/> +At Pyrrhus with a harmless dart he drave.<br/> +The jarring metal blunts it, and below +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The shield-boss, down it hangs, and foils the purposed blow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Go then,' cries Pyrrhus, 'with thy tale of woe<br/> +To dead Pelides, and thy plaints outpour.<br/> +To him, my father, in the shades below,<br/> +These deeds of his degenerate son deplore;<br/> +Now die!'—So speaking, to the shrine he tore<br/> +The aged Priam, trembling with affright,<br/> +And feebly sliding in his son's warm gore.<br/> +The left hand twists his hoary locks; the right +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Deep in his side drives home the falchion, bared and bright. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Such close had Priam's fortunes; so his days<br/> +Were finished, such the bitter end he found,<br/> +Now doomed by Fate with dying eyes to gaze<br/> +On Troy in flames and ruin all around,<br/> +And Pergamus laid level with the ground.<br/> +Lo, he to whom once Asia bowed the knee,<br/> +Proud lord of many peoples, far-renowned,<br/> +Now left to welter by the rolling sea, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A huge and headless trunk, a nameless corpse is he. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line676"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Grim horror seized me, and aghast I stood.<br/> +Uprose the image of my father dear,<br/> +As there I see the monarch, bathed in blood,<br/> +Like him in prowess and in age his peer.<br/> +Uprose <a href="#note2stanza76">Creusa,</a> desolate and drear,<br/> +<a href="#note2stanza76">Iulus'</a> peril, and a plundered home.<br/> +I look around for comrades; none are near.<br/> +Some o'er the battlements leapt headlong, some +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sank fainting in the flames; the final hour was come. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line685"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"I stood alone, when lo, in Vesta's fane<br/> +I see <a href="#note2stanza77">Tyndarean Helen,</a> crouching down.<br/> +Bright shone the blaze around me, as in vain<br/> +I tracked my comrades through the burning town.<br/> +There, mute, and, as the traitress deemed, unknown,<br/> +Dreading the Danaan's vengeance, and the sword<br/> +Of Trojans, wroth for Pergamus o'erthrown,<br/> +Dreading the anger of her injured lord, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sat Troy's and Argos' fiend, twice hateful and abhorred. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then, fired with passion and revenge, I burn<br/> +To quit Troy's downfall and exact the fee<br/> +Such crimes deserve. Sooth, then, shall <i>she</i> return<br/> +To Sparta and Mycenæ, ay, and see<br/> +Home, husband, sons and parents, safe and free,<br/> +With Ilian wives and Phrygians in her train,<br/> +A queen, in pride of triumph? Shall this be,<br/> +And Troy have blazed and Priam's self been slain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Trojan blood so oft have soaked the Dardan plain? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Not so; though glory wait not on the act;<br/> +Though poor the praise, and barren be the gain,<br/> +Vengeance on feeble woman to exact,<br/> +Yet praised hereafter shall his name remain,<br/> +Who purges earth of such a monstrous stain.<br/> +Sweet is the passion of vindictive joy,<br/> +Sweet is the punishment, where just the pain,<br/> +Sweet the fierce ardour of revenge to cloy, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And slake with Dardan blood the funeral flames of Troy. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line712"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So mused I, blind with anger, when in light<br/> +Apparent, never so refulgent seen,<br/> +My mother dawned irradiate on the night,<br/> +Confessed a Goddess, such her form, and mien<br/> +And starry stature of celestial sheen.<br/> +With her right hand she grasped me from above,<br/> +And thus with roseate lips: 'O son, what mean<br/> +These transports? Say, what bitter grief doth move +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thy soul to rage untamed? Where vanished is thy love? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Wilt thou not see, if yet thy sire survive,<br/> +Worn out with age, amid the war's alarms?<br/> +And if thy wife Creusa be alive,<br/> +And young Ascanius? for around thee swarms<br/> +The foe, and but for my protecting arms,<br/> +Fierce sword or flame had swept them all away.<br/> +Not oft-blamed Paris, nor the hateful charms<br/> +Of Helen; Heaven, unpitying Heaven to-day +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hath razed the Trojan towers and reft the Dardan sway. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Look now, for I will clear the mists that shroud<br/> +Thy mortal gaze, and from the visual ray<br/> +Purge the gross covering of this circling cloud.<br/> +Thou heed, and fear not, whatsoe'er I say,<br/> +Nor scorn thy mother's counsels to obey.<br/> +Here, where thou seest the riven piles o'erthrown,<br/> +Mixt dust and smoke, rock torn from rock away,<br/> +Great Neptune's trident shakes the bulwarks down, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And from its lowest base uproots the trembling town. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line739"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Here, girt with steel, the foremost in the fight,<br/> +Fierce Juno stands, the Scæan gates before,<br/> +And, mad with fury and malignant spite,<br/> +Calls up her federate forces from the shore.<br/> +See, on the citadel, all grim with gore,<br/> +Red-robed, and with the <a href="#note2stanza83">Gorgon shield</a> aglow,<br/> +Tritonian <a href="#note2stanza83">Pallas</a> bids the conflict roar.<br/> +E'en Jove with strength reanimates the foe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And stirs the powers of heaven to work the Dardan's woe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line748"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Haste, son, and fly; the fruitless toil give o'er.<br/> +I will not leave thee, but assist thy flight,<br/> +And set thee safely at thy father's door.'<br/> +She spake, and vanished in the gloom of night.<br/> +Dread shapes and forms terrific loomed in sight,<br/> +And hostile deities, whose faces frowned<br/> +Destruction. Then, amid the lurid light,<br/> +I see Troy sinking in the flames around, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And mighty <a href="#note2stanza84">Neptune's walls</a> laid level with the ground. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line757"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So, when an aged ash on mountain tall<br/> +Stout woodmen strive, with many a rival blow,<br/> +To rend from earth; awhile it threats to fall,<br/> +With quivering locks and nodding head; now slow<br/> +It sinks and, with a dying groan lies low,<br/> +And spreads its ruin on the mountain side.<br/> +Down from the citadel I haste below,<br/> +Through foe, through fire, the goddess for my guide. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Harmless the darts give way, the sloping flames divide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But when Anchises' ancient home I gain,<br/> +My father,—he, whom first, with loving care,<br/> +I sought and, heedful of my mother, fain<br/> +In safety to the neighbouring hills would bear,<br/> +Disdains Troy's ashes to outlive and wear<br/> +His days in banishment: 'Fly ye, who may,<br/> +Whom age hath chilled not, nor the years impair.<br/> +For me, had Heaven decreed a longer day, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Heaven too had spared these walls, nor left my home a prey. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Enough and more, to live when Ilion fell,<br/> +And once to see Troy captured. Leave me, pray,<br/> +And bid me, as a shrouded corpse, farewell.<br/> +For death—this hand will find for me the way,<br/> +Or foes who spoil will pity me and slay.<br/> +Light is the loss of sepulchre or pyre,<br/> +Loathed have I lived and useless, since the day<br/> +When man's great monarch and the God's dread sire +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Breathed his avenging blast and scathed me with his fire.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So spake he, on his purpose firmly bent.<br/> +We—wife, child, family and I—with prayer<br/> +And tears entreat the father to relent,<br/> +Nor doom us all the common wreck to share,<br/> +And urge the ruin that the Fates prepare.<br/> +He heeds not—stirs not. Then again I fly<br/> +To arms—to arms, in frenzy of despair,<br/> +And long in utter misery to die. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What other choice was left, what other chance to try? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'What, <i>I</i> to leave thee helpless, and to flee?<br/> +O father! could'st thou fancy it? Could e'er<br/> +A parent speak of such a crime to me?<br/> +If Heaven of such a city naught should spare,<br/> +And thou be pleased that thou and thine should share<br/> +The common wreck, that way to death is plain.<br/> +Wide stands the door; soon Pyrrhus will be there,<br/> +Red with the blood of Priam; he hath slain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The son before his sire, the father in the fane. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Dost thou for <i>this</i>, dear mother, me through fire<br/> +And foemen safely to my home restore;<br/> +To see Creusa, and my son and sire<br/> +Each foully butchered in the other's gore,<br/> +And Danaans dealing slaughter at the door?<br/> +Arms—bring me arms! Troy's dying moments call<br/> +The vanquished. Give me to the Greeks. Once more<br/> +Let me revive the battle; ne'er shall all +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Die unrevenged this day, nor tamely meet their fall.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Once more I girt me with the sword and shield,<br/> +And forth had soon into the battle hied,<br/> +When lo, Creusa at the doorway kneeled,<br/> +And reached Iulus to his sire and cried:<br/> +'If death thou seekest, take me at thy side<br/> +Thy death to share, but if, expert in strife,<br/> +Thou hop'st in arms, here guard us and abide.<br/> +To whom dost thou expose Iulus' life, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thy father's, yea, and mine, once called, alas! thy wife.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza92"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So wailed Creusa, and in wild despair<br/> +Filled all the palace with her sobs and cries,<br/> +When lo! a portent, wondrous to declare.<br/> +For while, 'twixt sorrowing parents' hands and eyes,<br/> +Stood young Iulus, wildered with surprise,<br/> +Up from the summit of his fair, young head<br/> +A tuft was seen of flickering flame to rise.<br/> +Gently and harmless to the touch it spread +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +820 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Around his tender brows, and on his temples fed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line829"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza93"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"In haste we strive to quench the flame divine,<br/> +Shaking the tresses of his burning hair.<br/> +But gladly sire Anchises hails the sign,<br/> +And gazing upward through the starlit air,<br/> +His hands and voice together lifts in prayer:<br/> +'O Jove omnipotent, dread power benign,<br/> +If aught our piety deserve, if e'er<br/> +A suppliant move thee, hearken and incline +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +829 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +This once, and aid us now and ratify thy sign.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza94"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Scarce spake the sire when lo, to leftward crashed<br/> +A peal of thunder, and amid the night<br/> +A sky-dropt star athwart the darkness flashed,<br/> +Trailing its torchfire with a stream of light.<br/> +We mark the dazzling meteor in its flight<br/> +Glide o'er the roof, till, vanished from our eyes,<br/> +It hides in Ida's forest, shining bright<br/> +And furrowing out a pathway through the skies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +838 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And round us far and wide the sulphurous fumes arise. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza95"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Up rose my sire, submissive to the sign,<br/> +And briefly to the Gods addressed his prayer,<br/> +And bowed adoring to the star divine.<br/> +'Now, now,' he cries, 'no tarrying; wheresoe'er<br/> +Ye point the path, I follow and am there.<br/> +Gods of my fathers! O preserve to-day<br/> +My home, preserve my grandchild; for your care<br/> +Is Troy, and yours this omen. I obey; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +847 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lead on, my son, I yield and follow on thy way.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza96"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"He spake, and nearer through the city came<br/> +The roar, the crackle and the fiery glow<br/> +Of conflagration, rolling floods of flame.<br/> +'Quick, father, mount my shoulders; let us go.<br/> +That toil shall never tire me. Come whatso<br/> +The Fates shall bring us, both alike shall share<br/> +One common welfare or one common woe.<br/> +Let young Iulus at my side repair; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +856 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Keep thou, my wife, aloof, and follow as we fare. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza97"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Ye too, my servants, hearken my commands.<br/> +Outside the city is a mound, where, dear<br/> +To Ceres once, but now deserted, stands<br/> +A temple, and an aged cypress near,<br/> +For ages hallowed with religious fear,<br/> +There meet we. Father, in thy charge remain<br/> +Troy's gods; for me, red-handed with the smear<br/> +Of blood, and fresh from slaughter, 'twere profane +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +865 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To touch them, ere the stream hath cleansed me of the stain.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza98"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So saying, my neck and shoulders I incline,<br/> +And round them fling a lion's tawny hide,<br/> +Then lift the load. His little hand in mine,<br/> +Iulus totters at his father's side;<br/> +Behind me comes Creusa. On we stride<br/> +Through shadowy ways; and I who rushing spear<br/> +And thronging foes but lately had defied,<br/> +Now fear each sound, each whisper of the air, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +874 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Trembling for him I lead, and for the charge I bear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza99"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And now I neared the gates, and thought my flight<br/> +Achieved, when suddenly a noise we hear<br/> +Of trampling feet, and, peering through the night,<br/> +My father cries, 'Fly, son, the Greeks are near;<br/> +They come, I see the glint of shield and spear,<br/> +Fierce foes in front and flashing arms behind.'<br/> +Then trembling seized me and, amidst my fear,<br/> +What power I know not, but some power unkind +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +883 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Confused my wandering wits, and robbed me of my mind. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza100"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +C +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"For while, the byways following, I left<br/> +The beaten track, ah! woe and well away!<br/> +My wife Creusa lost me;—whether reft<br/> +By Fate, or faint or wandering astray,<br/> +I know not, nor have seen her since that day,<br/> +Nor sought, nor missed her, till in Ceres' fane<br/> +We met at length, and mustered our array.<br/> +There she alone was wanting of our train, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +892 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And husband, son and friends all looked for her in vain! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line901"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza101"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Whom then did I upbraid not, wild with woe,<br/> +Of gods or men? What sadder sight elsewhere<br/> +Had Troy, now whelmed in utter wreck, to show?<br/> +Troy's gods commending to my comrades' care,<br/> +With old Anchises and my infant heir,<br/> +I hide them in a winding vale from view,<br/> +Then, sheathed again in shining arms, prepare<br/> +Once more to scour the city through and through, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +901 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Resolved to brave all risks, all ventures to renew. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza102"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"I reach the ramparts and the shadowy gates<br/> +Whence first I issued, backward through the night<br/> +My studied steps retracing. Horror waits<br/> +Around; the very silence breeds affright.<br/> +Then homeward turn, if haply in her flight,<br/> +If, haply, thither she had strayed; but ere<br/> +I came, behold, the Danaans, loud in fight,<br/> +Swarmed through the halls; roof-high the fiery glare, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +910 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fanned by the wind, mounts up; the loud blast roars in air. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza103"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Again to Priam's palace, and again<br/> +Up to the citadel I speed my way.<br/> +Armed, in the vacant courts, by Juno's fane,<br/> +Phoenix and curst Ulysses watched the prey.<br/> +There, torn from many a burning temple, lay<br/> +Troy's wealth; the tripods of the Gods were there,<br/> +Piled in huge heaps, and raiment snatched away,<br/> +And golden bowls, and dames with streaming hair +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +919 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And tender boys stand round, and tremble with despair. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza104"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"I shout, and through the darkness shout again,<br/> +Rousing the streets, and call and call anew<br/> +'Creusa,' and 'Creusa,' but in vain.<br/> +From house to house in frenzy as I flew,<br/> +A melancholy spectre rose in view,<br/> +Creusa's very image; ay, 'twas there,<br/> +But larger than the living form I knew.<br/> +Aghast I stood, tongue-tied, with stiffening hair. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +928 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Then she addressed me thus, and comforted my care. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book2line937"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza105"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'What boots this idle passion? Why so fain<br/> +Sweet husband, thus to sorrow and repine?<br/> +Naught happens here but as the Gods ordain.<br/> +It may not be, nor doth the Lord divine<br/> +Of high Olympus nor the Fates design<br/> +That thou should'st take Creusa. Seas remain<br/> +To plough, long years of exile must be thine,<br/> +Ere thou at length <a href="#note2stanza105">Hesperia's land</a> shalt gain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +937 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Where <a href="#note2stanza105">Lydian Tiber</a> glides through many a peopled plain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza106"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Wide rule and happy days await thee there,<br/> +And royal marriage shall thy portion be.<br/> +Weep not for lov'd Creusa, weep not; ne'er<br/> +To Grecian women shall I bow the knee,<br/> +Never in Argos see captivity,<br/> +I, who my lineage from the Dardans tell,<br/> +Allied to Venus. Now, by Fate's decree,<br/> +Here with the mother of the Gods I dwell. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +946 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Farewell, and guard in love our common child. Farewell!' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza107"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So spake she, and with weeping eyes I yearned<br/> +To answer, wondering at the words she said,<br/> +When lo, the shadowy spirit, as I turned,<br/> +Dissolved in air, and in a moment fled.<br/> +Thrice round the neck with longing I essayed<br/> +To clasp the phantom in a wild delight;<br/> +Thrice, vainly clasped, the visionary shade<br/> +Mocked me embracing, and was lost to sight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +955 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Swift as a wingèd wind or slumber of the night. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book2stanza108"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Back to my friends I hasten. There, behold,<br/> +Matrons and men, a miserable band,<br/> +Gathered for exile. From each side they shoaled,<br/> +Resolved and ready over sea and land<br/> +My steps to follow, where the Fates command.<br/> +Now over Ida shone the day-star bright;<br/> +Greeks swarmed at every entrance; help at hand<br/> +Seemed none. I yield, and, hurrying from the fight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +964 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Take up my helpless sire, and climb the mountain height." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>BOOK THREE</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>In obedience to oracles the Trojans build a fleet and sail to Thrace +(<a href="#book3line1">1-18</a>). Seeking to found a city, they are warned away by the ghost +of Polydorus and visit Anius in Ortygia (<a href="#book3line19">19-99</a>). Apollo promises +Æneas and his descendants world-wide empire if they return to "the +ancient motherland" of Troy,—which Anchises declares to be Crete +(<a href="#book3line100">100-144</a>). They reach Crete, only to be again baffled. Drought and +plague interrupt this second attempt to found a city. On the point +of returning to ask Apollo for clearer counsel, Æneas in a dream +is certified by the home-gods of Troy that the true motherland is +Italy (<a href="#book3line145">145-207</a>). Anchises owns his mistake, and recalls how +Cassandra had in other days been mocked for prophesying that Troy +should eventually be transplanted to Italy (<a href="#book3line208">208-225</a>). Landing in the +Strophades, they unwittingly wrong the Harpies, whose queen Celaeno +thereupon threatens them with a portentous famine. Panic-stricken, +they coast along to Actium, where they celebrate their national games +and leave a defiance to the Greeks (<a href="#book3line226">226-342</a>). At Buthrotum they find +Helenus and Andromache in possession of the kingdom of Pyrrhus, and +by them are entertained awhile and sent upon their way with gifts +and guidance (<a href="#book3line343">343-577</a>). The voyage from Dyrrhachium and the first +glimpse of Italy. They land and propitiate Juno: then coast along +till they sight Mount Ætna (<a href="#book3line577">578-666</a>). After a description of the +rescue of Achemenides and the escape from Polyphemus, the voyage and +the story end with the death of Anchises at Drepanum (<a href="#book3line667">667-819</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book3line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"When now the Gods have made proud Ilion fall,<br/> +And Asia's power and Priam's race renowned<br/> +O'erwhelmed in ruin undeserved, and all<br/> +Neptunian Troy lies smouldering on the ground,<br/> +In desert lands, to diverse exile bound,<br/> +Celestial portents bid us forth to fare;<br/> +Where Ida's heights above Antandros frowned,<br/> +A fleet we build, and gather crews, unware +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Which way the Fates will lead, what home is ours and where. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Scarce now the summer had begun, when straight<br/> +My father, old Anchises, gave command<br/> +To spread our canvas and to trust to Fate.<br/> +Weeping, I leave my native port, the land,<br/> +The fields where once the Trojan towers did stand,<br/> +And, homeless, launch upon the boundless brine,<br/> +Heart-broken outcast, with an exiled band,<br/> +Comrades, and son, and household gods divine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And the great Gods of Troy, the guardians of our line. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line19"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Far off there lies, with many a spacious plain,<br/> +The land of Mars, by Thracians tilled and sown,<br/> +Where stern Lycurgus whilom held his reign;<br/> +A hospitable shore, to Troy well-known,<br/> +Her home-gods leagued in union with our own,<br/> +While Fortune smiled. Hither, with fates malign,<br/> +I steer, and landing for our purposed town<br/> +The walls along the winding shore design, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And coin for them a name 'Æneadæ' from mine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Due rites to Venus and the gods I bore,<br/> +The work to favour, and a sleek, white steer<br/> +To Heaven's high King was slaughtering on the shore.<br/> +With cornel shrubs and many a prickly spear<br/> +Of myrtle crowned, it chanced a mound was near.<br/> +Thither I drew, and strove with eager hold<br/> +A green-leaved sapling from the soil to tear,<br/> +To shade with boughs the altars, when behold +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A portent, weird to see and wondrous to unfold! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Scarce the first stem uprooted, from the wood<br/> +Black drops distilled, and stained the earth with gore.<br/> +Cold horror shook me, in my veins the blood<br/> +Was chilled, and curdled with affright. Once more<br/> +A limber sapling from the soil I tore;<br/> +Once more, persisting, I resolved in mind<br/> +With inmost search the causes to explore<br/> +And probe the mystery that lurked behind; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Dark drops of blood once more come trickling from the rind. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Much-musing, to the woodland nymphs I pray,<br/> +And Mars, the guardian of the Thracian plain,<br/> +With favouring grace the omen to allay,<br/> +And bless the dreadful vision. Then again<br/> +A third tall shaft I grasp, with sinewy strain<br/> +And firm knees pressed against the sandy ground;<br/> +When O! shall tongue make utterance or refrain?<br/> +Forth from below a dismal, groaning sound +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Heaves, and a piteous voice is wafted from the mound: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Spare, O Æneas, spare a wretch, nor shame<br/> +Thy guiltless hands, but let the dead repose.<br/> +From Troy, no alien to thy race, I came.<br/> +O, fly this greedy shore, these cruel foes!<br/> +Not from the tree—from Polydorus flows<br/> +This blood, for I am Polydorus. Here<br/> +An iron crop o'erwhelmed me, and uprose<br/> +Bristling with pointed javelins.'—Mute with fear, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Perplext, aghast I stood, and upright rose my hair. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"This Polydorus Priam from the war<br/> +To Thracia's King in secret had consigned<br/> +With store of gold, when, girt with siege, he saw<br/> +Troy's towers, and trust in Dardan arms resigned.<br/> +But when our fortune and our hopes declined,<br/> +The treacherous King the conqueror's cause professed,<br/> +And, false to faith, to friendship and to kind,<br/> +Slew Polydorus, and his wealth possessed. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Curst greed of gold, what crimes thy tyrant power attest! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Now, freed from terror, to my father first,<br/> +Then to choice friends the vision I declare.<br/> +All vote to sail, and quit the shore accurst.<br/> +So to his shade, with funeral rites, we rear<br/> +A mound, and altars to the dead prepare,<br/> +Wreathed with dark cypress. Round them, as of yore,<br/> +Pace Troy's sad matrons, with their streaming hair.<br/> +Warm milk from bowls, and holy blood we pour, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And thrice with loud farewell the peaceful shade deplore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line82"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Soon as our ships can trust the deep once more,<br/> +And South-winds chide, and Ocean smiles serene,<br/> +We crowd the beach, and launch, and town and shore<br/> +Fade from our view. Amid the waves is seen<br/> +An island, sacred to the <a href="#note3stanza10">Nereids'</a> queen<br/> +And Neptune, lord of the Ægean wave,<br/> +Which, floating once, Apollo fixed between<br/> +High <a href="#note3stanza10">Myconos and Gyarus,</a> and gave +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +For man's resort, unmoved the blustering winds to brave. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Hither we sail and on this island fair,<br/> +Worn out, find welcome in a sheltered bay,<br/> +And, landing, hail Apollo's town with prayer.<br/> +King Anius here, enwreath'd with laurel spray,<br/> +The priest of Phoebus meets us on the way;<br/> +With joy at once he recognised again<br/> +His friend Anchises of an earlier day.<br/> +And joining hands in fellowship, each fain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To show a friendly heart the palace-halls we gain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line100"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"There, in a temple built of ancient stone<br/> +I worship: 'Grant, <a href="#note3stanza12">Thymbrean lord</a> divine,<br/> +A home, a settled city of our own,<br/> +Walls to the weary, and a lasting line,<br/> +To Troy another Pergamus. Incline<br/> +And harken. Save these Dardans sore-distrest,<br/> +The remnant of Achilles' wrath. Some sign<br/> +Vouchsafe us, whom to follow? where to rest? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Steal into Trojan hearts, and make thy power confessed.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Scarce spake I, suddenly the bays divine<br/> +Shook, and a trembling seized the temple door.<br/> +The mountain heaves, and from the opening shrine<br/> +Loud moans the tripod. Prostrate on the floor<br/> +We hear a voice; 'Brave hearts, the land that bore<br/> +Your sires shall nurse their Dardan sons again.<br/> +Seek out your ancient mother; from her shore<br/> +Through all the world the Æneian house shall reign, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And sons of sons unborn the lasting line sustain.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Straight rose a joyous uproar; each in turn<br/> +Ask what the walls that Phoebus hath designed?<br/> +Which way to wander, whither to return?<br/> +Then spake my sire, revolving in his mind<br/> +The ancient legends of the Trojan kind,<br/> +'Chieftains, give ear, and learn your hopes and mine;<br/> +Jove's island lies, amid the deep enshrined,<br/> +Crete, hundred-towned, a land of corn and wine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Where Ida's mountain stands, the cradle of our line. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Thence Troy's great sire, if I remember right,<br/> +Old Teucer, to Rhoeteum crossed the flood,<br/> +And for his future kingdom chose a site.<br/> +Nor yet proud Ilion nor her towers had stood;<br/> +In lowly vales sequestered they abode.<br/> +Thence Corybantian cymbals clashed and brayed<br/> +In praise of Cybele. In Ida's wood<br/> +Her mystic rites in secrecy were paid, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And lions, yoked in pomp, their sovereign's car conveyed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line136"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Come then and seek we, as the gods command,<br/> +The <a href="#note3stanza16">Gnosian</a> kingdoms, and the winds entreat.<br/> +Short is the way, nor distant lies the land.<br/> +If Jove be present and assist our fleet,<br/> +The third day lands us on the shores of Crete.'<br/> +So spake he and on altars, reared aright,<br/> +Due victims offered, and libations meet;<br/> +A bull to Neptune and Apollo bright, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To tempest a black lamb, to Western winds a white. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line145"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Fame flies, Idomeneus has left the land,<br/> +Expelled his kingdom; that the shore lies clear<br/> +Of foes, and homes are ready to our hand.<br/> +<a href="#note3stanza17">Ortygia's</a> port we leave, and skim the mere;<br/> +Soon Naxos' Bacchanalian hills appear,<br/> +And past Olearos and Donysa, crowned<br/> +With trees, and Paros' snowy cliffs we steer.<br/> +Far-scattered shine the Cyclades renowned, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And clustering isles thick-sown in many a glittering sound. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Loud rise the shouts of sailors to the sky;<br/> +'Crete and our fathers,' rings for all to hear<br/> +The cry of oarsmen. Through the deep we fly;<br/> +Behind us sings the stern breeze loud and clear.<br/> +So to the shores of ancient Crete we steer.<br/> +There in glad haste I trace the wished-for town,<br/> +And call the walls 'Pergamea,' and cheer<br/> +My comrades, glorying in the name well-known, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The castled keep to raise, and guard the loved hearth-stone. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Scarce stand the vessels hauled upon the beach,<br/> +And bent on marriages the young men vie<br/> +To till new settlements, while I to each<br/> +Due law dispense and dwelling place supply,<br/> +When from a tainted quarter of the sky<br/> +Rank vapours, gathering, on my comrades seize,<br/> +And a foul pestilence creeps down from high<br/> +On mortal limbs and standing crops and trees, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A season black with death, and pregnant with disease. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Sweet life from mortals fled; they drooped and died.<br/> +Fierce Sirius scorched the fields, and herbs and grain<br/> +Were parched, and food the wasting crops denied.<br/> +Once more Anchises bids us cross the main<br/> +And seek Ortygia, and the god constrain<br/> +By prayer to pardon and advise, what end<br/> +Of evils to expect? what woes remain?<br/> +What fate hereafter shall our steps attend? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What rest for toil-worn men, and whitherward to wend? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Twas night; on earth all creatures were asleep,<br/> +When lo! the figures of our gods, the same<br/> +Whom erst from falling Ilion o'er the deep<br/> +I brought, scarce rescued from the midmost flame,<br/> +Before me, sleepless for my country's shame,<br/> +Stood plain, in plenteousness of light confessed,<br/> +Where streaming through the sunken lattice came<br/> +The moon's full splendour, and their speech addressed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And I in heart took comfort, hearing their behest. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Lo! what Apollo from Ortygia's shrine<br/> +Would sing, unasked he sends us to proclaim.<br/> +We who have followed o'er the billowy brine<br/> +Thee and thine arms, since Ilion sank in flame,<br/> +Will raise thy children to the stars, and name<br/> +Thy walls imperial. Thou build them meet<br/> +For heroes. Shrink not from thy journey's aim,<br/> +Though long the way. Not here thy destined seat, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So saith the Delian god, not thine the shores of Crete. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line199"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Far off there lies, across the rolling wave,<br/> +An ancient land, which Greeks Hesperia name;<br/> +Her soil is fruitful and her people brave.<br/> +Th' OEnotrians held it once, by later fame<br/> +The name Italia from their chief they claim.<br/> +Thence sprang great Dardanus; there lies thy seat;<br/> +Thence sire Iasius and the Trojans came.<br/> +Rise, and thy parent with these tidings greet, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To seek <a href="#note3stanza23">Ausonian shores,</a> for Jove denies thee Crete.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line208"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Awed by the vision and the voice divine<br/> +('Twas no mere dream; their very looks I knew,<br/> +I saw the fillets round their temples twine,<br/> +And clammy sweat did all my limbs bedew)<br/> +Forthwith, upstarting, from the couch I flew,<br/> +And hands and voice together raised in prayer,<br/> +And wine unmixt upon the altars threw.<br/> +This done, to old Anchises I repair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pleased with the rites fulfilled, and all the tale declare. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"The two-fold race Anchises understands,<br/> +The double sires, and owns himself misled<br/> +By modern error 'twixt two ancient lands.<br/> +'O son, long trained in Ilian fates,' he said,<br/> +This chance Cassandra, she alone, displayed.<br/> +Oft to Hesperia and Italia's reign<br/> +She called us. Ah! who listened or obeyed?<br/> +Who dreamed that Teucrians should Hesperia gain? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Yield we to Phoebus now, nor wisdom's words disdain.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line226"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"All hail the speech. We quit this other home,<br/> +And leaving here a handful on the shore,<br/> +Spread sail and scour with hollow keel the foam.<br/> +The fleet was on mid ocean; land no more<br/> +Was visible, naught else above, before<br/> +But sky and sea, when overhead did loom<br/> +A storm-cloud, black as heaven itself, that bore<br/> +Dark night and wintry tempest in its womb, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And all the waves grew rough and shuddered with the gloom. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Winds roll the waters, and the great seas rise.<br/> +Dispersed we welter on the gulfs. Damp night<br/> +Has snatched with rain the heaven from our eyes,<br/> +And storm-mists in a mantle wrapt the light.<br/> +Flash after flash, and for a moment bright,<br/> +Quick lightnings rend the welkin. Driven astray<br/> +We wander, robbed of reckoning, reft of sight.<br/> +No difference now between the night and day +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +E'en Palinurus sees, nor recollects the way. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Three days, made doubtful by the blinding gloom,<br/> +As many nights, when not a star is seen,<br/> +We wander on, uncertain of our doom.<br/> +At last the fourth glad daybreak clears the scene,<br/> +And rising land, and opening uplands green,<br/> +And rolling smoke at distance greet the view.<br/> +No longer tarrying; to our oars we lean.<br/> +Down drop the sails; in order ranged, each crew +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Flings up the foam to heaven, and sweeps the sparkling blue. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line253"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Saved from the sea, the <a href="#note3stanza29">Strophades</a> we gain,<br/> +So called in Greece, where dwells, with <a href="#note3stanza29">Harpies,</a> dire<br/> +<a href="#note3stanza29">Celæno,</a> in the vast Ionian main,<br/> +Since, forced from <a href="#note3stanza29">Phineus'</a> palace to retire,<br/> +They fled their former banquet. Heavenly ire<br/> +Ne'er sent a pest more loathsome; ne'er were seen<br/> +Worse plagues to issue from the Stygian mire—<br/> +Birds maiden-faced, but trailing filth obscene, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With taloned hands and looks for ever pale and lean. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"The harbour gained, lo! herds of oxen bright<br/> +And goats untended browse the pastures fair.<br/> +We, sword in hand, make onset, and invite<br/> +The gods and Jove himself the spoil to share,<br/> +And piling couches, banquet on the fare.<br/> +When straight, down-swooping from the hills meanwhile<br/> +The Harpies flap their clanging wings, and tear<br/> +The food, and all with filthy touch defile, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, mixt with screams, uprose a sickening stench and vile. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Once more, within a cavern screened from view,<br/> +Where circling trees a rustling shade supply,<br/> +The boards are spread, the altars blaze anew.<br/> +Back, from another quarter of the sky,<br/> +Dark-ambushed, round the clamorous Harpies fly<br/> +With taloned claws, and taste and taint the prey.<br/> +To arms I call my comrades, and defy<br/> +The loathsome brood to battle. They obey, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And swords and bucklers hide amid the grass away. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So when their screams descending fill the strand,<br/> +Misenus from his outlook sounds the fray.<br/> +All to the strange encounter, sword in hand,<br/> +Rush forth, these miscreants of the deep to slay.<br/> +No wounds they take, no weapon wins its way.<br/> +Swiftly they soar, all leaving, ere they go,<br/> +Their filthy traces on the half-gorged prey.<br/> +One perched, Celæno, on a rock, and lo, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thus croaked the dismal seer her prophecy of woe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'War, too, Laomedon's twice-perjured race!<br/> +War do ye bring, our cattle stol'n and slain?<br/> +And unoffending Harpies would ye chase<br/> +Forth from their old, hereditary reign?<br/> +Mark then my words and in your breasts retain.<br/> +What Jove, the Sire omnipotent, of old<br/> +Revealed to Phoebus, and to me again<br/> +Phoebus Apollo at his hest foretold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +I now to thee and thine, the Furies' Queen, unfold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Ye seek Italia and, with favouring wind,<br/> +Shall reach Italia, and her ports attain.<br/> +But ne'er the town, by Destiny assigned,<br/> +Your walls shall gird, till famine's pangs constrain<br/> +To gnaw your boards, in quittance for our slain.'<br/> +So spake the Fiend, and backward to the wood<br/> +Soared on the wing. Cold horror froze each vein.<br/> +Aghast and shuddering my comrades stood; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Down sank at once each heart, and terror chilled the blood. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"No more with arms, for peace with vows and prayer<br/> +We sue, and pardon of these powers implore,<br/> +Or be they goddesses or birds of air<br/> +Obscene and dire; and lifting on the shore<br/> +His hands, Anchises doth the gods adore.<br/> +'O Heaven!' he cries, 'avert these threats; be kind<br/> +And stay the curse, and vex with plagues no more<br/> +A pious folk,' then bids the crews unbind +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The stern-ropes, loose the sheets and spread them to the wind. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line316"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"The South-wind fills the canvas; on we fly<br/> +Where breeze and pilot drive us through the deep.<br/> +Soon, crowned with woods, Zacynthos we espy,<br/> +Dulichium, Same and the rock-bound steep<br/> +Of Neritos. Past <a href="#note3stanza36">Ithaca</a> we creep,<br/> +<a href="#note3stanza36">Laertes'</a> realms, and curse the land that bred<br/> +<a href="#note3stanza36">Ulysses,</a> cause of all the woes we weep.<br/> +Soon, where Leucate lifts her cloud-capt head, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Looms forth Apollo's fane, the seaman's name of dread. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Tired out we seek the little town, and run<br/> +The sterns ashore and anchor in the bay,<br/> +Saved beyond hope and glad the land is won,<br/> +And lustral rites, with blazing altars, pay<br/> +To Jove, and make the shores of Actium gay<br/> +With Ilian games, as, like our sires, we strip<br/> +And oil our sinews for the wrestler's play.<br/> +Proud, thus escaping from the foemen's grip, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Past all the Argive towns, through swarming Greeks, to slip. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Meanwhile the sun rolls round the mighty year,<br/> +And wintry North-winds vex the waves once more.<br/> +In front, above the temple-gates I rear<br/> +The brazen shield which once great Abas bore,<br/> +And mark the deed in writing on the door,<br/> +<i>'Æneas these from conquering Greeks hath ta'en';</i><br/> +Then bid my comrades quit the port and shore,<br/> +And man the benches. They with rival strain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And slanting oar-blades sweep the levels of the main. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line343"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"<a href="#note3stanza39">Phæacia's</a> heights with the horizon blend;<br/> +We skim <a href="#note3stanza39">Epirus,</a> and <a href="#note3stanza39">Chaonia's</a> bay<br/> +Enter, and to <a href="#note3stanza39">Buthrotum's town</a> ascend.<br/> +Strange news we hear: A Trojan Greeks obey,<br/> +Helenus, master of the spouse and sway<br/> +Of Pyrrhus, and Andromache once more<br/> +Has yielded to a Trojan lord. Straightway<br/> +I burn to greet them, and the tale explore, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And from the harbour haste, and leave the ships and shore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Within a grove Andromache that day,<br/> +Where Simois in fancy flowed again,<br/> +Her offerings chanced at Hector's grave to pay,<br/> +A turf-built cenotaph, with altars twain,<br/> +Source of her tears and sacred to the slain—<br/> +And called his shade. Distracted with amaze<br/> +She marked me, as the Trojan arms shone plain.<br/> +Heat leaves her frame; she stiffens with the gaze, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +She swoons—and scarce at length these faltering words essays: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Real, then, real is thy face, and true<br/> +Thy tidings? Liv'st thou, child of heavenly seed?<br/> +If dead, then where is Hector?' Tears ensue,<br/> +And wailing, shrill as though her heart would bleed.<br/> +Then I, with stammering accents, intercede,<br/> +And, sore perplext, these broken words outthrow<br/> +To calm her transport, 'Yea, alive, indeed,—<br/> +Alive through all extremities of woe. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Doubt not, thou see'st the truth, no shape of empty show. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Alas! what lot is thine? What worthy fate<br/> +Hath caught thee, fallen from a spouse so high?<br/> +Hector's Andromache, art thou the mate<br/> +Of Pyrrhus?' Then with lowly downcast eye<br/> +She dropped her voice, and softly made reply.<br/> +'Ah! happy maid of Priam, doomed instead<br/> +At Troy upon a foeman's tomb to die!<br/> +Not drawn by lot for servitude, nor led +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A captive thrall, like me, to grace a conqueror's bed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line379"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'I, torn from burning Troy o'er many a wave,<br/> +Endured the lust of Pyrrhus and his pride,<br/> +And knew a mother's travail as his slave.<br/> +Fired with <a href="#note3stanza43">Hermione,</a> a Spartan bride,<br/> +Me, joined in bed and bondage, he allied<br/> +To Helenus. But mad with love's despair,<br/> +And stung with Furies for his spouse denied,<br/> +At length <a href="#note3stanza43">Orestes</a> caught the wretch unware, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +E'en by his father's shrine, and smote him then and there. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'The tyrant dead, a portion of his reign<br/> +Devolves on Helenus, who Chaonia calls<br/> +From Trojan Chaon the Chaonian plain,<br/> +And on these heights rebuilds the Trojan walls.<br/> +But thou—what chance, or god, or stormy squalls<br/> +Have driven thee here unweeting?—and the boy<br/> +Ascanius—lives he, or what hap befalls<br/> +His parents' darling, and their only joy? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Breathes he the vital air, whom unto thee now Troy— +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Still grieves he for his mother? Doth the name<br/> +Of sire or uncle make his young heart glow<br/> +For deeds of valour and ancestral fame?'<br/> +Weeping she spake, with unavailing woe,<br/> +And poured her sorrow to the winds, when lo,<br/> +In sight comes Helenus, with fair array,<br/> +And hails his friends, and hastening to bestow<br/> +Glad welcome, toward his palace leads the way; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +But tears and broken words his mingled thoughts betray. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line406"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"I see another but a tinier Troy,<br/> +A seeming Pergama recalls the great.<br/> +A dried-up <a href="#note3stanza46">Xanthus</a> I salute with joy,<br/> +And clasp the portals of a <a href="#note3stanza46">Scæan gate.</a><br/> +Nor less kind welcome doth the rest await.<br/> +The monarch, mindful of his sire of old,<br/> +Receives the Teucrians in his courts of state.<br/> +They in the hall, the viands piled on gold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pledging the God of wine, their brimming cups uphold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line415"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"One day and now another passed; the gale<br/> +Sings in the shrouds, and calls us to depart,<br/> +When thus the prophet Helenus I hail,<br/> +'Troy-born interpreter of Heaven! whose art<br/> +The signs of Phoebus' pleasure can impart;<br/> +Thou know'st the tripod and the <a href="#note3stanza47">Clarian</a> bay,<br/> +The stars, the voices of the birds, that dart<br/> +On wings with omens laden, speak and say,— +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Since fate and all the gods foretell a prosperous way. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'And point to far Italia,—One alone,<br/> +Celæno, sings of famine foul and dread,<br/> +A nameless prodigy, a plague unknown,—<br/> +What perils first to shun? what path to tread,<br/> +To win deliverance from such toils?' This said,<br/> +I ceased, and Helenus with slaughtered kine<br/> +Implores the god, and from his sacred head<br/> +Unbinds the wreath, and leads me to the shrine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Awed by Apollo's power, and chants the doom divine: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'O Goddess-born, high auspices are thine,<br/> +And heaven's plain omens guide thee o'er the main.<br/> +Thus Jove, by lot unfolding his design,<br/> +Assorts the chances, and the Fates ordain.<br/> +This much may I of many things explain,<br/> +How best o'er foreign seas to urge thy keel<br/> +In safety, and Ausonian ports attain,<br/> +The rest from Helenus the Fates conceal, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Juno's envious power forbids me to reveal. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Learn then, Italia, that thou deem'st so near,<br/> +And thither dream'st of lightly passing o'er,<br/> +Long leagues divide, and many a pathless mere.<br/> +First must Trinacrian waters bend the oar,<br/> +Ausonian waves thy vessels must explore,<br/> +First must thou view the nether world, where flows<br/> +Dark Styx, and visit that Ææan shore,<br/> +The home of Circe, ere, at rest from woes, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thou build the promised walls, and win the wished repose. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'These tokens bear, and in thy memory store.<br/> +When, musing sad and pensive, thou hast found<br/> +Beside an oak-fringed river, on the shore,<br/> +A huge sow thirty-farrowed, and around,<br/> +Milk-white as she, her litter, mark the ground,<br/> +That spot shall see thy promised town; for there<br/> +Thy toils are ended, and thy rest is crowned.<br/> +Fear not this famine—'tis an empty scare; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Fates will find a way, and Phoebus hear thy prayer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line460"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'As for yon shore and that Italian coast,<br/> +Washed, where the land lies nearest, by our main,<br/> +Shun them; their cities hold a hostile host.<br/> +There Troy's old foes, the evil Argives, reign,<br/> +Locrians of <a href="#note3stanza52">Narycos</a> her towns contain.<br/> +There fierce Idomeneus from Crete brought o'er<br/> +His troops to vex the <a href="#note3stanza52">Sallentinian plain;</a><br/> +There, girt with walls and guarded by the power +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of <a href="#note3stanza52">Philoctetes,</a> stands <a href="#note3stanza52">Petelia's</a> tiny tower. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Nay, when thy vessels, ranged upon her shore,<br/> +Rest from the deep, and on the beach ye light<br/> +The votive altars, and the gods adore,<br/> +Veil then thy locks, with purple hood bedight,<br/> +And shroud thy visage from a foeman's sight,<br/> +Lest hostile presence, 'mid the flames divine,<br/> +Break in, and mar the omen and the rite.<br/> +This pious use keep sacred, thou and thine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The sons of sons unborn, and all the Trojan line. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'When, wafted to Sicilia, dawns in sight<br/> +Pelorus' channel, keep the leftward shore,<br/> +Though long the circuit, and avoid the right.<br/> +These lands, 'tis said, one continent of yore<br/> +(Such change can ages work) an earthquake tore<br/> +Asunder; in with havoc rushed the main,<br/> +And far Sicilia from Hesperia bore,<br/> +And now, where leapt the parted lands in twain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The narrow tide pours through, 'twixt severed town and plain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line487"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Here <a href="#note3stanza55">Scylla,</a> leftward sits <a href="#note3stanza55">Charybdis</a> fell,<br/> +Who, yawning thrice, her lowest depths laid bare,<br/> +Sucks the vast billows in her throat's dark hell,<br/> +Then starward spouts the refluent surge in air.<br/> +Here Scylla, gaping from her gloomy lair,<br/> +The passing vessels on the rocks doth hale;<br/> +A maiden to the waist, with bosom fair<br/> +And human face; below, a monstrous whale, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Down from whose wolf-like womb hangs many a dolphin's tail. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Far better round Pachynus' point to steer,<br/> +Though long the course, and tedious the delay,<br/> +Than once dread Scylla to behold, or hear<br/> +The rocks rebellow with her hell-hounds' bay.<br/> +This more, besides, I charge thee to obey,<br/> +If any faith to Helenus be due,<br/> +Or skill in prophecy the seer display,<br/> +And mighty Phoebus hath inspired me true, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +These warning words I urge, and oft will urge anew: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Seek Juno first; great Juno's power adore;<br/> +With suppliant gifts the potent queen constrain,<br/> +And winds shall waft thee to Italia's shore.<br/> +There, when at Cumæ landing from the main,<br/> +Avernus' lakes and sounding woods ye gain,<br/> +Thyself shalt see, within her rock-hewn shrine,<br/> +The frenzied prophetess, whose mystic strain<br/> +Expounds the Fates, to leaves of trees consign +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The notes and names that mark the oracles divine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Whate'er the maiden on those leaves doth trace,<br/> +In rows she sorts, and in the cave doth store.<br/> +There rest they, nor their sequence change, nor place,<br/> +Save when, by chance, on grating hinge the door<br/> +Swings open, and a light breath sweeps the floor,<br/> +Or rougher blasts the tender leaves disperse.<br/> +Loose then they flutter, for she recks no more<br/> +To call them back, and rearrange the verse; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Untaught the votaries leave, the Sibyl's cave to curse. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'But linger thou, nor count thy lingering vain,<br/> +Though comrades chide, and breezes woo the fleet.<br/> +Approach the prophetess; with prayer unchain<br/> +Her voice to speak. She shall the tale repeat<br/> +Of wars in Italy, thy destined seat,—<br/> +What toils to shun, what dangers to despise,—<br/> +And make the triumph of thy quest complete.<br/> +Thou hast whate'er 'tis lawful to advise; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Go, and with deathless deeds raise Ilion to the skies.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line532"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So spake the seer, and shipward bids his friends<br/> +Rich gifts convey, and store them in the hold.<br/> +Gold, silver plate, carved ivory he sends,<br/> +With massive caldrons of <a href="#note3stanza60">Dodona's</a> mould;<br/> +A coat of mail, with triple chain of gold,<br/> +And shining helm, with cone and flowing crest,<br/> +The arms of Pyrrhus, glorious to behold.<br/> +Nor lacks my sire his presents; for the rest +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Steeds, guides and arms he finds, and oarsmen of the best. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then to Anchises, as he bids us spread<br/> +The sails, with reverence speaks Apollo's seer,<br/> +'Far-famed Anchises, honoured with the bed<br/> +Of haughty Venus, Heaven's peculiar care,<br/> +Twice saved from Troy! behold Ausonia there,<br/> +Steer towards her coasts, yet skirt them; far away<br/> +That region lies, which Phoebus doth prepare.<br/> +Blest in thy son's devotion, take thy way. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Why should more words of mine the rising South delay?' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Nor less Andromache, sore grieved to part,<br/> +Rich raiment fetches, wrought with golden thread,<br/> +And Phrygian scarf, and still with bounteous heart<br/> +Loads him with broideries. 'Take these,' she said,<br/> +'Sole image of Astyanax now dead.<br/> +Thy kin's last gifts, my handiwork, to show<br/> +How Hector's widow loved the son she bred.<br/> +Such eyes had he, such very looks as thou, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Such hands, and oh! like thine his age were ripening now!' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"With gushing tears I bid the pair farewell.<br/> +Live happy ye, whose destinies are o'er;<br/> +We still must wander where the Fates compel.<br/> +Your rest is won; no oceans to explore,<br/> +No fair Ausonia's ever-fading shore.<br/> +Ye still can see a Xanthus and a Troy,<br/> +Reared by your hands, old Ilion to restore,<br/> +And brighter auspices than ours enjoy, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor tempt, like ours, the Greeks to ravage and destroy. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'If ever Tiber and the fields I see<br/> +Washed by her waves, ere mingling with the brine,<br/> +And build the city which the Fates decree,<br/> +Then kindred towns and neighbouring folk shall join,<br/> +Yours in Epirus, in Hesperia mine,<br/> +And linked thenceforth in sorrow and in joy,<br/> +With Dardanus the founder of each line,—<br/> +So let posterity its pains employ, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Two nations, one in heart, shall make another Troy.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line577"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"On fly the barks o'er ocean. Near us frown<br/> +Ceraunia's rocks, whence shortest lies the way<br/> +To Italy. And now the sun goes down,<br/> +And darkness gathers on the mountains grey.<br/> +Close by the water, in a sheltered bay,<br/> +A few as guardians of the oars we choose,<br/> +Then stretched at random on the beach we lay<br/> +Our limbs to rest, and on the toil-worn crews +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sleep steals in silence down, and sheds her kindly dews. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Nor yet had Night climbed heaven, when up from sleep<br/> +Starts Palinurus, and with listening ear<br/> +Catches the breeze. He marks the stars, that keep<br/> +Their courses, gliding through the silent sphere,<br/> +Arcturus, rainy Hyads and each Bear,<br/> +And, girt with gold, Orion. Far away<br/> +He sees the firmament all calm and clear,<br/> +And from the stern gives signal. We obey, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And shifting camp, set sail and tempt the doubtful way. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"The stars were chased, and blushing rose the day.<br/> +Dimly, at distance through the misty shroud<br/> +Italia's hills and lowlands we survey,<br/> +'Italia,' first Achates shouts aloud;<br/> +'Italia,' echoes from the joyful crowd.<br/> +Then sire Anchises hastened to entwine<br/> +A massive goblet with a wreath, and vowed<br/> +Libations to the gods, and poured the wine +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And on the lofty stern invoked the powers divine: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line604"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Great gods, whom Earth and Sea and Storms obey,<br/> +Breathe fair, and waft us smoothly o'er the main.'<br/> +Fresh blows the breeze, and broader grows the bay,<br/> +And on the cliffs is seen <a href="#note3stanza68">Minerva's fane.</a><br/> +We furl the sails, and shoreward row amain.<br/> +Eastward the harbour arches, scarce descried.<br/> +Two jutting rocks, by billows lashed in vain,<br/> +Stretch out their arms the narrow mouth to hide. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Far back the temple stands, and seems to shun the tide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Lo, here, first omen offered to our eyes,<br/> +Four snow-white steeds are grazing on the plain.<br/> +''Tis war thou bringest us,' Anchises cries,<br/> +'Strange land! For war the mettled steed they train,<br/> +And war these threaten. Yet in time again<br/> +These beasts are wont in harness to obey,<br/> +And bear the yoke, as guided by the rein.<br/> +Peace yet is hopeful.' So our vows we pay +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To Pallas, famed in arms, whose welcome cheered the way. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Veiled at her shrines in Phrygian hood we stand,<br/> +And chief to Juno, mindful of the seer,<br/> +Burnt-offerings pay, as pious rites demand.<br/> +This done, the sailyards to the wind we veer,<br/> +And leave the Grecians and the land of fear.<br/> +Lo, there Tarentum's harbour and the town,<br/> +If fame be true, of Hercules, and here<br/> +Lacinium's queen and Caulon's towers are known, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Scylaceum's rocks, with shattered ships bestrown. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Far off is seen, above the billowy mere,<br/> +Trinacrian Ætna, and the distant roar<br/> +Of ocean and the beaten rocks we hear,<br/> +And the loud burst of breakers on the shore;<br/> +High from the shallows leap the surges hoar,<br/> +And surf and sand mix eddying. 'Behold<br/> +Charybdis!' cries Anchises, ''tis the shore,<br/> +The dreaded rocks that Helenus foretold. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Row, comrades, for dear life, and let the oars catch hold.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line640"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"He spake, 'twas done; and Palinurus first<br/> +Turns the prow leftward: to the left we ply<br/> +With oars and sail, and shun the rocks accurst.<br/> +Now curls the wave, and lifts us to the sky,<br/> +Now sinks and, plunging in the gulf we lie.<br/> +Thrice roar the caverned shore-cliffs, thrice the spray<br/> +Whirls up and wets the dewy stars on high.<br/> +Thus tired we drift, as sinks the wind and day, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Unto the <a href="#note3stanza72">Cyclops' shore,</a> all weetless of the way. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"It was a spacious harbour, sheltered deep<br/> +From access of the winds, but looming vast<br/> +With awful ravage, Ætna's neighbouring steep<br/> +Thundered aloud, and, dark with clouds, upcast<br/> +Smoke and red cinders in a whirlwind's blast.<br/> +Live balls of flame, with showers of sparks, upflew<br/> +And licked the stars, and in combustion massed,<br/> +Torn rocks, her ragged entrails, molten new, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The rumbling mount belched forth from out the boiling stew. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line658"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Here, while from Ætna's furnaces the flame<br/> +Bursts forth, <a href="#note3stanza74">Enceladus,</a> 'tis said, doth lie,<br/> +Scorched by the lightning. As his wearied frame<br/> +He shifts, Trinacria, trembling at the cry<br/> +Moans through her shores, and smoke involves the sky.<br/> +There all night long, screened by the woods, we hear<br/> +The dreadful sounds, and know not whence nor why,<br/> +For stars are none, nor planet gilds the sphere; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Night holds the moon in clouds, and heaven is dark and drear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line667"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Now rose the Day-star from the East, and cleared<br/> +The mists, that melted with advancing Morn,<br/> +When suddenly from out the woods appeared<br/> +An uncouth form, a creature wan and worn,<br/> +Scarce like a man, in piteous plight forlorn.<br/> +Suppliant his hands he stretches to the shore;<br/> +We turn and look on tatters tagged with thorn,<br/> +Dire squalor and a length of beard,—what more, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A Greek, to Troy erewhile in native arms sent o'er. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"He scared to see the Dardan garb once more<br/> +And Trojan arms, stood faltering with dismay,<br/> +Then rushed, with prayer and weeping, to the shore.<br/> +'O, by the stars, and by the Gods, I pray,<br/> +And life's pure breath, this light of genial day,<br/> +Take me, O Teucrians; wheresoe'er ye go,<br/> +Enough to bear me from this land away.<br/> +I once was of the Danaan crews, I know, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And came to Trojan homes and Ilion as a foe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'For that, if that be such a crime to you,<br/> +O strew me forth upon the watery waste,<br/> +And drown me in the deep. If death be due,<br/> +'Twere sweet of death by human hands to taste.'<br/> +He cried, and, grovelling, our knees embraced,<br/> +And, clasping, clung to us. We bid him stand<br/> +And tell his birth and trouble; and in haste<br/> +Himself the sire Anchises pledged his hand, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And he at length took heart, and answered our demand. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'My name is Achemenides. I come<br/> +From Ithaca. To Troy I sailed the sea<br/> +With evil-starred Ulysses, leaving home<br/> +And father, Adamastus;—poor was he,<br/> +And O! if such my poverty could be.<br/> +Me here my thoughtless comrades, hurrying fast<br/> +To quit the cruel threshold and be free,<br/> +Leave in the Cyclops' cavern. Dark and vast +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +That house of slaughtered men, and many a foul repast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Himself so tall, he strikes the lofty skies<br/> +(O gods, rid earth of such a monstrous brood!),<br/> +None dare with speech accost, nor mortal eyes<br/> +Behold him. Human entrails are his food.<br/> +Myself have seen him, gorged with brains and blood,<br/> +Pluck forth two comrades, in his cave bent back,<br/> +And dash them till the threshold swam with blood,<br/> +Then crunch the gobbets in his teeth, while black +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With gore the limbs still quivered, and the bones did crack: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Not unavenged; nor brave Ulysses deigned<br/> +To brook such outrage. In that hour of tyne<br/> +True to himself the Ithacan remained.<br/> +When, gorged with food, and belching gore and wine,<br/> +With drooping neck, the giant snored supine,<br/> +Then, closing round him, to the gods we pray,<br/> +Each at his station, as the lots assign,<br/> +And where, beneath the frowning forehead, lay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Huge as an Argive shield, or like the lamp of day, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'His one great orb, deep in the monster's head<br/> +We drive the pointed weapon, joy'd at last<br/> +To wreak such vengeance for our comrades dead.<br/> +But fly, unhappy Trojans, fly, and cast<br/> +Your cables from the shore. Such and so vast<br/> +As Polyphemus, when the cave's huge door<br/> +Shuts on his flocks, and for his night's repast<br/> +He milks them, lo! a hundred Cyclops more +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Roam on the lofty hills, and range the winding shore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Now thrice the Moon hath filled her horns with light,<br/> +And still in woods and lonely dens I lie,<br/> +And see the Cyclops stalk from height to height,<br/> +And hear their tramp, and tremble at their cry.<br/> +My food—hard berries that the boughs supply,<br/> +And roots of grass. Thus wandering, as I scanned<br/> +The distant ocean with despairing eye,<br/> +I saw your ships first bearing to the land, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And vowed, whoe'er ye proved, the strangers' slave to stand. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Enough, these monsters to escape; O take<br/> +My life, and tear me as you will from day,<br/> +Rather than these devour me!'—Scarce he spake,<br/> +When from the mountains to the well-known bay,<br/> +The shepherd Polyphemus gropes his way;<br/> +Huge, hideous, horrible in shape and show,<br/> +And visionless. A pine-trunk serves to stay<br/> +And guide his footsteps, and around him go +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The sheep, his only joy and solace of his woe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Down came the giant, wading in the main,<br/> +And rinsed his gory socket from the tide,<br/> +Gnashing his teeth and moaning in his pain.<br/> +On through the deep he stalks with awful stride,<br/> +So tall, the billows scarcely wet his side.<br/> +Forthwith our flight we hasten, prickt with fear,<br/> +On board—'twas due—we let the suppliant hide,<br/> +Then, mute and breathless, cut the stern-ropes clear, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Bend to the emulous oar, and sweep the whitening mere. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"He heard, and turned his footsteps to the sound.<br/> +Short of its mark the huge arm idly fell<br/> +Outstretched, and swifter than his stride he found<br/> +The Ionian waves. Then rose a monstrous yell;<br/> +All Ocean shudders and her waves upswell;<br/> +Far off, Italia trembles with the roar,<br/> +And Ætna groans through many a winding cell,<br/> +And trooping to the call the Cyclops pour +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +From wood and lofty hill, and crowding fill the shore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"We see them scowling impotent, the band<br/> +Of Ætna, towering to the stars above,<br/> +An awful conclave! Tall as oaks they stand,<br/> +Or cypresses—the lofty trees of Jove,<br/> +Or cone-clad guardians of Diana's grove.<br/> +Fain were we then, in agony of fear,<br/> +To shake the canvas to the winds, and rove<br/> +At random; natheless, we obey the seer, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Who past those fatal rocks had warned us not to steer, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line775"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Where Scylla here, and there Charybdis lies,<br/> +And death lurks double. Backward we essay<br/> +Our course, when lo, from out <a href="#note3stanza87">Pelorus</a> flies<br/> +The North-Wind, sent to waft us on our way.<br/> +We pass the place where, mingling with the spray,<br/> +Through narrow rocks Pantagia's stream outflows;<br/> +We see low-lying Thapsus and the bay<br/> +Of Megara. These shores the suppliant shows, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Known from the time he shared his wandering chieftain's woes. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book3line784"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Far-stretcht against <a href="#note3stanza88">Plemmyrium's</a> wave-beat shore<br/> +An island lies, before Sicania's bay,<br/> +Now called <a href="#note3stanza88">Ortygia</a>—'twas its name of yore.<br/> +Hither from distant <a href="#note3stanza88">Elis,</a> legends say,<br/> +Beneath the seas <a href="#note3stanza88">Alpheus</a> stole his way,<br/> +And, mingling now with <a href="#note3stanza88">Arethusa</a> here,<br/> +Mounts, a Sicilian fountain, to the day.<br/> +Here we with prayer, obedient to the seer, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Invoke the guardian gods to whom the place is dear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thence past Helorus' marish speeds the bark,<br/> +Where fat and fruitful shines the meadowy lea.<br/> +We graze the cliffs and jutting rocks, that mark<br/> +Pachynus. Camarina's fen we see,<br/> +Fixt there for ever by the fates' decree;<br/> +Then Gela's town (the river gave the name)<br/> +And Gela's plains, far-stretching from the sea,<br/> +And distant towers and lofty walls proclaim +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Steep Acragas, once known for generous steeds of fame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thee too we pass, borne onward by the wind,<br/> +Palmy Selinus, and the treacherous strand<br/> +And shoals of Lilybæum leave behind.<br/> +Last, by the shore at Drepanum we stand<br/> +And take the shelter of her joyless land,<br/> +Here, tost so long o'er many a storm-lashed main,<br/> +We lose the stay and comfort of our band,<br/> +Here thou, best father, leav'st me to my pain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thou, saved from countless risks, but saved, alas, in vain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book3stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Not Helenus, who many an ill forecast,<br/> +Warned us to think such sorrow was in store,<br/> +Not even dire Celæno. There at last<br/> +My wanderings ended, and my toils were o'er,<br/> +And thence a God hath led me to your shore."<br/> +Thus, while mute wonder did the rest compose,<br/> +The Sire Æneas did his tale outpour,<br/> +And told his fates, his wanderings and his woes; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Then ceased at length his speech, and sought the wished repose. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>BOOK FOUR</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>Dido opens her heart to her sister. But for her promised loyalty to +the dead Sychæus, she must have yielded (<a href="#book4line1">1-36</a>). Anna pleads for +Æneas, and Dido half-yielding sacrifices to the marriage-gods. The +growth of her passion is described (<a href="#book4line37">37-104</a>). Venus feigns assent to +Juno's proposal that Æneas shall marry Dido and be king of Carthage. +At a hunting Juno will send a storm and the lovers will shelter in +a cave, and there plight their vows (<a href="#book4line100">105-144</a>). The plot is +consummated. Dido yields (<a href="#book4line145">145-198</a>). Description of Rumour, who +bruits abroad the story and rouses the jealous Iarbas to conjure his +father, Jupiter, to interpose (<a href="#book4line199">199-248</a>). Jupiter sends Mercury to +remind Æneas of his mission (<a href="#book4line244">249-298</a>). Æneas, terrified by the +message, prepares for instant flight, to the delight of his followers +and the despair of Dido (<a href="#book4line298">299-342</a>), who entreats him to stay, and +rehearses the dangers to which he is leaving her (<a href="#book4line343">343-374</a>). Æneas +is obdurate. Although he loves Dido, he is the slave of a destiny +which he must at all costs fulfil (<a href="#book4line370">375-410</a>). After calling down a +solemn curse upon him Dido swoons, but crushing the impulse to +comfort her, he hastens his preparations for departure (<a href="#book4line406">411-468</a>). +Dido sends Anna with a last appeal to Æneas, who nevertheless, in +spite of struggles, obeys the gods (<a href="#book4line469">469-513</a>). In utter misery Dido, +on pretext of burning all Æneas' love-gifts, prepares a pyre and +summons a sorceress. Her preparations complete, she utters her last +lament (<a href="#book4line514">514-639</a>). Mercury repeats his warning to Æneas, who sails +forthwith (<a href="#book4line640">640-671</a>). Daybreak reveals his flight, and Dido—cursing +her betrayer—falls by her own hand, to the despair of her sister +and the consternation of her subjects (<a href="#book4line667">672-837</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book4line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Long since a prey to passion's torturing pains,<br/> +The Queen was wasting with the secret flame,<br/> +The cruel wound was feeding on her veins.<br/> +Back to the fancy of the lovelorn dame<br/> +Came the chief's valour and his country's fame.<br/> +His looks, his words still lingered in her breast,<br/> +Deep-fixt. And now the dewy Dawn upcame,<br/> +And chased the shadows, when her love's unrest +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thus to her sister's soul responsive she confessed: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What dreams, dear Anna, fill me with alarms;<br/> +What stranger guest is this? like whom in face?<br/> +How proud in portance, how expert in arms!<br/> +In sooth I deem him of celestial race;<br/> +Fear argues souls degenerate and base;<br/> +But he—how oft by danger sore bestead,<br/> +What warlike exploits did his lips retrace.<br/> +Were not my purpose steadfast, ne'er to wed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Since love first played me false, and mocked me with the dead, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Were I not sick of bridal torch and bower,<br/> +This once, perchance, I had been frail again.<br/> +Anna—for I will own it—since the hour<br/> +When, poor Sychæus miserably slain,<br/> +A brother's murder rent a home in twain,<br/> +He, he alone my stubborn will could tame,<br/> +And stir the balance of my soul. Too plain<br/> +I know the traces of the long-quenched flame; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The sparks of love revive, rekindled, but the same. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But O! gape Earth, or may the Sire of might<br/> +Hurl me with lightning to the Shades amain,<br/> +Pale shades of Erebus and abysmal Night,<br/> +Ere, wifely modesty, thy name I stain,<br/> +Or dare thy sacred precepts to profane.<br/> +Nay, he whose love first linked us long ago,<br/> +Took all my love, and he shall still retain<br/> +And guard it with him in the grave below." +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +She spake, and o'er her lap the gushing tears outflow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line37"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then Anna: "Sister, dearer than the day,<br/> +Why thus in loneliness and endless woe<br/> +Wilt thou for ever wear thy youth away?<br/> +Nor care sweet sons, fair Venus' gifts to know?<br/> +Think'st thou such grief concerns the shades below?<br/> +What though no husband, Libyan or of Tyre,<br/> +Could bend a heart made desolate; what though<br/> +In vain Iarbas did thy love desire, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Africa's proud chiefs, why quench a pleasing fire? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Think too, whose lands surround thee: on this side,<br/> +Gætulian cities, an unconquered race,<br/> +Numidians, reinless as the steeds they ride,<br/> +And cheerless Syrtis hold thee in embrace;<br/> +There fierce Barcæans and a sandy space<br/> +Wasted by drought. Why tell of wars from Tyre,<br/> +A brother's threats? Well know I Juno's grace<br/> +And heaven's propitious auspices conspire +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To find for Trojans here the home of their desire. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Sister, how glorious even now these towers,<br/> +What realm shall rise, with such a wondrous pair<br/> +When Teucrian arms join fellowship with ours,<br/> +What glory shall the Punic state upbear!<br/> +Pray thou to heaven and, having gained thy prayer,<br/> +Indulge thy welcome, and thy guest entreat<br/> +To tarry. Bid him winter's storms beware;<br/> +Point to Orion's watery star, the fleet +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Still shattered, and the skies for mariners unmeet." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line64"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So fanned, her passion kindled into flame:<br/> +Hope scattered scruples, and her doubts gave way,<br/> +And loosed were all the lingering ties of shame.<br/> +First to the fane the sisters haste away,<br/> +And there for peace at every shrine they pray,<br/> +And chosen ewes, as ancient rites ordain,<br/> +To <a href="#note4stanza8">Sire Lyæus,</a> to the God of Day,<br/> +And Ceres, giver of the law, are slain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And most to Juno's power, who guards the nuptial chain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Herself, the lovely Dido, bowl in hand,<br/> +O'er a white heifer's forehead pours the wine,<br/> +Or by the Gods' rich altars takes her stand,<br/> +And piles the gifts, and o'er the slaughtered kine<br/> +Pores, from the quivering heartstrings to divine<br/> +The doom of Fate. Blind seers, alas! what art<br/> +To calm her frenzy, now hath vow or shrine?<br/> +Deep in her marrow feeds the tender smart, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Unseen, the silent wound is festering in her heart +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Poor Dido burns, and roams from street to street,<br/> +Wild as a doe, whom heedless, far away,<br/> +Some swain hath pierced amid the woods of Crete,<br/> +And left, unware, the flying steel to stay,<br/> +While through the forests and the lawns his prey<br/> +Roams, with the death-bolt clinging to her side.<br/> +Now to Æneas doth the queen display<br/> +Her walls and wealth, the dowry of his bride; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> + +Oft she essays to speak, so oft the utterance died. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Again, when evening steals upon the light,<br/> +She seeks the feast, again would fain give ear<br/> +To Troy's sad tale and, ravished with delight,<br/> +Hangs on his lips; and when the hall is clear,<br/> +And the moon sinks, and drowsy stars appear,<br/> +Alone she mourns, clings to the couch he pressed,<br/> +Him absent sees, his absent voice doth hear,<br/> +Now, fain to cheat her utter love's unrest, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Clasps for his sire's sweet sake Ascanius to her breast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line100"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +No longer rise the growing towers, nor care<br/> +The youths in martial exercise to vie,<br/> +Nor ports nor bulwarks for defence prepare.<br/> +The frowning battlements neglected lie,<br/> +And lofty scaffolding that threats the sky.<br/> +Her, when Saturnian Juno saw possessed<br/> +With love so tameless, as would dare defy<br/> +The shame that whispers in a woman's breast, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Forthwith the queen of Jove fair Venus thus addressed: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Fine spoils, forsooth, proud triumph ye have won,<br/> +Thou and thy boy,—vast worship and renown!<br/> +Two gods by fraud one woman have undone.<br/> +But well I know ye fear the rising town,<br/> +The homes of Carthage offered for your own.<br/> +When shall this end? or why a feud so dire?<br/> +Let lasting peace and plighted wedlock crown<br/> +The compact. See, thou hast thy heart's desire, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Poor Dido burns with love, her blood is turned to fire. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Come then and rule we, each with equal power,<br/> +These folks as one. Let Tyrian Dido bear<br/> +A Phrygian's yoke, and Tyrians be her dower."<br/> +Then Venus, for she marked the Libyan snare<br/> +To snatch Italia's lordship, "Who would care<br/> +To spurn such offer, or with thee contend,<br/> +Should fortune follow on a scheme so fair?<br/> +'Tis Fate, I doubt, if Jupiter intend +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The sons of Tyre and Troy in common league to blend. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line127"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thou art his consort; 'tis thy right to learn<br/> +By prayer the counsels of his breast. Lead thou,<br/> +I follow." Quickly Juno made return:<br/> +"Be mine that task. Now briefly will I show<br/> +What means our purpose shall achieve, and how.<br/> +Soon as to-morrow's rising sun is seen,<br/> +And <a href="#note4stanza15">Titan's</a> rays unveil the world below,<br/> +Forth ride Æneas and the love-sick Queen, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With followers to the chase, to scour the woodland green. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"While busy beaters round the lawns prepare<br/> +Their feathered nets, thick sleet-storms will I shower<br/> +And rend all heaven with thunder. Here and there<br/> +The rest shall fly, and in the darkness cower.<br/> +One cave shall screen both lovers in that hour.<br/> +There will I be, if thou approve, meanwhile<br/> +And make her his in wedlock. Hymen's power<br/> +Shall seal the rite."—Not adverse, with a smile +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sweet Venus nods assent, and gladdens at the guile. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line145"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile Aurora o'er the deep appears.<br/> +At daybreak, issuing from the gates is seen<br/> +A chosen train, with nets and steel-tipt spears<br/> +And wide-meshed toils; and sleuth-hounds, staunch and keen,<br/> +Mixed with Massylian riders, scour the green.<br/> +Each on his charger, by the doorway sit<br/> +The princes, waiting for the lingering Queen.<br/> +Her steed, with gold and purple housings fit, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Impatient paws the ground, and champs the foaming bit. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now forth at length, with numbers in her train,<br/> +She comes in state, majestic to behold,<br/> +Wrapped in a purpled scarf of Tyrian grain.<br/> +All golden is her quiver; knots of gold<br/> +Confine her hair; a golden clasp doth hold<br/> +Her purple cloak. Behind her throng amain<br/> +The Trojans, with Iulus, blithe and bold,<br/> +And good Æneas, with the rest, as fain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Joins in, and steps along, the comeliest of the train. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line163"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As when from wintry Lycia and the shore<br/> +Of Xanthus, to his mother's Delian seat<br/> +Apollo comes, the dances to restore.<br/> +Around his shrines <a href="#note4stanza19">Dryopians,</a> sons of Crete,<br/> +And tattooed <a href="#note4stanza19">Agathyrsians</a> shouting meet.<br/> +He, on high <a href="#note4stanza19">Cynthus</a> moving, binds around<br/> +His flowing locks the foliage soft and sweet,<br/> +And braids with gold: his arms behind him sound, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So firm Æneas strode, such grace his features crowned. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The hill-tops and the pathless lairs they gain.<br/> +Lo! from the rocks dislodged, the goats in fear<br/> +Bound o'er the crags. In dust-clouds o'er the plain<br/> +Down from the mountains rush the frightened deer.<br/> +On mettled steed the boy, in wild career,<br/> +Outrides them, glorying in the chase. No more<br/> +He heeds such timid prey, but longs to hear<br/> +The tawny lion, issuing with a roar +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Forth from the lofty hills, and front the foaming boar. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile deep mutterings vex the louring sky,<br/> +And, mixt with hail, in torrents comes the rain.<br/> +Scar'd, o'er the fields to diverse shelter fly<br/> +Troy's sons, Ascanius, and the Tyrian train.<br/> +Down from the hills the deluge pours amain.<br/> +One cave protects the pair. Earth gives the sign,<br/> +With Juno, mistress of the nuptial chain.<br/> +And heaven bears witness, and the lightnings shine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And from the crags above shriek out the Nymphs divine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Dark day of fate, and dismal hour of sin!<br/> +Then first disaster did the gods ordain,<br/> +And death and woe were destined to begin.<br/> +Nor shame nor scandal now the Queen restrain,<br/> +No more she meditates to hide the stain,<br/> +No longer chooses to conceal her flame.<br/> +Marriage she calls it, but the fraud is plain,<br/> +And pretexts weaves, and with a specious name +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Attempts to veil her guilt, and sanctify her shame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line199"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Fame with the news through Libya's cities hies,<br/> +Fame, far the swiftest of all mischiefs bred;<br/> +Speed gives her force; she strengthens as she flies.<br/> +Small first through fear, she lifts a loftier head,<br/> +Her forehead in the clouds, on earth her tread.<br/> +Last sister of Enceladus, whom Earth<br/> +Brought forth, in anger with the gods, 'tis said,<br/> +Swift-winged, swift-footed, of enormous girth, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Huge, horrible, deformed, a giantess from birth. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As many feathers as her form surround,<br/> +Strange sight! peep forth so many watchful eyes,<br/> +So many mouths and tattling tongues resound,<br/> +So many ears among the plumes uprise.<br/> +By night with shrieks 'twixt heaven and earth she flies,<br/> +Nor suffers sleep her eyelids to subdue;<br/> +By day, the terror of great towns, she spies<br/> +From towers and housetops, perched aloft in view, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fond of the false and foul, yet herald of the true. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So now, exulting, with a mingled hum<br/> +Of truth and falsehood, through the crowd she sped;<br/> +How one Æneas hath from Ilion come,<br/> +A Dardan guest, whom Dido deigns to wed.<br/> +Now, lapt in dalliance and with ease o'erfed,<br/> +All winter long they revel in their shame,<br/> +Lost to their kingdoms. Such the tale she spread;<br/> +And straight the demon to Iarbas came, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And wrath on wrath upheaped, and fanned his soul to flame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line226"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Born of a nymph, by <a href="#note4stanza26">Ammon's</a> forced embrace,<br/> +A hundred temples and in each a shrine<br/> +He built to Jove, the father of his race,<br/> +And lit the sacred fires, that sleepless shine,<br/> +The Gods' eternal watches. Slaughtered kine<br/> +Smoke on the teeming pavement, garlands fair<br/> +Of various hues the stately porch entwine.<br/> +Stung by the bitter tidings, in despair +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Before the gods he kneels, and pours a suppliant's prayer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Great Jove, to whom our Moorish tribes, reclined<br/> +On broidered couch, the votive wine-cup drain,<br/> +See'st thou or, Father, are thy bolts but blind,<br/> +Mere noise thy thunder, and thy lightnings vain?<br/> +This woman here, who, wandering on the main,<br/> +Bought leave to build and govern as her own<br/> +Her puny town, and till the sandy plain,<br/> +Our proffered love hath ventured to disown, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And takes a Trojan lord, Æneas, to her throne. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line244"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And now that Paris, tricked in Lydian guise,<br/> +With perfumed locks and bonnet, and his crew<br/> +Of men half-women, gloats upon the prize,<br/> +While vainly at thy so-called shrines we sue,<br/> +And nurse a faith as empty as untrue."<br/> +He prayed and clasped the altar. His request<br/> +Jove heard, and to the city bent his view,<br/> +And saw the guilty lovers, lapt in rest +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And lost to shame, and thus Cyllenius he addressed: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line253"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Go, son, <a href="#note4stanza29">the Zephyrs</a> call, and wing thy flight<br/> +To Carthage. Call the Dardan chief away,<br/> +Who, deaf to Fate, his destined walls doth slight.<br/> +This mandate through the wafting air convey,<br/> +Not such fair Venus did her son pourtray,<br/> +Nor twice for <i>this</i> from Grecian swords reclaim<br/> +One born to rule Italia, big with sway<br/> +And fierce for war, and spread the Teucrian name +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Through Teucer's sons, and laws to conquered earth proclaim. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"If glory cannot tempt him, nor inflame<br/> +His soul to win such greatness, if indeed<br/> +He takes no trouble for his own fair fame,<br/> +Shall he, a father, envy to his seed<br/> +The towers of Rome, by destiny decreed?<br/> +What schemes he now? what hope the chief constrains<br/> +To linger 'mid a hostile race, nor heed<br/> +Ausonia's sons and the Lavinian plains? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Go, bid him sail; enough; that word the sum contains." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Jove spake. Cyllenius to his feet binds fast<br/> +His golden sandals, that aloft in flight<br/> +O'er sea and shore upbear him with the blast,<br/> +Then takes his rod—the rod of mystic might,<br/> +That calls from Hell or plunges into night<br/> +The pallid ghosts, gives sleep or bids it fly,<br/> +And lifts the dead man's eyelids to the light.<br/> +Armed with that rod, he rules the clouds on high, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And drives the scattered gales, and sails the stormy sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line280"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now, borne along, beneath him he espies<br/> +The sides precipitous and towering peak<br/> +Of rugged <a href="#note4stanza32">Atlas,</a> who upholds the skies.<br/> +Round his pine-covered forehead, wild and bleak,<br/> +The dark clouds settle and the storm-winds shriek.<br/> +His shoulders glisten with the mantling snow,<br/> +Dark roll the torrents down his aged cheek,<br/> +Seamed with the wintry ravage, and below, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stiff with the gathered ice his hoary beard doth show. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Poised on his wings, here first <a href="#note4stanza32">Cyllenius</a> stood,<br/> +Then downward shot, and in the salt sea spray<br/> +Dipped like a sea-gull, who, in quest of food,<br/> +Searches the teeming shore-cliffs for his prey,<br/> +And scours the rocks and skims along the bay.<br/> +So swiftly now, between the earth and skies,<br/> +Leaving his mother's sire, his airy way<br/> +<a href="#note4stanza32">Cyllene's</a> god on cleaving pinions plies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +As o'er the Libyan sands along the wind he flies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line298"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Scarce now at Carthage had he stayed his feet,<br/> +Among the huts Æneas he espied,<br/> +Planning new towers and many a stately street.<br/> +A sword-hilt, starred with jasper, graced his side,<br/> +A scarf, gold-broidered by the queen, and dyed<br/> +With Tyrian hues, was o'er his shoulders thrown.<br/> +"What, thou—wilt thou build Carthage?" Hermes cried,<br/> +"And stay to beautify thy lady's town, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And dote on Tyrian realms, and disregard thine own? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Himself, the Sire, who rules the earth and skies,<br/> +Sends me from heaven his mandate to proclaim.<br/> +What scheme is thine? what hope allures thine eyes,<br/> +To loiter thus in Libya? If such fame<br/> +Nowise can move thee, nor thy soul inflame,<br/> +If loth to labour for thine own renown,<br/> +Think of thy young Ascanius; see with shame<br/> +His rising promise, scarce to manhood grown, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hope of the Roman race, and heir of Latium's throne." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake and, speaking, vanished into air.<br/> +Dumb stood Æneas, by the sight unmann'd:<br/> +Fear stifled speech and stiffened all his hair.<br/> +Fain would he fly, and quit the tempting land,<br/> +Surprised and startled by the god's command.<br/> +Ah! what to do? what opening can he find<br/> +To break the news, the infuriate Queen withstand?<br/> +This way and that dividing his swift mind, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +All means in turns he tries, and wavers like the wind. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +This plan prevails; he bids a chosen few<br/> +Collect the crews in silence, arm the fleet<br/> +And hide the purport of these counsels new,<br/> +Himself, since Dido dreams not of deceit,<br/> +Nor thinks such passion can be frail or fleet,<br/> +Some avenue of access will essay,<br/> +Some tender moment for soft speeches meet,<br/> +And wit shall find, and cunning smooth the way. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With joy the captains hear, and hasten to obey. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line334"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But Dido—who can cheat a lover's care?<br/> +Could guess the fraud, the coming change descry,<br/> +And in the midst of safety feared a snare.<br/> +Now wicked Fame hath bid the rumour fly<br/> +Of mustering crews. Poor Dido, crazed thereby,<br/> +Raves like a Thyiad, when the frenzied rout<br/> +With orgies hurry to <a href="#note4stanza38">Cithæron</a> high,<br/> +And "Bacchus! Bacchus" through the night they shout. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +At length the chief she finds, and thus her wrath breaks out: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line343"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thought'st thou to steal in silence from the land,<br/> +False wretch! and cloak such treason with a lie?<br/> +Can neither love, nor this my plighted hand,<br/> +Nor dying Dido keep thee? Must thou fly,<br/> +When North-winds howl, and wintry waves are high?<br/> +O cruel! what if home before thee lay,<br/> +Not lands unknown, beneath an alien sky,<br/> +If Troy were standing, as in ancient day, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Would'st thou for Troy's own sake this angry deep essay? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"<i>Me</i> dost thou fly? O, by these tears, thy hand<br/> +Late pledged, since madness leaves me naught beside,<br/> +But lovers' vows and wedlock's sacred band,<br/> +Scarce knit and now too soon to be untied;<br/> +If aught were pleasing in a new-won bride,<br/> +If sweet the memory of our marriage day,<br/> +O by these prayers—if place for prayer abide—<br/> +In mercy put that cruel mind away. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pity a falling house, now hastening to decay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"For thee the Libyans and each Nomad lord<br/> +Hate me, and Tyrians would their queen disown.<br/> +My wifely honour is a name abhorred,<br/> +And that chaste fame has perished, which alone<br/> +Perchance had raised me to a starry throne.<br/> +O think with whom thou leav'st me to thy fate,<br/> +Dear guest, no longer as a husband known.<br/> +Why stay I? till Pygmalion waste my state, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Or on Iarbas' wheels, a captive queen, to wait? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line370"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ah! if at least, ere thou had'st sailed away,<br/> +Some babe, the token of thy love, were born,<br/> +Some child Æneas, in my halls to play,<br/> +Like thee at least in look, I should not mourn<br/> +As altogether captive and forlorn."<br/> +She paused, but he, at Jove's command, his eyes<br/> +Keeps still unmoved, and, though with anguish torn,<br/> +Strives with his love, nor suffers it to rise, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +But checks his heaving heart, and thus at length replies: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Never, dear Queen, will I disown the debt,<br/> +Thy love's deserts, too countless to repeat,<br/> +Nor ever fair Elissa's name forget,<br/> +While memory shall last, or pulses beat.<br/> +Few words are mine, for fewest words are meet.<br/> +Think not I meant—the very thought were shame—<br/> +Thief-like to veil my going with deceit.<br/> +I gave no promise of a husband's name, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor talked of ties like that, or wedlock's sacred flame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line388"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Did Fate but let me shape my life at will,<br/> +And rest at pleasure, Ilion, first of all,<br/> +And Troy's sweet relics would I cling to still,<br/> +And Pergama and Priam's stately hall<br/> +Once more should cheer the vanquished for their fall.<br/> +But now <a href="#note4stanza44">Grynoean Phoebus</a> bids me fare<br/> +To great Italia; to Italia call<br/> +The <a href="#note4stanza44">Lycian lots,</a> and so the Fates declare. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +There lies the land I love, my destined home is there. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"If thee, Tyre-born, a Libyan town detain,<br/> +What grudge to Troy Ausonia's land denies?<br/> +We too may seek a foreign realm to gain.<br/> +Me, oft as Night's damp shadows from the skies<br/> +Have shrouded Earth, and fiery stars arise,<br/> +My sire Anchises' troubled ghost in sleep<br/> +Upbraids and scares, and ever louder cries<br/> +The wrong, that on Ascanius' head I heap, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whom from Hesperia's plains, his destined realms, I keep. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line406"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Now, too, Jove's messenger himself comes down—<br/> +Bear witness both—I heard the voice divine,<br/> +I saw the God just entering the town.<br/> +Cease then to vex me, nor thyself repine.<br/> +Heaven's will to Latium summons me, not mine."<br/> +Him, speaking thus and pleading but in vain,<br/> +She viewed askance, rolling her restless eyne,<br/> +Then scanned him o'er, long silent, in disdain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And thus at length broke out, and gave her wrath the rein. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"False traitor! Goddess never gave thee birth,<br/> +Nor of thy race was Dardanus the first.<br/> +Thy limbs were fashioned in the womb of Earth,<br/> +The rugged rocks of Caucasus accurst.<br/> +Hyrcanian tigresses thy childhood nursed.<br/> +Why fawn and feign? what more have I to fear,<br/> +What more to wait for, having known the worst?<br/> +Moved he those eyes? dropped he a single tear +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sighed he with me, or spake a lover's heart to cheer? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What first? what last? Nor Juno, nay, nor Jove<br/> +With equal eyes beholds the wrongs I bear.<br/> +Faithless is earth, and false is Heaven above.<br/> +I took him in, an outcast, and bade spare,<br/> +His ships and wandering comrades, let him share<br/> +My home, and made him partner of my reign.<br/> +Ah me! the Furies drive me to despair.<br/> +Now Phoebus calls him, now the Lycian fane, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Now Jove's own herald brings the dreadful news too plain: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Fit task for Gods; such cares disturb their ease.<br/> +I care not to confute thee nor delay.<br/> +Go, seek thy Latin lordship o'er the seas.<br/> +May Heaven—if Heaven be righteous—make thee pay<br/> +Thy forfeit, left on ocean's rocks to pray<br/> +For help to Dido. There shall Dido go<br/> +With sulphurous flames, and vex thee far away.<br/> +My ghost in death shall haunt thee. I shall know +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thy punishment, false wretch, and hail the news below." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Abrupt she ceased and, sickening with despair,<br/> +Turns from his gaze, and shuns the light of day,<br/> +And leaves the Dardan, faltering in his fear,<br/> +And thinking of a thousand things to say.<br/> +Back to her marble couch the maids convey<br/> +The fainting Queen. The pious Prince, though fain<br/> +With gentle words her anguish to ally,<br/> +Sighing full sore, and racked with inward pain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Bows to the God's behest, and hastens to the main. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Stirred by his presence, at their chief's command,<br/> +The Trojan mariners, with might and main,<br/> +Bend to the work. Along the shelving strand<br/> +They launch tall ships that long had idle lain.<br/> +The tarred keel joys the waters to regain.<br/> +Timbers unshaped and many a green-leaved oar<br/> +They fetch from out the forest, glad and fain<br/> +To speed their flight, and hurrying to the shore +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Forth from the town-gates fast the mustering Trojans pour. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As ants that, mindful of the cold to come,<br/> +Lay waste a mighty heap of garnered grain,<br/> +And store the golden treasure in their home:<br/> +Back through the grass, with plunder, o'er the plain<br/> +In narrow column troops the sable train:<br/> +Their tiny shoulders heave, with restless moil,<br/> +The cumbrous atomies; these scourge amain<br/> +The loiterers in the rear, and guard the spoil. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hot fares the busy work; the pathway glows with toil. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line469"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +What, hapless Dido, were thy feelings then?<br/> +What groans were thine, from out thy tower to view<br/> +The ships prepared, the shores astir with men,<br/> +The turmoil'd deep, the shouting of each crew!<br/> +O tyrant love, so potent to subdue!<br/> +Again, perforce, she weeps for him; again<br/> +She stoops to try persuasion, and to sue,<br/> +And yields, a suppliant, to her love's sweet pain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lest aught remain untried, and Dido die in vain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Look yonder, look, dear Anna! all around<br/> +They crowd the shore their canvas wooes the wind!<br/> +Behold the poops with festal garlands crown'd.<br/> +If I could bear this prospect, I shall find<br/> +Strength still to suffer, and a soul resign'd.<br/> +One boon I ask—O pity my distress—<br/> +For thee alone he tells his inmost mind,<br/> +To thee alone unperjur'd; thou can'st guess +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The means of soft approach, the seasons of address; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line487"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Go, sister, meekly tell the haughty foe,<br/> +Not I at <a href="#note4stanza55">Aulis</a> with the Greeks did swear<br/> +To smite the Trojans and their towers o'erthrow,<br/> +Nor sought his father's ashes to uptear.<br/> +Whom shuns he? wherefore would he spurn my prayer?<br/> +Beg him, in pity of poor love, to stay<br/> +Till flight is easy, and the winds breathe fair.<br/> +Not now for wedlock's broken vows I pray, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor bid him lose for me fair Latium and his sway. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"I ask but time—a respite and reprieve—<br/> +A little truce, my passion to allay,<br/> +Till fortune teach my baffled love to grieve.<br/> +Grant, sister, this, the latest grace I pray,<br/> +And Death with interest shall the debt repay."<br/> +She spake; sad Anna to the Dardan bears<br/> +Her piteous plea. But Fate hath barred the way:<br/> +Deaf stands Æneas to her prayers and tears: +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Jove, unrelenting Jove, hath stopped his gentle ears. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +E'en as when Northern Alpine blasts contend<br/> +This side and that to lay an oak-tree low,<br/> +Aged but strong: the branches creak and bend,<br/> +And leaves thick-falling all the ground bestrow:<br/> +The trunk clings firmly to the rock below:<br/> +High as it rears its weather-beaten crest,<br/> +So dive its roots to Tartarus. Even so<br/> +Beset with prayers, the hero stands distrest; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So vain are Anna's tears, so moveless is his breast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line514"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then—then unhappy Dido prays to die,<br/> +Maddened by Fate, aweary of the day,<br/> +Aweary of the over-arching sky.<br/> +And lo! an omen seems to chide delay,<br/> +And steel her purpose. As, in act to pay<br/> +Her gifts, with incense at the shrine she kneels,<br/> +Black turns the water, horrible to say;<br/> +To loathsome gore the sacred wine congeals. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Not e'en to Anna's self this vision she reveals. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nay more; within the precincts of her house<br/> +There stood a marble shrine, with garlands bright<br/> +And snow-white fleeces, sacred to her spouse.<br/> +Hence, oft as darkness shrouds the world from sight,<br/> +Voices she hears, and accents of affright,<br/> +As though Sychæus told aloud his wrong,<br/> +Hears from the roof-top, through the livelong night,<br/> +The solitary screech-owl's funeral song, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Wailing an endless dirge, the dismal notes prolong. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line532"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Dim warnings, given by many an ancient seer,<br/> +Affright her. Ever wandering, ever lost,<br/> +In dreams she sees the fierce Æneas near,<br/> +And seeks her Tyrians on a lonely coast.<br/> +So raving <a href="#note4stanza60">Pentheus</a> sees the Furies' host,<br/> +Twin suns and double Thebes. So, mad with Fate,<br/> +Blood-stained <a href="#note4stanza60">Orestes</a> flees his mother's ghost,<br/> +Armed with black snakes and firebrands; at the gate +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The avenging Fiends, close-crouched, the murderer await. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So now, possessed with Furies, the poor queen,<br/> +O'ercome with grief and resolute to die,<br/> +Settles the time and manner. Joy serene<br/> +Smiles on her brow, her purpose to belie,<br/> +And hope dissembled sparkles in her eye.<br/> +"Dear Anna," thus she hails with cheerful tone<br/> +Her weeping sister, "put thy sorrow by,<br/> +And joy with me. Indulgent Heaven hath shown +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A way to gain his love, or rid me of my own. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Near Ocean's limits and the sunset, lies<br/> +A far-off land, by Æthiopians owned,<br/> +Where mighty Atlas turns the spangled skies.<br/> +There a Massylian priestess I have found,<br/> +The warder of the Hesperian fane renowned.<br/> +'Twas hers to feed the dragon, hers to keep<br/> +The golden fruit, and guard the sacred ground,<br/> +The dragon's food in honied drugs to steep, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And mix the poppy drowse, that soothes the soul to sleep. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What souls she listeth, with her charms she claims<br/> +To free from passion, or with pains to smite<br/> +The love-sick heart; the planets all she tames,<br/> +And stays the rivers; and her voice of might<br/> +Calls forth the spirits from the realms of night.<br/> +Thyself the rumbling of the ground shalt hear,<br/> +And see the tall ash tumble from the height.<br/> +O, by the Gods, by thy sweet self I swear, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Loth am I, sister dear, these magic arms to wear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thou privily within the courtyard frame<br/> +A lofty pyre; his armour and attire<br/> +Heap on it, and the fatal couch of shame.<br/> +All relics of the wretch are doomed to fire;<br/> +So bids the priestess, and her charms require."<br/> +She ended, pale as death, and Anna plied<br/> +Her task, not dreaming of a rage so dire.<br/> +Nought worse she fears than when Sychæus died, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor recks that these strange rites her purposed death could hide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now rose the pile within the courtyard's space,<br/> +Of oak and pine-wood, open to the wind.<br/> +Herself the Queen with garlands decked the place,<br/> +And funeral chaplets in the sides entwined.<br/> +Above, his robes, the sword he left behind,<br/> +And, last, his image on the couch she laid,<br/> +Foreknowing all, and while the altars shined<br/> +With blazing offerings, the enchantress-maid, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Frenzied, with thundering voice and tresses disarrayed, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line586"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Summons her gods—three hundred powers divine,<br/> +Chaos and Erebus, in Hell supreme,<br/> +And <a href="#note4stanza66">Dian-Hecate,</a> the maiden trine;<br/> +Then water, feigned of dark <a href="#note4stanza66">Avernus'</a> stream,<br/> +She sprinkles round. Rank herbs are sought, that teem<br/> +With poisonous juice, and plants at midnight shorn<br/> +With brazen sickles by the Moon's pale beam,<br/> +And from <a href="#note4stanza66">the forehead of a foal new-born,</a> +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ere by the dam devoured, love's talisman is torn. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Herself, the queen, before the altar stands,<br/> +One foot unsandalled, and her flowing vest<br/> +Loosed from its cincture. In her stainless hands<br/> +The sacrificial cake she holds; her breast<br/> +Heaves, with approaching agony oppressed.<br/> +She calls the conscious planets as they move,<br/> +She calls the stars, her purpose to attest,<br/> +And all the gods, if any rules above, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mindful of lovers' wrongs, and just to injured love. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +'Twas night; on earth all creatures were asleep:<br/> +Midway the stars moved silent through the sphere;<br/> +Hushed were the forest and the angry deep,<br/> +And hushed was every field, and far and near<br/> +Reigned stillness, and the night spread calm and clear.<br/> +The flocks, the birds, with painted plumage gay,<br/> +That haunt the copse, or dwell in brake and brere,<br/> +Or skim the liquid lakes—all silent lay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lapt in oblivion sweet, forgetful of the day. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Not so unhappy Dido; no sweet peace<br/> +Dissolves her cares; her wakeful eyes and breast<br/> +Drink not the dewy night; her pains increase,<br/> +And love, with warring passions unsuppressed,<br/> +Swells up, and stirs the tumult of unrest.<br/> +"What, then," she sadly ponders, "shall I do?<br/> +Ah, woe is me! shall Dido, made a jest<br/> +To former lovers, stoop herself to sue, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And beg the Nomad lords their oft-scorned vows renew? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Or with the fleet of Ilion shall I sail,<br/> +The slave and menial of a Trojan crew,<br/> +As though they count past kindness of avail,<br/> +Or dream that aught of gratitude be due?<br/> +Grant that I wished it, of these lordings who<br/> +Would take me, humbled and a thing of scorn?<br/> +Is Dido blind, if Trojans are untrue?<br/> +Know'st thou not yet, O lost one and forlorn, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Troy's perjured race still shows Laomedon forsworn? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What, fly alone, and join their shouting crew?<br/> +Or launch, and chase them with my Tyrian train<br/> +Scarce torn from Tyre? Nay—die and take thy due;<br/> +The sword alone can ease thee of thy pain.<br/> +Sister, 'twas thy weak pity wrought this bane,<br/> +Swayed by my tears, and gave me to the foe.<br/> +Ah! had I lived unloving, void of stain,<br/> +Free as the beasts, nor meddled with this woe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor wronged with broken vows Sychæus' shade below!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line640"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So wailed the Queen. Æneas, fixt in mind,<br/> +All things prepared, his voyage to pursue,<br/> +Snatched a brief slumber, on the deck reclined,<br/> +Lo, in a dream, returning near him drew<br/> +The God, and seemed his warning to renew.<br/> +Like Mercury, the very God behold!<br/> +So sweet his voice, so radiant was his hue,<br/> +Such loveliness of limb and youthful mould, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Such cheeks of ruddiest bloom, and locks of burnished gold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O goddess-born Æneas, can'st thou sleep,<br/> +Nor see the dangers that around thee lie,<br/> +Nor hear the Zephyrs whispering to the deep.<br/> +Dark crimes the Queen is plotting, bent to die<br/> +And tost with varying passions. Haste thee—fly,<br/> +While flight is open. Morn shall see the bay<br/> +Swarm with their ships, and all the shore and sky<br/> +Red with fierce firebrands and the flames. Away! +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Changeful is woman's mood, and varying with the day." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake and, mixing with the night, withdrew.<br/> +Up starts Æneas from his sleep, so sore<br/> +The vision scared him, and awakes his crew.<br/> +"Quick, comrades, man the benches! ply the oar!<br/> +Unfurl the canvas! Lo, a God once more<br/> +Comes down to urge us, chiding our delay,<br/> +And bids us cut our cables from the shore.<br/> +Dread Power divine, we follow on thy way, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Gladly, whoe'er thou art, thy summons we obey. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line667"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Be near us now, and O, vouchsafe thine aid,<br/> +And bid fair stars their kindly beams afford<br/> +To light our pathway through the deep." He prayed,<br/> +And from the scabbard snatched his flaming sword,<br/> +And, swift as lightning, cleft the twisted cord.<br/> +Fired by their chief, like ardour fills the crew,<br/> +They scour, they scud and, hurrying, crowd on board.<br/> +Bare lies the beach; ships hide the sea from view, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And strong arms lash the foam and sweep the sparkling blue. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now rose Aurora from the saffron bed<br/> +Of old Tithonus, and with orient ray<br/> +Sprinkled the earth. Forth looks the Queen in dread,<br/> +And from her watch-tower marks the twilight grey<br/> +Glow with the shimmering whiteness of the day,<br/> +The harbour shipless and the shore all bare,<br/> +The fleet with full-squared canvas under weigh.<br/> +Then thrice and four times, frantic with despair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +She beats her beauteous breast, and rends her golden hair. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ah! Jove, shall he escape me? Shall he mock<br/> +My queenship? He, an alien, flout my sway?<br/> +Will no one arm and chase them, or undock<br/> +The ships? Bring fire; get weapons, quick! Away!<br/> +Swing out the oars! Ah me! what do I say?<br/> +Where am I? O, what madness turns my brain?<br/> +Poor Dido, hath thy folly found its prey?<br/> +Thy sins, alas! they sting thee, but in vain. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +They should have done so then, when yielding him thy reign. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Lo, there his honour and the faith he swore,<br/> +Who takes Troy's gods the partners of his flight,<br/> +And erst from Troy his aged parent bore.<br/> +O, had I torn him piecemeal, as I might,<br/> +And strewn him on the waves, and slain outright<br/> +His friends, and for the father's banquet spread<br/> +The murdered boy! But doubtful were the fight.<br/> +Grant that it had been, whom should Dido dread, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What fear had death for me, self-destined to be dead? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"These hands the firebrands at his feet had cast,<br/> +And filled with flames his hatches. Sire and son<br/> +And all their race had perished with the past,<br/> +And I, too, perished with them. O great Sun,<br/> +Whose torch reveals whate'er on Earth is done,<br/> +Juno, who know'st the passion that devours<br/> +Poor Dido; Hecate, where crossways run<br/> +Night-howled in cities; ye avenging Powers, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Friends, Furies, Gods that guard Elissa's dying hours! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Mark this, compassionate these woes, and bow<br/> +To supplication. If the Fates demand—<br/> +Curst be his head!—that he escape me now,<br/> +And touch his haven, and float up to land.<br/> +If so Jove wills, and fixt his edicts stand,<br/> +Then, scourged with warfare by a daring race,<br/> +In vain for succour let him stretch his hand,<br/> +And see his people perish with disgrace, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +An exile, torn from home and from his son's embrace. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And when hard peace the traitor stoops to buy,<br/> +No realm be his, nor happy days in store.<br/> +Cut off in prime of manhood let him die,<br/> +And rot unburied on the sandy shore.<br/> +This dying curse, this utterance I pour,<br/> +The latest, with my life-blood,—this my prayer.<br/> +Them and their children's children evermore<br/> +Ye Tyrians, with immortal hate outwear. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +This gift—'twill please me best—for Dido's shade prepare. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book4line730"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"This heritage be yours; no truce nor trust<br/> +'Twixt theirs and ours, no union or accord<br/> +Arise, <a href="#note4stanza82">unknown Avenger</a> from our dust;<br/> +With fire and steel upon the Dardan horde<br/> +Mete out the measure of their crimes' reward.<br/> +To-day, to-morrow, for eternity<br/> +Fight, oft as ye are able—sword with sword,<br/> +Shore with opposing shore, and sea with sea; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fight, Tyrians, all that are, and all that e'er shall be." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So spake the queen, and pondered in her breast<br/> +How of her loathèd life to clip the thread,<br/> +Then briefly thus Sychæus' nurse addressed<br/> +(Her own at Tyre lay buried)—"Haste," she said,<br/> +"Dear Barce; call my sister; let her head<br/> +With living water from the lustral bough<br/> +Be sprinkled. Hither be the victims led,<br/> +And due atoning offerings, and thou +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Bring forth the sacred wreath, and bind it on thy brow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"The sacrifice, prepared for Stygian Jove,<br/> +I purpose now to consummate, and pay<br/> +The last sad rites, and ease me of my love,<br/> +And burn the couch whereon the Dardan lay."<br/> +She spake; the old dame tottering hastes away.<br/> +Maddening stood Dido at the doom so dread,<br/> +With bloodshot eyes and trembling with dismay,<br/> +Her quivering cheeks flecked with the burning red, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pale with approaching death, but yearning to be dead. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So bursting through the inner doors she flew<br/> +And, with wild frenzy, climbed the lofty pyre,<br/> +Then seized the scabbard he had left, and drew<br/> +The sword, ne'er given for an end so dire.<br/> +But when, with eyes still wistful with desire,<br/> +She viewed the bed that she had known too well,<br/> +The Ilian raiment and the chief's attire,<br/> +She paused, then musing, while the teardrops fell, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sank on the fatal couch, and cried a last farewell: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Dear relics! loved while Fate and Jove were kind,<br/> +Receive this soul, and free me from my woe.<br/> +My life is lived; behold, the course assigned<br/> +By Fortune now is finished, and I go,<br/> +A shade majestic, to the world below,<br/> +A glorious city I have built, have seen<br/> +My walls, avenged my husband of his foe.<br/> +Thrice happy, ah! too happy had I been +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Had Dardan ships, alas! not come to bring me teen!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +She paused, and pressed her lips upon the bed.<br/> +"To die—and unavenged? Yea, let me die!<br/> +Thus—thus it joys to journey to the dead.<br/> +Let yon false Dardan with remorseful eye<br/> +Drink in this bale-fire from the deep, and sigh<br/> +To bear the omens of my death."—No more<br/> +She said, but swooned. The servants see her lie,<br/> +Sunk on the sword; they see the life-blood pour, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Reddening her tender hands, the weapon drenched with gore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then through the lofty palace rose a scream,<br/> +And madly Rumour riots, as she flies<br/> +Through the shocked town. The very houses seem<br/> +To groan, and shrieks, and sobbing and the cries<br/> +Of wailing women pierce the vaulted skies.<br/> +'Twas e'en as though all Carthage or old Tyre<br/> +Were falling, stormed by ruthless enemies,<br/> +While over roof and battlement and spire +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And temples of the Gods rolled on the infuriate fire. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Her sister heard, and through the concourse came,<br/> +And tore her cheeks and beat her bosom fair,<br/> +And called upon the dying Queen by name.<br/> +"Sister! was this thy secret? thine this snare?<br/> +For me this fraud? For this did I prepare<br/> +That pyre, those flames and altars? This the end?<br/> +Ah me, forlorn! what worse remains to bear?<br/> +Would'st thou in death desert me, and pretend +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To scorn a sister's care, and shun me as a friend? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thou should'st have called me to thy doom! One stroke,<br/> +A moment's pang, and we had ceased to sigh.<br/> +Reared I this pyre, did I the gods invoke<br/> +To leave thee thus companionless, to die?<br/> +Lo, all are dead together, thou and I,<br/> +Town, princes, people, perished in a day.<br/> +Bring water; let me close the lightless eye,<br/> +And bathe those wounds, and kiss those lips of clay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And catch one fluttering breath, if yet, perchance, I may!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, she climbs the steps, and, groaning sore,<br/> +Clasps to her breast her sister ere she dies,<br/> +And stanches with her robe the streaming gore.<br/> +In vain poor Dido lifts her wearied eyes,<br/> +The closing eyelids sicken at the skies.<br/> +Deep gurgles in her breast the deadly wound;<br/> +Thrice on her elbow she essays to rise,<br/> +Thrice back she sinks. With wandering eyes all round +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +She seeks the light of heaven, and moans when it is found. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza92"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then Juno, pitying her agony<br/> +Of lingering death, sent Iris down with speed.<br/> +Her struggling soul from clinging limbs to free.<br/> +For since by Fate, or for her own misdeed<br/> +She perished not, but, ere the day decreed,<br/> +Fell in the frenzy of her love's despair,<br/> +Not yet Proserpina had claimed her meed,<br/> +And shorn the ringlet of her golden hair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +820 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And bade the sacred shade to Stygian realms repair. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book4stanza93"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So down to earth came Iris from on high<br/> +On saffron wings all glittering with the dew.<br/> +A thousand tints against the sunlit sky<br/> +She flashed from out her rainbow as she flew,<br/> +Then, hovering overhead, these words outthrew,<br/> +"Behold, to Dis this offering I bear,<br/> +And loose thee from thy body."—Forth she drew<br/> +The fatal shears, and clipped the golden hair; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +829 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The vital heats disperse, and life dissolves in air. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>BOOK FIVE</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>Æneas, unaware of Dido's fate, sails away to Acestes in Sicily, and +prepares funeral games against the anniversary of Anchises' death +(<a href="#book5line1">1-90</a>). Offerings are paid to the spirit of Anchises. Sicilians and +Trojans assemble for the first contest, a boat race (<a href="#book5line91">91-140</a>), which +is described at length. Cloanthus, ancestor of the Cluentii, wins +with the "Scylla" (<a href="#book5line136">141-342</a>). The foot-race is next narrated. +Euryalus, by his friend's cunning, gains the first prize, and the +scene shifts (<a href="#book5line343">343-441</a>) to the ring, in which Dares is defeated by +the veteran Entellus, who fells the ox, his prize, as an offering +to his master Eryx (<a href="#book5line442">442-594</a>). After some wonderful shooting in the +archery which follows, Æneas awards the first prize to Acestes, as +the favourite of the gods (<a href="#book5line595">595-667</a>). Before this contest is over +Æneas summons Ascanius and his boy-companions to perform the +elaborate manoeuvres afterwards celebrated in Rome as the "Trojan +Ride" (<a href="#book5line667">668-729</a>). Juno schemes to destroy the Trojan fleet, while the +games are being held. She inspires with discontent the Trojan matrons, +who are not present at the festival. They set fire to the ships +(<a href="#book5line730">730-810</a>). Ascanius hurries to the scene. Jupiter sends rain and +saves all the ships but four (<a href="#book5line811">811-855</a>). Nautes advises Æneas to +leave behind the weak and aged with Acestes. The wraith of Anchises +enforces the advice, and bids Æneas visit him in the nether-world +(<a href="#book5line856">856-909</a>). Preparations for departure. Acestes accepts his new +subjects, and the Trojans depart. Venus prevails on Neptune to grant +them safe convoy in return for the life of the helmsman Palinurus, +who is drowned (<a href="#book5line910">910-1062</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book5line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now well at sea, Æneas, fixt in mind,<br/> +Held on his course, and cleft the watery ways<br/> +Through billows blackened by the northern wind,<br/> +And backward on the city bent his gaze,<br/> +Bright with the flames of Dido. Whence the blaze<br/> +Arose, they knew not; but the pangs they knew<br/> +When love is passionate, and man betrays,<br/> +And what a frantic woman scorned can do, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And many a sad surmise their boding thoughts pursue. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The fleet was on mid-ocean; land no more<br/> +Was visible, nor aught but sea and sky;<br/> +When lo! above them a black cloud, that bore<br/> +Tempest and Night, frowned iron-dark on high,<br/> +And the wave, shuddering as the wind swept by,<br/> +Curled and was darkened. From the stern loud cries<br/> +The pilot Palinurus: "Whence and why<br/> +This cloudy rack that gathers o'er the skies? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What, father Neptune, now, what mischief dost devise?" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So having said, he bade the seamen take<br/> +The tackling in, and ply the lusty oar,<br/> +Then sloped the mainsheet to the wind, and spake:<br/> +"Noble Æneas, e'en if high Jove swore<br/> +To bring us safely to Italia's shore,<br/> +With skies like these, 'twere hopeless. Westward loom<br/> +The dark clouds mustering, and the changed winds roar<br/> +Athwart us, and the air is thick with gloom. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Vainly we strive to move, and struggle with our doom. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line28"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Come, then, since Fortune hath the mastering hand,<br/> +Yield we and turn. Not far, methinks, there lies<br/> +A friendly shore, thy <a href="#note5stanza4">brother Eryx'</a> land,<br/> +And ports Sicanian, if aright these eyes<br/> +Recall my former reading of the skies."<br/> +Then good Æneas: "Long ago, 'tis plain,<br/> +The winds so willed it. I have seen," he cries,<br/> +"And marked thee toiling in their teeth in vain. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shift sail and turn the helm. What sweeter shore to gain, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What port more welcome to a wearied fleet<br/> +And wave-worn mariners, what land more blest<br/> +Than that where still Acestes lives, to greet<br/> +His Dardan friends, and in the boon earth's breast<br/> +My father's bones, Anchises', are at rest?"<br/> +He spake; at once the Trojans strive to gain<br/> +The port. Fair breezes, blowing from the West,<br/> +Swell out the sails. They bound along the main, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And soon with gladdening hearts the well-known shore attain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line46"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Far off <a href="#note5stanza6">Acestes,</a> wondering, from a height<br/> +The coming of their friendly ships descries,<br/> +And hastes to meet them. Roughly is he dight<br/> +In Libyan bearskin, as in huntsman's guise;<br/> +A pointed javelin in each hand he plies.<br/> +Him once a Trojan to <a href="#note5stanza6">Crimisus</a> bore,<br/> +The stream-god. Mindful of ancestral ties<br/> +He hails his weary kinsmen, come once more, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And dainty fruits sets forth, and cheers them from his store. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next dawn had chased the stars, when on the shore<br/> +Æneas thus the gathered crews addressed:<br/> +"Twelve months have passed, brave Dardans, since we bore<br/> +The bones of great Anchises to his rest,<br/> +And laid his ashes in the ground, and blessed<br/> +The mourning altars by the rolling sea.<br/> +And now once more, if rightly I have guessed,<br/> +The day is come, which Heaven hath willed to be +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sacred for evermore, but ever sad to me. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +This day, though exiled on Gætulian sands,<br/> +Or caught by tempests on th' Ægean brine,<br/> +Or at Mycenæ in the foemen's hands,<br/> +With annual honours will I hold divine,<br/> +And head with fitting offerings the shrine.<br/> +By chance unsought, now hither are we led,<br/> +Yet not, I ween, without the God's design,<br/> +Where lie the ashes of my father dead, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And greet a friendly port, by favouring breezes sped. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Come then, with festival his name revere,<br/> +Pray we for winds to waft us, and entreat<br/> +His shade to take these offerings year by year,<br/> +When gathered to our new-built Troy, we meet<br/> +In hallowed fanes, his worship to repeat.<br/> +See, for each ship two head of hornèd kine<br/> +Acestes sends, his Trojan friends to greet<br/> +Bid then the home-gods of the Trojan line, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With those our host adores, to grace the feast divine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Nay, if the ninth fair morning show fine day,<br/> +And bring the sunshine, be a match decreed<br/> +For Teucrian ships, their swiftness to essay.<br/> +Next, in the footrace whosoe'er hath speed,<br/> +Or, glorying in his manhood, claims the meed<br/> +With dart, or flying arrow and the bow,<br/> +Or bout with untanned gauntlet, mark and heed,<br/> +And wait the victor's guerdon. Come ye now; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hush'd be each idle tongue, and garlanded each brow." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line91"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and round his temples binds with joy<br/> +His mother's <a href="#note5stanza11">myrtle.</a> <a href="#note5stanza11">Helymus</a> is crowned,<br/> +The veteran Acestes, and the boy<br/> +Ascanius, and the Trojan warriors round.<br/> +So from the council to the funeral mound<br/> +He moves, the centre of a circling crowd.<br/> +Two bowls of wine he pours upon the ground,<br/> +Two of warm milk, and two of victim's blood, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, scattering purple flowers, invokes the shade aloud. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Hail, holy Sire! blest Spirit, hail once more,<br/> +And ashes, vainly rescued! Not with thee<br/> +Was I allowed to reach Italia's shore,<br/> +The fields Ausonian that the Fates decree,<br/> +And Latin Tiber—whatsoe'er it be."<br/> +He ceased, when lo, a monstrous serpent, wound<br/> +In seven huge coils, seven giant spires, they see<br/> +Glide from the grave, and gently clasp the mound, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And 'twixt the altars trail in many a tortuous round. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The back with azure and the scales with gold<br/> +In streaks and glittering patches were ablaze:<br/> +So doth the rainbow in the clouds unfold<br/> +A thousand hues against the sun's bright rays.<br/> +Æneas stood bewildered with amaze.<br/> +In lengthened train meanwhile the snake went on,<br/> +'Twixt cups and bowls weaving its sinuous ways,<br/> +Then sipped the sacred food, and harming none, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The tasted altars left and 'neath the tomb was gone. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Cheered, to Anchises he the rites renewed,<br/> +In doubt if there some Genius of the shrine<br/> +Or menial spirit of his sire he viewed.<br/> +Two sheep, two dark-backed heifers, and two swine<br/> +He slays, invoking, as he pours the wine,<br/> +The ghost, released from Acheron. Glad of soul,<br/> +Each adds his gift. These slay the sacred Kine,<br/> +Pile altars, set the cauldrons, heap the coal, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, sitting, hold the spits, and roast the entrails whole. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now came the looked-for day. The ninth fair dawn<br/> +Bright Phaëthon drove up a cloudless sky.<br/> +Rumour and great Acestes' name had drawn<br/> +The neighbouring folk; shoreward in crowds they hie<br/> +To see the Trojans, or the games to try.<br/> +Piled in the lists the presents they behold,<br/> +Green garlands, tripods, robes of purple dye,<br/> +The conqueror's palm, bright armour for the bold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And many a talent's weight of silver and of gold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line136"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now from a mound the trumpet's notes proclaim<br/> +The sports begun. Four galleys from the fleet,<br/> +The choicest, manned by mariners of fame,<br/> +And matched in size and urged with ponderous beat<br/> +Of oar-blades, for the naval contest meet.<br/> +See, here the Shark comes speeding to her place,<br/> +Trained is her crew and eager to compete,<br/> +Brave Mnestheus is her captain, born to grace +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Italia's land ere long, and found the <a href="#note5stanza16">Memmian race.</a> +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Here too, the huge Chimæra towers along,<br/> +A floating citadel, with walls of pine,<br/> +Three tale of Dardans urge her, stout and strong,<br/> +Their triple tiers in unison combine<br/> +To drive her, ruled by Gyas, through the brine.<br/> +Borne in the monstrous Centaur, next doth come<br/> +Sergestus, father of the <a href="#note5stanza16">Sergian line.</a><br/> +Last, in the dark-blue Scylla ploughs the foam +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Cloanthus, whence thy house, <a href="#note5stanza16">Cluentius</a> of Rome. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Far seaward stands, afront the foamy shore,<br/> +A rock, half-hid when wintry waves upleap,<br/> +And skies are starless, and the North-winds roar,<br/> +But still and silent, when the calm waves sleep,<br/> +A level top it lifts above the deep,<br/> +The seamews' haunt. A bough of ilex here<br/> +The good Æneas sets upon the steep,<br/> +Green-leaved and tall,—a goal, to seamen clear, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To seek and, doubling round, their homeward course to steer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Each takes his station. On the sterns behold,<br/> +Ranged in due order as the lots assign,<br/> +The captains, gay with purple and with gold.<br/> +The crews their brows with poplar garlands twine,<br/> +And wet with oil their naked shoulders shine.<br/> +Prone on their oars, and straining from the thwart,<br/> +With souls astretch, they listen for the sign.<br/> +Fear stirs the pulse and drains the throbbing heart, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thrilled with the lust of praise, and panting for the start. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Loud peals the trumpet. From the port they dash<br/> +With cheers. The waves hiss, as the strong arms keep<br/> +In time, drawn up to finish with a flash;<br/> +And three-toothed prow and oars, with measured sweep,<br/> +Tear up the yawning furrows of the deep,<br/> +Less swiftly, to the chariot yoked atwain,<br/> +The bounding racers from the base outleap,<br/> +Less keen the driver, as they scour the plain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Leans o'er the whistling lash, and slacks the streaming rein. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Shouts, cheers and plaudits wake the woods around,<br/> +Their clamours roll along the land-locked shore,<br/> +And, echoing, from the beaten hills rebound.<br/> +First Gyas comes, amid the rout and roar;<br/> +Cloanthus second,—better with the oar<br/> +His crew, but heavier is the load of pine.<br/> +Next Shark and Centaur struggle to the fore,<br/> +Now Shark ahead, now Centaur, now in line +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The long keels, urged abreast, together plough the brine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Near lay the rock, the goal was close in sight,<br/> +When Gyas, first o'er half a length of tide<br/> +Shouts to his helmsman: "Whither to the right?<br/> +Hug close the cliff, and graze the leftward side.<br/> +Let others hold the deep." In vain he cried.<br/> +Menoetes feared the hidden reefs, and bore<br/> +To seaward. "Whither from thy course so wide?<br/> +What; swerving still?" the captain shouts once more, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +"Keep to the shore, I say, Menoetes, to the shore." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He turned, when lo! behind him, gaining fast,<br/> +Cloanthus. On the leeward side he stole<br/> +A narrower compass, grazing as he passed<br/> +His rival's vessel and the sounding shoal,<br/> +Then gained safe water, as he turned the goal.<br/> +Grief fired young Gyas at the sight, and drew<br/> +Tears from his eyes and anger from his soul.<br/> +Careless alike of honour and his crew, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Down from the lofty stern his timorous guide he threw. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forthwith he grasps the tiller in his hand,<br/> +Captain and helmsman, and his comrades cheers,<br/> +And wrests the rudder leftward to the land,<br/> +Slow from the depths Menoetes reappears,<br/> +Clogged by his clothes, and cumbered with his years.<br/> +Then, shoreward swimming, climbs with feeble craft<br/> +The rock, and there sits drying. All with jeers<br/> +Laughed as he fell and floated; loud they laughed +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +As, sputtering, from his throat he spits the briny draught. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Joy, mixt with hope, as Gyas slacks his pace,<br/> +Fires the two hindmost. Now they near the mark;<br/> +Sergestus, leading, takes the inside place.<br/> +Yet not a length divides them, for the Shark<br/> +Shoots up halfway and overlaps his bark.<br/> +Mnestheus, amidships pacing, cheers his crew;<br/> +"Now, now lean to, and let each arm be stark;<br/> +Row, mighty Hector's followers, whom I drew +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +From Troy, in Troy's last hour, my comrades tried and true! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line226"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Now for the strength and hardihood that braved<br/> +Gætulian shoals, and the Ionian main,<br/> +And billows following billows, as they raved<br/> +Against steep <a href="#note5stanza26">Malea.</a> Not mine to gain<br/> +The prize: I strive not to be first—'tis vain.<br/> +Sweet were the thought—but Neptune rules the race;<br/> +Let them the palm, whom he has willed, retain.<br/> +But oh, for shame! to take the hindmost place +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Win this—to ward that doom, and ban the dire disgrace." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Straining each nerve, they bend them to the oar.<br/> +The bronze poop reels, so lustily they row,<br/> +And from beneath them slips the watery floor.<br/> +The parched lips quiver, as they pant and blow,<br/> +Sweat pours in rivers from their limbs; when now<br/> +Chance brings the wished-for honour. Blindly rash,<br/> +Close to the rocks Sergestus drives his prow.<br/> +Too close he steals; on jutting crags they dash; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The straining oars snap short, the bows with sudden crash +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Stick fast, and hang upon the ledge. Up spring<br/> +With shouts the sailors, clamorous at delay,<br/> +And snatch the crushed oars from the waves, and bring<br/> +Sharp poles and steel-tipt boathooks, and essay<br/> +To thrust the forepart from the rocks away.<br/> +Brave Mnestheus sees and, glorying in his gain,<br/> +Invokes the winds. With oarsmen in array<br/> +His swift bark, urged with many a stalwart strain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shoots down the sloping tide, and wins the open main. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Like as a pigeon, startled from her rest,<br/> +Swift from the crannies of the rock, where clings<br/> +Her heart's desire, the darlings of her nest,<br/> +Darts forth and, scared with terror, flaps her wings,<br/> +Then, gliding smoothly, in the soft air swings,<br/> +And skims her liquid passage through the skies<br/> +On pinions motionless. So Mnestheus springs,<br/> +So springs the Shark; her impulse, as she flies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Cleaving the homeward seas, the wanting wings supplies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He leaves Sergestus, who implores in vain<br/> +His aid, still toiling from the rocks to clear<br/> +And headway with his shattered oars to gain.<br/> +Soon huge Chimæra, left with none to steer,<br/> +Drops off astern, and labours in the rear.<br/> +Alone remains Cloanthus, but the race<br/> +Well-nigh is ended, and the goal is near;<br/> +Him Mnestheus seeks; his crew, with quickened pace +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And utmost stretch of oars, press forward in the chase. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now, now the noise redoubles; cheers and cries<br/> +Urge on the follower, and the wild acclaim<br/> +Rolls up, and wakes the echoes of the skies.<br/> +These scorn to lose their vantage, stung with shame,<br/> +And life is wagered willingly for fame.<br/> +Success inspires the hindmost; as they dare,<br/> +They do; the thought of winning wins the game.<br/> +With equal honours Chance had crowned the pair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +But thus, with outspread hands, Cloanthus breathed a prayer: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line280"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Great Gods of Ocean! on whose waves I ride,<br/> +A milk-white bull upon the shore I vow,<br/> +And with its entrails will I strew the tide,<br/> +And on your altars make the wine outflow."<br/> +Fair <a href="#note5stanza32">Panopea</a> hears him from below,<br/> +The Nereids hear, and old <a href="#note5stanza32">Portunus</a> plies<br/> +His own great hand, to push them as they go.<br/> +Swifter than arrow to the shore she flies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Swifter than Southern gale, and in the harbour lies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line289"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +All summoned now, the herald's voice declares<br/> +Cloanthus conqueror, and with verdant bay<br/> +Æneas crowns him. To each crew he shares<br/> +Three steers and wine, and, to recall the day,<br/> +A silver talent bids them bear away.<br/> +Choice honours to the captains next are told,<br/> +A scarf he gives the victor, rich and gay,<br/> +Twice-fringed with purple, glorious to behold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whose <a href="#note5stanza33">Melibæan</a> dye meanders round the gold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Inwoven there, behold the kingly boy,<br/> +Fair Ganymede, pursues the flying deer<br/> +On Ida and the wooded heights of Troy,<br/> +Swift-footed, glorying with uplifted spear,<br/> +So keen the panting of his heart ye hear.<br/> +Down swoops Jove's armour-bearer, and on high<br/> +With taloned claws hath trussed him. Vainly here<br/> +His aged guardians lift their heads and cry; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The faithful dogs look up, and fiercely bay the sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +A goodly hauberk to the next he gave,<br/> +With polished rings and triple chain of gold,<br/> +Torn by his own hands from Demoleos brave,<br/> +Beneath high Troy, where Simois swiftly rolled,<br/> +The warrior's glory and defence, to hold.<br/> +Phegeus and Sagaris, with all their might,<br/> +Two stalwart slaves, scarce bore it, fold on fold,<br/> +That coat of mail, wherein Demoleos dight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Trod down the ranks of Troy, and put his foes to flight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Last comes the third: two brazen caldrons fine,<br/> +Two cups of silver doth the prince bestow,<br/> +Rough-chased with imagery of choice design.<br/> +Each had his prize, and glorying forth they go,<br/> +With purple ribbons on their brows, when lo!<br/> +Scarce torn with effort from the rock's embrace,<br/> +Oarless, and short of oarsmen by a row,<br/> +Home comes Sergestus, and in rueful case +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Drives his dishonoured bark, left hindmost in the race. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As when an adder, whom athwart the way<br/> +Some wheel hath crushed, or traveller, passing by,<br/> +Maimed with a stone, as unaware he lay,<br/> +And left sore mangled, on the point to die,<br/> +In vain his coils would lengthen, fain to fly:<br/> +One half erect, his burning eyes around<br/> +He darts, and lifts his hissing throat on high,<br/> +Defiant, half still writhes upon the ground, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Self-twined in tortuous knots, and crippled by the wound: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So slowly rows the Centaur, yet anon<br/> +They set the sails, and loose the spreading sheet,<br/> +And crowd full canvas; and the port is won.<br/> +Glad is Æneas, and he joys to greet<br/> +His friends brought safely and his ships complete.<br/> +So to Sergestus, for his portion due,<br/> +He gives fair Pholöe, a slave of Crete,<br/> +Twins at her breast, two sons of loveliest hue, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And well Minerva's works, the weaving art, she knew. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line343"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +This contest o'er, the good Æneas sought<br/> +A grassy plain, with waving forests crowned<br/> +And sloping hills—fit theatre for sport,<br/> +Where in the middle of the vale was found<br/> +A circus. Hither comes he, ringed around<br/> +With thousands, here, amidst them, throned on high<br/> +In rustic state, he seats him on a mound,<br/> +And all who in the footrace list to vie, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With proffered gifts invites, and tempts their souls to try. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +In crowds the Teucrians and Sicanians come,<br/> +First, Nisus and Euryalus. None so fair<br/> +As young Euryalus, in youthful bloom<br/> +And beauty; none with Nisus could compare<br/> +In pure affection for a youth so rare.<br/> +Here stood Diores, famous for his speed,<br/> +A prince of Priam's lineage; Salius there,<br/> +And Patron, this of Acarnanian seed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +That of Arcadian birth and Tegeæan breed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Came from Trinacria two champions bold,<br/> +Young Helymus and Panopes, well-tried<br/> +In woodland craft, and followers of old<br/> +Acestes; came full many a youth beside,<br/> +Whose fame shines dimly, or whose name hath died.<br/> +Then cries Æneas 'mid the concourse: "Ho!<br/> +Give heed, for surely shall my word abide,<br/> +Blithe be your hearts, for none among you—no, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Not one of all this crowd—without a gift shall go. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"To each, a common largess, be a pair<br/> +Of Gnossian javelins and an axe decreed,<br/> +With haft of silver chasings. Three shall wear<br/> +Crowns of pale olive. For the victor's need,<br/> +Adorned with trappings, stands a noble steed.<br/> +A quiver, worn by Amazon of old,<br/> +With Thracian arrows, for the next in speed,<br/> +Clasped with a gem and belted with bright gold. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The third this Argive helm, fit recompense, shall hold." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and at the signal forth they burst<br/> +Together, like a storm-cloud, from the base,<br/> +With eager eyes set goalward. Nisus first<br/> +Darts off, and, bounding with the South-wind's pace,<br/> +And swift as wingèd lightning, leads the race.<br/> +Next, but the next with many a length between,<br/> +Comes Salius; then, behind him, third in place,<br/> +Euryalus; then Helymus is seen; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And lo! Diores last, comes flying along the green. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Heel touching heel, on Helymus he hung,<br/> +Shoulder to shoulder. But a rood beside,<br/> +And, slipping past him, foremost he had sprung,<br/> +And solved a doubt by winning. Side by side,<br/> +The last lap reached, with many a labouring stride<br/> +And breathless effort to the post they strain,<br/> +When lo! chance-tripping where the sward is dyed<br/> +With slippery blood of oxen newly slain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Down luckless Nisus slides, and sprawls upon the plain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Stumbling, he felt the tottering knees give way.<br/> +With shouts of triumph on his lips he falls<br/> +Prone in the gore and in the miry clay.<br/> +E'en then, his love remembering, he recalls<br/> +Euryalus. Across the track he crawls,<br/> +Then, scrambling up from out the quagmire, flies<br/> +At Salius. In the dust proud Salius sprawls.<br/> +Forth darts Euryalus, 'mid cheers and cries, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hailed, through his helping friend, the winner of the prize. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The second prize to Helymus, the third<br/> +Falls thus to brave Diores.—Now the heat<br/> +Was o'er, when Salius with his clamouring stirred<br/> +Troy's seated elders, furious with defeat,<br/> +And claimed the prize, as wrested by a cheat.<br/> +Tears aid Euryalus, and favour pleads<br/> +His worth, more winsome in a form so sweet,<br/> +And loudly, too, Diores intercedes. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lost were his own last prize, if Salius' claim succeeds. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Boys," said the good Æneas, "the award<br/> +Is fixt, and no man shall the palm withhold.<br/> +Yet be it mine to cheer a friend ill-starred."<br/> +He spake, and Salius with a gift consoled,<br/> +A Moorish lion's hide, with claws of gold<br/> +And shaggy hair. Then Nisus with a frown:<br/> +"If gifts so great a vanquished man may hold,<br/> +If falls win pity, and defeat renown, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What prize shall Nisus gain, whose merit earned the crown? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ay, who had won, had Chance not interfered,<br/> +And baffled me, like Salius? Look," he said,<br/> +And pointed to his limbs and forehead, smeared<br/> +With ordure. Smiling, the good Sire surveyed<br/> +His piteous plight and raiment disarrayed;<br/> +Then forth he bade a glittering shield be borne,<br/> +Which Didymaon's workmanship had made,<br/> +From Neptune's temple by the Danaans torn. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +This prize he gives the youth, his prowess to adorn. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The race was ended, and the gifts assigned,<br/> +When thus Æneas, as they thronged about,<br/> +Addressed the crowd: "Now, whosoe'er hath mind<br/> +His nerve to venture, or whose heart is stout,<br/> +Step forth, and don the gauntlets and strike out."<br/> +He spake, and straightway, while the lists they clear,<br/> +Sets forth the gifts, for him who wins the bout,<br/> +Gilt-horned and garlanded, a comely steer, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A sword and glittering helm, the loser's soul to cheer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line442"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +At once, amid loud murmurs, to his feet<br/> +Upsprang great Dares, who in olden day<br/> +Alone the haughty Paris dared to meet.<br/> +He, by the tomb where mightiest Hector lay,<br/> +Huge Butes fought, who, glorying in the bay,<br/> +And boasting Amycus' Bebrycian strain,<br/> +Called for his match. But Dares heard him, yea,<br/> +And smote him. Headlong on the sandy plain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A lifeless corpse he rolled, and all his boasts were vain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Such Dares towers, and strides into the ring,<br/> +With head erect, and shoulders broad and bare,<br/> +And right and left his sinewy arms doth swing,<br/> +And burning for a rival, beats the air.<br/> +Where is his match? Not one of all will dare<br/> +To don the gloves. So, deeming none can stand<br/> +Against him, flushed with triumph, then and there<br/> +Before Æneas, grasping in his hand +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The heifer's horns, he cries in accents of command: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Son of a goddess, if none risks the fray,<br/> +How long shall Dares guerdonless remain?<br/> +What end of standing? Must I wait all day?<br/> +Bring the prize hither." Straight the Dardan train<br/> +Shout for their champion, and his claim sustain.<br/> +Then to Entellus, seated at his side,<br/> +Couched on the green grass, in reproachful strain<br/> +Thus sternly spake Acestes, fired with pride, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And fain, for manhood sake, his younger friend to chide: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Entellus, once our bravest, but in vain,<br/> +Can'st <i>thou</i> sit tamely, with the field unfought,<br/> +And see this braggart glory in his gain?<br/> +Where is thy god, that Eryx? Hath he taught<br/> +Thine arm its vaunted cleverness for naught?<br/> +To us what booteth thy Trinacrian name,<br/> +Thy spoil-hung house, thy roof with prizes fraught?"<br/> +Entellus said: "My spirit is the same. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fear hath not quenched my fire, nor checked the love of fame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But numbing age hath made the blood run cold,<br/> +And turned my strength to dulness and decay.<br/> +Had I the youth that stirred these bones of old,<br/> +The youth <i>he</i> boasts, no need of guerdon, nay,<br/> +Nor comely steer to tempt me to the fray.<br/> +Glory I care for, not a gift," he cried,<br/> +And, rising, hurled into the ring midway<br/> +Two ponderous gauntlets, stiff with hardened hide; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +These Eryx wore, these thongs around his wrists he tied. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +All stood amazed, so huge the weight, so vast,<br/> +Sevenfold with lead and iron overlaid,<br/> +The bull's tough hide. E'en Dares shrank aghast.<br/> +Forth stepped Æneas, and the gauntlets weighed,<br/> +And to and fro the ponderous folds he swayed.<br/> +Then gruffly spake the veteran once more:<br/> +"Ah! had ye seen great Hercules arrayed<br/> +In arms like these, such gauntlets as he wore, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And watched the deadly fight waged here upon the shore! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line496"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"These Eryx wore, thy brother, when that day<br/> +He faced <a href="#note5stanza56">Alcides</a> in the strife;—see now<br/> +His blood and brains,—with these I dared the fray<br/> +When better blood gave vigour, nor the snow<br/> +Of envious eld was sprinkled on my brow.<br/> +Still, if this Trojan doth these arms decline,<br/> +And good Æneas and our host allow,<br/> +Match we the fight. These gauntlets I resign, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Put fear away, and doff those Trojan gloves of thine." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, Entellus from his shoulders flung<br/> +His quilted doublet, and revealed to light<br/> +The massive joints, the sinews firmly strung,<br/> +The bones and muscles, and the limbs of might,<br/> +And, like a giant, stood prepared for fight.<br/> +Two gloves for either champion, matched in weight,<br/> +Æneas brings, and binds them firm and tight.<br/> +So, face to face, each eager and elate, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Like-armed the rivals stand, on tiptoe for debate. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Each from the blow the towering head draws back,<br/> +Fearless, with arms uplifted to the skies.<br/> +Spars hand through hand, and tempts to the attack,<br/> +One, nimbler-footed, on his youth relies;<br/> +Entellus' strength is in his limbs and size.<br/> +But the knees shake beneath him, and are slow,<br/> +And age the wanted energy denies.<br/> +He heaves for breath; thick pantings come and go, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And shake the labouring breast, as hailing blow on blow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +In vain they strive for mastery. Loud sound<br/> +Their hollow sides; the battered chests ring back,<br/> +As here and there the whistling strokes pelt round<br/> +Their ears and temples, and the jaw-bones crack.<br/> +Firm stands Entellus, though his knees are slack;<br/> +Still in the same strained posture, he defies,<br/> +Unmoved, the tempest of his foe's attack.<br/> +Only his body and his watchful eyes +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Slip from the purposed stroke, and shun the wished surprise. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As one who strives with battery to o'erthrow<br/> +A high-walled city, or close siege doth lay<br/> +Against some mountain-stronghold; even so<br/> +Sly Dares shifts, an opening to essay,<br/> +And vainly varies his assault each way.<br/> +On tiptoe stretched, Entellus, pricked with pride,<br/> +Puts forth his right hand, with resistless sway<br/> +Steep from his shoulder. But the foe, quick-ey'd, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Foresees the coming blow, and lightly leaps aside. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +On empty air Entellus wastes his strength.<br/> +Down goes the giant, baulked of his design,<br/> +Fallen like a giant, and lies stretched at length.<br/> +So, torn from earth, on Ida's height divine<br/> +Or Erymanthus, falls the hollow pine.<br/> +Up spring each rival's countrymen. Loud cheers<br/> +The welkin rend, and, bursting through the line,<br/> +Forth runs Acestes, and his friend uprears, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pitying his fallen worth and fellowship of years. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Fearless, unshaken, with his soul aflame<br/> +For vengeance, up Entellus springs again,<br/> +And conscious valour and the sense of shame<br/> +Rouse all his strength as, burning with disdain,<br/> +He drives huge Dares headlong o'er the plain,<br/> +Now right, now left, keeps pummelling his foe;<br/> +No stint, no stay; as rattling hailstones rain<br/> +On roof-tops, so with many a ceaseless blow +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Each hand in turn he plies, and pounds him to and fro. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But good Æneas suffered not too far<br/> +The strife to rage, not let Entellus slake<br/> +His wrath, but rescued Dares from the war,<br/> +Sore-spent, and thus in soothing terms bespake,<br/> +"Poor friend! what madness doth thy mind o'ertake?<br/> +Feel'st not that more than mortal is his aid?<br/> +The gods are with him, and thy cause forsake.<br/> +Yield then to heaven and desist."—He said, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And with his voice straightway the deadly strife allayed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, stirred with pity, the Dardanian throng<br/> +Their vanquished kinsman from the contest bore.<br/> +His sick knees wearily he drags along,<br/> +Feeble and helpless, for his wound is sore;<br/> +And loosened teeth and clots of curdled gore<br/> +Spout forth, as o'er his shoulders nods each way<br/> +The drooping head. They lead him to the shore,<br/> +His gifts, the sword and helmet; but the bay +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And bull Entellus takes, the victor of the day. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forth steps the champion, glorying in the prize,<br/> +Pride in his port, defiance on his brow.<br/> +"See, Goddess-born; ye Teucrians, mark," he cried,<br/> +"What strength Entellus in his youth could show;<br/> +How dire a doom ye warded from his foe."<br/> +He spake and, standing opposite the bull,<br/> +Swung back his arm, and, rising to the blow,<br/> +Betwixt the horns with hardened glove smote full, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And back upon the brain drove in the splintered skull. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Down drops the beast, and on the earth lies low,<br/> +Quivering but dead. Then o'er him, as he lay,<br/> +Entellus cries "O Eryx, hear my vow.<br/> +This life, for Dares, I devote this day,<br/> +A nobler victim and a worthier prey.<br/> +Accept it thou who taught'st this arm to wield<br/> +The gloves of death. Unvanquished in the fray<br/> +These withered arms their latest offering yield, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +These gauntlets I resign, and here renounce the field." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line595"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next cries Æneas to the crowd: "Come now,<br/> +Whoso hath mind in archer's feats to vie,<br/> +Step forth, and prove his cunning with the bow":<br/> +Then sets the prizes: on the beach hard by<br/> +With stalwart arms he rears a mast on high,<br/> +Ta'en from Serestus' vessel, and thereto<br/> +A fluttering pigeon with a string doth tie,<br/> +Mark for their shafts. Around the rivals drew, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And in a brazen helm the gathered lots they threw. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line604"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Out leap the names; cheers hail the first in place,<br/> +Hippocoon, son of Hyrtacus renowned;<br/> +Then Mnestheus, victor in the naval race,<br/> +Mnestheus, his brows with olive wreath still crowned.<br/> +Third in the casque Eurytion's lot is found<br/> +Thy brother, famous <a href="#note5stanza68">Pandarus,</a> whose dart,<br/> +Hurled at the Danaans, did the truce confound.<br/> +Last comes Acestes, for with dauntless heart +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Still in the toils of youth the veteran claims his part. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forth step the marksmen, and with bows well-bent,<br/> +Draw forth their arrows, and their aim prepare.<br/> +Loud twanged the cord, as first Hippocoon sent<br/> +His feathered shaft, that through the flowing air<br/> +Went whistling on, and pierced the mast, and there<br/> +Stuck fast. The stout tree quivered, and the bird<br/> +Flapped with her wings in terror and despair,<br/> +Fluttering for freedom, and around were heard +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shouts, as admiring joy the clamorous concourse stirred. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next him stood Mnestheus, eager for the prize,<br/> +And straight the bowstring to his breast updrew,<br/> +Aiming aloft. The lightning of his eyes<br/> +Went with the arrow, as he twanged the yew.<br/> +Ah pity! Fortune sped the shaft untrue.<br/> +The bird he missed, but cut the flaxen ties<br/> +That held the feet, and cleft the knots in two.<br/> +And forth, exulting, through the windy skies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Into the darkening clouds the loosened captive flies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, quick as thought, his arrow on the string,<br/> +Eurytion to his brother breathed a prayer,<br/> +Marking the pigeon, as she clapped her wing<br/> +Beneath a cloud, he pierced her. Breathless there<br/> +She drops; her life is with the stars of air,<br/> +The bolt is in her breast. Acestes now<br/> +Alone remains; no palm is left to bear,<br/> +Yet skyward shoots the veteran, proud to show +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What skill his hand can boast, the sounding of his bow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line640"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Sudden a portent was revealed; <a href="#note5stanza72">how great<br/> +An augury, the future brought to light,</a><br/> +And frightening seers their omens sang too late.<br/> +Aloft, the arrow kindled in its flight,<br/> +Then marked with shining trail its pathway bright,<br/> +And, wasting, vanished into viewless air.<br/> +So stars, unfastened from the vault of night,<br/> +Stream in the firmament with fiery glare, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And through the dark fling out a length of glittering hair. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Awed stand the men of Sicily and Troy,<br/> +And pray the gods. Æneas owns the sign,<br/> +And, heaping gifts, Acestes clasps with joy.<br/> +"Take, father, take; Jove's auspices divine<br/> +A special honour for thy meed assign.<br/> +This bowl, embossed with images of gold,<br/> +The gift of old Anchises, shall be thine,<br/> +Which Thracian Cisseus to my sire of old +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Gave, as a pledge of love, to have it and to hold." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, with a garland of green bay<br/> +He crowned his temples, and the prize conferred,<br/> +And named Acestes victor of the day.<br/> +Nor good Eurytion to the choice demurred,<br/> +Nor grudged to see the veteran's claim preferred,<br/> +Though his the prowess that the rest surpassed,<br/> +His shaft the one that struck the soaring bird.<br/> +The second, he who cut the cord, the last, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +He who with feathered reed transfixed the tapering mast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line667"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But good Æneas, ere the games are done,<br/> +The child of Epytus, companion dear<br/> +And trusty guardian of his beardless son,<br/> +Calls to his side, and whispers in his ear:<br/> +"Go bid Ascanius, if his troop be here<br/> +And steeds in readiness, with spear and shield<br/> +In honour of his grandsire to appear."<br/> +Then, calling to the thronging crowd to yield +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Free space, he clears the course, and open lies the field. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forth ride the boys, before their fathers' eyes,<br/> +Reining their steeds. In radiant files they fare,<br/> +And wondering murmurs from each host arise.<br/> +All with stript leaves have bound the flowing hair.<br/> +Two cornel javelins, tipt with steel, they bear,<br/> +Some, polished quivers; and a pliant chain<br/> +Of twisted gold around the neck they wear;<br/> +Three companies—three captains scour the plain. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Twelve youths, behind each chief, compose the glittering train. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line685"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +One shouting troop young Priam's lead obeys,<br/> +Thy son, Polites, from his grandsire hight,<br/> +And born erelong Italia's fame to raise.<br/> +A dappled Thracian charger bears the knight,<br/> +His pasterns flecked and forehead starred with white.<br/> +Next Atys, whom the <a href="#note5stanza77">Atian line</a> reveres,<br/> +The youthful idol of a youth's delight,<br/> +So well Iulus loved him. Last appears +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Iulus, first in grace and comeliest of his peers. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +His a Sidonian charger; Dido fair<br/> +This pledge and token of her love supplied.<br/> +Trinacrian horses his attendants bear,<br/> +Acestes' gift. Their bosoms throb with pride,<br/> +While Dardans, cheering, welcome as they ride<br/> +The sires that have been in the sons that are.<br/> +So, when before their kinsfolk on each side<br/> +Their ranks had passed, Epytides afar +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Cracks the loud whip, and shouts the signal, as for war. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +In equal bands the triple troops divide,<br/> +Then turn, and rallying, with spears bent low,<br/> +Charge at the call. Now back again they ride,<br/> +Wheel round, and weave new courses to and fro,<br/> +In armed similitude of martial show,<br/> +Circling and intercircling. Now in flight<br/> +They bare their backs, now turning, foe to foe,<br/> +Level their lances to the charge, now plight +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The truce, and side by side in friendly league unite. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line712"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +E'en as <a href="#note5stanza80">in Crete the Labyrinth of old</a><br/> +Between blind walls its secret hid from view,<br/> +With wildering ways and many a winding fold,<br/> +Wherein the wanderer, if the tale be true,<br/> +Roamed unreturning, cheated of the clue:<br/> +Such tangles weave the Teucrians, as they feign<br/> +Fighting or flying, and the game renew:<br/> +So dolphins, sporting on the watery plain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Cleave the Carpathian waves and distant Libya's main. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +These feats Ascanius to his people showed,<br/> +When girdling Alba Longa; there with joy<br/> +The ancient Latins in the pastime rode,<br/> +Wherein the princely Dardan, as a boy,<br/> +Was wont his Trojan comrades to employ.<br/> +To Alban children from their sires it came,<br/> +And mighty Rome took up the "game of Troy,"<br/> +And called the players "Trojans," and the name +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lives on, as sons renew the hereditary game. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line730"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thus far to blest Anchises they defrayed<br/> +The funeral rites; when Fortune turned unkind,<br/> +Forsook her faith. For while the games were played<br/> +Before the tomb, Saturnian Juno's mind<br/> +New schemes, to glut her ancient wrath, designed.<br/> +Iris she calls, and bids the Goddess go<br/> +Down to the Ilian fleet, and breathes a wind<br/> +To waft her on. So, borne upon her bow +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of myriad hues, unseen, the maiden hastes below. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +She eyes the concourse, marks the ships unmanned,<br/> +And sees the empty harbour and the shore.<br/> +While far off on the solitary strand<br/> +The Trojan dames sat sorrowful, and o'er<br/> +The deep sea gazed, and, gazing, evermore<br/> +Wept for the Sire. "Ah, woe! the fields of foam!<br/> +The waste of waters for the wearied oar!<br/> +Oh! for a city and a certain home; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A rest for sea-worn souls, for weary 'tis to roam!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So, not unversed in mischief, from the skies<br/> +Amidst the gathered matrons down she came,<br/> +In raiment and in face to mortal eyes<br/> +No more a Goddess, but an aged dame,<br/> +The wife of Doryclus, of Tmarian fame.<br/> +E'en venerable Beröe, once blest<br/> +With rank, and children and a noble name.<br/> +So changed in semblance, the celestial guest +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mixed with the Dardan dames, and thus the crowd addressed: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Oh, born to sorrow! whom th' Achaian foe<br/> +Dragged not to death, when Ilion was o'erthrown!<br/> +O hapless race! what still extremer woe<br/> +Doth Fortune doom the living to bemoan?<br/> +Since Ilion fell, seven summers nigh have flown,<br/> +And we o'er every ocean, every plain,<br/> +Past cheerless rocks, and under stars unknown,<br/> +Oft and so oft are driven, as in vain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Italia's shores we grasp, and welter on the main! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Tis Eryx' land, Acestes is our host.<br/> +What hinders for the homeless here to gain<br/> +A home—an Ilion for the one we lost?<br/> +O fatherland! O home-gods saved in vain,<br/> +If still in endless exile we remain!<br/> +Ah! nevermore shall I behold with joy<br/> +A Xanthus and a Simois again,<br/> +Our Hector's streams? ne'er hear the name of Troy? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Up! let devouring flames these ill-starred ships destroy! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Methought in sleep, Cassandra's ghost came near,<br/> +With torches in her hands, and bade me seize<br/> +The flaming firebrands, and exclaimed: 'See, here<br/> +Thy Troy, the home that destiny decrees!<br/> +The hour is ripe; such prodigies as these<br/> +Brook not delay. Lo! here to Neptune rise<br/> +Four altars. He, the Sovereign of the seas,<br/> +Himself the firebrands and the will supplies.'" +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Then straight, with arm drawn back, and fury in her eyes, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +She waved a torch, and hurled it. Dazed with fear,<br/> +The women trembled as she tossed the flame.<br/> +Then one who nursed through many a bygone year<br/> +The sons of Priam—Pyrgo was the dame,—<br/> +"No Trojan this, nor Beröe her name,<br/> +The wife of Doryclus. Full sure I ween<br/> +Immortal birth her sparkling eyes proclaim.<br/> +What breathing beauty! what celestial sheen! +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mark her majestic voice, and more than mortal mien! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Myself but now left Beröe, worn out<br/> +With sickness, grieving in her heart to miss<br/> +These funeral honours to our Sire."—In doubt<br/> +They waver, and with eyes that bode amiss<br/> +Look towards the vessels and the blue abyss<br/> +Of ocean, torn in spirit 'twixt the love<br/> +Of realms that shall be and the land that is.<br/> +On even wings the goddess soared above, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And with her rainbow vast the cloudy drift she clove. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, by the monstrous prodigy dismayed,<br/> +And driven by madness, forth the matrons fare<br/> +With shouts and shrieks. The houses they invade,<br/> +And living embers from the hearthstones tear,<br/> +With impious hands these strip the altars bare,<br/> +And boughs, and leaves and lighted brands they cast<br/> +In heaps, and fuel for the flames prepare.<br/> +O'er bench and oar, from painted keel to mast, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Fire-god raves at will, and rides upon the blast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line811"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile, with tidings of the fleet in flames,<br/> +Swift posts Eumelus. To the tomb he hies<br/> +Of old Anchises, and the crowded games.<br/> +Back look the Trojans, and with awe-struck eyes<br/> +See the dark ash-cloud floating through the skies.<br/> +And, as his troop Ascanius joyed to lead<br/> +In mimic fight, so keen, when danger cries,<br/> +First to the wildered camp he spurs his steed; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And breathless guardians fail to stay his headlong speed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza92"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What madness this, poor women?" he exclaims,<br/> +"What mean ye now? No camp of Argive foe,<br/> +<i>Your</i> hopes ye doom to perish in the flames.<br/> +See your Ascanius!"—At his feet below<br/> +He flung the helmet, that adorned his brow<br/> +When mimic fight he marshalled. Hurrying came<br/> +Æneas, hurrying came the host; but lo!<br/> +The shore lies bare; this way and that each dame +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +820 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Slinks to the woods and caves, if aught can hide her shame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza93"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +All loathe the daylight and the deed unblest.<br/> +Sobered, they know their countrymen at last,<br/> +And Juno's power is shaken from each breast.<br/> +Not so the flames; with gathered strength and fast<br/> +Onward still swept the unconquerable blast.<br/> +Forth puffed between the timbers, drenched in vain,<br/> +The smoke-jets from the smouldering tow. Down passed<br/> +From keel to cabin the devouring bane. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +829 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor floods nor heroes' strength the mastering flames restrain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza94"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then good Æneas from his shoulders threw<br/> +His robe, and heavenward stretched his hands in prayer;<br/> +"Great Jove! if spares thy vengeance to pursue<br/> +Troy's children to the uttermost, if e'er<br/> +The toils of mortals move thy ancient care,<br/> +Preserve this feeble remnant, and command<br/> +These flames from further havoc to forbear;<br/> +Else, if my deeds deserve it, bare thine hand, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +838 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Launch thine avenging bolt, and slay me as I stand." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza95"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Scarce spake he, when in torrents comes the rain.<br/> +Darkly the tempest riots, and the roar<br/> +Of thunder shakes the mountains and the plain.<br/> +Black storm-clouds from the thickening South sweep o'er<br/> +The darkened heavens, and down a deluge pour.<br/> +Drenched are the decks; the timbers, charr'd with heat,<br/> +Are soaked and smoulder, till the fire no more<br/> +Raves, and the flames are conquered, and the fleet, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +847 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Save four alone, survives the fiery plague complete. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line856"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza96"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Sore-struck, Æneas in his breast debates<br/> +This way and that, still doubtful to remain<br/> +In fields Sicilian, mindless of the Fates,<br/> +Or strive the shores of Italy to gain,<br/> +Then aged Nautes, wisest of his train,<br/> +Taught by Tritonian Pallas to unfold<br/> +What wrathful gods or destinies ordain,<br/> +In prescient utterance his response unrolled, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +856 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And thus with cheerful words the anxious chief consoled: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza97"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O Goddess-born, where Fate directs the way,<br/> +'Tis ours to follow. Who the best can bear,<br/> +Best conquers Fortune, be the doom what may.<br/> +A friend thou hast, Acestes; bid him share<br/> +And be a willing partner of thy care.<br/> +He too is Trojan, and of seed divine.<br/> +Give him the lost ships' crews, and whosoe'er<br/> +Is faint or feeble, to his charge consign, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +865 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Old men and sea-sick dames, who glory's quest decline. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza98"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Here let them rest, who care not for renown,<br/> +And build their walls, and, if our host assent,<br/> +Acesta from Acestes name the town."<br/> +Such counsel cheered him, but his breast is rent<br/> +With trouble, musing on the dark event.<br/> +And now black Night, upon her course midway,<br/> +With ebon car had climbed the steep ascent,<br/> +When, gliding down before him as he lay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +874 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +His father's phantom stood, and speaking, seemed to say: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza99"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O dearer than the life, while life remained,<br/> +My son, by Troy's hard destinies sore tried,<br/> +Hither I come at Jove's command, who deigned<br/> +Thy burning ships to save, and pitying-eyed<br/> +Beholds thy sorrows. Hear then, nor deride<br/> +The grey-haired Nautes, for his words are good.<br/> +Choice youths, the bravest, for thy quest provide.<br/> +Stout hearts ye need in Italy, for rude +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +883 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And rough the Latin race, and hard to be subdued. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza100"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +C +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But seek thou first the nether realms of Dis,<br/> +And through Avernus tread the dark domain<br/> +To meet me. Not in Tartarus' abyss,<br/> +Sad shades of sin and never-ending pain,<br/> +I dwell, but on the blest Elysian plain<br/> +Join with the just in fellowship. Now heed:<br/> +There the chaste Sibyl, if with victims slain,<br/> +Black sheep, ye seek her, shall thy footsteps lead, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +892 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And show thy destined walls and progeny decreed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza101"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And now farewell; for dewy Night midway<br/> +Wheels on her course, and from the Orient sky<br/> +Fierce beats the breathing of the steeds of Day."<br/> +He spake, and melted as a mist on high.<br/> +"Ah, whither," cried Æneas, "wilt thou fly?<br/> +Who tears thee hence? Where hurriest thou again?"<br/> +So saying, he wakes the embers ere they die.<br/> +And offering frankincense and sacred grain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +901 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Troy's household gods adores, and hoary Vesta's fane. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line910"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza102"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forthwith he tells Acestes, then the crews,<br/> +Jove's will, his father's counsel and his own.<br/> +All vote assent, nor doth his host refuse.<br/> +No tarrying now; they write the matrons down,<br/> +And all who faint or care not for renown<br/> +They leave behind,—the idlers of each crew,<br/> +But willing settlers in the new-planned town.<br/> +These the charred timbers and the thwarts renew, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +910 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shape oars and fit the ropes; a gallant band, but few. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line919"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza103"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Æneas with a ploughshare marks the town,<br/> +And, homes allotting, gives each place a name,<br/> +Here Troy, there Ilion. Pleased to wear the crown,<br/> +A forum good Acestes hastes to frame,<br/> +And laws to gathered senators proclaim.<br/> +Rear'd high on Eryx, to the stars ascends<br/> +A temple, to <a href="#note5stanza103">Idalian Venus'</a> fame.<br/> +A priest Anchises' sepulchre attends, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +919 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A grove's far sacred shade his hallowed dust defends. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza104"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The rites are paid, the nine-days' feast is o'er,<br/> +Smooth lies the deep, and Southern winds invite<br/> +The mariners. Along the winding shore<br/> +Loud rise the sounds of sorrow, day and night,<br/> +Where friends, clasped close in lingering undelight,<br/> +Weep at the thought of parting. Matrons, ay,<br/> +And men, who lately shuddered at the sight,<br/> +And loathed the name of Ocean, scorn to stay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +928 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And willing hearts now brave the long, laborious way. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza105"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Kindly Æneas cheers them, and with tears<br/> +Leaves to their King, then, parting, gives command<br/> +A lamb to slay to tempest, and three steers<br/> +To Eryx. So they loosen from the land.<br/> +He on the prow, a charger in his hand,<br/> +Flings forth the entrails, and outpours the wine,<br/> +And, crowned with olive chaplet, takes his stand.<br/> +Up-springs the favouring stern breeze, as in line +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +937 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With emulous sweep of oars, they brush the level brine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza106"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then Venus, torn with anguish and desire,<br/> +Spake thus to Neptune, and her grief confessed:<br/> +"O Neptune, Juno's unrelenting ire,<br/> +The quenchless malice, that consumes her breast,<br/> +Constrains me thus to urge a suppliant's quest;<br/> +And stoop, with humbled majesty, to sue.<br/> +Her neither piety nor Jove's behest<br/> +Nor time, nor Fate can soften or subdue, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +946 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Still doth immortal hate the Phrygian race pursue. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza107"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Tis not enough their city to destroy,<br/> +And wear their remnant with remorseless pain,<br/> +Needs must she trample on the dust of Troy.<br/> +She best, forsooth, her fury can explain.<br/> +But thou,—thou know'st how on the Libyan main,—<br/> +Thine eyes beheld it from thy throne on high,—<br/> +Lately she stirred the tumult, and in vain<br/> +Armed with Æolian tempests, sea and sky +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +955 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mixed in rebellious wrath, thy sceptre to defy. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza108"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"All this she ventured in thy realm; nay more,<br/> +Her rage hath filled the matrons, fired the fleet,<br/> +And left these crews upon an alien shore,<br/> +Reft of their friends, and baffled of retreat.<br/> +O spare this Trojan remnant, I entreat;<br/> +Safe in thy guidance let them sail the main,<br/> +And scatheless reach their promised walls, and greet<br/> +Laurentian Tiber and the Latian plain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +964 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +If what I ask be just, and so the Fates ordain." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza109"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then spake the Monarch of the deep: "'Tis just<br/> +To look for safety to my realm, that gave<br/> +Thee birth; and well have I deserved thy trust,<br/> +Who oft have stilled the raging wind and wave;<br/> +Nor less on land have interposed, to save—<br/> +Xanthus and Simois I attest again—<br/> +Thy darling son, when back Achilles drave<br/> +Troy's breathless host, and rivers, choked with slain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +973 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Groaned, ay, and Xanthus scarce could struggle to the main. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza110"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then, as with adverse Gods and feebler power<br/> +He faced Pelides, in a cloud I caught<br/> +Thy favourite, albeit 'twas the hour<br/> +When, wroth with perjured Ilion, I sought<br/> +To raze the walls these very hands had wrought.<br/> +Fear not; unaltered doth my will remain.<br/> +Safe shall he be into this haven brought.<br/> +One, only one, for many shall be slain; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +982 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +One in the deep thy son shall look for, but in vain." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza111"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, he soothed the Goddess, and in haste<br/> +His steeds with golden harness yoked amain.<br/> +The bridle and the foaming bit he placed,<br/> +To curb their fury, and outflung the rein.<br/> +Lightly he flies along the watery plain,<br/> +Borne in his azure chariot. Far and nigh<br/> +Beneath his thundering wheels the heaving main<br/> +Sinks, and the waves are tranquil, and on high +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +991 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Through flying storm-drift shines the immeasurable sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line1000"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza112"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Behind him throng, in many a motley group,<br/> +His followers—monsters of enormous chine,<br/> +Sea-shouldering whales, and Glaucus' aged troop,<br/> +<a href="#note5stanza112">Paloemon,</a> Ino's progeny divine,<br/> +Swift Tritons, born to gambol in the brine,<br/> +And Phorcus' finny legions. Melite,<br/> +And virgin Panopoea leftward shine,<br/> +Thetis, Nesæe, daughters of the sea, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1000 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Spio, Thalia fair, and bright Cymodoce. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza113"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then o'er Æneas' spirit, racked with fear,<br/> +Joy stole in gentle counterchange. He hails<br/> +The crews, and biddeth them the masts uprear,<br/> +And stretch the sheets. All, tacking, loose the brails<br/> +Larboard or starboard, and let go the sails,<br/> +And square or sideways to the breeze incline<br/> +The lofty sailyards. Welcome blow the gales<br/> +Behind them. Palinurus leads the line; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1009 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The rest his course obey, and follow at his sign. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza114"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Damp Night well-nigh had climbed Olympus' crest;<br/> +Each slumbering mariner his limbs unbends,<br/> +Stretched by his oar, along the bench at rest,<br/> +When lo! false Sleep his feathery wings extends.<br/> +To guiltless Palinurus he descends,<br/> +Parting the scattered shadows. Down he bears<br/> +Delusive dreams, and cunning words pretends,<br/> +As now, in Phorbas' likeness he appears, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1018 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Perched on the lofty stern, and whispers in his ears: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza115"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Son of Iasus! see, the tide that flows<br/> +Bears thee along; behind thee breathes apace<br/> +The stern breeze, and the hour invites repose.<br/> +Rest now, and cheat thy wearied eyes a space,<br/> +Myself will take the rudder in thy place."<br/> +"Nay," quoth the pilot, with half-lifted eyes,<br/> +"Shall I put faith in ocean's treacherous face,<br/> +And trust Æneas to the flattering skies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1027 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +I, whom their smiles oft fooled, but folly hath made wise?" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza116"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, he grasped the tiller, nor his hold<br/> +Relaxed, nor ever from the stars withdrew<br/> +His steadfast eyes, still watchful when behold!<br/> +A slumberous bough the god revealed to view,<br/> +Thrice dipt in Styx, and drenched with Lethe's dew.<br/> +Then, lightly sprinkling, o'er the pilot's brows<br/> +The drowsy dewdrops from the leaves he threw.<br/> +Dim grow his eyes; the languor of repose +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1036 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Steals o'er his faltering sense, the lingering eyelids close. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza117"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Scarce now his limbs were loosened by the spell,<br/> +Down weighed the god, and in the rolling main<br/> +Dashed him headforemost, clutching, as he fell,<br/> +Stern timbers torn, and rudder rent in twain,<br/> +And calling oft his comrades, but in vain.<br/> +This done, his wings he balanced, and away<br/> +Soared skyward. Natheless o'er the broad sea-plain<br/> +The ships sail on; safe lies the watery way, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1045 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +For Neptune's plighted words the seamen's cares allay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book5line1054"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book5stanza118"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now near the <a href="#note5stanza118">Sirens' perilous cliffs</a> they draw,<br/> +White with men's bones, and hear the surf-beat side<br/> +Roar with hoarse thunder. Here the Sire, who saw<br/> +The ship was labouring, and had lost her guide,<br/> +Straight seized the helm, and steered her through the tide,<br/> +While, grieved in heart, with many a groan and sigh,<br/> +He mourned for Palinurus. "Ah," he cried,<br/> +"For faith reposed on flattering sea and sky, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1054 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Left on an unknown shore, thy naked corpse must lie!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>BOOK SIX</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>Arrived at Cumæ Æneas visits the Sibyl's shrine, and, after prayer +and sacrifice to Apollo, asks access to the nether-world to visit +his father (<a href="#book6line1">1-162</a>). He must first pluck for Proserpine the golden +bough and bury a dead comrade (<a href="#book6line163">163-198</a>). After the death and burial +of Misenus, Æneas finds and gathers the golden bough (<a href="#book6line199">199-261</a>). +Preparation and Invocation (<a href="#book6line262">262-328</a>). The start (<a href="#book6line325">329-333</a>). The +"dreadful faces" that guard the outskirts of Hell. Charon's ferry +and the unburied dead (<a href="#book6line334">334-405</a>). Palinurus approaches and entreats +burial. Passing by Charon and Cerberus, they see the phantoms of +suicides, of children, of lovers, and experience Dido's disdain +(<a href="#book6line406">406-559</a>). From Greek and Trojan shades Deiphobus is singled out to +tell his story (<a href="#book6line559">560-644</a>). The Sibyl hurries Æneas on past the +approach to Tartarus, describing by the way its rulers and its +horrors. Finally, they reach Elysium and gain entrance (<a href="#book6line640">645-757</a>). +The search among the shades of the Blessed for Anchises, and the +meeting between father and son (<a href="#book6line757">758-828</a>). Anchises explains the +mystery of the Transmigration of Souls, and the book closes with the +revelation to Æneas of the future greatness of Rome, whose heroes, +from the days of the kings to the times of Augustus, pass in +procession before him (<a href="#book6line829">829-1071</a>). He is then dismissed through the +Ivory Gate, and sails on his way to Caieta (<a href="#book6line1072">1072-1080</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book6line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Weeping he speaks, and gives his fleet the rein,<br/> +And glides at length to the <a href="#note6stanza1">Euboean</a> strand<br/> +Of <a href="#note6stanza1">Cumæ.</a> There, with prows towards the main,<br/> +Safe-fastened by the biting anchors, stand<br/> +The vessels, and the round sterns line the land.<br/> +Forth on the shore, in eager haste to claim<br/> +Hesperia's welcome, leaps a youthful band.<br/> +These search the flint-stones for the seeds of flame, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Those point to new-found streams, or scour the woods for game. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line10"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But good Æneas seeks the castled height<br/> +And temple, to the great Apollo dear,<br/> +And the vast cave where, hidden far from sight<br/> +Within her sanctuary dark and drear,<br/> +Dwells the dread <a href="#note6stanza2">Sibyl,</a> whom <a href="#note6stanza2">the Delian seer</a><br/> +Inspires with soul and wisdom to unfold<br/> +The things to come.—So now, approaching near<br/> +Through <a href="#note6stanza2">Trivia's</a> grove, the temple they behold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And entering, see the roof all glittering with gold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line19"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Fame is, that <a href="#note6stanza3">Dædalus,</a> adventuring forth<br/> +On rapid wings, from Minos' realms in flight,<br/> +Trusted the sky, and to the frosty North<br/> +Swam his strange way, till on the tower-girt height<br/> +Of Chalcis gently he essayed to light.<br/> +Here, touching first the wished-for land again,<br/> +To thee, great Phoebus, and thy guardian might,<br/> +He vowed, and bade as offerings to remain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The oarage of his wings, and built a stately fane. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line28"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +<a href="#note6stanza4">Androgeos'</a> death is graven on the gate;<br/> +There stand the sons of Cecrops, doomed each year<br/> +With seven victims to atone his fate.<br/> +The lots are drawn; the fatal urn is near.<br/> +Here, o'er the deep the Gnossian fields appear,<br/> +The bull—the cruel passion—the embrace<br/> +Stol'n from Pasiphae—all the tale is here;<br/> +The Minotaur, half human, beast in face, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Record of nameless lust, and token of disgrace. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, toil-wrought house and labyrinthine grove,<br/> +With tangled maze, too intricate to tread,<br/> +But that, in pity for the queen's great love,<br/> +Its secret Dædalus revealed, and led<br/> +Her lover's blinded footsteps with a thread.<br/> +There, too, had sorrow not the wish denied,<br/> +Thy name and fame, poor Icarus, were read.<br/> +Twice in the gold to carve thy fate he tried, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And twice the father's hands dropped faltering to his side. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So they in gazing had the time beguiled,<br/> +But now, returning from his quest, comes near<br/> +Achates, with Deiphobe, the child<br/> +Of Glaucus, Phoebus' and Diana's seer.<br/> +"Not this," she cries, "the time for tarrying here<br/> +For shows like these. Go, hither bring with speed<br/> +Seven ewes, the choicest, and with each a steer<br/> +Unyoked, in honour of the God to bleed." +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So to the Chief she spake, and straight his followers heed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Into the lofty temple now with speed,—<br/> +A huge cave hollowed in the mountain's side,—<br/> +The priestess calls the Teucrians. Thither lead<br/> +A hundred doors, a hundred entries wide,<br/> +A hundred voices from the rock inside<br/> +Peal forth, the Sibyl answering. So they<br/> +Had reached the threshold, when the maiden cried,<br/> +"Now 'tis the time to seek the fates and pray; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Behold, behold the God!" and standing there, straightway, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Her colour and her features change; loose streams<br/> +Her hair disordered, and her heart distrest<br/> +Swells with wild frenzy. Larger now she seems,<br/> +Her voice not mortal, as her heaving breast<br/> +Pants, with the approaching Deity possest.<br/> +"Pray, Trojan," peals her warning utterance, "pray!<br/> +Cease not, Æneas, nor withhold thy quest,<br/> +Nor stint thy vows. While dumbly ye delay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ne'er shall its yawning doors the spell-bound house display." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +She ceased: at once an icy chill ran through<br/> +The sturdy Trojans. From his inmost heart<br/> +Thus prayed the King: "O Phoebus, wont to view<br/> +With pity Troy's sore travail; thou, whose art<br/> +True to Achilles aimed the Dardan dart,<br/> +How oft, thou guiding, have I tracked the main<br/> +Round mighty lands, to earth's remotest part<br/> +Massylian tribes and Libya's sandy plain: +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Scarce now the flying shores of Italy we gain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Enough, thus far Troy's destinies to bear,<br/> +Ye, too, at length, your anger may abate<br/> +And deign the race of Pergamus to spare,<br/> +O Gods and Goddesses, who viewed with hate<br/> +Troy and the glories of the Dardan state.<br/> +And thou, dread mistress of prophetic lore,<br/> +Grant us—I ask but what is due by Fate,<br/> +Our promised realms—that on the Latian shore +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Troy's sons and wandering gods may find a home once more. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"To Phoebus then and Trivia's sacred name,<br/> +Thy patron powers, a temple will I rear<br/> +Of solid marble, and due rites proclaim<br/> +And festal days, for votaries each year<br/> +The name of guardian Phoebus to revere.<br/> +Thee, too, hereafter in our realms await<br/> +Shrines of the stateliest, for thy name is dear.<br/> +There safe shall rest the mystic words of Fate, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And chosen priests shall guard the oracles of state. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Only to leaves commit not, priestess kind,<br/> +Thy verse, lest fragments of the mystic scroll<br/> +Fly, tost abroad, the playthings of the wind.<br/> +Thyself in song the oracle unroll."<br/> +He ceased; the seer, impatient of control,<br/> +Strives, like a frenzied Bacchant, in her cell,<br/> +To shake the mighty deity from her soul.<br/> +So much the more, her raging heart to quell, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +He tires the foaming mouth, and shapes her to his spell. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then yawned the hundred gates, and every door,<br/> +Self-opening suddenly, revealed the fane,<br/> +And through the air the Sibyl's answer bore:<br/> +"O freed from Ocean's perils, but in vain,<br/> +Worse evils yet upon the land remain.<br/> +Doubt not; Troy's sons shall reach Lavinium's shore,<br/> +And rule in Latium; so the Fates ordain.<br/> +Yet shall they rue their coming. Woes in store, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Wars, savage wars, I see, and Tiber foam with gore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line118"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"A <a href="#note6stanza14">Xanthus</a> there and <a href="#note6stanza14">Simois</a> shall be seen,<br/> +And Doric tents; <a href="#note6stanza14">Achilles, goddess-born,<br/> +Shall rise anew,</a> nor Jove's relentless Queen<br/> +Shall cease to vex the Teucrians night and morn.<br/> +Then oft shalt thou, sore straitened and forlorn,<br/> +All towns and tribes of Italy implore<br/> +To grant thee shelter from the foemen's scorn.<br/> +An alien bride, a foreign bed once more +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shall bring the old, old woes, the ancient feud restore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line127"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Yield not to evils, but the bolder thou<br/> +Persist, defiant of misfortune's frown,<br/> +And take the path thy Destinies allow.<br/> +Hope, where unlooked for, comes thy toils to crown,<br/> +Thy road to safety from <a href="#note6stanza15">a Grecian town.</a>"<br/> +So sang the Sibyl from her echoing fane,<br/> +And, wrapping truth in mystery, made known<br/> +The dark enigmas of her frenzied strain. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So Phoebus plied the goad, and shook the maddening rein. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line136"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Soon ceased the fit, the foaming lips were still.<br/> +"O maiden," said Æneas, "me no more<br/> +Can danger startle, nor strange shape of ill.<br/> +All have I seen and throughly conned before.<br/> +One boon I beg,—since yonder are the door<br/> +Of Pluto, and the gloomy lakes, they tell,<br/> +Fed by o'erflowing <a href="#note6stanza16">Acheron,</a>—once more<br/> +To see the father whom I loved so well. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Teach me the way, and ope the sacred gates of hell. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Him on these shoulders, in the days ago,<br/> +A thousand darts behind us, did I bear<br/> +Safe through the thickest of the flames and foe.<br/> +He, partner of my travels, loved to share<br/> +The threats of ocean and the storms of air,<br/> +Though weak, yet strong beyond the lot of age.<br/> +'Twas he who bade me, with prevailing prayer,<br/> +Approach thee humbly, and thy care engage, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pity the sire and son, and Trojan hearts assuage. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line154"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"For thou can'st all, nor Hecate for naught<br/> +Hath set thee o'er <a href="#note6stanza18">Avernus'</a> groves to reign.<br/> +If <a href="#note6stanza18">Orpheus</a> from the shades his bride up-brought,<br/> +Trusting his Thracian harp and sounding strain,<br/> +If <a href="#note6stanza18">Pollux</a> could from Pluto's drear domain<br/> +His brother by alternate death reclaim,<br/> +And tread the road to Hades o'er again<br/> +Oft and so oft—why great <a href="#note6stanza18">Alcides</a> name? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Why <a href="#note6stanza18">Theseus?</a> I, as they, Jove's ancestry can claim." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line163"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So prayed Æneas, clinging to the shrine,<br/> +When thus the prophetess: "O Trojan Knight,<br/> +Born of Anchises, and of seed divine,<br/> +Down to Avernus the descent is light,<br/> +The gate of Dis stands open day and night.<br/> +But upward thence thy journey to retrace,<br/> +There lies the labour; 'tis a task of might,<br/> +By few achieved, and those of heavenly race, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whom shining worth extolled or Jove hath deigned to grace. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thick woods and shades the middle space invest,<br/> +And black Cocytus girds the drear abode.<br/> +Yet, if such passion hath thy soul possessed,<br/> +If so thou longest to indulge thy mood,<br/> +And madly twice to cross the Stygian flood,<br/> +And visit twice black Tartarus, mark the way<br/> +Sacred to nether Juno, in a wood,<br/> +With golden stem and foliage, lurks a spray, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And trees and darksome dales surrounding shroud the day. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Yet none the shades can visit, till he tear<br/> +That golden growth, the gift of Pluto's queen,<br/> +And show the passport she decreed to bear.<br/> +One plucked, another in its place is seen,<br/> +As bright and burgeoning with golden green.<br/> +Search then aloft, and when thou see'st the spray,<br/> +Reach forth and pluck it; willingly, I ween,<br/> +If Fate shall call thee, 'twill thy touch obey; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Else steel nor strength of arm shall rend the prize away. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Mark yet—alas! thou know'st not—yonder lies<br/> +Thy friend's dead body, and pollutes the shore.<br/> +While thou the Fates art asking to advise,<br/> +And lingering here, a suppliant, at our door.<br/> +Nay, first thy comrade to his home restore,<br/> +And build a tomb, and bring black cattle; they<br/> +The stain shall expiate; so the Stygian shore<br/> +Shalt thou behold, and tread the sunless way, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Which living feet ne'er trod, and mounted to the day." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line199"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +She ended. From the cave Æneas went,<br/> +With down-dropt eyes and melancholy mien,<br/> +Inly revolving many a dark event.<br/> +Trusty Achates at his side is seen,<br/> +Moody alike, each measured step between<br/> +In musing converse framing phantasies,<br/> +What lifeless comrade could the priestess mean?<br/> +Whom to be buried? When before their eyes, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stretched on the barren beach the dead Misenus lies, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Dead with dishonour, in unseemly plight,<br/> +Misenus, son of Æolus, whom beside<br/> +None better knew with brazen blast to light<br/> +The flames of war, and wake the warrior's pride.<br/> +Once Hector's co-mate, proud at Hector's side<br/> +To wind the clarion and the sword to wield.<br/> +When, stricken by Achilles, Hector died,<br/> +Æneas then he followed to the field, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Loth to a meaner lord his fealty to yield. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now while a challenge to the gods he blew,<br/> +And made the waves his hollow shell resound,<br/> +Him Triton, jealous—if the tale be true—<br/> +Caught unaware, and in the surges drowned<br/> +Among the rocks.—There now the corpse they found.<br/> +Loud groaned Æneas, and a mournful cry<br/> +Rose from the Trojans, as they gazed around.<br/> +Then, filled with tears, the Sibyl's task they ply, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And rear a wood-built pile and altar to the sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Into a grove of aged trees they go,<br/> +The wild-beasts' lair. The holm-oak rings amain,<br/> +Smit with the axe, the pitchy pine falls low,<br/> +Sharp wedges cleave the beechen core in twain,<br/> +The mountain ash comes rolling to the plain.<br/> +Foremost himself, accoutred as the rest,<br/> +Æneas cheered them, toiling with his train;<br/> +Then, musing sadly, and with pensive breast, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Gazed on the boundless grove, and thus his prayer addressed: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O in this grove could I behold the tree<br/> +With golden bough; since true, alas, too true,<br/> +Misenus, hath the priestess sung of thee!"<br/> +He spake, when, lighting on the sward, down flew<br/> +Two doves. With joy his mother's birds he knew,<br/> +"Lead on, blest guides, along the air," he prayed,<br/> +"If way there be, the precious bough to view,<br/> +Whose golden leaves the teeming soil o'ershade; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +O mother, solve my doubts, nor stint the needed aid." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, he stays his footsteps, fain to heed<br/> +What signs they give, and whitherward their flight.<br/> +Awhile they fly, awhile they stop to feed,<br/> +Then, fluttering, keep within the range of sight,<br/> +Till, coming where Avernus, dark as night,<br/> +Gapes, with rank vapours from its depths uprolled,<br/> +Aloft they soar, and through the liquid height<br/> +Dart to the tree, where, wondrous to behold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The varying green sets forth the glitter of the gold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As in the woods, in winter's cold, is seen,<br/> +Sown on an alien tree, the mistletoe<br/> +To bloom afresh with foliage newly green,<br/> +And round the tapering boles its arms to throw,<br/> +Laden with yellow fruitage, even so<br/> +The oak's dark boughs the golden leaves display,<br/> +So the foil rustles in the breezes low.<br/> +Quickly Æneas plucks the lingering spray, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And to the Sibyl bears the welcome gift away. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line262"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nor less the dead Misenus they deplore,<br/> +And honours to the thankless dust assign.<br/> +A stately pyre they build upon the shore,<br/> +Rich with oak-timbers and the resinous pine,<br/> +And sombre foliage in the sides entwine.<br/> +In front, the cypress marks the fatal soil,<br/> +Above, they leave the warrior's arms to shine.<br/> +These heat the water, till the caldrons boil, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And wash the stiffened limbs, and fill the wounds with oil. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Loud is the wailing; then with many a tear<br/> +They lay him on the bed, and o'er him throw<br/> +His purple robes. These lift the massive bier;<br/> +Those, as of yore—sad ministry of woe—<br/> +With eyes averted, hold the torch below.<br/> +Oil, spice and viands, in promiscuous heap,<br/> +They pour and pile upon the fire; and now,<br/> +The embers crumbling and the flames asleep, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With draughts of ruddy wine the thirsty ash they steep. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line280"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +And Cornyæus in a brazen urn<br/> +Enshrined the bones, upgathered in a caul,<br/> +And bearing round pure water, thrice in turn<br/> +From olive branch the lustral dew lets fall,<br/> +And, sprinkling, speaks the latest words of all.<br/> +A lofty mound Æneas hastes to frame,<br/> +Crowned with his oar and trumpet, 'neath a tall<br/> +And airy cliff, which still <a href="#note6stanza32">Misenus'</a> name +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Preserves, and ages keep his everlasting fame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line289"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +This done, Æneas hastens to obey<br/> +The Sibyl's hest.—There was a monstrous cave,<br/> +Rough, shingly, yawning wide-mouthed to the day,<br/> +Sheltered from access by the lake's dark wave<br/> +And shadowing forests, gloomy as the grave.<br/> +O'er that dread space no flying thing could ply<br/> +Its wings unjeopardied (whence Grecians gave<br/> +The name <a href="#note6stanza33">"Aornos"</a>), such a stench on high +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Rose from the poisonous jaws, and filled the vaulted sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Here four black oxen, as the maid divine<br/> +Commands them, forth to sacrifice are led.<br/> +Over their brows she pours the sacred wine,<br/> +Then plucks the hairs that sprouted on the head<br/> +And burns them, as the first-fruits to the dead,<br/> +Calling aloud on Hecate, whose reign<br/> +In Heaven and Erebus is owned with dread.<br/> +These stab the victims in the throat, and drain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +In bowls the steaming blood that gushes from the slain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line307"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +A black-fleeced lamb Æneas slays, to please<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza35">The Furies' mother and her sister</a> dread,<br/> +A barren cow to Proserpine decrees.<br/> +Then to the Stygian monarch of the dead<br/> +The midnight altars he began to spread.<br/> +The bulls' whole bodies on the flames he laid,<br/> +And fat oil on the broiling entrails shed,<br/> +When lo! as Morn her opening beams displayed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Loud rumblings shook the ground, the wooded hill-tops swayed, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +And hell-dogs baying through the gloom, proclaimed<br/> +The Goddess near. "Back, back, unhallowed crew,<br/> +And quit the grove!" the prophetess exclaimed,<br/> +"Thou, bare thy blade, and take the road in view.<br/> +Now, Trojan, for a stalwart heart and true;<br/> +Firmness and steadiness!" No more she cried,<br/> +But back into the open cave withdrew,<br/> +Fired with new frenzy. He, with fearless stride, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Treads on the Sibyl's heels, rejoicing in his guide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line325"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +O silent Shades, and ye, the powers of Hell,<br/> +Chaos and <a href="#note6stanza37">Phlegethon,</a> wide realms of night,<br/> +What ear hath heard, permit the tongue to tell,<br/> +High matter, veiled in darkness, to indite.—<br/> +On through the gloomy shade, in darkling plight,<br/> +Through Pluto's solitary halls they stray,<br/> +As travellers, whom the Moon's unkindly light<br/> +Baffles in woods, when, on a lonely way, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Jove shrouds the heavens, and night has turned the world to grey. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line334"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Before the threshold, in the jaws of Hell,<br/> +Grief spreads her pillow, with remorseful Care.<br/> +There sad Old Age and pale Diseases dwell,<br/> +And misconceiving Famine, Want and Fear,<br/> +Terrific shapes, and Death and Toil appear.<br/> +Death's kinsman, Sleep, and Joys of sinful kind,<br/> +And deadly War crouch opposite, and here<br/> +The Furies' iron chamber, Discord blind +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Strife, her viperous locks with gory fillets twined. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line343"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +High in the midst a giant elm doth fling<br/> +The shadows of its aged arms. There dwell<br/> +False Dreams and, nestling, to the foliage cling,<br/> +And monstrous shapes, too numerous to tell,<br/> +Keep covert, stabled in the porch of Hell.<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza39">The beast of Lerna,</a> hissing in his ire,<br/> +Huge Centaurs, two-formed Scyllas, fierce and fell,<br/> +Briareus hundred-handed, Gorgons dire, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Harpies, the triple Shade, Chimæra fenced with fire. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +At once Æneas, stirred by sudden fear,<br/> +Clutches his sword, and points the naked blade<br/> +To affront them. Then, but that the Heaven-taught seer<br/> +Warned him that each was but an empty shade,<br/> +A shapeless soul, vain onset he had made,<br/> +And slashed the shadows. So he checked his hand,<br/> +And past the gateway in the gloom they strayed<br/> +Through Tartarus to Acheron's dark strand, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Where thick the whirlpool boils, and voids the seething sand +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line361"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Into the deep Cocytus. <a href="#note6stanza41">Charon</a> there,<br/> +Grim ferryman, stands sentry. Mean his guise,<br/> +His chin a wilderness of hoary hair,<br/> +And like a flaming furnace stare his eyes.<br/> +Hung in a loop around his shoulders lies<br/> +A filthy gaberdine. He trims the sail,<br/> +And, pole in hand, across the water plies<br/> +His steel-grey shallop with the corpses pale, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Old, but a god's old age has left him green and hale. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There shoreward rushed a multitude, the shades<br/> +Of noble heroes, numbered with the dead,<br/> +Boys, husbands, mothers and unwedded maids,<br/> +Sons on the pile before their parents spread,<br/> +As leaves in number, which the trees have shed<br/> +When Autumn's frosts begin to chill the air,<br/> +Or birds, that from the wintry blasts have fled<br/> +And over seas to sunnier shores repair. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So thick the foremost stand, and, stretching hands of prayer, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Plead for a passage. Now the boatman stern<br/> +Takes these, now those, then thrusts the rest away,<br/> +And vainly for the distant bank they yearn.<br/> +Then spake Æneas, for with strange dismay<br/> +He viewed the tumult, "Prithee, maiden, say<br/> +What means this thronging to the river-side?<br/> +What seek the souls? Why separate, do they<br/> +Turn back, while others sweep the leaden tide? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Who parts the shades, what doom the difference can decide?" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thereto in brief the aged priestess spake:<br/> +"Son of Anchises, and the god's true heir,<br/> +Thou see'st Cocytus and the Stygian lake,<br/> +By whose dread majesty no god will dare<br/> +His solemn oath attested to forswear.<br/> +These are the needy, who a burial crave;<br/> +The ferryman is Charon; they who fare<br/> +Across the flood, the buried; none that wave +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Can traverse, ere his bones have rested in the grave. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"A hundred years they wander in the cold<br/> +Around these shores, till at the destined date<br/> +The wished-for pools, admitted, they behold."<br/> +Sad stood Æneas, pitying their estate,<br/> +And, thoughtful, pondered their unequal fate.<br/> +Leucaspis there, and Lycia's chief he viewed,<br/> +Orontes, joyless, tombless, whom of late,<br/> +Sea-tost from Troy, the blustering South pursued, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And ship and crew at once whelmed in the rolling flood. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line406"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There paced in sorrow Palinurus' ghost,<br/> +Who, lately from the Libyan shore their guide,<br/> +Watching the stars, headforemost from his post<br/> +Had fallen, and perished in the wildering tide.<br/> +Him, known, but dimly in the gloom descried,<br/> +The Dardan hails, "O Palinurus! who<br/> +Of all the gods hath torn thee from our side?<br/> +Speak, for Apollo, never known untrue, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +This once hath answered false, and mocked with hopes undue. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Safe—so he sang—should'st thou escape the sea,<br/> +And scatheless to Ausonia's coast attain.<br/> +Lo, this, his plighted promise!"—"Nay," said he,<br/> +"Nor answered Phoebus' oracle in vain,<br/> +Nor did a god o'erwhelm me in the main.<br/> +For while I ruled the rudder, charged to keep<br/> +Our course, and steered thee o'er the billowy plain,<br/> +Sudden, I slipped, and, falling prone and steep, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Snapped with sheer force the helm, and dragged it to the deep. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Naught—let the rough seas witness—but for thee<br/> +I feared, lest rudderless, her pilot lost,<br/> +Your ship should fail in such a towering sea.<br/> +Three wintry nights, nipt with the chilling frost,<br/> +Upon the boundless waters I was tost,<br/> +And on the fourth dawn from a wave at last<br/> +Descried Italia. Slowly to her coast<br/> +I swam, and clutching at the rock, held fast, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Cumbered with dripping clothes, and deemed the worst o'erpast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"When lo! the savage folk, with sword and stave,<br/> +Set on me, weening to have found rich prey.<br/> +And now my bones lie weltering on the wave,<br/> +Now on strange shores winds blow them far away.<br/> +O! by the memory of thy sire, I pray,<br/> +By young Iulus, and his hope so fair,<br/> +By heaven's sweet breath and light of gladsome day,<br/> +Relieve my misery, assuage my care, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sail back to Velia's port, great conqueror, and there +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Strew earth upon me, for the task is light;<br/> +Or, if thy goddess-mother deign to show<br/> +Some path—for never in the god's despite<br/> +O'er these dread waters would'st thou dare to go,<br/> +Thine aid in pity on a wretch bestow;<br/> +Reach forth thy hand, and bear me to my rest,<br/> +Dead with the dead to ease me of my woe."<br/> +He spake, and him the prophetess addressed: +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +"O Palinurus! whence so impious a request? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Think'st thou the Stygian waters to explore<br/> +Unburied, and the Furies' flood to see,<br/> +And reach unbidden yon relentless shore?<br/> +Hope not by prayer to bend the Fates' decree,<br/> +But take this comfort to thy misery;<br/> +The neighbouring towns, and people far and near,<br/> +Compelled by prodigies, thy ghost shall free,<br/> +And load thy tomb with offerings year by year, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Palinurus' name for aye the place shall bear." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +These words relieved his heaviness; joy came<br/> +Upon his saddened spirit, pleased to hear<br/> +The well-known land remembered by his name.<br/> +Thus on they journey, and the stream draw near;<br/> +Whom when the Stygian boatman saw appear,<br/> +As shoreward through the silent grove they stray,<br/> +With stern rebuke he challenged them: "Beware;<br/> +Stand off; approach not, but your purpose say; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What brought you here, whoe'er ye come in armed array? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Here Shades inhabit,—Sleep and drowsy Night,—<br/> +I may not steer the living to yon shore.<br/> +Small joy was mine, when, in the gods' despite,<br/> +Alive Alcides o'er the stream I bore,<br/> +And Theseus and Pirithous, though more<br/> +Than men in prowess, nor of mortal clay.<br/> +One tried to seize Hell's guardian, and before<br/> +Our monarch's throne to chain the trembling prey; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +These from her lord's own bed to drag the queen to day." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line478"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Briefly the <a href="#note6stanza54">seer Amphrysian</a> spake again:<br/> +"No guile these arms intend, nor open fight;<br/> +Fear not; still may the monster in his den<br/> +With endless howl the bloodless ghosts affright,<br/> +And chaste Proserpine guard her uncle's right.<br/> +Duteous and brave, his father's shade to view,<br/> +Descends the famed Æneas; if the sight<br/> +Of love so great is powerless to subdue, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mark this,"—and from her vest the fateful gift she drew. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Down fell his wrath: the venerable bough,<br/> +So long unseen, with wonderment he eyed;<br/> +Then, shoreward turning with his cold-blue prow,<br/> +From bench and gangway thrusts the shades aside,<br/> +And takes the great Æneas and his guide.<br/> +The stitched bark, groaning with the load it bore,<br/> +Gapes at each seam, and drinks the plenteous tide,<br/> +Till Prince and Prophetess, borne safely o'er, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stand on the dank, grey ooze and grim, unsightly shore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line496"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Crouched in a fronting cave, huge Cerberus wakes<br/> +These kingdoms with his three-mouthed bark. His head<br/> +The priestess marked, all bristling now with snakes,<br/> +And flung a sop of honied drugs and bread.<br/> +He, famine-stung, with triple jaws dispread,<br/> +The morsel snaps, then prone along the cave<br/> +Lies stretched on earth, with loosened limbs, as dead.<br/> +The sentry lulled, Æneas, blithe and brave, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Seizes the pass, and leaves the irremeable wave. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line505"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Loud shrieks are heard, and wails of the distrest,<br/> +The souls of babes, that on the threshold cry,<br/> +Reft of sweet life, and ravished from the breast,<br/> +And early plunged in bitter death. Hard by<br/> +Are those, whom slanderous charges doomed to die.<br/> +Not without judgment these abodes they win.<br/> +Here, urn in hand, dread <a href="#note6stanza57">Minos</a> sits to try<br/> +The charge anew; he summons from within +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The silent court, and learns each several life and sin. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +And next are those, who, hateful of the day,<br/> +With guiltless hands their sorrowing lives have ta'en,<br/> +And miserably flung their souls away.<br/> +How gladly now, in upper air again,<br/> +Would they endure their poverty and pain!<br/> +It may not be. The Fates their doom decide<br/> +Past hope, and bind them to this sad domain.<br/> +Dark round them rolls the sea, unlovely tide; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ninefold the waves of Styx those dreary realms divide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line523"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Not far off stretch the Mourning Meads, where those<br/> +Whom cruel Love hath wasted with despair,<br/> +In myrtle groves and alleys hide their woes,<br/> +Nor Death itself relieves them of their care.<br/> +Lo, <a href="#note6stanza59">Phædra, Procris, Eriphyle</a> there,<br/> +Baring the breast by filial hands imbrued,<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza59">Evadne, and Pasiphaë,</a> and fair<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza59">Laodamia</a> in the crowd he viewed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Cæneus, maid, then man, and now a maid renewed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There through the wood Phoenician Dido strayed,<br/> +Fresh from her wound. Whom when Æneas knew,<br/> +Scarce seen, though near, amid the doubtful shade,<br/> +As one who views, or only seems to view,<br/> +The clouded moon rise when the month is new,<br/> +Fondly he spake, while tears were in his eye:<br/> +"Ah, hapless Dido! then the news was true<br/> +That thou had'st sought the bitter end. Was I, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Alas! the cause of death? O by the starry sky, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"By Gods above, by faith, if aught, below,<br/> +Unwillingly, O Queen, I left thy sight.<br/> +The Gods, at whose compulsion now I go<br/> +Through these dark Shades, this realm of deepest Night,<br/> +These wastes of squalor, 'twas their word of might<br/> +That drove me forth; nor could I dream such woe<br/> +Was thine at my departing. Stay thy flight.<br/> +Whom dost thou fly? O, whither wilt thou go? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +One word—the last, sad word—one parting look bestow!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So strove Æneas, weeping, to appease<br/> +Her wrathful spirit. She, with down-fixt eyes<br/> +Turns from him, scowling, heedless of his pleas,<br/> +And hard as flint or marble, nor replies.<br/> +Then, starting, to the shadowy grove she flies,<br/> +Where dead Sychæus, her old lord, renews<br/> +His love with hers, and sorrows with her sighs.<br/> +Touched by her fate, the Dardan hero views, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And far with tearful gaze the melting shade pursues. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line559"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thus onward to the furthest fields they strayed,<br/> +The haunts of heroes here doth <a href="#note6stanza63">Tydeus</a> fare,<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza63">Parthenopæus,</a> pale <a href="#note6stanza63">Adrastus'</a> shade.<br/> +And many a Dardan, wailed in upper air,<br/> +And fallen in war. Sighing, he sees them there,<br/> +Glaucus, Thersilochus and Medon slain,<br/> +Antenor's sons, three brethren past compare,<br/> +And Polyphoetes, priest of Ceres' fane, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And brave Idæus, still grasping the sword and rein. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +All throng around, nor rest content to claim<br/> +One look, but linger with delight, and fain<br/> +Would pace beside, and question why he came.<br/> +But when the Greeks and Agamemnon's train<br/> +Beheld the hero, and his arms shone plain,<br/> +Huge terror shook them, and some turned to fly,<br/> +As erst they scattered to their ships; some strain<br/> +Their husky voice, and raise a feeble cry. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The warshout mocks their throats, the gibbering accents die. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, too, he sees great Priam's son, the famed<br/> +Deiphobus, in evil plight forlorn;<br/> +A mangled shape, his visage marred and maimed.<br/> +His ravaged face the ruthless steel had torn,—<br/> +Face, nose and ears—and both his hands were shorn.<br/> +Him, cowering back, and striving to disown<br/> +The shameful tokens of his foemen's scorn,<br/> +Scarcely Æneas knew, then, soon as known, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thus, unaccosted, hailed in old, familiar tone: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O brave Deiphobus, great Teucer's seed!<br/> +Whose heart had will, whose cruel hand had might<br/> +To wreak such punishment? Fame told, indeed,<br/> +That, tired with slaughter, thou had'st sunk that night<br/> +On heaps of mingled carnage in the fight.<br/> +Then on the shore I reared an empty mound,<br/> +And called (thy name and armour mark the site)<br/> +Thy shade. Thyself, dear comrade, ne'er was found. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Vain was my parting wish to lay thee in the ground." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Not thine the fault"; Deiphobus replied,<br/> +"Thy debt is rendered; thou hast dealt aright.<br/> +Fate, and the baseness of a Spartan bride<br/> +Wrought this; behold the tokens of her spite.<br/> +Thou know'st—too well must thou recall—that night<br/> +Passed in vain pleasure and delusive joy,<br/> +What time the fierce Steed, with a bound of might,<br/> +Big with armed warriors, eager to destroy, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Leaped o'er the wall, and scaled the citadel of Troy. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Feigning mock orgies, round the town she led<br/> +Troy's dames, with shrieks that rent the midnight air,<br/> +And, armed with blazing cresset, at their head<br/> +Bright from the watch-tower made the signal flare,<br/> +That called the Danaan foemen from their lair.<br/> +I, sunk in sleep, the fatal couch had pressed,<br/> +Worn out with watching, and weighed down with care,<br/> +And, calm and deep, Death's image, gentle Rest +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Crept o'er the wearied limbs, and stilled the troubled breast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Meanwhile, all arms the traitress, as I slept,<br/> +Stole from the house, and from beneath my head<br/> +She took the trusty falchion, that I kept<br/> +To guard the chamber and the bridal bed.<br/> +Then, creeping to the door, with stealthy tread,<br/> +She lifts the latch, and beckons from within<br/> +To Menelaus; so, forsooth, she fled<br/> +In hopes a lover's gratitude to win, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And from the past wipe out the scandal of old sin. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O noble wife! But why the tale prolong?<br/> +Few words were best; my chamber they invade,<br/> +They and Ulysses, counsellor of wrong.<br/> +Heaven! be these horrors on the Greeks repaid,<br/> +If pious lips for just revenge have prayed.<br/> +But thou, make answer, and in turn explain<br/> +What brought thee, living, to these realms of shade?<br/> +By heaven's command, or wandering o'er the main, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Com'st thou to view these shores, this sunless, sad domain?" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So they in converse haply had the day<br/> +Consumed, when, rosy-charioted, the Morn<br/> +O'erpassed mid heaven on her ethereal way,<br/> +And thus the Sibyl doth the Dardan warn:<br/> +"Night lowers apace; we linger but to mourn.<br/> +Here part the roads; beyond the walls of Dis<br/> +<i>There</i> lies for us Elysium; leftward borne<br/> +Thou comest to Tartarus, in whose drear abyss +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Poor sinners purge with pains the lives they lived amiss." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line640"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Spare, priestess," cried Deiphobus, "thy wrath;<br/> +I will depart, and fill the tale, and hide<br/> +In darkness. Thou, with happier fates, go forth,<br/> +Our glory."—Sudden, from the Dardan's side<br/> +He fled. Back looked Æneas, and espied<br/> +Broad bastions, girt with triple wall, that frowned<br/> +Beneath a rock to leftward, and the tide<br/> +Of torrent Phlegethon, that flamed around, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And made the beaten rocks rebellow with the sound. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +In front, a massive gateway threats the sky,<br/> +And posts of solid adamant upstay<br/> +An iron tower, firm-planted to defy<br/> +All force, divine or human. Night and day,<br/> +Sleepless Tisiphone defends the way,<br/> +Girt up with bloody garments. From within<br/> +Loud groans are heard, and wailings of dismay,<br/> +The whistling scourge, the fetter's clank and din, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shrieks, as of tortured fiends, and all the sounds of sin. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Aghast, Æneas listens to the cries.<br/> +"O maid," he asks, "what crimes are theirs? What pain<br/> +Do they endure? what wailings rend the skies?"<br/> +Then she: "Famed Trojan, this accursed domain<br/> +None chaste may enter; so the Fates ordain.<br/> +Great Hecate herself, when here below<br/> +She made me guardian of Avernus' reign,<br/> +Led me through all the region, fain to show +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The tortures of the gods, the various forms of woe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line667"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Here Cretan Rhadamanthus, strict and stern,<br/> +His kingdom holds. Each trespass, now confessed,<br/> +He hears and punishes; each tells in turn<br/> +The sin, with idle triumph long suppressed,<br/> +Till death has bared the secrets of the breast.<br/> +Swift at the guilty, as he stands and quakes,<br/> +Leaps fierce Tisiphone, for vengeance prest,<br/> +And calls her sisters; o'er the wretch she shakes +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The torturing scourge aloft, and waves the twisted snakes. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then, opening slow, on horrid hinges grate<br/> +The doors accursed. See'st thou what sentinel<br/> +Sits in the porch? What presence guards the gate?<br/> +Know, that within, still fiercer and more fell,<br/> +Wide-yawning with her fifty throats, doth dwell<br/> +A Hydra. Tartarus itself, hard by,<br/> +Abrupt and sheer, beneath the ghosts in Hell,<br/> +Gapes twice as deep, as o'er the earth on high +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Towers up the Olympian steep, the summit of the sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line685"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"There roll the Titans, born of ancient Earth,<br/> +Hurled to the bottom by the lightning's blast.<br/> +There lie—twin monsters of enormous girth—<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza77">Aloeus' sons,</a> who 'gainst Olympus cast<br/> +Their impious hands, and strove with daring vast<br/> +To disenthrone the Thunderer. There, again,<br/> +The famed <a href="#note6stanza77">Salmoneus</a> I beheld, laid fast<br/> +In cruel agonies of endless pain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Who sought the flames of Jove with mimic art to feign, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And mocked Olympian thunder. Torch in hand,<br/> +Drawn by four steeds, through Elis' streets he came,<br/> +A conqueror, borne in triumph through the land.<br/> +And, waving high the firebrand, dared to claim<br/> +The God's own homage and a godlike name.<br/> +Blind fool and vain! to think with brazen clash<br/> +And hollow tramp of horn-hoofed steeds, to frame<br/> +The dread Storm's counterfeit, the thunder's crash, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The matchless bolts of Jove, the inimitable flash. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But lo! his bolt, no smoky torch of pine,<br/> +The Sire omnipotent through darkness sped,<br/> +And hurled him headlong with the blast divine.<br/> +There, too, lay Tityos, nine roods outspread,<br/> +Nursling of earth. Hook-beaked, a vulture dread,<br/> +Pecking the deathless liver, plied his quest,<br/> +And probed the entrails and the heart, that bred<br/> +Immortal pain, and burrowed in his breast. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The torturing growth goes on, the fibres never rest. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line712"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Why now those ancient <a href="#note6stanza80">Lapithæ</a> recall,<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza80">Ixion and Pirithous?</a> There in sight<br/> +The black rock frowns, and ever threats to fall.<br/> +On golden pillars shine the couches bright,<br/> +And royal feasts their longing eyes invite.<br/> +But lo, the eldest of the Furies' band<br/> +Sits by, and oft uprising in her might,<br/> +Warns from the banquet, with uplifted hand, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And thunders in their ears, and waves a flaming brand. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Those, who with hate a brother's love repaid,<br/> +Or drove a parent outcast from their door,<br/> +Or, weaving fraud, their client's trust betrayed;<br/> +Those, who—the most in number—brooded o'er<br/> +Their gold, nor gave to kinsmen of their store;<br/> +Those, who for foul adultery were slain,<br/> +Who followed treason's banner, or forswore<br/> +Their plighted oath to masters, here remain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, pent in dungeons deep, await their doom of pain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ask not what pain; what fortune or what fate<br/> +O'erwhelmed them, nor their torments seek to know.<br/> +These roll uphill a rock's enormous weight,<br/> +Those, hung on wheels, are racked with endless woe.<br/> +There, too, for ever, as the ages flow,<br/> +Sad Theseus sits, and through the darkness cries<br/> +Unhappy Phlegyas to the shades below,<br/> +'Learn to be good; take warning and be wise; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Learn to revere the gods, nor heaven's commands despise.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"There stands the traitor, who his country sold,<br/> +A tyrant's bondage for his land prepared;<br/> +Made laws, unmade them, for a bribe of gold.<br/> +With lawless lust a daughter's shame he shared;<br/> +All dared huge crimes, and compassed what they dared.<br/> +Ne'er had a hundred mouths, if such were mine,<br/> +Nor hundred tongues their endless sins declared,<br/> +Nor iron voice their torments could define, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Or tell what doom to each the avenging gods assign. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But haste we," adds the Sibyl; "onward hold<br/> +The way before thee, and thy task pursue.<br/> +Forged in the Cyclops' furnaces, behold<br/> +Yon walls and fronting archway, full in view.<br/> +Leave there thy gift and pay the God his due."<br/> +She spake, and thither through the dark they paced,<br/> +And reached the gateway. He, with lustral dew<br/> +Self-sprinkled, seized the entrance, and in haste +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +High o'er the fronting door the fateful offering placed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line757"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +These dues performed, they reach the realms of rest,<br/> +Fortunate groves, where happy souls repair,<br/> +And lawns of green, the dwellings of the blest.<br/> +A purple light, a more abundant air<br/> +Invest the meadows. Sun and stars are there,<br/> +Known but to them. There rival athletes train<br/> +Their practised limbs, and feats of strength compare.<br/> +These run and wrestle on the sandy plain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Those tread the measured dance, and join the song's sweet strain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +In flowing robes the Thracian minstrel sings,<br/> +Sweetly responsive to the seven-toned lyre;<br/> +Fingers and quill alternate wakes the strings.<br/> +Here Teucer's race, and many an ancient sire,<br/> +Chieftains of nobler days and martial fire,<br/> +Ilus, high-souled Assaracus, and he<br/> +Who founded Troy, the rapturous strains admire,<br/> +And arms afar and shadowy cars they see, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And lances fixt in earth, and coursers grazing free. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The love of arms and chariots, the care<br/> +Their glossy steeds to pasture and to train,<br/> +That pleased them living, still attends them there:<br/> +These, stretched at ease, lie feasting on the plain;<br/> +There, choral companies, in gladsome strain,<br/> +Chant the loud Pæan, in a grove of bay,<br/> +Rich in sweet scents, whence hurrying to the main,<br/> +Eridanus' full torrent on its way +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Rolls from below through woods majestic to the day. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, the slain patriot, and the spotless sage,<br/> +And pious poets, worthy of the God;<br/> +There he, whose arts improved a rugged age,<br/> +And those who, labouring for their country's good,<br/> +Lived long-remembered,—all, in eager mood,<br/> +Crowned with white fillets, round the Sibyl pressed;<br/> +Chiefly Musæus; in the midst he stood,<br/> +With ample shoulders towering o'er the rest, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +When thus the listening crowd the prophetess addressed: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Tell, happy souls; and thou, great poet, tell<br/> +Where—in what place—Anchises doth abide,<br/> +For whom we came and crossed the streams of Hell."<br/> +Briefly the venerable chief replied:<br/> +"Fixt home hath no one; by the streamlet's side,<br/> +Or in dark groves, or dewy meads we stray,<br/> +Where living waters through the pastures glide.<br/> +Mount, if ye list, and I will point the way, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Yon summit, and beneath the shining fields survey." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thus on he leads them, till they leave the height,<br/> +Rejoicing.—In a valley far away<br/> +The sire Anchises scanned, with fond delight,<br/> +The prisoned souls, who waited for the day.<br/> +Their shape, their mien his studious eyes survey;<br/> +Their fates and fortunes he reviews with pride,<br/> +And counts his future offspring in array.<br/> +Now, when his son advancing he espied, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Aloud, with tearful eyes and outspread hands, he cried: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Art thou, then, come at last? Has filial love,<br/> +Thrice welcome, braved the perils of the way?<br/> +O joy! do I behold thee? hear thee move<br/> +Sweet converse as of old? 'Tis come, the day<br/> +I longed and looked for, pondering the delay,<br/> +And counting every moment, nor in vain.<br/> +How tost with perils do I greet thee? yea,<br/> +What wanderings thine on every land and main! +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What dangers did I dread from Libya's tempting reign!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza92"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Father, 'twas thy sad image," he replied,<br/> +"Oft-haunting, drove me to this distant place.<br/> +Our navy floats on the Tyrrhenian tide.<br/> +Give me thy hand, nor shun a son's embrace."<br/> +So spake the son, and o'er his cheeks apace<br/> +Rolled down soft tears, of sadness and delight.<br/> +Thrice he essayed the phantom to embrace;<br/> +Thrice, vainly clasped, it melted from his sight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +820 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Swift as the wingèd wind, or vision of the night. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line829"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza93"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile he views, deep-bosomed in a dale,<br/> +A grove, and brakes that rustle in the breeze,<br/> +And <a href="#note6stanza93">Lethe,</a> gliding through the peaceful vale.<br/> +Peoples and tribes, all hovering round, he sees,<br/> +Unnumbered, as in summer heat the bees<br/> +Hum round the flowerets of the field, to drain<br/> +The fair, white lilies of their sweets; so these<br/> +Swarm numberless, and ever and again +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +829 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The gibbering ghosts disperse, and murmur o'er the plain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza94"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Awe-struck, Æneas would the cause enquire:<br/> +What streams are yonder? what the crowd so great,<br/> +That filled the river's margin? Then the Sire<br/> +Anchises answered: "They are souls, that wait<br/> +For other bodies, promised them by Fate.<br/> +Now, by the banks of Lethe here below,<br/> +They lose the memory of their former state,<br/> +And from the silent waters, as they flow, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +838 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Drink the oblivious draught, and all their cares forego. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza95"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Long have I wished to show thee, face to face,<br/> +Italia's sons, that thou might'st joy with me<br/> +To hail the new-found country of our race."<br/> +"Oh father!" said Æneas, "can it be,<br/> +That souls sublime, so happy and so free,<br/> +Can yearn for fleshly tenements again?<br/> +So madly long they for the light?" Then he:<br/> +"Learn, son, and listen, nor in doubt remain." +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +847 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And thus in ordered speech the mystery made plain: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza96"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"First, Heaven and Earth and Ocean's liquid plains,<br/> +The Moon's bright globe and planets of the pole,<br/> +One mind, infused through every part, sustains;<br/> +One universal, animating soul<br/> +Quickens, unites and mingles with the whole.<br/> +Hence man proceeds, and beasts, and birds of air,<br/> +And monsters that in marble ocean roll;<br/> +And fiery energy divine they share, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +856 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Save what corruption clogs, and earthly limbs impair. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza97"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Hence Fear and Sorrow, hence Desire and Mirth;<br/> +Nor can the soul, in darkness and in chains,<br/> +Assert the skies, and claim celestial birth.<br/> +Nay, after death, the traces it retains<br/> +Of fleshly grossness, and corporeal stains,<br/> +Since much must needs by long concretion grow<br/> +Inherent. Therefore are they racked with pains,<br/> +And schooled in all the discipline of woe; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +865 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Each pays for ancient sin with punishment below. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza98"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Some hang before the viewless winds to bleach;<br/> +Some purge in fire or flood the deep decay<br/> +And taint of wickedness. We suffer each<br/> +Our ghostly penance; thence, the few who may,<br/> +Seek the bright meadows of Elysian day,<br/> +Till long, long years, when our allotted time<br/> +Hath run its orbit, wear the stains away,<br/> +And leave the ætherial sense, and spark sublime, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +874 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Cleansed from the dross of earth, and cankering rust of crime. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza99"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"These, when a thousand rolling years are o'er,<br/> +Called by the God, to Lethe's waves repair;<br/> +There, reft of memory, to yearn once more<br/> +For mortal bodies and the upper air."<br/> +So spake Anchises, and the priestess fair<br/> +Leads, with his son, the murmuring shades among,<br/> +Where thickest crowd the multitude, and there<br/> +They mount a hillock, and survey the throng, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +883 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And scan the pale procession, as it winds along. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line892"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza100"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +C +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Come, now, and hearken to the Dardan's fame,<br/> +What noble grandsons shall Italia grace,<br/> +Proud spirits, heirs of our illustrious name,<br/> +And learn the fates and future of thy race.<br/> +See yon fair youth, now leaning—mark his face—<br/> +Upon a pointless spear, by lot decreed<br/> +To stand the nearest to the light in place,<br/> +He first shall rise, of mixt Italian breed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +892 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Silvius, an Alban name, the youngest of thy seed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza101"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Him, latest offspring of thy days' decline,<br/> +Thy spouse Lavinia in the woods shall rear,<br/> +The kingly parent of a kingly line,<br/> +The lords of Alba Longa. Procas, dear<br/> +To Trojans, Capys, <a href="#note6stanza100">Numitor</a> are here,<br/> +And he, whose surname shall revive thine own.<br/> +Silvius Æneas, like his great compeer<br/> +Alike for piety and arms well known, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +901 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +If e'er, by Fate's decree, he mount the Alban throne. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza102"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What youths! what strength! what promise of renown!<br/> +Behold the wreaths of civic oak they wear.<br/> +First founders these of many a glorious town,<br/> +Nomentum, Gabii and Fidenæ fair;<br/> +They on the mountain pinnacles shall rear<br/> +Collatia's fortress, and Pometii found,<br/> +The camp of Inuus, which foemen fear,<br/> +Bola and Cora, names to be renowned, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +910 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Albeit inglorious now, for nameless is the ground. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza103"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"See Romulus, beside his grandsire's shade,<br/> +Offspring of Mars and Ilia, and the line<br/> +Of old Assaracus. See there displayed,<br/> +The double crest upon his helm, the sign,<br/> +Stamped by his sire, to mark his birth divine.<br/> +Henceforth, beneath his auspices, shall rise<br/> +That Rome, whose glories through the world shall shine;<br/> +Far as wide earth's remotest boundary lies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +919 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Her empire shall extend her genius to the skies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza104"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Seven hills her single rampart shall embrace,<br/> +Seven citadels her girdling wall contain,<br/> +Thrice blest, beyond all cities, in a race<br/> +Of heroes, destined to adorn her reign.<br/> +So, with a hundred grandsons in her train,<br/> +Thrice blest, the Mother of the Gods, whose shrine<br/> +Is Berecynthus, rides the Phrygian plain,<br/> +Tower-crowned, the queen of an immortal line, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +928 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +All habitants of heaven, and all of seed divine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line937"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza105"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"See now thy Romans; thither bend thine eyes,<br/> +And <a href="#note6stanza105">Cæsar and Iulus' race</a> behold,<br/> +Waiting their destined advent to the skies.<br/> +This, this is he—long promised, oft foretold—<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza105">Augustus Cæsar.</a> He the Age of Gold,<br/> +God-born himself, in Latium shall restore,<br/> +And rule the land, that Saturn ruled of old,<br/> +And spread afar his empire and his power +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +937 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To Garamantian tribes, and India's distant shore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza106"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Beyond the planets his dominions lie,<br/> +Beyond the solar circuit of the year,<br/> +Where Atlas bears the starry-spangled sky.<br/> +E'en now the realms of Caspia shuddering hear<br/> +His coming, made by oracles too clear.<br/> +E'en now Mæotia trembles at his tread,<br/> +And Nile's seven mouths are troubled, as in fear<br/> +She shrinks reluctant to the deep, such dread +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +946 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hath seized the wondering world, so far his fame hath spread. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza107"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"So much of earth not Hercules of yore<br/> +O'erpassed, though he the brass-hoofed hind laid low,<br/> +And forth from Erymanthus drove the boar,<br/> +And startled Lerna's forest with his bow;<br/> +Nor he, the Wine-God, who in conquering show,<br/> +With vine-wreathed reins, and tigers to his car,<br/> +Rides down from Nysa to the plains below.<br/> +And doubt we then to celebrate so far +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +955 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Our prowess, and shall fear Ausonian fields debar? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line964"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza108"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But see, who, crowned with olive wreath, doth bring<br/> +The sacred vessels? By his long, grey hair<br/> +And grizzled beard I know <a href="#note6stanza108">the Roman King,</a><br/> +Whom Fate from lowly Cures calls to bear<br/> +The mighty burden of an empire's care,<br/> +In peace the fabric of our laws to frame.<br/> +Now, <a href="#note6stanza108">Tullus</a> comes, new triumphs to prepare,<br/> +And wake the folk to arm from idlesse fame, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +964 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And <a href="#note6stanza108">Ancus</a> courts e'en now the popular acclaim. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line973"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza109"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Would'st thou behold the Tarquins? Yonder stands<br/> +Great <a href="#note6stanza109">Brutus,</a> the Avenger, proud to tear<br/> +The people's fasces from the tyrant's hands.<br/> +First Consul, he the dreaded axe shall bear,<br/> +The patriot-father, who for freedom fair<br/> +Shall call his own rebellious sons to bleed.<br/> +O noble soul, but hapless! Howso'er<br/> +Succeeding ages shall record the deed. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +973 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +'Tis country's love prevails, and glory's quenchless greed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line982"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza110"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Lo, there <a href="#note6stanza110">the Drusi and the Decii</a> stand,<br/> +And stern <a href="#note6stanza110">Torquatus</a> with his axe, and lo!<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza110">Camilius</a> brings in triumph to his land<br/> +The Roman standards, rescued from the foe.<br/> +See, too, yon pair, well-matched in equal show<br/> +Of radiant arms, and, while obscured in night,<br/> +Firm knit in friendly fellowship; but oh!<br/> +How dire the feud, what hosts shall arm for fight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +982 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What streams of carnage flow, if e'er they reach the light! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line991"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza111"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Here from Monoecus and the Alps descends<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza111">The father;</a> there, with Easterns in array,<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza111">The daughter's husband.</a> O my sons! be friends;<br/> +Cease from the strife; forbear the unnatural fray,<br/> +Nor turn Rome's prowess to her own decay;<br/> +And thou, the foremost of our blood, be first<br/> +To fling the arms of civic strife away,<br/> +And cease for lawless victories to thirst, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +991 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thou of Olympian birth, and sheath the sword, accurst. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line1000"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza112"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"See <a href="#note6stanza112">who from Corinth doth his march pursue,</a><br/> +Decked with the spoils of many a Grecian foe.<br/> +His car shall climb the Capitol. See, too,<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza112">The man who lofty Argos shall o'erthrow,</a><br/> +And lay the walls of Agamemnon low,<br/> +And great Æacides himself destroy,<br/> +Sprung from Achilles, to requite the woe<br/> +Wrought on old Ilion, and avenge with joy +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1000 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Minerva's outraged fane, and slaughtered sires of Troy. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line1009"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza113"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Shalt thou, great <a href="#note6stanza113">Cato,</a> unextolled remain?<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza113">Cossus? the Gracchi? or the Scipios,</a> ye<br/> +Twin thunderbolts of battle, and the bane<br/> +Of Libya? Who would fail to tell of thee,<br/> +<a href="#note6stanza113">Fabricius,</a> potent in thy poverty?<br/> +Or thee, <a href="#note6stanza113">Serranus,</a> scattering the seed?<br/> +O spare my breath, ye <a href="#note6stanza113">Fabii;</a> thou art he<br/> +Called <a href="#note6stanza113">Maximus,</a> their Greatest thou indeed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1009 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sole saviour, whose delay averts the hour of need. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza114"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Others, no doubt, from breathing bronze shall draw<br/> +More softness, and a living face devise<br/> +From marble, plead their causes at the law<br/> +More deftly, trace the motions of the skies<br/> +With learned rod, and tell the stars that rise.<br/> +Thou, Roman, rule, and o'er the world proclaim<br/> +The ways of peace. Be these thy victories,<br/> +To spare the vanquished and the proud to tame. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1018 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +These are imperial arts, and worthy of thy name." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line1027"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza115"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He paused; and while they pondered in amaze,<br/> +"Behold," he cried "<a href="#note6stanza115">Marcellus,</a> see him stride,<br/> +Proud of the spoils that tell a nation's praise.<br/> +See how he towers, with all a conqueror's pride.<br/> +His arm shall stem the tumult and the tide<br/> +Of foreign hordes, and save the land from stain.<br/> +'Tis he shall crush the rebel Gaul, and ride<br/> +Through Punic ranks, and in Quirinus' fane +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1027 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hang up the thrice-won spoils, in triumph for the slain." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line1036"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza116"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then thus Æneas spoke, for, passing by,<br/> +He saw <a href="#note6stanza116">a comely youth,</a> in bright array<br/> +Of glittering arms; yet downcast was his eye,<br/> +Joyless and damp his face; "O father, say,<br/> +Who companies the hero on his way?<br/> +His son? or scion of his stock renowned?<br/> +What peerless excellence his looks display!<br/> +What stir, what whispers in the crowd around! +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1036 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +But gloomy Night's sad shades his youthful brows surround." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza117"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Weeping, the Sire: "Seek not, my son, to weigh<br/> +Thy children's mighty sorrow. Him shall Fate<br/> +Just show to earth, but suffer not to stay.<br/> +Too potent Heaven had deemed the Roman state,<br/> +Were gifts like this as permanent as great.<br/> +Ah! what laments, what groanings of the brave<br/> +Shall fill the field of Mars! What funeral state<br/> +Shall Tiber see, as past the recent grave +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1045 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Slowly and sad he winds his melancholy wave! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza118"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"No Trojan youth of such illustrious worth<br/> +Shall raise the hopes of Latin sires so high.<br/> +Ne'er shall the land of Romulus henceforth<br/> +Look on a fosterling with prouder eye.<br/> +O filial love! O faith of days gone by!<br/> +O hand unconquered! None had hoped to bide<br/> +Unscathed his onset, nor his arm defy,<br/> +When, foot to foot, the murderous sword he plied, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1054 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Or dug with iron heel his foaming charger's side. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza119"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ah! child of tears! can'st thou again be free<br/> +And burst Fate's cruel bondage, Rome shall know<br/> +Her own Marcellus, reappeared in thee.<br/> +Go, fill your hands with lilies; let me strow<br/> +The purple blossoms where he lies below.<br/> +These gifts, at least, in sorrow will I lay,<br/> +To grace my kinsman's spirit, thus—but oh!<br/> +Alas, how vainly!—to the thankless clay +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1063 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +These unavailing dues, these empty offerings pay." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book6line1072"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book6stanza120"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Twain are the gates of Sleep; one framed, 'tis said,<br/> +Of horn, which easy exit doth invite<br/> +For real shades to issue from the dead.<br/> +One with the gleam of polished ivory bright,<br/> +Whence only lying visions leave the night.<br/> +Through this Anchises, talking by the way,<br/> +Sends forth the son and Sibyl to the light.<br/> +Back hastes Æneas to his friends, and they +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1072 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Straight to Caieta steer, and anchor in her bay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>BOOK SEVEN</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>Passing Caieta and Circeii, Æneas sails up the Tiber (<a href="#book7line1">1-45</a>). Virgil +pauses to enumerate the old rulers of Latium and to describe the state +of the country at the coming of Æneas. Latinus is King. Oracles have +foretold that by marriage with an alien his only daughter is to become +the mother of an imperial line. Fresh signs and wonders enforce the +prophecy (<a href="#book7line46">46-126</a>). The Trojans eat their tables (<a href="#book7line127">127-171</a>). An +embassage is sent to the Latin capital, and after conference Latinus +offers peace to the Trojans and to Æneas his daughter's hand +(<a href="#book7line172">172-342</a>). Juno, the evil genius of Troy, again intervenes and +summons to her aid the demon Alecto (<a href="#book7line343">343-410</a>), who excites first +Amata then Turnus against the proposed peace, and finally (<a href="#book7line406">411-576</a>) +provokes a pitched battle between Trojans and Latins (<a href="#book7line577">577-648</a>). +Alecto is scornfully dismissed by Juno, who causes war to be formally +declared (<a href="#book7line649">649-747</a>). The war-fever in Italy. Catalogue of the leaders +and nations that gather to destroy Æneas, chief among them being +Turnus and Camilla (<a href="#book7line748">748-981</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book7line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +<a href="#note7stanza1">Thou too, Caieta,</a> dying, to our shore,<br/> +Æneas' nurse, hast given a deathless fame,<br/> +E'en now thine honour guards it, as of yore,<br/> +Still doth thy tomb in great Hesperia frame<br/> +Glory—if that be glory—for thy name.<br/> +Here good Æneas paid his dues aright,<br/> +And raised a mound, and now, as evening came,<br/> +Sails forth; the faint winds whisper to the night; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Clear shines the Moon, and tips the trembling waves with light. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line10"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +They skirt <a href="#note7stanza2">the coast, where Circe,</a> maiden bright,<br/> +The Sun's rich daughter, wakes with melodies<br/> +The groves that none may enter. There each night,<br/> +As nimbly through the slender warp she plies<br/> +The whistling shuttle, through her chambers rise<br/> +The flames of odorous cedar. Thence the roar<br/> +Of lions, raging at their chains, the cries<br/> +Of bears close-caged, and many a bristly boar, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The yells of monstrous wolves at midnight fill the shore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +All these with potent herbs the cruel queen<br/> +Had stripped of man's similitude, to wear<br/> +A brutal figure, and a bestial mien.<br/> +But kindly Neptune, with protecting care,<br/> +And loth to see the pious Trojans bear<br/> +A doom so vile, such prodigies as these,<br/> +Lest, borne perchance into the bay, they near<br/> +The baneful shore, fills out with favouring breeze +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The sails, and speeds their flight across the boiling seas. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now blushed the deep beneath the dawning ray,<br/> +And in her rosy chariot borne on high,<br/> +Aurora, bright with saffron, brought the day.<br/> +Down drop the winds, the Zephyrs cease to sigh,<br/> +And not a breath is stirring in the sky,<br/> +And not a ripple on the marble seas,<br/> +As heavily the toiling oars they ply.<br/> +When near him from the deep Æneas sees +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A mighty grove outspread, a forest thick with trees. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +And in the midst of that delightful grove<br/> +Fair-flowing Tiber, eddying swift and strong,<br/> +Breaks to the main. Around them and above,<br/> +Gay-plumaged fowl, that to the stream belong,<br/> +And love the channel and the banks to throng,<br/> +Now skim the flood, now fly from bough to bough,<br/> +And charm the air with their melodious song.<br/> +Shoreward Æneas bids them turn the prow, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And up the shady stream with joyous hearts they row. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line46"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +<a href="#note7stanza6">Say, Erato,</a> how Latium fared of yore,<br/> +What deeds were wrought, what rulers lived and died,<br/> +When strangers landed on <a href="#note7stanza6">Ausonia's</a> shore,<br/> +And trace the rising of the war's dark tide.<br/> +Fierce feuds I sing—O Goddess, be my guide,—<br/> +Tyrrhenian hosts, the battle's armed array,<br/> +Proud kings who fought and perished in their pride,<br/> +And all Hesperia gathered to the fray, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A larger theme unfolds, and loftier is the lay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line55"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Long had <a href="#note7stanza7">Latinus</a> ruled the peaceful state.<br/> +A nymph, Marica, of Laurentian breed,<br/> +Bore him to <a href="#note7stanza7">Faunus,</a> who, as tales relate,<br/> +Derived through <a href="#note7stanza7">Picus</a> his <a href="#note7stanza7">Saturnian</a> seed.<br/> +No son was left Latinus to succeed,<br/> +His boy had died ere manhood; one alone<br/> +Remained, a daughter, so the Fates decreed,<br/> +To mind his palace and to heir his throne +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ripe now for marriage rites, to nuptial age full-grown. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Full many a prince from Latium far and wide,<br/> +And all Ausonia had essayed in vain<br/> +To win the fair Lavinia for his bride.<br/> +Her suitor now, the comeliest of the train,<br/> +Was Turnus, sprung from an illustrious strain.<br/> +Fair seemed his suit, for kindly was the maid,<br/> +And dearly the queen loved him, and was fain<br/> +His hopes to further, but the Fates gainsayed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And boding signs from Heaven the purposed match delayed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Deep in the inmost palace, long rever'd,<br/> +There stood an ancient laurel. 'Twas the same<br/> +That sire Latinus, when the walls he reared,<br/> +Found there, and vowed to Phoebus, and the name<br/> +"Laurentines" thence his settlers taught to claim.<br/> +Here suddenly—behold a wondrous thing!—<br/> +Borne with loud buzzing through the air, down came<br/> +A swarm of bees. Around the top they cling, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And from a leafy branch in linked clusters swing. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Behold, from yon same quarter," cried a seer,<br/> +"A stranger! see their swarming hosts conspire<br/> +To lord it o'er Laurentum; see them near."<br/> +He spake, but lo! while, standing by her sire,<br/> +The chaste Lavinia feeds the sacred fire,<br/> +The flames, O horror! on her locks lay hold:<br/> +Her beauteous head-dress and her rich attire,<br/> +Her hair, her coronal of gems and gold +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Blaze, and the crackling flames her regal robe enfold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Wrapt, so it seemed, in clouds of smoke, but bright<br/> +With yellow flames, through all the house she fled,<br/> +Scattering a shower of sparkles. Sore affright<br/> +And wonder seized them, as the seer with dread<br/> +Explained the vision; 'twas a sign, he said,<br/> +That bright and glorious in the rolls of Fate<br/> +Her fame should flourish and her name be spread,<br/> +But dark should lour the fortunes of the state, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whelmed in a mighty war and sunk in evil strait. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line100"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forth hastes Latinus, by these sights distressed,<br/> +To Faunus' oracle, his sire renowned,<br/> +And seeks the grove, beneath <a href="#note7stanza12">Albunea's</a> crest,<br/> +And sacred spring, which, echoing from the ground,<br/> +Leaps up and flings its sulphurous fumes around.<br/> +Here, craving counsel when in doubtful plight,<br/> +Italians and <a href="#note7stanza12">OEnotria's</a> tribes are found.<br/> +Here, when the priest, his offerings paid aright, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +On skins of slaughtered beasts, in stillness of the night, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line109"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lies down to sleep, in visions he beholds<br/> +Weird shapes, and many a wondrous voice doth hear,<br/> +And, borne in spirit to <a href="#note7stanza13">Avernus,</a> holds<br/> +Deep converse there with <a href="#note7stanza13">Acheron.</a> 'Twas here<br/> +Latinus sought for answer from the seer.<br/> +A hundred ewes, obedient to the rite,<br/> +He slew, then rested, with expectant ear,<br/> +Stretched on their fleeces, when, at noon of night, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Straight from the grove's deep gloom forth pealed a voice of might: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Seek not, my son, a Latin lord. Beware<br/> +The purposed bridal. Lo! a foreign guest<br/> +Is coming, born to raise thee as thine heir,<br/> +And sons of sons shall see their power confessed<br/> +From sea to sea, from farthest East to West."<br/> +These words, in stillness of the night's noon-tide,<br/> +Latinus hears, nor locks them in his breast.<br/> +Ausonia's towns have heard them far and wide, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Or ere by Tiber's banks the Dardan fleet doth ride. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line127"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Stretched on the grass beneath a tall tree lie<br/> +Troy's chief and captains and Iulus fair,<br/> +And wheaten platters for their meal supply<br/> +('Twas Jove's command), the wilding fruits to bear.<br/> +When lack of food has forced them now to tear<br/> +The tiny cakes, and tooth and hand with zest<br/> +The fateful circles desecrate, nor spare<br/> +The sacred squares upon the rounds impressed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +"What! eating boards as well?" Iulus cries in jest. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line136"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +'Twas all; the sally, as we heard it, sealed<br/> +Our toils. Æneas caught it, as it flew,<br/> +And hushed them, marvelling at the sign revealed.<br/> +"Hail! land," he cries, "long destined for our due.<br/> +Hail, household deities, to Troy still true!<br/> +Here lies our home. Thus, thus, I mind the hour,<br/> +<a href="#note7stanza16">Anchises brought Fate's hidden things to view:</a><br/> +'My son, when famine on an unknown shore +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shall make thee, failing food, the very boards devour, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Then, worn and wearied, look to find a home,<br/> +And build thy walls, and bank them with a mound.'<br/> +This was that famine; this the last to come<br/> +Of all our woes, the woful term to bound.<br/> +Come then, at daybreak search the land around<br/> +(Each from the harbour separate let us fare)<br/> +And see what folk, and where their town, be found,<br/> +Now pour to Jove libations, and with prayer +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Invoke Anchises' shade, and back the wine-cups bear." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line154"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, his brows he garlands, and with prayer<br/> +Invokes the Genius whom the place doth own,<br/> +And Earth, first Goddess, and the Nymphs who there<br/> +Inhabit, and the rivers yet unknown,<br/> +Night and the stars that glitter in her zone<br/> +He calls to aid him, and Idæan Jove,<br/> +And <a href="#note7stanza18">Phrygia's Mother</a> on her heavenly throne,<br/> +And last, his parent deities to move, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Invokes his sire below and mother queen above. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thrice Jove omnipotent from Heaven's blue height<br/> +Thunders aloud, and flashes in the skies<br/> +A cloud ablaze with rays of golden light.<br/> +'Tis come—so Rumour through the Trojans flies—<br/> +The day to bid their promised walls arise.<br/> +Cheered by the mighty omen and the sign,<br/> +They spread the feast, and each with other vies<br/> +To range the goblets and to wreath the wine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And gladdening hearts rejoice to greet the day divine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line172"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Soon as the morrow bathed the world once more<br/> +In dawning light, by separate ways they fare<br/> +To search the town, the frontiers and the shore.<br/> +Here is Numicius' fountain, Tiber there,<br/> +Here dwell the Latins. Then Anchises' heir<br/> +Choice spokesmen to the monarch's city sends,<br/> +Five score, their peaceful errand to declare,<br/> +And royal presents to their charge commends, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And bids them claim of right the welcome due to friends. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +At once the heralds hearken and obey,<br/> +And each and all, with rapid steps, and crowned<br/> +With Pallas' olive, hasten on their way.<br/> +Himself with shallow trench marks out the ground,<br/> +And, camp-like, girds with bastions and a mound<br/> +The new-formed settlement. Meanwhile the train<br/> +Of delegates their journey's end have found,<br/> +And greet with joy, uprising o'er the plain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Latin towers and homes, and now the walls attain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Before the city, boys and youths contend<br/> +On horseback. Through the whirling dust they steer<br/> +Their chariots and the practised steeds, or bend<br/> +The tight-strung bow, or aim the limber spear,<br/> +Or urge fist-combat or the foot's career.<br/> +Now to their king a message quick has flown;<br/> +Tall men and strange, in foreign garb are here.<br/> +Latinus summons them within: anon, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Amidmost of his court he mounts the ancestral throne. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Raised on a hundred columns, vast and tall,<br/> +Above the city reared its reverend head<br/> +A stately fabric, once the palace-hall<br/> +Of Picus. Dark woods shrouded, and the dread<br/> +Of ages filled, the precinct. Here, 'tis said,<br/> +Kings took the sceptre and the axe of fate,<br/> +Their senate house this temple; here were spread<br/> +The tables for the sacred feast, where sate, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What time the ram was slain, the elders of the State. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line208"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +In ancient cedar o'er the doors appear<br/> +The sculptured effigies of sires divine.<br/> +Grey Saturn, Italus, Sabinus here,<br/> +Curved hook in hand, the planter of the vine.<br/> +There <a href="#note7stanza24">two-faced Janus,</a> and, in ordered line,<br/> +Old kings and patriot chieftains. Captive cars<br/> +Hang round, and arms upon the doorposts shine,<br/> +Curved axes, crests of helmets, towngates' bars, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Spears, shields and beaks of ships, the trophies of their wars. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There Picus sat, with his Quirinal wand,<br/> +Tamer of steeds. The augur's gown he wore,<br/> +Short, striped and belted; and his lifted hand<br/> +The sacred buckler on the left upbore.<br/> +Him Circe, his enamoured bride, of yore,<br/> +Wild with desire, so ancient legends say,<br/> +Smote with her golden rod, and sprinkling o'er<br/> +His limbs her magic poisons, made a jay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And sent to roam the air, with dappled plumage gay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Such is the temple, in whose sacred dome<br/> +Latinus waits the Teucrians on his throne,<br/> +And kindly thus accosts them as they come:<br/> +'Speak, Dardans,—for the Dardan name ye own;<br/> +Nor strange your race and city, nor unknown<br/> +Sail ye the plains of Ocean—tell me now,<br/> +What seek ye? By the tempest tost, or blown<br/> +At random, needful of what help and how +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Came ye to Latin shores the dark-blue deep to plough? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But, whether wandering from your course, or cast<br/> +By storms—such ills as oft-times on the main<br/> +O'ertake poor mariners—your ships at last<br/> +Our stream have entered, and the port attain.<br/> +Shun not a welcome, nor our cheer disdain.<br/> +For dear to Saturn, whom our sires adored,<br/> +Was Latium. Manners, not the laws, constrain<br/> +To justice. Freely, of our own accord, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +We mind the golden age, and virtues of our lord. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line244"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Now, I remember, old <a href="#note7stanza28">Auruncans</a> told<br/> +(Age dims, but memory can the tale retrace)<br/> +How, born in Latium, Dardanus of old<br/> +Went forth to northern Samos, styled of Thrace,<br/> +And reached the towns at Phrygian Ida's base.<br/> +From Tuscan Corythus in days gone by<br/> +He went, and now among the stars hath place,<br/> +Throned in the golden palace of the sky. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +On earth his altar marks one godhead more on high." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake: Ilioneus this answer gave:<br/> +"O King, blest seed of Faunus! Star nor strand<br/> +Misled us, nor hath stress of storm or wave<br/> +Forced us to seek the shelter of your land.<br/> +Freewill hath brought us hither, forethought planned<br/> +Our flight; for we are outcasts, every one,<br/> +The toil-worn remnant of an exiled band,<br/> +Driven from a mighty empire; mightier none +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +In bygone years was known beneath the wandering sun. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"From Jove we spring; Jove Dardans hail with joy<br/> +Their parent; he who sends us is our lord<br/> +Æneas, Jove-born and a prince of Troy.<br/> +How fierce a tempest from Mycenæ poured<br/> +O'er Ida's fields; how Fate with fire and sword<br/> +Made Europe clash with Asia, he hath known<br/> +Whoe'er to Ocean's limits hath explored<br/> +The utmost earth, or in the central zone +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Dwells, if a man there be, in torrid climes unknown. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Swept by that deluge o'er the deep, we crave<br/> +A home for home-gods, shelter on the strand,<br/> +And man's free privilege of air and wave.<br/> +We shall not shame the lustre of your land,<br/> +Nor stint the gratitude kind deeds demand.<br/> +Grant Troy a refuge, and Ausonians ne'er<br/> +Shall rue the welcome proffered by your hand.<br/> +Yea, scorn us not, that thus unsought we bear +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The lowly suppliant's wreath, and speak the words of prayer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Full many a people,—let the fates attest<br/> +Of great Æneas, and his hand of might,<br/> +Ne'er pledged in vain, our bravest and our best—<br/> +Full many a tribe, though lowly be our plight,<br/> +Have sought with ours their fortunes to unite.<br/> +Fate bade us seek your country and her King.<br/> +Hither, where Dardanus first saw the light,<br/> +Apollo back the Dardan race would bring, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To Tuscan Tiber's banks and pure Numicius' spring. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"These gifts Æneas to our charge commends,<br/> +Poor relics saved from Ilion, but a sign<br/> +Of ancient greatness, and the gifts of friends.<br/> +See, from this golden goblet at the shrine<br/> +His sire Anchises poured the sacred wine;<br/> +Clad in these robes sat Priam, when of old<br/> +The laws he ministered. These robes are thine,<br/> +This sceptre, this embroidered vest,—behold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +'Twas wrought by Trojan dames,—this diadem of gold." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Mute sat and motionless, with looks bent down,<br/> +Latinus; but his restless eyes confessed<br/> +His musings. Not the sceptre nor the gown<br/> +Of purple moved him, but his pensive breast<br/> +Dwelt on his daughter's marriage, till he guessed<br/> +The meaning of old Faunus. This was he,<br/> +His destined heir, the bridegroom and the guest,<br/> +Whose glorious progeny, by Fate's decree, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Latin throne should share, and rule from sea to sea. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Heaven prosper," joyfully he cried, "our deed,<br/> +And heaven's own augury. Your wish shall stand;<br/> +I take the gifts. Yours, Trojans, all ye need—<br/> +The wealth of Troy, the fatness of the land,—<br/> +Nought shall ye lack from King Latinus' hand.<br/> +Let but Æneas, if he longs so fain<br/> +To claim our friendship, and a home demand,<br/> +Come here, nor fear to greet us. Not in vain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +'Twixt monarchs stands the peace, which plighted hands ordain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Let now this message to your King be given.<br/> +'A child, the daughter of my heart, is mine,<br/> +Whom neither frequent prodigies from heaven,<br/> +Nor voices uttered from my father's shrine,<br/> +Permit with one of Latin birth to join.<br/> +Strange sons—so Latin oracles conspire—<br/> +Shall come, whose offspring shall exalt our line.<br/> +Thy King the bridegroom whom the Fates require +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +I deem, and, if in aught I read the truth, desire.'" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So speaks Latinus, and with kindly care<br/> +Choice steeds selects. Three hundred of the best<br/> +Stand in his lofty stables, sleek and fair;<br/> +And forth in order for each Teucrian guest<br/> +His servants led them, at their King's behest.<br/> +Rich housings, wrought in many a purple fold,<br/> +And broidered rugs adorn them; o'er each breast<br/> +Hang golden poitrels, glorious to behold. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Each champs with foaming mouth a chain of glittering gold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +A car he orders for the Dardan sire,<br/> +And twin-yoked coursers of ethereal seed,<br/> +Whose snorting nostrils breathe the flames of fire.<br/> +Half-mortal, half-immortal was each steed,<br/> +The bastard birth of that celestial breed,<br/> +Which cunning Circe from a mortal mare<br/> +Raised to her sire the Sun-god. So with speed<br/> +The mounted Trojans to their prince repair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pleased with the gifts and words, for peaceful news they bear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line343"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lo! from Inachian Argos through the skies<br/> +Jove's consort her avenging flight pursues,<br/> +And far off, from Pachynus, as she flies<br/> +O'er Sicily, beholds the Dardan crews<br/> +And great Æneas, gladdening at the news.<br/> +The rising settlement, the new-tilled shore,<br/> +The ships deserted for the land she views,<br/> +And shaking her imperial brows, and sore +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With anguish, from her breast these wrathful words doth pour: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ah, hateful race! Ah, Phrygian fates abhorred!<br/> +What, fell they not on the Sigean plain?<br/> +Must captives be twice captured? Have the sword<br/> +And flames of Troy avenged me but in vain?<br/> +Have foes and fire found passage for the slain?<br/> +Sooth, then, my godhead sleepeth, and that hand<br/> +Is tired of hate, which whilom o'er the main<br/> +Dared chase these outcasts and their paths withstand, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Where'er the deep sea rolled, far from their native land! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line361"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Have sea and sky been wielded to destroy,<br/> +Nor <a href="#note7stanza41">Syrtes</a> yet, nor <a href="#note7stanza41">Scylla's</a> fierce embrace,<br/> +Nor vast <a href="#note7stanza41">Charybdis</a> whelmed the sons of Troy,<br/> +Who, safe in Tiber, flout me to the face?<br/> +Yet Mars from earth, and for a less disgrace<br/> +Could sweep the <a href="#note7stanza41">Lapithæ,</a> and Heaven's great Sire<br/> +Doomed ancient <a href="#note7stanza41">Calydon and OEneus' race</a><br/> +To rue the vengeance of Diana's ire. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Did ever crime of theirs the Dardans' meed require? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But I, Jove's consort, who have stooped to seek<br/> +All shifts, all ventures and devices, I<br/> +Am vanquished by Æneas! If too weak<br/> +Myself, some other godhead will I try,<br/> +And Hell shall hear, if Heaven its aid deny.<br/> +Grant that these Dardans must in Latium reign,<br/> +That fixt and changeless stands the doom, whereby<br/> +His bride shall be Lavinia, that in vain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Can Juno thwart whate'er the Destinies ordain; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Yet time delayed can make occasion lost,<br/> +Yet mutual strife each nation may devour,<br/> +And Kings plight marriage at their peoples' cost.<br/> +Troy's blood and Latium's, maiden, be thy dower.<br/> +Bellona lights thee to thy bridal bower.<br/> +Not only Hecuba—Ah, sweet the joy!—<br/> +Conceives a firebrand. Born in evil hour,<br/> +The child of Venus shall her hopes destroy, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, like another Paris, fire a new-born Troy." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line388"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +She spake, and earthward darting, fierce and fell,<br/> +Calls sad Alecto from her dark retreat<br/> +Among the Furies in the shades of Hell.<br/> +Sweet are war's sorrows to her soul, and sweet<br/> +Are evil deeds, and hatred and deceit.<br/> +E'en Pluto, e'en her sister-fiends detest<br/> +The monstrous shape, so many forms complete<br/> +The grisly horrors of that hateful pest, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So many a coal-black snake sprouts from her threatening crest. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Her Juno finds, and thus new rage inspires:<br/> +"Grant, virgin daughter of eternal Night,<br/> +This boon, the labour that thy soul desires.<br/> +Lest here my fame and honour lose their might,<br/> +And Troy gain Italy, and craft unite<br/> +Troy's prince with Latium's heiress. Thou can'st turn<br/> +Fond hearts to feuds, and brethren arm for fight.<br/> +Thou know'st, for savage is thy mood and stern, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To breed domestic strife and happy homes to burn. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line406"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"A thousand names, a thousand means hast thou<br/> +Of mischief. Search thy fertile breast, and break<br/> +The plighted peace. Breed calumnies, and sow<br/> +The strife. Let youth desire, demand and take<br/> +Thy weapons."—Wreathed with many a Gorgon snake,<br/> +To Latium's court Alecto flew unseen,<br/> +And by Amata's chamber sate, nor spake;<br/> +While, musing on her new-come guests, the queen, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Wroth for her Turnus, boiled with woman's rage and spleen. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +At her the goddess from her dark locks threw<br/> +A snake, and lodged the monster in her breast,<br/> +To make her fury all the house undo.<br/> +In glides, impalpable, the maddening pest<br/> +Between the dainty bosom and the vest,<br/> +Breathing its venom. Like a necklace thin<br/> +It hung, all golden, like a wreath, caressed<br/> +Her temples, like a ribbon, wove within +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Her hair its slippery coils, and wandered o'er her skin. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So, while the taint, first stealing through her frame,<br/> +Slipped in, with slimy venom, and the pest<br/> +Thrilled every sense, and wrapped her bones in flame,<br/> +Nor yet her soul had caught it, or confessed<br/> +The fiery fever that consumed her breast;<br/> +Soft, like a mother, and with tears, she cried,<br/> +Grieved for her child, and pondering with unrest<br/> +The Phrygian match, "Ah, woe the day betide, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +If Teucrian exiles win Lavinia for a bride! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Hast thou no pity for thy child, nor thee,<br/> +O father! nor her mother, left forlorn,<br/> +When, with the rising North-wind, o'er the sea<br/> +Yon faithless pirate hath the maiden borne?<br/> +Not so, forsooth, did Lacedæmon mourn<br/> +Robbed Helen, when the Phrygian shepherd planned<br/> +Her capture. Is thy sacred faith forsworn?<br/> +Where is thy old affection? Where that hand +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So oft to Turnus pledged, thy kinsman of the land? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"If Latins for Lavinia needs must find<br/> +A foreign mate; if so the Fates constrain,<br/> +And Faunus' words weigh heavy on thy mind,<br/> +All lands, that yield not to the Latin reign,<br/> +I count as foreign; so the Gods speak plain;<br/> +And foreign then is Turnus, if we trace<br/> +The first beginning of his princely strain.<br/> +Greeks were his grandsires; Argos was the place +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Where old Acrisius ruled, where dwelt th' Inachian race." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So pleading, and so weeping, she essayed<br/> +To move the king; but when her prayers were vain,<br/> +Nor tears Latinus from his purpose stayed,<br/> +And now the viper with its deadly bane<br/> +Crept to her inmost parts, and through each vein<br/> +The maddening poison to her heartstrings stole,<br/> +Then, scared by monstrous phantoms of the brain,<br/> +Poor queen! she raved, and maddening past control, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ran through the crowded streets in impotence of soul. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Like as a whip-top by the lash is sent<br/> +In widening orbs to spin, when lads among<br/> +The empty courtyards urge their merriment;<br/> +And, scourged in circling courses by the thong<br/> +It wheels and eddies, while the beardless throng<br/> +Bend over, lost in ignorant surprise,<br/> +And marvel, as the boxwood whirls along,<br/> +Stirred by each stroke; so fast Amata flies +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +From street to street, while crowds look on with lowering eyes. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nay, simulating Bacchus, now she dares<br/> +To feign new orgies, and her crime complete.<br/> +Swift with her daughter to the woods she fares,<br/> +And hides her on the mountains, fain to cheat<br/> +The Trojans, and the purposed rites defeat.<br/> +"Hail, thou alone art worthy of the fair!<br/> +Evoë, Bacchus! for thy name is sweet.<br/> +For thee she grows her dedicated hair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +For thee she leads the dance, the ivied wand doth bear." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The matrons then—so fast the rumour flew,—<br/> +Fired like the Queen, and frenzied with despair,<br/> +Rush forth, and leave their ancient homes for new,<br/> +And to the breezes give their necks and hair.<br/> +These with their tremulous wailings fill the air,<br/> +And, girt about with fawn-skins, bear along<br/> +The vine-branch javelins, and Amata there,<br/> +Herself ablaze with fury, o'er the throng +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A blazing pine-torch waves, and chants the nuptial song +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Of Turnus and Lavinia. Fiercely roll<br/> +Her blood-shot eyes, and, frowning, suddenly<br/> +She pours the frantic passions of her soul.<br/> +"Ho! Latin mothers all, where'er ye be,<br/> +Here, if ye love me, if a mother's plea<br/> +Deserve your pity, let your hair be seen<br/> +Loosed from the fillets, and be mad, like me."<br/> +So through the woods, the wild-beasts' lairs between, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With Bacchanalian goads Alecto drives the Queen. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +When now thus fairly was the work begun,<br/> +The barbs of anger planted, pleased to view<br/> +Latinus' purpose and his house undone,<br/> +On dusky wings the Goddess soared, and through<br/> +The liquid air to neighbouring Ardea flew,<br/> +The bold Rutulian's city, built of yore<br/> +By Danaë, thither when the South-wind blew<br/> +Her and her followers. Ardea's name it bore, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Ardea's name still lives, though fortune smiles no more. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There in his palace, locked in sleep's embrace,<br/> +Lay Turnus. Straight Alecto, versed in snares,<br/> +Doffs the fiend's figure and her frowning face.<br/> +The likeness of a withered crone she wears,<br/> +With wrinkled forehead and with hoary hairs.<br/> +Her fillet and her olive crown proclaim<br/> +The priestess. Changed in semblance, she appears<br/> +Like Calybe, great Juno's sacred dame; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thus to the youth she comes, and hails him by his name. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Fie! Turnus, fie! wilt thou behold unstirred<br/> +Such labours wasted, and thy hopes belied?<br/> +Thy sceptre to a Dardan guest transferred?<br/> +See, now, to thee Latinus hath denied<br/> +Thy blood-bought dowry, and thy promised bride,<br/> +And seeks a stranger for his throne. Away<br/> +To thankless perils, while thy friends deride!<br/> +Go, strew the Tuscans, scatter their array, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Till Latins, saved once more, their plighted word betray. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"This mandate great Saturnia bade me bear,<br/> +Thou sleeping. Up, then! greet the welcome hour;<br/> +Arm, arm the youth, and from the towngates fare!<br/> +These Phrygian vessels with the flames devour,<br/> +Moored yonder in fair Tiber. 'Tis the power<br/> +Of Heaven that bids thee. Let Latinus, too,<br/> +If false and faithless he withhold the dower,<br/> +And grudge thy marriage, learn the deed to rue, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And taste at length and try what Turnus armed can do." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then he in scorn: "Yea, Tiber's waves beset<br/> +With foreign ships—I know it; wherefore feign<br/> +For me such terrors? Juno guards me yet.<br/> +Good mother, dotage wears thee, and thy brain<br/> +Is rusty; age hath troubled thee in vain,<br/> +And, 'midst the feuds of monarchs, mocks with fright<br/> +A priestess. Go; 'tis thine to guard the fane<br/> +And sacred statues; these be thy delight; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Leave peace and war to men, whose business is to fight." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Therewith in fire Alecto's wrath outbroke,<br/> +A sudden tremor through his limbs ran fast,<br/> +His stony eyeballs stiffened as he spoke.<br/> +So hissed the Fury with her snakes, so vast<br/> +Her shape appeared, so fierce the look she cast,<br/> +As back she thrust him with her flaming eyes,<br/> +Fain to say more, but faltering and aghast.<br/> +Two serpents from her Gorgon locks uprise; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shrill sounds her scorpion lash, as, foaming, thus she cries: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Behold me, worn with dotage! me, whom age<br/> +Hath rusted, and, while monarchs fight, would scare<br/> +With empty fears! Behold me in my rage!<br/> +I come, the Furies' minister; see there,<br/> +War, death and havoc in these hands I bear."<br/> +Full at his breast a firebrand, as she spoke,<br/> +Black with thick smoke, but bright with lurid glare,<br/> +The Fiend outflung. In terror he awoke, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And o'er his bones and limbs a clammy sweat outbroke. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Arms, arms!" he yells, and searches for his sword<br/> +In couch and chamber, maddening at the core<br/> +With war's fierce passion, and the lust abhorred<br/> +Of slaughter, and with bitter wrath yet more.<br/> +As when a wood-fire crackles with fierce roar,<br/> +Heaped round a caldron, and the simmering stream<br/> +Foams, fumes, and bubbles, and at last boils o'er,<br/> +And upward shoots the mingled smoke and steam; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So Turnus boils with wrath, so dire his rage doth seem. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Choice youths he sends, to let Latinus know<br/> +The peace was torn, then musters his array<br/> +To guard Italia and expel the foe.<br/> +Let Trojans league with Latins as they may,<br/> +Himself can match them, and he comes to slay.<br/> +So saying, his vows he renders. Ardour fires<br/> +The fierce Rutulians, and each hails the fray;<br/> +And one his youth, and one his grace admires, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And one his valorous deeds, and one his kingly sires. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line577"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So Turnus the Rutulians stirred to war.<br/> +Meanwhile the Fury to the Trojans bent<br/> +Her flight; with wily eye she marked afar,<br/> +With snares and steeds upon the chase intent,<br/> +Iulus. On his hounds at once she sent<br/> +A sudden madness, and fierce rage awoke<br/> +To chase the stag, as with the well-known scent<br/> +She lured their nostrils.—Thus the feud outbroke; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So small a cause of strife could rustic hearts provoke. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Broad-antlered, beauteous was the stag, which erst<br/> +The sons of Tyrrheus (Tyrrheus kept whilere<br/> +The royal herd and pastures), fostering nursed,<br/> +Snatched from the dam. Their sister, Silvia fair,<br/> +Oft wreathed his horns, and oft with tender care<br/> +She washed him, and his shaggy coat would comb.<br/> +So tamed, and trained his master's board to share,<br/> +The gentle favourite in the woods would roam; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Each night, how late soe'er, he sought the well-known home. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Him the fierce hounds now startle far astray,<br/> +As down the stream he floats, or, crouching low,<br/> +Rests on the green bank from the noontide ray.<br/> +Athirst for praise, Ascanius bends his bow;<br/> +Loud whirs the arrow, for Fate aims the blow,<br/> +And cleaves his flank and belly. Homeward flies<br/> +The wounded creature, moaning in his woe.<br/> +Blood-stained, with piteous and imploring eyes, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Like one who sues for life, he fills the house with cries. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Smiting the breast, poor Silvia calls for aid.<br/> +Forth rush the churls, scarce waiting her demand,<br/> +Roused by the Fury in the wood's still shade.<br/> +One grasps a club, another wields a brand;<br/> +Rage makes a weapon of what comes to hand.<br/> +Forth from his work ran Tyrrheus, who an oak<br/> +Was cleaving with the wedge, and cheered the band.<br/> +His hand still grasped the hatchet for the stroke, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And bitter wrath he breathed, and fierce the words he spoke. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line613"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The Fury snatched the moment; forth she flew,<br/> +And, perching on the cabin-roof, looked round,<br/> +And from the curved horn of the shepherds blew<br/> +A blast of Tartarus, that shook the ground,<br/> +And made the forests and the groves rebound<br/> +The infernal echoes. <a href="#note7stanza69">Trivia's lakes</a> afar,<br/> +And <a href="#note7stanza69">Velia's fountains</a> heard the dreadful sound;<br/> +The white waves heard it of the sulphurous Nar, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And mothers clasped their babes, and trembled at the war. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Swift at the summons, as the trumpet brayed,<br/> +The sturdy shepherds arm them for the fray.<br/> +Swift pour the Trojans from their camp, to aid<br/> +Ascanius. Lo! 'tis battle's stern array,<br/> +No village brawl, where churls dispute the day<br/> +With charred oak-staves and cudgels. Broadswords clash<br/> +With broadswords, and War's harvest far away<br/> +Stands, bristling black with iron, as they dash +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Together, and drawn swords in doubtful conflict flash. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +And brazen arms shoot many a blinding ray,<br/> +Smit by the sun, as clouds that fill the sky,<br/> +Disparting, show the splendours of the fray.<br/> +As when a light wind o'er the sea doth fly,<br/> +And the wave whitens as the breeze goes by,<br/> +And by degrees the bosom of the deep<br/> +Heaves up and swells, till higher and more high<br/> +The billows rise, and, gathering in a heap, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +From Ocean's caves mount up, and storm the ethereal steep. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +First falls the son of Tyrrheus, stretched in death,<br/> +Young Almo. In his throat the deadly bane<br/> +Stuck fast, and choked the humid pass of breath,<br/> +And clipped the thin-spun life. There, too, is slain<br/> +Grey-haired Galæsus, parleying but in vain.<br/> +More righteous none, though many around lie killed,<br/> +None wealthier did Ausonia's realm contain.<br/> +Five herds, five bleating flocks, his pastures filled, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And with a hundred ploughs his fruitful lands he tilled. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line649"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thus while the conflict wavered on the plain,<br/> +The Fury, pleased her triumph to survey,<br/> +Her pledge fulfilled,—War crimsoned with the stain<br/> +Of gore, and grim Death busy with his prey,—<br/> +Swift from Hesperia wings her airy way,<br/> +And proudly speaks to Juno: "See, 'tis done;<br/> +The discord perfect in the dolorous fray,<br/> +And War with all its miseries begun. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Now bid, forsooth, the foes plight friendship and be one. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Steeped are thy Trojans in Ausonian gore.<br/> +Yet speak, and more will I perform, if so<br/> +Thy purpose holds. Along the neighbouring shore<br/> +Each town shall hear the rumour of the foe,<br/> +Each breast with frenzy for the strife shall glow,<br/> +Till all bring aid, and fruitful is the land<br/> +In deeds of blood."—Then Juno: "Nay, not so;<br/> +Enough of fraud and terror. Firmly stand +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The causes of the feud; they battle hand to hand, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And fresh blood stains the weapons chance supplied.<br/> +Such joy the bridal to Latinus bear,<br/> +And Venus' wondrous offspring, and his bride.<br/> +But thou—for scarce Olympus' king would bear<br/> +Thy lawless roving in ethereal air,—<br/> +Give place; myself will guide the rest aright."<br/> +Saturnia spoke; Alecto then and there<br/> +Her wings, that hiss with serpents, spreads for flight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And to Cocytus dives, and leaves the realms of light. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +In mid Italia lies a vale renowned,<br/> +Amsanctus. Dark woods down the mountain grow<br/> +This side and that; a torrent with the sound<br/> +Of thunder roars among the rocks below.<br/> +There, black as night, an awful cave they show,<br/> +The gorge of Dis. Dread Acheron from beneath<br/> +Bursts in a whirlpool, with its waves of woe,<br/> +And jaws that gape with pestilential death. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +There plunged the hateful Fiend, and earth and air took breath. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nor less, meanwhile, Saturnia hastes to crown<br/> +The war's mad tumult. Home the shepherds bore<br/> +Their dead from out the battle to the town.<br/> +Young Almo, and Galæsus, fouled with gore.<br/> +All bid Latinus witness, and implore<br/> +The gods, and while the blood-cry calls for flame<br/> +And slaughter, Turnus swells the wild uproar.<br/> +What! he an outcast? Shall the Trojans claim +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The realm, and bastards dare the Latin race to shame? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then they, whose mothers through the pathless vales<br/> +And forests, fired with Bacchic frenzy, ply<br/> +Their orgies—so Amata's name prevails—<br/> +Come forth, and, gathering from far and nigh,<br/> +Weary the War-god with their clamorous cry,<br/> +Till, thwarting Heaven's high purpose, each and all<br/> +Omens at once and oracles defy,<br/> +And swarm around Latinus in his hall, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +War now is all their wish, "to arms" the general call. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Firm stands the monarch as a sea-girt rock,<br/> +A sea-girt rock against the roaring main,<br/> +Which, spite of barking billows and the shock<br/> +Of Ocean, doth its own huge mass sustain.<br/> +The foaming crags around it chafe in vain,<br/> +And back it flings the seaweed from its side.<br/> +Too weak at length their madness to restrain,<br/> +For things move on as Juno's whims decide, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Oft to the gods, and oft to empty air he cried. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ah me! the tempest hurries us along.<br/> +Fate grinds us sore. Poor Latins! ye must sate,<br/> +Your blood must pay, the forfeit for your wrong.<br/> +Thee, Turnus, thee the avenging fiends await,<br/> +Thou, too, the gods shalt weary, but too late.<br/> +My rest is won, and in the port I ride;<br/> +Happy in all, had not an envious fate<br/> +Denied a happy ending." Thus he cried, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And to his chamber fled, and flung the crown aside. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line721"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +A custom in Hesperian Latium reigned,<br/> +Which Alban cities kept with sacred care,<br/> +And Rome, the world's great mistress, hath retained.<br/> +Thus still they wake the War-god, whensoe'er<br/> +For Arabs or Hyrcanians they prepare,<br/> +Or Getic tribes the tearful woes of war,<br/> +Or push to Ind their distant arms, or dare<br/> +To track the footsteps of the Morning star, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And claim their standards back from Parthia's hosts afar. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Twain are the Gates of War, to dreadful Mars<br/> +With awe kept sacred and religious pride.<br/> +A hundred brazen bolts and iron bars<br/> +Shut fast the doors, and Janus stands beside.<br/> +Here, when the senators on war decide,<br/> +The Consul, decked in his Quirinal pall<br/> +And Gabine cincture, flings the portals wide,<br/> +And cries to arms; the warriors, one and all, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With blare of brazen horns make answer to the call. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +'Twas thus that now Latinus they require<br/> +To dare Æneas' followers to the fray,<br/> +And ope the portals. But the good old Sire<br/> +Shrank from the touch, and, shuddering with dismay,<br/> +Shunned the foul office, and abjured the day.<br/> +Then, downward darting from the skies afar,<br/> +Heaven's empress with her right hand wrenched away<br/> +The lingering bars. The grating hinges jar, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +As back Saturnia thrusts the iron gates of War. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line748"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then woke Ausonia from her sleep. Forth swarm<br/> +Footmen and horsemen, and in wild career<br/> +Whirl up the dust. "Arm," cry the warriors, "arm!"<br/> +With unctuous lard their polished shields they smear,<br/> +And whet the axe, and scour the rusty spear.<br/> +Their banners wave, their trumpets sound the fight.<br/> +Five towns their anvils for the war uprear,<br/> +Crustumium, Tibur, glorying in her might, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ardea, Atina strong, Antemnæ's tower-girt height. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lithe twigs of osier in their shields they weave,<br/> +And shape the casque, and in the mould prepare<br/> +The brazen breastplate and the silver greave.<br/> +Scorned lie the spade, the sickle and the share,<br/> +Their fathers' falchions to the forge they bear.<br/> +Now peals the clarion; through the host hath spread<br/> +The watch-word. Helmets from the walls they tear,<br/> +And yoke the steeds. In triple gold arrayed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Each grasps the burnished shield, and girds the trusty blade. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now open Helicon; awake the strain,<br/> +Ye Muses. Aid me, that the tale be told,<br/> +What kings were roused, what armies filled the plain,<br/> +What battles blazed, what men of valiant mould<br/> +Graced fair Italia in those days of old.<br/> +Aid ye, for ye are goddesses, and clear<br/> +Can ye remember, and the tale unfold.<br/> +But faint and feeble is the voice we hear, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A slender breath of Fame, that falters on the ear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line775"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +First came with armed men from Etruria's coast<br/> +Mezentius, scorner of the Gods. Next came<br/> +His son, young Lausus, comeliest of the host,<br/> +Save Turnus—Lausus, who the steed could tame,<br/> +And quell wild beasts and track the woodland game.<br/> +A hundred warriors from <a href="#note7stanza87">Agylla's</a> town<br/> +He leads—ah vainly! though he died with fame.<br/> +Proud had he been and worthy to have known +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A nobler sire's commands, a nobler sire to own. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With conquering steeds triumphant o'er the mead,<br/> +His chariot, crowned with palm-leaves, proudly wheeled<br/> +The comely Aventinus, glorious seed<br/> +Of glorious Hercules; the blazoned shield<br/> +His father's Hydra and her snakes revealed.<br/> +Him, when of old, the monstrous Geryon slain,<br/> +The lord of Tiryns, victor of the field,<br/> +Reached in his wanderings the Laurentian plain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And bathed in Tiber's stream the captured herds of Spain, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The priestess Rhea, in the secret shade<br/> +Of wooded Aventine, brought forth to light,<br/> +A god commingling with a mortal maid.<br/> +With pikes and poles his followers join the fight,<br/> +Their swords are sharp, their Sabine spears are bright.<br/> +Himself afoot, a lion's bristling hide<br/> +With sharp teeth set in rows of glittering white,<br/> +Swings o'er his forehead, as with eager stride, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Clad in his father's cloak, he seeks the monarch's side. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line802"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Twin brothers came from Tibur—such the name<br/> +Tiburtus gave it—one Catillus hight,<br/> +And one fierce Coras, each of Argive fame,<br/> +Each in the van, where deadliest raves the fight.<br/> +As when two cloud-born Centaurs in their might<br/> +From some tall mountain with swift strides descend,<br/> +Steep <a href="#note7stanza90">Homole, or Othrys' snow-capt height;</a><br/> +The thickets yield, trees crash, and branches bend, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +As with resistless force the trampled woods they rend. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line811"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nor lacked Præneste's founder, Vulcan's child,<br/> +Found on the hearthstone—if the tale be true,—<br/> +Brave Cæculus, the Shepherds' monarch styled.<br/> +Forth from Præneste swarmed the rustic crew,<br/> +From Juno's Gabium to the fight they flew,<br/> +From ice-cold <a href="#note7stanza91">Anio,</a> swoln with wintry rain,<br/> +From Hernic rocks, which mountain streams bedew,<br/> +From fat <a href="#note7stanza91">Anagnia's</a> pastures, from the plain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Where <a href="#note7stanza91">Amasenus</a> rolls majestic to the main. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza92"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With diverse arms they hasten to the war;<br/> +Not all can boast the clashing of the shield,<br/> +Not all the thunder of the rattling car.<br/> +These sling their leaden bullets o'er the field,<br/> +Those in each hand the deadly javelin wield.<br/> +With caps of fur their rugged brows are dight,<br/> +The tawny covering from the dark wolf peeled;<br/> +Bare is the left foot, as they march to fight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +820 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, rough with raw bull's-hide, a sandal guards the right. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line829"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza93"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next came Messapus, tamer of the steed,<br/> +Great Neptune's son. Fire nor the steel's sharp stroke<br/> +Could lay him lifeless, so the Fates decreed.<br/> +Grasping his sword, a laggard race he woke,<br/> +Disused to war, and tardy to provoke.<br/> +Behind him throng Fescennia's ranks to fight,<br/> +<a href="#note7stanza93">Men from Flavinia, and Faliscum's folk,</a><br/> +And those whom fair Capena's groves delight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +829 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ciminius' mount and lake, and steep Soracte's height. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line838"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza94"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With measured tramp, their monarch's praise they sing,<br/> +<a href="#note7stanza94">Like snowy swans,</a> the liquid clouds among,<br/> +Which homeward from their feeding ply the wing,<br/> +When o'er Caÿster's marish, loud and long,<br/> +The echoes float of their melodious song.<br/> +None, sure, such countless multitudes would deem<br/> +The mail-clad warriors of an armèd throng:<br/> +Nay, rather, like a dusky cloud they seem +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +838 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of sea-fowl, landward driven with many a hoarse-voiced scream. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line847"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza95"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lo, <a href="#note7stanza95">Clausus</a> next; a mighty host he led,<br/> +Himself a host. From Sabine sires he came,<br/> +And Latium thence the Claudian house o'erspread,<br/> +When Romans first with Sabines dared to claim<br/> +Coequal lordship and a share of fame.<br/> +With Amiternus came Eretum's band;<br/> +From fair Velinus' dewy fields they came,<br/> +From olive-crowned Mutusca, from the land +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +847 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Where proud Nomentum's towers the fruitful plains command. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line856"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza96"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +From the rough crags of Tetrica came down<br/> +Her hosts; they came from tall Severus' flank,<br/> +From Foruli and fam'd Casperia's town,<br/> +Wash'd by Himella's waves, and those who drank<br/> +Of Fabaris, or dwelt on Tiber's bank.<br/> +Those, too, whom Nursia sendeth from the snows,<br/> +And Horta's sons, in many an ordered rank,<br/> +And tribes of Latin origin, and those +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +856 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Between whose parted fields th' <a href="#note7stanza96">ill-omened Allia</a> flows. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza97"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As roll the billows on the Libyan deep,<br/> +When fierce Orion in the wintry main<br/> +Sinks, dark with tempests, and the waves upleap;<br/> +As, parched with suns of summer, stands the grain<br/> +On Hermus' fields, or Lycia's golden plain;<br/> +So countless swarm the multitudes around<br/> +Bold Clausus, and the wide air rings again<br/> +With echoes, as their clashing shields resound, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +865 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And with the tramp of feet they shake the trembling ground. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line874"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza98"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There Agamemnon's kinsman yokes his steeds,<br/> +Halæsus. Trojans were his foes, his friend<br/> +Was Turnus. Lo, a thousand tribes he leads;<br/> +Those who on Massic hills the vineyards tend,<br/> +Those whom Auruncans from their mountains send.<br/> +From Sidicinum and her neighbouring plain,<br/> +From Cales, from Volturnus' shoals they wend.<br/> +From steep Saticulum the sturdy swain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +874 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fierce for the fray, comes down and joins the <a href="#note7stanza98">Oscan</a> train. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza99"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Light barbs they fling, from pliant thongs of hide,<br/> +A leathern target o'er the left is strung,<br/> +And short, curved daggers the close fight decide.<br/> +Nor, OEbalus, those gallant hosts among,<br/> +Shalt thou go nameless, and thy praise unsung,<br/> +Thou, from old Telon, as the tale hath feigned,<br/> +And beauteous Sebethis, the wood-nymph, sprung,<br/> +O'er Teleboan Caprea when he reigned; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +883 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +But Caprea's narrow realm proud OEbalus disdained. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza100"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +C +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Far stretched his rule; Sarrastians owned his sway,<br/> +And they, whose lands the Sarnian waters drain,<br/> +And they, who till Celenna's fields, and they<br/> +Whom Batulum and Rufræ's walls contain,<br/> +And where through apple-orchards o'er the plain<br/> +Shines fair Abella. Deftly can they wield<br/> +Their native arms; the Teuton's lance they strain;<br/> +Bark helmets guard them, from the cork-tree peeled, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +892 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And brazen are their swords, and brazen every shield. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza101"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +From Nersa's hills, by prosperous arms renowned,<br/> +Comes Ufens, with his Æquians, in array.<br/> +Rude huntsmen these; in arms the stubborn ground<br/> +They till, themselves as stubborn. Day by day<br/> +They snatch fresh plunder, and they live by prey.<br/> +There, too, brave Umbro, of Marruvian fame,<br/> +Sent by his king Archippus, joins the fray.<br/> +Around his helmet, for in arms he came, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +901 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The auspicious olive's leaves the sacred priest proclaim. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza102"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The rank-breath'd Hydra and the viper's rage<br/> +With hand and voice he lulled asleep; his art<br/> +Their bite could heal, their fury could assuage.<br/> +Alas! no medicine can heal the smart<br/> +Wrought by the griding of the Dardan dart.<br/> +Nor Massic herbs, nor slumberous charms avail<br/> +To cure the wound, that rankles in his heart.<br/> +Ah, hapless! thee Anguitia's bowering vale, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +910 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thee Fucinus' clear waves and liquid lakes bewail! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line919"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza103"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next came to war Hippolytus' fair child,<br/> +The comely <a href="#note7stanza103">Virbius,</a> whom Aricia bore<br/> +Amid Egeria's grove, where rich and mild<br/> +Stands Dian's altar on the meadowy shore.<br/> +For when (Fame tells) Hippolytus of yore<br/> +Was slain, the victim of a stepdame's spite,<br/> +And, torn by frightened horses, quenched with gore<br/> +His father's wrath, famed Pæon's herbs of might +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +919 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Dian's fostering love restored him to the light. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza104"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Wroth then was Jove, that one of mortal clay<br/> +Should rise by mortal healing from the grave,<br/> +And change the nether darkness for the day,<br/> +And him, whose leechcraft thus availed to save,<br/> +Hurled with his lightning to the Stygian wave.<br/> +But kind Diana, in her pitying love,<br/> +Concealed her darling in a secret cave,<br/> +And fair Egeria nursed him in her grove, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +928 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Far from the view of men, and wrath of mighty Jove. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza105"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, changed in name to Virbius, but to fame<br/> +Unknown, through life in Latin woods he strayed.<br/> +Thenceforth, in memory of the deed of shame,<br/> +No horn-hoof'd steeds are suffered to invade<br/> +Chaste Trivia's temple or her sacred glade,<br/> +Since, scared by Ocean's monsters, from his car<br/> +They dashed him by the deep. Yet, undismayed,<br/> +His son, young Virbius, o'er the plains afar +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +937 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The fleet-horsed chariot drives, and hastens to the war. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book7line946"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza106"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +High in the forefront towered with stately frame<br/> +Turnus himself. His three-plumed helmet bore<br/> +A dragon fierce, that breathed Ætnean flame.<br/> +The bloodier waxed the battle, so the more<br/> +Its fierceness blazed, the louder was its roar.<br/> +Behold, the heifer on his shield, the sign<br/> +Of <a href="#note7stanza106">Io's fate;</a> there Argus ever o'er<br/> +The virgin watches, and the stream doth shine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +946 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Poured from the pictured urn of Inachus divine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza107"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next come the shielded footmen in a cloud,<br/> +Auruncan bands, Sicanians famed of yore,<br/> +Argives, Rutulians, and Sacranians proud.<br/> +Their painted shields the brave Labicians bore;<br/> +From Tibur's glades, from blest Numicia's shore,<br/> +From Circe's mount, from where great Jove presides<br/> +O'er Anxur, from Feronia's grove they pour,<br/> +From Satura's dark pool, where Ufens glides +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +955 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Cold through the deepening vales, and mingles with the tides. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza108"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Last came Camilla, with the Volscian bands,<br/> +Fierce horsemen, each in glittering arms bedight,<br/> +A warrior-virgin; ne'er her tender hands<br/> +Had plied the distaff; war was her delight,<br/> +Her joy to race the whirlwind and to fight.<br/> +Swift as the breeze, she skimmed the golden grain,<br/> +Nor bent the tapering wheatstalks in her flight,<br/> +So swift, the billows of the heaving main +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +964 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Touched not her flying fleet, she scoured the watery plain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book7stanza109"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forth from each field and homestead, hurrying, throng,<br/> +With wonder, men and matrons, young and old,<br/> +And greet the maiden as she moves along.<br/> +Entranced with greedy rapture, they behold<br/> +Her royal scarf, in many a purple fold,<br/> +Float o'er her shining shoulders, and her hair<br/> +Bound in a coronal of clasping gold,<br/> +Her Lycian quiver, and her pastoral spear +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +973 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of myrtle, tipt with steel, and her, the maid, how fair! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>BOOK EIGHT</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>Mustering of Italians, and embassage to Diomedes (<a href="#book8line1">1-18</a>). Tiber in +a dream heartens Æneas and directs him to Evander for succour. +Æneas sacrifices the white sow and her litter to Juno, and reaches +Evander's city Pallanteum—the site of Rome (<a href="#book8line19">19-117</a>). Æneas and +Evander meet and feast together. The story of Cacus and the praises +of Hercules are told and sung. Evander shows his city to Æneas +(<a href="#book8line118">118-432</a>). Venus asks and obtains from Vulcan divine armour for her +son (<a href="#book8line433">433-531</a>). At daybreak Evander promises Æneas further succour. +Their colloquy is interrupted by a sign from heaven (<a href="#book8line532">532-630</a>). +Despatches are sent to Ascanius and prayers for aid to the Tuscans. +Æneas, his men and Evander's son Pallas are sent forth by Evander +with prayers for their success (<a href="#book8line631">631-720</a>). Venus brings to Æneas the +armour wrought by Vulcan (<a href="#book8line721">721-738</a>). Virgil describes the shield, on +which are depicted, not only the trials and triumphs of Rome's early +kings and champions, but the final conflict also at Actium between +East and West and the world-wide empire of Augustus (<a href="#book8line739">739-846</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book8line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +When Turnus from Laurentum's tower afar<br/> +Signalled the strife, and bade the war-horns bray,<br/> +And stirred the mettled steeds, and woke the war,<br/> +Hearts leaped at once; all Latium swore that day<br/> +The oath of battle, burning for the fray.<br/> +Messapus, Ufens, and <a href="#note8stanza1">Mezentius vain,<br/> +Who scorned the Gods,</a> ride foremost. Far away<br/> +They scour the fields; the shepherd and the swain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Rush to the war, and bare of ploughmen lies the plain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line10"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +To <a href="#note8stanza2">Diomed</a> posts Venulus, to crave<br/> +His aid, and tell how Teucrians hold the land;<br/> +Æneas with his gods hath crossed the wave,<br/> +And claims the throne his vaunted Fates demand.<br/> +How many a tribe hath joined the Dardan's band,<br/> +How spreads his fame through Latium. What the foe<br/> +May purpose next, what conquest he hath planned,<br/> +Should friendly fortune speed the coming blow, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Better than Latium's king Ætolia's lord must know. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line19"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So Latium fares. Æneas, tost with tides<br/> +Of thought, for well he marked the growing fight,<br/> +This way and that his eager mind divides,<br/> +Reflects, revolves and ponders on his plight.<br/> +As waters in a brazen urn flash bright,<br/> +Smit by the sunbeam or the moon's pale rays,<br/> +And round the chamber flits the trembling light,<br/> +And darts aloft, and on the ceiling plays, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So many a varying mood his anxious mind displays. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +'Twas night; the tired world rested. Far and nigh<br/> +All slept, the cattle and the fowls of air.<br/> +Stretched on a bank, beneath the cold, clear sky,<br/> +Lay good Æneas, fain at length to share<br/> +Late slumber, troubled by the war with care.<br/> +When, 'twixt the poplars, where the fair stream flows,<br/> +With azure mantle, and with sedge-crowned hair,<br/> +The aged Genius of the place uprose, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, standing by, thus spake, and comforted his woes: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Blest seed of Heaven! who from the foemen's hand<br/> +Our Troy dost bring, and to an endless date<br/> +Preservest Pergama; whom Latium's land<br/> +Hath looked for, and Laurentum's fields await,<br/> +Here, doubt not, are thy homegods, here hath Fate<br/> +Thy home decreed. Let not war's terrors seem<br/> +To daunt thee. Heaven is weary of its hate;<br/> +Its storms are spent. Distrust not, nor esteem +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +These words of idle worth, the coinage of a dream. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Hard by, beneath yon oak-trees, thou shalt see<br/> +A huge, white swine, and, clustering around<br/> +Her teats, are thirty young ones, white as she.<br/> +There shall thy labour with repose be crown'd,<br/> +Thy city set. There Alba's walls renowned,<br/> +When twice ten times hath rolled the circling year,<br/> +Called Alba Longa, shall Ascanius found.<br/> +Sure stands the word; and now attend and hear, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +How best through present straits a prosperous course to steer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line55"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Arcadians here, a race of old renown,<br/> +From <a href="#note8stanza7">Pallas</a> sprung, with king <a href="#note8stanza7">Evander</a> came,<br/> +And on the hill-side built a chosen town,<br/> +Called <a href="#note8stanza7">Pallanteum,</a> from their founder's name.<br/> +Year after year they ply the war's rude game<br/> +With Latins. Go, and win them to thy side,<br/> +Bid them as fellows to thy camp, and frame<br/> +A league. Myself along the banks will guide, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And teach thy labouring oars to mount the opposing tide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Rise, Goddess-born, and, when the stars decline,<br/> +Pray first to Juno, and on bended knee<br/> +Subdue her wrath with supplication. Mine<br/> +Shall be the victor's homage; I am he,<br/> +Heaven's favoured stream, whose brimming waves ye see,<br/> +Borne in full flood these flowery banks between,<br/> +Chafe the fat soil and cleave the fruitful lea,<br/> +Blue Tiber. Here my dwelling shall be seen, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fairest of lofty towns, the world's majestic queen." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, the Stream-god dived beneath the flood,<br/> +And sought the deep. Slumber at once and night<br/> +Forsook Æneas; he arose, and stood,<br/> +And eastward gazing at the dawning light,<br/> +Scooped up the stream, obedient to the rite,<br/> +And prayed, "O nymphs, Laurentian nymphs, whence spring<br/> +All rivers; father Tiber, blest and bright,<br/> +Receive Æneas as your own, and bring +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Peace to his toil-worn heart, and shield the Dardan king. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What pool soever holds thy source, where'er<br/> +The soil, from whence thou leapest to the day<br/> +In loveliness, these grateful hands shall bear<br/> +Due gifts, these lips shall hallow thee for aye,<br/> +Horned river, whom Hesperian streams obey,<br/> +Whose pity cheers; be with us, I entreat,<br/> +Confirm thy purpose, and thy power display."<br/> +He spake, and chose two biremes from the fleet, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Equipped with oars, and rigged with crews and arms complete. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lo! now a portent, wondrous to be seen.<br/> +Stretched at full length along the bank, they view<br/> +The fateful swine, conspicuous on the green,<br/> +White, with her litter of the self-same hue.<br/> +Her good Æneas, as an offering due,<br/> +To Juno, mightiest of all powers divine,<br/> +Yea, e'en to thee, dread Juno, caught and slew,<br/> +And lit the altars and outpoured the wine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And left the dam and brood together at the shrine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +All night the Tiber stayed his swelling flood,<br/> +And with hushed wave, recoiling from the main,<br/> +Calm as some pool or quiet lake, he stood<br/> +And smoothed his waters like a liquid plain,<br/> +That not an oar should either strive or strain.<br/> +Thus on they go; smooth glides the bark of pine,<br/> +Borne with glad shouts; and ever and again<br/> +The woods and waters wonder, as the line +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of painted keels goes by, with arms of glittering shine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +All night and day outwearying, they steer<br/> +Up the long reaches, through the groves, that lie<br/> +With green trees shadowing the tranquil mere.<br/> +Now flamed the sun in the meridian high,<br/> +When walls afar and citadel they spy,<br/> +And scattered roofs. Where now the power of Rome<br/> +Hath made her stately structures mate the sky,<br/> +Then poor and lowly stood Evander's home. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thither their prows are turned, and to the town they come. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line118"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +That day, Arcadia's monarch, in a grove<br/> +Before the town, a solemn feast had planned<br/> +To <a href="#note8stanza14">Hercules</a> and all the gods above.<br/> +His son, young Pallas, and a youthful band,<br/> +And humble senators around him stand,<br/> +Each offering incense, and the warm, fresh blood<br/> +Still smokes upon the shrines, when, hard at hand,<br/> +They see the tall ships, through the shadowy wood, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Glide up with silent oars along the sacred flood. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Scared by the sudden sight, all quickly rise<br/> +And quit the board. But Pallas, bold of cheer,<br/> +Bids them not break the worship. Forth he flies<br/> +To meet the strangers, as their ships appear,<br/> +His right hand brandishing a glittering spear.<br/> +"Gallants," he hails them from a mound afar,<br/> +"What drove you hither by strange ways to steer?<br/> +Say whither wending? who and what ye are? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Your kin, and where your home? And bring ye peace or war?" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line136"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then sire Æneas from the stern outheld<br/> +<a href="#note8stanza16">A branch of olive,</a> and bespake him fair:<br/> +"Troy's sons ye see, by Latin pride expelled.<br/> +'Gainst Latin enemies these arms we bear.<br/> +We seek Evander. Go, the news declare:<br/> +Choice Dardan chiefs his friendship come to claim.<br/> +His aid we ask for, and his arms would share."<br/> +He ceased, and wonder and amazement came +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +On Pallas, struck with awe to hear the mighty name. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line145"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Whoe'er thou art, hail, stranger," he replied,<br/> +"Step forth, and to my father tell thy quest,<br/> +And take the welcome that true hearts provide."<br/> +Forth as he leaped, the Dardan's hand he pressed,<br/> +And, pressing, held it, and embraced his guest.<br/> +So from the river through the grove they fare,<br/> +And reach the place, where, feasting with the rest,<br/> +They find Evander. Him with speeches fair +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Æneas hails, and hastes his errand to declare. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O best of Greeks, whom thus with olive bough<br/> +Hath Fortune willed me to entreat; yet so<br/> +I shunned thee not, albeit Arcadian thou,<br/> +A Danaan leader, in whose veins doth flow<br/> +The blood of Atreus, and my country's foe.<br/> +My conscious worth, our ties of ancestry,<br/> +Thy fame, which rumour through the world doth blow,<br/> +And Heaven's own oracles, by Fate's decree, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +My willing steps have led, and link my heart, to thee. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Troy's founder, Dardanus, to the Teucrians came,<br/> +Child of Electra, so the Greeks declare.<br/> +Huge Atlas was Electra's sire, the same<br/> +Whose shoulders still the starry skies upbear.<br/> +Your sire is Mercury, whom Maia fair<br/> +On chill Cyllene's summit bore of old;<br/> +And Maia's sire, if aught of truth we hear,<br/> +Was Atlas, he who doth the spheres uphold. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thus from a single stock the double stems unfold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line172"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Trusting to this, no embassy I sent,<br/> +No arts employed, thy purpose to explore.<br/> +Myself, my proper person, I present,<br/> +And stand a humble suppliant at thy door.<br/> +Thy foes are ours, the <a href="#note8stanza20">Daunian race,</a> and sore<br/> +They grind us. If they drive us hence, they say,<br/> +Their conquering arms shall stretch from shore to shore.<br/> +Plight we our troth; strong arms are ours to-day, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stout hearts, and manhood proved in many a hard essay." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He ceased. Long while Evander marked with joy<br/> +His face and eyes, and scanned through and through,<br/> +Then spake: "O bravest of the sons of Troy!<br/> +What joy to greet thee; thine the voice, the hue,<br/> +The face of great Anchises, whom I knew.<br/> +Well I remember, how, in days forepast,<br/> +Old Priam came to Salamis, to view<br/> +His sister's realms, Hesione's, and passed +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To far Arcadia, chilled with many a Northern blast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Scarce o'er my cheeks the callow down had crept,<br/> +With wondering awe I viewed the Trojan train,<br/> +And gazed at Priam. But Anchises stepped<br/> +The tallest. Boyish ardour made me fain<br/> +To greet the hero, and his hand to strain.<br/> +I ventured, and to Pheneus brought my guest.<br/> +A Lycian case of arrows, bridles twain,<br/> +All golden—Pallas holds them,—and a vest +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And scarf of broidered gold his parting thanks expressed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Take then the hand thou seekest; be it thine,<br/> +The plighted pact; and when to-morrow's ray<br/> +Shall chase the shadows, and the dawn shall shine,<br/> +Aid will I give you, and due stores purvey,<br/> +And send you hence rejoicing on your way.<br/> +Meanwhile, since Heaven forbids us to postpone<br/> +These yearly rites, and we are friends, be gay<br/> +And share with us the banquet. Sit ye down,— +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Behold, the boards are spread,—and make the feast your own." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and back, at his command, they bring<br/> +The food and wine. The chiefs, in order meet,<br/> +Along the grass he ranges, and their king<br/> +Leads to his throne; of maple was the seat;<br/> +A lion's hide lay bristling at his feet.<br/> +Youths and the altar's minister bring wine,<br/> +And heap the bread, and serve the roasted meat.<br/> +On lustral entrails and the bull's whole chine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Couched round the Trojan king, the Trojan warriors dine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, when at last desire of food had ceased,<br/> +Thus spake Evander: "Lo, this solemn show,<br/> +This sacred altar, and this ordered feast,<br/> +No idle witchwork are they. Well we know<br/> +The ancient gods. Saved from a fearful foe,<br/> +Each year the deed we celebrate. See there<br/> +Yon nodding crag; behold the rocks below,<br/> +Tost in huge ruin, and the lonely lair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Scooped from the mountain's side, how wild the waste and bare! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"There yawned the cavern, in the rock's dark womb,<br/> +Wherein the monster Cacus dwelt of yore,<br/> +Half-human. Never sunlight pierced the gloom;<br/> +But day by day the rank earth reeked with gore,<br/> +And human faces, nailed above the door,<br/> +Hung, foul and ghastly. From the loins he came<br/> +Of Vulcan, and his huge mouth evermore<br/> +Spewed forth a torrent of Vulcanian flame; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Proudly he stalked the earth, and shook the world's fair frame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line235"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But time, in answer to our prayers, one day<br/> +Brought aid,—a God to help us in our need.<br/> +Flushed with the death of <a href="#note8stanza27">Geryon,</a> came this way<br/> +<a href="#note8stanza27">Alcides,</a> glorying in the victor's meed,<br/> +And hither drove his mighty bulls to feed.<br/> +These, pasturing in the valley, from his lair<br/> +Fierce Cacus saw, and, scorning in his greed<br/> +To leave undone what crime or craft could dare, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Four beauteous heifers stole, four oxen sleek and fair. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then, lest their footprints should the track declare,<br/> +Back by their tails he dragged the captured kine,<br/> +With hoofs reversed, and shut them in his lair,<br/> +And whoso sought the cavern found no sign.<br/> +But when at last Amphitryon's son divine,<br/> +His feasted herds, preparing to remove,<br/> +Called from their pastures, and in long-drawn line,<br/> +With plaintive lowing, the departing drove +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Trooped from the echoing hills, and clamours filled the grove, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line253"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"One of the heifers from the cave again<br/> +Lowed back, in answer to the sound, and broke<br/> +The hopes of Cacus, and his theft was plain.<br/> +Black choler in Alcides' breast awoke.<br/> +Grasping his arms and club of knotted oak,<br/> +Straight to the sky-capt Aventine he hies,<br/> +And scales the steep. Then, not till then, our folk<br/> +Saw Cacus tremble. To the cave he flies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Wing'd like the wind with fear, and terror in his eyes. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Scarce in, the rock he loosened with a blow,<br/> +Slung high in iron by his father's care,<br/> +And with the barrier blocked the door; when lo,<br/> +With heart aflame, great Hercules was there,<br/> +And searched each way for access to his lair,<br/> +Grinding his teeth. Thrice round the mount he threw<br/> +His vengeful eyes, thrice strove from earth to tear<br/> +The stone, and storm the threshold, thrice withdrew, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And in the vale sat down, and nursed his wrath anew. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Sharp-pointed, sheer above the dungeon, stood<br/> +A crag, fit home for evil birds to light.<br/> +This, where it frowned to leftward o'er the flood,<br/> +Alcides shook, and, heaving from the right,<br/> +Tore from its roots, and headlong down the height<br/> +Impelled it. With the impulse and the fall<br/> +Heaven thunders; back the river in affright<br/> +Shrinks to its source. Bank leaps from bank, and all +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The mountain, yawning, shows the monster's cave and hall. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Stript of their roof, the dark abodes far back<br/> +Lie open to their inmost; e'en as though<br/> +Earth, rent asunder with convulsive wrack,<br/> +And opening to the centre, gaped to show<br/> +Hell's regions, and the gloomy realms of woe,<br/> +Abhorr'd of gods, and bare to mortals lay<br/> +The vast abyss, while in the gulf below<br/> +The pallid spectres, huddling in dismay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Looked up with dazzled eyes, at influx of the day. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Caught in his den, the startled monster strove,<br/> +With uncouth bellowing, to elude the light.<br/> +With darts Alcides plies him from above,<br/> +Huge trunks and millstones seizing for the fight,<br/> +Hard pressed at length, and desperate for flight,<br/> +Black smoke he vomits, wondrous to be told,<br/> +That shrouds the cavern, and obscures the sight,<br/> +And, denser than the night, around his hold +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thick darkness, mixt with fire, and smothering fumes are rolled. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Scorn filled Alcides, and his wrath outbroke,<br/> +And through the fire, indignant, with a bound<br/> +He dashes, where thickest rolled the cloud of smoke,<br/> +And in black vapours all the cave was drowned.<br/> +Here, vomiting his idle flames, he found<br/> +Huge Cacus in the darkness. Like a thread<br/> +He twists him—chokes him—pins him to the ground,<br/> +The strangled eyeballs starting from his head; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Blood leaves the blackened throat, the giant form lies dead. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then suddenly, as back the doors are torn,<br/> +The gloomy den stands open, and the prey,<br/> +The stolen oxen, and the spoils forsworn,<br/> +Are bared to heaven, and by the heels straightway<br/> +He drags the grisly carcase to the day.<br/> +All, thronging round, with hungry gaze admire<br/> +The monster. Lost in wonder and dismay<br/> +They mark the eyes, late terrible with ire, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The face, the bristly breast, the jaw's extinguished fire. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line316"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Henceforth they solemnise this day divine,<br/> +Their glad posterity from year to year,<br/> +<a href="#note8stanza36">Potitius first, and the Pinarian line,</a><br/> +Preserve the praise of Hercules; and here<br/> +This altar named 'the Greatest' did they rear.<br/> +(Greatest 'twill be for ever). Come then, all,<br/> +And give such worth due honour. Wreathe your hair,<br/> +And pass the wine-bowl merrily, and call +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Each on our common God, the guardian of us all." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake; the God's own poplar, fleckt with white,<br/> +Hung, twining o'er his brows. His right hand bore<br/> +The sacred bowl. All, gladdening, hail the rite,<br/> +And pour libations, and the Gods adore.<br/> +'Twas evening, and the Western star once more<br/> +Sloped towards Olympus. Forth Potitius came,<br/> +Leading the priests, girt roughly, as of yore,<br/> +With skins of beasts, and bearing high the flame. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fresh, dainty gifts they bring, the second course to frame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line334"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next came the <a href="#note8stanza38">Salians,</a> dancing as they sung<br/> +Around the blazing altars. Poplar crowned<br/> +Their brows; a double chorus, old and young,<br/> +Chant forth the glories and the deeds renowned<br/> +Of Hercules; how, potent to confound<br/> +<a href="#note8stanza38">His stepdame's hate,</a> he crushed the serpents twain;<br/> +What towns in war he levelled to the ground,<br/> +Troy and OEchalia; how with infinite pain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +<a href="#note8stanza38">Eurystheus'</a> tasks he sped, and Juno's fates were vain: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Oh thou, unconquered, whose resistless hand<br/> +Smote the twin giants of the <a href="#note8stanza38">cloud-born crew,<br/> +Pholus, Hylæus;</a> and the Cretan land<br/> +Freed from <a href="#note8stanza38">its monster;</a> and in Nemea slew<br/> +The lion! Styx hath trembled at thy view,<br/> +And Cerberus, when, smeared with gore, he lay<br/> +On bones half-mumbled in his darksome mew.<br/> +Thee not <a href="#note8stanza38">Typhoeus,</a> when in armed array +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +He towered erect, could daunt, nor grisly shapes dismay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Prompt was thy wit, when, powerless to prevail,<br/> +Around thee twined, the beast of Lerna's fen<br/> +Hissed with the legion of its heads. O hail,<br/> +True son of Jove, the praise of mortal men,<br/> +And Heaven's new glory. Hither turn thy ken,<br/> +And cheer thy votaries." So with heart and will<br/> +They chant his praise, nor less the monster's den,<br/> +And Cacus, breathing flames. The loud notes fill +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The sacred grove around, and echo to the hill. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The rites thus ended, to the town they fare.<br/> +In front, the good Evander, old and grey,<br/> +Moves 'twixt Æneas and his youthful heir,<br/> +And oft with various converse, as they stray,<br/> +Beguiles the lightened labour of the way.<br/> +Now this, now that the Trojan chief admires,<br/> +Filled with new pleasure, as his eyes survey<br/> +Each place in turn. Oft, gladly he enquires +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The tokens, one by one, and tales of ancient sires. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line370"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then he, who built the citadel of Rome,<br/> +Spake thus—the good Evander: "Yonder view<br/> +The forest; 'twas the Fauns' and Wood-nymphs' home.<br/> +Their birth from trunks and rugged oaks they drew;<br/> +No arts they had, nor settled life, nor knew<br/> +To yoke the ox, or lay up stores, or spare<br/> +What wealth they gathered; but their wants were few;<br/> +The branches gave them sustenance, whate'er +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +In toilsome chase they won, composed their scanty fare. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then first came Saturn from Olympus' height,<br/> +Flying from Jove, his kingdom barred and banned,<br/> +He taught the scattered hillsmen to unite,<br/> +And gave them laws, and bade the name to stand<br/> +Of <a href="#note8stanza42">Latium,</a> he safe latent in the land.<br/> +Then tranquilly the happy seasons rolled<br/> +Year after year, and Peace, with plenteous hand,<br/> +Smiled on his sceptre. 'Twas the Age of Gold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So well his placid sway the willing folk controlled. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then waxed the times degenerate, and the stain<br/> +With stealthy growth gave birth to deeds of shame,<br/> +The rage of battle, and the lust of gain.<br/> +Then came Ausonians, then Sicanians came,<br/> +And oft the land of Saturn changed its name.<br/> +Strange tyrants came, and ruled Italia's shore,<br/> +Grim-visaged Thybris, of gigantic frame;<br/> +His name henceforth the river Tiber bore, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Albula's old name was known, alas! no more. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Me, from my country driven forth to roam<br/> +The utmost deep, perforce the Fates' design<br/> +And Fortune's power drove hitherward. This home<br/> +My mother, Nymph Carmentis, warned was mine;<br/> +A god, Apollo, did these shores assign."<br/> +So saying, he shows the altar and the gate<br/> +Long called Carmental, from the Nymph divine,<br/> +First seer who sang, with faithful voice, how great +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Æneas' race should rise, and Pallanteum's fate. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He shows the grove of Romulus, his famed<br/> +<a href="#note8stanza42">Asylum;</a> then, beneath the rock's cold crest<br/> +<a href="#note8stanza42">Lupercal's</a> cave, from Pan Lycæan named;<br/> +Then, Argiletum's grove, whose shades attest<br/> +The death of Argus, once the monarch's guest;<br/> +Tarpeia's rock, <a href="#note8stanza42">the Capitolian height,<br/> +Now golden</a>—rugged 'twas of old, a nest<br/> +Of tangled brakes, yet hallowed was the site +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +E'en then, and wood and rock filled the rude hinds with fright. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"These wooded steeps," he said, "this sacred grove<br/> +What godhead haunts, we know not; legends say<br/> +Arcadians here have seen the form of Jove,<br/> +And seen his right hand, with resistless sway,<br/> +Shake the dread Ægis, and the clouds array.<br/> +See, yon two cities, once renowned by fame,<br/> +Now ruined walls and crumbling to decay;<br/> +This Janus built, those walls did Saturn frame; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Janiculum was this, that bore Saturnia's name." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So talking, to Evander's lowly seat<br/> +They journeyed. Herds were lowing on the plain,<br/> +Where stand the Forum and Carinæ's street.<br/> +"These gates," said he, "did great Alcides deign<br/> +To pass; this palace did the god contain.<br/> +Dare thou to quit thee like the god, nor dread<br/> +To scorn mere wealth, nor humble cheer disdain."<br/> +So saying, Æneas through the door he led, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And skins of Libyan bears on garnered leaves outspread. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line433"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Night, with dark wings descending, wrapt the world,<br/> +When Venus, harassed, nor in vain, with fear,<br/> +To see the menace at Laurentum hurled,<br/> +To Vulcan, on his golden couch, drew near,<br/> +Breathing immortal passion: "Husband dear,<br/> +When Greeks the fated citadel of Troy<br/> +With fire and sword were ravaging, or ere<br/> +Her towers had fallen, I sought not to employ +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Arms, arts or aid of thine, their purpose to destroy. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line442"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ne'er taxed I then thy labours, dearest love,<br/> +Large as my debt to Priam's sons, and sore<br/> +My grief for poor Æneas. Now, since Jove<br/> +Hath brought him here to the Rutulian shore,<br/> +Thine arms I ask, thy deity implore,<br/> +A mother for her son. Dread power divine,<br/> +Whom <a href="#note8stanza50">Thetis,</a> whom <a href="#note8stanza50">Tithonus' spouse</a> of yore<br/> +Could move with tears, behold, what hosts combine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What towns, with barr'd gates, arm to ruin me and mine." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +She spake, and both her snowy arms outflung<br/> +Around him doubting, and embraced the Sire,<br/> +And, softly fondling, kissed him as she clung.<br/> +Through bones and veins her melting charms inspire<br/> +The well-known heat, and reawake desire.<br/> +So, riven by the thunder, through the pile<br/> +Of storm-clouds runs the glittering cleft of fire.<br/> +Proud of her beauty, with a conscious smile, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Goddess feels her power, and gladdens at the guile. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then Vulcan, mastered by immortal love,<br/> +Answers his spouse, "Why, Goddess mine, invent<br/> +Such far-fetched pleas? Dost thou thy faith remove,<br/> +And cease to trust in Vulcan? Had thy bent<br/> +So moved thee then, arms quickly had I lent<br/> +To aid thy Trojans, and thy wish were gained,<br/> +Nor envious Fate, nor Jove omnipotent<br/> +Had crossed my purpose; then had Troy remained, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Priam ten years more the kingly line sustained. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"E'en now, if war thou seekest to prepare,<br/> +And thither tends thy purpose, be it sped.<br/> +Whate'er my craft can promise, whatso'er<br/> +Is wrought with iron, ivory or lead,<br/> +Fanned with the blast, or molten in the bed,<br/> +Thine be it all; forbear a suppliant's quest,<br/> +Nor wrong thy beauty's potency." He said,<br/> +And gave the love she longed for; on her breast +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Outpoured at length he slept, and loosed his limbs with rest. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +'Twas midnight; sleep had faded from its prime,<br/> +The hour, when housewives, who a scanty fare<br/> +Eke out with loom and distaff, rise in time<br/> +To wake the embers, and the night outwear;<br/> +Then call their handmaids, by the light to share<br/> +The task, that keeps the husband's bed from shame,<br/> +And earns a pittance for the babes. So there,<br/> +Nor tardier, to his toil the Lord of Flame +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Springs from his couch of down, the workmen's task to frame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line487"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Hard by Æolian Lipare, before<br/> +Sicania, looms <a href="#note8stanza55">an island</a> from the deep,<br/> +With smoking rocks. There Ætna's caverns roar,<br/> +Hewn by the <a href="#note8stanza55">Cyclop's</a> forges from the steep.<br/> +There the steel hisses and the sparks upleap,<br/> +And clanging anvils, smit with dexterous aim,<br/> +Groan through the cavern, as their strokes they heap,<br/> +And restless in the furnace pants the flame. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +'Twas Vulcan's house, the land even yet bears Vulcan's name. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line496"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Down to this cavern came the Lord of Flame,<br/> +And found <a href="#note8stanza56">Pyracmon,</a> naked as he strove,<br/> +<a href="#note8stanza56">Brontes and Steropes.</a> Their hands still frame<br/> +A thunderbolt unfinished, such as Jove<br/> +Rains thickly from his armouries above,<br/> +Tipt with twelve barbs and never known to fail.<br/> +Part still remain unwrought; three rays they wove<br/> +Of ruddy fire, three of the Southern gale, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Three of the watery cloud, and three of twisted hail. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +They blend the frightful flashes and the peals,<br/> +Sound, fear, and fury with the flames behind.<br/> +These forge the War-Gods' chariot and swift wheels,<br/> +Which stir up cities, and arouse mankind.<br/> +Here, burnished bright for wrathful Pallas, shined,<br/> +With serpent scales, and golden links firm bound,<br/> +Her dreadful Ægis, and the snakes entwined;<br/> +And on her breast, with severed neck, still frowned +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Medusa's head, and rolled her dying eyes around. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Cease now," said Vulcan, "and these toils forbear,<br/> +Cyclops of Ætna; hither turn your heed.<br/> +Arms for a hero must the forge prepare.<br/> +Now use your strength and nimble hands; ye need<br/> +A master's cunning; to your tasks with speed."<br/> +He spake; each quickly at the word once more<br/> +Falls to his labour, as the lots decreed.<br/> +Now flows the copper, now the golden ore; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Now melts the deadly steel; the flames resume their roar. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +A mighty shield they fashion, fit to meet<br/> +Singly all arms of Latium. Layer on layer,<br/> +Seven folds in circles on its face they beat.<br/> +These from the windy bellows force the air,<br/> +These hissing copper for the forge prepare,<br/> +Dipt in the trough. The cavern floor below<br/> +Groans with the anvils and the strokes they bear,<br/> +As strong arms timed heap measured blow on blow, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, turned with griping tongs, the molten mass doth glow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line532"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +While on Æolia's coast the Lemnian sire<br/> +Wrought thus, the fair Dawn, mantling in the skies,<br/> +Awakes Evander, and the lowly choir<br/> +Of birds beneath the eaves invites to rise.<br/> +The Tuscan sandals to his feet he ties,<br/> +The kirtle dons, the Tegeæan sword<br/> +Links to his side. A panther's skin supplies<br/> +His scarf, hung leftward, and his watchful ward, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Two dogs, the threshold leave, and 'company their lord. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So to the chamber of his Dardan guest<br/> +The good Evander for his promise' sake<br/> +Full early hastens pondering in his breast<br/> +The tale he listened to, the words he spake.<br/> +Nor less Æneas, with the dawn awake,<br/> +Goes forth. Achates at his side attends,<br/> +His son, young Pallas, doth Evander take.<br/> +So meeting, each a willing hand extends, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And host and guest sit down, and frankly talk as friends. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +First spake the King: "Great Chief of Trojan fame,<br/> +Who living, ne'er the Trojan state is lost.<br/> +Small is our strength for war, though great our name.<br/> +Here Tiber bounds us, there Rutulians boast<br/> +To rend our walls, and thunder with their host.<br/> +But mighty tribes and wealthy realms shall band<br/> +Their arms with mine. Chance, where unlooked-for most,<br/> +Points to this succour. By the Fate's command +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thou comest; thee the gods have guided to our land. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line559"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Not far from here, upon an aged rock,<br/> +There stands a town, Agylla is its name,<br/> +Where on Etruscan ridges dwells the stock<br/> +Of ancient Lydia, men of warlike fame.<br/> +Long years it flourished, till Mezentius came<br/> +And ruled it fiercely, with a tyrant's sway.<br/> +Ah me! why tell the nameless deeds of shame,<br/> +The savage murders wrought from day to day? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +May Heaven on him and his those cruelties repay! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Nay more, he joined the living to the dead,<br/> +Hand linked to hand in torment, face to face.<br/> +The rank flesh mouldered, and the limbs still bled,<br/> +Till death, O misery, with lingering pace,<br/> +Loosed the foul union and the long embrace.<br/> +Worn out at last with all his crimes abhorred,<br/> +Around the horrid madman swarmed apace<br/> +The armed Agyllans. On his roof they poured +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The firebrands, seized his guards and slew them with the sword. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"He safely through the carnage slunk away<br/> +To fields Rutulian, where with sheltering hand<br/> +Great Turnus shields the tyrant. So to-day,<br/> +Stirred with just fury, all Etruria's land<br/> +Springs to the war, prompt vengeance to demand.<br/> +Thine be these all, for thousands can I boast,<br/> +Æneas, thine to captain and command.<br/> +Mark now their shouts; already roars the host, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +'Arm, bring the banners forth'; their vessels crowd the coast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"An aged seer thus warns them to refrain,<br/> +Expounding Fate: 'Choice youths, the flower and show<br/> +Of ancient warriors of Meonian strain,<br/> +Whom just resentment arms against the foe,<br/> +Whose souls with hatred of Mezentius glow,<br/> +No man of Italy is fit to lead<br/> +So vast a multitude, the Fates say "No;<br/> +Seek ye a foreign captain."' Awed, they heed +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The warning words divine, and camp upon the mead. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Lo, Tarchon sends ambassadors; they bring<br/> +The crown, and sceptre, and the signs of state,<br/> +And bid me join the Tuscans as their king.<br/> +But frosty years have dulled me; life is late,<br/> +And envious Age forbids an Empire's weight.<br/> +Fit were my son, but half Italian he,<br/> +His mother born a Sabine. Thee hath Fate<br/> +Endowed with years and proper birth; for thee +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Gods this throne have willed, and, what they will, decree. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Advance, brave Chief of Italy and Troy!<br/> +Advance; young Pallas at thy side shall fare,<br/> +My hope, my solace, and my heart's best joy.<br/> +With thee to teach him, he shall learn to share<br/> +The war's grim work, the warrior's toil to bear;<br/> +From earliest youth to marvel at thy deeds,<br/> +And try to match them. Horsemen shall be there,<br/> +Ten score, the choicest that Arcadia breeds; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Two hundred more, his own, the gallant stripling leads." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake: Æneas and Achates stood<br/> +With down-fixt eyes, musing the strange event.<br/> +Dark thoughts were theirs, and sorrowful their mood;<br/> +When lo, to leftward Cytherea sent<br/> +A sign amid the open firmament.<br/> +A flash of lightning swift from ether sprang<br/> +With thunder. Turmoil universal blent<br/> +Earth, sea and sky; the empyrean rang +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With arms, and loudly pealed the Tuscan trumpet's clang. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Upward they look: again and yet again<br/> +Comes the loud crash of thunder, and between<br/> +A cloud that frets the firmamental plain,<br/> +With bright, red flash amid the sky serene,<br/> +The glitter of resounding arms is seen.<br/> +All tremble; but Æneas hails the sign<br/> +Long-promised. "Ask not," he exclaims, "what mean<br/> +These prodigies and portents; they are mine. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Me great Olympus calls; I hear the voice divine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line631"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"This sign my Goddess-mother vowed to send,<br/> +If war should threaten; thus in armed array<br/> +From heaven with aid she promised to descend.<br/> +Ah, woe for thee, Laurentum, soon the prey<br/> +Of foeman! What a reckoning shalt thou pay<br/> +To me, ill-fated Turnus! How thy wave<br/> +Shall redden, Tiber, as it rolls away<br/> +Helmets, and shields and bodies of the brave! +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ay, let them break the league, and bid the War-god rave." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and, rising from his seat, renews<br/> +The slumbering fires of Hercules, and tends<br/> +The hearth-god's shrine of yesterday. Choice ewes<br/> +They slay—Evander and his Trojan friends.<br/> +Then to his comrades and the shore he wends,<br/> +Arrays the crews, and takes the bravest there<br/> +To follow him in fight. The rest he sends<br/> +To young Ascanius down the stream, to bear +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +News of his absent sire, and how the cause doth fare. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With steeds, to aid the Tuscans, they provide<br/> +The Teucrians. For Æneas forth is led<br/> +The choicest, with a tawny lion's hide,<br/> +All glittering with gilded claws, bespread.<br/> +Now rumour through the little town hath sped,<br/> +Of horsemen for the Tuscan king, with spear<br/> +And shield for battle. Mothers, pale with dread,<br/> +Heap vows on vows. The War-god, drawing near, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Looms larger, and more close to danger draws the fear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line658"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then cries Evander, clinging, and with tears<br/> +Insatiate, loth to see his Pallas go,<br/> +"Ah! would but Jove bring back the bygone years,<br/> +As when beneath Præneste long ago<br/> +I strowed the van, and laid their mightiest low,<br/> +And burned their shields, and with this hand to Hell<br/> +Hurled down <a href="#note8stanza74">King Erulus,</a> the monstrous foe,<br/> +To whom <a href="#note8stanza74">Feronia,</a> terrible to tell, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Three lives had given, and thrice to battle ere he fell. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Twice up he rose, but thrice I slew the slain,<br/> +Thrice of his life I robbed him, till he died,<br/> +Thrice stripped his arms. O, were I such again,<br/> +Danger, nor death, nor aught of ill beside,<br/> +Sweet son, should ever tear me from thy side.<br/> +Ne'er had Mezentius then, the neighbouring lord,<br/> +Dared thus to flout me, nor this arm defied.<br/> +Nor wrought such havoc and such crimes abhorred, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor made a weeping town thus widowed by the sword. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O Gods, and thou, who rulest earth and air,<br/> +Great Jove, their mightiest, pity, I implore,<br/> +Arcadia's King, and hear a father's prayer.<br/> +If Fate this happiness reserve in store,<br/> +To gaze upon my Pallas' face once more,<br/> +If living means to meet my son again,<br/> +Then let me live; how hard soe'er and sore<br/> +My trials, gladly will I count them gain. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sweet will the suffering seem, and light the load of pain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But O, if Fortune, with malignant spite,<br/> +Some blow past utterance for my life prepare,<br/> +Now, now this moment rid me of the light,<br/> +While fears are vague, nor hoping breeds despair,<br/> +While, dearest boy, my late and only care,<br/> +Thus—thus I fold thee in my arms to-day.<br/> +Nor wound with news too sorrowful to bear<br/> +A father's ears!" He spake, and swooned away; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Back to his home the slaves their fainting lord convey. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line694"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forth troop the horsemen from the gates. First ride<br/> +Æneas and Achates; in the rear<br/> +Troy's nobles, led by Pallas, in the pride<br/> +Of broidered scarf and figured arms, appear.<br/> +As when bright <a href="#note8stanza78">Lucifer,</a> to Venus dear<br/> +Beyond all planets and each starry beam,<br/> +High up in heaven his sacred head doth rear,<br/> +Bathed in the freshness of the Ocean stream, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And melts the dark, so fair the gallant youth doth seem. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The matrons stand upon the walls, distraught,<br/> +And mark the dust-cloud and the mail-clad train.<br/> +These through the brushwood, where the road lies short,<br/> +Move on in arms. The war-shout peals again,<br/> +The hard hoofs clattering shake the crumbling plain.<br/> +And now, where, cold with crystal waves, is found<br/> +Fair Cære's stream, a spreading grove they gain.<br/> +Ages have spread its sanctity, and, crowned +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With pine-woods dark as night, the hollow hills stand round. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line712"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +This grove, 'tis said, the tribes <a href="#note8stanza80">Pelasgian</a>—they,<br/> +Who first in Latin marches dwelt of old—<br/> +Kept sacred to <a href="#note8stanza80">Silvanus,</a> and the day<br/> +Vowed to the guardian of the field and fold.<br/> +Hard by, brave Tarchon and his Tuscans bold<br/> +Lay camped. His legions, stretching o'er the meads,<br/> +The Trojans from a rising ground behold.<br/> +Æneas here his toil-worn warriors leads; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Food for themselves they bring, and forage for their steeds. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line721"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile fair Venus through the clouds came down,<br/> +Bearing her gifts. Couched in a secret glade,<br/> +By a cool river, she espies her son,<br/> +And hails him: "See the promised gifts displayed,<br/> +Wrought by my husband's cunning for thine aid.<br/> +Thy prowess now let proud Laurentum taste,<br/> +Nor fear with Turnus to contend." So said<br/> +Cythera's goddess, and her child embraced, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And on an oak in front the radiant arms she placed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Joy fills Æneas; with insatiate gaze<br/> +He views the gifts, and marvels at the sight.<br/> +In turn he handles, and in turn surveys<br/> +The helmet tall with fiery crest bedight,<br/> +The fateful sword, the breastplate's brazen might,<br/> +Blood-red, and huge, and glorious to behold<br/> +As some dark cloud, far-blazing with the light<br/> +Of sunset; then the polished greaves of gold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The spear, the mystic shield, too wondrous to be told. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line739"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There did the Fire-king, who the future cons,<br/> +The tale of ancient Italy portray,<br/> +Rome's triumphs, and Ascanius' distant sons,<br/> +Their wars in order, and each hard-fought fray.<br/> +There, in the cave of Mars all verdurous, lay<br/> +The fostering she-wolf with the twins; they hung<br/> +About her teats, and licked in careless play<br/> +Their mother. She, with slim neck backward flung, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +In turn caressed them both, and shaped them with her tongue. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line748"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, later Rome, and there, the <a href="#note8stanza84">Sabine dames</a><br/> +Amid the crowded theatre he viewed,<br/> +Raped by the Romans at the Circus games;<br/> +The sudden war, that from the deed ensued,<br/> +With aged Tatius and his Cures rude.<br/> +There stand the kings, still armed, but foes no more,<br/> +Beside Jove's altar, and abjure the feud.<br/> +Goblet in hand, the sacred wine they pour, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And o'er the slaughtered swine the plighted peace restore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line757"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next, <a href="#note8stanza85">Mettus,</a> by the four-horsed chariot torn.<br/> +('Twere better, perjured Alban, to be true!)<br/> +Fierce Tullus dragged the traitor's limbs in scorn<br/> +Through brambles, dripping with the crimson dew.<br/> +Porsenna there around the city drew<br/> +His 'leaguering host. But freedom fired the blood<br/> +Of Romans. Idle was his rage, to view<br/> +How <a href="#note8stanza85">Cocles</a> on the battered bridge withstood, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And <a href="#note8stanza85">Cloelia</a> burst her bonds, and singly stemmed the flood. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line766"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next, <a href="#note8stanza86">Manlius</a> guards the Capitol; see here<br/> +The straw-thatched palace. Silvered in the gold,<br/> +The fluttering goose proclaims the Gauls are near.<br/> +They, screened by darkness, thread the woods, and hold<br/> +With arms the slumbering citadel. Behold<br/> +Their beards all golden, and their golden hair,<br/> +Their white necks gleaming with the twisted gold,<br/> +Their chequered plaids. Each hand an Alpine spear +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Waves, and an oblong shield their stalwart arms upbear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line775"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There danced the <a href="#note8stanza87">Salians,</a> the <a href="#note8stanza87">Luperci</a> reeled<br/> +Half-naked. See them sculptured in array,<br/> +With caps wool-tufted, and the sky-dropt shield.<br/> +Chaste dames, in cushioned chariots, lead the way<br/> +Through the glad city. Elsewhere, far away,<br/> +Loom Dis and Tartarus, where the guilty pine,<br/> +And <a href="#note8stanza87">Catiline,</a> upon a rock for aye<br/> +Hangs, shuddering at the Furies. Distant shine +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The just, where <a href="#note8stanza87">Cato</a> stands, dealing the law divine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line784"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The swelling ocean in the midst is seen,<br/> +All golden, but the billow's hoary spray<br/> +Foams o'er the blue. Dolphins of silvery sheen<br/> +Lash the white eddies with their tails in play,<br/> +Cleaving the surges. In the centre lay<br/> +The brazen fleets, all panoplied for war,<br/> +'Tis <a href="#note8stanza88">Actium's fight;</a> Leucate's headland grey<br/> +Boils with the tumult of the distant jar, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And golden glow the waves, effulgent from afar. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Augustus his Italians leads from home,<br/> +High on the stern. The Senators stand round,<br/> +The people, and the guardian gods of Rome.<br/> +With double flame his joyous brows are crowned;<br/> +The constellation of his sire renowned<br/> +Beams o'er his head. There too, his ships in line,<br/> +With winds and gods to prosper him, is found<br/> +Agrippa. Radiant on his head doth shine +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The crown of golden beaks, the battle's glorious sign. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line802"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Here, late from Parthia and the Red-sea coast,<br/> +With motley legions and barbaric pride,<br/> +Comes Anthony. From Egypt swarms his host,<br/> +From India and far Bactra. At his side<br/> +Stands—shame to tell it—an Egyptian bride.<br/> +See now the fight; prows churn and oar-blades lash<br/> +The foam. 'Twould seem the <a href="#note8stanza90">Cyclads</a> swim the tide,<br/> +Torn from his moorings, or the mountains clash, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So huge the tower-crowned ships, so terrible the crash. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Winged darts are hurled, and flaming tow; the leas<br/> +Of Neptune redden. There the queen stands by,<br/> +And sounds the timbrel for the fray, nor sees<br/> +The asps behind. All monsters of the sky<br/> +With Neptune, Venus, and Minerva vie.<br/> +In vain Anubis barks; Mars raves among<br/> +The combatants; the Furies frown on high.<br/> +With mantle rent, glad Discord joins the throng; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Behind, with bloody scourge, Bellona stalks along. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza92"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There Actian Phoebus, gazing on the scene,<br/> +Bent his dread bow. Egypt, Arabia fled,<br/> +And India turned in terror. There, the queen<br/> +Calls to the winds; behold, the sails are spread.<br/> +Her, pale with thoughts of dying, through the dead<br/> +The waves and zephyrs—so the gold expressed—<br/> +Bear onward. Yonder, to his sheltering bed<br/> +Nile, sorrowing, calls the fugitives to rest, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +820 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Unfolds his winding robes, and bares his azure breast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza93"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, Cæsar sacred to his gods proclaims<br/> +Three hundred temples, each a stately fane.<br/> +Behold his triple triumph. Shouts and games<br/> +Gladden the streets; glad matrons chant the strain<br/> +At every altar, and the steers are slain.<br/> +He takes the offerings, and reviews the throng,<br/> +Throned in the portal of Apollo's fane.<br/> +Below, the captive nations march along, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +829 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Diverse in arms and garb, and each of different tongue. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book8line838"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book8stanza94"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Wild Nomads, Africans uncinctured came,<br/> +<a href="#note8stanza94">Carians, Gelonian</a> bowmen, and behind<br/> +<a href="#note8stanza94">The Leleges, the Dahæ,</a> hard to tame,<br/> +<a href="#note8stanza94">The Morini,</a> extreme of human-kind.<br/> +Last, proud Araxes, whom no bridge could bind,<br/> +Euphrates humbled, and the horned Rhine.<br/> +All this, by Vulcan on the shield designed,<br/> +He sees, and, gladdening at the gift divine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +838 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Upbears aloft the fame and fortunes of his line. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>BOOK NINE</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>Certified by Juno of the absence of Æneas, Turnus leads his forces +against the Trojans. When they entrench themselves within their +lines, he attempts to burn their ships, which are thereupon changed +by Cybele into nymphs, and float away (<a href="#book9line1">1-144</a>). Turnus undaunted +harangues his men and beleaguers the camp (<a href="#book9line145">145-198</a>). Nisus and +Euryalus scheme, and petition, to sally forth to find Æneas and a +rescue. Setting out with promise of rich rewards if successful, they +surprise the Latin Camp but are themselves in turn surprised and +slain (<a href="#book9line199">199-513</a>). Their victims are buried; their heads are paraded +on pikes before the Trojan Camp, to the agony of the mother of +Euryalus (<a href="#book9line514">514-576</a>). The allies assault the camp. Virgil invokes +Calliope to describe the fray (<a href="#book9line577">577-603</a>). The collapse of a tower and +losses on both sides prelude Ascanius' baptism of fire. He kills his +man (<a href="#book9line604">604-765</a>). The brothers Pandarus and Bitias open the camp-gates +in defiance. Bitias falls, and Pandarus, retreating, shuts Turnus +within the camp, who kills him, but failing to let in his friends +is eventually hard pressed (<a href="#book9line766">766-882</a>). The Trojans rally round +Mnestheus and Serestus. Turnus plunges into the river and with +difficulty escapes by swimming (<a href="#book9line883">883-927</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book9line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +While thus in distant quarter moves the scene,<br/> +Down to the daring Turnus from the skies<br/> +Comes <a href="#note9stanza1">Iris,</a> sent by the Saturnian queen.<br/> +Him seated in a hallowed vale, where lies<br/> +His father's grove, <a href="#note9stanza1">Pilumnus',</a> she espies.<br/> +There straight with rosy lips the daughter fair<br/> +Of <a href="#note9stanza1">Thaumas</a> hails the hero: "Turnus, rise.<br/> +Behold what none of all the Gods would dare +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To promise, rolling Time hath proffered without prayer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Fleet left and friends, Æneas to the court<br/> +Of Palatine Evander speeds his way,<br/> +Nay, the far towns of Corythus hath sought,<br/> +And arms the Lydian swains to meet the fray!<br/> +Now call for steel and chariot. Why delay?<br/> +Surprise the camp and capture it."—She said,<br/> +And straight on balanced pinions soared away,<br/> +Cleaving the bow. The warrior marked, and spread +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +His hands, and thus with prayer pursued her as she fled: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O Iris, Heaven's fair glory, who hath sent<br/> +Thee hither? whence this sudden light so clear?<br/> +I see the firmament asunder rent,<br/> +And planets wandering in the polar sphere.<br/> +Blest omens, hail! I follow thee, whoe'er<br/> +Thou art, that call'st to battle." He arose<br/> +With joy, and stepping to the streamlet near,<br/> +Scoops up the water in his palms, and bows +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +In suppliance to the Gods, and burdens Heaven with vows. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now all the host were marching on the meads,<br/> +Well-horsed, and panoplied in golden gear,<br/> +With broidered raiment. Brave Messapus leads<br/> +The van, the sons of Tyrrheus close the rear,<br/> +And Turnus in mid column shakes his spear.<br/> +Slow moves the host, as when his seven-fold head<br/> +Great Ganges lifts in silence, calm and clear,<br/> +Or Nile, whose flood the fruitful soil hath fed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ebbs from the fattened fields, and hides him in his bed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Far off, the Teucrians from their camp descried<br/> +The gathering dust-cloud on the plains appear.<br/> +Then brave Caïcus from a bastion cried,<br/> +"What dark mass, rolling towards us, have we here?<br/> +Arm, townsmen, arm! Bring quick the sword and spear,<br/> +And mount the battlements, and man the wall.<br/> +The foemen, ho!" And with a mighty cheer<br/> +The Teucrians, hurrying at the warning call, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pour in through all the gates, and muster on the wall. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So, parting, wise Æneas gave command,<br/> +Should chance surprise them, with their chief away,<br/> +To shun the field, nor battle hand to hand,<br/> +But safe behind their sheltering earthworks stay,<br/> +And, guarding wall and rampart, stand at bay.<br/> +So now, though passion and indignant hate<br/> +Prompt to engage, his mandate they obey,<br/> +And bar each inlet, and secure each gate, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, armed, in sheltering towers their enemies await. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Turnus, with twenty horsemen, left the rest<br/> +To lag behind, and near the town-gate drew<br/> +All unforeseen. A Thracian steed he pressed,<br/> +Dappled with white; a crest of scarlet hue<br/> +High o'er his golden helmet flamed in view.<br/> +Loudly he shrills in anger to his train,<br/> +"Who first with me will at the foemen—who?<br/> +See there!" and, rising hurls his spear amain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sign of the fight begun, and pricks along the plain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With shouts his comrades welcome the attack,<br/> +And clamouring fiercely follow in his train.<br/> +They marvel at the Teucrian hearts so slack,<br/> +That none will dare to trust the open plain,<br/> +And fight like men, but in the camp remain,<br/> +And safe behind their sheltering rampart stay.<br/> +Now here, now there, fierce Turnus in disdain<br/> +Rides round the walls, and, searching for a way, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Where way is none, still strives an entrance to essay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As wolf, in ambush by the fold, sore beat<br/> +With winds, at midnight howls amid the rain.<br/> +The lambs beneath their mothers safely bleat.<br/> +He, mad with rage, and faint with famine's pain,<br/> +Thirsts for their blood, and ramps at them in vain;<br/> +So raves fierce Turnus, as his eyes survey<br/> +The walls and camp. Grief burns in every vein,<br/> +As round he looks for access and a way +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To shake the Teucrians out, and strew them forth to slay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The fleet, as by the flanking camp it lies,<br/> +Fenced by the river and the mounded sand,<br/> +He marks, then loudly to the burning cries,<br/> +And with a flaming pinestock fills his hand,<br/> +Himself aflame. His presence cheers the band.<br/> +All set to work, and strip the watchfires bare:<br/> +Each warrior arms him with a murky brand:<br/> +The smoking torch shoots up a pitchy glare, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And clouds of mingled soot the Fire-god flings in air. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line91"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Say, Muse, what god from Teucrians turned the flame,<br/> +Such fiery havoc. O, the tale declare;<br/> +Old is its faith, but deathless is its fame.<br/> +When first Æneas did his fleet prepare<br/> +'Neath Phrygian <a href="#note9stanza11">Ida,</a> through the seas to fare,<br/> +To Jove the <a href="#note9stanza11">Berecynthian queen</a> divine<br/> +Spake thus, 'tis said, urging a suppliant's prayer:<br/> +"O Lord Olympian, hearken and incline. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Grant what thy mother asks, who made Olympus thine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"A wood, beloved for many a year, was mine,<br/> +A grove of sacrifice, on Ida's height,<br/> +Darksome with maple and the swart pitch-pine.<br/> +This wood, these trees, my ever-dear delight,<br/> +Gladly I gave to speed the Dardan's flight.<br/> +But doubts and fears my troubled mind assail.<br/> +O calm them; may a parent's prayer have might,<br/> +And this their birth upon our hills avail +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To guide their voyage safe, and shield them from the gale." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then spake her son, who wields the starry sphere,<br/> +"Mother, what would'st thou of the Fates demand?<br/> +What art thou seeking for these Teucrians here?<br/> +Shall vessels, fashioned by a mortal hand,<br/> +The gift of immortality command?<br/> +And shall Æneas sail the uncertain main,<br/> +Himself of safety certain, and his band?<br/> +Did ever God such privilege attain? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nay, rather, when at length, Ausonian ports they gain, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line118"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Their duty done, and Ocean's dangers o'er,<br/> +What ships soe'er shall have escaped, to bear<br/> +The Dardan chief to the Laurentian shore,<br/> +Shall lose their perishable form, and wear<br/> +The sea-nymphs' shape, like Galatea fair<br/> +And Doto, when they breast the deep." He spake,<br/> +And by <a href="#note9stanza14">his brother's Stygian river</a> sware,<br/> +Whose pitchy torrent swells the infernal lake, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And with his awful nod made all Olympus shake. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The day was come, the fated time complete,<br/> +When Turnus' insults bade the Mother rise<br/> +And ward the firebrands from her sacred fleet.<br/> +A sudden light now flashed upon their eyes,<br/> +A cloud from eastward ran athwart the skies,<br/> +With choirs of Ida, and a voice through air<br/> +Pealed forth, and filled both armies with surprise,<br/> +"Trojans, be calm; your needless pains forbear, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor arm to save these ships; their safety is my care. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Sooner shall Turnus make the ocean blaze,<br/> +Than these my pines. Go, sea-nymphs, and be free,<br/> +Your mother bids you." Each at once obeys,<br/> +Their cables snapt, like dolphins in their glee,<br/> +They dip their beaks, and dive beneath the sea.<br/> +Hence, where before along the shore had stood<br/> +The brazen poops—O marvellous to see!—<br/> +So many now, with maiden forms endued, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Rise up, and reappear, and float upon the flood. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line145"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +All stand aghast; amid the startled steeds<br/> +Messapus quails, and Tiber checks his tide,<br/> +And, hoarsely murmuring, from the deep recedes.<br/> +Yet fails not Turnus, prompt to cheer or chide.<br/> +"To Teucrians point these prodigies," he cried,<br/> +"They bide not, they, Rutulian sword and brand.<br/> +E'en Jove their wonted succour hath denied.<br/> +Barred is the sea, and half the world is banned; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Earth, too, is ours, such hosts Italia's chiefs command. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line154"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"I fear not Fate, nor what the Gods can do.<br/> +Suffice for Venus and the Fates the day<br/> +When Trojans touched Ausonia. I have, too,<br/> +My Fates, these robbers of my bride to slay.<br/> +Not <a href="#note9stanza18">Atreus' sons</a> alone, and only they,<br/> +Have known a sorrow and a smart so keen,<br/> +And armed for vengeance. But enough, ye say,<br/> +Once to have fallen? One trespass then had been +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Enough, and made them loathe all womankind, I ween. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Lo, these who think a paltry wall can save,<br/> +A narrow ditch can thwart us,—these, so bold,<br/> +With but a span betwixt them and the grave!<br/> +Saw they not Troy, which Neptune reared of old,<br/> +Sink down in ruin, as the flames uprolled?<br/> +But ye, my chosen, who with me will scale<br/> +Yon wall, and storm their trembling camp? Behold,<br/> +No aid divine nor ships of thousand sail, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor Vulcan's arms I need, o'er Trojans to prevail. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Nay; let Etrurians join them, one and all,<br/> +No raid, nor robbed Palladium they shall fear,<br/> +Nor sentries stabbed beneath the night's dark pall.<br/> +No horse shall hide us; by the daylight clear<br/> +Our flames shall ring their ramparts. Dream they here<br/> +To find such Danaan striplings, weak as they<br/> +Whom Hector baffled till the tenth long year?<br/> +But now, since near its ending draws the day, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Take rest, and bide prepared the dawning of the fray." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +His outposts plants Messapus, set to guard<br/> +The gates with watchfires, and the walls invest.<br/> +Twice seven captains round the camp keep ward,<br/> +Each with a hundred warriors of the best,<br/> +With golden armour and a blood-red crest.<br/> +These to and fro pace sentinels, and share<br/> +The watch in turn; those, on the sward at rest,<br/> +Tilt the brass wine-bowl. Bright the watch-fires flare, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And games and festive mirth the wakeful night outwear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forth look the Trojans from their walls, and line<br/> +The heights in arms, and test with hurrying fear<br/> +The gates, and bridges to the bulwarks join,<br/> +And bring up darts and javelins. Mnestheus here,<br/> +There bold Serestus is at hand to cheer,<br/> +They, whom Æneas left to rule the host,<br/> +Should ill betide them, or the foe draw near.<br/> +Thus all in turn, where peril pressed the most, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Keep watch along the wall, dividing danger's post. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line199"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nisus, the bold, stood warder of the gate,<br/> +The son of Hyrtacus, whom Ida fair,<br/> +The huntress, on Æneas sent to wait,<br/> +Quick with light arrows and the flying spear.<br/> +Beside him stood Euryalus, his fere;<br/> +Scarce on his cheeks the down of manhood grew,<br/> +The comeliest youth that donned the Trojan gear.<br/> +Love made them one; as one, to fight they flew, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +As one they guard the gates, companions tried and true. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then Nisus: "Is it that the Gods inspire,<br/> +Euryalus, this fever of the breast?<br/> +Or make we gods of but a wild desire?<br/> +Battle I seek, or some adventurous quest,<br/> +And scorn to dally with inglorious rest,<br/> +See yonder the Rutulians, stretched supine,<br/> +What careless confidence is theirs, oppressed<br/> +With wine and slumber; how the watch-fires shine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Faint, few, and far between; what silence holds the line. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Learn now the plan and purpose of my mind,<br/> +'Æneas should be summoned,' one and all,—<br/> +Camp, council,—cry, and messengers would find<br/> +To take sure tidings and our chief recall.<br/> +If thee the meed I ask for shall befall,—<br/> +Bare fame be mine—methink the pathway lies<br/> +By yonder mound to Pallanteum's wall."<br/> +Then, fired with zeal and smitten with surprise, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thus to his ardent friend Euryalus replies: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Me, me would Nisus from such deeds debar?<br/> +Am I to send thee singly to thy fate?<br/> +Not thus my sire Opheltes, bred to war,<br/> +Brought up and taught me, when in evil strait<br/> +Was Troy, and Argives battered at her gate.<br/> +Not thus to great Æneas was I known,<br/> +His trusty follower through the paths of Fate.<br/> +Here dwells a soul that dares the light disown, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And counteth life well sold, to purchase such renown." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"For <i>thee</i> I feared not," Nisus made reply,<br/> +"'Twere shame, indeed, to doubt a friend so tried.<br/> +So may great Jove, or whosoe'er on high<br/> +With equal eyes this exploit shall decide,<br/> +Restore me soon in triumph to thy side.<br/> +But if—for divers hazards underlie<br/> +So bold a venture—evil chance betide,<br/> +Or angry deity my hopes bely, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thee Heaven preserve, whose youth far less deserves to die. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line244"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Mine be a friend to lay me, if I fall,<br/> +Rescued or ransomed, in my native ground;<br/> +Or, if hard fortune grudge a boon so small,<br/> +To make fit honour to my shade redound,<br/> +And o'er the lost one rear an empty mound.<br/> +Ne'er let a childless mother owe to me<br/> +A pang so keen, and such a cureless wound.<br/> +She, who, alone of mothers, dared for thee +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +<a href="#note9stanza28">Acestes'</a> walls to leave, and braved the stormy sea." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"My purpose holds and shifts not," he replies,<br/> +"These empty pretexts cannot shake me—no.<br/> +Hence, let us haste." And to the guard he cries,<br/> +Who straight march up, and forth the two friends go<br/> +To find the chief. All creatures else below<br/> +Lay wrapt in sleep, forgetting toil and care;<br/> +But sleepless still, in presence of the foe,<br/> +Troy's chosen chiefs urge council, what to dare, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whom to Æneas send, the desperate news to bear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, in the middle of the camp and plain,<br/> +Each shield in hand, and leaning on his spear,<br/> +They stand; when lo! in eager haste the twain,<br/> +Craving an audience instantly, appear.<br/> +High matter theirs, and worth a pause to hear.<br/> +Then first Iulus greets the breathless pair,<br/> +And calls to Nisus. "Dardans, lend an ear,"<br/> +Outspake the son of Hyrtacus, "Be fair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor rate by youthful years the proffered aid we bear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"See, hushed with wine and slumber, lies the foe.<br/> +Where by the sea-gate, parts the road in twain,<br/> +A stealthy passage from the camp we know.<br/> +Black roll the smoke-clouds, and the watch-fires wane.<br/> +Leave us to try our fortune, soon again<br/> +Yourselves shall see, from Pallanteum's town,<br/> +Æneas, rich with trophies of the slain.<br/> +Plain lies the path, for oft the chase hath shown +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +From darksome vales the town, and all the stream is known." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O Gods!" exclaimed Aletes, wise and old,<br/> +"Not yet ye mean to raze the Trojan race,<br/> +Who give to Troy such gallant hearts and bold."<br/> +So saying, he clasped them in a fond embrace,<br/> +And bathed in tears his features and his face.<br/> +"What gifts can match such valour? Deeds so bright<br/> +Heaven and your hearts with fairest meed shall grace.<br/> +The rest our good Æneas shall requite, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor young Ascanius e'er such services shall slight." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line289"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Yea, gallant Nisus," adds Ascanius there,<br/> +"I, too, who count my father's safety mine,<br/> +Adjure thee, by the household gods I swear<br/> +Of old <a href="#note9stanza33">Assaracus</a> and Teucer's line,<br/> +And hoary Vesta's venerable shrine,<br/> +Whate'er of fortune or of hopes remain,<br/> +To thee and thy safe-keeping I resign.<br/> +Bring back my sire in safety; care nor pain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shall ever vex me more, if he return again. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Two goblets will I give thee, richly wrought<br/> +Of sculptured silver, beauteous to behold,<br/> +The spoils my sire from sacked Arisbe brought,<br/> +With two great talents of the purest gold,<br/> +Two tripods, and a bowl of antique mould,<br/> +The gift at Carthage of the Tyrian queen.<br/> +Nay, more, if e'er Italia's realm I hold,<br/> +And share the spoils of conquest,—thou hast seen +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The steed that Turnus rode, his arms of golden sheen,— +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"That steed, that shield, that crest of crimson hue,<br/> +I keep for thee,—thine, Nisus, from to-day.<br/> +Twelve lovely matrons and male captives too,<br/> +Each with his armour, shall my sire convey,<br/> +With all the lands that own Latinus' sway.<br/> +But thee, whose years the most with mine agree,<br/> +Brave youth! my heart doth welcome. Come what may,<br/> +In peace or war my comrade shalt thou be. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thine are my thoughts, my deeds; fame tempts me but for thee." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"No time, I ween," Euryalus replies,<br/> +"Shall shame the promise of this bold design,<br/> +Come weal, come woe. One boon alone I prize<br/> +Beyond all gifts. A mother dear is mine,<br/> +A mother, sprung from Priam's ancient line.<br/> +Troy nor the walls of King Acestes e'er<br/> +Stayed her from following, when I crossed the brine.<br/> +Her of this risk—whate'er the risk I dare— +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Weetless, I left behind, nor breathed a parting prayer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Night bear me witness; by thy hand I swear,<br/> +I cannot bear a parent's tears. But O!<br/> +Be thou her solace, comfort her despair;<br/> +This hope permit, and bolder will I go,<br/> +To face all hazards and confront the foe."<br/> +Grief smote the Dardans, and the tears ran down,<br/> +And young Iulus, pierced with kindred woe,<br/> +Outweeps them all; in filial love thus shown, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Touched to the heart, he traced the likeness of his own. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"All, all," he cries, "that such a deed can claim,<br/> +I promise for thy guerdon. Mine shall be<br/> +Thy mother,—mine, Creusa save in name;<br/> +Nor small her praise to bear a son like thee.<br/> +Howe'er shall Fortune the event decree,<br/> +I swear—so swore my father—by my head,<br/> +What gifts I pledge, if thou return, to thee,<br/> +These, if thou fall, thy mother in thy stead, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +These shall thy kinsmen keep, the heirlooms of the dead." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Weeping, the gilded falchion he untied,<br/> +Lycaon's work, with sheath of ivory fair.<br/> +To Nisus Mnestheus gave a lion's hide,<br/> +His helmet changed Aletes. Forth they fare,<br/> +And round them to the gates, with vows and prayer,<br/> +The band of chiefs their parting steps attend;<br/> +And, manlier than his years, Iulus fair<br/> +Full many a message to his sire would send. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Vain wish! his fruitless words the scattering breezes rend. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So past the trench, upon the shadowy plain<br/> +Forth issuing, to the foemen's tents they creep,<br/> +Fatal to many, ere the camp they gain.<br/> +Warriors they see, who drank the wine-bowl deep,<br/> +Beside their tilted chariots stretched in sleep,<br/> +And reins, and wheels and wine-jars tost away,<br/> +And arms and men in many a mingled heap.<br/> +Then Nisus: "Up, Euryalus, and slay! +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Haste, for the hour is ripe, and yonder lies the way. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Watch thou, lest hand be lifted in the rear.<br/> +There, flanked with swaths of corpses, will I reap<br/> +Thy pathway; broad shall be the lane and clear."<br/> +So saying, he checks his voice, and, aiming steep,<br/> +Drives at proud Rhamnes. On a piled-up heap<br/> +Of carpets lay the warrior, and his breast<br/> +Heaved with hard breathing and the sounds of sleep:<br/> +Augur and king, whom Turnus loved the best. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Not all his augur's craft could now his doom arrest. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Three slaves beside him, lying heedless here<br/> +Amidst their arms, he numbers with the slain,<br/> +Then Remus' page, and Remus' charioteer,<br/> +Caught by their steeds. The weapon, urged amain,<br/> +Swoops down, and cleaves their drooping necks in twain.<br/> +Their master's head he severs with a blow,<br/> +And leaves the trunk, still heaving, on the plain,<br/> +And o'er the cushions and the ground below, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Wet with the warm, black gore, the spouting streams outflow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lamus and Lamyras he slew outright,<br/> +And fair Serranus, as asleep he lay,<br/> +Tamed by the God; for long and late that night<br/> +The youth had gamed. Ah! happier, had his play<br/> +Outlived the night, and lasted till the day.<br/> +Like some starved lion, that on the teeming fold<br/> +Springs, mad with hunger, and the feeble prey,<br/> +All mute with terror, in his clutch doth hold, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And rends with bloody mouth, and riots uncontrolled, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Such havoc wrought Euryalus, so flamed<br/> +His fury. Fadus and Herbesus died,<br/> +And Abaris, and many a wight unnamed,<br/> +Caught unaware. But Rhoetus woke, and tried<br/> +In fear behind a massive bowl to hide.<br/> +Full in the breast, or e'er the wretch upstood,<br/> +The shining sword-blade to the hilt he plied,<br/> +Then drew it back death-laden. Wine and blood +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Gush out, the dying lips disgorge the crimson flood. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thence, burning, to Messapus' camp he speeds,<br/> +Where faint the watch-fires flicker far away,<br/> +And tethered on the herbage graze the steeds,<br/> +When briefly thus speaks Nisus, fain to stay<br/> +The lust of battle and mad thirst to slay:<br/> +"Cease we; the light, our enemy, is near.<br/> +Vengeance is glutted; we have hewn our way."<br/> +Bowls, solid silver armour here and there +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +They leave behind untouched, and arras rich and rare. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The arms and belt of Rhamnes, bossed with gold,<br/> +Which Cædicus, his friendship to attest,<br/> +Sent to Tiburtine Remulus of old,<br/> +Whose grandson took it, as a last bequest<br/> +(Rutulians thence these spoils of war possessed)—<br/> +These trophies seized Euryalus, and braced<br/> +The useless trappings on his valorous breast,<br/> +And on his head Messapus' helm he placed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Light and with graceful plumes; and from the camp they haste. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile from out Laurentum rides a train<br/> +With news of Turnus, while the main array<br/> +With marshalled ranks is lingering on the plain,<br/> +Three hundred shieldsmen Volscens' lead obey.<br/> +Now to the ramparts they have found their way,<br/> +When lo, to leftward, hurrying from their raid,<br/> +They mark the youths amid the twilight grey.<br/> +His glittering helm Euryalus betrayed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +That flashed the moonbeams back, and pierced the glimmering shade. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nor passed the sight unheeded. Shrill and loud<br/> +"Stand, who are ye in armour dight, and why?<br/> +What make ye there?" cries Volscens from the crowd,<br/> +"And whither wend ye?" Naught the youths reply,<br/> +But swiftly to the bordering forest fly,<br/> +And trust to darkness. Then around each way<br/> +The horsemen ride, all outlet to deny;<br/> +Circling, like huntsmen, closely as they may, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +They watch the well-known turns, and wait the expected prey. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Shagg'd with rough brakes and sable ilex, spread<br/> +The wood, and, glimmering in the twilight grey,<br/> +Through broken tracks a narrow pathway led.<br/> +The shadowy boughs, the cumbrous spoils delay<br/> +Euryalus, and fear mistakes the way.<br/> +Nisus, unheeding, through the foemen flies,<br/> +And gains the place,—called Alba now—where lay<br/> +Latinus' pastures; then with back-turned eyes +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stands still, and seeks in vain his absent friend, and cries: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Where, in what quarter, have I left thee? Where,<br/> +Euryalus, shall I follow thee? What clue<br/> +Shall trace the mazes of this silvan snare,<br/> +The tangled path unravelling?" Back he flew,<br/> +Picking his footsteps with observant view,<br/> +And roamed the silent brushwood. Steeds he hears,<br/> +The noise, the signs of foemen who pursue.<br/> +A moment more, and, bursting on his ears, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +There came a shout, and lo, Euryalus appears. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Him, in false ways, amid the darkness, ta'en,<br/> +The gathering band with sudden rush o'erbear.<br/> +Poor Nisus sees him struggling, but in vain.<br/> +What should he do? By force of arms how dare<br/> +His friend to rescue? Shall he face them there,<br/> +And rush upon the foemen's swords, to die,<br/> +And welcome wounds that win a death so fair?<br/> +His spear he poises, and with upturned eye +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And stalwart arm drawn back, invokes the Moon on high: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line460"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Come thou, <a href="#note9stanza52">Latonia,</a> succour my distress!<br/> +Guardian of groves, bright glory of the sky,<br/> +If e'er with offerings for his son's success<br/> +My sire thine altars hath adorned, or I<br/> +Enriched them from the chase, and hung on high<br/> +Spoils in thy deep-domed temple, or arrayed<br/> +Thy roof with plunder; make this troop to fly,<br/> +And guide my weapons through the air." He prayed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, winged with strength, the steel went whistling through the shade. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +It struck the shield of Sulmo at his side;<br/> +There broke the shaft and splintered. Down he rolled<br/> +Pierced through the midriff, and his life's warm tide<br/> +Poured from his bosom, and the long sobs told<br/> +Its heavings, ere the stiffening limbs grew cold.<br/> +All look around and tremble, when again<br/> +The youth another javelin, waxing bold,<br/> +Aimed from his ear-tip. Through the temples twain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of Tagus whizzed the steel, and warmed within the brain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Fierce Volscens raves with anger, nor espies<br/> +The wielder of the weapon, nor which way<br/> +To rush, aflame with fury. "Thou," he cries,<br/> +"Thy blood meanwhile the penalty shall pay<br/> +For both," and with his falchion bared to slay<br/> +Springs at Euryalus. Then, wild with fear,<br/> +Poor Nisus shouts, in frenzy of dismay,<br/> +Nor longer in the dark can hide, nor bear +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A pang of grief so keen—to lose a friend so dear, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Me—me, behold the doer! mine the deed!<br/> +Kill me, Rutulians. By this hand they fell.<br/> +He could not—durst not. By the skies I plead,<br/> +By yon bright stars, that witnessed what befell,<br/> +He only loved his hapless friend too well."<br/> +Vain was his prayer; the weapon, urged amain,<br/> +Pierced through his ribs and snowy breast. Out swell<br/> +Dark streams of gore his lovely limbs to stain; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The sinking neck weighs o'er the shoulders of the slain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So doth the purple floweret, dying, droop,<br/> +Smit by the ploughshare. So the poppy frail<br/> +On stricken stalk its languid head doth stoop,<br/> +And bows o'erladen with the drenching hail.<br/> +But onward now, through thickest ranks of mail,<br/> +Rushed Nisus. Volscens only will he slay;<br/> +He waits for none but Volscens. They assail<br/> +From right and left, and crowd his steps to stay. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +He whirls his lightning brand, and presses to his prey. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Ere long he meets him clamouring, and down<br/> +His throat he drives the griding sword amain,<br/> +And takes his life, ere laying down his own.<br/> +Then, pierced he sinks upon his comrade slain,<br/> +And death's long slumber puts an end to pain.<br/> +O happy pair! if aught my verse ensure,<br/> +No length of time shall make your memory wane,<br/> +While, throned upon the Capitol secure, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Æneian house shall reign, and Roman rule endure. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line514"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Weeping, the victors took the spoils and prey,<br/> +And back dead Volscens to their camp they bore.<br/> +Nor less the wailing in the camp that day,<br/> +Brave Rhamnes found, and many a captive more,<br/> +Numa, Serranus, weltering in their gore.<br/> +Thick round the dead and dying, where the plain<br/> +Reeks freshly with the frothing blood, they pour.<br/> +Sadly they know Messapus' spoils again, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The trappings saved with sweat, the helmet of the slain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now, rising from Tithonus' saffron couch,<br/> +The Goddess of the dawn with orient ray<br/> +Sprinkled the earth, and 'neath the wakening touch<br/> +Of sunlight, all things stand revealed to-day.<br/> +Turnus himself, accoutred for the fray,<br/> +Wakes up his warriors with the morning light.<br/> +At once each captain marshals in array<br/> +His company, in brazen arms bedight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And rumours whet their rage, and prick them to the fight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nay more, aloft upon the javelin's end,<br/> +With shouts they bear—a miserable sight!—<br/> +The heads, the heads of Nisus and his friend.<br/> +On the walls' left—the river flanked their right—<br/> +The sturdy Trojans stand arrayed for fight,<br/> +And line the trenches and each lofty tower,<br/> +Sad, while the foemen, clamorous with delight,<br/> +March onward, with the heroes' heads before, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Well known—alas! too well—and dropping loathly gore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now Fame, winged herald, through the wildered town<br/> +Swift to Euryalus' mother speeds her way.<br/> +Life's heat forsakes her; from her hand drops down<br/> +The shuttle, and the task-work rolls away.<br/> +Forth with a shriek, like women in dismay,<br/> +Rending her hair, in frantic haste she flies,<br/> +And seeks the ramparts and the war's array,<br/> +Heedless of darts and dangers and surprise, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Heedless of armèd men, and fills the heaven with cries. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thou—is it thou, Euryalus, my own?<br/> +Thou, the late solace of my age? Ah, why<br/> +So cruel? Could'st thou leave me here alone,<br/> +Nor let thy mother bid a last good-bye?<br/> +Now left a prey on Latin soil to lie<br/> +Of dogs and birds, nor I, thy mother, there<br/> +To wash thy wounds, and close thy lightless eye,<br/> +And shroud thee in the robe I wrought so fair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fain with the busy loom to soothe an old wife's care! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Where shall I follow thee? Thy corpse defiled,<br/> +Thy mangled limbs—where are they? Woe is me!<br/> +Is this then all of what was once my child?<br/> +Was it for this I roamed the land and sea?<br/> +Pierce <i>me</i>, Rutulians; hurl your darts at me,<br/> +Me first, if ye a mother's love can know.<br/> +Great Sire of Heaven, have pity! set me free.<br/> +Hurl with thy bolt to Tartarus below +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +This hateful head, that longs to quit a world of woe!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So wails the mother, weeping and undone,<br/> +And sorrow smites each warrior, as he hears,<br/> +Each groaning, as a father for his son.<br/> +Grief runs, like wildfire, through the Trojan peers,<br/> +And numbs their courage, and augments their fears.<br/> +Then, fain the spreading sorrow to allay,<br/> +Ilioneus and Iulus, bathed in tears<br/> +Call Actor and Idæus; gently they +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The aged dame lift up, and to her home convey. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line577"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now terribly the brazen trumpet pealed<br/> +Its summons, and the war-shout rent the air.<br/> +On press the Volscians, locking shield to shield,<br/> +And fill the trenches, and the breastwork tear.<br/> +These plant their ladders for assault, where'er<br/> +A gap, just glimmering, shows the line less dense.<br/> +Vain hope! the Teucrians with their darts are there.<br/> +Stout poles they ply, and thrust them from the fence, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Trained by a lingering siege, and tutored to defence. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Stones, too, they roll, to crush the serried shields:<br/> +Blithely the warriors bear the storm below,<br/> +Yet not for long; for, see, the penthouse yields.<br/> +Down on the midst, where thickest press the foe,<br/> +The Teucrians, rolling, with a crash let go<br/> +A ponderous mass, that opens to the light<br/> +The jointed shields, and lays the warriors low.<br/> +Nor care they longer in the dark to fight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +But vie with distant darts to sweep the rampart's height. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Pine-stock in hand, Mezentius hurls the flame;<br/> +There, fierce Messapus rends the palisade,—<br/> +Tamer of steeds, from Neptune's loins he came,—<br/> +And shouts aloud for ladders to invade.<br/> +Aid me, Calliope; ye Muses, aid<br/> +To sing of Turnus and his deeds that day,<br/> +The deaths he wrought, the havoc that he made,<br/> +And whom each warrior singled for his prey; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Roll back the war's great scroll, the mighty leaves display. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line604"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Built high, with lofty gangways, stood a tower,<br/> +Fit post of vantage, which the Latins vied,<br/> +With utmost effort and with all their power,<br/> +To capture and destroy, while armed inside<br/> +With stones, the Trojans through the loopholes plied<br/> +Their missiles. Turnus, 'mid the foremost, cast<br/> +A blazing brand, and, fastening to the side,<br/> +Up went the flame; from floor to floor it passed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Clung to and licked the posts, and maddened with the blast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Within 'twas hurrying and tumultuous fright,<br/> +As, crowding backward, they retreat before<br/> +The advancing flames, and vainly long for flight.<br/> +Lo! toppling suddenly, the tower went o'er,<br/> +And shook the wide air with reverberant roar.<br/> +Half-dead, the huge mass following amain,<br/> +They come to earth, stabbed by the darts they bore,<br/> +Or pierced by splinters through the breast. Scarce twain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Escape—Helenor one, and Lycus—from the slain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Of these Helenor,—whom to Lydia's lord<br/> +By stealth his slave, the fair Licymnia, bore,<br/> +And sent to Ilium, where a simple sword<br/> +And plain, white shield, yet unrenowned, he wore,—<br/> +He, when he sees, around him and before,<br/> +The Latin hosts, as when in fierce disdain,<br/> +Hemmed round by huntsmen, in his rage the boar<br/> +O'erleaps the spears, so, where the thickest rain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The foemen's darts, springs forth Helenor to be slain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But fleeter far, young Lycus hastes to slip<br/> +Through swords, through foes, and gains the walls, and tries<br/> +To climb them, and a comrade's hand to grip.<br/> +With foot and spear behind him, as he flies,<br/> +Comes Turnus. Scornfully the victor cries,<br/> +"Mad fool! to fly, whom I have doomed to fall;<br/> +Think'st thou to baffle Turnus of his prize?"<br/> +Therewith he grasps him hanging, and withal +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Down with his victim drags huge fragments of the wall. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line640"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +E'en so some snowy swan, or timorous hare<br/> +<a href="#note9stanza72">Jove's armour-bearer,</a> swooping from the sky,<br/> +Grips in his talons, and aloft doth bear.<br/> +So, where apart the folded weanlings lie,<br/> +Swift at some lamb the warrior-wolf doth fly,<br/> +And leaves the mother, bleating in her woe.<br/> +Loud rings the noise of battle. With a cry<br/> +The foe press on; these fill the trench below, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +These to the topmost towers the blazing firebrands throw. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Ilioneus with a rock's huge fragment quelled<br/> +Lucetius, creeping to the gate below<br/> +With fire. Asylas Corynæus felled,<br/> +Liger Emathion, one skilled to throw<br/> +The flying dart, one famous with the bow.<br/> +Cænus—brief triumph!—made Ortygius fall,<br/> +With Dioxippus, Turnus lays him low,<br/> +Then Itys, Clonius, Promolus withal, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sagaris, and Idas last, the warder of the wall. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, slain by Capys, poor Privernus lay,<br/> +Grazed by Themilla's javelin; with a start<br/> +The madman flung his trusty shield away,<br/> +And clapped his left hand to the wounded part,<br/> +Fain, as he thought, to ease him of the smart.<br/> +Thereat, a light-winged arrow, unespied,<br/> +Whirred on the wind. It missed the warrior's heart,<br/> +But pierced his hand, and pinned it to his side, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, entering, clave the lung, and with a gasp he died. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line667"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With broidered scarf of Spanish crimson, stood<br/> +A comely youth, young Arcens was his name,<br/> +Sent by his father, from <a href="#note9stanza75">Symæthus'</a> flood,<br/> +And nurtured in his mother's grove, he came,<br/> +Where, rich and kind, Palicus' altars flame.<br/> +His lance laid by, thrice whirling round his head<br/> +The whistling thong, Mezentius took his aim.<br/> +Clean through his temples hissed the molten lead, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And prostrate in the dust, the gallant youth lay dead. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then first, 'tis said, in war Ascanius drew<br/> +His bow, wherewith in boyish days he plied<br/> +The flying game. His hand Numanus slew,<br/> +Called Remulus, to Turnus late allied,<br/> +For Turnus' youngest sister was his bride.<br/> +He, puffed with new-won royalty and proud,<br/> +Stalked in the forefront of the fight, and cried<br/> +With random clamour and big words and loud, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fain by his noise to show his grandeur to the crowd. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line685"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Think ye no shame, poor cowards, thus again<br/> +Behind your sheltering battlements to stand,<br/> +Twice-captured Phrygians! and to plant in vain<br/> +These walls, to shield you from the foemen's hand?<br/> +Lo, these the varlets who our wives demand!<br/> +What God, what madness blinded you, that e'er<br/> +Ye thought to venture to Italia's land?<br/> +No <a href="#note9stanza77">wily-worded Ithacan</a> is near; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Far other foes than he or Atreus' sons are here. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Our babes are hardened in the frost and flood,<br/> +Strong is the stock and sturdy whence we came.<br/> +Our boys from morn till evening scour the wood,<br/> +Their joy is hunting, and the steed to tame,<br/> +To bend the bow, the flying shaft to aim.<br/> +Patient of toil, and used to scanty cheer,<br/> +Our youths with rakes the stubborn glebe reclaim,<br/> +Or storm the town. Through life we grasp the spear. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +In war it strikes the foe, in peace it goads the steer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Age cannot stale, nor creeping years impair<br/> +Stout hearts as ours, nor make our strength decay.<br/> +Our hoary heads the heavy helmet bear.<br/> +Our joy is in the foray, day by day<br/> +To reap fresh plunder, and to live by prey.<br/> +Ye love to dance, and dally with the fair,<br/> +In saffron robes with purple flounces gay.<br/> +Your toil is ease, and indolence your care, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And tunics hung with sleeves, and ribboned coifs ye wear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line712"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Go Phrygian women, for ye are not men!<br/> +Hence, to your <a href="#note9stanza80">Dindymus,</a> and roam her heights<br/> +With Corybantian eunuchs! Get ye, then,<br/> +And hear the flute, harsh-grating, that invites<br/> +With twy-mouthed music to her lewd delights,<br/> +Where boxen pipe and timbrel from afar<br/> +Shriek forth the summons to her sacred rites.<br/> +Put by the sword, poor dotards as ye are, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Leave arms to men, like us, nor meddle with the war." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Such taunts Ascanius brooked not. Stung with pride,<br/> +A shaft he fitted to the horse-hair twine,<br/> +And, turning, stood with outstretched arms, and cried:<br/> +"Bless, Jove omnipotent, this bold design:<br/> +Aid me, and yearly offerings shall be thine.<br/> +A milk-white steer—I bind me to the vow—<br/> +Myself will lead, the choicest, to thy shrine,<br/> +Tall as his mother, and with gilded brow, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And butting horns, and hoofs, that spurn the sand e'en now." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Jove heard, and leftward, where the sky was blue,<br/> +Thundered aloud. At once the fateful bow<br/> +Twanged; with a whirr the fateful arrow flew,<br/> +And pierced the head of Remulus. "Now go,<br/> +And teach thy proud tongue to insult a foe,<br/> +And scoff at Trojan valour. <i>This</i> reply<br/> +Twice-captured Phrygians to thy taunts bestow."<br/> +Ascanius spoke; the Teucrians with a cry, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Press on, their joyous hearts uplifting to the sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile, Apollo from his cloudy car<br/> +The Ausonian host, and leaguered town descries,<br/> +And calls the youthful conqueror from afar:<br/> +"Hail to thy maiden prowess; yonder lies<br/> +Thy path, brave boy, to glory and the skies.<br/> +O sons of Gods, and sire of Gods to be,<br/> +All wars shall cease beneath the race to rise<br/> +From great Assaracus. Nor thine, nor thee +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shall narrow Troy contain; so stands the Fate's decree." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and through the breathing air shot down,<br/> +And sought Ascanius, now a god no more,<br/> +But shaped like aged Butes, whilom known<br/> +The servant of the Dardan king, who bore<br/> +Anchises' shield, and waited at his door,<br/> +Then left to guard Ascanius. Such in view<br/> +Apollo seemed; such clanging arms he wore;<br/> +Such were his hoary tresses, voice, and hue, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And these his words, as near the fiery youth he drew: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Enough, to live, and see Numanus bleed,<br/> +Child of Æneas! This, thy valour's due,<br/> +Great Phoebus grants, nor stints a rival's meed.<br/> +Now cease."—He spake, and vanished from their view.<br/> +His arms divine the Dardan chieftains knew,<br/> +And heard the quiver rattle in his flight.<br/> +So, warned by Phoebus' presence, back they drew<br/> +The fiery youth, then plunged into the fight. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Death seems a welcome risk, and danger a delight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line766"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Shouts fill the walls and outworks; casque and shield<br/> +Clash; bows are bent, and javelins hurled amain:<br/> +Fierce grows the fight, and weapons strew the field.<br/> +So fierce what time the <a href="#note9stanza86">Kid-star</a> brings the rain,<br/> +The storm, from westward rising, beats the plain:<br/> +So thick with hail, the clouds, asunder riven,<br/> +Pour down a deluge on the darkened main,<br/> +When Jove, upon his dreaded south-wind driven +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stirs up the watery storm, and rends the clouds of heaven. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line775"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Pandarus and Bitias, whom in Ida's grove<br/> +The nymph Iæra to Alcanor bare,<br/> +Tall as their mountains or the pines of Jove,<br/> +Fling back the gate committed to their care,<br/> +And bid the foemen enter, if they dare.<br/> +With waving plumes, and armed from top to toe,<br/> +In front, beside the gateway, stand the pair,<br/> +Tall as twin oaks, with nodding crests, that grow +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Where <a href="#note9stanza87">Athesis' sweet stream or Padus' waters</a> flow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Up rush the foemen to the open gate,<br/> +Quercens, Aquicolus, in armour bright,<br/> +Brave Hæmon, Tmarus, eager and elate,<br/> +In troops they come, in troops they turn in flight,<br/> +Or fall upon the threshold, slain outright.<br/> +Now fiercer swells the discord, louder grows<br/> +The noise of strife, as, hastening to unite,<br/> +The sons of Troy their banded ranks oppose, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And battle hand to hand and, sallying, charge the foes. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line793"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Elsewhere to Turnus, as he raged, and marred<br/> +The ranks, came tidings of the foe, elate<br/> +With new-wrought carnage, and the gates unbarred.<br/> +Forth from his work he rushes, grim with hate,<br/> +To seek the brothers, and the Dardan gate.<br/> +Here brave Antiphates, the first in view<br/> +(The bastard offspring of <a href="#note9stanza89">Sarpedon</a> great,<br/> +Borne by a <a href="#note9stanza89">Theban</a>) with his dart he slew; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Swift through the yielding air the Italian cornel flew. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Down through his throat into the chest it passed.<br/> +Out from the dark pit gushed a foaming tide;<br/> +The cold steel, warming in the lung, stood fast.<br/> +Then Merops, Erymas, Aphidnus died,<br/> +And Bitias, fierce with flaming eyes of pride.<br/> +No dart for him; no dart his life had ta'en.<br/> +A spear phalaric, thundering, pierced his side.<br/> +Nor bulls' tough hides, nor corselet's twisted chain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Twice linked with golden scales the monstrous blow sustain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line811"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Prone falls the giant in a heap. Earth groans,<br/> +His shield above him thunders. Such the roar,<br/> +When falls the solid pile of quarried stones,<br/> +Sunk in the sea off <a href="#note9stanza91">Baiæ's</a> echoing shore;<br/> +So vast the ruin, when the waves close o'er,<br/> +And the black sands mount upward, as the block,<br/> +Dashed headlong, settles on the deep-sea floor,<br/> +And <a href="#note9stanza91">Prochyta and Arime's</a> steep rock, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Piled o'er <a href="#note9stanza91">Typhoeus,</a> quake and tremble with the shock. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza92"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now Mars armipotent the Latins lends<br/> +Fresh heart and strength, but Fear and black Dismay<br/> +And Flight upon the Teucrian troops he sends.<br/> +From right and left they hurry to the fray,<br/> +And o'er each spirit comes the War-God's sway.<br/> +But when brave Pandarus saw his brother's fate,<br/> +And marked the swerving fortune of the day,<br/> +He set his broad-built shoulders to the gate; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +820 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The groaning hinges yield, and backward rolls the weight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza93"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Full many a friend without the camp he leaves,<br/> +Sore straitened in the combat; these, the rest,<br/> +Saved like himself, he rescues and receives.<br/> +Madman! who, blind to Turnus, as he pressed<br/> +Among them, made the dreaded foe his guest.<br/> +Fierce as a tiger in the fold, he preys.<br/> +Loud ring his arms; his helmet's blood-red crest<br/> +Waves wide; strange terrors from his eyes outblaze, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +829 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And on his dazzling shield the living lightning plays. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza94"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +That hated form, those giant limbs too plain<br/> +The Trojans see, and stand aghast with fear.<br/> +Then, fired with fury for his brother slain,<br/> +Forth leaping, shouts huge Pandarus with a jeer,<br/> +"No Queen Amata's bridal halls are here;<br/> +No Ardea this; around the camps the foe.<br/> +No flight for thee." He, smiling, calm of cheer,<br/> +"Come, if thou durst; full soon shall Priam know +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +838 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thou too hast found a new Achilles to thy woe." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza95"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake. Then Pandarus a javelin threw,<br/> +Cased in its bark, with hardened knots and dried.<br/> +The breezes caught the missile as it flew;<br/> +Saturnian Juno turned the point aside,<br/> +And fixed it in the gate. "Ha! bravely tried!<br/> +Not so <i>this</i> dart shalt thou escape; not so<br/> +Send I the weapon and the wound." He cried,<br/> +And, sword in hand, uprising to the blow, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +847 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Between the temples clave the forehead of his foe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza96"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The beardless cheeks, so fearful was the gash,<br/> +Gape wide. Aloud his clanging arms resound.<br/> +Earth groans beneath, as prone, amid the splash<br/> +Of blood and brains, he sprawls upon the ground,<br/> +And right and left hangs, severed by the wound,<br/> +His dying head. In terror, strewn afar,<br/> +The Trojans fly. Then, then had Turnus found<br/> +Time and the thought to burst the town-gate's bar, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +856 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +That day had seen the last of Trojans and the war. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza97"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But lust of death, and vengeance unappeased<br/> +Urged on the conqueror. Phalaris he slew,<br/> +Then hamstrung Gyges, and their javelins seized,<br/> +And hurled them at their comrades, as they flew,<br/> +For Juno nerved and strengthened him anew.<br/> +Here Halys fell, and hardy Phlegeus there,<br/> +Pierced through his shield. Alcander down he threw,<br/> +Prytanis, Noëmon, Halius unaware, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +865 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +As on the walls they stood, and roused the battle's blare. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza98"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Slain, too, was Lynceus, as he ran for aid,<br/> +Cheering his friends. Back-handed, with fierce sway,<br/> +His right knee bent, he swung the sweeping blade,<br/> +And head and helmet tumbled far away.<br/> +Fell Clytius, Amycus expert to slay<br/> +The wood-deer, and the venomed barb to wing,<br/> +And Creteus, too, who loved the minstrel's lay,<br/> +The Muses' friend, whose joy it was to sing +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +874 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of steeds, and arms and men, and wake the lyre's sweet string. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book9line883"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza99"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then meet at length, their kinsmen's slaughter known,<br/> +Brave Mnestheus, and Serestus fierce, and see<br/> +Their friends in flight, and foemen in the town.<br/> +Then Mnestheus cries: "Friends, whither would ye flee?<br/> +What other walls, what further town have we?<br/> +Shame on the thought, shall then a single foe,<br/> +One man alone, O townsmen! ay, and he<br/> +Cooped thus within your ramparts, work such woe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +883 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Such deaths—and unavenged? and lay your choicest low? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza100"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +C +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Is yours no pity, sluggard souls? no shame<br/> +For Troy's old gods, and for your native land,<br/> +And for the great Æneas, and his name?"<br/> +Fired by his words, they gather heart, and stand,<br/> +Shoulder to shoulder, rallying in a band.<br/> +Backward, but slowly he retreats, too proud<br/> +To turn, and seeks the ramparts hard at hand,<br/> +Girt by the stream; while, clamouring aloud, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +892 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fiercer the foe press on, and larger grows the crowd. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza101"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As when an angry lion, held at bay,<br/> +And pressed with galling javelins, half in fright,<br/> +But grim and glaring, step by step gives way,<br/> +Too wroth to turn, too valorous for flight,<br/> +And fain, but impotent, to wreak his spite<br/> +Against his armed assailants; even so,<br/> +Slowly and wavering, Turnus quits the fight,<br/> +Boiling with rage; yet twice he charged the foe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +901 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Twice round the walls in rout they fled before his blow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza102"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But now new hosts come swarming from the town,<br/> +Nor Juno dares his failing force to stay,<br/> +For Jove in wrath sent heavenly Iris down,<br/> +Stern threats to bear, should Turnus disobey,<br/> +And longer in the Trojan camp delay.<br/> +No more his shield, nor strength of hand avail<br/> +To ward the storm; so thick the javelins play.<br/> +Loud rings his helmet with the driving hail; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +910 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Rent with the volleyed stones, the solid brass-plates fail. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book9stanza103"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Reft are his plumes, and shattered by the blows<br/> +The shield-boss. Faster still the darts they pour,<br/> +And thundering Mnestheus towers amid his foes.<br/> +Trembling with pain, exhausted, sick, and sore,<br/> +He gasps for breath. Sweat streams from every pore,<br/> +And, black with dust, from all his limbs descends.<br/> +Headlong, at length, he plunges from the shore,<br/> +Clad all in arms. The yellow river bends, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +919 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And bears him, cleansed from blood, triumphant to his friends. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>BOOK TEN</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>The gods meet in council. Venus pleads for the Trojans, Juno for the +Latins. Jupiter as a compromise leaves the arbitrament to Fate +(<a href="#book10line1">1-153</a>). The siege of the Trojan camp continues. Æneas meanwhile +is sailing with his Arcadian and Tuscan allies down the Tiber +(<a href="#book10line154">154-207</a>). Catalogue of the helpers of Æneas, who is presently +warned by the nymphs in what peril Ascanius stands: comes in sight +of the camp and with difficulty lands his men (<a href="#book10line208">208-369</a>). A +hard-fought battle by the river follows, of which Pallas and Lausus +are the heroes (<a href="#book10line370">370-531</a>). Pallas is killed by Turnus in single combat +(<a href="#book10line532">532-603</a>). Æneas in revenge gives no quarter, but slays and slays, +until Juno, warned by Jupiter that if she would save Turnus even for +a time she must act at once, goes down into the battle and fashions +in the form of Æneas a phantom, which flees before Turnus and lures +him into a ship, by which he is miraculously carried away to his +father's city (<a href="#book10line604">604-838</a>). Mezentius takes up the command, but after +performing prodigies of valour is wounded by Æneas (<a href="#book10line838">839-954</a>). +Mezentius withdraws, and his son Lausus is killed while covering his +retreat. Thereupon Mezentius gets to horse and rides back to die in +a vain endeavour to avenge his son. Æneas exults over Mezentius +(<a href="#book10line955">955-1089</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book10line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile, at bidding of almighty Jove,<br/> +His palace, as <a href="#note10stanza1">Olympus'</a> gates unfold,<br/> +Stands open. To his starry halls above<br/> +The Sire of Gods and men, whose eyes behold<br/> +The wide-wayed earth, the Dardans' leaguered hold,<br/> +And Latium's peoples, from his throne of state<br/> +Convokes the council. Ranged on seats of gold<br/> +Around the halls, in silence they await. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Himself, in measured speech, begins the grand debate. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line10"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Heaven's great inhabitants, what change hath brewed<br/> +Rebellious thoughts, my purpose thus to mar?<br/> +'Twixt Troy and Italy I banned the feud;<br/> +My nod forbade it. Whence this impious jar?<br/> +What fear hath stirred them to provoke the war?<br/> +Fate in due course shall bring the destined hour,—<br/> +Foredate it not—<a href="#note10stanza2">when Carthage from afar</a><br/> +Her barbarous hordes through riven Alps shall pour, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To storm the towers of Rome, to ravage and devour. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Then may ye rend, and ravage and destroy,<br/> +Then may ye glut your vengeance. Now forbear,<br/> +And plight this peaceful covenant with joy."<br/> +Thus Jove; but Venus of the golden hair,<br/> +Less brief, made answer: "Lord of earth and air!<br/> +O Father! Power eternal! whom beside<br/> +We know none other, to approach with prayer,<br/> +See the Rutulians, how they swell with pride; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +See Turnus, puffed with triumph, borne upon the tide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line28"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Their very walls the Teucrians shield no more.<br/> +Within the gates, amid the mounds the fray<br/> +Is raging, and the trenches float with gore,<br/> +While, ignorant, Æneas is away.<br/> +Is theirs no rest from leaguer—not a day?<br/> +Again a threatening enemy hangs o'er<br/> +A new-born Troy! New foemen in array<br/> +Swarm from <a href="#note10stanza4">Ætolian Arpi,</a> and once more +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A <a href="#note10stanza4">son of Tydeus</a> comes, as dreadful as before. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ay, wounds are waiting for thine offspring still,<br/> +And mortal arms must vex her. List to me:<br/> +If maugre thee, and careless of thy will,<br/> +The Trojans sought Italia, let them be,<br/> +Nor aid them; let their folly reap its fee.<br/> +But if, oft called by many a warning sign<br/> +From Heaven and Hell, they followed thy decree,<br/> +Who then shall tamper with the doom divine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Or dare to forge new Fates, or alter words of thine? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line46"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Why tell of grievances in days forepast,<br/> +<a href="#note10stanza6">The vessels burnt on Eryx' distant shore,</a><br/> +The tempest's monarch, and the raging blast<br/> +Stirred in <a href="#note10stanza6">Æolia,</a> and the winds' uproar,<br/> +And Iris, heaven-sent messenger? Nay more,<br/> +From Hell's dark depths she summons her allies,<br/> +The ghosts of Hades, overlooked before.<br/> +Through Latin towns, sent sudden from the skies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +<a href="#note10stanza6">Alecto</a> wings her flight, and riots as she flies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"I reck not, I, of empire; once, indeed,<br/> +While fortune smiled, I hoped for it; but now<br/> +Theirs, whom thou choosest, be the victor's meed.<br/> +But if no land thy ruthless spouse allow<br/> +To Teucrian outcasts, hearken to me now:<br/> +O Father! by the latest hour of Troy,<br/> +By Ilion's smoking ruins, deign to show<br/> +Thy pity for Ascanius; spare my boy; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Safe let him cease from arms, my darling and my joy. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line64"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Let brave Æneas follow, as he may,<br/> +Where future leads, and wander on the brine.<br/> +<i>Him</i> shield, and let me snatch him from the fray.<br/> +<a href="#note10stanza8">Paphos, Cythera, Amathus</a> are mine,<br/> +And on <a href="#note10stanza8">Idalium</a> is my home and shrine:<br/> +There let him live, forgetful of renown,<br/> +And, deaf to fame, these warlike weeds resign;<br/> +Then let fierce Carthage press Ausonia down, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +For he and his no more shall vex the Tyrian town. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ah, what availed to 'scape the fight and flame,<br/> +And drain all dangers of the land and main,<br/> +If Teucrians seek on Latin soil to frame<br/> +Troy's towers anew? Far better to remain<br/> +There, on their country's ashes, on the plain<br/> +Where Troy once stood. Give, Father, I implore,<br/> +To wretched men their native streams again;<br/> +Their Xanthus and their Simois restore; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +There let them toil and faint, as Trojans toiled of yore." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, roused with rage, spake Juno: "Wherefore make<br/> +My lips break silence and lay bare my woe?<br/> +What God or man Æneas forced to take<br/> +The sword, and make the Latin King his foe?<br/> +Fate to Italia called him: be it so:<br/> +Driven by the frenzied prophetess of Troy.<br/> +Did we then bid him leave the camp, and throw<br/> +His life to fortune, ay, and leave a boy +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To rule the war, and Tuscan loyalty destroy, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And harass peaceful nations? Who was there<br/> +The God, and whose the tyranny to blame<br/> +For fraud like that? Where then was Juno? where<br/> +Was cloud-sent Iris? Sooth, ye count it shame<br/> +That Latins hedge the new-born Troy with flame,<br/> +And Turnus dares his native land possess,<br/> +Albeit from Pilumnus' seed he came,<br/> +And nymph Venilia. Is the shame then less, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +That Troy with foreign yoke should Latin fields oppress, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And rob their maidens of the love they vow,<br/> +And lift, and burn and ravage as they list,<br/> +Then plead for peace, with arms upon the prow?<br/> +Thy sheltering power Æneas can assist,<br/> +And cheat his foemen with an empty mist,<br/> +The warrior's counterfeit. At thy command<br/> +Ships change to sea-nymphs, and the flames desist.<br/> +And now, that we should stretch a friendly hand, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And lend Rutulians aid, an infamy ye brand. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thy chief is absent, absent let him be.<br/> +He knows not: let him know not. Do I care?<br/> +What is Æneas' ignorance to me?<br/> +Thou hast thy Paphos, and Idalium fair,<br/> +And bowers of high Cythera; get thee there.<br/> +Why seek for towns with battle in their womb,<br/> +And beard a savage foeman in his lair?<br/> +Wrought we the wreck, when Ilion sank in gloom, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +We, or the hands that urged poor Trojans to their doom? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line118"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Was I <a href="#note10stanza14">the robber,</a> who the war begun,<br/> +Whose theft in arms two continents arrayed,<br/> +When Europe clashed with Asia? I the one,<br/> +Who led the Dardan leman on his raid,<br/> +To storm the chamber of the Spartan maid?<br/> +Did I with lust the fatal strife sustain,<br/> +And fan the feud, and lend the Dardans aid?<br/> +<i>Then</i> had thy fears been fitting; now in vain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thy taunts are hurled; too late thou risest to complain." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So pleaded Juno: the immortals all<br/> +On this and that side murmured their assent,<br/> +As new-born gales, that tell the coming squall,<br/> +Caught in the woods, their mingled moanings vent.<br/> +Then thus began the Sire omnipotent,<br/> +Who rules the universe, and as he rose,<br/> +Hush'd was the hall; Earth shook; the firmament<br/> +Was silent; whist was every wind that blows, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And o'er the calm deep spread the stillness of repose. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Now hearken all, and to my words give heed.<br/> +Since naught avails this discord to allay,<br/> +And peace is hopeless, let the war proceed.<br/> +Trojans, Rutulians—each alike this day<br/> +Must carve his hopes and fortune as he may.<br/> +Fate, blindness, crooked counsels—whatso'er<br/> +Holds Troy in leaguer, equally I weigh<br/> +The chance of all, nor would Rutulians spare. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +For each must toil and try, till Fate the doom declare." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and straightway, to confirm his word,<br/> +Invoked his brother, and the Stygian flood,<br/> +The pitchy whirlpool, and the banks abhorr'd,<br/> +Then bent his brow, and with his awful nod<br/> +Made all Olympus tremble at the god.<br/> +So ceased the council. From his throne of state,<br/> +All golden, he arose, and slowly trod<br/> +The courts of Heaven. The powers celestial wait +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Around their sovereign Lord, and lead him to the gate. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line154"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now, fire in hand, and burning to destroy,<br/> +The fierce Rutulians still the siege maintain.<br/> +Pent in their ramparts stay the sons of Troy,<br/> +Hopeless of flight, and line the walls in vain,<br/> +A little band, but all that now remain.<br/> +Thymoetes, son of Hicetaon bold,<br/> +Asius, the son of Imbrasus, the twain<br/> +Assaraci, Castor and Thymbris old, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +These, battling in the van, the desperate strife uphold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next stand the brethren of Sarpedon slain,<br/> +Claros and Themon,—braver Lycians none.<br/> +There, with a rock's huge fragment toils amain<br/> +Lyrnessian Acmon, famous Clytius' son,<br/> +Menestheus' brother, nor less fame he won.<br/> +Hot fares the combat; from the walls these fling<br/> +The stones, and those the javelins. Each one<br/> +Toils to defend; these blazing firebrands bring, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And fetch the flying shafts, and fit them to the string. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There too, bare-headed, in the midst is seen<br/> +Fair Venus' care, the Dardan youth divine,<br/> +Bright as a diamond, or the lustrous sheen<br/> +Of gems, that, set in yellow gold, entwine<br/> +The neck, or sparkling on the temples shine.<br/> +So gleams the ivory, inlaid with care<br/> +In chest of terebinth, or boxwood scrine;<br/> +And o'er his milk-white neck and shoulders fair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Twined with the pliant gold, streams down the warrior's hair. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line181"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, too, brave <a href="#note10stanza21">Ismarus,</a> the nations see,<br/> +Scattering the poisoned arrows from thy hands;<br/> +A gallant knight, and born of high degree<br/> +In far <a href="#note10stanza21">Mæonia,</a> where his golden sands<br/> +<a href="#note10stanza21">Pactolus</a> rolls along the fruitful lands.<br/> +There he, whom yesterday the voice of fame<br/> +Raised to the stars, the valiant Mnestheus stands,<br/> +Who drove fierce Turnus from the camp with shame; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +There, Capys, he who gave the <a href="#note10stanza21">Capuan town</a> its name. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thus all day long both armies toiled and fought.<br/> +And now, at midnight, o'er the deep sea fares<br/> +Æneas. By Evander sent, he sought<br/> +The Tuscan camp. To Tarchon he declares<br/> +His name and race, the aid he asks and bears,<br/> +The friends Mezentius gathers to the fray,<br/> +And Turnus' violence; then warns, with prayers,<br/> +Of Fortune's fickleness. No more delay: +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Brave Tarchon joins his power, and strikes a league straightway. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line199"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So, free of Fate, Heaven's mandate they obey,<br/> +And Lydians, with a foreign leader, plough<br/> +The deep; Æneas' vessel leads the way.<br/> +Sweet Ida forms the figure-head; below,<br/> +The Phrygian <a href="#note10stanza23">lions</a> ramp upon the prow.<br/> +Here sits Æneas, thoughtful, on the stern,<br/> +For war's dark chances cloud the chieftain's brow.<br/> +There, on his left, sits Pallas, and in turn +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Now cons the stars, now seeks the wanderer's woes to learn. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line208"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now open <a href="#note10stanza24">Helicon;</a> unlock the springs,<br/> +Ye Goddesses. Strike up the noble stave,<br/> +And sing what hosts from Tuscan shores he brings,<br/> +What ships he arms, and how they cross the wave.<br/> +First, Massicus with brazen Tiger clave<br/> +The watery plain. With him from <a href="#note10stanza24">Clusium</a> go,<br/> +And <a href="#note10stanza24">Cosæ's</a> town, a hundred, tried and brave;<br/> +Deft archers, well the deadly craft they know. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Light from their shoulders hang the quiver and the bow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line217"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With blazoned troops came Abas, gaunt and grim.<br/> +Golden Apollo on the stern he bore.<br/> +Six hundred <a href="#note10stanza25">Populonia</a> gave to him,<br/> +All trained to battle, and three hundred more<br/> +Sent <a href="#note10stanza25">Ilva,</a> rich in unexhausted ore.<br/> +Third came Asylas, who the voice divine<br/> +Expounds to man, and kens, with prescient lore,<br/> +The starry sky, the hearts of slaughtered kine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The voices of the birds, the lightning's warning sign. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +A thousand from Alphæus' Tuscan town<br/> +Of Pisa, with him to the war proceed,<br/> +In bristling ranks, all spearmen of renown.<br/> +Next, Astur—comeliest Astur—clad in weed<br/> +Of divers hues, and glorying in his steed:<br/> +Three hundred men from ancient Pyrgos fare,<br/> +From Cære's home, from Minio's fruitful mead,<br/> +And they who breathe Gravisca's tainted air. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +One purpose fills them all, to follow and to dare. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line235"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nor would I leave thee, <a href="#note10stanza27">Cinyras,</a> untold,<br/> +Liguria's chief, nor, though a few were thine,<br/> +<a href="#note10stanza27">Cupavo.</a> Emblem of his sire of old,<br/> +The swan's white feathers on his helmet shine,<br/> +Thy fault, O Love. When <a href="#note10stanza27">Cycnus,</a> left to pine<br/> +For <a href="#note10stanza27">Phaëthon,</a> the poplar shades among,<br/> +Soothed his sad passion with the Muse divine,<br/> +Old age with hoary plumage round him clung; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Starward he soared from earth and, soaring up, still sung. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line244"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now comes his son, with his Ligurian bands,<br/> +Oaring their bark. A Centaur from the prow<br/> +Looms o'er the waves a-tiptoe, with his hands<br/> +A vast rock heaving, as in act to throw;<br/> +The long keel ploughs the furrowed deep below.<br/> +Next, from his home the gallant Ocnus came,<br/> +The son of Manto, who the Fates doth know,<br/> +Brave child of Tiber. He his mother's name +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And walls to <a href="#note10stanza28">Mantua</a> gave,—great Mantua, rich in fame, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line253"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +And rich in heroes, though diversely bred.<br/> +Three separate stems four-fold the state compose,<br/> +Herself, of Tuscan origin, the head.<br/> +Five hundred warriors, all Mezentius' foes,<br/> +And armed for vengeance, from her walls arose.<br/> +<a href="#note10stanza28">Mincius</a> in front, veiled in his sedges grey<br/> +(Fair stream, whose birth from sire Benacus flows),<br/> +Shines on the poop, and seaward points the way; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Swift speeds the bark of pine, with foemen for the fray. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Last, huge Aulestes, rising with his row<br/> +Of hundred oarsmen, beats the watery lea.<br/> +The lashed deeps boil; big Triton from the prow<br/> +Sounds his loud shell, that frights the sky-blue sea.<br/> +Waist-high, a man with human face is he;<br/> +All else, a fish; beneath his savage breast<br/> +The white foam roars before him.—Such to see,<br/> +Such, and so numerous was the host that pressed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Borne in their thirty ships, to succour Troy distrest. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Daylight had failed; to mid Olympus' gate<br/> +Bright Phoebe drove her nightly-wandering wain.<br/> +Tiller in hand, the good Æneas sate<br/> +And trimmed the sails, while trouble tossed his brain.<br/> +When lo! around him thronged the Sea-nymphs' train,<br/> +Whom kind Cybele changed from ships of wood<br/> +To rule, as goddesses, the watery main.<br/> +As many as late, with brazen beaks, had stood +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Linked to the shore, now swim in even line the flood. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Far off, their king the goddesses beheld<br/> +And danced around him joyously, and lo,<br/> +Cymodocea, who in speech excelled,<br/> +Clings to the stern; breast-high the nymph doth show;<br/> +Her left hand oars the placid deep below.<br/> +Then, "Watchest thou, Æneas, child divine?<br/> +Watch on," she cries, "and let the canvas go.<br/> +Behold us, sea-nymphs, once a grove of pine +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +On Ida's sacred crest, the Trojans' ships and thine. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"When on us late the false Rutulian pressed<br/> +With sword and flame, perforce, sweet life to save,<br/> +We broke our chains, and wander in thy quest.<br/> +Our shape the Mother, pitying, changed and gave<br/> +Immortal life, to spend beneath the wave.<br/> +Thy son, he stays in Latin leaguer pent;<br/> +Arcadian horsemen, with the Tuscans brave,<br/> +Hold tryst to aid. His troops hath Turnus sent, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Charged, with opposing arms, their succour to prevent. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Now rise, and when to-morrow's dawn shall shine,<br/> +Bid forth thy followers to arms. Be bold,<br/> +And take this shield, the Fire-King's gift divine,<br/> +Invincible, immortal, rimm'd with gold.<br/> +Next morn—so truly as the word is told—<br/> +Huge heaps of dead Rutulian foes shall view."<br/> +She spake; her hand, departing, loosed its hold,<br/> +And pushed the vessel; well the way she knew; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Swift as a dart it flies; the rest its flight pursue. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Wondering, Æneas pauses in amaze,<br/> +Yet hails the sign, and gladdens at the sight,<br/> +And, gazing on the vaulted skies, he prays,<br/> +"Mother of Heaven, whom Dindymus' famed height,<br/> +And tower-girt towns, and lions yoked delight,<br/> +Assist the Phrygians, and direct the fray.<br/> +Kind Goddess, prosper us, and speed aright<br/> +This augury." He ended, and the day +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Returning, climbed the sky, and chased the night away. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forthwith he calls his comrades to arise<br/> +And take fresh heart, and for the fight prepare.<br/> +Now, from the stern, the Dardans he espies,<br/> +Hemmed in their camp. Aloft his hands upbear<br/> +The burning shield. With shouts his Dardans tear<br/> +Heaven's concave. Hope with fury fires their veins.<br/> +Fast fly their darts, as when through darkened air<br/> +With clang and clamour the Strymonian cranes +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stream forth, the signal given, from winter's winds and rains. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line325"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then lost in wonderment, the foemen stand,<br/> +Till, looking round, they see the watery ways<br/> +A sea of ships, all crowding to the land,<br/> +The flaming crest, the helmet all ablaze,<br/> +The golden shield-boss, with its lightning rays.<br/> +As when a comet, bright with blazing hair,<br/> +Its blood-red beams athwart the night displays,<br/> +Or <a href="#note10stanza37">Sirius,</a> rising, with its baleful glare +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Brings pestilence and drought, and saddens all the air. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Yet quails not Turnus; still his hopes are high<br/> +To seize the shore, and keep them from the land.<br/> +Now cheering, and now chiding, rings his cry<br/> +"Lo, here—'tis here, the battle ye demand.<br/> +Up, crush them; war is in the warrior's hand.<br/> +Think of your fathers and their deeds of old,<br/> +Your homes, your wives. Forestall them on the strand,<br/> +Now, while they totter, while the foot's faint hold +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Slips on the shelving beach. Fair Fortune aids the bold." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, he ponders inly, whom to choose<br/> +To mind the siege, and whom the foe to meet.<br/> +By planks meanwhile Æneas lands his crews.<br/> +Some wait until the languid waves retreat,<br/> +Then, leaping, to the shallows trust their feet;<br/> +Some vault with oars. Brave Tarchon marks, quick-eyed,<br/> +A sheltered spot, where neither surf doth beat,<br/> +Nor breakers roar, but smooth the waters glide, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And up the sloping shore unbroken swells the tide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Here suddenly he bids them turn the prow,<br/> +And shouts aloud, "Now, now, my chosen band,<br/> +Lean to your oars; strive lustily and row.<br/> +Lift the keel onward, till it cleaves the strand,<br/> +And ploughs its furrow in the foeman's land.<br/> +Let the bark break, with such a haven here<br/> +What harm, if once upon the shore we stand?"<br/> +So Tarchon spake; his comrades, with a cheer, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Rise on the smooth-shaved thwarts, and sweep the foaming mere. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So, one by one, they gain the land, and, whole<br/> +And scatheless, on the Latin shore abide.<br/> +All safe but Tarchon. Dashed upon a shoal,<br/> +Long on a rock's unequal ridge astride,<br/> +In doubtful balance swayed from side to side,<br/> +His vessel hangs, and back the waves doth beat,<br/> +Then breaks, and leaves them tangled in the tide<br/> +'Twixt planks and oars, while, ebbing to retreat, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The shrinking waves draw back, and wash them from their feet. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line370"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nor loiters Turnus; eager to attack,<br/> +Along the shore he marshals his array,<br/> +To meet the foe, and drive the Teucrians back.<br/> +The trumpet sounds: the Latin churls straightway<br/> +Æneas routs, first omen of the day,<br/> +Huge Theron slain, their mightiest, who in pride<br/> +Of strength, rushed forth and dared him to the fray.<br/> +Through quilted brass the Dardan sword he plied, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Through tunic stiff with gold, and pierced th' unguarded side. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lichas he smites, who vowed his infant life,<br/> +Ripped from his mother, dying in her pain,<br/> +To Phoebus, freed from perils of the knife.<br/> +Huge Gyas, brawny Cisseus press the plain,<br/> +As, club in hand, they strew the Tuscan train.<br/> +Naught now avail those stalwart arms, that plied<br/> +The weapons of Alcides; all in vain<br/> +They boast their sire Melampus, comrade tried +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of Hercules, while earth his toilsome tasks supplied. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lo, full at Pharus, in his bawling mouth<br/> +He plants a dart. Thou, Cydon, too, in quest<br/> +Of Clytius, blooming with the down of youth,<br/> +Thy latest joy, had'st laid thy loves to rest,<br/> +Slain by the Dardan; but around thee pressed<br/> +Old Phorcus' sons. Seven brethren bold are there,<br/> +Seven darts they throw. These helm and shield arrest,<br/> +Those, turned aside by Venus' gentle care +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Just graze the Dardan's frame, and, grazing, glance in air. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then cried Æneas to Achates true,<br/> +"Quick, hand me store of weapons; none in vain<br/> +This arm shall hurl at yon Rutulian crew,<br/> +Not one of all that whilom knew the stain<br/> +Of Argive blood upon the Trojan plain."<br/> +So saying, he snatched, and in a moment threw<br/> +His mighty spear, that, hurtling, rent in twain<br/> +The brazen plates of Mæon's shield, and through +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The breastplate pierced the breast, nor faltered as it flew. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Up ran, and raised his brother, as he lay,<br/> +Alcanor. Shrill another javelin sung,<br/> +And pierced his arm, and, reddening, held its way,<br/> +And from his shoulders by the sinews hung<br/> +The dying hand. Then straight, the dart outwrung,<br/> +His brother Numitor the barb let fly<br/> +Full at Æneas. In his face he flung,<br/> +But failed to smite. The weapon, turned awry, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Missed the intended mark, and grazed Achates' thigh. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Up Clausus came, of Cures, in the pride<br/> +Of youth. His stark spear, urged with forceful sway,<br/> +Through Dryops' throat, beneath the chin, he plied,<br/> +And voice and life forsook him, as he lay,<br/> +Spewing thick gore, his forehead in the clay.<br/> +Three Thracians next, three sons of Idas bleed.<br/> +Ismarians these. Halæsus to the fray<br/> +Brings his Auruncan bands, and Neptune's seed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Messapus, too, comes up, the tamer of the steed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Each side strives hard the other's ground to win.<br/> +E'en on Ausonia's threshold raves the fray.<br/> +As in the broad air warring winds begin<br/> +The battle, matched in strength and rage, nor they,<br/> +The winds themselves, nor clouds nor sea give way,<br/> +All locked in strife, and struggling as they can,<br/> +And long in doubtful balance hangs the day,<br/> +So meet the ranks, and mingle in the van, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And foot clings close to foot, and man is massed with man. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Where, in another quarter, stones and trees,<br/> +Torn from its banks, a torrent at its height<br/> +Had strewn with wide-wrought ravage, Pallas sees<br/> +His brave Arcadians break the ranks of fight,<br/> +And turn before their Latin foes in flight.<br/> +Strange to foot-combat, from his trusty horse<br/> +The rough ground lured each rider to alight.<br/> +Now with entreaties—'tis his last resource— +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And now with bitter words he fires their flagging force. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Shame on ye, comrades! whither do ye run?<br/> +By your brave deeds, and by the name ye bear,<br/> +And great Evander's, by the wars ye won,<br/> +By these my hopes, which even now bid fair<br/> +E'en with my father's honours to compare.<br/> +Trust not your feet; the sword, the sword must hew<br/> +A pathway through the foemen. See, 'tis there,<br/> +Where foes press thickest, and our friends are few, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Our noble country calls for Pallas and for you. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"No gods assail us; mortals fight to-day<br/> +With mortals. Lives as many as theirs have we,<br/> +As many hands, to match them in the fray.<br/> +Earth fails for flight, and yonder lies the sea.<br/> +Seaward or Troyward—whither shall we flee?"<br/> +So saying, he plunged amid the throng. First foe,<br/> +Fell Lagus, doomed an evil fate to dree.<br/> +Him, toiling hard a ponderous stone to throw, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Between the ribs and spine a whistling dart laid low. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Scarce from his marrow could the victor tear<br/> +The steel, so tightly clung it to the bone.<br/> +Forth Hisbo leaped, to smite him unaware.<br/> +Rash hope! brave Pallas caught him, rushing on,<br/> +And through the lung his sword a passage won.<br/> +Then Sthenius he slew; beside him bled<br/> +Anchemolus, of Rhoetus' stock the son,<br/> +The lewd defiler of his stepdame's bed. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fate stopped his lewdness now, and stretched him with the dead. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Ye, too, young Thymber and Larides fair,<br/> +Twin sons of Daucus, did the victor quell.<br/> +So like in form and features were the pair,<br/> +That e'en their doting parents failed to tell<br/> +This one from that. Alas! the sword too well<br/> +Divides them now. Here, tumbled on the sward,<br/> +At one fierce swoop, the head of Thymber fell.<br/> +Thy severed hand, Larides, seeks its lord; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The fingers, half alive and quivering, clutch the sword. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Fired by his words, his deeds the Arcadians view,<br/> +And shame and anger arm them to the fray.<br/> +Rhoeteus, as past his two-horsed chariot flew<br/> +He pierced,—'twas Ilus Pallas meant to slay,<br/> +And Ilus gained that moment of delay.<br/> +Rhoeteus, in flight from Teuthras and from thee,<br/> +His brother Tyres, met the spear midway.<br/> +Down from his chariot in the dust rolled he, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, dying, with his heels beat the Rutulian lea. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As when a shepherd, on a summer's day,<br/> +The wished-for winds arising, hastes to cast<br/> +The flames amid the stubble: far away,<br/> +The mid space seized, the line of fire runs fast<br/> +From field to field, and broadens with the blast:<br/> +And, sitting down, the victor from a height<br/> +Surveys the triumph, as the flames rush past.<br/> +So all Arcadia's chivalry unite, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And round thee, Pallas, throng, and aid thee in the fight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But lo, from out the foemen's ranks, athirst<br/> +For battle, fierce Halesus charged, and drew<br/> +His covering shield before him. Ladon first,<br/> +Then Pheres, then Demodocus he slew.<br/> +Next, at his throat as bold Strymonius flew,<br/> +The glittering falchion severed at a blow<br/> +The lifted hand. At Thoas' face he threw<br/> +A stone, that smashed the forehead of his foe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And bones, and blood, and brains the spattered earth bestrow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Halesus, when a boy, in woods concealed,<br/> +His sire, a seer, had reared with tender care.<br/> +But soon as death the old man's eyes had sealed,<br/> +Fate marked the son for the Evandrian spear.<br/> +Him Pallas sought; "O Tiber!" was his prayer,<br/> +"True to Halesus let this javelin go.<br/> +His arms and spoils thy sacred oak shall bear."<br/> +'Twas heard: Halesus, shielding from the foe +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Imaon, leaves his breast unguarded to the blow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Firm Lausus stands, bearing the battle's brunt,<br/> +Nor lets Halesus' death his friends dismay.<br/> +Dead falls the first who meets him front to front,<br/> +Brave Abas, knot and holdfast of the fray.<br/> +Down go Arcadia's chivalry that day,<br/> +Down go the Etruscans, and the Teucrians, those<br/> +Whom Grecian conquerors had failed to slay.<br/> +Man locked with man, amid the conflict's throes, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With strength and leaders matched, the rival armies close. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +On press the rearmost, crowding on the van,<br/> +So thick, that neither hand can stir, nor spear<br/> +Be wielded; each one struggles as he can.<br/> +Here Pallas, there brave Lausus, charge and cheer,<br/> +Two foes, in age scarce differing by a year.<br/> +Both fair of form. Stern Fate to each forbade<br/> +His home return. But Jove allowed not here<br/> +A meeting; he who great Olympus swayed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Awhile for mightier foes their destined doom delayed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line532"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Warned by his gracious sister, Turnus flies<br/> +To take the place of Lausus. Driving through<br/> +The ranks, "Stand off," he shouts to his allies,<br/> +"I fight with Pallas; Pallas is my due.<br/> +Would that his sire were here himself to view!"<br/> +All clear the field. Then, pondering with surprise<br/> +The proud command, as back the crowd withdrew,<br/> +The youth, amazed at Turnus, rolls his eyes +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And scans his giant foe, and thus in scorn replies: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Or kingly spoils shall make me famed to-day,<br/> +Or glorious death. Whatever end remain,<br/> +My sire can bear it. Put thy threats away."<br/> +Then forth he stepped; cold horror chills his train.<br/> +Down from his car, close combat to darrain,<br/> +Leapt Turnus. As a lion, who far away<br/> +Has marked a bull, that butts the sandy plain<br/> +For battle, springs to grapple with his prey; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So dreadful Turnus looks, advancing to the fray. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Him, deemed within his spear-throw, undismayed<br/> +The youth prevents, if chance the odds should square,<br/> +And aid his daring. To the skies he prayed,<br/> +"O thou, my father's guest-friend, wont whilere<br/> +A stranger's welcome at his board to share,<br/> +Aid me, Alcides, prosper my emprise;<br/> +Let Turnus fall, and, falling, see me tear<br/> +His blood-stained arms, and may his swooning eyes +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Meet mine, and bear the victor's image, when he dies." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Alcides heard, and, stifling in his breast<br/> +A deep groan, poured his unavailing grief.<br/> +Whom thus the Sire with kindly words addressed:<br/> +"Each hath his day; irreparably brief<br/> +Is mortal life, and fading as the leaf.<br/> +'Tis valour's part to bid it bloom anew<br/> +By deeds of fame. Dead many a godlike chief,<br/> +Dead lies my son Sarpedon. Turnus too +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +His proper Fates demand; his destined hour is due." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, he turned, and shunned the scene of death.<br/> +Forth Pallas hurled the spear with all his might,<br/> +And snatched the glittering falchion from the sheath.<br/> +Where the shield's top just matched the shoulders' height,<br/> +Clean through the rim, the javelin winged its flight,<br/> +And grazed the flesh. Then Turnus, poising slow<br/> +His oakbeam, tipt with iron sharp and bright,<br/> +Took aim, and, hurling, shouted to his foe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +"See, now, if this my lance can deal a deadlier blow." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and through the midmost shield, o'erlaid<br/> +With bull-hide, brass, and iron, welded hard,<br/> +Whizzed the keen javelin, nor its course delayed,<br/> +But pierced the broad breast through the corslet's guard.<br/> +He the warm weapon, in the wound embarred,<br/> +Wrenched, writhing in his agony; in vain;<br/> +Out gushed the life and life-blood. O'er him jarred<br/> +His clanging armour, as he rolled in pain. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Dying, with bloody mouth he bites the hostile plain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then Turnus, standing o'er the dead, "Go to,<br/> +Arcadians, hear and let Evander know,<br/> +I send back Pallas, handled as was due.<br/> +If aught of honour can a tomb bestow,<br/> +If earth's cold lap yield solace to his woe,<br/> +I grant it. Dearly will his Dardan guest<br/> +Cost him, I trow." Then, trampling on the foe,<br/> +His left foot on the lifeless corpse he pressed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And tore the ponderous belt in triumph from his breast; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line595"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The belt, whereon the tale of guilt was told,—<br/> +The wedding night, the couches smeared with gore,<br/> +<a href="#note10stanza67">The bridegrooms slain</a>—which Clonus in the gold,<br/> +The son of Eurytus, had grav'n of yore,<br/> +And Turnus now, exulting, seized and wore.<br/> +Vain mortals! triumphing past bounds to-day,<br/> +Blind to to-morrow's destiny. The hour<br/> +Shall come, when gold in plenty would he pay +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ne'er Pallas to have touched, and curse the costly prey. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line604"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With tears his comrades lifted from the ground<br/> +Dead Pallas; groaning, on his shield they bore<br/> +Him homeward, and the bitter wail went round.<br/> +"O grief! O glory! fall'n to rise no more!<br/> +Thus back we bring thee, thus the son restore!<br/> +One day to battle gave thee, one hath ta'en,<br/> +Victor and vanquished in the self-same hour!<br/> +Yet fall'n with honour, for behind thee slain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Heaps of Rutulian foes thou leavest on the plain!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Sure tidings to Æneas came apace,—<br/> +'Twas no mere rumour—of his friends in flight;<br/> +Time pressed for help, death stared them in the face.<br/> +Sweeping his foes before him, left and right<br/> +He mows a passage through the ranks of fight.<br/> +Thee, haughty Turnus, thee he burns to find,<br/> +Hot with new blood, and glorying in thy might.<br/> +The sire, the son, the welcome warm and kind, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The feast, the parting grasp—all crowd upon his mind. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Eight youths alive he seizes for the pyre,<br/> +Four, sons of Sulmo, four, whom Ufens bred,<br/> +Poor victims, doomed to feed the funeral fire,<br/> +And pour their blood in quittance for the dead.<br/> +Then from afar a bitter shaft he sped<br/> +At Magus. Warily he stoops below<br/> +The quivering steel, that whistles o'er his head,<br/> +And, like a suppliant, crouching to his foe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Clings to Æneas' knees, and cries in words of woe: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O by the promise of thy youthful heir,<br/> +By dead Anchises, pity, I implore,<br/> +My son, my father; for their sakes forbear.<br/> +Rich is my house, its cellars heaped with store<br/> +Of gold, and silver talents by the score.<br/> +'Tis not my doom, that shall the day decide.<br/> +If Trojans win, one foeman's life the more<br/> +Mars not the triumph, nor can turn the tide." +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thus he, and thus in scorn the Dardan chief replied: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"The treasures that thou vauntest, let them be.<br/> +Thy gold, thy silver, and thy hoarded gain<br/> +Spare for thy children, for they bribe not me.<br/> +Since Pallas fell by Turnus' hand, 'twere vain<br/> +To think thy pelf will traffic for the slain,<br/> +So deems my son, so deems Anchises' shade."<br/> +He spake, and with his left hand grasped amain<br/> +His helmet. Even as the suppliant prayed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hilt-deep, the neck bent back, he drove the shining blade. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line649"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Hard by, the son of Hæmon there was seen,<br/> +Apollo's priest and <a href="#note10stanza73">Trivia's,</a> all aglow<br/> +In robe and armour of resplendent sheen,<br/> +The holy ribboned chaplet on his brow.<br/> +Him, met, afield he chases, lays him low,<br/> +And o'er him, like a storm-cloud, dark as night,<br/> +Stands, hugely shadowing the fallen foe:<br/> +And back Serestus bears his armour bright, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +A trophy, vowed to thee, <a href="#note10stanza73">Gradivus,</a> lord of fight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then Cæculus, to Vulcan's race allied,<br/> +And Marsian Umbro, rally 'gainst the foe<br/> +The wavering ranks. The Dardan on his side<br/> +Still rages. First from Anxur with a blow<br/> +His sword the shield-arm and the shield laid low.<br/> +Big things had Anxur boasted, empty jeers,<br/> +And deemed his valour with his vaunts would grow:<br/> +Perchance, with spirit lifted to the spheres, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hoar hairs he looked to see, and length of peaceful years. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Sheathed in bright arms, proud Tarquitus in scorn,<br/> +Whom Dryope the nymph, if fame be true,<br/> +To Faunus, ranger of the woods, had borne,<br/> +Leaped forth, and at the fiery Dardan flew.<br/> +He, drawing back his javelin, aimed and threw.<br/> +And through the cuirass and the ponderous shield<br/> +Pinned him. Then, vainly as he strove to sue,<br/> +Much pleading, even while the suppliant kneeled. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lopt off, the lifeless head went rolling on the field. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +His reeking trunk the victor in disdain<br/> +Spurns with his foot, and cries aloud, "Lie there,<br/> +Proud youth, and tell thy terrors to the slain.<br/> +No tender mother shall thy shroud prepare,<br/> +No father's sepulchre be thine to share.<br/> +Thy carrion corpse shall be the vultures' food,<br/> +And birds that batten on the dead shall tear<br/> +Thee piecemeal, and the fishes lick thy blood, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Drowned in the deep sea-gulfs, or drifting on the flood." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line685"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lucas, Antæus in the van were slain.<br/> +Here Numa, there the fair-haired Camers lay,<br/> +Great Volscens' son; full many a wide domain<br/> +Was his, and <a href="#note10stanza77">mute Amyclæ</a> owned his sway.<br/> +As when <a href="#note10stanza77">Ægeon,</a> hundred-armed, they say,<br/> +And hundred-handed, would the Sire withstand,<br/> +And fifty mouths, and fifty maws each way<br/> +Shot flames against Jove's thunder, and each hand +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Clashed on a sounding shield, or bared a glittering brand, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So raves Æneas, victor of the war,<br/> +His sword now warmed, and many a foeman dies.<br/> +Now at Niphæus, in his four-horse car<br/> +Breasting the battle, in hot haste he flies.<br/> +Scared stand the steeds, in terror and surprise,<br/> +So dire his gestures, as he strides amain,<br/> +So fierce his looks, so terrible his cries;<br/> +Then, turning, from his chariot on the plain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fling their ill-fated lord, and gallop to the main. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line703"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With two white steeds into the midmost dashed<br/> +Bold Lucagus and Liger, brethren twain.<br/> +Around him Lucagus his broad sword flashed<br/> +His brother wheeled the horses with the rein.<br/> +Fired at the sight, Æneas in disdain<br/> +Rushed on them, towering with uplifted spear.<br/> +"No steeds of Diomede, nor Phrygian plain,"<br/> +<a href="#note10stanza79">Cries Liger,</a> "nor Achilles' car are here. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +This field shall end the war, thy fatal hour is near." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So fly his words, but not in words the foe<br/> +Makes answer, but his javelin hurls with might.<br/> +As o'er the lash proud Lucagus bends low<br/> +To prick the steeds, and planting for the fight<br/> +His left foot forward, stands in act to smite,<br/> +Clean through the nether margin of his shield<br/> +The Dardan shaft goes whistling in its flight,<br/> +And thrills his groin upon the left. He reeled, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And from the chariot fell half-lifeless on the field. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then bitterly Æneas mocked him: "Lo,<br/> +Proud Lucagus! no lagging steeds have played<br/> +Thy chariot false, nor shadows of the foe<br/> +Deceived thy horses, and their hearts dismayed.<br/> +'Tis thou—thy leap has lost the car!" He said<br/> +And snatched the reins. The brother in despair<br/> +Slipped down, and spread his hapless hands, and prayed:<br/> +"O by thyself, great son of Troy, forbear; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +By those who bore thee such, have pity on my prayer." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +More would he, but Æneas: "Nay, not so<br/> +Thou spak'st erewhile. Die now, and take thy way,<br/> +And join thy brother, brotherlike, below."<br/> +Deep in the breast he stabbed him as he lay,<br/> +And bared the life's recesses to the day.<br/> +Such deaths the Dardan dealt upon the plain,<br/> +Like storm or torrent, full of rage to slay.<br/> +And now at length Ascanius and his train +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Burst forth, and leave their camp, long leaguered, but in vain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Great Jove meanwhile to Juno spake and said,<br/> +"Sweet spouse and sister, thou hast deemed aright,<br/> +'Tis Venus, sure, who doth the Trojans aid,<br/> +Not courage, strength and patience in the fight."<br/> +Then Juno meekly: "Dearest, why delight<br/> +With cruel words to vex me, sad with fear<br/> +And sick at heart? Had still my love the might<br/> +It had and should have; were I still so dear, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Not thou, with all thy power, should'st then refuse to hear, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But safe should Turnus from the fight once more<br/> +Return to greet old Daunus. Be it so,<br/> +And let him die, and shed his righteous gore<br/> +To glut the vengeance of his Teucrian foe,<br/> +Albeit his name celestial birth doth show,<br/> +Fourth in succession from Pilumnus, yea,<br/> +Though oft his hand thy sacred shrines below<br/> +Hath heaped his gifts." She ended, and straightway +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Brief answer made the Sire, who doth Olympus sway: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"If but a respite for the youth be sought,<br/> +A little time of tarrying, ere he die,<br/> +And thus thou read'st the purport of my thought,<br/> +Take then awhile thy Turnus; let him fly<br/> +And 'scape his present fates; thus far may I<br/> +Indulge thee. But if aught beneath thy prayer<br/> +Lie veiled of purpose or of hopes more high,<br/> +To change the war's whole aspect, then beware, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +For idle hopes thou feed'st, as empty as the air." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then She with tears: "What if thy heart should give<br/> +The pledge and promise, that thy lips disdain,<br/> +And Turnus by thy warrant still should live?<br/> +Now death awaits him guiltless, or in vain<br/> +I read the Fates. Ah! may I merely feign<br/> +An empty fear, and better thoughts advise<br/> +Thee—for thou can'st—to spare him and refrain!"<br/> +So saying, arrayed in storm-clouds, through the skies +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Down to Laurentum's camp and Ilian lines she flies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then straight the Goddess from a hollow cloud—<br/> +Strange sight to see!—a thin and strengthless shade<br/> +Shaped like the great Æneas, and endowed<br/> +With Dardan arms, and fixed the shield, and spread<br/> +The plume and crest as on his godlike head.<br/> +And empty words, a soulless sound, she gave,<br/> +And feigned the fashion of the warrior's tread.<br/> +Thus ghosts are said to glide above the grave; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thus oft delusive dreams the slumbering sense enslave. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Proud stalks the phantom, gladdening in the van,<br/> +With darts provokes him, and with words defies.<br/> +Forth rushed fierce Turnus, hurling as he ran<br/> +His whistling spear. The shadow turns and flies.<br/> +Then Turnus, glorying in his fancied prize,<br/> +"Where now, Æneas, from thy plighted bride?<br/> +The land thou soughtest o'er the deep, it lies<br/> +Here, and this hand shall give it thee." He cried, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And waved his glittering sword, and chased him, nor espied +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The winds bear off his triumph.—Hard at hand,<br/> +With steps let down and gangway ready laid,<br/> +Moored by the rocks, a vessel chanced to stand,<br/> +Which brave Osinius, Clusium's king, conveyed.<br/> +Here, as in haste, for shelter plunged the shade.<br/> +On Turnus pressed, and with a bound ascends<br/> +The lofty gangways, dauntless nor delayed.<br/> +The bows scarce reached, the rope Saturnia rends, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And down the refluent tide the loosened ship descends. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Loud calls Æneas for his absent foe,<br/> +And many a hero-body—all who dare<br/> +To meet him—hurries to the shades below.<br/> +No more the phantom lingers in his lair,<br/> +But, soaring, melts into the misty air.<br/> +Turnus a storm-wind o'er the deep sea blows.<br/> +Backward he looks, and of events unware,<br/> +And all unthankful to escape his foes. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Up to the stars of heaven his hand and voice he throws. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Great Sire, was I so guilty in thy sight,<br/> +To make thee deem such punishment my due?<br/> +Whence came I? Whither am I borne? What flight<br/> +Is this? and how do I return, and who?<br/> +Again Laurentum's city shall I view?<br/> +What of that band, who followed me, whom I—<br/> +Shame on me—left a shameful death to rue?<br/> +E'en now I see them scattered,—see them fly,— +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And see them fall; and hear the groans of those that die. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza92"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What am I doing? Where can Earth for me<br/> +Gape deep enough? Ye winds that round me roar,<br/> +Pity I crave, on rocks amid the sea—<br/> +'Tis Turnus, I, a willing prayer who pour—<br/> +Dash me this ship, or drive it on the shore,<br/> +'Mid ruthless shoals, where no Rutulian eyes<br/> +May see my shame, nor prying Fame explore."<br/> +Thus he, and, tost in spirit, as he cries, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +820 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +This plan and that in turn his wavering thoughts devise: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza93"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Madly to grasp the dagger in his hand,<br/> +And through his ribs drive home the naked blade,<br/> +Or plunge into the deep, and swim to land,<br/> +And, armed, once more the Teucrian foes invade.<br/> +Thrice, but in vain, each venture he essayed.<br/> +Thrice Heaven's high queen, in pity fain to save,<br/> +Held back the youth, and from his purpose stayed.<br/> +And borne along by favouring tide and wave, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +829 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +On to his father's town the level deep he clave. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line838"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza94"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Jove prompting, fierce Mezentius now the fight<br/> +Takes up, and charges at the Teucrian foes.<br/> +And, hurrying up, the Tuscan troops unite.<br/> +All against one—one only—these and those<br/> +Their gathered hate and crowding darts oppose.<br/> +Unmoved he stands, as when a rocky steep<br/> +In ocean, bare to every blast that blows,<br/> +Around whose base the savage waves upleap, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +838 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Braves all the threats of heaven, and buffets of the deep. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza95"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Hebrus he slew, from Dolichaon sprung,<br/> +Then Latagus, then Palmus, as he fled.<br/> +Full in the face of Latagus he flung<br/> +A monstrous stone, that stretched him with the dead.<br/> +Palmus, with severed hamstring, next he sped,<br/> +And rolled him helpless. Lausus takes his gear;<br/> +The shining crest he fits upon his head,<br/> +And dons the breastplate. 'Neath the conqueror's spear +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +847 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Phrygian Evanthes falls, and Paris' friend and peer, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza96"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Young Mimas, whom to Amycus that night<br/> +Theano bore, when, big with Ilion's bane,<br/> +Queen Hecuba brought Paris forth to light.<br/> +Now Paris sleeps upon his native plain,<br/> +But Mimas on a foreign shore is slain.<br/> +As when a wild-boar, hounded from the hill,<br/> +Who long on pine-clad Venulus hath lain,<br/> +Or in Laurentum's marish fed his fill, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +856 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Now in the toils caught fast, before his foes stands still, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza97"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +And snorts with rage, and rears his bristling back;<br/> +None dares approach him, but aloof they wait,<br/> +Safe-shouting, and with distant darts attack;<br/> +E'en so, of those who burn with righteous hate,<br/> +None dares against Mezentius try his fate.<br/> +But cries are hurled, and distant missiles plied,<br/> +While he, undaunted, but in desperate strait,<br/> +Gnashes his teeth, and from his shield's tough hide +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +865 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shakes off the darts in showers, and shifts from side to side. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza98"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +From ancient Corythus came Acron there,<br/> +A Greek, in exile from his half-won bride.<br/> +Him, dealing havoc in the ranks, elsewhere<br/> +Mezentius marked; the purple plumes he eyed,<br/> +The robe his loved one for her lord had dyed.<br/> +As when a lion, prowling to and fro,<br/> +Sore pinched with hunger, round the fold, hath spied<br/> +A stag tall-antlered, or a timorous roe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +874 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ghastly he grins, erect his horrid mane doth show; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza99"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Prone o'er his victim, to the flesh he clings,<br/> +And laps the gore; so, burning in his zeal,<br/> +The fierce Mezentius at his foemen springs.<br/> +Poor Acron falls, and earth with dying heel<br/> +Spurns, and the red blood stains the splintered steel.<br/> +Orodes fled; Mezentius marks his flight,<br/> +And scorns with lance a covert wound to deal,<br/> +But face to face confronts him in the fight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +883 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Courage, not craft, prevails, and might o'ermatches might. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza100"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +C +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With foot and spear upon him, "See," he cries,<br/> +"Their champion; see the great Orodes slain!"<br/> +All shout applause, but, dying, he replies,<br/> +"Strange foe, not long thy triumph shall remain;<br/> +Like fate awaits thee, on the self-same plain."<br/> +"Die!" said Mezentius, with a smile of spite,<br/> +"Jove cares for me," and plucked the shaft again.<br/> +Grim rest and iron slumber seal his sight; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +892 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The drooping eyelids close on everlasting night. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza101"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now Cædicus made great Alcathous fall,<br/> +Sacrator killed Hydaspes; Rapo too<br/> +Parthenius and Orses, strong and tall;<br/> +Messapus Clonius, whom his steed o'erthrew,<br/> +And, foot to foot, Lycaon's son he slew,<br/> +Brave Ericetes. Valerus with a blow<br/> +Felled Agis, Lycia' s warrior. Salius flew<br/> +At Thronius, but Nealces lays him low, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +901 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Skilled with the flying dart and far-deceiving bow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza102"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Stern Mars, impartial, weighs in equal scale<br/> +The mutual slaughter, and the ghastly fight<br/> +Raves, as in turn they perish or prevail,<br/> +Vanquished or victor, for none dreams of flight.<br/> +From Heaven the gods look pitying on the sight,<br/> +Such fruitless hate, such scenes of mortal woe.<br/> +Here Venus, there great Juno, filled with spite,<br/> +Sits watching. Pale Tisiphone below +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +910 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fierce amid thousands raves, and bids the discord grow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza103"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +His massive spear Mezentius, flown with pride,<br/> +Shakes in his fury, as he towers amain,<br/> +Like huge Orion, when with ample stride<br/> +He cleaves the deep-sea, where the Nereids reign,<br/> +And lifts his lofty shoulders o'er the main,<br/> +Or when, uprooting from the mountain head<br/> +An aged ash, he stalks along the plain,<br/> +And hides his forehead in the clouds; so dread +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +919 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mezentius clangs his arms, so terrible his tread. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza104"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Æneas marks him in the files of fight<br/> +Far off, and hastes to meet him in advance.<br/> +Dauntless he waits, collected in his might,<br/> +The noble foe, then, measuring at a glance<br/> +The space his arm can cover with the lance;<br/> +"May this right hand, my deity," cried he,<br/> +"And this poised javelin aid the doubtful chance.<br/> +The spoils, from this false pirate stript, to thee +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +928 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +My Lausus, I devote; his trophy shalt thou be." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza105"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, from far his whistling shaft he threw.<br/> +Wide glanced the missile, by the tough shield bent,<br/> +And finding famed Antores, as it flew,<br/> +'Twixt flank and bowels pierced a deadly rent.<br/> +He, friend of Hercules, from Argos sent,<br/> +With king Evander, 'neath Italian skies,<br/> +Had fixed his home. Alas! a wound unmeant<br/> +Hath laid him low. To heaven he lifts his eyes, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +937 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And of sweet Argos dreams, his native land, and dies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza106"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +His javelin then the good Æneas cast;<br/> +Flying it pierced the hollow disk, and through<br/> +The plates of brass, thrice welded firm and fast,<br/> +And linen folds, and triple bull-hides flew,<br/> +And in the groin, with failing force but true,<br/> +Lodged deep. At once Æneas, for his eye<br/> +Glistens with joy, the Tuscan's blood to view,<br/> +His trusty sword unfastening from his thigh, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +946 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Springs at the faltering foe, and bids Mezentius die. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book10line955"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza107"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Love for his sire stirred Lausus, and the tears<br/> +Rolled down, and heavily he groaned. Thy fate,<br/> +Brave youth! thy prowess, if the far-off years<br/> +Shall give due credence to a deed so great,<br/> +My verse at least shall spare not to relate.<br/> +While backward limped Mezentius, spent and slow,<br/> +His shield still cumbered with the javelin's weight,<br/> +Forth sprang the youth, and grappled with the foe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +955 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And 'neath Æneas' sword, uplifted for the blow, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza108"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Slipped in, and checked him. Onward press the train<br/> +With shouts, to shelter the retreating sire,<br/> +And distant arrows on the foeman rain.<br/> +Safe-covered stands Æneas, thrilled with ire.<br/> +As when the storm-clouds in a deluge dire<br/> +Pour down the hail, and all the ploughmen fly,<br/> +And scattered hinds from off the fields retire,<br/> +And rock or stream-side shields the passer-by, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +964 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Till sunshine calls to toil, and reawakes the sky; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza109"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So, whelmed with darts, the Trojan chief defies<br/> +The cloud of war, till all its storms abate,<br/> +And chides and threatens Lausus. "Fool," he cries,<br/> +"Why rush to death, and dare a deed too great?<br/> +Rash youth! thy love betrays thee." 'Twas too late;<br/> +Rage blinds poor Lausus, and he scorns to stay.<br/> +Then fiercer waxed the Dardan's wrath, and Fate<br/> +The threads had gathered, for their forceful sway +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +973 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hilt-deep within his breast the falchion urged its way. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza110"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +It pierced the shield, light armour and the vest,<br/> +Wrought by his mother with fine golden thread,<br/> +And drenched with gore the tunic and the breast.<br/> +Sweet life, departing, left the limbs outspread,<br/> +And the sad spirit to the ghost-world fled.<br/> +But when the son of great Anchises scanned<br/> +The face, the pallid features of the dead,<br/> +Deeply he groaned, and stretched a pitying hand. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +982 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Grief for his own dear sire his noble soul unmanned. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza111"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Alas! what meed, to match such worth divine,<br/> +Can good Æneas give thee? Take to-day<br/> +The arms wherein thou joyed'st; they are thine.<br/> +Thy corpse—if aught can please the senseless clay—<br/> +Back to thy parents' ashes I repay.<br/> +Poor youth! thy solace be it to be slain<br/> +By great Æneas." Then his friends' delay<br/> +He chides, and lifts young Lausus from the plain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +991 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Dead, and with dainty locks fouled by the crimson stain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza112"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile the sire Mezentius, faint with pain,<br/> +In Tiber's waters bathes the bleeding wound.<br/> +Against a trunk he leans; the boughs sustain<br/> +His brazen helm; his arms upon the ground<br/> +Rest idly, and his comrades stand around.<br/> +Sick, gasping, spent, his weary neck he tends;<br/> +Loose o'er his bosom floats the beard unbound.<br/> +Oft of his son he questions, oft he sends +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1000 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To bid him quit the field, and seek his sire and friends. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza113"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But, sad and sorrowful, the Tuscan train<br/> +Bear back the lifeless Lausus from the field,<br/> +Weeping—the mighty by a mightier slain,<br/> +And laid in death upon the warrior's shield.<br/> +Far off, their wailing to the sire revealed<br/> +The grief, that made his boding heart mistrust.<br/> +In agony of vanquish, down he kneeled,<br/> +His hoary hairs disfiguring with the dust, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1009 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, grovelling, clasped the corpse, and both his hands outthrust. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza114"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Dear son, was life so tempting to the sire,<br/> +To let thee face the foemen in my room,<br/> +Whom I begot? Shalt thou, my son, expire,<br/> +And I live on, my darling in the tomb,<br/> +Saved by thy wounds, and living by thy doom?<br/> +Ah! woe is me; too well at length I own<br/> +The pangs of exile, and the wound strikes home.<br/> +'Twas I, thy name who tarnished, I alone, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1018 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whom just resentment thrust from sceptre and from throne. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza115"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Due to my country was the forfeit; yea,<br/> +All deaths Mezentius had deserved to die.<br/> +Yet still I leave, and leave not man and day,<br/> +But leave I will,—the fatal hour is nigh."<br/> +Then, slowly leaning on his crippled thigh<br/> +(Deep was the wound, but dauntless was his breast),<br/> +He rose, and calling for his steed hard by,<br/> +The steed, that oft in victory's hour he pressed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1027 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +His solace and his pride, the sorrowing beast addressed: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza116"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Rhæbus, full long, if aught of earth be long,<br/> +We two have lived. Æneas' head to-day,<br/> +And spoils, blood-crimsoned to avenge this wrong,<br/> +Back shalt thou bring, or, failing in the fray,<br/> +Bite earth with me, and be the Dardan's prey.<br/> +Not thou would'st brook a foreign lord, I weet,<br/> +Brave heart, or deign a Teucrian to obey."<br/> +He spoke, and, mounting to his well-known seat, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1036 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Swift at the ranks spurred forth, his dreaded foe to meet. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza117"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Each hand a keen dart brandished; o'er his head<br/> +Gleamed the brass helmet with its horse-hair crest.<br/> +Shame for himself, and sorrow for the dead,<br/> +The parent's anguish, and the warrior's zest,<br/> +Thrilled through his veins, and kindled in his breast,<br/> +And thrice he called Æneas. With delight<br/> +Æneas heard him, and his vows addressed:<br/> +"So help me Jove, so Phoebus lend his might, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1045 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Come on," and couched his spear, advancing to the fight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza118"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Wretch," cries Mezentius, "having robbed my son,<br/> +Why scare me now? Thy terrors I defy.<br/> +Only through Lausus were his sire undone.<br/> +I heed not death nor deities, not I;<br/> +Forbear thy taunting; I am here to die,<br/> +But send this gift to greet thee, ere I go."<br/> +He spake, and quickly let a javelin fly,<br/> +Another—and another, as round the foe +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1054 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +In widening orbs he wheels; the good shield bides the blow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza119"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thrice round Æneas leftward he careers,<br/> +Raining his darts. Thrice, shifting round, each way<br/> +The Trojan bears the forest of his spears.<br/> +At length, impatient of the long delay,<br/> +And tired with plucking all the shafts away,<br/> +Pondering awhile, and by the ceaseless blows<br/> +Hard pressed, and chafing at the unequal fray,<br/> +Forth springs Æneas, and betwixt the brows +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1063 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Full at the warrior-steed a fatal javelin throws. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza120"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Up rears the steed, and paws the air in pain,<br/> +Then, following on his falling rider, lies<br/> +And pins him with his shoulder to the plain.<br/> +Shouts from each host run kindling through the skies.<br/> +Forth springs Æneas, glorying in his prize,<br/> +And plucks the glittering falchion from his thigh,<br/> +"Where now is fierce Mezentius? where," he cries,<br/> +"That fiery spirit?" Then, with upturned eye, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1072 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Gasping, with gathered sense, the Tuscan made reply: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book10stanza121"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Stern foe! why taunt and threaten? 'twere no shame<br/> +To slay me. No such covenant to save<br/> +His sire made Lausus; nor for this I came.<br/> +One boon I ask—if vanquished men may crave<br/> +The victor's grace—a burial for the brave.<br/> +My people hate me; I have lived abhorred;<br/> +Shield me from them with Lausus in the grave."<br/> +This said, his throat he offered to the sword, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1081 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And o'er his shining arms life's purple stream was poured. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>BOOK ELEVEN</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>Æneas erects a trophy of Mezentius' arms, and sends the body of +Pallas with tears and lamentations to Evander (<a href="#book11line1">1-108</a>). A truce for +the burial of the dead is asked by the Latins, and sympathy with the +Trojan cause finds a spokesman in Drances (<a href="#book11line109">109-144</a>). The sorrow of +Evander and the funeral rites of Trojans and Latins (<a href="#book11line145">145-262</a>). The +ambassadors return from the city of Diomedes and report that he +praises Æneas and counsels submission (<a href="#book11line262">263-336</a>). An anxious debate +follows: Latinus suggests terms of peace: Drances inveighs against +Turnus, who replies, protesting his readiness to meet Æneas in +single combat, and presently seizes the opportunity afforded by a +false alarm of impending attack to break up the council. The Latin +mothers and maidens offer gifts and litanies to Pallas. Turnus arms +for battle (<a href="#book11line334">337-576</a>). Camilla and Messapus command the Latin horse; +Turnus prepares an ambuscade (<a href="#book11line577">577-612</a>). Diana tells the story of +Camilla and charges Opis, one of her nymphs, to avenge her should +she fall (<a href="#book11line613">613-684</a>). Opis watches the battle before the city of +Latinus (<a href="#book11line685">685-738</a>). The deeds and death of Camilla are recounted: +Aruns, her slayer, is slain by Opis (<a href="#book11line739">739-972</a>). The Latins are routed, +and Turnus, learning the news, abandons the ambush and hurries to +the city, closely followed by Æneas (<a href="#book11line973">973-1026</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book11line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile from Ocean peeps the dawning day.<br/> +The Dardan chief, though fain his friends to mourn,<br/> +And pressed with thoughts of burial, hastes to pay<br/> +His vows, as victor, with the rising morn.<br/> +A towering oak-tree, of its branches shorn,<br/> +He plants upon a mound. Aloft, in sight,<br/> +The glittering armour from Mezentius torn,<br/> +His spoils, he hangs,—a trophy to thy might, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Great Mars, the Lord of war, the Ruler of the fight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thereon he sets the helmet and the crest,<br/> +Bedewed with gore, the javelins snapt in twain,<br/> +And fits the corslet on the warrior's breast,<br/> +Pierced in twelve places through the twisted chain.<br/> +The left arm, as for battle, bears again<br/> +The brazen shield, and from the neck depends<br/> +The ivory-hilted falchion of the slain.<br/> +Around, with shouts of triumph, crowd his friends, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whom thus the Dardan chief with gladdening words commends: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Comrades, great deeds have been achieved to-day;<br/> +Let not the morrow trouble you. See there<br/> +The tyrant's spoils, the first-fruits of the fray.<br/> +And this my work, Mezentius. Now prepare<br/> +To king Latinus and his walls to fare.<br/> +Let hope forestall, and courage hail the fray,<br/> +So, when the gods shall summon us to bear<br/> +The standards forth, and muster our array, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +No fears shall breed dull sloth, nor ignorance delay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Our co-mates now commit we to the ground,<br/> +Sole honour that in Acheron below<br/> +Awaits them. Go ye, on these souls renowned,<br/> +Who poured their blood, to purchase from the foe<br/> +This country for our fatherland, bestow<br/> +The last, sad gift, the tribute of a tomb.<br/> +First to Evander's city, whelmed in woe,<br/> +Send Pallas back, whom Death's relentless doom +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hath reft ere manhood's prime, and plunged in early gloom." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and sought the threshold, weeping sore,<br/> +Where by dead Pallas watched with pious care<br/> +Acoetes; once Evander's arms he bore,<br/> +His squire; since then, with auspices less fair,<br/> +The trusted guardian of his dear-loved heir.<br/> +A crowd of sorrowing menials stand around,<br/> +And Troy's sad matrons, with their streaming hair.<br/> +These, when Æneas at the door is found, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shriek out, and beat their breasts, and bitter wails resound. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He marked the pillowed head, the snow-white face,<br/> +The smooth breast, gaping with the wound, and cried<br/> +In anguish, while the tears burst forth apace,<br/> +"Poor boy; hath Fortune, in her hour of pride,<br/> +To me thy triumph and return denied?<br/> +Not such my promise to thy sire; not so<br/> +My pledge to him, who, ere I left his side<br/> +In quest of empire, clasped me, boding woe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And warned the race was fierce, and terrible the foe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"He haply now, by empty hope betrayed,<br/> +With prayer and presents doth the gods constrain.<br/> +We to the dead, whose debt to Heaven is paid,<br/> +The rites of mourners render, but in vain.<br/> +Unhappy! doomed to see thy darling slain.<br/> +Is this the triumph? this the promise sworn?<br/> +This the return? Yet never thine the pain<br/> +A coward's flight, a coward's scars to mourn; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Not thine to long for death, thy loved one saved with scorn. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ah, weep, Ausonia! thou hast lost to-day<br/> +Thy champion. Weep, Iulus; he is ta'en,<br/> +Thy heart's delight, the bulwark of the fray!"<br/> +Thus he with tears, and bids them lift the slain.<br/> +A thousand men, the choicest of his train,<br/> +He sends as mourners, with the corpse to go,<br/> +And stand between the parent and his pain,<br/> +A scanty solace for so huge a woe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +But such as pity claims, and piety doth owe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Of oaken twigs and arbutus they wove<br/> +A wattled bier. Soft leaves beneath him made<br/> +His pillow, and with leafy boughs above<br/> +They twined a verdurous canopy of shade.<br/> +There, on his rustic couch the youth is laid,<br/> +Fair as the hyacinth, with drooping head,<br/> +Cropped by the careless fingers of a maid,<br/> +Or tender violet, when life has fled, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +That, torn from earth, still blooms, unfaded but unfed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Two purple mantles, stiff with golden braid,<br/> +Æneas brings, which erst, in loving care,<br/> +Sidonian Dido with her hands had made,<br/> +And pranked with golden tissue, for his wear.<br/> +One, wound in sorrow round the corpse so fair,<br/> +The last, sad honour, shrouds the senseless clay;<br/> +One, ere the burning, veils the warrior's hair.<br/> +Rich spoils, the trophies of Laurentum's fray, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stript arms and steeds he brings, and bids them pile the prey. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Here march the captives, doomed to feed the flames;<br/> +There, staff in hand, each Dardan chief uprears<br/> +The spoil-decked ensigns, marked with foemen's names.<br/> +There, too, they lead Acoetes, bowed with years,<br/> +He smites his breast, his haggard cheeks he tears,<br/> +Then flings his full length prostrate. There, again,<br/> +The blood-stained chariot, and with big, round tears,<br/> +Stript of his trappings, in the mournful train, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Æthon, the warrior's steed, comes sorrowing for the slain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +These bear the dead man's helmet and his spear;<br/> +All else the victor for his spoils hath ta'en.<br/> +A melancholy phalanx close the rear,<br/> +Teucrians, and Tuscans, and Arcadia's train,<br/> +With arms reversed, and mourning for the slain.<br/> +So passed the pomp, and, while the tear-drops fell,<br/> +Æneas stopped, and, groaning, cried again,<br/> +"Hail, mighty Pallas! us the fates compel +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Yet other tears to shed. Farewell! a long farewell!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line109"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, then, turning, to the camp doth fare.<br/> +Thither Laurentum's envoys found their way.<br/> +Branches of olive in their hands they bear,<br/> +And beg a truce,—a respite from the fray,<br/> +Their slaughtered comrades in the ground to lay,<br/> +And glean the war's sad harvest. Brave men ne'er<br/> +Warred with the dead and vanquished. Once were they<br/> +His hosts and kinsmen; he would surely spare. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Their plea Æneas owns, and thus accosts them fair: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What mischief, Latins, hath your minds misled,<br/> +To shun our friendship in the hour of need,<br/> +And rush to arms? Peace ask ye for the dead,<br/> +The War-God's prey, whom folly doomed to bleed?<br/> +Peace to the living would I fain concede.<br/> +I came not hither, but with Heaven to guide.<br/> +Fate chose this country, and this home decreed;<br/> +Nor war I with the race. Your king denied +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Our proffered league; 'twas he on Turnus' arms relied. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Twere juster then that Turnus hand to hand<br/> +His life had ventured. Dreams he in his pride<br/> +To end the war, and drive us from the land?<br/> +<i>He</i> should have met me; he or I had died,<br/> +As Fate or prowess might the day decide.<br/> +Go, take your dead, and let the bale-fires blaze:<br/> +Ye have your answer." Thus the prince replied,<br/> +And each on each the wondering heralds gaze, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mute with admiring awe, and wildered with amaze. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then Drances, ever fain with gibes and hate<br/> +To vex young Turnus, takes the word and cries,<br/> +"O Trojan, great in fame, in arms more great,<br/> +What praise of mine shall match thee with the skies?<br/> +What most—thy deeds or justice—shall I prize?<br/> +Grateful, this answer to our friends we bear,<br/> +And thee (let Turnus seek his own allies),<br/> +Thee King Latinus shall his friend declare, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Latium's sons with joy Troy's destined walls prepare." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line145"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake; as one, all murmur their assent.<br/> +For twice six days a solemn truce they plight,<br/> +And Teucrians, now, with Latins, freely blent<br/> +In peaceful fellowship, as friends unite,<br/> +And roam the wooded hills. Sharp axes smite<br/> +The sounding ash; these with keen wedges cleave<br/> +Tall oak and scented cedar; those with might<br/> +The pine-tree, soaring to the stars, upheave, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And wains, with groaning wheels, the giant elms receive. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now Rumour, harbinger of woe so great,<br/> +That told of Pallas victor, fills again<br/> +Evander's town. All hurry to the gate,<br/> +With torches snatched, as ancient rites ordain.<br/> +A line of fire, that parts the dusky plain,<br/> +The long road gleams before them, as they go<br/> +To meet the mourners. Soon the wailing train<br/> +The Phrygians join. With shrieks the matrons know +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Far off the funeral throng, and fill the town with woe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Naught stays Evander; through the midst he springs,<br/> +And falling on the bier, as down they lay<br/> +Dead Pallas, groaning to his child he clings,<br/> +And hangs with tears upon the senseless clay,<br/> +Till speech, half-choked with sorrow, finds a way.<br/> +"Pallas, not such thy promise to thy sire,<br/> +Warely to trust the War-God in the fray.<br/> +I knew what ardour would thy soul inspire, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The charms of new-won fame, and battle's fierce desire. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O bitter first-fruits of a youth so fair!<br/> +O war's stern prelude! promise dashed to scorn!<br/> +Unheeded vows, and unavailing prayer!<br/> +O happy spouse! not left, like me, to mourn<br/> +A son thus slaughtered, and a life outworn.<br/> +I have o'erlived my destiny; life fled<br/> +When Pallas left me childless and forlorn.<br/> +O, had I fall'n with Trojans in his stead, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And me this pomp brought home, and not my Pallas, dead! +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Yet, Trojans, you I blame not, nor the hands<br/> +We joined in friendship, nor the league we swore.<br/> +Old age—too old—this cruel lot demands.<br/> +Ah, sweet to think, though falling in his flower,<br/> +He fell, where thousand Volscians fell before,<br/> +Leading Troy's sons to Latium. Thou shalt have<br/> +A Trojan's funeral—can I wish thee more?—<br/> +What rites Æneas offers to the brave, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And all Etruria's hosts shall bear thee to the grave. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Proud trophies those who perish by thy hand<br/> +Bear thee, and slaughtered foemen speak thy fame.<br/> +Thou, Turnus, too, an effigy should'st stand,<br/> +Hung round with arms, and Pallas' praise proclaim,<br/> +Had but thine age and Pallas' been the same,<br/> +Like thine the vigour of his years. But O!<br/> +Why, Teucrians, do I keep you? wherefore claim<br/> +An old man's privilege of empty woe? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +This message bear your king, and con it as ye go. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"If yet I linger on, with Pallas slain,<br/> +Loathing the light, and longing to expire,<br/> +'Tis thy right hand that tempts me to remain,<br/> +That hand from which—thou see'st it—son and sire<br/> +The penalty of Turnus' blood require.<br/> +This niche of fame,—'tis all the Fates bestow—<br/> +Awaits thee still. For me, all life's desire—<br/> +'Twere vain—hath fled; but gladly would I go, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And bear the welcome news to Pallas' shade below." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile to weary mortals fresh and fair<br/> +Upsprings the Dawn, and reawakes the land<br/> +To toil and labour. Reared with pious care<br/> +By Tarchon and the good Æneas, stand<br/> +The funeral pyres along the winding strand.<br/> +Here brings each warrior, as in days gone by,<br/> +His comrade's corpse, and holds the lighted brand.<br/> +The dusk flames burn beneath them, and on high +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The clouds of smoke roll up, and shroud the lofty sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Three times the Trojans, sheathed in shining mail,<br/> +Pace round the piles; three times they ride around<br/> +The funeral fire, and raise the warrior's wail.<br/> +Tears bathe their arms, and tears bedew the ground,<br/> +And, mixt with clamour, comes the clarion's sound.<br/> +Spoils of dead Latins on the flames are thrown,<br/> +Bits, bridles, glowing wheels and helmets crown'd<br/> +With glittering plumes, and, last, the gifts well-known, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The luckless spear and shield, the weapons of their own. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Oxen in numbers round the pyres are slain<br/> +To Death's dread power, and herds of bristly swine;<br/> +And cattle, snatched from all the neighbouring plain,<br/> +And sheep they slaughter for the flames divine.<br/> +Far down the sea-coast, where the bale-fires shine,<br/> +They guard and gaze upon the pyres, where lie<br/> +Their burning comrades, nor their watch resign,<br/> +Nor leave the spot, till dewy night on high +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Rolls round the circling heavens, and starlight gilds the sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nor less the sorrowing Latins build elsewhere<br/> +Their countless piles. These burying they bemoan;<br/> +Those to the town or neighbouring fields they bear.<br/> +The rest, untold, unhonoured and unknown,<br/> +A mass of carnage, on the flames are thrown.<br/> +Thick blaze the fires, and light the plains around,<br/> +And on the third dawn, when the mists have flown,<br/> +The bones and dust, still smouldering on the ground, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mourning, they rake in heaps, and cover with a mound. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But loudest in Laurentum rose the noise<br/> +Of woe and wailing for their friends who died.<br/> +Here, mothers, wives, sad sisters, orphaned boys<br/> +Curse the dire war, and Turnus and his bride.<br/> +"Let him, let Turnus fight it out," they cried;<br/> +"Who claims chief honours and Italia's throne,<br/> +And caused the quarrel, let his sword decide";<br/> +And spiteful Drances: "Ay, 'tis he alone +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whom Latium's foes demand; the challenge is his own." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +And voices, too, with various reasons, plead<br/> +For Turnus, sheltered by the queen's great name,<br/> +And spoils that speak for many a glorious deed.<br/> +Lo, in the midst, the tumult still aflame,<br/> +With doleful news from Diomede, back came<br/> +The envoys. All was useless,—gifts, and prayer,<br/> +And proffered gold; his answer was the same:<br/> +Let Latins look for other arms elsewhere, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Or beg the Trojan king in clemency to spare. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line262"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Grief bowed Latinus, and his heart sank low.<br/> +The wrath of Heaven, the recent funerals,<br/> +The graves before them—all Æneas show<br/> +The god's true choice. A council straight he calls,<br/> +And Latium's chiefs convenes within his walls.<br/> +All meet; along the crowded ways the peers<br/> +Stream at the summons. In his palace-halls<br/> +Amidst them sits Latinus, first in years, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And first in sceptred state, but filled with anxious fears. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line271"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forthwith the envoys he invites, each man<br/> +To tell his message, and the terms expound,<br/> +Then, silence made, thus Venulus began:<br/> +"Friends, we have seen great <a href="#note11stanza31">Diomede,</a> and found<br/> +The Argive camp, and, safe from peril, crowned<br/> +Our journey's end, and pressed the mighty hand<br/> +That razed old Troy. On <a href="#note11stanza31">Iapygian</a> ground<br/> +By <a href="#note11stanza31">Garganus</a> the conqueror hath planned +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Argyripa's new town, named from his native land. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"There, audience gained and liberty to speak,<br/> +The gifts we tender, and our names declare<br/> +And country, who our foemen, what we seek,<br/> +And why to Arpi and his court we fare.<br/> +He hears, and gently thus bespeaks us fair:<br/> +'O happy nations, once by Saturn blest,<br/> +Time-old Ausonians, what sad misfare,<br/> +What evil fortune mars your ancient rest +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And tempts to wage strange wars, and dare the doubtful test? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line289"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'All we, whoever with the steel profaned<br/> +Troy's fields (I leave the wasting siege alone,<br/> +The dead, who lie in Simois), all have drained<br/> +Evils past utterance, o'er the wide world blown,<br/> +And, suffering, learned our trespass to atone,<br/> +A hapless band! E'en Priam's self might weep<br/> +For woes like ours, as Pallas well hath known,<br/> +Whose baleful star once <a href="#note11stanza33">wrecked us on the deep,</a> +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And grim <a href="#note11stanza33">Euboea's rocks, Caphareus'</a> vengeful steep. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line298"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Freed from that war, to distant shores we stray.<br/> +To <a href="#note11stanza34">Proteus' Pillars,</a> far remote from men<br/> +An exile, <a href="#note11stanza34">Menelaus</a> wends his way;<br/> +<a href="#note11stanza34">Ulysses</a> shudders at the Cyclops' den;<br/> +Why speak of <a href="#note11stanza34">Pyrrhus,</a> by Orestes slain?<br/> +Or poor <a href="#note11stanza34">Idomeneus,</a> expelled his state?<br/> +Of Locrians, cast upon the Libyan plain?<br/> +Of <a href="#note11stanza34">Agamemnon,</a> greatest of the great, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mycenæ's valiant lord, slain by his faithless mate, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line307"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'E'en on his threshold, when the adulterer lay<br/> +In wait for Asia's conqueror? Me, too,<br/> +Hath envious Heaven in exile doomed to stay,<br/> +Nor home, nor wife, nor <a href="#note11stanza35">Calydon</a> to view.<br/> +Nay, ghastly prodigies my flight pursue.<br/> +Transformed to birds, my comrades wing the skies,—<br/> +Ah! cruel punishment for friends so true!—<br/> +Or skim the streams; from all the shores arise +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Their piteous shrieks, the cliffs re-echo with their cries. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Such woes had I to look for, from the day<br/> +I dared a goddess, and my javelin tore<br/> +The hand of Venus. To such fights, I pray,<br/> +Persuade me not. Troy fall'n, I fight no more<br/> +With Trojans, nor those evil days of yore<br/> +Now care to dwell on. To Æneas go,<br/> +And take these gifts. Once, hand to hand, we bore<br/> +The shock of battle; to my cost I know +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +How to his shield he towers, the whirlwind of his throw. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'Had Ida's land two others borne as great,<br/> +To Argos Dardanus had found his way,<br/> +And Greece were mourning now a different fate.<br/> +The stubborn siege, the conquerors kept at bay,<br/> +For ten whole years, the triumph's long delay<br/> +Were his and Hector's doing, each in might<br/> +Renowned, and each the foremost in the fray,<br/> +Æneas first in piety. Go, plight +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What peace ye may, but shun to meet him in the fight.' +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line334"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Thou hast, great king, the answer of the king,<br/> +And this, his sentence on the war." So they,<br/> +And diverse murmurs in the crowd upspring;<br/> +As when big rocks a rushing torrent stay,<br/> +The prisoned waters, chafing with delay,<br/> +Boil, and the banks in many a foaming crest<br/> +Fling back with echoes the tumultuous spray.<br/> +Now from his throne, their murmurs laid to rest, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The King, first offering prayer, his listening folk addressed: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"I would, ye peers, and better it had been<br/> +An earlier hour had called us to debate,<br/> +Than thus in haste a council to convene,<br/> +And meet, while foemen battle at the gate.<br/> +A war ill-omened, with disastrous fate,<br/> +We wage with men unconquered in the field,<br/> +A race of gods, whose force nor toils abate,<br/> +Nor wounds can tire; who, driven back, still wield +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The sword and shake the spear, and, beaten, scorn to yield. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What hope ye had in Diomede, give o'er;<br/> +Each for himself must be his hope and stay.<br/> +This hope how slender, and our straits how sore,<br/> +Ye see; the general ruin and decay<br/> +Is open, palpable and clear as day.<br/> +Yet blame I none; what valour could, was done.<br/> +Our country's strength, our souls were in the fray.<br/> +Hear then in brief, and ponder every one, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What wavering thoughts have shaped, our present fate to shun. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Far-stretching westward, past Sicania's bound,<br/> +By Tiber's stream, an ancient tract is mine.<br/> +Auruncans and Rutulians till the ground;<br/> +Their ploughshares cleave the stubborn slopes, their kine<br/> +Graze on the rocks. This tract, these hills of pine<br/> +Let Latins yield the Trojans for their own,<br/> +And both, as friends, in equal league combine<br/> +And share the realm. Here let them settle down, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +If so they love the land, and build the wished-for town. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But if new frontiers, and another folk,<br/> +They fain would look for, and can leave our shore,<br/> +Then twice ten ships of tough Italian oak<br/> +Build we, nor only let us build a score<br/> +Can they but man them (by the stream good store<br/> +Of timber is at hand); let them decide<br/> +The form, the number, and the size. What more<br/> +Is wanting, we will grudge not to provide, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Gold, labour, brass, and docks, and naval gear beside. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Nay more, to strike the proffered league, 'twere good<br/> +That chosen envoys to their camp should fare,<br/> +A hundred Latins of the noblest blood,<br/> +The peaceful olive in their hands to bear,<br/> +With gifts, the choicest that the realm can spare,<br/> +Talents of gold and ivory, just in weight,<br/> +The royal mantle, and the curule chair,<br/> +The marks of rule. With freedom now debate, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Consult the common weal, and help the sickly state." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Up rose then Drances, with indignant mien,<br/> +Whom, spiteful still, the fame of Turnus stung<br/> +With carping envy, and malignant spleen;<br/> +Lavish of wealth, and fluent with his tongue,<br/> +No mean adviser in debate, and strong<br/> +In faction, but in battle cold and tame.<br/> +From royal seed his mother's race was sprung,<br/> +His sire's unknown. He thus with words of blame +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Piles up the general wrath, and fans resentment's flame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Good king, the matter—it is plain, for each<br/> +Knows well our needs, but hesitates to say.<br/> +Let <i>him</i> cease blustering, and allow free speech,<br/> +Him, for whose pride and sullen temper, yea,<br/> +I say it, let him threaten as he may—<br/> +Quenched is the light of many a chief, that lies<br/> +In earth's cold lap, and mourning and dismay<br/> +Have filled the town, while, sure of flight, he tries +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To storm the Trojan camp, and idly flouts the skies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"One gift, O best of monarchs, add, to crown<br/> +Thy bounty to the Dardans,—one, beside<br/> +These many, nor let bluster bear thee down.<br/> +A worthy husband for thy child provide,<br/> +And peace shall with the lasting pact abide.<br/> +Else, if such terror doth our souls enslave,<br/> +Him now, in hope to turn away his pride,<br/> +Him let us pray his proper right to waive, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, pitying, deign to yield what king and country crave. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O Turnus, cause of all our ills to-day,<br/> +Why make the land these miseries endure?<br/> +The war is desperate; for peace we pray,<br/> +And that one pledge, inviolably sure,<br/> +Naught else but which can make the peace secure.<br/> +Thy foeman, I—nor be the fact concealed,<br/> +For so thou deem'st—entreat thee and adjure.<br/> +Blood flows enough on many a wasted field. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Relent, and spare thine own, and, beaten, learn to yield. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Or, if fame tempt, and in thy bosom glow<br/> +Such fire, and so thou hankerest to gain<br/> +A kingdom's dower, take heart and face the foe.<br/> +Must we, poor souls, that Turnus may obtain<br/> +A royal bride, like carrion strew the plain,<br/> +Unwept, unburied? If thine arm hath might,<br/> +If but a spark of native worth remain,<br/> +Go forth this hour; in arms assert thy right, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And meet him, face to face, who calls thee to the fight." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Fierce blazed the wrath of Turnus, and he wrung<br/> +Speech from his breast, deep groaning in his gall.<br/> +"Glib art thou, Drances, voluble of tongue,<br/> +When hands are needed, and the trumpets call.<br/> +The council summoned, thou art first of all.<br/> +Not this the hour thy vapouring to outpour,<br/> +Though big thy talk, and brave the words, that fall<br/> +From craven lips, while ramparts stand before, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To guard thee safe from foes, nor trenches swim with gore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Rave on, and thunder in thy wonted strain,<br/> +And brand me coward, thou whose hands can slay<br/> +Such Trojan hosts, whose trophies grace the plain.<br/> +What worth can do, and manhood can essay,<br/> +We twain may venture. Sooth, not far away<br/> +Need foes be sought; around the walls they throng.<br/> +March we to meet them! Dotard, why delay?<br/> +Still dwells thy War-God in a windy tongue, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And flying feet, and knees all feeble and unstrung? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"I beaten? Who, foul spawn of earth, shall call<br/> +Me beaten? who, that saw swoln Tiber flow<br/> +Red with the blood of Trojans, ay, and all<br/> +Evander's house and progeny laid low,<br/> +And fierce Arcadians vanquished at a blow?<br/> +Not such dead Pandarus and Bitias found<br/> +This right hand, nor those thousands hurled below<br/> +In one short day, when battlement and mound +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hemmed me in hostile walls, and foemen swarmed around. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line460"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"No hope from war?—Go, fool, to Dardan ears<br/> +These bodings whisper, to thy new ally.<br/> +Go, swell the panic, spread the coward's fears.<br/> +Puff up the foemen's prowess to the sky,—<br/> +Twice-conquered churls,—and Latin arms decry.<br/> +See now, forsooth, the <a href="#note11stanza52">Myrmidons</a> afraid<br/> +Of Phrygian arms, <a href="#note11stanza52">Tydides</a> fain to fly,<br/> +Achilles trembling, <a href="#note11stanza52">Aufidus</a> in dread +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shrunk from the Hadrian deep, and cowering in his bed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Or mark the trickster's cunning when he feigns<br/> +To fear my vengeance, whom his taunts revile!<br/> +Nay, Drances, be at ease; this hand disdains<br/> +To take the forfeit of a soul so vile.<br/> +Keep it, fit inmate of that breast of guile,<br/> +And now, good Sire, if, beaten, we despair,<br/> +If never Fate on Latin arms shall smile,<br/> +And naught our ruined fortunes can repair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stretch we our craven hands, and beg the foe to spare. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Yet oh! if aught of ancient worth remain,<br/> +Him deem I noblest, and his end renowned,<br/> +Brave soul! who sooner than behold such stain,<br/> +Fell once for all, and, dying, bit the ground.<br/> +But, if fit men and martial means abound,<br/> +And towns and tribes, to muster at our call,<br/> +Hath Italy; if Trojans, too, have found<br/> +Fame dearly bought with many a brave man's fall +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +(For they have, too, their deaths; the storm hath swept o'er all), +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Why fail we on the threshold, faint with fears,<br/> +And sick knees tremble ere the trumpets bray?<br/> +Time—healing Time—and long, laborious years<br/> +Oft raise the humble; Fortune in her play<br/> +Lifts those to-morrow, whom she lowers to-day.<br/> +What though no aid Ætolian Arpi lends,<br/> +Ours is Messapus, ours Tolumnius, yea,<br/> +And all whom Latium or Laurentum sends, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor scanty fame, nor slow Italia's hosts attends. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ours, too, is brave Camilla, noble maid,<br/> +The pride of Volscians, and she leads a band<br/> +Of horsemen fierce, in brazen arms arrayed.<br/> +If me the foe to single fight demand,<br/> +And so ye will, and I alone withstand<br/> +The common good, come danger as it may,<br/> +Not so hath victory fled this hated hand,<br/> +Not yet so weak is Turnus, as to stay +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With such a prize unsnatched, and falter from the fray. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Though greater than the great Achilles he,<br/> +Though, like Achilles, Vulcan's arms he wear,<br/> +Fain will I meet him. Lo, to you, to thee,<br/> +Latinus, father of the bride so fair,<br/> +I, Turnus, I, in prowess past compare,<br/> +Devote this life. Æneas calls but me,<br/> +So let him, rather than that Drances bear<br/> +The smart, if death the wrathful gods decree, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Or, if 'tis glory's field, usurp the victor's fee." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +While thus, with wrangling and contentious doubt,<br/> +They urged debate, Æneas his array<br/> +Moved from the camp. Behold, a trusty scout<br/> +Back, through Latinus' palace, speeds his way,<br/> +And fills the town with tumult and dismay.<br/> +The Trojans—see!—the Trojans,—down they swarm<br/> +From Tiber. See the meadows far away<br/> +Alive with foes! Rage, turmoil and alarm +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +In turns distract the town. "Arm," cry the young men, "arm!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The old men weep and mutter. Clamours rend<br/> +The startled skies, and discord reigns supreme,<br/> +E'en as when birds on lofty woods descend<br/> +In flocks, or in Padusa's fishful stream<br/> +The swans sing hoarsely, and the wild-fowl scream<br/> +Along the babbling waters. Turnus straight<br/> +The moment snatched. "Ah! townsmen, sooth, ye deem<br/> +This hour an hour to chatter and debate; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sit on, and praise sweet peace, while foemen storm the gate." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and from the council dashed with speed.<br/> +"Go, Volusus," he cries, "and arm amain<br/> +The Volscians; hither the Rutulians lead.<br/> +Messapus, go, with horsemen in thy train,<br/> +And Coras, with thy brother scour the plain.<br/> +Let these all entrance at the gate forestall,<br/> +And man the turrets; let the rest remain<br/> +In arms, and wait my bidding." One and all, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The townsmen throng the streets, and hurry to the wall. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, sore distrest, the aged king proclaims<br/> +The council closed, and for a happier tide<br/> +Puts off debate; and oft himself he blames,<br/> +Who welcomed not Æneas to his side,<br/> +Nor graced his city with a Dardan's bride.<br/> +But hark! to battle peals the clarion's call.<br/> +These by the gate dig trenches, those provide<br/> +Sharp stakes and stones. Along the girdling wall +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pale boys and matrons stand: the last hour cries for all. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +To Pallas' rock-built temple rides the queen,<br/> +Bearing her gifts. The matrons march in line,<br/> +And by her side is fair Lavinia seen,<br/> +The war's sad authoress, with down-dropt eyne.<br/> +They, entering in, with incense fume the shrine,<br/> +And from the threshold pour the mournful strain:<br/> +"O strong in arms, Tritonian maid divine!<br/> +Break thou the Phrygian robber's spear in twain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And 'neath the gates strike down and stretch him on the plain." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now in hot haste fierce Turnus dons the mail,<br/> +Eager for battle. On his breast he laced<br/> +The corselet, rough with many a brazen scale.<br/> +Around his legs the golden greaves he placed,<br/> +His brow yet bare, and at his side he braced,<br/> +The trusty sword. All golden is the glow<br/> +Of burnished arms, as down the height in haste<br/> +He flies exulting to the field below. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +High leaps his heart, and hope anticipates the foe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So, free at length, his tether snapt in twain,<br/> +Swift from his stall, in eager joy, the steed<br/> +Bounds forth and, master of the open plain,<br/> +Now seeks the mares that in the pastures feed,<br/> +Now towards the well-known river scours the mead,<br/> +Wont there to cool his glowing sides, and neighs<br/> +With head erect and glories in his speed,<br/> +While o'er his collar and his shoulders plays +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The waving mane, flung loose in many a wandering maze. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line577"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Him meets Camilla, with her Volscian train,<br/> +And by the gate dismounting then and there<br/> +(Down likewise leap her followers to the plain),<br/> +"Turnus," she cries, "if confidence can e'er<br/> +Befit the brave, I venture and I swear<br/> +Singly to face yon Trojans in the fray,<br/> +And stem the Tuscan cavalry. My care<br/> +Shall be the war's first hazards to essay; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thou guard the walls afoot, and by the ramparts stay." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then he, with eyes fixt on the wondrous maid,<br/> +"O glory of Italia, virgin bright!<br/> +What praise can match thee? how shall thanks be paid?<br/> +But now, since naught can daunt thee nor affright,<br/> +Share thou my labour, and divide the fight.<br/> +Yonder Æneas, so the news hath flown,<br/> +So spies report, hath sent his horsemen light<br/> +To scour the fields, while o'er the mountains' crown +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Himself through devious ways is marching to the town. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Deep in a hollow, where the wood's dark shade<br/> +Two cross-ways hides, an ambush I prepare,<br/> +And armed men shall the double pass blockade.<br/> +Thou take the shock of battle, and o'erbear<br/> +The Tuscan horse. Messapus shall be there,<br/> +Tiburtus' band, and Latins in array<br/> +To aid, and thine shall be the leader's care."<br/> +He spake, and cheered Messapus to the fray, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And Latium's federate chiefs, and spurred upon his way. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There lies a winding valley, fit for snares<br/> +And stratagems, shut in on either hand<br/> +By wooded slopes. A narrow pathway fares<br/> +Along the gorge, and on the hill-tops, planned<br/> +For safety, flat but hidden spreads the land.<br/> +Rightward or leftward there is room to bear<br/> +The shock of arms, or on the ridge to stand,<br/> +And roll down rocks upon the foe. 'Twas there +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Young Turnus, screened by woods, lies crouching in his lair. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line613"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile Latonia in the realms of air<br/> +Fleet <a href="#note11stanza69">Opis,</a> sister of her sacred train,<br/> +Addressed in sorrowing accents, "Maiden fair,<br/> +See how Camilla to the fatal plain<br/> +Goes forth, in quest of battle. See, in vain<br/> +Our arms she wears, the quiver and the bow.<br/> +Dearest is she of all that own my reign,<br/> +Nor new-born is Diana's love, I trow; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +No fit of fondness this, or fancy known but now +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"When tyrant Metabus his people's hate<br/> +Drove from Privernum, for his deeds of shame.<br/> +His babe he bore, the partner of his fate,<br/> +Through war and battle, and, her mother's name<br/> +Casmilla changed, Camilla she became.<br/> +To lonely woods and hill-tops fain to fly,<br/> +Fierce swords and Volscians all around, he came<br/> +Where Amasenus, with its waves bank-high, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Athwart him foamed; so vast a deluge rent the sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Prepared to plunge, he pauses, sore assailed<br/> +By love, and terror for a charge so dear.<br/> +All means revolving, this at last prevailed.<br/> +Fire-dried and knotted, an enormous spear<br/> +Of seasoned oak the warrior chanced to bear.<br/> +To the mid shaft the tender babe he ties,<br/> +Swathed in the covering of a cork-tree near,<br/> +Then lifts the load, and, poising, ere it flies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The ponderous lance, looks up, and thus invokes the skies: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"'O Queen of woods, Latonia, virgin fair!<br/> +To thee my daughter I devote this day,<br/> +Thy handmaid. See, thus early through the air<br/> +She bears thy weapons. Make her thine, I pray,<br/> +And safely through the doubtful air convey.'<br/> +So prayed the sire, and nerved him for the throw,<br/> +Then aimed, and launched the missile on its way.<br/> +The babe forlorn, while roars the stream below, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Link'd to the shaft, is borne across the current's flow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"In plunges Metabus, the foemen near,<br/> +And Trivia's gift, safe landing from the wave,<br/> +Plucks from the grass,—the maiden and the spear.<br/> +No town is his, to shelter and to save,<br/> +His savage mood no shelter deigns to crave.<br/> +A shepherd's life on lonely hills he leads,<br/> +In tangled covert, or in woodland cave.<br/> +The milk of beasts supplies his daughter's needs, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And from the wild-mare's teats her tender lips he feeds. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"And when the tottering infant first essayed<br/> +To plant her footsteps, to her hands he strung<br/> +A lance, and o'er the shoulders of the maid<br/> +The light-wing'd arrows and the bow he slung.<br/> +For golden coif and trailing mantle, hung<br/> +A tiger's spoils. Her tiny hand e'en then<br/> +Hurled childish darts; e'en then the tough hide, swung<br/> +Around her temples, as she roamed the plain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Brought down the snowy swan, or swift Strymonian crane. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Full many a Tuscan mother far and near<br/> +Has wooed Camilla for her son in vain.<br/> +Contented with Diana year by year,<br/> +She loves her silvan weapon, free and fain<br/> +To live a maiden-huntress, pure of stain.<br/> +And O! had battle, and the toils of fight<br/> +Not lured her thus to combat on the plain,<br/> +And match her prowess with the Teucrians' might, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Mine were the maiden still, my darling and delight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Now, since well-nigh the fatal threads are spun,<br/> +Go, Nymph, to Latin frontiers wing thy way,<br/> +Where evil omens mark the fight begun.<br/> +Take, too, this quiver; who the maid shall slay,—<br/> +Trojan or Latin—with his blood shall pay<br/> +Myself the armour and the corpse will bear,<br/> +Wrapt in a cloud, and in her country lay."<br/> +She spake, and, girt with whirlwind, and the blare +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of sounding arms, the Nymph glides down the yielding air. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line685"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile, the Trojans and the Tuscan train,<br/> +In marshalled squadrons, to the walls draw near,<br/> +Steeds neigh, and chafe, and prance upon the plain,<br/> +And lances bristling o'er the field appear.<br/> +Messapus, too, and Latium's hosts are here,<br/> +Coras, Catillus, and Camilla leads<br/> +Her troops to aid. All couch the levelled spear,<br/> +And whirl the dart. Hot waxes on the meads +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The tramp of hurrying hosts, the snorting of the steeds. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Each halts within a spear-cast of the foe,<br/> +Then, spurring, forward with a shout they dash,<br/> +And, darkening heaven, shower the darts like snow.<br/> +In front, Tyrrhenus and Aconteus rash<br/> +Cross spears, the first to grapple. With a crash,<br/> +Steed against steed, went ruining. Breast and head<br/> +Shocked and were shattered. Like the lightning's flash,<br/> +And loud as missile from an engine sped, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hurled far, Aconteus falls, and with a gasp lies dead. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +This breaks the line; the Latins turn and fly,<br/> +Their shields behind them. On the Trojans go,<br/> +Asilas first. And now the gates are nigh;<br/> +Once more, with shouts, the Latins face the foe;<br/> +These, scared in turn, the slackened reins forego.<br/> +So shifts the fight, as on the winding strand<br/> +The swelling ocean, with alternate flow,<br/> +Foams on the rocks, and curls along the sand, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Now sucks the shingle back, and, ebbing, leaves the land. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Twice the fierce Tuscans, spurring o'er the fields,<br/> +Drive the Rutulians to their walls in flight.<br/> +Twice, driven backward, from behind their shields<br/> +The victors see the rallying foes unite.<br/> +But when the third time, in the fangs of fight,<br/> +Man singling man, both armies met to close,<br/> +Loud were the groans, and fearful was the sight,<br/> +Arms splashed with gore, steeds, riders, friends and foes, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Blent in the deadly broil, and fierce the din uprose. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lo, here, Orsilochus, too faint with fear<br/> +To meet fierce Remulus, a distant dart<br/> +Hurls at his steed. Beneath the charger's ear<br/> +The shaft stands fixt; the beast, with sudden start,<br/> +His breast erect, and maddened by the smart,<br/> +Rears up, and flings his rider to the ground.<br/> +Here brave Iolas, from his friends apart,<br/> +Catillus slew; Herminius next he found, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Large-hearted, large of limb, and eke in arms renowned. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Bare is his head, with auburn locks aglow,<br/> +And bare his shoulders. Wounds to him are vain;<br/> +Tower-like he stands, defenceless to the foe.<br/> +Through his broad chest the javelin, urged amain,<br/> +Pierced him, and quivered, and he writhed with pain,<br/> +His giant form bent double. Far and nigh<br/> +The dark blood pours in torrents on the plain,<br/> +As, dealing havoc with the sword, they vie, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, courting wounds, rush on, a warrior's death to die. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line739"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There, quiver-girt, the Amazonian maid,<br/> +One bosom bare, amidst the carnage wheeled,<br/> +Camilla, glorying in the war's grim trade.<br/> +Her limber darts she scatters o'er the field,<br/> +Her arms untired the ponderous axe can wield.<br/> +Diana's arrows and the golden bow<br/> +Sound at her back. She too, if forced to yield,<br/> +Fights as she flies, and well the maid doth know +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With flying shafts hurled back to stay the following foe. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line748"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Around her, Tulla and Larinia stand,<br/> +Tarpeia too, with brazen axe bedight,<br/> +Italians all, the choicest of her band,<br/> +In peace or war her glory and delight.<br/> +So, battling round <a href="#note11stanza84">Hippolyte,</a> unite<br/> +Her Thracians, when Thermodon's banks afar<br/> +Ring with their arms. So rides the maid of might,<br/> +<a href="#note11stanza84">Penthesilea,</a> in her conquering car, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And hosts, with moon-shaped shields, exulting hail the war. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Whom first, dread maiden, did thy javelin quell?<br/> +Whom last? how many in the dust lay low?<br/> +Eunæus first, the son of Clytius, fell.<br/> +Sheer through his breast, left naked to the blow,<br/> +Ploughed the long fir-shaft, as he faced his foe.<br/> +Prone falls the warrior, and in deadly stound<br/> +Gasps out his life-blood, and the crimson flow<br/> +Spouts forth in torrents, as he bites the ground, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, dying, grasps the spear, and writhes upon the wound. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Liris anon and Pagasus she slew,<br/> +One, flung to earth, and gathering up the rein,<br/> +His charger stabbed, the other, as he flew<br/> +To aid, and reached his helpless hands in vain,<br/> +Amastrus, son of Hippotas, was slain;<br/> +Harpalycus, Demophoon, as they fled,<br/> +The dread spear caught, and stretched upon the plain,<br/> +Tereus and Chromis. For each shaft that sped, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Launched from her maiden hand, a Phrygian foe lay dead. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +On Iapygian steed, in arms unknown,<br/> +Rode Ornytus, the huntsman. A rough hide,<br/> +Stript from a bullock, o'er his back was thrown.<br/> +A wolf's huge jaws, with glittering teeth, supplied<br/> +His helmet, and a rustic pike he plied.<br/> +Him, as he towered, the tallest in the fray,<br/> +Wheeling his steed, Camilla unespied<br/> +Caught—in the rout 'twas easy—and her prey +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Pinned, with unpitying spear, and jeered him as he lay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ha, Tuscan! thought'st thou 'twas the chase? Thy day<br/> +Hath come; a woman shall thy vaunts belie.<br/> +Yet take this glory to the grave, and say<br/> +'Twas I, the great Camilla, made thee die."<br/> +She spake, and smote Orsilochus close by,<br/> +And Butes, hugest of the Trojan crew.<br/> +First Butes falls; just where the neck doth lie,<br/> +'Twixt casque and corslet, naked to the view, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And leftward droops the shield, the fatal barb goes through. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Chased by Orsilochus, afar she wheels<br/> +Her seeming flight, wide-circling to and fro,<br/> +Till, doubling in a narrower ring, she steals<br/> +Inside, and follows on the following foe.<br/> +Then, rising steep, while vainly in his woe<br/> +He pleads for pity, and entreats her grace,<br/> +She swings the battle-axe, and blow on blow<br/> +On head and riven helmet heaps apace, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And the hot brains and blood are spattered o'er his face. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Next crossed her path, but stood aghast to see,<br/> +The son of Aunus, from the mountain-seat<br/> +Of Apennine. No mean Ligurian he,<br/> +While Fate was kind, and prospered his deceit.<br/> +Fearful of death, and hopeless to retreat,<br/> +He tries if cunning can avail his need,<br/> +And cries aloud, "Good sooth, a wondrous feat!<br/> +A woman trusts for glory to her steed. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Come down; fight fair afoot, and take the braggart's meed!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Down leaps the maid in fury, and her steed<br/> +Hands to a comrade, and with arms matched fair,<br/> +And dauntless heart, confronts him on the mead,<br/> +Her shield unblazoned, and her falchion bare.<br/> +He, vainly glorying in his fancied snare,<br/> +Reins round in haste, and, spurring, strives to flee.<br/> +"Fool," cries Camilla, "let thy pride beware.<br/> +Think not to palm thy father's tricks on me, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor hope with craft like this thy lying sire to see." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza92"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So spake she, and on flying feet afire<br/> +Outruns his steed, and stands athwart the way,<br/> +Then grasps the reins, and deals the wretch his hire,<br/> +Doomed with his life-blood for his craft to pay.<br/> +So on a dove, amid the clouds astray,<br/> +Down swoops the sacred falcon through the sky<br/> +From some tall cliff, and fastens on his prey,<br/> +And grips, and rends, and sucks the life-blood dry; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +820 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The feathers, foul with blood, come, fluttering down from high. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza93"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nor Jove meanwhile with unregarding ken,<br/> +Throned on Olympus, doth the scene survey.<br/> +Watchful of all, the Sire of gods and men<br/> +Stirs up the Tuscan Tarchon to the fray,<br/> +And plies the war-goad with no gentle sway.<br/> +He through the squadrons on his steed aflame<br/> +Rides 'mid the carnage, where the ranks give way;<br/> +Now chides, now cheers, and calling each by name, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +829 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Re-forms the broken lines, and reinspires the tame. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza94"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Cowards, why faint ye, Tuscans but in name?<br/> +Fie! shall a woman scatter you in flight?<br/> +O, slack! O, never to be stung to shame!<br/> +What use of weapons, if ye fear to fight?<br/> +No laggards ye for amorous jousts at night,<br/> +Or Bacchic revels, when the fife ye hear.<br/> +The feast and wine-cup—these are your delight;<br/> +For these ye linger, till the approving seer +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +838 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Calls to the grove's deep shade, where bleeds the fattened steer." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza95"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, spurring forth, himself prepared to die,<br/> +He dashed at Venulus, unhorsed his prize,<br/> +And bore him on his saddle-bow. A cry<br/> +Goes up, and all the Latins turn their eyes.<br/> +Swift with his prey the fiery Tarchon flies,<br/> +And, while the steel-head from his spear he rends,<br/> +Each chink and crevice in his armour tries,<br/> +To deal the death-blow. He, as fierce, contends, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +847 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, countering force with force, his naked throat defends. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza96"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As when a golden eagle, high in air,<br/> +Wreathed with a serpent, fastens, as she flies,<br/> +With feet that clutch, and taloned claws that tear.<br/> +Coil writhed in coil, the roughening scales uprise,<br/> +The crest points up, the hissing tongue defies.<br/> +She with sharp beak still rends the struggling prey,<br/> +And beats the air. So Tarchon with his prize<br/> +Through Tibur's host exulting speeds away. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +856 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +With cheers the Tuscans charge, and hail their chief's essay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza97"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now, due to fate, aloof with lifted lance,<br/> +The crafty Aruns round Camilla wheels,<br/> +And tries where fortune lends the readiest chance.<br/> +Oft as she charges, where the war-shout peals,<br/> +He slips unseen, and follows on her heels.<br/> +When back she runs, triumphant from the foe,<br/> +He shifts the rein, and from the conflict steals.<br/> +Now here, now there, he doubles to and fro, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +865 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And shakes his felon spear, but hesitates to throw. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza98"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lo, Chloreus, priest of Cybele, aglow<br/> +In Phrygian armour, gorgeous to behold,<br/> +Urges his foaming charger at the foe,<br/> +All decked in feathered chain-work, linked with gold.<br/> +Cretan his shafts, his bow of Lycian mould.<br/> +Dark blue and foreign purple clothed his breast,<br/> +Golden his casque and bow; his mantle's fold<br/> +Of yellow saffron knots of gold compressed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +874 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And buskins bound his knees, and broidered was his vest. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza99"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Him the fierce huntress, whether fain the shrine<br/> +To deck with trophies, or with envious eyes<br/> +Wishful herself in Trojan arms to shine,<br/> +Marks in the strife; at him alone she flies,<br/> +Proud, like a woman, of her fancied prize.<br/> +Blindly she runs, uncautious of the snare,<br/> +When, darting from the ambush, where he lies,<br/> +The moment snatched, false Aruns shakes his spear, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +883 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And thus, with measured aim, invokes the Gods with prayer. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza100"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +C +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"O Phoebus, guardian of Soracte's steep,<br/> +Whom first we honour, to whose sacred name,<br/> +Thy votaries, we, the blazing pine-wood heap,<br/> +And, firm in faith, pass through the smouldering flame,<br/> +Grant that our arms may wipe away this shame.<br/> +Trophies, nor spoils, nor plunder from the prey<br/> +Be mine; I look to other deeds for fame.<br/> +If wound of mine this hateful pest shall slay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +892 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Home will I gladly go, and fameless quit the fray." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza101"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Apollo heard, and granted half his prayer,<br/> +And half he scattered to the winds. To slay<br/> +With sudden stroke Camilla unaware<br/> +He gave, but gave not his returning day;<br/> +The breezes puffed the bootless wish away.<br/> +Shrill sang the lance; each Volscian eye and heart<br/> +Turned to the queen. The weapon on its way,—<br/> +The rush of air she heeds not, till the dart +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +901 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Strikes home, and, staying, draws the life-blood from her heart. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza102"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Up run her friends, the fainting queen to aid,<br/> +More scared than all, in fear and joy amain,<br/> +False Aruns flies, nor dares to face the maid,<br/> +Or trust the venture of his spear again.<br/> +As guilty wolf, some steer or shepherd slain,<br/> +Slinks to the hills, ere hostile darts pursue,<br/> +And clasps his tail between his thighs, full fain<br/> +To seek the woods, so Aruns shrank from view, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +910 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sore scared and glad to fly, and in the crowd withdrew. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza103"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With dying hand she strives to pluck the spear:<br/> +Deep 'twixt the rib-bones in the wound it lies.<br/> +Bloodless she faints; her features, late so fair,<br/> +Fade, as the crimson from the pale cheeks flies,<br/> +And cold and misty wax the drooping eyes.<br/> +Then, with quick gasps, and groaning from her breast,<br/> +She calls to faithful Acca, ere she dies,—<br/> +Acca, her truest comrade and her best, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +919 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The partner of her cares,—and breathes a last request. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza104"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Sister, 'tis past; the bitter shaft apace<br/> +Consumes me; all is growing dark. Go, tell<br/> +This news to Turnus; bid him take my place,<br/> +And keep these Trojans from the town. Farewell."<br/> +So saying, she dropped the bridle, as she fell.<br/> +Death's creeping chills the loosened limbs o'erspread.<br/> +Down dropped the weapons she had borne so well,<br/> +The neck drooped, slackened; and she bowed her head, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +928 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And the disdainful soul went groaning to the dead. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza105"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Up rose a shout, Camilla fall'n, that beat<br/> +The golden stars, and fiercer waxed the fray.<br/> +On press the host, in serried ranks complete,<br/> +Trojans, Arcadians, Tuscans in array.<br/> +High on a hill, fair Opis watched the day,<br/> +Set there by Trivia, undisturbed till now,<br/> +When, lo, amid the tumult far away<br/> +She sees Camilla, in the dust laid low, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +937 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Deep from her breast she sighs, and thus in words of woe: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza106"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Cruel, too cruel, is thy forfeit paid,<br/> +Poor maiden, who the Trojan arms would'st dare;<br/> +Nor aught availed thee, in the woodland glade<br/> +To serve Diana, and her arms to wear.<br/> +Yet not unhonoured in thy death, nor bare<br/> +Of fame she leaves thee; nor in after day<br/> +Shall vengeance fail thy prowess to declare.<br/> +Whoso hath dared thy sacred form to slay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +946 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +His blood shall rue the deed, and fit atonement pay." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza107"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Beneath the hill a barrow chanced to stand,<br/> +Heaped there of old, and holm-oaks frowned beside<br/> +Dercennus' tomb, who ruled Laurentum's land.<br/> +Here, lightning swift, the lovely Nymph espied,<br/> +In shining arms, and puffed with empty pride,<br/> +False Aruns. "Caitiff! dost thou think to flee?<br/> +Why keep aloof? Turn hitherward!" she cried,<br/> +"Come here, and die! Camilla claims her fee. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +955 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Must Cynthia waste her shafts on worthless knaves like thee?" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line964"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza108"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Plucking the arrow from her case, she drew<br/> +The bow, full-stretched, till both the horns unite.<br/> +Both arms raised level, ere the missile flew,<br/> +Her left hand touched the iron point, the right,<br/> +Pressed to her nipple, strained the bow-string tight.<br/> +He hears the arrow whistle as it flies,<br/> +And feels the wound. Sweeping on amain, [<a href="#note11stanza108">word missing</a>]<br/> +Forsakes him. Groaning, with a gasp, he dies. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +964 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Upsoars the gladdening Nymph, and seeks the Olympian skies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book11line973"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza109"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +First flies Camilla's troop, their mistress slain,<br/> +Then, routed, the Rutulian ranks give way,<br/> +And fierce Atinas gallops from the plain,<br/> +And scattered chiefs and squadrons in dismay<br/> +Spur towards the town for shelter from the fray.<br/> +None dares that murderous onset of the foe<br/> +To stem with javelins, nor their charge to stay.<br/> +Slack from their fainting shoulders hangs the bow, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +973 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The clattering horse-hoofs shake the crumbling ground below. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza110"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Dark rolls the dust-cloud, to the town-walls driven,<br/> +And mothers on the watch-towers, pale with fear,<br/> +Smite on their breasts, and shriek aloud to heaven.<br/> +These, bursting in, their foemen in the rear<br/> +Crush in the crowd, and slaughter with the spear,<br/> +Slain in the gateway—miserably slain!—<br/> +Their walls in sight, their happy homes so near.<br/> +Those bar the gates, while comrades on the plain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +982 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stretch their imploring hands, and call to them in vain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza111"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then piteous waxed the carnage by the gate,<br/> +Some storming, some defending. These without,<br/> +In sight of parents, weeping at their fate,<br/> +Roll down the moat, swept headlong by the rout,<br/> +Or charge the battered doorposts with a shout.<br/> +The very matrons, at their country's call,<br/> +Their javelins hurl. Charr'd stakes and oak-staves stout<br/> +Serve them for swords. Forth rush they, one and all, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +991 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fir'd by Camilla's deeds, to save the town or fall. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza112"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile to Turnus, in the woods afar,<br/> +Came Acca, and the bitter news made plain,<br/> +And told the chief the tumult of the war,—<br/> +The panic and the rout—the Volscian train<br/> +Swept from the battle, and Camilla slain.<br/> +The foemen, flushed with conquest, far and near<br/> +In hot pursuit, and sweeping on amain,<br/> +And all the city now aghast with fear:— +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1000 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Such was the dolorous tale that filled the warrior's ear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza113"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, mad with fury, in revengeful mood<br/> +(For Jove is stern, and so the Fates ordain),<br/> +He quits his mountain-ambush and the wood.<br/> +Scarce, out of sight, had Turnus reached the plain,<br/> +When, issuing forth, Æneas hastes to gain<br/> +The pass, left open, climbs the neighbouring height,<br/> +And leaves the tangled forest. Thus the twain,<br/> +Each near to each,—the middle space is slight,— +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1009 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Townward their troops lead on, and hail the proffered fight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book11stanza114"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +At once Æneas on the dusty plain<br/> +Marks the Laurentine columns far away.<br/> +At once, in arms, fierce Turnus knows again<br/> +The dread Æneas, and he hears the neigh<br/> +Of steeds, and tramp of footmen in array.<br/> +Then each the fight had ventured, as they stood,<br/> +But rosy Phoebus, with declining day,<br/> +His steeds was bathing in the Iberian flood; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1018 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So by the walls they camp, and make the ramparts good. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>BOOK TWELVE</h3> + +<p class="center">A<small>RGUMENT</small></p> + +<p><small>Turnus realises that he must now redeem his promise to meet Æneas +in single combat, and refuses to be dissuaded either by Latinus or +by Amata (<a href="#book12line1">1-90</a>). The challenge is sent, and the two make ready. Lists +are prepared and spectators gather (<a href="#book12line91">91-153</a>). Juno warns the Nymph +Juturna to aid her brother Turnus (<a href="#book12line154">154-180</a>). After the terms of +combat have been ratified by oath and sacrifice, Juturna, in disguise, +by an opportune omen induces one of the assembled Latins to break +the truce and kill a Trojan (<a href="#book12line181">181-310</a>). Æneas is wounded while +endeavouring to restrain his men from reprisals, and the fray becomes +general. Turnus deals death among the Trojans (<a href="#book12line307">311-441</a>). Æneas is +miraculously healed, and at first pursues only Turnus—who is +carried off by Juturna (<a href="#book12line442">442-561</a>), but presently gives rein to his +anger and slays indiscriminately, until by Venus' advice he attacks +the city. Amata kills herself, believing Turnus dead (<a href="#book12line559">562-702</a>). +Turnus' eyes are opened. Seeing the city outworks in flames, he +returns and proclaims himself ready to meet Æneas, who, welcoming +the challenge, rushes forward. All eyes are riveted on the two, when +Turnus' sword breaks, and once more he flees, pursued by Æneas. +Juturna gives Turnus another sword, and Venus restores to Æneas his +spear (<a href="#book12line703">703-918</a>). Follows a colloquy between Jupiter and +Juno.—Turnus must die. Æneas shall marry Lavinia and be king. But +the new nation must keep the ancient rites and names of Latium, and +be called not Trojans but Latins. Juno yields, and Jupiter warns +Juturna to leave the battle (<a href="#book12line919">919-1026</a>). Turnus, being beside himself, +after a last superhuman effort, is struck down. Æneas is about to +spare his life, when he sees upon his shoulder the spoils of Pallas, +and kills him (<a href="#book12line1027">1027-1107</a>).</small></p> +<p><a name="book12line1"></a></p> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza1"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +I +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +When Turnus saw the Latins faint and fly,<br/> +Crushed by the War-God, and his pledge reclaimed,<br/> +Himself the mark of every scornful eye,<br/> +Rage unappeasable his pride inflamed.<br/> +As when a lion, in the breast sore maimed<br/> +In Punic fields, uprousing, shakes his mane,<br/> +And snaps the shaft that felon hands had aimed,<br/> +His mouth all bloody, as he roars with pain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +So Turnus blazed with wrath, as thus in scornful strain +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza2"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +II +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He hailed the king: "Not Turnus stops the way;<br/> +No cause have these their challenge to forego,<br/> +Poor Trojan cowards; I accept the fray,<br/> +Sire, be the compact hallowed; be it so.<br/> +Or I, while Latins sit and see the show,<br/> +Will hurl to Hell this Dardan thief abhorred,<br/> +This Asian runaway, and on the foe<br/> +Refute the common slander with the sword, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +10 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Or he, as victor, reign and be Lavinia's lord." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line19"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza3"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +III +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, calm of soul, Latinus made reply,<br/> +"O gallant youth, the more thy heart is fain<br/> +In fierceness to excel, the more should I<br/> +Weigh well the risks and measure loss with gain.<br/> +To thee belong thy father Daunus' reign<br/> +And captured towns. Good will have I and gold,<br/> +And other maids our Latin homes contain,<br/> +Of noble birth and lovely to behold. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +19 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hear now, and let plain speech the thankless truth unfold. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza4"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"To none of former suitors was I free<br/> +To wed my daughter, so the voice ordained<br/> +Of gods and men consenting. Love for thee,<br/> +And sympathy for kindred blood hath gained<br/> +The mastery, and a weeping wife constrained.<br/> +I robbed the husband of the bride he wooed,<br/> +Took impious arms, and plighted faith disdained.<br/> +Ah me! what wars, what bitter fates ensued, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +28 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thou, Turnus, know'st too well, who first hast felt the feud. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza5"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +V +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Scarce now, twice worsted in the desperate fray,<br/> +Our walls can guard what Latin hopes remain,<br/> +And, choked with Latin corpses, day by day,<br/> +Old Tiber's stream runs purple to the main,<br/> +And Latin bones are whitening all the plain.<br/> +Why shifts my frenzied purpose to and fro?<br/> +Why change and change? If, maugre Turnus slain,<br/> +I deign to welcome as a friend his foe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +37 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Why not, while Turnus lives, the needless strife forego? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza6"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What will Rutulian kinsmen, what will all<br/> +Italia say, if (Chance the deed forefend!)<br/> +I leave thee, cheated of my care, to fall,<br/> +The daughter's lover, and the father's friend?<br/> +O, weigh the risks that on the war attend;<br/> +Pity the parent in his sad, old age,<br/> +Left at far Ardea to lament thine end."<br/> +Thus he; but naught fierce Turnus can assuage; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +46 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The healing hand but chafes, and words augment his rage. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza7"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then he, scarce gathering utterance, spake again,<br/> +"Good Sire, thy trouble for my sake forego;<br/> +Leave me the price of glory—to be slain.<br/> +I too can hurl, nor feeble is my blow,<br/> +The whistling shaft, that lays the foeman low,<br/> +And drinks his life-blood. Vain shall be his prayer.<br/> +No goddess mother shall be there, to throw<br/> +Her mist around him, with a woman's care, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +55 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And screen her darling son with empty shades of air." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza8"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +VIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The Queen, with death before her, filled with fears,<br/> +Wept sore and checked the fiery suitor's way.<br/> +"O Turnus! if thou heed'st me, by these tears;—<br/> +Hope of my age, Latinus' strength and stay,<br/> +Prop of our falling house! one boon I pray;<br/> +Forbear the fight. What fate awaiteth thee,<br/> +Awaits me too. If Trojans win the day,<br/> +With thee I'll leave the loathèd light, nor see +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +64 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Æneas wed my child, a captive slave, as she." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza9"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +IX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With tears Lavinia heard her mother speak.<br/> +A crimson blush her glowing face o'erspread,<br/> +And hot fires kindled on her burning cheek.<br/> +As Indian ivory, when stained with red,<br/> +Or lilies, mixt with roses in a bed,<br/> +So flushed the maid, with varying thoughts distrest.<br/> +He, wild with love, upon Lavinia fed<br/> +His constant gaze, but maddening with unrest, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +73 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Burned for the fight still more, and thus the Queen addressed: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza10"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +X +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Vex me not, mother, marching to the fray,<br/> +With these thy tears and bodings of despair.<br/> +'Tis not in me the fatal hour to stay.<br/> +Thou, Idmon, to the Phrygian tyrant bear<br/> +The unwelcome word: to-morrow let him spare<br/> +To lead his Teucrians to the fight. Each side<br/> +Shall rest awhile; when morning shines in air,<br/> +His blood or mine the quarrel shall decide, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +82 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And he or I shall win, whose prowess earns, the bride." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line91"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza11"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thus speaking, to his home the chieftain hies<br/> +And bids his steeds be harnessed for the fight:<br/> +Soon for the pleasure of their master's eyes<br/> +They stand before him, neighing in their might.<br/> +In days of old from <a href="#note12stanza11">Orithyia</a> bright<br/> +To King Pilumnus came those coursers twain,<br/> +Swifter than breezes and than snow more white;<br/> +His ready grooms attend, a nimble train, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +91 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And clap the sounding breast and comb the abundant mane. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza12"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Himself the shining corselet, stiff with gold<br/> +And orichalcum, on his shoulders laid.<br/> +His sword and shield he fitted to his hold,<br/> +And donned the helm, with crimson plumes arrayed,<br/> +The sword the Fire-King for his sire had made,<br/> +And dipped still glowing in the Stygian flood,<br/> +Last, the strong spear-beam in his hand he swayed<br/> +(Against a pillar in the house it stood), +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +100 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Auruncan Actor's spoils, and shook the quivering wood, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza13"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +And shouted, "Now, O never known to fail<br/> +Thy master's call, my trusty spear, I trow<br/> +The hour is come. Once, mightiest under mail,<br/> +Did Actor wield thee; Turnus wields thee now.<br/> +Grant this strong hand to lay the foeman low,<br/> +This Phrygian eunuch of his arms to spoil,<br/> +And rend his shattered breastplate with a blow;<br/> +Dragged in the dust, his dainty curls to soil, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +109 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hot from the crisping tongs, and wet with myrrh and oil." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza14"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Such furies urge him, and, ablaze with ire,<br/> +His hot face sparkles, and his eyes burn bright,<br/> +And from his eye-balls leaps the living fire;<br/> +As when a bull, in prelude for the fight,<br/> +Roars terribly, and fills the hinds with fright,<br/> +And, butting at a chance-met tree, would try<br/> +To vent his fury on his horns of might,<br/> +And with his fierce hoofs flings the sand on high, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +118 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And gores the empty air, and challenges the sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza15"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Nor less, meanwhile, and terrible in arms,—<br/> +The arms that Venus to her son doth lend,—<br/> +Æneas rages, and the War-God warms.<br/> +Pleased with the challenge, singly to contend,<br/> +And bring the weary warfare to an end,<br/> +His friends he cheers, and calms Iulus' care,<br/> +Unfolding Fate, then heralds hastes to send,<br/> +His answer to the Latin King to bear: +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +127 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The challenge he accepts, the terms of peace are fair. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza16"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Scarce Morning glimmered on the mountains grey,<br/> +And Phoebus' steeds, uprising from the main,<br/> +With lifted nostrils breathed approaching day.<br/> +Mixt with the Trojans, the Rutulian train,<br/> +Beneath the lofty town-walls on the plain<br/> +Mark out the lists, and mid-way in the ring,<br/> +Their braziers set, as common rites ordain.<br/> +These, apron-girt and crowned with vervain, bring +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +136 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fire for the turf-piled hearths, and water from the spring. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza17"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forth, as to war, Ausonia's spear-armed host,<br/> +Trojans and Tuscans, to the field proceed,<br/> +And to and fro, in gold and purple, post<br/> +Asilas brave, Assaracus's seed,<br/> +Mnestheus, Messapus, tamer of the steed.<br/> +Back step both armies at the trumpet's call,<br/> +Their spears in earth, their shields upon the mead.<br/> +An unarmed crowd, old men and matrons, all +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +145 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stand by the lofty gates, and throng the towers and wall. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line154"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza18"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But Juno, seated on a neighbouring height,<br/> +Now Alban called, then nameless and unknown,<br/> +Gazed from its summit on the field of fight,<br/> +And, musing, on the marshalled hosts looked down<br/> +Of Troy and Latium, and Latinus' town,<br/> +Then straight—a goddess to a goddess—spake<br/> +To Turnus' sister, who the sway doth own<br/> +Of sounding river and of stagnant lake, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +154 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Raised by the King of air, as yielding for his sake. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza19"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Nymph, pride of rivers, darling of my love,<br/> +Thou know'st, Juturna, how to all whoe'er<br/> +Of Latin maidens climbed the couch of Jove,<br/> +I thee preferred, and gave his courts to share.<br/> +Learn now thy woe, lest I the blame should bear.<br/> +While Fate and Fortune smiled on Latium's sway,<br/> +Thy walls I saved, and Turnus was my care.<br/> +Now in ill hour I see him tempt the fray; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +163 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fate and the foe speed on the inevitable day. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza20"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Not I this fight, this wager can behold.<br/> +Thou, if thou durst, thy brother's doom arrest.<br/> +Go; luck perchance may follow thee." Fast rolled<br/> +Juturna's tears, and thrice she smote her breast.<br/> +"No time to weep," said Juno, "speed thy quest,<br/> +And save thy brother, if thou canst, ere dead,<br/> +Or wake the war, and rend the league unblest;<br/> +'Tis I who bid thee to be bold." She said, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +172 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And left her, tost with doubt, and full of wildering dread. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line181"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza21"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forth come the Kings; Latinus, proudly borne<br/> +High in his four-horse chariot, shines afar.<br/> +Twelve gilded rays the monarch's brows adorn,<br/> +His Sire's, the Sun-God's. Wielding as for war<br/> +Two spears, comes Turnus in his two-horse car.<br/> +There, Rome's great founder, doth Æneas ride,<br/> +With dazzling shield, bright-shining as a star,<br/> +And arms divine, and at his father's side +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +181 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Ascanius takes his place, Rome's second hope and pride. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza22"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +And clad in robes of purest white, the priest<br/> +Leads forth the youngling of a bristly swine,<br/> +And two-year sheep, by shearer's hands unfleec'd.<br/> +And they, with eyes turned to the dawn divine,<br/> +Bared the bright steel, the victim's brow to sign,<br/> +And strewed the cakes of salted meal, and poured<br/> +On blazing altars bowls of sacred wine;<br/> +And good Æneas drew his glittering sword, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +190 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And thus, with pious prayer, the immortal gods adored: +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza23"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Witness, O Sun, thou Earth attest my prayer,<br/> +For whom I toil. Thou, Jove, supreme in sway,<br/> +And thou, great Juno, pleased at length to spare.<br/> +O mighty Mars, whose nod directs the fray;<br/> +Springs, Streams, and Powers whom Air and Sea obey.<br/> +If Turnus win—O let the vow remain—<br/> +Humbly to King Evander, as they may,<br/> +Troy's sons shall fly, Iulus quit the reign, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +199 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor seed of mine e'er vex the Latin field again. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza24"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"But else, if victory smile upon my sword<br/> +(As rather deem I, and may Heaven decree),<br/> +I wish not Troy to be Italia's lord,<br/> +Nor claim the crown; let each, unquelled and free,<br/> +In deathless league on equal terms agree.<br/> +Arms, empire let Latinus keep; I claim<br/> +To bring our rites and deities. For me<br/> +My Teucrian friends another town shall frame, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +208 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And bless the rising towers with fair Lavinia's name." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line217"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza25"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thus first Æneas; then with uplift eyes,<br/> +His right hand stretching to the stars in prayer,<br/> +"Hear me, Æneas," old Latinus cries,<br/> +"By the same Earth, and Sea and Stars I swear,<br/> +By the twin offering of <a href="#note12stanza25">Latona</a> fair,<br/> +And two-faced Janus, and Hell's powers malign,<br/> +And Dis unpitying; let Jove give ear,<br/> +The Sire whose bolt the solemn league doth sign, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +217 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Witness these fires and gods,—my hand is on the shrine,— +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza26"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"No time with Latins shall this league unbind,<br/> +Whate'er the issue, or the peace confound,<br/> +No force shall shake the purpose of my mind.<br/> +Nay—though the circling Ocean burst its bound,<br/> +And all the Earth were in a deluge drowned,<br/> +And Heaven with Hell should mingle. Sure as now<br/> +This sceptre" (haply in his hand was found<br/> +The Royal sceptre) "nevermore, I trow, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +226 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shall bourgeon with fresh leaves, or spread a shadowing bough, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza27"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Since once in forests, from its parent tree<br/> +Lopped clean away, the woodman stripped it bare<br/> +Of boughs and leaves, now fashioned, as ye see,<br/> +And cased in brass by cunning craftsman's care,<br/> +For fathers of the Latin realm to bear."<br/> +So they, amid their chiefest, Sire with Sire,<br/> +Confirm the league. These o'er the flames prepare<br/> +To slay the victims, and, as rites require, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +235 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The living entrails tear, and feed the sacred fire. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza28"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Long while unequal to Rutulian eyes<br/> +The combat seemed, and trouble tossed them sore,<br/> +Now more, beholding nearer, how in size<br/> +And strength the champions differed, yea, and more,<br/> +Beholding Turnus, as he moved before<br/> +The altars, sad and silently, and seeks<br/> +With downcast eyes Heaven's favour to implore,<br/> +The wanness of his youthful frame, that speaks +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +244 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of health and hope now fled, the pallor of his cheeks. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line253"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza29"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Soon as Juturna saw the whispers grow<br/> +From tongue to tongue, and marked the changing tone,<br/> +The hearts of people wavering to and fro,<br/> +Amidst them,—now in form of <a href="#note12stanza29">Camers</a> known,<br/> +Great Camers, sprung from grandsires of renown,<br/> +His father famed for many a brave emprise,<br/> +Himself as famed for exploits of his own,—<br/> +Amidst them, mistress of her part, she flies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +253 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And scatters words of doubt, and many a dark surmise. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza30"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Shame, will ye risk, Rutulians, for his host<br/> +The life of one? In number, strength and show<br/> +Do we not match them? <i>Those</i> are all they boast,<br/> +Trojans, Arcadians and Etruscans. Lo,<br/> +Fight we by turns, each scarce can find a foe.<br/> +He to his gods, whose shrines he dies to shield,<br/> +Will rise, and praised will be his name below.<br/> +We, reft of home, to tyrant lords shall yield, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +262 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And toil as slaves, who sit so slackly on the field." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza31"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So saying, Juturna to the youths imparts<br/> +Fresh rage, and murmurs through the concourse run,<br/> +And changed are Latin and Laurentian hearts,<br/> +And they, who lately sought the strife to shun,<br/> +And longed for rest, now wish the league undone,<br/> +And, pitying Turnus, wrongly doomed to die,<br/> +Call out for arms. And now, her work begun,<br/> +Juturna shows a lying sign on high, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +271 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +That shakes Italian hearts, and cheats the wondering eye. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza32"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Jove's golden eagle through the crimson skies<br/> +In chase of clanging marsh-fowl, swooped in flight<br/> +Down on a swan, and trussed the noble prize.<br/> +The Latins gaze, when lo, a wondrous sight!<br/> +Back wheels the flock, and all with screams unite,<br/> +And darkening, as a cloud, in dense array<br/> +Press on the foe, till, overborne by might,<br/> +And yielding to sheer weight, he drops the prey +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +280 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Into the stream below, and cloudward soars away. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza33"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +With shouts the glad Rutulians hail the sign,<br/> +And lift their hands. Then spake the seer straightway,<br/> +Tolumnius: "Welcome, welcome, powers divine!<br/> +'Twas this—'twas this I longed for, day by day.<br/> +To arms! 'Tis I, Tolumnius, lead the way.<br/> +Poor souls! whom yon strange pirate would enslave,<br/> +Like feeble birds, and make your coast a prey.<br/> +He too shall fly, and vanish o'er the wave. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +289 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stand close and fight as one, your captive king to save." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza34"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake and hurled his javelin at the foes,<br/> +Advancing. Shrill the cornel hissed, and flew<br/> +True to its quarry. Then a shout uprose,<br/> +And the ranks wavered, and hearts throbbed anew<br/> +With ardour, as the gathering tumult grew.<br/> +On went the missile to where, side by side,<br/> +Nine brethren stood, of comely form, whom, true<br/> +To her Gylippus, bare a Tuscan bride, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +298 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nine tall Arcadian sons, in bloom of youthful pride. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line307"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza35"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +One, where the belt chafes, and the strong clasp bites<br/> +The broidered edges,—comeliest of the band,<br/> +And sheathed in shining mail—the steel-head smites,<br/> +And rives the ribs, and rolls him on the sand.<br/> +Blind with hot rage, his brethren, sword in hand,<br/> +Or snatching missiles, to avenge the slain,<br/> +Rush to the charge. Laurentum's ranks withstand<br/> +Their onset, and a deluge sweeps the plain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +307 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Trojans, Agylla's bands, Arcadia's glittering train. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza36"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +One passion burns,—to let the sword decide.<br/> +Stript stand the altars, and the shrines are bare;<br/> +Dark drives the storm of javelins far and wide,<br/> +The iron tempest hurtles in the air,<br/> +And bowls and censers from the hearths they tear.<br/> +Himself Latinus, flying, bears afar<br/> +His home-gods, outraged by the league's misfare.<br/> +Some leap to horse, and others yoke the car, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +316 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Or bare the glittering sword, and hurry to the war. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza37"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Aulestes first, a king with kingly crown,<br/> +Messapus scares, and, spurring forward, fain<br/> +To break the treaty, rides the Tuscan down.<br/> +He, bating ground, falls back, and hurled amain<br/> +Against the altars, pitches on the plain.<br/> +Up comes Messapus, with his beam-like spear,<br/> +And smites him, pleading sorely but in vain,<br/> +Steep-rising heavily smites him, with a jeer, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +325 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +"He hath it; Heaven hath gained a better victim here." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza38"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Up Latins rush, and strip the limbs yet warm,<br/> +A brand half-burnt fierce Corynoeus there<br/> +Flings full at Ebusus, as with lifted arm<br/> +He nears him, and the long beard, all aflare,<br/> +Shines crackling, with a smell of burning hair.<br/> +He with his left hand, following up the throw,<br/> +Grasps the long locks, and, planting firm and fair<br/> +His knee, beneath him pins the prostrate foe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +334 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And drives the stark sword home, so deadly is the blow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza39"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, fired with fury, Podalirius flew<br/> +At shepherd Alsus, as he rushed among<br/> +The foremost. With his naked sword he drew<br/> +Behind him close, and o'er his foeman hung.<br/> +He turning round his broad axe backward swung,<br/> +And clave the chin and forehead. Left and right<br/> +The dark blood o'er the spattered arms outsprung.<br/> +Hard rest and iron slumber seal his sight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +343 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The drooping eyelids close on everlasting night. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza40"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XL +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Unarmed, Æneas, with uncovered brow,<br/> +Stretched out his hands, and shouted to his train:<br/> +"Where rush ye, men? what sudden discord now<br/> +Is this? Be calm; your idle wrath refrain.<br/> +The truce is struck; the treaty's terms are plain.<br/> +To me belongs the battle, not to you.<br/> +Give way to me, nor fret and fume in vain.<br/> +This hand shall make the treaty firm and true. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +352 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +These rites, this solemn pact give Turnus for my due." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza41"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So spake he, fain the tumult to allay,<br/> +And scarce had ceased, when, whistling as it flew,<br/> +A feathered shaft came hurtling on its way,<br/> +And smote the good Æneas; whose, and who<br/> +That shaft had sped, what wind had borne it true,<br/> +What chance with fame Ausonia's host had crowned,<br/> +What God, perhaps, had aided them—none knew.<br/> +The glory of that noble deed was drowned, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +361 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And none was found to boast of great Æneas' wound. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza42"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +When Turnus saw the Trojan prince retire,<br/> +The chiefs bewildered, and their hearts unstrung,<br/> +Hope unexpected set his soul on fire,<br/> +And, calling for his steeds and arms, he sprung<br/> +Upon his chariot, and the reins outflung.<br/> +On drives he; many a hero of renown<br/> +Sinks, crushed to death; the dying roll among<br/> +The dead; whole ranks beneath his wheels go down, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +370 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And fast at flying hosts the fliers' spears are thrown. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza43"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As when grim Mars, by Hebrus' icy flood,<br/> +Clashing his brazen buckler, drives apace<br/> +His fierce steeds, maddening with the lust of blood;<br/> +They o'er the plain the flying winds outrace,<br/> +And with their trampling groan the fields of Thrace;<br/> +And round the War-God his attendants throng,<br/> +Hatred, and Treachery and Fear's dark face;<br/> +So Turnus drove the battling ranks among, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +379 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And lashed his smoking steeds, and waved the whistling thong. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza44"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +In piteous sort he tramples on the slain;<br/> +The flying horse-hoofs spirt the crimson dew,<br/> +And tread the gore down in the sandy plain.<br/> +Now, man to man, at Thamyris he flew,<br/> +And Pholus. Sthenelus aloof he slew;<br/> +Aloof the two Imbracidæ lay dead,<br/> +Glaucus and Lades, of the Lycian crew,<br/> +Both armed alike, whom Imbracus had bred +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +388 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To fight, or on swift steeds the flying winds to head. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line397"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza45"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Elsewhere afield, amid the foremost, fought<br/> +The brave Eumedes. (From the loins he came<br/> +Of noble <a href="#note12stanza45">Dolon,</a> and to war he brought<br/> +The borrowed lustre of his grandsire's name,<br/> +The strength and spirit of his sire of fame,<br/> +Who for his meed, when offering to explore<br/> +The Danaan camp, Pelides' car would claim.<br/> +Poor fool! Tydides paid the boaster's score, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +397 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And for Achilles' steeds he hankers now no more.) +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza46"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Him Turnus sees, and through the void afar<br/> +Speeds a light lance, then bids the coursers stand,<br/> +And, lightly leaping from his two-horsed car,<br/> +Stamps on his neck, fall'n breathless on the sand,<br/> +And wrests the shining dagger from his hand.<br/> +Deep in his throat he deals a deadly wound,<br/> +And cries, "Now, Trojan, take the wished-for land.<br/> +Lie there, and measure the Hesperian ground; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +406 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Their meed, who tempt my sword; thus city-walls they found." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza47"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Asbutes, Sybaris and Chloreus bleed,<br/> +Dares the bold, Orsilochus the brave,<br/> +Thymoetes, pitched from off his plunging steed.<br/> +As on the Ægean when the North-winds rave,<br/> +And the fierce gale rolls shoreward wave on wave,<br/> +And drives the cloud-rack through the sky; so these<br/> +Shrank back from Turnus, as his path he clave,<br/> +Urged by his impulse, and each turns and flees; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +415 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Loose streams his horsehair crest, blown backward by the breeze. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza48"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +His fiery onset, and his shouts of pride<br/> +Bold Phlegeus brooked not, but himself he flung<br/> +Before the car, and caught and turned aside<br/> +The foaming steeds. But while, thus dragged along,<br/> +Grasping the bridle, on the yoke he hung,<br/> +His shieldless side the broad-tipt javelin found,<br/> +And pierced, and, staying, to the corslet clung,<br/> +With linen folds and brazen links twice bound. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +424 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And lightly scored the skin, and grazed him with the wound. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza49"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XLIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +His shield before him, at the foe he made,<br/> +And drew his short sword, turning sharply round,<br/> +And trusted to the naked steel for aid,<br/> +When wheel and axle, urged with onward bound,<br/> +Struck down and dashed him headlong to the ground,<br/> +And Turnus, reaching forward, sword in hand,<br/> +Room 'twixt the hauberk and the helmet found<br/> +And lopped the head with his avenging brand, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +433 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And left the bleeding trunk to welter on the sand. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line442"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza50"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +L +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +While Turnus thus dealt havoc as he flew,<br/> +Back with Æneas from the combat went<br/> +Ascanius, Mnestheus, and Achates true,<br/> +And helped the bleeding hero to his tent.<br/> +Faltering and pale, as on the spear he leant,<br/> +Fretting, and tugging at the shaft in vain,<br/> +Quick help he summons,—with the broadsword's rent<br/> +The wound to widen, and the lurking bane +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +442 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Cut out, and send him back to battle on the plain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza51"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Iapis, son of Iasus, was there,<br/> +The best-beloved of Phoebus. Long ago<br/> +Apollo, fired to see a youth so fair,<br/> +His arts and gifts had offered to bestow,<br/> +His augury, his lyre, his sounding bow.<br/> +But he, in hope a bed-rid parent's days<br/> +To lengthen, sought the leech's craft to know,<br/> +The power of simples, and the silent praise +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +451 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Of healing arts, and scorned the great Apollo's bays. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line460"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza52"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Dark-frowning stands, still propt upon his spear,<br/> +Æneas, heedless of his friends around<br/> +And young Iulus, weeping in his fear.<br/> +Tight-girt like <a href="#note12stanza52">Pæon,</a> with the robes upbound,<br/> +Beside him kneels the aged leech renowned.<br/> +With busy haste Apollo's salves he tries,<br/> +In vain, in vain he coaxes in the wound<br/> +The stubborn steel, the pincer's teeth he plies: +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +460 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fate bides averse, his help the healing god denies; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza53"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +And more and more, along the echoing wold,<br/> +The war's wild horror thickens on the ear,<br/> +And storm-like, in the darkened skies uprolled,<br/> +The driving dust-clouds show the danger near.<br/> +Now horsemen, galloping in haste, appear,<br/> +And darts and arrows, as the foe draw nigh,<br/> +Fall in the tents, and fill the camp with fear,<br/> +And a grim clamour mounts the vaulted sky, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +469 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The shouts of those that fight, the groans of those that die. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza54"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, Venus, for her darling filled with grief,<br/> +A stalk of dittany on Ida's crown<br/> +Seeks out, and gathers, for his wound's relief,<br/> +The flower of purple and the leaves of down.<br/> +(To wounded wild-goats 'twas a plant well-known)<br/> +This brings the Goddess, veiled in mist, and brews<br/> +In a bright bowl a mixture of her own,<br/> +And, steeped in water from the stream, she strews +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +478 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Soft balm of fragrant scent, and sweet ambrosial dews. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza55"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Therewith the leech, unwitting, rinsed the wound,<br/> +And the pain fled, and all the blood was stayed.<br/> +Out came the dart, and he again was sound.<br/> +"Arms! bring his arms! Why stand ye thus afraid?"<br/> +Iapis cries, and, foremost to upbraid,<br/> +Inflames them to the fight. "No hand of mine,<br/> +No power of leech-craft, nor a mortal's aid<br/> +This healing wrought; a greater power divine, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +487 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Æneas, sends thee back, by greater deeds to shine." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza56"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He, hot for fight, the golden cuishes bound,<br/> +And shook the spear, then put his corslet on,<br/> +And strung the shield, and in his arms enwound,<br/> +And gently through the helmet kissed his son.<br/> +"Learn, boy, of me, how gallant deeds are done,<br/> +Fortune of others. I will guard thee now,<br/> +And lead to fame. Let riper manhood con<br/> +Thy kinsmen's deeds. Remember, and be thou +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +496 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What uncle Hector was, and what thy sire is now." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza57"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and swinging his tremendous spear,<br/> +Swept through the gate; then Antheus, with his train,<br/> +Rushed forth, and Mnestheus. With a general cheer<br/> +Forth pours the host; a dust-cloud hides the plain;<br/> +Earth, startled by their trampling, throbs in pain.<br/> +Pale Turnus saw them from a distant height,<br/> +The Ausonians saw, and terror chilled each vein.<br/> +Juturna heard, and knew the noise of fight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +505 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And from the van drew back, and shuddered with affright. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza58"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +On swept he, and the blackening host behind.<br/> +As when from sea a storm-cloud sweeps to shore,<br/> +The weather breaking, and the trembling hind<br/> +Foresees afar the ruin and the roar,<br/> +The shattered orchards, and the crops no more,<br/> +While, landward borne, the muttering winds betray<br/> +The coming storm; so down the Trojan bore<br/> +Against the foemen, and in firm array +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +514 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +All knit their serried ranks, and gladden at the fray. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza59"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thymbræus smites Osiris, Mnestheus fells<br/> +Archetius; by Achates smitten sheer,<br/> +Falls Epulo, and Gyas Ufens quells.<br/> +Falls, too, Tolumnius, the sacred seer,<br/> +Who first against the foemen hurled his spear.<br/> +Uprose a shout, and the Rutulians reeled<br/> +And fled. Æneas, on the dusty rear<br/> +Close-trampling, scorns to follow them afield, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +523 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Or fight with those that stand, or slaughter those that yield. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza60"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Turnus alone, amid the blinding gloom,<br/> +He tracks and traces, searching far and near,<br/> +Turnus alone he summons to his doom.<br/> +Juturna sees, and smit with sudden fear,<br/> +Unseats Metiscus, Turnus' charioteer,<br/> +And flings him down, and leaves him on the plain,<br/> +Then takes his place, and, urging their career,<br/> +Loose o'er the coursers shakes the waving rein; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +532 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Metiscus' voice and form, Metiscus' arms remain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza61"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Like a black swallow, as she flies among<br/> +A rich man's halls, or in the courts is found<br/> +In quest of dainties for her twittering young.<br/> +And now in empty cloisters, now around<br/> +The fishpools circles, while the shrill notes sound.<br/> +So now Juturna, through the midmost foes,<br/> +Whirled in the rapid chariot, scours the ground;<br/> +Now here, now there triumphant Turnus shows, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +541 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Now, flying, wheels aloof, nor suffers him to close. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza62"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So wheels in turn Æneas to and fro,<br/> +And tracks his man, and through the war's wild tide<br/> +Calls him aloud. Oft as he marks his foe,<br/> +And, running, tries to match the coursers' stride,<br/> +So oft Juturna wheels the team aside.<br/> +What shall he do? While wavering thus in vain,<br/> +As diverse thoughts his doubtful mind divide,<br/> +A steel-tipt dart Messapus—one of twain— +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +550 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Aims true, and hurls it forth, uprunning on the plain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line559"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza63"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Æneas paused, behind his buckler bent.<br/> +On came the javelin, and the cone was shorn<br/> +From off his helmet, and the plume was rent.<br/> +Foiled by this treachery, as he marked with scorn<br/> +The steeds and chariot from the combat borne,<br/> +He blazed with ire, and, calling on again<br/> +Jove and the altars of the truce forsworn,<br/> +Rushed on, thrice terrible, and o'er the plain +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +559 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Dealt indiscriminate death, and gave his wrath the rein. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza64"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +What heavenly muse can sing, what god can say<br/> +The scenes of horror wrought on either side,<br/> +The varied slaughter of that fatal day,<br/> +What chiefs were chased along the field, and died,<br/> +As Turnus now, and now the Trojan plied<br/> +His murderous sword? Jove, could'st thou deem it right<br/> +So dire a broil such peoples should divide,<br/> +Two jarring nations met in deadly fight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +568 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whom leagues of lasting love were destined to unite? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza65"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Æneas first (that fight 'twas first that stayed<br/> +The Teucrian rout) caught Suero on the side.<br/> +Where death is quickest, 'twixt the ribs his blade,<br/> +Deep in the framework of the breast, he plied.<br/> +Then Turnus slew Diores; close beside,<br/> +His brother Amycus from his steed he tore;<br/> +One by the spear, one by the sword-cut died.<br/> +Their severed heads the ruthless victor bore, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +577 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Fixt to his flying car, and dripping with the gore. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza66"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Talus, and Tanais, and Cethegus there<br/> +Æneas smote, and poor Onytes slew,<br/> +Whom Peridia to Echion bare.<br/> +Turnus two Lycian brethren next o'erthrew<br/> +From Phoebus' fields, and young Menoetes too<br/> +From Arcady, who loathed the war in vain.<br/> +Poor was his home, nor rich men's doors he knew.<br/> +By fishful Lerna he had earned his gain, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +586 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Hired was the scanty glebe his father sowed with grain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza67"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Lo, as fierce flames drive in from left and right<br/> +Through woodlands parched and groves of crackling bay,<br/> +As sweep impetuous from a mountain height<br/> +Loud, foaming torrents, that withouten stay<br/> +Cleave to the sea their devastating way:<br/> +So, while in each full tides of anger flow,<br/> +Rush Turnus and Æneas to the fray:<br/> +Their tameless breasts with bursting valour glow, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +595 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +On, on they speed amain, nor fear the opposing blow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza68"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +There stands Murranus, vaunting in vain joy<br/> +His sires, and grandsires, he the princely son<br/> +Of Latin monarchs. Him the chief of Troy<br/> +Smites with the whirlwind of a monstrous stone,<br/> +Huge as a rock. Down from his chariot thrown,<br/> +'Twixt reins and yoke, he tumbles on the sward.<br/> +The fierce wheels, thundering onward, beat him down;<br/> +His starting steeds, to shun the victor's sword, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +604 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Tread on his trampled limbs, unmindful of their lord. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line613"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza69"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Here, fronting Hyllus, as he rushed amain,<br/> +Fierce Turnus stood; his levelled spear-head clave<br/> +The golden casque, and quivered in his brain.<br/> +Nor thee, poor Creteus, though of Greeks most brave,<br/> +From Turnus had thy prowess power to save.<br/> +Nor aught availed <a href="#note12stanza69">Cupencus'</a> gods to aid<br/> +Against the dread Æneas, as he drave.<br/> +Squaring his breast, he met the glittering blade, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +613 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor long his brazen shield the mortal stroke delayed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza70"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thee, too, great Æolus, Laurentum's plain<br/> +Saw trampled down by Turnus, as he flew,<br/> +And stretched at length among the Trojan slain.<br/> +Thou diest, whom ne'er could Argive bands subdue,<br/> +Nor Peleus' son, who Priam's realm o'erthrew.<br/> +Thy goal is here; beyond the distant wave,<br/> +Beneath the mount where Ida's fir-trees grew,<br/> +High house was thine; high house Lyrnessus gave, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +622 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thy home; Laurentum's soil hath given thee a grave. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza71"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So met the ranks, and mingled, man with man,<br/> +Latins and Dardans in promiscuous throng,<br/> +Mnestheus and fierce Serestus in the van,<br/> +Messapus, tamer of the steed, and strong<br/> +Asylas. There in tumult swept along<br/> +Arcadian horsemen, and the Tuscan train.<br/> +No rest is theirs, no respite; loud and long<br/> +The conflict rages, as with might and main, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +631 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Each for his own dear life, the warriors strive and strain. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza72"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Now lovely Venus doth her son persuade<br/> +To seek the walls, and townward turn his train,<br/> +And deal swift havoc on the foe dismayed.<br/> +While here and there Æneas scans the plain,<br/> +Still tracking Turnus through the ranks in vain,<br/> +Far off the peaceful city he espies,<br/> +Unscathed, unstirred, and in his restless brain<br/> +The vision of a greater war doth rise; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +640 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Larger the War-God looms, and to his chiefs he cries. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza73"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Mnestheus, Sergestus and Serestus strong<br/> +He calls, and on a hillock takes his stand.<br/> +There, mustering round him, all the Teucrians throng,<br/> +Each armed with buckler, and his spear in hand,<br/> +And from the mound he thus exhorts the band:<br/> +"Hear, sons of Teucer, and let none be slack.<br/> +Jove fights for us, so hearken my command.<br/> +Though strange the venture, sudden the attack, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +649 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Let none for that cause faint, none loiter and hang back. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza74"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"This town—unless they yield them and obey—<br/> +This town, the centre of Latinus' reign,<br/> +The cause of war, will I uproot this day,<br/> +And raze her smoking roof-tops to the plain.<br/> +What! shall I wait, and wait, till Turnus deign<br/> +To take fresh heart, and tempt the war's rough game,<br/> +And, conquered, face his conqueror again?<br/> +See there the fount of all this blood! For shame; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +658 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Bring quick the torch; let fire the perjured pact reclaim!" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza75"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So spake he, and one purpose nerves them all.<br/> +They form a wedge, and forward with a cheer<br/> +The close-knit column charges at the wall.<br/> +Here scaling ladders in a trice they rear,<br/> +And firebrands suddenly and flames appear.<br/> +These seek the gates, and lay the foremost dead;<br/> +Those flash the sword, or shake the shining spear.<br/> +Darts cloud the skies. Æneas, at their head, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +667 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stands by the lofty walls, and with his hands outspread, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza76"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Upbraids aloud Latinus, twice untrue,<br/> +And bids heaven witness and his wrongs regard,<br/> +Thus forced reluctant to the fight anew;<br/> +How loth again with Latin foes he warred,<br/> +How twice the truce the Latin crimes had marred.<br/> +Upsprings wild discord in the town; some call<br/> +To cede the city, and have the gates unbarred,<br/> +And drag the aged monarch to the wall; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +676 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Some rush to arms, and strive their entrance to forestall. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza77"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As when within a crannied rock some hind,<br/> +Returning home, a swarm of bees hath found,<br/> +And all the nest with bitter smoke doth blind:<br/> +They, in their waxen citadel fast bound,<br/> +Post to and fro, the narrow cells around,<br/> +And whet their stings in fury and despair:<br/> +With stifled hum the caverned crags resound,<br/> +The black fumes search the windings of their lair, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +685 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And the dark smoke rolls up, and mingles with the air. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza78"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +A new mischance now smote with further woe<br/> +The Latin town, and fainting hearts dismayed.<br/> +As queen Amata sees the coming foe,<br/> +The ramparts stormed, their flames the roofs invade,<br/> +And nowhere Turnus nor his troops to aid,<br/> +Him dead she deems, herself the cause declares,<br/> +Herself alone she spares not to upbraid.<br/> +She wails,—she raves,—her purple robe she tears, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +694 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And from a lofty beam the hideous noose prepares. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line703"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza79"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The women heard; Lavinia first of all,<br/> +Her golden locks, her rosy cheeks doth tear.<br/> +All rave around, and wailings fill the hall.<br/> +Fast flies the news, and shakes the town with fear.<br/> +Then rends his robes Latinus in despair,<br/> +His town in ruins and his consort dead,<br/> +And, scattering dust upon his hoary hair,<br/> +Himself he blames, that ne'er in Turnus' stead +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +703 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Dardan prince he chose, his dear-lov'd child to wed. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza80"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Meanwhile, in chase of distant stragglers, speeds<br/> +Fierce Turnus. Slacker is his car's career,<br/> +And less he glories in his conquering steeds,<br/> +When lo, the breezes from Laurentum bear<br/> +The sound of shouting, and the shrieks of fear,<br/> +And a dull murmur, as of men that groan,—<br/> +The city's roar—strikes on his listening ear.<br/> +"Ah me! what clamour on the winds is blown? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +712 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +What noise of grief," he cries, "comes rolling from the town?" +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza81"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and madly pulled the rein. Then she,<br/> +His sister, like Metiscus changed in view,<br/> +Who ruled the chariot, "Forward, Turnus! See<br/> +The path that victory points thee to pursue.<br/> +This way—this way to chase the Trojan crew!<br/> +Others there are, who can the walls defend,<br/> +See here Æneas, how he storms. We, too,<br/> +Our foes, Troy's varlets, to their graves can send, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +721 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Nor thee less tale of slain, nor scantier praise attend." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza82"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then quickly answered Turnus, glancing round,<br/> +"Sister, long since I knew thee—knew thee plain,<br/> +When first thy cunning did the league confound,<br/> +And sent thee forth, fierce battle to darrain;<br/> +And now thou think'st to cheat me, but in vain,<br/> +Albeit a goddess. But what power on high<br/> +Hath willed thee, sent from the Olympian reign,<br/> +Such toils to suffer, and such tasks to try? +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +730 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Cam'st thou, forsooth, to see thy wretched brother die? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza83"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What can I do? What pledge of safety more<br/> +Doth Fortune give? what better hopes remain?<br/> +Myself beheld, these very eyes before,<br/> +Murranus die, the dearest of our train,<br/> +Stretched by a huge wound hugely on the plain.<br/> +I saw, how, backward as his comrades reeled,<br/> +Poor Ufens, sooner than behold such stain,<br/> +Sank low in death; himself, his sword and shield +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +739 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The Teucrian victors hold, their trophies of the field. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza84"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"What, shall I see our houses wrapt in flame,—<br/> +Last wrong of all—and coward-like, stand by,<br/> +Nor make this arm put Drances' taunts to shame?<br/> +Shall Turnus run, and Latins see him fly?<br/> +And is it then so terrible to die?<br/> +Be kind, dread spirits of the world below!<br/> +To you, since envious are the powers on high,<br/> +Worthy my ancestors of long ago, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +748 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Free from the coward's blame, a sacred shade I go." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza85"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Scarce spake he; through the midmost foes apace<br/> +Comes Saces, borne upon his foaming steed,<br/> +A flying shaft had scored him in the face.<br/> +"Turnus," he cries, "sole champion in our need,<br/> +Help us, have pity on thy friends who bleed.<br/> +See there, Æneas threatens in his ire<br/> +To raze our towers, and with a storm-cloud's speed<br/> +Thunders in arms, and roofward flies the fire, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +757 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +To thee the Latins turn, thee Latin hopes require. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza86"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Himself, the king, is wavering, whom to call<br/> +His new allies, and whom his kingdom's heir.<br/> +Dead is the queen, thy faithfullest of all,<br/> +Self-plunged from light, in terror and despair.<br/> +Scarce fierce Atinas and Messapus there,<br/> +Beside the town-gates standing, hold their own.<br/> +Dense hosts surround them, and with falchions bare,<br/> +War's harvest bristles, by the walls upgrown; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +766 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Thou on the empty sward art charioting alone." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza87"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Stunned and bewildered by the changeful scene<br/> +Stood Turnus, gazing speechless and oppressed.<br/> +Shame, rage, and sorrow, and revengeful spleen,<br/> +And frenzied love, and conscious worth confessed<br/> +Boil from the depths of his tumultuous breast.<br/> +Now, when the shadows from his mind withdrew,<br/> +And light, returning, to his thoughts gave rest,<br/> +Back from his chariot towards the walls he threw +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +775 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +His eyes, aflame with wrath, and grasped the town in view. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza88"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +From floor to floor, behold, a tower upblazed,—<br/> +The tower, with bridge above and wheels below,<br/> +Himself with beams and mortised planks had raised.<br/> +"Sister," he cries, "Fate conquers; let us go<br/> +The way which Heaven and cruel fortune show.<br/> +I stand to meet Æneas in the fray,<br/> +And die; if death be bitter, be it so.<br/> +No more dishonoured shalt thou see me, nay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +784 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +O sister, let me vent this fury, while I may." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza89"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +LXXXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +He spake, and quickly vaulting from his car,<br/> +Through foes, through darts, his sister left to mourn,<br/> +Rushed headlong forth, and broke the ranks of war.<br/> +As when a boulder, from a hill-top borne,<br/> +Which rains have washed, or blustering winds have torn,<br/> +Or creeping years have loosened, down the steep,<br/> +From crag to crag, leaps headlong, and in scorn<br/> +Goes bounding on, and with resistless sweep +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +793 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lays waste the woods, and whelms the shepherd and his sheep; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza90"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XC +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So Turnus through the broken ranks doth fly<br/> +On to the town-walls, where the crimson plain<br/> +Is soaked, and shrill with javelins shrieks the sky,<br/> +Then shouts, with hand uplifted, to his train,<br/> +"Rutulians, hold! Ye Latin men refrain!<br/> +Mine are the risks of Fortune, mine of right,<br/> +The truce thus torn, to expiate the stain,<br/> +And let the sword give judgment." At the sight +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +802 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The hostile ranks divide, and clear the lists of fight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line811"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza91"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But when the Sire Æneas heard the name<br/> +Of Turnus, and his foeman's form espied,<br/> +Down from the ramparts and the towers he came,<br/> +And scorned delay, and put all else aside,<br/> +Thundering in arms, and glorying in his pride.<br/> +As <a href="#note12stanza91">Athos</a> huge, as <a href="#note12stanza91">Eryx</a> huge he shows,<br/> +Or huge as Father Apennine, whose side<br/> +Roars with his nodding oaks, when drifted snows +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +811 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Shine on his joyous crest, and lighten on his brows. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza92"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Rutulians, Trojans, Latins,—each and all<br/> +Look wondering on, both they who man the height,<br/> +And they who batter at the base. Down fall<br/> +Their arms. Amazed Latinus views the sight,<br/> +Two chiefs from distant countries, matched in might.<br/> +The lists set wide, they dash into the fray.<br/> +Each hurls a spear, then, hand to hand, they fight.<br/> +Loud ring the shields, and quick the broadswords play. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +820 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Earth groans, and chance contends with courage for the day. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line829"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza93"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As on <a href="#note12stanza93">Taburnus,</a> or in <a href="#note12stanza93">Sila's</a> shade<br/> +Two bulls, with butting foreheads, mix in fray:<br/> +Pale fly the hinds, mute stands the herd dismayed:<br/> +The heifers low, unknowing who shall sway<br/> +The grove, what lord and leader to obey;<br/> +They, with horns locked, their mutual rage outpour,<br/> +And thrust for thrust, and wound for wound repay,<br/> +Fast from their necks and dewlaps streams the gore, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +829 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And all the neighbouring wood rebellows to the roar; +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza94"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So, when both champions on the listed field,<br/> +The Trojan and the Daunian, eye to eye,<br/> +Met in the deadly conflict, shield to shield<br/> +Clanged, and a loud crash shattered through the sky.<br/> +And now great Jove, the Sire of gods on high,<br/> +Holds up the scales, and sets the long beam straight,<br/> +And in the balance lays their fates, to try<br/> +Each champion's fortune in the stern debate, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +838 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Whom battle's toil shall doom, where sinks the deathful weight. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza95"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Forth springs, in fancied safety, at his foe<br/> +Fierce Turnus, rising to his utmost height,<br/> +And planting all his body in the blow,<br/> +Strikes. A loud shout, of terror and delight<br/> +Goes up from Troy and Latium at the sight.<br/> +When lo, the falchion, as the stroke he plies,<br/> +Snaps short, and leaves him helpless. Naught but flight<br/> +Can aid him; swifter than the wind he flies, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +847 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +As in his hand disarmed an unknown hilt he spies. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza96"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +When first his steeds were harnessed for the war,<br/> +In haste he snatched Metiscus' sword, 'tis said,<br/> +His sire's forgotten, as he climbed the car,<br/> +And well enough that weapon served his stead,<br/> +To smite the stragglers, while the Trojans fled;<br/> +But when it met, and countered in the fray<br/> +The arms of Vulcan, then the mortal blade,<br/> +Found faithless, like the brittle ice, gave way, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +856 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And in the yellow sand the sparkling fragments lay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza97"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +So Turnus flies, and, doubling, but in vain,<br/> +Now here, now there, weaves many an aimless round;<br/> +For all about him, as he scours the plain,<br/> +The swarming legions of the foe are found,<br/> +And here the marsh, and there the bulwarks bound.<br/> +Nor less Æneas, though his stiff knee feels<br/> +The rankling arrow, and the hampering wound<br/> +Retards his pace, pursues him, as he wheels, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +865 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And dogs the flying foe, and presses on his heels. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza98"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As when some stag, a river in his face,<br/> +Or toils with scarlet feathers, set to scare,<br/> +A huntsman with his braying hounds doth chase.<br/> +Awed by the steep bank and the threatening snare,<br/> +A thousand ways he doubles here and there;<br/> +But the keen Umbrian, all agape, is by,<br/> +Now grasps,—now holds him,—and now thinks to tear,<br/> +And snaps his teeth on nothing; and a cry +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +874 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Rings back from shore and stream, and rolls along the sky. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza99"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +XCIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Chiding by name his comrades, as he flies,<br/> +Fierce Turnus for his trusty sword doth cry.<br/> +Nor less Æneas with his threat defies,<br/> +"Stand off," he shouts, "who ventures to draw nigh,<br/> +His town shall perish, and himself shall die."<br/> +Onward, though maimed, he presses to his prey.<br/> +Twice five times circling round the field they fly;<br/> +For no mean stake or sportive prize they play, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +883 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lo, Turnus' life and blood are wagered in the fray. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza100"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +C +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +A wilding olive on the sward had stood,<br/> +Sacred to Faunus. Mariners of yore<br/> +In worship held the venerable bough,<br/> +When to Laurentum's guardian, safe on shore<br/> +Their votive raiment and their gifts they bore.<br/> +That sacred tree, the lists of fight to clear,<br/> +Troy's sons had lopped. There, in the trunk's deep core,<br/> +The Dardan javelin, urged with impulse sheer, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +892 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Stuck fast; the stubborn root, retentive, grasped the spear. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza101"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Stooping, Æneas with his hands essayed<br/> +To pluck the steel, and follow with the spear<br/> +The foe his feet o'ertook not. Sore dismayed<br/> +Then Turnus cried, "O Faunus, heed and hear,<br/> +And thou, kind Earth, hold fast the steel, if dear<br/> +I held the plant, which Trojan hands profaned."<br/> +He prayed, nor Heaven refused a kindly ear.<br/> +Long while Æneas at the tough root strained; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +901 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Vain was his utmost strength; the biting shaft remained. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza102"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +While thus he stooped and struggled, prompt to aid,<br/> +Juturna, to Metiscus changed anew,<br/> +Ran forth, and to her brother reached his blade.<br/> +Then Venus, wroth the daring Nymph to view,<br/> +Came, and the javelin from the stem withdrew,<br/> +Thus, armed afresh, each eager for his chance,<br/> +The Daunian trusting to his falchion true,<br/> +The Dardan towering with uplifted lance, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +910 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +High-hearted, face to face, the breathless chiefs advance. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line919"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza103"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then Jove, as from a saffron cloud above<br/> +Looked Juno, pleased the doubtful strife to view,<br/> +"When shall this end, sweet partner of my love?<br/> +What more? Thou know'st it, and hast owned it too,<br/> +Divine Æneas to the skies is due.<br/> +What wilt thou, chill in cloudland? Was it right<br/> +A god with mortal weapons to pursue?<br/> +Or give—for thine was all Juturna's might— +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +919 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lost Turnus back his sword, and renovate the fight? +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza104"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Desist at length, and hearken to my prayer.<br/> +Feed not in silence on a grief so sore,<br/> +Nor spoil those sweet lips with unlovely care.<br/> +The end is come; 'twas thine on sea and shore<br/> +Troy's sons to vex, to wake the war's uproar,<br/> +To cloud a home, a marriage-league untie,<br/> +And mar with grief a bridal. Cease, and more<br/> +Attempt not." Thus the ruler of the sky, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +928 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And thus, with down-cast look, Saturnia made reply. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza105"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"E'en so, great Jove, because thy will was known,<br/> +I left, reluctant, Turnus and his land.<br/> +Else ne'er should'st thou behold me here alone,<br/> +Thus shamed and suffering, but, torch in hand,<br/> +To smite these hateful Teucrians would I stand.<br/> +I made Juturna rescue from the foe<br/> +Her hapless brother,—mine was the command,—<br/> +Approved her daring for his sake, yet so +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +937 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +As not to wield the spear, or meddle with the bow. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza106"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Nay, that I swear, and a dread oath will take<br/> +(The only oath that doth the high gods bind),<br/> +By that grim fount that feeds the Stygian lake.<br/> +And now, great Jove, reluctant, but resigned,<br/> +I yield, and leave the loathed fight behind.<br/> +One boon I ask, nor that in Fate's despite,<br/> +For Latium, for the honour of thy kind.<br/> +When—be it so—blest Hymen's pact they plight, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +946 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And laws and lasting league the warring folks unite, +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza107"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"Ne'er let the children of the soil disown<br/> +The name of Latins; turn them not, I pray,<br/> +To Trojan folk, to be as Teucrians known.<br/> +Ne'er let Italia's children put away<br/> +The garb they wear, the language of to-day<br/> +Let Latium flourish, and abide the same,<br/> +And Alban kings through distant ages sway.<br/> +Let Rome through Latin prowess wax in fame; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +955 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +But fall'n is Troy, and fall'n for ever be her name." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza108"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Smiling, the founder of the world replied:<br/> +"Thou, second child of Saturn, born to reign<br/> +In heaven Jove's sister, and his spouse beside.<br/> +Such floods of passion can thy breast contain?<br/> +But come, and from thy fruitless rage refrain.<br/> +I yield, and gladly; be thy will obeyed.<br/> +Speech, customs, name Ausonia shall retain<br/> +Unchanged for ever, as thy lips have prayed. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +964 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And in the Latin race Troy's mingled blood shall fade. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza109"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"All Latins will I make them, of one tongue,<br/> +And sacred rites, as common good, assign.<br/> +Hence shalt thou see, from blood Ausonian sprung,<br/> +A blended race, whose piety shall shine<br/> +Excelling man's, and equalling divine;<br/> +And ne'er shall other nation tell so loud<br/> +Thy praise, or pay such homage to thy shrine."<br/> +Well-pleased was Juno, and assenting bowed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +973 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And straight with altered mind ascended from the cloud. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza110"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +New schemes the Sire, from Turnus to repel<br/> +Juturna's aid, now ponders in his mind.<br/> +Two fiends there are, called Furies. Night with fell<br/> +Megæra bore them at one birth, and twined<br/> +Their serpent spires, and winged them like the wind.<br/> +These at Jove's threshold, and beside his throne<br/> +Await his summons, to afflict mankind,<br/> +When death or pestilence the Sire sends down, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +982 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Or shakes the world with war, and scares the guilty town. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza111"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +One, for an omen, from the skies he sends,<br/> +To front Juturna. Down, with sudden spring,<br/> +To earth, as in a whirlwind, she descends.<br/> +As when a poisoned arrow from the string<br/> +Through clouds a Parthian launches on the wing,—<br/> +Parthian or Cretan—and in darkling flight<br/> +The shaft, with cureless venom in its sting,<br/> +Screams through the shadows; so, arrayed in might, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +991 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Swift to the earth came down the daughter of the Night. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza112"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But when Troy's host and Turnus' ranks were known,<br/> +Shrunk to the semblance of a bird in size,<br/> +Which oft on tombs or ruined roofs alone<br/> +Sits late at night, and with ill-omened cries<br/> +Vexes the darkness; so in dwarfed disguise<br/> +The foul fiend, shrieking around Turnus' head,<br/> +Flaps on his shield, and flutters o'er his eyes.<br/> +Strange torpor numbs the Daunian's limbs with dread; +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1000 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The stiffening hair stands up, and all his voice is dead. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza113"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +The rustling wings Juturna knew, and tore<br/> +Her comely face, and rent her scattered hair,<br/> +And smote her breast: "O cruel me! what more<br/> +For Turnus can a sister now? What care<br/> +Or craft thy days can lengthen? Can I dare<br/> +To face this fiend? At last, at last I go,<br/> +And quit the field. Foul birds, avaunt, nor scare<br/> +My fluttering soul. Too well the sounds of woe, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1009 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Those beating wings,—too well great Jove's behest I know. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza114"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +"<i>This</i> for my robbed virginity? Ah, why<br/> +Did immortality the Sire bestow,<br/> +And grudge a mortal's privilege—to die?<br/> +Else, sure this moment could I end my woe,<br/> +And with my hapless brother pass below.<br/> +Immortal I? What joy hath aught beside,<br/> +Thou, Turnus, dead? Gape, Earth, and let me go,<br/> +A Goddess, to the shades!" She spake, and sighed, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1018 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, veiled in azure mantle, plunged beneath the tide. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<p><a name="book12line1027"></a></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza115"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXV +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +But fierce Æneas on his foeman pressed.<br/> +His tree-like spear he poises for the fray,<br/> +And pours the pent-up fury of his breast.<br/> +"Why stay'st thou, Turnus? Wherefore this delay?<br/> +Fierce arms, not swiftness, must decide the day.<br/> +Shift as thou wilt, and every shape assume;<br/> +Exhaust thy courage and thy craft, and pray<br/> +For wings to soar with, or in earth's dark womb +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1027 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Sink low thy recreant head, and hide thee from thy doom." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza116"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Thus he; but Turnus shook his head, and said,<br/> +"Ruffian! thy threats are but as empty sound;<br/> +They daunt not Turnus; 'tis the gods I dread,<br/> +And Jove my enemy." Then, glancing round,<br/> +He marked a chance-met boulder on the ground,<br/> +Huge, grey with age, set there in ancient days<br/> +To clear disputes,—a barrier and a bound.<br/> +Scarce twelve picked men the ponderous mass could raise, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1036 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Such men as Earth brings forth in these degenerate days. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza117"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +That stone the Daunian lifted, straining hard<br/> +With hurrying hand, and all his height updrew,<br/> +And at Æneas hurled the monstrous shard;<br/> +So heaving, and so running, scarce he knew<br/> +His running, or how huge a weight he threw.<br/> +Cold froze his blood; beneath his trembling frame<br/> +The weak knees tottered. Through the void air flew<br/> +The stone, nor all the middle space o'ercame, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1045 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Short of its mark it fell, nor answered to its aim. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza118"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXVIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +As oft in dreams, when drowsy night doth load<br/> +The slumbering eyes, still eager, but in vain,<br/> +We strive to race along a lengthening road,<br/> +And faint and fall, amidmost of the strain;<br/> +The feeble limbs their wonted aid disdain,<br/> +Mute is the tongue, nor doth the voice obey,<br/> +Nor words find utterance; so with fruitless pain<br/> +Poor Turnus strives; but, struggle as he may, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1054 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +The baffling fiend is there, and mocks the vain essay. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza119"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXIX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, tost with diverse passions, dazed with fear,<br/> +Towards friends and town he throws an anxious glance.<br/> +No car he sees, no sister-charioteer.<br/> +Desperate of flight, nor daring to advance,<br/> +Aghast, and shuddering at the lifted lance,<br/> +He falters. Then Æneas poised at last<br/> +His spear, and hurled it, as he marked his chance.<br/> +Less loud the stone from battering engine cast, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1063 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Less loud through ether bursts the levin-bolt's dread blast. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza120"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXX +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Like a black whirlwind flew the deadly spear,<br/> +Right thro' the rim the sevenfold shield it rent<br/> +And breastplate's edge, nor stayed its onset ere<br/> +Deep in the thigh its hissing course was spent.<br/> +Down on the earth, his knees beneath him bent,<br/> +Great Turnus sank: Rutulia's host around<br/> +Sprang up with wailing and with wild lament:<br/> +From neighbouring hills their piercing cries rebound, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1072 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And every wooded steep re-echoes to the sound. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza121"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXXI +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then, looking up, his pleading hands he rears:<br/> +"Death I deserve, nor death would I delay.<br/> +Use, then, thy fortune. If a father's tears<br/> +Move thee, for old Anchises' sake, I pray,<br/> +Pity old Daunus. Me, or else my clay,<br/> +If so thou wilt, to home and kin restore.<br/> +Thine is the victory. Latium's land to-day<br/> +Hath seen her prince the victor's grace implore. +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1081 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +Lavinia now is thine; the bitter feud give o'er." +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza122"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXXII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Wrathful in arms, with rolling eyeballs, stood<br/> +Æneas, and his lifted arm withdrew;<br/> +And more and more now melts his wavering mood,<br/> +When lo, on Turnus' shoulder—known too true—<br/> +The luckless sword-belt flashed upon his view;<br/> +And bright with gold studs shone the glittering prey,<br/> +Which ruthless Turnus, when the youth he slew,<br/> +Stripped from the lifeless Pallas, as he lay, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1090 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And on his shoulders wore, in token of the day. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br/></p> + +<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="book12stanza123"> +<tr> +<td align="right" valign="top"><small> +CXXIII +</small>. </td> +<td></td> +<td> +Then terribly Æneas' wrath upboils,<br/> +His fierce eyes fixt upon the sign of woe.<br/> +"Shalt <i>thou</i> go hence, and with the loved one's spoils?<br/> +'Tis Pallas—Pallas deals the deadly blow.<br/> +And claims this victim for his ghost below."<br/> +He spake, and mad with fury, as he said,<br/> +Drove the keen falchion through his prostrate foe.<br/> +The stalwart limbs grew stiff with cold and dead, +</td> +<td valign="top"><small> +1099 +</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td colspan="2"> +And, groaning, to the shades the scornful spirit fled. +</td> +<td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK ONE</h3> + +<p><a name="note1stanza1"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line1">I.</a> 'The Lavinian shore,' the coast of Italy +near Lavinium, an old +town in Latium. See also <a href="#book1line307">stanzas xxxv. and xxxvi.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza3"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line19">III.</a> Carthage was a Phoenician colony, and Tyre +was the leading +Phoenician city.</p> + +<p>Samos was an island in the Archipelago near the coast of Asia Minor. +There was a famous temple on it, dedicated to Juno, who was supposed +to take a special interest in the island.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza5"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line37">V.</a> 'The choice of Paris' refers to the Greek story that once when +the gods were feasting, 'Discord' threw a golden apple on the table +as a prize for the fairest. Juno, Minerva and Venus each claimed it, +but the Trojan prince Paris, who was made judge, gave it to Venus. +<i>Ganymede</i> was a beautiful Trojan boy who was carried off to Olympus +to be Jove's cup-bearer.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza6"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line46">VI.</a> Ajax, son of Oileus, desecrated Minerva's temple at Troy. (Cf. +<a href="#book2line478">Book II. stanza liv.</a>)</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza14"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line118">XIV.</a> The 'son of Tydeus' is Diomedes, one of the foremost Greek +warriors in the war with Troy. Aeneas narrowly escaped being slain +by him.</p> + +<p>For <i>Sarpedon</i> see <a href="#book9line793">Book IX. stanza lxxxix.</a> and for <i>Simois</i> note on +<a href="#note6stanza14">Book VI. stanza xiv.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza26"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line226">XXVI.</a> Acestes was king of Eryx in Sicily, which was called +'Trinacria' from its three promontories. See <a href="#book5line28">Book V. stanzas iv.</a> and +following.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza27"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line235">XXVII.</a> See note on <a href="#note3stanza55">Book III. stanzas lv.</a> and following.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza32"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line280">XXXII.</a> The legend was that Antenor escaped from Troy and established +a colony of Trojans at the northern end of the Adriatic. The <i>Timavus</i> +was a small river near where Trieste now is.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza33"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line289">XXXIII.</a> <i>Patavium</i>. The modern Padua.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza35"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line307">XXXV.</a> Ascanius or Iulus is the son of Aeneas.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza36"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line316">XXXVI.</a> The legend was that Rhea Silvia, a priestess of Mars, bore +the twins Romulus and Remus. The two children were exposed and left +to die, but were found and nursed by a she-wolf.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza38"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line334">XXXVIII.</a> This prophecy refers not to C. Julius Caesar but to his +nephew Augustus, as is shown by the references to the east (the battle +of Actium) and to the closing of the 'gates of Janus.' For an account +of the latter, see <a href="#book7line208">Book VII. stanza xxiv.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza40"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line352">XL.</a> The 'son of Maia' is Mercury.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza42"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line370">XLII.</a> Harpalyce was the daughter of a Thracian king and a famous +huntress.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza49"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line433">XLIX.</a> <i>Byrsa</i>. This word, originally the Semitic word for 'citadel,' +was thought by the Greeks to be their own word <i>Byrsa</i> meaning 'a +bull's hide.' This mistake was probably the cause of the legend given +by Virgil.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza55"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line487">LV.</a> <i>Paphos</i> in Cyprus was one of the chief centres of the worship of +Venus.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza60"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line532">LX.</a> Priam was the king of Troy, and the Atridae were Agamemnon and +Menelaus. Achilles is described as fierce to both, because he +quarrelled with Agamemnon about a captive. It is with this quarrel +that the <i>Iliad</i> opens.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza62"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line550">LXII.</a> <i>Rhesus</i>, king of Thrace, had come to help the Trojans. It had +been prophesied that if his horses ate Trojan grass or drank the water +of the river, Troy could never be taken. Diomedes (Tydides) prevented +this by capturing the horses.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza63"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line559">LXIII.</a> <i>Troilus:</i> a son of Priam slain by Achilles.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza64"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line568">LXIV.</a> Memnon, son of Aurora, the dawn-goddess, and Penthesilea, +queen of the Amazons, came to Troy as allies. They were both slain +by Achilles.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza65"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line577">LXV.</a> The <i>Eurotas</i> was a river in Laconia, and Cynthus was a mountain +of Delos. Both places were supposed to be favourite haunts of the +goddess Diana. <i>Oreads:</i> mountain-nymphs. <i>Latona</i> was the mother +of Diana and Apollo.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza70"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line622">LXX.</a> <i>Hesperia</i>, 'the western land,' means Italy.</p> + +<p>The Oenotrian folk were an old Italian race settled in the south of +the peninsula, in Lucania. <i>Italus</i> is an eponymous hero and was +probably invented to account for the name <i>Italia</i>. Probably +<i>Italia</i> means 'the cattle land.'</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza82"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line730">LXXXII.</a> This Teucer, who was a Greek, must be carefully distinguished +from the founder of the Trojans. He was a son of the king of Salamis, +and on his return from the Trojan war was exiled by his father. He +fled to Dido's father Belus, and with the help of the latter founded +a new kingdom in Cyprus.</p> + +<p><a name="note1stanza97"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book1line865">XCVII.</a> Bacchus was the god of wine and feasting.</p> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK TWO</h3> + +<p><a name="note2stanza22"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line190">XXII.</a> An oracle said that the citadel of Troy would never be taken +as long as the <i>Palladium</i>, or image of Pallas, remained in it. So +Diomedes and Ulysses stole the image.</p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza32"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line280">XXXII.</a> Apollo had conferred on Cassandra the gift of prophecy. But +she deceived him, and as he could not take away his former gift, he +added as a curse that no one should ever believe her.</p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza35"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line307">XXXV.</a> <i>Neoptolemus</i> was the son of Achilles and grandson of Peleus.</p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza42"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line370">XLII.</a> <i>Sigeum</i> is the name of the promontory which juts out into the +Hellespont from the Troad.</p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza55"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line487">LV.</a> The 'Atridan pair' were Agamemnon, king of Argos, and Menelaus, +king of Sparta, the sons of Atreus.</p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza56"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line496">LVI.</a> <i>Nereus</i> was one of the chief sea-gods.</p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza61"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line541">LXI.</a> Andromache was the wife of Hector.</p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza63"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line559">LXIII.</a> Pyrrhus is the same as Neoptolemus in <a href="#book2line307">stanza xxxv.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza76"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line676">LXXVI.</a> Creusa and Iulus were the wife and son of Aeneas.</p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza77"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line685">LXXVII.</a> Helen is called 'Tyndarean' because she was the daughter of +Tyndarus. Paris, son of Priam, had carried her off from her husband +Menelaus, and so caused the Trojan war.</p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza83"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line739">LXXXIII.</a> The goddess Pallas (Athena) wore on her shield the head of +the snaky-haired monster Medusa, one of the Gorgons.</p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza84"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line748">LXXXIV.</a> The walls of Troy were said to have been built by Apollo and +Neptune.</p> + +<p><a name="note2stanza105"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book2line937">CV.</a> <i>Hesperia</i>, 'the western land,' here means Italy. The Tiber is +called Lydian from a tradition that the Lydians had colonised +Etruria.</p> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK THREE</h3> + +<p><a name="note3stanza10"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line82">X.</a> The <i>Nereids</i> were sea-nymphs, the daughters of Nereus. The island +mentioned is Delos, and the story referred to is that Jupiter hid +Latona, the mother of Apollo and Diana, on the floating island of +Delos, in order to shelter her from the jealousy of Juno. By means +of chains Apollo fixed Delos between the two small neighbouring +islands Myconos and Gyarus.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza12"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line100">XII.</a> 'Thymbrean lord.' Apollo, so called from the town of Thymbra +in the Troad, where he was worshipped.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza16"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line136">XVI.</a> Crete is called 'Gnosian' from 'Gnossos,' the chief town of the +island.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza17"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line145">XVII.</a> <i>Ortygia</i> was the ancient name of Delos.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza23"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line199">XXIII.</a> The 'Ausonian shores' means Italy. For the Ausonians, see <a href="#book7line46">Book +VII. stanza vi.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza29"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line253">XXIX.</a> The Strophades were a small group of islands off the south-west +coast of Greece. The story alluded to is that Phineus, king of Thrace, +unjustly put out the eyes of his sons. As a punishment the gods +blinded him, and sent the Harpies—loathsome monsters with the +bodies of birds and the faces of women—to defile and seize all the +food that was set before him. Phineus was at last freed from them +by Zetes and Calais, the sons of the North Wind, who drove the Harpies +from Thrace to the Strophades.</p> + +<p>For Celaeno's prophecy, see note on <a href="#note7stanza16">Book VII. stanza xvi.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza36"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line316">XXXVI.</a> Ulysses, the most cunning of the Greek leaders before Troy, +was king of Ithaca, and son of Laertes.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza39"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line343">XXXIX.</a> <i>Phaeacia</i> means <i>Corcyra</i>, and <i>Chaonia</i> is a district of +Epirus. Its chief harbour was Buthrotum.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza43"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line379">XLIII.</a> <i>Hermione</i> was the daughter of Menelaus and Helen. Orestes +was the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. He slew his mother on +account of her treacherous murder of Agamemnon when the latter +returned home from Troy, and killed Pyrrhus for having deprived him +of his promised bride, Hermione.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza46"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line406">XLVI.</a> <i>Xanthus</i> was a river that flowed near Troy. The 'Scaean Gate' +was the western gate of Troy and looked towards the sea. It was the +best known of the gates because most of the fighting took place before +it.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza47"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line415">XLVII.</a> Apollo was called 'Clarian' from Claros (near Ephesus), where +there was a shrine and oracle of the god.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza52"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line460">LII.</a> <i>Narycos</i>, or more properly <i>Naryx</i>, was a town of the Opuntian +Locri in Greece. Virgil follows the tradition that they went and +settled in the south of Italy at the close of the Trojan war.</p> + +<p>The 'Sallentinian plain' was the land bordering on the Tarentine Gulf, +and 'Petelia' was on the east coast of Bruttium, and had been founded +by Philoctetes, after he had been expelled from Thessaly.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza55"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line487">LV.</a> <i>Scylla</i> and <i>Charybdis</i> are taken from Homer. The former was +a terrible sea-monster with six heads, and the latter a whirlpool. +Tradition fixed their abode as the Straits of Messina. Scylla dwelt +in a cave on the Italian side, Charybdis on the Sicilian.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza60"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line532">LX.</a> Dodona, in Epirus, was one of the famous oracles in Greece.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza68"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line604">LXVIII.</a> The place was called 'Castrum Minervae,' and lay a few miles +to the north of the southern extremity of Calabria.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza72"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line640">LXXII.</a> The Cyclops were placed by Virgil on the slopes of Aetna.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza74"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line658">LXXIV.</a> <i>Enceladus</i> was one of the giants who had fought against the +gods, but Jupiter struck him down with a thunderbolt and buried him +under Mount Aetna.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza87"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line775">LXXXVII.</a> <i>Pelorus</i> was the most northerly headland of the Straits +of Messina.</p> + +<p><a name="note3stanza88"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book3line784">LXXXVIII.</a> <i>Plemmyrium</i> ('the place of the tides') is the headland +near the harbour of Syracuse, which was built on the island of Ortygia. +The legend which Virgil refers to relates that Alpheus, the god of +a river in Elis, fell in love with the nymph Arethusa while she was +bathing in his waters. Diana changed her into a stream, and in that +guise she fled from Alpheus under land and sea, finally issuing forth +in Ortygia. Alpheus pursued her, and mingled his waters with hers.</p> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK FOUR</h3> + +<p><a name="note4stanza8"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line64">VIII.</a> '<i>Sire Lyaeus:</i>' Bacchus. These gods are mentioned in this +place as having to do with marriage—possibly they are invoked as +being specially the gods of Carthage.</p> + +<p><a name="note4stanza15"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line127">XV.</a> The name 'Titan' as applied to the sun is curious. Perhaps it +is a reference to the Greek tale that Hyperion, one of the Titans, +was the father of the sun.</p> + +<p><a name="note4stanza19"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line163">XIX.</a> The <i>Agathyrsians</i> were a Scythian tribe, and the <i>Dryopes</i> were +a Thessalian people who dwelt on Mount Parnassus, the especial home +of Apollo; Cynthus is a mountain in Delos.</p> + +<p><a name="note4stanza26"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line226">XXVI.</a> 'Ammon' was the African Jupiter.</p> + +<p><a name="note4stanza29"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line253">XXIX.</a> The 'Zephyrs' were the south-west winds, and so the right ones +to take the fleet of Aeneas to Italy from Carthage.</p> + +<p><a name="note4stanza32"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line280">XXXII.</a> Atlas was the giant who held apart heaven and earth. Virgil +identifies him with the mountains which lie in North Africa between +the sea and the desert of Sahara. Atlas was the father of Maia, the +mother of Mercury. The latter is called 'Cyllenius' from his +birth-place, Mount Cyllene in Arcadia.</p> + +<p><a name="note4stanza38"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line334">XXXVIII.</a> Mount Cithaeron, near Thebes, was famous for the revels +which took place there in honour of Bacchus.</p> + +<p><a name="note4stanza44"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line388">XLIV.</a> Phoebus (Apollo) is called 'Grynoeus' from Grynium, a city of +Aeolis in Asia Minor. He was much worshipped in Lycia, hence his +oracles are often called 'Lycian lots.'</p> + +<p><a name="note4stanza55"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line487">LV.</a> It was at Aulis in Boeotia that the Greek expedition against Troy +mustered.</p> + +<p><a name="note4stanza60"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line532">LX.</a> In this passage Virgil has in mind the <i>Bacchae</i> of Euripides, +in which Pentheus goes mad, and perhaps the <i>Eumenides</i> of Aeschylus, +but it is more probable that in the latter case he is merely thinking +of Orestes as he is represented in tragedy.</p> + +<p><a name="note4stanza66"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line586">LXVI.</a> <i>Hecate</i>, the goddess of the lower world, sometimes identified +with Proserpina, and sometimes with Diana. She was worshipped at +cross-roads by night.</p> + +<p>For <i>Avernus</i>, see note on <a href="#note6stanza18">Book VI. stanza xviii.</a></p> + +<p>The ancients believed that foals were born with a lump on their +foreheads. The name given to this was <i>hippomanes</i>, and it was +supposed to act as a powerful love-philtre.</p> + +<p><a name="note4stanza82"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book4line730">LXXXII.</a> By the 'unknown Avenger' Virgil clearly points to Hannibal.</p> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK FIVE</h3> + +<p><a name="note5stanza4"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line28">IV.</a> Eryx was the son of Venus and Butes, Aeneas son of Venus and +Anchises, hence they are called brothers here. Eryx is the legendary +founder of the town of that name on the west coast of Sicily, near +Mount Eryx.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza6"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line46">VI.</a> The story was that Acestes was the son of the Sicilian river-god +Crimisus and Egesta, a Trojan maiden.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza11"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line91">XI.</a> The myrtle was sacred to Venus. Helymus was the supposed founder +of the Elymi, a Sicilian tribe. He was a Trojan who had migrated to +Sicily from Troy.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza16"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line136">XVI.-XVII.</a> The <i>gens Memmia</i> and the <i>gens Sergia</i> were two +distinguished Roman families who traced their descent from Trojans. +The only member of the family of Cluentius we know much about is the +disreputable person on whose behalf Cicero made a well-known speech.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza26"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line226">XXVI.</a> Cape Malea is the most southerly point of Laconia in the +Peloponnesus, renowned for its storms.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza32"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line280">XXXII.</a> <i>Panopea</i> was one of the Nereids or sea-nymphs. Portunus was +an ancient Roman sea-god. Originally he was, as his name implies, +a god of harbourage.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza33"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line289">XXXIII.</a> Meliboea was a town at the foot of Mount Ossa in Thessaly.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza56"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line496">LVI.</a> <i>Alcides</i>, a common name for Hercules, who was descended from +Alcaeus. Hercules slew Eryx in the boxing-match referred to.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza68"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line604">LXVIII.</a> This refers to an incident mentioned in the <i>Iliad</i>. A truce +had been concluded by the Greek and Trojans but it was broken by +Pandarus, who shot an arrow at Menelaus.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza72"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line640">LXXII.</a> The meaning of this passage is very obscure. For we are not +told what the portent signified either in this or the succeeding +books. The old interpretation was that it referred to the burning +of the ships (<a href="#book5line730">lxxxii.</a> and following), but it is more probable that +Virgil was thinking of the wars between Rome and Sicily.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza77"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line685">LXXVII.</a> The mother of Augustus was a member of the Atian family, and +this passage was evidently inserted by Virgil with the special idea +of pleasing Augustus.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza80"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line712">LXXX.</a> For Crete and the Labyrinth, see note on <a href="#note6stanza4">Book VI. stanza iv.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza103"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line919">CIII.</a> The temple of Venus on Mount Eryx was very celebrated in +antiquity. Venus is called 'Idalian' from Idalium in Cyprus.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza112"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line1000">CXII.</a> All the names that occur in this stanza are those of sea-gods +or sea-nymphs.</p> + +<p><a name="note5stanza118"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book5line1054">CXVIII.</a> The Roman poets placed the Sirens on some rocks in the +southern part of the bay of Naples.</p> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK SIX</h3> + +<p><a name="note6stanza1"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line1">I.</a> <i>Cumae</i> was the most ancient Greek colony in Campania. The +tradition was that it had been founded by immigrants from Cyme and +Aeolis and from Chaleis in Euboea. Hence its name, and the epithet +Virgil applies to it.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza2"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line10">II.</a> The 'Sibyl' here mentioned was the most famous of the +prophetesses of antiquity. She was directly inspired by Apollo (the +Delian seer), and dwelt in a cavern near his temple. <i>Trivia</i> is an +epithet of Hecate. See note on <a href="#note4stanza66">Book IV. stanza lxvi.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza3"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line19">III.</a> Daedalus, who built the labyrinth for Minos, incurred the wrath +of the latter and escaped from Crete with his son Icarus, by making +wings. He fastened them on with wax, and Icarus flying too near the +sun, his wings melted and he fell into the Aegean. Daedalus, however, +reached Cumae in safety.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza4"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line28">IV.</a> On the gate were carvings representing various Cretan stories. +Androgeos was the son of Minos, king of Crete. He won all the contests +at the Panathenaic festival at Athens, whose king, Aegeus, slew him +out of jealousy. In revenge, Minos made war on the Athenians, and +forced them to pay a yearly tribute of seven youths and seven maidens, +who were devoured by the Minotaur. This monster was the offspring +of Pasiphaë, wife of Minos, and a bull sent by Neptune, and it lived +in the labyrinth built by Daedalus. The tribute continued to be paid +until Theseus, son of Aegeus, went to Crete as one of the seven. +Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, fell in love with him, and helped +him to slay the monster.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza14"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line118">XIV.</a> <i>Xanthus</i> and <i>Simois</i> were two rivers which flowed through the +plain before Troy. The new Achilles is of course Turnus, king of the +Rutuli.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza15"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line127">XV.</a> The Grecian town is Pallanteum, the chief city of Evander's +kingdom. See <a href="#book8line55">Book VIII. stanza vii.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza16"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line136">XVI.</a> Acheron was the fabled river of the lower world. Virgil probably +had in his mind the real <i>Acherusia palus</i>, a gloomy marsh near +Naples.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza18"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line154">XVIII.</a> There was a volcanic lake near Cumae called <i>Avernus</i>, whose +waters gave out sulphureous vapours. It was connected by tradition +with the lower world. Orpheus, the mythical poet, so charmed the gods +of the nether world by his harp-playing, that he was allowed to take +back to the upper world his dead wife Eurydice. Castor was mortal, +but his brother Pollux was immortal; so when the former was slain +in fight Pollux obtained from Jupiter permission that each should +spend half their time in heaven, half in Hades. Theseus descended +into Hades in order to carry off Proserpine. He was kept a prisoner +there until he was rescued by Hercules (Alcides), who came down to +carry off Cerberus, the three-headed dog who guarded the entrance +(see <a href="#book6line496">stanza lvi.</a>).</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza32"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line280">XXXII.</a> Virgil alludes to the promontory of Misenum on the north side +of the bay of Naples. The legend is a purely local one. There is no +mention of Misenus in Homer.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza33"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line289">XXXIII.</a> 'Aornos' is a Greek word—'where no bird can come.'</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza35"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line307">XXXV.</a> 'The Furies' mother and her sister' were Night and Earth.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza37"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line325">XXXVII.</a> 'Phlegethon' was the 'burning' river of the lower world.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza39"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line343">XXXIX.</a> The beast of Lerna is the Lernean Hydra, slain by Hercules; +the others are terrible monsters slain by various heroes.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza41"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line361">XLI.</a> Charon was the ferryman of the dead.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza54"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line478">LIV.</a> Apollo was called Amphrysian because he tended the herds of +Admetus near the river Amphrysus in Thessaly. Here the epithet is +strangely transferred to Apollo's servant.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza57"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line505">LVII.</a> Minos, king of Crete, became one of the judges of the dead, +in the under-world. His brother Rhadamanthus was the other. See +<a href="#book6line667">stanza lxxv.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza59"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line523">LIX.</a> For Phaedra, see note on <a href="#note7stanza103">Book VII. stanza ciii.</a> Procris was +accidentally slain by her husband, Eriphyle was killed by her son +Alcmaeon, Evadne threw herself on her husband's funeral pyre, and +Laodamia also died with her husband. For Pasiphaë, see note on <a href="#note6stanza4">stanza +iv.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza63"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line559">LXIII.</a> Tydeus, Parthenopaeus, and Adrastus were three of the seven +heroes who fought against Thebes. The other names are taken from the +<i>Iliad</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza77"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line685">LXXVII.</a> The two sons of Aloeus were Otus and Ephialtes, who +threatened to assail the Immortals by piling Pelion on Ossa and Ossa +on Olympus. Salmoneus of Elis was punished for having presumptuously +claimed divine honours.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza80"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line712">LXXX.</a> Ixion was king of the Lapithae, and being taken to heaven by +Jupiter, made love to Juno, for which he was eternally punished. +Pirithous was his son, and was guilty of having, with Theseus, +attempted to carry off Proserpine.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza93"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line829">XCIII.</a> <i>Lethe</i> was the river of forgetfulness, and those who drank +of it forgot their former life and were ready for a new one.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza100"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line892">C.-CI.</a> The kings mentioned in these two stanzas are the earliest +mythical rulers of Alba Longa. Numitor was the father of Rhea Silvia +(Ilia), the mother of Romulus and Remus.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza105"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line937">CV.</a> The Emperor Augustus was the nephew and adopted son of C. Julius +Caesar, who claimed to trace his descent back to Iulus, and so through +Aeneas to Venus herself.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza108"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line964">CVIII.</a> The first king referred to is Numa Pompilius, who was a Sabine +born at Cures. Tullus and Ancus were the third and fourth kings of +Rome. They can none of them be considered historical figures.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza109"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line973">CIX.</a> This Brutus expelled Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome. +His sons tried to restore the monarchy and he ordered them to be +executed.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza110"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line982">CX.</a> The Decii, father and son, both died in battle, and the family +of the Drusi had many distinguished members. Manlius Torquatus was +celebrated for killing his son for disobeying orders. Camillus was +the great Roman hero of the fourth century <small>B.C.</small> He was five times +dictator and saved Rome from the Gauls.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza111"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line991">CXI.</a> Virgil is referring to Caesar and Pompey.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza112"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line1000">CXII.</a> L. Mummius captured Corinth, and so ended the war with Greece, +in 146 <small>B.C.</small>, and is clearly referred to here. By 'the man who lofty +Argos shall o'erthrow,' Virgil probably means Aemilius Paullus, who +won the battle of Pydna in 168 <small>B.C.</small> against a king of Macedonia who +called himself a descendant of Achilles.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza113"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line1009">CXIII.</a> Cato was the famous censor of 184 <small>B.C.</small> who vainly tried to +check the growth of luxury at Rome. Cossus killed the king of Veii +in 426 <small>B.C.</small> The two Gracchi were great political reformers. The elder +Scipio defeated Hannibal at Zama in 202 <small>B.C.</small>, and his son took +Carthage in 146 <small>B.C.</small> Fabricius was the general who fought against +Pyrrhus, when the latter invaded Italy in 281-75 <small>B.C.</small> Serranus was +a general in the first Punic war. The Fabii of renown are so many +that Anchises only mentions the most famous of them, Q. Fabius +Maximus Cunctator, the general against Hannibal.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza115"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line1027">CXV.</a> Marcus Marcellus was a Roman general in the first Punic war.</p> + +<p><a name="note6stanza116"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book6line1036">CXVI.</a> Marcellus was the son of the Emperor's sister Octavia, and at +the age of 18 he married Augustus' daughter Julia. He was a youth +of great promise, and was destined to succeed his father-in-law, but +he died of fever at the age of 20 in 23 <small>B.C.</small>, amidst universal grief.</p> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK SEVEN</h3> + +<p><a name="note7stanza1"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line1">I.</a> 'Thou too, Caieta,' that is to say, as well as Misenus and +Palinurus, mentioned in the last book. Caieta gave her name to the +town and promontory which were on the confines of Latium and +Campania.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza2"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line10">II.</a> 'The coast, where Circe'—Virgil identifies 'the island of +Aeaea,' the dwelling-place of Circe in Homer, with the promontory +of Circeii in Italy.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza6"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line46">VI.</a> 'Say, Erato:' Erato was the Muse of Love, and the invocation is +not specially appropriate in this place. But the line is an imitation +of Apollonius Rhodius iii, 1.</p> + +<p>'Ausonia,' a poetical name for Italy. The <i>Ausones</i> were early +inhabitants of Campania.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza7"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line55">VII.</a> <i>Latinus</i> was king of the Latins, a small tribe whose chief town +was Laurentum. <i>Faunus</i> a god of the fields and cattle-keepers, was +afterwards identified with the Greek Pan. <i>Picus</i> was a prophetic +god. We are told by Ovid that he was changed into a woodpecker +(<i>picus</i>) by Circe, whose love he had slighted. <i>Saturnus</i> was the +old Latin god of sowing, and was later identified with the Greek +Kronos, father of Zeus.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza12"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line100">XII.</a> 'Albunea': apparently refers to a wooded hill with a sulphur +spring. Probably it refers to a shrine near some sulphur springs at +Altieri, near Laurentum.</p> + +<p>'Oenotria': originally the southern part of Lucania and Bruttium, +but Virgil uses it poetically for the whole of Italy.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza13"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line109">XIII.</a> See note on <a href="#note6stanza16">Book VI. stanzas xvi. and xviii.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza16"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line136">XVI.</a> It was not Anchises, but a Harpy who delivered this prophecy. +See <a href="#book8line253">Book VIII. stanza xxix.</a> This, and other slight inconsistencies +in the <i>Aeneid</i> are undoubtedly due to the fact that Virgil died +before he had revised the poem.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza18"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line154">XVIII.</a> 'Phrygia's Mother' was Cybele, the Phrygian goddess.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza24"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line208">XXIV.</a> 'Two-faced Janus.' Janus was an old Latin deity, god of the +morning and of gateways. He was represented as 'two-faced,' looking +before and behind. There was a double archway in the forum, called +<i>Janus</i>, which was closed in times of peace, but opened in time of +war. See <a href="#book7line721">stanzas lxxxi., lxxxii.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza28"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line244">XXVIII.</a> The Auruncans were a tribe living in Campania.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza41"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line361">XLI.</a> The <i>Syrtes</i> were two great gulfs on the north coast of Africa. +For Scylla and Charybdis, see note on <a href="#note3stanza55">Book III stanza lv.</a> The Lapithae +were a Thessalian tribe, ruled by Perithous. The Centaurs came to +his marriage feast, and at the instigation of Mars, fought with the +Lapithae until the latter were defeated. 'Diana's ire' was caused +by neglect on the part of king Oeneus of Calydon to sacrifice to her. +She sent a wild boar to ravage the country.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza69"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line613">LXIX.</a> 'Trivia's lake' refers to the little lake of Nemi. A famous +temple of Diana stood here, tended by a priest who was a runaway slave. +He gained his office by slaying his predecessor and held it only so +long as he could escape a similar fate. Cf. <a href="#book7line919">stanza ciii.</a></p> + +<p>'Velia's fountains,' a lake in the Umbrian hills beyond Reate.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza87"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line775">LXXXVII.</a> Agylla was the original name of Caere.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza90"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line802">XC.</a> Homole and Othrys were mountains in Thessaly.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza91"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line811">XCI.</a> The Anio flows through the hills near Tibur, and joins the Tiber +close to 'Antemnae's tower-girt height.' Cf. <a href="#book7line748">stanza lxxxiv.</a></p> + +<p>Anagnia was the largest town of the Hernici, and Amasenus was a river +of Latium.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza93"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line829">XCIII.</a> All these places were close to each other in Etruria, a few +miles north of Rome.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza94"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line838">XCIV.</a> It is probable that this passage was left unfinished by Virgil. +The simile is taken from Homer, and used here in two different ways, +the poet evidently postponing his final decision as to which he would +adopt, until he revised the poem.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza95"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line847">XCV.</a> Clausus, according to a legend preserved by Livy, was a Sabine +who left his own countrymen and joined the Romans. For this he was +rewarded by a gift of land on the Anio. He was regarded as the ancestor +of the Claudian family.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza96"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line856">XCVI.</a> The name of the Allia was ill-omened because it was on the banks +of this stream that the Gauls under Brennus inflicted a crushing +defeat on the Romans in 390 <small>B.C.</small></p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza98"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line874">XCVIII.</a> The Oscans were one of the old non-Latin tribes of Italy. +Some fragments of their language still remain.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza103"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line919">CIII.</a> The legend was that Hippolytus, the son of Theseus, king of +Athens, was loved by his step-mother Phaedra. Hippolytus rejected +her love, and she killed herself, leaving a writing accusing him of +having tempted her. Theseus in his wrath besought Poseidon to slay +his son, and the latter sent a monster from the sea, which terrified +the horses of Hippolytus so that they ran away and killed their master. +Aesculapius raised him to life, however, and Diana concealed him in +the grove of Aricia under the name of Virbius. The Virbius in the +text is the son of this Hippolytus, also called Virbius.</p> + +<p><a name="note7stanza106"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book7line946">CVI.</a> Io, the daughter of Inachus, king of Argos, was loved by Jupiter, +and turned by him into a white cow in order to escape the jealousy +of Juno. The latter, however, set Argus with the hundred eyes to watch +her.</p> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK EIGHT</h3> + +<p><a name="note8stanza1"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line1">I.</a> Both here and in <a href="#book7line775">Book VII. stanza lxxxvii.</a> Mezentius is called +the 'scorner of the gods.' The meaning of this allusion is not known. +Perhaps it refers to his claiming for himself the first-fruits due +to the gods, a legend mentioned by Macrobius. See <a href="#book8line559">stanzas lxiii. and +lxiv.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza2"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line10">II.</a> 'Diomed' dwelt at Argyripa or Arpi, a city in Apulia, where he +settled with his Argine followers after the Trojan war.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza7"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line55">VII.</a> Pallas is the name of an old Arcadian hero. His grandson Evander +is said to have settled with his followers on the site of Rome, and +called it Pallanteum, after the Arcadian city of that name.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza14"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line118">XIV.</a> Hercules was the son of Alcmena and Jupiter. His worship at Rome +dated from very early times, as is shown by the legend—mentioned +by Livy—that it was established by Romulus according to Greek usage +as it had been instituted by Evander.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza16"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line136">XVI.</a> The olive branch was the sign—universally recognised in +antiquity—of a desire for peace.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza20"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line172">XX.</a> The Daunian race means the Rutulians. Daunus was the father of +Turnus. Cf. <a href="#book12line19">Book XII. stanza iii.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza27"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line235">XXVII.</a> Alcides is one of the names given to Hercules. The killing +of Geryon, the three-bodied monster who was king in Spain, and the +driving off of his cattle, was one of the famous 'twelve labours' +of Hercules.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza36"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line316">XXXVI.</a> The gens Potitia and the gens Pinaria were the two tribes to +which the care of the worship of Hercules was entrusted.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza38"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line334">XXXVIII.-IX.</a> In historic times, the Salians were the twelve priests +of Mars who kept the twelve sacred shields in the temple of that god +on the Palatine hill. Their priesthood was one of the oldest Roman +institutions, and their festival was held on March 1, the first day +of the old Roman year.</p> + +<p>'<i>His stepdame's hate</i>' refers to the story that Juno, being jealous +of Alcmena, the mother of Hercules, sent two snakes to destroy the +latter as he lay in his cradle, but the infant hero strangled them. +<i>Eurystheus</i> was the king of Tiryns, whom Hercules had to serve for +twelve years, and at whose command he performed his famous twelve +labours. <i>Pholus</i> and <i>Hylaeus</i> were two Centaurs; they were called +'cloud-born' because they were the offspring of Ixion and a Cloud. +The Cretan monster is the mad bull sent by Neptune to destroy the +land; Hercules came to the rescue and carried it away on his shoulders. +There is no other mention in ancient literature of the fight between +Hercules and Typhoeus. The latter was a hundred-headed +fire-breathing monster, who fought against the gods, and was buried +beneath Mount Aetna.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza42"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line370">XLII.-XLVIII.</a> Evander shows the town to Aeneas, tells him of the +former state of Latium, and points out to him the chief places of +interest. <i>Asylum</i>—Livy tells us that in order to increase the +population, Romulus offered a refuge at Rome to all comers from the +neighbouring towns. The <i>Lupercal</i> was the sanctuary of Lupercus +('wolf-repeller'), an old Roman shepherd god. The <i>Capitol</i> is +referred to as 'now golden,' because in Virgil's time the roof of +the temple of Jupiter Capitotinus was gilded.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza50"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line442">L.</a> Thetis, the mother of Achilles, persuaded Vulcan to make arms for +her son, and so had Aurora, the goddess of dawn, 'Tithonus' spouse,' +when her son Memnon went to Troy to fight against the Greeks.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza55"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line487">LV.</a> The island here referred to is Hiera, one of the Aeolian isles, +north-east of Sicily. It is now called Volcano. The <i>Cyclops</i> were +originally gigantic one-eyed cannibals who lived a pastoral life +near Mount Aetna. In later legends they are described as the +assistants of Vulcan.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza56"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line496">LVI.</a> These three names are Greek and mean 'Fire-anvil,' 'Thunder,' +and 'Lightning,' respectively.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza74"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line658">LXXIV.</a> <i>Erulus</i> is not mentioned by any other ancient writer, so we +cannot explain the allusion. <i>Feronia</i> was a Campanian goddess.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza78"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line694">LXXVIII.</a> <i>Lucifer</i>, 'the light bringer,' was the name of the morning +star, which, rising just before the sun, seemed to bring the +daylight.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza80"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line712">LXXX.</a> The Pelasgians were a very ancient race, of whom only traces +existed in Greece in historic times. They were said to be very +wide-spread, but the tales connecting them with Italy are all +unhistoric. <i>Silvanus</i> was an ancient Latin woodland deity.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza84"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line748">LXXXIV.</a> The story, as related by Livy, is that the Romans being in +want of wives, Romulus instituted games in honour of Neptune. At a +given signal, the Romans seized and carried off the Sabine maidens +who had come to see the games.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza85"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line757">LXXXV.</a> <i>Mettus</i>, dictator of Alba, had been called in to assist the +Romans under Tullus Hostilius. He came, but withdrew his troops in +the middle of the battle. For this treachery he was punished in the +way Virgil describes. <i>Horatius Cocles</i> was the hero who guarded the +Tiber bridge against Porsenna of Clusium. <i>Cloelia</i> was a Roman +maiden who had been sent as a hostage to Porsenna. She escaped by +swimming across the Tiber.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza86"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line766">LXXXVI.</a> The event here referred to is the invasion of Rome by the +Gauls in 390 <small>B.C.</small> They captured the whole of the city, except the +Capitol, which was successfully defended by Manlius, who had been +put on the alert by the cackling of a flock of geese.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza87"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line775">LXXXVII.</a> See note on <a href="#note8stanza38">stanza xxxviii.</a> The <i>Luperci</i> were the priests +of Lupercus. <i>Catiline</i> was the author of the conspiracy of <small>B.C.</small> 63. +Cicero, the famous orator, was consul for that year and frustrated +the plot. <i>Cato</i> the younger died at Utica in 49 <small>B.C.</small> In the Roman +writers Catiline is always the proverbial scoundrel and Cato is +always taken as the model of rigid and exalted virtue.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza88"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line784">LXXXVIII.</a> At the battle of Actium, in <small>B.C.</small> 31, the fleet of Augustus +met those of Antony and Cleopatra, and owing to the desertion of the +Egyptians at the crisis of the fight, gained a complete victory over +them.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza90"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line802">XC.</a> The Cyclads were the western islands of the Greek archipelago.</p> + +<p><a name="note8stanza94"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book8line838">XCIV.</a> The Carians lived in the south of Asia Minor, the Gelonians +beyond the Danube, and the Morini on the North Sea, near where Ostend +now is. The Dahae were a tribe of Scythians, and the Leleges were +an ancient people spread over Asia Minor.</p> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK NINE</h3> + +<p><a name="note9stanza1"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line1">I.</a> Iris, the rainbow-goddess, daughter of Thaumas, was the messenger +of the gods. Pilumnus was an ancient Latin god, and an ancestor of +Turnus.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza11"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line91">XI.</a> <i>Ida</i> was the mountain in the Troad whence the wood for the fleet +was taken. <i>Berecyntia</i>. Cybele, the mother of the gods. Originally +a Phrygian goddess, the centre of whose worship was Mount Berecyntus.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza14"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line118">XIV.</a> The 'brother' is Pluto, god of the lower world. To swear by the +Styx was the most dread and binding oath; it was inviolable even by +the gods.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza18"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line154">XVIII.</a> The reference here is to the story of how Paris, son of Priam, +king of Troy, seized Helen, the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta, +and so caused the Trojan war. Menelaus and Agamemnon were the sons +of Atreus.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza28"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line244">XXVIII.</a> For Acestes see note on <a href="#note5stanza6">Book V. stanza vi.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza33"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line289">XXXIII.</a> Assaracus was an ancestor of the Trojan race, and his +household gods would of course be the tutelary spirits of the Trojan +royal family.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza52"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line460">LII.</a> <i>Latonia</i>. The daughter of Leto, and sister of Apollo, Diana, +who was identified with the Greek Artemis, the goddess of the woods +and of hunting.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza72"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line640">LXXII.</a> 'Jove's armour-bearer' is the eagle.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza75"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line667">LXXV.</a> The Symaethus was a river in Sicily.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza77"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line685">LXXVII.</a> The 'wily-worded Ithacan' is Ulysses, the hero of the +<i>Odyssey</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza80"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line712">LXXX.</a> <i>Dindymus</i> was a mountain in Phrygia, the seat of the worship +of Cybele.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza86"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line766">LXXXVI.</a> 'The Kid-star.' The 'kids' are two little stars which first +rise in the evening towards the end of September, during the +equinoctial gales.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza87"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line775">LXXXVII.</a> The <i>Athesis</i> is the modern Adige. The <i>Padus</i> is the Po.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza89"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line793">LXXXIX.</a> Sarpedon was a Lycian prince who had fought for the Trojans +at Troy and been slain by Patroclus. 'Theban' here refers to the town +of Thebe in Cilicia, mentioned by Homer.</p> + +<p><a name="note9stanza91"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book9line811">XCI.</a> <i>Baiae</i> was a favourite seaside resort of the rich Romans on +the bay of Naples.</p> + +<p><i>Prochyta</i> and <i>Arime</i> were two rocky islands close to the bay of +Naples.</p> + +<p>Typhoeus was a hundred-headed monster slain by Jupiter and buried +under Prochyta and Arime.</p> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK TEN</h3> + +<p><a name="note10stanza1"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line1">I.</a> Olympus was a mountain in Thessaly, and was believed by the Greeks +to be the home of the gods. Hence it came to be used for 'heaven'; +as in the present passage.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza2"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line10">II.</a> Jupiter is referring to the invasion of Italy by Hannibal in 218 +<small>B.C.</small></p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza4"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line28">IV.</a> Diomedes, the son of Tydeus from Aetolia, is said to have settled, +after the Trojan war, in Apulia, where he founded the city of Arpi. +The Latins, it will be remembered, had asked him to help them against +the Trojans. See <a href="#book8line10">Book VIII. stanza ii.</a> And for the result of the +embassy, <a href="#book11line271">Book XI. stanza xxxi.</a> and following.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza6"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line46">VI.</a> For the burning of the vessels at Eryx, see <a href="#book5line730">Book V. stanzas lxxxii.</a> +and following. For <i>Aeolia</i> <a href="#book1line64">Book I. stanzas viii. to xx.</a> For <i>Alecto</i> +<a href="#book7line388">Book VII. stanzas xliv.</a> and following.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza8"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line64">VIII.</a> Paphos, Amathus, and Idalium were towns in Cyprus. Cythera is +an island off the southern coast of Greece. All four were celebrated +in antiquity as centres of the worship of Venus.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza14"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line118">XIV.</a> The robber was Paris, who carried off Helen.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza21"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line181">XXI.</a> <i>Ismarus</i> was a prince from Lydia, a district in Asia Minor, +called Maeonia in ancient times. The Pactolus was a river in Maeonia, +famous on account of the quantity of gold it washed down. The 'Capuan +town' is Capua.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza23"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line199">XXIII.</a> The lions are there because Cybele the Phrygian goddess, +worshipped by the Trojans on Mount Ida, was drawn in her chariot by +two lions. The figure-head of Aeneas' ship was probably an image of +a goddess, personifying the mountain.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza24"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line208">XXIV.</a> Mount Helicon is in Boeotia, and was sacred to Apollo and the +Muses. <i>Clusium</i> and <i>Cosae</i> were Etruscan cities.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza25"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line217">XXV.</a> <i>Populonia:</i> a town on the coast of Etruria. <i>Ilva</i> (the modern +Elba): an island off the coast of Etruria near Populonia.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza27"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line235">XXVII.</a> Cinyras and Cupavo were sons of Cycnus. The legend tells us +that Phaëthon rashly attempted to drive the chariot of the sun, and +was killed by a thunderbolt from Jupiter, while so doing. Cycnus, +who was devotedly attached to him, was changed into a swan while +lamenting his death.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza28"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line244">XXVIII.</a> Mantua was Virgil's birthplace. Hence probably the insertion +of this tradition as to its origin. Mincius, mentioned in the <a href="#book10line253">next +stanza,</a> is a Lombard river, the Mincio, and flows out from Lake +Benacus (Lago di Garda).</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza37"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line325">XXXVII.</a> Sirius, the dog-star, whose rising was supposed to coincide +with the hot weather, is always spoken of as bringing pestilence and +trouble. The connection between Sirius and the hot weather was one +of the conventions of poetry which the Augustan writers had borrowed +from the Greeks.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza67"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line595">LXVII.</a> The story referred to is that of the fifty daughters of Danaus, +who were married to the fifty sons of Aegyptus, their cousins. Danaus +ordered his daughters to murder their husbands on their wedding night, +and they all obeyed except Hypermnestra, who loved her husband +Lynceus, and so saved his life.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza73"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line649">LXXIII.</a> Trivia here refers to Diana. Gradivus is an archaic Latin +name for Mars.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza77"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line685">LXXVII.</a> 'Mute Amyclae' was probably so called because the +inhabitants had been forbidden, owing to false alarms, to speak of +the approach of an enemy. But if Virgil is referring, not to the +Amyclae near Naples, but to the original Amyclae in Laconia, then +the proverbial taciturnity of those inhabiting the latter country +offers sufficient explanation. <i>Aegeon</i> was a monster with 100 arms +and 50 heads. He is more often called Briareus.</p> + +<p><a name="note10stanza79"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book10line703">LXXIX.</a> In the <i>Iliad</i> Aeneas had been rescued from Diomedes and +Achilles. Liger is taunting him with this.</p> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK ELEVEN</h3> + +<p><a name="note11stanza31"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book11line271">XXXI.</a> <i>Iapygia</i>, a Greek name for the southern part of Apulia.</p> + +<p><i>Garganus:</i> name of a mountain in Apulia.</p> + +<p>See also note on <a href="#note10stanza4">Book X. stanza iv.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note11stanza33"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book11line289">XXXIII.</a> The references in this stanza are (1) to the storm which +Minerva (Pallas) raised when the Greeks set sail from Troy. (2) To +the story of Nauplius, king of Euboea, who hung false lights over +the headland of Caphareus, and so caused the wreck of the Greek fleet.</p> + +<p><a name="note11stanza34"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book11line298">XXXIV.</a> 'Proteus' Pillars' means Egypt, and the stories of Menelaus, +as also the adventures of Ulysses with the Cyclops, will be found +in the <i>Odyssey</i>. For <i>Pyrrhus</i> see note on <a href="#note3stanza43">Book III. stanza xliii.</a> +For <i>Idomeneus</i>, that on <a href="#book3line145">Book III. stanza xvii.</a> Agamemnon was killed +by his wife and her lover, when he returned home at the end of the +Trojan war.</p> + +<p><a name="note11stanza35"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book11line307">XXXV.</a> Calydon was the ancient home of Diomedes in Aetolia.</p> + +<p><a name="note11stanza52"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book11line460">LII.</a> The Myrmidons were the followers of Achilles—Tydides is +Diomedes. The <i>Aufidus</i> is a river of Apulia.</p> + +<p><a name="note11stanza69"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book11line613">LXIX.</a> Opis was a nymph of Diana (Latonia).</p> + +<p><a name="note11stanza84"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book11line748">LXXXIV.</a> Virgil is comparing Camilla to the two famous Amazons, +Hippolyte who was married to Theseus, and Penthesilea who fought for +Troy and was slain by Achilles.</p> + +<p><a name="note11stanza108"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book11line964">CVIII.</a> [Transcriber's note: The rhyme, the meter, and the sense of the phrase +require a word here that is missing from the published text. +Possibly "flight" or "sight" was intended by the translator.]</p> + +<h3>NOTES TO BOOK TWELVE</h3> + +<p><a name="note12stanza11"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book12line91">XI.</a> Orithyia was the wife of Boreas the North Wind, who according +to legend was the father of the royal horses of Troy.</p> + +<p><a name="note12stanza25"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book12line217">XXV.</a> The two children of Latona were Apollo and Diana.</p> + +<p><a name="note12stanza29"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book12line253">XXIX.</a> Camers was king of Amyclae. See note on <a href="#note10stanza77">Book X. stanza lxxvii.</a></p> + +<p><a name="note12stanza45"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book12line397">XLV.</a> The story of Dolon is taken from the <i>Iliad</i>. He offered to spy +upon the movements of the Greeks if Hector would give him the chariot +and horses of Achilles. He was however captured and slain by Diomedes +(Tydides).</p> + +<p><a name="note12stanza52"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book12line460">LII.</a> 'Paeon': a name used of Apollo as the Healer.</p> + +<p><a name="note12stanza69"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book12line613">LXIX.</a> 'Cupencus' was the name given by the Sabines to the priests +of Hercules.</p> + +<p><a name="note12stanza91"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book12line811">XCI.</a> <i>Athos:</i> the mountain at the extreme end of the peninsula +between Thrace and Thessaly. Mount Eryx is in the north-west of +Sicily.</p> + +<p><a name="note12stanza93"></a></p> +<p><a href="#book12line829">XCIII.</a> <i>Taburnus:</i> a mountain in Samnium.</p> + +<p><i>Sila:</i> a range of mountains in the extreme south of Italy.</p> + +<p class="center">R<small>ICHARD</small> C<small>LAY</small> & S<small>ONS</small>, L<small>IMITED,<br/> +BREAD STREET HILL, E.C., AND<br/> +BUNGAY, SUFFOLK.</small></p> + +<p>THE PUBLISHERS OF <i>EVERYMAN'S LIBRARY</i> WILL BE PLEASED TO SEND FREELY +TO ALL APPLICANTS A LIST OF THE PUBLISHED AND PROJECTED VOLUMES TO +BE COMPRISED UNDER THE FOLLOWING THIRTEEN HEADINGS:</p> + +<p class="center">TRAVEL, SCIENCE, FICTION,<br/> +THEOLOGY & PHILOSOPHY,<br/> +HISTORY, CLASSICAL,<br/> +FOR YOUNG PEOPLE,<br/> +ESSAYS, ORATORY,<br/> +POETRY & DRAMA,<br/> +BIOGRAPHY,<br/> +REFERENCE,<br/> +ROMANCE</p> + +<p>IN FOUR STYLES OF BINDING: CLOTH, FLAT BACK, COLOURED TOP; LEATHER, +ROUND CORNERS, GILT TOP; LIBRARY BINDING IN CLOTH, & QUARTER PIGSKIN</p> + +<p class="center">L<small>ONDON</small>: J. 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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..492fd0e --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #18466 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18466) diff --git a/old/18466.txt b/old/18466.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5958885 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/18466.txt @@ -0,0 +1,15103 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Aeneid of Virgil, by Virgil + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Aeneid of Virgil + Translated into English Verse by E. Fairfax Taylor + +Author: Virgil + +Editor: Ernest Rhys + +Commentator: Maine J. P. + +Translator: Edward Fairfax Taylor + +Release Date: May 28, 2006 [EBook #18466] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AENEID OF VIRGIL *** + + + + +Produced by Ron Swanson + + + + + +EVERYMAN'S LIBRARY +EDITED BY ERNEST RHYS + +CLASSICAL + +THE AENEID OF VIRGIL + +THE SAGES OF OLD LIVE AGAIN IN US. + GLANVILL + + + + +The AENEID OF VIRGIL + +TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH VERSE BY +E. FAIRFAX TAYLOR + + + + +LONDON: PUBLISHED by J. M. DENT & SONS LTD. +AND IN NEW YORK BY E. P. DUTTON & CO. + + + + +_First issue of this Edition 1907._ +_Reprinted 1910._ + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +Virgil--Publius Vergilius Maro--was born at Andes near Mantua, in +the year 70 B.C. His life was uneventful, though he lived in stirring +times, and he passed by far the greater part of it in reading his +books and writing his poems, undisturbed by the fierce civil strife +which continued to rage throughout the Roman Empire, until Octavian, +who afterwards became the Emperor Augustus, defeated Antony at the +battle of Actium. Though his father was a man of humble origin, Virgil +received an excellent education, first at Cremona and Milan, and +afterwards at Rome. He was intimate with all the distinguished men +of his time, and a personal friend of the Emperor. After the +publication of his second work, the _Georgics_, he was recognized +as being the greatest poet of his age, and the most striking figure +in the brilliant circle of literary men, which was centred at the +Court. He died at Brindisi in the spring of 19 B.C. whilst returning +from a journey to Greece, leaving his greatest work, the _Aeneid_, +written but unrevised. It was published by his executors, and +immediately took its place as the great national Epic of the Roman +people. Virgil seems to have been a man of simple, pure, and loveable +character, and the references to him in the works of Horace clearly +show the affection with which he was regarded by his friends. + +Like every cultivated Roman of that age, Virgil was a close student +of the literature and philosophy of the Greeks, and his poems bear +eloquent testimony to the profound impression made upon him by his +reading of the Greek poets. His first important work, the _Eclogues_, +was directly inspired by the pastoral poems of Theocritus, from whom +he borrowed not only much of his imagery but even whole lines; in +the _Georgics_ he took as his model the _Works and Days_ of Hesiod, +and though in the former case it must be confessed that he suffers +from the weakness inherent in all imitative poetry, in the latter +he far surpasses the slow and simple verses of the Boeotian. But here +we must guard ourselves against a misapprehension. We moderns look +askance at the writer who borrows without acknowledgment the +thoughts and phrases of his forerunners, but the Roman critics of +the Augustan Age looked at the matter from a different point of view. +They regarded the Greeks as having set the standard of the highest +possible achievement in literature, and believed that it should be +the aim of every writer to be faithful, not only to the spirit, but +even to the letter of their great exemplars. Hence it was only natural +that when Virgil essayed the task of writing the national Epic of +his country, he should be studious to embody in his work all that +was best in Greek Epic poetry. + +It is difficult in criticizing Virgil to avoid comparing him to some +extent with Homer. But though Virgil copied Homer freely, any +comparison between them is apt to be misleading. A primitive epic, +like the _Iliad_ or the _Nibelungenlied_, produced by an imaginative +people at an early stage in its development, telling its stories +simply for the sake of story telling, cannot be judged by the same +canons of criticism as a literary epic like the _Aeneid_ or _Paradise +Lost_, which is the work of a great poet in an age of advanced culture, +and sets forth a great idea in a narrative form. The Greek writer +to whom Virgil owes most perhaps, is Apollonius of Rhodes, from whose +_Argonautica_ he borrowed the love interest of the _Aeneid_. And +though the Roman is a far greater poet, in this instance the advantage +is by no means on his side, for, as Professor Gilbert Murray has so +well said, 'the Medea and Jason of the _Argonautica_ are at once more +interesting and more natural than their copies, the Dido and Aeneas +of the _Aeneid_. The wild love of the witch-maiden sits curiously +on the queen and organizer of industrial Carthage; and the two +qualities which form an essential part of Jason--the weakness which +makes him a traitor, and the deliberate gentleness which contrasts +him with Medea--seem incongruous in the father of Rome.' But though +Virgil turned to the Greek epics for the general framework and many +of the details of his poem, he always remains master of his materials, +and stamps them with the impress of his own genius. The spirit which +inspires the _Aeneid_ is wholly Roman, and the deep faith in the +National Destiny, and stern sense of duty to which it gives +expression, its profoundly religious character and stately and +melodious verse, have always caused it to be recognized as the +loftiest expression of the dignity and greatness of Rome at her best. +But the sympathetic reader will be conscious of a deeper and more +abiding charm in the poetry of Virgil. Even in his most splendid +passages his verses thrill us with a strange pathos, and his +sensitiveness to unseen things--things beautiful and sad--has +caused a great writer, himself a master of English prose, to speak +of 'his single words and phrases, his pathetic half lines, giving +utterance as the voice of Nature herself to that pain and weariness, +yet hope of better things, which is the experience of her children +in every age.' + +The task of translating such a writer at all adequately may well seem +to be an almost impossible one; and how far any of the numerous +attempts to do so have succeeded, is a difficult question. For not +only does the stated ideal at which the translator should aim, vary +with each generation, but perhaps no two lovers of Virgil would agree +at any period as to what this ideal should be. Two general principles +stand out from the mass of conflicting views on this point. The +translation should read as though it were an original poem, and it +should produce on the modern reader as far as possible the same effect +as the original produced on Virgil's contemporaries. And here we +reach the real difficulty, for the scholar who can alone judge what +that effect may have been, is too intimate with the original to see +clearly the merits of a translation, and the man who can only read +the translation can form no opinion. However, it seems clear that +a prose translation can never really satisfy us, because it must +always be wanting in the musical quality of continuous verse. And +our critical experience bears this out, since even Professor Mackail +with all his literary skill and insight has failed to make his version +of the _Aeneid_ more than a very valuable aid to the student of the +original. The meaning of the poet is fully expressed, but his music +has been lost. That oft-quoted line-- + + 'Sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt' + +haunts us like Tennyson's + + 'When unto dying eyes + The casement slowly grows a glimmering square,' + +and no prose rendering can hope to convey the poignancy and pathos +of the original. The ideal translation, then, must be in verse, and +perhaps the best way for us to determine which style and metre are +most suited to convey to the modern reader an impression of the charm +of Virgil, will be to take a brief glance at some of the best-known +of the verse translations which have appeared. + +The first translation of the _Aeneid_ into English verse was that +of Gawin Douglas, bishop of Dunkeld in Scotland, which was published +in 1553. It is a spirited translation, marked by considerable native +force and verisimilitude, and it was certainly unsurpassed until +that of Dryden appeared. In the best passages it renders the tone +and feeling of the original with extreme felicity--indeed, all but +perfectly. Take for instance this passage from the Sixth Book-- + + 'Thai walking furth fa dyrk, oneth thai wyst + Quhidder thai went, amyd dym schaddowys thar, + Quhar evir is nycht, and nevir lyght dois repar, + Throwout the waist dongion of Pluto Kyng, + Thai voyd boundis, and that gowsty ryng: + Siklyke as quha wold throw thik woddis wend + In obscure licht, quhen moyn may nocht be kenned; + As Jupiter the kyng etheryall, + With erdis skug hydis the hevynnys all + And the myrk nycht, with her vissage gray, + From every thing hes reft the hew away.' + +But in spite of its merits, its dialect wearies the modern reader, +and gives it an air of grotesqueness which is very alien to the spirit +of the Latin. One other sixteenth-century translation deserves +notice, as it was written by one who was himself a distinguished poet; +namely, the version of the second and fourth books of the _Aeneid_ +written by Henry, Earl of Surrey. It gained the commendation of that +stern critic Ascham, who praises Surrey for avoiding rhyme, but +considers that he failed to 'fully hit perfect and true versifying'; +which is hardly a matter for wonder since English blank verse was +then in its infancy. But it has some fine passages--notably the one +which relates the death of Dido-- + + 'As she had said, her damsell might perceue + Her with these wordes fal pearced on a sword + The blade embrued and hands besprent with gore. + The clamor rang unto the pallace toppe, + The brute ranne throughout al thastoined towne, + With wailing great, and women's shrill yelling, + The roofs gan roare, the aire resound with plaint, + As though Cartage, or thauncient town of Tyre + With prease of entred enemies swarmed full, + Or when the rage of furious flame doth take + The temples toppes, and mansions eke of men.' + +Of the translations into modern English, that of Dryden may still +be said to stand first, in spite of its lack of fidelity. It owes +its place to its sustained vigour, and the fact that the heroic +couplet is in the hands of a master. In its way nothing could be better +than-- + + 'Just in the gate, and in the jaws of hell, + Revengeful cares, and sullen sorrows dwell, + And pale diseases, and repining age-- + Want, fear, and famine's unresisted rage, + Here toils and death, and death's half-brother sleep, + Forms terrible to view, their sentry keep. + With anxious pleasures of a guilty mind, + Deep frauds, before, and open force behind; + The Furies' iron beds, and strife that shakes + Her hissing tresses, and unfolds her snakes.' + +But though the heroic couplet may have conveyed to Dryden's age +something of the effect of the Virgilian hexameter, it does nothing +of the kind to us. Probably we are prejudiced in the matter by Pope's +Homer. + +Professor Conington's translation certainly has spirit and energy, +but he was decidedly unfortunate in his choice of metre. To attempt +to render 'the stateliest measure ever moulded by the lips of man' +by fluent octosyllabics was bound to result in incongruity, as in +the following passage, where the sombre warning of the Sibyl to +Aeneas becomes merely a sprightly reminder that-- + + 'The journey down to the abyss + Is prosperous and light, + The palace gates of gloomy Dis + Stand open day and night; + But upward to retrace the way + And pass into the light of day, + There comes the stress of labour; this + May task a hero's might.' + +The various attempts that have been made to translate the poem in +the metre of the original have all been sad failures. And from Richard +Stanyhurst, whom Thomas Nash described as treading 'a foul, +lumbering, boistrous, wallowing measure, in his translation of +Virgil,' down to our own time, no one has succeeded in avoiding faults +of monotony and lack of poetical quality. A short extract from Dr. +Crane's translation will illustrate this very clearly-- + + 'No species of hardships, + Longer, O maiden, arises before me as strange and unlooked for: + All things have I foreknown, and in soul have already endured them. + One special thing I crave, since here, it is said, that the gateway + Stands of the monarch infernal, and refluent Acheron's dark pool: + Let it be mine to go down to the sight and face of my cherished + Father, and teach me the way, and the sacred avenues open.' + +Nor is William Morris' attempt to devise a new metre anything but +disappointing. It is surprising that so delightfully endowed a poet +should have so often missed the music of Virgil's verse as he has +done in his translation, and the archaisms with which his work +abounds, though they might be suitable in a translation of Homer, +are only a source of irritation in the case of Virgil. + +For the best metre to use we must look in a different direction. +Virgil made use of the dactylic hexameter because it was the literary +tradition of his day that epics should be written in that metre. In +the same way it might be argued, the English tradition points to blank +verse as the correct medium. This may be so, but its use demands that +the translator should be as great a poet as Virgil. Had Tennyson ever +translated the _Aeneid_, it would doubtless have been as nearly +faultless as any translation could be, as is shown by the version +of Sir Theodore Martin, which owes so much of its stately charm to +its close adherence to the manner of Tennyson. A typical passage is +the description of Dido's love for Aeneas-- + + 'Soothsayers, ah! how little do they know! + Of what avail are temples, vows, and prayers, + To quell a raging passion? All the while + A subtle flame is smouldering in her veins, + And in her heart a silent aching wound. + + * * * * * + + Now Dido leads + Aeneas round the ramparts, to him shows + The wealth of Sidon, all the town laid out, + Begins to speak, then stops, she knows not why. + Now, as day wanes, the feast of yesterday + She gives again, again with fevered lips + Begs for the tale of Troy and all its woes, + And hangs upon his lips, who tells the tale. + Then, when the guests are gone and in her turn + The wan moon pales her light, and waning stars + Persuade to sleep, she in her empty halls + Mourns all alone, and throws herself along + The couch where he had lain: though he be gone + Far from her side, she hears and sees him still.' + +Of the merits of the present translation the reader will judge for +himself; but it may perhaps be said of the usual objections urged +against the Spenserian stanza--that it is cumbrous and monotonous, +and presents difficulties of construction--that the two former +criticisms will be just or the reverse, according to the skill of +the writer, while it is quite possible that the last is really an +advantage, for the intricate machinery imposes a restraint on +careless or hasty composition. And finally we must turn a deaf ear, +even to so high an authority as Matthew Arnold, when he says that +it is not suited to the grand manner. When he said this he cannot +have remembered either the lament of Florimell in the _Faerie Queene_ +or the conclusion of _Childe Harold_. + + J. P. MAINE. + + + + +Edward Fairfax Taylor, whose translation of the _Aeneid_ is now +published, was descended from the Taylors of Norwich, a family well +known for their culture and intellectual gifts. He was the only son +of John Edward Taylor, himself an accomplished German and Italian +scholar, and the first translator of the _Pentamerone_ into English, +who lived at Weybridge near his aunt, Mrs. Sarah Austin. Brought up +among books, young Taylor early showed an intense love for classical +literature, and soon after going to Marlborough he began the present +translation as a boy of sixteen. His admiration for Spenser led him +to adopt the Spenserian stanza, and in the preface to his translation +of the first two books he gives detailed reasons for considering it +peculiarly well adapted for the _Aeneid_. He was a favourite pupil +of the late Dr. Bradley, Dean of Westminster, at that time headmaster +of Marlborough, and who much wished that he should follow in the +footsteps of 'that brilliant band of Marlborough men,' as they have +been called, who at that time, year after year, gained the Balliol +scholarship. But circumstances made him decide otherwise, and in +1865 he passed the necessary examination for a clerkship in the House +of Lords. The long vacations gave him time to continue this labour +of love, and in the intervals of much other literary work, and in +spite of ill health, he completed the translation of the twelve books +of the _Aeneid_. He looked forward to re-editing it and bringing it +out when he should have retired from his work in the House of Lords, +but this day never came, and he died from heart disease in January +1902. His was a singularly charming disposition, and he was beloved +by all who knew him; while the courage and patience with which he +bore ever-increasing suffering, and the stoicism he showed in +fulfilling his duties in the House of Lords, have left a deep +impression on all his friends. + + L. M. + + + + +The _Edisso Princeps_, of Virgil is that printed at Rome by Sweynham +and Pannartz. It was not dated, but it is almost certain that it was +printed before the Venice folio edition of V. de Spira, which was +issued in 1470. The best modern critical editions of the text are +those of Ribbeck (4 vols. 1895) and F. A. Hirtzel (_Scriptorum +Classicorum Bibliotheca Oxoniensis_, 1900). Of the editions +containing explanatory notes, that of Conington and Nettleship, +revised by Haverfield, is the standard English commentary. That of +A. Sidgwick (2 vols. Cambridge) is more elementary, but will be found +valuable. Those of Kennedy (London, 1879) and of Papillon and Haigh +(Oxford, 2 vols. 1890-91) may also be referred to. + +Virgil was first introduced to English readers by William Caxton in +1490. But his _Eneydos_ was based, not on the _Aeneid_ itself, but +on a French paraphrase, the _liure des eneydes_, printed at Lyons +in 1483. + +The best modern prose translations are those of Mackail (London, +1885) and Conington (London, 1870). + +The following is a list of the more important verse translations of +the _Aeneid_ which have appeared. The name of the translator, and +the date at which his translation appeared, are given:--Gawin +Douglas, 1553 (see Introduction, p. xi); Henry, Earl of Surrey, 1557 +(Books II. and IV. only); J. Dryden, 1697; C. R. Kennedy, 1861; J. +Conington, 1866; W. Morris, 1876; W. J. Thornhill, 1886; Sir Charles +Bowen, 1887 (Books I.-VI. only); J. Rhoades, 1893 (Books I.-VI. +only); Sir Theodore Martin, 1896 (Books I.-VI. only); T. H. D. May, +1903; E. Fairfax Taylor, 1903. + +Students of Virgil would also do well to consult Sellar, _Poets of +the Augustan Age_ (Oxford, 1883), and Nettleship, _Introduction to +the Study of Vergil_. + + + + +THE AENEID OF VIRGIL + + + + +BOOK ONE + + +ARGUMENT + +Fate sends AEneas to Latium to found Rome, but Juno's hostility long +delays his success (1-45). Descrying him and his Trojans in sight +of Italy, she bribes AEolus to raise a storm for their destruction +(46-99). The tempest (100-116). The despair of AEneas (117-126). One +Trojan ship is already lost, when Neptune learns the plot and lays +the storm (127-189). AEneas escapes, lands in Libya, and heartens +his men (190-261). Venus appeals to Jupiter, who comforts her with +assurance that AEneas shall yet be great in Italy. His son shall found +Alba and his son's sons Rome. Juno shall eventually relent, and Rome +under Augustus shall be empress of the world (262-351). Mercury is +sent to secure from Dido, Queen of Libya, a welcome for AEneas. AEneas +and Achates, while reconnoitring, meet Venus in the forest disguised +as a nymph. She tells them Dido's story. AEneas in reply bewails his +own troubles, but is interrupted with promises of success. Let him +but persist, all will be well (352-478). Venus changes before their +eyes from nymph to goddess, and vanishes before AEneas can utter his +reproaches. Hidden in a magic mist, the pair approach Carthage, which +they find still building. They reach the citadel unobserved, and are +encouraged on seeing pictures of scenes from the Trojan war (479-576). +Dido appears and takes her state. To her enter, as suppliants, Trojan +leaders, whom AEneas had imagined dead. Ilioneus, their spokesman, +tells the story of the storm and asks help. "If only AEneas were +here!" (577-661). Dido speaks him fair and echoes his words, "If +AEneas were here!" The mist scatters. AEneas appears; thanks Dido, +and greets Ilioneus (662-723). Dido welcomes AEneas to Carthage and +prepares a festival in his honour. AEneas sends Achates to summon +his son and bring gifts for Dido (724-774). Cupid, persuaded by Venus +to personate Ascanius and inspire Dido with love for AEneas, comes +with the gifts to Dido's palace, while Ascanius is carried away to +Idalia. The night is passed in feasting. After the feast Iopas sings +the wonders of the firmament, and Dido, bewitched by Cupid, begs +AEneas to tell the whole story of his adventures (775-891). + + +I. Of arms I sing, and of the man, whom Fate + First drove from Troy to the Lavinian shore. + Full many an evil, through the mindful hate + Of cruel Juno, from the gods he bore, + Much tost on earth and ocean, yea, and more + In war enduring, ere he built a home, + And his loved household-deities brought o'er + To Latium, whence the Latin people come, +Whence rose the Alban sires, and walls of lofty Rome. + +II. O Muse, assist me and inspire my song, + The various causes and the crimes relate, + For what affronted majesty, what wrong + To injured Godhead, what offence so great + Heaven's Queen resenting, with remorseless hate, + Could one renowned for piety compel + To brave such troubles, and endure the weight + Of toils so many and so huge. O tell +How can in heavenly minds such fierce resentment dwell? + +III. There stood a city, fronting far away + The mouths of Tiber and Italia's shore, + A Tyrian settlement of olden day, + Rich in all wealth, and trained to war's rough lore, + Carthage the name, by Juno loved before + All places, even Samos. Here were shown + Her arms, and here her chariot; evermore + E'en then this land she cherished as her own, +And here, should Fate permit, had planned a world-wide throne. + +IV. But she had heard, how men of Trojan seed + Those Tyrian towers should level, how again + From these in time a nation should proceed, + Wide-ruling, tyrannous in war, the bane + (So Fate was working) of the Libyan reign. + This feared she, mindful of the war beside + Waged for her Argives on the Trojan plain; + Nor even yet had from her memory died +The causes of her wrath, the pangs of wounded pride,-- + +V. The choice of Paris, and her charms disdained, + The hateful race, the lawless honours ta'en + By ravished Ganymede--these wrongs remained. + So fired with rage, the Trojans' scanty train + By fierce Achilles and the Greeks unslain + She barred from Latium, and in evil strait + For many a year, on many a distant main + They wandered, homeless outcasts, tost by Fate; +So huge, so hard the task to found the Roman state. + +VI. Scarce out of sight of Sicily, they set + Their sails to sea, and merrily ploughed the main, + With brazen beaks, when Juno, harbouring yet + Within her breast the ever-rankling pain, + Mused thus: "Must I then from the work refrain, + Nor keep this Trojan from the Latin throne, + Baffled, forsooth, because the Fates constrain? + Could Pallas burn the Grecian fleet, and drown +Their crews, for one man's crime, Oileus' frenzied son? + +VII. "She, hurling Jove's winged lightning, stirred the deep + And strewed the ships. Him, from his riven breast + The flames outgasping, with a whirlwind's sweep + She caught and fixed upon a rock's sharp crest. + But I, who walk the Queen of Heaven confessed, + Jove's sister-spouse, shall I forevermore + With one poor tribe keep warring without rest? + Who then henceforth shall Juno's power adore? +Who then her fanes frequent, her deity implore?" + +VIII. Such thoughts revolving in her fiery mind, + Straightway the Goddess to AEolia passed, + The storm-clouds' birthplace, big with blustering wind. + Here AEolus within a dungeon vast + The sounding tempest and the struggling blast + Bends to his sway and bridles them with chains. + They, in the rock reverberant held fast, + Moan at the doors. Here, throned aloft, he reigns; +His sceptre calms their rage, their violence restrains: + +IX. Else earth and sea and all the firmament + The winds together through the void would sweep. + But, fearing this, the Sire omnipotent + Hath buried them in caverns dark and deep, + And o'er them piled huge mountains in a heap, + And set withal a monarch, there to reign, + By compact taught at his command to keep + Strict watch, and tighten or relax the rein. +Him now Saturnia sought, and thus in lowly strain: + +X. "O AEolus, for Jove, of human kind + And Gods the sovran Sire, hath given to thee + To lull the waves and lift them with the wind, + A hateful people, enemies to me, + Their ships are steering o'er the Tuscan sea, + Bearing their Troy and vanquished gods away + To Italy. Go, set the storm-winds free, + And sink their ships or scatter them astray, +And strew their corpses forth, to weltering waves a prey. + +XI. "Twice seven nymphs have I, beautiful to see; + One, Deiopeia, fairest of the fair, + In lasting wedlock will I link to thee, + Thy life-long years for such deserts to share, + And make thee parent of an offspring fair."-- + "Speak, Queen," he answered, "to obey is mine. + To thee I owe this sceptre and whate'er + Of realm is here; thou makest Jove benign, +Thou giv'st to rule the storms and sit at feasts divine." + +XII. So spake the God and with her hest complied, + And turned the massive sceptre in his hand + And pushed the hollow mountain on its side. + Out rushed the winds, like soldiers in a band, + In wedged array, and, whirling, scour the land. + East, West and squally South-west, with a roar, + Swoop down on Ocean, and the surf and sand + Mix in dark eddies, and the watery floor +Heave from its depths, and roll huge billows to the shore. + +XIII. Then come the creak of cables and the cries + Of seamen. Clouds the darkened heavens have drowned, + And snatched the daylight from the Trojans' eyes. + Black night broods on the waters; all around + From pole to pole the rattling peals resound + And frequent flashes light the lurid air. + All nature, big with instant ruin, frowned + Destruction. Then AEneas' limbs with fear +Were loosened, and he groaned and stretched his hands in prayer: + +XIV. "Thrice, four times blest, who, in their fathers' face + Fell by the walls of Ilion far away! + O son of Tydeus, bravest of the race, + Why could not I have perished, too, that day + Beneath thine arm, and breathed this soul away + Far on the plains of Troy, where Hector brave + Lay, pierced by fierce AEacides, where lay + Giant Sarpedon, and swift Simois' wave +Rolls heroes, helms and shields, whelmed in one watery grave?" + +XV. E'en as he cried, the hurricane from the North + Struck with a roar against the sail. Up leap + The waves to heaven; the shattered oars start forth; + Round swings the prow, and lets the waters sweep + The broadside. Onward comes a mountain heap + Of billows, gaunt, abrupt. These, horsed astride + A surge's crest, rock pendent o'er the deep; + To those the wave's huge hollow, yawning wide, +Lays bare the ground below; dark swells the sandy tide. + +XVI. Three ships the South-wind catching hurls away + On hidden rocks, which (Latins from of yore + Have called them "Altars") in mid ocean lay, + A huge ridge level with the tide. Three more + Fierce Eurus from the deep sea dashed ashore + On quicks and shallows, pitiful to view, + And round them heaped the sandbanks. One, that bore + The brave Orontes and his Lycian crew, +Full in AEneas' sight a toppling wave o'erthrew. + +XVII. Dashed from the tiller, down the pilot rolled. + Thrice round the billow whirled her, as she lay, + Then whelmed below. Strewn here and there behold + Arms, planks, lone swimmers in the surges grey, + And treasures snatched from Trojan homes away. + Now fail the ships wherein Achates ride + And Abas; old Aletes' bark gives way, + And brave Ilioneus'. Each loosened side +Through many a gaping seam lets in the baleful tide. + +XVIII. Meanwhile great Neptune, sore amazed, perceived + The storm let loose, the turmoil of the sky, + And ocean from its lowest depths upheaved. + With calm brow lifted o'er the sea, his eye + Beholds Troy's navy scattered far and nigh, + And by the waves and ruining heaven oppressed + The Trojan crews. Nor failed he to espy + His sister's wiles and hatred. East and West +He summoned to his throne, and thus his wrath expressed. + +XIX. "What pride of birth possessed you, Earth and air + Without my leave to mingle in affray, + And raise such hubbub in my realm? Beware-- + Yet first 'twere best these billows to allay. + Far other coin hereafter ye shall pay + For crimes like these. Presumptuous winds, begone, + And take your king this message, that the sway + Of Ocean and the sceptre and the throne +Fate gave to me, not him; the trident is my own. + +XX. "He holds huge rocks; these, Eurus, are for thee, + There let him glory in his hall and reign, + But keep his winds close prisoners." Thus he, + And, ere his speech was ended, smoothed the main, + And chased the clouds and brought the sun again. + Triton, Cymothoe from the rock's sharp brow + Push off the vessels. Neptune plies amain + His trident-lever, lays the sandbanks low, +On light wheels shaves the deep, and calms the billowy flow. + +XXI. As when in mighty multitudes bursts out + Sedition, and the wrathful rabble rave; + Rage finds them arms; stones, firebrands fly about, + Then if some statesman reverend and grave, + Stand forth conspicuous, and the tumult brave + All, hushed, attend; his guiding words restrain + Their angry wills; so sank the furious wave, + When through the clear sky looking o'er the main, +The sea-king lashed his steeds and slacked the favouring rein. + +XXII. Tired out, the Trojans seek the nearest land + And turn to Libya.--In a far retreat + There lies a haven; towards the deep doth stand + An island, on whose jutting headlands beat + The broken billows, shivered into sleet. + Two towering crags, twin giants, guard the cove, + And threat the skies. The waters at their feet + Sleep hushed, and, like a curtain, frowns above, +Mixt with the glancing green, the darkness of the grove. + +XXIII. Beneath a precipice, that fronts the wave, + With limpid springs inside, and many a seat + Of living marble, lies a sheltered cave, + Home of the Sea-Nymphs. In this haven sweet + Cable nor biting anchor moors the fleet. + Here with seven ships, the remnant of his band, + AEneas enters. Glad at length to greet + The welcome earth, the Trojans leap to land, +And lay their weary limbs still dripping on the sand. + +XXIV. First from a flint a spark Achates drew, + And lit the leaves and dry wood heaped with care + And set the fuel flaming, as he blew. + Then, tired of toiling, from the ships they bear + The sea-spoiled corn, and Ceres' tools prepare, + And 'twixt the millstones grind the rescued grain + And roast the pounded morsels for their fare: + While up the crag AEneas climbs, to gain +Full prospect far and wide, and scan the distant main. + +XXV. If aught of Phrygian biremes he discern + Antheus or Capys, tost upon the seas, + Or arms of brave Caicus high astern. + No sail, but wandering on the shore he sees + Three stags, and, grazing up the vale at ease, + The whole herd troops behind them in a row. + He stops, and from Achates hastes to seize + His chance-brought arms, the arrows and the bow, +The branching antlers smites, and lays the leader low. + +XXVI. Next fall the herd; and through the leafy glade + In mingled rout he drives the scattered train, + Plying his shafts, nor stays his conquering raid + Till seven huge bodies on the ground lie slain, + The number of his vessels; then again + He seeks the crews, and gives a deer to each, + Then opes the casks, which good Acestes, fain + At parting, filled on the Trinacrian beach, +And shares the wine, and soothes their drooping hearts with speech. + +XXVII. "Comrades! of ills not ignorant; far more + Than these ye suffered, and to these as well + Will Jove give ending, as he gave before. + Ye know mad Scylla, and her monsters' yell, + And the dark caverns where the Cyclops dwell. + Fear not; take heart; hereafter, it may be + These too will yield a pleasant tale to tell. + Through shifting hazards, by the Fates' decree, +To Latin shores we steer, our promised land to see. + +XXVIII. "There quiet settlements the Fates display, + There Troy her ruined fortunes shall repair. + Bear up; reserve you for a happier day." + He spake, and heart-sick with a load of care, + Suppressed his grief, and feigned a cheerful air. + All straightway gird them to the feast. These flay + The ribs and thighs, and lay the entrails bare. + Those slice the flesh, and split the quivering prey, +And tend the fires and set the cauldrons in array. + +XXIX. So wine and venison, to their hearts' desire, + Refreshed their strength. And when the feast was sped, + Their missing friends in converse they require, + Doubtful to deem them, betwixt hope and dread, + Alive or out of hearing with the dead. + All mourned, but good AEneas mourned the most, + And bitter tears for Amycus he shed, + Gyas, Cloanthus, bravest of his host, +Lycus, Orontes bold, all counted with the lost. + +XXX. Now came an end of mourning and of woe, + When Jove, surveying from his prospect high + Shore, sail-winged sea, and peopled earth below, + Stood, musing, on the summit of the sky, + And on the Libyan kingdom fixed his eye, + To him, such cares revolving in his breast, + Her shining eyes suffused with tears, came nigh + Fair Venus, for her darling son distrest, +And thus in sorrowing tones the Sire of heaven addressed; + +XXXI. "O Thou, whose nod and awful bolts attest + O'er Gods and men thine everlasting reign, + Wherein hath my AEneas so transgressed, + Wherein his Trojans, thus to mourn their slain, + Barred from the world, lest Italy they gain? + Surely from them the rolling years should see + New sons of ancient Teucer rise again, + The Romans, rulers of the land and sea. +So swar'st thou; Father, say, why changed is thy decree? + +XXXII. "That word consoled me, weighing fate with fate, + For Troy's sad fall. Now Fortune, as before, + Pursues the woe-worn victims of her hate. + O when, great Monarch, shall their toil be o'er? + Safe could Antenor pass th' Illyrian shore + Through Danaan hosts, and realms Liburnian gain, + And climb Timavus and her springs explore, + Where through nine mouths, with roaring surge, the main +Bursts from the sounding rocks and deluges the plain. + +XXXIII. "Yet there he built Patavium, yea, and named + The nation, and the Trojan arms laid down, + And now rests happy in the town he framed. + But we, thy progeny, to whom alone + Thy nod hath promised a celestial throne, + Our vessels lost, from Italy are barred, + O shame! and ruined for the wrath of one. + Thus, thus dost thou thy plighted word regard, +Our sceptred realms restore, our piety reward?" + +XXXIV. Then Jove, soft-smiling with the look that clears + The storms, and gently kissing her, replies; + "Firm are thy fates, sweet daughter; spare thy fears. + Thou yet shalt see Lavinium's walls arise, + And bear thy brave AEneas to the skies. + My purpose shifts not. Now, to ease thy woes, + Since sorrow for his sake hath dimmed thine eyes, + More will I tell, and hidden fates disclose. +He in Italia long shall battle with his foes, + +XXXV. "And crush fierce tribes, and milder ways ordain, + And cities build and wield the Latin sway, + Till the third summer shall have seen him reign, + And three long winter-seasons passed away + Since fierce Rutulia did his arms obey. + Then, too, the boy Ascanius, named of late + Iulus--Ilus was he in the day + When firm by royalty stood Ilium's state-- +Shall rule till thirty years complete the destined date. + +XXXVI. "He from Lavinium shall remove his seat, + And gird Long Alba for defence; and there + 'Neath Hector's kin three hundred years complete + The kingdom shall endure, till Ilia fair, + Queen-priestess, twins by Mars' embrace shall bear. + Then Romulus the nation's charge shall claim, + Wolf-nursed and proud her tawny hide to wear, + And build a city of Mavortian fame, +And make the Roman race remembered by his name. + +XXXVII. "To these no period nor appointed date, + Nor bounds to their dominion I assign; + An endless empire shall the race await. + Nay, Juno, too, who now, in mood malign, + Earth, sea and sky is harrying, shall incline + To better counsels, and unite with me + To cherish and uphold the imperial line, + The Romans, rulers of the land and sea, +Lords of the flowing gown. So standeth my decree. + +XXXVIII. "In rolling ages there shall come the day + When heirs of old Assaracus shall tame + Phthia and proud Mycene to obey, + And terms of peace to conquered Greeks proclaim. + Caesar, a Trojan,--Julius his name, + Drawn from the great Iulus--shall arise, + And compass earth with conquest, heaven with fame, + Him, crowned with vows and many an Eastern prize, +Thou, freed at length from care, shalt welcome to the skies. + +XXXIX. "Then wars shall cease and savage times grow mild, + And Remus and Quirinus, brethren twain, + With hoary Faith and Vesta undefiled, + Shall give the law. With iron bolt and chain + Firm-closed the gates of Janus shall remain. + Within, the Fiend of Discord, high reclined + On horrid arms, unheeded in the fane, + Bound with a hundred brazen knots behind, +And grim with gory jaws, his grisly teeth shall grind." + +XL. So saying, the son of Maia down he sent, + To open Carthage and the Libyan state, + Lest Dido, weetless of the Fates' intent, + Should drive the Trojan wanderers from her gate. + With feathered oars he cleaves the skies, and straight + On Libya's shores alighting, speeds his hest. + The Tyrians, yielding to the god, abate + Their fierceness. Dido, more than all the rest, +Warms to her Phrygian friends, and wears a kindly breast. + +XLI. But good AEneas, pondering through the night + Distracting thoughts and many an anxious care, + Resolved, when daybreak brought the gladsome light, + To search the coast, and back sure tidings bear, + What land was this, what habitants were there, + If man or beast, for, far as the eye could rove, + A wilderness the region seemed, and bare. + His ships he hides within a sheltering cove, +Screened by the caverned rock, and shadowed by the grove, + +XLII. Then wielding in his hand two broad-tipt spears, + Alone with brave Achates forth he strayed, + When lo, before him in the wood appears + His mother, in a virgin's arms arrayed, + In form and habit of a Spartan maid, + Or like Harpalyce, the pride of Thrace, + Who tires swift steeds, and scours the woodland glade, + And outstrips rapid Hebrus in the race. +So fair the goddess seemed, apparelled for the chase. + +XLIII. Bare were her knees, and from her shoulders hung + The wonted bow, kept handy for the prey + Her flowing raiment in a knot she strung, + And loosed her tresses with the winds to play. + "Ho, Sirs!" she hails them, "saw ye here astray + Ought of my sisters, girt in huntress wise + With quiver and a spotted lynx-skin gay, + Or following on the foaming boar with cries?" +Thus Venus spake, and thus fair Venus' son replies; + +XLIV. "Nought of thy sisters have I heard or seen. + What name, O maiden, shall I give to thee, + For mortal never had thy voice or mien? + O Goddess surely, whether Nymph I see, + Or Phoebus' sister; whosoe'er thou be, + Be kind, for strangers and in evil case + We roam, tost hither by the stormy sea. + Say, who the people, what the clime and place, +And many a victim's blood thy hallowed shrine shall grace." + +XLV. "Nay, nay, to no such honour I aspire." + Said Venus, "But a simple maid am I, + And 'tis the manner of the maids of Tyre + To wear, like me, the quiver, and to tie + The purple buskin round the ankles high. + The realm thou see'st is Punic; Tyrians are + The folk, the town Agenor's. Round them lie + The Libyan plains, a people rough in war. +Queen Dido rules the land, who came from Tyre afar, + +XLVI. "Flying her brother. Dark the tale of crime, + And long, but briefly be the sum supplied. + Sychaeus was her lord, in happier time + The richest of Phoenicians far and wide + In land, and worshipped by his hapless bride. + Her, in the bloom of maidenhood, her sire + Had given him, and with virgin rites allied. + But soon her brother filled the throne of Tyre, +Pygmalion, swoln with sin; 'twixt whom a feud took fire. + +XLVII. "He, reckless of a sister's love, and blind + With lust of gold, Sychaeus unaware + Slew by the altar, and with impious mind + Long hid the deed, and flattering hopes and fair + Devised, to cheat the lover of her care. + But, lifting features marvellously pale, + The ghost unburied in her dreams laid bare + His breast, and showed the altar and the bale +Wrought by the ruthless steel, and solved the crime's dark tale. + +XLVIII. "Then bade her fly the country, and revealed, + To aid her flight, an old and unknown weight + Of gold and silver, in the ground concealed. + Thus roused, her friends she gathers. All await + Her summons, who the tyrant fear or hate. + Some ships at hand, chance-anchored in the bay, + They seize and load them with the costly freight, + And far off o'er the deep is borne away +Pygmalion's hoarded pelf. A woman leads the way. + +XLIX. "Hither, where now the walls and fortress high, + Of Carthage, and her rising homes are found, + They came, and there full cheaply did they buy, + Such space--called Byrsa from the deed--of ground + As one bull's-hide could compass and surround. + But who are ye, pray answer? on what quest + Come ye? and whence and whither are ye bound?" + Her then AEneas, from his inmost breast +Heaving a deep-drawn sigh, with labouring speech addressed: + +L. "O Goddess, should I from the first unfold, + Or could'st thou hear, the annals of our woe, + Eve's star were shining, ere the tale were told. + From ancient Troy--if thou the name dost know-- + A chance-met storm hath driven us to and fro, + And tost us on the Libyan shores. My name + Is good AEneas; from the flames and foe + I bear Troy's rescued deities. My fame +Outsoars the stars of heaven; a Jove-born race, we claim + +LI. "A home in fair Italia far away. + With twice ten ships I climbed the Phrygian main, + My goddess-mother pointing out the way, + As Fate commanded. Now scarce seven remain, + Wave-worn and shattered by the tempest's strain. + Myself, a stranger, friendless and unknown, + From Europe driven and Asia, roam in vain + The wilds of Libya"--Then his plaintive tone +No more could Venus bear, but interrupts her son; + +LII. "Stranger," she answered, "whosoe'er thou be; + Not unbeloved of heavenly powers, I ween, + Thou breath'st the vital air, whom Fate's decree + Permits a Tyrian city to have seen. + But hence, and seek the palace of the queen. + Glad news I bear thee, of thy comrades brought, + The North-wind shifted and the skies serene; + Thy ships have gained the harbour which they sought, +Else vain my parents' lore the augury they taught. + +LIII. "See yon twelve swans, in jubilant array, + Whom late Jove's eagle scattered through the sky; + Now these alight, now those the pitch survey. + As they, returning, sport with joyous cry, + And flap their wings and circle in the sky, + E'en so thy vessels and each late-lost crew + Safe now and scatheless in the harbour lie, + Or, crowding canvas, hold the port in view. +But hence, where leads the path, thy forward steps pursue." + +LIV. So saying, she turned, and all refulgent showed + Her roseate neck, and heavenly fragrance sweet + Was breathed from her ambrosial hair. Down flowed + Her loosened raiment, streaming to her feet, + And by her walk the Goddess shone complete. + "Ah, mother mine!" he chides her, as she flies, + "Art thou, then, also cruel? Wherefore cheat + Thy son so oft with images and lies? +Why may I not clasp hands, and talk without disguise?" + +LV. Thus he, reproaching. Towards the town they fare + In haste. But Venus round them on the way + Wrapt a thick mist, a mantle of dark air, + That none should see them, none should touch nor stay, + Nor, urging idle questions, breed delay. + Then back, rejoicing, through the liquid air + To Paphos and her home she flies away, + Where, steaming with Sabaean incense rare, +An hundred altars breathe with garlands fresh and fair. + +LVI. They by the path their forward steps pursued, + And climbed a hill, whose fronting summit frowned + Steep o'er the town. Amazed, AEneas viewed + Tall structures rise, where whilom huts were found, + The streets, the gates, the bustle and the sound. + Hotly the Tyrians are at work. These draw + The bastions' lines, roll stones and trench the ground; + Or build the citadel; those clothe with awe +The Senate; there they choose the judges for the law. + +LVII. These delve the port; the broad foundations there + They lay for theatres of ample space, + And columns, hewn from marble rocks, prepare, + Tall ornaments, the future stage to grace. + As bees in early summer swarm apace + Through flowery fields, when forth from dale and dell + They lead the full-grown offspring of the race, + Or with the liquid honey store each cell, +And make the teeming hive with nectarous sweets to swell. + +LVIII. These ease the comers of their loads, those drive + The drones afar. The busy work each plies, + And sweet with thyme and honey smells the hive. + "O happy ye, whose walls already rise!" + Exclaimed AEneas, and with envious eyes + Looked up where pinnacles and roof-tops showed + The new-born city; then in wondrous wise, + Clothed in the covering of the friendly cloud, +Passed through the midst unseen, and mingled with the crowd. + +LIX. A grove stood in the city, rich in shade, + Where storm-tost Tyrians, past the perilous brine, + Dug from the ground, by royal Juno's aid, + A war-steed's head, to far-off days a sign + That wealth and prowess should adorn the line. + Here, by the goddess and her gifts renowned, + Sidonian Dido built a stately shrine. + All brazen rose the threshold; brass was round +The door-posts; brazen doors on grating hinges sound. + +LX. Here a new sight AEneas' hopes upraised, + And fear was softened, and his heart was mann'd. + For while, the queen awaiting, round he gazed, + And marvelled at the happy town, and scanned + The rival labours of each craftsman's hand, + Behold, Troy's battles on the walls appear, + The war, since noised through many a distant land, + There Priam and th' Atridae twain, and here +Achilles, fierce to both, still ruthless and severe. + +LXI. Pensive he stood, and with a rising tear, + "What lands, Achates, on the earth, but know + Our labours? See our Priam! Even here + Worth wins her due, and there are tears to flow, + And human hearts to feel for human woe. + Fear not," he cries, "Troy's glory yet shall gain + Some safety." Thus upon the empty show + He feeds his soul, while ever and again +Deeply he sighs, and tears run down his cheeks like rain. + +LXII. He sees, how, fighting round the Trojan wall, + Here fled the Greeks, the Trojan youth pursue, + Here fled the Phrygians, and, with helmet tall, + Achilles in his chariot stormed and slew. + Not far, with tears, the snowy tents he knew + Of Rhesus, where Tydides, bathed in blood, + Broke in at midnight with his murderous crew, + And drove the hot steeds campward, ere the food +Of Trojan plains they browsed, or drank the Xanthian flood. + +LXIII. There, reft of arms, poor Troilus, rash to dare + Achilles, by his horses dragged amain, + Hangs from his empty chariot. Neck and hair + Trail on the ground; his hand still grasps the rein; + The spear inverted scores the dusty plain. + Meanwhile, with beaten breasts and streaming hair, + The Trojan dames, a sad and suppliant train, + The veil to partial Pallas' temple bear. +Stern, with averted eyes the Goddess spurns their prayer. + +LXIV. Thrice had Achilles round the Trojan wall + Dragged Hector; there the slayer sells the slain. + Sighing he sees him, chariot, arms and all, + And Priam, spreading helpless hands in vain. + Himself he knows among the Greeks again, + Black Memnon's arms, and all his Eastern clan, + Penthesilea's Amazonian train + With moony shields. Bare-breasted, in the van, +Girt with a golden zone, the maiden fights with man. + +LXV. Thus while AEneas, with set gaze and long, + Hangs, mute with wonder, on the wildering scene, + Lo! to the temple, with a numerous throng + Of youthful followers, moves the beauteous Queen. + Such as Diana, with her Oreads seen + On swift Eurotas' banks or Cynthus' crest, + Leading the dances. She, in form and mien, + Armed with her quiver, towers above the rest, +And tranquil pleasure thrills Latona's silent breast. + +LXVI. E'en such was Dido; so with joyous mien, + Urging the business of her rising state, + Among the concourse passed the Tyrian queen; + Then, girt with guards, within the temple's gate + Beneath the centre of the dome she sate. + There, ministering justice, she presides, + And deals the law, and from her throne of state, + As choice determines or as chance decides, +To each, in equal share, his separate task divides. + +LXVII. Sudden, behold a concourse. Looking down, + His late-lost friends AEneas sees again, + Sergestus, brave Cloanthus of renown, + Antheus and others of the Trojan train, + Whom the black squall had scattered o'er the main, + And driven afar upon an alien strand. + At once, 'twixt joy and terror rent in twain, + Amazed, AEneas and Achates stand, +And long to greet old friends and clasp a comrade's hand. + +LXVIII. Yet wildering wonder at so strange a scene + Still holds them mute, while anxious thoughts divide + Their doubtful minds, and in the cloud unseen, + Wrapt in its hollow covering, they abide + And note what fortune did their friends betide, + And whence they come, and why for grace they sue, + And on what shore they left the fleet to bide, + For chosen captains came from every crew, +And towards the sacred fane with clamorous cries they drew. + +LXIX. Then, audience granted, as the fane they filled, + Thus calmly spake the eldest of the train, + Ilioneus: "O queen, whom Jove hath willed + To found this new-born city, here to reign, + And stubborn tribes with justice to refrain, + We, Troy's poor fugitives, implore thy grace, + Storm-tost and wandering over every main,-- + Forbid the flames our vessels to deface, +Mark our afflicted plight, and spare a pious race. + +LXX. "We come not hither with the sword to rend + Your Libyan homes, and shoreward drive the prey. + Nay, no such violence our thoughts intend, + Such pride suits not the vanquished. Far away + There lies a place--Greeks style the land to-day + Hesperia--fruitful and of ancient fame + And strong in arms. OEnotrian folk, they say, + First tilled the soil. Italian is the name +Borne by the later race, with Italus who came. + +LXXI. "Thither we sailed, when, rising with the wave, + Orion dashed us on the shoals, the prey + Of wanton winds, and mastering billows drave + Our vessels on the pathless rocks astray. + We few have floated to your shore. O say, + What manner of mankind is here? What land + Is this, to treat us in this barbarous way? + They grudge the very shelter of the sand, +And call to arms and bar our footsteps from the strand! + +LXXII. "If human kind and mortal arms ye scorn, + Think of the Gods, who judge the wrong and right. + A king was ours, AEneas; ne'er was born + A man more just, more valiant in the fight, + More famed for piety and deeds of might. + If yet he lives and looks upon the sun, + Nor cruel death hath snatched him from the light, + No fear have we, nor need hast thou to shun +A Trojan guest, or rue kind offices begun. + +LXXIII. "Towns yet for us in Sicily remain, + And arms, and, sprung from Trojan sires of yore, + Our kinsman there, Acestes, holds his reign. + Grant us to draw our scattered fleet ashore, + And fit new planks and branches for the oar. + So, if with king and comrades brought again, + The Fates allow us to reach Italia's shore, + Italia gladly and the Latian plain +Seek we; but else, if thoughts of safety be in vain, + +LXXIV. "If thee, dear Sire, the Libyan deep doth hide, + Nor hopes of young Iulus more can cheer, + Back let our barks to the Sicanian tide + And proffered homes and king Acestes steer." + He spake; the Dardans answered with a cheer. + Then Dido thus, with downcast look sedate; + "Take courage, Trojans, and dismiss your fear. + My kingdom's newness and the stress of Fate +Force me to guard far off the frontiers of my state. + +LXXV. "Who knows not Troy, th' AEneian house of fame, + The deeds and doers, and the war's renown + That fired the world? Not hearts so dull and tame + Have Punic folk; not so is Phoebus known + To turn his back upon our Tyrian town. + Whether ye sail to great Hesperia's shore + And Saturn's fields, or seek the realms that own + Acestes' sway, where Eryx reigned of yore, +Safe will I send you hence, and speed you with my store. + +LXXVI. "Else, would ye settle in this realm, the town + I build is yours; draw up your ships to land. + Trojan and Tyrian will I treat as one. + Would that your king AEneas here could stand, + Driven by the gale that drove you to this strand! + Natheless, to scour the country, will I send + Some trusty messengers, with strict command + To search through Libya to the furthest end, +Lest, cast ashore, through town or lonely wood he wend." + +LXXVII. Roused by these words, long since the sire of Troy + Yearned, like his friend, their comrades to surprise + And burst the cloud. Then first with eager joy + "O Goddess-born," the bold Achates cries, + "How now--what purpose doth thy mind devise? + Lo! all are safe--ships, comrades brought again; + One only fails us, who before our eyes + Sank in the midst of the engulfing main. +All else confirms the tale thy mother told thee plain." + +LXXVIII. Scarce had he said, when straight the ambient cloud + Broke open, melting into day's clear light, + And bathed in sunshine stood the chief, endowed + With shape and features most divinely bright. + For graceful tresses and the purple light + Of youth did Venus in her child unfold, + And sprightly lustre breathed upon his sight, + Beauteous as ivory, or when artists mould +Silver or Parian stone, enchased in yellow gold. + +LXXIX. Then to the queen, all wondering, he exclaimed, + "Behold me, Troy's AEneas; I am here, + The man ye seek, from Libyan waves reclaimed. + Thou, who alone Troy's sorrows deign'st to hear, + And us, the gleanings of the Danaan spear, + Poor world-wide wanderers and in desperate case, + Hast ta'en to share thy city and thy cheer, + Meet thanks nor we, nor what of Dardan race +Yet roams the earth, can give to recompense thy grace. + +LXXX. "The gods, if gods the good and just regard, + And thy own conscience, that approves the right, + Grant thee due guerdon and a fit reward. + What happy ages did thy birth delight? + What godlike parents bore a child so bright? + While running rivers hasten to the main, + While yon pure ether feeds the stars with light, + While shadows round the hill-slopes wax and wane, +Thy fame, where'er I go, thy praises shall remain." + +LXXXI. So saying AEneas with his left hand pressed + Serestus, and Ilioneus with his right, + Brave Gyas, brave Cloanthus and the rest. + Then Dido, struck with wonder at the sight + Of one so great and in so strange a plight, + "O Goddess-born! what fate through dangers sore, + What force to savage coasts compels thy flight? + Art thou, then, that AEneas, whom of yore +Venus on Simois' banks to old Anchises bore? + +LXXXII. "Ay, well I mind me how in days of yore + To Sidon exiled Teucer crossed the main, + To seek new kingdoms and the aid implore + Of Belus. He, my father Belus, then + Ruled Cyprus, victor of the wasted plain, + Since then thy name and Ilion's fate are known, + And all the princes of Pelasgia's reign. + Himself, a foe, oft lauded Troy's renown, +And claimed the Teucrian sires as kinsmen of his own. + +LXXXIII. "Welcome, then, heroes! Me hath Fortune willed + Long tost, like you, through sufferings, here to rest + And find at length a refuge. Not unskilled + In woe, I learn to succour the distrest." + So to the palace she escorts her guest, + And calls for festal honours in the shrine. + Then shoreward sends beeves twenty to the rest, + A hundred boars, of broad and bristly chine, +A hundred lambs and ewes and gladdening gifts of wine. + +LXXXIV. Meanwhile with regal splendour they arrayed + The palace-hall, where feast and banquet high + All in the centre of the space is laid, + And forth they bring the broidered tapestry, + With purple dyed and wrought full cunningly. + The tables groan with silver; there are told + The deeds of prowess for the gazer's eye, + A long, long series, of their sires of old, +Traced from the nation's birth, and graven in the gold. + +LXXXV. But good AEneas--for a father's care + No rest allows him--to the ships sends down + Achates, to Ascanius charged to bear + The welcome news, and bring him to the town. + The father's fondness centres on the son. + Rich presents, too, he sends for, saved of old + From Troy, a veil, whose saffron edges shone + Fringed with acanthus, glorious to behold, +A broidered mantle, stiff with figures wrought in gold. + +LXXXVI. Fair Helen's ornaments, from Argos brought, + The gift of Leda, when the Trojan shore + And lawless nuptials o'er the waves she sought. + Therewith the royal sceptre, which of yore + Ilione, Priam's eldest daughter, bore; + Her shining necklace, strung with costly beads, + And diadem, rimmed with gold and studded o'er + With sparkling gems. Thus charged, Achates heeds, +And towards the ships forthwith in eager haste proceeds. + +LXXXVII. But crafty Cytherea planned meanwhile + New arts, new schemes,--that Cupid should conspire, + In likeness of Ascanius, to beguile + The queen with gifts, and kindle fierce desire, + And turn the marrow of her bones to fire. + Fierce Juno's hatred rankles in her breast; + The two-faced house, the double tongues of Tyre + She fears, and with the night returns unrest; +So now to winged Love this mandate she addressed: + +LXXXVIII. "O son, sole source of all my strength and power, + Who durst high Jove's Typhoean bolts disdain, + To thee I fly, thy deity implore. + Thou know'st, who oft hast sorrowed with my pain, + How, tost by Juno's rancour, o'er the main + Thy brother wanders. Him with speeches fair + And sweet allurements doth the queen detain; + But Juno's hospitality I fear; +Scarce at an hour like this will she her hand forbear. + +LXXXIX. "Soft snares I purpose round the queen to weave, + And wrap her soul in flames, that power malign + Shall never change her, but her heart shall cleave + Fast to AEneas with a love like mine. + Now learn, how best to compass my design. + To Tyrian Carthage hastes the princely boy, + Prompt at the summons of his sire divine, + My prime solicitude, my chiefest joy, +Fraught with brave store of gifts, saved from the flames of Troy. + +XC. "Him on Idalia, lulled into a dream, + Will I secrete, or on the sacred height + Of lone Cythera, lest he learn the scheme, + Or by his sudden presence mar the sleight. + Take thou his likeness, only for a night, + And wear the boyish features that are thine; + And when the queen, in rapture of delight, + Amid the royal banquet and the wine, +Shall lock thee in her arms, and press her lips to thine, + +XCI. "Then steal into her bosom, and inspire + Through all her veins with unsuspected sleight + The poisoned sting of passion and desire." + Young Love obeys, and doffs his plumage light, + And, like Iulus, trips forth with delight. + She o'er Ascanius rains a soft repose, + And gently bears him to Idalia's height, + Where breathing marjoram around him throws +Sweet shade, and odorous flowers his slumbering limbs compose. + +XCII. Forth Cupid, at his mother's word, repairs, + And merrily, for brave Achates led, + The royal presents to the Tyrians bears. + There, under gorgeous curtains, at the head + Sate Dido, throned upon a golden bed. + There, flocking in, the Trojans and their King + Recline on purple coverlets outspread. + Bread, heaped in baskets, the attendants bring, +Towels with smooth-shorn nap, and water from the spring. + +XCIII. Within are fifty maidens, charged with care + To dress the food, and nurse the flames divine. + A hundred more, and youths like-aged, prepare + To load the tables and arrange the wine. + There, entering too, on broidered seats recline + The Tyrians, crowding through the festive court. + They praise the boy, his glowing looks divine, + The words he feigned, the royal gifts he brought, +The robe, the saffron veil with bright acanthus wrought. + +XCIV. Doomed to devouring Love, the hapless queen + Burns as she gazes, with insatiate fire, + Charmed by his presents and his youthful mien: + He, fondly clinging to his fancied sire, + Gave all the love that parents' hearts desire, + Then seeks the queen. She, fixing on the boy + Her eyes, her soul, impatient to admire, + Now, fondling, folds him to her lap with joy; +Weetless, alas! what god is plotting to destroy. + +XCV. True to his Paphian mother, trace by trace, + Slowly the Love-god with prevenient art, + Begins the lost Sychaeus to efface, + And living passion to a breast impart + Long dead to feeling, and a vacant heart. + Now, hushed the banquet and the tables all + Removed, huge wine-bowls for each guest apart + They wreathe with flowers. The noise of festival +Rings through the spacious courts, and rolls along the hall. + +XCVI. There, blazing from the gilded roof, are seen + Bright lamps, and torches turn the night to day. + Now for the ponderous goblet called the Queen, + Of jewelled gold, which Belus used and they + Of Belus' line, and poured the wine straightway, + And prayed, while silence filled the crowded hall: + "Great Jove, the host's lawgiver, bless this day + To these my Tyrians and the Trojans all. +Long may our children's sons this solemn feast recall. + +XCVII. "Come, jolly Bacchus, giver of delight; + Kind Juno, come; and ye with fair accord + And friendly spirit hold the feast aright." + So spake the Queen, and on the festal board + The prime libation to the gods outpoured, + Then lightly to her lips the goblet pressed, + And gave to Bitias. Challenged by the word, + He dived into the brimming gold with zest, +And quaffed the foaming bowl, and after him, the rest. + +XCVIII. His golden lyre long-haired Iopas tunes, + And sings what Atlas taught in loftiest strain; + The suns' eclipses and the changing moons, + Whence man and beast, whence lightning and the rain, + Arcturus, watery Hyads and the Wain; + What causes make the winter nights so long, + Why sinks the sun so quickly in the main; + All this he sings, and ravished at the song, +Tyrians and Trojan guests the loud applause prolong. + +XCIX. With various talk the night poor Dido wore, + And drank deep love, and nursed her inward flame, + Of Priam much she asks, of Hector more, + Now in what arms Aurora's offspring came, + Of Diomede's horses and Achilles' fame. + "Tell me," she says, "thy wanderings; stranger, come, + Thy friends' mishaps and Danaan wiles proclaim; + For seven long summers now have seen thee roam +O'er every land and sea, far from thy native home." + + + + +BOOK TWO + + +ARGUMENT + +AEneas' story.--The Greeks, baffled in battle, built a wooden horse, +in which their leaders took ambush. Their fleet sailed to Tenedos. +The Trojans, but for Capys and Laocoon, had dragged the horse +forthwith as a trophy into Troy (1-72). Sinon, a Greek, brought +before Priam, feigns righteous indignation against Greece. The +Trojans sympathise and believe his story of wrongs done him by +Ulysses (73-126). "When Greek plans of flight had often," says Sinon, +"been foiled by storms, oracles foretold that only a human sacrifice +could purchase their escape." Chosen for victim, Sinon had fled. He +solemnly declares the horse to be an offering to Pallas. "Destroy +it, and you are lost. Preserve it in your citadel, your revenge is +assured" (127-222). Treachery triumphs. Laocoon's cruel fate is +ascribed to his sacrilegious attack upon the horse, which is brought +with rejoicing into Troy, despite a last warning, from Cassandra +(223-288). While Troy sleeps, the fleet returns, and Sinon releases +the Greeks from the horse (289-315). Hector's wraith warns AEneas +in a dream to flee with the sacred vessels and images (316-351), and +Panthus brings news of Sinon's treachery. The city is in flames. +AEneas heads a forlorn hope of rescue (352-441). He and his followers +exchange armour with certain Greeks slain in the darkness. The ruse +succeeds until they are taken for enemies by their friends. The +Greeks rally. The Trojans scatter. At Priam's palace a last stand +is made, but Pyrrhus forces the great gates, and the defenders are +massacred (442-603). Priam's fate.--The sight of his headless corpse +draws AEneas' thoughts to his own father's danger. Hastening +homewards he espies Helen, and is pausing to take vengeance and her +life, when (604-711) Venus intervening opens his eyes to see the gods +aiding the Greeks (712-756). AEneas regains his home. Anchises +obstinately refuses to flee, until a halo is seen about the head of +Ascanius (757-828), whereupon he accepts the omen and yields. The +escape.--In a sudden panic Creusa is lost (829-900). AEneas, at peril +of his life, is seeking her throughout the city, when her wraith +appears and bids him away. "She is dead in Troytown: in Italy empire +awaits him." She vanishes: day dawns: and AEneas, with Anchises and +the surviving Trojans, flees to the hills (901-972). + + +I. All hushed intent, when from his lofty seat + Troy's sire began, "O queen, a tale too true, + Too sad for words, thou biddest me repeat; + How Ilion perished, and the Danaan crew + Her power and all her wailful realm o'erthrew: + The woes I saw, thrice piteous to behold, + And largely shared. What Myrmidon, or who + Of stern Ulysses' warriors can withhold +His tears, to tell such things, as thou would'st have re-told? + +II. "And now already from the heaven's high steep + The dewy night wheels down, and sinking slow, + The stars are gently wooing us to sleep. + But, if thy longing be so great to know + The tale of Troy's last agony and woe, + The toils we suffered, though my heart doth ache, + And grief would fain the memory forego + Of scenes so sad, yet, Lady, for thy sake +I will begin,"--and thus the sire of Troy outspake; + +III. "Broken by war, long baffled by the force + Of fate, as fortune and their hopes decline, + The Danaan leaders build a monstrous horse, + Huge as a hill, by Pallas' craft divine, + And cleft fir-timbers in the ribs entwine. + They feign it vowed for their return, so goes + The tale, and deep within the sides of pine + And caverns of the womb by stealth enclose +Armed men, a chosen band, drawn as the lots dispose. + +IV. "In sight of Troy lies Tenedos, an isle + Renowned and rich, while Priam held command, + Now a mere bay and roadstead fraught with guile. + Thus far they sailed, and on the lonely strand + Lay hid, while fondly to Mycenae's land + We thought the winds had borne them. Troy once more + Shakes off her ten years' sorrow. Open stand + The gates. With joy to the abandoned shore, +The places bare of foes, the Dorian lines we pour. + +V. "Here camped the brave Dolopians, there was set + The tent of fierce Achilles; yonder lay + The fleet, and here the rival armies met + And mingled. Some with wonder and dismay + The maid Minerva's fatal gift survey. + Then first Thymaetes cries aloud, to go + And through the gates the monstrous horse convey + And lodge it in the citadel. E'en so +His fraud or Troy's dark fates were working for our woe. + +VI. "But Capys and the rest, of sounder mind, + Urge us to tumble in the rolling tide + The doubtful gift, for treachery designed, + Or burn with fire, or pierce the hollow side, + And probe the caverns where the Danaans hide. + Thus while they waver and, perplext with doubt, + Urge diverse counsels, and in parts divide, + Lo, from the citadel, foremost of a rout, +Breathless Laocoon runs, and from afar cries out; + +VII. "'Ah! wretched townsmen! do ye think the foe + Gone, or that guileless are their gifts? O blind + With madness! _Thus_ Ulysses do ye know? + Or Grecians in these timbers lurk confined, + Or 'tis some engine of assault, designed + To breach the walls, and lay our houses bare, + And storm the town. Some mischief lies behind. + Trust not the horse, ye Teucrians. Whatso'er +This means, I fear the Greeks, for all the gifts they bear.' + +VIII. "So saying, his mighty spear, with all his force, + Full at the flank against the ribs he drave, + And pierced the bellying framework of the horse. + Quivering, it stood; the hollow chambers gave + A groan, that echoed from the womb's dark cave, + Then, but for folly or Fate's adverse power, + His word had made us with our trusty glaive + Lay bare the Argive ambush, and this hour +Should Ilion stand, and thou, O Priam's lofty tower! + +IX. "Lo, now to Priam, with exulting cries, + The Dardan shepherds drag a youth unknown, + With hands fast pinioned, and in captive guise. + Caught on the way, by cunning of his own, + This end to compass, and betray the town. + Prepared for either venture, void of fear, + The crafty purpose of his mind to crown, + Or meet sure death. Around, from far and near, +The Trojans throng, and vie the captive youth to jeer. + +X. "Mark now the Danaans' cunning; from one wrong + Learn all. As, scared the Phrygian ranks to see, + Confused, unarmed, amid the gazing throng, + He stood, 'Alas! what spot on earth or sea + Is left,' he cried, 'to shield a wretch like me, + Whom Dardans seek in punishment to kill, + And Greeks disown?'--Touched by his tearful plea, + We asked his race, what tidings, good or ill, +He brings, for hope, perchance, may cheer a captive still. + +XI. "Then he, at length his show of fear laid by, + 'Great King, all truly will I own, whate'er + The issue, nor my Argive race deny. + This first; if fortune, spiteful and unfair, + Hath made poor Sinon wretched, fortune ne'er + Shall make me false or faithless;--if the name + Of Palamedes thou hast chanced to hear, + Old Belus' progeny, if ever came +To thee or thine in talk the rumour of his fame, + +XII. "'Whom, pure of guilt, on charges false and feigned, + Wroth that his sentence should the war prevent, + By perjured witnesses the Greeks arraigned, + And doomed to die, but now his death lament, + His kinsman, by a needy father sent, + With him in boyhood to the war I came, + And while in plenitude of power he went, + And high in princely counsels waxed his fame, +I too could boast of credit and a noble name. + +XIII. "'But when, through sly Ulysses' envious hate, + He left the light,--alas! the tale ye know,-- + Stricken, I mused indignant on his fate, + And dragged my days in solitude and woe, + Nor in my madness kept my purpose low, + But vowed, if e'er should happier chance invite, + And bring me home a conqueror, even so + My comrade's death with vengeance to requite. +My words aroused his wrath; thence evil's earliest blight; + +XIV. "'Thenceforth Ulysses sought with slanderous tongue + To daunt me, scattering in the people's ear + Dark hints, and looked for partners of his wrong: + Nor rested, till with Calchas' aid, the seer-- + But why the thankless story should ye hear? + Why stay your hand? If Grecians in your sight + Are all alike, ye know enough; take here + Your vengeance. Dearly will my death delight +Ulysses, well the deed will Atreus' sons requite.' + +XV. "Then, all unknowing of Pelasgian art + And crimes so huge, the story we demand, + And falteringly the traitor plays his part. + 'Oft, wearied by the war, the Danaans planned + To leave--and oh! had they but left--the land. + As oft, to daunt them, in the act to fly, + Storms lashed the deep, and Southern gales withstand, + And louder still, when towered the horse on high +With maple timbers, pealed the thunder through the sky. + +XVI. "'In doubt, we bade Eurypylus explore + Apollo's oracle, and back he brought + The dismal news: _With blood, a maiden's gore, + Ye stilled the winds, when Trojan shores ye sought. + With blood again must your return be bought; + An Argive victim doth the God demand._ + Full fast the rumour 'mong the people wrought; + Cold horror chills us, and aghast we stand; +Whom doth Apollo claim, whose death the Fates demand? + +XVII. "'Then straight Ulysses, 'mid tumultuous cries, + Drags Calchas forth, and bids the seer unfold + The dark and doubtful meaning of the skies. + Many e'en then the schemer's crime foretold, + And, silent, saw my destiny unrolled. + Ten days the seer, as shrinking to reply + Or name a victim, did the doom withhold; + Then, forced by false Ulysses' clamorous cry, +Spake the concerted word, and sentenced me to die. + +XVIII. "'All praised the sentence, pleased that one alone + Should suffer, glad that one poor wretch should bear + The doom that each had dreaded for his own. + The fatal day was come; the priests prepare + The salted meal, the fillets for my hair. + I fled, 'tis true, and saved my life by flight, + Bursting my bonds in frenzy of despair, + And hidden in a marish lay that night, +Waiting till they should sail, if sail, perchance, they might. + +XIX. "'No hope have I my ancient fatherland, + Or darling boys, or long-lost sire to see, + Whom now perchance, the Danaans will demand, + Poor souls! for vengeance, and their death decree, + To purge my crime, in daring to be free. + O by the gods, who know the just and true, + By faith unstained,--if any such there be,-- + With mercy deign such miseries to view; +Pity a soul that toils with evils all undue.' + +XX. "So, moved at length to pity by his tears, + We spare him. Priam bids the cords unbind, + And thus with friendly words the captive cheers; + 'Whoe'er thou art, henceforward blot from mind + The Greeks, and leave thy miseries behind. + Ours shalt thou be; but mark, and tell me now, + What means this monster, for what use designed? + Some warlike engine? or religious vow? +Who planned the steed, and why? Come, quick, the truth avow.' + +XXI. "Then schooled in cunning and Pelasgian sleights, + His hands unshackled to the stars he spread; + 'Ye powers inviolate, ever-burning lights! + Ye ruthless swords and altars, which I fled, + Ye sacred fillets, that adorned my head! + Freed is my oath, and I am free to lay + Their secrets bare, and wish the Danaans dead. + Thou, Troy, preserved, to Sinon faithful stay, +If true the tale I tell, if large the price I pay. + +XXII. "'All hopes on Pallas, since the war begun, + All trust was stayed. But when Ulysses, fain + To weave new crimes, with Tydeus' impious son + Dragged the Palladium from her sacred fane, + And, on the citadel the warders slain, + Upon the virgin's image dared to lay + Red hands of slaughter, and her wreaths profane, + Hope ebbed and failed them from that fatal day, +The Danaans' strength grew weak, the goddess turned away. + +XXIII. "'No dubious signs Tritonia's wrath declared. + Scarce stood her image in the camp, when bright + With flickering flames her staring eyeballs glared. + Salt sweat ran down her; thrice, a wondrous sight! + With shield and quivering spear she sprang upright. + "Back o'er the deep," cries Calchas; "nevermore + Shall Argives hope to quell the Trojan might, + Till, homeward borne, new omens ye implore, +And win the blessing back, which o'er the waves ye bore." + +XXIV. "'So now to Argos are they gone, to gain + Fresh help from heaven, and hither by surprise + Shall come once more, remeasuring the main. + Thus Calchas warned them; by his words made wise + This steed, for stol'n Palladium, they devise, + To soothe the outrag'd goddess. Tall and great, + With huge oak-timbers mounting to the skies, + They build the monster, lest it pass the gate, +And like Palladium stand, the bulwark of the State. + +XXV. "'"Once had your hands," said Calchas, "dared profane + Minerva's gift, dire plagues" (which Heaven forestall + Or turn on him) "should Priam's realm sustain; + But if by Trojan aid it scaled your wall, + Proud Asia then should Pelops' sons enthrall, + And children rue the folly of the sire."' + His arts gave credence, and forced tears withal + Snared us, whom Diomede, nor Achilles dire, +Nor thousand ships subdued, nor ten years' war could tire. + +XXVI. "A greater yet and ghastlier sign remained + Our heedless hearts to terrify anew. + Laocoon, Neptune's priest, by lot ordained, + A stately bull before the altar slew, + When lo!--the tale I shudder to pursue,-- + From Tenedos in silence, side by side, + Two monstrous serpents, horrible to view, + With coils enormous leaning on the tide, +Shoreward, with even stretch, the tranquil sea divide. + +XXVII. "Their breasts erect they rear amid the deep, + Their blood-red crests above the surface shine, + Their hinder parts along the waters sweep, + Trailed in huge coils and many a tortuous twine; + Lashed into foam, behind them roars the brine; + Now, gliding onward to the beach, ere long + They gain the fields, and rolling bloodshot eyne + That blaze with fire, the monsters move along, +And lick their hissing jaws, and dart a flickering tongue. + +XXVIII. "Pale at the sight we fly; unswerving, these + Glide on and seek Laocoon. First, entwined + In stringent folds, his two young sons they seize, + With cruel fangs their tortured limbs to grind. + Then, as with arms he comes to aid, they bind + In giant grasp the father. Twice, behold, + Around his waist the horrid volumes wind, + Twice round his neck their scaly backs are rolled, +High over all their heads and glittering crests unfold. + +XXIX. "Both hands are labouring the fierce knots to pull; + Black gore and slime his sacred wreaths distain. + Loud are his moans, as when a wounded bull + Shakes from his neck the faltering axe and, fain + To fly the cruel altars, roars in pain. + But lo! the serpents to Tritonia's seat + Glide from their victim, till the shrine they gain, + And, coiled beside the goddess, at her feet, +Behind her sheltering shield with gathered orbs retreat. + +XXX. "Fresh wonder seized us, and we shook with fear. + All say, that justly had Laocoon died, + And paid fit penalty, whose guilty spear + Profaned the steed and pierced the sacred side. + 'On with the image to its home,' they cried, + 'And pray the Goddess to avert our woe'; + We breach the walls, and ope the town inside. + All set to work, and to the feet below +Fix wheels, and hempen ropes around the neck they throw. + +XXXI. "Mounting the walls, the monster moves along, + Teeming with arms. Boys, maidens joy around + To touch the ropes, and raise the festive song. + Onward it came, smooth-sliding on the ground, + And, beetling, o'er the midmost city frowned. + O native land! O Ilion, now betrayed! + Blest home of deities, in war renowned! + Four times beside the very gate 'twas stayed; +Four times within the womb the armour clashed and brayed. + +XXXII. "But heedless, blind with frenzy, one and all + Up to the sacred citadel we strain, + And there the ill-omened prodigy install. + E'en then--alas! to Trojan ears in vain-- + Cassandra sang, and told in utterance plain + The coming doom. We, sunk in careless joy, + Poor souls! with festive garlands deck each fane, + And through the town in revelry employ +The day decreed our last, the dying hours of Troy! + +XXXIII. "And now the heaven rolled round. From ocean rushed + The Night, and wrapt in shadow earth and air + And Myrmidonian wiles. In silence hushed, + The Trojans through the city here and there, + Outstretched in sleep, their weary limbs repair. + Meanwhile from neighbouring Tenedos once more, + Beneath the tranquil moonbeam's friendly care, + With ordered ships, along the deep sea-floor, +Back came the Argive host, and sought the well-known shore. + +XXXIV. "Forth from the royal galley sprang the flame, + When Sinon, screened by partial Fate, withdrew + The bolts and barriers of the pinewood frame, + And from its inmost caverns, bared to view, + The fatal horse disgorged the Danaan crew. + With joy from out the hollow wood they bound; + First, dire Ulysses, with his captains two, + Thessander bold and Sthenelus renowned, +Down by a pendent rope come sliding to the ground. + +XXXV. "Then Thoas comes; and Acamas, athirst + For blood; and Neoptolemus, the heir + Of mighty Peleus; and Machaon first; + And Menelaus; and himself is there, + Epeus, framer of the fatal snare. + Now, stealing forward, on the town they fall, + Buried in wine and sleep, the guards o'erbear, + And ope the gates; their comrades at the call +Pour in and, joining bands, all muster by the wall. + +XXXVI. "'Twas now the time, when on tired mortals crept + First slumber, sweetest that celestials pour. + Methought I saw poor Hector, as I slept, + All bathed in tears and black with dust and gore, + Dragged by the chariot and his swoln feet sore + With piercing thongs. Ah me! how sad to view, + How changed from him, that Hector, whom of yore + Returning with Achilles' spoils we knew, +When on the ships of Greece his Phrygian fires he threw. + +XXXVII. "Foul is his beard, his hair is stiff with gore, + And fresh the wounds, those many wounds, remain, + Which erst around his native walls he bore. + Then, weeping too, I seem in sorrowing strain + To hail the hero, with a voice of pain. + 'O light of Troy, our refuge! why and how + This long delay? Whence comest thou again, + Long-looked-for Hector? How with aching brow, +Worn out by toil and death, do we behold thee now! + +XXXVIII. "'But oh! what dire indignity hath marred + The calmness of thy features? Tell me, why + With ghastly wounds do I behold thee scarred?' + To such vain quest he cared not to reply, + But, heaving from his breast a deep-drawn sigh, + 'Fly, Goddess-born! and get thee from the fire! + The foes,' he said, 'are on the ramparts. Fly! + All Troy is tumbling from her topmost spire. +No more can Priam's land, nor Priam's self require. + +XXXIX. "'Could Troy be saved by mortal prowess, mine, + Yea, mine had saved her. To thy guardian care + She doth her Gods and ministries consign. + Take them, thy future destinies to share, + And seek for them another home elsewhere, + That mighty city, which for thee and thine + O'er traversed ocean shall the Fates prepare.' + He spake, and quickly snatched from Vesta's shrine +The deathless fire and wreaths and effigy divine. + +XL. "Meanwhile a mingled murmur through the street + Rolls onward,--wails of anguish, shrieks of fear, + And though my father's mansion stood secrete, + Embowered in foliage, nearer and more near + Peals the dire clang of arms, and loud and clear, + Borne on fierce echoes that in tumult blend, + War-shout and wail come thickening on the ear. + I start from sleep, the parapet ascend, +And from the sloping roof with eager ears attend. + +XLI. "Like as a fire, when Southern gusts are rude, + Falls on the standing harvest of the plain, + Or torrent, hurtling with a mountain flood, + Whelms field and oxens' toil and smiling grain, + And rolls whole forests headlong to the main, + While, weetless of the noise, on neighbouring height, + Tranced in mute wonder, stands the listening swain, + Then, then I see that Hector's words were right, +And all the Danaan wiles are naked to the light. + +XLII. "And now, Deiphobus, thy halls of pride, + Bowed by the flames, come ruining through the air; + Next burn Ucalegon's, and far and wide + The broad Sigean reddens with the glare. + Then come the clamour and the trumpet's blare. + Madly I rush to arms; though vain the fight, + Yet burns my soul, in fury and despair, + To rally a handful and to hold the height: +Sweet seems a warrior's death and danger a delight. + +XLIII. "Lo, Panthus, flying from the Grecian bands, + Panthus, the son of Othrys, Phoebus' seer, + Bearing the sacred vessels in his hands, + And vanquished home-gods, to the door draws near, + His grandchild clinging to his side in fear. + 'Panthus,' I cry, 'how fares the fight? what tower + Still hold we?'--Sighing, he replies ''Tis here, + The final end of all the Dardan power, +The last, sad day has come, the inevitable hour. + +XLIV. "'Troy was, and we were Trojans, now, alas! + No more, for perished is the Dardan fame. + Fierce Jove to Argos biddeth all to pass, + And Danaans rule a city wrapt in flame. + High in the citadel the monstrous frame + Pours forth an armed deluge to the day, + And Sinon, puffed with triumph, spreads the flame. + Part throng the gates, part block each narrow way; +Such hosts Mycenae sends, such thousands to the fray. + +XLV. "'Athwart the streets stands ready the array + Of steel, and bare is every blade and bright. + Scarce the first warders of the gates essay + To stand and battle in the blinding night.' + So spake the son of Othrys, and forthright, + My spirit stirred with impulse from on high, + I rush to arms amid the flames and fight, + Where yells the war-fiend and the warrior's cry, +Mixt with the din of strife, mounts upward to the sky. + +XLVI. "Here warlike Epytus, renowned in fight, + And valiant Rhipeus gather to our side, + And Hypanis and Dymas, matched in might, + Join with us, by the glimmering moon descried. + Here Mygdon's son, Coroebus, we espied, + Who came to Troy,--Cassandra's love to gain, + And now his troop with Priam's hosts allied; + Poor youth and heedless! whom in frenzied strain +His promised bride had warned, but warned, alas! in vain. + +XLVII. "So when the bold and compact band I see, + 'Brave hearts,' I cry, 'but brave, alas! in vain; + If firm your purpose holds to follow me + Who dare the worst, our present plight is plain. + Troy's guardian gods have left her; altar, fane, + All is deserted, every temple bare. + The town ye aid is burning. Forward, then, + To die and mingle in the tumult's blare. +Sole hope to vanquished men of safety is despair.' + +XLVIII. "Then fury spurred their courage, and behold, + As ravening wolves, when darkness hides the day, + Stung with mad fire of famine uncontrolled, + Prowl from their dens, and leave the whelps to stay, + With jaws athirst and gaping for the prey. + So to sure death, amid the darkness there, + Where swords, and spears, and foemen bar the way, + Into the centre of the town we fare. +Night with her shadowy cone broods o'er the vaulted air. + +XLIX. "Oh, who hath tears to match our grief withal? + What tongue that night of havoc can make known + An ancient city totters to her fall, + Time-honoured empress and of old renown; + And senseless corpses, through the city strown, + Choke house and temple. Nor hath vengeance found + None save the Trojans; there the victors groan, + And valour fires the vanquished. All around +Wailings, and wild affright and shapes of death abound. + +L. "First of the Greeks approaches, with a crowd, + Androgeus; friends he deems us unaware, + And thus, with friendly summons, cries aloud: + 'Haste, comrades, forward; from the fleet ye fare + With lagging steps but now, while yonder glare + Troy's towers, and others sack and share the spoils?' + Then straight--for doubtful was our answer there-- + He knew him taken in the foemen's toils; +Shuddering, he checks his voice, and back his foot recoils. + +LI. "As one who, in a tangled brake apart, + On some lithe snake, unheeded in the briar, + Hath trodden heavily, and with backward start + Flies, trembling at the head uplift in ire + And blue neck, swoln in many a glittering spire. + So slinks Androgeus, shuddering with dismay; + We, massed in onset, make the foe retire, + And slay them, wildered, weetless of the way. +Fortune, with favouring smile, assists our first essay. + +LII. "Flushed with success and eager for the fray, + 'Friends,' cries Coroebus, 'forward; let us go + Where Fortune newly smiling, points the way. + Take we the Danaans' bucklers; with a foe + Who asks, if craft or courage guide the blow? + Themselves shall arm us.'--Then he takes the crest, + The shield and dagger of Androgeus; so + Doth Rhipeus, so brave Dymas and the rest; +All in the new-won spoils their eager limbs invest. + +LIII. "Thus we, elate, but not with Heaven our friend, + March on and mingle with the Greeks in fight, + And many a Danaan to the shades we send, + And many a battle in the blinding night + We join with those that meet us. Some in flight + Rush diverse to the ships and trusty tide; + Some, craven-hearted, in ignoble fright, + Make for the horse and, clambering up the side, +Deep in the treacherous womb, their well-known refuge, hide. + +LIV. "Ah! vain to boast, if Heaven refuse to aid! + Dragged by her tresses from Minerva's fane, + Cassandra comes, the Priameian maid, + Stretching to heaven her burning eyes in vain, + Her eyes, for bonds her tender hands constrain. + That sight Coroebus brooked not. Stung with gall + And mad with rage, nor fearing to be slain, + He plunged amid their columns. One and all, +With weapons massed, press on and follow at his call. + +LV. "Here first with missiles, from a temple's height + Hurled by our comrades, we are crushed and slain, + And piteous is the slaughter, at the sight + Of Argive helms for Argive foes mista'en. + Now too, with shouts of fury and disdain + To see the maiden rescued, here and there + The Danaans gathering round us, charge amain; + Fierce-hearted Ajax, the Atridan pair, +And all Thessalia's host our scanty band o'erbear. + +LVI. "So, when the tempest bursting wakes the war, + The justling winds in conflict rave and roar, + South, West and East upon his orient car, + The lashed woods howl, and with his trident hoar + Nereus in foam upheaves the watery floor. + Those too, whom late we scattered through the town, + Tricked in the darkness, reappear once more. + At once the falsehood of our guise is known, +The shields, the lying arms, the speech of different tone. + +LVII. "O'erwhelmed with odds, we perish; first of all, + Struck down by fierce Peneleus by the fane + Of warlike Pallas, doth Coroebus fall. + Next, Rhipeus dies, the justest, but in vain, + The noblest soul of all the Trojan train. + Heaven deemed him otherwise; then Dymas brave + And Hypanis by comrades' hands are slain. + Nor, Panthus, thee thy piety can save, +Nor e'en Apollo's wreath preserve thee from the grave. + +LVIII. "Witness, ye ashes of our comrades dear, + Ye flames of Troy, that in your hour of woe + Nor darts I shunned, nor shock of Danaan spear. + If Fate my life had called me to forego, + This hand had earned it, forfeit to the foe. + Thence forced away, brave Iphitus, and I, + And Pelias,--Iphitus with age was slow, + And Pelias by Ulysses lamed--we fly +Where round the palace rings the war-shout's rallying cry. + +LIX. "There raged a fight so fierce, as though no fight + Raged elsewhere, nor the city streamed with gore. + We see the War-God glorying in his might; + Up to the roof we see the Danaans pour; + Their shielded penthouse drives against the door. + Close cling their ladders to the walls; these, fain + To clutch the doorposts, climb from floor to floor, + Their right hands strive the battlements to gain, +Their left with lifted shield the arrowy storm sustain. + +LX. "There, roof and pinnacle the Dardans tear-- + Death standing near--and hurl them on the foe, + Last arms of need, the weapons of despair; + And gilded beams and rafters down they throw, + Ancestral ornaments of days ago. + These, stationed at the gates, with naked glaive, + Shoulder to shoulder, guard the pass below. + Hearts leap afresh the royal halls to save, +And cheer our vanquished friends and reinspire the brave. + +LXI. "Behind the palace, unobserved and free, + There stood a door, a secret thoroughfare + Through Priam's halls. Here poor Andromache + While Priam's kingdom flourished and was fair, + To greet her husband's parents would repair + Alone, or carrying with tendance fain + To Hector's father Hector's son and heir. + By this I reached the roof-top, whence in vain +The luckless Teucrians hurled their unavailing rain. + +LXII. "Sheer o'er the highest roof-top to the sky, + Skirting the parapet, a watch-tower rose, + Whence camp and fleet and city met the eye. + Here plying levers, where the flooring shows + Weak joists, we heave it over. Down it goes + With sudden crash upon the Danaan train, + Dealing wide ruin. But anon new foes + Come swarming up, while ever and again +Fast fall the showers of stones, and thick the javelins rain. + +LXIII. "Just on the threshold of the porch, behold + Fierce Pyrrhus stands, in glittering brass bedight: + As when a snake, that through the winter's cold + Lay swoln and hidden in the ground from sight, + Gorged with rank herbs, forth issues to the light, + And sleek with shining youth and newly drest, + Wreathing its slippery volumes, towers upright + And, glorying, to the sunbeam rears its breast, +And darts a three-forked tongue, and points a flaming crest. + +LXIV. "With him, Achilles' charioteer and squire, + Automedon, huge Periphas and all + The Scyrian youth rush up, and flaming fire + Hurl to the roof, and thunder at the wall. + He in the forefront, tallest of the tall, + Poleaxe in hand, unhinging at a stroke + The brazen portals, made the doorway fall, + And wide-mouthed as a window, through the oak, +A panelled plank hewn out, a yawning rent he broke. + +LXV. "Bared stands the inmost palace, and behold, + The stately chambers and the courts appear + Of Priam and the Trojan Kings of old, + And warders at the door with shield and spear. + Moaning and tumult in the house we hear, + Wailings of misery, and shouts that smite + The golden stars, and women's shrieks of fear, + And trembling matrons, hurrying left and right, +Cling to and kiss the doors, made frantic by affright. + +LXVI. "Strong as his father, Pyrrhus onward pushed, + Nor bars nor warders can his strength sustain. + Down sinks the door, with ceaseless battery crushed. + Force wins a footing, and, the foremost slain, + In, like a deluge, pours the Danaan train. + So when the foaming river, uncontrolled, + Bursts through its banks and riots on the plain, + O'er dyke and dam the gathering deluge rolled, +From field to field sweeps on with cattle, flock and fold. + +LXVII. "These eyes saw Pyrrhus, rioting in blood, + Saw on the threshold the Atridae twain, + Saw where among a hundred daughters, stood + Pale Hecuba, saw Priam's life-blood stain + The fires his hands had hallowed in the fane. + Those fifty bridal chambers I behold + (So fair the promise of a future reign) + And spoil-deckt pillars of barbaric gold, +A wreck; where fails the flame, its place the Danaans hold. + +LXVIII. "Haply the fate of Priam thou would'st know. + Soon as he saw the captured city fall, + The palace-gates burst open, and the foe + Dealing wild riot in his inmost hall, + Up sprang the old man and, at danger's call, + Braced o'er his trembling shoulders in a breath + His rusty armour, took his belt withal, + And drew the useless falchion from its sheath, +And on their thronging spears rushed forth to meet his death. + +LXIX. "Within the palace, open to the day, + There stood a massive altar. Overhead, + With drooping boughs, a venerable bay + Its shadowy foliage o'er the home-gods spread. + Here, with her hundred daughters, pale with dread, + Poor Hecuba and all her female train, + As doves, that from the low'ring storm have fled, + And cower for shelter from the pelting rain, +Crouch round the silent gods, and cling to them in vain. + +LXX. "But when in youthful arms came Priam near, + 'Ah, hapless lord!' she cries, 'what mad desire + Arms thee for battle? Why this sword and spear? + And whither art thou hurrying? Times so dire + Not such defenders nor such help require. + Not e'en, were Hector here, my Hector's aid + Could save us. Hither to this shrine retire, + And share our safety or our death.'--She said, +And to his hallowed seat the aged monarch led. + +LXXI. "See, now, Polites, one of Priam's sons, + Scarce slipt from Pyrrhus' butchery, and lame, + Through foes, through darts, along the cloisters runs + And empty courtyards. At his heels, aflame + With rage, comes Pyrrhus. Lo, in act to aim, + Now, now, he clutches him,--a moment more, + E'en as before his parent's eyes he came, + The long spear reached him. Prostrate on the floor +Down falls the hapless youth, and welters in his gore. + +LXXII. "Then Priam, though hemmed with death on every side, + Spared not his utterance, nor his wrath controlled; + 'To thee, yea, thee, fierce miscreant,' he cried, + 'May Heaven,--if Heaven with righteous eyes behold + So foul an outrage and a deed so bold, + Ne'er fail a fitting guerdon to ordain, + Nor worthy quittance for thy crime withhold, + Whose hand hath made me see my darling slain, +And dared with filial blood a father's eyes profane. + +LXXIII. "'Not so Achilles, whom thy lying tongue + Would feign thy father; like a foeman brave, + He scorned a suppliant's rights and trust to wrong, + And sent me home in safety,--ay, and gave + My Hector's lifeless body to the grave.' + The old man spoke and, with a feeble throw, + At Pyrrhus with a harmless dart he drave. + The jarring metal blunts it, and below +The shield-boss, down it hangs, and foils the purposed blow. + +LXXIV. "'Go then,' cries Pyrrhus, 'with thy tale of woe + To dead Pelides, and thy plaints outpour. + To him, my father, in the shades below, + These deeds of his degenerate son deplore; + Now die!'--So speaking, to the shrine he tore + The aged Priam, trembling with affright, + And feebly sliding in his son's warm gore. + The left hand twists his hoary locks; the right +Deep in his side drives home the falchion, bared and bright. + +LXXV. "Such close had Priam's fortunes; so his days + Were finished, such the bitter end he found, + Now doomed by Fate with dying eyes to gaze + On Troy in flames and ruin all around, + And Pergamus laid level with the ground. + Lo, he to whom once Asia bowed the knee, + Proud lord of many peoples, far-renowned, + Now left to welter by the rolling sea, +A huge and headless trunk, a nameless corpse is he. + +LXXVI. "Grim horror seized me, and aghast I stood. + Uprose the image of my father dear, + As there I see the monarch, bathed in blood, + Like him in prowess and in age his peer. + Uprose Creusa, desolate and drear, + Iulus' peril, and a plundered home. + I look around for comrades; none are near. + Some o'er the battlements leapt headlong, some +Sank fainting in the flames; the final hour was come. + +LXXVII. "I stood alone, when lo, in Vesta's fane + I see Tyndarean Helen, crouching down. + Bright shone the blaze around me, as in vain + I tracked my comrades through the burning town. + There, mute, and, as the traitress deemed, unknown, + Dreading the Danaan's vengeance, and the sword + Of Trojans, wroth for Pergamus o'erthrown, + Dreading the anger of her injured lord, +Sat Troy's and Argos' fiend, twice hateful and abhorred. + +LXXVIII. "Then, fired with passion and revenge, I burn + To quit Troy's downfall and exact the fee + Such crimes deserve. Sooth, then, shall _she_ return + To Sparta and Mycenae, ay, and see + Home, husband, sons and parents, safe and free, + With Ilian wives and Phrygians in her train, + A queen, in pride of triumph? Shall this be, + And Troy have blazed and Priam's self been slain, +And Trojan blood so oft have soaked the Dardan plain? + +LXXIX. "Not so; though glory wait not on the act; + Though poor the praise, and barren be the gain, + Vengeance on feeble woman to exact, + Yet praised hereafter shall his name remain, + Who purges earth of such a monstrous stain. + Sweet is the passion of vindictive joy, + Sweet is the punishment, where just the pain, + Sweet the fierce ardour of revenge to cloy, +And slake with Dardan blood the funeral flames of Troy. + +LXXX. "So mused I, blind with anger, when in light + Apparent, never so refulgent seen, + My mother dawned irradiate on the night, + Confessed a Goddess, such her form, and mien + And starry stature of celestial sheen. + With her right hand she grasped me from above, + And thus with roseate lips: 'O son, what mean + These transports? Say, what bitter grief doth move +Thy soul to rage untamed? Where vanished is thy love? + +LXXXI. "'Wilt thou not see, if yet thy sire survive, + Worn out with age, amid the war's alarms? + And if thy wife Creusa be alive, + And young Ascanius? for around thee swarms + The foe, and but for my protecting arms, + Fierce sword or flame had swept them all away. + Not oft-blamed Paris, nor the hateful charms + Of Helen; Heaven, unpitying Heaven to-day +Hath razed the Trojan towers and reft the Dardan sway. + +LXXXII. "'Look now, for I will clear the mists that shroud + Thy mortal gaze, and from the visual ray + Purge the gross covering of this circling cloud. + Thou heed, and fear not, whatsoe'er I say, + Nor scorn thy mother's counsels to obey. + Here, where thou seest the riven piles o'erthrown, + Mixt dust and smoke, rock torn from rock away, + Great Neptune's trident shakes the bulwarks down, +And from its lowest base uproots the trembling town. + +LXXXIII. "'Here, girt with steel, the foremost in the fight, + Fierce Juno stands, the Scaean gates before, + And, mad with fury and malignant spite, + Calls up her federate forces from the shore. + See, on the citadel, all grim with gore, + Red-robed, and with the Gorgon shield aglow, + Tritonian Pallas bids the conflict roar. + E'en Jove with strength reanimates the foe, +And stirs the powers of heaven to work the Dardan's woe. + +LXXXIV. "'Haste, son, and fly; the fruitless toil give o'er. + I will not leave thee, but assist thy flight, + And set thee safely at thy father's door.' + She spake, and vanished in the gloom of night. + Dread shapes and forms terrific loomed in sight, + And hostile deities, whose faces frowned + Destruction. Then, amid the lurid light, + I see Troy sinking in the flames around, +And mighty Neptune's walls laid level with the ground. + +LXXXV. "So, when an aged ash on mountain tall + Stout woodmen strive, with many a rival blow, + To rend from earth; awhile it threats to fall, + With quivering locks and nodding head; now slow + It sinks and, with a dying groan lies low, + And spreads its ruin on the mountain side. + Down from the citadel I haste below, + Through foe, through fire, the goddess for my guide. +Harmless the darts give way, the sloping flames divide. + +LXXXVI. "But when Anchises' ancient home I gain, + My father,--he, whom first, with loving care, + I sought and, heedful of my mother, fain + In safety to the neighbouring hills would bear, + Disdains Troy's ashes to outlive and wear + His days in banishment: 'Fly ye, who may, + Whom age hath chilled not, nor the years impair. + For me, had Heaven decreed a longer day, +Heaven too had spared these walls, nor left my home a prey. + +LXXXVII. "'Enough and more, to live when Ilion fell, + And once to see Troy captured. Leave me, pray, + And bid me, as a shrouded corpse, farewell. + For death--this hand will find for me the way, + Or foes who spoil will pity me and slay. + Light is the loss of sepulchre or pyre, + Loathed have I lived and useless, since the day + When man's great monarch and the God's dread sire +Breathed his avenging blast and scathed me with his fire.' + +LXXXVIII. "So spake he, on his purpose firmly bent. + We--wife, child, family and I--with prayer + And tears entreat the father to relent, + Nor doom us all the common wreck to share, + And urge the ruin that the Fates prepare. + He heeds not--stirs not. Then again I fly + To arms--to arms, in frenzy of despair, + And long in utter misery to die. +What other choice was left, what other chance to try? + +LXXXIX. "'What, _I_ to leave thee helpless, and to flee? + O father! could'st thou fancy it? Could e'er + A parent speak of such a crime to me? + If Heaven of such a city naught should spare, + And thou be pleased that thou and thine should share + The common wreck, that way to death is plain. + Wide stands the door; soon Pyrrhus will be there, + Red with the blood of Priam; he hath slain +The son before his sire, the father in the fane. + +XC. "'Dost thou for _this_, dear mother, me through fire + And foemen safely to my home restore; + To see Creusa, and my son and sire + Each foully butchered in the other's gore, + And Danaans dealing slaughter at the door? + Arms--bring me arms! Troy's dying moments call + The vanquished. Give me to the Greeks. Once more + Let me revive the battle; ne'er shall all +Die unrevenged this day, nor tamely meet their fall.' + +XCI. "Once more I girt me with the sword and shield, + And forth had soon into the battle hied, + When lo, Creusa at the doorway kneeled, + And reached Iulus to his sire and cried: + 'If death thou seekest, take me at thy side + Thy death to share, but if, expert in strife, + Thou hop'st in arms, here guard us and abide. + To whom dost thou expose Iulus' life, +Thy father's, yea, and mine, once called, alas! thy wife.' + +XCII. "So wailed Creusa, and in wild despair + Filled all the palace with her sobs and cries, + When lo! a portent, wondrous to declare. + For while, 'twixt sorrowing parents' hands and eyes, + Stood young Iulus, wildered with surprise, + Up from the summit of his fair, young head + A tuft was seen of flickering flame to rise. + Gently and harmless to the touch it spread +Around his tender brows, and on his temples fed. + +XCIII. "In haste we strive to quench the flame divine, + Shaking the tresses of his burning hair. + But gladly sire Anchises hails the sign, + And gazing upward through the starlit air, + His hands and voice together lifts in prayer: + 'O Jove omnipotent, dread power benign, + If aught our piety deserve, if e'er + A suppliant move thee, hearken and incline +This once, and aid us now and ratify thy sign.' + +XCIV. "Scarce spake the sire when lo, to leftward crashed + A peal of thunder, and amid the night + A sky-dropt star athwart the darkness flashed, + Trailing its torchfire with a stream of light. + We mark the dazzling meteor in its flight + Glide o'er the roof, till, vanished from our eyes, + It hides in Ida's forest, shining bright + And furrowing out a pathway through the skies, +And round us far and wide the sulphurous fumes arise. + +XCV. "Up rose my sire, submissive to the sign, + And briefly to the Gods addressed his prayer, + And bowed adoring to the star divine. + 'Now, now,' he cries, 'no tarrying; wheresoe'er + Ye point the path, I follow and am there. + Gods of my fathers! O preserve to-day + My home, preserve my grandchild; for your care + Is Troy, and yours this omen. I obey; +Lead on, my son, I yield and follow on thy way.' + +XCVI. "He spake, and nearer through the city came + The roar, the crackle and the fiery glow + Of conflagration, rolling floods of flame. + 'Quick, father, mount my shoulders; let us go. + That toil shall never tire me. Come whatso + The Fates shall bring us, both alike shall share + One common welfare or one common woe. + Let young Iulus at my side repair; +Keep thou, my wife, aloof, and follow as we fare. + +XCVII. "'Ye too, my servants, hearken my commands. + Outside the city is a mound, where, dear + To Ceres once, but now deserted, stands + A temple, and an aged cypress near, + For ages hallowed with religious fear, + There meet we. Father, in thy charge remain + Troy's gods; for me, red-handed with the smear + Of blood, and fresh from slaughter, 'twere profane +To touch them, ere the stream hath cleansed me of the stain.' + +XCVIII. "So saying, my neck and shoulders I incline, + And round them fling a lion's tawny hide, + Then lift the load. His little hand in mine, + Iulus totters at his father's side; + Behind me comes Creusa. On we stride + Through shadowy ways; and I who rushing spear + And thronging foes but lately had defied, + Now fear each sound, each whisper of the air, +Trembling for him I lead, and for the charge I bear. + +XCIX. "And now I neared the gates, and thought my flight + Achieved, when suddenly a noise we hear + Of trampling feet, and, peering through the night, + My father cries, 'Fly, son, the Greeks are near; + They come, I see the glint of shield and spear, + Fierce foes in front and flashing arms behind.' + Then trembling seized me and, amidst my fear, + What power I know not, but some power unkind +Confused my wandering wits, and robbed me of my mind. + +C. "For while, the byways following, I left + The beaten track, ah! woe and well away! + My wife Creusa lost me;--whether reft + By Fate, or faint or wandering astray, + I know not, nor have seen her since that day, + Nor sought, nor missed her, till in Ceres' fane + We met at length, and mustered our array. + There she alone was wanting of our train, +And husband, son and friends all looked for her in vain! + +CI. "Whom then did I upbraid not, wild with woe, + Of gods or men? What sadder sight elsewhere + Had Troy, now whelmed in utter wreck, to show? + Troy's gods commending to my comrades' care, + With old Anchises and my infant heir, + I hide them in a winding vale from view, + Then, sheathed again in shining arms, prepare + Once more to scour the city through and through, +Resolved to brave all risks, all ventures to renew. + +CII. "I reach the ramparts and the shadowy gates + Whence first I issued, backward through the night + My studied steps retracing. Horror waits + Around; the very silence breeds affright. + Then homeward turn, if haply in her flight, + If, haply, thither she had strayed; but ere + I came, behold, the Danaans, loud in fight, + Swarmed through the halls; roof-high the fiery glare, +Fanned by the wind, mounts up; the loud blast roars in air. + +CIII. "Again to Priam's palace, and again + Up to the citadel I speed my way. + Armed, in the vacant courts, by Juno's fane, + Phoenix and curst Ulysses watched the prey. + There, torn from many a burning temple, lay + Troy's wealth; the tripods of the Gods were there, + Piled in huge heaps, and raiment snatched away, + And golden bowls, and dames with streaming hair +And tender boys stand round, and tremble with despair. + +CIV. "I shout, and through the darkness shout again, + Rousing the streets, and call and call anew + 'Creusa,' and 'Creusa,' but in vain. + From house to house in frenzy as I flew, + A melancholy spectre rose in view, + Creusa's very image; ay, 'twas there, + But larger than the living form I knew. + Aghast I stood, tongue-tied, with stiffening hair. +Then she addressed me thus, and comforted my care. + +CV. "'What boots this idle passion? Why so fain + Sweet husband, thus to sorrow and repine? + Naught happens here but as the Gods ordain. + It may not be, nor doth the Lord divine + Of high Olympus nor the Fates design + That thou should'st take Creusa. Seas remain + To plough, long years of exile must be thine, + Ere thou at length Hesperia's land shalt gain, +Where Lydian Tiber glides through many a peopled plain. + +CVI. "'Wide rule and happy days await thee there, + And royal marriage shall thy portion be. + Weep not for lov'd Creusa, weep not; ne'er + To Grecian women shall I bow the knee, + Never in Argos see captivity, + I, who my lineage from the Dardans tell, + Allied to Venus. Now, by Fate's decree, + Here with the mother of the Gods I dwell. +Farewell, and guard in love our common child. Farewell!' + +CVII. "So spake she, and with weeping eyes I yearned + To answer, wondering at the words she said, + When lo, the shadowy spirit, as I turned, + Dissolved in air, and in a moment fled. + Thrice round the neck with longing I essayed + To clasp the phantom in a wild delight; + Thrice, vainly clasped, the visionary shade + Mocked me embracing, and was lost to sight, +Swift as a winged wind or slumber of the night. + +CVIII. "Back to my friends I hasten. There, behold, + Matrons and men, a miserable band, + Gathered for exile. From each side they shoaled, + Resolved and ready over sea and land + My steps to follow, where the Fates command. + Now over Ida shone the day-star bright; + Greeks swarmed at every entrance; help at hand + Seemed none. I yield, and, hurrying from the fight, +Take up my helpless sire, and climb the mountain height." + + + + +BOOK THREE + + +ARGUMENT + +In obedience to oracles the Trojans build a fleet and sail to Thrace +(1-18). Seeking to found a city, they are warned away by the ghost +of Polydorus and visit Anius in Ortygia (19-99). Apollo promises +AEneas and his descendants world-wide empire if they return to "the +ancient motherland" of Troy,--which Anchises declares to be Crete +(100-144). They reach Crete, only to be again baffled. Drought and +plague interrupt this second attempt to found a city. On the point +of returning to ask Apollo for clearer counsel, AEneas in a dream +is certified by the home-gods of Troy that the true motherland is +Italy (145-207). Anchises owns his mistake, and recalls how +Cassandra had in other days been mocked for prophesying that Troy +should eventually be transplanted to Italy (208-225). Landing in the +Strophades, they unwittingly wrong the Harpies, whose queen Celaeno +thereupon threatens them with a portentous famine. Panic-stricken, +they coast along to Actium, where they celebrate their national games +and leave a defiance to the Greeks (226-342). At Buthrotum they find +Helenus and Andromache in possession of the kingdom of Pyrrhus, and +by them are entertained awhile and sent upon their way with gifts +and guidance (343-577). The voyage from Dyrrhachium and the first +glimpse of Italy. They land and propitiate Juno: then coast along +till they sight Mount AEtna (578-666). After a description of the +rescue of Achemenides and the escape from Polyphemus, the voyage and +the story end with the death of Anchises at Drepanum (667-819). + + +I. "When now the Gods have made proud Ilion fall, + And Asia's power and Priam's race renowned + O'erwhelmed in ruin undeserved, and all + Neptunian Troy lies smouldering on the ground, + In desert lands, to diverse exile bound, + Celestial portents bid us forth to fare; + Where Ida's heights above Antandros frowned, + A fleet we build, and gather crews, unware +Which way the Fates will lead, what home is ours and where. + +II. "Scarce now the summer had begun, when straight + My father, old Anchises, gave command + To spread our canvas and to trust to Fate. + Weeping, I leave my native port, the land, + The fields where once the Trojan towers did stand, + And, homeless, launch upon the boundless brine, + Heart-broken outcast, with an exiled band, + Comrades, and son, and household gods divine, +And the great Gods of Troy, the guardians of our line. + +III. "Far off there lies, with many a spacious plain, + The land of Mars, by Thracians tilled and sown, + Where stern Lycurgus whilom held his reign; + A hospitable shore, to Troy well-known, + Her home-gods leagued in union with our own, + While Fortune smiled. Hither, with fates malign, + I steer, and landing for our purposed town + The walls along the winding shore design, +And coin for them a name 'AEneadae' from mine. + +IV. "Due rites to Venus and the gods I bore, + The work to favour, and a sleek, white steer + To Heaven's high King was slaughtering on the shore. + With cornel shrubs and many a prickly spear + Of myrtle crowned, it chanced a mound was near. + Thither I drew, and strove with eager hold + A green-leaved sapling from the soil to tear, + To shade with boughs the altars, when behold +A portent, weird to see and wondrous to unfold! + +V. "Scarce the first stem uprooted, from the wood + Black drops distilled, and stained the earth with gore. + Cold horror shook me, in my veins the blood + Was chilled, and curdled with affright. Once more + A limber sapling from the soil I tore; + Once more, persisting, I resolved in mind + With inmost search the causes to explore + And probe the mystery that lurked behind; +Dark drops of blood once more come trickling from the rind. + +VI. "Much-musing, to the woodland nymphs I pray, + And Mars, the guardian of the Thracian plain, + With favouring grace the omen to allay, + And bless the dreadful vision. Then again + A third tall shaft I grasp, with sinewy strain + And firm knees pressed against the sandy ground; + When O! shall tongue make utterance or refrain? + Forth from below a dismal, groaning sound +Heaves, and a piteous voice is wafted from the mound: + +VII. "'Spare, O AEneas, spare a wretch, nor shame + Thy guiltless hands, but let the dead repose. + From Troy, no alien to thy race, I came. + O, fly this greedy shore, these cruel foes! + Not from the tree--from Polydorus flows + This blood, for I am Polydorus. Here + An iron crop o'erwhelmed me, and uprose + Bristling with pointed javelins.'--Mute with fear, +Perplext, aghast I stood, and upright rose my hair. + +VIII. "This Polydorus Priam from the war + To Thracia's King in secret had consigned + With store of gold, when, girt with siege, he saw + Troy's towers, and trust in Dardan arms resigned. + But when our fortune and our hopes declined, + The treacherous King the conqueror's cause professed, + And, false to faith, to friendship and to kind, + Slew Polydorus, and his wealth possessed. +Curst greed of gold, what crimes thy tyrant power attest! + +IX. "Now, freed from terror, to my father first, + Then to choice friends the vision I declare. + All vote to sail, and quit the shore accurst. + So to his shade, with funeral rites, we rear + A mound, and altars to the dead prepare, + Wreathed with dark cypress. Round them, as of yore, + Pace Troy's sad matrons, with their streaming hair. + Warm milk from bowls, and holy blood we pour, +And thrice with loud farewell the peaceful shade deplore. + +X. "Soon as our ships can trust the deep once more, + And South-winds chide, and Ocean smiles serene, + We crowd the beach, and launch, and town and shore + Fade from our view. Amid the waves is seen + An island, sacred to the Nereids' queen + And Neptune, lord of the AEgean wave, + Which, floating once, Apollo fixed between + High Myconos and Gyarus, and gave +For man's resort, unmoved the blustering winds to brave. + +XI. "Hither we sail and on this island fair, + Worn out, find welcome in a sheltered bay, + And, landing, hail Apollo's town with prayer. + King Anius here, enwreath'd with laurel spray, + The priest of Phoebus meets us on the way; + With joy at once he recognised again + His friend Anchises of an earlier day. + And joining hands in fellowship, each fain +To show a friendly heart the palace-halls we gain. + +XII. "There, in a temple built of ancient stone + I worship: 'Grant, Thymbrean lord divine, + A home, a settled city of our own, + Walls to the weary, and a lasting line, + To Troy another Pergamus. Incline + And harken. Save these Dardans sore-distrest, + The remnant of Achilles' wrath. Some sign + Vouchsafe us, whom to follow? where to rest? +Steal into Trojan hearts, and make thy power confessed.' + +XIII. "Scarce spake I, suddenly the bays divine + Shook, and a trembling seized the temple door. + The mountain heaves, and from the opening shrine + Loud moans the tripod. Prostrate on the floor + We hear a voice; 'Brave hearts, the land that bore + Your sires shall nurse their Dardan sons again. + Seek out your ancient mother; from her shore + Through all the world the AEneian house shall reign, +And sons of sons unborn the lasting line sustain.' + +XIV. "Straight rose a joyous uproar; each in turn + Ask what the walls that Phoebus hath designed? + Which way to wander, whither to return? + Then spake my sire, revolving in his mind + The ancient legends of the Trojan kind, + 'Chieftains, give ear, and learn your hopes and mine; + Jove's island lies, amid the deep enshrined, + Crete, hundred-towned, a land of corn and wine, +Where Ida's mountain stands, the cradle of our line. + +XV. "'Thence Troy's great sire, if I remember right, + Old Teucer, to Rhoeteum crossed the flood, + And for his future kingdom chose a site. + Nor yet proud Ilion nor her towers had stood; + In lowly vales sequestered they abode. + Thence Corybantian cymbals clashed and brayed + In praise of Cybele. In Ida's wood + Her mystic rites in secrecy were paid, +And lions, yoked in pomp, their sovereign's car conveyed. + +XVI. "'Come then and seek we, as the gods command, + The Gnosian kingdoms, and the winds entreat. + Short is the way, nor distant lies the land. + If Jove be present and assist our fleet, + The third day lands us on the shores of Crete.' + So spake he and on altars, reared aright, + Due victims offered, and libations meet; + A bull to Neptune and Apollo bright, +To tempest a black lamb, to Western winds a white. + +XVII. "Fame flies, Idomeneus has left the land, + Expelled his kingdom; that the shore lies clear + Of foes, and homes are ready to our hand. + Ortygia's port we leave, and skim the mere; + Soon Naxos' Bacchanalian hills appear, + And past Olearos and Donysa, crowned + With trees, and Paros' snowy cliffs we steer. + Far-scattered shine the Cyclades renowned, +And clustering isles thick-sown in many a glittering sound. + +XVIII. "Loud rise the shouts of sailors to the sky; + 'Crete and our fathers,' rings for all to hear + The cry of oarsmen. Through the deep we fly; + Behind us sings the stern breeze loud and clear. + So to the shores of ancient Crete we steer. + There in glad haste I trace the wished-for town, + And call the walls 'Pergamea,' and cheer + My comrades, glorying in the name well-known, +The castled keep to raise, and guard the loved hearth-stone. + +XIX. "Scarce stand the vessels hauled upon the beach, + And bent on marriages the young men vie + To till new settlements, while I to each + Due law dispense and dwelling place supply, + When from a tainted quarter of the sky + Rank vapours, gathering, on my comrades seize, + And a foul pestilence creeps down from high + On mortal limbs and standing crops and trees, +A season black with death, and pregnant with disease. + +XX. "Sweet life from mortals fled; they drooped and died. + Fierce Sirius scorched the fields, and herbs and grain + Were parched, and food the wasting crops denied. + Once more Anchises bids us cross the main + And seek Ortygia, and the god constrain + By prayer to pardon and advise, what end + Of evils to expect? what woes remain? + What fate hereafter shall our steps attend? +What rest for toil-worn men, and whitherward to wend? + +XXI. "'Twas night; on earth all creatures were asleep, + When lo! the figures of our gods, the same + Whom erst from falling Ilion o'er the deep + I brought, scarce rescued from the midmost flame, + Before me, sleepless for my country's shame, + Stood plain, in plenteousness of light confessed, + Where streaming through the sunken lattice came + The moon's full splendour, and their speech addressed, +And I in heart took comfort, hearing their behest. + +XXII. "'Lo! what Apollo from Ortygia's shrine + Would sing, unasked he sends us to proclaim. + We who have followed o'er the billowy brine + Thee and thine arms, since Ilion sank in flame, + Will raise thy children to the stars, and name + Thy walls imperial. Thou build them meet + For heroes. Shrink not from thy journey's aim, + Though long the way. Not here thy destined seat, +So saith the Delian god, not thine the shores of Crete. + +XXIII. "'Far off there lies, across the rolling wave, + An ancient land, which Greeks Hesperia name; + Her soil is fruitful and her people brave. + Th' OEnotrians held it once, by later fame + The name Italia from their chief they claim. + Thence sprang great Dardanus; there lies thy seat; + Thence sire Iasius and the Trojans came. + Rise, and thy parent with these tidings greet, +To seek Ausonian shores, for Jove denies thee Crete.' + +XXIV. "Awed by the vision and the voice divine + ('Twas no mere dream; their very looks I knew, + I saw the fillets round their temples twine, + And clammy sweat did all my limbs bedew) + Forthwith, upstarting, from the couch I flew, + And hands and voice together raised in prayer, + And wine unmixt upon the altars threw. + This done, to old Anchises I repair, +Pleased with the rites fulfilled, and all the tale declare. + +XXV. "The two-fold race Anchises understands, + The double sires, and owns himself misled + By modern error 'twixt two ancient lands. + 'O son, long trained in Ilian fates,' he said, + This chance Cassandra, she alone, displayed. + Oft to Hesperia and Italia's reign + She called us. Ah! who listened or obeyed? + Who dreamed that Teucrians should Hesperia gain? +Yield we to Phoebus now, nor wisdom's words disdain.' + +XXVI. "All hail the speech. We quit this other home, + And leaving here a handful on the shore, + Spread sail and scour with hollow keel the foam. + The fleet was on mid ocean; land no more + Was visible, naught else above, before + But sky and sea, when overhead did loom + A storm-cloud, black as heaven itself, that bore + Dark night and wintry tempest in its womb, +And all the waves grew rough and shuddered with the gloom. + +XXVII. "Winds roll the waters, and the great seas rise. + Dispersed we welter on the gulfs. Damp night + Has snatched with rain the heaven from our eyes, + And storm-mists in a mantle wrapt the light. + Flash after flash, and for a moment bright, + Quick lightnings rend the welkin. Driven astray + We wander, robbed of reckoning, reft of sight. + No difference now between the night and day +E'en Palinurus sees, nor recollects the way. + +XXVIII. "Three days, made doubtful by the blinding gloom, + As many nights, when not a star is seen, + We wander on, uncertain of our doom. + At last the fourth glad daybreak clears the scene, + And rising land, and opening uplands green, + And rolling smoke at distance greet the view. + No longer tarrying; to our oars we lean. + Down drop the sails; in order ranged, each crew +Flings up the foam to heaven, and sweeps the sparkling blue. + +XXIX. "Saved from the sea, the Strophades we gain, + So called in Greece, where dwells, with Harpies, dire + Celaeno, in the vast Ionian main, + Since, forced from Phineus' palace to retire, + They fled their former banquet. Heavenly ire + Ne'er sent a pest more loathsome; ne'er were seen + Worse plagues to issue from the Stygian mire-- + Birds maiden-faced, but trailing filth obscene, +With taloned hands and looks for ever pale and lean. + +XXX. "The harbour gained, lo! herds of oxen bright + And goats untended browse the pastures fair. + We, sword in hand, make onset, and invite + The gods and Jove himself the spoil to share, + And piling couches, banquet on the fare. + When straight, down-swooping from the hills meanwhile + The Harpies flap their clanging wings, and tear + The food, and all with filthy touch defile, +And, mixt with screams, uprose a sickening stench and vile. + +XXXI. "Once more, within a cavern screened from view, + Where circling trees a rustling shade supply, + The boards are spread, the altars blaze anew. + Back, from another quarter of the sky, + Dark-ambushed, round the clamorous Harpies fly + With taloned claws, and taste and taint the prey. + To arms I call my comrades, and defy + The loathsome brood to battle. They obey, +And swords and bucklers hide amid the grass away. + +XXXII. "So when their screams descending fill the strand, + Misenus from his outlook sounds the fray. + All to the strange encounter, sword in hand, + Rush forth, these miscreants of the deep to slay. + No wounds they take, no weapon wins its way. + Swiftly they soar, all leaving, ere they go, + Their filthy traces on the half-gorged prey. + One perched, Celaeno, on a rock, and lo, +Thus croaked the dismal seer her prophecy of woe. + +XXXIII. "'War, too, Laomedon's twice-perjured race! + War do ye bring, our cattle stol'n and slain? + And unoffending Harpies would ye chase + Forth from their old, hereditary reign? + Mark then my words and in your breasts retain. + What Jove, the Sire omnipotent, of old + Revealed to Phoebus, and to me again + Phoebus Apollo at his hest foretold, +I now to thee and thine, the Furies' Queen, unfold. + +XXXIV. "'Ye seek Italia and, with favouring wind, + Shall reach Italia, and her ports attain. + But ne'er the town, by Destiny assigned, + Your walls shall gird, till famine's pangs constrain + To gnaw your boards, in quittance for our slain.' + So spake the Fiend, and backward to the wood + Soared on the wing. Cold horror froze each vein. + Aghast and shuddering my comrades stood; +Down sank at once each heart, and terror chilled the blood. + +XXXV. "No more with arms, for peace with vows and prayer + We sue, and pardon of these powers implore, + Or be they goddesses or birds of air + Obscene and dire; and lifting on the shore + His hands, Anchises doth the gods adore. + 'O Heaven!' he cries, 'avert these threats; be kind + And stay the curse, and vex with plagues no more + A pious folk,' then bids the crews unbind +The stern-ropes, loose the sheets and spread them to the wind. + +XXXVI. "The South-wind fills the canvas; on we fly + Where breeze and pilot drive us through the deep. + Soon, crowned with woods, Zacynthos we espy, + Dulichium, Same and the rock-bound steep + Of Neritos. Past Ithaca we creep, + Laertes' realms, and curse the land that bred + Ulysses, cause of all the woes we weep. + Soon, where Leucate lifts her cloud-capt head, +Looms forth Apollo's fane, the seaman's name of dread. + +XXXVII. "Tired out we seek the little town, and run + The sterns ashore and anchor in the bay, + Saved beyond hope and glad the land is won, + And lustral rites, with blazing altars, pay + To Jove, and make the shores of Actium gay + With Ilian games, as, like our sires, we strip + And oil our sinews for the wrestler's play. + Proud, thus escaping from the foemen's grip, +Past all the Argive towns, through swarming Greeks, to slip. + +XXXVIII. "Meanwhile the sun rolls round the mighty year, + And wintry North-winds vex the waves once more. + In front, above the temple-gates I rear + The brazen shield which once great Abas bore, + And mark the deed in writing on the door, + _'AEneas these from conquering Greeks hath ta'en';_ + Then bid my comrades quit the port and shore, + And man the benches. They with rival strain +And slanting oar-blades sweep the levels of the main. + +XXXIX. "Phaeacia's heights with the horizon blend; + We skim Epirus, and Chaonia's bay + Enter, and to Buthrotum's town ascend. + Strange news we hear: A Trojan Greeks obey, + Helenus, master of the spouse and sway + Of Pyrrhus, and Andromache once more + Has yielded to a Trojan lord. Straightway + I burn to greet them, and the tale explore, +And from the harbour haste, and leave the ships and shore. + +XL. "Within a grove Andromache that day, + Where Simois in fancy flowed again, + Her offerings chanced at Hector's grave to pay, + A turf-built cenotaph, with altars twain, + Source of her tears and sacred to the slain-- + And called his shade. Distracted with amaze + She marked me, as the Trojan arms shone plain. + Heat leaves her frame; she stiffens with the gaze, +She swoons--and scarce at length these faltering words essays: + +XLI. "'Real, then, real is thy face, and true + Thy tidings? Liv'st thou, child of heavenly seed? + If dead, then where is Hector?' Tears ensue, + And wailing, shrill as though her heart would bleed. + Then I, with stammering accents, intercede, + And, sore perplext, these broken words outthrow + To calm her transport, 'Yea, alive, indeed,-- + Alive through all extremities of woe. +Doubt not, thou see'st the truth, no shape of empty show. + +XLII. "'Alas! what lot is thine? What worthy fate + Hath caught thee, fallen from a spouse so high? + Hector's Andromache, art thou the mate + Of Pyrrhus?' Then with lowly downcast eye + She dropped her voice, and softly made reply. + 'Ah! happy maid of Priam, doomed instead + At Troy upon a foeman's tomb to die! + Not drawn by lot for servitude, nor led +A captive thrall, like me, to grace a conqueror's bed. + +XLIII. "'I, torn from burning Troy o'er many a wave, + Endured the lust of Pyrrhus and his pride, + And knew a mother's travail as his slave. + Fired with Hermione, a Spartan bride, + Me, joined in bed and bondage, he allied + To Helenus. But mad with love's despair, + And stung with Furies for his spouse denied, + At length Orestes caught the wretch unware, +E'en by his father's shrine, and smote him then and there. + +XLIV. "'The tyrant dead, a portion of his reign + Devolves on Helenus, who Chaonia calls + From Trojan Chaon the Chaonian plain, + And on these heights rebuilds the Trojan walls. + But thou--what chance, or god, or stormy squalls + Have driven thee here unweeting?--and the boy + Ascanius--lives he, or what hap befalls + His parents' darling, and their only joy? +Breathes he the vital air, whom unto thee now Troy-- + +XLV. "'Still grieves he for his mother? Doth the name + Of sire or uncle make his young heart glow + For deeds of valour and ancestral fame?' + Weeping she spake, with unavailing woe, + And poured her sorrow to the winds, when lo, + In sight comes Helenus, with fair array, + And hails his friends, and hastening to bestow + Glad welcome, toward his palace leads the way; +But tears and broken words his mingled thoughts betray. + +XLVI. "I see another but a tinier Troy, + A seeming Pergama recalls the great. + A dried-up Xanthus I salute with joy, + And clasp the portals of a Scaean gate. + Nor less kind welcome doth the rest await. + The monarch, mindful of his sire of old, + Receives the Teucrians in his courts of state. + They in the hall, the viands piled on gold, +Pledging the God of wine, their brimming cups uphold. + +XLVII. "One day and now another passed; the gale + Sings in the shrouds, and calls us to depart, + When thus the prophet Helenus I hail, + 'Troy-born interpreter of Heaven! whose art + The signs of Phoebus' pleasure can impart; + Thou know'st the tripod and the Clarian bay, + The stars, the voices of the birds, that dart + On wings with omens laden, speak and say,-- +Since fate and all the gods foretell a prosperous way. + +XLVIII. "'And point to far Italia,--One alone, + Celaeno, sings of famine foul and dread, + A nameless prodigy, a plague unknown,-- + What perils first to shun? what path to tread, + To win deliverance from such toils?' This said, + I ceased, and Helenus with slaughtered kine + Implores the god, and from his sacred head + Unbinds the wreath, and leads me to the shrine, +Awed by Apollo's power, and chants the doom divine: + +XLIX. "'O Goddess-born, high auspices are thine, + And heaven's plain omens guide thee o'er the main. + Thus Jove, by lot unfolding his design, + Assorts the chances, and the Fates ordain. + This much may I of many things explain, + How best o'er foreign seas to urge thy keel + In safety, and Ausonian ports attain, + The rest from Helenus the Fates conceal, +And Juno's envious power forbids me to reveal. + +L. "'Learn then, Italia, that thou deem'st so near, + And thither dream'st of lightly passing o'er, + Long leagues divide, and many a pathless mere. + First must Trinacrian waters bend the oar, + Ausonian waves thy vessels must explore, + First must thou view the nether world, where flows + Dark Styx, and visit that AEaean shore, + The home of Circe, ere, at rest from woes, +Thou build the promised walls, and win the wished repose. + +LI. "'These tokens bear, and in thy memory store. + When, musing sad and pensive, thou hast found + Beside an oak-fringed river, on the shore, + A huge sow thirty-farrowed, and around, + Milk-white as she, her litter, mark the ground, + That spot shall see thy promised town; for there + Thy toils are ended, and thy rest is crowned. + Fear not this famine--'tis an empty scare; +The Fates will find a way, and Phoebus hear thy prayer. + +LII. "'As for yon shore and that Italian coast, + Washed, where the land lies nearest, by our main, + Shun them; their cities hold a hostile host. + There Troy's old foes, the evil Argives, reign, + Locrians of Narycos her towns contain. + There fierce Idomeneus from Crete brought o'er + His troops to vex the Sallentinian plain; + There, girt with walls and guarded by the power +Of Philoctetes, stands Petelia's tiny tower. + +LIII. "'Nay, when thy vessels, ranged upon her shore, + Rest from the deep, and on the beach ye light + The votive altars, and the gods adore, + Veil then thy locks, with purple hood bedight, + And shroud thy visage from a foeman's sight, + Lest hostile presence, 'mid the flames divine, + Break in, and mar the omen and the rite. + This pious use keep sacred, thou and thine, +The sons of sons unborn, and all the Trojan line. + +LIV. "'When, wafted to Sicilia, dawns in sight + Pelorus' channel, keep the leftward shore, + Though long the circuit, and avoid the right. + These lands, 'tis said, one continent of yore + (Such change can ages work) an earthquake tore + Asunder; in with havoc rushed the main, + And far Sicilia from Hesperia bore, + And now, where leapt the parted lands in twain, +The narrow tide pours through, 'twixt severed town and plain. + +LV. "'Here Scylla, leftward sits Charybdis fell, + Who, yawning thrice, her lowest depths laid bare, + Sucks the vast billows in her throat's dark hell, + Then starward spouts the refluent surge in air. + Here Scylla, gaping from her gloomy lair, + The passing vessels on the rocks doth hale; + A maiden to the waist, with bosom fair + And human face; below, a monstrous whale, +Down from whose wolf-like womb hangs many a dolphin's tail. + +LVI. "'Far better round Pachynus' point to steer, + Though long the course, and tedious the delay, + Than once dread Scylla to behold, or hear + The rocks rebellow with her hell-hounds' bay. + This more, besides, I charge thee to obey, + If any faith to Helenus be due, + Or skill in prophecy the seer display, + And mighty Phoebus hath inspired me true, +These warning words I urge, and oft will urge anew: + +LVII. "'Seek Juno first; great Juno's power adore; + With suppliant gifts the potent queen constrain, + And winds shall waft thee to Italia's shore. + There, when at Cumae landing from the main, + Avernus' lakes and sounding woods ye gain, + Thyself shalt see, within her rock-hewn shrine, + The frenzied prophetess, whose mystic strain + Expounds the Fates, to leaves of trees consign +The notes and names that mark the oracles divine. + +LVIII. "'Whate'er the maiden on those leaves doth trace, + In rows she sorts, and in the cave doth store. + There rest they, nor their sequence change, nor place, + Save when, by chance, on grating hinge the door + Swings open, and a light breath sweeps the floor, + Or rougher blasts the tender leaves disperse. + Loose then they flutter, for she recks no more + To call them back, and rearrange the verse; +Untaught the votaries leave, the Sibyl's cave to curse. + +LIX. "'But linger thou, nor count thy lingering vain, + Though comrades chide, and breezes woo the fleet. + Approach the prophetess; with prayer unchain + Her voice to speak. She shall the tale repeat + Of wars in Italy, thy destined seat,-- + What toils to shun, what dangers to despise,-- + And make the triumph of thy quest complete. + Thou hast whate'er 'tis lawful to advise; +Go, and with deathless deeds raise Ilion to the skies.' + +LX. "So spake the seer, and shipward bids his friends + Rich gifts convey, and store them in the hold. + Gold, silver plate, carved ivory he sends, + With massive caldrons of Dodona's mould; + A coat of mail, with triple chain of gold, + And shining helm, with cone and flowing crest, + The arms of Pyrrhus, glorious to behold. + Nor lacks my sire his presents; for the rest +Steeds, guides and arms he finds, and oarsmen of the best. + +LXI. "Then to Anchises, as he bids us spread + The sails, with reverence speaks Apollo's seer, + 'Far-famed Anchises, honoured with the bed + Of haughty Venus, Heaven's peculiar care, + Twice saved from Troy! behold Ausonia there, + Steer towards her coasts, yet skirt them; far away + That region lies, which Phoebus doth prepare. + Blest in thy son's devotion, take thy way. +Why should more words of mine the rising South delay?' + +LXII. "Nor less Andromache, sore grieved to part, + Rich raiment fetches, wrought with golden thread, + And Phrygian scarf, and still with bounteous heart + Loads him with broideries. 'Take these,' she said, + 'Sole image of Astyanax now dead. + Thy kin's last gifts, my handiwork, to show + How Hector's widow loved the son she bred. + Such eyes had he, such very looks as thou, +Such hands, and oh! like thine his age were ripening now!' + +LXIII. "With gushing tears I bid the pair farewell. + Live happy ye, whose destinies are o'er; + We still must wander where the Fates compel. + Your rest is won; no oceans to explore, + No fair Ausonia's ever-fading shore. + Ye still can see a Xanthus and a Troy, + Reared by your hands, old Ilion to restore, + And brighter auspices than ours enjoy, +Nor tempt, like ours, the Greeks to ravage and destroy. + +LXIV. "'If ever Tiber and the fields I see + Washed by her waves, ere mingling with the brine, + And build the city which the Fates decree, + Then kindred towns and neighbouring folk shall join, + Yours in Epirus, in Hesperia mine, + And linked thenceforth in sorrow and in joy, + With Dardanus the founder of each line,-- + So let posterity its pains employ, +Two nations, one in heart, shall make another Troy.' + +LXV. "On fly the barks o'er ocean. Near us frown + Ceraunia's rocks, whence shortest lies the way + To Italy. And now the sun goes down, + And darkness gathers on the mountains grey. + Close by the water, in a sheltered bay, + A few as guardians of the oars we choose, + Then stretched at random on the beach we lay + Our limbs to rest, and on the toil-worn crews +Sleep steals in silence down, and sheds her kindly dews. + +LXVI. "Nor yet had Night climbed heaven, when up from sleep + Starts Palinurus, and with listening ear + Catches the breeze. He marks the stars, that keep + Their courses, gliding through the silent sphere, + Arcturus, rainy Hyads and each Bear, + And, girt with gold, Orion. Far away + He sees the firmament all calm and clear, + And from the stern gives signal. We obey, +And shifting camp, set sail and tempt the doubtful way. + +LXVII. "The stars were chased, and blushing rose the day. + Dimly, at distance through the misty shroud + Italia's hills and lowlands we survey, + 'Italia,' first Achates shouts aloud; + 'Italia,' echoes from the joyful crowd. + Then sire Anchises hastened to entwine + A massive goblet with a wreath, and vowed + Libations to the gods, and poured the wine +And on the lofty stern invoked the powers divine: + +LXVIII. "'Great gods, whom Earth and Sea and Storms obey, + Breathe fair, and waft us smoothly o'er the main.' + Fresh blows the breeze, and broader grows the bay, + And on the cliffs is seen Minerva's fane. + We furl the sails, and shoreward row amain. + Eastward the harbour arches, scarce descried. + Two jutting rocks, by billows lashed in vain, + Stretch out their arms the narrow mouth to hide. +Far back the temple stands, and seems to shun the tide. + +LXIX. "Lo, here, first omen offered to our eyes, + Four snow-white steeds are grazing on the plain. + ''Tis war thou bringest us,' Anchises cries, + 'Strange land! For war the mettled steed they train, + And war these threaten. Yet in time again + These beasts are wont in harness to obey, + And bear the yoke, as guided by the rein. + Peace yet is hopeful.' So our vows we pay +To Pallas, famed in arms, whose welcome cheered the way. + +LXX. "Veiled at her shrines in Phrygian hood we stand, + And chief to Juno, mindful of the seer, + Burnt-offerings pay, as pious rites demand. + This done, the sailyards to the wind we veer, + And leave the Grecians and the land of fear. + Lo, there Tarentum's harbour and the town, + If fame be true, of Hercules, and here + Lacinium's queen and Caulon's towers are known, +And Scylaceum's rocks, with shattered ships bestrown. + +LXXI. "Far off is seen, above the billowy mere, + Trinacrian AEtna, and the distant roar + Of ocean and the beaten rocks we hear, + And the loud burst of breakers on the shore; + High from the shallows leap the surges hoar, + And surf and sand mix eddying. 'Behold + Charybdis!' cries Anchises, ''tis the shore, + The dreaded rocks that Helenus foretold. +Row, comrades, for dear life, and let the oars catch hold.' + +LXXII. "He spake, 'twas done; and Palinurus first + Turns the prow leftward: to the left we ply + With oars and sail, and shun the rocks accurst. + Now curls the wave, and lifts us to the sky, + Now sinks and, plunging in the gulf we lie. + Thrice roar the caverned shore-cliffs, thrice the spray + Whirls up and wets the dewy stars on high. + Thus tired we drift, as sinks the wind and day, +Unto the Cyclops' shore, all weetless of the way. + +LXXIII. "It was a spacious harbour, sheltered deep + From access of the winds, but looming vast + With awful ravage, AEtna's neighbouring steep + Thundered aloud, and, dark with clouds, upcast + Smoke and red cinders in a whirlwind's blast. + Live balls of flame, with showers of sparks, upflew + And licked the stars, and in combustion massed, + Torn rocks, her ragged entrails, molten new, +The rumbling mount belched forth from out the boiling stew. + +LXXIV. "Here, while from AEtna's furnaces the flame + Bursts forth, Enceladus, 'tis said, doth lie, + Scorched by the lightning. As his wearied frame + He shifts, Trinacria, trembling at the cry + Moans through her shores, and smoke involves the sky. + There all night long, screened by the woods, we hear + The dreadful sounds, and know not whence nor why, + For stars are none, nor planet gilds the sphere; +Night holds the moon in clouds, and heaven is dark and drear. + +LXXV. "Now rose the Day-star from the East, and cleared + The mists, that melted with advancing Morn, + When suddenly from out the woods appeared + An uncouth form, a creature wan and worn, + Scarce like a man, in piteous plight forlorn. + Suppliant his hands he stretches to the shore; + We turn and look on tatters tagged with thorn, + Dire squalor and a length of beard,--what more, +A Greek, to Troy erewhile in native arms sent o'er. + +LXXVI. "He scared to see the Dardan garb once more + And Trojan arms, stood faltering with dismay, + Then rushed, with prayer and weeping, to the shore. + 'O, by the stars, and by the Gods, I pray, + And life's pure breath, this light of genial day, + Take me, O Teucrians; wheresoe'er ye go, + Enough to bear me from this land away. + I once was of the Danaan crews, I know, +And came to Trojan homes and Ilion as a foe. + +LXXVII. "'For that, if that be such a crime to you, + O strew me forth upon the watery waste, + And drown me in the deep. If death be due, + 'Twere sweet of death by human hands to taste.' + He cried, and, grovelling, our knees embraced, + And, clasping, clung to us. We bid him stand + And tell his birth and trouble; and in haste + Himself the sire Anchises pledged his hand, +And he at length took heart, and answered our demand. + +LXXVIII. "'My name is Achemenides. I come + From Ithaca. To Troy I sailed the sea + With evil-starred Ulysses, leaving home + And father, Adamastus;--poor was he, + And O! if such my poverty could be. + Me here my thoughtless comrades, hurrying fast + To quit the cruel threshold and be free, + Leave in the Cyclops' cavern. Dark and vast +That house of slaughtered men, and many a foul repast. + +LXXIX. "'Himself so tall, he strikes the lofty skies + (O gods, rid earth of such a monstrous brood!), + None dare with speech accost, nor mortal eyes + Behold him. Human entrails are his food. + Myself have seen him, gorged with brains and blood, + Pluck forth two comrades, in his cave bent back, + And dash them till the threshold swam with blood, + Then crunch the gobbets in his teeth, while black +With gore the limbs still quivered, and the bones did crack: + +LXXX. "'Not unavenged; nor brave Ulysses deigned + To brook such outrage. In that hour of tyne + True to himself the Ithacan remained. + When, gorged with food, and belching gore and wine, + With drooping neck, the giant snored supine, + Then, closing round him, to the gods we pray, + Each at his station, as the lots assign, + And where, beneath the frowning forehead, lay, +Huge as an Argive shield, or like the lamp of day, + +LXXXI. "'His one great orb, deep in the monster's head + We drive the pointed weapon, joy'd at last + To wreak such vengeance for our comrades dead. + But fly, unhappy Trojans, fly, and cast + Your cables from the shore. Such and so vast + As Polyphemus, when the cave's huge door + Shuts on his flocks, and for his night's repast + He milks them, lo! a hundred Cyclops more +Roam on the lofty hills, and range the winding shore. + +LXXXII. "'Now thrice the Moon hath filled her horns with light, + And still in woods and lonely dens I lie, + And see the Cyclops stalk from height to height, + And hear their tramp, and tremble at their cry. + My food--hard berries that the boughs supply, + And roots of grass. Thus wandering, as I scanned + The distant ocean with despairing eye, + I saw your ships first bearing to the land, +And vowed, whoe'er ye proved, the strangers' slave to stand. + +LXXXIII. "'Enough, these monsters to escape; O take + My life, and tear me as you will from day, + Rather than these devour me!'--Scarce he spake, + When from the mountains to the well-known bay, + The shepherd Polyphemus gropes his way; + Huge, hideous, horrible in shape and show, + And visionless. A pine-trunk serves to stay + And guide his footsteps, and around him go +The sheep, his only joy and solace of his woe. + +LXXXIV. "Down came the giant, wading in the main, + And rinsed his gory socket from the tide, + Gnashing his teeth and moaning in his pain. + On through the deep he stalks with awful stride, + So tall, the billows scarcely wet his side. + Forthwith our flight we hasten, prickt with fear, + On board--'twas due--we let the suppliant hide, + Then, mute and breathless, cut the stern-ropes clear, +Bend to the emulous oar, and sweep the whitening mere. + +LXXXV. "He heard, and turned his footsteps to the sound. + Short of its mark the huge arm idly fell + Outstretched, and swifter than his stride he found + The Ionian waves. Then rose a monstrous yell; + All Ocean shudders and her waves upswell; + Far off, Italia trembles with the roar, + And AEtna groans through many a winding cell, + And trooping to the call the Cyclops pour +From wood and lofty hill, and crowding fill the shore. + +LXXXVI. "We see them scowling impotent, the band + Of AEtna, towering to the stars above, + An awful conclave! Tall as oaks they stand, + Or cypresses--the lofty trees of Jove, + Or cone-clad guardians of Diana's grove. + Fain were we then, in agony of fear, + To shake the canvas to the winds, and rove + At random; natheless, we obey the seer, +Who past those fatal rocks had warned us not to steer, + +LXXXVII. "Where Scylla here, and there Charybdis lies, + And death lurks double. Backward we essay + Our course, when lo, from out Pelorus flies + The North-Wind, sent to waft us on our way. + We pass the place where, mingling with the spray, + Through narrow rocks Pantagia's stream outflows; + We see low-lying Thapsus and the bay + Of Megara. These shores the suppliant shows, +Known from the time he shared his wandering chieftain's woes. + +LXXXVIII. "Far-stretcht against Plemmyrium's wave-beat shore + An island lies, before Sicania's bay, + Now called Ortygia--'twas its name of yore. + Hither from distant Elis, legends say, + Beneath the seas Alpheus stole his way, + And, mingling now with Arethusa here, + Mounts, a Sicilian fountain, to the day. + Here we with prayer, obedient to the seer, +Invoke the guardian gods to whom the place is dear. + +LXXXIX. "Thence past Helorus' marish speeds the bark, + Where fat and fruitful shines the meadowy lea. + We graze the cliffs and jutting rocks, that mark + Pachynus. Camarina's fen we see, + Fixt there for ever by the fates' decree; + Then Gela's town (the river gave the name) + And Gela's plains, far-stretching from the sea, + And distant towers and lofty walls proclaim +Steep Acragas, once known for generous steeds of fame. + +XC. "Thee too we pass, borne onward by the wind, + Palmy Selinus, and the treacherous strand + And shoals of Lilybaeum leave behind. + Last, by the shore at Drepanum we stand + And take the shelter of her joyless land, + Here, tost so long o'er many a storm-lashed main, + We lose the stay and comfort of our band, + Here thou, best father, leav'st me to my pain, +Thou, saved from countless risks, but saved, alas, in vain. + +XCI. "Not Helenus, who many an ill forecast, + Warned us to think such sorrow was in store, + Not even dire Celaeno. There at last + My wanderings ended, and my toils were o'er, + And thence a God hath led me to your shore." + Thus, while mute wonder did the rest compose, + The Sire AEneas did his tale outpour, + And told his fates, his wanderings and his woes; +Then ceased at length his speech, and sought the wished repose. + + + + +BOOK FOUR + + +ARGUMENT + +Dido opens her heart to her sister. But for her promised loyalty to +the dead Sychaeus, she must have yielded (1-36). Anna pleads for +AEneas, and Dido half-yielding sacrifices to the marriage-gods. The +growth of her passion is described (37-104). Venus feigns assent to +Juno's proposal that AEneas shall marry Dido and be king of Carthage. +At a hunting Juno will send a storm and the lovers will shelter in +a cave, and there plight their vows (105-144). The plot is +consummated. Dido yields (145-198). Description of Rumour, who +bruits abroad the story and rouses the jealous Iarbas to conjure his +father, Jupiter, to interpose (199-248). Jupiter sends Mercury to +remind AEneas of his mission (249-298). AEneas, terrified by the +message, prepares for instant flight, to the delight of his followers +and the despair of Dido (299-342), who entreats him to stay, and +rehearses the dangers to which he is leaving her (343-374). AEneas +is obdurate. Although he loves Dido, he is the slave of a destiny +which he must at all costs fulfil (375-410). After calling down a +solemn curse upon him Dido swoons, but crushing the impulse to +comfort her, he hastens his preparations for departure (411-468). +Dido sends Anna with a last appeal to AEneas, who nevertheless, in +spite of struggles, obeys the gods (469-513). In utter misery Dido, +on pretext of burning all AEneas' love-gifts, prepares a pyre and +summons a sorceress. Her preparations complete, she utters her last +lament (514-639). Mercury repeats his warning to AEneas, who sails +forthwith (640-671). Daybreak reveals his flight, and Dido--cursing +her betrayer--falls by her own hand, to the despair of her sister +and the consternation of her subjects (672-837). + + +I. Long since a prey to passion's torturing pains, + The Queen was wasting with the secret flame, + The cruel wound was feeding on her veins. + Back to the fancy of the lovelorn dame + Came the chief's valour and his country's fame. + His looks, his words still lingered in her breast, + Deep-fixt. And now the dewy Dawn upcame, + And chased the shadows, when her love's unrest +Thus to her sister's soul responsive she confessed: + +II. "What dreams, dear Anna, fill me with alarms; + What stranger guest is this? like whom in face? + How proud in portance, how expert in arms! + In sooth I deem him of celestial race; + Fear argues souls degenerate and base; + But he--how oft by danger sore bestead, + What warlike exploits did his lips retrace. + Were not my purpose steadfast, ne'er to wed, +Since love first played me false, and mocked me with the dead, + +III. "Were I not sick of bridal torch and bower, + This once, perchance, I had been frail again. + Anna--for I will own it--since the hour + When, poor Sychaeus miserably slain, + A brother's murder rent a home in twain, + He, he alone my stubborn will could tame, + And stir the balance of my soul. Too plain + I know the traces of the long-quenched flame; +The sparks of love revive, rekindled, but the same. + +IV. "But O! gape Earth, or may the Sire of might + Hurl me with lightning to the Shades amain, + Pale shades of Erebus and abysmal Night, + Ere, wifely modesty, thy name I stain, + Or dare thy sacred precepts to profane. + Nay, he whose love first linked us long ago, + Took all my love, and he shall still retain + And guard it with him in the grave below." +She spake, and o'er her lap the gushing tears outflow. + +V. Then Anna: "Sister, dearer than the day, + Why thus in loneliness and endless woe + Wilt thou for ever wear thy youth away? + Nor care sweet sons, fair Venus' gifts to know? + Think'st thou such grief concerns the shades below? + What though no husband, Libyan or of Tyre, + Could bend a heart made desolate; what though + In vain Iarbas did thy love desire, +And Africa's proud chiefs, why quench a pleasing fire? + +VI. "Think too, whose lands surround thee: on this side, + Gaetulian cities, an unconquered race, + Numidians, reinless as the steeds they ride, + And cheerless Syrtis hold thee in embrace; + There fierce Barcaeans and a sandy space + Wasted by drought. Why tell of wars from Tyre, + A brother's threats? Well know I Juno's grace + And heaven's propitious auspices conspire +To find for Trojans here the home of their desire. + +VII. "Sister, how glorious even now these towers, + What realm shall rise, with such a wondrous pair + When Teucrian arms join fellowship with ours, + What glory shall the Punic state upbear! + Pray thou to heaven and, having gained thy prayer, + Indulge thy welcome, and thy guest entreat + To tarry. Bid him winter's storms beware; + Point to Orion's watery star, the fleet +Still shattered, and the skies for mariners unmeet." + +VIII. So fanned, her passion kindled into flame: + Hope scattered scruples, and her doubts gave way, + And loosed were all the lingering ties of shame. + First to the fane the sisters haste away, + And there for peace at every shrine they pray, + And chosen ewes, as ancient rites ordain, + To Sire Lyaeus, to the God of Day, + And Ceres, giver of the law, are slain, +And most to Juno's power, who guards the nuptial chain. + +IX. Herself, the lovely Dido, bowl in hand, + O'er a white heifer's forehead pours the wine, + Or by the Gods' rich altars takes her stand, + And piles the gifts, and o'er the slaughtered kine + Pores, from the quivering heartstrings to divine + The doom of Fate. Blind seers, alas! what art + To calm her frenzy, now hath vow or shrine? + Deep in her marrow feeds the tender smart, +Unseen, the silent wound is festering in her heart. + +X. Poor Dido burns, and roams from street to street, + Wild as a doe, whom heedless, far away, + Some swain hath pierced amid the woods of Crete, + And left, unware, the flying steel to stay, + While through the forests and the lawns his prey + Roams, with the death-bolt clinging to her side. + Now to AEneas doth the queen display + Her walls and wealth, the dowry of his bride; +Oft she essays to speak, so oft the utterance died. + +XI. Again, when evening steals upon the light, + She seeks the feast, again would fain give ear + To Troy's sad tale and, ravished with delight, + Hangs on his lips; and when the hall is clear, + And the moon sinks, and drowsy stars appear, + Alone she mourns, clings to the couch he pressed, + Him absent sees, his absent voice doth hear, + Now, fain to cheat her utter love's unrest, +Clasps for his sire's sweet sake Ascanius to her breast. + +XII. No longer rise the growing towers, nor care + The youths in martial exercise to vie, + Nor ports nor bulwarks for defence prepare. + The frowning battlements neglected lie, + And lofty scaffolding that threats the sky. + Her, when Saturnian Juno saw possessed + With love so tameless, as would dare defy + The shame that whispers in a woman's breast, +Forthwith the queen of Jove fair Venus thus addressed: + +XIII. "Fine spoils, forsooth, proud triumph ye have won, + Thou and thy boy,--vast worship and renown! + Two gods by fraud one woman have undone. + But well I know ye fear the rising town, + The homes of Carthage offered for your own. + When shall this end? or why a feud so dire? + Let lasting peace and plighted wedlock crown + The compact. See, thou hast thy heart's desire, +Poor Dido burns with love, her blood is turned to fire. + +XIV. "Come then and rule we, each with equal power, + These folks as one. Let Tyrian Dido bear + A Phrygian's yoke, and Tyrians be her dower." + Then Venus, for she marked the Libyan snare + To snatch Italia's lordship, "Who would care + To spurn such offer, or with thee contend, + Should fortune follow on a scheme so fair? + 'Tis Fate, I doubt, if Jupiter intend +The sons of Tyre and Troy in common league to blend. + +XV. "Thou art his consort; 'tis thy right to learn + By prayer the counsels of his breast. Lead thou, + I follow." Quickly Juno made return: + "Be mine that task. Now briefly will I show + What means our purpose shall achieve, and how. + Soon as to-morrow's rising sun is seen, + And Titan's rays unveil the world below, + Forth ride AEneas and the love-sick Queen, +With followers to the chase, to scour the woodland green. + +XVI. "While busy beaters round the lawns prepare + Their feathered nets, thick sleet-storms will I shower + And rend all heaven with thunder. Here and there + The rest shall fly, and in the darkness cower. + One cave shall screen both lovers in that hour. + There will I be, if thou approve, meanwhile + And make her his in wedlock. Hymen's power + Shall seal the rite."--Not adverse, with a smile +Sweet Venus nods assent, and gladdens at the guile. + +XVII. Meanwhile Aurora o'er the deep appears. + At daybreak, issuing from the gates is seen + A chosen train, with nets and steel-tipt spears + And wide-meshed toils; and sleuth-hounds, staunch and keen, + Mixed with Massylian riders, scour the green. + Each on his charger, by the doorway sit + The princes, waiting for the lingering Queen. + Her steed, with gold and purple housings fit, +Impatient paws the ground, and champs the foaming bit. + +XVIII. Now forth at length, with numbers in her train, + She comes in state, majestic to behold, + Wrapped in a purpled scarf of Tyrian grain. + All golden is her quiver; knots of gold + Confine her hair; a golden clasp doth hold + Her purple cloak. Behind her throng amain + The Trojans, with Iulus, blithe and bold, + And good AEneas, with the rest, as fain, +Joins in, and steps along, the comeliest of the train. + +XIX. As when from wintry Lycia and the shore + Of Xanthus, to his mother's Delian seat + Apollo comes, the dances to restore. + Around his shrines Dryopians, sons of Crete, + And tattooed Agathyrsians shouting meet. + He, on high Cynthus moving, binds around + His flowing locks the foliage soft and sweet, + And braids with gold: his arms behind him sound, +So firm AEneas strode, such grace his features crowned. + +XX. The hill-tops and the pathless lairs they gain. + Lo! from the rocks dislodged, the goats in fear + Bound o'er the crags. In dust-clouds o'er the plain + Down from the mountains rush the frightened deer. + On mettled steed the boy, in wild career, + Outrides them, glorying in the chase. No more + He heeds such timid prey, but longs to hear + The tawny lion, issuing with a roar +Forth from the lofty hills, and front the foaming boar. + +XXI. Meanwhile deep mutterings vex the louring sky, + And, mixt with hail, in torrents comes the rain. + Scar'd, o'er the fields to diverse shelter fly + Troy's sons, Ascanius, and the Tyrian train. + Down from the hills the deluge pours amain. + One cave protects the pair. Earth gives the sign, + With Juno, mistress of the nuptial chain. + And heaven bears witness, and the lightnings shine, +And from the crags above shriek out the Nymphs divine. + +XXII. Dark day of fate, and dismal hour of sin! + Then first disaster did the gods ordain, + And death and woe were destined to begin. + Nor shame nor scandal now the Queen restrain, + No more she meditates to hide the stain, + No longer chooses to conceal her flame. + Marriage she calls it, but the fraud is plain, + And pretexts weaves, and with a specious name +Attempts to veil her guilt, and sanctify her shame. + +XXIII. Fame with the news through Libya's cities hies, + Fame, far the swiftest of all mischiefs bred; + Speed gives her force; she strengthens as she flies. + Small first through fear, she lifts a loftier head, + Her forehead in the clouds, on earth her tread. + Last sister of Enceladus, whom Earth + Brought forth, in anger with the gods, 'tis said, + Swift-winged, swift-footed, of enormous girth, +Huge, horrible, deformed, a giantess from birth. + +XXIV. As many feathers as her form surround, + Strange sight! peep forth so many watchful eyes, + So many mouths and tattling tongues resound, + So many ears among the plumes uprise. + By night with shrieks 'twixt heaven and earth she flies, + Nor suffers sleep her eyelids to subdue; + By day, the terror of great towns, she spies + From towers and housetops, perched aloft in view, +Fond of the false and foul, yet herald of the true. + +XXV. So now, exulting, with a mingled hum + Of truth and falsehood, through the crowd she sped; + How one AEneas hath from Ilion come, + A Dardan guest, whom Dido deigns to wed. + Now, lapt in dalliance and with ease o'erfed, + All winter long they revel in their shame, + Lost to their kingdoms. Such the tale she spread; + And straight the demon to Iarbas came, +And wrath on wrath upheaped, and fanned his soul to flame. + +XXVI. Born of a nymph, by Ammon's forced embrace, + A hundred temples and in each a shrine + He built to Jove, the father of his race, + And lit the sacred fires, that sleepless shine, + The Gods' eternal watches. Slaughtered kine + Smoke on the teeming pavement, garlands fair + Of various hues the stately porch entwine. + Stung by the bitter tidings, in despair +Before the gods he kneels, and pours a suppliant's prayer. + +XXVII. "Great Jove, to whom our Moorish tribes, reclined + On broidered couch, the votive wine-cup drain, + See'st thou or, Father, are thy bolts but blind, + Mere noise thy thunder, and thy lightnings vain? + This woman here, who, wandering on the main, + Bought leave to build and govern as her own + Her puny town, and till the sandy plain, + Our proffered love hath ventured to disown, +And takes a Trojan lord, AEneas, to her throne. + +XXVIII. "And now that Paris, tricked in Lydian guise, + With perfumed locks and bonnet, and his crew + Of men half-women, gloats upon the prize, + While vainly at thy so-called shrines we sue, + And nurse a faith as empty as untrue." + He prayed and clasped the altar. His request + Jove heard, and to the city bent his view, + And saw the guilty lovers, lapt in rest +And lost to shame, and thus Cyllenius he addressed: + +XXIX. "Go, son, the Zephyrs call, and wing thy flight + To Carthage. Call the Dardan chief away, + Who, deaf to Fate, his destined walls doth slight. + This mandate through the wafting air convey, + Not such fair Venus did her son pourtray, + Nor twice for _this_ from Grecian swords reclaim + One born to rule Italia, big with sway + And fierce for war, and spread the Teucrian name +Through Teucer's sons, and laws to conquered earth proclaim. + +XXX. "If glory cannot tempt him, nor inflame + His soul to win such greatness, if indeed + He takes no trouble for his own fair fame, + Shall he, a father, envy to his seed + The towers of Rome, by destiny decreed? + What schemes he now? what hope the chief constrains + To linger 'mid a hostile race, nor heed + Ausonia's sons and the Lavinian plains? +Go, bid him sail; enough; that word the sum contains." + +XXXI. Jove spake. Cyllenius to his feet binds fast + His golden sandals, that aloft in flight + O'er sea and shore upbear him with the blast, + Then takes his rod--the rod of mystic might, + That calls from Hell or plunges into night + The pallid ghosts, gives sleep or bids it fly, + And lifts the dead man's eyelids to the light. + Armed with that rod, he rules the clouds on high, +And drives the scattered gales, and sails the stormy sky. + +XXXII. Now, borne along, beneath him he espies + The sides precipitous and towering peak + Of rugged Atlas, who upholds the skies. + Round his pine-covered forehead, wild and bleak, + The dark clouds settle and the storm-winds shriek. + His shoulders glisten with the mantling snow, + Dark roll the torrents down his aged cheek, + Seamed with the wintry ravage, and below, +Stiff with the gathered ice his hoary beard doth show. + +XXXIII. Poised on his wings, here first Cyllenius stood, + Then downward shot, and in the salt sea spray + Dipped like a sea-gull, who, in quest of food, + Searches the teeming shore-cliffs for his prey, + And scours the rocks and skims along the bay. + So swiftly now, between the earth and skies, + Leaving his mother's sire, his airy way + Cyllene's god on cleaving pinions plies, +As o'er the Libyan sands along the wind he flies. + +XXXIV. Scarce now at Carthage had he stayed his feet, + Among the huts AEneas he espied, + Planning new towers and many a stately street. + A sword-hilt, starred with jasper, graced his side, + A scarf, gold-broidered by the queen, and dyed + With Tyrian hues, was o'er his shoulders thrown. + "What, thou--wilt thou build Carthage?" Hermes cried, + "And stay to beautify thy lady's town, +And dote on Tyrian realms, and disregard thine own? + +XXXV. "Himself, the Sire, who rules the earth and skies, + Sends me from heaven his mandate to proclaim. + What scheme is thine? what hope allures thine eyes, + To loiter thus in Libya? If such fame + Nowise can move thee, nor thy soul inflame, + If loth to labour for thine own renown, + Think of thy young Ascanius; see with shame + His rising promise, scarce to manhood grown, +Hope of the Roman race, and heir of Latium's throne." + +XXXVI. He spake and, speaking, vanished into air. + Dumb stood AEneas, by the sight unmann'd: + Fear stifled speech and stiffened all his hair. + Fain would he fly, and quit the tempting land, + Surprised and startled by the god's command. + Ah! what to do? what opening can he find + To break the news, the infuriate Queen withstand? + This way and that dividing his swift mind, +All means in turns he tries, and wavers like the wind. + +XXXVII. This plan prevails; he bids a chosen few + Collect the crews in silence, arm the fleet + And hide the purport of these counsels new, + Himself, since Dido dreams not of deceit, + Nor thinks such passion can be frail or fleet, + Some avenue of access will essay, + Some tender moment for soft speeches meet, + And wit shall find, and cunning smooth the way. +With joy the captains hear, and hasten to obey. + +XXXVIII. But Dido--who can cheat a lover's care? + Could guess the fraud, the coming change descry, + And in the midst of safety feared a snare. + Now wicked Fame hath bid the rumour fly + Of mustering crews. Poor Dido, crazed thereby, + Raves like a Thyiad, when the frenzied rout + With orgies hurry to Cithaeron high, + And "Bacchus! Bacchus" through the night they shout. +At length the chief she finds, and thus her wrath breaks out: + +XXXIX. "Thought'st thou to steal in silence from the land, + False wretch! and cloak such treason with a lie? + Can neither love, nor this my plighted hand, + Nor dying Dido keep thee? Must thou fly, + When North-winds howl, and wintry waves are high? + O cruel! what if home before thee lay, + Not lands unknown, beneath an alien sky, + If Troy were standing, as in ancient day, +Would'st thou for Troy's own sake this angry deep essay? + +XL. "_Me_ dost thou fly? O, by these tears, thy hand + Late pledged, since madness leaves me naught beside, + But lovers' vows and wedlock's sacred band, + Scarce knit and now too soon to be untied; + If aught were pleasing in a new-won bride, + If sweet the memory of our marriage day, + O by these prayers--if place for prayer abide-- + In mercy put that cruel mind away. +Pity a falling house, now hastening to decay. + +XLI. "For thee the Libyans and each Nomad lord + Hate me, and Tyrians would their queen disown. + My wifely honour is a name abhorred, + And that chaste fame has perished, which alone + Perchance had raised me to a starry throne. + O think with whom thou leav'st me to thy fate, + Dear guest, no longer as a husband known. + Why stay I? till Pygmalion waste my state, +Or on Iarbas' wheels, a captive queen, to wait? + +XLII. "Ah! if at least, ere thou had'st sailed away, + Some babe, the token of thy love, were born, + Some child AEneas, in my halls to play, + Like thee at least in look, I should not mourn + As altogether captive and forlorn." + She paused, but he, at Jove's command, his eyes + Keeps still unmoved, and, though with anguish torn, + Strives with his love, nor suffers it to rise, +But checks his heaving heart, and thus at length replies: + +XLIII. "Never, dear Queen, will I disown the debt, + Thy love's deserts, too countless to repeat, + Nor ever fair Elissa's name forget, + While memory shall last, or pulses beat. + Few words are mine, for fewest words are meet. + Think not I meant--the very thought were shame-- + Thief-like to veil my going with deceit. + I gave no promise of a husband's name, +Nor talked of ties like that, or wedlock's sacred flame. + +XLIV. "Did Fate but let me shape my life at will, + And rest at pleasure, Ilion, first of all, + And Troy's sweet relics would I cling to still, + And Pergama and Priam's stately hall + Once more should cheer the vanquished for their fall. + But now Grynoean Phoebus bids me fare + To great Italia; to Italia call + The Lycian lots, and so the Fates declare. +There lies the land I love, my destined home is there. + +XLV. "If thee, Tyre-born, a Libyan town detain, + What grudge to Troy Ausonia's land denies? + We too may seek a foreign realm to gain. + Me, oft as Night's damp shadows from the skies + Have shrouded Earth, and fiery stars arise, + My sire Anchises' troubled ghost in sleep + Upbraids and scares, and ever louder cries + The wrong, that on Ascanius' head I heap, +Whom from Hesperia's plains, his destined realms, I keep. + +XLVI. "Now, too, Jove's messenger himself comes down-- + Bear witness both--I heard the voice divine, + I saw the God just entering the town. + Cease then to vex me, nor thyself repine. + Heaven's will to Latium summons me, not mine." + Him, speaking thus and pleading but in vain, + She viewed askance, rolling her restless eyne, + Then scanned him o'er, long silent, in disdain, +And thus at length broke out, and gave her wrath the rein. + +XLVII. "False traitor! Goddess never gave thee birth, + Nor of thy race was Dardanus the first. + Thy limbs were fashioned in the womb of Earth, + The rugged rocks of Caucasus accurst. + Hyrcanian tigresses thy childhood nursed. + Why fawn and feign? what more have I to fear, + What more to wait for, having known the worst? + Moved he those eyes? dropped he a single tear +Sighed he with me, or spake a lover's heart to cheer? + +XLVIII. "What first? what last? Nor Juno, nay, nor Jove + With equal eyes beholds the wrongs I bear. + Faithless is earth, and false is Heaven above. + I took him in, an outcast, and bade spare, + His ships and wandering comrades, let him share + My home, and made him partner of my reign. + Ah me! the Furies drive me to despair. + Now Phoebus calls him, now the Lycian fane, +Now Jove's own herald brings the dreadful news too plain: + +XLIX. "Fit task for Gods; such cares disturb their ease. + I care not to confute thee nor delay. + Go, seek thy Latin lordship o'er the seas. + May Heaven--if Heaven be righteous--make thee pay + Thy forfeit, left on ocean's rocks to pray + For help to Dido. There shall Dido go + With sulphurous flames, and vex thee far away. + My ghost in death shall haunt thee. I shall know +Thy punishment, false wretch, and hail the news below." + +L. Abrupt she ceased and, sickening with despair, + Turns from his gaze, and shuns the light of day, + And leaves the Dardan, faltering in his fear, + And thinking of a thousand things to say. + Back to her marble couch the maids convey + The fainting Queen. The pious Prince, though fain + With gentle words her anguish to ally, + Sighing full sore, and racked with inward pain, +Bows to the God's behest, and hastens to the main. + +LI. Stirred by his presence, at their chief's command, + The Trojan mariners, with might and main, + Bend to the work. Along the shelving strand + They launch tall ships that long had idle lain. + The tarred keel joys the waters to regain. + Timbers unshaped and many a green-leaved oar + They fetch from out the forest, glad and fain + To speed their flight, and hurrying to the shore +Forth from the town-gates fast the mustering Trojans pour. + +LII. As ants that, mindful of the cold to come, + Lay waste a mighty heap of garnered grain, + And store the golden treasure in their home: + Back through the grass, with plunder, o'er the plain + In narrow column troops the sable train: + Their tiny shoulders heave, with restless moil, + The cumbrous atomies; these scourge amain + The loiterers in the rear, and guard the spoil. +Hot fares the busy work; the pathway glows with toil. + +LIII. What, hapless Dido, were thy feelings then? + What groans were thine, from out thy tower to view + The ships prepared, the shores astir with men, + The turmoil'd deep, the shouting of each crew! + O tyrant love, so potent to subdue! + Again, perforce, she weeps for him; again + She stoops to try persuasion, and to sue, + And yields, a suppliant, to her love's sweet pain, +Lest aught remain untried, and Dido die in vain. + +LIV. "Look yonder, look, dear Anna! all around + They crowd the shore their canvas wooes the wind! + Behold the poops with festal garlands crown'd. + If I could bear this prospect, I shall find + Strength still to suffer, and a soul resign'd. + One boon I ask--O pity my distress-- + For thee alone he tells his inmost mind, + To thee alone unperjur'd; thou can'st guess +The means of soft approach, the seasons of address; + +LV. "Go, sister, meekly tell the haughty foe, + Not I at Aulis with the Greeks did swear + To smite the Trojans and their towers o'erthrow, + Nor sought his father's ashes to uptear. + Whom shuns he? wherefore would he spurn my prayer? + Beg him, in pity of poor love, to stay + Till flight is easy, and the winds breathe fair. + Not now for wedlock's broken vows I pray, +Nor bid him lose for me fair Latium and his sway. + +LVI. "I ask but time--a respite and reprieve-- + A little truce, my passion to allay, + Till fortune teach my baffled love to grieve. + Grant, sister, this, the latest grace I pray, + And Death with interest shall the debt repay." + She spake; sad Anna to the Dardan bears + Her piteous plea. But Fate hath barred the way: + Deaf stands AEneas to her prayers and tears: +Jove, unrelenting Jove, hath stopped his gentle ears. + +LVII. E'en as when Northern Alpine blasts contend + This side and that to lay an oak-tree low, + Aged but strong: the branches creak and bend, + And leaves thick-falling all the ground bestrow: + The trunk clings firmly to the rock below: + High as it rears its weather-beaten crest, + So dive its roots to Tartarus. Even so + Beset with prayers, the hero stands distrest; +So vain are Anna's tears, so moveless is his breast. + +LVIII. Then--then unhappy Dido prays to die, + Maddened by Fate, aweary of the day, + Aweary of the over-arching sky. + And lo! an omen seems to chide delay, + And steel her purpose. As, in act to pay + Her gifts, with incense at the shrine she kneels, + Black turns the water, horrible to say; + To loathsome gore the sacred wine congeals. +Not e'en to Anna's self this vision she reveals. + +LIX. Nay more; within the precincts of her house + There stood a marble shrine, with garlands bright + And snow-white fleeces, sacred to her spouse. + Hence, oft as darkness shrouds the world from sight, + Voices she hears, and accents of affright, + As though Sychaeus told aloud his wrong, + Hears from the roof-top, through the livelong night, + The solitary screech-owl's funeral song, +Wailing an endless dirge, the dismal notes prolong. + +LX. Dim warnings, given by many an ancient seer, + Affright her. Ever wandering, ever lost, + In dreams she sees the fierce AEneas near, + And seeks her Tyrians on a lonely coast. + So raving Pentheus sees the Furies' host, + Twin suns and double Thebes. So, mad with Fate, + Blood-stained Orestes flees his mother's ghost, + Armed with black snakes and firebrands; at the gate +The avenging Fiends, close-crouched, the murderer await. + +LXI. So now, possessed with Furies, the poor queen, + O'ercome with grief and resolute to die, + Settles the time and manner. Joy serene + Smiles on her brow, her purpose to belie, + And hope dissembled sparkles in her eye. + "Dear Anna," thus she hails with cheerful tone + Her weeping sister, "put thy sorrow by, + And joy with me. Indulgent Heaven hath shown +A way to gain his love, or rid me of my own. + +LXII. "Near Ocean's limits and the sunset, lies + A far-off land, by AEthiopians owned, + Where mighty Atlas turns the spangled skies. + There a Massylian priestess I have found, + The warder of the Hesperian fane renowned. + 'Twas hers to feed the dragon, hers to keep + The golden fruit, and guard the sacred ground, + The dragon's food in honied drugs to steep, +And mix the poppy drowse, that soothes the soul to sleep. + +LXIII. "What souls she listeth, with her charms she claims + To free from passion, or with pains to smite + The love-sick heart; the planets all she tames, + And stays the rivers; and her voice of might + Calls forth the spirits from the realms of night. + Thyself the rumbling of the ground shalt hear, + And see the tall ash tumble from the height. + O, by the Gods, by thy sweet self I swear, +Loth am I, sister dear, these magic arms to wear. + +LXIV. "Thou privily within the courtyard frame + A lofty pyre; his armour and attire + Heap on it, and the fatal couch of shame. + All relics of the wretch are doomed to fire; + So bids the priestess, and her charms require." + She ended, pale as death, and Anna plied + Her task, not dreaming of a rage so dire. + Nought worse she fears than when Sychaeus died, +Nor recks that these strange rites her purposed death could hide. + +LXV. Now rose the pile within the courtyard's space, + Of oak and pine-wood, open to the wind. + Herself the Queen with garlands decked the place, + And funeral chaplets in the sides entwined. + Above, his robes, the sword he left behind, + And, last, his image on the couch she laid, + Foreknowing all, and while the altars shined + With blazing offerings, the enchantress-maid, +Frenzied, with thundering voice and tresses disarrayed, + +LXVI. Summons her gods--three hundred powers divine, + Chaos and Erebus, in Hell supreme, + And Dian-Hecate, the maiden trine; + Then water, feigned of dark Avernus' stream, + She sprinkles round. Rank herbs are sought, that teem + With poisonous juice, and plants at midnight shorn + With brazen sickles by the Moon's pale beam, + And from the forehead of a foal new-born, +Ere by the dam devoured, love's talisman is torn. + +LXVII. Herself, the queen, before the altar stands, + One foot unsandalled, and her flowing vest + Loosed from its cincture. In her stainless hands + The sacrificial cake she holds; her breast + Heaves, with approaching agony oppressed. + She calls the conscious planets as they move, + She calls the stars, her purpose to attest, + And all the gods, if any rules above, +Mindful of lovers' wrongs, and just to injured love. + +LXVIII. 'Twas night; on earth all creatures were asleep: + Midway the stars moved silent through the sphere; + Hushed were the forest and the angry deep, + And hushed was every field, and far and near + Reigned stillness, and the night spread calm and clear. + The flocks, the birds, with painted plumage gay, + That haunt the copse, or dwell in brake and brere, + Or skim the liquid lakes--all silent lay, +Lapt in oblivion sweet, forgetful of the day. + +LXIX. Not so unhappy Dido; no sweet peace + Dissolves her cares; her wakeful eyes and breast + Drink not the dewy night; her pains increase, + And love, with warring passions unsuppressed, + Swells up, and stirs the tumult of unrest. + "What, then," she sadly ponders, "shall I do? + Ah, woe is me! shall Dido, made a jest + To former lovers, stoop herself to sue, +And beg the Nomad lords their oft-scorned vows renew? + +LXX. "Or with the fleet of Ilion shall I sail, + The slave and menial of a Trojan crew, + As though they count past kindness of avail, + Or dream that aught of gratitude be due? + Grant that I wished it, of these lordings who + Would take me, humbled and a thing of scorn? + Is Dido blind, if Trojans are untrue? + Know'st thou not yet, O lost one and forlorn, +Troy's perjured race still shows Laomedon forsworn? + +LXXI. "What, fly alone, and join their shouting crew? + Or launch, and chase them with my Tyrian train + Scarce torn from Tyre? Nay--die and take thy due; + The sword alone can ease thee of thy pain. + Sister, 'twas thy weak pity wrought this bane, + Swayed by my tears, and gave me to the foe. + Ah! had I lived unloving, void of stain, + Free as the beasts, nor meddled with this woe, +Nor wronged with broken vows Sychaeus' shade below!" + +LXXII. So wailed the Queen. AEneas, fixt in mind, + All things prepared, his voyage to pursue, + Snatched a brief slumber, on the deck reclined, + Lo, in a dream, returning near him drew + The God, and seemed his warning to renew. + Like Mercury, the very God behold! + So sweet his voice, so radiant was his hue, + Such loveliness of limb and youthful mould, +Such cheeks of ruddiest bloom, and locks of burnished gold. + +LXXIII. "O goddess-born AEneas, can'st thou sleep, + Nor see the dangers that around thee lie, + Nor hear the Zephyrs whispering to the deep. + Dark crimes the Queen is plotting, bent to die + And tost with varying passions. Haste thee--fly, + While flight is open. Morn shall see the bay + Swarm with their ships, and all the shore and sky + Red with fierce firebrands and the flames. Away! +Changeful is woman's mood, and varying with the day." + +LXXIV. He spake and, mixing with the night, withdrew. + Up starts AEneas from his sleep, so sore + The vision scared him, and awakes his crew. + "Quick, comrades, man the benches! ply the oar! + Unfurl the canvas! Lo, a God once more + Comes down to urge us, chiding our delay, + And bids us cut our cables from the shore. + Dread Power divine, we follow on thy way, +Gladly, whoe'er thou art, thy summons we obey. + +LXXV. "Be near us now, and O, vouchsafe thine aid, + And bid fair stars their kindly beams afford + To light our pathway through the deep." He prayed, + And from the scabbard snatched his flaming sword, + And, swift as lightning, cleft the twisted cord. + Fired by their chief, like ardour fills the crew, + They scour, they scud and, hurrying, crowd on board. + Bare lies the beach; ships hide the sea from view, +And strong arms lash the foam and sweep the sparkling blue. + +LXXVI. Now rose Aurora from the saffron bed + Of old Tithonus, and with orient ray + Sprinkled the earth. Forth looks the Queen in dread, + And from her watch-tower marks the twilight grey + Glow with the shimmering whiteness of the day, + The harbour shipless and the shore all bare, + The fleet with full-squared canvas under weigh. + Then thrice and four times, frantic with despair, +She beats her beauteous breast, and rends her golden hair. + +LXXVII. "Ah! Jove, shall he escape me? Shall he mock + My queenship? He, an alien, flout my sway? + Will no one arm and chase them, or undock + The ships? Bring fire; get weapons, quick! Away! + Swing out the oars! Ah me! what do I say? + Where am I? O, what madness turns my brain? + Poor Dido, hath thy folly found its prey? + Thy sins, alas! they sting thee, but in vain. +They should have done so then, when yielding him thy reign. + +LXXVIII. "Lo, there his honour and the faith he swore, + Who takes Troy's gods the partners of his flight, + And erst from Troy his aged parent bore. + O, had I torn him piecemeal, as I might, + And strewn him on the waves, and slain outright + His friends, and for the father's banquet spread + The murdered boy! But doubtful were the fight. + Grant that it had been, whom should Dido dread, +What fear had death for me, self-destined to be dead? + +LXXIX. "These hands the firebrands at his feet had cast, + And filled with flames his hatches. Sire and son + And all their race had perished with the past, + And I, too, perished with them. O great Sun, + Whose torch reveals whate'er on Earth is done, + Juno, who know'st the passion that devours + Poor Dido; Hecate, where crossways run + Night-howled in cities; ye avenging Powers, +Friends, Furies, Gods that guard Elissa's dying hours! + +LXXX. "Mark this, compassionate these woes, and bow + To supplication. If the Fates demand-- + Curst be his head!--that he escape me now, + And touch his haven, and float up to land. + If so Jove wills, and fixt his edicts stand, + Then, scourged with warfare by a daring race, + In vain for succour let him stretch his hand, + And see his people perish with disgrace, +An exile, torn from home and from his son's embrace. + +LXXXI. "And when hard peace the traitor stoops to buy, + No realm be his, nor happy days in store. + Cut off in prime of manhood let him die, + And rot unburied on the sandy shore. + This dying curse, this utterance I pour, + The latest, with my life-blood,--this my prayer. + Them and their children's children evermore + Ye Tyrians, with immortal hate outwear. +This gift--'twill please me best--for Dido's shade prepare. + +LXXXII. "This heritage be yours; no truce nor trust + 'Twixt theirs and ours, no union or accord + Arise, unknown Avenger from our dust; + With fire and steel upon the Dardan horde + Mete out the measure of their crimes' reward. + To-day, to-morrow, for eternity + Fight, oft as ye are able--sword with sword, + Shore with opposing shore, and sea with sea; +Fight, Tyrians, all that are, and all that e'er shall be." + +LXXXIII. So spake the queen, and pondered in her breast + How of her loathed life to clip the thread, + Then briefly thus Sychaeus' nurse addressed + (Her own at Tyre lay buried)--"Haste," she said, + "Dear Barce; call my sister; let her head + With living water from the lustral bough + Be sprinkled. Hither be the victims led, + And due atoning offerings, and thou +Bring forth the sacred wreath, and bind it on thy brow. + +LXXXIV. "The sacrifice, prepared for Stygian Jove, + I purpose now to consummate, and pay + The last sad rites, and ease me of my love, + And burn the couch whereon the Dardan lay." + She spake; the old dame tottering hastes away. + Maddening stood Dido at the doom so dread, + With bloodshot eyes and trembling with dismay, + Her quivering cheeks flecked with the burning red, +Pale with approaching death, but yearning to be dead. + +LXXXV. So bursting through the inner doors she flew + And, with wild frenzy, climbed the lofty pyre, + Then seized the scabbard he had left, and drew + The sword, ne'er given for an end so dire. + But when, with eyes still wistful with desire, + She viewed the bed that she had known too well, + The Ilian raiment and the chief's attire, + She paused, then musing, while the teardrops fell, +Sank on the fatal couch, and cried a last farewell: + +LXXXVI. "Dear relics! loved while Fate and Jove were kind, + Receive this soul, and free me from my woe. + My life is lived; behold, the course assigned + By Fortune now is finished, and I go, + A shade majestic, to the world below, + A glorious city I have built, have seen + My walls, avenged my husband of his foe. + Thrice happy, ah! too happy had I been +Had Dardan ships, alas! not come to bring me teen!" + +LXXXVII. She paused, and pressed her lips upon the bed. + "To die--and unavenged? Yea, let me die! + Thus--thus it joys to journey to the dead. + Let yon false Dardan with remorseful eye + Drink in this bale-fire from the deep, and sigh + To bear the omens of my death."--No more + She said, but swooned. The servants see her lie, + Sunk on the sword; they see the life-blood pour, +Reddening her tender hands, the weapon drenched with gore. + +LXXXVIII. Then through the lofty palace rose a scream, + And madly Rumour riots, as she flies + Through the shocked town. The very houses seem + To groan, and shrieks, and sobbing and the cries + Of wailing women pierce the vaulted skies. + 'Twas e'en as though all Carthage or old Tyre + Were falling, stormed by ruthless enemies, + While over roof and battlement and spire +And temples of the Gods rolled on the infuriate fire. + +LXXXIX. Her sister heard, and through the concourse came, + And tore her cheeks and beat her bosom fair, + And called upon the dying Queen by name. + "Sister! was this thy secret? thine this snare? + For me this fraud? For this did I prepare + That pyre, those flames and altars? This the end? + Ah me, forlorn! what worse remains to bear? + Would'st thou in death desert me, and pretend +To scorn a sister's care, and shun me as a friend? + +XC. "Thou should'st have called me to thy doom! One stroke, + A moment's pang, and we had ceased to sigh. + Reared I this pyre, did I the gods invoke + To leave thee thus companionless, to die? + Lo, all are dead together, thou and I, + Town, princes, people, perished in a day. + Bring water; let me close the lightless eye, + And bathe those wounds, and kiss those lips of clay, +And catch one fluttering breath, if yet, perchance, I may!" + +XCI. So saying, she climbs the steps, and, groaning sore, + Clasps to her breast her sister ere she dies, + And stanches with her robe the streaming gore. + In vain poor Dido lifts her wearied eyes, + The closing eyelids sicken at the skies. + Deep gurgles in her breast the deadly wound; + Thrice on her elbow she essays to rise, + Thrice back she sinks. With wandering eyes all round +She seeks the light of heaven, and moans when it is found. + +XCII. Then Juno, pitying her agony + Of lingering death, sent Iris down with speed. + Her struggling soul from clinging limbs to free. + For since by Fate, or for her own misdeed + She perished not, but, ere the day decreed, + Fell in the frenzy of her love's despair, + Not yet Proserpina had claimed her meed, + And shorn the ringlet of her golden hair, +And bade the sacred shade to Stygian realms repair. + +XCIII. So down to earth came Iris from on high + On saffron wings all glittering with the dew. + A thousand tints against the sunlit sky + She flashed from out her rainbow as she flew, + Then, hovering overhead, these words outthrew, + "Behold, to Dis this offering I bear, + And loose thee from thy body."--Forth she drew + The fatal shears, and clipped the golden hair; +The vital heats disperse, and life dissolves in air. + + + + +BOOK FIVE + + +ARGUMENT + +AEneas, unaware of Dido's fate, sails away to Acestes in Sicily, and +prepares funeral games against the anniversary of Anchises' death +(1-90). Offerings are paid to the spirit of Anchises. Sicilians and +Trojans assemble for the first contest, a boat race (91-140), which +is described at length. Cloanthus, ancestor of the Cluentii, wins +with the "Scylla" (141-342). The foot-race is next narrated. +Euryalus, by his friend's cunning, gains the first prize, and the +scene shifts (343-441) to the ring, in which Dares is defeated by +the veteran Entellus, who fells the ox, his prize, as an offering +to his master Eryx (442-594). After some wonderful shooting in the +archery which follows, AEneas awards the first prize to Acestes, as +the favourite of the gods (595-667). Before this contest is over +AEneas summons Ascanius and his boy-companions to perform the +elaborate manoeuvres afterwards celebrated in Rome as the "Trojan +Ride" (668-729). Juno schemes to destroy the Trojan fleet, while the +games are being held. She inspires with discontent the Trojan matrons, +who are not present at the festival. They set fire to the ships +(730-810). Ascanius hurries to the scene. Jupiter sends rain and +saves all the ships but four (811-855). Nautes advises AEneas to +leave behind the weak and aged with Acestes. The wraith of Anchises +enforces the advice, and bids AEneas visit him in the nether-world +(856-909). Preparations for departure. Acestes accepts his new +subjects, and the Trojans depart. Venus prevails on Neptune to grant +them safe convoy in return for the life of the helmsman Palinurus, +who is drowned (910-1062). + +I. Now well at sea, AEneas, fixt in mind, + Held on his course, and cleft the watery ways + Through billows blackened by the northern wind, + And backward on the city bent his gaze, + Bright with the flames of Dido. Whence the blaze + Arose, they knew not; but the pangs they knew + When love is passionate, and man betrays, + And what a frantic woman scorned can do, +And many a sad surmise their boding thoughts pursue. + +II. The fleet was on mid-ocean; land no more + Was visible, nor aught but sea and sky; + When lo! above them a black cloud, that bore + Tempest and Night, frowned iron-dark on high, + And the wave, shuddering as the wind swept by, + Curled and was darkened. From the stern loud cries + The pilot Palinurus: "Whence and why + This cloudy rack that gathers o'er the skies? +What, father Neptune, now, what mischief dost devise?" + +III. So having said, he bade the seamen take + The tackling in, and ply the lusty oar, + Then sloped the mainsheet to the wind, and spake: + "Noble AEneas, e'en if high Jove swore + To bring us safely to Italia's shore, + With skies like these, 'twere hopeless. Westward loom + The dark clouds mustering, and the changed winds roar + Athwart us, and the air is thick with gloom. +Vainly we strive to move, and struggle with our doom. + +IV. "Come, then, since Fortune hath the mastering hand, + Yield we and turn. Not far, methinks, there lies + A friendly shore, thy brother Eryx' land, + And ports Sicanian, if aright these eyes + Recall my former reading of the skies." + Then good AEneas: "Long ago, 'tis plain, + The winds so willed it. I have seen," he cries, + "And marked thee toiling in their teeth in vain. +Shift sail and turn the helm. What sweeter shore to gain, + +V. "What port more welcome to a wearied fleet + And wave-worn mariners, what land more blest + Than that where still Acestes lives, to greet + His Dardan friends, and in the boon earth's breast + My father's bones, Anchises', are at rest?" + He spake; at once the Trojans strive to gain + The port. Fair breezes, blowing from the West, + Swell out the sails. They bound along the main, +And soon with gladdening hearts the well-known shore attain. + +VI. Far off Acestes, wondering, from a height + The coming of their friendly ships descries, + And hastes to meet them. Roughly is he dight + In Libyan bearskin, as in huntsman's guise; + A pointed javelin in each hand he plies. + Him once a Trojan to Crimisus bore, + The stream-god. Mindful of ancestral ties + He hails his weary kinsmen, come once more, +And dainty fruits sets forth, and cheers them from his store. + +VII. Next dawn had chased the stars, when on the shore + AEneas thus the gathered crews addressed: + "Twelve months have passed, brave Dardans, since we bore + The bones of great Anchises to his rest, + And laid his ashes in the ground, and blessed + The mourning altars by the rolling sea. + And now once more, if rightly I have guessed, + The day is come, which Heaven hath willed to be +Sacred for evermore, but ever sad to me. + +VIII. This day, though exiled on Gaetulian sands, + Or caught by tempests on th' AEgean brine, + Or at Mycenae in the foemen's hands, + With annual honours will I hold divine, + And head with fitting offerings the shrine. + By chance unsought, now hither are we led, + Yet not, I ween, without the God's design, + Where lie the ashes of my father dead, +And greet a friendly port, by favouring breezes sped. + +IX. "Come then, with festival his name revere, + Pray we for winds to waft us, and entreat + His shade to take these offerings year by year, + When gathered to our new-built Troy, we meet + In hallowed fanes, his worship to repeat. + See, for each ship two head of horned kine + Acestes sends, his Trojan friends to greet + Bid then the home-gods of the Trojan line, +With those our host adores, to grace the feast divine. + +X. "Nay, if the ninth fair morning show fine day, + And bring the sunshine, be a match decreed + For Teucrian ships, their swiftness to essay. + Next, in the footrace whosoe'er hath speed, + Or, glorying in his manhood, claims the meed + With dart, or flying arrow and the bow, + Or bout with untanned gauntlet, mark and heed, + And wait the victor's guerdon. Come ye now; +Hush'd be each idle tongue, and garlanded each brow." + +XI. He spake, and round his temples binds with joy + His mother's myrtle. Helymus is crowned, + The veteran Acestes, and the boy + Ascanius, and the Trojan warriors round. + So from the council to the funeral mound + He moves, the centre of a circling crowd. + Two bowls of wine he pours upon the ground, + Two of warm milk, and two of victim's blood, +And, scattering purple flowers, invokes the shade aloud. + +XII. "Hail, holy Sire! blest Spirit, hail once more, + And ashes, vainly rescued! Not with thee + Was I allowed to reach Italia's shore, + The fields Ausonian that the Fates decree, + And Latin Tiber--whatsoe'er it be." + He ceased, when lo, a monstrous serpent, wound + In seven huge coils, seven giant spires, they see + Glide from the grave, and gently clasp the mound, +And 'twixt the altars trail in many a tortuous round. + +XIII. The back with azure and the scales with gold + In streaks and glittering patches were ablaze: + So doth the rainbow in the clouds unfold + A thousand hues against the sun's bright rays. + AEneas stood bewildered with amaze. + In lengthened train meanwhile the snake went on, + 'Twixt cups and bowls weaving its sinuous ways, + Then sipped the sacred food, and harming none, +The tasted altars left and 'neath the tomb was gone. + +XIV. Cheered, to Anchises he the rites renewed, + In doubt if there some Genius of the shrine + Or menial spirit of his sire he viewed. + Two sheep, two dark-backed heifers, and two swine + He slays, invoking, as he pours the wine, + The ghost, released from Acheron. Glad of soul, + Each adds his gift. These slay the sacred Kine, + Pile altars, set the cauldrons, heap the coal, +And, sitting, hold the spits, and roast the entrails whole. + +XV. Now came the looked-for day. The ninth fair dawn + Bright Phaethon drove up a cloudless sky. + Rumour and great Acestes' name had drawn + The neighbouring folk; shoreward in crowds they hie + To see the Trojans, or the games to try. + Piled in the lists the presents they behold, + Green garlands, tripods, robes of purple dye, + The conqueror's palm, bright armour for the bold, +And many a talent's weight of silver and of gold. + +XVI. Now from a mound the trumpet's notes proclaim + The sports begun. Four galleys from the fleet, + The choicest, manned by mariners of fame, + And matched in size and urged with ponderous beat + Of oar-blades, for the naval contest meet. + See, here the Shark comes speeding to her place, + Trained is her crew and eager to compete, + Brave Mnestheus is her captain, born to grace +Italia's land ere long, and found the Memmian race. + +XVII. Here too, the huge Chimaera towers along, + A floating citadel, with walls of pine, + Three tale of Dardans urge her, stout and strong, + Their triple tiers in unison combine + To drive her, ruled by Gyas, through the brine. + Borne in the monstrous Centaur, next doth come + Sergestus, father of the Sergian line. + Last, in the dark-blue Scylla ploughs the foam +Cloanthus, whence thy house, Cluentius of Rome. + +XVIII. Far seaward stands, afront the foamy shore, + A rock, half-hid when wintry waves upleap, + And skies are starless, and the North-winds roar, + But still and silent, when the calm waves sleep, + A level top it lifts above the deep, + The seamews' haunt. A bough of ilex here + The good AEneas sets upon the steep, + Green-leaved and tall,--a goal, to seamen clear, +To seek and, doubling round, their homeward course to steer. + +XIX. Each takes his station. On the sterns behold, + Ranged in due order as the lots assign, + The captains, gay with purple and with gold. + The crews their brows with poplar garlands twine, + And wet with oil their naked shoulders shine. + Prone on their oars, and straining from the thwart, + With souls astretch, they listen for the sign. + Fear stirs the pulse and drains the throbbing heart, +Thrilled with the lust of praise, and panting for the start. + +XX. Loud peals the trumpet. From the port they dash + With cheers. The waves hiss, as the strong arms keep + In time, drawn up to finish with a flash; + And three-toothed prow and oars, with measured sweep, + Tear up the yawning furrows of the deep, + Less swiftly, to the chariot yoked atwain, + The bounding racers from the base outleap, + Less keen the driver, as they scour the plain, +Leans o'er the whistling lash, and slacks the streaming rein. + +XXI. Shouts, cheers and plaudits wake the woods around, + Their clamours roll along the land-locked shore, + And, echoing, from the beaten hills rebound. + First Gyas comes, amid the rout and roar; + Cloanthus second,--better with the oar + His crew, but heavier is the load of pine. + Next Shark and Centaur struggle to the fore, + Now Shark ahead, now Centaur, now in line +The long keels, urged abreast, together plough the brine. + +XXII. Near lay the rock, the goal was close in sight, + When Gyas, first o'er half a length of tide + Shouts to his helmsman: "Whither to the right? + Hug close the cliff, and graze the leftward side. + Let others hold the deep." In vain he cried. + Menoetes feared the hidden reefs, and bore + To seaward. "Whither from thy course so wide? + What; swerving still?" the captain shouts once more, +"Keep to the shore, I say, Menoetes, to the shore." + +XXIII. He turned, when lo! behind him, gaining fast, + Cloanthus. On the leeward side he stole + A narrower compass, grazing as he passed + His rival's vessel and the sounding shoal, + Then gained safe water, as he turned the goal. + Grief fired young Gyas at the sight, and drew + Tears from his eyes and anger from his soul. + Careless alike of honour and his crew, +Down from the lofty stern his timorous guide he threw. + +XXIV. Forthwith he grasps the tiller in his hand, + Captain and helmsman, and his comrades cheers, + And wrests the rudder leftward to the land, + Slow from the depths Menoetes reappears, + Clogged by his clothes, and cumbered with his years. + Then, shoreward swimming, climbs with feeble craft + The rock, and there sits drying. All with jeers + Laughed as he fell and floated; loud they laughed +As, sputtering, from his throat he spits the briny draught. + +XXV. Joy, mixt with hope, as Gyas slacks his pace, + Fires the two hindmost. Now they near the mark; + Sergestus, leading, takes the inside place. + Yet not a length divides them, for the Shark + Shoots up halfway and overlaps his bark. + Mnestheus, amidships pacing, cheers his crew; + "Now, now lean to, and let each arm be stark; + Row, mighty Hector's followers, whom I drew +From Troy, in Troy's last hour, my comrades tried and true! + +XXVI. "Now for the strength and hardihood that braved + Gaetulian shoals, and the Ionian main, + And billows following billows, as they raved + Against steep Malea. Not mine to gain + The prize: I strive not to be first--'tis vain. + Sweet were the thought--but Neptune rules the race; + Let them the palm, whom he has willed, retain. + But oh, for shame! to take the hindmost place +Win this--to ward that doom, and ban the dire disgrace." + +XXVII. Straining each nerve, they bend them to the oar. + The bronze poop reels, so lustily they row, + And from beneath them slips the watery floor. + The parched lips quiver, as they pant and blow, + Sweat pours in rivers from their limbs; when now + Chance brings the wished-for honour. Blindly rash, + Close to the rocks Sergestus drives his prow. + Too close he steals; on jutting crags they dash; +The straining oars snap short, the bows with sudden crash + +XXVIII. Stick fast, and hang upon the ledge. Up spring + With shouts the sailors, clamorous at delay, + And snatch the crushed oars from the waves, and bring + Sharp poles and steel-tipt boathooks, and essay + To thrust the forepart from the rocks away. + Brave Mnestheus sees and, glorying in his gain, + Invokes the winds. With oarsmen in array + His swift bark, urged with many a stalwart strain, +Shoots down the sloping tide, and wins the open main. + +XXIX. Like as a pigeon, startled from her rest, + Swift from the crannies of the rock, where clings + Her heart's desire, the darlings of her nest, + Darts forth and, scared with terror, flaps her wings, + Then, gliding smoothly, in the soft air swings, + And skims her liquid passage through the skies + On pinions motionless. So Mnestheus springs, + So springs the Shark; her impulse, as she flies, +Cleaving the homeward seas, the wanting wings supplies. + +XXX. He leaves Sergestus, who implores in vain + His aid, still toiling from the rocks to clear + And headway with his shattered oars to gain. + Soon huge Chimaera, left with none to steer, + Drops off astern, and labours in the rear. + Alone remains Cloanthus, but the race + Well-nigh is ended, and the goal is near; + Him Mnestheus seeks; his crew, with quickened pace +And utmost stretch of oars, press forward in the chase. + +XXXI. Now, now the noise redoubles; cheers and cries + Urge on the follower, and the wild acclaim + Rolls up, and wakes the echoes of the skies. + These scorn to lose their vantage, stung with shame, + And life is wagered willingly for fame. + Success inspires the hindmost; as they dare, + They do; the thought of winning wins the game. + With equal honours Chance had crowned the pair, +But thus, with outspread hands, Cloanthus breathed a prayer: + +XXXII. "Great Gods of Ocean! on whose waves I ride, + A milk-white bull upon the shore I vow, + And with its entrails will I strew the tide, + And on your altars make the wine outflow." + Fair Panopea hears him from below, + The Nereids hear, and old Portunus plies + His own great hand, to push them as they go. + Swifter than arrow to the shore she flies, +Swifter than Southern gale, and in the harbour lies. + +XXXIII. All summoned now, the herald's voice declares + Cloanthus conqueror, and with verdant bay + AEneas crowns him. To each crew he shares + Three steers and wine, and, to recall the day, + A silver talent bids them bear away. + Choice honours to the captains next are told, + A scarf he gives the victor, rich and gay, + Twice-fringed with purple, glorious to behold, +Whose Melibaean dye meanders round the gold. + +XXXIV. Inwoven there, behold the kingly boy, + Fair Ganymede, pursues the flying deer + On Ida and the wooded heights of Troy, + Swift-footed, glorying with uplifted spear, + So keen the panting of his heart ye hear. + Down swoops Jove's armour-bearer, and on high + With taloned claws hath trussed him. Vainly here + His aged guardians lift their heads and cry; +The faithful dogs look up, and fiercely bay the sky. + +XXXV. A goodly hauberk to the next he gave, + With polished rings and triple chain of gold, + Torn by his own hands from Demoleos brave, + Beneath high Troy, where Simois swiftly rolled, + The warrior's glory and defence, to hold. + Phegeus and Sagaris, with all their might, + Two stalwart slaves, scarce bore it, fold on fold, + That coat of mail, wherein Demoleos dight, +Trod down the ranks of Troy, and put his foes to flight. + +XXXVI. Last comes the third: two brazen caldrons fine, + Two cups of silver doth the prince bestow, + Rough-chased with imagery of choice design. + Each had his prize, and glorying forth they go, + With purple ribbons on their brows, when lo! + Scarce torn with effort from the rock's embrace, + Oarless, and short of oarsmen by a row, + Home comes Sergestus, and in rueful case +Drives his dishonoured bark, left hindmost in the race. + +XXXVII. As when an adder, whom athwart the way + Some wheel hath crushed, or traveller, passing by, + Maimed with a stone, as unaware he lay, + And left sore mangled, on the point to die, + In vain his coils would lengthen, fain to fly: + One half erect, his burning eyes around + He darts, and lifts his hissing throat on high, + Defiant, half still writhes upon the ground, +Self-twined in tortuous knots, and crippled by the wound: + +XXXVIII. So slowly rows the Centaur, yet anon + They set the sails, and loose the spreading sheet, + And crowd full canvas; and the port is won. + Glad is AEneas, and he joys to greet + His friends brought safely and his ships complete. + So to Sergestus, for his portion due, + He gives fair Pholoe, a slave of Crete, + Twins at her breast, two sons of loveliest hue, +And well Minerva's works, the weaving art, she knew. + +XXXIX. This contest o'er, the good AEneas sought + A grassy plain, with waving forests crowned + And sloping hills--fit theatre for sport, + Where in the middle of the vale was found + A circus. Hither comes he, ringed around + With thousands, here, amidst them, throned on high + In rustic state, he seats him on a mound, + And all who in the footrace list to vie, +With proffered gifts invites, and tempts their souls to try. + +XL. In crowds the Teucrians and Sicanians come, + First, Nisus and Euryalus. None so fair + As young Euryalus, in youthful bloom + And beauty; none with Nisus could compare + In pure affection for a youth so rare. + Here stood Diores, famous for his speed, + A prince of Priam's lineage; Salius there, + And Patron, this of Acarnanian seed, +That of Arcadian birth and Tegeaean breed. + +XLI. Came from Trinacria two champions bold, + Young Helymus and Panopes, well-tried + In woodland craft, and followers of old + Acestes; came full many a youth beside, + Whose fame shines dimly, or whose name hath died. + Then cries AEneas 'mid the concourse: "Ho! + Give heed, for surely shall my word abide, + Blithe be your hearts, for none among you--no, +Not one of all this crowd--without a gift shall go. + +XLII. "To each, a common largess, be a pair + Of Gnossian javelins and an axe decreed, + With haft of silver chasings. Three shall wear + Crowns of pale olive. For the victor's need, + Adorned with trappings, stands a noble steed. + A quiver, worn by Amazon of old, + With Thracian arrows, for the next in speed, + Clasped with a gem and belted with bright gold. +The third this Argive helm, fit recompense, shall hold." + +XLIII. He spake, and at the signal forth they burst + Together, like a storm-cloud, from the base, + With eager eyes set goalward. Nisus first + Darts off, and, bounding with the South-wind's pace, + And swift as winged lightning, leads the race. + Next, but the next with many a length between, + Comes Salius; then, behind him, third in place, + Euryalus; then Helymus is seen; +And lo! Diores last, comes flying along the green. + +XLIV. Heel touching heel, on Helymus he hung, + Shoulder to shoulder. But a rood beside, + And, slipping past him, foremost he had sprung, + And solved a doubt by winning. Side by side, + The last lap reached, with many a labouring stride + And breathless effort to the post they strain, + When lo! chance-tripping where the sward is dyed + With slippery blood of oxen newly slain, +Down luckless Nisus slides, and sprawls upon the plain. + +XLV. Stumbling, he felt the tottering knees give way. + With shouts of triumph on his lips he falls + Prone in the gore and in the miry clay. + E'en then, his love remembering, he recalls + Euryalus. Across the track he crawls, + Then, scrambling up from out the quagmire, flies + At Salius. In the dust proud Salius sprawls. + Forth darts Euryalus, 'mid cheers and cries, +Hailed, through his helping friend, the winner of the prize. + +XLVI. The second prize to Helymus, the third + Falls thus to brave Diores.--Now the heat + Was o'er, when Salius with his clamouring stirred + Troy's seated elders, furious with defeat, + And claimed the prize, as wrested by a cheat. + Tears aid Euryalus, and favour pleads + His worth, more winsome in a form so sweet, + And loudly, too, Diores intercedes. +Lost were his own last prize, if Salius' claim succeeds. + +XLVII. "Boys," said the good AEneas, "the award + Is fixt, and no man shall the palm withhold. + Yet be it mine to cheer a friend ill-starred." + He spake, and Salius with a gift consoled, + A Moorish lion's hide, with claws of gold + And shaggy hair. Then Nisus with a frown: + "If gifts so great a vanquished man may hold, + If falls win pity, and defeat renown, +What prize shall Nisus gain, whose merit earned the crown? + +XLVIII. "Ay, who had won, had Chance not interfered, + And baffled me, like Salius? Look," he said, + And pointed to his limbs and forehead, smeared + With ordure. Smiling, the good Sire surveyed + His piteous plight and raiment disarrayed; + Then forth he bade a glittering shield be borne, + Which Didymaon's workmanship had made, + From Neptune's temple by the Danaans torn. +This prize he gives the youth, his prowess to adorn. + +XLIX. The race was ended, and the gifts assigned, + When thus AEneas, as they thronged about, + Addressed the crowd: "Now, whosoe'er hath mind + His nerve to venture, or whose heart is stout, + Step forth, and don the gauntlets and strike out." + He spake, and straightway, while the lists they clear, + Sets forth the gifts, for him who wins the bout, + Gilt-horned and garlanded, a comely steer, +A sword and glittering helm, the loser's soul to cheer. + +L. At once, amid loud murmurs, to his feet + Upsprang great Dares, who in olden day + Alone the haughty Paris dared to meet. + He, by the tomb where mightiest Hector lay, + Huge Butes fought, who, glorying in the bay, + And boasting Amycus' Bebrycian strain, + Called for his match. But Dares heard him, yea, + And smote him. Headlong on the sandy plain +A lifeless corpse he rolled, and all his boasts were vain. + +LI. Such Dares towers, and strides into the ring, + With head erect, and shoulders broad and bare, + And right and left his sinewy arms doth swing, + And burning for a rival, beats the air. + Where is his match? Not one of all will dare + To don the gloves. So, deeming none can stand + Against him, flushed with triumph, then and there + Before AEneas, grasping in his hand +The heifer's horns, he cries in accents of command: + +LII. "Son of a goddess, if none risks the fray, + How long shall Dares guerdonless remain? + What end of standing? Must I wait all day? + Bring the prize hither." Straight the Dardan train + Shout for their champion, and his claim sustain. + Then to Entellus, seated at his side, + Couched on the green grass, in reproachful strain + Thus sternly spake Acestes, fired with pride, +And fain, for manhood sake, his younger friend to chide: + +LIII. "Entellus, once our bravest, but in vain, + Can'st _thou_ sit tamely, with the field unfought, + And see this braggart glory in his gain? + Where is thy god, that Eryx? Hath he taught + Thine arm its vaunted cleverness for naught? + To us what booteth thy Trinacrian name, + Thy spoil-hung house, thy roof with prizes fraught?" + Entellus said: "My spirit is the same. +Fear hath not quenched my fire, nor checked the love of fame. + +LIV. "But numbing age hath made the blood run cold, + And turned my strength to dulness and decay. + Had I the youth that stirred these bones of old, + The youth _he_ boasts, no need of guerdon, nay, + Nor comely steer to tempt me to the fray. + Glory I care for, not a gift," he cried, + And, rising, hurled into the ring midway + Two ponderous gauntlets, stiff with hardened hide; +These Eryx wore, these thongs around his wrists he tied. + +LV. All stood amazed, so huge the weight, so vast, + Sevenfold with lead and iron overlaid, + The bull's tough hide. E'en Dares shrank aghast. + Forth stepped AEneas, and the gauntlets weighed, + And to and fro the ponderous folds he swayed. + Then gruffly spake the veteran once more: + "Ah! had ye seen great Hercules arrayed + In arms like these, such gauntlets as he wore, +And watched the deadly fight waged here upon the shore! + +LVI. "These Eryx wore, thy brother, when that day + He faced Alcides in the strife;--see now + His blood and brains,--with these I dared the fray + When better blood gave vigour, nor the snow + Of envious eld was sprinkled on my brow. + Still, if this Trojan doth these arms decline, + And good AEneas and our host allow, + Match we the fight. These gauntlets I resign, +Put fear away, and doff those Trojan gloves of thine." + +LVII. So saying, Entellus from his shoulders flung + His quilted doublet, and revealed to light + The massive joints, the sinews firmly strung, + The bones and muscles, and the limbs of might, + And, like a giant, stood prepared for fight. + Two gloves for either champion, matched in weight, + AEneas brings, and binds them firm and tight. + So, face to face, each eager and elate, +Like-armed the rivals stand, on tiptoe for debate. + +LVIII. Each from the blow the towering head draws back, + Fearless, with arms uplifted to the skies. + Spars hand through hand, and tempts to the attack, + One, nimbler-footed, on his youth relies; + Entellus' strength is in his limbs and size. + But the knees shake beneath him, and are slow, + And age the wanted energy denies. + He heaves for breath; thick pantings come and go, +And shake the labouring breast, as hailing blow on blow. + +LIX. In vain they strive for mastery. Loud sound + Their hollow sides; the battered chests ring back, + As here and there the whistling strokes pelt round + Their ears and temples, and the jaw-bones crack. + Firm stands Entellus, though his knees are slack; + Still in the same strained posture, he defies, + Unmoved, the tempest of his foe's attack. + Only his body and his watchful eyes +Slip from the purposed stroke, and shun the wished surprise. + +LX. As one who strives with battery to o'erthrow + A high-walled city, or close siege doth lay + Against some mountain-stronghold; even so + Sly Dares shifts, an opening to essay, + And vainly varies his assault each way. + On tiptoe stretched, Entellus, pricked with pride, + Puts forth his right hand, with resistless sway + Steep from his shoulder. But the foe, quick-ey'd, +Foresees the coming blow, and lightly leaps aside. + +LXI. On empty air Entellus wastes his strength. + Down goes the giant, baulked of his design, + Fallen like a giant, and lies stretched at length. + So, torn from earth, on Ida's height divine + Or Erymanthus, falls the hollow pine. + Up spring each rival's countrymen. Loud cheers + The welkin rend, and, bursting through the line, + Forth runs Acestes, and his friend uprears, +Pitying his fallen worth and fellowship of years. + +LXII. Fearless, unshaken, with his soul aflame + For vengeance, up Entellus springs again, + And conscious valour and the sense of shame + Rouse all his strength as, burning with disdain, + He drives huge Dares headlong o'er the plain, + Now right, now left, keeps pummelling his foe; + No stint, no stay; as rattling hailstones rain + On roof-tops, so with many a ceaseless blow +Each hand in turn he plies, and pounds him to and fro. + +LXIII. But good AEneas suffered not too far + The strife to rage, not let Entellus slake + His wrath, but rescued Dares from the war, + Sore-spent, and thus in soothing terms bespake, + "Poor friend! what madness doth thy mind o'ertake? + Feel'st not that more than mortal is his aid? + The gods are with him, and thy cause forsake. + Yield then to heaven and desist."--He said, +And with his voice straightway the deadly strife allayed. + +LXIV. Then, stirred with pity, the Dardanian throng + Their vanquished kinsman from the contest bore. + His sick knees wearily he drags along, + Feeble and helpless, for his wound is sore; + And loosened teeth and clots of curdled gore + Spout forth, as o'er his shoulders nods each way + The drooping head. They lead him to the shore, + His gifts, the sword and helmet; but the bay +And bull Entellus takes, the victor of the day. + +LXV. Forth steps the champion, glorying in the prize, + Pride in his port, defiance on his brow. + "See, Goddess-born; ye Teucrians, mark," he cried, + "What strength Entellus in his youth could show; + How dire a doom ye warded from his foe." + He spake and, standing opposite the bull, + Swung back his arm, and, rising to the blow, + Betwixt the horns with hardened glove smote full, +And back upon the brain drove in the splintered skull. + +LXVI. Down drops the beast, and on the earth lies low, + Quivering but dead. Then o'er him, as he lay, + Entellus cries "O Eryx, hear my vow. + This life, for Dares, I devote this day, + A nobler victim and a worthier prey. + Accept it thou who taught'st this arm to wield + The gloves of death. Unvanquished in the fray + These withered arms their latest offering yield, +These gauntlets I resign, and here renounce the field." + +LXVII. Next cries AEneas to the crowd: "Come now, + Whoso hath mind in archer's feats to vie, + Step forth, and prove his cunning with the bow": + Then sets the prizes: on the beach hard by + With stalwart arms he rears a mast on high, + Ta'en from Serestus' vessel, and thereto + A fluttering pigeon with a string doth tie, + Mark for their shafts. Around the rivals drew, +And in a brazen helm the gathered lots they threw. + +LXIII. Out leap the names; cheers hail the first in place, + Hippocoon, son of Hyrtacus renowned; + Then Mnestheus, victor in the naval race, + Mnestheus, his brows with olive wreath still crowned. + Third in the casque Eurytion's lot is found + Thy brother, famous Pandarus, whose dart, + Hurled at the Danaans, did the truce confound. + Last comes Acestes, for with dauntless heart +Still in the toils of youth the veteran claims his part. + +LXIX. Forth step the marksmen, and with bows well-bent, + Draw forth their arrows, and their aim prepare. + Loud twanged the cord, as first Hippocoon sent + His feathered shaft, that through the flowing air + Went whistling on, and pierced the mast, and there + Stuck fast. The stout tree quivered, and the bird + Flapped with her wings in terror and despair, + Fluttering for freedom, and around were heard +Shouts, as admiring joy the clamorous concourse stirred. + +LXX. Next him stood Mnestheus, eager for the prize, + And straight the bowstring to his breast updrew, + Aiming aloft. The lightning of his eyes + Went with the arrow, as he twanged the yew. + Ah pity! Fortune sped the shaft untrue. + The bird he missed, but cut the flaxen ties + That held the feet, and cleft the knots in two. + And forth, exulting, through the windy skies, +Into the darkening clouds the loosened captive flies. + +LXXI. Then, quick as thought, his arrow on the string, + Eurytion to his brother breathed a prayer, + Marking the pigeon, as she clapped her wing + Beneath a cloud, he pierced her. Breathless there + She drops; her life is with the stars of air, + The bolt is in her breast. Acestes now + Alone remains; no palm is left to bear, + Yet skyward shoots the veteran, proud to show +What skill his hand can boast, the sounding of his bow. + +LXXII. Sudden a portent was revealed; how great + An augury, the future brought to light, + And frightening seers their omens sang too late. + Aloft, the arrow kindled in its flight, + Then marked with shining trail its pathway bright, + And, wasting, vanished into viewless air. + So stars, unfastened from the vault of night, + Stream in the firmament with fiery glare, +And through the dark fling out a length of glittering hair. + +LXXIII. Awed stand the men of Sicily and Troy, + And pray the gods. AEneas owns the sign, + And, heaping gifts, Acestes clasps with joy. + "Take, father, take; Jove's auspices divine + A special honour for thy meed assign. + This bowl, embossed with images of gold, + The gift of old Anchises, shall be thine, + Which Thracian Cisseus to my sire of old +Gave, as a pledge of love, to have it and to hold." + +LXXIV. So saying, with a garland of green bay + He crowned his temples, and the prize conferred, + And named Acestes victor of the day. + Nor good Eurytion to the choice demurred, + Nor grudged to see the veteran's claim preferred, + Though his the prowess that the rest surpassed, + His shaft the one that struck the soaring bird. + The second, he who cut the cord, the last, +He who with feathered reed transfixed the tapering mast. + +LXXV. But good AEneas, ere the games are done, + The child of Epytus, companion dear + And trusty guardian of his beardless son, + Calls to his side, and whispers in his ear: + "Go bid Ascanius, if his troop be here + And steeds in readiness, with spear and shield + In honour of his grandsire to appear." + Then, calling to the thronging crowd to yield +Free space, he clears the course, and open lies the field. + +LXXVI. Forth ride the boys, before their fathers' eyes, + Reining their steeds. In radiant files they fare, + And wondering murmurs from each host arise. + All with stript leaves have bound the flowing hair. + Two cornel javelins, tipt with steel, they bear, + Some, polished quivers; and a pliant chain + Of twisted gold around the neck they wear; + Three companies--three captains scour the plain. +Twelve youths, behind each chief, compose the glittering train. + +LXXVII. One shouting troop young Priam's lead obeys, + Thy son, Polites, from his grandsire hight, + And born erelong Italia's fame to raise. + A dappled Thracian charger bears the knight, + His pasterns flecked and forehead starred with white. + Next Atys, whom the Atian line reveres, + The youthful idol of a youth's delight, + So well Iulus loved him. Last appears +Iulus, first in grace and comeliest of his peers. + +LXXVIII. His a Sidonian charger; Dido fair + This pledge and token of her love supplied. + Trinacrian horses his attendants bear, + Acestes' gift. Their bosoms throb with pride, + While Dardans, cheering, welcome as they ride + The sires that have been in the sons that are. + So, when before their kinsfolk on each side + Their ranks had passed, Epytides afar +Cracks the loud whip, and shouts the signal, as for war. + +LXXIX. In equal bands the triple troops divide, + Then turn, and rallying, with spears bent low, + Charge at the call. Now back again they ride, + Wheel round, and weave new courses to and fro, + In armed similitude of martial show, + Circling and intercircling. Now in flight + They bare their backs, now turning, foe to foe, + Level their lances to the charge, now plight +The truce, and side by side in friendly league unite. + +LXXX. E'en as in Crete the Labyrinth of old + Between blind walls its secret hid from view, + With wildering ways and many a winding fold, + Wherein the wanderer, if the tale be true, + Roamed unreturning, cheated of the clue: + Such tangles weave the Teucrians, as they feign + Fighting or flying, and the game renew: + So dolphins, sporting on the watery plain, +Cleave the Carpathian waves and distant Libya's main. + +LXXXI. These feats Ascanius to his people showed, + When girdling Alba Longa; there with joy + The ancient Latins in the pastime rode, + Wherein the princely Dardan, as a boy, + Was wont his Trojan comrades to employ. + To Alban children from their sires it came, + And mighty Rome took up the "game of Troy," + And called the players "Trojans," and the name +Lives on, as sons renew the hereditary game. + +LXXXII. Thus far to blest Anchises they defrayed + The funeral rites; when Fortune turned unkind, + Forsook her faith. For while the games were played + Before the tomb, Saturnian Juno's mind + New schemes, to glut her ancient wrath, designed. + Iris she calls, and bids the Goddess go + Down to the Ilian fleet, and breathes a wind + To waft her on. So, borne upon her bow +Of myriad hues, unseen, the maiden hastes below. + +LXXXIII. She eyes the concourse, marks the ships unmanned, + And sees the empty harbour and the shore. + While far off on the solitary strand + The Trojan dames sat sorrowful, and o'er + The deep sea gazed, and, gazing, evermore + Wept for the Sire. "Ah, woe! the fields of foam! + The waste of waters for the wearied oar! + Oh! for a city and a certain home; +A rest for sea-worn souls, for weary 'tis to roam!" + +LXXXIV. So, not unversed in mischief, from the skies + Amidst the gathered matrons down she came, + In raiment and in face to mortal eyes + No more a Goddess, but an aged dame, + The wife of Doryclus, of Tmarian fame. + E'en venerable Beroe, once blest + With rank, and children and a noble name. + So changed in semblance, the celestial guest +Mixed with the Dardan dames, and thus the crowd addressed: + +LXXXV. "Oh, born to sorrow! whom th' Achaian foe + Dragged not to death, when Ilion was o'erthrown! + O hapless race! what still extremer woe + Doth Fortune doom the living to bemoan? + Since Ilion fell, seven summers nigh have flown, + And we o'er every ocean, every plain, + Past cheerless rocks, and under stars unknown, + Oft and so oft are driven, as in vain +Italia's shores we grasp, and welter on the main! + +LXXXVI. "'Tis Eryx' land, Acestes is our host. + What hinders for the homeless here to gain + A home--an Ilion for the one we lost? + O fatherland! O home-gods saved in vain, + If still in endless exile we remain! + Ah! nevermore shall I behold with joy + A Xanthus and a Simois again, + Our Hector's streams? ne'er hear the name of Troy? +Up! let devouring flames these ill-starred ships destroy! + +LXXXVII. "Methought in sleep, Cassandra's ghost came near, + With torches in her hands, and bade me seize + The flaming firebrands, and exclaimed: 'See, here + Thy Troy, the home that destiny decrees! + The hour is ripe; such prodigies as these + Brook not delay. Lo! here to Neptune rise + Four altars. He, the Sovereign of the seas, + Himself the firebrands and the will supplies.'" +Then straight, with arm drawn back, and fury in her eyes, + +LXXXVIII. She waved a torch, and hurled it. Dazed with fear, + The women trembled as she tossed the flame. + Then one who nursed through many a bygone year + The sons of Priam--Pyrgo was the dame,-- + "No Trojan this, nor Beroe her name, + The wife of Doryclus. Full sure I ween + Immortal birth her sparkling eyes proclaim. + What breathing beauty! what celestial sheen! +Mark her majestic voice, and more than mortal mien! + +LXXXIX. "Myself but now left Beroe, worn out + With sickness, grieving in her heart to miss + These funeral honours to our Sire."--In doubt + They waver, and with eyes that bode amiss + Look towards the vessels and the blue abyss + Of ocean, torn in spirit 'twixt the love + Of realms that shall be and the land that is. + On even wings the goddess soared above, +And with her rainbow vast the cloudy drift she clove. + +XC. Then, by the monstrous prodigy dismayed, + And driven by madness, forth the matrons fare + With shouts and shrieks. The houses they invade, + And living embers from the hearthstones tear, + With impious hands these strip the altars bare, + And boughs, and leaves and lighted brands they cast + In heaps, and fuel for the flames prepare. + O'er bench and oar, from painted keel to mast, +The Fire-god raves at will, and rides upon the blast. + +XCI. Meanwhile, with tidings of the fleet in flames, + Swift posts Eumelus. To the tomb he hies + Of old Anchises, and the crowded games. + Back look the Trojans, and with awe-struck eyes + See the dark ash-cloud floating through the skies. + And, as his troop Ascanius joyed to lead + In mimic fight, so keen, when danger cries, + First to the wildered camp he spurs his steed; +And breathless guardians fail to stay his headlong speed. + +XCII. "What madness this, poor women?" he exclaims, + "What mean ye now? No camp of Argive foe, + _Your_ hopes ye doom to perish in the flames. + See your Ascanius!"--At his feet below + He flung the helmet, that adorned his brow + When mimic fight he marshalled. Hurrying came + AEneas, hurrying came the host; but lo! + The shore lies bare; this way and that each dame +Slinks to the woods and caves, if aught can hide her shame. + +XCIII. All loathe the daylight and the deed unblest. + Sobered, they know their countrymen at last, + And Juno's power is shaken from each breast. + Not so the flames; with gathered strength and fast + Onward still swept the unconquerable blast. + Forth puffed between the timbers, drenched in vain, + The smoke-jets from the smouldering tow. Down passed + From keel to cabin the devouring bane. +Nor floods nor heroes' strength the mastering flames restrain. + +XCIV. Then good AEneas from his shoulders threw + His robe, and heavenward stretched his hands in prayer; + "Great Jove! if spares thy vengeance to pursue + Troy's children to the uttermost, if e'er + The toils of mortals move thy ancient care, + Preserve this feeble remnant, and command + These flames from further havoc to forbear; + Else, if my deeds deserve it, bare thine hand, +Launch thine avenging bolt, and slay me as I stand." + +XCV. Scarce spake he, when in torrents comes the rain. + Darkly the tempest riots, and the roar + Of thunder shakes the mountains and the plain. + Black storm-clouds from the thickening South sweep o'er + The darkened heavens, and down a deluge pour. + Drenched are the decks; the timbers, charr'd with heat, + Are soaked and smoulder, till the fire no more + Raves, and the flames are conquered, and the fleet, +Save four alone, survives the fiery plague complete. + +XCVI. Sore-struck, AEneas in his breast debates + This way and that, still doubtful to remain + In fields Sicilian, mindless of the Fates, + Or strive the shores of Italy to gain, + Then aged Nautes, wisest of his train, + Taught by Tritonian Pallas to unfold + What wrathful gods or destinies ordain, + In prescient utterance his response unrolled, +And thus with cheerful words the anxious chief consoled: + +XCVII. "O Goddess-born, where Fate directs the way, + 'Tis ours to follow. Who the best can bear, + Best conquers Fortune, be the doom what may. + A friend thou hast, Acestes; bid him share + And be a willing partner of thy care. + He too is Trojan, and of seed divine. + Give him the lost ships' crews, and whosoe'er + Is faint or feeble, to his charge consign, +Old men and sea-sick dames, who glory's quest decline. + +XCVIII. "Here let them rest, who care not for renown, + And build their walls, and, if our host assent, + Acesta from Acestes name the town." + Such counsel cheered him, but his breast is rent + With trouble, musing on the dark event. + And now black Night, upon her course midway, + With ebon car had climbed the steep ascent, + When, gliding down before him as he lay, +His father's phantom stood, and speaking, seemed to say: + +XCIX. "O dearer than the life, while life remained, + My son, by Troy's hard destinies sore tried, + Hither I come at Jove's command, who deigned + Thy burning ships to save, and pitying-eyed + Beholds thy sorrows. Hear then, nor deride + The grey-haired Nautes, for his words are good. + Choice youths, the bravest, for thy quest provide. + Stout hearts ye need in Italy, for rude +And rough the Latin race, and hard to be subdued. + +C. "But seek thou first the nether realms of Dis, + And through Avernus tread the dark domain + To meet me. Not in Tartarus' abyss, + Sad shades of sin and never-ending pain, + I dwell, but on the blest Elysian plain + Join with the just in fellowship. Now heed: + There the chaste Sibyl, if with victims slain, + Black sheep, ye seek her, shall thy footsteps lead, +And show thy destined walls and progeny decreed. + +CI. "And now farewell; for dewy Night midway + Wheels on her course, and from the Orient sky + Fierce beats the breathing of the steeds of Day." + He spake, and melted as a mist on high. + "Ah, whither," cried AEneas, "wilt thou fly? + Who tears thee hence? Where hurriest thou again?" + So saying, he wakes the embers ere they die. + And offering frankincense and sacred grain, +Troy's household gods adores, and hoary Vesta's fane. + +CII. Forthwith he tells Acestes, then the crews, + Jove's will, his father's counsel and his own. + All vote assent, nor doth his host refuse. + No tarrying now; they write the matrons down, + And all who faint or care not for renown + They leave behind,--the idlers of each crew, + But willing settlers in the new-planned town. + These the charred timbers and the thwarts renew, +Shape oars and fit the ropes; a gallant band, but few. + +CIII. AEneas with a ploughshare marks the town, + And, homes allotting, gives each place a name, + Here Troy, there Ilion. Pleased to wear the crown, + A forum good Acestes hastes to frame, + And laws to gathered senators proclaim. + Rear'd high on Eryx, to the stars ascends + A temple, to Idalian Venus' fame. + A priest Anchises' sepulchre attends, +A grove's far sacred shade his hallowed dust defends. + +CIV. The rites are paid, the nine-days' feast is o'er, + Smooth lies the deep, and Southern winds invite + The mariners. Along the winding shore + Loud rise the sounds of sorrow, day and night, + Where friends, clasped close in lingering undelight, + Weep at the thought of parting. Matrons, ay, + And men, who lately shuddered at the sight, + And loathed the name of Ocean, scorn to stay, +And willing hearts now brave the long, laborious way. + +CV. Kindly AEneas cheers them, and with tears + Leaves to their King, then, parting, gives command + A lamb to slay to tempest, and three steers + To Eryx. So they loosen from the land. + He on the prow, a charger in his hand, + Flings forth the entrails, and outpours the wine, + And, crowned with olive chaplet, takes his stand. + Up-springs the favouring stern breeze, as in line +With emulous sweep of oars, they brush the level brine. + +CVI. Then Venus, torn with anguish and desire, + Spake thus to Neptune, and her grief confessed: + "O Neptune, Juno's unrelenting ire, + The quenchless malice, that consumes her breast, + Constrains me thus to urge a suppliant's quest; + And stoop, with humbled majesty, to sue. + Her neither piety nor Jove's behest + Nor time, nor Fate can soften or subdue, +Still doth immortal hate the Phrygian race pursue. + +CVII. "'Tis not enough their city to destroy, + And wear their remnant with remorseless pain, + Needs must she trample on the dust of Troy. + She best, forsooth, her fury can explain. + But thou,--thou know'st how on the Libyan main,-- + Thine eyes beheld it from thy throne on high,-- + Lately she stirred the tumult, and in vain + Armed with AEolian tempests, sea and sky +Mixed in rebellious wrath, thy sceptre to defy. + +CVIII. "All this she ventured in thy realm; nay more, + Her rage hath filled the matrons, fired the fleet, + And left these crews upon an alien shore, + Reft of their friends, and baffled of retreat. + O spare this Trojan remnant, I entreat; + Safe in thy guidance let them sail the main, + And scatheless reach their promised walls, and greet + Laurentian Tiber and the Latian plain, +If what I ask be just, and so the Fates ordain." + +CIX. Then spake the Monarch of the deep: "'Tis just + To look for safety to my realm, that gave + Thee birth; and well have I deserved thy trust, + Who oft have stilled the raging wind and wave; + Nor less on land have interposed, to save-- + Xanthus and Simois I attest again-- + Thy darling son, when back Achilles drave + Troy's breathless host, and rivers, choked with slain, +Groaned, ay, and Xanthus scarce could struggle to the main. + +CX. "Then, as with adverse Gods and feebler power + He faced Pelides, in a cloud I caught + Thy favourite, albeit 'twas the hour + When, wroth with perjured Ilion, I sought + To raze the walls these very hands had wrought. + Fear not; unaltered doth my will remain. + Safe shall he be into this haven brought. + One, only one, for many shall be slain; +One in the deep thy son shall look for, but in vain." + +CXI. So saying, he soothed the Goddess, and in haste + His steeds with golden harness yoked amain. + The bridle and the foaming bit he placed, + To curb their fury, and outflung the rein. + Lightly he flies along the watery plain, + Borne in his azure chariot. Far and nigh + Beneath his thundering wheels the heaving main + Sinks, and the waves are tranquil, and on high +Through flying storm-drift shines the immeasurable sky. + +CXII. Behind him throng, in many a motley group, + His followers--monsters of enormous chine, + Sea-shouldering whales, and Glaucus' aged troop, + Paloemon, Ino's progeny divine, + Swift Tritons, born to gambol in the brine, + And Phorcus' finny legions. Melite, + And virgin Panopoea leftward shine, + Thetis, Nesaee, daughters of the sea, +Spio, Thalia fair, and bright Cymodoce. + +CXIII. Then o'er AEneas' spirit, racked with fear, + Joy stole in gentle counterchange. He hails + The crews, and biddeth them the masts uprear, + And stretch the sheets. All, tacking, loose the brails + Larboard or starboard, and let go the sails, + And square or sideways to the breeze incline + The lofty sailyards. Welcome blow the gales + Behind them. Palinurus leads the line; +The rest his course obey, and follow at his sign. + +CXIV. Damp Night well-nigh had climbed Olympus' crest; + Each slumbering mariner his limbs unbends, + Stretched by his oar, along the bench at rest, + When lo! false Sleep his feathery wings extends. + To guiltless Palinurus he descends, + Parting the scattered shadows. Down he bears + Delusive dreams, and cunning words pretends, + As now, in Phorbas' likeness he appears, +Perched on the lofty stern, and whispers in his ears: + +CXV. "Son of Iasus! see, the tide that flows + Bears thee along; behind thee breathes apace + The stern breeze, and the hour invites repose. + Rest now, and cheat thy wearied eyes a space, + Myself will take the rudder in thy place." + "Nay," quoth the pilot, with half-lifted eyes, + "Shall I put faith in ocean's treacherous face, + And trust AEneas to the flattering skies, +I, whom their smiles oft fooled, but folly hath made wise?" + +CXVI. So saying, he grasped the tiller, nor his hold + Relaxed, nor ever from the stars withdrew + His steadfast eyes, still watchful when behold! + A slumberous bough the god revealed to view, + Thrice dipt in Styx, and drenched with Lethe's dew. + Then, lightly sprinkling, o'er the pilot's brows + The drowsy dewdrops from the leaves he threw. + Dim grow his eyes; the languor of repose +Steals o'er his faltering sense, the lingering eyelids close. + +CXVII. Scarce now his limbs were loosened by the spell, + Down weighed the god, and in the rolling main + Dashed him headforemost, clutching, as he fell, + Stern timbers torn, and rudder rent in twain, + And calling oft his comrades, but in vain. + This done, his wings he balanced, and away + Soared skyward. Natheless o'er the broad sea-plain + The ships sail on; safe lies the watery way, +For Neptune's plighted words the seamen's cares allay. + +CXVIII. Now near the Sirens' perilous cliffs they draw, + White with men's bones, and hear the surf-beat side + Roar with hoarse thunder. Here the Sire, who saw + The ship was labouring, and had lost her guide, + Straight seized the helm, and steered her through the tide, + While, grieved in heart, with many a groan and sigh, + He mourned for Palinurus. "Ah," he cried, + "For faith reposed on flattering sea and sky, +Left on an unknown shore, thy naked corpse must lie!" + + + + +BOOK SIX + + +ARGUMENT + +Arrived at Cumae AEneas visits the Sibyl's shrine, and, after prayer +and sacrifice to Apollo, asks access to the nether-world to visit +his father (1-162). He must first pluck for Proserpine the golden +bough and bury a dead comrade (163-198). After the death and burial +of Misenus, AEneas finds and gathers the golden bough (199-261). +Preparation and Invocation (262-328). The start (329-333). The +"dreadful faces" that guard the outskirts of Hell. Charon's ferry +and the unburied dead (334-405). Palinurus approaches and entreats +burial. Passing by Charon and Cerberus, they see the phantoms of +suicides, of children, of lovers, and experience Dido's disdain +(406-559). From Greek and Trojan shades Deiphobus is singled out to +tell his story (560-644). The Sibyl hurries AEneas on past the +approach to Tartarus, describing by the way its rulers and its +horrors. Finally, they reach Elysium and gain entrance (645-757). +The search among the shades of the Blessed for Anchises, and the +meeting between father and son (758-828). Anchises explains the +mystery of the Transmigration of Souls, and the book closes with the +revelation to AEneas of the future greatness of Rome, whose heroes, +from the days of the kings to the times of Augustus, pass in +procession before him (829-1071). He is then dismissed through the +Ivory Gate, and sails on his way to Caieta (1072-1080). + + +I. Weeping he speaks, and gives his fleet the rein, + And glides at length to the Euboean strand + Of Cumae. There, with prows towards the main, + Safe-fastened by the biting anchors, stand + The vessels, and the round sterns line the land. + Forth on the shore, in eager haste to claim + Hesperia's welcome, leaps a youthful band. + These search the flint-stones for the seeds of flame, +Those point to new-found streams, or scour the woods for game. + +II. But good AEneas seeks the castled height + And temple, to the great Apollo dear, + And the vast cave where, hidden far from sight + Within her sanctuary dark and drear, + Dwells the dread Sibyl, whom the Delian seer + Inspires with soul and wisdom to unfold + The things to come.--So now, approaching near + Through Trivia's grove, the temple they behold, +And entering, see the roof all glittering with gold. + +III. Fame is, that Daedalus, adventuring forth + On rapid wings, from Minos' realms in flight, + Trusted the sky, and to the frosty North + Swam his strange way, till on the tower-girt height + Of Chalcis gently he essayed to light. + Here, touching first the wished-for land again, + To thee, great Phoebus, and thy guardian might, + He vowed, and bade as offerings to remain, +The oarage of his wings, and built a stately fane. + +IV. Androgeos' death is graven on the gate; + There stand the sons of Cecrops, doomed each year + With seven victims to atone his fate. + The lots are drawn; the fatal urn is near. + Here, o'er the deep the Gnossian fields appear, + The bull--the cruel passion--the embrace + Stol'n from Pasiphae--all the tale is here; + The Minotaur, half human, beast in face, +Record of nameless lust, and token of disgrace. + +V. There, toil-wrought house and labyrinthine grove, + With tangled maze, too intricate to tread, + But that, in pity for the queen's great love, + Its secret Daedalus revealed, and led + Her lover's blinded footsteps with a thread. + There, too, had sorrow not the wish denied, + Thy name and fame, poor Icarus, were read. + Twice in the gold to carve thy fate he tried, +And twice the father's hands dropped faltering to his side. + +VI. So they in gazing had the time beguiled, + But now, returning from his quest, comes near + Achates, with Deiphobe, the child + Of Glaucus, Phoebus' and Diana's seer. + "Not this," she cries, "the time for tarrying here + For shows like these. Go, hither bring with speed + Seven ewes, the choicest, and with each a steer + Unyoked, in honour of the God to bleed." +So to the Chief she spake, and straight his followers heed. + +VII. Into the lofty temple now with speed,-- + A huge cave hollowed in the mountain's side,-- + The priestess calls the Teucrians. Thither lead + A hundred doors, a hundred entries wide, + A hundred voices from the rock inside + Peal forth, the Sibyl answering. So they + Had reached the threshold, when the maiden cried, + "Now 'tis the time to seek the fates and pray; +Behold, behold the God!" and standing there, straightway, + +VIII. Her colour and her features change; loose streams + Her hair disordered, and her heart distrest + Swells with wild frenzy. Larger now she seems, + Her voice not mortal, as her heaving breast + Pants, with the approaching Deity possest. + "Pray, Trojan," peals her warning utterance, "pray! + Cease not, AEneas, nor withhold thy quest, + Nor stint thy vows. While dumbly ye delay, +Ne'er shall its yawning doors the spell-bound house display." + +IX. She ceased: at once an icy chill ran through + The sturdy Trojans. From his inmost heart + Thus prayed the King: "O Phoebus, wont to view + With pity Troy's sore travail; thou, whose art + True to Achilles aimed the Dardan dart, + How oft, thou guiding, have I tracked the main + Round mighty lands, to earth's remotest part + Massylian tribes and Libya's sandy plain: +Scarce now the flying shores of Italy we gain. + +X. "Enough, thus far Troy's destinies to bear, + Ye, too, at length, your anger may abate + And deign the race of Pergamus to spare, + O Gods and Goddesses, who viewed with hate + Troy and the glories of the Dardan state. + And thou, dread mistress of prophetic lore, + Grant us--I ask but what is due by Fate, + Our promised realms--that on the Latian shore +Troy's sons and wandering gods may find a home once more. + +XI. "To Phoebus then and Trivia's sacred name, + Thy patron powers, a temple will I rear + Of solid marble, and due rites proclaim + And festal days, for votaries each year + The name of guardian Phoebus to revere. + Thee, too, hereafter in our realms await + Shrines of the stateliest, for thy name is dear. + There safe shall rest the mystic words of Fate, +And chosen priests shall guard the oracles of state. + +XII. "Only to leaves commit not, priestess kind, + Thy verse, lest fragments of the mystic scroll + Fly, tost abroad, the playthings of the wind. + Thyself in song the oracle unroll." + He ceased; the seer, impatient of control, + Strives, like a frenzied Bacchant, in her cell, + To shake the mighty deity from her soul. + So much the more, her raging heart to quell, +He tires the foaming mouth, and shapes her to his spell. + +XIII. Then yawned the hundred gates, and every door, + Self-opening suddenly, revealed the fane, + And through the air the Sibyl's answer bore: + "O freed from Ocean's perils, but in vain, + Worse evils yet upon the land remain. + Doubt not; Troy's sons shall reach Lavinium's shore, + And rule in Latium; so the Fates ordain. + Yet shall they rue their coming. Woes in store, +Wars, savage wars, I see, and Tiber foam with gore. + +XIV. "A Xanthus there and Simois shall be seen, + And Doric tents; Achilles, goddess-born, + Shall rise anew, nor Jove's relentless Queen + Shall cease to vex the Teucrians night and morn. + Then oft shalt thou, sore straitened and forlorn, + All towns and tribes of Italy implore + To grant thee shelter from the foemen's scorn. + An alien bride, a foreign bed once more +Shall bring the old, old woes, the ancient feud restore. + +XV. "Yield not to evils, but the bolder thou + Persist, defiant of misfortune's frown, + And take the path thy Destinies allow. + Hope, where unlooked for, comes thy toils to crown, + Thy road to safety from a Grecian town." + So sang the Sibyl from her echoing fane, + And, wrapping truth in mystery, made known + The dark enigmas of her frenzied strain. +So Phoebus plied the goad, and shook the maddening rein. + +XVI. Soon ceased the fit, the foaming lips were still. + "O maiden," said AEneas, "me no more + Can danger startle, nor strange shape of ill. + All have I seen and throughly conned before. + One boon I beg,--since yonder are the door + Of Pluto, and the gloomy lakes, they tell, + Fed by o'erflowing Acheron,--once more + To see the father whom I loved so well. +Teach me the way, and ope the sacred gates of hell. + +XVII. "Him on these shoulders, in the days ago, + A thousand darts behind us, did I bear + Safe through the thickest of the flames and foe. + He, partner of my travels, loved to share + The threats of ocean and the storms of air, + Though weak, yet strong beyond the lot of age. + 'Twas he who bade me, with prevailing prayer, + Approach thee humbly, and thy care engage, +Pity the sire and son, and Trojan hearts assuage. + +XVIII. "For thou can'st all, nor Hecate for naught + Hath set thee o'er Avernus' groves to reign. + If Orpheus from the shades his bride up-brought, + Trusting his Thracian harp and sounding strain, + If Pollux could from Pluto's drear domain + His brother by alternate death reclaim, + And tread the road to Hades o'er again + Oft and so oft--why great Alcides name? +Why Theseus? I, as they, Jove's ancestry can claim." + +XIX. So prayed AEneas, clinging to the shrine, + When thus the prophetess: "O Trojan Knight, + Born of Anchises, and of seed divine, + Down to Avernus the descent is light, + The gate of Dis stands open day and night. + But upward thence thy journey to retrace, + There lies the labour; 'tis a task of might, + By few achieved, and those of heavenly race, +Whom shining worth extolled or Jove hath deigned to grace. + +XX. "Thick woods and shades the middle space invest, + And black Cocytus girds the drear abode. + Yet, if such passion hath thy soul possessed, + If so thou longest to indulge thy mood, + And madly twice to cross the Stygian flood, + And visit twice black Tartarus, mark the way + Sacred to nether Juno, in a wood, + With golden stem and foliage, lurks a spray, +And trees and darksome dales surrounding shroud the day. + +XXI. "Yet none the shades can visit, till he tear + That golden growth, the gift of Pluto's queen, + And show the passport she decreed to bear. + One plucked, another in its place is seen, + As bright and burgeoning with golden green. + Search then aloft, and when thou see'st the spray, + Reach forth and pluck it; willingly, I ween, + If Fate shall call thee, 'twill thy touch obey; +Else steel nor strength of arm shall rend the prize away. + +XXII. "Mark yet--alas! thou know'st not--yonder lies + Thy friend's dead body, and pollutes the shore. + While thou the Fates art asking to advise, + And lingering here, a suppliant, at our door. + Nay, first thy comrade to his home restore, + And build a tomb, and bring black cattle; they + The stain shall expiate; so the Stygian shore + Shalt thou behold, and tread the sunless way, +Which living feet ne'er trod, and mounted to the day." + +XXIII. She ended. From the cave AEneas went, + With down-dropt eyes and melancholy mien, + Inly revolving many a dark event. + Trusty Achates at his side is seen, + Moody alike, each measured step between + In musing converse framing phantasies, + What lifeless comrade could the priestess mean? + Whom to be buried? When before their eyes, +Stretched on the barren beach the dead Misenus lies, + +XXIV. Dead with dishonour, in unseemly plight, + Misenus, son of AEolus, whom beside + None better knew with brazen blast to light + The flames of war, and wake the warrior's pride. + Once Hector's co-mate, proud at Hector's side + To wind the clarion and the sword to wield. + When, stricken by Achilles, Hector died, + AEneas then he followed to the field, +Loth to a meaner lord his fealty to yield. + +XXV. Now while a challenge to the gods he blew, + And made the waves his hollow shell resound, + Him Triton, jealous--if the tale be true-- + Caught unaware, and in the surges drowned + Among the rocks.--There now the corpse they found. + Loud groaned AEneas, and a mournful cry + Rose from the Trojans, as they gazed around. + Then, filled with tears, the Sibyl's task they ply, +And rear a wood-built pile and altar to the sky. + +XXVI. Into a grove of aged trees they go, + The wild-beasts' lair. The holm-oak rings amain, + Smit with the axe, the pitchy pine falls low, + Sharp wedges cleave the beechen core in twain, + The mountain ash comes rolling to the plain. + Foremost himself, accoutred as the rest, + AEneas cheered them, toiling with his train; + Then, musing sadly, and with pensive breast, +Gazed on the boundless grove, and thus his prayer addressed: + +XXVII. "O in this grove could I behold the tree + With golden bough; since true, alas, too true, + Misenus, hath the priestess sung of thee!" + He spake, when, lighting on the sward, down flew + Two doves. With joy his mother's birds he knew, + "Lead on, blest guides, along the air," he prayed, + "If way there be, the precious bough to view, + Whose golden leaves the teeming soil o'ershade; +O mother, solve my doubts, nor stint the needed aid." + +XXVIII. So saying, he stays his footsteps, fain to heed + What signs they give, and whitherward their flight. + Awhile they fly, awhile they stop to feed, + Then, fluttering, keep within the range of sight, + Till, coming where Avernus, dark as night, + Gapes, with rank vapours from its depths uprolled, + Aloft they soar, and through the liquid height + Dart to the tree, where, wondrous to behold, +The varying green sets forth the glitter of the gold. + +XXIX. As in the woods, in winter's cold, is seen, + Sown on an alien tree, the mistletoe + To bloom afresh with foliage newly green, + And round the tapering boles its arms to throw, + Laden with yellow fruitage, even so + The oak's dark boughs the golden leaves display, + So the foil rustles in the breezes low. + Quickly AEneas plucks the lingering spray, +And to the Sibyl bears the welcome gift away. + +XXX. Nor less the dead Misenus they deplore, + And honours to the thankless dust assign. + A stately pyre they build upon the shore, + Rich with oak-timbers and the resinous pine, + And sombre foliage in the sides entwine. + In front, the cypress marks the fatal soil, + Above, they leave the warrior's arms to shine. + These heat the water, till the caldrons boil, +And wash the stiffened limbs, and fill the wounds with oil. + +XXXI. Loud is the wailing; then with many a tear + They lay him on the bed, and o'er him throw + His purple robes. These lift the massive bier; + Those, as of yore--sad ministry of woe-- + With eyes averted, hold the torch below. + Oil, spice and viands, in promiscuous heap, + They pour and pile upon the fire; and now, + The embers crumbling and the flames asleep, +With draughts of ruddy wine the thirsty ash they steep. + +XXXII. And Cornyaeus in a brazen urn + Enshrined the bones, upgathered in a caul, + And bearing round pure water, thrice in turn + From olive branch the lustral dew lets fall, + And, sprinkling, speaks the latest words of all. + A lofty mound AEneas hastes to frame, + Crowned with his oar and trumpet, 'neath a tall + And airy cliff, which still Misenus' name +Preserves, and ages keep his everlasting fame. + +XXXIII. This done, AEneas hastens to obey + The Sibyl's hest.--There was a monstrous cave, + Rough, shingly, yawning wide-mouthed to the day, + Sheltered from access by the lake's dark wave + And shadowing forests, gloomy as the grave. + O'er that dread space no flying thing could ply + Its wings unjeopardied (whence Grecians gave + The name "Aornos"), such a stench on high +Rose from the poisonous jaws, and filled the vaulted sky. + +XXXIV. Here four black oxen, as the maid divine + Commands them, forth to sacrifice are led. + Over their brows she pours the sacred wine, + Then plucks the hairs that sprouted on the head + And burns them, as the first-fruits to the dead, + Calling aloud on Hecate, whose reign + In Heaven and Erebus is owned with dread. + These stab the victims in the throat, and drain +In bowls the steaming blood that gushes from the slain. + +XXXV. A black-fleeced lamb AEneas slays, to please + The Furies' mother and her sister dread, + A barren cow to Proserpine decrees. + Then to the Stygian monarch of the dead + The midnight altars he began to spread. + The bulls' whole bodies on the flames he laid, + And fat oil on the broiling entrails shed, + When lo! as Morn her opening beams displayed, +Loud rumblings shook the ground, the wooded hill-tops swayed, + +XXXVI. And hell-dogs baying through the gloom, proclaimed + The Goddess near. "Back, back, unhallowed crew, + And quit the grove!" the prophetess exclaimed, + "Thou, bare thy blade, and take the road in view. + Now, Trojan, for a stalwart heart and true; + Firmness and steadiness!" No more she cried, + But back into the open cave withdrew, + Fired with new frenzy. He, with fearless stride, +Treads on the Sibyl's heels, rejoicing in his guide. + +XXXVII. O silent Shades, and ye, the powers of Hell, + Chaos and Phlegethon, wide realms of night, + What ear hath heard, permit the tongue to tell, + High matter, veiled in darkness, to indite.-- + On through the gloomy shade, in darkling plight, + Through Pluto's solitary halls they stray, + As travellers, whom the Moon's unkindly light + Baffles in woods, when, on a lonely way, +Jove shrouds the heavens, and night has turned the world to grey. + +XXXVIII. Before the threshold, in the jaws of Hell, + Grief spreads her pillow, with remorseful Care. + There sad Old Age and pale Diseases dwell, + And misconceiving Famine, Want and Fear, + Terrific shapes, and Death and Toil appear. + Death's kinsman, Sleep, and Joys of sinful kind, + And deadly War crouch opposite, and here + The Furies' iron chamber, Discord blind +And Strife, her viperous locks with gory fillets twined. + +XXXIX. High in the midst a giant elm doth fling + The shadows of its aged arms. There dwell + False Dreams and, nestling, to the foliage cling, + And monstrous shapes, too numerous to tell, + Keep covert, stabled in the porch of Hell. + The beast of Lerna, hissing in his ire, + Huge Centaurs, two-formed Scyllas, fierce and fell, + Briareus hundred-handed, Gorgons dire, +Harpies, the triple Shade, Chimaera fenced with fire. + +XL. At once AEneas, stirred by sudden fear, + Clutches his sword, and points the naked blade + To affront them. Then, but that the Heaven-taught seer + Warned him that each was but an empty shade, + A shapeless soul, vain onset he had made, + And slashed the shadows. So he checked his hand, + And past the gateway in the gloom they strayed + Through Tartarus to Acheron's dark strand, +Where thick the whirlpool boils, and voids the seething sand + +XLI. Into the deep Cocytus. Charon there, + Grim ferryman, stands sentry. Mean his guise, + His chin a wilderness of hoary hair, + And like a flaming furnace stare his eyes. + Hung in a loop around his shoulders lies + A filthy gaberdine. He trims the sail, + And, pole in hand, across the water plies + His steel-grey shallop with the corpses pale, +Old, but a god's old age has left him green and hale. + +XLII. There shoreward rushed a multitude, the shades + Of noble heroes, numbered with the dead, + Boys, husbands, mothers and unwedded maids, + Sons on the pile before their parents spread, + As leaves in number, which the trees have shed + When Autumn's frosts begin to chill the air, + Or birds, that from the wintry blasts have fled + And over seas to sunnier shores repair. +So thick the foremost stand, and, stretching hands of prayer, + +XLIII. Plead for a passage. Now the boatman stern + Takes these, now those, then thrusts the rest away, + And vainly for the distant bank they yearn. + Then spake AEneas, for with strange dismay + He viewed the tumult, "Prithee, maiden, say + What means this thronging to the river-side? + What seek the souls? Why separate, do they + Turn back, while others sweep the leaden tide? +Who parts the shades, what doom the difference can decide?" + +XLIV. Thereto in brief the aged priestess spake: + "Son of Anchises, and the god's true heir, + Thou see'st Cocytus and the Stygian lake, + By whose dread majesty no god will dare + His solemn oath attested to forswear. + These are the needy, who a burial crave; + The ferryman is Charon; they who fare + Across the flood, the buried; none that wave +Can traverse, ere his bones have rested in the grave. + +XLV. "A hundred years they wander in the cold + Around these shores, till at the destined date + The wished-for pools, admitted, they behold." + Sad stood AEneas, pitying their estate, + And, thoughtful, pondered their unequal fate. + Leucaspis there, and Lycia's chief he viewed, + Orontes, joyless, tombless, whom of late, + Sea-tost from Troy, the blustering South pursued, +And ship and crew at once whelmed in the rolling flood. + +XLVI. There paced in sorrow Palinurus' ghost, + Who, lately from the Libyan shore their guide, + Watching the stars, headforemost from his post + Had fallen, and perished in the wildering tide. + Him, known, but dimly in the gloom descried, + The Dardan hails, "O Palinurus! who + Of all the gods hath torn thee from our side? + Speak, for Apollo, never known untrue, +This once hath answered false, and mocked with hopes undue. + +XLVII. "Safe--so he sang--should'st thou escape the sea, + And scatheless to Ausonia's coast attain. + Lo, this, his plighted promise!"--"Nay," said he, + "Nor answered Phoebus' oracle in vain, + Nor did a god o'erwhelm me in the main. + For while I ruled the rudder, charged to keep + Our course, and steered thee o'er the billowy plain, + Sudden, I slipped, and, falling prone and steep, +Snapped with sheer force the helm, and dragged it to the deep. + +XLVIII. "Naught--let the rough seas witness--but for thee + I feared, lest rudderless, her pilot lost, + Your ship should fail in such a towering sea. + Three wintry nights, nipt with the chilling frost, + Upon the boundless waters I was tost, + And on the fourth dawn from a wave at last + Descried Italia. Slowly to her coast + I swam, and clutching at the rock, held fast, +Cumbered with dripping clothes, and deemed the worst o'erpast. + +XLIX. "When lo! the savage folk, with sword and stave, + Set on me, weening to have found rich prey. + And now my bones lie weltering on the wave, + Now on strange shores winds blow them far away. + O! by the memory of thy sire, I pray, + By young Iulus, and his hope so fair, + By heaven's sweet breath and light of gladsome day, + Relieve my misery, assuage my care, +Sail back to Velia's port, great conqueror, and there + +L. "Strew earth upon me, for the task is light; + Or, if thy goddess-mother deign to show + Some path--for never in the god's despite + O'er these dread waters would'st thou dare to go, + Thine aid in pity on a wretch bestow; + Reach forth thy hand, and bear me to my rest, + Dead with the dead to ease me of my woe." + He spake, and him the prophetess addressed: +"O Palinurus! whence so impious a request? + +LI. "Think'st thou the Stygian waters to explore + Unburied, and the Furies' flood to see, + And reach unbidden yon relentless shore? + Hope not by prayer to bend the Fates' decree, + But take this comfort to thy misery; + The neighbouring towns, and people far and near, + Compelled by prodigies, thy ghost shall free, + And load thy tomb with offerings year by year, +And Palinurus' name for aye the place shall bear." + +LII. These words relieved his heaviness; joy came + Upon his saddened spirit, pleased to hear + The well-known land remembered by his name. + Thus on they journey, and the stream draw near; + Whom when the Stygian boatman saw appear, + As shoreward through the silent grove they stray, + With stern rebuke he challenged them: "Beware; + Stand off; approach not, but your purpose say; +What brought you here, whoe'er ye come in armed array? + +LIII. "Here Shades inhabit,--Sleep and drowsy Night,-- + I may not steer the living to yon shore. + Small joy was mine, when, in the gods' despite, + Alive Alcides o'er the stream I bore, + And Theseus and Pirithous, though more + Than men in prowess, nor of mortal clay. + One tried to seize Hell's guardian, and before + Our monarch's throne to chain the trembling prey; +These from her lord's own bed to drag the queen to day." + +LIV. Briefly the seer Amphrysian spake again: + "No guile these arms intend, nor open fight; + Fear not; still may the monster in his den + With endless howl the bloodless ghosts affright, + And chaste Proserpine guard her uncle's right. + Duteous and brave, his father's shade to view, + Descends the famed AEneas; if the sight + Of love so great is powerless to subdue, +Mark this,"--and from her vest the fateful gift she drew. + +LV. Down fell his wrath: the venerable bough, + So long unseen, with wonderment he eyed; + Then, shoreward turning with his cold-blue prow, + From bench and gangway thrusts the shades aside, + And takes the great AEneas and his guide. + The stitched bark, groaning with the load it bore, + Gapes at each seam, and drinks the plenteous tide, + Till Prince and Prophetess, borne safely o'er, +Stand on the dank, grey ooze and grim, unsightly shore. + +LVI. Crouched in a fronting cave, huge Cerberus wakes + These kingdoms with his three-mouthed bark. His head + The priestess marked, all bristling now with snakes, + And flung a sop of honied drugs and bread. + He, famine-stung, with triple jaws dispread, + The morsel snaps, then prone along the cave + Lies stretched on earth, with loosened limbs, as dead. + The sentry lulled, AEneas, blithe and brave, +Seizes the pass, and leaves the irremeable wave. + +LVII. Loud shrieks are heard, and wails of the distrest, + The souls of babes, that on the threshold cry, + Reft of sweet life, and ravished from the breast, + And early plunged in bitter death. Hard by + Are those, whom slanderous charges doomed to die. + Not without judgment these abodes they win. + Here, urn in hand, dread Minos sits to try + The charge anew; he summons from within +The silent court, and learns each several life and sin. + +LVIII. And next are those, who, hateful of the day, + With guiltless hands their sorrowing lives have ta'en, + And miserably flung their souls away. + How gladly now, in upper air again, + Would they endure their poverty and pain! + It may not be. The Fates their doom decide + Past hope, and bind them to this sad domain. + Dark round them rolls the sea, unlovely tide; +Ninefold the waves of Styx those dreary realms divide. + +LIX. Not far off stretch the Mourning Meads, where those + Whom cruel Love hath wasted with despair, + In myrtle groves and alleys hide their woes, + Nor Death itself relieves them of their care. + Lo, Phaedra, Procris, Eriphyle there, + Baring the breast by filial hands imbrued, + Evadne, and Pasiphae, and fair + Laodamia in the crowd he viewed, +And Caeneus, maid, then man, and now a maid renewed. + +LX. There through the wood Phoenician Dido strayed, + Fresh from her wound. Whom when AEneas knew, + Scarce seen, though near, amid the doubtful shade, + As one who views, or only seems to view, + The clouded moon rise when the month is new, + Fondly he spake, while tears were in his eye: + "Ah, hapless Dido! then the news was true + That thou had'st sought the bitter end. Was I, +Alas! the cause of death? O by the starry sky, + +LXI. "By Gods above, by faith, if aught, below, + Unwillingly, O Queen, I left thy sight. + The Gods, at whose compulsion now I go + Through these dark Shades, this realm of deepest Night, + These wastes of squalor, 'twas their word of might + That drove me forth; nor could I dream such woe + Was thine at my departing. Stay thy flight. + Whom dost thou fly? O, whither wilt thou go? +One word--the last, sad word--one parting look bestow!" + +LXII. So strove AEneas, weeping, to appease + Her wrathful spirit. She, with down-fixt eyes + Turns from him, scowling, heedless of his pleas, + And hard as flint or marble, nor replies. + Then, starting, to the shadowy grove she flies, + Where dead Sychaeus, her old lord, renews + His love with hers, and sorrows with her sighs. + Touched by her fate, the Dardan hero views, +And far with tearful gaze the melting shade pursues. + +LXIII. Thus onward to the furthest fields they strayed, + The haunts of heroes here doth Tydeus fare, + Parthenopaeus, pale Adrastus' shade. + And many a Dardan, wailed in upper air, + And fallen in war. Sighing, he sees them there, + Glaucus, Thersilochus and Medon slain, + Antenor's sons, three brethren past compare, + And Polyphoetes, priest of Ceres' fane, +And brave Idaeus, still grasping the sword and rein. + +LXIV. All throng around, nor rest content to claim + One look, but linger with delight, and fain + Would pace beside, and question why he came. + But when the Greeks and Agamemnon's train + Beheld the hero, and his arms shone plain, + Huge terror shook them, and some turned to fly, + As erst they scattered to their ships; some strain + Their husky voice, and raise a feeble cry. +The warshout mocks their throats, the gibbering accents die. + +LXV. There, too, he sees great Priam's son, the famed + Deiphobus, in evil plight forlorn; + A mangled shape, his visage marred and maimed. + His ravaged face the ruthless steel had torn,-- + Face, nose and ears--and both his hands were shorn. + Him, cowering back, and striving to disown + The shameful tokens of his foemen's scorn, + Scarcely AEneas knew, then, soon as known, +Thus, unaccosted, hailed in old, familiar tone: + +LXVI. "O brave Deiphobus, great Teucer's seed! + Whose heart had will, whose cruel hand had might + To wreak such punishment? Fame told, indeed, + That, tired with slaughter, thou had'st sunk that night + On heaps of mingled carnage in the fight. + Then on the shore I reared an empty mound, + And called (thy name and armour mark the site) + Thy shade. Thyself, dear comrade, ne'er was found. +Vain was my parting wish to lay thee in the ground." + +LXVII. "Not thine the fault"; Deiphobus replied, + "Thy debt is rendered; thou hast dealt aright. + Fate, and the baseness of a Spartan bride + Wrought this; behold the tokens of her spite. + Thou know'st--too well must thou recall--that night + Passed in vain pleasure and delusive joy, + What time the fierce Steed, with a bound of might, + Big with armed warriors, eager to destroy, +Leaped o'er the wall, and scaled the citadel of Troy. + +LXVIII. "Feigning mock orgies, round the town she led + Troy's dames, with shrieks that rent the midnight air, + And, armed with blazing cresset, at their head + Bright from the watch-tower made the signal flare, + That called the Danaan foemen from their lair. + I, sunk in sleep, the fatal couch had pressed, + Worn out with watching, and weighed down with care, + And, calm and deep, Death's image, gentle Rest +Crept o'er the wearied limbs, and stilled the troubled breast. + +LXIX. "Meanwhile, all arms the traitress, as I slept, + Stole from the house, and from beneath my head + She took the trusty falchion, that I kept + To guard the chamber and the bridal bed. + Then, creeping to the door, with stealthy tread, + She lifts the latch, and beckons from within + To Menelaus; so, forsooth, she fled + In hopes a lover's gratitude to win, +And from the past wipe out the scandal of old sin. + +LXX. "O noble wife! But why the tale prolong? + Few words were best; my chamber they invade, + They and Ulysses, counsellor of wrong. + Heaven! be these horrors on the Greeks repaid, + If pious lips for just revenge have prayed. + But thou, make answer, and in turn explain + What brought thee, living, to these realms of shade? + By heaven's command, or wandering o'er the main, +Com'st thou to view these shores, this sunless, sad domain?" + +LXXI. So they in converse haply had the day + Consumed, when, rosy-charioted, the Morn + O'erpassed mid heaven on her ethereal way, + And thus the Sibyl doth the Dardan warn: + "Night lowers apace; we linger but to mourn. + Here part the roads; beyond the walls of Dis + _There_ lies for us Elysium; leftward borne + Thou comest to Tartarus, in whose drear abyss +Poor sinners purge with pains the lives they lived amiss." + +LXXII. "Spare, priestess," cried Deiphobus, "thy wrath; + I will depart, and fill the tale, and hide + In darkness. Thou, with happier fates, go forth, + Our glory."--Sudden, from the Dardan's side + He fled. Back looked AEneas, and espied + Broad bastions, girt with triple wall, that frowned + Beneath a rock to leftward, and the tide + Of torrent Phlegethon, that flamed around, +And made the beaten rocks rebellow with the sound. + +LXXIII. In front, a massive gateway threats the sky, + And posts of solid adamant upstay + An iron tower, firm-planted to defy + All force, divine or human. Night and day, + Sleepless Tisiphone defends the way, + Girt up with bloody garments. From within + Loud groans are heard, and wailings of dismay, + The whistling scourge, the fetter's clank and din, +Shrieks, as of tortured fiends, and all the sounds of sin. + +LXXIV. Aghast, AEneas listens to the cries. + "O maid," he asks, "what crimes are theirs? What pain + Do they endure? what wailings rend the skies?" + Then she: "Famed Trojan, this accursed domain + None chaste may enter; so the Fates ordain. + Great Hecate herself, when here below + She made me guardian of Avernus' reign, + Led me through all the region, fain to show +The tortures of the gods, the various forms of woe. + +LXXV. "Here Cretan Rhadamanthus, strict and stern, + His kingdom holds. Each trespass, now confessed, + He hears and punishes; each tells in turn + The sin, with idle triumph long suppressed, + Till death has bared the secrets of the breast. + Swift at the guilty, as he stands and quakes, + Leaps fierce Tisiphone, for vengeance prest, + And calls her sisters; o'er the wretch she shakes +The torturing scourge aloft, and waves the twisted snakes. + +LXXVI. "Then, opening slow, on horrid hinges grate + The doors accursed. See'st thou what sentinel + Sits in the porch? What presence guards the gate? + Know, that within, still fiercer and more fell, + Wide-yawning with her fifty throats, doth dwell + A Hydra. Tartarus itself, hard by, + Abrupt and sheer, beneath the ghosts in Hell, + Gapes twice as deep, as o'er the earth on high +Towers up the Olympian steep, the summit of the sky. + +LXXVII. "There roll the Titans, born of ancient Earth, + Hurled to the bottom by the lightning's blast. + There lie--twin monsters of enormous girth-- + Aloeus' sons, who 'gainst Olympus cast + Their impious hands, and strove with daring vast + To disenthrone the Thunderer. There, again, + The famed Salmoneus I beheld, laid fast + In cruel agonies of endless pain, +Who sought the flames of Jove with mimic art to feign, + +LXXVIII. "And mocked Olympian thunder. Torch in hand, + Drawn by four steeds, through Elis' streets he came, + A conqueror, borne in triumph through the land. + And, waving high the firebrand, dared to claim + The God's own homage and a godlike name. + Blind fool and vain! to think with brazen clash + And hollow tramp of horn-hoofed steeds, to frame + The dread Storm's counterfeit, the thunder's crash, +The matchless bolts of Jove, the inimitable flash. + +LXXIX. "But lo! his bolt, no smoky torch of pine, + The Sire omnipotent through darkness sped, + And hurled him headlong with the blast divine. + There, too, lay Tityos, nine roods outspread, + Nursling of earth. Hook-beaked, a vulture dread, + Pecking the deathless liver, plied his quest, + And probed the entrails and the heart, that bred + Immortal pain, and burrowed in his breast. +The torturing growth goes on, the fibres never rest. + +LXXX. "Why now those ancient Lapithae recall, + Ixion and Pirithous? There in sight + The black rock frowns, and ever threats to fall. + On golden pillars shine the couches bright, + And royal feasts their longing eyes invite. + But lo, the eldest of the Furies' band + Sits by, and oft uprising in her might, + Warns from the banquet, with uplifted hand, +And thunders in their ears, and waves a flaming brand. + +LXXXI. "Those, who with hate a brother's love repaid, + Or drove a parent outcast from their door, + Or, weaving fraud, their client's trust betrayed; + Those, who--the most in number--brooded o'er + Their gold, nor gave to kinsmen of their store; + Those, who for foul adultery were slain, + Who followed treason's banner, or forswore + Their plighted oath to masters, here remain, +And, pent in dungeons deep, await their doom of pain. + +LXXXII. "Ask not what pain; what fortune or what fate + O'erwhelmed them, nor their torments seek to know. + These roll uphill a rock's enormous weight, + Those, hung on wheels, are racked with endless woe. + There, too, for ever, as the ages flow, + Sad Theseus sits, and through the darkness cries + Unhappy Phlegyas to the shades below, + 'Learn to be good; take warning and be wise; +Learn to revere the gods, nor heaven's commands despise.' + +LXXXIII. "There stands the traitor, who his country sold, + A tyrant's bondage for his land prepared; + Made laws, unmade them, for a bribe of gold. + With lawless lust a daughter's shame he shared; + All dared huge crimes, and compassed what they dared. + Ne'er had a hundred mouths, if such were mine, + Nor hundred tongues their endless sins declared, + Nor iron voice their torments could define, +Or tell what doom to each the avenging gods assign. + +LXXXIV. "But haste we," adds the Sibyl; "onward hold + The way before thee, and thy task pursue. + Forged in the Cyclops' furnaces, behold + Yon walls and fronting archway, full in view. + Leave there thy gift and pay the God his due." + She spake, and thither through the dark they paced, + And reached the gateway. He, with lustral dew + Self-sprinkled, seized the entrance, and in haste +High o'er the fronting door the fateful offering placed. + +LXXXV. These dues performed, they reach the realms of rest, + Fortunate groves, where happy souls repair, + And lawns of green, the dwellings of the blest. + A purple light, a more abundant air + Invest the meadows. Sun and stars are there, + Known but to them. There rival athletes train + Their practised limbs, and feats of strength compare. + These run and wrestle on the sandy plain, +Those tread the measured dance, and join the song's sweet strain. + +LXXXVI. In flowing robes the Thracian minstrel sings, + Sweetly responsive to the seven-toned lyre; + Fingers and quill alternate wakes the strings. + Here Teucer's race, and many an ancient sire, + Chieftains of nobler days and martial fire, + Ilus, high-souled Assaracus, and he + Who founded Troy, the rapturous strains admire, + And arms afar and shadowy cars they see, +And lances fixt in earth, and coursers grazing free. + +LXXXVII. The love of arms and chariots, the care + Their glossy steeds to pasture and to train, + That pleased them living, still attends them there: + These, stretched at ease, lie feasting on the plain; + There, choral companies, in gladsome strain, + Chant the loud Paean, in a grove of bay, + Rich in sweet scents, whence hurrying to the main, + Eridanus' full torrent on its way +Rolls from below through woods majestic to the day. + +LXXXVIII. There, the slain patriot, and the spotless sage, + And pious poets, worthy of the God; + There he, whose arts improved a rugged age, + And those who, labouring for their country's good, + Lived long-remembered,--all, in eager mood, + Crowned with white fillets, round the Sibyl pressed; + Chiefly Musaeus; in the midst he stood, + With ample shoulders towering o'er the rest, +When thus the listening crowd the prophetess addressed: + +LXXXIX. "Tell, happy souls; and thou, great poet, tell + Where--in what place--Anchises doth abide, + For whom we came and crossed the streams of Hell." + Briefly the venerable chief replied: + "Fixt home hath no one; by the streamlet's side, + Or in dark groves, or dewy meads we stray, + Where living waters through the pastures glide. + Mount, if ye list, and I will point the way, +Yon summit, and beneath the shining fields survey." + +XC. Thus on he leads them, till they leave the height, + Rejoicing.--In a valley far away + The sire Anchises scanned, with fond delight, + The prisoned souls, who waited for the day. + Their shape, their mien his studious eyes survey; + Their fates and fortunes he reviews with pride, + And counts his future offspring in array. + Now, when his son advancing he espied, +Aloud, with tearful eyes and outspread hands, he cried: + +XCI. "Art thou, then, come at last? Has filial love, + Thrice welcome, braved the perils of the way? + O joy! do I behold thee? hear thee move + Sweet converse as of old? 'Tis come, the day + I longed and looked for, pondering the delay, + And counting every moment, nor in vain. + How tost with perils do I greet thee? yea, + What wanderings thine on every land and main! +What dangers did I dread from Libya's tempting reign!" + +XCII. "Father, 'twas thy sad image," he replied, + "Oft-haunting, drove me to this distant place. + Our navy floats on the Tyrrhenian tide. + Give me thy hand, nor shun a son's embrace." + So spake the son, and o'er his cheeks apace + Rolled down soft tears, of sadness and delight. + Thrice he essayed the phantom to embrace; + Thrice, vainly clasped, it melted from his sight, +Swift as the winged wind, or vision of the night. + +XCIII. Meanwhile he views, deep-bosomed in a dale, + A grove, and brakes that rustle in the breeze, + And Lethe, gliding through the peaceful vale. + Peoples and tribes, all hovering round, he sees, + Unnumbered, as in summer heat the bees + Hum round the flowerets of the field, to drain + The fair, white lilies of their sweets; so these + Swarm numberless, and ever and again +The gibbering ghosts disperse, and murmur o'er the plain. + +XCIV. Awe-struck, AEneas would the cause enquire: + What streams are yonder? what the crowd so great, + That filled the river's margin? Then the Sire + Anchises answered: "They are souls, that wait + For other bodies, promised them by Fate. + Now, by the banks of Lethe here below, + They lose the memory of their former state, + And from the silent waters, as they flow, +Drink the oblivious draught, and all their cares forego. + +XCV. "Long have I wished to show thee, face to face, + Italia's sons, that thou might'st joy with me + To hail the new-found country of our race." + "Oh father!" said AEneas, "can it be, + That souls sublime, so happy and so free, + Can yearn for fleshly tenements again? + So madly long they for the light?" Then he: + "Learn, son, and listen, nor in doubt remain." +And thus in ordered speech the mystery made plain: + +XCVI. "First, Heaven and Earth and Ocean's liquid plains, + The Moon's bright globe and planets of the pole, + One mind, infused through every part, sustains; + One universal, animating soul + Quickens, unites and mingles with the whole. + Hence man proceeds, and beasts, and birds of air, + And monsters that in marble ocean roll; + And fiery energy divine they share, +Save what corruption clogs, and earthly limbs impair. + +XCVII. "Hence Fear and Sorrow, hence Desire and Mirth; + Nor can the soul, in darkness and in chains, + Assert the skies, and claim celestial birth. + Nay, after death, the traces it retains + Of fleshly grossness, and corporeal stains, + Since much must needs by long concretion grow + Inherent. Therefore are they racked with pains, + And schooled in all the discipline of woe; +Each pays for ancient sin with punishment below. + +XCVIII. "Some hang before the viewless winds to bleach; + Some purge in fire or flood the deep decay + And taint of wickedness. We suffer each + Our ghostly penance; thence, the few who may, + Seek the bright meadows of Elysian day, + Till long, long years, when our allotted time + Hath run its orbit, wear the stains away, + And leave the aetherial sense, and spark sublime, +Cleansed from the dross of earth, and cankering rust of crime. + +XCIX. "These, when a thousand rolling years are o'er, + Called by the God, to Lethe's waves repair; + There, reft of memory, to yearn once more + For mortal bodies and the upper air." + So spake Anchises, and the priestess fair + Leads, with his son, the murmuring shades among, + Where thickest crowd the multitude, and there + They mount a hillock, and survey the throng, +And scan the pale procession, as it winds along. + +C. "Come, now, and hearken to the Dardan's fame, + What noble grandsons shall Italia grace, + Proud spirits, heirs of our illustrious name, + And learn the fates and future of thy race. + See yon fair youth, now leaning--mark his face-- + Upon a pointless spear, by lot decreed + To stand the nearest to the light in place, + He first shall rise, of mixt Italian breed, +Silvius, an Alban name, the youngest of thy seed. + +CI. "Him, latest offspring of thy days' decline, + Thy spouse Lavinia in the woods shall rear, + The kingly parent of a kingly line, + The lords of Alba Longa. Procas, dear + To Trojans, Capys, Numitor are here, + And he, whose surname shall revive thine own. + Silvius AEneas, like his great compeer + Alike for piety and arms well known, +If e'er, by Fate's decree, he mount the Alban throne. + +CII. "What youths! what strength! what promise of renown! + Behold the wreaths of civic oak they wear. + First founders these of many a glorious town, + Nomentum, Gabii and Fidenae fair; + They on the mountain pinnacles shall rear + Collatia's fortress, and Pometii found, + The camp of Inuus, which foemen fear, + Bola and Cora, names to be renowned, +Albeit inglorious now, for nameless is the ground. + +CIII. "See Romulus, beside his grandsire's shade, + Offspring of Mars and Ilia, and the line + Of old Assaracus. See there displayed, + The double crest upon his helm, the sign, + Stamped by his sire, to mark his birth divine. + Henceforth, beneath his auspices, shall rise + That Rome, whose glories through the world shall shine; + Far as wide earth's remotest boundary lies, +Her empire shall extend her genius to the skies. + +CIV. "Seven hills her single rampart shall embrace, + Seven citadels her girdling wall contain, + Thrice blest, beyond all cities, in a race + Of heroes, destined to adorn her reign. + So, with a hundred grandsons in her train, + Thrice blest, the Mother of the Gods, whose shrine + Is Berecynthus, rides the Phrygian plain, + Tower-crowned, the queen of an immortal line, +All habitants of heaven, and all of seed divine. + +CV. "See now thy Romans; thither bend thine eyes, + And Caesar and Iulus' race behold, + Waiting their destined advent to the skies. + This, this is he--long promised, oft foretold-- + Augustus Caesar. He the Age of Gold, + God-born himself, in Latium shall restore, + And rule the land, that Saturn ruled of old, + And spread afar his empire and his power +To Garamantian tribes, and India's distant shore. + +CVI. "Beyond the planets his dominions lie, + Beyond the solar circuit of the year, + Where Atlas bears the starry-spangled sky. + E'en now the realms of Caspia shuddering hear + His coming, made by oracles too clear. + E'en now Maeotia trembles at his tread, + And Nile's seven mouths are troubled, as in fear + She shrinks reluctant to the deep, such dread +Hath seized the wondering world, so far his fame hath spread. + +CVII. "So much of earth not Hercules of yore + O'erpassed, though he the brass-hoofed hind laid low, + And forth from Erymanthus drove the boar, + And startled Lerna's forest with his bow; + Nor he, the Wine-God, who in conquering show, + With vine-wreathed reins, and tigers to his car, + Rides down from Nysa to the plains below. + And doubt we then to celebrate so far +Our prowess, and shall fear Ausonian fields debar? + +CVIII. "But see, who, crowned with olive wreath, doth bring + The sacred vessels? By his long, grey hair + And grizzled beard I know the Roman King, + Whom Fate from lowly Cures calls to bear + The mighty burden of an empire's care, + In peace the fabric of our laws to frame. + Now, Tullus comes, new triumphs to prepare, + And wake the folk to arm from idlesse fame, +And Ancus courts e'en now the popular acclaim. + +CIX. "Would'st thou behold the Tarquins? Yonder stands + Great Brutus, the Avenger, proud to tear + The people's fasces from the tyrant's hands. + First Consul, he the dreaded axe shall bear, + The patriot-father, who for freedom fair + Shall call his own rebellious sons to bleed. + O noble soul, but hapless! Howso'er + Succeeding ages shall record the deed. +'Tis country's love prevails, and glory's quenchless greed. + +CX. "Lo, there the Drusi and the Decii stand, + And stern Torquatus with his axe, and lo! + Camilius brings in triumph to his land + The Roman standards, rescued from the foe. + See, too, yon pair, well-matched in equal show + Of radiant arms, and, while obscured in night, + Firm knit in friendly fellowship; but oh! + How dire the feud, what hosts shall arm for fight, +What streams of carnage flow, if e'er they reach the light! + +CXI. "Here from Monoecus and the Alps descends + The father; there, with Easterns in array, + The daughter's husband. O my sons! be friends; + Cease from the strife; forbear the unnatural fray, + Nor turn Rome's prowess to her own decay; + And thou, the foremost of our blood, be first + To fling the arms of civic strife away, + And cease for lawless victories to thirst, +Thou of Olympian birth, and sheath the sword, accurst. + +CXII. "See who from Corinth doth his march pursue, + Decked with the spoils of many a Grecian foe. + His car shall climb the Capitol. See, too, + The man who lofty Argos shall o'erthrow, + And lay the walls of Agamemnon low, + And great AEacides himself destroy, + Sprung from Achilles, to requite the woe + Wrought on old Ilion, and avenge with joy +Minerva's outraged fane, and slaughtered sires of Troy. + +CXIII. "Shalt thou, great Cato, unextolled remain? + Cossus? the Gracchi? or the Scipios, ye + Twin thunderbolts of battle, and the bane + Of Libya? Who would fail to tell of thee, + Fabricius, potent in thy poverty? + Or thee, Serranus, scattering the seed? + O spare my breath, ye Fabii; thou art he + Called Maximus, their Greatest thou indeed, +Sole saviour, whose delay averts the hour of need. + +CXIV. "Others, no doubt, from breathing bronze shall draw + More softness, and a living face devise + From marble, plead their causes at the law + More deftly, trace the motions of the skies + With learned rod, and tell the stars that rise. + Thou, Roman, rule, and o'er the world proclaim + The ways of peace. Be these thy victories, + To spare the vanquished and the proud to tame. +These are imperial arts, and worthy of thy name." + +CXV. He paused; and while they pondered in amaze, + "Behold," he cried "Marcellus, see him stride, + Proud of the spoils that tell a nation's praise. + See how he towers, with all a conqueror's pride. + His arm shall stem the tumult and the tide + Of foreign hordes, and save the land from stain. + 'Tis he shall crush the rebel Gaul, and ride + Through Punic ranks, and in Quirinus' fane +Hang up the thrice-won spoils, in triumph for the slain." + +CXVI. Then thus AEneas spoke, for, passing by, + He saw a comely youth, in bright array + Of glittering arms; yet downcast was his eye, + Joyless and damp his face; "O father, say, + Who companies the hero on his way? + His son? or scion of his stock renowned? + What peerless excellence his looks display! + What stir, what whispers in the crowd around! +But gloomy Night's sad shades his youthful brows surround." + +CXVII. Weeping, the Sire: "Seek not, my son, to weigh + Thy children's mighty sorrow. Him shall Fate + Just show to earth, but suffer not to stay. + Too potent Heaven had deemed the Roman state, + Were gifts like this as permanent as great. + Ah! what laments, what groanings of the brave + Shall fill the field of Mars! What funeral state + Shall Tiber see, as past the recent grave +Slowly and sad he winds his melancholy wave! + +CXVIII. "No Trojan youth of such illustrious worth + Shall raise the hopes of Latin sires so high. + Ne'er shall the land of Romulus henceforth + Look on a fosterling with prouder eye. + O filial love! O faith of days gone by! + O hand unconquered! None had hoped to bide + Unscathed his onset, nor his arm defy, + When, foot to foot, the murderous sword he plied, +Or dug with iron heel his foaming charger's side. + +CXIX. "Ah! child of tears! can'st thou again be free + And burst Fate's cruel bondage, Rome shall know + Her own Marcellus, reappeared in thee. + Go, fill your hands with lilies; let me strow + The purple blossoms where he lies below. + These gifts, at least, in sorrow will I lay, + To grace my kinsman's spirit, thus--but oh! + Alas, how vainly!--to the thankless clay +These unavailing dues, these empty offerings pay." + +CXX. Twain are the gates of Sleep; one framed, 'tis said, + Of horn, which easy exit doth invite + For real shades to issue from the dead. + One with the gleam of polished ivory bright, + Whence only lying visions leave the night. + Through this Anchises, talking by the way, + Sends forth the son and Sibyl to the light. + Back hastes AEneas to his friends, and they +Straight to Caieta steer, and anchor in her bay. + + + + +BOOK SEVEN + + +ARGUMENT + +Passing Caieta and Circeii, AEneas sails up the Tiber (1-45). Virgil +pauses to enumerate the old rulers of Latium and to describe the state +of the country at the coming of AEneas. Latinus is King. Oracles have +foretold that by marriage with an alien his only daughter is to become +the mother of an imperial line. Fresh signs and wonders enforce the +prophecy (46-126). The Trojans eat their tables (127-171). An +embassage is sent to the Latin capital, and after conference Latinus +offers peace to the Trojans and to AEneas his daughter's hand +(172-342). Juno, the evil genius of Troy, again intervenes and +summons to her aid the demon Alecto (341-410), who excites first +Amata then Turnus against the proposed peace, and finally (411-576) +provokes a pitched battle between Trojans and Latins (577-648). +Alecto is scornfully dismissed by Juno, who causes war to be formally +declared (649-747). The war-fever in Italy. Catalogue of the leaders +and nations that gather to destroy AEneas, chief among them being +Turnus and Camilla (748-981). + + +I. Thou too, Caieta, dying, to our shore, + AEneas' nurse, hast given a deathless fame, + E'en now thine honour guards it, as of yore, + Still doth thy tomb in great Hesperia frame + Glory--if that be glory--for thy name. + Here good AEneas paid his dues aright, + And raised a mound, and now, as evening came, + Sails forth; the faint winds whisper to the night; +Clear shines the Moon, and tips the trembling waves with light. + +II. They skirt the coast, where Circe, maiden bright, + The Sun's rich daughter, wakes with melodies + The groves that none may enter. There each night, + As nimbly through the slender warp she plies + The whistling shuttle, through her chambers rise + The flames of odorous cedar. Thence the roar + Of lions, raging at their chains, the cries + Of bears close-caged, and many a bristly boar, +The yells of monstrous wolves at midnight fill the shore. + +III. All these with potent herbs the cruel queen + Had stripped of man's similitude, to wear + A brutal figure, and a bestial mien. + But kindly Neptune, with protecting care, + And loth to see the pious Trojans bear + A doom so vile, such prodigies as these, + Lest, borne perchance into the bay, they near + The baneful shore, fills out with favouring breeze +The sails, and speeds their flight across the boiling seas. + +IV. Now blushed the deep beneath the dawning ray, + And in her rosy chariot borne on high, + Aurora, bright with saffron, brought the day. + Down drop the winds, the Zephyrs cease to sigh, + And not a breath is stirring in the sky, + And not a ripple on the marble seas, + As heavily the toiling oars they ply. + When near him from the deep AEneas sees +A mighty grove outspread, a forest thick with trees. + +V. And in the midst of that delightful grove + Fair-flowing Tiber, eddying swift and strong, + Breaks to the main. Around them and above, + Gay-plumaged fowl, that to the stream belong, + And love the channel and the banks to throng, + Now skim the flood, now fly from bough to bough, + And charm the air with their melodious song. + Shoreward AEneas bids them turn the prow, +And up the shady stream with joyous hearts they row. + +VI. Say, Erato, how Latium fared of yore, + What deeds were wrought, what rulers lived and died, + When strangers landed on Ausonia's shore, + And trace the rising of the war's dark tide. + Fierce feuds I sing--O Goddess, be my guide,-- + Tyrrhenian hosts, the battle's armed array, + Proud kings who fought and perished in their pride, + And all Hesperia gathered to the fray, +A larger theme unfolds, and loftier is the lay. + +VII. Long had Latinus ruled the peaceful state. + A nymph, Marica, of Laurentian breed, + Bore him to Faunus, who, as tales relate, + Derived through Picus his Saturnian seed. + No son was left Latinus to succeed, + His boy had died ere manhood; one alone + Remained, a daughter, so the Fates decreed, + To mind his palace and to heir his throne +Ripe now for marriage rites, to nuptial age full-grown. + +VIII. Full many a prince from Latium far and wide, + And all Ausonia had essayed in vain + To win the fair Lavinia for his bride. + Her suitor now, the comeliest of the train, + Was Turnus, sprung from an illustrious strain. + Fair seemed his suit, for kindly was the maid, + And dearly the queen loved him, and was fain + His hopes to further, but the Fates gainsayed, +And boding signs from Heaven the purposed match delayed. + +IX. Deep in the inmost palace, long rever'd, + There stood an ancient laurel. 'Twas the same + That sire Latinus, when the walls he reared, + Found there, and vowed to Phoebus, and the name + "Laurentines" thence his settlers taught to claim. + Here suddenly--behold a wondrous thing!-- + Borne with loud buzzing through the air, down came + A swarm of bees. Around the top they cling, +And from a leafy branch in linked clusters swing. + +X. "Behold, from yon same quarter," cried a seer, + "A stranger! see their swarming hosts conspire + To lord it o'er Laurentum; see them near." + He spake, but lo! while, standing by her sire, + The chaste Lavinia feeds the sacred fire, + The flames, O horror! on her locks lay hold: + Her beauteous head-dress and her rich attire, + Her hair, her coronal of gems and gold +Blaze, and the crackling flames her regal robe enfold. + +XI. Wrapt, so it seemed, in clouds of smoke, but bright + With yellow flames, through all the house she fled, + Scattering a shower of sparkles. Sore affright + And wonder seized them, as the seer with dread + Explained the vision; 'twas a sign, he said, + That bright and glorious in the rolls of Fate + Her fame should flourish and her name be spread, + But dark should lour the fortunes of the state, +Whelmed in a mighty war and sunk in evil strait. + +XII. Forth hastes Latinus, by these sights distressed, + To Faunus' oracle, his sire renowned, + And seeks the grove, beneath Albunea's crest, + And sacred spring, which, echoing from the ground, + Leaps up and flings its sulphurous fumes around. + Here, craving counsel when in doubtful plight, + Italians and OEnotria's tribes are found. + Here, when the priest, his offerings paid aright, +On skins of slaughtered beasts, in stillness of the night, + +XIII. Lies down to sleep, in visions he beholds + Weird shapes, and many a wondrous voice doth hear, + And, borne in spirit to Avernus, holds + Deep converse there with Acheron. 'Twas here + Latinus sought for answer from the seer. + A hundred ewes, obedient to the rite, + He slew, then rested, with expectant ear, + Stretched on their fleeces, when, at noon of night, +Straight from the grove's deep gloom forth pealed a voice of might: + +XIV. "Seek not, my son, a Latin lord. Beware + The purposed bridal. Lo! a foreign guest + Is coming, born to raise thee as thine heir, + And sons of sons shall see their power confessed + From sea to sea, from farthest East to West." + These words, in stillness of the night's noon-tide, + Latinus hears, nor locks them in his breast. + Ausonia's towns have heard them far and wide, +Or ere by Tiber's banks the Dardan fleet doth ride. + +XV. Stretched on the grass beneath a tall tree lie + Troy's chief and captains and Iulus fair, + And wheaten platters for their meal supply + ('Twas Jove's command), the wilding fruits to bear. + When lack of food has forced them now to tear + The tiny cakes, and tooth and hand with zest + The fateful circles desecrate, nor spare + The sacred squares upon the rounds impressed, +"What! eating boards as well?" Iulus cries in jest. + +XVI. 'Twas all; the sally, as we heard it, sealed + Our toils. AEneas caught it, as it flew, + And hushed them, marvelling at the sign revealed. + "Hail! land," he cries, "long destined for our due. + Hail, household deities, to Troy still true! + Here lies our home. Thus, thus, I mind the hour, + Anchises brought Fate's hidden things to view: + 'My son, when famine on an unknown shore +Shall make thee, failing food, the very boards devour, + +XVII. "'Then, worn and wearied, look to find a home, + And build thy walls, and bank them with a mound.' + This was that famine; this the last to come + Of all our woes, the woful term to bound. + Come then, at daybreak search the land around + (Each from the harbour separate let us fare) + And see what folk, and where their town, be found, + Now pour to Jove libations, and with prayer +Invoke Anchises' shade, and back the wine-cups bear." + +XVIII. So saying, his brows he garlands, and with prayer + Invokes the Genius whom the place doth own, + And Earth, first Goddess, and the Nymphs who there + Inhabit, and the rivers yet unknown, + Night and the stars that glitter in her zone + He calls to aid him, and Idaean Jove, + And Phrygia's Mother on her heavenly throne, + And last, his parent deities to move, +Invokes his sire below and mother queen above. + +XIX. Thrice Jove omnipotent from Heaven's blue height + Thunders aloud, and flashes in the skies + A cloud ablaze with rays of golden light. + 'Tis come--so Rumour through the Trojans flies-- + The day to bid their promised walls arise. + Cheered by the mighty omen and the sign, + They spread the feast, and each with other vies + To range the goblets and to wreath the wine, +And gladdening hearts rejoice to greet the day divine. + +XX. Soon as the morrow bathed the world once more + In dawning light, by separate ways they fare + To search the town, the frontiers and the shore. + Here is Numicius' fountain, Tiber there, + Here dwell the Latins. Then Anchises' heir + Choice spokesmen to the monarch's city sends, + Five score, their peaceful errand to declare, + And royal presents to their charge commends, +And bids them claim of right the welcome due to friends. + +XXI. At once the heralds hearken and obey, + And each and all, with rapid steps, and crowned + With Pallas' olive, hasten on their way. + Himself with shallow trench marks out the ground, + And, camp-like, girds with bastions and a mound + The new-formed settlement. Meanwhile the train + Of delegates their journey's end have found, + And greet with joy, uprising o'er the plain, +The Latin towers and homes, and now the walls attain. + +XXII. Before the city, boys and youths contend + On horseback. Through the whirling dust they steer + Their chariots and the practised steeds, or bend + The tight-strung bow, or aim the limber spear, + Or urge fist-combat or the foot's career. + Now to their king a message quick has flown; + Tall men and strange, in foreign garb are here. + Latinus summons them within: anon, +Amidmost of his court he mounts the ancestral throne. + +XXIII. Raised on a hundred columns, vast and tall, + Above the city reared its reverend head + A stately fabric, once the palace-hall + Of Picus. Dark woods shrouded, and the dread + Of ages filled, the precinct. Here, 'tis said, + Kings took the sceptre and the axe of fate, + Their senate house this temple; here were spread + The tables for the sacred feast, where sate, +What time the ram was slain, the elders of the State. + +XXIV. In ancient cedar o'er the doors appear + The sculptured effigies of sires divine. + Grey Saturn, Italus, Sabinus here, + Curved hook in hand, the planter of the vine. + There two-faced Janus, and, in ordered line, + Old kings and patriot chieftains. Captive cars + Hang round, and arms upon the doorposts shine, + Curved axes, crests of helmets, towngates' bars, +Spears, shields and beaks of ships, the trophies of their wars. + +XXV. There Picus sat, with his Quirinal wand, + Tamer of steeds. The augur's gown he wore, + Short, striped and belted; and his lifted hand + The sacred buckler on the left upbore. + Him Circe, his enamoured bride, of yore, + Wild with desire, so ancient legends say, + Smote with her golden rod, and sprinkling o'er + His limbs her magic poisons, made a jay, +And sent to roam the air, with dappled plumage gay. + +XXVI. Such is the temple, in whose sacred dome + Latinus waits the Teucrians on his throne, + And kindly thus accosts them as they come: + 'Speak, Dardans,--for the Dardan name ye own; + Nor strange your race and city, nor unknown + Sail ye the plains of Ocean--tell me now, + What seek ye? By the tempest tost, or blown + At random, needful of what help and how +Came ye to Latin shores the dark-blue deep to plough? + +XXVII. "But, whether wandering from your course, or cast + By storms--such ills as oft-times on the main + O'ertake poor mariners--your ships at last + Our stream have entered, and the port attain. + Shun not a welcome, nor our cheer disdain. + For dear to Saturn, whom our sires adored, + Was Latium. Manners, not the laws, constrain + To justice. Freely, of our own accord, +We mind the golden age, and virtues of our lord. + +XXVIII. "Now, I remember, old Auruncans told + (Age dims, but memory can the tale retrace) + How, born in Latium, Dardanus of old + Went forth to northern Samos, styled of Thrace, + And reached the towns at Phrygian Ida's base. + From Tuscan Corythus in days gone by + He went, and now among the stars hath place, + Throned in the golden palace of the sky. +On earth his altar marks one godhead more on high." + +XXIX. He spake: Ilioneus this answer gave: + "O King, blest seed of Faunus! Star nor strand + Misled us, nor hath stress of storm or wave + Forced us to seek the shelter of your land. + Freewill hath brought us hither, forethought planned + Our flight; for we are outcasts, every one, + The toil-worn remnant of an exiled band, + Driven from a mighty empire; mightier none +In bygone years was known beneath the wandering sun. + +XXX. "From Jove we spring; Jove Dardans hail with joy + Their parent; he who sends us is our lord + AEneas, Jove-born and a prince of Troy. + How fierce a tempest from Mycenae poured + O'er Ida's fields; how Fate with fire and sword + Made Europe clash with Asia, he hath known + Whoe'er to Ocean's limits hath explored + The utmost earth, or in the central zone +Dwells, if a man there be, in torrid climes unknown. + +XXXI. "Swept by that deluge o'er the deep, we crave + A home for home-gods, shelter on the strand, + And man's free privilege of air and wave. + We shall not shame the lustre of your land, + Nor stint the gratitude kind deeds demand. + Grant Troy a refuge, and Ausonians ne'er + Shall rue the welcome proffered by your hand. + Yea, scorn us not, that thus unsought we bear +The lowly suppliant's wreath, and speak the words of prayer. + +XXXII. "Full many a people,--let the fates attest + Of great AEneas, and his hand of might, + Ne'er pledged in vain, our bravest and our best-- + Full many a tribe, though lowly be our plight, + Have sought with ours their fortunes to unite. + Fate bade us seek your country and her King. + Hither, where Dardanus first saw the light, + Apollo back the Dardan race would bring, +To Tuscan Tiber's banks and pure Numicius' spring. + +XXXIII. "These gifts AEneas to our charge commends, + Poor relics saved from Ilion, but a sign + Of ancient greatness, and the gifts of friends. + See, from this golden goblet at the shrine + His sire Anchises poured the sacred wine; + Clad in these robes sat Priam, when of old + The laws he ministered. These robes are thine, + This sceptre, this embroidered vest,--behold, +'Twas wrought by Trojan dames,--this diadem of gold." + +XXXIV. Mute sat and motionless, with looks bent down, + Latinus; but his restless eyes confessed + His musings. Not the sceptre nor the gown + Of purple moved him, but his pensive breast + Dwelt on his daughter's marriage, till he guessed + The meaning of old Faunus. This was he, + His destined heir, the bridegroom and the guest, + Whose glorious progeny, by Fate's decree, +The Latin throne should share, and rule from sea to sea. + +XXXV. "Heaven prosper," joyfully he cried, "our deed, + And heaven's own augury. Your wish shall stand; + I take the gifts. Yours, Trojans, all ye need-- + The wealth of Troy, the fatness of the land,-- + Nought shall ye lack from King Latinus' hand. + Let but AEneas, if he longs so fain + To claim our friendship, and a home demand, + Come here, nor fear to greet us. Not in vain +'Twixt monarchs stands the peace, which plighted hands ordain. + +XXXVI. "Let now this message to your King be given. + 'A child, the daughter of my heart, is mine, + Whom neither frequent prodigies from heaven, + Nor voices uttered from my father's shrine, + Permit with one of Latin birth to join. + Strange sons--so Latin oracles conspire-- + Shall come, whose offspring shall exalt our line. + Thy King the bridegroom whom the Fates require +I deem, and, if in aught I read the truth, desire.'" + +XXXVII. So speaks Latinus, and with kindly care + Choice steeds selects. Three hundred of the best + Stand in his lofty stables, sleek and fair; + And forth in order for each Teucrian guest + His servants led them, at their King's behest. + Rich housings, wrought in many a purple fold, + And broidered rugs adorn them; o'er each breast + Hang golden poitrels, glorious to behold. +Each champs with foaming mouth a chain of glittering gold. + +XXXVIII. A car he orders for the Dardan sire, + And twin-yoked coursers of ethereal seed, + Whose snorting nostrils breathe the flames of fire. + Half-mortal, half-immortal was each steed, + The bastard birth of that celestial breed, + Which cunning Circe from a mortal mare + Raised to her sire the Sun-god. So with speed + The mounted Trojans to their prince repair, +Pleased with the gifts and words, for peaceful news they bear. + +XXXIX. Lo! from Inachian Argos through the skies + Jove's consort her avenging flight pursues, + And far off, from Pachynus, as she flies + O'er Sicily, beholds the Dardan crews + And great AEneas, gladdening at the news. + The rising settlement, the new-tilled shore, + The ships deserted for the land she views, + And shaking her imperial brows, and sore +With anguish, from her breast these wrathful words doth pour: + +XL. "Ah, hateful race! Ah, Phrygian fates abhorred! + What, fell they not on the Sigean plain? + Must captives be twice captured? Have the sword + And flames of Troy avenged me but in vain? + Have foes and fire found passage for the slain? + Sooth, then, my godhead sleepeth, and that hand + Is tired of hate, which whilom o'er the main + Dared chase these outcasts and their paths withstand, +Where'er the deep sea rolled, far from their native land! + +XLI. "Have sea and sky been wielded to destroy, + Nor Syrtes yet, nor Scylla's fierce embrace, + Nor vast Charybdis whelmed the sons of Troy, + Who, safe in Tiber, flout me to the face? + Yet Mars from earth, and for a less disgrace + Could sweep the Lapithae, and Heaven's great Sire + Doomed ancient Calydon and OEneus' race + To rue the vengeance of Diana's ire. +Did ever crime of theirs the Dardans' meed require? + +XLII. "But I, Jove's consort, who have stooped to seek + All shifts, all ventures and devices, I + Am vanquished by AEneas! If too weak + Myself, some other godhead will I try, + And Hell shall hear, if Heaven its aid deny. + Grant that these Dardans must in Latium reign, + That fixt and changeless stands the doom, whereby + His bride shall be Lavinia, that in vain +Can Juno thwart whate'er the Destinies ordain; + +XLIII. "Yet time delayed can make occasion lost, + Yet mutual strife each nation may devour, + And Kings plight marriage at their peoples' cost. + Troy's blood and Latium's, maiden, be thy dower. + Bellona lights thee to thy bridal bower. + Not only Hecuba--Ah, sweet the joy!-- + Conceives a firebrand. Born in evil hour, + The child of Venus shall her hopes destroy, +And, like another Paris, fire a new-born Troy." + +XLIV. She spake, and earthward darting, fierce and fell, + Calls sad Alecto from her dark retreat + Among the Furies in the shades of Hell. + Sweet are war's sorrows to her soul, and sweet + Are evil deeds, and hatred and deceit. + E'en Pluto, e'en her sister-fiends detest + The monstrous shape, so many forms complete + The grisly horrors of that hateful pest, +So many a coal-black snake sprouts from her threatening crest. + +XLV. Her Juno finds, and thus new rage inspires: + "Grant, virgin daughter of eternal Night, + This boon, the labour that thy soul desires. + Lest here my fame and honour lose their might, + And Troy gain Italy, and craft unite + Troy's prince with Latium's heiress. Thou can'st turn + Fond hearts to feuds, and brethren arm for fight. + Thou know'st, for savage is thy mood and stern, +To breed domestic strife and happy homes to burn. + +XLVI. "A thousand names, a thousand means hast thou + Of mischief. Search thy fertile breast, and break + The plighted peace. Breed calumnies, and sow + The strife. Let youth desire, demand and take + Thy weapons."--Wreathed with many a Gorgon snake, + To Latium's court Alecto flew unseen, + And by Amata's chamber sate, nor spake; + While, musing on her new-come guests, the queen, +Wroth for her Turnus, boiled with woman's rage and spleen. + +XLVII. At her the goddess from her dark locks threw + A snake, and lodged the monster in her breast, + To make her fury all the house undo. + In glides, impalpable, the maddening pest + Between the dainty bosom and the vest, + Breathing its venom. Like a necklace thin + It hung, all golden, like a wreath, caressed + Her temples, like a ribbon, wove within +Her hair its slippery coils, and wandered o'er her skin. + +XLVIII. So, while the taint, first stealing through her frame, + Slipped in, with slimy venom, and the pest + Thrilled every sense, and wrapped her bones in flame, + Nor yet her soul had caught it, or confessed + The fiery fever that consumed her breast; + Soft, like a mother, and with tears, she cried, + Grieved for her child, and pondering with unrest + The Phrygian match, "Ah, woe the day betide, +If Teucrian exiles win Lavinia for a bride! + +XLIX. "Hast thou no pity for thy child, nor thee, + O father! nor her mother, left forlorn, + When, with the rising North-wind, o'er the sea + Yon faithless pirate hath the maiden borne? + Not so, forsooth, did Lacedaemon mourn + Robbed Helen, when the Phrygian shepherd planned + Her capture. Is thy sacred faith forsworn? + Where is thy old affection? Where that hand +So oft to Turnus pledged, thy kinsman of the land? + +L. "If Latins for Lavinia needs must find + A foreign mate; if so the Fates constrain, + And Faunus' words weigh heavy on thy mind, + All lands, that yield not to the Latin reign, + I count as foreign; so the Gods speak plain; + And foreign then is Turnus, if we trace + The first beginning of his princely strain. + Greeks were his grandsires; Argos was the place +Where old Acrisius ruled, where dwelt th' Inachian race." + +LI. So pleading, and so weeping, she essayed + To move the king; but when her prayers were vain, + Nor tears Latinus from his purpose stayed, + And now the viper with its deadly bane + Crept to her inmost parts, and through each vein + The maddening poison to her heartstrings stole, + Then, scared by monstrous phantoms of the brain, + Poor queen! she raved, and maddening past control, +Ran through the crowded streets in impotence of soul. + +LII. Like as a whip-top by the lash is sent + In widening orbs to spin, when lads among + The empty courtyards urge their merriment; + And, scourged in circling courses by the thong + It wheels and eddies, while the beardless throng + Bend over, lost in ignorant surprise, + And marvel, as the boxwood whirls along, + Stirred by each stroke; so fast Amata flies +From street to street, while crowds look on with lowering eyes. + +LIII. Nay, simulating Bacchus, now she dares + To feign new orgies, and her crime complete. + Swift with her daughter to the woods she fares, + And hides her on the mountains, fain to cheat + The Trojans, and the purposed rites defeat. + "Hail, thou alone art worthy of the fair! + Evoe, Bacchus! for thy name is sweet. + For thee she grows her dedicated hair, +For thee she leads the dance, the ivied wand doth bear." + +LIV. The matrons then--so fast the rumour flew,-- + Fired like the Queen, and frenzied with despair, + Rush forth, and leave their ancient homes for new, + And to the breezes give their necks and hair. + These with their tremulous wailings fill the air, + And, girt about with fawn-skins, bear along + The vine-branch javelins, and Amata there, + Herself ablaze with fury, o'er the throng +A blazing pine-torch waves, and chants the nuptial song + +LV. Of Turnus and Lavinia. Fiercely roll + Her blood-shot eyes, and, frowning, suddenly + She pours the frantic passions of her soul. + "Ho! Latin mothers all, where'er ye be, + Here, if ye love me, if a mother's plea + Deserve your pity, let your hair be seen + Loosed from the fillets, and be mad, like me." + So through the woods, the wild-beasts' lairs between, +With Bacchanalian goads Alecto drives the Queen. + +LVI. When now thus fairly was the work begun, + The barbs of anger planted, pleased to view + Latinus' purpose and his house undone, + On dusky wings the Goddess soared, and through + The liquid air to neighbouring Ardea flew, + The bold Rutulian's city, built of yore + By Danae, thither when the South-wind blew + Her and her followers. Ardea's name it bore, +And Ardea's name still lives, though fortune smiles no more. + +LVII. There in his palace, locked in sleep's embrace, + Lay Turnus. Straight Alecto, versed in snares, + Doffs the fiend's figure and her frowning face. + The likeness of a withered crone she wears, + With wrinkled forehead and with hoary hairs. + Her fillet and her olive crown proclaim + The priestess. Changed in semblance, she appears + Like Calybe, great Juno's sacred dame; +Thus to the youth she comes, and hails him by his name. + +LVIII. "Fie! Turnus, fie! wilt thou behold unstirred + Such labours wasted, and thy hopes belied? + Thy sceptre to a Dardan guest transferred? + See, now, to thee Latinus hath denied + Thy blood-bought dowry, and thy promised bride, + And seeks a stranger for his throne. Away + To thankless perils, while thy friends deride! + Go, strew the Tuscans, scatter their array, +Till Latins, saved once more, their plighted word betray. + +LIX. "This mandate great Saturnia bade me bear, + Thou sleeping. Up, then! greet the welcome hour; + Arm, arm the youth, and from the towngates fare! + These Phrygian vessels with the flames devour, + Moored yonder in fair Tiber. 'Tis the power + Of Heaven that bids thee. Let Latinus, too, + If false and faithless he withhold the dower, + And grudge thy marriage, learn the deed to rue, +And taste at length and try what Turnus armed can do." + +LX. Then he in scorn: "Yea, Tiber's waves beset + With foreign ships--I know it; wherefore feign + For me such terrors? Juno guards me yet. + Good mother, dotage wears thee, and thy brain + Is rusty; age hath troubled thee in vain, + And, 'midst the feuds of monarchs, mocks with fright + A priestess. Go; 'tis thine to guard the fane + And sacred statues; these be thy delight; +Leave peace and war to men, whose business is to fight." + +LXI. Therewith in fire Alecto's wrath outbroke, + A sudden tremor through his limbs ran fast, + His stony eyeballs stiffened as he spoke. + So hissed the Fury with her snakes, so vast + Her shape appeared, so fierce the look she cast, + As back she thrust him with her flaming eyes, + Fain to say more, but faltering and aghast. + Two serpents from her Gorgon locks uprise; +Shrill sounds her scorpion lash, as, foaming, thus she cries: + +LXII. "Behold me, worn with dotage! me, whom age + Hath rusted, and, while monarchs fight, would scare + With empty fears! Behold me in my rage! + I come, the Furies' minister; see there, + War, death and havoc in these hands I bear." + Full at his breast a firebrand, as she spoke, + Black with thick smoke, but bright with lurid glare, + The Fiend outflung. In terror he awoke, +And o'er his bones and limbs a clammy sweat outbroke. + +LXIII. "Arms, arms!" he yells, and searches for his sword + In couch and chamber, maddening at the core + With war's fierce passion, and the lust abhorred + Of slaughter, and with bitter wrath yet more. + As when a wood-fire crackles with fierce roar, + Heaped round a caldron, and the simmering stream + Foams, fumes, and bubbles, and at last boils o'er, + And upward shoots the mingled smoke and steam; +So Turnus boils with wrath, so dire his rage doth seem. + +LXIV. Choice youths he sends, to let Latinus know + The peace was torn, then musters his array + To guard Italia and expel the foe. + Let Trojans league with Latins as they may, + Himself can match them, and he comes to slay. + So saying, his vows he renders. Ardour fires + The fierce Rutulians, and each hails the fray; + And one his youth, and one his grace admires, +And one his valorous deeds, and one his kingly sires. + +LXV. So Turnus the Rutulians stirred to war. + Meanwhile the Fury to the Trojans bent + Her flight; with wily eye she marked afar, + With snares and steeds upon the chase intent, + Iulus. On his hounds at once she sent + A sudden madness, and fierce rage awoke + To chase the stag, as with the well-known scent + She lured their nostrils.--Thus the feud outbroke; +So small a cause of strife could rustic hearts provoke. + +LXVI. Broad-antlered, beauteous was the stag, which erst + The sons of Tyrrheus (Tyrrheus kept whilere + The royal herd and pastures), fostering nursed, + Snatched from the dam. Their sister, Silvia fair, + Oft wreathed his horns, and oft with tender care + She washed him, and his shaggy coat would comb. + So tamed, and trained his master's board to share, + The gentle favourite in the woods would roam; +Each night, how late soe'er, he sought the well-known home. + +LXVII. Him the fierce hounds now startle far astray, + As down the stream he floats, or, crouching low, + Rests on the green bank from the noontide ray. + Athirst for praise, Ascanius bends his bow; + Loud whirs the arrow, for Fate aims the blow, + And cleaves his flank and belly. Homeward flies + The wounded creature, moaning in his woe. + Blood-stained, with piteous and imploring eyes, +Like one who sues for life, he fills the house with cries. + +LXVIII. Smiting the breast, poor Silvia calls for aid. + Forth rush the churls, scarce waiting her demand, + Roused by the Fury in the wood's still shade. + One grasps a club, another wields a brand; + Rage makes a weapon of what comes to hand. + Forth from his work ran Tyrrheus, who an oak + Was cleaving with the wedge, and cheered the band. + His hand still grasped the hatchet for the stroke, +And bitter wrath he breathed, and fierce the words he spoke. + +LXIX. The Fury snatched the moment; forth she flew, + And, perching on the cabin-roof, looked round, + And from the curved horn of the shepherds blew + A blast of Tartarus, that shook the ground, + And made the forests and the groves rebound + The infernal echoes. Trivia's lakes afar, + And Velia's fountains heard the dreadful sound; + The white waves heard it of the sulphurous Nar, +And mothers clasped their babes, and trembled at the war. + +LXX. Swift at the summons, as the trumpet brayed, + The sturdy shepherds arm them for the fray. + Swift pour the Trojans from their camp, to aid + Ascanius. Lo! 'tis battle's stern array, + No village brawl, where churls dispute the day + With charred oak-staves and cudgels. Broadswords clash + With broadswords, and War's harvest far away + Stands, bristling black with iron, as they dash +Together, and drawn swords in doubtful conflict flash. + +LXXI. And brazen arms shoot many a blinding ray, + Smit by the sun, as clouds that fill the sky, + Disparting, show the splendours of the fray. + As when a light wind o'er the sea doth fly, + And the wave whitens as the breeze goes by, + And by degrees the bosom of the deep + Heaves up and swells, till higher and more high + The billows rise, and, gathering in a heap, +From Ocean's caves mount up, and storm the ethereal steep. + +LXXII. First falls the son of Tyrrheus, stretched in death, + Young Almo. In his throat the deadly bane + Stuck fast, and choked the humid pass of breath, + And clipped the thin-spun life. There, too, is slain + Grey-haired Galaesus, parleying but in vain. + More righteous none, though many around lie killed, + None wealthier did Ausonia's realm contain. + Five herds, five bleating flocks, his pastures filled, +And with a hundred ploughs his fruitful lands he tilled. + +LXXIII. Thus while the conflict wavered on the plain, + The Fury, pleased her triumph to survey, + Her pledge fulfilled,--War crimsoned with the stain + Of gore, and grim Death busy with his prey,-- + Swift from Hesperia wings her airy way, + And proudly speaks to Juno: "See, 'tis done; + The discord perfect in the dolorous fray, + And War with all its miseries begun. +Now bid, forsooth, the foes plight friendship and be one. + +LXXIV. "Steeped are thy Trojans in Ausonian gore. + Yet speak, and more will I perform, if so + Thy purpose holds. Along the neighbouring shore + Each town shall hear the rumour of the foe, + Each breast with frenzy for the strife shall glow, + Till all bring aid, and fruitful is the land + In deeds of blood."--Then Juno: "Nay, not so; + Enough of fraud and terror. Firmly stand +The causes of the feud; they battle hand to hand, + +LXXV. "And fresh blood stains the weapons chance supplied. + Such joy the bridal to Latinus bear, + And Venus' wondrous offspring, and his bride. + But thou--for scarce Olympus' king would bear + Thy lawless roving in ethereal air,-- + Give place; myself will guide the rest aright." + Saturnia spoke; Alecto then and there + Her wings, that hiss with serpents, spreads for flight, +And to Cocytus dives, and leaves the realms of light. + +LXXVI. In mid Italia lies a vale renowned, + Amsanctus. Dark woods down the mountain grow + This side and that; a torrent with the sound + Of thunder roars among the rocks below. + There, black as night, an awful cave they show, + The gorge of Dis. Dread Acheron from beneath + Bursts in a whirlpool, with its waves of woe, + And jaws that gape with pestilential death. +There plunged the hateful Fiend, and earth and air took breath. + +LXXVII. Nor less, meanwhile, Saturnia hastes to crown + The war's mad tumult. Home the shepherds bore + Their dead from out the battle to the town. + Young Almo, and Galaesus, fouled with gore. + All bid Latinus witness, and implore + The gods, and while the blood-cry calls for flame + And slaughter, Turnus swells the wild uproar. + What! he an outcast? Shall the Trojans claim +The realm, and bastards dare the Latin race to shame? + +LXXVIII. Then they, whose mothers through the pathless vales + And forests, fired with Bacchic frenzy, ply + Their orgies--so Amata's name prevails-- + Come forth, and, gathering from far and nigh, + Weary the War-god with their clamorous cry, + Till, thwarting Heaven's high purpose, each and all + Omens at once and oracles defy, + And swarm around Latinus in his hall, +War now is all their wish, "to arms" the general call. + +LXXIX. Firm stands the monarch as a sea-girt rock, + A sea-girt rock against the roaring main, + Which, spite of barking billows and the shock + Of Ocean, doth its own huge mass sustain. + The foaming crags around it chafe in vain, + And back it flings the seaweed from its side. + Too weak at length their madness to restrain, + For things move on as Juno's whims decide, +Oft to the gods, and oft to empty air he cried. + +LXXX. "Ah me! the tempest hurries us along. + Fate grinds us sore. Poor Latins! ye must sate, + Your blood must pay, the forfeit for your wrong. + Thee, Turnus, thee the avenging fiends await, + Thou, too, the gods shalt weary, but too late. + My rest is won, and in the port I ride; + Happy in all, had not an envious fate + Denied a happy ending." Thus he cried, +And to his chamber fled, and flung the crown aside. + +LXXXI. A custom in Hesperian Latium reigned, + Which Alban cities kept with sacred care, + And Rome, the world's great mistress, hath retained. + Thus still they wake the War-god, whensoe'er + For Arabs or Hyrcanians they prepare, + Or Getic tribes the tearful woes of war, + Or push to Ind their distant arms, or dare + To track the footsteps of the Morning star, +And claim their standards back from Parthia's hosts afar. + +LXXXII. Twain are the Gates of War, to dreadful Mars + With awe kept sacred and religious pride. + A hundred brazen bolts and iron bars + Shut fast the doors, and Janus stands beside. + Here, when the senators on war decide, + The Consul, decked in his Quirinal pall + And Gabine cincture, flings the portals wide, + And cries to arms; the warriors, one and all, +With blare of brazen horns make answer to the call. + +LXXXIII. 'Twas thus that now Latinus they require + To dare AEneas' followers to the fray, + And ope the portals. But the good old Sire + Shrank from the touch, and, shuddering with dismay, + Shunned the foul office, and abjured the day. + Then, downward darting from the skies afar, + Heaven's empress with her right hand wrenched away + The lingering bars. The grating hinges jar, +As back Saturnia thrusts the iron gates of War. + +LXXXIV. Then woke Ausonia from her sleep. Forth swarm + Footmen and horsemen, and in wild career + Whirl up the dust. "Arm," cry the warriors, "arm!" + With unctuous lard their polished shields they smear, + And whet the axe, and scour the rusty spear. + Their banners wave, their trumpets sound the fight. + Five towns their anvils for the war uprear, + Crustumium, Tibur, glorying in her might, +Ardea, Atina strong, Antemnae's tower-girt height. + +LXXXV. Lithe twigs of osier in their shields they weave, + And shape the casque, and in the mould prepare + The brazen breastplate and the silver greave. + Scorned lie the spade, the sickle and the share, + Their fathers' falchions to the forge they bear. + Now peals the clarion; through the host hath spread + The watch-word. Helmets from the walls they tear, + And yoke the steeds. In triple gold arrayed, +Each grasps the burnished shield, and girds the trusty blade. + +LXXXVI. Now open Helicon; awake the strain, + Ye Muses. Aid me, that the tale be told, + What kings were roused, what armies filled the plain, + What battles blazed, what men of valiant mould + Graced fair Italia in those days of old. + Aid ye, for ye are goddesses, and clear + Can ye remember, and the tale unfold. + But faint and feeble is the voice we hear, +A slender breath of Fame, that falters on the ear. + +LXXXVII. First came with armed men from Etruria's coast + Mezentius, scorner of the Gods. Next came + His son, young Lausus, comeliest of the host, + Save Turnus--Lausus, who the steed could tame, + And quell wild beasts and track the woodland game. + A hundred warriors from Agylla's town + He leads--ah vainly! though he died with fame. + Proud had he been and worthy to have known +A nobler sire's commands, a nobler sire to own. + +LXXXVIII. With conquering steeds triumphant o'er the mead, + His chariot, crowned with palm-leaves, proudly wheeled + The comely Aventinus, glorious seed + Of glorious Hercules; the blazoned shield + His father's Hydra and her snakes revealed. + Him, when of old, the monstrous Geryon slain, + The lord of Tiryns, victor of the field, + Reached in his wanderings the Laurentian plain, +And bathed in Tiber's stream the captured herds of Spain, + +LXXXIX. The priestess Rhea, in the secret shade + Of wooded Aventine, brought forth to light, + A god commingling with a mortal maid. + With pikes and poles his followers join the fight, + Their swords are sharp, their Sabine spears are bright. + Himself afoot, a lion's bristling hide + With sharp teeth set in rows of glittering white, + Swings o'er his forehead, as with eager stride, +Clad in his father's cloak, he seeks the monarch's side. + +XC. Twin brothers came from Tibur--such the name + Tiburtus gave it--one Catillus hight, + And one fierce Coras, each of Argive fame, + Each in the van, where deadliest raves the fight. + As when two cloud-born Centaurs in their might + From some tall mountain with swift strides descend, + Steep Homole, or Othrys' snow-capt height; + The thickets yield, trees crash, and branches bend, +As with resistless force the trampled woods they rend. + +XCI. Nor lacked Praeneste's founder, Vulcan's child, + Found on the hearthstone--if the tale be true,-- + Brave Caeculus, the Shepherds' monarch styled. + Forth from Praeneste swarmed the rustic crew, + From Juno's Gabium to the fight they flew, + From ice-cold Anio, swoln with wintry rain, + From Hernic rocks, which mountain streams bedew, + From fat Anagnia's pastures, from the plain +Where Amasenus rolls majestic to the main. + +XCII. With diverse arms they hasten to the war; + Not all can boast the clashing of the shield, + Not all the thunder of the rattling car. + These sling their leaden bullets o'er the field, + Those in each hand the deadly javelin wield. + With caps of fur their rugged brows are dight, + The tawny covering from the dark wolf peeled; + Bare is the left foot, as they march to fight, +And, rough with raw bull's-hide, a sandal guards the right. + +XCIII. Next came Messapus, tamer of the steed, + Great Neptune's son. Fire nor the steel's sharp stroke + Could lay him lifeless, so the Fates decreed. + Grasping his sword, a laggard race he woke, + Disused to war, and tardy to provoke. + Behind him throng Fescennia's ranks to fight, + Men from Flavinia, and Faliscum's folk, + And those whom fair Capena's groves delight, +Ciminius' mount and lake, and steep Soracte's height. + +XCIV. With measured tramp, their monarch's praise they sing, + Like snowy swans, the liquid clouds among, + Which homeward from their feeding ply the wing, + When o'er Cayster's marish, loud and long, + The echoes float of their melodious song. + None, sure, such countless multitudes would deem + The mail-clad warriors of an armed throng: + Nay, rather, like a dusky cloud they seem +Of sea-fowl, landward driven with many a hoarse-voiced scream. + +XCV. Lo, Clausus next; a mighty host he led, + Himself a host. From Sabine sires he came, + And Latium thence the Claudian house o'erspread, + When Romans first with Sabines dared to claim + Coequal lordship and a share of fame. + With Amiternus came Eretum's band; + From fair Velinus' dewy fields they came, + From olive-crowned Mutusca, from the land +Where proud Nomentum's towers the fruitful plains command. + +XCVI. From the rough crags of Tetrica came down + Her hosts; they came from tall Severus' flank, + From Foruli and fam'd Casperia's town, + Wash'd by Himella's waves, and those who drank + Of Fabaris, or dwelt on Tiber's bank. + Those, too, whom Nursia sendeth from the snows, + And Horta's sons, in many an ordered rank, + And tribes of Latin origin, and those +Between whose parted fields th' ill-omened Allia flows. + +XCVII. As roll the billows on the Libyan deep, + When fierce Orion in the wintry main + Sinks, dark with tempests, and the waves upleap; + As, parched with suns of summer, stands the grain + On Hermus' fields, or Lycia's golden plain; + So countless swarm the multitudes around + Bold Clausus, and the wide air rings again + With echoes, as their clashing shields resound, +And with the tramp of feet they shake the trembling ground. + +XCVIII. There Agamemnon's kinsman yokes his steeds, + Halaesus. Trojans were his foes, his friend + Was Turnus. Lo, a thousand tribes he leads; + Those who on Massic hills the vineyards tend, + Those whom Auruncans from their mountains send. + From Sidicinum and her neighbouring plain, + From Cales, from Volturnus' shoals they wend. + From steep Saticulum the sturdy swain, +Fierce for the fray, comes down and joins the Oscan train. + +XCIX. Light barbs they fling, from pliant thongs of hide, + A leathern target o'er the left is strung, + And short, curved daggers the close fight decide. + Nor, OEbalus, those gallant hosts among, + Shalt thou go nameless, and thy praise unsung, + Thou, from old Telon, as the tale hath feigned, + And beauteous Sebethis, the wood-nymph, sprung, + O'er Teleboan Caprea when he reigned; +But Caprea's narrow realm proud OEbalus disdained. + +C. Far stretched his rule; Sarrastians owned his sway, + And they, whose lands the Sarnian waters drain, + And they, who till Celenna's fields, and they + Whom Batulum and Rufrae's walls contain, + And where through apple-orchards o'er the plain + Shines fair Abella. Deftly can they wield + Their native arms; the Teuton's lance they strain; + Bark helmets guard them, from the cork-tree peeled, +And brazen are their swords, and brazen every shield. + +CI. From Nersa's hills, by prosperous arms renowned, + Comes Ufens, with his AEquians, in array. + Rude huntsmen these; in arms the stubborn ground + They till, themselves as stubborn. Day by day + They snatch fresh plunder, and they live by prey. + There, too, brave Umbro, of Marruvian fame, + Sent by his king Archippus, joins the fray. + Around his helmet, for in arms he came, +The auspicious olive's leaves the sacred priest proclaim. + +CII. The rank-breath'd Hydra and the viper's rage + With hand and voice he lulled asleep; his art + Their bite could heal, their fury could assuage. + Alas! no medicine can heal the smart + Wrought by the griding of the Dardan dart. + Nor Massic herbs, nor slumberous charms avail + To cure the wound, that rankles in his heart. + Ah, hapless! thee Anguitia's bowering vale, +Thee Fucinus' clear waves and liquid lakes bewail! + +CIII. Next came to war Hippolytus' fair child, + The comely Virbius, whom Aricia bore + Amid Egeria's grove, where rich and mild + Stands Dian's altar on the meadowy shore. + For when (Fame tells) Hippolytus of yore + Was slain, the victim of a stepdame's spite, + And, torn by frightened horses, quenched with gore + His father's wrath, famed Paeon's herbs of might +And Dian's fostering love restored him to the light. + +CIV. Wroth then was Jove, that one of mortal clay + Should rise by mortal healing from the grave, + And change the nether darkness for the day, + And him, whose leechcraft thus availed to save, + Hurled with his lightning to the Stygian wave. + But kind Diana, in her pitying love, + Concealed her darling in a secret cave, + And fair Egeria nursed him in her grove, +Far from the view of men, and wrath of mighty Jove. + +CV. There, changed in name to Virbius, but to fame + Unknown, through life in Latin woods he strayed. + Thenceforth, in memory of the deed of shame, + No horn-hoof'd steeds are suffered to invade + Chaste Trivia's temple or her sacred glade, + Since, scared by Ocean's monsters, from his car + They dashed him by the deep. Yet, undismayed, + His son, young Virbius, o'er the plains afar +The fleet-horsed chariot drives, and hastens to the war. + +CVI. High in the forefront towered with stately frame + Turnus himself. His three-plumed helmet bore + A dragon fierce, that breathed AEtnean flame. + The bloodier waxed the battle, so the more + Its fierceness blazed, the louder was its roar. + Behold, the heifer on his shield, the sign + Of Io's fate; there Argus ever o'er + The virgin watches, and the stream doth shine, +Poured from the pictured urn of Inachus divine. + +CVII. Next come the shielded footmen in a cloud, + Auruncan bands, Sicanians famed of yore, + Argives, Rutulians, and Sacranians proud. + Their painted shields the brave Labicians bore; + From Tibur's glades, from blest Numicia's shore, + From Circe's mount, from where great Jove presides + O'er Anxur, from Feronia's grove they pour, + From Satura's dark pool, where Ufens glides +Cold through the deepening vales, and mingles with the tides. + +CVIII. Last came Camilla, with the Volscian bands, + Fierce horsemen, each in glittering arms bedight, + A warrior-virgin; ne'er her tender hands + Had plied the distaff; war was her delight, + Her joy to race the whirlwind and to fight. + Swift as the breeze, she skimmed the golden grain, + Nor bent the tapering wheatstalks in her flight, + So swift, the billows of the heaving main +Touched not her flying fleet, she scoured the watery plain. + +CIX. Forth from each field and homestead, hurrying, throng, + With wonder, men and matrons, young and old, + And greet the maiden as she moves along. + Entranced with greedy rapture, they behold + Her royal scarf, in many a purple fold, + Float o'er her shining shoulders, and her hair + Bound in a coronal of clasping gold, + Her Lycian quiver, and her pastoral spear +Of myrtle, tipt with steel, and her, the maid, how fair! + + + + +BOOK EIGHT + + +ARGUMENT + +Mustering of Italians, and embassage to Diomedes (1-18). Tiber in +a dream heartens AEneas and directs him to Evander for succour. +AEneas sacrifices the white sow and her litter to Juno, and reaches +Evander's city Pallanteum--the site of Rome (19-117). AEneas and +Evander meet and feast together. The story of Cacus and the praises +of Hercules are told and sung. Evander shows his city to AEneas +(118-432). Venus asks and obtains from Vulcan divine armour for her +son (433-531). At daybreak Evander promises AEneas further succour. +Their colloquy is interrupted by a sign from heaven (532-630). +Despatches are sent to Ascanius and prayers for aid to the Tuscans. +AEneas, his men and Evander's son Pallas are sent forth by Evander +with prayers for their success (631-720). Venus brings to AEneas the +armour wrought by Vulcan (721-738). Virgil describes the shield, on +which are depicted, not only the trials and triumphs of Rome's early +kings and champions, but the final conflict also at Actium between +East and West and the world-wide empire of Augustus (739-846). + + +I. When Turnus from Laurentum's tower afar + Signalled the strife, and bade the war-horns bray, + And stirred the mettled steeds, and woke the war, + Hearts leaped at once; all Latium swore that day + The oath of battle, burning for the fray. + Messapus, Ufens, and Mezentius vain, + Who scorned the Gods, ride foremost. Far away + They scour the fields; the shepherd and the swain +Rush to the war, and bare of ploughmen lies the plain. + +II. To Diomed posts Venulus, to crave + His aid, and tell how Teucrians hold the land; + AEneas with his gods hath crossed the wave, + And claims the throne his vaunted Fates demand. + How many a tribe hath joined the Dardan's band, + How spreads his fame through Latium. What the foe + May purpose next, what conquest he hath planned, + Should friendly fortune speed the coming blow, +Better than Latium's king AEtolia's lord must know. + +III. So Latium fares. AEneas, tost with tides + Of thought, for well he marked the growing fight, + This way and that his eager mind divides, + Reflects, revolves and ponders on his plight. + As waters in a brazen urn flash bright, + Smit by the sunbeam or the moon's pale rays, + And round the chamber flits the trembling light, + And darts aloft, and on the ceiling plays, +So many a varying mood his anxious mind displays. + +IV. 'Twas night; the tired world rested. Far and nigh + All slept, the cattle and the fowls of air. + Stretched on a bank, beneath the cold, clear sky, + Lay good AEneas, fain at length to share + Late slumber, troubled by the war with care. + When, 'twixt the poplars, where the fair stream flows, + With azure mantle, and with sedge-crowned hair, + The aged Genius of the place uprose, +And, standing by, thus spake, and comforted his woes: + +V. "Blest seed of Heaven! who from the foemen's hand + Our Troy dost bring, and to an endless date + Preservest Pergama; whom Latium's land + Hath looked for, and Laurentum's fields await, + Here, doubt not, are thy homegods, here hath Fate + Thy home decreed. Let not war's terrors seem + To daunt thee. Heaven is weary of its hate; + Its storms are spent. Distrust not, nor esteem +These words of idle worth, the coinage of a dream. + +VI. "Hard by, beneath yon oak-trees, thou shalt see + A huge, white swine, and, clustering around + Her teats, are thirty young ones, white as she. + There shall thy labour with repose be crown'd, + Thy city set. There Alba's walls renowned, + When twice ten times hath rolled the circling year, + Called Alba Longa, shall Ascanius found. + Sure stands the word; and now attend and hear, +How best through present straits a prosperous course to steer. + +VII. "Arcadians here, a race of old renown, + From Pallas sprung, with king Evander came, + And on the hill-side built a chosen town, + Called Pallanteum, from their founder's name. + Year after year they ply the war's rude game + With Latins. Go, and win them to thy side, + Bid them as fellows to thy camp, and frame + A league. Myself along the banks will guide, +And teach thy labouring oars to mount the opposing tide. + +VIII. "Rise, Goddess-born, and, when the stars decline, + Pray first to Juno, and on bended knee + Subdue her wrath with supplication. Mine + Shall be the victor's homage; I am he, + Heaven's favoured stream, whose brimming waves ye see, + Borne in full flood these flowery banks between, + Chafe the fat soil and cleave the fruitful lea, + Blue Tiber. Here my dwelling shall be seen, +Fairest of lofty towns, the world's majestic queen." + +IX. So saying, the Stream-god dived beneath the flood, + And sought the deep. Slumber at once and night + Forsook AEneas; he arose, and stood, + And eastward gazing at the dawning light, + Scooped up the stream, obedient to the rite, + And prayed, "O nymphs, Laurentian nymphs, whence spring + All rivers; father Tiber, blest and bright, + Receive AEneas as your own, and bring +Peace to his toil-worn heart, and shield the Dardan king. + +X. "What pool soever holds thy source, where'er + The soil, from whence thou leapest to the day + In loveliness, these grateful hands shall bear + Due gifts, these lips shall hallow thee for aye, + Horned river, whom Hesperian streams obey, + Whose pity cheers; be with us, I entreat, + Confirm thy purpose, and thy power display." + He spake, and chose two biremes from the fleet, +Equipped with oars, and rigged with crews and arms complete. + +XI. Lo! now a portent, wondrous to be seen. + Stretched at full length along the bank, they view + The fateful swine, conspicuous on the green, + White, with her litter of the self-same hue. + Her good AEneas, as an offering due, + To Juno, mightiest of all powers divine, + Yea, e'en to thee, dread Juno, caught and slew, + And lit the altars and outpoured the wine, +And left the dam and brood together at the shrine. + +XII. All night the Tiber stayed his swelling flood, + And with hushed wave, recoiling from the main, + Calm as some pool or quiet lake, he stood + And smoothed his waters like a liquid plain, + That not an oar should either strive or strain. + Thus on they go; smooth glides the bark of pine, + Borne with glad shouts; and ever and again + The woods and waters wonder, as the line +Of painted keels goes by, with arms of glittering shine. + +XIII. All night and day outwearying, they steer + Up the long reaches, through the groves, that lie + With green trees shadowing the tranquil mere. + Now flamed the sun in the meridian high, + When walls afar and citadel they spy, + And scattered roofs. Where now the power of Rome + Hath made her stately structures mate the sky, + Then poor and lowly stood Evander's home. +Thither their prows are turned, and to the town they come. + +XIV. That day, Arcadia's monarch, in a grove + Before the town, a solemn feast had planned + To Hercules and all the gods above. + His son, young Pallas, and a youthful band, + And humble senators around him stand, + Each offering incense, and the warm, fresh blood + Still smokes upon the shrines, when, hard at hand, + They see the tall ships, through the shadowy wood, +Glide up with silent oars along the sacred flood. + +XV. Scared by the sudden sight, all quickly rise + And quit the board. But Pallas, bold of cheer, + Bids them not break the worship. Forth he flies + To meet the strangers, as their ships appear, + His right hand brandishing a glittering spear. + "Gallants," he hails them from a mound afar, + "What drove you hither by strange ways to steer? + Say whither wending? who and what ye are? +Your kin, and where your home? And bring ye peace or war?" + +XVI. Then sire AEneas from the stern outheld + A branch of olive, and bespake him fair: + "Troy's sons ye see, by Latin pride expelled. + 'Gainst Latin enemies these arms we bear. + We seek Evander. Go, the news declare: + Choice Dardan chiefs his friendship come to claim. + His aid we ask for, and his arms would share." + He ceased, and wonder and amazement came +On Pallas, struck with awe to hear the mighty name. + +XVII. "Whoe'er thou art, hail, stranger," he replied, + "Step forth, and to my father tell thy quest, + And take the welcome that true hearts provide." + Forth as he leaped, the Dardan's hand he pressed, + And, pressing, held it, and embraced his guest. + So from the river through the grove they fare, + And reach the place, where, feasting with the rest, + They find Evander. Him with speeches fair +AEneas hails, and hastes his errand to declare. + +XVIII. "O best of Greeks, whom thus with olive bough + Hath Fortune willed me to entreat; yet so + I shunned thee not, albeit Arcadian thou, + A Danaan leader, in whose veins doth flow + The blood of Atreus, and my country's foe. + My conscious worth, our ties of ancestry, + Thy fame, which rumour through the world doth blow, + And Heaven's own oracles, by Fate's decree, +My willing steps have led, and link my heart, to thee. + +XIX. "Troy's founder, Dardanus, to the Teucrians came, + Child of Electra, so the Greeks declare. + Huge Atlas was Electra's sire, the same + Whose shoulders still the starry skies upbear. + Your sire is Mercury, whom Maia fair + On chill Cyllene's summit bore of old; + And Maia's sire, if aught of truth we hear, + Was Atlas, he who doth the spheres uphold. +Thus from a single stock the double stems unfold. + +XX. "Trusting to this, no embassy I sent, + No arts employed, thy purpose to explore. + Myself, my proper person, I present, + And stand a humble suppliant at thy door. + Thy foes are ours, the Daunian race, and sore + They grind us. If they drive us hence, they say, + Their conquering arms shall stretch from shore to shore. + Plight we our troth; strong arms are ours to-day, +Stout hearts, and manhood proved in many a hard essay." + +XXI. He ceased. Long while Evander marked with joy + His face and eyes, and scanned through and through, + Then spake: "O bravest of the sons of Troy! + What joy to greet thee; thine the voice, the hue, + The face of great Anchises, whom I knew. + Well I remember, how, in days forepast, + Old Priam came to Salamis, to view + His sister's realms, Hesione's, and passed +To far Arcadia, chilled with many a Northern blast. + +XXII. "Scarce o'er my cheeks the callow down had crept, + With wondering awe I viewed the Trojan train, + And gazed at Priam. But Anchises stepped + The tallest. Boyish ardour made me fain + To greet the hero, and his hand to strain. + I ventured, and to Pheneus brought my guest. + A Lycian case of arrows, bridles twain, + All golden--Pallas holds them,--and a vest +And scarf of broidered gold his parting thanks expressed. + +XXIII. "Take then the hand thou seekest; be it thine, + The plighted pact; and when to-morrow's ray + Shall chase the shadows, and the dawn shall shine, + Aid will I give you, and due stores purvey, + And send you hence rejoicing on your way. + Meanwhile, since Heaven forbids us to postpone + These yearly rites, and we are friends, be gay + And share with us the banquet. Sit ye down,-- +Behold, the boards are spread,--and make the feast your own." + +XXIV. He spake, and back, at his command, they bring + The food and wine. The chiefs, in order meet, + Along the grass he ranges, and their king + Leads to his throne; of maple was the seat; + A lion's hide lay bristling at his feet. + Youths and the altar's minister bring wine, + And heap the bread, and serve the roasted meat. + On lustral entrails and the bull's whole chine, +Couched round the Trojan king, the Trojan warriors dine. + +XXV. Then, when at last desire of food had ceased, + Thus spake Evander: "Lo, this solemn show, + This sacred altar, and this ordered feast, + No idle witchwork are they. Well we know + The ancient gods. Saved from a fearful foe, + Each year the deed we celebrate. See there + Yon nodding crag; behold the rocks below, + Tost in huge ruin, and the lonely lair, +Scooped from the mountain's side, how wild the waste and bare! + +XXVI. "There yawned the cavern, in the rock's dark womb, + Wherein the monster Cacus dwelt of yore, + Half-human. Never sunlight pierced the gloom; + But day by day the rank earth reeked with gore, + And human faces, nailed above the door, + Hung, foul and ghastly. From the loins he came + Of Vulcan, and his huge mouth evermore + Spewed forth a torrent of Vulcanian flame; +Proudly he stalked the earth, and shook the world's fair frame. + +XXVII. "But time, in answer to our prayers, one day + Brought aid,--a God to help us in our need. + Flushed with the death of Geryon, came this way + Alcides, glorying in the victor's meed, + And hither drove his mighty bulls to feed. + These, pasturing in the valley, from his lair + Fierce Cacus saw, and, scorning in his greed + To leave undone what crime or craft could dare, +Four beauteous heifers stole, four oxen sleek and fair. + +XXVIII. "Then, lest their footprints should the track declare, + Back by their tails he dragged the captured kine, + With hoofs reversed, and shut them in his lair, + And whoso sought the cavern found no sign. + But when at last Amphitryon's son divine, + His feasted herds, preparing to remove, + Called from their pastures, and in long-drawn line, + With plaintive lowing, the departing drove +Trooped from the echoing hills, and clamours filled the grove, + +XXIX. "One of the heifers from the cave again + Lowed back, in answer to the sound, and broke + The hopes of Cacus, and his theft was plain. + Black choler in Alcides' breast awoke. + Grasping his arms and club of knotted oak, + Straight to the sky-capt Aventine he hies, + And scales the steep. Then, not till then, our folk + Saw Cacus tremble. To the cave he flies, +Wing'd like the wind with fear, and terror in his eyes. + +XXX. "Scarce in, the rock he loosened with a blow, + Slung high in iron by his father's care, + And with the barrier blocked the door; when lo, + With heart aflame, great Hercules was there, + And searched each way for access to his lair, + Grinding his teeth. Thrice round the mount he threw + His vengeful eyes, thrice strove from earth to tear + The stone, and storm the threshold, thrice withdrew, +And in the vale sat down, and nursed his wrath anew. + +XXXI. "Sharp-pointed, sheer above the dungeon, stood + A crag, fit home for evil birds to light. + This, where it frowned to leftward o'er the flood, + Alcides shook, and, heaving from the right, + Tore from its roots, and headlong down the height + Impelled it. With the impulse and the fall + Heaven thunders; back the river in affright + Shrinks to its source. Bank leaps from bank, and all +The mountain, yawning, shows the monster's cave and hall. + +XXXII. "Stript of their roof, the dark abodes far back + Lie open to their inmost; e'en as though + Earth, rent asunder with convulsive wrack, + And opening to the centre, gaped to show + Hell's regions, and the gloomy realms of woe, + Abhorr'd of gods, and bare to mortals lay + The vast abyss, while in the gulf below + The pallid spectres, huddling in dismay, +Looked up with dazzled eyes, at influx of the day. + +XXXIII. "Caught in his den, the startled monster strove, + With uncouth bellowing, to elude the light. + With darts Alcides plies him from above, + Huge trunks and millstones seizing for the fight, + Hard pressed at length, and desperate for flight, + Black smoke he vomits, wondrous to be told, + That shrouds the cavern, and obscures the sight, + And, denser than the night, around his hold +Thick darkness, mixt with fire, and smothering fumes are rolled. + +XXXIV. "Scorn filled Alcides, and his wrath outbroke, + And through the fire, indignant, with a bound + He dashes, where thickest rolled the cloud of smoke, + And in black vapours all the cave was drowned. + Here, vomiting his idle flames, he found + Huge Cacus in the darkness. Like a thread + He twists him--chokes him--pins him to the ground, + The strangled eyeballs starting from his head; +Blood leaves the blackened throat, the giant form lies dead. + +XXXV. "Then suddenly, as back the doors are torn, + The gloomy den stands open, and the prey, + The stolen oxen, and the spoils forsworn, + Are bared to heaven, and by the heels straightway + He drags the grisly carcase to the day. + All, thronging round, with hungry gaze admire + The monster. Lost in wonder and dismay + They mark the eyes, late terrible with ire, +The face, the bristly breast, the jaw's extinguished fire. + +XXXVI. "Henceforth they solemnise this day divine, + Their glad posterity from year to year, + Potitius first, and the Pinarian line, + Preserve the praise of Hercules; and here + This altar named 'the Greatest' did they rear. + (Greatest 'twill be for ever). Come then, all, + And give such worth due honour. Wreathe your hair, + And pass the wine-bowl merrily, and call +Each on our common God, the guardian of us all." + +XXXVII. He spake; the God's own poplar, fleckt with white, + Hung, twining o'er his brows. His right hand bore + The sacred bowl. All, gladdening, hail the rite, + And pour libations, and the Gods adore. + 'Twas evening, and the Western star once more + Sloped towards Olympus. Forth Potitius came, + Leading the priests, girt roughly, as of yore, + With skins of beasts, and bearing high the flame. +Fresh, dainty gifts they bring, the second course to frame. + +XXXVIII. Next came the Salians, dancing as they sung + Around the blazing altars. Poplar crowned + Their brows; a double chorus, old and young, + Chant forth the glories and the deeds renowned + Of Hercules; how, potent to confound + His stepdame's hate, he crushed the serpents twain; + What towns in war he levelled to the ground, + Troy and OEchalia; how with infinite pain +Eurystheus' tasks he sped, and Juno's fates were vain: + +XXXIX. "Oh thou, unconquered, whose resistless hand + Smote the twin giants of the cloud-born crew, + Pholus, Hylaeus; and the Cretan land + Freed from its monster; and in Nemea slew + The lion! Styx hath trembled at thy view, + And Cerberus, when, smeared with gore, he lay + On bones half-mumbled in his darksome mew. + Thee not Typhoeus, when in armed array +He towered erect, could daunt, nor grisly shapes dismay. + +XL. "Prompt was thy wit, when, powerless to prevail, + Around thee twined, the beast of Lerna's fen + Hissed with the legion of its heads. O hail, + True son of Jove, the praise of mortal men, + And Heaven's new glory. Hither turn thy ken, + And cheer thy votaries." So with heart and will + They chant his praise, nor less the monster's den, + And Cacus, breathing flames. The loud notes fill +The sacred grove around, and echo to the hill. + +XLI. The rites thus ended, to the town they fare. + In front, the good Evander, old and grey, + Moves 'twixt AEneas and his youthful heir, + And oft with various converse, as they stray, + Beguiles the lightened labour of the way. + Now this, now that the Trojan chief admires, + Filled with new pleasure, as his eyes survey + Each place in turn. Oft, gladly he enquires +The tokens, one by one, and tales of ancient sires. + +XLII. Then he, who built the citadel of Rome, + Spake thus--the good Evander: "Yonder view + The forest; 'twas the Fauns' and Wood-nymphs' home. + Their birth from trunks and rugged oaks they drew; + No arts they had, nor settled life, nor knew + To yoke the ox, or lay up stores, or spare + What wealth they gathered; but their wants were few; + The branches gave them sustenance, whate'er +In toilsome chase they won, composed their scanty fare. + +XLIII. "Then first came Saturn from Olympus' height, + Flying from Jove, his kingdom barred and banned, + He taught the scattered hillsmen to unite, + And gave them laws, and bade the name to stand + Of Latium, he safe latent in the land. + Then tranquilly the happy seasons rolled + Year after year, and Peace, with plenteous hand, + Smiled on his sceptre. 'Twas the Age of Gold, +So well his placid sway the willing folk controlled. + +XLIV. "Then waxed the times degenerate, and the stain + With stealthy growth gave birth to deeds of shame, + The rage of battle, and the lust of gain. + Then came Ausonians, then Sicanians came, + And oft the land of Saturn changed its name. + Strange tyrants came, and ruled Italia's shore, + Grim-visaged Thybris, of gigantic frame; + His name henceforth the river Tiber bore, +And Albula's old name was known, alas! no more. + +XLV. "Me, from my country driven forth to roam + The utmost deep, perforce the Fates' design + And Fortune's power drove hitherward. This home + My mother, Nymph Carmentis, warned was mine; + A god, Apollo, did these shores assign." + So saying, he shows the altar and the gate + Long called Carmental, from the Nymph divine, + First seer who sang, with faithful voice, how great +AEneas' race should rise, and Pallanteum's fate. + +XLVI. He shows the grove of Romulus, his famed + Asylum; then, beneath the rock's cold crest + Lupercal's cave, from Pan Lycaean named; + Then, Argiletum's grove, whose shades attest + The death of Argus, once the monarch's guest; + Tarpeia's rock, the Capitolian height, + Now golden--rugged 'twas of old, a nest + Of tangled brakes, yet hallowed was the site +E'en then, and wood and rock filled the rude hinds with fright. + +XLVII. "These wooded steeps," he said, "this sacred grove + What godhead haunts, we know not; legends say + Arcadians here have seen the form of Jove, + And seen his right hand, with resistless sway, + Shake the dread AEgis, and the clouds array. + See, yon two cities, once renowned by fame, + Now ruined walls and crumbling to decay; + This Janus built, those walls did Saturn frame; +Janiculum was this, that bore Saturnia's name." + +XLVIII. So talking, to Evander's lowly seat + They journeyed. Herds were lowing on the plain, + Where stand the Forum and Carinae's street. + "These gates," said he, "did great Alcides deign + To pass; this palace did the god contain. + Dare thou to quit thee like the god, nor dread + To scorn mere wealth, nor humble cheer disdain." + So saying, AEneas through the door he led, +And skins of Libyan bears on garnered leaves outspread. + +XLIX. Night, with dark wings descending, wrapt the world, + When Venus, harassed, nor in vain, with fear, + To see the menace at Laurentum hurled, + To Vulcan, on his golden couch, drew near, + Breathing immortal passion: "Husband dear, + When Greeks the fated citadel of Troy + With fire and sword were ravaging, or ere + Her towers had fallen, I sought not to employ +Arms, arts or aid of thine, their purpose to destroy. + +L. "Ne'er taxed I then thy labours, dearest love, + Large as my debt to Priam's sons, and sore + My grief for poor AEneas. Now, since Jove + Hath brought him here to the Rutulian shore, + Thine arms I ask, thy deity implore, + A mother for her son. Dread power divine, + Whom Thetis, whom Tithonus' spouse of yore + Could move with tears, behold, what hosts combine, +What towns, with barr'd gates, arm to ruin me and mine." + +LI. She spake, and both her snowy arms outflung + Around him doubting, and embraced the Sire, + And, softly fondling, kissed him as she clung. + Through bones and veins her melting charms inspire + The well-known heat, and reawake desire. + So, riven by the thunder, through the pile + Of storm-clouds runs the glittering cleft of fire. + Proud of her beauty, with a conscious smile, +The Goddess feels her power, and gladdens at the guile. + +LII. Then Vulcan, mastered by immortal love, + Answers his spouse, "Why, Goddess mine, invent + Such far-fetched pleas? Dost thou thy faith remove, + And cease to trust in Vulcan? Had thy bent + So moved thee then, arms quickly had I lent + To aid thy Trojans, and thy wish were gained, + Nor envious Fate, nor Jove omnipotent + Had crossed my purpose; then had Troy remained, +And Priam ten years more the kingly line sustained. + +LIII. "E'en now, if war thou seekest to prepare, + And thither tends thy purpose, be it sped. + Whate'er my craft can promise, whatso'er + Is wrought with iron, ivory or lead, + Fanned with the blast, or molten in the bed, + Thine be it all; forbear a suppliant's quest, + Nor wrong thy beauty's potency." He said, + And gave the love she longed for; on her breast +Outpoured at length he slept, and loosed his limbs with rest. + +LIV. 'Twas midnight; sleep had faded from its prime, + The hour, when housewives, who a scanty fare + Eke out with loom and distaff, rise in time + To wake the embers, and the night outwear; + Then call their handmaids, by the light to share + The task, that keeps the husband's bed from shame, + And earns a pittance for the babes. So there, + Nor tardier, to his toil the Lord of Flame +Springs from his couch of down, the workmen's task to frame. + +LV. Hard by AEolian Lipare, before + Sicania, looms an island from the deep, + With smoking rocks. There AEtna's caverns roar, + Hewn by the Cyclop's forges from the steep. + There the steel hisses and the sparks upleap, + And clanging anvils, smit with dexterous aim, + Groan through the cavern, as their strokes they heap, + And restless in the furnace pants the flame. +'Twas Vulcan's house, the land even yet bears Vulcan's name. + +LVI. Down to this cavern came the Lord of Flame, + And found Pyracmon, naked as he strove, + Brontes and Steropes. Their hands still frame + A thunderbolt unfinished, such as Jove + Rains thickly from his armouries above, + Tipt with twelve barbs and never known to fail. + Part still remain unwrought; three rays they wove + Of ruddy fire, three of the Southern gale, +Three of the watery cloud, and three of twisted hail. + +LVII. They blend the frightful flashes and the peals, + Sound, fear, and fury with the flames behind. + These forge the War-Gods' chariot and swift wheels, + Which stir up cities, and arouse mankind. + Here, burnished bright for wrathful Pallas, shined, + With serpent scales, and golden links firm bound, + Her dreadful AEgis, and the snakes entwined; + And on her breast, with severed neck, still frowned +Medusa's head, and rolled her dying eyes around. + +LVIII. "Cease now," said Vulcan, "and these toils forbear, + Cyclops of AEtna; hither turn your heed. + Arms for a hero must the forge prepare. + Now use your strength and nimble hands; ye need + A master's cunning; to your tasks with speed." + He spake; each quickly at the word once more + Falls to his labour, as the lots decreed. + Now flows the copper, now the golden ore; +Now melts the deadly steel; the flames resume their roar. + +LIX. A mighty shield they fashion, fit to meet + Singly all arms of Latium. Layer on layer, + Seven folds in circles on its face they beat. + These from the windy bellows force the air, + These hissing copper for the forge prepare, + Dipt in the trough. The cavern floor below + Groans with the anvils and the strokes they bear, + As strong arms timed heap measured blow on blow, +And, turned with griping tongs, the molten mass doth glow. + +LX. While on AEolia's coast the Lemnian sire + Wrought thus, the fair Dawn, mantling in the skies, + Awakes Evander, and the lowly choir + Of birds beneath the eaves invites to rise. + The Tuscan sandals to his feet he ties, + The kirtle dons, the Tegeaean sword + Links to his side. A panther's skin supplies + His scarf, hung leftward, and his watchful ward, +Two dogs, the threshold leave, and 'company their lord. + +LXI. So to the chamber of his Dardan guest + The good Evander for his promise' sake + Full early hastens pondering in his breast + The tale he listened to, the words he spake. + Nor less AEneas, with the dawn awake, + Goes forth. Achates at his side attends, + His son, young Pallas, doth Evander take. + So meeting, each a willing hand extends, +And host and guest sit down, and frankly talk as friends. + +LXII. First spake the King: "Great Chief of Trojan fame, + Who living, ne'er the Trojan state is lost. + Small is our strength for war, though great our name. + Here Tiber bounds us, there Rutulians boast + To rend our walls, and thunder with their host. + But mighty tribes and wealthy realms shall band + Their arms with mine. Chance, where unlooked-for most, + Points to this succour. By the Fate's command +Thou comest; thee the gods have guided to our land. + +LXIII. "Not far from here, upon an aged rock, + There stands a town, Agylla is its name, + Where on Etruscan ridges dwells the stock + Of ancient Lydia, men of warlike fame. + Long years it flourished, till Mezentius came + And ruled it fiercely, with a tyrant's sway. + Ah me! why tell the nameless deeds of shame, + The savage murders wrought from day to day? +May Heaven on him and his those cruelties repay! + +LXIV. "Nay more, he joined the living to the dead, + Hand linked to hand in torment, face to face. + The rank flesh mouldered, and the limbs still bled, + Till death, O misery, with lingering pace, + Loosed the foul union and the long embrace. + Worn out at last with all his crimes abhorred, + Around the horrid madman swarmed apace + The armed Agyllans. On his roof they poured +The firebrands, seized his guards and slew them with the sword. + +LXV. "He safely through the carnage slunk away + To fields Rutulian, where with sheltering hand + Great Turnus shields the tyrant. So to-day, + Stirred with just fury, all Etruria's land + Springs to the war, prompt vengeance to demand. + Thine be these all, for thousands can I boast, + AEneas, thine to captain and command. + Mark now their shouts; already roars the host, +'Arm, bring the banners forth'; their vessels crowd the coast. + +LXVI. "An aged seer thus warns them to refrain, + Expounding Fate: 'Choice youths, the flower and show + Of ancient warriors of Meonian strain, + Whom just resentment arms against the foe, + Whose souls with hatred of Mezentius glow, + No man of Italy is fit to lead + So vast a multitude, the Fates say "No; + Seek ye a foreign captain."' Awed, they heed +The warning words divine, and camp upon the mead. + +LXVII. "Lo, Tarchon sends ambassadors; they bring + The crown, and sceptre, and the signs of state, + And bid me join the Tuscans as their king. + But frosty years have dulled me; life is late, + And envious Age forbids an Empire's weight. + Fit were my son, but half Italian he, + His mother born a Sabine. Thee hath Fate + Endowed with years and proper birth; for thee +The Gods this throne have willed, and, what they will, decree. + +LXVIII. "Advance, brave Chief of Italy and Troy! + Advance; young Pallas at thy side shall fare, + My hope, my solace, and my heart's best joy. + With thee to teach him, he shall learn to share + The war's grim work, the warrior's toil to bear; + From earliest youth to marvel at thy deeds, + And try to match them. Horsemen shall be there, + Ten score, the choicest that Arcadia breeds; +Two hundred more, his own, the gallant stripling leads." + +LXIX. He spake: AEneas and Achates stood + With down-fixt eyes, musing the strange event. + Dark thoughts were theirs, and sorrowful their mood; + When lo, to leftward Cytherea sent + A sign amid the open firmament. + A flash of lightning swift from ether sprang + With thunder. Turmoil universal blent + Earth, sea and sky; the empyrean rang +With arms, and loudly pealed the Tuscan trumpet's clang. + +LXX. Upward they look: again and yet again + Comes the loud crash of thunder, and between + A cloud that frets the firmamental plain, + With bright, red flash amid the sky serene, + The glitter of resounding arms is seen. + All tremble; but AEneas hails the sign + Long-promised. "Ask not," he exclaims, "what mean + These prodigies and portents; they are mine. +Me great Olympus calls; I hear the voice divine. + +LXXI. "This sign my Goddess-mother vowed to send, + If war should threaten; thus in armed array + From heaven with aid she promised to descend. + Ah, woe for thee, Laurentum, soon the prey + Of foeman! What a reckoning shalt thou pay + To me, ill-fated Turnus! How thy wave + Shall redden, Tiber, as it rolls away + Helmets, and shields and bodies of the brave! +Ay, let them break the league, and bid the War-god rave." + +LXXII. He spake, and, rising from his seat, renews + The slumbering fires of Hercules, and tends + The hearth-god's shrine of yesterday. Choice ewes + They slay--Evander and his Trojan friends. + Then to his comrades and the shore he wends, + Arrays the crews, and takes the bravest there + To follow him in fight. The rest he sends + To young Ascanius down the stream, to bear +News of his absent sire, and how the cause doth fare. + +LXXIII. With steeds, to aid the Tuscans, they provide + The Teucrians. For AEneas forth is led + The choicest, with a tawny lion's hide, + All glittering with gilded claws, bespread. + Now rumour through the little town hath sped, + Of horsemen for the Tuscan king, with spear + And shield for battle. Mothers, pale with dread, + Heap vows on vows. The War-god, drawing near, +Looms larger, and more close to danger draws the fear. + +LXXIV. Then cries Evander, clinging, and with tears + Insatiate, loth to see his Pallas go, + "Ah! would but Jove bring back the bygone years, + As when beneath Praeneste long ago + I strowed the van, and laid their mightiest low, + And burned their shields, and with this hand to Hell + Hurled down King Erulus, the monstrous foe, + To whom Feronia, terrible to tell, +Three lives had given, and thrice to battle ere he fell. + +LXXV. "Twice up he rose, but thrice I slew the slain, + Thrice of his life I robbed him, till he died, + Thrice stripped his arms. O, were I such again, + Danger, nor death, nor aught of ill beside, + Sweet son, should ever tear me from thy side. + Ne'er had Mezentius then, the neighbouring lord, + Dared thus to flout me, nor this arm defied. + Nor wrought such havoc and such crimes abhorred, +Nor made a weeping town thus widowed by the sword. + +LXXVI. "O Gods, and thou, who rulest earth and air, + Great Jove, their mightiest, pity, I implore, + Arcadia's King, and hear a father's prayer. + If Fate this happiness reserve in store, + To gaze upon my Pallas' face once more, + If living means to meet my son again, + Then let me live; how hard soe'er and sore + My trials, gladly will I count them gain. +Sweet will the suffering seem, and light the load of pain. + +LXXVII. "But O, if Fortune, with malignant spite, + Some blow past utterance for my life prepare, + Now, now this moment rid me of the light, + While fears are vague, nor hoping breeds despair, + While, dearest boy, my late and only care, + Thus--thus I fold thee in my arms to-day. + Nor wound with news too sorrowful to bear + A father's ears!" He spake, and swooned away; +Back to his home the slaves their fainting lord convey. + +LXXVIII. Forth troop the horsemen from the gates. First ride + AEneas and Achates; in the rear + Troy's nobles, led by Pallas, in the pride + Of broidered scarf and figured arms, appear. + As when bright Lucifer, to Venus dear + Beyond all planets and each starry beam, + High up in heaven his sacred head doth rear, + Bathed in the freshness of the Ocean stream, +And melts the dark, so fair the gallant youth doth seem. + +LXXIX. The matrons stand upon the walls, distraught, + And mark the dust-cloud and the mail-clad train. + These through the brushwood, where the road lies short, + Move on in arms. The war-shout peals again, + The hard hoofs clattering shake the crumbling plain. + And now, where, cold with crystal waves, is found + Fair Caere's stream, a spreading grove they gain. + Ages have spread its sanctity, and, crowned +With pine-woods dark as night, the hollow hills stand round. + +LXXX. This grove, 'tis said, the tribes Pelasgian--they, + Who first in Latin marches dwelt of old-- + Kept sacred to Silvanus, and the day + Vowed to the guardian of the field and fold. + Hard by, brave Tarchon and his Tuscans bold + Lay camped. His legions, stretching o'er the meads, + The Trojans from a rising ground behold. + AEneas here his toil-worn warriors leads; +Food for themselves they bring, and forage for their steeds. + +LXXXI. Meanwhile fair Venus through the clouds came down, + Bearing her gifts. Couched in a secret glade, + By a cool river, she espies her son, + And hails him: "See the promised gifts displayed, + Wrought by my husband's cunning for thine aid. + Thy prowess now let proud Laurentum taste, + Nor fear with Turnus to contend." So said + Cythera's goddess, and her child embraced, +And on an oak in front the radiant arms she placed. + +LXXXII. Joy fills AEneas; with insatiate gaze + He views the gifts, and marvels at the sight. + In turn he handles, and in turn surveys + The helmet tall with fiery crest bedight, + The fateful sword, the breastplate's brazen might, + Blood-red, and huge, and glorious to behold + As some dark cloud, far-blazing with the light + Of sunset; then the polished greaves of gold, +The spear, the mystic shield, too wondrous to be told. + +LXXXIII. There did the Fire-king, who the future cons, + The tale of ancient Italy portray, + Rome's triumphs, and Ascanius' distant sons, + Their wars in order, and each hard-fought fray. + There, in the cave of Mars all verdurous, lay + The fostering she-wolf with the twins; they hung + About her teats, and licked in careless play + Their mother. She, with slim neck backward flung, +In turn caressed them both, and shaped them with her tongue. + +LXXXIV. There, later Rome, and there, the Sabine dames + Amid the crowded theatre he viewed, + Raped by the Romans at the Circus games; + The sudden war, that from the deed ensued, + With aged Tatius and his Cures rude. + There stand the kings, still armed, but foes no more, + Beside Jove's altar, and abjure the feud. + Goblet in hand, the sacred wine they pour, +And o'er the slaughtered swine the plighted peace restore. + +LXXXV. Next, Mettus, by the four-horsed chariot torn. + ('Twere better, perjured Alban, to be true!) + Fierce Tullus dragged the traitor's limbs in scorn + Through brambles, dripping with the crimson dew. + Porsenna there around the city drew + His 'leaguering host. But freedom fired the blood + Of Romans. Idle was his rage, to view + How Cocles on the battered bridge withstood, +And Cloelia burst her bonds, and singly stemmed the flood. + +LXXXVI. Next, Manlius guards the Capitol; see here + The straw-thatched palace. Silvered in the gold, + The fluttering goose proclaims the Gauls are near. + They, screened by darkness, thread the woods, and hold + With arms the slumbering citadel. Behold + Their beards all golden, and their golden hair, + Their white necks gleaming with the twisted gold, + Their chequered plaids. Each hand an Alpine spear +Waves, and an oblong shield their stalwart arms upbear. + +LXXXVII. There danced the Salians, the Luperci reeled + Half-naked. See them sculptured in array, + With caps wool-tufted, and the sky-dropt shield. + Chaste dames, in cushioned chariots, lead the way + Through the glad city. Elsewhere, far away, + Loom Dis and Tartarus, where the guilty pine, + And Catiline, upon a rock for aye + Hangs, shuddering at the Furies. Distant shine +The just, where Cato stands, dealing the law divine. + +LXXXVIII. The swelling ocean in the midst is seen, + All golden, but the billow's hoary spray + Foams o'er the blue. Dolphins of silvery sheen + Lash the white eddies with their tails in play, + Cleaving the surges. In the centre lay + The brazen fleets, all panoplied for war, + 'Tis Actium's fight; Leucate's headland grey + Boils with the tumult of the distant jar, +And golden glow the waves, effulgent from afar. + +LXXXIX. Augustus his Italians leads from home, + High on the stern. The Senators stand round, + The people, and the guardian gods of Rome. + With double flame his joyous brows are crowned; + The constellation of his sire renowned + Beams o'er his head. There too, his ships in line, + With winds and gods to prosper him, is found + Agrippa. Radiant on his head doth shine +The crown of golden beaks, the battle's glorious sign. + +XC. Here, late from Parthia and the Red-sea coast, + With motley legions and barbaric pride, + Comes Anthony. From Egypt swarms his host, + From India and far Bactra. At his side + Stands--shame to tell it--an Egyptian bride. + See now the fight; prows churn and oar-blades lash + The foam. 'Twould seem the Cyclads swim the tide, + Torn from his moorings, or the mountains clash, +So huge the tower-crowned ships, so terrible the crash. + +XCI. Winged darts are hurled, and flaming tow; the leas + Of Neptune redden. There the queen stands by, + And sounds the timbrel for the fray, nor sees + The asps behind. All monsters of the sky + With Neptune, Venus, and Minerva vie. + In vain Anubis barks; Mars raves among + The combatants; the Furies frown on high. + With mantle rent, glad Discord joins the throng; +Behind, with bloody scourge, Bellona stalks along. + +XCII. There Actian Phoebus, gazing on the scene, + Bent his dread bow. Egypt, Arabia fled, + And India turned in terror. There, the queen + Calls to the winds; behold, the sails are spread. + Her, pale with thoughts of dying, through the dead + The waves and zephyrs--so the gold expressed-- + Bear onward. Yonder, to his sheltering bed + Nile, sorrowing, calls the fugitives to rest, +Unfolds his winding robes, and bares his azure breast. + +XCIII. There, Caesar sacred to his gods proclaims + Three hundred temples, each a stately fane. + Behold his triple triumph. Shouts and games + Gladden the streets; glad matrons chant the strain + At every altar, and the steers are slain. + He takes the offerings, and reviews the throng, + Throned in the portal of Apollo's fane. + Below, the captive nations march along, +Diverse in arms and garb, and each of different tongue. + +XCIV. Wild Nomads, Africans uncinctured came, + Carians, Gelonian bowmen, and behind + The Leleges, the Dahae, hard to tame, + The Morini, extreme of human-kind. + Last, proud Araxes, whom no bridge could bind, + Euphrates humbled, and the horned Rhine. + All this, by Vulcan on the shield designed, + He sees, and, gladdening at the gift divine, +Upbears aloft the fame and fortunes of his line. + + + + +BOOK NINE + + +ARGUMENT + +Certified by Juno of the absence of AEneas, Turnus leads his forces +against the Trojans. When they entrench themselves within their +lines, he attempts to burn their ships, which are thereupon changed +by Cybele into nymphs, and float away (1-144). Turnus undaunted +harangues his men and beleaguers the camp (145-198). Nisus and +Euryalus scheme, and petition, to sally forth to find AEneas and a +rescue. Setting out with promise of rich rewards if successful, they +surprise the Latin Camp but are themselves in turn surprised and +slain (199-513). Their victims are buried; their heads are paraded +on pikes before the Trojan Camp, to the agony of the mother of +Euryalus (514-576). The allies assault the camp. Virgil invokes +Calliope to describe the fray (577-603). The collapse of a tower and +losses on both sides prelude Ascanius' baptism of fire. He kills his +man (604-765). The brothers Pandarus and Bitias open the camp-gates +in defiance. Bitias falls, and Pandarus, retreating, shuts Turnus +within the camp, who kills him, but failing to let in his friends +is eventually hard pressed (766-882). The Trojans rally round +Mnestheus and Serestus. Turnus plunges into the river and with +difficulty escapes by swimming (883-927). + + +I. While thus in distant quarter moves the scene, + Down to the daring Turnus from the skies + Comes Iris, sent by the Saturnian queen. + Him seated in a hallowed vale, where lies + His father's grove, Pilumnus', she espies. + There straight with rosy lips the daughter fair + Of Thaumas hails the hero: "Turnus, rise. + Behold what none of all the Gods would dare +To promise, rolling Time hath proffered without prayer. + +II. "Fleet left and friends, AEneas to the court + Of Palatine Evander speeds his way, + Nay, the far towns of Corythus hath sought, + And arms the Lydian swains to meet the fray! + Now call for steel and chariot. Why delay? + Surprise the camp and capture it."--She said, + And straight on balanced pinions soared away, + Cleaving the bow. The warrior marked, and spread +His hands, and thus with prayer pursued her as she fled: + +III. "O Iris, Heaven's fair glory, who hath sent + Thee hither? whence this sudden light so clear? + I see the firmament asunder rent, + And planets wandering in the polar sphere. + Blest omens, hail! I follow thee, whoe'er + Thou art, that call'st to battle." He arose + With joy, and stepping to the streamlet near, + Scoops up the water in his palms, and bows +In suppliance to the Gods, and burdens Heaven with vows. + +IV. Now all the host were marching on the meads, + Well-horsed, and panoplied in golden gear, + With broidered raiment. Brave Messapus leads + The van, the sons of Tyrrheus close the rear, + And Turnus in mid column shakes his spear. + Slow moves the host, as when his seven-fold head + Great Ganges lifts in silence, calm and clear, + Or Nile, whose flood the fruitful soil hath fed, +Ebbs from the fattened fields, and hides him in his bed. + +V. Far off, the Teucrians from their camp descried + The gathering dust-cloud on the plains appear. + Then brave Caicus from a bastion cried, + "What dark mass, rolling towards us, have we here? + Arm, townsmen, arm! Bring quick the sword and spear, + And mount the battlements, and man the wall. + The foemen, ho!" And with a mighty cheer + The Teucrians, hurrying at the warning call, +Pour in through all the gates, and muster on the wall. + +VI. So, parting, wise AEneas gave command, + Should chance surprise them, with their chief away, + To shun the field, nor battle hand to hand, + But safe behind their sheltering earthworks stay, + And, guarding wall and rampart, stand at bay. + So now, though passion and indignant hate + Prompt to engage, his mandate they obey, + And bar each inlet, and secure each gate, +And, armed, in sheltering towers their enemies await. + +VII. Turnus, with twenty horsemen, left the rest + To lag behind, and near the town-gate drew + All unforeseen. A Thracian steed he pressed, + Dappled with white; a crest of scarlet hue + High o'er his golden helmet flamed in view. + Loudly he shrills in anger to his train, + "Who first with me will at the foemen--who? + See there!" and, rising hurls his spear amain, +Sign of the fight begun, and pricks along the plain. + +VIII. With shouts his comrades welcome the attack, + And clamouring fiercely follow in his train. + They marvel at the Teucrian hearts so slack, + That none will dare to trust the open plain, + And fight like men, but in the camp remain, + And safe behind their sheltering rampart stay. + Now here, now there, fierce Turnus in disdain + Rides round the walls, and, searching for a way, +Where way is none, still strives an entrance to essay. + +IX. As wolf, in ambush by the fold, sore beat + With winds, at midnight howls amid the rain. + The lambs beneath their mothers safely bleat. + He, mad with rage, and faint with famine's pain, + Thirsts for their blood, and ramps at them in vain; + So raves fierce Turnus, as his eyes survey + The walls and camp. Grief burns in every vein, + As round he looks for access and a way +To shake the Teucrians out, and strew them forth to slay. + +X. The fleet, as by the flanking camp it lies, + Fenced by the river and the mounded sand, + He marks, then loudly to the burning cries, + And with a flaming pinestock fills his hand, + Himself aflame. His presence cheers the band. + All set to work, and strip the watchfires bare: + Each warrior arms him with a murky brand: + The smoking torch shoots up a pitchy glare, +And clouds of mingled soot the Fire-god flings in air. + +XI. Say, Muse, what god from Teucrians turned the flame, + Such fiery havoc. O, the tale declare; + Old is its faith, but deathless is its fame. + When first AEneas did his fleet prepare + 'Neath Phrygian Ida, through the seas to fare, + To Jove the Berecynthian queen divine + Spake thus, 'tis said, urging a suppliant's prayer: + "O Lord Olympian, hearken and incline. +Grant what thy mother asks, who made Olympus thine. + +XII. "A wood, beloved for many a year, was mine, + A grove of sacrifice, on Ida's height, + Darksome with maple and the swart pitch-pine. + This wood, these trees, my ever-dear delight, + Gladly I gave to speed the Dardan's flight. + But doubts and fears my troubled mind assail. + O calm them; may a parent's prayer have might, + And this their birth upon our hills avail +To guide their voyage safe, and shield them from the gale." + +XIII. Then spake her son, who wields the starry sphere, + "Mother, what would'st thou of the Fates demand? + What art thou seeking for these Teucrians here? + Shall vessels, fashioned by a mortal hand, + The gift of immortality command? + And shall AEneas sail the uncertain main, + Himself of safety certain, and his band? + Did ever God such privilege attain? +Nay, rather, when at length, Ausonian ports they gain, + +XIV. "Their duty done, and Ocean's dangers o'er, + What ships soe'er shall have escaped, to bear + The Dardan chief to the Laurentian shore, + Shall lose their perishable form, and wear + The sea-nymphs' shape, like Galatea fair + And Doto, when they breast the deep." He spake, + And by his brother's Stygian river sware, + Whose pitchy torrent swells the infernal lake, +And with his awful nod made all Olympus shake. + +XV. The day was come, the fated time complete, + When Turnus' insults bade the Mother rise + And ward the firebrands from her sacred fleet. + A sudden light now flashed upon their eyes, + A cloud from eastward ran athwart the skies, + With choirs of Ida, and a voice through air + Pealed forth, and filled both armies with surprise, + "Trojans, be calm; your needless pains forbear, +Nor arm to save these ships; their safety is my care. + +XVI. "Sooner shall Turnus make the ocean blaze, + Than these my pines. Go, sea-nymphs, and be free, + Your mother bids you." Each at once obeys, + Their cables snapt, like dolphins in their glee, + They dip their beaks, and dive beneath the sea. + Hence, where before along the shore had stood + The brazen poops--O marvellous to see!-- + So many now, with maiden forms endued, +Rise up, and reappear, and float upon the flood. + +XVII. All stand aghast; amid the startled steeds + Messapus quails, and Tiber checks his tide, + And, hoarsely murmuring, from the deep recedes. + Yet fails not Turnus, prompt to cheer or chide. + "To Teucrians point these prodigies," he cried, + "They bide not, they, Rutulian sword and brand. + E'en Jove their wonted succour hath denied. + Barred is the sea, and half the world is banned; +Earth, too, is ours, such hosts Italia's chiefs command. + +XVIII. "I fear not Fate, nor what the Gods can do. + Suffice for Venus and the Fates the day + When Trojans touched Ausonia. I have, too, + My Fates, these robbers of my bride to slay. + Not Atreus' sons alone, and only they, + Have known a sorrow and a smart so keen, + And armed for vengeance. But enough, ye say, + Once to have fallen? One trespass then had been +Enough, and made them loathe all womankind, I ween. + +XIX. "Lo, these who think a paltry wall can save, + A narrow ditch can thwart us,--these, so bold, + With but a span betwixt them and the grave! + Saw they not Troy, which Neptune reared of old, + Sink down in ruin, as the flames uprolled? + But ye, my chosen, who with me will scale + Yon wall, and storm their trembling camp? Behold, + No aid divine nor ships of thousand sail, +Nor Vulcan's arms I need, o'er Trojans to prevail. + +XX. "Nay; let Etrurians join them, one and all, + No raid, nor robbed Palladium they shall fear, + Nor sentries stabbed beneath the night's dark pall. + No horse shall hide us; by the daylight clear + Our flames shall ring their ramparts. Dream they here + To find such Danaan striplings, weak as they + Whom Hector baffled till the tenth long year? + But now, since near its ending draws the day, +Take rest, and bide prepared the dawning of the fray." + +XXI. His outposts plants Messapus, set to guard + The gates with watchfires, and the walls invest. + Twice seven captains round the camp keep ward, + Each with a hundred warriors of the best, + With golden armour and a blood-red crest. + These to and fro pace sentinels, and share + The watch in turn; those, on the sward at rest, + Tilt the brass wine-bowl. Bright the watch-fires flare, +And games and festive mirth the wakeful night outwear. + +XXII. Forth look the Trojans from their walls, and line + The heights in arms, and test with hurrying fear + The gates, and bridges to the bulwarks join, + And bring up darts and javelins. Mnestheus here, + There bold Serestus is at hand to cheer, + They, whom AEneas left to rule the host, + Should ill betide them, or the foe draw near. + Thus all in turn, where peril pressed the most, +Keep watch along the wall, dividing danger's post. + +XXIII. Nisus, the bold, stood warder of the gate, + The son of Hyrtacus, whom Ida fair, + The huntress, on AEneas sent to wait, + Quick with light arrows and the flying spear. + Beside him stood Euryalus, his fere; + Scarce on his cheeks the down of manhood grew, + The comeliest youth that donned the Trojan gear. + Love made them one; as one, to fight they flew, +As one they guard the gates, companions tried and true. + +XXIV. Then Nisus: "Is it that the Gods inspire, + Euryalus, this fever of the breast? + Or make we gods of but a wild desire? + Battle I seek, or some adventurous quest, + And scorn to dally with inglorious rest, + See yonder the Rutulians, stretched supine, + What careless confidence is theirs, oppressed + With wine and slumber; how the watch-fires shine, +Faint, few, and far between; what silence holds the line. + +XXV. "Learn now the plan and purpose of my mind, + 'AEneas should be summoned,' one and all,-- + Camp, council,--cry, and messengers would find + To take sure tidings and our chief recall. + If thee the meed I ask for shall befall,-- + Bare fame be mine--methink the pathway lies + By yonder mound to Pallanteum's wall." + Then, fired with zeal and smitten with surprise, +Thus to his ardent friend Euryalus replies: + +XXVI. "Me, me would Nisus from such deeds debar? + Am I to send thee singly to thy fate? + Not thus my sire Opheltes, bred to war, + Brought up and taught me, when in evil strait + Was Troy, and Argives battered at her gate. + Not thus to great AEneas was I known, + His trusty follower through the paths of Fate. + Here dwells a soul that dares the light disown, +And counteth life well sold, to purchase such renown." + +XXVII. "For _thee_ I feared not," Nisus made reply, + "'Twere shame, indeed, to doubt a friend so tried. + So may great Jove, or whosoe'er on high + With equal eyes this exploit shall decide, + Restore me soon in triumph to thy side. + But if--for divers hazards underlie + So bold a venture--evil chance betide, + Or angry deity my hopes bely, +Thee Heaven preserve, whose youth far less deserves to die. + +XXVIII. "Mine be a friend to lay me, if I fall, + Rescued or ransomed, in my native ground; + Or, if hard fortune grudge a boon so small, + To make fit honour to my shade redound, + And o'er the lost one rear an empty mound. + Ne'er let a childless mother owe to me + A pang so keen, and such a cureless wound. + She, who, alone of mothers, dared for thee +Acestes' walls to leave, and braved the stormy sea." + +XXIX. "My purpose holds and shifts not," he replies, + "These empty pretexts cannot shake me--no. + Hence, let us haste." And to the guard he cries, + Who straight march up, and forth the two friends go + To find the chief. All creatures else below + Lay wrapt in sleep, forgetting toil and care; + But sleepless still, in presence of the foe, + Troy's chosen chiefs urge council, what to dare, +Whom to AEneas send, the desperate news to bear. + +XXX. There, in the middle of the camp and plain, + Each shield in hand, and leaning on his spear, + They stand; when lo! in eager haste the twain, + Craving an audience instantly, appear. + High matter theirs, and worth a pause to hear. + Then first Iulus greets the breathless pair, + And calls to Nisus. "Dardans, lend an ear," + Outspake the son of Hyrtacus, "Be fair, +Nor rate by youthful years the proffered aid we bear. + +XXXI. "See, hushed with wine and slumber, lies the foe. + Where by the sea-gate, parts the road in twain, + A stealthy passage from the camp we know. + Black roll the smoke-clouds, and the watch-fires wane. + Leave us to try our fortune, soon again + Yourselves shall see, from Pallanteum's town, + AEneas, rich with trophies of the slain. + Plain lies the path, for oft the chase hath shown +From darksome vales the town, and all the stream is known." + +XXXII. "O Gods!" exclaimed Aletes, wise and old, + "Not yet ye mean to raze the Trojan race, + Who give to Troy such gallant hearts and bold." + So saying, he clasped them in a fond embrace, + And bathed in tears his features and his face. + "What gifts can match such valour? Deeds so bright + Heaven and your hearts with fairest meed shall grace. + The rest our good AEneas shall requite, +Nor young Ascanius e'er such services shall slight." + +XXXIII. "Yea, gallant Nisus," adds Ascanius there, + "I, too, who count my father's safety mine, + Adjure thee, by the household gods I swear + Of old Assaracus and Teucer's line, + And hoary Vesta's venerable shrine, + Whate'er of fortune or of hopes remain, + To thee and thy safe-keeping I resign. + Bring back my sire in safety; care nor pain +Shall ever vex me more, if he return again. + +XXXIV. "Two goblets will I give thee, richly wrought + Of sculptured silver, beauteous to behold, + The spoils my sire from sacked Arisbe brought, + With two great talents of the purest gold, + Two tripods, and a bowl of antique mould, + The gift at Carthage of the Tyrian queen. + Nay, more, if e'er Italia's realm I hold, + And share the spoils of conquest,--thou hast seen +The steed that Turnus rode, his arms of golden sheen,-- + +XXXV. "That steed, that shield, that crest of crimson hue, + I keep for thee,--thine, Nisus, from to-day. + Twelve lovely matrons and male captives too, + Each with his armour, shall my sire convey, + With all the lands that own Latinus' sway. + But thee, whose years the most with mine agree, + Brave youth! my heart doth welcome. Come what may, + In peace or war my comrade shalt thou be. +Thine are my thoughts, my deeds; fame tempts me but for thee." + +XXXVI. "No time, I ween," Euryalus replies, + "Shall shame the promise of this bold design, + Come weal, come woe. One boon alone I prize + Beyond all gifts. A mother dear is mine, + A mother, sprung from Priam's ancient line. + Troy nor the walls of King Acestes e'er + Stayed her from following, when I crossed the brine. + Her of this risk--whate'er the risk I dare-- +Weetless, I left behind, nor breathed a parting prayer. + +XXXVII. "Night bear me witness; by thy hand I swear, + I cannot bear a parent's tears. But O! + Be thou her solace, comfort her despair; + This hope permit, and bolder will I go, + To face all hazards and confront the foe." + Grief smote the Dardans, and the tears ran down, + And young Iulus, pierced with kindred woe, + Outweeps them all; in filial love thus shown, +Touched to the heart, he traced the likeness of his own. + +XXXVIII. "All, all," he cries, "that such a deed can claim, + I promise for thy guerdon. Mine shall be + Thy mother,--mine, Creusa save in name; + Nor small her praise to bear a son like thee. + Howe'er shall Fortune the event decree, + I swear--so swore my father--by my head, + What gifts I pledge, if thou return, to thee, + These, if thou fall, thy mother in thy stead, +These shall thy kinsmen keep, the heirlooms of the dead." + +XXXIX. Weeping, the gilded falchion he untied, + Lycaon's work, with sheath of ivory fair. + To Nisus Mnestheus gave a lion's hide, + His helmet changed Aletes. Forth they fare, + And round them to the gates, with vows and prayer, + The band of chiefs their parting steps attend; + And, manlier than his years, Iulus fair + Full many a message to his sire would send. +Vain wish! his fruitless words the scattering breezes rend. + +XL. So past the trench, upon the shadowy plain + Forth issuing, to the foemen's tents they creep, + Fatal to many, ere the camp they gain. + Warriors they see, who drank the wine-bowl deep, + Beside their tilted chariots stretched in sleep, + And reins, and wheels and wine-jars tost away, + And arms and men in many a mingled heap. + Then Nisus: "Up, Euryalus, and slay! +Haste, for the hour is ripe, and yonder lies the way. + +XLI. "Watch thou, lest hand be lifted in the rear. + There, flanked with swaths of corpses, will I reap + Thy pathway; broad shall be the lane and clear." + So saying, he checks his voice, and, aiming steep, + Drives at proud Rhamnes. On a piled-up heap + Of carpets lay the warrior, and his breast + Heaved with hard breathing and the sounds of sleep: + Augur and king, whom Turnus loved the best. +Not all his augur's craft could now his doom arrest. + +XLII. Three slaves beside him, lying heedless here + Amidst their arms, he numbers with the slain, + Then Remus' page, and Remus' charioteer, + Caught by their steeds. The weapon, urged amain, + Swoops down, and cleaves their drooping necks in twain. + Their master's head he severs with a blow, + And leaves the trunk, still heaving, on the plain, + And o'er the cushions and the ground below, +Wet with the warm, black gore, the spouting streams outflow. + +XLIII. Lamus and Lamyras he slew outright, + And fair Serranus, as asleep he lay, + Tamed by the God; for long and late that night + The youth had gamed. Ah! happier, had his play + Outlived the night, and lasted till the day. + Like some starved lion, that on the teeming fold + Springs, mad with hunger, and the feeble prey, + All mute with terror, in his clutch doth hold, +And rends with bloody mouth, and riots uncontrolled, + +XLIV. Such havoc wrought Euryalus, so flamed + His fury. Fadus and Herbesus died, + And Abaris, and many a wight unnamed, + Caught unaware. But Rhoetus woke, and tried + In fear behind a massive bowl to hide. + Full in the breast, or e'er the wretch upstood, + The shining sword-blade to the hilt he plied, + Then drew it back death-laden. Wine and blood +Gush out, the dying lips disgorge the crimson flood. + +XLV. Thence, burning, to Messapus' camp he speeds, + Where faint the watch-fires flicker far away, + And tethered on the herbage graze the steeds, + When briefly thus speaks Nisus, fain to stay + The lust of battle and mad thirst to slay: + "Cease we; the light, our enemy, is near. + Vengeance is glutted; we have hewn our way." + Bowls, solid silver armour here and there +They leave behind untouched, and arras rich and rare. + +XLVI. The arms and belt of Rhamnes, bossed with gold, + Which Caedicus, his friendship to attest, + Sent to Tiburtine Remulus of old, + Whose grandson took it, as a last bequest + (Rutulians thence these spoils of war possessed)-- + These trophies seized Euryalus, and braced + The useless trappings on his valorous breast, + And on his head Messapus' helm he placed, +Light and with graceful plumes; and from the camp they haste. + +XLVII. Meanwhile from out Laurentum rides a train + With news of Turnus, while the main array + With marshalled ranks is lingering on the plain, + Three hundred shieldsmen Volscens' lead obey. + Now to the ramparts they have found their way, + When lo, to leftward, hurrying from their raid, + They mark the youths amid the twilight grey. + His glittering helm Euryalus betrayed, +That flashed the moonbeams back, and pierced the glimmering shade. + +XLVIII. Nor passed the sight unheeded. Shrill and loud + "Stand, who are ye in armour dight, and why? + What make ye there?" cries Volscens from the crowd, + "And whither wend ye?" Naught the youths reply, + But swiftly to the bordering forest fly, + And trust to darkness. Then around each way + The horsemen ride, all outlet to deny; + Circling, like huntsmen, closely as they may, +They watch the well-known turns, and wait the expected prey. + +XLIX. Shagg'd with rough brakes and sable ilex, spread + The wood, and, glimmering in the twilight grey, + Through broken tracks a narrow pathway led. + The shadowy boughs, the cumbrous spoils delay + Euryalus, and fear mistakes the way. + Nisus, unheeding, through the foemen flies, + And gains the place,--called Alba now--where lay + Latinus' pastures; then with back-turned eyes +Stands still, and seeks in vain his absent friend, and cries: + +L. "Where, in what quarter, have I left thee? Where, + Euryalus, shall I follow thee? What clue + Shall trace the mazes of this silvan snare, + The tangled path unravelling?" Back he flew, + Picking his footsteps with observant view, + And roamed the silent brushwood. Steeds he hears, + The noise, the signs of foemen who pursue. + A moment more, and, bursting on his ears, +There came a shout, and lo, Euryalus appears. + +LI. Him, in false ways, amid the darkness, ta'en, + The gathering band with sudden rush o'erbear. + Poor Nisus sees him struggling, but in vain. + What should he do? By force of arms how dare + His friend to rescue? Shall he face them there, + And rush upon the foemen's swords, to die, + And welcome wounds that win a death so fair? + His spear he poises, and with upturned eye +And stalwart arm drawn back, invokes the Moon on high: + +LII. "Come thou, Latonia, succour my distress! + Guardian of groves, bright glory of the sky, + If e'er with offerings for his son's success + My sire thine altars hath adorned, or I + Enriched them from the chase, and hung on high + Spoils in thy deep-domed temple, or arrayed + Thy roof with plunder; make this troop to fly, + And guide my weapons through the air." He prayed, +And, winged with strength, the steel went whistling through the shade. + +LIII. It struck the shield of Sulmo at his side; + There broke the shaft and splintered. Down he rolled + Pierced through the midriff, and his life's warm tide + Poured from his bosom, and the long sobs told + Its heavings, ere the stiffening limbs grew cold. + All look around and tremble, when again + The youth another javelin, waxing bold, + Aimed from his ear-tip. Through the temples twain +Of Tagus whizzed the steel, and warmed within the brain. + +LIV. Fierce Volscens raves with anger, nor espies + The wielder of the weapon, nor which way + To rush, aflame with fury. "Thou," he cries, + "Thy blood meanwhile the penalty shall pay + For both," and with his falchion bared to slay + Springs at Euryalus. Then, wild with fear, + Poor Nisus shouts, in frenzy of dismay, + Nor longer in the dark can hide, nor bear +A pang of grief so keen--to lose a friend so dear, + +LV. "Me--me, behold the doer! mine the deed! + Kill me, Rutulians. By this hand they fell. + He could not--durst not. By the skies I plead, + By yon bright stars, that witnessed what befell, + He only loved his hapless friend too well." + Vain was his prayer; the weapon, urged amain, + Pierced through his ribs and snowy breast. Out swell + Dark streams of gore his lovely limbs to stain; +The sinking neck weighs o'er the shoulders of the slain. + +LVI. So doth the purple floweret, dying, droop, + Smit by the ploughshare. So the poppy frail + On stricken stalk its languid head doth stoop, + And bows o'erladen with the drenching hail. + But onward now, through thickest ranks of mail, + Rushed Nisus. Volscens only will he slay; + He waits for none but Volscens. They assail + From right and left, and crowd his steps to stay. +He whirls his lightning brand, and presses to his prey. + +LVII. Ere long he meets him clamouring, and down + His throat he drives the griding sword amain, + And takes his life, ere laying down his own. + Then, pierced he sinks upon his comrade slain, + And death's long slumber puts an end to pain. + O happy pair! if aught my verse ensure, + No length of time shall make your memory wane, + While, throned upon the Capitol secure, +The AEneian house shall reign, and Roman rule endure. + +LVIII. Weeping, the victors took the spoils and prey, + And back dead Volscens to their camp they bore. + Nor less the wailing in the camp that day, + Brave Rhamnes found, and many a captive more, + Numa, Serranus, weltering in their gore. + Thick round the dead and dying, where the plain + Reeks freshly with the frothing blood, they pour. + Sadly they know Messapus' spoils again, +The trappings saved with sweat, the helmet of the slain. + +LIX. Now, rising from Tithonus' saffron couch, + The Goddess of the dawn with orient ray + Sprinkled the earth, and 'neath the wakening touch + Of sunlight, all things stand revealed to-day. + Turnus himself, accoutred for the fray, + Wakes up his warriors with the morning light. + At once each captain marshals in array + His company, in brazen arms bedight, +And rumours whet their rage, and prick them to the fight. + +LX. Nay more, aloft upon the javelin's end, + With shouts they bear--a miserable sight!-- + The heads, the heads of Nisus and his friend. + On the walls' left--the river flanked their right-- + The sturdy Trojans stand arrayed for fight, + And line the trenches and each lofty tower, + Sad, while the foemen, clamorous with delight, + March onward, with the heroes' heads before, +Well known--alas! too well--and dropping loathly gore. + +LXI. Now Fame, winged herald, through the wildered town + Swift to Euryalus' mother speeds her way. + Life's heat forsakes her; from her hand drops down + The shuttle, and the task-work rolls away. + Forth with a shriek, like women in dismay, + Rending her hair, in frantic haste she flies, + And seeks the ramparts and the war's array, + Heedless of darts and dangers and surprise, +Heedless of armed men, and fills the heaven with cries. + +LXII. "Thou--is it thou, Euryalus, my own? + Thou, the late solace of my age? Ah, why + So cruel? Could'st thou leave me here alone, + Nor let thy mother bid a last good-bye? + Now left a prey on Latin soil to lie + Of dogs and birds, nor I, thy mother, there + To wash thy wounds, and close thy lightless eye, + And shroud thee in the robe I wrought so fair, +Fain with the busy loom to soothe an old wife's care! + +LXIII. "Where shall I follow thee? Thy corpse defiled, + Thy mangled limbs--where are they? Woe is me! + Is this then all of what was once my child? + Was it for this I roamed the land and sea? + Pierce _me_, Rutulians; hurl your darts at me, + Me first, if ye a mother's love can know. + Great Sire of Heaven, have pity! set me free. + Hurl with thy bolt to Tartarus below +This hateful head, that longs to quit a world of woe!" + +LXIV. So wails the mother, weeping and undone, + And sorrow smites each warrior, as he hears, + Each groaning, as a father for his son. + Grief runs, like wildfire, through the Trojan peers, + And numbs their courage, and augments their fears. + Then, fain the spreading sorrow to allay, + Ilioneus and Iulus, bathed in tears + Call Actor and Idaeus; gently they +The aged dame lift up, and to her home convey. + +LXV. Now terribly the brazen trumpet pealed + Its summons, and the war-shout rent the air. + On press the Volscians, locking shield to shield, + And fill the trenches, and the breastwork tear. + These plant their ladders for assault, where'er + A gap, just glimmering, shows the line less dense. + Vain hope! the Teucrians with their darts are there. + Stout poles they ply, and thrust them from the fence, +Trained by a lingering siege, and tutored to defence. + +LXVI. Stones, too, they roll, to crush the serried shields: + Blithely the warriors bear the storm below, + Yet not for long; for, see, the penthouse yields. + Down on the midst, where thickest press the foe, + The Teucrians, rolling, with a crash let go + A ponderous mass, that opens to the light + The jointed shields, and lays the warriors low. + Nor care they longer in the dark to fight, +But vie with distant darts to sweep the rampart's height. + +LXVII. Pine-stock in hand, Mezentius hurls the flame; + There, fierce Messapus rends the palisade,-- + Tamer of steeds, from Neptune's loins he came,-- + And shouts aloud for ladders to invade. + Aid me, Calliope; ye Muses, aid + To sing of Turnus and his deeds that day, + The deaths he wrought, the havoc that he made, + And whom each warrior singled for his prey; +Roll back the war's great scroll, the mighty leaves display. + +LXVIII. Built high, with lofty gangways, stood a tower, + Fit post of vantage, which the Latins vied, + With utmost effort and with all their power, + To capture and destroy, while armed inside + With stones, the Trojans through the loopholes plied + Their missiles. Turnus, 'mid the foremost, cast + A blazing brand, and, fastening to the side, + Up went the flame; from floor to floor it passed, +Clung to and licked the posts, and maddened with the blast. + +LXIX. Within 'twas hurrying and tumultuous fright, + As, crowding backward, they retreat before + The advancing flames, and vainly long for flight. + Lo! toppling suddenly, the tower went o'er, + And shook the wide air with reverberant roar. + Half-dead, the huge mass following amain, + They come to earth, stabbed by the darts they bore, + Or pierced by splinters through the breast. Scarce twain +Escape--Helenor one, and Lycus--from the slain. + +LXX. Of these Helenor,--whom to Lydia's lord + By stealth his slave, the fair Licymnia, bore, + And sent to Ilium, where a simple sword + And plain, white shield, yet unrenowned, he wore,-- + He, when he sees, around him and before, + The Latin hosts, as when in fierce disdain, + Hemmed round by huntsmen, in his rage the boar + O'erleaps the spears, so, where the thickest rain +The foemen's darts, springs forth Helenor to be slain. + +LXXI. But fleeter far, young Lycus hastes to slip + Through swords, through foes, and gains the walls, and tries + To climb them, and a comrade's hand to grip. + With foot and spear behind him, as he flies, + Comes Turnus. Scornfully the victor cries, + "Mad fool! to fly, whom I have doomed to fall; + Think'st thou to baffle Turnus of his prize?" + Therewith he grasps him hanging, and withal +Down with his victim drags huge fragments of the wall. + +LXXII. E'en so some snowy swan, or timorous hare + Jove's armour-bearer, swooping from the sky, + Grips in his talons, and aloft doth bear. + So, where apart the folded weanlings lie, + Swift at some lamb the warrior-wolf doth fly, + And leaves the mother, bleating in her woe. + Loud rings the noise of battle. With a cry + The foe press on; these fill the trench below, +These to the topmost towers the blazing firebrands throw. + +LXXIII. Ilioneus with a rock's huge fragment quelled + Lucetius, creeping to the gate below + With fire. Asylas Corynaeus felled, + Liger Emathion, one skilled to throw + The flying dart, one famous with the bow. + Caenus--brief triumph!--made Ortygius fall, + With Dioxippus, Turnus lays him low, + Then Itys, Clonius, Promolus withal, +Sagaris, and Idas last, the warder of the wall. + +LXXIV. There, slain by Capys, poor Privernus lay, + Grazed by Themilla's javelin; with a start + The madman flung his trusty shield away, + And clapped his left hand to the wounded part, + Fain, as he thought, to ease him of the smart. + Thereat, a light-winged arrow, unespied, + Whirred on the wind. It missed the warrior's heart, + But pierced his hand, and pinned it to his side, +And, entering, clave the lung, and with a gasp he died. + +LXXV. With broidered scarf of Spanish crimson, stood + A comely youth, young Arcens was his name, + Sent by his father, from Symaethus' flood, + And nurtured in his mother's grove, he came, + Where, rich and kind, Palicus' altars flame. + His lance laid by, thrice whirling round his head + The whistling thong, Mezentius took his aim. + Clean through his temples hissed the molten lead, +And prostrate in the dust, the gallant youth lay dead. + +LXXVI. Then first, 'tis said, in war Ascanius drew + His bow, wherewith in boyish days he plied + The flying game. His hand Numanus slew, + Called Remulus, to Turnus late allied, + For Turnus' youngest sister was his bride. + He, puffed with new-won royalty and proud, + Stalked in the forefront of the fight, and cried + With random clamour and big words and loud, +Fain by his noise to show his grandeur to the crowd. + +LXXVII. "Think ye no shame, poor cowards, thus again + Behind your sheltering battlements to stand, + Twice-captured Phrygians! and to plant in vain + These walls, to shield you from the foemen's hand? + Lo, these the varlets who our wives demand! + What God, what madness blinded you, that e'er + Ye thought to venture to Italia's land? + No wily-worded Ithacan is near; +Far other foes than he or Atreus' sons are here. + +LXXVIII. "Our babes are hardened in the frost and flood, + Strong is the stock and sturdy whence we came. + Our boys from morn till evening scour the wood, + Their joy is hunting, and the steed to tame, + To bend the bow, the flying shaft to aim. + Patient of toil, and used to scanty cheer, + Our youths with rakes the stubborn glebe reclaim, + Or storm the town. Through life we grasp the spear. +In war it strikes the foe, in peace it goads the steer. + +LXXIX. "Age cannot stale, nor creeping years impair + Stout hearts as ours, nor make our strength decay. + Our hoary heads the heavy helmet bear. + Our joy is in the foray, day by day + To reap fresh plunder, and to live by prey. + Ye love to dance, and dally with the fair, + In saffron robes with purple flounces gay. + Your toil is ease, and indolence your care, +And tunics hung with sleeves, and ribboned coifs ye wear. + +LXXX. "Go Phrygian women, for ye are not men! + Hence, to your Dindymus, and roam her heights + With Corybantian eunuchs! Get ye, then, + And hear the flute, harsh-grating, that invites + With twy-mouthed music to her lewd delights, + Where boxen pipe and timbrel from afar + Shriek forth the summons to her sacred rites. + Put by the sword, poor dotards as ye are, +Leave arms to men, like us, nor meddle with the war." + +LXXXI. Such taunts Ascanius brooked not. Stung with pride, + A shaft he fitted to the horse-hair twine, + And, turning, stood with outstretched arms, and cried: + "Bless, Jove omnipotent, this bold design: + Aid me, and yearly offerings shall be thine. + A milk-white steer--I bind me to the vow-- + Myself will lead, the choicest, to thy shrine, + Tall as his mother, and with gilded brow, +And butting horns, and hoofs, that spurn the sand e'en now." + +LXXXII. Jove heard, and leftward, where the sky was blue, + Thundered aloud. At once the fateful bow + Twanged; with a whirr the fateful arrow flew, + And pierced the head of Remulus. "Now go, + And teach thy proud tongue to insult a foe, + And scoff at Trojan valour. _This_ reply + Twice-captured Phrygians to thy taunts bestow." + Ascanius spoke; the Teucrians with a cry, +Press on, their joyous hearts uplifting to the sky. + +LXXXIII. Meanwhile, Apollo from his cloudy car + The Ausonian host, and leaguered town descries, + And calls the youthful conqueror from afar: + "Hail to thy maiden prowess; yonder lies + Thy path, brave boy, to glory and the skies. + O sons of Gods, and sire of Gods to be, + All wars shall cease beneath the race to rise + From great Assaracus. Nor thine, nor thee +Shall narrow Troy contain; so stands the Fate's decree." + +LXXXIV. He spake, and through the breathing air shot down, + And sought Ascanius, now a god no more, + But shaped like aged Butes, whilom known + The servant of the Dardan king, who bore + Anchises' shield, and waited at his door, + Then left to guard Ascanius. Such in view + Apollo seemed; such clanging arms he wore; + Such were his hoary tresses, voice, and hue, +And these his words, as near the fiery youth he drew: + +LXXXV "Enough, to live, and see Numanus bleed, + Child of AEneas! This, thy valour's due, + Great Phoebus grants, nor stints a rival's meed. + Now cease."--He spake, and vanished from their view. + His arms divine the Dardan chieftains knew, + And heard the quiver rattle in his flight. + So, warned by Phoebus' presence, back they drew + The fiery youth, then plunged into the fight. +Death seems a welcome risk, and danger a delight. + +LXXXVI. Shouts fill the walls and outworks; casque and shield + Clash; bows are bent, and javelins hurled amain: + Fierce grows the fight, and weapons strew the field. + So fierce what time the Kid-star brings the rain, + The storm, from westward rising, beats the plain: + So thick with hail, the clouds, asunder riven, + Pour down a deluge on the darkened main, + When Jove, upon his dreaded south-wind driven +Stirs up the watery storm, and rends the clouds of heaven. + +LXXXVII. Pandarus and Bitias, whom in Ida's grove + The nymph Iaera to Alcanor bare, + Tall as their mountains or the pines of Jove, + Fling back the gate committed to their care, + And bid the foemen enter, if they dare. + With waving plumes, and armed from top to toe, + In front, beside the gateway, stand the pair, + Tall as twin oaks, with nodding crests, that grow +Where Athesis' sweet stream or Padus' waters flow. + +LXXXVIII. Up rush the foemen to the open gate, + Quercens, Aquicolus, in armour bright, + Brave Haemon, Tmarus, eager and elate, + In troops they come, in troops they turn in flight, + Or fall upon the threshold, slain outright. + Now fiercer swells the discord, louder grows + The noise of strife, as, hastening to unite, + The sons of Troy their banded ranks oppose, +And battle hand to hand and, sallying, charge the foes. + +LXXXIX. Elsewhere to Turnus, as he raged, and marred + The ranks, came tidings of the foe, elate + With new-wrought carnage, and the gates unbarred. + Forth from his work he rushes, grim with hate, + To seek the brothers, and the Dardan gate. + Here brave Antiphates, the first in view + (The bastard offspring of Sarpedon great, + Borne by a Theban) with his dart he slew; +Swift through the yielding air the Italian cornel flew. + +XC. Down through his throat into the chest it passed. + Out from the dark pit gushed a foaming tide; + The cold steel, warming in the lung, stood fast. + Then Merops, Erymas, Aphidnus died, + And Bitias, fierce with flaming eyes of pride. + No dart for him; no dart his life had ta'en. + A spear phalaric, thundering, pierced his side. + Nor bulls' tough hides, nor corselet's twisted chain, +Twice linked with golden scales the monstrous blow sustain. + +XCI. Prone falls the giant in a heap. Earth groans, + His shield above him thunders. Such the roar, + When falls the solid pile of quarried stones, + Sunk in the sea off Baiae's echoing shore; + So vast the ruin, when the waves close o'er, + And the black sands mount upward, as the block, + Dashed headlong, settles on the deep-sea floor, + And Prochyta and Arime's steep rock, +Piled o'er Typhoeus, quake and tremble with the shock. + +XCII. Now Mars armipotent the Latins lends + Fresh heart and strength, but Fear and black Dismay + And Flight upon the Teucrian troops he sends. + From right and left they hurry to the fray, + And o'er each spirit comes the War-God's sway. + But when brave Pandarus saw his brother's fate, + And marked the swerving fortune of the day, + He set his broad-built shoulders to the gate; +The groaning hinges yield, and backward rolls the weight. + +XCIII. Full many a friend without the camp he leaves, + Sore straitened in the combat; these, the rest, + Saved like himself, he rescues and receives. + Madman! who, blind to Turnus, as he pressed + Among them, made the dreaded foe his guest. + Fierce as a tiger in the fold, he preys. + Loud ring his arms; his helmet's blood-red crest + Waves wide; strange terrors from his eyes outblaze, +And on his dazzling shield the living lightning plays. + +XCIV. That hated form, those giant limbs too plain + The Trojans see, and stand aghast with fear. + Then, fired with fury for his brother slain, + Forth leaping, shouts huge Pandarus with a jeer, + "No Queen Amata's bridal halls are here; + No Ardea this; around the camps the foe. + No flight for thee." He, smiling, calm of cheer, + "Come, if thou durst; full soon shall Priam know +Thou too hast found a new Achilles to thy woe." + +XCV. He spake. Then Pandarus a javelin threw, + Cased in its bark, with hardened knots and dried. + The breezes caught the missile as it flew; + Saturnian Juno turned the point aside, + And fixed it in the gate. "Ha! bravely tried! + Not so _this_ dart shalt thou escape; not so + Send I the weapon and the wound." He cried, + And, sword in hand, uprising to the blow, +Between the temples clave the forehead of his foe. + +XCVI. The beardless cheeks, so fearful was the gash, + Gape wide. Aloud his clanging arms resound. + Earth groans beneath, as prone, amid the splash + Of blood and brains, he sprawls upon the ground, + And right and left hangs, severed by the wound, + His dying head. In terror, strewn afar, + The Trojans fly. Then, then had Turnus found + Time and the thought to burst the town-gate's bar, +That day had seen the last of Trojans and the war. + +XCVII. But lust of death, and vengeance unappeased + Urged on the conqueror. Phalaris he slew, + Then hamstrung Gyges, and their javelins seized, + And hurled them at their comrades, as they flew, + For Juno nerved and strengthened him anew. + Here Halys fell, and hardy Phlegeus there, + Pierced through his shield. Alcander down he threw, + Prytanis, Noemon, Halius unaware, +As on the walls they stood, and roused the battle's blare. + +XCVIII. Slain, too, was Lynceus, as he ran for aid, + Cheering his friends. Back-handed, with fierce sway, + His right knee bent, he swung the sweeping blade, + And head and helmet tumbled far away. + Fell Clytius, Amycus expert to slay + The wood-deer, and the venomed barb to wing, + And Creteus, too, who loved the minstrel's lay, + The Muses' friend, whose joy it was to sing +Of steeds, and arms and men, and wake the lyre's sweet string. + +XCIX. Then meet at length, their kinsmen's slaughter known, + Brave Mnestheus, and Serestus fierce, and see + Their friends in flight, and foemen in the town. + Then Mnestheus cries: "Friends, whither would ye flee? + What other walls, what further town have we? + Shame on the thought, shall then a single foe, + One man alone, O townsmen! ay, and he + Cooped thus within your ramparts, work such woe, +Such deaths--and unavenged? and lay your choicest low? + +C. "Is yours no pity, sluggard souls? no shame + For Troy's old gods, and for your native land, + And for the great AEneas, and his name?" + Fired by his words, they gather heart, and stand, + Shoulder to shoulder, rallying in a band. + Backward, but slowly he retreats, too proud + To turn, and seeks the ramparts hard at hand, + Girt by the stream; while, clamouring aloud, +Fiercer the foe press on, and larger grows the crowd. + +CI. As when an angry lion, held at bay, + And pressed with galling javelins, half in fright, + But grim and glaring, step by step gives way, + Too wroth to turn, too valorous for flight, + And fain, but impotent, to wreak his spite + Against his armed assailants; even so, + Slowly and wavering, Turnus quits the fight, + Boiling with rage; yet twice he charged the foe, +Twice round the walls in rout they fled before his blow. + +CII. But now new hosts come swarming from the town, + Nor Juno dares his failing force to stay, + For Jove in wrath sent heavenly Iris down, + Stern threats to bear, should Turnus disobey, + And longer in the Trojan camp delay. + No more his shield, nor strength of hand avail + To ward the storm; so thick the javelins play. + Loud rings his helmet with the driving hail; +Rent with the volleyed stones, the solid brass-plates fail. + +CIII. Reft are his plumes, and shattered by the blows + The shield-boss. Faster still the darts they pour, + And thundering Mnestheus towers amid his foes. + Trembling with pain, exhausted, sick, and sore, + He gasps for breath. Sweat streams from every pore, + And, black with dust, from all his limbs descends. + Headlong, at length, he plunges from the shore, + Clad all in arms. The yellow river bends, +And bears him, cleansed from blood, triumphant to his friends. + + + + +BOOK TEN + + +ARGUMENT + +The gods meet in council. Venus pleads for the Trojans, Juno for the +Latins. Jupiter as a compromise leaves the arbitrament to Fate +(1-153). The siege of the Trojan camp continues. AEneas meanwhile +is sailing with his Arcadian and Tuscan allies down the Tiber +(154-207). Catalogue of the helpers of AEneas, who is presently +warned by the nymphs in what peril Ascanius stands: comes in sight +of the camp and with difficulty lands his men (208-369). A +hard-fought battle by the river follows, of which Pallas and Lausus +are the heroes (370-531). Pallas is killed by Turnus in single combat +(532-603). AEneas in revenge gives no quarter, but slays and slays, +until Juno, warned by Jupiter that if she would save Turnus even for +a time she must act at once, goes down into the battle and fashions +in the form of AEneas a phantom, which flees before Turnus and lures +him into a ship, by which he is miraculously carried away to his +father's city (604-838). Mezentius takes up the command, but after +performing prodigies of valour is wounded by AEneas (839-954). +Mezentius withdraws, and his son Lausus is killed while covering his +retreat. Thereupon Mezentius gets to horse and rides back to die in +a vain endeavour to avenge his son. AEneas exults over Mezentius +(955-1089). + + +I. Meanwhile, at bidding of almighty Jove, + His palace, as Olympus' gates unfold, + Stands open. To his starry halls above + The Sire of Gods and men, whose eyes behold + The wide-wayed earth, the Dardans' leaguered hold, + And Latium's peoples, from his throne of state + Convokes the council. Ranged on seats of gold + Around the halls, in silence they await. +Himself, in measured speech, begins the grand debate. + +II. "Heaven's great inhabitants, what change hath brewed + Rebellious thoughts, my purpose thus to mar? + 'Twixt Troy and Italy I banned the feud; + My nod forbade it. Whence this impious jar? + What fear hath stirred them to provoke the war? + Fate in due course shall bring the destined hour,-- + Foredate it not--when Carthage from afar + Her barbarous hordes through riven Alps shall pour, +To storm the towers of Rome, to ravage and devour. + +III. "Then may ye rend, and ravage and destroy, + Then may ye glut your vengeance. Now forbear, + And plight this peaceful covenant with joy." + Thus Jove; but Venus of the golden hair, + Less brief, made answer: "Lord of earth and air! + O Father! Power eternal! whom beside + We know none other, to approach with prayer, + See the Rutulians, how they swell with pride; +See Turnus, puffed with triumph, borne upon the tide. + +IV. "Their very walls the Teucrians shield no more. + Within the gates, amid the mounds the fray + Is raging, and the trenches float with gore, + While, ignorant, AEneas is away. + Is theirs no rest from leaguer--not a day? + Again a threatening enemy hangs o'er + A new-born Troy! New foemen in array + Swarm from AEtolian Arpi, and once more +A son of Tydeus comes, as dreadful as before. + +V. "Ay, wounds are waiting for thine offspring still, + And mortal arms must vex her. List to me: + If maugre thee, and careless of thy will, + The Trojans sought Italia, let them be, + Nor aid them; let their folly reap its fee. + But if, oft called by many a warning sign + From Heaven and Hell, they followed thy decree, + Who then shall tamper with the doom divine, +Or dare to forge new Fates, or alter words of thine? + +VI. "Why tell of grievances in days forepast, + The vessels burnt on Eryx' distant shore, + The tempest's monarch, and the raging blast + Stirred in AEolia, and the winds' uproar, + And Iris, heaven-sent messenger? Nay more, + From Hell's dark depths she summons her allies, + The ghosts of Hades, overlooked before. + Through Latin towns, sent sudden from the skies, +Alecto wings her flight, and riots as she flies. + +VII. "I reck not, I, of empire; once, indeed, + While fortune smiled, I hoped for it; but now + Theirs, whom thou choosest, be the victor's meed. + But if no land thy ruthless spouse allow + To Teucrian outcasts, hearken to me now: + O Father! by the latest hour of Troy, + By Ilion's smoking ruins, deign to show + Thy pity for Ascanius; spare my boy; +Safe let him cease from arms, my darling and my joy. + +VIII. "Let brave AEneas follow, as he may, + Where future leads, and wander on the brine. + _Him_ shield, and let me snatch him from the fray. + Paphos, Cythera, Amathus are mine, + And on Idalium is my home and shrine: + There let him live, forgetful of renown, + And, deaf to fame, these warlike weeds resign; + Then let fierce Carthage press Ausonia down, +For he and his no more shall vex the Tyrian town. + +IX. "Ah, what availed to 'scape the fight and flame, + And drain all dangers of the land and main, + If Teucrians seek on Latin soil to frame + Troy's towers anew? Far better to remain + There, on their country's ashes, on the plain + Where Troy once stood. Give, Father, I implore, + To wretched men their native streams again; + Their Xanthus and their Simois restore; +There let them toil and faint, as Trojans toiled of yore." + +X. Then, roused with rage, spake Juno: "Wherefore make + My lips break silence and lay bare my woe? + What God or man AEneas forced to take + The sword, and make the Latin King his foe? + Fate to Italia called him: be it so: + Driven by the frenzied prophetess of Troy. + Did we then bid him leave the camp, and throw + His life to fortune, ay, and leave a boy +To rule the war, and Tuscan loyalty destroy, + +XI. "And harass peaceful nations? Who was there + The God, and whose the tyranny to blame + For fraud like that? Where then was Juno? where + Was cloud-sent Iris? Sooth, ye count it shame + That Latins hedge the new-born Troy with flame, + And Turnus dares his native land possess, + Albeit from Pilumnus' seed he came, + And nymph Venilia. Is the shame then less, +That Troy with foreign yoke should Latin fields oppress, + +XII. "And rob their maidens of the love they vow, + And lift, and burn and ravage as they list, + Then plead for peace, with arms upon the prow? + Thy sheltering power AEneas can assist, + And cheat his foemen with an empty mist, + The warrior's counterfeit. At thy command + Ships change to sea-nymphs, and the flames desist. + And now, that we should stretch a friendly hand, +And lend Rutulians aid, an infamy ye brand. + +XIII. "Thy chief is absent, absent let him be. + He knows not: let him know not. Do I care? + What is AEneas' ignorance to me? + Thou hast thy Paphos, and Idalium fair, + And bowers of high Cythera; get thee there. + Why seek for towns with battle in their womb, + And beard a savage foeman in his lair? + Wrought we the wreck, when Ilion sank in gloom, +We, or the hands that urged poor Trojans to their doom? + +XIV. "Was I the robber, who the war begun, + Whose theft in arms two continents arrayed, + When Europe clashed with Asia? I the one, + Who led the Dardan leman on his raid, + To storm the chamber of the Spartan maid? + Did I with lust the fatal strife sustain, + And fan the feud, and lend the Dardans aid? + _Then_ had thy fears been fitting; now in vain +Thy taunts are hurled; too late thou risest to complain." + +XV. So pleaded Juno: the immortals all + On this and that side murmured their assent, + As new-born gales, that tell the coming squall, + Caught in the woods, their mingled moanings vent. + Then thus began the Sire omnipotent, + Who rules the universe, and as he rose, + Hush'd was the hall; Earth shook; the firmament + Was silent; whist was every wind that blows, +And o'er the calm deep spread the stillness of repose. + +XVI. "Now hearken all, and to my words give heed. + Since naught avails this discord to allay, + And peace is hopeless, let the war proceed. + Trojans, Rutulians--each alike this day + Must carve his hopes and fortune as he may. + Fate, blindness, crooked counsels--whatso'er + Holds Troy in leaguer, equally I weigh + The chance of all, nor would Rutulians spare. +For each must toil and try, till Fate the doom declare." + +XVII. He spake, and straightway, to confirm his word, + Invoked his brother, and the Stygian flood, + The pitchy whirlpool, and the banks abhorr'd, + Then bent his brow, and with his awful nod + Made all Olympus tremble at the god. + So ceased the council. From his throne of state, + All golden, he arose, and slowly trod + The courts of Heaven. The powers celestial wait +Around their sovereign Lord, and lead him to the gate. + +XVIII. Now, fire in hand, and burning to destroy, + The fierce Rutulians still the siege maintain. + Pent in their ramparts stay the sons of Troy, + Hopeless of flight, and line the walls in vain, + A little band, but all that now remain. + Thymoetes, son of Hicetaon bold, + Asius, the son of Imbrasus, the twain + Assaraci, Castor and Thymbris old, +These, battling in the van, the desperate strife uphold. + +XIX. Next stand the brethren of Sarpedon slain, + Claros and Themon,--braver Lycians none. + There, with a rock's huge fragment toils amain + Lyrnessian Acmon, famous Clytius' son, + Menestheus' brother, nor less fame he won. + Hot fares the combat; from the walls these fling + The stones, and those the javelins. Each one + Toils to defend; these blazing firebrands bring, +And fetch the flying shafts, and fit them to the string. + +XX. There too, bare-headed, in the midst is seen + Fair Venus' care, the Dardan youth divine, + Bright as a diamond, or the lustrous sheen + Of gems, that, set in yellow gold, entwine + The neck, or sparkling on the temples shine. + So gleams the ivory, inlaid with care + In chest of terebinth, or boxwood scrine; + And o'er his milk-white neck and shoulders fair, +Twined with the pliant gold, streams down the warrior's hair. + +XXI. There, too, brave Ismarus, the nations see, + Scattering the poisoned arrows from thy hands; + A gallant knight, and born of high degree + In far Maeonia, where his golden sands + Pactolus rolls along the fruitful lands. + There he, whom yesterday the voice of fame + Raised to the stars, the valiant Mnestheus stands, + Who drove fierce Turnus from the camp with shame; +There, Capys, he who gave the Capuan town its name. + +XXII. Thus all day long both armies toiled and fought. + And now, at midnight, o'er the deep sea fares + AEneas. By Evander sent, he sought + The Tuscan camp. To Tarchon he declares + His name and race, the aid he asks and bears, + The friends Mezentius gathers to the fray, + And Turnus' violence; then warns, with prayers, + Of Fortune's fickleness. No more delay: +Brave Tarchon joins his power, and strikes a league straightway. + +XXIII. So, free of Fate, Heaven's mandate they obey, + And Lydians, with a foreign leader, plough + The deep; AEneas' vessel leads the way. + Sweet Ida forms the figure-head; below, + The Phrygian lions ramp upon the prow. + Here sits AEneas, thoughtful, on the stern, + For war's dark chances cloud the chieftain's brow. + There, on his left, sits Pallas, and in turn +Now cons the stars, now seeks the wanderer's woes to learn. + +XXIV. Now open Helicon; unlock the springs, + Ye Goddesses. Strike up the noble stave, + And sing what hosts from Tuscan shores he brings, + What ships he arms, and how they cross the wave. + First, Massicus with brazen Tiger clave + The watery plain. With him from Clusium go, + And Cosae's town, a hundred, tried and brave; + Deft archers, well the deadly craft they know. +Light from their shoulders hang the quiver and the bow. + +XXV. With blazoned troops came Abas, gaunt and grim. + Golden Apollo on the stern he bore. + Six hundred Populonia gave to him, + All trained to battle, and three hundred more + Sent Ilva, rich in unexhausted ore. + Third came Asylas, who the voice divine + Expounds to man, and kens, with prescient lore, + The starry sky, the hearts of slaughtered kine, +The voices of the birds, the lightning's warning sign. + +XXVI. A thousand from Alphaeus' Tuscan town + Of Pisa, with him to the war proceed, + In bristling ranks, all spearmen of renown. + Next, Astur--comeliest Astur--clad in weed + Of divers hues, and glorying in his steed: + Three hundred men from ancient Pyrgos fare, + From Caere's home, from Minio's fruitful mead, + And they who breathe Gravisca's tainted air. +One purpose fills them all, to follow and to dare. + +XXVII. Nor would I leave thee, Cinyras, untold, + Liguria's chief, nor, though a few were thine, + Cupavo. Emblem of his sire of old, + The swan's white feathers on his helmet shine, + Thy fault, O Love. When Cycnus, left to pine + For Phaethon, the poplar shades among, + Soothed his sad passion with the Muse divine, + Old age with hoary plumage round him clung; +Starward he soared from earth and, soaring up, still sung. + +XXVIII. Now comes his son, with his Ligurian bands, + Oaring their bark. A Centaur from the prow + Looms o'er the waves a-tiptoe, with his hands + A vast rock heaving, as in act to throw; + The long keel ploughs the furrowed deep below. + Next, from his home the gallant Ocnus came, + The son of Manto, who the Fates doth know, + Brave child of Tiber. He his mother's name +And walls to Mantua gave,--great Mantua, rich in fame, + +XXIX. And rich in heroes, though diversely bred. + Three separate stems four-fold the state compose, + Herself, of Tuscan origin, the head. + Five hundred warriors, all Mezentius' foes, + And armed for vengeance, from her walls arose. + Mincius in front, veiled in his sedges grey + (Fair stream, whose birth from sire Benacus flows), + Shines on the poop, and seaward points the way; +Swift speeds the bark of pine, with foemen for the fray. + +XXX. Last, huge Aulestes, rising with his row + Of hundred oarsmen, beats the watery lea. + The lashed deeps boil; big Triton from the prow + Sounds his loud shell, that frights the sky-blue sea. + Waist-high, a man with human face is he; + All else, a fish; beneath his savage breast + The white foam roars before him.--Such to see, + Such, and so numerous was the host that pressed, +Borne in their thirty ships, to succour Troy distrest. + +XXXI. Daylight had failed; to mid Olympus' gate + Bright Phoebe drove her nightly-wandering wain. + Tiller in hand, the good AEneas sate + And trimmed the sails, while trouble tossed his brain. + When lo! around him thronged the Sea-nymphs' train, + Whom kind Cybele changed from ships of wood + To rule, as goddesses, the watery main. + As many as late, with brazen beaks, had stood +Linked to the shore, now swim in even line the flood. + +XXXII. Far off, their king the goddesses beheld + And danced around him joyously, and lo, + Cymodocea, who in speech excelled, + Clings to the stern; breast-high the nymph doth show; + Her left hand oars the placid deep below. + Then, "Watchest thou, AEneas, child divine? + Watch on," she cries, "and let the canvas go. + Behold us, sea-nymphs, once a grove of pine +On Ida's sacred crest, the Trojans' ships and thine. + +XXXIII. "When on us late the false Rutulian pressed + With sword and flame, perforce, sweet life to save, + We broke our chains, and wander in thy quest. + Our shape the Mother, pitying, changed and gave + Immortal life, to spend beneath the wave. + Thy son, he stays in Latin leaguer pent; + Arcadian horsemen, with the Tuscans brave, + Hold tryst to aid. His troops hath Turnus sent, +Charged, with opposing arms, their succour to prevent. + +XXXIV. "Now rise, and when to-morrow's dawn shall shine, + Bid forth thy followers to arms. Be bold, + And take this shield, the Fire-King's gift divine, + Invincible, immortal, rimm'd with gold. + Next morn--so truly as the word is told-- + Huge heaps of dead Rutulian foes shall view." + She spake; her hand, departing, loosed its hold, + And pushed the vessel; well the way she knew; +Swift as a dart it flies; the rest its flight pursue. + +XXXV. Wondering, AEneas pauses in amaze, + Yet hails the sign, and gladdens at the sight, + And, gazing on the vaulted skies, he prays, + "Mother of Heaven, whom Dindymus' famed height, + And tower-girt towns, and lions yoked delight, + Assist the Phrygians, and direct the fray. + Kind Goddess, prosper us, and speed aright + This augury." He ended, and the day +Returning, climbed the sky, and chased the night away. + +XXXVI. Forthwith he calls his comrades to arise + And take fresh heart, and for the fight prepare. + Now, from the stern, the Dardans he espies, + Hemmed in their camp. Aloft his hands upbear + The burning shield. With shouts his Dardans tear + Heaven's concave. Hope with fury fires their veins. + Fast fly their darts, as when through darkened air + With clang and clamour the Strymonian cranes +Stream forth, the signal given, from winter's winds and rains. + +XXXVII. Then lost in wonderment, the foemen stand, + Till, looking round, they see the watery ways + A sea of ships, all crowding to the land, + The flaming crest, the helmet all ablaze, + The golden shield-boss, with its lightning rays. + As when a comet, bright with blazing hair, + Its blood-red beams athwart the night displays, + Or Sirius, rising, with its baleful glare +Brings pestilence and drought, and saddens all the air. + +XXXVIII. Yet quails not Turnus; still his hopes are high + To seize the shore, and keep them from the land. + Now cheering, and now chiding, rings his cry + "Lo, here--'tis here, the battle ye demand. + Up, crush them; war is in the warrior's hand. + Think of your fathers and their deeds of old, + Your homes, your wives. Forestall them on the strand, + Now, while they totter, while the foot's faint hold +Slips on the shelving beach. Fair Fortune aids the bold." + +XXXIX. So saying, he ponders inly, whom to choose + To mind the siege, and whom the foe to meet. + By planks meanwhile AEneas lands his crews. + Some wait until the languid waves retreat, + Then, leaping, to the shallows trust their feet; + Some vault with oars. Brave Tarchon marks, quick-eyed, + A sheltered spot, where neither surf doth beat, + Nor breakers roar, but smooth the waters glide, +And up the sloping shore unbroken swells the tide. + +XL. Here suddenly he bids them turn the prow, + And shouts aloud, "Now, now, my chosen band, + Lean to your oars; strive lustily and row. + Lift the keel onward, till it cleaves the strand, + And ploughs its furrow in the foeman's land. + Let the bark break, with such a haven here + What harm, if once upon the shore we stand?" + So Tarchon spake; his comrades, with a cheer, +Rise on the smooth-shaved thwarts, and sweep the foaming mere. + +XLI. So, one by one, they gain the land, and, whole + And scatheless, on the Latin shore abide. + All safe but Tarchon. Dashed upon a shoal, + Long on a rock's unequal ridge astride, + In doubtful balance swayed from side to side, + His vessel hangs, and back the waves doth beat, + Then breaks, and leaves them tangled in the tide + 'Twixt planks and oars, while, ebbing to retreat, +The shrinking waves draw back, and wash them from their feet. + +XLII. Nor loiters Turnus; eager to attack, + Along the shore he marshals his array, + To meet the foe, and drive the Teucrians back. + The trumpet sounds: the Latin churls straightway + AEneas routs, first omen of the day, + Huge Theron slain, their mightiest, who in pride + Of strength, rushed forth and dared him to the fray. + Through quilted brass the Dardan sword he plied, +Through tunic stiff with gold, and pierced th' unguarded side. + +XLIII. Lichas he smites, who vowed his infant life, + Ripped from his mother, dying in her pain, + To Phoebus, freed from perils of the knife. + Huge Gyas, brawny Cisseus press the plain, + As, club in hand, they strew the Tuscan train. + Naught now avail those stalwart arms, that plied + The weapons of Alcides; all in vain + They boast their sire Melampus, comrade tried +Of Hercules, while earth his toilsome tasks supplied. + +XLIV. Lo, full at Pharus, in his bawling mouth + He plants a dart. Thou, Cydon, too, in quest + Of Clytius, blooming with the down of youth, + Thy latest joy, had'st laid thy loves to rest, + Slain by the Dardan; but around thee pressed + Old Phorcus' sons. Seven brethren bold are there, + Seven darts they throw. These helm and shield arrest, + Those, turned aside by Venus' gentle care +Just graze the Dardan's frame, and, grazing, glance in air. + +XLV. Then cried AEneas to Achates true, + "Quick, hand me store of weapons; none in vain + This arm shall hurl at yon Rutulian crew, + Not one of all that whilom knew the stain + Of Argive blood upon the Trojan plain." + So saying, he snatched, and in a moment threw + His mighty spear, that, hurtling, rent in twain + The brazen plates of Maeon's shield, and through +The breastplate pierced the breast, nor faltered as it flew. + +XLVI. Up ran, and raised his brother, as he lay, + Alcanor. Shrill another javelin sung, + And pierced his arm, and, reddening, held its way, + And from his shoulders by the sinews hung + The dying hand. Then straight, the dart outwrung, + His brother Numitor the barb let fly + Full at AEneas. In his face he flung, + But failed to smite. The weapon, turned awry, +Missed the intended mark, and grazed Achates' thigh. + +XLVII. Up Clausus came, of Cures, in the pride + Of youth. His stark spear, urged with forceful sway, + Through Dryops' throat, beneath the chin, he plied, + And voice and life forsook him, as he lay, + Spewing thick gore, his forehead in the clay. + Three Thracians next, three sons of Idas bleed. + Ismarians these. Halaesus to the fray + Brings his Auruncan bands, and Neptune's seed, +Messapus, too, comes up, the tamer of the steed. + +XLVIII. Each side strives hard the other's ground to win. + E'en on Ausonia's threshold raves the fray. + As in the broad air warring winds begin + The battle, matched in strength and rage, nor they, + The winds themselves, nor clouds nor sea give way, + All locked in strife, and struggling as they can, + And long in doubtful balance hangs the day, + So meet the ranks, and mingle in the van, +And foot clings close to foot, and man is massed with man. + +XLIX. Where, in another quarter, stones and trees, + Torn from its banks, a torrent at its height + Had strewn with wide-wrought ravage, Pallas sees + His brave Arcadians break the ranks of fight, + And turn before their Latin foes in flight. + Strange to foot-combat, from his trusty horse + The rough ground lured each rider to alight. + Now with entreaties--'tis his last resource-- +And now with bitter words he fires their flagging force. + +L. "Shame on ye, comrades! whither do ye run? + By your brave deeds, and by the name ye bear, + And great Evander's, by the wars ye won, + By these my hopes, which even now bid fair + E'en with my father's honours to compare. + Trust not your feet; the sword, the sword must hew + A pathway through the foemen. See, 'tis there, + Where foes press thickest, and our friends are few, +Our noble country calls for Pallas and for you. + +LI. "No gods assail us; mortals fight to-day + With mortals. Lives as many as theirs have we, + As many hands, to match them in the fray. + Earth fails for flight, and yonder lies the sea. + Seaward or Troyward--whither shall we flee?" + So saying, he plunged amid the throng. First foe, + Fell Lagus, doomed an evil fate to dree. + Him, toiling hard a ponderous stone to throw, +Between the ribs and spine a whistling dart laid low. + +LII. Scarce from his marrow could the victor tear + The steel, so tightly clung it to the bone. + Forth Hisbo leaped, to smite him unaware. + Rash hope! brave Pallas caught him, rushing on, + And through the lung his sword a passage won. + Then Sthenius he slew; beside him bled + Anchemolus, of Rhoetus' stock the son, + The lewd defiler of his stepdame's bed. +Fate stopped his lewdness now, and stretched him with the dead. + +LIII. Ye, too, young Thymber and Larides fair, + Twin sons of Daucus, did the victor quell. + So like in form and features were the pair, + That e'en their doting parents failed to tell + This one from that. Alas! the sword too well + Divides them now. Here, tumbled on the sward, + At one fierce swoop, the head of Thymber fell. + Thy severed hand, Larides, seeks its lord; +The fingers, half alive and quivering, clutch the sword. + +LIV. Fired by his words, his deeds the Arcadians view, + And shame and anger arm them to the fray. + Rhoeteus, as past his two-horsed chariot flew + He pierced,--'twas Ilus Pallas meant to slay, + And Ilus gained that moment of delay. + Rhoeteus, in flight from Teuthras and from thee, + His brother Tyres, met the spear midway. + Down from his chariot in the dust rolled he, +And, dying, with his heels beat the Rutulian lea. + +LV. As when a shepherd, on a summer's day, + The wished-for winds arising, hastes to cast + The flames amid the stubble: far away, + The mid space seized, the line of fire runs fast + From field to field, and broadens with the blast: + And, sitting down, the victor from a height + Surveys the triumph, as the flames rush past. + So all Arcadia's chivalry unite, +And round thee, Pallas, throng, and aid thee in the fight. + +LVI. But lo, from out the foemen's ranks, athirst + For battle, fierce Halesus charged, and drew + His covering shield before him. Ladon first, + Then Pheres, then Demodocus he slew. + Next, at his throat as bold Strymonius flew, + The glittering falchion severed at a blow + The lifted hand. At Thoas' face he threw + A stone, that smashed the forehead of his foe, +And bones, and blood, and brains the spattered earth bestrow. + +LVII. Halesus, when a boy, in woods concealed, + His sire, a seer, had reared with tender care. + But soon as death the old man's eyes had sealed, + Fate marked the son for the Evandrian spear. + Him Pallas sought; "O Tiber!" was his prayer, + "True to Halesus let this javelin go. + His arms and spoils thy sacred oak shall bear." + 'Twas heard: Halesus, shielding from the foe +Imaon, leaves his breast unguarded to the blow. + +LVIII. Firm Lausus stands, bearing the battle's brunt, + Nor lets Halesus' death his friends dismay. + Dead falls the first who meets him front to front, + Brave Abas, knot and holdfast of the fray. + Down go Arcadia's chivalry that day, + Down go the Etruscans, and the Teucrians, those + Whom Grecian conquerors had failed to slay. + Man locked with man, amid the conflict's throes, +With strength and leaders matched, the rival armies close. + +LIX. On press the rearmost, crowding on the van, + So thick, that neither hand can stir, nor spear + Be wielded; each one struggles as he can. + Here Pallas, there brave Lausus, charge and cheer, + Two foes, in age scarce differing by a year. + Both fair of form. Stern Fate to each forbade + His home return. But Jove allowed not here + A meeting; he who great Olympus swayed, +Awhile for mightier foes their destined doom delayed. + +LX. Warned by his gracious sister, Turnus flies + To take the place of Lausus. Driving through + The ranks, "Stand off," he shouts to his allies, + "I fight with Pallas; Pallas is my due. + Would that his sire were here himself to view!" + All clear the field. Then, pondering with surprise + The proud command, as back the crowd withdrew, + The youth, amazed at Turnus, rolls his eyes +And scans his giant foe, and thus in scorn replies: + +LXI. "Or kingly spoils shall make me famed to-day, + Or glorious death. Whatever end remain, + My sire can bear it. Put thy threats away." + Then forth he stepped; cold horror chills his train. + Down from his car, close combat to darrain, + Leapt Turnus. As a lion, who far away + Has marked a bull, that butts the sandy plain + For battle, springs to grapple with his prey; +So dreadful Turnus looks, advancing to the fray. + +LXII. Him, deemed within his spear-throw, undismayed + The youth prevents, if chance the odds should square, + And aid his daring. To the skies he prayed, + "O thou, my father's guest-friend, wont whilere + A stranger's welcome at his board to share, + Aid me, Alcides, prosper my emprise; + Let Turnus fall, and, falling, see me tear + His blood-stained arms, and may his swooning eyes +Meet mine, and bear the victor's image, when he dies." + +LXIII. Alcides heard, and, stifling in his breast + A deep groan, poured his unavailing grief. + Whom thus the Sire with kindly words addressed: + "Each hath his day; irreparably brief + Is mortal life, and fading as the leaf. + 'Tis valour's part to bid it bloom anew + By deeds of fame. Dead many a godlike chief, + Dead lies my son Sarpedon. Turnus too +His proper Fates demand; his destined hour is due." + +LXIV. So saying, he turned, and shunned the scene of death. + Forth Pallas hurled the spear with all his might, + And snatched the glittering falchion from the sheath. + Where the shield's top just matched the shoulders' height, + Clean through the rim, the javelin winged its flight, + And grazed the flesh. Then Turnus, poising slow + His oakbeam, tipt with iron sharp and bright, + Took aim, and, hurling, shouted to his foe, +"See, now, if this my lance can deal a deadlier blow." + +LXV. He spake, and through the midmost shield, o'erlaid + With bull-hide, brass, and iron, welded hard, + Whizzed the keen javelin, nor its course delayed, + But pierced the broad breast through the corslet's guard. + He the warm weapon, in the wound embarred, + Wrenched, writhing in his agony; in vain; + Out gushed the life and life-blood. O'er him jarred + His clanging armour, as he rolled in pain. +Dying, with bloody mouth he bites the hostile plain. + +LXVI. Then Turnus, standing o'er the dead, "Go to, + Arcadians, hear and let Evander know, + I send back Pallas, handled as was due. + If aught of honour can a tomb bestow, + If earth's cold lap yield solace to his woe, + I grant it. Dearly will his Dardan guest + Cost him, I trow." Then, trampling on the foe, + His left foot on the lifeless corpse he pressed, +And tore the ponderous belt in triumph from his breast; + +LXVII. The belt, whereon the tale of guilt was told,-- + The wedding night, the couches smeared with gore, + The bridegrooms slain--which Clonus in the gold, + The son of Eurytus, had grav'n of yore, + And Turnus now, exulting, seized and wore. + Vain mortals! triumphing past bounds to-day, + Blind to to-morrow's destiny. The hour + Shall come, when gold in plenty would he pay +Ne'er Pallas to have touched, and curse the costly prey. + +LXVIII. With tears his comrades lifted from the ground + Dead Pallas; groaning, on his shield they bore + Him homeward, and the bitter wail went round. + "O grief! O glory! fall'n to rise no more! + Thus back we bring thee, thus the son restore! + One day to battle gave thee, one hath ta'en, + Victor and vanquished in the self-same hour! + Yet fall'n with honour, for behind thee slain, +Heaps of Rutulian foes thou leavest on the plain!" + +LXIX. Sure tidings to AEneas came apace,-- + 'Twas no mere rumour--of his friends in flight; + Time pressed for help, death stared them in the face. + Sweeping his foes before him, left and right + He mows a passage through the ranks of fight. + Thee, haughty Turnus, thee he burns to find, + Hot with new blood, and glorying in thy might. + The sire, the son, the welcome warm and kind, +The feast, the parting grasp--all crowd upon his mind. + +LXX. Eight youths alive he seizes for the pyre, + Four, sons of Sulmo, four, whom Ufens bred, + Poor victims, doomed to feed the funeral fire, + And pour their blood in quittance for the dead. + Then from afar a bitter shaft he sped + At Magus. Warily he stoops below + The quivering steel, that whistles o'er his head, + And, like a suppliant, crouching to his foe, +Clings to AEneas' knees, and cries in words of woe: + +LXXI. "O by the promise of thy youthful heir, + By dead Anchises, pity, I implore, + My son, my father; for their sakes forbear. + Rich is my house, its cellars heaped with store + Of gold, and silver talents by the score. + 'Tis not my doom, that shall the day decide. + If Trojans win, one foeman's life the more + Mars not the triumph, nor can turn the tide." +Thus he, and thus in scorn the Dardan chief replied: + +LXXII. "The treasures that thou vauntest, let them be. + Thy gold, thy silver, and thy hoarded gain + Spare for thy children, for they bribe not me. + Since Pallas fell by Turnus' hand, 'twere vain + To think thy pelf will traffic for the slain, + So deems my son, so deems Anchises' shade." + He spake, and with his left hand grasped amain + His helmet. Even as the suppliant prayed, +Hilt-deep, the neck bent back, he drove the shining blade. + +LXXIII. Hard by, the son of Haemon there was seen, + Apollo's priest and Trivia's, all aglow + In robe and armour of resplendent sheen, + The holy ribboned chaplet on his brow. + Him, met, afield he chases, lays him low, + And o'er him, like a storm-cloud, dark as night, + Stands, hugely shadowing the fallen foe: + And back Serestus bears his armour bright, +A trophy, vowed to thee, Gradivus, lord of fight. + +LXXIV. Then Caeculus, to Vulcan's race allied, + And Marsian Umbro, rally 'gainst the foe + The wavering ranks. The Dardan on his side + Still rages. First from Anxur with a blow + His sword the shield-arm and the shield laid low. + Big things had Anxur boasted, empty jeers, + And deemed his valour with his vaunts would grow: + Perchance, with spirit lifted to the spheres, +Hoar hairs he looked to see, and length of peaceful years. + +LXXV. Sheathed in bright arms, proud Tarquitus in scorn, + Whom Dryope the nymph, if fame be true, + To Faunus, ranger of the woods, had borne, + Leaped forth, and at the fiery Dardan flew. + He, drawing back his javelin, aimed and threw. + And through the cuirass and the ponderous shield + Pinned him. Then, vainly as he strove to sue, + Much pleading, even while the suppliant kneeled. +Lopt off, the lifeless head went rolling on the field. + +LXXVI. His reeking trunk the victor in disdain + Spurns with his foot, and cries aloud, "Lie there, + Proud youth, and tell thy terrors to the slain. + No tender mother shall thy shroud prepare, + No father's sepulchre be thine to share. + Thy carrion corpse shall be the vultures' food, + And birds that batten on the dead shall tear + Thee piecemeal, and the fishes lick thy blood, +Drowned in the deep sea-gulfs, or drifting on the flood." + +LXXVII. Lucas, Antaeus in the van were slain. + Here Numa, there the fair-haired Camers lay, + Great Volscens' son; full many a wide domain + Was his, and mute Amyclae owned his sway. + As when AEgeon, hundred-armed, they say, + And hundred-handed, would the Sire withstand, + And fifty mouths, and fifty maws each way + Shot flames against Jove's thunder, and each hand +Clashed on a sounding shield, or bared a glittering brand, + +LXXVIII. So raves AEneas, victor of the war, + His sword now warmed, and many a foeman dies. + Now at Niphaeus, in his four-horse car + Breasting the battle, in hot haste he flies. + Scared stand the steeds, in terror and surprise, + So dire his gestures, as he strides amain, + So fierce his looks, so terrible his cries; + Then, turning, from his chariot on the plain +Fling their ill-fated lord, and gallop to the main. + +LXXIX. With two white steeds into the midmost dashed + Bold Lucagus and Liger, brethren twain. + Around him Lucagus his broad sword flashed + His brother wheeled the horses with the rein. + Fired at the sight, AEneas in disdain + Rushed on them, towering with uplifted spear. + "No steeds of Diomede, nor Phrygian plain," + Cries Liger, "nor Achilles' car are here. +This field shall end the war, thy fatal hour is near." + +LXXX. So fly his words, but not in words the foe + Makes answer, but his javelin hurls with might. + As o'er the lash proud Lucagus bends low + To prick the steeds, and planting for the fight + His left foot forward, stands in act to smite, + Clean through the nether margin of his shield + The Dardan shaft goes whistling in its flight, + And thrills his groin upon the left. He reeled, +And from the chariot fell half-lifeless on the field. + +LXXXI. Then bitterly AEneas mocked him: "Lo, + Proud Lucagus! no lagging steeds have played + Thy chariot false, nor shadows of the foe + Deceived thy horses, and their hearts dismayed. + 'Tis thou--thy leap has lost the car!" He said + And snatched the reins. The brother in despair + Slipped down, and spread his hapless hands, and prayed: + "O by thyself, great son of Troy, forbear; +By those who bore thee such, have pity on my prayer." + +LXXXII. More would he, but AEneas: "Nay, not so + Thou spak'st erewhile. Die now, and take thy way, + And join thy brother, brotherlike, below." + Deep in the breast he stabbed him as he lay, + And bared the life's recesses to the day. + Such deaths the Dardan dealt upon the plain, + Like storm or torrent, full of rage to slay. + And now at length Ascanius and his train +Burst forth, and leave their camp, long leaguered, but in vain. + +LXXXIII. Great Jove meanwhile to Juno spake and said, + "Sweet spouse and sister, thou hast deemed aright, + 'Tis Venus, sure, who doth the Trojans aid, + Not courage, strength and patience in the fight." + Then Juno meekly: "Dearest, why delight + With cruel words to vex me, sad with fear + And sick at heart? Had still my love the might + It had and should have; were I still so dear, +Not thou, with all thy power, should'st then refuse to hear, + +LXXXIV. "But safe should Turnus from the fight once more + Return to greet old Daunus. Be it so, + And let him die, and shed his righteous gore + To glut the vengeance of his Teucrian foe, + Albeit his name celestial birth doth show, + Fourth in succession from Pilumnus, yea, + Though oft his hand thy sacred shrines below + Hath heaped his gifts." She ended, and straightway +Brief answer made the Sire, who doth Olympus sway: + +LXXXV. "If but a respite for the youth be sought, + A little time of tarrying, ere he die, + And thus thou read'st the purport of my thought, + Take then awhile thy Turnus; let him fly + And 'scape his present fates; thus far may I + Indulge thee. But if aught beneath thy prayer + Lie veiled of purpose or of hopes more high, + To change the war's whole aspect, then beware, +For idle hopes thou feed'st, as empty as the air." + +LXXXVI. Then She with tears: "What if thy heart should give + The pledge and promise, that thy lips disdain, + And Turnus by thy warrant still should live? + Now death awaits him guiltless, or in vain + I read the Fates. Ah! may I merely feign + An empty fear, and better thoughts advise + Thee--for thou can'st--to spare him and refrain!" + So saying, arrayed in storm-clouds, through the skies +Down to Laurentum's camp and Ilian lines she flies. + +LXXXVII. Then straight the Goddess from a hollow cloud-- + Strange sight to see!--a thin and strengthless shade + Shaped like the great AEneas, and endowed + With Dardan arms, and fixed the shield, and spread + The plume and crest as on his godlike head. + And empty words, a soulless sound, she gave, + And feigned the fashion of the warrior's tread. + Thus ghosts are said to glide above the grave; +Thus oft delusive dreams the slumbering sense enslave. + +LXXXVIII. Proud stalks the phantom, gladdening in the van, + With darts provokes him, and with words defies. + Forth rushed fierce Turnus, hurling as he ran + His whistling spear. The shadow turns and flies. + Then Turnus, glorying in his fancied prize, + "Where now, AEneas, from thy plighted bride? + The land thou soughtest o'er the deep, it lies + Here, and this hand shall give it thee." He cried, +And waved his glittering sword, and chased him, nor espied + +LXXXIX. The winds bear off his triumph.--Hard at hand, + With steps let down and gangway ready laid, + Moored by the rocks, a vessel chanced to stand, + Which brave Osinius, Clusium's king, conveyed. + Here, as in haste, for shelter plunged the shade. + On Turnus pressed, and with a bound ascends + The lofty gangways, dauntless nor delayed. + The bows scarce reached, the rope Saturnia rends, +And down the refluent tide the loosened ship descends. + +XC. Loud calls AEneas for his absent foe, + And many a hero-body--all who dare + To meet him--hurries to the shades below. + No more the phantom lingers in his lair, + But, soaring, melts into the misty air. + Turnus a storm-wind o'er the deep sea blows. + Backward he looks, and of events unware, + And all unthankful to escape his foes. +Up to the stars of heaven his hand and voice he throws. + +XCI. "Great Sire, was I so guilty in thy sight, + To make thee deem such punishment my due? + Whence came I? Whither am I borne? What flight + Is this? and how do I return, and who? + Again Laurentum's city shall I view? + What of that band, who followed me, whom I-- + Shame on me--left a shameful death to rue? + E'en now I see them scattered,--see them fly,-- +And see them fall; and hear the groans of those that die. + +XCII. "What am I doing? Where can Earth for me + Gape deep enough? Ye winds that round me roar, + Pity I crave, on rocks amid the sea-- + 'Tis Turnus, I, a willing prayer who pour-- + Dash me this ship, or drive it on the shore, + 'Mid ruthless shoals, where no Rutulian eyes + May see my shame, nor prying Fame explore." + Thus he, and, tost in spirit, as he cries, +This plan and that in turn his wavering thoughts devise: + +XCIII. Madly to grasp the dagger in his hand, + And through his ribs drive home the naked blade, + Or plunge into the deep, and swim to land, + And, armed, once more the Teucrian foes invade. + Thrice, but in vain, each venture he essayed. + Thrice Heaven's high queen, in pity fain to save, + Held back the youth, and from his purpose stayed. + And borne along by favouring tide and wave, +On to his father's town the level deep he clave. + +XCIV. Jove prompting, fierce Mezentius now the fight + Takes up, and charges at the Teucrian foes. + And, hurrying up, the Tuscan troops unite. + All against one--one only--these and those + Their gathered hate and crowding darts oppose. + Unmoved he stands, as when a rocky steep + In ocean, bare to every blast that blows, + Around whose base the savage waves upleap, +Braves all the threats of heaven, and buffets of the deep. + +XCV. Hebrus he slew, from Dolichaon sprung, + Then Latagus, then Palmus, as he fled. + Full in the face of Latagus he flung + A monstrous stone, that stretched him with the dead. + Palmus, with severed hamstring, next he sped, + And rolled him helpless. Lausus takes his gear; + The shining crest he fits upon his head, + And dons the breastplate. 'Neath the conqueror's spear +Phrygian Evanthes falls, and Paris' friend and peer, + +XCVI. Young Mimas, whom to Amycus that night + Theano bore, when, big with Ilion's bane, + Queen Hecuba brought Paris forth to light. + Now Paris sleeps upon his native plain, + But Mimas on a foreign shore is slain. + As when a wild-boar, hounded from the hill, + Who long on pine-clad Venulus hath lain, + Or in Laurentum's marish fed his fill, +Now in the toils caught fast, before his foes stands still, + +XCVII. And snorts with rage, and rears his bristling back; + None dares approach him, but aloof they wait, + Safe-shouting, and with distant darts attack; + E'en so, of those who burn with righteous hate, + None dares against Mezentius try his fate. + But cries are hurled, and distant missiles plied, + While he, undaunted, but in desperate strait, + Gnashes his teeth, and from his shield's tough hide +Shakes off the darts in showers, and shifts from side to side. + +XCVIII. From ancient Corythus came Acron there, + A Greek, in exile from his half-won bride. + Him, dealing havoc in the ranks, elsewhere + Mezentius marked; the purple plumes he eyed, + The robe his loved one for her lord had dyed. + As when a lion, prowling to and fro, + Sore pinched with hunger, round the fold, hath spied + A stag tall-antlered, or a timorous roe, +Ghastly he grins, erect his horrid mane doth show; + +XCIX. Prone o'er his victim, to the flesh he clings, + And laps the gore; so, burning in his zeal, + The fierce Mezentius at his foemen springs. + Poor Acron falls, and earth with dying heel + Spurns, and the red blood stains the splintered steel. + Orodes fled; Mezentius marks his flight, + And scorns with lance a covert wound to deal, + But face to face confronts him in the fight, +Courage, not craft, prevails, and might o'ermatches might. + +C. With foot and spear upon him, "See," he cries, + "Their champion; see the great Orodes slain!" + All shout applause, but, dying, he replies, + "Strange foe, not long thy triumph shall remain; + Like fate awaits thee, on the self-same plain." + "Die!" said Mezentius, with a smile of spite, + "Jove cares for me," and plucked the shaft again. + Grim rest and iron slumber seal his sight; +The drooping eyelids close on everlasting night. + +CI. Now Caedicus made great Alcathous fall, + Sacrator killed Hydaspes; Rapo too + Parthenius and Orses, strong and tall; + Messapus Clonius, whom his steed o'erthrew, + And, foot to foot, Lycaon's son he slew, + Brave Ericetes. Valerus with a blow + Felled Agis, Lycia' s warrior. Salius flew + At Thronius, but Nealces lays him low, +Skilled with the flying dart and far-deceiving bow. + +CII. Stern Mars, impartial, weighs in equal scale + The mutual slaughter, and the ghastly fight + Raves, as in turn they perish or prevail, + Vanquished or victor, for none dreams of flight. + From Heaven the gods look pitying on the sight, + Such fruitless hate, such scenes of mortal woe. + Here Venus, there great Juno, filled with spite, + Sits watching. Pale Tisiphone below +Fierce amid thousands raves, and bids the discord grow. + +CIII. His massive spear Mezentius, flown with pride, + Shakes in his fury, as he towers amain, + Like huge Orion, when with ample stride + He cleaves the deep-sea, where the Nereids reign, + And lifts his lofty shoulders o'er the main, + Or when, uprooting from the mountain head + An aged ash, he stalks along the plain, + And hides his forehead in the clouds; so dread +Mezentius clangs his arms, so terrible his tread. + +CIV. AEneas marks him in the files of fight + Far off, and hastes to meet him in advance. + Dauntless he waits, collected in his might, + The noble foe, then, measuring at a glance + The space his arm can cover with the lance; + "May this right hand, my deity," cried he, + "And this poised javelin aid the doubtful chance. + The spoils, from this false pirate stript, to thee +My Lausus, I devote; his trophy shalt thou be." + +CV. So saying, from far his whistling shaft he threw. + Wide glanced the missile, by the tough shield bent, + And finding famed Antores, as it flew, + 'Twixt flank and bowels pierced a deadly rent. + He, friend of Hercules, from Argos sent, + With king Evander, 'neath Italian skies, + Had fixed his home. Alas! a wound unmeant + Hath laid him low. To heaven he lifts his eyes, +And of sweet Argos dreams, his native land, and dies. + +CVI. His javelin then the good AEneas cast; + Flying it pierced the hollow disk, and through + The plates of brass, thrice welded firm and fast, + And linen folds, and triple bull-hides flew, + And in the groin, with failing force but true, + Lodged deep. At once AEneas, for his eye + Glistens with joy, the Tuscan's blood to view, + His trusty sword unfastening from his thigh, +Springs at the faltering foe, and bids Mezentius die. + +CVII. Love for his sire stirred Lausus, and the tears + Rolled down, and heavily he groaned. Thy fate, + Brave youth! thy prowess, if the far-off years + Shall give due credence to a deed so great, + My verse at least shall spare not to relate. + While backward limped Mezentius, spent and slow, + His shield still cumbered with the javelin's weight, + Forth sprang the youth, and grappled with the foe, +And 'neath AEneas' sword, uplifted for the blow, + +CVIII. Slipped in, and checked him. Onward press the train + With shouts, to shelter the retreating sire, + And distant arrows on the foeman rain. + Safe-covered stands AEneas, thrilled with ire. + As when the storm-clouds in a deluge dire + Pour down the hail, and all the ploughmen fly, + And scattered hinds from off the fields retire, + And rock or stream-side shields the passer-by, +Till sunshine calls to toil, and reawakes the sky; + +CIX. So, whelmed with darts, the Trojan chief defies + The cloud of war, till all its storms abate, + And chides and threatens Lausus. "Fool," he cries, + "Why rush to death, and dare a deed too great? + Rash youth! thy love betrays thee." 'Twas too late; + Rage blinds poor Lausus, and he scorns to stay. + Then fiercer waxed the Dardan's wrath, and Fate + The threads had gathered, for their forceful sway +Hilt-deep within his breast the falchion urged its way. + +CX. It pierced the shield, light armour and the vest, + Wrought by his mother with fine golden thread, + And drenched with gore the tunic and the breast. + Sweet life, departing, left the limbs outspread, + And the sad spirit to the ghost-world fled. + But when the son of great Anchises scanned + The face, the pallid features of the dead, + Deeply he groaned, and stretched a pitying hand. +Grief for his own dear sire his noble soul unmanned. + +CXI. "Alas! what meed, to match such worth divine, + Can good AEneas give thee? Take to-day + The arms wherein thou joyed'st; they are thine. + Thy corpse--if aught can please the senseless clay-- + Back to thy parents' ashes I repay. + Poor youth! thy solace be it to be slain + By great AEneas." Then his friends' delay + He chides, and lifts young Lausus from the plain, +Dead, and with dainty locks fouled by the crimson stain. + +CXII. Meanwhile the sire Mezentius, faint with pain, + In Tiber's waters bathes the bleeding wound. + Against a trunk he leans; the boughs sustain + His brazen helm; his arms upon the ground + Rest idly, and his comrades stand around. + Sick, gasping, spent, his weary neck he tends; + Loose o'er his bosom floats the beard unbound. + Oft of his son he questions, oft he sends +To bid him quit the field, and seek his sire and friends. + +CXIII. But, sad and sorrowful, the Tuscan train + Bear back the lifeless Lausus from the field, + Weeping--the mighty by a mightier slain, + And laid in death upon the warrior's shield. + Far off, their wailing to the sire revealed + The grief, that made his boding heart mistrust. + In agony of vanquish, down he kneeled, + His hoary hairs disfiguring with the dust, +And, grovelling, clasped the corpse, and both his hands outthrust. + +CXIV. "Dear son, was life so tempting to the sire, + To let thee face the foemen in my room, + Whom I begot? Shalt thou, my son, expire, + And I live on, my darling in the tomb, + Saved by thy wounds, and living by thy doom? + Ah! woe is me; too well at length I own + The pangs of exile, and the wound strikes home. + 'Twas I, thy name who tarnished, I alone, +Whom just resentment thrust from sceptre and from throne. + +CXV. "Due to my country was the forfeit; yea, + All deaths Mezentius had deserved to die. + Yet still I leave, and leave not man and day, + But leave I will,--the fatal hour is nigh." + Then, slowly leaning on his crippled thigh + (Deep was the wound, but dauntless was his breast), + He rose, and calling for his steed hard by, + The steed, that oft in victory's hour he pressed, +His solace and his pride, the sorrowing beast addressed: + +CXVI. "Rhaebus, full long, if aught of earth be long, + We two have lived. AEneas' head to-day, + And spoils, blood-crimsoned to avenge this wrong, + Back shalt thou bring, or, failing in the fray, + Bite earth with me, and be the Dardan's prey. + Not thou would'st brook a foreign lord, I weet, + Brave heart, or deign a Teucrian to obey." + He spoke, and, mounting to his well-known seat, +Swift at the ranks spurred forth, his dreaded foe to meet. + +CXVII. Each hand a keen dart brandished; o'er his head + Gleamed the brass helmet with its horse-hair crest. + Shame for himself, and sorrow for the dead, + The parent's anguish, and the warrior's zest, + Thrilled through his veins, and kindled in his breast, + And thrice he called AEneas. With delight + AEneas heard him, and his vows addressed: + "So help me Jove, so Phoebus lend his might, +Come on," and couched his spear, advancing to the fight. + +CXVIII. "Wretch," cries Mezentius, "having robbed my son, + Why scare me now? Thy terrors I defy. + Only through Lausus were his sire undone. + I heed not death nor deities, not I; + Forbear thy taunting; I am here to die, + But send this gift to greet thee, ere I go." + He spake, and quickly let a javelin fly, + Another--and another, as round the foe +In widening orbs he wheels; the good shield bides the blow. + +CXIX. Thrice round AEneas leftward he careers, + Raining his darts. Thrice, shifting round, each way + The Trojan bears the forest of his spears. + At length, impatient of the long delay, + And tired with plucking all the shafts away, + Pondering awhile, and by the ceaseless blows + Hard pressed, and chafing at the unequal fray, + Forth springs AEneas, and betwixt the brows +Full at the warrior-steed a fatal javelin throws. + +CXX. Up rears the steed, and paws the air in pain, + Then, following on his falling rider, lies + And pins him with his shoulder to the plain. + Shouts from each host run kindling through the skies. + Forth springs AEneas, glorying in his prize, + And plucks the glittering falchion from his thigh, + "Where now is fierce Mezentius? where," he cries, + "That fiery spirit?" Then, with upturned eye, +Gasping, with gathered sense, the Tuscan made reply: + +CXXI. "Stern foe! why taunt and threaten? 'twere no shame + To slay me. No such covenant to save + His sire made Lausus; nor for this I came. + One boon I ask--if vanquished men may crave + The victor's grace--a burial for the brave. + My people hate me; I have lived abhorred; + Shield me from them with Lausus in the grave." + This said, his throat he offered to the sword, +And o'er his shining arms life's purple stream was poured. + + + + +BOOK ELEVEN + + +ARGUMENT + +AEneas erects a trophy of Mezentius' arms, and sends the body of +Pallas with tears and lamentations to Evander (1-108). A truce for +the burial of the dead is asked by the Latins, and sympathy with the +Trojan cause finds a spokesman in Drances (109-144). The sorrow of +Evander and the funeral rites of Trojans and Latins (145-262). The +ambassadors return from the city of Diomedes and report that he +praises AEneas and counsels submission (263-336). An anxious debate +follows: Latinus suggests terms of peace: Drances inveighs against +Turnus, who replies, protesting his readiness to meet AEneas in +single combat, and presently seizes the opportunity afforded by a +false alarm of impending attack to break up the council. The Latin +mothers and maidens offer gifts and litanies to Pallas. Turnus arms +for battle (337-576). Camilla and Messapus command the Latin horse; +Turnus prepares an ambuscade (577-612). Diana tells the story of +Camilla and charges Opis, one of her nymphs, to avenge her should +she fall (613-684). Opis watches the battle before the city of +Latinus (685-738). The deeds and death of Camilla are recounted: +Aruns, her slayer, is slain by Opis (739-972). The Latins are routed, +and Turnus, learning the news, abandons the ambush and hurries to +the city, closely followed by AEneas (973-1026). + + +I. Meanwhile from Ocean peeps the dawning day. + The Dardan chief, though fain his friends to mourn, + And pressed with thoughts of burial, hastes to pay + His vows, as victor, with the rising morn. + A towering oak-tree, of its branches shorn, + He plants upon a mound. Aloft, in sight, + The glittering armour from Mezentius torn, + His spoils, he hangs,--a trophy to thy might, +Great Mars, the Lord of war, the Ruler of the fight. + +II. Thereon he sets the helmet and the crest, + Bedewed with gore, the javelins snapt in twain, + And fits the corslet on the warrior's breast, + Pierced in twelve places through the twisted chain. + The left arm, as for battle, bears again + The brazen shield, and from the neck depends + The ivory-hilted falchion of the slain. + Around, with shouts of triumph, crowd his friends, +Whom thus the Dardan chief with gladdening words commends: + +III. "Comrades, great deeds have been achieved to-day; + Let not the morrow trouble you. See there + The tyrant's spoils, the first-fruits of the fray. + And this my work, Mezentius. Now prepare + To king Latinus and his walls to fare. + Let hope forestall, and courage hail the fray, + So, when the gods shall summon us to bear + The standards forth, and muster our array, +No fears shall breed dull sloth, nor ignorance delay. + +IV. "Our co-mates now commit we to the ground, + Sole honour that in Acheron below + Awaits them. Go ye, on these souls renowned, + Who poured their blood, to purchase from the foe + This country for our fatherland, bestow + The last, sad gift, the tribute of a tomb. + First to Evander's city, whelmed in woe, + Send Pallas back, whom Death's relentless doom +Hath reft ere manhood's prime, and plunged in early gloom." + +V. He spake, and sought the threshold, weeping sore, + Where by dead Pallas watched with pious care + Acoetes; once Evander's arms he bore, + His squire; since then, with auspices less fair, + The trusted guardian of his dear-loved heir. + A crowd of sorrowing menials stand around, + And Troy's sad matrons, with their streaming hair. + These, when AEneas at the door is found, +Shriek out, and beat their breasts, and bitter wails resound. + +VI. He marked the pillowed head, the snow-white face, + The smooth breast, gaping with the wound, and cried + In anguish, while the tears burst forth apace, + "Poor boy; hath Fortune, in her hour of pride, + To me thy triumph and return denied? + Not such my promise to thy sire; not so + My pledge to him, who, ere I left his side + In quest of empire, clasped me, boding woe, +And warned the race was fierce, and terrible the foe. + +VII. "He haply now, by empty hope betrayed, + With prayer and presents doth the gods constrain. + We to the dead, whose debt to Heaven is paid, + The rites of mourners render, but in vain. + Unhappy! doomed to see thy darling slain. + Is this the triumph? this the promise sworn? + This the return? Yet never thine the pain + A coward's flight, a coward's scars to mourn; +Not thine to long for death, thy loved one saved with scorn. + +VIII. "Ah, weep, Ausonia! thou hast lost to-day + Thy champion. Weep, Iulus; he is ta'en, + Thy heart's delight, the bulwark of the fray!" + Thus he with tears, and bids them lift the slain. + A thousand men, the choicest of his train, + He sends as mourners, with the corpse to go, + And stand between the parent and his pain, + A scanty solace for so huge a woe, +But such as pity claims, and piety doth owe. + +IX. Of oaken twigs and arbutus they wove + A wattled bier. Soft leaves beneath him made + His pillow, and with leafy boughs above + They twined a verdurous canopy of shade. + There, on his rustic couch the youth is laid, + Fair as the hyacinth, with drooping head, + Cropped by the careless fingers of a maid, + Or tender violet, when life has fled, +That, torn from earth, still blooms, unfaded but unfed. + +X. Two purple mantles, stiff with golden braid, + AEneas brings, which erst, in loving care, + Sidonian Dido with her hands had made, + And pranked with golden tissue, for his wear. + One, wound in sorrow round the corpse so fair, + The last, sad honour, shrouds the senseless clay; + One, ere the burning, veils the warrior's hair. + Rich spoils, the trophies of Laurentum's fray, +Stript arms and steeds he brings, and bids them pile the prey. + +XI. Here march the captives, doomed to feed the flames; + There, staff in hand, each Dardan chief uprears + The spoil-decked ensigns, marked with foemen's names. + There, too, they lead Acoetes, bowed with years, + He smites his breast, his haggard cheeks he tears, + Then flings his full length prostrate. There, again, + The blood-stained chariot, and with big, round tears, + Stript of his trappings, in the mournful train, +AEthon, the warrior's steed, comes sorrowing for the slain. + +XII. These bear the dead man's helmet and his spear; + All else the victor for his spoils hath ta'en. + A melancholy phalanx close the rear, + Teucrians, and Tuscans, and Arcadia's train, + With arms reversed, and mourning for the slain. + So passed the pomp, and, while the tear-drops fell, + AEneas stopped, and, groaning, cried again, + "Hail, mighty Pallas! us the fates compel +Yet other tears to shed. Farewell! a long farewell!" + +XIII. He spake, then, turning, to the camp doth fare. + Thither Laurentum's envoys found their way. + Branches of olive in their hands they bear, + And beg a truce,--a respite from the fray, + Their slaughtered comrades in the ground to lay, + And glean the war's sad harvest. Brave men ne'er + Warred with the dead and vanquished. Once were they + His hosts and kinsmen; he would surely spare. +Their plea AEneas owns, and thus accosts them fair: + +XIV. "What mischief, Latins, hath your minds misled, + To shun our friendship in the hour of need, + And rush to arms? Peace ask ye for the dead, + The War-God's prey, whom folly doomed to bleed? + Peace to the living would I fain concede. + I came not hither, but with Heaven to guide. + Fate chose this country, and this home decreed; + Nor war I with the race. Your king denied +Our proffered league; 'twas he on Turnus' arms relied. + +XV. "'Twere juster then that Turnus hand to hand + His life had ventured. Dreams he in his pride + To end the war, and drive us from the land? + _He_ should have met me; he or I had died, + As Fate or prowess might the day decide. + Go, take your dead, and let the bale-fires blaze: + Ye have your answer." Thus the prince replied, + And each on each the wondering heralds gaze, +Mute with admiring awe, and wildered with amaze. + +XVI. Then Drances, ever fain with gibes and hate + To vex young Turnus, takes the word and cries, + "O Trojan, great in fame, in arms more great, + What praise of mine shall match thee with the skies? + What most--thy deeds or justice--shall I prize? + Grateful, this answer to our friends we bear, + And thee (let Turnus seek his own allies), + Thee King Latinus shall his friend declare, +And Latium's sons with joy Troy's destined walls prepare." + +XVII. He spake; as one, all murmur their assent. + For twice six days a solemn truce they plight, + And Teucrians, now, with Latins, freely blent + In peaceful fellowship, as friends unite, + And roam the wooded hills. Sharp axes smite + The sounding ash; these with keen wedges cleave + Tall oak and scented cedar; those with might + The pine-tree, soaring to the stars, upheave, +And wains, with groaning wheels, the giant elms receive. + +XVIII. Now Rumour, harbinger of woe so great, + That told of Pallas victor, fills again + Evander's town. All hurry to the gate, + With torches snatched, as ancient rites ordain. + A line of fire, that parts the dusky plain, + The long road gleams before them, as they go + To meet the mourners. Soon the wailing train + The Phrygians join. With shrieks the matrons know +Far off the funeral throng, and fill the town with woe. + +XIX. Naught stays Evander; through the midst he springs, + And falling on the bier, as down they lay + Dead Pallas, groaning to his child he clings, + And hangs with tears upon the senseless clay, + Till speech, half-choked with sorrow, finds a way. + "Pallas, not such thy promise to thy sire, + Warely to trust the War-God in the fray. + I knew what ardour would thy soul inspire, +The charms of new-won fame, and battle's fierce desire. + +XX. "O bitter first-fruits of a youth so fair! + O war's stern prelude! promise dashed to scorn! + Unheeded vows, and unavailing prayer! + O happy spouse! not left, like me, to mourn + A son thus slaughtered, and a life outworn. + I have o'erlived my destiny; life fled + When Pallas left me childless and forlorn. + O, had I fall'n with Trojans in his stead, +And me this pomp brought home, and not my Pallas, dead! + +XXI. "Yet, Trojans, you I blame not, nor the hands + We joined in friendship, nor the league we swore. + Old age--too old--this cruel lot demands. + Ah, sweet to think, though falling in his flower, + He fell, where thousand Volscians fell before, + Leading Troy's sons to Latium. Thou shalt have + A Trojan's funeral--can I wish thee more?-- + What rites AEneas offers to the brave, +And all Etruria's hosts shall bear thee to the grave. + +XXII. "Proud trophies those who perish by thy hand + Bear thee, and slaughtered foemen speak thy fame. + Thou, Turnus, too, an effigy should'st stand, + Hung round with arms, and Pallas' praise proclaim, + Had but thine age and Pallas' been the same, + Like thine the vigour of his years. But O! + Why, Teucrians, do I keep you? wherefore claim + An old man's privilege of empty woe? +This message bear your king, and con it as ye go. + +XXIII. "If yet I linger on, with Pallas slain, + Loathing the light, and longing to expire, + 'Tis thy right hand that tempts me to remain, + That hand from which--thou see'st it--son and sire + The penalty of Turnus' blood require. + This niche of fame,--'tis all the Fates bestow-- + Awaits thee still. For me, all life's desire-- + 'Twere vain--hath fled; but gladly would I go, +And bear the welcome news to Pallas' shade below." + +XXIV. Meanwhile to weary mortals fresh and fair + Upsprings the Dawn, and reawakes the land + To toil and labour. Reared with pious care + By Tarchon and the good AEneas, stand + The funeral pyres along the winding strand. + Here brings each warrior, as in days gone by, + His comrade's corpse, and holds the lighted brand. + The dusk flames burn beneath them, and on high +The clouds of smoke roll up, and shroud the lofty sky. + +XXV. Three times the Trojans, sheathed in shining mail, + Pace round the piles; three times they ride around + The funeral fire, and raise the warrior's wail. + Tears bathe their arms, and tears bedew the ground, + And, mixt with clamour, comes the clarion's sound. + Spoils of dead Latins on the flames are thrown, + Bits, bridles, glowing wheels and helmets crown'd + With glittering plumes, and, last, the gifts well-known, +The luckless spear and shield, the weapons of their own. + +XXVI. Oxen in numbers round the pyres are slain + To Death's dread power, and herds of bristly swine; + And cattle, snatched from all the neighbouring plain, + And sheep they slaughter for the flames divine. + Far down the sea-coast, where the bale-fires shine, + They guard and gaze upon the pyres, where lie + Their burning comrades, nor their watch resign, + Nor leave the spot, till dewy night on high +Rolls round the circling heavens, and starlight gilds the sky. + +XXVII. Nor less the sorrowing Latins build elsewhere + Their countless piles. These burying they bemoan; + Those to the town or neighbouring fields they bear. + The rest, untold, unhonoured and unknown, + A mass of carnage, on the flames are thrown. + Thick blaze the fires, and light the plains around, + And on the third dawn, when the mists have flown, + The bones and dust, still smouldering on the ground, +Mourning, they rake in heaps, and cover with a mound. + +XXVIII. But loudest in Laurentum rose the noise + Of woe and wailing for their friends who died. + Here, mothers, wives, sad sisters, orphaned boys + Curse the dire war, and Turnus and his bride. + "Let him, let Turnus fight it out," they cried; + "Who claims chief honours and Italia's throne, + And caused the quarrel, let his sword decide"; + And spiteful Drances: "Ay, 'tis he alone +Whom Latium's foes demand; the challenge is his own." + +XXIX. And voices, too, with various reasons, plead + For Turnus, sheltered by the queen's great name, + And spoils that speak for many a glorious deed. + Lo, in the midst, the tumult still aflame, + With doleful news from Diomede, back came + The envoys. All was useless,--gifts, and prayer, + And proffered gold; his answer was the same: + Let Latins look for other arms elsewhere, +Or beg the Trojan king in clemency to spare. + +XXX. Grief bowed Latinus, and his heart sank low. + The wrath of Heaven, the recent funerals, + The graves before them--all AEneas show + The god's true choice. A council straight he calls, + And Latium's chiefs convenes within his walls. + All meet; along the crowded ways the peers + Stream at the summons. In his palace-halls + Amidst them sits Latinus, first in years, +And first in sceptred state, but filled with anxious fears. + +XXXI. Forthwith the envoys he invites, each man + To tell his message, and the terms expound, + Then, silence made, thus Venulus began: + "Friends, we have seen great Diomede, and found + The Argive camp, and, safe from peril, crowned + Our journey's end, and pressed the mighty hand + That razed old Troy. On Iapygian ground + By Garganus the conqueror hath planned +Argyripa's new town, named from his native land. + +XXXII. "There, audience gained and liberty to speak, + The gifts we tender, and our names declare + And country, who our foemen, what we seek, + And why to Arpi and his court we fare. + He hears, and gently thus bespeaks us fair: + 'O happy nations, once by Saturn blest, + Time-old Ausonians, what sad misfare, + What evil fortune mars your ancient rest +And tempts to wage strange wars, and dare the doubtful test? + +XXXIII. "'All we, whoever with the steel profaned + Troy's fields (I leave the wasting siege alone, + The dead, who lie in Simois), all have drained + Evils past utterance, o'er the wide world blown, + And, suffering, learned our trespass to atone, + A hapless band! E'en Priam's self might weep + For woes like ours, as Pallas well hath known, + Whose baleful star once wrecked us on the deep, +And grim Euboea's rocks, Caphareus' vengeful steep. + +XXXIV. "'Freed from that war, to distant shores we stray. + To Proteus' Pillars, far remote from men + An exile, Menelaus wends his way; + Ulysses shudders at the Cyclops' den; + Why speak of Pyrrhus, by Orestes slain? + Or poor Idomeneus, expelled his state? + Of Locrians, cast upon the Libyan plain? + Of Agamemnon, greatest of the great, +Mycenae's valiant lord, slain by his faithless mate, + +XXXV. "'E'en on his threshold, when the adulterer lay + In wait for Asia's conqueror? Me, too, + Hath envious Heaven in exile doomed to stay, + Nor home, nor wife, nor Calydon to view. + Nay, ghastly prodigies my flight pursue. + Transformed to birds, my comrades wing the skies,-- + Ah! cruel punishment for friends so true!-- + Or skim the streams; from all the shores arise +Their piteous shrieks, the cliffs re-echo with their cries. + +XXXVI. "'Such woes had I to look for, from the day + I dared a goddess, and my javelin tore + The hand of Venus. To such fights, I pray, + Persuade me not. Troy fall'n, I fight no more + With Trojans, nor those evil days of yore + Now care to dwell on. To AEneas go, + And take these gifts. Once, hand to hand, we bore + The shock of battle; to my cost I know +How to his shield he towers, the whirlwind of his throw. + +XXXVII. "'Had Ida's land two others borne as great, + To Argos Dardanus had found his way, + And Greece were mourning now a different fate. + The stubborn siege, the conquerors kept at bay, + For ten whole years, the triumph's long delay + Were his and Hector's doing, each in might + Renowned, and each the foremost in the fray, + AEneas first in piety. Go, plight +What peace ye may, but shun to meet him in the fight.' + +XXXVIII. "Thou hast, great king, the answer of the king, + And this, his sentence on the war." So they, + And diverse murmurs in the crowd upspring; + As when big rocks a rushing torrent stay, + The prisoned waters, chafing with delay, + Boil, and the banks in many a foaming crest + Fling back with echoes the tumultuous spray. + Now from his throne, their murmurs laid to rest, +The King, first offering prayer, his listening folk addressed: + +XXXIX. "I would, ye peers, and better it had been + An earlier hour had called us to debate, + Than thus in haste a council to convene, + And meet, while foemen battle at the gate. + A war ill-omened, with disastrous fate, + We wage with men unconquered in the field, + A race of gods, whose force nor toils abate, + Nor wounds can tire; who, driven back, still wield +The sword and shake the spear, and, beaten, scorn to yield. + +XL. "What hope ye had in Diomede, give o'er; + Each for himself must be his hope and stay. + This hope how slender, and our straits how sore, + Ye see; the general ruin and decay + Is open, palpable and clear as day. + Yet blame I none; what valour could, was done. + Our country's strength, our souls were in the fray. + Hear then in brief, and ponder every one, +What wavering thoughts have shaped, our present fate to shun. + +XLI. "Far-stretching westward, past Sicania's bound, + By Tiber's stream, an ancient tract is mine. + Auruncans and Rutulians till the ground; + Their ploughshares cleave the stubborn slopes, their kine + Graze on the rocks. This tract, these hills of pine + Let Latins yield the Trojans for their own, + And both, as friends, in equal league combine + And share the realm. Here let them settle down, +If so they love the land, and build the wished-for town. + +XLII. "But if new frontiers, and another folk, + They fain would look for, and can leave our shore, + Then twice ten ships of tough Italian oak + Build we, nor only let us build a score + Can they but man them (by the stream good store + Of timber is at hand); let them decide + The form, the number, and the size. What more + Is wanting, we will grudge not to provide, +Gold, labour, brass, and docks, and naval gear beside. + +XLIII. "Nay more, to strike the proffered league, 'twere good + That chosen envoys to their camp should fare, + A hundred Latins of the noblest blood, + The peaceful olive in their hands to bear, + With gifts, the choicest that the realm can spare, + Talents of gold and ivory, just in weight, + The royal mantle, and the curule chair, + The marks of rule. With freedom now debate, +Consult the common weal, and help the sickly state." + +XLIV. Up rose then Drances, with indignant mien, + Whom, spiteful still, the fame of Turnus stung + With carping envy, and malignant spleen; + Lavish of wealth, and fluent with his tongue, + No mean adviser in debate, and strong + In faction, but in battle cold and tame. + From royal seed his mother's race was sprung, + His sire's unknown. He thus with words of blame +Piles up the general wrath, and fans resentment's flame. + +XLV. "Good king, the matter--it is plain, for each + Knows well our needs, but hesitates to say. + Let _him_ cease blustering, and allow free speech, + Him, for whose pride and sullen temper, yea, + I say it, let him threaten as he may-- + Quenched is the light of many a chief, that lies + In earth's cold lap, and mourning and dismay + Have filled the town, while, sure of flight, he tries +To storm the Trojan camp, and idly flouts the skies. + +XLVI. "One gift, O best of monarchs, add, to crown + Thy bounty to the Dardans,--one, beside + These many, nor let bluster bear thee down. + A worthy husband for thy child provide, + And peace shall with the lasting pact abide. + Else, if such terror doth our souls enslave, + Him now, in hope to turn away his pride, + Him let us pray his proper right to waive, +And, pitying, deign to yield what king and country crave. + +XLVII. "O Turnus, cause of all our ills to-day, + Why make the land these miseries endure? + The war is desperate; for peace we pray, + And that one pledge, inviolably sure, + Naught else but which can make the peace secure. + Thy foeman, I--nor be the fact concealed, + For so thou deem'st--entreat thee and adjure. + Blood flows enough on many a wasted field. +Relent, and spare thine own, and, beaten, learn to yield. + +XLVIII. "Or, if fame tempt, and in thy bosom glow + Such fire, and so thou hankerest to gain + A kingdom's dower, take heart and face the foe. + Must we, poor souls, that Turnus may obtain + A royal bride, like carrion strew the plain, + Unwept, unburied? If thine arm hath might, + If but a spark of native worth remain, + Go forth this hour; in arms assert thy right, +And meet him, face to face, who calls thee to the fight." + +XLIX. Fierce blazed the wrath of Turnus, and he wrung + Speech from his breast, deep groaning in his gall. + "Glib art thou, Drances, voluble of tongue, + When hands are needed, and the trumpets call. + The council summoned, thou art first of all. + Not this the hour thy vapouring to outpour, + Though big thy talk, and brave the words, that fall + From craven lips, while ramparts stand before, +To guard thee safe from foes, nor trenches swim with gore. + +L. "Rave on, and thunder in thy wonted strain, + And brand me coward, thou whose hands can slay + Such Trojan hosts, whose trophies grace the plain. + What worth can do, and manhood can essay, + We twain may venture. Sooth, not far away + Need foes be sought; around the walls they throng. + March we to meet them! Dotard, why delay? + Still dwells thy War-God in a windy tongue, +And flying feet, and knees all feeble and unstrung? + +LI. "I beaten? Who, foul spawn of earth, shall call + Me beaten? who, that saw swoln Tiber flow + Red with the blood of Trojans, ay, and all + Evander's house and progeny laid low, + And fierce Arcadians vanquished at a blow? + Not such dead Pandarus and Bitias found + This right hand, nor those thousands hurled below + In one short day, when battlement and mound +Hemmed me in hostile walls, and foemen swarmed around. + +LII. "No hope from war?--Go, fool, to Dardan ears + These bodings whisper, to thy new ally. + Go, swell the panic, spread the coward's fears. + Puff up the foemen's prowess to the sky,-- + Twice-conquered churls,--and Latin arms decry. + See now, forsooth, the Myrmidons afraid + Of Phrygian arms, Tydides fain to fly, + Achilles trembling, Aufidus in dread +Shrunk from the Hadrian deep, and cowering in his bed. + +LIII. "Or mark the trickster's cunning when he feigns + To fear my vengeance, whom his taunts revile! + Nay, Drances, be at ease; this hand disdains + To take the forfeit of a soul so vile. + Keep it, fit inmate of that breast of guile, + And now, good Sire, if, beaten, we despair, + If never Fate on Latin arms shall smile, + And naught our ruined fortunes can repair, +Stretch we our craven hands, and beg the foe to spare. + +LIV. "Yet oh! if aught of ancient worth remain, + Him deem I noblest, and his end renowned, + Brave soul! who sooner than behold such stain, + Fell once for all, and, dying, bit the ground. + But, if fit men and martial means abound, + And towns and tribes, to muster at our call, + Hath Italy; if Trojans, too, have found + Fame dearly bought with many a brave man's fall +(For they have, too, their deaths; the storm hath swept o'er all), + +LV. "Why fail we on the threshold, faint with fears, + And sick knees tremble ere the trumpets bray? + Time--healing Time--and long, laborious years + Oft raise the humble; Fortune in her play + Lifts those to-morrow, whom she lowers to-day. + What though no aid AEtolian Arpi lends, + Ours is Messapus, ours Tolumnius, yea, + And all whom Latium or Laurentum sends, +Nor scanty fame, nor slow Italia's hosts attends. + +LVI. "Ours, too, is brave Camilla, noble maid, + The pride of Volscians, and she leads a band + Of horsemen fierce, in brazen arms arrayed. + If me the foe to single fight demand, + And so ye will, and I alone withstand + The common good, come danger as it may, + Not so hath victory fled this hated hand, + Not yet so weak is Turnus, as to stay +With such a prize unsnatched, and falter from the fray. + +LVII. "Though greater than the great Achilles he, + Though, like Achilles, Vulcan's arms he wear, + Fain will I meet him. Lo, to you, to thee, + Latinus, father of the bride so fair, + I, Turnus, I, in prowess past compare, + Devote this life. AEneas calls but me, + So let him, rather than that Drances bear + The smart, if death the wrathful gods decree, +Or, if 'tis glory's field, usurp the victor's fee." + +LVIII. While thus, with wrangling and contentious doubt, + They urged debate, AEneas his array + Moved from the camp. Behold, a trusty scout + Back, through Latinus' palace, speeds his way, + And fills the town with tumult and dismay. + The Trojans--see!--the Trojans,--down they swarm + From Tiber. See the meadows far away + Alive with foes! Rage, turmoil and alarm +In turns distract the town. "Arm," cry the young men, "arm!" + +LIX. The old men weep and mutter. Clamours rend + The startled skies, and discord reigns supreme, + E'en as when birds on lofty woods descend + In flocks, or in Padusa's fishful stream + The swans sing hoarsely, and the wild-fowl scream + Along the babbling waters. Turnus straight + The moment snatched. "Ah! townsmen, sooth, ye deem + This hour an hour to chatter and debate; +Sit on, and praise sweet peace, while foemen storm the gate." + +LX. He spake, and from the council dashed with speed. + "Go, Volusus," he cries, "and arm amain + The Volscians; hither the Rutulians lead. + Messapus, go, with horsemen in thy train, + And Coras, with thy brother scour the plain. + Let these all entrance at the gate forestall, + And man the turrets; let the rest remain + In arms, and wait my bidding." One and all, +The townsmen throng the streets, and hurry to the wall. + +LXI. Then, sore distrest, the aged king proclaims + The council closed, and for a happier tide + Puts off debate; and oft himself he blames, + Who welcomed not AEneas to his side, + Nor graced his city with a Dardan's bride. + But hark! to battle peals the clarion's call. + These by the gate dig trenches, those provide + Sharp stakes and stones. Along the girdling wall +Pale boys and matrons stand: the last hour cries for all. + +LXII. To Pallas' rock-built temple rides the queen, + Bearing her gifts. The matrons march in line, + And by her side is fair Lavinia seen, + The war's sad authoress, with down-dropt eyne. + They, entering in, with incense fume the shrine, + And from the threshold pour the mournful strain: + "O strong in arms, Tritonian maid divine! + Break thou the Phrygian robber's spear in twain, +And 'neath the gates strike down and stretch him on the plain." + +LXIII. Now in hot haste fierce Turnus dons the mail, + Eager for battle. On his breast he laced + The corselet, rough with many a brazen scale. + Around his legs the golden greaves he placed, + His brow yet bare, and at his side he braced, + The trusty sword. All golden is the glow + Of burnished arms, as down the height in haste + He flies exulting to the field below. +High leaps his heart, and hope anticipates the foe. + +LXIV. So, free at length, his tether snapt in twain, + Swift from his stall, in eager joy, the steed + Bounds forth and, master of the open plain, + Now seeks the mares that in the pastures feed, + Now towards the well-known river scours the mead, + Wont there to cool his glowing sides, and neighs + With head erect and glories in his speed, + While o'er his collar and his shoulders plays +The waving mane, flung loose in many a wandering maze. + +LXV. Him meets Camilla, with her Volscian train, + And by the gate dismounting then and there + (Down likewise leap her followers to the plain), + "Turnus," she cries, "if confidence can e'er + Befit the brave, I venture and I swear + Singly to face yon Trojans in the fray, + And stem the Tuscan cavalry. My care + Shall be the war's first hazards to essay; +Thou guard the walls afoot, and by the ramparts stay." + +LXVI. Then he, with eyes fixt on the wondrous maid, + "O glory of Italia, virgin bright! + What praise can match thee? how shall thanks be paid? + But now, since naught can daunt thee nor affright, + Share thou my labour, and divide the fight. + Yonder AEneas, so the news hath flown, + So spies report, hath sent his horsemen light + To scour the fields, while o'er the mountains' crown +Himself through devious ways is marching to the town. + +LXVII. "Deep in a hollow, where the wood's dark shade + Two cross-ways hides, an ambush I prepare, + And armed men shall the double pass blockade. + Thou take the shock of battle, and o'erbear + The Tuscan horse. Messapus shall be there, + Tiburtus' band, and Latins in array + To aid, and thine shall be the leader's care." + He spake, and cheered Messapus to the fray, +And Latium's federate chiefs, and spurred upon his way. + +LXVIII. There lies a winding valley, fit for snares + And stratagems, shut in on either hand + By wooded slopes. A narrow pathway fares + Along the gorge, and on the hill-tops, planned + For safety, flat but hidden spreads the land. + Rightward or leftward there is room to bear + The shock of arms, or on the ridge to stand, + And roll down rocks upon the foe. 'Twas there +Young Turnus, screened by woods, lies crouching in his lair. + +LXIX. Meanwhile Latonia in the realms of air + Fleet Opis, sister of her sacred train, + Addressed in sorrowing accents, "Maiden fair, + See how Camilla to the fatal plain + Goes forth, in quest of battle. See, in vain + Our arms she wears, the quiver and the bow. + Dearest is she of all that own my reign, + Nor new-born is Diana's love, I trow; +No fit of fondness this, or fancy known but now + +LXX. "When tyrant Metabus his people's hate + Drove from Privernum, for his deeds of shame. + His babe he bore, the partner of his fate, + Through war and battle, and, her mother's name + Casmilla changed, Camilla she became. + To lonely woods and hill-tops fain to fly, + Fierce swords and Volscians all around, he came + Where Amasenus, with its waves bank-high, +Athwart him foamed; so vast a deluge rent the sky. + +LXXI. "Prepared to plunge, he pauses, sore assailed + By love, and terror for a charge so dear. + All means revolving, this at last prevailed. + Fire-dried and knotted, an enormous spear + Of seasoned oak the warrior chanced to bear. + To the mid shaft the tender babe he ties, + Swathed in the covering of a cork-tree near, + Then lifts the load, and, poising, ere it flies, +The ponderous lance, looks up, and thus invokes the skies: + +LXXII. "'O Queen of woods, Latonia, virgin fair! + To thee my daughter I devote this day, + Thy handmaid. See, thus early through the air + She bears thy weapons. Make her thine, I pray, + And safely through the doubtful air convey.' + So prayed the sire, and nerved him for the throw, + Then aimed, and launched the missile on its way. + The babe forlorn, while roars the stream below, +Link'd to the shaft, is borne across the current's flow. + +LXXIII. "In plunges Metabus, the foemen near, + And Trivia's gift, safe landing from the wave, + Plucks from the grass,--the maiden and the spear. + No town is his, to shelter and to save, + His savage mood no shelter deigns to crave. + A shepherd's life on lonely hills he leads, + In tangled covert, or in woodland cave. + The milk of beasts supplies his daughter's needs, +And from the wild-mare's teats her tender lips he feeds. + +LXXIV. "And when the tottering infant first essayed + To plant her footsteps, to her hands he strung + A lance, and o'er the shoulders of the maid + The light-wing'd arrows and the bow he slung. + For golden coif and trailing mantle, hung + A tiger's spoils. Her tiny hand e'en then + Hurled childish darts; e'en then the tough hide, swung + Around her temples, as she roamed the plain, +Brought down the snowy swan, or swift Strymonian crane. + +LXXV. "Full many a Tuscan mother far and near + Has wooed Camilla for her son in vain. + Contented with Diana year by year, + She loves her silvan weapon, free and fain + To live a maiden-huntress, pure of stain. + And O! had battle, and the toils of fight + Not lured her thus to combat on the plain, + And match her prowess with the Teucrians' might, +Mine were the maiden still, my darling and delight. + +LXXVI. "Now, since well-nigh the fatal threads are spun, + Go, Nymph, to Latin frontiers wing thy way, + Where evil omens mark the fight begun. + Take, too, this quiver; who the maid shall slay,-- + Trojan or Latin--with his blood shall pay + Myself the armour and the corpse will bear, + Wrapt in a cloud, and in her country lay." + She spake, and, girt with whirlwind, and the blare +Of sounding arms, the Nymph glides down the yielding air. + +LXXVII. Meanwhile, the Trojans and the Tuscan train, + In marshalled squadrons, to the walls draw near, + Steeds neigh, and chafe, and prance upon the plain, + And lances bristling o'er the field appear. + Messapus, too, and Latium's hosts are here, + Coras, Catillus, and Camilla leads + Her troops to aid. All couch the levelled spear, + And whirl the dart. Hot waxes on the meads +The tramp of hurrying hosts, the snorting of the steeds. + +LXXVIII. Each halts within a spear-cast of the foe, + Then, spurring, forward with a shout they dash, + And, darkening heaven, shower the darts like snow. + In front, Tyrrhenus and Aconteus rash + Cross spears, the first to grapple. With a crash, + Steed against steed, went ruining. Breast and head + Shocked and were shattered. Like the lightning's flash, + And loud as missile from an engine sped, +Hurled far, Aconteus falls, and with a gasp lies dead. + +LXXIX. This breaks the line; the Latins turn and fly, + Their shields behind them. On the Trojans go, + Asilas first. And now the gates are nigh; + Once more, with shouts, the Latins face the foe; + These, scared in turn, the slackened reins forego. + So shifts the fight, as on the winding strand + The swelling ocean, with alternate flow, + Foams on the rocks, and curls along the sand, +Now sucks the shingle back, and, ebbing, leaves the land. + +LXXX. Twice the fierce Tuscans, spurring o'er the fields, + Drive the Rutulians to their walls in flight. + Twice, driven backward, from behind their shields + The victors see the rallying foes unite. + But when the third time, in the fangs of fight, + Man singling man, both armies met to close, + Loud were the groans, and fearful was the sight, + Arms splashed with gore, steeds, riders, friends and foes, +Blent in the deadly broil, and fierce the din uprose. + +LXXXI. Lo, here, Orsilochus, too faint with fear + To meet fierce Remulus, a distant dart + Hurls at his steed. Beneath the charger's ear + The shaft stands fixt; the beast, with sudden start, + His breast erect, and maddened by the smart, + Rears up, and flings his rider to the ground. + Here brave Iolas, from his friends apart, + Catillus slew; Herminius next he found, +Large-hearted, large of limb, and eke in arms renowned. + +LXXXII. Bare is his head, with auburn locks aglow, + And bare his shoulders. Wounds to him are vain; + Tower-like he stands, defenceless to the foe. + Through his broad chest the javelin, urged amain, + Pierced him, and quivered, and he writhed with pain, + His giant form bent double. Far and nigh + The dark blood pours in torrents on the plain, + As, dealing havoc with the sword, they vie, +And, courting wounds, rush on, a warrior's death to die. + +LXXXIII. There, quiver-girt, the Amazonian maid, + One bosom bare, amidst the carnage wheeled, + Camilla, glorying in the war's grim trade. + Her limber darts she scatters o'er the field, + Her arms untired the ponderous axe can wield. + Diana's arrows and the golden bow + Sound at her back. She too, if forced to yield, + Fights as she flies, and well the maid doth know +With flying shafts hurled back to stay the following foe. + +LXXXIV. Around her, Tulla and Larinia stand, + Tarpeia too, with brazen axe bedight, + Italians all, the choicest of her band, + In peace or war her glory and delight. + So, battling round Hippolyte, unite + Her Thracians, when Thermodon's banks afar + Ring with their arms. So rides the maid of might, + Penthesilea, in her conquering car, +And hosts, with moon-shaped shields, exulting hail the war. + +LXXXV. Whom first, dread maiden, did thy javelin quell? + Whom last? how many in the dust lay low? + Eunaeus first, the son of Clytius, fell. + Sheer through his breast, left naked to the blow, + Ploughed the long fir-shaft, as he faced his foe. + Prone falls the warrior, and in deadly stound + Gasps out his life-blood, and the crimson flow + Spouts forth in torrents, as he bites the ground, +And, dying, grasps the spear, and writhes upon the wound. + +LXXXVI. Liris anon and Pagasus she slew, + One, flung to earth, and gathering up the rein, + His charger stabbed, the other, as he flew + To aid, and reached his helpless hands in vain, + Amastrus, son of Hippotas, was slain; + Harpalycus, Demophoon, as they fled, + The dread spear caught, and stretched upon the plain, + Tereus and Chromis. For each shaft that sped, +Launched from her maiden hand, a Phrygian foe lay dead. + +LXXXVII. On Iapygian steed, in arms unknown, + Rode Ornytus, the huntsman. A rough hide, + Stript from a bullock, o'er his back was thrown. + A wolf's huge jaws, with glittering teeth, supplied + His helmet, and a rustic pike he plied. + Him, as he towered, the tallest in the fray, + Wheeling his steed, Camilla unespied + Caught--in the rout 'twas easy--and her prey +Pinned, with unpitying spear, and jeered him as he lay. + +LXXXVIII. "Ha, Tuscan! thought'st thou 'twas the chase? Thy day + Hath come; a woman shall thy vaunts belie. + Yet take this glory to the grave, and say + 'Twas I, the great Camilla, made thee die." + She spake, and smote Orsilochus close by, + And Butes, hugest of the Trojan crew. + First Butes falls; just where the neck doth lie, + 'Twixt casque and corslet, naked to the view, +And leftward droops the shield, the fatal barb goes through. + +LXXXIX. Chased by Orsilochus, afar she wheels + Her seeming flight, wide-circling to and fro, + Till, doubling in a narrower ring, she steals + Inside, and follows on the following foe. + Then, rising steep, while vainly in his woe + He pleads for pity, and entreats her grace, + She swings the battle-axe, and blow on blow + On head and riven helmet heaps apace, +And the hot brains and blood are spattered o'er his face. + +XC. Next crossed her path, but stood aghast to see, + The son of Aunus, from the mountain-seat + Of Apennine. No mean Ligurian he, + While Fate was kind, and prospered his deceit. + Fearful of death, and hopeless to retreat, + He tries if cunning can avail his need, + And cries aloud, "Good sooth, a wondrous feat! + A woman trusts for glory to her steed. +Come down; fight fair afoot, and take the braggart's meed!" + +XCI. Down leaps the maid in fury, and her steed + Hands to a comrade, and with arms matched fair, + And dauntless heart, confronts him on the mead, + Her shield unblazoned, and her falchion bare. + He, vainly glorying in his fancied snare, + Reins round in haste, and, spurring, strives to flee. + "Fool," cries Camilla, "let thy pride beware. + Think not to palm thy father's tricks on me, +Nor hope with craft like this thy lying sire to see." + +XCII. So spake she, and on flying feet afire + Outruns his steed, and stands athwart the way, + Then grasps the reins, and deals the wretch his hire, + Doomed with his life-blood for his craft to pay. + So on a dove, amid the clouds astray, + Down swoops the sacred falcon through the sky + From some tall cliff, and fastens on his prey, + And grips, and rends, and sucks the life-blood dry; +The feathers, foul with blood, come, fluttering down from high. + +XCIII. Nor Jove meanwhile with unregarding ken, + Throned on Olympus, doth the scene survey. + Watchful of all, the Sire of gods and men + Stirs up the Tuscan Tarchon to the fray, + And plies the war-goad with no gentle sway. + He through the squadrons on his steed aflame + Rides 'mid the carnage, where the ranks give way; + Now chides, now cheers, and calling each by name, +Re-forms the broken lines, and reinspires the tame. + +XCIV. "Cowards, why faint ye, Tuscans but in name? + Fie! shall a woman scatter you in flight? + O, slack! O, never to be stung to shame! + What use of weapons, if ye fear to fight? + No laggards ye for amorous jousts at night, + Or Bacchic revels, when the fife ye hear. + The feast and wine-cup--these are your delight; + For these ye linger, till the approving seer +Calls to the grove's deep shade, where bleeds the fattened steer." + +XCV. Then, spurring forth, himself prepared to die, + He dashed at Venulus, unhorsed his prize, + And bore him on his saddle-bow. A cry + Goes up, and all the Latins turn their eyes. + Swift with his prey the fiery Tarchon flies, + And, while the steel-head from his spear he rends, + Each chink and crevice in his armour tries, + To deal the death-blow. He, as fierce, contends, +And, countering force with force, his naked throat defends. + +XCVI. As when a golden eagle, high in air, + Wreathed with a serpent, fastens, as she flies, + With feet that clutch, and taloned claws that tear. + Coil writhed in coil, the roughening scales uprise, + The crest points up, the hissing tongue defies. + She with sharp beak still rends the struggling prey, + And beats the air. So Tarchon with his prize + Through Tibur's host exulting speeds away. +With cheers the Tuscans charge, and hail their chief's essay. + +XCVII. Now, due to fate, aloof with lifted lance, + The crafty Aruns round Camilla wheels, + And tries where fortune lends the readiest chance. + Oft as she charges, where the war-shout peals, + He slips unseen, and follows on her heels. + When back she runs, triumphant from the foe, + He shifts the rein, and from the conflict steals. + Now here, now there, he doubles to and fro, +And shakes his felon spear, but hesitates to throw. + +XCVIII. Lo, Chloreus, priest of Cybele, aglow + In Phrygian armour, gorgeous to behold, + Urges his foaming charger at the foe, + All decked in feathered chain-work, linked with gold. + Cretan his shafts, his bow of Lycian mould. + Dark blue and foreign purple clothed his breast, + Golden his casque and bow; his mantle's fold + Of yellow saffron knots of gold compressed, +And buskins bound his knees, and broidered was his vest. + +XCIX. Him the fierce huntress, whether fain the shrine + To deck with trophies, or with envious eyes + Wishful herself in Trojan arms to shine, + Marks in the strife; at him alone she flies, + Proud, like a woman, of her fancied prize. + Blindly she runs, uncautious of the snare, + When, darting from the ambush, where he lies, + The moment snatched, false Aruns shakes his spear, +And thus, with measured aim, invokes the Gods with prayer. + +C. "O Phoebus, guardian of Soracte's steep, + Whom first we honour, to whose sacred name, + Thy votaries, we, the blazing pine-wood heap, + And, firm in faith, pass through the smouldering flame, + Grant that our arms may wipe away this shame. + Trophies, nor spoils, nor plunder from the prey + Be mine; I look to other deeds for fame. + If wound of mine this hateful pest shall slay, +Home will I gladly go, and fameless quit the fray." + +CI. Apollo heard, and granted half his prayer, + And half he scattered to the winds. To slay + With sudden stroke Camilla unaware + He gave, but gave not his returning day; + The breezes puffed the bootless wish away. + Shrill sang the lance; each Volscian eye and heart + Turned to the queen. The weapon on its way,-- + The rush of air she heeds not, till the dart +Strikes home, and, staying, draws the life-blood from her heart. + +CII. Up run her friends, the fainting queen to aid, + More scared than all, in fear and joy amain, + False Aruns flies, nor dares to face the maid, + Or trust the venture of his spear again. + As guilty wolf, some steer or shepherd slain, + Slinks to the hills, ere hostile darts pursue, + And clasps his tail between his thighs, full fain + To seek the woods, so Aruns shrank from view, +Sore scared and glad to fly, and in the crowd withdrew. + +CIII. With dying hand she strives to pluck the spear: + Deep 'twixt the rib-bones in the wound it lies. + Bloodless she faints; her features, late so fair, + Fade, as the crimson from the pale cheeks flies, + And cold and misty wax the drooping eyes. + Then, with quick gasps, and groaning from her breast, + She calls to faithful Acca, ere she dies,-- + Acca, her truest comrade and her best, +The partner of her cares,--and breathes a last request. + +CIV. "Sister, 'tis past; the bitter shaft apace + Consumes me; all is growing dark. Go, tell + This news to Turnus; bid him take my place, + And keep these Trojans from the town. Farewell." + So saying, she dropped the bridle, as she fell. + Death's creeping chills the loosened limbs o'erspread. + Down dropped the weapons she had borne so well, + The neck drooped, slackened; and she bowed her head, +And the disdainful soul went groaning to the dead. + +CV. Up rose a shout, Camilla fall'n, that beat + The golden stars, and fiercer waxed the fray. + On press the host, in serried ranks complete, + Trojans, Arcadians, Tuscans in array. + High on a hill, fair Opis watched the day, + Set there by Trivia, undisturbed till now, + When, lo, amid the tumult far away + She sees Camilla, in the dust laid low, +Deep from her breast she sighs, and thus in words of woe: + +CVI. "Cruel, too cruel, is thy forfeit paid, + Poor maiden, who the Trojan arms would'st dare; + Nor aught availed thee, in the woodland glade + To serve Diana, and her arms to wear. + Yet not unhonoured in thy death, nor bare + Of fame she leaves thee; nor in after day + Shall vengeance fail thy prowess to declare. + Whoso hath dared thy sacred form to slay, +His blood shall rue the deed, and fit atonement pay." + +CVII. Beneath the hill a barrow chanced to stand, + Heaped there of old, and holm-oaks frowned beside + Dercennus' tomb, who ruled Laurentum's land. + Here, lightning swift, the lovely Nymph espied, + In shining arms, and puffed with empty pride, + False Aruns. "Caitiff! dost thou think to flee? + Why keep aloof? Turn hitherward!" she cried, + "Come here, and die! Camilla claims her fee. +Must Cynthia waste her shafts on worthless knaves like thee?" + +CVIII. Plucking the arrow from her case, she drew + The bow, full-stretched, till both the horns unite. + Both arms raised level, ere the missile flew, + Her left hand touched the iron point, the right, + Pressed to her nipple, strained the bow-string tight. + He hears the arrow whistle as it flies, + And feels the wound. Sweeping on amain, [word missing] + Forsakes him. Groaning, with a gasp, he dies. +Upsoars the gladdening Nymph, and seeks the Olympian skies. + +CIX. First flies Camilla's troop, their mistress slain, + Then, routed, the Rutulian ranks give way, + And fierce Atinas gallops from the plain, + And scattered chiefs and squadrons in dismay + Spur towards the town for shelter from the fray. + None dares that murderous onset of the foe + To stem with javelins, nor their charge to stay. + Slack from their fainting shoulders hangs the bow, +The clattering horse-hoofs shake the crumbling ground below. + +CX. Dark rolls the dust-cloud, to the town-walls driven, + And mothers on the watch-towers, pale with fear, + Smite on their breasts, and shriek aloud to heaven. + These, bursting in, their foemen in the rear + Crush in the crowd, and slaughter with the spear, + Slain in the gateway--miserably slain!-- + Their walls in sight, their happy homes so near. + Those bar the gates, while comrades on the plain +Stretch their imploring hands, and call to them in vain. + +CXI. Then piteous waxed the carnage by the gate, + Some storming, some defending. These without, + In sight of parents, weeping at their fate, + Roll down the moat, swept headlong by the rout, + Or charge the battered doorposts with a shout. + The very matrons, at their country's call, + Their javelins hurl. Charr'd stakes and oak-staves stout + Serve them for swords. Forth rush they, one and all, +Fir'd by Camilla's deeds, to save the town or fall. + +CXII. Meanwhile to Turnus, in the woods afar, + Came Acca, and the bitter news made plain, + And told the chief the tumult of the war,-- + The panic and the rout--the Volscian train + Swept from the battle, and Camilla slain. + The foemen, flushed with conquest, far and near + In hot pursuit, and sweeping on amain, + And all the city now aghast with fear:-- +Such was the dolorous tale that filled the warrior's ear. + +CXIII. Then, mad with fury, in revengeful mood + (For Jove is stern, and so the Fates ordain), + He quits his mountain-ambush and the wood. + Scarce, out of sight, had Turnus reached the plain, + When, issuing forth, AEneas hastes to gain + The pass, left open, climbs the neighbouring height, + And leaves the tangled forest. Thus the twain, + Each near to each,--the middle space is slight,-- +Townward their troops lead on, and hail the proffered fight. + +CXIV. At once AEneas on the dusty plain + Marks the Laurentine columns far away. + At once, in arms, fierce Turnus knows again + The dread AEneas, and he hears the neigh + Of steeds, and tramp of footmen in array. + Then each the fight had ventured, as they stood, + But rosy Phoebus, with declining day, + His steeds was bathing in the Iberian flood; +So by the walls they camp, and make the ramparts good. + + + + +BOOK TWELVE + + +ARGUMENT + +Turnus realises that he must now redeem his promise to meet AEneas +in single combat, and refuses to be dissuaded either by Latinus or +by Amata (1-90). The challenge is sent, and the two make ready. Lists +are prepared and spectators gather (91-153). Juno warns the Nymph +Juturna to aid her brother Turnus (154-180). After the terms of +combat have been ratified by oath and sacrifice, Juturna, in disguise, +by an opportune omen induces one of the assembled Latins to break +the truce and kill a Trojan (181-310). AEneas is wounded while +endeavouring to restrain his men from reprisals, and the fray becomes +general. Turnus deals death among the Trojans (311-441). AEneas is +miraculously healed, and at first pursues only Turnus--who is +carried off by Juturna (442-561), but presently gives rein to his +anger and slays indiscriminately, until by Venus' advice he attacks +the city. Amata kills herself, believing Turnus dead (562-702). +Turnus' eyes are opened. Seeing the city outworks in flames, he +returns and proclaims himself ready to meet AEneas, who, welcoming +the challenge, rushes forward. All eyes are riveted on the two, when +Turnus' sword breaks, and once more he flees, pursued by AEneas. +Juturna gives Turnus another sword, and Venus restores to AEneas his +spear (703-918). Follows a colloquy between Jupiter and +Juno.--Turnus must die. AEneas shall marry Lavinia and be king. But +the new nation must keep the ancient rites and names of Latium, and +be called not Trojans but Latins. Juno yields, and Jupiter warns +Juturna to leave the battle (919-1026). Turnus, being beside himself, +after a last superhuman effort, is struck down. AEneas is about to +spare his life, when he sees upon his shoulder the spoils of Pallas, +and kills him (1027-1107). + + +I. When Turnus saw the Latins faint and fly, + Crushed by the War-God, and his pledge reclaimed, + Himself the mark of every scornful eye, + Rage unappeasable his pride inflamed. + As when a lion, in the breast sore maimed + In Punic fields, uprousing, shakes his mane, + And snaps the shaft that felon hands had aimed, + His mouth all bloody, as he roars with pain, +So Turnus blazed with wrath, as thus in scornful strain + +II. He hailed the king: "Not Turnus stops the way; + No cause have these their challenge to forego, + Poor Trojan cowards; I accept the fray, + Sire, be the compact hallowed; be it so. + Or I, while Latins sit and see the show, + Will hurl to Hell this Dardan thief abhorred, + This Asian runaway, and on the foe + Refute the common slander with the sword, +Or he, as victor, reign and be Lavinia's lord." + +III. Then, calm of soul, Latinus made reply, + "O gallant youth, the more thy heart is fain + In fierceness to excel, the more should I + Weigh well the risks and measure loss with gain. + To thee belong thy father Daunus' reign + And captured towns. Good will have I and gold, + And other maids our Latin homes contain, + Of noble birth and lovely to behold. +Hear now, and let plain speech the thankless truth unfold. + +IV. "To none of former suitors was I free + To wed my daughter, so the voice ordained + Of gods and men consenting. Love for thee, + And sympathy for kindred blood hath gained + The mastery, and a weeping wife constrained. + I robbed the husband of the bride he wooed, + Took impious arms, and plighted faith disdained. + Ah me! what wars, what bitter fates ensued, +Thou, Turnus, know'st too well, who first hast felt the feud. + +V. "Scarce now, twice worsted in the desperate fray, + Our walls can guard what Latin hopes remain, + And, choked with Latin corpses, day by day, + Old Tiber's stream runs purple to the main, + And Latin bones are whitening all the plain. + Why shifts my frenzied purpose to and fro? + Why change and change? If, maugre Turnus slain, + I deign to welcome as a friend his foe, +Why not, while Turnus lives, the needless strife forego? + +VI. "What will Rutulian kinsmen, what will all + Italia say, if (Chance the deed forefend!) + I leave thee, cheated of my care, to fall, + The daughter's lover, and the father's friend? + O, weigh the risks that on the war attend; + Pity the parent in his sad, old age, + Left at far Ardea to lament thine end." + Thus he; but naught fierce Turnus can assuage; +The healing hand but chafes, and words augment his rage. + +VII. Then he, scarce gathering utterance, spake again, + "Good Sire, thy trouble for my sake forego; + Leave me the price of glory--to be slain. + I too can hurl, nor feeble is my blow, + The whistling shaft, that lays the foeman low, + And drinks his life-blood. Vain shall be his prayer. + No goddess mother shall be there, to throw + Her mist around him, with a woman's care, +And screen her darling son with empty shades of air." + +VIII. The Queen, with death before her, filled with fears, + Wept sore and checked the fiery suitor's way. + "O Turnus! if thou heed'st me, by these tears;-- + Hope of my age, Latinus' strength and stay, + Prop of our falling house! one boon I pray; + Forbear the fight. What fate awaiteth thee, + Awaits me too. If Trojans win the day, + With thee I'll leave the loathed light, nor see +AEneas wed my child, a captive slave, as she." + +IX. With tears Lavinia heard her mother speak. + A crimson blush her glowing face o'erspread, + And hot fires kindled on her burning cheek. + As Indian ivory, when stained with red, + Or lilies, mixt with roses in a bed, + So flushed the maid, with varying thoughts distrest. + He, wild with love, upon Lavinia fed + His constant gaze, but maddening with unrest, +Burned for the fight still more, and thus the Queen addressed: + +X. "Vex me not, mother, marching to the fray, + With these thy tears and bodings of despair. + 'Tis not in me the fatal hour to stay. + Thou, Idmon, to the Phrygian tyrant bear + The unwelcome word: to-morrow let him spare + To lead his Teucrians to the fight. Each side + Shall rest awhile; when morning shines in air, + His blood or mine the quarrel shall decide, +And he or I shall win, whose prowess earns, the bride." + +XI. Thus speaking, to his home the chieftain hies + And bids his steeds be harnessed for the fight: + Soon for the pleasure of their master's eyes + They stand before him, neighing in their might. + In days of old from Orithyia bright + To King Pilumnus came those coursers twain, + Swifter than breezes and than snow more white; + His ready grooms attend, a nimble train, +And clap the sounding breast and comb the abundant mane. + +XII. Himself the shining corselet, stiff with gold + And orichalcum, on his shoulders laid. + His sword and shield he fitted to his hold, + And donned the helm, with crimson plumes arrayed, + The sword the Fire-King for his sire had made, + And dipped still glowing in the Stygian flood, + Last, the strong spear-beam in his hand he swayed + (Against a pillar in the house it stood), +Auruncan Actor's spoils, and shook the quivering wood, + +XIII. And shouted, "Now, O never known to fail + Thy master's call, my trusty spear, I trow + The hour is come. Once, mightiest under mail, + Did Actor wield thee; Turnus wields thee now. + Grant this strong hand to lay the foeman low, + This Phrygian eunuch of his arms to spoil, + And rend his shattered breastplate with a blow; + Dragged in the dust, his dainty curls to soil, +Hot from the crisping tongs, and wet with myrrh and oil." + +XIV. Such furies urge him, and, ablaze with ire, + His hot face sparkles, and his eyes burn bright, + And from his eye-balls leaps the living fire; + As when a bull, in prelude for the fight, + Roars terribly, and fills the hinds with fright, + And, butting at a chance-met tree, would try + To vent his fury on his horns of might, + And with his fierce hoofs flings the sand on high, +And gores the empty air, and challenges the sky. + +XV. Nor less, meanwhile, and terrible in arms,-- + The arms that Venus to her son doth lend,-- + AEneas rages, and the War-God warms. + Pleased with the challenge, singly to contend, + And bring the weary warfare to an end, + His friends he cheers, and calms Iulus' care, + Unfolding Fate, then heralds hastes to send, + His answer to the Latin King to bear: +The challenge he accepts, the terms of peace are fair. + +XVI. Scarce Morning glimmered on the mountains grey, + And Phoebus' steeds, uprising from the main, + With lifted nostrils breathed approaching day. + Mixt with the Trojans, the Rutulian train, + Beneath the lofty town-walls on the plain + Mark out the lists, and mid-way in the ring, + Their braziers set, as common rites ordain. + These, apron-girt and crowned with vervain, bring +Fire for the turf-piled hearths, and water from the spring. + +XVII. Forth, as to war, Ausonia's spear-armed host, + Trojans and Tuscans, to the field proceed, + And to and fro, in gold and purple, post + Asilas brave, Assaracus's seed, + Mnestheus, Messapus, tamer of the steed. + Back step both armies at the trumpet's call, + Their spears in earth, their shields upon the mead. + An unarmed crowd, old men and matrons, all +Stand by the lofty gates, and throng the towers and wall. + +XVIII. But Juno, seated on a neighbouring height, + Now Alban called, then nameless and unknown, + Gazed from its summit on the field of fight, + And, musing, on the marshalled hosts looked down + Of Troy and Latium, and Latinus' town, + Then straight--a goddess to a goddess--spake + To Turnus' sister, who the sway doth own + Of sounding river and of stagnant lake, +Raised by the King of air, as yielding for his sake. + +XIX. "Nymph, pride of rivers, darling of my love, + Thou know'st, Juturna, how to all whoe'er + Of Latin maidens climbed the couch of Jove, + I thee preferred, and gave his courts to share. + Learn now thy woe, lest I the blame should bear. + While Fate and Fortune smiled on Latium's sway, + Thy walls I saved, and Turnus was my care. + Now in ill hour I see him tempt the fray; +Fate and the foe speed on the inevitable day. + +XX. "Not I this fight, this wager can behold. + Thou, if thou durst, thy brother's doom arrest. + Go; luck perchance may follow thee." Fast rolled + Juturna's tears, and thrice she smote her breast. + "No time to weep," said Juno, "speed thy quest, + And save thy brother, if thou canst, ere dead, + Or wake the war, and rend the league unblest; + 'Tis I who bid thee to be bold." She said, +And left her, tost with doubt, and full of wildering dread. + +XXI. Forth come the Kings; Latinus, proudly borne + High in his four-horse chariot, shines afar. + Twelve gilded rays the monarch's brows adorn, + His Sire's, the Sun-God's. Wielding as for war + Two spears, comes Turnus in his two-horse car. + There, Rome's great founder, doth AEneas ride, + With dazzling shield, bright-shining as a star, + And arms divine, and at his father's side +Ascanius takes his place, Rome's second hope and pride. + +XXII. And clad in robes of purest white, the priest + Leads forth the youngling of a bristly swine, + And two-year sheep, by shearer's hands unfleec'd. + And they, with eyes turned to the dawn divine, + Bared the bright steel, the victim's brow to sign, + And strewed the cakes of salted meal, and poured + On blazing altars bowls of sacred wine; + And good AEneas drew his glittering sword, +And thus, with pious prayer, the immortal gods adored: + +XXIII. "Witness, O Sun, thou Earth attest my prayer, + For whom I toil. Thou, Jove, supreme in sway, + And thou, great Juno, pleased at length to spare. + O mighty Mars, whose nod directs the fray; + Springs, Streams, and Powers whom Air and Sea obey. + If Turnus win--O let the vow remain-- + Humbly to King Evander, as they may, + Troy's sons shall fly, Iulus quit the reign, +Nor seed of mine e'er vex the Latin field again. + +XXIV. "But else, if victory smile upon my sword + (As rather deem I, and may Heaven decree), + I wish not Troy to be Italia's lord, + Nor claim the crown; let each, unquelled and free, + In deathless league on equal terms agree. + Arms, empire let Latinus keep; I claim + To bring our rites and deities. For me + My Teucrian friends another town shall frame, +And bless the rising towers with fair Lavinia's name." + +XXV. Thus first AEneas; then with uplift eyes, + His right hand stretching to the stars in prayer, + "Hear me, AEneas," old Latinus cries, + "By the same Earth, and Sea and Stars I swear, + By the twin offering of Latona fair, + And two-faced Janus, and Hell's powers malign, + And Dis unpitying; let Jove give ear, + The Sire whose bolt the solemn league doth sign, +Witness these fires and gods,--my hand is on the shrine,-- + +XXVI. "No time with Latins shall this league unbind, + Whate'er the issue, or the peace confound, + No force shall shake the purpose of my mind. + Nay--though the circling Ocean burst its bound, + And all the Earth were in a deluge drowned, + And Heaven with Hell should mingle. Sure as now + This sceptre" (haply in his hand was found + The Royal sceptre) "nevermore, I trow, +Shall bourgeon with fresh leaves, or spread a shadowing bough, + +XXVII. "Since once in forests, from its parent tree + Lopped clean away, the woodman stripped it bare + Of boughs and leaves, now fashioned, as ye see, + And cased in brass by cunning craftsman's care, + For fathers of the Latin realm to bear." + So they, amid their chiefest, Sire with Sire, + Confirm the league. These o'er the flames prepare + To slay the victims, and, as rites require, +The living entrails tear, and feed the sacred fire. + +XXVIII. Long while unequal to Rutulian eyes + The combat seemed, and trouble tossed them sore, + Now more, beholding nearer, how in size + And strength the champions differed, yea, and more, + Beholding Turnus, as he moved before + The altars, sad and silently, and seeks + With downcast eyes Heaven's favour to implore, + The wanness of his youthful frame, that speaks +Of health and hope now fled, the pallor of his cheeks. + +XXIX. Soon as Juturna saw the whispers grow + From tongue to tongue, and marked the changing tone, + The hearts of people wavering to and fro, + Amidst them,--now in form of Camers known, + Great Camers, sprung from grandsires of renown, + His father famed for many a brave emprise, + Himself as famed for exploits of his own,-- + Amidst them, mistress of her part, she flies, +And scatters words of doubt, and many a dark surmise. + +XXX. "Shame, will ye risk, Rutulians, for his host + The life of one? In number, strength and show + Do we not match them? _Those_ are all they boast, + Trojans, Arcadians and Etruscans. Lo, + Fight we by turns, each scarce can find a foe. + He to his gods, whose shrines he dies to shield, + Will rise, and praised will be his name below. + We, reft of home, to tyrant lords shall yield, +And toil as slaves, who sit so slackly on the field." + +XXXI. So saying, Juturna to the youths imparts + Fresh rage, and murmurs through the concourse run, + And changed are Latin and Laurentian hearts, + And they, who lately sought the strife to shun, + And longed for rest, now wish the league undone, + And, pitying Turnus, wrongly doomed to die, + Call out for arms. And now, her work begun, + Juturna shows a lying sign on high, +That shakes Italian hearts, and cheats the wondering eye. + +XXXII. Jove's golden eagle through the crimson skies + In chase of clanging marsh-fowl, swooped in flight + Down on a swan, and trussed the noble prize. + The Latins gaze, when lo, a wondrous sight! + Back wheels the flock, and all with screams unite, + And darkening, as a cloud, in dense array + Press on the foe, till, overborne by might, + And yielding to sheer weight, he drops the prey +Into the stream below, and cloudward soars away. + +XXXIII. With shouts the glad Rutulians hail the sign, + And lift their hands. Then spake the seer straightway, + Tolumnius: "Welcome, welcome, powers divine! + 'Twas this--'twas this I longed for, day by day. + To arms! 'Tis I, Tolumnius, lead the way. + Poor souls! whom yon strange pirate would enslave, + Like feeble birds, and make your coast a prey. + He too shall fly, and vanish o'er the wave. +Stand close and fight as one, your captive king to save." + +XXXIV. He spake and hurled his javelin at the foes, + Advancing. Shrill the cornel hissed, and flew + True to its quarry. Then a shout uprose, + And the ranks wavered, and hearts throbbed anew + With ardour, as the gathering tumult grew. + On went the missile to where, side by side, + Nine brethren stood, of comely form, whom, true + To her Gylippus, bare a Tuscan bride, +Nine tall Arcadian sons, in bloom of youthful pride. + +XXXV. One, where the belt chafes, and the strong clasp bites + The broidered edges,--comeliest of the band, + And sheathed in shining mail--the steel-head smites, + And rives the ribs, and rolls him on the sand. + Blind with hot rage, his brethren, sword in hand, + Or snatching missiles, to avenge the slain, + Rush to the charge. Laurentum's ranks withstand + Their onset, and a deluge sweeps the plain, +Trojans, Agylla's bands, Arcadia's glittering train. + +XXXVI. One passion burns,--to let the sword decide. + Stript stand the altars, and the shrines are bare; + Dark drives the storm of javelins far and wide, + The iron tempest hurtles in the air, + And bowls and censers from the hearths they tear. + Himself Latinus, flying, bears afar + His home-gods, outraged by the league's misfare. + Some leap to horse, and others yoke the car, +Or bare the glittering sword, and hurry to the war. + +XXXVII. Aulestes first, a king with kingly crown, + Messapus scares, and, spurring forward, fain + To break the treaty, rides the Tuscan down. + He, bating ground, falls back, and hurled amain + Against the altars, pitches on the plain. + Up comes Messapus, with his beam-like spear, + And smites him, pleading sorely but in vain, + Steep-rising heavily smites him, with a jeer, +"He hath it; Heaven hath gained a better victim here." + +XXXVIII. Up Latins rush, and strip the limbs yet warm, + A brand half-burnt fierce Corynoeus there + Flings full at Ebusus, as with lifted arm + He nears him, and the long beard, all aflare, + Shines crackling, with a smell of burning hair. + He with his left hand, following up the throw, + Grasps the long locks, and, planting firm and fair + His knee, beneath him pins the prostrate foe, +And drives the stark sword home, so deadly is the blow. + +XXXIX. Then, fired with fury, Podalirius flew + At shepherd Alsus, as he rushed among + The foremost. With his naked sword he drew + Behind him close, and o'er his foeman hung. + He turning round his broad axe backward swung, + And clave the chin and forehead. Left and right + The dark blood o'er the spattered arms outsprung. + Hard rest and iron slumber seal his sight, +The drooping eyelids close on everlasting night. + +XL. Unarmed, AEneas, with uncovered brow, + Stretched out his hands, and shouted to his train: + "Where rush ye, men? what sudden discord now + Is this? Be calm; your idle wrath refrain. + The truce is struck; the treaty's terms are plain. + To me belongs the battle, not to you. + Give way to me, nor fret and fume in vain. + This hand shall make the treaty firm and true. +These rites, this solemn pact give Turnus for my due." + +XLI. So spake he, fain the tumult to allay, + And scarce had ceased, when, whistling as it flew, + A feathered shaft came hurtling on its way, + And smote the good AEneas; whose, and who + That shaft had sped, what wind had borne it true, + What chance with fame Ausonia's host had crowned, + What God, perhaps, had aided them--none knew. + The glory of that noble deed was drowned, +And none was found to boast of great AEneas' wound. + +XLII. When Turnus saw the Trojan prince retire, + The chiefs bewildered, and their hearts unstrung, + Hope unexpected set his soul on fire, + And, calling for his steeds and arms, he sprung + Upon his chariot, and the reins outflung. + On drives he; many a hero of renown + Sinks, crushed to death; the dying roll among + The dead; whole ranks beneath his wheels go down, +And fast at flying hosts the fliers' spears are thrown. + +XLIII. As when grim Mars, by Hebrus' icy flood, + Clashing his brazen buckler, drives apace + His fierce steeds, maddening with the lust of blood; + They o'er the plain the flying winds outrace, + And with their trampling groan the fields of Thrace; + And round the War-God his attendants throng, + Hatred, and Treachery and Fear's dark face; + So Turnus drove the battling ranks among, +And lashed his smoking steeds, and waved the whistling thong. + +XLIV. In piteous sort he tramples on the slain; + The flying horse-hoofs spirt the crimson dew, + And tread the gore down in the sandy plain. + Now, man to man, at Thamyris he flew, + And Pholus. Sthenelus aloof he slew; + Aloof the two Imbracidae lay dead, + Glaucus and Lades, of the Lycian crew, + Both armed alike, whom Imbracus had bred +To fight, or on swift steeds the flying winds to head. + +XLV. Elsewhere afield, amid the foremost, fought + The brave Eumedes. (From the loins he came + Of noble Dolon, and to war he brought + The borrowed lustre of his grandsire's name, + The strength and spirit of his sire of fame, + Who for his meed, when offering to explore + The Danaan camp, Pelides' car would claim. + Poor fool! Tydides paid the boaster's score, +And for Achilles' steeds he hankers now no more.) + +XLVI. Him Turnus sees, and through the void afar + Speeds a light lance, then bids the coursers stand, + And, lightly leaping from his two-horsed car, + Stamps on his neck, fall'n breathless on the sand, + And wrests the shining dagger from his hand. + Deep in his throat he deals a deadly wound, + And cries, "Now, Trojan, take the wished-for land. + Lie there, and measure the Hesperian ground; +Their meed, who tempt my sword; thus city-walls they found." + +XLVII. Asbutes, Sybaris and Chloreus bleed, + Dares the bold, Orsilochus the brave, + Thymoetes, pitched from off his plunging steed. + As on the AEgean when the North-winds rave, + And the fierce gale rolls shoreward wave on wave, + And drives the cloud-rack through the sky; so these + Shrank back from Turnus, as his path he clave, + Urged by his impulse, and each turns and flees; +Loose streams his horsehair crest, blown backward by the breeze. + +XLVIII. His fiery onset, and his shouts of pride + Bold Phlegeus brooked not, but himself he flung + Before the car, and caught and turned aside + The foaming steeds. But while, thus dragged along, + Grasping the bridle, on the yoke he hung, + His shieldless side the broad-tipt javelin found, + And pierced, and, staying, to the corslet clung, + With linen folds and brazen links twice bound. +And lightly scored the skin, and grazed him with the wound. + +XLIX. His shield before him, at the foe he made, + And drew his short sword, turning sharply round, + And trusted to the naked steel for aid, + When wheel and axle, urged with onward bound, + Struck down and dashed him headlong to the ground, + And Turnus, reaching forward, sword in hand, + Room 'twixt the hauberk and the helmet found + And lopped the head with his avenging brand, +And left the bleeding trunk to welter on the sand. + +L. While Turnus thus dealt havoc as he flew, + Back with AEneas from the combat went + Ascanius, Mnestheus, and Achates true, + And helped the bleeding hero to his tent. + Faltering and pale, as on the spear he leant, + Fretting, and tugging at the shaft in vain, + Quick help he summons,--with the broadsword's rent + The wound to widen, and the lurking bane +Cut out, and send him back to battle on the plain. + +LI. Iapis, son of Iasus, was there, + The best-beloved of Phoebus. Long ago + Apollo, fired to see a youth so fair, + His arts and gifts had offered to bestow, + His augury, his lyre, his sounding bow. + But he, in hope a bed-rid parent's days + To lengthen, sought the leech's craft to know, + The power of simples, and the silent praise +Of healing arts, and scorned the great Apollo's bays. + +LII. Dark-frowning stands, still propt upon his spear, + AEneas, heedless of his friends around + And young Iulus, weeping in his fear. + Tight-girt like Paeon, with the robes upbound, + Beside him kneels the aged leech renowned. + With busy haste Apollo's salves he tries, + In vain, in vain he coaxes in the wound + The stubborn steel, the pincer's teeth he plies: +Fate bides averse, his help the healing god denies; + +LIII. And more and more, along the echoing wold, + The war's wild horror thickens on the ear, + And storm-like, in the darkened skies uprolled, + The driving dust-clouds show the danger near. + Now horsemen, galloping in haste, appear, + And darts and arrows, as the foe draw nigh, + Fall in the tents, and fill the camp with fear, + And a grim clamour mounts the vaulted sky, +The shouts of those that fight, the groans of those that die. + +LIV. Then, Venus, for her darling filled with grief, + A stalk of dittany on Ida's crown + Seeks out, and gathers, for his wound's relief, + The flower of purple and the leaves of down. + (To wounded wild-goats 'twas a plant well-known) + This brings the Goddess, veiled in mist, and brews + In a bright bowl a mixture of her own, + And, steeped in water from the stream, she strews +Soft balm of fragrant scent, and sweet ambrosial dews. + +LV. Therewith the leech, unwitting, rinsed the wound, + And the pain fled, and all the blood was stayed. + Out came the dart, and he again was sound. + "Arms! bring his arms! Why stand ye thus afraid?" + Iapis cries, and, foremost to upbraid, + Inflames them to the fight. "No hand of mine, + No power of leech-craft, nor a mortal's aid + This healing wrought; a greater power divine, +AEneas, sends thee back, by greater deeds to shine." + +LVI. He, hot for fight, the golden cuishes bound, + And shook the spear, then put his corslet on, + And strung the shield, and in his arms enwound, + And gently through the helmet kissed his son. + "Learn, boy, of me, how gallant deeds are done, + Fortune of others. I will guard thee now, + And lead to fame. Let riper manhood con + Thy kinsmen's deeds. Remember, and be thou +What uncle Hector was, and what thy sire is now." + +LVII. He spake, and swinging his tremendous spear, + Swept through the gate; then Antheus, with his train, + Rushed forth, and Mnestheus. With a general cheer + Forth pours the host; a dust-cloud hides the plain; + Earth, startled by their trampling, throbs in pain. + Pale Turnus saw them from a distant height, + The Ausonians saw, and terror chilled each vein. + Juturna heard, and knew the noise of fight, +And from the van drew back, and shuddered with affright. + +LVIII. On swept he, and the blackening host behind. + As when from sea a storm-cloud sweeps to shore, + The weather breaking, and the trembling hind + Foresees afar the ruin and the roar, + The shattered orchards, and the crops no more, + While, landward borne, the muttering winds betray + The coming storm; so down the Trojan bore + Against the foemen, and in firm array +All knit their serried ranks, and gladden at the fray. + +LIX. Thymbraeus smites Osiris, Mnestheus fells + Archetius; by Achates smitten sheer, + Falls Epulo, and Gyas Ufens quells. + Falls, too, Tolumnius, the sacred seer, + Who first against the foemen hurled his spear. + Uprose a shout, and the Rutulians reeled + And fled. AEneas, on the dusty rear + Close-trampling, scorns to follow them afield, +Or fight with those that stand, or slaughter those that yield. + +LX. Turnus alone, amid the blinding gloom, + He tracks and traces, searching far and near, + Turnus alone he summons to his doom. + Juturna sees, and smit with sudden fear, + Unseats Metiscus, Turnus' charioteer, + And flings him down, and leaves him on the plain, + Then takes his place, and, urging their career, + Loose o'er the coursers shakes the waving rein; +Metiscus' voice and form, Metiscus' arms remain. + +LXI. Like a black swallow, as she flies among + A rich man's halls, or in the courts is found + In quest of dainties for her twittering young. + And now in empty cloisters, now around + The fishpools circles, while the shrill notes sound. + So now Juturna, through the midmost foes, + Whirled in the rapid chariot, scours the ground; + Now here, now there triumphant Turnus shows, +Now, flying, wheels aloof, nor suffers him to close. + +LXII. So wheels in turn AEneas to and fro, + And tracks his man, and through the war's wild tide + Calls him aloud. Oft as he marks his foe, + And, running, tries to match the coursers' stride, + So oft Juturna wheels the team aside. + What shall he do? While wavering thus in vain, + As diverse thoughts his doubtful mind divide, + A steel-tipt dart Messapus--one of twain-- +Aims true, and hurls it forth, uprunning on the plain. + +LXIII. AEneas paused, behind his buckler bent. + On came the javelin, and the cone was shorn + From off his helmet, and the plume was rent. + Foiled by this treachery, as he marked with scorn + The steeds and chariot from the combat borne, + He blazed with ire, and, calling on again + Jove and the altars of the truce forsworn, + Rushed on, thrice terrible, and o'er the plain +Dealt indiscriminate death, and gave his wrath the rein. + +LXIV. What heavenly muse can sing, what god can say + The scenes of horror wrought on either side, + The varied slaughter of that fatal day, + What chiefs were chased along the field, and died, + As Turnus now, and now the Trojan plied + His murderous sword? Jove, could'st thou deem it right + So dire a broil such peoples should divide, + Two jarring nations met in deadly fight, +Whom leagues of lasting love were destined to unite? + +LXV. AEneas first (that fight 'twas first that stayed + The Teucrian rout) caught Suero on the side. + Where death is quickest, 'twixt the ribs his blade, + Deep in the framework of the breast, he plied. + Then Turnus slew Diores; close beside, + His brother Amycus from his steed he tore; + One by the spear, one by the sword-cut died. + Their severed heads the ruthless victor bore, +Fixt to his flying car, and dripping with the gore. + +LXVI. Talus, and Tanais, and Cethegus there + AEneas smote, and poor Onytes slew, + Whom Peridia to Echion bare. + Turnus two Lycian brethren next o'erthrew + From Phoebus' fields, and young Menoetes too + From Arcady, who loathed the war in vain. + Poor was his home, nor rich men's doors he knew. + By fishful Lerna he had earned his gain, +Hired was the scanty glebe his father sowed with grain. + +LXVII. Lo, as fierce flames drive in from left and right + Through woodlands parched and groves of crackling bay, + As sweep impetuous from a mountain height + Loud, foaming torrents, that withouten stay + Cleave to the sea their devastating way: + So, while in each full tides of anger flow, + Rush Turnus and AEneas to the fray: + Their tameless breasts with bursting valour glow, +On, on they speed amain, nor fear the opposing blow. + +LXVIII. There stands Murranus, vaunting in vain joy + His sires, and grandsires, he the princely son + Of Latin monarchs. Him the chief of Troy + Smites with the whirlwind of a monstrous stone, + Huge as a rock. Down from his chariot thrown, + 'Twixt reins and yoke, he tumbles on the sward. + The fierce wheels, thundering onward, beat him down; + His starting steeds, to shun the victor's sword, +Tread on his trampled limbs, unmindful of their lord. + +LXIX. Here, fronting Hyllus, as he rushed amain, + Fierce Turnus stood; his levelled spear-head clave + The golden casque, and quivered in his brain. + Nor thee, poor Creteus, though of Greeks most brave, + From Turnus had thy prowess power to save. + Nor aught availed Cupencus' gods to aid + Against the dread AEneas, as he drave. + Squaring his breast, he met the glittering blade, +Nor long his brazen shield the mortal stroke delayed. + +LXX. Thee, too, great AEolus, Laurentum's plain + Saw trampled down by Turnus, as he flew, + And stretched at length among the Trojan slain. + Thou diest, whom ne'er could Argive bands subdue, + Nor Peleus' son, who Priam's realm o'erthrew. + Thy goal is here; beyond the distant wave, + Beneath the mount where Ida's fir-trees grew, + High house was thine; high house Lyrnessus gave, +Thy home; Laurentum's soil hath given thee a grave. + +LXXI. So met the ranks, and mingled, man with man, + Latins and Dardans in promiscuous throng, + Mnestheus and fierce Serestus in the van, + Messapus, tamer of the steed, and strong + Asylas. There in tumult swept along + Arcadian horsemen, and the Tuscan train. + No rest is theirs, no respite; loud and long + The conflict rages, as with might and main, +Each for his own dear life, the warriors strive and strain. + +LXXII. Now lovely Venus doth her son persuade + To seek the walls, and townward turn his train, + And deal swift havoc on the foe dismayed. + While here and there AEneas scans the plain, + Still tracking Turnus through the ranks in vain, + Far off the peaceful city he espies, + Unscathed, unstirred, and in his restless brain + The vision of a greater war doth rise; +Larger the War-God looms, and to his chiefs he cries. + +LXXIII. Mnestheus, Sergestus and Serestus strong + He calls, and on a hillock takes his stand. + There, mustering round him, all the Teucrians throng, + Each armed with buckler, and his spear in hand, + And from the mound he thus exhorts the band: + "Hear, sons of Teucer, and let none be slack. + Jove fights for us, so hearken my command. + Though strange the venture, sudden the attack, +Let none for that cause faint, none loiter and hang back. + +LXXIV. "This town--unless they yield them and obey-- + This town, the centre of Latinus' reign, + The cause of war, will I uproot this day, + And raze her smoking roof-tops to the plain. + What! shall I wait, and wait, till Turnus deign + To take fresh heart, and tempt the war's rough game, + And, conquered, face his conqueror again? + See there the fount of all this blood! For shame; +Bring quick the torch; let fire the perjured pact reclaim!" + +LXXV. So spake he, and one purpose nerves them all. + They form a wedge, and forward with a cheer + The close-knit column charges at the wall. + Here scaling ladders in a trice they rear, + And firebrands suddenly and flames appear. + These seek the gates, and lay the foremost dead; + Those flash the sword, or shake the shining spear. + Darts cloud the skies. AEneas, at their head, +Stands by the lofty walls, and with his hands outspread, + +LXXVI. Upbraids aloud Latinus, twice untrue, + And bids heaven witness and his wrongs regard, + Thus forced reluctant to the fight anew; + How loth again with Latin foes he warred, + How twice the truce the Latin crimes had marred. + Upsprings wild discord in the town; some call + To cede the city, and have the gates unbarred, + And drag the aged monarch to the wall; +Some rush to arms, and strive their entrance to forestall. + +LXXVII. As when within a crannied rock some hind, + Returning home, a swarm of bees hath found, + And all the nest with bitter smoke doth blind: + They, in their waxen citadel fast bound, + Post to and fro, the narrow cells around, + And whet their stings in fury and despair: + With stifled hum the caverned crags resound, + The black fumes search the windings of their lair, +And the dark smoke rolls up, and mingles with the air. + +LXXVIII. A new mischance now smote with further woe + The Latin town, and fainting hearts dismayed. + As queen Amata sees the coming foe, + The ramparts stormed, their flames the roofs invade, + And nowhere Turnus nor his troops to aid, + Him dead she deems, herself the cause declares, + Herself alone she spares not to upbraid. + She wails,--she raves,--her purple robe she tears, +And from a lofty beam the hideous noose prepares. + +LXXIX. The women heard; Lavinia first of all, + Her golden locks, her rosy cheeks doth tear. + All rave around, and wailings fill the hall. + Fast flies the news, and shakes the town with fear. + Then rends his robes Latinus in despair, + His town in ruins and his consort dead, + And, scattering dust upon his hoary hair, + Himself he blames, that ne'er in Turnus' stead +The Dardan prince he chose, his dear-lov'd child to wed. + +LXXX. Meanwhile, in chase of distant stragglers, speeds + Fierce Turnus. Slacker is his car's career, + And less he glories in his conquering steeds, + When lo, the breezes from Laurentum bear + The sound of shouting, and the shrieks of fear, + And a dull murmur, as of men that groan,-- + The city's roar--strikes on his listening ear. + "Ah me! what clamour on the winds is blown? +What noise of grief," he cries, "comes rolling from the town?" + +LXXXI. He spake, and madly pulled the rein. Then she, + His sister, like Metiscus changed in view, + Who ruled the chariot, "Forward, Turnus! See + The path that victory points thee to pursue. + This way--this way to chase the Trojan crew! + Others there are, who can the walls defend, + See here AEneas, how he storms. We, too, + Our foes, Troy's varlets, to their graves can send, +Nor thee less tale of slain, nor scantier praise attend." + +LXXXII. Then quickly answered Turnus, glancing round, + "Sister, long since I knew thee--knew thee plain, + When first thy cunning did the league confound, + And sent thee forth, fierce battle to darrain; + And now thou think'st to cheat me, but in vain, + Albeit a goddess. But what power on high + Hath willed thee, sent from the Olympian reign, + Such toils to suffer, and such tasks to try? +Cam'st thou, forsooth, to see thy wretched brother die? + +LXXXIII. "What can I do? What pledge of safety more + Doth Fortune give? what better hopes remain? + Myself beheld, these very eyes before, + Murranus die, the dearest of our train, + Stretched by a huge wound hugely on the plain. + I saw, how, backward as his comrades reeled, + Poor Ufens, sooner than behold such stain, + Sank low in death; himself, his sword and shield +The Teucrian victors hold, their trophies of the field. + +LXXXIV. "What, shall I see our houses wrapt in flame,-- + Last wrong of all--and coward-like, stand by, + Nor make this arm put Drances' taunts to shame? + Shall Turnus run, and Latins see him fly? + And is it then so terrible to die? + Be kind, dread spirits of the world below! + To you, since envious are the powers on high, + Worthy my ancestors of long ago, +Free from the coward's blame, a sacred shade I go." + +LXXXV. Scarce spake he; through the midmost foes apace + Comes Saces, borne upon his foaming steed, + A flying shaft had scored him in the face. + "Turnus," he cries, "sole champion in our need, + Help us, have pity on thy friends who bleed. + See there, AEneas threatens in his ire + To raze our towers, and with a storm-cloud's speed + Thunders in arms, and roofward flies the fire, +To thee the Latins turn, thee Latin hopes require. + +LXXXVI. "Himself, the king, is wavering, whom to call + His new allies, and whom his kingdom's heir. + Dead is the queen, thy faithfullest of all, + Self-plunged from light, in terror and despair. + Scarce fierce Atinas and Messapus there, + Beside the town-gates standing, hold their own. + Dense hosts surround them, and with falchions bare, + War's harvest bristles, by the walls upgrown; +Thou on the empty sward art charioting alone." + +LXXXVII. Stunned and bewildered by the changeful scene + Stood Turnus, gazing speechless and oppressed. + Shame, rage, and sorrow, and revengeful spleen, + And frenzied love, and conscious worth confessed + Boil from the depths of his tumultuous breast. + Now, when the shadows from his mind withdrew, + And light, returning, to his thoughts gave rest, + Back from his chariot towards the walls he threw +His eyes, aflame with wrath, and grasped the town in view. + +LXXXVIII. From floor to floor, behold, a tower upblazed,-- + The tower, with bridge above and wheels below, + Himself with beams and mortised planks had raised. + "Sister," he cries, "Fate conquers; let us go + The way which Heaven and cruel fortune show. + I stand to meet AEneas in the fray, + And die; if death be bitter, be it so. + No more dishonoured shalt thou see me, nay, +O sister, let me vent this fury, while I may." + +LXXXIX. He spake, and quickly vaulting from his car, + Through foes, through darts, his sister left to mourn, + Rushed headlong forth, and broke the ranks of war. + As when a boulder, from a hill-top borne, + Which rains have washed, or blustering winds have torn, + Or creeping years have loosened, down the steep, + From crag to crag, leaps headlong, and in scorn + Goes bounding on, and with resistless sweep +Lays waste the woods, and whelms the shepherd and his sheep; + +XC. So Turnus through the broken ranks doth fly + On to the town-walls, where the crimson plain + Is soaked, and shrill with javelins shrieks the sky, + Then shouts, with hand uplifted, to his train, + "Rutulians, hold! Ye Latin men refrain! + Mine are the risks of Fortune, mine of right, + The truce thus torn, to expiate the stain, + And let the sword give judgment." At the sight +The hostile ranks divide, and clear the lists of fight. + +XCI. But when the Sire AEneas heard the name + Of Turnus, and his foeman's form espied, + Down from the ramparts and the towers he came, + And scorned delay, and put all else aside, + Thundering in arms, and glorying in his pride. + As Athos huge, as Eryx huge he shows, + Or huge as Father Apennine, whose side + Roars with his nodding oaks, when drifted snows +Shine on his joyous crest, and lighten on his brows. + +XCII. Rutulians, Trojans, Latins,--each and all + Look wondering on, both they who man the height, + And they who batter at the base. Down fall + Their arms. Amazed Latinus views the sight, + Two chiefs from distant countries, matched in might. + The lists set wide, they dash into the fray. + Each hurls a spear, then, hand to hand, they fight. + Loud ring the shields, and quick the broadswords play. +Earth groans, and chance contends with courage for the day. + +XCIII. As on Taburnus, or in Sila's shade + Two bulls, with butting foreheads, mix in fray: + Pale fly the hinds, mute stands the herd dismayed: + The heifers low, unknowing who shall sway + The grove, what lord and leader to obey; + They, with horns locked, their mutual rage outpour, + And thrust for thrust, and wound for wound repay, + Fast from their necks and dewlaps streams the gore, +And all the neighbouring wood rebellows to the roar; + +XCIV. So, when both champions on the listed field, + The Trojan and the Daunian, eye to eye, + Met in the deadly conflict, shield to shield + Clanged, and a loud crash shattered through the sky. + And now great Jove, the Sire of gods on high, + Holds up the scales, and sets the long beam straight, + And in the balance lays their fates, to try + Each champion's fortune in the stern debate, +Whom battle's toil shall doom, where sinks the deathful weight. + +XCV. Forth springs, in fancied safety, at his foe + Fierce Turnus, rising to his utmost height, + And planting all his body in the blow, + Strikes. A loud shout, of terror and delight + Goes up from Troy and Latium at the sight. + When lo, the falchion, as the stroke he plies, + Snaps short, and leaves him helpless. Naught but flight + Can aid him; swifter than the wind he flies, +As in his hand disarmed an unknown hilt he spies. + +XCVI. When first his steeds were harnessed for the war, + In haste he snatched Metiscus' sword, 'tis said, + His sire's forgotten, as he climbed the car, + And well enough that weapon served his stead, + To smite the stragglers, while the Trojans fled; + But when it met, and countered in the fray + The arms of Vulcan, then the mortal blade, + Found faithless, like the brittle ice, gave way, +And in the yellow sand the sparkling fragments lay. + +XCVII. So Turnus flies, and, doubling, but in vain, + Now here, now there, weaves many an aimless round; + For all about him, as he scours the plain, + The swarming legions of the foe are found, + And here the marsh, and there the bulwarks bound. + Nor less AEneas, though his stiff knee feels + The rankling arrow, and the hampering wound + Retards his pace, pursues him, as he wheels, +And dogs the flying foe, and presses on his heels. + +XCVIII. As when some stag, a river in his face, + Or toils with scarlet feathers, set to scare, + A huntsman with his braying hounds doth chase. + Awed by the steep bank and the threatening snare, + A thousand ways he doubles here and there; + But the keen Umbrian, all agape, is by, + Now grasps,--now holds him,--and now thinks to tear, + And snaps his teeth on nothing; and a cry +Rings back from shore and stream, and rolls along the sky. + +XCIX. Chiding by name his comrades, as he flies, + Fierce Turnus for his trusty sword doth cry. + Nor less AEneas with his threat defies, + "Stand off," he shouts, "who ventures to draw nigh, + His town shall perish, and himself shall die." + Onward, though maimed, he presses to his prey. + Twice five times circling round the field they fly; + For no mean stake or sportive prize they play, +Lo, Turnus' life and blood are wagered in the fray. + +C. A wilding olive on the sward had stood, + Sacred to Faunus. Mariners of yore + In worship held the venerable bough, + When to Laurentum's guardian, safe on shore + Their votive raiment and their gifts they bore. + That sacred tree, the lists of fight to clear, + Troy's sons had lopped. There, in the trunk's deep core, + The Dardan javelin, urged with impulse sheer, +Stuck fast; the stubborn root, retentive, grasped the spear. + +CI. Stooping, AEneas with his hands essayed + To pluck the steel, and follow with the spear + The foe his feet o'ertook not. Sore dismayed + Then Turnus cried, "O Faunus, heed and hear, + And thou, kind Earth, hold fast the steel, if dear + I held the plant, which Trojan hands profaned." + He prayed, nor Heaven refused a kindly ear. + Long while AEneas at the tough root strained; +Vain was his utmost strength; the biting shaft remained. + +CII. While thus he stooped and struggled, prompt to aid, + Juturna, to Metiscus changed anew, + Ran forth, and to her brother reached his blade. + Then Venus, wroth the daring Nymph to view, + Came, and the javelin from the stem withdrew, + Thus, armed afresh, each eager for his chance, + The Daunian trusting to his falchion true, + The Dardan towering with uplifted lance, +High-hearted, face to face, the breathless chiefs advance. + +CIII. Then Jove, as from a saffron cloud above + Looked Juno, pleased the doubtful strife to view, + "When shall this end, sweet partner of my love? + What more? Thou know'st it, and hast owned it too, + Divine AEneas to the skies is due. + What wilt thou, chill in cloudland? Was it right + A god with mortal weapons to pursue? + Or give--for thine was all Juturna's might-- +Lost Turnus back his sword, and renovate the fight? + +CIV. "Desist at length, and hearken to my prayer. + Feed not in silence on a grief so sore, + Nor spoil those sweet lips with unlovely care. + The end is come; 'twas thine on sea and shore + Troy's sons to vex, to wake the war's uproar, + To cloud a home, a marriage-league untie, + And mar with grief a bridal. Cease, and more + Attempt not." Thus the ruler of the sky, +And thus, with down-cast look, Saturnia made reply. + +CV. "E'en so, great Jove, because thy will was known, + I left, reluctant, Turnus and his land. + Else ne'er should'st thou behold me here alone, + Thus shamed and suffering, but, torch in hand, + To smite these hateful Teucrians would I stand. + I made Juturna rescue from the foe + Her hapless brother,--mine was the command,-- + Approved her daring for his sake, yet so +As not to wield the spear, or meddle with the bow. + +CVI. "Nay, that I swear, and a dread oath will take + (The only oath that doth the high gods bind), + By that grim fount that feeds the Stygian lake. + And now, great Jove, reluctant, but resigned, + I yield, and leave the loathed fight behind. + One boon I ask, nor that in Fate's despite, + For Latium, for the honour of thy kind. + When--be it so--blest Hymen's pact they plight, +And laws and lasting league the warring folks unite, + +CVII. "Ne'er let the children of the soil disown + The name of Latins; turn them not, I pray, + To Trojan folk, to be as Teucrians known. + Ne'er let Italia's children put away + The garb they wear, the language of to-day + Let Latium flourish, and abide the same, + And Alban kings through distant ages sway. + Let Rome through Latin prowess wax in fame; +But fall'n is Troy, and fall'n for ever be her name." + +CVIII. Smiling, the founder of the world replied: + "Thou, second child of Saturn, born to reign + In heaven Jove's sister, and his spouse beside. + Such floods of passion can thy breast contain? + But come, and from thy fruitless rage refrain. + I yield, and gladly; be thy will obeyed. + Speech, customs, name Ausonia shall retain + Unchanged for ever, as thy lips have prayed. +And in the Latin race Troy's mingled blood shall fade. + +CIX. "All Latins will I make them, of one tongue, + And sacred rites, as common good, assign. + Hence shalt thou see, from blood Ausonian sprung, + A blended race, whose piety shall shine + Excelling man's, and equalling divine; + And ne'er shall other nation tell so loud + Thy praise, or pay such homage to thy shrine." + Well-pleased was Juno, and assenting bowed, +And straight with altered mind ascended from the cloud. + +CX. New schemes the Sire, from Turnus to repel + Juturna's aid, now ponders in his mind. + Two fiends there are, called Furies. Night with fell + Megaera bore them at one birth, and twined + Their serpent spires, and winged them like the wind. + These at Jove's threshold, and beside his throne + Await his summons, to afflict mankind, + When death or pestilence the Sire sends down, +Or shakes the world with war, and scares the guilty town. + +CXI. One, for an omen, from the skies he sends, + To front Juturna. Down, with sudden spring, + To earth, as in a whirlwind, she descends. + As when a poisoned arrow from the string + Through clouds a Parthian launches on the wing,-- + Parthian or Cretan--and in darkling flight + The shaft, with cureless venom in its sting, + Screams through the shadows; so, arrayed in might, +Swift to the earth came down the daughter of the Night. + +CXII. But when Troy's host and Turnus' ranks were known, + Shrunk to the semblance of a bird in size, + Which oft on tombs or ruined roofs alone + Sits late at night, and with ill-omened cries + Vexes the darkness; so in dwarfed disguise + The foul fiend, shrieking around Turnus' head, + Flaps on his shield, and flutters o'er his eyes. + Strange torpor numbs the Daunian's limbs with dread; +The stiffening hair stands up, and all his voice is dead. + +CXIII. The rustling wings Juturna knew, and tore + Her comely face, and rent her scattered hair, + And smote her breast: "O cruel me! what more + For Turnus can a sister now? What care + Or craft thy days can lengthen? Can I dare + To face this fiend? At last, at last I go, + And quit the field. Foul birds, avaunt, nor scare + My fluttering soul. Too well the sounds of woe, +Those beating wings,--too well great Jove's behest I know. + +CXIV. "_This_ for my robbed virginity? Ah, why + Did immortality the Sire bestow, + And grudge a mortal's privilege--to die? + Else, sure this moment could I end my woe, + And with my hapless brother pass below. + Immortal I? What joy hath aught beside, + Thou, Turnus, dead? Gape, Earth, and let me go, + A Goddess, to the shades!" She spake, and sighed, +And, veiled in azure mantle, plunged beneath the tide. + +CXV. But fierce AEneas on his foeman pressed. + His tree-like spear he poises for the fray, + And pours the pent-up fury of his breast. + "Why stay'st thou, Turnus? Wherefore this delay? + Fierce arms, not swiftness, must decide the day. + Shift as thou wilt, and every shape assume; + Exhaust thy courage and thy craft, and pray + For wings to soar with, or in earth's dark womb +Sink low thy recreant head, and hide thee from thy doom." + +CXVI. Thus he; but Turnus shook his head, and said, + "Ruffian! thy threats are but as empty sound; + They daunt not Turnus; 'tis the gods I dread, + And Jove my enemy." Then, glancing round, + He marked a chance-met boulder on the ground, + Huge, grey with age, set there in ancient days + To clear disputes,--a barrier and a bound. + Scarce twelve picked men the ponderous mass could raise, +Such men as Earth brings forth in these degenerate days. + +CXVII. That stone the Daunian lifted, straining hard + With hurrying hand, and all his height updrew, + And at AEneas hurled the monstrous shard; + So heaving, and so running, scarce he knew + His running, or how huge a weight he threw. + Cold froze his blood; beneath his trembling frame + The weak knees tottered. Through the void air flew + The stone, nor all the middle space o'ercame, +Short of its mark it fell, nor answered to its aim. + +CXVIII. As oft in dreams, when drowsy night doth load + The slumbering eyes, still eager, but in vain, + We strive to race along a lengthening road, + And faint and fall, amidmost of the strain; + The feeble limbs their wonted aid disdain, + Mute is the tongue, nor doth the voice obey, + Nor words find utterance; so with fruitless pain + Poor Turnus strives; but, struggle as he may, +The baffling fiend is there, and mocks the vain essay. + +CXIX. Then, tost with diverse passions, dazed with fear, + Towards friends and town he throws an anxious glance. + No car he sees, no sister-charioteer. + Desperate of flight, nor daring to advance, + Aghast, and shuddering at the lifted lance, + He falters. Then AEneas poised at last + His spear, and hurled it, as he marked his chance. + Less loud the stone from battering engine cast, +Less loud through ether bursts the levin-bolt's dread blast. + +CXX. Like a black whirlwind flew the deadly spear, + Right thro' the rim the sevenfold shield it rent + And breastplate's edge, nor stayed its onset ere + Deep in the thigh its hissing course was spent. + Down on the earth, his knees beneath him bent, + Great Turnus sank: Rutulia's host around + Sprang up with wailing and with wild lament: + From neighbouring hills their piercing cries rebound, +And every wooded steep re-echoes to the sound. + +CXXI. Then, looking up, his pleading hands he rears: + "Death I deserve, nor death would I delay. + Use, then, thy fortune. If a father's tears + Move thee, for old Anchises' sake, I pray, + Pity old Daunus. Me, or else my clay, + If so thou wilt, to home and kin restore. + Thine is the victory. Latium's land to-day + Hath seen her prince the victor's grace implore. +Lavinia now is thine; the bitter feud give o'er." + +CXXII. Wrathful in arms, with rolling eyeballs, stood + AEneas, and his lifted arm withdrew; + And more and more now melts his wavering mood, + When lo, on Turnus' shoulder--known too true-- + The luckless sword-belt flashed upon his view; + And bright with gold studs shone the glittering prey, + Which ruthless Turnus, when the youth he slew, + Stripped from the lifeless Pallas, as he lay, +And on his shoulders wore, in token of the day. + +CXXIII. Then terribly AEneas' wrath upboils, + His fierce eyes fixt upon the sign of woe. + "Shalt _thou_ go hence, and with the loved one's spoils? + 'Tis Pallas--Pallas deals the deadly blow. + And claims this victim for his ghost below." + He spake, and mad with fury, as he said, + Drove the keen falchion through his prostrate foe. + The stalwart limbs grew stiff with cold and dead, +And, groaning, to the shades the scornful spirit fled. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK ONE + + +I. 'The Lavinian shore,' the coast of Italy near Lavinium, an old +town in Latium. See also stanzas xxxv. and xxxvi. + +III. Carthage was a Phoenician colony, and Tyre was the leading +Phoenician city. + +Samos was an island in the Archipelago near the coast of Asia Minor. +There was a famous temple on it, dedicated to Juno, who was supposed +to take a special interest in the island. + +V. 'The choice of Paris' refers to the Greek story that once when +the gods were feasting, 'Discord' threw a golden apple on the table +as a prize for the fairest. Juno, Minerva and Venus each claimed it, +but the Trojan prince Paris, who was made judge, gave it to Venus. +_Ganymede_ was a beautiful Trojan boy who was carried off to Olympus +to be Jove's cup-bearer. + +VI. Ajax, son of Oileus, desecrated Minerva's temple at Troy. (Cf. +Book II. stanza liv.) + +XIV. The 'son of Tydeus' is Diomedes, one of the foremost Greek +warriors in the war with Troy. Aeneas narrowly escaped being slain +by him. + +For _Sarpedon_ see Book IX. stanza lxxxix. and for _Simois_ note on +Book VI. stanza xiv. + +XXVI. Acestes was king of Eryx in Sicily, which was called +'Trinacria' from its three promontories. See Book V. stanzas iv. and +following. + +XXVII. See note on Book III. stanzas lxxi. and following. + +XXXII. The legend was that Antenor escaped from Troy and established +a colony of Trojans at the northern end of the Adriatic. The _Timavus_ +was a small river near where Trieste now is. + +XXXIII. _Patavium_. The modern Padua. + +XXXV. Ascanius or Iulus is the son of Aeneas. + +XXXVI. The legend was that Rhea Silvia, a priestess of Mars, bore +the twins Romulus and Remus. The two children were exposed and left +to die, but were found and nursed by a she-wolf. + +XXXVIII. This prophecy refers not to C. Julius Caesar but to his +nephew Augustus, as is shown by the references to the east (the battle +of Actium) and to the closing of the 'gates of Janus.' For an account +of the latter, see Book VII. stanza xxiv. + +XL. The 'son of Maia' is Mercury. + +XLII. Harpalyce was the daughter of a Thracian king and a famous +huntress. + +XLIX. _Byrsa_. This word, originally the Semitic word for 'citadel,' +was thought by the Greeks to be their own word _Byrsa_ meaning 'a +bull's hide.' This mistake was probably the cause of the legend given +by Virgil. + +LV. _Paphos_ in Cyprus was one of the chief centres of the worship +of Venus. + +LX. Priam was the king of Troy, and the Atridae were Agamemnon and +Menelaus. Achilles is described as fierce to both, because he +quarrelled with Agamemnon about a captive. It is with this quarrel +that the _Iliad_ opens. + +LXII. _Rhesus_, king of Thrace, had come to help the Trojans. It had +been prophesied that if his horses ate Trojan grass or drank the water +of the river, Troy could never be taken. Diomedes (Tydides) prevented +this by capturing the horses. + +LXIII. _Troilus:_ a son of Priam slain by Achilles. + +LXIV. Memnon, son of Aurora, the dawn-goddess, and Penthesilea, +queen of the Amazons, came to Troy as allies. They were both slain +by Achilles. + +LXV. The _Eurotas_ was a river in Laconia, and Cynthus was a mountain +of Delos. Both places were supposed to be favourite haunts of the +goddess Diana. _Oreads:_ mountain-nymphs. _Latona_ was the mother +of Diana and Apollo. + +LXX. _Hesperia_, 'the western land,' means Italy. + +The Oenotrian folk were an old Italian race settled in the south of +the peninsula, in Lucania. _Italus_ is an eponymous hero and was +probably invented to account for the name _Italia_. Probably +_Italia_ means 'the cattle land.' + +LXXXII. This Teucer, who was a Greek, must be carefully distinguished +from the founder of the Trojans. He was a son of the king of Salamis, +and on his return from the Trojan war was exiled by his father. He +fled to Dido's father Belus, and with the help of the latter founded +a new kingdom in Cyprus. + +XCVII. Bacchus was the god of wine and feasting. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK TWO + + +XXII. An oracle said that the citadel of Troy would never be taken +as long as the _Palladium_, or image of Pallas, remained in it. So +Diomedes and Ulysses stole the image. + +XXXII. Apollo had conferred on Cassandra the gift of prophecy. But +she deceived him, and as he could not take away his former gift, he +added as a curse that no one should ever believe her. + +XXXV. _Neoptolemus_ was the son of Achilles and grandson of Peleus. + +XLII. _Sigeum_ is the name of the promontory which juts out into the +Hellespont from the Troad. + +LV. The 'Atridan pair' were Agamemnon, king of Argos, and Menelaus, +king of Sparta, the sons of Atreus. + +LVI. _Nereus_ was one of the chief sea-gods. + +LXI. Andromache was the wife of Hector. + +LXIII. Pyrrhus is the same as Neoptolemus in stanza xxxv. + +LXXVI. Creusa and Iulus were the wife and son of Aeneas. + +LXXVII. Helen is called 'Tyndarean' because she was the daughter of +Tyndarus. Paris, son of Priam, had carried her off from her husband +Menelaus, and so caused the Trojan war. + +LXXXIII. The goddess Pallas (Athena) wore on her shield the head of +the snaky-haired monster Medusa, one of the Gorgons. + +LXXXIV. The walls of Troy were said to have been built by Apollo and +Neptune. + +CV. _Hesperia_, 'the western land,' here means Italy. The Tiber is +called Lydian from a tradition that the Lydians had colonised +Etruria. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK THREE + + +X. The _Nereids_ were sea-nymphs, the daughters of Nereus. The island +mentioned is Delos, and the story referred to is that Jupiter hid +Latona, the mother of Apollo and Diana, on the floating island of +Delos, in order to shelter her from the jealousy of Juno. By means +of chains Apollo fixed Delos between the two small neighbouring +islands Myconos and Gyarus. + +XII. 'Thymbrean lord.' Apollo, so called from the town of Thymbra +in the Troad, where he was worshipped. + +XVI. Crete is called 'Gnosian' from 'Gnossos,' the chief town of the +island. + +XVII. _Ortygia_ was the ancient name of Delos. + +XXIII. The 'Ausonian shores' means Italy. For the Ausonians, see Book +VII. stanza vi. + +XXIX. The Strophades were a small group of islands off the south-west +coast of Greece. The story alluded to is that Phineus, king of Thrace, +unjustly put out the eyes of his sons. As a punishment the gods +blinded him, and sent the Harpies--loathsome monsters with the +bodies of birds and the faces of women--to defile and seize all the +food that was set before him. Phineus was at last freed from them +by Zetes and Calais, the sons of the North Wind, who drove the Harpies +from Thrace to the Strophades. + +For Celaeno's prophecy, see note on Book VII. stanza xvi. + +XXXVI. Ulysses, the most cunning of the Greek leaders before Troy, +was king of Ithaca, and son of Laertes. + +XXXIX. _Phaeacia_ means _Corcyra_, and _Chaonia_ is a district of +Epirus. Its chief harbour was Buthrotum. + +XLIII. _Hermione_ was the daughter of Menelaus and Helen. Orestes +was the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. He slew his mother on +account of her treacherous murder of Agamemnon when the latter +returned home from Troy, and killed Pyrrhus for having deprived him +of his promised bride, Hermione. + +XLVI. _Xanthus_ was a river that flowed near Troy. The 'Scaean Gate' +was the western gate of Troy and looked towards the sea. It was the +best known of the gates because most of the fighting took place before +it. + +XLVII. Apollo was called 'Clarian' from Claros (near Ephesus), where +there was a shrine and oracle of the god. + +LII. _Narycos_, or more properly _Naryx_, was a town of the Opuntian +Locri in Greece. Virgil follows the tradition that they went and +settled in the south of Italy at the close of the Trojan war. + +The 'Sallentinian plain' was the land bordering on the Tarentine Gulf, +and 'Petelia' was on the east coast of Bruttium, and had been founded +by Philoctetes, after he had been expelled from Thessaly. + +LV. _Scylla_ and _Charybdis_ are taken from Homer. The former was +a terrible sea-monster with six heads, and the latter a whirlpool. +Tradition fixed their abode as the Straits of Messina. Scylla dwelt +in a cave on the Italian side, Charybdis on the Sicilian. + +LX. Dodona, in Epirus, was one of the famous oracles in Greece. + +LXVIII. The place was called 'Castrum Minervae,' and lay a few miles +to the north of the southern extremity of Calabria. + +LXXII. The Cyclops were placed by Virgil on the slopes of Aetna. + +LXXIV. _Enceladus_ was one of the giants who had fought against the +gods, but Jupiter struck him down with a thunderbolt and buried him +under Mount Aetna. + +LXXXVII. _Pelorus_ was the most northerly headland of the Straits +of Messina. + +LXXXVIII. _Plemmyrium_ ('the place of the tides') is the headland +near the harbour of Syracuse, which was built on the island of Ortygia. +The legend which Virgil refers to relates that Alpheus, the god of +a river in Elis, fell in love with the nymph Arethusa while she was +bathing in his waters. Diana changed her into a stream, and in that +guise she fled from Alpheus under land and sea, finally issuing forth +in Ortygia. Alpheus pursued her, and mingled his waters with hers. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK FOUR + + +VIII. '_Sire Lyaeus:_' Bacchus. These gods are mentioned in this +place as having to do with marriage--possibly they are invoked as +being specially the gods of Carthage. + +XV. The name 'Titan' as applied to the sun is curious. Perhaps it +is a reference to the Greek tale that Hyperion, one of the Titans, +was the father of the sun. + +XIX. The _Agathyrsians_ were a Scythian tribe, and the _Dryopes_ were +a Thessalian people who dwelt on Mount Parnassus, the especial home +of Apollo; Cynthus is a mountain in Delos. + +XXVI. 'Ammon' was the African Jupiter. + +XXIX. The 'Zephyrs' were the south-west winds, and so the right ones +to take the fleet of Aeneas to Italy from Carthage. + +XXXII. Atlas was the giant who held apart heaven and earth. Virgil +identifies him with the mountains which lie in North Africa between +the sea and the desert of Sahara. Atlas was the father of Maia, the +mother of Mercury. The latter is called 'Cyllenius' from his +birth-place, Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. + +XXXVIII. Mount Cithaeron, near Thebes, was famous for the revels +which took place there in honour of Bacchus. + +XLIV. Phoebus (Apollo) is called 'Grynoeus' from Grynium, a city of +Aeolis in Asia Minor. He was much worshipped in Lycia, hence his +oracles are often called 'Lycian lots.' + +LV. It was at Aulis in Boeotia that the Greek expedition against Troy +mustered. + +LX. In this passage Virgil has in mind the _Bacchae_ of Euripides, +in which Pentheus goes mad, and perhaps the _Eumenides_ of Aeschylus, +but it is more probable that in the latter case he is merely thinking +of Orestes as he is represented in tragedy. + +LXVI. _Hecate_, the goddess of the lower world, sometimes identified +with Proserpina, and sometimes with Diana. She was worshipped at +cross-roads by night. + +For _Avernus_, see note on Book VI. stanza xviii. + +The ancients believed that foals were born with a lump on their +foreheads. The name given to this was _hippomanes_, and it was +supposed to act as a powerful love-philtre. + +LXXXII. By the 'unknown Avenger' Virgil clearly points to Hannibal. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK FIVE + + +IV. Eryx was the son of Venus and Butes, Aeneas son of Venus and +Anchises, hence they are called brothers here. Eryx is the legendary +founder of the town of that name on the west coast of Sicily, near +Mount Eryx. + +VI. The story was that Acestes was the son of the Sicilian river-god +Crimisus and Egesta, a Trojan maiden. + +XI. The myrtle was sacred to Venus. Helymus was the supposed founder +of the Elymi, a Sicilian tribe. He was a Trojan who had migrated to +Sicily from Troy. + +XVI.-XVII. The _gens Memmia_ and the _gens Sergia_ were two +distinguished Roman families who traced their descent from Trojans. +The only member of the family of Cluentius we know much about is the +disreputable person on whose behalf Cicero made a well-known speech. + +XXVI. Cape Malea is the most southerly point of Laconia in the +Peloponnesus, renowned for its storms. + +XXXII. _Panopea_ was one of the Nereids or sea-nymphs. Portunus was +an ancient Roman sea-god. Originally he was, as his name implies, +a god of harbourage. + +XXXIII. Meliboea was a town at the foot of Mount Ossa in Thessaly. + +LVI. _Alcides_, a common name for Hercules, who was descended from +Alcaeus. Hercules slew Eryx in the boxing-match referred to. + +LXVIII. This refers to an incident mentioned in the _Iliad_. A truce +had been concluded by the Greek and Trojans but it was broken by +Pandarus, who shot an arrow at Menelaus. + +LXXII. The meaning of this passage is very obscure. For we are not +told what the portent signified either in this or the succeeding +books. The old interpretation was that it referred to the burning +of the ships (lxxxii. and following), but it is more probable that +Virgil was thinking of the wars between Rome and Sicily. + +LXXVII. The mother of Augustus was a member of the Atian family, and +this passage was evidently inserted by Virgil with the special idea +of pleasing Augustus. + +LXXX. For Crete and the Labyrinth, see note on Book VI. stanza iv. + +CIII. The temple of Venus on Mount Eryx was very celebrated in +antiquity. Venus is called 'Idalian' from Idalium in Cyprus. + +CXII. All the names that occur in this stanza are those of sea-gods +or sea-nymphs. + +CXVIII. The Roman poets placed the Sirens on some rocks in the +southern part of the bay of Naples. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK SIX + + +I. _Cumae_ was the most ancient Greek colony in Campania. The +tradition was that it had been founded by immigrants from Cyme and +Aeolis and from Chaleis in Euboea. Hence its name, and the epithet +Virgil applies to it. + +II. The 'Sibyl' here mentioned was the most famous of the +prophetesses of antiquity. She was directly inspired by Apollo (the +Delian seer), and dwelt in a cavern near his temple. _Trivia_ is an +epithet of Hecate. See note on Book IV. stanza lxvi. + +III. Daedalus, who built the labyrinth for Minos, incurred the wrath +of the latter and escaped from Crete with his son Icarus, by making +wings. He fastened them on with wax, and Icarus flying too near the +sun, his wings melted and he fell into the Aegean. Daedalus, however, +reached Cumae in safety. + +IV. On the gate were carvings representing various Cretan stories. +Androgeos was the son of Minos, king of Crete. He won all the contests +at the Panathenaic festival at Athens, whose king, Aegeus, slew him +out of jealousy. In revenge, Minos made war on the Athenians, and +forced them to pay a yearly tribute of seven youths and seven maidens, +who were devoured by the Minotaur. This monster was the offspring +of Pasiphae, wife of Minos, and a bull sent by Neptune, and it lived +in the labyrinth built by Daedalus. The tribute continued to be paid +until Theseus, son of Aegeus, went to Crete as one of the seven. +Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, fell in love with him, and helped +him to slay the monster. + +XIV. _Xanthus_ and _Simois_ were two rivers which flowed through the +plain before Troy. The new Achilles is of course Turnus, king of the +Rutuli. + +XV. The Grecian town is Pallanteum, the chief city of Evander's +kingdom. See Book VIII. stanza vii. + +XVI. Acheron was the fabled river of the lower world. Virgil probably +had in his mind the real _Acherusia palus_, a gloomy marsh near +Naples. + +XVIII. There was a volcanic lake near Cumae called _Avernus_, whose +waters gave out sulphureous vapours. It was connected by tradition +with the lower world. Orpheus, the mythical poet, so charmed the gods +of the nether world by his harp-playing, that he was allowed to take +back to the upper world his dead wife Eurydice. Castor was mortal, +but his brother Pollux was immortal; so when the former was slain +in fight Pollux obtained from Jupiter permission that each should +spend half their time in heaven, half in Hades. Theseus descended +into Hades in order to carry off Proserpine. He was kept a prisoner +there until he was rescued by Hercules (Alcides), who came down to +carry off Cerberus, the three-headed dog who guarded the entrance +(see stanza lvi.). + +XXXII. Virgil alludes to the promontory of Misenum on the north side +of the bay of Naples. The legend is a purely local one. There is no +mention of Misenus in Homer. + +XXXIII. 'Aornos' is a Greek word--'where no bird can come.' + +XXXV. 'The Furies' mother and her sister' were Night and Earth. + +XXXVII. 'Phlegethon' was the 'burning' river of the lower world. + +XXXIX. The beast of Lerna is the Lernean Hydra, slain by Hercules; +the others are terrible monsters slain by various heroes. + +XLI. Charon was the ferryman of the dead. + +LIV. Apollo was called Amphrysian because he tended the herds of +Admetus near the river Amphrysus in Thessaly. Here the epithet is +strangely transferred to Apollo's servant. + +LVII. Minos, king of Crete, became one of the judges of the dead, +in the under-world. His brother Rhadamanthus was the other. See +stanza lxxv. + +LIX. For Phaedra, see note on Book VII. stanza ciii. Procris was +accidentally slain by her husband, Eriphyle was killed by her son +Alcmaeon, Evadne threw herself on her husband's funeral pyre, and +Laodamia also died with her husband. For Pasiphae, see note on stanza +iv. + +LXIII. Tydeus, Parthenopaeus, and Adrastus were three of the seven +heroes who fought against Thebes. The other names are taken from the +_Iliad_. + +LXXVII. The two sons of Aloeus were Otus and Ephialtes, who +threatened to assail the Immortals by piling Pelion on Ossa and Ossa +on Olympus. Salmoneus of Elis was punished for having presumptuously +claimed divine honours. + +LXXX. Ixion was king of the Lapithae, and being taken to heaven by +Jupiter, made love to Juno, for which he was eternally punished. +Pirithous was his son, and was guilty of having, with Theseus, +attempted to carry off Proserpine. + +XCIII. _Lethe_ was the river of forgetfulness, and those who drank +of it forgot their former life and were ready for a new one. + +C.-CI. The kings mentioned in these two stanzas are the earliest +mythical rulers of Alba Longa. Numitor was the father of Rhea Silvia +(Ilia), the mother of Romulus and Remus. + +CV. The Emperor Augustus was the nephew and adopted son of C. Julius +Caesar, who claimed to trace his descent back to Iulus, and so through +Aeneas to Venus herself. + +CVIII. The first king referred to is Numa Pompilius, who was a Sabine +born at Cures. Tullus and Ancus were the third and fourth kings of +Rome. They can none of them be considered historical figures. + +CIX. This Brutus expelled Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome. +His sons tried to restore the monarchy and he ordered them to be +executed. + +CX. The Decii, father and son, both died in battle, and the family +of the Drusi had many distinguished members. Manlius Torquatus was +celebrated for killing his son for disobeying orders. Camillus was +the great Roman hero of the fourth century B.C. He was five times +dictator and saved Rome from the Gauls. + +CXI. Virgil is referring to Caesar and Pompey. + +CXII. L. Mummius captured Corinth, and so ended the war with Greece, +in 146 B.C., and is clearly referred to here. By 'the man who lofty +Argos shall o'erthrow,' Virgil probably means Aemilius Paullus, who +won the battle of Pydna in 168 B.C. against a king of Macedonia who +called himself a descendant of Achilles. + +CXIII. Cato was the famous censor of 184 B.C. who vainly tried to +check the growth of luxury at Rome. Cossus killed the king of Veii +in 426 B.C. The two Gracchi were great political reformers. The elder +Scipio defeated Hannibal at Zama in 202 B.C., and his son took +Carthage in 146 B.C. Fabricius was the general who fought against +Pyrrhus, when the latter invaded Italy in 281-75 B.C. Serranus was +a general in the first Punic war. The Fabii of renown are so many +that Anchises only mentions the most famous of them, Q. Fabius +Maximus Cunctator, the general against Hannibal. + +CXV. Marcus Marcellus was a Roman general in the first Punic war. + +CXVI. Marcellus was the son of the Emperor's sister Octavia, and at +the age of 18 he married Augustus' daughter Julia. He was a youth +of great promise, and was destined to succeed his father-in-law, but +he died of fever at the age of 20 in 23 B.C., amidst universal grief. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK SEVEN + + +I. 'Thou too, Caieta,' that is to say, as well as Misenus and +Palinurus, mentioned in the last book. Caieta gave her name to the +town and promontory which were on the confines of Latium and +Campania. + +II. 'The coast, where Circe'--Virgil identifies 'the island of +Aeaea,' the dwelling-place of Circe in Homer, with the promontory +of Circeii in Italy. + +VI. 'Say, Erato:' Erato was the Muse of Love, and the invocation is +not specially appropriate in this place. But the line is an imitation +of Apollonius Rhodius iii, 1. + +'Ausonia,' a poetical name for Italy. The _Ausones_ were early +inhabitants of Campania. + +VII. _Latinus_ was king of the Latins, a small tribe whose chief town +was Laurentum. _Faunus_ a god of the fields and cattle-keepers, was +afterwards identified with the Greek Pan. _Picus_ was a prophetic +god. We are told by Ovid that he was changed into a woodpecker +(_picus_) by Circe, whose love he had slighted. _Saturnus_ was the +old Latin god of sowing, and was later identified with the Greek +Kronos, father of Zeus. + +XII. 'Albunea': apparently refers to a wooded hill with a sulphur +spring. Probably it refers to a shrine near some sulphur springs at +Altieri, near Laurentum. + +'Oenotria': originally the southern part of Lucania and Bruttium, +but Virgil uses it poetically for the whole of Italy. + +XIII. See note on Book VI. stanzas xvi. and xviii. + +XVI. It was not Anchises, but a Harpy who delivered this prophecy. +See Book VIII. stanza xxix. This, and other slight inconsistencies +in the _Aeneid_ are undoubtedly due to the fact that Virgil died +before he had revised the poem. + +XVIII. 'Phrygia's Mother' was Cybele, the Phrygian goddess. + +XXIV. 'Two-faced Janus.' Janus was an old Latin deity, god of the +morning and of gateways. He was represented as 'two-faced,' looking +before and behind. There was a double archway in the forum, called +_Janus_, which was closed in times of peace, but opened in time of +war. See stanzas lxxxi., lxxxii. + +XXVIII. The Auruncans were a tribe living in Campania. + +XLI. The _Syrtes_ were two great gulfs on the north coast of Africa. +For Scylla and Charybdis, see note on Book III stanza lv. The Lapithae +were a Thessalian tribe, ruled by Perithous. The Centaurs came to +his marriage feast, and at the instigation of Mars, fought with the +Lapithae until the latter were defeated. 'Diana's ire' was caused +by neglect on the part of king Oeneus of Calydon to sacrifice to her. +She sent a wild boar to ravage the country. + +LXIX. 'Trivia's lake' refers to the little lake of Nemi. A famous +temple of Diana stood here, tended by a priest who was a runaway slave. +He gained his office by slaying his predecessor and held it only so +long as he could escape a similar fate. Cf. stanza ciii. + +'Velia's fountains,' a lake in the Umbrian hills beyond Reate. + +LXXXVII. Agylla was the original name of Caere. + +XC. Homole and Othrys were mountains in Thessaly. + +XCI. The Anio flows through the hills near Tibur, and joins the Tiber +close to 'Antemnae's tower-girt height.' Cf. stanza lxxxiv. + +Anagnia was the largest town of the Hernici, and Amasenus was a river +of Latium. + +XCIII. All these places were close to each other in Etruria, a few +miles north of Rome. + +XCIV. It is probable that this passage was left unfinished by Virgil. +The simile is taken from Homer, and used here in two different ways, +the poet evidently postponing his final decision as to which he would +adopt, until he revised the poem. + +XCV. Clausus, according to a legend preserved by Livy, was a Sabine +who left his own countrymen and joined the Romans. For this he was +rewarded by a gift of land on the Anio. He was regarded as the ancestor +of the Claudian family. + +XCVI. The name of the Allia was ill-omened because it was on the banks +of this stream that the Gauls under Brennus inflicted a crushing +defeat on the Romans in 390 B.C. + +XCVIII. The Oscans were one of the old non-Latin tribes of Italy. +Some fragments of their language still remain. + +CIII. The legend was that Hippolytus, the son of Theseus, king of +Athens, was loved by his step-mother Phaedra. Hippolytus rejected +her love, and she killed herself, leaving a writing accusing him of +having tempted her. Theseus in his wrath besought Poseidon to slay +his son, and the latter sent a monster from the sea, which terrified +the horses of Hippolytus so that they ran away and killed their master. +Aesculapius raised him to life, however, and Diana concealed him in +the grove of Aricia under the name of Virbius. The Virbius in the +text is the son of this Hippolytus, also called Virbius. + +CVI. Io, the daughter of Inachus, king of Argos, was loved by Jupiter, +and turned by him into a white cow in order to escape the jealousy +of Juno. The latter, however, set Argus with the hundred eyes to watch +her. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK EIGHT + + +I. Both here and in Book VII. stanza lxxxvii. Mezentius is called +the 'scorner of the gods.' The meaning of this allusion is not known. +Perhaps it refers to his claiming for himself the first-fruits due +to the gods, a legend mentioned by Macrobius. See stanzas lxiii. and +lxiv. + +II. 'Diomed' dwelt at Argyripa or Arpi, a city in Apulia, where he +settled with his Argine followers after the Trojan war. + +VII. Pallas is the name of an old Arcadian hero. His grandson Evander +is said to have settled with his followers on the site of Rome, and +called it Pallanteum, after the Arcadian city of that name. + +XIV. Hercules was the son of Alcmena and Jupiter. His worship at Rome +dated from very early times, as is shown by the legend--mentioned +by Livy--that it was established by Romulus according to Greek usage +as it had been instituted by Evander. + +XVI. The olive branch was the sign--universally recognised in +antiquity--of a desire for peace. + +XX. The Daunian race means the Rutulians. Daunus was the father of +Turnus. Cf. Book XII. stanza iii. + +XXVII. Alcides is one of the names given to Hercules. The killing +of Geryon, the three-bodied monster who was king in Spain, and the +driving off of his cattle, was one of the famous 'twelve labours' +of Hercules. + +XXXVI. The gens Potitia and the gens Pinaria were the two tribes to +which the care of the worship of Hercules was entrusted. + +XXXVIII.-IX. In historic times, the Salians were the twelve priests +of Mars who kept the twelve sacred shields in the temple of that god +on the Palatine hill. Their priesthood was one of the oldest Roman +institutions, and their festival was held on March 1, the first day +of the old Roman year. + +'_His stepdame's hate_' refers to the story that Juno, being jealous +of Alcmena, the mother of Hercules, sent two snakes to destroy the +latter as he lay in his cradle, but the infant hero strangled them. +_Eurystheus_ was the king of Tiryns, whom Hercules had to serve for +twelve years, and at whose command he performed his famous twelve +labours. _Pholus_ and _Hylaeus_ were two Centaurs; they were called +'cloud-born' because they were the offspring of Ixion and a Cloud. +The Cretan monster is the mad bull sent by Neptune to destroy the +land; Hercules came to the rescue and carried it away on his shoulders. +There is no other mention in ancient literature of the fight between +Hercules and Typhoeus. The latter was a hundred-headed +fire-breathing monster, who fought against the gods, and was buried +beneath Mount Aetna. + +XLII.-XLVIII. Evander shows the town to Aeneas, tells him of the +former state of Latium, and points out to him the chief places of +interest. _Asylum_--Livy tells us that in order to increase the +population, Romulus offered a refuge at Rome to all comers from the +neighbouring towns. The _Lupercal_ was the sanctuary of Lupercus +('wolf-repeller'), an old Roman shepherd god. The _Capitol_ is +referred to as 'now golden,' because in Virgil's time the roof of +the temple of Jupiter Capitotinus was gilded. + +L. Thetis, the mother of Achilles, persuaded Vulcan to make arms for +her son, and so had Aurora, the goddess of dawn, 'Tithonus' spouse,' +when her son Memnon went to Troy to fight against the Greeks. + +LV. The island here referred to is Hiera, one of the Aeolian isles, +north-east of Sicily. It is now called Volcano. The _Cyclops_ were +originally gigantic one-eyed cannibals who lived a pastoral life +near Mount Aetna. In later legends they are described as the +assistants of Vulcan. + +LVI. These three names are Greek and mean 'Fire-anvil,' 'Thunder,' +and 'Lightning,' respectively. + +LXXIV. _Erulus_ is not mentioned by any other ancient writer, so we +cannot explain the allusion. _Feronia_ was a Campanian goddess. + +LXXVIII. _Lucifer_, 'the light bringer,' was the name of the morning +star, which, rising just before the sun, seemed to bring the +daylight. + +LXXX. The Pelasgians were a very ancient race, of whom only traces +existed in Greece in historic times. They were said to be very +wide-spread, but the tales connecting them with Italy are all +unhistoric. _Silvanus_ was an ancient Latin woodland deity. + +LXXXIV. The story, as related by Livy, is that the Romans being in +want of wives, Romulus instituted games in honour of Neptune. At a +given signal, the Romans seized and carried off the Sabine maidens +who had come to see the games. + +LXXXV. _Mettus_, dictator of Alba, had been called in to assist the +Romans under Tullus Hostilius. He came, but withdrew his troops in +the middle of the battle. For this treachery he was punished in the +way Virgil describes. _Horatius Cocles_ was the hero who guarded the +Tiber bridge against Porsenna of Clusium. _Cloelia_ was a Roman maiden +who had been sent as a hostage to Porsenna. She escaped by swimming +across the Tiber. + +LXXXVI. The event here referred to is the invasion of Rome by the +Gauls in 390 B.C. They captured the whole of the city, except the +Capitol, which was successfully defended by Manlius, who had been +put on the alert by the cackling of a flock of geese. + +LXXXVII. See note on stanza xxxviii. The _Luperci_ were the priests +of Lupercus. _Catiline_ was the author of the conspiracy of B.C. 63. +Cicero, the famous orator, was consul for that year and frustrated +the plot. _Cato_ the younger died at Utica in 49 B.C. In the Roman +writers Catiline is always the proverbial scoundrel and Cato is +always taken as the model of rigid and exalted virtue. + +LXXXVIII. At the battle of Actium, in B.C. 31, the fleet of Augustus +met those of Antony and Cleopatra, and owing to the desertion of the +Egyptians at the crisis of the fight, gained a complete victory over +them. + +XC. The Cyclads were the western islands of the Greek archipelago. + +XCIV. The Carians lived in the south of Asia Minor, the Gelonians +beyond the Danube, and the Morini on the North Sea, near where Ostend +now is. The Dahae were a tribe of Scythians, and the Leleges were +an ancient people spread over Asia Minor. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK NINE + + +I. Iris, the rainbow-goddess, daughter of Thaumas, was the messenger +of the gods. Pilumnus was an ancient Latin god, and an ancestor of +Turnus. + +XI. _Ida_ was the mountain in the Troad whence the wood for the fleet +was taken. _Berecyntia_. Cybele, the mother of the gods. Originally +a Phrygian goddess, the centre of whose worship was Mount Berecyntus. + +XIV. The 'brother' is Pluto, god of the lower world. To swear by the +Styx was the most dread and binding oath; it was inviolable even by +the gods. + +XVIII. The reference here is to the story of how Paris, son of Priam, +king of Troy, seized Helen, the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta, +and so caused the Trojan war. Menelaus and Agamemnon were the sons +of Atreus. + +XXVIII. For Acestes see note on Book V. stanza vi. + +XXXIII. Assaracus was an ancestor of the Trojan race, and his +household gods would of course be the tutelary spirits of the Trojan +royal family. + +LII. _Latonia_. The daughter of Leto, and sister of Apollo, Diana, +who was identified with the Greek Artemis, the goddess of the woods +and of hunting. + +LXXII. 'Jove's armour-bearer' is the eagle. + +LXXV. The Symaethus was a river in Sicily. + +LXXVII. The 'wily-worded Ithacan' is Ulysses, the hero of the +_Odyssey_. + +LXXX. _Dindymus_ was a mountain in Phrygia, the seat of the worship +of Cybele. + +LXXXVI. 'The Kid-star.' The 'kids' are two little stars which first +rise in the evening towards the end of September, during the +equinoctial gales. + +LXXXVII. The _Athesis_ is the modern Adige. The _Padus_ is the Po. + +LXXXIX. Sarpedon was a Lycian prince who had fought for the Trojans +at Troy and been slain by Patroclus. 'Theban' here refers to the town +of Thebe in Cilicia, mentioned by Homer. + +XCI. _Baiae_ was a favourite seaside resort of the rich Romans on +the bay of Naples. + +_Prochyta_ and _Arime_ were two rocky islands dose to the bay of +Naples. + +Typhoeus was a hundred-headed monster slain by Jupiter and buried +under Prochyta and Arime. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK TEN + + +I. Olympus was a mountain in Thessaly, and was believed by the Greeks +to be the home of the gods. Hence it came to be used for 'heaven'; +as in the present passage. + +II. Jupiter is referring to the invasion of Italy by Hannibal in 218 +B.C. + +IV. Diomedes, the son of Tydeus from Aetolia, is said to have settled, +after the Trojan war, in Apulia, where he founded the city of Arpi. +The Latins, it will be remembered, had asked him to help them against +the Trojans. See Book VIII. stanza ii. And for the result of the +embassy, Book XI. stanza xxxi. and following. + +VI. For the burning of the vessels at Eryx, see Book V. stanzas lxxxii. +and following. For _Aeolia_ Book I. stanzas viii. to xx. For _Alecto_ +Book VII. stanzas xliv. and following. + +VIII. Paphos, Amathus, and Idalium were towns in Cyprus. Cythera is +an island off the southern coast of Greece. All four were celebrated +in antiquity as centres of the worship of Venus. + +XIV. The robber was Paris, who carried off Helen. + +XXI. _Ismarus_ was a prince from Lydia, a district in Asia Minor, +called Maeonia in ancient times. The Pactolus was a river in Maeonia, +famous on account of the quantity of gold it washed down. The 'Capuan +town' is Capua. + +XXIII. The lions are there because Cybele the Phrygian goddess, +worshipped by the Trojans on Mount Ida, was drawn in her chariot by +two lions. The figure-head of Aeneas' ship was probably an image of +a goddess, personifying the mountain. + +XXIV. Mount Helicon is in Boeotia, and was sacred to Apollo and the +Muses. _Clusium_ and _Cosae_ were Etruscan cities. + +XXV. _Populonia:_ a town on the coast of Etruria. _Ilva_ (the modern +Elba): an island off the coast of Etruria near Populonia. + +XXVII. Cinyras and Cupavo were sons of Cycnus. The legend tells us +that Phaethon rashly attempted to drive the chariot of the sun, and +was killed by a thunderbolt from Jupiter, while so doing. Cycnus, +who was devotedly attached to him, was changed into a swan while +lamenting his death. + +XXVIII. Mantua was Virgil's birthplace. Hence probably the insertion +of this tradition as to its origin. Mincius, mentioned in the next +stanza, is a Lombard river, the Mincio, and flows out from Lake +Benacus (Lago di Garda). + +XXXVII. Sirius, the dog-star, whose rising was supposed to coincide +with the hot weather, is always spoken of as bringing pestilence and +trouble. The connection between Sirius and the hot weather was one +of the conventions of poetry which the Augustan writers had borrowed +from the Greeks. + +LXVII. The story referred to is that of the fifty daughters of Danaus, +who were married to the fifty sons of Aegyptus, their cousins. Danaus +ordered his daughters to murder their husbands on their wedding night, +and they all obeyed except Hypermnestra, who loved her husband +Lynceus, and so saved his life. + +LXXIII. Trivia here refers to Diana. Gradivus is an archaic Latin +name for Mars. + +LXXVII. 'Mute Amyclae' was probably so called because the +inhabitants had been forbidden, owing to false alarms, to speak of +the approach of an enemy. But if Virgil is referring, not to the +Amyclae near Naples, but to the original Amyclae in Laconia, then +the proverbial taciturnity of those inhabiting the latter country +offers sufficient explanation. _Aegeon_ was a monster with 100 arms +and 50 heads. He is more often called Briareus. + +LXXIX. In the _Iliad_ Aeneas had been rescued from Diomedes and +Achilles. Liger is taunting him with this. + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK ELEVEN + + +XXXI. _Iapygia_, a Greek name for the southern part of Apulia. + +_Garganus:_ name of a mountain in Apulia. + +See also note on Book X. stanza iv. + +XXXIII. The references in this stanza are (1) to the storm which +Minerva (Pallas) raised when the Greeks set sail from Troy. (2) To +the story of Nauplius, king of Euboea, who hung false lights over +the headland of Caphareus, and so caused the wreck of the Greek fleet. + +XXXIV. 'Proteus' Pillars' means Egypt, and the stories of Menelaus, +as also the adventures of Ulysses with the Cyclops, will be found +in the _Odyssey_. For _Pyrrhus_ see note on Book III. stanza xliii. +For _Idomeneus_, that on Book III. stanza xvii. Agamemnon was killed +by his wife and her lover, when he returned home at the end of the +Trojan war. + +XXXV. Calydon was the ancient home of Diomedes in Aetolia. + +LII. The Myrmidons were the followers of Achilles--Tydides is +Diomedes. The _Aufidus_ is a river of Apulia. + +LXIX. Opis was a nymph of Diana (Latonia). + +LXXXIV. Virgil is comparing Camilla to the two famous Amazons, +Hippolyte who was married to Theseus, and Penthesilea who fought for +Troy and was slain by Achilles. + +CVIII. [Transcriber's note: The rhyme, the meter, and the sense of the +phrase require a word here that is missing from the published text. +Possibly "flight" or "sight" was intended by the translator.] + + + + +NOTES TO BOOK TWELVE + + +XI. Orithyia was the wife of Boreas the North Wind, who according +to legend was the father of the royal horses of Troy. + +XXV. The two children of Latona were Apollo and Diana. + +XXIX. Camers was king of Amyclae. See note on Book X. stanza lxxvii. + +XLV. The story of Dolon is taken from the _Iliad_. He offered to spy +upon the movements of the Greeks if Hector would give him the chariot +and horses of Achilles. He was however captured and slain by Diomedes +(Tydides). + +LII. 'Paeon': a name used of Apollo as the Healer. + +LXIX. 'Cupencus' was the name given by the Sabines to the priests +of Hercules. + +XCI. _Athos:_ the mountain at the extreme end of the peninsula +between Thrace and Thessaly. Mount Eryx is in the north-west of +Sicily. + +XCIII. _Taburnus:_ a mountain in Samnium. + +_Sila:_ a range of mountains in the extreme south of Italy. + + + + +RICHARD CLAY & SONS, LIMITED, +BREAD STREET HILL, E.C., AND BUNGAY, SUFFOLK. + + + + +THE PUBLISHERS OF _EVERYMAN'S LIBRARY_ WILL BE PLEASED TO SEND FREELY +TO ALL APPLICANTS A LIST OF THE PUBLISHED AND PROJECTED VOLUMES TO +BE COMPRISED UNDER THE FOLLOWING THIRTEEN HEADINGS: + +TRAVEL, SCIENCE, FICTION, THEOLOGY & PHILOSOPHY, HISTORY, CLASSICAL, +FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, ESSAYS, ORATORY, POETRY & DRAMA, BIOGRAPHY, +REFERENCE, ROMANCE + +IN FOUR STYLES OF BINDING: CLOTH, FLAT BACK, COLOURED TOP; LEATHER, +ROUND CORNERS, GILT TOP; LIBRARY BINDING IN CLOTH, & QUARTER PIGSKIN + +LONDON: J. M. DENT & SONS, LTD. +NEW YORK: E. P. 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